Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 1057) (1897 10 26)
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Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y., Post Office. Five Cents a Copy. $2.50 a Wear. Copyrighted 1897, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 92 Wiiit14mM Street, New Yor«E. Published Every Tuesday. GOLD RIFLE, THE SHARPSHOOTER; CHAPTER I. GOLD RIFLE’S SHOOTING. A terrible storm had fall- en furiously over the Northwest, for four days preceding Christmas, and when the bright, yellow sun slanted her rays across the plains of white, after so long an ‘absence, it seemed like a loving smile on Nature’s deathly face. Most of the wild, roving spirits who make the plains their home—trappers, hunt- ers. and outiaws—had hied themselves either to the settlements, a few of which are seattered along the course of the Northern Pa- cifle Railway, in Dakota, or to their individual re- treats, wherever they might be. There was one little set- tlement where a larger share of this floating pop- ulation had gathered, dur- ing the storm—a_ station where the steam horse of fehe rail stopped for wood land water; and too, which was a trappers’ trading }Station. The place had never jadopted any high-toned Name, but whenever men- tioned, was called the Set- tlement, which answered all purposes. Away to the south but a matter of four miles loom- €d up the Fort, garrisoned with soldiers, under the command of General May- nard, and around it were Seattered a few settlers’ idwellings, prominent among which was the neat farmhouse or ‘“ quarters” of General Maynard. Thus, the territory adja- Cent was settled sparsely, but this did not prevent frequent raids by Tiger Track’s outlaws and the roving tribes of redskins, At the Settlement, on this crystal clear morning, all was a buzz of excitement, Cc» BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. BRiin AT", The gun was handed to Gold Rifle—in a moment he had sighted it, fired, and somersaulted back upon his feet. Or, The Boy Detective of the Black Ranch. The event of the great holiday was to be a tu! key shoot, and not on.) had the trappers and citi zens of the Settlement, but the military from the fort, under Acting Captain Bass, had promised to be present and take a hand. At early after-dinner hour, they had arrived with their band, on the spot, and all in the Settle- ment were congregated on the white snows of a level prairie, a few hundred yards north of the station. A turkey was being ‘stooled’’ at the far end of the range, and each man who had entered to shoot, at the cost of a “quarter,” nad three chances to knock the bird over, and oarry off the fowl as his prize. About two o’clock the sport commenced. An old trapper named Strong led off on the first fowl, but failed to disturb a feather, or even the com- posure of the turkey. “By gracious!’ ex- claimed the man Strong, as he heard the announce- ment that he had not cre- ated a gobble from the turkey, “thet aire ther wust shootin’ I evyer did, fer a fact.”’ “Get out, Strong! You're no good as a shot, and everybody knows it!” re- torted Jay Toleman, a youth rising twenty vears, the son of the chief trader of the Settlement, and an acknowledged crack shot. “Oh! you needn’t blow, you young cuss of a bull- purp!” growled back Strong, angrily. ‘‘ I’ve seen them as ked shute ye cl’ar out an’, out, an’ not half try. Thar’s thet Tiger Track, ther outlaw—l’ve heerd sed he could brush a speck off’m a fly’s eye- winker at a distance of three hundred yards,”
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ih “Qh! shut up yer lyin’, you old snake, if you don't want to git knifed. I hain’t in no mood fer er clin, ter-day. I cum here to win every cussed urkey, an’ I’m goin’ ter do itg¢hat’s me!” Toleman said, with a contemptuous gla: at the poor shoot- ing of a trader who had overloaded his corporosity with corn-juice. Jay Toleman was, as mentioned, the soh of Jacob Tolomnan, the proprietor of the trading-post in the Setiioment. + This elder Toleman was a rude, ruffianly customer, and it wes but natural that he should: bring his son up to his own standard. And Jay Toleman, as he approached his majority, had developed into a des- berate character, who was equally feared and hated y the border men, He was reckless, ruffanly, and rovengeful, and carried with him a conceit that made nee the more disgusting to those he came in contact witb. If he worked, it was in the dead of night when no one knew it; yet he always iad plenty of money, and suspicions had often bee aroused that he got it unfai.ly, thou;sh just how no one, of course, knew. He was segteogicd away for several days from the Settlement, but no one knew whither he went—few cared beyond a natural curiosity. Fe was of medium hight, stout of limb, and large- ly developed in muscle, with a face that was darkly indicative of his evil nature, There was nothing to attract in his make-up, yet he had the name of being quite a lady’s-man, when 4a eres in the society, such as the far frontier af- orded, Some half a dozen trappers followed Strong in his attem}t to knock over the turkey, but beyond the loss of a few feathers, the bird remained unharmed. Jay Toleman at last took the stand with a satisfied smile, and raising his long rifle, shot the turkey’s head off, with as much composure as though he had been firing at random. A cheer went up from the soldiers and the crowd, as an Indian brought in the neatly decapitated bird, for it was an extraordinary shot, considering that several expert marksmen had failed. “There! didn’t I tell ye?’ cried young Toleman, looking triumphantly around. ‘I cum ter clean out ther turkey-coops, an’ that’s my first shot. Hay, down there—put up another turkey!” Another bird was 4 rigs put up, accordingly ind several shots were fired, some of which brushed the bird, but failed to knock it over. When it came Toleman’s shot, he settled the mat- ‘er with one bullet. And so the shooting went on, the young crack-shot winning every time, much to his own elation and the disgust of the crowd, Such shooting was beyond the ee Many of the trappers refused to shoot against such odds, and withdrew from the contest, but there were others confident in their skill, to keep the ontree full, and the shooting exciting. But Tolman won every time, and at last the only remaining fowl was put upon the stool. He was a monstrous turkey gobbler—the largest any of the ctators had ever seen. He had a body several times larger than that of the average domesticated goose, and the owners announced weight to be seventy-five pounds! He truly was a noble and aristocratic old fellow, with a disdainful gobble, as he took the stand, and a cheer went up for him from the crowd.* The excitement over the handsome fowl was intense, and large sums were offered the owners, tor the bird, alive, all of which were declined. The backwoodsmen declared that he was only to be had by the lucky shooter. And a hundred or more Andon were sold on him, both men and women entering for the 4 ty The last one on the list of entries, was the young bully of the settlement, pao Tolman, and yet he bragged that he should be the one to tumble over the giant gobbler. Durin e prevalent excitement, a horseman had approached from the west, and sitting in his saddle, me casually surveying the crowd, and the prize gob- ‘Yer. He was not one long to remain unnoticed, forsoon many curious glances were leveled at him. About twenty ing had PR gwige over his head, but these years had n busied in perfecting and devel- oping what was now a handsome form, stout, pli- able, and athletic, capable of celerity, great strength aml eudurance. Trcors was grace, too, in the body and its carriage, pleasing to the eye. In face, the young stranger was ordin: good-looking, in the way the world looks at beauby; it was a plain, every-day face, at a glances, tanned brown Stina fone with round fea- tures; yet study might have revealed outlines in the face, in the hazel eyes, and the firm mouth, denot- ing many manly qualities worthy of possession—ex- pressions of character that were noble and honest; of ambition to obtain eminence, of ‘courage, of fear- lessness, and of firm will that was unchangeable when in the right. The stranger was clad in a serviceable hunting cos- tume of buck-skin, liberally fringed with mink fur, a round mink cap, and knee-boots upon the feet. He was mounted upon a little white mustang, of spirit and wicked eye, and his saddle and its accouterments were handsome. In his belt were revolvers, a knife, and field telescope, 2b the back of his saddle a bow and quiver of arrows were attached; while, resting across the pommel in front of him, was a Segoe aye Remington repeat- ing rifle. It was a remarkable-looking weapon, the —r * This turkey-shoot, and this b bbler, are all sibentica to rd veracious + Xe: of Yankton, 7 UTE UR. barrel and all the steel parts being pene with gold, and polished until they shone brightly. The sight at the muzzle of the barrel was set with a flashing diamond! Toward this young stranger and his remarkable rifle many inquiring glances were leveled, but he ap- eared quite undisturbed. or old Kinz Gobbler, which was now begun, but under rather unfavorable auspices at the best. For a gray pallor had gradually stolen over the heavens, and a fine wdery snow was sifting down, dimly discernible ata distance of three hundred yards, Shot after shot was fired without the least reward, for the King Gobbler stood proudly upon the stool, with his great fan-tail outspread, an emittin whizzed past. Rapidly the contestants thinned down to a little bunch, and still the turkey remained untouched, and the excitement grew in its intensity. What mystery was this? asked these astonished people. Was the old Gobbler possessed of a charm- ed Jife? Tt was an enigma, and when even Jay Toleman fin- ished the last of his three shots, unsuccessfully, loud expressions of wonder were heard on apg side, while the young bully cursed and swore in a fright- ful manner. “ String’s over, fellers!” cried one of the owners of the gobbler. ‘‘ Three hundred an’ thirty-three shots plugged at thet aire turk, but nary a one: tuk effect. Allow me ter remark, gentlemen, that thet fowl has bin put up at five different shoots, but nevyer got hit yet. e bears a charmed life, an’ is two years old, Any one else wanter try their luck, fer a quar- ter, aside frum them as has shot?” “Hayr! Ill shoot again!” growled young Tole- eretin! gie= epi aquarter. “I was too nervous be- ore. “Can't help that, young feller; you're not entitled ter ernuther shot, no more’n the rest. Sum feller as hain’t plugged come for’a’d. Hey, you gold rifle chap, can’t you hit thet gobbler?” ** Gness so,” was the reply of the stranger. ‘‘ Thet ain’t half a shot; can stand on my head and knock that gobbler’s phiz off.” A loud yell went up at the extraordinary boast. ‘Oh! you needn't laugh and smile in your sleeves, fer I can doit!’ asserted Gold Rifle, confidently. “T'll bet you fifty dollars you can’t!"’ shouted Jay Toleman, who had been imbibing whisky rather ther best shot on the border, as ye can see by m salamander yonder, ef ye try a month o’ Sundays!” **T ain’t on the bet myself, but just to show ye that you've been brought up out o’ your sphere of useful- ness, and the wonders that can be accomplished by scientific eer T'll put on my spurs and show ye,” Gold Rifle said, sliding from his saddle, rifle in 1and. ‘* How much is the bill of fare, boss?” “Twenty-five cents,” young feller,” replied one of the managers. “Whew! That knocks me down to par, then!” Gold Rifle said, with a wry look. ‘ Bu’sted, ye see; hain’t seen a quarter feranage, Tellye what I'll do, though; I'll give ye a verbal mortgage, afore the crowd heer, on my rifle. Ef I shute the gob’, both rifle and gob’s mine; ef I fail, the rifle’s yourn.” ‘* Agreed!’ eagerly accepted the managers, “You're to stand on your head.” *‘ Tf you like, and will furnish me a piece of board to keep my head from sinking into the snow.” The OS tgbaegtees were made amidst the greatest excitement. Bets were made, some having courage enough by the Gold Rifle’s coolness, to bet that he would win, although the majority were next to positive that his attempt would be a grand failure. Even if he were sd expert as an equilibrist, that he could balance himself on his head, how would it be possible for him to fire, a rifle with any accuracy. © question was not long to puzzle the wonderers. Gold Rifle, as the young stranger had been quickly named, rapidly made preparations for his feat. A large, wide piece of board was packed down upon the snow, and upon this Gold e took his position. An Indian boy stood close by, with the gold rifle, which was cocked and ready for use. After glancing at the dimly discernible gobbler, and smiling at the applause of the crowd, he knelt upon the board and raised his body in to the air, and in a moment was perfectly balanced on his head, his feet erect in mid-air, his hands free. The rifle was handed him—in a moment he had sighted it, fired, and somersaulted back upon his feet, while wild and loud rung the huzzas when it was seen that the bullet had dropped the King Gobbler / Later the fowl was brought in, and it was found that his head had been severed from his body! And Gold Rifle was victor. CHAPTER It. A VILLAINOUS ACCUSATION—JOSH HEMPERHILL. “Hetio, Toleman; whar aire ye, now?’’ shouted the man, Yeke Strong, who was hugely qraoyes that some one should be found to off the big “ Hain’t ther obbler, aside from the yo bully. Best shot on ther borden naw anroren’ “I’m a little off, to-day,’’ was the reply, in rather a crestfallen manner, ‘ but I kin do more surprisin’ feats than that,” The enthusiasm over Gold Rifle’s wonderful shot, was intense.* * Indeed, many of the far western papers wrote glowing articles on it, giving of course the hero’s rue name, y hile we only deal, for the present, with the tilae by which he was so widely known, , and watched the shooting | rend>ring the shooting uncertain, as the target was | occasionally | a gobble of indignation as the bullets | freely, and was getting immoderately excited. “I'm | f y | You're right, but I can’t see much resem pile of turkeys here, an’ I'll bet ye can’t hit that old | strar | around and introduced to him suc | and @ prime good fellow, who liked to see every- | body social with everybody. While they were making the rounds, three men were standing apart from the main erowd, some. what, and engaged in watching narrowly the youn sharpshooter, upon whom nearly all eyes were level: | ed, in admiration, : But the eyes of these three men emitted only glances of suspicion and hatred; evidently the Boy Sharpshooter was not a stranger to them. One of the trio was Jacob Toleman, the father of the young bully. He was a little, dried-up, villain- ous-looking man, with ill-attendance to his personal habilimenta, and a furrowed, evil countenance that spoke but tuo strongly of excessive drink. He-had ashrewd cast of eye, however, which would have impressed ona with the opinion that he was clever at plotting or bargaining—a man of few scruples. he second of the trio was Omerhaun, the gun- smith, who manufactured or repaired firearms in his smithy, which was situated in a dark, gloemy gorge, not far to the west of the settiement. He was & man something very nearly after the pattern of Jacob Toleman, except that he was stouler and had even & more disagreeable, hang-dog look than the trader. Boover Legree, the third of the party, was, at a |, glance, a first-water border ruffian, bristling with pope ann We wolfish-looking, brawny—one of the, ] | | | heavy villains, sometimes so admirably repres { on our principal theater stages, yes Besides his personal appearance, which was bruta) and ruffianly in the extreme, he possessed all the re. quisites of a rufflan—was a whisky-guzzler, a very wildcat on a fight, and of a quaawelsome nature. Few men cared to cross him, for when enraged he was a fearful man to handle. @ was considered by some to be very rich, having done, and still doin the most successful trapper business in the terri ; tory. Hach of these three men eyed the young sharp- shooter with savage glances, occasionally exchang- ing confidences, * The kid’s the very image of your man, Toleman,’” | Legree said, with an oath, which he always used in speaking as a “finisher” or “starter.” “Ken’t ye see it in his durned countenance, ecl’ar ‘as brandy?” “ Mebbe “But tk ives hi ital ve. pu i 1¢ gun gives him away, I tell ye,” put in Omerhaun, ‘I made thet plating an’ pat et ee thet gun, five years ago, when we warin Kentucky. Don't ye suppose I’ve got eyes, ye fool?’ eh $ We , Suppose that is Walter Wagner’s kid—what hen ?”” “Sure enough—what?” sneered Legree, biting fiercely at his brigandish black mustache. “If the young feller inherits a whit of Wild Walt’s dare- nce! : disposition, he’d he 9 hard customer to a Ae -“ Yer right, Boover. Wild Walt war wuss ner any | painter; an’ I kin see a dozen v’ints 0’ our old cap- t’in in ther “Ags ati yonder. Jest ye watch him more, will ye? e’s ready ter jump out 0’ his hide inter a fight, under a minnit’s notice.” “Yes, he has undoubtedly been trained by Wild Walt, and knows his P’s an’ Q’s, D’ye s’pose he recognized us?” “No! He war ter young, an’ then we've all changed our titles since five years ago. _ But I'll bet ther boy war sent heer on ourt Wild Walt "Il never forget ther past.”’ “O° course not. We must blot et fer him, tho’!” replied Toleman, grimly. ‘Ten thousan’ in gold ain't ter be sneezed at.” “Td like ter sneeze at et, ef ‘twould put et inter my coffers!” averred Legree. ‘‘The boy's got to be tumbled over, or we're no good.” *] dunno,” replied Toleman, cap ee la “T’ve a plan worth a dozen o’ yourn!” Toleman senior, sai with his fingers among the roots of his hair, a speculative way. “You notice about the feller, yonder, a ht semblance, in form, to the outlaw, Tiger’ Track?” wif Both i and the gunsmith started, and gazed at Gold Kifie, who was now standing ‘conversing with Capt. Joe Bass. “Thar is sum resemblance in figger,”” assented Legree. “an T Track’s face, ye know, is allus behind a mask. at else d'ye want ter make an outlaw out o’ the boy, yonder?’ iba a you old rascal, what ye plumbin’ “Til illustrate,” replied Toleman, with an evil smile,“ Ye see, that cuss yonder may’s well be put out o’ the way, as we couldn’t make him tell w Wild Walt is, DO more’n we ked agrindstun. Thare- fore, et’s our line duty ter put him whar he ‘ll be an angel, instead uv an enemy, I'll get Jay, my son, ‘o accuse him 0’ being Tiger Tracks and by joinin’ in our testimony, we ken soon hev him higher'n Ha- man. See? en we'll buy his carcass, tie et ter thet hoss o’ his, an’ ther hoss ‘ll natteralty pull fer ther retreat o’ ther lad, as I ken see et’s a smart ani- mal, We'll foller ther trail, an’in thet way mebbe come across Wild Walt?"’ A darned good plan!”’ assented Legree. give .a big pile ter git a tug at cur capt’in’s throate, choke me, ef I wouldn't.” e plan seemed to course of a few minutes Ji for and given instructions Awhile later, the was still conversing wi Tolemans, Omerha' two un, rascally satisfy the trie for in the oleman vas motioned 8 “dint Gold Rifle, a ooter, in Bass ver when the Legree sud- Boo tary, oame forward and © r, and led him as would be eli, © gible acquaintances, for Captain Bass was but thirty, -
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Gold Rifle. @enly approached, and stopping in front of him, Jay » *Toleman cried: “Ha! ha! Mr. Gold Rifle, yer jig’s up, fer we four hev recognized you as the cuss who attacked us with a dozen outlaws down on Sleighton creek last winter. You are Tiger Track, the outlaw.” “You lie like a thief!’’ replied Gold Rifle, greatly surprised at the accusation. ‘ My name is Kit Wag: ner, and I come from beyond the Clay Bottom Stream!” ‘‘Bah! ye ken’t lie ter us, you whelp!” here iate1 | osed Legree. “ We know ye, an’ yer jig’s up. Fel- lors, grab thet cuss, ef yer after wantin’ Tiger Track, me outlaw and trapper’s foe!” Words like these acted like magie upon the honest | but much abused trapping element. They came Paws grim and threatening, backed ‘hy the soldiers. : But quickness here proved superior to forse, With a muttered ejaculation, Gold Rife sprung upon his white mustang, which stood close by, and swinging his rifle right and left, regardless as to whom he hit, he dashed furiously down through the parting crowd, and over the southern snow-covered prairie, toward the distant fort. A yell of raze eseaped the Tolemans and their friends, and runving to their stacked guns the sol- diery possessed themselves of them, and sent a storm of fead after the daring sharpshooter. He was by this time on a line with the turkey stool, and though none of the bullets struck him, his horse was hard hit, and dropped dead beneath im. Pausing only long enough to take some papers from his saddle-bags, the fugitive kept on over the snow-covered prairie at a rapid gs nearly equal to that which his horse had made, for there was a rust formed over the snow sufficient to bear up un- der his weight, which was indeed fortunate for the fugitive. Without looking behind him, Gold Rifle ran on for some distance, as fast as his legs could carry him, Perhaps ten minutes elapsed, and then he paused and looked around. He was in a shallow valley or depression in the prairie, and had stopped at the edge of a dark motte of blasted pine timber. om his position he was unable to look back upon the settlement and shooting ground, because of the intervention of the swell he had descended. For several seconds he stood gazing around him, along the valley, and into the dismal stretch of tim- ber, hardly knowing which way to turn, While he was standing thus, a man With an axon his shoulder came wing ea out of the wood. “Hello! Gracious, who’re you?” was the saluta- tion. “Look kinder as if ye war lost, or skeer’d or in a perdickament, stranger! I swow ef ye ain’t a picter o’ my aunt Sally’s boy, Jim. Jim’s a preecher, now, an’ they do say he's sum on slingin’ gospel. 1at’s the matter, stranger?” “Oh! nothing of much account,” Gold Rifle re- plied. “I’m trying to dodge a pack of fools who are laboring under the delusion that I am Tiger Track, the outlaw. Was just considering which way I'd best BO. “Ye don’t say so? Waal, now that’s tew bad, I swow to breeches. I tarnally hate ter see one feller sot onter by a big passel o’ roughs, fer ’tain’t right. Ef every man war only like my unkle Ike used to be, up in New Hampsher’, He waz a good Christian, an’ allus used ter say his ary oe every night afore he retired. S’pose ye’d like ter find a hidin’-place from them chaps w’at’s arter ye, eh?” ‘Yes, and I must be moving,” replied Gold Rifle. 4‘ Although I’m not Tiger Track, I do not want them fellows to get hold of me. Good-by..” ‘But, hold up, stranger. Two heads ar’ better’n one, ef one on ‘em’s empty. Jest ye tote yer carcass along after me. Ain’t often I ken do a feller a good turn, an’ I allus improve sech chances, Cum along, now, without a word, an’ I'll show ye a coop so safe ‘that ye’ll be surprised. Ye see I’m a man o’ charac- ter, an’ I ain't half so green as I look, tho’ I am fresh frum Vermont.” And it eccurred to the keen eye of Gold Rifle that he did look most ludicrously “ green,’’ for he was clear-quill, old-school Yankee, from his boots to the top of his head, a distance of some six feet and four or five inches, He was at a glance a powerful man, but so awk- ward and may Fidy as { create a belief that he could be easily handled. But this belief would have gradually died out, to an observant eye. In face the man was extremely homely and ludicrous, while about his dress and manners, was reserved all of the original and outlandish ways of his forefathers. And as he followed trustingly in the Yankee's footsteps, Gold Rifle could but smile at the apparent clumsiness of the great fellow. “Dunno much about you, stranger,” the words came, next, ‘but I reckon ye ain’t so bad, onye'd show et in yer countenance, My name’s Josh Hem- rhill, Ye remember ther Hemperhills war a great amily, up in Vermont, no eons greet men, every mother’s son of ‘em—men of sound moral an’ man- An’ as a man 0’ character, et behooves tell ye. so I kim out heer an’ me ter foller in their footsteps; hired out ter General Maynard, fer ten dollars a |} in her budding womanhood id Rifle felt his youn And with a tragical scowl Josh turned away, and — General’s a tarnal good feller, | heart beat faster, and a flush of enthusiastic pire - | Gold Rifle accompanied May. m eer an’ my board. Tat when ve cum ter his darter, I swow she's jest old peaches! Ruther sweet on me, too, fer she allus tells me she admires ter in aman. But, cuss darn it, ther old general went an’ hired ax Irishman, an’ he’s tryin’ ter cut around Miss May wi’ his gib- vapid berish; but I’m solid in my b'lief thet she won’t sacrifice good healthy character fer an Irish hod- carrier." “Of course not,’ declared Gold Rifle, barely re- pressing a laugh at the Yankee’s earnestness. ‘‘ No woman of sound mind will stop to think of choosing between an ignorant Hibernian and a man of your ae qualifications.”’ his pleased Josh hugely and he talked an inces- sant flow of nonsense as he led the way rapidly through the motte and ascended to the prairie on the other side of the shallow valley. But, talking did nov interfere with his rapid locomotion, as Gold Rifle soon found. Evidently there was much in the fellow which had never been brought to light, In a measure he was ignorant of his own strength and powers. On rising to the level prairie again, Gold Rifle looked back toward the settlement, and saw that he was pursued, as he had surmised. A score of the pes eee had joined the now mount- ed soldiers, and all hands were now descending the sk ype into the valley. ‘We shall have to run for it, Josh!’’ the sharp- shooter said, ‘‘or those fellows will catch up with us,” ‘“No they won’t; but we'll run, as et’s yet two miles to the general's.” They did run, and Gold Rifle had to exert himself to keep up with the clumsy Yankee, On over the hard crust of snow they sped like a couple of startled deers, their heads bent forward, and pointing toward a handsome farm-house which was visible in the white dazzling expanse, Perseveringly the two men kept on, with a mile be- tween them and the pursuers, and at last they ip ye into the yard that surrounded the general’s ouse. And the pursuers still came on, CHAPTER Ii. DELIVER, OR DOWN GOES YOUR SHANTY. “ HERE we are, stranger, at General Maynard’s, an’ a gosh-darned fine feller the general is, too. Clean essence from his forefathers, an’ as squar’ a feller as ever chawed his cud. Bet my character ag’in’ ther best bushel 0’ potatoes as ever grow’d, thet ther gene- ral wull give you a warm welcome, but ye see I ken't jest say how't’ll be with Miss May, fer she’s cl’ar gone sweet over me, an’ hain’t got an eye-winker fer any other feller, “less et ar’ thet dratted Irisher. Now, ef I befriend ye, like a man of character should, stranger, ye’re not to stick yer finger inter my pie, ner luk sweet at her, ner try ter coax her ar- ter ye, ner any conducements likely ter disturb my future prospects.”’ “You need have no fear of me, Josh,” replied Gold Rifle, ter ey “YT don’t think I shall’ be likely ve ae ther harmony of your courtship. Lead ahead.’ Josh accordingly led the way up the front steps of the elegant farm-house, and into a spacious hall, which in grandeur was beyond anything Gold Rifle had ever seen. ; The walls and ceiling were beautifully decorated, and the floor carpeted richly, and furnished with mirror, hat-racl and coat-case, i Josh led on, and they entered a grand parlor, where a cheery fire was blazing brightly, and casting forth a moderate warmth. Here in this parlor, were all evidences of wealth and taste. The apartment was richly furnished— with handsome chairs, tables and sofas, with costly carpeting upon the floor, and chandeliers pending from the ceiling. Pictures and portraits decked the walls, while strewn about here and there were many adornments. In a word, the parlor was equal to many of our grand eastern salons, even if beyond, as you may say, the scope of civilization. And it is not unfrequently in western travel, that the tourist stumbles upen these oases in the desert —homes where beauty, wealth and refinement reign. Looking around, Gold Rifle took in his surround- ings at a glance, and inwardly felt that he was in the wrong place—that he was unfitted for entree into such a palace. A young lady was sitting ata piano, idly drum- ming the ve with her white fingers, while an old, white-haired, white-bearded man was ensconced in a great cushioned arm-chair near the fire, engaged in perusing a inc pet He was probably amo the sixties in age, but a fine-looking man withal—firm, erect of carriage, and . large of build—one born to command, His eye was still true and unflinching, and his hand trembled not, showing that his nerves were still under control. He was attired in the costume of a General of the Regular Army, and near at hand a sword was hang- ing unsheathed, which looked as if it had seen a good many hard battles. The young eer at the piano was the person whom the eyes of Gold Rifle centered upon, after he had given General Maynard a searching glance. She was about eighteen years of age, surpassingly shoulders in an unconfined mass. Her attire was neat and stylish, and fazing at her een came involuntarily over his own good-natured Both General Maynard and his daughter looked - in surprise as Gold Rifle and the eccentric Josh emperhill entered the room. But both exhibited * 3 edie courtesy when Josh had introduced his young charge. **General an’ Miss May, this ‘ere’s a chap they call Gold Rifle, as ye mought jedge frum his gun, hyar. I found him in a fix, pursued by ther sojers o'(your command, an’ all ther trappers an’ roughs this side 0’ Dakoty line, an’ bein’ a man of solid basis character—a _ trail wich descended frum old Nebuchadnezzar Hemperhill, who died in fifteen hun- dred an’ forty—I fetched him along wi’ ther insur- ance 0’ pertection. Why, sir, thet same lad, he tells me, stud on his head and shot a turkey ter-day.” — Maynard bowed, and gazed at Gold Rifle keenly. “Your name—what is it, young man?” he askea, res: tones kindly yet stern. ‘ What is this Josh is telling?” “My name is Kit Wagner, sir,” the Boy Sharp- shooter replied, **though I am more generally call- ed Gold Rifle, after my gun, here. As to what your man here has said, it is mainly true. I have n acd am now pursued by those who participated in to-day’s turkey shoot, at the settlement. Cause I won the last turkey, it seems, a feeling of enmity was created against me; and a cone fellow of about my own age, whom they called Toleman, ac- cused me of being Tiger Track the outlaw. His as- sertion was confirmed by a quartette or so of hig pals, and to save being lynched by the crowd J had to make a dash for liberty. Back here apiece I met your man, and he insisted upon my coming here. But I think I had not best trouble you. If I go at once, I may succeed in outwitting the pursuers, yet.’ ” “Then law?” **Most assuredly I do. Inever heard the name of Tiger Track until a couple of days since. My home is be yond the Clay Bottom Stream, and I am a stran- ger, hereabouts.’ ‘Well, well! Thisis rather a remarkable case!”’ the general observed, watching Gold Rifle as the hawk watches its prey. ‘‘ You don’t look exactI like an outlaw, young man; and yet, in this dec® tive life, we are all liable to make mistakes. Wi do you think about the matter, May?” and the whit haired veteran turned to his daughter este A **T believe what Gold Rifle says, papa,’ May Mi} nard replied, with a slight color in her cheek, as Ft gaze met that of the young sharpshooter. ‘T ‘er sure he does not in the least resemble Tiger Track, whom you remember chased and tried to capturé us, but a month ago.” “My opinion, exactly, dear, You say your nanie is Wagner, sir?” * Yes, sir.” ‘Thad a friend by that name, vears ago, Nov, oung man, I hardly know what to say for you, for see your pursuers are coming hotly toward the house; and they are angry, too, for many indignitivs have been heaped upon both soldiers and trappers by Tiger Track and his outlaws. I don’t believe they'll accept any explanation from even me, and ‘6 will be necessary for you to try your luck at esca))- in you deny that you are Tizer Track, the out- gz. “But, believing you to be what you represent, I shall not let you go without friendly assistance). May, my dear, you may take this young gentleman to the Secret Corral, and give him a choice of the horses, Josh, you may remain with me, and we will keep the rabble out of the house as long as possible.” Gold Rifle arose to follow May. Maynard, but first turned to the general, a suspicion of moisture in his eyes. “You ave a good and noble man, sir," he said, shaking the extended hand warmly, ‘ and if it ever comes within my power to do you a pred turn, be- lieve me I shall improve the chance. I thank you all for the interest you have taken in me, and maybe it won't be long ere I can repay you.” “Nothing of the kind is required, young man, al though I commend your spirit. Right is right, in this world, and I have fought for it the whole of my life, and shall continue to do so as long as I have breath. Good-by, sir, and God grant you success.’ Then Gold Rifle turned and was about to follow May from the parlor, but he was once more inter- rupted by the Yankee, Josh, who pulled him mys- teriously to one side, his rude countenance a puzalo of combating expressions. “Neow, you see heer, stranger,” he began, in a hoarse whisper—‘‘ aire you a man o’ sound moral an relizyus character? Be ye proof ag’in’ ther sthiles an’ fascinashuns o’ ther female sex? Ef ye ain’t let me wain ye that the devil fisheth best for the soul of man when his hook is baited with a lovely woman. Neow, young stranger, ef ye’re a man 0’ honorable character, ye won't look cross-eyed ner git spoony on my gal Miss May, while she’s esquartin’ ye ter liberty. Ye won’t whisper soft sentimental nonsens- es inter her ear, ner feed her on sugar plums?” “Certainly not, Josh. You should put more confis dence in me than that; and then, too, Miss Maynard is almost a total stranger to me,” “Yas, that’s so, sure’s preechin’, but, I swow ter ' ly character, sir! Ye ken find their autobiographies pretty; graceful, womanly in mold; her features | breeches, ye ken’t put no dependence in boys an? anywhar in thet State. Bein’ ther last male Stiber were clear, regular and delicate, with cheeks tinted | gals si ay do as ye uster eu'd, They Pe ther. % family, ther hull avalanche o manly character nat- | with the glow of health; a mouth sweet and tempt- | solid basis character. Thar, fer instance, ar’ thet. ter'ly descends onter me. None o’ ther Hemperhills | ing, and eyes of hazel hue, shaded by heavy lashes. | Irisher, Pat Dolanigun—hedn’t bin here three howrs ‘war afraid ter work—could chop wood an’ drink | Her hair was lighter than brown—a sunny shade, | afore he war castin’ sheep's eyes at Miss ne Now, haré cider from morn till night an’ never squeel, I | and worn in its wondrous wealth down over the lever Psp Wy mind how ye conduct yerself, fer fin et ye tried ter win ther affections of yon gal away frum me, I'll skin ye alive!” The pursuing trappers and soldiers had by this time come up and drawn rein in front of the farm- house, and knowing what was required of him oe , eral Maynard stepped out upon the veranda, f lowed by Josh. i my at pe le a {v.25 at yeti
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¥. All the soldiers, except Captain Bass, were drawn up in line, while the rest of the party composed mainly of trappers and traders, were scattered about, presenting rather a warlike spectacle. Cap- tain Lass, unable to restrain his men, rode forward and oined Josh and the general on the veranda. “Order, here!’ Maynard cried, a fire in his eye, and the true military ring still in his tone. ‘ What means this disorder among you privates?” “Tt means that we’re after an outlaw and thief— a the rufflan Tiger Track, and he’s in your ranch!” re- plied Lieutenant Grey, a bitter outlaw-hater, who wus leading the military in the place of Captain Joe Bass, who had refused to act against Gold Rifle, y;hom he believed to be an honest man. “Order!” again thundered the general. ‘Tis false, the charge you prefer against the young man. He is no more Tiger Track than I am) and I com- mind you to withdraw immediately to the fort.” “ But we decline!”’ retorted Lieutenant Grey, with , a sneer. “If you'll cover a traicor, general, we won't, and we’re just the boys ag is going to stretch up Tiger Track to the handiest tree,’ “You can not have the lad-—be is not here!” said the general, seeing that it was useless to argue with 30 many insubordinate spicits. “You lie!” replied Grey, fiercely. “You are a traitor to your country, yourself, and you’ll deliver up the boy, or we'll tu.nble down your shanty.” “Thave not got the ites man about my pre- mises,” declared the general. ‘‘Any three of you are welcome to ccme in and search!”’ “We won't come astep, you old cuss!’’ shouted the lieutenant, drawing a pistol. “Deliver, or down goes yer shanty |” “Tl deliver nothing!” replied Maynard. “You are at liberty to come and search, for by this time your inteuded victim is far away.’ And turning on his heel the veteran officer re-en- tered tae house, With an oath of rage Grey raised his weapon to fire at the retreating form, but before he could pull the /atal trigger, there was a sharp report, and a bullet rora Jos oe) arenas revolver dropped the would- fe assassin dead. ’ 4. cheer of approval went up from the soldiers at he brave act, and motioning to Joe Bass to head iiem, they turned upon the Tolemans and the other waders, and drove them off at the point of their oayonets. ‘his ended what might have been a serious mob. In the meantime May Maynard hgd led the way out vf the parlor, into a kitchen, ard down a steep pair of stairs into a deep cellar. Here she paused, and searching around for a few tnoments, produced a candle from a shelf, and light- edit. By its illumination Gold Rifle was enabled to Bee his rpc pce and all he beheld were the heavily planked walls of the cellar. ; pk dy aia I see no way of escape from this hole,” 1e : “Because you are not in the secret,” May May- nard replied, with one of her pleasant little laughs. * Here—” and she led the way to one side of the cel- lar, ‘‘ Please push heavily against these two planks.” Gold Rifle did so, and to his surprise they fell back, Jeaving an aperture of considerable size. Through this he went, according to May’s orders, she follow- and closing up the hole. ey were now inadark underground passage, about eight feet by eight in width and hight. “This pence? runs about two miles in under- ground,” explained May, as they hurried along over _ #& hard ground floor. ‘It was constructed so that in ‘ the case of an Indian siege, we could Lave some | node of escape, and it has an opening into a small f prairie valley. Its existence is a secret except to tay father and myself, and poor Josh, who thinks I - ga dead in love with him. a! ha! ha!” They soon arrived at a Lge in the passage where it was vas wider, and here several handsome horses were feeding, attended by an Indian groom. ‘ May made hurried explanations to the young sav- ge, and then giving Gold Rifle a warm pressure of the hand, and bidding him God speed, she hurried ‘back toward her home above the earth, while the ) oun a maw selected a fine steed from the corral, and m rode on through the wonderful avenue of escape, until he sudde tate ge bend and rode oubfrom behind a rock that hid the outlet of the Passage, into the light and freedom of a little prairie valley. CHAPTER IV. LEGREE SHOWS HIS CLOVEN-FOOT ‘‘ CHARACTER.” _Unpvrr the charge of the soldiers the trappers __ $d traders must perforce retreat, and they were Ss Ae quite back to the settlement, ere they were ey "4 aren and the soldiers withdrew toward * he fort. a By this time a er share of the 2 had _ _#me to disbelieve the story of Gold Rifle’s being tiger Track, but there were a portion left who ac- Xe he * ed the word of the Tolemans for it, 7 consultation was held between Boover Legree, ‘hegunsmith Omerhaun, and the two Tolemans as | seonas they arrived at the settlement, in the cabin r la tall d,” Legree led, stri ., “It’s a defeat all around,” wled, striv- a ing pen his ferocious gpinit by frequent _ quafis -f whisky from a demijohn which sat upon _ the table, between them. ‘Ther ee’s gone, an’ es - Bane vf Piel $ o Serapee o’ him ag’in pod 8 age, an ocks all our prospects o’ ge tin’ the fortune back frum Wild Wait.” 2 nant 4 don"t b’lieve the feller ever left old Maynard’s ! sneered Jay Toleman. ‘That gal 0’ May- vd’s put him away, while ther old cuss cum outaide en’ harrangned to us!” is ‘Half-Dime Library. ““Mebbe ye’re right, but ther galoot’s slid out afore this time.” “Of course,” assented the gunsmith, lighting his pipe. “That young cuss is smarter than you think for. He has got lots o’ Wild Walt’s blood in him, and I'll bet you won’t easy get ahead of him.” ““We must contrive to, somehow. this Clay Bottom Stream lay, which he mentioned?’ “West of here,’ replied Jay Toleman. ‘I have been there several times fer beaver, but didn’t get enough to make it pay. It is about thirty or forty miles, I reckon, over hill an’ plain.” ‘Ha! then it is somewhere in the neighborhood of Tiger Track’s stronghold, is it not?” “Yes—neer where the outlaw is Sappoee ter hold his quarters. A story has been told, frequently, of a Black Ranch on the prairies, which is surrounded by a fence of plank sixteen feet high, and assumed to be the retreat of the outlaws. knows the truth of the matter.” “Tm not done with Tiger Track, yet, by a long shot!” oathed Legree. ‘*The prize he stole from my cabin on Lent creek, ten years ago, must be re- stored to me when I get a grip on the ruffian.” “The Tiger Track of ten years ago, and the Tiger Track of to-day cannot be the same,” suggested Jacob Toleman, ‘‘for the claimant of the title to- day is represented to be scarcely more than a youth. Yet his skillin handling his men in a fight, proves that he must have been under the trainiu of the older outlaw, who took the field shortly after our band broke up and scattered.” “It matters not. I b'lieve thet Agnes Wagner is still in the ag of the Tiger Track outlaw band, and if evyer God sees fit ter put her inthe power of Boover Legree, she'll find that she has a hard task- master in the man she scornfully refused ere she be- came Wild Walt's wife.” “That has been a matter of long standing, Le- gree, and I marvel that you still remember it !"’ “IT shen’t ferget my seudees till dirt’s piled on top o’ me!” replied the ruffian trader, savagely. Two days passed 6 Se thesnow-bound northward. The weather was biting cold, and the snow still remained upon the oceanlike savannas, a winding- sheet for nature. The winter had set in, in dead earnest, to all appearances, and it was to be a severe one. Very few hunters or trappers ventured far beyond their respective shelters, and matters on the plains were temporarily at a standstill. Only Jay Toleman had summoned up courage to venture forth into the wilderness of snow, giving as his reason that he had a “ gang” of traps out, upon the South Fork, which must be looked after. On the second day after Christmas, the border- ruffian trader, Boover Legree, mounted his horse and rode down over the heavy crust to Gener Maynard's. e often made it a part of his business to call at the farm-house and chat with the pretty May May- nard, although his visits were ever unwelcome to the general and his daughter. But, as be had never shown any of his villainous or disagreeable nature in their presence, and was as polite and soeneny se could be expected, his visits had been tolerated, for, being an influential man upon the border, the general was not desirous of crossing bim. To-day, one of the keenest, frostiest,of the prevail- ing cold snap, the trader found May Maynard alone in the cosey parlor, the general having ridden over to the fort, on business. May was looking her loveliest in a stylish suit of some delicate brown material, with more color than usual to her cheeks, and a brighter luster in her hazel eyes. Gazing at her—at her lovely sylph-like form, her ceful carriage, and her pretty face, haif framed by her falling wealth of sunny hair, one could but be impressed with the glory of her budding womanhood. : And the evil eyes of Boover Legree were fastened gloatingly upon her while she sat at the piano, as he stood for a moment unobserved in the doorway leading into the parlor: he was contrasting her ex- quisite beauty and wealth of personal charms with that of the woman whom he had mentioned in the presence of the Tolemans—Agnes Wagner. “She is a fine woman and the possessor of beauty which is rarely found. Ah! but I’d give a king's ransom to to my cloudy old heart. And, what’s to hinder?” and here a devilish glitter darted into the ruffian’s eyes, ‘‘ what’s to hinder? Maybe I can win her con- sent, and I have the plan all ready. Once I get pend my power, Agnes Wagner can go to the evil.”’ The villain stood several moments, eg over his intended victim, then stepped boldly into the room. May wheeled around with a little scream, as she ei his heavy tread, her face grown suddenly pale, “Oh, Mr. Legree, is it you? You frightened me by your abrupt coming.” “Eh? frightened ye, my dove?” the trader said softly, as he took a seat near the piano, “I got lonesome up at the settlement,’ and so ventured down here, where it is pleasant, Besides, I have a mission of mercy tofulfill Ha! ha! Sounds strange, does pot = hear an wa tough like me ta’kin’ uv mercy ell, ye see, I’ve got a heart after all, an’ hain’t quite so as I’m cracked up to be. Ye re- member that feller we war after stmas—ther Oe NN hin May demande ong es! yes at of him?’ y demanded r- ly. ‘Iwas aa thinking of him when you came in, wondering i “Tf what?” ‘Oh, no matter what! What you have to say of Where does | | He’s give up ther ghost, and sent me fer ter tell ye, But I guess no one | & | possess her, and make her furnish light | myse from entertaining any one to-day.” ‘Well, ‘tain’t much I've got ter say o’ ther chap,’ Legree replied, dove 5 “Ye see how it was. e got shot afore he kim im hayr, an’ he’s layin’ at ther bie, weg o’ death now in, my old trappin’ cabin up on ther Clay Bottom stream. “ re wants ye ter come; and so forth, and so orth!” “What! Gold Rifle dying, and asking for me, Mr Legree?”” May exclaimed, in great agitation. ‘I: possible!’ ““Tain’t impossible, no sech a thing, my lady. J jest cum frum there, only stoppin’ fer a minnit ai the settlement. He has bin *fer you fer over half a day, sayin’as how he had an important secret ter confide ter ye.”’ _“ Where is this cabin? Could you direct me to it?” “No, fer ye’d soon get lost in ther wilderness of snow. But, ef you'll accept my escort, I'll soon have you at ther boyee’s bedside.” May arose from her seat and paced to and fro across the soft carpet a few moments in greatest. perplexity of mind. She was half-inclined to believe that Legree was lying to her—that his story was only an invention by which to entice her away from home into his villainous toils. Her father had often warned her of him, and bade: her not to trust him in the slightest, and as she thought of these warnings, she resolved to resist, and not believe his story. ‘ ‘‘ If only on Christmas day you were Gold Rifle’s. bitter enemy, how comes it that you are sent by him on this mission?’ she asked, stopping short, and: gazing sharply at the trader. d ce flushed, and.shifted uneasily in his chair. ne 7 hy you sve—” he been; then stopped: as he caught the stern glance of May’s eyes. * Eno 1” she said, with a contemptuous laugh. “* Do not imperil the future of your soul by lying a further. I know your little game, now, Legrée: Gold Rifle is no doubt in safe quarters, ere this, and ad for your deliberate lie it has utterly failed. We have been warned that you would show your cloven: foot, and it has now come forth. There, Boover Le-- gree, is the door through which youcame. You will please take your departure through it.” “No, my pretty dove, I’ll do nothing of the kind at present!” the trader replied, with a frightful leer. ‘Since you’ve found me out, pores" we may as well become better acquainted. When I leave this ‘ere: ranch, I’m goin’ ter fetch you along with mel!” “Don’t you dare te lay a hand on me, villain. IL ain in my father’s house, and I command you to leave instantly, or I will call the servants, and have. you forcibly ejected,” ‘Ha! ha! ha!" and Legree laughed loudly—“ that’s pretty well done, Miss Maynard. Your vocation should be that of an actress, Why, to my own pawedes, you do not keep servants other than that: Yankee, Hemperhill, who is as green as a cabbage- leaf, and a raw Irishman who knows enough to get. up hash, and that’s all. Do you for one moment im. agine that I have the least fear for them? If so, yow are mistaken, I can Jick both of them at a time.” “Then, shure, an’ ye'll be doin’ what ye niver did before!’ exclaimed a voice, and the Irish cook. Pat. Dolan, stepped into the parlor, with a grin of delight. at an anticipated affray. ‘‘ Allow me ter interdooce: mesilf to yez, Mister Legree—I'm Patrick Dolan, late- ly from the ould counthry—sacred be its name.” Legree started to his feet with an oath, as he be- held a brawny individual, fully as heavy as himself, and a man evidently of true grit. Dolan was a representative Irishman, with the peculiar expression of Hibernia written all over his countenance, and the intelligent Irish sparkle in his eyes. He was not a handsome man, yet possessed a kindly bearing which would have won him friends almost anywhere. ““You see I am not unprotected, you ruffian!’’ May, cried, triumphantly. “Dolan will fight for me } ” ‘“‘ Arrah! an’ it’s yersilf as spakes the swate truth now!” assured Pat, advancing. ‘Shure, an’ has the dirthy omadhaun bin a-givin’ ye any o’ his slack, me lily?” : “Yes, Pat, he has been threatening to carry me off, and I have ordered him to leave the house, but he refuses to oe ‘ “Ah! thin I'll make him go, me little shamrock. Shure, an’ ef the Yankee has got the character, be- dad Pat Dolan has got the Irish arm, an’ out goes the spalpeen av a bl ard.” : And flourishing a club in his hand,the impetuous son of the Emerald Isle yh toward Legree, who was evidently waiting for : But the club was of no use, for in a moment the two men were in a bear-like hug, waltzing here and there over the as Pat endeavoring to work the trader out into the hall and thence out of doors. But was a man of great strength, and he bent all energy in trying to crush his adver- sary. Pat however was made like iron, and all the efforts of the trader were for a time bn splay “Och! ye murderin’ shnake!” roared Pat, prime in his glory “Tl show ye how they trate yer kind over at Ballyrack, an their ould soil. Shure, it’s sore heads I’ve given many a bla’guard, an’ I’ve not lost the twist o’ me wrist yit. Hooray, is thet yer style?’ —as made an attempt to bite—‘“ och: I am no hog that would be after bitin’, Be dacent, an’ I'll kape up this jig ontill PAS heart is sore as the nose av Widow Donovan’s pig.” Around and around, twisting and squirming, the two men went for several moments; then “oe by a dexterous movement jerked away his Jeft hax aa4 dealt Pat a blow in the forehead that felled him him, nee say stieren dl for I shall have to excuse: - ng 5 not be ne - eats LS ay? FE ieee em = - a emery a % > = pe ene .
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= oe es = ——e “vo the floor. Then the ruffian, with an ey sprung & ‘toward May, who had retreated in affright. ** Now, you little ti , Pll have you without—” **A doubt!”’ finished a voice, and the trader was suddenly confronted by the stalwart form of Josh ‘Hemperhill, and a pair of cocked revolvers. ** Without a doubt, Mister Legree. Oh! ye needn't look—et’s me, ef Iam as green as a cab leaf. Now, sir, you git, or I swow ter breeches ef I don’t sock etter you fer kill Iain’t a-foolin’, nuther, so | you git /” With a frightful oath Legree turned and walked ; out into the hall, an expression of malignant hate upon his countenance, * Remember, May Maynard, Iam not through with you, yet, nor you either, you accursed Yank!’’ he ‘cried, as he left the house, mounted his horse and rode away. Josh returned to the parlor and found Dolan just crawling to his feet, with a wry expression of coun- tenance, “The bla’guard—the spalpeen—where is he?”” was the demand. “T put him out, Pat, darned ef I didn’t! Jest as easy as chawin’ cheese. Ye're a goed fighter. Pat but thar’s one essential ye sadly lack, an’ that’s good solid basis character!” CHAPTER V. {NTO THE WILDERNESS—JOSH'’S NOVEL LOCOM@TiVE POWER. For several days after Legree’s sjection from the Maynard farm-house, things moved along in their own channel. Little was done outside of the old general’s quar- ters, for he was a humane man, and not the one to cause either man or beast to labor out in the bitter cold and freezing weather which eee So that during this time of little-to-do, eccentric, uncouth Josh Hemperhill had plenty to occupy his time within the farm-house, for he paid Miss May the strictest attention, and in his own way tried hard to make a successful courting. Also, he was busied in keeping a weather-eye upon his rival, the Irish- man, lest he should plant a seed of fascination in the eye of Miss Maynard. And so it happened that the two men-servants were quite a bore to poor May, whose maiden tastes and ideas took quite another channel from them, and, although she had not the heart to offend by re- sisting the ridiculous protestations of Josh’s love, or the little gallantries of Pat Dolan, she was offen thoroughly disgusted with them. In one of these unenviable frames of mind, she appiied to her father, the white-haired old general, for relief, “Well, rad my deary,” the old man said with a smile, ‘‘I don’t know what you are to do, I am sure, unless you send Josh away for awhile, on some pretext or other; for I do not wish to offend the poor fellow, he having done me several good turns. The crazy loon would do almost anythin for you, I believe, and you might send him o somewhere for awhile, and I'll order Dolan not to show his visage outside of the kitchen. I see by the barometer at the Fort, and a telegram from the weather bureau at Washington, that our severe cold weather is virtually over, although we may be troubled with snow.” “Very well; T'll send Josh away then,” May re- plied, brightening up and hurrying away toward the servants’ quarters. “I’m sure it would be a great relief to me to escape his ardor. And then, I have ust a capital idea how to dispose of him, and kill wo birds with one stone.” The day being a moderate one, with a smiling sun, she resolved to have Josh start at once, and hunted him up in the pantry, where he was inno- cently engaged in stowing away a half of one of Pat's New Year mince pies, with evident huge delight to think that he was hitting one,” at the “ blarsted Trisher.”’ Calling him one side, with a roguish glitter of fun in the expression of her hazel eyes, May approached him on her preposed plan. hs ‘‘Josb, you have quite a notion of liking me, hav- en’t your” ; “ Eh? why, bless yer heart, yes, Miss May. I swow to gracious ef ye didn’t cum near takin’ the breath el’ar away frum me.” “That is because you were appropriating Dolan's ies, Josh, which is very wrong. How would you Like to have me bake pies for-you to eat, Josh?” “Oh! Jerusalem! wouldn’? that be O. K.?’ and the Yankee’s face lighted\up with a beaming grin. “‘ You don't mean it, fer sartin, do ye, Miss May?” “Why shouldn’t tye You're a great good fel- low, and ought to have all the pies you could eat. You know the Fourth of July isn’t a t ways off!” “Fact, by Jimminy, Hedn’t luked thet ferahead, et, sc And the glorious Fourth is an auspicious day for gelebration of the nuptials of a happy pair, Josh?” “Hey—how’s that, Miss May?” “T say, the 4th of July is a happy occasion for one to get spliced,” “Whew! Jewhitaker Jewsharps solider than a brick there, Miss May. * Yer, and Lsee you appreciate my candor, Josh. Not many young Jadies would exchange all these litte confidences, but I believe that you’d do almost 2 oa A for me, as you seem to love me—and— and—”’ So IT do—so I would, Miss May—sure’s Methodist ‘preachin’ ar’ full o’ glory. Lordy! Miss May, ’'m a man of character—ther solid double basis, duplex article—an’ I’d wade through fire an’ blood for yer sweet sake.”’ “Oh, no, Josh!*—with a little outburst: of merri- sment—** I don’t want you to wade through anything yes. Ye’re Gold Rifle. but snow. favor?” ‘On course 1 will, Miss May—anything ye're a mind to ask. I’m allus a generous chap, ef I am a leetle bit green. Thar were ther hull Hemperhill family, down ter old Nebuchadnezzar himself, who war noted for their generosity—old Neb once gir his | right hand away ter an’ old maid named Jones, an’ | she died an’ left him a fortin’ o’ a milyun. Yer see ther streak o’ character dated back ter ther Antedi- | luve itself.” “Yes, Josh; and now I tell you what Ill ask of ou. You remember the young fellow you brought | ere—Gold Rifle?” * Yes, I reckon. What o’ him?’’ E Well, I want you to £° and hunt him up, and de- liver to him a pote which I shall give you. You may have to be absent a week, or even a month, before you find him; but after that you can have a whole wirter to yeurself in his company. With your wea- ns yov. caa supply yourself with food, and have Moly snort.’ “Yes, Miss May; but sense I’ve got a hankerin’ arter you, I kinder hate ter go tn “Pooh! Don’t be a baby now, or I shall say you've lost your character, Josh.”’ ‘Then I'll go, Miss May, darned if I won’t! W’'en i sling a shot at my character, like ther Hemper- ills of the olden time, I’m on my muscle.” So it was y oar, oe that Josh should depart at once, and he was furnished with a fine equipment, consist- ing of a fur-trimmed suit of buck-skin, a Sharpe's army rifle, pistols, knife, hatchet, snow-shoes and cooking utensils, and by the time he was ready to start, he had a horse-load of traps. Best of all, he was supplied with numerous articles of food, among which were several of the coveted pies, which Dolan had nt time in preparing for New Year’s, now but two days distant. Then mounting his horse, Josh bade a sorrowful adieu to the farm-house, and its occupants, all ex- cept Pat, to whom he gave a parting scowl, and set out over the white prairie into the western wilder- ness. May Maynard had some doubts about sending him adrift in mid-winter, for it seemed cruel to her, but when assured by the general that Josh was a good shot, and not the one to either starve or freeze, she felt better, and her young heart beat faster, and a lit- tle beauty-flush came upon her cheek as she thought of Kit Wagner, the Goid Rifle, and the surprise that would be his on the reception of her sealed note, which it was Josh’s business to deliver. And Josh, as he rode away further and further into the snow-bound wilderness, wore rather a grum ex- pression of countenance, **Neow et jest lucks to me like a kind uv a fraud!” he nonegties shutting one eye, obliquely. ‘I swow ef I don’t b'lieve thet Miss May’s jest bin a- humbuggin’ me, ter git rid o’ me. But mebbe I | ain’t right. Leasthow et looks crooked thet she'd want me to kerry a billy-doo ter thet aire Gold Rifle chap, ef she keers a plug o’ terbaccy fer Josiah Hemperhill.”’ The snow over which the Yankee directed his course, was formed into a heavy crust, capable of safely bearing up the weight of a horse;* it was easy traveling and there was chance to make good progress. Now, will you promise me to do mea Josh, however, with a bitter doubt tugging at his | to return to *n banished honest heart-strings, was in no hurr the farm-house, from which he had in so neat a manner. “Til hunt up thet Gold Rifle an’ keep my agree- ment with Miss May, anyhow,” he muttered, ‘fer | did kum frum thet’ll add ter ther strength o’ my character. T'll bet a copper thet Miss May’s laughin’ in her sleeve, now; but, sech is life, as old unkle Nebuchadnezzar | used ter say, when he corraled bugs on his pum’kin | vines. An’ thar’s thet blarsted Lrisher, too—hain‘t got no more character’n a lame gander, an’ he’s rinnin’, too, ter think he’s got ther hull field ter imself! But, I'll bet Miss May ‘ll set back his im- perdence, fer I still b’lieve she hain’t got eyes fer no one else but me.” Knowing that not enough snow had fallen since Christmas to obliterate a trail, Josh decided to re- = to the little valley in which Gold Rifle had de- uched from the secret passage, and here there | were chances that he could strike a trail that would | eventually bring him up to the sharpshooter. After about a half-hour’s ride he descended into the valley in rent and found a faint horse-trail sure enough, leading from the vicinity of the pas- sage along the valley to the westward. * That’s Gold Rifle’s trail, kerect,’’ Josh muttered, running his eye mea a valley, ‘“‘but the next thing ar’ ter foller it. Ef it doan’t play out, ’'llswow ef I don’t foller it, an’ overtake Mr.Gold Rifle in a jiffy.’ On looking at the sun he saw thatit was declini toward the western horizonrapidly, but he resdlvec to — on and accomplish what distance he could before night came on, for the open prairie was a poor bivouac-place, and he hoped to reach some conve- nient motte of timber in time to camp. Therefore he rode on through the clear sparking winter's afternoon, never seven from the plain trail which the hoof-strokes of Gold Rifle’s horse had made upon the crust, riding at a swift gallop, as he had done. Although Josh had been buta year in the Far West, maining among its strange men, he had picked ep a considerable smattering of prairie and woodcraft. He knew an Indian sign when he saw it, and had, on * Dakota papers remark upon the thickness and strength of the snow-crust during the mid-winter of which we write. Upon the plains its like was never known even by the oldest hunters and trappers, several occasions, scouted about and fetched in valu- able information tothe fort. Consequently he had less fear in going into the wilderness than though he had no experience. But now, as he rode along, his mind would back to the Maynard farm-house, and to the conolu- sion that he had been designedly banished from the light of May Maynard's beautiful eyes. “Et’s a. durned, doggoned shame,’’ he muttered, an’ I'll tell Miss May so, see’f£:I don’t. She orter hev hed sum respects fer a feller’s féelin’s, even ef I Yarmont. Reckon I’m as good as any gineral’s darter, ef I am green and gawky. | Thar war old Saltpeter Hemperhill, fer instance, who in hes boyhood war calkylated to be 2s gawky | as they make ’em. But thet ar’ feller had ther true solid basis character, and darned ef he didn’t rise up ter be trustee o’ ther Skimmerville school—an’ now ge Sa purtend ter say he’s runnin’ for Con gress. much fer character.” Following the course of the valley for a couple of hours, Josh then ascended to the level prairie, sti¥ directed by the snow trail. This he followed a rapidly as possible, and just at dusk sighted a motti of cottonwood timber ahead, which promised shelte for the night. He was considerably fatigued, and without eee of danger, he rode briskly forward and entered the woodland, where but little snow had fallen upon the ound, although the branches and houghs were eavily laden with the flakes. Dismounting in a well-protected snot, the Yankees turned his horse at liberty, and began making pre- epee for an evening campfire, when he was sud- enly and rudely interrupted. There was a chorus of savage yells, and he was quickly seized, thrown to the earth, and bound hand and foot. As quickly as he could collect his scatter- ed sen he looked around, and discovered that he was in the power of a band of red-skins, some twenty in number, who wore war-paint upon their faces, and were of a savage, repulsive aspect. Moreover, Josh saw by their head-dress, and the fancy carving upon their cheeks, that they were braves of the Sioux nation. Without offering any verbal explanation, the red- skins dragged their victim along through the wood- land by the heels, taking extra pains to take all the stones and stubs in their path. At last they reached a temporary Indian encampment of seven lodges, and Josh was placed, under guard, by a r camp-fire. In the course of an hour he was visited by a 1 portly chief, accompanied by nearly the whole camp. The chief was well known to the Yankee, for he had once participated in a hunt for the big war- a of the Sioux nation; and this chief was Sitting uu. A fugitive from the Black Hills country, there were months when his whereabouts were nee un- known, and these months were spent in do ging among the motte-islands of the great savannas 0 northern Dakota. : ‘““Wagh! Sitting Bull has seen the white Yankee before,” the chief said, a sudden wave of recognition passing over his grim countenance, so horrible in its decorative paint. ‘‘He chased the Sioux warriors from the fort, ere the shows. of wiuter made the plains white. Sitting Bull does not forget.” ““No, ye’re darned right!” Josh retorted, with a grin, as he thought of the mentioned occasion. ‘ “Ye’re durned right, old Chair-bottomer. An now thet ye’ve got me,I calkylate yell be after skulpin’ me, or roastin’ me?”’ ‘““No! Sitting Bull has even a better sport for his warriors. A wild young buffalo bull has been cap- tured, and shall take the Yankee toward the setting sun. Sitting Bull has said it.” A long lariat was fastened about Josh’s feet, and | he was again dragged through the timber—this time to where the western side of the motte met the prairie. Here the lariat was fastened to the hind legs of am untamed bull, and Josh was ready for rapid transit, Only about ten yards of rope intervened between him and the heels of the bull, and things promised to be mutually interesting. _The whole encampment. of savages had Ls this time gathered upon the prairie, and at a signal from Sitting Bull, there was a wild chorus of savage screeches, and the young bull gave a snarl of terror, and plunged madly away into the nightyout over @ boundless expanse of prairie, and dragging poor Josh ruthlessly along in the rear. CHAPTER VL HUNTING THE BLACK RANCH. On over the wintry plain plunged the terrified oung buffalo, with snorts and bellows, and at every ound of the strong young animal poor Josh wai jerked along, at a terrible speed—now on his back and then on his belly, in and out of hollows, ove hummocks, and through bushes—it seemed that ht infuriated war-horse would never stop. In vain he endeavored to sit up long enough tc presp the rope with his hands, which were now ut each time he was jerked back, and subject to the agony of his wild ride. It was fortunate that the snow-crust covered most of the rough ts over which they went, or he could not have re ed. hig consciousness, during the first ten minutes of his i journey. But, despite the snow, his clothes were torn and his skin blistered. The motte island encampment of Sitting Bull and. 4 his warriors was left far behind, and the buffalo was heading due westward toward a long line of tim that grew upon the shores of the little Adder. oe
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- deliver it safely to - om the 16th of January, that being the Ned anniversary of my birth, Y a “ Although it was a dark night, the groundwork of white had the effect to make objects at a consider- able distance visible to the naked eye; hence, Josh discovered their approach to the timber when they were yet some distance away, and was now assailed with double fears for his personal safety. Of course, should the bull attempt to pass through the timber, all hope of his escaping alive was lost; to be dragged along through the timber would be al- most instant death. Nearer and nearer to the timber they approached, and Josh's hair began to stand on end at the pros- ct ahead of him, when there was a sharp, ring- g rifle report, a bellow of pain, and the bull went crashing forward to the ground, The impetus of the fall nearly jerked the wits out of Josh, but he soon recovered to find the buffalo floundering in death-throes at his feet. With his unloosened hands he soon had his feet at liberty, and rose to gaze around him. He was not a hundted yards from the edge of the timber, and yet he could see nothing of the where- abouts of any person from whom the death-shot might have come. The bullet had struck the buffalo in the lower part of the neck, and penetrated to the “Waal, I’m ther luckiest cuss afoot, darn my socks ef I ain’t!’”? Josh muttered, finding that his strong Sharpe’s army rifle was still lashed to his back, and his belt weapons all intact. ‘‘Reckon all I’m lacking ar’ a hoss an’ grub, an’ Iswow ef I’m goin’ back ter ther general's, ontil Miss May gits luv- " gick over me, and sends fer me ter cum back ter her arms. No, siree; thar’s too much 0’ ther old Nebu- chadnezzar Hemperhill solid basis character in me, fer that. Tl bet ther gal’s a-sobbin’ after me now, these females are so capricious, unless—unless that osh-darned Irisher is puttin’ on his graces. Blast i, why didn’t they send him out hayr, too?” **Because two o’ a kind is fo much even fer good nature to tolerate!” spoke a pleasant voice, and a handsome form loomed up through the dark- ness. “ Hello! I'll be jugg you Me ae oe you ar-. rons, at t hav hens heed 6a . ss se a € right of a protector and rdjan—the right: of a randfather|” retorted the trader, defiantly. ‘The little devil bas wandered away from home and I'llsee that he goes back in a hurry.” xi Then you have to do with the outlaw’s Black Ranch, eh?” demanded the general, sternly. say cae, "ical Catal cei gach f a ea sucha Place. j ut there being» 5 dare say you know all about it. B will not trust to your testimony in this case. “the: child is too aay Sage know the meaning of a lie, and we will believe him in preference to you, whorn we all know so well. Step aside, sir, and let me question the lad!” At first Toleman hesitated, end w, re ea Bisa ben debahviing of the general's sword had e re general them rode closer to the winter-waif. oe ® je Your name is Jack, eh, little fellow?” ‘ Yes, sir. » you ever get this far “Yes. I should say so. If nothing happens, wo se
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‘eral Maynard muttered, running his “awa » * And your mamma’s name—” “Dunno; fordot.” **She is a prisoner in the Black Ranch?” *'Yes, sir.”’ “Do you know this man?” pointing out the elder Toleman. “Yes. He bad man! He comes and say very bad, wicked words to mamma, dat make her cry.”’ “Ha! and is there any one else here among this crowd, whom you have seen at the Black Ranch?” **No!” replied the boy, after a glance around, “Tiger Track he’s very bad to mamma, so she git Injun to send me off here. I fought o’ mamma’s name, now. It is Mamma Mabel!” General Maynard started violently in his saddle, and gazed eagerly at the boy. “What! what! Mabel—Mabel what, boy?’ and the veteran was terribly excited. ‘Speak! what is the ‘remainder of your mother’s name?” “T don’t know!’’ the boy replied, growing fright- ened. ‘“ Name jest Mamma Mabel!” “Mabel! Mabel! my God, can it be eae Gen- and across his eyes, “Gentlemen ’’—turning to the curious crowd, **I believe that I am on the eve of a discovery that will enlighten me concerning a lost one who has been dead to me for the last ten years. I therefore claim the right to this boy, until I learn more defi- nitely what I wish to know. Are you willing I shall take him with me?” “Ay! ay!’ was the rousing shout in concert, for the general was highly respected by the large share of the settlers, ‘The boy is yours.” * And, my men, I may call upon you to assist in attacking this unknown nest of the outlaws, the Black Ranch. Can I rely i your eid?” ‘Ay! ay! general!” was the eager response, * We're with you, heart and soul,” Then General Maynard rode away toward his farm-house, leading the horse which bore Master Jack, by his side. When they arrived at the farm-house, little Jack was taken to the ool where May gave him a lov- ing welcome, and before an hour had passed he was uite at home, although he occasionally mentioned “mamma,” which showed that she, whoever she was, had a deep hold upon his childish affection, Nothing was said on the subject to the boy, but May and the General had along talk about hor and the Black Ranch. “Tt is undoubtedly my Mabel,’ the old man said, bowing his head in his hands, ‘* who has been lost to me these twenty years. Poor Mabel! to think that she is languishing in a barbarous prison, when she might be here, a comfort to my declining years,” “And who is this Mabel?’? May Maynard asked, ba interest. ‘‘ You never told me of her hereto- ore.” * Because I did not wish to bring up the past. May, you little know all the disgrace I have suffered in ny ar years, and 1 may as well give you a brief of the story, to-day. Mabel was my first and only daughter. Don’t start, my dear, for I will ex- plain about you, by and by. Mabel, as I said, was my first daughter and also my only child by mar- e. Her mother died upon giving birth to her, and Mabel was placed under the charge of a compe- tent nurse. During the succeeding seventeen years, I must confess that I was little with my child; war to- gether with a multitude of other matters, kept me fo. a most part of the time, Yet I had a handsome home on the Hudson, which I had inheri- ted, and was able to rear my child in luxury and give her all the advantages of education, At the e of seventeen she was the belle of her social cir- cle, and I ors na to entertain hopes of her making an eligible match, About this time I saw a chance for gigantic speculations in Western railroads, and disposing of all my eastern property, moved away to this country. And it was the curse of my life, for in three short months I had no daughter, she having secretly wedded a man of questionable character, and had filed. I heard afterward that he became the chief of a band of robbers, For the recovery of my child I searched and toiled until the outbreak of the great war between the North and the South; then havi not to deter me, I rejoined the army and fought until victory was ours, and I had attained the hon- ors of generalship, wich, ‘thank God, I never dis- . Just a year or two before the war I took fe ph amie youas my own child, from the death- of a gallant old officer of the regular army, and have reared you under my name, as you were such an exact image of what my Mabelonce was, Your real name is May Faulkland, but you are welcome to mine own, until you make a choice of a husband, and may God grant that your choice be crowned with ame yee, d but d beli it possibl es, dear a; but do you eve e that the Mabel of. whom this ttle boy speaks, can be your ang, "mg daughter?” * Ves. y, I do candidly believe that the prisoner of the Black Ranch, and my long-lost Mabel are the same. Indeed, the child, pout bears a striking resemblance to Mabel, as she looked when last I saw “And, do you know, papa, there is another, whose features resemble those in yonder portrait—which is of your lost daughter, is it not?” “Yes, that is a correct portrait of Mabel; and to Yes ya do you Lys fs i re 3} @ young man who was flying to escape the mob, on Christmas—Gold Rifle.” “Ha! is that so? I did not notice, Iam sure.” “*Yes, I was struck at once with the resemblance ?etween the two, but Idid not speak of it, as one meets resembling each other who en- not the slightest degree of relationship.” Gold Rifle. cae 7 “Well, if this is so, I should like to see the young | corner of the Black Ranch? I have no doubt but . man again, for he may indeed be the child of my daughter by her outlaw husband, for it seems to me that the name of Wagner is not foreign to my mein- ory. Whether or not I have heard it in connection with the name of my daughter’s husband, I do not know. After leaving home she was called Agnes, He changed his name, doubtless, after he became an outlaw.”’ “Well, what do you propose to doin this case, be- lieving that Mabel is indeed alive and in the mysteri- ous Black Ranch?’’ “Do? why I shall organize a company out of the trappers and hangers-on at the settlement, and start to the rescue at once. And, while! think of it, *twould be a good plan to start at once, while Master Jack’s horse’s trail remains distinct. No doubt by it, and the little fellow’s direction—for he is observant and as keen as a razor—we can find the den of cutlaws without much trouble. And then we must take it /” **Oh! twould be glorious fun, papa!’’ May cried with a zest. “I should love to be along. Can ft go, please—can I? I can dress up in my male hunting costume, and you know that I’m a capital shot. May, I gor’ “Yes, child, even though it may be to instant death, for I fear to leave you here alone and un- yrotected, with two such heartless wretches hover- ing at the settlement, as Jacob Toleman and Boover Legree. Yes, get yourself and outfit in readiness, at once, for I shall start as soon as I can ride back to the settlement and equip my men.” “Why not take the soldiers, papa?” “Beeause they would be of little or no service in this kind of work, I want men who will know what 1 mean when I say fighkt/ Such are found among our hunters and scouts. As I said before, get your- self ready; arm ,yourself thoroughly, and pruvision and clothe yourself for a long siege, for it may be months ere we get back from our journey.” Then the general arose and left the parlor, to order his horse, and May also hastened to her room to prepare for her expedition into the wilderness, which she was confident would be a source of great delight to her. For she was a lover of the ride and hunt and wild life incident to camping out; had on more than ons occasion scoured the plains in search of game, and proven herself,an unerring shot. And it was a pleasurable thought to her, that, by going now, she might be able to do good to a suffering sister; then, too, *way down in her young heart there was the jeast bit of a hope that, in the path of their journey, they might run across the young sharpshooter, Gold Kifle. For the young hunier and scout was constantly on her mind, and haunted her dreams, until she had grown to listen expectantly for his footstep, and dream sweet dreams of him, in whose face there was so much that was noble, First of all she provided herself with and donned a semi-male hunting suit of buck-skin, which had done her service in many a prairie tournament, be- fore, and fitted her to perfection, Then she armed herself with a Sharpe’s mid-range rifle, and revolvers and knife. Her horse, a handsome bay animal was then brought arovnd by Pat Dolan, and the saddle-bags equipped with a good stack of cold meats and other provision for the coming campaign. By the time all this was accomplished, the general arrived at the farm-house with twenty men whom he had enlisted in his service at the settlement. They were iar a trappers and fur-traders, a rough, but kindly-disposed band. The general had been careful in selecting his men, for he well knew that a great deal depended upon théir skill and trustiness. A well-stocked larder ever being a fact in the May- nard mansion, the band were all provisioned there before starting, for little of the game kind was to be found for the searching in the snow-bound wilder- ness. At last everything was in readiness, and with the white-haired old general in the lead, and May by his side, leading the fore of little Master Jack, the cav- alcade set off over the snow-crust toward the Black Ranch—for General Maynard had secured the servi- ces of an old trapper who had seen the famous out- laws’ den, and was confident he could guide the party to it without any trowlde. CHAPTER VIII. GOLD RIFLE’S DARING VENTURE—A TRAP THAT CAUGHT —FROM LIGHT TO DARKNESS, From the Black Ranch, it would have been com- evathbon | an easy matter to have detected the two orsemen as they stopped in full view upon a crest of white. Gold Rifle was well aware of this, and ha but little doubt that their rash advance had al y been discovered, he knew it would be neces- sary to hunt a place of refuge; hence his words at the conclusion of a late chapter. Glancing sharply around he sought and found a place which he knew would better answer their pur- pose, in case of an attack, than the open ick It Was a small motte of a few scattering cottonwoods, which w around a buffalo wallow; yet it com- manded a view on all sides, and was the best cover to be had in the vicinity. “Tf it were not that we are obliged to leave a snow- trail,” Sarnere detective said, as he and Josh made haste to take possession of the motte—‘ if it were not for this, we might evade the cusses yet.” “How d’ye kno’ they’ve seen us yet?’ was the Yankee’s demand, for he was one who believed in looking on the best side until it came to the worst. “I don’t know for positive, but it looks very likely. You notice that there is a high tower rising from one br) that is a watch tower. ‘“ Waal, mebbe yer right. But, what’s tier use o’ outlaws coming out heer? I swow ter breeches ef they ain't foolish ter think o’ fightin’ men o’ solid basis character like me an’ you!” ‘“Correct; but that. makes no difference with them. They fight all men alike and I reckon they’re pretty rough customers to handle. Nor dol believe that they confine their depredations and doings alone to rie Mie in this country. Tome, it stands toreason that they could not exist upon the few pelts they capture and dispose of—they wouldn't fetch moie than enough to suply the gang with bad whisky. And, then, the surrounding expanse of territory for miles and miles offers no great inducement for raid- ing*and plunder. No, sir; there is a deeper some thing behind all this outlaw business, and I’m the one that is going to unravel the ball or bu’st, you hear me! Already I’ve got my mind glued onto the business, and I’m going through with it.” Turning their horses’ heads while they were con- versipg, they rode away to the motte, and dismount- ed. Here the ground was less covered with snow, _and with easily extemporized shovels of bark they soon had a large space cleared to earth on which ta build a fireandcamp. This operation piled the snow up around them so as to quite hide their camp, and kept off the sharp cutting wind, told Rifle had in his saddle-bags a piece of raw venison, yet, large enough to last for a couple of meals, and they concluded to use this first, and re- serve their other provender for the future, Leaving Josh to prepare, the evening meal, Gold Rifle left their snow fortifications, ad scouted about the camp. : He could find no signs of enemies in the neighbor- hood, nor were there any signs of < pep out- laws from the Ranch. This was arelief to the yo sharpshooter, for he had no desire to fight agaims odds of twenty to one. In the direction of the Black Ranch all was quiet; evidently the outlaws had not discovered their ap- proach, Scouting through to the western side of the motte, the young detective made another important dis- covery, namely—the existence of a ceep, sluggish stream of water. It was now frozen over, with a glassy-like surface, caused by an overflow and freeze. That it was deep and still water, Gold Rifle determined by the banks which were full to a level with the grounding. This stream ran through a deep and extremely narrow valley which opened abruptly down from the west- ern side of the motte—a sort of channel thrvugh Nature’s cold white face, and by followiug its course as far as eyesight would allow, Gold Rifie came tu the conclusion that the stream ran in its northerly branch not far from the site of the Elack Ranch,‘ for along both edges of the valley grew fringes of a species of sage-bush, and these he could see a long a, in the direction of the ranch, eturning to camp he found Josh ready to serve up their meal, and while they partook of the venison, he related his ciscovery of the stream. “T believe it’s the only way I can approach any nearer to the outlaws’ nest than I am now,” he said, thoughtfully, “for to go over the prairie is cer- tain discovery. Luckily, I am provided with teal of good skates, and the stream goes by within gunshot of the ranch, I’m bound to get that near, anyhow.” ‘Yas; but whar’m I goin’ ter sport while ye’re doin’ this?’ questioned yap with a grim look. “D'ye calkylate I’m goin’ ter foller at yer heels, an’ run the risk 0’ gettin’ my head blowed off? Ef 1am a — o’ character, I hain’t hankerin’ after losin’ my top-knot.”’ R Oh! no danger about you! It will be your duty to stay here and take care of the horses and the camp. You can keep an occasional look-out to pre- vent being surprised and captured, and await my return, which will be tcaboaiitetely after I spy out all that is requisite to =. lans. If the cusses get me in a trap, why probably you won't see me at an and had tter go back to the fort and give the rm, Darkness was by this time enshrouding the earth, and Gold Rifle determined to cover the ce be- tween him and the Black Ranch while it lasted. For, he argued, the place would be less on guard should he arrive at the dead of night, and he would have a favorable opportunity to get inside the walls. Looking carefully to the condition of his rifle and revolvers, he bade Josh adieu, and leaving the camp, descended the narrow valley to the ice. Here paused long enough to affix to his boots a handsome pair of regulation skates, and then he darted ra pidly away over the Pray surface of the river like a bi.d. The course of the river was very tortuous ana de- ceptive, and it soon became apparent to the young detective that to reach the Ranch he must accom- plish about twice the distance that would have been necessary, bad he gone overland. But he cared not for this, as the skating was exesi- lent, and he enjoyed it hugely. Every stroke sent him nearer and nearer to his destination, In two hours’ time he concluded he must be in biped Loe panned to the Ranch, —_ poner: acken is speed, finally co a , With his skates still fastened to his feet, he left the ice, and cautiously ascended so that his face was‘n a level with the prairie. He gazed around, It was a dark, moonless ea yet he was able to homers va an at a considerable distance, the snow lighting up the und, dimly. The Ranch now lay to the north-east of h several miles, but by the line of bushes which fri the valley, he saw what he had before surmiscd— that the stream and valley wound close to the Rancn’
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ne ees Sa 8, on the northern side, but just how close he was yet unable to determine. Going back to the river, he resumed his journey on the ice, making strangely weird music with his ringing skates. he remaining distance he accomplished in another half hour, without much exertion, and found him- self inan abrupt bend in the course of the stream, just around which was the Black Ranch, in close roximity to the banks. The high plank fence, in ‘act, ran out to the very edge of the bank, and only the upper part of the Ranch could be seen over its p. After he had brought himself as near as he dare, without exposing himself, he sat down and took off his skates, and secreted them in the butt of a.-hollow log which ended up through the ice. Wrapping his precious rifle in oil-cloth, he also secreted it in among the bushes, reserving for use only his revol- i ee ae vers and knife, for in close quarters he knew these | would answer his purpose better than a rifle. His next move was to creep stealthily up among the fringe of hen-sage, and lying low, make obser- vations. All about the place was deepest quiet. There were no lights, no signs of life—nothing in sight to tell that the grim structure within the black painted-fence was inhabited by humans. Nor was there a sound of nature afloat on the night, unless, maybe, it was the snap peculiar to all bodies of ice on a sharp night. There was no light in the tower which arose a seore of feet above the main building at the south- western corner, and after watching for some time without seeing any one, Gold Rifle came to the con- clusion that there was no sentinel posted to-night. Satisfied on this, he crept from his concealment over the snow toward the fence. This was rapidl : fully fteen feet high, and he knew that if he could | once get in its shadow, it would be one strong point | gained in his favor. And his rapidity of movement soon brought him safel and listened. The same dead, ghostly silence still prevailed up- on the prairie and around the Ranch, and the young detective could but draw the conclusion that the paace | was wrapt in slumber. ' Still, with this knowledge, very few men of older years than Gold Rifle, would have cared to venture so boldly under the very shadow of such a death den as was the Black Ranch, by repute. After listening to assure himself that no one had been disturbed ha his coming, Gold Rifle sat down and took off his boots, and bid them in the snow where to find them again, for at present time of action their crunching onto the crust was danger- ous. AS a substitute to protect his feet from the cold, he drew upon his feet heavy fur moccasins, which were among. the mysterious contents of his haversack. He was then ready for business, and first of all, made a tour of inspection around the mighty fence, stopping now and then and endeavoring to peer be- tween the cracks, without avail. The darkness in- side preventing his seeing anything of the interior. there, and he stood up alongside the fence ' } | to move lest that act should bring to Upon the southern side he found two ponderous | gates, made like the fence of heavy plank, and bar- red on the inside. Here, evidently, was the only en- trance and exit of the Ranch. Here, also, Gold Rifle saw the fresh imprint of horses’ hoofs, showing that some one had recently entered the yard from off the prairie. Going all around the Ranch, he arrived at the t he had started from, and throwing off his outer, or hunting, jacket, he set silently and noise- lessly to work. With bis stout hunting-knife, he cut out in square cakes a large space of snow crust, taking care to work under the dark shadow of the fence, These cakes he made about two feet square, and when pried out they had a solid thickness of about five inches, and were all a person would care to earry. After cutting over a hundred of these, a task which occupied fully an hour, he carried them close ta the fence, and began piling tham up in order a stairs, until he had elevated them so that by standing on the last step he could just peer over the top of the fence. In two minutes after the completion of his novel . HalfDime Library. “Ha! ha! you poans hawk, you didn’t escape us so nice, after all, did ye?” he leered. yourself in our man-trap, neatly. Now intend ter spend much breath over ye, but I've gota few questions ter ask ye. Ye’re Wild Walt Wag- ner’s kid—that we know. dad?” ‘“*Rind out, and you'll know!” retorted Gold Rifle. “‘T'll not tell ye.” “All right; we won’t urge you. Search him, boys, and then cast him into the pit, without bonds. te ean‘t never git out—that’s bin proven.” A hurried search of Gold Rifle’s clothing was ac- cordingly made, and an old letter found and handed to Jacob Toleman. He tore it open, and perused it eagerly, his villainous countenance assuming a more pa expression. When he had finished he said: “Tt’s a couple of months old, but here’s what it says: ‘Dear Son:—When this reaches you I shall have left our mountain home, and taken the gold to a safer hiding-place. On my return, I have a great mission to perform—this is to rescue_your dear mo- ther and my wife from captivity. Only yesterday I got an inkling that she whom we have so long mourned as dead, is living and a prisoner in Tiger Track’s stronghold, If you can do anything, do it quickly, for our mutual sake. Your FarHeEr.”’ **So ye thought you’d come and search for yer mother, did ye, boy? Well, we’re goin’ ter give ye a chance, among the human skeletons as will keep he company in the pit. D’ye know where Wild Valt is?” ‘No! I wouldn't tell, if I did!” returned Gold Rifle indignantly. ‘ He'll be the death of you, yet.” No more was said; the four men pounced upon him, and though he struggled with all his power, they bore him to a well-like opening in the center o the floor, and pitched him over into it, headfore- most. Down—down—down went the young sharpshooter into the black depths, and the four ruffians turned | away with horrible chuckles, as though the work were nothing unusual to them—a sort of by-play to pass away time. CHAPTER IX. IN THE EARTH—GOLD RIFLE’S ACTION. “You put | then, I don’t | Now, then, whar’s yer | Wuen Gold Rifle found himself going down head:;! foremost into the pit of darkness, he felt sure that he was going to his death, yet had the presence of mind to make a desperate attempt to turn over, so that he would strike upon his feet. Whether or not he succeeded, he never knew; all he realized was a terrible jar, then a blank came, and he knew no more. How long he lay in this condition of course he could not tell, but at last there came an awakening. He opened his eyes. Everything that had passed came clearly to him, and in a second he knew that he had been cast into the pit beneath the Ranch. For many minutes he lay te quiet, fearful 1im the discoy- ery that some limb had been broken or misplaced, He could feel no soreness as he lay upon the ground, and after awhile came to the conclusion that he was not hurt at all, and with an effort rose te his feet. He now found that he had sustained no injuries otherwise than a severe shock which had minds his | lower limbs rather stiff, and that he was still better snow stairs, he had drawn himself up on the top of | the fence, and giving a hurried glances, he dropped | lightly down into the yard—and into the grasp of half a dozen men who had all the time been crouch- ing in a black shadow. In vain the young detective fought to free himself from the iron grasp upon him, and to get at one of bis revolvers. But he might as well have tried to reise the earth. .fa was borne down upon the snow, and bound se- curely, hand and foot, and then carried between ‘four brawny outlaws into the Black Ranch, which was 2 monster building, ee constructed and repellent in its midnight color. In through a series of halis and entries, and then finally the captors halted in the center of a long wide apartment, fur- nished only with rude settees. Gold Rifle was placed on one of these, and allowed the privilege of a up. The room was brilliantly lighted with chandeliers containing lamps, and the young detective hada chance to see who his captors were. One he remembered of having seen at the Christ- mas turkey shoot, and heard addressed as Jacob Toleman—one of the foremost in denouncing Gold Rifle as the outlaw, Tiger Track. The others were masked, but that they were some of the ens in there could be no doubt, . Tho trader advanced now, a devilish expression of * jubilance upon his face, > than half a dozen dead men. He stood for many minutes at loss what to do. Around him all was Stygian gloom. He could not even see his hand in front of his face, Above, many hundred feet, it seemed, was a tiny round speck of light, and this he knew emanated from the roc of the Black Ranch, from which he had been hurled in- to the pit. He was in a hole, deep down in the bowels of the earth, which was intended as his tomb. That others had died here was plainly evidenced by the terrible stench that prevailed—a deathly, sickening odor of decaying bodies, _ it was, and a shudder escaped Gold Rifle, as he breathed the foul atmosphere. ‘“Urh!” he muttered, half fearing to stir; ‘‘ this is about ther worst dose of perfume I ever got. What's to be did? that’s the question before ther Investiga- tin’ Committee. A feller can’t remain long in this stench and live; and as long’s I’m hull-boned yet, I ain’t a-going to say die. The first requisite is a light, and I have the very article of production in my coat- sleeve pocket, which is handier than a pocket ina shirt, Glad them chaps were kind enough to leave m5 hands and feet free.’ ending over, he fumbled in his capacious right coat-sleeve, which contained a leathern pocket, and soon produced a Half of asperm candle and some matches. One of these he struck upon his sleeve, | and then ignited the candle, and had a bright light, which illuminated the bottom of the pit with start- ling distinctness. What he saw was but evidence of what he had been given reason to expect. He was in a tomb, deep down in the bowels of the earth—a place of the dead, rather than the living. Allaround were strewn skeletons, skulls, and half-decayed corses—close at hand lay a body that apparently had not yet entered into decom tion—that of a man past forty years of age, At one side of the pit was a deep hole in the bot- tom, with a body half-dragged into it, and close at hand lay a shovel and a pick. ' To Gold Rifle, the meaning of this was quite plain. The stench rising out of the pit being too great in the Ranch above, a man had been sent. down ‘by the outlaws to bury the dead, but weakening when the A horrible place | job was half complete the fellow had backed out, — and left his tools behind him. And to Gold Rifle this was next to a reprieve, for he knew in an instant that the pick and shovel meant life and liberty to him. Sticking the candle into a thumb-denture in the wall, he seized the shovel and began rolling the de- cayed bodies into the grave. It was a trying piece of work, and any man but one with iron nerves must have fainted in the stench around. But, work- ing for life and liberty ever lends to man extraordi- nary endurance, and at last the job was finished; every corse,or evidence thereof, was rolled into the grave, and the dirt ea copiously upon them. As a natural result, the stench In the pit became less and less offensive, and in half an hour the at» mosphere below was quite breathable. At least, it seemed so to Gold Rifle, after the sickening ordeal he had passed through. His candle was burning low, and having but one more in his pocket, he knew that he must needs get to work toward escaping. He had already formed his plans; for his hands and brains had each been busy. He would cut a spi- ral stairway of steps around the pit, from the bot- tom to the top! It was fully thirty feet to the floor above, but what of that? ife, liberty, vengeance, all awaited his exertions. He had faith in his suc- cess to work out his fully-formed plan, by aid of the shovel and his bunting-knife— for, strange to say, the outlaws had not sy ip him of his weapons. So commencing, he cut a deep indenture into the econ siding, and worked from that, step by step, he ground was of tenacious vlay, but this was all the better for him, asit made his staircase of earth - all a bette oy fith all his strength he worked away, throwin, the soft dirt into the bottom of the pit, eae thereby" 3 effectually shutting out the scent of the dead bodies. By the time his candle was half-spent, he had two ' circles of his stair-case completed, and was about i half-way up from the bottom of the pit, Although much fatigued by his exhaustive labor. he did not pause but kept determinedly on, for he knew that he must needs accomplish the remainin distance while his light held out, and he caleculat the candle, which was a whole one, would last about Gitey ee in all. i e hour and minute hands of his watch poin x to the hour of twelve, but he was unable’ to et whether it was noon, or midnight, not knowing how, long he had been insensible. ( Believing by the state of his stomach that it must be noon, he paused long enough to partake of the / scraps of venison which were in his haversack.. He then went on digging resolutely, and worked until he found that he must he to exhaustion, and rest, He accordingly ceased his work, and digging out a . deep hole in the dirt, enconsced himself in if, and went off into a sound, refreshing sleep, first, how- ever, blowing out his candle. When he awoke, a couple of hours later, he felt : greatly refreshed and strengthened, and set to work ° zain. For two hours he labored, and then, when he was within ten feet of the opening into the room above, his candle wholly expired. ft But this was not so great a disappointment now, ! as sufficient light for his Ea ose came down from | above. Right here he dug* cut, in addition to his staircase, a large, deep cavity in the earth siding of the pit, in what he cencluded was the northern He spent several hours in its construction, for he meant that it should be large enough so that two per- sons could move ahout hantitte j Two persons— for with remarkable daring his form- ed plans now included the rescue of his mother, and escape by way of this very pit! After he had completed the little cave, he proceed- ed to complete his stairease, working carefully, and with as little noise as possible, for there was now danger of being overheard by the outlaws, should any of them chance to be in the room overhead. _ Therefore, though swiftly, he worked silently, and in the course of half an hour he had attained a stand- ing position from whence he could grasp the ficor rim above with his two hands without falling, so that it would be an easy matter to draw himself up out of the now half filled pit. i But this he was not anxious to do immediately. He had been caught by the outlaws once, and if he was to be caught again, he meant that it should not be for lack ef precaution on his part. Finishing the last step necessary, he returned to his little cave, ten feet below, and sat down to rest and listen. Irom here almost everything going on in the room overhead could be distinctly heard. Some time elapsed before Gold Rifle heard any sound; then came the tramp of heavy-booted feet, and aman peered over into the pit, with a strange, hollow laugh. Directly afterward, the lights in the room were turned low, and Gold Rifle heard the fel- low tramp away. ‘““Humph!” he muttered, “I guess the coast is clear now, and I can go up safely. Reckon that cha was a guard, and it will be my duty to silence him if he gets in my way. The room above evidently is not used except on éccasions when the band meets to try a fellow-mortal for some offense, and chuck him down into the pit.” Leaving the shovel in the cave, and arran knife and revolvers in a convenient position, the young detective set out on his daring venture, the power of his strong rage arms he drew Pomel up out of the pit into the room. He was now free, in one sense—free from imprisonment in that deep, darksome earth-dungeo de. « bis | n. It will be remembered that he left his hoots in the _ snow, outside of the gryat fence; therefore h I now me: nearly noise , Clad in hig thiek, ‘wards “ moc
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: : Gliding into one corner of the room where the shadows were the thickest, he crouched down upon ove of the rude settees and waited. He had as yet not fixed upon any plan of immediate action, but he knew that it was necessary that he should, for he could not remain long undiscovered. Indeed, he now heard the -‘lumsy-footed guard asigen J back, with muttered curses upon some object which he had dropped. ‘“Ken’t be I drapped it inter ther pit!’’ he growled, tramping into the room, and approaching the black hole in the floor. ‘ Wouldn't ’a’ lost thet plug 0’ ter- »aecy fer a counterfeit dollar, ’ca’se thar ain’t no more mm ther Ranch, ef old Jim Bender, the quarter- master, don't lie. Kinder *spect Jim’s hid ther weed fer his own use, and wants ter make ther b’yees go wi'out, durn his old hide, an’—”’ “Halt! One move or word and you die!’ came a low command, accompanied by the click, click, of a revolver lock, ‘‘Stand perfectly still, without look- ing either way, or over you go into that pit, eend over eend, as sure’s thar’s strength enough in six fel- lers to put ye thar.” The guard obeyed, with a muttered curse. He dare not disobey, when he felt the cold muzzle of a revolver touch the back of his neck. With the strong deer thong straps which he al- ways carried in his pocket, Gold Rifle securely bound the ruffian’s hands behind him, and then ‘wheeled him around so that they faced each other. “There yeare, my man!” he said, with a chuckle ‘taken a prisoner just as nice as you ene? Couldn’t have done it better yourself, could you?—There! take care ye don’t speak loud, or I'll send vou where they have ‘brimstone hash for board. Yow, then, since you’re my prisoner, I have a perfect right to subject you to a rigorous course of questionin which may not be at all to your liking, but whic you must swallow and digest as you would a sugar- noated oo “And also you must answer every question, and if ou don’t, and go a-tryin’ ter yell, or talk loud to at- ract attention, or any dodge games, down goes your shanty into that pit o’ the dead, like a double- distilled thunderbolt! D’ye hear?" The man assented by a nod of his head, He knew it wasn’t his trump flop, yet, CHAPTER X. QUESTIONING—FALSE HA’R—PLAYING GUARD—A CAP- TURE AND ESCAPE INTO THE CAVE. “WELL, then,’ continued Gold Rifle, gliding away, and closing the door which the guard had left Hpen, and also turning on a greater per of light'from the lamps, “the first question I shall ask you is what is your name? Answer in a low prompt tone, and you'll not be harmed.” “My name’s Mose Renfrau!’’ was the sullen re- sponse. “Mose Renfrau, eh? Do you belong to Tiger Track’s outlaws?” ““No—I belong to Gang 2.”” *“*What’s that?” “The gang w’at works inside. The outlaws ar’ No. 1, and. hev nothin’ ter do wi’ us fellers.”’ “Ohl! that’s the lay-out is it? You're a guard then?” *“Yes! I have charge of the whole building—a beat through every hall to see that all is right.” * Do you ever enter the rooms?” “Ov course; I hev ter give ther signal and they {et me in.” “What is the signal?” *Go find out—I'll not tell ye.” **You won’t, eh?” Gold Rifle reminded, seizing him and forcing him forward toward the hole of the it—‘‘ then down ye go, end over end,” The fellow’s face assumed a white, sccred look as he was confronted by the yawning abyss, and he trembled in every limb. “Yes! yes! I'll tell,” he gasped, his teeth chat- tering, ‘“‘ only don’t shove me down in that grave. What is it you want to know?” * The signal you spoke of.” “Well, it is five successive light raps upon the door. One feller never speaks ter ernuther, durin’ workin’ hours.” Gold Rifle gazed at the guard sharply, to see if he was lying, but he was evidently not, judging from his countenance. But, one thing did not escape the lynx eyes of the young detective—a ragged edge of hide where the hair and beard met above the ear. “See here!’’ he exclaimed, grimly, ‘‘ you ain’t ther chap ye seem, at all. What means this?’’ and with his hands he jerked off first a long false beard, and then a wig of bair. * What kind of a crooked game are ye tryin’ ter play, anyhow?" 1¢ nan swore roundly in French, and his eyes looked like balls of fire. Shorn of his hirsute pos- sessions, he appeared a man of thirty-five, smooth- faced, and the very photcers h of that was evil. “You may as well out with it,” said Gold Rifle, ‘for I know that you are not here without an object. You are under disguise, and have some plan afoot, or you would not be here. Needn’t be afraid to tell me, for I’m a detective, and don’t want any- thing more to do with you than can be helped. What are ores here for, you sasecal?” “To kill Tiger Track, the outlaw!” replied the man, fiercely, “I have been here a year for that purpose, and still Tiger Track lives.” ‘““What wrong has he ever done you?” “Ruined my wife, and afterward murdered her to” t rid ot her, Do you not think I ought to hate “Y should say yes. And now, are we to be friends or enemies? ou evidently care nothing for the band, except to accomplish your object; Iam here to rescue my mother who has long Leen a prisoner Rom. o ai vs bk Sa - Pe = — re - © ‘ PME A: = 2 eR PEE eA EE Cy a ee as Gold Rifle. “» é in Tiger Track’s power. You can let me have your place as guard, until I get her free, and then assume this disguise again for your own plans.” “Correct; but where will I stay during all that time?’ **Down in the pit. The dead are all far under the ground and there is no smell. You can remain there, and I will lower you down provisions. If a day goes by without your hearing from me, you can come up by aid of a stairway I have cut into the earth. You will find your trappings in this room.” They talked at considerable length, and after giv- ing Gold Rifle all the information possible, Renfrau consented to be lowered into the pit, on conditions that Gold Rifie would not forget the food. This the young detective promised, and procuring a long, stout rope, he lowered the Frenchman into the pit. He then donned the wig and false beard, after which he closely resembled the man whose place he was usurping. The first round he made of the beat, he was watchful and ready for defense, should his assumption be detected. e passed several men in the long halls of the Ranch, but none ot them paid the least attention to him. After making half a dozen rounds, according to Renfrau's directions, he repaired to the cook-room and got his morning meal, which consisted of veni- son and corn-dodgers, for which he had a strong relish. So strong, in fact, that he managed to store away five of the dodgers in his pockets. These he dropped down to Renfrau, on his return to the audience-room, Of the elder Toleman he had seen nothing, and no one mentioned him. The outlaws, he found to occu- py quarters in the south-eastern part of the build: ing, where they remained, hardly ever venturing in- to ee other parts. A day and a night passed, and still Gold Rifle re- mained on guard duty. The larger part of the da he was allowed to sleep, as there were plenty ast throughout the Ranch; night was when his services came into requisition. Although he had been nearly all through the Ranch he had not stumbled upon the room which contained the imprisoned Agnes Wagner, his long-lost mother. Renfrau bad told him that she was somewhere in the great building, but even he did not know exactly where, But there was one discovery he had made—one which no one outside the outlaw clique had ever sus- cted. The Black Ranch was *n reality a alg he al den, where base coin Was manufactured and finished for the market. Gold Riifle had been in five rooms devoted to its manufacture, the first being the molding, the second the sizing, the third the stamping and the fourth the weighing and perfecting room. The fifth apartment was the store and boxing-room, and also the office. As near as he could learn, without betraying him- self with over-inquisitiveness, Gold Rifle concluded that the counterfeiting had been going on for nearly six months, during which time over twenty thousand dollars’ worth of the spurious coin had been success- fully “‘ flooded,” and still the counterfeiters had twice that amount on hand for future use. They only worked at the dead of night—from elev- en o’clock until day-dawn: then the counterfeiting- rooms were locked up, and the men, some eighteen or twenty in number, scattered to their various rooms throughout the building. There was a bar in one room, and this was the general resort of all within the Black Ranch. Moreover, Gold Rifle learned that a squad of ten men constantly acted as pickets in the yard outside of the building, and a man kept watch in the tower. And he saw that it would be next to impossible for him to escape, unless it was as he had designed, by tunneling out in under the Ranch. This he resolved to do, as soon as possible after finding his prize, the imprisoned Agnes Wagner. For the day following he had no occupation, and in these hours, when there was no danger of their being discovered, both he and Renfrau worked at the tunnel, for the Frenchman saw that it might serve him as an avenue of escape, after he had com- pleted his meditated vengeance on Tiger Track. About six o’clock in the evening Gold Rifle resumed his guard duty, but Renfrau kept on digging. In one of his rounds through the halls on the se- cond floor of the Ranch, the young detective heard a groan, atch ope ne close to the door nearest him, he paused and Jistened, There were voices in- side, engaged in conversation. It was evidently a man and a woman, and the man was speaking, in the unmistakable tones of Jacob Toleman, “There! there! shet up yer blubbering, woman, over thet brat o’ ourn. Et cum ter ther settlement, an’ I had it brained as I'told you I would, ef you ev- er tried any games to escape. I reckon icy nd out after awhile thet I’m master / When I stole yeaway from Alf King, or Boover Legree, as he’s now known I thort I war gettin’ a lamb, ‘ca’se ye allers appeared so while ye war Wild Walt’s wife; but I soon found ther difference!” , “Yes, you brute! you found that I was yet a wo- man, and would fight for my power. It’s now many years, Dolph Carew, since I saw the light of the outer world, but God he praised, I believe it will not be much longer. I am spired with a faith that I shall either die, or be rescued from this terrible in- carceration!” “Ha! ha! you are getting wild again, Aggie—out o’ yer right mind. Why, you old fool, who do you suppose could rescue you from this impregnable 5%) ? You are here for your life—my wife, my slave, if I choose to make ye.” , “Your wife? God forbid! The bonds which you forced upon me were but a horrible mockery in the sight of heaven, for I have a husband living. No! no! you need not leer and scoff, for Wild Walt still lives, and I shall be again his ere ys ¢ Something tells me so, and I cannot drive off the impression, Tt cli to me by day and by night.” ** An’ "ll hev ter keep a-clingin’, fer all ther good it will do you. I see Le , a few days ago, an’ he’s as hot as ever at Tiger k fer stealin’ ye. Legree isa very devil!” ‘*But an angel, compared with you, you wretch!” was the retort. “T know I’m not an angel!’’ replied the villain, with a malignant chuckle. *' Indeed, it is one of the greatest delights of my life to worry and torment —— make your existence a foretaste of hell. at is because I love you so. But I cannot tarry longer, now, for I must away to other work. Gen- er Maynard, your father, I may as well tell you, will soon make an attempt to take this Ranch, with the vain hope of repossessing himself of you. He has but a handful of men—one to our three—and in- © side of twenty-four hours from now, if they a proach near, their bodies ‘ll make coyote fodder. a5 Roos by, you she-tigress cub, and may your dreams ereafter not be so silly. Your days are doomed to be spent within these dismal walls, and when you die I shall cremate you, and retain your ashes as a souvenir, in a glass case at the head of my bed!” i With a horrible laugh the ruffian turned, and Gold Rifle heard him coming toward the door. He stepped to one side, an expression of grim de- | termination upon his face, his eyes gleaming forth the pent-up anger that was in his breast. gd S| the inhuman beast one rap,’’ he mut- tered, seizing a hickory walking-stick, which stood ¢ near. “If I can’t drop him, I’ve got a knife to finish * him with, aside from as noisy a pair of revolvers as ever cracked. I dare not use them here, however.” Nearer the ruffian came, and Gold Rifle seized his stick firmly. “ There was much depen , now, and he resolved ~ to be the victor when he had the chance, The key turned in the lock, the door opened, and the elder Toleman, or Dolph Carew, as the prisoner had called him, stepped out into the hall. ; Then came a whiz and a whack of the club, and without even a groan the old ruffian dropped to the floor. I Gold Rifle did not pause to see if he was seriously ~ hurt or not, but seizing him by the heels, dragged him back into the room occupied by the prisoner. F **Come!”’ he said, turning to her, and beholding a pale, pat fence woman, of eight-and-thirty | years. ‘If you would escape from living death, — come with me, for I am your son, come to rescue © you, my long-lost mother!"’ And he advanced to- — ward her with outstretched arms. ; **My son!”’ she gasped, rising toward him, hereyes | shining neg with a new-born hope; “‘my Goce, can this be true, or am I going mad—mad—mad?” “You are not wrong, dear mother!” tective replied, kissing her tenderly, “for if you are Agnes Wagner, the wife of Wild Walt, I am heres 3 son, whom you have not seen since he was a little | eee) one ye eee Ow ge the young de- — . boy. But come, dear mother, we must not tarry ~ here, for you probably well know the men who sur- round us!” **Oh, God! Ihave not prayed to Thee in vain for — aid, and You have sent me a noble gift which over- — whelms me with gratitude toward Thee. Yes,come, — my son, for I would not longer tarry in this horrible confinement. Is he dead?’ with a motion toward — the senseless ruffian. 7 “No, I think not, so I will lock him in thisroom, — that he may have a taste of what you have experi- — enced, here!” Gold Rifle said, rng by i He hastily gathered, up a bundle of wraps and — clothing, which caught his eye, and then led the | way out into the hall, locking the door after them. | Then they cautiously descended the stairs, and ~ made their way through a labyrinth of halls, most’ | luckily not encountering any one of the sy px: On reaching the pit room, Gold Rifle by Renfrau’s assistance, succeeded in getting Mrs. Wagner safely | down into the little cave in the side of the pit; then — Gold Rifle went to the cook room, and succeeded in — capturing a large haunch of venison, already roasted for the morrow’s meals, ; 4 This he took down into the little cave, and then Renfrau received back his disguise and went on ~ guard duty above, the same as at first, promising to | warn the young detective in case of danger. ty After slicing up the venison, and secreting it — about his person, Gold Rifle set desperately at work — in tunneling toward the river shore, which Renfran ~ had already well started! Ei CHAFTER Xf. a OUT OF EARTH—ON THE ICE AND A RACE FCR LiFE— IN THE PATH OF AN AVALANCHE, Me. DETERMINED now was Gold Rifle to escape, Rar he had a dear mother to care for, and he wor vs away with a will. , se The dirt was now light and loamy, being so nea the surface, and he made rapid headway. pf was about morning, he ceased his labors for a few moments, and with Mrs. Wagner partook of some 6: the venison he had captured. ; He then went at it again, and by noon he conclud- ed by a gurgling soun Pn in front of him, that was almost through. fo he paused, and went ba to the little cave in the dirt, at the commencen of the tunnel, where he had left his mother. — a) 5 pate ed, to his inquiry. ut above or under the ice, I do not yet know. Ishal ber _— out until darkness . How is ito e ‘ed : “aa “Sharp and clear, with moonless nights
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got off, easy enough, an’I wish ye God speed, an’ e leddy too.”’ The guard then took his departure, and Gold Rifle and his mother waited anxiously for the coming of darkness. During the time intervening, they found much to say to each other, and Mrs. Wagner was greatly overjoyed to learn that her husband was alive and ‘somewhere in the West. The knowledge was con- soling to her. The afternoon passed quickly, and when by his watch he knew it was growing dark, Gold Rifie led the way into the tunnel, and on reaching the spot where he had left off digging, he set to work to break through the remaining dirt. ‘ It was an easy matter, for a few shovelfuls of lirt only were taken out, ere a dull light shone in. Peering out of the aperture, he gave an exultant lit- tle cry, for his calcalatl ms had been so correct, that they would come out fair and even upon the ice. In - five rainutes he had the hole large enough to admit of their egress, and they breathed’ the pure air of freedom. Before them stretched the night and a snowy wil- derness. And they had now to depend upon their feet to bei xr them away from the terrible den that had so lose: been Agnes Wagner’s prison. “Oh! G be praised,’’ she murmured, as she out over the boundless view of crystal white, be at the heavens, where a few pale stars were ' ‘twinkling. “This is the grandest, most grateful ’ sight that has greeted my eyes for many long years. It seems like coming out of a dark world intoa brighter one.” “And so it will be to you, dearest mother, for I sball and others will strive to make your future life most happy and bright. You will remain, please, while I senile around the neighborhood and get my boots and rifle, which I left outside the fence ere I attempted to enter the Ranch and got caught. I won't te long.”’ ‘But you are going into peril again, my son.” “No, Lam not risking much, dear mother, and will soon return.” So saying Gold Rifle crept from the hole out into the open air, and along in the shadow of the creek . bank. Above him towered the shadows of the great Ranch surrounded as it was by its black, high fence. Everything looked about the same to the young scout-detective, as when he had entered, now some forty-eight hours before. Stealthily he crept alon and then came upon his e bushes. ving it, he crawled along over the snow to- ward the fence, near where he had scaled it, for it was here he had buried his boots. It was a daring venture, but he was aware that he must have them, | in order to escape. Inch by inch he crept apne, ex- Pa u the bank several yards, e, securely hidden in the ting every minute to get a challenge, or a bullet 4 his brain. i But luck was with him, and without evident dis- | covery he found and pulled on his boots. He was - . about to retreat, when his eye caught sight of an ob- pa close at hand, and his heart hen jump when saw that it was a medium-sized frame hand-sled, with half a lasso attached. M It had evidently been left there by some ranch - gand; yet, it occurred to Gold Rifle, might it not be ' @ decoy? It was just the very thing he wanted to | ; draw his mother upon, still he hesitated and lay up- on the snow, watching with the eyes of a lynx, et: * Reckon a feller can’t more’n try, anyhow!” he '— wuttered, at last, ‘‘ an’ ef I am discovered, I calcu- |. late wi’ my skates on I kin outrun ’em,” ne Saceping forward he grasped the lariat and began cy ecning hastily toward the river, pulling the sled behind him. ithout accident he reached the ice, - and securing his rifle and skates, he advanced along "up to the hole, Here he found Mrs, Wagner await- hale ing anxiously. Pai: Had you any trouble?”’ ie “No, but [ opine we'd better be gittin’ out of this, Bh ey: ’Twon’t be long before there’ll be a rumpus im the enemies’ camp. You get on the sled, while 1 am putting on these skates, and we'll soon be off,” BB *: Hark! listen! a shout!’ exclaimed Mrs, Wagner, \. breathlessly, pointing into the hole. Quickly Gold |. Rifle sprung to the opening, ani! listened for a repe- n. It came booming along through the tunnel, « mo- ment later, in a hoarse, deep voice—the voice of the ' guardsman, Renfrau: i “ Bly! fly! they've discovered yer Stight—look out fer a good seven dozen strong. Fly!” “As I expected!” Gold Rifle muttered, with a er contraction of his brows. ‘‘ We've got to git, 8 He finished buckling on his skates, then placing Wagner bs le: the sled, he wrapped her warmly | in the blankets he had fetched from the Ranch. Every minute now seemed an hour until they ‘should get started. _ “ Now hang on!” he said, and seizing the lariat he \ gtarted down over the ice, drawing the sled behind - him. The track lay before him like a monster reach ef glass, and a spirit of joy was the young sharp- ter’s, as he was able to dart away from the out- a. den, at a much faster speed than he could go on wh snow. _ He could hear the shouts and curses of the out- and knew that they had discovered his esca) route he had en, but he resolved to dis- ms a t one ay vA y atstiomed, and pte below here, a couple oe in Pe “ings pene One ne ‘By wohug ~ overland on horse ey can a) it ahe «i of me. Dnt, nobiti can uelp ik: He set his teeth hard tegether, and darted on over the smooth surface iike a flying bird, never pausing once to look back or around him. Not until he was halt. ‘““What is the matter?’ inquired Mrs. Wagner, anxiously. ‘Is there danger?’’ * Yes, to advance further onthe river. A whole Rale-Dime Library. ee neai' to the bend; then he came to a | t gang of the outlaws are concealed around a bend | down yonder, and we shall have to leave the ice.” He was not long in making the decision, but pulled the sled up onto the strong snow crust on the west- | | “we shall have to try and hunt up the cave, up ix ern side of the river, “You had better let me get off and walk,”’ said Mrs. Wagner, anxiously. ‘I have considerable strength on occasions like this.”’ ‘*No! no! you sit still. I can make better time drawing you than if you were to walk. Tbe crust holds up perfectly under my skates, and I shall keep them on. It was too Jark to see anything of the enemy, so | he set out over the prairie at a brisk speed, the stiff crust answering nearly the same purpose of the ice, for skating. For several hours he toiled on, pulling his precious prize behind him, determined to keep a-going as long as his strcngth held out. But at last he was ebliged to succumb to fatigue, and come to a halt ina small belt of timber on the top of a prairie crest, ‘I’m goin’ to stop here till daylight, anyhow,’’ he said, kame and panting from his over-exertions. “T don’t reck that time. We must have come fully eight miles from the river, if not more.” He did not build a fire, although the night was cold, for this would be certain to attract his enemies to the spot, but wrapping all the blankets snugly around poor Mrs Wagner, he threw himself flat upon the crust, face downward, and went off into a sound sleep, trusting to his instinct to arouse him in case of danger.* Gold Rifle slept on undisturbedly until close upon day-dawn, when he awoke, ready for the day’s labor, come it in what shape it might. Arousing his mother, who had not suffered much from the cold, he gave her some of the venison he had fetched along, and they both satisfied the crav- ings of their appetites. ‘We will wait a little longer, till the darkness en- tirely clears away, for I want to get a view of the surrounding prairie!’ Gold Rifle said. ‘This must be the bighest : epre for several leagues around, as I remember, and I can see the outlaws if they are any- where on the prairie, within eye-shot. .The moun- ee of the Little Panther range cannot be far back of us.’ ‘* And, is there where you are going, ™m “Tf I am pursued, yes. Otherwise around, and make for has command.” The darkness cleared away rapidly, now, and the a of a clear, crisp day dawned over thelsnow wilderness. And the sight that was presented to the view of Gold Rifle was little more than he expected. The outlaws were at the spot where he had left the ice, some five miles to the eastward, and were just starting out upon his trail. He saw this much, by aid of his glass; but he also made a discovery that was in a degree, encouraging. There were but about a score of the pursuers, all told. The remainder of the outlaw gang had evi- dently taken another course, “Can you see the Black Ranch, my dear?” Mrs. Wagner asked, coming out to the edge of the timber, where Gold Rifle was standing. “One corner of its roof—no! it’s the tower of the Ranch, ‘way off Mae The remainder of the place is hidden behind a prairie swell, greater than this, But come; we must not tarry here, but must reconmmence therace. The outlaws are already beginning pursuit, where we left the ice, and I wish to reach the mountains ere we stop again.” Mrs. Wagner again resumed her position upon the sled, and seizing the lariat, Gold Rifle set out briskly to the westward. No halt was made, but ho pushed determinedly on toward a high mountain peak which loomed up before them in the distance, looking like a giant specter in its sheet of pure white. _ There’s a cave half-way up that mountain side, if I remember!” the young detective said, as they advanced, “for I think that is the Elk or Earth- geane peak I’ve heard old Alva Lanche tell about. down at Yankton. If we can get in the cave we'll vee pent, and can fight off the varmints until they git sick. But in the course of a half-hour, a new change ap- peared. The heayens suddenly became overcast with a dull gray color, and snow began to fall fast and thick, every flake counting, being as large near- ly as a nickel. Evidently a severe storm was at and, A stern expression came over Gold Rifle’s features, and Mrs. Wagner noticed it, at once. “What is it?’ she questioned. ‘‘ Will not this snow cover up our trail?” ‘Yes, and us, too, unless we strike cover inside of * Many of my readers will say, doubtless—‘t Wh I should think he would have frozen, lying there?" But my answer is, no! Several winters ago, I had son?”’ shall cut he fort, of which your father occasion to try the experiment, at the suggestion of. an old woodsman, for we were out where neither shelter nor fire was to be had. I laid down, and be- ing fatigued, ere inte a sleep which lasted until mo , Wheu I was awakened, very much refresh- ed, not feeling the cold, scarcely.at all. I have often since tried to study out the reason of my not freez- ing, but gave it up as a mystery. on the devils will get my trail before | two hours,” was the ae repl ter be an old snorter, such as ye read “out ti He increased his walk to a rfin, and Rept on, while the white flakes came down in dense clouds, cover- ing them perfectly white. On—on, resolutely, yet ¢-~:>tingly, and at last they arrived at the foothills of ie mountains, but to their disappointment not a tree wes there to offer them sheiter. And the snow came down faster and faster: it had already fallen to the depth of a foct, and still no signs of cessation. ‘Get off and let me assist you!’ Gold Rifle said; the mountain side, or perish in the snow!” ad , ' They began the steep rocky ascent, which was nearly perpendicular, and gained an altitude of fifty feet, or more; then stopped with white scared faces, as they heard a strange humming, rushing rear, above them—something awful in its import: ‘* My God, we arein the path of an avalanche / Gola Rifle exclaimed! CHAPTER XII. ON THE PRAIRIE—RUFFIANS AND RED-SKINS. Tur man whom General Maynard had engaged as guide into the Black Ranch country, was in many re- spects an ‘‘odd ’un ” on the side of human character. He was evidently along in the forties, strong and muscularly built, with a quick sharp glance tor every new object, and a habitual watchfulness about himself, lest he should bejstricken by an enemy, or should betray himself. He was one of those old roving spirits who had spent a lifetime on the border, and seen rough life in nearly all its different phases; was a man of liberal education, evidently, but uncouth and eccen- tric of speech as a general thing, Little of his face could be seen for the heavy beard that swept nearly to his belt, and at a glance into bis black, gleaming eyes, one would say that he was not the man to brook insult or much offense. He gave his name to General Maynard as Old Steuben, and by this title he was made known to the whole party. After leaving the farm-house, the cavaicade struck into a shai gallop and headed due westward into the pure white of the snow-bound West. of the party were mounted upon steeds whose powers of endurance had many a test, and whose speed was hard to equal; and therefore there was a jolly spirit prevailing. Perhaps, more than all else, it was because pretty May Maynard headed the banti, looking gay and bright in her artistic costume: —for she was now &@ man among them, and every man could have well wished her their captain. Old Steuben rode on in advance, grimly silent and uncommunicative, except when questioned. The man seemed to have some burden. resting upon his mind, some secret which caused the re- serve, which was one his personal peculiarities. May noticed this, and her tender young heart kin- dled toward him, for his quiet withdrawal from the sate of the men, looked as if none were friendly to m. “Are you lonely without company, sir?’ she ask~ ed, galloping forward to his side. “I should think you would be.” “Bh? lonesome, my leddy? No, I don’t reckon L am, more’n usual. Kinder natteral to me, ye see~ this preference for solitude. "Tain’t many ladies as comes ter talk ter an’ old nut like me.” “That is because they are so blind as not to see that men ofttimes are found under the rudest cover- ing, sir,’’ was the reply. God bless ye, young lady, fer thar’s more truth in ‘em words thun ye’d suppose. Thar was a time when Old Steuben hed as much style as any o’ ther boyees, but life on this frontier ‘ll soon take ther },o!- ish an’ starch out o’ a fellar.” May could but be impressed with his words, anc saw that there was a sound, deeply sensible man, un- der the rough exterior of Old Steuben, They traveled along swiftly in the afternoon’s sin- light, making a picturesque er as they eid over the white winding-sheet of the prairie. About sundown they came in sight of a“ proiiic island,” or motte of timber, several miles ahead, and General Maynard ed to the scout, who ap- proached respectfully. “You see the timber ahead, scout—would that not form us an admirable camping-ground for the ht?” mig Yes, general, if it is not already occupied by ther enemy. Them ‘ar mottes ar’ ginerally occupied, ip sech weather, by red-skins, or rufflans o’ sum sort, an’ they'll be sure ter fight fer their grounds.” “True, but I don’t fancy the notion of come down in the open. Is there not another of these islands where we can find shelter, by a few hours more of brisk ride?” “Most likely, sir, and we will strike off a little more to the north, curving gradually in that direc- tion. But here, let me call yer attention tersum}hin’ wich I reckon hes escaped yer eyes. D’ye know thet we’re follered?” and, sure enough, two horsemen were seen far in distance, on the crest ofa prairie swell. “They’ve follered us frum ther settlement!” said Old Steuben, ‘‘an’ I reckon they’re up ter sum devil- try, or they'd hurry an’ ketch up.” *T cannot imagine who it is, unless some of Tiger Track’s men were in the settlement, when we left,” said General Maynard, anxiously. “Your idear is probably kerect!"’ replied the “ Et’s goin’ , = te ph PT ) :
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‘ict Sd © scout; “ anyhow, they ken’t do us no harm as long ‘as they keep at sech a distance—thet’s a fac’!” The cavalcade now turned their course to the north-west, and made a wide detour around the motte General Maynard would have chosen for a camp. the island for some time after they had passed it, and although his eye-search was uarewarded by a : ) “He came to my father’s house, Christmas, for | protection from a gang of trappers who were pur- Sharp Old Steuben kept a weather eye upon | glimpse of enemy, something seemed to tell him that | enemies were there. And if they were red-skins, he was well aware what that signified—they would be followed and attacked. “T euess we'd better not camp to-night,” he said, addressing General Maynard, ** but had better push on while there is darkness to cover us.” ** And why not-camp, scout?” ‘* Beca’se, general, we’ve got a leddy among us, an’ I kno’ ye wouldn’t want her ha’r fingered by a red-skin’s greasy fingers!” **Great heaven, no. Why? do you apprehend danger from Indians to-night?” ** Mought heer frum ther red rips ef we warter git in range 0’ em.” “Well, then we must keep moving and keep out of their way, for a charge on us and consequent loss of numbers now must be avoidedif possible. On, men! Let no halt be’ made until an hour before day- break.”’ And on galloped the cavalcade swiftly over the winter's snow. Night now began to settle down rapidly, and with dense darkness. What few pale stars appeared in the heavens were insufficient to make light below. A ghastly paleness rising from the snow was all that afforded the travelers light by which to guide their course, when once night had drawn her shroud closely around, Old Steuben now withdrew from the cavalcade at General Maynard’s suggestion, and waited for a cou- ple of hours upon the trail, This was for the purpose of learning whether or not they were followed by either the two strange horseman or by other fues. But his two hours of watching and waiting resulted in no discovery, and he rode on and overtook the cavalcade about midnight, at the edge of a belt of cottonwood timber. “Well, what is the news?” General Maynard de- manded, anxiously. ‘Did you see anything of the enemy ?”’ “No; I guess we have outwitted them, sir. Hev ye bin in this timber?” *“Yes—or I sent three of the boys, here, ahd they made a thorough search, without finding any- ages the enemy line.” “Well, then we mought as wll stop hayr an’ rest, fer thar’s no tellin’ w’at ter-morrer ‘li bring orth.” Komney accordingly rode into the heart of the motte, where no snow had failen, on account of | the dense matting of tree tops, and a camp fire was built to keep off the chill of the night. “We must ost three sentinels around the border | of the motte!’ said Steuben, *‘ to insure safety, and | revent any one getting into the timber unknown 3 us. I for one will stand guard. How is it with you, Cotton?” addressing an old grizzled trapper. “All right, ’'m willing—” Oke be act ” third ng 3 erm i) r erly, as she stepped forwar rifts in ani “T would enjoy nothing better.” “But, young leddy, it’s ruther out o’ yer line, ain’t et?” **No, sir—it’s just what 1 like, and I'll wager you can't go out on the prairie, and slip in past me, except I see and challenge you.” “Let her go, if she will,’ said General Maynard, coming up, with a smile. ‘1’ll wager she'll take care of herself,—and us, too, for shé was not brought up without training!" 4 right—just as ye say!’’ replied Old Steuben; “but I'd not ‘low et, ef she war my gal. Too risky, this puttin’ a purty gal up fer an Injun iG a § took the station assig had her own way, just as she usually did—on the eastern side of the motte, while Steuben took the southern, and Cotton patrolled the northern and western sides, Tine watch was a lonely one, but May Maynard was far from a coward, and she ed silently alone the edge of the wood, stopping listen at the slirhtest sound, and investigating the cause, as far as she was able. After awhile Old Steuben got to meeting her at the southern end of .>+r beat, and the exch ofa few words was the means of driv’» away the loneli- ness of the hour, and making t:.. watch endurable. “Seen anything?” asked tho scout, once, when they met. ‘“ Better look pretty sharp, fer my bones tell me thar’s Injuns hard by, wotchin’ fer a chance pop i.ter the motte, but’ ‘no ffer sartin. Ef ye see anything outside o* v... timber line, w’at’s ae legs or moves, blaze away as a signal ter ther Ys in camp. “I'won’t do ter ict ‘em kno’ we're small in numbers, so fire off one o’ yer revolvers several times, after each rifle-shot."” “Oh! I'll attend to that, never fear. But, I want = to answer me a question, which is of much in- rest to me, Do you know a young man by the name of Gold Rifle?” * Gold ie?” ‘ Yes—I believe his real name is Kit Wagner.” ‘Yes, I reckon I know him—orter, at least. What mere eg ee and the darkness hid no much,” e ess the blush that ewent over the fair sentinel’s face. “I didn’t know but you might have seen him lately.” “No, J hevn't seen him fer a dug’s age. he’s gota pen jarious on the string, Where did you ever see him, leddyy? ed her, however,— | suing him under the delusion that he was the outlaw, Tiger Track. Josh, our farm-hand, fetched him in, and we helped him to escape.” ** And the rascal stole sumthin’ afore he too, didn’t he? Oh! ye might have knowe thief!” ‘““What! Gold Rifle a thief ?, Impossible, sir. We missed nothing.” ** But he stole sumthin’, howsumdever—yer leetle heart, my leddy, an’ I know et. Didn't I tell ye he war a thief, eh?” ‘** You are incorrigible, sir. I was in love with him—I mean—I mean—” ot away, he wara I did not ask because | “Just what you say, Miss May; an’ ef ye'll take | an ole cuss’s ‘vice, like me, ye'll keep right on a-luv- in’ Gold Rifle, fer he’s a goou lad, an’ as a border de- | tective, he’s a-goin’ ter make a hit.”’ They now separated, and resumed their beats, but | | the old scout’s words had left May Maynard’s heart | in a little flutter, and it beat and throbbed faster when she thought of the young sharpshooter—and / how glad she would be to see him again. She little knew that at this same hour he was. bur- rowed like a prairie dog in the earth beneath the Black Ranch, working for liberty. But in her thoughts of him, she did not forget that the safety of the camp was depending on her watch- fulness, aud she kept a sharp eye out _ the snow- white prairie, onto which she could look but fifty yards or so, because of the darkness. It was well along toward morning, the darkest | part of night, when she saw two men riding directly | toward the motte; and at the same time a fierce vin- dictive yell went up from the southern end of the motte, followed by a rifle report. Instantly May fired at one of the approaching horsemen, and with a curse he tumbled to the ground, but the other pressed on toward her. “What is the matter?’ demanded General May- nard, as he and half a dozen men came running out of the timber. ‘ “ Ruffians!’’ said May, slipping a fresh cartridge into her breech-loader. “ Red-skins, and old Sitting Bull at thet!” cried Old ern dashing up, and then away again in an instant. CHAPTER XII, A LITTLE SCRIMMAGE AND A BIG STORM. “Drip you fire, May?” asked the general, for a mo- ment at'a loss what io do. ‘I heard a rifle report.” ‘** Yes, I fired, and dropped m plied, her eyes sparkling. - ‘ ellow, and I'll lay him out, providing he doesn’t stop on hail! Halt! you ruffian, Aalt/’ and her leaming rifle bore directly down upon the approach- ng horseman. ut he heeded not her words, and despite her ring- ing rifle-shot his horse leaped forward to the edge of the motte, and the man slid from the saddle. “You needn’t hev bin so cursed imperdent!”’ he growled, limping a trifle, * w’en a feller’s tryin’ ter be ye o’ ther red-skins. Most humans w’u'd been glad. 4 FP st Legree!’’ cried May, stepping back in arm. “Yas, my daisy, but ye needn’t be afeard o’ me on *em old scores, fer I'm heer fur a different purpose, ter-night. Gineral, git yer men tergether, and go quick ter ther southern end o’ ther motte, fer thar's nigh about a hundred o’ Sittin’ Bull's gang thar, an’ Old Steuben fightin’ °em off. That's w’at’s ther mat- ter. Come ahead, you louts!” and away bone the trader, with rifle in hand, to assist in repelling the attackers. Seeing that his purpose was evidently honest for the -present, Gene Maynard ordered his men to follow his example, while he and May hurriedly brought up the rear. There were now loud yells in the direction of the southern end of the motte, that were fierce and sav- age, and were followed by an accompaniment of pet ' reports, which echoed fitfully out upon the I . n three minutes they reached the battle ground, to find Old Steuben assailed on every side by a swarm of copper-colored varmints; but the arrival of the scouts turned the tide somewhat, and it was a hand-to-hand confict on every side—a desperate, determined struggle for victory on the part of both reds and whites. ** Sock et to *em boys!” yelled the guide, Old Steu- ben, as he did wonderful execution with both knife and revolver—‘‘let the skunks hev fer all ye’re wuth!” One one the savages went down, until full a score had fallen. General Maynard had sent May back into the trees, for he feared for her to join in the battle, and he mst, 94 in the midst of the affray. But the struggle could not last forever, and at last there was a signal whoop, then the ety quickly ceased fighting and withdrew out upon the prairie, leaving their dead, but dragging their wounded after them. “Hooray! thet’s ther kind o’ medicine ter give ‘em!’ shouted Old Steuben, dancing delightedly about—‘ thet’s ther kind 0° bull-dozin’ ter guv ther red ripscallions. Hurra! fer ther victory we've won!” a And sae trappers all accorded with the sentiment a ye ueaiog was now dawning in the east, ronal, and the whole party remained upon the battle- ge oan the day was light enough to see how iv: Then it was discovered that some twenty-five of the red-skins had been killed, while Si Bull and his remaining warriors had withdrawn to the prairie, man, sir,’’ May re- ere comes the other ’ a nee sae ee ee ne a eee a mile away, where they were grouped down, evi- dently awaiting action on the part of the whites. “They mean to follow and torment us!’ said Gen- eral Maynard, turning to Old Steuben. “Sitting Bull is one cf the worst demons on the frontier to battle with—a dogging cutthroat of snakish ani- mosity '"* “Ye're right, thar, gineral!’ agreed Steuben? “foot an’ hand, thet old Bull’s a hard ‘un. But, ‘tain't goin’ ter benefit us ter stay hayr. Let’s git out, at once. Ef them cusses foller, we kin lend ’em, a hand.” } Accordingly arrangements were made to leave the motte, and continue on toward the Black Ranch, which Steuben declared could not now be over a half- day’s journey further westward. While preparations were being made, there was @ little commotion, occasioned by Old Steuben, whe had threateningly confronted the man Legree, whe —_ declared it his intention to accompany the bri- gade. The eccentric guide and trapper had confronted the trader, upon seeing him for the first, with flam ing eyes, and an expression of countenance which was savage. “Hal ha! Alf King, so%you’re here, are ye—here | where your foes are thickest, and your life hangs op | a thread? Good! I'm glad of it—l want ye, present- ly—want to pay you a trifle I’ve owed you for years. But not now—we have no time to arrange duels over individual disturbances. General Maynard, you will please keep watch over this wretch, for he is a mam of mine to, deal with, and must not escape. Shoot him down if he attempts it!” “ Who in ten thousand demons are you?” growled Legree, fiercely, with half a notion to spring forward and annihilate the cool guide, yet somehow fearing to attempt the job. “It matters not who or what I am, you wolf. Iam one who will do the world a favor by ridding it of you, forever!’’ was the reply, as the guide turned away. The cavalcade now mounted, and Legree was placed between two mounted guards, “You'll have to submit to this, or go over and join Sitting Bull,” the general said, in answer to a growl from the ruffian trader. ‘ None of us trusts you behind our backs, and we can do no less than, <eep you under watch. You should have stayed at the Settlement, where there is larger scope for your villainy, for if you joined us, with the hope of steal- ing away my daughter May, you will be disappointed by finding her wide awake, and fully as live to her own interests as weare. So your mission will be en~ tirely unrewarded, unless by some act of treachery you get a bullet through your skull!* The guard who had been left on the southern end of the motte now returned, with the announcement that the red-skins had made no move to change their i yet, but were evidently eating their morning m ““Now’s our time, then, to get out!” he added, “and git a start.” ** Correct!’ agreed Steuben; “come ahead! Look. out fer danger, and foller me.” He led the way through the heart of the motte to the north-western corner, and thence out onto the rolling prairie beyond. “We're goin’ ter hev a thunderin’ storm, by-an’- by!” he said to General Maynard and May, who rode on either side of him, after giving a speculative glance at the sky. ‘ Et’ll be a snorter, too.” “Why do you judge so, scout? I see no wigns uporm the sky, which is as bright and beautiful as the smil- ing countenance of God can make it.” “True enough, general, but I've got a barometer in my bones by w’ich I ken foretell as correctly as a clock can tick. In about two hours—no, say four, af se longest, ye’ll see a change, wi’ snow-flakes a-tal- n’ ” ‘Then it behooves us'to find a ai of shelter ag soon as ewer ag does it not? ese heavy storms Ream pleasant things to meet upon the open prai rie.”’ “Right ye aire, general, and we must trust fer our luck in findin’ a motte, fer I don’t know o° any, very’ contiguous to the Black Ranch.” They moved along—on over the white gates snow-crust into the wilderness, at a jog tro For the animals had received but comparatively little rest, and were less high spirited than on the previous day. A sharp look-out was kept in the rear, and it was finally discovered that the savages. were gate ards stealing along in the back-~- ground at their leisure, with no apparent desire to. overtake the enemy, yet. “They’re, goin’ ter find w’at cur lay-out is, furst!” said Steuben, “ an’ then try an’ nonpluss us. But} reckon w'en et comes ter snow, they'll hev ter git a big spy-glass “twill find us.” “T fear their consolidation with the outlaws whony we are going to attack!” said the general, uneasily, — “We'd be in a hard fix, then.” “Don’t ye fear, general, fer sech won't be ther case, at fer I’ve heer'd thet Old ~ittin’ Bull hates: ther outlaw holy water. ker an’ then try ter bounce us, a On—on over the glistening waste of white the y advanced; then, after a couple of hours came — redicted—a he ¢ which Steuben had reise. i r leaden hue, and clou over of the sky to a som a few feathe descend hesi F In ten minutes etter the first flakes had begun to fall, a perfect hurricane of snow was di and the brigade were wrapped in a ghostly mantle, as they urged on their horses through the terrib! storm. a igs “Never saw anything like this before, I declare est — Track, like ‘uer Old Nick hates; — ell quicker put ace fer us, first, flakes of uncommon size began to 4 on Ks v At
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me at Bie a 12 ¥ General Maynard growled, with a head-shake. ‘I’m of the opinion that we're in for a hard time, before we get out of this. I wish I'd left you at home, May, where hoo have had comfort and warmth, in- stead of peril and cold to submit to.” “Pshaw! papa, you needn’t worry about me!’’ May replied, with a little ripple of laughter, ‘for I’m warm, and allright. I prefer this wild sport to being pt up in the house. Don't fear but what I’d complain if I had any cause.” “T don’t b’tieve you would, you’re such a plucky little thing!” the old officer replied, riding ahead a dittle to join Steuben. “Do you think there’s any danger of our being snowed under, scout?” ‘Dunno, gineral; ken’t tell about thet, fer thar’s no tellin’ what is what, ner when sech a storm as this is goin’ ter quit. Reckon ef et snows us under, thar’s enough o’ us ter dig out, sumhow.” And it did look ima igor, 0d as if there was danger of their being snowed under, for the falling cloud- bursts of snow were gaining in ground depth with astonishing rapidity, and making the labor of the horses severe in the extreme. But they kept on, under the urge of the scout— toiling along through the blinding storm, whose denseness was something unparalleled. It was growing darker, too, which looked as if the heavier part of the storm had not yet fallen. On consideration, it was decided that it would not do to stop now—they must needs keep a-going, at least until the suorm abated. “Bin out in a few storms, myself,’’ observed an old trapper by the name of Deking, ‘“‘ but durn my old picter ef I evyer heerd tell o’ ther beat o’ this. Why, fellers, ef et don’t quit afore long, we're goin’ ter be entombed alive, afore our time.’ ** An’ hev a funeral all ter ourselves, cag chimed in Old Steuben. “One thing we orter be thankful fer—thar ain’t many wolves an’ buzzards around, this weather, ter pick our bones.” ’ In the terrible b nding storm, it was hardly possi- ble to advance in regularity, and so they scattered somewhat, each one picking a path for himself. It so happened that the trader, Boover Legree, was left ees and unnoticed by the rest of the brigade. But with a fiendish expression of satisfaction he fol- lowed on, now and then chuckling to himself as he heard May Maynard’s clear silvery voice ringing out through the storm, and muttering a curse when he thought of the scout, Old Steuben. “Bf thet cuss knows me, an’ he do fer he called me by name, I do not know him—can’t think of an enemy of the past, whom he might be—unless—but ‘shaw! that man is dead long ago, although Jake foleman believes to the contrary. And the girl— Jove! she’s a queen to even what Agnes Wagner used to be, and of I don’t possess her ere this storm ere may I never be able to raise a villain’s hand again.” wind the man laughed low and crafty at some me- ditated planof action, He lagged behind all the rest of the brigade, but watched those ahead of him, as well as the storm would permit. And he saw with great satisfaction, that May Maynard was gradually falling behind the rest, her steed having grown contrary and lazy. She evi- dently was unmindful of the fact, and had for- gotten the existence of a wolf in the fold. But Legree was not unmindful—he was watch- ing her as the hawk watches its prey—with a gleaming, sinister eye. He had come from the-Settlement with the pur- pose of capturing Maynard fully fixed in his mind; Omerhaun had fallen by the daring beauty’s fire; but he world not—no! the victim was drop- ing nearer and nearer, unsnspectingly ignorant Bhat she was not keeping up with the rest. Until she felt a strong grasp laid upon her shoulder, and looked around to discover that she was alone with the villain Legree her only companion! The brigade had left her behind! “Help! help!” she screamed. CHAPTER -XIV. DEATH OR VICTORY IMPENDING. “Ouss ye, et won't do ye no gvod ter screech fer help!” growled Legree, rudely wapEiig his hand | a over May’s mouth. “ Ye'll find ye’ve fallen inter ther claws of a tiger!” “T fear you not!’’ replied May, indignantly, ‘‘and | I defy you. My friends are not far away, and will answer my cry!” ‘Will they, tho’? Mebbe so an’ mebbe not. Jest you cum along wi’ me, or you'll be sorry; none °° er sereechin’, now, ef ye don’t wanter get killed, er oncet.”’ And turning his horse’s head sharply from the trail as it ran inanortherly course, he gave the beast a cruel jab of the spur and seized May’s thorough- bred by the bits, But, when his horse bounded madly forward, May’s balked in its tracks, and as a result the trader was jerked backward from the saddle onto the snow. “Hal! ha! ha! that’s the time you didn’t make a point!’ May exclaimed, with a laugh; then she put ‘her hand to her belt, for a revolver, but to her sur- prise she did not find one there. They had all been RP removed, and her knife also. Ha! ha!’ chuckled Legree, rising from his plunge into the snow. “He laughs best who laughs last, my dove, with clipped wings. I’ve got ye jest as completely in my power as I hed before!” ; ‘SNo, sir-ee, you hain’t,’ exelaimed_a voice, and who should ride in upon the scene put Josh Hemper- hil, the Yankee, ‘ W’en et cumster pass thet aman ih © no character, or wisdom, or book-l’arnin’, snags Half-Dime Librar hisself ag’in’ a man o’ solid basis, dubble-duplicate character, as represented by ther Hemperhill amily, he allus gits hisself in a box-trap deefikilty. Char- acter aire one o’ ther Sod ackomplishments o’ ther H. family, frum old Nebuchadnezzar down to yer *umble sarvent, an’ we’ve bin a healthy, prosperous race. Hello! darn my socks! I swow, ef et ain't Miss May and thet cuss I boosted once afore!” And the eccentric Yankee covered the trader with his revolvers, while a grin of triumph covered his countenance, “Oh! Josh, is it you? I am so glad you have come!’ May cried. “Yas, [reckon ye must be sum’at tickled, seein’s ye war in a fix,’ Josh replied, with unusual grim- ness, “ Danger ginerally alters ther opinions 0’ ther female line. Fer instance, ye war orful tickled when ye got rid o’ me, by sendin’ me off after Gold Rifle, but I notis Josh cums in mighty welcome about rescue time!’’ **Oh! Josh, not quite as bad as that. But, did you find Gold Rifle?” **Reckon so, an’ lost him ag’in. Darn his picter, he left me in a motte ter wait fer his return, but ther ie got a leetle too hot, an’ so I slid out fer ther ort.” “And what became of Gold Rifle?” “Dunno. Started fer ther Black Ranch, an’ didn’t cum back. Guess as how he got gobbled up by ther ruffians, or mebbe he’s all hunky. But, where’s the rest o’ the folks—how’d ye git out hayr?”’ ‘* There's more ahead, toward the north—"’ ‘* No, they’re here, now!’ exclaimed a voice, and General Maynard and the brigade rode forward, ‘* What's the cause of this delay, May, my child?” “There’s the cause, papa!’ May replied, pointing to Legree, who was cowering under the bearing of Hemperhill’s pistols. ‘‘ The villain tried to carry me be hoy failed when Josh came up and showed his and.” “ft a! is this so? Josh, you’re a trump! Boys, seize the accursed ruffian, and bind his hands, and leave him alone here on the prairie, without his horse. If he gets out without freezing or starving, it’s all the punishment I care to give him.” The order was executed to a letter, and Legree was left alone in mid-prairie, while the brigade re- sumed its course, with Josh in company. May rode by his side, and when no one was near, Spacers him concerning Gold Rifle, who was now the center of all interest to her. “Do you think Gold Rifle was captured by the outlaws, Josh?” “Dunno! Guess he’s smart enough ter hoe his own row.” ‘* What did he say when you gave him the letter?” «“Sumthin’ about yer invitin’ him ter yer birthday paw: Neow, see hyar, Miss May, yer goin’ et a eetle ter strong ter suit my notion, an’ ef ye don’t stop, I'll hev ter sue ye fer breeches o’ promis’, swow ter gracious ef I won't! “* Josh, you silly fellow, I hope you don't imagine for a moment that there is any engagement existing between us, or that I love you? No! no! you must not be so blind and foolish. I like and respect you as a friend, and all that, but as for marrying you, T could not think of such a thing.” “Then ze aire fishing after Gold Rifle, eh? Ye | calkylate he'll fit yer ideas better’n me, eh?”’ | “I don't know, Josh; but don't you think we'd make a better match, he being nearer my own age?”’ ‘** Yas, mebbe yer right, an’ I won't kick so hard ef ye ain’t a-goin’ ter lef Pat Dolan, ther Irisher, inter yer good graces.” “T promise that, Josh, for Pat’s at home, and we're off here, and liable to be for some time.”’ The snow-storm continued with unabated fury, and it grew more and more difficult to urge the horses along, for at every /step they sunk deep in the feathery bed. The cavalcade was wandering on, not knowing ex- actly the direction all were going—wandering on, to keep from being snowed under, with scarcely an a now, unless it was to find a place of shelter. ome of the men were growing very much fa- tigued, and alarge number of the horses threatened to play out béfore long. “Hark! did you hear that?’’ demanded General Maynard, as a terrible roar in the distance was dis- | tinctly audible, and fairly shook the earth. **What does it mean, Steuben?” “'Thet war an avalanche w’at hes slid frum top ter ther fut o’ Earthquake range, which ar’ off ter our nor’-west, thirteen or less miles. Heerd ‘em afore, an’ seen ’em, too. A big mass 0’ snow gits piled up on their mount’in side, an’ a spring o’ water in the pe loosens et, an’ down she comes lickety scoot. openo one warn’t going up them mountains then, on et would be asure funeral ter thet unlucky fel- er.” Josh at this juncture rode forward in his eccentric way, to — some intelligence, “Miss May tells me ye’re s’archin’ fer ther Black | Ranch, gineral, Ef thet’s so, ye’d better go keerful, as ye may bunk up ag’in’ it Some ps afore ye know et. "Tain’t fur ahead,” and then Josh related what i ni of Gold Rifle’s attempt to penetrate the neh, “The rash youth undoubtedly has received death at the hands of the outlaws for his reckless venture,” said General Maynard, anxiously. ‘He should never have attempted such a feat, except with plen- ty of aid near at hand to back him.” : “Oh! he'll git thar all the same, an’ don’t ye for- it et!’ put in Old Steuben, quickly. ‘I know afew eet o’ thet lad, an'll bet my rifle he goes through ef it’s through tire an’ water.’ * T hope so, truly, scout, for l believe him to be a nephew of mine. But, you nave heard Josh’s advice, . hire ‘ i. Had we not better come to a halt, lest we do run un Ean repay la the Ranch? Such an event would — be a disaster to be avoided if possible.” “‘IT think I remember a motte of timber a mile fur- ther east, and we will make a closing attempt to find it. If we fail, so be it.” So they kept on, and the day drew toward a close. But Steuben was right, aud just when night was ssesony thickly, they found a small motte of cottonwoods, whose densely matted branches had revented the snow from reaching the ground, eaving a fine camping-spot for the toil-worn brig- ade. A search of the timber revealed no enemies | and a rousing camp-fire was built, and all gat ered around it to partake of their evening meal. ““T don't judge we'll be molested here,”’ Steuben said, ‘“‘ unless some belated voyageur like ourselves accidently stumbles along in this direction. The outlaws will keep close to their den this weather.”’ ‘*Yer wrong thar, I swow ter gracious ef ye ain’t!”" put in Josh, “fer a gang o’ ther salamanders invad- ed my camp, early this mornin’, wich war ther means o’ makin’ me skedaddle. 1 lit out, an’ the after me, ontil ther snow came, w’en they couldn’t see me no longer.” “Then, sumthin’s ther row. Mebbe Gold Rifle found and escaped wi’ yer daughter, general, w’ich called out ther roughs?”’ “God forbid that they are out in such a storm as this,’ replied the general, with a shiver. The evening was spent in warming and eating, around the great fire; then all turned in to sleep, ex- cept Steuben and another scout, who stood guard at the western and northern sides of the motte. About midnight the snow ceased to fall as abruptly as it had come, and in half an hour the sky was clear and a few stars hung pendent in the heavens. All around the motte lay a wide long wilderness of purest white piled upon white, while over it and all nature a strange quiet prevailed—not a sound to break the monotony of the weird dead winter scene, or the midnight hour. But the quiet of the night did not make Old Steu- ben less on the alert than usual. He knew that they were just as liable to be surprised as if there Were no snow upon the ground. ow and then he would pass through the camp, to ascertain if all were sleeping right: then back to his post he would go, faithfully. It was getting along toward morning ere he dis- covered any signs which he calculated were of the enemy. : ¥ But at last his sharp eye caught a glimmer of light out upon the western prairie, such as might have emanated from the torch of some night-traveler. It was ee for some time, and then totally disap- peared. ‘Well, scout, what does it mean?’ It was General Maynard who spoke, he having coine out from the camp so silently that Steuben had failed to hear him. “Do you think that enemies are approaching?” “Guess it luks thet way, neral ‘Spect some 0’ the outlaws, or else red-skins aire makin’ fer this / yere rome In which case thar’s bound ter be a rumpus. Hev ther boys hed enough sleep?” “ Probably; shall I awaken them?” “Yas, an’ tell ’em ter git tLeir pop-guns ready, fer thar’ll be work inside o’ half an hour. What is it Dave?’’—this to the other sentine!, who had returned from the northern and eastern side of the motte. ‘‘ Any signs o’ danger?” **Reckon so; thar’s a vand o’ fellers wi’ torches approachin’ ther motte from ther east, and I reckon as how it’s ther outlaws.” “Then we’re bound ter git it on both sides, eh? Wal, ef we divide up right, we can make et musical fer ’em, they not knowin’ our exact number. Day- break is close at hand w’ich is fortunate in itself.’ It was nearer than he was aware, and it was soon light enough so that a good view could be had of the orairie for several miles in any direction. The am- oushed scouts were also able to make another dis- covery. Nota mile away, on the crest of a prairie-billow, was a large, barn-like structure, inclosed within a high plank fence—the Black Ranch, of which they were in search, although it was now white with the fallen snow. ‘“That’s the Black Ranch, gineral,’’ said Old Steu- ben, “whar ye say 43 daug ter is, an’ et’s a tough old place to attack, I tell ye.” Little Master Jack, who had been fetched along with the brigade, under the qharge of an old trapper, was brought forward, and instantly Fenogniaed the: building, and gave a shout of delight. “Black Ranch!’ he articulated. ‘‘ Jack want to see his mamma; she over in big house.”’ “And, God granting, you soon shall see her, my pet,” the general said, tenderly. The men were all aroused and put in readiness for a coming combat. One party of the enemy were ap- proaching from the east, and one from the west, each numbering about a score of men, who were un- tot ati outlaws of the notorious Tiger Track’s nd, The eastern enemy were the nearest, and it was not until they were less than a mile away that it was discovered that they were armed with rifles of a long anee make,. This was discovered by aid of a field glass. “Thet puts a new aspect ter ther case!” Old Steu- ben said, ‘and ef we ever calkylate ter git out o’ this wi’ our skulps on, we’ve got ter do sum o’ ther tallest 3 bog on record. ite Injuns, an’ lots of ’em at ther same time, aire a dose I ain’t fond of.” _Half of the men were distributed along the eastern side of the motte, and half along the western; then with fast-beating hearts they waited for the enemy come within rifle range. f Death or victory was impending, A . .>~S Ce ee ee / — 9
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‘ ’ canse another avalanche. CHAPTER XV. OUT OF DANGER—FIRE! expressed. My God! we are in the path of an avalanche!” Above, the storm-bound mountains rose sheer and declivitous; around them the whirling snow was a feathery vortex; above all came that ominous, frightful roar. “A what?’ Mrs. Wagner demanded, growing deathly pale: “‘a—” : “An avalanche!’ Gold Rifle repeated, scarcely Bbove a whisper. ‘‘ We are doomed, unless we can get out of the way in four minutes or less!” He stood not an instant idle, but worked even while he spoke. He had kicked away the lately-fallen tnow until he came down to the hard-frozen crust beneath. Then with his stout hunting knife he cut eut a large block of this crust. Below the snow was soft and unpacked—easy to penetrate. “Quick! quick!” he gasped—“ help scoop out a pote with your hands—there is not a second to be ost q?7 Neither there was, The fearful hissing rumbling roar was growing louder; coming nearer each mo- ment, with a terrible slide of snow and ice upon its wings. A few seconds when a man is working for dear life, will accomplish miracles. Both Gold Rifle and his mother set desperately, almost wildly to work in digging a trench below the crust—they worked like mad, hurling the snow out and deepening their excavation. he avalanche glided on with accelerating velocity; was not ten ards away, when they we'd flat in the trench, and Bola Rifle pulled the dislodged crust into its former position above them. Then the very mountains seemed to quake and tremble, as the giant mass of snow and ice passed over them, and plunged in a huge bank among the foothills, with a roar like an ocean hurricane. Gold Rifle’s eee y had saved them. For when the terrible avalanche had passed, he raised the cake, and they emerged from the moun- tain side, unharmed. **God be praised, for he has watched over us, kindly!" Mrs. Wagner said devoutly. ‘‘ My son, do ou think there is danger of another of those dread- ul snow-slides.”’ ‘““No, mother, dear. Do you not see, the moun- tain has been swept of all the loose snow, and it will require time for more to accumulate sufficient to We will keep on un a way further, and I have hopes that we will find the cave I have mentioned.” : And with an inward prayer of thanksgiving for their escape ene continued the ascent of the steep mountain side. Gold Rifle had to lead, and with a heavy stick make indentations in the crust in which to step, or they could not have advanced a rod with- out aiming back’a yard or more. In the course of half an hour they arrived in front of an overhanging cliff of rock, in which was a large ew — e entrance to the cave Gold Rifle had en of. At first he hesitated to enter, fearing he might be imperiling his mother by taking her into a bear's den. ut reconnoissance dispelled this idea, and they entered, to find it asnug little cavern of twenty b sixteen feet, dry, and not ill smelling. It had evi- dently been inhabited before, as there were evidences of tenancy—a broken kettle, a lantern, and fire- wood piled up in one corner. “Ha! this is just pot mma we are looking for,” Gold Ritle exclaimed, gladly. “Here wecan remain until I find my father, or until the storm stops, and then I'll take you to the fort. _ It’s a good round for- ty miles, bnt we can do it easily in‘a couple of days afoot, by cutting across by a route I have in view.” “Do you think the outlaws are still following us, my dear boy?” ‘No. They undoubtedly gave up the chase when they found that the snow was in one sense befriend- ing us. They probably came out unprovided with provisions, and were unprepared for a siege.” Thanks to the capture he had made in the Black Ranch larder, Gold Rifle knew that they would not want for food for several days to come. He built a rousing fire out of the dry pitch wood and cones, and soon had a genial warmth pervading the cave. . Oug of the venison they made a comfortable meal, and then leavi his mother to warm at the fire, Gold Rifle left the cave to take a view of their sur- roundings from a more elevated point. But night was drawing near, and it was still snowing so that he had to return without making any discovery whatever. He found his mother standing at one side of the cave, with a fired torch in her hand, and she was visibly excited. - es Kit, do come here!” she exclaimed, excited- ly. “Here's your father’s name written upon the wall.” “Then he must have been here before us,”’ replied Gold Rifle approaching and glancing at the inscrip- tion painted upon the rock: ‘ Wild Walt, October 10th, 187--.” ‘He has not been here since October, probably. I have not seen him for two years.” “Oh! that he were here now, for Walt was ever good to me,” said Mrs. Wagner, with asigh. ‘“ He was a man of questionable repute when I fled with him, and turned out to be an outlaw chief. ButI loved him none the less for this, and soon persuaded him to leave the band and lead an honest, upright life, which he did, until I was abducted by Alf. King, one of his own men.” Gold Rifle did not consider it necessary to keep a aca 2 he believed that v few knew of the moun cave, and less were likely to attempt to Af Tr was a terrible fact that the words of Gold Rifle | f Gold Rifle. prise he found that the sky was clear with a few | stars shining and that the snow had ceased to fall. “To-morrow we shall Jeave this cave, and at- tempt to cross the wilderness again to the fort,” he said to Mrs. Wagner, on his return, ‘so sleep and rest well, so that you will be prepared.” Had he added his own thoughts in words, some- thing like this would have been said: **For, dear mother, I am anxious to get back to the fort and obtain a glimpse of another face there, which has haunted me since over a week ago. *Tis the sweet pretty face of May Maynard that is ever before me, though why should I think of and aspire to her, who is so far above me in education, wealth, and position?” We return to the brigade whom we left in the prairie wilderness, laying low for the coming of the enemy. General Maynard and Josh Hemperhill had charge of the half-score of men who lay within the motte on the eastern side, while Old Steuben with May May- nard—Captain May, as she was called—commanded the western approach, with nine men. The teath, an old trapper, had been left in the center of the motte in charge of little Master Jack. The eastern gang of outlaws were approaching the fastest, and would soon be within range, while _— advancing from the west came on more leisure- y. ‘“When these rascals, get year enough, boys, let ’em have it!’ cried General Maynard, now in spirit for battle. ‘‘ You can guess the length Don’t sboot their horses, but shoot dead at them. They're the curse of these prairies, and must be ex- terminated. “Yas, boys, plug et ter ’°em_ ther best ye’ve got writ down in yer catalogue. Put all yer solid basis character inter yer pop-guns, an’ sling it straight at ther cusses an’ ye’re sure to win.”’ Nearer and nearer the outlaws rode, evidently un- suspectingly, and then, when they were within easy rifle range, General Maynard gave the word, and the crack of half a score of rifles echoed over the wilder- ness-in white. Then as many men of tie approach- ing band reeled in their saddles, and four lifeless upon the snow. The others, however retain- ed their seats—there was a fierce vindictive yell, and the ruffilans came charging on, like mad, “Lay low, boys—now, one, two, three and fire/”’ ordered the general, mly, and again the death dealing repeaters of the bri rity laws dropped back out of the saddl low the war-path again. “Hurray! thet’s ther kind fer ye, boyees—charac- ter-plated, war every one o’ them bullets, an’ luk at their execution!’’ cried Josh, ‘*Yes—there’s only ten left on this side, boys, but they're comin’ like thunder, and you'll have to work uick!” cried the general. And he ke the truth. he outlaws were spurring their animals and goad- ing them on, although it was but feebly they floun- dered through the deep snow. All were masked and armed with rifles and army revolvers, and they were a desperate iooking set of men, “T tell ye what!” exclaimed an old trapper, “I’ve diskivered one p'int ahead 0’ ye, boys. et chap thar in ther lead’s none other than the cussed galoot they call Tiger Track, an’ I know it.” ‘How d'ye know et, Greckel?”’ ““Beca’se I war once tuk a prisoner by him, but miter Sssetl **Lay low, boys!’’ cautioned General Maynard. “ Hark! the devils have attacked t’other side. Hur- ry up—let’s clean out these roughs, an’ join ther rest o’ ther boys. One—two—three—” And again a report of ten rifles rung out, and every saddle was emptied although some of the out- laws were not killed,"but severely wounded, and left lying upon the prairie by the horses which were 8 eds pri in nearly every direction. Without waiting to look after the wounded, Gene- ral Maynard and his men hurried to the western side of the motte, where they found a hot contest waging. z seer of bullets had been exchanged, but no one ced, The outlaws on this side were a round score, in number, and fiercely urged on by no less than the two ruffian traders, Jacob Toleman and Boover Le- gree, who in some inexplicable way had joined in with the outlaws. Old Steuben had been badly wounded in both arms, and could no longer participate in the affray, but he cheered on the men, and kept them wide awake to the enemy’s weak points. *“You see them two men, Josh!” he said, pointing out the ruffian traders to the Yankee. “ Waal, them chaps aire after Miss May, an’ ef ye don’t put a buz- zer in their ears, 1’ll no longer count ye a pard.”’ And, in the next charge that was ‘made, both Le- and Toleman fell, mortally wounded. Several of he brigade were hard hit, but they poured such a destructive volley into the ruffians that they ‘turned tail,” to use a western phrase, and beat an ignomini- ous retreat. *‘ Licked ‘em, by thunder, an’ character’s what did their job—duplex, solid basis character, sure’s I’m a relic 0’ ther characteristic family 0’ Hemperhill \” Josh exclaimed, dancing deligh about, ‘‘ Miss May, ye’re a good’un an’ no mistake! Ye're solid, an’ ef ye war only ter link yer fate wi’ a man o’ un- doubted character, like me, w’at 1appiness would be ours, yours an’ mine!” “Tm sorry, Josh!’ May replie 1, with an &® rt to es, never to fol- of rifle range. | ropped | e, and six out- | ‘Of course, Josh, and make you a better wife than I would.” The outlaws continued to retreat until they were out of sight from the watchers at the motte. They did not go toward the Black Ranch, and this looked rather strange, too, seeing that it was their nearest place of refuge. “T tell ye what!” averred Old Steuben, “I’ve jest ot an idear o’ what ther row is wi’ them chaps. here’s but a dozen o’ ‘em left, an’ they calcylate they ain’t strong enough ter hold ther Ranch, wi’ch is undoubtedly empty. Sothey're goin’ terlight out an’ — this country.” e “Perhaps you're right,’ assented General May- nard, “and after we have gathered in our prisoners, we'll pice og to investigate the matter. 1 hands, | now, assist in bringing in the wounded.” It was a work that occupied considerable time, and eighteen, in all, were brought in, of the outlaws, and their hands and feet bound, and their wounds skillfully dressed. Among them were Legree and Tiger Track—Jacob Toleman having expired shortly after he had been shot. On removing the mask of Tiger Track, it was a t surprise to the men of the Settlement to behold the sinister evil face of the dead trader’s son—the bullying Jay Toleman, whom we introduced at the beginning of our narrative. The excitement of this discovery had not yet | wholly abated, when Old Steuben, who had been on | a scout came rushing into camp, with long leaps. * The Ranch! the Ranch!” he cried—“it is all afire!’’ CHAPTER XVI. BORDER JUSTICE—CONCLUSION, Ir was indeed true—the Black Ranch was wrapt in flames. The smoke and flames were darting from many a window and crack, and the Saat? body of snow upon the roof had all melted off. There was scarcely a visible spot of the building above the high lank fence but was on fire, and the fire was evident- y a well executed scheme of an incendiary. “God forbid that my daughter Mabel is in yonder building, now?’’ General Maynard said, anxiously, ‘for no earthly power can save that outlaws’ strong- hold. See; et er is a horseman just leaving the gates, and g southward. He is evidently the re fiend, in this case.” “Sum galoot, like enough, who hed sum grudge ag’in’ the outlaws!” suggested Old Steuben. “I reckon thet Gold Rifle succeeded in rescuin’ yer pst gineral, an’ thet’s w'at sturted the outlaws abroad.”’ ‘*T truly hope that such may be the case, scout, for to have my long-lost daughter restored to my arms, would be one of the t joys Icanim in my old age. Of her I have ever carried a ho that we would meet again.” “D’ye think, general, thet ef ye war ter hev yer daughter restored to you, thet ye could freely for- give her past desertion o’ you, an’ also forgive the at-one-time outlawed husband with whom fled, providing he had reformed frum the past, inter a man o’ men?” “Yes, scout, most freely would I a ee them both and take them to my heart, in my declining , for except my dear May, here, I have no one to love or care for me, But, why do you speak thus, scout— what know you of my daughter and her husband?” at | ey know that Wild Walt will be rejoiced, sir, and embrace an early opportunity to take a place at your family board as your future stay and sup- port. But, enough of this; see, the building is now going rapidly, and soon the Black Ranch no lon- ger be a thing of existence. What do you propose do with the outlaws, general?’ “T propose to give them an immediate trial, and string ’em up the verdict so decides,” was the stern reply. I think there will be sufficient evidence against them, and I’m satisfied that they wouldn't have granted us even the mercy of a trial.” All hands stood upon the ec of the motte and watched the burning of the Black Ranch—this place of death and the devil, which had become a rival in the North-west to what the slaughter station of the inhuman Benders was, a few years ago upon the middle border—watched the flames lick up the wood fiercely, until the great pile, fence and all, was re- duced to a bed of ashes and Bows coals. Then, the party went back to the camp, im the heart of the motte, and preparations were made for the trial of the outlaws. General Maynard assumed the position of judge, at the request of the little band, and opened the court with a stirring speech, fe tg 4 how the coun: try had lately been scourged by bold, lawless men who had raided, thieved and destroyed homes with out number; and he wound up with a request that | the gentlemen present who knew Sak ee , ing the outlaws would step forw and sworn, and give their testimony. An old “vet,” by the name’ of Darrel, came for: ward, was sworn, and declared that Tiger Track and his band had raided his home, but a year ago, mur- dered his wife and mother, and robbed him of stock and money. Another man, from Cheyenne, testified that he had seen Tiger Track stab a man to death, in an upper settlement, and then Lg aN Still another testified he had been one of a train crossing the a, on the previous summer, which had been attacked by Tiger Track's and teamster were mur one all hands save himself
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gc ¥ rota ~ S “This is enough, Gentlemen of the Jury, to satisfy the minds of =F honest men. But, if there’s any more testimony, let’s have it.”’ “There is!”? exclaimed a voice, and who should | ride forward into the space where the border court was held but Gold Rifle. “I can testify, and swear to it, if necessary, that I was recently captured by old Jacob Toleman, and Tiger Track’s outlaws, and taken into the Black Ranch, where I was pitched into a pit, where there were many dead bodies, some of them recently placed there, others decayed and no- thing but skeletons left, That they were victims of the outlaws, there can be no doubt, and as a detec- tive, I vote that the inhuman scoundrels all be strung up!” ; “And so they shall be. Gentlemen of the Jury, | | | you have heard the testimony of witnesses. You may retire to consider the case.” ““No need o’ fhat, gineral!’’ said Old Steuben, who | formed one of the decisive -body known as the | “* Jury.’’ ‘* We don’t leave our seats fer sech cases as | this, but unanimously say “ guilty,’ an’ so string "em up, ter oncet. Thet’s w’at they deserve, accord- in’ ter our agreement—eh, boyees?” “Ay! ay!” responded the Jury. “Then in the name of the law, which we have of necessity taken into cur own hands, I sentence each and every one of the prisoners to be lynched in the southern end of this motte, and may God have mercy upon their souls.’’ . The words were hardly spoken, ere the trappers | and traders composing the brigade, sprung forward to do the work, which, according to their views, was justice. In vain the poor wretches begged and entreated— | all except Tiger Track, or Jay Toleman, but it was of no use. The resolution of the Regulators was not | to be broken. | Jay Toleman was the only calm one among the lot, as they were borne away toward the assigned lynch- ing gronnd. He helda sort of grim, bull-dozg defi- | ance—did not quail, but rather denounced the cap- tors in the vilest language of his vile of igre voard The young wretch’s heart was too hardened—his soul too deeply steeped in crime for him to care for death. At last all of the outlaws had been removed to the southern end of the motte, and all of the brigade ex- | cept four had gone to witness the “ sport,”’ for in the remote West, a good old-fashioned ynehing is con- | sidered by the frontiersman next to the Fourth of July. 1e four remaining behind were General Maynard, Gold Rifle, Old Steuben, and May. The quartette stood facing each other for some moments—expect- ancy upon the faces of the general and the scout. Gold Rifle stood with arms folded, a half-humorous | expression upon his countenance, and a gleam of | triumph in his eyes. “Well,” he said, glancing from one to another, ‘‘ I take it, by your looks, that you’re expecting some- ‘thing of me.”’ ‘* end yon’re exactly right,” replied Old Steuben, | with alaugh. ‘‘ We’re expecting much of you. But first, Jet us know each other. Kit, my boy, this is | our grandfather, General Maynard, and this young dy, youraunt, I suppose. General, and Miss May, this is your relative, Kit Deronda, detective.”’ ‘We are glad to meet you, young man.” the gene- ral said, extending his hand, “‘ and although it is a little surprise at this time, I must confess that I’ve had an inkling of our relationship, suggested by my darling adopted daughter, May. But, Steuben, you ‘pay * my son;’ can it be possible that you are the d Walt Wagner with whom my daughter fled, years ago?” “The same, general,’’ and the old scout-guide ‘threw off a wig and false beard, and a handsome- looking man o: went ead stood revealed. ‘Then, praise for I am reunited to my dear father, husband and children!” cried a voice, and Mrs. Wagner, so long lost to loving hearts, rushed ey the scene, and fell into the dpen embrace of ild Walt. Such a glad reunion! The two men, husband and father, went into ecstasies over the returned one, and while they were ag thus, Gold Rifle or Kit Deronda, turned to Miss May, who was standing a little aloof, holding Master Jack by the hand. “Well, Miss Maynard, this seems to be a gladsome ‘moment, does it not? and it occurs to me, just now, 4hat we must be brother and sister, eh, or aunts and wcOnly by adoption, sir!” M lied ful i: option, sir!’’ May replied, a painfu flush ne -( her cheek. ‘I have lately found that T am not General aig own daughter, but an adopted one—the child of an old army officer named Faulkland. Therefore I am an outsider, but I cannot help feeling overjoyed all the same at the happy turn of events.” “Which shows the goodness of your heart. And. Tm right glad, too, that you are no relation to me, although I would love to have asister. I suppose this is my little brother whom I have never seen,” After the exchange of a few more words May and Gold Rifle joined the others, where Wild Walt was mPCaRIN : “T joined an outlaw band, general, after I fled, ac. sonaented ca. ite daughter. In the community in which you lived at that time, J was nearly unknown, and the name of detective had been little heard. tf was a detective on my own hook, and joined the out- laws p ly to ascertain their force, and how to quocenntully break them up. I was made their chief, and known as Wild Walt Wagner. I had not been forty-eight hours with them when I was seen and by a party of hunters, and branded as an It was ess now to leave them, as death me outside of their ranks. So I staid until outlaw. aw. ‘tthe goodness of my wife, here, caused me to flee - | his mother. frem them, with our little boy. I hid myself, but Alt King one of the men, stole away my wife, and | she was a»propriated, later, by Dolph Carew, known >p to you as Toleman, Jr. With him she came to this country, and she has just told me that the wretch forced her to marry him. The little boy, here, isa result of their union. But he shall never lack fora father, in me, and now that we are all reunited in one happy family, I see no reason why we should ever part. After about an hour the trapvers and traders came marching back from the southern end of the motte, singing in wild harmony a peculiar lynching song: ** We've hung up the cusses to a cottonwood tree, fo a cottonwood tree, to a cottonwood tree, They plead an’ they argied, ut we couldn’t all agree, So we boosted ’em up to glor-r-ry.”’ “Yas, capt’in, we’ve suspended them galoots above wolf reach, an’ they’re out o’ sin an’ tempta- tion.” ‘** An’ I swow ter breeches, thar warn’t only one solid basis character galoot among ’em!" putin Josh. * He war thet Jay Toleman, or Tiger Track—tuk his rations as natteral as ary hoss ked do, wi’out a runt.”’ * “Tf you've hung the wretches you’ve done the country a good service,” said Wild Walt, “for them outlaws had no equal for fiendish cruelty and devil- ishness. May God, however, forgive them, as’we all hope to be forgiven our sins.” "ho which there was a hearty amen. That night when all were gathered around a rous- | ing camp-fire, Gold Rifle was importuned to relate all about his adventures in rescuing Mrs. Deronda, which he did, touching lightly, however, on parts where he had played the heroic. He rela- ted what he had discovered about the Black Ranch, concerning the counterfeiting scheme, and his expe- rience in the death pit, “Who do you think fired the Ranch, Kit?” Wild | Walt asked. “The guard who aided me to escape, no doubt, for he was a bitter enemy of Tiger Track. His name he said was Renfrau.” “Do you think it will pay to overhaul the ruins of the Ranch to get at that counterfeit money?” ‘“No. It has doubtless been melted, and could be of no use to us, anyhow.” And so the Black Ranch’s ashes were}left undis- turbed, and on the shone oes the brigade set out for the settlement, which, in due time, they safely reached, the Maynard party proceeding on to the general’s quarters, glad to get out of the track- less wilderness. May Faulk!and had her birthday party after all, and a brilliant affair it was, to which all the soldiers and trappers were invited. Gold Rifle was present, and on that auspicious occasion found time to whis- per his love-dream to the fair May. And it became own, later, that they were engaged; later still, in the spring-time, they were united in matrimony—and they all live almost under the guns of the fort, the a families of Derondas, as happy as the day is ong. General Maynard is still grand supervisor of things at the fort, even in his old age, and finds at the homes of his own daughter and daughter of adoption, a double blessing to his bags Heng The gold which years. ago d Walt had taken from the outlaws, has been contributed, we learn, to a committee at Yankton for the at tag of erectin afree school on a grand scale. alt “‘ would no have the stuff on his hands,’’ he said. And with Gold Rifle lives as a retainer no less a personage than ec- centric Josh Hemperhill. THE END. 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BEADLE’S« H ALF- DIME*[_IBRARY, Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Unitorm Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdeavwre, BY OLL COOMES. BY T. C, HARBAUGH, BY J. W. OSBON,. +. 146 Kit Bandy, Detective; or, Silver Star, the Boy Knight. 28 Nick o the Night} or, The Boy Spy of ’76, 469 The Rival Glante of Nowhar’. ey 168 Kit Bandy in Texas; or, The Young Mastanger. 87 The Hidden Lodge}; or The Littl» Hunter. 498 Cdctue Burr, the Man from Hard Luck, : 208 Kit Bandy’s Catch; or, The Boy Hercules. 47 Nightingale wats or, Tne Forest Captains, 587 Old Buckeye, the Sierra Shadow. 422 Kit Bandy’s Right Bower; or, Baby Sam,the Boy Giant 64,.Dandy Jack 3 or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Tratt. 5664 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner, or, The Man Without s Past, ‘F 444 Kit Bandy’s Swoop; or, Little Buckskin, tne Centaur. 82 Kit Harefoot, the Wood-Hawk; or, Old Powder-faca, 609 Bolly Dorrit, the Veteran Detective. a 478 Kit Bandy’s Slick Scheme; or, Old Tom Rattler, 94 Midnight Jack ; or, The Boy Trapper. 620 Little Lightning’s League; or, The Mystery o: tne Islan® : 661 Kit Bandy’s Deliverance; or, Banner Bsn. 106 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, The White Queen. 688 Plucky Paul, the Boy Prospector. 680 Kit Bandy’s Pard; or, Dauntless Dan, the Freelance. 128 Kiowa Charley the White Mustanger. 851 Gold-Dust Dan, the Trail Patrol. 791 Kit Bandy Rattled; or, The Infant Giant. 189 Judge Lynch Jr.¢ or, The Boy Vigiiante. 755 Gold Dust Dan’s Gath; or, Reckless Roy, the Regulates 795 Kit Bandy in Red Ruin; or, The Young Whirlwind, 155 Gold Trigger, the Sport; or, The Girl Avenger, 928 Gold-Dust Dan’s Snap-Shot. : THO Kit Bendy Bis oo age Be yng oe Sam. ase Bais: po some by njun Jack From ie Ve *! 804 Kit Bandy’s rigade; or, Dan, the Mountdin Guide. 88 Ned Temple, the Border Boy; or, The Mad Hunter. ‘a arp - $27 Kid Bandy’s Brigade in Arizona, 198 Arkansaw ¢ or, The Queen ot Fate’s Revenge. BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR, 989 kit Bandy’s Star Engagement. > | 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. 2 Yellowstone Juck; or, The Trapper. . , - 215 Captain Bullet; or, Little Tovknot’s Crusade. 48 Black John, the Road-Agent; or, The Outlaw’s Retreats, 158 Jack Drew, the Nemesis; or, Eagle Kit the Boy Demon, 281 Plucky Phil; or, Rom, the Rea Jezebel. 65 Hurricane Bill; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard. a 'A82 Jack Drew’s Drop; or, Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain. | 241 Bill Bravo; or, Tie Roughs of the Rockies. 119 Mustang Sam ¢ or, The King of the Plains. {202 Jack Drew in Deadwood; or, Prospect Pete. 855 Captain Avolir» tne King Pin of Bowie, Ni 186 Night-llawk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch. nt ont ~ ¥ ; The Kuekskin Detective; or, The King of Road-agents. 144 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. 27 moon Say S “ Pca (ahd Me ras pe Abe, the Boy Guide. | 979 oid Winch 3 or, Tie Buckskin Desperadoes, 151 Panther Paul; or, Dainty Lance to the Rescue, 81 Keen-Knife, the y ; airies. 294 Dynamite Dan; or, The Bowle Blade of Gochetopa. 160 The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. : 4 & Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jow, 802 The Mountain Detective; or, The Trigger Bar Bully. 168 Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. ih. 18 The Dumb Spy._ 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, 184 The Boy Trailers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path, 41 Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. $26 The Ten Pards? or, The Terror of Take-Notice. 208 The Boy Pards; or, Dainty Lance Unmasks. | 58 The Border King; or, The Secret Foe, 886 Bie Benson; or, The Queen of the Lasso, 211 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City. } 71 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy, 845 Pitilesas Matt; ov, Red Thunderbolt’s Secret. 810 The Barranca Wolf; or, The Beantiful Decoy. ee | 74 Hawk-eye Marry the Young Trapper Ranger, 856 Cool Sam und Pard; or The Terrible Six. $19 The Black Rider; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League. oy 88 Rollo, the Boy Ranger; or, The Heiress, 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. 885 Old Double Fist; or, The Strange Guide 184 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman, 856 Captain Cutlass § or, | he Brecuneer’e Girl Foe, 855 The King of the Woods: or. Daniel Boone’s Last Trails . 148 Scar-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter, 896 Rough Rob; or, The Twin Champions of Blue Blazes. 449 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective. Be 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. 411 The Silken Lasso; or, The Rose c Ranch Robin. 625 Chincapin Dan, the Boy Trailer. 218 Tiger Tom, the Texas Terror. 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter; or, The Gold Gang of New York. | 677 Chineapin Dan's Second Trail. “, 224 paahing Dick; or, Trapper Tom’s Caste, 425 Texas Trump, the Border Rattler, 688 Chineapin Dan’s Home Stretch, S R2K Little Wildiire, the Young Prairie Nomad. 486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox; or, The Mystery of Room 21, | 698 Old Crazy, the Man Without a Head. 7H 288 The Parson Detective; or, The Little Rangér, 445 The City Vampires; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pigeon. TOS Light-Heart Lute’s Legacy, 248 The Disgulsxed Guide; or, Wild Raven, the Ranger, 461 One Against Fifty: or, The Last Man of Keno Bar, 718 Licht-'Meart Lute’« Last Trail. ae, 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger. 470 The Boy Shadow; or, Fellx Fox’s Hunt. 728 Siiverblade, the Shoshone. ‘ 272 Minkskin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. 477 The Exceisior Sport: or, The Washington Spotter. 729 Silverblade, the Half-Blood; or, The Border Beagle at Bagy $352 rye paetie Forres the Boy Sess or, ei po Arbuckle, aoe Single Bi ht, the One Byes Spores 789 Silverblade, the Hostile; or, The Border Beagle’s Trall. a ‘he Sk emonj or, Rainbolt, the Ranger. rande en, the Night Ferret. Silve he Friendly; or, The Border Beagle’s Pard B84 Whip-Ring Joe, the Boy Ranchero. 5612 Dodger Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective. 548 Bilverbiadge. t wre ‘ . Boy a7 Henle oT: pick, the Boy Ranger. bd | pedeer mens Beat Dodges, oi The Gotham Gold Gang, BY ¢. DUNNING CLARK. | ebfoot Mose, the Tramp Detective. 2 ‘ox and Faicon, the Bowery Shadows, a v bits 457 Wingedfoot Fred ; or, ola Polar Saul. 538 Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret, +4 Sovtaia Sanhe aa igen he ‘ 626 e ampton Pards; or, The Luciler of Silver Bar, > | BY T. 3. FLANAGAN, 687 Dick Doan, the Dock Boy Detective. RD eg il seen gia cage ta 8 a P , Cit, the y Sharp. >» Ne e Cabin Boy; or, The CD OF tne as 909 Midshipman Dare, the Pirate Catcher, 44 Kitty Santa be ons. 820 The Sea Souaeress ot, The Boy Skipper. Pp 925 The Voung Cowboy Captain, Ps . , . - : L ded 4 4 671 Jersey Jed, the Boy Hustler: or, Shadowing the Shadower. 983 The wo idshipmen; or, The’ Corsair-Chaser’s First | 645 Happy Hugh, the Boy Musician Detective. BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. 701 Photograph Fred, the Camera Sharp, 28 Blue Dick; or, The Yellow Chief's Vengeance. 715 Wide Awake Len, the Quaker City Ferret, 782 Daisy Dell, the Pavement Detective; or, Trapping Big Games 742 Billy Winka, the Bell Boy Detective, 87 The Land Pirates: or, Tho League of Devil’s Island, 4 BY DAN DUNNING. 1 f 87 The Helpless Hand; or, Backwoods Retribution. ountain, Gecret Bervice Spy. t : oe . see vga op oie fie Taviacibless bx. The Diabotical Three, $3 Billy Wisks, the Bone Boy Shadow, Nee GP 289 The Gold-seeker Guide! or, The Lost M ; “4 he C ‘all. z Scagle Ned, the Boy Juard; or, Toe Cam The % S ' SEB Rotectlye Daves ote Cll Perret 280 Tonkaway Tom, the Red Wizard ae BY BRACEBRIDGE NEMYNG. ’ ran “0% Farrel, Fox’s Sweep-Stakes. 2 S827 The Bantam Sport. 89 Island Jim}: or, The Pet of the Family. " : ; B48 Clip, the Battery Ferret; ot, ence veutrs Foul Play | 191 The Captain of the Club; or, The Rival Athletes x4 BY GEORGE ©. JENKs, 906 Dandy Nugset, the bor shelow. 101 Jack Harkaway in New York. : “485 Git Thor Owney ,the, Unknown, O21 The Boy trom Denver. MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS, pe , 92 Git Thar Owney’s Pledge. rild- By Capt. Mayne Reid a Bis The Demon Doctor; ot, Denthold, the Kid Detective. BY CHARLES MORRIS, ag ne Ts La en a a ac ae 5st Double-Ourve Dan, the Pitcher Detective. 118 Will Somers, the Boy Detective. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen. Svs Flute, voe Singer Detective; % Owney in a New Role, 122 Phil Wardy, the Boss Boy. 12 Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean Swift. . 4608 The Pitcher Detective’s Foil: or, Dan’s Double Play. | 126 Picayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detectives 14 Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp. : ty 616 The Ocean Detective: or, The Last Cruise ofthe Black Bear. | 180 Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Rags. 16 Robinson Crusoe. (27 I!lustrations.) G81 The Piteher Detective’s Tonghest Tusale, 142 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, 18 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven Voyages. 786 Larry the Thoroughbreds or, Beaten on Every Side, 147 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. 22 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe. By Jnan 779 Iron Hand, the Charmed Detective 152 Black Bess, Will Wildfire’s Racer. Lewis. $54 Uncle Sam’s Detective in Chicago. 157 apts erxy ag caret Police Boy, 88 The Ocean Pilgrdheunes or, The Red Pirates of the ay re in the Wooda. Carribees. By S, W. Pierce. Se BY WM. & PATTEN, 13s Bily Baggage, the Railroad Boy = 86 aot A aa gt ie al Asan tae: vt fF 8, Finn. r ~ 4 rum ar r, Will Wildfire Wins and Loses SN ‘s e, the Boy Scout. exas Jack. ; 629 Violet Vane; ba Feb tide psig Mol load Jubilee ot Jacktown | 474 Rob Rockett; oe, Mpatetins of New York. Bi The Pgs Rifles; or. The Undery und Camp. By A.C.Irona. , ptt sheet Va ae thd fcr Pane ee Clty Clea Out. | 479 Rob Rockett, the Bank Runner, 95 The Rival Rovers; or, The Freebooters of the Mississippi venta 258 Viole + Vaners Vows or, The Crafty Detective’ Craft 158 The Hidden Hand 3 or, Wil) Wildfire’s Revenge. By Lieut.-Col, Hazeltine. Eolas 724 Violet Vane’s Vengeunce; or, The Wi Dut. t 136 Fred Halyard, byt, ° Boat Boys oF The Smuggiere, 98 Robin Bese athe Cueaenh Earl; or, The Merry Men of Green* , y tas a : r - oO ocke or, Driven to the Wall. ‘ood. ‘of, ersleeve. bat Viotet SN erie ue Vida’ Sport Bp 4 smasoned 5 on an pomant Fight for Life, 105 ota Fn Al the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain : = 1¥ othe V, or, T : ar aul, wer King. ton Holmea. 7a5 ey yone; Coe nae one he Blery: Hiuwa pes Fo 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective, 112 The Mad Hunter; or, TheCave of Death. By Burton Saxe. ah, 489 The iiamond Sport j or, The Double Fuce of Bed Rocks ot Zam Genzet 0% The B ack Chass of the Flock. 124 Tippy, the Texan? or, The Young Champion. By George ngs arcoa @ Premium Marky, as Bat ot Aged ar Miebe edema 285 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy.” 128 The Young Privateer; or, The Pirate’s Stronghold, By 5SZ Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective 242 The Two * Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Rill and His Gang, Harry Cavendish. é 604 Tron rote the Man of Fire: or, Among the Vultures, rh Pick Dasha way § af) * gyi we! gen Tratl. 148 Rpery Sams or, The Adventures of a Friendiess Boy, By J 9 The Bo ‘Det + or, The Doubie Grip Witness Aone Night See Ticailolo ry Ragarys lade Alexander Patten, 641 Mamal Dave's Dandy Pard; or, The Clucto Capt, Claw | Bea Folly Jims the Detective Arprentice 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper: or, The Green Ranger of the Yel. a Job; or, The Young Detective. : Edward n 298 The Water: Heend) or, The Young Thoroughored, 1 woombe Fo boas ht the New Y irk Boy. 4 @. L, Aiken, 651 Bound Boy F rank, the Young Amateur Detective 26 805 Dashaway, of Daketa: or, A Western Lad in Quaker City, | 866 Killb’ar. the Guide? »r, Davy Crockett’s 682 Wild Vuleany the Lone-Range Rider, 714 Old Misery the Man from Missouri. 3 2 ’ 7 + * a “ & wo - : e i > —] 3 ic] R S = Dp ° - 3 z ° rr I = B 3 = Ey 1 na 3 ~. ae enim eg acapella peste rein nein % : ge 824 Ralph Ready, the Hote) Boy Detective. . D, Warren, die png td ie © P aalda iio ea ar 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. 298 ey ee the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid of the Cliff #06 Cowboy Steve the R we! h M, ee by ’ 858 The Reporter-Detectives or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard, By Captain Comstock. * S20 Nobby Nat, the Tenderfoot Detectiv 867 Wide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of the Times, 817 Peacock Pete. the Lively Lad from Leadville. By Lieu- : 886 Sharper Stoke's Double Deal. See Pitchy Sacks Wie Kite taiiarte ee eae ee moleser A Boy's Fight for Life ana H TaN Sh? Spotte bi ° refly Jack, the River-Rat Detective. &ky Detective ¢ or, s and Hones sen a vieee i Babe A Ree tecake a pend Nal Finger or, ate Entrapped Cashier, ORF By Sater pee: hag R $ or, Th Re fe { “ re yer, the Reporter Detective. e ver over? or, e Brother’s é: BY COLONEL DELLE SARA. 456 Willy rick, tee Jolly Pinkerton Ferret rd renee, BY Ned se fhe Bootblack Detect mete Morris, ) y Brick, the Jolly Vaganond. 1 en the ac’ ve. Sie ; 108 The Lion of the Sea} or, The Vailed Lady. 466 Wiis hwete Jerry, Petative or Entombed Alive. cor Be ere reat or, Ben’s Double Match. G H. Morse, &8 Cool Desmond: or, The Gambler's Big Game, 479 Detective Dodge; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty, 876 Callfornia Joe’s First Trail. By Colonel Thomas BY CAPTAIN FRED. WHITTAKER. 501 Rest tie Racket Fans tea hie eee Palle Toattchell, the Clg Climber. By ¥. 8. Wineh oui . 00 : A lor the tr i 8 Am '. y 2.5. * 15 The Sea-Cats or, The Witch of Dari 566 The Reeret Servise, Mey Petaniiver ats The Binek Shi . By John S Warner. es ap The Dumb Paget or, The Doge's Dau so &96 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves. 84 Comanche Pick and His Three Invincibles. By 48 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider.” 627 Tom Bruce of Arkansas: or, The Wolf in the Fold, Henry J. Thomas. 100 Lance and Lasso; or, The Children of the Chaco Ser Rob nad Sas i he Dany Lier a4 per rere ‘iatgt pow pride mere 7; . m, the Daisy Detectives. x a J ase ape aly Sle my enter rte oo hant Riders tee Bee Curbatone petectiver oars Hale’s Big Beat. S85 Will Waters, the Rov Feet ai aa yd wes Q etective Frank’s Sweep-atakes. + 9 e Tton, Be Welder te Rober ofthe Raion," n Pamet lanes | 889 Ned Normans: the Granta, Broker, TAL Bavepick Morey ders Doors the Wenham ’ e ne-’em-up Detective, P. By Will Lisenbee. ie | sae be aren pda hep ed oberon 917 Flash Lachestas the Mountain Mascot, . 809 Don Dant on, eG pay from Denver. By King Keene,ofthe | . % : « §, Secret Service Corps. oat ® st Bigek Nick, the Denon Rider BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, 814 Ace High, the Friseo Detective. By C. E. Tripp. 11 The Two Detectives: or, The Fortunes ofa Bowery Gir), 880 ane Grive Leteers Rag Alley; or, Citen Rabe BY OAPT. J. F. O. ADAMS, EP ey ad be gdireh ob al 881 The Chicago Drommers Deal, By J.G, Bethuve, . t 5 Y . — * 0 288 Joe Kuck of Angels and His Boy Pard. 841 Prince Charlie, the Cat’s- Paw Sport. By Merm 64 wer ies th Bey Seen -Nartiag ass Now Perk a wt A gee on eo om by 5 Sa a ? 861 Billy 1 Brine tha Swamp Fox. By Chas, F. aze e rapper. ew FE a ‘ t f um > A it HEI oe Or re MB a a a SS e ndlany or, The Scov nos Ted, tne Arizonn Sport. ° 0 Old Zip’a Cabin ; or, The Greenhorn in the Woods. S10 Cool Colorado, the Half-Rreed Detectiv : 81 Lightning Jo, the Terror of the Prairie. 518 Cool Colorado tn New York: ye The Cowboy’s Fight A New Inoue Every Tneetays tt 85 uk Buekram ; or, Boss, the Female Tre pers The Half-Dime Library ts tor sale oy all Newsies!“ “"e . i ety nd eile ap ay tet ay BY OAPT. ALFRED R. TAYLOR 6.8 4. cents per copy, or sent by mall on receipt of six cente each, ; | Hs seer of, The Underground Can¥ 191 Buffalo Rily, the Rov Rullwhacker, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Pubifshera, + me eh 3 of, The Human 194 Buffalo Bis Bet: or. The Gambler Guide, 98 William Street, New York, ea { ; ahh fi Pe es et teens eye “, { Z ; ia ‘ . : le Mian er ee - sae Pea eee: ee "7 : 7 ig Bhat en ore os J < 5 jap ’ 4 eee eth MOTT Ta NS tet ee ER |
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\. 680 Deadwood | | A776 Deadwood “%B4A Deadwood Dick. aoe BEADLE’S* H ALF-DIME* | IBRARY. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Un Published Every Tuesday. — $$$ —___—____-—_ --_—- BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels. *1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick’s Detiance; or, Double Daggers. $25 Deadwood Dick in Disguise; or, Buffals sen. | 85 Deadwood Dick in His Caatle, das Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; or, The Phantom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omaha Oll, 57 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. iform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers.., Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Rosebud Rob on Hand; or, Idyl, the Girl Miner. 88 Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance; or, Photograph Phil, 121 Rosebud Rob’s Ghaltenwes or, Cinnamon Chip. 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yankee's Surround 281 Denver Doll’s Victory; or, Skul! and Crossbones, 285 Denver Doll's Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 296 Denver Dolls Drift; or, The Road Queen. 868 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherer; or, The Life Lottery. 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up. B85 Yreka JJm’s Joker; or, The Rivals of Red Nese. 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective; or, Dot Leetle Game, 218 Fritz to the Froni; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter 244 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister’s Devotion, 248 Sierra Sams Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 2558 Sierra Sam’s Pardy or, The Angel of Big Vista. 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven ¥ or, The Stolen Bride. 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. 889 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Out, 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. 96 Watch-Eye, the Detective; or, Arabs and Angels. - 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. 825 Kelley, Mickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Nat Warry, the Base Ball Detective, 6 Sam Slabaideas, the Beggar-Boy Detective. 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives, 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buifalo 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; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp, 118 Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator. 25 Bonanza Bill, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger. 188 Rosa Bob the King of Bootblacka. : 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent; or, The Branded Brows, 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scamps. 181 Wild Frank the Buckskin Bravo; or, Lady Lily’s Love. 286 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator; or, The Locked Valley. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol: or, The Rival Heirs. 880 Little Gutck-Shot or, The Dead Face of Daggersville. 858 First-Class Fred, the Gent trom Gopber, B78 Nabob Ned; or, The Secret of Slab City. BSS Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or; A Villain’s Vengeance, 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher; or, A Son's Vengeance. 456 Sealakin Sau, the Sparkler; or The Tribunal of Ten. 918 Kit Keith, t e Revenue Spotter. y 922 Sol Sharpe, the New_York Night-Hawk, 948 Old Hayseed Among Bunco Men, 1001 Banty, the Denver Bootblack. BY J. C.. COWDRICK. 579 Broadway 605 Broadway 628 Broadway The Boy Detective’s Big Inning. ead Acts or, The League of Seven. 0 Broadway 5& Broadway B 8 Broadway B Broadway Broadway Broadway Broadway Broadway Broadway Broadway Broadway Broadway Broadway Broadway Broadway Broadway Brondway Broadway Broadway Broadway Broadway Broadway Broadway 868 Broadway Billy’a Beagles; or Billy’s Teams or, The Combine’s Big Pull. Billy’s Brigade; or, The Dead Alive. Billy’s Queer Bequest. Billy Baftied. Billy’s Signal Scoop. Billy’s Wipe Out, Billy’a Bank Racket. ete Bluff. 3 Th ily Amon ersey ugs. Billy's Trald, Billy’s Big Boom, Billy’« Big Bulge. Billy’« #100,000 Snap. Rilly’s Blinds or, The Bootblack Stowaway. Billy tn London. . Billy Shadows London Sluma. 874 Broadway RBilly’s French Game, 880 Broadway Billy and the Bomb-Throwers. 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys. 869 Shasta, the Gold Kings or, For Seven Years Dead, A20 The Detective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without a Name, 424 Olbuta Jonny or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar. 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude, &06 Redlight Ralph the Prince of the Road. 524 The Engineer Detective; or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 571 Air-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case 592 The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascals Out. 615 Fighting Harr the Chief of Chained Cyclone. 640 Bareback iteth, the Centanr of the Circle, 647 Tynewriter Tilly the Merchant's Ward. 659 Woonlight Morgan the * Pizenest’’ Man of Ante Bar, S87 Battery Bob. the Dock Detective. 894 Arizona Dick’s W ipe-Out. 900 Jumping Jack’s Jubilee. 906 Satety Sam, the Cycle Sport. 912 Train Boy Trist’s Hot Yustle, 918 The Trump Dock-Boy. 924 Big Boots Bob, the Fire-Laddle. 980 Kustler Ralph, the Boy 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 Sport: or, Fiver Fred’s Clear Case. 967 1000 Reward: or, The Rival Reporters’ Sleek Scoop. 978 Bantam Billy, the Corker-Ferret. 978 Plucky Pat. the Street-Boy Detective. 989 Bicycle Bob’ Hot Scorch, 997 Scorcber Sum, the Detective on Wheels 1004 Seorcher Sam’s Sweep-Stakea. 1009 Tae Girl Cy clia’s Winning Hand, AY ARIZONA OY. ese Vou Pet Bob from Croas Crick, 1 1088 You Bet Bob’s Cireus, BUFFALO BILL NOVELS. BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM. 1046 Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit,; or, Buffalo Bill, the Pon Express Rider. 1042 Little Grit, the Pony Exprers Rider. 1040 Buffalo Kills Pony Patrol. 1018 Buffalo BIll’« Texas Team. 1007 Buffalo Bill’s Sure-Shota, 1000 Buffalo BIL's Decoy Boya. 995 Buffalo Bill's Drop; or, Dead-Shot Ned , the Kansas Kid 988 Buffalo Bill’s Lasso Throwers, 981 Buffalo Bill's Fighting Five. 975 Buffalo Bill's Hifte Shots. 968 Buffalo Bill’s Kush Ride; or, Sure-Shot, the High-Flyer 964 Buffalo Rill’s Decoy 3 or, The Arizona Crack Shot, 9558 Buffalo Bill's Mazeppa-Chase. 948 Buffalo Bill's Snap-Shot ; or, Wild Kid’ Texan Tally 942 Buffalo Bills Tough Tuasle. 986 Buffalo Bill's Boy Mascot; or, Joe Jarvis’ Hold-up, 929 Buffalo Bills Crack-shot Pard. 650 Buffalo Bill's Boy Pard; or, Butterfly Billy. 216 Bison BILL, the Prince of the Reins, 222 Biso.. Bilas Clue; or. Grit, the Biavo Sport, BY BUFFALO BILL. 55 PT eadly-Eye. the Unknown Scout; or, The Banded Brotherhood ‘68 isorder Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. 15£ Faney Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust, 1029 The Phantom Spy. 1088 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand. BY CAPT, ALFRED B. TAYLOR, U. 8. A. 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. 194 Buffalo Bill’s Bet: or, The Gambler Guide. BY COL. PRENTIsSS INGRAHAM, 1087 The Arilat Detective. 1084 The Gold Whiich’s Shadower. 1081 The Texan Hustlers In Cuba. 1027 The Cowboy Raiders in Cuba 1025 The Flying } ankee or, The Ocean Outcast 1028 Tne Cowboy Clan in Cuba. 1016 The Boy Bugler in Cuba. 982 New ¥ ork Nat’s Drop: or, Ex-Ferret Sykes’ Bold Game 926 New York Nat and the Traltor Ferret, 920 New York Nat Trapped. % 914 New York Nat's Three of a Kind. 908 New York Nat’s Double. York Nat’s in Colorado. York Nat in Gold Nugget Camp. York Nat’s Deadly Deal, y York Nat’s Crook-Chase, York Nat’s Trump Card. 8T1.New York Nat and the Grave Ghouls. 865 New York Nat's Masked Mascot. 859 New York Nat, the Gamin Detective. 858 Dick Doom’s Kidnapper Knock-Out. 847 Dick Doom’s Ten Strike. 842 Dick Doom’s Flush Hand. 772 Dick Doom’s Beath-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny. 77 Dick Doom’s Desting’ or, The River Blackleg’s Terror. 784 Dick Doom} or, The Sharps and Sharks of New York. 788 Dick Doom in Boston or, A Man of Many Maske, 793 Dick Doom tn Chicago. 298 Dick Doom in the Wild W eat. 808 Dick Doom’s Clean Sweep} or, Five Links in a Clue, 808 Dick Doom’s Death Clue. 818 Dick Doow’s Diamond Deal. 819 Dick Doom’s Girl Mascot, 829 Dick Doom’s Shadow Hunt, Yiek D ‘a Big Heul. at | Den kinn Chattiot or; The Kentucky Tenderfoot's First Trafi, 756 Dashing Charlie’s Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Captive, 760 Dashing Charlie’s Pawnee Pard. 766 Dashing Charlie, the Rescuer. 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 78? Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. 748 Buck Taylor’s Boys; 1, The Red Ridere of the Rio Grande Ana Fifty Others. BY LIEUT. A. K, SIMS. 689 Tom-Cat and Pardy or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 622 Tom-Cat’s Triad; or, ‘lhe Affair at Tombstone. 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Tasks or, The Cowboy Detective 688 Tom-Oat’s Triumph; or, Black Dan’s Great Combine, 546 Captain Cactus the haparral Cock; or, Josh’s Ten Strike 568 The Dandy of Dodge: or, Rustling for Millions. 576 The Silver Sports or, Josh Peppermint’s Jubilee, 588-/Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow 601 Happy Hana, the Dutch Vidocg; or, Hot Times at Round-Uj 611 Bil He Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range "Detective. 657% Warbling William the Mountain Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jeremiahy the Plains Detective, 676 Signal Sam, the Lockout Scout. 689 Billy, the Gypsy Spy o> The Mystery of Two Lives.’ ) 699 Simple Sim, the Rronebo Buster: or, For Big Stakes, 712 The Meameriat Sports or, The Mystified Detective, 288 Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector, 745 Kanana Jim the Cross-Cut Detective, 261 Marmaduke, the Mustanger Detective. 278 The Rustler of Rolling Stone. 285 Lone Mand Jee the Committee of One. 801 Kent Kirbys the High-Kicker from Killbuck. 882 The Doctor Dete etive In Texan. 872 Two Showmen Petectives In Colorado, 987 The Texan Firebrand: or, Brazos Billy’s Snap.Shot 961 The Tramp’s Trump-Trick. NEW ISSUES, 58 The Three Spotters’ Dead Mystery. . By Warring b4 Mustang Merle’s Merciless Hos. By Maj. Scott. bo Red Raven’s Redskin Ruse. By Col. P. regtbam 56 Cowboy Chris in Clunabar, By Wn. Ww. Wilder, 57 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter. By Fa, L, Wheeler. 68 Koderick, the Rover. By{T. J Flansgen 59 Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. ‘By Texas Jae. 60 Marlo, the Renegade. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. JUST ISSUED. 1048 The Street Spotters’ Weird Munt. By Waring, 1049 Queen Edna of the Panthers By Wm. R. Eysater, 1050 he One-Armed Epon. tae ee 1051 The Boy Hercules y mes, 1052 Buffalo Bill in Misguise. By Col. P. Ingraham. A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library ‘* for sale by all newadealers, fiv eonts por copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 92 William Street, New York. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0