Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 1073) (1898 02 15)
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CD CGass CED = c= oe SS ‘Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y., Post Office. Copyrighted 1898, by BEADLE ae Snes CDS No. 1 073. Five Cents a Copy. BE ADLE AND AD AMS, Publishers, Published rea $2.50 a Year, 2 WitL14M Street, New York. Tuesday WILD BILL'S SABLE PARD. BY WILLIAM G. = — == eA, = ay MLS SS Sa AS) ae =s. ~ = BRL 3 Si II) DD We SS Ga ae te ERY yy b al UY PS a 2 I oe DA 1 CF I = Fa * r= — S! TILL ON HIS SHOULDER,
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thing!” he cried, Wild Bill’s Sable Pard The Pirates of Peaceful Pocket. BY WM. WEST WILDER, (** WYOMING WILL,”) AUTHOR OF THE ‘‘COWBOY CHRIS” SERIES, ‘WILD BILL’S WEIRD FOE,” ETC, CHAPTER I. WILD BILL ‘‘ CHIPS IN,” PEACEFUL POCKET was anythivg but a peace- ful camp; the name was a misnomer, It seemed that the very worst characters of the border had gathered at that beautiful spot and made it a place to be shunned by all bonest men, Many of the villainous ruffians of Kansas, whose das- tardly deeds had been 80 outrageous they were driven from such places as Abilene, Dodge and Hayes City, had fled over the line into Colorado, and congregated in Peaceful Pocket, The reputation of the place had spread abroad _ until most honest men, and all timid ones, sbun- ned the town as if it were cursed by a plague. The ruffianly crew seemed not to care for this, for so long as honest men refused to settle in the coe they would be left to hold full sway there, It is not probable all the citizens of the little town were absolutely and irreclaimably bad, but the best ones of the place took good care to con- ceal what little virtue they possessed, as they well knew it would not be “ healthy” for them if it became known they were not in full sym- pathy with the toughs. One night, not far from the hour of sunset, two persons stood on an eminence overlooking Peaceful Pocket, They were a man and a girl and at the foot of a little steep that lay behind them two horses were tethered. The man was a large and well-formed negro, his features being more regular than those of /the typlcal African, while his lips were not so ‘thick and bis nose was well-formed. His head was bold and shapely, and there was something about his eyes that denoted both courage and a high degree of iatelligence, In short, he was something out of the ordinary run of negroes, having a face that was comely and a manner that was courtly, He was dressed Rely, The contour of his fine figure was something a white man would have been proud of bad he been thus perfectly molded, The girl was of ‘medium height, supple, graceful and handsome. She had the form of a Venus and the air of a princess, She was a perfect brunette, with dark, flashing eyes and ‘the red blood showing warmly in lips and cheeks, making her the picture of heaith, She was dressed in garments evidently intended for rough service, but everything about her person fitted and clung in a manner that betrayed rather than acpi the curving outlines of her exquisite ure, he negro waa speaking, and his langnage was excellent, there being 29g romped of dialect about any word he uttered, ** There is the place, Miss Lea,” he said. ‘We have found our way here without trouble,” ** What a beautiful spot!” softly breathed the girl, as if fearful of disturbing the gentle calm that lay over the scene, ‘I do not wonder this place was called Peaceful Pocket.” ** But you remember the stories we have heard of this town?” “Of ‘course, Joe; but I almost doubt their truthfulness now I'am ldoking down on the camp. Why, it does not seem possible it can be such a wicked town! It seems like a sleepy lit- tle mining-camp where the inhabitants are at peace with themselves and all the world,” ‘* Appearances are mighty deceptive, Miss a. You know we were warned.” ** Still I should not fear to go down there,” The negro looked startled, ‘* For heaven’s sake, do not think of such a ** You would be a lamb among wolves!” The girl’s eyes flashed, ? ‘The wolves might find one lamb with claws,” she half-laughed. ‘If I only knew! Joe, do you think we are sure of finding Justin Douglas down there?” > > ; “We are sure of nothing, Miss Lea, He may be there—” — “If I knew he was, ten thousand wolves could not prevent me from going to him!” cried the . an daa ber red lips exposing her ivory-white ac man.” i Wild Bill’s Sable Pard. She did not see the look of admiration in the eyes of her dark-skinned companion, ‘*T know you are afraid of nothing,” the negro seid; *‘ but we must have judgment in this mat- ter. We cannot win success by being too bold, for our game will take the alarm and flee. We must come upon bim suddenly.” ‘You are right, Joo—you are alwaysright. I trust everytbing to you, and be sure you shall be well rewarded.” . He made a graceful gesture of protest, “T am only trying tosquare the debt I owe you. You proved my friend when I was charg- ed with crime, But for you, I would be in pris- on now. You championed my cause and inter- ested your father. ith his money he brought about a full investigation, and in the end I was cleared, Since that time—” ‘* You bave repaid the debt a dozen times.” ‘You may think so, but it seems to me I never can pay it. And now that Mister Vernon is dead,” She stopped him with a gesture, *¢ Don’t speak of that now, Joe,” she entreated, *‘T do not wish to become aroused at present, All I desire is to find the dastardly murderer and the betrayer of my sister! Joe.” **Yes, miss,” ‘* [ want you to go down there and investigate. Make such inquiries as you may think best, tak- ing care to be prudent.’ * And you, Miss Lea?” ‘* Will stay here,” * But night is coming on, Surely you want the tent erected, and—” ‘There will bea moon, Wecan put the tent up by its light. That can wait, butI am impa- tient to know if we are near the end of the huat,” ‘¢ But I shall have to leave youalone; you may be in danger,” “Not while I have this handy,” and she swiftly produced a revolver. ‘Do not fear for me, Joe, for I shall be able to defend myself.” With reluctance, the negro finally consented to leave her there, and she watched him go swinging down into the little pocket. The door of the ‘ Dove’s Nest” was standing wide open. Ivory Jaw Jackson, Stuttering Steve and others were loafing outside, while at the bar Pacific Dick was just “surrounding” his twenty-seventh drink, at the same time ex- emia how he had fooled Horror Zeke into ooking the other way, and then had scientifical- ly blown off the whole roof of his head at short range, Suddenly there was a commotion at the door. Joe, the negro, had appeared, “ Jur-jur-jur-juroosalem!” gurgled Stuttering Steve, starting up in astonishment, ‘‘ What am that?” Ivory Jaw Jackson gave a whoop and leaped to his feet, ’ “A nigger, by thunder!” he howled, showing all bis teeth in a fierce grin. His shout brought the others to their feet, and Pacific Dick nearly fell over himself in his hurry to get outside and take a hand in the row he fancied had been started, ‘Who says so?’ he bellowed, as he apie. a huge revolver in either hand, ‘I kin lick ther onery galoot as says so!” He glared around inquiringly. ‘Who says I’m a nigger?” he again demand- ed. ‘ P'int ther critter out, an’ I'll blow a hole in him big ernough.ter sling a cat through!” Then his eyes fell on Black Joe and he uttered an exclamation of astonishment, ‘Blow me blind!” ‘“‘That’s what I sus-sus-say!” nodded stutter- ing Steve, Ivory Jaw Jackson walked around the darky, surveying him from head to feet and grinning after a horrible manner all the while, ‘‘ Niggers are purty nigh bad as Chinamen,” Nery ae ee ae eRe up-pup-peacefu up-pup-pocke on want none it tose bub- bub-bub-black cusses in it,” asserted the stammerer, ““Wa-al, I guess not!” agreed Ivory Jew Jackson. ‘ Tharfore I nomernates merself ter oncet instanter as a kemitty of one ter eternally knock ther stuffin’ out of this dirt-complected son of Ham. Jest stan’ afur off pulverize him, It will be a sight ter make ther 8s wee .” Then Jackson rolled up his sleeves and spat on his bands, still showing his teeth in that ferocious grin, j; ‘*Hold on, gentlemen!” appealed the negro, **T did not come here to fight. I am a peaceful - & Haw!” snorted Pacific Dick, ‘ He calls his- self a mau!” u an’ watch moe The ruffianly crew roared with leughter, as if they thought such a thing a wonderful joke. Ivory Jaw Jackson wasted little time. He soon made ready to rush at the negro, who had not prepared in the least for a fight. ‘Keep off, sir!” Joe sternly warned, ‘Ido not want to aurt you—” ‘* Hurt me! Huah!” Ther Jackson made a dash, intending to clutch and throw the negro immediately. He made a big mistake, He suddenly found himself caught by the collar and whirled around as if he were a toy man. Then the negro’s foot struck tbat portion of lvory Jaw’s breeches that bad received the most wear, an the would-be “ pulverizer” was lifted off his feet and sent sprawling on his hands and knees, This bad occurred so swiftly that it literally seemed like & marvel to the discomfited bully’s companions. They had fully expected to see Jackson crush the darky with ease, but he had met with a most humiliating downfall, instead. “Waugh!” roared Pacific Dick, ‘* Ther black dog’s a fighter! Down with bim, pards!” Then the entire gang sprung at the unlucky object of their anger. ; oe did not quail in the least. His dark face looked stern and his eyes flashed as be met the onslaught, Straight out fromthe shoulder he struck, and his hard fists knocked over man after man. It was wonderful the way he with- stood the assault, Had he been placed with his back against a wall and had his enemies used no more deadly weapons than he used, he would have whipped them all, As it was, one of the men who had been knocked down succeeded in getting hold of Joe’s legs, Then the black gladiator was overthrown. With savage snarls the mob flung themselves pon him. ‘* Don’t kill him! don’t kill him!” yelled Pacific Dick, ‘‘ Let’s give him a necktie!” The negro knew in what desperate peril he was, and he fought resolutely after he was thrown, They only overcame him by force of numbers, but they finally succeeded in securing his hands behind his back. Tben, as Crook-eyed Clark sat astride the cap tive’s body, he demanded: ‘“¢ Wat is ther verdic’ of this yere court?” ‘¢ Guilty!” was Pacific Dick’s prompt re sponse. ‘ ate “Then,” said Clark, soberly spitting out a. mouthful of blood and a couple of teeth, “T denounce this yere black-skinned cuss ter be ung by ther neck till he gets so tired of breathin’ he don’t respire to any great extent. Boys, thar’s ther tree over thar whar we do our suspendin’, Come on,” A yell went up from the angry ruffians, and the noose of a rawhide was flung over the neck of the captive. Then Black Joe was jerked to his feet and hustled toward the fatal tree. The sun had Gree ‘bebind the western mountains and the shadows of night were gath- ering in the deeeper valleys, ae azy darkness was settling over the Peaceful Pocket. The brave negro fully understood his position, and he knew he might be dead within fifteen minutes, In truth, it did not seem possible he would live to see the sun rise again. ‘* Poor Miss Lea!” he murmured, as he was led beneath the tree, and the loose end of the rawhide flung overalimb, ‘‘ What will become of her?” , ( «+ One minute ter blubber,” said Pacific Dick. “If you want ter do avy prayin’, tork lively.” The doomed man remained silent, gazing stern- ly on his foes. He knew it was useless to appeal to them for mercy. There waa no mercy in their black bearts. j ““Time’s up! Swing him!” As the order was about to be obeyed, there came a clatter of hoofs close at hard, anda horseman, mounted on a coal-black steed, dashed through the mob, sending men reeling back to the right and left, Beneath the gallows-tree the, horse was flung suddenly on its haunches, and then, like a flash, a brace of revolvers appeared in the hands of the rider. The weapons were turned on the startled throng, and the horseman cried in a clear, ring- ing voice: % Hold a littleon bere, pards! Ichipintothis = ‘ame and stake my pile on a pair of sixes!” : - - oe Mode: in amazement, Pacific — ick suddenly cried: ; ‘* Blow me blind! It's Wild Bil!” CHAPTER II. BLUFFING RUFFIANS, Wiup BILL! Tle Rad ha The name was known from one end of the — St ’
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‘Wild Bill’s Sable Pard. 3 border to the other, and its owner was feared and sbunned by the dishonest ruffians whose re- lentless fue he ever was, Will Bill himself has been called a ruffian, but those who denominated him as such were his enemies, It is difficult. to fully compre- hend the mixed character of the man, When unaroused, no milder mannered man ever breathed; but when he was angered he became a perfect fiend of fury. Bill was a friend to swear by, for he possessed the courage of a lion and would blanch at no danger could: he be of service to a comrade, He seemed utterly devoid of fear, but he was in no way a blusterer or a braggart. His keen blue eyes looked one full in the face, and the grasp of his hand was warming to the blood, When afoot, the Pistol King, as Bill was often called, was a perfect specimen of pbysi- cal manhood; and when mounted on his mag- nificent black horse, he made a picture once seen never forgotten, Without any hesitation, Bill dashed in among the ruffians of Peaceful Pocket, his handsome ivory-handled revolvers springing to the grasp of his fingers and his words ringing out clearly. The brutal gang shrunk back before the flash his eyes, and his name passed from lip to i p. “What bas this man done that you are about tc hang bim up to dry?” asked Bill, There was no reply, but many a hand crept softly toward its owner’s most convenient weapon, The Pistol King laughed shortly, “*T hoaestly believe some of you galoots are tired of livin’,” he said, ‘* Why, you’re actually tryin’ to a out your guns when you can see I have the drop—and have it bad,” Those words checked the creeping hands more than a threat of instant death from any other man could have done, They all knew the speaker never pulled a trigger in vain, and when he began to shoot somebody would take a tumble, The rider of the black horse saw he had checked the movement, and once more he de- manded: “ What has this man done that you are going to hang him?” Pacific Dick pushed forward. “* Beggin’ yer pardon, pard,” he.said, touching his hat; ‘* but ther o’nery cuss is a nigger.” Ivory Jaw Jackson was not the man to re- muin in the background, and allow Dick to reap all the glory of facing Wild Bill, so he also came forward, adding: “ An’ kem inter this yere quiet camp ’thout waitin’ fer an invite,” Stuttering Steve felt it his duty to say some- thing, so he asserted: ‘Ther o’nery skunk undertut-tur-tut-took ter clean out ther tut-tut-town,” Crook-nosed Clark crept up from the back- ground, still spitting blood, and venturing to remark: ~ . “We bev no pertic’ler need of a dentist, but ther black son-of-a-gun extracted some of my grinders ’thout axin’ my leave.” * An’ so,” concluded Pacific Dick, ‘we con- sider it our sollum juty ter hang bim up hyer on this yere tree as a warnin’ ter others of his kind ter steer clear of this burgh.” Wild Bill’s eyes glistened and there was a stern look on his face, He did not speak for some segonds after the ruffians had explained their reasons for the brutal act they contem- plated, but he finally turned to the unfortunate , negro, saying: ** What have you to say for yourself?” Joe replied: ‘TI came into this town in a peaceable manner. I had no intention of making the least trouble, but these men forced me into a fight, I was ae to defend myself, and I did my level t. “* Did you have a gun?” **T had a revolver.” ‘* How many did you shoot?” ‘“*None. I did not draw the weapon.” “Well ’'m mighty nigh tempted to let them swing you: If youd shot three or four of the critters, I’d reckoned you were worth sayin’.” There was a strange twinkle in Wild Bill’s eyes as he spoke the words, but his face was still as stern and grave as one of marble, Al- though he had been addressing the negro, he had not taken his eyes off the ruffians, ; Darkness was now gathering swiftly, and Bill saw be must work rapidly if he bad the advan- tage of daylight. ; “I don’t reckon you galoots have any just provocation for wipin’out this yere man,” he Pacific Dick growled. ‘* Bill,” said he,:‘‘ we knows yer, an’ we don’t keer ter run ’crost yer trail, but just now you're chippin’ inter what hain’t none of your funeral.” ‘** Bat which may end by being your funeral without any fooliug, Pacific Dick,” came calmly from the lips of the Pistol King, ‘' I know you for what you are, Dick, and that is the worst ruffian of Peaceful Pocket. You skipped out of Hayes City toavoid me, but I had no call to run you down, All the same, you are wanted there for the shooting of White Hand Hopkins, and Id get money and thanks if I toted you back.” **T never’ll go back alive!” ‘Then I might carry your head,” ‘*T hain’t wantin’ no row with you—” ** Then git !” The bully of Peaceful Pocket shrunk back and glared at Bill, who bad turned one of the re- volvers full on the man, Dick hesitated, ‘**Git or chew lead!” ** This hain’t no fair shake!” ‘** Well, it’s business, you bet!” “Are you goin’ ter set yerself up ag’in’ all Peaceful Pocket?” ‘*1t doesn’t make any difference what I am going todo, Iaminnomoodtopalaver, Di- rectly I shall begin to shoot and then do the talkin’ afterward,” Dick saw he was inviting death by remaining there, and so he fell back. At this moment a clatter of hoofs was heard once more, and out of the dusk came another horse and rider, Straight into the throng dashed the horse, and cries of surprise came from the men when their eyes rested on the rider, ** A gall” ‘*Wa-al, I’m derned!” ‘* A shemale!” ** Petticoats ur I’m a liar!” It was Lea, the mistress of the imperiled negro, When she saw Joe’s position, she in- stantly threw off the noose ahd freed his hands with one sweep of a keen knife, ‘* For shame, men!” she cried, in a clear and musical voice, ‘‘ What has he ever done that you should treat bim in this way?” There was no reply. “Tt is one of their little jokes,” Wild Bill ex- plained, in a courteous manner, ‘This is the way the gentle citizens of Peaceful Pocket pro- vide themselves with amusement, miss, If they do not have a funeral at least as often as ever other day, they think the town is goin’ to 5 However, I think they will condescend to forego their pleasure.on this occasion,” ‘* Seein’ as how thar’s a gal in it, I s’pose we'll hev ter,” mumbled lvory Jaw Jackson, grinning in a sulky fashion, ‘It hain’tev’ry day Peace- ful-Pocket’s honored by ther visit of er ginoowine .femminin genderite, but we know how ter treat ther ladies, you bet your sbirt!” ** All ther same,” cried some one from the out- skirts of the drowd, “‘ we’d advise ther nigger an’ Wild Biil ter make themselves few round this pip aed gl The Pistol King’s eyes were turned toward the one coe the speaker stood, and he sternly called: “if you have any advice to give, my friend, step up and give it like a man—don’t sneak be- kind somebody’s back,” But the fellow had no idea of facing Wild Bill, so he kept quiet, Seeing the speaker did not intend to come for- ward, Bill said: “The entertainment’s all over, ards. Thar won’t be any more fun here till the next time, Just now you people better go over to thesaloon and take a drink all round, Tell the barkeeper is be over in a short time and settle tho This had the desired effect, the greater portion of the mob uttering loud whoops as they rushed pel! mell forsthe Dove’s Nest. The others, mut- tering beneath their breaths, moved away more slowly, but not one refused to go, When the last bad disappeared, Wild Bill laughed softly. “They hated to do it,” he said, “but they were forced into it. That is a bad mob, and no mistake, Pard,” speaking to the negro, ‘you yi consider yourself mighty lucky to get off ive, ‘IT do, sir,” said Joe; “and I know I have you to thank, But for your opportune appearance, I should be hanging from this limb, ou have saved my life, and I will not forget it. Perhaps the time may come—” ‘* There, there!” cut in Bill, rather brusquely. “Tt is all right and I do not expect anything Yo return. The moment I sighted that gang, I thought they were up to deviltry, and so I took ahand. This young lady,” gracefully touching the wide brim of bis bat, ‘‘really did more in dispersing them than I.” ** And yet I should have been too late but for you,” said Lea, ‘* You must let us thank you, sir. She held out her hand, and Wild Bill lightly clasped the slender gloved fingers. CHAPTER IIT. THE GIRL’S STORY, AN hour later three persons were sitting be- side a small fire that had just been built in front of a V tent that was pitched ip a snug little nook about a mile from Peaceful Pocket, The three were Lea Vernon, Black Joe and Wild Bill. The Pistol King had accompanied the girl and her dark escort to the place where the negro’s horse had been left, and, when the cozy nook was found, he aided Joe in putting up the tent. After this was done, all three sat down near the fire the darky lighted, ‘It is rather strange to find a charming young lady travelin’ through this ungodly coun- try like this,” observed Wild Bill, gazing in an admiring but not offensive manner at Lea. ‘* Indeed, had I not been informed you were somewhere in these parts, I should have been completely astounded at your appearance on the scene down there.” . Lea smiled. He fancied there was much of sadness in that smile, **Necessity—or rather duty—brings me to these parts,” Bill was not a man to inquire into other peo- le’s business if they showed an inclination to @ reserved, so he asked no question, although he remarked: ‘* This is a dangerous section for a young gir] to sojourn in, and J would warn you to be well on your guard, It must be an imperative duty Swe ye here,” t * She looked Bill full in the face, and then she went ou with deliberation, ‘*T believe I can trust you, and I am going to tell you my story. It is something 1 do not of- ten repeat, for it harrows up my very soul, but something urges me to confide in you.” ‘““Tf you see fit to do so, miss,” returned the noted frontiersman, gravely, ‘‘ rest assured I shall consider you have done me an honor, and Ido not think you will have cause to regret your trust, At the same time, if you do not wish to speak of the matter, by all means remain silent.” ° . ‘Something urges me to speak, You are a man who knows this wild land and its people, Possibly you can aid me.” ‘*Tf 1 can do so, lam yours to command at all times,” ‘“*T will not make the story a long one, for it is far from pleasant, To begin with, I have, or had, a twin sister who was ny very image with the exception that she was a blonde, Her name was Lois. I Joved ber, and we were such com- panions as twin sisters should be. ‘* My father was a stern man, but at heart a kind one. He honored FAB and hated wrong. For wickedness be had but little compassion, He was moderately Sonny and be gave both Lois and myself good educations, Lois was musical; I am not, After she left school, fa- ther send her abroad to finish her musical ¢du- cation. “It was in Paris Lois met a young American —an artist. She wrote me of him, but from her letters I did not dream anything more than a passing friendship bad been formed, Still some- thing made me uneasy, There was too much about Justin Douglas in her letters, and not enough about herself and ber progress. ** At length she wrote she was coming home, It was sudden, and we were ali astounded, fa- ther most of all, Mother wasdeud, We knew she could not have finished her studies, yet she was coming home. It was strange. “She came. She had not changed much—she was the same dear sister, She did not explain her sudden move at first, and we gave her time ‘to do so, ; ‘“‘ The explanation came in the form of Justin Douglas, The young artist had been forced to return to America, and Lois could not remain with the ocean between them, She loved him; be claimed to love her. I was the first to hear her secret, “For some reason, a feeling that seemed to foretell impending disaster came over me, Girl- like, I burst into tears, held me in her arms and told meall about him—how handsome, how manly, how noble he was, She feared fa- — ther’s sternness; I had always seemed father’s —
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_job, two of whom had been captured, ‘word, ' make their spirits rise, ‘wronged an Tah i 4 -_——- — gO, ‘* As J had anticipated, father was not pleased. Brill, he asked to see the young man. Douglas came, and [ must confess 1 was favor- ably impressed with him, I think father was also, though he said nothing. “The following day after bis visit to our home, the papers were filled witb the account of -a daring bank-robbery and the murder of the There were three men concerned in ca he third, the leader, had escaped. One of the cap- tives had confessed. He said the name of the one who had escaped was Morris Douglas. ‘‘ Well, it came out that Morris Douglas was the brother of my sister’s lover.” on can imagine what followed, I bave said my father was astern man. He forbade Lois ever seeing Justin Douglas again. Poor Lois! Her heart Ah nearly broken, and I could not comfort er. ‘Hor nearly six months [ am sure my sister and Douglas did not meet, Accident probubly brought them together. He did not seem like a sneuk, so he came boldly to my father. The re- sult was he was shown the door and told never to come there again. ' ** But Lois would not give him up, even though his brother was wanted for robbery and mur- der, They had clandestine meetings, a fact which I discovered. I warned Lois, but when that did no good, I told my father. He con- fronted them when they were together, and, in his rage, he struck Justin Douglas. My sister’s lover did not return the blow, but he swore my father shculd regret it, ‘Father feared he would try to abduct Lois, who seemed perfectly fascinated with the man, so he kept my sister under guard, as it were, But that did not prevent the wretch from ac- complishing his villainous design, “One night Lois managed to slip away; in the morning my father was found dead in the library! ** He had been murdered !” Lea had suddenly arisen to her feet, and she delivered tho final sentence with a dramatic effect that caused Bill to catch his breath. The firelight which was falling on her beautiful features showed they had suddenly grown hard and stern, After a moment, the girl sat down and re- sumed, speaking with forced calmness: ** Justin Douglas had secured his revenge. for the blow my poor father struck him, and a fiendish revenge it was, My father bad been robbed and murdered in bis own house, and his child had been abducted by the murderer. Of course Lois knew nothing of the man’s fearful work, and she had fled with him, thinking father harsh and unjust.” ‘* How do you know Douglas committed the murder?” asked Wild Bill, who was a spell- bound listener, ; **The evidence was found in the morning. The knife with which the deed was done was marked with his iuvitials, It was a common clasp-knife, and Joo here remembered having seen it in the man’s possession when he first vis- ited the place, That was proof enough. “Over the dead body of my loved father I swore to hunt the murderer down and save my sister from ltim, if possible. I put detectives at work, but was not satisfied with that, I felt that i must take the trail myself, and I did so, faithful Joe accompanying me, “That is the most of my story, made as brief as possible, I have traced the man to these Ei . The last I knew, my sister was still with im, but he may bave deserted her and left her to die by this time. I have reasons to believe he is somewhere about Peaceful Pocket, If I find him—” “ What then?” ‘Wait till the time comes. He shall pay the penalty!” **Miss Vernon,” said Wild Bill, earnestly, arising, ‘I think I can aid you in running this man down.” -‘* Will you do so?” she eagerly asked, standing before him, “Twill” Wild Bill was a man who always kept his cashier. S aEEeeeanaeel CHAPTER IV, A TENDERFOOT ARRIVES, ' THE crowd that returned to the Dove’s Nest Sen pagans denon. aint the Miquoe etch, weer ins pleasant mood the liquor which ft ‘drank at Wild Bill’s expense di 5 id not serve to bey felt they bad been cheated out. of a very pleasant | 5c Wild Bill’s Sable Pard. favorite, and she wished me to tell him, I did | diversion, for it was not every day they bad the fun of hanging a negro. : Some of the men went to supper immediately Justin | after getting their free drink and some remained at the hotel. Those who went for their food returned as soon as they had swallowed it. peor Dick lay on the bar and proceeded to ** fill up. Crovk-eyed Clark mourned the toss of his teeth, but said there was nothing better than whisky to hold in one’s mouth when he was suffaring from such an injury. Stuttering Steve absorbed so much that was intoxicating that bis tongue refused to stammer after the usuul fashion, and when he tried to talk he suc- ceeded in uttering about one word in three and gobbling like a turkey the rest of the time, Of course Ivory Jaw Jackson was around, and his grin would have scared the breath out of a gorilla, He was constantly exposing his wisdom teeth after that horrible fashion, and a railroad train would have jumped the track at sight of him, After a time the barkeeper shut down on the setting out of liquor and charging the bill toa Bill who was not present and might not show up. He observed he bad already chalked $63 75 against thesaid Bill, and that was the limit. hen there were many expressions of sorrow, but every tnan seemed to feel Wild Bill had done him an injury in not providing for such fn emergency. ' ‘**] tell ye what,” Pacific Dick nodded, as he propped himself up with his back against the bar and his hat cocked over one eye, ‘* Wild Bill bas derned nigh run his course, Pards, this yere country hain’t got no further use fer a man of his caliber, an’ I think it is the duty of us citizens of this quiet and peaceful town to see that his little ball of yarnis wound up.” Stuttering Steve tried to express his belief in such sentiments, but only succeeded in gobbling and nodding in a manner that threatened to dis- locate his neck, ‘* Men of Peaceful Pocket,” said Crook~ yed Clark, his words hissing through the breach in his teeth, ‘it is time for us to rise in rebellion an’show we are not ther galoots ter hey our noble necks ground under ther iron heel of a despot, Why, ef we don’t down him fu’st off, he'll be settin’ bisself up as marshal of this ete burgh, an’ he'll ruin ther place same as e ruined Abilene an’ Hayes. He just drove every man out of them towns ‘less said man wu’d simmer down an only do his shootin’ when it was necessary. Ef a feller got bunery fer fun an’ went out an’ shot some cuss as wuzn’t no good on yearth, Wild Bill hada way of chip- in’? in an’ makin’ ther shooter skip ur chew ead,” ‘* Which same is the truth,” agreed Pacific gre skippers.” t this moment a well-formed and rather graceful man entered the room and came i to the bar. He was dressed plainly and his face was covered with a glossy black beard, but there was a jauvty air about him that proclaimed him something of a dandy under other circum- stances, It was possible he did not consider it ‘* healthy ” to ‘sling on style” in Peaceful Pocket, ‘¢ What is all this row about?” he inquired, in a pleasant manner. ‘I hear there has been a bobbery kicked up in town. Who was the kicker?” ‘* Wa-al,” drawled Pacific Dick, “‘ he is a bad man with a record, an’ don’t you fergit that!” ‘* Do you mean to say he is still alive?” inquir- ed the new-comer. aaa ‘He am,” confessed the leading tough of Peaceful Pocket, but not without a slight show of sbame, ‘‘ Well, I swear! I can scarcely believe it, sure as my name is Ferris Bloodgood! Who is | this mighty chief?” ** Wild Bill!” ‘” Bloodgood recoiled a step, anit there were some present who afterward swore the part of his face that was not concealed by his beard turned pale, ‘The deuce!” he cried, f Diek nodded, ‘ That’s him,” he agreed. - ‘¢ Wild Bill here!” muttered Bloodgood, ‘* That means blazes to pay.” ans see, it wuz like this, pard,” explained ick. ter git a little fuddleon, It wuzmy seventeenth drink time, an’ thet’s ’bout sunset, Suddenly all ter oncet, ’thout ther least warnin’, I heard somebody say su’thin’ ‘bout a nigger. I ’lowed they might be firin’ their remar pufled pops ay’ jumped out through ther door, ¢ | i: . sa } a shan vad SC Rend By , rettl Wah dh Se EN SD a ing ay Wik Oe stall ia Et oy a Dick, “‘as I kin sw’ar, fer I wuz one of ther | ‘*T wuz standin here at ther bar tryin’ at me, so [ ‘ a 7 he —_——— yoopin’ fer ther cuss ter show hisself ter ther front. Waal; w’en I struck ther pizzarro out thar’ I foun’ myself face ter face with— Waal, whut ye s’pose I found merself face ter face with?” - Bloodgood promptly gave it up. Pacific Dick braced himself hard against the bar, crouched a little, opened his noouth and fairly yelled: “A nigger ? At this there was a universal groan fron those who had been drinking at Wild Bill’s ex- pense, Bloodgood seemed surprised, ‘*A nigger?” he echoed. ; Dick nodded solemnly. ‘* Shore's yer livin’:” ‘* What did you do then?” ‘¢ Waal, ther boys wuz all round ther black varmint, au’ they ‘lowed we hed no use fer nig- ers in this town. LI agreed most heartily an’ ackson thort he saw a duty ter wipe ther dark- complected critter out. He spit on his han’s an’ sailed in, havin’ made up his mind ter eternally pound ther corners <ffen ther nig.” “Well?” ‘* Jackson is still alive, for which he should be powerful thankful.” ‘* The nigger was a fighter?” ‘‘He wuz a boly horror on ten wheels! He caught Jacksun an’ turned him into kickin’ po- sition, an’ then he kicked Ivory Jaw so bard he fell on nis teeth in ther dirt.” ** What then?” “T led ther charge; we all sailed’ inter ther nigger. Thar wuza slight disturbance,” ° ‘Ther result of which you now behold,” ob- served Crook-nosed Clark, as be opened his mouth and exposed the place made vacant by the absence of his teeth,’ I s’pose ther black whelp raust hev bin a dentist.” ‘“But you downed him?” inquired Ferris Bloodgood, ‘“ Yep,’ answered Pacific Dick. ‘‘We done that same, an’ then we led him over ter ther tree whar we wuz ter hang him up fer inspec- shun. Ev’rythin’ wuz reddy w'en Wild Bill kem whoopin’ in on a black hoss with a gun in each han’ an’ ther devil stickin’ out of his eyes bigger then a meetin’-house. He asked where- fore did we so, an’ w’en we explains, he kicks, He said we wuzn’t goin’ ter hang ther nigger.” ‘* And gg let him bluff you?” ‘* Waal, thar wuz a girl as chip too, an” she cut ther nig free. 6 wuzp’t fightin’ gals, so we kem over an’ took somethin’ at Wild Bill’s expense.” * Where did these people go?” asked Blood- good, betraying great interest, “One of ther boys watched ’em an’ he says po up over torruds ther big Split Bowl- It ‘* No one followed them?’ 4 Naw,” “Well, this is getting interesting,” asserted Bloodgood. “ Wild Bill,a nigger and a girl? And I saw a tenderfoot making this way about an hour beforesunset. He asked the way to the Pocket and also inquired if I had seen any stran- gers, I wonder if he meant these people?” ‘“ A tenderfut? eagerly asked Dick, “Yes, a genuine green.” ‘¢ Waal thar bain’t none come in.” ‘* He should have been here by sundown,” Inquiries were immediately made, and it was: learned no one bad seen the tenderfoot, “If he appears, we will make it pleasant for him,” grinned Jackson, To this declaration Stuttering Steve gobbled — an agreement, ‘“We hev bin robbed of some fun with ‘ther nigger,” said Crook-eyed Clark; ‘ but we'll more’n git it back from ther tenderfut.” Bloodgood set up the drinks for the crowd, and just as the men were swa)lowing tho liquor — there came a hail at the door. ** Hello, hello! Is this the hotel?” The manof the glossy black beard set dowm his glass, saying swiftly: ‘*The tenderfoot. I'll wager!” Shack Shoulder Smith, the proprietor of the Dove’s Nest, immediately started for the door,, and there Was a crush at-his heels. - Bloodgood was right, it was the tenderfoot,. He sat astride a horse at the door, ss RS cag is all ther hotel in town,” explained! mith. i ‘*Then here I'll have to stop,” laughed the tenderfoot. ¢ modations for my horse and give me some kind of fodder to stay my stomach? ** Wal,” replied Smith, "‘ you’ll find some grass: out under thet lean-to, an’ while youre lookin” _arter your hoss, I’!] see if thar’s any feed fer ye.” The tenderfoot whistled alittle, as if surprised: _ at the idea of attending to his own horse, butke | e A, if Yaa NU pee: oi Ren GAEDE SS! OE ae PH ry AV ea OB RMSE CL Ce aN 8 Nan tae ad Ne “ T suppose you can provide accom-
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Wild Bill’s Sable Pard. 5 made no protest, Without a word, he rode the animal round toward the lean-to, and the crowd ] drifted back into the saloon, their delight writ- ‘ ten on their faces, “Tt's a ginoowine sure-"nuff tenderfoot!” hoarsely whispered Pacific Dick. ‘' We'll hev a circus!” “ Gug-gug-gug-gug-gug-glory!” gurgled: Stut- ‘tering Steve, baving a de~perate struggle to get \the word out at all. ‘We'll gig-giz-gig-give ‘him helly-lool-lool-lool-lool-lool—” And there he stuck, He could not finish it to save his soul, Preparations were made to receive the tender- foot. The stranger was not long in appearing, and the moment he entered the saloon and reach- ed the center of the room a wild bowl went up from the throat of every man present, Screech- ing in a manner that would have aroused a dead man, they cbarged on the amazed tenderfoot, CHAPTER V. IN DEADLY PERIL. THE tenderfoot was a young man and a rather bandsome fellow, too. There was nothing fresh about his appearance, but he was astounded by his reception. Before be could understand what had broken loose he was clutched by a score of hands and hustled in a manner that threatened to throw him off his feet. ‘“Whoop!? howled Pacific Dick. au!” ‘* Bounce bim!” shouted Ivory Jaw Jackson. “Give him ther razoo!” hissed Crook-nosed Clark. A ** Goo-goo-goo!” gobbled Stuttering Steve. The others joined in the medley after a fash- ion of their own, and pandemonium reigned. The stranger sought to fight them off, but what can one man do in the center of a howling mob Ps of that sort? He struck out several times, suc- UY ceeding in rapping the unlucky Mr. Clark on his out-of-plumb proboscis and punching bim in the tad 5 After the toughs of Peaceful Pocket had hus- ae tiled the tenderfoot to their hearts’ content, they rushed him up to the bar, “This yere galoot orders drinks fer ther crowd,” said Pacific Dick. Asay: 1 think you are slightly mistaken, sir,” cool- ly asserted the new-comer, ‘I donotorder any- die ek such a gang of ruffians,” “Wat?” howled Dick, ‘Do you hear that, ¥ pards?” Ae Hear it? Well, they certainly did! They Re ys howled their disapproval. a ** You'd best take thet back!” asserted Dick, S ae glaring at the youngman. ‘“ It won’t be healthy cht fer you ter refuse ter set out ther stuff! We're ae oe) quiet, peaceful an’ timid citizens, but we know ; our rights,” ‘* And J know my rights,” was the bold reply. **T am not going to be run over in this way!’ ““ Wow!” grinned Ivory Jaw. ‘ He’sa fight- er!” ‘ “TJ sh’u’d sus so!” whimpered Crook-nosed Clark, edging forward. ‘‘ Pards, kinuly survey this yere sufferin’ mortal myself! Am I not am I—which am I? This nose of mine is completely spoiled now. It did have a very aristocratic bend in it of which, may it please ther cory I wuz justly proud. Idow’t mind tber loss of a few teeth or ther fact that my left eye will be draped in mournin’ on ther forthcomin’ ter-mor- rer, but this nose—ye gods, this nose!” It seemed that he was about to burst into tears. ‘Wat's ther matter with yer nose?” asked Dick, ‘* He hit it!” furiously snarled Clark, ‘It had a crook of which I boasted, but he bit it on the ‘side, an’ now I am tormented with fears,” me ‘* Wat do ye fear?” “ Thet itll be straight!” “And he was in sober earnest, € ; ‘* Stranger,” soberly said Pacific Dick, “ ther only thing thet kin save your mutton is ter set - out ther drinks.” — ; | “Tf I refuse?” “Tell go hard with ye,” ¥ Well, I never drink myself, and I do re- ** He’s a lu- _ fuse, Ppa © Pards, it’s a temp’rance lecturer!” _ At this a bow] arose, _ **Make him drink!” yelled a voice. _ Dick motioned to the barkeeper, and a glass of crowd back, ; ; __ “Stan’ away off so all kin see ther way this -yere burg treats temp’rance cranks!” he cried, Vo wai the throng fell back, he young tenderfoot’s hand went toward his t, wnt a flash, he was seized by several YY ’ J 4 F 0 ae ‘hisky was swiftly set out. The chief ruffian of | Peaceful Pocket grasped the glass and waved the | “Turn it inter him, Dick!” shouted more than one voice, ‘* With pleasure— with pleasure,” said the bully, as he approached the victim, Suddenly, the report of a revolver was heard, andthe glass in Dick’s kand was shattered to a thousand fragments, the liquor spattering into his face, Toe startled ruffian reeled backward, a ery escaping his lips, The throng witbin the saloon was also amazed, and in the excitement, the tenderfoot wrested bimself from the men who had seized him, ** Who fired that shot?” howied Pacific Dick, “Pll cut his gizzard out! Who fired it?’ Through anopen window into the room sprung a man who calmly replied: “T fired the shot,” It was Wild Bill! A gasp came from the throng, Bill still held asmoking revolver in bis hand, and his eyes were fixed on Pacific Dick. He seemed ready for any emergency tbat might arise, The bully fel) back against the bar, **Dern ye!” be growled, ‘ You’re alwus cbip- pin’ in whar ye bain’t got no call!” “Well, Pve got a call right bere,” declared the Pi-tol King. ‘‘I reckon you know me pretty well, Pacific, and you know I mean business when I do take a hand,” ** Wat for do you spoil our fun?” , “Fun! Do you call this fun?” “ Yep,” Well, you galoots of Peaceful Pocket have queer ideas of fun!” “it’s only a little innercent sport.” ** You were forcing this man to drink?” “ce Ye ,? ‘* Against his wishes?” “Yep. He’s a temp’rance crank.” ‘*¥t makes no differsnce what he is, if he does not wish to drink, be sball not.” ** Now, look byer, Bill, you spoiled our fun oe. anh an’ we hain’t goin’ ter stan’ this,” “ce Yep.” ‘*'You will have to stand it, pards.” $s Not by er dern sight! Barkeep’, another ass, Wild Bill smiled, but there was something ominous about that smile. He was as cool as if surrounded by friends instead of being in the midst of a gang of men who would have rejoiced at his death. » ete he said, “‘ have you made your will?” 0, ‘* Well, I should advise you to do so before ye go on with this, You won’t have a chance afterwarc.” They knew what the man meant, and he was not making idle talk, Crook-nosed Clark shambled forward. ** This yere critter has disgraced me!” he ex- ohay declared, ‘‘ He’s knocked this nose of mine inter line, an’ that I can’t endoor, I’m a ae an’ docile sort of man, but I'll sacrifice my 2 fe right hyer ter git squar’ with ther tender- oot. “Pard Dick, I'll hold ther galoot w’ile you turns the whisky inter bim,” Then Clark made a grab at the stranger, but he was not looking for what followed, The tenderfoot objected by striking out from the shoulder, the blow again falling on Clark’s nose, knocking the owner of the proboscis down. Clark scrambled up, feeling of bis nose, “It's all right!” be shouted, ‘By gosh! he’s knocked it back er’gin!” And tis nasal organ had really resumed its lop-sid d appearance, The mob was moving restlessly, and it was ao an outbreak was impending. Wild Bill new what that meant, but he did not show the least sign of alarm. The tenderfoot now turned from th> bar, speaking to the man who had shot the glass from Pacific Dick's hand. ‘ , ‘*T thank you, sir,” he said. ‘I should not have taken the liquor anyway, but you saved nie o pnt deal o Soe ee ae ae have seen mpose on me, but some of them may be called to an account,” This was received with yells of derision from the mob, ; All at once, a hap shot rung out. The stranger dropped like a log and Jay still. Somebody had shot him! __ ‘There was a rush toward the body but Wild Bill reached it first, Planting a foot on either side of the fallen man, the Pistol King faced the mob, his weapons leveled. “Hold up!” he commanded, his blue eyes showing a deadly gleam. “I will down the first man who tries to get at bim\” _ The rush was checked, ‘Tt was a dastard’s shot!” Bill declared, “The cuss who ‘fired it ought to be strung to the tree where you would have hung the negro!” A hoarse murmur ran over the throng and black looks were cast upon the defiant man. Wild Bill was in the midst of a pack of wclves who thirsted for his life, but he was never calmer, ; ‘*T wish the man who shot this tenderfoot down would make himself known,” gaid the Pistol King. ‘I would like to havea settlement with bim,” sas ‘*We want a settlement with you, Hikok!” cried a voice on the outskirts of the crowd, ** Thet’s su,” joined in another, ‘‘He’s sp’iled fun ernough fer ns!” “Tam here,” Bill retorted. ‘1 didn’t come to the Pocket with the intention of fighting the whole town, but I can do it if necessary, don’t propose to Jet you stamp the life out of this young fellow, an’ don’t ye fergit that!” The mob pressed forward. Suddenly a missile of some kind came hurtling through the air. Bill did not see it and it struck him on the head near the temple, The blow did not knock him down, but it sent him staggering backward. Something seemed to burstin his head, bright lights flashed before his eyes, then it seemed to grow dark. ‘* Now’s ther time!” howled Ivory Jaw Jack- son. ‘ Down with him!” Through the black mist Bill caught the gleam of knives in many hands and be saw the men rusbing toward him, .He understood how dead)y was his peril, but at that moment his strength had apparently de- serted him. Was Wild Bill, the hero of a hundred fights, to be ** wiped out” in such a manner? CHAPTER VI. { BILL’S BLACK PARD, No! Into the midst of the mob dashed a man who had just entered by the window through which Wild Bill came. He uttered shouts that rung through the room, and with his bare hands he sent the men reeling right and left, Before Bill could serve as a sheath for a ruffian’s knife the latest arrival on the scene reached hir side, It was Joe, the negro! | ‘‘Ther nigger!” ‘*Thet black skunk!” * Down with both!” “Wipe ’em out!” But the black man seemed like a veritable Samson. At the side of Wild Bill he fought | the entire mob back, handling them for the vat time as though they were pigmy men, One fellow he caught up in } is muscular hands and burled headlong at the mob, thus making some- thing of a human catapault, Bill saw all this like one dazed, but gradu- ally he was recovering, a streak of blood run- ning down the left side of his face, Joe press- ed bim back, and they gradually retreated to the wall at the further end of the room, Finally Bill was bimself again, and be dis¢ov- ered that many a man of the mob bad drawn -pistols,. All that prevented the ruffians from . using them was the fear of wounding or killing some of their own number. Again tbe Pistol King’s voice rung out clearly: ** Back, you devils—back, or chew lead! Ill open fire in another moment!” | ; They knew what that. meant. When Bill pune trigger he did so with the intention of illing. he opened fire, not a few of the mob would suffer, But even Wild Bill’s command might not have checked the battle. However, somethin occurred that did check it with remarkable sud- denness, A shrill whistle rung through the room, and in at the open door rode three horsemen, one after another, All were masked, f The crowd fell back as the leader of the masked trio uttered a ington show’ The bat- tle ceased, and a bush rested on tho crowd— the bush that precedes a storm. : “Ts ther Trail Pirates!” wee sae “Cap'n Shadder’s men!” _ “Ther cap’n him own self!” | _ y The mob did not seem much alarmed by the advent of the three masks, ‘ae 7 In the brief lull, Wild Bill had time enough to grip Black Joe’s hand, eat WT tbat’ ue bl Pd ther was da the blow, an’ Pd gone up ther flue a-whoopin’ if you hadn't taken a band _ just when youdid.” = * i ‘ , ’ J ‘ rh 4 suena ith a AN \ ; a foe pes g ly as Wee iar Le ee lp ag binds * rte. NY. et it!” he softly declared, “*E
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| “Tt is not possi bler, wh 6 Joe said nothing just then, for he was breath- ing heavily from his magnificent exertions, Wild Bill’s Sable Pard. of cards and beat him out of his last dollar, | had to knock over one fellow and take to my Then Nat discovered bim cheating and exposed “T have come for Wild Bill!” declared the | him. Like a flash Doc thrust a revolver into leader of the masks, The Pistol King started. “Wor me?” he cried. take me!” ‘“‘That I can do, {fam Captain Shadow, chief of the Trail Pirates,” —_ od, Well, I didn’t know I had an account with ou. ‘¢ Just the same, I have one with you,” ** And you figger on raking me in?” sE GOs **You never made a bigger mistake in all aed Jife, pard. You will observe I have the rop. ‘¢ And I have all these men to back me,” with ‘* Well, you'll have to a motion of the band that included the entire | mob, ‘‘Ha! Then all Peaceful Pocket is in sym- pathy with the Trail Pirates?’ ‘‘ They dare not disobey Captain Shadow.” “Bosh! They do not want todoso, But you made a mighty big mistake, Captain Shadow, when you thought to take Wild Bill in such a manner.” Then, almost like lightning, the Pistol King fired half a dozen shots, There was a jingling crash of glass and darkness followed, telling the man had shot out the lights, Then a how] went up from the throats of the mob, and there was a rush for the spot where Bill and his negro companion bad stood against the wall. They were not there, However, the crowd did not make this dis- covery at once, aud a general braw) followed in the darkness, more than a dozen men thinking er had gr their game, be instant he shot out the lights, Bill had grasped Black Joe by the arm and hurried him toward the bar, which was directly away from the windows, He understood the mob would think he would try to make his escape by the Lt mt nearest, and so he had not approached it a a . , Not a few of those within the saloon were non- combatants, and they fought their way to the door, Suddenly the light of a dark lantern with a strong reflector flashed out, It was in the hands of Captein Shadow, and he turned the light on the seething knot of men, shouting: “Steady, steady! This will show Wild Bill’s position!” But it was not destined to do so, In the darkness at one side of the light a spout of fire shot outward and upward. A bullet from a heavy revolver struck and destroyed the ntern, Captain Shadow quickly answered the shot, but be could not tell with what effect. Bill was not touched, and, with Black Joe at his side, he escaped from the saloon. He did not linger near, but immediately hurried into the shadows, ; . At the further extremity of the town the two men halted and listened to the howling that came from the vicinity of the Dove’s Nest, Bill drew a long breath. ‘* Well, I have heard a great deal about this place,” be said; ‘and I must confess it fully meets my expectations, It is a hot town in every sense of the word, and is an excellent place for criminals to take refuge.” of Yee,” agreed Joe, ‘And that is why we here, * Yes, it is, I have followed a man here from Kansas, and I fancy the man was in that saloon ait 5 nea e _ Ts that so, sir?” “Yes; I believe my man was Captain Shadow. Had I been sure, I would have shot him— No, no! I will take him back to Kansas, as I prom- ised. wy ® bee your pardon, sir,” put in Black Joe; **T hardly think be could have been your man.’ Bill started and turned toward the negro, — ‘* What do you mean!” “T think Captain Shadow was the man Miss Lea and I are following.” Douglas.” 4h Yes,” : ble!” f “Tt was the voice of the man who murdered Master Vernon.” “And it was the voice of Dandy Doc, the o murdered a brother to anold pard bat is what has brought me to this Doe induced Nat Harmon intoa game See Nat’s face and shot bim dead, ‘* Rufe Harmon, a side pard of mine, is flat on | his back in Abilene, He could not run the mur- derer down, but I promised to do so and bring him back alive, if possible, I have tracked bim here, aod I think this Captain Shadow is my man.” * And Iam almost sure he is Justin Douglas, I longed to shoot him as he sat on the horse, but there was a faint doubtin my mind, Besides that, I wish to follow him to the spot where he bad bidden poor Miss Lois,” Wy It is not probable we are both right.” 0. *¢ And still something seems to tell me our in- terest is nearly identical, To-night you saved ae life, for those ruffians would have cut me own, ‘* You saved me from them to-day, and I had a chance to serve you sooner than I thought pos- sible. I did not forget that a few hours before I stood on the verge of death, and you faced the wretches who would have lynched me,” ‘“¢ Joe, you are a brave man.” ‘¢ But Iam black!” came almost fiercely from the negro’s lips. , “Your heart is white! Iam proud to know you! What is your full name?” ** Joe Armstrong.” “« Allow me to re-christen you. From the way ou ‘handled those ruffians, you ought to be called trong Arm Joe, That will fit you better than apyth net know, and from this time on you are my pard, ‘You are a white man, and—” “So are you! God made a mistake when he put you into a black skin!” . Joe’s bosom swelled with gratefulness, ‘¢] will not forget these words,” he said, “You little know bow much mental torture I have suffered because of the color of my skin, and ye have made me feel happier to-night than I have for many a day.” i wel do not forget we are pards,” 0. ““ Here is my band.” ae the hands of the black and white pards me CHAPTER VII. OLD HUNCH, Just then a panting man came staggering around the corner of the cabin, and nearly ran into them. | Wild Bill caught the fellow by the shoulder. ‘Hold up here, pard!” cried the Pistol King. Let go!” excitedly commanded the man, reaching fora weapon, “ Let go,I say!” © Bill caught the other band, ‘Easy, easy! Nobody’s Yond to hurt yel What's the matter with you y. Instead of answering the question, the stranger asked another: ‘“ Who are you?” ‘1 am Wild Bill, Who are you?” ‘“‘My name is Robin Rockwell, and—” . The negro gave an exclamation of astonish- ment, — ‘ Mister Rockwell, is it really you?”s “Yes; who knows me?” ** Joe rent igenichs oe A cry of satisfaction broke from the man’s ps. “Then I have overtaken you at last! But ‘where is Miss Lea?” “* She is not far away.” ‘* | bad begun to fear I should not find you at all,” the man declared, ‘‘ They told me you bad come toward this town, I followed and arrived here a short time ago, I went to a hotel back there, but a mob of men set on me, and I was stunned by a bullet, There was a man who came to my assistance—” Bill, The young tenderfoot was delighted at this soy pti ‘, and he thanked the Pistol King again and again, ‘I do not know what I should have done if ou had not appeared just as you did,” he said, ‘I was determined not to be bullied into drink- ing that liquor.” ‘ Which was quite right, though not so mighty discreet. [ like a man who won't be driven. But how did you get out of the place?” “T scarcely know. When again, the saloon was dark and filled with a howling mob, I scrambled up and made a rush with some others. The next 1 knew I was out- ‘side, Then some of them recognized me, and I tal ia 9 Bay Paes Means ae OT TA. SSR E OES “T reckon I was that man,” affirmed Wild. “Was conscious beels, Luck brought me here.” ‘* Where is your horse?” ‘** Back at the lean-to,” “* Any other avimals there?” a No,” ‘‘Then you remain here with Joe, while I go | for the animal. You must not think of going to that place againto-night, Itis not healthy for an honest man to spend a night in Peaceful Pocket. Heis apt to wake up in the morning and find himself with his throat cut.” ‘‘T was warned, but I did not believe the place so very bad,” “Tt isa very tough town.” Bill left the young tenderfoot and the negro together, while he burried to the lean-to, hoping he would be in time to secure the horse before some thief got away with the animal, He was fortunate to find the horse still in the lean-to. The lights bad been restored within the saloon, and Bill paused to peer in at a window, There was an excited mob around the bar, but the three masked horsemen had disappeared, Pacific Dick had mounted on the bar and was haranguing the crowd. Bill smiled grimly, as he listened to the bully’s bombastic words. Like a shadow, a figure appeared at the Pistol King’s side. Bill had not heard the least sound, but he felt a light touch on the arm, As swift as a flash, he wheeled, a revolver in his hand, ‘““Ye won't need ter use it,” said a low, rasp- nd ewes “Tm @ harmless ole critter.” e saw around-shouldered, white-bearded man of solid build. There was a prominent “ hump” on the stranger’s back, and bis hat was pulled wel] over his eyes. He leaned on a heavy knot- ted stick, and his clothes were rather ragged. ** Who are you?” Bill demanded, “Me? Ob, I’m only Old Hanch, I’m a harmless old fool—at least, thet’s w’at ther men of Peaceful Pocket say.” “You may not be as barmless as you look.” “ He! he!” snickered the old fellow. ‘‘ Thet’s so—thet’s so! You’re a keen one, you are! Who be you?” ‘“T’m a man from Kansas.” “Oh, ho! W’at be they doin’ in there? They hev bin raisin’a fearful row. I heerd them shootin’, so 1 kept erway. There’s Pacific Dick talkin’.” “Then you know the people of Peacefu) Pocket?” “Well, I reckon!” “ How long bave you been in these parts?” “A right good bit. “That might mean a week or ten years, Which does it mean?” ‘* Neither,” “Then what does it mean?” ‘+ Thet’s fer you ter find out. Ob, I ama fool, but Lhain’t hafe so big a one as you take me fer.” Bill decided the man was a crack-brained old fellow, and felt he was wasting time talk- ing with him, He turned away, leaving the old fellow peering in at the window, Losing no more time, Bill secured the horse and saddled him. Then he rode back to the. place where he had left bis Black Pard and the ~ young tenderfoot. They were waiting for bim, ‘‘ All right,” said the Pistol King. ‘“ They had not yet got around to stealing the horse, for which you may be sincerely thankful.” The young man mounted the horse in Bill’s— place, and all three left the town and ascended the slope. é Before they reached the little nook where the tent had been pitched, they were halted by a sharp challenge: “* Who comes there?” ; “Tt is all right, Miss Lea,” Strong Arm Joe - assured, ‘' We are all friends,” ~ - Then the girl came out of the shadows and inet them. ; ‘Don’t you know me, Miss Vernon?” asked Rockwell, rg Oe Mey | She started back, a little cry of astonishment breaking from her lips. J ‘““Mr, Rockwell—here ?” He lifted his hat and held out his hand. ‘“-Yes, I am here,” he affirmed, © She accepted his hand, stammering: ‘* T—T do not understand it!” Ate “TJ will explain to your satisfaction, if you will give me plenty of time,” 4, ER “You shall have all the time you desire, Mr. Rockwell.” : Then they all went on to the little nook where the tent was pitched and the fire still smolder- ing, Black Joe explaining. they had been un- successful in learning any las, MS lure Bit bes hs Bab Nae oP ate" | | | wate ag ing of Justin Doug-
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{ } Lea listened to the words of her faithful black friend, but her mind was still filled with wonder at the appearance of Robin Rockwell. They all sat down near the fire, and a general conversa- tion followed for a time, At length Bill arose and told Joe he would like to speak tobim, By this device the young people were left alone, and Robin was given plenty of chance to explain his appearance in that wild region. ‘¢ Who is he?” asked Bill of Joe. ‘A young Eastern gentleman, ite was aboard a railroad train with us when there was a fearful accident, and he aided me in getting Miss Lea out of the wreck, I believe they fell in love with each other on the spot.” ‘¢ Well, I hope he is worthy of her, for it is lain she is a splendid girl If 1 was younger— . ut, ha! ha! ha! Hear me talk—a married man!” Bill and Joe remained away from the camp for a long time, discussing every side of the sit- uation and trying to settle on some ylans for the coming day. Bill. declared his greatest fear was for Lea’s safety. The roughs of Peaceful Pocket knew she was near, and the sight of one so beautiful might arouse all the evil in their nature, When the black and white pards returned to the camp they saw at a glance that Robin had explained his presence to the perfect satisfac- tion of Lea. The two were chatting mer- rily. Then followed a lunch from dried beef and water from a spring, and Kobin relished it, for he was decidedly hungry. Wild Bill volunteered to obtain provisions from the Pocket on the morrow, : The night passed quietly, much to Bill’s relief, Lea occupying the tent and the men remaining by the fire. Bill was on guard a greater part of the time, Black Joe relieving him! toward morning. For all of bis night-watch, the Pistol King seemed as fresh as could be in the morning. The last of the dried beef and hard-tack served as breakfast for the quartette, and then the horses were atitended to. When this was done, Bill saddled his own black animal and told them he was ite Saysh into the Pocket to purchase provisions, He said he should make a detour, so he would not enter the town from the side nearest the camp. The strange man did not hesitate about enter- ing the lawless town, He rode in as boldly as if every man of the place was his particular friend, and he was not molested. : He knew he was feared by the ruffians of the border, and his very rashness showed them how utterly indifferent he was to their hatred. It did mare to keep them in awe of him than anything else. At the general store of the town he purchased such things as he believed would come of the most use, leaving his horse unhitched at the door, ‘ Of course he was keenly on the alert, but be never seemed more utterly careless and at ease in all his life, Out of the town rode the Pistol King, and not a hand was lifted to check him. Beyond sight of the place, he made the detour to get back to the little camp. He had almost reached it, when suddenly a man stepped out into his path, The revolver that sprong to Bill’s hand was thrust back into its holster when he discovered the man was Old Hunch, The white-bearded old : fellow held up one hand. Gs * Hold on, he said, ke thin’ ter ye.” Se. The rider drew up the horse. “” be “ All right; say on,” ne *‘-You’re known as Wild Bill?” 7 faa “ I am,” ad 4 “Last night, down in that town, a band of men swore to have your heart,” ow “6 Yes,” “ How many men?” “Twelve.” ** Did you hear ’em?” iT) es, Whee were you?” . Te ie a es Se ea eee ‘“*T want ter say sum- ““ Bb i): “‘Layin’ clost ter a cabin wall : ther cabin, Oh, Old Hunch may he’s a sly ’un!” Bill looked at the man with increasing inter- est. ‘“*T don’t exactly make you out,” he confessed, The hunchback laughed. “No, no, no! Nobody makes me out! I don’t mean for’em to. He! he! he!” _ * Who were the men who swore to have my A heart?” j oe . ; they was in be a fool, but | “The bad men of Peaceful Pocket, I know ’em—I know ’em alli! Three had their faces covered with masks, but I know ’em!” ‘‘ Masked, eh? Then they were Captain Shad- ow and his whelps.” Old Hupeb nodded. ‘* Yes, yes! And one said he would give five hundred dollars to the man who cut your heart out. ‘That settles it!” exclaimed Bill, Shadow is my meat!” **Look out or you'll be his, He has nenny friends, for he is chief of the Trail Pirates,” ‘* Well, the Trail Pirates are apt to lose their chief before long, Pard Hunch,” “Good! I do not love him, I have said ernough, now [ will go. Look out fer your heart,” ‘ With that warning, the old man easily scram- bled over so.ne rocks and disappeared, CHAPTER VIII. VANISHED. BARELY had the gray-bearded hunchback dis- appeared when Lea Vernon darted from behind a buge bowlder and hastened to Wild Bill’s side, “That man!” she panted. ‘For Heaven’s sake, follow him!” The Pistol King was astounded, ‘* Why?” he asked. ** He is the murderer of my father /” * Not Justin Douglass?” “c Yes ” “* Impossible!” ‘“‘Itistrue! Heisin disguise, but I recognized him, 1 would have shot bim dead, but I thought of my poor sister. Did I kill him, I might never find her. She might perish where he has left her. I want you to follow him and discover where she is, Do not lose a moment! He will get away while we are talking!” ** My horse—” ‘*T will take him to camp.” Bill waited no longer. Instantly he swung down, speaking a few words to the intelligent horse and bidding the girl good-by. Then he went over the rocks after the hunchback, Wild Bill was an expert trailer, but on this occasion be resolved to keep the hunchback in sight, if possible. He soon caught sight of the figure, and he saw the man was walking along at a swinging pace, carrying the knotted stick under his arm, Then Bill wondered why be had not suspected the man was disguised, He could only account for it by saying he was so occupied with some- thing else that he bad not examined the white- bearded fellow critically, ‘If he is Justin Douglas, I fancy I see a little light on a point that has puzzled me some,” thought Bill, For more than an hour he followed the man, He took good care to be cautious, and he fancied Old Hunch did not dream he was dogged, Suddenly a writhing shadow showed on the ground at the trailer’s feet, then a noose fell over Bill’s head and shoulders and pinned his arms to his side. Ina moment he was jerked off bis feet and partially stunned, rom behind some rocks leaped two masked mea who flung themselves on the insnared Pistol im, . ‘** Captain | Bill was not conquered, though taken at an advantage and dazed by the shuck, He fought witb a vigor that amazed the two masks, “Curse him!” gritted one, ‘ He’s a genuine terror!” The other made no reply, but, clubbing his revolver, struck the desperate man on the bead. The blow was repeated twice, and then Bill’s hands were secured behind him with the laria The masked ruffians sat panting on the ground an at their captive when this was accom- S . ‘* Wal, he’s ther wu’st /” declared one. ‘ W’y, bis head must be harder’n flint ur it’d be cracked wide open!” ** Didn’t I tole yer!” snapped the other. ‘* You ‘lowed we two wuz goin’ ter hev a pie, but I knowed this yerecustomer, He’s a devil!” Wild Bill’s head was still ringing with the blows he had received, but he heard the words which passed between the two men, He made a desperate attempt to break loose, but the men had taken good care to tie him ate ‘*No ye don’t!” chuckled one. e bhain’t givin’ ye thet show, you bet!” “ “Ketch hold, pard,” called the otber, ‘* We'll tie bim ter this tree, an’ ther boss’ll finish bim w’en he gits along.” : Bill was tied with his back against asmall tree that grew close by a dense mass of bushes. He saw it was useless to resist, so he made no further struggle. But all the time be was noting the a sound of the ruffians’ voices, for he meant to call tiem to an account some day. It seemed as if one of the fellows read this determination in the eyes of their captive, for he shook his bead and growled; ‘¢ You'll never git ther cbance ter wipe us out, Bill. This is your last day on yearth, Ther a means ter wipe ye out, sure as shootin’,” ill suid nothing. He was a man of few words on such anoccasion, but while his tongue was silent his brain was wonderfully active, He wondered how it happened that the two Trail Pirates—for he recognized the two ruflians as the men who had accompanied Captain Shadow the night before—were unassisted in their task of capturing him. Where was their chief? They seemed to be waiting for Captain Shadow, but why was not the chief of the Pirates on band? Slowly an idea crept into his head. He was not willing to admit even to himself that there was a chance of his having beeu decoyed, but it really seemed porsible, If Old Hunch had been Justin Douglas in dis- guise and he had really cared about fooling any one who attempted to follow him, he would have taken greater precautions, It was possible the hunchback was Douglas but had wished to be followed. In that case was he not— ‘* Flello there, boys! I see you have the bird! Good for you! This is the best day’s work you ever did!” It was Captain Shadow, The leader of the Trail Pirates had appea: ed on thescene, He was afoot and bis face was concealed by the baffling mask, Straight up to Wild Bill walked the man, bis eyes gleaming through the twin holes in the sable mask, He laughed triumphantly. * At last!” he cried. ‘* At lust!” There was a world of batred in his voice. He lifted one clinched hand as if he would strike the captive in the face. , Wild Bill did not quail in theleast. He looked straigbt into the eyes of the outlaw, and there was something about that stern gaze that caused the clinched hand to fall at the side of its , “T will not! owner, ‘‘No,” muttered Captain Shadow, 7 | 1 strike you, but I will shoot you through the {S heart!” As the words came from beneath the mask, the chiet’s hand fell on the butt of a revolver. ‘Do you intend to give ne a show?” asked Bill, bis voice steady and cold as ice, The out!aw laughed, “A chance—a show!” he cried, derisively, “Well, you must think I am a fool! I have you foul, and I mean to improve the mgs nity, You have killed good men enough, Hikok, and now your turu to be killed has arrived,” *‘-You really mean to kill me?” “ I do,” ‘For what reason?” ‘Do you ask such a question?” ‘You heard me ask it,” ‘« Well, it is my life or yours,” “ Ah?” “ Yes,” ‘ ‘“* How do you make that out?” ‘“‘- You are my deadly foe,” “T never heard of Captain Shadow till I came to Peaceful Pocket,” ‘* Wor all that, ae are my foe.” : ‘¢ Then I must have known yon under another name,” *¢ Perhaps so.” You confess it? “ T confess nothing,” . Well then, to put it differently, you boast of **T boast of nothing.” Wild Bill's lips curled in scorn, ‘“*You would have me believe you a brave man,” he sneered; ‘but you have shown your- self a craven coward,” ‘ Captain Shadow started, and his hands were clinched. ‘Have a care!” he cried, But the belpless man did not flinch, ‘Tt is the truth,” he asserted, ‘ Were you anything but what I Say, you would meet me in an open manner, man to man, I will fight you poh any weapon you may select, I will even give show,” Sete The chief of the Trail Pirates shook his head, ‘No you don’t!” he asserted, ‘I know record, Wild Bill. You are a killer, and not propose a do Phil Cole,” you the advantage. All 1 ask is half a our to prove another victim for you. | ag You deserve death for the dastardly shooting of | “That is the worst thing my foes can bring ‘
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. pie wees <a ele aia ae soll ae pee = Sar ee sate hsb aun eee ' that they condemn me, upon Lea with the black horse, 8 Wild Bill’s Sable Pard. DOT arn 7 On A against me—at least, they seem to think so, Cole | was drunk—it was his life or mine, I was given |! orders to take him, dead or alive, as he was ter- rorizing the town. As it was, he fired one shot at me. I returned it,and my bullet found his brain. ‘‘ Bat, bah! What is the use of telling this to- such menas you! It makes no difference that my life was in peril. I shot Phil Cole, and for Well, so be it,’ ‘* T am not here to argue this,” ‘“Tpere isnoargument, You think you have deceived me, but [ know you, Dandy Doc!” Captain Shadow started, ** Well,” he said, after a time, “‘it makes no difference if you do know me, You will bedead within ten minutes!” “ And Justin Douglas will stain his hands with crime once more,” The outlaw chief fairly staggered as if struck, * Justin Douglas!” he gasped. ‘* Gods!” “So that struck home!’ broke from Wild Bill’s lips. ‘I thought it would, Yes, I know you are Justin Douglas.” ‘*] am not—I swear—” . The outlaw suddenly checked himself, ‘*What is the use?” be cried. ‘I will not waste my breath, Let me see that you are secure.” He examined Wild Bill’s bonds, saying when he had finished: ‘4 Hercules could not break them. 1 am not going to shoot you from short range, Wild Bill, bat am going to stand off at dueling distance. Then I will show my men here how neatly I can put a bullet through your heart.” | He drew a revolver, ; ** Come on, boys,” he commanded, The three men walked from: Wild Bill, who seemed doomed to die likea dog. What could save him then? Still, though looking into the ghastly face of death, the man did not quail. Captain Shadow walked as far as he thought best, and then he turned, cocking his revolver and half-raising his hand as he wheeled. tern next moment a cry of wonder broke from is lips. The tree was deserted—Wild Bill had van- ished | CHAPTER IX, THE PISTOL KING'S NERVE, Gone} To say Captain Shadow was amazed would but poorly express his feelings, He was dumfounded, 4 His masked companions were so astonished they could only stare at the place where their captive had been a few seconds before. As soon as the chief could catch his breath, h burst into a torrent of execrations. He first cursed himself, then he abused bis two comrades. And then, all of a sudden, he bastened to conceal himself so Wild Bill could not get a shot at bim, The leader of the Trail Pirates did not think of approaching the spot where the Pistol King bad been tied to the small tree, On the contrary, he took good care to keep away. With bis two fol- lowers, he took good care to make himself ‘*scarce,” with a suddenness that told how much he feared Wild Bill, There was nothing marvelous in Bill’s escape, Barely had be started on the trail of Old Hunch when the negro, Strong Arm Joe, came With a few words, the girl explained everything, and Joe immediately expressed a desire to follow Bill, ‘He may get into trouble, or something of that sort,” the faithful black said, ‘If I am near, I shall be able to help him,” Lea made Joe promise not to let Bill know he was followed, unless the frontiersman should fall into some trouble or need his assistance. Then - Bills Sable Pard started on the track of the man who had rescued bim from lynching at the hands ae of the toughs of Peaceful Pocket. gave Bill’s life, Joe woul It was well for Bill that Joe did so. Joe did not happen to be near enough to aid the Pistol King when the two roffians jumped | on bim, but he soon discovered what had hap- ened, The thick bushes near the tree to which the rer was bound in astanding posture enabled the negro to approach within a short distance of the spot without being detected, Thas he was able te hear some of the conversation that pass- ed between Captain Shadow and Wild Bill. _ If itbad been necessary to do*soin order to have confronted the tree Trail Pirates; but be was not rash, He waited for bis time to come, and it came when ti. masked men turned to walk to the spot from Wiivir toe chief meant to shoot the prisoner, Like a cat, the black man darted forward, a knife in his band, With two slashes, be freed the prisoner, and then he swiftly drew him into the thick bushes, This was donein the brief space of time that the outlaws’ backs were turn- ed that way. Under cover of the bushes, Bill and his Sable Pard paused and watched the Trail Pirates, It happened that the Pistol King bad not been rob- bed of his cherished ivory-bandled revolvers, and one of the deadly weapons found its way to his hand, There was a deadly gleata in his eyes and Captain Shadow stood on the very thresh- old of death, The weapon was half lifted when Black Joe caught Bill’s band, ‘No, 00!” whispered the negro. ‘‘ You must not kill him! His time has not yet come, for Lois is pot found.” It was difficult for Wild Bill to crush back the hot anger in his heart. His very soul seemed aflame with a desire to put a bullet through the heart of the outlaw chief. He was on the verge of one of his *‘ devil spells,” as Bill’s outbreaks were once called by a side pard of his, Nothing but a thought of Lea and her mission restrained the Pistol Dead Shot and saved Cap- tain Shadow’s life, Bill fully expected the chief of the Pirates would come bazk to discover in what manner he had made his escape, and then he knew he would be forced to confront bits, But Captain Shadow was too wise or too cowardly t. do such a thing. He saw Bill was gone, and he realized the man might be waiting for him. The thought sent a shudder of horror down bis spine, and he Jost not a moment in seeking Cover, Something that was half a laugh and half a grow] escaped Wild Bill’s lips as he witnessed the outlaw’s sudden rush to cover, “Tne eraven dog!” he said, ‘‘ He turned so pale that I could distinguish his loss of color from this distance. He will lose no time in get- ting out of this vicinity.” hich was right, Bill watched for a time, but none of the Trail Pirates showed themselves. At length, he turned to Joe, asking: ‘‘ How in the world did you happen along at such a lucky moment?” Joe explained, ** Well,” said Bill, his manner being impres- sive, ‘‘I never dida better job than when I saved you from the toughs of Peaceful Pocket. In re- turn, you have twice rescued me from certain death. Joe, V’ll swear by all niggers, if they are like you!” The darky’s eyes glowed with pleasure, ** Thank you!” he said, simply. “Tam the one to thank you,” assorted Bill. ‘*T am proud to have such a pard!” Joe’s embarrassment was evident, and he stammered when he attempted to say something more, After a time, they went out and looked for the Trail Pirates, but the three men had disappeared, taking care not to ght which way they went. ‘* Well,” observed Bill, ‘‘ we will have to let them go for this time, but I am not done. with Captain Shadow by any means. Iam now cer- tain he is Dandy Doc, the man I have followed from Kansas, and I believe he is also Justin Douglas.” ‘‘And the hunchback whom Miss Lea said you were following?” “I think that is another disguise of this mis- erable villain. He wanted to be followed, and that was why he did not try to throw me off fhe trail,” ‘ ** Oh, I bope we shall find Miss Lois alive and save ber from this man!” **T hope so, too; but the only way I see of saving her is to kill the miserable whelp who lured her from her bome,” . ‘*Miss Lea bas taken an oath to kill him, She means to avenge her father’s murder.” ** And you?” . ‘“*T bave also taken an oath,” So? j ry Yes.” *'To what effect?” “To prevent Miss Lea from staining her hands with blood.” You do not mean to allow her to kill the villain?” ** No,” ‘** How do you intend to prevent it?” ‘¢T will kill him myself! Bill smiled grimly. — ‘¢T will save you the trouble,” he calmly said. ‘*That man is my ais When Lois is found, then I will take bim back to Kansas, or I will shoot bim! He failed in bis attempt to wipe roe yar be has aM nia, Boel aee 8 Ol ioe AG al ak Tan a abe i a ae Sint AAS tS aig Malad iyo me out, Twice has he been baffled—the third time is mine !” There was nothing bombastic about the man- ner in which the words were uttered, but there was something terribly ominous in the speaker’s air. Plainly he meant everything he said, ‘be black and white pards turned back to- ward Peaceful Pocket. Bill took care to make sure they were not be- ing followed, for he did not wish to be shot in the back by his enemy. They little dreamed what they would discover when the carap was reached, Straight to the spot where the tent was pitch- ed they made their way, A startling spectacle met their gaze when they reached the little glade. The tent had been crushed to the ground and was trampled aud torn, while there were many other signs which indicated a desperate strug- gle had taken place there, Robin Rockwell and Lea were not to be found. This discovery nearly crazed Black Joe. He would have rushed aimlessly about the place, pet Bill caught him by the arm and held him ast, ‘‘ Quiet, pard!” he said, sternly. ‘‘ Hold your level! I-want to examine sign here, and [ could not do so after you had run all over the place and tramped the marks, If you will give me a little time, L am sure I can tell something near .what has bappened,.” ‘Ts it not plain enough what has bappened?” wailed the negro. ‘* They have come upon her here and she bas beeu dragged away!” “¢ They—who?” © Our foes.” ‘‘But that does not answer the question. Give me five minutes to examine the place,” . It was difficult for Joe to restrain bis despair, but he waited as patiently as possible while Bill slowly and keenly inspected the signs made on the ground. He seemed to read them as if they were print, ' “The toughs of Peaceful Pocket have been here,” he declayed, at length. ‘‘ They have taken the girl and the young tenderfoot cap- tives, The tenderfoot fought like a tiger, but they overpowered him by force of numbers, I do not think there was any blood shed, Prob- ably Rockwell did not dare use his guns, and the men of the Pocket did not wish to shoot him, ‘Do you think we shell find them down in the town?” ‘*T trust so,” With that Bill looked for the horses, They had not been molested. The Pistol King smiled a bit as be noted this. “They did not dare take my horse,” he thought, ‘In this part of the country it is considered a greater crime to steal a_ horse than to kidpap a woman or kill a man,” After caring for the animals, which only oc- cupied a few moments, Bill looked to his wea- pons, Joe was watching his every movement. and be now ventured to ask; ‘What do you mean to do, sir?” The Pistol King lifted bis magnificent head, a queer look in bis blue eyes, “T am going down into Peaceful Pocket and find the girl and the tenderfoot,” he calmly said. ‘The ruffians will be waiting for you.” **T know it.” “They will try to kill you.” “ Yes, ” ‘There will be a hundred of them.” “ Nearly that.” * Still you are going down?” “Jf there were five hundred, I would go down.” “ Then I f° with you!” ' “Tt may be to death.” ‘‘ Where you dare go, I will follow.” A look of satisfaction passed over Bill’s face. ‘“‘T knew it,” hesaid. ‘ You are made of the pronee material, It is often boldness that wins n dealing with such men as the citizens of Peaceful Pocket, and we will make a bold pla to-day. Come on,” . Se down into the camp they went, The first person they met was Ferris Blood- good, When he saw them, the man of the glossy beard glanced hastily around, as if to wetgnirs _ rise Pa gg ir by the rea! on the pocket. en he hastily approac ill and his Sable Pard, . ie ‘* Look here, Wild Bill,” he swifty said, *‘ you want to get out of here. I tell you thisasa friend, I have just come from the Dove’s Nest, and your cake is dou sight of you.” The Pistol King did not seem a bit alarmed. “Ts that so?” he coolly inquired. | ne \ oH Bde ak te al rim wy peat Louse gh if the gang there gets
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Wild Bill’s Sable Pard. “Tt certainly is,” Bloodgood nodded, ‘I <ion’t profess to be a saint, but I do hate to wee aman of your caliber wiped out without a show,” . te do not mean to give me a show?” NOg? ‘¢ Just what do they mean to do?” ‘Riddle you the moment you step in at the door.” **Do you know anything about their captur- ‘ing a young lady and a tenderfoot?” ee Yes,” ‘‘ They did so?” Bloodgood glanced nervously around and then modded. ‘* They did.” *‘ Where are the captives now?” ‘‘Tn a back room in the Dove’s Nest, ‘Then to the Dove’s Nest I go,” *‘ Man alive, you are mad!” ‘* Well, yes, | am a little riled.” “That is not what I mean, ‘You are crazy!” **T reckon not,” ** Well, [ have warned you. I dare not re- main here longer, If Pacific Dick’s crowd knew I gave you a pointer, it would go hard with me,” Bloodgood hurried away, and Wild Bill walk- ed straight toward the Dove's Nest. His Sable Pard kept at his side. CHAPTER X. TWO AGAINST THE TOWN, Witp Brit did not hesitate about entering ‘the Doye’s Nest. When he reached the door of ‘the saloon, he drew bis ready revolvers and kept straight on, Strong Arm Joe also drew a revolver and fol- lowed. They entered the saloon, and found a crowd of ‘the worst men of the Pocket there. Pacific Dick was taking a drink at the bar. -The appearance of Bill and his Sable Pard was noticed, of course, but not one of the raffianly «crew appeared to see them, The Pistol King had expected trouble the moment he showed up in the place,and he was somewhat surprised when not a man seemed to observe him, However, Wild Bill was not a man to betray Nairtine, and he walked straight toward Pacific . wit | an iy i Dick, whom he had singled out. Dick’s back was toward the door, and he did not turn. The Pards heard him say: ““ Why don’t ye git in a fresh supply of p’ison, Shack? You hev been workin’ this stuff over tell it’s in bad shape. This yere manufacterin’ of yer own bug-juice is played out, an’ we re- spectable an’ peaceful citizens of this gentle town are led to demand su’thin’ better, nh—” “Ts where you are mighty apt to go!” said a stern voice, and Wild Bills hand fell on the bully’s shoulder. cay ie Dick uttered an exclamation and reached for @ weapon, but the cold muzzle of a revolver was thrust against his temple. ** Hands off!” é : He turned till he could see Wild Bill’s enaat ing eyes, and then he obeyed quick enough, Black Joe faced the mob of spectators, sharp- ek dg oa as 4 for some preconcerted move on ‘their part, but they all had the appearance of men who were very much surprised. ** Wat’s ther matter now?” sulkily demanded the threatened Dick. ** As if you do not know!” ' “ Waal, I’m dad blamed ef Ido!” | ** You lie like a dog when you say it!” The teeth of the bully grated a little, and there was anything but love in the look he shot the Pistol King. i ‘* You hev a great way of makin’ thet kind of talk w’en you holds ther drop,” he sneered. ‘Tt is well to have the ane when surrounded foy a gang of wolves like asIT am now. I’m not euch a very big fool, Pacific Dick, as you ought to know by this time.” _ * Waal, what do ye want?” ti idee 1} i yo ene girl.” ; “Ther gal ” ** Yes, and the tenderfoot.” _ 4 Wat tenderfootf—w’at gal?” Wild Bill’s teeth clicked, “You know what girl and what tenderfoot. ay ‘There is no use in trying to play off.” ttenderfoot in this yere town of late, ** Waal, thar hain’t bin but one gal an’ one * Exactly.” * An? you mean them?” , 66 Yi ” is y: “Waal, I don’t know a blamed thing "bout em grrr Poke * All the same, if you have anv great desire to eontina ce ” e livin’, you'll take me to the place _where'they are,” Kis? (Sed ae a ‘Don’t know anythin’ ’bout ’em,” Dick sullenly insisted. ‘* W’at in blazes do you come ter me fer? I know ther gal wuz right peert, but [ hain’t no dandy an’ I don’t go chasin’ arter petticoats,” _ * You know as well asI what has happened to the girl and the tenderfoot, and, as you are the leader in all deviltry perpetrated in these parts, [ have come to you. .I mean_ business, and I am not going to fool with you all day, you can bet your sweet life!” Bill was holding bimself wellin hand, but an outbreak was impending, When it came—well, there might be cold meat in Peaceful Pocket, Black Joe said not a word, but his eyes were restlessly roving from face to face of those who were watching the controversy between the bully of the camp and the Pistol King. He almost expected some 6ne would try a spap shot at Bill, and be meant to prevent such a thing, if possible, ; The crowd was silent, breathlessly regarding the two men near the bar. Everybody seemed to feel that bloodshed was imminent. Nobody sought to interfere—they knew it would be anything but ‘ healthy.” “That will not wash, Pacific Dick,” came sternly from Wild Bill’s lips, ‘* You ought to know better than to try it on me,” ** It’s honest Injun.” “Tt’s crooked!” ** No, no!” “But Isay it is! I have you under my gun —you want to bear that in mind, ou’re goin’ to talk or eat lead, and that right soon!” ‘You fergit my pards.” “ No,” ‘“ if you shoot-—” * Yowll go under.” ‘* Ther gang’ll wipe ye out ther next minute,” ‘* Pl take my chances,” ‘* You're not that big fool.” ‘“‘['m here for biz or blood. You ought to know what that means, If you do not, 80 much the worse for you, [ll bave the truth, or [ll give Peaceful Pocket anotber subject for its cemetery. R Dick resolvad to appeal to the crowd, ‘* Pards—” “ Thar—thatll do!” The Pistol’s King’s words silenced him before he was wets begun, mee ‘You will do your talkin’ to me,” Bill de- clared, ‘‘ You will have plenty of time to talk with them later—if you talk straight with me, If not— Come, come! I have wasted too much time with you already! It is not my way to chin like this.” A desperate look settled in Pacific Dick’s eyes. What should he do? He could not back down and “squawk ” before the very eyes of the men over whom he bad lorded it so long, and to whom he had a bundred times declared he did not fear Wild Bill or any other man alive. A scheme flashed through his bead, He igh i for time; something might turn up. 1 . “Well?” ; .“« You won't believe I tell ther truth.” ‘Ts that to be wondered at? You were al- ways known as an amazing liar.” ‘* Well, w’at’s ther use of my tellin’ ye any- thin’, then?” “There is no use of your telliog anything but the truth,” ** You won't believe if I tell ye thet.” ‘Well, try it.” ‘‘ Wat has happened ter ther gal an’ ther tenderfoot?” Wild Bill scowled. f ‘*T am asking you questions, remember that!” “But, if I dunno w’at’s happened, how’m I goin’ ter tell anytbin’?” “t Look here, Dick, 1 see through your little game, You are talkin’ for the sake of usin’ ae mouth, It won’t work,’ If you don’t come the point instanter, I'l throw you cold! That’s business straight } ; What was to be done? Dick asked | imself ‘the question, but could devise no reply. He saw a deadly glitter in the eyes of the man with the revolver, and knew he could not fool with him longer. He opened his mouth to speak, but he did not utter a word, _ At this instant, there came a shrill shriek from a back room—a feminine cry of distress, ** Help! help!” “That’s Lea’s voice!” shouted Black Joe, ex- citedly. help!” : “ Help / - Again the cry rung out, Then there were hoarse shouts in masculine op followed by sounds of a desperate strug- gle. aay . ; ‘ ¥ ; eh Mart ha va r m, | ghey ee) Fie, SPU ‘ ics , be AW } ny wi ee e iN TA = i - and alone, whipped and bloodthirsty border ruffians, killing eight of For a brief time, all within the saloon seemed spellbound with astonishment. The struggle in the back room quickly ter- minated in a heavy fall. Theu came a pistol-shot! The next instant fhe door was burst open and a man staggered, into the saloon, blood running down the side of his face, It was Crook-nosed Clark, ‘I’m shot!” be hoarsely cried, ‘‘ That devil broke free in some way and got the revolver away frum me, I flammed him down, but he fired inter my face!” 5 Then he threw up his bands and fell to the oor, , Like a flash, Wild Bill’s foot kicked Pacific Dick’s feet from beneath him, and_the bully went crashing to the floor, Tnen Bill madea dash for the door of the back room, Joe being a bit in advance. , The negro plunged through the Pere doorway, but Bill turned and covered the mob, The gang was just recovering from its amaxe- ment, and in another moment they would have rushed for tke room. Like the blast of a bugle, the Pistol King’s voice rung through the saloon: Stop /” That checked the rush, - ‘* The first man to advance dies in his tracks! I have you covered |” A score of bands were on the butts of revol- vers, but for some reason, not a weapon was drawn. It seemed to every man as if Bill’s eyes were fixed on him alone, and they all knew the deadly work that would follow should the Dead Shot begin to pull trigger. Pacific Dick scrambled to his feet. * Tt’s all right, pards!” he cried, triumphantly, “Ther back door’s nailed up tight, an’ we hey ’am all like rats in a trap!” A murmur that was half a cheer ran over the crowd, “We've got ye trapped, Wild Bill!” laughed the bully of the Pocket, ‘¢Don’t be so sure of that!” was the cool re- tort. ‘I still have my guns, and my pard is at my back.” ‘* But what'll hull town?” ‘+ Well, we will show you before we are done, You will find us two extremely hard men to down,” But down you'll gO, just ther same, This is w’at we wuz countin’ on—gittin’ you inter a trap like this,” : ‘*] fail to see the trap.” ‘*‘ Waal, you're in it. Tbar’s no way of gittin’ out of that room thar ‘cept through this yere saloon,” ; . Then we'll go out through this saloon!” ‘“ You'll be kerried out w’en ye dol” cae a sudden, Bill heard heavy blows behind m. The roughs of the Pocket also heard the sounds, and they looked into each others’ faces in surprise, W bat was the meaning of it? “Ther tut-tut-tenderfoot’s tryin’ ter break Ppa ee ther door!” shouted Stuttering teve, ‘*That’s so!” cried Pacific Dick. ‘Some of ie galoots git outside an’ stop him w’en he reaks through!” “The first cuss who tries to leave this room chews bullets!” declared Wild Bill. CHAPTER XI. : A RUN FOR LIFE, AND he meant what he said, The mob knew it, Pacific Dick ground out an imprecation and sought to draw a revolver, Quick as a flash, one of Wild Bill’s revolve covered bim, and the Pistol King cried: ** Hands up, Dick!” ; f The bully hesitated, but he saw the hammer of Bill’s revolver rising before the pressure on the trigger. Another ounce woula send a bullet into his body. Up went his hands, rif Crasb, crash, crash, sounded the blows, The building shook beneath them. ay) It was a singular spectucle—one man holding ascore anda half atbay, , But that one man was Wild Bill! you two ’mount ter ’g’inst ther knew the particularsof his fight with the Mc- Candless gang, in which he bad, single-banded ten of the most desperate them in the struggle, Little wonder the toughs of Peaceful And there was not one within tbe saloon but : t Peaceful Pocket did not care to arouse the devil in the man who \
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- of the throng. 10 had them covered with his deadly ivory-handled revolvers. The silence that fell over the room was only broken by the heavy blows which resounded through the building. , ‘Then came a great crash! The back door had been broken down! ‘They will escape!” cried a man in the center ‘* They must be stopped!” a You are too late to stop them now,” asserted ill. ‘* But we hev you in a trap, dern ye!” grinned Ivory Jaw Jackson, ** An’ we'll make it hot fer ye, ur I'ma lul- lul-liar!” stuttered Steve, “You are welcome,” was the retort. ‘ But you have not caugnt me half so much as you think.” With that Bill suddenly gave a backward spring that carried him into the room bebind * | _ him, At the same instant Black Joe shut the - door and threw into place a heavy cross-bar. Howls of surprise and dismay came from ; within the saloon. ‘“Where are the tenderfoot and the girl?” | asked Bill. “Gone,” was Joe’s reply. “ How?" ** On horses, The Pisto) King was astonished, The door had been broken down from the outside, and this also surprised bim, He sprung to it and saw Robin and Lea dashing away on some spirited animals, , At the same moment he saw some of the men who bad been within the saloon starting in pur- suit of the escaping couple, But what amazed him the most was the sight of a man who stood by the open door, a heavy ax in his hands, < It was Old Hunch! **' You?” he cried; ‘‘ you?” } ‘Yes, I,” nodded the white-beard. ‘I broke down ther door, ef I bean ole fool.” —_- Bill was strongly tempted to shoot the man, but sometbing restrained him. He seemed to forget his peril for the moment, but the hunch- back did not. “There hain’t any time ter be lost,” swiftly said the old,man, ‘' Now’s your time ter git out. Ther crowd’s watchin’ ther tenderfoot an’ ther gal,” ** And you?” “T am all right. The men of Peaceful Pocket will not harm me,” Black Joe was at Bill’s side. . “Come!” said the negro, swiftly. We will make a run for life.” They started out, hurrying toward the nearest cabin, intending to keep it between themselves and the saloon as they fled They were seen! A yell went up and several bullets whistled about them, but, fortunately, they were un- touched, Darting around the’ corner of the cabin, they started on the run for life. Black Joe was a swift runner, and he suc- ceeded in keeping at Wild Bill’s side, whicb was no easy feat, “* We shall be fortunate if we get off,” said the negro. Never say die, pard,” returned Bill, cheer- fully. ‘‘ We are out of that rat’s trap, for which we may be thankful. The chances look much brighter now than they did awhile ago. There was a time when I felt as if our goose was pretty well fried,” They could not waste their breath in talk. Once more yells were heard behind them, and again a shower of bullets whistled dangerously close to their heads, } ; j ‘ ‘the Pistol King bad At that very instant turned to look back and he happened to strike his cg against a stone that sent bim to the ground, - A furious shout of joy broke from the mob, for they fancied one of their bullets bad brought him down. As he arose to bis feet, Bill fired two shots, Neitber bullet was wasted. Two men went down, Black Joe had whirled when his comrade fell, and be asked, with anxiety: * Are you burt?” 4 “Not a bit, pard,” was the cheerful reply; ae the.e are a couple fellows back there who Once more ‘hey ran onward, . The downfall of two of their number checked the desperadoes for a moment, but they soon came on again, They were thoroughly aroused, and they did not mean to Jet the black and white _ pards get away, . he i Bil good care to lead them in a direction Wild Bill’s Sable Pard. almost directly opposite that taken by Robin and Lea, ‘** Tf we can reach the rocky gully down there,” he said, ‘‘ we ougat to be able to give those fel- lows the slip.” They headed for the mouth of the gorge and dashed on. The pursuers evidently divined their inten- tion, for they made still more desperate exer- tions to overtake them, The limits of the town were passed and the mouth of the little gorge was close at hand, An occasional bullet would go raph ya them, ‘* We'll make it all rigit,” said Bill. “They will still pursue us.” * Not much!” ** How will you stop them?” - ‘* With bullets.” The gorge was reached and Bill crouched be- hind a bowlder, turning his blue eyes back to- w.rd the pursuing mob, One of the desperadoes was far in advance of his companions, “That fellow will have to go under,” calmly observed the Pistol King. The next moment Bill’s right-hand revolver spoke, and the man went reeling forward on his face, The others instantly halted. They saw Wild Bill was ensconced behind a bowlder that would protect him from their bullets, while he could rain a perfect shower of death into the midst of them, They held a consultation. ‘* Well,” observed Bill, as he ejected the empty shells from his revolvers and replaced them with fresh cartridges, ‘‘ that brought them up witha round turn, It stopped them much more sud- denly than I expect I fully believed I would have to kill five or six before they would chain up.” Fine desperadoes were talking excitedly, evi- dently trying to agree upon some plan of action, ‘* What are we going to do!” asked Joe, ‘‘ We cannot remain bere and keep them back, Leas ean gain the top up there and riddle us or roll stones down on us,” “* And that is just what they are discussing,” nodded Bill. ‘‘ lt is time for us to make our- selves scarce,” ‘*They will see us when we go away ‘*Not if we can help it.” ‘Well, how are we to help it?” ‘*T will show you,” replied Sill, after he had carefully glanced around, ‘‘Do you see that little gully there?” “s Yes,” ‘Well, we must keep this bowlder between -us and the mob out there till we reach this end of that gully, Then we'll have to creep down it till we can reach the cover beyond.” ** Can we do it?” ‘¢ We can try.” “ Allright.” * Are you ready?” ‘“ Yes,” “Then go ahead, I will remain here and make it warm for the gang, if they try to make a rusb,” Joe did not hesitate, for he knew it was the only thing to be done, so he at once began to creep away, taking care to keep tbe bowlder between himself and the toughs. In this way he reached the bowler, and, lying flat on his oe wiggled his way down to the bushes ow. Occasionally Wild Bill would show himself to the band of ruffians, but be kept his person con- cealed the most of the time. At length a low whistle came up from the bushes below, telling him his pard had reached their cover, Then Bill arose and deliberately sent two bullets whistling into the knot of men, causing them to scatter precipitately. Having done this, the Pistol King dropped on his hands and knees and crept away after Joe. He reached the little gully, and, pressing him- self close to the grouna, crawled to the bushes below. Once fairly beneath their cover, he found himself with Joe, who was waiting. ** We're in luck!” Jaughed Wild Bill, ‘* They have vot smoked our little game, and probably still think me behind that bowlder, Now we shall have no trouble in giving them the slip.” He led the way, and Joe followed. As he had said, they found no tronble in getting away, al- though they were within hearing when a chorus of savage yells told the mub had discovered it _was tricked. © “* Let them whoop,” said Bill, grimly, ‘‘ They ean yell till their tbroats are sore, for all we care. We are beyond their reach for the pres- ent, and the ruffians of. Peaceful Pocket have been bearded in their den. They will never get over the disgrace of this day.” They circled the town, moving toward the spot where the tent had been pitched, ‘‘TDo you think we shall find Miss Lea there?” asked Jue, Bill shook bis head. “Tt is not at all Beely pard. ‘It is my horse I am thinking of. only bope I can get there ahead of the toughs, If they touch that animal—” He did not finish, but the look on his face! spoke as plainly as words. Blood would flow if! the black steed had been stolen, They reached a point where they could look down into the town, but their observaticn told them nothing. They wasted but little time, As they approached the spot where the tent had been, Bill grew very cautious, ‘‘The devils may attempt to ambush us here,” he explained. ‘‘ We must look right sharp.” They saw not a sign of the ruffianly crew, an@ soon they reached the spot where the horses had been. Had been—for they were gone! A furious exclamation of anger escaped Wild Bill, CHAPTER XII. THE LOST IS FOUND. : REVOLVER in hand, the Pistol King leaped to the spot where the borses had been, He could hardly credit the evidence of his eyes, ‘*Gone!” he grated through his clinched teeth, ‘‘Stolen! Well, the thieves stall pay dearly for this!” There was a terrible look on his face, whick told he was now war giety ered aroused, ‘ But at this moment, Strong Arm Joe made a discovery. A bit of paper was fluttering from the trunk of a tree at one side of the glade, ter: ‘See there!” cried the negro, pointing toward it. Wild Bill saw the paper and sprung forward to secure it, At a glance, he saw there was writing upon it. He snatched it down, and his eyes eagerly ran over the scrawled words, Them an exclamation of relief broke from his lips, ‘¢ It’s all right!” be declared. “ What's all right?” ‘+ Everything.” “How do you make that out?” ‘‘This was written by the tenderfoot. After . the pursuit was given over, Rockwell and Miss Lea came here and took the herses away.” ‘‘ Then they were not stolen?” “ No.” “ Good !”? ‘*- You may well say so, _ But I wonder where the tenderfoot and Miss Lea are at this mo- ment?” Ei The couple were miles away, riding to the north, An bour before they bad sat in the little back room of the saloon, both bound to chairs and Robia gagged. Crook-nosed Clark held a re- volver against Rockwell’s head and swore he would blow the young man’s brains out if Lea cried for help,. In the main room of the saloom they could Roar ‘Wild Bill threatening Pacific Dick with instant death, But Robin was not as helpless as he looked. In days gone by, he had often amused himself’ with what is known as ‘‘ the Great Rope Trick.” He would allow bimself to be tied by any one,. and the rope might be knotted in fifty places; then, in the concealment of a cabinet, he would release himself in less than half a minute. It is not necessary to explain here how the trick is done, but there is a great deal in the swelling and expansion of muscles, When the rope was knotted about Robin’s wrists, be took. good care to expand the muscles so his wrists were unusually large, Then his hands were fas tened bebind the chair, and when the right _ time came, he quietly worked them free from the ropes. g Then, at a critical juncture, he flung bimself on Crook-m Clark, The attack was wholly unexpected, and Robin succeeded in wresting the revolver from the ruf- _ fian’s hand. But the chair still hung to the young man, bound there by the ropes he had not found & chance to loosen, Clark saw this and sep a a ed Robin in such a manner that both went crash- ing to the floor, while Lea’s cries for help rung — - out, and the bullet ripped along Clark’s cheek, mak- ing a wound that was painful and disfiguring, but in no way dangerous, The rascal scrambled to his feet, thinking bim- self fatally injured, and fled into the saloqn, Then the revolver exploded in Robin’s grasp, —— SS SS —— ©
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ne Pie a ne * with her. Robin tried to arise from the floor, but, with the chair still bound to him, he was unable to d SO, ' Lea could not aid him, for she was also fast to a chair, ‘What could be done? Was all the desperate stroke for liberty to preve profitless? Robin began tearing at the knots with his fin- gers, and thena man came bounding into the room. Black Joe was on hand! At the same moment, Wild Bill’s voice rung out in the command that prevented the ruffians from rusbing toward the door, at which he stood, weapons in his hands, and held them off. The negro instantly leaped to the side of his young mistress, “Miss Lea—” “Help Mr. Rockwell, Joe,” commanded the girl, ‘* Quick—cut bim free!” Joe hastily produced a knife, but he first cut Lea free; then he released Robin, ‘* You were just in time,” declared the young man, ‘ But now how can we get out of here?” ‘* Here is a door,” They tried it, but it was nailed fast. ‘*By Heaven! we are still ina trap!” gasped Robin, his face paling. At that very moment the first blow fell on the door from the outside. They started back as- tounded, staring at it as it shivered beneath the terrible shocks it received, ** Who can it be?” they asked each other. ‘Is it friend or foe?” The question was soon to be answered. The door shivered and split before the blows, and then it came crashing into the room, And there stood Old Hunch, ax in hand! Lea uttered a low shriek and started back, as her eyes rested on the man. Hunch did not seem to notice this, ‘“‘T am here to save you!” he said, swiftly, seeming to forget his dialect in his excitement, *‘ Here are horses at the door. Mount them and ride for your lives! Jt is your only chance!” ‘* But you—” “Vm all right, Go, gol” It is not certain what Lea would have done, but Black Joe caught his young mistress up in his strong arms and ran to the nearest horse As if she were a feather, he tossed her up on the animal’s back. ** Joe!” she remonstrated—*‘ Joe, that man—” ** Tt is no time to think of that now,” ceclared the negro. ‘If the devil himself shows you a way to escape death, will you not accept it?” Joe is right.” said Robin, who bad swung up to the back of the other horse, “Go!” cried Old Hunch again—“ go, go!” Joe struck Lea’s horse with his open hand, and the animal sprung away. Robin kept at her side, : Then the faithful ne sprung back into the saloon to be at the sideof the man who called him “ Pard,” ( “ What will become of them—what will be- come of poor Joe?” gasped Lea, ias she clung to the mane of the horse, “They may be able to escape in some way,” replied Robin, ‘That old man—” _ * That was Justin Douglas!” ** Impossible!” “T know it seems so, but it is ‘true. I recog- nize the voice,” rh a why should he dare so much to save ou ‘. *“ That is more than I can tell,” They heard the yells of those in pursuit, and Robin looked back, ae “The fools!” he half-laughed, ‘ Do, they think to overtake us afoot? Well, that is just the thing, for it will give Wild Bill and Joea chance to escape.” ; Before they out of the town he saw the black and white pards running for their lives, with a mob in pursuit, The ones who had at first started after the girl:and the tenderfoot turned back to fall into the other chase. Thus the young manand the girl were per- mitted to escape, while the desperadoes of Peace- ful Pocket tried to capture or kill Wild Bill. They decided to goat once to the place where they had pitched the little tent, and they did so. There they found the horses, **We must not remain here, for this is the very place where those villains will look for us,” “And we must take the horses away,” said ready-witted ‘Lea, So they decided to leave a note that, if it fell into the Pistol Kiing’s-hands, would inform Wild Bill bis horse was all right, This they did, and afterward they rode away to the north, Je fo ___ “ Where shall we go?” asked Lea, helplessly. Wild Bill’s Sable Pard. ‘* Anywhere, so long as we get beyond the reach of the men of Peaceful Pocket. They are rfect tigers! That is the worst place I ever eard tell of! Why, I never dreamed such a place could exist in a free and enlightened coun try like this!” ‘*T cannot go away,” asserted Lea, grimly. Robin looked surprised. “Why Q7 ‘* Lois is not found—my work is not done,” ‘But you must leave that place for a time, When you are safe beyond the reach of those wolves, I will agree to go back there, if you want me to. I am ready to do anything for ou. ‘* But the danger—” ‘The danger is nothing, so long as lam doing ye ape in my power to assist you.” is gaze sought her eyes, but her ‘ashes drooped. For all of the excitement and peril through which he bad just passed, he was actual- ly making love to his beautiful companion! ** You are very kind,” she softly said. They rode on and on, the other horses follow- ing. She was on her own horse now, and in her side-saddle, which made it much easier for ber, They scarcely knew whither they were going. Away to the north they went, mile after mile being passed. At length they came to a little pocket-like valley, and exclamations of astonishment broke from their lips as they beheld a tiny cabin with the door standing wide open. “A cabin!” cried Robin, here!” ‘*And they may be friends!” laughed Lea, **Tf so,°we are in luck, for now the tent is ruined,” “And night is near at hand!” said the young man, glancing upward, ‘It would not be pleasant to sleep inthe open air. Let’s ride for- ward and see who lives here.” Onward they rode, and the sound of horses’ hoofs fell on the ears of the single inmate of the cabin, She sprung up and hurried to the door, just as Robin and Lea drew rein there, * Then came the wild cries of recognition, ** Lois!” “e Lea !” The lost sister was found! “Somebody lives CHAPTER XIII. ACCUSED,’ WITH a glad cry of delight, Lea slipped down from the saddle and the sisters were quickly clasped in each other’s arms, Jaughing and cry- ing allin a breath, Robin Rockwell was astonished. He could scarcely believe by pure chance they bad come straight to the one for whom Lea was searching. ‘*Lea, my sister!” cried Lois, holding the other off to look in her face, as if a doubt still lingered inber mind. ‘‘Isit possible?” “It certainly is, Lois,” was the glad reply, “But oh, I bave searched for you so long, and I have feared | should never find you.” ** But you—here—away out in these wilds! I cannot understand it! It still seems as if I might be dreaming!” ‘**It is no dream, sister mine—I am here,” When Lois was convinced, she would have drawn her sister into the little cabin, forgetting | in her excitement there was another. But Lea did not forget her escort, “Mr. Rockwell—” ““T will attend to the horses,” he hastened to say. lio did so, giving the sisters time enough to come to something like an understanding. ‘* Lea,” said Lois, as she pushed her sister to a chair, ‘‘I am still unable to understand your being here,” ‘“*T will explain it all in a few moments,” as- sured Lea, as she looked around and saw the in- terior of the cabin was unusually cozy and com- fortable for that remote section, Lois noted that glance, and she tossed back | her golden hair, as she quickly said: “You must not look for the luxuries of the East, sister. This is a wild section, and we have done as well as we could,” ‘* We!” How that little word grated on Lea’s ears, She actually turned pale and looked for the man whose hands she believed were stained with ber father’s blood. Lois noted her pallor, and she quickly reached nen What i t, Lea? ¥. at is it, Lea ou grew white so sud- denly and looked around asif-afraid,” The brunette remembered it was probaktle Justin Douglass was not about, as she had seen "him in Peaceful Pocket, many miles away, 1Zr I will tell yous Ou “Tt is nothing Lois—wait! soon, Let me look into your dear face. look bappy—” *‘ And I am,” ‘* Does no sorrow mar your life?” ‘*No—yes! There is one,” ‘* What is it?” “The thought that I had to leave you and» dear father in such a way.” Lea caught her breath and clasped her hand to ber heart, Lois bad sunk on her kneesat her’. sister’s feet, but she started up, crying: ‘* What isit, Lea? I am sure it is something!) Tell me—tell me tbe truth!” Lea rested one trembling hand on the goldem, head at ber knee, “Wait. It was only a little pain. I have» lots toask you. Where—where is—” “ Justin?” : A nod was the reply, Lea could not bring her self to utter that name just then, ‘He has gone to Peaceful Pocket,” There was no longer any doubt—Justin Doug, las and Old Hunch were one and the same. ‘*When will he return?” : He said he might not be back till after night-- all, “ Lois, does be—-does be always—treat you well?’ ‘Treat me well! He treats me as if I were a. queen! And I am—the queen of his heart!” Lea turned her head aside, for she cid not wish: her sister to see the look in ber eyes, “‘ And you—never—regret?” There was a moment’s pause, and then the girl-- wife slowly replied: ‘Yes, Lea, I do sometimes,” In a moment the eyes of the sisters met, and Lea breathlessly asked: ‘*What—what do you regret?” ** You frighten me!” said Lois, drawing back... ‘*-You act so strangely! I cannot understand: you aé all!” Lea’s arm slipped around the other’s neck and their heads were close together, **Do not be alarmed, sister mine. Answer my” question, please. What do you regret?” ‘That I was compelled to separate myself’ from my home and friends.” ; “Ts that all?” * That is all.” ** Does—doer he seem the same as of old?” ‘Just the same—no, better! I understand him now. Lea, ny husband is one of natures: noblemen! He has a heart as large as his whole: body, and he is so tender and kind!” The black-haired sister vit her lips to keep back the hot words which were trying to forcer an utterance, and she took good care that La could not see ber face, The bappy little wi rattled on: “You know you thought he was handsors and manly in the long ago—” ‘When I first saw bim.” “Yes. Well, be is still handsomer.and more manly now. Ob, you will fall in love with him: when you see him—you can’t help it!” ** God pity her! God pity her!” the listening; one was crying in her heart, Be, | ‘* He is so gentle and good, and he loves every- thing that is brave and true, of bis life is the thought of his brother’s crime,’” “Why did be bring you away out here—why bury you in this wild and lone) lace?” i t wa Pp Justin turned against him when they were boys.” Ma ’ ‘* Has he heard from his brother since—since ty i the crime?” ee Yes, twice—both times a threat.. That was one reason why we came here. Another reason was that he wished to dro and give it time to forget crime,” the extreme, Not for a moment did she believe: those were Justin Douglas’s true reasons for making a home there in that spot, so far from the bustle and whirl of the world, No,no! 7 like bis brother, was a criminal, and be hb veeratita to hide from the stern hand of the law,. ** Lois,” _ “A “ Sister” vie ‘“T have sad news for you,” The golden-haired one started up, gasping: — : * Father—” yf Yes, it is of him,” : 4 x ‘““What—what is it? Tell me—tell moe truth! He—he is dead?” Mat } Lea bowed, sadly. Ny Tbe one sorrow ~ to escape his brother, who he de- | clares is demented. Morris Douglas has sworn — to ruin bim—to destroy bis life. He fancies out of the world, — @ wasinany way connected with the Douglas who perpetrated the _ Lea fancied the explanations were faulty in 7 ad ie ae
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yp are E19 Then the girl-wife gave a great cry and sunk | you are avoiding telling me something.. What back at her sister’s knee, burying her face in ‘Lea’s lap and wildly sobbing: “Oh, my father, my father! “old father!” Her grief was genuine and deep, and the dark- shaired sister did her best to abate it, At length «she said: ‘*Do not give way so at this, sister, for there is worse to hear.” Lois started back aghast, Dead—my poor ‘‘ Worse?’ she gasped, ‘‘ What can you ean?” ‘* What I have said.” ‘‘ Worse? Impossible! Nothing could be | “worse!” ‘* Ah, but you do not know all!” ‘¢T know I left my dear old father in anger— { deft him with rage in my heart—and now he is | dead! I bave never seen bim—lI have not heard } this words of forgiveness! That is one thing I dooked forward to, for I fancied he would relent. ! “Oh, God! it is terrible!” Her agony was heartrendin “Great Heaven!” thought ushe do when she knows the truth? her!” And then she began to believe it would not ‘tbe possible to tell ber sister the truth then, “Still, if she did not do so, how was she to induce Lois to go away—how was she to get ber from | “the man whose hands were stained with the - lood of her old white-baired father? That wasa ' question she conld not auswer, {t was growing dusky within the room, The | sun had set and night was coming on, i) Robin came in from attending to the horses, / and Lea was glad of that, for it turned their | { | tae, “ What will Te will kill “thoughts and their conversation for a time. But she knew the worst must soon come, for Justin Douglas was liable to appear at any minute. She did not fear the man, murderous wretch though she believed him, ‘but she knew - jhe would try to baffle ber in etting Lois away. Having thought of all this, Lea found a chance “to leave her sobbing sister in a chair and draw _ Robin Rockwell aside, Ht “Mr, Rockwell,” she swiftly and softly said, _ *S* what is to’be done?” i ‘Explain the drift of your question, and I ~will try to answer it to the best of my ability.” -“* My sister is living bere with the man who ‘murdered our father, and she did not till a mo- gent ago know of father’s death, Sbe will not __ gelieve Justin Douglas his murderer.” “ No” Pig. ie J | «“ Have you told ber?” ' “Not yet.” “Krom what she has said. She thinks the - gman is all that is noble and true, and it will take amore than my word to convince her to the con- Robin grew thoughtful, but Lea hastened to “Gay: if There is no time to be lost, for Justin Doug- _ las may appear at any time.” “TL know. of no way to get her away till after } you tell her the truth,” te ‘* Tt is so hard—so hard!” _*T know it.” **T fear it will break her heart!” _ **T gee no other course.” ‘ Nor did Lea, so she went back to her sister, ‘Ybaving first lighted an oil lamp, for it was not equite dark. _ * Tois, I must tell you all, for I want you to _ go away from this place with me,” ~~ Lois removed the bundkerchief from her face _ Jand gazed at her sister in astonishment. , _ * Goaway?” she repeated. a“ Yes.” / ** You do not mean that—where? Oh, I know! ‘you want me to go back home,” “You must fly from this man you call your ir ‘ husband,” . ; As if touched by electricity, the weeping girl on ber feet, amazeinent expressed on her 4 7 Ht face, “ What shear aright? - Lea went to ber and took her in her arms. “Yes, Lois, you heard aright. It is for that " ulam here, I have come to save you.” _ “Tosaveme™ |» _ “To rescue you from a human monster,” and thrust her back so their eyes met. do not understand this kind of talk!” she ~ declared out . ow can [ make it plainer?” _ talking straight to the poin 1) ‘ te aloe * lo Re NER a ca mo a OT En A NN NO TT ; an Then bow do you know she will not believe | Lois placed ber bands ov ber sister’s shoul- | Joe wished to stand guard t. Lea, Lee! could not'sleep, Lat . ¥/ aed : Pehs:, pide bP ei i Me pela TBA ie Sate y ay ws Peas 4 ar : a Aceh Seah oad et Wild Bill’s Sable Pard. LD °— is it?” ‘* Tt is of father.” “Father! What—speak! What horrible thing is this I see in your face and read in your eyes? Tell me—tell me, or I shall go mad!” ‘* He was killed.” ** Killed?” ** Murdered!” Lois would have fallen, but Lea held her fast. ‘* Murdered!” she gasped. ‘“* By whom?” A dark form appeared in the open doorway. Justin Douglas had returned! With one arm about her sister, Lea pointed an accusiog finger at the man in the docrway. ‘¢ Yes, murdered!” sha cried; ‘‘and by that dastardly wretch!” é CHAPTER XIV. FOLLOWED. SATISFIED the horses were not in the hands of the toughs of Peaceful Pocket or the Trail Pirates, Bill and Joe turned from the spot, leav- ing the ruined tent where it lay crushed to the ground, ‘“‘ We will trail them,” said the Pistul King, Barely had they started on the trail when they were confronted by Ferris Bloodgood. “‘ Hist!” he cautioned, holding. up his empty hands, ‘‘I cut ahead to warn you.” Wild Bill had him covered, but he lowered the weapon. ‘*Of what?” he asked, “Danger. The gang is coming.” ‘* From the Pocket?” tc Yes,” “Coming this way?” ‘‘Yos. They thought you might come here. You gave them the slip over yon, but they still swear they will have your heart.” : . They will be welcome to it when they get it. “ Well, I didn’t know but they might catch you at an advantage if you were not warned,” Bill looked keenly at Bloodgood, * Look bere,” he said, ‘if you are such an honest man, what makes you live in such an in- fernal hole as Peaceful Pocket?” ‘*T do not live here.” *¢ You are living here now.” “Orly for a short time,” “« Well, that is enough.” ‘¢T have my reasons, There are other honest men in the place.” ** Well, I reckon they are mighty few and far between.” ‘ “T cannot deny that, but they are there,” s They do not dare assert themselves,” 0. re Well, they had better get out of the place.” ‘That's what I intend todo, But I must hus- tle along, for I would not have the gang think I had been giving you pointers, They will be here before long. Good-day.” Bloodgood burried away. Bill shook bis head, “*T don’t know what to think of that man,” he declared. ‘‘ He may be straight goods and he may not.” ‘“There’s something about him I do not like,” asserted Joe. “ Well, there’s something about him J do not like, but he seems all right.” ; “His eyes are restless and wild.” ‘‘T have observed that, But he says the men “ the Pocket are coming. We had better move along. ; The trail was plain enough, and Bill bad no trouble in ar pri almost ata run. No sign of the crowd from Peaceful Pocket was seen. Away went the pards on the trail, but it was not always so plain, They came to sections where it was necessary to follow it much more piety and night shut down before they reached the end, ; ‘* We shall have to stop right here for the nS said Bill, ‘Early in the morning we will again take up the trail.” - They little dreamed they were not much over 4 | a mile from the end of it. are you saying?” she cried. ‘Did I “1 am as honey as a dog,” declared Bill. ‘And so am [,” confessed Joe, ‘‘ What’s to be done?” ‘ “Not a thing to-night. In the morning we will be able to find game of some kind, We will have to tough it out, pard.” With the coming of night, a cold wind drew through the ravine. They sought shelter in a niche behind some bowlders, and built a fire for the warmth it would give out. during the first of the night, declaring his hunger Was so acute he - st el My a d Ty v fie 4 ee Mar ALY ke dew Le “ ele Cee) Pew Te) Bie oF ie et’, MAL Mano rE 4M R i eu 9 bes os) ¥ pic een TES pits id J ei RAT, ae rues si Mr meti Bill took a brand from the fire, and, going to a mass of bushes, began to search about with the aid of the light, In a few minutes he returned, bringing some scrub-like bushes which he bad pulled up by the roots. They had discovered a place where the water dripped down the rocks, and there Bill washed the dirt from the roots, “There,” he said, dividing with Joe, “ this will furnish our entire repast for to-nigl/t. Chew those roots, but do not swallow them. Tbe juice will serve to make you forget your hunger for a time.” So they sat down by the fire and chewed the roots, talking the writes ‘One thing that is bard for me to under- stand,” observed Bill, ‘tis that Old Hunch— who ia Justin Douglas, you say—should have helped us all out of that scrape in the Pocket,” Joe shook his head. ‘**T can’t understand it myself,” be said, “Ts it not possible there is a mistake?” +‘ What kind of a mistake?” ‘Old Hunch may not be Douglas,” “T do not think there is a doubt about that.” ‘* Well, the whole business is somewhat mixed, That Hunch is Captain Sbadow I am pretty sure, He led me into a trap ina way that [ despise, but you got me out of it. The man seems to be playing a double part—that of an honest old fool and a desperado. Why he should do so is what sticks me.” They were silent for some time. Outside the circle of fire-light, it was dark down there in that little niche, but the moon was creep- ing up so that the ravine would be lighted ata later bour, After a while, Joe spoke: ‘I wonder where Miss Lea can be.” Bill shook his head. ‘“You know as well as I,” ‘‘T hope sbe has shelter of some kind, yet what shelter could she find?” “Theré is little chance of finding shelter in | these parts. But I think Rockwell will do bis: best to watch over her, They are probabl crouching beside a fire somewhere. He will guard her through the night.” ‘* He appears like a fine young man.” ** Yes, his eae arn is certainly in bis favor. And it is plain tbat he is desperately in love with ~ Miss Lea. Otherwise, he would not have fol- lowed her to this wild region.” ‘Miss Lea will not think of love till sbe bas found Miss Lois and knows her father’s mur- derer is punished for bis awful deed,” “She may not mean to think of love, but—” * But what?” “Well, I read her secret_in her eyes when she met the tenderfoot. She loves him al- ready. Aman with half an eye could discerm that,” a oe could not deny it, for he had seen the same thing. When they had chewed the roots for 4 time, the negro declared that he did not feel in the least hungry. Bill smiled and declared: “You will feel the craving of hunger all the more‘acutely when the effect of this stuff passes, Then you will think that you can eat boot- leather or anything else.” Joe insisted on standing guard the first part of the night, for Bill thought it was best that one of them should remain on watch while the other slept, Sothe Pistol King lay down and left his Sable Pard on watch. Joe replenished the fire and walked about for a time, Then be sat down and watched the line of moonlight creeping down toward the bottom of the ravine away to the right. He saw it would not touch the spot where the bad built the fire, for the walls above sbut it out. But away back along the ravine through which they had come it was creeping down to light the bottom. The long-drawn bowl of some prowling | animal sent a chill down the negro’s back, for it was mournful and weird, ; The hours slipped away. Jve bad almost fallen into a drowse when ~ something aroused him, He knew not what it was, but he started up, looking around, ix A dead silence seemed to rest over everything. — a, acy eid was now flooding the ravine i e right. i Something attracted Joe’s attention down there, The fire had died down, but be stepped — into the deeper shadow and gazed down toward | the place where a broad patch of moonlight — ay etre two dark blotches of shadow, e saw something moving! It was swiftly | creeping across the moonlighted spacel \ 2 h Moist Ne Abe A aealty ¥
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Ae “What is it?” Joe asked himself. ‘It seems like | some kind of an animal.” The figure disappeared, and then, after a moment, another was scen skulking across the patch of moon- light. ‘Two of them!” thought the negro, his hand eerie his revolver ‘And they are coming this wa ” What was that? Nothing but the hooting of an ow], Joe fancied the sound did not seem natural, and something seemed to warn him of impending dan- ger. Then, as he watched, he saw still another figure skulking across the m- onlight patch, He decided to arouse Bill. A touch was sufficient. The Pisto] Dead Shot sat up in a moment, wide-awake. “Wh .t is it?’ he cautiously asked. **Come here,” He arose and Joe drew him into the shadows. ** Look down there.” bai another figure was crossing the moonlight patch “That is the fourth I have seen. there it is again!” The ! oot of the owl came up from below. Som: thing like » growl escaped Wild Bill’s lips. “The dogs of Peaceful Pocket!’ he sofuly ex- claimed. ‘They are on our trail! I imagine the whole town is down ‘here.”’ ‘ ‘*What’s to be done?” ‘*Well, 1 feel like remaining right here and giving them a battle, but it would not be good policy. We must get out. Come.”’ As they started to steal away in the dark shadows, the hoot of the owlagain came up from b. hind them, It was answered further wp the ravine! “The devils are On both sides of us!” grated Wild j CHAPTER XV. THE WHITE PARDS TURN, Tue situation was startling, to say the least. The men of Peaceful Pocket had located their position and taken care to come upon them both up and down the ravine. As the walls were very precipi- tous at that point, there seem: d no way cf esc. pe. “Weare in a trap!” whisprred Joe, “Thatis what those whelps of Satan think,’’ calm- ly answered Wild Bill; “‘but ic will have to bea mighty strong trap to hold us, pard,” ' Bill was one of the never-say-die kind, and he néver relinquished hope while life lasted. His in- domitable couraze carried him through a score of difficul ies which would have resulted disastrously for a common man. There was nothing e7mmon about Jim Hikok. * What can we do?” ashed Joe. “ Fight, if we have to,” was the quick retort. i ‘ But th@re are so many of them that—”’ “The more the merrier, But we will give them the slip if possible. Come on; follow me, and keep clr se in the shadows here. They will find a deserted fire wh: n they reach this nook.” Bill led the way, skulking along close ‘to the wall ' where the shadows were dense, the white moonlight lying ten feet to the left. i Te | Wild Bill's eyes seemed as keen as those of an owl, ayes for they apparently discerned every suggestive + ae shape in the Garkness. . ‘ To the ears of both men againcame the hooting signal of the ruffianly crew creeping like assassins upon their intended prey. Thcse rascaisknew Wild ll, and they hoped tocatch him napping. They had no relish for an open fight with him, for all of their numbers, Suddenly Bill came toa place where two large bow ders lay within less tha» three feet of the per- ‘pendicular wall of stene. At the same moment he nik etected moving figures ahead—figures advancing ik toward them through the shadows. ick as thought, Bill caught his Sable Pard’s wrist and crouched close to the ground, He did not even whisper a word, but he s t the example by Me creeping in behind the bowlders. It was a close Ne squeeze, but he sucereded in getting in, and when , Joe followed he was compelled to crawl haif upon ‘ Bill's se ; There they lay and listened. They heard the ede of cautious footsteps, and then a soft voice x uk 88 / ng: ae **Remember, pards, it’s death ter Wild Bill. Thar j hain’t ter be no foolin’,” Hy | ae “T reckon we've fooled with him ernough,” was vif the almost whispered retort. A ““ We'll wipe him out this time sure.” ' Perhaps you will, perhaps you won't,” though Laie Fa) of theirremarks. ‘‘I’m givin’ heavy odds ye don’t. Sarin? "As soon as the party had passed ov and they thought it safe to ¢o so, the pards backed out of t we tLeir place of concealment. ayy ae - But they made an error in doing so so soon. __ OP (SRR ae There was one straggler who had not passed, , eh igh the the two dark figures rise up by i the rocks, He knew they were not his friends, and with a Ws ers yell, he snatched out a revolver and began fir- : Pe eR ony a iS pat ! , “Black Joe went down. with the first shot. The man only had a chance to pull trigger twice, * and then Wild Bill’s revolver spoke. Phat was enor. The man plunged forward on his face and lay still. - But the mischief was complete—the whcle party ere was not an instant to lose. i his revolver into its holster, he stooped And hark!— ! Wild Bill’s Sable Pard. and caught hold of his Sable Pard. he felt Bill’s touch, and muttered: “Done for! Save yourself!’ But the Pistol King had no thought of deserting ' the man who had twice saved his life. With a mighty surge, he flung the negro acress his shoul- ders and s arted to run. Up to that moment, but one man had seen them, and he would never tell of it, But Bill understood it wou d be impossible to keep out of sight now the | alarm was given. | Along the gulch be fled, still ed ar to the denser shadows, but taking good care not to stumble and fall, He ran with wonderful swiftness for one so heavily laden. ' But he was scon forced into the moonlight. Then a cry arose far behind him. The hounds had sighted their game! For a moment Wil! Bill paused to look back, his Sable Pard still held on one shoulder, As he did so, | Joe whispered: | “Tt’s no use! make good your escape. away like this.” ‘Keep cool,” was Bill’s command. “TI have not forgotten what you have done for me.” ‘*But Tam wounded. Those devils will overtake | you and kill you!”’ | ‘* Live or die, we will stick together, pard!” With that assertion on his lips, Bill took to flight once more. The broad strip of moonlight wessoon passed and the black shadc ws that lay beyond were reached. But Bill was beginning to pant in a manner that told how severely the pace and the burden were tell- ing on him. nce more Joe entreated to be put down, ‘*Keep still,” commanded the other. ‘It is my turn now.” ‘But I am stronger--I think I can run all right now. Let me try it,” : Bill had no objection to that, and so hesplaced the negro on his feet, At first Joe was not able to run very fast, but he seemed rapidly tobe gaining strength, All this time the pursuers had been rapidly gsin- ing on them and were so near they sent an occa- sional pistol bullet whistliog ew! the fugitives. “This s not funny at all,” muitered Bill. “If they ge! any nearer, | shall have to try my hand at shooting.”’ . But that did not become necessary. They sudden- | ly came toa place where they could take any one ; of three courses, and it happened the pursuers could not tell which one was chosen, | Joe groared as You may as well drop me and You will not be able to get “This way!’ hissed Bill. and he led the way down a guily, at the foot of which they plunged into some thick bushes, Looking back, they saw their entmies come to a halt above, plainly uncertain which course to take, ‘* We'll fool ’em right here,’ softly whispered Bill, ‘‘Fol’ow and do not make a noise.” They stole silently through t) e bushes. And right there was where the pursuers were de- ceived. They were compelled to choose a course by chance, and they did not choose the right one. The pards got away without any further trouble. “That was arother close call,’ observed Bill; ulled through. That they meant busi- Jain from the fact that they followed us took so much pains to locate and come They meant to wipe us “but we ness was f ; 80 far an ; upon. us from both sides. cut that time. : : “But you were bit, pard—how bad?” ; “Nor very bad, I think,” was the r ply, but Bill noticed Joe’s voice was husky. ““Tt may be worse than you think. Stop here and I will examine it.” Joe objected, “No, no. This is no time to stop!” he cried ina manner that surprised Bill, for it was full of fear, ‘“They may find out their mistake and come this way. Let’s keep on!” “There is no danger of that now,” assured Bill. * You bad best let me Jook at your hurt, pard.”” But Joe would not consent, and he hurried on as if he still dreaded puree There was nothing for Bill to do but keep at his Sable Pard’s side. After a time, Joe asked: a 1 a you suppose we can find Miss Lea to-night, “There is little chance of that,” answered the Pistol King, noting his pard’s voice was husky and faint. “It seems as if I must find her to-night!” ‘Tt would be an accident if we did, ‘ Toone after a brief silence, the negro almost whis- ered: B “Did you ever think of dying, Bill?” ‘* Well, I don’t alow myself to think much about it,” was the reply. “ I fancy it unnerves a man to be thinking of sucha thing,” “T rave thought of its me. Death is strange ” ‘*Death issomething we all must face, sooner or later. Every man must take his turn, whether he wants to or not. The end of the trailis bound to be ea and a fellow will have to pass in his c a? ° fT don’t want to die before I see Miss Lea again.” “ Die !—why, you are not going to die, pard? Leck here! you are not giving it to me straight! You are hard hit,#and you've got ter let me look at the wound! I'm not goin’ to have you keel over here at any minute!” ‘ Hark p? “his, Joe paused and held up one hand. They listened. Ke thought Theard shots. I did, There they are in. “pil heardthem, too, ‘ | was forced. Th 1 ‘It must be our foes!” whispered Joe, in fear. : ‘It is in the wrong direction,” assured Bill, ‘' It. / is none of the party t at we just escaped from,” “Then who can it be? Let’s go forward and dis— ‘ cover. Come, come!” } Joe was filled with sudden eagerness, and the hurried toward the point from whence the scucds= came. As they advanced, they began ‘o bear the» 8’ by much more plainly, and they finally were. able to discern the cries of human beings. In the course of time they came toa place where . tiey could look down into alittle pocket, A singular and exciting spectacle was presented to » their view. At one side of the Pocket was a burning cabin. On the outer edge of the circle of firelight a number ~ of horsemen were riding about. TLey wore masks, . As the pards looked a rifle-shot rung out, and it. came from the cabin, telling there were human be- ings within, “Those are the Trail Pirates with Captain Shadow, their leader!" pa exclaimed Bill. Joe grew. suddenly excited, ‘*And'I believe they have Miss Lea and Mr, Rock~. well penned in that cabin!” broke from his lips... ‘They will be burned to death! Come, Bill, come!’ we must save them!” And before Wild Bill could prevent the fool-hardy” ’ act, the negro rushed down toward the masked horsemen! With a revolver in either hand, the white pardi. followed, & QHAPTER ZVI. a sW A DEATH-TRAP, Srrarerr at the figure in the doorway pointed the» accusing finger of Lea Vernon. ; Justin Douglas was there! ‘“That man is the murderer of my father!” It was a terrible charge, and the one accused) ; seemed dumfounded by what he saw and heard, Robin Rockwell's hand fell on the butt of a revol- : ver, and he glared at Douglas in anything but a. friendly manner. With a cry of horror, Lois caught her sister's» arm, “Lea, Lea, Lea! what are you saying? Are you. A alte mad? You must be crazed!” ‘T mean what I say—Justin Douglas killed our aia father!’’ Then the new-comer started forward, exclaiming > “Lea Vernon, you here?”’ in _**Yeg, 1 am here—I have tracked you down, blood-- " stained wretch that you are!” ‘*You must truly be mad!” “T am as sane as I ever was in all my life, and’ : you know it! You killed the poor old white-haired — \ man whom you hated! You were not satisfied with sie ety daughter from him, but you must have~ § tile “It is not true! Mr. Vernon dead—impossible!"’ He seemed truly amazed and shocked, but a look on contempt, scorn and loathing rested on Lea's. Bek ace Wh, **¥ou play your part well, Justin Douglas!” she - bas, cried; ‘“ but you cannot deceive me, Mortimer Ver- iM non és dead, and his b ocd cries out against you, It. ey was your hand that struck the fatal blow!” 3 Justin Douglas lifted his hand above his head, his’. ' smooth face pyre rave and earnest. 4 * As there is a heaven, I swear—"’ “Stop! Do you think I would believe a creature (i so vile, even chough he were under oath? Swear t0~ nothing, for it is useless, The evidence against ow ah is damning !”” elas “The evidence?” Maat “Yes,” 4 in %) 1 “What is it?” j ig “The knife with which the deed was done."” — Me fiat She took a step toward him as she spoke the» words, hereyes searching his face, He dia not start: " ard show guilt, much to her disappointment. She- began to believe he had nerves of steel. “Ts that not enough?” she cried. *‘It was your” knife—ycurs, yours!” ‘**Tmpi saible!”’ * Tt is true!” ‘* My knife » no, no!” J bin, ‘It was marked with your initials.” Pata i “Stil ] say it was not my knife!” _ ae | ‘“Ah! but it has been identified as yours!’ bet ‘*“ By whom,” ya ‘Joe Armstrong.” aa tess, a “* Black Joe?” WW “Yes, Black Joe.” Rit Still the man insisted, ies, “There is some mistake! Great God!—to think = you should believe I would do such a thing! It ye makes my blood run cold! Kiilyour father— kl the father of Lois! I would have teken my own life be- fore I would have done such a thing!’ — Welt “That sounds well, but the words are such as) come to the lips of a dastardly wretch |’ 14 Oy) eae “But he was jer father—the father of my wife!’ wipes wife !—have you made herthat?” = a “*T have.” . ea, 0 hes us Pos My ely you have deceived her by a false | oe marriage!’ | Hibs. i . “No; the marriage is legal.” esha” i) ee a bigs | do not believe ‘Nad , y Ae “She has the certificate.”’ en 4! ube aa “It makes no difference—even that might bea. a cheat, Idon t believe suchacreatureas youcan = do an honorable thing!’ Se se? Justin Douglas’s face was very grave and stern, _ aie 7 came Untedeety Ane hy pie “ ‘ ‘You are unjunst,” he said, with a calmness that This little woman is my lawfu she ; bit wane 4 1, an
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14 Wild Bill’s Sable Pard. “and before the God of Heaven I swear I know noth- ing of the killing of your father!” **God!— you do not fear even Him!” TInvoluntarily, Lea retreated a step before him and Robin Rockwell st rted forward, as if to protect her. Like a flash, Justin Douglas wheeled toward the young man, demanding: “Who are you? What do you want here?” “He is a friend,’’ declared Lea, before Robin could speak for himself. ‘**Heis an honest man, and he \ will see justice done!” ’ Lois had been standing like one dazed, but she row staggered to her sister. ‘*Lea, Lea—my God!” she eried. ‘“ You do not mean it—you cannot mean it! Why doyou say such horrible things? Ob, I am nearly crazed!” Lea caught her in her arms. * Bear up, little sister,’ she whispered, ‘Try to be brave. I know it must be a horrible shock, but _you must stand it some way,” “It is not true!’’ sobbed Lois. poor father—”’ ae Lois ” hs Justin Douglas spoke; she turned and looked at him; he held out his hand. “ Lois, my wife, you do not believe this terrible ~charge against me?” Lea tried o cling to her sister, but, with a wild cry, Lois broke away. ‘*No, no!” she almost shrieked. ‘Believe it? I would not believe it if an angel from Heaven made ‘the accusation!’ ; He leaped forward and caught her swooning in his arms A terrible fury seized Lea. She saw how fruit- ess had been her attempts to convince her sis- ter of the man’s perfidy, and a madden_ng rage took ‘possession of her. A small revolver came to her ‘hand, and she took a step that brought the muzzle of the weapon almost against the back of the un- »guarded man’s head. Justin Douglas was kissing the unconscious wo- man in his arms when Lea’s voice rung out: ‘Blood fur blood! Thus I avenge the murder of ‘my father!” ‘ The revolver spok-! 1 Just in time to save a life, Robin Rockwell dashed up the hand of the infuriated girl. As it was, the bullet barely missed lodging in Justin Dougilas’s brain, A ery of despair broke from Lea's lips, “Stop!”? cried Robin. ‘‘Girl, you are indeed pees crazed! Would you stain your hands with blood?”’ ‘*T would avenge my father!”’ ¢ ‘* Let the law do that.” Lea’s strength was gone, and he assisted her to a chair. into which she sunk, covering her face with i her hands. Meantime, Justin ge was trying to arouse his almost unconscious wife. The shot had staggered ’ shim, but, having been saved from death, he took no j further notice of the would-be girl avenger. ; Robin did his best to calm Lea, who only shud- i dered now and then, panting all the while like a _ etreature that is quite exhausted, After a little Justin carried Lois to the small back room, and placed her on the bed. He spoke to her. J ‘Her eyes were wide open and her lips moved, but | wshe spoke no word. py At length he returned to the front room and stood t Jooking at Lea. | : ‘* How is she?’ asked Robin, referring to Lois. Justin shook his head. } ‘** I fear the shock will kill her,”’ Nee Like a flash Lea started Sp H ‘* Then you will be a double murderer!" she cried, iB He put out a hand. toe ds es : ou do not know the magnitude of your injus- es ‘tice * You still deny the crime?” se *T surely do.” ; ‘‘You shall be brought to justice!” NN “Tt is injustice, 1 fear—not justice.” _ That sounds well, but [know your black heart. iN { will go to my poor sister,” (Rae “ That is right; see what you can do for her. But, } Pi pe sake, say nothing more of this horrible af- \ air As Lea entered the back room, Justin turned to the tenderfoot and held out his hand. “You saved my life,” he said. ‘‘I want to thank “Father, poor, 2 io you for that,” A Robin drew back, roe. to take the hand. eh “Not till you prove it free from the stain of ‘lood,” he grimly said. “Do you believe me guilty?” } “‘T know not what to believe, for I have heard but he one side of the mua Will you tell me your side?” oy **T will tell you all ‘here is to tell. Sit down here,” ays They sat down near the door, and Justin told a V4: simple and straightforward tale. Looking into the 4h narrator’s eyes, Robin could not believe the man > ae guilty of such a horrible crime, He listened to the Ries end. and then he said: he: “Your story is straight enough, Mr. Douglas, and it may be true. I sincerely hope it is. But how do eye can for the presence of your bloodstained ‘ef’ - Ke, “T cannot believe the knife mine.” Os The negro is willing to swear be saw it in your a possession when you first came to see Lea.” # " “When I first came to see her?” } ; “Yes.” i A pene ca enca to: Fentic ommctoavledt thoughts" : For some moments Justin was bu thought, pes, Parapet comteet: ee Pas 4 . “ es?” . ms . : € ; * I did own a knife marked with my in _ butt lost it about that time,” witb my initials then, th ae : oo > eS IRENA Ape s Robin lcoked incredulous. ‘* Tt is the truth,” Justin Douglas soberly affirmed. | “Tam ready to take my oath to that effect." ** A jury would consider the evidence against you, for all of such an oath.”’ : Justin’s head drooped. ‘*T suppose so,”’ he muttered. For a little while he was silent, and then he said: “When was this murder committed—at exactly what hour?” ‘‘That | do not know,” ‘Lois will swear I did not leave her for a a minute after she came out of the house; If the murder was committed before that— Ah, well! there must be some way for me to prove my innocence!” ’ The two men sat and talked for a long time, and then Justin went to the back room to see how his wife was. He came back looking a lttle brighter. **T think she will come round all right in time,”’ he said. “‘Lea was singing to her, and her back was toward me. Lea’s eyes bade me leave them, Lois did not see me at all.’’ The night wore on, At length the sisters came from the back rcom, Lois leaning on Lea’s arm. They came straight to J.stin Douglas, who arose as they approached. ‘“Husband,”’ said the fair-haired one, ‘‘ Lea has consented to give you a chance to prove your inno- cence. I am sure you can do that.” He opened his mouth to reply when, of a sudden, the tramp of horses’ feet were heard outside the cabin, Robin Rockwell leaped to the door and looked out into the moonlight, — 9 ‘*Masked horsemen!” he cried, flinging the door shut and placing the heavy bar. Justin Douglas quickly extinguished the light, and then he peered from a window. “They are Captain Shadow and the Trail Pirates!” he declared. The horsemen drew rein outside and Captain Shadow hailed: ** Hello, within!” ‘*Hello!” was Justin’s reply. want?”’ “Come out here, you.” ‘*Not much!” “Then we'll snake you out!” * You will not find that an easy job. I have you covered, and I will shoot you right where you live if you do not make yourself less around here.” ‘* | want to talk business with you.” ‘Well, I am talking business with you.” ** You refuse to come out?” 77 Yes.” “You have a woman in there?” ‘What of that?” ‘“You had better have some regard for her.” “Tdo. Get out of this, or I will rid this section of the country of a curse!” ‘‘ Allright; have it to suit yourself, but you shall be made sorry for this.” With that threat, Captain Shadow wheeled and rode back from the cabin. Ata certain distance he halted and his men gathered around him. There were six of them in all. Five—ten minutes passed. All at once Robin Rockwell commanded: ** Be quiet!” Those within the cabin listened. To their ears eame a soft crackling sound that drove the blood rushing to their hearts. At that moment a shout went up from the. Trail Pirates. ‘Great Heavens!” cried Justin Douglas. “Those devils have found some way to fire the cabin. We will be forced out by the flames, and then they will probably shoot us down like dogs!” “Tt looks as if we were in a death-trap!” came from Robin's lips. ‘*What do you CHAPTER XVII. EXONERATED. Tuer Trail Pirates did not see’the negro as he came rushing toward them. Wild Bill followed his Sable Pard, and when he was quite near the outlaws, he ee firing and yelling like a whole tribe of ndians. His first shots emptied two saddles and Black Joe brought down a horse. The attuck was y bow unexpected, and the three surviving bandits instantly turned to flee. Two of them got away, but Bill succeedéd in emptying an- other saddle before they were out of range. It was Captain Shadow whose horse had been shot d>wn by the negro, and for a moment the chief was stunned. He soon arose to his feet and Joe grap- pled with him, The outlaw chief drew a knife. : “You infernal black devil!’ he grated. “I will wine you out before I go under!” t Joe caught his wrist. Then followed a battle for life that was brief and savage. In the end, the negro wrested the knife from the outlaw’s grip and used it on its owner. Then both went to the ground together and lay still. i Sater time the four men who had been within the burning cabin had ese Me the ape where Wild Bill was bending over his ard, * Joe, Joe!” called Bill, ‘tare you hurt bad?” A groan was the reply at first, y ‘* How bad are you hurt?” asked the Pistol King. «Manip ne fine, “Bill” deviated tie tipgro; tua oak . “Tt’s no use, ;” decla en a whisper. ‘‘ You have been kind to a black meth you have been kind to acommon black man, I got 7a 2h ; Fo 28 r we Nig eau Oe due d from it. They burried ' it for good back there before you risked your life to tote me away on your back. Bill I’m going up | higher, and I won't forget you. I'll try to speak a good word for the one who ued a biack man like he was an equal.” Bill was pkey Sop touched. <A blinding mist came over the eyes which seldom grew dim and he choked when he tried to speak. As the others came up, Captain Shadow. who had lain like a dead man, suddenly struggied up on his elbow, glaring wildly around. “Dying! he gasped, his eyes bulging with hor- ror. ‘“Thisis the end! My God! what a mad thirst for crime has possessed me! And now—choking— choking—”’ He tore the mask from his face and cast it aside. | As he did so, a cry of amazement broke from Justin | Douglas's lips. ** Morris—my brother!”’ ‘‘Yes, lam your brother,’ confessed the dying man, ‘' Don’t touch me, Justin! I have hated you —I know not why, I think 1 must have been madi You were the favored one always, but that was not enough to drive me to such horrible de. ds, leven longed to killed you! Iwas mad! My brain seems clearer now. ga Iam dying! ‘** Yes, you are bleeding! Let me—" “Do not touch me, 1lsay! Iwanttodie! There | is nothing that I should or could live for but the gal- lows! . You are cbarged with murder, Justin, but é ' wus Lwho killed Mo timer Vernon!” “ Heavens above!” / ‘‘Itis true. I was possersed by a fiend, IT think. I did it with your knife. You thought you had lost the knife—I stole it. “T can see him now—there he sits! He does not know Iam in the room—he did not see me enter, at the open window! I creep upon bim—slowly, slowly, slowly! I have the knife ready! Ha!— he hears me—he turns! I pk strike with the knifel—I have him by the throat! out, for my fingers close his wind-pipe! him till he lays limp, and then—“e is not ¢ I hol dead!” With a gur; ns J asp of horror, Morris Douglas, the crime-stained, fell back a corpse! t “Those words exonerate me," huskily said Justin Douglas. ‘‘But—my God!—he was my brother!” “A madman who was not responsible for his deeds!” said Robin Rockwell. Lea and Lois had heard all, and, though nearly overcome by the horror of the scene, still some- thing like a feeling of thankfulness filled the heart of each. In some way Lea managed to get hold of Justin's hand. F “Forgive me! forgive me!” she entreated. ‘*T honor and respect you for doing your best to bring the one to justice whom you believed mur- dered your father.”’ Wild Bill had been examining Black Joe’s wound, The negro’s heart was beating fainter and fainter, and Bill saw bis minutes were numbered. Joe did not seem conscious of anything that was tak- ing place around him, At length, he opened his eyes. : “It seems as if I heard a voice calling me from afar,” he murmured. ‘It wasa gentle voice. you hear it, Bill?” . “No, pard, I did not hear it.” ‘‘There, [hear ic again. I think I must go now, Bill, I would feel happier if Miss Lea were here ‘*T am here, Joe—brave, faithful Joe!”, She was on ber knees—she took his head in her arms and kissed his black forehead. ‘Is that really you?” he asked, in wonder. ‘*God must have ded me to you! I am going away, now. (Good-by, Miss Lea.” He fumbled till his eg fingers found Wild Bill’s hand. “ood-by, pa a His eyes closed gently, and they saw he had ‘* gone away.’ Peaceful Pocket no longer exists. Wild Bill took good care to see that the place was purged of its worst characters, and the others deserted the town. “Pacific Dick, Ivory Jaw Jackson, Stuttering ave and Crook-nosed Clark all met with violent eaths. ‘Ferris Bloodgood’ was Morris Douglas in dis- guise. With the craft of a maniac, as he undoubted- ly was, he eye that part for a purpose onl known to bimself. His heavy beard was an excel- lent disguise. ; ‘*Old Hunch” was Justin Douglas, but he did not intentionally lead Wild Bill into a trap, as Bill be- eved, Robin Rockwell married Lea, and he made her a true and manly husband.”’ Justin Douglas took good care to clear his name of every vestige of the stain uponit, and then, with his sad-eyed yet happy young wife, he disappeared from view for a time, Later, 1t was ascertained that he wasin South America, making a fortune the cattle business, ; To the day of his death Wild Bill would sometimes speak of his ‘‘ Sable Pard,”’ and once or twice he was | able to visit Joe Armstrong's lonely grave, He was | not aceused of being a sentimenta planted wild-flowers all about that grave. I nc 2 ee ee Se eee is ot Who could fathom the nature of such a men! Does it seem strange he was seldom understood? In his heart of hearis there were drops unmeasured. In him were combined the sternness of unrelenung fate and the tenderness of a child. i Let him rest! “ t : THE END. — He does. Did man, but he ~ oe -s
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B81 Back B95 0 BEADLE’S«H ALF- DIME*[IBRARY. | Published Hvery Tuesday. Eetth Issue Complete and Sold at the Unizorm Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdeavers, BY OLL COOMES. BY T. C. HARBAUGH. ‘ BY J. W. OSBON, 046 Kit Bandy, Detective; or, Silver Star, the Boy Knight. 168 Kit Bandy In ‘Texas; or, The Young Muatanger, 208 Kic Bandy’s Cateh; or, The Boy Hercvles. 422 Kit Bandy’s Right Bower; or, Buby Sam,the Boy Giant 444 Kit Bandy’s Swoop; or, Little Buckskin, tne Centaur. 478 Kit Bandy’s Slick Scheme; or, Old Tom Rattler, 661 Kit Bandy’s Deliverance; or, Banner Bsn. 680 Kit Bandy’s Pard; or, Dauntless Dan, the Freelance. 791 Kit Bandy Rattled; or, The Intant Giant, 795 Kit Bandy in Red Ruin; or, The Young Whirlwind. 799 Kit Bandy’s Big Ruatle; or, Saddle King Sam. 804 Kit Bandy’s Brigade; or, Dan, the Mountain Guide. $27 Kid Pandy’s Brigade in Arizona, 989 Kit Bandy’s Star Engagement, 258 Jack Drew, the Nemesis, or, Eagle Kit the Boy Demon. US2 Jack Drew's Drop; or, Littie Hurricane, the Boy Captain, 202 Jack Drew in Deadweod; or, Prospect Pete. 27 Keen Knife on Guard; or, Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide 81 Keen-Knite, the Prince of the:Lrairies. 5 Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Juw. 18 The Dumb Spy. 4 41 Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. S&S The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. 71 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. 74 Wawk-eye Harry the Young Trapper Ranger, .88 Kollo, the Boy. Ranger; or, The Heiresa, N84 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman. 448 Sear-F ace Saul, the Silent Hunter, 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. R18 Tiger Tom, the Texas Terror, 224 Dashing Dick; or, Trapper Tom’s Costly, R2S Littie Wildfire, the Young Prairie Nomad. - B88 The Parson Detective; Or Te Little Ranger. 248 The Diaguised Guide ; or, Wild Raven, the Ranger. 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger. 272 Minkakin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. 90 Little Foxfire, the “ps 4 Spy; or, Old Caleb Arbuckle, 00 The Sky Demon; or, Rainbolt, the Ranger. Bs4 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. 409 Hereules; vr, Dick, the Boy Ranger, AIT Webfoot Mose, the Tramp Detective. 457 Wingedfoot Fred}; or, Old Polar Saul. 468 Tamarac Tom, the Big Trapper Boy. 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan. 662 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper, 652 Don Barr, the Plains Freelance, 670 Norway Nels, the Big Boy Mountaineer. T7s aghland Marry, the Wizard Rifleman. 628 Poker Jack, the Detective Sport. BY T. J. FLANAGAN, 909 Midshipman Dare, the Pirate Catcher, 925 The wou Gombey Captain. ¥ we 083 me Two |Midshipmen; or, The? Corsair-Chaser’s First ruse BY DAN DUNNING, 246 Quiet Jack, the Secret Service Spy. 76 ae and Jack, the Invincibles; or, The Diabolical Three. ‘St Detective Dave's Close Call. S84 Farrel Fox and His Girl Ferret. ‘898 Farrel, Fox’s Sweep-Stakes. BY GEORGE 0, JENKS, ASG Git Ther Owney the Unknown, uo2 Git Thar Owney’s Pledge. 618 The Demon Doctor; or, Deadhold, the Kid Detective, 681 Double-Curve Dan, the Pitcher Detective, 59S Flute, soe Singer Detective; or, Owney in a New Role, #808 The Pitcher Detective’s Fotls or, Dan’s Double Play, M16 The Ocean Detectives or, The Last Cruise ofthe Black Bear, 681 The Pitcher Detective’s Toughest Tussle, 786 Larry the Thoroughbred; or, Beaten on Every Side, W779 lron Hand, the Charmed Detective 854 Uncle Sam’s Detective in Chicago, BY WM. G@. PATTEN, $29 Violet Vane, the Velvet Bhort. or The Jubilee ot Jacktown B86 folet Vane’s Victory3 or, The Jasper City Clean Out, @98 Violet and Datay, the Posy Pards. T05 Violet Vane’s Vow; or, The Crafty Detective’s Craft, 24 Violet Vane’s Vengeance; or, The Wipe-Out, 80 Violet Vane’s Verdlet; or, The Game at Coffin City, 41 Violet Vane, the i mame a Idocq; or, Sport va, Sport. Violet Vane, the Vanquished, or, The Life Stragg'e, Violet Vane’s Vision; or, The Fiery Hand of Fate, The Diamond Ppers or, The Double Face of Bed Rock, Oaptain adyater y 3 or, Five in One. Da ‘4 Mare the Sport from Denver. @1d Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. , oe Aron Fern, the a of mies or, sd ee Mythos e Bo ram etectives or, The Double Grip Witness 3a1 Dismal Dave's "Dendy Pardf or, The Clue to Capt. Claw \eo1 Bound Boy F rank, the Young Amateur Detective 682 Wild Vulean, the Lone-Range Rider, aha pi d Misery the Man from Missourl. : (T74 Clear-Grit Oal, the Never-Say-Die Detective, eee Sam Sheridan, the Secret Service Special, ‘806 Cowboy Steve the Ranch Mascot. B20 Nobby Nat, the Tenderfoot Detective. ,836 Sharper Stoke’s Double Deal. ‘S57 Spotter Bobin New York 266 Spotter Bob’s Bowery Racket. BY COLONEL DELLE SARA, 08 The Lion of the Sen} or, The Vailed’ . ©Cool Desmond ¢ or, The Gastiles’s, Big Gat. BY OAPTAIN FRED. WHITTAKER, ehedes cau old us ans ath; or, Reckless ato 928 Gold-Dust Dan’s Snap-Shot, Roy BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR, 2 Vellowstone Jacky or, The Trapper. 48 Black John, the Road-Agent; or, The Outlaw’s Retroas, 65 Murricane Bill; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard, 119 Mustang Sam 3 or, The King of the Plains. 186 Night-Linwk Kit, or, The Daughter of the Ranch, 144 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. 151 Panther Paul; or, Dainty Lance to the Rescue, 160 The Black Glanty; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. 168 Deadly Lif, wd | or, Fighting Fire with Fire. 184 The Boy Trailers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path, 208 The Boy Pards; or, Dainty Lance Unmaska, 211 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Coleatinl City. 810 The Barranca Wolf; or, The Beautiful Decoy. $19 The Black Riders or, The Horse-Thieves’ League 885 Old Double Fiat 4,0r ‘rhe Strange Guide 855 The King of the Wooda: or. Dame! Boone’s Last Tralle 449 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective. 625 Chincapin Dan, the Boy Traller. 677 Chincapin Dan’s Second Frail. 688 Chincapin Dan’sa Home Stretch. 69S Old Crazy, the Man Without a Head, TOS Lieht-iHeart Lute’s Le acy. 18 Ligh(-Neart Lute’s Last Trall, E20 Rilverbinde, the Holt Bleed sr, The Bord Je at Silverbinde, the Half-Blood; or, ° rder ie %B9 Silverblade, the Hostile; or, The Border Seco 748 Silverblade the Friendly; or, The Border Beagle’s Boy Papd BY ©. DUNNING CLARK. 185 Captain Paul; or, The Boy Spy of the Mountal 280 Ths Yankee Rajah} or, The Fate of the Black Shores, BY LIKUT. I. D. PERRY, U. 8 N. 176 The Boy Runaway; or, The Buccaneer of the Bar. 180 The Sea pratier), or, A Vow Well Kept, { 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Point, BY JACK FARRAGUT. € 815 Ned, the Cabin Koy; or, The Witch of the Fort, ' —_ 820 The Sea Sorceress; or, The Boy Skipper. » i BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID, 78 Blue Dicky; or, The Yellow Chief's Vengeance, 87 The Land Pirates; or, The League of Devil’s Island, 87 The etntoss Hiand ; or, Backwoods Retribution, 289 The Gold-seeker Guide? or, The Lost Mountaia, BY BRACEBRIDGE NEMYNG, a 89 Taland Jims or, The Pet of the dee 191 The Oaptain of the Club or, The Rival Athletes, 101 Jack Markaway in New York. MISOELLANEOUS AUTHORS, & The Wild-Horse Hunters, By Capt. Mayne Rela and Frederick Whittaker. i 7 ® Adventures of Baron Munchausen, 12 Gulliver’s Travels, By Dean Swift, 14 Aladding or, The Wonderful Lamp. 16 Robinson Crusoe. (21 Tlustrationa.) 18 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven LA ipa 22 729 Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crosse, By Juan wis, 88 The Ocean Bloodhounds or, The Red Pirates of the Carribees. By 8, W. Plerce. 86 The Boy Clowns or, The Arena Queen, By F 8, Finn, 88 Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas i 51 The Boy Riven; or, The pa ie was Camp. By A.C. Tronas 95 The Rival Rovers; or, The Freebooters of the Misalesippi By Liout.-Col. Haseltine, 98 Robin Hood, the Outlawed Ear); or, The Merry Men of Green* wood. Prof. Gildersleeve, 105 Old Rube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive, By Captain Hamilton Holmes. 112 The Mad Hunter; or, 1 be Cave of Death. By Burton Saxe, 124 ‘Tippy, the Texan; or, The Young Champion, By George On. 128 The Youn Privateer’ or, The Pirate's Stronghold, By ndish. 148 Sharp, Sam i, or, The Adventures of a Friendlies Boy, My J. Al tten. @27 Dusky Darrell, kay por: or, The Green Ranger of the Yo)- lowatone. By Edwar jorson. Fearnaught the New York Boy. By G, L, ikon, 06 kiliv'ar, an we de; or, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trail . D. Warren, 298 Red Claw, the aia ‘Trappor; or, The Maid of the Clim in C tock, A B17 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad feom Leadville, By Liew tenant Alfred Thorne. B28 The Sky Detectives or, A Boy’s Fight for Life and Honor, B i c ree. 850 ed Ralph, the River Rovers or, The Brother’s Re . By Ned Buntline, 865 Raltimore Tren the Bootblack Nic poh A. Hy lorrls, 874 Gold-Dust Tom: or, Ben's Double atch. a y 876 Californian Joc’s First Trail. By Colonel H Monatery, 418 Billy Rombshell, the Clif Climber, By F. 8. Winthrop. & The Black Ship, By John 8 Warner. Ae piace 4 Gomanche Dick and His Three InvineIbles. By enry J. omaa, 682 The Cowboy Duke. By Edwin Brooke Forrest. tH Ariel “he At Meee By David Druld, 5% Will Waters, the Bov Ferret. By 1, Enton. ; feat le. By Gerald Carlion, — 682 The Vead Wetective’a Dou he aes one'The Wizard ob Tat ites By will Llsenboe,, 4 inenber. : 809 Don. Dantons the Gent from Denver. By King Keene, of the 814 Ace High, the Frise Detective, By ©. E.Trht. 880 The Grim Neduswe in Row hi ley 3 or, Cithon Rabe of Number Seven. By Ben D, Halliday, 881 The Chicago Drummer’a Peal. By J. G, Bethune, 841 A i Charile, the Cat’s- uke v. ~ 861 pily Brine, the Swamp Fox. Ry Chas. F, Welles Jue-li 1, th hire Sport; or, The Fm reas Heke, Fey Oe Serphore Fyre on The Dem A New Issue Every Tuesday. a The Half-Dime Library ts tor sale vy alt Newadeal“< ‘ws ‘ ia eents per copy, or sent by mall on receipt of eix conts BEADLE AND ADAMS, y 98 William Street, New Det to ” aw Sport, by Meme | hg
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BEADLE’S« H ALF- DIME« LIBRARY. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Published Every Tuesday. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince ot the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick’s Detlunce; or, Vouble Daggers, 24 Deadwood Dick in Disguise; or, Buffady Ben 85 Deadwood Dick in Mis Castle. AZ Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; or, The Phantom Miner. 49 Vead wood Dick in Danger; or, Omana Ol, Stjeadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. z8 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or. Calamity ¢ me, the Heroine 48 eam pole tat Rg Base or, Corduroy Charlie. f : eadville. 04 Deadwood Dick’a Device; or, ‘The Double Cross Sign. OY Deadwood Dick as Detective. Dick’sa Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. Dick’s Home Kasc; or, Blonds Bill. Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party, Dick’sa Dreamy or, The Rivals of the Road. Dick’s Wards or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. Dick’a Doom: or, Calamity Jane’s Adventure, Dick’a Dead Deal. Pick’s Death-Plant, Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Tovghs, pieee pay ei us The Spirit of Swamp Lake. ck’s Denth Trail. Dick’s Deals or, The Gold Briek of Oregon. Dick’s Dozens or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats Dick’a WDucata; or, Days In the Diggings. tse namanecss or, The Terrible Vendetta, ek’s Claim. Dick In Dead City. Dick’s Dinmonde. Dick in New York; or, A “Cute Case.” Dick’« Puatys or, The Chained Hand. Dick, Jr.¢ or, The Crimaon Crescent Sign, Dick, Jr.’s, Defiance. Dick, Jr.’a Full Hand, Dick, Jr.’a, Big Round-Up. Dick Jr’s Racket at Claim 10, Diek, Jr.’a Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. Dick, Jr.’a Dog Detective. Dick, Jr.» In Deadwood, Dick, Jr.?a, Compact. Dick Jr.’ Inheritance, Dick, Jr.’s Diggings. Dick, Jr.’a, Deliverance, Diek Jr.'s Protegee. Plek. 5 ltheg Three. Duck ck, dr.” anger Du 584 Deadwood Dick, IY.'hy Death Hunt.” BBY Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas, 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild Weat Vidoog 549 Deadwooa Dich, Jr., on Mla Mettle. 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham, 561 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Boston. 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadetphia. 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicage. b78 Deadwood Dick. Jr.. Afloat. 584 Deadwood Dick. wr.. In Denver. 500 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Decree. 595 Deadwood Dick Jr. in Beelzebub’s Basin, €00 Deadwood Dick Jr., at Coney Island. 606 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Leadville Lay. 612 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Detroit, 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Cineinnattl, 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada. 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land, 686 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. 6412 Deadwood Dick. Jr.. In Buffalo. es esd weed pies Sc fg) ona mavens the eareene » oO . J le 660 Deadwood Dek, Sr. igicaraaee Gasser sil 666 Deadwood Dick, Jdr., Tack in the Minea, 6723 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Durango or, “ Gathered In.” $54 peeaweee Tieks ree Phoceveeys Found a Fortune, eandwood Dick, Jr,’a. Dazzle. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dollars. 605 Deadwood Dick Jr., at Danger Divide, 700 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Drop. 7ZO4 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot, 710 Deadwood Dick Jr., in San Francisco. 716 Deadwood Dick, Jrs« Still Hunt. 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Dominoes, 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s Disguise 784 Deadwood Dick. Jr’s, Double Deal, 740 Deadwood Dick Jr.’« Deathwatch. A? Deadwood Dick Jr.’«, loublet. 52 Deadwood Dick Jr.’s, Deathblow. 758 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’a Desperate Stralt, 64 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Lone Hand, 70 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Defeat. 776 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Resurrection, 782 Deadwooa Dick. Jr.'s. Dark Days. 7ST Deadwood Dick Jr., Defied. 792 Deadwood Dick, JIr.’a, Double Device, 797 Dendwood Dick, Jr’.s, Desperate Venture, ' £02 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Dinmond Dice, 807 Dendwood Dick Jr.’a, Royal Flush. 812 Deadwood Dick, dr.’s Wead-off. 816 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Rival. 822 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’#, Boom, 828 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’*, Scoop. 884 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’*, Proxy. 840 Deadwood Dick, Jr’a, Clutch, 845 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’«, High Horse, 852 Deadwood Diek Jr., at Devils Gulch, abt beegrecd taoe zs peste on™ > “kK, 7s Bombahe 870 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Mexico. 876 Deadwood Dick, Jr’a Decoy Duck. 882 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Silver Pocket, 891 Deadwvod Dick, Jr.’s, Dend-Sure Game, 898 Deadwood Dick, Jr’, Double Drive, 904 Deadwood Dick, Jr’a, Trade-Mark. 910 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at_Tip-Top. 916 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s Dubie asker,” 928 Deadwood Dick, Jr. at Dollarville. 984 Deadwood Dick, Jr.. at Flush Flata 940 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Shake-up. 946 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Double Ween, 951 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Right Bower. 957 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Ten-Strike. 965 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Gold-Dust. 971 Deadwood Dick Jr.’s, Oath, : 977 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death-Doom, 986 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’#, Best Card, 992 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Gold Dust, 998 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Big Play. 1005 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Branded. 1011 Deadwo'd Dick, Je.’s. Dutch Pard, 1018 Deadwood Dic ., J. .’s, Big Four. BY ROBERT R. INMAN, 1086 Pandy Dick's Double. 1024 Dandy Dick, Detective. BY MAROUS H, WARING. 1026 The Three Spotter". 1048 The Street Spotters’ Weird Hunt. 1058 The Three Spotters’ Dead Mystery. 201 Deadwood 205 Deadwood 217 Deadwood 221 Deadwood 282 Gold-Duat 268 Deadwood 268 Deadwood 809 Deadwood B21 Deadwood 847 Deadwood 851 Deadwood B62 Dead wood 405 Deadwood 410 Deadwood 421 Deadwood 480 Deadwood 448 Deadwood 448 Deadwood 458 Deadwood 459 Deadwood 465 Deadwood ATL Deadwood A476 Deadwood 4»1 Deadwood 491 Deadwood 496 Deadwood 500 Deadwood 508 Deadwood 515 Deadwood 522 Deadwood 529 Veadwood Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. &4 Rosebud Rob on Hand; or, Idy), the Girl Miner, 88 Rosebud Rob's Reappearance; or, Photograph Phil. 121 Rosebud Rob’s Challenge; or, Cinnamon Chip. 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yankee’s Surround Denver Doll’« Victory; or, Skull and Crossbones, Denver Doll’« Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. Denver Doll’s Drift 5 or. The Road Queen. Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherer; or, The Life Lottery, Yreka Jim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up. 885 Yreka Jim’s Joker}; or, The Rivals of Red Nese, 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective; or, Dot Leetle Game. 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister’s Devotion, Sierra Sams Secret; or, The Bloody Footprinta, Sierra Sam’s Pard; or, The Angel of Big Vista, Sierra Sain’s Seven} or, The Stolen Bride, Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. Kangaroo Kit’s Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Out, Death-Fuce, Detective; or, Life in New York. W atch-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. pede i te ty hens race 25 Kelley, ckey & Wo., the Detectives of Philadelphia. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective. Vs 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 Wigh Mat Marry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabaides, the Beggar-Boy Detective. 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures, 82 Bob Woolf’; or, The Girl Dead-Shot 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 58 Jim Bludaoe, JIr., 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. 7 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger. 188 Boss 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. BBO Little Quick-Shot 3 or, Nhe Dead Face of Daggersville, B5S Firat-Clasa Fred, ihe Gent trom Gopher. 878 Nabob Neds; or, The Secret of Slab City. B82 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher; or, A Son’s Vengeance. 486 Sealakin Sam, the Sparkler; or The Tribunal of Ten. 918 Kit Keith, t ¢ Revenue Spotter. 922 Sol Sharpe, the New_York Night-Hawk. 948 Old Hayseed Among Bunco Men, 1001 Banty, the Denver Bootblack. BY J. C. COWDRICK. 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 614 Broadway Billy’s Beodle; or, Cleaing aStrange Case, 586 Broadway Billy’s ‘Dilikilty.” 657 Broadway ee Peath Racket. 579 Broadway Billy’s Surprise Party, Broadway Billy; or, The ®o~ Detective’s Big Inning. Broadway Billy’s Dea. et: or, The League of Seven, Broadway Billy Abroad; or, The Bootblack in Frisco. Brondway Billy’s Beats or, Beating San Francisco's Finest, ? Broadway Billy in Clover. Broadway Billy in Texas; or, The River Rustlers, Rroadway Billy’s Brand. Rroadway Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Deal, Broadway Billy’s Full Wand: or, The Gamin Detective, Broadway Billy’a Business, Broadway Billy’a Curious Case. Broadway Billy in Denver. Broadway Billy’s Bargains or, The Three Detective. Broadway Billy, the Retriever Detective. Brondway Billy’s Shadow Chase. Broadway Billy’s Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest. Broadway BUlly’s Teamy or, The Combine’s Big Pull. Broadway Billy’s Brigades or, The Dead Alive, Broadway Billy’« Queer Bequest, Broadway Billy Batied, Broadway RBilly’s Signal Scoop. Rrondway Billy’s Wipe Out, Broadway Billy’a Bank Racket. Broadway Billy’s Bluff. Broadway Billy Among Jersey Thugs. Broadway Billy’a Raid. Broadway Billy’s Big Boom, Broadway Billy’s Big Bulge. Broadway Billy’s #100,000 Snap. Broadway Billy’a Blind; or, The Bootblack Stowaway. Brondway Billy tn London. Broadway Billy Shadows London Slums. Broadway Billy’s French Game. Broadway Billy and the Bomb-Throwers. Silver-Maak, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys. B69 Shasta, the Gold King} or, For Seven Years Dead, 420 The Detective’s Apprentices or, A Boy Without a Name, 424 Oibuta Jonn; 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. B71 Alr-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case 592 Fhe Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascals Out. €15 Fighting Narry the Chief of Chained Cyclone, 640 Bareback eth, the Centaur of the Circle, 647 Tynewrlter Tilly the Merchant’s Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgan the * Pizeneat ” Man of Ante Bar, S87 Battery Bob. the Dock Detective. 894 Arizona Dick’s Wipe-Out. 900 Jumping Jack’s Jubilee. 906 Satety Samy the Cvele Sport. 912 Train Boy Trist’s Hot Hustle, 918 The Trump Dock-Boy. 924 Big Boots Bob, the Fire-Laddie. 980 Ruatier Ralph, the Boy Spotter. 985 The Ex-Newsxboy Detective’s Chum. 941 The Bowling Green Detective’s Drop. 944 Cowboy Charlic’s Double. 947 The Bowery W restler; or, The Butcher-Boy’s Backer, 958 Paddy’s Trump Card; or, Silver Saille, the Girl Sport. 960 The Broadway Sports or, Flyer Fred’s Clear Cane, 967 #81000 Reward; or, The Rival Reporters’ Sleek Scoop. 978 Bantam Billy, the Corker-Ferret. 978 Plucky Pat, the Street-Rey Detective, 989 Bicycle Bob’s Hot Scorch, 997 Scorcher Sam, the Detective on Wheels. 1004 Scorcher Sam's Sweep-Stake a. 1009 ‘une Girl Oyelis.’s W.nning Hand. BY ARIZONA CY, a 71 1 720 1048 Vou Ret Bob from Cross Crick, 1088 You Bet Bob’s Clreus. Newsdealers.. BUFFALO BILL NOVELS, BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 1052 Ruffalo Billin Hisguise. 1046 Goid Plume, the Boy Bandit, Express Rider. 1042 4 ittle Grit, the Pony Express Rider. 1040 Buffalo KHVs Pony Patrol, 1018 Buffalo Bila Texas Team, 1007 Buffalo Bill's Sure-Shots. 1000 Buffalo KUVs Decoy Boys. 995 Buffalo Bill's Drop; or, Dead-Shot Ned , the Kansas 988 Buffalo Bill’s Lasso Throwers. 981 Buffalo Bill's Fighting Five. 975 Buffalo Bill’sa Rifle Shots. 968 Buffalo Bill's Kush Ride; or, Sure-Shot, the High-Flyer.. 964 Buffalo BiUls Decoy 3 or, The Arizona Crack Shot 958 Buffalo Bill’s Mazeppa-Chase. 948 Buffalo BIL’s Snap-Shot 3 or, Wild Kid’s Texan Tally 942 Ruffalo Bill’s Tough Tuasle. 986 Buffalo Bill’s Boy Mascot; or, Joe Jarvis’ Hold-up, 929 Buffalo Bill's Crack-shot Pard. 650 Buffalo Bill’s Boy Pard; or, Butterfly Billy. 216 Biaon BU, the Prince ot the Reims. 222 Bison Bill's Clue; or. Grit, the Bravo Sport, BY BUFFALO BILL. 55 Deadly-Eye. the Unknown Scout; or, The Banded Brotherhood 68 Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairle Rover. 158 Faney Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust, 1029 The Phantom Spy. 1088 Kansas hing’ 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. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 1087 The Artist Detective. 1084 The Gold Witch’s Shadower. 1081 The Texun Hustlers in Cuba. 1027 The Cowboy Raiders in Ouba . 1025 The Flying \ ankee or, The Ocean Outcast, 1028 The Cowboy Clan In Cu! a. 1016 The Boy Bugle: in Cuba. 4 982 New York Nat’s Drop: or, Ex-Ferret Sykes’ Bold Game; 926 New York Nat and the Traitor Ferret. New York Nat Trapped. m New York Nat’s Three of a Kind. New York Nat’s Double. New York Nat’s in Colorado, New York Nat in Gold Nugget Camp. New York Nut’s Deadly Deal. New York Nat’s Crook-Chase. 877 New York Nat’s Trump Card, 871 New York Nat and the Grave Ghouls, 865 New York Nat’a Masked Mascot. 859 New York Nat, the Gamin Detective, 858 Dick Doom’s Kidnapper Knock-Out, : Doom’s Ten Strike. i the Rroncho Buster: or, For Big Stakes. The Mystified Detective. } or, Buffalo Bill, the Pony Kia in a Clue. S72 Two Showmen Detectives in Colorado, 987 The Texan Firebrand: or, ) 961 The Tramp’s Trump-Trick, NEW ISSUES. 1064 Dandy Dick Decoyed. By Robert R. Inman. 1065 Sure not Beth, the Boy Rifleman. By Ol) Coomes. 1066 Co boy Chris, the Des rt Centaur, By W. W. Wilder 1067 You Bet Bob’s Jangle._ By Arizona Cy, 1068 The Crulse of the 8en Wo f. By Col, Ingraham. 1069 On Land and fea. By Braceb. ‘\dge Hemyng." 1070 Nat Toad; or, The Fate of tue Sionx Captive. By Ellie. 1071 Dandy Dick’s Decoy, Py Robt, R, Inman. 1072 Keen Knife, Princeof the Prairies. By Oll Coomes, JUST ISSUED. 1055 Read Raven's Redskin Ruse. By Col P, Ingraham 1056 Cowboy Chris in Cinnabar, By Wm. W. Wilder, 1057 Gold Eific, the Sharpehooter. By ka. L, Wheeler. 1058 Roderick, the hover. By‘T. J. Flanagan 1059 Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Tixns Jack. 1060 Marlo, the Renegade. By Co}. Prentiss Ingraham, 1061 Silver Star, the Boy Knight. By Ol] Conmes 1062 Tho Left-Mand Athlete. By Bracebridge Hemyng. 1068 Wild Bill’s Weird Foe, By Wm. G@ Patten. A New Issue Every Tuesday. The A is for sale by all newsdealers, ive gents nab ep corel Laan gd leeeiph oralx conta each. ‘BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 92 William Street, New York.