Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 1075) (1898 03)
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Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y., Post Office, Copyrighted 1898, by BEADLE AND ADAMS. 1898, hiram pdiabal ea Aa cai sd ite ont Peaaaliats nile eae bee! as 53 Ee ke ei etaaaie OS PRS as ye a alt hel fl os Sere ae Baie Pied i . M. J. IVERS & ©O., Publishers, Published Every No 1075 wive Sea * net haha (James SULLIVAN, PROPRIETOR), Month. ye mie hc lhl as iat 379 Pearl Street, New York. pawdoy Chris, the Vengeance Votunteer. BY WILLIAM G. PATTEN. WI LM \ A \\\\ \ " THE DEATH HUNT PARDS WERE BOTH AMUSED AND. ASTONISHED.
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nay Cowboy Chris, the Vengeance Volunteer. Cowboy Chris, "THE VENGEANCE VOLUNTEER; OR, THE DEATH HUNT PARDS, ary A Romance of Arizona. BY WM. WEST WILDER, (‘* WYOMING WILL,”) AUTHOR OF THE ‘‘ COWBOY CHRIS ” NOVELS, ETC, CHAPTER I. A MAN OF NERVE, ‘¢- You cannot mean it, Mr. Pike! you believe these lying tales about me! will not stand between Bessie and I?” ‘But 1 do mean it, fer I loves my leetle gal. Lyin’ tales, eh? Wal, ef they be lies, they’re ther fu’st I ever saw dressed in ther clothes of truth, No, no, young feller! 1 am not fooled. I hev heerd ther proof! ‘You bev confessed with er own lips yer past life has bin wild an’ reck- ess—ye tole my child thet.” - “T do not deny it; but never in all my past jife bas there been anything criminal, You do not believe me; I read the doubt in your face! But, it is true! I know from whose lips you bave heard these stories against me. Pascal Boone has a smooth tongue and convincing way, but he is black—black to the core! He hates me for the past, as he fancies I did him an injury in our boyhood days when we were schoolmates together. That is why he has told these base lies about me,” ; ‘“‘ It may be ye speaks ther truth, Conrad; but Boone brought ther proof thet ye waz White Plume, lieutenant ter Red Fox, whose dastardly band of road raiders an’ cattle-thieves is known all over Arizony. I might hev denounced ye ter ther sheriff of Glory Gulch, an’ bed ye ’rested, but I chose ter guv yer fair warnin’ an’ plenty of time ter git. I hev done so.” The first speaker was a young man of pre- ossessing appearance and earnest manners. lis face and hands were tannéd by exposure to all kinds of weather, and he had the hardy, ragged appearance of one used to outdoor life among the mountains and on the plains. There was nothing treacherous about his face; his eyes were frank and steady, his bearing was fearless and manly; in fact, he was the last person one would take to be a villain. His dress was of plain woolen material, but it seemed to fit his fine form in a manner that suowed his splendid build to advantage, On his head he wore a broad-brimmed sombrero, There were no weapons visible about his person, This was Conrad Vincent. Confronting the young man in the oper cabin doorway was an old miner, whose eyes were sharp and piercing and whose words and man- ner showed he detested anything rascally. He It can’t be You - -was small and round-shouldered, having a nose _ like the beak of a hawk, the lower portion of his face being covered by a thin gray beard. He was dressed in the rough woolen garments familiar to the mining regions, and a belt around ~f3 ong utp a brace of handsome revolvers and a knife, - Far and wide Old Jim Pike was known as a rsistent prospector and a map of hard luck. Fortune bad not smiled on him, and his life journey had been rough and be Jim Pike bad a girl, a beautiful daughter - Jim } ae he loved with all his rough heart, Con- ‘rad incent for a short time had been paying attentions to Bessie Pike, and it was plain she looked on the young man with favor, Kithongh ‘Bessie was young--almost too young to think of marriage—ber father bad put no obstacle in the path of the lovers until Pascal Boone, Conrad's former schoolmate and enemy, had filled Old _ Jim’s ears with his delusive tales, and laid before him what seemed to be positive proof of their truth. — ‘Then Old Jim stepped between his child and a ane ‘ae Oe Ee he firmly believed unworthy of ber. ers: Se oe Go prad s, | hev done so,” the old pr tor re- after a moment of silence, during which was eying him closely, evidently at a loss for words to express his feelings, ** Now _ ther best thing you kin do ister git. Ef Kil- ‘more, ther sheriff, lays han’s.on ye, you'll be in , tt me to Kilmore?” demande eyes Hashing. ehitee not stay ter deceive her! mean to say you would make a | ed the ‘ll do anything ter protect my child.” Conrad made a haif-scornful gesture, “To protect your child!” herepeated.. ‘“* Why do you talk like that? You know I would give up my life in her defense!” 4 ; ‘¢Thet soun’s well, but it is all talk, I reckon.” “You ougbt to know I mean it, for have I not fought for her already? have I not taken desperate chances to save her from her ene- mies?” ‘* You say so, but I reckon ther chances yer took wuz ter save yer own neck as much as hern, Like her, you wuz er prisoner in ther han’s of ther Utes, You escaped with her; thet is all.’ “All! Isitall? Well, never mind; for I see it is useless to reason with you. You have been blinded and fooled by Pascal Boone, but he shall answer for his lies! I will meet him man & man, and then he shall swallow them—or vé! Old Jim snapped his fingers. ‘*-You will hev terjgit someone else ter try yer mock theater tork on ef ye wants ter make an affect,” he asserted. ‘* Ther stuff don’t go down with me,” The young man’s face flushed hotly, and he was about to make reply when a distant burst of merry laughter came to his ears. Old Jim started with an exclamation of dis- may. ‘’'Thet’s Bessie!” he cried. ‘* She’s comin’ back | sooner then I expected she w’u’d. “ She must not see you byer, so git out of this!” But, Conrad did not stir. ‘*No,” was his firm retort, “TI will not go until I have seen her and learned if she believes these vile lies about me! Her lips have con- fessed her love for me, and I will know if that love has been killed at a stroke! Do not try to prevent me, old man, for I am in no mood to be trifled with now, I know she is your child, but I have a claim on her until she tells me she no longer loves me!” Confusion was written on the old miner’s face. ‘*But ye must go!” he hissed, springing for- ward and catching Conrad by the arm, ‘‘She must not see ye now!” “And why not now?” ‘*She—she don’t know; I hain’t tole her "bout—" With a single movement, the lover flung Old Jim’s hand from his arm, scorn written on his face, while he mn in a low and even tone that told how much he was holding himself in check: ; “So, that is why you want me to go! You have not told her! You wanted me to away and never see her any more, then it would sure- ly appear I was what you claim—it would ap- ar | had deserted her like a miserable rascal! im Pike, I would not have believed you capable of such a thing!” ‘“‘ I¢ wuzall—fer—fer Bessie’s sake, an’-—” “That is enough! She shall not believe me a sneak if I can help it! Right bere I will remain till she comes, She shall hear my denial of these lies about me, and then—and then—” ** An’ then ef she believes ’°em—w’at then?” “She will not believe them!” ‘* Wal, it makes no differencea gga she don’t. I believe them, an’ she is my child, I shell pro- tect her.” - ; **T cannot nnderstand how that fellow succeed- ed in gaining such an influence over you! You are not hke the Jim Pike of yesterday! But, a not be changed, and she shall become mine Those words seemed to arouse Old Jim to,a furious outburst. _ “So ye mean ter bev her anyway!” he cried, “Wal, ye nevershell! She is under age, an’ still in my care. I will“look out fer her. You shell Git or die!” With a sudden movement, he snatched out a revolver and thrust the muzzle almost. against Conrad Vincent's forehead. “Git!” he repeated. ‘Ef ye don’t, I'll shoot ye whar ye stan’!” Calmly the young man looked along the gleam- ing barrel till his eyes met the flashing orbs of the enraged parent; then, without a tremor in his voice, he said: ‘* Shoot, old man—shoot, if you will! Living or dead, I remain here till Bessie comes!” — - CHAPTER IL _ ‘THE OOWBOY'S OATH. | Ir Conrad Vincent was in truth a villain, he was no coward, for not one man in a hundred | could have gazed so calmly into the muzzle af me rahe see thie Resp ; Hi Fas , ' not keep mer word an’ salt ye! that loaded and leveled weapon—not one man in a hundred could have spoken without a tremor in his voice when threatened with instant death, For a moment it seemed as if Old Jim would pull the trigger and stretch the defiant young man at his feet; but his better judgment pre- vailed, and he restrained the mad impulse to kill. ‘*You fool!” he grated, ‘It isa wonder I do It’s only fer Bessie’s sake I spares ye, fer I don’t want her ter see ye layin’ dead.” ‘Then Iowe you no thanks, old man, and I will remember that, I have no desire to be tn: debted to you inany way. Were you not her father—” ‘Wat then?” ‘* Well, never mind She is coming! Put up your weapon, if you have conquered your mad desire to shoot me.” Old Jim obeyed. “Stay, ef ye willl” he said. any good.” At this moment the two heard another burst of laughter that came from the pines back of the cabin, and a merry, girlish voice cried: “Tt won’t do ye ‘It’s no use, Hans; you can’t run as fast as aturde! Ihave laughed myself sore seeing you waddle! Oh, dear me! Ill give you these flowers if you catch me before the front of the cabin is reached, and I will run backward.” ' ‘By shimniny crashus! I pets you I do dot or preaks mein pack der whole length uf mein spinal collumns! Woo! ‘Look avay oudt vor me, vor I vas coomin’ like some sdeam rail- roads! Yaw, dot vas so!” Then there was another burst of laughter, and, a moment later, Bessie Pike appeared, run- ning swiftly backward, but making a0 missteps, Graceful as a young fawn she looked at that moment, and she saw neither ber father nor lover until she ran into the arms of the former. Following the girl came a fat and florid-faced Dutch boy of uncertain age. He was making desperate efforts to overtake her and was puffing like an over-driven horse, ‘* Holy smokses?” he cried, as Bessie found her- self in her father’s arms. ‘‘ You vas peat me, ain’t it! but you vas kvaut shoost der same.” The girl gave a little cry, then exclaimed: ‘* Oh, it’s you, is it, daddy! I didn’t know but —but it was—” Then she paused and blushed, for her eyes fell on the very person whose name she was about to mention. : That was enough for Conrad, He wasa youn and impulsive, and he knew from her words an that tell-tale blush that her thoughts had been of him, | ‘* Bessie!” With that cry, he sprung toward her, his hands outstretched. 5 Quick as thought, Jim Pike swung his cbild behind him, and once more a revolver left his — belt for a place in his hand. ine “ Back!” he cried, sternly, leveling the weapon at the young man’s head, ‘Stop whar ye be, ur by ther gods! I'll scatter yer brains!” The man was in deadly earnest, and Conrad saw to advance meant to meet a death-dealing bullet, The young man was not ready to die just then, and he halted in bis tracks, his hands clinched and his whole form rigid. Little Bess looked on in amazement, her eyes ilated. “ Thet’s right,” gritted Old Jim, ‘Now you turn an’ go. I will tell ther child ther hull black truth, an’ she will know ye left her ’cause ye c’u’dn’t do any better. Ef youdon’tgo, Plbore — ye afore her eyes!” “t er, father, what do youmean? Are you mad?” ‘* Not mad, but deluded by the false tales of a | detestable villain,” fell from Conrad’s lips. “‘'Thet will do!” shouted the old man. ‘‘ You. shet, ur I pulls ther trigger! Ill s’plain ter ther gal. Sie’ shell know everythin’. Go! Git ow ‘ But Conrad refused to stir. Wacko “You are asking too much, Mr. Pike, You — say you will tell ber, but 1 wish you to tell her — in my A Ake ng ni a Old Jim bent and hissed in Bessie’s ear: “Tell him ter go—tell him, ur 'll shoot him whar he stan’s! Speak out!” hi “You can’t mean it, daddy!” she Png : “ But Ido mean it! Speak out, 7°: She could not understand the situation, or | what had brought it about, but it was plain her ~ lover's life was iD danger, so she put out her hands, g: “Go, Conrad—please go!” He seemed amazed. The girl uttered a cry and caugbt at his hand, —
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3 Cowboy Chris, the Vengeance Volunteer. “Do you mean it, Bessie?’ he hoarsely de- Straight into the cabin strode Cowboy Chris, ** Who?” manded. and his eyes fell on a startling, a horrifying **Ob, Shimminy Christmas! id vas ned him “Yes, yes! Go—for my sake! Don’t hesi- | spectacle, Stretched on his face in the middJe | ad all! He.vould nod do such a tretful things!* tate! Go, go!” of the room lay old Jim Pike, and between bis ‘Speak out! Who do you mean?” shoulderblades rose the haft of a knife that was ** Miss Pessie’s lofers!” buried in his body. A little rivulet of blood bad Both Chris and Rube started back in amaze, marked its course across the floor. A glance | ment, was enough to show the young cattleman the ‘You are right,” said the younger cowboy, miner was dead—foully murdered. “he would not do such a thing. But what Rube entered not far behind Chris, and the | made you think of bim?” two stood stering at the fearful spectacle, At ‘‘Vell, he dit haf some quarrel mit Mister length the bow-legged cowboy spoke, huskily: Bike yistiddys afternoons,” He bowed his head for a moment, only to lift it with a gleam of desperation in-his eyes and start forward, exclaiming: ‘* You must hear what I have to say, for—” ‘* Mot er word!” thundered the man with the ihe revolver, ‘I will tell her w’atI know. Git!” OMe Conrad read the terrified appeal in the eyes of va” the beautiful girl he loved, and he knew his life oe) was in great peril, for Old Jim had almost lost ‘** Pore ole Jim! Who c’u’d hev done it?” 4 quarrel?” ; +h a control of himself, ‘That Ido not know now,” came distinctly Yaw? ee The Dutch lad had fallen on his knees and, | and slowly from Chris Comstock’s lips; ‘‘ but I Then Chris cried: hy with clasped hands and wildly rolling eyes, was u will know. Jim Pike was murdered by tbe| ‘‘ By heavens, Rube! this may mean some- } mumbling some broken words, hand of some dastardly wretch, and as sure as | thing!” After a moment’s pause, Conrad slowly spoke: | there is a God in Heaven who spares my life, I ‘* Thet’s so,” nodded he of the bowed legs. ** Well, I will go. But it is not fear tbat turns | will bunt bis murderer down and bring bimtoj|,: ‘‘ What was the quarrel?” asked Chris, k _ me away, Jim Pike; it is the words of your | retribution! Iswearit!” ‘* Voll, I don’t shoost under-der-stand der child. She has asked me to go, and I will obey.” |. -** An’ [’ll stan’ by ye, pard. Hyer’s my han’ | whole uf bim, put id vas apoud Miss Pessie und Hi Then he added, with sudden vehemence: ‘ But } on it,” Mister Conrad. Mister Bike he trives Miss \ They clasped bands above the murdered man, | Pessie’s lofers off ad der muzzles uf his bistol, and from that moment the assassin of old Jim | svearin’ al] der dimes be vould plow de whole do not think for a moment you will be able to keep us apart, old man! I know she loves me, \ and one day I will possess ber in spite of all my | Pike was doomed. top-side roof uf his heat off if he dit nod git some ; enemies! ou have listened to the lies of Pas- moves on himselves, Yaw, dot vas apoud der Ay : a ae but he — not rob Be of her! fon yr uf id!” a iu time will come—and that sooner than you thin i racious! this is strange! i yy —when you will be sorry for what you have CHAPTER III, Old’ Rube nodded. ‘~ 4 - done! Then it will be too late, perhaps, to right TARBNG THE TRAIL, * Right, boys; it’s more than strange!” % the wrong. weve y . re Pas tral Ph A “Go on, Hans. What followed?” ; 4 “ Bessie, all, I ask is that you will not believe Wuat's this?” exclaimed Chris, as he bent | Velj, Mister Conrad he vent avay, put he wih the lies you will hear about me, Farewell for | Over the corpse and removed a slip of paper, | svore a creat sveare dot he vould haf dot girls or i a little time!” that had been closely twisted around the hilt of post some pack-straps uf his preeches tryin’. the knife 3 With a wave of his hand, to which she tear- e ane Fe ’ aaah e dold Mister Bike he vould pe sorry vor v’at a fully responded, be turned and walked away Paper! cried Rube. i. Thar’s writin’ on it, | he hat done,” (Leh ee toward the camp of Glory Gulch, which lay be- | Pard! Mebbe it’s er clew! ; ‘“ What else?” rr ot low. There was in truth writing on the oy. of pa-| * Dot vas apoud all he said.” # ms fi per. It had been done in a scrawling, hurried | « What happened after he went away?” : aes Oe The following morning two men were climb- | ™anner with a lead-pencil. “Mister Bike hat some talks mit Miss Pessie,” : em. ing the slope toward Old Jim’s cabin. There Read it, Chris!” came eagerly from the lips “ Did you hear it?” it re was a great contrast in their appearance, for | Of the bow-legged cowboy. “Yaw, I hear der most uf him.” Rs. | : y , - one was old, small, sbarp-faced, beardless, keen- {| , Chris complied, and the following is whathe| « What did he say?” AS ae | eyed and bow-legged, while the other was young | found on the paper: , “Vell, he vent vor todole some dings v’at (a ae, and tall, with broad shoulders and a splendi “The Red Fox has teeth, aud this is the way he | I, don’t under-der-stand, He say dot Mister i ee figure, a rugged, manly face, brown mustache | uses them on an enemy. The old man dies, and the | Conrad vas some vellers v’at vas calt Vite Vings, io a and long/ curling hair that fell upon his shoul- | girl becomes the property of White Piume, my lieu- | or Vite Blumes, or—or—” cay vy ders. : tenant, It will be useless for the hounds of Glory “ White Plume !” ; a | 7a The older man was dressed roughly in cowboy | Gulch to try following my track, for Ishallleave no | « Yaw, dot vas id.” Tela ee beats. ope peas leggins, —_ wot shirt Fre foe ee oe Co ae tad . Boly see pa “ume road * Stinson ” sombrero, around his. : m ) an on ve waist supported a brace of polished revolvers | No name was signed to the paper, but at the “Nix dot vas v’at he say.” rey . ae and a keen-edged bowie-knife, He was plainly | end there was a crude drawing plainly meant to} ‘*The man must have been crazy!” ae Me Be | a man who had seen much of wild life, and his | represent a fox. : ‘* Vell,” said Hans, slowly, “he sticks to him Sted Cf oe » bowed legs seemed to indicate the frente part ‘I clew, indeed!” cried Chris, ven Miss Pessie don’d pelieve dot sdories. He imal 0 <a of his time was spent in the saddle, He was But Rube shook his head, doubtingly. _ | say be haf der proofs, und Miss Pessie say she ee . | PaaS Reuben Randall or Round-up Rube, a veteran ‘*Mebbe so; mebbe not,” he said. ‘ Ef this | don’d took some stocks in does proofs, Denbe ~~ Lot Re sabes ao a ealoabls Fart a always | hers she vary ee =A ther Red tet he pub- eee some vellers y’at vas calt der Ret ae IN ay o the rancher who was fortunate enough to se- | lish thet fac’ in this yere manner ox— ret r | S i hey mabe as his ghee aR + aradt eon ee whe be ike him to rad ye ps he dig, hd iy Ed Red Fox?” [Re a ee $s companion was ristpher Coms in bloodshed and the reputation his r eeds AW, Wks fe ki if Le end ages savible ek vvnig Ran the two saab rg aut = ‘ear a and Be Ries it. A in i ey tee did he say about that infamous out. na i ara? a me pards. © younger | snaps his fingersin the faces of his foes, Yes, | law : : i Fs man was dressed sowewhat more fancifully than | this would be like the Fox.” , ‘He say der Ret Vox uster vas someenemies $— eh eee bis companion, his sombrero beingglight of color “It may be,” acknowledged the bow-legged | mit him und dot der oldt score vas nod set~ en ee A and encircled by a gold cord, while he wore a | cowboy; ‘then erg’in, it may be all er b ind | tled.” Sp wh Atay ee ie black-velvet jacket, cut Mexican fashion, and a | ter set pursuers on ther wrong track.” Chris and Rube exchanged looks, Suddenly | oh Be Se black scarf was knotted under the collar of a ‘* Something tells me it is not a blind. How- | the former cried: ci ; a8 | white silk shirt. Around his waist was’a sash | ever, we may be able to learn something from | ‘I don’t believe it! Conrad Vincent is no hs vet of silk, which held his weapons. His pantaloons | Hans, We have not questioned him, It isplain | outlaw! Why, he is the most ci A tei Little Bess is not here. What a blow this will | fellow Lever met! I know he is white!” be for Conrad!” , ‘“*T reckoned so merself, lad,” came slowly Hans was seen peering fearfully in at the | from Rube’s lips; ‘but ye can’t most alwuy . door, and Chris promptly dragged him into the | sometimes tell, ’Pearences are ai pil decep cabin, despite his protestations, The Dutch lad } tive in menny’casions, Ef Conisallright—”" was still shaking with terror, ‘‘ We'll find him in Glory Gulch,” , _** Ach, himmel!” he gasped. ‘ V’at a tretful ‘* Sure)” "4 ee sighd dot vas! It mages mein heart godumpty-| ‘‘If not—” oa thump shoost like some sdeam hammers! "Boor ‘* We sha’n’t find him thar, fer he’ll be gong Mister Bike und poor leedle Pessie!” with ther Red Fox.” : See EN ‘“* Hans,” said Chris, sternly, ‘‘ 1 want you to ‘¢ Plainly it was the chief outlaw who murder. tell me what you know about this affair.’ ed OldJim,” wie, ve iy ieaere 3. : “Yep. He bed er-grudge 'g’inst ther ola man.” eM fy “Then he_is the one we have sworn to dain 4 ey ‘were of graye color and were thrust into the tops of high-heeled, silver-spurred boots. ; The pards bad almost reached the cabin when aseries of wild howls as of terror reached their haa ears. In another moment they saw the door mY dashed open and the fat Dutch boy came bound- ing out like a rubber ball, struck his foot against a stone and roiled at their feet, When he sat up they saw he was ghastly pale and his teeth were chattering with apparent terror. ‘ ‘* What's the matter, Hans?” demanded Chris, ** You appear frightened out of your senses.” The boy tried to reply, but was unable to utter a distinct word, so great was his terror. .- * Derned ef he hain’t skeered!” exclaimed Bid. Rube, ‘ Wonder w’at kin hev happened.” ** Speak oy Liapeed ‘ot bp on bined bending an cing a hand on the ten fellows. snouider, “Whatisit?? . 4 Then the Dutch boy succeeded in gasping, brokenly: i yren ‘Cot in bimmel! Cot in himmel! Dot leetle es Langs Dot poor Mister Bike! Deat, ra we ___ * What’s that?” shouted Chris. “ He must be deranged!” _ Then he started for the cabin. Rube at- ‘tempted to follow, but Hans leaped to his feet and caught the bow-legged cowboy’s hand, ‘ Mein cootness! id vas nottings ad all v’at I} a. so helb me!” ‘ . ° 54 ei erie you in this cabin all night?” ‘** Then you must know something about it,” ‘Nix, I dells you I know nottings ad all.” ‘* Where do you sleep?” - “Tn der upper sdory,” '“ And you beard no suspicious sounds below?” ‘Dot vas der trute; I nefer hears nottings. V’en I gids aime vor ness, id dakes more as some bowder-mill exblosions to kervake me up. Yaw, dot vas der fact!” / *‘Derned ef I believe we kin git much out 0’ bim!” ted Rube, in ri 2 ap cg t But Chris had not lost all hope in that direc- on. _ “ Who do you think killed Mr, Pike, Hans? he asked. to justice, Miss Bessie shall be sav | White Plume, if possible,” * i ‘* She shell!” Sua The dead man was tenderly lifted and laid on the bunk at one side ef the room, the baft of _the death-dealing knife still 0s from bee tween his shoulderblades, They left him leer ae y F 7 Pt a cent, I hope ter God we'll findhim!” Kilmore was almost the first man they met on — entering the little a Soap ie bgiay he promised if B) ‘ ke—oh, he vas kilt! He vas murtered und| ‘‘Cootness crasious! how vas you dinks I | meet - ppoiu layin’ der on! Ob, id vas von dretful | know, maype? V’at man would vant do kill |-;was not in the Gulch, and no ‘ | Mister Bike, under-der-less it vas—id vas—" - |-know what had become of him, —
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BEM At TP dat re nae ek is ‘ther _ hev bin in luce “Chris, boy,” said Rube, soberly, ‘it looks bad fer ther feller!” ‘*Tt does, in truth, Rube, We must lose no time in taking the trail of the Red Fox, and, if necessary, we will follow like hounds until be seeks refuge in his hole, If Conrad Vincent is bis lieutenant—wel], so much the worse for Con- rad Vincent!” “Ei we foller ther Red Fox ter his hoel, he’li take us ter ther mountains beyond ther Colorado,” : **It makes no difference if he flies to the North Pole! We will follow him as soon as we have seen his victim properly buried. Eh, Rube?” ** We'll do it, lad!” / Once aguin their bands met in a firm grasp. At sunset three borsemen had left Glory Gulch far behind, and their faces were turned toward the north. They were Chris, Rube and Roly Poly Hans, for the Dutch lad would not remain behind, The hounds were on the trail! CHAPTER IV. BOONE AND OLD BLOSSOM. THREE persons had encamped for the night in a desolate gorge in the heart of a wild mountain region, They were Cowboy Chris, Round-up Rube and Roly Poly Hans, Three days had pened since they turned their backs on Glory ulch, ¢ It happened that at that point a crystal spring gushed from beneath the rocks at one side of the gorge, and the water, which trickled away in a tiny brook, caused an amount of grass to grow sufficient for their horses, ‘The pack-animal had been unloaded and a small tent, or tarpaulin, pitched, This was scarcely more than a covering to partially pro- tect them should the weather be very severe, It would keep off rain and could be so arranged as to break the force of the icy winds which sweep on the mountain gorges of Arizona at night, Chris looked after the arrangements of the camp, Rube attended to the horses and Hans searched for wood to build a fire. Wood was not hard to find, for a great number of dead branches had fallen into the gorge from the pinion trees which clung to the walls far above, In a little while the camp was arranged, horses looked after, fire built, and over some glowin coals Chris was soon broiling delicious slices of- antelope steak which were to form the supper provided by Rube’s death-dealing rifle. “Shimminy jewshbarps!” exclaimed Hans, rubbing his stomach, rolling his eyes and wet- ting his lipsin anticipation. ‘‘ Don’d dot schmell pully, I pelisve! Hurry up meinself, Chris, vor am so bungry dot mein pack-pones haf made _ connections mit der puttons on mein vests, Yaw, dot vas some facts!” : “You are always hungry, Hans,” smiled the younger cowboy, ‘Mein cootness! dot vas so. Nefer in all mein lifes baf [ got ernough to eat, und dot vas der trute. I haf eat till I nefer vas aple to schwaller some more, put schtill I vas hungry! Id vas some terrible things to eggsberience dose sensations, you pets you!” -“T should say so!” In a few moments some of the steak was ed and Hans was given the first slice. While they were eating Old Rube said:, z Waal, hris, hyer we be so fur on ther way. ‘" And we know we are on the right scent.” ** Yep.” ‘*Thne camp-fire, the tracks and the bit of reo ar ges things tell us we are not on a false trail. “Sure! Thet wuz er scrap o’ Bessie’s dress ye _ foun’ this mornin’,” | “ It was,” ““Tnér Fox is leadin’ us er good chase, but ther trail grows hotter. It’s er derned pity we can't foller it by night, That’s whar they hev ther ’vantage o’ us,” “You are right, but they must have some ; x “rest, They cannot travel night and day both,” “No; but they kin travel in ther night an’ _ rest durin’ ther beat o’ ther day, Ye see they _ hev ther ’vantage.o’ us in thet, fer we hev ter keep peggin’ erlong on ther trail right through hottest pas o’ ther day. 'Sides thet, we : nother. ney: Ef we wuz Stilt storm, it'd b hev ot out ther trail com- “I fear that the most of anything.” re bale , iy SAAS Ds m * 2 y, ‘ a 7 . ; < ev): i ¥ : cp “J j Cowboy Chris, the Vengeance Volunteer. ‘*Me too. In these yere parts ye never know w’en er thunder shower may come up.” Suddenly Rube lifted one hand warningly. ** Hark!” he hissed. They listened and heard the distant sound of iron-shod hoofs, The sounds were approach- ing. **Some galoot’s comin’!” declared the bow- legged cowboy. ‘‘ Thar hain’t but one, an’ he’s mounted on er shod critter, so I reckon he’s wite. All ther same he may he er derned skunk, so we'll be reddy fer him.” The tbree laid their hands on convenient weapons, Hans producing a huge rusty-looking revolver, “*T pets you your life dot veller gits hurt if he tries some funny games!” grimly nodded the Dutch lad. The galloping horse came nearer and nearer, the ring of hoofs awakeniug hundreds of clatter- ing echoes in the gorge, Suddenly the horse stopped, as if thrown back on its haunches, It had grown quite dark in the gorge by this time, but Rube dimly saw the figure of horse and rider, both having appeared beyond a bend in the gulch. The man had promptly drawn rein at sight of the fire. ** Hello, you!” he called, ‘** Hello yerself!” retorted Rube. ** Who are you?” ‘* White men,” For a few moments the horseman seemed to hesitate, then he rode slowly forward. ‘* All white men are not friends,” he said, as he came nearer, ‘*We claim ter be hones’ men,” asserted the bow-legged cowboy. ‘““Tf your claim is true, we are friends with- out a doubt,” declared the stranger, as he rode into the circle of hght made by the fire. ‘* And in case we are friends, I have struck your camp in an opportune time, for lam nearly famished and my good horse is perishing for water,” ‘* Thar’s feed an’ drink hyer fer both,” They saw the stranger was a young man of not more than twenty-four or five, He was dressed in a plain suit of woolen stuff, and a Wiuchester repeating rifle was slung at his back, A belt of weapons encircled his waist. His eyes were coal-black and a dark mustache shaded his ps. ; For some reason Rube was not favorably im- pressed witb the stranger, and, at the same time, he fancied he had seen him before, “Yer face looks familiar, pard,” asserted the veteran cattleman, ‘** And so does yours,” was the prompt retort. ‘*Tam sure I baveseen you somewhere, Where could it have been? In Prescott? I reckon not, In Yumaf Well, hardly. In Phoenix? No, Then it must have been—” Sia Slory Gulcb.” ‘* That’s the place—the very place! And this other gentleman ”—turning to Chris—‘‘ I reckon I saw him there,” ‘It is quite likely, as we came directly from the place together.” *“ Well, well! Iam gladtomeet you! Shake, pards! lam Pascal Boone, and I am striking for Hackberry City.” ; A gepeeal introduction and handshaking fol- owed, ‘*Strikin’ fer Hackberry City, did ye say?” asked Rube, when the handshaking was over. Yes, sir.” ‘** Then you are outer yer way.” ** How is that?” ‘You are too fur east.” ! “Sof Well, then, I have been misdirected. I am sorry, for I do not wish to lose any time in getting to Hackberry, as urgent business calls me there. In Hackberry I am to meet a man who owns some mining property I wish tosecure, If I do not arrive there promptly at the time set, I may lose my chance.” * Waal, ye can’t travel no furder ter-night, so ye may as well stay with us,” . Boone confessed this was true, and seemed glad to find companions for the night. His horse was soon cared for, and he was eating with the others. Hans watched Pascal Boone closely, and there was a strange look in the ae of the Dutch lad’s eyes. hen their hunger was satisfied Hans found an opportunity to whisper in Chris Com- stock’s ear: “*T don’d like dot fellers some leedle bits, I haf saw him talkin’ mit Mister Bike only der day pefore he vas murtered.” __ Chris scarcely understood why he started, and a thrill ran over him, while he looked at Pascal Boone with increased interest, In the course of conversation, Boone obyerved: “I saw an old schoolmate at Glory Gulch,” As no one spoke, he added: ‘* His name is Vincent—Conrad Vincent.” In‘an instant both Chris and Rube started up, uttering exclamations of surprise. ‘‘What’s that?” cried the younger cowboy. Oe plone Vincent: Were you a schoolmate of 18 “*T was,” ** Waal, I sw’ar!” drawled Rube. ‘Do you gentlemen know him?” asked Boone. ‘““Know him? Waal, you bet! W’at kin ye tell us of him?” ‘*_amsorry to say I can tell you no good.” Chris and Rabe exchanged significant glances. ‘“* No good?” repeated Chris, ‘* Why, Vincent appeared like a fine fellow.” “*He came from a low family. reputation was none too good, and his father died in jail while awaiting trial for murder. Vincent himself was forced to run away from his native town to keep from being arrested for attempted murder.” ** Waal, I'll be chawed up!” gasped Rube, - The younger cowboy said nothing, but be was studying Pascal Boone’s face closely. “*Vincent made a fine appearance at school,” Boone went on, not appearing to notice the stir his words had created; ‘‘and it was hoped he would make a decent man for all of bis parent- age, But, in the long run, blood will tell. He was an infernal rascal at heart, and—” ** So be you, by gum !” The words were spoken by a strange voice, and a tali figure stepped out of the darkness into: the circle of light made by the fire, It was an old man with wonderfully long legs, and a round, bullet-like head. There was no beard om his face, and his homely features were distorted by a grin that would have “ stopped a clock,” 6 was dressed in a decidedly slouchy manner, but carried a handsome rifle in his hand. ‘Yes sir-ee bob!” he nodded, pausing and pointing one long, bony finger at Pascal Boone, ‘““You’re an infernal rascal, by chowder! L know you, an’ I reckon you know me !” ‘* Tt’s Ole Blossom!” shouted Round-up Rube. “Dan Pike, as I live!” burst from Cowboy Chris’s lips, “ Thet’s yer kumble servint,” affirmed the old fellow, bobbing his head and stretching his mouth in a still broader grin, ‘' I’m hyer, ther hull blessed length o’ me, an’ by Jinks! I ’low I kem in jest ther right time ter keep you chaps. frum losin’ somep’n’.” ‘** Losing something?” . 6 Yep.” “* What?” ‘Yer hosses,” ‘** What kin ye mean?” asked Rube, Old Blossom pointed at Pascal Boone once more, ‘* Dyer know this yere critter — this gentle dovey - dove—this sweet-scented honey-bunch? Waal, I reckon not, else ye w’u'dn’t be ser ’tarnal . thick with him. pery zony *y, pards! thet galoot is Slip- ae ther p'isonest hoss-thtef in all Ari~ —_—— CHAPTER V. ANOTHER AVENGER. OLD BLossom’s words certainly produced a sensation. Both the cowboys uttered exclama- tions of amazement, for they had heard of the famous horse-lifter, Slippery Shane. Pascal Boone also uttered an exclamation, but it was one of anger and disgust, and his hand darted toward a weapon, tie j _ The tall vagabond was looking for just suck & move, and, with remarkable swiftness, he covered the accused with a cocked revolver, ‘*Oh, come off yer perch, Shaney !” he chuck- led, in his odd manner, his eyes twinkling with amusement. ‘Don’t be puttin’ yer leetle fin- gers on thet gun ’less ye wants ter jine ther Heavenly Choir, fer ef ye do, I'll guv ye er large, large dost o’ pills—lead ones, Thet’s b-i-z~ n-i-s, business,” ~ **'You old fool!” cried Boone. ‘' What do you mean by this? I am an honest man—” “Tut, tut, tut, Sbaney! Keerful, keerful! Don’t make thet kind o’ tork ter yer uncle, fer he knows ye frum A ter izzard, he does. You stole an elegant boss o’ me oncet, an’ then I swore a great swear I’d tread on your coat-tail some day. Ther time fer treadin’ hed ter come, an’ hyer she be.” “IT do not know you, old man,” protested. Boone. ‘* You have made a mistake. is a . mistake.” ; Pa ut I can ve to you I am Pascal Boone,. late of ‘Prescott.” - ; eed Old Blossom waved his band, carelessly, His mother’s | Se fale es
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es soe Ve ret Bas satis —— eer a re ume we SS | Fiala t feet stuck in the soup! ' with me ter see the Sheriff o’ Hackberry —-_ ett TF 3 Thet’s all right, Shaney. You might be able ter prove ye wuz ther Pope o’ Rome straight frum Romany, but ye’d be Slippery Shane jest ther same,” ** You are drunk or crazy!” Boone arose to his feet and glared at Old Blos- som, who returned the look with a broad grin and a wink tbat contorted the whole side of his , face, ‘* How er pore fly will kick w’en he gits his I reckon you will go City.” “That is where [ am going.” ** Now you are shoutin’,” But, I’m not going with you!” shouted Boone, leaping forward and knocking Old Blos- ‘30m’s weapon aside. ‘* Try that for a warm seat, you old fool!” ‘ With a dextrous trip and a whirl, he sent the old vagabond into the very center of the fire, and the blazing brands were scattered in many directions, . Old Blossom scrambled from his scorching position with more haste than grace, shouting: ‘* Don’t let ther varmint escape! Holy blis- vei Shoot him! Oh, great blazes! Salt q m!” Some of the flying brands had struck Roly Poly Haus, and the Dutch lad mingled his howls with those of Old Blossom. ‘Mein cootness!” he squawked, ‘TI vas all spurnt up, I pelieve! Ouch! Dutterations! Dot <oal—ow, dot coal! So helb me Yawcob, id vas gone down der whole length of mein packs! ‘Ow-wow-wow! Id vas stobbed! id vas stobbed! Woo-woo-woo! Vor Cott sakes turn some vater _ der pack uf me down pefore I am purnt to von plisters! Yow-yow! yee-yee! yi-yi!” . The fat lad was on his feet, dancing like a jump- ‘ing-jack, while he nearly turned himself wrong side out trying to reach down the back of his neck and get at the coal. It happened Old Blos- 30m had not been burned a bit, and the comical ‘sight of the gyrations through which the fat lad was passing appeared to him as utterly ridicu- Jous. Ina moment he had forgotten the man he had accused of being a horse-thief, and was roll- ‘ing on the ground, fairly shouting with laugh- or, P “Oh, Smotherin’? Moses! looker thet!” he ‘screamed, as the Dutch lad jumped and howled once more, “Oh, I reckon I shell cie dead / Ob, raat fat and fried tripe! Ha, ha, ha! he, he, he! Then Hans was mad, / “You dunderin’ yool!” yelled the tortured fad, ‘*V’at vor I laugh ad me v’en you purns mein pack dot vay? Don'’d you know somedings acd all, I guess nod! Wow! Come here to yon und git dot coal pefore id sets mein clothes der fire oni Dunder und blitzens! dot vas der hot- stest coal v’at I nefer saw!” Boone had improved the opportunity thus given him. The moment Old Blossom went down in the fire, he leaped toward the point where bis horse stood already bridled and sad- dled, for, strange to sy, be had not removed ‘these trappings, although he pretended to do so, “Stop him, lad!” shouted Round-up Rube, and the two cowboys sprung to intercept the desperate man, They were a moment too late. Boone reached this horse and flung himself into the saddle. _ ‘You infernal idiots!” be cried, in furious wage, ' A revolver leaped to his hand, and, just as “Chris reached the side of his horse, he dashed the weapon into the younger cowboy’s face and pulled the trigger. There was a click, but no report. By rare good fortune the cartridge was a poor one, However, Coris was sent reeling backward by tthe blow, and the next moment Boone’s horse carried him down the gorge, Round-up Rube promptly opened fire, but he was obliged to shoot according to his best judgment, as the darkness of the place quickly “screened both horse and rider, On went the horse, and no cry of pain told the rider had been struck, Ir a few moments the bow-legged cowboy knew Pascal Boone was seyond the reach of bullets, : **Derned ef he hain’t got erway!” he growl- sed, in disgust. ‘*I don’t wonder they call him lippery, blamed ef I do!” Shris was rubbing his forehead where the : ~ emuzzle of Boone’s revolver had left its mark, “We were a bit too slow, pard,” he said. 4 Blossom inspecting his scorched clothes, while Hans was feeling up one leg of his pantaloons in search for the coal that had caused bim to dance in such a lively manner. ** Are ye burnt, pard?”’ asked Rube. ‘*Nary burn,” replied the old nomad; “ but it’s er derned wonder thet I hain’t.” ‘Vell, maype I vas nod purnt!” growled Hans. ‘‘ Der whole uf mein pack vas roasted fit vor eadings, so helb me! Und v’en I vas purnin’ up, all dot veller do vas roll der cround on und laugh like he vas struck some minstrel shows! Py dunder! I don’d vorgit dot very soon, you pets mein life!” Hans found the coal, which was still warm, and brought it to light. It had not set his clothes afire, but it had really burned his flesh somewhat, ““T see thet critter got erway,” observed Old Blossom. ‘* Yes, he escaped by a close shave.” ‘*He is the hardest man to ketch and hold in ther Territory. I wuz lookin’ fer him ter lay some kind o’ er trick, but derned ef he didn’t fool me then. P **But how comes it you fellersare byer? I wuz jest strikin’ fer Glory Gulch ter see Jim,” A silence fell upon them, Who should break to Old Blossom the sad news of his brother’s death? Theold man saw the change in their faces and cried: ‘** Hello! w’at’s happened? ‘Ye all look as blue as whetstones! Ham fat thet sizzled ther sas- sage o’ ole Noah! it can’t be anythin’ hes hap- pened ter Jim—it can’t be!” Still no one spoke. ‘Speak up an’ tell me!” cried the old vaga- bond, an anxious look on his homely face, ‘ How is it? w’atis it? Jim—” Cowboy Chris laid a hand on Old Blossom’s arm, speaking softly: ‘Don, your brother Jim is dead.” The tall man reeled back as if struck in the face, “* Dead!” he gasped. ‘ Jim? My God! ye can’t mean thet?” ‘It is true, Dan,” Then the younger cowboy was forced to tell the whole story, while Old Blossom listened like one dazed. When the end was reached the brother of the murdered man cried: : “So Red Fox has kept his word! He wuz Jim’s enemy, an’ Jim tole me ther cuss hed swore ter take his life. Waal, as shore as thar is a Heaven above us, he shall pay fer thet act with his blood! You say you are on ther trail o’ ther Fox. Waal, am with ye ter ther death, an’ we'll foller him like beagles tell he is run ter arth!” ‘© And we will do our best to save Little Bess,” said Chris, *“ Kight, boy, we'll save her, shore! But, do you believe thet Con Vincent is Red fox’s leften- ant? “T donot.” “Ner dol. ther core.” ; “ His disappearance from Glory Gulch duzn’t look right,” putin Rube, — ** Mebbe not: but, he hain’t W’ite Plume, nary time! I run with thet lad afore you fellers ever I reckon thet boy wuz w’ite ter sot eyes on him, an’ I "low he’s built o’ proper | stuff. Thar hain’t no coward’s blood in his veins.” ; “Did ye heur w’at Slippery Shane wuz sayin *bout him?” “Seme o’ it; but I w’n’dn’t b’lieve thet critter under oath, He'd lie w’en it war ter his ’van- tage ter tell tvuer truth, an’as fer Red Fox, I riod ther critter face ter face oncet, an’ I know im “* What is he like?” eagerly asked the young cowboy, “He is a hafe-blood Injun, an’ ther red-skin part o’ him shows er heap more’n ther w’ite. Thet’s w’y he’s called ther Red Fox, He’s er critter as delights in bloodshed, an’ his crimes are ernough ter hang him a dozen times, He is almost as slippery as Sbane, fer ther time I saw him he declared who he wuz, arter he had shot anenemy in a Tombstone saloon, an’ then he umped from er window an’ got clean erway. ‘hey hev hed it thet he wuz killed ’bout twenty times, but he alwus comes ter life erg’in.” “ Well, we have sworn to finish him, and we will do the work before we leave his trail,” as- serted Chris, ‘* Now you be shoutin’, boy! He's got ter go under ther sed this time, W’en be wiped out Jim Pike he sealed hisown doom. Ef be downs any o’ us, ther others’!] only keep ther hotter on Cowboy Chris, the Vengeance Volunteer. 5 CHAPTER VI. BULLY ’BIJE AND BLACK BENDER. THE sun had set and darkness was gatherin when the four avengers rode into a little mining- camp known as Devil’s Diggings. There were not more than a dozen buildings in the place, but one of those was a combined hotel and saloon, “Thar’s whar we'd best putt up fer ther night, I reckon,” observed Roun a Rube, The others thought so, and they rode toward the hotel. In front of the building the bow-leg- ged cowboy uttered a yell that brought half a ozen persons to the door, ** Whar’s ther hostler?” inquired Rube, ‘* Hostler?” snorted a broad-shouldered man with flaming red whiskers, waddling forward and ejecting a mouthful of tobacco-juice. ** Woosh! ’at d’yer take this yar howtel fer! Hostler? Great thunder! D’yer think you be in ney, Yark? Dyer want them critters tended ter ‘** Thet’s w’at we want, pard,” ‘Waal, you'll find er shed round back of ther howtel, an’ I reckon you kin look arter yer own hosses, I’m Fiery Finch, ther proprietor of this yar ranch, an’ I’m er powerful good man ter stop with ef ye don’t go ter puttin’ on too menn airs, Ef thar’s ary one thing in this yar worl!’ can’t stan’ it’s airs, Ther cuss as says I don’t know how ter run er howtel has ter fight me!” ‘*Tt’sall right, lan’lord,” laughed Rube, “ Thar hain’t nobody kickin’,” ‘“‘Good ernough! You'll find fodder in ther shed. W’en ye gits yer critters ’tended ter, kem in an’ try our grub, We’ll make it pleasant fer ye while ye stay, bet yer boots!” The four rode around the building to the shed, Old Blossom laughing for the first time since hearing of bis brother’s death, “Wam fat thet sizzled ther sassages o’ ole Noah!” he snickered, ‘*This yere’s w’at I calls er sociable sort o’ a recepshun! By gum! bat thet galoot duz know how ter run er hotel!” ‘* Dutteration!” exclaimed Hans, shrugging his shoulders, ‘‘ Dose v’iskers uf his mages me Vink uf dot coal as vent der pack uf me down, Dot vellers coult mage some vortunes uf he hires bim- selves oudt to a railroads'as some danger signals, Yaw, dot vas apoud der facts,” \ They reached the shed and were attending to their horses when they noticed a man approach- ing through the gloom, Ashe came nearer, they saw he was a rough-looking fellow and walked with a slight limp, He had been among the number brought to the door by Round-up Rube’s yell, His face was covered by a bushy black beard, and an old hat was slouched over his eyes. ‘* Howdy, pards,” he saluted, in a hoarse yoice, as he reached them, ‘Frum Bowie Bar?” ‘* Naw,” was Rube’s curt reply, ** Coffin Crick?” ie ee 7 ** Hackberry City? ‘‘ Naw.” pt y ‘*Satan’s Gap?” 4“ N w. ”» ‘*Ner Mineral Springs?” “ Naw.” ‘* Ner—ner Cussid Camp?” ‘‘ Naw.” | ‘*Ner—ner— Wal, whar in blazes be ye Vfrum? \ ‘*T don’t ‘low thet’s any o’ your derned busi- ness. Now hain’t ye glad ye’ve foan’ out?” x The man of the busby whiskers fairly gasped for breath, * Wal—Il’ll—be—jiggered!” he remarked, with emphasis. Then he came close to the bow-legged cowboy, set his arms akimbo, thrust out his chin and glared at the cattleman, wh 1 yer know me?” he asked. Rabe placed bis arms akimbo, thrust out his chin and returned the glare with interest, ** Naw,” he answered; ‘fan’ I’m derned glad 1 don’t.” ; a did not disconcert the stranger in the east, “T am Bully ’Bije o’ Bloody Bar,” he de- eer “Tm ther feller that killed Buffalo ill, “Waal, is thet so? heard o? Bill’s demise. him?” “Jest thirteen days, 1 kill er man once ev’ry thirteen days. This yere’s my day fer — killin’,” - ; “Sho! Then ther best thing you kin do is go kermit suicide, fer yerself. an’ ev’rybody else, You never w be missed.” This is ther fu’st Ive How long sence ye killed m. ~< i Pr ipecg. 5 ew ee —. vgats & ape ess ~ ne eet Iv be er derned good thing — ae oe “am fat an’ fried sassage!” svickered Old % Blossom, ‘ Ax bim fer a lock 0’ his whiskers _ ter pizen rats with, Reuben,” bis trail. He bas waked up ther wrong crowd this yere time, an’ he’!) find it out afore long, the imp of Hedes that he 1s,” - : “All the same, it was lucky for me his weapon \_, anissed fire,” . re - They turned back to the fire, and found Old . he a aS ely , , : : - pov ae 3 ; pe ee : ’ ohne : 5 7 J i. 4 Beate 2 Ea ae , ) J ‘ { Pt prs 8 ) ‘ : . , w Dy ny Ae wk ay 4 Sid, . pe ot de tite a ; : ard | Ay * ," : ua 4 aN Ales ahs i) a ‘4 ‘ Pa 3 ids hag ct " pee : ers St Sid tee a ; x ‘ 4 : aN iw DA Pc ete, ae ee ss pr35- ee] ie o
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6 Cowboy Chris, the Vengeance Volunteer. Bully ’Bije glared around at the four persons who were watching him with interest and amuse- ment, ‘J see through ther hull durned villainous plot!” be suddenly howled. ‘‘ You galoots hev heerd w’at a bad man I ba, an’ you want ter héy ther reppytashun of killin’? me, You bev sot er trap fer me! Woof! Bekeerful! Bully Gig hain’t ter be fooled with! Guy me room|” hen he began to back cautiously away, not heeding the laughter caused by his singular movements, As soon as he was ata safe dis- tance, he sung out that he would see them later, then wheeled and hurried back to the front of the hotel, Having attended to their horses, the avengers entered the hotel, keeping a lookout for the Man from Bloody Bar; but, Bully ’Bije was not to be seen. Having paid their bill in advance, they were shown to the table, where a ‘‘ square meal” had been prepared for them, After they had eaten, they sauntered into the bar-room, and there they discovered Bully ’Bije. The Man from Bloody Bar was seated at a rather rickety card-table, engaged in a little game with another individual, who looked fully as rough and who also wore a full black beard, It was plain ’Bije was winning, for he was laughing uproariously. ‘Tork about playin’ poker!” he cried hoarse- ly. ‘‘W’y, stranger, you hain’t VParnt ther roodyments of ther game! Who be ye, anyhow? I clean fergot ter ax yer name.” * I’m generally called Black Bender,” was the uy. **So? Any relashun ter ther Kansas Ben- ders?” ‘* Wal, mebbe so,” “Whoop! You're ther galoot I'm lookin’ fer! I s’pose you've heerd of Bully ’Bije o’ Bloody Bar?” ** Can’t say I ever did.” “Wat! Waal, thet’s derned strange, 1 sw’ar! I’m er killer, I am, an’ this yere’s my day fer killin’. Look out fer me.” **Oh, come off yer perch an’ git down ter keerds! You like ter hear yerself tork, you do!” Bully ’Bije leaned on the table, thrust out his chin and send gi at Black Bender, who dealt the cards without isnt, Se notice the posture of the Man from Bloody Bar. Bonde looked ri nder loo! up, in apparent surprise, ** Wat's ther matter with ycu?” he inquired. Bully ’Bije struck the table a resounding blow with his fist. ‘*'You want ter go er leetle slow, pard!” he cried, ‘‘ Chaw me up ef I'll take any sass!” Bender looked disgusted, ‘You make me tired!” heretorted, ‘* Ef you are goin’ ter play keerds with me, I want ye ter play. Ef ye hain’t goin’ ter play, say so.” * Wal, I’m 7. ter play; but derned ef [ll stan’ so much of your chin!” ‘Then keep still yerself an’ it'll be all right. Come, shove ap ther ante. Thet’s ther stuff, Now [ll stay with ye. How menny keerds will ye take?” ‘*Ham fat thet sizzled ther sassage 0’ ole Noah!” exclaimed Old Blossom, ‘'Thar’s ap’ ter be some fur fly afore thet game is over, Let’s git whar we kin watch ther keerds, pards.” CHAPTER VII, UNMASKED, Tue four moved toward the table where the two black-bearded men were playing, Chris tak- ing a position where he could look into the hand of the Man from Bloody Bar, Bully ’Bije held three cards, a pair of trays and an ace, calling for two from on pack, Black Bender also took two, and then he * chi ” a dollar, . ** Wow!” exclaimed ’Bije, as be looked at his cards and discovered he had drawn another ir of trays, making him four of a kind. * Hain’t ye Notopis onter thet er leetle heavy, partner? “I reckon not,” was Bender’s calm reply. **T Now ye're bluffin’,” ** Think sof” “ Yep,” “ Wal, you kin find out ef you pay ter see my rs, **Ts—thet—so! I reckon you don’t know me, I hain’t ter be bluffed, I bain’t, so I sees yer dol- lar an’ goes ye five better.” . Black Bender laughed. ** So thet’s yer game! an’ | sets ye ten.” Bully ’Bije placed his cards face downward on the table and leaned forward to peer into Ben- der’s face, ‘*P’raps you think you kin work thet on Waz-al, hyer’s yer five, *Bijah!” he cried. ‘* Wal, I sh’u’d smile! goes yer ten, an’ I makes it twenty-five.” Again Black Bender laughed. ‘¢ W’at’s ther limit?” be inquired, ‘* We "greed on fifty dollars.” * Allright. Hyer’s yer twenty-five, an’ right hyer’s fifty more. How’s thet fer a bluff?” ‘Tt hain’t nary bit of good,” chuckled the Man from Bloody Bar. ‘‘ Hyer goes fifty ‘long with fifty more atop of thet.” Bender glanced at his cards, then set ’Bije an- other fifty. With remarkable promptness the Man from Bloody Bar raised again. The game was decidedly exciting, and Chris wondered what Bender could have. **T don’t want ter rob ye,” said Black Bender, ** 0 I calls,” *Bije promptly showed his cards, and an ex- clamation of surprise and dismay came from the other player’s lips. ** Looker thet!” he cried, exposing his hand, ‘* Hain’t thet er picter han’ ter be beat on!” He held three kings and a pair of queens, **Ob, ye bucked up erg’inst ther wrong man w’en ye tackled Bully *Bije!” laughed the win- ner, as he raked in the stakes. ‘*But you hain’t done with me yit, Tl git onter you afore we are done, It’s your deal,’ *Bije dealt the cards and stayed in, raising the ante fifty cents. Bender promptly made a raise of a dollar, and the ball was fairly opened. ‘The Man from Bloody Bar raised again to five dol- lars, and Bender promptly made it ten. ’Bije shoved twenty-five.into the pot, whereupon Bender added the necessary fifteen, and an- nounced himself ready to draw. He took two cards, but was filled with dismay when his op- ponent stood ‘‘ pat.” “3 Bay w’at kind of er racket be you workin’ on me?” he growled, ‘“Ipll cost ye jest fifty dollars ter find out,” answered the Man from Bloody Bar, counting out that sum and adding it to the stakes, With an exclamation of fury Bender dashed his hand upon the table, revealing three seven 8 Hyer 8. ‘*1’d guv suthin’ ter see your keerds,” he de- clared: ‘‘ but fifty dollars is too much,” **- You don’t call?” “ No.”’ ** Then ther pot is mine?’ “ Ye 7 ‘Waal, you kin see my keerds,” laughed *Bije, as be raked in the stakes, and placed the pasteboards in full view, ‘‘ Whoop! Hain’t it er daisy!” The words which escaped Black Bender’s lips were more forcible than polite, for he discovered he had been bluffed out of the pot, as Bully *Bije had not beld a pair, his band being noth- ing but a bob-tail flush with king bigh, ‘Smart, hain’t ye!” snarled Bender, as the spectators burst into laughter, ‘ Wal, ree keep on! Thar’s er time comimw’en you'll laff outer t/other corner of yer mouth!” It became plain to every one that, despite his Pte ma to talk, Bully ’Bije was “ no slouch” at ORs" '.; he game went on, and for some time it seemed to run about even. Both men seemed oe the alert for trickery on the part of the other. At oa, it was plain both had secured good hands, for the stakes were raised several times before cards were drawn, Then Black Bender st es pat ” with four kings and an ace in bis hand. He found it difficult to restrain his delight as Bully 'Bije took one card. The n from Bloody Bar opened the ball with a bet of ten dollars, which Bender prompt- iy saw, adding twenty-five more to the pot. *Bije took another look at his cards, as if to make sure what he held, then set his opponent to the full extent of the limit, Bender pre- ane to hesitate and look doubtingly at his and, ‘*T reckon you're bluffin’ erg’in,” he observed. Bully ’Bije winked oddly. ** Think so?” he inquired. “Yep. I’m goin’ ter set you fifty.” ‘* Mebbe I hain’t bluffin’,’ ‘¢ Wal, bluffin’ ur no bluffin’, thar goes the money,” **An’ hyer goes a hundred, which sets you fifty.” © Boun’ ter keep it up, eb? Wal, I'l) stay right with ye! You'll find Black Bender er stayer fer ther long run, Fifty better’n you,” ** Bije looked at bis opponent inquiringly, “T reckon you think you kin drive me ’cause you stood pat an’ I took one keerd,” he said, ‘Wal, you'll find I hain’t ther sardine ter be druv. t ber went, Maria! Hyer goes fifty more’n you!” ‘You mought as well kiss yer money good- by w’en ye puts it inter ther pot,” chuckled Bender. ‘* You'll never see it erg’ia.” ** Don’t be too shore of thet.” ‘“*T’'ve got er worl’-beater hyer.” ““Ef you beat my ban’ you'll be welcome ter ther pot.” Again and again were the stakes raised, neither man seeming inclined to call, ** Your money holds out well,” observed Ben- der, at length. ‘I’m down ter bed-rock. This yere’s my last fifty, so ll hev ter call ye. But fer thet, I’d sot byer all night an’ keep’ shovin” up ther fifties, fer I hev ye beat, Jest looker thet han’! Four,kings an’ an ace, which fixes it sO you can’t hole four aces erg’in’ me, Ther boodle’s mine,” ** Hole on !” shouted Bully ’Bije. ‘‘ Jest take er look at these keerds afore ye burns yer fingers on thet wealth! Hain’t thet a sight fer sore eyes! I ketched ther queen on ther draw!” Then he exposed a straight heart flush with a queen at the head! ‘‘Ham fat thet sizzled ther sassage 0’ ole Noah!” cried Old Blossom, ‘' Looker thet, looker thet!” For a moment Black Bender seemed stunned’; then, as he saw his successful opponent reach to gather in the stakes, be uttered a savage snarl), whipped out a knife and struck with the inten- tion of pinning ’Bije’s hand to the table. The Man from Bloody Bar saw the devil that gleamed in the eyes of Black Bender and snatched his hand away. Not/a moment too soon! The knife-blade was buried in the table, piercing several of the bills that helped make up the se ‘* Derned ef ye kin play thet on me, all ther time!” howled Bender, with fury. “Thar wuz foul play. bout thet, an’ ther money’s mine!” ‘There was no foul play,” declared Cowboy Chris. ‘I stood where I could look into this man’s hand, and be played an honest game. He drew the queen to fill in a fair and square manner, ands off that money!’ With this order, he covered Black Bender with a ready revolver, The baffled gambler fell back in his ehair, growling like.an angry dog - ‘* Ef Christopher says it’s straight, you kip , bet yer life it is straight, my lulu,” observed Old Blossom, ‘‘ How»umdever, I reckon I know o” suthin’ thet hain’t jest straight. You have been playin’ er crooked game, even though you wuz beat. I reckon you an’ mebbe I’d know ye better ef this yere bear wuz removed, It must be powerful uncomfer- table ter wear on er hot night.” The old bills tramp bent over Black Bender, and, twining bis long fingers in the man’s beard, ave a sudden jerk. The beard proved to be alse, for it came off in his band! ““Fu’st skelp fer me!” shouted Old Blossom, waving it aloft, But, the others were staring at the face re- vealed by the sudden unmasking, ** Slippery Shane !” The cry came from Cowboy Chris and Round- up Rube; but, Bully ’Bije shouted with delight: ** It is Pascal Boone !” CHAPTER VIII, BITTER FOES. IN a moment the money was forgotten, Bully "Bije lea to his feet, dashing his hat to the floor, The next instant all were astonished to see him tear away the beard that bad concealed his features, for they saw that also was false. Conrad Vincent stood revealed } ‘*T have found you, Pascal Boone!” he shout- ed. ‘‘Now you shall swallow the lies you have told about me, you heartless villain!” Boone was the most astonished man in the room, and he stared at Conrad as if be saw an apparition, Although in disguise himself, he had not dreamed * Bully ’Bije” was anything but what he seemed, a blustering braggart. ** Vincent!” he gasped, _ “Yes, Vincent; the man about whom you have lied like the thief in the night you are! ** You left Glory Gulch in the night, but I found you had started for Bowie Bar. 1 lost no time in following, but you were shrewd enough to cover your trail, For some time I have been on a blind hunt, but I have found you at last.” Boone bad now recovered from his conster- nation, and an insolent leer settled on his face. ‘Well, now you bave found me, whatare you going to do about it?” he demanded, aa am going to force you to swallow your 1€8, ‘* Easier said than done, perhaps; but I deny I ever told any lies about you.” re crooked all through,. Se eE—ee—eEeEeEeEeEeEEe . \ |
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**'You know you have!” ** What were they?” “You told Jim Pike that I belonged to Red Fox’s band of outlaws.” “Well?” ’ ‘ ay ** You knew it was a lie when you told him so, but you were determined to do me injury on account of the old katred you still cherish for a ” You ‘ 7497 j he deny it?’ **T told bim nothing but the truth, are White Plume, lieutenant for the Red Fox,” For a moment it seemed that Conrad would launch himself at the throat of his insolent accuser, but, Chris Comstock’s hand fell on Lis shoulder, and the cowboy’s voice sounded in hisear: | **Slow and easy, pard! That is the only ‘way to deal with this fellow, If he has lied, we will squeeze the truth from him before we let up. After a moment, Conrad spoke slowly: ‘* Boone, you.know you have lied about me, You could have had no object but my injury, and in that you succeeded, Old Jim Pike turned against me, but I swore he should be sorry for so doing, and he shall,” ‘ Boone laughed, pase Hh “You play your part well!” hesaid. ‘ Ag if you did not know!” ‘* Know what?” 4h ‘*Ha, ha, ba! Hear him! wy - hand in the black work!” ** What are you talking about?” “About your red deed, You swore td pos- sess Bessie Pike, and you kept your word, even ’ though it cost blood,’ Conrad seemed dazed, “I do not understand you, Blood? What can you mean by your words?” ‘* You are a skillful actor, Vincent, Yes, you swore to make Jim Pike sorry, and you struck at the old man’s life, Perhaps your hand did not slay him, but the hand of your chief did, and you were the cause of it all,” re A “Slay him! What can you mean by such ant 6 talk? Jim Pike is not dead? | ‘ : “* He is, and his blood cries out against you!” Conrad recoiled a step, his face growing pale, ¥ ** Look!” cried Pascal Boone, rising to his feet i and pointing at the young man’s pallia coun- or ey tenance. ‘See him growpale! That shows his Nae guilt! It is written on bis face!” sips Chris Comstock’s hand was on Conrad's arm, | and the cowboy’s voice sounded in his ear once more, ' ‘* Brace up, Con!” he said, anxiously. ‘“ Don’t aA let him shake your nerve!” ey | ** But—but, is it true’ Fee 8 ‘* Yes, it is true that Old Jim is dead,” Ly a “ And Bessie—” Fre ane ® -. “* Has been abducted by the Red Fox,” Sn) we ‘*My God!” i Sime / With a wild cry, Conrad started forward, Beet reaching across the table and clutching Pascal ae) ke Boone by the shoulder, . SERS: **You devil!” he shouted. ‘*So, that was . ae your game! You led me on a false scent, gers hey while you did your foul work! And now you ; o Ms cari me with the crime! By the gods, I - iM Ni wi —- “*Hands off, Vincent!” cried Boone, and he drew back his clinched fist to strike the other in . the face, — _ “Not so fast, critter!” came from the lips of the“ bow-legged cattleman, as he caught the : threatening arm. ‘ Putt on ther brakes, thar!” ‘‘Am T to fight this whole crowd!” demanded Then he pursed his lips and gave a pe- histle. In a moment four or five men ay. moved toward him, Be ‘Look out for his pards, Rube!” cried Chris, £ as a brace of revolvers leaped into his hands, Big: | “Ham fat that sizzled ther sassage o’ ole i o - Noah!” chuckled old Blossom, ‘ This yere’s oh ahaa gd be a reg’ler ole-fashioned time, by Weis um : am epst. en Dot vas apoud der sizes uf der case,” agreed --- Hans, producing his rusty pistol, ‘T] pets you iy: your hfe somepody gids hurt if they growd ‘some roosters! Yaw, dot vas some facts,’ ai “This feller hes guv huisself clean erway)!” asserted Rube, still clinging to Boone, * + —~—sims blazes did he know o’ Jim Pike’s death? He hed Jef? Glory Gulch w’en thet wuz made ee known.” eh, ; Boone growled a savage imprecation, for be saw he had made a bad blunder, At. that mo- _ ment a secret signal passed between him and And you hada he oe Re 2 one of his men near at hand, and the fellow i quickly left the room, __ ** You know too much, old man!” snarled the rascal, “ Sake your band from my shoulder!” ‘ . ue , ay a ; ' if » dt. t 4 ani ' Cowboy Chris, the Vengeance Volunteer, ‘Leave hint to me, Rube,” urged Conrad, “He ismy bitter foe, and I alone should deal with him. All I usk is that you keep his friends from taking a hand. I have longed for the hour when he andI would stand face to face, and now that hour has come,” ** Yes,” sneered Boone, ‘it has come, and what are you going to do?’ ‘“*T have told you what I intend doing.” *¢ Bah!” “Tf Old Jim Pike is dead, you killed bim! If Bessie has been abducted, you abducted her! You shall answer for the old man’s life! Where have you taken his child? Speak! Answer, or I will choke the breath from your vile body!” “That talk sounds well, but it will not work, Take your hands off!” ‘* Not till you have come to terns!” Boone’s right hand darted toward a pocket where & weapon was concealed, but Conrad caugkt his wrist, Thus the two enemies stood glaring into each other’s eyes, between them the table and on it the money for which they had been playing, the knife still standing where it had been driven when the defeated gamester struck at his opponent’s hand, At this moment from some point in the upper part of the building came a wild shriek as of a female in distress, “Great God!” cried Conrad Vincent, ‘ That was Bessie’s voice |” CHAPTER IX, FOILED, In a moment the young man had wheeled from Pascal Boone, the rascal forgotten at the sound of that voice, — Boone saw his opportunity and flashed out a revolver, Up came his hand till Conrad’s back was covered, then he pulled the trigger. Just as the weapon spoke bis arm was dashed upward, and the indignant voice of Round-up Rube sounded in his ears, ** You miserable cuss!” Then the hard fist of the bow-legged cowboy struck Boone under the right ear, and the fellow measured his length on the floor, Conrad had not realized his peril, for he was bounding toward the door that Jed to the stairs, Cowboy Chris followed at his heels, Up the stairs went Vincent, his heart in his a and his ears strained to hear that voice again. en Bessie, Bessie!” he shouted. ou? It was dark in the corridor above, and he was unable to tell which way to turn. Once more he cried: I ‘* Bessie, Bessie! and I will come!” What was that? A smothered cry seemed to come from one of the rooms, but he could not tell which one. By this time Chris was at bis e. “Down with the doors!” shouted the young cowboy, and he set the example by hurling bim- self against one of them ani bursting into a room, Conrad saw that was the only thing to do, and he placed his shoulder against the nearest door, which went down before bis strength, and he staggered into the room, He was just in time to see Eee gettin } opened upon a shed roof. mt Mere they are!” he yelled. Tn another moment he was at the window, and although it was very dark, he saw two men low- ering something like a body over the edge of the roof, He knew well enough it was the kidnap- ped girl, and he sprung through the window, Just as Conrad reached the roof, one of the ‘Where are Where are you? Answer, men wheeled with an arm outstretched. Then came a bright flash, the sharp report of a re- volver, a deep groan, and the young man fell back upon the window-sill. Cowboy Chris had reached the door of the room, and he saw Conrad fling up hisarms and all, ; “ They’ve shot him!” gritted the young cattle- man, But not a moment did Chris hesitate, Leap- ing to window, he pulled Vincent into the room, and then sprung out upon the root. One of the men had descended to the ground, but the other tried to shoot the cowboy before following. Chris ‘‘ducked” just in time, and the bullet passed over his head. In another moment he had grappled with the desperado, _ “So you are on the shoot!” gritted Chris, BE bave dropped my friend, but I will avenge im : The man uttered a savage exclamation, and then began a desperate struggle on the slantin roof of the shed.” aigeh as: ci " 3 out through a window that The cowboy soon discovered his opponent, was a man of unusual strength end weet ys but Chris Comstock had every nerve strained, and he was like a whirlwind in its fury, - The unknown desperado fought for hislife, but he did not prove a match for Cowbo Chris, The cattleman broke his holds, grasped him in such a manner that he could not get away, then lifted him above his head, ‘This for Conrad!” he cried, as he threw. the ruffian from the roof, Although panting from his exertions, he diti not pause an instant, for he saw the kidnappers were mounting horses below. Just as he hurled the desperado from the roof he heard Round-up Rube crying: ‘This way! this way! Hyer they be!” Several men came running around the hotel, led by the bow-legged cattleman, Chris did not pause for a ladder, but lea from the roof to the ground, landing on his feet like a cat, The pursuers were a few moments too late, for, just as Chris struck the ground, the kidnap- pers dashed away, paying uo heed to those who cried out for them to stop or be shot, The kidnapped girl freed her head from the muffling cloth, and her wild cries for help rung through the night, growing fainter and fainter in the distance, ‘To horse! to horse!” shouted Chris, dashin toward the shed, closely followed by Rube an Ola Blossom, ‘ We must do our best to run the miscreants down!” But, the kidnappers had secured a start, and the confusion prevented an immediate pursuit. Chris was first to leave the shed, but Rube and Old Blossom were not far behind, “It’s no good!” groaned the bow-legged cow- boy, when he found the girl's cries could po longer be heard. ‘‘ We can’t foller them in ther dark! They hev got clean off!” Nevertheless, 9 short pursuit was made, Chris was the first to halt, ‘* We must give it up,” he said, grimly, ‘Phe best thing we can do 1s go back and hang that rascal, Boone,” ‘Ham fat thet sizzled ther sassage o’ olé Noah!" burst from Old Blossom’s lips, ‘‘ Now you are sboutin’! We'll hang ther varmint ef we kin find him; but ef we want ter find him, we'd best git back thar mighty soon, ’Member he is Slippery Shane,” They rode back to the hotel as swiftly as en vengeance in their hearts, They found he place in an uproar, but Pascal Boone was one, \ ‘*Dot veller took some sneaks,” explained Hans, ‘I kept mein vedder eyes on him, und he shoost schlid oudt apoud as soon as bossible after he got hit dot cracks mit Reupen’s vist. Yaw, dot vas so,” ‘* He has escaped us!” cried Chris, “ We are foiled! 1 fear Conrad Vincent is lying dead in aroom above, Follow me, and we will see how badly he is injured,” - Chris secured a light and led the way up the stairs; but when the room was reached where he left Vincent, the young map was not there! There was no trace of blood to be found, and the supposed wounded man had vanished, CHAPTER X, BARRED OUT, THREE weeks later, On a cliff overlooking a wild mountain pocke or basin that seemed walled in on every hand by barren bluffs, were the four trailers who bad registered a solemn vow to run the Red Fox down, They all looked tired and dust-laden, for the death-hunt had already led them beyond __ the Great Colorado into the mountain region,of —_ ae Northwest Arizona. They found themselves in a wild section, concerning which the world at large knew very little. ; He he mountain bad been hard to climb, andit was with great difficulty they had succeeded in getting their horses to the point overlooking the ket; but, when that point was reached, to their amazement, they found themselves one hy) - 1} t down on a small mining-town of twenty bui ings, That such a place existed they h dreamed, : ph!" oh Si The camp was built around a certain point | where the uneven bottom of the pock pretentious of all ean built a; sider. Tea ia tae never ir
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' gome carousal tune, i The others were also inclined to visit the thickest a number of sluices had been built, and there the four on the mountain saw a band of miners at work washing out gold after that primitive fashion. It was plainly a placer town. ** Vell, py dunder und blitzens!” gasped Hans Krummacher, in great amazement. ‘ Vill you look ad dot now! I pelieve dot vas some vil- lages, don’d id?” “Ham fat!” cried Old Blossom, ‘‘ Duz me ole eyes seo straight, or is thet some meerarge? Is this yere an actual so-so, or am it some ante- delusion?” ‘* Who ever heard of a mining-town in this ion?’ asked Cowboy Chris. ‘T hev,” answered Rube; .“ but I never took no stock in it,” ** An’ so hev I, come to think o’ it,” asserted Old Blossom. “I’ve heerd mighty quare tales *bout it, too; but I ‘lowed they wuz like most o’ ther yarns one hears ’bout sech things.” ‘It seems thar wus some truth in ’em,” ‘*Wa-al, I sh’ud serclaim!” **And the trail of the Red Fox has led us here,” came from the younger cowboy’s lips, ** What does that mean?” You tell.” “Can it mean we sball find him down there?” ** Mebbe so.” ‘* Well, whether we find him ‘there or not, he cannot be far away. We have run him near to his hole.” ‘*Thet’s right, Chris, lad,” nodded Rube. “ An’ ef he tries ter hide in his hoel, we'll dig bin: out an’ twist his tail, you bet!” “Tf we only knew what became of Conrad Vincent I should feel better.” ‘“Thet wuzer derned quare thing,” confessed the bow- legged cattleman. ‘“Ho disappeared ‘thout leavin’ a trace, Ef he wuz shot, why wuzn’t thar any blood whar be fell? I tells ye I hey puzzled my ole noddle over thet some!” ‘* Jiggerin’ jaggers!” broke in Old Blossom. *T don’t reckon it puzzled you more nor it has me. But w’at puzzled me ther most now is how ter git down inter this yere town, I don’t see no way ter git thar.” The four surveyed the place closely, and for some time thay were at a loss to understand how the pocket was entered. At length Chris’s keen eyes detected a narrow fissure in the wall, and “aii this fissure a trail seemed to lead into the wh. “T reckon that is where the place is entered,” be said, pointing it out totbem, ‘It can’t be much more than wide enough for a mounted man to ride through.” ' Another thorough inspection convinced them the young man had discovered the proper way of getting into the pocket, ‘*Thar’s whar we'll hey ter travel ef we go in,” said Rube. ‘Unless we descend the bluff somewhere by means of our ropes,” added Chris, ‘* Thet bain’t practicable,” “Vell, I guess nod!” was the Dutch lad’s em- phatic remark. ‘ V’at you took me vor, Reu- pen, some sailors? How you s’pose I vas goin’ to gid dis corborosity uf mine down some ropes? 1 don’d vas nefer pelong to some circusses dot I fememper uf!” “Waal, by gum! I thought ye wuz ther cham- ' pion eontortionist wen ye got thet coal down yer back!” laughed Old Blossom. ‘‘ You cut some 0’ ther most wonderful figgers I never gaw,” . “Und you laffed like some plamed vools! Voll l don’d vorgid dot, =: der chance to laff ad you in der same vay, I giess, é 7 You will only hey ter laff in a natural man- er. “Dot vas all right! Berbabs you gits der eee uf Hans all der dimes, und den ergain rhabs you don’d,” ** Listen!” commanded Chris, Up from the pocket where the miners were at work floated the sound of many voices in song— a Strange wild chorus that thrilled the listeners on the mountain-side, Although they could not understand the words, the air was like that of : ousé The ring of many manly voices fairly awoke the echoes of the bluffs and crags. “Say!” exclaimed Old Blossom, after they had listened a few minutes, ‘ That soun’s like a gang o’ sailors h’istin’ anchor, Somehow it guys me er derned quare feelin’, I reckon we've _ struck er sing’ler town an’ some sing’ler people.” “Et this is ther town I’ve heerd ther stories érbout,” said Rube, ‘you are right, Blos.” ‘** Well, I am for going down there,” answered Maype somedimes I | Cowboy Chris, the Vengeance Volunteer. strange camp, and they immediately discussed the best method of reaching the fissure which seemed to lead into the pocket, After a time, they decided on a course and started, Rube lead- ing the way. t was two hours later when they found them- selves approaching the pocket by way of the narrow gorge Chris Comstock’s keen eyes had discovered, As they had thought, it was neces- sary to ride in single file, and Old Rube was still at the head. ‘* We hev struck ther right trail,” nodded the bow-legged cowboy. ‘* Ther ground shows thet,” In truth, the ground beneath the feet of their horses showed it had been much traveled, a well- worn road leading along the gorge. Onward they went till they fancied they must be near the pocket, Suddenly a turn in the gorge brought them face to face with an unex- pected barrier. Across the gorge was a massive gate of wood! ** Waal, I'll erned!” cried Round-up Rube, drawing rein. “Ham fat thet sizzled ther sassage 0’ old Noah!” gasped Old Blossom, ** Dunder and blitzens!” gurgled Hans, ‘** We seem to be barred out,” observed Chris. “Waal, I sh’u’d say so, by gum! I’m jim- figgered ef this don’t knock me! Reckon this Neds er reg’ler toll-gate! Dou’t cal’late they nowed ther ’rigiual an’ only posy blossom 0’ ther peraries wur comin’ ter callon’em! Don’t ‘low they wuzs’pectin’ er visit frum ther sweetes’- scented mountain violet o’ ther wild lan’s! Wow! This is strange, stranger, strangest, an’ hit Mig begins with er capital 8.” ‘Wonder how we kin rouse ther people be- yend this yere gate?” said Rube. ** Let’s holler,” At a signal they all lifted their voices in uni- son and made the gorge ring with their shout. ‘*That ought to start them,” remarked Chris. But, although they waited a long time for some one to appear, it finally became plain their cry had not aroused any one beyond the gate. ‘*Dern it all!” growled the bow-legged cow- boy. ‘* W'at be we goin’ ter do?” ** Wouldn’t it be a good plan to try the gate?” suggested Chris. ‘*We do not even know for sure it is fastened.” ‘** Thet’ser fac?!” grunted Old Blossom. ‘* W’at derned fools we be! Ef it bain’t fastened, we'd oughter go shoot ourselves!” But when Rube dismounted and tried it, they saw it was indeed secure, ‘Hanged ef I don’t roust somebody!” de- clared the veteran cattlemanp, With that he jerked out his revolver and began firing in the air. The others followed his example, and a perfect fusilade of shots were discharged, ““They’ro all deef ef thet don’t bring ’em,” averred Old Blossom. Ten minutes passed. ‘Then [ reckon they’re all deef,” grumbled Rube. ‘I'd like ter know how we're goin’ ter start ’em!” : Suddenly Chris’s eyes caught sight of a rope that was dangling beside the wall at one side of the gate. **T reckon that is a bell-cord,” he decided. * Pull it, pard, and we will soon find out,” “Bf thar’s er bell hitched ter t’?other eend o’ this, ’1l yank ther tongue out!” cried Rube, as he gave a powerful surge on the rope. CHAPTER XI. ADDLE-PATE ABE, THE sound of a bell did not reach their ears, but almost immediately a square section in the heavy door flew open, and a hairy, hideous face appeared, The Death Hunt Pards were both amused and astonished, i “Ham fat an’ fried liver!” exclaimed Old Blossom. ‘'Ye hev ’rousted Cerberus, sure, Pard Rube!” A pair of fiery eyes gleamed from the repul- sive face, the lips behind the hairy mask moved, but only an unintelligible medley of sounds issued from them, ‘*Sbhimminy cracious!” cried Hans, ‘‘ V’at kindt uf languages vas dot he vas sayin’, I don’d under-der-stand? I pelief dot vas some mix- tures uf Ladin und: Kickapoo, don’d id?” ‘*Hello, Mister Ogre!” saluted Rube. ‘“‘ We want ter come in.” The creature beyund the gate lifted his hands = front of his face and made some strange signs, ; **T wonder w’at thet means?” queried the bow- legged cowboy. ‘ Can’t he talk?” “Tt doesn’t look like it,” answered Chris, “Say, you feller,” and Rube turned to the man beyond the gate: ‘‘ We want ter come inter the sanctum-sanctorum. ‘*In other words, ter s’press it more elegant- ly,” bowed Old Bicssom, ‘‘ we'd like ter shassay erlong, but this yere obstruction obstructs us.” The man at the opening did not speak, but made more signs. ‘‘You are wasting your breath on him,” de- clared Chris. ‘‘ He is deaf-and-dumb,” ‘Waal, I sw’ar!” growled Rube, ‘‘ That’s er purty guard ter hev fer sech er place!” ‘“« How be we goin’ ter make him understand?” inquired the tall nomad, “T will try it,” said the younger cowboy. “I used to know the deaf-and-dumb alphabet.” _ He dismounted and came forward, making some signs to the man, A few signals were exchanged, then the mute closed the opening in the gate ver ses ‘“Waal,” drawled Old Blossom, ‘how did ye make out?” **T could understand him quite well. He has gone for somebody that can talk.” ‘“‘[ hope they won’t keep us waitin’ hyer all day, fer I’m gittin’ hongry.” At least thirty minutes passed before the sec- tion in the gate was again opened, and then the muzzle of a rifle was thrust out, while an- other face appeared and a pair of keen eyes peered along the barrel. ** Hello, out thar!” ‘Hello, yerself!” retorted Rube, * Wat der you fellers want?” ‘* Ter come in.” “ Wal, I low want’ll be yer master,” “You won’t let us in?” ‘* Nixey.” - “'W'y not?” **-You don’t b’long byer.” ‘* But we've come er long distance, an’ we are | derned hongry an’ tired.” **T can’t holp that.” ‘You don’t really mean ter keep us out?” ** Don’t I?” ** You can’t!” ‘¢ Wal, thar’s whar ye fools yerself.” ‘* Why won’t ye let usin?’ . ‘“*T tole ye ’cause ye don’t b’long byer.” ‘*'Thet hain’t no good reason.” ** Wal, it goes.” ‘* Wat kinder derned place hey ye got thet ye don’t let people inter?” ‘*Thet bain’t any of your business,” “Wal, I redkon we know, fer we saw ther camp frum ther side o’ ther mountain. Keepin’ us out won’t keep us frum goin’ an’ tellin’.” The bow-legged cowboy saw an evil light leap into the eyes that gleamed along the barrel. “T s’pose ye means thet fer er threat,” said the man beyond the gate. ‘* Wal, I don’t keer fer thet. y advice ter you is ter slide out of this afore ye git salted fer keeps.” Rube suddenly lost his temper. _ ‘*Dud-burn yer ole town!” he ‘cried. ‘* We will git inter it yit! This yere’s er free kentry, an’ you'll find ye hev bucked erg?in’ ther wrong gang w’en ye struck us!” “Thar, thar! thet’ll do!” growled the man with the rifle. ‘* Git!” ‘* Will ye open ther gate?” “Git!” “'Thar’s more’n one way ter skin er cat an’—” Chel? ‘* We'll find er way ter—” “ Git ” : - S Go ter blazes! You’d make er good par- hire) ” - A double click told our friends the time had come to obey, for the man really intended to open fire if they did not, Rube reiuctantly mounted his horse, ; ‘¢ By-by, partner!” he called, waving his hand at the man beyond the gate. ‘‘See ye later!” For some distance the four rode onward with- out uttering a word. Chris was the first to b) . Pt As that was a failure, we sball have to find some other way of getting into the pocket,”” ‘* But, kin we find another way?” asked Rube, ‘‘ Ham fat thet sizzied ther sassage 0’ ole Noab, yes!” blurted Old Biossom, ‘* We'll find er way ef we hev ter go down by balloon—yes we will, pards.” 7 ‘“T’'d vas some cold day v’en dot banzy plos- soms gifes anydings ub,” observed Hans, The four avengers were baffled for the time, but they were not beaten, ter the guarded mining-camp, sic From the narrow gorge they once more turned to the upward slopes, again climbing the moun- — a eS aS a The opposition only made them all the more determined toen- _ tain. A ire Anes _ Siiddenly, as they were riding slowly slong,
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—_ ¥ TP asasay ese" Cowboy Chris, the Vengeance Volunteer. they were startled bya wild burst of laughter that seemed to come from above their heads, Looking upward, they beheld a strange figure standing on a point of rock twenty feet above, A man attired in rags and ead igi, Soha barreled rifle, on which he leaned, he rag- ged garments failed to conceal the fact that his body was terribly twisted and deformed and his arms seemed like crooked sticks, There was an old slouch hat on his head, and his face wasa strange spotted color, as if it had been blown full of powder, But his eyes were what caught the observer’s attention at first glance. They were red as coals and seemed to pierce one ‘through at a look, ‘* Ha, ha, ha!” laughed the strange individual, glaring down on the startied persons below, ** You found the barred gate! They wou'd not let youin! No,no,no! Ha, ha, ha! Icould have told ye—yes, I could!” ‘*Holy smoke!” gasped Round-up Rube, ** Who be you!” __“Whoam I? Ha, ha, ha! Why, you ought to know!’ ‘* Waal, |’m derned ef I do!” ‘Lhe strange man pressed one hana .o ais head as if trying to think, ‘*Who am [? whoam I?” he kept repeating, ** Sometimes I think I know who I am, and then Don’t you know? - —andthen— Am I the devil?’ ** Ach, himmel|” exclaimed Hans, dot vos apoud der sizes uf him!” ‘*No, no, no! [I am— I have forgotten, I know what they call me now, It is Abe—Addle- ** T guesses pate Abe, They say I am mad, but the fools jie! Mad! Ha,ha, ha! Why, I know more than the best of them! Does that seem like a madman?” As he received no reply, he slid down from the point of rock, clung to the wall like a leech and swung himself to the ground in front.of the four avengers, There he crouched in a posture which seemed to indicate he was about tospring, while bis red eyes roved swiftly from face to face, and his hideous countenance worked strangely. ‘* Derned ef you hain’t ernough ter skeer any- thing, pard!” exclaimed Round-up Rube, at- tempting to quiet his startled horse. At this the wild man once more broke out | laughiog. _ of his band—I was trusted! ““T am not handsome,” be confessed, ‘‘ No, no, no! Look at these arms—these legs! Look at this bunch on my back! Look how this hi is knocked in and this one is knocked out! Look at my face!” He did not need tell them to look. He was so horrible in appearance that he seemed to exert a fascination on them and they could not avoid looking, **T was not always this way,” he went on. “I can’t seem to remember, but 1 know I was once straight and handsome like any man. Some- thing sade me thus! something made me Addle- pate Abe! What wasit?” — “ You lonk like ye hed bin blowed up in er powder-mill s’plosion, pard.” ‘Ha! Blownup! That wasit! I was blown up! And he—curse him!—that devil did it!” Who?” ‘The Red Fow !” CHAPTER XII. THA TRAILERS OBTAIN SOME INFORMATION, THE madman’s final words filled those who heard them with amazement. So, here was another enemy of the Red Fox—a man who bad been disfigured for life by the demon outlaw| “The Red Fox?” came eagerly from Chris Comstock’s lips, ‘* What do you know of bim?” ‘““Know! Ha! I. know enough! I was one Iremember it now, but it goes from me at times. There will be times when I cannot recall the past. Now it comes to me,” , 8 | f you are one of his band, you can describe him?” ‘ST can--ob, yes, I can! And that is why I look like\this! His face—he kept it hidden. ' Even his trusted men saw it not. | He wore a mask. I was curious—I wanted to see the face behind that mask,. There was a chamber where none of the mev were admitted—Red Fox’s pri- vate room. There he slept. I went there when he slumbered, and I looked on bis face, He awoke and saw me! Ab! curse him! he saw me!” _. The crazy creature smote his head with his ‘hand, and his powder-blistered face worked con- vulsively, Rage, terror, and hatred were ex- rere rt Sa locks, ‘To a dismal cavern I was dragged, Ther? they ooked on bis face, so I was doomed! He swore I should be blown into fragments! fastened me down and left me by a keg of pow- der, into which was thrust a lighted fuse! Ha, ha, ha! Oh, the fiends! I have not forgotten— no, no, no! Oh, the horror of it! How I suf- fered! how I screamed! how I prayed!” st An’ you wuz blowed up?” breathlessly asked ube, ‘¢T suppose so,. I know nothing about it. M senses had left me when it came. Next that knew I was in the wigwam of an old Indian doctor. He had found me and brought me back to life. Look at me! This is what I became be- vause I dared look on the face of a human being! Is it strange Tam sometimes confused and can- not remember? I am not mad—I am never mad! No, no,no! All my trouble is that I can- not remeniber. I would have killed bim long ago if I could have remembered; but just when Iam ready to strike I forget—I forget.” ‘Tf you ‘have seen the face of the.Red Fox, you ought to know what he looks like.” ‘tI do. He isa half-breed Undian. His jaws are square, his cheek-bones high, his eyes black as midnight. His nose has been broken, and a livid scar ruvs from his left temple to the corner of bis mouth. I am not handsome—ob, no!— but about bis face there is something that mates him moré¢ repulsive than I,” ‘Cott in himmel!” muttered Hans, ‘I don’d pelief dot vas bossible!” The manner of the disfigured creature was a little strange just then, but he did not seem like the madman his first talk had led them to be- lieve, “You are hunting for the Red Fox?” he ques- tioned, and seeing an acknowledgment in Rube’s eyes, he went on: ‘* You have a difficult task to find him, eis sly and crafty, like the animal from which‘be is named, Did you hope to find him in Lost Placer?” ‘“‘ Lost Placer?” ‘* Yes, the town down in the pocket.” ‘* Waal, we hev trailed him to these yere parts.” ‘« Then it may be he has returned.” “* Returned?” ‘‘He has a den in these parts somewhere, though I have been unable to findit. On bis raids he goes away for many weeks or months,” ‘* Well, what kind of a place is Lost Placer?” inquired Chris, ** You have seen it, for I saw you looking upon it from the mountain-side, ‘There I am not harmed, for they fear me, I enter and leave the place, and they know not how I doit, Ihavea way—a secret way.” ‘“ Ham fat!” exclaimed Old Blossom, ‘‘ Then you’re ther very man we’re lookin’ fer,” ‘That is true,” bowed Chris, ‘We wish to enter the town in some way.” ‘* You would be in danger there,” “That does not count,” ‘You would be watched and killed, or forced to the Brandons or the Strangers.” ‘*' The Brandons or the Strangers?” ‘“Yos, Isee you do not understand, Listen, Two men, Basil Brandon and Norman Strange, claim to be the original discoverers of the placer where the town stands, and both deny the other’s right, Both men have their followers, and at first there were some desperate battles between them; but they soon saw their folly and settled down by dividing the territory, each takiug a certain portion of the pocket for bimself and bis men, It has since developed that Strange was the most fortunate in the division, and Bran- don’s men are. dissatisfied. There is certain to Ls more trouble between the two clans sooner or ater, “And are both parties opposed to admitting strangers to the:pocket?\ ‘** Ves; they are united on that point,” ** Well, we have decided to go in there at any cost. Will you aid us!” Addle-pate Abe, as the disfigured had desig- nated himself, leaned on his long rifle and bowed his’ head on his hand, as if in thought. Several moments of silence followed, then he spoke: SS 1 ** Yes, I believe I will aid you; but in return I ask you to assist me in getting revenge on the Red Fox, There is a strange jumble in my head. Sometimes it seems as if I had already killed the Red Fox, but I fear I am mistaken.” ‘You are; the fiend still lives to do his evil work.” 5 ‘* Then bis life is mine! Ha, ha, ha! His life is mine! Look at me, Do [I not have first claim on him? I will kill the one who dares rob me of my revenge! By this hand the Red Fox must die,” . - Above his bead he held his powder-marked right hand, and once more bis face was work- ing with the fury thet made him a maeman, : cmgettte YUE i. " ul SAS ae te UNDA % t oe Rr ya ot ay te et le es ee P ee, eee edd ots ax ¥ Reale AyD) CHAPTER XIII. THE MADMAN’S HOME, Cowsoy CHRIS dismounted and arreeoe the side of the deranged, speaking in a calm and soothing manner, There was a strange charm about the younger cowboy’s words and presence, for Addle-pate Abe instantly became quieter and soon seemed like anything but a crazy person, ** Now,” said Chris, ‘‘ we are ready to follow Show us where we can conceal our “Yes, yes; come with me, I know where they will not be tvund, and they can feed and drink.” Atop ther place we're lookin’ fer,” nodded u . Abe led the way, and they followed, For more than an bour he led them onward and upward, Finally, by means of a narrow pass, they entered a small circular valley high up among the mountains, ‘‘There,” said the deranged, ‘here is feed and water for your horses, for there is a spring over in the shade of those pines, You can turn them loose, and we will prevent them from escaping by placing some timbers across the pass by which we have just entered.” “Ts there no other way by which they can get out?” asked Chris. ‘* There is none.” Being thus assured, our friends quickly un- saddled their horses and removed the light bur- den from the pack-animal, Abe showed them where they could conceal their accouterments in a cleft beneath an overhanging rock, covering all with dead branches, so only the skillful eyes of an Indian would detect their hiding-place. When this was done they followed the de- ranged from the valley, and two fallen trees were placed across the narrow pass in such a manner that it would be impossible for the horses to leave without buman aid. ‘* There is a long tramp before you,” asserted Abe. ‘*The sun will be dowh before we reach tae cave,” ** Vell, py dunder, dot. vas von hard von on me!” exclaimed Hans, ‘‘ Bud I pets you your life I hellup oudt der cravings uf mein inner mans mit der shabe uf dis,” And then they saw he had secured some dried meat from the pack and was eating it as fast as possible. The Dutch lad was given a bard pull before the entrance to Abe’s cavern home was reached, The shadows of early evening were gathering when they halted before a perpendicular bluff that loomed above their beads. At the base of the bluff was a mass of scrubby bushes, ‘* Tf we were up there,” said Addle-pate Abe, motioning toward the top of the bluff, ‘we might look down on Lost Placer.” c This was the first intimation they had re- ceived that they were so near the strange camp , of the inaccessible pocket, Abe stooped and parted the bushes, saying: ** Follow me,” On his hands and knees he crept in and dis- appeared, pushing his long rifle in front of him, Chris followed, then Rube and Old Blossom, Hans bringing up the rear, They soon found ~ themselves in a narrow hole that led slowly downward into the earth, and for some time they were obliged to proceed on their hands and knees, For Hans this w times the Dutch lad could scarcely, squeeze his body through. After a while the passage grew larger, and finally they were able to stand erect, Then, at a word from Abe, they halted. eos * Keep still and I will strike a light,” spoke the deranged, bis voice sounding hollow an unearthly in the underground passage, | In a short time’ he had done go, lighting a torch which showed them their surroundings. — The passage wasstillsmall, but the light reveal- ed the fact that it grew larger further on. Abe advanced once more, and the others followed, apartment of the strange man of the mountains, There were skins on the floor and walls,anda In one corner was a pile of wood, and there was a sort of broad stone served asa table, natural fire-place near by, Abe explained that the smoke passed away by a natural chimney to _ reach the open air at some unknown point, The bermit produced food, and the entire party ate, seated on the skins which covered the rocky floor. “From this cave I can descend directly into the pocket where stands Lost Placer Camp,” as-— serted the deformed. = —_ [ree a difficult, and at In a short time they:came into a = chamber that was plainly the living or sleeping _ rs alg & =" a sae ©
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— < gh a 10 Cowboy Chris, the Vengeance Volunteer. ‘We wish to enter that place as soon as pos- sible,” declared Chris. “You shall do so to-night, The darkness will cover our movements,” When their hunger and thirst had been satis- fied, Addle-pate Abe arose and announced him- self ready to show them how the town was reached, ‘‘ Leave your rifles here,” he advised. ‘* You will not need them.” Lighting another torch, he led the way from the chamber, and they soon found themselves slowly descending some rude steps which had apparently been fashioned by the hand of man, * This is my work,” explained the cave-dweller, “Tt took metwo years to finish them and the: door you shall see,” Down, down they went, the passage winding, | here and there, Finally, their guide announced the bottom was reached, and directly they found themselves confronted by a wall of stone which ‘appeared to bar further progress, -“*We have reached the door,” asserted Abe; but they looked in vain foradoor, ‘' You can- nct see it? Well, it is not apparent from the outer side, I was obliged to spend many long days of work upon it, but it serves my purpose fully. I shall not be able to show you how it - works, for I must extinguish my torch before it is papeert The light would betray us.” * He put out the torch, and ina few moments they beard a slight grating sound. This was followed by a breath of col air, and then the strange man of the mountains whispered: ‘Come this way.” They advanced to his side and found them- selves looking out through a Jarge square open- Below them twinkled the lights of the Lost Placer, ** There is the town you wish to enter,” hissed Addle-pate Abe, ‘The Red Fox may be down there! Who knows? Ha, ha, ha! If he is—if he is—I have waited long—long! My boor shall come, then woe, woe, woe to the fiend who made me the monster I am!” In a moment be bad grown excited; his calm- ness had vanished as the fierce longing for re- —— sent the hot blood throbbing through his veins. CHAPTER XIV, TROUBLE BREWING IN LOST PLACER. THE madman’s companions feared he might betray them in his excitement, and Chris has- tened to soothe bim witb low-spoken words, In the,darkness Addle-pate Abe passed a hand over } his forehead, as if brushing away unpleasant ry gon “T am all right,” be assured. “It was only fora moment, Do not fear; I know enough not to attract the attention of the men of Lost Placer.” ‘How are we to get down there?” asked ris, ‘“*T have a way,” and Abe felt around in the darkness till his hands touched what he sought. “Hers is a rope-ladder | constructed for that. purpose.” In a few moments the ladder was attached and ready to be core. **Now,” spoke the bow-legged cattleman, “we mus’ hev some plans afore we drap down ar. “ ae fat an’ sizzled sassage, yes!” agreed ld m, ! ae ‘“‘ Dunder und blitzens!” gurgled Hans, ‘‘ You vellers don’d mean to say you vas goin’ to tum- ble all dot distance, ain’t id?’ ee Wesre going down by the rope,” explained Chris, “Vell, I pets me your shirt Hans Krummacher don’d do nottings like dot. Id vas goin’ to took some mighty strong ropes to holt this poys. I pelief I hat petter nod dry to pe some sailors,” This pleased Chris, who had feared for the good judgment and caution of the Dutch lad, _ and he quickly said: “Three whistles like this will be Chris * All right, Hans; you may stay here. You ean render us valuable assistance, for you can pull up the rope-ladder so it will stand no chance of being diseovered by those below. Then, when we want to come up, you can lower ' it for us,” “Yaw, I pelief I vas aple todo dot.” | The others saw the wisdom of leaving the “¥ _ Dutch lad bebind, for he would be of very little _ yalua as a fighter, if it became necessary to gave a low signal. enough,” and rs " Sa * fro a Se + nt et aR ‘erooked, This was agreed upon, and then Abe lowered the ladder. He went down first, and the others followed one by one until al! had reached the bottom of the pocket. Then the signal was given for Hans to draw up the ladder. ‘* Follow me,” whispered the cave-dweller. They did so, and he led them to a mass of bowlders, where they all crouched in the dark- ness. Just as they reached this cover, a burst of-song came from the distant cabin against the face of thé bluff, ; **Holy smoke!” muttered Round-up Rube. ‘Them fellers seem ter be makin’ merry!” Addle-pate Abe listened curiously, **{ don’t just understand that,” he declared. ‘*Never before have I heard them sing at that place. They are usually rather quiet,” ‘*What kind of a place is it?’ asked the younger cowboy. ‘““The Keadquarters of the Brandons. I have always held a suspicion it was built against that wall for a purpose—possibly to conceal the mouth of a cave, or something of that kind.” ‘* Well, those fellows certainly seem in a merry mood,” ‘* Appearances are often deceptive. There is a sound about that singing I do not like, Those men are not drunk, and, uxless they were in- toxicated, they would not be howling like that for nothing.” ‘Then you think—just what?” Ninh rE confess I don’t know what to think, It arn Sh!” Old Blossom gave a warning hiss. ‘“'Pwo critters comin’ this yere way!” whis- pered Rube, his eyes peering through the dark- ness toward the point where the long-legged nomad’s attention seemed attracted. ‘‘ Lay mighty low, ev’ry man!” hey all crept into the deeper darkness at the base of the rocks, and there they lay, clutchin ee weapons, waiting for whatever might fol- ow. Two men were truly approaching the rocks, and, of course, they were two of the regular dwellers in Lost Placer Camp, They were con- _versing in low tones, “ We'll hev ter jump ’em ef they see us!” hissed Rube; ‘tan’ thar kan’t be no squarmish- ness bout it. Ev’ry man reddy fer biz!” But, by rare as fortune the two passed without seeing the crouching figures by the rocks, However, they halted a short distance ‘further on, and there they stood, conversing in a guarded manner, Rube uttered a smothered curse, but held him- self in check, for he bad noticed something strange aboutshe two men as they passed, Their faces were concealed by masks! In the darkness Addle-pate Abe’s eyes glowed like coals of fire. As the four venturesome men could not leave the vicinity without being die overe« they re- mained quiet and listened to the talk of the two. It was vot long before they found themselves intensely interested. ‘ ‘* Ther time hes come,” said one of the men, ‘ Yes,” agreed the otber, ‘‘ ther cap’n’s goin’ ter strike ter-night.” \ Thar'll be hot times ’round hyer afore morn- “Now ib shoutin’!” ody’s goin’ ter git killed.” “ Shore.” ‘It’s apt ter be you ur I, Hi,” “*T know thet.” ‘* Wat be we gittin’ fer settin’ our lives uv in this yar way?” ‘* Mighty little.” eet you be! Ther cap’n jest uses us as his tools,’ * But we're io fer it now.” ; **1t looks thet way.” — “Wat fer duz ther cap’n want us ter all wear masks ter-night, kin you tell?” ‘*Nop; not unless be has some cranky nosun *bout not lettin’ ther Strangers see our faces.” ‘* Waal, ther Strangers know ther hull of us, so w’at’s ther good of maskin’?” “ You tell.” 7 **T won't.” “Ner I,” i For a moment the two were silent, and Rube improved the time to whisper in Chris Com- stock’s ear: : ‘Goin? ter be er rucshun, lad! Ther critters are goin’ ter fightin’ ’mongst themse! ves!” Chris did not whisper any word in return, but he lene the old cattleman’s hend a pressure that told Rube be was heard and understood, The two men in masks begsn talking again. “Ther cap’n thinks ole Strange s’pects su’thin’ an’ he says Strange will jump bim ef i te wi , af? } rete ; : ane be don’t make ther fu’st jump. Thet’s w’y he’s goin’ ter git in his work ter-night, I s’pose.” ‘*T reckon so,” * Wat d’yer think of ther new man?’ ‘Tron Ben?” “* Yep.” ““T dunno, He seems ther right sort.” ‘* Wal, ye know he hes er mighty hefty reppy- tashun as er fu’st-class hoss-lifter?” ‘* T’ve heerd so,” ‘* An’ he kem well recommended,” . Spot-eye Smith’s word is safe ter *pend on.” ‘* Wal, he'll be one more fool ter git killed fer ther cap’n.” It was plain the two were in no very agree- able frame of mind toward their chief. ham fat thet scorched ther gullet o’ ole Noah!” he gasped. ‘‘I reckon ther bull blamed congregatherin’ ’s goin’ ter collect byer- abouts!” Not one of the four dared change _ his posi- tion, so they all lay still and trusted to good fortune and the darkness to keep them from detection. It proved [two more men were ate. i and they passed so close the bow-legged cow- boy could almost have put out his right hand and touched the legs of the one nearest. He turned his head sufficiently to look up at them, and he saw they both wore masks. But, what caused a thrill to run over his body, was the fact that from the hat of one rose a white Rares ot feather that could be dimly seen bobbing in the darkness. The man was White Plume, lieutenant of the Red Fox’s band! ‘ag two were talking, and the lieutenant said: ‘* You are the very man we need, Iron Ben, We want somebody with the men as one of them who does not care for man or devil.” The other asserted, in a hoarse, growling tone: ‘*Thet’s me, pard, bet yer boots! seen ther livin’ varmint yit as 1 wuz skeerd of, an’, ef Ido say it as eh’u’dn’t, ’m er mighty tough man ter git erway with, I hev scrap- ped it with ther best of ’em, an’ they bev allus went under. Ther Sheriff of Tombstun con- fesses 1 am ther wu’st human critter he ever *tempted ter ’rest, An’ ’sides bein’ er b-a-a-d mam ter tackle, I’m er powerful hard borse ter hold. Slippery Shane’s called mighty oily, but I will acknowledge I’m a more deeficult galoot ter keep yer pawson, Ther Marsbal of Gila Bar swore I wuz puthin’ but er derned braggin” skunk thet didn’t ’mount ter nuthin’ nohow, an” _ went down ter see him w’en I heerd of it. ’en I wuz done with bim, they hed ter gather him up on er havkerfist, an’ thar « uzn’t ernough ter kiver a common female’s nose-wipe, Then thar’s— Hell»!” White Plume and his companion of the boast- ful inclination came upon the two fellows who first halted by the rocks, and they likewise aused, A conversation between the four fol- owed, and the greater part of it was overhear | by four more men who were concerle! In the deeper darkness at the base of the rocks, In this manner our friends became acquai.ted with the plans of the Brandons, The attack on the Strangers was tote mace near the hour of midnight, and the signal was to be six pistol-shots fired in rapid succession, The . Brardons hoped to overcome their foes | efure the Jatter gained an inkling of tie plot against them, Their reasons for wearing masks seemed to he that they wisbed to keep their faces concealed from the Strangers. Incase they failed te come off victors, Basil Brandon was going to dewy having any band in the plot and swear be knew not who among his men were concerned i it. Of course this would Le a shallow } retense, but by pure cheek be might | Juff it through, However: the Brandons did not mean to fai}. Their plans were carefully laid and success seemed assured, It was resolved that Normem Strange and certain of his wen must die, but others of the Strangers whe, when victory for the Brandons was assure}, should swear loyalty to their new master should be spared. - : The nfs ome point of attack was to he the Neutral Ground Saloon, where each night the two factions met as friends, The Brandons were to keep up such an excitement at tie saloon — that near en oy the greater part of the Strangers would be attracted there, Then tho signal would be given ond the m»sked men would descend on the unsuspecting Strangers, Fe have charge of the Brandons Lae Tron Ben was to I’ve never" ‘<
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in the saloon, although they were to appear doubtful-as to his square intentions and were to asseverate he had gained admittance to the pocket in some manner unknown to them. It seemed, in truth, he had not entered by the regu- lar way, but by a way known only to the Bran- -dons, . As Chris listened to these plans he was filled with satisfaction, for he saw in the coming struggle a. chance for himself and companiouvs to carry out their intentions and get their hands on the Red Fox, How? Within his mind the young cowboy had ar- rived at a decision. Basil Brandon was none other than the Red Fox himself! This was set- tled beyond a doubt as far as he was concerned, This being true, it would not be a difficult thing ‘to warn Norman Strange of his impending peril and have the tables turned on Brandon and his men. These thoughts passed swiftly through the young cattleman’s head, but he had no oppor- tunity to communicate them to his companions just then. However, there was time enough, and he did not grow impatient. For twenty minutes or more the four plotters remained within hearing of the Death Hunt Pards, and during that time lron Ben did a large amount of boasting. More than once Round-up Rube found it difficult to repress a snort of dis- ust as the horse-thief bragged of his lawless tae It was strange that White Plume was { not Sepa with the fellow, but Iron PRen’s reputation seemed enough to make him popular among his new-found comrades. At length White Plume and Iron Ben depart- ed, and the two Brandons who first came to the rocks were left there. They waited until the lieutenant and the horse-thief were beyond hear- ing. then both broke into scornful laughs, One “Pye heerd tell Iron Ben wuz inclined ter boast, but derned ef he don’t take ther cake!” Vip? right, pard,” agreed the other. . ‘‘ He jest erbout .makes me sick.” ‘* But they say he’s er powerful fighter.” ‘* Wal, be oughter be! ‘*Ther cap’n needs a ee ter-night ef he’s goin’ ter git erway with Norman Strange.” oa You bet!” z 7 Mi on caren **T don’t fancy this yer’ business,” **No more do I.” , ‘* Wat be we goin’ ter do 'bout it?” “ Vou say.” _ There were a few moments of silence, then the two went on again, ‘Thar is er way ter git out, pard.” “Ee {t know one, you’re erhead of me.” ** Wal, I do.” “ How?” : ‘* Take French leave, “‘T never took ye fer no dern fool, Hi!” “ Thankee, Ike, thankee.” ; ‘But I dunno but ye be.” as W’at? ’ “Thet’s w’at I said.” ** Wat d’yer mean?” : a! ‘Jest thet, You tork "bout takin’ French % leave, but you oughter know it can’t be did,” j ‘*T hain’t so dern sure of thet.” ‘‘ If so, how so?” \ “ Thar oughter be some s’cuce thet’d let us out,” “Thar mought be at some other time, but ther cap’n’d smell] er mice in er minute jest now, To ' be course you mean ter go out by ther passage aie ther fall? You can’t think of passin Deof aD: “Tt w’y’dn’t make er dern bit er difference ter me how we got out, so long as we done if.” ty ‘* But arter we wuz out—w’at?” ss Thet’s ther wo’st of it. ‘We'd be er blamed ae long distance frum nowhar, an’ we w’u’dn’t hev _. any bosses ter take us thar.” _ _ Once more the men became silent, as if ina dejected mood. Plainly they were cowards as __well as rascals, and they did not relish the idea of risking their lives in the conflict that was im- ives. y \ pending. (een Pda Chris Comstock crept close to Round-up Rube and placed his lips at the uld cattleman’s ear, _ <whispering: on these two toughs, They re ee _.. * We must capture an tell us much that is of importance, and their clothes and masks will be of service to haps, What say you?” © Rube answered; _ ‘** Right, la We must jump ’em. od tell ; Ole Posy oo Tl speak ter Abel” _ This was done. Then, at a signal from Rube, Wee | us, per- | an creeping toward the two unsus- Cowboy Chris, the Vengeance Volunteer. pecting men, Little dreaming of what was to follow, the two men began talking once more, ‘“‘Tt’s er dern little ther cap’n keers fer us so long as he feathers his own nest,” ““Thet’s right. He keeps us hyer workin’ like dogs, w’ile he an’ some of his picked pards go off on their raids, Neither you urI hev ever bin selected fer any of them expeditions, ‘“* Wal, Ike, ef we git through ter-night, I'm fer gittin’ out jest as soon as we kin.” ** You know ther cap’n hes er bad reppy tasion an’ we am sworn ter stan’ by him,” ‘“*T knows thet, but we'll putt er powerful long distance atween him an’us, He'll hev suthin ter do ’sides ketchin’ us, an’ we'll be fur erway *fore he gits started,” ‘*T wish ther road wuz open now.” **So do I,” “ Say.” “ Wal?” ‘*Thar’s Norman Strange.” ‘Wat of him?” ** How much d’yer s’pose he’d give ter know of ther plans erg’in’ him?” ‘Sh! Dern it, man, ye’re crazy ter think of thet! Ef wedesarted, we might git so fur erway ther cap’n’d never lay han’s on us; but ef we turned traitors, he’d bev our lives ur bu’st.” A moment of silence followed this statement, and Cowboy Chris prepared to show himself, He waited till one of the men turned fairly from him, then he arose, and the others followed his example, ; ‘*Thar’s no gittin’ out of it now, Hi,” dejected- ly asserted the fellow addressed as Ike, ‘‘ We're in fer it—” Chris leaped forward and placed a cocked re- volver at the man’s ear, hissing: ‘Silence! You are in for it! acry, you are both dead men!” CHAPTER XV, DARING PLANS. . At the same instant Round-up Rube had thrust a cocked revolver under the nose of the other man, and he added; “Straight goods, pards; but ef ye keeps still, ye won’t be hurted a tall.” At first the two men had been so startled they did not utter a sound, and when they recovered, they saw they were outnumbered twotoone, Then fear kept their tongues quiet, * Everything will be all right if you do not raise @ row,” assured Cowboy Chris, ‘ We do not intend to harm you, but we mean to give you the very chance you are looking for—to get clear of Basil Brandon,” ‘*Ham fat an sizzled sassage!” chuckled Old If either 1aakes Blossom, surveying the outlaw under whose nose Rube had thrust his revolver, ‘ This fel- ler is *bout my size. Great jizzilin’ bug-juice! but hain’t thet er quare sight!” and the old fellow had hard work to keep from shouting with merriment as he gazed at Rube and bis captive Addle-pate Abe did not utter a word. 4 ‘**We overheard all that between you two,” asserted Chris; ‘‘and we have decided to give you an opportunity to getclear of your present master.” ‘“Who be you?” asked one of the men, “Shore ye bain’t none of the Strangers!” ‘Right you be, pard,” nodded Rube, “ We're runnin’ on our own hooks,” ““ How did you git in hyer?” ‘Now don’t go fer ter be axin’ too menny questions, ‘You'll find thet out soon ernough,” fe **We are here for business,” asserted Chris; and we are not men o fool with, A human life amounts to, nothing if it stands in the wa of our success, so beware what ,you do, If you submit quietly, you shall not be harmed, and we will get you out of Brandon’s clutches,” . How Ye goin’ ter do thet?” inne adore ‘ag? cautioned not to ask too ons, ou trust t [9 i be if right.” y st to as, you will “* Wat ye want us ter do?” ‘Follow our directions, and remember you are in constant danger of death if you eo anything to give your former comrades a warn- ‘* An’ you'll git us out of byer?” “Yes, You will not have to take a hand in the struggle that is sure to occur to-night. To-morrow you may be far from this place,’ * Be you officers?’ “ No, ” t 4 » / ‘ants? | “ You will be free men to-morrow,” _ “Then we're reddy ter go with ye, Eh, Hi?” f i) WP * Av’ ye won't turn us over ter ther Viggy- Neg er Vigey en We kein doit, boy.” 11 “*T reckon, Ike,” No time was lost by our friends. When the fellows had expressed their willingness to go. along peaceably, they were at once escorted toward the point where the cave could be reached by the rope ladder. Three soft whistles in quick succession brougbt the ladder tumbling down the rocks, which showed Hans was wide awake and on the lookout, You go up first, Rube,” said Chris, ‘and be ready to receive these men when they arrive.” Rube quickly mounted the ladder, ‘*Now,” and the younger cowboy turned to ' one of the masked men, ** you are tofollow, Re- member you are between two fires and will be riddled with bullets if you raise an outcry, ee little judgment and you will be alk | right. he fellow hesitated a moment, but on being: again assured he shoul’ be a free man with the coming of another day, be slowly ascended the ladder and disappeared through the opening- that led into the cave. Old Blossom followed, and then nearly five minutes passed before the signal was given for the next man to come up, After the second Brandon bad disappeared, Chris also mounted the ladder, leaving Addle-pate Abe at the bot- tom. Once within the cave, they found a way to close the craftily devised door, Then a torch was lighted, Already bad the mask and coat been removed from the first of the Brandons to mount the lad~ der, and the fellow’s hands :nd feet were secured. The other was instructed to also remove his coat and mask, a thing which he reluctantly did, Then he was also bound securely, . ° ‘ This is simply a precaution that is necessary” for our own safety,” explained Chris. “‘When — our plans have been carried out, you shall be released,” Rie ‘**Mein cootness!” exclaimed Hans, ‘‘ You © don’d vas goin’ to capture all does beobles dowm there, I pelief?” _“ Not quite that.” ' Then Chris, Rube and Old Blossom sat down on the ground and discussed various plans, Finally, the younger cowboy said: Ret ‘‘We have not questioned these fellows, It | is possible they can tell us much that willbe to | our advantage.” He turned toward the two captives, Bee ‘See here; whatever you tell us about Basil Brandon and his men will be to your advantage, providing you tell the trutb.” F ‘*Wat yer wan’ ter know?” demanded the shorter of the two, Tens: BR 4a is Basil Brandon, Red Fox, the out- = aw ) % ‘* Wal, thar ye hey got us, pard,. Yesee,we wuzn’t never trusted like some of ther men, but. we hev ’lowed he wuz ther Red Fox, Anyhow, “Le W’ite Plume is trusted by ther cap’n,an’he ig ther Red Fox's leftenant.” nee ‘* Brandon has been away of late?” VK: ay p.” ** Just returned?” sc Ye Ta) } $s Did he bring a captive with him!” uF - “T dunno "bout thet. Hi an’ I wuz never go through ther caye,” cat “The cave?” ac Ye ‘* Where is that?” ay ‘* Back of ther Cliff Cabin,” “Then that building against the bluff con the mouth of a cave?” ** Shore.” hi pee 4 és thought as much, To what use is the cave ul Pee Nhs: “Thar’s er way ter git in an’ out by goin baie coat : $ y t ie ‘ “Tt leads down inter ther canyon throug’ which ther crick runs, Down thar iser pu LY die’ler fall of water, an’ thar hain’t no way ter git up ur down ther canyon past thet fall.” ‘* Then of what use is the cave?” baeeite ** Wal, ye see it opens under ther fall,an’wem | ye comes out through ther watter ye are below — Hk ber imipamable point, Then all ye hey ter do is: wade down ther crick tell ye comes ter ther” Devil’s Corkscrew, By thet ye kin leav Bik canyon.” RPS LOPS EL Mm sr: ‘And the Strangers know uuthin’ 0? this?’ asked Rabe. : Br Rea ca GS “I ary vg. Pa be es ty 4 The two cow boys exchanged glances, and Rul said; AP AN ate f “Chris, lad, I lows we bev run ther Red | ter his hoel!” . * Telooks that way,” agreed Chris, “ And n¢ i comes the job of rounding him up, nh gle ti et, eae y sf Shree
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fly, his eyes wide o se eee eee 42 , Cowboy Chris, the Vengeance Volunteer. Chris continued to question the two captives till he could obtain no further information of amportance from them. “* Now,” said be, turning to Old Blossom and Rube, ‘ here are disguises for you two,” and he held up the masks and coats worn by the two Brandons. ‘ One of these fellows is tall and the other short, so you will be well fitted. The tall ~one is Hi, and the short one Ike. Thus disguised, _you may escape detection and be able to learn anore of the Brandons’ plans,” ** And you?” asked Rube, “T will have to go it as I am,” So Rube and Old Blossom donned the coats, ged nomad “T feels like I wuz somebody else, ‘* And you look as if you were,” assured the younger cowboy. “Ther wu’st thing erbout me,” observed Rube, “‘is ther crooks in my legs, Them w’u’d be er dead guv-erway.” “They will not be noticed in the darkness,” ** Waal, Pl bev ter take mer chances.” ‘* And now, Hans,” said Chris, turning to the Dutch lad, ‘‘ I want ycu to guard these fellows closely. If they try to get away, shoot them! Do you understand?’ ** You pets my poots!” “Then everything is ready to return to the ‘pocket. Keep your ears open for the signal, Hans, for we may have to get into this cave -in a hurry, in order to save our necks,” **Dot vasallrighd. Hans Krummacher knows kis peesness, und don’d you vorgidhim! He vas going to keeb his ears vide oben tight, und all der dimes he vas vatchin’ dose beoples v’at he haf in sharge, If they so much as vinks cross- -esvays, he vill shood uf them der packins oudt, Yaw, dot vas so,” Then the torch was extinguished, and the ‘three daring men descended the swaying rope- Jadder. ‘When the bottom was reached they made a aliscovery. Addle-pate Abe was not there! ed CHAPTER XVI. HANS IN TROUBLE, In vain they looked for the deranged man; ‘he had vanished and was not to be found, ** Howlin’ blizzards!” muttered Old Blossom, ** Mister Craziness has tooken er skip.” “* Shore as shootin’,” agreed Rube, * Where can be have gone?” asked Chris, ‘* Ax us suthin’ easier.” ‘ ** Wat be we goin’ ter do ’bout it?” “1 don’t know as we need to worry. He ‘has been here before, and you know he said “they never harmed him.” ** Bt he don’t guv us erway—” **T do not think he will,” ** Waal, then, we'll let him go, “we do next?” ‘*Tam going into the camp,” declared Chris. “* As for you fellows, you had better hang around the Brandon beadquarters and see if you can find out anything more about their ‘plans, ' A few moments later they parted, Chris turn- ing toward the strange camp of the barred » ‘pocket, The younger cowboy moved forward cautious- n and bss ears ready to watch every sound,. He knew what it might cost hhim sbould be fall into the hands of any of the amen of Lost Placer, Chris had determined to warn Norman _ Strange in some manner, but just how he was going to do it puzzled him, He did not know Strange by sight, and he feared it would be no easy task to find the man, ‘' It shall be done some way,” he gritted. Through the darkness he crept till the first But, w’at shell -cabin was reached, There he halted, crouching, close to the wall. From within the cabin came _ «low murmur of voices, but no light glimmered. _ at the window. For some reason the muttering voices aroused ‘the cowboy’s curiosity, and he searched about _ till be found a chink in the wall, To that open- ‘ing he placed his ear, and, crouching on his ‘knees, he listened, ' * We're goin’ ter work it tor-night,” were the first words he heard. ‘ It’s too derned bad you are laid up so ye can’t take er han’, Jack?” __ * Now ye'’re shoutin’!” growled another voice, “Blast this fut! Ef I hedn’t drapped thet rock -onit, P'd bin with ye.” | A. : > a gee ¥ uk tha st aa e | re € beside the wall of another. eee reed ney Sieh el aps Sth es . a “Shore, You don’t love Basil Brandon an’ his men no more then w’at I do.” Ay te er thunderin’ bit!” ‘* Brandon’ll be druv out of hyer ter-night.” ‘© Wat be ther boss’s plans?” ‘*T dunno yit, but be has’em all laid out. While Brandon wuz erway, ther boss hes run in er dozen good meu an’ tough fighters,” **T hope thar won’t be any miss-go,” “You needn’t worry ’bout thet. Norman Strange hain’t ther man ter make er miss arter plannin’ anythin’ out in this yar way. ’Sides thet, ther Brandons are gittin’ drunk as fools. They hev bin singin’ an’ howlin’—” **T beerd ’em.” ‘*'Thet’s jest w’at ther boss wants ’em ter do. Ef they are full of fire-water, we’ll down ’em an’ not hafe try.” ‘*Thet’s so. Be our men drinkin’ any?” - Jest ernough ter brace’em up, Ther boss hain’t ’lowin’’em only so much.” ‘* He’s level-headed,” **Now you’re howlin’! out, Sorry fer ye, Jack.” Chris waited to hear no more, for he knew be would be in danger of discovery if he did so. Like a cat he crept from the cabin and crouched None too soon, for one of the men came out and passed over the mice spot where he had heen listening at the chink, * Well,” thought Chris, when the man had dis- appeared, ‘‘the climax is surely at hand. The Strangers are plotting to make a stroke against the Brandons at about the time the Brandons mean to descend on the Strangers, There is go- ing to be a hot little warin this pocket before morning, and that issure. It will mean disaster and ruin for one or both parties.” Near the center of the town stood the Neutral Ground Saloon, and toward this the young cow- boy made his way, He longed for a chance to speak with Norman Strange, and trusted to Providence to aid him. He was able to approach the saloon in such a manner that he could peer in at a window. Be- fore he reached a position that enabled him to But I mus’ be gittin’ secure a view of the interior he beard a lond . voice that seemed familiar. It came from with- in the building, and the speaker seemed angry or excited, hen he reached the point where | he could look through the open window he was surprised to discover the loud-voiced speaker was Addle-pate Abe. The deformed maniac was walking up and down in front of the bar, swinging his arms and beating his hands together, while he cried: ‘* Woe, woe, woe to this wicked camp! It is doomed, dcomed! Before another sunrise blood will be spilled and red flames shall leap to heaven! A curse is on the Lost Placer and all who try to secure wealth fromit! Ha, ha, ha! Blood and fire! fire and blocd! Ha, ha, ha!” - “Wild as a hawk again!” thought Chris, ‘I hope he will not betray us! If he does—” ’ 6 did not finish the sentence, for once more Addle-pate Abe began raving: ‘ ‘Who says the Red Fox is dead? They lie, lie! Whosays I killed him? It isnot true! He still lives—he will be here in this pocket to-night! Fly, fly, fly while there is yet time! This place is doomed and all who remain in it till the mid- night hour! Then, between the death of one day and the birth of another—then the Red Fox shall die! This is his last night of life! His minutes are numbered!” There were a dozen or more men within the saloon, but not one ventured to lay a hand on the * ild man, They stood aloof and gazed on bim awe, but it was plain to Chris they paid little heed to his words, “They ao not believe him.” thought the cow- boy. ‘So much the better.” Suddenly there was a commotion in thestreet, It came nearer till it reached the front of tke saloon. Chris could not make. out what it meant. In at the front door rushed several men, one of whom shouted: ‘** A spy! a spy! we have caught a spy!” Then came two more men, dragging a third person between them, The unfortunate individual was the fat Dutch boy, Hans! CHAPTER XVII, BEFORE NORMAN STRANGE, Cownoy Curis was filled with amazement and dismay, for be had thought Hans safe in the cave, What had happened? Had the cave “been discovered by the men of the pocket? or had Hans foolishly ventured from it? Chris . nay i> r 5 oe J thee Bea Pape OS Nie (or * fas Ad ae) of ;
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ing to oid a | oe are goin ‘ ; » Cowboy Chris, the Vengeance Volunteer. " Veli, id did come tretful nigh dot, I vas all proke up in peesness,” At this the crowd began to cry once more; ** Shoot bim!” ** Lynch him!” ‘** To the nearest tree!” The unlucky Dutch lad was seized and hustled in anything but a gentle manner, and Chris feared he would be shot or struck with one of the knives which flashed in many a band. ‘* Helb!” cried Hans, in terror. ‘* Ach, him- mel} I vas kilt gombletely! Helb, helb!” That appeal was enough, Chris Comstock could not resistit. With a revolver in either hand, he leaped in at the open window. “Hands off that boy!” be cried in ringing tones, 8s he advanced straight upon the mob. ‘Hands off, I say, or I will fit several of you for wooden overcoats!” bn ‘ang was filled er 3 the greatest amaze- men the appearance of another stranger in Lost Cpt ri ‘*Thunder an’ guns!” shouted one. ernother cuss w’at don’t b’long hyer!” More than half the mob turned on Chris, but they found themselves looking into the muzzles of his revolvers, “ Hyer’s ‘That boy is a friend of mine,” he declared. ‘* Harm him and I will make dog-meat of a few in that crowd!” “ Hefty talk!” The one who had been questioning Hans stepped to the front, “Who are you?’ he demanded; “‘ and how in blazes did you get into Lost Piacer?” ** What if I refuse to answer?” * You will have to answer.” “Iam not so sure of that. But there is one man to whom I will give an account of myself,” to) “Norman Strange, Take me to him, and I yf explain why lam here and how i came ere ‘* Derned ef we don’t do it!” ‘* Let this boy come along too,” “All right; but you must give up your weapons,” **T will not, You are asking toomuch. If all this crowd is not enough to guard one man, even though he is armed, it is singular,” A consultation was held, and it was decided to.escort the daring young cowboy and the Dutch lad before the man they wished to see, even though Chris refused to give up his arms, This the spokesman of the party made known to the cattleman, who ) sctipg ond said: “Allright. Lead on; we will follow.” ‘Yaw, dot vas so,” nodded Hans, delighted at the turn affairs had taken, ‘ Don’d you vellers fo to come some foolishness mit dot Christopher, e vas some very pad man to tackles, und don’d you vorgid him!” Some of the crowd led the way, and Chris and Hans fell in bebind. Then still others of the citizens belonging in the strange camp followed them, making it impossible for them to break ae Chris kept his revolvers in his bands, ‘What in the world does this mean, Hans?” he cautiously asked, when they were in the street. ‘How did you happen to fall into the hands of those fellows? Speak low, so they will not understand.” Then the Dutch lad explained that one of the two men whom he was guarding had not been tied securely and had freed himself in the dark- ness, Then he struck the boy a blow that ren- dered him unconscious for a time, and when Hans recovered both were gone. He had imme- diately descended the rope ladder to inform bis friends of the occurrence, and kad walked straight into the bands of the men of Lost Placer Camp, . Chris was filled with consternation when he heard this. “Great heavens!” he exclaimed, ‘ If.those fellows returned to Brandon’s party and told their story the dickens is to pay! The sooner I see Norman a re better!” Two minutes later be was in the presence of the man he wished to see, “4 CHAPTER XVIII,_ _ DARING OLD BLOSSOM. i Waa rd,” said Round-up Rube, turn- : pec, w’at shell we do ad .__ “Ham fat thet sizzled ther sassage o’ ole pee) ! chuckled the strange old nomad, “ You “ We're sed as outlaws, but derned ef I ter do us much + ** 'Thet’s w’at I’m thinkin’,” ‘*Now mine hain’t any good, ’cause my legs are so ’tarnal crooked,” growled the old cartle- man; “but I’m hanged ef you don’t look jest like ther tallest one o’ them two critters as we left trussed up back thar,” ** You hain’t foolin’?” “ No. ” ’ ‘Then I’m goin’ ter put this disguise ter use, by gum!” ae ow?” ‘Tm goin’ inter ther nest o’ ther Brandons,” ‘**'You don’t mean it?” ‘Waal, I jest do. I reckon leetle Bess is thar somewhar, an’ now her dad is dead I mus’ be er dad fer her, I’m goin’ thar ter see ef I kin find ber.” ** But ef you’re foun’ out—” ‘Tl hev ter take my chances, Ef 1’m foun’ out, V’ll fight like blazes, an’ I’m quite er boy in er scrap, ef I do say so,” ‘Tm ’feared ye won't come back ef ye go.” ** Waal, 1 “low it’s my juty, so I’m goin’.” ‘* Now?” ** Now.” Together the two men in disguise turned to- ward the cabin built against the cliff. Loud laughter and snatches of song occasionally came from the cabin, telling the men were still ina hilarious mood—or pretending to be. They ad- vanced till quite near the cabin, then Old Blos- som said: ‘* You'd best stop byer, pard.” ‘* Dern these yere legs o’ mine!” snorted Rube, ‘*But fer them— Say, ef I beurs a rucshun Dll know w’at’s up, an’ P hig bet yer socks I'l] come!” They clasped hands and parted, Old Blossom advancing straight toward the cabin, the door of which was standing wide open, Through the open doorway he could see several men sitting around tables, playing cards, shouting, singing and ch oats rinking. None of them wore masks, but before be reached the door a masked man came round one corner of the building and entered. The daring old fellow kept bis eyes on this individual and saw him pass directly through the room and disappear beyond a door, ‘* Hyer goes ter foller,” gritted Old Blossom. Straight in at the doorway he marched, act- ing as if he belonged there, @ scarcely glanced to the right or left, but advanced straight to- ward the door which had closed behind the other man ip mask, “Hello, Hi,” called one of the card-players, ‘‘ Whar’s Ike?” ** Outside thar,” replied Old Blossom, jerking bis thumb over his shoulder and not even paus- ing to glance around, Still he was careful not to make undue haste, and he passed safely through the first room with- out being suspected, When be entered the next room he was pleased to discover it was not nearly as well lighted as the first, This was in his favor, There were a dozen men in the room, and nearly all wore masks, one or two being witb- out such concealment for their faces, ne of these the daring old fellow imagined was Basil Brandon, a man whose face was nearly covered to the eyes with a heavy black beard, and who attracted particular attention when he spoke, Neither White Plume nor Iron Ben were in the room, Old Blossom was delighted when he found his entrance attracted scarcely a bit of attention. **So fur so good,” he thought. ‘ Now ef I kin only git inter ther cave I may be able ter find Bessie,” He immediately looked around for the en- trance to the cave, and be soon decided it was beyond some blankets which hung against the wall. But he was not sure of this, and it wonld not do to. make a mistake, so he gradually ‘worked bis way toward the blankets, hen he bad reached them, he turned his back to them and felt along cautiously with his hands, In this way he was not long in discovering where the opening to the cavern was. But how was he to get beyond tbe blankets without attracting attention? That was what puzzled him, Heappeared listening to the Babel of talk around him, but in truth he was trying to devise some scheme for getting into the cave, At length, despairing of anytbing better, he resolved on a bold. stroke. He would lift the curtain and enter the cavern. But, what if he had not found the right place? Would not his movements attract attention? The fear of this did not deter him. With a de- liberate movement, he lifted the heavy blankets —_ passed beyond, letting ) them fall behind m, This accomplished, he halted and listened to see if his move bad attracted notice, and, to his vf dever, I will intense ee not a sound or a word gave in- dication he had been observed, ‘‘Ham fat an’ sizzled sassage!” he mentally exclaimed, ‘‘This yere’s easy as slippin’ off a. log! Now ter nose erlong. Hevin’ made er go- so fur, ’m boun’ ter git thar, Eli, ur bu’st,” He felt around, aetne cautiously, till his: hand touched a cold, dank surface of rock, Then, with bis fingers against the side of the pas- sage, he cautiously advanced. For some time Old Blossom went forward im this manner, but he finally paused and drew a. metullic match-safe from his pocket. | ‘*Boun’ ter hev light on ther subjec’,” he mut-. red A match was extracted and struck. Old Blos- — som gazed around by aid of the light thus afford ed, and a cry of surprise and delight came faint- ly from his covered lips, for on a. rocky shelf near at hand he saw three lanterns. ‘“* Looks like they wuz placed thar a puppose!” he chuckled, He lost little time in lighting one of them, and then he went forward again. e had proceeded a long distance when he was suddenly startled by hearing the harsh command: “Halt, thar!” , CHAPTER XIX, THE LOST ONE FOUND, OLD Bossom instantly obeyed, ; ‘Wat in blazes do you want in hyer, Hi mote demanded the voice. ‘‘ Are you drunk again ; That question gave Old Blossom his cue, He remembered the voice and manner of the mar called Hi, and he resolved to imitate the fellow, appearing intoxicated, * Drunksh!” be curgled, seeming slightly un- steady on his legs, ‘* Naw, I bain’t drunksh!” “* Well, I’m blowed ef you hain’t!” cried the unseea man, ‘‘ And you to take part in the aga ey to-night! By gracious, Hi! it will go hard with you when the captain finds. out you have disobeyed bis orders in this way.” Old Blossom began to whimper, ‘* Don’t want ther cap’n ter find thish out! Shay, you won’t tell him, will yer? Tha’sh wha” I kem in hyer fer—sho he w’u’dn’t find it out. Ef you won't tell him I’sh goin’ ter guv you drinksb,” ‘‘Have you got any more of the stuff left?” and the unseen man was heard approaching, * L ain a little dry, that’s a fact,” Old Blossom staggered forward, holding the lantern in such a manner that the light revealed scarcely anything but his long legs, ‘You bet I bash got shum!” he gurgled, thickly. Got er whole pintsh left! Se rone Ug ‘Well, now you are drunk!” cried the man,. as he appeared within the circle of light, ‘‘ Here- you are all togged out for the tussle that is to take place, and you are in this beastly eondition I don’t wonder the captain says you are the most unreliable man he has got! I bave a mind to punch your bead, Hi Sawyer!” ; Up came Old Blossom’s fists, the lantern being: dropped, but fortunately landing in an upright ition, “Punch my headsh, hey?” he cried, lunging forward, ‘ Wal, now, you jesth try tha’ trick!” The man attempted to seize Old Blossom by the collar, but felt simself suddenly grasped oy the throat with hands that seemed made of +i while a strange voice hissed in his ears; ‘‘Keep still, critter! Ef ye squarm an’ try ter squeal, ri guv ye yer everlastin’ dost o” sickness! Ef you keer fer life, be easy!” The man was taken by surprise, and the dis-. uised Blossom easily threw him to the floor. hen, sitting astride the fallen fellow’s body, the old Death hissing: “* Business straight, ole hoss! I reckon you be clean knocked out by this yere turn o’ things, an” I don’t blame ye er derned bit. 1t must hev bin er powerful big s’prise party. I’low you hev got common hoss sense ernough ter khow bet- ter’n ter yoop now,” oy ‘“ What—want?” asked the man, speaking with difficulty, as the old man’s hand still pressed. heavily on his throat, ‘* Who—you?” ‘*Oh-o!” chuckled the daring old fellow. ‘*'W’at do I want, an’ who be I? Ye'’re inquisi- tive, I see. Waal, I don’t blame ye. But you'll hev ter keep speccylatin’ on them thar questions, fer I hain’t got no time ter explain in detail— can’t bother ter guv ze my hull blamed pedi- gree, fer it runs clean bac they hed ham, lamb an’ hay-fever. Ho’ susplain ae 1 13 unter flashed a knife before his eyes,, ik ter ther Ark, whar wat I want. Fost, To
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14 ‘want you ter turn over on yer face, Dun’t squawk! Jest turn kinder gentle like, I ‘hain’t gvin’ ter hurt ye none ef you mind well, but I'll cut ye bad ef ye acts contrary—yes, indeed, I will! Turn over, as ther feller said w’en he pass- ed his plate fer another.” , The gleaminy knife and the turn affairs had taken filled the man with dismay, and he un- 4 a ; a ERA uO Senay eee War Spee ada, ; RE eee a. 4
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Cowbo ** Hello, yerself, an’ see how ye like it!” was Old Blossom’s prompt response, 't You fellows had better surrender.” . Shot you don’t mean it!” *“‘Tf you do not, we will take you any way.” ** Git out!” : . *6 We are not fooling.” **Ner be we. We are purty well fortyfied abind these er rocks, an’ thar am enough o’ us ter jick ther hull measly gang 0’ you critters, Ef ou think you kin straddle us, jesttry it. We'll re *bout er dozen 0’ ye afore ye git hyer.” *‘ That is all bluster,” **Then kem on an’ try us!” retorted the old rough and ready, as if anxious for the fray. ** Thar’s nothin’ like tryin’, ye know. Wade in, sinners!” But the outlaws did not seem any too anxious to wade, doomed man. ‘‘I wish to see him, for I am Pascal Boone!” And then they saw hespoke thetruth, Before them lay the man who had played the part of Black nder in Devil’s Diggings. Slippery Shane, the horse-thief, was soon to breathe his last. ‘* Has not Vincet come from the cave?” asked the dying man, When they told him they knew not where Conrad Vincent was, he declared the young man was in the cave, the mouth of which was con- cealed by the burning cabin, ‘** Great Heaven!” cried Chris, ‘tHe will be stifled with smoke! He will not come out alive!” ; ‘* He will not be stifled,” assured Boone. ‘ The cave is too extensive for that, and there are too many fresh air currents which draw through it, ‘Tf you shoot one of us,it will ba the worse | He will come out alive. The girl is in there, for you,” was their threat, ** Wal, we won’t shoot one, shoot erbout a clean dozen!” At this moment ominous sounds came echoing faintly along the passage. as of many voices, then a fusilade of fire-arms, After this were yells, shouts and shots, seeming as if a desperate and deadly encounter had been suddenly. inaugurated, For a few seconds the outlaws stood asif para- lyzed with astonishment, then, at a ery from their leader, they wheeled and dashed back py the passage, leaving the three behind the rocks, ; “Ham fat thet sizzled ther sassage o’ ole Noah!” shouted Old Dan, ‘Chris Comstock hes tole ther Strangers o’ ther plot ’g'inst ’em, an’ they hev ’tacted ther Brandons! Hooray! ‘we're saved!” Oh, no! Wei’ll CHAPTER XXI. THE END OF THE CRUSADE IS REACHED, _Oup BLossom was right; Chris had told Norman Strange, and the Strangers bad at- tacked the headquarters of the Brandons, ‘The outlaws rushed out of the cave just in time to take a hand in the battle, but they were too late to save their comrades, who had been taken by surprise and overwhelmed, adly raged tbe battle, and ia the very hot- test of it the nodding feather of the Red Fox’s lieutenant could be seen. But, where was the Red Fox himself? Where } was Basil Brandon? \ He’ had disappeared, and the outlaw lieuten- ant seemed to be the leading man among the de- fenders. Men fell to the right and left in the mad strug- gle, and’ tbe smoke of battle filled the cabin against the cliff, A torch was flung on a pile of rubbish in one corner, and in a few moments the building was afire, krom the blazing interior the struggling men retreated to the outer air, and there they fought by the light of the devour- - ing flames. a The moment White Plume issued from the door he heard a loud yell and saw a terrible-look- ing creature rushing upon bim. . t was the madman, Addle-pate Abe! The licu'enapt threw up his right hand, which held a revolver, and fired. A cry of anguish broke from the lips of the maniac, but his rush ' owas not checked, In another moment he had the bandit lieutenant in his crooked arms and was plying a wicked-looking knife! ek The battle could have but one termination, ia The Brandons had intended to take their foes by : surprise, but the tables were fairly turned, and defeat was theirs, Such as threw down their . weapons and cried for quarter were spared, but a great many fought to the last gasp, In the end the victory of the Strangers was complete, ‘only for one thing. Basil Brandon had escaped and was not to be found! It was never known how he got out of the pocket. hen the battle was over, Chris, Rube and _ Hanscame upon two men lying side by side. ‘Oue was dead and the other dying. The one al- ready dead was the maniac, poor Addle-pate Abe; the other, White Plume, who had met his fate at the madman’s hands. The dying man ifted his hand and motioned Fay ‘to Chris. vas the young cowboy bent over him, he said, faintly: i _- * * Remove this mask so I can breathe, I can- __- not get air enough. I am done for!” Chris saw the fellow was reed amen wounds, Without delay \ Gne- maar. = Fe 6 | “Where is Conrad Vincent?” asked the P " ——— yak Sie e remov, First there’wasacheer | spoke Round-up Rube, | ; ee “What girl—Bessie?” Yes,” ‘* An’ I reckon Ole Blossom must be in thar,” ‘*T hain’t bin able ter find him sence ther battle ended, He went in, an’ hain’t seen him come out.” ‘* Well,” said Chris, regretfully, ‘“‘we have failed in one thing.” ** What’s thet?” ‘* Basil Brandon is not to be found. They say he has escaped,” : ‘* An’ so ther Red Fox is still at liberty!” Boone’s eyes had been closed, but he started at this and they flew open, Lene Red Fox will trouble you no more,” he said, ‘* How’s thet? W’at d’yer mean?” * He is dead !” ‘ ** Dead?” ‘** Impossible!” Something like a scornful smile passed over the doomed man’s lips. He has been dead more than a year !” : Tbis _ declaration filled the cowboys with amazoment, but Rube turned to Chris, speak- ing softly: ‘* He is becomin’ crazy.” ‘*T am not,” asserted the dying man,.with firmness. ‘I speak the truth when I say the Red Fox has been dead more than a year, The creature who gave me my death wound was his destroyer, but deranged as he was, he did not remember it. He believed the Red Fox still lived.” : “But ther critter hes bin at his foul tricks within ther year,” protested the bow-legged cattleman. ‘That was not the Red did those things !” ** You?” patho ‘“-Yes; I personated the Red Fox, and to a certain extent I deceived the very men who were my followers. I had the eyes of the Red Fox, and he had always kept his face masked, Only one man ever looked upon it, and that man Jies dead at my side. To all others he was a mystery. I, of all the band, was the only one who knew of his death, I had been his lieutenant, and I knew his ways, In his clothes I personated him, Lalso acted as lieuten- ant, and it may have puzzled many of the band why within the past year the chief and the lieutenant have never been seen together.” Me But such a thing seems incredible—impos- sible!” ‘¢ Nevertheless, it is true. I found it to my advantage to play both parts. Before joining the band I was known as Slippery Shane. tried to get clear of that title, but it clung to me, But for Norman Strange—curse him!—I would not be dying here.” ‘‘ But who was Basil Brandon?” e ‘Simply a tool of mine, I know some of the men thought him the chief, but that is where they were fooled,” * And you killed Jim Pike?” “ I did ” “Then,” said Chris, solemnly, ‘“‘my oath ae i kept. I will see you lying dead at my ee “ That is true, for I can last but a short time longer, I knew of the hatred my old cbief bore for Jim Pike, and, hating Conrad Vincent, and wishing to gain possession of Pike’s girl, I first poisoned the old man’s mind against Vincent. I meant to remain and woo Miss Bessie in a regu- lar manner, but circumstavces prevented, I Fox, Jt was I who killed old Jim and kidnapped the girl.” “That was what worked your doom.”. “So I see now. Oh, the infernal luck! It is enough to drive a man mad to think of it! Dy- ing, dying! Courad Vincent will live to triumph y Chris, the Vengeance Volunteer. spine, eh, ur somedings uf dot sort?” “Old Blossom shook his fist at the Dutch lad, replying: _861 Tombstone Dick, the Train Pilot. fonnd I must return to Lost Placer at once, so I 15 over me, curse him! How I hate him, even though I know I always was in the wrong! Na-~- ture made him an honest man, just as she made me @ villain.” i Boone grew wilder as the minutes passed, and as he sunk lower, he began to rave in a manner that was terrible to hear. Ho was suffering such tortures as comes to most wicked men when they know they are dying. He kept calling for water, and Chris Comstock remained by bis side, moistening his lips till the last delirious whisper had died out in the death-rattle that told the end had come, Norman Strange and his men being trium- phant, Lost Placer Camp was thrown open to the world, However, in less than a 98 r the placer-' diggings were exhausted, and the town died a natural death. : Pascal Boone and his destroyer were buried ia | one grave, and there they sleep side by side, awaiting the Great Day of Judgment. wart The two men who escaped from Hans Krum-* macher were never again seen in those parts. What became of them is unknown, Basil Brandon’s life after leaving Lo-t Placer - is unknown, He probably dropped that name forever, . ; . Three months after the events just narrated a quiet wedding took place in Prescott, the groom oni Conrad Vincent and the bride * Little) ess,’ , Old Dan Pike gave the bride —his little “puss”-—away, and Chris Comstock was ‘‘ beat man, with one exception,” Round-up Rube was there, of course, and if ever two men looked queer they were Rube and | Old Blossom in ‘‘b’iled” shirts and standing collars? Hans Krummacher was there, too, and he managed to thrust a small cactus burr down Dan Pike’s back just before the Reahetiyce’ A com- menced, Asa result, the veteran was in tor- ture for the next twenty minutes, and the con- tortions of his face—which he vainly endeavored to keep straight—were ludicrous in the extreme, Hans was obliged to stuff his handkerchief into his mouth to keep from shouting with laughter, and then his face got so red that there seemed great danger of his bursting a blood-vessel, When ‘‘ the agony was over,” Hans innocent- ly inquired: ; ‘* V’at vas der madder mit your gountenance, Mister Bike? Id seems like somedings mit you ° der drouble vas, ain’d id? Berbaps you don’d haf some toot’aches, ur a coals of fire down der Sizzlin’ sassage! You see if I don’t fix you~ fer thet, you son of a bologna!” ; ““Dot vas all righd,” assured Hans, ‘ Dot shoost apoud mages us efen, Berhaps you don’d ane so hardt der next dimes y’en I gid some ret hod coals der pack uf me down, Yaw, I guess dot vas so.” THE END. Beatlle's Dime Library. BY NED BUNTLINE, 657 Long Tom, the Privateer. ae Oat The Red Brivat Th prin e rivateer; or, The Mid: Rover, 584 Fire Feather, the Buccaneer es sats 4: 517 Buffalo Bill’s First Trail bi ' ‘ \ 270 Andros, the Rover; or, The Pirate’s. hter, ie ea pavberday, the Idiot SS) speed r wisp eG e Sm er Ca n; or, c *s Crime. 61 Captain Seawaif, The Brivatcn the eye Toa whe 23 The Red Warrior; or, The Comanche’ a ela 18 ‘The Sea Bandit; or, The Queen of ie 105%. ory 16 The White Wizard; or, The Seminole Prophet. 14 Thayendanegea, the Scourge; or, The W ar Bi gle. BY OLL COOMES. —. 619 Kit Bandy & Co, the Border Detectives. 148 One-Armed Alf, the Giant Hunter. Mis wie 187 Long Beard, the Giant ig ° Seva eae 99 The Giant Rifleman: ild Camp Life. _
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BEADLE'S*HALF-DIME*[IBRARY. =~ Published Hvery Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers.. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. pd peseweed piek's spaBaneas or, Double Dageers. woo ¢. n ulses or, Bu » Ben. 85 Deadwood Dick in His Ouaile. AB Deadwood Dick's Bonanza; or, The Phantom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omana Oll. b7jPeadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 7B Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity 2 ine, the Heroine a3 Bosaweet Dien Test Act or, Corduroy Charlie. woo ck in ville. aoe pena weed pe Moviee} or, The Double Cross Sign. eadwo ek as Detective. 1239 Beadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. 188 Deadwood Dick’s llome Thane; or, Blonds Bill. 3149 Deadwood Dick’s Rig Strike; or, A Game of Gold. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party, 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream § or, The Rivals of the Road. 201 Deadwood Dick’sa Wards or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. aoe proatwees pore poor mS aor ye bd Jane’s Adventure, ? ck’s Dea al. Dick’s Death-Piant. Gold-Duat Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Tovgha, aes t weet pees price oe Spirit of Swamp Lake. dead wood en rail, 809 Deadwood Dick’s Weal; or, The Gold Briek of Oregon. B21 Deadwood Dick’s Dozens or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats oat peaswees Dick’s Ducata; or, Days in the Digrings. prt pesgwoes Peers cregnees s or, The Terrible Vendetta, 406 Deadwood Dick in Veaa City, 410 Deadwood Dick’sa Diamonds. 421 Deadwood Dick in New Yorks or, A “Cute Case.” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand. bir] Teanees picks or4 ee Crimson Crescent Sign. ¢ r. eflance, 452% Deadwood Dick; pag Full awd: 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Big Round-Up. 465 Deadwood Dick Jr.’s Racket at Clalm 10, 471 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’« Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. 476 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Dog Detective, 451 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Deady ood, 491 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Compact. 496 Deadwood Dick Jr.’a, Inheritance, 5600 Deadwood Dick, Jr.» Di ngs. 508 Deadwood Dick, dr.’s, Deliverance, 5615 Deadwood Dick Jr.'s Protegee. Pas Gongwoee rex Sag ee > ead wood ¢ r.’ anger D 5bB4 Deadwood Dick, » Ss Death Ment” 589 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas 5AA Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidocg 549 Deadwooa Dick, dr., on Hia Mettle. 4 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham, 561 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boaton. 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia. 5bT2 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. 578 Deadwood Dick. Jr.. Afloat. 584 Deadwood Dick. wr.- in Denver. 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Decree. AAS irehdveok Dick tes ub Cone talenas a y r.» at Coney Island. , 606 Deadwood Dick, Jdr.’«, Leadville Lay. 612 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detrolt, 618 Deadwood Dick. Jr. in Cincinnati, 624 Deadwood Dick, Jdr., in Nevada, 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land, 686 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. G42 Desdwood Dick. Jr.. in Buffalo. 1-94 Readwood Dicks ost Cane never he Comsinnet ood Die vr.» Amon e &mu rs. 660 Deadwood Dek, dr.’a insaranee Gasser 4 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines. 672 Deadwood Pick, Jr., In Durango; or, “ Gathered In.” Siteieaiceicnmee 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr/s, Dollars. 695 Deadwood Dick Jr., at Danger Divide, | 700 Deadwood Diek, Jr.’«, Drop. T04 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. 710 Deadwood Dick Jr., in San Francisco, 716 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’« Atill Hunt. 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’1 Dominoes. 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s Diagulac, 784 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’«, Double Deal, 740 Deadwood Dick Jr.’« Deathwatch. TAT Dendwood Dick Jr.’s, Voublet. 752 Deadwood Diek Jr.’a, Deathblow. 758 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s Desperate Strait, 764 Deadwood ick, Jr.’«, Lone Hand. 770 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’« Detcat. 776 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Resurrection, TS2 Deadwood Dick. Jr.'s Dark Daya. TST Deadwood Dick Jr., Defied. T9Z Dendwood Dick, Jr.’a, Double Device, T9T Deadwood Dick, Jr’.a, Desperate Venture, } 802 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diamond Dice, 807 Deadwood Dick Jr.’« Royal Flush. 812 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s Head-off, 816 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Rival. 822 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Boom. S28 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Reoop. 884 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Proxy. 840 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Clutch, 845 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, High Morse. 852 Deadwood Dick Jr., at Devil's Guich. 858 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Peath-IHole Hustle, 868 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Bombshell. 870 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Mexico. 876 Deadwood Dick, Jr’a Decoy Duck. 882 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Silver Pocket. 891 Deadwvod Dick. Jr.’a, Dead-Sure Game, 898 Deadwood Dick, Jr’a, Double Drive. 904 Deadwood Dick, Jr’a, Trade-Mark. 910 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Tip-Top. 916 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s Doublo-Deeker.” 928 Deadwood Dick, Jr. at Dollarvilic 984 Deadwood Dick, Jr.. at Flush Flata 940 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Shake-nup. 946 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’«, Double Drops P5L Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Right Rower. 957 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Ten-Strike. 965 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Gold-Dust. 971 Deadwood Dick Jr.’a, Oath, 977 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Death-Doom,. 986 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Beat Card, 992 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Gold Dust, 998 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Big Play. 1005 Deadwood Dick, Jr.» Branded. 1011 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s. Dutch Pard, 4018 Deadwood Dics, Jr.'s, Big Four. BY ROBERT R. INMAN, 1086 Dandy Dick’s Double 1024 Dandy Dick, Detective. BY MAROUS H. WARING. 1626 ape Three Spotters. tone © Btreet Spotters’ Weird Hunt. 058 The Three Spotters’ Dead Mystery. Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler, 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Rosebud Kob on Hand; or, Idy!, the Girl Miner. 88 Rosebud Rob’s Reappea rance}; or, Photograp) Phil. 121 Rosebud Rob’s Challenge; or, Cinnamon Chip. 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yankee's Surround 251 Denver Doll’s Victory; or, Skul! and Crossbones, 255 Denver Doll’s Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 296 Denver Doll’s wig A, or, The Road Queen. 868 Yreka Jim, the Go d-Gathererg or, The Lite Lottery. 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up, $ 885 Yreka Jim's Joker}; or, The Rivals of Red Nose, 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam. 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective; or, Dot Leetle Game, 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter. 244 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister’a Devotion, 248 Sierra Sams Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Sam’s Pard; or, The Ange! ot Big Vista. 255 Sierra Sanm’s Sevens or, The Stolen Bride. 884 Kangaroo Kit or, The Mysterious Miner. 889 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Out, 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. 96 Watch-Eye, the Detective; or, Arabs and Angels, 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 145 Oaptain Ferret, the New York Detective. 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 226 The Arab Detective 3 or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp. 291 Turk the Boy Ferret, 825 Kelley, Mickey & Uo., the Detectives of Philadelphia, 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective, 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Hat Marry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabalidea, the F r-Boy Detective. 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures, 82 Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot. 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team. 92 Canada Chet; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s-Camp. 118 Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator. y 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger. 188 Boes Hob 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. B80 Little Qui ck-Shot ; or, The Dead Face of Daggersville, 858 Firat-Clasa Fred, the Gent trom Gopher. B78 Nabob Ned; or, The Secret of Slab City. BS2 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 « RevenueSpotter. $22 Sol Sharpe, the New_York Night-Hawk, 948 Ola Hayseed Among Bunco Men, 1001 Banty, the Denver Bootblack. BY J. C. COWDRICK, 490 Brondway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. one preadway le Boodle: 0s; Clearing aStrange Case, roadway y’s ity. 557 Broadway es Peath Racket. 579 Broadway Billy sea preateny ayy a: The Row Detective’s Big Inning. roadway y’s Dea 669 rentway Billy Abroad;. or, The Bootblack in Frisco. p44 prenewsy Bens * oats or, Beating San Francisco's Finest. roadway y in Clover. ; 896 pUOme way Baie? ‘e Texaes or, The River Rustlers, roandway y’s Brand, 711 Broadway Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Deal. +4 prongway Billy’s }'ull Wand: or, The Gamin Detective, roadway se prcaaway Billy’a Curious Case. > rondway 762 Brondway 769 Broadway 75 Broadway Billy’« Shadow Chase. Sy prosgway Billy’s Reagles; or, The Trio’s Quest, roadway 790 Broadway 796 Broadway ! 800 Broadway Billy Baffled. 805 Broadway Billy’s Signal Scoop. 810 Broadway Billy’s Wipe Out, 815 Broadway RBilly’s Bank Racket. Broadway Billy’s Bluff. 826 Brondway Billy Among Jerscy Thugs. 888 Broadway Billy’« Raid, S89 Broadway Billy’s Big Boom, 844 Broadway Billy’s Big Bulge. 849 Broadway Billy’« #100,000 Snap. one Broad way aiily"e .— F or, The Bootblack Stowaway. roadwa y in London. oo Broadway mae snaeces seuaon Sluma. roa lway y’s Frene same. 880 Lroadway Billy and the Bomb-Throwers. B60 Bilver-Maak, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys. 869 Shasta, the Gold King} or, For Seven Years Dead, 420 The Detective’s Apprentices or, A Boy Without a Name, 424 Oibuta Johny or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout, 467 Dlaco Dan, the Daisy Dude. 506 Redlight Ralph_ the Prince of the Road, 524 The Engineer Detective; or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 571 Air-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case 592 The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascals Out, 615 Fighting Marry the Chief of Chained Cyclone, 640 Rareback Beth, the Centaur of the Circle 647 Tyrnewriter Tilly the Merchant’s Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgan the“ Pizenest ’’ Man of Ante Bar, SS7 Battery Bob. the Dock Detective. 894 Arizona Dick’s W ipe-Out. 900 Jumping Jack’s Jubilee. 906 Satety Sam, the Cycle Sport. 912 Train Boy Trist’s Wot Hustle, 918 The Tramp snack leey 924 Big Boota Bob, the Fire-Laddlte. 980 Kuatler Ralph, the Boy Spotter. 985 The Ex-Newsboy Detective’s Chum, 941 The Bewling Green Detective’s Drop. 944 Cowboy Charlie’s« Double. 947 The Bowery W restler; or, The Butcher-Boy’s Backer, 958 Paddy’s Trump Card; or, Silver Sallie, the Girl Sport. 960 The Broadway. Sport; or, Fiver Fred’s Clear Case, 967 £1000 Reward; or, The Rival Reporters’ Sleek Scoop. 978 Bantam Billy, the Corker-Ferret. 978 Plucky Pat, the Street-Bey Detective. 989 Bicycle Bob’s Hot Scorch. 997 Reorcher Sam, the Detective on Wheels, 1004 Scorcher Aam’a Sweep-Stakes. 1009 Tne Girl Cy clist’s Winning Hand. BY ARIZONA CY, 1048 Vou Ret Bob from Croas Orick, 1088 You Bet Bob’s_Cireus, BUFFALO BILL NOVELS. BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 1052 Ruffalo Billin Disguise. 1046 Goid Plume, the Boy Bandit, or, Buffalo Bill, the Pony Express Rider, 1042 1 ittle Grit, the Pony Express Rider. 4040 Kuffalo Gill's Pony Patrol. 1018 Buffalo Bills Texas Team, 1007 Buffalo Bill's Sure-Shota, 1000 Buffalo M11V’s Deeoy Boya. 995 Buffalo Bill’s Drop; or, Dead-Slot Ned , the Kansas Kid. 988 Buffalo Bill's Lasso Throwers 981 Buftfalo Bill's Fighting Five. 975 Buffalo Bill's Rifle Shota, 968 Buffalo Bills Kush Ride; or, Sure-Sbot, the High-Flyer, 964 Buffalo Bill's Decoy; or, The Arizona Crack Bhet, 955 Buffalo Bill’s Mazeppa-Chase. 948 Buffalo Bill’s Snap-Shot 3 or, Wild Kid's Texan Tally 942 Buffalo Bill’s Tough Tusale, 986 Buffalo Bill’s Boy Mascots or, Joe Jarvis’ Hold-up. 929 Buffalo Bills Crack-shot Pard, 650 Buffalo Bill's Boy Pard; or, Butterfly Billy. 216 Hisen Bill, the Prince ot the Reins, 222 Bison Bills Clue; or. Grit, the Bravo Sport, BY BUFFALO BILL. 65 Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scout; or, The Banded Brotherhood 68 Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Faney Frank of Colorado? or, The Trapper’s Trost. 1029 The Phantom Spy. 1088 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand. } BY CAPT, ALFRED B, TAYLOR, U. 8. A. 191 Buffalo Rilly, the Boy Bullwhacker. 194 Buffalo Bill's Bet: or, The Gambler Guide, BY COL, PRENTISS INGRAHAM. 1087 The Artiat Detective. 1084 The Gold Witch’s Shadower. 1081 The Texan Hustlers in Cuba. | 1027 The Cowboy Raiders in Cuba 1025 The Flying Yankee or, The Ocean Outcast, 1028 The Cowboy Clan in Cuba. 1016 The Bex Bagler in Ouba, ot" 982 New York Nat’s A or, Ex-Ferret Sykes’ Bold Game 926 New York Nat and the Traitor Ferret. 920 New York Nat Trapped. . 914 New York Nat’s Three of a Kind. 908 New, York Nat’s Double. 902 New York Nat’s in Colorado. 896 New York Nat in Gold Nugget Camp. 889 New York Nat’s Deadly Deal. SS8 New York Nat’s Crook-Chase. S877 New York Nat’s Trump Card. 871 New York Nat and the Grave Ghouls, 865 New York Nat’« Masked Mascot. 859 New York Nat, the Gamin Detective. 858 Dick Doom’s midnapper Knock-Out, 847 Dick Doow’s Ten Sirike. $42 Dick Doom’s Flush Hand. P 272 Dick Doom’s Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destinys 77 Dick Doom’s Destiny; or, The River Biackleg’s Terror. 784 Dick Doom; or, The Sharps and Sharks of New York, 788 Dick Doom in Boston; or, A Man of Many Masks, 798 Dick Doom tn Chicago. 7298 Dick Doom in the Wild West. __ 808 Dick Doom’s Clean Sweep; or, Five Links is 4 Cine.) 808 Dick Doom’s Death Clue. 818 Dick Doom’s Diamond Deal. 819 Dick Doom’s Girl Mascot, 829 Dick Doom’s Shadow Hunt. 885 Dick Doom’s Big Haul. _——. 749 Dashing Charlic; or, The Kentochy Tenderloot’s First Tratiy 756 Dashing Charlic’s Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Captives 760 Dashing Charlie’« Pawnee Pard, 766 Dashing Charlie, the Rescuer. 497 Buck Teyler, King of the Cowboys. 787 Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. as 748 Buck Taylor’« rag ot ot, The Red Riders of the Rio Granda, And Fifty Others. ’ BY LIEUT, A. K, SIMS. 589 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City, 622 Tom-Cat’s Triad; or, The Affair at Tombstone, ~ 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Tasks or, The Cowboy Detective 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph} or, Black Dan's Great Combine. . 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock; or, Josh’s Ten Strike, 568 The Dandy of Dodge; or, Rustling for Millions. oa 576 The Silver Sports or, Josh Peppermint’s Jubilee, 688 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow ~ 601 Happy Hana, the Dutch Vidoeq; or, Hot Times at Reund-Up- 611 Bildad Barnacie, the Detective Hercules. 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 Warbling William the Mountain Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jeremiahs the Plains Detective. 676 Signal Samy the Lookout Scout. vt 689 Billy, the Gypa y Spy: or, The Mystery of Two Lives,’ 699 Rimple Sim, the Pronsie Buster: or, For Big Stakes. 712 The Meameriat &ports or, The Mystified Detective. | 788 Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector, 745 Kansas Jim the Cross-Cut Detective. 761 Marmaduke, the Muastanger Detective. 778 The Rustler of Rolling &tonc, 785 Lone (land Jee the Committee of One. 801 Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck. 882 The Doctor Dete etive in Texan, 872 Two Showmen Itetectives in ¢ colorado. 987 The Texan Firebrand: or, Brazos Billy's Snap.Shot, } 961 The Tramp’s Trump-Trick. NEW ISSUES, 1064 Dandy Dick Decoyed. By Robert R. Inman. 1065 Sure Bhot Seth, the Boy Rifleman. By Oll Coomes. 1066 Co boy Chris, the Des rt Centaur, By W- W. Wilder, 1067 You Bet Bob’s Jangle. By Arizona Cy, 1068 The Cruise of the Sea Wo'f. By ¢ ‘ol. Ingraham. 1069 On Land and fen. By Bracebsidge Hemyng J : 1070 Nat Today or, Tho Fate of tue Sioux Captive. By Ellis. 1071 Dandy Dick’s Decoy, By Robt. R Inman. 1072 Keen Knife, Prince of the Prairies, By Ol Coomes, JUST ISSUED. 1055 Red Raven’s Redskin Ruse. By Col Pp, Ingraham 1056 Cowboy Chris in Cinnabar. By Wm. W. Wilder, 1057 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter. By Ed, L, Wheeler, 1068 Roderick, the Kover. By?T.J Flanagan 1059 Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 1060 Marlo, the Renegade. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 1061 Ailver Star, the Boy Knight. By Oll Coomes : 1062 Th Left-Wand Athlete. Py Bracebridge Hemyng. 1068 Wild Bill’s Weird Foe. By Wm.G Patten. A New Issue Every Tuesday. A is for sale by all newsdealers, five: memes ‘cope 'ey’ 4 poderahy oi six cents each. “BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 22 William Street, New York,.}