Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 108) (1879 08 19)
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3 re bp (AN . \\, fe ey : — a SS a IS , [>| | (pe | po pm a a Lael, 5 \ r \ \ Was” . : fa x } a Sraes > ‘ {iat la: Daag Sate Vid Ml Visitas ee Single PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS Price, Vol. V. Number. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. ‘ 5 Cents. No. 108. DARING DAVY, The Young Bear Killer: or, the Trail of the Border Wolf, BY FIARRY ST. GHORGH, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ROARING RALPH ROCKWOOD,” ‘‘RATTLING RUBE,” “OLD HICKORY,” ETO., ETC, Eas)! ag A Van hey | . Ae z . ) - {] ae. ae coe: ettcne g ike. ea SUSE | eicpeenenessesmeeme Rl i 700 Ome ewen, =: —: — = err tasy a sn Seen te Xe Py Y ‘| “Stand back! or so surely as there is a sky above us, I will send your soul unbidden, before the judgment bar. Stand back!”
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V2 Q nt ee Daring Davy, THE YOUNG BEAR KILLER; OR. THE TRAIL OF THE BORDER WOLF. BY HARRY ST. GEORGE, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ ROARING RALPH ROCKWOOD,” “RATTLING RUBE,” ‘‘ OLD HICKORY,” ETC, CHAPTER L THE DEATH LEAGUE. “THEN Davy Crockett must die!” . The man who gave utterance to this emphatic sentence stood in the center of a dilapidated old | | dying at the feet of the girl he is to marry, or, cabin that was almost entirely hidden in the heart of a dense forest. Giant trees grew all around it, their branches drooping so as to al- most conceal the log hut from view. Outside, the night breeze swept down the for- est aisles, rustlin, ; carrying many of them witb it to the ground. The fair moon had wheeled in the eastern heavens, and. Jupiter was leading the march of ‘ the planets across the firmament. Now and then the melancholy how] of a wolf could be heard, sounding dismally through the silence of the night, and once a panther lent its shrill the leaves in the passage and | Daring Davy. | discreet enough to maintain a reserve when in Davy’s presence, but it was prettv well known how bitterly he hated the young fellow, and that when the time for revenge came, it would be a sweet morsel to him. Every time he looked at his mutilated hand, he renewed the oath he had made on that occa- sion, and which would be all the better for keep- ing so long. . here now remained only the man whose face was so well concealed by his hat and scarf. From the shadow of the former, there gleamed !.a pair of ferocious eyes, that seemed to flash and | scintillate with some suppressed fury. ‘* What cause I have tor hating Davy Crockett does not matter, my friends. Let it suffice that I do hate him, terribly—that it will be the hap- piest moment of my life when I can lay him failing in that, wring his heart by carrying her off. Who Iam none of you know; but you may call me Squire Lawrence. ‘You all had cause to hate this man bitterly, but the feeling you en- tertain for him is.as germany when compared to mine. it would sting him like an adder, crush him under my feet, bruise his heart, first if pos- sible, and then, while he is dying, whisper my nameyin, bis ear. I could gloat over his suffer- ing. Mach groan wrung from his heart on ac- count of her, would be music to my ears. Should his tears flow, they would never wash scream to awaken the echoes of the glen be- yond, for the woods of old Tennessee were full of savage game at this early day The scene inside the cabin was certainly wild | enough to have pleased the most exacting. Four men stood around a rickety table with . drawn knives. The man who had just-uttered that sentence of death was a perfect giant in | point of size. He was known in ‘the backwoods as Hercules Dan, and had been a hunter and trapper, living on what he could shoot and steal | Two of the others possessed ill-favored faces, while the last did not condescend to show his features, which were completely hidden under a heavy hat, and a rough scarf which he had wound around his neck and the lower half of | his face. So intent had the conspirators been upon the | relation of their grievances against Davy Crockett that they had ears for nothing else, and a quivering of the roof above them pass- ed by unheeded. Hercules Dan told with many an oath how the young bear-hunter and several comrades had ridden him on a rail and threatened to shoot him on sight if he was ever found east of the Seven Hickories. __ Mose Martin next had the floor. He rolled up his sleeve and showed some black marks on his arm, the strangest looking spots imaginable. «Kin any o’ ye tell what that air?” he de- _manded, in tly. Allof them professed the most profound igno- rance on the subjecv. ‘“Ye’ll know some day if ye ever git in the hands o’ them critters. That’s pitch tar, gentle- | men 1 Yes siree, I war tarred and feathered, I war. Then he went on to tell the particulars. Davy ) Crockett figured in the affair hg ay got and Mose had sworn a solemn oath that if ever he caught the “ critter” alone, and his back was turn- ed, he'd put a chunk of lead through his heart | in double-quick time, and be just as bold about it as any man could be. ; Then up spoke Dave Rawlings, who had once been a circuit rider. He was a much mutilated and deeply injured man—in his own estimation of course. As usual, Crockett was the one to blame, He was walkiag past the cabin home of | the young hunter, wi en a couple of hens came end alighted upon h’s gun, which he had laid | down for a minute. Ais word as a parson could be taken for that. As he could not scare them off in any way, and was compelled to take his gun, they persisted in going also. He met Davy and a friend, who immediately threatened to shoot him, calling him a thief and all manner of names. How could he help it if the two ob- stinate chickens took it into their heads to die, | and hang from his rifle-barrel as it in defiance | | man, who, lying upon it with his eye glued to to Davy! ‘he end of it was, he was compelled upon pen- alty of his life to open his right hand and hold it against a tree. Davy aimed his rifle and fired, our one of his fingers off, and maiming him for life. ‘That is a reward of merit,” Davy had said, as he and his friend, picking up the the defunct | : ) : cipitated himself and some of the timbers into . thickens, walked laughingly away, leaving him | the end comes *6ut the hatred I bear_him, for it is carved ona heart of stone. Now you understand a little, my feeling toward him. It is to the advantage of us all that he dies, but as I am to gain more than any of you, I promise solemnly that when I shall sive Hercules Dan here ue of ‘gold to. divide among you. That is a 2? The man then took out a knife, a toy dagger, but a dangerous weapon for an angry person to handle withal. ‘* Draw your blades, comrades.” In an instant three more shining knives glis- tened in the torchlight, and were raised aloft. “ We are all determined?” It was the Squire who asked this, and the others assented without hesitation. ‘Then Davy Crockett must die.” ‘“ Whose blade will be the lucky one to drink the crititer’s blood?’ asked the giant. They looked at each other; no one could say. The future alone would determine this question. ‘‘Wemust act in concert, for I have heard stories told of his M apide: If by any manner of means we could inveigle him to an out-of- the-way place like this, he would never be seen again. t was the Squire who spoke. With his small, shapely hand he replaced his dagger in its sheath. His voice was round and peculiar as though, to disguise it, he had placed a hickory nut in his cheek, ‘That's easily done,” put in Mose, with a leer. “* Couldn’t we bring his gal into the scrape, and have her see the fun?’ “That would be glorious!” cried the Squire, who seemed delighted with the project. These men were no fools, They noticed how he seemed concerned in Davy’s sweetheart, and every one of them im- mediately concluded that he was a rival, whom the young backwoodsman had outrun in the race for the girl’s affections, How far from the truth they were, the reader will discover before this tale is done. At any rate it mattered little or nothing to them what his motive was so long as their ob- ject was served. ‘* Once let us lay our hands on him, and his life will not be worth a shilling,” said the giant, with a scowl. “* Would that the fiends of Tophet could send him here at thismoment when we are assembled | with the oath still fresh on our lips!” and the oa ot clinched his hand as though he already felt its grasp upon the neck of the man he hated with a bitterness that could only be quenched in the life-blood of Davy Crockett. As if the fiends of the lower regions had an- swered his wish, there was at this instant a sudden cracking noise heard, and the roof of the cabin gave way under the weight of the an opening, had heard and witnessed all that had taken place below. The cabin, as has been said, was old and di- lapidated. Finding no crevice through which to view the proceedings within, the man had stealthily clambered to the roof, where he had lain in safety, until an unlucky move had pre- the cabin. slancing with pain. This was guitd a time ago, and Dave had been | He fell between the four men, knocked Mose i TSK 3 —- Se Ts ———— | over, ard the table ditto, and, bounding to his teet himself, leaped back like a panther. 2 Rifle in hend, he stood with his back to tho door. For perhaps ten seconds silence like uit death fell upon them. The giant was the first of the conspirators to regain something like his usual presence of mind, and it was his voice thas bellowed out the words: “ Thar stands Davy Crockett !” CHAPTER II. BLACK EYES AND BLUR, ‘ THE sun was setting behind the high hills in the west, and as he seemed to pause beforemak- ing his exit, along the eastern horizon the low- lying clouds shone with the reflected glory of his light, their edges tipped with silver and gold. Streamers of sunshine, all radiating from the common center, spread themselves over the forest, piercing the distance and looking not unlike so many broad pathways down which one might travel to—it might be fame, or for- tune, or death. At last the king of day vanished from view, and twilight, that delicious half-hour during the fall that hovers between broad, glaring day, and black, yawning night, settled upon the face of the earth. Nestled in the heart of the forest and yet not a part of the forest, because there was a clear- ing around it, lay a cabin. lt was well built, and showed no little skill in the backwoods architect, whoever he might be. Back of the é¢abin stood a second one, which served as a stable, and into which would be athered, later, the crop of grain that had been 1arvested in the field beyond the forest. At this twilight hour, in front of this home- stead, a young girl was seated, engaged in some little ' household sewing, and singing softly to herself. In all the country there could not have been found a face more fair than that of Rosebud Thornton. Her hair was like coils of golden strands, and her blue eyes the color of violets wet with the cool morning dew. This was the girl whom Davy was to marry. Her father had been well off, but a reverse of fortune had come to him, and he had been com- pelled to seek a home in the wilderness. Thither he had gone, taking his family with him, and also a orp fo of negro servants who clung to the altered fortunes of the master they loved so well. His wife had since died, and lay under the wild flowers that bloomed in the wood, and one of his boys had gone to a distant city with the intention of making a business man out of him- self, but old Major Thornton found his last days very pleasant ones, away from the trouble and turmoil of the world. He still had with him his boy, Roger, and the darling of his old age, Rosebud, whom gallant Davy Crockett was so soon to carry off. Engrossed in her occupation, the young girl did not notice the approach of any one, until a heavy trampling noise reached her ear. Looking up, she saw a horse close beside her, on which was mounted a girl not much older than herself. Such a contrast as the two presented, both beautiful, but the one with the glory of sunbeams in her hair, and the other with the somber shades of night amid her sable tresses. Great black eyes looked down upon Rosebud Thornton, with something more than curiosity in their glance. Who it was she could not positively say, never having seen her before, but she had heard of Judge Abner Warner’s daughter, the heiress to the fine house beyond the hills, and thought this must be she. ‘ “T beg your pardon, but would it be too much trouble for you to get meacup of water? I have been riding far and feel very thirsty,” said the young cent ny Rosebud had a sweet, obliging disposition, and she hastened to comply with the very civil quest. As she went into the house to get a cup, and from there to the well back of it, she smiled to find herself living over again the day when Davy and _ herself had taken the long ramble over the hills in search of wild flowers, until they nearéd the Warner estate. That was the first, and last, and only time she had ever seen the stately house of Abner Warner, with its spacious grounds. On this day Davy had confessed his lowe for her, in the manly way that seemed a part of his nature, and how could she help responding te his pleadings? —__ Seated on the hill, at a point where they had a good view of the house, the young hunter told her all about Barbara Warner. They had been years, and iv aad always playmates for man ; admi avy had been afraid of ber him, but Te- hes
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{ | . perhaps in derision, but I tell you it is so. temper, more especially during the tast year, for Barbara had developed a strange mood which had puzzled him exceedingly, at one time look- ing into his sf in as if she saw years) ai there that chained her, and the next accusing him of not liking her; so the result had been he avoided the Warner house altogether. All these things went through the mind of Rosebud as she walked to and from the well. For this rider was the girl who had loved her Davy—for she had divined with a woman’s in- tuition what blind Crockett had never suspected that Barbara was in love with him and feare that he did not return the passion that had been gradually growing for years with her. Why had she come here? Rosebud could guess, but she did not choose to. She held the cup of water, and looked into the great black eyes that seemed fathom- less. ‘‘ Thank you,” said the other, sweetly. She slowly swallowed a little of the cup’s contents, and then lowered it from her lips. “You are Rosebud Thornton, I believe?” The question was asked suddenly and without any hesitation. ‘Iam; and you are Barbara Warner I am sure,” replied the fair young girl. “You have guessed it. Strange that we have never met before, and neighbors at that. We shall perhaps see more of each other now that our paths have crossed; at least I hope so.” id tt is probable, Miss Warner.” “Do you not like me?’ said Barbara, sud- denly, detecting the evident reserve of the other. “T hardly know you,” declared Rosebud, in some little confusion, fearing that she had shown her feelings too plainly. : ‘That does not matter a particle. People nerally like or dislike at sight, at least I do. Tap not blame you, Miss Thornton, for I can ess the reason,” and the proud girl, leaning forward looked into the blue eyes. “Then you know more than I do, for I have not the slightest cause to dislike you in the world. I never saw you before, and what I have heard—” “Ay, what have you heard? Whathas Davy Crockett whispered in your ear about Barbara Warner?” she asked, fiercely. “Nothing to your discredit, I amsure. He told me that you had grown up together, and were like brother and sister until—” ‘*Until you came between _with your golden hair and false blue eyes. Nay, do not start back and look indignant. Icame here with a urpose, girl. I wished to see the one who had Sowtahe Davy Crockett, who had stolen his heart from me. You smile, perhaps in pity, ere was a time when Davy loved me, and I was happy. ‘True, he never told me so, but I could reer it in his eyes and every action. Those were heavenly days when we wandered over the hills together, Davy and I. Why do f tell you this? it is because I love himstill. Is there any shame in my wo ams it? I love the man who is to be your husband, madiy as woman ever loved. To win him I would do anything in this world. He was mine before you came; you stole his heart from me, and may Hea- ven’s—” “Stop! I will not listen to you. How dare you come here and insult me at my father’s door? If there was robbery done, { had no hand in it. Davy Crockett never loved you; he told me he might have done so but for your temper; so you see there is no one to blame but yourself in the matter.” The blue eyes flashed as Rosebud spoke, and for a short time Barbara winced before the cutting words. Then anger came to her aid, first in the shape of sarcasm: . ‘Listen to my lady! One would think she was speaking to her maid. See the light in tke false blue eyes! ture r Davy’s heart, I warrant,” then ben ing low in the saddle, so that she could look straight into Rosebud’s eyes, she continued in shriller tones, in which anger could be plainly traced: “ Havea care, Rosebud Thornton, how you come between Davy Crockett and Barbara Warner. IfI believed what you told me to be the truth, he should never live to see his bridal day. Ah, well do they say: “ Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” There is no torment that I could think of, too bad for Davy Crockett, if this be true. But I do not hate you, Rosebud Thornton; I do not wish you evil; but on this I am determined: as sure as there is a blue sky above us, I swear that youshall not be Crockett’s bride, and I will keep my oath if I have to shoot him down at your side. If he will have it That is what she used to oT ; ed 1- ; hension, Darinz D UTY: ob ST : so, then Davy Crockett shall be wedded to | monster often, in the hunt, and never as yet haxk death. Hark ye, girl, you have heard the vow of a woman whose wrongs have well-nigh made her mad.” The strange girl wheeled her horse with a fierce rein, and rode off. At the edge of the clearing, she halted, and turning once more, surveyed the cabin and its surroundings. ** Remember,” she cried aloud, and then van- be from view in the gathering shades of night. “Poor girl,” said Rosebud to herself, ‘‘ I am afraid she is not quite in her senses. What terrible things she said. Could Davy— No; I can take his word against the world. She de- ceived herself, and will not have her eyes opened, What is there ina woman’s vow! I can laugh at it, but, somehow, the memory of those black eyes chills my blood. Pray Heaven that no harm may come to my Davy, my king. What have I done that this trial s oand come upon me? And yet she is more to be pitied than I. Well, I must try to forget this mad scene, but Davy must know, when he comes to-mor- row. He will laugh at me, I fear.” A woman’s vow! Before many hours had gone by, brave Crockett was destined to find out what a woman would descend to, to seek re- venge. CHAPTER IIL. A HUMAN TIGRESS. “Thar stands Davy Crockett!” When the giant uttered these words, he gave no news to any of his friends, for they knew full well who the man was upon whose form their eyes fell. Mose had been sent sprawling over, in com- pany with the old table, but he managed to gain a half-erect position, and, with his weight resting upon his arm, surveyed the strange spectacle. The man whose abrupt and unannounced entry had caused such a commotion among them, stood with his left foot thrown forward his keen eyes fastened upon the disconcerted group of conspirators. Rough though his tumble had been, Davy held on to his rifle, through it all, and the frowning muzzle of this faithful weapon now menaced his foes, The giant proved to be the first to break the silence that rested upon them. “Davy Crockett, you’ve come to your daom. Thar’s no use explainin’ matters as ye have heard ’em all. What tate brought ye to this spot, and throwed ye into our power? Anyhow it are lucky for us.” ‘i “That remains to be proved,” answered the young bear-hunter, who showed not the slight- est evidence of any excitement, ‘“ that remains to be proved. You are four to one, but thar’s going to be a tough little scrimmage in this cab- in before Davy Crockett pegs out. “That may be, Davy; we know ye ain’t reck- oned a coward, but it won’t alter the case a whit. Ye are bound to go under, and that ga quick.” Tercules Dan made this emphatic remark with a great deal of confidence. ‘Wait a minute before you open the ball,” re- marked Davy, with perfect coolness; ‘I can un- derstand why you three men should hate me, for I have given you good cause, I reckon, but to my knowledge I have never seen this Squire, as he chooses to call himself, before, and before I die, as you seem so sure I am going to turn up my toes, will the honorable pe pg give some sort o’ an inkling as to how I’ve offended him?” The Squire seemed to be shaking with sup- pressed wrath, and Davy could see his eyes gleaming from under the shelter of his hat. ** Rosebud Thornton!” The name came from between clinched teeth, and Davy gave a low laugh. It was growing plainer, now, to his compre- though 1e could not yet grasp the whole matter; but, there could be only one ex- ge lesa This was an unsuccessful lover of he belle of the backwoods, although, for the life of him he could not hazard a guess as to his identity. -° He was given little time for reflection upon the matter. These human tigers wanted his blood, and from the manner in which their glar- ing eyes shone upon him, he knew there was no shirking the encounter. It might be that his last hour had come, Look- ing upon the fierce faces and gleaming blades, one could imagine such a thing without stretch of the imagination. . Well, be it so; they should find that a Crockett never feared death. He had faced the grim ‘ x -speakin of the deadly he been known to flinch. Fate destined Mose Martin, the man who hac been tarred and feathered, to be the one wha should bring down the vials of Davy’s wrath upon his head, He was the nearest to the torch that had beem thrust into acrackinthe wall. Turning, he gave this a blow with his hand, that sent it to the floor, and then commenced stamping upon % with great earnestness. It was the intention of the scoundrels under cover of the gloom to dispatch him. Crockett saw through it all and was quick to > act, for there suddenly followed the sharp, quick crack of the bear-hunter’s long rifle. yell burst from the lips of the tarred and feathh- ered man, telling that Mose Martin was mar- tally stricken. ‘ The torch was still burning a little, and by ite dim light Davy saw his victim stagger bacts against the wall of the cabin, pressing his hand against his breast, where the fatal lead hart struck him. With a shout and_a curse, the others sprang forward. The Squire for some reason held back. He seemed to have a different idea from Mose for, stooping down, he picked up the torch, and calmly waved it about his head out into a flame. ; Then, drawing a pistol he stood like a statue waiting until the chance came for him to en the matter by emptying its contents into the body of Crockett. During this time a terrible struggle had been taking place. ‘ When Davy saw the two man-wolves leap at him as though they would tear at his throat like so many fierce brutes, he swung his rifle around, and brought the barrel against the riant’s head with terrible force, and Hercules an dropped as if shot. : F ey Before the hunter could well recover himself, the other wretch was upon him. The knife was driven straight at his breast, but only to strike the steel of his gun. His life was saved for the moment, and instantly the bear-hunter threw himself upon the chicken-thief, and the two went down in a confused mass. " They squirmed about like so many snakes, and it was a difficult matter to tell which was Davy and which was his foe. Once the Sage: sprung forward, and, clap- © ping his pistol to the head of one of them, was. ust on the point of firing, when the face was urned toward the light, and the Squire recog... nized Dave Rawlings, the, ex-cirecuit-ricer. Before the mysterious man could take advan tage of this, the squirming commenced again with greater violence than before, and he coul not decide which one to massacre, He once more stood erect, but seemed to be terribly excited, judging from the way in which the torch trembled in his white hand. Davy found a tough customer in Dave Raw- lings, for the man was muscular, and extraor- dinarily agile. Besides, he realized that hie situation was desperate, and hence put out every atom of strength he possessed. It was only a couple of minutes that these two thrashed-about in such a lively manner up- on the floor, but it certainly seemed much longow to all the parties concerned, At length one of the contestants got the ay r hand of his enemy, and taking his head im. , is hands, he bumped it fiercely a dozen times upon the hard dea) flooring until insensibility followed. Flushed with triumph, Crockett looked up, ta find the pistol of the Squire staring him in the, face, and back of it a par of gleaming eyes, atred that was in ther soul of this, his most mysterious foo. Crockett realized his position like a flash, an@ one of his hands, flying upward, sent the pistol a dozen feet away, to the other side of the cabin. Nor wes he slow to follow up the ad-. vantage he had pained, for, leaping to his feet. he threw himself upon the Squire, and caught him in a fierce grip. Hardly had his arms closed around the mam than they were unlocked, and Crockett sprang: back as though stung by an adder. ‘Heavens!” he exclaimed, ‘ it is a women!” The Squire seemed to cringe for half a miu- ute, and then recovering, assumed a bold atti- de. There was a flash of steel asshe drew the ittle dagger, and then the heel of her boot camer down upon the flickering torch, almost extin-- guishing it. “Go your way, Davy Crockett, and seek not to find out why I hate you. It seems that my time for revenge has not yet come, but coma it will just as sure as I live, You have escape?,. \ until it broke , \ Po
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oo0 - 2 eee = ‘ given charge of the affair. / 4 this time; you are a brave man, but the next time, beware! Perhaps you will receive a wound from my hand, through one you love, sooner than you suspect. Do not come near ee I will drive this steel to your heart. Crockett picked up his rifle, and, aber! the bar, opened the door a trifle, and slipped out, leaving the mysterious woman alone with her minions. Even as he hurried away he heard a dee thud as her dagger struck the door, and realiz that the disguised tigress had in the last moment again tried to assassinate him. “What does it mean?’ he said, to himself, again and again, as he hastened through the dense forest; ‘‘ who is she, and what has Davy Crockett done to merit her hatred? Thar never was a woman that I didn’t like; and, somehow, she made me think of Barbara War- ner. Ugh! what a foe; I shudder to think of her. t did she mean by striking a blow through one Iloved? Pray Heaven it is not my Rosebud. My heart sinks at the thought. For- ward, Davy, forward!” CHAPTER IV. THE LOST BRIDE. A BACKWOODS wedding was a t affair at the time of which I write, and Davey Crockett was so well known and universally liked that there was quite a turn-out on the occasion. The days had sped by, on fairy wings. Winter was not far away, and the wedding must needs come off soon, or else it would have to be deferred until the next spring, for Thorn- - ton declared his daughter should not be married when there was snow. Old Mother Grannis, a personage who had figured at all the weddings and burials in the backwoods for almost a score of years, was Such cakes and pies, rowned turkeys and chickens, as were to seen in the large cabin would have made the mouth of an epicure water. The cabin of Rosebud’s father was much larg- er than most of those of the settlers, for, as has been. said before, he had seen better days, and could not have lived in a one-room house. Back of it a platform had been built and wall- te in. It was intended for dancing, and could 6 put to very good use afterward as a place of storage for fruit and grain. The guests came early and often, that is, each neighbor brought bis whole family with him, intending to make a gala occasion of it. Rose- bud was of course invisible, as she was being dressed for the ceremony by several of her friends. ‘Davy was on hand, the subject of congrat- ulations from all uarters, and looking as happy asanew moon. Still, he did not feel like him- self in the new suit of clothes, and wished fift times he was back at home with the thing a over and himself rigged out in his buckskin again, The parson was a queer sortofafish. His face was half concealed from view by the high choker which he wore, and his wig came down to his ears, so that the poor man seemed utterly extin- guished. Parson Goodman, their “regular” minister, was off on a business trip to the East, and as a last resort a messenger had been mounted and sent over the mountains to get Parson Truelove, whose field of labor lay there, and this was the queer chap who answered the summons. His black coat was buttoned up to within six inches of his chin where the white frilled shirt made its appearance. He made himself quite at : poe with the good people, but kept rather shy 0 the bridegroom, who had fired off some pretty broad jokes at his expense, eurlier in the even- he guests were now all assembled and the house was pretty well filled, all but the little room where Rosebud sat, dressed for the cere- mony in simple white. Parson Truelove had confided to Mother Gran- nis. the fact that it was his invariable custom to have a few minutes’ private conversation with the bride just before the ceremony, and that good body declared she would manage it, so when all was ready, she came to him. ‘¢-You will find the dear girl in the room yon- ' der. Don’t say any thing that will take the: hes from her cheeks, for she is just too beau- ful. There, parvon, go in, and mind you are not to stay over five minutes, for the folks will be anxious,” and she shook her finger at him as ac ttish young girl might, and then closed the door after him. Rosebud sat with her head in her hands think- Daring Davy. ing. These were her last few minutes alone. She lived over much of the happy past while sit- ting there, and the rosy-hued future seemed also to rise up before her. She failed to see the danger that rose so close to her like a phantom hand, shadowing and threatening to blot out the | future. How cunningly everything was contrived, and with what devilish Sil carried out. It came very near being a perfect success. “Look up, my daughter; I wish to have a few last words with you before performing the cer- emony that forever links your fortunes with those of Davy Crockett.” The parson had slyly unfastened the bolt of the door leading to the outer regions, before standing before her and thus arresting her at- tention. Even as he was speaking, it was pushed back quickly and noiselessly, and the figure of a man entered. His steps were cat-like; indeed, con- sidering his size it was wonderful how he could move with such a silent tread. The candlelight fell upon his face, and reveal- ed the ill-favored features of Hercules Dan, the border wolf. A patch upon his face was the mark given him during the cabin fight with Davy Crockett, nor did it add any thing to the beauty of his ugly countenance. Poor Rosebud! With all her friends so near, and she in the power of these fiends! A white face looked in at the door, and watch- ed the proceeding with intense interest. The young girl had just looked up to reply to the parson’s words, and a smile wreathed her face as she saw his singular attire, when a rude hand oe, forced a handkerchief upon her face, and held it there in spite of her struggles. Before half a minute had geen the young irl lay back unconscious, and not a sound h n made to alarm the guests. A girlish figure glided in through the open door. It was Barbara Warner, she who had said that, if Davy Crockett would not have her, he would wed with death. The long cloak was thrown from her shoulders and revealed that she, too, was dressed in white like the bride, Her plans had changed a dozen times since the meeting with Davy in the cabin, where he had dropped into the power of her hired knaves, and overcome them, and this was the result. She was determined to risk al] ina grand coup, come what might. The five minutes was at length over, and the throng outside had become very impatient. | Davy was as nervous as a cat—at least he said } so « dozen times during that interval. At length there came a sound from within that indicated they were stirring. {[t might have been a door shut, or a stool moved, but at all events it spoke of life, and the crowd of back- woods guests became very impatient and expect- ant, en the door opened, and the funny par- son made his appearance. No one thought to laugh at his odd dress now, for the impending ceremony was too solemn a He walked gracefully into the crowded room, and on his arm was the bride. Perhaps the young girls who had assisted to dress Rosebud, noticed with a little annoyance, that she had disarranged their pretty touches. And the vail, no one had known of that before. It must have been a little surprise of Rosebud’s, and they could but mentally compliment her upon her taste. Gathered in a bunch after covering her face, it hid her hair entirely from view. Davy’s heart thrilled with pride, as he found himself pushed forward by is hunter friends, and offered his arm to this beautiful vision. As for the bride to be, her hand trembled as she placed it upon his arm, and together they walked over to where the minister had taken his position. A great hush had fallen upon the guests. Rough hunters though many of them were, they seemed spellbound at the beautiful sight, and the only sound that could be heard was an occasional long-drawn sigh from some fel- low whose eyes seemed popping out of his head, or it might be the giggling of a young girl in whose ear an amorous swain was whisperin prophesies concerning the future when she migh occu all observers. Davy conducted himself well; at least the spectators seemed to think so. One of his friends, a tall, lank hunter named Rube Long, and whose synonym was generally turned around the other way, had his face shining with happiness, and unable to repress the admiration thai swe his heart, he suddenly burst out wita: y a like position and be the ‘observed of | — LEE ET | oc Well done, Davy! You walk up like a man goin’ to his motier-in-law’s funeral.” | Then suddenly realizing that he had put his | foot in it, the long hunter, unable to stand the fire of so many eyes turned upon him, drew his head in like a tortoise, and withdrew from the public gaze. Davy’s heart was beating like a trip-hammer, and he had great work to keep up the bold ap- rance, The wordsof his true friend,although inappropriate, seemed to bracehimup, A smile came upon his lips. “The eyes of the people are on me,” he family, but I'll be hanged if they ever catch me here again,” There was something else troubling Davy; what it was he could not tell, but a strange ad- monition of disaster and trouble such as he had never felt before, and which a man should feel least of all upon his wedding a, The ceremony commenced. In his —— voice the mn went on, and at length came to the place where the contracting parties must clasp hands. o sooner had Davy laid eyes on the un- gloved hand extended to him than an electric shock went through his frame. He was quick to recover however, and instead of taking the hand in his, he quickly but dextrously threw back the bridal vail. ‘*‘ Great Heaven!” There stood disclosed, instead of pote: Rose- bud Thornton’s features, the proud and beauti- ful face of Barbara Warner! In her lustrous black eyes was an expression of fear, foiled hatred, and love, if such a strange mixture could be found. ‘Where is Rosebud?’ The hoof-strokes of a horse were now heard, and guests and bridegroom hastened to the doors and windows. Like an arrow of light there epee past them a horse on which was mounted the giant border wolf, Hercules Dan. In front = He he carried the senseless form of the lost ride Away they went like a meteor and were lost in the darkness beyond, but the hoof-strokes could still be heard, although growing fainter, Davy Crockett hurled the woman who clung to him aside, leaped out of the window, and threw himself upon one of the horses, tearing after the border wolf like a whirlwind over the prairie. CHAPTER V. BACKWOODS JUSTICE. SuCH a scene as ensued in the cabin, after Davy Crockett had gone! Those of the guests who could, pushed out through the doors, while others crowded the windows. The light shone over the fence to which many horses in rude vehicles, and saddle animals be- sides, were hitched. It was upon one of these latter that the horse-thief had ridden away with his senseless burden. ' Davy had not waited to get either his hat or rifle, but, hastily leaping upon the back of the nearest steed, after tearing the bridle loose he had set out upon the track of the fugitive, who, bearing the girl who was to have been his bride by this time but for the eyed Barbara, had dashed down the road through the timber, and was out of sight although not beyond hearing. When Davy had vanished, the attention of the guests was turned to another quarter. The queer parson had vanished from the place as had also Rube Long. In the middle of the room stood Barbara. The sudden ruin of her artful plan just in the moment of its consummation had given her a blow that seemed to daze her somewhat, for she stood with her head held down and her whole attitude bespeaking humiliation. A hand laid upon her arm was the first in- timation that attention was drawn to her, and looking up she saw that old Mr. Thornton had | touched her, while she was the cynosure of all eyes. The old man’s face was fearful to look | upon, for the abduction of his daughter on her wedding ni: ht had produced a powerful effect upon him, but Bar could never be cowed | by scowls. : | “She looked into his face with a dazed expres- | sion, but a consciousness of her position was be- ginning to dawn upon her mind when her eyes | swept from face to face and saw only scorn and | detestation. | Woman, this is no place for you. The spot | made sacred by the footsteps of my daughter is | defiled by your presence. our being a woman lotting of the black- thought, ‘and I must be acredit to the Crockett |
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has saved hi from the wrath of myself and | tempted to break away from his captor, in spite C these friends. Go!” The old man spoke in a low voice but he al- most reached the sublime in his delivery, for there was a thrilling emphasis in his words. In an instant the whole manner of the girl changed. Her great, black eyes seemed to fair- ly seintillate as she threw the old man’s hand from her arm, and drew her queenly form erect. ‘* Silence!” she exclaimed, in a ringing voice, that would have well become a tragedienne, and which startled the good people who looked on in open-mouthed wonder; ‘‘silence! It is I who am defiled by remaining where she has been. I say it now, once and forever, before you all; Davy Crockett shall never marry that girl; never, never! Make way!” She passed through the crowd, with her flash- ing eyes looking defiance, and actually causing the honest folks some confusion; but not a hand was raised to prevent her egress. She was the daughter of a man not only wealthy, but powerful in Poultice; and the judge of the district, besides. Then again, it was a woman, and these heroes of the Tennessee back- woods had great respect for the gentler sex. No sooner had Barbara passed out of the door, and been lost to sight, than another dra- matic scene of a thrilling nature ensued. A scuffiing sound was heard, and then Rube Long made his appearance through the rear door, pushing before him a form which they readily recognized as the queer parson. The lank ranger had kept an eye on this worthy, and following him out had, by the aid of a gentle persuader in the shape of a pistol, induced him to return, His hair was streaming over his face, and the “telescope man ”—as Rube was often called on account of his peculiar habit of drawing in his head—had rumpled up his frills, so that his face was well hidden from view. Now, these honest people did not see through the matter yet. Doubtless the minister had been too easily deceived, but that was no crime, and he was a parson after all, So exclamations of commiseration arose, and the long hunter grew as red as a turkey-cock in the face. When excited Rube stammered fear- fully, and in his efforts to enlighten them he only mixed up matters more. At length when cries of ‘‘ shame!” arose, he could stand it no more, but turning to his cap- tive, he gave him a thump that sent the wig and ruffle flying. “Tthar, confound y—you all, d—d—don’t you see w—w—what’s what?” Silence ensued. A remarkable transformation had taken place. Instead of the funny face they expected to see, there was revealed by this act of Rube’s, the well known and hated features of Dave Rawlings, the ex-circuit-rider, horse-thief, ban- dit, and the boon companion of the Border Wolf. There was a scared look upon his face now, for the man realized that he was in a crowd, the atmosphere of which was rather bad for his health, and more than once he cursed under his breath for coming unarmed to the backwoods wedding, although he had enjoyed the joke of rsonating Parson Truelove—who, in reality, ad never received the message sent—until Davy’s act had caused this tremendous denoue- ment. For quite a time the settlers had owed this man a debt, and the accumulated amount seem- ed likely to be now settled, interest and all. His name passed from lip to lip among the men, and stern glances were cast upon the man, who writhed in such a helpless way in the grasp of Rube Long. Then one of the guests spoke. __. He was a backwoods farmer, a man of some wealth,.and who had always been looked upon as a leader in political matters, second only to Judge Warner. ; “Neighbors,” said old Simon Cross, with one eye shut as he squinted from the cowering wretch, along the line of faces, ‘‘we came here te attend a wedding, and having been cheated out of that, I move for one that we turn in and have some other amusement. This wretch you all know. There ain’t a man in the county who has done more individual damage, and I reckon I’m as much a loser in the hoss line as the next, ever since he and his friends run off my gray mare and Old Reliable, my blooded stallion. Now I move we give him a clean dance on noth- ing. He’s made such a good parson ’twould be a shame not to elevate him to a higher position. Neighbor Lee, have you a rope handy? The article was quickly forthcoming, and then a move was made toward the door. At this poiit cue prisoner, now thoroughly alarmed, st- 1 . - Daring Davy. . The female portion of the guests were thus left alone, and they spent the time in discussing the marvelous event that had just been enacted, and the unwomanly conduct of the strange girl, Barbara Warner. A lantern had been speedily ignited by one of the young men, whose indignation at the trick that had been pax upon them was in- tense. With this light to show them the way, the wedding guests hastened through the strip of forest land until they reached a lonely ravine, where the mournful cry of the owl was the only sound that could be heard, When the bottom of this weird ravine was reached, they came to a halt. A beech tree »rew above their heads, one of its gnarled limbs Coing some ten feet from the ground. Over this branch the rope was thrown, and the noose placed arend the neck of the doomed man, whose hands nad been bound to his sides. “If you have anything to say, speak quickly. If not you had better say your prayers, for you have only two minutes to live,” said old Simon, taking out his big ‘‘ bull’s-eye ” watch and hold- ing it near the lantern. : It was a terrible sight, and one which those lookers-on never forgot. The man’s face was as white as chalk, and showed no sign of life, save in the rolling eyes and a twitching of the upper = They thought he had lost his voice, until old Simon looked up from his watch and an- nounced that the time was over. Then the wretch, realizing that death was near, broke out into such wild pleadings for merey that in very pity the old man motioned to his comrades to end the tragedy. Sturdy arms jerked the ex-circuit-rider off his feet and up to the limb. The lantern at this instant wasaccidentally ex- tinguished, so none of them could witness his death-throes, but, after the rope had been fast- ened below and they nmioved away out of the ravine they could hear the branch quiver and creak. Dave Rawlings died hard. Rube Long walked back to the cabin and stationed himself at the door, looking keenly at the men as they silently entered. Two young backwoodsmen, great friends of Crockett’s, whom he touched on the arm, immediately joined him. ‘* Get your shooting-irons, boys,” he said. Rube was quite cool and collected now, and could speak as plainly as the next man. He was joined in a few minutes by his two friends. They had just come in from a hunt, these three, and had cleaned up in the Thornton cabin, which would account for their presence at the backwoods wedding with their guns. Rube moved with them down the road that led through the forest. When a distance from the house he came to a pause, and the others now noticed that he carried the lantern in ad- dition to his rifle. ““ Comrades,” said he, “‘ you remember we once swore to help Crockett in anything. The time has now come. Davy rushed off with- out a weapon, and harm may come to him. Thar’s a trail here; shall we follow it?’ * To the end, Rube,” replied the others. “* Good lads! I knowed I could depend on ye. To the death it is then.” A few minutes later a strange light,.a will-o’- the-wisp to all appearances, was moving through the forest, and winding in and out, up the val- ley a beyond. The trackers were on the trail. CHAPTER VI. THE CHASE. THROUGH the dark night flew Davy Crockett and his good horse, out of the forest and on to the road that led to the distant mountains. No time had been given him for reflection, and all his actions had been from mere impulse. It chanced, however, that in leaping on the first horse he reached, Davy had secured a good mount, and was thus enabled to keep his own in the race. : The giant was mounted on a white steed, a powerful stallion that had been famous before he stole it from the Kentucky farm, and even with its double burden, this animal] did not let Davy gain a pace, _The young backwoodsman was in great ex- citement, and could well be pardoned under the circumstances, but all his efforts to increase the speed of his horse resulted in failure, as the animal was doing its best. ‘ SETI ‘ iz W Through the stilly darkness of the vigne they rushed at headlong speed. Hercules Dan was not far in the advance of his pursuer, but, looking back he could see no sign of him, while Davy, on the other hand, bending forward in the saddle, kept his eyes fastened upon the white horse. All sight and sound of the cabin in the forest had long since faded away. At first they bad heard the murmur of voices while their horses galloped over the soft dirt road, and between the trees could have seen the glimmer of lights had they chosen to turn their heads, but this was now changed, and they were thundering on toward the hills, in- tent only upon the one object in view—that of escape on the part of the tugitive, that of cap ture, with Davy. The giant did not know who his pursuer was, He had seen a figure leap from the crowd to ward the horses that were fastened to the fence, but as he only had a glimpse of this person and the windows were so filled with the startled guests that no light could find an egress save a long, lance-like a or two that fell across his path, and revealed him to their gaze, he could not recognize him. It did not need a very fertile imagination however to hit upon the truth, and as he dash- ed madly along, tie outlaw was revolving the matter in his mind. He could easily invest this desperate pursuer who had followed with such lightning speed, with the features of the bridegroom whom he had, under the orders of Barbara Warner, struck so keenly to the heart —Davy Crockett. The miles seemed to spin behind them, and as they neared the rugged mountains; the coun- ° try grew wilder in its topographical features. Although they could not sce this, yet the rough- ness of the road, and the fact that several brawling mountain streams crossed it, through ' which their horses plunged, indicated this fact. Davy after awhile realized that he was gain- ing upon the other, slowly but surely, and his heart gave a throb of delight when this fact finally became manifest. The heavy outlaw was burden enough for the stoutest horse, and when carrying double, even the famous white racer would have to give over in the end to the good nag Davy bestrode. The backwoodsman, forgetting that he was totally unarmed, and would be no match for such a desperade, began to count the minutes that must elapse before he could come up with the other. Alas for human calculations. Before another half-mile had been passed over, the foot-hills of the mountain were gain- ed. From the white horse Davy raised his eyes to his rider—whom he could now see, having’ drawn that much closer—just in time to hear the report of a pistol, and see the flash that ac- companied the detonation. Instantly bis horse fell lame, and went te limping badly, so he knew the leaden mezsen- ger had struck the mark it was probably in- tended-for. His heart sunk when he realized that the chase was over as far us following on horseback was concerned, Then like a reaction his hopes returned. The outlaw after firing the shot that crippled his pursuer, gave a taunting laugh as he understood what had resulted, and turning his steed, plung- ed in among the trees that grew along the foot of the mountains. Here his pace would have to be slow, for, al- though the timber was sparse, still there was & risk of running headlong into a tree, or having his eyes scratched out by the branches. Might he not yet overtake the outlaw on foot? No sooner thought of than Davy halted his steed, and throwing himself to the ground, plunged into the timber. The darkness was now intense, but he fought his way on through all, until he thought he must be close to where Hercules Dan had left the road: . here he paused to listen. Not a sound save the sighing of the nigiic breeze through some defile above him, the dis- tant howling of wolves, and the musical mur- your of a noisy stream that gurgled along over its pebbly bed not far away. f ‘oor Davy’s heart sunk, but he could not stax.d - idle. Again he rushed forward. Better to he moving in the wrong direction than to sta: a there doing nothing, while his darling was bejr. » carried away by this ruffian. Once more he came to a pause, and strained }:'s ear to catch the sound of a horse’s hoofs crack. ling through the bushes, but again was he doo. ed to disappointment: The bubbling sound that told of the excch’s t eal a
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2 ES = ‘wed, 7 presence, was more distinct, but beyond this nothing greeted his ears. Mechanically he made his wey toward the stream, without any object in view, only the vague, hal{-formed hope that the outlaw might take tis route as being the least incumbered. It was easy to find the creek, but not such nice work reaching it, for the bushes grew very thickly at this point. At length, however, he veached a point where he caught the starlight glittering upon the moving water like strands of Re silver. There was no sign of the giant in either direc- tion, Ifthe thought of using the shallow creek as a roadway had entered his head, he had either wlready passed by, or was yet to come. Da fervently hoped it would prove the latter. He «vould leap from the bank upon the outlaw, be- fore he could draw a weapon, and once let the young backwoodsman get his hands upon the throat of Hereules Dan, and the tiger in him would do the rest. The tainutes tos $5 past and yet the expected sound did not reach his ears. Davy was in de- spair. He could do nothing until morning, and Veaven alone knew what would become of e- bud Thornton by the time he once more got up- on the trail of the Border Wolf. He crouched among the bushes, busily engag- ed in thought, but all at once he started vio- tently. i'yom down the stream he had heard the snort ofa horse. At least so it seemed to him, al- #hough it might have been made by a bear, but avy had hunted these latter animals too dili- fpently to mistake their signs. Instantly he was all attention, and his nerves xvyaivered with the excitement of the moment. itis cars were bent to catch the slightest sound wud presently he heard a splashing that sounde above the murmur of the stream. Then human voices reached his ear, and a Low laugh, There was more than one person coming up the stream. His heart sunk like lead, for a hope had suddenly sprung up when he first heard the sounds, that was just as speedily extinguished, ‘Who were they? His first thought was that some of the guests “@%t the wedding had hastened to follow him, but ‘this idea was quickly dissipated. The riders came on, their steeds splashing . through the water, and moving along as though vised to such traveling. Soon through the dark- . woss they loomed before Davy’s vision. There were three of them, all well penigie ss » end in the darkness the unseen l6oker-on coul wob make out their forms distinctly, but he was . Salf inelined to believe that the third rider was _®. woman, Could it be Barbara Warner? -She had been dressed as a bride, in white, not soa hour before, and this silent figure who rode . #@itectly in the rear of the two men, was garbed wholly in black. It bardly seemed possible, aad yet Davy was inclined to believe that it wras Lis girl-foe, ; ‘ven as he looked they faded from his view, fm | he was once more alone. iie could hear the splash of the water, how- ever, and the murmur of the men’s voices. “J will follow,” he said, suddenly, as if he “Yaad decided upon a mental question; “ if that .%&e Barbara, tien surely I will find my Rosebud. -.8£ on the other hand, it is not, these men at _* Beast are outlaws, and as the scoundrel came . this way, there is a strong picbamca 7 that he weas making for their den, wherever itis. Yes, ¥ will foliow, and to the death. Thar’s blood in Davy Crockett that they’ve stirred up to-night, mal when it comes to a rumpus—look out, that’s Vm of,” cia _. CHAPTER VIL ~ ~ MYSTERY OF THE OLD MILL. “*THE mountain stream fell from rock to rock ‘“#ith a musical murmur that was not uniike a _ Wwroman’s laugh. At a point where the current was swift and te volume of water sufficient for all purposes, wm enterprising settler had established a saw- ' wail] some years previous to the opening of our sBory. a conjanction with this he had made a rude sail fer grinding corn and wheat, and for seayhile be reaped the result of his enterprise. ESchanced, however, that hard times came, his emestomers went to a rival many miles away, s=md no longer was the merry sound of the hum- seing saw and the grinding millstones h «.ucoughout the livelong day. - aid Jacks grew morose with his decline of for ' success. Daring Davy. tune, and one day tho community was starticd to hear that he had murdered his wife and then vanished irom view. Some were inclined to | believe that he had fled after committing the terrible deed, but most of the backwoods people were of the opinion that he had made way with himself. The mill-race and pond were dragged with- out any result, but this did not disturb the stand the good people had taken in the matter as old Jacks was known to be very peculiar an would doubtless select the strangest method he could think of to commit suicide. Well, the poor old woman was buried and the mill closed up, for old Jacks had no known relatives, and as to any of the settlers taking possession, why they would have been com- pletely horrified at such an idea. Ignorant as they were for the most part, it was but natural that superstition should rule, and to them the deserted mill soon became a haunted place. Strange noises had been heard there and even lights seen flashing hither and thither. One man bolder than his feilow3, had crawled up to ascertain what the noise meant, and peering through the broken shutter, saw a sight he would not forget to his dying day. Old Jacks, with a bloody knite in his hand, was chasing his wife around the room, she shrieking, and he cursing. ‘The chairs fell over and at last he caught her. Then the knife was raised, and even as the horrified watcher gazed, spellbound, darkness fell upon the scene; he heard the thud of the knife as it struck home, and a series of shrieks and groans arose from all sides, that made his hair stand on end. How he got away from the spot he never could tell, but all the money in the world would not hates him to try the same thing over . He firmly believed that he had seen the spirits of old Jacks and his wife. There were a few who hinted that he had probably been too intimate with another kind of spirits, but the fellow (in the daytime) took these scoffers to the mill, entered, and found in the living room, a dozen holes in the floor where the knife of the spirit assassin had pierced it, as the tragedy was rehearsed time and again. So the mill was shunned. Haunted by evil spirits, it was seldom seen, even at a distance by the settlers, who would go half a mile out of the way almost unconsciously, to avoid it. It was a mournful sight. The old wheel thit had been wont to roll round and round, throwing the silver drops of water into the sunlight, lay there, a wreck, its iron bands rusted so that they had parted, and the wood-work rotted almost wholly away; what remained was covered with moss that hung in long green streamers down to the water. It chanced, however, that the old mill was not so much deserted as the good people of the neighborhood chose to believe. The scene, upon which the backwoodsman had looked, had really taken place, but the spirits were two healthy outlaws, dressed to represent the former owners of the mill. A better rendezvous for a gang of desperadoes could hardly be imagined, for there was little chance of tneir being found out. Underneath there was a splendid stable for their horses, and there were many holes in which they could hide, should the place ever be attacked, or any- one pay a sudden visit during the daytime. Through the darkness came three figures on horseback, pressing steadily on to the old mill. The two men dismounted, and the girl leaped to the ground with the grace of one who was born to the saddle. Then one of the men led the horses away, while the female followed the other. He entered the old mill and struck a light, after which he held it close to the face revealed to him. ** You told us the truth, miss. We will serve you in everything,” he said. It was the face of Barbara Warner that he looked upon, The proud girl was about to fol- low up the pen she had already begun with such There was that in her face that made the man almost recoil; no one would ever dare to utter an insulting word with those black eyes flashing upon him. How could Heaven have made so fair a form and put such a heart within? Ah! no one knew how her passionate nature had eugene? to do right, how the conflict raged terribly at times, put the future would show the true worth of her soul, when the false gilding was rubbed off. Just then she was in the flush of success any ming but repentant. Her victim was in this and here, s d mill, and Davy should never see her { a Be ee, again, This was better than killing him, for he | would suffer, ay, a thousand deaths in tue loss of his intended bride. The fair young girl was in her power; there was not a spark of goodness in her, so sho toll herself, and before many hours Rosebud Thorn- ten would be no more, Having looked into her face, the man turned and passing the frame that held the rusty old saw, walked over toa stairway that led to tho regions above. This wasa sort of loft, which had been fitted up by the outlaws asa place of residence, and they had a means known only to themselves, of leaving it in case of an attack or surprise on the part of the settlers. arbara’s hand clutched a pistolin the folds of her cloak as she followed up the rickety stairs, The loft was a large place, and at the further end an old Jantern Shed an uncertain light Rats ran across the floor at their approach, but Bar- bara was not timid, although she could not help feeling her flesh creep a little at the thought of what a terrible fate it would be to have these animals attack one who was bound, and helpless to resist. Over in the corner of this loft, lying upon a rude couch, was Rosebud Thornten, er white dress was a strange mockery when her present situation was considered. She was still under the influence of the drug, but her eyelids twitch- ed, and she showed other signs of speedily re- turning to consciousness. A woman sat upon a stool, and watched her. I have said woman but when that word is taken in its purity, surely she was a blot upon the name. Wrinkled face and bloodshot eyes, skinny hands with talon-like nails, yellow tusks that protruded from between her bloodless lips; that was what Barbara saw. ** Move aside,” she said iii an authoritative tone. The old crone looked up in surprise at being addressed in this way by one of her own sex. She was used to being commanded to do things by men, but by a woman, nevea! Women havo no worse foes than their own nex. She sprung to her feet, and the long talonr- like claws were half-raised as if it was her in- tention to scratch out the eyes of this girl who ordered her, Queen Mab, to do anything. Then she felt the black eyes fastened upon her, and drawing her own gaze. What she saw in the wondrous depths of these flashing orbs was never known, but th® hands slowly sunk to her sides, and with #a inarticulate mumble she hastened to obey, ueen Mab was subdued. The man, standing back, had tvitnessed this scene with no littleamazement. He had known the old hag of old, and expected »n explosion of some sort, and the result was so wonderful that he gave vent to a low whistle. The battle had been fought and won without a blow. Barbara knelt beside her victim. The dim light fell upon the goldeii hair, and the sweet face so like a child’s. Her woman’s heart reproached her as she looked. “| have done wrong. Truly it is not her fault that he loves her, and how can I blame her for loving him, my idol, my king? Why should she suffer? Ay, why should | suffer? It is his work, and yet do I not wring his heart more through her? He loves her, loves this sweet doll’s face. She was to take the place that I should have. Oh, my God, horw I havo dreamed of being ever near him; of sesing his face brighten at sight of me only; of walking side by side with my hero through life. She is in my place. ‘But for that, Heaven knows I would nct harm berinnocent head. There isno choice left; I am a poor storm-tossed thing whom the winds of circumstances buffet about; but I can wring tears of blood from Davy Crockett’s eyes, and when that is done, then I care not what becomes — ‘ ion an is awake.” ated ‘ pair of blue eyes were looking up a from among the Jeldin strands of hair, Rosebud struggled to a sitting posture. She looked around her in a frightened way, and then up at the face above her. ““Oh! where am I?” she said, piteously, ** Do you not remember what I told you, not many days ago? I said you would never be Davy Crockett’s bride. At the last minute, while the guests were waiting for the ceremony, ou werecarried away, There wasno wedci.27; tie 1ests waited but no bride came.” ‘* What are you doing todo with me? Tkre-” you hate me, but surely it is not my fault. T.7%. me, what do you mean to do?” ‘¢The poor girl was terrified: 5 ~~ usually possessed seemed 1 ova her and aqmere't os
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a flight b of the drug that had been administered to her. “The waters are deep underneath the deserted mill; you are not to leave here alive.” Coldly the words fell from Barbara’s lips, for she had no pity for a crying baby. ‘‘ Heaven help me, would you murder me?” cried Rosebud, clasping her hands. “Put it as you will; I warned you what the result would be. I will make him weep tears of blood before I amdone. Why don’t you cry, and appeal to me for mercy?” Rosebud’s face had turned very white again, but the look of horror had partly died out of her eyes. ‘Tt would be useless. I am in your power; do with me as you will, and may God in His merey forgive you. If your heart is not en- tirely steeled against pity, I pray you, as a woman, not to do this terrible thing. You may have had sisters; in their names I beseech you to pause and consider. Oh, do not stain your soul with such a crime. By the holiest of names, mother—” ‘¢ Hush!” cried Barbara, wildly, ‘‘ why have you mentioned that word? What put it into your heart to stir up the depths of memory that cluster around it? y mother I loved with all the strength of my passionate nature. I would have died for her, willingly, as a child. Oh, if she had but lived, I wou'd not be here now! What have I done?) Oh, Heaven! what have I come very near doing? Sainted mother, forgive your erring child, forgive! forgive!” Then turning suddenly, she caught Rosebud’s wrist, while her black orbs shone with tears. * Girl,” she said, ‘‘ you have conquered me. No harm shall befall you. Iwill save you for him, and then die.” CHAPTER VIII. CROCKETT TO THE RESCUE. THROUGH the darkness of the night a form was creeping toward the deserted mill, where we have followed the Border Wolf and his quarry. Now and then this person, approaching so stealthily, would stumble over some object, which went to prove that he was unfamiliar with the ground over which he was passing. When within some twenty feet of the building he suddenly crouched behind a bush. At the same instant voices were heard, and from the rogion underneath the mill, where the horses were kept, came two men. One of them carried an old lantern, and in him, the unseen man behind the bush recognized Hercules Dan, the Border Wolf. The other was probably the fellow who had been in com- pany. with Barbara Warner and her cavalier. They entered the old mill, and the light could be seen through the cracks, moving upward, until it beeame apparent that they too had gone to the upper loft. When all became quiet once more, tho form arose from behind the bush, and moved forward to the mill. The darkness lay close, but of course the reader has already guessed that this skulker was no other than Davy Crockett. He had followed the night riders closely up the ereek, and even when at length he lost sight of them, it had already dawned upon his mind like a flash of light, whither they had gone, so that he was able to keep straight on, arriving in time to see the two men come from the little den beneath the mill, and enter the building. Whether it was best to go around the mill in search of a window or some other like means of ingress, or boldly enter, Davy was at a loss to determine, In walking about he chanced to look up and saw just what he was in search of. There was a window to the loft, but the outlaws had past- ed some paper over the frame, which, however, was devoid of glass. Under this brown curtain there was a space of several inches from which came the light. This also revealed to him tho fact that the shed under which the farmers had been wont to drive with their grists was directly beneath this window, and that he could easily reach the spot. PAS the shed was old and dilapidated, extreme caution was necessary in mounting it, lest by an unlucky move he precipitate himself through, and ruin the whole affair. After some little manipulation, the young backwoodsman managed to gain a point direct- ly under the window. This was only a yard or so above the shed, so that by rising upon ‘his knees he would be able tolookthrough, § | Voices reached his ear, voices raised in dis- pute so it seemed, and in one of them he recog- nized with a shiver he could hardly account Border Wolf. Then his two most bitter foes were here, and engaged in dispute. What could be the subject of it¢ Rosebud without a doubt. From what he had already seen of Barbara, Davy felt sure she would not hesitate at anything so that her lans might be carried out, and in all proba- ility she was now insisting upon the death of the young girl, while the giant, more prudent, resisted her determination, That is how Davy reasoned. Then he realized that the object which had drawn him up to this place had not yet been ac- complished, so he gradually rose up and peered through the space left open. He took in the whole scene at a sweeping glance. The old hag being beneath him, was not visible, but the two men with whom the Border Wolf was now in league could be plainly seen, seated on one side and smiling as they watcned the drama before them. Davy’s gaze rested lovingly and pityingly up- on his darling, as she sat upon the cot, her eyes dilated with fear, and listening to the strange words that were spoken, Hercules Dan and Barbara stood face to face. The giant had known for some time back who the strange Squire was, who had been with them when Davy entered the cabin through the roof, for they had engaged in her service as was evidenced by the work done this very night at the backwoods wedding. One of them had already paid the penalty with his life, and was at that moment dangling from the limb of the beech tree in the ravine. The other faced Bar- bara, and there was evidently a meeting of some sort brewing. The girl’s great black eyes were flashing fire, and her gaze seemed to pierce the very heart of the giant, but his manner was dogged. ‘You refuse to obey me then?’ Barbara was saying when Davy looked in. ** So far I do. e have done your work and earned our reward, So far so good. Now you ask me to return this gal to her father. Not much I don’t! Im the first place, it would be as much as my neck’s worth to. show my face to them critters. Secondly, it would be betray- ing this rest o’ our friends here, which I don’t mean todo, Then again you said you were go- ing to make way with the gal.” ‘But I have changed my mind,” said Bar- r a. “So have I,” returned the giant with a leer. Barbara’s temper now commenced to show, and for once it was on the right side. stamped her foot upon the oid oaken floor mak- ing the planks ring and quiver. ‘How dare you speak that way to me? I em- ployed you to carry this girl off; you have done it. Now I order you to release her.” “T refuse. Let there be no more words be- tween us, Miss Warner. Your work has been done; there you should rest satisfied. Now the galis my property. Ihave taken a fancy to her oretty face, the more so because she was te be avy Crockett’s bride, and, just as you intended to do, I can hurt him through her.’ It was a wonder some of them did not hear the gritting noise that came from outside the window at this juncture. Davy’s teeth were ground so fiercely that it seemed as if he never intended getting them apart again, and it was only with a great effort that he restrained him- _ from leaping into the place without waiting onger. ‘“What,” cried Barbara, “ you dare to tell me this, you base hound? Ob that I had my riding- whip here, I would cut your ugly face so that you would never forget Barbara Warner.” ‘‘Tt would be dangerous work, miss, I can tell you. Perhaps it would also be just as well if you called less hard names, for I’m not ial to them. You're as bad as the rest of us, for all you seem to have reformed so suddenly. I don’t they’re too changeable. Who knows but what in five minutes you'll be at the throat of my golden- haired bird yonder.” ‘“Never!” exclaimed Barbara, ‘I have sworn that she shall not be harmed. It was my hand that tore her from Davy Crockett’s side, and mine shall be the power to replace her there. She from this place with me.” “You are mistaken; she remains!” said the huge ruffian, coolly. ““ Would you dare?’ cried the girl. . “Dare? Ha! ha! I hold myself accountable my neck if they laid hold of me, but first catch your rabbit, then cook it, So you see anything do won't rencor my Lold on hfe lees certain, I She | trust people with black eves like them of yours; | tonoman. They hate me enough now to stretch | 7 confess my brain was not equal tosuch a charm ing plot; twas you who planned it all, and, hang me, if Iam going to see such a neat ment fall through for want of a little nerve. Ill serve as captain awhile; and, bark ye, m lady, any harm that comes to little Golden-Hair yonder is through your hands.” “Heaven help me, you are right. | through my influence that she was brought te | this place, and on my head lies all the blame. Be it so, then I will save her with a wenian’r arm. Rosebud, get up!” { There was a ring in Barbara’s voice now. Noe ; longer did she look excited; that mood had pass ed away, and in its stead had come a ccoojnese born of the conviction that whatever followed, the blame rested on her soul, and that only het arm could save the innocent young girl at her side now. Rosebud gained her feet. Her face was pale, and she was trembling, but beyond that she showed no signs of fear, Her blue eyes were fastened upon the face of her protectress. Davy Crockett looked upon this scene in amazement. He could hard Rages that his eyes told him the truth. This girl-foe whose love he had thought turned into the bitterest | hate, who had hired assassins to murder him, and then performed this outrage of carrying off his bride and attempting to personate her—thi« tigress now protecting the girl whom she hat. sought to destroy, and ready to give her owm life in order that the lost bride should once more be restored to his arms! Was he dreaming? What miracle had been erformed? Had a hand from Heaven been aid upon the eyes of the misguided girl and showed her the wrong she was doing? He was aroused by Barbara’s voice, once more» raised in anger. “Stand back! or so surely as there is a sly above us, I will send your soul unbidden, befors the sudement bar. Stand back!” ‘he though he intended preventing Golden-Hai; from following her protectress. Rosebud ha’ shrunk from his glaring, mocking eyes, hidit,; behind Barbara. It was Wolf. Hecared not for the flashing of her eyes or the anger that was visible on her face, but when he found himself looking into the blac\s muzzle of a small, elegantly-mounted derringer, he could not help comiwg to a full pause. Davy knew that the critical moment was coming, and he gathered his strength for a leap. The giant dared not move forward, but he mo- tioned to his confederates, who at once awok« to the realization that the game was too deep for Hercules Dan, and that they would have to take a hand in it. ~ So they moved one on each side of the girl, who tried to keep the three covered with her | weapon, Suddenly the giant gave the signal, | There was a leap forward on the part of the | men, the sharp detonation of the derringer, loud outcries, a shriek from Rosebud, and then a crash as the whole window sash was burst in, and a human form came sailing through the | aperture with the grace of a wildcat, crying hoarsely: “ Crockett to the rescue!” CHAPTER IX. CLOSE QUARTERS. Events had followed each other so rapidly and the new position taken by the girl who had tried her best to injure him and his, was 5% amazing to Davy Crockett that he had bee spellbound as it were, unable to do anythin more than gape through the space that inter- | vened between the rude curtain and the win- | dow-ledge. k When, however, the combined forces of tho enemy were brought to bear upon the bravo and defiant girl—who, in protecting his darling, | had blotted out all her sinful past and covere herself with glory, in Davy’s found his voice and action, The pistol had been well aimed, and as th¢ report sounded, one of the giant’s confrere: writhed upon the floor, likely never to get uyr again. By this shot Barbara had rendered one of her foes powerless to injure her, but she had alse | disarmed herself. sebud gave several lou! | shrieks when she saw her champion struggling | in the arms of the giant. appeared upon the scene, and above the cries of tis woung bride, the howls of the unlucky regipient of Barbara’s bullet, and the jocring ; \ giant had made a stride forward p.— The latter wheeled and faced the Border. eyes—then he: It was at this 4. Spain moment that Crockett’
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He ‘ ‘ i laughter of Hercules Dan and his remaining confederate arose his shout: ““ Orockett to the rescue!” In passing through the window with such ex- treme haste, of course Davy could not exercise a due amount of caution. He was compelled to trust to his weight to smash the whole frame in. So far ns this was concerned his expectations were fully realized, for the whole rotten fabric gave way with a crash; but in passing over the wide sill, his foot caught. The result was not disastrous but it changed the aspect of affairs a little, for Davy, instead of alighting in the open space near the strug- ¢iing giant, who was endeavoring to take from arbara the little dagger she. had drawn from her dress, fell directly under the window. The intervening space was short, and his fall was broken, for he came full upon the old crone ‘who was crouching there, watching the fight with a chuckling noise, attesting the interest she took in it. When Davy came thus suddenly upon her. ‘the beldame must have thought it was the Old Wick after her, at last. She clawed away at him like a wildcat, all the while agg Ty, shrieks that might have emanated from the lips of a raadwoman with no discredit. Tt was only after several efforts that the ~oung backwoodsman gained his feet, and even (hen the creature Sivte $e him, tearing his gar- saents with her talon-like finger-nails. With an «xclamation of anger and disgust he threw her «side, and huddled up in a bunch she remained in the corner, thinking herself hidden from the -Livil Spirit. ‘ By this detention the aspect of affairs had hoon materially altered. Both the Border Wolf and his companion had now recognized Davy Crockett, and naturally they thought he must have friends close at hand. ; The giant burled Barbara to one side and tried to pull a pistol, while the young girl clung to his arm with a determination that was just like Barbara Warner. She who had been so cazer for Davy’s death was now the one to risk her lite for him and his. Surely she was aton- ing, poor girl, for her sin. The other ruffian made toward Rosebud as ir to earry her off, for if she was of no other use to them, they could buy their ultimate safety with her life. Davy had by this freed himself and leaped ' forward as if he were a whirlwind breaking ' {-om the mountain fastnesses and speeding out over the prairie. ‘ Hercules Dan was in a bad position to meet an attack, for he was still vainly endeavoring | to pull his pistol while Barbara clung to his arm | like a vise. : f Davy struck him a terrific blow with his clenched fist. All the fury that had been rag- ing inthe heart of the young backwoodsman, was concentrated in that hearty shot, straight fromm the shoulder, The giant reeled and fell, and Barbara let go “her hold dunt in time to avoid a share in his catastrophe. ~ Leaping + his fallen adversary, Crockett made for the other scoundrel, who saw him “coming and whipped out his knife. he made a vicious stroke,and that he failed to gut an end to Crockett then and there, was | neither his fault nor Davy’s, for the first struck with a savage vigor, and the second rushed on, heedless of the threatening blade. With his usual good luck, Davy escaped seri- eusinjury. The knife slipped along his arm, cutting the sleeve of his coat and drawing blood, * but beyond this it did him no injury, and before the fellow could repeat his thrust or even re- eover from it, Crockett had closed. Once those muscular arms, nerved by the cesperation of the moment to superhuman efforts, closed around him, and the man’s doom was sealed, although, of course, it was not yet enparent. : : He was a_wiry fellow, possessing much «tvength, but Crockett had him foul, and unless there was an interference, it was only a matter of time between them. As they thrashed about, _ the lantern was kicked over and extinguished, ond the darkness of death settled upon the loft 4. the old haunted mill, Then Davy heard a cry and a half-smothered esath, followed by a shuffling sound as if some .0@ were going down the stairs in the dark. What must be the truth broke in upon his mind. Lha Border Wolf had recovered from the blow Aso had dealt him, and was carrying off one of yo’ girls. Which one it was, he could only a!low his fears to judge. .iis arms now became like bands of stcel, and Daring Davy. the fellow was but a plaything in his grasp. lieve the stories that had been told of the old Down they went_with a crash that shook the | rotten boards. Davy was on top, and in the twinkling of an eye he had possessed himself of the outlaw’s knife. There was a dull sound heard, a bubbling cry that ended in a shriek, and as a light suddenly flashed up Davy arose from his victim, to look into the face of Barbara Warner who had ignit- ed the wick in the lantern. Rosebud was not to be seen! Davy gave a gasping cry, for he understood the situation. The brawny giant had picked up the young ~~ as though she were a mere feath- er, and had carried her off. Hers had been the cry he heard, How his heart sunk with the | thought that his work and the noble devotion of Barbara Warner had been for naught. But could he not yet pursue? The very thongs sent the blood leaping mad- ly back to his pale face, and his hands clenched as though the mien Wolf were already within his grasp. e made a step forward, Perhaps Hercules Dan had not gotten far iy as it hardly seemed a minute since he had heard that cry. Davy took a step forward. As he did so, Barbara Warner put her hand upon his arm, and while he turned to look at her in surprise, she uttered in a sad tone the words; “Too late!” Then Crockett, too, heard the sounds of a horse’s hoofs beating upon the turf, and he knew that the giant was off, bearing his precious Rosebud with him. What was to be done? While these two stood there undecided how to act, the neigh of a horse rung out, and was immediately succeeded by a loud laugh of tri- umph that made Davy’s blood leap like molten lava through his veins. Then the sounds became indistinct and_ died | away upon the night air. The Border Wolf had again flown. Davy turned to Barbara. He found her trembiing under his gaze as she had not done before the anger of the giant and his friend for her guilty thoughts, and the harm she ha hee this man burned like coals of fire in her heart. “‘ Barbara,” said Davy, ‘‘ giveme your hand.” ‘*How dare I, Davy Crockett? After what | has passed I wonder you would touch it,” she said, in a mournful tone. ‘Give it to me, Barbara. Whatever wrong | place, and had an abiding faith in its specter inhabitants. “T know it, Tom,” returned his companion, the man who held the lantern in one hand and a long rifle in the other. ‘‘I know it just as well as you, but ’'ll follow Rube to the end o’ the world if Davy Crockett are thar. Them’s my feelings.” ‘**Here’s Rube. He may have some news; I hope so, any way,” said the first. tall form now loomed up in the faint light cast by the lantern, and which turned out to be no other than Rube Long. “Boys,” said he, earnestly, ‘‘ thar’s no use talking; that old mill ain’t on the squar’, Tve had an idea that it needed investigating for a long time back, but I never could screw my | courage up to the p’int. Now I move we see what this thing means.” “We're with you Rube, but from your words I should jedge you’d seen something.” ‘Ye’re quite right, boys. I knowed we was close to the mill when I lott you, and it was to squint around that I did go, tho’ I never let on to you. Wal, I crawled over the hill yonder down into the valley, and up the ravine until I got mighty close; then I grew cautious like. ** Seemed to me I heard a hoss going off while I was creeping over the hill, but it may have been imagination just as we accused Tom here a while back when he declared he heard shouts away off in this direction. ** Pretty soon I could see a light atween the trees. Then it growed interesting, and I own up I was a little skittish about going on, but I sat down and thought it over. _ “*Thar’s one thing,’ says Ito myself, and that is the plain truth, ‘that spirits don’t need no light to see by. Then again, these pesky critters that rode up the creek, warn’t afraid to come straight here, and why should I? Ain’t Rube Long got as much grit as a tarnal hoss-thief? “That settled it, comrades, and thar wasn’t anything that could turn me back after I had | convinced myself. So I crept on again. in ‘“When f had gone up close to the old mill, I seen the light was in the loft. Just then, through the windy, I had a glimpse o’ a regular ole witch.. I only saw her a half-minute and couldn’t sw’ar that she had her broomstick along or not, but thar she was. _ “T wasn’t scared, boys, but I kinder thought it would be better for the hull of us to move on the old witch and her den, together, so if you are ready, we'll start at once.” The others declared their willingness to be led you have done me and mine, it was nobly | forward, They placed an emphasis on the last wiped out when you stood over aby Hang and | words, that gave the long hunter to understand defended her against that fiend. are brother and sister, do you hear Barbara? You must let me give you a brother’s love and devotion. Oh! if you had but shown your true nature, if you had been true to yourself, years 880, i might have been as. you wished, Bar- ara The girl trembled like an aspen leaf as her hand was clasped in his, There seemed some strange electricity in his grasp that disturbed her whole being. By a great effort however, | she controlled this feeling and turning her face With this | | read the secret written in scarlet upon it, she away so that this noble man might no longer said; ** Do not think of me, Crockett; I was sadl mistaken in my feelings, that was all. Thin only of the pure young girl that villain has carried off so basely. Instant pursuit must be made. Have you any idea where he would be-likely to aim for?” ‘* Yes, and not another minute must be lost. Do you return, Barbara, and send some of m friends to the Devil’s Perch. They will be in time to help me rhaps.” “Must 1 go back?” she asked, sadly, as he paused on the top of the old stairs. “Tt is better so. After all, you are only a woman, Good-by, sister Barbara, and Heaven bless and forgive you.” He was gone; She stood there buried in thought, heedless of | the eyes of the old crone being fastened upon | her. Presently she heard Davy riding away, and then looked up. An expression of deter- mination was written on her face. ; ‘** Ah! Crockett,” she murmured, ‘‘I will not go back. I will follow, and if harm comes to you, I will die beside you—brother Davy.” CHAPTER X. THE FIRE-TRACKERS. “ We are close to the haunted mill.” __ The words were uttered in a low voice, as though the speaker was not disinclined to, be- ereafter we | that he was expected to do any arduous task which the future might discover and unearth. So the bold trio advanced. Rube took them over the same path he him- self had used, and when the hill was left behind them, there only remained the level tract of forest and then the ravine, down which came the stream. ** Look,” said Tom, suddenly, as he camé to a full pause, “ thar’s a bright light ahead com- rades. Rube, don’t it come from the direction of the old mill?” “You are right, Tom, but what in thunder does it mean?” As the long hunter asked himself this ques- tion, he put his hand above his eyes and looked earnestly toward the mill. There were many trees between it and them, and in the daytime it would have been a hard task to discover the building, but may could catch a glimpse of what appeared to be a tongue of flame darting upward. This sight affected the hunters somewhat, for they were all superstitious. ‘The witches are having a dance,” suggested om. ““They don’t need a light for that, so Rube said. hat do you make of it, old partner?” asked the third hunter. ‘Pd like to take my oath, boys, that the old mill’s on fire,” declared Rube, suddenly, to the' surprise of his friends. ‘By George, it’s the truth. Thar’s no use in‘ our holding back, then. Whar a fire starts, you'll find human beings, and it’s time we was investigating,” Tom said, The others being of the same mind a move forward was made. Reaching the ravine they commenced ascending. By this time the trut. _ of Rube’s words had become apparent to all of | them, for the old mill was occasi i ' and ey: could see the flames breaking through y in view, the roo Although the fire certainly seemed real enough, so much, mystery had been invested in
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| this old building that the hunters could not help | speculating as to whether it might not be a | spectral one, after all. They had heard of cases where houses were burned completely down before the eyes of parties, who, upon the following day found the building intact and showing no sign of having been in the flames. ** Look, thar’s the witch.” The others followed the direction of Rube’s extended arm. This brought their gaze to the | window in the loft through which we saw Davy plunge, taking sash and all with him, Sure enough a human face was to be seen or rather the features of a witch, for the old crone might have passed for the remarkable hag of Endor. The glare of the flames fell upon her ugly features, and lighted them up without adding any beauty. There was a weirdness about the sight that held the three hunters spellbound, and they stood like statues, gazing upon the burning building and the terrible creature who seemed to have not the slightest fear of what the inevitable consequences would be should she remain where she was. Whether she caught sight of them or not they could not say, but suddenly she uttered the wild scream of a maniac and vanished from view. At this point Rube announced his intention of climbing upon the shed, and looking into the burning building, for, as the outlaws had come directly to this place, there might be something seen to connect them with the fire that was now destroying the old haunt. His comrades offered no opposition, but, moy- ing up a little closer to the house, they watched the progress both of the flames and their leader’s attempt. ; Those below saw him look in, and then give an exclamation of surprise that could be heard above the crackling of the flames. Then he bent still further over the ledge, as if examin- ing some object that had caught his eyes. “Look!” exclaimed Tom, ‘‘the old witch has attacked him. By the Heavens above us she is trying to pull Rube in so that he may perish in the flames. Your rifle is surer than mine, Jack; nut a bullet through her ugly head and save ube.” That individual was capable of saving him- self, however, The crazy crone had assailed him savagely, uttering shrill cries, and trying her level best to drag him into the mill, so that she might have company in her warm quarters. She hed assailed the long hunter aii an un- zuarded moment, for he was intently surveying the bodies upon the floor, and trying to picture the true state of affairs in his mind. Rube, once he got to work, found no difficulty in throwing her off, and as the old hag returned to the assault, he lost his footing and went slid- ing down the inclined roof of the shed. he hunter landed with a thump upon, the ground, and rejoined his comrades, is face was scratched somewhat, and he felt sore after his fall, but otherwise Je was all right. j ‘‘ Boys, thar’s been desperate work done in that old mill. Two critters lie thar stone dead, but thar ain’t a livin’ soul to be found ’cept that old hag. My opinion are that Davy has been here ahead of us and got his best licks in. ’Twould be just like him. Now, the question arises, what’s become of the gal, Davy, and them o’ the outlaws an’ hoss-thieves what got away? My idea are that Crockett didn’t gain his end, an’ is still in pursuit. I! this is the | truth, then thar’s work for us yet. ‘That fire | shows up mighty well, an’ we might be s’arch- ing for tracks. They’ll tell the hull tale.” t was done as Rube suggested, and shortly the plain trail of Crockett was found, whic they readily recognized. Then the whole stor unfolded itself—all but the part in which Barbara had turned herself into a heroine; that, | of course, they knew nothing about. Once more was the lantern brought into ser- vice, and the three hunters took up the trail of the Border Wolf, which was plainly marked. They saw that the three horses were all going ifferent ways, and picking out the one most heavily laden as that belonging to Hercules Dave, they left the old mill behind them. Higher rose the greedy flames, licking up the dry wood as if it was tinder. At length there was a great crash, a hissing of water and fire coming in contact, and the mill was gone, Under the ruins, the mad crone found a grave with the dead outlaws, CHAPTER XI. Eber e fe PREY. Tur night was far advanced. * Bor many hours old Jupiter had led the s Daring Davy. march of the bright heavenly constellations across the firmament, and now the morning star arose in all its purity. Miles away trom the haunted and now de- stroyed mill, the hills rose abruptly, again forming themselves into a mountain range, at whose base the forest stretched away. Almost limitlessly facing this forest was the spot known as Devil’s Perch—a singular forma- tion known far and wide over the country. As this spot had long served as a rendezvous for such men as the Border Wolf, perhaps that had something to do with its title. It was a broad ledge with a shelter at the rear from the rocks above assuming a peculiar shape, by projecting several yards as they rose, Back of the ledge the mountain sprung up abruptly for fifty feet, and this wall was deem- ed inaccessible. In front lay a terrible gulf. The rocks at the foot of this hight were fully a hundred and fifty feet below the ledge, so that a fall would crush the unlucky one to death in an instant. There was only one known way of reaching the ledge, and this was by a small canyon that led up to it through the massive rocks at one side. One man, well armed, could hold out against an army, so an observer would natur- ally think; but it was not so, as the spot where the exit from the narrow canyon had to be guard- ed, was in sight from above, and marksmen could have picked off the defender. Some fifteen feet above the ledge, a tree jut- ted out from the wall, dead and lonely. Its limbs had, one by one, fallen, some upon the ledge, others into the gulf that opened beyond. on the ledge in question, at this late hour of the night, a fire was smoldering. It had been formed from the twigs and branches from the old tree. At times this would start into a fitful blaze, and upon such occasions the occupants of the ledge were revealed. A man lay upon his back, with his head rest- ing upon a wr gg He was sound asleep, and snored lustily at times. The firelight re- vealed an ugly face, covered with red hair, and he looked just what he was, an outcast from the settlements, one whose hand was rais- ed against all men, and who was hunted wher- ever he was found, Close beside him lay an immense yellow dog, sturdily built, and with an expression upon his square face almost as ugly as his master’s. The brute all at once raised his head and lis- tened; then came a low but vicious growl, but the man moved not. The brute got up, and putting his muzzle close to the face of his master, repeated the sound, This time the man raised his head. ‘Hullo! what’s up, Beauty? ‘Thar’s some- thing in. the wind, in course. Ha! I caught it, then. Good dorg,” and he patted the brute’s head, for there was a certain affection between them, although this manifested itself occasion- ally, on the part of the man, in kicks and blows. The night breeze now brought the sounds more distinctly to his ear. ‘“A single hoss coming over Big Bar ford. Thar ain’t much danger, but we’ll lielow. He’s comin’ hyar; probably one of the boys; perhaps Dan himself. Tl watch cut for him,” The red-bearded outlaw took up his station | upon the ledge just where the little canyon de- bouched upon it, From this point he would have the new-comer at his mercy, and that with Red Dick generally meant the compassion ex- hibited by the wolf toward its prey. Louder grew the sounds. Then they ceased abruptly for the man had drawn rein at the foot of the pass and was evi- dently about to ascend it on foot, This almost convinced the outlaw that the conjecture he had formed was true, and that it was a confederate. He would soon know, at any rate, as the new-comer could now be heard ascending the narrow canyon, puffing and blowing as he came. ‘* Hercules Dan, my word on it,” muttered the = red-bearded man. Presently a figure stalked out from the pass, leading a second one. The firelight fell upon the well-known form and features of the giant, but Red Dick stared in amazement at seeing him leading a girl dressed in white and evident- ly his captive. Poor Rosebud! This had been indeed a terrible night for her, and it was the same to which she had look- ed forward as the happiest of her life, for was she not to be united to the idol of her heart? Her pretty face was pale, and a look of despair haunted her blue eyes. Had the giant been 9 given a chance to observe her closely, he might have noticed that, back of this there was an expression of fierce determination which told that the young girl, if the worst came, would not hesitate to throw herself from the ledge into the gloomy gulf below. Red Dick sprung up and greeted the giant warmly, They were old comrades and had on more than one occasion stolen horses in company from the settlers of Kentucky, and joined hands in other similar risky undertak- ings. osebud was directed to take up her position - under the shelving rock that jutted out as 1 have said, in such a remarkable manner. To reach the canyon she would have to by the two men so that escape was utterly out of the question. How the poor girl’s spirit sunk as she sat there, alone, in the hands of these lawless and Comper ata men! She heard the giant telling his story to the other, and could not help listening to it for the name she loved so well occurred so frequently, Dan gave Crockett all the honor due him when he acknowledged that the hunter was a perfect dare-devil, whom he feared more than any three men on earth, Red Dick listened in silence. As yet he had never had anything to do with the young backwoodsman, and the thought en- tered his mind that perhaps it would be wise to avoid the encounter, seeing that it had proved so disastrous to so many of Dan’s comrade but he dismissed this thought as unworthy o his well known daring character. Besides, the giant seemed to take it for grant- ed that he might depend on him for assistance, should it be needed, so Red Dick determined to put on a bold face and make out as though he was anxious to cross blades with this young backwoodsman who was following on the giant’s trail with all the impetuous fury of a female panther deprived of its young. ‘Td like to meet this Crockett, sometime Dan. Red Dick has yet to see the man what can lay him on his back. Thar, now, don’t flare ups ye know I allers except you. He’s been playin’ the mischief with the boys generally and if I could avenge ’em by laying him cold, I reckon I’d do it,” “You may have the chance then, sooner than ye expect, for as sure as you live, thar’s Davy Crockett comin’ now!” , As the giant uttered these words, the night wind bore to their ears the clatter of a horse’s hoofs that had just crossed Big Bear ford. Rosebud’s heart began to throb wildly. Davy was coming! he would yet save her, for how could such courage and daring fail to overcome all obstacles? With the two men, the case was a little differ- ent. They were armed and desperate, and if the young backwoodsman braved them in their den, he would be coming to bis doom. With a savage determination written on their brutal faces, hey secreted themselves among, the rocks and waited like birds of prey. CHAPTER XII. INTO THE DEPTHS. , ** Back, Davy, back!” As this shout rung out upon the clear night air, the sound of an imprecation was heard, quickly succeeded by the ringing report of a rifle, but Red Dick knew that he had not hit his mark, for the figure seen so dimly in the narrow yass, had leaped behind a projecting rock, even efore he fired, but his finger had been upon the trigger, and for the life of himyhe could not have kept back that shot. he bullet was indeed wasted, and flattened out against the rocky wail further down the — canyon, for Crockett had sprung to one side upon realizing his panger when the warning reached his ears in Rosebud’s well-loved voice. > “Curse the girl,” muttered the red outlaw, while the giant snickered, and the great. yellow hound showed his ugly pangs with a growl, ss though sympathizing with his master’s failure, The silence of death brooded over the lonely place. Red Dick reloaded his rifle and then waited eagerly for some sign of the intrepid young backwoodsman, who would probably, ave fallen with a bullet in his brain but for the — warning of Rosebud. M ow This was the first encounter the red outlaw had ever had with Davy, and it was not open-- ing auspiciously, Nevertheless he was fully de-* termined that he would yet show the giant his hated enemy was nothing more than mortal. So he crouched among the rocks, his blood- shot eyes glaring down the canyon, eager to make out the first approach of Crockett, wily !s ‘ f \ ‘ ' 1?
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beside him Iq7 tho yellow dog, occasionally raising his kead to utter a growl cr show his glistening teeth. hidden by the rocks that formed the bend in the canyon. Thav abrupt shot, and the flattening of the bullet against the rock behind him, worked like magic upon the young bear-hunter, and he re- alized that unless all be lost. He had crafty foes to deal with—for it did not take him long to discover that the giant had a comrade with him, as they exchanged words even while Red Dick was reloading his gun, and the only way to overcome them would be to use strategy in return, which Davy deter- mined to do. The minutes sped by. Looking down the canyon the two men could see their enemy should he attempt to crawl to- ward them, of this they felt sure, and as there was no other means of reaching the ledge, they were not much afraid that Davy would surprise em. Daylight would be at hand in another half- hour, when it would be policy in them to leave their present quarters, for doubtless some of the settlers would start upon the trail as soon as it was light enough to be discovered, and three or four hours would bring them to the scene of action. But Davy was not the man to remain idle, fle crouched behind the rock, after escaping the murderous bullet of Red Dick, for several min- - utes. This was not the first time he had been at Devil’s Perch. During his hunts he had once found himself in the vicinity of the famous rendezvous, and had paid it a visit out of sheer curiosity. During this time the ledge had no occupants, so Davy was enabled to examine it to his heart’s content, never dreaming that in gratifying bis curiosity he was doing himself a great benefit in the time to come. With the two outlaws crouching at the top of the caynon it would be a very difficult thing to approach them unobserved, but Crockett was desperate enough to make the attempt. attened out upon the cold rock that formed bs ward inch by inch, with the noiseless powers of approach, bladed knife. The rifle he left behind the roc that had sheltered him, but, the knife he had between his teeth. Fortunately for the success of his enterprise, the fire had been burning lower every min- ute, and the canyon becoming darker. If the treacherous flame should take a sudden notion ‘to blaze up, all would be lost. Israel Putnam’s crawling into a wolf’s den could not have been a more daring feat than this of Crockett’s. Above him crouched two murderous fiends, one of whom he knew to be a man of herculean mold. They were well armed, and would not hesitate to throw them- selvés upon him Yet wit Before inany minutes had passed by, the lofty shelf of rock would be the scene of another terri- ble struggle. ——————— —a dinarily sharp ears, and might have been suspi- cious of every sound, but Davy failed to make that would have betrayed him. * eniden: who would have imagined for an in- stant that he intended attacking them in such a reckless manner? If the men did not, the dog knew and a so uneasy, uttering short little g owls and snuffing at the air, that Red Dick became a little apprehensive, himself. As it seemed impossible for Davy to come ue the canyon, the outlaw twisted his neck an scan the ledge behind him. The fire was almost wholly out, only a few living embers giving evidence of its former usefulness. From this point the fellow turne upward to where the old dead tree jutted out from the cliff, and the rugged rocks projected in such wild confusion. Of all the outlaws who ate ——— 0} one who had as yet suspected that the cliff ould be descended by a daring man. He had never given utterance to this sus- Baauty’s actions that the dare-de v. you ip VAOCz Meanwhile the object of all this scrutiny was | e exercised more caution the | chances were that he would yet go under and | the bed of the caynon, he made his way up- ; a snake, and the two men knew nothing of his | oh . Before the young backwoodsman left the | naunted mill, he had secured a rifle, and a long- | oe | h only a knife, Davy Crockett went | “to meet them, and braved them in their lair. | The two outlaws were possessors of extraor- | frequented Devil’s Perch, Red Dick was the — picion, but it broke upon bim uneasily as he | crouched there, rifle in hand, and knew from | Daring Davy. nner cee — _ rc c woodsman was ter. Before many minutes had gono br, be was to find out where the danger lay, but it would be upon him without further warning. Even as he lay there, twistin hie neck and | anxiously scanning the face of the cliff, as seen in the gathering gloom, a dark form arose in the air, and leaped over the rock behind which the outlaw and his dog were crouching! It was the graceful, terrible leap of a panther. | Hercules Dan, more watchful than his comrade, so far as the canyon was concerned, saw Crock- ett spring to his feet, and whirling his pistol around, fired. The dull crack boomed out, echoing among | the gorges beyond, but the shot had been too | sudden to be successful. True, the bullet touch- | | ed Davy and drew blood, but did no harm, Crockett had taken his knife in his hand before taking that flying leap over the rock, and was ready for business. Red Dick |. ai no time to aim his rifle; indeed, he could not even rise to his feet, before the hunter landed beside him. If he was slow, however, the dog was not, for it made a vicious leap at Crockett, just as he landed upon the rock. A stunning kick from Davy’s foot sent the animal rolling over and over, By this time Red Dick had bounded to his rrroaching from some quar- { | i That means enemies! Tl give’em a warm re- | caption, so that they won’t forgct the Wolf o’ | the Border in a hurry,” he growled. | Rosebud heard her father’s name mentioned, and another terror came to thrill her heart. She had seen her lover go to his death; was sho now fated to witness the same terrible fate with | regard to her father? Was this monster fated to slay all whom she held cear? hide eculd she not warn these friends as sho | had done Davy? The effort was well worth trying at any rate. So she crept along the wall as far as she dared until she could see the outlines of the outlaw. In passing the' fire he had given it a kick that started some of the embers into fresh life, so that the ledge was no longer wrapped in com. plete darkness, The minutes passed slowly. Rosebud strained her ears, but not a sound reached them. She knew, however, that her friends were ascending the narrow canyon, and that when they passed a certain rock that jutted out, the scoundrel above would send his deadly bullet down. Hercules Dan had possessed himself of Red Dick’s rifle, and with this he intended ridding himself of at least one pursuer, Unconscious of the straining eyes that were watching his every movement, he glared down the canyon, anxious for the first glimpse of the feet and thrown himself upon the bold hunter, He did not attempt to draw his knife, but hoped to seize upon and hold Davy until the giant could put an end to matters. The young hunter was stronger than he had expected, and the two, wrapped in a close embrace, staggered out upon the platform, and | dangerously near the edge of the rock. Hercules Dan drew a pistol and waited, pre- ferring to let his comrade fight it out alone, and preparing for the issue. ‘he dog, however, was more energetic, for, suddenly plungin in, he seized a leg between his teeth, and held on for dear life, ignorant of the fact, that, in his | haste, he had grasped his master’s limb. The contestants knew not where they were | going, and at last, what might have been expect- | ed, occurred, . osebud, standing with clasped hands, utter- edacry that ended in a shriek, for suddenly Davy, the red outlaw, and the savage dog, miss- ing their footing in the gloom, toppled over the edge, and shot downward into the depths of the terrible gulf that yawned like a huge grave, prepared to receive them. CHAPTER XII. A FORM FROM THE DEAD. EVEN Hercules Dan could not repress a cry of horror when he suw this terrible catastrophe occur. He arose from his position while the | two combatants weie yet struggling, and stood | near them, deliberately awaiting his chance to ut a bullet through Crockett’s head, even if he | had to see his comrade Red Dick die first at | Davy’s hand. | He stood like a rock as Rosebud’s shriek rung | out. No sound greeted his ears telling him that | the bodies of the unhappy men had landed upon the rocks below, for no doubt the distance was too great. When Rosebud sprung to the edge to look | over, the giant was before her, and, thinking | she intended leaping into the black depths in despair, he pushed her back. | | | } hen he cast a hasty glance down; nothing met his gaze, however, save the intense darkness, which mortal eye could not pierce for a distance | of ten feet. | The giant was not allowed time to make a discovery which a torch held over the edge | might have shown him. hile his eyes were naturally turned down- | ward, something caught his eye that seemed | more like a Will-o’-the-wi than anything | else. Far down among the trees it was to be | seen, moving steadily along, now lost to sight | and anon flashing out again. { chill run through his frame, for a wild idea had : from the ledge. ' All at once, idea had now fully struck him. The light had _ now reached the foot of the little canyon, which | ascended after the suape of a bent bow, so that | each terminus was plainly visible from the other. ‘Some one on my trail! Who can it be? They’ve got a lantern—probably oid Thernton’s, / ey 4 | f | did not pick him off with At first the superstitious villain felt a cold | entered his mind that the spirits were hunting | d his gaze , for the souls of the two men who had fallen _ here, and commit suicide together. I reckon however, he burst out into a _ hoarse laugh, as if the utter absurdity of this | coming foe, ' All at once Rosebud saw him raise the rifle to his shoulder. From this she knew he had caught a sound that failed to reach her enrs, and which told him those he awaited were near at hand. As his head was lowered to the stock as if io take aim, Rosebud’s voice rung out wildly, re- peating the warning she had given to Davy when he was ascending, and which had doubtless saved his life. The man who had been seen around the bend, sprung back like a flash before the leveled rifie could sound his death-knell, and the giant, turn- | ing, with an oath aimed the weapon at the gir), as if tempted tosilence her tongue forever. He appeared to think better of this, however, or the gun was once more swung around, anc aimed down the canyon. Who the attacking party was, he knew not, but his guilty con- science told him that some of the guests at the backwoods wedding, so rudely disturbed by hi: running off with the bride, had trailed him, anc now the wolf was cornered. His situation was beginning to look danger ous, for the day would be breaking in less then | an hour, and then it would be utterly impossib!> to leave his present quarters. long as he had Rosebud his prisoner, ho was safe from their vengeance, provided they a rifle, and he deter- mined to keep an eye upon the young girl a’! the while. The minutes slipped on. A profound silence reigned down the canyon, and one could hardly believe deadly foes lurked there, ready for the a Remembering how Davy had crawled up almost under their noses, unperceived, the gians determined that these new foes should not do the same without meeting a bullet from his rifle, and he kept a strict watch upon the dark lin» along which Crockett had crawled. Perhaps five minutes had passed in this we when a voice hailed him, coming from behiri the rocks in the can ‘** Hullo, up thar!’ Thinking that this was simply a device *» make him betray his position, the giant r- mained silent, waiting to hear if the enemy 1. “| anything else to say. “Hercules Dan, you know me, Long Rube. I want to talk with you,” came the voice out « ¢ the gloom. “ So it’s you, are it? Well hanged,” said the giant. , talk away and *3 ‘* You have the girl there?” queried the hack- ; woodsman, anxiously. ** Correct,” replied the giant. ‘* Where is Davy Crockett?” “He and a friend of mine, Red Dick by name, took a notion to jump over the edg | ye’ll find ’em at the foot with their arms locked around each other, as lovin’ as two babes in tho wood.” __ Exclamations of horror arose from those bb- low; then Rube spoke again: “Give up the girl, and ye can go scot free. | Refuse and we'll never drop your trail till tl> | end of time. Choose, and be quick ahout it te>, for ye know we win’t the kind @ sux to Vey time.’ ‘ : j | ‘ 1
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Tho huge ruffian laughed loud and long, as if he was highly amused. ‘(I’m safe enough, thank yo! I don’d intend rivin’ up the gal. ’I'wa’n’t my gamo a-kidnap- pin’ her, but now that I’ve done it I’ve taken such a fancy to her purty face that I’m going to keep her. [ had a wite once, but she died, an’ this gal will take her place. what I mean to do, so go to work, but let me warn ye, that I'll be the death o’ the lotif I | have half a chance,” There was no answer to his bold defiance; silence had once more come upon those in the canyon, who were evidently consulting as to their future operations. The giant lay there among the rocks, ready to meet his enemies whenever they chose to ut in an appearance, but he was more trou- led than his words had indicated, for although he did not fear Rube Long as he had Crockett, still the hunter was known to be a cunning man, and he had comrades to back him up in any desperate plan he might set about perform- ing. Several times Dan twisted his neck and look- ed back along the shelf. dered, and by the faint light he could see Rose- bud crouching by the rocks. It was while his eyes were turned upon her that he heard her | give vent to a low cry, and saw that she was gazing with dilated eyes at the edge of the shelf where Davy and Red Dick had plunged over, together with the savage hound. ‘o the amazement of the giant he saw tho figure of a man slowly rising above the rock, and coming out of the gloomy depths. At first he could fo & imagine that it was the ghost of Davy Crockett come back from the spirit world for vengeance, and his limbs be- aad trembie at the thought. Then he saw the form crawl up the ledge. Just at this opportune moment, as if to reas- sure the shaking villain, the fire flared up. It was only for a few seconds, but this was long enough for Hercules Dan to recognize in the other, his friend and henchman, Red Dick, It was indeed the tiger who had plunged over the edge of the shelf into the unknown depths, in Crockett’s arms. He seemed alive and well, and but for a bloody mark upon the head where his frontispiece had come in contact with the rocks, appeared uninjured by the fall. , When the giant fully realized that this seem- ing spirit was no other than his friend, he was overjoyed, for his being alone, and brought face to face with several foes, had begun to make him a little scary. The outlaw in falling had landed upon a ledge that lay some ten feet from the top, He was stimned into unconsciousness, but before los- ing his senses altogether he remembered hear- ing some heavy body whirling downward through space, which was, undoubtedly, no other than his late antagonist, Davy Crockett, He did not know how long he lay upon the shelf, but when he opened his eyes again he came very near rolling off. It took a full mi- nute to realize where he was, and then he sought a way to the platform above. This he readily found in the shape of a rough path that had evidently beed used by some animal, a bear most likely, in passing from one ledge to the other. : If was easy enough to make his way to the top, where his abrupt appearance rather startled his companion in crime. At any rate they could congratulate themselves on the fact that their worst enemy was put beyond all chance of hurting them. CHAPTER XIV. DAVY DARES ALL Davy CROCKETT was not dead, however, Hercules Dan and his friend made a little mistake when they calculated upon that as a point in their favor. At any rate, for a dead man he exhibited a remarkable amount of live- liness just about the time they were talking about him, and chuckling over his demise, Davy had aiso fallen upon the ledge, but as he was on top of the outlaw, he was not even as much injured as Red Dick. : ; The latter was perfectly correct in saying that some object went whizzing past, down into the depths, but this was nothing less than his own yellow dog, Beauty. How the outlaw became ignorant of the fact that Davy had fallen upon him can be readily explained. His head struck the rock and he was very much confused so that he immediately sunk into a state of somnolency that lasted almost ten minutes, Tho fire still smol- | Se ee eee | except in having the breath pretty well Davy wes hardly injured at all by the fall knocked out of him. Fearing least ho should be discovered by the giant, who he imagined would look over. the | edge above with a lighted torch, Crockett N | crawled away, Now ye know | All he had to guideyhim was his hands, for darkness, as black as that mythical river the Styx over which Charon waits to ferry cepart- ing souls, surrounded bim on all sides. A mistake might precipitate him into the terrible gulf from which he had just been saved, almost by a miracle, as it seemed, when death had been to all appearances certain. The young backwoodsman was by nature daring and reckless. We have seen him in situations where most men would have stood appalled, but where he stood as cool and uncon- cerned as though he was making a speech at the fair. This abrupt fall had, however, disturbed his usual equanimity. He could feel his nerves uivering from the shock of reeling over and alling to what seemed a certain and terrible death, and then being brought up so suddenly upon the ledge below. He crawled on. The ledge was much wider than it had ever looked from above, for the ms reason that the wall retreated, and the whole of it could not be seen from the platform, That his late antagonist still lived, he knew well enough, for he had left Red Dick lying senseless upon the rocky ledge, not having the heart to push him over into eternity in that condition; so the rascal really owed his life to Davy’s clemency. Close to where the two had fallen, there was a deep hole in the rocks, probably the cavern home of the wild beast that had been wont to make use of this second ledge, but Davy had no idea of entering there so long as he could help Finding that the ledge still continued on, he crawled still further away from the spot where his late antagonist lay. He heard the giant throw himself upon the rocks, and knew he was peering down into the black depths and listening for some sound from those who had gone down so suddenly, so he remained very quiet until Dan had arisen and withdrawn, fully convinced that the trio had gone to a terrible death. Davy was moving on once more, when he, too, caught sight of the mysterious light near the foot of the canyon. At first he was puzzled to know what it meant, but after a few minutes’ reflection he had guessed. Friends were welcome, and the affair would now grow more interesting. He must try and reach them in some way. The rocky ledge now began to enter more deeply into the face of the cliff, and ascend at the same time. Soon it had assumed the shape of a regular defile, for walls arose on either side, The way was narrow, but Davy found little difficulty in traveling it, for there were secure places for his feet. Higher he ascended. What was probably the truth now came into his mind. He would come out upon the rocks that towered above the platform where the giant stood guard over his darling. In spite of the tremendous exertions to which he had been put on this night, the young back- woodsman still sessel his usual amount of strength and boldness, Once let him gain the rocks above the platform, and he would surprise Hereules Dan, for during his previous visit to the place, Davy had noted its weak points with the eye of a general, though he had never ex- pected to be obliged to take advantage of his nowledge. , Evidently the animal that had made its lodg- ing in the cave, had two routes to and from the place, one of which led to the little canyon, and the other to the seemingly inaccessible rocks that towered above. As the route presently grew rougher, Crock- ett found his task more laborious, ‘but he stuck to it manfully, and finally had the satisfaction of finding himself upon the great rocks that reared their heads above the platform. Here he stood for a few minutes, taking breath before commencing the hazardous course that he had already marked out for himself. It was at this juncture that the voice of his bride rung out again upon the still air, and sent a thrill through every nerve of the young hunter. Then followed the short conversation between the giant and Rube Long. Davy was delighted to know that ii was his friend who had come upon the scene, and bezan to realize that if he could only get at the giant, — —-———. Liz there would soon bo an end put to the whole matter. Ife waited some little time to ascertain what would be done by the others, but as all remained quiet, he at length determined to commence operations himsel?. The plan that had come into Davy’s head was bold, and could only have originated in the brain of one who laughed at danger, when the end justified the means. He intended slipping over the edge of the rocks and making bis way down to the old tree that grew out from the face of the cliff. From this point it would be easy to drop upon the ledge. As to what would follow, that was a matter yet to be solved. The descent was commenced. He had to proceed very cautiously, for a single slip of the foot mightsend him to eternity. Once he commenced falling down this abrupt inclined plane, he would gather a momentum with every passing yard, until he shot out into the air, beyond the platform and into the black gulf that stretched beyond. Foot by foot he descended the face of the wall. There was no weapon upon his person, save the pistol he had suatched > before leav- ing the haunted mill, for his knife had been lost during the encounter with Red Dick. Below him all was inky darkness. He could not see the faintest outline of either the ledge or its occupants. Even the smolder- ing brands of the fire were for atime hidden from his view, as a portion of the rock juttin, out, concealed them, but presently he sigh the remains of the camp-fire, What was the giant doing? Perhaps even at that instant his glaring ey were turned upon the daring hunter. Some little movement of his might have drawn the attention of Hercules Dan, and the report of his rifle would be Davy’s first knowledge of the ‘fact. In the face of such cheerless prospect, he con- tinued his descent. Clambering down the un- ‘i known face of a cliff, where a slip would bring’ certain death to him, was not very entertaining sport, to be sure; but remembering for whose sake he incurred all these risks, Davy did not. shrink, Even should he slip, and manage to save him- self from falling, the result would be equally disastrous, for the noise would have drawn the attention of the giant to the spot, and he would - have Davy at his merey. What that merey would be it was easy to understand; sooner would the tiger grant a re- orieve to the deer that was in its power than his wolf of the border. No one knew this better than his bitter foe, Davy. In descending to the lair of the outlaw he was taking his life in bis hand. Slowly lowering himself he continued his perilous descent. He was now only a couple of ards above the dead tree that hung over the edge, as though seeking to form a canopy for it with its bare limbs. At this point a small piece of stone broke under his weight. This was enough to cavse him to lose his balance <A form, crouching behind the rocks that guarded the canyon, sprung wildly erect, rifle in hand, as this clattering announced that some enemy was coming by means of a new route. He looked up just in time to see through the dim light that foreshadowed the breaking of day, a human form dangling from the tree that hung over the ledge. Davy had saved himself by sheer good: luck, added to his own agility, but he was not yot entirely secure. His eyes were drawn to the figure by the rocks, and when he saw the raed thrown up, he concluded it was time to rop. Just as he let go his hold upon the tree, and shot downward toward the shelf, the sharp rifle crack rung out, but the bullet did no damago save to lop off an outlying twig. foie Crockett alighted safely upon the rock, and found himself face to face with Red Dick! who seemed much amazed at meeting the man wh he thought lay dead and mangled: at the foot the great precipice. Davy lost notime in leaping upon the sur- igs man, giving a yell at the same time that e knew Rube Long would recognize. Sure enough, that worthy and one of his comrades came dashing on to the ledge—the other having been left to guard the exit—and Red D both the giant end Resebud Thornton had vanished from view in the most mysterious manner! 7 \ ick was — speedily secured. Then it was discovered that —
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=e oa aap nS me —— — e ees a - ascending. He pega to have strong hopes now of being able to leave his enemies in thelurch. They 12 CHAPTER XV. Daring Davy. a Hercules Dan could not refrain from chuck- GREEK AGAINST GREEK. ling, when this scene was pictured upon his I-:2 wies Dan had given them the slip in | imagination. Was that an echo to his low KO120 taysterious manner. laugh? He came to a sudden pause. The dark- , Davy and his comrades were amazed. They | ness surrounded him, but through it he could see had taken it for granted that he was upon the ledge, and his strange disappearance startled them not a little. In place of the giant, they were holding down the outlaw supposed to have gone to eternity with Davy Crockett, but as that individual was alive and well, it was nothing more than just to give Red Dick also the benefit of a doubt. Davy saw through it quicker than the others. He had left this man upon the ledge below, and yet he had managed to regain the platform, which went to show that there was some means of communication, between them, ‘While he was making his way down the face vf the cliff in such a stealthy and laborious manner, the giant had probably been lowering Rosebud to the ledge, and following, himself, by means of the route up which his comrade d Dick had come. The hands of the latter were speedily bound behind him. Then one of the young hunters was left to watch the wretch, for his captors had already mane decided that he should yet hang from the blasted tree that stood out from the face of the cliff. Davy had guessed aright. The giant warmly greeted Red Dick who had arisen from the grave as it were, and quickly heard his story. When this was told he was not long in de- ciding that it would be a good thing to place their captive in the cave Dick mentioned, to which the latter—ignorant of the fact that there was a means of leaving the ledge besides that which he had used—readily agreed, and offered to stand guard while his comrade was at work, The giant’s first duty was to secure the hands of the young girl. She looked alarmed at this, and would have resisted, but she was already half-dead with fear, and the horror of having seen Davy hurled over the ‘eur to a terri- ble death as it seemed, and Wesides, the giant assured her that no harm was intended, but that he wished to place her in safe quarters be- fore the battle occurred between her friends -and himself, aided by Red Dick. ‘So she suffered him to lower her to the ledge down the face of the cliff without a murmur, ond there was no man who could have done be single-handed so well as the powerful ruf- an, Having accomplished this much Hercules Dan secured the rope above, and then began making his way down the rough and hazardous th which Red Dick had not found so difficult, climb up. The rope was still there when Davy and his friends sought the spot with a like wpe in view, and confirmed their suspicions. It was thin but strong, and had been carried by the plant, wrapped around his waist, for just such an emergency. When Hercules Dan reached the iedge he found the young girl standing there, trying to yeer down into the depths, through which she lieved her beloved Davy had gone. The giant took hold of her arm and led her along. A few steps brought them to the frown- ing mouth of the hole in the wall. t was at this.time that a brilliant idea came into the head of the outlaw. In the faint light he could see that the rocky ledge did not stop here but continued on. Might itnot be possible that there was another and easier method of reaching it, and also of leaving it, than by the dangerous route he had taken? The thought was a bright one. If he and his captive could give their foes the slip in such a neat manner, it would put an- other feather in his cap. To Dan the thought ‘that he was deserting the comrade who had so . valiantly stood by him, brought no reproach. } He even chuckled while turmming the matter yee in his mind, and determined to try the neat Hoke. Once more taking hold of Rosebud’s arm he began to move cautiously along the very path that Crockett had used within the half-hour. As the giant supposed, the ledge continued for a score of yards until it had gone far beyond the platform above, when it gradually changed into a miniature canyon, piercing the rocks and would rush in expecting to come upon him, and what would be their amazement at finding another bird in the nest, and the king-pin flown, together with the bride whom he had stolen! a pe of glaring eyes that seemed to burn with all the intensity of coals of fire. The truth rushed through his mind with the rapidity of a lightning flash. The animal was returning to its lair, and they had met face to face in the canyon, the wild panther of the for- est, and the human wolf of theborder! These were the brute’s eyes, fastened so malignantly upon him, and the sound that he had at first taken for an echo of his exultant chuckle, was nothing more or less than a low growl of rage on the part of the animal. Hereules Dan was no coward though he has figured as a villain of the first water in these pages, and left his comrades to the mercy of the enemy, several times, Such men are of queer composition. They have none of the ennoblin traits of true courage, but when the pinc comes, they show quite a surprising amount of pure grit. Whea he. realized what lay before him, the action of the giant was extremely rapid. With one hand he ee Rosebud behind him, and she remained crouching there by the stone wall, so completely unnerved that had she known escape lay open to her by a simple re- treat back to the ledge, she would have been utterly incapable of making a movement in that direction. The right hand of the giant had fallen upon the heft of his long-bladed knife, which he at once drew from his belt. There was another low growl from the savage panther, and then he launched himself into the air. It was at this instant that the rifle-shot of Red ‘Dick cut the air, and the sounds of desperate struggle on the platform immediately followed. The sharp report may have served to divert the anther from its course, for he made a short eap, and landed directly in front of his human adversary. Hercules Dan did not give the animal time to recover, but hastily threw himself forward. The great weight of the Border Wolf was enough in itself to crush the panther, but the brute fought gallantly. But for the fact that Dan’s left hand clutched its throat, the panther would have buried its fangs in his arm. As it was, the sharp claws played havoc with Dan’s hunting-shirt, and drew fantastic hiero- ply + ag upon his brawny breast, in lines of ood, All this while the giant was plunging his long blade again and again into the side of the animal, and endeavoring to find its heart. The panther died hard, After fully a minuto of this reciprocal amuse- ment, the giant felt a sudden tremor go through the animal’s frame. His last blow had struck a vital point. The terrible claws ceased their furious work, another great shake on the part of the animal, and it gave up its ghost. rom the close con- flict the Border Wolf had come out the victor. He arose, wiped his knife upon the body of his late foe, and then turning, once more caught Rosebud by the arm. The sounds from the platform had now ceased, and Hercules Dan felt sure his mortal foes were upon his trail. Therefore he turned his face up the little canyon, and with Rosebad his prison- er, once more resumed his flight. CHAPTER XVI BZTWEEN THE WOLF AND HIS PREY, Tue night was almost over, and the gray light of another day was approaching. he skulking wolvés sought their dark hiding- places, for no more could their howls be heard, sounding dismally oa the silence. The light grew gradua In. the east, the is Sg at aca looked like a bank of white fog, but before many minutes had passed this would give way to the glory of the coming sun. ; A solitary form was, moving through the forest at this hour, and as a small glade was reached where the dawning light was not inter- cepted by trees, the fact was made manifest that this lonely person was no other than the strange girl whom we have seen in such remark- ably opposite positions, Barbara Warner. She not gone home, as Davy had bade her, but had followed after him. In the intense darkness, gnd having but a general knowledge of the country’s topography, it was scarcely to be wondered at thet she had become lost, and ly stronger, and vague ’ outlines could be determined here and there. + wandered bither and thither, in and out ot the valleys, and almost where her horse willed. The sound of a distant shot came to her ears, and then she knew which way to go. There was a light in the east that told of the coming day, but surely no one would be firing a weapon at such an hour unless, indeed, it was at some object that threatened danger. rbara urged her horse toward the great hills that stood up between her and the sky and from which tie anos had come. In the darkness her horse stumbled and fell, and she only slipped from his back in time to escape being erushed as he rolled over. All her efforts to get him up were fruitless, and she realized that he must have broken a leg in his sudden fall. Still she would not be balked of being at the scene of the firing. At whom had that shot been sent? Perhaps Davy lay weltering in his blood ot that instant. What ruin her pitiless hatred and jealousy had wrought! The thought was maddening in her now peni- tent mood. She fairly flew through the great forest toward her destination. If Heaven would only give her the chance to undo all the wron her scheming had brought with it, she woul not deem it too much to pay for it with her life. Barbara was now breathing heavily but she had the satisfaction of knowing that she had greatly decreased the space between herself and the hill from whence had come the shot that had sent a shiver of dread through her whole frame. A crashing in the bushes now caught her at- tention, and brought her to a sudden halt. Some one was coming toward her. Who it could be she knew not, but many suspicions darted into her head, and she stood with the light of eager expectancy lighting up her face. Nearer came the sounds. Plainly some one was making haste through the forest. Barbara crouched behind a monstrous beech-tree, and waited for the turn of events. The unknown was coming directly for the place where ‘she crouched, and in a very few minutes she would be enabled to make him out while he was yet unaware of her presence. Straight to the tree came the unknown. He crashed down the bushes as if they were no impediment at all; but he was not alone. He led a figure in white. It was the Border Wolf and his eh At the foot of the beech-tree he halted, while Barbara slipped around it yer “Set you down and rest; I reckon ye need it after the spell ye’ve gone through. We'll ive the hounds the slip yet; they’ll find that Jercules Dan are more than their equal. Any way, Crockett ll never trouble meagain. That fall must have broken every bone in his body, and I reckon they'll have to gather him up in a basket, for a man never yet fell from Devil’s Perch, down to them rocks below and lived. So ye’d better be forgettin’ all about yer dead Davy, and thinkin’ what a nice husband I'll make ye when we give these critters the slip and git to some place whar thar’s a person to jine us. Don’t look so gloomy, gal; ye ought to be more peart, considering.” The unseen listener shuddered at his words. Davy dead! the man whom sbe had loved so madly, gone over tho rocks at Devil’s Perch to such a horrible fate? She buried her face in her hands to shut out the terrible spectacle that arose before her mental vision. If Crockett was dead, then it was better that she had also gone the long jour- ney, for life was worthless to her, now that he had died through her machinations. As.she removed her hands, her eyes fell upon the white-robed figure that sat upon the hum- mock at the foot of the tree plainly in an atti- tude of the greatest grief and despair. z Here was another mourning for Davy. Here was one whom he had loved better than life, and she was dear to her now because of the sacred tie that bound them love, for Crockett. This man’s hands were red with Davy’s blood! The very thought sent the blood pulsating through ‘her veins with increased swiftness. Could she not save Rosebud from the terrible fate that hung over her, and avenge Davy at the same time? It was well worth trying, and her life was so useless, any way, that the risk did not amount to much, Barbara clinched her teeth, and put her hand to where her pistol was con- cealed. : In the meanwhile the giant had stood looking down upon his helpless captive with the gloat-- ing eyes one would expect to see in a tiger, glar- ing upon his prey.
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All at onec he gave a visiblo start and turned around. Some sound had been borne to his ears by the cool morning breeze. “Ha! they hunt the Border Wolf ; they would track him to the death! Let them come, I care not! I have a power in the gal here, that I won’t hesitate to use agin’ them, if they force me to it. Thar’s no gainsaying the matter. Hercules Dan is going out of this country mighty soon, and he’s going to take Crockett’s bride along with him, : ‘Thar they come; I can see the light a-flam- ing through the trees, yonder. If I only hada hoss now, ’twould sarve me well. Come, my zal, we must be movin’. We'll pretend, ye nde we're an elopin’ couple, an’ them critters onder, are yer dad an’ his friends. Come, my beaut thar ain't no time— Thunder! the she-devil!” His last exclamation was perfectly natural. As he spoke, he turned to assist Rosebud to her feet, and hurry the poor girl through the forest. Between his prey and himself there stood the same black-robed figure that had defied him in the old mill, and whose bullet had sent one of his friends to his last account. Barbara Warner was there to protect the one whom Davy had loved, and she looked like a tigress defending her young, as the morning light streamed upon her. CHAPTER XVII. A LIFE FOR LOVE. HERCULES DAN stood as if rooted to the spot for fully half a minute. When he turned to seize upon his prey and plunge once more into the depths of the great forest, where his trackers could be easily shaken off or ambuscaded—when he turned and found himself face to face with the very woman who had incited him to all this deviltry, and then so boldly defied her confederates at the haunted mill, in defense of the girl whom she had before wished to destroy, the giant seemed turned into stone. His eyes were fastened upon Barbara Warn- er, at first showing surprise and not alittle fear, but which quickly changed to furious anger. Her black eyes flashed into his with all the determination that was in her soul, and it was evident that Barbara would not hesitate to kill him on the spot if he dared to move to- ward the golden-haired bride of Davy Crockett who crouched behind her protectress in mortal fear, and yet repeating the name of Barbara Warner, coupled with the blessing of Heaven upon it, ; Meanwhile his pursuers were all the time drawing closer, and in a few minutes would be upon the spot. P True, he could easily dash off into the neighboring forest, and lose his trail amid the labyrinth of trees; Barbara would not attempt to prevent that, but he could not go without Rosebud. His glaring eyes were cast upon the brave girl who stood between him and his prey, and she seemed to understand a ans sca there was something terrible about to happen for her hand appeared from the folds of her dress, and in it was clas the mate of the deadly derringer that sounded the doom of the ruffian in the haunted mill. : f He had not been entirely motionless. His hand had involuntarily rested upon one of his istols, at first sight of Barbara, and this he tea gradually taken from his belt, drawing the hammer back at the same time, S$ move- ment was not noticed by Barbara. While she thought he stood rooted to the spot, he was pre- paring for her death, for suddenly his arm was outstretched, with a gleaming pistol held in it. The miscreant would not hesitate to murder a woman in order to gain his end. A sudden explosion, quickly followed by a cry of alarm er pain from Barbara! The bul- let had struck her in the left arm, owing to her , Sudden movement. . This was all he wanted however, for she was only a woman after all, and the shock of the wound unnerved her. The arm holding the derringer fell to her side, and she would have sunk to the ground only for the support of the tree against which she ited. Hercules Dan uttered a suppressed shout of | satisfaction, and started toward the cowering | form with golden hair that crouched to one side of Barbara, His enemies were now fear- | fully close, but if he could onee get Rosebud in his arms he would be able to defy them even if it came to the worst, and they overtook him be- fore he reached a place where he knew he could get a horse. \ He only took two steps forward when Bar- | ” Daring Davy. bara Warner seemed to recover herself. The | Once more | old-time fire blazed from her eyes. the derringer covered the bay, form of the giant. He did not see it, for his eyes were riveted upon the form upon the ground, and he was calculating how many rods he would be away, before the five trackers could reach the | | spot. The derringer was discharged with a dull, | deadly report. Hercules Dan came to a sud- den pause, and no wonder. Barbara Warner had = often P ihe cg shooting with Davy Crockett, and in this critical moment she did not forget the lessons she had received from him. Then the giant seemed to sway like a drunken man, or a vessel at sea. A mist came before his eyes. He threw out his hands but they fail- ed to find any support, and at last he fell upon his side with a heavy lunge. Barbara gave acry of satisfaction when she saw that her bullet had accomplished its work. Then she leaned against the tree again; she felt very weak. She closed her eyes and shut her teeth hard, determined not to faint, but she was very near it, for, after all, Barbara Warner was but a woman. Nearer came the rushing footsteps. In an- other minute they would have reached the spot. The fallen giant, though struck mortally, yet was not beyond doing a last dastardly act, for raising upon one elbow he managed to gain an upright ain, propping himself up with his left hand. The wounded girl was aroused by a cry of demoniac joy, and mea 3 her head saw that Hercules Dan had raised himself even when on the brink of eternity, and was aiming a pistol at the white form o Rosebud, crouching beside the tree! His baleful eyes glared with all the power of an evil soul approaching its end, and gloatin in the fact that he could finish his life as he ha lived it, with murder. There was a cry from Barbara, a flash and a report, and the bullet sent with such deadly in- tent, sped on its mission, but a black-robed figure bounded between Rosebud and the murderer and brave Barbara with her life atoned for all she had done. Hercules Dan sunk back weak and dying. The hasty footsteps now seemed to fly along, and a human form bounded into the little glade. He cast a hasty glance around, saw the three recumbent forms, and then a great ery welled from his throat, That cry reached the ears of the living and the dying. The white robed figure that had been bending over poor Barbara sprung sud- denly erect, and with a wild cry of ‘** Davy” leaped into the arms of the young hunter. The dying murderer heard that name, and raised his head far enough to see that those whom he thought were dead, were clas in each other’s arms. Then with a curse he fell back, and his black soul took its flight. Barbara also heard the name, and a look of joy came into her pale features. She stretched out her hand to them and they were instantly bending over the poor girl. She spoke, but her words were hardly louder than a whisper. “Forgive me, Davy. Sometimes remember r Barbara. She gave all she had, her life 0 save Me? bride. I am going. Oh sweet Heaven, have mercy! Good-by, Davy, darling. Kiss me, she will not care now. It is all I ask.” The tears came from his eyes as he bent down and did as she requested. They each of them holding her hand watched in pitying silence as the spirit of Barbara Warner winged its flight, and at last she lay before them, dead. She had sinned, but her atonement had been her own life; what more could she do? CHAPTER XVIII. CONCLUSION. BARBARA was dead, What emotions filled the hearts of the two who bent over her, it would be hard to say, but Davy realized what a noble woman she had been when she let the promptings of her heart be heard, while Rosebud mourned in secret for many months because she had been the innocent means of destroying that young life. The girl who had given her life for another and that other the rival who, in her mind, had stolen the heart she worshiped so madly, was worthy of all true remembrance, and when at Barbara’s funeral the old white-haired parson spoke of this great sacrifice on her part, there was not a dry eye among the crowd assembled at the judge’s house over the hills, The judge never recovered from this terrible “ ee blow. He was a slight, white-haired man, and as the months went on, changing into years, he became bent with sorrow and age. Still, he was always cheerful, and having taken a decid- ed liking to Crockett, partly, no doubt, because his child had loved him so madly, he pushed Davy along in polities until the young back- woodsman entered the arena as candidate for Congress. The jud © lived long enough to see his protege in the halls of legislation, and was then laid to rest with his erring but repentant child. Hercules Dan was buried in the forest near by where he had fallen, but there were no wet eyes at his funeral, not a soul to mown his sud- den taking off. The border was well freed of its desperate characters, and the settlers could rest in peace for some time to come, While on the way home, Rube Long left his friends for an hour or so, and hastened to the ledge where some of the exciting incidents of our story were enacted. Here, it will be remembered, Red Dick, the outlaw lay, watched by one of the young hun- ters who had accompanied Rube on the trail. This scoundrel had escaped death in a manner almost miraculous when he and Davy fell over the ledge, but this time hé was fated to go the long road that knows no turning, A rope was brought into requisition, and the old dead tree made use of. hen Rube and his comrade left Devil’s Perch, it was deserted save by a swinging form that swayed to and fro, turning around slowly as the rope twisted and a : ane at i'r pal machy float- ing past the mountains, looked with greedy eyes. Nuch was the fate of Red Dick. a His savage dog had found a grave, as the reader already knows, at the foot of the at precipice, from which fate Davy and his adver- sary had been saved, by the second ledge that ran down to the panther’s den, and beyond, passing through the little canyon to the forest. Once more a joll Soupany was assembled in the capacious cabin of Mr. Thornton, and this time the right dominie was in attendance. He was the same white-haired man who had officiated at Barbara’s funeral, and who had been absent on the yrevious oceasion of festiv- ity, attending some convention of circuit-riders, Davy and his bride could but remember the white face that lay under the wild-flowers, and. in their hearts they would ever cherish tho memory of the judge’s daughter who had given her life for them. Notwithstanding this, it was a merry time for the young backwoodsman had _ hosts of friends, who would have done much for him at pay time. fter the parson had finished his task, the fun begun. There was very little space left for dancing, so an adjournment of the young people was mene < the barn, whither the music had em. : A rude platform had been erected at one end. Upon this Pompey White, a negro whose skin rivaled the blackness of night in its sable hue, and Donald Black, a Scotchman with a face as fair as the mist that arose in the morning from he Me ection took Lt lace. e strange team, each of whom possessed a name that belied his features, was the acknowl- edged champion musical combination of the backwoods, and more Young hearts had beat as one under the magic of their sawing, than could be well calculated. No sooner were the first twangs heard as Donald and his sable confrere tuned up their fiddles, than excitement reigned supreme among the young folks, and all eyes were turned u Davy, who, according to the etiquette of that day, was destined to open the by: dancing with his bride. No one at the happy gathering had a better time than Rube Long unless it was the two young hunters who had accompanied him on he trail of the Border Wolf, for they were all looked upon as heroes, and there was not a girl present who was not proud to be asked to dance ~ with them. So Davy was started upon a new life, and his many friends hoped it would be one strewed with roses. Long was the name of Davy Crockett known in Tennessee, When he was sent to Congress he won respect by his integrity and manly quali- ties, and the greatest statesmen were fond of associating with him,to catch some of the whole- some truths that fell from the lips of the back- woods Congressman. THE END.
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Jolly ie ager ia These books are replete with choice pieces for the School-room, the Exhibition, for Homes, etc. They are drawn from FRESH sources, and contain some of the choicest orator the times. 7% to 100 Declama- tions and Recitatio each book, Dialogues. ‘The Dime Dialogues, each volume 100 pages, em- wace twenty-three books, viz.: Dialogues No. One. ialogues No. Thirteen. Dialogues No, Two. Dialogues No. Fourteen. Dialogues No. Three. Dialogues No. Fifteen. Dialogues No. Four. Dialogues No. Sixteen. Dialogues No, Five. Dialogues No. Seventeen. Dialogues No, Six. Dialogues No. Highteen Dialogues Ne. Seven. Dialogues No. Nineteen. DIME NOVELS. Incomparable-in Merit. Unapproachable in Price, 2" Be very careful not to confound these books 409, The Fire-Eater. 429. Ethan Allen's Rifle 410, Blackhawk, 430. Little Thunderbolt 411. The Lost Ship. 431. The Falcon Rovew- 412. Black Arrow. wo Honest Hand, 413, White Serpent. 433. The Stone Chief. 414, The Lost Captain, 434, The Gold Demon, ' with those of other publishers, sold at the same rice. The vast suecess of the Dime Novels called into existence ‘‘ Ten Cent Novels,” which the is sometimes deceived in buying as Dime ublic ovels, The only Dime Novels are those published by BrEapLz AND ADAMS, whose copyright trade-mark and signet the word ‘‘ Dine” Novel is, Ask always for BEADLE’s Dime Novels, and you will then get what you wish. The following comprises a complete list as far as published, 2. ‘fhe Privateer’sCruise | 293, umbers omitted are out of print The Tonkawa py. 415. The Twin Trailers. . Eutawan, the Slay* Masked Guide, 416. Death’s-head Ran- | 436, ger. 437, The Conspiratora 417. Captain of Captains, | 438. pagesaatcs 3 418. Warrior Princess. 439, Caribou Zip. 419. The Blue Band. 440, The Privateer. 420, The Squaw Chief, 441, The Black Spy 421. The Fiying Scout. 442, The Doomed Hun 422. Sonora Ben. 443, Barden, the Rasp 428. The Sea Ki 444, The Gray Scalp. 24, Mountain Gi 455, The Peddler Spy. 425. Death Trailer. 446. The White Canoe 426. The Crested Ser- | 447. Eph Peters. pent. 448, The Two Hunters. 427, Arkansas Kit. 449, The Traitor Spy. 428. The Corssir Prince. Others in ) THE ILLUMINATED DIMM jialozues No, Hight. Dialogues No. Twenty. POCKET NOVELS, Comprising the best works only of the most popula living writers in the field of American romancé Each issue a complete novel, with illuminated cova’ rivaling in effect the popular chromo, 1, Hawkeye Harry. 73. The Skeleton Scout ogues No. Nine, Dialogues No. Twenty-one. Dialogues No, Ten. Dialogues No. Twenty-two. Dialogues No, Eleven. | Dialogues No. Twenty-three ee No, Twelve. | Dialogues No, Twenty-four. 15 to 25 Dialogues and Dramas in each book. These volumes have been ae ared with especial erence to their availability in all school-rooms. ey are adapted to schools with or without the fur- of a stage, and introduce a range of charac- suited to scholars of every grade, both male and female. It is fair to assume that no volumes yet offered to schools, at any price, contain so many poss ere dy useful dialogues and dramas, serious co. . ‘i Dramas and Readings. 164 12mo Pages. 2 Cents. for Schools, Parlors, Entertainments and the Am- weur Stage, comprising Original Miner Dramas, Comedy, Farce, Dress Pieces, Humorous Dialogue and Burlesque, by noted writers; and Racitations and no omg new and standard, of the greatest salebrity and interest. Edited by Prof, A. M, Russell. DIME HAND-BOOKS. Young People’s Series, Brapie’s Pime Hanp-Boors ror Youna Propir gover a wide range of subjects, and are especially 3, eye 294. The Rival Rovers. %. The Slave Sculptor, | 298, The Hussar Captain. 0. The Backwoods Bride | 299. Mossfoot, the Brave. 11. Prisoner LaVintresse | 801. Mustang Sam, 14. Emerald Necklace. | 308, Glass Eye. 16, Uncle Ezekiel. 810. Foghorn Phil. 17. ey Wilde. 812. Dick Darling. 22. The Maid of Esopus. | 313. The Red Brotherhood 23. Winifred Winthrop. | 814, Rival Lieutenants. 2. The Trail Hunters. | 316. Hurricane Bill. 25. The Peon Prince. 317. ORY the Texan. 80. Put. Pomfret’s Ward. | 322. Old Grizzly. 31. Dowble Hero. 823. The Dashing Dra- #2. Irona. wihor: 83. Maum Guinea. 20c. | 324. Will-o’-the-Wisp. 34, Ruth Margerie. 425. Dashing Dick. 25. East and West. 826, Old Crossfire. 3é. The Riflemen of the | 327. Ben Bramble. Miami. 828, The Brigand Captain 88. The Wrong Man. 829, Old Strategy. 89. The Land Claim. 830, Gray Hair, the Chief. 40. Union’s Daughter.20ce | 331. The Prairie Tigers. 42, The King’s Man. 832. The Rival Hunters. 44, Agnes Falkland. 333. The Texan Scout. 46. Wreck of the Albion, | 334. 47, Tim Bumble’s Charge | 536, 51. The Two Guards. 53. Hates and Loves. R36. Myrtle. 56. Ahmo’s Plot, 60. Jo Daviess’ Client. 61. Laughing Eyes. 62. The Unknown, 68. The Indian Princess. 64, Rangers of Mohawk. Zebra Zack, . The Masked Messen- ger. OSRAD, the Pirate. . The Boy Spy. . Tahle, the railer. . The Boy Chief. Tim, the Trailer. Ax. . Stella, the Spy. : The White Paneer: The Indi . 337 338 B39. 340. 341. 842 343 65. The Wrecker’s Prize, | 344. ian King 68. The Brigantine. 845. The Long Trail. 69, Black Hollow. 346. Kirk, the Guide. 70. The Indian Queen. | 247. The Phantom Trail. 72. The Moose Hunter. | 348, The Apache Guide. 73. The Silver Bugle. 349. The Mad Miner. U7. ndaro. 850. Keen Kye, the Ranger 84. The Seminole Chief. | 351. Blue Belt, Guide. 85. The Fugitives, 352. On the Trail. 87. On the Deep. 353. The Specter Spy. 88. Captain Molly. 354. Old Bald Head. 90. Cast Away. 855. Red Kaife, Chief. 93, The Creole Sisters, | 356. oe Cone, Trapper. 96, Little Moccasin, 357, The Bear Hunter. 98. Ruth Harland. 358. Bashful Bill Spy. 101. Maid of Wyoming. | 359. The White Ohief. 102, Hearts Forever, 860. Cortina, Scourge. 104, poanane? f or Not Guilty | 361. The Squaw Spy. 106. Simple Phil. 362. Scout of °76. . 110, The Hidden Home, | 363. ppenise Jack. 113, Rattlepate. 364. Masked Spy. 114, Ned Starling. 365. Kirke, Renegade. 115. The Sons of Liberty 116. Port at Last Kagle Lye. 97. The Mystic Canoe. 98. The Golden Harpoon, | 99. The Scalp King. 100, . The Huge Hunter. 107. Old Lute. 101. Rainbolt, the Ranger. | 102. The Boy Pioneer. 103. Carson, the Guide. 104. The Heart-Eater. 105. . Wetzel, the Scout. 106. | Wild Nat, the Trapper 108. 2. Dead Shot. 74, Little Rifle. 4. Blue Dick. %. The Wood Witch. 5. Nat Wolfe, 76. Old Ruff, the Tra 6. The White Tracker. 77. The Scarlet Shoulder 7. The Outlaw’s Wife. 78. The Border Rifleniay 8, The Tall Trapper. 79. Outlaw Jack. 9. Lightning Jo. 80. Tiger Tail, the Sem) i0, The Island Pirate. nole, : 11, The Boy Ranger. 81. Death Dealer, the 12. Bess, the Trapper. Shawnee Scourge. 13, The French Spy. 82. Kenton, the er, 14, Long Shot. 83. The Specter Horve 15. Gunmaker of Border. man. 16, Red Hand. 84, The Three Trappera 17. Ben, the Trapper. 85. Kaleolah, the Witw 18. Wild Raven, cs een. 19. The Specter Chief, 86, The Hunter Hercv} 20. The B’ar-Killer, 87. Phil Hunter, the 21. Wild Nat. vag teg Indian Jo, the Guide. | 88. The Indian Scout. Old Kent, the Ranger. | 89. The Girl Avenger. The One-Eyed Trap- | 90. The Red Hermitess. per. 91. Star-Face, the Slayar Godbold, the Spy. 92. The Antelope Boy. The Black Ship. 93. The Phantom Hun Single aye. 94. Tom Pintle, the Pit’ Indian J 95, The Red Wizard, The Seout. 96. The Rival Trapper# The Squaw Spy. Dusky Dick. Colonel Crockett. Old Bear Paw. Redlaw. Wild Rube. The Indian Hunte” Scarred Eagle. Nick Doyle, The Indian Spy. Job Dean. The Wood King. 117. The Mohegan Mainen 118. The Water Waif. SERSSESSRSESESSRNER ERK! . Li sca . The White Outlaw. 44, The Dog Trailer. Nick, the Scout. 111. The Texas Tiger. adapted to their end. They constitute at once the pane, are and most useful works yet put into the market for popular circulation, Ladies’ Letter-Writer, Book of Games. Gents’ Letter-Writer. Fortune-Teller. Book of Etiquette. Lovers’ Casket. Book of Verses. Ball-room Companion. Book of Dreams. Book of Beauty. Hand-Boeks of Games. Braprie’s Dam Hany-Boors or Games AND PoruLaR Flanp-Books cover a variety of subjects, and are es- pecially adapted to their end, Book of Croquet. Yachting and Rowing. Chess Instructor. Riding and Driving. Cricket and Football. Book of Pedestrianism. ' Guide to Swimming. Book of Winter Sports, Manuals for Housewives. Brapur’s Dime Famtty Serres aims to supply a glass of text-books and manuals fitted for every per- pon’s use—the old and the young the learned and fhe unlearned. They are of conceded value. . Cook Book. 4, Family Physician, Recipe Book, 5, Dressmaking and Mil- Housekeeper’s Guide. linery. | Lives of Great Americans. presented complete and authentic biographies Many of the men who have added juster to the public by their lives and deeds, The series em- 1.—Geo Washington. T.—John Paul Jones. VIT.—David Crockett. I,—Israel Putnam. jI.—Maid.AnthonyWayne| [X.—Kit Carson. *V.—Ethan Allen, X.—Tecumseh, V.—Marquis de Lafay-| XI.—Abraham Lincoln. XUI.—Pontiac. ette. ¥I.—Danie] Boone. . The Five Champions. . Vailed Benefac Ss. 123. The Missing Bride. The Black Rider. 124, Sumter’s Scouts. 873, The Helpless Hand, 125, The Hunted Life. 374. The Lake rs. 127. Bald Eagle. 875. Alone on the ins, . The Gulch Miners. . Blackeyes, 32; Old Honesty. . The Cherokee Chief. The Border Foes, The Sagamore ¢* . Phantom Horseman, Winona, . Silent Shot, Slayer. . The Phantom Ship, . The Red Rider. . The Grizzly-Hunters, The Mad Ranger. 3. The Specter Skipper. 159, Snowbird. 484, The Red Coyote. 165, The Unseen Hand. | 385. The Hunchback, 176. The Trader Spy. 886. The Black Wizard. 207, The Buffalo Trapper, | 387. The Mad Horseman. 215. The White Hermit. /888. The Privateer’s Bride 219. The Scioto Scouts. 389. The Jaguar Queen, 224. The Mohave Captive, | 390, Shadow Jack. 227. The Forest Princess, | 391, Eagle Plume. 228. The Mute Chief. 392. The Ocean Outlaw. 232, The Prairie Queen. / 393, Teed Slayer. . The Forest Specter. aay The Phantom Foe. Zip. . Graybeard. . The Black Princess, . The Blue Anchor, 396, Red-Skin’s Pledge. . The Luckless eh | 129, 63, The Florida Scout. 64. The Island Trapper. oan | 130. 45. The Elk King. 112. The Crossed ives 46, Adrian, the Biot. 113. Tiger Heart, Traclay 47. The Man-hunter, 114. The Masked Aveng™ 49. Mo_ asin Bill. | 115. The Pearl Piratea, 50. The Wolf Queen. 116, Black Panther. 51. Tom Hawk, the Trail- | 117. abdiel, the Aveng»* er, 118. Cato, the Cree zer- 2. sino Mad Chiex. 119. [Two-Handed Mat, 53. The Black Wolf, 126. Mad Trail Hunter 54. Arkansas Jack. 121. Black Nick. 55. Blackbeard. 122. Kit Bird. 56. The River Rifles. 128. The Specter Riders 57. Hunter Ham. 124. Giant Pete. 58. Cloudwood, 125. The Girl Captain. 59, The Texas Hawks, 126. Yankee Eph. 60. Merciless Mat. 127. Silverspur. 61, Mad Anthony’s Scouts | 128. Squatter Dick. 62 The Child Spy. Mink Coat. Red Plume. 65. Wolf-Cap. 2, Clyde, the Trailer 66, Rattling Dick, 1388, The Lost Cache. —, 67, Sharp-Eye. 134, The Cannibal Chics. 68. Iron-Hand, 185. Karaibo, 69. The Yellow Hunter. | 136, Scarlet Moccasin, 70, The Phantom Rider, | 187. Kidnapped. . Delaware Tom. 138. The aid of th 72. Silver Rifle. Moun SONG BOOKS. Brav.e’s Dove Sone re Nos. 1 to af the only popular collection found in the e market, con copyrigt songs to re oe verticesiong. for sale by al po george or sent, on receipt o ve by WMADLE & 4DAUS (8 Woe St YS 243 397. The Quadroon Spy. 244, Keetsea, 898, The Black Rover. 246. The White Apache. | 899, Red-Belt, the Tusca- 250. The Border Renegade | . rora. 256. Antelope Abe. 400. The Two “rails. . 258. The ite Brave, 401. The Ice Fiend, 263. ‘The Border Huntress | 402. The Red Prince, 264, Mountain Kate. 403. The First Trail. 2. Ruby Roland. 404. Sheet-Anchor Tom. 288. The Lone Chief, 405. Old Avoirdupois, 284. The Young Spy. 289, The Balloon ts. 237, Black “ohn . yd A a aga ‘ pper. 408 Red Dan Saco, 154, Rob Ruskin, | MISCELLANEOUS DIME BOOKS. Jim Crow J, ke kee Book. Pocket Joke Book. Paddy Whack Joke Book +
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> aed 82 Large 'Three-Columm Pages, 1.4 Hard Crowd; oR, GENTLEMAN Bam's Sister, By Philip S. Warne. 2. The Dare-Devil; or, Tok WINGED Wircn or tHe Sea. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 3. Kit Carson, Jr., THE CkAcK Snort or cue West. By Buckskin Sam. 4. The Kidnapper; or, THe Great SHANGHAI oF THE NortHweEst. By Philip 8. Warne. 5. The Pire-Fiends; or, HercuLes, THE Woncupack. By A. P. Morris, 6. Wildcat Bob, Tue Boss Bruiser ; on, Tax BorpER BLoopHOUNDS. By Edward L. Whee- rer, author of ‘ Deadwood Dick,” “ Double Daggers.” Y. Death-Notch, THe Destroyer; oR, tee Sprrir LAKE AveNGERS. By Oll Coomes. 8. The Headless Horseman. A strange dory of Texas, By Capt. Mayne Reid. 9. Handy Andy. By Samuel Lover. 10. Vidoeq, THe Frencn Porice Spy. Written by himself, 11. Midshipman Easy. tyat. 12. The Death-Shot; or, TRACKED TO DeatH. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 13. Pathaway; or, Nick WHIFFLES, THE up TRAPPER oy THE NortHWEST. By Dr. J. H. Rob- nson. 14, qhayendaneges, THE Scourcs ; or, Tan War-HAGLE or tHE Monawks, By Ned Bunt- jne, author of ‘‘ The White Wizard.” 15. The Tiger-Slayer; or, Eaacur- Heap To THE Rescur. By Gustave Aimard. 16. The White Wizard; or, Tox Great PROPHET OF THE SemINoLES. By Ned Buntline. 17. Nightshade, Tue Rosser Prince oF Hounstow Hrara. By Dr. J. H. Robinson, 18. The Sea Bandit; or, Tox Quen oF THE IsLE, By Ned Buntline. 19. Red Cedar, Tur Pramm OvuTLaw. By Gustave Aimard, 20. The Bandit at Bay; or, Tux Pr- RATES OF THE Prarrizs. By Gustave Aimard, 21. The Trapper’s Daughter s OR, THe OvurLAw’s Fare. By Gustave Aimard, 22. Whitelaw; or, NaTrm or THE LAKE SHore. By Dr. J. H. Robinson. 28. The Red Warrior; or, STELLA Dsvorme’s Comancne Lover. By Ned Buntline, 24. Prairie Flower. By Gustave Ai- mard, author of “Tiger-Slayer,” etc. 25. The Gold-Guide; or, Stern Arm, ryt Reavuiator. By Francis Johnson, 26. The Death-Track; or, Tar Ovt- Laws oF THE Mountarn. By Francis Johnson, 27. The Bpotter-Detective 5 or, THE Girts or New York. By Albert W. Aiken, 28, Three-Fingered Jack, THE Roap- AGENT oF THE Rockies; or, Tot Boy Miner or Harp Luck. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 29. Tiger Dick, THz Faro Kina; or, ‘ue CasHier’s Crim By Philip 8S. Warne, 830. Gospel George; or, Fimry Frep, fae Ovwrtaw. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 31. The New York ‘Sh 3? or, THE fuasH or Ligatnina, By Albert W. Aiken. 32. B’hoys of Yale; or, THE Scrapes oF 4 Harp Ser or Cotuearans. By John D. Vose, 33. Overland Kit. By Albert W. Aiken, 34. Rocky Mountain Rob. sert W Aiken, 35. K . By Albert Wada entuck, the Sport y 36. Injun Dick. By Albert W. Aiken. 37. Hicl, the Hunchback; or, THE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE. By Dr. J. H. Robinson. 88. Velvet Hand; or, Tae [RON GRIP OF Ingun Dick. By Albert W. Aiken. $9. The Russian Spy; or, THE BROTH- BRS OF THE STARRY Cross. By Frederick Whittaker. 40. The geo Haired ‘Pards;’ OR, THE 'RARTARS OF THE ins. By Jos. E, Badger, Jr. By Capt. Mar- By Al- EADLE'S | ene ee A) KIT CARSON, JR.—No, 3, 41. Gold Dan; or, THe Waiter Savace OF THE GREAT Satt Lake. By Albert W. Aiken, 42. The California Detective; or, Tur WircHes or New York. By Albert W. Aiken. 43. Dakota Dan, THe Reckuess RANGER; or, Toe Bee-Hunters’ Excursion. By Oli Coomes, 44. Old Dan Rackback, Tue Great EXTARMINATOR; or, THE TRIANGLE’s Last TRAIL By Oll Coomes. 45. Old Bull’s Eye, Tue Licurnina Ssor or THE Piains. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 46. Bowie-Knife Ben, Tue LirrLr Hounver or THE Nor’-west. By Oll Coomes. 47. Pacific Pete, THr PRINCE OF THE Revo.tver, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 48. Idaho Tom, THE Younaé OuTLaw OF SILVERLAND. By Oll Coomes, 49. The Wolf Demon; or, THE QUEEN OF THE KanawHa. By Albert W. Aiken, 50. Jack Rabbit, THe Pram Sport; or, THe CHILDREN OF THE LLANO Estacapo. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 51. Red Rob, Tur Boy Roav-AGeEnt. By Oli Coomes. 52. Death Trailer, Tor Cumr or Scouts; or, Life and Love in a Frontier Fort, Hon. Wm. F, Cody, (Buéfalo Bill.) BY WOE | LIBRARY. ~~, Each Number Complete, Price 10 civ. 53. Silver Sam; or, Tor MystER” +: Deadwoop Crry. By Col. Delle Sara. 54. Always on Hand; or, Tur Spor nn Sport or tHE Foor His. By Philip 8. Werr, author of “A Hard Crowd,” “Patent Leather .\v*+ 55. The Scalp Hunters, A Romane'y' THE Puains. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 56. The Indian Maszeppa; or, Tr Map Man or rue Prams. By Albert W. Aik’ 5'7. The Silent Hunter ; or, THe Sce tv Hau. Mystery, By Percy B. St, John. 58. Silver Knife; or, WICBLIFYE, ‘tb Rocky Mountain Ranocer. By Dr. J. H. Robinevl\, 59. The Man From Texas; or, T's OvuTLAW oF ARKANSAS. By Albert W. Ailen. 60. Wide Awake; or, THe IDIOT -" THE Buack His. By Frank Dumont, 61. Captain Seawaif, THE PRIVATRPA By Ned Buntline. 62. Loyal Heart; or, THz TRAPPERN ARKANSAS. By Gustave Aimard. 63. The Winged Whale. By Albe' W. Aiken, 64. Double-Sight, the Death Shor By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 65. The Red Rajah; or, Tux Scouros OF THE INDIES, By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 66. The Specter Barque. A Tai oF THE Pacriric. By Captain Mayne Reid. 67. The Boy Jockey; or, Howrsty versus CRrookepNESS, By Joseph E. Badger, Jx. 68. The Fighting Trapper}; or, Kit Carson T0,1HE Rescur. By Capt. J. F. C. Adar‘s 69. The Irish Captain; A Tale ‘aT Fonrenoy. By Captain Fréderick Whittaker, 70. Hydrabad, Tur STRANGLER; vs, ALETHE, THE CHILD o¥ THE Corp. By Dr, J. MX Robinson. ; 71. Captain Cool-Blade, or, Tom Man SHARK o¥ THE Mississippr1, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr, 72. The Phantom Hand. A Srory or New York Heartus aNo Homes. By Albert W Aiken, 73. The Knight of the Red Crom . or, THe MAGIcIAN oF GRANADA. A Tale of the A hambra, By Dr. J. H. Robinson, 74. Captain of the Rifles. A Roman oF THE MrexioaN Vaturny. By Captain Mayne Rett 75. Gentleman George, or, ~PARLO" Prison, StaGe AND Street. By Albert W. Aiken 76. The Queen’s Musketeer, «. THISBE, THE Princess Patmist. By George Albon) 77. The Fresh of Frisco, or, Th Heress of Burnaventura. By Albert W. Aikeri 78. The Mysterious Spy; or, Gotpr Fearner, tak Buccangrr’s Daveurer, By A, Dé Grainger. 79. Joe Phenix, tur Porice Sry. 4, Albert W. Aiken. 80. A Man of Nerve; or, CALm.4 THE DwarF. By Philip 8. Warne. 81. The Human Tiger; or, A HEA or Fire. By Albert W. Aiken, 82. Iron Wrist, the Swordmast.ui By Col. Thomas H. Monstery. 83. Gold Bullet Sport; or, Taz Knieww or THE OveRLAND, By Buffalo Bill. 84. Hunted Down; or, THE War Wrrcen. By Albert W. Aiken, 85. The Cretan Rover: or, ZULEIK1 4. THE Beautisu. By Col, Prentice Ingraham. Ready January 1, th 86. The Big Hunter; or, Tar QuEsy oF THE Woops. By the author of ‘Silent Hunter,”’ Ready vanuary 2th 87. The Scarlet Cxptain; or, Tim PRISONER OF THE Tower, By Col. Dells Sara. Ready February 1\th, A new issue every two weeks. Beadle’s Dime Library is for sale by nf Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by mail om receipt of twelve cents each. BEADLE & ADAW") Publishers, 98 William Street, New York.
Page 16
1 Deadwood Dick, THe Prince or THE Roav. By Edward L. Wheeler, Yellowstone Jack; or, Tat TRAPPER OF THE ENCHANTED Ground, By J. E. Badger, Jr. Kansas King; or, Taz Rep Ricst Hanv. By Buffalo Bill (Hon, Wm. F. Cody). The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Reid and Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 5 Vagabond Joe; THe Youne Wanvzir- Tue NIGHT- Ina Jew. By Oll Coomes, 7 The F. Yankee; or, Tur ‘Ockan Frontizr, By Edward §, Ellis, Nat Todd; or, Tus Fare or rue 1 1 Fortunes ov A Bowery Giri. A.W. Aiken. Lilliput, and a Voyage to Brobdin : 14 Aladdin; or, THe Wonprrroi Lamp. The Sea-Cat; or, THe Wrron or 16 Surprising Adventures, (27 illustrations.) 1 iad Sindbad the Sailor. His seven voy- o¥ THE Prarie, By Buffalo Bill. Qt Frontier Angel. A Romance of Rosrnson Crusoz. By Col. Ri uan Lewis, fy 24 Diamond Dirk; or, THz Mysrzry Davantrr. By Roger Starbuck. Edward L. Wheeler. 27 By Oll Coome,s 29 The Dumb = age; oR, THE DoaGe’s Ralph ckwood, THE PRAIRIES, Oll Coomes. 3 or, Toe Grau Deap-Snor. E. L, Wheeler. Oregon Sol; or, Nick WHIFrLEs’ Wild Ivan, THE Boy Cuavupz Duval; THE ARENA. Frank §. Finn. 37 Honrer oF THE ADIRONDACKS, Harbaugh, Texas Jack. By Roving Ben. rs ie | Lasso Jack, THz Youna Mustane- ER, B The Phastoan Miner; or, Drap- 43 Dick Darling, the Pony Express HAWES OF ucKY. By Harry St. George. nihilator. By Edward L. Wheeler. 6 Bill Biddon, Tepper or, Lire Iw THE Norruwest. By Edward §. Ellis Outcast. ._ By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, & Seth Jones; or, THE CAPTIVES OF THE 9 The Adventures of Baron Mun- chausen, 10 Sroux Caprivez. Edward 8, Ellis. The Two Detectives; or, THz 12 Gulliver's Travels. A Voyage to 1 The b Spy. By Oll mes, author of “ Vagabond Joe,” ete, MP. 1 o Darien. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. Robinson Crusoe. His Life and 1 7 Ralph Roy, The Boy Bucca- meer. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. ages. From the Arabian Nights. 19 The Phantom Spy; or, Tae Pmor The Double Da rs; or, Drap- 20 woop Dicxk’s Pawuree | By E. L. Wheeler, Kentucky Rangers’ Life. By E. 8S. Hillis. 22 The Sea Serpent; or, THE boy Nick o’ the Night; or, Tue Boy Spy or °76. 4 . Harbaugh. o¥ THE YELLOWSTONE, By Col. Ingraham, 2 5 The Boy Captain; or, THE Piratx’s 26 Cloven Hoof, the Demon. By Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. 2 Buffalo Ben; or. Drapwoop Dick ix Discourse. By Edward L. Wheeler. DAUGHTER. apt, F, Whittaker. 30 Roaring Reckxiess Ranokr. By Harry St. George. 31 Keen-Knife, THe PRINCE OF THE By 32 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian; The Ocean Bloodhound; or, THE Rep Pirates or THe CAnissess, 8.W. Pierce. Boy Sry. By Capt. I . F. C. Adams, 3 By Edward L, Wheeler. 36 The Boy Clown; or, = QUEEN oF The Hidden Lodge; or, Tux Litre 38 Ned Wylde, Tum Boy Scour. By 39 Death-Face, the Detective. Edvard L. Wheeler. 40 A story of a Young American. By John J. Marshall, Oli Coomes, 42 woop Diox’s Bonanza, By Ed. L. Wheeler. Rider. By Capt. F. Whittaker. Rattling Rube; or, 45 Old Avalanche, the Great An- 46 Glass Eye, the Great Shot ofthe West. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams, 47 Nightingale Nat; orn, Tue Forest aprains. By ‘I. OU. fat A8 Black John, the Road-Agent. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 49 Omaha Oll; or, Deapwoop Dick In Dancer. By Edward L. Wheeler. ee BEADLE’S HALF-BIME LIBRARY, Every one of them ‘ Live” Stories by ** Live») Authors. Each number a Complete Novel, at the extraordinary price of a HALF-DIME. 50 Burt Bunker, THz Trarrzr. A Tale of the Northwest. By C. E. Lasalle. 51 The Boy Rifles; or, Tut Unpzr- Ground Camp. By Archie C. Iron. 52 The White Buffalo. A Tale of Strange Adventure. Charles E. Lasalle. 5 3 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., Taz Boy PHENIX; or, THROUGH TO THE DeaTuH. E. L, Wheeler, 54 Ned Hazel, THz Boy TRAPPER; or, THE PHantom Prrozss. By J. F.C, Adams. 5 5 Deadly-Eye, Tux Unknown Scout; By Buffalo Bill. 56 Nick Whiffles’ Pet; or, In THE Vauitey or DeatH. Capt. J. F. C. Adama. 5 ”q Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, Tae Parps or Froop Bar, E. L. Wheeler. 58 The Border King; or, Taz SECRET es. 5) Scatp. By St. George. GO Tre Wate Eeliany on, Tan Gobir ,oF THE YELLOWsTONE, By J. F.C. Adams. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, Taz Rep RirLz Team. By Edward L. Wheeler. 62 The Shadow Ship; or, Taz Rrvau LyEUTENANTS. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 63 The Red Brotherhood; or, Tux TWELVE AVENGERS, By W. J. Hamilton. 64 Dandy Jack; or, Tok OuUTLAW oF THE OREGON TRAM. By T. OC. Harbaugh, 6 5 Hurricane Bill; or, Mustana Sam AND HIS ‘‘Parp.”’ By Jos. E, Badger, Jr. 66 Single Hand; or, A Lirz ror A Lirs. By W. J. Hamilton. 67 Patent-Leather Joe; or, OLD Rat- TLESNAKE, THE CHARMER. By P.S.Warne. 68 The Border Robin Hood; or, Tux Pratrie Rover. By Buffalo Bill. 69 Gold Rifle; or, Taz Boy Detective or THE BLack Rancw. By E. L. Wheeler. 70 Old Zip’s Cabin; or, Tor Greren- HORN IN THE Woops. By J. F.C. Adams. > f Delaware Dick; THz Youna Ran- Grr Spy. By Oll Coomes. of Mad ‘om Western, THe Trxan Rancer. By W. J. Hamilton. y 6 Deadwood Dick on Deck. By Hav il oye (Macey Tam Y whk- HE OUNG 4 Trapper Ranagr. By oll Coomes, w 5) The Boy Duelist; or, THE Cruisx oF THE SzA Wor. By Col. P. Ingraham. "76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer, By Albert W. Aiken, 7 & = Corduroy Charlie; or, THz Last Act or Dgapwoop Dick. By E L. Wheeler, wr 4 Blue Dick; or, Tuk YELLOW Curer’s Vena@eance. By Captain Mayne Reid, 79 Sol Ginger, THz Giant TRapPrER. By Albert W,. Aiken. SO Rosebud Rob; or, Nuccet Nzp, THE Kyicsr or THE Guicn. By E. L. Wheeler. & I Lightn Jo, THe TERROR OF THE anon yy Captain J. F. C. Adams. &2 Kit Harefoot, THz Woop-Hawk; or, Oup Powprer-Face. By T, C. Harbaugh. 83 Rollo, the Boy r; or, THE HEtREss OF THE GOLDEN Hory. Oll Coomes. 4. Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosrnup B ON Hann. By Edward L. Wheeler, & Buck Buckram ; or, BEss, THE FE- MALE TRaprpeR. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams, 6 Dandy Rock, THE-MAN-FROM-TEx- 4s. By G. Waldo Browne, 8 > f The Land Pirates; or, THE LEAGUE or Deviu’s Istanp. By Capt. Mayne Reid. eka) Photograph Phil; or, RosEesup Ros’s PEARANCE. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 9 Island Jim; or, THe PET OF THE Famony. By author of “Jack Harkaway.” 90 The Dread Rider; or, Toe Texan Dueuist. By George W. Browne. 91 The Capsein of the Club. By Bracebridge Hemyng, (Jack Harkaway.) 92 Canada Chet; or, OLD ANACONDA i IN SrrrinG Buiu’s Camp. By E. L. Wheeler Q 3 The Boy Miners; or, Taz ENCHANTED IsLaNnm By Edward §. Ellis, 9 4 Midnight Jack, Tne Roap-AGrent By T. C. Harbaugh, 9 5 The Rival Rovers. By Lieutenant Col, Hazeltine. 96 Watch - Eye, THE Drrgcrivm By Edward L. eeler. The Outlaw Brothers; or, Tas CaPpTivE oF THE Harpss, By J, J. Marshall. 97 98 Robin Hood, Tux Ovrnawep Earu. By Prof. Stewart Gildersleeve. 99 wie Siges : er Taos. By George D Leadville. 100 osiiirand wine 1 O 1 Jack Harkaway in New York. By Bracebridge Hemyng. 102 Dick Dead-Eye, Tx Boy Suve- GLER. By Col, ntiss Ingraham. 103 mice ey pend of the Sea. By Col. 104 eons Fy Device. By 10 5 Old Rube, Tau Hunter; or, THE Crow Captive, By Capt. H. Holmes. LOG Or, Scseye ee Saas er 107 One-Eyed Sim; or, Tom Anan- DONED Forrest Home. By J. L. Bowen. 10 & Daring Davy, THE Youna BEAR Kiirr. By Harry St. George. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. 1 10 The Black Steed of the Prai- ries. By James L. Bowen. 1 1 The Sea-Devil; or, Taz Mmsur- man’s Leaacy. By Col. P, Ingraham. 1 1 The Mad Hanter; or, Taz Cavz or Dratu.” By Burton Saxe. 1 1 3 Jack Hoyle, THz Youne Srxcu- LATOR. By Edward L, Wheeler. 1 1 4. The Black Schooner. By Rocrr STARBUCK, 1 1 The Mad Miner. By Gzorcs Waxpo Browne. 1 16 The Hussar Captain. By Cou. PRENtTiss INGRAHAM, 1 1 7 Gilt-Edged Dick, Tux Sport-Dr TECTIVE. By Edward L. Wheeler, 1 1 & Will Somers, THe Boy Dezrxc. tive, By Charles Morris, 1 1 9 Mustang Sam; or, Tae Kina o7 THE PLAINS, By Jos, E. Badger, Jr. 1 20 The Branded Hand; or, Taz Man or Mystery. By Frank Dumont, 121 Cinnamon Chip, THE Giru Sport. By Edward L, er, 122 By Charles Morris. tent 1 2 3 Kiowa Charley, Tue Wars Movs- TancrR. By T. C. Harbaugh. 1 24. Tippy, the Texan; or, Taz Youre on. By Geo. Gleason, 12 5 Bonanza Bill, Miner; or, Ma- paM Mysrery, Toe Fremate Foraer. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 126 Picayune Pete; or, NicopEmvus, THE Doe Derecrive. By Chas, Morris. 127 Wild-Fire, THz Boss oF THE Roap; on, THe Wotves or SaTan’s Gar. By Frank Dumont, 12 & The Young Privateer; or, THz PiratEs’ SrroncHotp. By Harry Cav- endish, 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double. A Story of Wild-Cat City. By Edward I. Wheeler. 130 Detective Dick; or, Tur Hrro tn Rags. By Charles Morris, 131 The Golden Hand; or, Danpy Rock tro THE Rescun. G. W. Browne. Ready January 27th. 132 The Hunted Hunter; or, Tur STRaNGE HORSEMAN OF THE PRAIRIE. By Edward 8. Ellis, Ready February 8d. 133 Boss Bob, tHE Kina or THE BooTsBLacks; cr, THE METROPOLITAN Sporrer, By Edward L. Wheeler. Ready Feb 10th. A new issue every week. The Half-Dime Library is for sale all Newsdealers, five cents per ge A sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. DLE & ADAM, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York.