Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 1101) (1900 05)
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ee eEEEEE—EE eee Prince Philip, fort CADE Sx s OR, The Thugs of Triple Butte. A Romance of the Arizona Thunder= bolt Legion, BY ALBERT CECIL GAINES, CHAPTER I. A STRANGER, DEAD, Tue look of astonishment on Eagle Jerry’s face as he flung open the door of thé stage-coach and beheld the sight within, was something to be remembered, The loquacious little Jehu had swung himself from his high box with a running fire of charac- teristic comment, calculated to interest a new- comer to the flourishing camp of Triple Butte, and to impress the mctley crowd that was loiter- ing in front of Mexican Jack’s resort, where he had drawn up, with the great importance of Mr. Eagle Jerry’s arrival. ‘““ Hyer we are, stranger—hyer we are at last, by hokey! Triple Butte, ther queen city ov ther Southwest—ther gem of Arizona—youngest, but not least, not by a dooce ova sight! EHver’thing hez an end, an’ so hez ther Tucson trail; an’ hyer we are, right at ther famous Mex’s, whar you kin git more p’izen to ther ounce o’ gold-dust than anywhar north o’ Ranch Robin, Thar’s Mex, himself, ready ter receive ye, lookin’ as pert as a pattridge. An’ thar’s Tomahawk, an’ Apache Abe, an’ Doc Dimity, an’ Tiny Pete, an’ Lengthy, an’ Cap’n Toddy an’ the Pirate; an’, durn me, ef thar ain't the widdy, jest a-waitin’, ez usual, fer thet ole man o’ hers what never comes! Whoa, Jasper! Consarn ye, ye’ll git yer feed soon enough,I reckon, This is ther place, stranger, an’ Hagle Jerry’s ther man to land ye hyer only forty minits abind time, even ef thar wuz a turrible storm a-blowin’ ag’in’ us, Why, thet time I wuz held up by Cap’n Eagle’s men— Great Cesar!” No wonder: Eagle Jerry was astounded, His passenger was dead! Not only was he dead, but, as the excited Jebu presently found voice to explain to the curious and eager group of Triple Butte citizens; he was not the proper passenger at all—he was not the man who had entered the stage at Tuc- son, who had set up the cigars and ridden with him on the box until the storm came on them back in the mountains, and who told him that he had helped to swing Captain Eagle to a limb. That man had a full, brown beard, and long hair, and wore a handsome jacket of navy blue; while this man appeared far younger, was smooth-shaven, and had short hair, and wore no jacket at all. Jerry declared he had never seen this man be- fore, and the crowd that gathered around the body when it was removed from the stage and placed on a table in Mex’s place, was equally certain that he was an utter stranger, There were no papers whatever on his verson which might serve to identify him, He had evidently been robbed, for there was not so much as a weapon about bim, He had been murdered — that was plain enough, There were deep creases in his throat, showing that he had been choked by talon-like fingers, and there were bruises upon his arms which in all probability were the result of a des- perate struggle to defend himeelf, ’ The crowd seemed to recognize the finger- marks, for theyAooked at each other significant- ly and with angry utterances, ‘“Thar’s somethin’ infernal strange about this hyer,” averred Apache Abe, ‘ ’Tain’t ther fu’st time 0’ late we’ve seen these signs an’ tokens. Mighty cur’us you don’t know nothin’ about this onfortunit cadaver, Jerry.” The crowd had now increased until Mex’s place was well-nigh full, Triple Butte was not so large a camp but that the news of a mystery such as this would be known to every- body in a few minutes, and the result was that the entire populace of two hundred souls turned out to view the body and speculate on the ‘un- usual features of the case. ; ‘* He’s shore dead?’ some one asked Dr, Dim- ity, who was carefully examining the body. ‘** Dead?” exclaimed the ungainly, one-eyed yen, in his quick, rasping voice, ‘‘ why, e’s clean cold,” a. The man who seemed to take the most interest in the dead passenger, but who had the least to say, was Tomahawk, ‘* What do you think ov this byer sarcum- stance, Tommy?” one of his familiars asked him, The big rough expressed himself in accord with the general sentiment, that it was “‘ mighty strange.” ‘‘Euagle Jerry’s ther one ter shove yer terrogation points at,” he added; ‘he’s ther one ter explain why this Tucson stage-coach hez been turned inter a hearse, I don’t understand it, none whatever,” Eagle Jerry found himself the object of some suspicion, It seemed very queer, indeed, that he should start with one passenger, arrive with another, and that other murdered, and still be totally ignorant of the why and wherefore of such a remarkable proceeding. ‘I’m a-preachin’ you people Gospel truth,” he vociferated, warmly, bringing bis empty glass down on the bar with such force that it broke in a score of pieces, ‘‘ when I tells you I knows nothin’ whatsumever ov this hyer pecul- iar episode. I never wuz quite so kerflummixed in my life, by hokey, ez when I pulled open ther trap o’ ther rollin’ stock an’ took in this stiff, Ez a stiff I hev no hesitashun in sayin’ this gent is a genooine success, but ez an acquaint ance er an ole friend i be durned ef he cuts any wide swath in my estimashun. Iswears [ never see him till I opens thet hearse door,” ‘*Mebbe you hed somethin’ stronger’n cigars in Tucson—somethin’ thet wuz sorter hypnotiz- in’, an’ a good deal ov it; eh, Jerry?” The little Jehu drew himself up with of- Seige dignity and gave the speaker a withering 00 ‘“* You makes me sick, son,” he growled, ‘‘Ther lickid tanglehuf ain’t made what kin ruffle me, ye kin salt thet down. I bet I kin swaller more p’izen than Cap’n Toddy to-day an’ not feel no onpleasant effex thereof, Why, thet time I wuz held up by Cap’n Eagle’s men—” ‘* Are you sure you had but one passenger?” asked a young man who had been one of the late comers to Mex’s ‘Red Light,” and who, after studying the face of the dead stranger carefully, had evinced a very deep interest in the case, *¢ Shore?—ov course I’m shore!” retorted Jerry. “T trust you ain’t a-doubtin’ ov my word none, Prince Philip?” ‘* Mo,” said the youth, shortly. ‘‘Give us a history of your trip in detail, Jerry.” The little Jehu, who seemed to think himself the hero of the occasion, assumed a very im- portant air, winked patronizingly at ‘the widdy,” who hung shyly about the doorway, too timid to comé and mingle with the crowd and too interested to leave, and who gave him a bright smile of encouragement, and then he pro- ceeded, digressing,,\however, to remark: ** Bi the widdy bain’t fergot ter ask about ’er ole man fer once!” Adding: ‘‘ Waal, he didn’t show up, widdy, onless this stiff be bhini, Aw’ ef this be him ye’r’ welcome ter claim ’im, an’ cl’ar up ther mystery or his identity what en- velops him like a wet blanket.” As ‘‘the widdy ” drew back and did not seem disposed to claim the dead stranger for ber long- lost husband, Eagle Jerry came to the point. ‘*We rolled out o’ Tucson squar’ on time, an’ though I bain’t much on ’rithmetic ner fig- ger, I knows enough ter count ther passengers when thar hain’t but one. An’ this oyer pas- senger he had brown whiskers an’ a fancy coat, and he says to me, climbin’ upon the box along- side, an’ a-settin’ up ov a cigar, says he, ‘ I’ve heerd ov you, Eagle Jerry, an’ thar be men in the mines what opine you could drive Texas steers er buff’loes ef yer take a notion. What time does we git to Triple Butte? ‘ Bout sun- down,’ says I, an’ then we fell a-talkin’, an’ he asks me all about this hyer kentry, sayin’ he wuz a stranger somewhat, but not a-givin’ ov bis name, now thet I remembers our converse. When we gits well inter ther Vulture Range a matter o’ ten miles back thar, an’ ther storm comes a-screamin’ like hyenas down the(moun- tains. ther stranger ups an’ says, ‘1 don’t see ez how I gota call ter git so infernal damp,’ an’ sayin’ thet forthwith he slides down an’ crawls inside, Thet be ther last 1 see ov him, soghelp me! ‘*Did you stop at all on the way—long enough for anybody else to get in{” asked the youth, “Yes, I stopped,” Jerry answered, reflective- ly. ‘When ther black wind an’ rain comes a- tearin’ ag’in’ my face a-blindin’ ov my eyes an’ a-scarifyin ther critters, | draws up alongside a big rock an’ reposes thar fer considerable space, * Now, let ’em howl,’ says I,.a-duckin’ my head an’ holdin’, meantimes, onter ther ribbons, an’ howl they did, shore enough, I thinks ther hull “ Sp rgeer ¥ Prince Philip, the Camp Spy. blame sky be split wide open an’ ther flood a- leakin’ out. All ther time the thunder wuz a- cavortin’ up an’ down, an’ ther lightnin’ wuz a- paintin’ things red, an’ ther wind wuz a-yankin’ cottonwoods up by ther roots. When ther cir- cus wuz all over | rolls inter Triple Butte only forty minutes abind time.” ‘*And you did not see nor hear anything of your passenger after the storm?” queried Prioce Philip. : ** Nary a hear ner see.” ‘¢Couldn’t the stage have been entered while you were stopped there, and you not heard any- thing?” ‘*Waal, I guesses yes,” Jerry admitted, *t Seein’ ez how thar wuz sech a turrible racket a-blowin’, thar migbt ’a’ been a camp-meetin’ inside an’ me a-knowiw’ nothin’ thereof.” This seemed to settle the question as to when the mysterious crime was committed, and as Engle Jerry was ‘“at the end of his rope,” so to speak, it was useless to interrogate bim fur- ther. Tne entire solution of the mystery, together with the-cause of the crime, must remain, un- less divined by those who were wiser than they cared to admit, a matter altogether of specula- tion or future development, The fact that the stranger had been choked to death was a much discussed point, and one which promised to be a key to the mystery. This was not the first death of this character which had occurred of late in the vicinity of Triple Butte. The little gold camp was now awake to the fact that it was the prey of merci- less thugs, whose identity and motives could only be guessedat, And there were men in Triple Butte, whose memory of past deeds was unim- /paired, who trembled at the thought of secret vengeance and of silent and pitiless pursuers They waited impatiently for time to reveal, ag time must, the truth concerning the dread stranglers, After awhile, when the strange crime of the stage-coach had been thoroughly discussed in all its phases, the crowd wt the Red Light began to dwindle away. The women—there were a half-dozen of them including “ths widdy,”—were the first to depart, and they were followed by the more reputable class of miners who were old-fashioned enough to think it better to sleep at night than to drink and and gamble their hard-earned gold away at the seductive gaming resort of the yellow tough from Mexico, Presently only the regular gang of loiterers remained, Tomahawk and the men who looked up to bim, They seemed to forget about the man outstretched on the table, when the cards were produced, In about an hour Prince Philip, who had gone out in company with Eagle Jerry, return- ed alone. ‘The dead stranger must have decent burial,” he remarked, ' ** Will any of you gents lend @ hand?’ A curious gleam came into Tomahawk’s eyes. ‘* Ther boy seems ter hev a durn lot ov int’rest in this hyer corpus,” he remarked in an under- tone to Apache Abe, who sat at his left, Prince Philip overheard the insinuating speech. ‘“‘T noticed that you showed a good deal of interest yourself,” he retorted. ‘‘ As for me-—- well, { only want to treat a white man white.” ‘* The two exchanged angry looks, but neither said anything more, ‘The boy is all right,” declared Apache Abe, in reply to Tomahawk’s remark. The crowd “lent a band,” and the stranger was buried. CHAPTER II. THE AFFRAY AT MEX’S. On the day after the morrow, when Eagle Jerry made his regular trip to Tucson, he car- ried in the meager mail/a letter written by Prince Philip, which, the little Jehu would bave been suyprised to learn, contained a very lucid explanation of the mystery to which he had treated Triple Butte. But this letter was very innocent in appear- ance, and even the wise and solemn ‘‘ Lengthy,” the camp postmaster, who scanned tke address long and earnestly in order to decipher its destination—not that the penmanship was bad, but Lengthy was a little “ out of practice” in reading—was without the faintest suspicion of its contents, Kor reasons known only to himself, the youth chose to convey the information of which he was to some one who was a long distance from Triple Butte, while, sofar as the camp was concerned, he kept his facts strictly secret. At a : a = - SB ee.) ee ee — Sneed? Se Se ee ee
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Prince Philip, the Camp Spy. the same time, he grimly registered a resolve that Triple Butte should know the whole truth before very long. Philip was twenty-one. He came originally from thie East somewhere, and had been ia the mines Only a few weeks; but he was never a a tenderfoot, as the term was understood. From the moment of his arrival he bore him- self witb the mien of an old-timer, and quickly demonstrated that ha was more than able to take care of both himself aud his interests, He dressed picturesquely in a costume that was half Mexican, and wore farms in his belt after the fashion prevailing in Arizona in the times when law was unknown except as indi- viduals made it. ' Nicknames were epidemic, and their preva- lence contributed another feature of life in that rough and tough land, Somebody had called the young new-comer ‘ Prince Philip,” out of compliment to both bis elegance of manner and his royal good-fellowship, and in twenty- four hours he was generally known by the fitting sobriquet. Philip took a little cabin on the south side of ‘town, and straightway proceeded to make himself comfortable, His ostensible business consisted of buying gold-dust of the miners who, for various reasons, preferred currency to the actual fruits of theirlabors, For example, money was much more convenient for gambling purposes than bulky bags of the ‘ dust,” and when the red-shirted profligates came tramping into camp after their day’s or their week’s work ‘to make a night of it,” they were only too glad to be met by the genial Philip and to receive in exchange for their gold its equivalent in bills or coins, to allow a pretty margin of profit as re- compense for the obligation, Philip soon made a reputation for square dealing that brought him all the trade he could manage, The business antagonized the vicious interests of the professional gamblers, for they were in the habit of not only getting this profit of ex- change themselves, but of cheating their victims outrageously in weighing ,the metal and ap- praising it, especially when the victims were well-loaded with liquor or excited by the game, So the gamblers natirally regarded Philip and his vocation with disfavor, which increased from day to day at arate commensurate with the young man’s success, However, the Prince was not in the least disturbed by their growls, and pursued his calling industriously, evidently being well supplied with money. It bad been hinted that Prince Philip had a secret mission in coming to Triple Butte, but the youth only laughed at the idea when it was men- tioned to him, Nevertheless, there were those who thought it a suspicious fact that he should be so particular to cultivate a familiar acquaint- ance with nearly everybody in camp, and especially with ‘** Old Likely,” who was the old- est inhabitant, and who, when he was not out of his mind—which he was the iargest part of the time—could tell the history of Triple Butte from the time gold was first discovered there, and very shady history some of it was. He knew everybody and everything, and it was said that more than once bis life had been threatened by those who stood in fear of his revelations, Old Likely was now a simple and harmless old man, who week after week satin front of his log hut, over by the three buttes which had given the camp its name, digging about his feet in the sand and muttering to himself, He had never discovered a paying lead, but he was always hopeful, always thinking it ‘likely ” that he would “‘ strike it rich” right away, and this cheerful propensity bad resulted in bis re- ceiving the title of ‘Old Likely.” Notwithstanding the growing enmity of Tomahawk and his evil associates, and the trifling suspicions that occasionally fixed them- selves upon him, Philip soon occupied a high place in popular esteem, and the camp recog- nized him as one of its most respectable and rogressive citizens, Even Apache Abe had had the grace to say: ‘*‘ Ther boy is all right,” —but probably with an underlying motive. However, the serenity of Prince Philip’s ex- istence was all at once rudely broken, The young gold speculator had a fall, and it was as severe as it was sudden, The night following Eagle Jerry’s departure with the letter, he was called into the Red Light as he was passing by, and, as the hour was late, and only Tomahawk and his fellow roughs were there, be knew, from the nature of the summons, tbat trouble was brewing. The Red Light was notorious for trouble. Mexican Jack, or ‘‘ Mex,” as he was called for sbort, was a yellow-faced, evil looking cbarac- ter, whose whole past life was punctuated with SS SS 3 crimes of varying degrees of recklessness, and who emphasized his depravity by boasting of his record woenever he was filled with his own liquid poison, Needless to add, he countenanced any sort of wickedness that didn’t break the bottles on the shelves behind the bar, ‘““Thar’s Prince Philip!” cried some one, as the youth entered.the resort in response to the call, ‘Say it ter his face, Mozeek!” The whole crowd was drunk, and there were ecards scattered over the floor, which indicated that the games had broken up with a row, Tomahawk stood in the center of the room gesticulating and vociferating, and there was blood on his cheek. Doc Dimity was tying ban- dages on a man who lay groaning on a bench in a corner, This man bad a great gash in his right band where Tomahawk had pinned it with a twelve-inch bowie to the table, and he had a bullet under his scalp that Tomahawk had placed there an instant after the wounded hand had crashed into his face, Mex sat astride the bar with a revolver in bis hand, ready to repu- diate Tiny Pete’s insinuation that he was a ‘*liver-faced Greaser from the Rio Grande.” There was much loud talking on all sides, es- pecially on the part of a heavy-framed, red- faced rough who was angrily asserting that he had been fleeced by ‘‘ thet’ar durn kiote, Prince Philip.” ‘¢That’s not sol” said Prince Philip, promptly, as the declaration reached his ears, ‘‘I never had any dealings with you, Mozeek!” ‘*Hyer, boy!” called out Tomakawk at this moment, catcbing sight of the youth for the first time, and apparently forgetting his per- sonal difficulty. ‘‘This high-jeeb Mozeek hez ter say you skinned ’im out 0’ some qnantities o’ gold-dust, an’ we all thinks ter see this thing settled fa’r an’ squar’, an’ thet straightaway sudden. Mozeek finds himself short, an’ it spiles ther game. We rises ter ask what fur ye do up Mozeek, he bein’ quiet an’ lady -like, an’ a-disturbin’ ov ye none whatever? Thet Ryle don’t suit this camp none, you finds thet out durn soon.” Philip calmly confronted Mozeek, while the crowd gathered around, and a sullen silence fell over the room, The boy was not one to seek a trouble of any kind, but when it was thrust at his face he would not dodge it. He would have been voted a coward if be had not responded to the sum- mous, and now that he was face to face with the man who accused him of a sneaking theft, he was not backward in offering his defense, ‘*Who told you I cheated you, Mozeek?” he asked the drunken desperado, his brilliant eyes glowing, ** Nobody told me—I knowsit ov my own free will,” was the surly reply. ‘* As we never had a trade of any kind, I don’t quite see how I[ could have cheated you,” as- serted the youth. ‘*Didn’t hev no trade? I says yes!” howled the rough, swinging his huge fists tragically, ** We hez a trade two hours ago, an’ I sw’ars to thet!” ‘““You haven’t bad gold enough to make a trade interesting since I’ve known you. Who ut you up to this game? Who told you to say T Miteed you?” ‘* Nubody did, consarn yer pictur’! I hez my rights in this camp, er I bu’st this camp wide open! I allows no pan-faced cherub frum ther effete East ter rub my fur ther wrong way! Now you ponies up my jest dues er I salivate yer meat-house, an’ thet double-quick!” ‘* Seems ez how thar be only one way ter set- tle this diffikelty,” put in Tomahawk again at this point. ‘ Ther kid must put up er be shut up fer good. We hey ther word ova highly respected citizen thet he ain’t in line with ther great moral principuls oy this God-fearin’ camp, wherefore we carves’im up like a duck. Which ther same we hyer delegates ter our pard Mozeek, who does his fow!] brown an’ choice,” This blustering did not seem to daze Philip in the least. He recognized ia the affray that was being precipitated upon him the culmination of the dislike cherished for him by the vicious, spirits that made their headquarters at the Red Light, and he knew that it had been concocted to afford an excuse for summarily disposing of him, In other words, it was a cut-and-dried plan for the desperado, Mozeek to fall upon him and kill him. But Prince Philip was made of a metal that did not melt in the heat of battle, He was like tempered steel, ' ‘* We shoots fu’st an’ palavers arterward!” sud- denly uttered Mozeek. ‘‘I finds it my duty ter make a meal o’ you, an’ I chaws yer up in haste, I draws a fine bead, I does, an’ [ leaves no scraps, Ther honor o’ Triple Butte is at stake, an’ I sends yer ter glory forthwith, ter satisfy a long-felt want thar!” Mozeek had a revolver leveled at Prince Philip’s heart, and bis finger on the trigger! With all bis calmness and courage, Prince Philip seemed doomed to an instant death! CHAPTER III, A WARNING AND DISCOVERY. THE youth did not need to glance around to assure himself that no friend was there to prevent the impending crime—bke knew that inustinc- tively. Even if there were those present who were not in the plot to kill bim, nor in sympatby with it, which was probable, they were not so strong in their allegiance that they would care to offend Tomabawk by an open demonstration in his be- half, Indeed, it was not so mucha question of care as dare; that this was Tomahawk’s game was palpable enough, and to block it was to antagonize a wan whom the bravest shrunk from having asa foe, The big gambler was deadly in his dislikes, and he was universally dreaded. As for Mozeek, he was recognized as merely a tool, upon whose shoulders Tomahawk could shift the stigma of the assassination, Mozeek was a reckless, irresponsible creature who bad no more qualms in executing his chief’s villainous mandates than he had in takinga drink. For the reason that Prince Phi''p had so many friends in camp, and for other reasons, perhaps, Toma- hawk was not desirous of openly showing his hand against him just at present, benco the thin disguise of setting up Mozeek to do the deadly work, Prince Philip wasin a terrible trap, the des- perado had caught him at a disadvantage, and that ho was to be deliberately shot down without being allowed to make any sort of a defense, he now fully realized. ** Knock up his arm, Jim!—that’s right!” The quick utterance rung out sharp and de- cisive. It came from Prince Philip, the instant follow- ing Mozeek’s declaration that he would ‘‘send him to glory,” It was the boy’s defense—tardy, but still in time to serve a ruse to secure the * drop” on his enemy. The ruse worked, for Mozeek started, and glanced around. The movement lost him the game, for Prince Philip’s revolver leaped from his belt; there was a flash and a report, and Mozeek reeled back- hei with a shattered and weaponless right nand! The prince, calm and cool, but with flushed cheeks and blazing eyes, backed toward the door, a six-shooter in either hand, ready for any who might dare to take up the fight in Mozeek’s behalf, \ Mozesk, howling with pain, shouted: a “T gits even fer this ef [ hev ter clean out painters an’ wildcats! 1 chaws up this measly citizen fu’st er last, don’t yer never fergit thet! I turus bis infernal hide ter taller ef it’s ther last run I ever hez on ther range!” ‘* Never mind that!” retorted Philip, sharply. ‘* Pll be at home when you call. But you'd bet- ter turn yourself over to Doe Dimity, and let this be a lesson to you. Next time Doe will not be able to do you any good,” No one made a move to champion Mozeek’s cause. Not ouly was it dangerous to do so—for now that the youth was aroused and on his guard he might shoot to kill next time—but Tomabawk seemed to feel that the time was not ripe for him to personally show his hand. That wonld too surely expose the game, and, besides, he had other plans, and better ones, which were altogether in accord with his purpose, ‘Thor’s a future,” he ground through his teeth to Apache Abe, ‘‘ Mozeek makes a fizzle ov ther plap he cracks up, but thar be three what never fails, eb, pard? We regrets this hyer muss, but we hez vengeance shoor as time rolls.” The hubbub which followed Prince Philip’s shot was now subsided. Tomahawk turned to the bar, and Mexican Jack got down and began to set out the glasses in anticipation of a rush. Mozeek swore at Doc Dimity and everybody else, and quieted down sage § when the pirate brought bim a tumbler of whisky. rince Philip, at the door, paused ¢o remark: “T wish tosay again, ete aan that I had no trade with Mozeek, and I did not fleece him out of a cent. You saw that I shot only in self- defense, and every fair-minded man here will say that I have dove vothing that was not ex- actly proper. Good-night, gentlemen,” The door closed behind him, and the roughbs of instinctively
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0 ee eet to — 4 | 5 Prince Philip, the Camp Spy. the Red Light were left to commend or execra&te him as they willed, Prince Philip walked at a leisurely gait through the darkness, with his face to the south, Far from smiling over-his victory, be was serious and regretful. **T had boped to avoid an open war,” be said to himself; ‘*‘ at least uutil—well, until the time came. Now Iam handicapped by constant per- sonal danger, I shall have to beware of the Thugs! ** Still I am satisfied that Tomahawk does not suspect the truth, Asa thorn in his side in the way of business he would like to have me put out of the way, and he may even—yes he may sus- pect the truth, but if his suspicion was well grounded he would never have tried as flimsy a scheme as that to get me out of the way; he would have resorted to methods more deadly and sure. He would bave called those human bull-dogs who would have fastened themselves in my throat and hung there till my last breath, As it is now—well, now I have his absolute hatred, and he has doubtless marked me for poor Theo’s fate, I must be on my guard, night and day, from this on. ““Whatif the old map should forget himself and tell—all that he should not? I must prevent that. I must see him again at orce, I must stir his memory, and have the truth—more, all the truth. What if I am wrong in the belief that Tomahawk is the man? I must get at the bot- tom of the mystery, and now that I am threat- ened with trouble I cannot do it any too soon. It is all very strange and remarkable, and I do not pretend to understand everything as yet, But, nothing can shake me from the trail—noth- ing! I have-come too far, and there is too much at stake!” From appearances, Philip was the only one abroad in the camp, All was dark and still, There was no moon, Even the stars were hid- den, and but for the fact that he knew the way perfectly he must have lost his bearing. As be neared his cabin be was all at once con- fronted by a figure that he recognized even in the darkness, ‘‘ Philip!” he was saluted, in a low voice. “ This is Philip, isn’t it?” ** Yes,” he answered. ‘“ Isn’t it rather late for you to be out, widow?” ‘1’ve been a-waitin’ for you,” was the reply. ‘“‘l’m not usual about so late, but to-night there’s pertik’ler reasons.” ‘So you wish to see me? I’m glad of that, I’ve wanted to know you better, The good women of the camp are 30 few that it’s a double pleasure to know the best one. And every one says you are the best, widow.” ‘You be like all men to flatter, Philip,” said the woman, in a tone that showed no ill-pleasure at his compliment, ‘‘ No one regrets more than me thet most o’ my kind hyerabouts ain’t all they ought to be. But I had good raisin’, you see, way back in Indiana, by the kindest mam- my ever wuz, and I ain’t ever fergot her teachin’s. Yes, I been a-waitin’ byer two hours, Poilip.” ‘*Then your visit must be important, sure enough,” said the youth. ‘‘ Come into the cabin, widow.” “No; I can tell you what I wants in less’n a mibit, and then vil hustle back to my own shanty. You see, I’ve taken a sort ov motherly intrest in you, Philip, an’ when I hears things like plo.s ag’in’ you I take it as a bounden duty totell you. Let’s git out o’ the street a little, so’s as [ won't be heerd. There'll be trouble fer me if I wuz heerd.” Philip led the way toa secluded corner by the cabin wall, and waited with the strongest curi- osity for “‘the widdy ” to make known her mid- night érrand. The woman was one of the famous characters of thecamp. She had accompanied her hus- band into the mines and had proved a true wife to him until one day, a year before our story, be had gone to Tucson to have a quantity of gold aonered and had never returned, Whether he had been killed or bad deserted his wife wasa problem unsolved, Mrs. Jake Hurley—that was her name—soon came to be know as “the widdy”in camp. Bat, that she had not given wp all hope of her husband’s return was evidenced by the fact that she was always promptly on band when Eagle Jerry’s stage rolled in, on the lookout for her recreant lord, There were some people unkind enough to insinuate that “the widdy’s” paroose in meeting the stage was not so much to look for the lost Jake as it was to exchange smiles with the small but mighty Jerry; but of course this was a base calumny. She was not bad looking, was the widow; to win the miners in Triple Butte. She was a little too stout to be graceful—indeed, she was as large as two of Eagle Jerry, as the unkind critics afore- said remarked—but was. amiable and gocd, and so everybody liked ker and respected her, and there was not a man in the camp who would not have fought for her at the drop of the hat, ‘*As I said, I takes a motherly int’rest in you, Philip,” she said, when they were off the street and out of danger of eavesdroppers, ‘‘ an’ sol comes to warn you ov some bighly inter- estin’ proceedin’s [ hears ov plotted ag’in’ you, Him that they calls Monte, a shiftless critter as there be in camp, comes a-callin’ on me this evenin’ drurk, an’ when I tells him to go away he only sets a-palaverin’ ov ever’ thing he knows, and finally he says: ‘Better marry re, widdy, I be a-zoin’ ter be flush right anay. We got Prince Philip spotted, ne an’ Tiny Pete hev. He’s been a-buyin’ an’ a-buyin’ ov gold till we reckons he’s got a bonanza hid somewhars, an’ we be a-goin’ tu hev it, ef we hez to break the cub in two,’ An’ a:pslaverin’ so, I soon saveys they mean to rob you first chance they git, right away, an’ so'l thinks [ll tell Philip to look out. ‘This is why T waited, an’ I’m glad to do ye the good turn, Philip,” ‘I’m very much obliged, I assure you, widow,” declared Prince Philip, warmly, ‘‘ Til be on my guard, and I promise you they’!l have cause to be sorry for any attempt on me or mine. Maybe I can do you a favor in return, some time. I hope so,” ‘‘There, Philip, never mind, my boy. I took to you right ara, an’ I likes you, an’ that’s enough for me, Fr’en’s are fr’en’s, an’ you can allays count on Mrs, Good-night, Philip!” They shook hands, and the widow, a moment later,diad disappeared in the darkness, Philip entered his cabin, but presently emerg- ed with a dark object in his hand. He walked swiftly down the street toward the outskirts of the town, until he came to the little stream which, further up, danced past Old Likely’s door, Then all at once the dark object in his hand emitted a flood of light, which was thrown on the sand where the trail met the stepping-stones of the stream, be youth bent forward and scanned the ground closely. Suddenly an exclamation fell from his lips. His eye had fallen upon the imprint of moc- casins in the sand. He knew well what the dis- covery portended, “The Red Thugs have come!” he said, under his breath, He was not aware that in the shadows beyond the stream a pair of baleful eyes took note of his every movement, CHAPTER IV. RED VISITORS TO I'RIPLE BUTTE, PRINCE PHILP abruptly closed the slide of the dark-lantern, and, undisturbed, returned at a rapid gait to his cabin. nside, with the door closed, and the light turned on again, he began pacing back and forth in a brown study. ‘*T may need Captain Thunderbolt and his Legion sooner than expected,” he muttered, as if revolving events and circumstances over in his mind. *' There is much to be done now, and I have no hours to lose, This is the time that Theo would have been needed, ‘It is plain enough that what is done I must do single-handed, hat first? is the question. Ranch Robin or Tomahawk? Tiny Pete or the stranglers from the South? “The long-fingered assassins think to come and go like shadows, unnoticed and unknown; but silhouettes on the walls of Ranch Robin, a broken feather in tho coach, footprints in the sand—all have a story to tell, and that which to Triple Butte isa startling mystery, is a primer tale to the Thunderbolt spy. “And Tomahawk! He is deep; he bas the cunning of a fox; he is as vengeful and murder- ous as the Indians he and Apache Abe lived among long ago; but I shall be a thorn in his flesh that shall goad and torture him to his death! “IT have much to do—much to do, I must weave the web of evidence surely, carefully. It cannot be possible that I am on the wrong trail. If they are dead, where is the girl? I would take my oath she is not in Triple Butte. If I am on the right scent, and Tomahawk is the man, I believe I shall find her at Ranch Robin. if not, then the old man must tell— Jake. Pe a SeeaAere. oe ea ean y bts ON a ae must tell! Anyhow, once I get inside of Ranch Robin I shall learn something; I am sure of that. And I must go to-night, while the red guardians areaway. Now that the chance has come at last, it must not be missed, Bit first —first, I must get the lay of tie land bere in camp. As for Tiny Pete, Ml pay uim in good time for bis treachery,” Prince Pobilip did vot seem greatly disturbed by the intelligence tnat there was a plan to rob him on fovt, Nevertheless, he made prepara- tions fora very unpleasant reception for any intruders during his absence, On the wall of the cabin nearly opposite the door there rested, on a peculiarly fashioned rack, a polished Winchester rifle of tbe latest design, a self-acting repeater, with its muzzles pointing full at the door and its stock planted firmly against the logs; by adjusting to the trigger a small wire cord, woich passed through a pulley and connected with the latch of the door, the arrangement was such that any one forcing an entrance would inevitably fire the gun, not once but a number of times, and be riddled witb bullets! The device was one that the youth habitually resorted to for protection against a surprise while asleep at night, and now that he expected to be absent from the dweling an indefinite time, and that, too, when be had reason to expect a burglarious attack, be found it a very satis- factory safe-guard. Haviog bolted the door and attached the wire to the trigger, and assured himself that he was properly accoutered, he let himself out of the cabin by means of a trap door in the floor at the extrenie rear of the room, and started at a swift walk toward the center of the camp. He had gone barely ten yards when he heard his name called, and wheeling, he recognized a tall figure in the rough garb of a miner, with the word: ‘Monte! ‘*T wants ter see yer, Prince Philip,” said the rough, drawing near, ‘*The boy’s hand was on a weapon in his belt, but if Monte suspected the fact he gave no token, ‘*T thought you were taken in and done for at Mex’s to-might,” Philip remarked, with a sharp scrutiny of the desperado, ‘‘I saw you being tied up by Doc Dimity, and I got the idea that you and Tomahawk had not exactly agreed, with some disadvantage to yourself.” ‘* By Jerusalem, yes!” was the reply in fierce tones, ‘‘ We fell out an’ we fell bard, an’ ther durn galoot frum Dogtown proceeds ter stave mein. He nails my right paw ter ther table, and when I break in an’ mashes his face he somehow, afore 1 see how it’s done, places some cold lead near wharI lives. ButI pulls through an’ I sw’ars ter myself I gits even with this bigh-hoss ef et takes ter reserrection day. I hez been a straight pard o’ Tomahawk’s fer goin’ on two year, but I swear he breaks us up ter-night, aun’ now I loses no time in gittin’ even, you make no false play on thet, boy.” “Tomahawk is a bad one to buck against, Monte,” warned Philip, ‘¢T knows thet all right enough, fer ain’t I got evidence byer?” and Monte held up his bandaged band and pointed to the white cloths about his head. ‘* Tomahawk is a tornado, ez I’m full an’ complete aware, but thar be men who ain’t afeerd ov even tornadoes. I notice you bucks ag’in’ Tomahawk without no fear an’ tremblin’,” ‘‘ Well, 1 guess the big card-skarp and 1 are not exactly the warmest friends in the world,” answered Philip, somewhat evasively. ‘*T jest hez this ter say, an’ that’s why Ibe hyer ter see you; any time you plays ag’in’ thet high hoss count me in, an’ radkae a deal what wins a number ov points, Thet’s a go, ain’t it, Philip?” ** Certainly.” ‘¢T takes in this game ag’in’ yer ter-nigbt, an’ I sizes it up in line when I tells yer it wuz Toma- hawk’s play, fu’st an’ last. Heonly puts Mezeek up fersome reason ez isnot manifest. Thet’s one thing I makes up my mind yer orter know,” ‘“*T knew it before.” “Yer did?” “Yes; I caught on to it readily enough.” ‘‘*Pears ter me, frum what I see, yer ain’t very fur ahind ther times, boy, an’ I thinks you plays a winnin’ hand, I backs you up, by Jerusalem, an’ when yer knocks out Tomahawk we rides in a chariot at my expense! Fer two yearsI swore by thet Dogtown gopher, but now I rejoices ter see him duly done fer, an’ you bet I takes a hand thereat!” Philip said nothing regarding Monte’s late plans in connection with Tiny Pete, and neither did he mention the fact that Tiny Pete and he knew each other better than outward appear-
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| wee, — a Site Se Prince Phil ip, the Camp Spy. 5 ances indicated—relations of the order that Monte was seeking to establish, He did not linger longer, but witha parting word to Monte, after mutual assurances of future friendship, continued bis way. The same baleful eyes that had watched his movements at the stream were upon him as he stalked away through the darkness, but be was unsuspecting. And Monte? Fateful words were those to which he had just given expression! Five minutes’ walk took Philip to the im- mediate neighborhood of a large and pretentious cabin near the center of Triple Butte, which was known, properly, as the ‘*‘ Hawk’s Nest.” It was Tomahawk’s abode. There the chief of the gold camp’s desperadoes lived in more style than any one else in the place could afford, or cared to afford, and there some of the biggest games of poker ever known in Arizona were played at times. Rich gamblers from Tucson had more than once come there to *‘clean out” Tomahawk, and had usually got cleaned out instead. And one man, more reck- less than the others, who had been indiscreet enough to charge the host with using crooked cards, had the next instant expired with his body lying half across the stone threshold, Promptness in such matters was a character- istic feature of the Dogtown desperado, Monte and others had reason to know this. One of his’ peculiarities was that, unlike his associates,'he never carried a weapon in sight; no one knew exactly where he did carry bis arms, but certain it was that they appeared with marvelous celerity when required for use. Tall and sinewy was this man Tomahawk, and a lion for courage, His face was sallow from a life of exposure, and his hair was black and straight and long, It was said of him that he had once made his home with the Apaches, in company with his pard, Apache Abe; and that was why he was contemptuously referred to as the ‘“* Dogtown gopher,” Tomahawk was at home, Prince Philip was not long in making the discovery, And he had company, which fact was no surprise to the young spy. By pressing his ear against the weather-beaten clap-boards of the cabin he could faintly distin- guish the murmur of voices within. He crept softly toward a side window through which a single ray of light streamed, with the intention of getting a look at the midnight visitors, but just as he was cautiously raising his head to peer in, the light suddenly went out and be heard the door of the cabin open, He dare not move away then lest be be heard, and so he crouched close to the wall and listened, his hands upon his weapons, Four men came out of the cabin and walked leisurely toward Mex’s place, It was not so dark but that he could discern their outlines. Tomahawk was slightly in ad- vance; the second was Apache Abe; the two others were Indians, tall and half-naked and witb feathers in their hair. The party were conversing in the Apache language, and Prince Philip could not under- stand what was said; but from Tomabawk’s tone, be appeared to be giving instructions about something, and he was answered with grunts of acquiescence. ‘ The four, entirely unsuspicious of the presence of the silent spy, ‘moved away up the dark street, and Prince Philip withdrew from his perilous concealment and went hurriedly back toward bis own cabin, He bad just reached the spot where he had left Monte when he almost stumbled over a dark form on the ground. He struck a match, and by its light peered down into an upturned face, He was startled to recognize—Monte! On the rough’s throat was the unmistakable imprint of human fingers! “The stranglers’ work!” cried the Prince, holding the match close to the scarred neck, Fifteen minutes later Prince Philip, mounted on a spirited borse, whose hoofs were muffled, rode away from Triple Butte toward the south. ** Now for Ranch Robin!” he said. He knew not that he bad a_ pursuer, velvet- footed and baleful eyed! CHAPTER V. THE SCARLET BLOODHOUND, A MILE distant from Triple Butte the horse’s hoofs were unmuffied, and the animal spurred to greater speed, be gold SPY seemed eager to arrive at his destination. e had been waiting for this op- portunity for some time, and now he was re- solved to make the most of it. a He did not look back. It would bave done him little good, for the darkness was too dense, He sat his saddle like a Centaur. The wind blew vee bis gold-fringed jacket, and stirred the curling black locks that clustered about his white temples, His chest expanded; his eyes sparkled; the fresh breath of the night seemed to whisper of victory. Presently the clouds began to roll away, and the brilliant stars to one by one appear. But the moon had gone down. Had he not known the trail—he had been to Ranch Robin before— he must haye experienced considerable doubt as to the correctness of his course, In the rear of the youthful rider sped the tire- fess trailer, his moccasined feet giving forth scarcely the faintest sound as they fell in con- tinuous rote on the indurate earth, This individual, like the two who bad talked to Tomahawk, was tall, half-naked and copper- skinned, and there were two or three torn and drooping eagle-plumes in his coarse hair, His eyes were blacker than the night, and their wild expression bespoke as plainly as words the soul of the savage, He was verily a foe to flea from, He was more terrible than a skulking puma in pursuit of its prey. He was the incarnation of cruelty, of atrocity, of assassination. Savage that he was, bis lithe, sinewy body was too inured to the hardships of the trail for him to require a mount for the successful pur- suit of the night-rider toRauch Robin, Fatigue be knew not, and there was marvelous speed in his strong, bare limbs, Three of a kind !—silent, pitiless, terrible, were they not truly foes to dread? And Prince Philip, scarcely more than a boy, knew that not only they, but their master, and their master’s friends, were arrayed against him, while be was obliged to fight his battles alone! But the young spy had the courage of a veteran, and ere the night-runner could strike, he was galloping away to prosecute bis mission in the very stronghold of the adversary. Not only had he courage, but a cunning that matched that of even the most astute chief of the wily red race, He proved that by the stratagem to which he resorted to discover and frustrate possible pur- suit. At a point where the trail narrowed, and was walled on either side by beetling crags, he drew rein, and dismounting, placed bis ear to the ground and listened intently. He could bear nothing. Not to be decaived by this silence, he led the animal into a sheltered spot, and secured bim, by means of the bridle-rein, to a sapling. Then he threw himself to the earth beside the trai], and, at full length, luy and listened, He had the advantage of knowimg that his foes were all behind him, and thatydanger was to be expected only from that direction. Were they aware of his stealthy departure from the camp?! Had sharp eyes followed him as he sped away to the south? Had his purpose been dis- cerned—in a word, bad he been pursued? Perhaps the very personage whose dreadful grasp had destroyed Monte bad spied upon bis movements, and was slinking in his wake? He could not exercise too much precaution, It meant death to be surprised at Ranch Robin. He believed that the red guards would not re- turn there immediately, unless aware of the contemplated visit, for doubtless they had been summoned to Triple Butte for a purpose not to be accomplished in an hour, and if this purpose was what he suspected, they had not so much as begun their work, That it was of special importance it was easy to conclude, for their presence in the camp was attended with danger to the man who ruled them as a despot, and who was careful to keep the fa¢t a secret from his townsmen, and consequently it signified more than a star-chamber confab in an incom- prehensible language, He had timed his visit to Ranch Robin well. The way was clear for hours to come, i But if pursued? 41 that alone did danger ie. At least be would devote fifteen minutes to satisfying himself on that point, He had purposely ridden at a bigh speed in order to distance a pursuer, that his stop might not be noted. His sagacity was not defeated' by impatience. He watched and waited as a wild animal watches and waits for its prey, and the slight- est sound had a significance that called for at- tention, At last his patience was rewarded- He heard the rapid footsteps of the red run- ner, and recognized the light shuffle of the moc- casins, The identity of his pursuer was-not for an instant a matter of doubt, ab was there one pursuer, or two, or three? ne, And with‘all this Indian’s cunning, the am- bush was not suspected! He came on swiftly—nearer—nearer. Nota sound disturbed the stillness of the night, but the soft tap—tap of the moccasined feet. The intrepid vouth arose softly, and witha weapon in his grasp and his gaze penetrating the darkness, waited, Like a young Ajax he stood, not a muscle quivering, Suddenly the tall figure of the scarlet blood. hound loomed before him in the darkness, scarcely more than twenty paces distant, when the steed secreted among the rocks, as if scent- ing danger, moved restlessly. The Indian heard the sound, and, startled, paused abruptly. Then he saw ‘the waiting youth, and compre. hended, and without a sound, without so much as crouching as a beast does, he sprung at his young quarry, Prince Philip fired, but the Apache did not even waver in his onward rush. His great swartb body seemed to grow huge; his long arms were outstretched as if to grasp a victim. The youth could almost feel an iron clutch at his throat. He fired again—and again—not the eye, but instinct, directing his aim, The mountain bloodhound swayed, lifted his arms spasmodically, and then fell headlong at the very feet of the dauntless spy! One of the dread stranglers was forever past harming either the innocent or the guilty, At once Prince Philip, with a long breath of relief, proceeded to action. He led forth his horse, which snorted and shied at the form on the ground, and a moment after he was gailop- ing onward to Ranch Robin. He was there in an hour, Ranch Robin was notaranch, It had once been one, beautiful and celebrated, when Major Weldon lived there, and his vast herds of cattle and horses roamed its ranges, but since ated Weldon’s time the place had passed into ecay. Tomahawh, who was the major’s successor, had preferred to live among his fellows in Triple Butte, and had long since sold or gambled away all the stock and let everything go to ruin, The beautiful white house which Major Wel- don had barely completed when overtaken by death, was weather-worp and dreary-looking, and it and the name were all that was ‘eft to mark the once thrifty and lovely Ranch Robin. The place was generally supposed to be de- serted, but Prince Philip kad seen lights there, and shadows on the walls, and be knew that it had been the abode of three stalwart Apache Indians for some time past, If other secrets it contained, he meant to find them out this very night. Had he not assumed that he should find a girl there? ‘ A girl at Ranch Robin! Impossible! A captive, ray be! Then Heaven protect her! He rode without hesitation up to the door of the dilapidated building, taking the precaution, however, to hold a revolver ready for use at the first demonstration of danger. He bad barely drawn rein, preparatory to dismounting, when he heard the click of a rifle, and a dark figure appeared on the threshoid! CHAPTER VI. AT RANCH ROBIN, THE young spy knew instinctively that be was covered, and discreetly refrained from raising his six-shooter, The man in the doorway was so protected by the darkness that it was impossible to discern his features until be advanced upon the visitor with the vifle still leveled, Then Prioce Philip saw that be was a Mexi, — can, or at least a balf-breed, for he bad a dark face and was dressed in the costume of a Mexi- can cowboy. He was low of stature, like the majority of hia race, and his eyes glistened like a serpents, He gave Prince Philip a sharp scrutiny, and then: “ Bueno!” he suid, almost inaudibly, “A Gringo—possibly a friend. Who are you?” Philip was not Bp prepared for this ‘recep. tion. He expected summary measures of some sort, “Tam Prince Philip, of Triple Butte,” he any
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; ‘* Yes, doubtless this very night,” 6 Prince Phil swered, promptly, leaning forward in his saddle “‘T ar nut here for trouble. Who are you?” ‘* Vasquez of Chihuahua,” was the answer, ** A new-comer here, eh?” ** Si, senor,” ** Are you alone?” asked the youth. There was no answer tothis. The bead-like eyes were still scanning him sharply, as if their owner was making up his mind as to the advisa- bility of permitting a more intimate acquaint- ance, The momentary silence which followed was broken by a voice from within the house, asking in Spanish: rs suse es, Vasquez?” (Who is it?) e says his name is Philip, and be is from Triple Butte,” replied the Mexican, also in Span- ish, and without turning around, “* Ts he friend or foe?” ““That I have not decided, padre, friend, [ think.” “*T will see him,” An elderly man, robed in the somber habili- ments of a Catholic priest, came to the door, and atep d out to the side of Vasquez. y sat noche !” he saluted, respectfully and amicably, as befitted his hely calling. Philip replied in the same tone, repressing the surprise he felt at the strange meeting. ‘*T trust you will count me a friend,” he add- | i “ But a ‘Lower the weapon, Vasquez!” commanded the padre, when he had looked closely into the youth’s face, ‘We are friends to all who are friendly,” he continued; ‘‘ but we are strangers in a strange country, and we know that there are lawless men here and numerous dangers, For special reasons we keep a strict guard,” ‘¢ Yours is, of course, a peiceful mission,” re- plied Philip, ‘‘and such being the case, I am certainly a friend.” ‘* Perhaps you live in this place?” ‘By no means, On the contrary, it is the home of enemies,” ‘* There are evidences of Indians having been here, and recently,” ‘¢ Their fire was still burning. We came late, We traveled by moonlight in order to reach this place, and have comfortable shelter for the night. We came from Mexico to see—to see friends, We expected to find them here, Vas- quez acted as guide, He knew the way. We arrived about the time the moon went down. ‘We were greatly disappointed. There was no friend here. But we were fatigued and at our journey’s end, so we took possession, as you see,” ‘* The place is not safe, You did well to be on your guard, The Indians who live here are red-handed assassins, They would have no re- spect for your gray hairs and your cloth,” “You talk like a friend, senor, Will you not dismount? Perhaps you can give us the infor- mation of whiclf we stand in need,” Philip was interested, and curious to bear more of the pardre’s mission, and he readily ac- cepted the invitation to dismount. As he was securing his horse to a post of the long dias which extended in front of the door, the priest asked: **Do you think it probable the Indians will return soon? If so, we had best beware of them.” “Tt is just as well that Vasquez stand guard,” Philip answered. ‘€T will do so, senor,” said the half-breed, ‘* Will you come into the house, senor?” invited ‘*T will stir the fire into a blaze, and we shall have some light. The truth is we are sorely in need of afriend. I believe you to be one, and I wish to ask you some questions of TAave importance tous, We are troubled and in doubt.” As he spoke he was leading the way into the front room, where a fire smoldered on a stone hearth. He placed some light wood on the coals, and ae flamed up, partially illuminating the ace, The two then saw each other to better advan- tage, : The old priest bad a kindly face, but one that indicated courage and determination, His black robes contrasted sharply with the pallor of bis complexion, and Philip was pleased to see that he was an American, The room was a large, square, airy apartment, and appearances suggested that it ha once been cozily furnished; but now it contained little to recall the glory of dead days. Scattered about were the blankets and trap- the padre, pings of Indian braves, pipes and provisions. In one corner a handsome but soiled jacket of Pe eae ip, the Camp Spy. navy blue met the youth’s inquisitive glance, and at once his mind reverted to Eagle Jerry’s description of the garb worn by the ill-starred passenger from Tucson. Beneath it, but vis- ible, lay a wig and false beard, tangled and dirty. The pecs, who had been scrutinizing the face of his impromptu guest closely, interrupted the inspection by asking: ‘Tf this is a stronghold of enemies why are you here?” ‘*T am chiefly in search of a lost person,” was the reply. ‘There are reasons why I thought the person here, held a prisoner.” ‘You came to rescue then, senor?” “ec Yes,” ‘The person is not here?” ‘*Of that I am not sure, the premises,” The old priest seated himself on a low stool, and motioned to another near by, which Philip appropriated. “‘ Have you been long in this vicinity, senor?” be inquired, ‘No, not long,” was the answer. from the East.” “ But you are acquainted with the country?” ‘Thoroughly, padre,” ** Can you tell me if this is not the place once owned and occupied by Major Weldon?” OB fs gg “Tam aware that Major Weldon is dead— murdered,” said the priest impressively. .‘‘ But, where is his wife?” There were red spots in Philip’s cheeks as he replied: ** She is dead, too.” The priest sprung to his feet in excitement, and then sat down again, shaking his gray head sadly. “T feared it—I feared it, When I saw this ruined homestead I divined the truth. Then all our long journey is in vain, and the disappoint- ment—the sorrow of—of— How did shedie?” he asked abruptly, in a low tone, ‘¢ She was killed, too, I have been told, by one who knows, [ think—cruelly maltreated, and finally brutally killed in a drunken rage,” ‘¢ Horrible!” The old man clasped his hands end appeared to murmur a prayer, ‘* Yes, horrible!” echoed Philip. His eyes were flashing with restrained emotion, ‘‘ How long ago did it occur?’ was the next question, * About five years,” ‘And the same hand that slew the husband destroyed the wife, perhaps?” ‘¢ Doubtlesa the same,” There was a moment’s silence, Presently the padre said; ‘‘ There was another.” ‘Yes, a child,” B ie you—is it known what became of her?” INO 4! Again Sthere was silence, and again it was broken by the priest. “T will tell you,” he said, ‘‘ Possibly you may already know the circumstances which brought about the terrible affair at this hapless rancb, but, in a word, I will rehearse it, Major Weldon had built a comfortable home here, and had sent back to the East for bis wife and little girl of ten—or at least so they supposed—that was seven years ago. When they arrived at Tucson they were met by a man who said that Major Weldon was ill and could not come him- self, so bad sent him instead, When the party arrived here this man informed the horrified wife that he had killed Major Weldon and had sent for her himself; that she must be his wife, and that he was now the owner of the place. The woman pleaded and defied the villain, but he swore that he would kill her, as well, if she did not obey him. As for the ‘ brat,’ as be called the child, he did not wish it around, and straight- way he sent the little one off in charge of a con- federate to a Mexican mission, where, be said, he hoped she would stay and never bother him again, That, as I said, was seven years ago; if the good woman was killed five years ago, she must have existed for two long years under the brutalities of ber captor. How horrible it is to think of it!” **Go on ” said Philip, in a strained voice, “Tt was to my dear old mission in Chibuabua that the pretty child was brought,” the padre continued, ‘‘That is a long way from here, senor, Well, she stayed there, you may be sure, and she grew good and beautiful. It was she who told me the things that I have just narrated to you. She pined always to see her mother again, and wept when she spoke of her, Yet she could not come, for it was dangerous, and she had no way.to come, At last, senor, I have not searched **T came | Se ee ee ee ee ee ee Ree SR PO RE Re) Oe she came to me, and falling on her knees, begged so bard that I take her to see her mother once again that I promised; for I had Jearned to love the girl as my own child, and I could not deny her. And so, senor, we were equipped for the journey, and I selected Vas- quez, who knew the country, to guide and guard us, and we came—only to learn frum your own lips that the poor mother has been dead these five years!” It was now Philip who was on his feet with excitement, His face was white. “Thank heaven!” he said devoutly, “ that Phosa did not meet her mother’s fate! I have had the most terrible fears! Good father, she is the person that I came to Ranch Robin this night in search of !” he padre only murmured to himself, and looked at the youth with deepest surprise and interest. y ‘* Part of what you have told me T had already managed to learn, in one way and another, but our revelation concerning the girl is like a amp to the darkness, And so she is here! Where; padre? I must see her! She is in the next room, you say, tired out and asleep? Ab, but we must disturb her! It is not safe here, It might mean the death of us all to remain kere until morning!” “You are a friend in need!” said the old priest, kindly, rising and placing his hand on the boy’s shoulder. ‘ My charge is sacred, and we need advice and aid, I do not comprehend you—I do not understand why you should have been in search—and above all times, this night —of the girl whose life is so unfortunate, but I trust you, Philip, I will call her.” CHAPTER VII. ; A ROW AT THE RED LIGHT. Hr went to a door in the rear of tue room, and rapping smartly thereon, called, in a sub- dued but penetrating tone: ‘¢ Phosa! Phosa!” Immediately there was afi answer. ‘* Yes, Father Alonzo!” “You must arise. There is a friend here, We are going to leave this place. You will come at once?” ‘¢ Yes, at once, good father!” Philip’s face was a study. He could not con- ceal his emotion, As the priest returned to him, he said: ‘‘T thank you for trusting me, You will have no reason to regret it. When we get to a place of safety I will explain everything to you and toher. We three will bave much to talk about. I promise you that you will be surprised. In the mean time, you should break the news of her mother’s death to her. The sooner she knows the truth the better, for actual grief is not so bad as dreadful suspense, ‘¢ We must leave here immediately,, J have no meansof knowing when the Indians will re- turn, and her life is too precious to take any risks, You are rightin supposing this country full of danger, but I swear I will defend you, and I will secure you protection until such time as you are restedl and ready to return to your people.” : He went to the door, and said to bag ‘“We are to Jeave here at once. ill you bring the horses?” The Mexican acquiesced, and started for the sta les, : Philip quickly laid bis plans, ‘‘T have friends as well as enemies in Triple Butte,” he thought, ‘‘and there Phosa will be safest. I bave not forgot the assurances of the widow, and she can be depended on in a case of this kind. Ten and seven are seventeen, and Tomahawk, should he see Phosa now, might change bis mind in regard to her. Tomahawk? Ah, that is a question she can settle quick enough, and I’}l not have to depend on Old Likely now. This has been a night of nights, and I—well, I have much to be thankful for!” As he walked back into the room, where the priest was making preparations for departure, the door of the inner room opened, and she who had been called Phosa came out, her eyes wide with curiosity and apprehension. Father Alonzo had spoken truthfully when he called her beautiful. Her face was fair and sweet, but with traces of tears upon it now, and there was a world of pathos in her great brown eyes. She was not too tall, but exquisitely molded, and ber life in a convent had given ber a quiet grace that was more than wianing. Her dress was of a dark- gray material made up in the simplest fasbion, yet fitting her rounded figure perfectly. As she appeared in the doorway, her very at- titude was an inquiry. oN oe gettin ene ae ee ee
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: Prince Philip, the Camp Spy. 7 Philip Beaspncned her at once, as Father Alonzo said: : ** Phosa, this is our new friend, “ He gives his name as Philip.” She held out her hand with a faint smile, and Philip raised it to bis lips. He seemed unduly agitated, and his face flushed as their eyes met, The priest began to explain the situation; Philip added the information that they were to ride to Triple Butte, where Phosa would be cared for by one of her own sex. ‘It is too bad to disturb you, Phosa, when you are so tired from your long journey,” he said, ‘‘ but your safety demands it,” ‘Tam not too tired for anything,” she said, . bravely. ‘ {can ride wherever it is best to go.” ** But you are not used to hardship,” he smiled, ‘¢ For that reason I can endure it better,” she returned, By the time that Vasquez brought the horses to the door all was in readiness for the start. Philip assisted Phosa to mount, and a mo- ment later the party of four was riding away from Ranch Robin at a smart pace, their faces to the north, The youth thought it best to avoid the regu- lar trail, for fear of unpleasant meetings, and by making a detour, gained the Tucson trail, by which the derk journey into Triple Butte was safely accomplished, Philip led the way through the silent camp to the cabin of ‘‘ Mrs, Jake,” whom he quickly aroused, and who, on understanding the situa- tion, was overjoyed to be of assistance. She kissed Phosa, and they were friends at once, The cabin was sufficiently large to accommo- date all three of the strangers, and after admon- ishing the priest and the widow that it might be just as well to keep the presence of the party in “'riple Butte as secret as possible, Philip re- turned to his own cabin to rest and sleep, happy and exultant over the events of the night, But it seemed that he was t) have neither rest nor sleep that night. As he rode quietly and meditatively through the darkness he suddenly heard a pistol-shot, which seemed to come from the interior of Mox’s joint, where the lights were still burning brightly. Curiosity prompted him to an investigation. The crack of the six-shooter was not so un- usual a sound in Triple Butte, and especially at the Red Light, that it possessed any particular significance; but Prince Philip was not one to miss any performance that promised the slightest interest. The lateness of the hour suggested that the present row, if such it was, was of an uncommon order, and worth seeing, He dismounted and secured his horse, and made his way swiftly and silently toa point of observation where he could not only see, but could hear, all that was going on in the notorious resort, Only two men were there—Tomahawk and Mexican Jack, The latter was behind the bar, in a shrinking attitude, while the big champion of the Red Thugs leaned over the liquor-stained counter tc- ward him, with an expression of ferocity on his coarse face, P He had evidently been indulging in some pis tol practice at the yellow-faced tough’s expense, for the great square mirror which bung back of the pyramids of bottles and glasses, and which was the pride and joy of its owner, had a round hole in the center, which could only have been made bya bullet. The big revolver in Toma- Sonny hand indicated the source of the mis- chief. ‘I’m in prime humor ter tear this place down,” he was saying iu mad tones, “‘ an’ ter tear you in ribbons along ov it. What kind ova game is this yer springs onter me all at once? Aiu’t yer fer knowin’ I cain’t be worked no more ner a cyclone can be sarcumvented? So you be a-goin’ ter give my snaps away ter ther Thun- derbolt skunks ef I don’t make yer a present in calico? Waal, I only says this, my pestiferous Greaser, I breaks you squar’ an’ quick in two at ther, fu’st squeal yer makes, and thar’ll be no findin’ ov ther pieces; none whatever,” ‘You never: would ’a’ thought o’ ther gal ag’in ef I hadn’t mentioned ’er,” Mex found voice to reply. - ‘* What’s thet ter yer,” was the fierce response, **S’pose I had fergot’er, an’ fergot thet young gals grow up, thet’s no reason wherefore any hay- colored gopher frum Greaser-land comes by an’ bluffs me inter givin’ ther prizeaway. I merely obsarves ther idea, and I appropriates ther prize myself, thankin’ yer fer ther pleasin’ sugges- tion. But what [I blows up on is this hyer scheme ter “each on me ter ther infernalest set ov foes a man ever could hev; no one but a yeller-livered, mangy, kiote-nibble@, greasy cub ov a Rio Grande squaw would put up thet sort ov a deal on anold pard! Now I preaches yer a smal] sermon what yer be durn car’ful not ter fergit, an’ thet is, I ain’t made ov ther stuff what kin be bluffed, none whatever, an’ any ideas you cherishes ter the contrary don’t live up with fax. You tells me this byer Philip is a Thunderbolt spy, thinkin’ I scares; but I don’t scare fer a durn. I only spots this same Prince Philip an’ lays him cold, fer I guesses right in unison thet he aren’t ther right sort o’ citizen, wherefore I takes no chances, But right thar is whar your usefulness stops,” **Mebbe you'll change yer mind about thet,” said the Mexican, The remark was an unfortunate one, Toma- hawk construed it into a threat, and already en- raged as he was, it was quite sufficient to bring the row toa culminatiun that was as unpleasant as it was salutary. Tomahawk’s long arm shot over the bar, and ere tue startled Mex could dodge or escape he was seized in a grip of steel; then he was drag- ged, like so much wheat, across the bar, gather- ed up and held aloft, and finally hurled, with the power of a catapult, head-first through the nearest open window. After which feat, Tomahawk belped himself to a drink, and Prince Philip withdrew. “Things are getting lively in Triple Butte,” the young spy mused, ‘* There'll be some red- hot times here shortly. I know what to expect now if the presence of the girl isknown. And they suspect me? Well, I must look out for trouble, that’s plain. As jf there were any doubt thapTomabawk istheman! The last links in the chain will soon be forged!” When he reached his cabin and entered by the secret door, he struck a light and exam- ined the rifle which was contrived for the pro- tection of his property while he was absent, Three of its cartridges had been fired. He had been visited while he was not at home, However, for obvious reasons, his belongings had not been disturbed, CHAPTER VIII. A COUNCIL OF TWO. TRIPLE Butte slept late the following morn- ing. “The place was like an owl’s nest in its fashion of turning night into day. The day was an eventful one, The first excitement was the finding of Monte’s body, with the telltale finger-marks in the throat, Monte had not been the valued friend of any- body in particular, and, so far as his loss was concerned, that was easily survived; but the manner of his death was what caused the sensa- tion. ‘ The silent Thugs that were preying on Triple Butte were giving such frequent and terrible evidence of their presence and purpose, that the fear and indignation of the camp was aroused to the depths, and it was the common decision that these numerous assassinations demanded inves- tigation and merciless retribution, Steps must be taken to protect life, for no man could say that he should not be the next to feel the grasp of the dread stranglers, and in consequenge, there was an almost universal feel- ing of uneasiness and apprehension, Who were these Thugs, and whom were they warring against? Whatsecret motive prompted their atrocious crimes? Nobody seemed to know, A few connected the trouble between Toma- hawk and Monte with the latter’s death, but when Tomahawk appeared and denounced the assassins in unmeasured terms, and swore in loud toaes that he would avenge his pard, the lurking suspicion that be was in any way re- sponsible for the murder was dismissed, ‘*Monte an’ me hez some trouble at the Red Ligbt, when somebody hez an ace more ver is in ther cards, but we settles it then an’ thar like gents, an’ jhar’s no hard feelin’s,” said the big rough, ostentatiously. ‘‘ Us two hez been pards too long ter hev more’n a passin’ diffikelty, what we fergits when we sleeps off Mex’s hot p’izen, I mourns this man true an’ straight, an’ I makes gravy ov ther galoot er galoots what called ther turn on’im in therdark. This throat-fingerin’ ain’t ter my taste, pone whatever, an’ I yotes we stops it short an’ sudden.” All this talk about tracing the crime and adopting methods of defense amounted to noth- ing more than talk, however, and the hours passed vithout any one advancing a practicable theory or taking any action. The spot where Monte had been found was an exceedingly rocky section, and no footpriuts were visible; but later in the day somebody re- ported the discovery of moecasin-tracks in an- other portion of the camp, and straightway the belief was established that the Thugs were In- dians, or else white men who wore Indian shoes for purposes of stealth, Thus matters rested, Monte was buried in that popular annex to the burg known as the ** boneyard,” and every- body made the burial an excuse to drink to bis safe passage to paradise, Tomahawk and Mex spoke as usual, and seemed to have buried the batchet; indeed, tbe Red Light boss was more gracious than ever before, and seemed anxious to restore their cor- dial relations. Knowing all that he did, the death of Monte bad an uneomfortable signifi- cance, and notwithstanding bis bruises and the broken mirror, he was not long in convincing himself that it would be a good thing to placate his powerful foe of the preceding night. Tomahawk appeared to hold no grudges, and so none of the crowd suspected that the two bad engaged in a personal encounter only a few hours before. But the big gambler was in a sullen mood, generally supposed to be on account of Monte’s death, but in reality for a very different reason. When he and Apache Abe had secluded them- selves in a private room in the back part of the Red Light, and were seated at a rough deal table with a black bottle between them, he gave free vent to his true feelings. ‘*] don’t know why er wherefore Monte gits his dose, but I bets my pile ‘twuz fer good an’ sufficient reasons, an’ tharby we abides, Monte cut no great figger fer good on earth, ez 1 could ever see, an’ I ain’t a-waterin’ my whisky with tears in his behalf—none whatever. Them In- juns hez the’r orders ter squeeze any clam-eyed scrub what don’t talk through a face when a-speakin’ ov the’r lord an’ master, an’ I loses no time guessin’ thet this hyer deceased Monte shot off his mouth at a durned onfortunit moment, wharby he loses caste direct in this community. This allowin’ fer no mistakes or identity, which don’t count none an’ calls fer no grief, ‘What breaks me up, Abe, [ hyer communi- cates straight at once, an’ that be, our red pard Snake Foot is found dead somewhat afore day- light on ther ranch trail—dead an’ cold, an’ no letters ov explanation tharabout,” ‘*'The deuce yer say!” Apache Abe ejaculated, ‘*T rehearses fax only,” Tomabawk assured, gravely. ‘‘ When ther three bucks come inter camp las’ night, yer know Long Knife and Tiger Face says Snake Foot holds ther fort down thar by ther trail at ther crick, makin’ sure no pes- tiferous cuss goes out ter Ranch Robin without a-knowin’ whereof he thinks ter locate. It wuz Snake Foot what lays Monte low, down thar, so Long Knife makes assert when he comes back this mornin’ a-rappin’ ov me up an’ a-sayin’ him an’ Tiger Face makes a find on ther trail, ’cause neither o’ them do up Monte, which stiff they sees on the way out. ‘What fur wuz Snake Foot on ther trail home ahead o’ you? I says ter this Long Knife, and he says, ‘ He trails a duffer a-horseback, jedgin’ by ther tracks,’ ‘ An’ this duffer he starts a lead-mine in yer pard? I says, ‘Thet’s it! says he. ‘Don’t know who he wuz? says I, ‘No,’ says he. ‘ Waal,’ I says, ‘you strike out fer home an’ look sharp fer Eagle Jerry ter-night, ez yer started, an’ find who this duffer is what salts down Snake Foot, an’ we'll make merry hyer bimeby! Sayin’ which, he trots off, an’ right hyer is whar I becomes an ornament solely, so far ez hevin’ any useful in- furmation is consarned,” Apache Abe’s reply was an oath, ‘* Who could ther kiote bey been, Tommy?” he added, } ‘We only guesses at thet at present, Abe,” was the answer, ‘‘ But I makes oath I finds out, an’ I jerk his beef high! I’m'r’iled clean down ter my toes over this byer outrage, an’ I’m out fer gore. Wherefore I makes one guess and re- tires, and thet be Prince Philip.” “T thinks ov him likewise,” said Apache Abe, reflectively. ‘‘I spots him lke a bull’s-eye,” ‘¢ Mex an’ me bez a small set-to last night, an’ in ther course of his chin music he sings out this Philip is a Thunderbolt spy, ez viewed frum a Greaser standpoint; whereat I scoffs none, agree- in’ thereto somewhat, Tiny Petesays thersame ov him. Still we gits no proof ez yet, only we holds bis post mortem on ceieacetupiaenet Ther Injuns failed to find ’im last night,” ‘*Ho’s durn car’ful ter see ther stage corpus: gits a place in ther resurrection yard,” ** An’ he’s durn car’ful about showin’ his int’rest therein,” said Tomahawk. ‘ He plays a fine Italian hand, but I thinks we sees his play. He knows thet corpus wuz a Thunderbolt’s ez quick
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ez we did, er I goes astray complete. We don’t consider proper whatever when we allows Mo- zeek ter tackle this young torpedo. Wherefore we rectifies thet on ther next deal, an’ plays trumps.” ‘“*Ts wuz Snake Foot what closed in on ther Thunderbolter, wuzn’t it?” ‘“‘Them wuz Snake Foot’s fingers on his wind- pipe,” was, the response, ‘It wuzaslick, clean job, an* ther Injun got nothin’ more than a bloody mouth, But he draws back pay on ther trail las’ night, Perhaps this hyer Philip thinks he’s avenged his Thunderbolt pard,” ‘Ef Philip is true a spy he'll turn ther whole herd ov wildcats onter us durn quick ef he hain’t corraled,” ‘*We makes ng mistake about thet, Abe, wherefore we corrals him quick, a-takin’ ov no chances. Anyhow we kin expect trouble shoré; ther Thunderbolts bears nothin’ ov this pard they send hyer, an they comes on ter investigate, See? Thet’s why I’m so all-fired pertick’ler thet ther red pards watch the stage back in ther range; they recognize every man frum thet herd ov wildcats, disguised er not, an’ they sees we hez protection, hey hez eyes thet read right through, an’ they cain’t be fooled none what- ever,” * We'll clean ’em out ef they come hyer, Tommy!” ‘Clean ’em out? Waal,I think so, Abe, Ef they come one or two ata time we'll only see ’em with deep creases under the’r chins. Ef they come ina gang we fights like Satan, an’ we plants ’em deep where they kin hear ther daisies growin’, We knows ’em every one, and so does ther red pards, an’ we gathers’em in similar ter persimmons. Ef this hyer Philip is a Thunderbolt he’s new, wherefore he fails ter size ’im up et first sight.” ** Triple Butte hez dropped onter the fact thet thar is moccasins in camp, an’ thar’ll be trouble ef ther pards are found at Rauch Robin, Mebbe yer badn’t thought ov that, Tommy?” “Yes, I think ov thet, an’ I don’t fergit, neither, thet ther gopher what done up Snake Foot is a-knowin’ a durn sight more’n he ort ter. I violates no confidence, Abe, when I avers we're a-goin’ ter hey ter fight, Toer job ov regulating the livers ov this community is a duro big one, but we does it, all prime an’ swift.” *“*Thar’s one thing a-troublin’ ov my brain,” said Apache Abe, after a short silence, during which the two drained their glasses, ‘‘ an’ thet is, what fer these Thunderbolters be a-comin’ hyer? What sort ov fish are they baited fer? Can it be they rakes up old scores about Ranch Robin?” © No!” declared Tomahawk, forcibly. ‘* More likely they’re arter ther red pards. Wherefore it occurs ter me we gits’em away frum ther ranch, which ther findin’ ov ’em thar will be onpleasant fer us, I thinks I goes out an’ burns ther durn place out, and lets ther two do the’r smokin’ and stretcbin’ up in ther mountains, By ther way, Abe, you calls up @ scheme I cherishes since last night. Yer knows thet feminine kid what you carries somewhat ov eight year ago down ter thet Mexican branch o’ heaven? . Waal, I notes thet time rolls round an’ thet brat gits big enough ter be interestin’, purty, mebbe, an’ rattlin’ fine an’ choice, where- at I covets her society. How’s this, Abe?” **T plays my last chip on ther scheme!” Abe declared enthusiastically, seeing the drift of Tomahawk’s remarks at once, ‘ Durn ef I bad- n’t clean fergot thet young ’un,” “Waal, I ponders this idee, somewhat,” the big desperado continued, ‘‘an’ I concludes ther caliker at present in this burg makes me sick, an’ Limports a fresh love. Which ther same being my own adopted darter, whereat none whatever disputes my rights. Now, Abe, I leaves it ter you ter git this damsel in sight. You took ’er thar an’ you kin bring ’er back—an’ I wauts ’er brought safe, too; I makes a bam sandwich ov ther man what quotes, love ter her afore me, “T votes fer you, straight, Tommy,” said Abe, warmly, ‘“Ibea'e thet buman in sight by fast Express, au’ we ali 21t3 drunk forthwith ter cele- brate, eh, Tommy?” ¢ Wherefore all this surprise, Mex?” The door bad suddenly opened, ard Mexican Jack entered hastily. ‘*T hez an old acquaintance out hyer a-takin’ a drink, Tomabawk,” hesaid, ‘* He jest blew in frum Chibuahua,an’ he drops around not expectin ter see an old pard. So we fergits old scores an’ hez a few drinks tergether, at which he confides thet he guides inter town ther very identical gal, as | believes, what we converses on Jast night, Prince Philip’s got "er lovated at the widdy’s, I Prince Philip, the Camp Cg ere En Te : a Te ee 4 oe Spy. i passes yer this snap ter make things squar’, ard, % : Tomabawk and Apache ‘Abe looked astonish- meat into each other’s eyes. CHAPTER IX. IN THE LION’S DEN, PRINCE PHILIP demonstrated anew his dispo- sition to keep to himself his knowledge of men and things in Triple Butte, for he. recognized the fact that as yet discretion was the better part of valor; so, as far as he was concerned, the camp continued in the dark regarding the moccasin- tracks and the death of Monte, The young spy was early astir, and busy. Before noon he had a long conference with Phosa and the old padre, during which he made to them certain revelations that caused general surprise and rejoicing. Inasmuch, however, as these revelations con- flicted with his plans in another d:rection, he enjoined strict secrecy upon the two for the present, Plans for their future movements were also discussed, and Phosa was asked if sbe desired to return to her old home in the Hast, or pre- ferred to go back to the Mission in Mexico, She did not hesitate in replying. ‘“*T Jove Father Alonzo with all my heart,” she said, ‘‘and I shall never forget all his kindness; but [ should be happiest with you, Philip, in the old home,” The old priest shook his head sadly, but acqui- esced in her decision, saying: **T would not put so much asa word in the way of your happiness, little girl. I will stay with you here while danger surrounds you, and when you are safely on ‘your way to your people, I will return to the dear old place that has known me for so many years,” Philip and Phosa talked together a long time, and the youth heard from her own lips the story of her young trials and inbumanities that had made her an orphan, She wept bitterly on learning of her mother’s death, but the long separation of mother and daughter lightened the blow somewhat. ‘Only a few weeks ago I came here knowing nothing and almost hoping for nothing,” Philip said, ‘‘and now I know everything, From a few disjointed facts I got from an old charac- ter known as Old Likely, I got on the mgbt trail, but I was not sure that this man Toma- hawk was the murderer. Old Likely seemed to have a terrible fear of telling, for when I asked him he would cover his mouth with his hand and mutter strangely, and I could get nothing more out of him. ‘Tomahawk must have threatened him, There are others who know the story, but they are all sworn pards of Tom- ahawk, and it was dangerous to ask them too many questions, One of these, however, known as Tiny Pete, agreed to tell me some things, but what the widow told me of his intention to rob me leads me to distrust bim, no further use for bim now.” ‘“When are we to leave this place, Philip?” asked Phosa, ‘Very soon, I hope,” was thereply. “I wisb to get you out of this wild country as soon as possible, Now that I have found you, I must not lose you again, In the mean time, I am sure that the widow will take the best care of you. Won't you, widow?” And the good dame, who bustled into theroom at that moment, said ** yes, she would,” quite heartily, and kissed Phosa tenderly, At this moment the front door was uncere- moniously thrown open, and in stalked no less a personage than Tomahawk! There was surprise all.around—Tomabawk to see Prince Philip, evidently, and the quartette to see Tomahawk, The party were, of course, serenely uncon- scious of the mischief wrought by the vaquero, Vasquez, in confidence begot of liquor at the Red Light, But that Tomahawk was not ignorant of the situation, and intended his advent as a surprise, was apparent from the fact of his entering the house without knocking, or giving any premon- itory evidence of bis presence, The widow’s guests started to their feet, Prince Philip angry at the intrusion, and Phosa slightly pale at sight of the author of all her woes, ‘“ Howdy,” said the burly desperado, with at- tempted pleasantry, ‘‘ You wuzn’t expectin’ a visiter, eh?” ‘* No,” was the youth’s quick response, ** What do you waut here, Tomahawk?” ‘Don’t be pert, son,” said the desperado, calmly, and then he allowed bis gaze to rest on the new beauty of the camp. ' Anyway, I have A gleam of intense admiration flashed from his dark orbs, She was fairer by far than her mother had pee fairer than his wildest fancy had pictured ner, To think that he cculd have forgotten the ex- istence of such as she! Why, sbe ought to have been brought to Triple Butte two years ago! Give this wondertul creature to Mexican Jack? Well, bardly, f Triple Butte had never known anything like ber. Her equal was not in all the great South- i Tucson itself would bave gone wild over 1er, He remembered well enough now that as a cbild she had been pretty. But he did not like “brats,” and bad got rid of her in short order, He bad not thought of her in years until Mex made his unfortunate proposition, And now—here she was, right at his hand! What a coincidence! No sooner thought of than she was here! :-There was no difficulty in recognizing her—she resembled the mother too closely for there to be any possibility of a mis- take. He looked upon her as his, Wasn’t her mother his wife? Wasn’t he her step-father, therefore her lawful protector? He would fight to the hilt for such a jewel as she. And, by Jove! here was the priest to marry them, without any ado! To Tomabawk it seemed that everything had been arranged especially for his pleasure and convenience. Tomahawk had acted promptly on receiving the intelligence that the gir) wus at the widow’s, and bad gone straight to Mrs, Jake’s to Jearn the truth of the report, He was surprised and ili- pleased to find Prince Philip there; but he men- tally resolved that be would brook no interfer- ence from this bated youngster, He would re- lieve his red minions of a certuin duty, concera- ing which he had instructed them, if necessary ! He would take Prince Philip’s disposal into bis own hands, even if, by 30 doing, he did antago- nize the better element of the camp. ‘* Thopes you hezn't forgot yer father—er—cr— Phosa,” he said, recalling the name of the girl with some difficulty, ‘*‘ How purty yve’ve grow- ed to be! I guesses ther gospel-slinger treated yer bang-up, but, ov course, thar’s no place like home, an’ yer wanted ter come back. Waal, yer’ welcome, dn’ Pll make yer queen o° ther camp forthwith!” His evil eyes danced with brutish pleasure as he addressed her, The audacity of the man was remarkable, He presumed that his authority was unquestioned, and that no one would dare oppose his purpose, Prince Philip’s eyes were flaming, He advanced a step and faced the Dogtoww desperado, and bis tones as he spoke were a ter- ribie threat, ‘‘No insults here, Tomahawk!” he said. “I am present to protect this girl against you and your infernal hell-hounds, and the man who crosses this threshold unbidden, does so at the risk of his life! You have so right here, and I command you to ge!” The big tough never looked more formidable and ferocious than he did at that moment, when he drew himself up to bis full height and glared down at bis youthful foe with scorn and rage. ‘‘ Who says this?’ he uttered, in a savage voice, ‘* Who give you ther right, son, ter in- terfere in ther affairs ov father an’ darter?” **T kave a God-given right!” was the youth’s reply. ‘‘ That is enough for you to know now, This girl is bere under my protection, and that means that the man who contaminates her with his tonch dies by mv band! I don’t waut trou- ble with you now, Tomahawk, but I'swear that if you persist in your devilish purpose I will send a bullet through your bead!” The desperado noticed for the first time that Prince Philip held a revolver in his band, and the whole attitude of the youth betokened dan- er, “See hyer, Philip, you makes a mistake yer deep regrets in the sweet byer after.” said the tough, in more amicable tones. ‘* This leddy is my darter, whereof [I hez ther right ter pro- tect er an’ take ’er in my charge. Thar’s funeral expenses fer ther man’ what disputes thet!” ‘“When you say that she’s your daughter, or that you have any claims whatever upon her, you lie like Satan himself!” “Be carful, boy! You fergits this is Toma- bawk!” ‘No, I dap’t forget. Vl not forget you the longest day I live! And by heaven, you'll not forget me! I cou!d shoot you down with: pleasure where you stand, Tomahawk; | hate you as an apgel bates Tartarus!”
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—— Prince Philip, the Camp Spy. i “'Ye’r’ over-excited about somethin’, Thar’s no wharfore fer auy pertick’ler muss hyer. I takes ther leddy, an’ ef you has anything ter say about it yer kin find me at Mex’s place ’most any time. Come hyer, Phosa!” The girl shrunk back at the command, and drew close to the sternly erect figure of Father Alonzo, who had not said a word, but who looked ready to defend bis charge with his life, if necessary. He had readily recognized, from the conversation, that Tomahawk was the man who had ruled and ruined Ranch Robin. The widow sat speechless in a corner. “Come hyer, Phosa!” repeated Tomahawk, with astounding effrontery. ** You will save me frum bim, Philip?’ gasped the girl. **Save you?” Philip almost laughed, ‘“ A dozen Tomahawks could not touch you when [ had the drop as I have now!” The desperado ground his teeth. ‘* This settles your doom, Philip!” he hissed. “T thought you had settléd it before!” was the reply. ‘‘I have been marked for assassina- tion ever since. But go, Tomahawk! This is not the time and place for a settlement of our differences, That will come in the near future, and in the mean time there need be no beating about the bush: we are open enemies hence- forth, and it’s war to the knife! I understand that perfectly. Now go! Don’t you see that ly’e got the drop, and don’t you know that I can split a hair with a bullet?” Tomahawk seemed to hesitate, and then he wheeled about and went to the door, He said nothing, but the look in his eyes and the grim smile on his lips spoke a warning for the future, He would be back. His confidence of ultimate triumph was un- shaken, and next time— Well, there might not be any Prince Philip to stand in his way. Tomahawk was aronsed, This meant that there was a lion loose in Triple Butte. CHAPTER X., TOMAHAWK EXPLAINS. THE Dogtown desperado brought up at the ‘‘ Hawk’s Nest,” where be spent a half bour in ) emi and was presently joined by Apache 2. ; Tomahawk bad matured certain plans, which he was now ready to communicate and put into execution, Apache Abe was therefore welcome, There was a look of inquiry on his face as he entered the cabin, ** Waal?” he said, ‘‘Waal,” replied Tomahawk, ‘‘I sees this calico critter, an’ I goes her one better, afore midnight, She’s a reg’lar mountain daisy, Abe!” ‘*T remember what a cute little thing she wuz seven year ago when [ carried her through the hills to the old Mission,” said Abe, ‘I s’pose she’s blossomed out now inter a gorgeous flower.” “You bet!” declared Tomabawk, ‘ This durn burg will go stark mad over her, else I[ knows not whereof I spins my rope,” “She wuz at ther widdy’s, eh?” “Yas, Mex was right.” ‘* Wuz ther priest thar?” “ Yes,” “* Why didn’t you bring ’er along, Tommy?” “Bring ’er? Jerusalem!” said. Tommy, dis- gustedly. ‘Waal, why not?” “Prince Poilip wuz thar, a-standin’ behind a gun,” ‘‘ Had ther drop, eh?” 6 Yas,” ‘* Waal, what ov it? Thar’s a future,” said Abe, philosophically, after an instant’s silence, ‘“* Seems ter me thet feller is durp promise’us, thet’s all,” was the response, ‘““PThar ain’t no basie, ez I kin see. We give thet calf a little more rop2, an’ then we hez some choice veal cutlets, wherefore he’s not on deck ter object ter your love-makin’.” ““Ov course, But whar I don’t see straight is how this tenderloin falls in with this party an’ comes a-Swearin’ by the girl this way.’ Seems ter me, Abe, it’s durn suspicious this young torpedo an’ ther gal como up simultan’ous-like, two buds a-bloomin’ on ther same bush, so ter speak, Looks like twuz a put-up job, and I fer one am a.goin’ ter investigate,” ** What do yer suspect? : “Ob, nawthin’,” said Tomahawk, evasively. * T only casts a reflectin’ eye about.” Rabat Bile de 6 8 As . \ ‘a \ ‘ TO aE OE ee Se Enea Ane yep SEIS at ee ee oe oe Oe alerts Deen, | Tee ess ate ‘““ Why not ask ther Greaser guide what con- | fides ter Mex?” | ‘* Mex says he gits skeered an’ closed shut on all partick’lers, Anyhow, be knows nawthin’ about this hyer Philip. I wants ter know all about this tender youthlet, Abe, I catcbes on from his discourse thet he bez a billag’in’ me fer | settlement, whereas I wants ter git aware ov ther items on account thereof. Never mind what I suspects, Abe. But I finds out some things all prime and quick.” Tomakawk here abruptly changed the topic of conversation, ‘* Abe, thar’s a-goin’ ter be war in this camp, fer I smells it in the air, Ez I told you afore, ther Thunderbolts may sneak in this way a-look- | in’ fer the’r pard, an’ they may do this sneakin’ at an onexpected moment. We've got ter git ther old pards tergether an’ be ready fer defense, Explain ther situation, an’ swear ’em over ag in. | 1 makes a point we tells’em ov ther red chok- ers, fer ez 1t stands now thar ain’t more’n five, countin’ you an’ mean’ Mex, what knows where- of these Injuns gits the’r backin’, S’pose this hyer Triple Butte rose up in line ter wipe out | ther reds, we finds half ther pards a-joinin’ in an’ a-goin’ around balf-cocked, ready ter drop ther Injuns at sight. ‘This ain’t right, none whatever, and 1 moves we hes a meetin’ an’ en- lighten ther populace.” ‘*Won’t thar be some kickin’ on Monte’s demise? He’s been one o’ ther pards fer two ear. ‘* Pll fix thet,” was the reply. ‘“ Every one knows Monte an’ me hez trouble, an’ I makes oath he wuz about ter peach on ther crowd ter the Thunderbolts, whereof his sudden change of residence, Anyhow, thar ain’t nobody what weeps fer Monte hyerabouts. Abe, 1 delegates you ter notify ther boys ter meet hyer. We hez this confab afore Eagle Jerry gits in, an’ we poses at ther Red Light in a body ter see ef any more corpuses arrive. Then I takes a trip ter Ranch Robin, and when [ gits back we makes a last play fer thet Philip, and I begins my honeymoon,” The big desperado chuckled, and slapped a bronze hand on Abe’s shoulder. “ Abe,” he said, looking bis big pard in the eyes, ‘‘ther man what makes love ter thet hu- man afore me I straight converts to a small grease-spot,” ** Ov course,” said Abe. Read Light now, Tommy. byer on time,” Apache Abe went out the coor, but he had not gone far when Tomahawk joined bim, Togetber they strode up the street to Mex’s joint. The word was soon passed around that there was to be a secret meeting at the ‘‘ Hawk’s Nest” of Tomahawk’s new and old pards, and at a stated hour the best dwelling in Triple Butte was the scene of as tough a gathering as the Arizonian mountains ever contained, Tomahawk and Apache Abe wers the most conspicuous figures, and then there were Doc Dimity, Mozeek, Cap’n Toddy, the Pirate, Tiny Pete—terribly wounded, and staggering as be walked—Lengthy, Mexican Jacky Bowie-knife Dan, Ben Bravo, Silver-tip Steve and a half- dozen others, Nearly a score, all told. ‘‘ What’s the matter with Tiny Pete?” was a goneral inquiry. The wounded rough looked as though be might have been in a battle; he had no less than three bullet wounds on his person. Even to a casual observer it was evident that he was in a critica) condition. ‘* Who's been a-doin’ ov you up in this fashion, Tiny?’ Tomahawk inquired earnestly. Tiny Pete had always been a favorite with the toughs of Triple Butte, and his condition aroused the ire of everyman present. Even Mex, who had been of late on bad terms with Tiny, forgot his grievances and grew grave over the case. The wounded man sunk into a chair and met the scowling gaze of bis pards with flashing eyes. of Who do you suppose?” he answered. ‘*‘ Waal, you needn’t guess; I'll tell you. Last night I makes a call on this galoot, an’ without a word o’ warnin’, without even askin’ what I wants, be opens fire an’ sends three bullets inter my sys- tem afore I could turnan’ git away. How’s thet fer a cowara’s trick? only hez strength ter craw] across ter my cabin, an’ thar [ lies till one 0’ the boys come by an’ I got ’im ter bring Doc Dimity an? dressme up, I thought 1 wuz done fer,” ‘ ‘““But who wuz ther skunk, Tiny? We'll avenge ther dastard trick! We'll wipe out ther score in blood!” ‘Dm goin’ ter the Vll hev ther pards etl ee A flush of the deepest rage mounted to Tiny Pete’s pale cheeks, ‘“* Prince Philip!” he answered, wuz a galoot ez mean ez he!” ‘* Prince Philip?” echoed the group. ‘‘Yes, ther durn pryin’ sneak frum sunrise, I knows fer a fact thet Prince Philip is a Thunderbolt spy, an’\I wants ther man what claims ter be a pard o’ mine ter prove it by shootin’ thet maverick on sight!” ‘“*Thar’s not a man byer who ain’t willin’ ter prove thet way thet he’s a pard, Tiny.” ‘¢Thet’s not the only blood that Prince Philip hez shed in Triple Butte,” cried Mvgeek. ‘¢Didn’t he criminally assault me at Mex’s last night? Vye sworn ter git even fer thet!” “Don’t you waste no brain tissue worryin’ over this hyer, Tiny,” said Tomabawk, sympa- thetically, ‘‘We avenges you sure afore sun- up. It waz a dirty coward’s trick ter shoot you down in sech style, an’ we ropes thet maverick shore ez death! Now you pards hear me while I outlines a, few things somewhat. S’pose when you go up ter Mex’s fer a cocktail ter-morrer mornin’ you! runs across Prince Philip, stiff, with blue creases under his chin?” No one answered this query. It did not seem to be quite understood, They knew what those terrible creases meant, but not what Tomahawk was driving at. ** Sboot ag’in, pard,” said some one. Tomahawk hit the bull’s-eye next time. He went straight to the point, ‘¢Tbhar’s no one byer what ain’t aware thet tha1’s people byerabouts what hez an onpleasant way ov gittin’ men by ther throat an’ squeezin ’em, an’ some ov you hez an able-bodied idea thet these champion-chokers are Injuns, seein’ as how thar wuz moccasins in ther camp las’ night; waal, I byer makes affidavit, clean an’ proper, thet they be Injuns shore enough—three ov ’em, er two now, fer one wuz thrown cold on ther Ranch Robin trail las’ night. 1 further confides ter you, pards, in secret hyer, thet these reds are ole pards ov mine an’ Apache Abe's, an’ thet they’re in this districy¥in my employ, You all knows Abe an’ me spehds some years among the red-skins, whereof we! gits our present names, and it comes about thet when we needs some protection byerabouts, we draws on our ac- count with ther Injuns fer these bucks what are expert with the’r fingers, I tells you all this so thet thar shall no longer be any secrets what- ever atween ns, an’ you, pards, needn’t bev no nightmares a-fearin’ ther red creepers will clutch our wizen.” Tomabawk’s revelation produced a profound impression, ‘he big chief of desperadoes did not wait for any expressions of opinion, however, but pro- ceeded: “Thar ain’t one ov ther pards what hez been choked, ez you may hev observed, except- in’ ov Monte. Now Monte he turns on ther crowd an’ sw’ars ter squeal some of ther secrets ter the Thunderbolts, whereat bis windpipe is duly cloeed, I may byer remark thet ther Thunderbolt crowd ain’t onlikely ter look in hyer at any time nowadays, considerin’ ov ther fact thet this Prince Philip is spotted fer a spy; an’ I hyer informs you thet Eagle Jerry’s corpus wuza Thunderbolter what starts ter lasso this camp in disguise. Ther red pards, what knows ever’ pair o’ \eyes in thet band, spotted ’im, an’ durin’ ther big thunderstorm, while Jerry re- poses alongside a rock in ther Vulture Range, they reaches fer his gullet and they finds it. Those Injuns watch ther stage close an’ sharp, an’ all thet. Tucson trail, an’ whenever a foe comes along be don’t arrive byer in fightin’ con- dition, nove whatever. Now I takes it ever’ man hyer is a true pard, fer thar’s sartain none hyer what ain’t proved, some time or other, thet he’s sound an’ squar’; wherefore, we all wel- comes these red pards an’ takes ‘em inter fel- lowsbip, an’ bid ’em God-speed in a removin’ ov our foes, Likewise, we joins hands ter meet ther Thunderbolts, an’ all comers what don’t live up with our principuls an’ sech Am I talkin’? through my face, pards?” “ Right!” exclaimed the crowd in unanimous reply. E We're in the same boat with you, Toma- hawk, and we bucks you fer our pile.” ‘* Do yer swear to thet?” Every right band was raised, That uncouth assemblage was Tomahawk’s, body and soul, Twenty men who would fight for him, lie for him, die for him, “7 makes the move,” said the king-pin of the desperadoes, presently, ‘“thet we refrains from any undue intimacy with Prince Philip ter-day, an’ allow Long Knife an’ Tiger Face ter settle scores with him ter-night. Seein’ ez how this ‘““Thar never’ ‘ * 4 up © <i bas lade ts § ths nepebeeaaragitt ede
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eM ay S856 NOREEN: MLC i PYRE OLERR. - f - 7 . “7 + 10 youthlet hez sech a durn sight o’ friends in Butte, thar might be some row over his takin’ off by one ov us, wherefore ther red pards does ther job slick an’ fine, accordin’ ter instructions, It’s more’n likely he done up Snake Foot, an’ when I makes this known to’em they relishes bis de- mise extremely. Now I adds an invitation ter this discourse, which nary man goes back Ob, er { misses my guess, Thar’s ter be a weddin’ at this place at twelve o’cleck ter-night, and I asks every man hyer ter show up—dry.” ‘his produced another sensation, Before any questions could be asked, bow- eke attention was diverted to the wounded Tiny ete, He had grown deathly white, and was sinking in his chair. Doz Dimity rushed to him and held a brandy bottle to bis lips. The effort was vain; Tiny Pete had cashed his last chip. A sudden hemorrhage, produced by the exer- tion of leaving his bed, took the sight from his eyes and the breath from his lips, True to his rough nature, he was dying with his boots on. In a moment it was over. a curse for Prince Philip. It was echoed by savage oaths for speedy ven- geance from a score of bearded lips. His last word was CHAPTER XI. EAGLE JERRY IN THE TOILS, A THUNDERBOLT spy! That was enough to make Prince Philip hated like poison by twenty toughs in Triple Butte, The Thunderbolt Rangers were the most dread- ed band of Regulators the halter’s own of Ari- zona bad ever dealt with. They had never descended on Triple Butte, but there was reason to expect them at any time. Tomahawk aud his minions never ceased to watch for them or their emissaries, It was to guard against them chiefly that the Dogtown desperado .had sent the Red Thugs to cultivate . their friendship, and then had stationed them at -Ranch Robin to watch the Tucson trail, by which un approach to the camp would likely be made, The suspicion held by Tomahawk, Max and others that the young new-comer to Triple Butte was a spy of the Regulators, hac been confirmed by Tiny Pete with his dying breath, Therefore there was no longer any room for doubt, Tiny had, it was known, been somewhat inti- mate with the gold Baan and must have spoken by thecard. Moreover, Tiny was shrewd, and had a faculty of ingratiating himself intoa man’s confidence, either for an bonest purpose or a sinister one. , It was evident that he bad succeeded in worm- ing. the truth from Prince Philip. hey were not aware that he had gone to Prince Philip with protestations of friendship, and had promised—for a consideration—to in- form on them, and had thus not only discov- ered the youth’s mission to Triple Butte, or at least a part of it, bat had gained such knowl- edge, as he thought, of Philip’s surroundings and babits as would enable bim to rob him in- telligently. They did not know that Tiny’s death had resulted from his attempt to force an entrance to the boy’s cabin for purposes of rob- bery, and that therefore his blood was on his own head. But had they, known, it would have made no difference, Prince Philip was a common ensmy, and whether he was directly or indirectly responsible for their pard’s death, _the case called for his summary disposal just the same. | When Prince Philip heard of Tiny’s death he remembered the widow’s warning, and that three loads @f the Winchester in bis cabin had been firod while he was absent at Ranch Robin, and he understood, ‘His confidence in the treacherous rough had been sadly misplaced, Needless toadd, Tiny’s fate caused him no tears, He bad little use for him bow, anyhow; he had found out what he wanted to know from other and more reliable sources, The end of day was near when Philip walked into tne Red Light in search cf Vasquez, The vaquero had been missing all day, and in consequence he’ was suspected of treachery. Furthermore, who but Vasquez could have told Tomabawk of the presence. of Phosa at the widow's? Oo the other hand, perhaps Vasquez was held a captive somewhere, and had been forced _ into a confession of the secret he was paid to guard, ~ Philip wished to satisfy himself on the point, Prince Philip, the Camp Sp se If Vasquez was not a traitor, his services were desired as guard of the widow’s cabin and its occupants, He had hunted the Mexican high and low, and finally he carried his quest to the Red Light, Before the entrance to the place stood a score of men who eyed him with deep scowls az he passed them, They were Tomahawk ana his pards who, af- ter burying Tiny Pete and abeorbing a quantity of Mex’s liquor, were awaiting the arrival of Eagle Jerry’s * hearse.” Philip did not know that every tough there was thirsting for bis blood, else he might have exercised more caution, He dil know, however, that his doom had been pronounced by Tomahawk, but be knew at the same time, that the big desperado would not attack him openly in broad daylight. That was not Tomahawk’s way of doing such things. The majority of Triple Butte’s citizens were honest and well to-do, and these men were all his friends. His big enemy would not precipi- tave inevitable trouble on himself by forcing a collision when they were about, as they were at this time of the day. - : The toughs of the camp could not but adimire , the young speculator’s nerve as be sauntered past them without so much as a glancs of ap- prebension in return for their scowls, Not a man of them made a hostile movement, They ramembered the agreement at the Hawk’s Nest, that he was to be left to the Red Thugs, This was best, for they would escape all per- sonal responsibility and danger. The vengeance of the Thunderbolts was something not to be coveted and courted, In was in just such instances as this that the savage stranglers were particularly useful. They were silent and they were sure, and there was a mystery about their deeds that baf- fled all theory and investigation. Mex’s place was rapidly filling with loiterers, who were always on hand to greet Uncle Jerry’s return from his bi-weekly trip to Tucson with the mails and passengers—when there were apy. SAO Philip leaned over the bar and ques- tioned Mex. ‘Has there been one of your countrymen, named Vasquez, here to-day ?” .“* No,” was the surly response, ‘Do you happen to know him? Have you pe he auy where?” ‘A man down the street told me that there was a strange Mexican here whom you had been plying with liquor all day. ho was that ‘* There’s been no sech huran hyer,” said the yellow tough. Philip turned away. As he approached the door he heard a man on the outside say: ‘¢ How about thet weddin’, Tommy? Who in thunder’s goin’ ter git married?” He did not catch the reply. ** At midnight, eh?’ went on the coarse voice. ‘*Who’s ther. bride? Is ther sermon-sharp en- gaged? Say, this ain’t no fake, is it?” Again Tomabawk’s reply was not distinguish- ed, but it produced a loud laugh, ** All right, I'll wait an’ see, an’ I’ll be at ther Nest on time, dry,” the first speaker continued. “Thar’s nothin’ quite so joyous ez a weddin’ jamboree. Say, Tommy, you ain’t a-goin’ ter git married, shore enough?’ ‘* Phar ain’t nawtbin’ in thiscamp fer a decent man ter tie to,” said another tough. ‘‘ Except- in’ ov ther widdy, ther critters hyerabouts ain’t wu’th ther powder it’d take ter blow’em up, I can't make vut what this pard Tomahawk is up to. Prince Philip heard no more. At this mo- ment a hand was laid on his shoulder, and he was drawn tc one side hy a man who had a scar- red face and was beardless, and who hal the reputation of being a reformed criminal from an Eastern city. - ** It’s jest occurred again tera number ov us thet Eagle Jerry must know somethin’ about ther red stranglers,” said the man, in low tones, ‘an’ we proposes takin’ him in hand when he rides in byer to-night, This camp don’t digest its vittals right sence these mocca~ined destroy- ers come around, What do you think ov ther idea, Philip?” j **T don’t think Jerry knows anythiug about the Thugs, Blanco,” replied the youth. “ I ques- tioned him closely myself.” ‘* Waal, we don’t see ez bow he starts from Tucson with a live passenger and brings up byer with a dead one, an’ another man at thet, an’ y- age ye er al thet same stiff hev ther print ov fingers in his throat, with Jerry a-knowin’ nothin’ ov ther why and wherefor thereof. We don’t swaller thet story noways, an’ we makes him shell out ther facts er we stretches his durn neck, some ov us law-abidin’ citizens hyer who one time er other broke ther ten commandments, back in ther States, an’ galoots what sneak around at night fingerin’ fer vengeance gives us ther creeps, an’ we ain’t a-hankerin’ fer it a durn bit. We're tryin’ ter keep this camp re- spectabla as possible, considerin’ ther presence ov ther crowd outside, an’ we're tired ov bein’ preyed on by murderers in moccasins, Are you with us, Philip?” . “Of course. Only 1 don’t think Jerry knows anything. His story was straight.” There was a commotion outside, The stage was cowing, The crowd in the Red Light joined the crowd outside. Blanco and Prince Philip got separat- ed, and the youth saw his late companion join a group of ten or a dozen who seemed inclined to keep to themselves. Eagle Jerry was promptly on time. That fact could have been discerned by the little Jehu’s lordly attitude on the box as he rolled up in front of Mex’s, ‘« Hyer we are, squar’ on time!” he exclaimed. ‘‘ Bagle Jerry is ther man what does it! Ever since I wuz held up by Cap’n Eagle’s men I hez been— By hookey! et ther widdy hain’t broke er record fer once! She’s not hyer!” There was not a passenger. There was no mail, Never since the time Jerry was held up by Captain Eagle’s men, a circumstance which he considered so remarkable an honor that he was forever boasting of it, and had been cbris- tened Eagle Jerry in consequence, bad the coin- cidence of neither mail nor passenger occurred. The crowd quickly dispersed, Jerry was taking adrink at Mex’s bar when Blanco touched him on the arm and said: “¢ You’re wanted outside!” The little Jehu followed him out without a word, When twenty paces beyond the door he was surrounded by a dozen men, who looked serious. ‘¢We wants ther truth about ther corpus with creases in his throat,” he wasinformed. ‘‘ We’re on ther trail ov ther Red Thugs. You know somethin’, Eagle Jerry, an’ by Tophet, yer must tell it!” Jerry protested his ignorance, but he was not believed. Blanco and kis pards were aroused. The fact that Eagle Jerry affiliated with Tomahawk and his crowd was against bim, in the first place, and in the second place circumstantial evidence that he knew more than he told was shown. The little Jehu found bimself in a bad box. True, he was on friendly terms with the ‘* Red Light gang,” but he was not one of them, He knew none of their secrets and he participated in none of their evil-doings. He could not count on them to defend him, and now that the rival element of the camp had turned against him he was surely in a hole. It seemed that if he got out of the scrape he should have to do so utterly unaided; and he had only bis word to offer as defense, while as a fighter the little driver was nothing much to speak of, He expostulated. He swore to the truth of his statements, He begged to be given time to substantiate his story, Blanco and his pards were grim and deter- mined, By the time the impromptu trial was at an end, the jury of a dozen had increased to twenty- five, As the’ numbers increased, so did the ex- citement. Led With the perversity of border justice, the more he :.ffirmed his innocence the more he was distrusted, “We stretches you up a bit, an’ see ef thet fetches the truth!” was the stern verdict SS —— CHAPTER XII. A VISITOR IN DISGUISE, ToMAHAWK and bis pards gathered about Mex’s bar, discussed the action of the crowd outsids with furtive smiles and knowing looks, ‘“* Eagle Jerry’s in fer it!” said Tomahawk. “Thet pack o} durn fools will make his iron heart go ki-yi in a way be will despise, an’ I don’t miss this guess, none whatever,” Jerry got little sympathy, and no one thought of lending him a hand. Indeed, Tomahawk had little interest in the case, apparently, for pres- ently be left the Red Light, and twenty minutes later rode away from camp toward the south, - Thar’s °
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Prince Philip, the Camp Spy. Prince Philip did not participate in the move- ment against the Jehu, but he kept his eye on the “jury” from a distance, He did not care tointerfere unless it was abso- lutely necessary in order tosave Eagle Jerry’s life. He should have to back up the action with explanations, which he was not yet ready to make, if avoidable, He saw Tomahawk ride away, and he saw Blanco and his pards suddenly seize Hagle Jerry and force him toward a tree from a limb of which a rope already dangled, The youth had scarcely expected this, He realized now that Triple Butte bad all at once grown terribly in earnest in the effort to unearth the mystery of the midnight crimes. The inaction of the Tomahawk crowd was significant to Prince Philip. It was plain that they knew the secret of the moccasin-prints and the blue finger-marks, and realized the farce of taking measures against the Red Thugs, Eagle Jerry was certainly in need of assist- ance, The noose was already about his neck. The little Jehu’s face was whiter even than it was on that memorable occasion when Captain Eagle and his band covered him with their deadly rifles. ‘Wer ther last time, Jerry,” said Blanco, ‘* will yer confess ther truth?” ** So help me God, I don’t know anything ter confess!” was the reply. Some one suddenly pushed Blanco aside and rasped the rope that was tightening above , oleate head. A murmur ran through the crowd, “The widdy!” Mrs, Jake’s eyes were flashing with excitement and anger. ‘““This outrage hez gone fur enough, Dave Blanco?” she cried. ‘‘This crowd ought to be ashamed ov itself! Id stake my life Hagle Jerry don’t knew any more about the Red Thugs than you do, an’ I’m not goin’ to stand by an’ see him strung up, though I be a peaceful woman!” This settled it. Dave Blanco and some others there were sweet on the widow, and they didn’t eure to cross her, Prince Philip had pushed in at the widow’s heels, meaning to defend Eagle Jerry if neces- sary. ‘““She’s right,” he said to the suddenly quiet crowd. ‘‘ Eagle Jerry knows nothing, and there is no use, nor is it right, to carry this thing any further. If you men wil) only hold a little while you'll find out all you want to know,” Eagle Jerry drew a long breath of relief asthe widow herself removed the rope from his neck and unbound his bands, “The widdy is allays on hand,” he said, and somebow Mrs. Jake. construed the words into a compliment, for she looked pleased, The wind had all beep taken out of the sails of the crowd, and they fell back and had nothing more to say. Prince Philip talked in an undertone to Dave Blanco for a few moments, and then walked away. The widow and Eagle Jerry had already gone off together, unmolested, The Thunderbolt spy reached the widow’s cabin almost by the time they did, for they had walked slowly. - z Philip had a word with Jerry in private, and when tbe latter went away he turned to say for the second time: me : “You kin count on me, Philip, Anything you on’ the widdy wants frum Eagle Jerry yer hez, by hokey.!” He k pt his word, Two hours after darkness had fali-n over Triple Butte Eagle Jerry re- turned to Mrs. Jake’s cabin, where Philip had remuined. ; ‘The Mexican has not shown up yet,” said the youth. ‘ : “Waal, I’m ready fer business,” said Jerry. “Pil keep my gun oiled an’ primed, an’ ther fu’st galoot what makes a commotion hyer will git locved so durn quick ivll curl his hair with supprise. Philip,” he added, ‘‘ there was a stran- sg! ee 11 ‘“*if he comes while I am gone do not trus” him,” “T fear him,” said the girl. ‘‘ He tried to make love to me, and when [I laughed in his face he muttered a curse. He may mean me harm,” **T will look out for him. I will be back before long. While I am gone, you will have asafo guard, I hope we may leave Triple Butte very scon. Captain Thunderbolt may come at any time. Then we shall get beyond dan- ger. **Are we in much danger then?” asked the priest. ‘* Yes, and no,” answered Philip, evasively, and then he kissed Phosa and went out, only pausing for a parting injunction,to Kagle Jerry, whose presence seemed to make the widow un- usually happy. The gold spy went swiftly through the town toward his own cabin, The moon was up, and the rocky trails of the camp were flooded with light, The town was peculiarly guiet. : On the youth’s face was a look of mystifica- ion. ‘Can it be that I was mistaken about Theo’s case?” he said to himself. ‘‘ Impossible! And did I not see his disguise at Ranch Robin?” He approached his cabin with the greatest caution, Suddenly he paused and drew back in the shadows of a log hut which he was passing at the moment of alarm, Two tall, unmistakable figures were skulking through the moonlight ahead of him. The shadow of Triple Butte involuntarily ut- tered an exclamation as he recognized them. “The Red Thugs are back again!” His teeth closed firmly, and jis hand caressed the handle of a weapon in his belt, ‘If Captain Thunderbolt would only come to- night!” he said, under his breath. Only for an instant were the silent strangiers from the South visible. They crossed the spy’s trail at niet ang'es, and were lost among the shadows of the three buttes, Presently the youth stole forward again. He was burning to get a glimpse of the man in Theo’s disguise, whom Eagle Jerry had said was waiting for him, As he neared his cabin he looked for the vis- itor in vain. Not a soul was in sight, Satisfied that the man had departed, he went forward and entered the shanty. He struck a light, and the next moment there was aknock at the front door. He opened it, and the man described by the Jebu entered, with a nod of salutation. He was large of stature, with a full brown beard and long hair, and he wore a bandsome jacket of navy blue, it was Theo’s disguise, sure cnough, or its ex- act counterpart, A peculiar glance leaped into Prince Philip's eyes as he rapidly surveyed his visitor from head to heel, and his muscles seemed to contract as though he were preparing for a sudden move- ment. ““Tve been waiting fer you, Prince Philip, I’ve got a bag ov gold-dust what I wants ter ex- change for bills, an’ I’m told thet’s your busi- ness,” A covert smile wreathed Philip’s lips, ‘** Aren’t you a stranger in camp?” he said, The visitor took a seat and leaned forward on the table on which the lamp sat, and which separated him from the youth, te lowered his voice, as though affaid of be- ing overbeard, and said, witb a confidential air: ‘Pm from ther Cap,” **Cap who?” queried Prince Pbilip, “ Cap Thunderbolt!” The smile on the youth’s lips hardened a trifle. “Well, what did Cap’n Thunderbolt send you here for?” “Why, to assist you, ov course. Thar’s plen- ger a-knockin’ at your door, ez | come by. An’ | ty ov work fer both ov us byer.” durn me, ef I wouldn’t sw’ar it wuz ther same The smile faded from Prince Philip’s face, and identical galoot what I lost’twixt byer an’ Tuc- | his brow grew dark. son. Ha sez ter me, ‘ Whar’s Prince Philip? Ef ye see bim tell 1m ter come hyer.’ ‘How is this? 1 sez—t What in ther dooce become ov | glistening six shovter. ‘ thet’Il be explained in due | sharp utterance: you?’ ‘Thet,’ he sez, 5 = time. Ef you see Prince Philip, tell im I want ‘i? Philip looked his astonishment. He waited for no questions, depart at once, All at once vhe man ‘ from Captain Thunder- bolt” found himself looking into the barrel of a And over it flashed the ** T don’t know what your object is in coming here, Tomahawk, and you needn’t waste any words explaining! This game don’t go; see? but prepared to | I’ve seen that disguise before, and it don’t fool | me for a moment! Isaw you ride away to the He went into a second room where Phosa | south, and I presume you found this disguise at and the padre were sitting. Ranch Robin, You've made a mistake, Toma- ‘‘ Vasquez is doubtless treacherous,” he said; . hawk!” i ———————————————————————————————————————————————————— Prince Phiiip’s visitor did not move. He did not speak, He only stared fixedly at the little torpedo with glittering eves. **You were a fool to think you could deceive me, Tomahawk,” the youth went on, ‘“ Why, I should know you among a thousand in any dis- guise! You can’t hope to find me out by any such method as this. Do you know yuour dan- ger? I have a notion to send a bullet through your head!” r Tomahawk bad the reputation of being quick, and he sustained it well at this moment. With one sweep of the arm that rested on the table by the lamp be extinguished the flame, and spruog swiftly and noiselessly from his chair. There was a flash and report,but Prince Philip’s bullet went wide of the mark, The next instant the Thunderbolt spy was pounced upon and crushed to the floor, His terrible asssilant seemed to bave the strength of an enraged lion, He was resisted desperately, but the big des- perado was invincible with the advantage he had ained. : Prince Philip was helpless in that clutch of steel, Presently he lay motionless. CHAPTER XIII. HAND-TO-HAND. TOMAHAWK went to the door and looked out into the moonlight. ; \ He appeared to be debating something in bis mind, A shadow tbat flitted across the trail a hun dred paces away, in the direction of the Hawk’s Nest, caught his eye and inspired him to action. He strode swiftly up the street as if to inter- cept the prowler whose shadow he kad seen and recognized. The Dogtown desperado seemed eager to over- take this individual, When he arrived at the spot wheré the shadow bad fallen be paused and looked keenly about. There was no one in view, He noted the position of the moon in the heav- ens, and reflected that to cast the long shadow he had observed it was necessary to occupy a certain relative position; thus locating the object of his quest, be turned to the left and passed be- tween vo dark and deserted cabins, Every instant he expected bis glance to fall upon the flitting figure he pursued. The cabins obscured the moonlight, and for a moment he was in somber gloom. All at once the object of pursuit made his presence known and felt in the most startling manner. From a dark corner he leaped upon Toma- hawk like a panther upon its prey! The atfack was as unexpected as it was ter- rible, Tomahawk, taken by surprise and consequent- ly at a disadvantage, was temporarily power- less, The force with which he was struck hurled him backward against the logs of the cabin at his right, At his tbroata pair of bronze hands—the bands of an Indian—creased into his flesh and stopped his breath! f Tomahawk had forgotten that he was dis- guised. He did not know that when be rode away from Ranch Robin two hours before, leaving the house a burning ruin, and wearing the disguise that he had found within, he had been followed with deadly purpose by the two Apsches who, returning from the Tucson trail, where they had been on the lookout for Thunderbolt foes, were stirred to righteous avger by finding their home in flames, They had not recognized their master, and now, when he walked almost into the very arms of one of them, be was still not known, The Indian was bevt on avenging the de- struction of Ranch Robin, with no suspicion of the real identity of the big vandal. There was savage satisfaction in his eyes as his swarth hands met’ about the neck of his victim. } Tomahawk gasped and struggled. He tried to speak, to make bimself known, to utter the name “Tiger Face.” The effort was vain. That awful clutch upon his trachea effectually prevented so much as a whisper from his lips, What! Strangled by the red dog whose body and soul he owned! Never! He writhed like a monster, and strove to shake off his ferocious adversary, but the fin- gers at his throat only tightened. The body of the scarlet Thug was pressed so
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12 a ees Prince lt, We CALS ey one the Camp Spy. Me en a I closely against his own, crushing him against the logs behind, that he could do little by way of defense, He felt himself growing rapidly weaker. His vision was blurred, and his head !seemed ready to burst, The desperado was about to meet the bideous fate’that he had dealt out to so many otbers, Was it not the very justice be deserved? He made one last desperate effort. The pow- erful will of the man would not be conquered until his heart had actually ceased to beat. By a superhuman endeavor be managed to grasp the handle of a knife in the Indian’s belt, His fingers closed around it as a drowning man grasps at a straw. He drew it forth and with the energy of de- spair, plunged it repeatedly into the side and back of his red assailant, The horrible grip upon his throat began to loosen, He was to triumph after all! His strength came back to him. were clear again, The hands of the assassin fell away, and their owner reeled back with his life-blood spurting from his side, Once more the blade descended, and sunk to the hilt in the Apache’s heart. Tiger Face would never again haunt the mountain trails in search of Tomaltawk’s foes, His keenness of vision, of which bis master had boasted, had failed him for once, and he had precipitated his own doom by attacking the man who, above all others, he would have de- fended with all the savage enthusiasm of his na- ture. The man whose slave he was was forced to deal bim death in self-defense. With a cry, the Indian fell to the ground, and Tomahawk staggered out into the moonlight, mopping the cold perspiration from his face, “'lher red fool!” he grated, when he had re- covered himself. ‘‘ This is a purty howdedo, when a man hez ter kill his own pard. Great oe rtaius! ! Thar’s only only one ov ther reds eft! He divested himself of the disguise which had so nearly proven fatal, and cast ; jacket, wig and beard into the shadows. ** Pll go back and finish ther spy!” he uttered with sudden resolve, ‘I'll finish him an’ I finds his little private bonanza at ther same time. I falls sole heir to what gold I finds! Then fer the gal!” He went back over the ground that he bad traversed in pursuit of the shadow, and re-en- tered Prince Philip’s cabin. Some one seemed to be moving in the dark- ness, He heard the click of a weapon, and with a swift and silent movement he changed his posi- tion, in anticipation of a shot. Had the youth recovered consciousness? Ap- parently. The big desperado was surprised at this, He did not think be had killed his young foe, but he did believe that he had seriously disabled bim, and that he would not be capable of defending himself for at least an hour to come, But be must have been mistaken. Evidently there had been a quick recoyery, and now Prince Philip was watching his iver: tunity to perforate him with lead in retaliation for his blows, Tomahawk was cautious, lest his movements oi betray his position, and thus call forth a shot Equally cautious was the personage whose weapon had clicked, There was utter silence in the cabin, Tomabawk bad drawn a. twelvt-inch bowie from his boot, and waited with suppressed breath for an Or portunity to spring upon the foe even as Tiger Face had sprung upon him. eg the bad blood of his evil nature was up tbe killing of his red thirst for pr Be e, and he beast that fattens on blocod, Once bis bands were upon his youthful enemy again, there should be no half-way work in the matter of bis disposal, The room was absolutely dark. There was but one window in the cabin, and that, like the door, was on the side opposite the moon, Stall it was not impossible for a man who had owl eyes to discern the faint outline of a statu- aes figure, li at-once there was.a flash and a deafening ye ag andia bullet creased along Tomahawk’s re At one great'bound ‘the desperado cleared the intervening space between himself and his His eyes ard had given him a ad the ferocity of a enemy, and the bodies of the two came in con- tact. Hs he contest was to be a deadly hand-to-hand affair, There was a mutual clutching at throats, a savage tussle for the advantage of hold. Not a word was spoken. Words were super- fluous under such circumstances. Death to the foe, was the one thought upper- most, and it required no discussion, Tomabawk was as resistless as an avalanche, This time the adv antage was upon his side, and he made the most of it, Down came the cruel blade, and was buried to the hilt in the breast of his adversary! The latter reeled backward with a groan; but Na ag dia nct release his hold or relax his efforts Again the knife descended—and then again, That satisfied the mountain vampire, That appeased his appetite for the nonce. Afd well it might, for his terrible triumph was quite complete, CHAPTER XIV. DEATH TO TRAITORS, At the Hawk’s Nest nearly a seore of the roughest element that dominated Triple Butte had assembled in anticipation of a mysterious wedding. ‘Tomahawk was to be married, and they were there to do him honor and dr ink at his expense; but whom was he to wed? That was a question that mystified all, with the exception of Apache Abe and possibly one or two others, The big bridegroom had reserved the par- ticulars of the affair in order to give his beloved henchman a surprise, Would there not be genuine astonishment whenshe led in the fair and blushing Phosa, the most beautiful girl that Triple Butte had ever seen, accompanied by a real priest to make the union valid? What a cheer there would be when he pro- posed her health as the Queen of Triple Butte! The crowd was on band early, for the games at the Red Ligbt had for once lost their inter- est, and Mex’s bar had no seductions, for were they not pledged to attend the impor tant cere- mony dry, in order that their happy host might have the pleasure of filling them up? Tbe wedding was the principal theme of dis- cussion, and many and varied were the specula- tions regarding it, Tomabawk was conspicuous by bis absence, and likewise were Mexican Jack and Mozeek, Tomabawk came in presently, bowever, There were dark blotches on the sleeve of h‘s red shirt, and there was a bloody crease on dis cheek, which suggested that he had recently been in close quarters, His eyes were blazing, and be had the air of a man who is bated, ‘*What’s wrong, Tommy?’ was a general query. Tomahawk refused to explain. “All thetv’ll come later,” he replied. none whatever in ther mood now.’ ‘** Whar’s ther bride?” ** Don’t you fellers git in sech a-durn rusb, Thar ain’t no wherefore fer eny turrible haste, as I sees, You ain’t fer thinkin’ I’m goin’ ter be married in a bloody shirt, are yer? I’m hyer ter rig up now, an’ en I’m goin’ after ther bride an’ ther Bible sh rp. Whar’s Mex?” ‘*He ain’t shOwed up yet,” replied Apache Abe, who, as best man, was resplendent in a clean shirt, corduroy trowsers, and oiled boots, sie by “ail hyer exceptin’ ov him and Mo- zee “‘T guess Mozeek won’t be hyer,” said the big desperado, and disappeared in an inner room to make his weéding “ twilight,” as his pards ex- pressed it, When he emerged he wore a starched shirt with a garish silk tie, and, with unprecedented decorum, his trowsers:were not tucked into the tops of his boots. A long strip of court-plaster covered the wound on bis cheek, ‘“* Hyer goes fer ther purtiest bride ever in ther territory\” he declared, pompously. ** Abe, set ’em up to ther boys while yer’ waitin’.” Then he went out, and strode away in the direction of the widow’s. The devil of anticipated victory was now dancing in his eyes, There was the confidence of the conqueror in his stride. What could balk his purpose now? And what mattered 1t whether the bride was willing or not? That was of no moment what- ever, and not worth considering, “ Tm What possible resistance, either by herself or apy casual champion, could withstand his deter- mined effort to possess her. He would promptly reward any outside inter- ference with déath. He did not propose that his wedding guests should be disappxinted, to say nothing of his own feelings in the matter. There was a ligbt in the widow’s cabin, and the door stood wide open, As he approached he thought he heard a woman crying. The next moment he was sure of it, As he stepped in to the door ke bebeld the widow bending over the prostrate body of Hagle Jerry, on whoso breast were blood-stains made by a bullet. The widow was bandaging the wound, excited and grief-stricken. ‘‘ What’s this mean?” Tomahawk demanded, ‘*Whar’s ther gal?” ‘*Gone!” cried the woman. The desperado uttered an oath. ‘*Gone?” he exclaimed; “‘ gone whar? Who's been a-doin’ ov Eagle Jerr y?” ** Mexican Jack an’ that ‘illain Vasquez!” ** Did they take ther gal?” * “Yes!” Tomahawk’s teeth snapped, and he ground out another oath in tempestuous fury. ** How long ago does this occur?” ** Only a few minutes. They comes in like raiders, an’ are gone in no time, a-carryin’ ov that dear little girl with her bandkerchief stuffed in her mouth, en’ me a-lyin’ over there with a lick on the head. An’ here’s poor Jerry, and in that other room is the holy father, knock- ed all onconscious an’ maybe dyin’!” ‘* Which way did they go, widdy ?” questioned Tomahawk, Mrs. Jake did not know, but sbe thought ther went toward the north, Tomahawk waited for no more, Like an aroused tiger he hurried from the cabin and on toward tho center of the camp. He seemed to know where to find the men who had abducted his bride, ‘This means thet Mex an’ his pal are a-goin' ter shake ther camp,” he uttered, under his breath, ‘*Therefore they lays up at ther Red Light, whar I notices thar’s no lights ter-night, ter prepare somewhat fer travel, North? ar- tarus, no! They makes a sneakin’, roundabout course fer ther Red Light, an’ thea they str “ces south fer ther durn Greaser kentry they hails from. I know these durn Mexicans, By To- phet! Won’t I pay Mex for this treachery ?” All at once he was joined by an individual whose skin was of bronze, and who wore droop- ing eagle-plumes in his coats, stiff hair, “Long Knife!—jest ther pard I wants ter see!” exclaimed Tomahawk, ‘‘Whar you been all this time?” ‘*‘ Camp trails,” said the Indian, laconically, What success” “None. No find boy, No find man who burn Rinch Robin. No find man who kill Snake Foot. No find man who kill Tiger Face!” Tomabawk expressed the greatest surprise at this speecb. ‘* What!” he cried, ‘‘Ranch Robin burned$ Tiger Face dead?” The lodian nodded assent. ‘© Who in Tartarus could hev Gove this?” ‘* Me find,” was the stoic’s reply. ‘Me kee the trail forever, but me find. The Indian's fingers are strong!” Tomatawk bad notuing to say for a moment. Then be mentioned the subject that was upper- most in his mind, ** Did you see anythinyz of two Greasers an’ a gal? | wants ’em durn bad!” “Long Knife see,” was the answer. ‘The go in Red Light, back way. Mex carry gal.: Just now go in Red Light,” >i thought so,” said Tomahawk, with an oath of satisfaction. ‘*‘Come with me, Long Knife, and ther fu’st Greaser yer sees squeeze his throat fer keeps! Mex hez a trzitor-pard hyer frum Greaserland, an’ they’ve stole a gal what belongs ter me,” Tomahawk and his Indian pard approached the Red Light side by side, with eyes and ears op the alert for the traitors they pursued, Tomahawk was in too great a rage to exer- cise much caution, but when, on nearing the entrance of the apparently dese rted resort, they beheld a man on guard at the door, and bold- ing a pair of horses by the bridie-reins, as though equipped for an immediate journey, he re- strained himself and came to a halt in the shadows, ‘“*Mex is inside, a-cleanin’ out ther cash drawer,” was the desperado’s quick conclusion, — sieieen,. » atcene ‘ c-- —
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= cot pein techie, kamal — ee ee Prince Philip, the Camp Spy. 13 * 7"ll surprise him, Injun, but first you sneak up an’ clap yer fingers on his pard thar, an’ don’t make no noise ter disturb ther yeller gopher in- side,” There was a grunted response, and the last of | the Thugs darted forward with a tread as light as falling dew. He kept in the shadow, and Vasquez the be- trayer had no warning of the danger that men- aced him, Therd was a moment of utter silence, broken by the champing of the waiting steeds, _ Then two bands of bronze whose grip was like that of a steel vise closed around the throat of the startled Mexican, and before he could realize his jeopardy he was in the horrors of strangulation. He could utter no sound; he ‘was like an ir- fant in the coils of a cobra. His last futile struggle was but the matter of seconds, The red strangler was a master of assassina- tion. Presently the Mexican, limp and lifeless, was cast backward to the ground with a grunt of satisfaction from his slayer. The yellow traitor had paid the price of his treachery. Already Tomahawk was at the door, He opened it softly, and pushed forward witb a re- volver in his right band. The room in which he found himself was dark, but in an inner room, the door of which stood slightly ajar, a light dimly barned. e could see Mexican Jack busying himself with preparations for quick departure from the Red Light and Triple Butte. His captive, unconscious, lay on the floor. Tomahawk’s entrance was heard, despite his precaution. “Tm ready now in a minit, Vasquez,” said Mex, without turning his head. ‘‘ Keep a sbarp e’ll quit eye out, an’ hev ther hosses ready. ther heifer crowd of this Dogtown camp fer good an’ all, an’ ther Chibuahua prize goes along!” **Thet’s a durn lie!” was the loud retort, and Tomahawk flung wide the intervening door. Mex wheeled, only to stare into the deadliest weapon in Arizona, ‘Thar never wuz a yellow snake what told a bigger lie!” Tomabawk went on, fiercely, **’You’ve made ther mistake ov yer life, Mex! Tkar’s death ter thieves in Triple Butte!” Then there was a sudden pressure of the trig- ger, and the yellow tough tumbled headlong with a bullet in bis brain! Tomahawk caught up the girl with an excla- mation of triumpb. ** Now fer ther weddin’!” he cried. As he started out, he was struck by a new idea and he turned back and upset the burning lamp upon the floor. It was a vicious act—the insatiable revenge of a malevolent demon, The burning oil ran along the floor, spreading the flames in every direction, The Red Light was doomed to demonstrate the appropriateness of its name. Long Knife, the Thug, was waiting on the outside, Be ies CHAPTER XV, NIGHT RIDERS FROM VALDEZ VALLEY. A youtH who had just recovered his senses sat up on acot in a little log hut which crouched at the foot of the three buttes that gave the camp its name, A thin-faced man whose hair was white ‘and whose shoulders were bent with the weight of years stood near him, viewing his recovery with apparent pleasure, ““ How came I here, Old Likely?” asked the youth in 1 dazed)way. “*T carried you,” replied the old man proud- ly. ‘*I was passing your cabin, strolling in the moonlight, when I heard a shot witbin and a struggle. I thought my young friend must be in danger, and [ slipped up softly to the side of the cabin and listened, Presently the stranger who bad choked and struck you came out, aod I went in any found you lying on the floor, [ thought you were dead at first; then I found your heart was beating, and I brought you bere, You are well now, Prince Philip? Prince Philip got upon his feet, Yes,” be answered, ‘“‘I owe you a deep debt of gratitude, Old Likely. shall never forget this. You must be very strong to carry me so far.” “T am strong,” said the old man—t much stronger than you would think. And I have felt unusually well all this day.” “ How long is it since you found me?” ————— SS ‘* Half an hour—or not much more.” “Good!” cried Philip. ‘I must go now, I have much todo. I bave been wishing to come to see you but could not. I will come again. I want you to guard your secrets well, Old Likely, The tine is near at hand when it will not be necessary—when you may be called upon to tell the world all you know, but now there is only safety in silence. I shall not forget all that you have done forme, Good-by.” **Good-by, Philip,” said the old man, and the door closed between him and the youth whose life he bad saved, Prince Philip went straight to kis own cabin, He walked hurriedly, and his mind seemed busy with plans. ‘*T wish Captain Thunderbolt would come to- night!” he said under his breath more than once, ‘*T wonder what Tomahawk had done here,” he muttered as he neared the door, ‘* What a tempest he is! I don’t want to get in his clutch again. I shall shoot to kill next time, though | really do not wish to settle accounts with him until Captain Thunderbolt comes, When he fell upon me there in the dark I thought surely my time had arrived. Ugh! how terrible it was! If he went away, as Old Likely said, be must have— I wonder where the Red Thugs are? I thought I was to be put out of the way by them. I suppose Tomahawk wished to make sure that I would not interfere with his wed- ding, so he undertook to dispose of me himself. Well—he nearly succeeded, I must confess! It was his purpose to pump me, too, and find out all about me, but that didn’t succeed for a cent!” He entered his cabin cautiously by the secret entrance in the rear, All was silent within, He struck a light, and gazed around. The sight that met his gaze brought an ex- clamation from his lips, Outstretched upon the floor, with a revolver in bis bandaged right band, and three great gashes in his breast, was Mozeek, Philip was mystified. Who could bave done this? How nad Mozsek come there, in the very place be himself had been only a short time before? Perhaps the rough had come to rob him, and had been surprised in the act by some one, who mistook bis identity, Perhaps Tomahawk had come back and they had fought over the gold that was supposed to be concealed in the cabin. The room was in confusion, as though it bad been searcbed bigh and low for hidden treasure, Philip bad the satisfaction of knowing that it had been a fruitless quest, He did not pause for investigation of the trag- edy now, There was more important work for bim to do, He secured some fresh weapons, and turned bis back on the cabin and its dead, Five minutes later the camp shadow was viewing the assembled. crowd at the Hawk’s Nest through a partially screened window. Tomabawk was tbere, Satistied of this, Philip hastened away toward the widow’s, He must be on hand to protect Phosa when Tomahawk came for his bride. He would spoil the contemplated wedding at the Hawk’s Nest if it cost bim his life. Suddenly, as be turned the corner of a cabin, he was confronted by a man who wore a wide sombrero and garments of rich velveteen, and who had the shrewd, penetrating eyes of a fox. For a moment the youth stood astounded, and then he Jeaped forward and grasped the stran- ger’s band. He had the discretion not to utter a name, but when he cried, ‘‘I have been praying for you!” the identity of the stranger was not diffi- cult to guess, Captain Thunderbolt had come! ‘*T have a way of putting in an appearance at the right moment!” he said, smiling. He seemed almost as pleased to see the buy as the latter was to see him. ‘*T received your letter last night,” he con- tinued, ‘It was brought to mein Valdez Val- ley, from Tucson, Then, although you did not expressly ask it, I came at once,” “ And when did you arrive?” “T have just got bere, I left my horse back in the outskirts, and was on the hunt of you.” ‘* And the band—did you bring them?” ‘**They are not a mile away, back in the shadows of the trail, I took your advice, and avoided the Tucson stage route. Wecame in from the east.” “That was wise, for eagle-eyed sentiaels would have warned the toughs of Triple Butte of your approach, in all probability, I have accomplished my mission, Captain Thunder- bolt. ‘*You had success sooner than I expected, I am glad you are ready for me. Tell me all.” The two were sheltered from observant eyes by the dark cabin against which they leaned, and they conversed in low tones, in order not to be overheard, ‘*{ have found the murderer of Major Wel- don,” said the youth, ‘* Your father was really murdered, then?” ** Yes, and my mother—my step-mother, too, You have heard of the man often enough— Tomahawk,” Captain Thunderbolt nodded, ‘**Some other time J will tel! you the story of how he played the friend to my father and fin- ally killed him; how he beguiled my mother and little Phosa to Ranch Robin, my father’s home, and how two years after, tiring of the helpless woman, he killed her also,” ‘** And the gir]?” “T have found her, too, She is seventeen now, and a beautiful woman, Tomahawk sent her to a convent in Mexico, in charge of a pal, Apache Abe, and there sbe remained all this time, forgotten, until, in charge of a priest and a Greaser guide she came back to see ber mother. She isin Triple Butte now, in the care of agocd woman, Tomahawk means to marry her to-night, and the score of toughs who swear by him are yonder at his cabin to attend the ceremony. Of course it shall not be allowed to occur,” ‘‘ So poor Theo never reached you?” ‘‘No. The Red Thugs penetrated his disguise, and surprised him in the stage, as I explained to you in my letter.” **You quite escaped the Indian stranglers, eb?” ‘Yes, As I wasa new member of the bond they did not know me, But I dare say they are after me now, Tomahawk and I are open eve- mies, and he must bave set his red dogs upon me, Ishot one of them.at Ranch Robin trail last night,” ‘*Then there are two left?” ‘*T saw them in camp two hours ago.” The conversation continued for some minutes longer. Prince Philip explained the situation fully, and gave a quick account of the incidents of his adventurous sojourn in the camp, He wound up by urgivg Captain Thunderbolt to im- mediate action, The time was ripe for settling the long-standing accounts against Triple Butte’s toughs, The chief of the Rangers heartily agreed, De- lays were dangerous just now, ‘“*There are at least ten men here that we want,” be said, ‘‘We have had our eye on them for a long time, and will make a clean sweep to-night while they are congregated at the Hawk’s Nest. If there is any resistance on the part of the pards we'll clean them out, too, Presently the two walked away toward the east, and brought up at a cabin near the out- skirts of the town, Prince Philip knocked at the door, and the man who answered the summons was Dave Blanco, ‘* There’s going to be a raid on the Tomahawk crowd by the Tkunderbolt Rangers to-night,” said the youth, when the two men accepted the invitation to enter the shanty. ‘‘ What will Triple Butte think of such a proceeding?” The answer was prompt. ‘¢ Ther honest men ov this camp will yell with delight. We’ve been pestered with this herd ov wolves until we're too sick ter chew good plug an’ ever’ decent man rejoices ter see ’em wiped out,” ‘¢ We know you're true blue, Blanco, and therefore we ask you to explain matters to your friends when the time comes, This movement is for the good of the camp, and we want no opposition from honest men who may labor under the mistaken impression that anything else is intended. You understand? That's all,” Blanco had several questions to ask, They were answered, At last he said: *“You promised ter hev something ter say about ther cbokers in moccasins; thet’s a matter which ther toys are concerned on,” Philip made good his word, and told how the Red Thugs were emissaries of Tomahawk and his pards, and Captain Thunderbolt gave his word that they would’ not trouble Triple Butte after that night, All these things were duly explained to the law-abiding men of the camp the following day
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14 Prince Philip, the Camp Sp SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSsSSSSsSSSsssSssSsSsSsS9S9S983$9S$Ss$sS$S$98S3S3S3S35353Ss3s.s...jj‘j‘j‘j‘jijg jij‘ by Blanco, and the mystery of the Secret Stranglers wasa mystery no longer. Shortly after this call upon the leader of Eagle Jerry’s assailants, twenty-five mounted men, headed by Captain Thunderbolt, rode into Sg Butte and straight toward the Hawk’s est, : The terrible Thunderbolt Rangers, so long looked for and dreaded by the enemies of law and order, at last had come on their mission of vengeance, Triple Butte was to receive a scourging this night such as it had never dreamed of, CHAPTER XVI. THE HAND OF JUSTICE. As Tomahawk came out of the Red Light with his precious burden, he seemed to think that his troubles were at an end, ‘“* Some people think thar’s goin’ ter be no wed- din’ in Triple Butte ter-night, but I says yes,” he was saying to himself. ‘‘I don’t see thet it matters none thet ther Bible sport ain’t in con- dition ter be on hand; Apache Abe can do ther ceremony jest ez well,” The Indian was bending forward in the shad- ows at the corner of the cabin, with his gaze fixed on the trail to the East. All at ouce he wheeled and leaped to his master’s side, ‘* Thunderbolts come!” he exclaimed. ** Curses!” cried Tomahawk. The announcement seemed to petrify him with astonishment for a moment, ‘““Whar, Injin? Whar are they?’ he de- manded, The red man pointed to the east, where, through the moonlight, twenty-five dark and sen men were riding down upon the Hawk’s Nest. The desperado debated with himself for an instant, and then he passed his beautiful burden into the hands of Long Knife, and sprung upon one of his horses. Then he bent forward and received his captive again into bis arms, ‘¢ Come on, pard!” he commanded, From the windows of the Red Light a tell-tale glow had begun to creep forth, and it was but a matter of a few moments when the entire build- ing would be in flames. Followed by the Indian with the second horse, Tomabawk, keeping the burning cabin between them and the dread foes from the south, rode away toward the west for a hundred yards, and drew rein inadark spot in the shelter of a spreading tree. ‘* Leave ther horse with me, Long Knife,” he ordsred, ‘an’ make a runnin’ sneak fer ther Hawk’s Nest. Tell ther pards ther Thunder- bolts hez come, an’ ter fight like Satan! Then come back to me!” He had starcely spoken when he found him- self in the shadows alone with his helpless human treasure. “Ther Thgnderbolts hyer!” he mused under his breath. * By Tophet! thar’ll be no weddin’ at ther Hawk’s Nest ter-night arter all. But, thar’ll be a ,hunt fer hearts that’l] shake ther territory! Waal, let ’em fight it out, Toma- hawk will not be thar. Why should I go back an’ resk my head when [kin ride away with the most priceless treasure in Arizone? Fight it out, pards) Tomahawk holds the royal flush an’ ther game is his. He turns his back on Triple Butte this night an’ sends yer all ter Kingdom Come! He plays alone game frum this on, Shoot ter kill, pards, but it won’t do no good whatever. Ther odds are ag’in’ yer. Ther weddin’ feast is a feast ov blood.” . "ike a huge red serpent the last of the Thugs crawled swiftly through the cabins of the camp, careful to keep bimself concealed from the sharp eyes of the down-swooping foes, They were approaching slowly, in order not to disturb their covey by the thunder of hoofs, Long Knife sprung into the Hawk’s Nest with @ suddenness that created a commotion among vhe twenty toughs who were waiting for a wed- e stood in the center of the room before Apache Abe, his long arm outstretched toward the east. ‘*Tbhunderbolts come!” he uttered, in ringing accents. ‘‘ Swoop like vultures of the air on pards at Hawk’s Nest! Pards fight or die in a very man in the room was on his feet and wey right hand clutched a six-shooter. “The Thunderbolts? Whar?’ demanded Apache Abe. ‘ Are they byer now?” Pe Si was the Indian’s answer. ‘ Fight or ie Then he was gone as suddenly ashe had come. The toughs of Triple Butte, with oaths and shouts of defiance, examined their weapons to see that every chamber held a leaden ball of death, A long career of crime made each man cer- tain that he individually was wanted by the Arizona Regulators, and that Justice was at last at his heels clamoring for his life. They were not cowards, these desperadoes of the mountain mines, Much evil-doing bad seared every emotion of fear, and bad given them the reckless courage of cougars, In the absence of Tomabawk, which was loud- ly deplored, the office of leader fell upon Apache Abe, and he lost no time in stirring his forces to action, “* The Injun was right!” he exclaimed; ‘‘ we've got ter fighter die. Ther Thunderbolt Rangers wuz never known ter hev mercy on the’r foes! We've all made oath ter wipe out these pests, time and ag’in in ther past, an’ now ther time is hyer to keep thet oath. They come skulkin’ in like wolves, an’ think ter surprise us hyer, but they’ll find us ready ter receive ’em in a way | they'll despise.” There was not much time for braggadocio. The night riders were at hand, and deeds, not wor?s, were the order of things. With their swarth hands heavy with six- shooters, the pards of Triple Butte sprung from ~ cabin and drew up in battle array before the oor, As they did so, they found themselves face to face with the dreaded Thunderbolt Rangers of Arizona. The time for the settlement of all old scores was at last come, and a fight was inevitable, The two parties shot unfriendly looks at each other fora moment, and then came the question: “Ts Tomahawk here?” ‘**'No!” was the short and savage answer. ‘We are here to war on individuals, not the flower of Triple Butte,” Captain Thunderbolt went on, with some irony. ‘* We want certain men, and if they are quietly surrendered there will be much trouble avoided, and a number of you will net be molested. If there is resistance we will wipe out the entire crowd!” The answer was unhesitating. ‘* We are like one man hyer, an’ we fights ez sech! When yer tackles one yer tackles all, Thet means ye’r’ goin’ ter wipe out ther crowd, eh? Waal, we'll see about thet, Captain Thun- derbolt, It’s our impression ye’ve come ter Triple Butte ter die!” ** You refuse, then, to come to terms?” ** Refuse? Not only thet, we oper. ther ball!” Tbere was a sudden flashing of weapons, and the toughs of the camp were pouring bullets into the ranks of their foes with deadly accuracy of aim! Almost instantly the volley was returned, and then Triple Butte became the scene of such a battle as the mountains of the Territory had never rung with before, It rained lead, and men tumbled right and left, either dead or desperately wounded, With oaths on their lips, the toughs of the camp went down before the Rangers’ bullets like wheat before the scythe, Mercy was not abroad in Arizona that night, It was death to the last man who fougbt the agents of justice—instant, pitiless death, the ex- termination of each and every one of the ‘* var- mints” who had so long infested the region and made Triple Butte a nest of infamy. The battle was of short duration, The Thun- derbolt Rangers were more deadly than a yio- lent pestilence, and their assault could not be long withstood, And when the smoke of the affray cleared away, there in the moonlight lay Apache Abe, Doc Dimity, the Pirate and all the rest, called to their long account at last. Justice fluttered ber wings in mighty triumph that night in the Arizonian mountains, Many of the Thunderbolt Rangers had gone down, too, never to rise again. But, on the whole, they were victorious, and that was enough. ane this battle raged Prince Philip was not idle, As the Thunderbolts were riding into town he looked into the Hawk’s Nest, and discovered that Tomabawk was not tbere. Then he made his way rapidly to the widow’s, There be saw what Tomahawk had seen before him, and with whirling brain and flaming eyes, he started a man through the camp in search of the abductors, He was completely at a loss for a plan of ac- tion for a moment; but, chance favored him, As he ran, almost aimlessly, the figure of an Indian, skulking through the shadows, caught his eye, and he halted abruptly and drew back from sight, The Thug was Long Knife, returninz to his master after warning the pards at the Hawk’s Nest. ‘* Perhaps he is going to Tomahawk,” thought the youth, and he followed noiselessly. Eis supposition was correct. Asudden burst of flame through the rafters of the duomed Red Light revealed the chief-cf des- peradoes waiting impatiently for bis red com- panion beneath the sheltering branches of a tree, mounted, and with his now conscious captive in his arms, Long Knife was in the act of mounting the second horse, and Tomahawk, with the unmis- takable sounds of the battle at his cabin ring- ing in his ears, was calling eternal vengeance on the heads of bis foes, when there was a shot near at her4, and the last of the Thugs fell for- ward witi hi: face in the dust, Prince Iniip tad not lost a moment when the situation was revealed to him, for indeed there was not a moment to lose. His shot was like an inspiration, for it went true to the mark, and no sooner was it deliv- ered than, with a long leap, he stood in front of the big desperado with one hand on the bridle and the other extending a weapon that glistened in the glare of the burning saloon. ‘At last, Tomahawk!” was the boy’s cry. ‘At last vengeance is ready to strike! Dro your precious burden, Tomahawk! There will be no wedding to-night!” The girl was struggling, and it was all her captor could do to hold her, to say nothing of drawing a weapon to defend himself, There- fore the command was readily obeyed, and Phosa struck the ground on her feet. She leaned against the tree, faint with excitemeut, and breathing a prayer for Philip and gratitude for her timely deliverance, ‘Captain Thunderbolt is here!” cried the youth, ‘‘ and that is the signal I dave been wait- ing for to pay you what I owe, Tomahawk! I want to avenge the murder of Major Weldon and Phosa’s mother—her mother and my father! The two dastardly crimes of Ranch Robin are avenged to-night!” Tomahawk snatched a weapon from the hol- sters of the saddle and shoved it forward with the swiftness of light. There was_.a thrilling cry and a loud re- port—but it was not the Dogtown desperado who pressed the trigger. It was Prince Philip the spy, and his aim was true! Tomahawk reeled from his saddle, and the angels in heaven must have rejoiced at the sight. Then Phosa fell forward into Philip’s arms. CHAPTER XVII, CONCLUSION. WHEN the morning sun rose over the moun- tains, peace reigned in the little gold camp, but the dead bodies over which th: vultures were already circling told the story of the terrible night, Triple Butte rejoiced. For the first time in its history it was free of tho thralldom of law- lessness, and now it could be, thanks to Prince Philip and the Thunderbolt Rangers, the quiet and orderly camp that fhe majority of its citi- zens desired. Blanco’s revelations had passed like wildfire through the place, and tbe discovery that the Red Thugs who bad so long menaced the lives of honest men were annibilated along with their white pards was not the least feature of the gen- eral satisfaction. Of Prince Philip’s mission in Arizona, it may be said, by way of further explanation, that at the time of Major Weldon’s death he was In co)- lege in an Hastern city, where, at the command of a foster-father, his natural guardian when Major Weldon was not heerd from, he re:nain ed until he became of age, Then, being his own master, he set out in search of bis father in far Arizona, and as weil his step-mother and httl- Phosa, whom, oddly enough, he had never seen. He received his first information from Cup- tain, Thunderbolt, and, to further bis plans, becai* a member of the celebrated Rangers aud their spy. How well his mission was accomplished these pages have revealed, He was now ready to return with his beauti- ful step-sister to the home whose comforts and pleasures she bad been denied so long, and where a fortune had so long awaited her claim, Philip had made his stay in Triple Butte profitable, and secreted in his cabin was enough 5g Eo a a ~ ma”
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192 The Lightning 182 Hands Up; or, gold to make him comfortable for many years. The attempts to find its secret hiding-place had signally failed, for the youth’s ingenuity had placed the treasure beyond the possibilities of discovery. The old padre, Father Alonzo, would accept nothing for his faithful care of Phosa, but, re- covering from bis wound at the hands of the treacherons Mexican, he blessed Philip and Phosa and went back to his beloved convent in Chihuahua, sad of heart at losing ‘‘ his little girl,” but happy that she was happy. And she was happy. Philip had ‘come into her heart and taken pos- session, and the knowledge which he soon gave her that he returned her love two-fold repaid her for all her years of sorrow, The good ** widdy” nursed Eagle Jerry back |*460 to health, and then it was that she confessed to him that it was not so much to look for her recreant lord thatshe met the stage on its every arrival as it was to see him, Eagle Jerry; and as about this time there came definite news of the worthless Jake’s demise, Kagle Jerry stepped in and became the permanent head of the widow’s household, That was even a greater event than his being held up by Captain EKagle’s men, Old Likely sat the long days through in the shadow of the triple buttes, waiting and hoping, One day there was a terrific flood in the moun- tains, and the little stream that flowed past Old Likely’s door was rent with fury. After it was all over what should the vld man find at bis very door but a quantity of handsome nuggets which had been washed out by the flood! How the tears of joy fell from his eyes as bis hands closed over the treasure! And there he sits by the lit- tle stream to this day, and to those who speak to him he delights to tell of old times, when Triple Butte was wicked, and Tomahawk threatened him with, death if be told what he knew; and how the son of his old friend, Major Weldon, had brought peace and prosperity tothe camp by ridding it of Tomahawk and his evil associates, Captain Thunderbolt and his famous Rangers long ago disbanded, but the good they did is an ever-enduring mcnument to their memory, They escorted Philip and Phosa to Tucson, where the two took their departure for the East with affectionate good-byes, , Jn New York, on one the most beautiful streets, stands the elegant home of the two whose for- tunes have most interested us in this story, and there, not a month ago, I had the pleasure of hearing from their own lips many of the details of the narrative here at an end, and of sharing for a short time the happiness which is so truly and inalienably theirs. Phoga is more beautiful than ever, and Philip, a hearty and successful man, is very proud, you may be sure, of the wife he so worthily won, THE END, Beatle's Dime Library BY WILLIAM R. EYSTER., 659 Gilt-Edge Johnny; or, Roldan and His Rovers, 650 Lucky Lester’s Lone Hand. , 634 Old Handcart's Big Dump, 622 The All Around Sports. 603 Desert Alf, the Man With the Cougar. 590 Gentle Jacuythe High Roller from Humbug. 578 Seven Shot Steve, the Sport with a Smile, 568 The Dude Detective. 558 Hurrah Harry, the High Horse from Halcyon, 549 Belsbazzar Brick, the Bailiff of Blue Blazes, 533 Oregon. the Sport Witha Scar. 525 Mage a gr uae ng, Derringer Daisy, 503 e Dude from Denver. 478 Pmnacle Pete; or, The Fool from Way Back. 459 Major Sunshine, ting on ee anne Lives, 429 Hair Trigger Tom of Red Bend, 402 Sianahot Sau: or, The Angels’ Flat Racket, 896 The Piper Detective; or, The Gilt Edge Gang. ' 875 Royal orge, the Taree in One. : 356 Three Handsome Sports; or, The Combination, 344 Double Shot Dave of the Left Hand. $33 Derringer Dick, the Man with the Drop. 800 A Sport in Spectacles; or, Bad Time at Bunco, _ 268 Magic Mike, the Man of Frills. 229 Captain Cutsleeve; or, The Little Sport. 214 The Two Coo!*Sports; "or, Gertie of the Gulch, ort. he Knights of the Canyon. 160 Soft Hand, Sharp; or, The Man with the Sand. 145 Pistol Pards; or, The silent Sport from Cinnabar BY MAJOR DANGERFIELD BURR, 1 448 Hark Kenton, the Traitor. 185 The Phantom Mazeppa; or, The Hyena, 156 Velvet Face, the Border Bravo, 142 Captain Crimson, the Man of the Iron Face. 117 Dashing Dandy; or, The Hotspur of the Hills, _92 Buffalo Bill, the Buckskin King. Prince Philip, BY CAPTAIN HOWARD HOLMES, 664 Monk Morel, the Man-Hun ‘er. 654 Sol Sphinx, the Ferret Detective, 612 Red Pard and Yellow. 608 Silent Sam, the Shadow Sphinx. 592 ed eat Sid, the Shasta Ferret. 579 Old Cormorant, the Bowery Shadow. 569 Captain Cobra, the Hooded Mystery. 559 Danton, the Shadow Sharp. 550 Suk Hand, tue Mohave Ferret. 543 The Magnate Detective. 532 Jacxc Javert, the Independent Detective, 523 Reynard of Red Jack: or, The Lost Detective. 512 Captain Velvet’s Big Stake. 505 Phil Vox, the Genteel Spotter. 496 Richard Rednre, the Two Worlds’ Detective, 487 Sunshine Sam, a Chip of the’ Old Block, 480 Hawkspear, the Man with a Secret, ° 4.8 Coldgrip in Deadwood. Captain Coldgrip. the Detective. 453 Captain Coldgrip’s Long Trail. 447 Voicano, the Frisco Spy. 441 The California Sharp. 434 Lucifer Lynx, the Wonder Detective, 421 Father Ferret, the Frisco Shadow. 413 Captain Coldgrip in New York. 407 Captain Coldgrip’s Nerve; or, Injun Nick. 400 Captain Coldgrip; or, The New York Spotter. 392 The Lost Bonanza; or, The Boot of Silent Hound. 382 The Bonanza Band: or, Dread Don of Cool Clan. 374 Major Blister, the Sport of Two Cities, 365 Keen Kennard, the Shasta Shadow, 352 The Desperate Dozen. 347 Denver Duke, the Man with “ Sand.” 340 Cool Conrad, the Dakota Detective. 335 Flash Dan, the Nabob; or, Blades of Bowie Bar. 821 California Claude, the Lone Bandit, 294 Broadcloth Burt. the Denver Dandy. 278 Hercules Goldspur, the Man of the Velvet Hand. BY PHILIP S. WARNE, 5&3 Captain Adair, the Cattle King. 567 Captain Midnight, the Man of Craft. 544 The Back to Back Pards. 522 The Champion Three, - 502 Bareback Buck, the Centaur of the Plains. 472 Six Foot Si; or, The Man to * Tie To.” 431 California Kit, the Always on Hand. 404 Silver Sid; or, A “ Daisy ”’ Bluff. 880 Tiger Dick's Pledge: or, Tne Golden Serpent, 359 Yellow Jack, the Mestizo. 338 Jack Sands, the Boss of the Town, 299 Tnree of a Kind; or, Dick, Despard and the Sport, 280 Tiger Dick’s Lone Hand. 251 Tiger Dick vs. Iron Despard. 207 Old Hard Head; or, Whirlwind and his Maré, 171 Tiger Dick, the Man of the Iron Heart, 114 The Gentleman from Pike, . 80 A Man of Nerve; or, @aliban the Dwarf. 54 Always on Hand; or, The Woot-Hiils Sport, 2% Tiger Dick, Faro Kivug; or, The Cashier’s Crime, 4 The Kidnapper; or, The Northwest Shanghai. 1 A Hard Crowd; or, Gentleman Sam’s Sister, BY EDWARD WILLETT., 4883 Flush Fred, the River Sharp. 368 The Canyon King; or, a Price on his Head. 848 Dan Dillon, King of Crosseut. 337 Old Gabe, the Mountain Tramp. 827 Terrapin Dick, the Wildwood Detective. 815 Flush Fred’s Double; or, The Squatters’ League. 808 Hemlock Hank, Tough and True, 298 Logger Lem; or, Life in the Pine Woods. 289 Flush Fred’s Full Hand. 274 Flush Fred, the Mississippi Sport. 248 Montana Nat, the Lion of Last Chance Camp. 222 Bill the Blizzard; or, Red Jack’s Crime. 209 Buck Farley, the Bonanza Prince. 129 Mississippi Mose; or, a Strong Man's Sacrifice, BY CAPT. FRED, WHITTAKER, 614 The Showman Detective; or, The Mad Magician. 609 The Texas Tramp; or, Solid Saul. 445 Journeyman John, the Champion, 412 Larry Locke, the Man of Iron, 406 Old Pop Hicks, Showman. 878 John Armstrong, Mechanic, 826 The Whitest Man in the Mines, ~ , 310 The Marshal of Satanstown; or, The League, 803 Top-Notch Tom, the Cowboy Outlaw. 295 Old Cross-Eye, the Maverick-Hunter. 290 The Lost Corvette: or, Blakeley’s Last Cruise. 284 The Three Frigates; or, Old Ironsides’ Revenge, 277 The Saucy Jane, Privateer. 272 Seth Slocum, Raiiroad Surveyor. 265 Old Double-Sword; or, Pilots and Pirates. 253 A Yankee Cossack; or,The Queen of the Nibilists, 247 Alligator Ike: or, The Secret of the Everglade, 242 The Fog Devil; or, The St oper of the Flash, 230 The Fiving Dutchman of 1880, 226 ‘The Mad Hussars; or, The O’s and the Mac’s, 215 Parson Jim, King of the Cowboys. 211 Colonel Plunger; or, The Unknown Sport, 206 One Bye, the Cannoneer. 193 The Man in Red; or, The Ghost of the Old Guard. 187 The Death’s Head Cuirassiers, 174 The Phantom Knights. 159 Red Rudiger, the Archer. 132 Nemo, King of the Tramps, 115 The Severed Head; or, The Castle Coucy Secret. 108 The Duke of Diamonas, 98 The Rock Rider; or. The Spirit of the Sierra. 96 Double Death; or, The Spy of Wyoming. 6 The Irish Captain. A Tale of Fontenoy. 65 The Red Rajah; or, The Scourge of the Indies. 4 “ae SMG ae Ron ae pall oi ie ie tate as . a ROS ee ee SNe. ess SS a 89 The Russian Spy; or, The Starry Cross Brothers, * 4 <r a ae the Camp Spy. BY OLL COOMES, 619 Kit Bandy & Co , the Border Detectives. 148 One-Armed Alf, the Giant Hunter, 1387 Long Beard, the Giant Spy. 99 The Giant Rifleman; or, Wild Camp Life, 51 Red Rob, the Boy Road-Agent. 48 Idaho Tom, the Young Outlaw of Silverland, 46 Bowie-Knife Ben, the Nor’west Hunter. 44 Old Dan Rackhack, the Great Extarminator 43 Dakota Dan, the Reckless Ranger, 7 Death-Notch, the Destroyer, BY WM™. G. PATTEN. 663 The Giant 2) Se or, Sold to Satan. u56 Old Piug Ugly, the Rough and Ready. 645 Gold Glove Gid, the Man of Grit. 641 Aztec Jack, the Desert Nomad. 631 Colonel Cool, the Santa Fe Sharp. 602 Captain Nameless, the Mountain Mystery, 571 Old Dismai, the Range Detective. 545 Hustler Harry, the Cowboy Sport, BY LEON LEWIS, 624 The Submarine Detective: or, The Water Ghouls, 484 Captain Ready, the Red Ransomer, 451 The Silent Detective; or, The Bogus Nephew. 456 'The Demon Steer, 428 The Flying Glim; or, The Island Lure, BY COL, THOMAS H. MONSTERY. 882 Spring-Hecl Jack: or, The Masked Mystery. 262 Fighting Tom, the Terror of the Toughs. 246 Charpion Sam; or, The Monarchsof the Show, 169 Corporal Cannon, the Man of Forty Duels 157 Mourad, the Mameluke; or, The Three Sword masters. 150 El Rubio Bravo, King of the Swordsmen. 148 The Czar’s Spy; or, The Nibilist League 126 The Demon Duelist; or, The League of Steel, 82 Iron Wrist, the Swordmaster. BY JACKSON KNOX—* Old Hawk.” 643 Castlemaine, the Silent Sifter, 616 Magnus, the Weird Detective. 606 The Drop Detective. 595 Wellborn, the Upper Crust Detective. 582 Joram, the Detective Expert. 574 Old Falcon’s Double. 561 The Thug King; or, The Falcon Detective’s Foe. 548 Falconbridge. the Sphinx Detective, 536 Old Falcon's Foe; or, The Detective’s Swell Job. 515 Short-Stop Maje, the Diamond Field Detective. 509 Old. Falcon, thes Thunderbolt Detective. 501 Springsteel Steve, the Retired Detective 494 The Detective’s Spy. 485 Rowlock, the Harbor Detective, 477 Dead-arm Brandt, 457. Mainwaring. the Salamander. 462 The Circus Detective, 451 Griplock, the Rocket Detective. 444 The Magic Detective; or, The Hidden Hand. 424 Hawk Heron’s Deputy. 886 Hawk Heron, the Falcon Detective, MISCELLANEOUS, 566 The Dauntless Detecjive; or, The Daughter Avenger. By Tom W, King. 542 The Ocean Drift; or, The Fight for Two Lives. by A. F. Holt. ‘ 534 Green Mountain Joe; or, The Counterfeiter’s Cave. By Marmaduke Dey. 518 Heya Richard, the Thoroughbred. By J. W. sbon. 410 Sarah Brown, Detective. By K. F, Hill. 366 The Telegraph Detective. By George H. Morse, 853 Bart Brennan; or, The King of Straight Flush, By John Cuthbert. 350 Flash Falcon, Society Detective. By W. J. Cobb. 812 Kinkfoot Karl, the Mountain Scourge. By Mor- ris Redwing. 275 The Smuggler Cutter. By J.D. Conroy. . 261 Black Sam, the Prairie Thunderbolt, By Col. Jo Yards. 190 The Three Guardsmen. By Alexander Dumas, 179 Conrad, the Convict. By Prof. Gildersleeve. 166 Owlet, the Robber Prince. By 8S. R. Urban. 158 The Doomed Dozen, By Dr. Frank Powell 152 Captain Ironnerve, the Counterfeiter Chief. 146. The Doctor Detective. Hang George Lemuel. 144 The Hunchback of Notre Dame. By Victor Hugo. 140 The Three Spaniards. By Geo. Walker. 133 Rody the’Rover. By William Caneton. 125 The Blacksmith Outlaw. By H. Ainsworth. 110 The Silent Rifleman. By H. W. Herbert, , 102 The Masked Band. By George L. Aiken. 78 The Mysterious Spy. By Arthur M. Grainger. 76 The Queen’s Musketeers. By Georgé Albany. 68 The Fighting Trapper. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 60 Wide Awake, the Robber King. By F. Dumont. 82 B’hoys of Yale; or, The Scrapesof Collegians, 11 Midshipman Easy. By Captain Marryatt. 10 Vidoeq, the French Police Spy. By himself. 9 Handy Andy. By Samuel Lover. 6 Wildcat Bob. By Edward L, Wheeler. ' Beadle’s Dime Library is for sale by all Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of twelve cents each.
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BIG JOKE BOOK SERIES. “OH! SrTorRtus. GRIN’S SOME MAMMA, BUY ME THAT!” Illustrated. CATECHISM OF THE TROUBLES OF MR. AND MRS. BOWSER. McGINTY'S JOKE BOOK. WIT AND HUMOR OF THE WIDE-AWAKE SKETCHES SCREAMING YARNS. ROARING JOKES FOR FUNNY FOLKS. “ JOLLY JOKES FOR JOLLY PEOPLE.” “THE BUTTON BURSTER; LAUGHING GAS; or, PUT THROUGH; or, EXPOSED. ‘““FUN ON THE ROAD.” A COLLECTION OF JOLLY JOKES AND FUNNY 64 pages. FUN. Illustrated. 64 pages. Illustrated. 64 pages. Illustrated. 64 pages. BENCH AND BAR. Illustrated. 64 pages. Illustrated. 48 pages. 80 pages. Illustrated. 64 pages. Illustrated. 64 pages. or, FUN ON THE RAMPAGE.” Illustrated. 64 pages. DRIVE DULL CARE AWAY. Illustrated. 64 pages FREEMASONRY AND ODD FELLOWSHIE By ‘ Bricxrop.” Tllustrated. 64 pages. A, Record oF AMERICAN Wit AND Humor. 48 pages. PRICE 12 CENTS EACH BY MAIL, POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN. HUMOROUS PUBLICATIONS. THE CELEBRATED MY MOTHER-IN-LAW. By “Bricxropr.” Hopkins. 88 pp., Paper, 8vo. This is‘one of the most humorous stories of the pie Every man and \ woman in the country should read this serio-comic experience of a man with his mother-in-law, who made home torrid for him, and how he succeeded, after many ak, fi and failures, in getting rid of her. 7 OUR FIRST BABY; or; Take Inrevicities oF Our Honey- MOON. By the author of ‘*‘ My Mother-i -in-Law,” ete. Ilus- trated; Paper, 8vo, This is a witty and charming narration of a young mania couple. It pre- sents vividly the first attempts of a young husband at housekeeping. Illustrations by SMITH IN SEARCH OF A WIFE. By the author of “Our First Baby,” etc. 64 pp., Paper, 8vo. This story is not founded on fact, but there is so much comical human nature in it that truth couldn't make it any better. It should be read by every- body contemplating the great lottery: -of marriage. Laughably illustrated by ‘Thomas be ay FARMING FOR FUN ; or, BAckyARD GrANGERS. By ‘‘ BRICK- - vor.” Tllustrated by Thomas Worth. Paper, large 8vo, A laughable story. The experiénce of Timothy Budd and his wife at city gardening is brimful of fun; and thousands who read it will exclaim: ‘‘ I've been there!”’ PARSON BEECHER AND HIS HORSE. By “ Bricxrop.” Illustrated by Thomas Worth 96 pp., Paper, large 12mo This is a thoroughly enjoyable book, brimful of fresh, brilliant humor and Jaughable situations, the author claiming it to be the best of his many humor- ous productions. FRED DOUGLAS AND “Hs MULE. ,Companion to ‘‘ Parson Beecher and His Horse.” By the same author. Illustrated. 96 pp., large 12mo. Asa story of the late war it deals with people who “¢ were , there, ” and will be doubly popular with the “ Vets,’’ many of whom enjoyed the very fun that 4s here depicted. LAUGHING SERIES. BOUNCED; or, THe ADVENTURES oF AN Untucky Man. By Joun Carsoy. Illustrated. Paper, 8vo. THE QUIET YOUTH; or, Just Like His Uncie. By ‘ Bricx- rop.”’ Illustrated. Paper, large 8vo. BEANWHACKER’S TROUBLE; or, Nor Aa Brr Like His ‘ Uncie. A sequel to ‘Just Like His Uncle.” By Jonny’ CanBoy. TIlustrated. Paper, large 8vo. DEACON BOGGLES AND HIS LIVER PAD, By Wit1 Wanver. Illustrated. 64 pp., Paper, 8vo. This book is a humorous record of the Deacon's frantic struggles with that malignant enemy of the human race—the dreaded LIvER Pap, avy THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS SHOWN UP. By “Bricx- ror.” Illustrated. Paper, 8vo. ‘‘ Don’t make any mis- take.” JOINING THE GRANGERS; or, ExPrerRtencre or SassaFRAS Doperr. By the author of ‘‘ My Mother-in-Law.” 64 pp., 16mo. DRY GOODS DRUMMER. By Tom Wonver. 88 pp., 16mo. This is one of the funniest of all the Laughing Series, and its glimpses of the - trials, scrapes, and troubles ofa Drummer on his travels are precisely wie , medicine to cure the blues and make the reader happy. | TRIP OF THE SARDINE CLUB. By “Bricxror,” 96 pp., 16mo. Profusely lustrated by Thomas Worth. This book is full of fun and sentiment, giving personal observations and historical reminiscences of places on the Hudson between New York and Albany. SCRAPES OF FARMER SKOOPENDYKE., Illustrated. He buys a Billy Goat. He Gives Widow Snugg a Sleigh-ride, His Experience with Dr. Bungle. Mrs. Maloney’s Goat, etc., etc. Paper, 8vo. 80 pages. Any of the above books sent Wy mail on receipt of 12 cents. Postage stamps taken.