Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 1119) (1901 11)
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a ~NEW YORK SSS ZA CA FZ Vy tt \\ . S Ws A Wades A NS SCLIN November, 1901. , Post Orrick, i PRICE EE u Published Every (JAMES SULLIVAN, PROPRIETOR), “ _ 50 7 ¥ NTS Vol ILY Month. 379 Pearl Street, New York. Cum SORT, 5 ° A No. 1 THE DASHING TOLL-TAKER; re Or, The Schoolmarm o’ Sassafras, BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR oF “‘ DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, “ROSEBUD ROB” NOVELS, “DENVER DOLL” NOVELS, ETC., EYC. WA ved AWE TIGER TOOTH FAIRLY HOWLED WITH PAIN, MUCH TO THE DELIGHT OF ALL THE OTHER “ SCHOLARS.”
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A No. 1, the Dashing Toll- Taker. 1, The Dashing Toll-Taker, OR, The Schoolmarm o’ Sassafras. BY ED. L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DENVER DOLL,” AND *‘ DEADWOOD DICK ” NOVELS. CHAPTER I. A NO, 1, *¢ *Melican man muchee love whisky, Muchee make "Melica all belly frisky; Chinee man honest, nebber stealee, Get knock around, nebber muchee squealee.”* THE singer possessed a cracked, wheezy voice, and was a burly, ill-looking specimen of the rough frontiersman, who stood holding a greasy- looking Chinaman by his queue with one hand, while with the other he held uplifted a danger- ous-looking knife above the Celestial’s head. The scene was in the bar-room of the Leonard House, at Sassafras City, and was made up of a yough, unplastered room, containing a rude bar, or counter, several deal tables and chairs. The weather being that of the rainy season, a ruddy fire was burning in the fire-place; and near this, and intent in gazing at the bull- whacker and his victim, lounged half a score of typical men of the mines, coarse in attire, and not exactly polished in manner, The bullwbacker was a man in whose counte- mance was expressed much that was evil and brutal, and he bore striking evidencé of belong- ing to that class of bordermen who, from thei? unexampled braggadocio and bullying proclivi- ties, earn the distinction of being a terror to mankind in general. Such was old Tiger Tooth. There were plenty of men in the bustling lit- tlecamp of Sassafras who had a by-no-means saintly reputation, but theirs was comparative- ly an insignificant record as compared with that of Tiger Tooth, who bore the scars of over three-score of desperate battles, aud was want- ed for more heinous crimes than perhaps any ether man in the West. Yet no sheriff or marshal seemed desirous of attempting his arrest, in consequence of which he : pees constantly bolder and more ruffianly, and made it a point never to locate in a camp withont at once setting hi.uself up as ‘‘ boss.” The Celestial whom he held by the hair in the bar-room was known in’Sassafras as Rats, al- though he claimed John Lee as his real name. He owned a prosperous laundry, and, aside from being reputed very wealthy, was sup to hold the secret of a hidden mine, which he and his yellow confederates worked at night. Many of the citizens of Sassafras were down on him, so to speak, because of his prosperity, and with a view of extorting from him his se- eret, it was, that old Tiger Tooth, who had re- cently arrived in camp, had assaulted him in the manner mentioned. ‘* Kerwhoop!” he roared, giving the unoffend- ing piesa a rude jerk. “Don’t know who’s got hold o’ ye, do ye? I’m Old Tiger Tooth, the meanest two-geared goslin’ in the West, barrin’ Bill Nye o’ Cheyenne, who runs the Boomerang. Yas yeou bet yer eye- teeth, thar ain’t a meaner man than me, ’ceptin’ Nye, who kin lie the settin’ sun inter shame Yahind the horizon, and pull the pin-feathers frum the tail of a buzzard ter give away fer toothpicks. What’s yer name, you saffron-col- ored imp? Speak out, or I'll slit yer bugle, quicker’n a mule kin shake hands!” “Chinaman namee Rats!” was the answer. *?Melican man lettee Rats go!” ** Yas I will, like blazes, ts,eh? Well, durn my boots ef ye won’t find me the kitten what thar’s a pile o’ fun in. Why, I’m jest chock-full an’ sloppin’ over wi’ » unmitigated quin- _tessence uv unalloyed fun. Now, Ratsy, old gal, jest let me heer what thar is about this , Seeret mine business. They tell me you've got a hoel, somewhar, from which you dig out big nuggets when the rest _o’ us mortals aire wras’- lin’ wi’ Morpheus. Now yer ’umble sarvent desireth to know whar she am, an’ the hull bigness about her!” “"Melican man mistakee. Rats, him velly honest, alee samee like preachee. Know not- ting "bout mine—washee ’Melican man shirtee allee time!” And he looked the picture of truthful- Bess. p. Git eout, ye infernal skunk! Dye know what I’m goin’ to do, ef ye don’t pan out? Tl break yer neck, besides cuttin’ off yer switch, hyer. Jest yeou tell us where that secret bonanza o’ yourn is, or off comes yer hair, an’ her head, in the bargain.” , ‘‘ Rats nottee bit skeered,” was the Celestial’s answer, delivered with remarkable coolness. ‘‘*Melican man velly muchee wrong. China- man don’t know anything about mine. Know only aboutee washee business. Cuttee Rat’s head off, gittee hung. Cuttee off queue, Rats grow *nudder allee samee like this one!” ‘Better let the flat-mug go, I reckon,” one of the bystanders said, whose appearance was considerably less rough than that of his compan- ions, and whose modest deportment proclaimed that he was yet a tenderfoot, so far as mining life was concerned. ‘‘I don’t see anything to warrant his being abused.” ‘Oh! ye don’t!” Tiger Tooth growled, wheel- ing and facing the young man savagely. ‘‘ Who told you to lip in, ye young monkey?” ‘*T spoke without anybody’s direction, sir, whatever,” was the reply, and the handsome face of the tenderfoot flushed, somewhat, and his eves sparkled with the light of indignation. “Ye did lip in, wi’out any outside advice, did ye?” Tiger ooth roared, releasing Rats, and stepping toward this stranger, whose name was Ned Temple, and who was a recent arrival in Sassafras City. ‘‘ Waal, neow, yours my mutton, I'll swear ef ye ain’t. D’ye know what it means to lip in, in any o’ my bizness trans- actions, young feller?” ‘‘T neither know nor care, more than that every man has a right to express his sentiments, if he chooses.” ‘* Waal, let me tell ye, then, that it means death. I’m Tiger Tooth the Terrible, an’ I allow I’m a walkin’ illustration o’ death, right out an’ out. {never allow no back chin, ner I don’t tolerate no interference from any one. You're a green ’un, [ perceive, or I’d bore a hole thru yer noddle, wi’out ceremony, an’ don’t ye ferget it. What’s yername?” ‘*Edward Temple!” ‘¢ Oh! you’re the nephew of old Simon Shields, aire ye?” “*Wxactly !” ‘‘Humph! you're jest the lamb I wanter see, then. They tell me you're heer arter old Simon’s purty gal, what’s goin’ to inherit the Bullion mine, arter Simon pegs.” ** Your ben pies. on that subject evidently is your own; nobody else has it.” ‘Oh! ye can’t fool me! That’s the nest-egg youre arter. An’ as I object to havin’ enny sech purceedin’s, you’ve either got ter pack up yer duds and skin out 0’ camp, or fight. Thar’s only one mortal man kin evyer hev Jessie Shields, an’ that’s my offspring, Claudie. Come forth, Claudie, and show yerself!” The call was responded to by a disgusting and grotesque-looking dwarf, with a hideous coun- tenance, who waddled forth, and stood along- side bis burly parent, in stature but a trifle above Tiger Tooth’s belt. His legs were short and clumsy, surmounting which was a fat trunk or body, with a painful hump upon the back, and long arms and large hands, that gave him a strange appearance, E His head was many sizes too large for his un- inly body, and covered with a shock of bristly lack hair, while his ludicrous countenance and bulging eyes expressed little of the cunning gee ll aracterized the visage of old Tiger ‘ooth. That the two could be father and son, seemed hardly credible. 2 “That’s my Claudie!” the bullwbhacker said, with manifest pride, “an’ he’s to be Simon Shields’s daughter’s future husband, an’ don’t ye fergit it!” A faint giggle from the men in the room, in- dicated how much stock they took in the gentle Claudie’s chances of winning the charming and aged pet of the camp, Jessie Shields, who, by lhe way, was the only representative of her sex in the Cue, ‘Yas, Claudie’s a smart feller, an’ when he ts ter handlin’ old Simon’s shekels, thar’ll be igh old times in Sassafras. An’ as fer yeou, young feller, I ain’t roe ter let any one git a chance to step in ahead ‘0’ Claudie; so you’ve got ten minutes ter make yerself minus around these parts, or dead you are!” ‘You are not so stupid as to imagine that I can be scared by you, I hope?” Temple said dryly’ “T never yet pedir man that could ghten me out of a town,” “Oh! ye didn’t!” the bull working himself suddenly into a rage. ‘“‘ Waal, I'll show ye how easy it is to mop the floor with a young monkey like you!” He slipped his knife into its sheath, and leaped toward young Temple, with the evident inten- tion of clinching with him, but failed in that calculation, for Ned’s fist caught him square, covering the left eye, and sent him spinning dizzily backward. The crowd cheered lustily, for it was Tiger Tooth’s first set back in Sassafras. It was several seconds ere the bully could sufficiently recover his equilibrium to make a second charge, and when he did, the two men clinched. Weapons were drawn upon every hand, and it was evident the spectators were disposed to see fair play. Physically, the bully had a decided advantage over his opponent, for, although of good form, Ned Temple bad plainly never been subjected to many hardships, nor experienced sufficient rough handling to harden him to compete with a man of iron, like Tiger Tootb. Yet he clinched with him firmly, and they writhed, twisted and squirmed about, until finally they tripped and went to the floor, the bully on top. ‘*Now I’ve got you!” he cried png as he released his hand, and endeavored to draw his knife. “If I don’t cut your heart out, you can call me a burro!” ‘‘Not when I’m around, old cactus!” a ringing voice cried, as the door was flung open, and a man stepped into the room, from the wild, rainy day without. “Just you let up, or Pll puta bead in your skull that will tickle you immensely !”” And the speaker leveled a gleaming revolver at the bullwhacker’s frowsy head. Sassafras City was not noted particularly for its handsome men, but had it been, they would have wilted at a comparison with the stranger. In stature, he was of medium hight, and trimly built—so trimly, in fact that he looked a trifle slender; yet his clothing fitted him, fault- lessly, and his grace of motion was proof that he was built for strength and endurance. In feature he was strikingly well cast, with magnetic brown eyes, a high forehead, roofed with curling bair which was worn in frontier style, back over his shoulders; a pleasant yet firm mouth, shaded by a graceful mustache, and the square chin that indicated an indomit- able will. He was attired in finely tanned and fringed buckskin breeches, met below by knee ts and at the belt by a red woolen shirt, partly open at the throat. ; An oil-skin cloak was tbrown, about his shoulders, and ye his head he wore a plumed slouch hat, whic ve him the appearance of a free ranger of the West. His belt contained a brace of weapons, be- sides the one he held in his grasp, and they were of one ee phe aay finis r , ger Tooth uttered a savage w when he perceived that he was Soeeeed, 4 nd readily seeing that the advantage was against him he naturally made no attempt to execute his threat against young Temple. “* What the devil d’ye want?” heroared, “Tl Yarn ye better than to interfere in my matters, ef I get up to ye. Who aire ye, you skunk?” ** A No. 1, the man who can make mince-meat of a dozen toughs of your diagram!” the sport replied, with an obsequious bow, and a smile. “Gentlemen, I will have the honor of your pocket-books, please!” “What?” gasped bh ag Tooth. “What?” echoed the other bystanders, in consternation. “Exactly that, and nothing more,” was the reply. ‘‘I broke my bank, a few nights ago, up at Pine Cone, and I want money. If you gentlemen can help me to about fifty dollars, it will save considerable spilled crimson, to say nothing of funeral expenses. So pan out!” The last words were uttered in the shape of @ remptory order, and as he spoke, A No. 1, as ae had styled himself, leisurely drew another revolver, and leveled it toward the crowd. So astonished had these men of Sassafras been, at the sudden action of the dashing sport, that they bad entirely neglected to watch for an capone to lift a weapon, in self defense, “Ye can jest bet you’ve struck the wron trail, captain,” Tiger Tooth growled. ‘* Durn little stuff ye’ll git in this shebang.” “It’s little I want, then, but I want it bad ” the road-agent sport answered, good-naturedly. “Just pan out now, without any further parley, or some one will get took sick all of a sudden. Mind you! my eyes are watching you, and the man who attempts to pull a pop, dies! You Tiger Tooth, let that feller up, and go ’round and take up a collection in your hat. If you
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| A No. 1, the Da don’t raise fifty dollars, I'll salivate you. Come! move |” The bully hesitated a moment, as if about to disobey, but the deadly aspect of the pistol pointed straight at him, brought him to his feet, and, taking off his battered plug hat, he passed it from man to man, ‘* Boyees, 1 reckon it’s policy to save a funeral, ef yecan!” he snarled, “‘ soshell out yer shekels, right permisc’ous. *T'ain’tevery day we hey the honor o’a visit frum a fust-class road-agent, an’ [ allow we orter appreciate ther ’casion!” The others seemed loth to coincide with this view, nevertheless handed over their share of “dust,” which A No. 1 stowed away in a hunt- ing sack, strapped at his side. “Thank you, gentlemen—thank you, heart- ily! Your magnanimous liberality I shall not soon forget. A portion of this money I shall devote to ree pase | an asylum for broken-down gamblers and road-agents, and if you ever need a home, I will give you a recommend to the Governor, who will welcome you. Da! da! now, and don’t forget that there is rest for the weary pockets, when A No. 1 is around!” The next moment he was gone! CHAPTER I. “ BUSINESS ” OF SEVERAL KINDS, Tux Shieldses were the aristocrats of Sassa- fras, if any of that peculiar element did, indeed, exist in the camp. Moreover, Simon Shields, with his hoary white hair and beard, was the first inhabitant, for he and his pretty daughter Jessie had set- tled down where now stood the scattering of shanties, more than a year before our story, when there had been no vestige of a town any as where in that gulch. t had been he who had found gold there and taken up valuable territory, which had since increased in value, until it brought him an almost princely revenye, to say nothing of the wealth each day mined at his own mine, the Bullion, which was the principal one in Sassafras City. Sassafras was yet comparatively a small camp, but boasted of the usual number of sa- loons, stores and gen pa and its streets were usually crowded with strangers. But for a week the rain bad poured down al- most incessantly, accompanied by a raw cold wind, which made it a pleasure for most people to keep whder shelter. About the time that the bold but suave road- agent, A No. 1 was in the midst of his operations at the Leonard House, Simon Shields sat in the front parlor of his comfortable abode, toasting his feet before the ruddy fire, upon the grate, while Jessie read aloud from a newspaper. A man of over sixty years, with snow-white hair and beard, he was still well preserved in feature and form, and seemed in a fair way to live on to the allotted three score and ten, ere he lost his strength and vigor. His daughter was petite, and bewitchingly previr er eyes were brown and es er cheeks tinted with a healthful glow and her mouth habitually wore a winning expres- sion. Her hair was of a sunny color, and ever worn with becoming taste of arrangement. She dressed ress and inexpensively, and yet at- tractively, and, in fact there was nothing about her in the way of agi: penypr or self conceit, that is often seen in those occupying si A harks t lady at h d a joll kli ec at home, and a sparklin elf ick Saanbling about the siblea, Ware Wies few of the men of Sassafras who would not literally risk breaking their necks for one of her smiles of approval. There was an uneasy expression upon Simon Shields’s face, as his daughter read the news, and it seemed evident that he paid little atten- tion to anything she said. Until, finally, Jessie laid aside the paper, and sir hp ading ee a dotias: hat is it, papa—-why are you so quiet, day?’ she phcad ag stroking his hair. ‘Is it the horrid weather that depresses you so?” “No, child. It matters little to me about the weather, although I’ll acknowledge it is rather ae hago outside. No, I do not feel exactly bunkum this morning, to tell the truth. I sup- ee it is nothing more than laziness, however. Bevera in ~ racemes § ‘awn vis , e went out awhile ago, sa. he was ie to the post-office.” : . “‘Humph! He goes to the post-office nearly a dozen times a day, does he not?—and there is but one mail. He must have urgent business. How do pe fancy bim, child?” = suppose he’ll pass—so far as young Oh, men go. He seems a little out of place here in the mines, though.” ‘Oh, that is because he was born and bred in an eastern city. Iam pleased tosee that he is so refined. Do you know why I had him pay us a visit, dear?” “Because you wished to see him, I suppose. I don’t know of any other reason.” ‘I thought you might have suspected. You see, my child, itisthis way. I am_getting so old now that it is not unlikely that I may drop away at any time, and I must make necessary provisions for the future. Youare young yet— a girl of eighteen merely—and incapacitated for the transaction of business, so I have con- sidered it the best to provide you a manager!” ‘Provide me a manager?” Jessie exclaimed. “ Why, what in the world do you mean, papa?” ‘‘Bxactly what Isaid. You need some one to look out for your future welfare; and who would be more likely to take a warm interest in you than your cousin? I have already spoken with him'in regard to the matter, and he con- fessed to a strong admiration for you.” “Why, papa Shields! I am astonished at you! I marry my own cousin! Why, I never heard of such a thing!” ‘““Then you have much to learn, dear. Mar- riages of cousins are of frequent occurrence, where the wealth of two families is necessary to be united. Look at the Rothschilds, for in- stance. Nearly all of this great family has in- termarried. Your union with Ned could but be attended with happy results, I am sure,” ‘‘Unfortunately for your project, I do not look at it in the same Jight, papa. Ihave all due respect for cousin, as a cousin, but there it allends. I would never, never consent to mar- ry bim!” “ Not if your father commanded you, child?” ‘©No! not if a dozen fathers commanded me!” Jessie replied, with spirit. ‘‘ I propose to choose my own husband, if I ever marry at all, and that settles that at once!” ‘*Ob, well, we won’t quarrel about it. Per- haps, after you have time for mature delibera- tion, you will reconsider.” “ Perhaps not!” Jessie retorted, emphatically, as she arose toleave the room. ‘‘ When I geta man he must be spirited, dashing, handsome and—a hero. Whata healthy-looking hero Ned would make, now, wouldn’t he? I'll bet if you were to stick him with a pin you couldn’t arouse his sluggish nature. Ha, ha, ha! No Edward Temple on my plate, if you please.” And she flitted away out of the room hum- ming the air, ‘‘Not for Joe.” The bold raid made by A No. 1 upon the habitues of the nard House bar-room soon became known throughout the camp, and cre- ated intense excitement, although no effort had been made to capture the dashing outlaw after he dodged from the saloon. It was the first case of the kind ever known around Sassafras, and it created not a little con- sternation among all classes, for the act had been the hight of boldness, and indicated what areckless sort of character Mr. A No. 1 was. The principal “hang out” in Sassafras was the Melodeon, which was run by a thorough- bred x phen man of the mines, named Oregon Bill. It wasa large two-story shanty, the up- per part being rented out for various occupa- tions, such as offices and lodging apartments, while the ground floor served the several pur- poses of concert-hall saloon and gambling-room, Its extreme size made ita favorite lounging- place for all classes of the citizens, as, especially at night, some sort of entertainment was given upon the little stage or platform, the character of it depending altogether on what sort of talent the proprtetor could scrape together. The robbery caused more than the regular trons to seek the Melodeon in hopes of learn- ng what action was to be taken in regard to the matter, and it was a heterogeneous assem- blage that collected there. ext to Simon Shields, Oregon Bill was the most important property-holder in the camp, and had, perhaps, the most influence, as he was Dy eyeor by many, mainly through fear. $a neal thing he was not what would be called exactly ren sakyace but when he got on a spree—which was two or more times a week— a ty an ugly customer to have anything to do w When the news of A No. 1’s visit reached his ears, he was just taking the initial start toward one of his periodical “ “ “ Road-agents, hey?” he roared. ‘“‘ Who sed there were road-agents about?” ‘‘That’s jest ther state o’ ther case!” Tiger Tooth assured. “A feller walized into the bar- shing Toll-Taker. , 3 room, down at the Leonard House, an’ made # lot-o’ us galoots shel! out our hard-earned shek- els. Now we, the aforesaid, want ter know what's ter be did?” “Kill the cuss, to be sure. Show him to me! TU wind up his ball o’ yarn!” Oregon Bill fumed. “But he’s gone—he’s skipped!” the bull- whacker declared. ‘He jest clim’ out o’ the bar-room like a jumpin’ grasshopper, an’ jumped out o’ sight nb ope n he jumped in.” “You're a purty set o’ babies,” Oregon sneer ed, ‘‘ to let a single man get away from youlike that. The hull caboodle o’ you ain’t wuth a cent a pound fer soap-grease, an’ 1 can. lick the galoot as sez I ain’t right.” “Yer a durned liar! I’m ther bigh cockolo- rum 0’ this hyar town—I, Tiger Tooth the Ter- roro’ Taos. Ef ye wanter dispute it, now’s yer time!” the buliwhacker yelled, throwing him- self into a defensive attitude. Oregon Bill glared at him a moment grinily, an evilsmile curving bis mustache-shaded mouth —then he said: ‘You're right; we might as well settle the matter o’ mastersbip right bere to-night, you big-mouthed loafer. We'll fight with knives at fifteen paces!” A murmur escaped from the swarm of specta- tors. Oregon Bill and Tiger Tooth had, since thei coming to Sassafras, been declared enemies, buf: had never offered to fight it out until now. Both were known to be knife-throwers of no mean ability, and the duel promised to afford a deal of sport for those of the rough audience whe enjoyed bloodthirsty affrays. ** Knives it is, then!” Tiger Tooth growled. “Td as lief fight ye wi’ them as wi’ any othef wee: Cl’ar away the gang, an’ chalk outa ane.’ The crowd were ordered back to the right and left sides of the room, and thus the center of the floor was left clear. After a consultation, it was agreed that each man should be provided with ten knives, and if they did not suffice to do the work, the battle should be called a draw. When all was in readiness, they took their places, fifteen paces apart; but that being voted too far, the distance was shortened to ten paces, The hand of each man clutched a long gleam- ing knife, and eight more of the deadly blades held positions in each belt. With hats off, sleeves rolled up, and faces stern and fierce in expression, stood these two human tigers facing each other. “Are you ready, gents?” a miner cried, hol& ing up a pistol, leveled ceilingward. ‘ Ready!” Oregon Bill assented. “ Hyer, too!” came from the Terrible. The pistol was fired cff asa signal for the duel to in, which it did in earnest. Oregon Bill hurled the first knife, and # struck the bullwhacker upon the side of the head, but glanced off, inflicting no wound. In return he sent one flyiug at the proprietor of the Melodeon, which cut an ugly gash across his cheek. Then the weapons flew thick and fast, until the last one had been burled. Neither of the combatants had fallen, but both were badly punished. Tiger Tooth had lost the tip of his nose and one eye, while Oregon Bill had a knife sticking in his breast, and his face was lacerated in sev eral places. “The battle’s a draw!” the referee cried “The conte stants are no longer fit to fight.” ‘*Kerwhoop! I’m ther victor!” Tiger Toot? roared. ‘ Barrin’ the lossof an eye an’ a tooth, T'm as solid as a clam, save the tip of my nose, which allers was too long. Is thar any one els¢ as is achin’ fer a scrimmage?” There evidently was not, for no one replied; not even Oregon Bill himself. The following morning there was a sensation in Sassafras City, which was discovered by the early risers, in t . shape 4 a number 0 A ac s posted up in conspicuous places, w contained the following message: “ NOTICE. “Five Hunprep Dotuars RewarpD! “ To whom it may concern :— “The sum of five hundred dollars will be cheem full to pilgrim who will ca Sy, pai ey lls oF ce hotonaion, tha eke Honorable A No, 1, tleman road. nt, I oder to get n'abead of apingabivers ix Ghd field, believing that as I am so lively I can't half of t Bee eas “enya: 1 Wl be temeeeale tor bey
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——— A A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-T aker, —————— well-wishing admirers to get a gri When i’m down in Sassafras again I'll ¢ on me. and see “ With regards, yours truly, ‘A No, 1, Roap-Agenr.”* The early morning stage came rolling into the camp about the time of the discovery of the absve, and brought the news that it had been halted a few miles back, and all the passengers and the treasure-box had been robbed. A single man had accomplished the job, atated the passengers, and their description of him was identical with that of A No. 1. This, of course, added to the excitement, and the camp during the forenoon was literally in ‘boiling commotion. Oregon Bill, Simon Shields, and a number of ethers of the moneyed men clubbed together and raised a large purse of money, following which placards were got out and posted in ee places offering a large reward for eapture of the outlaw hailing to the name of A Number One. The excitement of the day did not culminate here. The morning stage had brought to Sas- safras City another sensation in the shape of a gecond real live woman. Jessie Shields was believed the perfection of all that was pretty in womankind, but no sooner had the new-comer arrived than it.be- came evident that the rich mine-owner’s daugh- ter had a dangerous rival in point of beauty. The new beauty was about seventeen or eighteen years of age, well dressed, and had evidently come to stay, for she brought a couple of trunks with her, which it required two men to get to her room, at the Leonard House, Upon the register of that hostelry she in- ecri the somewhat singular autograph: ‘Miss Bessie BizNness, ** Gunnison, Col.” Bhe took her breakfast in her room, and then sought the hotel office. “Can you direct me to the school commis- sioner, sir?” she inquired of the uncouth pro- prietor, Nick Leonard. “The what ?” that worthy demanded, in as- tonishment. ‘* The school director, sir, or in fact any town officer who has to do with the educational mat- ters of this town.” “Thunder’n lightning, mum, thar ain’t noth- in’ o’ the sort in Bassa fas.” “What? No schools?” “ Nary?”’ ** Nor officers, or form of government?” * Reckon not, "less ye mought call Oregon Bill an officer. He ginerally runs the camp purty much to his own notion. What d’ye are ‘Oh! I want to teach!” “Ter teach? What? Who?” “Why, to educate the children—that is, in other words, to instruct the young idea how to shoot.” “Yer cl’ar off track, then, gal. Ther’ ain’t a chick ner child in ¢amp, an’ ther’s durned few o’ the grown pilgrims what can’t put six out 0’ seven bullets in the same mark!” CHAPTER III. THE SCHOOLMARM’S ENTERPRISE. Miss Bessie ‘‘ Biznuss” laughed, oddly, at old Leonard's mistake. **You don’t understand, I see,” she said. ‘* My name is Business, or Bizness, whichever ou please. I am a schoolmarm, and I’ve come ere to start aschool. Where can I find Citizen Oregon Bill?” “Down the street, at the Melodeon,. He runs that shebang.” Business bowed her thanks, and tripped away sip the stairs, She was graceful and agile as a fawn, and moreover, she was an almost perfect eounterpart of Miss Jessie Shields, Placing-the two girls side by side, it would have been diffi- eult to determine wherein they, were unlike, except that Business was possibly a trifle beavier. She looked like ‘‘ business,” too, when she came down-stairs, She was dressed the same, excepting that she now wore a plumed slouch rairie hat, turned up at one side, and a sbort Pat pretty buckskin jacket, belted around her waist, the belt holding a pair of revolvers, for few persons in Sassafras ever went unarmed. Leaving the tavern, she made her way to the Melodeon, which was comparatively deserted of its customary crowd, the majority of whom were at work in the mines. Oregon sat in an arm-chair, grim and gloomy, as he nursed his wounds, and a few others lounging about made up the occupants of the big saloon. “Ts there a man here n>med Oregon Bill?” Miss Business demanded, pausing near the fire- place. ‘* Yas, that’s me,” Oregon responded, survey- ing her with a stare of adniiration. ‘* What d’ye want?” ‘* Excuse me, sir; but I will introduce myself. Iam Bessie Business, sir, and have come here to start aschool. Understanding that you are the only officer of the town, 1 came to you, hoping to get a permit from you, and an appropriation toward establishing an educational institution.” Oregon Bill attempted to give vent to a whistle of surprise, but his hacked-up face ag vented the necessary puckering of his mouth, ‘* Who d’ye purpose ter eddicate?” he asked. ‘*Thar ain’t no kids around this camp.” “That don’t matter. There’s liable to be, ’most any day; but then, ef thar don’t any come, there’s plenty of grown-up pilgrims as need some learning.’ ‘‘Humph! You must be crazy, Find a man in Sassafras as don’t allow he knows more’n forty school-teachers, an’ ye can call me a griz- aly. Why, gal, thar’d be a riot in less’n a day, an’ you’d git yer purty throat cut!” “Would I? Well that remains to be told. I handled a rough school of grown-up boobies, up in Gunnison, and I opine f ain't afraid to try ro Seas here. Have I your permission to ry? % Sartin. Tyeno objections, Ill be trustee an’ look an’ see what fer sort o’ circus you'll create. As fer the funds, my barkeeper will give ye the requisite, on conditions,” “Then I don’t want’em. I never accept con- ditions. Good-day, sir.” _ And with a nod, the schoolmarm left the Me- iodeon, “Tl have to nerve myself for trouble, and run the school on my own hook,” she muttered, as she made her way back to the Leonard House. During the day she succeeded in leasing a shanty in the vicinity of the Melodeon, and get- ting the first floor fitted up, in a rough way, for school purposes, reserving the upper rooms for her own accommodation. Her next move was to procure a couple of large sheets of paper and convert them into a poster, and paste it up onthe front door. Next she rocured a marking-brush and some suitable ink, and set to work to print her announcement, It required some time for her to do this, and in the mean time she was watched eagerly, by a curious crowd, Great astonishment was expressed, on their rough and in many instances, evil counte- nances, but none of them seemed inclined to offer Miss Business any insult, or molestation. When the notice was finally completed, it read as follows; “SCHOOL! ‘* Take Notice! ** Miss Bessie Business, of Gunnison, will to-mor- row morning at nine o’clock, open in this building, a select school, for the accommodation of those who may desire to acquire a better education than they now possess. Terms $1 per lesson, each scholar. Strict —— will be observed, and punishment meted out to bad pupils, regardless of age or posi- tion. Applications may be made, in person, at the hour for opening of the forenoon exercises, “ Bessix Busine s, Teacher.” Over and over the motley assemblage read this, or at least, such of them as were able to read; then, one pilgrim stepped forward and doffed bis hat, respectfully to Business, as we shall henceforth call her. He was a men of medium build, but wore a tremendous shock of glossy black hair, which, combined with his huge beard, of the same hue, left very little of his countenance visible, except a handsome pair of eyes. He was.dressed in corduroy, with knee-boots slouch hat, and a bristling belt of weapons, and altbough not What one would term evil-looking, was not just such a man as one would care to meet, after dark, in a lonely place. ** Excuse me, miss,” he said, in a voice rather pleasant, considering his brigandish appearance, ‘but 1 allow ye kin count on one scholar, ter one’t. I know an inkling "bout readin’ an’ spel- lin’, ye see, but nary a thing ’bout ’rithmetick, and I allow as how it would be a benefit to me to know a few about that, too,” 5 “ Certainly,” Business said, smiling and ghow- ing her pretty teeth. ‘‘ Be kind enough tg step inside, and [ll enroll you.” . Step inside the bewhiskered gent did, and a number of the crowd followed, hve Business stepped behind her desk, and took up er poe ‘* What’s your name?” she asked. **Sol Sloan, from Tombstone,” the man re- plied. ‘“Very good. Mr. Sloan, you will repcrt at nine to-morrow, not forgetting te bring a dollar with you.” “*Correct. Here’s a half-ea,ie, NOV an ac- count,” Sloan said, tossing her a gold coim, ‘‘T will be on h nd,” Among the gaping assembly of curious ones, was Old Tiger Tooth. Beside him, ever his inseparable companion, was the ugly dwarf, Claudie. There was @ malicious gleam in the bull- whacker’s eye, and bis bandaged countenance was not exactly pleasant to look upon, ‘‘See hyer,” he said, addressing Business. ““T reckon mebbe you've no objections tew ans’erin’ a few questions, hey?” “Certainly not, if they are worthy of an answer,” Business replied, promptly. “* What do you want?” ‘*Waal, I kinder opine I might chip in an’ come to school, too, pervidin’ yer not too sassy, an’ bossy. I allow, o* course, thet ye don’t keer ef a feller chaws an’ smokes, an’ when he wants ter go out fer three fingers 0’ bug. juice or ter play poker, it’s all squar’ wi’ you,” “By no manner of means. During school hours each pupil will keep his seat, and study— - or get thrashed, you bet! No whispering will be allowed, no swearing, no chewing, smoking or drinking, and the lessons must be learned and recited perfectly, or scholars kept in until they are perfect.” Tiger Tooth chuckled, villainously. “ Wull, you'll see how it "ll work!” he growled. “ll bet thar’ll be crape on the school’us door, mighty quick. It’sa siuvoh wind as blowsin a woman as kin boss the boys 0’ Sassafras.” Business did not answer, but the snap of her eyes proved that the threat implied in the bull- wom er’s words did not frighten her, im Ube east. Seeing that she was not going to argue with him, Tiger Tooth and his diminutive offspring took their a Seah as did the others, leaving but one pupil enrolled upon the fair instruct- ress’s register. CHAPTER IV. UNWELCOME VISITAN,.. DurRINnG that day, as Simon Shields sat in his parlor, looking rather grim and restless, a woman was ushered into his presence, by the Chinese servant, Ah Ling, after which the lat- ter took his departure, The visitor was elad in somber black, and wore a thick vail of the same hue tied down over her face, so that her features were quite invisible, Her visit was evidently not unexpected, for Simon Shields looked up with a stariled ** On!” his face assuming an ashen pallor, while he briefly motioned her to a seat. A momentary silence ensued; then, the wo- man spoke, in a harsh voice: ‘This is nasty weather, Simon!” ‘It is!’ the mine owner sullenly answered. **T didn’t expect you!” “No? Oh! well, you see storms do not con- cern me much, when there’s important business to attend to. How are money matters, to-day?’ “You can judge for yourself!” handing her an opened letter, which lay in bis lap. She took it, and held it close to her face, se that she could decipher the chirography. It was dated a week before, at Chicago, and read thus: “DEAR Suretps:—Ruin stares you in the face, un- less you can raise a hundred thousand do.lars, be- fore two weeks expire. I jumped the whole amount into stocks, and they went down a-booming, in less than.a day. More: I gave your individual note for ten thousand, and that was swept, too. Although I suffer severely, I can but pity you on account of yous. loss.. I see a corner in grain, a few days off, and f you have confidence in me, again, by sending on the cash, I am certain I can at least make you whole all around. “ Yours truly, etc., “J. P. Lover.” The woman in black gave an exclamation of dissatisfaction. ** What does it mean?” she demanded. “It means that Iam ruined!” Simon Shields groaned, ‘‘ Every cent of money [ had in the world, besides some thousands I borrowed, has been swept away, through my accursed con- fidence in this man, Loveil.” ** Lovell?” “Yes, Jack Lovell, hitherto one of Chicago's luckiest’ stock-gamblers. I bave been trusting him, and he has been winning for me off and on,
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A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 5 these two years, until at last he induced me to risk all, on a ‘sure thing,’ as he expressed it. Behold the result!” ** Poor fool! It’s a pity so keen a villain as you should be victimized by one of your own clique. I gave youcredit for more shrewdness. You might as safely have trusted the whole ry to me,” the vailed woman said, sarcasti- cally. ‘** Perhaps,” he murmured, vacantly. * Well, you’re not so bad off, anyhow,” she went on, rather unfeelingly. ‘‘ You have the mine left, It won’t be much of a job to raise money on that. So let’s get down to bu iness.” ‘“*Woman, have you no mercy ¢”’ the mine-pro- prietor gasped, appealingly. ‘‘1 have always met eg squarely, heretofore; give me respite, now?” “Well, I rather guess not,” she chuckled. “It isn’t im my line of business to be merciful. What I want is the cash, and that I must have, witb- out delay.” “T have not got it—God knows 1 have not. More, I cannot get it. I know of no place in the world where I could raise so much money |” “Pshaw! Whatis five thousand dollars? Why the Bullion’s daily income is nearly that.” ‘* You are mistaken. My revenues are vastly overrated.” ‘That matters not to me. It’s the stuff I want, and right here I sit until I get it, You must not blame me if your own delay brings on exposure!” nd she laughed wickedly. Simon Shields arose from his easy-chair and paced the floor, his face the scene of many con- tending emotions. Thoroughly in this nameless woman’s power he seemed to be, aud the very knowledge of ra fact appeared to be gall and wormwood to im, “Pve a strong notion to do nothing more about the matter.” he cried, passionately, paus- ing for a moment in front of her. “Then 1)’d be out of this accursed worriment, I know. “Do sey really think so?” she sneered. ‘'Do ou really believe you’d have it as nice as you ave it now?” “Curse you, would you still hound me?” “ Assuredly, only in a different way and with greater force. There are only two sides to the ease, Simon—one side is money ; the other side is exposure and—” “Stop!” he cried. ‘Say no more. I will go out and try toraise the money. You can go, now, and return to-night at nine.” ‘Ah! I thought you’d finally become sen- sible. — I register at the tavern at your ex- nse “Go! It’s enough to have you out of my presence.” She laughed, with quiet triumph, and arose and left the room. Sbe had not been gone ten minutes when Oregon Bill was ushered into the mine-owner’s resence, “ Hello, old man!” he cried, familiarly, as he helped himself to achair. ‘‘S'pose yer a leetle surprised to receive a wisit from me, not?’ ‘* 7 am, indeed,” Shields replied, uneasily, for although there was ne open breach between him aad the ruffian, it was well known in Sassafras that the two cordially disliked each other. “Yas, I allowed ye would be, ye see, an’ I didn’t keer. We never bev been wery neizh- borly. You never so much as drap inter my place to punish aglass o’ bug juice.” “T do not drink.” “ Waal, mebbe not. But, then, I hearn tell as e didn’t like it ’ca’se [ try oceasionally ter pick amiliar acquaintance wi’ yer gal, an’ also that you sets her up ter snub me,” ‘‘T am not afraid to admit that Iam exceed- ingly choice of whom my daughter associates with. Moreover, she bas a positive repugnance for you, sir.” “She has, eh? Wull, I'll Yarn her to, adore me yet, pervidin’ I don’t make a mash on ther school-teacher. By the way, Simon, ye gave a note ter Jim Peters, fer a couple thousan’ bor- ried money. Jim turned it over to me, an’ I’m hyer to collect it!” “You will have to go away disappointed then. [ haven’t any ready cash available.” * Yer check will do.” ‘‘Hardly. Ihave no longer a bank account.” “Git out. Ye can’t lie ter me!” ‘It’s the truth; I’m broke for a few days!” Oregon’Bill whipped out a six-shooter, and cocked it. “ve met jes sech fellers afore,” he an- nounced, grimly. ‘‘ Now, do you pan out the swag afore the second hand on yonder clock ae once around, or by the dust of old Socrates, ll salivate you six times right thr’u’ your old white noddle!” And it looked decidedly as if Simon Shields was doomed. The next minute there wasa flash, amé& the report of a pistol reverberated through tke room. CHAPTER V. JESSIE’S REMARKABLE RESOLVE. IT was not the pistol held by Oregon Bill that had exploded, but that grasped by a dashing- looking stranger who had just stepped into the room. This stranger was nove other than the hand- some road-agent, A No. 1, and the firing of his weapon bad sent a _pistol-ball through the right wrist of Oregon Bill, causing the revolver to fall from bis hand, while he uttered a how: of pain and rage, “You'll excuse me, my friend, for wounding you!” A No, 1 said, as be advanced, manifestly keeping his weapon ready for emergency, *‘ but you see, I couldn’t allow you to murder a defenseless old man for the sake of a few paltry dollars!” ‘A thousand devils seize you! Ill have your life for this!” Oregon Bill bellowed, although he did not attempt to leave his chair. **T don’t doubt it, in the least!” A No. 1 re- sponded, smilingly. ‘*‘ You look like a person capable of taking lives whenever you are granted a favorable opportunity. Unfortunately for you now, I happen to hold the drop.” ‘Who are you?” Simon Shields demanded; “ for I want to thank you for your timely inter- vention.” The road-agent laughed. ‘‘Don’t waste any thanks on me, I beg of you,” he responded, ‘‘ for they are not required. As to who Iam, my many sterling qualities of cheek and gall have won me the suggestive sobriquet of A No. 1. I have been appointed to collect toll from such parties as travel over the main trails leading to this camp. In vulgar parlance, I presume I am what most peue would call a road-agent. For my own liking, aw sounds more high-toned and _ business- ike. “ Callin the boys, Simon—call in the fellers, an’ arrest the cuss!” Oregon Bill cried, ‘* D’ye hear?” ‘“T am not so ungrateful as that,” the mine- owner declared. ‘‘ What is your business here, Sir Toll-taker?’ “Oh, nothing much. Isawa party come in here that struck me as having a familiar appearance, and I came expecting to meet her. By the way, I chanced to overhear a part of the conversation between you and this chap, Oregon Bill, from which I infer that you are in his debt.” ‘‘T am, if he holds my note, as he claims.” ‘And you haven’t the ready cash to redeem the note with?” ‘*T have not!” “Then would you accept a loan from me sufficient for present needs?” ‘Sir, 1am astonished. Why, I do not even know you!” “What does that matter? Sufficient be it, that I know you, quite well, and am not afraid to trust you with any amount of money at my command.” ‘* You know me? You? In Heaven’s name who ara you, and what are you driving at?” ‘*T have no further answer to make, than my previous declaration, sir. If you want money, we can arrange it satisfactorily, I doubt not.” ‘Then, I must respectfully decline, sir. You would not be so accommodating without an ob- ject. You have my grateful thanks, so far es you deserve them, but no further. Good-day.” ‘* You needn’t have dismissed me—I was about going, anyhow!” the toll-taker said, with a light laugh, ‘ Look out that Oregon Biil don’t get the best of you again!” And bowing, he wa!ked nonchalantly out of the room, Shields bad picked up Oregon Bill’s revolver, and now leveled it at him. ‘*- You can go also!” hecried, “ It is past my Pt hours, and I do not pay any bills to-day. oY ‘*T reckon!” the ruffian gritted, as he finished bandaging up bis shattered wrist. ‘But ye ain’t heerd ther last from me—n t muchly, Simon Shields. Ef l can’t git squar’ wi’ you, thar’s yer baby-faced girl—Ill cut her purty throat, or [’m a liar!” ‘You wretch! If vou dexe to harm.one hair of her heed, P’li have you killed by inches. now, and néver dare to darken my door again!” “‘ We'll see!” Oregon Bill retorted, with grim significance. ‘‘ You’ve got the grip now, but you won’t have it long!” He arose, and left the house, Simon Shields keeping him covered until he was in the street. The old man then returned to the parlor, and sat for some time in a deep reverie, his face wearing a worried expression. His reverie was finally interrupted by the entrance of Jessie, who uttered a startled as she beheld the blood from Oregon Bil wound upon theecarpet, ‘‘Oh! papa! papa! what is the matter? Are you hurt? Speak, quick!” “Not physically, my child, although I came near losing my life,” he replied, gravely, fol- lowing with a brief narration of wbat had oc- curred, ‘‘ And now, my child, there is some thing else of importance I bave to say.” ** Yes, papa.” “Tt is something that will startle you, my child. I am not worth a cent in the wide world!” ae Pa a! “It is God’s own trath! Iam ruined. Every penny, nearly, that I bave in the world, has een swept away in a disastrous speculation!” ‘“‘Bout you have your real estate left—the mine, and the revenues from the leased claims,” ‘* You are wrong—just as every body else has been. I cannot tell you all, but neither the mine nor landed property is mine, and pever rightfully was. Besides all this, it is pledged for every cent it is worth!” Poor Jessie. She sat staring at him like one dumfounded, lt was indeed a revelation to her—something she had never dreamed of. “T cannot explain all to you,” the old man went on, ‘for it is a deep, dangerous secret known to but few. As I said before, I to-day am a ruined man, unless I can immediately raise a large sum of money. I must have it— do you hear? I must bave it, or death stares me in the face, and cannot he averted!” ‘Poor papa! You know I deeply sympathize with you in your trouble, and if there is a thing in the world that 1 can do to help you, you know I will gladly do it.” ‘“T know, my child, I know, but I can see 00 way out of the dark.” ‘““Who owns the mine, papa—that is, who holds the mortgage?” Simon Shields groaned. **The most dangerous friend-foe I have in the world—the Chinese Jew, Ruts, alias John Lee He has the power to foreclose it any day, but I have succeeded in staving him cff until, now, because he his a vague idea that there is a pos- » sible chance of bis winning your favor.” ‘Merciful saints! Why, that horrid wretch is di:gusting to my sight!” ““Nevertheless be thinks, because he is rich, he must be handsome and a desirable catch.” ‘Then you cannot get money from him?” ** No, indeed !” ‘* How much do you need?” *T could possibly get along with ten thousand dollars. I must have five thousand for certain inside of twenty-four hours, or it’s all up with me ” **Do you know of no one who would loan you the amount on the mine, not knowing of the mortgege? In desperate cases almost auy rem. edy is a virtue.” “No, I.do not know of any one. Among those who have money it is pretty gencraliy suspected that I am virtually insolvent, What to do I do not know. I am almest sciry that I didn’t accept & loan from the outlaw.” ‘Oh, papa! that wOuld Lave been very wrong! Let me put my wits to work and sce i! I cunne figure a way cut of the dilewma.” “God bless you, my cLild! I bave faith tLis ou can.” With a thoughtful expression of countenance Jessie arose and paced tie fluor, her brows anx- ted and her eyes half closed, as if she were dreaming over the solution of the problem. For nearly half an hour she walked thus to and fro, and Simon Shields watched her eeger ly. nervously. To him her conclusion meant life or death— for he could form no idea how he might be able to raise the five thousand dollars for the Vailed Woman. At last Jessie reseated herself, with @ sort of despairing sigb. Her face was pale, but bore an expression of firm resolution. * ‘“‘T have thought of every reasonable apa, aud can see no hope except in one jon.” ‘* And what is that, my child?” “Tt is this—you must sacrifice me |” ‘ar. te ee
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6 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. —_— “* What? Great God! are you mad?” **No, Lam perfectly sane. It is a desperate thing to do, but to save you I am willing to do it. You must put me up at auction and sell me to the highest bidder!” Simon Shields looked thunderstruck, and for the moment was speechless. “16 is the only remedy,” Jessie went on, bravely. ‘‘ You know the sensation and rivalry such a sale would create. And considering the matter from a sensible stand-point, no harm can come tome, There is no law that would bind me to my purchaser, and once you get the money I can manage the rest. The man does not live who can make me abide the terms and conditions of such a sale, if he was distaste- ful to me personally.” The old man bowed his head and groaned, “This is terrible!’ he declared. ‘I could never countenance such a thing. I will die first myself.” **No, you will not! You are my father—I will never allow harm to come to you, under any circumstances. Ihave fully made up my mind on the venture. It shall come off to-mor- row night at sunset. Once the money is paid into your hands, mark my word, I’ll look out for myself, and escape to Lone Pine Camp.” “ My child, I know not what tosay! It isa most extraordinary and rash undertaking.” “ Nevertheless, [ am going through with it; so set your heart at rest and trust for the best, 1 will find cousin Ned now, and we will put our heads together and coy the arrange- ments. Now, don’t have the least fear, for it will all come out right in the end.” Once more was Sassafras thrown into a state of commotion the following morning, on ac- count of the notice which a placard on the post- office door contained. Things marvelous were really not of unex- ted occurrence in a town of Sassafras City’s everish nature, but the contents of the notice in question, as a matter of course, created un- bounded excitement. It read thus: ** PUBLIC SALE. | “ Everysopy TAKE Norice. “ By virtue of a lawful claim, I have hereby levied «pon, and will expose at public sale to-morrow night, at sunset, in front of the post-office, at Sassa- fras, the following described property, to wit: ** One attractive Mi woman, aged seventeen and one-half years, named Jessie Shields, and guaranteed to be one of the most worthy and respectable girls in the Territory. Said sale to be conducted with the full consent of said Jessie Shields, and the above re rty to be knocked down to the highest cash idder, above five thousand dollars. **EpwaRD TEMPLE,” A p7blic sale of a young and beautitul girl, and she, too, to be sold outright! No wonder Sassafras waxed warm. What did it mean? What right had Ned Temple to thus auction off a human being, and that pretty Jessie Shields? Old pilgrims nodded knowingly, and allowed there was something crooked about the matter, while the more youthful element counted their dollars and dust, to see if there was any use of their putting in a bid. Among the ss rege of the camp there were a number of well-to-do persons who could raise a deal of money at short notice, so that the out- look was favorable for an exciting auction. Anything as sensational as this was too much for the quietness of the pOse in Sassafras, and numbers of the miners quit work to make a holiday of the occasion—the moneyed miners sprucing up in becoming style, and the unfortu- nate ‘“‘unheeled” class spending their earnings for drink. And, although by a bold move, Miss Jessie Shields had brought herself to the very fore, in the line of sensational notoriety, she was not destined to be exclusively the magnet of attrac- tion that day. It was the day for the opening of the new school, and this fact was by no means forgot- ten, despite the counter sensation, At least, not by a considerable number. At about half-past eight o’clock the door of the schoolroom was thrown open, and Business took her stand in the rahe & She was pow dressed in a full suit of stylish male attire, and looked decidedly piquant and dashing. Her belt was plentifully supplied with weap- ons, and it looked as if she did indeed mean ** business.” The first pupil to come’along was the man rh | fe of the tremendous beard, Sol Sloan, from Tombstone. ° Business welcomed him with a pleasant smile, and bade him go in and take a seat. During the next ten minutes several rough and dirty miners put in an appearance, paid over their dollar, and entered, and it struck Business that one or-two of them did it more for the sake of seeing the fun than anything else. The last to come were Tiger Tooth and his grotesque son, Claudie, but the graceful figure of Business blocked the doorway. ‘‘Hillo! ain’t yer goin’ ter let us in?” the bull- whacker demanded. ‘“ Guessme an’ my cherub warts ter graduate frum this byer instertution, as well as any one else—don’t we, Claudius Ap- ius?” ‘*T should snicker!” was Claudie’s response. ‘¢T don’t care much fer takin’ you in,” Busi- ness said, ‘‘ for if you come-in here, you’ve got to mind!” ‘On course, mum! We'll be jest as meek as a couple o’ kittens. Ef weain’t, you can tan us!” ‘* Then fork over your cash!” The money was paid, and with a huge grin 0’ delight Tiger Tooth strode into the school, in the middle of which he executed a clumsy hand- spring, and gave a roar like a mountain lion. There was, literally, music in the air, now, and no mistake! CHAPTER VI. THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. ‘‘KERWHOOP!” roared the bullwhacker, as he finished his terpsichorean effort, ‘‘I tell yer thar’s nothin’ common about us graduates, now. Prime old sophs, aire we, right from Harvard, an’ don’t you fergit it,” ‘“Mr, Tiger Tooth, I command you to be seat- ed!” Business cried, her eyes flashing with in- dignation. “ Bizness, old gal, I won’t do nothin’ o’ the sort!” the ruffian leered. ‘‘I kim hyar on pur- pose ter dedicate this hyar instertution, and ye can singe my skin ef I don’t doit. Go ahead wi’ yer school, me beauty! Claudie an’ I will act as chairmen.” Business‘ eyed the bullwhacker a moment, as if estimating his strength; then, quick as a flash, she drew one of her revolvers, and cocked if. She next reached behind her desk, and drew forth a bull-whip of the black-snake order, the handle of which was ornamented with golden bands. Tiger Tooth eyed her, grimly. “What ye goin’ to do?” be demanded, un- easily. “T am going to give you your first lesson!” Business cried, sternly. “If you attempt to resist the punishment I am about to inflict, Pl put a bullet through you, and don’t you forget that!” And, without further warning, she proceeded to ply the whip to his shins, with emphasis. *“ Dance, you fool—dance!” cried Claudie, as Tiger Tooth writhed and twisted, with each blow. ‘If you dance, ’twon’t hurt so bad!” ‘Oh! oh! oh!” bellowed the bullwhacker. ** Stop! stop! d’ye hear?” ‘*T'll make ye dance!” Business cried, with vim. “If youcome to my school, Pll learn you manners!” And she laid on the blows thick and fast, and with all her might, until Tiger Tooth fairly howled with pain, much to the delight of all the other “scholars.” “Stop! thunderation! quit” be roared. ‘Tl do jest what’s right; I cave! I beg!” “Do you promise to behave yourself, and obey my orders, then?’ Business demanded. “On eourse I do—on course I do!” Tiger Tooth whined. ‘‘f cave, like a major!” “Then take your seat, and watch out that you do behave!” He obeyed, and Claudie followed his example. Business then proceeded with ber work. The forenoon was devoted to examining her scholars, and the best of order prevailed, pro- bably owing to the fact that Business kept her revolver ready for instant use, all the while. Literally, as meek as a lamb, was the bull- whacker, and his deformed son copied the actions of the parent. Nevertheless, the eyes of Tiger Tooth emitted an oceasional venomous gleam, which signified as well as words could have done that he was bent on having his racket out, no matter what consequences might ensue. After school was dismissed for noon, he and Claudie left the shanty and made for the handi- est saloon, where they spent the midday recess eee ED a EE SOO ae wile in filling up with old “ forty-rod,” also arming themselves with a couple of quart-bottles of the same poisonous beverage. So that by school-time they were in prime fighting order, so to speak, and marched into the school-room with an aspect of bull-dog ferocity, Business watched them narrowly, her mind fully made up to conquer them, even if she had to shoot them. She felt confident of an impending row, and something seemed to tell her that there was but one of her pupils she could depend upon to lend her a helping hand, and that man was Sol Sloan, the man of the black beard. His little black eyes that peered out from under the shaggy brows seemed to lend her a glance of reassurance, inasmuch as he closely watched Ti- ger Tooth. The afternoon session had hardly been called to order when the bullwhacker momentarily caught Business off her guard, and whipping out a revolver, leveled it full at her. ‘Whoa! thar!” he roared, leaping upon his bench. ‘Whar aire ye now, ye durned baby- faced skulemarm? Guess ye’l] git down on yer knees an’ ax my parding now, won’t ye?” ‘Put up that weapon, sir!” Business cried, sternly. ‘If you don’t you'll regret it. If you create another fuss, you'll not get off as chee as you did this morning.” : “Who won’t—l!—I, ther great mortin’, golden-fanged rhinoserious o’ the West? D'ye mean ter tell me I hain’t got everything my own way, when I hold thedrap? Waal, we'll jest see about thet aire, an’ don’t fergit it. Claudie, my bloomin’ cherub, jest you pull yer pop an’ cover her royal highness, while I invite ther boys to liquor up!” : Claudie obeyed this injunction, leaving Busi- ness no chance for drawing a weapon. Tiger Tooth then, with bis own weapon ready for use, drew forth bis bottle and began passing it to the crowd. ’ “Drink!” he cautioned, menacing with his weapon, “or I'll put a buzzer in yer noddle. Thar sha’n’t be no temp’rince in this hyer skule!” Most of the men were absolutely afraid of the bullwhacker, and all complied with his request, in order to prevent bloodshed, except one. The last’ man the bottle was banded to was Sol Sloan, who took it with a profound bow and arose to his feet. Instead of placing the muzzle of the bottle to his lips, however, he executed a lightning move- ment and dashed it into atoms against Tiger Tooth’s face, at the same time seizing his revol- ver and wrenching it from his grasp. The glass caused a number of ugly gashes in the bullwhacker’s face, and the fiery liquor get- ting into these, and into bis eyes, caused him excruciating agony, and for the time being made him wholly unable to see. But the work of Sol Sloan did not end here, for he gave Tiger Tooth a tremendous slap be- side the head that sent him spinning to tbe floor, and then leaped toward the terrified Claudie, Hine anticipating annihilation, made for the oor. He managed to escape through if, but the toe of Sloan’s No. 7 lent a deal of impetus to bis ight. he man from Tombstone then returned to the insensible bullwhacker, and, seizing him by the heels, also dragged him out of doors, and then returned to the school-room, closing the door after him. “There! f guess school can go on now with- out interruption!” he said, with a grim chuckle, “JT am very much obliged for your gentle- manly interference,” Business acknowledged gratefully. : Sloan was right; there was no more disturb- ance that afternoon, in regard to school. When he recovered, Tiger Tooth was helped away to his shanty by his dutiful offspring, and spent the remainder of the day, nearly, in patching up his lacerated visage, and swabbing out his inflamed eyes. When school was finally dismissed, Sol Sloan lingered a moment in the school-room after the others bad gone. ‘‘ Bessie!” he said, approaching. the plucky schoolmarm’s desk, ‘‘ it cannot be possible you do not reecoznize me?” She looked up at him in a startled way. ‘‘Why, Lam sure 1 do not,” she replied with evident candor, “But you do. [ am A No. 1, the Toll- taker!” She startled still more. * And, pray, how should I know you? My acquaintance is not extensive among people of that class,” “Perhaps not. But cam you reeall no one pa Gee C. SLBTSIRaS
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Te} A ro ———_— No. 1 ———— a , the Dashing Toll-Taker. 7 whom your cruelty may have brought to such a wild and reckless life?” Busivess grew pale, and looked even more startled than before. ‘** Fred—” she gasped. “Yes, Fred Brayton, Bessie—I am he, I have been haunting your trail ever since we met, two years ago, swearing never to give up, no matter what might happen. Have you no welcome?” ‘‘None, Mr. Brayton. Did my motber not tell you that 1 could never be anything to you, sir? “Then your mother still manages your per- sonal affairs?” He spoke with a bitterness born of keen dis- appointment. “She does, sir. I would not have you speak of her disrespectfully. Remember, that, al- though she may have unfounded objections to you, she is still my mother, and I obey her.” ** You are right. I have all respect for her; but I cannot fathom her apparent antipathy for me.” ** Nor I—nor does it matter. and I am bound to obey it!” ““Nobly spoken, and I admire you for it. But, will you not give me the encouragement of suspecting, that were it not for your mother’s dislike for me, matters might be different?” Her eyes met his in an unwavering glance, and there was something wildly passionate in the expression that dawned over her face, as he noticed. ‘*Did 1 love you with all the strength of my heart and soul, would you consider me wise in dooming my future life to an uncertain state of misery and peril, by placing it in the keeping of a man on whom the a has set the seal of out- lawrvy?” she asked calmly, but not harshly. ‘Considering me a road-agent, perhaps you are right; yet, I know I am as free a man as exists on American soil—that is, after I accom- plish a certain object.” ‘* Which is all an unriddled problem to me; but, you had better go. Yourdelay here might attract attention.” “Forgive my thoughtlessness. You have no word to say before I go?” “Yes, Listen to me, Fred Brayton. I met you and learned to admire you—that is a suffi- ciently strong term for the feeling I had; but fate willed that our ways should go in different directions. We have met again and ought now to understand each other. y life is enshroud- ed in a secret, of which my mother will not even @ive me aninkling. Henceforth we are strang- ers until you personally solve that mystery to me, and obtain my mother’s approval of you. Ts it necessary to say more?” ‘*More I do not require!” he cried passionate- fy, seizing her fair band and raising it to his lips. ‘‘I have had my answer, and my work pointed out. Aw revoir !” He turned, and left the shanty. She watched him until he reached the hotel; then, with a sigh, turned back to her desk. CHAPTER VII. THE TOLL-TAKER TAKEN, As the evening hour arrived, the main street of Sassafras became more and more lively with people burrying excitedly to and fro, for soon thepublic auction of Jessie Shields would take place, and certain it was that no one in Sassa- fras cared to miss this treat. Those who were fortunate enough to have a liberal amount of funds were naturally the most interested, and ’twas said that several pilgrims, of only limited means, had “ gone in snucks,” and would give their more wealthy competitors a tight race for the beauty. There was another interested class, whose pile averaged from a hundred dollars down; and as they had no business to bid, they bad to be con- tent with gambling on the general result. Two men had the preference among the ma- jority of the bettors, and they were Oregon Bill and the Chinese nabob, Rats, who were both rigged out in their best. attire, For the convenience of those who desired to take a band in the bidding, a platform had been ®rected just opposite the post-office steps, where the auction was to take place, while the non- idders were politely informed that the street would amply answer all purposes for them, Before the sun/ had yet touched the horizon, the neighborhood of the proposed sale was black with spectators, while there was a goodly num- ber of bidders upon the platform, over whom Oregon Bill had evidently set himself as master of ceremonies, for he took pains to allow no one upon the stand who was not a bidder. Just before the sale was to begin, Sol Sioan Her will is law, pushed his way through the crowd, and endeav- ored to climb upon the platform. Bill saw him, and motioned him back sav- agely. “You keep off thar!” he cried. one but bettors up here!” ‘*Oh! you don’t?” Sloan retorted, paying no heed to this order but clambering up on the staging. ‘‘ Maybe you’d better find out who is going to bet before you git too fly!” Oregon Bill ripped out an oath. ** Why, cuss me! d’ye know who you're chin- nin’ back to?” he roared. ‘*You bet I do that!” was the unabashed an- swer. ‘‘And more than that, I know that I don’t care who you are.” ; Beneath the fearless glance of the Tombstone- ite the ruffian quailed somewhat. ‘““Ye say ye cum here to bet?’ he de- manded. ‘““Bxactly—providing I see fit to!” ‘* Waal, neow, I don’t believe in no such non- sense as that, I don’t; so you’ve jest got ter show up yer swag or git off o’ hyer!” Sloan, as we shall still know him in his dis- guise, flushed angrily. ‘Were these other parties required to do this?” he asked. “ce No. ” “Then I will do nothing of the sort.” **'You won't?” “Not if Sol Sloan knows himself.” “Then git off ther platform.” “*T refuse.” ‘*Cuss ye, git off, or I'll put ye off!” “Try it! I dare you!” With a yell, and the fury of ‘a panther ex- pressed in his face, the bully leaped at his oppo- nent. But he calculated wrongly, for Sloan grappled with him in a way he had not expected; instead, he made a sudden dodge aside, and allowed Bill to rush head-foremost off the platform. A derisive yell arose from the crowd, and se- veral of those over whom the bully had tumbled and hurt, fell upon him, and proceeded to give him a good cote: | This was enough for the whisky-soaked ele- ment in the street, and in short order, the whole crowd were fighting among themselves, like a pack of wolves. For nearly half an hour the riot raged, and pistols and knives were used freely, and more than one pilgrim bit the dust. Finally, Jessie Shields and her handsome cou- sin came dashing up, on horseback, and that put an end to the fight. The wounded were ruthlessly dragged aside, and the populace wedged themselves in a mass near the post-office steps. Oregon Bill was assisted to the platform, more dead than alive, with all the fight taken out of him. He had received the worst pounding of his life, and his face was literally a pumice; yet he staggered to the front of the platform, and elled: “ “‘Kerwhoop! I ain’t half dead, yit. Tl start thet aire piece o’ caliker, at five hundred dol- lars, spot cash!” The words of the bullwhacker next followed the declaration of the bully. “‘ Jest ye hold yer hosses, thar, Mr. Oregon Willum. Ef ther court knows herself, I calky- late as how I’m ther auctioneer, at this funeral, au’ I don’t went no bids, nor lip-in, till I git eer} v ter pronounce the prize ready ter be sold!” And, mounted upon his stout but stumpy son’s shoulders, or more properly sitting astride his son’s hump, the Tiger Tooth of Taos seldom if ever looked more fierce and ugly than now. Claudie bore up under the weight of his pa- rent, with reuse docility, evidently proud of his really great strength. “A ‘Yes, sir-ee, bob-tail hoss! I hev bin ap- pointed to do ther screechin’ fer this hyer occa- sion,” Tiger Tooth went on, ‘an’ am proud o’ the honor, Ther property ’bout ter be sold, fel- ler-galoots, ye all perceive is fully what she’s represented to be, an’ she goes to ther highest bidder, I don’t keer a darned who he is. “*She’s gentle, kind an’ bright; So bid higher'n a kite, Or thar’ll sartin be a fight.’ ‘““What did ye say, Oregon Bilyus—how much cash did ye offer?’ ‘il start her at five bundred dollars!” Ore- gon bowled, mopping off his bloody face. ‘* Five undred for the gal.” “Six hundred, bere!” cried a miner, who had several wives up at Salt Lake City. *T allow no “‘Thousing! thouvsing! Chinaman muchee F ae ary ve Pat ¥ x os ’ a ve r te bidee high allee samee "Melican man!” the voice of Rats piped out. ‘‘ A thousan’! a thousan’! going at a thousan’, Wko’ll make ’er two? Who wants some ’un ter darn bis socks, bad enuff, ter make ’er two?? shouted Tiger Tooth. ‘Twelve hundred!” came from one. “Thirteen hundred!” from another, ‘This is madness, gents!” spoke up Ned Tem- ple. ‘I'll give five thousand dollars, myself!” A murmur of surprise ran through the crowd. Even Jessie cast a surprised side glance at her cousin, and her cheeks grew a trifle more flushed. In her right hand, which was thrust in her jacket pocket, she held a revolver ready for in- stant use; for she was resolved to make a strong effort to escape, as soon as the money was safely paid over into young Temple’s bands. “ll give six thousand, cuss ye!”howled Ore- yon Bill, savagely. ‘‘ Lookee hyer, ye fools, ’m goin’ to hev that gal, at any price, I em, an’ 1’ll contract fer a coffin fer any galoot as sez nay!” “That’s a matter of dollars and cents, my worthy friend!” Sol Sloan suggested, pushing forward, ‘Iam not so certain whom the young lady belongs to yet. For myself, in her father’s behalf, I will bid fifteen thousand dollars for her!” ““Sold!” yelled Tiger Tooth, at a nudge from Temple. “Ther gal b’longs ter Sol Sloan as soon as he pans out the swag!” “Stop! This is fraud! I protest! Go on wi” the sale!” shrieked Oregon Bill, frantic with 2. ‘ The sale is over!” Sloan declared. ‘‘ Temple, take the young woman home; I'll see you a few moments hence.” Temple nodded and burriedly quitted the vicinity in charge of Jessie. Oregon Bill ‘ee after them a moment, then, with the yell of an infuriated wild beast, leaped upon the disguised Toll-taker. ‘The gal is yourn, is she?” he gritted, clutch- ing Sloan about the throat. ‘Yes, mine!” the otber retorted, fiercely clinching with him. “It would seem you bhaven’t got sufficiently mauled, yet, Oregon. If you want to die with your boots on, I’m your sickness!” Then came, with lightning quickness, tw9 re- sounding whacks, resulting from the contact of the Toll-taker’s fist with his adversary’s face, and once more Oregon Bill reeled from the platform. In doing so, however, be carried with him the connecting wig and beard the sport had worn and consequently A No, 1 stood undis- guised before his many grim-faced enemies. A cry went up that was full of significance. Revolvers by the score flashed in the dying sunlight, and told full as well as the succeeding shout, that the dashing Toll-taker was recog- nized! **A No. 1!” a hundred voices chorused, as in one voice. The daring claimant of the name did not instantly reply, but stood overlooking the crowd, a faint smile bovering under the corners of his handsome mustache, and a gleam of de- fiance in his eyes. He saw that an attempt to escape now would be equally as foolish as to try to stem a prairie fire in autumn. These grim men of Sassafras had as good as ot the drop on him ere he could recover from he momentary chagrin at being unmasked be- fore them. Out on the borders of the crowd, he saw a eo on whose face was a startled, anxious ook of sympathy. It was Business, The sight of her seemed to lend him renewed strength, and ‘he turned his glance once more over the crowd. “Yes, gents, A No. 1, at your service!” he said, in a clear, ringing voice. ‘‘ What can I do for you?” “You can surrender, and make yer acquaint- ance wi’ Judge Lynch’s noose, or take your » death diploma where you are!” one of the moneyed men of Sassafras cried, menacingly. “Sincé we have the honor of a visit from so distinguished a personage, I propose we cele- brate the event without delay.” “Then you calculate you have me, for sure?” A No, 1 asked. t “On course we hev, ye cussed scoundrel!” roared Oregon Bill, as he regained the platform, “Jest ye throw up yer hands, or, by thunder, ye die right whar ye stand, wi’ yer bootson!” “Well, in that case, it would be somewhat tg - een 3 i aN ST eee . ‘ Pking { ‘ eee tA Ne ese ©, a SR bs ea: Sey ie iy 2 ee ae ee ee Paral ee wile, a 4 he i —_ b sits so) ioe i :
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2 Re *. 8 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. my imterest to surrender, I take it!” A No. 1 returned. ‘If I surrender, I prefer to be taken in charge by these several prominent eitizens, Messrs. Blake, Danfield, Moore and Allen, who, to my knowledge, have no cause to cherish personal malice tow me.” ““Ye’re skeart to surrender to me, then!” Oregon Bill leered. ‘* As a prisoner, I would wolf for a custodian!” the dryly. “*Oh! ye would? Waal, neow, I want ye to know that ’m the boss o’ this hyer town, root an’ branch, an’ef yer any one’s prisoner, yer mine, My word’s law!” ‘‘In this case, it may not be,” Mr. Danfield interposed, calmly. ‘‘ This isn’t a case for bully- ism, sir. This man has chosen us as his captors, knowing we will allow no personal spite to be inflicted n. him, and we refer to the ma- jority of the people if itis not a fair request. All in favor that we shall take charge of bim, until some measure can be taken for his trial, will make manifest by saying ‘I’ and putting up the right hand.” Hands shot upward in something the preci- sion of bayonets in a military drill, and a shout _ approval that was almost universal, reat the air. “The majority generally wins,” Danfield said, with a spice of triumph in his tones. ‘* We will take charge of the outlaw, until some- thing is arranged, definitely, in regard to what di lis to be made of him!” “Then, my say eround hyer, don’t amount ter shucks, hey?” Oregon Bill growled, his fin- gers working uneasily. ‘* Not at present, so far as the custody of this road-agent is concerned,” Danfield responded, firmly, backed by approving nods from Blake, Moore and Allen. ‘Waal, mebbe not,” was the threatening an- swer. ‘ But, J’m not so sure about it, myself.” With which words, he left the platform, and made his*way out of the crowd, with a string of fierce oaths, .Vhen he was gone, Mr. Danfield turned to A. No. 1, who bad stood thus far with folded refer a hungry oll-taker replied, arms. ‘Well, sir, I suppose you are now prepared to surrender?” he ct “Aion “Yes, considering the poor chances for es- eape, I can say I am,” the Toll-taker an- swered. ‘I would have spilled some blood however, before Oregon Bill should have had me. “ You need not fret about him. Allow us to bind your arms.” With a faint smile of defiance, A. No. 1, sub- mitted to have his wrists bound together, be- hind his back. Satisfied in averting immediate death, he was hopeful that he could yet escape. assafras City had its bank, like any other mining-camp of mediocre importance, and this one in question was by all odds the finest struc- ture in the camp, being built of block stone, and its windows grated with iron bars. The ponderous and invulnerable door was capable of resisting a mighty attack, and was uipped with a huge time-lock. earns bank, therefore, offered about as secure a prison as could be desired, for dashing A, No. 1, and thither he was conducted, as in Sassafras the bank did not close until about dark, and it was now still open. The four citizens whom the Toll-taker had selected as his keepers, conducted him to the bank, and entered with him, but the crowd that dogged their footsteps, were kept on the out- side. Within doors, the bank was furnished not un- like all similar institutions, and besides the Toll-taker and his captors, the single apart. ment contained but one person, who had charge of all the business affairs—a little, cadaverous individual, with ferret eyes and a hooked nose, which blossomed on the end, like a blushing rose. The four citizens, who were directors as well as stockholders in the bank, soon made known to Stein, the cashier, the condition of matters, and explained that be was to take charge of the festive prisoner, until further notice. They then left the building. As k No. 1 at first concluded, Stein was not a man of the most bland and amiable qualities. “‘So you are a road-agent?” he queried, shut- ting up his books, and helping himself to a seat on the counter, with a revolver beside him, merry Be! reach. “That’s what the general supposition is,” the answered, blandly. “You get strung up. Serve you right!” “Think so?” ‘‘Certainly. “You are an outlaw.” “That hasn’t been proved yet. more outlaws than one in Sassafras,” Stein shrugged his shoulders, as he said: ** Oregon Bill is a bad man.” The sport laughed, “‘T didn’t refer to ruffians exactly, but more directly to rogues. But then all machinery bas to have tools, to keep it in working order.’ The cashier started perceptibly. ‘* What do you mean?” he demanded. ‘‘Not a great deal. I fancy you fathomed what I was driving at.” ““No, upon my soul,” ‘* Well, let it drop, then.” “‘T won’t. Iam no fool, Iam a tool.” ‘* Yes; or to come Cown to plainer facts, you are a shover of the queer for others,” A Ne 1 responded, with a smile, Stein’s eyes glittered, and his teeth snapped together, “You are a detective. It is lucky I found you out!” he hissed, with malicious satisfac- tion, | ‘The mob won’t get a chance to lynch ou. ‘““ Why not?’ ‘““Because there’s good reasons why you should never see the light of day again.” ‘Ah! then I have tripped over somebody’s secret, eh?” ‘No. It is no accident. You came not to Sassafras of your own accord.” “Why not?” ‘Because the Governor sent you, by orders from Washington. We knew some one was coming, but did not know wo.” ‘6 Who am I?” Stein laughed. “A funny question to ask. I rather think every counterfeiter west of the Mississippi has your name indelibly engraven op his memory, You insinuate that Fred Brayton.” A No. 1 started. He had indeed stumbled into a hornets’ nest, and that, too, the very one he had come to Sas- safras expecting to find. And here, when his mind was upon other matters, he had received a warning sting from one of the hornets! Two objects had broug’)t him to the vicinity of Sassafras, but at present one is enough to name. For some months it had been known to the Territorial government, and had also been re- orted to the United States authorities at Wash- ington, that a very expert and dangerous band of counterfeiters, were located in the mining- regions, supposedly near Powder Gulch, who had perfected, and were dexterously shoving a counterfeit ten-dollar note, the equal of which in its dangerous resemblance to a genuine United States note of the same denomination had never been known, # fact which add to the difficulty in tracing it to its source of issue. Several detectives had been put on the scent, and while some had returned unsuccessful, others had not returned at all. The best detective in the Territory was at the time under a sentence of imprisonment for life, having, on false evidence, been convicted on a charge of murdering a cattle-king. A dying man, however, opportunely left a confession clearing him, and he was released, and sent to nose out the counterfeiters, An un- believing populace had pursued and overtaken im, however, and he was threatened with Sips : In order that Brayton might proceed against the counterfeiters, he was released at the dead of night, given instructions, which he was re- quired to make oath to fulfill, and then was al- lowed to escape from the town. He went forth temporarily, as an outlaw, and none other than himself and his rescuer knew by whose aid he escaped Judge Lynch’s noose. But to resume: “So you know me!” A No.1 finally said, aloud. ‘‘ Well, ’m glad I’ve penetrated your nest. I was inclined to believe it was not in Sassafras, but in Powder Gulch!” ‘‘Ha! ha! Wehad to leave there. Matters got too hot for us. We've been doing nicely, and propose continuing to do so, since, you be- ing the only one baving the least knowledge of our whereabouts, we shall not have much trou- ble to quiet. I will send for some of the gang, and we’ll put you out of the way, before day- break.” He stepped to a desk and wrote a few words on a slip of paper; then from a cage, he took a pretty carrier pigeon, and attached the missive one of its wirgs. ped POO Le r “That will fetch the boys, I think,” he said with a leer at A No.1. ‘* They were to run off a big batch, to-night, but I guess a note will bripg ’em.” fae He then raised a window, near the ceiling, and let the bird pass out between the bars. He next set the time lock, on the door, and shortly after, descended through a trap, inte the cellar. A No. 1 was alone. CHAPTER VIII. IN THE HOLD UNDER GROUND. ‘ Nep TEMPLE lost no time in burrying Jessie Shields back to the residence, where they were joined by the anxious father, who had already heard the result of the auction. From the parlor-window they heard and saw the commotion following the arrest of A No. 1, and a little later saw him locked up in the bank, after which the crowd dispersed. “Vis the same daring fellow who rescued me from the clutches of Oregon Bill,” Simon Shields cried. ‘Strange, it is, why the fellow should apparently take such an interest in my affairs!” “Very likely it is not without a reason,” young Temple replied, significantly. : “You should not speak so, cousin,” Jessie spoke up, feelingly. ‘Iam sure be don’t look like a bad man. And no one could believe him go, when he bid on me, simply for papa’s sake.” “You are to ready to believe ali you bear, child. No sensible man would care enough for another, especially in these modern times, to pat up so much money for bim without he saw a chance to get it back, with double interest. The road-agent. is undoubies a designing scoundrel, at the best, and the less we have to do with him, the better.” “But the money, papa? That is not forth- coming, and you said you positively must have it, to-night, or—” She gave him a deprecating look. Simon Shields groaned, aloud: “You are right. We have failed to get the money, my noble-bearted girl, avd I am lost!” ‘* Hush! say not so, uncle, when I am about,” Ned Temple spoke up, ‘I know not what you need money for, nor do I know whet amount would put you on your feet again, but 1 do know that T have a little wealth, myself, which I made in an eastern oil investment, and it is yours, on conditions.” *‘Name them,nephew—namethem. A druwn~ ing man will catch at any straw, they say.” “That is hardly necessary, for you know thet your invitation brought me bere. I have be- come very much enamored of my fair cousin, and would willingly attempt to make her a worthy husband. i? she will promise to marly me within one month, I will place twenty thor: sand dollars in your hands, to be returned by you when you feel able!” Jessie stood with a pale, averted face, her lips compressed, and eyes glowing. Simon Shields fairly trembled with joyful anticipation of being released from his pecuni- ary strait. “My boy, 1 leave my daughter to decide the matter. 1 could never force her to do anything against her will, and yet 1 know of no one but you that I would like tosee ber marry. But, tel} me, Edward, how came you by so much money? I was not aware that you were more than & oor banker’s clerk.” ““T have been saving and eminently successtul in speculation, sir,” was the answer. “* A care- ful young man, nowadays, need not forever be 00r, i Right you are! I am proud of your success, as, indeed, my child ought to be. Jessie, dear, it is all with you to decide, now. You proposed one sacrifice, to-night—will you make ano, her for your poor old father’s sake?” The pretty girl stood half irresolute for a moment, a trifle of moisture in her eyes, which was not perceptible to her father and cousin. Finally, however, she hand to each, ‘*T am but a child; 1 will yield to your supe- rior judgment, papa,” she said, in a husky voice, ‘‘Mr, Temple, you can pay the money to papa, and consider the matter settled.” She turned then and went up to her own room, while a gleam of quiet satisfaction enter- ed Ned Temple’s eyes, as he and Simon Shields seated themselves at the table. The young Kasterner then took along pocket- book from an inner pocket and counted out the amount he was to pay, in crisp notes, whose de- nominations were from one hundred to ong thorsand dollars each. turned and gave a .
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— A No. 1, he Dashing Toll-Taker. +S] Simon Shields received the stack of money with unconcealed satisfaction. “By receipt of this I am saved!” he chuckled. **T am much obliged to you, Ned, my boy, and ou are welcome to the jewel I have given you. ay the saints gireited you both! Ill excuse you, now, while [ arrange some.private mat- ters. And considering himself dismissed, young Temple betook himself out about town to see if there was anything new on foot. It was dark now, and shortly after Ned’s de- parture, Simon Shields answered a rap at the door and admitted the Vailed Woman, who had previously paid him a visit, and ushered her into the parlor, She walked with a light, elastic step, as if in anticipation of victory. ** Well,” she said, opening the conversation as soon as they were seated, ‘‘ I see you had enough fear of me to resort to important measures for protection?” ‘It might appear so.” : ** Ah! yes. It was too bad, really, that the outlaw sbould be arrested before he could pay over the money. lt places you in an unenviable position.” ** Why so?” “‘ Because it will now be impossible for you to get it from him, at present, and I have de- cided to give you no further extension of time.” “You will not betray me for a matter of a few days?” ‘* Ha! ba! are you a fool that you do not know me yet? I will betray you this very night unless my fingers feel the grateful touch of five thou- sand dollars within an hour.” “Then I suppose I shall have to gratify you this time,” the old mine-owner said, taking the exact sum from his pocket and handing it to her, **but Heaven only knows where the next is to come from, if you ever again ask for money.” The Vailed Woman counted over the money to see that it was right; then shoved it into her pocket, with a chuckle. ‘“{ dare say you'll find it, before you'll sub- mit to exposure,” she said, exaltantly. ‘* Where did you make a raise of this?” ‘*T do not consider that any of your business,” Bhields replied. ‘I have complied with your demand—now begone.” “Not till lgetready. You dare not put me ah, Are you going to surrender the girl to A 0. 1? - By no means. What do you know of him?” “ Nothing.” ** You are lying!” “No, Iam not, Hark!” They both listened, The sound of many feet were nearing the Shields residence. The vailed woman reached the window first, and. peered out. “ig I thought,” she said, with something like a laugh. ‘ Oregon Bill is coming with his gang, and they’re a legion. He was second ighest bidder on the girl, you know, T'll escape by the rear.” And she was gone ere he could reply. Knowing that Prony action was the only reasonable way of getting through the matter, Mr. Shields threw open the door, and took bis stand Bee the threshold, with a pair of revol- vers in hand, ready for use. He was not a moment too soon, for Oregon Bill, backed by three-score of men of his own rude type, came rushing up like a charging regiment. ; “Halt!” Simon Shields ordered, when the were near at hand. ‘‘If you don’t want to die in your tracks, just slack up a bit!” “Slack she am!” Oregon Bill cried, ‘“ What d’ye waat, old man?” “The very thing I want to know of vou,” Simon replied, promptly. “ Rasy enuff answered!” the bully roared. “TI reckon I cum hyer fer my gai, Jessie, I bid highest next tew the road-agent, an’ he bein’ an ortlaw, op course his bid don’t count. So no one’s got a better right to her nor me.” “You are wrong, sir. My daughter has been sold, and legally transferred to her cousin, ward Temple, So you cau return whence you came!” “Oh! I can, hey! But, ye see, I won't, Ef ye don’t surrender the gal to me, me an’ my crowd will lynch you fust, an’ take her after- ward. So decide quick!” . Something unseen touched the mine-owner’s arm then, and a voice nearly inaudible, hissed in his ear: “Sh! Nota word or look. You are in deadly peril! Only I can provide you with a place of safety. Swear by your hope of meriting heaven, that you wiil never reveal what you see!” “Tf swear!” Simon Shields said, not knowing what other reply to make, and realizing that he had little mercy to expect from Oregon Bill. “Then turn, and foilow me quickly!” Raising one of his weapons, and firing at Oregon Bill, the mine-owner turned and fol- lowed his unknown guide, who led the way from the house by the rear, and dodged away through the bushy gulch. The yells of the baffled roughs broke the still- ness of the night, but by using his utmost efforts, Shields managed to keep at bis guide’s heels, and soon discovered that by making a wide circuit, they bad arrived at a closely- shuttered cabin near, and in the rear of the bank, The guide was pretty well muffled and dis- guised, wearing a la ge cloak and a sombrero slouched over his eyes. At the cabin door he paused. Unlockirg the door, be pushed Shields in pow then entered himself, and locked it behind im, Applying a lighted match to a toreh, he had the room soon brightly illuminated. It was furnished only with a table and stool, and did not look as though it was often used. The guide now turned his back to Simon Shields, and when be turned around again bis face was wholly hidden from view by a full mask. “You had a narrow escape!” he said, in a hoarse voice. ‘But Jessie—my child!” It had-only just occurred to him that he had, like a coward, run away and Jeft her in the house at the mercy of Oregon Bill and his gang. **She is safe. I looked out for her welfare before I did for yours. Come! follow me, and ws ger OM e lifted a tra scended a steep lighted cellar. Here another trap was raised, and another flight of stairs descended, into a larger and deeper cellar, the ceiling of which was planked up, and supported by stone pillars. The scene here presented was truly startling to Simon Shields, who had never dreamed of such villainy in Sassafras. The apartment was brilliantly lit with oil lamps, and the place was supplied with air by means of a hand- pump and pipe, manipulated by a greasy-look- ine hinaman. he vault was supplied with what appeared to bea portable printing-press, near which were tables containing dies, tools, engraved stones, and so forth, The press was not at present in operation. In another portion of the vault was a long ta- ble, around which four men were seated, en- gaged in counting new, crisp bills of the de- nomination of ten dollars, and putting them in packages. All four were clothed in long, somber gowns, with hoods combined, and grotesque full masks upon their faces, They instantly arose upon the arrival of Simon Shields and his guide, and advanced a few paces, ‘“*] bring with me a man whom I rescued from the jaws of death. Have you any mercy to offer him?’ the guide asked, addressing the others. é “You speak wrongly,” one man said. ‘“ This is the very jaws of death to which you have brought bim. Simon Shields, do you know where you are?” ‘‘T should infer that I am in a counterfeiter’s den,” the mine-owner said, grimly. “You are not mistaken,” the other replied. “Do you recognize me?” ““Only by your voice. You are Ira Danfield, I judge.” “Right again. Then here are Blake, Moore and Allen, three more out of the cight that con- stitute the band. As I said, you bave entered the jaws of death. No man enters here ever to go forth into the world again until he bas be- come a full-fledged member by swearing our oath of eternal loyalty, secrecy, and brotherly love, The captain is not present just now, but being his lieutenant, I can swear you in. or if you prefer not to become a member, Temple will lock you in a dungeon, which we have prepared for such cases.” ‘*Temple?” Simon gasped. “Yes, uncle, your dutiful nephew!” the guide answered, with a laugh. “Then the money was counterfeit?” “Of course. But no one will ever be the wiser. Come, be sensible, and take the oath of allegiance,” door in the floor, and de- ight of stairs, into a dimly- ‘* Who is the captain?” *€ John Lee— Rats.” ** And the other members?” ‘Stein the cashier, and old Tiger Tooth.” The mine owner was silent a moment, and appeared to be in deep meditation. ** Well, as it seems I have fallen into a trap, and eannot easily escape, I may as well make the most of my situation. I supposeI get a share in the spoils.” ‘John Lee receives one-half of all the good money realized from the exchange of the bogus. We sanely share what is left.” ‘- Homph! the Celestial has got a monopoly, eh? Well, I’m ready.” Temple surrendered him to the other four then, who led him to one end of the vault; and uncovered an object, which proved to be a cof- fio In it, with a dagger plunged in his heart, were the ghastly remains of a man who had not long been murdered, evidently, being in the first stages of decomposition. Shields was forced to stoop and kiss the ca- daver’s face, and then repeat an oath that would have made the blood of an anchorite run cold, He was then pronounced a member, and warned that the least slip of his tongue, or any action tending to betray the league, would be the signal of his death. He was now :hown the workings of the coun terfeiters’ system in all its details, and after- ward a bottle of wine was cracked over his new membership. They were in the midst of these festivities when a cry of rage was heurd, and there leaped into their presence no less a personage than the wealthy Chidetnae, Rats! His face was flaming with rage, and he was evidently in a condition of ae ‘““*Melican man comee to Chinaman palace. Rats no likee. Rats killee "Melican man, an’ den hab ’Melican girl.” He seized a rurve that hung on his bip, and cocking it, advanced toward—not Simon Shields, but his nephew, Ned Temple, ‘‘’Melican traitor steallee deal on Rats,” he bissed, his fury evidently growing greater. ‘*He stealee "Melican girl away, likee Injun stealee horse. Come, Chinaman fightee-—killee Temple—den havee ’Melican Jessie allee samee, No fightee, me killee allee samee.” “Yas, yer in fer it, Ned,” Danfield said. ‘*You might as well take your chances as to die where you sit.” But Rats was a dead shot, and it looked du~ bious for young Temple. CHAPTER IX. A LIFE FOR A LIFE We left A No. 1 in the bank alone, the cashier Stein having gone below. Where he had gone the detective was not positive, but concluded that, mayhbap, into @ vault where money or gold was stored; but, as the moments passed by and ro Stein returned, a thoughtful expression overcame the Toll-tak- er’s face. ‘‘T’ve balf a notion to believe that trap is the entrance to the den of the gang of counter- feiters,’’ ve mused; * and if such is the case, why Stein has gone down to fetch them upon nie, Wish I were free of these bonds?” Wishing was one thing, bowever, and gettin rid of them avother. His wrists were secure behind his back, and his feet as firmly bound, with a strong lariat. Without outside aid, it would take him a long while to get free, Hark! Outside the bank, and evidently at some little distance, he heard loud yells and revenge- ful shouts. ‘“‘T wonder if it isn’t Oregon Bill and bis gang attacking the Shields’s place?’ he thought, without knowing for a certainty tbat bis sur- mise was correct. “If so, I may reasonably expect that they will try to visit me while on their rampage.” He listened eagerly, and soon became satisfied that he was pot wrong. The hooting and howling in the vicinit> of the Shields residence died out directly, asd soon afterward the imprisoned Toll-taker coulée hear’ stealthy footsteps and the murmur of a number of voices on the outside of the bank. ‘* They're after me,” he mused; ‘‘ but I’m of the opinion that the door of the bank wi'l stand a deal of battering before it will give in.” A rap presently sounded upon the door, an@ » the hoarse voice of Oregon Biil cried ont:
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all “Open up, thar, or we'll bu’st the door in, cuss ye!” ‘‘ Sorry I can’t accommodate you, Bill,” A No. 1 cried. ‘‘They’ve got me penned up in here, and I can’t move. How’s things out- side?” ; ‘* Blamed unhealthy fer you, ef we git our hooks on ye!” wasthe savage response. ‘I sold man Shields an’ his gal in thar?” ** No, Pm alone.” The ruffian band appeared to hold a consulta- tion then, and although it was patent that some were left to keep a watch over the jail, A No. 1 heard a number move away. They had probably gone in quest of Shields and Jessie. ‘There’s going to be trouble in Sassafras be- fore my case is settled,” the prisoner inferred. ‘““P’m between two fires, as it were. The ruf- fians will not yield me to the citizens without a bitter struggle, and the aforesaid citizens, if I mistake not, are connected with the counter- feiters’ gang, and they will prefer to attend to my proper disposal themselves. Hello!” This exclamation was occasioned by the rais- ing of the trap once more, and the ascent of two persons into the room, One was Sassafras City’s new schoolmistress, and the other was an illy-clad, vinegar-faced woman, with sharp black eyes, a red nose, and thin mouth—a personage whom Business did not favor in the least, so far as resemblance was concerned. Yet there was a shrewd cunning in the wom- an’s countenance, that evidenced an iron will and a wily nature, The pretty face of Bessie was pale and anx- ious, as she saw her imprisoned lover, while the face of the elder woman wore an expression of malicious triumph. “So you are at last conquered, eh?” she be- gan, as she paused before A No.1, with a sort of grating chuckle. ‘Do I look conquered, because I am a pris- oner?’ was the retort. ‘I fancy I have no rea- gon to confess defeat at this early stage of the drama,” His. calm demeanor evidently nettled the woman, for her face flamed with anger. 1 fancy you will get your deserts here,” she replied. ‘* Didn’t | warn you once never to fol- low us, or seek to renew acquaintance with my daughter?” “T have a faint recollection of something of the kind,” was the quiet sopiy ‘* And yet you dared to disregard my wishes, you ruffian?”’ “Tf you refer to me, madam, I did, most assuredly !” **Humph! you had an interview with her, in the school-room, and according to agreement, she is to become Mrs, Jail Bird as soon as you clear up the mystery that overhangs her life!” the woman sneered. A. No. 1 flushed and sbot a glance at Business, who was deadly pale. “Oh! she didn’t tell me!” the woman went on. ‘IT overheard all. Leave it to Marie Ber- trand to find out these things.” ‘You needn’t have exonerated her!” the de- tective flashed back. ‘‘ My trust is too strong in her to doubt her, for a moment.” Well!” ** Well! you have the floor—go on!” *Thank you; I will. Are you aware that you have undertaken something too heavy for ou? ‘Certainly not. I seldom enter into con- tracts that I am unable to fulfill.” “You are a fool. You know absolutely nothing.” ‘“Many thanks for your flattering opinion. If the adage is true, that it’s never too late to learn, I must have profited largely then, since your arrival.” His sarcasm seemed to infuriate the woman, but ber strong will helped her to keep much of ber anger back. ““ What do you know?” she demanded, ‘‘ Nothing—absolutely nothing!” he answered, provokingly. “You lie. Tell me!” she hissed, ‘*T do not care to startle you!” he smiled, “But why prolong this interview? I did not dog you here, as ycu seem to infer. I came on business and met Bessie by chance. I have “nothing against you as you seem to have against me, and I will not wrangle with you.” * But you will have Bessie?” ‘$ Ves ” “**: said it with sufficient emphasis to let her know that he meant it. ‘* And there is just where you err!” Marie de- elared, ‘‘I will, myself, place her in her coffin ere you shall ever have her. Understand that now, and for good. I came here to offer you your liberty, on conditions!” “You need not name them. -I will never give Bessie up!” ‘*Oh! well, you are the ckooser and the loser. Swear to forswear all claim upon her and I will set you free. Otherwise, Oregun Bill will settle with you.” ‘Oh, well, I'd as lieve settle with a tiger asa tigress.” ‘*- You will not come to terms, then?” ‘* Positively, no !” ‘Well, the murder of her”—with a nod to- ward Business—‘* will be upon your shoulders, then. You have looked upon her face for the last time.” A No. 1 uttered a dry laugh, at which Marie Bertrand started. ‘“Why do you laugh? Do you doubt me?” she demanded, fiercely. ‘‘Not in the least!” the Toll-taker confessed. ‘* But did you ever see a practical miner throw away a solid nugget of gold and take up a worthless cobblestone in place of it?” ‘*The furies seize you!” was the only answer she made, as she motioned for Business to de- scend into the cellar through the trap. Instead, however, the girl sprung to the Toll- taker’s side, threw her arms around him and whispered something in his ear. Marie uttered acry of rage, and would have attempted to drag her away, only that Business eluded her and escaped down the steps. “ Curse her!” Marie bissed. ‘Did she kiss ou? “No; but she. got ahead of you!” A No. 1 laughed. 4 You'd better reconsider your dis- like of me, Marie, for love laughs at jailers.” “But not at lynch law!” was the savage response, as the woman descended through the trep and pulled the door down after her. hen Business threw her arms about the Toll-taker and whispered in his ear, her words had been— ‘** For me—strike for liberty !” In the same action she had dexterously slipped a serviceable knifeinto his hands, still bound be- hind his back. When they were gone it took him buta moment to release his hands, and then his feet, when he stood once more erect, with the old defiant glit- ter in his eyes. ‘*‘T am not helpless now, if I am a prisoner,” he muttered. A hasty examination of the door proved that there was little hope of his making good his es- cape by that avenue, so he turned his attention in Np Sot snide pase A thorough exploration of the bank resulted in his finding two pairs of loaded revolvers, which he appropriated without hesitation. ‘* Now, then, [ must make or break at once,” he muttered, ‘‘and the only way out of here ap- pears to be by the cellar route. I can’t more than fall into another difficulty at the worst, and I’m pretty well ‘heeled’ in the bargain. If they take me again it won’t be until some one bites the dust.” Simon Shields felt immensely relieved when he saw that the Celestial’s challenge was not meant for him. ‘Yes, Ned, you’ve got to fight,” was his ea- geradvice, ‘If you can’t give the pigtail as good as he gives you, why, it’s funny.” Temple looked ill at ease. For himself, he knew literally nothing about — practice, and doubted not that Rats would nish him at thé first shot. “Tam not afraid to fight,” he declared, ‘‘ but being the challenged party, I ought to have it to say what weapons shall be used.” All eyes were turned inquiringly upon the Chinaman, ‘* John Lee no velly muchee coward,” the Ce- lestial growled. ‘‘ Allee samee how fightee— killee ’Melican man.” ‘Then we will make the weapons knuckles,” Temple declared. ‘I know nothing about fight- ing in any shape, and you will have the advan- tage of me anyhow.” Rats hesitated a moment, as if tempted to ob- ject, but the taunting grunt from his band caused him finally to put up bis weapons and douhle up his fists. ia is to be a fight for victory!” Temple cried, , ‘*Muchee allee samee like debbil!” was the characteristic reply. ‘‘’Melican gal belong to Rats.” ; “Let the struggle be for life and death!” Si- mon Shields cried, eagerly. ‘‘I will then meet the victor, to decide who is boss here.” A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. There was a murmur of surprise from the other counterfeiters at this. ; The two illy-matched antagonists then took their positions. i She ‘ After the first knock down, it’s tea on top and finish with the knife!” Ned Temple cried, an evil light in his eyes. ‘‘ Velly well,” Rats answered. Then the battle began. % Temple had lied in declaring he knew nothing about fighting, for it took buta few moments to show he was well versed in the science of pugil- ism. But evidently the most surprised man of the two was himself, for he soon found that the Ce- lestial knew a few points about the manly art as well as about shooting. . F Temple got in the first blow with blood-telling effect upon John Lee’s flat nose; but that was not worth mentioning, for within the next two minutes the Celestia] rained a perfect shower of stinging taps upon the American’s face, that caused it to have a decidedly mottled appear- ance, Temple retaliated with an occasional ‘* teller ;” but, do the best he could, he failed to knock Mr, Washee-Washee out of time, which was his only hope for victory, as be was ready to knife him, once he got him floored. Rats evidently knew this quite as well as his opponent, and seemed for a time to take enjoy- ment in pummeling away at his rival’s face. Finally, however, Temple grew furious at his defeat, and made an extra effort, in which he got in two blows on the side of Rats’ head, which had a staggering effect, and seemed to warn the victim that it was necessary to wind up matters without delay. He therefore ‘‘ struck out from the shoulder,” and gave the Easterner a blow upon the fore- head, between the eyes, that laid him as emphat- ically upon his back as a sledge-hammer blow weit have done. An instant later the wiry heathen was upon his rival’s breast, and clutched a gleaming knife in his hand, Simon Shields darted forward to take his nephew’s part, but the other counterfeiters pulled him back. ? “Let up!” Danfield hissed. ‘‘ The fool pro- posed the knife finish, and all’s got to be fair hereabouts.” Edward Temple was as white as a sheet. “Mercy! mercy!” he begged, in abject terror. Rats did not strike, but there was exultance upon bis face. ‘““Why not killee?’ he grinned. ‘‘’Melican man dead—den ’Melican gal b’long to Rats, allee velly nicee.” “Don’t re I beg. I was fooling about the knife t!” Temple gasped. ee Lie likee devil. Where ’Melican girl?” ‘‘T have her secreted where she is safe.” “Tell Chinaman where, or killee muchee quickeej i ‘‘ Never!” Ned gritted. He did not believe the Celestial would put the threat into execution. But the next instant, when he felt the cold, merciless steel penetrating his vitals, it was too late to retract. One swift, strong blow it was that drove the blade to the hilt—and when Rats arose bis vic- tim was dead. ‘“*Melican girl b’longee to Chinaman!” he cried with a grin. ‘ Velly muchee hate to killee, but had to!” “ Release me!” Simon Shields yelled, strug- gling to get out of his captors’ clutches. ‘ Re- lease me, say. We'll fight, now, to see who is captain here!” e broke loose, finally, and rushed upon the Chinaman, firing at him with a revolver four times in rapid succession. Although Rats had anticipated the attack, he was unprepared to cope with bullets on so short notice, and the second shot pierced his brain, killing him instantly. Simon Shields then wheeled upon the masked counterfeiters, the smoking weapon still in his rasp. ‘Am IT master here, or not?” he roared, fierce- ly, his eyes fairly blazing. We arine yon are! Danfield assented in some trepidation, ‘And do you all swear to stand to your former oaths, in accepting me as chief of the organization?” “ We do.” “It is well. That heathen’s wealth reverts to me, and all profit henceforth shall be equally divided. To-night, while we have victory in our blood, let us alsosecure control of the town, and wipe out of existence all those who will not stand under our flag, knowing us to be standard, : Rt See ee A at fant , eae the eh aah, oe re we
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A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. reliable, and law-abiding citizens of Sassa- fras!” : ““Wisely spoken!” a voice cried, and Stein, the cashier, suddenly appeared, ‘‘for, ere an- other day, it will be known that we are coun- terfeiters, and if we don’t secure a foothold, now, we never will!” ‘“‘What? Explain yourself, man!” “Certainly. A No. 1 is in reality Fred Bray- ton, detective, sent here tosmell us out. He has escaped from the bank, while I was out, about, town!” CHAPTER X. A NEW ROGUE TO THE FRONT. Let us follow the fortunes of A No. 1. When all was in readiness, and he was thor- oughly equipped, including a dark lantern which he found in the bank, he turned up the trap-door, and peered down into the cellar. All was dark and silent, and becoming satis- fied no peril was lurking there, he cautiously descended the steps, closing the trap after him. Once on the cellar bottom, he again paused, and listened, intently, but only the ticking of his watch could be heard. Fully believing himself to be the only occu- pant of the place, he then made no hesitation in turning on the light of his lantern, and making an exploration, The cellar ran in under the whole length and breadib of the building, and was unused, evi- dently, except for the storage of a number of acking-boxes, at the further end, which were Peapied up, ceiling high. Seeing no outlet in any other direction, A No. 1 made his way toward these boxes, and on reaching them, discovered that there was a narrow passage between them and the, rear wall, barely wide enough for a human figure to squeeze through. He was considering the feasibility of entering it, when he fancied he heard a footstep, in the distance, Quickly shutting the slide of his lantern, he noisslessly gained concealment behind one of the larger boxes. A few minutes later a person entered the cel- lar, by way of the passage, and groped his way toward the stairs. ‘“That’s Stein,” the Toll-taker muttered, ‘and it behooves me to get out of here, before he discovers my escape.” Leaving his hiding-place, he noiselessly glided into the space behind the boxes, and directly found himself, half-crawling up a sort of flue or tunnel, which, in the courseof a few minutes, brought him out into a dense chaparral, in the rear of the bank. To force his way between the closely matted underbrush, required some little maneuvering, but he finally succeeded, and found himself once more a free man. After a moment of meditation, he decided to seek his stronghold in the mountains, and ob- tain some much-needed rest, before entering further into the business, which had brought him to Sassafras. Keeping in a dark portion of the gulch, where he was not likely to encounter friend or foe, he strode swiftly along, his mind dwelling upon the discovery he had made, and upon pretty Business, the schoolmarm 0’ Sassafras. So absorbed was he in thought, that he took no notice of where he was going, until he sud- denly felt himself in the firm grasp of a half- dozen men, who made short order of binding bis hands behind his back, and gagging him. He was not so surprised but what he bad time to notice that his captors were uniformed as U. 8. cavalry, and it did not require anything further in the way of discovery to make him comprehend his situation. He was quickly hurried forward, around a bend in the gulch, to a sheltered nook, where a camp fire was burning. Here were more blue-coats, as well as a mix- ture of citizens from the town he had escaped from, before taking up the trail of the counter- feiters, In vain he looked for a friendly face among the crowd; not one was to be found. The entire band wus cowposed of the mob who bad pursued and recaptured bim after he had been pardoned by the Governor; and they were headed by an ex-lieutenant of cavalry, who had long been a sworn enemy of the dadh: ing detective; and it was noticeable that only a saat detachment of the soldiers were regu- rs. The lieutenant, Jim Lacy, uttered an exult- ant yell as hig men led the Toll-taker inte the eamp. 11 “So we have got you at last have we, Fred Brayton?” he sneered, striding up to the pris- oner and glaring at him furiously. ‘ You thought we would give you up, after you so mysteriously Suonpet from jail, but you see the people wouldn’t have it. They say you’re going to end your days like any murderer—by hang- | ing!” A No.1 could not answer in words, but his gleaming eyes flashed their defiance. ‘Tt has always puzzled us how you broke jail!” Lacy went on. ‘‘ There was something queer about it, and if we were to take you back to jail, ten to one an interested party woula help you get free again.” ‘* Take care, Lacy,” one of the band cautioned. ‘It’s best not to.cast opinions too freely.” “T don’t care a curse!” Lacy declared, ‘I have permission from the Gov’nor to make this | chase, and I don’t care who kicks.” ** No one is sure that you have got the permis- sion,” the other speaker persisted. ‘* You’ve never shown your authority, and if we wanier have things all square, we’ve got to take the feller back wi’ us, and give him a new trial.” A murmur of dissent ran through the crowd, and Lacy fairly danced with rage. **'You’re a fool!” he vociferated. ‘I tell you what it is, fellows—a hundred trials wouldn’t do any d, so far as this chap is concerned. He stands in solid with the Governor, and you know the Governor thumbs the law!” Although it was a bold declaration for one man to make, it was apparently not without its effect upon the motley assemblage. The eyes of A No. 1 blazed with anger, but otherwise he refrained from expressing his feelings. **T reckon the thing is plain enough,” the ex- lieutenant went on. ‘‘ Jim Finch was my cousin, and I feel as much like avenging him as any- body does. Public opinion don’t allow that Fred Brayton killed Jimmy; but you fellows were the jury, and you saw how it was, and sent Brayton up for life. Who pardoned him? The Governor! He didn’t even ask whether it was right or not. We retook the scamp, and would have lynched him, only some one helped bim out of jail. Whodid that? Does any one smell a rat?” Again was there a pause, which was unan- swered. ‘You say I didn’t git a permit from the Gov- ernor to fetch these soldiers along? What of it, if I didn’t? They’re going to desert the army anyhow, and after we lynch this scoundrel Brayton, we’re going to try and make our money easier than by serving Uncle Sam. You’ve got the long and short of it, then. If ou don’t want to join us you can foot it back ome, We'll keep the horses and ammunition, you bet!” It was apparently dawning upon the citizens of the party that they had made a foolish move in following the lead of the treacherous lieuten- ant, and they involuntarily drew apart by them- selves and consulted together. They were, most of them, honorable fellows, and but for the excitement caused by the mur- der of James Finch, could hardly have been tempted from their bomes; and when Lacy had taken a vengeful stand against Fred Brayton, it bad been mainly through the influence of liquor that they had joined in the movement. he soldiers numbered two to one of the citi- zens, and were in all respects better armed and equipped, so thatin a struggle, they would in- evitably come out the winners. After concluding his remarks to the citizens, Lacy turned to A No. 1. ‘As for you, Brayton, I'll end your career at sun-up. owre too dangerous a man to be loose about the country, and I'll have revenge on you for killing Jimmy Finch, no matter whether you killed him or not.” He then turned away. The party had evidently only recently ar- i for preparations were now made for the night. Half a dozen of the men were posted outside the camp for picket duty, and the horses were corraled. Tbe camp-fire was then replenished, after which Brayton was fastened to a tree in the firelight, and the party proceeded to roll them- selves in their blankets, one man remaining awake, “‘to keep an eye open,” as camp-guard. A No. 1 concluded it was not so much on his account, that this man was left on guard, as because Lacy feared a mutiny on the part of the citizens who had accompanied the deserters, and, in so doing, had made themselves liable for inciting to desertion. The short remainder of the night passed all ae , Abia: ait ‘id but too rapidly to suit the Toll-taker, who had no particular anxiety for the sunrise hour to come. The first faint streak of dawn was just ap- pearing, when be made the discovery that the watch was dozing by the smoldering camp- fire. As soon as he discovered this fact, he also be- came cognizant of another. One of the citizens had arisen, and was ‘steal- | ing stealthily toward the tree where the Toll- | taker was confined. He was a large-built man, with a tremendous reddish beard and bushy bair to match, and was roughly dressed—in fact, a typical \rough, in appearance. He carried a dangerous-looking knife in his grasp, and A No. 1 felt a little nervous, to say the least, for bis personal safety. Without a word, the man a Lie aang him, and cut the bonds that confined him, and then slipped a revolver into the inner pocket of the Toll-taker’s jacket. Next, he arranged the severed bonds, so that they had no appearance of having been tam- pered with. , “Be quiet and patient now,” he said, in a voice that was unfamiliar to A No.1. ‘We're in a bad mess, and there will be trouble before the matter is ended. Remain where you are, until an attempt is made to lynch you; then, strike for your liberty.” A No. 1 nodded. The man then crept back, and rolled himself up in his blanket. He was none too soon in doing so; for the following moment the sharp challenge of one of the pickets rung out, and the camp was aroused, and by force of habit, sprung to their weapons. One of the pickets presently entered the camp, accompanied by a man, whom Brayton at once recognized as Stein, the cashier and counterfeiter. Lieutenant Lacy and the cashier went apart, and held a long and earnest consultation, which several of the deserting soldiers were directly invited to participate in. Frequent glances were cast toward A No. 1 which warned him that he was the subject of the confab. Some conclusion was finally arrived at, evi- dently, for Stein and the picket took their de- parture. Shortly afterward, Lacy approached the pris- oner, and removed the gag from his mouth, without discovering that bis other bonds were cut. ‘Well?’ he sneered, ‘‘how do you feel, by this time, Mr. Fred Brayton?” ‘*‘ Quite comfortable, thank you!” A No. 1 re- plied, coolly. ’ **Oh! you do? Well, maybe you won’t feel so nice, when the rope tightens around your neck, As soon as my reinforcement arrives, from the mining-camp, we will proceed to lynch you witbout delay. Did you know the man who was just here?” **T’ve seen him!” “Well, he let me have an insight into a little snap, and the boys and I are going to take sides with him and his party, who propose to clean out and take possession of the camp. There is only a handful of men to clean out; then the town is ours, and we’ll salivate all strangers who come into it, you bet!” ““The counterfeiter’s cause is a good one to re- present, I presume, providing you can keep the Tinited States at bay!” A No. 1 said, with sar- e asm. ‘‘- You'll find out so!” was the retort. About half an hour after sunrise, a wee of twenty-five men entered the camp, headed by Simon Shields, and including Danfield, Stein and the other counterfeiters, the majority of which was composed of miners, who were evidently ignorant of the class of men they were associating with, Another consultation was then held, for sev- eral moments. A No, 1 could catch only now and then a word, but from what he did hear, he arrived at the conclusion that so far as the camp of Sassa- fras was concerned, Oregon Bill held his own, and was pretty well backed, both with ammuni- tion and provision. When the consultation was over, Lieutenant Lacy turned to the citizens, who had accompan- ied him upon his expedition. ‘‘ Well, pilgrims!” he said, gruffly, “‘ we want to know what you’re goin’ to do? We're goin’ to sail in and capture a town, ahead, if we have to wade through blood to get it. If our style don’t suit you, you can take the back trail, on foot. Those who are willing to back me, can
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12 consider themselves welcome, and on the road to fortune.” ‘7 gness you can excuse me,” the red-whisk- ered man said, picking up his rifle. ‘I’ve gone as fur asI care to.” ‘“‘Then get up and git, and don’t show your- self around here again, or you'll lose your life. When you get home give the Governor Mr. Lacy’s respects.” The man made no reply, but strode away up tie gulch, evidently glad to get out of such bad fompany. On being interrogated, the other men signified their intention of standing by Lacy. Everything now being apparently to the schemer’s satisfaction, a guard was sent out to reconnoiter. He was gone about an hour, when he returned with the intelligence that there was great activ- ity noticeable in Sassafras and that Oregon Biil had thrown out pickets, so that it was difficult to get close to the town. ‘That means that there will soon be an at- tack,” Lacy said to Shields, as they stood near where Brayton was confined. ‘I am not leased at that, for I would prefer to make the initial attack. At any rate, it is necessary that we shall get this fellow out of the way.” ** Without trial?” “Of eourse! Why bother with formality?” “But, might be not be a valuable addition to our force?” ‘* He would not join!” “Not if his life was threatened?” “‘Try him and see.” Simon Shields accordingly approached the prisoner, gravely. ‘“*Young man!” he said, ‘‘ [suppose you are aware that it has been Lieutenant Lacy’s pur- se to lynch ‘you, for the crime of murdering is cousin?” “T reckon I heard him mention something of the kind,” A No. 1 answered, indifferently. “Exactly. Well I have been talking with him, in your behalf, and have finally got him to promise to spare your life, sir.” . * You don’t say?” _ “Ido. But there are conditions. You must join our furces, and endeavor to help us to win a victory!’ ‘Then, I most emphatically decline.” “What! will you throw your life away, when you can save it?” ‘* By no means.” “But, if you do not join, you will be strung @p without mercy!” ‘Ob, no! Pil live to hand you over to your greatest enemy, yet!” Shields grew white. For a moment he seemed staggered; the next, however, he turned to Lacy, the fire of a tiger in his eyes. ‘Bring the rope!” he cried. “I, too, want to see this devil lynched. All bands to the front, to assist in swinging A No, 1, the detec- tive road-agent, into eternity |” vag the call was answered with a vengeful ¥ CHAPTER XI. THE FIRST STRUGGLE FOR SASSAFRAS. A No. lhad been waiting for sometbing of the kind to happen, fully nerved to make a bold stroke fur liberty, let the result be what it might. Accordingly, when the soldiers made a rush to the nearest saddle-bow, for a lariat, with an exultant shout, the Toll-taker, casting off the bonds that appeared to hold him to the tree, a away with the agility of a fox up the c He was around the bend in the trail, before the astonishment of his captors admitted of their making a move, in,pursuit, and before one ef them bad appearedbaround the bend, the daring man was far up the mountain-side, in the friendly shelter of a wilderness of scrub pines, Here he paused, and waited. Presently he saw the gang dash around the bend, and after running a short distance to- ward Sassafras come to a halt, evidently hesi- tating to go further, for fear of getting a volley from the weapons of Oregon Bill’s pickets. They appeared to hold a parley, after which they turned, and disappeared once more be- hind the bend. Satisfied they had given him up, as out of their reach, A No. 1 gradually picked his way along the precipitous mountain-side, taking good care to keep himself as much under cover as possible, lest some lurking picket should see and fire upon bim, In this way, he continued, until be came op- ite the camp of Sassafras, with its scatter- sug of outlying shanties and cabins, A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. Here to his joy, he found a little opening in the mountain, which had sometime answered the purpose of a bear’s cave, and from the mouth of which he could commanc- on uninter- rupted view of the gulch and camp below. “JT reckon Vl stop here, awhile!” he said, peering into the cave, to ascertain if any dan- ger lurked there. ‘There will be a conflict down there, directly, and I would like to see which party gets the worst of it.” The camp, below, presented a lively appear- ance. The street was filled with men, all armed with guns, and it was perceptible that all neces- sary arrangements were being made, in antici- pation of an attack. As near as A No. 1 could judge, Lacy party pumbered the most men, but in a rough and tumble battle, the men of Sassafras were lit- erally a legion. With no weapons except a revolver, the Toll- taker did not deem it safe to venture nearer the town, and, yet, he was not alittle anxious con- cerning Bessie. That Marie Bertrand would harm her, he had no fear, because he had good reason to believe that would interfere with a scheme she was working out, His anxiety was that she was in the camp, and would fall into the bands of old Simon Shields and Lacy, who were now practically outlaws, and at heart veritable ruffiens. Among the men in the street below the watcher saw the commanding m gir of Oregon Bill, who was striding about and giving orders to the men, over whom he presided as captain. “Though a typical border ruffian, that fellow is clear grit to the backbone, and I believe if he were brought to believe that he could be a gen- tleman, a great change would be wrought in him,” A No. 1 mused. ‘If eitber party, needs assistance, it will be Bill’s gdng, and Vl lend them a helping hand, mayhap.” He was not wrong in bis opinion that Lacy’s ang would make an attack during the forenoon, or the sun was not three hours high when A No. 1 saw them steal around the bend, four abr ast, and move down upon the camp, their march be- ing that of a drilled company, and their rifles gleaming in the sunlight The s idiers were in the lead, and the re- mainder of the party brought up the rear. ‘From all appearances it was their intention to make the attack as much of a surprise as pos- sible, and it looked to the watcher in the cave as if they would, in a measure, succeed, for the men in the camp were consideraby scattered, and could not well mass together at a sudden call. Realizing the necessity of apprising them of the impending danger, A No. 1 drew bis re- volver,.and holding it behind a bush at the mouth of the cave, so that no flash might be seen, he fired. The report reached the camp, and bad the effect to draw the men somewhat closer together, but it also bad the effect to start the assailants off in a double-quick movement, and they were past the pickets and rushing down the stage 10ad into the camp, ere the men under Oregon Bill had any chance to form into anything like battle array. Such of them as were together, however, stood their ground bravely, and when the on- slaught came, raised their rifles, and poured a destructive volley into the enemy’s = It was answered, however, with terrific ef- fect, and for the space of five minutes the roar of the battle was loud and strong, and A No. 1 could make out but one mass of struggling bu- manity, owing to the smoke that rose from the scene of battle. ' The bang! bang! bang of weapons, the venge- ful yells of the living, and agonized screeches of the dying, made it a literal pandemonium. “Pm afraid Oregon Bill’s side is getting the worst of it!” A No, i mused, as he watched and listened. “Ha! they are ceasing to fire.” It waseven so; the firing bad suddenly ceased, and the smoke slowly lifted. A thrilling sight was then exposed to the eye of the Toll-taker. The invaders had fared best in the battle, evi- dently, for the remnant of Oregon Bill’s party had retreated to the further side of the camp, where they were visible, huddled together be- hind the shanties. The soldiers bad also taken a like shelter, at the north end of the camp, so that in fact the town was not yet fully in the possession of either party. Of the defenders, there remained but about twenty-five or thirty. The rest lay stretebed out, stiff and lifeless, upon the pera ea The Joss to the renegude party was large, but ne = Tate a ——_—» not to be compared with that of their oppo- nents. Their side—that is, Lacy’s—numbered something like sixty men, and very few of them, apparently, were actually slain. rom what he could see, A No. 1 coneluded that there would be no renewal of the conflict, ‘until night; but, in the mean time, either side were keeping a sharp outlook, in order to pick off aman whenever opportunity afforded a chance. A man lost, now, meant much, especially to Oregon Bili’s side. Between the two parties, there intervened about three hundred yards of space, and the ground was occupied by several shanties, which, however, were rather too far apart to admit of either band getting nearer to the other without being discovered. Both bands bad a picket-spy posted upon the roof of ashanty, to watch and guard against a surprise. oting all these points, A No. 1 left the cave, and stole cautiously along the mountain side, to the south ward. It was his purpose, if possible, to gain Oregon Bill’s camp, in disguise, which he could arrange very well, as he had some paraphernalia secreted below the town. In neither camp, norin any part of the village had he seen anything of either Bessie or Jessie Shields, and he was anxious, if possible, to learn their whereabouts. It was imperative for bim to move with ut- most caution, and accordingly it took him a couple of hours to gain the gulch, where bis dis- guises were stored. Here he proceeded to array himself, and in & short time the job was finished, and he was as rough and at the same time, as green looking a pilgrim as ever struck his pick into Western scil, in search of gold. Satisfied that his make-up would a the sharpest scrutiny, he made his way leisurely along toward Oregon Bill’s camp, equipped with an old shot-gun and rifle, combined. As soon as he was in the immediate vicinity of the: camp be began whistling merrily, and in accordance with his expectation, it was not long before he was challenged by a rough-jook- ing customer, who shoved the muzzle of a pis- tol into his face. “Slow up thar, pardner! Whar ye goin’?” ke saluted, savagely. “Durn yer skin, to Sassafras, 0’ course,” was the answer in the strong vernacular of the bor- der. ‘ What’s the matter wi’ you}—what in thunder is it yer bizness whar I’m goin’?” ‘*T}] show you if you give me any 0” yer lip, you galoot,” the picket declared. ‘* We've trouble in camp, an’ we don’t allow no one to enter it unless he kin give a satisfactory ex- planation.” _, ‘Well, [ll tell ye, ef ye wanter know. I’m Si Jones, from Wolf Run, an’ I kim down heer to lick thunder outen an old cusscalled Sime Shields, ’cause he sold me a claim ’twa’n’t wu'th a burro’s blankit.” ‘‘ Well, as Shields bappens to be wi’ a garg 0” roughs who is fightin’ ag’in’ us, I reckon ye hed better go in, an’ ax the boss ef ye can pass thru’ to t’other side o’ town,” the picket said. Having been prepared for something like chis, A No, 1 made haste to comply with the invita- tion, and was soon in the midst of the men, who were, for the most part, clustered belind one shanty. They regarded bim suspiciously, and might bave done worse, but that the Toll-taker got in the first say. , “Hello, pards! How d’y’ do? Reckon ye don’t know me, do ye? Si Jones, from Wolf Run. Guess ye hev bin bavin’ a purty tough time, ’cordin’ to the guard back y’nder, Whar’s Oregon Bill—be didn’t get plugged, did he? Bill an’ I uster be prime favorites in a scrimmage?” “Yas, Bill’s salivated, an’ I opine he’s fit fer the last time,” one of the men growled. ‘' He's in thar,” and he indicated a shanty close by. “S’pose ye’ve no *jections ter a feller takin’ a squint at him, eh? e see.” ‘Go ahead, then,” Without further delay, A No. 1 entered the shanty, closing the door bebind bim. There was but one room, and this. was mea- gerly furnished. Upon a sort of cot bea the wounded hully was stretched, and though he made no eucible complaint, it was evident that he was suffering great pain. A young lady, neatly dressed, sat by the bed- side, and was hatbing his forehead, She looked up and bowed as the Toil-taker approached, and then dropped her gaze. Sutbin’ o’ a doctor myself, . ee ee eee
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a ne tegen Qregon Bill’s eyes were closed. ** He seems to be in great pain, Miss Shields,” Brayton said. ‘‘ Where is he wounded?” “We don’t know, except it is somewhere in the breast. He fierceiy objects to any one’s making an examination. I do not believe he ean live long.” Brayton stepped closer to the bed. ‘* Bill!” be said, in his natural tone of voice. The hully opened his eyes with a start and locked up. “What!” he demanded. what do you want?” ‘‘}’m your friend, Bill, and I am sorry to see ouon your back. Are you badly hurt?” “ Kinder hit,” was the answer, with a faint attempt to smile, that nearly ended in a groan. “Got a lung shot, 1 guess, It don’t, matter, anyhow. I’d jest as leave peg out now as any time. But whoare you? I don’t ssem to reck- ernise ye, an’as fer a friend, it’s bin many a long year sence I had one, till this little gal game in to nuss me.” “* Well, Bill, U'm your friend, too, when you’re down, I’m here to help your boysclean out the gang of cut-throats and counterfeiters at the ether end.” z Oregon's eyes ligated up with pleasure. ** Bully fer you!” he said. ‘I reckon we fel- lers is as good as’em rascals, ef we hev bin rough cusses in the past. What’s yer name?” “J am Fred Brayton, detective, but better knowr to you as A No. 1!” Oregou Bill uttered a gasp, and Jessie could not repress a little cry, as the sport took off his ae and false beard. ill was silent a moment. ‘“You know about the battle?” he said, grim- Yi Yes, I saw it.” “Then that’s why ye’r’ here. You intend to betray my handful of men into the trap o’ them other skunks!” ** You do me an injustice, Bill. I came here to help you, not toinjure you. You look upon me asanenemy. I cherish no such feeling to- ward you. I will give up my life before the renegades shall triumph.” “Dash me ef I don’t believe you mean it, Cap!” “ I do indeed!” ‘“ Well. you can bet I’m with you, then, Bray- ton. lain’t o’ much account any way ye can fix it, an’ I wouldn’t fetch haff a cent a pound fer soap-grease, but let me tell ye, I know what ye come to Sassafras for, an’ I know suthin’ that you'd dance to know,” And the fellow’s eyes flashed toward Jessie for an instant. Biayton looked surprised and excited. ** Go on!” he encouraged. ‘‘Not now,” Bill said. ‘I wanter see ye clean out that crowd w’at salivated us—then ye shall know that which’ll make yecry Eureka!” “You swear to this?” ‘“No, I’m near enough over the dam that I wouldn’t lie to you.” “Very well, it’s agreed. There will likely be an attack to-night.” “ Sartin. ou ain’t got much of a crowd in numbers, pard, but they’re thunderin’ gritty.” ‘‘Never fear. We won t be defeated to-night. Hadn’t you better let me dress your wound, Bill”? “Nary!” be said, with a grimace. ‘It don’t bleed—outside. Il last till to-morrow sunrise. That’ll about wind up my career.” From bis words Brayton understood that his wound was internal, and that he was gradually filling up inside. ; There followed a little desultory conversation, when Jessie asked: ‘Mr. Brayton, do you know where my father is, please?” “{ happen to have the honor of knowing where Simor Shields is, miss—if you count him your father,” the sport answered, in bis dry way. ‘A few hours ago he wasin the eoun- terfeiters’ party, which, with a gang of desert- ing soldiers to help them, propose to take this town. Shields seems to be the chief of the gang. At any rate, he was going to help lynch me ” “Oh, sir! this seems incredible!” “WYory likely; but it is nevertheless true. Shields is a consummate villain, and you need have no respect for him.” “What, sir? No respect for my father?” “4 Certafyly—for—but never mind now,” “1 don’t understand, sir!” “Then understand this much. It is my busi- ness bere to prove Simon Shields a murderer, a thiet’, a kidnapper, and a villain of the deepest dye. You are not his daughter. All in good ‘“Who are you— A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Take Yr. 13 time you will know more. Oregon, will you call the men in and explain to them? “Yas, Gal, will ye jest go out an’ say half a dozen o’ ’em is wanted?” Jessie obeyed, her face full of wonderment at what she bad just heard. The men filed into the shanty with grim and silent visages, but looked startled when they saw Brayton, ** Boyees!” Oregon Bill said, raising on his el- bow with an effort, ‘‘this hyer feller's A No. 1, alias Fred Brayton, detective, an’ I’ve jest found out that he’s as square asacube. I ain’t wi’ ye, an’ ye wanta reg’lar streak o’ lightnin’ ter pull ye thr’v’ what’s comin’ arter dark. opine ye’ve got ter fite like wild-cats, an’ hyer’s a reg’lar cuss as wull lead ye right thr’u’, Eb, No. 1?” ‘* We'll take the camp or die in the attempt!” Brayton answered, firmly. A cheer rose from the men, and Oregon Bill seemed greatly pleased. F ‘Waal, you'll take him instead o’ me, eh?— fer I can’t navigate.” ‘¢ You bet!” was the answer. ‘¢ Waal, I’m sartin ye’ll pull thr’u’—not all o’ ye, mebbe, but some o’ ye—an’ ef any 0’ ye draps, fellers, I opine I'll jine over the river ter- morrer sunrise. Go, now, an’ in yer hearts say a little prayer for Oregon Bill. May God for- give us all!” The men tearfully departed. The day was well advanced. The night was coming on, The heavens were growing dark and forbid- ding, and a dark, terrible night seemed to be impending. CHAPTER XII. THE NIGHT STRUGGLE. BRAYTON soon joined the men, outside, and they appeared to welcome him heartily. Indeed, with the dubious prospect of a wild nocturnal storm, and a deadly battle, in the bar- gain, they evidently did not feel disposed to get insulted at the offer of aid from any one. After ‘‘sizing them all up,” to the best of his abilitv, Brayton was agreeably surprised that they were really not sucha bad lot of fellows, = ei be, and were brave and resolute, to a ault. “D’ye think Bill’s goin’ over the shute?” one of the crowd asked of the detective—a stalwart Nebraska giant, named Spotted Seth, from the fact of his being small-pox marked, ; Brayton nodded, his gaze fixed upon the dark, threatening clouds, that were creeping over the heavens, as if as an omen of coming trouble. ‘* Yes, I guess be’s upon his last trail, boys. He reckons morning will about use him up, and I shouldn’t wonder if he is right. By the way, I judge we better remove him to the last shanty to the south, so that in event we get driven back, be won’t get left in the power of the enemy.” The proposition was bailed with favor, by the men, and several of the more influential visited Oregon Bill, and laid the matter before him, at which he readily consented to be removed. Ac ordingly, be and Jessie were soon secure in the last house, in the lower end of the camp. In order that they might not be molested, a guard was stationed on the outside of the shanty. During the balance of the afternoon, A No. 1 busied himself in getting ready for the sullen night, that was hovering nigh. e doubled. the watch on the shanty top, and took their reports every little while, by which means he was well posted on the move- ments of the enemy, whom, the reports seemed to indicate, were getting ready for a siege. Examination proved to Brayton that their stock of ammunition and provision was ade- quate to supply their needs, for a protracted struggle, and the better share of these commo- dities he had removed to the shanty where Ore- gon Bill was domiciled, for safe-keeping. The weapons of the defenders were all in good order, and many of the rifles being of the Win- chester repeating style, there seemed no reason why a disastrons loss should occur, especially with gallant A No. 1 as the leader. About sunset hour, when it was slready be- ginning to get dusky, one of the watches came from the roof, and stated that from some cause which he could not understand, there was a deal of excitement in the enemy’s camp Ascending to the roof, Brayton took obser- vation, as best be could. A large camp-fire had been built in the other camp, and near it a stake was being driven. This job was soon completed; then a man was led forward, and bound to the stake, Brayton could not see his face, but it did not take him long to recognize him by his gar- ments. It was the same big man who had previously cut his bonds in the renegades’ camp, and who had afterward refused to join in their move- ments, and had turned to retrace his r*>ps home- ward. He had been recaptured. While on the roof, Brayton also made another discovery. Business, the pretty school-teacher, was also a prisoner, being confined to a tree which grew near the fire. Of her mother, Marie Bertrand, however, nothing could be discovered by the eagle gaze of the watcher. After the new prisoner was secured, the ex- citement seemed to subside, and this satisfied Brayton that nothing would be done with either captive until after the night attack. He therefore left the roof. The gloom had now deepened, and the heavens grown blacker with ominous clouds, The atmosphere possessed that heavy pres- sure wlich precedes the outburst of a rain- storm, the very smell proclaiming what was impending. bunder was beginning to mutter along the horizon, as if to warn wayfarers to seek shelter. “ Boys,” Brayton said, looking into the faces of his followers, “it’s going to bea tough night, and dark as Erebus. That’s bad for us, because a shot wasted isa notch on the stick in their favor. I’ve a plan by which I think we can spring a trap on them.” : PR ch let’s have it!” called out Spotted th. ‘‘ Well, when they come fer us, we want some light on the subject. Yonder, ’twixt us an’ the enemy, isJohuson’s grocery, an’ ye know what's in it.’ A significant grunt was the answer. Johnson was never without several kegs of gun and blasting-powder. ‘There’s powder enough to blow the shebang to the divil!” Spotted Seth declared. ‘“* And oil?” ‘* Yas—a bull bar’l o° kar’seen.” “Very well. You remain here aod keep up an active watch. Fire a pistol if anything ex- traordinary occurs. I'm going to fix the grocery for to-night.” “ Better look shy, Cap; it’s purty cluss te the enemy!” ‘‘Bah! I fear them not!” A moment later he was gliding away toward the grocery, which was but a couple of build- ings from the renegades’ camp. Owing to the increasing gloom, and the glare of the enemy’s own camp fire, they were unable to see the To!l-taker’s movement. Consequently, be reached the grocery with- out discovery, and found to his satisfaction that the door was unlocked. As he opened it, and entered, he fancied he heard a noise in one part of the room, and this fact caused him to close the door quickly, and step away from before it. e was not a moment too soon either, for the following instant there was a whirring sound, oe a hatchet blade was buried deeply in the oor. ‘*Ha, ha! So there’s two tigers in this cage, eh?” Brayton mused, stealing away from the vicinity of the door with the stealth of a cat. “Tf I mistake not, some. one will get burt be- fore I leave here,” The darkness was Stygia itself, but it was not so dark that an instant later the Toli-taker could not see a strange object, with glaring eyes, rene through the air toward him, likea projectile hurled from a mortar. A lightning leap to one side saved him from being struck by it, and it went crashing upon the floor with force enough to kill a person. As it did not attempt to rise, Brayton quick- ly struck a match, and bending forward, made the discovery that the dark object was Marie Bertrand! In falling, the knife in her grasp had become imbedded in ber side to the hilt. Foe was still alive, and recognized the Toll- er. ‘“‘Tt’s all -up!” she gasped; ‘‘ I’ve played to win, but I’ve lost.” “Speak, qnick! is Bessie your child?” Bray- ton cried, excitedly. ‘No, no! You'll find papers in my pocke clearing up everything. Take her, and be g to her! I—l—” A hemorrhage checked what she would have said, and when Brayton partly raised her, she was dead.
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14 A No. 1, es ae po Sues ae ee ae SSS re EL Picking up her inanimate form, he bore it from the shanty to a place where it was not likely to be disturbed. He then hurried back to the grocery, and lit a lamp. Finding the oil-barrel he knocked in the head, and taking a pail, proceeded to saturate every part of the store with the fluid. He next knocked in the bungs of five kegs of giant powder, and emptied their contents upon éhe floor. There was one more keg of gunpowder left, and with this he made a heavy train from the interior of the grocery back to the immediate vicinity of where his companions were sta- tioned. ‘* We'll have light to fight by now, when tho time comes,” he muttered, grimly. ‘‘ About all we can do now is watch and wait for the attack.” It was now densely dark; the wind was stiff- ening, blowing from the south, and bringing with it a dismal sort of moan. The thunder, too, growled angrily overhead, _ shortly a large raindrop fell upon Brayton’s and, ‘* Rain!” he said, sententiously. ‘‘ They’ll take advantage of it, no doubt.” aoe powder will get wet,” Spotted Seth said. “True enough. Tear some boards from the shanty and lay on top.” This was done. The work, however, occupied several minutes. A consultatiop was then held, and it was de- cided to turn the shanty, behind which they were quartered, into a fort. Accordingly all hands entered, and loop-holes were cut in all sides of the building, in close proximity to each other; and thus, while out of the range of bullets, the defenders were able to pour a destructive volley into the ranks of the enemy when the attack was made. ‘¢ We'll stick here, boys, till we see that the devils are likely to get past us into our rear— then we must skin out and give ’em blazes. Every man let his revolvers alone, for the last emergency.” The rain soon began to come down, thick and fast, and the darkness was intense. The guards on the roof were called into the shanty, but Brayton remained outside, to be ready to fire the powder as soon as the first sound of the enemy’s approach was heard. He knew they would not fail to make the at- tack during the storm. The darkness they calculated would enable them to creep up far enough to engage in a hand- to-hand conflict. As soon as the rain began to fall their camp- fire was kicked out, and this satisfied Brayton that they would soon be heard from. He had stolen forward to the vicinity of the grocery, when he heard voices near at hand, and evidently approaching. Like a shadow he retreated, and shouted in at the shanty door: ‘* Ready, boys! Remember we are fighting for Sassafras!” The next instant he had fired the train and was within the shanty. Two score and five pairs of eyes watched the serpentine line of fire as it crept with flash and splutter toward the doomed grocery. A yell announced that the enemy had szen it, but too late. The next instant there was a blinding flash, and a terrific explosion, and the ery flew toward the heavens in a thousand urning pieces, making a most thrilling and brilliant spectacle. The same glare of light revealed a mass of humanity hurled back from the vicinity of the grocery, in terrible consternation. “ Fire !” yg la voice, stern and resolute, gave the order, Every rifle within the shanty seemed to k simultaneously, and every shot seemed to tell, for the renegades went down like hail. With yells of defiance, those who were not i an indiscriminate retreat. n the repeaters of the defenders spoke, and a number of the fleeing wretches fell. Before another volley could be fired they were out o2 range. ‘*Hip! bip! hurrah!” Brayton yelled. ‘‘ Well ’em out equal to our own done, my hearties!” iden, cenghow | Bycatel Beth \cuuckied num anyhow! t uc . * Let’s out and after ’em.” “No! no! Just keep quiet. If peer show again to-night it’s better to be right here, a mg fer ’em, rather than to run at ’em, and three or four men. they’re gritty, and party yet.” This argument was not without its effect, and the men gave assent. The debris of the grocery, being saturated with oi], was now burning brightly, in spite of the pouring rain, and by the light it threw out, the remnant of the renegade band coula be seen huddled together, just out of good rifle range. ‘“We’ve got the best of ’em, except fer one thing!” Spotted Seth growled, a little dubiously. ‘* Ef they think o’ that, they can give us pur- tickler fits.” ‘‘To what do you allude?” “Ye see old Giles Sparks, what kept the blacksmith shop, he’s got a Gattler thar what kin puke out suthin’ like a thousand shots a minnit. Ef they should get hold o’ that they’d be liable to give us fits.” ‘**Is Sparks with ’em?’ ‘“No. He war to-day, but Cock-eyed Jim keeled him over in the furst scrimmage.” At this instant the door was burst open, and Oregon Bill tumbled head-foremost into the shanty. He was a horrible sight. Blood was stream- ing from his mouth, nose, and a dozen places upon his face, and his clothes were saturated with it. “In God’s name what is the matter?—who’s been doin’ this?’ Brayton gasped, raising the poor fellow to a sitting posture. ‘¢The two on ’em war too much fer me!” Bill hoarsely cried, spitting the blood from_ his mouth. ‘‘ They got the gal—Tiger Tooth an’ the cub. After ’em, No. 1!’ Brayton comprehended. and turned to Spotted Seth. “Tend to Bill, and look out for yourself and the boys. Ill recover the girl, or die in the attempt!” The next instant he was out in the pouring rain. The storm was about at the hight of its fury. The lightning flashed in and about the mountain crags, and the thunder’s terrible crashes seemed to shake the earth to its foundation. Already large rivulets of water were beginning to run down the gulcb. Without delay Brayton hastened to the shanty, from which Jessie had been abducted, and here took his observations. The sandy bottom of the gulch, soaked with the rain, yielded readily to a footstep, and by bending close to the ground he was not long in picking up the trail taken by Tiger Tooth and Claudie on leaving the shanty. It led toward the chaparral, where the secret entrance to the bank was located. Like a bloodhound Brayton followed it up. He knew that the captors of poor Jessie were little less than human wolves, and he.shuddered to think of the girl being in their power. On the way he stumbled over a whitish object, and stooped to examine it. It proved to be the carrier-pigeon Stein had sent forth from the bank. It was alive, and the message was still tied to it. It had evidently been wandering astray, and was now beaten down by the storm. “Poor thing!” Brayton said. “ You didn’t betray me, and I won't leave you to perish.” He placed it tenderly in his capac¢ious jacket- pocket. The trail did not enter the cha al. It turned aside, and panned ended at the door of the shanty, beneath which the counterfeiters had had their retreat. The door was locked, and there was no sound or sign of light within. A close examination proved that the captors of Jessie must have entered the place, for there was no trail leading away from the shanty- oor, “T think I savy!” Brayton muttered after a moment of reflection. ‘‘ It’s more than likely this is the counterfeiters’ den, and there is an underground apartment to it. I'll find out.” He tried the only window the place afforded. It Piece and he soon had it raised. moment more and he had leaped through it and was on the inside, Simultaneously with his haar yrane; the floor he was seized on either side, and ere he could help himself, was forced backward to the floor. CHAPTER XIII. BUSINESS TO THE RESCUB. TuarT he was in the grasp of two men of pro- digious strength Brayton was well aware, and he of course expected to feel a knife entering bis He knew it was life or death, now, and never in all probability did a man struggle barder He seized a rifle, They got him on his back, but he was up on one knee, almost as quick, with their combined weights bearing down upon his head and shoulders. Having one hand free, while the other one supported him from pitching forward, be quick- ly drew his knife, and used it with several swift strokes at the human vampires upon him. And not without effect, for one of them rolled off, with a wild shriek. R The other, then, with a master effort, raised Brayton bodily, and dashed him to the floor with terrible force, firing at him the next in- stant, with a pistol. The bullet tore a hole in Brayton’s coat, but did no further damage. hs The sport quickly regained his feet, and his knife whizzed through the air. Another; piercing shriek followed—then, @ heavy falk Hearing no further noise, for it was so dark he could not see, he then struck a match. By its light he saw Tiger Tooth lying on the floor, with the knife buried in bis eye; Claudie was also lying there, with blood oozing from bis short, thick neck, and both father and son were dead. Jessie lay in one corner, bound hand and foot, and in a swoon. Then the match went out. “Victory once more!” escaped the brave de- tective’s lips. ‘‘ But, I must not tarry to think of that!” 2 He unlocked the door, and bore Jessie out into the storm, where he allowed the rain to beat down upon her face. This had the effect to speedily restore her to consciousness, and she opened her eyes with a asp. * Don't be alarmed, I am Brayton,” he said, kindly. ‘““Thank Heaven!” she gasped. my captors?” “‘T have no means of telling precisely where their spirits have migrated to!” he answered, significantly. ‘Come, we will get back to camp.” They were not long making the shanty. The fire where the grocery had stood, was gradually burning out, and darkness would soon overhang the spot. At the shanty, the defenders were huddled together in the darkness, but gave a murmur 0; approval when Brayton entered with Jessie. “Is Bill gone up?” was the first question Bray- ton asked. ‘Not by a durned sight!” was the hoarse an- swer from one corner, ‘ The boyees gave me@ spongin’ off, an’ ’'m better’n two ‘goners’ yet. Dye it the gal?’ ; ‘ Yes, here I am,” and the rescued girl glided forward and knelt by his side. ‘‘ Ob, sir, lam so sorry you got hurt so!” ; ‘* Never mind that. I’d nF all dissected, jint fer jint, fer one like you, I say, Brayton?” Well?” “Did ye do it up fer them skunks?” ‘To a perfect brown, Bill.” “Bully! I wish I had the strength—l’d grip yer hand inter jelly. I'll be up fer the next scrimmage, tho’.” Brayton turned to Spotted Seth. ‘“‘ Have you heard anything from the foe?” “No; they’re still as a mice,” “Which is not particularly a good omen. There's a couple in that camp who must be res- cu ‘Who?’ ‘¢One’s Business, the schoolmarm.” “ And the other?” ‘The Governor of this Territory!” An exclamation of astonishment burst from the lips of the audience, “The Guv’nor?” Spotted Seth cried. “‘The Guv’nor?”’ Oregon Bill gasped. ‘‘ He here, and a pris’ner?” a “Yes. Do you know him?’ “‘T once did. Oh! things are working right, Get a-goin’, No. 1; rescue the both on ’em—you know why. The boys’ll look out fer th a an’ if it comes to fighting, I'll fight fer the al. en Allright, I will not be far away if there’s ba aa “a attack, ye: yoo of gros en, after giving a few ions, the sport took his departure.” ae Outside there seemed to be no abatement of the storm, for the rain seemed to pour down, if anything, harder than before. Toking a route along the edge of the gulch, he was not long in reaching the northern end.of the village. where he cakculated.he would find the renegades ‘*Where are
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A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Tak er. 15 $<? —/s Remembering where he had last seen the de- feated party, he branched out from the base of the cliffs and stealthily made his way into the heart of the gulch. As he approached the last shanty, at that end of the gulch, he saw a chink of light, and at once concluded that the renegades had taken refuge there from the storm. Nearer approach discovered that a sentinel was pacing to and fro in front of the shanty. *The prisoners are evidently on the inside,” Brayton muttered. ‘‘I don’t see any way of rescuing them yet. I'll have some fun in rous- ing the hornet’s nest into ection, anyhow. In this way I may gain the point I want. Tl try it.” Getting at a safe distance, he picked up a piece of rock, and hurled it toward the shanty. It struck the door, and made it clatter noisily. The sentinel uttered an oath, the door was opened, and the gang began to pour out. Two more stones the sport hurled, and each one evidently hit some one, for there were two dull thuds, each one answered by a how! of com- mingled pain and rage, Turning, then, when he saw them running toward him, A No.1 skurried by a circuitous route across the gulch, and was soon close to the shanty in its rear. To his joy, on reconnoitering he found that the whole party of renegades, except the single sentinel, bad left in search of the stone-thrower. Like a flash Brayton was around the corner of the shanty, and with a club he felled the sen- tinel senseless to the ground, Rushing into the shanty, he quickly cut the bonds of Business and the man who had pre- viously performed the same service for him. “Quick, now! follow me! We shall have a desperate run forit. Listen! they are return- in ha a leaped from the shanty, and they followed im The returning renegades saw them, and ut- tered a yell of rage, price it with a volley from their revolvers, ove bullet graging Bray- ton’s temple. Pushing Business and the Governor ahead of him, he said: ‘Run! run for your lives! never mind me!” And they did run. AG The renegades were giving a determined chase, firing as they ran. ¢ The air seemed full of whizzing bullets, but their aim was wild enough, and no harm was done. Brayton would run a short distance, then ause to fire, and thus lead the pursuers after him and away from the two others. Suddenly, taking no notice of where he was going, he fell end over end into a pit, which had some time been dug in hopes of finding gold. ; It was six feet deep, and the sides perpen- dicular. : Although not much hurt by bis unceremo- nious tumble, he knew it was a fatal accident for him, because he could not climb out in time to esnape the pursuers, and he doubted not they would discover him. He heard several of the renegades halt above him, a moment later, and saw them peering down at bim. “You're there, are you!” the exultant voice of Simon Shields cried. ‘‘ Will you come up, or shall we bury you there.” “JT reckon I’ll come up!” Brayton replied, coolly. ‘‘ Just toss me a rope!” “You bet!” was the grim answer, ‘“ You'll get more rope than you want before we get through with you!” : The end of a lasso was thrown down to him, and he was not long in climbing up out of the pit, when he was at once seized and his hands und behind his back. The pursuit of Business and the Governor hav- ing been abandoned, they had escaped. ‘We lost two, but we gained one of enough —~ to more than make up for the loss,” Shields cried, “* Are you sure?” Brayton sneered, *‘Do you know whom you let escape you?” ‘Who? What do you mean?” : “T mean that you have lost your grip on your deadliest enemy.” ** What? “* The Governor.” Shields uttered a terrible oath. ‘Tis false!” be cried. ‘It’s true as that it rains to-night.” “ And you came here as bis agent?” * Think whatever you please. “There is no need for thinking—I know it, yousee. Lookhere, We are going to kill you this time. But deliver that man again to me and you shall go scot free.” ‘Much obliged to you, but I am not in that line of business.” “You'll wish you was. Back to the shanty, boys!” The order was obeyed, Brayton being closely guarded. As the whole band, except a sentinel, took refuge in the shanty again, it looked to Brayton as though there was no probability of a further attack that night. He was bound also about his feet, and hurled into one corner, where he was left to bimself. Simon Shields and the renegade, Lacy, were seated not far from where Brayton lay, and he could overhear their conversation. “Tm for another attack to-night!” Lacy growled. ‘‘ My boys are used tonight attacks.” ‘* But unfortunately your boys are not in the the majority now,” Shields replied, glancing about the room where but a scattering of blue coats were to be seen. ‘I don’t want to run what handful of men we have got into another trap. ‘You may be right enough there, but if you wait till to-morrow the stage will be pouncing down on us,” “Let it eome, We can easily capture that, and do away with the prisoners. ‘*T say,” one of the townsmen said, coming up, “T’ve just thought of something. Where’s old Sparks’s Gatling gun?” “Heavens! I hadn’t thought of that,” Simon Shields exclaimed. ‘‘ He usually kept it at the blacksmith shop.” ‘Tf the enemy should get hold of it they would make short work of this shanty.” “Right you are! Go at once and see if it is there, and the ammunition also, It will come in play tous!” The man obeyed, but soon returned. not there!” he announced. The words were scarcely out of his mouth when a bullet came whizzing through the thin siding of the shanty, and neatly took off a small piece of Shields’s nose. ‘‘ Down flat on your faces!” yelled Lacy. The order was obeyed, but it was not neces- “Tt is sary. No other shot was fired, nor was any attempt at an attack made during the rest of the night. It was not iong ere the storm began to abate, and gradually ceased altogether, although the heavens remained sullenly overcast. In due time the first gray streaks of day- dawn were seen, after which came the welcome daylight. Lacy, as soon as it was sufficiently light stepped out of the shanty to reconnoiter, bu soon came back and reported everything quiet in the vicinity of thepart of Sassafras occupied by Oregon Bill and his party. ‘Well, then, I guess about the first thing we had better do is lynch the road-agent detective!” Simon Shields said. ‘‘ With bim out of the way, our victory over the enemy will be easier.” ‘'Don’t be too, sure of that,” Brayton re- torteu. ‘If harm comes to me, there will not aman 0. vou escape from the camp alive.” “Bah! <2atis brag! I fancy we are able to take care of ‘urselves, So you don’t want to die, my chicken*’ ““Pve no intentin of doing ggg 2 of the kind!’ Brayton sax: coolly, but, alas! the words belied his beliex, “or he could see no way of escape. é “We'll show ye!” Shields cried. ‘‘ We will give detective business at Sass: tras a nip in the bud. Hurrah, boys! there’s so-'e lumber in front of the shanty, and we'll fi him up a scaffold in no time.’ : And Brayton’s heart sunk within him, “§ he noted with what eagerness each man ru-ted from the enenty. But, ha! What is this? A bar of the early morning light streams down upon him from overhead. He looks up. Directly overhead he had noticed that there was a man-trapin the roef, or, in plainer words, a square hole, covered by a trap-door. his slide was now open, and he saw a face looking down at him, and a pair of hands lowering a lariat. It was Business whom he saw—it was the girl who had come to save h Heavens! what a moment it was! An nee it seemed to Brayton. Should one of the renegades re-enter, it would end all chances of escape. ; Slowly but surely the rope descended, and the noose dropped over his head and tightened just below his shoulders. Then he saw Business brace herself and her lips became,compressed, as she began to pull him upward. He had been afraid that he; strength would not be adequate to the task, for he was a very solidly built man. But he saw his mistake, wh a a faint smile curved her lips, and he felt himself ascending. The job was accomplished in almost less time than it takes to tell it, and Brayton was upon the roof beside the only girl he had ever loved. She quickly cut his bonds, and being on the opposite side of the roof from where the rene- gades were at work they lightly dropped to the ground. ‘‘For our lives now!” Business whispered, bounding lightly away, and A No. 1 was in no wise loth to follow her example. They were within a few rods of the shanty where their own party were quartered ere the renegades discovered their escape. In answer to their vengeful yell, Brayton sent back one in defiance, to let them know that their scaffold was without its victim. We and Business reached the shanty without further accident, and were warmly welcomed by the defenders, Bessie and Jessie becoming instant friends, while the Governor took Bray- ton’s hand and shook it heartily. ‘God bless you, my boy!” he said, proudly. ‘You are one of Nature’s noblemen!” ‘‘ Not quite so bad as that,” Brayton respond- ed, with a laugh. “ But I say you are, every inch of it. I guess you did not recognize me in this disguise at rst?” “ Right you are, for I least expected to find you in these surroundings. But when I saw you back in that camp, a prisoner, I jumped at the conclusion who you were.” The Governor turned his eyes at agg to- ward the two girls, and then upon the detec- tive. “They are the ones,” Brayton assured; ‘‘ but which is which I do not know, yet, aléhough I have the unread confession of Marie Bertrand i You see the girl I have res- cued.” ‘““Yes—altbough there is scarcely a bit of difference in them, except-as regards attire.” ‘“You are right. The one I refer to has been in charge of the woman Bertrand, and I have known her some time. If no one has any ob- jections, we propose to bring our affection to a more serious result, in which a knot will figure.” “T am glad to bear it, young man, no matter what may be the result of the identification.” “Great horned ace of Hatteras!” squealed Spotted Seth at this juncture. CHAPTER XIV. THE CLIMAX CUMPLETE, “What's the row?’ Brayton demanded, quickly turning to the miner. ** Jess look thar!” indicating a loop-hele that looked up the gulch. Brayton obeyed, and saw that the renegades were holding confab with a small party of In- dians, who had recently come down the gulch. They numbered a dozen, and were evidently a hunting-party. “Tf the renegades effect a consolidation, we may naturally expect an attack soon,” Bray- ton said, stepping back to give the governor a view. ‘Let em come!” Spotted Seth grinned, point- ing to the Gatling gun in one corner, which he had secured from the smithy during the night, it having been he who had fired the shot into renegades’ shanty. ‘‘ Thar’s the masheen what will fetch’em to Limerick!” “You had best mount it on the roof, from where you can, with the aid of the boys, do some good work.” This advice was put into execittion, and tuen there was nothing to do but to wait for the ottack. Suddenly, on looking in one corner of the room, Brayton uttered an exclamation. ‘Where is Oregon Bill?” he asked. Every one looked surprised. The bully was gone, and no one appeared to know of it until now. ‘*He war thar a bit ago, a-bathin’ his face,” a miner declared. A reconnoissance in the vicinity of the shant was hastily made, but Oregon Bill was non est. How or when he had escaped from the shanty without being noticed was a puzzler indeed. “Tt’s sun an’ he’s gone off somewheres to lay down and die,” was Spotted Seth’s opinion: ‘Not he!” another man averred, ‘ Bill’s game to the last, bet high on that; and I heerd
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16 him remark this morning that he’d have a hand | in the scrimmage yet.” “It’s my belief that he is somewhere about the Gulch,”» Brayton said. ‘‘T’d wager he is | alive yet, for he is literally a cast-iron man, or he couldn’t have gone through what he has.” About nocn an attack was made, but.a couple | of volleys from the Gatling gun caused the renegades and their red allies to beat a hasty retreat. ‘‘[’'m hanged if there’s much sand in that | party, boys!” Brayton declared. ‘‘If you're | with me, we'll be the attacking party to-night.” | A yell of approval greeted this proposition. The rough spirits of the border longed for such | a scrimmage. The wp d passed slowly, but no stage arrived, and the shades of another dark night began to gather; but there was to be no storm. During the afternoon Brayton had achat with Bessie, and told her of Marie Bertrand’s tragic death. “But there is no need for you to mourn, for she was nothing to you.” “Then you have solved the mystery of my life?’ she asked eagerly, her eyes like stars and her cheeks coloring prettily. ‘*T have; and I mean to claim my prize as soon as this struggle for Sassafrus is ever.” ‘*But no one has ever mentioned a word of encouragement to you, I believe,” she said, at- tempting to keep a sober face. She failed, however, and added: ‘*Nor, perhaps, is such a word calied for be- tween us.” And Fred Brayton turned away directly, feeling that his life was us nearly complete as at well could be, He had won a prize that neither gold nor greenbacks could buy. Just before dark p aE took occasion to speak with him. “Excuse me,” she said, coloring, ‘‘ but, if I am not too presuming, I would like to ask you it you have seen anything of Mr. Oregon yet?” “No—not a sign of him yet. You seem a trifle interested in him, | fancy.” “Tl not deny it. He has a good heart—if you know how to reach it. Then, too, I pity him because he suffers so.” ** Yes, there’s a man to be made out of him yet, if he pulls through. You, Lpresume, could do it, if you were to try right hard.” At which Jessie flushed, and turned away. Darkness soon settled down in blank intensity. The defenders made good their preparations for an attack, which Brayton ordered to take place about midnight. As soon as it was dark, it was discovered that the renégades had built a large camp-fire near their shanty, and were engaged in roasting meat and steeping coffee, for supper, each man being seated on the ground. An hour passed snd they still maintained this position, Another hour, and there was no change, ex- cept that a figure was seen moving around, among those seated-at the fire. “There’s something mighty funny about that!” Brayton decided, after an occasional glance that way. ‘It appears as if the galoots sre all asleep over there!” As he spoke, the figure left the vicinity of the camp-fire, and strode toward the defenders’ shanty. “Thunder! It’s an Injun! him,” Spotted Seth cried. ‘*No! no! that’s Oregon Bill,” Brayton cried, And so it proved. It was Bill, and he took the defenders to the renegade camp, where all hands sat propped upright—dead! No questions were asked. It was enough for the*pectators of the ghastly scene to draw inferences. The villainous gang were dead, and there were no signs of violence upon their bodies. Bill made no explanat on, but walked away, leaving them there When the defenders got back to the shanty, they found him lying in bis corner, snoring, as if his life depended upon the noise. At Brayton’s suggestion no mention was made to the girls, that the strange fellow was in any way connected with the deaths of the rene- gades. Little remains to be told. The next morning the defenders turned out, and gave each man who lost his life a decent burial, and when the work was completed Sas- safras had a well-stoeked cemetery of her own. During the forenoon the Governor made an expl ion to the girls. Let me plug Dashing “The name which the public knows me by, is | 202 203 Tre Boy Parps. not my real name,” he said, ‘‘for that is Dres- den. I dropped this name years ago. Then there were two brothers of us-Paul and Wil- | liam—and a foster-brother, named Simon, and we were aged only about two years apart, and grew up together the same as own brothers. My father owned an immeuse property, and had a good deal of money besides. On his death when I, the youngest of the two brothers, was twenty-one, he willed his property equally to me and Paul, and wholly ignored Simon, who, being of a naturally bad temperament, swore to wreak revenge on us as satisfaction for the slight he had suffered. ‘*T married, as likewise did Paul. We wed two young ladies, sisters, and were blessed with two little girls, greatly resembling each other. My wife, however, died shortly afterward. ‘‘In the mean time Simon bad become dissi- pated, and bad in more ways than one, and had allied himself to a woman named Bertrand, who secured a place as nurse in my brother’s house, until one day both she, Paul’s child and mine turned up missing. ‘*We em os fe detectives, but all to no pur- pose. We had to give them up as lost, as no clew could be found—nor could the where- abouts of Simon, or the woman Bertrand be discovered. ‘*Panl’s wife died through the blow, and five years ago Paul was found murdered in Texas, with a knife in bis heart, on the handle of which was inscribed the letters S. 8. ““[ immediately regained hope, and I and Brayton have been working since. Thanks to him, the end of the trail is reached. Simon Shields and Marie Bertrand were buried here to-day. You girls are daughter and niece to me!” We will pass over the scene that followed, for both the girls and the Governor exchanged warm greetings, and laughed and cried over the strange denouement, . “ But which of us is which?” Jessie asked, after a moment, ‘“‘T have examined Marie Bertrand’s confes- sion,” said Brayton, ‘‘and she states that when she and Shields separated, in order that she could make money out of him, by threats of the law, she took William Dresden’s child, and Shields kept Paul’s.” “That is right. I traveled with ’em for awhile!” Oregon Bill interposed, ‘‘and I learned that the gal what belonged to the Governor, had a mole on her left wrist. Years ago, I uster saw wood fer both the, Dresdens!” The Governor gave the man a searching look, and then sprung forward, and seized his hand. “‘T know you at jast!” be said, ‘‘ And now that we are all reunited, let us leave this place forever, and let the past as far as possible be forgiven and forgotten.” The Governor, Bessie, Jessie and A No. 1 left Sassafras that very afternoon. Bessie and Brayton were soon after married, and are happy, together, with the ex-Governor to brighten their home. Oregon Bill did not peg out; but lived to accu- mulate a competency in Sassafras. Then, a. changed and far more desirable man, he sought, Jessie, found her single, and the re- sult was a happy marriage. Perhaps che only man of our romance now to be found at the little worn-out camp of Sassafras, is Spotted Seth, who rejoices at the finding of Rats’s buried treasure. The others have passed away along the high- ways and by ways of an eventful life, THE END. BEADLE’S HALF-D'ME LIBRARY. 180 THe Sea Tratter. Lieut. H. D. Perry, U.S, N. 5¢ 181 Witp FRANK or Montana. By FE. L. Wheeier, oc 182 LirrLe Hurricane. By O!l Coomes.......... 5e 183 THe HippEn Hanp. By Chas. Morris........ 5e 184 Tye Boy Trarmers. By Jos. EB. Badger, Jr... 5e #85. Evm, Eve. By Frank Dumont ............ Be 186 Coot Dmsmonp. By Col. Dele Sara. .......... 5e 187 Frep Hatyarp. ty Chas. Morris .. ....... ..5¢ 185 Nep Tempitx. By T. CO. Harbaugh + Wl OG 189 Bos Rockerr, tHe CracksMAN. By C. Morris 5e 190 Danny Darke. By Wm, R, Eyster\... 5e 191 BurraLo Buy. By Capt.\A, B, Taylor,U.S.A: 5¢ 192, CapraIn Krr. By Lieut. H. D. Perry, U.S.N. 5¢e 193 Tae LApy Roap-Aacent. By Philip S. Warne 5c 194 Burrato Bruy's Ber. Capt. A. B. Taylor.U.S.A Be 195 DEapwoop Dick’s Dream. By E. L. Wheeler, 5c 196 SHADOWED, By Charles Morris ‘ teil BO 197 Lrrrte Grrr, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. ... 5e¢ 198 ARKANSAW. By T. C. Harbaugh... ........... Se 199 FeaTHERWEIGHT. 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