Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 115) (1879 10 07)
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Seren yemey Ty Sama rn ES nN anne HL ~~ TLE LLL if | N\ I : NN Ww ) Lae ee 4, LZ px sp Bf \) \ NY \\ mS Pir Lh == ek Ms ina (hal | (imal (al) iene ill ‘ “Te (a bef | AS Ri : { {at Ua WS $2.50 a year. Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., as Second Class Matter. . Copyrighted in 1879 by BEADLE AND ADAMS. hee October 7, 1875, Single PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS Price Vol. V. , ‘ , idiom No. 115 a : “= e fire se : q 4 / vay mi ots F Sh ph b c a 2) GLUTCHING HIS LONG RIFLE MENACINGLY, THE TEXAN, WHETHER MAN OR SPIRIT, GLARED UPON THEM IN SILENCE.
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2 OR, é - Dandy Rock’s Doom. fon Me A Thrilling Story of the War for the fe Ne urn Valley of Gold. i Pap,’ \ yv x i BY G. WALDO BROWNE, '» © JOHOR OF “DANDY ROCK,” ‘‘ DREAD RIDER,” “TIGER OF TAOS,” ETC. CHAPTER I. THE RAFFLE FOR LIFE. “* Loox!” Over the mountains of California the setting gun was shedding its last rays. Upon an ecerhengsg cliff, that seemed to cling to the side of the rugged Silver Mountain with so slight a hold that it might be precipi- tated into the valley a hundred feet below at any moment, were outlined the forms of two foot travelers, who had paused there for rest. The elder of the twain, and who gave utter- ance to the exclamation quoted as he peered over the brink of the ledge, was strongly built, and midway in the prime of life, with a physique and dress once seen not likely to be forgotten. Ay, Dandy Rock, The-Mau-from-Texas, need- no introduction to any one in Calaveras county. His raven hair, now tinged with gray, still falls down his brawny shoulders; he has changed but little, save that his costume is more y than ever. Heavy gold rings, studs—in ‘act he seemed literally covered with the pre- cious metal. Even his rifle, revolvers, bowie, etc. were mounted with gold. Well could he afford it, for all of Gold-dust Valley which lay at their feeb with its untold wealth was his! The second person was the strange Alpine Luke, otherwise known as Shadow, the Unlucky Miner—one of the most incomprehensible char- _ , acters to be found in that land of unassorted men. “* Jeems Stopple!” Rock muttered, as he bent further out over the Eee “Ef there ain’t mischief, may the Old Boy tote me off fer oven- » wood!” : ' His companion, gazing in the direction he pointed, saw a sight that caused him to utter a ery of horror, stoical as he was. the center of the valley was a score or more of paint-bedaubed savages dancing hither and thither in mad glee, while in their midst was a captive maiden, bound to a stake, around — was piled a line of brushwood ready to “It is that old Cali Man-from-Texas, ‘‘and that inzs. , Soon the tiny spark applied to the dry wood was fanned into a flame, and rapidly it spread right and left, while the smoke arose in vol- umes. What was to be done must be done at once. Though in plain view of the Indians, the whites were in no real danger from them should be discovered, for not one could scale the j me put the sav- ages to rout without imp their gwn lives; less in the power of her an cap "and higher dartéd the fire till the heat was almost intolerable, and the poor victim to writhe, and cry out in f distress. ilder and flercer grew the yells of the’sav- horde, as they danced about. , and Luke shuddered as they gazed upon the heart-rending scene. ious!” ejaculated The-Man-from- am going to speak to that half-breed “ My Texas, “* : coyote and see ef wecan’t make terms with him.” The next instant valley and mountain ae voice. The woke, ok ‘around in terror. The Mad Miner. Again Dandy Rock gave utterance to his defi- ant cry. Thea the twenty dark visages were turned upward, when they discovered the daring twain looking down upon them, ‘‘Hough!” cried the half-breed leader, as he raised his rifle to fire. ‘* Hold!” Rock yelled instantly, as his own iece covered the chief. ‘‘ Move a hand and I’ll rop you!” ‘Tis The-Man-from-Texas!” exclaimed the baffled wretch as he fell back. “By Randel Rock, it am! and ef ye don’t free thet gal thar, ye’ll think the hull o’ Texas ar’ on yer heels! D’ye hyar, now?” ‘*What do you want?” gasped the one known as Evil Eyes. ““ What do I want?’ thundered Rock fiercely. “Hain’t I tole ye? I want that gal set free, and no more tomfoolery!” ‘“‘Ha-ha!” laughed the renegade recovering his self-possession, ‘‘and you think me will do it?” “Look hyar,” the Texan replied, ‘Rock Randel ain’t one to see sich a purty creetur’ as thet gal put to sich an eend. Now jess walk that fire away frum her and let her go in peace or l’ll dig yer funeral es true es I kem frum old Texas. Hyar thet, old smoky-skin?”’ ‘Bah! you talk like a fool! White gal die fast! See!” Moaning most piteously the captive was fran- tically trying to break from the ligatures that held her. Rock trembled violently, as he saw her sufierings, and it required a mighty effort to i 4 from shooting the chief. e next moment the half-breed turned his aze back to the couple above, and cried quick- y: ‘“ Would the white men have the captive’s life spared?” “Yes,” they answered together. “ And are willing to accede to fair terms to have it done?” = he received an affirmative reply. ‘Very well; the chief will talk.” ‘‘But for God’s sake extinguish that fire or she will be burned alive while we parley,” cried Luke, as he saw that the maiden was fast yield- ing to the overpowering heat. hen it was done so that sha experienced no further agony fromit, Evil Eyes again ad- dressed the miners. “‘Tisten,” he cried; ‘the chief sees before him two of his most hated foes. Long has he hunted them; but the end of the trail is not far away. Hecan capture them without trouble. But they ask for the life of the pale-face maiden, the Mountain Rose, and he will grant it upon one condition. ““What is it?’ they asked in. chorus, as the speaker - Will they accept the terms?” An hing reasonable; but not until we know them.’ ‘“‘Evil Eyes will let the captive go free, and while in ee that she shall not be moles he valley, if the white men will take her place,” and he watched the twain closely, to see what effect his bola demand would have. “ Jess es I expected,” muttered Rock; “ but it might hev been wuss.” ‘““You are right; andif the red brute would be satisfied with one of us, I for one am willing to take the girl’s place.” - “So I am,” responded the Texan, “and ef it will work I the best we can do. “Took hyar, old saff’on-face, ye ax too much! There ar’ two o’ us and the gal ain’t but one. Either o’ us are willing to swap chances with her, but ye can’t hev both on us—though I reckon she’s wuth half a dezen o’ us,” he add- ed under his breath. : The half-breed turned to consult his followers. was a chance théy had not looked for. Long had they sought for their brave foes, and it took them but an instant to decide that while it really mattered not whether the girl lived or died, the possession of either of the men was worth much to them’ “‘ Hark!” he spoke to the whites. ‘‘ When one of you has surrendered himself into our hands the ren go unharmed.” : = !” exclaimed Rock; ‘‘ anything to save the urty one,” “ And am the one to do it. upon the chief?” said Luke. “I think so. But Iam older than ye, Luke, and with little to live for, so I am going to take Can we depend the gal’s place.” “It is certain death, Rock; and you have friends who will miss you, while there is not one in the whole world who will mourn for me, and I had rather die than live if I can save an- other life by mine. So let me go, old Sag and tell them at camp the Unlucky Miner di one good act in his days,” “Wait! ’tain’t fair for ye to go off so. I don’t hev a fair shake! Let’s raffle fer it.” “Just as you say,” replied his companion in- differently. Selecting a couple of small sticks of different length, Rock held them in his extended hand saying: ‘The one who gits the short one goes.” Slowly drawing the nearest, the Unlucky Miner held it up to be measured by the other, when they found he had drawn the fatal right to offer his life for another’s redemption. CHAPTER II. A LIFE FOR A LIFE. ‘‘T am to take the chances,” said Shadow slowly; ‘and 1 am glad of it. ‘See that the gir} escapes, Rock, and I ask no more.” ‘Gin us yer paw, old pard; ye ar’ true grij and no side-show ; but 1 am sp’ilin’ for ther fun, so let me go.” Luke shook his head. ‘“You have more to live for than I, Rock Take good care of yourself, and—well, the sav. ages are impatient, so I will go.” ‘“‘T sha’n’t fergit ye, Luke; and ’member ye hev one true friend who will stand by ye through thick and thin.” “Thank you, Rock. There, tell the half- breed I am coming, while I follow this path inte the valley.” A cordial grasp of the hand, and Alpine Luke was gone on his awful mission. Dandy Rock, seeing the enemy was getting anxious, said to the leader: ‘Don’t git narvous. My pard is on his way to ye.” “ Then Shadow takes the gal’s place?” ** T reckon.” ce G ood !” The-Man-from-Texas, while he watched and waited, looked carefully to the priming of !:is fire-arms, for he felt there was to be ‘*‘ sum ¢.: yit,” as he would express it. The captive, unable to comprehend ti: change in affairs, looked upon those around |: in wonder. Very soon Alpine Luke had reached the gorge, ane approached his foes without a sign of hesi- ion. Their fiendish faces lit with exultation, the horde could hardly keep from rushing upon him. their satisfaction was so great. Dandy Rock never allowed his gaze to leave them for an instant. If there was treachery afloat he was not ona to be caught napping. _As the Unlucky Miner reached them, the In- dians gave a wild yell, and then followed a scene ne coties epee: — an instant the voluntary captive was borne to the earth. i While his horde were in the act of doing this, Evil Eyes, who had planned for a double vic- Hors raised his gun to discharge it at Dandy oc The Texan was too quick for him, however, and before he could press the trigger a shot from the other’s rifle sent him reeling back with a yell of pain. As his followers saw him fall they uttered cries of amazement, and thinking the tacked, sent a volley of bullets flying about their oes prisoner, half of them at least striking rson. is blood gushed forth from at least a dozen wounds; the doomed man fell over, lifeless. - k gave utterance to one of his. “old Texan war-whoops” that awoke the val- ley for miles, and emptied the second barrel of his rifle into their midst. The savages, terrified, fled. Dandy Rock drew his revolvers and sent shot after shot among their fleeing forms, giving more than one his death-wound. In the excitement the captive was left un- ed. Rushing swiftly down the mountain side the Texan quickly reached the spot. ‘“‘ My God!” he groaned, as he bent over the still form of his companion, ‘‘Luke is stone Literally riddled with bullets, and fairly bathed in blood, the body of the brave miner was indeed devoid of life. **Randel Rock o’ Texas! Ef I don’t make this day’s work cost ’em varmints their lives may I be thrown cold!” e started up at the sound of rushing feet in the growth below. Perhans the red demons were coming back. l were ut-
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ead ) obs ‘ge Wal, my purty one, I’llsave ye while I can,” and he swiftly cut the thongs that bound her. Nearly overjoyed at her release, the fair girl cried: ‘“May God bless you. But do you think we can escape?” ‘‘Sartin, as climbin’ a pillar o’ smoke, But, rracious! ’scuse me, I feel jess like a baby. any’s the tramp Luke and me hev hed to- zether, and now ’em coyotes hev sent him on Ris long trail and left old Rock alone.” ‘Ts your friend dead?” cried the maiden, anxiously. ‘Stone dead, miss. But—hark! the varmints are comin’ back, and we must git.” The Texan was about to flee with the girl, when he suddenly exclaimed: ‘** Randel Rock! I ain’t no sneakin’ coyote to go back on a friend. I sh’w’d want him to do it for me, and TP'll do es much fer him, or I didn’t hail from old Texas!” Wondering what he meant, the maiden saw him dash back to the side of Al pine Luke. Louder and nearer came the cries and sounds from the growth. Frightened she followed the miner. ‘““ By the gold o’ Silverstone creek!” cried The-Man-from-Texas, as he bent over the un- conscious form of his companion, *‘ no red var- mint shall hev yer top-knot as long es Rock | Randel is hyar; @’ye hvar thet, old pard?” Then his fingers deftly parted a lock of the fallen man’s hair, but while he raised the other | hand with his knife to sever it, a Ma of leaden hail flew so thick and close about his head that he fell back in dismay. ‘Tis a goner, old boy! but I did the best I could fer ye. Pl see yer score settled,” and knowing that only instant flight could save himself and the maiden, he turned to her, with one last look at his dead companion. ‘Quick, my gal! it’s a race fer life.” ‘*Grasping her hand, and half-carrying her along the rock-strewn valley, he bounded away. ( aly a few rods behind followed the savages. Rock heard them give renewed yells as they reached Alpine Luke’s body, and had it not Leen for his fair charge he would have turned and sold his life as dearly as possible. As it was, for her sake he bent every effort toward escape. Forward through the tangled brushwood he led the way. ty and by they came out into the rocky bot- tou of the valley, where the shrubbery ceased to grow. ‘*Golden Cave is not far away and if we can only git there we shall be safe for a time,” said Rock pontine: as they crossed the open- ing, and again plunged into the shadow of the growth, The words had barely left his lips, however, when the cries of foes in front warned him of new danger. Seeing a huge bowlder near at hand that tow- ered above his head and promised partial pro- tection in case of an. attack, he succeeded in reaching it, just as a dozen rough-looking min- ers came into sight. At first look Rock's spirits rose as he saw they were white men, and felt that they were friends. But when he recognized the leader hope fled. The others discovered them at the same mo- ment, and paused abruptly. At the head of the new-comers and facing The-Man-from-Texas with amazement, was his mortal foe whom he had long supposed dead. ‘Tis Buck Warner!” whispered the maiden, with a shudder, which told that she ha4 before met Calaveras county’s most noted desperado. As she spoke, Rock raised his rifle, but before he could answer the outlaw exclaime1: ‘* Ho, Rock Randel! I was looking for you.” “What would you have, Gold-dust Buck? | But I warn ye not to kem one step nearer fer |my rifle don’t burn powder fer nothin’!” gritted ithe Texan coolly. | ‘“* Put down that shooter, dog of Texas, or—” ' “Hold! talk bizness, or I'll let daylight through yer brain-pan afore ye can yip! I hed hoped ye hed turned up yer toes and ther hon- est neonie w’u'd hev peace.” ‘‘Ha-ha!” laughed the outlaw, mockingly, ‘“‘ Buck Warner ain’t left Gold-dust Hollow free to ye yit! What is more, he ain’t a-goin’ to. 1 hev’ now over thirty true men to aid me, and we will wage war till death ef ye don’t give us our rightful own. What say ye, Man-from- Texas, will ye quit yer claim here and go away fully, or 1 we have to throw you to he vultures?” " Drawing his commanding form to its full swered eg “ Never! en Rock Randel goes out of Gold- hind!” CHAPTER III. THE MAD MINER. ‘Haut! another step and you die!” Two horsemen coming up the Silver Mountain stage-road from Drytown, California, toward the close of a September day, 18538, suddenly found themselves surrounded by a dozen mask- ed men, who covered their persons with as many rifles. Quickly drawing rein they exclaimed: ‘Who are you, and what do you want?” ‘‘Ha-ha!” laughed the leader, ‘ you will find out to your sorrow if you don’t carry a civil tongue. We are the protectors of Gold-dust Hollow, and we call ourselves the Valley Guard ; does that suit you?” ‘Stand aside and let us pass. ful travelers.” “*Not so fast, my young Seth and Charles Harlow?” “We are.” *“And you are going to the Golden Cave?” “* Does that concern you?” **Concern us? Sirrahs, it was to warn you from going there that we stopped you. Weare the Valley Guard, and no one is allowed to pass us alive. So if you value your lives turn quiet- ly back for Drytown.” ‘‘ We question your right to dictate us. Sup- pose we refuse!” ‘*Then you shall swing from these saplin within ten minutes, a warning to other ho headed fools. We are not trifling; turn back or die! We will give you fifteen seconds to decide in. The twain were young, brave and reckless, armed to the teeth, ‘ai against the twelve or more they were hopelessly at odds. “What say you, Charley?’ asked the elder, his frank, handsome face all aglow with excite- ment, ‘‘shall we turn from our course like boys and be driven back to Drytown?” Never!” answered the other, defiantly. ‘We have paid for a share in the mine, and I am not We are peace- fellows. Ain’t you going to give up my part without a struggle!” Cha ‘* Bravo for you, rley! Iam with you.” ‘*Come—time’s up!” cried the masked man. ‘*Remember that we can do with you as we wish, and you shan’t leave this place alive unless you agree to our terms. That Man-from-Texas has no right to the Valley of Gold, and all who buy of him are humbugged, so we shall see that no one works the claim till the rightful owners gfe possession. Are you going back like sensi- le men?” “ No!” The terse reply surprised the others. A moment only did the masked men hesitate, then the leader cried fiercely: “Take them, boys! and show no mercy.” In a flash the others hurled themselves upon the defiant travelers, The brothers discharged their weapons with a peeeeyre that sent two of their assailants to death. The remainder, infuriated by the fate of their comrades, instantly surrounded them; and fore they could repent the shots they were fore- ed into a hand-to-hand combat. his was too unequal to last long; and the next breath the brave twain were overpowered, ‘* Bind ’em, boys, so they can’t git away, and we'll show ’em how to shoot down in cold blood peaceful citizens,” cried the chief, as he tried to | stay the crimson stream that gushed froma wound he had received. “Yours to aT,” grunted one of the gang, “ Wot next?” ‘*Jess fasten this bandage fer me, and then Vl pick out a tree. Ilreckon it will be a warn- ing to other fools ef we leave our sign round hyar,” and he laughed, hoarsely. Leading the way into the growth for a couple of rods, the outlaw leader stopped under the overhanging branches of a large oak. *““T reckon we can’t find a better one,” he said, ‘so let’s swing the greenies up ter wunct.” ‘*For Heaven’s sake! would you murder us without a show for life?” eried Seth Harlow, as he saw preparations n.ade for the horrible roceedings that were to send himself and rother to eternity. ‘*‘ What have we done that you give us no mercy?” ‘‘ Look there!” and the ruffian pointed to his dead followers. ‘* But you eompelled us to do that,” protested the other. ‘‘ You-—” 7 eee eee Cee eee ee 3 “Enough said! We gave you fair warning, but you refused to heed it, and now you must suffer the consequence, The war forthe Valley of Gold has begun. Weare its defenders, and it’s our duty to see that none hostile to its right- ful owners go prowlin’ round there. em, boys, hurry up with yer rope; and let’s git this job off hands. Cords of sufficient length were quickly pro- cured, and the chief was about to adjust one around the neck of Seth Harlow, when a start- ling cry from his followers caused him to stop, in amazement. “Good Lord, cap’en! look there!” Not dreaming t any one was in the vi- cinity, the party were surprised by the dis- covery of a man leaning against the opposite side of the tree in a sitting posture, fast asleep. At the sound of their exclamation, however, he awoke, and rubbing his eyes as if but half: awake he staggered to his feet, and faced them indolently. ‘OTis Wild Wind, the Mad Miner!” ejacu- lated the leader of the masked horde, with a breath of relief. “s yva !” muttered the sleeper, scratching his head sluggishly. A stranger specimen of humanity than this uncouth character was never seen in the Silver Mountain district. f Quite tall, with an angular form, dressed evi- dently in the discarded garb of some miner of larger size, his face well-nigh covered with a mass of ‘‘tow-white ” beard, while his counte- nance bore a blank, vacant stare, and his eyes continually wandered from object to object with a listless light never seeming to have any expression, and a tangled burden of bair fallin; down his neck of the same colorless hue of hi whiskers, his every look and action proclaime a harmless imbecile or lunatic. He had been seen in that part of the country but a short time, and was a person of uncer tain age—in short he was an individual of whom f nobody knew anything.” ‘“* Hi!” he exclaimed,with a long-drawn yawn, ‘Wild Wind had big mye “Git out of our way ef ye don’t want to git er last sleep!” growled the masked leader of he “Valley Guard.” If the ‘“‘ looney ” understood the words he paid no heed to them, but watched the others with apparent wonder. ‘Don’t mind him, but run up that dog of a Harlow. The fool can’t harm us.” The noose was fitted to Seth’s neck, and then his horse was led forward for him to mount. “e-he!” laughed the witless stranger, and too much amused to stand still, he tried to help mod outlaws lift the doomed men upon the ani- mal, “Out of the way, ye lunkhead!” snorted one, as he felled the too willing assistant aside, ‘*QOh-h! ky-ya! him hurt!’ and the crazy crea- ture danced about in frantic pain, Suddenly the horse reared and plunged furi- ously, and before the surprised captors could secure him he broke from their hold and dashed madly off, bearing upon his back clinging to the saddle with desperate energy their prisouer, Seth Harlow. Shots were instantly sent after the flying fugitive but they flew wide of their mark. © pursue him would be folly; and cursing themselves for their carelessness, bg ew er ped turned more closely to their nin, captive. e lunatic stood aloof, while his form quiv- ered and teeth chattered like a frightened monkey, for all the world. ; ‘The one who lets this dog escape shall swing in his place!” exclaimed the chief, as another rope was brought forward. t took but a moment to fit it for its ee one Sen Charles Harlow was dragged beneath the oak, Without giving bim the chance to say a le word, the ruffians threw the end of the line over a limb, and willing hands seizing it, the victim was swung into the air. Scarcely had his weight been lifted from the und, when with a snap the cord parted, and he fell in a heap. The outlaws looked upon each other in sur- rise, ‘ The looney laughed and danced to and fro in wild glee, | “Try again,” the chief, commanded. Once more the rope was prepared, and the bog stood ready to execute their leader's order ‘*Draw him up slowly this time, and see that there is no blundering,” he fiercely warned, as he raised his hand as the signal for the execu-
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4 The Mad Miner. tion, when, with a low cry of pain, he reeled back, and fell at the foot of the tree. Startled and amazed, the others turned to him, to discover the haft of a huge knife pro- trading from his left side in the region of the heart! They realized that he was dead, but who had done the deed? In awe they glanced wildly about them, but saw not the assassin. Even as they gazed another of their number fell in the same mysterious way! Speechless and spellbound, they could not move. The lunatic, too, was transfixed with terror. A moment of dread, and then recovering their activity once more, but heeding the prisoner no longer, they fled in mad affright. ith a discordant laugh the witless unknown followed, making the woods echo with his mean- ingless cries. CHAPTER IV. ROCK SEES A ‘‘SPOOK.” Go.p-pust Buck uttered a cry of surprise as he heard Rock’s defiant answer. ‘Then you wont git?” he growled, hoarsely. “No! I ownall Gold-dust Hollow, and the «ave, too, and [ am not goin’ to be druv out o’ it by ye, or enny other coyote this side o’ Texas.” “Bah! But who is that with you?” *¢ None o’ yer bizness, old Tearer.” ‘*Tt,is the old Californian’s daughter,” one of Warner’s followers affirmed. “You are right, Stockton Sharp, and we are in luck. “Rock Randel, you have with you a person yhom of all others I desire. I had her in my ower once to-day, but somehow she. managed ‘pesca Now, I have one more offer to make jou. Surrender that girl into my hands, and I »romise I will leave Gold-dust Hollow forever, jo never trouble you again. What say you to that? Remember, it will be an easy thing for me to capture you both, and in that case I swear neither shall live. Will a give the girl up to ings aud be allowed to depart in peace your- self?” ‘Oh, kind sir!” cried the maiden to the Tex- an, with anxious pleading, “‘ don’t let that dread- man get me! He slét down poor father and mother this afternoon, and he wants to carry me off with him! I had rather die than for him to get me!” “Nover fear, my purty one,” replied Rock, encouragingly; ‘‘ Pll stand by ye till the last.” To the impatient outlaw he cried loudly: ‘‘Do ye think J am meaner than a Digger In- dian? Jam ready to die for this gal, and will do it afore ye shall hev her!” A derisive laugh was the only answer, and the ‘tug of war was at hand. The-Man-from-Texas glanced hastily about for a way to elude his foes. Tho rock extended for some distance, but in mywvise offered him any more protection than th .t gained from his present position. At that moment the outlaws sent the contents of their rifles flying about his head, and he felt one bullet strike his arm. ‘‘ Hooray!” shouted the assailants, and threw themselves forward en masse. Dandy Rock had reloaded his weapons ere this, and the first shot that left its fateful miuz- zle carried death to one of the desperadoes. “This way, purty one,” and he darted ‘back to the rear. Around the huge bowlder the Texan led bis charge. ma he came out on the other side, he saw to his horror the horde of savages coming up the ravine! Between two foes he was lost! Had it been a little later the darkness of night would have aided him; but, though the sun had “aeeiiees set, it was still quite light. right or left and his race was up. “T will die game!” he muttered. “T fear, : iiss, it is all up with us! But be brave and we ‘aay escape. I—” . _A. wild shriek from the Indians drowned his ‘ . Then as one body they rushed n— Ha! At that very instant wher tie seemed +o have victory within their ipreep, of te eir cries of exultation changed to ye rror; and turning in a mad mediéy they actually fled, without discharging a single shot. Sendoeetinek: teak hesitated. The enemy behind seeing the precipitate flight of those in front paused. Then a wild cry rung from the mountsin side ahove, which caysed md and foe to glance fias.il7 upward. In the weird twilight was seen a wild, un- | civilized-looking being, with flowing hair and tattered garb. “The Mad Miner!” exclaimed Gold-dust Buck, in amazement. ‘“Wild Wind, the Crazy Miner!” chorused his followers. ; If the outlaws were for a moment inactive, Rock wasn’t. Improving his chance, he dashed into the valley and along its bottom, keeping his com- panion close by his side. “Let the varmints gawk ef they want to! I’m much obleeged to thet wild miner fer letting us off so cute, ain’t ye, miss?” ‘‘Oh, yes; but you are hurt!” “Never mind thet; ’tain’t nothin’, But warn’t thet tall fun? Gracious! I jes think 0’ old Texas in ’em times!” By this time the outlaws rallied; but the Texan had got a start of them that promised escape. He heard them ay through the growth for a moment, and then all sound of them died away. Perpletbd at their seeming withdrawal from the chase, he could but think they were hunting him by stealth. Had he seen the two lifeless forms they had left behind he would not have wondered at their movement. At last, when he felt that they had little more to fear from their foes for ‘the time, Rock paused, and turning to the maiden, said: “ Wal, miss, I reckon we needn’t hurry so like scart bufflers now. I guess’em coyotes hev gone to their den.” “Then we are out of danger?” she asked, joy- ously. $s Yes, ef we only keep our peepers awake. Hey ye enny perticular place yer want ter go? And may I ax yer name and whar ye kem frum, purty one?’ ** Certainly. My name is Lenore Cassa, and in company with our family I was coming up the Remoure and going to the lower valley, where father owns a gold claim. We were at- tacked to-day by a party of men called the ‘Valley Guard,’ and I was carried off, to be de- livered over to the half-breed and his savages. Oh, sir, you can’t know what I have suffered, and if it had not been for you, I should have been killed ere this! But r father and moth- er! Imustgotothem. I sadly fear they areno more! Excuse me if I would know to whom I owe my life before I go.” The Texan hesitated to speak, he was so en- with the fair vision before him. Never ad he seen one who seemed so beautiful to him. His very soul was thrilled with the magnetism of her voice. ‘*-You will at least tell me your name,” she repeated. ‘Scuse me, Miss Lenore,” he stammered; ‘‘I —I am onl Dandy Rock, ‘The-Man-from-Texas, es they call me,” *“Can it be possible?” she cried. “I have heard father pe of you often. How can I ever pay you for saving my life, Mr.—Mr.—I don’t believe I know your name, after all.” “ Call me Rock,” he said, quickly. ** Never mind the pay; 1—I am more than paid by one look of your purty eyes.” ‘¢ May God bless you!” she murmured, not at all offended by hisrude sincerity. ‘‘ But I must leave you and go back tomy friends. They will be worried about me.” “What! goin’ off alone? Not ef Rock Randel knows it! Why, bless ye, my Paty, one, the valley is full o’ coyotes, es will gobble ye - quicker nor a —_ 1 ona desert! Whar di ye are the old folks and them as war with em ** Down where the creek flows over the ledge and disappears into the canyon.” ‘** T know the place jess like a tor in my dinner. I we hed better go down to the ‘city,’ and I'll git sum o’ the boys to go down ese are pesky with me, and leave ye thar. times!” onsartain With the words Rock started down the val- ley, Lett for the mining settlement that lay to their right. Conscious that they were likely to be discoy- ered any moment by the enemy that must still be hyking in the vicinity, he was constantly on the alert. It was while thus cautiously advancing, that he fancied he heard footsteps. Sinking back into the shadow of a clump of bushes, he waited in breathless silence. Tt was then getting quite dark, so that he could distinguish nothing plainly. But in a youment he saw the form «f > jan leave the —_—___—___) growth and come in his course a few roda ahead. He was in the act. of drawing up his rifle ready for instant work, when something in the new-comel’s appearance caused him to drop the weapon and watch him intently. The person slowly crossed the clearing and disappeared into a neighboring thicket. Rock seemed like one paralyzed, and he never removed his gaze till the other was gone. i Then springing to his feet, with a breath of | relief, he cried: i “May I be turned into a whirlwind ef thet ! wa’n’t the spook o’ Alpine Luke!” ‘When he recovered himself enough to go on, | he examined the place where the form had ‘ erg the path, but nothing could be seen of m. “Jess es [ sed!” he muttered, “Luke don’t rest right. But, Jeems Stopple! I hope his spook won’t git arter me!” CHAPTER V. THE MAD MINER IN A NEW ROLE, HALF stunned by his fall, Charles Harlow lay bound hands and feet. At first he could hardly realize that he was saved. Saved? Washe? The outlaws had fled, but they might return at any moment, while he was helpless. here was Seth? Impatiently he waited and hoped for escape, all the while frantically try- ing to free himself from the ligatures that held him so securely. Thus twenty minutes passed and he was fast losing his strength, when the sound of footsteps startled him; and the next instant to bis un- speakable joy, his brother appeared in sight. “* Are you hurt, Charles? and where are the ruffians?? was Seth’s greeting. ‘“‘The villains have fled. Iam not burt, but bound like a captive rabbit.” ‘So I am,” said the other, advancing, and holding up bis hands showing that they were still tied firmly behind him. rs horse threw me,” he said, in explana- tion, “ and by this time is half-way to Diy- town. I think yours has followed bis for I heard him galloping that way. Iwas not mucl hurt by my fall, but for my life I cannot burst these bonds. Let me see what I can do fo: , you. After a long and patient trial he succeeded i. clearing Charles’s wrists of their thongs; and at last both were free. ‘‘ Where shall we go?” “On to Gold-dust, by all means,” repliea Seth; ‘‘ though our horses are gone we can reach the place to-night. Ha! as I live, I be- lieve I can see the ‘city’ now.” Away to the south and east of them sure enough was to be seen a considerable collection of rude huts and even tuildings that showed cane of respectability. As Gold-dust was the only settlement in the vicinity, of course it must be the destination they had come so far to reach. ‘You are right, Seth,” exclaimed the youn- r, quickly, ‘‘wemust goon. Weare near our journey’send, Are you still as firm as ever to carry out the object of our coming here? and are you still confident that this is the valley the Californian was ery ck is not easily mis- “Quite so. Dand taken, though I did deceive him into the belief that we were coming here to pan his gold, when it was really to further a selfish purpose—to finish the work of our life,” ‘“That is our secret, Seth; and be careful how you whisper, it for trees may have ears, Mis know. e gave our oaths to our dying ther that we would hunt down his morta foe, even if we had to search the entire world, and, brother, we will not forget our pledge. But, come; if we would reach yonder settlement: before dark, we must be moving.” ‘Those bodies must lie here until their friends take them away,” the other said, as he turned to the dead ‘‘ Guards.” ‘ My faith, their death isa mystery tome. It must have been some of their own number who did it.” “T can’t say. All I know, whoever did it saved my life. But we had better appropriate their weapons in the place of the ones they took from us.’ ; Quickly arming themselves withthe revolvers of the slain, the brothers were soon ning toward the valley which lay below. For some time they advanced in silence, when they were brought to a sudden stand-still by the sgind of a voice near at hand. hey were now midway in the hollow, and a
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thick, tangled growth of brushwood encircled them, Without a word Seth cautiously approached the spot from whence came the sound, while Charles followed close behind. The next moment they came in sight ofa small clearing, and saw with surprise the form of a man in the edge of the growth beyond. A second glance showed them that it was the Mad Miner. He was sitting flat upon the ground, and seemed busily engaged, though they could not discover his work, Wondering what his actions meant, they crept still nearer, not caring to arouse hee They soon saw that he was simply piling a lot of small stones he had picked from the creek near by intoa square, much as children are wont to do when at play. Slightly vexed that they should have taken so much trouble for nothing, Seth was about to speak to him, when Charles motioned for him to remain silent. ‘“Let’s watch him a few moments before we iunake our presence known,” hesaid; ‘‘ I am anx- ious to learn something of that being’s mysteri- ous conduct.” More out of curiosity than any thing else they continued to note the listless movements of the idiot. Carefully he ree the pebbles one above an- other till all had been used. Then, with a low. senseless exclamation he tore them down an began his task anew. This was repeated several times, and still the diligent worker never turn- ed from his occupation. Out of patience at last the listeners were about to speak to him, when they saw him abruptly pause, and intently down the valley. Only an instant, however, when he resumed ais work. Glancing in the direction the other had, the: vrothers started with amazement when they saw a couple of mena arise as if from out of the earth. Both were heavily framed and wore masks on their faces. Unable to retreat, even if they wished, the hiding twain crouched still lower in the under- growth and waited in breathless silence. ‘* Hist!” exclaimed the foremost of the new- comers, ‘‘I thought I heard some one speak.” f Only our fancy, Sam; there isn’t a living soul within a league, Til venture. That Valley Guard of mine was a capital idea. But I don’t see where Joe Dickey is. He left this afternoon with a dozen or more of the Guards to corral those Harlow brothers. It can’t be he has made a miss-go.” “Tl risk True-Blue Joe every time,” mutter- ed his companion. ‘‘ But are yesure, old pard, thet that Onlucky Miner hes got back inter ther valley?” . “Oh yes; there is no mistake. But it won’t do for him to stay here, any more than it will for that Man-from-Texas. “ Blame ’em! They don’t either of them die aasy! “They are only mortal, and a steady hand will lay them out, any day.” ‘“‘T dunno! Thet ar’ long-haired Texan ain’t to be sneezed out of the way, I tell ye. Menny’s the time he has been squarely corraled, but he alwus comes out at the top o’ the heap! And as fer thet Shadow, I tell ye, cap’en, I don’t be- lieve the lead was ever run es w’u’d earth him!” “Nonsense, Stockton Sam; you are not the man I have taken Pe ise. for, if you fear that sneaking outcast, pine Luke, Ha! listen to me, and I will tell you how we can remove both the Texan and him, and get possession of the See Cave. I have this minute thought of a p n.” With bated breath the brothers listened. Even the Mad Miner seemed to move more sluggishly than ever, and ever and anon he cast furtiv: 7 Eaainag at the speakers. ‘“What is it?” asked Stockton Sam, as his companion hesitated. “Well, no matter ef I don’t tell you my full Enough if I look after Randel. No matter how, but I will see that he is disposed of. You must look after the Unlucky Miner and you have nearly all of Gold-dust Hollow to aid you there. To-morrow he and the Texan will pr 6 the cave lead. Doubtless they will go alone or nearly so, Get Evil Eyes and his savages to assist you and the game is yours. If you bag The-Man-from-Texas, all right; but if you fail I will cook his fowl for him.’ ‘Yeare an old ’coon, pard. Gi’n us yer paw, and then I'll jess swing over to the city to cele- brate a leetle ready for biz ter-morrer.” ** Look here, Stockton!” cried the other, stern- The Mad Miner. ly, as he grasped his confederate’s hand, ‘‘ don’t you get on a drunk, and expose our whole scheme. Carry a steady hold and we shall cer- tainly triumph in the war for the Valley of Gold. It lays within our power.” “Ye ken trus’ me every pull, old pard. I know my papers. I—” “Hist!” exclaimed the other, suddenly; ‘*what was that noise?” His companion shook his head. Both listened attentively, and borne to their ears was the faint, clinking sound made by Wild Wind as he carelessly piled up his column of stones, “Tis only the water rushing along the rocky bed of the crik,” Stockton Sharp affirmed. “T doubt that;” and plunging through the thicket, he discovered the idiotic worker. At sight of them the latter sprung half to his feet asia seattered the stones right and left; but quickly sinking back again, he resumed his oc- cupation with a laugh. ‘ Furies!” cried the ruffian leader; ‘‘ that fool made the noise,” and with a breath of relief he turned to leave, when Sam said: “Look hyar, cap’en, he mus’ have heard every word we said.” “What of 1t? He can’t harm any one.” ‘** Hookey, old pard, we hed better gi’n him his walkin’ papers. Tis surest.” ‘You are right,” his chief answered, quick- ly. ‘It will remove all risk;” and even as the words left his lips he gave a low whistle, when almost instantly a dozen armed men bounded up from the promne into sight. Seth and Charles Harlow came near betraying their presence with a start of terror as they saw the coarsely-dressed, heavily-bearded throng appear as if by magic. till the intended victim, the Mad Miner, continued to pile up the stones as unconcernedly as ever, CHAPTER VI. DEATH AND MYSTERY. “Capture the fool!” commanded the masked leader, as his followers gathered around him at his cal In the twinkling of an eye the horde over- powered the resistless idiot and bore him for- ward into the center of the clearing. rm -ya!” and the strange being laughed in igh glee. ‘Look here, Wild Wind,” cried the chief, “what are you in Gold-dust ‘Hollow for?” Without comprehending the words the other gazed vacantly about, finally bursting into a violent fit of laughter. “Satan take you! Can’t you speak? Tell ee ha Wind, what you are doing in the val- ey “See him run! see him hop! He purty bird!” and the captive P pei excitedly at a ground- hog near at hand. *Tain’t no use to spend growled Stockton Sam. ‘He staring mad.” ‘Lash him to yonder sapling, and we will see if Gaiety eet eadeanag ano 2 ae of _. # ickly dragging him to the designated tree, the bandit began to secure him to its body, the Mad Miner all the while wildly protesting against it. “*Oh—oh—h! him pinch! Wild Wind be good, omy let him go, is captors, ogre, his piteous appeals, soon made him fast, and two of the gang were selected to shoot him. ‘Tis quickest done,” the chief had said. “Let there be no waste of powder,” and the twain were ordered to take their positions. It was a trying moment to the concealed brothers, They felt it their duty to lend their aid to the doomed man, and to doit was to hazard their own escape—ay, it seemed that it must seal their fates! “Tf we only had our rifles,” whispered Seth; “but we must try these revolvers, and if the worst comes we can only sell ourselves as re as possible. You take the shorter one, and will try my hand on the other marksman.” Hastily raising their weapons they prepared for the shot. : Unconscious of their impending fate, the outlaws covered the cowering prisoner with their rifles. A moment of double peril! Then the sharp click of a pistol-lock cut the air, instantly succeeded by a second. Every outlaw turned toward the thicket con- cealing our adventurers, in dismay. The twain shuddered as they saw the dis- advantage and deadly peril the failure of their weapons had drawn upon them. yer wind on him,” s clean gone stark, : The quick eye of the outlaw chief caught sight of their white faces, and he saw their forms through the breaks in the foliage. ‘*Ho, boys!” he yelled, ‘‘ foes are in ambush. Quick! cut them down before they rally!” and with a revolver in either hand he sprung for- ward, closely followed by the horde. The brothers simultaneously leaped to their feet, and defiantly faced their enemies. Again the hammers of their firearms fell, and once more the weapons failed! No better than unarmed they would have retreated, but ’twas too late for that! Houamed in they were forced to take the odds. Confident of an easy victory, the ruffians fe pell-mell upon them. High above all other sounds rung frant shrieks from the idiot. No one thought of him now. In hand-to-hand encounter friends and f« grappled for life and death. Two of the foremost assailants fell from the strong blows dealt by the desperate pair. Then Seth Harlow felt a stinging sensation in his left arm and the limb drocped by his side. A wild, terrifying shout suddenly echoed. above the confusion of the strife. With sharp cries the foremost bandit reeled to the earth. Searcely had he fallen when another shared ¢ similar fate, The others abruptly paused when the brotl» ers fell back, and were allowed a moment’s re Spite. As the living desperadoes gazed upon thei slain comrades, they started back with horror. Protruding from the breast of either was the haft of a huge knife! Epeltbound they made no move for ar oment. The Crazed Miner had cropped at the foot of, the tree and was laughing and crying out in wild glee. An instant thus, and with no warning word or sound, one of the terrified ruffians suddenly fell forward and dropped to the earth lifeless: The masked chief turned the y and saw? the fatal instrument of death—the knife! They could stand no more, As the Valley Gu under the live oak had flown, they fled—. fled for dear life! With a piercing scream Wild Wind bounded up. A laugh—a shouwt—a wave of the hana-— and he rushed away after the fleeing outlaws. Once more Seth and Charles Harlow owed their lives to the mysterious slayer. ** What can that mode of warfare mean? ap.) who can the unknown destroyer be?” Seth asked the question, as they examined the slain, though he could not expect an answer. ‘“T can’t tell,” said Charles; “but let's gct away from here, Seth, while we can,” “You are right. But_do you think wo con find this place again? Wemustfind where thi se ruffians came from, for I believe they have a rendezvous near here.” “More than likely. But it will not do to au- lay now. Hal! look there!” } he exclamation was caused by the suddin 3 er on of a man rushing like mad doy n the rg “The Mad Miner!” ejaculated Seth, as | o caught sight of the streaming white hair and haggard ace. “Yes; but what in the world is up now?” “ Let’s follow.” Quickly dashing forward they hurried afjor the other, though they found it no easy task: ta keep him in view. or some distance down the hollow the rece continued— the pursuers with no object,perha ns, save that of ae " They had followed a small stream known as: Silverstone creek. Where the brook made a sharp turn they saw Wild Wind leave its bank and dart into ‘lice thick growth growing to the right. In an instant the idiot disappeared., ‘Let him go,” said Seth. ‘‘We have not (i time to follow him; and neither do I see how 1 would benefit us.” They turned to retrace their course and left the strange fugitive to pursue his way w peace. ; ee had not ore they paused in glad surprise. ‘Tis gold!” whispered Charles, as if fear's the trees would hear his words, while they amined a lot of shining particles taken from {\ bed of the stream. _ “Yes, gold!” Seth echoed, in transport of joy. For some moments they eagerly looked for the treasure, and when at last they joined each gone far, however, !«
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The Mad Miner. other on the bank of the stream they clasped hands in delight. “Our fortunes are made!” cried Charles. *‘ There is gold enough here to make us nabobs!” “You are right, brother,” replied the other, quickly. Buta shadow suddenly flitted across his handsome face, as he added. ‘We must not think of the gold, Charles. At least not un- til we have fulfilled our dying father’s wishes.” ‘* Why continue our foolhardy yay oe longer when we must throw away such a chance as this? Seth, I say let vengeance—” “Hush, brother! You have not forgotten the pledge we made to our father? This gold is not ours, and we must leave it to continue our work.” “Not I, Seth. Here is untold wealth, and ‘The-Man-from-Texas, when [ saved his life in Stockton last week, said we should share the Valley of Gold with him. Come, brother, let’s leave Mai, ache alone, and--” Suddenly the aker was cut short in his words. ithout a cry—without a warning sound—he fell backward and dropped to ,the earth like one dead! Bc nataeaie his brother gazed wildly upon im, Then a wild, maniacal laugh rung on the air, and Wild Wind, the Mad Miner, was seen by Seth to leap from the thicket where he had dis- appeared a little while before, and leap madly away, looking wilder and more dreadful than ever, ‘*Oh, brother!” cried the living one, as he fell by pee sme te ene ‘. single look into the glassy eyes, one. grasp of the cold hand, and he reeled feck with the word spoken in awful anguish: ** Dead |” Ten minutes must have passed before Seth Harlow recovered himself enough to move. The blood was welling from the stricken man’s mouth and nostrils, and he was surely be- yond earthly scenes. ‘This is terrible!” groaned the other. Then as he staggered to his feet he said: ‘*T can not leave your body here to be torn in pieces by the foul vultures. No; I must give your romains burial, Charles. It is all I can do tor you.” Selecting the most favorable spot, he began his laborious task. Loosening the earth with sticks, and throwing it out with his hands, he kept steadily at his work for full an hour. At last he had a pit deep enough to receive the body; and thinking to cover it with te loose earth and stones, he washed his hands in the stream, and started to bear it to the spot, when to his amazement it was not to be found! CHAPTER VII. ANOTHER VICTIM. SILVERSTONE ‘‘city” was but a small collec- tion of rude huts, which seemed to have been thrown together promiscuously. But like all mining settlements it was alive with bustle and excitement every night, in strange contrast to the unnatural quietness that pervaded it while the inhabitants were delving in the mines. Dandy Rock first conducted Lenore Cassa to the only dwelling in the place that merited the name of a house, and owned by one Tim Cotton —Temperance Tim—-who was postmaster, and one of the leading spirits in the valley, besides being, better than all, a strictly honest man. Leaving Lenore there, with the promise that he would do all he could tow finding her ents, and feeling that she, at least, was safe, k sought the loafers’ rendezvous of Silver- stone—the Bang-up ‘“‘ hotel.” At this place he found full a score of men al- ready congregated, and others still coming. “Wal,” drawled a tall specimen of a miner, savoring strong of the mountain air, ‘‘ef hyar ain’t The-Man-from-Texas kem to grace our company may I be skulped by a Pawnee! Stomp up, old hoss, and hev a bu’ster o’ p’izen. on 3 hes got some boss, d’ye hyar, old ’pos- sum ’Twas seldom Rock ever visited or J of the drinking ‘‘shebangs,” unless on urgent business, for he had learned long before that to trifle with the tempter was certain destruction, and those around knew that something new must be “in the wind.” ‘Wal, I reckon this ’coon don’t chip in to- night, Pete. Much obliged to ye all the same,” was Randel’s reply to the ex-mountaineer. ‘“*Dang my buttons! ef ye ain’t a quare one! . Howsum’dever, hyar’s fier old Rocker Hill Pete!’ and the speaker drained the glass himself, (Tabs un. Rock?’ asked ons krown as = mn a Flying Ned, looking up from his game of seven- up. ‘The old Nick’s to pay!” exclaimed the Texan. ‘* What! has the Hollow lead bu’sted? or the Golden Cave—” “No sich thing,” interrupted The-Man-from- Texas, impatiently. *¢ Ve all know o’ old Cassa, the Peura ranchman? Wal, he and his folks war all gobbled up by Buck Warner and his cattle down by Silverstone Ledge. I hev jess left his darter down to Temperance Tim’s, and she wants us to hitch up oe, see ef we can find ennything 0’ her daddy and folks. What sa ye, old beavers, will ye jess help take the trail?” As Rock concluded no one ventured to reply. Again the Texan told his s and repeated his request. Still no one offered any assistance. ‘*Look hyar!” he cried, excitedly, ‘‘ ef any of you don’t care to take the lead with me, I am goin’ alone. It sha’n’t be said Rock Randel wouldn’t help the ’flicted.” Rock was nettled by the others’ indifference, and he made no attempt to hide it. At last one of the bystanders stepped for- ward. He wasa strongly-built man, young, in years, with a cleanly-shaven face and flashing eyes. : ‘*T don’t see any need fer you to get so up- pish, Rock Randel,” he said, in a low but distinct tone. ‘‘ What proof can you give of the truth of what you have said?” ** What proof ?” repeated the Texan, touched to the quick. ‘‘ Jess walk down to the post- office and see Miss Lenore.” ““Of course I meant no offense, Rock,” the other hastened to say, as he saw Randel fairly trembling with passion. ‘ But are you sure it is no game laid to trap us?” ‘* Cooney Burke,” cried The-Man-from-Texas drawing himself proudly erect, while the gold on his person glistened in the semi-darkness like a myriad of stars, ‘‘ d’ye think I have tramped nigh onto forty years, until I know every inch o’ the kentry from Silver Mountain to Texas, and am the ’coon to be led on a blind trail now? Ef enny 0’ ye don’t choose to help me, I shall k Randel ain’t no coyote. Wagh sl oc Texan. Allow us to say that young Harlow had had no trouble in leaving the valley after the scene last recorded. Though suffering the keenest pangs of sorrow at his brother’s untimely fate, 6 had sought Silverstone, and was determined to carry out the purpose of his coming there. In a moment five others joined Burke, and Rock’s party numbered eight all told. ** When shall we start?” asked one. “Now,” answered the Texan, quickly. ‘‘It is less than an hour’s ride to the ledge, and we don’t know but we are needed this minnit.” ‘All right,” said Conrad Burke, ‘I will be ready in five minutes.” A Seabed of an hour later, the little caval- cade turned the'r backs on the Silverstone, and were riding leisurely down the creek by that name. The waning moon was not more than an hour’s time above the western horizon, and the sky was fast becoming overcast, so that it would soon be a dark night. : Rock led the way, while close behind, in Indian file, followed the others, the line of horse- men looming up in weird proportions in the dusky scene. When _ perha broken land ha rein, ‘We are almost there,” he said, in an under- tone, ‘‘and we had better tether our animals, while we peg on on foot.” Quickly acting on the suggestion, the horses were led into the deeper shadow of the forest, and secured, when, leaving them under the charge of one of their number, the remainder resumed their course on foot. Not a sound broke the night stillness, save the bark of the gray wolf, or the hoot of the owl watching the valley from his perch on the side of Silver Mountain. Like shadows, in the somber darkness, the seven men crept stealthily forward, hardly knowing what to look for or expect. Finally they reached the edge of a small clearing. Pausing he~- sya jects crouch’ a couple of leagues of the been passed, the Texan drew babel? cever-} dark ob- ‘* We can’t be far from where old Cassa was tacked,” said Rock. ‘“Jeemes Stopple! look thar!” The exclamation was caused by a sudden movement of the creatures ahead; and the next instant a dozen dark beings bounded swiftly for the opposite forest. They were wolves! ‘“'There is meat ’round or they would not be prowling here,” affirmed Burke. ‘**So I reckon,” muttered The-Man-from-Texas, fearlessly advancing. Near the center of the clearing they discov- ered the half-devoured carcasses of a yoke of oxen, and near by the ruins of a canvas-coy- ered wagon. “°Twar old Cassa’s rig-out,” cried Rock, “and hyar’s where the coyotes corraled him!” “Yes, but look there,” exclaimed Conrad Burke, pointing to what was unmistakably the remains of human beings. “We are too late to be of service,” said Seth Harlow. ‘‘No doubt all have perished.” ‘*We might have known it,” muttered Burke. A moment’s silence followed as the litte oup gazed upon the mangled dead, half eaten y the wolves. In the brief interval one of the startled men suddenly pitched forward and fell, to all ap- pearances, lifeless! The survivors started in terror, and glanced wildly about. Not a living being was in sight. Nota single sound bad broken the deathlike stillness. Rock Randel was the first to move, and ben«- ing over their fallen companion, he turned i body face upward, crying out huskily; “* He’s a goner!”’ The others were spellbound. “We must not stay hyar” ejaculated tho Texan, ‘‘or we shall all Le cuuved out. Kem, let’s git!” Bearing the body of their dead comrade with them, the party were nothing loth to retreat. In the hurry and excitement no one thought of looking for the cause of the victim’s death. With one accord they dashed away from th> fateful spot. In a moment the timber was reached, a little to the right of their entrance, and though ex- pecting death from every quarter, they werv fora moment paralyzed by the sudden appeer- ance of a score of armed savages springing into cl path and surrounding them on every n 5 ; ‘““Howgh—owgh—gh!” rung the fierce wa”. whoop, and every bush and stone seemed t+ emit the demoniac foe! CHAPTER VIII. THE NIGHT PHANTOM. Evit Eyes led his followers on to what pro. mised an easy victory. A bitter mistake! ’ Quickly regaining their usual self-possession the miners drepped the body of their late com- panion, and answering the savages yell for yell, sprung to the combat with purpose firm and will undaunted, Rock felled two of the horde at his first fire, and then clubbing his rifle he fought them hand- to-hand, The first volley of tke assailants left but four of the whites to carry on the struggle; and one of them almost instantly broke and fled! *Twas Cooney Burke. Rock, Seth and Flying Ned alone strove to beat back the outnumbering enemy. ‘““Hooray fer old Texas!” and another red- skin bit the dust. ; Fairly crazy now, the intrepid Texan threw aside his rifle, the stock splintered to atoms, and with a revolver in either band sent shot aiter shot among the shrieking savages. — Seth Harlow tei them down right and left, while Ned Austin did good work. Fierce was thecombat, wild the scene, Awhile the stout-hearted trio held their ov n. Then, with a despairing cry, Flying Ned yielded to the overwhelming power. He was borne tu the earth. : : Seth fought in vain to keep off his assailaits. Only one form rose among the frantic In- dians, and that towered a head above them. The-Man-from-Texas, all the fire of his nature awakened, seemed unconquerable._ Nay, at last he staggered blindly to andfro. He almost fell, Once more rallying, he sprung at the throat of the half-breed chief, but missed his footing and reeled headlong to the earth. At this very critical irstant when the tide of battle had turned, another form burst upon the scene, ‘okt bairand beard and tatter
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sd garb, a wild-looking man sprung toward the savage horde. Unheeding alike their deafening yells and deadly blows, nothing stayed his course. Glaring upon him in amazement, the victors’ cries turned to shrieks of terror. The fight suddenly ended. With one accord the red-men fled like frightened hares. Close upon their heels pursued the strange be- ing, and thus all disappeared. *Jeems Stopple!” cried Rock, with a breath of relief, ‘‘ef thet don’t kerflumix me! But didn’t that Wild Wind jess walk through ’em slick! He’s jess the chap fer fun.” ‘‘ Where are the others?’ asked Seth, freein himself from the clutch of a dying savage, anc joining the Texan. ‘‘Have they all been illed?” “Dunno. Mebbe; it was old-fashioned, hop- vin’ fun. Let’s look over the funeral.” The two made a hasty examination of the jlain, but to their surprise they could not find one of their friends, save the body of bim who ‘vad keen killed so mysteriously . Even Ned Austin, the last to fall, was nowhere /o be found, Puzzled, they continued the search until they | vere fain to give it bs Quite a number of the dead Indians lay about, i tb assuredly only the form of a solitary 'vhite. “* Let’s git,” whispered Rock.“ [reckon spooks are out, and we hev got to huff it like the Old Nick in hot water! It beats all nater to tater-strings! S’pose we hunt up the ‘sosses?” So they returned to the piece where they had eft their animals, to find to their increased surprise that they were gone! “Wal, this am a go!” muttered Rock. “Them pesky varmints toted ’em off, and wo shall hev to huff it all the way to Silverstone. Howsum’dever, 1 reckon that is better than ‘being skulped.” ' “Rock,” exclaimed Seth, abruptly, ‘‘ there is something wrong about this.” “Wrong? Ef ’tain’t all wrong may. I. be turned into a rattler and be trod on by the alerfant hucks o’ the big aligater o’ Mexico!” “Yes; shall we go direct to the city?” ‘*Sartin. . Straight es a bee-line in Jinvary. We ar’ a goner ef we don’t! Hark! I hear tho 'tarnal coyotes a-screeching like mad peccaries! B'em; lively’s the word with us!” Quickly striking into his loping gait, Rock bettas up the valley, with Seth close upon his eels. As the twain advanced they could still hear the noisy savages, away to their left; but the sounds gradually receded and soon were heard nO more. ‘Who and what is that Mad Miner?” asked Seth, when they had gone perhaps a mile, and sackened their pace a little. ““Ye hey axed me a stunner!” declared Rock, in reply. “Thar am one thing sartin as the "ase on yer face, when ye tum’le down, head fustest wtth yer toes up; he saved our topknots ter-night.” “And he saved my brother’s life and mine yesterday.” t “Wal, I reckon, He’s a tearer though and jess the ’coon fer fun. Jeems hg x he’s got more raal fun in him than the hull o’ Gold- dust Hollow! Why, he'll jess peel the winkers off yer peepers and ye won’t see yerself fer the smoke!’ “ But don’t you know where he came from, or who he is?” ; Wal, ye wind me kerslap! He hain’t been in these hyar digzin’s long. He says he keems frum Spur’s Pocket, but he’s so stark, staring mad ye can’t depend on him any more than ye can a windmill. But Temperance Tim says, and he won’t lie for no galoot, that his name is Wiridham Gray, and that his dad was sum pun- kins down in Frisco, till a pack 0’ coyotes b’usted him and Wind was druv to the mount?ins. The boy made a big strike thar, but a lot of roughs knocked him down the crusher’s shaft, and strikin’ on his head they picked him up for dead. Howsum’dever, he didn’t turn up his toes then, but he ain’t been hisself since. me — "ll pick him off soon mabbe, ef he don’t odge his head. But Rock Randel ain’t the bea- ver toforgit a favor and he’ll dig the funeral o’ the first cuss es harms him.” “Very well,” said Seth Harlow, harshly, “you may consider him in the light of a friend if you choose, but though he has done me two ood turns—saved my life twice—I consider him my mortal foe!” “Sho! Ye don’t think he is a spook?” “Man or demon, he killed my brother!” — SSS SS SSS > The Mad Miner. e ; That all?” exclaimed Rock in evident re- ief. “All? Is not that enough?’ cried Harlow, hoarsely. ‘“*Scuse me, old hoss; I meant to hev’ said sumthin’ else! My tongue got twisted some- how. Hark! What was that?’ A wild, plaintive cry was borne to their ears; and succeeding it was heard a deep, hoarse voice evidently raised to its highest pitch, and repeating in regular succession the singe word! ‘Gold !” For a hundred times or more this sound rung the length and breadth of the valley, until every tree and rock seemed to take up the meaning- less exclamation. The two miners looked upon each other in wonder. The-Man-from-Texas fast yielding to his dread of the supernatural, began to tremble like an aspen. Truly, no one is so brave and reckless but he has in some particular a weakness and will show it at times. Dandy Rock, inured to danger of every sort as he was, seemed but a child when facing the mysterious. 0 wonder now. Seth Harlow turned pale and was paralyzed with dread at the awe-inspiring cries. Allat once they ceased, and a silence succeed- ed unbroken even by the creatures of the night. Then, as if mocking the oppressive stillness, a strong wind came sweeping over the mountain range and went shrieking through the tree- tops. haking off at last their dread, the couple were about to move ahead, when Rock exclaim- ed, huskily: ‘In mercy’s name, look there!” Seth Harlow suddenly saw a human form ap- pear in the semi-darkness a few rods in front. A moment it was seen in the weird starlight, and then it vanished. Gone but a moment, judge of their dismay when it was again seen and again went out of sight! There was no mistaking the man’s figure, and his white face shone in the night plainly. : Spellbound, the spectators looked on in si- ence. Seeming in mid-air, three times more did the being flash before their gaze and as many times vanished in the night! The twain dared not discharge their fire-arms for fear of arousing their enemies, or they would have fired at the mysterious person, be the consequences what they might. As it was, they watched and waited. Still no change. Ever and anon the shadow would meet their eyes, and then be lost from view. Rock seemed powerless. At last Seth Harlow said: **Do you keep a close look-out, and if there is any change aprexsnt warn. me, while I solve that mystery if ’tis possible.” Clutching his revolvers nervously, while he rigidly tried to stifle his fears, he slowly and cautiously approached the dreaded spot. Yet the phantom-like form came and went as |. before! CHAPTER IX. WAS IT AN ABDUCTION? “Gop! gold! gold gold!” Once more the Hollow echoed with the sound of that single word. Seth paused in his course, Rock Randel gave a cry of mingled terror and amazement. Every other noise seemed hushed, Even the wind lulled and no longer swayed the forest. Pi esses the miners only listened and wait- ed, Soon the ery died away, and once more silence reigned throughout the valley. “Let's git out o’ this quicker!” gasped Rock, with chattering teeth. ‘‘The Hollow is chock full 0’ spooks!” ‘‘ Wait a moment, Rock,” whispered back Seth. ‘Do you see that form now? “Nary a chip, old hoss! Let’s git, knot feels queer!” ’ They could see nothing of the mysterious fig- ure, and after waiting and watching several minutes it had not shown itself. The hoot of the ow! now came from the moun- tain side, and once more the screech of the night- bird awoke the valley, while again the wind tossed the slender saplings, and even moved the giant oaks to and fro. My top- | ‘** Jeems Stopple-ter-Hopper!” groaned Dandy Rock, ‘‘ I feel like an isuc pms git afore we gi’n out!” Before Seth could answer both were startled by the reappearance of the phantom form stand- ing in mid-air! ‘““We ar’ a goner!” shrieked The-Man-from- Texas, and he tried to spring up, when he fell headlong into the bushes. As if frightened by the movement the man shot swiftly back out of sight ** Are you crazy, Rock *Remdel ?” asked Har-: low, sternly. ‘'Whar’s that spook?” ““Gon— Ha! there it comes again!” ‘* Ain’t ye afeerd—” _ Afraid? What have we to fear? Iam go- ing to know the meaning of that!” ‘Sho! Wal, ef ye are so plucky, all I hev to say is thet Rock ndel’s a dog-goned fool!” exclaimed that worthy, overmastering his ter- ror with a might effort, “Ginus yer paw, old beaver, and this ’eoon won’t squawk nary ’g’in. He'll foller ye like a tail to a comitl” Without another word the twain crawled forward. Again the phantom-like being darted before them and then fled. Before it was repeated, however, they reach- ed the spot, to discover a strange phenomenon. Suspended from the top of a bending saplin and swayed back and forth by the strong win was the lifeless form of a man! The mystery was a mystery no longer. It had been seen only when the wind was blowing | quite smart. But, how came the body there? As their gaze became fixed upon it, while noting its pendulum-like movement, Seth ut- tered a cry of dismay, and exclaimed huskily : ** It is my brother |” ft was indeed the mortal remains of Charles Harlow! “Tt can’t be!” cried Rock, but he added quickly, ‘‘ it am!” ‘“ Yes,” exclaimed his companion. ‘' But, help me to rescue the body from that horrible position.” , Aided by the Texan, Seth soon cut the thongs: that held it in the air, and laid the form upon the earth. “We must not leave it exposed here,” said he, anxiously. ‘‘I began to bury it yesterday, but through some mysterious means the y disappeared. Will you help me prepare a grave for it now?” “Sartin. It’s mighty risky bizness, but Rock Randel ain’t one to go back on a friend. May- hap he will want some one to dig his funeral one o’ these days. Kem, I reckon we had bet- ter go back inter the valley furder. It will be easier digging.” Bearing the body with them, they finally paused about midway in the valley, and but a few rods from where they had found the re- will | mains. Geemee the most desirable place as n ed remoy the earth, they commenced their laborious task working in the manner Seth did the day before. , a last, covered with perspiration they stop- Pe I guess that'll do,” said The-Man-from-Tex- as, ‘‘by bringin up some o’ the rocks frum the crik and pilin’’em up so nothin’ can't dig through.” They turned to get the body and place it in the pit, when to their amazement conster- nation, though it had laid within a few feet, it was now Low pe, ¢ Vividly to Seth’s mind returned the event of the preceding day. ‘1 As he had searched, they wildly looked for tle remains, and as before in vain! ‘-Tain’t no use!” affirmed Rock. ‘TI know’d it war a spook, and ’tain’t no more use to shove] dirt on a pesky spook than ’tis to kiver up— smoke with yer eyes shut!” Puzzled and dumbfounded, Seth could make no reply. They had paused just in front of the grave they had dug. In the midst of his painful meditations Har- low chanced to look at the growth before the and saw the bent sapling from which they had freed his brother’s y. One glance, and he staggered back witha groan. peers saw all that he did and eried out with ismay. Suspended from the tree as before, and still swinging to and froin the night breeze, was the form of Charles Harlow! At last The-Man-from-Texas found speech to say:
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ee SE TT a so Sa ee The Mad Miner. “Randel Rock! I am goin’ to huff it! Git with me, or ye ar’ a gone buffler!” “Tt is my brother!” cried Seth, excitedly, and -wild with grief he rushed forward to the spot. e Rock saw him reach the place and throw up his hands to grasp the moving form, and then he saw him, in the same breath, stagger back and fall to the ground like one stricken instant- ly dead, Not a sound had broken the night stillness. Seth Harlow gave a few spasmodic struggles, and then his limbs straightened in the rigidity of death, and he lay perfectly motionless. Paralyzed with fear Rock did not move for several moments. But at last,shaking off the spell, he bounded away, with one lingering look over his shoulder, and he did not pause until the fatal spot was left far behind. Perhaps The-Man-from-Texas was foolish and cowardly, but can we blame him? Without doubt it saved his life. Though he met with no further adventures Rock did not reach Silverstone until towar morning. A few were astir, and from them he learned that Conrad Burke had spread the story that his expedition had proved a disastrous failure. In fact, that all had perished save himself. Thus the Texan was ted with surprise. Ay, more! He saw that Burke’s story had cre- ated considerable ill-feeling toward him, and that many who had heretofore professed friend- ship now met him coldly. 2 owever, he heeded it aslittle as possible, and told to the amazed listeners the scene he had ag in the valley. bosaaited Yi y ) no one openly denie s report, *bwas fai many disbelieved it. ‘“‘ A likely tale to come to us with!” sneered Burke. ‘It seems you are a coward as well as fool, Rock Randel, from your own words.” How the Texan would have poopy ie insulting speech is easy to imagine, no something of more startling interest demanded the attention of all. Puffing and panting for breath, the post- master joined the throng, with the astounding declaration that Lenore Cassa had left his house and ‘was nowhere to be found. “She was with us, last evening,” explained Cotton, ‘‘ but she ain’t to be found this morn- j ” ing. ‘Them pesky red varmints hev toted her off!” declared Handel, boldly, as the crowd listened to the speaker's words in silence. ‘“Don’t be too fast, Man-from-Texas,” broke in Burke. ‘‘Remember you don’t know any more than the rest of us. Tl bet she left of her own free will, and was there only asa decoy to bring us trouble!” Rock strode fiercely away toward the post- office, without seeming to notice the other. Nearly all the “ city ” centered at Temperance Tim’s, and for a time great confusion and ex- citement e ; . After a thorough examination it was given up that no evidence of an abduction could be found, and that Lenore Cassa had left of her own free will. A few there were, however, who would not accept-this for granted. . Among them was honest Temperance Tim and The-Man-from-Texas. “Pil bet my br A ag’in’ that plug hat 0’ yourn, Cooney Burke, thet Miss Lenore was stole away by Buck Warner or sum o’ his coyotes,” eclared the Texan. ‘Of course you are welcome to your good opinion of your judgment. If you are sure that is the case, why don’t you institute a search for her and save her from the clutches of such a wretch?” “Tf I don’t ye may call Rock Randel meaner nor a Digger Injunt . Rock was in earnest. Most of the miners believing with Burke that it was a “ put up job,” gave the affair but little thought, Mark Hanson, who had been hired by Rock to sunerintend the working of the mine, was called + >8 side by the ae beaten a ‘Look hyar,” sai @ latter, grasping the tard overseers hand. “That gal is in peril, and k Randel ain’t one to desert her. Ye pee things straight at the pits till I kem WaCK, “T will it,” replied the other, but adding frankly—‘‘T fear there is trouble ahead. That burke is doing all he can to set the men against ‘I will cook his hash ’fore long, or he shall ” grfitod Rock. “Do the best ye can, + } ng and ('l! see that ye don’t lose by it.” The da posed, and still another, and yet Rock Runde was not seen. He had said himself that he was on a “‘blind trail,” and there were many who believed he had left the valley forever. At the mines nothing new had occurred. In the evening of the second day the Bang-up was crowded with loafers. “You lie, Rock Randel!” were words that suddenly hushed the hubbub of the place. CHAPTER X. A DUEL IN THE DARK. APART from the main crowd was an excited group. Rock Randel had suddenly ‘ put in an appear- ance. ‘“Wot’s the word?” asked an old weather- beaten miner. ‘““Nary a chip,” was the response of The-Man- from-Texas. “I hev tram and hunted like mad, but the lead hes rung it cold on me.” ‘*Can’t ye find enny trace o’ the girl?” The Texan shook his head. “‘T expected no more,” avowed Cooney Burke, who came forward at this juncture. ‘ The whole thing is a sell, and it has proved a pretty dear one, too.” ‘*Look hyar, Coon Burke!” cried Rock, excit- edly, ‘‘T reckon I know beaver from ’possum! and I tell ye thet gal war no sneakin’ coyote! She jess talked bizness. That ar’ cuss o’ Buck Warner is bound to drive every honest person out 0’ Gold-dust Hollow, but jess let me set my peepers on him ag’in, and I'll dig his funeral quicker’n scat!” “Bah! you try to heap upon Gold-dust Buck just what you are doing yourself. I say again in presence of these gentlemen your whole con- duct bears the stamp of fraud. Of course I care nothing what is done, I have no share here, and to-morrow shall quit the valley, but I for those around me.” Trembling violently, Rock replied: “Ye ar’ meaner than a p’izen snake in sun- shine! and I'll bet my bottom dollar ye ar’ chip- ped with Gold-dust Buck, Coon Burke!” f a yop lie, Rock Randel!” yelled the other, ercely. “Ketch me quick! or I'll dig the varmint’s funeral)!” shrieked Rock, hoarse with passion. ‘““You are a coward,” sneered Burke, “‘ and you dare not meet me like a man!” “Dye hyar that?’ roared The-Man-from- Texas, when, like a flash his revolvers gleamed in the air, and Burke drawing his as quickly, the crowd fell back with yells of terror, leaving the foes face to face, and in the act of springing at each other like tigers. “Hold!” commanded the clear voice of Mark Hanson, rushing to the spot in season to avoid the expected collision, ‘If you must fight let there be no foul play, but meet as men.” ‘*Heis checked—the dog!” gritted the Texan. daiori” Randel don’t play greaser fer any 00) “‘ All I ask is for the sneak to face me like a man,” howled Burke, doggedly. “Tam jess the beaver spot yer trail!” roar- ed the enraged Randel. ‘‘I’ll meet ye ten paces ter-morrer mornin’, and one o’ us shall ride in a funeral.” “Why wait till morning?” asked the other, Sgr “ Fighting by poche is well enough or boys, but it takes a man to face the muzzle in the dark! Dare you do it, you Man-from- Texas?” ‘* Jess say I daresn’t!” ““Very well; I suppose you would like to wait till morning and perhaps levant in the time; but I challenge you to fight me with your re- volvers to-night—here in this room—alone—in the dark!” The crowd was awed by the cool determined words, Affairs were taking a startling turn; and the excited spectators felt that a duel was inevitable, and that it was likely to prove of more than common interest. “Bravo for you, Coon Burke!” cried one of the throng, and others echoed similar encour- agement. ‘ _ ‘That coyote don’t live es says Rock Randel is afeer’d o’ enny critter this side 0’ Texas, much more sich a mule-eared gopher es ye, Coon Burke!” “Enough said,” exclaimed the cool sharp. ‘Let preparations be made for the duel. Clear the room at once.” ‘Look here, Rock,” whispered Mark Hanson, “‘ain’t you getting into deep mire? Better let | the dog go, or if you say the word we'll over- power him.” “Narr 9 chip, old pard. I am in for it, don’t ye see? Thar ain’t any backing out; but don’t fear fer Rock Randel. He’s seen too menny funerals to let thet bantam dig his. Wagh!” ‘*T shall help see you through, however.” “* Corraled, It was soon arranged that the combatants should each be armed with their revolvers and a knife each. Then once left alone in the room they might fight it out as suited themselves. Accordingly the crowd hastily departed and soon only the duelists, Hanson and one other was left in the apartment. These last satisfied themselves there was nothing wrong in the arrangement, that the antagonists’ firearms were loaded alike and that they had no weapons concealed about their per- sons. This done the lights were blown out and the seconds joined the crowd outside, closing and securing the door so that no one might go to the aid of either. The duelists were alone in the pitchy dark, rpecp fr Mit opposite sides of the room and each facing the piace where he supposed his foe to be waiting. Outside the crowd listened anxiously for the first round of battle. A moment’s silence fell upor the scene within, broken at last by a low whistle. Rock started. The time for action had come. He fancied he could see the outlines of his foe across the room, when quick as thought he dis- charged one chamber of his revolver, springing noiselessly one side as he did so. A sharp cry followed and then a bullet just grazed his forehead. Hurried tramp of footsteps succeeded and the room seemed filled with men. The-Man-from-Texas felt that some trap had been sprung upon him, but fearless as ever he rushed into the melee like an infuriated tiger. Those without heard the wildest cries, shots and groans, and curses, and still the mad fight went on. Rock sprung into the center of the apartment, and firing at random into the horde of men he felt was in front, he heard one fall to the floor. The next instant he closed in hand-to-hand combat, fighting whom he could not tell, but at least half a dozen armed men. Back and forth, to and fro, the wild combat~ ants raged. Twice Rock felt himself wounded, and still b,, maintained the unequal contest. ‘ He had emptied the chambers of one revolver, and the other would soon be useless, Again the dull thud of a falling body was heard, and a fearful death-cry rung through the building. Another of the assailants was one, “Curse the Texan!” roared the voice of Cooney Burke; ‘‘ take that!” and Rock received a fearful blow onthe head. . By a fortunate movement, however, he part- ly parried the stroke and closed with his antag- onist. But his revolver had been knocked from hig grasp, and his sole defense«now was his ire, Their lives at stake, the duelists fought madly. Those around tried to join in the battle, but for their lives they couldn’t tell friend from foe. zen suddenly another fell to the floor as if ead, Heavens! Some one was in their midst strik- terror and death among them! n a flash still another gave his last ery ana dropped to the floor, y one was left, and he found himself in the fatal embrace of his unknown, invisible foe. In the meanwhile Rock and his adversary were doing their level best. Conrad Burke was a powerful man, and ths two were evenly matched. : Randel felt the other’s iron gripe clutch him by hy throat, and he suddenly grew weak and aint, Tighter and tighter pressed the vise-like hold till it seemed to take away the Texan’s breath. He seized the hand by the wrist and tried te wrench it off. \ In vain. pil, Burke had seized his right hand, and was try- ing to gain possession of the knife. fra! the other had dropped his! Quick as a flash Rock, with his left hand, seized the knife from the other and struck furi- ously at his antagonist’s side. Burke gave a sudden wrench upon his neck, or the blow must have proved fatal. Asit was, the warm blood gushed out in a torrent. In the movement The-Man-from-Texas stum- bled, and taking quick advantage of the mishap, Burke hurled him backward.
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nr oo — a “Quick, men!” he cried. ‘‘T have him!” In response he was himself thrown fiercely a\»0n the floor, Quickly gaining his feet, Rock bent over him; and ere the fallen man could prevent it hv seized him in turn by the throat, and lanted his knee on his breast, while he raised his arm to deal the final blow, crying, excitedly: “f Coyote, die !” ‘‘Don’t!” gasped the stricken one. “I give re you have defeated me, and I am satis- ed, “Good! I don’t keer to strike a fallen man.” All other fighting in the room had ceased, Feeling that the duel had ended, the anxious crowd soon burst open the door and rushed in, When the lights once more lit the apart- ment what a wild, awful tableau greeted their eyes. see and Burke were completely covered with blood, and looked more like wild beasts than men. “Thar!” exclaimed The-Man-from-Texas, re- lensing his conquered foe, ‘‘I hope ye hev got ougt of Rock Randel.” Crestfallen Cooney Burke arose without a a ord, ‘* What means this?” cried Hanson, as he dis- aovered the other bodies lying upon the floor. “Thar war treachery afoot, and the mean uusses ’tended to rub mé out. But thar war too vaenny fer ’em!” There were the bodies of five men—all dead! ‘That coyote had ’em hid behind the counter 40's to hev an easy job,” declared Randel. ‘* But J could give my word thet I hed somebody to telp me, Where is he?” o trace or knowledge of such a person was t ound. One of the slain five had been shot; the others bore the wounds of a knife. Rock had killed the first. Who had over- powered the rest. ; Amazed the spectators gazed on the scene in silence, “Curses upon you, Rock Randel!” suddenly cried the sharp voice of Cooney Burke, who stood in the doorway, shaking his fists at The- Man-from-Texas, fiercely; ‘‘ you have foiled me this time, but by the Golden Cave! you shall die for this night’s work!” Before the awed crowd could move he darted away and disappeared. CHAPTER XI. DANDY DEFIANT. THouaeH Rock had received several wounds, wione of them were serious, and he had come out of the duel ‘‘ first best” after all. The bodies of the slain were removed, when all were recognized as men belonging to Silver- atone. The-Man-from-Texas was really the hero of the hour, but yet many looked upon him with ba aaa but good feelings. he no had friends there, who, though really they could not blame the Texan, yet they turned their indignation upon him. What was more disastrous to Rock, he began to be satisfied in his own mind that at least one- half, if not more of the miners were in sympathy with Buck Warner! He knew the crisis could not be far away. He dared not refer to the abduction of nore Cassa, for he felt she had been stolen away, and thus she was not. spoken of in, though he still determined to and save her. , “By Randel Rock!” he said to himself, as he laurried down to Tim Cotton’s that evening, ‘I reckon this ’coon don’t pass in his checks without a funeral. He—” : ‘ The appearance of Wild Wind put an end to his meditations, ce! “She gone! Wild Wind see bad-eyed man -evith dark face take her down Silverstone.” ‘Can ye tell me whar she ar’ now?” cried Kock, eagerly. The Mad Miner shook his head. “Told all! Texas man ree not go down, Wild Wind see smooth-faced man and one, two, three more going to kill him. They hide in dark, but shoot quick—quick !” The strange being who had scarcel paused while speaking, darted away when he finished. Completely mystified, Rock hardly knew how to proceed, but on the alert from this warning he took the middle of the street and kept on. The-Man-from-Texas was in just that frame of mind to be reckless. Then he would not have hesitated at any peril. 9 “By my right hand!” he exclaimed aloud, ““T’ve played the ’possum long enough! Rock, old boy, ye—” His quick eye had caught sight of some one hiding in the shadow of a building across the way. Then a sharp re bullet just grazed his temple. He had barely sprung to the opposite side of the street when a volley of shot flew past the spot where he had stood. rt broke the stillness, and a “That fixed him!” cried a quick voice, “I saw him fall, But let’s make a sure thing of him,” and followed by the others, the speaker rushed forward and came into full sight. In an instant Rock raised his revolver, and three reports followed in rapid succession. is With howls of pain and terror the waylayers ed “Guess ye got all ye axed fer then,” said Rock with a grin, as he resumed his journey to the post-office, That night The-Man-from-Texas had a long talk with Temperance Tim, the main point of which was that the latter advised him to leave the valley. “They are all against you,” he said; “ the hate you because you own all the valley. Buc Warner has a big control. Coon Burke is work- ing for him, and I think Mark Hanson is in league with him. Now the Harlow brothers are dead and Alpine Luke, too, whois there you can rely upon to assist you? In this country ’tis every man for himself.’ Rock was silent for several moments. At last he said: “T chip with pero Es ye say, there ain’t one in Silverstone I can depend on, save ye. But, Tim, all I hev in this world is byar in this mine and afore I'll leave it alive, I'll dig the funeral 0’ every coyote this side o’ Silver Mountain! Diye hyar? ‘I hope the right will triumph,” averred the postmaster, earnestly. ‘‘ At any rate you can count on me for anything I can do for you.” “ Gi’n us yer paw, old beaver; this ’coon won’t ferget his pardners!”’ its light o’er Gold-dust Another sun shed Hollow. Early in the morning Rock left the post-office to go to the Bang-up, to see to the arrange- ments for the day. He wished, too, to learn the tenor of his miners’ feeli in regard to the affair of the past evening. If he considered it prudent he wished to prospect the ‘‘ Cave lead ” as the upper section of the valley was called. He was surprised to find a large crowd gath- ered around the ‘‘ hotel,” and he quickly joined it. ‘** What’s in the wind now?” he asked of one of the bystanders, unable to see what was go- ing on in the center of the mass of lookers-on. ‘Thet ar’ Mad Miner has been on sum sort av a rampage and the boys are goin’ to rope him, I guess,” replied the other carelessly. ‘What has he done that he desarves a fu- neral?” ‘*Dunno, Mebbe— Sol Ginger! there he goes! Hooray for the Mex’can lion!” and the ex- cited speaker turned to watch the movements of the crowd in front. In an instant the throng took up the cry, till the air rung with the hoarse shout. Rock suddenly saw a mule led into the Lal ing in the midst of the mob, and Wild Wind, Hiner: hands bound behind him, thrown upon ts 5 This was beneath a tree in front of the Belg up, and a rope was «eee d tossed over a lim while er hands began to secure one end around the doomed man’s neck, and others to fasten the opposite end to the tree-branch above. All this took but an instant. The-Man-from-Texas could stand no more. Elbowing his way through the excited horde of lookers-on in mad haste, he reached the spot. ‘* Hyar!” he yelled, “‘ what does this mean?” The executioners paused and looked at the in- truder in amazement. “What has Wind Gray done thet ye treat him in this way?” Rock demanded. ‘‘How kems thet to consarn you, Mister Randel?” asked one, Oregon Dick, who seemed the leader of the movement. “*T want to see fair play, that is all. Hes he been up to mischief?” “Wal, 1 should say so. He shot Bill Thorne down by Harkman’s, last evening, and wound- ed Joe Sumner at the same time. We heerd the firing at the Bang-up, and we kaptured the cuss jess as he war trying to levant.” Rock comprehended the situation in a mo- ment. Wild Wind had been taken for what he had done when attacked by the waylayers on going from the saloon to Cotton’s. ‘** Look hyar, boys,” he said, ‘‘ ye hev made a mistake, war me who must hey’ dug Bill’s funeral. I war ’tacked by a lot o’ chaps last night, and did sum shooting.” Without heeding him the mad lynchers kept on with their purpose. ‘Dye hyar?” roared Rock, ‘‘ Hev ye given Wind Gray a fair trial?” “Bah! what need of a trial when we caught the fool in the act?” replied Oregon Dick, hotly. “T tell ye Wild Wind didn’t wipe out Bill Thorne, and ye ain’t no beaver to swing him fer it. it. **You are a fool, Dick Lane, to let that Texan poke his fist into your dish. Better rope him, too!” hissed a voice from the crowd. ; “T will ef he don’t keep quiet. Up with the fool as quick as possible, boys.” Rock was getting furious. ‘‘ All Lask is fair play and no side-show,” he cried. ‘‘Ef Wind Gray desarves hangin’ then I am willin’ he sh’w’dswing. But I tell ye he ain’t corraled enny one. J shot Bill Thorne.” “Then of course you are willing to take the fool’s place,” said Oregon Dick. ‘ Boys, it’s a good snap. ure him, and we won’t lose any of our fun, after all!” ave drew his revolvers, while his eyes flash- ed. “ Jess try it ef ye want to!” he declared in an ominous tone. ‘I am jess the coon fer a funer- al! Irubbed out Bill Thorne, but I did it in self-defense. Wind Gray is innocent, and, by Randel Rock, he don’t swing fer it!” Oregon Dick fairly foamed with tn at “Furies!” he yelled, ‘‘are we to be balked by par a oc dog? Up with the loony men, quic “Try it ef ye dare!” and with a revolver in poe and The-Man-from-Texas defied the mad. mob. CHAPTER XII. AT BAY, Every sound of the Sie | was hushed by the bold conduct of Rock Randel. Oregon Dick saw that to press the matter fur- ther was sure to end in bl hed. His followers shrunk back in dismay. The execution was stayed. Several moments passed before any one broke the stillness, Then Mark Hanson came forward, saying in a compromising tone: ‘Perhaps we have been rather fast, boys. Oh pa as if the fool did not do the deed after all. ‘“*T second the words of Mr. Hanson,” said Tim Cotton, who had just joined the group. ‘“Rock Randel carries a level head and he ain’t one to upset any one’s dish unless he sees the ison. ‘Let him put_down’em shooters then,” ex- claimed Oregon Dick eer ‘Not till I see Wind Gray taken off thet mule,” replied the daring Texan. ‘I ain’t on a blind trail now; and I ain’t goin’ to see that boy thrown cold fer nothin’.” ‘What say you, men?” said Hanson, at this opportune time. ‘‘Shall Wild Wind be hung for what he never did, or shall he levant?” — “Let him git!” some one cried, and others took up the declaration till it seemed the unani- mous opinion. “Just as you'll hev it!” growled Oregon Dick, doggedly. ‘J should say rope him and the Texan too, then we might hev peace. Do ye hear, Wind Gray, ef ye show yer ugly mug in Silverstone again I wouldn’t give a cent a bushel for them. Let him go, boys.” The Mad Miner was soon at liberty, and re- ceiving a parting injunction not to a in Silverstone again, he was allowed to depart in ace, and Dandy Rock restored his weapons to their position in his belt with the satisfaction of kno he had gained his object. Though he had made his foes more bitter against him, The-Man-from-Texas had gained a number of new friends by his noble bravery. “IT tell ye thet Texan is no Injun,” affirmed a tall miner toa knot of listeners; “he’s true grit and no blow up. I hed ruther he’d be my ner than to hev him ag’in’ me. He means izness, and he’ll jess throw every chap es tries Mees him. I fer one am jess the old chap to let him run this lead to suit hisself.” The speaker was not alone in his avowal, and that day Rock’s prospects brightened. ‘Carry a steady hand and you will sweep the board yet,” declared Mark, confidently to Randel, as they saw the miners commence their
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| : | LL EE = SOMES Famer % a ee ee a Sar SS SS SAE TS == SS SS eee ork with better spirits than they had done for a long time. “1 am pesky narvous about that girl,” said tie Texan. ‘I hate to know sich a purty one is in trouble. Sumthin’ must be done.” ‘““You are right, Rock. I am with you every time. We must not delay longer than till to- night. But we must leave here now.” ‘No; but we must go there.” With a lighter heart than common Rock moved among his men, cheering them with jovial words and laughter-provoking stories. Thus the forenoon wore auspiciously away. Not far from noon as the miners were busily xt work, the spang of a rifle suddenly awoke the valley, A. with a ery of pain one of their 4kumber Cope his pick-ax and fell to the yround—dead | Confusion followed. They were at work immediately under the frowning hights of Silver Mountain, and the not seemed to have come from the mountain tide. Seizing their firearms in haste they sought sover expecting an attack from an ambushed foe. But as no other shots followed they final- ty left the diggings, and a squad was sent out bo find the murderer if possible. After a fruitless search they were obliged to return. This sad affair cast a gloom over the minds of the miners. tng had done the deed? and for what pur- The victim was one of the most respected men in Silverstone. Oregon Dick shook his head and nodded to- ward k Randel. Cooney Burke, who still seemed determined to stick to the mine, began to throw out dark hints against the Texan. Neither was Rock unconscious of the new storm gathering, though he kept about his business as ever. Toward night the miners were again startled by the re ort of a rifle, and to their dismay an- other of their number was slain. This time the shot certainly came from the : mountain. Every one glancing hastily up they discovered nearly hidden behind a clump of bushes the form of a man, popengie. his hand the smoking yifle with which he had just committed the murder. ‘‘ Wild Wind, the Mad Miner!” cried two score of voices, as the garband long hair and heard of the witless unknown was recognized. In less than a minute every miner sprung up, «nd rushed to capture the wretch. Quick as they were when they reached the lace he had vanished; and though they scoured ‘ne mountain-side far and near they could find aothing of him. Baffled again, deep were the threats uttered against the strange miner. ‘‘ And this all comes of that Rock Randel!” cried Oregon Dick. ‘‘He saved thet fool on FY) to rub us out!” ‘“Where is the Texan, now?’ asked Coon Surke, Rock was nowhere to be seen. ‘*Don’t. thet show he is guilty, when he has dusted like the coward he is?” **Rock had to return to Silverstone an hour since,” said Mark Hanson. «« Jess—so! but I kinder guess it would plague ge to find him thar!” “Let's find him, I say, and ropehim. It all comes of him that Matt and Pike have been killed to-day. I'll bet be hired the fool to do it, and has fled himself.” Burke was bold enough to venture the speech, and it proved like a spark of firein a pile of tombustible matter. he a Dick echoed the demand; others re- pea the ery; and at least one-half of those present s for Silverstone with the avowed purpose of hunting down Rock Randel. _ Reaching the city they were told he had gone so the Bang-up. Hither thev rushed. Wondering what was coming, The-Man-from- fexas met them at the door. ‘‘Corral him!” shouted the leader. ‘“‘Rock Randel, we have come to take you, dead or alive!” “Sho!” exclaimed the imperturbable Man- from-Texas, once more drawing those ever- ready revolvers. The throng came to a standstill. ‘“What’s up, old’coon?” asked Rock. ‘Ye | look kind o' frustrated!” ‘‘Pike Daniels hes been shot, and we caught thet Crazy Miner a-doin’ it!’ The Mad Miner. “Then ye hev kaptered him? Whar is he?” “Wuries! I didn’t say we had got him, but we caught him shooting Pike!” replied Dick Lane. ‘*Wal, why didn’t ye corral him? Seems to me, mule-eared gophers—” ‘‘ Bah! the fool escaped, But ’tis you we want!” ‘‘Wal, hyar Iam! Jess sp’ilin’ fer fun, too!” ‘Then you surrender?” ‘“When I ride in my own funeral—not till then!” Oregon Dick shook with rage. Finally he said in a tone that told he was fearfully in earn- est: ‘Rock Randel, we are not fooling with you, This is no time for boys’-play. We have tried to run this mine long enough. We have stood allwe are a-going to. You must either levant, or we will hang you from this tree within an hour!’ It was several moments before Rock attempt- ed any reply. In the time he watched the crowd batore him meres At last he spoke: “* As you say, Oregon Dick, this is no time for boys’-play. But you are madmen to think I will grant what you ask. D’ye think I am a sneakin’ coyote? This valley is rightfully mine. Tis all I hev in this world, and before I would Bive it to you and your followers I would a hundred times give up my life if it were possi- ble! Hark!” as the mob began to move uneasi- ly, “I hev’ not sought for this quarrel, but you hev’ drove me to it. I hev’ never hurt enny of ye, but from this hour I am a foe to every man who refuses me my own. D’ye hyar?” “Then you refuse to leave ld-dust Hol- low?’ exclaimed Lane, in amazement. “‘T do!’ he answered tersely. Turning to the excited lookers-on he continued: ‘‘ You all know for what I am hunted like a coyote, and how many of ye are men enough to help Rock Randel defend his own?” Rock was aroused. CHAPTER XIII. HUNTED DOWN. No answer came to Rock’s request, unless the awed silence, which told that no one there was bold enough to express friendship for him, could be considered such. Without doubt The-Man-from-Texas had sympathizers there, but there were only a few who dared brave the majority. ‘‘Wal, I spot ther trail,” said Randel, after the mone had become painful, *‘I am alone!” Then reaching inside the door he grasped his rifle that had been leaning against the parti- tion. ‘©Of course ye will be too menny for me in the end, but es long es ve ihre can look through the hindsight o’ my rifle will I send death among ye, and my k when I am gone shall haunt Gold-dust Hollow till every coyote has gone to his funeral! If I can’t keep this mine I can fight fer it! I hev’ spotted ye all! and tis the best ’coon who will corral the dust!” Shouldering his rifle as coolly as if going on a pleasure-bunt, Rock strode away. No one had the will to attempt to molest him then. His calm bravery had unmanned them. ‘* Go!” shrieked Oregon Dick; ‘‘ but when you are foolhardy enough to remain in Gold-dust Hollow after our warning you, sign your own doom.” Never once turning back, or seeming to hear the fierce demonstration hurled after him, The- Man-from-Texas kept rapidly on. The crowd had scarcely seen him disappear around a street corner, when the report of a rifle was heard and quickly following it a shrill ery of distress, Knowing what to expect, the bystanders rushed wees. oe the place, and reached it in season to see Randel dart around the adjacent pe ond Lord ” gasped Oregon Dick; “he ha re : s shot Courad Burke!’ ‘Yes, Lam done for!” moaned that individ- ual. ‘I met him here, and he shot me like a dog!” The speaker tried to articulate further, but with the effort his throat filled, and a moment later he drew his last breath. “ Boys,” cried Dick Lane, ‘‘can you look on that and let that desperado escape without making a move to capture him?” “Corral the Texan!” ‘* Hunt him down!” ‘Rope him!” Such were the criestaken up by the infuriated lookers-on, With the one from Oregon at their lead the mob rushed in pursuit of the flying fugitive. “* Jeems Stopple-ter-Hopper!” ejaculated Rock, a ee as he heard the throng close upon his heels: “kem on, ye screeching coyotes; thar’s fun ahead, and ef this ’coon don’t git his hat full, it be because he can’t huff it!” It soon became evident that the race weuld prove a stern one. The only course for Rock was up the valley, which above Silverstone gradually ew ner- rower, until it was little more than a defile lead- ing up the mountain side,and which gathered the water that lower down joined the creek png the name that had also been given the “ city. _ Hemmed in by the precipitous hights hang. ing over it on either side, there was no escape, right or left. The sun was less than an hour high, but he could hardly hope to elude his foes till night Ay, he was tempted to turn and sell his life as dearly as possible. But still he kept on. He was a fleet runner, but soon found that many of his pursuers would hold bim hard. With the tenacity of life he resolved to cling to his fire-arms. On and on along therugged way sped the fleet- footed Texan, while close behind followed the wild throng. As yet not a shot had been fired, but as Roc” came upon a etext eminence and thus exposed. his person a volley of bullets whistled round his head, more than one grazing his flesim “ Pire away yer flint-locks!” he yelled. ‘‘ Who keers?” He made a discovery the next moment. how ever, that made his hope sink. Ahead was a considerable ridge of land cross- ing the valley, and which lay directly in his course. To pass over it was to put himself in plain sight of his foes, and in dangerous rifle range. ‘o go around was to tack on his course, anc that would give his foes an easy victory in the race, For a moment he almost hesitated te keep on. Then his quick eye saw what he fancied migh« be a way to escape, and perhaps bafflc effectu ally his enemy. he surface of the ground was growing mors broken as he advanced, though it was covereu with a heavy growth. Bounding swiftly forward he soor. neared the dreaded place. A wild shout from his pursuers told that they saw the advantage soon to be theirs. Near the foot of the ridge was a huge tree with branches eh nearly to the g’ ound. Quickly dodging into the range of it, he bound- ed forward with renewed to run the peril- ous gantlet. The foes behind shouted anew, and the race became more exciting. As Rock almost gained the summit another volley of shot came tearin b apbite B the growth. The most of them flew wide of their mark, but bone better aimed than the rest struck him in the oot. In an instant the blood began to fill his boot, and he felt the most acute pain. Still he could only keep on. The next moment he dashed over the top o1 the rise and began to descend on the other side. But as he looked up at the sharp ascent ahead, and knew that sooner or later he would be stop- ped by the unsurmountable mountain, he grew sick at heart. Already the fearful strain of his exertions was begi ning to tell on his system. Right and left he looked in vain for some pro- tection, or way of escape. His ankle was growing stiff and his foot so sore that he could not step without intense suf- fering. Nearer, still nearer approached the mad horde of pursuers. j king grew his gaze and more hopeless his mind. Inch by inch he was now losing ground! Still on andon! Now, a hind fa A part of the pursuers had fallen far behind in the race, and perhaps given up altogether. But Oregon Dick and half a dozen others were laboring might and main to overtake him. Their rifles were empty now and they had no time to reload them. Rock turned to look back to see how near they were, when he caught his foot in a bush aud was thrown headlong to the earth. The chasers gave a yell of triumph as they saw him fall, and with renewed power sprung still more swiftly forward. Rock saw the folly of of running further. He was down—at bay—but not conquered! Quickly arising on one knee he brought his unerring vifle to his shoulder, and as its chai p
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y my rung on the air the death-cry of the fo semost pursuer followed. Again the weapon’s startling report awoke 4 0 valley, and again the victim’s dying shrieks bianded with it. With rapid movements Rock began to reload. Oregon Dick and his surviving companions paused in dismay, and before they could com- prehend the Texan’s desperate actions, he had , recharged his piece. Once more he leveled it, and this time at the leader. But he wr held his fire. With an empty rifle he was at the mercy of the gang. He saw that those to the rear would soon be in front. Thus he regained his feet, and holding the ie still menacingly, he retreated at right wn es. e had caught sight of what apheeres the trance to acavern in the side of the moun- ain. * It would at least afford him protection from heir fire, and as his only hope he tried to reach t The pursuers again rushed on en masse, Before they divined Rock’s intentions, how- sver, he had gained the cave, and with a tri- wnphant shout disappeared into its mouth. Completely exhausted The-Man-from-Texas ‘ell at full length upon the rocky surface. The repeated cuts of the mob outside aroused hina, and he looked about for his means of de- "ense. He saw ata glance that the cavern did not “xtend more than eight or ten feet in depth, «nd that he was surrounded by a solid wall of sranite! Behind the angle of the wall near the entrance he could get partial protection from the fire of those outside. But how long could he keep them at bay? Ata safe distance Oregon Dick and his fol- lowers formed a circle around the Texan re- treat. ‘* He can’t escape,” said the leader, exultant- ly. ‘There is no other exit to the place and if ‘ye can’t do any better we can starve him out.” Sunlight soon died out and night settled over ‘\ill and valley. Rock, after band g 1g his wound as best he sould, commenced hi... lonely vigil, and crouch- ng close against the ledge, with rifle in hand, was ever ready for anattack from the two score ‘f men thirsting for his blood. Outside the besiegers were trying to devise a Yan to drive the tiger from his den. Thus darkness wore on apace. CHAPTER XIV. *‘ouT OF THE LION’S PAWS INTO HIS JAWS,” THe moon at last disappeared behind the nountain crest, and the stars became hidden by eat inky-black clouds that soon shrouded the rr , so that Gold-dust Hollow was a scene of larkness. d , Still the sentinel watchers lay in wait for their prey. On either side of the cave, being careful 0 keep back out of the range of Rock’s uner- ring rifle, they built a large fire that lit up the ralley far and wide with its weird glance and lisclosing the cavern-entrance as plainly as un- ler a midday sun. In silence, with dread forebodings hanging iver him, 'The-Man-from-Texas peered cau- iously out of his retreat, firearms in hand. Thus hour after hour wore on bringing him 10 relief. Cramped, benumbed by his crouch- ng, tiresome position, he looked forward to the ‘coming day with anxicty. Vigilant and determined, Oregon Dick and tis followers stood at their posts. Then in the midst of their lonely vigil terror towed their spirits and rendered them almost powerless. One of their number standing in a little group around one of their fires suddenly fell stricken with instant death. When his companions saw him lay perfectly motionless, and discovered that he was lifeless, er gazed around in dismay. ‘om the dead man’s breast was protruding a huge knife. Only that, but enough to tell a fearful tale. A few of the bravest scoured the surrounding forest, and even while they were doing it an- other victim fell at the other fire. Thinking to escape their unseen foe in the darkness they hastily retreated from the light wf the blaze. Five minutes passed and they began to breathe easier. ¢ was but a transient gleam of hepe. a ee tl tg sf The Mad Miner. 11 Again a victim fell; this time with a cry of pain, but with the same fatal weapon! Terror turned to horror. Once more the woods were searched, but with the same fruitless result as before. Should they flee like cowards or brave it out? Oregon Dick was the leading spirit and de- clared boldly that they must ‘hunt down the slayer, and must not leave the valley. e infused new courage into the cowering wretches. In the midst of the renewed search the fourth miner fell as mysteriously as the others. The survivors could stand no more. They were brave men and used to facing death, but not in a manner so terrible as this. With no further thought for the Texan hunted down, they turned and fled for Silver- stone, Oregon Dick hesitating no longer to keep them company. nconscious of all this, Rock lay in his cave, and maintained his wearisome watch. He saw the light from the fires grow down and wondered what it meant. Still lower burned the flames, until the last fagot was consumed, and nothing dispelled the darkness of the night. Not knowing what it meant, The-Man-from- Texas dared not leave his concealment. At last he muttered: “Tis mighty risky, but I am goin’ to try it. Ef the pesky varmints ain’t left the valley, I mought es well hev’ a acreage now es enny time; and ef I can’t escape in this hyar dark- ness, I never can.” Crawling cautiously forward, he emerged from his hiding-place. No one seemed aroused. He listened. To his ears was borne from a §};0t near at hand the cry of a night-bird. ‘““They are gone,” hesaid to himself, “ or that critter wouldn’t be so aS But 1 must keep my peepers opened, though I can’t see but pesky little in this hyar darkness. Howsumdever, it’s jess the thing fer me. Hyar! es I live, the clouds are lifting, and the wind will blow the storm over. Wagh!” Exercising the utmost caution, Rock slowly advanced, until at last, unmolested, he gained the bottom of the valley. Pausing under a clump of bushes, he was try- ing to decide the course best for him to pursue, when he fancied he heard footsteps approaching. Crouching further back into the shadow of the place, he soon saw two men coming near, In spite of the darkness, he recogni them as Gold-dust Buck and Evil Eyes the half-breed. With his first impulse, he half raised his rifle, but with second thought turned to watch the twain, bee a what they were abroad for at that time of night. Unconscious of his presence, the d care- lessly by, and he was about to follow on their trail, a Ta he heard another coming on their course, Sinking back, Rock was surprised to see the Mad Miner come into sight. It did not take a second glance to see that Wild Wind was tracking the others. Wondering what was up, he too fell in the line behind the latter, and kept cautiously after the strange tracker, who in turn kept the des- peradoes carefully in view. Away down the valley the four men acting so singular a part kept steadily on. ter a while The-Man-from-Texas saw the lunatic pause, and creeping a little nearer, he found that Warner and the half-breed had come to a standstill. They were now in the center of the valley, and k quickiy discovered that gra were near the spot where Harlow had been killed so mypeerionaly ‘Jeems Sto der his breat ple-ter-Hopper!” he thought un- as he began to tremble, ‘I’m might afeerd bm a goner! I jess hope ’em spooks won’t be tearin’ round loose!” Further speculation was stopped by the action of those in front: and then he heard a low whistle from the lips of Gold-dust Buck. At the same moment he discovered a dark form lying under one of the larger trees ahead. He recognized the spot in a moment as that where Seth had fallen; and instinctively he lanced upward expecting to behold his brother Sandton rom above. To his relief, however, the body was not to be seen; but as his gaze turned back to the other he fancied he saw him move. “ Hist!” came from Warner, causing the Texan to suddenly look at his foes. ‘Where is she?’ demanded Buck, in a low tor>. ““T didn’t dare to start with her until you came,” was the reply, given by a third person who had appeared with the others, and whose ae recognized as belonging to Flying e The bushes cut off his view so that he could not see the speaker. ** All right,” answered Warner; ‘ we will get her now and be off at once. Ha, Ned! we have no more to fear from that Texan dog!” “Good!” came the reply, and the three out- laws moved on. Rock, in following suit, found to his surprise that the Mad Miner had disappeared—vanished, as it seemed to him, from sight! ‘“Smoky snakes!” he muttered, “‘I sha’n’t be os to see myself toted off ona pillar 0’ og!” “Mercy! what’s that?” cried Gold-dust Buck, as he entered the opening where Rock had seen the body of one of the dead Harlows. ‘* Ha!” he exclaimed, as he bent over the fig- ure, ‘‘’tis that Charles Harlow! He ranhis race ba ” and giving the form a kick he kept ahead. Rock gritted his teeth as he witnessed the in- human act, but keeping his attention on those in front soon reached the ill-fated spot. Under the influence of dreadful apprehensions he shuddered with terror, and his gaze glancing upward, judge of his consternation when he saw that the body of the murdered man had sudden- ly wepemret suspended in mid-air, and swaying to and fro as the wind moved the trees, present- ed a terrible sight! Brave as The-Man-from-Texas was the —_— felled him to the earth as powerless as if stricken by a blow from a war-club, As he fell, his terror found vent in a startling cry. When he came to his senses Rock was a help- less prisoner, while over him, their vicious faces gleaming with triumph, exulted Buck Warner and his confederates. Nothwithstanding his new peril, Randel turn- ed first to look for the awful sight which had thrown him into the hands of his most deadly foe, He breathed easier when he saw that it was gone. ‘* Ha-ha, boys!” laughed the desperado leader, “ Oregon Dick said he had wiped out the Texar dog, but it seems he left it to us, after all. We are in luck, and now let’s see if we can maks such a blunder as bungling Dick Lane did!” CHAPTER XV. ae LOST {”? THOUGH it was lighter than it had been it was od oo in the valley that nothing could be seen plainly. ‘*Shall we rid the world of the long-haired Texan?” asked Evil Eyes, as his small glitter- ing orbs of vision fairly glistened with joy at the prospect of seeing the captive miner die. ‘Have you rope with you to hang him?” was Warner’s reply. se receiving a negative reply he said: “Tt will not do for us to shoot him, as we don’t know who we may arouse.” “Me fix him with my knife,” declared the half-breed eagerly. * All right, Evil Eyes,” answered the leader, ‘“‘ Silence him forever and you two shall have a hundred dollars apiece. While you are about it I will hasten to the cave and get the girl.” With the words Buck arner hastened away, glad to escape the cold-blooded deed, brute that he was. , “Ugh! me fix him!” exclaimed the chief to Flying Ned as soon as the other had left. “Yes; but, hang it; why couldn’t he ’a’ staid and seen the thing through?” “He squaw! no brave! Evil Eyes no ’fraid! Killee him quick—git pile yellow money. Lead him, long-hair, out of shade so me see sure.” Flying Ned holding Rock by the arm was in the act of obeying the chief's order, when a quick footstep was heard behind, Frightened, he turned just in season to receive a stunning blow between the eyes. a a groan he staggered back, releasing his clutch. Evil Eyes had barely time to give a grunt of rise when he shared the same fate. en the terrible twain chancing to glance upward for the first time saw to their amaze- ment the form of a man right over their heads. At the same moment another appeared i: front, when, thinking they were surrounde:! they sought safety in flight. Without a word the new-comer whipped out 4 _— and severed the thongs that bound ock su
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12 “Bob Cracklesnapper!” cried Rock, as he sound himself free, ‘‘ gin us yer paw,old’coon—” ‘t Hist!” admonished the other, ‘‘ you may bring the whole lot of villains upon us! Are you hurt?” ‘*No,” replied The-Man-from-Texas, accepting the caution; ‘‘but who are ye?” “Don’t you know Wild Wind?’ “* Gosh!’ Tt was the Mad Miner. ‘“*Come, quick!” he whispered, ‘‘ we want to find him Gold-dust Sharp,” and closely followed by Rock he hurried after Warner. After going a short distance, however, he paused, ‘‘T have lost him,” he said. ‘‘Jeems Stopple! we can’t spot ther trail in this hyar darkness!” ‘*Can you give any idea of the course he has gone?” be Nary a chip! Ar’ ye arter the gal, Miss Lenore?” ‘“ Yes; L overheard Warner say he was going after her. I think he has her secreted in a eave above here, and intends to remove her somewhere else.” “‘ Jess so l reckon. Gi’n us thelead and hyar’s the ’coon es will chip in quick!” ‘Good! I have others above here who are waiting for me, and I guess we had better go to them.” Wondering who they could be, Rock kept by his companion in silence, Seeming perfectly familiar with the land, the lunatic advanced at a pace that puzzled The- Man-from-Texas to equal, hunter as he was. Finally the other paused, and gave a low chirp, sounding like a cricket. This was instantly answered, and in a mo- ment a couple of persons appeared, rising out of a clump of stunted oaks near at hand. To Rock’s joy he recognized one of them as Mark Hanson! When the two had expressed their joy at meeting again, the Texan turned to the other, and saw in the dim starlight a tall, middle-aged man of rather commanding form. rs!” cried he, in surprise. ‘‘ Do nonenae blind, or is this Leon Cassa?” m 00 or is on. Cassa if on are not mistaken, Mr. Randel,” said the other, extending his hand and grasping the hardy miner’s with a cordial gripe; ‘‘I am Leon Cassa. But have you found aught of Lenore?” Receiving in reply all the others had learned, he became despondent. “‘Oh, my child!” he groaned, ‘‘ shall we save yout ow you must be suffering! We must nd her, or I shall gofrantic. I can not go back to her mother without her!” ‘Pardon me,” interrupted Mark; ‘‘I think I see a way to find her. You say, Rock and Wind, that Warner has gone to a cave to get her. Now since you left us, Wind Gray, to go in search of the outlaw, J have done a little work myself, and I am pretty certain I have discovered that cavern, which seems to be their rendezvous. It’s only a few rods above here, Let’s go there and see what we can find.” Quickly ing to the proposition, the oth- = foltoreeti bins toward the p without de- ay. Allow us to digress here with a few words of my m Cassa, when attacked at Silverstone Ledge by Warner’s Valley Guard, as coming from Peura to the “‘ Lower Claim,” which lay a few miles below, saw Lenore torn away and carried off captive. With his attendants, he succeeded in beating off his assailants after a fierce fight, and gain- ing the valley below, managed to escape by fleeing for life. As soon as possible, after leaving his wife ata safe place, he started to rescue his daughter. In going to Silverstone for assistance he met Mark Hanson, who told him how useless it would be for him to look for aid there, but heartily offered to do #11 he could himself. Soon after they ran across the Mad Miner, who fell in with them, and who proved a valua- ble friend. After going a short distance Mark paused. “That dark place yonder is the entrance to the cave,” he said, pointing to an opening that was seen in the bank above the creek that flowed here. “All is quiet now, and perhaps we had better lie in wait here awhile.” This locality was where Seth and Charles Harlow had been surprised by the outlaws, as we remember. Acting oo the suggestion of Mark, they drew back into deeper shade and waited. They were not kept in suspense long before they heard some one coming toward them. ee a een The Mad Miner. He proved to be Flying Ned. ‘“Randel Rock! jess let me dig his funeral!” hissed the The-Man-from-Texas. ‘OTwon’t do,” warned Mark. But while the | words lingered on his lips, the outlaw was seen to reel to and fro, and with a low cry sunk down upon the rocks that were piled on the stream’s shore. ‘“‘He’s dead!” whispered the Mad Miner, while his eyes flashed in the darkness with un- usual fire. Leon Cassa was perhaps the most startled. Not one of them had moved hand or foot, as far as he had seen. Who had done the deed? He asked the question of the others; but Rock attempted the only reply, if his could be called such. ‘“‘°Tis some spook or other es don’t rest easy. Ef *twa’n’t fer Miss Lenore I’d git. My skulp feels queer, I tell ye!” Full half an hour passed and nothing had oc- curred to awaken interest. ‘““We shall do no good by lying here,” said Leon Cassa, getting impatient at their inactivi- y. “T chip with ye,” replied Rock. “Boys,” Mark said, ‘‘I propose we explore that cave. I see no other way to proceed. Tis folly to fool away our time here.” “T chip ag’in,” exclaimed the Texan, “‘ and hyar’s the beaver es is ready fer the fun.” ‘¢ Very well, Rock; you and I will hazard the undertaking, while Mr. Cassa and Wind con- tinue the watch here. After some protestations on the part of the others Mark and Rock prepared to carry out their purpose. Leaving their rifles with the others, as they would do better to depend on their revolvers in such work, the twain slowly approached the cavern’s mouth, Nothing was heard from within, and cau- tiously parting the bushes that nearly hid the entrance they entered the Oimmerian way. How far they had progressed it was impossi- ble to tell in the darkness before they heard the sound of voices. Pausing, they heard footsteps approaching them. Ha! not only from their front but from behind, ‘“We must git one side or we’re a goner!” hissed Rock. Upon either side they were met by the solid wall! In the blinding darkness of the place they were hemmed in! Suddenly the glare of a torch shone in the space beyond. One word fell from the lips of Mark Hanson, and that told all: “ Lost r CHAPTER XVI. “HYAR I scoot!” if No escape seemed possible for Rock and Mark Nearer and brighter shone the light ahead, and louder grew the footsteps behind. i Down!” whispered Rock, “close to the side, Crouching in the darkness with bated breath aS. watched the approach of their foes in ront, paneer a sharp scream rung through the place. *T was a woman’s voice! Again the startling cry echeed and re-echoed through the cavern. ste Miss Lenore! and she’s in peril!” ex- claimed The-Man-from-Texas, half aloud. ‘*Kem on; thar’s fun ahead! Nothing loth, Mark followed. The light in front had stop Ay, as they started forward it disap 3 ** Quick!” cried Hanson, as another appeal a) help was heard, “quick, or we shall be too ite! The next moment Rock fell eget over a huge bowlder, which, unseen in the darkness, Picking hiueelt ick ible, though cking himself up as quick as possible, thou, he had received some mews brciledis, he agin pressed forward. ‘ Still they heard those behind rapidly gaining upon them. Once more the wild appeal rung in their ears, this time seeming further away. They tried to advance faster, but in the black- ness it was impossible. Their foes, better acquainted with the place, were able to move much more swiftly. “‘We are corraled!” ejaculated Rock, as he ran against an angle of the wall. Again they heard the imploring shriek, and this time near by. Then came the words in a coarse voice: ‘Stop that girl’s noise or blow her brains out!” “We are running the varmints to their hole,” said the Texan. ‘Ha! look, Mark! Hyar the coyotes are!” As they turned the corner of the ledge, a flood of light suddenly flashed upon them, nearly blinding their eyes. As soon as they recovered their sight they saw before them a sort of chamber in the cavern, which, illuminated by a row of torches stuck in the crevices of the wall, was seen to be of considerable size. Sitting here’ and there in groups of two and three, were a dozen or more of coarse-featured, roughly dressed men. pon one side, securely bound, our adven- turers saw Lenore, looking wan and haggard after what she had undergone. ‘Why in the world don’t the cap’en come!” growled one of the lot, arising with a yawn. ‘*If he thinks of starting for Drytown to-night it is time for us to be moving.” “Oh, sir, take me to my parents! Have mercy for me, and father will pay you well,” cried the suffering captive, starting up with im- ploring gaze. ‘*A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush!” laughed the desperado. “ee But—” “Enough said. Hark! I thought I heard the ies coming.” he others arose and with the speaker listened for the coming of their chief. Rock and Mark could hear their enemy close upon them. “Tt won't do for us to be caught here,” whispered Hanson. ‘‘Isn’t there a chance to turn aside, so as to let them ? “T think not; but we can go a little further.” Though they could see the outlaws plainly the others had not discovered them yet. Very cautiously they crawled along the pas- sage, earful lest every movement should betray em. They were now in a narrow passway that led directly into the main room where the bandits were. Rock saw that there was no retreat. They had either got to go ahead or meet their foes where they were then. ““Tt’s sartin destruction!” he said; “‘ but, let’s chalk our checks and pitch the ehigh. Ha! hyar they come! Now for the fun!” Look!” exclaimed Mark, in a tone more earnest than prudent; ‘‘there seems to be a ssage leading from the other side. Sha’n’t we o better to make a rush for it than to remain pee up here?” ere was no time for speculation. “Josh Cricket! I guess ye are level!” replied the Texan. ‘Kem on like a mad buffler, and we'll tear ’em like an ’arthquake in a pig-pen!”’ Just as the throng behind ed the angle of the wall, the two miners sprung to their feet di- rectly in front of them. Then, with a whoop that would have done Rock credit in his younger days, he dashed wild- ly forward into the midst of the outlawed horde, closely followed by Mark. Terrified, the bandits sprung to their feet, and leaped back against the cavern side, where they cowered for a moment in mad affright. The onset of our adventurers had been sosud- den that they were for the moment yzed with awe; and in that brief interval the twain reached the further side and plunged into the darkness beyond. Quickly arousing, the outlaws filled the place with cries of alarm; and then those approaching joined the others. Buck Warner was at the head of the first. “What is it?’ he demanded furiously, as he witnessed his followers’ consternation, © When told what had happened, he cried fierce- ly: ‘‘ Are you fools or cowards? Some one h gained entrance here and we are lost, unless w: can capture and put them out of the way, Come; we must hunt them down.” At the lead of the disconcerted horde he dash- ed into the passage in hot pursuit of the fugi- tives, his torch lighting up the place far in ad- vance, disclosing their retreating forms in the distance ahead. “There they go!” cried Gold-dust Buck, hoarsely. ‘‘Come on, and they are ou.s!” ‘‘ Whoop—hooray !” yelled The-Man-from-Tex- as in defiant response, and darting with Mark into a side passage suddenly disappeared. ‘‘ Furies!” thundered Warner, “ ’tis that Tex~ an dog, and they’ll escape!”
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The Mad Miner. arms of their pursuers. At last, however, they were forced to pause. The aperture had become so low that to continue further they must crawl along. Perhaps it did not continue much further! ** We are cornered!" said Rock. ‘‘Git out yer shooters. Hyar they kem!” “Here is a niche in the wall,” exclaimed Mark, as he made the discovery in the dark. ‘*Let’s hide in there and perhaps they will not see us.” They could certainly do no better, andina moment they crawled into the narrow and rug- ged crevice in the ledge, which was barely large enough to hold them. : Swinging his torch before him, Buck Warner instantly led his followers into the defile, until he was forced to pause because of the lowness of the place. “Tt can’t be they came this way!” he mut- tered. ‘‘ Moro likely they kept to the left.” ‘‘But I am sure | saw one of them come this way just as our torch lit up the corner here.” ‘Then they have crawled into the passage ahead. But we should run into a pretty ke by following. We will set a ened here, an explore the passage back here.” But, cap’n, ain’t this the passway that kems out in the main cavern?” asked one just back of him. the Golden cave! you are right, Stock- ton Sharp! And if they have gone there they will escape into the valley, and we have lost them. Come, quick, and we will cut them off.” Quickly retracing their steps the outlaws rush- ed back for the principal apartment of the un- derground cell. : Though the leader had stood within three feet of the hiding fugitives he had not seen them, ‘* Mark,” said kk, as they heard the bandits retreating, “let’s follow this outand ef it leads out whar them coyotes says, perhaps we can rescue Miss Lenore and levant afore ’em var- mints spot us!” ‘Forward then, quick!” answered Mark. “TI am with you.” ‘‘Hyar Iscoot. Now fer the fun!” CHAPTER XVII. ROCK’S FATE. Wirn great difficulty the hardy miners crept along the low and narrow wer ; Fibs Onee Rock, who was ahead, paused and de- clared he could go no further, But repeating his efforts he at last succeeded, and a moment later he saw the glimmer of a light in the dis- tance. ‘“Don’t waste enny powder, but give it to the niggers hot. We are almost ’mong ’em!” A little after he came in full sight of the scene, He saw again Lenore Cassa, still bound, and now surrounded by three guards. “Two fer me and one fer ye, Mark. Are you ready like a trapped beaver?” ‘Yes; but there come the others!” “Let em hop! We hev’ fooled long enough. Kem, ye dig the funeral o’ one ’em cusses and I will Vothers. Then ye look arter the gal and be yA he aha fer the v - .. Now!” $i 6 panthers springing on their prey, the two bounded into’ the Hebt, and before the frightene1 trio of outlaws could meet their at- tack they were hurled upon the rocks lifeless, At the same moment the cavern was filled by the report of firearms, and a volley of bullets, flew about the daring miners’ heads. Rock began to — his revolver with dead- ly effect, and the wild yells and shrieks fairly eafened the ears of all.” Mark, acting promptly, rushed to the rescue of Lenore, and quickly severing thé ligature that bound her, he Heted her in arms and bore her swiftly for the exit of the fearful place, Unharmed he reached the passage. In that flash of a moment the horde threw themselves upon Rock, but slowly retreating he kept them at a distance by the deadly shots from his pistols. k soon spent his last shot and drawing his knife he fought like a tiger to cut his way through the demoniac mass. Protecting Lenore as best he could, Mark was doing equal the wild m as good work. In the midst of ee, a shout came from the mouth of the cave. Friends and foes heard it, and ceeritiess alike lest it should aie an Oak. ong the passage came rushing feet, and in an inate # diary voice cried: “ What's up?” Miner! *T was the eee -:.Cch eG WMH "~~ OOOTTOTC?_—————————— ee Before Mark or Rock could answer he under- stood it all, and closely followed by Leon Cassa he sprung into the combat. In a flash the lights were extin ished and no one was visible in the darkness that succeeded. “This way, Rock,” cried Mark, as he blindly groped his way along the parent ‘ATunt them, down!” thundered Gold-dust Buck, ‘‘ You know every turn and they don’t. Oy, are ours yet if we only work sharp.” e-Man-from-Texas, guided by Mark’s words, was enabled to gain his companions. As they hurried along they could hear their pursuers close behind At last, to their joy, they reached the outer world. “Quick! We must flee while we can!’ cried Leon Cassa, in excitement. “ But look hyar!” The-Man-from Texas said; “T reckon we have treed the coyotes. Mark, ye and Mister Cassa jess git with Miss Lenore; and Wind and me will jess keep the varmints in their den ’til ye are safe. See how slick we can doit? I tell ye thar’ll be fun, s0 scat!” As the aperture leading to the cave was little more than large enough to admit a man’s form, it would be an easy ing to hold the outlaws in their retreat as long as they desired, Quickly hastening down the hollow, Mark, with Leon Cassa and Lenore, disappeared. Wild Wind, with a cocked revolver in either hand, took a position before the cavern, opposite to that held by The-Man-from-Texas. Only a few. moments passed, however, when they heard wild shouts down the ravine, then followed the report of firearms! “Vl bet my top-knot they hey’ been ’tacked by the savages!” hisséd Rock. The cries bore the unmistakable accent of the red-men, “Look out for the coyotes in there, Wind. Ye can doit, Iam going to their resky!” and Rock bounded down the valley, to reach a scene of wild fighting. Mark and his companions had been met by Evil-Eyes and his Indians, and the fugitives were fighting for life. Rock uttered a yell that startled the red-skins, and sprung madly into their midst. The chief, with half a dozen others, tore Lenore from her father’s protection, and was in the act of bearing her away, when Mark saw her peril and Jeaped forward to her rescue, but only to fall at her feet. ““My God! that is too much!” cried Rock, and sent his deadly blows right and left, till he mowed a path to the spot. In a breath the horde closed about him, and, covered with wounds, while he fought as only a strong man at bay can fight, he at last was overpowered and dropped to the earth, to be instantly pinned by the demoniac foe. In the brief spell that the red-men turned upon their comet enemy, Leon Cassa seized Lenora and fled. When the savages started in pursuit they were suddenly terrified by a wild cry that awoke the valley and in an instant one of their number fell dead; then another, and still an- other, when they actually fled in terror, leaving the slain behind, crying: “The Silent Slayer ‘fe As the Indians disappeared, Mark Hanson staggered to his feet, and was about to turn to Rock, when he heard others coming, and ex- pecting they were Buck Warner an gang ) sought concealment. Discovering a moment later that his fears were true, he sought ipoit in fight, and though weak from the loss of blood from his wound that was deep and painful he succeeded in over- taking Mr. Cassa and Lenore. Not daring to tarry there the three hastened away and escaped, oor Rock and Wind Gray! They waited for them anxiously. But though days rolled into weeks they did not come; and at last they were counted with the dead! One more scene and we will draw the vail on that night’s work, |. Gold-dust Buck reached the scene of the fight to find The-Man-from-Texas among the fallen. Turning the body upon its side he found life was not extinct. No. He moved; he breathed; he Pea, his eyes, and glared wildly around, “You are d ng, Rock Randel!” cried the desperado, exultantly. ‘I know it!” faltered the stricken one, “And I have triumphed at_last as I said I would!” cried Warner, with fiendish satisfaction. The other started up, and while a wild light gleamed from his glassy eyes he cried: “Yes, Gold-dust Buck; ‘ye hev’ corraled me at last. But I ain’t conquered yet. Though Rock Randel won’t tramp the = any more in flesh and blood, his spook shall haunt Silver- 13 stone mine till ye and every coyote is drove out and honest men hold the lead! D’ye hyarj{ Rock Randel hes sed it, and he dies game!” There was something so awe-inspiring in the Texan’s looks that the spectators fell in dismay. CHAPTER XVIII. ROCK FULFILLS HIS VOW. A MONTH has passed. ¢ Mark Hanson bas nearly recovered from his wounds, and at the home of the Cassas he has found the best of treatment, which has had much to do toward his rapid convalescence. Ay, in the company of the fair Lenore he has indeed seemed. blessed. Lang ere this the brave, generous-hearted miner has learned. to love her, and happy in the answer she has given him, he looks forward to a joyous future. As he listens again and again to her story of captivity—how she was abducted at dead of night from the house of Tim Cotton’s and car- ried to the cave by Stockton Sharp, where she suffered most fearfully at the hands of the des- perade, Buck Warner—he feels thankful that he should have. been, through a kind Providence, instrumental in aiding her rescue, He has not been back to the mines nor will he now; since the untimely fate of poor Rock he no interest there. But how has it gone at Silverstone? We will return to the ill-starred settlement, Perhaps not ‘‘ill-starred” now, though, for since the departure of The-Man-from-Texas affairs have gone along very quietly. Oregon Dick has the complete control of tho mine, and preparations have been made to work the ore in Golden Cave. , Stockton Sam Sharp has become an overseer under him, and no longer fearing the hand of justice, he boasts of bis assistance in driving the Texan from the valley. Ah, strange as it may seem, Gold-dust Buck, the dread edict of outlawry no longer hanging over his head, lords it over Gold-dust Hollow with all the pomposity of a king. Truly it would seem his triumph over The-Man-from- Texas had been complete. Wild Wind, the Mad Miner, hangs no more about Silverstone, nor has he been seen since the night Rock perished. Thus we find affairs at the city. Ap of horsemen under the lead of Ore- on Dick were nearing Silverstone after a journey to Gold-dust, a settlement half a dozen miles down the valley. The day was nearly spent, though the riders moved leisurely along under the base of Silver Mountain. The superintendent of the mines was in ad- vance, while another rode by his side. Suddenly a wild cry ringin through the val- ley caused the cavalcade to draw rein, and all turned to look for its solution, Though their gaze was turned away but a moment, judge of their dismay when they were about to start on to find one of their num- ber missing! The horse ridden by Oregon Dick’s compan- ion was riderless ! _““ Where’s Dan?” exclaimed the first to notice his disappearance, in amazement. ‘“‘Hyar’s yer pard, old coyotes!” eried a hoarse voice from above. Looking golekly upward they saw standin; on the cliff that reared its precipitous sidv over their beads, the giant form of Rock Ran- del holding before him in his strong grasp their strangling companion! __. With cries of terror their eyes became fixed upon the awe-i Aine, x25 ce It was truly e-Man-from-Texas, , looking ee being pire His we hae + oi wice its usual ength; eyes gleamed anc flashed like coals of fire as they shone over the head of their helpless companion. Had he come back from the dead to haunt the valley as he had told? Surely, living or dead, it was his form! “Shoot him!” cried Lane; and a dozen rifles Me ei of their ides ut the form, of t companion shi tho other, and not one dared to discharge his Oregon, Dick was deadly pale, ON, deadly Miu Y k Rock Randel! an’ Again the Texan laughed. , v i viselike writhed and struggled aati ae sesryen ‘‘ Let’s git!” exclaimed one. of the terrified beholders; but in the narrow path it was impos: sible to pass those ahead. The leader gave utterance to a fearful oath,
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ih 14 “* Curse you, madman!” he yelled, ‘‘ release that man!’ Maddened by the Texan’s silence, heshrieked, hoarsely: ‘* Take that!” and fired his rifle with reckless haste. With its reg jab rung out the victim’s ery, and Dick ne’s companion was thrown across his horse’s withers, shot by hisown hand! With a shriek of horror, the murderer nearly fell from his saddle. A moment Rock watched the spellbound men, and then, with a laugh of derision, disappeared. A volley of bullets was sent after him, though with what effect none could tell. ‘*Ts Dan dead?” one at last recovered enough to ask. “Stone dead!” came the reply. ‘But let’s git afore we are rubbed out.” Trembling with dire forebodings the cavalcade resume their course. To their t relief nothing more was seen of the dread Texan. As soon as they reached Silverstone the hastened to the Bang-up, where they told their strange story to wondering listeners. In the midst of Oregon Dick’s strange recital another came rushing in, crying: “‘T have seen him! I have seen him!” ‘* Who?” cried the amazed bystanders. ‘The-Man-from-Texas or his ghost!” ‘““Where did you see him?’ asked Lane, in me Down by the d He looked awful! “Down e diggings! He loo awful! Byes like balls of fire! Te had his long rifle and was going to shoot me when I fell ina dead faint! hen I came to he was gone, but I found the body of Jim Kelley near the creek the last spark of life gone! I think he shot him!” The news spread like wildfire and Silverstone was all excitement. Rock Randel had come back from his grave to renew his fight for the Valley of Gold. **1 don’t wonder he doesn’t rest easy,” said an old gray-headed miner, and more than one began to a the same opinion. ld-dust Buck hastened to his confederate to learn the full particulars, When he had listened to the other’s story he exclaimed: ‘‘Oh, bosh! you were frightened, Dick, and only imagined yousaw him. I know that Texan is dead, and the dead never trouble the living. But you have made a pretty muss by your re- ort. ’ “Ef Rock Randel is dead, then I saw his ghost!” protested the other. ‘‘ You said your- self the Texan swore he’d haunt the valley, and I tell you, boss, I believe he means to ¢jo it!” ‘* Bah! I should like to see him. Let him be who he will, ’'d warrant to lay him out!” The two were standing on a street corner in the shadows of the deepening twilight. Warner had scarcely given expression to his speech as a low laugh rung on their ears. Starting up in surprise, they saw the very object - their words watching them but a few off! “The m is always near when you are speaking of him!” muttered Gold-dust Buck; but in =e of his attempted coolness he trem- bled violently, as he identified beyond a doubt The-Man-from-Texas. Oregon Dick shrunk back in abject terror. Clutching hislong rifle menacingly,the Texan, whether man or spirit, glared upon them in silence, his face gleaming deathly white in the | semi-darkness, and the golden adornments upon his person glowing like burning embers! CHAPTER XIX, ROCK GIVES NEW TERROR. “Waar do you want, Rock Randel?’ Gold- dust Buck at last cried. : The-Man-from-Texas replied with a hollow, sardonic laugh. ‘* He won't !” Oregon Dick said. ‘‘* But mercy! he’s going to shoot!” “Hold, Texan!” cried Warner, as the other seemed on the — of raising his rifle, ‘‘ can’t you speak and tell us whether you are man or demon?” The only answer was another laugh, that seemed to mock him. With an oath Buck drew a revolver, but in the moment his eyes left the mysterious miner he v fs ““He’s gone,” declared Lane, with a long- drawn breath of relief. : Warner stared at the empty space ahead in silence, “You believe me now, don’t you, Gold-dust Buck?” The Mad Miner. “Td give a hundred dollars to know if that was Rock Randel or not!” “Of course it was. Whoor what else could he be?” It was plain that the reckless desperado leader was greatly agitated by the Texan’s mysterious appearance. Ay, vividly came back to his mind the wild declaration made by the dying owner of Gold-dust Hollow. Was it possible he was going to keep his word? ‘*Let’s go to the Bang-up,” he said finally, and the twain reached the saloon to find it filled with excited men. Uprernor: in every mind, and the sole theme EP t rg talk, was the reappearance of Rock ndel, Some declared it was his ghost while a few | t p were bold enough to assert t it was him in flesh and blood. ‘ “T reckon it makes nary difference!” one ex- claimed.” ‘‘He’s going to make times lively enny way. It’s sartin justice too, for this valley was his yn es much es I own my shooter, and I don’t blame him fer fightin’ fer his own.” It was a bold, reckless speech to utter in such a crowd, and the words had barely fallen from his lips, when a broad-shouldered listener stepped quickly forward and exclaimed angrily: “Dare ye say es much fer that long-hair do, o’ Texas, Gus Verne? J never did like him, an he had no bizness hyar!” “This is a free land, Dave. Rock always used me well, and I shall ever stand by him as a friend.” “You will eh? Jess take that then, and know ye ain’t my friend when ye setup yer clap fer thet sneakin’ Texan!” and the speaker made a furious lunge at the other, who dextrously threw him to the tioor. : Staggering to his feet with a bitter oath, the wretch drew a pital and before any one could interpose would have killed the brave speaker, but a bullet sped past the excited throng of be- holders and entered his assailant’s temple, when he dropped dead. For a moment all were spellbound. Then the amazed crowd saw Rock Randel | standing in the doorway, rifle in hand! Before they recovered from their terror he was gone. All had seen him now, and no one that night cared to mention his name. With another day the miners resumed their work in the mines, : A squad of half a dozen, under Oregon Dick, went to the Golden Cave to begin work there. In a few days they were to commence in earn- est the dig; of the precious ore in thot vi- cinity. In the meanwhile those at the regular dig- gings were steadily plying their picks, or busy pudiing Soe pans. Stockton Sharp had the management of the lace, and while passing from one gang of work another he was seen to pause with a wild, haggard look. : God!” he cried; ‘‘ I am a dead man!” He had hardly given utterance to the startling exclamation, when the report of a rifle was heard, and the doomed man fell forward, dead! In wild trepidation the miners seized their weapons just as a mocking laugh broke on their ears, Looking up the mountain side, they saw standing on an overhanging rock, in plain sight, Rock Randel! In an instant half a hundred rifles belched | forth their flery contents, ; When the smoke had cleared away nothing was to be seen of the Texan, . “There’s blood on the rock!” cried one, hats hunt him down, if he ain’t already e ad | Quickly following the er’s lead, the miners toa man sprung up the hillside in pur- suit of their dreaded foe. At last, after a bootless search, they returned once.more to the valley. ‘“Where’s Sam’s body?’ some one asked, as they looked for it where he had fallen. “Here, look! see! there it is!” cried another, in a frightened tone, pointing above their heads. The others saw in amazement the form of = overseer suspended in the air right above em! \ A strong cord had been secured around the neck, and the other fastened to the branch of a above, so that the remains of Stockton Sharp were swaying to and fro in a most hide- ous manner! : As the astonished beholders watched in silence the strange tacle, a wild yell aroused bebe and then was heard in an unearthly voice e cry: — a aces 4 eae Ty “Gold! gold! gold! gold!” Upon the same spot where The-Man-from Texas had been seen a little while before they now beheld a tall, wild-looking figure clothed is ety! Page garb and wear.ng a mats 0 white hair and beard! “Wild Wind, the Mad Miner!” they cried i: surprise. In a moment the strange being darted dow) the cliff’s deep side and was seen no more. It was hours later before the startled miners commenced work again, and even then many o! them left for Silverstone to spread the news 0‘ Stockton Sam’s death. While this was transpiring Oregon Dick an‘ Wey ect chosen ones started to prospect the cay + of gold, eaching there they found Gold-dust Buck ii waiting. Lane was surprised to see also Evil Eyes the half-breed. “It’s all right!” exclaimed Warner to his confederate chief. ‘‘I could do no better than ty let the Indian have a share after what he hay‘ done for us. You know he rid us of that A/ pine Luke.” Oregon Dick was silent. This was a turn i, the programme that he had not expected | However, he suppressed all indignation, and ap peared satisfied | | “There is gold enough here to make us al, | rich!” exclaimed Gold - dust Buck, as they | paused before the cave. “I tell you, boys, thir | is worth working for. Don’t blame the Texar | for the fight he made.” ‘** He’s gone now,” said the half-breed with « fiendish smile. ‘‘ Brave wipe him out!” ‘* Hark!” hissed Dick. ‘I hear the stroke<f a pick-ax in there!” e others listened a moment, when they, too, 3 tag A heard the sound. ‘*Who can it be?” ejaculated Buck Warner. “We must find out!” Then waiting a moment longer and satisfying himself they were not mistaken, he said: “Come, follow me; we must explore tha place and warn away whoever is here.” “Me stay and keep watch,” cried Evil Eyes, who had no desire to face the perils of the dark- ness within. ‘‘ Mebbe others come to trap pale faces.” “Good! you have a long head, chief.” Fearlessly entering the cavern, Gold-dus? Buck and his men soon peeeres in its recesi Pe el going a rod or so they fo r e und it pitch ‘“No one can be here in this black hole, muttered one. ‘We must have been mistake about bearing a pick.” ‘“‘ Hist!” spoke the leader. Plainer than before they again heard t sound. “Some one is here!” and he groped his was blindly forward, until turning an angle in th: orca he suddenly saw the dim light of * ickering torch. Imperfectly seen by the weird blaze was . miner vigorously plying his pick. “There he is!’ wanener Gold-dust Buc ‘*-and as I live, itis that looney, Wind Gray!” As if catching the sound of the words, the ur - known paused in his work and glared wild!’ around. ‘Tl fix him!” muttered Warner, and in ak instant the report of his rifle filled the cave an !' fairly deafened their ears. With the shot the light was extinguished an t impenetrable darkness followed, e half-terrified miners felt the rush of at asa body swept past them, and then a deatl + like stillness hung like an oppressive weig) ' about them. With one accord they retraced their way. Reaching daylight once more they breathe 1 easier. Looking for the half-breed chief, they foun his body near where they had left him, lifeless! Protruding from his person they saw the haft of a huge knife! CHAPTER XX. WILD WIND’S DOOM. MoutE with terror, the miners gazed in silence upon their dead companion, At last Gold-dust Buck said: ‘Tis the work of that Mad Miner!” “Well, at least, that Indian is out of the way. I, for one, sha’n’t shed any tears,” affirmed O1~ egon Dick. : He had hardly uttered the words when one oJ the men nea him fell dead! Horrified, the others pean back, A crimson stream welled out of a tiny wound ' on the temple of the slain.
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| a meme re arenes S| The Mad Miner. ve a sound had been heard. In amazement. the little group gazed around. Not a living thing to be seen! A moment of awful suspense. Then a second of their number fell in the same mysterious way! Consternation now seized the remainder. What should they do? Paralyzed with dread they dared not move. In the midst of the excitement Rock Randel appeared on the scene. ausing abruptly a few rods distant, he half raised his rifle and faced them defiantly. He then was the slayer of their companions! Too much frightened to think of molesting him, Gold-dust Buck fearing for his own safety, cried: ‘* Quick! for the cave!” In an instant the cowardly miners fled into the cavern. The-Man-from-Texas gave a mocking laugh as he. saw them take to flight, but offered no further molestation. “T reckon ye are penned now!” he muttered grimly, as he seated himself upon a rock near at hand. ‘‘ Guess I won’t let ye kem out jess et!” “f Time passed and still The-Man-from-Texas maintainea his watch in front of the cavern. Those within would fain have shot him, but he kept out of their range. “Curse him!” exclaimed Gold-dust Buck gazing at him from their retreat, ‘‘a hundred dollars to the man who will kill him.” But no one ventured to accept the offer. “*T shouldn’t care to risk it!” declared Oregon Dick. ‘Rock Randel living was the most dangerous man I ever met, and now when you corral his spirit I nee ou will let me know.” “Oh, nonsense, ic Lane! You are spooney !” ‘* Just wait and see! I don’t believe one of us will leave this place alive!” Buck Warner made no reply and the party relapsed into silence. But little was said for an hour. “Tcan’t stand this much longer!” ejaculated the leader at last. ‘‘ Let’s risk our chances and harge on the Texan dog. We are four against him, and we are fools to act so much like cow- | ards!” ‘*Ts he thera now?” asked one. “Yes; grim and motionless as—” ‘“‘ Hist! I heard something behind us!” ex- claimed Oregon Dick in a low tone. Listening fora moment the others heard or seemed to hear the sound of footsteps. Some one is coming this way!” As Gold-dust Buck uttered the words, a sh exclamation was wrung from the lips of one of the others. Then a fierce struggle seemed to be taking place, though in the darlmess nothing could be mercy!” groaned the man, “I am His companions heard the words in terror, and knew a life-and-death combat was taking place right by their side, Yet they were powerless to aid their friend. Who was this unseen foe? “‘He’s coming for me!” yelled Oregon Dick, the next breath; and witha despairing shriek he rushed for the outside, forgetting the danger menacing him there, Gold-dust Buck and one other followed. The coe had fallen in the strange contest in the ark, Oregon Dick — the exit of the cavern— reached it to d face to face with the Texan avenger! In the twinkling of an eye the spangof Randel’s rifle was heard, and the doomed outlaw-miner had run his race! ’ Buck Warner turned ashen pale as he saw the dread weapon leveled at his own person. Before The-Man-from-Texas could fire the second shot, the valley rung with a wild shout, and twenty armed men sprung into the gully a They were miners from Silverstone who grown uneasy over the non-arrival of Warner’s party and had come to their rescue. ‘Don’t lot the Texan escape!” cried Gold- dust Buck. In an instant Rock was surrounded. “ All T ask is a shot at that Buck Warner!” he cried. But the de: o had cleared his sight. Rock Randel’s time had seemed to come. ** Not yet!” he cried, with a hoarse laugh. “Death to ye!” yelled the leader of the throng. ’ , Another mocking laugh and Dandy. Rock bounded swiftly towa rd his encircling foes. \Viewhe mad? "Twas rushing t -*e-tain death! i lee SSS SSS SSS sss ses less At the second leap he reached them; then crouching close to the earth for an instant he rung high into the air, and passing fairly over their heads, touched lightly upon the ground behind them! Before the astonished assailants could com- prehend the daring and surprising feat, and turn to renew their attack, he was fleeing down the valley at a flying rate. A. few shots were sent after him, but none stayed his flight. “ Has he escaped?” exclaimed Gold-dust Buck. ‘*-Yes; he’s gone like a streak down the ra- vine. You might as well think of catching a flash of lightning!” ‘“‘But wesha’n’t have any peace until he is caught! Look at poor Dick here, slain by bim. We must hunt that Texan down to death if we value our own lives!” “He ain’t no mortal—” “Gold! gold! gold! gold!” Every sound was hushed by the wild cry, which caused the miners to turn pale with dread. Then the flash of a gun was seen and one of the crowd, without warning, dropped lifeless! The others saw upon the narrow ledge that hung over the Golden Cave that wild being designated as the Mad Miner. He laughed in an unearthly tone, and waved over his head a rusty rifle. Gold-dust Buck saw what the others failed The rock upon which the mysterious un- known was standing was completely isolated from the main body, save by the narrow place where he had gained it. Springing forward to command this Warner cried: ‘*Capture him, boys! He is ours!” eestor the movement the miners sur- rounded the cliff at its base, and some began to scale its sides. Seeing that all retreat was cut off the lunatic gave a shrill cry of terror. Then, as he saw the inevitable capture that seemed to threaten him, he suddenly leaped out over his assailants and went headlong into the gully that yawned fifty feet below. Reaching the bank above a few moments af- ter, the miners saw that his body had been crush- ed into a shapeless mass. “‘T must know if possible who he was,” de- clared Warner, descending into the place with considerable difficulty. ier, the remains were frightfully disfig- ured, Gold-dust Buck recognized them at a glance now that he was close to them. “Strange I should not have known him be- fore!” he muttered, as he climbed up the bank. ‘* But it’s a load from my mind to know he is out of the world at last.” ‘““Who was _ he?” chorus. Before Warner could reply half a dozen men came rushing to the spot, the leader crying ex- asked the lookers-on in eT ‘*We have got him!” ** Who?” was asked in surprise. ‘* The-Man-from-Texas! k Randel! We were coming up from the city, when we run across him and corraled him slick!” Then as the followers of the speaker reached the place, all saw that they really had at last the most dreaded and yet most respected man in Gold-dust Hollow a captive. Truly the war must end now. CHAPTER XXI. DANDY ROCK’S DOOM, Gotp-dust Buck glared upon the captive with a look of fiendish satisfaction. “This is the best day’s work you ever did, boys. fe deserve a holiday for this; and you shall have , too.” “What shall we do with him?’ asked the leader of the captors. “Do with him? Hang him to the first tree you come to!”’ “Is it The-Man-from-Texas or his ghost?” asked one of the incredulous spectators, **Its Rock Randel every time. But he’s a live ‘coon! I wonder we corraled him as we did. He never offered to fight us and only tried to dust, which ain’t at all like him.” “T tell ye, it’s his spirit, and I shan’t be s’prised to see him fly right over our heads like smoke!” ex- claimed an old gray-headed miner, who had a strong belief in the supernatural. “Git out, Joe Plummer! Ef he ain’t mortal what es him so quiet now?” ‘*Come, what's the use of all this talk?” interrupt- ed Warner. ‘‘ Let’s rope him at once, and have the affair over. That Crazy Miner is dead and when we rid ourselves of this accursed Texan, Gold-dust Hol- low is indeed free!” “Wild Wind dead!”’ exclaimed Rock, speaking for the first time. His body lies at the bottem of the es : 1 ? ach, avad} | | petewe SO ade tt elie Sits clita gM ee a el) a Si ems SE pa See a RS a es Ee a a ee a a eee ee eee ee i--) ome “ 165 says all crushed into a jelly!” replied Buck, exuit antly. “Then I’m _a goner!’’ ejaculated The-Man-from- Texas, under his breath, “Come, men; let’s rope the coyote and have it done with. Iam anxious to get back to the city.” “What! without any show fer him to speak for hisself ?’’ exclaimed one of the leading spirits of the crowd. “What! Vic Haven! do you hesitate to lynch such a desperado as that Texan wolf, who has shed more blood than any twelve Indians in California?” “T know it,’’ admitted the miner; ‘but he did it in a square fight and trying to defend his own.” “Do you call that a square fight when men hide in the bushes and shoot down their victims in cold blood?” “No. But I say, hunted as he has been, Rock Randel has only done what_all of us would have done in his circumstances. He has made a square ht, and I say give him a fair show,” dec Vic aven, boldly. “Do you hear that, boys?’ cried Warner to his fol lowers. ‘“Jsay that Texan should die like a dog He has taken more innocent lives than any des perado in California, and all without just cause!” ** You lie, Buck Warner!” cried Rock, fiercely, un- able to stand more. ‘Men o’ Silverstone,”’ turning to the crowd, ‘‘I hev’ no war ag’in’ ye. I ask is fer afair chance to dig my row with that coyote, Let me meet him in a fair trial, hand to hand, and the one who wins shall be the best man. Let me dig his funeral and ye can do with mees ye want to. Ef he corrals me, all right.” “That’s the talk!” cried a bystander, “Let ew square ‘counts, and save us the trouble.” “Let ‘em go it. I bet on the long-haired ’coon!” “Rope the Texan!” * Lynch him !’’ soe were the cries taken up by the excited rong. Gold-dust Buck trembled lest the prisoner should gain his liberty. He had no desire to face Rock in a combat. Vic Haven saw that a free fight was imminent, He saw but one course open, and he took it by say- ing, quickly: “Look here, boys; let’s act like sensible men. We want rk one to have a fair shake. Let’s take the Texan to Silverstone and = him a fair trial, What- ever the verdict is follow it up!" “Agreed!” came the hearty response. **Let him levant!” ‘Let ’em two hev’ it out!” *Mid the confusion of like cries Buck Warner was forced to acquiesce, Thus all headed for the Ss and Dandy Rock a prisoner was borne along by the excited mob. It was nearly night when Silverstone was reached. Here the captors were met by the excited inhabi- tants to whom the news had flown like wildfire. Among the spectators and pressing forward to grasp his hand was Mark Hanson. “It seems like meeting one from the dead, Rock, ” he said, cordially, ‘ But, keep up your spirits in this oe and you shall find you have true friends left et. Randel murmured his thanks. ‘ i a. Wild Wind really gone under?” he asked anx- ously. is There is no doubt of that. There are twenty here who saw him meet his fate.” “Then old Rock Randel is ready to pass in his checks as soon as he sees that Gold-dust coyote gets ustice done him, I shall leave the Hollow in your nds and Temperance Tim's.”’ Before Mark could reply the jostling crowd pressed him away. As it was so late in the day Rock’s trial was put over by vote until the morrow. Accordingly he was carried to the post-office and there under a strong guard left for aake keeping. Thus the day waned and night came on. While the excited miners of Silverstone were talls ing over the strange events of the previous week, Gold-dust Buck was devising a desperate scheme whereby Ba might outwit the friends of Rock and make his own triumph certain, for he felt that if the latter had a trialhe would escape. He missed Ore- gon Dick and Cooney Burke now. With half a dozen chosen followers he would wrest Randel from his keepers’ hands and put him to death, before the light of another sun! About miduight the drowsy guards standing out- side of the apartment that held the Texan were sud- denly overpowered, and Warner with his horde burst into the room where Buck lay half-asleep. Seizing him rudely they bore him out of the house, ‘‘Hang him to the first tree!’ hissed the leader, ** At last, Rock Randel, you are doomed! Bear him along, boys, lively!" Rock strove to free his hands, but he was power- ess, Like fiends incarnate the lynchers bore him a few tees ang the building, when they paused under a uge tree. We can find no better place!” éxclaimed the des- perado chief. ‘‘ Up with him!” ; Without a single show for mercy the Texan waa to the slaughter. Before the ruffians could fix the rope around his neck, however, hurried footsteps startled them, “Quick, for your life!” hissed Gold-dust Buek. é same instant a man sprung to the osely followed by others. Pak ge a With yells of terror the startled lynchers turned to ee, ‘He sha’n't escape if I die for it!” cried Warn and with a bound He emeined upon the kelplers pris. oner, while a knife flashed i» his hand,
Page 16
16 The Mad Hunter. Rock sunk back with a ery and closed his eyes as he felt his end had come. Again Buck Warner was thwarted. Simultaneous with his movement a man was seen to spring from the crowd of new-comers, and with his long hair streaming inthe wind rush to Rock’s rescue, In a moment he closed with the desperado in a demtingrerns The lookers-on turned from the flying ruffians to the exciting combat, but there was no chance for others mingle in the engagement. Locked in each other’s arms they plunged and tossed to and fro. ‘*Let me hev’ a show for the fun!” cried Rock. Seeming to forget that he was freeing a prisoner from the hands of law, Mark Hanson quickly cut his ligatures, and The-Man-from-Texas joined the spec- tators just as one of the combatants arose, victor of the strife. At first it was,in the starlight uncertain to the crowd who had conquered, but in a moment the cry went up: ‘*Buck Warner is dying!’’ “Served him right, too!’ cried Vic Haven. ‘He has shown his true character in this act of to-night if never before.” “Yes! yes!” chorused the crowd. ‘But is Rock unburt?”’ ‘Wal, . reckon!” cried that worthy himself, “he’s jess the *coon fer fun, my boss beavers, so gi’n us yer Pawe “Long life to Rock Randel owner of Gold-dust Hollow!, and may he be forever rid of all unprinci- pled foes!” cried he who had just overcome the Tex- an's most. bitter enemy. Unheeding who gave the cry utterance, the listen- ers took it up, until the air rung with its sound. In the midst of the enplayee k turned to greet the speaker, when to his joy and wonder, he met Wild Wind, the Mad Miner! *“*Jeems Stopple! dye wy ayes deceive me, or is this ye, old chap, alive and kicking?” “ist, every time,’ replied the unknown, as he grasped the other’s hand, “though I thought, one while, I should have to give in to that desperate Warner... However, the fight is over, Rock, and your path is clear.” “Yes; and IL owe my life and all to you!’’ he said fervently, as he held, long and firmly the other’s yalm. . Ay, at last the fight for the valley of gold was ended and Rock had triumphed. And that, after all, was his d6om! CHAPTER XXII. PARTING FROM FRIENDS. Arovunp the dying Buck Warner gathered the spec- tators. ‘“* My race isrun,"’ he said, faintly. 4#¥ have made a life and death struggle for the gold in this valley but I am done for at last. The Texan was right anc I was wrong, so it is only justice for him to triumph. But who was it who pice me here?” ‘*Wild Wind, the Mad Miner,”’ some one said. “Wild Wind! It can’t have been him, Yor I saw him dead in the valley Ping peng 1? “You are mistaken, for I am living yet,” deelared that person, approaching his side. Warner uttered a cry of dismay as he reeognized the other, ““T don’t understand it!’ he muttered. ‘* But, who are you, for I have decided some time since, that you. are not what you profess to be?” “Tt is time, perhaps, that you all should know off his uke were me,” the unknown said, and quickly tearin false hair and beard the features of Alpine revealed to the wondering crowd { “‘T don’t understand it!’ exclaimed the astonished Warner. “The explanation is this,’ replied Luke: “‘ you all looked upon me as the Unlucky Miner, and wherever L'went you mistrusted me. To aid Rock and work as a sort of scout for him [ adopted this disguise. Soon after I was verpowered, shot down ant supposed to have been killed by Evil Eyes and his savages. My wounds did, not prove fatal; I es- caped, but allowed the report of, my death to pass for the truth. Since I have appeared only in my disguise as,the, Mad, Miner.”’ “Anda better yard never took the trail!” affirmed Bock, as he grasped again his noble friend’s hand, “But how. did. you come to life in the gully? I know you were dead then!” f “ Another mistake of yours. By a snes coinci- dence my disguise looked at a distance like the dress and appearance of that. singular being, the mad Calvo, who once owned this valley and haunted it ever since, every one who has come in his way with that fatal rifle of his charged with ‘air- wader,’ so that no. re is ever heard. Though _ his hair was white from age and mine from nature they luoked much alike; so much in fact that you must have mistaken him for me in the ravine yes- terday.” “T see it all now. But how blind I have been! But tell me of the fight in the cave.” ‘‘ While, Rock watched you in front Icame.alon and wishing to drive you out entered the cavern a' ones entrance, with what result you already ow. “Tt was me also whom you discovered at work in the cave. When I rushed. by youl met the half- breed at its entrance, and had to dispatch him be- Yore I could eseape, “Though I have done much, that Silent Slayer the mad. Californian, has often been mistaken for me, and his work confounded-.with mine. Butyoumight have vayen # distinguished us. While he relied upon my weapon was the knife, and so ex- ius rifle solely, pert have I become in its use that I can throw it half a dozen yards and be certain of my victim every time!” The speaker paused as he noticed the sudden change taking place in the countenance of the wounded man, Five minutes later he was no more. At last one of the most dreaded desperadoes that ever slew his victim in Calaveras county had run/his race of crime, and again right had won. _Cut down in the primo of manhood, educated and talented, how different might have been his end, Truly he aera expect to reap aught but thorns who sows riers. Silverstone was free at last. Rock and his friends were greeted cordially on every side. From the many stories told of the strange events which had transpired we give the following in ex- planation of those incidents in our narrative that may not be readily understood! Of the mission of the Harlow brothers none could tell aught as they perished early in their work. Both had been killed by the ‘‘ Silent Slayer,”’ who spared none who came in his way. It was he also who stole the body of Charles away and suspended it from the tree, while others were ep a grave, The action was simply a freak of his madness. The same motive prompted him to treat the body of Stockton Sharp in like manner. Of the last appear- ance of the ‘Night “hantom,” the outlaw mistook the body of Seth for that of Charles, the latter hang- ing from the sapiing all .e while. The remains of the unfortunaté men were afterward ache ra in- terred and over their graves blocks of granite have been raised. Of the fight at Silverstone Ledge those under Rock fled from the fight as soon as possible, They were all, save Seth, tools of Burke’s. We think the mystery surrounding the Mad Miner has been so far removed that the rest can be dispelled with a little consideration. His work, as he said himself, had been confounded with that strange, si- lent rifleman. Wind aided Rock in his duel in the dark, and fled before the crowd discovered him. In fact his whole object was to assist the other and he performed his duby fateh tylly, A word in regard to the ‘Silent Slayer.” * 2 5e. 17 Ratpnx Roy, THE Boy Buccanggr. By Col Prentiss Ingraham, .........- s.seeeeeeeee oo | 8e. 18 SINDBAD THE SATLOR.... ...2--.. .seebbive! 5e. 19 Tae Poanrom Spy. By Buffalo Bill... . 5e. 20 THe DovsLte Daccers. By L. Wheeler.. 5c. —? SSS 21 Frontier ANGEL. By Edward 8. Ellis..... 2, So 22 Tur Sea SERPENT. Col. Juan Lewis..... 5c 23 Nick o’ THE Niecur. By T. C, Harbaugh.... 5c, 24 Diamonp Drr«.' By Col. Prentiss Ingraham,. 5¢ 25 Tue Boy Caprain. By Roger Starpuck..... 5 26 Croven Hoor, THE Demon. By EF. L. Wheeler 5c. 27 AnreLope Abr, THE Boy Guipr. By Oll QOOMER: «.... 9 «0-50, dh unsheeeseetah torent le. 5c, 28 Burrato BEN, THE PRINCE oFf THE PISTOL, By Edward L.. Wheeler: +... 2. ..5.02l.... 2. Be. 29 Toe Dump Pace. By Capt. F. Whittaker... 5c. 30 Roane RaupH Rockwoop. By Harry St. COTRE. 65 ceases: ease Bete Bs tat ele Syie6 fi, EC, 81 Kren-Knrrv. By Oll Coomes..,.............. Se. 82 Bos Wootr, THE BorDER RUFFIAN, By Ed- ,, Ward L: Wheeler! ........05 0... 0. aa i 5c, 833 Tae Ocran BLoopHouND. By 8. W. Pierce... be, 34 OREGON Sou. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams...... bey 85 Wiip Ivan, Toe Boy Cuaupg Duval. By Ed- WAT Ln WHOM ce ois nays pedesciepcnmetres »” Be, 36 ‘Tue Boy Crown.. By Frank. Finn........ 5c, 87 Tae Hippen Lopes. By T.C. Harbaugb.... 5c, 38 Nep. Wyupr. By'Texas Jack... ...0.5...45. 5e, 89 DeaTH-Face, THE DETECTIVE. By Edward L, IWRGGNGE ort ade. cates cad, eps te Bay 40 Royine Bren. By John J. Marshall,.......... de, 41 Lasso JAcK. By. Oll Coomes......2 «.....-- * Be 42 Tur PHantom Miner, By Ed. L. Wheeler.... 5c 43 Dick DARLING, THE Pony Express Riper, By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. . Desens kdinias > ma oe Bu 44 Rattiine Ruse. By Harry St. George....... Be. 45 OLD AVALANCHE, THE GREAT ANNIHILATOR, By Edward L. Wheeler, . 2.00.0. 66. ses ees Bo, 46 GuAss-Eyge, THE GREAT SHOT OF THE WEST, Bey Cant, od) en Uiar ig OS come dis oe eadie dc 5c. 47 NIGHTINGALE Nat. By T, C. Harbaugh...... be, 48 BLACK JOHN, THE RoaD-AcEnt. By Jos. E. Badger, JYi.icit J229. Low. Oreste f SS 5c, 49 OMaHaA Ott. By Edward L. Wheeler.......... 5e, 50 Burr Bunker. By Charles E. Lasalle....,.... 5e. 51 Tue Boy Rirurs. By Archie ©. Iron,......... 5e, 52 Toe Waite Burravo. By Charles E. Lasalle.. 5c, 53 Jum Buupsogr, Jr. By Edward L. Wheeler.... 5c, 54 Nep HAZEL. de. es Capt. J. F. C. Adams........ y 55 Drapiy-Eve. Buen Bi, SOR. ct Sc, 56 Nick WuirriEs’s Pet. By J. F. C. Adams.... 6c. 57 Drapwoop Dick’s Eaqures. By E. L.Wheeler.. 5c. 58 Tue Borprer Kina. By Oll Coomes........... be 59 Otp Hickory, By Harry St. George......... be. 60 THe Warre Inpian. By J. F. C. Adams...... Be, 61 BuckHoRN Bint. By Edward L. Wheeler..... 5c, 62 Tur SHApow Surp. By Col. P. Ingraham..... be, 63 Toe Rep Broruernoop. By W. J. Hamilton. 5c, 64 Danpy Jack. By T..C. Harbaugh............. Be, 65 Hurricangs Bit. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr..... Be, 66 SiInctE Hanp, By W. J. Hamilton............ 5e, 67 PatTentT-LEATHER JOE. By ilip 8. Warne.. 5e. 68 Tur BorperR Rosin Hoop. By Buffalo Bill... 5c 69 Gop RIFLE, THE YOUNG SHARPSHOOTER, By Edward L, Wheeler.......... ote TOS ee Ba, 70 Ov Zre’s' Capin. By J. F.C. Adams......... 5a 71 DeLAWARE Dick... By Oll Coomes, ............. Be 72 Map Tom WestTEerRN.. By W. J. Hamilton...... bu %3 Drapwoop Dick ON Deck, FE. L. Wheeler... 5¢ 74 Hawkeye ‘Harry. By Oll Coomes........... 5« % Tue Boy Dueuist. By Col. Ingraham........ Ba 76 Ane Cout, THE Crow Krier. By A. W. Aiken 6; 77 CorpuRoy CHARLIE. By Edward L. Wheeler. 5! 78 Buuge Dick. By Captain Mayne Reid.... .. 5} 79 Sou GINGER, THE Giant 'Phapper. A.W. Aiken {t 80 RosEBup Rp. By Edward L. Wheeler... .. . tu 81 Ligutnine Jom. By Captain J. F.C. Adams... 82 Kir HareEFoor. ify iOS OL Oy. aie be 83 Roto, THE Boy RanGer, By Oil Coomes... be 84 IpyL, THE Girt Miner. By Ed. L. Wheeler... Se. 85 Buck BucKRAM. BY Captain J. F.C. Adams... 5c 86 Danpy Rock. By G. Waldo Browne..... «>» Be 87 Tae Lanp Pirates. By Capt. Mayne Reid.... be. 88 PHoroarAPH Pym. By Edward. L. Wheeler... be. 89 IsLanp Jim. By mag Vy a. TA tes ota be 90 Tae DreaAp Riper. By G. Waldo Browne ... bc 91 Tae CapraIn oF THE CiUB. By Bracebridge perdi hai, UIT BS OT rd, BI03 be 92 CANADA ET. By Edward L. Wheeler....... be 93 Tue Boy Miners. By Edward §. Ellis... be. 94 Mipnigut Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh... .... 5e 95 Tue RrvaL Rovers. By Lieut. Col. Hazeltine bc. 96 Warcu-Eyn. By Edward L. Wheeler.... .... Be. 97 THe OvTLAW BrotHers, By J. T. Marshall.. 98-Rosrn Hoop. By Prof, Stewart Gildersleeve. . 99 Tue Tiger or Taos. . By George W. Browne.. de. 100 Deapwoop Dick In Leapviiz, By Edward To, WORE tents p38 nb a-keed Velie eelTiies ee Pr i 101 Jack HARKAWAy IN New York. By Brace- Col. Prentiss In am. 5c. 1083 THe Lion or THE Sra. By Col. Delle Sara. 5c. 104 DEapwoop Dickr’s Devicn. By Ed. L. Wheeler fc. 10 O.p Ruse, THE HunTER. Ry apt. H. Holmes 5c. 106 Op Frosty, THE Guipg. By T,C. Harbaugh. fe. 107 OnE-EvED, Sim. By J. 1L, Bowen.............. Be. 108 Darina Davy, By Harry St. G A art 109 DeaApwood Dick as DETECTIVE. Edward hs Wihhweler, 87510 SI eto RY S LEE A. 110 Tue BLack SreEp of THE PRAIRIES. By James 114 Tae BLACK ScHoonrR. By Roger Starbuck.. 5c. 115 THe Map Miner. By G. Waldo Browne..... Be. 116 Tae Hussar Caprainx. By Col. Prentiss In- A new issue every week. Beadle’s Half-Dime Library is for sale by all Newsdealers, five cents per Copy. or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE & ADAMS Publishers, 98 William Street, N. Y.