Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 1160) (1905 04)
The text was read from the page scans by machine (OCR), so it has mistakes and its columns may run together. See the pages · About this title · At the Internet Archive
Page 1
NEW YORK Lie. Ba em aU et dL. 'B EAS n SR EE Sa er — ndeinedaias - = " = > “ ; RII RAS EEE ONE EN EET 0 Published Every M. J. REVERS & Co., Publishers, PRICE 5 CENTS. Month, (JAMES SULLIVAN, Prorrieror), aga Diced al ss : 379 Pearl ety New York. Pa THE SKY DEMON * or, Rainbolt the cian eS sO Lda OOO ODDS 4 AUTHOR OF “ VAGAROND JOR,” “THE DUMB SPY,” “‘ ANTELOPE ABE,” “ KEEN-KNIFE,” ‘‘ PROSPECT PETE,” ETO., ETO. | e 3 z 2 : Re ie a 4s | , , ai < m m } a Sy sg ot
Page 2
2 The Sky Demon ; RAINBOLT, THE RANGER, BY OLL COOMES, AUTHOR OF ‘LITTLE FOXFIRE,” ‘‘ VAGABOND JOE,” ETC., ETC. é CHAPTER I. THE VILLAIN’S PLOT. In fifteen minutesjthe emigrant train on the _ The Sky Demon... Sanford, and the young girl his daughter Silvia. They were just about to start on a visit to friends in San Francisco. Two of the youn men, Willis and Brank Armond, were the col- onel’s nephews agi men of means and leisure. The other two, Walter Lyman, attorney, and gmk Rodman, physician and surgeon, were Willis’ and Frank’s intimate friends, who, like themselves, did not have to depend entirely upon their profession for a livelihood; so the four young gentlemen had .concluded to accom- pany tie colonel and daughter as far as the mountains, where they could spend the summer in bunting as recreation from the dust and heat Union Pacific railroad was to leave the depot at | of city life. Omaha, going west. Two men, evidently waiting for the train, might have been seen pacing to and fro upon tue station platform in close conversation. The oldest of the two was apparently forty years of age. He was of me:iium hight and build, with steel-gray eyes, sharp and brilliant. His hair, which was cut closely to a well-shaped head, was of a dark brown, as was also his heavy mustache and whiskers. He was dressed in light gray clothes, after the fashion of the day (1869). The other individual was a man of some thirty years. He was much taller than his companion, but not so compactly built. His hair was black as the raven’s wing, and hung about his shoulders long and straight; his eyes were black, but small and evil-like. His face was smoothly shaven, and bore the unmistaka- ble evidence of a dissipated character. He was dressed in a suit of dark clothes that fitted him stiffiy and made bim appear i) at ease. _ No one in Omaha knew these two individuals, yet their names were spoken daily in connection with their crimes,.for the former was Duval Dungarvon, the notorious robber-captain of the Black Hills, and, the latter Blufe Brandon, the the renegade Cheyenne chief known as Black ear, Having glanced about them to see that no one was near, the robber chief asked, in a low tone: ‘‘Well, Brandon, have you made up your mind about that matter?” ‘‘ Not exactly,” answered Brandon, “for, since I have considered that you have oceans of gold stowed away in the ‘ Hills,’ I think you can af- ford to say ten thousand dollars.” “Ten thousand furies!” replied the robber- captain; ‘‘what would such a notorious cut- throat as you are do with ten thousand dollars? You couldn’t spend it among your accursed Indians, and you dare not attempt to spend it among white people! But, however, I suppose I must submit, as the game is in your hands. But, mind you, the gifl has got to be placed in my bands at the Devil’s Tarn, forty miles south of bat eas and if one hair of her head is in- jured, I will not give you one cent!” and the eyes of the robber-captain glowed like living coals of fire. “‘How soon will Sanford—I believe that’s peared A called him—start for San Fran- cisco “Within the next ten days, I understand— however, I can telegraph you at Julesburg on the ermine Shey start—using, of course, our hotel noms de plume. Now, remember,” At this juncture, the conductor’s call of “ All aboard” ended the two villains’ conversation, and bidding his poo mpi adieu, Blufe Brandon entered the cars, and in another moment he was rolling toward the mountains, Duval Dungarvon entered an omnibus, and ig the driver to drive him to the Wyoming otel, : And thus in a! few minutes two villains—cne a robber and the other a rene , both from the fastnesses of the Black Hills—had planned and plotted a dark and perhaps bloody crime. Five days later, and Duval Dungarvon was again pacing the depot platform. He was alone, but, from the impatient look upon his ‘face and the occasional glance up the street, it was evident that he was expecting some one, Presently his face brightened as he saw a car- riage, drawn by four horses, rolling down toward erty , and as it drove up alongside the platform he walked to the opposite side, and mingled with some men collected there, but all the while kept a close watch upon the carriage. When the vehicle stopped, a tall, noble, gray- haired man of some fifty years stepped out and assisted a young and beautiful girl to the plat- form. These were followed by four young men dressed in sportsmen’s garbs, each carrying a new Spencer and @ paces: , The elderly gentleman was Colonel Wayland As soon as Duval Dungarvon saw the party enter the cars that stood awaiting their load of human freight, he turned and entered the tele- graph office, and taking up a blank seated him- self at a desk and wrote the following message, which he at once dispatched: * Oman, June 15th, 1869. “WiriamM Bates, Esq., Julesburg, W. T.:—San- ford and daughter leave on morning train for San Francisco, Cuirrton Payson.” Paying for the dispatch, the robber-captain went out upon the platform. The cars were just rolling away, and from one of the windows e beheld the eyes of Colonel Sanford fixed upon him like one in a trance; but in an instant the train was gone, and, turning on his heel, he strods away, muttering to bimself: “By furies! he recognized me! It’s a good thing he’s gone, Duval Dungarvon, alias Clifton Payson, for he might have given you trouble, and the best thing for you is to get out of here yourself.” And so be did. Thenext day the villain took the train West. Had one from the grave confronted Colonel Sanford, he could not have been more startled than he was on seeing Duval Dungarvon. For fully an hour he sat in profound silence, which his young friends attributed to bis feelings on leaving home, and the. possible idea that he might never live toreturn to it again. Finally, however, he rallied and talked and joked in his usual humorous spirits, After nearly two days’ ride, the train rolled into Julesburg, where it cpp for a few min- utes. But one person took the train at this point, and that person was Blufe Brandon, the renegade chief, his face completely disguised in a mass of false grizzly whiskers, The renegade passed from coach to coach and finally seated himself on the seat bebin Colonel Sanford, which happened to be vacant, Julesburg was left far behind, and away in the distance westward the dark range of the Black Hills loomed up against the glowing sky. . There being no way-stations, the train rolled rapidly on, never tiring, never halting, gliding into the dark cut, by roaring canyon, over the yawning gorge, beneath the beetling crag, through dismal tunnel—on, on until it bad entered the environs of the Black Hills, Then the evil-eyed passenger from Julesburg glanced around, and, seeing no eye upon him, placed his hand in bis pocket and drew therefrom a small packet which he at once tossed out at the window withconsiderable force. A dull report like that of a pistol; a lurid flash like that by a rocket, where the packet struck the earth, fol- lowed this act.. But one person in the cars saw that flash, and that was be who produced it; but, far away up ona mountain peak, another pair of eyes saw and read the meaning of that flash, and immediately from the same bight a blazing arrow shot far up into the air, described a beautiful curve, and then fell to the earth again, Then, fully three miles further on to- word the west, from the summit of another peak, a blue light might bave been seen swing- ing to and fro, then standing still, then rolling through the air like a blazing hoop. Suddenly, in roundin plowing headlight flashed on a red flag standing n the center of the track. Instantly the wary engineer whistled down brakes, and in a mo- ment the train stopped. At that instant a yell that fairly shook the old hills fell upon the ears of the passengers—a savage blood-curdling yell, mingled with the clash of fire-arms. It required but a single thought, for the pas- sengers to realize the terrible truth. The train had been stopped by a band of Indians! Simultaneous with the yell of the Indians a loud, coarse voice cried out: “Pat out the lights; the train has been at- tacked by the Indians! It was the voice of Blufe Brandon. In an instant the lights were put out in that coach. Then followed a confusion that beggars description, The yells of the Indians, the re- an abrupt curve, the port of pistols, the crashing of glass, the jam- ming of shutters, the screaming of women, the commands and shouts of men, made the moment. awful, terrible, In the midst of the excitement Brandon oerune, to bis feet, and, leaning forward, seized ilvia Sanford around the waist—lifted her in his arms as though she had been an infant, and. turniog, glided out the door and sprung from thecar, ~* “Ob, father, heip! Some one ig carrying m¢ off!” cried Siuvia, as she was borne from the car. ‘“‘Great God! what foul treachery is this?” cried Colonel Sanford, springing to his feet. ‘‘ Willis, Frank, boys, all come, for Heaven's sake!” and, followed by the four young men, he rushed out and sprung from the car just in time to see the villain disappear down a black defile with his child. The moment the renegade sprung from the car every Indian turned and followed him, leaving the train to resume its course, which it did, leaving Colonel Sanford and his young friends standing alone in that awful gloom! It was quite evident that the attack bad been carefully arranged, simply for the abduction of Miss Sanford, for no one was killed, nor did the savages attempt to board the train as they had done on previous occasions; but withdrew at & signal of their chief, Blufe Brandon. A speechless silence fell over the colonel and his party. They stood and gazed into the gloom that seemed. impenetrable. The prospect of recovering the lost girl ap- peared to the experienced eyes of the father al- most as gloomy as were the surroundings. The remembrance of the face he had seen at Omaba as the cars were, leaving, the face of a man whom he knew to be his bitter, impla: al le enemy, instantly caused him to conuect the man with the disappearance of his deughter. Under these circumstances it was indeed for- tunate that the father was an experienced Indian-fighter. During the gold fever of 1848 he had crossed the plains twice, and spent many years in the mines of California, Then during the Pike’s Peak excitement he spent a couple cf ge there, and during the Indian troubles he ad command of a regiment of cavalry upco active duty, their field of operations being ir the immediate vicinity of the Black Hil's. Thus most of his life had be n spent upon the frontier, cr among the Indians, whose language, haunts and habits he had learned to perfection ; and there was but little of the country in which they now were but what he was intimately ac- uainted with, though five years had elapsed since he had Jast traversed it. Knowing thatno time was to be lost he shaped their course, - nd at once set off in the direction taken by the savages, the darkness rendering it impossible to follow the trail. Thus began the young men’s summer recrea- tion on the plains! CHAPTER II. THE AERIAL DEMON OF THE MOUNTAIN. Nieur bad fallen, but through the darkness gleamed the cheerful light of a camp-fire that burned in a little wooded valley, near where it debouched from the Black Hills into the great lain, or Buffalo Range. Within its radius of ight, two men were visible—one lying upon the ground asleep, the other seated before the fire, evidently keeping guard. The former was a short, heavy-set man, of some five and thirty ears, with a broad, florid face, that told of umor and good nature. A rifle was lyin near, a bunting-knife was in his belt, and. though sound asleep, bis hand grasped a short, stout club or shil/alah which alone would bave proclaimed his Hibernian extraction, The Irishman’s companion was a type of 2 different nationality, He was a tall, powerful negro, with skin black as the ebon darkucss around bim. He possessed limbs arid muscles of Herculean agen scar and a face firm, courageous and intel ectual in its outlines. He held a double rifle, which flashed like a bar of silver in the firelight. Both were dressed in rhs of buckskin, half-savage and half civil: i iv fashion. The negro sat with bis rifle resting in the hol low of his arm, gazing into the glowing fire with a kind of vacant look. _As the minutes stole by, his eyes gre.. heavy with watching, and, presently, his head roiled languidly upon his shoulders in a gentle doze. Soon, however, he was aroused by a sound—the sound of approaching footsteps, He a to his feet, and, shading his eyes with his bend, pared into the gloom. At this moment five uman ; figures emerged from the forest and | |
Page 3
The Sky Demon. halted within the radius ef light. It was Col- onel Wayland Sanford and’ his four young companions, Colonel Sanford'fixed his eyes upon those of the negro, and for a moment the two stood glaring at each other with a look of recognition, surprise, fear-and revenge depicted — their features. -A profound silence ensued. The hand of the darky. wandered mechanically to his knife, while the cold, gray eyes of Sanford flashed like burning coals, and his breast heaved and throbbed as though an internal volcano was surging within it. he colonel was the first to break the si- ence. * Ebony Jim! Villain and rascal!” he exclaimed, fiercely. ‘‘It is you?—you who de- serve shooting without ceremony ?”’ The colonel’s words seemed to transform the negro. His defiant, courageous look gave way to one of fear. - **Oh, good Lor’!” he exclaimed, fairly tremb- ling, ‘it’s ole Massa Sanfor’,-de poor young missus’s father, and now dis poor nigger’s time am come!” “ Ah! ei fear the halter of justice, do you, you black wretch?” exclaimed tbe colonel in- dignantly, ‘‘ For four years I have hunted you —to shoot you !” : Me good Heaben, massa, I hab done nuff- in “Then what brought you here, and why do you fear me?” “Cause, massa, Is’pose you and dem gemmen dar come to ’rest dis nigger—” **Por what?” ** Why, you ’members I war hid in de woods when poor Massa Walraven war taken to de Debbil’s Tarn and—” “‘Hush! hush! for God’s sake, Ebony, speak not of that affair!” cried the colonel, growing suddenly changed in his tone toward the darky. He spoke so loud that the Irishman was awak- ened from his slumber. ‘Och, and be the Howly Vargin, and who’s this that comes a disthurbing of me p’aceful | shlumber at the dead hour av night. Wirra, but [ll shpring afoot and bate their heads wid | me ole shelaliah, so shure, as me name is Flick O’F lyon,” exclaimed the Hibernian, rising to a ia posture and rubbing his eyes confused- it I am so we have disturbed you,” said Frank Armond, pegs eggs C * but [hope you will pardon us for the unceremonious intrn- sion. “ Ay, and thet I will,” replied O’Flynn, gain- ing his equilibrium of mind, ‘‘ fer it’s mees thet’s glad te say the likes av yeesin this h’athing conthry, so it is, so it is,” In the mean time, Colonel Sanford had stepped to Ebony’s side and spoke in a lower and kinder voice: ; “ Forgive me, Ebony, for my rashness; but tell me truthfully, where is Florence Wal- raven?” “Why should dis nigger know better dan enny boty os, massa?” ae ‘Because I krow you assisted her to flee a home four years since, and now where is she “Good Lor’ only knows. S’pects she’s in heaben wid de angels,” replied the negro, ap- parently much surprised. “Come, Ebony!” exclaimed Sanford, growing nervous and excited again. “ Trifle not with me. You have lied to me already; you know where Florence is; you assisted her to flee. Speak, tell me the truth or your life shall Pee Good Lor’, you misjudge dis nigger, Massa Sanfor’. Nebber sence r Massa Walraven went into de army have I see’d de young miss- us, and when Massa Walraven was convictioned ob bein’ a traitor and taken to de Debbil’s Tarn —I mean when he war punished so orfully— dis nigger run away into de mountain fear he be sarved so too, ’case he see’d something, and nebber hab I see’d de young missus, nor nobody, till dis blessed minit.” ‘“« Are you speaking the truth, Ebony?” asked the colonel, seriously, calmly. aa V’sa born nigger dat’s de truf, Massa San- fe) “ Then forgive me, old boy, for my hasty ac- cusal,” said the colonel, extending his hand to thedarky. © ‘‘ Florence has been missing for four ears, and we always suspicioned you o: steal- ing her away.” ‘Dis nigger cherishes nuffin’ ill in his heart to’rds ole Massa Sanfor’,” said ears grasping the colonel’s hand, *‘ but oh! how his heart aches when he t’inks ob dat awful—awful ’fair at de Debbil’s Tarn.” “ Hush, Ebony, about the Devil’s Tarn,” said Sanford, in a whisper. ‘It racks my soul with torture. Promise me youll not mention it again.” “*T promise,” said the negro. “Then let us be seated and talk of other things.” They all gathered around the fire and Colonel | Sanford informed the two hunters of their mis- a sion there. ‘Be garry, and it’s Flick OFlynn of Car- ricksfergus that can bate in more rhed niggars’ skulls that any man on the job, and yees kin count mees in on the parsuit av the ghal, also. Wirra! but mees am in me glory when swing- ing me old shelaliah among the dirthy black- g’ards, so itis, soit— Har—rk!” Though the Hibernian was’ talking quite boisterously, his practiced ear caught, a far off and peculiar sound, coming from the Black Hills.” “ Ay, and didn’t ye hear thet, now?” he asked. ‘“No; what was it?’ queried Sanford. ‘It was a sound rhesembling the thuang av a horn—there she am again!” This time all heard it, and, true enough, it was the far-off blast of a horn. Flick O'Flynn and Ebony exchanged inquiring and ominous glances. * A hunter, I suppose,” said young Rodman. “Nota bit avit! It’s the gathering call av robbers, in yonder hills,” said O’F linn, pointing | away westward over the Black Hills, ‘But what means that?” asked Willis Ar- mond, pointing up toward the dark sky. All eyes gazed upon the object in question with wonder and surprise. It was a bright, glowing speck not unlike a blazing star; but it was mov ng, drifting slowly through the hea- vens—now east—now west—now sinking—now rising—now circling around and around—again standing still against the black canopy of bea- ven. “That is surely not a star,” said Walter Ly- man. **No;: but it’s a mystery to me,” said Colonel Sanford. Again the twang of the horn was heard, and, as its echoes rolled back through the hills, the mysterious blazing star was seen to glide away through the beavens and disappear in a moment behind the mountain range. ‘* That is a mystery that is not the agency of man,” said the colonel, ‘*Ob, Lor’! I tell ye, Massa Sanfor’, our time am come! Dat war de horn ob de ark-angel wakin’ up de dead.” ‘“ You're a fool, Ebony; you've lost all the courage you ever did possess.” “T knows I’s a fool, massa, but I’s been a wicked nigger, and de world am comin’ toa eend, and oh, Lor’ ob heabens! dar comes de Ole Nick—de Ole Nick!—de Ole Nick! after dis cbile—oh—oh—oh !” Ebony stretched out his hands asif to keep off some horrible object. His eyes were lifted up- ward and glared like those of a madman. His lips stood slightly apart, revealing his firm-set teeth, and his features were convulsed with horror. eee Ebony! are you going, mad?” ex- claimed Sanford, excitedly. The negro moved not a muscle nor his up- lifted eyes, but, at that instant, a fierce and terrible scream burst over the heads of the little group. All started and lifted their eyes up- ward, and as they did so, every face became blanched with terror, They saw what Ebony saw, and startled as he did. They saw pot a human nor a beast, but an awful terrible figure —a figure resembling a human skeleton floating prea the air, high over the tree “ps, its Nis y proportions revealed by the smoke and ame emitted from the sunken eyes, the dis- tended nostrils and the wide, grinning mouth. Great white arms bent and buffeted the air like the wings of astruggling vampire, while scream after scream pealed wild and unearthly from the horrid creature’s lips.. It was fully a bun- dred feet above the tree-tops and moved swift- ly—so swift, that in a moment it bad floated — the camp and disappeared behind the dark ills. The party stood transfixed with horror. Colonel Sanford was the first to break the silence, “Tn the name of God, what was it?” he gasped. **T tell you it’s de Ole Nick after dis poor, black nigger,” persisted Ebony. . - Flick O'Flynn acted quite indifferent. He showed but little surprise at sight of the horrid creature, yet he exclaimed: ‘‘Holy Mother! it makes the hair sthand on mees head, and polar icebergs rholl down me IE | Ue SESE EE WDE Ee NEA EE ARTS SN SL A Ce a Bis Te Ss Pu ALE We I AD bat" BAL NE SEAR Ee sO Natabe 9 APT YF “ back, but then it’s not the fust time that Flick O'Flynn, of Carricksfergus, bas- see’d _ that chreature.” ‘ ‘* What is it? beast; human, fiend or” “Ay, there now, and it’s the horrid cbrea- ture known as the Aerial Demon of the Moun- tain.” Sos CHAPTER IIL A MOMENT OF PERIL, For some time the wildest excitement pre- vailed in the bunters’ camp over what O'Flynn had said was the Aerial Demon, the scourge of the Black Hills. Flick could thrown no lighton the subject, further than that he had seen it once beiore, and heard of its being seen. by otbers, and strik- ing terror to the hearts of the Indians. For fully an hour this aerial apparition was the subj-ct of conversation; and many end curious were the suppositionus entertained by the party as to its nature. z the blue dome-of heaven was glimmering with myriads of stars, The murky sbadows were lifted from the great plain that stretched away in tranquil beauty like an ocean, broken now and thea by a silvery lake or stream, ora little woodland isle that nestled down on its bosom like a mere black speck. And as the moments stole by, a score of dusky forms~ suddenly emerged from the shadow of one of those pe islands, and moved silently over the ain, . It was a band of hostile Cheyenne Indians, beading toward the Black Hills. As the night was far advanced, and Colonel Sanford and his young friends were greatly fatigued with their long tramp through the mountain, they concluded to remain with the hunters until morning, inasmuch as they bad promised to accompany them on the morrow in pursuing the red-skins. The fire was re- plenished with fuel. ‘The flames leaped up and relieved the gloom for many feet around; but backed in by the great woods on one side, and the rise of a hill on the other, the light was, as it were, pent up in the immediate vicinity. And so it was hidden from the gaze of those on the near plain, but not to those on the hills, ner to those far out on the plain. Flick O'Flynn was to stand guard the rest of the night—be refusing all offers of relief. He lit his pipe and seated himself before the fire, with his shillalah lying across his knees. The rest of the party stretched themselves in varicus attitudes about the fire to rest. Just then a night-bird fluttered overhead with astartied scream, Every man sprung quickly to his feet. Was it the Aeria] Demon again? They glanced around them. No. It was not the demon, but a sight equal#y as horrifying met their gaze. Out from the deep gloom, into the glare of the roaring camp-fire—with the silence of phantoms, their painted visages aglow with diabolical triumph, their bands clutcbing a knife or tomahawk, came a score of Cheyenne Indians, surrounding our friends on every side like sheep in a slaughter-pen. For a moment they paused just within the circle of light; then they uttered a yell, so fierce that the blood stood like ice in the veins of the whiter. ‘*Och! and be the Howly Mother, it’s a sorry time we'll have,” exclaimed Flick. O'Flynn, whirling his sbillalah about bis head; “‘ but here goes," and he dashed among ee savages’ with a ell. ah Se ‘* And here comes dis chile,” exclaimed Ebony, clubbing bis rifle and following: ““We lave got te fight for our lives,” said Colonel Sanford, who, ing no weapon, stooped and picked up a beavy club, one end of which was afire, and swinging it aloft he dashed in among the savages,Frank and Willis Armond, Walter Lyman and Ralph Rodman following suit with clubbed rifles. The conflict instantly became fearful. The Cheyennes were three to one, and our friends fought with the desperation of despair —of madmen. Several savages went down, but the death of each one made the survivors all the more desperate; and presently Walter Lyman fell unconscious from a blow on the head, and Willis Armond received a seyere wound on tke arm. Defeat and death st ou: friends in the face—they were being gradually overpowered —the savages were closing in upon them—an- other moment-- But bark! what sound was that? Was it the voice of doom? CHAPTER IV. THE MASTER OF THE EAGLE. It was the wild scream of a bird that fell up- on the ears of the combatants, but at the next ee this time the clouds had rolled away, and ! _ Cre Pipa eer foe witge ~~ wtsre
Page 4
Se 4 instant a borseman dasted wildly in among the savages, a drawn saber.in hand. And so swift did the stranger swing’ the polished» weapon right and left upon the tufted skulls of the red- skins that it seemed a broad sheet of flame. Nor did the’strange.man come alone to the«rescue. A large, tamie gray eagle accompanied him, and the fierce bird seemed inspired with the same warlike spirit of its master. Down into the sav- aces’ faces, striking with talon, beak and wing, swooped the great bird with a scream, tearing and lacerating the flesh and eyes at every stroke. The seale of battle was turned as if by magic. The Sky Demon. am not particularly engaged at present, I can and will devote my time to assisting you in rescuing your girl. I wish; however, to act strictly alone, for the assistar I bave will enable we to do so with success—but, | had en- tirely forgot my companiou,*and taking the silver born from his saddle, he placed it to his lips and blew a shrill blast. Immediately after this act the winnowing of | great wings was heard, and a moment later the eagle that attacked the savages so fi reely settled down from the gloom overhead and perched itself upon the shoulder of the ranger. | Blood was on its talons and beak. The savages, defeated and terrified, fled into | the shelter of the forest, pursued by Ebony and | the stravger’s fierce bird, leaving baif their number bebind, dead, All eyes were now turned upon -their strange deliverer. He was a young man not more than thirty. In stature be was about five feet. six inches. His figure was firmly knit, but flexible, and every movement supple, easy and graceful. His hair was of a dark brown, as was also his beard that in a great measure concealed bis face and hang to the pommel of his saddle. A few remiture wrinkles were faintly traced about is eyes. A tunic of blue velveteen ornamented with ellow fri-ge and confined at the waist by a eather belt, buckskin trowsers, buckskin lee- gings and moccasins, and a gray felt hat consti tuted his garb. A saber, a brace of revolvers, in his belt, and a rifle that was swung at his back by means ofa atrap passing over his shoulder, were the wea- pons he carried, The animal he rode was a black, mettlesome mustang with arched neck and flasbing eyes, clear limbs and muscular proportions, A large, and what appeared cumbersome, pair of well filled saddle-bags were thrown oyer the eantle of the saddle, while on one side hung a double fisld-glass, and on tae other side a coiled silver jurn. Replacing his saber in its seabbard, he turned and gazed upon those he had rescued.- From one to the other his eyes wandered until they met. those of Waylaud Sanford, when a strange, wild light flisbed in them. A momentary silence ensued. The horseman was the first to speak. ‘* A-warm time you were having, my friends,” | he said, io a clear voice. ‘‘Indeed we were,” replied the old colonel, with a nervous tremor iu bis voic>, induced by ex:rtion and excitement; ‘“ and whom have we the honor of thanking for our rescue?” **My name is Rodger Rainbolt,” replied the horseman. in his clear, ringing voice, in which there was much of wil? bluntness; ‘‘and now your name, if you pleese?” ** Wayland Sanford.” The ranger was silent for a moment, then he asked: “What brings Wayland Sinford here in these wilds, dressed in the fine c/othes of a citiz n?” The colonel! informed him of the abduction of his daughter, and that they were in pursuit of the Indians. ‘‘Uh bumph!” ejaculated the ranger, when be had heard the co!onel’s story. At this moment Ebony returned from pursuit of the flying savages, and, as the ranger’s eyes fell upon, bim, he turned his animal so that the fire would not shiffe in bis face. In the mean time, Flick O’Flynn and Frank Armond were busily engaged in restoring young Lymn to his senses, of which’ a blow on the head bad bereft him; while the young surgeon, Ralph Rodman, turned his attention to Willis’s bleeding arm. . ‘Do you koow what tribe the Indians belong jo that captured your girl?’ ‘asked Ruinbolt, after a moment's silence, — . * Taey were Clieyennes,” replied the-colonel. “Biaeck Bear’s cut-throats, “I suppose,” re- surned the handsome ranger. “Golly mighty!” suddenly exclaimed Ebony, peerin up into the ranger’s face as he spoke; ‘dat sounds jist like Massa Walraven’s voice, as I’s a born nigger, but den it’s not his face, for Massa Walraven died long ago—died at de Debbil’s Tarn,” and he turned away. The ranger fi:sbed a quick glance upon San- ford, who was moving uneasily; then in a tone of indifference said: : “Tam afraid you will not succeed in rescuing your danghter if Black Bear has reached or does reach his heunts.” “* God forbid that he should!” exclaimed San- fo d. But,” continued the horseman, “since I **A noble pet you have, Mr. Rainbolt,” said the colonel, admiringly. ‘* Yes, sir; one that will be worth more to me in rescuing your daughter than a dozen men. His instingt is wonderful and his strength pro- digious. One stroke of his wing, Mr. Sanford, The colonel was still silent. Brank Armond advanced. and laid bis hand upon his uncle’s | shoulder, but he started back with a thrill of would break your arm as though it were a | straw, I have known him to carry in bis talons a weight of a hundred pounds. Ah, a noble bird is Echo, my eagle, He hates a red-skin with all the bitterness of bis master.” ‘* You must have had great patience in train- ing bim, Mr. Rainbolt.” y “‘T dono: claimall that honor. He was partly trained when ke came into my possession. He was given me by an old Californian named Barker.” ** Barker!” burst involuntarily from Sanford’s lips; ‘** Gustave Barker?” “Yes; Gustave Barker,” replied the ranger, eying the colonel sbarply. ‘Do you know him*” ‘*Ob—nu I have heard of bim,” replied San- ford, recovering from his sudden excitement, There was a few moments’ silence, .broken only by tie impatient pawing of the ranger’s steed. _ Doctor Rodman had succeeded in restoring Lyman to tis senses, and bad carefully dressed Willis’s arm, which, after all, had only sustained a flesh-wound. ‘Tsay, Lyman.” said the young pbysician, after his frieud had recovered his senses, ‘‘ taat blow you got on the bead is what is termed in legal phrase, ‘Salt and battery,’ ain’t it?” ** Yes,” replied the young lawyer, rubbing bis sore head; ‘‘ but, in this #ffair there is more ‘battery’ than ‘’sault’; however, I shall bring action at once for damages.” * And try the case before—what is it?—oh, yes; the Aerial D mon.” said Willis, laughing. ‘*The Aerial Demon!” exclaimed Rainbolt; “have you seen that horrid, mysterious crea- ture?” “ Yes; it passed over our camp an hour or so ago Can you throw any light on the real nature of the mystery f”’ Nothing more than that it is the most fright- ful o' ject Lever saw,” returned the ranger, “Ay, now, and it’s yees that spakes the thru’bh loudty, for it’s. mees that’s see’d tbe chreature twice, and both times it stharted polar icebergs down my back, so it did,” said Fiick. * Well,” said Rainbolt, “since Iean be of no further service to you, gentlemen, I mav as well take my departure. Should I succeed in rescning your daughter, Mr. Sanford. I will communicate the fact to you at once,” and as he. concluded he took from bis pocket a time- worn memorandum, and tearing out one of the stained leaves, handed it to Colonel Sanford, saying: “Read that, Colonel Wayland Sinford, and good-night to you all,” and as be spoke the pet eagle arose into the air—the spirited mus- tang pricked up its ears, champed its bif impa- | tiently, and the next moment Rodger Rainbolt, the ranger, was gone. a * He’s a curious fellow—a living mystery,” said Ralph Rodma™; ‘‘but what ails you, colo- ne]— what ails you?” ‘Oh, notbing, nothing but excitement, as usual,” replied the colonel, eyasively; ‘but let me see what the ranger wants me to read.” He turned and stirred up the waning camp- fire, and seating himself upon the ground, glanced at the paper. A groan escaped his lips as be did so and the paper drop from his hand, and falling into the fire, was consumed in an instant, while the colonel’s hands dropped to | 9 knees and bis eyes became fixed upon the re. ‘ “What did he write, urcle?” asked Frank. There was no respcnse to bis question. Frank repeated it. Still no reply. “The ranger has thrown the colonel’s mind into a quanilary,” said voung Lyman, “Like the red naygur did yours,” said Flick O'F lenn. “How i. it, colonel?’ asked Rodman. horror.. The limbs of the colonel were rigid as death, his eyes were still fixed upon the fire with a celd, glassy;-vacanbstare. is lips stood slightly apart, and his features were ghastly as the dead’s, “‘Unele, uncle!” exclaimed Frank, shaking him violently, ‘‘ what ails you? Come, rouse up—great God, what can it mean, Rodman?’ The young dcctor was bending over the colo- nel, his fingers resting apon the old o ur’s pulse. “Come, speak, Ralph, what does ismean?” re- peated Frank. ‘*Heavens!” exclaimed the ycung doctor, sterting up, ‘‘ what could the ranger bove writ- ten? It has killed the colenel, as God’s in heaven, boys; he is dead—stone dead /” CHAPTER V. A ROBBER ROBBED. THE blood-red sun hung low in the western heavens, its usual brightness partiy obscured by the blue mist that bung over the mcuntain aud-plain. The Black Hills lay dimly outlined against the murky sky. In the vast expanse of mountain and plain but a single liming object could be seen. hat. object was a large bird poised sloft above a narrow Cefile, or valley. in the Black Hills. For some time it seemed to hang motion‘ess on the air, then it descended down, down, until it was lost in the mountain shadows; then it darted up again, with a wild ecream, from the valiey, its keen eyes fixed on some ¢ bject far below. And what think you it was tla Echo, the eag'e, saw there? It was a teautiful glade in the green-<ood valley. A c»mp fire burning in the center of the glade. A number of Indians seated around the fire, Severa}] lodges standing in the Lack- ground, An Indian encampment, But two of the Iodians @laim our especial no- tice. The voung chief, Allacotah, and bis beau- tiful wife, Silver Vcice. The young chief sat apart from his compan- ions, apparently in deep thougbt. Presevtly the light figure of an Indian woman glided from one of the ledges in the backgrouna and appreachbed him, She was young, not more than three and twenty. Her movements were graceful as the fawn’s; her voice as sweet and clear as the chimes of a’silver bell. She was dressed in a short frock (f some green material, beautifully ornamented witb Indian handiwork, while beaded moeceasins and white-fringed buck- skin leggings ineased her feet and ax kles. Approacoing and laying her band upon Alla- cotah’s shoulder, she said, in pure English; * Atlacotab, my husband, seems thoughtful.” The young chief raised his eyes and gazed in'o those of bis wife, “That is true,” he replied; “* but the voice of my beautiful wife cheers me, thongh I was only thinking—thinking of our’ great chief Bleck Bear. ‘Oh yes.” replied the beautiful Indian wom- an; ‘ih had not oeeurred to my mind before that to day Black Bear was to return from the great wigwams of the pale-faces.” ‘‘- Yes: and may his heart not be filled with evil when he cure! Black Bear is a bad man. He causes much trouble between the pale-faces and wy people. He has made many widows ard orphars among the great Cheyenne nation —waged war till Cheyenne blood flowed hke water.” Two iniles from the Indian encampment, ona high, bold bluff, stood Rodger Raivbolt, the ranger. One hand was resting on bis animal's arched neck, while with the other be held his spy-glass to bisfeyes as he watched a tiny dark speck in the misty sky before him. That speck | was Heho, his eagle. “Yes, there ore Indians there,”,he muttered to bimself, ‘‘and perhaps they are the ones that I am in pursuit of. Echo, noble, sagacious bird, has traced them out, and now he marks the spot by prising bimself in the air, now by descend- ing, now rising again—now circling around end around. Ah, noble bird! he circles away, away. He knows his mission is done for the present, and now—” He lowered his glass, and taking the coiled horn from his saddle, placed it to his lips and blew a shrill, prolonged blast, which, as it echoed far back over the hills. reached the car of the eagle, and immediately it headed its flight toward its master. In a few minutes it was pérched upon his shoulder. ‘*Your work is well done, Echo,” said. the ranger, caressing the bird, *‘and 1 have only to await darkness to accomplish mine,”
Page 5
The Sky Demon. rary one, the permanent village of Black ear being located several miles southwest, sg the southern eXtremities of the Black itis. In anticipation of the return of Black Bear, er Blufe Brandon, preparatious were made for his re-eption; for a mounted m s:enger had ar- 1 cotah and his braves that Black Bear, with a ° beautiful captive, and accompanied by several | Seetese of bis warriors, would arrive there some time during the evening. A> the time for the coming of the distinguished white caief drew near, and darkness gathered arowid, preparations were hastily made for bis reception. Presently a wild yell announced the expected arrival, Tbe nime Black Bear had a significant mean- | ing as applied to the R -negade, Biute Brandon. Had one who had nev r seen him in bis disguise b-beld him when he e- tered the lodge of Alla- f-ar, for there was notbiog natural in his ap- pearance. =. eae : Toe villain was completely disguised in the skin of a black bear, Even the bead of the an- rouad, glaring eyes, its open mouth, red tongue and white fangs, in life-like presentation, As the nose of the animal projected over the head of the renegade the face of the latter was com- pletely concealed by 1 ng, straggling hairs anging from the under jaw of the animal’s head, yet toe ruffiin’s eyes shone through the hairy mask ike those of a serpent through the dar<. His aruis and legs were wrapped in the skin carefully taken from the animal’s limbs, with the loog claws attached, and dexterously fixed to his toes and fingers— thus perfecting his disguise so completely that be looked like a bear walking erect.upon his hind feet. In bis arms the renegaie carried Silvia San- ford, who, a few minutes before their arrival, b ‘had fainted from sheer exhaustion, long tfast- Bt ing and excessive heat. fire and the pale and beautiful captive placed upon it. Black Bear then turned to Silver oice and requested her to look after the maid- en’s wants and assist the medicine-man in restor- ing her to consciousness. captive, gaz-d into her pretty, pale face, A low cry escape: her lips, and beckoning ber bus- band she pointed down, aud said: * Does it not look—’ _ “N yer mind what the girl looks like, but : hasten to restore her. Thnt girl’s life is worth is ten thousand dollars to me,” : ca It was Black Bear who spoke, his voice sound- ing hoarse aud-hollow beneath his hairy mask, Allacutah was a chief of gehed ccd distine- tion, but Black Bea) was his superior—hence the latter’s authoritative, indignant command. _ Silver Voice, with the assistance of Allacotah, . hard by and the brow of the } co made of some wild herbs was adminis- tered, and by a vigorous chafing of the limbs and temy les, Silvia wus brought back to life. “Put ber in there,” said Black Bear, pointing - with his claw clad finger to Silver Voice’s lodge; ‘the presence of so many warriors might excite _her too much, Sbe must bave rest and food.” - Allacotah lifted her in his strong arms and carried her into the lodge were Silver Voica bad arranged a neat, comfortable couch_ of skins. Laying her upon the couch, the chief went out, leaving the two women alone. Silvia opened her eves and gazed around. - . There was a fat-lsmp, made in a rude stone ‘bowl, burning in the lolge, and hy it Silvia was enabled to sea wher she was, Al} around her = ‘wore an air of neatness, The floor of the lodge was Jaid with a carpet of buff.lo-robes, and the walls of the cone-shaped structure were hung - with b autifal tapestry of buckskin, highly and artistically ornamented, Strands of wampum, staffed birds of beautiful plumage, curions fig- - ‘@res carved from wood and stone were arranged arou:d the walls. The only object of civiliza- tion to be seen was a small, cracked mirror. woman bending over her with tears in her eyes, der voice and angelic face?” asked pte. toa sitting posture and Geaing around, her min stil) confused and bewil ered, beh ew The Cheyenne encampment was only a tem- rived in camp during the day and inturmed Al- | ec tih, they would have started up with sudden | imal rested upon that of bis own, with its | A rug of skins and robes was laid near the | Silver Voice advanced, and bending over the | n the task of restoring the captive to con- sciousn Water was brought from a spring» ee aiden bathed. x 1 : | caught their ears. They stopped. _ Whon the captive saw the beautiful Indian | ‘You are in the encampment of Allacotah, and { am S$ lver Voice, Allacotah’s wife.” ** Where is Black Bear?” | fire.” the woman replied, bitterly. Silvia was surprised by her manner of speech. | She saw that tre Indian woman entertained a | feeling of intense dislike toward the chief. arm ~ * 7 ” =oaen you do tot respect the great chief, said Silvia, ‘ judging from your remarks.” “No, I hate him!” she fairly hissed, “the in- | : human, merciless outcast of kis own race!” i } “And do not bis warriors like him?’ asked Silvia. **'Yes; these whose hearts are vile as his,” Sil- | ver Vi ice answered, “and, dear girl,” she con- tinued, coming closer and spe king lower, ‘if it’s in my power, and the power <f Allacotah, | you shall never, n ver suffer Captivity at his | ands!” | ; ; | | Silvia’s face brightened; then it became cloud- | ed again as she sid: ** But he tol] ma be was going to sell me to a robber-captain—thst the robber had promised | him a great reward fur me, but how a robber | captaiu here in the Biack Hills knew me is quite a mystery.” * Did be mention the robber captain’s name?” | * Yes: 1 bélieve it was Dungarvon—Deval | | Dungarvon,” “God have merey!” excleimed the woman. frantically. ‘Deval Du: garvon! Duvat Dun- garvon! Ob, deer girl, better take your own life than fall into the hanus of that man. He is a fiend, a devil! It is not your leauty, nor his love for you that makes bim desirous of possess- ing you, but it is to torture you, and grind, grind your father’s heart out for revenge—bit- ter, bitter, BITTER revenge!” ard the beautiful woman fuirly raved in her exci ement. Silvia was completely mystified by her strange words—her wild emoti'-v. “1 do not understand you, Silver Voice,” st2 said. Betore the Indian woman could reply, a wild commotion emong the savages outside arrested her attevtior. She turned and went out, and Silvia involuntarily arose and followed ber. "Tne women vere greatly surprised to see the savages, their faces convulsed with horror—their eyes lifted upward with a terrified stare, specch- less and motionless. Following the direction in- dicated hy their startled gaze, the women be- came equally as terrified, ~ Z And why? Down the valley from the north floated in the air high above the tree-tops—tar above the reach aud power of man, an awful figure—the figure of a homan skeleton, its ghastly propor- tions revealed by the flame and smoke emitied from the great sunken eyes the distended wos- trils, and wide, grinning mouth. Great white arms beat and buffeted the air like the wings of a struggling vampire, while screani after scream rent air, 24 It wes the Aerial Demonof the Mountain, the ree a of the Black Hills—the terror of the In- te 2 ‘Bilvia’s face became white with terror, and she clung to Silver Voice for support. — ; “Come into the lodge, dear girl,” said the chief’s wife, ‘it is the Aerial Demon.” They turned toward tbe door of the little cone shaped structure. Just then the clatter of iron shod boofs coming up the stony valley The next instant a white man, mounted upon a mettlesome anim |, dashed from the gloom and stopped so quickly by the side of the terrified women, that bis animal was thrown back upon its baunches, It was R-dger Rainbolt, the ranger! Before Bluck Bear and his savages could draw their attention from the Aerial Demon— which in a moment, almost, had passed over the cam)» and disappeared—the daring ranger lean- ed forward in bis stirrups, placed his arm about Silvia’s waist, lifted ber from the ground as though she bad been an infant, whirl.d bis ani- mal southward and dashed away into the gloom of the forest, pursued by Black Bear and his warriors, As the ranger turned his animal he gave Sil- ver Voice one quick glance that seemed to pierce ber to the heart. Sbe threw up, her bands, clutehed wildly at space, uttered a low, con- vulsive sob, and sunk mneonscious into the arms of her-busband, Allecotah. . '- CHAPTER VI. THE HIDDEN HOME. ; ~ AwaAy through the dark wood end down the mountain defile the ranger dashed witb bis precious burden. : <Y : . “Tbe inhuman wretch is out by the camp- | | the stream was reached the canoe frem under some drooping willows, and — launched it. In a moment he was seated there- ~~ in, with his fair companion taking up the paddle, drove the litte eratt out into d middle Silvia uttered no word of fear, no cry of pain She had caught a glimpse of the ranger’s nob handsome face as he lifted her from the groun in the Indian encampment, and, as if by magic, ber beart became inspired with confidence in him. “Fear not, Miss Sanford!” the stranger breathed in her ear when they had fairly cleared the Indian encampment; ‘‘ you are safe with a friend.” “A friend—a noble, daring friend, stranger that knows my name,” replied in a voice slightly agita‘ed. —. ‘‘That’s true, Miss Sanford; but I learned your name from your father.” : “« Father!” «xclaimed the maiden, ‘‘Oh, where and when cid you see my father?” “*T saw him less than twenty-four hours ago. but many miles from here, He wasin search o Fou, * me Thank Heaven!” breathed the maiden; ‘‘ but who am I indebted to for my rescue and the in- formation?” : ‘*My name is Rodger Rainbolt; Iam aranger, a rude, rough man of the plaii s.” ** Your bravery and ui: selfi-hness, Mr, Rein- bolt, are nob'er virtues than the cultivated po- liteness of refinemen .” ‘You flatter me, Miss Sanford, and I bope it is rightfully bestowed,” wes the reply, and then both became silent for a tim. Presently they emergea from the dark forest into an open and Icvel plain through which wound a little stream Jike a, silver thread. AIl around it arose a dark belt of wocded bills like a beautiful landscape set in a rusty frame. Away to the north coud be beard the roar of faliing water, The blue mist that bung over the mountain at the beginning of night hed cleared away from the face of the sky, and the great round moon looked out in all its queenly splendor, lighting up the little valley with a soft, dreamy light. Halting on the summit of a little knoll over~ Jooking the plain, the ranger lifted Silvia to the et a ilvia, ‘ground, and then, dismounting himself, stocd by her side, ‘We rest here’ he seid, and tell me what you see.” ‘“T can see a broad, silvery surface, resem- bling a tiny like, sleeping there, just where the black ss begins.” “It is nota lake, Miss Sanford, but a broad sheet cf water falling over a high jutting reck, in which is my cavern home—my custle,’ Silvia felt a chill creep over her frame as she thought: “What if he is a robter, or an escaped crimipal—a base villain, leading me into his Jair; but no: it can net be possible ** Look yonder, that an evil heart lies concealed Lehind thet n« ble, hand: one face. He has saved me frem the tortures of Indian captivity, cr perhaps a worse fate, end I will not entertain for a mo- ment one disrespectful,thought of kim “IT should think you would get Jon there, Mr. Rainbelt,” she finally said. That may ell be,” he.replied, grevely. * But lean do no better, and J offer you the kospitality of my secluded hcme—tbat. is. if you have no scruples of going there alone witb “ Why should I, Mr. Rainbolt, when toyouS : owe my life? I fee} perfectly free—yes, proud. * trust your honesty, manhood and pritee- tion. ., ae eT I sincerely hope you will never have cause to feel otherwise, though, were there any settle- ments or residences within forty miles I would take you there at once, But there is none nearer than those on Laramie plains, fi ty miles distant.” nates “ But should you take me there, I wonld r-f, in all probability, meet father for alongtim .* “That’s true. Miss Sanford; but would yeu nny we to walking ecross this plain to the creck? : ; “No, I had rather walk, as lam much das tigued with riding already.” Rae _“ Then I will turn my horse to pasture here,” ssid the ranger, removing the saddie ard bricle from the a:imeal, which at once begen cropping the rich, sveculent. grass, ; Having removed the cepacious saddle-be gs neg from the seddie, he concesled the eaparisons in — a small cavity in the knoll on which they were standing, and. then, sii ging the saddle bogs across his shoulder, be took Silvin’s hand and set. off across ' he little valley. _ It was only a few moments’ walk, wor when * = ranger drew aswall — ; rn me ee ee b / Patt Aatsypreder . Par rare
Page 6
6 of the stream; then turned and moved up its course. So swift, so easily did the canoe glide over the rippling waters that Silvia for a moment forgot the surrounding danger, and conversed with her handsoms rescuer with a real sense of joy and admiration. Presently the sullen roar of falling waters reached their ears, “It is the Crystal Falls, Miss Sanford, that ou hear.” said the ranger; ‘’ we will soon be here.” {n afew moments more the falls burst upon their view like a great silver curtain suspended against a black wall. In the rock, over which the waters fell like a great apron, was the ranger’s secret home, the water concealing from view the entrance, which could only be reached by passing through the descending torrent, “Behind that. wall of water, Miss Sanford, is my home, and to reach it we must pass through the descending sheet; and as it will be pitchy dark beyond, and the windings of the cavern are difficult to follow, I had better go in alone, lighta torch, and return to you. «You can wait there upon that rock, can you not?” “Oh, certainly,” replied replied Silvia, spring- ing to her feet. Alongside the canoe was a rock, some three feet across, and projecting several inches above the surface of the stream. Upon this Silvia stepped to await the ranger’s return. He took up the paddle and drove the -anoe forward, and ‘ when he bad disappeared in the mist and spray, a feeling akin to terror crept over the maiden. Bat she could only wait—listen to the roar of the falls and the black waters chafing the rock on which she stood. And as she lifted her eyes and followed the dark summit of the ridge that rose op before her, what dark objects were those she saw moving athwart the clear sky? They were savages, though Silvia did not know it. Presently a light streamed through the mist and falling water, and looking, Silvia saw that the latter had been parted near the middle, and about ten feet above the stream by some a-ntrivance of the ranger, and that: the light was cca in the mouth of the cavern, several feet beyond. ln a moment the canoe with the ranger shot out through the opaning and camé alongside the rock where Silvia stood. Assisting her in as though sbe bad been a child, the kind-hearted ran-er took a gum blanket that he had brought from the cavern, and wrapped it, hood like, over her head and shoulders, that the spray and Be i water might not drench her. He then took up the paddle and drove the canoe through the mist and vapor, between the parted waters of the falls, and as far beyond as the water had backed beneath the jutting rock. ““Heroe we are, Miss Sanford,” said Ruinbolt removing the blanket from Silvia’s head and shoulders. She glanced around end above, A glaring pine torch, fixed in a niche in the wall, lit up the place. From the rim of the canoe a spiral row of stone steps led up into the great rock, Overhead the rocky ceiling was studded with countless numbers of stalactites, on the sharp amazes of which hung drops of water that flashed ike so many diamonds. Here.and there a little jet of water poured down in ribbons of foam. “This,” said the ranger, pointing to a kind of sweep fixed upon a pivot, and reaching out like a great arm, ‘“‘is what I divide the waters of the falls with, while | am passing in and out of the cavern. By allowing that end to ban dowu as it does, it reaches through the descend- ing sheet of water and divides it as it now is; and then by simply lowering this end and hoist- ing that, thus, the waters close and flow on just as they did before, He too.: ber hand and assisted ber from the boat, and then, lifting the end torch from the wall, they began ascending the rude stone steps. The ascent required much care and time, for the stones were easily displaced and a single misstep might prove fatal; but, finally, the top was reached and a dark, capacious chamber wasspread out before them, The ranger stopped and held the torch above his bead. ilvia started back with a low ery of terror, for the light flished upon the form of a hugs panther crouched at her feet. “Pear not, Miss Sanford,” said the ranger; “he will not barm you. I+ is Purle, my pet panther, I should have spoken of bim before and saved you this sudden affcight. my pet.” @ panther sprung up and capered around its master with apparent joy. Ay, Purle, The Sky Demon. | “Oh?” suddenly exclaimed Rainbolt, while caressing the beautiful creature, ‘‘I bad forgot- ten that ny other pet, Echo, my eagle, is still out, I will conduct you to your room, Miss Sanford, and then call him in. They moved along the rocky chamber that resounded sepulchral, with their footfalls, the panther skipping playfully before them. Pres- ently they came to where a curtain or partition of skins was stretched from one wall to the rien Lifting one corner of it they passed be- yond. 2 ‘* Now,” said the ranger, with a smile of em- barrassment, ‘you are in the kitchen of Rodger Rainbolt, your humble servant. You will not find things here, even as you wou'd in a bache- lor’s kitehen in Omaha, but men are poor house- keepers, you know.” Silvia was surprised with the neatness of the apartment, and the order and variety of its fur- niture; but she said nothing, fearing that the ranger might construe her language of praise as that of unmeaning and polite compliment. Another partition of skins hanging at right- angles with the first, separated the kitchen from another apartment, into which the ranger con- ducted the maiden. ‘“This,” he said, ‘‘is my sitting-room, parlor, bedroom and library all combiaed, And now, pray be seated, Miss Sanford, and make pour self at home while I go and bring my eagle up. You see I think a great deal of my pets,” and lighting a lamp that sat near, be turned and went out. The apartment in which the young girl now found berself was far more comfortable than could have been expected under the circum- stances, and was well lighted by a large lamp of stone filled with bear’s oil. Ina short time the ranger returned, bringing in the eagle, and then “announced hig intention of preparing supper, asking Silvia to be seated until his return, In the course of an hour he again entered, bearing in his hands a rude but ample repast, and with appetite sharpened by the long ride, wet partook of, and thoroughly enjoyed the me After supper was over, the ranger made known to his guest the eeogreyne he had adopted for her restoration to her father, which met her hearty approval. She was to remain there until he could find her father and bring him there, or take her to where he was, this time the night was near, and the ran- r, seeing that the eyes of his guest were grow- ng heavy for want of sleep, arose and, turning to leave the room, said; ‘*As you are doubtless sleepy and fatigued, Miss Sanford, you can Sapepe a? this room and that pallet of furs, such as it is, for your own sleeping-apartment, and retire whenever you feel.so disposed,” He bid her good-night and went into the other apartment, where he constructed him a couch and laid down, his panther curled down at his feet and his eagle perched in a niche in the rocky wall. Having offered up a fervent peers to her Heavenly Father, Silvia sought her couch and soon she was wrapt in a sound, refreshing slum- CHAPTER. VII. AN IRISHMAN’S RUSE. THE greatest excitement prevailed in the hun- ters’ camp over the sudden, mysterious death of Wayland Sanford. Everything within the young doctor’s power ‘was done in hopes of restoring him to life, but all to no purpose. His limbs were cold and stiff, and his eyes, though wide open, had that stony, glassy stare, and his face the ghastly pallor of the dead. ‘*Tt’s no use, boys; he’s gone,” said the young doctor; ‘ hisdeath by apoplexy was caused by over-exertion and mental excitement.” “Poor uncle Wayland!’ siched Frank. “We have all been afraid of this for years. He was a victim of the heart-disease, and bad a nervous and excitable temperament to aggravate it, and alas! the abduction of his daughter, the weari- some pursuit without food and rest, and finally, that paper placed ia bis hand by the ranger, did the work.” *‘ But why should it?’ asked young Lyman. “Tbat’s what 1 cgnoot tell,” replied Frank. “Unele Wayland has been a man of the world —bas spent much of his life away from home among strangers, fn California, in Pike’s Peak, in the army upon the frontier, and to mehis life bas been a sealed book—a secret volume in which this very Rainbolt may be an important char- acter,” The lifeless form was placed upon a blanket near the fire, the rigid limbs straightened out, and the pale bands folded across his breast, Ebony Jim burst into a paroxysna of sorrow, as he looked down upon the pale face of the coionel. - ‘*What is he to you, more than a stranger Ebony! and why do you mourn over him?” asked Willis. ‘*Oh, good Lor’! and wasn’t he de father of poor Florence Walraven?”_ ‘‘And what about Florénce? what do you know of her?” ‘““Why, wasn’t she de wife of Warren Wal- raven? and wasn’t poor Massa Walraven de good master ob dis poor, black nigger?” ‘“‘And what about your master and the Devil’s Tarn of which he forbade you speaking ?” **Ob, good Lor’! don’t ask dat,” the negro replied, glancing toward the form of the colo- nel, “1 fears him,” pointing to the dead. ‘* He is dead; you need not fear him row.” ‘De spirit ain’t dead—no, no; lll tells you some time, not now.” Ebony wes obstinate, and as Frank could elicit no information from him he turned away, greatly mystified. By this time day was breaking, and before long the sun arose clear and warm, Flick O'Flynn went cut in search of food for breakfast, and soon returned with a quarter of deer-meat, A fire was struck ana a great quantity of the venison roasted. Breakfast over, a sad duty was to be per- od eat Sra duty of interring the colonel’s body. An hour was spentin digging shallow grave; the dirt being loosened wit ag rg Baye: and thrown out by the hands. The form of the colonel was now wrapped in a blanket taken from the shoulders of one of the dead Indians, bis face covered with his hat, and then laid away in the narrow sepulcher. This sad duty performed, a council was held and after due consideration it was decided tha Frank Armond and Walter, Lyman, with the Irishman, should-pursue a southward direction through the Black Hills, while Willis Armond and Ralph Rodman, accompanied by Ebony Jim, should take a southwesterly course, and in case they did not overtake the savages before they reached their village, they were all to meet at a certain point near the stronghold known to the hunters, when they would make other arrangements. Scarcely an hour after their departure, a score of savages emerged from the forest into the little glade, and, as their eyes fell upon the lifeless forms of their friends lying around, they uttered a wild, revengeful cry, and turl ing, they glided his Fadi the woods like so many biood-hounds, directly upon the trail of the white men, The course of Flick O’Flynn and party lay through the heart of the Black Hills, and over a rough, mountainous region, but they pushed rapuly. abead, boping to overtake the savages before reaching the Mig: Or The first day’s travel found them but fifteen miles from where they had started in the morn- ing. At the énd of the second day’s pire > they went into camp about two miles from the Medicine Bow river. Almost wearied out, Walter and Frank stretched themselves upon the ground to talk over their serious predicament, while the Irish- man struck a fire by which to prepare supper. But unfortunately, when the fire was struck there was notbing to prepare for supper, so O'Flynn proposed to go in search of game, leaving the young men at camp, In a few moments after his departtre, the young unskilled sportsmen seemed to forget the caution enjoined upon them by the bunter, and roducing a pack of cards, concluded to indulge fn the pleasant pastime of ‘‘seven-up,” until the loquacious friend and guide returned. How- ever, the beginning of the game seemed to have been ominous of evil, for at that moment, four dark figures glided from the deepening shadows of the woods with a hideous yell, and, ere the young men bad time to realize the “run of the game,” they «ere stretched upon the ground and bound hand and foot, prisoners in the hands of the Cheyennes, Having secured their prisoncrs they set off to- ward the river, compelling the whites, with their hands tied bebind their backs, to walk in advance, : ar! the mean time Flick was continuing his unt, He had pursued his course across the bottom to the river without finding any game, and turning he proceeded down the stream. He had gone but a short distam ze in this direction when
Page 7
The Sky Demon. ‘ 7 he spied a large canoe with a solitary Indian in it, moored near the bank. The savage evident- ly was waiting for some one, judging from the impatient ook he would now and then flish into the woods at his side. Simultaneous with the Ser gem ys of the Indian, the Irishman beard aloud yell in the direction of the camp, and well he knew its import. But, to be certain, he turned and hastened back toward his friends, and as he neared the camp he saw that his fears were confirmed. .-Frank and Walter were pris- oners and were*being conducted through the forest toward the river. The savages were going directly toward that int on the river where he had seen the Indian in the canoe, and he knew full well that he was one of the same party. So, turning, be ran with all possible amen back to the river, He reached the bank several rods above where the Indian still sat in the canoe, and, dropping upon his banis and knees, he’began crawling down to- ward the red-skin. It was his object to put the savage out of the way,and as he did not wish to raise an alarm by firing his gun, he resolved to trust to his shillalah, The Indian was seated with his face down the stream, and, as Flick &P yroached him, he. dis- covered him to be a half-breed. He was dressed in an old ragged suit of clothes, no doubt taken from some white victim. An old straw hat sur- mounted his. head, with what little there ree mained of the brim lopped down over his eyes almost concealing his face, Flick crawled on with the silence of a shadow, and hod nearly reached the canoe when his foot eaught in a vine and he was thrown heavily to te grouad, making no little confusion. An in- voluntary oath escaped bis lips as he sprung up and prepared to flee, but to his surprise he saw the Indian never m>ved. “Success to mees’ plan, he’s dafe!” muttered the hunter, and he moved on toward the red- skin, : He had almost succeeded in reaching the water’s edga when the savage turned his head and saw ‘hte: In a moment the red-man snatched up his tomahawk from the bottom of the canoe and hurled it at the head of the Irish- man. But the latter divined his intention, and falling flat upon his face in the sand, the wea- pon passed harmlessly over, The savage did not utter a single ord nor sound, and it was nite evident now that he was both deaf and umb, . ‘* And sth'll so much the better,” exclaimed the Irishman, and quicker than thought he sprung up and into the canoe, and giving the half oat a tap oo the head, settled him down perfectly unconscious, In a minute the Irishman had stripped him of bis ragged clothes and donned them himself. As the Indian was the largest man, he (Flick) had no trouble in age ot the clothes on over his own, and with the two suits on he appeared ey om large as the red-skin and equally as woefu Flick then saw a little bark canoe resting un- der some willows that fringed the bank. Draw- ing it out he placed the unconsc ous hulf-breed therein and sent him adrift, knowing that ere be recovered his senses he would be far enough away. So far things had worked like a charm, and baving smeared his face and hands with a pignens of dark clay, and drawing the old hat- rim down over his eves, the disguise was com- o_, trusting to the gathering twilight to ide all imperfections. Flick now concealed his shillalah under his ragged coat, his rifle under the seat of the capricious canoe, and then, procuring the sav- aze’s' tomahawk, took his seat in the canos, Bv this time it was nearly dark, and, inasmuch as Flick was toplay the part of a deaf and dumb | Indian, he felt perfectly safe in his daring feat | to rescue bis friends, but, when be saw the savages emerge from the woos and approach the canoe, his heart almost ceased to beat through fear of be.ng detected. CHAPTER VIIL. ENTRAPPED. TrrovuGH his perfect knowledges of the coun- try; Ebony Jim ith his party succeeded in making about twenty miles the first day. They then encamped on the edge of a small glade, on three sides of which arose the dark woods, while on the fourth side a tall, jutting rock, some fifty feet high, frowned down on the littleglade. At the base of this rock our friends selected their camp, which would not only afford a shelter from the heavy, chilly dew, but a protection from au Indian attack in the rear, hirer cat, an hour had passed, during which time Willis and Ralph had expressed a wish for a little excitement to keep them awake. In the mean time the practiced eyes of Ebony had espied several dark forms moving to and fro along the edge of‘the timber, but within its shadow. That they meant harm the negro knew well enough, and he resolved at once to make them ‘show their hand.” Saying nothing, he crept out of the camp, and securing good cover, awaited tha red-skins’ approach. Not long did he wait, however, for soon the head and breast of a red-painted warrior appeared, scanning the glade camp with basilisk eyes. Ebony was on the alert with a novel weapon —a round stone of the sizeof a hen’s egg. With- out noise, be threw the stone with wonderful power and precision, striking the savage square in the forehead, and without a groan the Chey- enne fell forward upon his face—a dead man. * Bi, ‘hil? the negro chuckled, “guess dat imp’s squaw’ll be waitin’ a good while for her next beatin’.” Not another savage appeared, and Ebony re- turned to camp to watch and wait. Two or three hours passed without any de- monstration on the part of the savages, and the watchful whites began to congratulate them- selves on their enemies having withdrawn, when suddenly the whole beavens over them became lit up with the glare of the midday sun, and the next moment a great ball of dry, matted pine brush c:me rolling over the edge of the cliff, wrapped in a sbeet of red, hissing flame. It fell at the feet of our friends, lighting up their hiding-place with a blinding glare, and exposing them’ to the saves’ aim, while to them all was inky gloom beyond the radius of — made by the burning brush. es here was no alternative but to take to the woods, “* Follow dis nigga’, boys!” exclaimed Ebony, springing from under the rock, and rushing across the ee Willis and Ralph did as commanded, and they ali would have succeeded in reaching the shelter of the wood safely, but, unfortunately, Ralph stumbled, and before he could gain his feet, he was seized by a number of savages that lay in ambush near, and madvo prisoner. Ebony and Willis saw their companion cap- tured, but, as they could render no assistance against such fearful odds, they dashed on and made good their escape into the woods, They could hear the yells of the Indians. back at the cliff, and to ascertain what was going on they crept back to a pointof observation, They saw the red-skivs, a score in number, grouped around the captive under the edge of the cliff, but of course they could not: tell what disposi- sion they were going to: make of bim, For some time tbe negro sat in a deep study. Presently he started up with what he considered a “bright idea,” and which he at once commu- nicated to Willis. Ten minutes later, had the savages under the cliff glanced across the opening, they would have seen the body of their comrade, that was slain by the negro, dragged from the edge of the glade by some invisible power into the clump of shrnbbery some ten feet away. This was done by Ebony fixing the screw of bis ram- rod in a so pole which he slid along upon the ground until it came in contact with the sav- age’s body; he then twisted the screw into the dead fellow’s garments, and dragged him into the brush—for what purpose will soon be shown, The savages did not notice the disappearance of their comrade’s body, so intent were they in the council that was being held to determine the fate of their captive) Some were in favor of tomahawking him on the spot, some of burn- ing him, and some one thing and’ some another. Finally, it was settled that the captive ‘select his own choice of death, from burning, the soy aye and jumping from the cliff over- ead, The choice wes rather a difficult one. Death by the tomabawk and jumping from the cliff would be instantaneous, while by burning, his chances of being rescued by Ebony and Willis would be prolonged as well as his, suffering. And so be took his choice of death by burning at the stake. The captive’s hands were free, but his legs were bound so tightly that the bonds cut the flesh, and in this manner he was compelled to stand perfectly motionless. In a moment all hands were busied in erect- ing a stake in the center of the glade, gathering fuel and making other preparations fcr the grand torture; and while thus engaged, a voice suddenly rung out on the night air, clear and distinct: ‘* Seize the rope, Rodman—seize the rope!” All eyes were drawn involuntarily toward the woods across the moonlight opening, whence the voice bad emanated, and at that instant Ralph Rodman, the doomed captive, arose from the ground, floated upward, upwerd through the air—up along the face of the chff; and when the savages again turned, they found he had vanished from their midst like. mist before the morning sun—gone they knew not where; but, suddenly, a great black object leaped from the edge of the cliff overhead, and falling in their midst crushed half their number to atoms, It was a huge stone, rolled over the cliff by Ebony Jim, who had also saved Ralph by drawing him up witb a rope made of the dead Indian’s buckskin garments, and lowered at the moment that the savages’ attention was drawn toward the woods, | Thus Ebony’s ‘‘bright idea” had proved a success, While Willis remained in the woods to craw ,the attenticn of the savages, at the same time warn Ralph of their presence, the negro bad crept areund to the top of tbe cliff and at the instant Willis called out, he dropped ove end of the rope, and as it fell plump on Ralph’s bead, he bad his friend’s command for- cibly and instantly impressed upon his mind, and seizing bold of the rope he was drawn up to the top of the cliff—saved. Without loss of time they hurried fromthe place, and two hours’ travel brought them vo the mouth of a large cave, where :bey at once concluded to spend the night. They ventured to strike a fire now, for they were wet and chilly with the heavy dew. .They were just, within the mouth of the cavern, and as the fire lighted up the surrounding gloom, it revealed the dark opening back into the hill. Ralph and Willis at once determined to ex- lore the cavern. Ebony remonstrated, but as e could give no reason for his objections, the i adventurers procured a torch and ret out, eaving the negro to stand guard at the en-~ trance. Led on by the increasing wonders and magni- ficence of the place, they threaded the winding passage for several hundred feet, when they emerged into a wide, capacious chamber, Here they halted and held the torch above their heads. ‘‘ Hist! didn’t you hear footsteps?” exclaimed Willis, suddenly. ‘Fudge! no; you're getting nervous,” returned Ralph, * and imagine you hear the footsteps of ghosts. Come,-Jet us look further, old boy. No superstition— Heavens!” ‘ he last exclamation was caused by a sound in the narrow passage resembling the rolling of a heavy body on trucks, It came from the pas- sage behind them, and filled with no little fear and curiosity, they turned and began to retrace their footsteps. Tbey had gone but a few steps when they heard the hollow, rumbling noise again, and what was their surprise and borror’to see an immense rock slide out from the great wail and completely block their passage. ; Ralph raised the torch above his bead and turned to Willis, speechless with terror, At that instant a wild, demoniac leugh of triumph, that.seemed to issue from the lips of a legion of fiends, greeted the young men’s ears as it echoed through the bollow chambers of the’ cavern, They were entrapped in the den of mountain rubbi rs! In the meanwhile Ebony Jim, hearing the yells of Jaughter proceeding trom the interior, quickly divined the cause, and knowing that he could be of po assistarce to the yeung men, deshed off at a great speed into the forest. For several hours he pursued bisway, bis in- tention being to bunt vp Flick O'Flynn, and daylight found him many miles from the rob- bers’ cave. He had vet to fee] eatisfied that he had escaped his white enemies when. as he was pass- ing through a narrow defile, bis ear caught the sound of footsteps, and the next instant be saw three dark figures coming directly toward bim, Quick as thought he swung himself upward into the branches cf'a thick tree, and lying at length upon a lerge limb, he anxiously ewsited the approach of the party. - CHAPTER IX. ‘*SOLOMON STRANGE, MY LORD.” Two days Silvia had passed in the ranger’s homo. Two days the ranger had spent in fruit- less search of her father among the wilds of the Black Hills. But the kind-hearted man had
Page 8
every reason to believe that he would yet find him, and encouraged the maiden’s impatient spirits by the tenderest words of hope. With his eagle he had left the cavern in the popieres and after a hard day’s ride returned at night. — . The third day RainboJt set out upon his mis- sion, in which he had begun to feel a strange interest. ; It was toward noon that, while ascending a steep hill, he came suddenly face to face with a strange-looking individual who had come from the other side of the ridge. The strauger stopped directly in front of the ranger, as if he were going to dispute his pas- sage. Rainbolt drew rein and scanned the fel- low from head to foot. He was tal, standing fully six feet in his moccasins, with an ungainly form, and eyes whose color could not be defined iu the shadow of their scraggy, beetling brows, The com- lexion of his face was a dirty sallow, though it was almost hidden beneath its growth of grizzly gray whiskers that reached to the man’s waist. nt Altogether he was a wretched. specimen of humanity, and Rainbolt could not suppress a smile as he took in his doleful fizure. The strange creature carri-d a huge knotted club, with which be menacod the ranger. “What is your name?” asked the fierce-look- ing man, abrupily. fe hame is Rodger Rainbolt—who are you?’ : ; ‘Solomon: Strange, my lord,” the man re- piled, boastfully. “I am just from ‘ Merry ngland’ across the water, tue water.” ‘“A foreigner,” replied the ranger; “and what brings you here, Mr. S:range?”’ ‘* Ho! ho! bo! my lord,” ne laughed, with an imbecile leer; ‘‘a love for the chase brings me here- In Merry England acros; the water, I was game-keeper to Oliver Cromwell. Do you know you look so much like my lord Oliver, that I can’t help calling pe my lord? Surely, you are some relation to bim, to him, my lord.” “None at all,” replied the rauger, much amused; ‘‘but you are an agei man to have lived in Cromwell’s time.” sie aa. “*So Iam, so lam, my lord; but. the swiftest that ever came from the land of the Orient— the swiftest of all save your half-brother the Lightning’s bolt.” eer “Crazy,” muttered the scout, to himself, ‘crazy asa loon.” Then he said aloud: “You are a wonderful man, Solomon Strange.” A ng 8% ‘ “809 I am, so I am, my lord Oliver—Thun- derbolt, I mean; and I can read the past and future to you, my lord, like an open, book, an open book.” _ “Then perhaps you can tell me where those are I seek?” said the ranger, humoring his crazy whims. “ Those are L seek,” the man repeated; ‘‘ yes yes, yes; there are five of them, but you need not bunt, my lord. One of them lies dead and buried where ee last. saw him, and the others are sc ittered noug tbe mountains,” Yad The ranger would have been surprised had bh known how truthfully the man had spoees, whee gifted with the power of second sight or not, Solomon Strange was silent for a moment, then he continued: _ “I see you doubt my words, my lord, for you do not know whether I speak the truth or not; but try me—ask me other questions—such. as you will know whether I answer truthfully, truthfully, my lord.” “Then tell ma or something touching my past.” “T can tell you something of both, of both, my lord,” sail the man, closing bis sunken eyes and grasping the knotted staff in both hands, In the, fies, question I see a beautiful girl, | with golden’ ringlets and soft blue eyes. Ay, do Invt, my lord, dol not?” | The ranger strted with surprise. Before he ps could speak, S*range continued: _* Yes, ves, it is so, my lord; Isee the answer upon your flushed face; and now your past, our past, my lord, Ay, it is gloomy, gloomy. gee trouble and sorrow in the ‘crow’s feet’ ay ee a 2“ See about your eyes, your eyes, do I not?” . Strange continued: land whut beyond? ip that. wending bis way thro int, bec A I see, my | nd; go on, go on,” replied the ran- ger, with «strange curiosity. z i> Age -v “Never sorrow in the crow’s feet, Ay, a group of men, a “ Yes, trousle and military tribunal, a cesbiered captain, and who een the hills, the pee S 4 ‘4 d captain; and now, what Rts» Sop ee ee ee en = = for what I seek those persons, ‘they moved rapidly down the stream. 3 it is a dow of The Sky Demon. I see, see emerge from the woods and seize the captain? Ay, it’s a legion of dusky. fiends, fiends, and then, oh, then, what beyond that, my lord? A canoe, a canoe drifting, driftirg down a wild mountain stream, and in it lies pe cashiered captain bound hand and foot, and the canoe with the captain is drifting, drifting toward what? Ay, toward death—the falls, the falls—. Oh, God! he has gone over, and all be- yond is black, black as—’” The mans words were here cut sbort by a bullet whizzing in close proximity to bis bead, closély followed by the report of arifle. Throw- ing up bis bands, be exclaimed: ‘ Away, Rainbolt! away! the fiends, the fiends are after you: again. Save yourself for the girl’s sake!” and turning, the man glided away into the forest. At this instant, Echo, the eagle, appeared over his master’s head, and uttered a wild scream which the ranger knew to be his signal of approaching danger, and speaking tojhis ani- mal, he dashed away down the stony bill with © 2O0EA of mounted Cheyennes thundering after im. The ranger shaped his course back toward his hidden home, for the language of the madman, Solomon Strange, had so fearfully impressed his mind that he could not pursue the search for Silvia’s father until he had time for r¢flec- tion. 3 After an hour’: hard riding he entered a level, wooded v ‘Ney, through which wound the waters of Lodge Pole creek. He now rvined bis noble animal to a walk, inasmuc} as he had distanced his pursuers, but, suddenly, his eagle came swooping down with the warning ery of danger, and again he rode on at the top of his animal’s speed, He had gone thws some two miles, when he suddenly dashed from the thick timbers into an epen plain, and what was his surprise to find himself in the outskirt of an Indian village. It required but a single glance to see that the Indians were Cheyennes, and great was his sur- prise to see Black Bear among them. The ranger’s situation was precarious, He could not turn back witbout running into the power of those he was fesing from; nor could he turn to the right nor the left on account of the almost, perpendicular hills on one side and the creek on the other. So there was no alter- native but to ride directly through the heart of the village, and drawing his saber and giving bis animal the reins, he dashed on, He was half-way through the village ere the savages discove the daring ranger in their midst, and was gone like the wind, before they had recovered sufficiently to pursue. CHAPTER X. A MIDNIGHT BURIAL. FRANK and Walter’s captors advanced toward the canoe in which Flick O’F lynn, sat, and great was the Irishman’s relief when he saw that they did not penetrate his disguise. For several moments the deaf and dumb In- dian capered around the two young men, hoping. to give them.a signal, but unfortunately for him, in cutting these pranks, Walter gave him a kick in the stomach that fairly doubled him on the beach. Presently one of the savages motioned for his supposed deaf and dumb comrade to take a seat in the stern of the canoe, which he accordingly did with a jump. — ; The captives were then placed on the seat next to him, facing the same way. Two of the savages with tomahawks seated themselves fac- ing the captives, while the other two took up the addles, pe Holy Vargin!” muttered the Irishman to ‘himself, as the canoe shot out, ‘‘ what if wees overtake the canoe with the rhale Mr. Lo into it? I niver thought of that—wirra!” And this they were quite likely to ats for ow- ever, Fiick was not long in making mental preparations for the emergency that was sure to come—and which did come sooner than he thought for, Tn less than half an hour the canoe rounded an abrupt bend in the stream, and but a few rods in advance of them Flick saw the Indian that be had sent adrift sitting up in the canoe and gesticulatiug in an excited manner with one hand while with the ot.er be was trying to. paddle the little craft up the stream. Quick as a flasb Flick arose to his feet and pointed in an excited manner toward the savage. The two guards turned quickly around to see what the mute wished to call their attention to, and at that instant the Irishman drew his shillalah_ from under his coat, and reaching forward over a ae A Ae on I i as 8 eit the captives’ heads, dealt the savages a blow on the head thst sent them heels over head into the Medicine Bow. And then he uttered a yell, and springing over the captives’ heads, served the two oarsmen a blow onthe head that. caused them to release their hold on the oars. and sink down quietly and unconscious at his feet. “* Ay, now,” exclaimed the supposed mute In- dian, turving to the wondering — “it was a lick on the head wid me shillalab that- made mees known to the rhed bla’puards. and sbill I make meeself known téyees bl nd 4 .ck- asses the same?” ** Flick, as lam a confounded fool!” exclaimed Frank. : “And it’s a purty mess yees hev got into,” said the Irishman, cutting their bonds. ’ In the mean time the real mute Indian bad succeeded in reaching the shore and making his escape. Flick now pitcbed the two unconscious oars-. men out into the water, and taking the paddie, sent the craft flying down the stream. Ina few minutes an island densely covered’ with timber was reached, and the party landed: and drew the canoe up on the basen: The trio did not strike a fire for fear of at- tractiug the attention of the Indians, should any be lurking in the vicinity, and so they were compelled to go without supper. Seating themselves in the shadow of the un- dergrowth, where they could not be seen, they entered into conversation; but this was socom interrupted by the sound of: paddles. Rising to their feet and looking u they discovered a canoe containing coming down toward the island. They listened and discovered that they were whites, but not feeling free to make known. their presence until they ascertained whether they were friends or foes, or whether they were going to land on the island or not, they tcok their weapons and climbed up a large tree that stood in the center of the island and conceal ¢@ themselves among the thick bavghs, where th: y could command a view of the canoe and its « c- cupants. ; he canoe Janded in a few moments, aid then came an exclamation: ; ; ‘* Hello, boys, here’s a canoe! and what if sum. ‘un is onter the island?” ™ Heavens!” exclaimed another, in a tone of fear, “* s’pose you go look ’round an’ see.” stream, our men «B'pose you go to the devil, Phil Graball!™ replied the first speaker. ‘‘Do you think thet. Ebenezer Frogfoot’s goin’ to be a fool and yen~ ter cut thar alone and git my carcass riddled witb. bullets? No, sir-ee, you can’t come thet ame. ; ‘* Ye would if ye wer’n’t a coward,” returned ra his * ‘Humpb! Ill bet all the gold in the—the hills thet you’re afeard ter walk ’rourd this ere aes onc’t,” said the important Ebene zer Frog- oot. 2 “ Ay, now,” whispered Flick O'Flynn, “ they are roblers as mees is a born Irishman. : ‘* And cowards too,” added Walter, “Yes, but. sme a they may do or say something to our benefit,” said Frank, c And so they listened and watched, The matter of scouting the island was finally settled by al) agreeing to goina ; So the four brave men got themselves into: line and began -beating around through the brush, but they found nothing. ‘*No one here, thank fortune,” said one of the robbers; ‘‘that canoe has drifted there some time ’r otber,” Tey - “Then let’s bring tt ashore,” said another,, whereupon they all returned to the canoe. Oue of their number now lit a lantern, which sent a red beam cf light across the island. Two of the men then took up a dork object from the -_ canoe, and following the one with tre lantern, advanced toward the interior of the island, ‘«Here’s the spot,” said the robber with the light, stopping directly under the tree in wh:cb our friends were ensconced, - The two with the burden advanced and placed it on the ground at the foot of the tree, ~ Our friends started with a shudder at what they saw. oe : It was a beautiful silver-mounted coffin! CHAPTER XI, \A MEETING AT THE DEVIL’S TARN. Tue Devil's Taru and the Crystal Falls were a nity oae and the same, The latter name had. iven the torrent of Rodger Rain}olt, who, aw — the reader already knows, dwelt in the secret — cavern whose entrance was concealed by ihe — falls, To those dwelling in the mountains—toe — ety \
Page 9
: oe Sky Demon. _ _ 29 your father. Shall I accompany you into tre cavern before | go?’ : ‘‘No, no, Rodger, I will remain here.a while iu the cheerful sunshine, and then I can go down into the cavern alone, Go, and may God speed you,” she replied. : The ranger imprinted a warm and ardent kiss upon her brow, then turned, and with Echo perched upon bis shoulder, went in search of Lis hunters, robbers and Indians—the place was| what Pildo. If you will meet me to-morrow knewn as the Devil’s Tarn, and by this name we | noon at the Lone Pine, I'll give a synopsis of will call it hereafter. the ‘ceremony,’ that you will not be unnerved lt was about two hours of midnight on the | in case you will join us.” same day that Rodger’ Rainbolt had unexpect- “Tl do tt!” returned the renegade emphati- edly rode into the Indian encampment on Lodge | cally; **to-morrow noon at Lone Pine, an: ll Pole that the figure of a man wrapped in a kind | expect you to tell me the truth in regard to the me, 8 of military cloak, and wearing a broad-brimmed | ‘ ceremony,’ for a nice story it would be to get ae ; hat and pair ted arid og boots, and carrying | out, that Black Bear, the great Cheyenne $3 & bull’s-eve lantern, might have been seen pacing | chief, bad shown the white feather at a cere- ny. ? eae to and fro beneath the boughs of a great pine | mony!” } Silvia watched him until he bad disappesred; Fae abt tree that stoo:] but a few feet from the bead of ‘‘ Ha! ba! ha! Brandon,” laughed Dungarvon; } then she seated herself again, and becume ab- ce the Devil’s Tarn. ‘vou are naturally weak in the joints, but let | sorbed in thought. ’ : s Presently bis keen ear caught the soft tread of | it be understood—to-morrow noon, at Lone| How long she had rcmained so she did not = :: moceasined feet, and the next moment a dark, | Pine.” know, but presently a sot footstep aroused her ae hairy figure emerged from the black wood and| ‘ [ will not fail you, rest assured,” suid Black | from her abstraction. ; es advanced toward him. The man lifted bis lan- | Bear. ; She arose to her feet and turned quickly ate = tern and flashed it upon the figure of the new- Dungarvon mounted a horse which he bad | around; An Indian woman, whom she at once oS comer, hitched near, and soon he was thundering away | recognized as Silver Voice, stood before her. over the stony hills, back to his den, Silvia was the first to speak. ee nee It was Black Bear, the Cheyenne chief. And : ae the man who beld the lantern was Duval Dun- a Oh, Silver Voice! itis you who were $0 kind . tom-! # “Yes, dear g'rl,” the woman replied, with much sadness in her voice; * but you are locking happier than when I last saw you.” gud * Really, Silver Voice, | should bé m’serable 4q Black Bear turned and glided pay through the woods toward his village, and as be did so, a figure—tbe figure of a tall man with long, yellow, disheveled hair streaming bebind, and carrying a heavy club, crept from the bushes garvon, the robber-captain. **Ay, Duval Dungarvon, and so you’re on eee said the chief, seizing the robber by the and. ‘Yes, my handsome Black Bear, Iam always | within five feet of where tbe villains bad held up to time; but where’s the girl?” replied Dun- | their interview, and stole with the silence of a | indeed if I bad not found a friend,” returned phantom after the chief, bis huge club upraised | Silvia. ‘‘Ab! dear girl,I know why. You have learned to love your bandsome rescuer and aa friend, the ranger, and he loves you. Forgive aa me, but I stood in that shrubbery and heard his ; avowal of love and your reply.” : Silvia’s face flashed » ith anger. “Do not get angry,” Silver Voice continued, _ : “ for it is all for your own good. Let me tel a you that if ever y°a marry Rodger Rainbolt you will rue it to the bitter end.” “Silver Voice,” cried Silvia, petalantly,* why do you presume to speak so propbetic? Yon as- a tound me!” a ‘*T know I do, but I speak the truth.” “What do you know of Mr. Rainbolt, Silver 1 Voice?” ; “I know much—ob, God! much !” she cried, ty in a tone of sudden agony. ¥ “ And hvw do you know it?” questioned Bilvia az in surprise. ; 2 “Take that,” Silver Voice said, handing Sil- Beak: via a folded paper, *“and when lam gone read it. 1t will tel you all you wish to know of Rodger Rainbolt.” = ie ‘* And of you?” questioned Silvia, eagerly. ae “No. You do not wish, you do not nerd to pF (at SS know more of me than you do; but promise me ae that you wiil not breathe one word in the paper ee to the ranger.” ? Sie “Ty protiee you,” said Silvia, scarcely know- - ing what she was saying. . = ‘Then good-by; you may never see me again,” ‘ a said Silver Voice; and turning, she vanished in ces the forest like a shadow. ony ‘Strange, mysterious woman,” muttered Sil- via; “‘sbe seems like the vision of a dream to me. But the paper.” : She opened if, One side was blank, the other — ; covered with the delicate handwriting of a 4 female. : F ¥ hs Silvia’s face turned ghastly pale as she glanced at the first words, and by the time she bad fin- ie ished the first line her whole frame wastrem- | bling violently. But sbe read on, read on tothe © end, and then she uttered a low, convulsive cry, and wrung ber bands as thougha terrivle sgony was breaking her heart. oe 3 Oh, my God!” she exclaimed, ‘‘Is it possi- e S52 Wats With ber feelings «rought to the highest pitch of excitement, sbe descended the cliff to the water’s edge, and stepped into the canoe to re- — s turn to the cavern. ae As she did so, she did not notice that round,. dark ball from which shone a pair of burning — orbs, resting on the water, yet concealed u. der the projecting rim of the canoe; por did she cb- serve how the craft dregged as itentered be- neath the waters «ben tuey were parted, with a deadly enemy clinging to its side, CHAPTER XIII... TBE MEANING OF THE COFFIN. oe ay | FRANK ARMOND and Walter Lyman felt a = “Yes, dear Silvia, a wees, a year, since [ | chill pass over their frames agthey gezddown have heard from your lips that L am loved!” | upos the ceffin and the four tuily, rough-jookivg replied the bandsome ranger, his face radiant | men standing around it. — ‘ with joy, ; The Irishman acted quite easy and indif- There was a momentary silence, broken only | ferent about the matter, as he did on all occa-__- by the roar of the falls. The ranger was the| sions, => ae ea The coffin was small—ahout ge size that a — to beat him down. garvon. “Gone to the devil,” bluntly replied Black , It was Solomon Strange, the madman, Bear. ‘“*Come, now, don’t trifle with me, Blufe Brandon!” exclaimed the robber-captain, fierce- ly. ‘‘Lask you where the girl is?” ‘* And I tell you she’s gone to the devil,” re- turned the ehief. ** What do you mean, Brandon?” “Simply what I say; that infernal white ranger known as Rai: bolt rode into camp, picked up your girl, and—” “ Aud what!” gasped the robber-captain with impatient rage and fury. ; “ And went—to—the—devil with her, as I told you before,” returned, with empbasis, the chief. - The robber-captain ground his teeth with rage, poewepes his foot with fury, and swore a terrible oath. : “Come, come, Dungarvon! I am going—-” “Yes, yes!” returned Dangarvon, savagely, “you're always going to do something, Just like as any way, the girl’s in California by this time. CHAPTER XII. SILVIA’S TROUBLES. Srnv1a SANFORD did not spend her days of confinement in the ranger’s home in tears and sorrow. Far from it, though she felt anxious and uneasy about her father’s safety. Sbe was perfectly contented in the socitty of the ranger, and his books when he was absent. Too, she bad spent much of her time in wandering through the cavern, watching the falls and the beautiful trout that gamboled through the crys- tal waters, It was on the morning following the night of Dival Dungarvon and Black Bear’s meeting, that the fall; were parted a short time after suurise, and a canoe, in which were the ranger and Silvia, and Echo, the eagle, shot out from under the falls and landed on tbe left bank of the stream, The ranger took Silvia by the hand and as- sisted her on shore, and then led ber up the steep, rocky cliff onto the summit of a bigh ridge overlooking the little valley below, and the dis- tant hills, He seated himself on a large rock and drew the maiden down by his side. _“ Now, Miss Sanford,” he said, waving his hand away before him, ‘‘ you can have a fair | hal ba! he view of nature in her fresh morning robes,” tain, his voice ringing out above the roar of the Silvia’s eyes took in the landscape before her. ** Oh, how grand and beautiful, Mr. Rainbolt,” she murmured, softly. - “T was just thinking, Silvia, that if we could always gaze upon the beauties of nature, and enjoy them together as we have this morning, what bliss would be ours.” Silvia’s face flushed, and her heart fluttered wildly and yet strans ely to her. With a tremu- lous voice she replied: rae et ndeag™ _ —<cs
Page 10
10 The Sky Demon. hey got shook around; however, it won’t take fortune, and taking up their arms crossed over long ter look,”-and ina few moments the lid was | to the main-land. gemoved. By this time long fasting was beginning to tell Fhe lantern was lowered as the four men bent | upon their strength, and it was at once decided over the coffin, and our friends in the tree parted | to procure something to appease their gnawing the foliage carefr-’ty and peered down, eager to | hunger. : get a glimpse of .2e dead. A few minutes’ hunting resulted in Flick And true enough sey did. The pale, waxen | shooting a fawn, a portion of which was at face of a beaatifui child, wrapped in a sheet, was | once roasted, revealed to their startled gaze. | patched, another slice of meat was cooked and “Tt’s all right,” growled one of the rob- | stowed away in the young sportsmen’s game- bers. bags for future use. ** Ya-as; put on the lid, and let’s git it sunk quick as possible,” | their journey through the hills, and ere long While the robber with the knife was screwing | discovered an Indian trail. on the lid of the coffin, one of the others went to | The party at once set off to follow it, and pur- the canoe and brought a shovel, with which he | sued rapidly until it entered a deep, tlack defile, at once began digging a grave. where the growth of heavy pines almost ex- In a few moments a grave had been dug some | cluded the rays of the’sun. three feet deep, and the coffia placed therein, | ‘‘ Faith, and it’s not the farst thime thet mees and then covered up—the sods and turfsof grass | hev been through here,” said Flick; *‘ and every being replaced so as to conceal every trace of | time I could imagine thet mees felt the icy the ground having been disturbed. fingers av Old Nick upon me.” “That's it!” exclaimed one of the robbers, | Scarcely had the last word left his lips, than when their, task was finished; “the duty o’ the | a huge, dusky hand was thrust down from divin’ to the dead is done.” among the foliage of the low, drooping boughs At that instant a wild scream was heard over- and drew him from the ground, up among the | dark boughs with the quickness of a flasb. CHAPTER XIV.’ friends in the tree, beheld that horrible, myste- rious creature—the Aerial Demon—float over the island and disappear down the stream. It acted like a charm on the rebellious robbers, for they rushed to their canoe, and in a moment | THE TRAGEDY IN THE FOREST GLADE. were flying upon the stream, fearing to speak | Like a phantom the tall form of Solomon above a whisper. | Sirange glided through the forest after Black As soon as they were out of sight, our friends’; Bear. descended from the tree, | Now and then the renegade would stop and “Ay, now, and it’s a lovely set of critters | gaze around him as: though he felt a spresenti- they ware,” said the Irishman; ‘and it’s , nent of lurking danger, and then again Move on. mees thet’il dig up the coffim as soon as day-| Half a mile from the Indian encampment light comes, and Jook into the mather a leetle, | was a little glade through which ran the trail 6o I will,” ; | the ebief was following. As he neared the ‘*T’m sure we have seen all that’s to be seen,” | edge of it, the madman quickened his pace, and said Walter, “and so let the dead rest.” | just as the renegade stepped into the moonlit ‘There, now, and it’s yees thet know little av , spage, a wild voice called out: the bloody robber deviltry. There’s a thrick in ‘* Stop!” it, now mind.” The renegade As the night was quite warm, Walter and | turned around. Frank Jaid down upon the ground and soon fell At this mioment the tall form of Solomon asleep, leaving Flick on guard. Strange sprung from the forest shadows, and When. they awoke in the morning the sun | dealt the chief a blow with his club that felled was up, and the first thing they saw was Flick | him lifeless at bis feet. ©’F lyon just lifting the coffin out the grave. Bending over the prostrate form, he scruti- “Homph! I rok irs you are satisfied now | nized it, eae up the y,” said Walter, rising to “Yes, life is extinct,” muttered he, and e8 eS dropping upou his knees he began removing the ‘‘Nary bit avit, Mishter Walter, I haven't i bear’s skin from bis body. his dove, a low, see’d inside yet,” said the Irishman, as he began to unscrew the lid. involuntarily stopped and triumpbant laugh esca Solomon Strange’s lips, and he lifted the lifeless form in his arms After the meal had been dis- | eeling much refreshed they now continued | | under which he was passing—clutched him with | head, and looking up the robbers, as well as our | its cold, bony fingers by the nape of the neck, | As if to favor his wish, at this moment a wild scream was heard overhead, and lifting his eyes, the mysterious Solomon Strange be- held the Aerial Demon flouting over the village; so horrifying in its appearance that his blood seemed turned to ice. Had a bomb-shell exploded in the midst of the exultant warriors that were Cancing around the council-fire, they would not have scattered and fled in greater fear and terror. The moment that the false Black Bear saw the —— warriors flee with terror to their re- spective lodges, he hurried across the square and entered the lodge to the right of the council- house, which he knew to be the renegade’s, All was dark within this lodge, so Strange went and procured a torch from the deserted council-fire. With it, he rammaged the room, making himself acquainted with every thing, nook. and corner within it. He then extinguished the torch, threw him- self upon a couch of skins in one corner, and curious to say, this mysterious madman, who after all was not a madman, fell asleep and slept soundly until morning. Hie was awakened by the sound of voices without, and rising from his couch he peered out, At this momenta light footstep was heard approaching. The skin hanging at the door of his lodge was raised, ard a beautiful Indian woman entered, carrying upon a tray of woven rushes some slices of venison and roasted fish, It was the wife of Allacotah, Silver Voice! Solomon Strange started like a wild man at sight of the woman, tut she failed to. notice it, “* The chief of the Cheyennes must be hin gry, since he had no supper,” said Silver Voice, handing bim the venieon and fish. Ayain Solomon Strange started—this time at sound of the woman’s voice, though his dis- guise concealed his emotion. As ie tock tie provision, however, Silver Voice caught si, Lt of his eyes that glowed like burning coals of fire through the hairy mask, and caused a strange feeling to pervade her breast. ‘Yes, Black ‘Bear is quite hungry,” Strange replied; watching to see if his voice attracted her notice. It did. The woman started and turned to flee with sudden fear, “You are not Blufe Brandon!” she ex- claimed. $ Solomon Strange seized her by the arm and prevented her escape. Then be stooped and whispered something in ber ear. She would haveinvoluntarily scresemed, but Strange placed his claw-clad hand over her mouth and pre- vented her. ‘Hush! for God’s sake!” he exclaimed in an Walter and Frank came and stood by and watched him perform the operation witb no fittle curiosity. The last screw removed, the tid was lifred and— There was the pale waxen faceof the dead upturned to the clear morning sun, with the flaxen-white hair clustered about the face. Me | espe you are satisfied now,” said Frank. Flick burst into a loud laugh and replied» ‘Ay, and it’s blind yees are. Can’t yees see the thrick?” ; “ Trick ? no; what do you mean, O'Flynn?” asked Frank. * “That, now!’ replied the Irishman, and he elutehed his fingersin the silken hair of the corpse and held up to the astonished gaze of the young men the trunkles? head of a WAX-FIG- URE! He now laid down the waxen head and pro- ceeded to unroll what apneared the body wrap- ped in a white sheet. Fold after fold was un- rolled, until finally a smal! leather bag, filled -with some hard metal rolled out. Flick seized the bag, and taking up his knife cut it open, an] then turning ft up be poured into the coffin a great heap of g. dd coin, *Thet’s the body,” said Flick, a grin of triumph overspreading his broad, florid face, ‘* Yes, yes, yes,” replied Frank, ‘‘ and aclever trick it is. But why do they take so much trouble in burying their gold?” “Thinking, thet.if any greenhorn like yeeselfs shouid rbun ag’inst the coffin and open it, see the dead face, or wax fi- ure iv’t, they would misthrust nothing-—-put. it back arid go their | way, jist'as yees would have done in this case.” | Flick now filled the leather bag with pebbles, wrapped it in the old ragged clotbes taken | from the mate balf-bre:d, and stuffed it back | into the coffin with the wex-figure. He then consigned the coffin to the earth azain—covered it over and smootbed Jown the sods, Tve three pocketed their guid, the generous Irishman having insisted on dividing it equally, which proved no little incumbrance as well as en | undertone, ‘‘ do not expose me, but help me.” Here was more mystery. What could this strange, wild man be to Silver Voice? And what she to him? And why did he have the power to hold her spell-bound — speechless? Alas! heh and for what? For fully ten minutes Silver Voice remained in the lodge with the false chief, in a Jow and earnest conversation. Then she went out and returned to her own lodge to the left of the council lodge. ; Presently her husband, Allacotah, entered Black Bear’s tent. He found the supposed great chief lying upon the couch of skins. ‘‘Is the great Black Bear unwell?” asked the young chief. * He is,” returned Solomon Strange, hoarsely ; “exposure to the night air is fast telling upon the Black Bear’s lungs. It burts bim to speak. He is hoarse, tut he wished to speak to the brave young chief, Allacotab.” hurled it down into a deep, black gorge. Teo minutes later, a dark, bairy form ap- peared in the glade. It was tbe form of Solomon Strange disguised in the bear’s skin. No one could bave told him from Blufe Brandon, Their movements were similar, and their size exactly the same. “So far I have been successful,” he mur- mured, ‘T stand in Black Bear’s disguise; and now if I can only have the nerve and cunning to occupy his position among the red-skins for a few days, 1 will make these old hills stand aieere with wonder and egre revelations, The Cheyenne tongue I can handle to a demon- stration, and I believe [ can imitate Black Bear’s voice exactly. ‘* And then, there’s Duval Dungarvon; but I can hocdwink bim — enough. Yes, to-mor- ro v noon I will meet him ‘at the Lone Pine, get | a synopsis of the‘ initiatory ceremony’ into the order of road-agents and cut-throats. Ab, Solomon Strange! a desperate game is yours, “The ears of Allacotah are open,” returned and for what?—to solve a dark mystery, and | the young chief; ‘be hearkens to the voice of | the great Bleck Bear.” and carried it a short ways into the woods and rub out the stains of a dark crime that lays concealed bebind it, but—” ‘Since [ am unable to teke the war-petb,” His musings were here brought to an abrupt began Solomon Strange, bis hoarseness seeming termination, by suddenly entering the opening | to grow worse each moment, “ I want the brave in Which stood the Indian encampment, while a | young Allecotah to take all my werriors and few paces off sat an Indian sentinel. go away in the bills toward the risirg sun and “ Will he challenge me?” the false chief men- | seerch for the white maiden. Should you find tally asked, her, barm not a heirof her head, or the ven- Then be knew that the sentinel would see | geance of the great Manitou will rest upon you, that it was Black Bear’s disguise, and allow Should you find any pale-fnces, harm them him to pass. And so he did, with only a low, | not, but bring them before Black Bear, even cutiiieal eaohamation at sight of the great chief. | the great White Ranger whore sword has slain our braves in the hesrt of cur encampment. Biack Bear has spoken.” *“ Allacotah has heard, ard will do his bid- ding with joy and pride,” returned Aliscotab “ but be is sorry the great chief is unwell, and “Pll swow,” muttered Strange, “I’m going | cam not lead his warriors upon the trail, But to be drawn right into business the first thing. ) he must rest and he will be well soon. Alla- I'd ratber k«pt a little to myself a day or 50, | cotab has spoken.” ; until I-got the exact run of things— Heavens!” The young chief turned and left the tent, and As Strange entered the outskirts of the vil- lage, Le saw that a large fire was burning in front of the connéil-lodge, and that a number s warriors were singi.g and dancing around ge a eit ga
Page 11
The Sky Demon. in a few moments the wildest excitement pre- | handwriting of this note resemble any person’s vailed throughout the village. Laugbing to | handwrite that you know?” and he banded her a Pe his em ngs aa and splendid suc- | the note. cess omon Strange pee out ata hole in Silvia took the’ paper and examined the = lodge, ae bana that os 8 ga was gathering ) writing closely. A shade of sadness came over is warriors for the war-patb. ber face, as she replied: To less than an hour every warrior able to | = Yes, Rodger, it resembles my poor sister bear arms had left the village. ) Florence’s writing ‘a great deal, though she was Black Bear, or Solomon Strange mov erose | a better writer,” ae whe ae one, ib a the encam,. %sf and BE sei Ae have es sister?” Se 3 plunged in ew 3. : ‘I had, but poor Florence is dead now, i xn Sho on his way to Lone Pine to weet; ‘Are you certain that she is dead?’ the ran- ~ Juval Dungarvon. ger asked. ‘ i | ‘Why, Rodger, you are getting excited!” CHAPTER XV. she replied, with much surprise at the ranger's SILVIA’S PERILS. | question. ‘‘Of course, I would not teil you a ae, ae SILVIA paddled the canve, with the Cheyenne | falsehood about my sister being dead, since it is ah CRESS concealed under its proj.cting rim, under the | nothing to you.” — Sap tee fails; and having landed, she raised the sweep ‘* But itis something to me, Silvia—it is some- : to let the waters close, then she took the lamp | thing to me; but let us drop the question before Sater from where the ranger had left itin a niche, and | it gets to be painful. I must go and search for wended her way back to her apartment, seated your father and that Indian woman who gave mid herself and burst into tears. you the paper. Have you any fears to remain ele The discovery that she had made bad sorely | here aloue?” by Tes wounded her young, loving heart, and left her ‘‘None at all, since I have such a noble pee confused mind wrapped in blind mystery. companion and proiector as Purle, the pan- = Purle, the panther, was crouched at her feet, | ther.” — ' and as her eyes sought the floor, the animal ** Then I will take my departure, entertain- ze started up, bis ears laid back like those of a | ing hopes that the mystery that enshrouds us ' maddened cat, his tail moving slowly from side | will be cleared away, and that 1 may yet insist a to side, and bis eyes glaring like coals of fire. for an answer to the question of my love for nh Silvia looked in the direction indicated by his | you,” said the ranger, ard as he concluded he iy burning gaze, and to her horror she beheld a | turned and left the maiden alone, =~... _ Cheyenne Indian gazing in upon her from the When his footsteps had died away in the dis- door of the apartment, tant hall, Silvia threw herself upon ber couch, ae Silvia uttered a Jow sob and fell unconscious | and wept bitterly. to the floor with affright, the paper falling on | s the table by the Jamp. - CHAPTER XVI. The savage, not seeing the panther, advanced into the room, but the next instant the beast leaped forward and dragged tim to the floor. A fierce struggle ensued. But it was as brief ; as decisive. The panther tore the savage almost -._. into shreds. s Bec, A few minntes later a footstep sounded in the rocky hall. ‘The next moment Rodger Rainbolt entered the room. As his eyes fell upon the routilated form of the savage, the prostrate form of Silvia, the blood upon the panther’s jowis, the paper upon the table by the lamp, he _, staggered under the sight. Springing forward he raised Silvia tenderly in his arms and placed ber upon the couch in the corner. He then turned to change the light in a better position, and as he did so the psper arrested his attention. He glanced at the first word. DUVAL DUNGARVON AND BLACK BEAR AT THE LONE PINE. : THe sun bad just crossed the meridian, on the day set for the meeting of Duval Dungarvon and Black Bear at the Lone Pine, when Solo- mon S:range, in Black Bear’s disguise, emerged from the forest on the south side of the glade, and stopped beneath the Lone Pi e. He had not been there more than an hour, when Duval Dungarvon emerged from the for- est on the north side of the glade and advanced toward bim. ‘‘Here we are ag'iv,” exclaimed Solomon Strange, quite hoarse. * Yes,” replied the robber-captain, Icoking at him in away that made Strange flinch with uneasiness; ‘* but what’s the matter, Brandon, you talk so hoarse?” “Matter enuff,” returned the false Black A ery burst from his lips. His eyes became fixed upon be | Bear. “I catched a devil of a cold last night paper like one ina trance. Hecould no’, be did | at the Devil’s Tarn, But come; let’s to busi- not move them, until be bad read the last word. | ness.” Then he turned away, bis whole fra.:ve tremb- ling violently. e removed tbe body of the savage; then, taking a vessel, burried down to the talls to bring some cool water with which to bathe the brow of the maiden. When be returned he was surprised to find ‘her recovered, and sitting up on tae bed, gazing about in a kind of bewilderment. “ Silvia, my darling!” exclaimed the ranger. She looked around, her senses returning. **Oh, Rodger!” she exclaimed, springing from the couch and snatching the paper; “but you _ {must not see it.” ** But I have seen it, Silvia.” ** And read it?” te Vi ” - Oh, Rodger! I promised never to breatke a ~ word of it to vou.” : ; ~ 1 © Promise) who?” «Silver Voice, the Indian woman, Allacotah.” __ “ You have kepf your promise, Silvia. I saw : the pave? by accident ” - Then you kno all, Rodger?” Yes, Silvi:; but how came you to get : paper from the Indian woman, and where?” Shivia told vim all : The ranger sighed painfully. He was silent for 4 moment, voen said: : “Bus, Stivia, that paper is a falsehood, I cret, and that’s the beanty of it.” ~- will admit that I bave been married to a wo- “Yes; but tell it, tell it to me, Dungarvon,” wen that was an angel, but were she living I | said Scrange. eeart 2 would not be here, No, no, Silvia! God knows | “ Well, to make a short s‘ory out of a Jong I loved my wife—yea, adored her, worshiped , one, Sanford and I both loved the same woman, her; bué a cruel fate separated us; death took | a cresle of New Orleans, She would have mar-; my darling wife, and in you, Silvia, I had boped | ried me, but Sanford, curse bim! told her I was to find her equal.” ia : the son of av Italian brigand, and so won her. _ * But yon Lave no proof, Rodger, to prove to | In the course of time they had two children, ‘me that the statement in this paper is untrue— | Fiorence and Silvie. Wayland Sanford went to that your wife is dead.” = it California during the gold-fever, and I followed, _ “ean procure evidence, Silvia, in an hour— | walping for a chance to take his life. After a yes, in a moment, to prove to you that my wife | time the chance came. Sanford quarreled with dead. But tell me, my dear Silvia, does the a miner, and publicly threatened his life. Tuat \ ‘‘Now, if I tell you, Brandon, you must never breathe it toa living soul, for it is in strict violation of our laws to do so.” , ‘You needn’t be afraid of me tellin’, Dun- garvon. Go on with your story.” Tue robber-captain an, and in a few mo- ments he had related the whole of their proceed- ings in iuitiating a man into their band of Mountain Men, or robbers, and concluded by ot Sur in to night?” ** Suppose you go in to nig “Can jist as well as not,” replied Strange, though there is one thing I had forgot en to mention.” ‘** Well, let’s have it.” **] shall insist on keeping my bearskin on at the rasch.” “*Of course! We wouldn’t know that the great Bluck Bear was among us unless you wore it,” returned Dungarvon. ‘*Then [ am ready to go with you,” said the fal-e chief. : The two arose, and at robber’s ranch. ; As they walked along, conversing on differ- ent topics, Strange finally said;. et _ “You have never told me. Dungarvon, why it is that you hate this man Savford so bitterly. “No, I tell wrytfew, because 1 don’t want every body to know, for then it would be no se- the wife of once set off toward the the is : 11 night the miner was killed. Of course J did it, but I was detected in the act by one of San- ford’s friends. I threw the man down the shaft and left him there. Sanford was arrested for the crime, but escaped, and flew no one knew where. I followed, but failed to find my man, ‘*T left California, and, seeing that money could be made, organized the band I] now com- mand, and we have been opera.ing the route ever since. “Some time after I began, a regiment of troops came into the region, and fearing they were after me, I went in disguise to the camp, and sought an interview with the colorel. You can imagine my surprise when | found myself face to face with Wayland Sanford, colonel commanding the regiinent! ‘He knew me, and, fearful that I would blow on bim, asked the price of my silence. I knew Inez was dead,so } demanded the daughter, Florence, for my wife. He stormed and swore; offered ten thousand dollars, but I laughed at him, and to end the matter, he final- ly gave in and wrote to his daughter that he bad made an engagement for her hand with a partic- ular friend. The girl declined the honor, avd auswered that she was engeg d to an cffic r in bis regiment, one Captain Warren Walraven. “T to'd Sanford I could fix him, and so 1 sat down and wrote a letter, fc rged the hancv riting from Walraven to Blufe Brandon, cli-f of the Cheyennes, in which be« ffered to sell the com- mand into his power. Tbis.I dropped where one of Sanford’s scouts found it and gave it to the colonel. ‘““Walraven was ccurt martialed and dis- missed the service. The nextday he, with bis nigger servant, Ebony Jim, started for Laramie, where Florence was. 1 captured him on bis way—the nigger escaped—and.taking him to Devil’s Tarn, | put him in a canoe and s him adrift over the falls. That ended him. Soares wrote to bis daughter, telling her all about Walraven, bow be was cas) iered and killed by the Indians, but she had stiddenly dis- sapere from the fort, and was seen no ‘more, er skeleton, however, was found in an old well near the fort a year or so afterward, About a year after that I entrapped a traveler, who proved to be the very man, Barker, whom I had tbrown down the sbaft!” ‘‘ And. you hold him a prisoner yet?” asked Black Bear. : j ** You bet, though he can’t last a week longer. A few weeks since I beard Sanford was at Oma-* hs, and you know the rest, But here we are at the ranch.” a 5 They stood ut the mouth of the cavern where- in Willis and Ralpb bad been captvred. A sen- tinel was posted at the entrance, whic demanded the password from Dungarvon before he wasal- Jowed to pass with the supposed Black Bear, it eeiow so dark by this time that the sentinel = not distinguish the features ‘Of, the cap- tain, ¥ Passing along the narrow covern a short ways, the captain stopped and — his band in asmall niche in the rocky wall. Immediately the wall seemed to part with a heavy, grating noise. “This way, Brandon,” said the robber cbief, and the two ste yi ocage the aperture in the wall into a small tut brilliantly-lighted chem- ber. Then the captain touched asmall, project- ing rock on the wall, when the two walls rolled together again, and there was no sign of the aperture through which they had passed. ‘ This,” seid Dongarvon, turning to his com- _panion, “ismy abbrings 5 sack ge sectogr ng you may int pow consider yourself, Black Bear, in the Lodge of Mountain —~ which you wil! never go alive until you have been initiated into ths brotherkood.” Kops CHAPTER XVII... AN ADVENTURE IN THE DARE... Exsony Jm™ bad not remained in his corceal- ment among te foliage more than a minute when he rv cognizd the voice of his old friend, Flick O'Flyrn, among the three whom be at first took for robbers, but who in fact were O'Flynn, Frank Armond and Walter Lyman. Ebony wes in the act of springing to the ground and making bis presence known, when the JIrishman’s remark — which canght the negro’s ears—of the place through which they were passing being so gloomy, and that he im- agined he felt the icy fingers of the Ola Wick upon tint sume a practica! joke to bis mind. Waiting until the trio were directly under him, he thrust his band down through the foliage, and s izing the loquacious O’F lynn by the neck, — him from the ground and up among the oliage with the quickness ob tbongta. Se yet f / 4
Page 12
ae _ but to the two hunters they Mes x —_— Flick gave vent to a furious yell, and drop- ping his ri@e drew his knife, supposing that be was in the hands of the Oid Boy, sure enough. But what was his surprise, when, on turning to deal a deadly blow, be saw Ebony seated before him, his sable face convulsed with laugb- ¥. ‘Faith, and mees hev a notion to give yees a dig wath this knife, so I bev; but niver mind, there’s a copie ae coming, so there is.” But how had it fared with Frank and Wal- ter? They saw the negro’s hand thrust down, saw Flick lifted from the ground, beard his frightful scream, and, without a second look or thought, took to their heels and fled with ail possible speed over the hill. But, unfortunately, they ran right from safety into danger. They had not gone more than a mile when they discovered a party of mounted Cheyennes charging directly toward them: Instantly Frank's rifle was to his face, and he “ shot, in quick succession, two of the leading savages. He was quickly surrounded by the whole party, which gave Walter an opportunity to escape, which he did. Frank was tied upon one of the ponies, and immediately the Indians, a score in all, mounted their animals and set off toward the north, moving in regular Indian file, one after the other, Frank being next to the foremost one, who led his—the captive’s—pony. They seemed in bo gg moving along quite leisurely. However, they failed to discover two figures that were stealing after them like shadows. Slowly the any. wore agi & Night came on. Frank strained his eyes in hopes of catching a glimpse of some friendly form moving through the gloom. Suddenly he heard a slight noise before him, He fixed his eyes on the gloom in - advance. Just then the auimal of the preceding and foremost captor flitted across a patch of moonlight struggling feebly down through the opening in the tree-tops. 3 The captive started with wonder and sur- prise. : ; The animal was riderless ! Not one of the savages bebind bad discovered the sudden, silent and mysterious disappearance of their leader. Again the preceding animal crossed a patch of moonligbt, and still greater was his surprise, when he recognized by a kind of phosphorescent gleam, the form of Flick O'Flynn seated upon its back! Then the truth flashed upon bis mind. Flick, the brave and noble hunter, bal escaped, fol- lowed his, Frank’s, captors, and with the s lence of death bad dragged the savage from his pony, dis ed him and mounted the animal him- “What does, the man mean?” niused Frank; “what next will he do— Oh!” _ The exclamation ‘involuntarily escaped his lips, but it was drowned in the noise of the ani- mals’ feet. In passing under some low, droo ing bouzhs where the gl:om was impenetrable tothe human eye, Frank felt a heavy form drop from the limbs overhead b hind him on the animal he was riding, and th. captive felt that his bonds were being cut. | sid For heaben's sake don’t breafe! it’s dis black _ Frank recognized the voice as that of E on Se and be at once realized the situation of af- - fairs. 4 4 Dar, take dat,” whispered the darky, plac- nee in Frank’s hand, “‘and loosen your Frank leaned over and cut the thongs. So far he was fiee. A moment later there were heard the hasty footfalls of burrying feet. | ‘Tue escape was not discov red for some mo- ments, and then a hurried bat vain search was ‘commenced by the Indians. Frank was saved Xe 2 -by as bold, silent and daring a stratagem as ss Was ever conceived by the fearless borderman, : _ Fortunately, Frank’s rifle, accouterments and coat were restored to hit, they baving been in “possession of the unfortunate chief, whom the two huoters dragged from his pony unseen, The rest. of bis things, including bis share of the robbers? gold, were lost. aK Matters being explained all around, the three eo ‘through the forest in Lopes of finding Walter, shes bey had not traveled far, when they discov ered that they bhphenn y= 3 followed, while in every direction they could hear the hooting of wv ~ ; Sparking ot tue wolf. ; To Frank these sounds seemed natural enough, did not, for they ; Gantt s, the cry of the night--awk, and the sharp The Sky Demon. knew that they were the signals of the Indians. “ Ay, now!” exclaimed O'Flynn, “and it’s a divil-av a time wees are going to have. The whole Cheyenne nation is in these hills, so they are.” ““S’pose we strike fur de Bear’s Cave,” said Ebony Jim. “ Aghrade,” responded the Irishman, and so they shaped their course accordingly. In a few minutes the cavern in question was reached, and taking the lead, Ebony Jim led the way into the black subterranean passage. They had not gone more than fifty feet when a glowing fire, in a chamber to their right, burst suddenly upon their eyes: and within the light of the fire, they saw three men seated, engaged in conversation. CHAPTER XVIII. IN THE ROBBERS’ RANCH. SOLOMON STRANGE felt a cold chill creep over him as he seated himself in the robber capte..a’s private apartment, which was furnished with all the elegance that heart could wish and gold procure. An oil lamp was burning on a chintz- covered:stand, lighting up the room. ‘““ You’ve a cosey lair here, Dungarvon,” said Strange, gazing around, with apparent admir- ation. ‘*- Yes, one into which I defy the Higniniog ® bolt to enter,” returned the captain, as he crossed the room, and took from an alcove in the wall a bottle of brandy and a couple of sil- ver goblets, which he placed upon the table. ‘But come, Black r, wheel your chair up to the table, and let’s drink to owr success.” Strange could not deny the robber chief’s re- quest, for he was then an honored guest in his house, so he moved his cbair to the table and filled the goblets with the brandy. Then with one hand he parted the hairy mask from his lips, and with the other he lifted the goblet, and with a ‘‘Here’s to" you, captain,” dashed off the fiery liquid at a draught. After several glasses bad been drank, Dun- garvon seized a rope communicating with some other room and jerked it violently. Strange heard the faint tinkle of a bell, and a moment after, the wall on the side opposite from-that through which they had entered, rolled apart, and a slim, pale youth of some twenty years entered, “Roderick,” said the captain, addressing the outh, ‘bring me and the great chief, Black ear, some supper at once.” The youth turned and left the room, the walls closing after bim. “ That’s our cook,” said the chief robber. Presently Roderick returned with a well-pre- pared lunch, which the robber captain and his guest ate with a keen appetite. After the meal had been dispatched, Dungar- von said: : “Now we are ready for business, Brandon: but excuse me for a moment,” and he passed out through the opening through which Roderick had come and gone, “Well, that beats m>*,” muttered Strange, when he found himself alone; ‘ the idea of these rocky walls wate. at the touch of tbeir in- mates. Wonder they will prt at my touch?” and rising, he advanced to the wall through which they had entered the room, and touched the little projecting rock that he had seen Duval touch when they entered, expecting to see the walls roll back. But he was disap- pointed; they remained immovable as the rcek of ages, and after several fruitless efforts to pos- sess himself of the secret, be took his seat. A few minutes later Dungarvon entered the room, followed by a score of bis men, rough, burly-looking fellows, whose waists were girded with knives and pisto's. y ; Dungarvon introduce? bis men to the sup- posed Black Bear, then said: ‘* Well, Brandon, we're ready.” ** And so am I,” returned Strange, _ Then advance through that opening into the adjoining chamber nine paces and stop,” said the chier, + Strange advanced into the chamber, which was bleck as Hades. and which, from the hol low, sepulehral echo of his footfalis, he knew was large and capacious, Had it been the real Biufe Brandon, his cowardly heart would | have shrunk with terror, knowing what was coming. Througb the dark nie paces,. Strange groped his way, then stopped. instant the room was suddenly lit. up by a glow- tog light from behind. And, horrors! ts e stood on one side of a long table, while facing bim on the other side. sat, bolt upright, in arm-chairs, with black cloaks thrown over Solomon At that chad expected to see the same, as Dungarvon had righ their shoulders, a dozen human skeletons glar- ing at him in a ghastly, horrifying manner. Each one clutched in his bony band, which pro- truded from under tbe cloak, a small, glittering dagger. (Ou the table in front of each one sat @ smail glass goblet filled with some red liquia re- fe oes sembling blood, Not a living soul was to be wd, Ree seen in the room. sac Although the mysterious Solomon Strange mares < told him, he felt an inward sbudder of’ horror Pe and disgust, and bad he not been play ing @ des- : perate and secret game, he would have turned away and cursed the robbers for their tlendish- ness in thus tampering with the remains of the ner dead. But such an act would have exposd Pee fa him, and he resolved to go on witb the piay he ~ Rie re had suceessfully begun, Pree oe Ha The instant the light hed fiashed upon the ae Ee ghastly figures before bim, the one in the center ge arose to a standing posture, as thc ugh possessed oP: of life. The grinning mouth was opened, ard then these words seemed to fall from his lips, Me hollow and sepulchral. Rie & “Bluford Brandon, are you aware of what ics ou have done? do you know that you have en- ered the brotherhood of Mcutain Men? If ou do, beware!” and the figure raised its bony 4 and in which it clutched the glittering dagger \ | as if to strike, then it fell at its side again, Then ae each of the other ghastly figures raised their Ss littering daggers, and as they dr« pped aguin, hey seemed to repeat, in one voice; ‘* Beware!” ‘2 Se The standing figure then went on: a “Look at these glasses, Biuford Brandon; ie ee they contain the blood of those v ho once were Ui Mountain Mon—tbe blood of those who stand before you, those who were once as you now are: but we were traitors; we essayed to betray 1-2 our brothers into the hands of the Government . detectives; but, ah! the vengeance of the bro- ther-hood fell upon us, and sapped our life-bl od out, and Jeft us what you see vs—a ghastly warning to others! And now again I say, Le- ware!” ‘‘ Beware!” chattered the other figures. At this instant the room was wrapped in ‘ blinding darkness, Then Strange distinguished - the light footfalls of hurrying feet. He heard the robbers removing the ghastly fizures, and the ventriloquist that kad put the words of life in their mouths, scrambling from: under the table, where he had been concealed with others of the robbers, who, with wire connections, had raised the arms of the skeletons, Presently ali became silent, then the light flashed through the chamber again, and in the chairs where the -keletons had sat, Solomon ; Strange saw a number of robbers seated, while, f where the figure stood, Duval Dungarvon was standing. Sp Instead of daggers, the robbers held in their hands the goblets of (not blood), red, sparkling j wine, which as they lifted to their lips,Dun- garvon said: 3 Be ‘‘Here’s to Black Bear, the great Cheyenne chief, our new and distinguisked member of the brotherhood of Mountain Men,” ard as he con- clades, they placed the goblets to their lips and rank, ‘And thus ended the ceremony, which, to the © reaver, may be horrifying ard even disp ustine, nevertheless it is a positive fact thet such 6 cus- tom did exist among the mountain robbers. ‘Now, come, Black Bear,” said Dungarvon, taking that_supposed worthy by the skin clad arm, ‘and [ will show you through our rar ch, and the secrets connected v ith it,” ae The two crossed the wide chaniber, whics — Dungarvon bad designated the *‘ Cloister of ibe Ghouls,” and entered a smaller apariment that was brilliantly lighted: In this reom was a_ carpenter’s work-bench and tools of all kinds, “This,” said Dungarvon, ‘is the mechanic 1 department. We often find it nece:sarv te car | success to use @ carpenter to make c fins and — other things. But let us goon.” 3 They passed into another e part ment. ment. aot “Yiu see this small projection; by Fucking on it when the door is epee: it #ill close; an by pulling upon it, it will open the door, thus,” and the robber-chief illustrated the matter, by causing the wall to roll apart igele e gh 7 S pains * Now, phe whole: ling is i, grantee, S. en springs, how exactly, no one ever knew, but the inventor, who was three years in con: es
Page 13
structing the doors in this cavern. First, bow- ever, immense grooves were chiseled in the floor and ceiling, and ‘in them, these great rocks move on invisible rollers. All the machinery that works it is concealed in an- arti cial cavity back in the permanent walls. Now ; see, Brandon, if you can open and shut tie ie 3 door.” cee pa The supposed Brandon seiz d hold of the pro- | 27 53 jection, and pulled toward him, A thrill of Ds jov. passed through bis frame, as the heavy : walls rolled apart. T en he pressed upon the Pee proj-c'ion, and tuey closed again. . “Now | have one more apartment to show you, Blufe, and that’s what we call the ‘ Dead Fall,’ where old Barker and the two Omaha ‘larks’ are consigned.” " Procuring 9 lantern, the robber-captain and his friend passed out into the main entrance, This they followed some distance until they came te where a wall, crossing the passage at right angles, disputed their further entrance, ‘ This,” said Dungarvon, tapping the wall before them, ‘‘is the door to the ‘Dead Fall,’ See here. By pressing a spring in this niche, the door is wnlocked, and By preae another in this niche, the door rolls back into a cavity in the wall and the passage is continued. No one not acquainted with the cavern would ever $ know but what the passage terminates here, Shall we enter the Dead Fall?” “ “Certain y” returned Strange; “by all means, I should Jike to see the man that was ib Jia thrown into a fifty-foot shaft and climbed out See ~ alive.” Ske “The rohber-captain opened the door and they advanced into the great chamber, wherein Willis and Ralph bad been entrapped, and where they were now imprisoned with Barker. Closing the door after them, they advanced to where the prisoners lay upon a couch of old skins. They all arose to a sitting posture when SA they heard the two men entering. Willis and Ralph looked sad and dejected, | but Barker! God of mercy! he resembled a | skeletop more than a human. ie was wasted | away to a mere shadow, while long beard and | hair of snowy whiteness bung down upon bis | breast and shoulders. His bands were like the | claws of an eavle, and great, pitiful eyes stared at the robber chief with a wild expression. “Well, my larks, how are you gesting along?” acked Dungarvon, with a demoniae leer. “On, God! we are dying by inches,” returned Barker.. The robber captain langhed mockingly, while Solomon Strange turned away with tears of pity in bis eyes, In a moment more the robber-ebief and his - ¢ompani vn left the Dead Fall. When they had got back into the captain’s room, a fresh bottle of brandy was brought out and placed from Black Betty’s lips—no use foolin’ with ~- garvon, ' The captain took it, and holding it up be- tween his eves atd the light, exclaimed with a _ drunken leer: utime hes come,” muttered And taking up the rob In corner of the 2s with ee 1 co) urg upon them, ' IgE selected t the fiineat-Tookiig one | | which proved to be Willis Armond’s repeat- | ng rifle, and taking them in his arms he : the out}et in the wall and passed out into ain entrance. He then leaned the rifles o- opened» the | were a be ‘The Sky Demon. In a moment he had reacbed the door, and pressing the two springs it rolled back into the wall. He entered the room and stood before the prisoners, ‘‘ Barker, Armond, Rodman, come,”-he said, speaking hastily, ‘‘come, if you wish to escape!” | * And, in the name of God, who'are you that speaks thus,” gasped Willis, star ing u sound of the man’s voice; ‘‘are you a are you a buman in disguise?” “Tm a friend. Let that svffice, say, come ” Strange led the way and the three prisoners arose and followed bim, though the young men were compelled to ass's Barker, . Ina moment they came to where Strange had left the guns, “Here are rifles and ammunition,” he said, handing each of them a weapon, *‘and here is my hunting-knife. Now wait here a moment.” esas, or Come, I von’s room, and returned in a moment. with a bottle of brandy. . ° ‘‘Here, boys, take this, It will strengthen you,” he said, ‘Atthe door or mouth of the cavern is a sentinel, Should be demand a pass- word, say to him, ‘Go den.’ Should he recog- nize you in the dark, knock him down and fly. One word more. Barker, do you know where the Devil's Tarn is?’ ‘* Yes,” returned Barker. . ““Meet me there to morrow evening. Don’t fail. Go.” / The prisoners moved aiong the dark passage, ee who their strange deliverer could 2. they plunged out into t:.e free air of heaven, Strange waited until they bad had time to make their escupe, then he turned and moved back to the door of the Dead Fail. He saw that it was fastened, then he placed his finger into the niche and tore ovt the spring that unlocked it. His work for the night was accomplished. The door to the Dead Fall could never bs opened until it was battered down with sledges, and consequently, the robbers would never know but that the prisoners were still in tbere. Softly Sclomon Strange stole back into the robber-captain’s room, and baying put out the lantern, be stretched himself upon the carpeted floor and soon fei) asleep. Waen he awoke it was ray of sunshine ever shone in the cavern, Lainps furnished the oly lightthere. Dungur- von had slept off the effect of his night’s carouse, and, when bis guest awoke be found him seated by the table reading a paper that one of his spies had brought in from Cueyenne City dur- ing the night. Breakfast was brought in to the captain, eni at the | At the mouth of the cavern they found the | wary sentinel sound asleep, and passiog him, | daylight, though no. { | his gest, the other robbers dining in the Cloister , of the Ghouls, After their morning repast was over, the false Black Bear took his departure for the Indian encampment, having expressed a hope that when he cane back to the ranch he would have FAM Sanford to hand over to the robber cap- aC i ee ‘ Briskiv through the forest and over the stony bills went the mysterious Solomon Strange. Keeping to the right of the Indian encamp- ment he struck the little glade wherein, but two nights ago, he had slain the renegade chief, Blufe Brandon, and entered a small cavern near’ at hand. ; . ; Ten minutes passed by, then he appeared again, But he was not in the disguise of the Black Bear. Be wore hisown ragged garments and carried bis heavy, knotted club, For a mo- ment he stood and gszed eround him, then be strove away toward the west, bis long yellow heir snd whiskers streaming in the wind. He hed not gone far when his ears caaght the sound of clattering hoofs _ He looked down the path betore him an! saw Rodger Raiobolt, the. ranger, coming toward him. + Sf S'opping, be placedyone foot in advance of the other, seized his club in both hands, and swing- ing a cried out: rage 5 + “Stop! stop! stop, my lord, or Til beat you,. beat you down!” 4 er ee hs CHAPTER XIX. A CHTEF’S DEATH. rhe Tr required but.a single glance for Frank Armond ' to recognize two of the three men seated around the glowing fire in the cavern, called by the two hunters . Bear's Cave. ,They were Ralph Rodman and his brother Willis. The third Beha the reader will readily guess, was Gustave Barker. » __|- of strange curiosi m his mind bis aK A shout of ‘joy escaped Frank's lips when he saw | “ Ho! ho!” Inughed Strange, so ww have met i his friend and brother were safe. _._-| again, my Lord Oliver—I mean Thunderbolt.” by Reps dang Ae aE een _the fire, ae it eT aa a ou were the last person : - a ~ - £ in. y | BE) Ae) ws tt meet, . Strange,” =: a a egted for yours, # i u2 7 2 = en, ranger. a ~ % Se oe ies ~ ras hs ' ; him, Mr. BarS>r.’’ He opened the walls and passed into Dungar- | . he had Jain bleeding and mangled in the shaft for , f s | five days before he was taken out, more dead than ‘ 4 | Then he told how he had labored in the nines, ac- | robbers’ den, I had met and become acquainted , entrances to it?’ “would have been an easy matter to have toma- * But where is Walter?” asked Willis. “he good Lord only knows,” responded Frank; ‘‘he became separated from me to-day while being pee. by a band of Indians. I hope, however, he is safe.” ** And now, jis’ tell dis chile how ye 'cape from de robbers’ den,” said Ebony. “Well, we escaped to-night, by the assistance s6 of a man disguised in a bear’s skin, and whom the robber-captain called Black Bear,” returned Wiilis; then turning to Barker, he continued: “This Mr, Barker eseaped with us, He had been a prisoner there for three years. He knew uncle Wayland Sans ford, Frank, years ago in California.” Tam happy to meét the friind of my dear old uncle,” said Frank, grasping the thin, cold hend of Barker, “ but of cou: se, Willis has told you of uncle Waylanud’s sudden anil mysterious death.” “Yes, my young friend, and I wonld have given : my life to have seen your uncle before his death," re'urned barker. z ‘You must have cherished a great affection for ‘Not only that, young man, but IT hold a secret that would have prolonged his life twenty yeais.” Barker began and rclited the story of Wayland Sanford being convicted of murder at Miner's Gulch on the Yuba, through the instrumentality of Duval ag oni as the reader Las already heard it from r the lips of Dungarvon himself, Then he tcld how ; alive, to find both Sanford and Dungervon gone, cumulated a large fortune, started to his home in E" the East, was robbed f his gold in the mountains and left for dead a seccnd time; how he recovered and hid away in the mountains, where for years he rewained a hunter, and fine lly fell into the hands of his would-be. murderer, Duval Dungarvon, and that . he had never heard of Wayland Sanford until ye met Bs Willis in prison. A “Then you ace acquainted with these Black Hills?”’ said Frank, when Barker bad finished his story. ‘Yes. 1 know every hill, hollow and stream, and about two months before my incarceration in tLe with & young ranger in whom I took a deep interest, and whom I would love to sec.’ ‘ “ Did you make hima ign of somet hing ornee?” asked Frank, as a thought occurred to his mind. : “Yes; a trained, peteagle. Have you met Rodger Rainbolt?”’ “Yes; it was he who dealt—" began Frank but at this juncture Flick O'Flynn appeand from the entrance and.interrupted him, saying: “Ay, b'ys, and it’s a divil av a lime we're foirg to have. The red divils have found out our biding- sphot, and th’y're swharming like hornits arliound us on tbe ouisiie. Musba! it’s fite ‘r stharve, so bring yer tools, b’ys, and come to the front.” “Jsn’t this cavern called Bear’s Cave?” suddenly asked Barker, as they started to their feet in alarm, **Tidade it is,’ responded O'Flynn. * Great Heavens!” exclaimed Barker, ‘‘I had for ; gotten the place, Do you know that there are t.0 “ia * Holy Mother, no!’ responded Flick, Footsteps sounded in the ee ‘behind them. They glanced back, A cry of horror escaped each | lip, for with a flaming torch in one hand, anda toma- hawk in the other, ty foe ld a secre of savages 7 by the young chief Allacotah, advancing toward } thein, a , td att LT Quick as thought Frank and Willis raised their bag oe rifles and fired. Allacotah fell dead, with : a bullet through his-heart. Again and again the ae? young men fired until every chamber of their rifies — ore wasempty. A savage fell atevery shot. The ot ra recoiled, then when the war-whoop of another pa: eS coming in at the ‘entrance rolled gg the } es cavern, they rallied and closed in upon our friends The conflict was short. Our-friends were al], save ~ A one, overpowered and made prisoners, Gustave = Barker, like the phantom that he seemed, had glided. oss from the cavern and n.ade his escape in the woods. eagle And now a wail of lamentation echoed through | se the cavern, as the savages gathered around the life- 3 less form of their young chief Allacotah. Victory a aeete had been dearly bought by them. es their a; chief, a dozen of the t warriors lay dead, while +4 not cne of their enemies had fallen. Though it- hawked the captives, they dare nct, for the great chief, Black Bear, had ordered that all captives be on eae brought to the village alive and un- rmed. ase ee = hares Litters were constructed of begeahy ia the dead and wounded placed upon them to be taken back to = the village. 2 SEY Masha * The prisoners’ feet were unbound and they per- mitted to stand; and then with their hands bound at = their backs, they were marched out the cavern. The first glimmer of approaching day was begin. — the dead had been brought from ning to streak the eastern sky ins aed ries h i e cavern, and then the party filed away, t=sough the forest in the direction of the Tndian ville — _ RAINBOLT MEETS WITH AN ACCIDENT. | Rarsour halted before the mysterious So. non: : Strange, a smile resting DB Fey roe Feel cling
Page 14
* And why se—why 80, my lord?” oia. posed you were on the Pacific coast with ne. ” “Sot have been, my lord, and a right merry time had old wep and I.”’ *T should have thought you would have remained th Mr Strange, with your old friend of the sea,” said nbolt, scarcely knowing what to make of the strange man. sar wo have remained, my lord. but in making Py passage over these hills when I saw you before, eard 4 dark secret connected with them, and that an awful demon rode on the midnight air over the Seg ES striking terror to every heart, every heart, m ee % And who told you so much, Mr. Strange?” * The wind, the wind, my lord. And the secret I'll fathom and the demon I'll slay. And now, is there aught of the past or future you would wish me to know, my lord?” “There is mucb I would like to know, Mr. Strange,”’ replied the ranger, ‘* but I can searcely re- member any thing, now.’ “You doubt me, my lord, but hearken: Your wife lives, my lord, and seek you not another! Ay, you start, but it isso. And let me tell you more, my lord. Since God in his mercy saved you from death at the falls, you need have nec fear of your fellow- men. Your shoulders bear the weight of no crime; ou were the victim of a foul plot—the letter was orged by one Duval Dungarvon in hopes of having you hung, hung, my lord.” As the strange man* concluded, he turned and strode briskly away, misses J the ranger seated alone upon his animal, completely dumfounded and mys- tified. “Whe is he? Who is he?” muttered the ranger himself; “he is a queer, strange creature, one that knows al! about my past, and can even read my thoughts. Heavens! what if it is—no, it can’t be, but I will overtake him and make farther inquiries.”’ Rairbolt spoke to his animal and dashed away in pursuit of Solomon Strange, but he had gone but a short: distance, when a lithe figure glided suddenly across his path, frightened his animal, causing it to rear and plunge wildly and throw its rider to the ground, and unfortunately, in the fall, the ranger’s nea struck upon a sharp rock, completely stunning im. : As the unfortunate man lay thus unconscious, the figure that had frightened his anima! glided from the undergrowth and bent over his prostrate form. It was the Indian woman, Silver Voice. As she gazed down into the ranger’s face, a low, convulsive sob burst. from ‘her lips, and then she stooped and kissed his pale lips. “Ob, mr God!’’ she sobbed, ‘have I killed him? Oh. Warren, my love, my a Let: me hear you 6¢7 that you'forgive. I did not intend to scare your po ay. h, Warren! Warren! my wronged and for- saken husband, are you dead at last? But perhaps ‘t is better that you never lived to die with shame for her you loved.” “Florence,” Silver Voice started up. It was the ranger’s lips that articulated the name. The voice of the woman ~eemea to recal’ hini back to consciousness. He opened his eyes, gazea around him’and up into the face of the womar. bending overhim. He recognized the face beneath its dusky paint,and springing up tike on@ delirious, he clasped the form of the woman ic his arms and pressed her to his breast. * Florence, my wife,” he cried, “have I found “you, whom ths world thinks dead?” She trie¢ to free herself from his embrace, say- ing: R Yes, yor have found me, Warren, but in disgrace and disguise.” “Oh, God! Florence, my darling wife, what do you mean?’ ‘“*T mean that 1 am no longer worthy of your love. {+ wil only wound your heart deeper to tell you. Gc, and forget me,” and sbe turned to leave, but the ranger detained her, “Stay, Florence, donot leave me. You are mine. Mine te love, and mine to cherish. Why do you turr from me?” * Because I am no longer worthy of your love, but God knewe = supposed ee dead.’ “Wiorence, my wife, I can guess your secret. You ar.: the wite of an Indian.” “Oh, God! if is buv too true, Warren; for two ears f have beer: the wife ot Allacotah—a noble and nd young chief, in whose veins courses Anglo- Saxon blood by nature, if not by birth.” PR ranger groaned aloud, as though his heart was rsting. “Ther you leve your Indian husband, Florence?” he asked “No, Lonly admired him for his kindness and no- ble princi les, such as nc other Indian ever pos- sessed. I me his wife onlv for protection from the insulte of hiv people and the Patol of my peo- ple. But I supposed you dead; Warren. Your ser- vant tola. me he had seen you dashed to pieces over he sevil’e Tarn. Never, until the night you res- cuc? Silvia from Black Bear, did I know you lived. And now you know my secret, my disgrace, Warren, sc let ce veal * No, Florence, you are mine. What you have done makes me love you all the stronger. It is no disgrace ; it is only what a strong, brave and sensible womar wou d and should have done under such try- ing circumstances.” But, Warren, you love another—you leve my sis- ter, Silvia.” “Only because she ix your sister. God knows T — could love another as I do you, my angel, lorence. Before Silver Voice could reply, Echo, the eagle, The Sky Demon. darted down through the forest with his warning cry of danger. Turning quickly around, the ranger ard his wife— for such she was, dear reader—saw a number of savages coming directly toward them. “Oh, Warren,” the woman cried, ‘“‘they are sav- Sass fly for your life! They hate you—they will ou!’ “Life is nothing more-to me, Florence, without you,” replied the ranger, calmly. “Then fly, Warren, for my seke!” The ranger stooped and kissed the sweet, plead- ing lips of his wife, and with a feeling of joy that had long been a stranger to his heart, he turned, and catching his animal that was grazing near, sprung into the saddle and dashed sharply away. He at once shaped his course for his cavern bee which he reached after two hours’ brisk riding. On entering Silvia’s apartment, what was his sur- prise to find a young man seated therein with her! As he entered, Bivie and the stranger rose to their feet, when the maiden said: bis My friend, Mr, Walter Lyman, Mr, Rainbolt.” CHAPTER XXI. STARTLING NEWS. Tur ranger grasped young Lyman by the hand, and gazing tnto his eyes eenerirey) said: “‘T am sure we have met before, Mr. Lyman.” “Yes, sir; on the night you rescued Colonel Way- land Sanford and his party from the Indians,” 1e- turned Lyman. “Yes, yes, [remember you now; but where are the ress of your party?” *‘T know where none of them are but Colonel San- ford. Yesterday I became separated from my friends, and In wandering by the falls to-day I met pe Sanford, who invited me into your hidden ome.” “You are a thousand times welcome, Mr. Lyman. But. you said you knew where Mr. Sanford was, I believe.” “Yes, cir; he is dead,” the young man returned, seriously. “Dead!” exclaimed the ranger, starting up and glancing at Silvia, who was weeping tears of ecrrow, * Wayland Sanford dead ?” ‘Yes; he fell dead -with the heart disease a few moments after you left that night. He was buried in the glade where he died,” The ranger dropped fnto a chair. A silence that was broken only by Silvia’s sobs fell upon the place. Young Lyman watched the ranger’s face with deep interest, and saw that he was terribly agitated. Presently Silvia raised her head from the table and asked: “Mr, Rainbolt, what was written upon that paper which you gave father the night you met him?” The ranger was much surprised by the question, but replied: “T wrote that Rodger Rainbolt and Warren Wal- raven were one and the same person.” eect your name is not Redger Rainbolt?” asked via. “No; my name is Warren Walraven.” 3 And d you know my father? and did he know you?” “Yes. Why shouldn’t he, when his daughter Florence, your sister, Silvia, is my wifi?” “Rodger, you are jesting!’’ Silvia exclaimed, “Tam not, Silvia. I have long thought I would tell you this.” . “But we never knew that Florence was married before she died, or drowned herself.”” “No, Silvia, we mere married secretly. You were in Omaha at the time, so I never saw you until the night I rescued you from Black Bear,” said the ranger. ‘ And let me tell you something else that will surprise you. Florence is not dead.” “ Rodger!” Silvia gasped, “‘ is that true?” “Tt is, Silvia. The woman in Indian disguise known as Silver Voice is Florence.” “Rodger, it is impossible! Silver Voice is the wife of an Indian chief.” “Yes, Silvia; but for all that she is Florence,” said the ranger}; and he went on and related the cause of Florence’s flight to the Indian country and ach a to Allacotah, as Florence had related t m, “Then Florence did not commit a willful wrong in marrying the chief, But bins did you not make your existence known to her before she fled?” In reply to this the ranger related the story of his trials and sufferings, of which the reader is already aware. He stated that when he went over the falls in a canoe the little craft alighted upon its end in such & way as not to injure him severely, and that, by some chance, it was thrown backward under the falls instead of outward. Here he discovered the cavern that he had made his home. “ And where is Florence now?” asked Silvia. “T left her in the forest, near the Incian encamp- tment. She begged me to fly, to escape 9. band of Indians we saw approaching. I did so; but since go have company, and it is some time until night, will go in search of her.” **Oh, do, Rodger! and bring her here!”’ cried Sil- a The ranger turned to leave the room, saying: “JT will go and try, but I fear I can never induce her to leave the Indians.” Before Silvia could reply he was gonet CHAPTER XXII. A STRANGE INTERVIEW. Ir is a night of fearful storm, but one that has been full of events to the captives. Taken to the Indian village, they were doomed to the stake; but wa EE SIE GE cies | al a Sree. ‘ ters pom + ¢ - > oe eee eee the counterfeit Black Bear coming in with Florence, had learned alli—the assault on the cave, the death of Allacotal, which freed the unhappy wife from a bond that must have broken, ber hear ay co- py sapenz J with Rainbolt, whom Florence brought to the guidance of the released captives, the ve Solomon Strange had, under cover °f the storm, set the whole party free; and we now behold them athered in the ger’s Cave, happy enough over heir release. But the happiest of all was the ranger himself, who, with his restored wife in his arms, was repaid for his tong, long days of suffer- ing. Only Solomon Strange was abroad that night. Furiously the wind drove in his face as he moved westward through the woods, guided by the light+ ning’s glare. But what cared the mysterious Solo- mon Strange for the bellowing thunder, the rum- bling wind, the sullen roar of the trees, the crashin of falling timber, the vivid lightning and the rain Ah, what cared he? On through the forest aisles he went, On, on. Presently he entered a small opening in the weods and stopped. That spot seemed to recall a dark deed to his mind, for if was there that Le had beatcn down the renegade, Blufe Brandon; and bu’ a little ways off he could hear the waters rushing wildly through the black gorge into which he had thrown the body. After a moment’s pause be crossed the glade and entered the forest. A few steps more and he bad eppreetes in the cavern, wherein that day he had left his bearskin disguise. Ten minutes passed and then he came forth again, but he wore not the disguise of the Black Bear. His long yellow hair and whiskers floated around his ep and face like ragged streamers in the wild winds. At the mouth of the cavern he paused and Jeaned upon his knotted club. Just then a vivid fiash of lightning revealed the figure of a man with a thin, ghastly face and hollow eyes standing before him. He stepped back and raised his club, for sure was he that an apparition confronted him. Another flash of lightning.. The figure stillis there, Solomon Strange started like a guilty thing, as he recognized the man’s features—the features of the renegade, Blufe Brandon. “ Brande n, is it you?” he asked. “Yes; who are you?” returned the supposed de- funct renegade. “T am Solomon Strange, the Wizard of the West, the same who beat you down in the forest glade, and tumbled you into the gorge for dead. Ho! ho! aright merry time have I had playing Black Bear, Your bearskin fit me to a gnat’s heel, Mr. Blufe, and then I went up to the robbers’ ranch and passed ny- self off as Black Bear, and was initiated in the Brotherhood of Mountain Men, as you had arranged at the Devil’s Tarn. Ob, a right joily time had Duval Dungarvon and I, Mr. Blufe. A gay dog is Captain Duval, but he got drunk and I didn't, and the reason was, he peared goblets of liquor dcwn his‘ throat, while I poured just as much down—upon the floor. And while Duval, the thirsty dog, lay dead drunk, I stole a bottle of his best, gave it to his prisoners, and then let them out, locked the empty prison and hid the key, Mr. Blufe. And all this merry sport I've had in your bearskin, and no one knew but I was Black Bear himself. But how Ca Tam that youare not dead, Mr. Blufe, for I felt like I had done a dirty little deed when I flung you into the gorge, so deep, so dark, Mr. Blufe.”’. » “I believe you are an infernal fool,” returned the bruised and wounded renegade, growing enraged at what. he knew must be so. ‘ Whew! how the winds blow,” continued Strange, ‘*Come into the cavern and I will tell you more, Mr. Blufe; Come in where the rain won’t wash i into the gorge, for there is only a shadow of you Jeft, you unfortunate dog.” Hy te the devil,” responded the renegade; ‘‘ I wilk not go in,” “Bnt you must yer he must hear me, Mr. Blufe,” and Strange seized him, and dragging him into the cavern, compelled him to listen to an hour's tales and talk. When he had finished, however, he turned and glided out the cavern into the forest. Soon after Blufe Brandon, weak with loss of blood and fasting, emerged from the cave and moved slowly away toward the Indian encampment, curs- ing the mysterious author of his sore bones and bruised head. An hour after his interview with the resurrected chief, Solomon Strange was seated under the shelter of a great pine, in conversation with another man one whom he had requested to meet him there—at the Devil’s Tarn. That man was the white-haired prisoner of the robbers’ ranch, Gustave Barker. For hours they sat and conversed as though no storm was raging around them. Finally the storm died auey, and as the moon struggled out through the rifts in the skurrying clouds,Solomon Strange and his companion Jeft their seat beneath the great pine by the Devil’s Tarn, and took their way eastward through the forest. CHAPTER XXIII. MornING ree ed bi H ht ‘4nd eften af the nigh wn a of the storm. “hs Kiersey; : Our friends in the ranger’s cavern breakfasted early, for they were anxious to be off for the land of etvilization Captain Warren Walraven concluded to give up his wild, secluded life, and with. his angel wife back to his old home in Iowa, ; eof
Page 15
Though Ebony Jim and Flick O tc accompany them beyond the hills, they no desire to quit their nomadic life of hunters, and, in token of his respect for them, Rodger Rainbolt presented them his hidden home and all its appurtenances, Purl’, the pet panther. and his library, though, unfortunately, neither o them could read ‘a word, Echo, the eagle, the ranger resolved to keep, so long as a feather of him was left. As for Frank and Willis Armond, Ralph Rodman 2nd Walter Lyman, they were full satisfied with heir few days of ‘“‘reereation in the mountains,”’ and concluded to go back to Omaha. When all were ready to leave the cavern, Florence turned to her husband and said: * Oh, Warren! how I would love to visit father’s were going i: lonely grave before we return to the East.”’ ‘And I, too,” said Silvia; ‘it would afford me great consolation to look upon poor father’s grave before we go away.” ‘* Your desire shall be granted, my dear children,” said the ranger, with tears of tenderness in his eyes. And s° they left the cavern. The ranger called up his faithful mustang, and having bridled and saddled it, mounted the women upon it. hen, with the (seeming) indispensable and e*on- cious saddle-bags, which he always carried, (..cown across his arm, the ranger took the lead and the party movedaway. Echo, the eagle, had been sent away in advance to keep bis wary watch for danger before, while Ebony and Flick were sent out on either side to watch out — any enemies that might be disposed to attack them. Their progress was slow and tedious, and it was not until the end of the third day that they reacbed the little glade wherein Wayland Sanford had been buried. The young sportsmen found the grave as they had left it, though the bodies of the savages were _~ That night the party encamped in the glade by the grave. After supper had been prepared and eaten, and while the party sat around the camp-fire conversing, the subject of the Aerial Demon came un. After each one had given his opinion and views on the subject, the ranger started to his feet. Baying: * Indeed, I have been neglecting our Safety. will fo out into the forest and reconnoiter the immediate vicinty for lurking danger, then we must station guards for the night,” and as he concluded he stooped and whispered something to Florence and Silvia, then turned, and calling his eagle, that had perched itself in a tree-top, walked away into the forest, though tone but the women noticed that he took his capa- cious saddle-bags with bim. In about ten minutes he returned, * Any signs ob danger, capt’ing?”’ asked Ebony. ‘‘None whatever,” returned the captain; “‘but where can Echo be?” and, as he concluded, he placed the horn to his lips and blew a blast that echoed far away through the hills. Ina moment a scream was heard down the valley, and all eyes were instantly turned that way. An exclamation of horror burst from the lips of * .twe hunters and the four young sportsmen. fhe, saw the Aerial Demon coming up the valley towaid them! The women uttered a little scream, while Rainbolt burst into a hearty laugh, then he placed the horn to his hps and blew another blast. / At this juncture the Aerial Demon was directly “over the camp, and as the blast of the horn pealed d creature ceased its flight and settled ths excited group! A cry of surprise, followed by a ringing laugh, pealed from every lip. The mystery of the Aerial Demon was explained, and the two hunters and four young sportsmen felt no little ashamed of their fears of such a harmless but, after all, a rather mysterious contrivance of Rodger Rainbolt. , _ us analyze the Aerial Demon, the terror of the ndians: ok it received its motive power from Echo, the eagle. Second, its great arms, that beat and buffeted the air, were the eagle's wings, and the screams that it u‘t-reG were Echo’s screams. Third, the head of the demom was simply a dark- lantern, light and dextrously made, and carefully fastened upon Echo’s back between the wings. Fourth, the ghastly proportions, revealed by the flame, resembling a human frame, «ras the represent- ation of @ skeleton, made of light, dry pine, and sus- pended beneath the eagle by means of a small ahs attached to it and passing over the back of the irc And this was the mystery of the Aerial Demon—a clever and ingenious contrivance, which, on more than one occasion, had saved the life of its origina- tor! Only the patience of Rodger Rainbolt, in train- ing Echo to perform those aerial missions, with al- most a humaa understanding, could have produced oie * aaa saddle-bags h e capacious e- e always carried were the repository of the rude contrivance, Ebony was at last forced to fg up the idea that the Aerial Demon was the Old Nick, and be hard for the eagle and the demon that he might use it to work on the fears of the Indians. The ranger would not part with his noble bird, but gave the lantern and fixtures to the darky, who de- clared he would catch and train a hawk, or an owl, at 17 — eh ble. s And so was spent as well as circum- stances would admit, with our friends, Morning dawned and warm, cut, the bo down, down into the very midst ers of the The Sky Demo The party breakfasted upon wild pigeon and veni- son procured by the two hunters, and prepared by Florence. a When they were ready to resume their journey, Florence drew her husband toward her father’s grave, and said: : “ Warren, promise me by this grave that you will forgive my father the wrongs he has done you.” Let hat,” he said, kissing her pleading lips, “be ~~ seal to the promise which I grant with all my eart.”’ * Ho, ho, ho! by the mysteries of the Aexial De- mon! Here am I in the camp of a party of lords and ladies!” All eyes were turned upon the speaker. It was the mysterious Soionion Strange, who had ghar from the forest at this juncture, and halted in their midst, Florence and Silvia exchanged significant smiles. “Tam glad to meet you, Mr, Strange,’ said Cap- tain Walraven, * And I you, my lord; but you all seem as serious as though you were in a graveyard reading the in- scriptions on the gravestones.’ ; ‘* Sir, those ladies’ father lies buried there,”’ said Frank, pointing to the grave. * Ho, ho!” laughed Strange; “and how know you that, my boy?” - Mr eat I helped to bury him there,” returned rank, * And what would you think, boy, if I, Solomon Strange, gifted with the power of the ancient sooth- sayers, should tell you that you are guilty of bury- ing a live man there?” “JT would think you were a fool,” retorted Frank. “*Toerr is human, to forgive divine;’ but I will prove it to you, my boy,” said Strange; and as he concluded, began to unfasten the strips of bark and twisted grass from his limbs. This done, his ragged garments dropped from bis body, revealing it dressed in a fashionable suit of dark cloth, Then the man placed his hands to his head and face, and tore off the wig aud mask of long yellow hair and whiskers, aud— Clonel Wayland Sunford stood before them in per- fect health ! The young sportsmen, the two hunters, and Rod- ger Rainbclt were completely dumfounded, and mons back as if from a ghost, unable to utter a word. A merry peal of laughter rung from the sisters’ lips. They knew their father lived, and were pre- pared for the meeting. He had made known his ex- istence to Florence in the Indian encampment, hence their private interviews there, Florence then com- municated the fact to Silvia, “Ha, ha, ha!” laughed the colonel; *‘do you be- peiere now, my boy, that you buried a live man there?” ‘*Uncle Wayland Sanford!” exclaimed Frank, real- izing the startling fact, “‘ howin the name of Heaven did you escape?’ Ks y enough, since you had buried mec ina state of catalepsy. brought on by excitement and se oe and not very deep in the ground, for when I re- gained consciousness I found I was in the ground, the dirt mostly off of me, and 2 gee of wolves lowering around, The beasts had dug the dirt away. The young men came forward and congratulated the colonel on his resurrection and escape. Rain- bolt took him by the hand, and said: “Tam happy to meet you thus, Wayland Sanford; your part has been well played. Solomon Strange was @ strange man, and the mystery connected with him stands revealed.” ““Warren Walraven,”’ returned the colonel, “it eases my heart to hear you talk thus—I, who, so—”’ ‘* Never mind, colonel, never mind, I know what you would. say. Let the past be forgotten,” said the ranger, “So be it, thank God!’ murmured the colonel. At this moment Gustave Barker emerged from the woods and joined the happy up, Mh wae Sanford’s loner had been doubly re- warded. re When he had returned to consciousness and found that he had been buried for dead, that his youn friends were gone, and recalled his situation, the las he knew before he fell unconscious from the shock the news Rainbolt had communicated to him had given him, he arose from his shallow grave, beat off the wolves that had, fortunately, dug him out; and then he resolved upon disguising himself and going forth to meet the ranger, and bring to justice the man who held him in h’'s power. He knew full well that Duval Dungarvon was the direct cause of Silvia’s abduction, and he determined to find him and compel him to acknowledge his innocence in the Miner’s Gulch affair to the world. Before leaving the grave, however, he filled it up, smoothed it over and then covered it with the brush which he supposed his friends left over it. His ob- ject in this was to surprise them just as we have ceen, should they ever return there. Procuring bis disguise, he set forth. What he ac- opmprahes the reader has already seen. . After some delay the party resumed its journey toward Cheyenne City, increased in number by the colonel and his old friend, Gustave Barker. In the course of several days they arrived at the city. There Ebony Jim and Flick O’Flynn bid them adieu and returned to the mountains, where they still remain; but as the Aerial Demon has never been heard of since Rodger Rainbolt left there, it is su that Ebony ‘* couldn't make it work.” via and her father were so ov wered with , that the: ve up their visit to California, and 2 hee with their ends to Omaha. 15 Captain Warren Walraven and his beautiful wife, Florence, reside at Council Biuffs, Iowa; and as it is but a little ways over to Omaha, they often go over to see Walter and Silvia Lyman, who had plighted their love in the ranger’s cavern, away among the Black Hills, and who became man and wife shortly after their return home. Willis, Frank and Ralph are still single, and often declare that Walter got the “ best. of the summer's recreation.” « Colonel Sanford and hs frietid, Barker, reside in Omaha. And so we leave them. CHAPTER XXIV. 2 CONCLUSION. Once more, dear reader, let us go back to the Devil’s Tarn. : : It is night, but the moon is flocding the hill, wood and valley with its light. Within its light, on the banks of a stream at the verge of the roaring falls, a man is standing, ever and anon glancing impatiently around him. It is Duval Dungarvon, the robber-captain, and who is he there to meet? The bushes part near him and a man stands be- fore him. : It is Blufe Brandon, the renegade, and he is to meet Duval Dungarvon. “Well, you've got along at‘last, have you?” asked Dungarvon, as the chief approached him, “I re- ceived your message and came at once to meet you, and here I’ve been waiting for an hour; but have you any news from the girl?” “Tam sorry, Duval, that I wasn’t here at the - = pointed hour, but the fact is, I've been scarcely ab to walk for several days; and the girl—well, 1'll tell you soon.” “Why, Blufe, what ails you? your voice sounds like the grave. Several days? why you were well oe the night you became one of the brother- 1 aD as “Dungarvon, you're a fool.” “Why so! what do you mean, Blufe?”’ “Just what Isay. The other night that we met here, @ man was concealed where he heard every word wé said, and when we parted, he followed me, beat me down, stripped cff my bearskin and put it on himself, threw me into a gorge. where1 lay, more dead than alive, several days. The night of the storm I recovered sufficient to get out of the gorge just as a flood of water came sweeping down. I moved off toward my village, and on the way L met the man who had-beat me down, robbed me of my disguise, and tl¥ew me into the gorge. He seized me, dragged me into a cavern, and told me he had been passing himsclf off as Black Rear, with: success, and—”’ ‘“Ha!l hal ha!” roared Dungarvon; “well. you Indians must be a set of cursed fools, blind at that, to let a stranger fool them in that manner.” “ Well, he ¢i?,”’ continued Prandon, “ and he went up to your ranch and was initiated into your band as Black Pear, and now who’s the blind fools? hat ha! ha! Duval Dungarvon and dis men!” “Brandon, you're lying as fast as you can talk.” “Not a bit of it, my gallant Duval; but hear me through. The man said you met him at Lone Pine, told him all about your ceremony, as he heard you promise to tell me; then he said you told him ali about your killing the miner on the Yuba, swearing the deed onto Wayland Sanford; you throwing Bar- ker into the shaft; the escape of ford; the affair about the girl. Florence; the death of one Captain Walraven; and the capture of Parker, the hero of the Yuba shaft, and two Omaha ‘larks,’ all of which were then in your prison at your ranch, Then he said you got drunk, and then he stole a bottle of Pater es Sarat peste tas nae ‘larks,’ let them out o n, e hid-the key.” = ‘‘ Blufe! is what you are telling true?” “True as gospel, captain.” * And did the man tell you his name?” a m was Waylan 4 Baga i uval Dungarvon w with anger, cursed wit rage. stamped with Birr. : slufe Brandon laughed in his face. Thisso enraged the robber-captain that he cealt the renegade a blow in the face that sent him heels over head into the brush. Brandon am up, and drawing a knife, rushed upon his:robber friend, wild with sudden rage. The two grappled. Irandon was the larger, and could have easily handled the robber, but he was still quite weak from his affair with Solomon Strange, and their strength was about matched. : “Curse youl” hissed the renegade, “your life shal) pay for that blow!” To and fro the struggling men swayed. Their faces were livid with rage. Thick and fast fell the deadly blows. The ground at their feet grew slippery wie ees Swen as last they fell, striking and ugging like madden asts. ey arose again to ther feet, staggered backward ae Toppling, fell over the cliff and were crushed to atoms, almost, against the jagged rocks as they Eropvet in the stream at the foot of the Devil's arn. Two figures came from the shadow of the woods, and walking to the edge of the cliff, looked down in- to the foam-lashed waters below. “Golly, de jig's up wid dem villains.” < ee and their blood is not on our heads, 80 it And Flick O'Flynn and Ebony Jim descended cliff, entered their canoe, pf in a moment ale eae De Se, SOS Sek atthe foot of the Devil’s Tarn, as ¥ sought thelr cavern retreat. THE END,»
Page 16
{ALO GU ED Pa nee For scH00Y *” HoME EN! ‘S 2 @e BS imelusive, WK so 3% #epuiar Mialogues and reramas in each book. Each rolnme 100 ifme sages, som post-paid, om receigt of price, TEN CENTS. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William St. N. Y. These volumes have been prepared with especial reference to their availability for Exhibitions, being adapted to schoois and parlors witt w without the furniture of a stage, and suited to SCHOLARS AND YOUNG PEOPLE of every age, both male and female It is fair to assum teat no other books in the market, at any price, contain so many useful and available dialogues and dramas of wit, pathos, humor and sentiment, — = $$$ $e —s Dime Dialocues, No. 1. Young Arerica. For three males and two femaies. | Zhe Golden Rule. For two maies and two temaies, asta Josephine’s Destiny. For four females, one male, The Gift of the inet Queen. For severai femaced dMeoting of the Muses. For nine ie ladies, The Folly of the Duel. For three male speakers. Tuken in and Done for. For two characters petting a Live Englishman. For three boys. Dogmatism. For three male speakers. Country Aunt’s Visit to the City. Several charactes®: ca Coane For male and female, The Ignorant Confounded. For two boys. Tht Two Romans. For two males For two ladies. The Fast Young Man. For two males. oe the Characters. For three males, foheeieal, For six fo The Year’s R eoboatna Twelve females, one male appy Family. For several “ animais * — will you Choose? For two boys, The Village with One Aidsiceean: For eight femaies The Rainbow. For several characters Pre Roe Pacey of May. For two little girls. and one male, How to write ‘Popular '’ Stories For twe males. we wok bey ae ma yy ne and the Old ane two a cog enables eed ad e or male and female ) Sensation at Last or two males, #rs. Sniffles's Confession. For male and female. Dime Dialogues, No. 2. The Greenhorn, For two males. Tne Mission of the Spirits. For five young ladies. The Genius of Liberty. Two males and one females, | The Three Men of Science. For four maiea, For ive kers, Cinderella or, the Little Giass Slipper. The Old Lady's Will. For four males. Secret of Success. r three speakers, f Doing Gocd. and Saying Bad. For severe! characters, { The Little Philosophers. For two little girts, How to Find an Heir. For five males, The Virtues, For six young ladies. A Connubial Eclogue. The Public Meeting. For five males and one female The English Traveler. For two males, Dime Dialogues, No. 3. The May Queen. For an entire school. Dress Reform Convention. For ten femaies Keeping Bad Company. A Farce. For five Maia. Courting Under Difficulties. Two males, one *arax3 National Representatives. A Bur leeque. Four maiez Escaping the Draft. For numerous males, The Fonteel Cook, For two males. Masterpiece, For two males and *wo femator The Two Romans. Fortwo males, The Same. Second Scene. For two males, Showing the White Feather. Fcur males, onc fewiels The Battle Call. A Recitative. For one mais, Staring 2 For ten or more versons. in ite. For three maler aud two femaiex Faith, fio and Charity. For three Kittle girla, Darby and Scam For two males and one female, “he May. A Floral dermal For six little girls. The Enchanted Princess. 2 males, sevoral fe: Honor to Whom Honor is Due. 7 males and1 femsis The Gentle Client. Several males and one female, Phrenology. A Discussion. For twenty males. The Stubdletown Volunteer, 2 males and 1 femate. A Scene from “ Paul Pry.” For four males. The Charms. For three males and one female. es Clock a8 Broom. For three little girls. igh ae A Coll i 4 For two boys. Bays. F or two males? heey ta PERS, conan uy. For oe The Reward of wiariience. ‘or four males, The Letter. For two males, Dime Dialogues, No. & The Three Guesses. Yor school or , @ Three READLE ASD ADAMS, 98 WILLIALI STREET, N. Y¥. General Dime Book Publishers. oolboys’ For tem bore a PE: eee