Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 1163) (1905 07)
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A. ) Soo ~) 4 . nd > aiv WY She . . nS . . . ON OL US ie IN weak ji! sl cca ah ax ERR TREE On ES, TER MELE DATS IE ITT SNE Ts SOIT: Ha JuLy, 1905, - ee peersaengeseneenmeeeeoe ner ogee a =e a > - 24 —— — = —— SS EEE ENTE ES LS 0 .0 Published Every Mi. . LW ERS & « O:, I ublishers, PRICE 5 CENTS. \s Month (JAMES SULLIVAN, Proprietor), 506 * 0 : é a “ 379 Pearl Street, New York. , & year. o ms DARE-DEVIL DAN, THE YOUNG PRAIRIE RANGER; Or, OLD ROSEBUD’S BOY BRIGADE, a Y OLD COC om as: SUBMOR GF “ VAGABOND JOH,” “THE DUMB SPY,” “ ANTELOPE ABE,” ‘ KEEN-KNIFE,” “ PROSPECT PETE,” BTC, BIO iy 4aA) Yi; ‘ VW) Wit bi BAA» f AAA AY Mi | if r| ( ‘3 gaY, BOYS, THIS "ERE LITTLE SNIPE'S THE GINOOINE, UNADULTERATED DARE-DEVIL DAN BRADY,” 3 = PLEIN S =o : | “San =S= we © - - Sore
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Dare-Devil Dan, The Young Prairie Ranger; OR, Old Rosebud’s Boy Brigade. A ROMANUE OF THE UPPER CHEYENNE, BY OLL COOMES, AGTHOR oF “THE DUMB SPY,” “‘ KEEN KNIFE,” “Asso JACK,” ‘THE BORDER KING,” ETC., ETC. CHAPTER I. THE BOY BRIGADE. ‘ Tarr were five of them—all hale and hearty young fellows upon. whose sun-browned faces shone a light indicatiVe of reckless, daring spirits. Scott Vail was twenty years of age and the eldest of the five. We was a tall, handsome fellow with a keen gray eye, clear-cut features, and a mouth, the expression of which was evi- dence of an indomitable will. Frank Bartlett was eighteen, Philip Gregg was seventeen. Pat Eagan was seventeen, of Irish extraction, end withal, a “broth of a boy.” Sol Warren was nineteen, and a young Hercules in stature and strength. Scott Vail was the accepted leader of the rty. All were dressed in the garb of hunters, They were encamped upon the banks of Grand river in Dakota, Rifles of the latest and most improved kind were lying around camp, and five belts, each containing two revolvers, were hanging upon a bush hard by. Out in alittle glade a few rods from camp five horses were picketed out to grass. Everything about the boys and their camps would have told, to the experienced eye, that they were amateurs, as indeed they we ». The shades of night had settled over the valley, supper had been dispatched, and the boy brigade was reclining under the spreading branches of a tree discussing its future course,. “This,” said Scott Vail, referring to his diary, ‘‘ makes the thirtieth day we have been out, and it will take a week yet to reach the buffalo range.” “Yes, longer,” observed Phil Gregg, “ if we go blundering along without a guide or com- ” “ And it’s a divil ave a mess of fools we’d be if wees couldn’t foller our own noses "long the stage road to the fort,” put in Pat Hagan. “VWhen we get to Fort Rice,” continued oung Vail, “1 am sure we'll have no difficulty i rocuring an old hunter for a guide.” ‘And if not, what then?’ inquires Sol Warren. “Why, I’m going to push on to the buffalo ds,” declares Scott Vail. “I started out to shoot a buffalo, and a buffalo ’m going to “That's the ghospel, Scotty, me b’y,” said Pat enthusiastically. ‘Och! and hav’n’t we alrheady had foine sphort killing deers and elks on the Loups, and antelopeses on the plains, hey? Nor divil the guide did we have, either! Whoop! begorras! I begins to feel as though mees war Pathrick Eagan, the bhloody Pirate o: one West!” d “Tt will do very well to hunt without a guide as long as we keep within bounds of civ- ilization, but you must remember, boys, that we're now getting into the land of Indians and robbers.” i = ‘“‘Qch! and may the saints keep us from thim bloody riggers!” exclaimed Pat. “ Hullo? observed Bartlett with a laugh, “Piraw Pat’s weakening.” - “Well, voys,” said Vail, “ we want to turn fn pretty soon so as to getan early start to- morrow mor ; 80, while you are spreading our bla SOE RE “OS eed are all right.” TT OOe—OOOOOll=*Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee— oo ass) 4 So saying, Seott turned and moved away through the dense dark woods. He soon came to a little opening in which the horses were at grass. Advancing he examined the picket pin of each and finding them all right, was about to retrace his steps to camp when bis ears were greeted by a sound like the rattle of wheels and the clattering-of hoofs combined. The sound was just audible, but after listening a few. moments he became satisfied that. it was madé By the east bound stage plying between Deadwood and Fort Rice. The stage road was about forty rods further on from camp, but impelled by curiosity the young man crossed the opening and entering the darkness hurried on in hopes of getting a glimpse of the stage before it passed by. The moon wasin the zenith and a line of light falling to earth before him told where the road lay.. Just within the darkness at the roadside Vail stopped, bent his head and list- ened. He could hear the noise of the ap- proaching stage quite distinctly now, but. high above that he suddenly heard a voice ring out; “ Halt there!” Tnstantly, almost, the stage came to a stand not over twenty yards from where young Vail stood, and peering through the bushes he saw five gleaming gun-barrels in the hands of five masked men pointed full at the breast of the driver. Full well the young bunter knew the mean- ing of what he saw; the stage had been stop- ped by road-agents, } ‘Don’t you move a muscle or you’re a dead man!” he heard one of. the outlaws say to the driver. Involuntarily Scott Vail’s hand sought his revolver, and not until that moment did he dis- cover that he had left them at camp, ‘“‘ What’s wrong, Jim?’ a passenger was heard to shout to the driver, opening the door of the coach and putting his head out. ‘‘Road-agents, that’s all,” was the laconic reply of the driver, who upon several occasions had halted at the command of these gentlemen of the road. ab “Git out of there, every one of you—one at a time,” commanded the outlaw leader. Muttered curses, mingled with a woman’s shriek, came from the coach, Then the door swung open and the lithe figure of a boy, of perhaps seventeen, leaped to the ground. ‘“< Throw up your hands, my lark!” thundered the ontiaw, ra Up went the boy’s hands in a twinkle. - Then one by one the otber passengers got out and were made to stand in a line with their hands up. The sixth and last one to alight was a woman—a young girl, who faint- ing, fell to the ground. Unthoughtedly, the boy er started to ber assistance, but « fierce oath from an outlaw sent bim back into line. Not a word of remonstrance nor a petition for mercy could Scott Vail hear from the lips of the terrified passengers. While four of the outlaws covered the party with their guns, the fifth one began the work of robbery, : The first man’s pockets yielded a goodly sum |- of money, a loaded revolver, a silver watch, and a jack-knife. ‘*Ig that all you’ve got about you worth | mentioning?’ asked the out’aw, as he placed the articles in a pair of saddle-bags., The second and third man was relieved of his valuables. The fourth was a stout old German, whose capacious pockets yielded a purse of silver coin, a pair of revolvers and a meerschaum pipe, ‘Ts that all you’ve got, cld man?” asked the -road-agent, after he bad gone through the Teuton’s pockets, “Yaw —effery ding I has on earthi” snapped the old passenger. “ That’s a lie, old sour-krout!” spoke up t”- boy-passenger, to the surprise and astonishnx of all, both robbers and passengers, pat _| society, and I want to make a raise. ES FD “What do you meap, sir?’ thundered the outlaw chief. “What I say; that Dutchman told you a fib. He’s got a boss gold watch in his boot- leg.” ‘Hullo! that boy’s been to Sunday-school, Cap,” exclaimed an outlaw, ‘‘and can’t even hear a lie told.” “He ish one leetle confederit mit dese bloody robbers!” declared the Dutchman, fairly grinding his teeth, The boy laughed in a strange, boyish way. The German was compelled to pull off his boots, which not only brought to light a fine chronometer, but something over a thousand dollars in greenbacks. The old fellow became almost frantic, as he saw his valuables go down the capacious maw of the outlaw’s saddle- bags. The boy was the last to receive the attention of the outlaws. ‘* Mister,” he said, ‘I haven’t a thing "bout me but two dollars, all I bad left after buying my passage to the fort. I’m poor’n a church Tl telk you what I'll do; if you’ll let me go along with you and learn to be a bloody road-agent, I'll tell you where you can get some more riches—lots of it. I alers wanted to be a bold, darin’ road-agent, and so run off from home and come up here to learn. I kalculated to rob this stage myself afore we got to Rice, if you hadn’t.” “If you know where there’s anything of yalue, out with it. We make no compromises with boys,” returned the outiaw chief, in a prowpt, business-like tone. ‘ Sposen I refuse?” “Thon I'll blow your head off,” and he lsid his hand on his revolver, and fixed his eyes upon the boy. ‘* Blow away then,” ‘“What a desperate boy!’ thought Scott Vail, who was still a spellbound witness to the robbery. “‘ Tell—quick, or I'll fire,” said the outlaw, drawing his weapon. : “Tet me jine your band, and divvy with me, and I'll tell.” “Take him up, Cap, take him up!” ex- — claimed the outlaws; ‘‘we can knock him in the head if he proves a dead weight.” ‘‘ All right, boy; then you shall be one of us, you young desperado,” said the chief, - pleased, as well as amazed, at the deliberate coolness of the boy. ¥ “Good! exclaimed the youth; “now, if you’)l look in that Dutchman’s tobacco-poush, you'll find a nice wad of riches.” The outlaw did so and found the boy had nok deceived him—another roll of National Bank notes came to light. ‘“‘ Mow, then,” said the cold-blooded young wretch, “this here young gal’s got a spankin’ fine gold ring, and if I’m to be one of you, let me try my hand on her.” And sc saying he advanced quickly to. the side of the girl, who by this time had recovered from her swoon and was standing near the coach, and taking her trembling hand in bis, A ine snatched the golden circlet from her nger. This act, more than ail others he had wit- nessed, fired the blood in Scott Vail’s veins. It aroused him to a sense of the fact that he had spent precious moments in inactivity—mo- ments that would have sufficed for him to have gone back to camp and brought his comrades to the assistance of the passengers. Even ye there might be time, he thought, and turning, che retraced his steps toward camp. But the young man’s delay had been fatal te the passengers in so fur as their possessions were concerned, for, when he returned to the scene of the robbery with bis friends, the out- laws were gone. The latter had taken one of the stage horses out of the harness for the use — of that young desperado, the boy passenger. who had gone off in triumph with them. The wildest excitement reigned amoug the passengers; but the presence of the young
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es ee eee pen Ces ro & : r hunters relieved them, to a great extent, of their fears. Scott Vail invited them to spend the night with them in their bivouac. Jim Floss, the stage-driver, proposed to go on with three horses if the passengers so de- sired; but the latter preferred to wait until morning, when all could proceed together; so the conveyance was pulled around to the camp and the horses unharnessed. , A fire was lighted to dispel the gloom, Its light revealed the faces of an excited and de- jected crowd. The old German’s face was knotted with what seemed the pangs of mortal agony, and his ravings and outbursts of anger were almost demoniacal. But the white face of the girl passenger touched the hearts of the young hunters. It was the fair and lovely faeo of a girl of seventeen—one upon whom the boys looked with wonder and admiration, and in their heart of hearts swore to die in her de- fense should the sacrifice be demanded. Them. <n clung close at her father’s side - for even the assurance of their present safety did not seem to relieve her of some vague un- easiness. Thomas Field, the father of the girl, was a man of forty. His general appearance was that of a laboring man. His face was covered with a brown beard. His eyes were of a dull gray. In short, his features were, in a mea- sure, devoid of that expression of intellectuality so prominent in the face of his daughter, Adrian. After the general excitement had somewhat abated, the passengers and the boys seated themselves around the camp-fire to talk over . the robbery. ‘’We had just been talking,” said one of the passengers, “about the warm reception we would give a band of road-agents should they attack us. But I find talk is one thing and business another.” ‘““What makes me so awful madt as to mos’ kick myse’f out dis cuss ole country,” said Luke Melcher, the German, ‘ish dot tam- nated poy mit dem shleepy eyes. Mein Cott in Himmel! Shust t’ink ob dat ‘poy, peoples! He gits in mit us at Deadwood—he rides ‘long mit us never sayin’ noddings much, but set der’ mit dem, leetle shleepy eyes lookin’ like one blind shackass, and den turn out as he did—shust gives me all away to dem robbers! Oh, I ish a beggar! my watch, my moneys and mine pipe are all gone to ter tuyvil. Py shimmminy! I leaves dish countbry and goes back to my own native land if I has to walk every sthep of der vay!” “There is something queer about that con- founded boy,” said another passenger; ‘ he seemed a rather dull fellow all the time. He hadn’t much to say,and seemed half asleep most of the time, but I’m convinced now he was the most wide-awake man on the coach. I believe he is a confederate of them outlaws, and by some meaus gave the signal for the at- tack.” Thus the conversation ran on until midnight. Finally all laid down to rest but the young hunters who were placed on guard.’ Adrian Field was provided with a comfort- able couch in the stage, where sho rested but could not sleep. : : The young hunters shared their blankets with the passengers, ~ By daylight all was life and bustle in the camp, and just as the sun came up the coach moved out of the grove and on toward Fort Rice escorted by the five young hunters. They had journeyed but a short distance when they were joined by another person, who, mounted upon a lean yet nimble-looking mule, rode from the woods on the left leading a pack-horse that was loaded down with all sorts of trappings. ‘‘Hullo!” exclaimed Jim: Floss, the driver, “if it isn’t Old Rosebud Ben, Satao’s a fraud)” ; _ “That's who Ibe, my gay ribboneer. How @ye do, gentlefolks?” and the queer-looking eld borderman doffed his coon-skin to the as a ee a, as... Se ee eee ee ee ee STEUER NEESER EEE Dare-Devil Dan. young hunters and the eager faces looking from the coach. ‘“‘Good-morning, Rosebud,” replied the hunters, who had caught the name given by Floss, ; “You all seem to be out in the fresh o’ mornin’—must ’a’ bunked near, eh?” observed the old man; then looking up at Floss, he con- tinued: ** How’s it you’re only driven three hosses, Jim?—one o’ them kicked out .o’the breechin’?? ‘¢ Kicked out o’ nothin’,” replied the driver; ‘tone of my passengers rode him off, the infernal little road-agent!” ‘“‘What? Had a call from the light-fingers?” ““T should smile,” was the facetious Jim's reply. At this juncture tho old German let loose, and for five minutes: swore and raved like a madman, Finally Mr. Deering, one of the passengers, told Old Rosebud the story of their robbery and the strange conduct of that sleepy-looking boy. To the surprise of all Old Rosebud burst into a roar of laughter, and his mule catching the spirit, brayed lustily. “ And ye say the boy war a drowsy-lookin’ cub, eh?” ‘“Yes,” replied Deering, wondering what Rosebud could see in the affair to laugh at. “Say, folks, lookey here,” said Old Ben, thrusting his long, bony finger ont toward the passengers, ‘do you know who and what that boy might be?” = “* A better boy,” said one of the passengers. “Der tuyvil’s own brat!” snapped the Ger- man, “Whoa, Baalbec,” exclaimed Old Rosebud to his mule, which had suddenly lifted its ears in a significant manner, ‘what d’ye see, eh? Aha! A horseman, folks. Lookey yander! D’ye see bim flyin’ this way?’ Everybody answered in the affirmative, for down over the great plain that now lay before them, they saw a borseman riding at a furious, speed, and on behind, apparently in pursuit, came several others. “Down behind the hill—quick, Jim!” com- manded Old Ben. In a few moments all were concealed from view of the approaching horsemen. Old Rosebud dismounted, and, with his rifle in hand, crept up the hill until he could see over the plain. The party watched his move- ments as half-crouching he held bis rifle at a trail. Suddenly the foremost horseman appears in sight at the upper end of the ridge. Old Rose- bud straightens up his form. The horseman gallops toward him, and finally drawing rein before him, slips from the saddle to the ground. Then the astonished watchers see the horseman take Rosebud’s rifle’ and kneel at the feet of the old hunter. 3 All is breathless silence in the valley below. ‘** By Jerusalem crickets!” suddenly exclaims Jim Floss, ‘that’s the hoss the outlaws took from me last night, or I’m a goat!” ‘“‘ And that’ boy then’s got his head broke,” observed Deering. “Bless Gott!” says Melcher, rubbing his hands gleefully. _ A little ery breaks from Adrian’s lips, and she look’s away toward the hill, Still all eves are fixed upon the hunter and horseman. They see the latter kneeling, take aim at something beyond and fire. Then the two quickly rise to their feet and ‘start toward the coach. They move rapidly, leading the paating, foam-flecked horse. ‘‘ Look out down thar,” suddenly shouts Old Rosebud. “ Road-agents are comin’! ‘“My God! again?” cries a passenger, Quickly the young hunters draw their weap- ons and prepare for the conflict. The next moment four horsemen rise into view above the crest of the hill, but at sight of those in the valley they check their horses and turn to the right. ; ; In an instant he whom the outlaws nad been pane De SSE Pe Ee SSS ee ir ee ee eee en nce ee war ae aS i i a a a a ee rT ie at eee ene eae ee . pursuing was in his saddle, and looking toward the coach, shouted in a clear, ringing voice, magnetic in its martial tones: ‘Horsemen, come help me in the pursuit of those villains!” “Go, boys!” shouts, Old Rosebud, “ and follow the bravest boy on earth, Dare-Devil Dan!” Asif impelled by some irresistible influence, the young bunters dish away after the youth whose name to them was nothing new, yet whose existence they had regarded only in the wildest romance, On over the plain they speed. Their horses being fresh, they soon come up with the ranger, but they cannot pass him—they cannot see his face. On they dash. They are gaining rapidly upon the outlaws, whose horses were well-nigh exhausted when they became the pursued. Only a hundred yards intervene, when the pursuefs open fire upon them with their revolvers. The fugitives hear the whistling bullets and know that there is no other alternative but for them to fight. So they draw rein, turn and face the advancing foe with drawn weapons. A sharp revolyer fight ensues. A score of shots are quickly exchanged, Frank Bartlett’s arm drops at bis side disabled by an outlaw bullet. Dare-Devil Dan’s horse goes down with a wild scream of pain, but in an iustant the boy—for such he is—is upon his feet and fore- most. in the fight. But before the conflict has fairly begun, it has ended, and the freebooters are lying prone upon the earth dead or dying. And now, for the first time, the young amateur hunters look upon the face of their unknown leader in the conflict—into the won- derful eyes of that wonderful boy, Dare-Deyil Dan! And to his utmost surprise—yea, astonish- nient, Scott Vail saw that he was the boy who had helped the road-agents rob his fellow- passengers the night before—he who had stripped the circlet of gold from the fair Adrian’s finger! CHAPTER ITI. THE AMATEURS SECURE A GUIDE. OLp RoseBuD BEN, mounted upon his mule, rode upto where the amateurs and Dare-Devil Dan stood conversing by the dead outlaws. - “Hooray for you, Dare-Devil Dan’l!” he shouted, “ you’re still up to your old tricks, ar’n’t ye?—went thro’ em like a brindle bull ith a cur] in his for’ed, didn’t ye? I say, boys, this ’ere little snipe’s the ginoowine, unadulter- ated Dare-Devil Dan Brady—you’ve all hearn 0’ that animal, hav’n’t ye?” “ Yes, indeed,” replied young Vail, ‘‘but I never believed there was such a fellow. But, say, this young gent was one of the passengers on the coach last night and yet he helped to rob his fellow-passengers. I don’t understand it.” ; “'Spect not,” replied Old Rosebud, “ it takes sixteen coustitootional Jawyers to understand him; but he can explain it—I never see’d him in a scrape yet but what he could lie outen it jist as easy as slidin’ on ice, Come now, Danyil, stand up, yer little sinner, and make a clean breast o’ yer sins, or by thunder in the mountain, you can’t go into my society any longer. ’Splain yer double dealin’s with them passengers and these robbers, or I'l! have Baalbec fan you in the face with his off heel,” ' “Give me a chance then, will you?’ said the young ranger: “‘now you know, or ought to, that there was a big reward offered for Fenn Wier, the boss road-agent of these’ pats, dead or alive.” 7 ‘¢T should say I heard sich a thing intimated a thousand times or so,” observed Old Rose- — bud facetiously. ‘‘ Well, the reward’s mine,” continued Dan; “¢Wier lies out yonder deader’n the mother of Adam. This is why I done as I did—to get into the good favor of the outlaws, The offi- cers 0’ the stage-company know what my plans were, although they just swore Id come out at the little end of the horn in takin’ ‘ Ls
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a 4 in Fenn Wier who’d got away ’ith so many men. And what’s more, folks, every dollar and every jewel taken from them passengers last night are in them saddle-bags on that dead horse, and will be returned to their owners, Is this satisfactory, men?” ** Yes, yes,” exclaimed the amateurs, and then each advanced and shook the hand of the daring, desperate youth. Leaving the dead outlaws the party re- turned to the stage. All the passengers, exvept Adrian. Field, were standing outside upon the ground, The old German was still waxing wroth, and tke approach of that ‘“‘shleepy-eyed poy ” almost threw him into a fit of rage. “You leetle thief!” he roared, making a fearful lunge atthe boy. “I pees ’shustefied in bu’sting your head dose very minit!” Dan eladed his blow, laughing in the Ger- man’s face. *“Old sour-krout,” the youth said, “you needn’t bu’st yourself flounderin’ round here like a blind bull. I’ve brought your watch and gold all back to you,” ‘* Mein Cott! ish dat so?” “Course it is,” put in Rosebud Ben; “that boy’s no thief, but a bang-up, royal little dare-devil of a prairie ranger. He’s Dare- Devil Dan, bisself.” ‘*Py shimminy frost!” exclaimed the Ger- map, altering his tone and attitude. ‘I says all long to dis Dutchman dat dat shleepy-eyed poy vas no fool, and if I gits my moneys and my vatch all pack, I pelieves I.told dis ‘Dutchman der truth—if Ino gits my moneys ‘and vatch, den I haf told dis Dutchman one pig lie, hey?” “‘That’s a queer argymint,” said Dan as he seated himself on the ground, opened the sad- dle-bags and began to take therefrom the articles and money belenging to the passen- gers. The old German fairly cried with joy when he received his money back—every dollar of it. Adrian’s ring was the last article restored. With a smile upon his face the youth ad- vanced to the coach, and taking her hand re- placed the golden circlet upon the finger from which he had taken it. “T hope now you will forgive me, Miss _ Field,” he said; ‘‘ you see the end justified the the. means.” Every youth present would have given his good right hand to have stood before so fair a being as Adrian Field in the light that Dan did—a daring, dashing young hero. Scott Vail, more than al others, envied Dan the looks of admiration the maiden bestowed upon him, for, in the short time they had journeyed together, young Vail had learned to love Adrian Field. The body of the outlaw chief, Fenn Wier, was brought to the stage, and, wrapped ina bianket, placed on top of the vehicle to be taken to Fort Rice for identification before the reward could be obtained. _- Then the stage resumed its journey, its es- eort now being increased by Dare-Devil Dan and Old Rosebud Ben, and but for the pres- ence of the lifeless form on. the deck the bal- whce of the trip would have been a pleasant and s.erry journey. in due course of time the party reached the fort and the news of the death of Fenn Wier was received with joy; and Dare-Devil Dan became the hero of the hour, though Old Rose- ‘bud and the amateurs eame in for their share of the honors in the fight with the freebooters. During their sojourn together Dan and Rose- bod had formed such a warm attachment for the amateur hunters that, when the latter started for the buffalo range from the fort, they made up their minds to go with them. Thus with Rosebud Ben and Dare-Devil Dan as guides, a royal good time was promised. CHAPTER III. AN APPEAL FOR HELP, Tr 16 two woeks later and the scene of our > Mory has changed. oe in ne Dare-Devil Dan. ak ey eee at ps oO a! oe oe = aig AS ry pe Rie ae Through the valley of the upper Cheyenne seven horsemen, with two led horses loaded down with camp equipages, are making their way at an easy gait. They are the amateur hunters led by Old Rosebud and Dare-Devil Dan, A subject that had been discussed a dozen times since leaving Fort Rice is again the theme of conversation, And that subject is the quiet and mysterious manner in which Adrian Field and her father had disappeared from the fort soon after their arrival there. The mystery seems to be wearing heavily upon the minds of Dare-Devil Dan and Scott Vail, for they are not in their wonted spirits. But it is an easy matter for their comrades to see wherein lies the trouble: both were in love with the fair Adrian. “Rosebud,” Dan finally said, “ what is your theory of their disappearance? I’ve never heard you express your opinion on the subject yet. Come, tell us what you think.” “T should observats,” said Old Rosebud, with a twinkle in bis eye, ‘that the gal came to the conclusion that some o’ you young animals had become spooney on her, and so she took it into her wise little head to take her dad and skip out unbeknowenced to any one. It was cruel in her. to mash up a Jot o’ brave and splendorific young hearts, but gals are crueler than p’izen when they want to be, And then it might be a case o’ foul play—in fact, looks the most probable o’ the two.” There was little consolation to Scott and Dan in Rosebud’s words, The disappointment they felt was great, for on their arrival at Fort Rice they had hoped to be able to im- prove their acquaintance with Adrian. How- ever, neither one suspected the other of his admiration for the fair girl until she had dis- appeared. Then there could be no grounds for jealousy and the search, that lasted several days, for her was one of mutual interest, and when it proved unsuccessful, and they finally set out for the buffalo range, their heaviness of heart was shared by each other. On the fourth day out from the fort tbey camped on the Cheyenne river at the mouth of a‘ large creek, Evidence of a party having been in camp there recently was found hard by. There was the ashes of their fire, the tracks mado by booted feet and by’ horses. Old Rosebud thought a party of hunters had been camped there, but in this Dare-Devil Dan did not concur. He believed a band of outlaws had been there, _This difference led to another as to tho course they should now pursue to reach. tho best buffalo bunting. If the party were hunters and they had continued on up, the river, then it would be best for them to go up the creek, and vice versa, But if it was deter- mined beyond doubt that they were outlaws, then it would make little difference which route they took. As it was, however, Rosebud was in favor of going on up the river, Dan up the creek. Finally they agreed to let the matter rest until morning, and whether the unkncown party that preceded them were hunters or out- laws—had followed the ereek or river—take whichever route had not been traveled. When morning came and breakfast had been dispatched, Dan and Rosebud began’ searching the valley for the course of the unknown, and while thus engaged Old Rosebud found a piece of blye ribbon tied toa little twig. Turning, he hurried to camp, exclaiming: “ Boys, I do believe I’ve struck a clew!” He handed the ribbon to Sol Warren, who saw written upon it with an indelible pencil: these words, which he real aloud: “Help me! Oh save me! ADRIAN Frexp.”” ay My God! what does it mean?’ cried Scott rail. “What it says,” sales Old Rosebud; “the gal’s in trouble, She’s been kidnapped by outlaws, ‘and her father killed perhaps, Boys, there’s work for us to do.” ‘Work in a nobie cause,” said Vail, then turning to _ Bare-Devil Dan, who had just . Sete eae ae returned, he told him of the finding of the ribbon and the appeal for help from Adrian Field. ** Well,” said Dan, “‘ 1’m ready to foller them to purgatory, boys, to save the girl. I find they bave left.the valley and struck ie ae across the plains.” “The thunder you say! towards Devil's Lake.” “‘ Hope it’s full o’ brimstone and they’ll fall in,” said the boy; ‘‘ but Rosebud, the country off that way’s new to me,” “And to me,” said the hunter, “but, boy, Then thortta gone we'll make it familiar to ws but what we git them gals.” ‘Yes, and hot to the demons that earried her off,” said Sol Warren. Ina short space of time the paety were in their saddles following the horse-tracks leading across the prairie toward the north-east; and thus the hunters had become trailers, and a more brave and determined band «ver fol- lowed a trail. For two days they followed the tracks of the supposed outlaw abductors of Adrian. They were approaching the desolate and unfrequent- ed region of Devil’s Lake. pursuit had been well spent when Old Rise- bud Ben finally observed: ‘* Boys, this ’s gittin’ to be monotonous, and if we don’t sight our game soon we'll have to go into camp to graze our hosses and hunt some game for our larder.” “‘T think we'll find the outlaws on Devit's Lake,” said Dan. “Tye heard them say the lake is surrounded by wooded hills and gullies —jist such a place as arobber likes.” “Ho, my larks!” suddenly exclaimed Old Rosebud who had gained the summit of a little swell in advance of his friends, “thar’s a fine herd o’ buffalo in the flat jist over this swell, and three miles beyond is the woods o’ Devil’s Lake,” As he spoke the old hunter dropped from his saddle and came back to his friends out of sight of the buffalo. ‘‘That’s good news, Rosy,” said Dan, ‘‘ but. are you sure it ar’n’t a herd of deer or coyotes? Are you sure it wer’n’t dust on your eyebrows you seen?” @ ‘*Thunder in the mountains, boy! do I look excited? Doesn’t the very expression 0’ Baal- bec’s eyes, the poise o’ his ears, and the droop o’ his tail denote the presence o’ buffalo? I should observate they did.” “Then as were out of meat suppose we make a dash on the herd,” said Dan, “and give the boys their first buffalo?” All readily acquiesced in this suggestion and in a moment every mav had settled himself into his saddle, unslung his rifle, and loosened his revolvers. As the amateurs knew nothing of hunting the buffalo Old Rosebud gave them brief in- structions that would enable them to avert dan- ger and at the same time make good use of their chance. Then when all were ready the signal to ade vance was given and the hunters dashed over the hill and went flying down into the great flat like the wind. The buffaloes soon took the alarm and went thundering away toward the northward, but before they were fairly under way the hunters were upon the rear of the herd firing rapidly and with @eadly effect upon the shaggy beasts. One by one a wounded buffalo diopped out of the herd ard walked away toward the hills or fell dead or dying in its tracks, and still close upon the heels of the herd rode the hunters, Great wanton destruction would doubtless bave marked. that plain but for the sudden appear- ancs of a horseman on a hill to the west of the plateau. Old Rosebud was the first to maku the dis- covery. He called a halt as soon as he did. The buffalo sped on and were soon outof sight. The hunters dismounted to rest their panting horses. Scott Vail brought his fisld-glass to bear upon the unknown horseman that was over a mile away, — The third day of - - ate
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Dare-Devil Dan. *By heaven!” be cried, ‘that horseman is a@ woman!” ‘A woman! thunder in the mountains!” ex- elaimed Rosebud. Scott passed the glass to Dare-Devil Dan who scanned the horseman closely, then said: ‘Yes, it’s a woman, by cats, it is! but her face is covered with a black vail—mnoasked,” ‘Kind 0’ beats thunder in the mountains “Well, that’s what I can’t tell,” replied Dan, “bus propose to know, boys and, therefore, am going to make a reconnoiter over that way _ while you folks peel a buffalo or two.” ** You look sharp now, boy,” cautioned Old Rosebud, as Dan leaped into his saddle, ‘you know your failin’, and there may be a trap set for you baited with a pretty gal.” **Rosy,” said Dan, as he gathered up his rein, ‘‘whon wasI ever caughtinatrap? wher _ did I ever fail in an undertaking, eh?” **T don’t mean that, Daniel; but you know you allers go a-bilin’ with a whoop and hurrab, rip, snort and a bang, and some o’ these days you'll run ag’in’ a cyclone ’bout your own size.” , “Til take my chances,” said the daring youth as he galloped away toward the unknown .orsewoman who, as he approached, rode back »8hind the hill and disappeared from the ‘young ranger’s view in a little motte of scrub- ‘by cottonwoods. ‘ a Dan’s friends watched him until he had dis- appeared also, then they proceeded to skin one of the buffalo. While thus engaged the sharp yeport of firearms was heard off in the direc- tion the young ranger had gone. Dropping his knife Old Rosebud started up, fear and excitement written on his bearded face. ? «Thunder in the mountains!” he exclaimed, “that young dare-devil’s got his foot into it!” Scarcely had he spoken.ere a riderloss horse swept into view over a distant hill hotly pur- sued by half a dozen horsemen, , “By thunder! that are Dan’s horse, boys, and those in pursuit are Indians!” exclaimed Rosebud. ‘To horse, boys, for there are » _ gome bloody work to be done now!” In a few brief moments the ycung amateurs were in their saddles ready for the worst. “Come, boys,” said Old Rosebud, “let us Meet them red devils half-way and massacre them.” So saying the old plainsman dashed away fol- flowed by the young sportsmen with drawn fevolvers, Thick and fast were the adventures of that ‘day crowding upon the amateurs; but with all the nerve and dash of veteran rangers they galloped forward to mect the red-skins in bat- tle on the open plain. — Suddenly the horse the savages were chas- ing turned end came directly toward our friends, Seeing this the latter drew rein and prepared to receive the foe, but the wily red- skins were not to be caught riding imto such dangers, and turning their horses’ heads they galloped away toward the hills in a manner that seemed to dare the hunters to follow them, . *‘ By the mountain thunders, boys!” exclaim- ed Old Rosebud, as he watched the retreating foe, ‘‘ them fellers are not Ingins, but outlaws in disguise. I can tell by the way they ride.” Meanwhile Dare-Devil Dan’s horse came up panting with fear and exhaustion. “My God!” cried Old Rosebud; ‘ihere’s fiood on the saddle—the boy has been killed!” | CHAPTER Ty. ¥HE TOILS OF THE NEMESIS BEGIN TO TIGHTEN, DEEP and unutterable was the heartfelt sor- fow of the brigade of amateurs over the death of Dare Devil Dew. Old Rosebud felt certain i there could be no possible hope for the youth who had ridden into the power of a band of ambuseaded outlaws whose trap had doubtless s been cet for them all, Sol Warren—“ go at once and avenge our brave friend’s death?” . ‘*No, not now, boy. You see we're short on grub,” replied Old Rosebud with a sadness in his voice. ‘Let us finish skinning our buffalo, go over to yonder timber and go into camp, and prepare for defense, for them varmints ‘Il ,? | be affar us—we need not go after them any 3said Old Rosebud querulously; ‘‘can’t be the ;woman’s Adrian Field, can it?” turder.” So they returned, and securing the choicest parts of three buffalo, packed the same on their horses, and then beaded for the nearest point of timber on the south-western extremity of Devil’s Lake, This. they reached in due course of time, and to their surprise and joy drew up in front of an old deserted log cabin. To dismount, unsaddle and unpack their avimals and tether them out to grass was but the work of a few minutes, After this was done they took possession of the cabin, which, judging from the piles of bones lying around, had once been the home of a hunter. The roof had nearly all fallen in, and what remained was speedily cleared away, the rubbish removed from the floor, and the four walls thus left afforded the hunters a snug defense for a short siege. fi A fire was now lighted on the ground floor, water was brought in canteens from a spring hard by, and a supper of roasted buffalo-hump and hot coffee prepared and eaten with a keen relish. ; Meanwhile Old Rosebud had kept a sharp lookout for the outlaws, but nothing more was seen of them that evening. As the excitement of the moment died away Sol Warren proposed to make a reconnoissance off in the direction of the lake. Scott Vail voluntesred to accompany him, and with their friends’ urgent entreaties to be careful, they left the ‘‘fort,” as they called their defense, and moved away northward, Slowly and cautiously they picked their way through the deep tangled woods. Half an hour’s ‘walk brought them to the lake—a fair-- sized sheet of water, with rough, broken and irregular shores densely fringed with trees, willows and vines, ‘*Tt’s rather a desolate, dismal sheet, Scott,” observed Warren. “Yes, a fit summer resort for his Satanic Majesty,” replied young Vail; ‘‘but look over yonder, Sol; isn’t that smoke rising above them tree-tops?” ‘Smoke or fog one,” replied Sol; “ but it looks more like smoke. We can find out, how- ever, by going ’round that way.” The two moved along the shore in the direc- tion of the object of their curiosity. They had journeyed perhaps a mile when they pressed close to the water’s edge and stopped to take observations. The smoke could no longer be seen, but to their utmost surprise they discov- ered, half concealed under some trees and vines, what appeared to be a long, low cabin. They could see the Jower portion of one side under the trees, Gt stood on the very edge of the lake; in faci, a perch on the lake-side pro- jected out over the water. + of A hidden home, 3 should say,” observed “A robber’s nest, J should say,” replied blaff-spoken Sol Warren. ‘Vl bet anything on its being the retreat of evil— Hark!” They bent their heads and listened. The sound of a voice came to their ears; the sound of a voice singing in a low, sweet strain, and what was. most surprising, it was a woman's voice. ‘“‘By the eternal mystery, Scott,” said Sol, ‘¢we want to look out! Haven’t you heard of the sweet, enchanting voices of sirens, luring men to destruction?” For several moments the two listened to the sweet singer. Scott Vail’s brow became knit- ted and the muscles of his face twitched ner- vously. Sol saw that he was deeply, strangely | affected by the sweet, soft voice of the un- known singer. “Sul,” the young man finally said, “Tm ‘Well, what shall we do, Rosebud?” asked | not satisfied—I’m going to know more about that singer, siren or no siren.” “Why, what’s the matter with you, Scott?* “Doesn’t that voice sound the least bit familiar to you, Warren? or are your ears and heart both deaf and dead to the tender and the beautiful?” : ‘‘They may be,” replied Sol, with a smile, when he saw that his young friend was in downright earnest. — “To me, it does, Sol, and I would not be sur- prised should I discover that Adrian Field is in that house.” “Impossible, Scott, surely, impossible,” de- clared Warren. ““My—my feelings tell me not; but wait here, Sol, and I will see who it is, if such a thing is possible,” said Scott. ** Boy, you want to be careful or you'll hear some whistling as an accompaniment to that singing—the whistling of a bullet through your anatomy.” : But Vail could not be dissuaded from his course, and so he crept softly along toward the cabin, Within twenty paces of the west side of the building, he secreted himself in a clump of bushes, By this time, however, the voice of the singer had become silent, but the youth waited and watched, in hopes of catching a glimpse of her. He waited until he began ta grow impatient, for twilight shadows were now gathering in the woods, But for the feas that he would be treading upon perilous ani, deadly grounds, he would have advanced bold- ly to the house and satisfied himself, beyond a single doubt, as to who the inmates of the place were. Finally, however, his patience was in part rewarded by sight of a female figure appear- ing in the doorway of the cabin, but to his bitter disappointment, the shadows of the ovei- hanging boughs made it impossible for him to distinguish her features. Still strong in his conviction as to who the singer was, he re- solved to make his presence known, but before he could carry out this resolution, a piercing shriek smote upon his ears. It camo from back along the lake, beyond where he had left Sol Warren, It was a female voice crying for help. Without even a second thought the young hunter turned and glided back to where he had left Scl, but he found, on reaching there, that his friend was gone. Peering through the bushes around him his eyes finally rested upon a scene that caused the blood to leap wildly in his veins. Standing near the water’s edge—a light canoe rocking on the waves behind her, a steep bank before her—was a young girl the very picture of wondrous beauty. Her wealth of dark hair fell in disordered masses to her slender waist. Her head was bare, and her up- lifted face white with terror, On the bank above her suddenly appeared Sol Warren, to whom she lifted her eyes and hands {mplor- ingly, while far out upon the lake a canoe with a single occupant was approaching rapully, as if in pursuit of the girl. Ly “Ob, help me, stranger! Save me from the power of that man!” she cried in a pleading, piteous tone, as she lifted her gloved hands toward the stalwart youth. * ‘By the gods, I will!” exclaimed Sel, and dropping upon bis knees he reached down, and clasping the maiden’s hands, essayed t her up the bank. But scarcely had he exerted sufficient strength to lift her from het feet when both her hands slipped from his, leaving the gloves she wore in the hands of Warren, The girl staggered back with a strange, wild laugh, and at the same instant a cry as if of mortal pain burst from the lips of Sol Warie:, . “My God! what does that mean?” cried Scott Vail, as he saw his friend fall face down- ward upon the earth, where he lay writhin. as if in‘a fit of mortal agony. t Vail drew his revolver and was in the act of going to his friend’s rescue when a rifle in the woods on his right rung ou‘, and a Lullet tore its way across his breast, seeming to leave in
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Pe ee ee ee Se a ee its track a consuming fire. .The boy siworens} under the shock, but recovering himself, he- turned to defend his life.” As he did so he saw a lithe figure leap from cover of a tree, where still hung the smoke from the assassin’s wea- pon, and run as if to head him off from camp. To his profound surprise and astonishment he recognized the figure as that of Dare-Devil Dan, tbe Boy Ranger! In his hand he carried a revolver. His head was bare and he was coatless. He seemed covered with blood. Scott’s first impulse was to shout to him, but he refrained from so doing through fear of directing foes to his hiding-place. Moreover, the shot that had been fired at him bad come from behind the tree from whence the boy had appeared, and there was not a single doubt in his mind but that Dan had fired it, But why had be done so? Was it through mistake? or was there something deep, dark and mysteri- ous back of it all? These thoughts were not comforting to the wounded boy, nor had he much time for fur- ther reflection. He was growing sick. He felt the blood from his wound trickling down his body. He could no lotger see nor hear Sol Warren. He staggered from the thicket and on toward camp. Another shot, fired at some distance, whistled over his hoad, He sunk to his knees with sheer weakness. He crawled into a cluster of weeds and Jaid down, and by pressing his hands against his breast at- tempted to stop the flow of “blood, In this he partially succeeded. Darkness-wes now coming on, and with the gathering gloom the spirits of the wounded boy began to sink. He believed that it was tho shadows of death settling around him, While lyiog there he heard two shots fired not far off. He heard the hurried tramp of feet pass and repass bim—he even heard the quick, short breathiog of the passer. Biinding darkness finally enveloped wood and lake, attended by a solemn and profound silence. The wounded youth still lay almost helpless in the weeds. A burning thirst finally seb in, adding more to his suffering than the pain of his wound; and as he lay thinking of the past, and of the future that seemed to hold eut to him great promises, he started, rose to a sitting posture with the firm resolve that be would not die there with burning thirst when so near to water that he could hear the waves breaking gently on the shore. On his hands and knees he crawled from the weeds down to the water’s edge and drank until his thirst was’ slaked. Then hoe attempted to rise, but his limbs refused to support his body. He sat by the water and bathed his brow. A canoe rock- ing on the waves hard by arrested his atten- tion. He crawled to where it lay, and finding it was not tied up, came to the conclusion it must have drifted there. At any rate, he re- solved to take possession of it, and by a ‘mighty effort he succeeded in getting into the boat. He could find no paddle, and weak and faint he faid down in one end of it, hoping that the wind might carry him toa place of safety. He had not Jaid there long ere he noticed the wind was changing, but he thougbt little of what the result might be, for he was now growing so rery sick and faint that he became almost in- different to his fate. . There was neither moon nor stars, The sky was overcast with a gray mist, and the black- * ness of the Styx bung over the waters of Devil’s Lake. An hour or more had passed when Vail heard the sound of a beavy footstep on the beach, It was approaching—it came nearer and nearer, and finally stopped near the boat. He felt a vibratory shock of the craft as though touched bya hand, This was followed by a crash as if ' of a lifeless body falling into the opposite end of the canoe—the boat rocked violently, and by this agitation was cast off the beach and went~ adrift on the waves of the dismal lake. Scott Vail now felt convinced that he had - for a companion a corpse that had been dumped _ into the boat; but whether it was that of a ieee or foe, and why ms had been oats Dare-Devil Dan. there, he could not tell. He raised his head slightly and glanced at the dark, motionless form at the opposite end of the boat. But it was so dark that he could only distinguish the faintest outlines of the body, and so he settled back, closed his eyes and became resigned to his fate, whatever that might be, Overcome with weakness and lulled by the gentle rocking of the drifting boat, the wound- ed hunter finally sunk into a sleep—a sleep filled with wild and horrible dreams—the vaga- ries of a feverish brain. Onco he awoke, and forgetting where he was, he rose to a sitting posture, and gazing around him, endeavored to gather together the broken links of memory. The black waters beneath him, the dark, star- less sky overhead, the motionless form at his feet and the rustling of nocturnal wings around, filled his soul with renewed horror and forced the awful conviction upon him that he was afloat upon the river of death. After awhile he fell asleep again, and those frightful dreams were renewed. He dreamed that he was drifting into the consuming heat of an invisible fire, and writhing in his agony he awoke. A bright blue sky was now re- vealed to his gaze. It was broad daylight and the fierce heat of a summer sun was beating down into his face with blistering hotness, He tried to move but his body seemed para- lyzed. Ue tried to collect the broken links in his memory. Suddenly a great dark cloud swept across his line of vision, It was followed by a second —a third—a dozen. Then he heard the rustle of great wings. He felt his burning face fanned by a cool breeze, He felt a vibratory shock of the boat—he beard a strange, low ery. ‘Then again asdark cloud seemed to hover over him—a black wing fanned bis face again. Like a burst of sunshine through a black, storm cloud, the shadows of his ‘mind “were dispelled of a sudden, and his memory was regained. Then he started, for a terrible thought entered his mind. He saw those black- winged clouds hovering above him were vultures, and he felt they bad been drawn thither by the presence of death—to feast upon the corpse of the unknown at his feet, By a strong effort Scott turned his head so that he could see the body. The first thing that caught his eyes was the sight of two huge buzzards sitting on the side ‘of. the canoe. Their naked, coral necks were outstretched as they peered in apparent Roney into the face of the motionless form, Withont uttering a iia Vail dropped bis eyes to the dead. A little cry that frightened the vultures away burst from his lips, for he recognized the dress of the dead as that worn by Dare-Devil Dan! But was that blood-in- crusted face bloating-in the sun the face of the Boy Ranger? Before he vould fully determine he heard the dip of a paddle, and a canoe with a single occupant glided alongside the drifting boat, CHAPTER V. THE ASS KNOWETH HIS MASTER. MEANWHILE, O!d Rosebud Ben, young Bart- lett, Gregg and Eagan impatiently awaited the return of Scott Vail and Sol Warren; and ‘when night finally set in and they came not they grew sorely uneasy. They had heard shots fired off in the direction of the lake and at first thought the boys might be shooting at deer. Finally, Old Rosebud went out and searched for them but without snecess, and so he returned to camp%fo await the coming of day. The promised sport of the young hunters had assomed a character far different from what they had anticipated. Instead of a con- stant round of exciting pleasure, they were compelled to stand ready to defend their lives at any moment while they waited, with faint hope, the return of three absent comrades. Daring that entire night Old Rosebud kept watch over their little defense. He could eget intrust that Bim portant duty to an inex- | ce perienced guard; but despite ON ce ee aaa eo ee, ee ry fou teice ani ECE Ee own vigilance, daylight revealed the fact that every horse, even his mule Baalbec, had been stolen! At any rate, they were gone and a careful search of the ground convinced him, beyond a doubt, that a sly old horse-thief had been at work. ‘*By the rollin’ thunder in the mountains!” the old hunter exclaimed, ‘‘this ’ere’s a little too much to stand! It’s "darned queer what Baalbec war ’bout to let himself be taken away. Many’s the time I’ve gone out of a mornin’ and found a dead Ingin or white hoss-thief layin’ dead by that mule. Boys, I'll be broke, mashed, tore all upif I have togive up that mule, He’s been my best friend, lo these many years. It’s a fact, boys, that critter’s been ’ith me s0 long he can set a trap, skin a beaver, skulp @ red-skin or fan the fire with his ears; and if I bappened to be outen fire all I had to do was to have that sagacious critter kick a rock and out ’d roll fire enough to cook a supper for two. No, boys, I couldn’t hunt and trap “shout that mule.” * And w’u’d yees swear to that, Rhosebud?” asked Pat Eagan with an incredulous grin. ‘*An oath wouldn’t make the truth go fur- der, bog-trotter,” said the hunter; ‘‘and now if you hair-pegs 11 hold this fort here Pll take a mornin’ ramble and look for the boys and them hosses. Mind now, you want to keep yer eyes pared and if four thousand Ingins and outlaws swoop down onto you you want to sail into ’em like a herd o’ brindle bulls ’ith curls in the forehead and give them thunder in the mountains.” With this advice Old Rosebud shouldered his rifle and took his departure, going in the direc- tion of the lake. He soon came to the water’s edge. He glanced out over the dark and tranquil sheet. All was as lifeless and silent around him as i must have been on creation’s morn. Carefully the hunter searched the shores of the lake. He found innumerable tracks in the sand—where some one had embarked in a canoe—two or three pools of dark blood. He shook his head thoughtfully. A shadow swept over his face, He moved on. The rough and precipitous condition of the ground forced him back from the lake. At length he found him- self threading a narrow, winding defi'e leading northward, An abrupt bend in his courss suddenly brcught him face to face with his mule Baalbec, and upon the mule sat a rough, bearded outlaw who, holding a carbine leveled full upon the old hunuter’s breast, thundered out: “ Aalt, sir!” ‘* Of course, sir,” said Old Rosebud stopping. Baalbec gave utterance to a brag of recogni- tion that went thundering through woods and over the lake. “Drop that gun!” commanded the outlaw and his dark eye gleamed murderously along the barrel of bis carbine, O!d Rosebud was not slow to perceive the predicament he was in. The outlaw had the drop on him and so he complied with his com- mand, let#ing his rifle drop backward over his shoulder. However, the old man had faced death too often to thus meekly submit, had it not been that an expedient had been quick! y suggested to his mind, ‘* Wal, what next?’ coolly asked the hunter as his rifle fell. “Throw up your hands, ‘you brazen-faced ole devil, quick or I’! mow you.” * Allright, up they go—up Baalbec,” replied Rosebud and his long arms swung aloft like dismantled masts. At the same instant Baalbec gave a snort, tossed his head back, striking the outlaw in the face, then with the agility of a squirrel, reared straight up on his hind feet. So sudden was this done—so violent the blow in the ont- law’s face—that the villain slipped’ from ‘he saddle and fell backward to the ground, And then, if ever a man made a quick motion, it was that unhorsed outlaw, but quick as he was, he was not quick enough for Old Rosebud, ‘tor when he had regained his feet i Le
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4 ~. found himself looking into the muzzle of Rosy’s gun, and caugh tthe deadly gleam of Rosy’s eye along the barrel. ‘‘Drap that carbeen!” commanded the hun- ter, as their eyes met, Crestfallen, the outlaw dropped the weapon as though it were a red-hot iron. “Now, throw’p your bands—quick, or by the smilin’ Moses I'll wilt you right down!” Up went the freebooter’s hands, while a smile of grim triumph passed over Rosebud’s face. Advancing, the old hunter deliberately un- buckled the outlaw’s belt, containing a pair of revolvers and a knife, and strapped it around his own body. He then took possession of his carbine and slung it at his back. ‘* Now, my gay and festive gambolier,” the old fellow said, ‘‘ you see how oncertain the things o’ this world are. While ago you war top canine, now yer under—’way under, with yer ear chawed off, metaphysically speakin’. It war a bad job for you when you sot outa eavalcadin’ on that ’ere mule. Why, stranger, that’s my mule, Baalbec, and he can do any- thing from fannin’ the fire ’ith his heel to foot- in’ up a colum’ of figgers. He’s a trained mule, he is. Barnum offered me all Dakota for him.. Why, stranger, when you ordered me to throw up my hands you war. workin’ fernent yourself. That’s the sign [ alers give *Bec when I want him to stand up on his hind feet and zibit his manhood. Stranger, mebby you don’t know me. I’m Benjamin Burkee— better known as Rosebud Ben from the fact I lived and killed outlaws and injuns, and hunted and trapped ten years on the Little Rosebud river. That’s who I be, stranger, and that’s my mule.” The outlaw endeavored to maintain a look of contemptuous indifference, but bis features betrayed his fears when the old frontiersman mentioned his name, Finally, as a bird flut- tered through the boughs, the villain looked quickly around as if in hopes friends were coming to his assistance. Rosebud noticed this and said: “Tt's only a bird, stranger, but for fear somebody disturbs us and breaks the bonds that bind us together, you'll please mount that mule and foller me.” ‘** And if I refuse?” said the outlaw suddenly. **T'll shoot!” was the prompt reply. Without further hesitation the outlaw mounted the mule and as he settled himself - into the saddle a faint light of hope lit up his face. Rosebud, however, did net fail to no- tice it, and he read quite clearly the thoughts in the villain’s mind. “¢Come on, Baalbec,” the old hunter said to the mule, which, obedient to the command, followed along at his master’s heels, A smile was now upon Rosebud’s face. A nervous sinister look was upon the face of the outlaw as he looked around him then glanced furtively at bis captor. Suddenly the freebooter whirled the mule, dug his roweled heels into its side resolved upon a bold dash for liberty. But never was a man so thwarted. Insteatl of bounding for- ward Baalbec displayed his mulish proelivities by running backward and braying lustily. Old Rosebud burst into a roar of laughter. ‘*No, no, stranger, you’ve made another mistake,” he said, ‘‘ you don’t know the stuff mules are made of, do you? I know’d that muls, ard you, too, for that matter, or Pd never turned my back on you. Fo come along, you tricky scamp.” But the outlaw had become so enraged by the failure of his attempt to escape that he re- solved, even at the risk of life to make an- other attempt, and leaping from the mule’s back on the opposite side from Rosebud he made a dash for a thicket hard by, slightly crouching so that Baalbec’s body would cover him. 3ut Old Rosebud was on the alert and throwing bis rifle over Baalbec’s back he fired and the outlaw fell on the edge of the thicket. “By provoked it, he provoked it himself,” , ee A RETO ORO OE Dare-Devil Dan. gret over the necessity of having to take the life of a fellow-being. Scarcely, however, had the words fallen from his lips when he heard a ‘ purring” in the bushes bebind him, and turning he beheld a huge panther in the very act of leaping upon him, Too close to use his rifle, the old hunter dropped that weapon and drew his knife, but scarcely was the bright blade out of its sheath ers the y of the beast shot through the. air upon the‘hunter, Throwing up his left arm to protect his face it was seized in the jaws of the panther, but before the white fangs were fastened upon the member, the hunter drove his knife to the haft in the animal’s side. To- gether man and panther fell to the earth at tho top of a steep inclination down which they rolled in rapid evolutions. The hunter’s knife had penetrated the pan- ther’s heart killing it almost instantly, but so sudden was the death-stroke that it seemed to set the limbs and jaws of the beast in iren rigidness. And so firm was the knife wedged between two of the brute’s ribs that Rosebud was unable to withdraw it. But he holding on to the knife and the panther to bis arm, the two rolled over and over.down the hill and finally shot over an embankment and fell with a crash in a cluster of vines ten feet below. With the fall the muscles of the dead panther relaxed, and the arm of the hunter was released from those terrible jaws, and as he withdrew his knife from the carcass he rose to his feet, and in a triumpbant, yet serio-comi¢ tone, exclaimed aloud: “Thar, durn yer white liver, pitch into another cyclone, will ye? Buckle on to another thunderbolt, will ye? Didn’t know ye war—” His words were here cut short by a sup- pressed. sound, and turning quickly, he found himself confronted by two forms that seemed more like apparitions than human beings! CHAPTER VI. THE RIVAL LOVERS. Scort Vai started with an exclamation of surprise and joy at sight of the figure in the canoe that-came alongside of the one in which he reposed, for it was the figure of a young girl. It was Adrian Field! “My God! is it thus we meet, Miss Field?” the excited youth cried, half delirious with his emotions, ‘Yes, Mr. Vail,” she responded in tones of sadness, her pretty faco wearing a pallor of fear, ‘and Iam very sorry to find you in such a plight, for you must be suffering. But, Mr. Vail, ishe dead?” ~ She pointed with trembling hand and choking voice to the form of Dare-Devil Dan, whose bloated, blood-incrusted face lay upturned in the scorching sun, But before Scott could reply the dead moved. The voice of the fair Adrian seemed to have called him back to life, for he rose quickly toa sitting posture, and gazed from Adrian to Scott, and then around bim in bewilderment, His face was cut, bruised and bloody. One cheek was so dreadfully swollen that the eye was entirely shut, and his mouth looked as if it was on one side of bis face, He was a wretched- looking object, and but for the peculiarity of his garb his friends would never have recog- nized him, ‘Hullo, here!” he exclaimed, in a confused, thick-tongued voica, ‘‘ what’s this mean? where are we? That you Scott? and you, Adrian?’ “Yes, this is what’s left of me, Dan,” replied Vail. ‘‘ Where did you say we were?” “T didn’t say, but we’re on Devil’s Lake, I suppose.” ““Oh, yes, yes; it’s all clear to me now, Scott; I rem2mber throwing myself into this canoe, but I’ve been asleep ever since. How came you in here, Scott? what makes you look so pale? Ah! you're all bloody, boy! Been havin’ a waltz with the outiaws too? Did you <c - toutte:ed the hunter with some feeling of re- | rescue Adrian?” - ee er ee a a Scott answered his questions in as few words as possible. ‘*Then,” continued the ‘boy, still somewhat confused, ‘' we’ve been floatin’ ’round together all night and didn’t know it,” “Tt seems so,” replied Scott, ‘‘ but old boy, I’m rejoiced to see you alive again, We have mnourned you as dead, for we recovered your horse and found the saddle covered with blood.” “Td given myself up as a dead duck once,” replied the ranger. ‘That woman we saw on a horse on the hill-top, yesterday, was simply a decoy—a bait, and I bit aad rode right into a trap, and when I attempted to ride out, why—I didn’t, that’s all. The trap was set for our whole party, but, thank the Lord, I was the only one. to git catched, I was bounced by a dozen men, in a little motte of cottonwoods, They seized my horse by the bits, jerked him back on his haunches, and be- fore I could shoot even one o’ them, some devil bit me a welt across the cheek and nose, there, that made the claret fairly fly. That’s what blooded my saddle, Then they throwed the noose of a lasso around me, pinioning my arms, and after I'd got a dozen or two chugs of a fist in my face, I was ready to give up. But I watched my chances and about sunset [ managed to slip my bonds, picked up my guard’s revolver and sickened him, and then ié ever you seen a boy with a damaged face run for life and liberty, it war this. hair-peg, and— well, here Iam. But what surprises me most is to meet you bere, Adrian,” ‘‘I presume so,” the maiden replied, “but, my friends, I do not feel at liberty to explain the cause of my presence here on Devil’s Lake at this time. In fact, I am really in igno- rance of the cause myself, strange though it may seem to you.” ‘You are stopping at the cabin on the lake shore, are you not?” Scott Vail asked, ‘Yes, sir, and it was by permission that I came out onto the lake for a boat-ride, I saw your drifting boat, aud some strange curiosity brought me to it. But, my friends, you would not be safe here a moment were it known at the cabin you were here, I pray you will leave the lake at once,” “Thank you, kind girl,” replied Scott, gratefully, “but of whom are we in danger?” ‘‘ Your enemies,” was her evasive reply. ‘But where shall we go?” ‘* Ashore, to your friends,” she answered, as she took up ber paddle, evidently to depart, into the girl’s face, ‘‘when shall we meet again?” ‘“‘T cannot tell you, Mr, Vail,” she answered, her voice betraying some emotion. ‘I wish you both a safe return to your friends anda speedy recovery; good morning,” and dipping her paddle she was gone. “Valley of Jossaphat!” exclaimed Dare Devil Dan, “ there’s somethin’ thunderin’ queer —strange, bout Devil’s Lake.” “T should say so, Dan,” replied bis comrade; “here we were led into the country to rescue that girl, and by her own appeal, too, and here we meet her a free spirit, coming and going at ber pleasure, and hasn’t one ‘word to offer as to why she made that appeal, and now doesn’6 seem to be in need of help, but on the contrary, is able to belp us with advice,” : “Scott, let’s go ashore, dress up our wounds fact, what I know ’bout it.” youths paddled ashore with their bands, landed, concealed the boat and then washed the blood from their faces and hands. They then retired to the shadows of an overhanging bank where Dan examined Vail’s wounds, It was found that a builet bad plowed an ugly ing a painfal though not dangerous wou, It had bled profusely and the boy was wea from loss of blood, but the bleeding baa now ceased and with strips of his shirt Dan bound up the wound in good shape. ~ “ But, Adrian,” said Vail, eagerly looking . and then Pll tell you what I think ’bout it—in So acting upon this suggestion the two — gash across the fleshy part of his breast mak- — Dan’s own wounds, with the exception of @ _
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~ few bruises on his arms and body, were all on | as well as their dangers. They were absorbed the left side of his face and over his right eye. After their wounds had been dressed, Dan said: “T want to tell you now what happened when the outlaws took mein yesterday. That woman that IT saw made her appearance among the outlaws as soon as J was disarmed. Her face was covered with a green vail. At sight of me she uttered a low, triumphant laugh, and said, shaking her gloved hand in my very face, ‘ Dare-Devil Dan—murderer! your race has been run, and you may prepare your soul for the flames of hell, You deserve it. You murdered my father—you and Ruse- bud Ben, and my father’s friends—you, and those five young hunters!’ ‘Who are you? I | asked, and she replisd: ‘Iam the daughter of. Fenn Wier whom you murdered! and you will find that his spirit lives in me—lives for revenge; and a dozen brave and fearless men have sworn to aid me in my work of ven- geanc2. You will be my first victim. Even now the toils are closing around your followers. Ha! hal hal’ she laughed, oh so tigerish, ‘that appeal on the ribbon you found at the forks was the work of your Nemesis. You were decoyed here on a fool's errand to be destroy- ed. Vengeance is mine and I will repay.’” ‘¢ Well, she must have been a demoness,”’ said Scott, “but after all is it not a little myste- rious? The singular disappearance of Adrian Field, or her whereabouts, have been solved by coming here, At any rate, she is here a free spirit, it seems,” : ‘*Ah! that’s what puzzles me» Scott, and sometimes | think it were possible that I was not the only disguised passenger on that ill- fated coach.” “What do you mean?” ‘*T have half suspected that Adrian Field was the daugbter of Fenn Wier instead of Thomas Field—that Adrian Field is our Neme- im 7? * Heavens, Dan! that can’t be!” “T hate to think so, but I got it in my head that the voice of that vailed tigress resembled Adrian’s, although she spoke in tones of great passion,” “Dan it can’t be,” persisted Scott; “ one so pleasan!, lovely and so womanly coma not be auch a devil at beart.” “That’s what I’ve been thinkin’—what I hope is true, but Scott; what are we to think of Adrian’s disappearance from Fort Rice? that ribbon appeal for help that brought us into tunis fiend-in’ested country to her rescue? and lastly, her presence here this morning a free agent maintaining perfect silence and almost indifference to all?” “T must confess it seems strange, very strange, but my respect and admiration for that fair girl makes strong my faith in her honor, and I firmly believe that time will prove the correctness of my conviction.” “Scott Vail,” and there was a change in Dan’s voice, “isn’t your faith in Adrian Field grounded in something stronger than faith and respect?” Scott’s pale face colored slightly, and fixing a firm, resolute look upon his iaterlocutor, he _ replied: ‘ ‘‘Yes, Dan, T am free to confess that from the night Adrian Field came to our camp on Grand River, I have loved her.” Dan bit his lip and for a moment was silent; then he said: . - “But, Scott, I have a prior claim on Adrian Field, for the reason that I had met her at Deadwood several days before you could ever bave known or dreamed of such a person.” “Then you wish me to understand that you, too, love Adrian?” “T am uot ashamed of it, Scott, although, _ if my surmises should prove correct, she will make me repent of it—you, too, my boy.” ‘¢'Then we are rivals, Dan,” “Tt seems so.” The boys both spoke in eoberness; for they were in earnest. There was a few moments’ Bilence. Both scemed to forget their condition } i Dare-Devil Dan. with thoughts that seemed to embody all that. there was in the happiness of a future life. Finally Scott said: ‘““Of course it need not make us enemies, Dan.” “Tf so, we might just as well settle it now and here,” replied the young ranger, picking up Vail’s two revolvers that lay upon the ground at his side and handing one to Scott, re- tained the other, | | Involuntarily the young amateur took the weapon, and just as he did so the crack of a rifle rung out over the lake. Music!” cried Dan, as if the startling re- port had fired the blood in his veins, ' Both rose to their feet and listened. They heard a strange noise on the hillside above them. Every moment it seemed to grow more distinct—come nearer, ‘‘ What is it, Dan?” asked Scott, Before Jan could answer, two forms locked in each other’s embrace, shot from the bank overhead, and came crashing to the ground before them! A glance told them. that one was Old Rose- bud Ben, the other, the form of a huge panther. CHAPTER VI. DOOMED TO DEATH, : “‘MouNTAIN thunder and jagged lightnin’!” burst from Old Rosebud as he turned and con- fronted the two apparitions before him, Is that you, Scott Vail?’ ss at’s left of me, Ben.” D * And that critter—what’s that?’ pointing to an. ‘* Why, don’t you know me, old pard?” asked Dare-Devil Dan, with a grin that made his de- formed face look absolutely hideous. ‘“‘ Heavens and yearth! it’s Dare-Devil Dan- yil! Why, boy, what’s the matter with yer face? Have you been buttin’ with a cyclone, boy? been in the clutches o’ a painter? Darn my riggin’ if ye ar’n’t the wust ruined article I ever clapped these ole eyes onto. You're uglier nor a incor Ingin—a Chinese wart hog. Ho! ho! ho! Danyil, I could make a fortune zibbitin’ you as a mammoth pollywog from Devil’s Lake, But then I’m glad to squiz yer hot palm, boy, if your mug is all scowed outen shape. But say, whar’s Sol Warren? wlar you both been? what ye been doin’? Tell me the hull story, boys.” Fay Scott Vail, in as few words as possible, nar- rated his and Sol’s adventures. As to Sol’s fate he knew nothing. _ ; Then Dan recounted his adventures, his cap- ture and escape, his meeting with Scott and Adrian on tbe lake. ‘‘Thunder in the mountains!” exclaimed Old Rosebud, after the boys had concluded their stories, ‘‘thar’s a mystery "bout this lake, and that leetle gai’s into it, too. I’ve heurn o’ she- devils bein’ disguised in the looks and_ smiles 0’ an angel, and our Adrian may be one o’—” “Hold on, Rosebud,” interrupted Scott Vail. *T don’t believe any such a thing.” “Hullo! treadin’ on sacred ground, am I?” ‘* Well, I can tell you there is more than one woman in this vicinity. I know the maiden to whose rescue brave Sol Warren hurried, when she stood crying for help, was not Adrian Field.” , ** Well, time Il surely tell. If we don’t all git took in, we'll know more, *bout this business ’round here afore we leave. But the fust hing we do now ’d better be to go back to camp an hold a conflabulation. You fellers must be hungry as goats. Scott looks as though every drap o’ blood war pumped onten him. But that face 0 yourn, Dan—oh, but she’s a roarin’ sweet ess, With this Old Rosebud led the way up the hill, Dan assisting Scott. They soon came to where the hunter’s rifle lay along with the out- law’s carbine. Old Baalbec was grazing near. The dead outlaw lay where he had fallen, ld Rosebud.walked out and examined his pockets, He came back with a torn envelope in bis hand, bearing the address, “Marshall Field, Fort Rice, Dakota.” - There was a letter inside of it, which Scott took out and read. It fan as follows: ; “ MarysviILLE, Mo., May 10, 18—. EAR BROTHER : : “Yours of recent date just received. In reply, I would say that I start for Dakota next month with my daughter Adrian. Since writing you before I have buried my dear wife, and now 1 am anxious to leave here, I have ag tea of my property, and f think will be able to buy out your partner in the cattle business. Since there is another young lady at your ranch, Adrian thinks she will like living there. I will write you again when to meet us at Fort Rice. Your affectionate brother, 2 “PomMes Finup.”’ “Oh, ho!” exclaimed Old Rosebud when Scott had finished reading. ‘J hevin to scent a mice, boys. I’m sorry to say it, but that dead critter must be Marshall Field, the umzelo of Adrian, And that fellow has been representin' to his brother Thomas, an honest, uprighf man that he war in the cattle-business out here, aud has duped Thomas into joinin’ him.” ‘ That’s it, exactly,” said Scott. ‘“‘And he cameon and finds his brother an outlaw,” added Dan. ‘‘'Ves, and I don’t wunder now that Adrian talked so strange tous, Dan. The poor girl is mortified to death, almost. But, by heavens! she shall not stay here, if she desires to leave!” Here the conversation ended and the three burried to camp, Scott riding Baalbec. -Their return was hailed with shouts of joy by those in waiting. After Dan and Scott had been served with some nice broiled buffalo-meat and a cup of strong coffee, Sol Warren’s rescue, if alive, became the subject of their conversation. It was finally settled with the understanding that | Dare-Devil Dan make a reconnoissance in the vicinity of the cabin and ascertain, if possible, whether Sol was alive, and if so, where he was confined. Nothing definite could be done really until this information was gained; and if it was found that Sol had been killed then no further dangers need be incurred in that direction. Dan was impatient for night to come. ? The thoughts of seeing Adrian again had much 4. do with his chafing spirit. Z At length, however, the sun went down ané as soon as it was dark he bid his friends good-by and left thecamp. He made his way through the woods, striking the lake some forty rods south of the outlaw retreat. Here be sat down and listened and watched. A number of times he caught sight of a flashing light in the building, and heard a door open and shut frequently. That something—perhaps something unusal, too—was going on he had not a doubt; but how was ho to ascertain what it was?) The place he knew was securely guarded, and to attempt to get within earshot of the cabin by land meee result in getting a bullet through his body. Put not to be defeated, the boy quickly made up bis mind to appreéach by water—by swimming. So laying aside all his weapons, except his hunting- knife, be divested himself of his outer garments and silently entered the water. Dan was almost as much in bis element in the water as upon land, and he swam silently yet rapidly along within the shadows of the shore toward the cabin. A gentle breeze was blow- ing so that if he made even the slightest noise it was drowned in the plash of the waves against tbe bank. The stars were shining, yet an unusual dark~ ness fell over the lake. It was some time yet | till the moon came up. The swimmer soon arrived in the immediate vicinity of the cabin. He remembered that Scott Vail bad told him that the porch on the east side of the building extended out to and, to all appearances, over the water’s edge; and he swam on urtil he was within a rod of the building when he stopped to listen‘and get bis bearings. Hearing nothing, however, but the wash of the wavelets he glided on and finally, found himself directly under the platform or porch. Here he rested with his feet cn the bot- tom of the lake although the water wai shoulder dee The boy could now hear footsteps on the cabin floor, and from these sounds he discovered that a wide channel extended on under’ the main buildin Taking eines of this pram nk k Dan . er waded on until he stood directly un the cabin. Threads of light shone through the cracks in the floor relieving the place oi some of its gloom, enabling the young ranger to make furtner investigations of the place, which in- vestigations resulted in his finding foar canoes tied up under the cabin. Dan felt highly elated over his discoveries. He saw how well the outlaws were prepared for escape by water should an attack be made upon them from in front, for they doubtless car gust the only canoes on Devil’s Lake, and ad nothing to fear from the east or lake side, The object, however, that had taken tle can- ger there had not ha been accomplishe i, He listened intently. ° hear a nun ber of f ee Oe
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Ty eg oe AY 4 2 the +- » . at Je: Hake 1 eee a a = ety care haste 4 im fog 2 citebo Pre | Dars-Devil Dan, + - fp oatip a Daren eg BRE Be gen ey AE RI aR na eR eC SRT A A A RT ee PS Pt PE APT A AA it OT tm A tn a et a woices, but he could not catch the drift of their conversation, nor could he hear distinct enough to tell the number of persons present by the different voices. But in the course of half an hour he heard a sharp, rap, rap, rap, as if of a eene upon a stand or table. pi voice was at once hushed, and a deep and profound si- fence reigned, but only for a moment, when a igtear, talsetro voice rung out, saying: “ Let him be taken to the Isle of Secrets and ne shot J” : This imperative command was: followed by Qnother momentary silence, which in turn was succeede1 by the tramp of many feet and a con- fusion of voices, “Valley of Jossaphat!” the Boy Ranger mentally exclaimed, ‘* whois it that’s to be shot? % do wonder if it’s poor Sol Warren? If itis there’ll be somebody else shot on the Island of Secrets. Laws of mighty! if ] bad the boys here now we'd strike them scoundrels like a double-geared hurricane. But see here, Daniel Brady, if them fellers go to the Isle of Secrets they’ll not be likely to walk, or swim—no, they’ll go in these canoes right here, and—” His musings were suddenly cut short by a trap-door in the middle of the floor being sud- denly thrown open, letting a flood of light down upon the water. Fortunately it did not reach Dan who, from his concealment, was enabled to see up into the cabin. He saw not less than a dozen rough, bearded and armed men, and among them be saw a young woman—a strange, beautiful, dark-eyed girl who seemed to be directing the movements of the men. \ That this girl was his and his friends’ Nemesis, he had not a doubt, and while he stood, undecided as to whether he should run the risk of staying there longer ordepart at ence, he saw a tall, coatless, hatless and boot- less form pushed to the edge of the trap-door, It was tho form of Sol Warren, who, with his hands tied at his back and his ankles fettered, stood erect, the same bold, brave and handsome young giant upon whose face, there was a look of contemptuous defiance. . The sight of his friend soon decided Dan’s gourse. ‘He would await further movements, and if there was any earthly opportunity to aid bis friend he would improve it at the risk of his own life, Presently an outlaw came, and kneeling by the opening, thrust the muzzle of a rifle down into a canoe and swung the craft-around direct- ly under the opening. Then he dropped himself iown into it, and Jaying his rifle in the end of the craft, shouted out: * All ready.” Then Sol Warren was lifted bodily from the foor by two men and lowered feet foremost into the boat. Scarcely had the prisoner taken his seat when the boat, by some unseen power, swung around so as to bring the doomed youth into the dark- ness. At thesame moment the cold blade of a knife was slipped between his fettered hands, and he felt the cutting bonds part and fall from - wrists. fhe . and tapped bim lightly, nervously, on the arm. if Hope rose it the breast of the young aroateur. . He was sure a friend was at hissidein the dark- By this time another outlaw had dropped himself to the floor, and sat with his legs hang- ing through the opening ready to drop into the boat as soon as his friend could swing it back into position, 3 “Td like to know what ails this boat!” growled the outlaw, placing his hands against the floor and endeavoring to swing it back; ‘the infernal thing seems inclined to gee off— Oh, God! Help! Pmkilled! mur—!” The last wo died on the man’s lips, and he foll over dead. Swift and deadly had ‘been the blow of Dare- Devil Dan’s keen blade, and as his victim dropped overboard into the water, the oung ranger pushed the» boat out from under he light—out into the open water; then he leaped into the craft, saying as he did so: xe os Sol, grab the paddle and make her smoke! “‘ Ay! it’s you, Dan!” exclaimed Sol. At this juncture the distant tree-tops and flooded the lake with a bright, mellow light. The crash of half a dozen guns and the whis- tling of bullets around them told the, fugitives _ that they were discovergd. Then two canoes with two occupants each shot out from under the cabin in pursuit. “They’re after us, Sol, they’re after us! Pull, : ‘gallant comrade—make her sides smoke— - Bews of mighty! we're in for it now, for it’ $e death to be taken, Sol!” rising moon cleared the The last words were occasioned by the paddle in Sol’s strong hands snapping in two like a pipe-stem, heir canoe came to a stand, ‘Sol, can you swim?” asked Dan. ‘¢Pm a good swimmer, Dan,” he replied. ‘Then we must swim for life, v The two rose and leaped overboard into the water. The outlaws uttered a shout of tri- rn that rung in startling echoes across the ale, % Their friends on the shore answered them ack. Then as if with very shame the moon hid her face behind a tattered cloud. CHAPTER VII. LOVE IN THE MIDST OF DANGER. As they leaped overboard into the water, the fugitives became separated and eth struck out for himself, The pursuers’ canoes were not over fifty Peo away when they took to the ee and were coming with lightning rap- idity. Dare-Devil Dan plunged under the waves, and, with the daring characteristic of the fear- less youth, he turned and swam directly toward the outlaws. The thought he had conceived in a moment, had but one chance in a hundred of success, He swam swiftly along under the waves until be was forced for want of breath to rise to the surface, As he did so the moon was just unvailing her face, It had been Dan’s iutention to swim beneath the pursuers’ boats and come to the surface in their wake as they would not, he knew, looking for him behind them. In this he was successful beyond his most sanguine hopes, He rose fully thirty yards in the rear of the enemy, and lying upon his back he caught his breath, then struck out—not for the shore, but directly back toward the outlaws’ stronghold. The outlaws on shore were running along the bank keeping abreast of the canoes, with their eyes fixed on the water around the deserted /boat. This fact enabled the Boy Ranger to re- gain with safety his position under the cabin floor, Buf his exertions had well-nigh ex- hausted him, and he gladly improved the op- portunity offered for a few moments’ rest, taking care, however, to crowd himself back into a dark corner of the place. The trap-door was still open and the light was shining in the room above flooding a large por- tion of the water beneath. Perhaps five minutes had elapsed when Dan heard a light footstep on the floor above. He leaned forward and peered up into the room. As he did so his heart gave a great bound, for he saw Adrian Field. She was walking the floor and wringing her hands as though in bitter anguish of heart. The boy could not resist the temptation to speak to her, and moving forward until he stood ie the light, be called her name in a subdued one, 4 tn oak turned and gazed around her as if in oubt. . * Here—under the floor,” continued the boy, iv’s me, Adrian, Dare-Devil Dan.” ; “Oh, Dan!” cried the girl, ‘‘leave quick! they?! kill you—they will soon be back!” “ Allright, Adrian,” he calmly replied, “ blow out the light and I'll go up through the house.” A Quickly removed the light into an adjoining room, then Dan swung himself up through the opening into the very heart of the outlaw stronghold. As he moved across the floor toward the open door a hand touched him softly on the arm, and a voice asked in a whisper: “Dan, do you know whether Sol eseaped?” It was Adrian who asked the question. “T don’t, Adrian, but I half believe he has or your folks would been back afore this; but Adrian, I want to speak with you.” “Then we must seek a safer place,” said the maiden. Together they passed out of the cabin and walked back into the shadows a few paces from the door. Then Dan asked: *¢ Adrian, ar’n’t you out of place here?” Yes, Dan, 1 am,” she replied. * Are you a prisoner?” ‘*No; came here with my father, not know- ing the true character of these people. Uncle Marshall Field represented to father that he was in the cattle business, and prevailed on him to come out to Dakota and purchase an interest in his ranch. Not until you were captured the other ao Ble father begin to suspect that the ‘‘ cowboys” were outlaws. Nota hoof does the band own unless it is horses, But uncle “a | Marshali gets around his deception, or tvies to, ee RR by telling father that they sold their entire herd which was driven to the Niobrara, Poor uncle Marshall! he has paid for his deception.” ‘“What do you mean, Adrian?” asked Dan, though he well knew. ‘‘He was found dead in the woods to-day, killed, we suppose, by some of your friends, He started in the direction of your camp on Oid Rosebud’s mule to meke a reconnoissance «” your position,” “*Say the word, little gal, and you shall be taken away from here. I’m ready to die for you, Adrian,” declared Dan. **Oh, Dan, you are a brave, noble boy, and 1. could not ask for a more gallant and manly es- cort than you, but I cannot leave yet.” ** And why not, pray?” “‘T cannot go without my dear father.” “Can’t you coax him tospike the enemy’s guvs and slip over to our camp?” “T do not know, Dan; Cordelia Wier, the daughter of the outlaw chief whom you and your friends killed, is now leader of the band. he is a bloodthirsty, revengeful and merciless being, who would not hesitate to slay me and my father did she but know even our feelings, And yet in her calm moments she is a beautiful, lovely and intelligent girl, with a soft, gentle vuice; but when her spirit becomes fired with thoughts of her father’s death she seems trans- formed into a demoness, She has taken an oath to slay you and every one of your pe De ‘*She’s makin’ a blasted little fool of herself and r headway in her revenge business,” said Dan; ‘‘ but they came within an ace of cookin’ Sol’s goose for him, Ill testify to that,” ‘* She declares she'll torture you and Rosebud at the stake.” ‘Pll baunt her if she does, shure as she’s a woman,” said Dan, with a suppressed chuckle, “Ob, I do wish I could send one of the boys over to make love to her, win her heart and capture her that way.” “She has seen every face in your party and stamped them on her memory. She was in your camp in disguise on your second night out from Fort Rice.” 3 “Tl bet she wouldn’t recognize mine now,” mid Dan, ‘‘for Rosy says it’s the ugliest taca on the globe outside of the gorilla districts im Africa. My left eye bas been off duty ever since last n ght, and my cheek looks like a wars on a gum-tree.’ “ But your voice would expose you, Dan.” “Well, I don’t want to take many risks, 1m sure; but, say, do you know what your folks done with our horses?” : ‘Yes, they are all over on what they ¢all Willow Istand along with the band’s horses, heard them say there was good pasture there and a fine place to concea: animals, They claim to possess the only canoes on the lake so they have no fears of any one getting over there, There is a dug out there, also, where they store such booty es they do not want for immediate use. They have arms, ammunition and clothe ing there, They also keep a supply of Indian disguises there for fre aoeuy. they make raids disguised as savages, This I learned from Core delia who told me all while in one of her cone fidential moods,” b. “Dye know how they get the horses over io the island?” ‘guy “Tbey start in from a pointof land just west of the island. The water is shallow enough for wading half the distance; then they swim \ short distance when they again touch bottam and wade to the island. But now, Dan, f trust this.secret to your honor, It would cost me my life and perhaps my father’s should it *eccne known that I had revealed it to you.” ‘(God bless you, girl, the fires of purgatory could not burn the secret of the source of my information out of me. But, Adrian, Low cives your father like bis situation?” Fa ‘He is bitterly disappointed and hes aos made up his mind what he shall do yet, Lut co keep down suspicion and foul! play he Las to keep up an eppearance of being satirfied aud co-operate with them. Since the death of uncle Marshall he bas been most wretched. The ous laws had expected an easy victory after they gaccdeded in decoying you into this country: and right here let me say, that I never kuew until to-day how that was effected—ithet my namo was signed to a note eppealing for help, But you must be on the alert if you reniain im this ehongi for a messenger was sent yester- day to the Indian village for a score of bloody warriors to assist in your destruction. Thew say Cordelia has a wonderful influence witb ibe chief, Little Bear, who is in love with her.” “We'll be on the look-out, Adrian, rest s+. on bebalf of myself and friendi >.
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é ae — "2 - ‘i , I ; s Dare-Devil Dan. er 10 ————e = = wr. eae 1 a us +o BP a ox i, a aE at ‘atu '. i a eee fhe yee re bx pees no ha Tt ro penne maemo == aoe thank you for this information, I know you would not try to deceive mo, Adrian, for I have an undying faith in you—yea, Adrian, I even love you with all my heart and have since the day we left Deadwood.” “Oh, Dan!” exclaimed the girl with trem- ulous emotion, ‘‘ Iam unworthy of the love of so brave a boy.” ‘*Yowre worthy of any fellow’s love, Adrian, and if we both ever get safely out of our oe here I hope tosee the day when vou will— ‘“‘Hark, Dan! the men are returming! Oh! do flee!—flee for my sake!” “ Good-by, Adrian,” and taking her hand he pressed it to his lips, then glided away into the woods, The young ranger hurried back to where he had left his cap, coat, moccasins and fire-arms and securing them he hurried on toward camp. On his arrival there he found his friends in arms ready for a conflict, for skulking forms had been seen around in the woods. Bitter was his disappointment when he learned that Sol Warren bad not come in, and he made up his mind that the young hunter had either been killed or recaptured, which were seems the same. P 1 Dan recounted his adventures and the infor- mation he had gained though he was silent aa to the source of the latter. “Boys!” cried Scott Vail whose spirit was atrong though the body was weak, ‘when I leave this country it will be when I know Adrian field is dead or has preceded me to the land of civilization.” ‘* Shake, ole pard, on that,” said Dan who ad- mired the resolute courage cf his rival. rs “Second the motion!” put in Old Rosebud. ‘*Ha! ba! ha! I see that every galoot of you kids are in love with that gal, butif anything’ll make a feller fight like a Trojan for a gal it’s love. However, I’m goin’ ter cut every one 0’ you sprouts out o’ Adrian when the time comes, ut layin’ love matters aside, I’ve this to offer, tliat. if Sol Warren gits around alive, we git over to that Willer Island and rekiver your hosses if possible, then make a dash for that al, and her father if he wants to gif out o’ his gain, and pull for the Cheyenne river. But don’t forgit, boys, that we’ve Serge up @ hor- net nest and will do awful wellif we git out 0’ this no wusser than we now are.” **Tm agreed to all you say, Rosy,” said Dan, ‘cept ’m going to Willow Island ‘this blessed night and get them hosses uy. blood’s-up, and while I’ve got my hand in 1 want to work. This is a lucky night for me.” ' “ Boy, maybe that islan’ ’s guarded.” “It'll be all the worse for the guard, Rosy, for if I get over there them hosses comes, or I’ll go under.” “Wal, if you say so, boy, it ginerally turns out to be so.” _ In a short time Dan took his departure. . The night passed very quietly to the little band of hunters. Just as day began to dawn in the east the in- domitable Dare-Devil Dan returned with his and his friends’ horses, He was riding his own horse and leading one. To the tail of the latter the third was tied and thus was each of the others secured by tying it to the tail of the one preceding it. or were the horses all he rought in. On the backs of three of the horses were huge bundles done up in blankets, He had found them in the dug-out, spoken of by Adrian; and he had helped himself to such things as he "thought might be of use to them, ’ “Have any trouble, Dan, on the island?” = asked Rosebud. “Not a bit; the guard never had time to ell after I got in reach of him, and then I was of the situation, and waded in and helped myself, Valley of Jossaphat! how I did wish the boys were all there! But say, Rosy, I struck a place round here that beats Gibraltar for a defense.” ; “What kind of a place is it?” . Dan described it. . “Good place,” declared Old Rosebud, and the idea of a change of position being favorable to all, the little party packed up their effects, sad- dled their horses and departed. By a circuitous route they got in north of the outlaws’ cabin, and about two miles from there they came to a halt and went into camp. The place was the one selected by Dan, It was a narrow tongue of land, half a mile in length, putting out into the lake. It was bar- ren of bapa he aay t a small grove near the —————— -sinee you left us, trees were felled, and the boys laid them up into walls. The horses were tethered out to grass on the point next to the lake. Two guards were kept on the Jookout for dan- ger, for Rosebud felt sure that the wrath of the robbers would know no bounds when they dis- covered that Willow-Island had been raided and the guard there slain. ivothing yet had been seen or heard of Sol Warren, and his friends had given up all hope of ever seeing him alive again. Somewhat fatigued with his night’s work and exposure, Dare-Devil Dan was persuaded to lie down and take a nap, that be might be ready for the work of the coming night, which all felt would be an active one. The day wore slowly away, It was in the afternoon, Pat Eagan was walking by the lake shore. A strong wind was blowing in- land. White-capped waves broke upon the beach with a loud plash. The sun shone hot, A few birds were darting here and there over the lake with wild, impish cries, and while Pat stood watching one of these, an exclamation suddenly burst from his lips. ‘‘What’s the matter down there, Ireland?” asked Old Rosebud. “‘Swate mother ave Moses, and it’s a dead body mees see dhriftin’ this way, Rhosy!? Followed by Dare-Devil Dan, who was now ready for work again, and two of the amateurs, the old hunter hurried down to Eagan’s side. *“*And d’ye see it, Rhosy, out there?” asked the excited youth, pointing out into the lake. “T see it,” declared Dan; ‘it is a dead body floating shoreward with the billows,” ‘““Some dead outlaw, I reckon,” cbserved Old Rosebud, ‘‘ Boys,” said Dan, with a husky voice, walk- ing close to the water’s edge and gazing steadily at the corpse with his single eye, ‘that is no outlaw’s body, but our friend Sol Warren’s.” A groan escaped the lips of the party, “Poor Sol!” said young Bartlett, ‘‘1¢ will kill his old mother.” ‘‘He’s drowned,” added Dan; “‘ but better feet than to have died at the hands of the out- AWS. The body floated to within a few feet of the beach, and camo to a stop, back, The eyes were partially open, and the face half hidden by green, aquatic moss, ‘¢ A sad, sad ending of the life of big-hearted, whole-souled Sol Warren,” sighed Scott Vail. Old Rosebud waded into, the water to bring the body ashore. He was bending over it when he saw the facial muscles move, the eyes opened and then a laugh burst from the lips of the sup- posed dead. ‘ Old Rosebud started back as if froma serpent as Sol sprung to his feet, naked to the waist, and dashed the moss from his face. - “Thunder in the mountains!” burst from the old hunter’s lips. ‘* Youinfurnal big scoundrel! —you Lazarus!—you bheathen!—you pestiferous fraud! Ive a notion to drap you right there— have a funeral anyhow! ere, give me your paw, you villain! Thank the Lord, boy, you’re alive!” Sol Warren was fairly embraced by his young friends, and for severai_moments every- ody seemed wild with joy. Even the guards forgot themselves and left their posts of duty to shake hands with their beloved big friend. “Then the outlaws didn’t get you, Sol,” said Dan, after the excitement of the moment had ended. ‘““Not a bit of it, Dan, but I had to swim half a mile to that island you see there, before I could rest a foot on the ground,” replied Sol. ““Well, you’re a good one, you ere, boy. An alligator could not play dead on a nigger baby, better’n you did that. Why, you can swim like a dead fish; must.’a’ heen raised in a frog-pond, weren’t you? But, say, tell us your experience lomon.” Sol sat down, for he was tired, and narrated his adventures, from the tine of his capture to his landing there. Tbe appeal for help from the girl by the lake shore, proved to be simply a most cunning ey é The girl was Cordelia Wier, herself, and the gloves on her bands were connected with the poles of a powerful gal- vanic battery, secreted under the banks, and the moment she withdrew ber hands the elec- tric current was established. and Sol Warren rendered helpless, It was a devilish expedient that bad been conceived by the brain of the desperate girl to wreak a terrible revenge on the authors of her father’s death, “Why, the dod-gasted witch she must be!” declared Old Rosebud; ‘‘ths Ole Nick, hisself, It lay upon the. Sol, I must say you’re a brindle bull, with @ curl in the forehead, on adventure. Tf you'd ’sociate with me and Baalbec awhile you'd be—” ‘* A jackass,” put in Dare-Devil Dan. ‘Say, boy, ar’n’t that mug 0’ yourn mashed up bad enough? Do you want that other cheek 0” yourn bunched? Do you want old Baalbec to fan you with her off heel? You can be ’commo- dated if you do,” and the old hunter joined in the laugh that followed, . The party now rose and went to camp. Sol was provided with a suit of clothes, and while dressing himself, Old Rosebud prepared him some food and a cup of hot coffee, of which he partook with a keen relish. Tben all sat down for a quiet chat, feeling extremely bappy in the fact that every one of their little party was safe once more; although Frank Bartlett was still suffering from the effects of the wound received in the fight on Grand River; Scott Vail was quite weak, though plucky as ever, and Dare-Devil Dan’s face was still holding its own in swelling and variegated colors, While they sat enumerating their casualties and facetiously recounting the adventures attending their grand buffalo-hunt, one of the guards suddenly shouted out; “Ho, boys!” “Well, what now?’ asked Old Rosebud, ris- ing to bis feet, ‘I saw an Indian or something dart into the woods up along the lake shore, off hereaways,” answered the guard. “ Scalps, by Jossapbat!” exclaimed Dan, and snatching up bis rifle be darted across the epen- ing and entered the main woods as though the very word “Indian” had fired his breast with a thirst for savage blood. ** Darn that boy,” growled Old Rosebud, * he’s actin’ the pork ’bout this business—don’t give me achance to putin ashot anywhares, Tl have to set down on him,” The announcement of the presence of Indians, however, carried with it the conviction that all would soon have their share of fighting, and so guns and revolvers were got in readiness for the work that might be expected at any moment, Dare-Devil Dan bad been gone nearly an hour when be wasseen to emerge from the woods, driving before him at the muzzle of a revolver, an Indian warrior. _ Old Rosebud advanced to meet him, demande . ing: ‘What you got thar, boy?” ‘* Sharp-Shoot, the great and glorious winged- | beel Indian runner to_the court of the mighty Little Bear,” swas* the boy’s response. ‘ I foolished him most gloriously—made bim believe I was a scout of the great white chief, Fenn Wier, and got his message from him—the verbal message of Little Bear, to the white queen, Cordelia Wier—and then I took him in. Oh, but he’s a mad Ingin.” ‘“You’re a sweet, dear. boy, you are, to tella poor lone Ingin a falsehood and a discontor- tionation,” said Old Rosebud. ‘‘ Have you ever heard the story of that great liar, Ananias? Hey you never sot under the Crippin’s 0’ a missionary’s sanctuary, you bloodthirsty young heathen? Why didn’t you be more santifica- tious and—and shoot the p’izen varmint?” “Cause I didn’t want to spoil his clothes,” replied Dan. “Didn't, eh? Well, what’s the fleet-footed runner got to say ’bout things that eoncerns our welfare?” ; ‘‘He says the outlaw messenger arrived at Littie Bear’s village with a broken leg—pony _fell with him—and as he was unable to return, the chief dispatched Sbarp-Sboot with the mes- sage to hold the fort, for he’d be along with a band:o. warriors and help his white friends jerk the sealps off Dare-Devil Dan and bis villain- ous companions, and paint blazes in gineral on the sky. Sharp-Shoot’s a balf-breed and can talk good English, ee res green—green as grass, or he’d never been taten in by—” “ Another greenhorn,” cbserved Old Rosebud. with a chuckle. ‘Well, Rosy,” continued Dan, “at any rate he says he was never at the outlaws’ cabin, a that he knows none of them, nor they him. In view of this fact, don’t you think his clothes would about fit me?” ‘*S’posen they did, don’t you look ornery and lousy enough without any more trimmin’s?”’ asked Rosebud. ‘Old thick-head, can’: you take a hint? Don’t you know what I mean!” demanded Den. : “ Well, I s’pase I do, but boy, you can’t waltz ‘round this Jake with impunity every day and ae a ee a eee - ——————$— er ein, center. In this the hunters began the erection ( , " ‘ of a defense. Having an ax in their outfit, | wouldn’t ’a’ thought of sigh athiog. Butthen, ‘right. You’re goin’ to git your fool inte # A . ‘ e . ? g . Pa EY aw! “ . > > * fay oe of
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their old captain, Fenn Wier. ~ an ny eee but a leader of men. bad, fust thing you know. It looks to me that trouble has been comin’ to us fast enough 4ithout goin’ after it.” ‘‘But, Rosebud,” said Dan, ‘‘I want some fun, and funI’m goin’ to have. It’s not often I it out on such a holiday excursion and I want o improve the time; and I'll tell you what I propose doing.” Seating himself he told his friends the plans he had in view for the coming night; but his friends objected on the ground of the dangers to be incurred. However, Dan was obstinate and determined, and could not be persuaded to forego the daring exploit he had conceived in the capture of the runner Sinarp-Shoot. CHAPTER VIII. THE OUTLAW CONFERENCE, WH will now leave the camp of the would-be buffalo-hunters, and conduct the reader to the t home of the outlaws—the head-quarters for the past four years of the notorious road-agent and cattile-thief, Fenn Wier, whom we have seen laid low in death by the marksmanship of Dare-Devil Dan, and whose daughter assumed his fallen mantle in the leadership of the band —not to rob and plunder, but avenge his death, The cabin was fully forty feet long and was built of logs and poles and covered with a thatched roof. It was divided into several rooms, the outlaw’s daughter having a suit of small rooms fitted up for herself in perfect elegance and taste. Then there was one main ' room and the others were used as sleeping apartments, It is on the night following the events nar- rated in the previous chapter that we would enter the main, or sitting-room of the Retreat as the outlaws called the place. Ten men and two women are assembled therein. The latter are Cordelia, the beautiful outlaw girl, and Adrian Field. : Since the escape of Sol Warren the outlaws have been lying idle andinactive, They have realized that-in Dare-Devil Dan and his friends they have met a foe worthy of their steel—yea, with whom they have been unable to cope. In every movement made against them they have lost a man, and so far as they know not one of their foes has been slain. They feel the loss of ® was not only They bad so long been accustomed to follow where he led, and look to him for instructions, that they now found themselves almost helpless, They had the spirit and the will but not the executive ability to carry out any desperate undertaking. Moreover, there are whispers of mutiny in their ranks. Thomas Field, the new convert, has ex-. ressed some dissatisfaction since the death of is brother with the way matters are carried on. But as the band has met in conference let us listen. ; “This whole affair,” says one Bill Chesney, “has been miserably conducted—disastrousl y tous, If Cap Wier was here alive, every man and boy of them hunters would be planted on the Isle of Secrets before to-morrow night. Now, just look at the matter and seo how ridi- culous it is: Dare-Bevil Dan and his six friends were on their way to the buffalo-range and would never have come within two hundred miles of here if we hadn’t decoyed them here with that appeal of Miss Adrian’s, and for what? Revenge. Bat now, have we got it? Four of our men are dead, and not a hunter that we know of has caased to breathe. That’s the way matters stand to date.” ‘ “Yes, exactly!” thundered ‘‘ Redtop Dave, “ but the trouble with us’s been that we've bit off more’n we could chaw, and if we’d ’a’ killed that infernal Dare-Devil Dan and that t’other big lummix when we had’em under our thumb, instead o’ waitin’ and foolin’ around ’bout this thing and that, we’d have two less to contend with, and especially that young bell-weather, Dare-Devil Dan. I'll bet you if they git a-holt 0 me they’il wait for no cer’mony, but put a. streak o’ daylight bang thro’ me!” ** f don’t believe that big fellow, Sol Warren, is alive,” said Chesney; “‘at least, I didn’t see him with the others when I made a reconnois- sance of their camp to-day. I believe he was drowned last sight.” “‘ Hope'so,” said ‘* Pony Jack,” a little brutal- looking Englishman. Fut . ** Gentlemen,” said Thomas Field, though the word almost stuck in his throat, ‘‘ we bave got to do one thing or the other—” *“ What’s that—surrender or flee to the moun- - tains?” interrupted e fellow, with a sneer, “ No !” replied Wet, with a look trat resent- the insult. «2: 2is@a2 to go bravely to work Dare-Devil Dan. and drive them hunters away or leave ourselves, The way we have been doing, if continued, will result in the death of all.” * We've got to wait till the Ingins come,” said Chesney, ‘‘for forty men couldn’t whip them hunters intrenched as they are on the ere with supplies from our store-house. be trouble with you, Mr. Field, is that you’ve not been in the West long enough to get your bearings and distances,” Chesney’s last words were full of sarcasm, which cut deeper into Adrian’s breast than her father’s. ‘“‘T have been here ‘long enough to see my misguided brother laid in bis grave,” the insult- ‘| ed man replied. “Well, if Little Bear with a score of war- riors comes to our assistance,” said Chesney, ‘¢ you will see about seven hunters laid in their graves. It will not do for our safety here to Jet one of them escapo, for that would be just as bad as for them all to get away pod givo the military the secret of our location.” ‘+ But suppose Little Bear doesn’t come to our help?” “Then we'll have to watch the foe and take them on the wing.” ‘« Yas, yes,” said Redtop, “you'll take a nest of hornets on the wing like we’ve been takin’ them.” ‘“‘Men!? eried Cordelia, her face white with emotion, her voice fierce with passion, ‘‘I hope there will be more aniity and unity of feeling among you in this work, and that you’ll make up your minds to dally no longer _with them fellows, Indians or no Indians. We still out- number them, and [ know they are no braver nor better fighters than the men who have fol- lowed my father for years!” This speech was received with a ringing shout of applause and restored harmony of feeling. ‘*She’s a chip outen the old block,” declared Chesney, ‘and doesn’t care for man or devil.” At this juncture the dvor was opened and one of the two men who had been stationed outside as guards appeared on the threshold, saying: ‘‘Boys, good news! a message from the In- dian village.” ‘¢ Hooray!” shouted Redtop. P ao message only?’ cried the impatient Cor- elia, ‘‘Botter’n nothin,” put in Pony Jack, as a lithe form clad in Indian raiment was ushered into the room. . ‘“‘This is the chap,” said the guard; ‘his name is Sharp-Shoot.” “Flow do?” said the Indian, whom all saw was a half-breed. ‘Judas Iscariot and Pocahontas!” exclaimed the lippy Redtop, ‘he’s the ugliest animal I ever saw hop on two feet.” ‘“ Don’t insult the messenger with your mouth- ings, Redtop,” said Chesney in an undertone. But Redtop’s assertion was true, Sharp- Shoot had but one eye, the other being over- shadowed by a deformed and misshapen cheek and brow. The Indian stopped near the door and glanced Haas around the room and then at the out- aws, Cordelia invited him to be seated, but he de- clined to sit down, He was dressed for speed in a close fitting suit of buckskin and a calico shirt. Moccasins were upon his feet. His head was bare, A single gray featber was in his sealp-lock. In his belt was a tomahawk and scalping-knife. When bis eyes fell upon Cordelia he took from the bosom of bis sbirt a tiny turtle shell, handsomely engraved in Indian characters and highly polished, and, handing it to the girl, said: “Sharp-Shoot bring this to white cquaw— Little Bear sent it, and says he’s her friend.” “ Bully for Little Bear!” piped Redtop. “T accept it with many thanks, tell your chief,” said Cordelia, though she felt more like crushing it under her foot; “but what tidings do you bring, Sharp-Shoot?” _The Indian looked at her silently, as though he did not understand ber question. “Go for him ag’in,” said Redtop. “What word do you bring me from Little Bear?” she repeated. “Little Bear come to-morrow fast as can. White messenger got leg broke here,” and he | laid his hand on his thigh, ‘ couldn’t come back —Little Bear send Sharp-Shoot to tell he friends he come quick to-morrow.” “Good! good!” shouted the-robbers. s ‘ Sharp-Shoot, are you hungry?” asked Cor elia. . The Indian nodded bis head, Adrian Field, by request of Cordelia, brought ce Se SR ES EE EE a ED him some cold meat and biscuit, which he de- voured witha keen relish. While he was eating the outiaws discussed the situation in a more hopeful light. ‘* Good!” said the Indian, as he swallowed the last bite and licked his lips like a dog. The outlaws could not repress a smile. Cors delia geo outright. Ouly Adxian Field was unmoved, Finally the loquacious Redtop asked: “‘Sharp-Shoot, why are you called Sharp Shoot?” The Indian grinned, but if was a hideous, wolfish grin. “Cause me sboot straight,” he ecg ane swered, with an air of self-importance. Then, whipping a pistol out of his shirt-bosom, he pointed it at the light and said: “See!” The pistol cracked and the light was put out and al) were in total darkness. The outlaws applauded the exhibition of the Indian’s marksmanship. Sharp-Shoot had proven his right to his name, and notwithstand- ing his deformity of face, he made a favorable impression on the outlaws, ‘he light was relit. The Indian turned as if toleave. Cordelia advanced and said: ““Will you not remain here with us till Little Bear comes?” The Indian shook his head, eh } “‘No--must go quick—git back before Little Bear starts.” “Then for God's sake, men, give him a horse to ride!” exclaimed Cordelia, “‘ No—me go quicker on foot,” said the runner; ‘‘ go straight—ride horse have to go way round —crooked like river—like snake crawls—Sharp- Shoot run fast like the deer—Little Bear soon come,” | ‘*'Then may the Lord speed you, Sharp-Shoot, good-night,” said Cordelia, The Indian walked slowly out of the cabin, and moved softly away along tbe lake shore to- ward the north. When beyond the beat of the sentinel he stopped. He heard a soft footstep and saw the faintest outlines of a cloaked form ph a from some bushes and approach him. He laid his hand upon his tomahawk. 5 ‘“‘ Dan?’ called a low voice, The Indian bent bis-bead and listened. “ Dan,‘is that you?” the voice repeatéd, ‘Ves, Adrian, it is,” the Indian replied, for as the reader must have surmised the Indian was Dare-Devil Dan. The maiden approached the daring boy, say » ing ina whisper: “Oh, Dan! what a terrible risk you have run! Irecognized you the moment you entered, and I finally bad to leave the room to keep my actions from betraying you.” “You’ro a noble girl, Adrian,” replied the Boy Ranger; ‘ but you see I wanted to get the ” lay of the Jand in that outlaw cabin and also the plans of the villains so’s we could be ready to meet them. Tho genuine Sharp-Shoot is a prisoner in our camp. I pumped his secrets out of him by playing off outlaw, and this is what, along with his raiment, enabled me to pass my- | self off so well, I knowed my swelled faco would help me out, for no one cabin had seen me to know me since the swell- ing bad set in.” er oe “Oh, Dan! this is all desperate work! But tell me, have you heard anything of Sol Warren yet?” Adrian asked. ‘“T have, for a jolly fact. He’s safe and sound as a hound’s tooth in our camp.” ut you in that . ‘Ob, Tam so glad to hear it! Sol was sucha — noble fellow; but Dan, father is growing very despondent, and we are going to leave here just as soon as an opportunity offers.’ “Come, go with me now, Adrian,” “Oh, no, no,”, she replied; “‘ cannot think of leaving father for I am sure the outlaws are watching him, and should I leave they might mistrust his intentions and kill bim. I thank you for your kindness, but I cannot go with you now.” ; “Well, ’m sorry you can’t, Adrian, but tell your father to be on the lookout, for we may soon make an opening for you and him to ” e r “hope so, before the Indians coma,” said . Adrian. 5 : “As to their coming, girl, I stretched the truth to your folks,” the boy said: “ for, from what the true Sharp-Shoot says, they may be here yet to-night.” ; ; ‘T'sincerely hope not,” replied the maiden. “So dol; but, Adrian, you'd better be going in. The outlaws may mistrust all is not right, if they should discover your absence, so, goods ni—” er irons OY nn 4 Nh
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ER hay = — ao a a Ee a ae a mK £. BB 0 eee ——, — a i Se Se a ? — ee e Sg — EO ag Se ga et = , re ne PI ee a ee ae ; — Se A RI wat ee en ee roe * =a fig an ’ ed — 1 tae ' = * 12 ¥ Before he could finish the word a lithe figure rung from the bushes upon hin, and seizing him by the throat bore him to the earth. ° Filled with sudden terror, Adrian uttered a wild, piercing shrick, and turning she fled toward the cabin, The guards heard her cry and hurried in the direction whefice it emanated. Tn silence Dara-Devil Dan and his unknown foe struggled yppon the earth. But the contest was of short duration, for just as an outlaw guard came upon the spot, one of the combat- ants rose to his feet and glided away into the oe Sa while the other lay prone upon the earth. A low, gurgling sound called the outlaw’s attention to the outstretched form, and advane- ing he stooped and laid his tand upon it, Go spoke, but received no answer. He ran his hand along the body. The breast of tue un- known was naked, and from the lef. sido the hot life-blood was spurting. : At this juncture another outlaw came up. ‘‘ Joe, a murder’s been done, but by whom, I do not know, unless by one of them demons on the peninsula; nor do I know who the murdered arty is. Did you hear that ecream?—sounded ike a woman’s scream.” ‘* Yes, that’s what drawed me here,” replied the other; ‘‘mebby that murdered being is a woman,” Lifting the now lifeless form, the outlaws earried it and laid it in front of the cabin on the grass. Then one of them went into the building and told his friends what bad occurred, ‘Lord John Rodgers!” exclaimed Redtop, “I wonder if some o’ them sleuth-hounds from the ae has been layin’ round and murdered barp-Sheot?” = crnyein’ took up the light, and followed oy his friends, went out to examine the dead man. Adrian, with a white, pallid face, went too, he. heart almost ceasing to beat with fear, dread- ing to look upon the face of the dead, leat she lok upon the faco of Dare-Devil Dan, “A stranger, and an Ingin at that!” ex- claimed Chesney, holding the light so that its rays fell upon the motionless form. - { Adrian could scarcely saparen a ery of joy, and turning, she hurried back into the cabin, “Here’s more mystery, boys,” continued the outlaw, ‘a dead Ingiu in our door-yard calls for some oxpla’tion. I see the feller has got two knife-thrusts iu the side. But who did the work? and whar’d the red-skin come from?’ ‘Bet the bug-juice, Dare-Devil Dan done that,” said Redtop, but he found no takers, for ail were completely d=mfounded by the mys- terious tragedy, CHAPTER IX, IN CLOSE QUARTERS. — : Tue outlaws could arrive at nothing definite regarding the mysterious death of the unknown red-skin. The guard could give no further in- formation than that he heard @ scream, ran to where it emanated, and sawa shadowy form disappear in the darkuess, and then heard the Indian’s death-ratile. Finally they camo to Redtop’s conc!xsion that Dare-Devil Dan had dove the deed, aun so the body was covered with a blanket and “So ont- laws went back into the house. % An hour now was spent in putting guos and revolvers in order and in loading them. About midnight the guard was relieved, then the light was put out, and all retired to rest. The hours passed in silence, but just in the break o’ day a guard came and rapped sharply ' on the door. ‘ Chesney quickly rose aad answered the sum- mons. . ; ’“ Hooray, comrades?’ shouted the guard, lustily, “a number of the Indians have ar- a Up, comrades, and welcome them warm- y! In a few moments every outlaw was out of rs The guard conducted the red-skins into the. ouse, F It was scarcely light enough yet to see one’s sountenance, bub a few minutes more and it would be broad daylight. : The Indians wera welcomed by Cordelia, who was disappointed in not finding her savage ad- mirer, Lit*le Bear, emong them. Big Thunder was the chief of the little squad. He was a tall, erful savage, gaudily bececked in paint and Feathers, Hespoke English fluen'ly, and seemed bold and impudent in the liberties he took in the cabin. anes Field was the last of the household to ' gater the room where the savages were. Big i Sats se Dare-Devil Dax, ~< 6 a Thunder was talking when she entered, and at sigbt of him she started back as if with invol- untary fear. The chief appeared to notico her emotions and turned away. . ‘‘Where is Little Bear, Big Thunder?’ Cor- delia finally asked, ‘*Comin’,” was the chief's reply. ** Will they be here soon?” “ Mebby—when the sun comes a “Thank heaven! that will not be long,” ra- plied Cordelia, then turning to Adrian, she con- tinued: ‘‘ Adrian, I presume we will have to prepare breakfast for these fellows. It will lease them— Why, Adrian! what ails you? ou ave all in a tremble.” “Qh, the sight of those bloody Indians ter- gifies me!” Adrian replied, in a low tone. : Cordelia laughed a cold, cruel laugh, and with a sneering remark at her childish timidity, mene ae left oe gee aoe . y this time i grown qui ght 22 the room; still, one could not clearly see the fea- tures of the others, The Indians still maintained a standing posi- tion with their blankets hanging loosely around their shoulders. There were ten outlaws in tho room and six Indians, but all of a sudden a seventh savage pore into the room, banged the door behind im and fastened it by shocting a heavy bolt fixed across it into & Mortise in the jamb made to receive it, : ‘“‘Sharp-S the messenger, ’s back! Hoo- ray!? shouted Redtop, ‘‘ but what’s the feller mean by shuttin’ and boltin’ that door?” ‘ Sharp-Shoot, your gizzard,” responded the supposed runner in his natural voice.” “I’m Dere-Devil Dan, and the fust man that attempts to draw a weapon ise dead duck!” As he spoke, the young dare-devil leveled a ir of revolvers on the startled outlaws, and at the same instant the blankets fell from the shoulders of the other six Indians and twelve more revolvers were brought to bear upon the deceived, outwitted freebooters, &¢ Avaunt!” cried Old Rosebud; Papp eo you're our meat, and don’t forgit it. I know sich deception.is mean, but it’s a case of life and death, You know me too well to attempt to monkey with a i ge You may jist as well s’render cefully, for we've the drap on you, if you did extice us here that you might avenge the death of I'ean Wier!” ‘* Boys,” said Chesney, with a look of hope- less despair, ‘‘ wo’vo been betrayed, and Thomas Field, you diditi?. “*Te’s a lie, you villain,” was Field’s indignant retort, as he turned upon the outlaw with a face white with rage. a “What does this mean?’ cried Cordeiia, én- tering the room like an imperious queen, ‘“*Tt means that we’re ahead, my pret Nemesis,” replied Old Rosebud, ‘and there’ll be some shootin’ pretty quict: ef you disturb matters here.” “That man Field’s betrayed us,” repeated Chesney. ; : “Til gamble on it,” chirped in ths isrepres- sible Heaton. ‘‘ No!” cried Cordelia, fiercely, ‘I hold that wretch and murderer, Dare-Devil Dan, account- able for all!” “‘T won’t quarrel with a gal,” said Man, therefore you can ‘sass’ me all you want to, but your men folks darn’t do it, or I'll let go these yu of war. This catawampus face and cocked eye of mine are the work of your minions, and I feel like havin’ satisfaction, You little thought, when you were mauling me over the head and in the face the other day, that you were putting a disguise on me thay was bring you to grief. What we want is not onreasonable—simply you fellers to sur- render gracefully as we don’t want to kill you in the presens. of these female gals; but gals or no gals, if you offer to raise a hand we’ll slaughter every mother’s son of you. You baited us into this country with a woman’s appeal, and we’re going to take her away from here whether she wants to co or not ” Perhaps the hunters would not have been so slow in finishing up their work had they not discovered that they held every advantage. Not an outlaw had a weaponabout bim. Their side arms hung on the walls of the cabim, 2nd their gurs stood in the remotest corner of the room. They knew that one movement towara these would be the signal for the foe to fire, for men, brave enough to enter their—the robbers’ —stronghold, would not hesitate to shoot, they knew full well, Moreover, both doors leading from the room were-guarded, and so there was no chance of escape by either of these. ; For a moment Cordelia regarded the situa- _ a Pe be SE ee Se Sse ssl senses }; ne ee tion with a look of hopeless despair; then, ag her woman’s guick wits seemed to suggest some plan of relief, she started toward the door, say- ing, in a commanding voice: * Stand aside, and let me pass out!” *T can’t do it, Miss Nemesis,” said Dan, ‘‘un- til your folks here are mnade prisoners.” “They have offered no resistance,” she re- plied, ‘‘ what more do you ask of them{—to lay their heads on the block?’ ‘Want them to tbrow up their hands, and that at once, for this is getting monotonous. Throw up, gentlemen, and then understand that the first one that lowers a finger urtil com: manded will be shot dead!” Te outlaws glanced at each other. A Jook cf utter hopelessness was upon each face, ‘There was no alternative for them than to obey the command of Dare-Devil Dan, and so ali but one raised his hands. This one was Thomas Field. Dan fixed a sharp look upon him, Their eyes met, and the boy was satisfied. ‘‘Sol Warner,” said Dan, ‘ will you search these fellows?” Sol lowered his revolvers, placed one of them -in his belt, ard then searched the outlaws and found two derringers and several murderous- looking knives. “Now, friend Vail,” said Dan, ‘* will you take down them revolvers on the wall and them gone in the corner, and chuck them under the oor into the water?’ Scott raised the trap-door and dropped the revolvers into the water beneath. He had just started for the first rifle when a wild, demoniac yell rose on the morning air cutside of the cabin. _A wild, triumphant cry burst from Cordelia’s lips, and a light of hope fiashed in the eyes of the outlaws, Our friends started with a look of sudden surprise, and their faces became set with an ex- pression that spoke plainer than words, for full ih they imew the meaning of that terrible r) , ‘ It was an Indian war-whoop. Little Bear had at last, and in fact, arrived with fifty war- riors at his back. Mena’ Turning to the hunters, Cordelia hissed outs ** Vengeance is mine!” CHAPTER X. LIVELY TIMES IN THE OUTLAW CABIN, Darz-Devi. DAN and his friends were in & ——— situation. They knew that the out- aws on Beare outside had acquainted the sav- ages with the state of affairs, and that nothing but the most desperate measures could save them from death, The outlaws inside were emboldened by the changes in the situation and that which came over the spirits of their daring enemies. And taking advantage of this, Chesney dropped his hands, saying: “ Now, curse you, we will dictate conditions to you !’ ut scarcely had the last word left his lips — a revolver cracked and the villain fell ead. Instantly a savage yell rose outside and the Si of tomahawks were rained upon the oor. As Chesney went down a burst from the lips of his companions and with an oath of vin- dictive rage they bounded across the room and geized the rifles in the corner and raised them. “Mire, boys!” yelled Old Rosebud, and haif a dozen revolvers rung out sharp «"d stun- oie a "we outlaws fell dead and two were wounded, triggers of their rifles, but the hammers felt with a ‘‘ click,” and there was no report. ‘Fire and furies! the guns. have been tame red with!” cried Pony Jack, shrinking back, is face wearing the pallor of death, “Don’t fire! don’t fire!” cried Redtop, throw. ing down his gun and raising his hands, “Vil surrender—mercy! mercy!” sig Soy their guns the now terrified ou® laws huddled into the corner, like frightened sheep, with hands upraised before their faces and white lips be g for mercy. The hunters did not fire again, They had no desire to take the lives of the outlaws, vile and wretched as they were, unless absolutely neces- sary foi tear own salvation. Dare-Devil Dax still maintained his position at the door to keep the bolt that beld it in place, for this opening and the oor in the floor were the only places that would admit of an entrance to the building. 2 pe Seeing her friends were powerless Cordelia The others, driven to desperation, preszed the | sprung to a little ten-by-twelve inch window —
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| sist, but the very look used & = SSS tonemt Dare-Devil Dan. and endeavored to acquaint. those outside with the situation within; but this was the oppor- tune moment for Thomas Field to prove that he was no outlaw at heart and he did not fail to see and improve it, and springing across the room he seized the desperate girl and dragged her away from the window. *« Traitor!” she hissed, turning upon him, her eyes burning with an unearthly glare; ‘‘oh that I had adagger to pierce your treacherous neurt!? ‘*Whew!” exclaimed Old Rosebud; “ Lord, den’t she scotch?” “‘ Cordelia,” said Field, in a calm, quiet mood, “T regret this state of affairs; but you cannot say I did not warn you.” ‘“*A snap for you and your warning, Tom Field!’ the girl replied; ‘‘but remember you have shown your hand before the game has be- gun, for you are not safe yet!” ‘*Not by a darned sight,” pi of Redtop from the corner panions. “ Well,” said Dan, “‘ there’s one thing about it; if we’re to die here we'll all go together—friend and foe, man and maiden.” As there was cy it of forcing an entrance tarough the roof of the house, a watch was kept moving through the building to guard against such danger. As long as the door, which was made of heavy, seasoned timber and opened outward, could withstand the blows of the enemy’s hatchets the hunters felt no particular fear. They knew that so long as those outside were kept in ignorance of the true state of affairs in- side, the savages would be slow to adopt ex- treme and violent measures to dislodge them through fear of injuring their friends, Presently all became quiet inside and out of the cabin. Half an hour had thus passed when the little window heretofore mentioned was darkened by a savage face peering into the room. Butif the daring wretch discovered how matters stood there, he never lived to tell it, for a bullet from Old Rosebud’s revolver crashed through his brain, aud he sunk down lifeless in his tracks. This defeat was followed by another fiendish yell outside, and a vigorous attack was made ou the door and walls of the cabin with hatchets again. But the cunning wretches took good gare to hack no holes in the building that might serve the enemy inside the purpose of port- holes, and after a few minutes of wild demon- strations they took their dead warrior and re- tired back into the woods. A consultation was now held by the hunters, Thomas Field taking part with them. They could not arrive at any other conclusion than that they were in a fearful dilemma. Although they were victors in one sense of the word, they were virtually prisoners in another. And how were they to escape? Of course they could not take their prisoners with them, even though an avenue was open to them; and yet to leave them there alive would simply be to augment their future peril. Their very souls revolted at the idea of the wanton destruction of human life, while to think for a moment now of mak- ing terms with their own prisoners and the sav- ages was entirely out of the question. _ Should nothing decisive be accomplished ‘be- fore night, then the hunters could act with some degree of certainty, but they hardly dare hope for such athing. | very gun and pistol—in fact, weapon of any kind—except their own was gathered up and dumped into the water under the cabin. Then the outlaws were compelled to step out into the middle of the floor and submit to being bound hand and foot by Sol Warren. : Cordelia was treated with as much kindness as her violent passion and revengeful spirit would permit, She threatened once to fire the house over their heads, and would no doubt have done so had Old Rosebud, in a tone of eonvincing firmness, nct threatened to bind her hand and foot. After this she became some- what quiet, but it was the quiet of the caged tigress in whose furtive glances can be seen the pent-up ferocity. . By this time the sun was an hour high, and Pit Bc to feel the pangs of hunger, Old Rose- bud made inquiries of Adrian Field as to the condition of the outlaws’ larder, and on learn- ing that there was an abundance of cold meats and bread, Adrian — her pete were invited serve the same to the party. To the surprise of all, Cordelia ohvred to as- hat accompanied the offer seemed to suggest “ poison” to Old Rose- bud, and her services were deolined. d out the voice ehind his com- After a hearty breakfast had been dispatched Rosebud took a careful survey of the situation. Tho Indians were still back in the woods. Not & soul could be seen within pistol-shot of tho cabin, As the hours went by Cordelia gradually be- came reeonciled to her situation. The inactiv- ity of the Indians had given rise to the fear that they had entirely withdrawn from her as- sistance; and so, it would require all her woman’s tact clothed in her best demeanor to circumvent and outwit the men in whose power she was a prisoner, The silence of the outlaws and Indians out- side did not cause the vigilance of the hunters to relax for a moment, for they suspected their silence was only a ruse to draw them out, Noon came and the sun began his westward descent, and although that day had dragged along like a weary age, the besieged at last saw the shadows of night gathering around them, and their courage and hope grew stronger. That night would decide their fate one way or another, and as peey had little to hope for in along siege, they made up their minds that if an attempt to escape from the cabin must be made at all, the sooner the better. canoes known to be concealed under the floor of the main room were the only means that offer- ed a ible show of success; and éven this might be thwarted by the wily foe anticipating such a movement. In fact it might be the very cause of their silence, but be that as it may, the party resolved to make the attempt. Dare-Devil Dan, Old Rosebud and Scott Vail planned their course ina room out of hearing of the outlaws. Then Dan took the others aside, one at a time, and gave them a full detail of their arrangements which met with a hearty approval. ‘he first thing to be done, however, was to blindfold every outlaw for it became necessary to use a dark lantern at times and they wished the freebooters to be kept in ignorance of their movements if possible. They were, also, gag- ged that in case they discovered the truth t ey could not make it known to their friends out- side. The outlaws made no resistance, for, in view of the fact that one of the huuters was in favor of silencing them by shooting them, and came near carrying his point, ey were only too glad to escape with the blindfold and gag. Cordelia, however, knew that she would not be harmed and so fought and struggled desper-' ately, but she was finally silenced and then in- formed that she was tobe taken away with them. A shawl was thrown around her shoul- ders, then Sol, who had lowered himself into a canoe under the floor lifted her down and placed her on the thwart at his side. Four canoes were under the house. In three of the largest nine persons, including Thomas Field and his daughter, embarked. e fourth canoe was left for Dare Devil Dan who was to remain with the outlaws until assured the boats were beyond danger. This step was thought extremely necessary for two reasons: first, should the outlaws be left alone they could soon effect each other’s release by placing their hends close together so as to finger their bonds and give the alarm before the boats were out of danger; and then again, should all leave at once, and then be forced to retreat to the cabin again, it might be to find the outlaws free and ready to receive them with the door opened and the red-skins at their back. When all was ready Sol gave the word to move and then the three boats crept from the shadows of the building—out into the star-lit waters silently as phantoms. Voices could be heard about the building, and the fugitives held their breath in dreadful sus- pense, expecting each moment to hear a warn- ing voice or the crash of firearms announcing their discovery. Tt was one of those most trying moments. when the duration of every heart-throb seemed like an hour. Never did boats move so slowly. They seemed weighted with lead. To all it was a trying ordeal, but to Thomas Field and his daughter it was torturing, and a cry of joy in- voluntarily burst from their lips when Old . bud, with whom they were seated, finally said: ‘‘ Friends, the Lord’s with us—we’re safe!” With this announcement all dared to look back, The outlaw cabin was blended with the darkness of the wooded shore. A little further on Old Rosebud permitted bis canoe to come toa stand. The others came along- side and stopped. Here they waited the coming of Dare-Devil Dan, ior whose safety thay bad entertained no fears up to this time. The fugitives conversed in low tones, and something of old-time spirit of the amateurs And the- 13 and Old Rosebud began to crop out in their re~ marks, Cordelia was given her liberty, anu like a sensible woman she kept quiet after she had given free expression'to her indignant feelings by declaring her friends a set of stupid, coward- ly fools, and Little Bear an ignorant beast in permitting them—the hunters—to escape as they had from under their ‘very eyes. Ten minutes, perhaps, had passed in waiting, when a cry suddenly burst from Old Rosebud’s lips as a long beam of light shot out from the west shore across the water. ‘““My great mercy! the cabin’s been fired! Bor, we didn’t escape a moment ‘too room!” he said, All turned their eyes and saw that the hunter spoke the truth. é‘ Cordelia, with a white, distressed face, looked steadily, silently at her burning home for sev- eral moments, then buried her face in her hands and wept. The iron spirit of the beauti. ful woman had at last yielded, and the tigress had been traasformed into a sobbing, weeping girl The whole southern end of the building was now in flames. Brightly shone tho light over | the water, lighting up the faces of the fugitives with a weird glare. But where was Dare-Devil Dan? Nowhere upon the bright expanse of water between them and the fire could they see their young friend, and a sudden fear took possession of their minds, ‘*Thunder in the mountains! what if some- thin’ has happened the lad?” exclaimed Old Rosebud. Tt will be awful—absolutely awful,” replied Sol Warren. ‘7 don’t-seo the savages’ object in firing the cabin,” said Scott Vail, “unless to destro their foes they concluded to sacrifice their friends.” “Boy,” replied the old hunter, “my only wonder is that it hasn’t been fired before this, Had I been the leader 0’ the forces outside aad wanted to rout the foe inside, even though friends were there, I’d ’a’ fired the building and thereby forced the foe to throw o the doors which we’d ’a’ done afore we'd have roasted, and thereby released the others. J reckon they ne the idea through their brains and applied 6 torch, which is perfectly satisfactory evi- dence that our woke by water was never dreamed of even by the white villains outside who knew of the passage under the house. But look! both ends o’ the buildin’ are burnin’ now? Zounds, how the flames take hold of the dry thatch! but, say, isn’t there a form movin’ to and fro on the roof?’ and the old man shaded his eyes, and, leaning forward, gazed steadily at the burning building, ‘*-Yes,” replied Sol Warren, ‘‘ there isa form on the roof!” ‘*Merciful heavens, boys! it is Dare-Devil Dan! He’s s’rounded by fire! Hear them savage fiends a yellin’—boys, I can’t set here and see that noble boy roasted alive! I will die fust— here, Sol, you and Phil jump in here with me, and Mr. Field; you and Adrian take their place in that boat, and we will hasten ashore and do what we can to save the lad, though there are little hopes for him!” — The change was quickly made then Old Rose- bud dipped his paddle and as his boat moved out from between the others he sald; ‘*Folks, you pull for the island due east of here and if we don’t lose our hair we’ll join you © there afore midnight.” “May God speed you, Rosebud,” said Thomas Field as the boats parted, By a circuitous route that carried them out into the darkness beyond the light of the burn- ing cabin, Rosebud and his companions soon reached the shore, ary 4 they concealed their canoe, then turned and hurried in the di- rection of the outlaws’ home that was now one broad sheet of roaring flame. : CHAPTER XL THE OUTLAWS’ CABIN IN ASHES, Arter bis friends bad left bim alone with the seven blindfolded and gagged outlaws, Dare-Devil Dan felt a sensation of loneliness he had never experieneed before. While watch- ing every movement of the outlaws, he almost trembled with suspense for the safety of his friends, and when he thought that should it be discovered that he alone remained in the cabin, he grew restless and uneasy. j Scarcely — rainutes had etapsed—in- sufficient time he feared for his friends to have got nie danger—when he suddenly dis- — cover that the south end of the building had
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* a 7 — ee. ” > gee ree ‘ a ; — es wee X > oa eS ee iE ES po-tt: ote their t _ the wonderful! boy, the hero of manya 14 Dare-Devil Dan. Se oe been fired. His own surprise at this discovery, however, was not so great as that of the out- laws who fairly groaned in their terror while their forms shook like reeds in the wind. Satisfied now that bis friends must have es- eaped, Dan made up his mind that he must go at once or never. So he stooped to the trap- door. It would not yield. He tried again and again, and to his horror discovered it had been fastened underneath. Hestarted up and looked around him. Tbe flames were eating through the wall and roaring like a tempest. . He started toward the door. A yell warned him back. Turning to the outlaws he said: “Fellows, your blood will be upon the heads of your friends if you perish here.” 6 turned and entered an adjoining room. The outlaws heard bis retreating footsteps, and thus left alone, as they knew they were, having detected the escape of the others, they soon effected their release, and shooting back the bolt that had so stubbornly held the door, they rushed out into the open air. A yell greeted their appearance, and in a moment they were surrounded by a group of savages and their friends who had been on the outside. “Tt was a last resort, boys—where’s the rest of our friends{—and our foes?’ asked one of the outlaws. é ‘* All escaped an hour ago, but Dare-Devil Dan; and they took Cordelia, and Field and his irl with them in our canoes, Why in wonder idr? you watch the water?’ It was Redtop who thus addressed his friends. “My heavens!” cried one of the others, I swam under there myself and fastened down the trap-door—I didn’t notice any canoes being gone—it was so dark I could see nothing.” ‘“You ought to be roasted in that fire, Duke,” said Redtop, ‘for criminal stupidity; but, boys and warriors, the arch-devil of all earthly fiends, Dare-Devil Dan, is in that building. Watch the water and see that he is roas alive—if he comes out seizo him and hurl him back into the flames!” ae : Meanwhile Dare-Devil Dan was on the look- out for some chance for his life. He soon dis- covered thatthe north end of the cabin was also on fire, abd began to realize that he was in the most imminent eee auscounes by fire, savagesand water. But he determined to make one desperate effort fcr life. He had faced death before, but not in so many forms at once. Jumping upon a table he climbed into the loft. ith his knife he cuta hole though the straw roof on the side sloping toward the lake, and looked out. A wall of flathe was on the three sides of him—the north and south ends and the west side of the building. The trees that stood close against the house threw their t boughs out over the roof, Their green liage drooping downward brushed the roof on either side, : Dan pada, Bers upon the roof expecting to be riddled with bullets, but he soon discovered that there was no one on the watch on the lake-side of the house, and that the high ridge of the roof and the foliage of the trees concealed him from view of those on the opposite side. But what could he do there? He looked down into the lake, but the leap would be fatal. He lifted his oy and looked at the low drooping boughs of the trees that almost toucbed the comb of the house. He saw the leaves withering and curling in the heat, but the thought suggested to his mind was his last resort for life. The chance to him but one in a thousand. He cropped his rifle and revolvers, climbed up to the ridge of the roof and leaped into a bough that swayed under his weight. Still the youth was unperceived, for a wall of fire and smoke was between him and the foe, yet he must pass through that wall before he_ was safe even fromthe flames, along the limb to the very edge of the fire, but the heat and smoke were too much for him, and he wre and looked back. To his horror he saw the roof behind him ablaze. Again he i bis aes as if appealing to heaven. Another limb was within bis reach overhead swung himself upon it. From this He geek he ciim! to a third and then a fourth with the ility of a squirrel. But be could now go no ber, and closing his mouth and holding bis breath, hi began crawling along directly ov<r tbe flames that almost licked, with tongues, the bough he wason. But perilous land and ata adventure on land and on water, was ae to the emergency, and hbalf-blinded and almost suffocated with heat and the stifling ; Saoke. fe feally jenebad this tree-trunk fully ' tbirty feet from d. the groun He -crawled the limb | Dropping himself astride the limb and clasp- ing his arms about the tree to keep from falling, he drew a breath of fresher air. Then he leaned his head against the tree and closed his eyes for he began to feel dizzy and sick. Although the foliage between him and the fire was thick and green he could feel the heat, A steam was rising from the blistering leaves permeating the air with a sickish odor. The heat of the fire had driven the Indians and outlaws back beyond the tree he was in, but he would have been in no danger of dis- covery there had they been directly under him for the dense foliage, the drifting smoke and steam completely enveloped the upper part of the tree. After the youth had got his lungs somewhat cleared of smoke and his brain had ceased to whirl, he looked around him to see what his chances were for the next movemert. Hoe looked behind bim just in time to see the roof of the cabin go down and a billion of sparks go Soot se upward into the inky blackness of the sky. From this time on the light began to gradual- ly die out. Finally the walls fell, then the light flared up again and lasted until the logs had crumbled to coals when only a red glow re- lieved the surrounding darkness. Thus for fully three hours, Dare-Devil Dan maintained his silent perch in the shelter of that friendly tree; nor was the end yet. The foe made no motion toward leaving the place. On the contrary they gathered around the red, glowing ruins and fairly blistered their faces looking into the fire for some evidence of the death of Dare-Devil Dan. But they could see nothing assuring them that he was dead, and Redtop swore by all the saints above and be- low that he wouldn’t believe the boy was dead until he could see a body lying stiff and stark before him, “ with the devil’s certificate that it was Dare-Devil Dan’s, and no squackin’.” From his perch in the tree, Dan heard this declaration of the loud-mouthed Redtop, and could not help smiling when be thought how different the fellow had grown since he * piped” so lustly for mercy but a few hours before in the cabin. Finally, as the glow of the embers died out, the savages began to scatter out here and there and wrapping their blankets around them lie own upon tue ground to rest. tle Bear, who sat down with the outlaws under a tree for a consultation, When this talk had ended the chief arose, wrapped bis blanket about him, and went and laid down under a tree and was soon sound asleep. The defeated, outwitted outlaws could not eep. Tueir conscience troubled them. They sat together discussing their blunders and the terrible visitation of death that had decimated their ranks. But they had pron’ hopes of the future. Whet they had failed to accomplish, Little Bear promised them he could and would do, They had no fears of the fugitives getting away that night from the vicinity of the lake, and in the morning fifty Indians would ke let loose to bunt them down. Tbus another hour was spent. A sort of a red twilight from the glaring coals pervaded the surrounding. Redtop sat with bis eyes in the direction of the sleeping chief, wondering to himself whether the author of all their troubles, Dare-Devil Dan, had really perished in the flames. While thus engaged he saw a dark ball drop from the tree over Little Bear, strike the slumbering chief in the stomach and bound off into the darkness, but not before he had seen it assume buman proportions—recognizedit as the very subject of his thoughts, Dare-Devil Dan, the Boy Ranger. Acry as if of mortal pain was forced from the chief’s lips, and flinging aside his blanket he elasped his stomach and rolled over and over, groaning with agony. Like a deer Redtop sprung to his feet. In sharp, shrill notes he gave the alarm. Quickly every savage sprung to his feet. Redtop gave them the trail, and they swarmed away through the woods tike bloodbounds. But as_well might_they have pursued the wind as Dare Devil Dan. The fearless youth ran along the beach within the dense shadows, He had not gone far when a familiar voice hailed him. He stopped and looked around. ; He saw three forms approaching, and de- manded: z ‘* Who comes there?” — “Me, Rosebud Benjamin, Solomon Warren, and Philip Gregg.” | folks?’ “Shake, vards” said Dan, ‘‘how’s the other Soon all the red-skins were asleep except Lit-. SS sss eshte es ‘* All safe,” replied Rosebud, ‘‘ but let’s put to sea, for that music by Little Bear’s band is gittin’ uncomfortably close.” They hurried to where they had left the canoe and embarked for the island, and although the moon was shining, they escaped detection by the red-skins. **Boy,” said Rosebud, as they glided over the moonlit waters, “it seems to us that you had a leetle foretaste of the brimstun pit. How is it? War tbat you playin’ shuttlecock be- tween the flames on the roof of the cabin?” “Tt was,” replied Dan, and then he narrated. his adventure in the cabin and on the roof and in the tree, as we bave described it. . ‘t But,” he continued, ‘‘ when it come to getting out of that tree, with a sleeping chiet under it, and eight or ten foaming mad outlaws sitting near by wide awake, it was a leetle ticklish, but as the foliage hung low along the tree-trank, I started down aiming to keep on the side from the outlaws; but just as I reached the lower limb my foot slipped, and Iswung around and fell plump into the bosom of that dreaming chief, and from the yoop that escaped bis lips, I should say I bu’sted the great man. Well, to make it short, I lit out ot there like a jack-rabbit and—well, here I am. ‘* Yes, and here we are,” said Old Rosebud as the island to which he was steering appeared but a short ways before, In a few minutes more they, had landed on the island.and joined their friends, who re- ceived them with the most joyful demonstra- ion. Cordelia was perfectly indifferent to the news: of the Boy Ranger’s escape. In fact, she seemed quite indifferent, in her sorrow, to everything around her, She conversed but little, so com- pletely broken and crushed was her proud spirit, Out of respect for her feelings, Old Rosebud and Dan, whom all believed she hated, addressed no words to her, nor did they make any remark in her hearing tending to touch her feelings. A consultation as to what should be done with the girl was held, and it was unanimously decided that Cordelia might decide the matter herself, and that if she wished to leave the country, she should do so under their protee- tion, Adrian was finally sent to her, to inform her of the result of the consultation and ask her ta express her wish in the matter. “* Adrian,” she replied, ‘t will you please tell. Sol Warren that I wish to speak with him? I will inform him of my wish.” Adrian turned away, and found Sol, to whom she gave Cordelia’s message. Sol at once proceeded to where the girl sat, She asked him to be seated. He sat down by, her side, They conversed for fully an bour,' then Sol arose and came back to bis friends in: waiting. “Well?” said Old Rosebud. : / “She desires to go back to the shore,” Sol! said, ‘* place herself under the protection of Lit- tle Bear until she can arrange matters so as to o to her father’s people, who reside in St, aul, She is utterly beartbroken, and says she. feels with keen remorse the sins of ber father, Poor girl, Il. pity her from the bottom of my heart, and although it was by her orders that L was to be brought to this very island and shot, she now asks me to escort her frozm here back to the shore, and I have promised to do so,” * Boy, look out that her tears and soft words ain’t another electric battery to place you in her power,” said Rosebud. ‘‘T bave no fears of her now. I know she speaks the truth. Ste is humble and penitent. be acknowledged that she had tried to slay us. all, but that it was all done in a passion of mad- ness. ‘And why won’t she talk to all o’ us as she does to you, boy?” Old Ben inquired, “I don’t know,” was Sol's reply. “IT do,” was Rosebud’s answer, as he nudged - Scott Vail; ‘bet it’s a love affa'r between sper." The last words were spoken aside to ail. ; “As I have promised to take her ashore, I shall depart at once,” Warren said. iT Sol, ’ sai ard ce,
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depart, and throwing her shawl hoodlike over ber head she advanced to where Adrian stood and taking her hand said: “Good-by, Adrian—perhaps forever. I hope you will forgive me if I have in word or act wronged you. I am going to my friends and with God’s mercy, try and live a better life, Pray for me, Adrian, for { know God will hear your prayer.” Here she broke down and sobbed as if her heart would break. All were touched with ply by her emotions. But presently she brushed away her tears. and raising her white face that looked strangely beautiful in the mel- low moonlight she said, addressing all: Men, one and all 1 humbly implore your Zorgiveness. But a few days ago, I, your : avenging Nemesis, sought your lives; but I fatal thank Heaven for the result, for no innocent '-blood is upon my head. I promise you now that so far as my father’s followers, or those _ that live, and Little Bear’s warriors are con- cerned, no harm shall befall you in your jour- ney out of this country. I know my influence with them and can safely make you this pro- mise as partial amends for the wrongs done, All I ask of you is your forgiveness of the ; t. “i “That you have, my little gal, and may God bless you, are the prayers o’ Old Rosebud,” and the old hunter advanced, and, taking her hand spoke in a tone deep with emotion. Then one by one the others came up and ledged ber their entire forgiveness and wished bar asafe journey to her friends and a life of happiness. * Harewell,” she said when the last one had spoken to her, and then taking Sol’s arm she Me was conducted to one of the boats, and soon the Be: two were gliding out over the moonlit waters : toward the western shore. ; Fess Their approach was discovered when fifty _ . pods from the beach, and by the time the boat touched at a landing every outlaw and savage -}. had congregated there. Cordelia’s return was received. with pro- longed shouts and yells of joy. . In the very face of all Sol Warren boldly eevee from the boat and assisted the girl on . shore. ‘“Hoeray!” shouted Redtop, ‘‘she’s brought that big nk that tied us back with her a prisoner, and now for—” ae ‘Men, and warriors!” cried Cordelia in a strong voice, her old-time sternness and reso- lution asserting themselves, ‘let not a hand : touch this young man. I promised him that no ol harm should befall him it-he accompanied me S aie here, and he who offers to lay a hand on him shall suffer!” “*My gracious, Cordelia! what’s come over rage you? wil you let that big wretch—” 4. " “ Not another word, Redtop,” she command- . ed in an imperative tone, then turning to the chief, Little Bear, she continued: “* Little Bear, * 2 1 appeal to you to see that no harm befalls = a that brave young man.” ; ae Ever ready to do the beautiful woman’s bid- es i ding Little Bear waved bis warriors back, say- > ing: ; : ** “Little Bear hears the white queen’s words, Harm shall not come to the young white brave who brings her back to her people. Let all be- ware!” . This warning was enough. Disappointment ‘became written on the faces of the outlaws, and the irrepressible Redtop turned away, mutter- “a pate himself. Sees urning to her escort, Cordelia now said: ** Sol, I thank you—good-by.” “*Good-by Cordelia,” the young man said, then turning he stepped into the boat, and seat- ing himself took up the paddle and sent the craft gliding easily and gracefully across the water, ” For several moments Cordelia stood, her back to the lake, watching with the eye of a hawk ea oe - the group of outlaws and savages to see that no =. pee one attempted to fire upon Sol. But when as- sured that he was beyond danger she turned and glanced over the lake at the retreating boat, then burying her face in her hands, she _ fell upon her knees and burst into tears, ‘The Indians looked on in mute astonishment, while the outlaws swore in their beards. -- 'fbe scene was a weird one—the ‘moonlit wa- ters, the dark green forest, the belt of yellow t: sand lying between, the kneeling, sobbing girl, ij and the grim, stoical savages—all conspired to anake the picture grand and solemn. : t it lasted for only a few moments. The maiden arose and turned away; the warriors and soon the solemn bush of night shores of Devil’s Lake. } ~~ followed, ; _ brooded alone the eS a ye ‘ Dare-Devil Dan. CHAPTER XIT- THE LAST SURPRISE. Arter Sol’s return to the island, and the lit- tle band of adventurers realized that they were safe once more, for the time being, at least, the greatest joy prevailed, and they began to mato arrangements for their retreat from the scene of their adventures. Their horses were con- cealed in a canyon on the east side of the lake along with their hunting and camp equipage, and as soon as they had taken a short-rest they embarked for the mainland. They found their horses as they had left them, and, as there were three pack-horsos in the out- fit, Thomas Field and his daughter were fur- nished a couple of these. : By the time the party were in their saddles it was almost daylight, but the horses being fresh they pushed rapidly southward, and by the time the sun came up they were many miles from Devil’s Lake, Old Rosebud observed as much precaution as though the most imminent danger surrounded them. He had some doubts of Cordelia bein able to hold the outlaws and red-skins in check, notwitbstanding Sol’s story of the wonderful power she seemed to exert over them, Dut after three days’ traveling without seeing the sight of a savage or freebooter, every fear was dismissed, and from that time on the journey because one of no little pleasure. When the Cheyenne river was reached they went into camp for a day or two of rest. Scott Vail was suffering some from the effect of his wound, which had been greatly aggravated by his long ride. While here a herd of buffalo was sighted a few miles away, and leaping into their saddles, all but Sol and Adrian set off to hunt down the noble game. 3 z : All along the young men had vied with each other in acts of civility to Adrian and in con- tributing to her happiness and comfort; and if she bad a favorite or a preference among them she concealed it with remarkble tact, which in fact,.siowed her good sense, Scott Vail, however, had waited patiently for ap opportunity to confess bis love to her; and while the men were off after the. buffalo he laid bare bis heart secret. Adrian was greatly sur- rised, and before she could answer him, Dare- evil Dan dashed into camp with the news of their success in killing a number of buffalo, .Shortly afterward the others came in witha nice supply of fresh buffalo meat. After supper that evening Dan invited Vail toa walk, On the banks of the river they sat down, when Dan snid; “Scott, we might as well have our talk out that Old Rosebud and the panther so uncere- moniously cut short a few days since, and have an understanding. You confessed to me and I to you that we loved Adrian Field.” Yes,” replied Vail, ‘Well, one or the other must lose; but Scott, will it be by fair or foul means?” ‘Fair, every time, Dan.” ‘**] will tell you then what I will do upon my honor: you bave your revolver, I have mine. We will shoot five shots e ch at that white spot on yonder tree, and he who puts the most bul- lets nearest the center is to have a clear field—- the other withdrawing entirely.” * After all, Dan, Adrian will settle the mat- ter,” replied Scott: * Jove cannot be changed b the hazard of a few bullets fired at a target, and I have this to suggest that we go to Adrian and let her decide it herself.” ' “That suits me better, Scott, for it’s the most manly way I confess—ah! here comes Adrian now. Let us speak with her.” Adrian was walking along the bank in a dee reverie and did not see the young rivals unt D«n addressed her. Scott Vail, in a very plain and honorable way ‘aii their troubles before ber, and begged that she settle it as ber heagy dictated, The maiden was nota little startled by this double proposal, but she soon recovered her composure and said: ‘“‘ My dear young friends, you have both been very, very kind to me, and are worthy of the love of any girl living, but I bope it.will not give you pain when [| say that I cannot give my loves to either.” * And is there no chance for hope?” Scott asked, as if loth to yield up his idol. ‘None whatever,” she answered; “‘for my hand and heart are pledged to another—your friend, Sol Warren.” , ‘Lucky Sol,” muttered Dare-Devil Dan, and then as Adrian moved away he turned to Beott and said: a ro oe eee 18 “Phat settles it, old friend—big-Lzarted Sol Warren has drawn the prize:” Looking vaguely away across the river with a look of regret on his handsome face, Scott Vail replied: “ Ah, well! for us all some sweet hope lies, Deeply buried from human eyes,” ¥ THE END. * Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. = BY PHILIP 8. WARNE, 6T Patent-Leather Joe; or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmer. 175 Captain Arizona; or, Patent-Leather Joe's Big Game. ’ 198 Captain Mask; or, Patent-Leather Joe's Defeat. ; 219 Despard, the Duelist; or, The Mountain Vumpires, B88 A Tough Boy}; or, The Dwari's Revenge. 868 Little Tornados or, The Onteasts of the Glen, : BIS Litt Fingo; or, the Queer Pard, BSS Litcic Ohemy s or, Caught in His Own Trap, 401 Littio shoo-Fly ¢ or, A Race fora Ranch, 408 Littic Leather- Breeches; or, Old Jumbo’s Curso, ABEL Litile Ah Sing or, The Corse of Blood, 451 Colorado Kate. A ‘Tule of the alines. 480 Three Jolly: Parda. S17 dim Gladden’s Deputy. 527 The Jolly Pards cto the Rescue. 5bAT Sandy Andy; or, A Good Man Down, 656 Lariat Lil; or, The Cast fora Life, BY CAPTAIN FRED, WHITTAKER, 15 The Sea-Cat; or, The Witch of Darien. 29 The Dumb Page; or, The Doge’s Daughter. 48 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. 150 Lance and Lasso; or, The Children of the Chaco. 154 The Sword Munters; or, The Land of the Elephant Riders, 159 The ere Captain; or, Skipper Jabez Coflin’s Crulse to the Ipen Polar Sea, 200 The Boy Bedoutna; or, The Brothers of the Plumed Lance, 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine, 249 ee Romer, the Animal King; or, The Round the World Vanderer, 265 The Tleer Tanier; or, The League of the Jungle, 881 Black Nick, the Demon Rider. 895 California Joo’s War Trall. BY FRANK DUMONT. 120 The Branded Hand; or, The Man of Mystery. 127 Wild-Fire, the Boss of the Road, . 140 Blue Blazeas or, Thé Break o’ Day Boys of Rosky Bar, ATL Ebony Dany or, The Rival Leagues, 185 Evil Eye; or, The Vultures of the Rio Grande, BY MARRY 87. GEORGE, 80 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, the Ranger, ij 44 Rattling Rubes or, The Nighthawks of Kentucky, J 50 Old Ulekory 3 or, Pandy Ellis's Scalp. . 108 During Davy; or, The Trail of the Horder Wolf, 166 Mickory Harry ¢ or, The Trapper Brigude’s Spy. 172 Thunderbolt Tomy or, the Woll-Herder, BY JACK FARRAGQUT. * BIS Nod, the Cabin Boy. i #20 The Sea Sorceress; or, The Boy Skipper. MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS, 4 The Wild-Horsae Hunters, By Capt, Mayne Rold and * Froderick Whittaker, 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen, 12 Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean swift, 14 Aladdiny or, The Wonderful Lanip. i 16 Robinson Crusoe. (27 Tlustrations,) 18 Sindbad the Satlor. His Seven Voyages. 22 The Sea Serpents or, The Boy Robingoa Crusoe, By Juan Lewis. B8 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirntes cf the Carribews, By S, W, Pierce. 86 The Boy Clown; or, The Queen ofthe Arena, By Frank S. Fi . the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack.” a nn. 8 Ne yylde. BY Nee hey a The Underground Camp. | By Archie 61 bg Boy Riles; or, 05 The Rivat Rovera; or, The Freebooters of the Mississippi. By Lieut.-Col. Hazeltine, / 98 Robin Wood, the Outlawed Ear); or, The Merry Men of Green- wood. By Prof. Gildersleeve. ! 105 Old Rube: the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain 112 The Mad Hunter: or, The Cave of Death. By Burton Saxe. 124 Tippy, the ‘Texans or, The Young Champion, By George 128 The Youn Privateer; or, The Pirate’s Stronghold, By x Harry Cavendish. 348 Sher e Pet a . " 227 Juaky Darrell, Trapper; or, The Green Ranger of the Yel- lowstone, By ward Emerson. 261 Ferqua Fearnaught the New Yirk Boy, By Goorge L, en. 266 ieittar, the Guide; 7, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trall. By Ensign C. D, Warren. 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid of the Clit. * By Captain bomutock. e ; 817 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville, By Lieu- tenant Alired Thorne. 828 } tag Sky je. eve} or, A Boy’s Fight for Life and Hono, B nior Mickey Free. : £50 Hed Ralph, the River Rovers or, The Brother’s Re- sige. By Ned Buntline. : B85 Haltimore Ren the Boothlack Detective. By A. P. Morris, @ The Adventures of a Friendless Boy, By J. | 874 Gold-Dust Tom or, Ben’s Double Match, By George H, . Morse. 876 California Joe's First Trail. By Colorfel Thomas. Hoyer Monstery. 418 Biily Rombsahell, the Cliff Climber. By F. 8. Winthrop. 475 The Blnck Ship. By John 8, Warner. 4s4 Domanche Dd and His Three Invinclbles . U ne. - 52s Wirard- Arm, ihe Dandy Sport, By Arthur F. Holly Th y e w rooke Forrest, © bbe Ariel, the Athlete. By David Druid. ya A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library {s for sale by ail newsdealers five esata por Copy, or sent by mail on receipt ofsix cents each, =~ 7 By ~ hy kt a.
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awe la A ~ PrP =~ er ee ne BEADLE’S | HALF-DIME | LIBRARY. pane Di the Prings of the Road. Fok, «ty $e By E.L. Wheeler. qoph KB, Bulger, ‘Jr. Ki iy bg eA Bat, (Hon. W. F. Cody. ae Toren. ) untors. By Captain Mayne Reid and 147 Will WHidfire, the Thoroughbred. Sharp Sam. hy J. Alesnase b49 A Game of Gold. Kudward 150 Lance und Lasso. Ey Caytain Frederick Whittaker. ad Charles Morris, er heeler. van Aw Prederick W bitthker. 151 Panther Pauli, the Priwie Irate. By Jos. Kk. Badger, Jr, bona ee the Young Wandering Jew. By Oll Coomes, ‘152 Black Beas, Will Wildfire’s Racer. By Charles Maris. Vase nom "a 0 cents. “ASD Kagle Kit, the Foy Demon. By Oil Coomes. gan Bin I Ey rapper. By Bdward 8. Ellis, 154 The Sword Hunters, By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. ¥lying the Cr « By Colonel I rentles Ingraham. 155 Gold Triggér, the Sport. By T. C. Harbau 5 doch Jouca; oa Captives of the Frontier, By E. §. Ells. 156 Deadwoed Dick of Yend wood, By FE. f Wheeler. Stes, of Baron Mune chausen, 15% Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. By Charles Morris, rb mene or, The Fate of the Sioux € aptives, By E. S. Ellia. 168 Fr nucy Frank of Colorado. By Buffalo Bill, 1 ° toetives. Pe Albert W. Aiken. 159 The Lost Captain, By Captain Frederick Whittaker. wo er’s Travels. oyage to Liliput, and a Voyage to | 160 The Black Giant. By Jose ph KE. Badger, Jr. B vobdingnag. By — Swift, 161 New York Nell, By Edward L, Whe ler. The Dumb Spy. By Ol Coomes. 162 Will Wildfire in the Woods, By Charles Morris. ddin ; oF, Worderful Lamp. . 168 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. By Oll Coomes. > 2 Bea-Cat. “hy Captain Frederick Whittaker. 164 Dandy Rock’s Pledge. By George Waldo Browne. 4 J eee Orusoeg. (27 Iustrations ) By Defoe. 165 Billy Baggage, the Railroad Boy. By Charles Morris. Balph # >» the Boy Buccaneer. By Col. Prentiss Ingraiam, igG Mickory Th arry. By Harry St. George. rH 8 “ie t! © Satlor. From the Arabian Nights, 167 Asa Scott, the Steambont Boy, By Edward Ville), paprem Spy. By Buffalo Bill. 1G8 Deadly Wash. By Jo “ee k. Badger, Jr, +4 Double Daggers. By Edward L we hecler. 169 ‘Yornado Tom. By T. C. Harbaugh. rtf £s rontier Angel. By Edward S, © 170 A Trump Card. By Charles Morris. 22 Sea ser ventt or, The Boy Robinson C rusoe, By J. Lewis. | ary Ebony Dan. By Frank Dumont. Be hk o’ the Ihit} or, The Boy Spy of"76. By T. C. Harbaugh. #72 Thunderbolt oma By Harry St. George. 8 ‘Eo Hoy Ga Dirk y $ eps Prontiss fugraliam, 173 Pandy Kfock'’s Rival. By George Waldo Browne, ° prin. y Roger Starbuck. ~ 17-4 Bob Rockett, the Boy Dodger. By Charles Morris, ®y 36 Oh oven the Totlale Demon. By Edward L, Wheeler, 175 Captain Arizona. By Philip S. Warne. : = E Autelope Ai @, the Hoy one = By Nae oe “i Fas 176 The Boy Runaway. By Lieutenant H. D. Perry, U.S.N. ay De De o Pr Bec she Tiel By Wi peslee, ~.A ITT Nobby Nick of Nevada. By Edward L. Wheeler. The ns Bs 1 ie Ni ea. a a + e 478 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. By Oll Coomes. @ Roa a ; oe pe toe y MS ge 4 JeOT ECs 179 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runuer, By Charles Morris. 8 A een, i nee of the Prairies, } Voomes. 180 The Sea Trailer. By Lieutenant H. D. Perry, U.S.N. ge am ool, i pe ea Bett Ve oa) See ee Peek of Montana. | By Edward L. Wheeler, a4 0 4 Sol. rs Cc statat J.F. t Ad beam 182 Little Hurrleane, th: Boy Captain. By Oll Coomes, Tr ba ‘ y Captain 4 Rape. 188 The Nidden Hand, By Charles Morris. 4 uy itoy van lave raf lag tee al By E. L. Wheeler. 184 The Boy Trailers. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. B ie H ct Pees Pod y Bet c. Hab | 185 Evil Eye, King of the Cale Thieves. By Frank Dumont, Bb 2d Wi tac riba ss te 138 Cool Bosinond. By, Ccloel Dele Sum 8 Death-ia moe, tin Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler, ae Ered Halyard Sg ror Een, BS Fes 3 Cas eo Barta ol® 5 te en Lave. n. ~ John J. Marshall. 159 Bob Rockett, the Cracksman, By Charles Morris. rr ey » the ¥ RS Benes cts penmes. 190 Dandy Darke. By William R. Eyater. an ch ombom XK ; = ag iy Me Rid. seler Whittak 191 Vuftalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. By Capt. A. B. Taylor. a Pe ifn eae ee none Raves maar. , Ppcaph, Whldehere | toe Captatn Kit, the Wi Lo?the-Wisp.. By Liest. Perry. y Harry St. George. 198 Lady Road-Agent. By Philip 8. Warne. 45 OM A anche, th, Great Annihilator. By E. L. Wheeler. 194 Ruffale Wilts Bet. By Ca tain Taylor, 46 GTass Bye, the Great Shot of the West, By J. F.C, Adams, 195 Nendwood Dick’s Dream. -By Kdwend L. Wheeler. = N abi he Naty; or, Phe Forest Captains. By Harbaugh, 196 Shadowed. By Charles Morrie. ; : me aie Seine seeks: ie aR Ret ong «abe 197 Little Grit, the Wild Rider. By Col. Prontian Ingrabam. aha make) Jorror. By Mdward Li OLE 198 Arkansaw, ths Man with the Knife. By T. C. Harbaugh, Bi dtm ta, b4 ber azel, ¢ 55 Poadl -Bye, the +4 Nie wood Dick's Kerdor King Mekery; or, Fe Sy mare khorn Bi; or, The Shadow Ship. Jr., ho Boy obin Heod, 50 ¢ ae ythe Trapper. By C. E, Lasalle. 61 Rifles; or, ‘I ‘ie Underground C Jamp. By A.C,Iron, et te Buifalo, By C. E. Lasalle. Unknown Scout. biden? Pet. Eagles. By Edward L. dian. ed Brotherhood. es f Jack. I | Tr Cre c the Boy Phenix. By E.L, Wheeler. Trapper, By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. By Buffalo Bill, By Captain J. F, C. Adams, Wheeler. or, The Secret Foe. By Oll Coomes, ~— ENis’s Scalp. By Harry St. Gentue. y Captain J, F. CL Adame. The Red Rifle Team. By E. L, Wheeler. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. By ef J. Hamilton. w. J. Hamilton, arhe. By Buffalo Bill. E. on ife for a Life. ie By Pil 8. Ww — ith Nat e the Sharpshooter. By Rdward L, Wheeler, ? p’s Cabin. a oy Mo F.C, Adams. Tt pease wick the ee Poneg Pasar Spy. By Oll Coomea the Texan Ranger. Hy W.J. Hamilton. & 1 ast y ck on Deck. iy Rivest l. Wheslet the Sey u By’ OU Coomes, me ee ae neliad. Y Colonel Prentiss In a t Albert W. Alken. zt reek Se Minera, S Heeeeestiy ReeHE > J = at oma ane Roadwood Dick's old ¥ r » the Gu sim, > the ca. Devil. mapa trope araes coearvese : tara Ub Rcsarscts meat Crem ae Boy a Stain Mayne ar Oia the Giant Trapper. bad Rob. By Edward L. o, By Captain J. F.C. yr Dre as the Wood- ors Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief. By E. L. ike. dnek, the Read-Agent. mia al Revera, By Liem. Col. Hazeltine. W ateh-Kye, the Spine. eye } , the Outlawed Earl, he Tiger of T aon. By George Waldo Browne. © Deadwood Dick in Leady id Rube, the Hunter. Gk as Detective. ae Blaek Steed of the Prairies. by J. L. Bowen, f By Coloue! Prontisa Ingraham, * santer: ; ovle @ Young Speculator. lack Schooner, Somers, the Boy Detective. or, tes King of the ravo. By BE. L, Wheeler, fe pr ose W. Aiken. By T. C. Harbaugh. ney, yanser, OlL Coomes. ify vthe Gir Miner, ward L. Wheeler, ek Buckram. By beptetn J, F.C. Adams. Da Rote the Mun from Texas. By G. Waldo Brown. The rates, By, Some iu Mayne Reid. Phot raph iy a, the South. By E, L, Wheeler ie nd he author of ** Jack Harkaway.” fi read Rider. By Seok oorge Wado Browne. Cun Coptais efthe Club. By Bracobridge Hemyng. hevier. a a Edward 8, Ellis, By Edward L. Wheeler. thers, By John J. Marshall. By Prof. Gildersleeve. eo, By E. L. Wheeler. ck Harkeway in New York. Bracebridge Hemyng. k Doad-Bye. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. ‘he Lion of the Sen. By Colonel Delle Sara. Device. By Edward L. Wheeler, A Ca rsa H, Holmes. C. Harbaugh. Young Bear-Killer, By H. St, George. By E. L. Wheeler. ide. By Junws L Bowen. By Burton Saxe By E. L. Wheeler, By Rage Starbuck. By Georya Waldo Browne, Gbarles Morria, luina, By J. K, Badger, ussar Captain, By Col. Prontins lagraham, ie Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler. ‘ t oy hy onl ta ee Py tee Gir rt. : eoler. cin Hardy, @ Boss Boy. "hy Charios Morris. lown Oh ¥, the White Mustanger. By T.C. Harheugh: i24 my Leg « By George Glexson. ri iner. By Miward L. Wheeler. ? 120 By Chartes Morris, 123 zfs ire, the B Boss of the Road. By Frank Dumont, eM Privateer. By H. Cavendish, dweed ake Doabi By roe Morris. Waldo Browne, ~ Bis a ward S. Ellis. ae te of cn tblacks, By E.L. Wheeler. se Knight le, By Kdward L, Wheeler. Bumout, fire 1 thew Ra. L. Wheeler. iay Gul Coon ow Sn ce ” By Watsler. sles By T.G. Harbaugh, > 199 Featherweight. By Eiverd Willett. 200 The Bey Bedoulns, By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 201 The Black Hills Jezebel. By Edward L. Wheeler. 202 Proa t Pete, of tne Boy Brigade. By Ol] Coomes, Zz The Boy Pards, By Joseph EK. Badger, Jr. @4 Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit, By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, S08 Deadwood Dick’s Doom. By Edward L. Wheeler, 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger Bing. By Charles Morris. 207 Navajo Siok. the Boy Gold Hunter. By T, C, Harbaugh, 208 The oy Mercules, By Oll Coomes. 209 Frit 1é@ Bound-Boy Detective. = Edward L. Wheeler. 210 Faro Frank of High Pine. William R. Eyater. B11 Crooked Cale, By wer, Jr. 213 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Paletinn By Charles Morris, Frits te the Frent. By Edward L. Wheeler. 4 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine. By Capt. Whittaker. Captain bullet, the Raider King. By T, varey at Bison Bil), the Prince of che Reins. By Col. P. Ingr Captain Crack-Shot,. By Edward 1. Wheeler, 8 Tiger Tom, the Texan Terror. By Oll Coomes, “219 Pespard, the Duelist, ay Philip S. 9 220 Tom Tanner, Scalawag and Scapegiace. Chas. Morris. 251 Sugar-Ceouted Sam. By Edward L. Whee er, 322 Grit, the Bravo Sport. By Col. Prentiss In 223 Ozark ing B King of the Mountain, By Edward } Doumea. wewwere at ta et pa ek pa ham.. lett, pd ire ms! Coleael Prenties In ham. By C. Dunning Eine kk. $21 Pluek Phi. oft tbe Mouniatn, Trail. By T. C. Harbaugh. 282 Gold-Dust Dick, By Edward L. Wheeler. 238 Joe Buck of Angels. By Albert W. Aiken. 254 Old Rocky’s ** Boyees.” Sg va Sam. 285 Shadew Sans, the essenger By Charles Morris, 286 Apolle Bill. By Edward L, Whee! er. aa Lene Marah the Cowboy Captain. S The Parson pi Aplange ie} a aoe The Gold-secker Guide, By Cinetata Mayne Reld. 240 fei Ties Kit. Hy Edward L, Wheeler, 241 1 Bravo and His Bear Parda, By T. C. Harbaugh. 242°T Two ** Bloods.” By Clarloa Morris, 248 The Dispulsed Guide. By 0ll Coomes, ate Sierra Sam, By Edward L. Wheeler. Merle, the Middy, By Colone! Prentiss Ingraham 6 Giant George. By Buckskin Sgn. bar Old Griszly and His Peta. By. wis Bruin” Adams, 248 Slorra Sam’s Secret. By Edward L, Wheeler. 249 Milo Dy ioe the Animal King. By Capt. Fred. Waittaker, 250 The Midshipman Mutineer. By Col. P. Ingraham. 251 Tart house Lige. By Captain J. F.C. Adams, By @el. Ingraham. Oll Coomes. 252 Dick Dashawa By Charles Morris. 255 Sterra Sam’a Pard. By Edward I. Wheeles, 264 The Half Bloed. ‘By Rawess : S. Ellis, 2 % T. C. Harbangh. oume Kentuck. by Capes Mark Rab es ? Tho Lost Huntera. Bye t. J. F. C. Adanis. 2358 Flerra Sam’s Seven, dward L. Wheeler. “59 'The Golden Harpoon, “By Rog Roger Starouck., 260 Dare-Deyil Dan. By Ol Coo 261 Fergns Fearnaught By oxen Ly Atken, 2 The Youn gare By Charles Morns. Captain Apoll«, 263 Rosdweed S Diek’s Divide. by Edward L. Wheeler. S04 ape Floati oe tay 1, P, Ingraham, 265 The Tiger Tamer. By © Phin Fred, Whittaker. 266 Elllb’ar, the Guide. By Ensign Warren. 267 The Buckskin Detective. By T. C. Harba 26S Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail. By E. L. 369 The Gold Ship, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 2370 Blizzard Ben. By Capttn Mark Wilton. e Muge Hunter. By Edward S. Bilis. Minkekin Mike. By Ol)Coomes. 872 wis Jim’s Prize.) By Edward L. Wheoler. 87S Little dinges or, the Queer Pard. By Phillp S, Wa 874 Gold-Dust Tom. By George H. Morse. 875 Chiota, the Orcek. By Bockskin Sam. 876 Callforsla Joe's First Trail. By Capt. F. Whh ou 877 Ronodel, the Boy Rover, By Col. Prenties Ing they ., BTS Nabob Ned, By Edward L. Wheeler. 879 Larry, the Leveler. By Charlea Morria, 880 Avalanche Alf, By Major E. L. St. Vraia, 881 Faudere Bills or, Frio Frauk to the Front. By Bucky’ 882 Ceol Kit, the King of Kids. By Edward L. Wheeler 888 The Indian Pict. By Cel, Prentice Ingraham. .884 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero, By Oli Cooma, 885 Yreka Jim’s Jeker. By Edward L. Wheeler, 836 Captain Cutiasa, the Ocenn Spider. By T. 0. Baroy 88% Warpath Will, the Boy Phantom. By Col, B, dogo’, 888 Little Oh-my, By Pailp 8S. Werne- A New lasuc Every Tuesda; Half-Dime Lib anaes fe is for ope pgahie pewredeu . per copy, or sent by siz cons tah. BEARLE ime aD amems Pobilshera, 98 Willicm Stre.t, New way By ‘t. €