Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 129) (1880 01 13)
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meer | COMMIS we wo WY 1 i ‘\ URI MAO , ——— ~ rity Sees ee — “ » fr cab} aveey veo) FS SLANT scirr aisecrs ate mal all (| | mer wile ow | ie SMayear. Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., as Second Class Mail Matter. Copyrighted In 1879 by BEADLE AND ADAMS. =” Ja Single PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS Price, , Vol. Vv. Num er. ; 5 Cents. No. 1 29. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. EDWARD L. WHEELER, Author of ** Deadwood Dick Novels,” ete,. ers, my Mma * Per T tats io “~* ; “ONA! git ready. TWO! say yer kittenchisms. THREE! balanée yerself fer the final send-off. And lastly—‘ KENO?*
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U 2 Deadwood Dick’s Double; The Ghost of Gorgon's Gulch. A TALE OF WILD-CAT CITY. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, 4UTHOR OF ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK,” ETC., ETC. CHAPTER I. THE COLONISTS. THRovuGH the dying sunlight of one of Autumn’s most beautiful days, a ‘‘train” of white-topped prairie “schooners” wound through a tortuous and wild mountain gulch, ever an equally rough and rugged stage road er trail, drawn by horses that looked gaunt and weary. There were four wagons, drawn by two teams each; then there were three persons in advance, upon horseback—a lady and two gentlemen. h wagon was manned with a stalwart, sturdy driver, and that there were other per- sons beneath the canvas canopy was evident by occasional shouts of laughter. The trio in advance were armed with rifles, _ but did not appear apprehensive of danger, as hi | rode leisurely along. e eldest of the hays was Judson Elliott, the leader of the band of colonists, whose pilot he now was; the next eldest was Alf Montague, also one of the party, a stalwart, good-looking fellow, aged six-and-twenty, and some twenty years ‘‘ Judge” Elliott’s junior. The last. was uthel Elliott, the colonist’s daughter, and one of the prettiest, most vivacious little creatures ever seen in the wild mountain districts. She was just at the threshold of blooming womanhood—eighteen—small in stature, as compared with the brawny, stalwart son of Old Virginia, Alf Montague, but most grace- nly formed and developed. er face was clear and finely-chiseled, her _ eyes a dusky beaming brown, her hair of the same hue and grown in great luxuriance, al- though it was now tossed in wild disorder over her shoulders, by the ruthless mountain breeze. She was attired in a coarse but serviceable riding habit, and wore a jaunty straw hat upon her head, Judson Elliott was a man of stately bearing, whose habitual graveness would have led one to believe that he was ever brooding over some great trouble, either of the past, or that was foreshadowed in the future. He was rather prcrcecssing in appearance, his countenance tokening a man of sound sense and judg- ment, mastered passions, and an iron will. His eyes were dusky, and hair of a like ‘uue, while his sweeping beard was liberally «sprinkled with silver threads, Montague, in face was not unhandsome, with his “character” features, brown eyes, hair and ' worshiped shave been rightly informed,” Jud “tnat we have come that far. inustache. At least, so thought pretty Miss Ethel, who him as the hero of her life. I¢ was uietly Considered that they were lovers, al- “though no public announcement had been mad ) ‘bo that effect. Young Mon’ had followed the colonists all the way from Virginia, and the wise ones of the train Ege a wedding as «oon as the colony should be planted, Among those bags ay e colonists, there were the Elliotts, Judson, Ethel and Royce, her brother; the Hansons, two females and four males; the Warwicks, three females and two males; the St. Celtons, two females, four inales, and Alf Montague and Lewis Lyons— the latter a roving genius who had joined the train in Kansas. Por three months the colonists had been un- nsep wer ag upon the road, and now they pega to took forward in hopes of reaching their des- - ‘tination. Gorgon Gulch, through which they were toil- ing, was one of the labyrinthian tributaries to ‘the many approaches to the great Carbonate ons surrounding Leadville, and they had ‘regi g now Jeft that enterprising city about ten miles to the south. “Cat City cannot be very far away, if we Elliott said, as the eon. ‘We were told that it was five es from the forks, and it must be , already.” “That is my idea of it,” Montague replied, “and I have been eagerly watching for the dast hour, to get a glimpse of the pr “Now, don’t set: your expectations too high, " we, Deadwood Dick’s Double. Alf,” pretty Miss Ethel said, smiling, “for something tells me that you will get disappoint- ed. I do not imagine that we will find a Philadel- phia or a New York, up here among these trowning mountains.” ‘“‘Nor I, but we have been assured by the land-agents that we should find a small village, and p enty of land suitable for agricultural es u . si, As undoubtedly we shall,” Elliott agreed, gravely. ‘“‘By the way, yonder is a bend in the canyon, and beyond it seems to be lighter. Perhaps we are at the end of our journey?” With considerable eagerness they spurred forward around the bend, leaving the train to follow at its leisure. Beyond the bend, where the canyon-gulch narrowed down to a mere gap, they soon be- held their destination. No town, however, nor even a village was there—simply a large, rude cabin, by the trail, and a shed that probably answered the purpose of a barn. That was all. The cosey little Says they had been advised of, was dissipated in the bare reality of what they saw. e country was nearly in keeping with the other prospects. To sure, the ch had widened into a pocket valley of sev hundred acres, but the land was for a most part timber- = and rocky, and a wild-looking place at the st. The valley or pocket was basin-shaped, moun- tains of stupendous size rising on every side, and looking primly uninviting with their dense coverings of scrub pine timber. Across the valley was another gap similar to that acing, which our party had entered, and this was the continuation of the Gorgon Gulch trail to the northward. Involuntarily the three colonists drew rein as they arrived at the edge of the valley, and exchanged glances—glances of mingled aston- ishment and dissatisfaction at the prospect re- vealed, Was this the place that they had traveled so many miles to reach? Was tkis the (said to be) famous Wild-Cat ped that they had been led to believe was a illage of great promise? It would seem so. Some months before, Judson Elliott, while in New Orleans on business, had encountered a glib-tongued individual who claimed to be a mighty speculator of valuable Western lands. Particularly was he eloquent over one parcel of territory containing a village named Wild Cat City, all of which he claimed to own by right of absolute purchase, and was willing to pore of orl ne gin figures, or exchange for Eastern estates. Elliott was the possessor of a small and not te productive farm in Northern Virginia, and having always had a desire to locate in the booming West, he proposed that the agent take a look at his land, with a view to exchange. The agent did take a look, and as a result traded the Cat City tract for the estates of Elliott, Hanson, Warwick and St. Celton, giv- ing them some cash and a deed of one hundred acres of land, each, in exchange for their re- spective farms. That was the explanation of the formation of the Elliott colony and its journey westward. The agent had described the land as fair and level a valley as 6ver the sun shone upon, free from any obstructiotis whatever, and ready for the plow. “ Tt is just as I expected; we have been sold!” breaking the silence. “We Ethel exclaimed, ! ie have left a cosey home for a howling wilder- ness. ‘By Heaven, you are right,” the Judge re- lied; ‘‘but here we are, and must make the fous of an unenviable situation, instead of cry- ing over spilt milk. I had no idea of being cheated in this manner. Let’s ride on to the cabin, and see who is usurping our premises,” Accordingly they galloped forward until they reached the great two-story log structure, and drew rein before one great door, over which was a rude sign: “* Cat Crry Castno.” Two men stood before the door, with hands thrust in their leathern breeches pocket, and grimy clay pipes in their mouths—the one a typical Californian, buckskin clad, with long aunt features, a hook nose, sandy hair and |! d and big feet—the other a fat, greasy, flat- faced Chinaman. The pose of each were dirty, their bat- tered white plug hats were perforr ted numerous- gg bullet holes, and both were armed to the There was something sinister in the expres: sion of the Californian’s countenance, as our colonists rode up, but he nodded, good-na- turedly, and even condescended to remove his pine “i his mouth and stare hard at pretty thel. **Good-afternoon,” Judge Elliott said, bow- ing. “‘Could you tell me if this is the place called Wild-Cat City?” : ‘‘T reckon I can,” the Californian replied, “Youre right in ther heart o’ ther great me- tropolis, ef ther old court knows herself, an’ this hyar ranch of mine, it be ther capitol.” ‘But, my good friend, we were led to sup- pose that there was a little village here, with a population of about a half-hundred souls?” ‘““Kent help thet, pilgri Ye kin see ther size o’ ther city ’thout gittin’ up on the mount- ing an’ lookin’ over et wi’ a spy-glass, an’ as ter ther souls I reckon me an’ my man Sing Song be about ther likeliest an’ earthliest in- habertants, bein’s we’re ther founders o’ ther city as ye now parseeve it.” ** And do you mean to say that you and your companion are the only inhabitants?’ Mon- tague asked. ‘We allow we aire,” the Californian aver- red, with due self-pride. ‘‘I’m old Bill Myers, frum Californy. e kim down heer an’ built the city, all by ourselves, an’ when et grows a leetle, we calkelate ter be jin’t Mayor an’ Boss, we do. Oh! Cat City hain’t no New York, ner Leadville, but_et’s bound ter blaze, byme-by. Ther stage halts heer fer dinner, on ets way north, an’ occasionally sum pilgrim smells good liquid paralysis down this way, and stops fer a So ye see Cat City hain’t no dead “Not half so dead as it ought to be,” Alf Montague grunted. ‘ How about it, Judge— what shall we do?” “Stop here,” was the reply. ‘‘ We’ve made our bed, and may as well occupy it. By the way, Mr. Myers, I suppose you can tell me about how many acres of land there is in this basin?” ; ‘‘Some’res about four hundred acres, I al- ow!” ** Ah! then we have not. been much deceived as to the amount of the land. You see we have purchased this basin, or four hundred acres of it, and have come to take possession. I pre- sume you have no objections?” “Waal, no, not so long as ye don’t disturb me, an’ my shanty, heer. But, I allow meb- be ye won’t like to locate, fer all.” ‘In what respect?” “Oh! beca’se thar’s anuther galoot what claims ownership, an’ he makes et red-hot fer ’em as tries ter squat heer. He calls himself Deadwood Dick, an’ he’s a hard customer ter handle.” “Oh! I think I have read of the fellow. A road-agent, isn’t be?” “ Yes, he used ter.be, but they say as how he has retired, now. “He claims ter hev staked out this valley fer his own use, an’ won’t allow nary a usurp.” “How is it that you are here, then?” “Oh! he see’d et would be an advantage ter hev a’ howtel, héer, an’ so let me plant ranch fer half o’ my profits. That's how!” ‘Well, Mr. Deadwood Dick and our colony must be enemies, then, for we shall certain! take possession of the tract,” Judg Elliott said, decidedly.. ‘We traded for it, and we shall hold it, before the muzzle of the rifle. Alf, you may ride back and hurry Ae the teams,...We must strike tents yet, to-night. Perhaps we can get sothe to eat at this tavern?” — “Most sarteng * you can,” Myers ned to assure: ‘‘ Jest dismount ther leddy an’ fetch her in, We've got b’éfstake, an’ fust- eg Sgt an’ don’t you fergit-it.” ‘ “ You may give us thé bear-steak, in prefer- ,” the Judge said, gravely. ade, and Ethel and.her ence to the w A dismount was father were conductéd into a sort of g- room adjoining the bar-room. Shi The train soon arrived, and the wag were corraled in an open space not far from. the Casino, and the weary horses turned loose tv AZ. eTents were then taken from the wagons, and while the women were taken to the Casino, the sturdy colonists began to erect their temporary homes, until they could have achance to rear permanent structures of a more substahtial character. Not long was it ere the white tents were dotted about, and bright camp-fires blazing be- fore them, around which the colonists were srovies in clusters, discussing the prospects of their new homes. Se ee = ae ey
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a Not a very cheering prospect was it, to say the feast, with a howling wilderness surrounding them, Judge Elliott and Ethel stood in the door of the Casino, conversing with the man, Myers, when hoof-strokes were heard coming down the trail, and a horseman soon up at a gallop, and drew rein near the camp-fires, ** Ah! as Lexpected,” old Bill grunted. ‘‘ Et’s Chris Carleton, one o’ Deadwood Dict’s fellers, an’ as tough acuss as evyer sipped lik’er. An’ T’ll allow he’s come down ter tell ye ter get up an’ git.” ‘* He shall have his answer, then, as soon as he asks for it,” Judge Elliott, replied, decidedly. “Be he as fierce as an African lion, he cannot scare me!” “Nor me, papa!” Ethel said, with a merry laugh. ‘‘I can be as brave as a soldier, you know.” The horseman evidently made inquiries of those about the camp-fires, for he soon turned and galloped toward the tavern. He drew rein as he beheld the Judge and his daughter, “Tm searchin’ fer ther man thet heads this colony!” he said. ‘“ Ef you're ther galoot, why you’re ther one I want.’ ‘Well, sir, J am undoubtedly the party you seek,” the Judge said, stiffly. CHAPTER II. THE WARNING. “ Ann, if you want to snag yourself against a small-sized hurricane, for instance, here’s me!” Ethel exclaimed, or i The ruffian uttered a low ery of admiration and amazement, as he saw her. He was a man of medium stature, clad from head to foot in black-dyed buckskin, and armed to the teeth—an evil-looking personage, with swarthy skin, bead-like black eyes, and hair and mustache and imperial to match. While hover- ing upon his face was an expression so evil and sinister as to need no other proof that he was a thoroughbred villain. Out in those far Western tracts of gold and — a man is never judged so critically by his eeds as by the expression of his countenance. It is by this that the character of the ‘‘ beast ” is taken, and the mode rarely, if ever, fails to be correct in determining the nature of the party in question. No second glance, therefore, had a person to e to assure himself Chris Carleton was a man of evil inclinations, to say the least. Judge Elliot knew it at once, but did not trenabite. y a rough and lawless character had he encountered during his life, but never had he n over-matched. “T am Judson. Elliott, the leader of the colony,” he repeated, folding his arms across his breast, ‘‘and if you have anything to say to me, why say it, and be gone !” ‘*Oho! don’t git quite so authoritative, now!” Carleton focpred, fiercely. ‘‘ Ef ther old. court knows herself, we gi pine 5 cum an’ go when we ease. And, as remar ed before, ef you’re udson Elliott, leader o’ these squatters, you’re ther very galoot we want ter see. My name’s Carleton—Chris Carleton, fer long, an’ I’m sort 0’ lieutenant to Capt’in Deadwood Dick, who owns these lands in these hyar surroundings, ity cum down ter warn ye ter git up an “Then you have put yourself to considerable trouble for nothing, as we flatly refuse to git!” the Judge answered, positively. ‘Asa colony, we have purchased and paid for the lands in this valley, and we intend to hold our own, no matter what claims others may have.” Carleton uttered an oath. — “Youll mighty quick change yer mind on that,” he said, ys tn ‘*Heer’s a leetle dockyment frum Capt’in Dicky, tellin’? ye what ye kin expect, ef ye don’t puckachee!” as he spoke, the lieutenant drew an en- velope from his pocket, and tossed it toward the Judge, who, ‘n turn, caught and opened it. ithin was a sheet of paper, written over in a straggling hand, the contents of which was substantially as follows: To all whom it may concern : “ Know ye by these presents, that I, Deadwood Dick, alias tdward Harris, road-agent and outlaw- at-large, do claim right of ownership of the tract of land in Cat City Basin, having duly surveyed it and staked it out as my claim, from the Government. Know ye, also, that said tract of territory being mine, I will not tolerate intrusion, or usurpation in any way or manner what- ever. Parties who squat upon the tract will be duly f ossession and absolute ry ‘ ah foc} Deadvwood Dick’s Double, warned by such a document as this, to vacate, within ten hours after its receipt. If they refuse, I shall forthwith declare war against them, by causing bon- fires to be built on the surrounding mountain tops, after which they need look for no mercy from my band. Cat City belongs to Deadwood Dick, and not to you, and, therefore, if re value your lives and your liberty, you will pack up your effects and fold your tents and steal away. ‘““Remember! Your lives shall ate’, the sacrifice, if you remain ten hours in the valley, after the re- ception of this, and you shall know that Deadwood Dick never commands but to be obeyed, or the of- fender punished. ““(Signed:) Derapwoop Dick.” Word for word the Judge read the warning; then handed it to Ethel, while he turned to the courier: ‘* You may go, sir, as soon as you choose, and tell this Deadwood Dick that we will not va- cate!” he said, sternly. ‘‘I have no desire to incur his enmity—neither am I afraid of him. We have the deeds for the four hundred acres of land in this valley, and we shall hold them at the muzzle of our rifles. Go, tell him this, and tell him, also, that he had better think twice be- fore he attacks us, This is all I have to say, in behalf of the colonists.” ‘*Keerect! Ther Capt?in shall know yer re- ply,” Carleton replied, with a sinister leer, ** An’, by ther way, ye’d better get out yer hymn- books o’ glory, fer we don’t ginerally allow much time for camp-meetin’ when we light down on a gang.” And with a Seupal laugh the avant cowrier dug his spurs savagely into the sides of his horse, and dashed away over the northward trail, The colonists had by this time mostly gather- ed by the tavern door, and at a request Judge Elliott read the warning of the noted mount: outlaw. There was a murmur of indignation in the crowd, when he had finished. ‘This is about the cheekiest thing I’ve heard of yet,” Alf Montague declared, ‘*You colo- nists gave up your homes in onebenge for this tract, and you are fools if you don’t fight for it. That’s my say; and I can back it to the muzzle, If Deadwood Dick wants war he can have dead loads of it, so far as Iam concerned, Eh! boys— what do you say?” “Ay! ay!” was the hearty response from a dozen throats. ‘If Deadwood Dick wants war, vee him his fill!” “Yes, we will!” Judge Elliott assented, ap- provingly. ‘“T am not generally in favor of pitehed battles, but right is right, and in fight- ing for the possession of this gulch, I candidly believe we are but doing right. There are four- teen men of us, strong and rugged, and I trust that we can give the rival claimant all hé wants. To-morrow we will build a block-house, or fort, where we can better protect ourselves.” Ten miles up Gorgon’s Gulch, to the north of Cat City, a simple and unpretentious cabin stood in a little clearing on the mountain side. The clearing was planted with garden vegetables, with here and there a bed of cultivated flowers. A little vine-wr-athed porch shaded the single door; a little path led through the wood to the stage trail a score of rods below; a bubbling mountain brook gurgled down across the clear- ing through its pebbly channel, with musical vehemence, It was a coery, pretty spot for a home—a lace where two loving, contented hearts might well and dwell, and never know the pains or cares of a bustling, restless world. Upon the bright sunny morning of the day following the colonists’ arrival at Cat City, a young woman of pretty face and form stood in he doorway of the isolated cabin, in a listening attitude. { That she was expecting some one was evi- dent, for she forward with a little joy- ous cry as a horseman suddenly dashed from the woods and across the clearing to the door, where he drew rein and leaped from the saddle, to receive her into his arms. ‘ A handsome fellow he was, ata glance, with a smooth face and dusky eyes, which corre- nded in color with his garments, which were black, from the top-hoots upon his feet, to the jaunty slouch hat upon his head. ‘Dick, Dick! Iam so glad you came, to-day, for I was getting so lonesome, with no one to talk to,” the little woman said, returning his warm caress. ‘Tell me, did you succeed in your case?” ‘“Of course, ma petite Edith,” the new-comer replied, leading the way into the cabin. “ Did you ever know Phineas Porter to lose a case he undertook? The missing money bad been stolen by a step-son, who of course a woman in the case.” > 3 ‘* And now, you will stay at home with me ever so long, before you go away pgaln, won't you.” Edith said, coaxingly. ‘‘lf you but ew how lonely it is when you’re gone you'd not go away.” ““T daresay it is, dear, and I would be with you ever, were it not for my calling.” ‘Give up that calling, then. There are others, in plenty, to fill your place.” “Perhaps so, but 1 do not think you under- stand my nature, even yet, darling. I could not exist without excitement. It has been the one demand of my past life as it must be of the future. When I have plenty of excitement I am at home; when excitement flags, I am dull and stupid. Since I left road-agency, though firmly resolved to quiet down, I have found it a tough struggle, and were it not for what little I do in the detective line, I should expire, I fear. This is not because I do not love you— indeed no, for you are the sweetest treasure of my life, Edith} But you know I have been wild and untamed so long that restlessness hag grown to be a second nature to me.” pH suppose you are right, my, husband, but —but—” and here the little girl-wife broke down, and sobbed as if her heart would break. “There! there, pet, don’t cry, please don’t,” Deadwood Dick said, gathering her to his breast. “T have but one more case—then, if you say so, I will not leave you again,” “Oh! Dick! will you really, truly? I should be. so much happier,” and Edith’s pretty eyes brightened, wonderfully. ‘ Whatother case is this of which you speak?” “One in which the knife and revolver will have to take the place of the cunning and craft of the detective, I fear,” Deadwood Dick replied, grimly. ‘‘I just got news, at Turkey Canyon, this morning, to look out for myself. Some rascal thirsting for notoriety, has hitched onto my title, and under the name of Deadwood Dick, is committing numerous depredations, of a criminal character, thereby imperilin my own Lagan “Oh! Dick! What will become of you? The people will think it is you, instead of the double of yours, and your safety will be gone,” “Perhaps, yes. But, when they catch the Old Original napping, it will be time to fear. This Double, as you have sppreprately termed him, is the very man I must seek, and induce to relinquish the use of my tile. I will hunt him down as 1 would a bear, and slay him if he re- fuses to exonerate me from all blame. No doubt there will be need for me to lie low, as T am pretty generally known as Deadwood Dick, and an effort may be made to take me, You have nothing to fear, however,as no one will disturb you, and you need not fear but what I can take care of myself. You are not afraid to remain here, alone, for a few days, are you?’ iss “No, Dick—not if it is necessary that I should doso. Old Daggers will stay with me, and I shall not be afraid.” “True, Daggers is a faithful, noble dog, and worth his weight in gold, Where is the old fellow?’ and putting his fingers to his lips, Deadwood Dick gave vent to a shrill whistle. A moment later a great shaggy mastiff of unusual size came bounding into the room. <At sight of Deadwood Dick he gave a joyful bark, and rising upon his hind feet he walked for- ward, and placed his front paws affectionately about the ex-chief’s neck, and rubbed his nose ainst his master’s head. t was an act of almost buman affection, and tears sprung into Dick’s eyes, as he patted the noble animal softly. ‘* Noble fellow!” he murmured, “you are in- deed a true friend. With two such loving pets as you and Edith any man might well be happy. But { must not ogi longer. I must away to hunt down my Double. Be he a giant or a devil, he must drop my name, and repair the injury he is doing me—or die!” ‘Bravo! husband; your words I enthusi- astically echo. As Deadwood Dick you are a free man, and therefore let no one stain your name again.” : “Nor will I. Here, Daggers, my boy; do you see your mistress yonder? The sagacious mastiff wagged his tail in as- nD t. “Well, now, I am going away, to be gone some time. What will you do when I amaway, old fellow?” Leaving Dick’s side, the dog went over to where Edith was standing, and seated himself upon his haunches in front of her, showing his tong peaely teeth, and uttering a deep growl as he did so. Deadwood Diek rose with a smile.
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4 “No need for me to remain longer, Editi, , dear, when you have so brave a defender. Take care of yourself, now, and if you see any one approaching the cabin, close and bar the door, A kiss, pet, and then I am off to trail my Double.” ith vouchsafed the token of affection cheer- fully, and then after holding her for a moment in his arms, Deadwood Dick left the cabin. His horse was waiting him at the door, and he vaulted into the saddle with the same ease as when, a few years before, he had held full sway as Prince of the Deadwood Trail. ** By-by, darling!” he cried, waving his hand; “do not fear for me, nor for yourself, for I do not think any one will seek to disturb you.” “‘T hope not, By-by!” Edith returned, and then he galloped away across the glade, and was soon lost to view in the woods below. “Poor Dick,” the little wife murmured. ** Wil his life ever be freo from peril? It would seem not. Hardly does he cast aside one ob- struction or danger, before another menaces hin, But, brave as the bravest, he battles on. Pat Dick. Ilove him more and more every ! ‘And cast your affection upon a worthless, roving vagabond,” a cool voice exclaimed, and a man stepped from around one corner of the eabin with a low laugh. Edith stepped back with a little cry of alarm, for she recognized the sinister face as that be- longing to one of the most notorious ruffians in the region—and tbat man Chris Carleton—the lieutenant of Deadwood Dick’s Double. CHAPTER III. THE FIRST BLOW. Bureut and early in the morning of the day succeeding their arrival at Cat City, the colon- ists were up, and to work, witha will. The ring of the ax and the echo of the ham- mer, t-..ether with the zum-zum of the saw and the shouts of stentorian voices, were heard in the valley. Men were hurrying to and fro; others were felling the t pines; others still wore dragging them forth from the forest, with the aid of orses. Everywhere were bustle and activity, and sigus that civilization had struck Cat City and Gorgon Gulch. Before noon the unmistakable shape and forma- tion of a stanch log fortress began to loom up, not over a score of rods distant from the Casino, and by early sunset, through the united efforts of the plucky colonists, a two-story structure sixty by a hundred feet, with a thatched and slab roof, stood frowning down upon the stage trail, ready for occupancy. To be sure there was no floor in it, and but a rude chimney, and the cracks and crevices had not been artistically plastered; but for all these deficiencies it offered a protective shelter to the colonists. And they proceeded to take possession of it forthwith. The wagons were unpacked of the effects that had been brought along—each containing a few pieces of furniture, bedding, and housekeeping essentials—and said effects were moved into the toxt, to be distributed around by busy feminine hands, while men corraled the wagons in the rear of the fort, and secured the horses for tho night in one end of the long structure, which had been divided off for their accommodation. Wuies all was arranged to general satisfac- tion, “ye colonists gathered before the door of theic fort, and sent up three loud long. cheers that awoke a thousand startled echoes through- out the valley. “ Hurrah!” Alf Montague cried, enthusias- tically. ‘“‘Send along your Deadwood Dick, now, if he wants to fight. We’ll guarantee to give him ail he wants, too. By the way, boys, what are we going to name our fort? A name she must have, or we shall not be lucky. What shall it be?” ‘* Name her Fort Ethel,” Fred St. Celton said, **in honor of our gallant leader’s daughter.” “Ay! ay! that’s the talk—Fort Ethel it is,” the colonists agreed, with one exception, and he the dark-faced fellow who had joined the colony in Kansas—Lew Lyons. “T don’t see it!” he grunted. ‘ Thet ain’t a high-sonndin’ title enough fer a fort. Give et pas bi g name, like Fort Fortune or Fire radu, - ““See here,” Royce Elliot cried, ‘‘ what do you mean? Do you cast a slur at my sister, you pert If that’s your game, I'll break every e in your body.” It had been observable that Lyons had been paying considerable attention. to Ethel in the t few days, and having become unpleasantly twice repulsed him, si familiar, she had » since i ro a -—————————————————————: nnn nee TNE es _ < M4 man, ees: resolved to ‘‘ thrash” him, should Lyons flushed now at the words of the other, a gleam of hatred coming into his eyes. ‘You can name your cussed fort what you please, for all I care,” he growled, turning away. ae Port Ethel it shall be, then,” Alf Montague cried, “in honor of the captain’s daughter. By the way, boys, I do not like the looks of that Lew Lyons. It appears to me he’s just one of the kind of fellows who would stab you when our back is turned. ‘*Exactly my opinion,” Charley St. Celton agreed. ‘* He got ‘snake’ written in his eyes plain as the nose on old Bill Myers’s face.” This created a general laugh, for the nose of the Casino’s illiterate host had been the butt of many jokes since the arrival of the colonists. Ay t dare say that Lyons is no prime favorite with any of us,” Judge Elliott said, gravely, “ but it isn’t advisable for us to incur his enmi- ty. Id rather have the love than the hatred of such a man as he, any time. He might be able to do us considerable harm.” ** Papa is right!” Ethel cried, poking her rogu- ish face out of the door. ‘Don’t make any more enemies than possible, for we shall have enough as it is.” As the sun went down there was a perceptibly anxious expression upon the faces of the colo- nists, many glances were turned toward the surrounding mountain-tops. They were looking for, and e ted to see, the fires that wood Dick had promised should appear. Nor were they disappointed. About nine o'clock in the evening, fires a peared, one by one, upon the neighboring cliffs and peaks, and burn ey. From the door of the fort the little band of colonists watched them, prith the dawning realization that they were the si for the po ger of a bitter struggle for the possession of the little ch valley. oe Old Bill ers and Sing Song came over from the Casino, and s watching the illu- mination grimly, as they smoked their clay Pep reckon thet means bizness, Jedge,” Myers observ with a strange chuckle. ‘‘ Them ar’s Deadwood Dick’s last warnin’s fer ye ter git up and git.” ' hey will avail nothing,” Judge Elliott re- oe ‘We will fight for the session of his valley as long as we draw the breath of e life. “You bet we will,” Alf Monta decidedly. “We'll hold the fo we've hands left to fight with.” fires soon burned down, and were not re- kindled. At Judge Elliott’s suggestion two of the St. Celtons were detailed for guard, to keep watch in the neighborhood of the cabin during the nigh, en the others of the party turned in. Morning dawned, without any important event transpiring. Nothing of the enemy had been seen by the St. Celton boys, and the light of day revealed no suspicious movement in the alley. “ Perhaps we shall not have much trouble, after all?’ Judge Elliott said, as he dropped in at the Casino for acigar. ‘‘The note and the fires may have been ventured to scare us away.” ‘*Mebbe, and mebbe not,” old Bill replied, grufity- I opine ye’ll heer from Deadwood ick yet.” Judge Elliott was not so sure of this. He be- lieved that the rival claimant would hardly dare attempt an open attack, when he saw how strongly the colonists bad rooted themselves by building the fort. After breakfast, Royce and Montague shoul- dered their rifles, and set off to xuee the wooded portions of the gulch, where the farm- ge nage of the colony were to be located. hey soon became separated, however, and when, at noon, Montague returned to the fort, he es that Royce Elliott had not yet ar- rived. No particular attention was paid to this fact, until young m went for a bucket of water, to the spring in the woods. He soon came running back to the fort, then, ees etd ace pei ee was le in the w near the spring. A half-dozen of the colonists, Beatled © by Judge Elliott and Alf Montague, instantly set ‘ e assented, as long as He was taken up and carried to the fort, aad a more careful examination was made of his eat a No wound or bruise of any kind could se found upon his body, yet he was dead be, ond all peradventure, there being no warmth in the body or beating of the heart. In some inexplicable manner he had been stricken down in his prime. Judge Elliott and Ethel were nearly distract- ed over their sad loss, and the rest of the col- onists shared with them their grief. Royce had been a prime favorite with all, and his sudden death was a shock not easily to be put aside. lf Montague and Lyons were the coolest men of lot. pale ontague was deeply grieved, but his was the grief that found expression in grave silence. Lyons did not appear to be in the least af- fected, but satin a retired corner and cleaned his rifle, while the others were weeping over the cold remains. Old Bill Myers and his celestial companion came over from the Casino and viewed the corpse. ae can set_et down as ther furst blow o’ thet cuss, Deadwood Dick,” he said, to Monta- gue, in an undertone. ‘Ken ye find how he was tuk off?” “No, There is no signs of wounds or vio- lence to be found upon his person.” ‘* Mighty queer about thet. Found him cluss to the spring, did ye?” ‘* Yes—not a dozen feet from it.” ‘“Have any of ye drunk water frum it since ye found him?” The young colonist BE ea communicated the suspicion of old Bill Myers to the others, who were of course surprised, and yet saw a likelihood in the suggestion. Young Hanson was immediately sent for some of the water of the spring, in order that it might be analyzed. Fred St. Celton was a chemist, and declared that he could soon tell whether the water had been poisoned or not. In the meantime, while Montague and Tom St. Celton were removing the body of poor Royce to a bed, a paper dropped from his pocket, which was the key to the mystery. aed it, in letters of blood, were written the words: ‘*Poison!|—my First Blow—tremble for the sec- ond! EADWOOD Dick!” That was all, but it explained the cause of Royce’s death, in accordance with Myers’s sus- picion. We must needs return to the day before, when we left Edith, the wife of the original Deadwood Dick, confronted by the an, Chris Carleton. She was not frightened—only startled by his sudden appearance. ‘** What do you mean by this intrusion, sir? she demanded, bravely, for although she knew him by name, she could form no idea of what errand could have brought him hence, “What do I mean?” Carleton demanded, pausing and thrusting bis hands in his breeches pockets, with a leer upon his evil visage. ‘‘ Well, now, if ee really want to know, I’ve cum down to talk bizness to ye while Deadwood Dick’s away. Ye see, I’ve had several glimpses of ye 0’ late, when I’ve been prowlin’ around, and I’ve gone dead sot on ye, fera fact. SoIcome down here, ter day, ter get ye ter onhitch from Dick, as it war, an’ hitch onto me.” “Sir! do you mean to insult me?’ Edith cried, flushing angrily. ‘‘ Begone, sir, or I will ell for my husband. It is not too late to make im hear! ‘Ye can yell as much as ye please,” Carleton a rr: ‘ I aon’ care io “cig ae nental about yer lovey-dove ic you bet. Yure ther ae i Pin after, an’ T'll make et plain ter ye thet I’m all fair an’ squar’. I don’t mean ter insult ye, but purpose ter hev ag
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ye shake Dickey, fer myself. I’m a good sort ©’ pilgrim, an’ hev tuk a notion thet ye’d make a fine arnament ter my shanty. Tharfore, when ye’re ready, we'll go over an’ get mar- ried, at Blind-Man’s mine.” “No! we will not!” Edith declared. ‘You've entirely miscalculated, if it was your plan to come here and frighten me, for ’m not a bit scared.” “Oh! you ain’t, eh?’ Carleton grunted, ad- miringly. ‘‘ Well, ye’re a spunkey little piece, an’ all the more valuable for it. yer togs, an’ prepare to go along with me,” ‘*Don’t stand there waiting until I do,” Edith returned, coolly. “And by the way, if you value your anatomy very highly, I s'.ould advise you to pull out, lively, before I set my dog on you.” “Ts he savage?” “You probably will find out, if you don’t take leg-bail, for security. Daggers, do you see that ruffian? How would you like to chaw him?” The dog wagged its tail appreciatively, and uttered a low growl. “You see—he is willing to make a meal of you,” Edith continued, ‘‘ and unless you are out ot sight inside of five minutes, [li set him onto you.” “‘Fer true?” “Stay and see!” : **Cuss yo. I cum prepared ter take ye wee wi’ me, an’I ain’t a-goin’ ter give up. Tl shoot ther dog.” “Then, Dll shoot you, while you are shooting the dog.” The ruffian swore, frightfully. He saw that there was no show for him, except to ignomini- ously retreat. “Never mind! ye hold ther tramp card, now, but Ill beat it, yet,” he growled, as he began to back olf, for he evi ently had no rolish for the dog. ‘‘ Vl cum. back, sum other time, and maybe when ye ain’t expectin’ me. Ver ve sworn ter possess ye, and I ain’t a-goin’ back on my word!’ He then turned and strode rapidly away, swearing at every step. Edith re-entered her cabin home, and closed the door, satisfied with having, baftled the ruf- fian’s evil plot. CHAPTER Iv. THE GHOST OF ROYCE ELLIOTT. From bitter grief, the feclings of the colonists turned to sternest indignation. And why should they not? A terrible blow had been struck them, through one of their number, and that blow from the hand of a foresworn enemy! Poison, too, had been used—that most silent and deadly agency of the coward assassin. Elad Royce Elliott fallen by the shot of a rifle or the stab of a sword, his friends would not have been nearly so horrified, as they would then have believed he died defend- ing nimself. © spring water was soon brought, and Fred St. Celton made an examination of it, as well as he was able with what few “tools” he had brought with him from the East. “The spring has been liberally ‘doped with arsenic,” he said, after awhile, ‘‘and it is cer- tain death to him who drinks from it.” “Then, take warning, and drink none of the water,” Montague warned. ‘No! don’t tech ther pesky stuff,” Bill Myers advised. ‘Ef ye git thirsty, jest waltz over to the Casino, an’ thar ye ken git three fingers 0’ paralysis fer a doller—ther best article twixt heer an’ Washington; ain’t et, Singer?’ ‘“Muchee goodee fire-water,” Sing Song agreed, smacking his lips. ““Something must be done to avenge poor Royce’s death,” Alf Montague said. ‘Are we going to stand idle, and let an assassin pick off our men? By nomeans! We must strike back to the death?” ts y spoken,” St. Celton responded with roving nod. ‘‘We must fight this Dead- ‘ Dick with red-hot irons. 6 must meet ingenuity with ingenuity, craft with craft, and brute force with brute force. Otherwise, we shall be defeated, in spite of ourselves. But all this action must be postponed until poor Royce is buried. And that will needs be soon, for you will observe that his body is bloating even after death, and mortification will soon set in.” Montague gently apprised the Judge and Ethel of this fact, and it was decided to , ins the re- inains at sunset, that same day, as when night ence more set in it was apprehended that Dead- wood Dick would fill the valley with his merci- less agents, and there might be no chance to give an @ w f . Cum! git on | Just as the sun was dipping its fiery crest over the western mountain ridge, the remains were borne from the fort to the newly dug grave, and after an earnest prayer, were covered forever from view, amid the sobs of the grief-stricken father and sister, and the surrounding colonists. It was a discouraging blow to their hopes and ambition, but the strong determination of Alf Montague re-nerved them all, and ins@lled into their hearts the will to stay and fight it out to the bitter end. Guards were posted for the night preparation made to repel an attach come, Even Old Bill Myers appeared uneasy, and closed his cabin early in the evening and put out the lights. Tom St. Celton and Will Hanson went on guard duty, in the close vicinity of the cabin. Both were brave, stalwart sons of old Virginia, aged twenty-two and three, respectively—boys who loved adventure, and had never known what it was to fear. The night was very dark, although the great dome of the heavens glittered like a coronet of paineiens diamonds, he blackness seemed _ to over close to the earth, and it was impossible to see any distance before one’s face. About midnight, while pacing to and fro in front of the fort, Tom St. Celton chanced to Gave in the direction of Royce Elliott’s grave, own by the edge of the forest, and to his un- bounde ey aty and horror there saw a sight that sent a chill of dread and terror down the spine of his back. Beneath the tree where Royce’s grave had been located, stood a horseman, in the blackness of the moonless night, Not an ordinary horseman, or St. Celton could never have seen it, from the fort, on ac- count of the gloom—not an ordinary horseman but a spectacle so frightful as to have unnerve the strongest disbeliever in the supernatural. A white horse, and a white clad rider, sur- rounded by a strange, weird halo of whitish light, stood there beneath the shelter of the tree, silent and ghostlike, and the face of the spectral rider, as plainly rpeceeete to St. Celton was exactly like the deathly face of Royce Elliott, the eyes being closed, aud the lips slightly , the same as when they had laid him away in his rude coffin. Tom St. Celton uttered a horrified exclama- tion, and hastily aroused young Hanson, who was dozing in the doorway of the fort. ‘‘For God’s sake, look there!” the colonist gasped, pointing toward the wood. Hanson sleepily arose, rubbed his eyes, and then stared hard at the ghostly spectacle, a nervous tremor perceptibly shaking his form. “Tn the name of Heaven, what is it?” he artic- ulated, faintly. “*Ttv’s Royce Elliott’s ghost?” Tom St. Celton replied, huskily. ‘‘ Don’t you see? It’s his face, just as it was, when we put him in the coffin.” ‘““My God! you are right, Tom. He locks as natural as in life. What shall we do?” “T hardly know. Go in, softly, and arouse Fred and Montague. Don’t awake any of the others.” Hanson obeyed, with alacrity, and soon reap- ared followed by the young chemist, and ontague. They both turned pale, and trembled violently, as poor beheld the spectacle in the edge of the woods. ‘‘This is too horrible to be true!” Fred St. Celton gasped, hoarsely. ‘That is certainly Royce Elliott, either in life or death, and I am well satisfied that he was as dead as ever a mortal could be when we buried him. Montague, for Heaven’s sake, tell me what you think.” and every x should one oung ‘*T don’t know what to think,” the young’ man replied. ‘‘ That is certainly Royce’s face, or we are allina horrible nightmare. Hand me my rifle, some of you. I’llsoon test the matter, beyond doubt.” ‘No! no! you must not shoot. You would arouse those within the fort. It would not do ij \ , to let Ethel or the Judge see this sight, nearly distracted, as they are. We must keep the matter a secret between ourselves. “You are right; I did not think of them,” Montague assented. ‘‘ Ah! look yonder!” They bad been gazing toward the fort an in- stant while speaking, and on looking again in the direction of the forest, they perceived, to their astonishment, that their specter had van- ished! Gone, and left no trace behind to tell of its sudden flight. ‘Thank Heaven! it is gone!” Montague said, with a sigh of relief. ‘ Boys, ’d rather have given one year of my life, than to have seen that-—that —” **Ghost!” Fred St. Celton finished, ‘for it was nothing else. With Royce Elliott dead, and in his grave, how could it be aught else— that which we have seen?” “Don’t ask me—I do not know,” Montague replied, rubbiug his hand across his forehead. “This has been a greater shock to me than it may seem to you. J am all unnerved, and as weak as a child.” ‘*Tt has been a shock to all of us, I guess,” St. Celton replied, ‘‘and I propose, since the specter is gone, that you all go into the fort and lie down awhile. I will do guard duty until Ppeisen, And accordingly it was so arranged. Fred St. Celton paced to and fro about the little fort until day dawned, but saw nothing more of Royce Elliott’s ghost, ‘The colonists were astir bright and early, and as there had been no sign of hostility on the part of the rival claimants of the gulch during the night, their hopes began to grow that the struggle was over. Leaving four of the party to guard the fort and the women, the other nine started forth, with chains end surveying compass, to lay out the respective farms for the four families—the Elliotts, the Hansons, the Warwicks and St. Celtons. The valley or basin was to be divided into four equal sections, and then apportioned ss could be agveed upon, A measurement was made loth ways acrow the tract, and the center thereby determined upon, from which stakes were driven, or treet marked to the mountainous limits of the guleh. The divisio.s were so made that the stage trail crossed two of the tracts, while the re- maining two were some aisiai ce irom it, To arrive at a fair distribution of the lands, straws were drawn by Judge Euiott, James Warwick, Henry Hanson, and He win St. Celton. The result awarded Elliott and Sr, Celton the western tracts, through which toe store trail ran, the little fort coming upon Elliott’s land and Myers’s tavern upon St. Celton’s part, The allotments seemed to be satisiactory, in- asmuch as all hands were to use the fort so long as there was any danger of hostiliiies from Deadwood Dick, The Warwicks and Hansons set to work in tting out timber for cabins and ort’ niidiwes, but Judge Elliott made no move in this direc tion on account of Royce’s death, and the St Celtons did not appear decided what to do, During the day Fred St. Celton and Mo» — tague paid a visit, on the sly, to Royce’s grave, and closely examined the ground in the neig?:- borhood. Horses’ tracks were visible, near the grave and the indications went to show that they bavi. come from, and departed through woods. “Tf T.were a trailer, I would attempt to fol- low that trail,’ Montague said, “but as I am not I guess we shall have to wait until there are more of these visitations.” ‘¢- Yes; but betwixt you and me, Alf, we must lay aside all cowardly and superstitious fear, and tackle the thing, whether it be a ghost, or devil.” 2 | ee with you there. If we capturé this ghost, it will either be to get scared worse than ever, or to make a surprising discovery- But candidly, although no general believer in nef folderoi, I believe it was the disetn- bodied, spirit of Royce Elliott which we saw last There seems to be little doubt of it, since he was mostcertainly dead when we placed hiv» in the rough coffin.” 'Thetwo young men walked slowly back to ward Fort Ethel, each gloomy and silent over the mystery that now enshrouded the valley. About noon the age arrived froin Leadville, on its way north, and three passengers disem- ed from it, and stopped off at the Casino. They were roughl but honest look- ing fellows, who claimed to be hunters, but ag
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6 to see that they were also in the habit of com- bining the profitable pursuit of prospecting with the pleasure of hunting. “ Let them go,” Judge Elliott said, in answer to a question from Montague. “If they dis- joes gold in this valley, they cannot hold the m. And so it was decided to put no restrictions upon the movements of the new-comers, who gave their names as Jones, Allen and Gray. They lounged around the tavern during the day and drank freely, and spent their money witha freehand. Toward night Jones, a brawny six-footer, walked over to the fort and offered the judge a hundred dollars for a building lot alongside the stage road, but was refused, at which he did not appear very much pleased, and stalked away, swearing mildly. That night they filled up chock full of Myers’s “liquid paralysis,” and howled around the tav- ern in high revelry until sunrise, when they made their appearance, armed with their wea- ms and mining implements. “What do you propose doing, gentlemen?” 8t. Celton, the elder, asked, as they were about to set off down into the heart of the basin. “Oh, we’re goin’ ter dig fer grubs ter go a-fishin’ wi’,” Jones replied, with a leer, at which the others laughed, significantly. After they had gone, St. Celton, Sr., shook his head, doubtingly. *T don’t quite like this business,” he said. ‘It looks to me as if this was a little game of Dead- wood Dick’s origin, to get his men into the val- ley without our knowledge, so that he will be better prepared to fight us.” ‘True! it does savor that way,” Judge Elliott assented, ‘‘and when those fellows return, we’d best order them away.” * But what if they refuse to go?” ‘Then, we'll take charge of them.” Nothing more was seen of them, however, until noon, when the man, Allen, came from the woods and departed on the northward stage. An hour later, when the southward stage passed, the giant, Jones, was seen to emerge from the woods and board it. That left in the valley, out of the three, only Gray, a sharp-eyed little Missourian. The colonists had watched the movements not a little avxiously, for they felt that something was brooding of importance, “Look out for an invasion, now,” Alf Mon- tague warned, as he saw Jones depart. ‘‘ Those fellows have discovered gold in this valley, mark my word for it, and they mean to bring back a gang of roughs with them big enough in numbers to take and hold the land!” ‘* We shall see about that,” Fred St. Celton said, a little fiercely. ‘‘ Perhaps it is just possi- ble that two can play at that game!” CHAPTER V. A VILLAINOUS PROPOSAL. ‘“Wuat do you mean?’ Montague asked. ‘*T will show you,” Fred replied, oe up his belt. ‘‘ Fetch me a horse, some one; an I will ride to the nearest town, and bring back a gang of miners, who will fight for us /” “That won’t do,” Judge Elliot replied—“ not if we can avoid it. We would simply have to ive up our lands in either case. There is, I be- ve, a better plan for us topursue. Myers has been telling me that this Deadwood Dick lives upon the stage trail, about ten miles from here, and that he has a pretty wife, of whom he is ionately fond. Now, if we could capture Saoand bring her here, as a prisoner, [ fancy that we could manage Mr. Deadwood Dick, just about as we pleased.” “Tt’s a capital idea,” Montague assented, -eagerly. ‘Deadwood Dick’s wife once in our wer, we will have him boiled down fine—that: if he cares anything for her.” ‘““Myers avers that he does care bb much for her, and rather than that she should suffer, he would, undoubtedly, suspend hostilities.” * But, surely, papa, you would not think of harming her?” Ethel interrogated, anxiously. “That depends somehat upon circumstances,” the Virginian ee, a little sternly. ‘If the road-agent devi rsist in ainigatiett us, and killing our men, either her life or his must pay the forfeit.” “Who will volunteer to go and fetch the woman?’ Montague asked. ‘*The sooner we ean get her here, the better, as, I imagine to- morrow will see a change in the situation of airs. “J will go, for one,” Fred St. Celton respond- ed. ‘I only want a couple of others to accom- pany me, as three can handle a woman better than a dozen.” each carried a pick, pan and shovel, it was easy Young Hanson and Warwick finally volun- TY = ey: ey Be Oe eS eee ee Deadwood Dick’ s' Double. teered to go, and it was decided to start at once, as night was drawing on, and it would be safer traveling. The swiftest horses were according- ly selected, and their feet muffled; then vaulting Into the saddles, the three colonists were off. After they had gone, the remaining colonists made preparations for another night’s watch. About sunset Chris Carleton rode into the valley and dismounted before the Casino, with as much coolness as though he were not an out- law and a member of Deadwood Dick’s band. Entering the tavern, he drank deeply of Myers’s whisky, when he left the place, and mounting, rode over to the fort. Judge ‘Bliiott and Montague were standing in the doorway as he rode up watching his move- ments, for they were resolved, if necessary, to protect the interests of the colony by shooting him. ‘“Hivenin’,” Carleton grunted, as he yanked his horse to a standstill. ‘ Bina fine day, ain’t it?” ““The day has been pleasant,” the Judge re- plied stiffly, resolved to keep his temper and wrath in abeyance as long as possible, despite the great loss he had suffered. ‘*How d’ye make it jibe?’ the outlaw de- manded, coolly twisting the ends of his mus- tache. ‘‘ Gettin’ most reddy ter vamoose?” “By no means, sir. If you came here to test us, you can go away knowing that we will fight for this valley as long as we have a grain of owder, an ounce of lead, or a drop of life- lood.” ** Waal, that ain’t percisely what I cum fer,” the ruffian replied, with a peculiar grin. ‘‘ Ye see et kinder "peared ter me like as ef ye hed ther best side o’ this question fer a pistolic de- bate, an’ [ cum down ter see ef we couldn’t strike a bargain.” “IT do not know about that, sir. There is none of us that owes tn any good will, and consequently we should advise you to keep away. mR Well, ef ye’d ruther hev my enmity then my friendship, jest say so, an’ ye ken have dead loads of et.” **We crave for nelther, sir—simply for peace- ful possession,” the Judge said, deci ne ‘*Neow, that’s ther very thing wot I want, too,” Carleton assured, ‘I tell ye what, ef ye don’t make terms wi’ me, ye’re losin’ yer last chance o’ winnin’ the game. Before sunset ter- morrer, thar’ll be over a hundred men, wimmen an’ children here in this valley who’d obey Deadwood Dick’s very beck an’ nod. Then ye ken’t say yer soul’s yer own. Yer only hope hops inter view jest now. Ef ye make terms, I hev ther power ter check the stampede into this valley. Ef not, thar’ll be lively times heer, an’ ther basin will fill wi’ spilt blood!” “Do your worst, we fear not,” Montague cried. ‘‘Carry the word back to your chief that we defy him.” ‘* But, hold! First let us hear this fellow’s terms,” Judge Elliot said. ‘‘Perhaps they will be such that we may accept them.” ‘Now ye tork bizness,” Carleton averred. ‘*T ain’t no swine, an’ I allow I know w’at’s er fair shake as well as ther next one. An’ so ef ye’ll dig ther wax outer yer ears, an’ listen, I'll tell ye wot Pildo. Et depends muchly on me whether ye hold this valley or not. I kin stop the influx o’ Deadwood Dick’s men, or I kin in- crease ’em, a hundred fold. My terms are that you will each give me ten acres off o’ yer farms, where they corner in the middle o’ this basin— give ’em to me as my own, rightful property an’ thet you, Jedge, shell es me over thet darter o’ yours, ter fill my shanty as Mrs. Chris Carleton!” any of our lands for the sake of securing the good will of a man of your type.” “Then ye refuse ter cum ter terms?” ‘* Absolutely!” } _“ Ouss yel ye’ve sealed yer fate then. I will not hinder the vengeful work o’ Deadwood Dick, an’ he’ll massacre every mother’s son o’ ye. An,’ asfer thet pretty female posey thar wi’in the fort, I'll pursess her yet, an’ don’t ye fergit it, ef I hev ter wade in blood over my boot-tops ter git her. I’ve sworn ter et, an’ ye’ll find me true ter my oath.” Then shaking his fist at them, the ruffian wheeled his horse and spurred away. With an exclamation ee whipped out his revolver, but the Judge laid his hand upon his arm, reprovingly. “Stay! not shoot him, and hasten the trouble upon us. We are ill prepared for battle ; on Se. tae a eS eT { —— even with our full force, and three are absent. Wait! There will be fighting enough to do, hereafter.” “You are right,” the young man replied. ‘*Let the rascal go. A just fate will soon over- take him.” And so Chris Carleton was permitted to ride out of the basin gulch unmolested, which was « kindness he did not deserve, to say the least. No other incident of importance occurred that day, and night settled her somber shadows once more over the land. Two of the younger St. Celton boys volun- teered to do guard duty, and accordingly were permitted to do so, while the remainder of the colonists turned in for the night, as the ab- Fea saree vere not expected before morning, or ater, It was just early dawn when Montague was aroused by the howl of a coyote near the door of the fort—a mournful, snarling sound that chilled him. He partly arose, and touched the senior War- wick, who lay near by. ; ‘Did you hear that?’ he demanded, in a low one, “Yes,” was the reply. ‘It was some wild animal.” ‘* Exactly, and its presence here has a signifi- cance. There is trouble, and you and I must make an investigation. ‘Sh! don’t make a noise!” Both men softly arose, and stole toward the door. Montague lifted the bars, and flung it open, at the same time drawing his revolvers. The next instant both he and Warwick leaped back with startled yells. The sight that stared them in the face was too horrible for belief at first sight. Just in front of the door, not more than fifty feet distant, two poles had been planted into the ground, leaving about ten feet above-ground. nm the top of these poles were stuck the bodiless heads of George and Charlie St. Celton ! The heads had been cleanly severed from the body, and thus perched as a ghastly warning to the colonists, for upon the forehead of each was slashed the letters ‘‘D, D.”—signifying ‘‘ Dead- wood Dick!” The bodies of the unfortunate young men were nowhere in sight. The startled yells of Montague and Warwick speedily brought the rest of the colonists from their slumber to gaze transfixed with horror upon the awful sight. How can we picture the terrible grief of those colonists, especially the father, mother, sister and brothers of the murdered youths? Indeed, it would be a task not pleasant to undertake, and therefore we pass over the scene of bitter mourning and lamentation that followed, as briefly as possible. The two ghastly heads were taken down and buried in a box near the fort, being the second solemn occasion of the kind since the eolonists arrived in Cat City valley. The sun rose bright on this day, but the pioneers could see no signs of hostile presence in the ae, See by Judge Eliiott’s orders, no one ventured beyond gun-shot range from the fort. Unanimously chosen as commander of the little fort, the Judge determined to execute his duties to the best of his ability. About noon the stages arrived from ths North and South, but neither unloaded any human freight in front of the Casino. at was the meaning? Had the plan of invading the Gulch been aban- doned, or had Deadwood Dick stolen in and taken possession during the night? It was a puzzling problem to solve, but Alf Montague decided to tackle it. It was necessary to make a scout to ascertain the “lay of the land,” and arming himself well, he decided to go alone. Accordingly, early in the afternoon he set forth, Pk say to come back as soon as pos- sible, for Fred St. Celton and his party had not yo returned, which left but seven es at the ort. Taking the road going south, he followed it until he had entirely left the valley. This wasa maneuver to outwit any of the enemy (if there were anv such in the basin) and make them be- lieve he was going to Leadville. He then dropped u n all-fours and crept care- re he fully back to the edge of the basin, w paused. A skirting fringe of bushes ran from the mouth, around the eastern side of the mountain’s base, to the northern continuation of the guleh, ca eal
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aol —— -— He finally, by crawling upor his stomach, gained theprotection of this cover, which was precisely what he most desired; he then crept on, upon his hands and knees, until he gained a sition among the foothills, directly opposite he fort, across the basin, Here he paused once more, to make observa- tions. . Without being seen he could see down into the valley, but could see no signs of life. All was silent except the trees that were occasion- ally fanned by the breeze. “By Jove! [ believe there are persons in the depths of that forest yet, and ’'m going to sat- iety myself on the pint, if I have to run the risk of my iife.” He accordingly crept down from the footin toward the heart of the valley, which was thick- ly timbered with pine and spruce evergreens. With the stealth and caution of a skilled trailer he moved on until he had arrived near the center of the forest, where he paused. Before him lay a little glade that ho had never seen before, across which ran a little stream of glistening water. Near this was built a rude hut of limbs and brush, thatched over with moss, leaves and grasses—a hastily arranged affair at the best. Montague paused in the edge of the glade as motionless as a phantom—paused and gazed and listened, to ascertain if any person was within the rude hut, But his coming finally became exhausted, for no signs of human life was he able to discover. The grim pines sighed and soughed, as they were wont to do, in the embrace of the breeze; the little creek babbled noisily over its gravelly bed; the insects of the forest droned and chirped as usual and the birds sung musically, but nota sound or sight of human presence greeted the watcher. * I’ve half a notion to go forward and take a peep into that shebang, anyhow,” he muttered. ‘I shan’t more than get salivated, as they say, for my cheek, and the satisfaction of one’s curi- osity ought to compensate for the pangs of one bullet. I guess I’m mistaken about there being invaders in the gulch, if this hut has any sig- nificance. It was probably built by that Gray, Jones and Allen.” “Yer darned right thar, pardner,” a cool voice exclaimed, and wheeling around Monta- gue found the little Missourian, Gray, standing close behind with a pair of formidable six- shooters in his grasp, already cocked. ‘‘ Yer darned right thar, old hoss, an’ sence ye’ve cum down ter visit us, I opine I shall oblige yer ter accept my bospitaliby ontil ther rest o’ ther gang arrives. name’s Gil Gray, an’ ’m a oroughbred, rop yer weepons, or Vl puncturate ye!” CHAPTER VI. SLIPPERY SAL APPEARS. MonrTaGuE clearly saw that he had run him- ag into a fix, but did not propose to cry about it. He was the coolest, always, when danger rage and the best prepared to cope with s. He perceived that the little Missourian had him ‘‘covered” by his weapons, and that resist- ance was, for the time being, utterly useless. Still, he resolved to hold parley for awhile in hopes, Micawberlike, that something woul “turn up” to relieve him from his dilemma. **'You don’t mean to take me a prisoner?” he demanded, as if in great surprise. “‘ What have I done to you?” “ Waal, I opine thet ain’t my say. Bob Jones he be my right bower, an’ I act accordink to bis instructions. He sed latch onter ye, ef ye poked yer nose down this way, an’ you bet I mind like a angel.” “*T perceive you do. But I don’t see what our pardner can want of me.” “Oh! Ye’ll find thet out when he comes along wi’ ther Capt’in an’ ther rest o’ ther gang.” Phen you belong to Deadwood Dick’s in- fernal crew, do you?” Montague demanded. “It does me proud to announce that I do,” Gray declared, with a chuckle. “Then you're the precise galoot_ I’m anxious ter tackle!” a strange voice cried, and to the surprise of both, a new-comer stepped in upon the scene, and ‘‘ covered” the Missourian with a cocked revolver fully as dangerous-looking as his own. Not a man, mind you, but a woman, young and comely—a strange creature, attired in a semi-male hunting suit, consisting of fringed breeches, top boots, long hunting-shirt, and a jaunty straw hat upon ber head. i rhe te snd to wks. Saw Deadwood Dick’s Double. In face she was handsome of feature, and fair of complexion, although it was easily per- ceptible that she had acquired and adopted the high feminine art of painting and powdering. Her eyes were dark and penetrating, and a great abundance of yellow hair was frizzed and puffed upon her head and forehead, and fell in waves upon her shoulders. She was armed with weapons of the latest improved patterns—a rifle slung behind her back, a revolver and knife in her belt, and the revolver in her grasp. In her left hand, she carried a small leather sachel. Steadily did she level her weapon at the heart of the Missourian, and in a way that meant business. “You jest drap them patent perforaters o’ yours, ef ye don’t want me ter plug ye wi’ a slug frum my krupp gun, heer!” she advised, coolly. ‘‘Thes hyar high-handed leetle game o’ yourn don’t work wuth a Canadian copper; an’ as I’m a Regulator an’ Adjuster on my own hook, I opine ef ye don’t mind right peart, ’ll prepare ye fer a leetle hole in ther ground.” ‘“Who the devil are you?” the Missourian growled, flinching before the magnetic deadly gaze of the strange girl—for she was little else, apparently—and allowing his weapons to drop from a level with Montague’s heart. ‘‘ You hain’t got no bizness ter lip in, an’ stick yer paw in my puddin’!” ** Mebbe not, but when I hain’t got no liberty I allus manufacter a supply, ye see. Ef ye want my cog, et’s Slippery Sal Slocum, an’ don’t ye fergit it. Ever heer o’ me? [ma bull circus, an’ part o’a pernaggerie when ye get me waked up, sure. Come! sling away them weepons, I say!” ‘““Mebbe I will, an’ mebbe 1 won’t,” Gray snarled. ‘What do you intend to do with me?” ** Hang you, on course,” Slippery Sal assured. **-Yow'll lend a hand won’t you, pilgrim?’ turn- ing to Montague. ‘I don’t know,” the colonist replied, rather dubiously. ‘ Theart of hanging has never been one 0’ my accomplishments.” ‘*Bah! thet don’t make no difference. Ye ken’t learn any younger, an’ ef ye ’re goin’ ter squat around ther diggins, ye ken’t put yer waste time ter better purpose than practicin’ on sech ornery skunks as this. After ye git yer hand in, it’s fun. Remember poor Royce Elliott and don’t crawfish fer a few compunkshuns, nohow.” ** Bet a burro rian growled, comin’!” “Then, that settles your fate, you cussed ruf- fian!” Slippery Sal cried, with sudden grii- ness, and the next instant her weapon twice spoke forth its fury. Gray uttered an exclamation of pain and rage and dropped—not dead, but mortally wounded, At the same time there were a dozen rifle re- he: the sound of vindictive yells, and a vol- ey of bullets whistled through the glade. ontague uttered a faint groan. Slippery Sal looked, saw him him fall, and knew that he was wounded. The outlaw companions of the Missourian now burst into the valley, a score or more, with frightful yells and oaths. lippe Sal uttered a strange, wild, almost devilish laugh, and bounding forward in the face of the oncoming ruffians, seized Montague and raising him from the ground, across her shoulders, she sprung on, away into the deeper forest, with the fleetness of a fawn. Uttering discordant yells of vengeance the outlaws dashed away in hot pursuit, but although strong and stout, and unincumbered, they were no match for this strange female Hercules. An accustomed runner, evidently, was she, for she kept on with rapid bounds, despite her burden, the heft of which caused the roses to spring vividly into her fair cheeks. Through the: forest she went bounding and ria § ike a hunted fox—over fallen trees, through briers and bushes, bravely bearing the wounded colonist out of danger. At last she burst from the forest, and a few bounds brought her to the fort, the door of which was open to receive ber with her burden. Just as she entered the fort, the outlaws burst from the timber, but on seeing that she had escaped them, they beat a hasty retreat, out of sight. x Oh! what has happened to Alf?’ Ethel Elliott demanded, in distress, as Slippery Sal coolly unloaded Montague from her shoulder, and laid him upon a couch of straw. ‘Is he dead—killed? Oh! Alf! Alf!” 6 won’t hang me,” the Missou- ‘Listen! some o’ ther boys are ‘No, he ain’t dead, nor killed, 1 reckon,” the eccentric girl replied, with a little laugh, ‘‘ but T’ll allow he’d a-got hashed-up purty lively by them toughs, ef et hedn’t been for agal o’ about my statter an’ amiability. My name’s Sal Slocum, leddies an’ gentlemen, ef ye wanter know—Slippery Sal, fer short, an’ I’m allus on my muscle, ready fer a skewrup. Heerd ye needed recruits, down heer, and thort l’d cum down an’ show my hand. Got anything to eat?” “Of course we have, and you shall have al} you want of such as we have, because you saved Alf!” Ethel declared. And the rest of the colonists warmly wel comed the odd stranger, who had risked her own. life to save that of Montague, who was not ‘eri- ously wounded—a bullet in either leg being hie. only disabling hurts, ippery Sal soon proved that she knew how to make herself at home, and that she was not @, bit bashful. Moreover she was tonguey arc witty, and her presence was the means of in a measure cheering the colonists out of the. gloomy state they were gradually settling into. Though bold and eccentric, her actions w e:s not censurable, and she soon was respected and — admired by all within the fort, but was equally — a puzzle to them. She could sing, or dance, or joke, upon an in-.~ stant’s warning, and yet, at times a sudden wave. of thoughtfulness would seem to steal over her, and thus she would remain until the cloud litt- ed, a few minutes later. Fred St. Celton’s band had not yet returned) — with the wife of Deadwood Dick, and considar- . able anxiety was felt lest they had been en- trapped or ambushed by the outlaws, and either. taken prisoners or massacred. When asked her opinion about the matter, » after an explanation had been made to her, - Slip ry Sal shook her head. ‘ : Don't allow they’ve see’d any trouble frone ther gang, ’case they’ve bin hyar in the valley’, } since last midnight, or at least a sheer o’’em. | | What aire we goin’ ter fetch Deadwood Dick's» wife here for?” “She is to be our prisoner. We are going to use her to protect ourselves with. Hit his, Deadwood Dick must withdraw bis claim fren, the valley and cease his hostilities, or we shalb — be compelled to hold his wife as a hostage.” “The plan won’t work,” Slippery Sal said. ‘When you deal with the genuine Deadwood — { Dick, you deal with a gentleman of hénor, and | aman who fears neither feller-man nor devil.” ‘‘One would infer that you do not believe our — | yee enemy to be the genuine Deadwood, _ N ick,” the Judge said, in some surprise $ t “Thet’s about the size of et, yes. T’ve heerd’ | tell on ther real Deadwood Dick, an’ Tl allow |) he don’t head a gang o’ cutthroats, now. This. | feller who’s claimin’ the gulch ain’t the gen- uins. J “fT cannot believe that. Deadwood Dick hase... |) hard reputation, and it is said, never lets hu- man life stand in the way of his ambition.” +a Slippery Sal turned away, ‘* Mebbe not,” she said, Night drew on and began to close in over ther. gulch basin. With its approach aps Tor be- 1} gan to gleam here and there on the edge of the, |) eastern forest. i Montague, supported by a pair of hastily- | ‘a iW Hy , formed crutches, watched them from the door = | of the fort, in company with the Judge, andi Ethel, and several others among whom Slippery” al was prominent. ‘*T don’t believe but what we'll see trouble. . to-night,” the young colonist replied, in answer | to an inquiry for his opinion. “The devilshave. | got possession of the timber, and can worry = | us if they try.” vt “Yes, they’ve got ther dead wood on ye, but). that ain’t no reason why they shed lick, if yo. | play = bn keerds sharp,” was Sal’s opinion, i ‘ iP ow do you mean?” sod “Oh! I kent tell ye, jest yet, ye know, but-. | take my word fer et, thar’ll be a red-hot chanees. *in’ them invaders by and by.” his was all that was said jus then, for. “General ” Elliott, as Sal had c ned him, _ gave orders for closing the fort. It was decided not post a guard upon the outside of the building, owing to the tragic fate, t of the two St. Celton boys. | Slippery Sal and Tudge Elliott volunteered ||| to keep a watch within the fort, and give the. lene, should any suspicious sights or sounds be». | eard, | The Girl Sport, as she characterized herself, .— was a person of keen sense and judgment, de- } spite her strangeness of word and manner, and. || gave little bits of advice, occasionally, in re~ ||| gard to different things, that showed that sher i} on |
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Shits - atore daybreak. ‘30 dull an’ gloomy fer nothing, bet yer dirty 8 ‘had had experience—that hers was an old head “pon young shoulders, The Judge took more than an usual interest in her, evidently, for he frequently drew her ‘into conversation, and his eyes were upon her, ‘vhen she was present. But Slippery Sal failed to notice this, evident- iy, for she treated one and all alike, with the «xception of Lew Lyons. To him she seemed to take an instant aver- sion, which, however, was not singular as none ~ of the colonists were particularly fond of him, ‘or his ae ‘Lyons did not appear to care particularly, ani if he meditated mischief, he was frustrated by being closely watched. “About midnight, when Judge Elliott had “stepped without the tort for a moment, Slippery Sal crossed over to where Lyons was lying, and peered down sharply into his face. Tho man was evidently sound asleep, and the Girl Sport had 5 sla to closely inspect his face without his knowing it. “T thought I had seen him before, when [ -game here, but guess I’m mistaken,” she mused, as sne finally turned away and went back to ‘ber vigil. At this instant Judge Elliott came rushing ‘into the fort, in a state of great excitement. ‘“ Wake up! wake up—all of you!” he cried, avilily—'* wake up, for God’s sake, and tell ms am dreaming, or am I going mad! A “ghsst— Royce! Royce, my dea a _\Qae by one the colonists collec by tho Ju lz3’s side, and followed the line of his pointed - “em down into the basin, where the gravo of Royce Elliott had been made. here they saw what Montague, Hanson, and the St. Celtons had sgen the night before—ths ath ostly horseman by the edge tha of forest, sur- vouided by the mysterious halo of light, Plainly perceptible to those at the fort, the 472 was an exact counterpart of what young Eltiott’s face had bsen in life, except that the #Y23 were now closed, and there was an un- earthly pallor upon the features. Peanstixed with horror, the colonists gazed a the frightful spectacle in muta silence. There was something so very terrible in tha thought of Royce Eltiott’s coming back to hauns them, that they could but stand and gaze in wspeachless horror, “Montague and Slippery Sal were the coolest gues of the lot. Montague was not so greatly agitated as when he had seen it before, and as tor the Girl Sport, she was perfectly cool, a3 she gazad keanly at the spactral apparition. Law Lyons was the first man to speak. “Curse che thing!” ho gasped, white with terror, as he reached for his rifle. ‘‘ Tl drop that ghost, or waste my lead, ono or the other!” H> raised his rifle to his shoulder and took aim, but pllppery. Sal suddenly sprung forward ant knocked the weapon out of range. ‘* Cheese it!” she said, authoritatively. ‘‘ Don’t vou dare to fire, ef ye don’t wanter die!” CHAPTER VII. EDITH HARRIS, Wersress was there in the words of Slippery Bai and althoush it was in the mind of Lyons to disobey her, ce hesitated, and flinched before ee deadly gaze that came from her midnight or S. “ What the hang’s the difference to you, what { do?” he demanded, with a savage growl. ‘A good bit,” Sal replied, coolly. ‘Ye «lon’t shute that speerit, not if I kin help it—fer -two reasons. Fust: I’ve got a purtickler river- ance fer spesrits an’ ghosts; an’ seckont—know- in? well ye couldn’t tech yonder ey Acme ye’d better keep yer fire, fer thar’ll be fightin’ ter do, Them woods down thar ain’t socks on that!” “The girl is right,” the senior St. Celton de- elared, approvingly. ‘‘ Nothing can be gained ‘by wasting powder on yonder thing, beit spirit, man or devil. My dear Elliot, what in the Ds name of Heaven can it be? Do you think it is the ghost of your dead son?” “Yes! yes!” the Judge groaned, gar “itis his ghost come back to haunt me. Oh! God, what have I ever done to merit this blow?’ ‘‘Do not take this matter to heart so, Judge,” Montague said, hobbling foward a ays his crutches. ‘If yonder —e is indeed a spirit fro.the other world, 1 am sure it does not come to haunt us for any particular sin, but is sent asa warning of danger, and also to watch Yor our welfare. I have seen the thing once be- fore, together with young Hanson, and Tom and ab red St. Celton, but refrained from mentioning f Deadwood Dick's Doubl e. the fact, lest it should give you undue anxiety | were also placed upon her wrists, and she was and trouble.” ‘*See! see!” Slippery Sal cried, pointing down into the basin, excitedly. ‘* Montague’s words are right. It comes as a warnin’, durn my cats ef it don’t. See! it holds aloft a banner.” They all looked, to find that it was even so. The right arm of the specter had suddenly simokehen out from the shoulder, and the hand asped an illuminated banner, on which was inscribed in letters of fire, which shone brightly into the night, the following words: ** Look out! Danger! Be firm!” That and nothing more. Then, after a moment, the apparition sudden- ly began to fade from view, until it was quite lost from sight, although it did not seem to move from the one side where it had first ap- peared, When it was gone there was a general sigh of relief among the colonists as they turned back into the fort. The Judge and Ethel had, in a measure, conquered their agitation, but were grave and silent, which showed that the sight of the specter had affected them more than was apparent. here was no sleep in the little fort for the re- mainder of that night, nevertheless the ghost did not make its appearance, Toward daybreak hoof-strokes were heard and it was discovered that Fred St. Celton and his party were approaching tlie fort. The door was thrown open as soon as they arrived, and they were heartily welcomed. Mounted upon an extra horse was Edith, the pretty wife of Deadwood Dick, now looking amy and fatigued. Close beside her horse the ig mastiff, Old Daggers, kept vigilant watch of his mistress, as much as to say: “* Look out! If you harm her, woe be unto you. ‘Here we are!” Fred St. Celton cried, as he rode up, and slipped from the saddle. ‘We corraled the game, after a while, and induced her tocome, And as tired and hungry as dogs are we,” A general dismount was made, and Edith was Roveaneie’ into the cabin, closely followed by the og. “You want to look out for her,” Fred St. Celton said. ‘She protests the cuss who claims the valley isn’t her and claims we are doing her a great injustice by bringing her here as @ prisoner.” “And so I do!” Edith cried, indignantly. “You are all aset of cowards, or you would seek the man who is harming you, instead of causing trouble to one whom you wrongfully deem to be a ruffian’s wife.” ‘*We don’t wish to harm you, ma’am, if we can help it, but we must use you asa shield to protect ourselves against the villainous on- slaughts of Deadwood Dick,” the Judge said, gravely, but kindly. “But you are wrong. My husband is not offering you the least harm.” “ Ah! I cannot credit that, ma’am. You claim to be Deadwood Dick’s wife.” ‘Yes, I do and am proud of being so,” “ And this man who aspires to drive us from Cat City Guich, announces himself as Deadwood Dick. So you see we are not wrong.” “But it is not the original Deadwood Dick, I say,” Edith declared, tears of vexation and in- dignation standing in her eyes. “It is some impostor who has stolen my busband’s notoriety, and is using it to a devilish p My hus- band is even now absent in search of the usur- per of his name to unmask him!” “*T dare say so,” the J men replied, with a uiet smile of disbelief. ‘‘I am sorry to sa that I cannot yet put faith in your protes and shall have to hold you as a hostage. will you promise to stay here peaceably, without at- tempting to escape, or ll we be obliged to confine you?” ‘You can do as you please. I shall escape at the first opportunity, and you’d better lock up your weapons where Tt cannot get hold of them, for your lives will answer for this indignity, if I get free.” ‘‘ In that case, we shall take care to not per- mit you to do us harm,” the Judge said. “I have a wes of handeuffs among my effects. They wi 1 about fit you, I guess.” “Say, Jedge, ar’ them the ones you wore when ye escaped from the penetentiary?” Slip- pery Sal demanded with a quizzical dryness. * Undoubtedly,” the Sud, e replied, smiling, at which there was a general laugh. The handcuffs with a long slim chain attached were soon found. The lattar, being long enough, [ was removed, and alter dbelng secu! ed about her The handcuffs } Pll allow.” waist, was fastened to the wail. usband, the true Richard, | indeed a prisoner. She submitted without further argument, but the flash of her orbs evidenced the fact that she hy greatly incensed at the indignity put upon er. Daggers, the big mastiff, watched the pro- ceedings with a sullen look and a growl of dis- satisfaction, and seemned to be anxiously wait- ing for an invitation on the part of his mistress to wage a battle with the offending colonists. Great were the horror and grief of Fred St. Celton, when he learned of the terrible death of his two younger brothers, And the glances that were turned upon the fair re as the ghastly crime was dis- cussed, were anything but promising to her future welfare. Indeed, were they to be blamed for thirsting for vengeance upon the ruffian who was the cause of all these deaths? The dog, Daggers, lay down before his mis- tress, as a sort of protective guard; yet he gazed keenly at Slippery Sal, as if believing that she was a friend. Finally he arose with a whine, and crossing the floor to where she was sitting, sat upon ee haunches, and looked wistfully up into her ace. “Git out, you purp!” she exclaimed, makin a motion at him with a stick of wood, at whic he slunk back to Edith, and lay down. “TI nevyer was partial ter dorgs, nowhow. They’re most allus troubled wi’ fleabotomy, or sum sich ailment.” : Banished though he was, Daggers was not wholly abashed, for he continued to eye Slip- pery Sal drowsily. Moining at last dawned, without any hostile movement having been made by the ruffians who were concealed in the forest. This was not according to the expectation of bw colonists, and consequently they were puz- ed. What was the cause? If Deadwood Dick meant to fight for porses- sion of the gulch, why did he not institute pro- ceedings? Or had he concluded to hold the wooded por- tion, and allow the colonists to retain the ground they already occupied? These and many other conjectures agitated the minds of those within the fort. Shortly after sunrise, a band of horsemen, _ numbering a dozen all told, rode into the valley | from the northern gap and took to the woods, They were headed by a masked leader in black, and this man the settlers immediately decided was Deadwood Dick. ‘*That explains the reason why we have not been attacked before,” Montague said. ‘ Now, look out for warm times.” The settlers, by Judge Elliott’s order, kept closely within the fort, as from the edge of the timber a rifle shot, well aimed, could kill a man standing in front of the building, so that they were obliged to use the western window as a | mode of egress. ood was now becoming alarmingly scarce, there sa barely enough obtainable for another meal. A consultation was held as tothe best means of supplying the larder, but none could be de- vised, To leave the fort in search of game was not practicable, inasmuch as there was great danger in so doing. And there was no other source, as Myers had refused to part with any more, from his larder. “‘ Perhaps we can at least send by the stages for the supply we need,” Montague suggested. ‘** But, where’s the money to come frcm?” the Judge demanded. ‘‘ We all deposited our cash in the bank at Leadville, and I doubt if there are five dollars among the crowd.” “Ef ye want spondulicks, jest call on me,” Slippery Sal said, slapping her hand upon ber breeches pocket, witha smile. ‘I’ve made my pile, you bet, and you shan’t starve ef et’s money ye want. But let me puta flea in yer ear, Jedge—don’ ye harm that lettle wonian over yander, ef ye don’t want me ter skulp ther hull top o’ your head off, I’m tellin’ ye.” “You mean Deadwood Dick’s wife?” ** On course I do.” “Why do you interfere in her behalf? Is she not the wife of a notorious outlaw, whose crimes are known from the Atlantic to the Pacific?” ‘“Thet don’t make!” Sal declared. ‘‘ Ef I was ther wife o’ ther devel, d’ye suppose I’d be an- swerable an’ ter blame, fer all his shines? Not by a hanged sight! Besides, ye ken count strong on what thet gal sez. She ain’t no liar,
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“Perhaps not. Anyhow, we'll not harm her unless forced to doso. I am going to write some notices and have them sent to the chief of the gang, and see what he will have to say.” About noon Slippery Sal shouldered her rifle, and was about to leave the fort, when Montague hailed her. We ice are not going to leave us?” he interrogated, “Tl allow I am, fer a time!” was the reply. “Got any objections?” “No, only that we would like to have you stay, as we may need help.” “Oh! when ye need me, ye’ll find me in this immeget vicinity,” was the rep'y, aud then, witha wild laugh she strode away, along the westward trail. Not long afterward the Kansan, Lew Lyons, followed in her tracks. He was armed to the teeth and had dec:ared his intention of going in search of game. But, judging from the cunningly evil expres- sion upon his sinister face, the game he sought was the Girl Sport. The way in which he followed her trail, also showed that he was ‘‘no slouch” of a trailer or plainsman. j Looking neither right nor left, he continued on, following closely the trail of Slippery Sal. It led out of the gulch basin, through the northern gap into the country that rolled away beyond—mountainous, gulch-riven, and rocky in the extreme. He finally paused—he had need to ge no further, if he was in search of Slippery Sal, for she stood before him! She had meres suddenly from a clump of bushes, and confronted him, a cocked revolver in her hand, and a ‘maga glitter in her eye. “Halt!” she cried. ‘“‘I was anticipating thet ye wanted ter hev a set-to wi’ me, sol jest waited, ye see. Squar’ yerself, now, ef thar’s any bizness in ye, an’ ye want ter face a catta- mount.” ‘*'That’s ther very kind o’ a beast I wanter en- counter?’ Lyons assured, with a leer, “ You lipped in a little too much, down at ther fort, and sence so free wi’? yer chin musick, I thort I'd foller ye an’ test yer capacity. I don’t ginerally allow no galoot ner even a galootess to adulter- ate my say, and when sich party do chip in, I allus scoop ’em up an’ scatter ’em at furst oppur- tunity.” “Korect! I never was in a more co-opera- tive mood than now. Ef ye want to sample my muscle sail right in, an’ Vll receive ye. Ef ye want knives, [’ll make my best sculptorial at- tempt at carvin’ ye, or, ef ye want pistolic preference, I'll salivate ye in ther latest ap- proved manner!” “Pll choose revolvers, at thirty paces, for me!” the villain said, with a triumphant glitter in his eye. “All right—jest as ye please. Pace off,” Slippery Sal said; ‘‘an’ by the way, afore ye get ter wake, jest nominate the t whar I shall plant ye, after I’ve sent ye off!” “Most any place’ll do for me,” Lyons gritted, as he paced the distance, up the | serge “an’ ef ye knuckle I’ll bury ye in ther mudhole.” Then with weapons ready they took their places. convenient CHAPTER VIII. AN ODD ENCOUNTER. Boru parties were apparently cool and self- reliant—especially ppg eek! Sal. She seemed to have no dread of the uncertain resalt, for there was a twinkle of triumph in her eye, and a faint smile hovering about her lips. Lyons, too, seemed calm, although there was a perceptible tremor to his arm, as he raised and cocked his weapon. : ; “Cum! ain’t ye nevyer goin’ ter git reddy?” Sal demanded. ‘I’m in a hurry ter decide my futur’ course o’ proceedin’s, an’ ef it don’t make go difference ter you, ’'d motion thet ye be sumn’at livelier—jest to make the thing interest- J ing. : pe ‘I’m reddy,” Lyons said. ‘‘How we goin ter get ther start on?” f ‘Pll tell ye a plan thet’s jest as fair fer one as ’tis fer ’tother, ner thar ain’t a goose’s ounce y shinnanigan about et. We'll both Y. flat ‘ypon ther ground, on our backs, wi’ our heads g-techin’, Then, when I yell ‘keno,’ ther first who kin — inter a position fer a shot is oe on eller, an’ scoops ther deck. Wha esa “Tm agreeable. I’ve seen et tried before.” “Then drop!” ‘hey did drop, both fiat upon the ground, on Deadvwrood Dick's Double. their backs, with their arms stretched out, and their heads touching. “Thet’s ther kind,” Slippery Sal declared, from her position. ‘‘ Ye know ther shape ye’ll lay in yer coffin now, pilgrim. How d’ye feel, jest about this time?’ ‘‘The same as before,” Lyons growled. ** An’ ye wanter become my last earthly ail- ment, eh?” “Pl kill you at sight,” was the assurance, “Then, git reddy. Mebbe ye'll disregulate my system wi’ yer cuds o’ affeckshun, an’ meb- be, ag’in, ye won’t. Mebbe I ain’t an iron-clad, and mebbe Tam. One! git ready. Two! Say yer prayers an’ yer kittenchisms,an’ ask parding. (Three! balance yerself fer ther final cand-cit prepare to cross Jordan afoot; and lastly— ‘keno |” That was the signal—the fatal word that was tostart the duel, and decide the fates of the two concerned, And they were ready—waiting for it, that they might triumph. Lyons made a lightning effort to raise him- self, and succeeded, but before he could face around to get a shot, Slippery Sal had wien over upon her face—a move the man from Kan- sas had not thought of—and the next instant her revolver spoke out spitefully. With a groan Lyons dropped back, the blood spurting from a hole in his side. “Curse you!” he gasped; “ finish the job, and put me out of my misery.” ‘No! I won’t do ennything like it,” Sal re- lied. ‘‘My name’s Sal Slocum, no slouch, an’ ain’t no Injine ter scalp a cuss after I’ve lamed him, an’ don’t ye ferget it. I’m a-goin’ ter leave ye heer, an’ ef ye want ter kick ther bucket, kick away. Ef ye conclude to recover, it’s yer blessed privelege. But, let me tell ye, ther next time ye wanter impose on an inner- cent, vartuous, maidenly female, jest select sum one w’at don’t w’ar the breeches, ner ain’t got no red-hot in her eye, or in all probability ye'll get planted!” And then with a cool laugh the eccentric girl turned away, leaving Lyons where he had fallen. At the fort the day passed without any par- ticular incident, except when on the arrival of the southward-bound stage a sufficient purse was raised to send to Leadville for a small sup- ply of flour, salt and beef. About sunset, however, several of the out- laws were discovered in the edge of the forest, and Judge Elliott sent Fred St. Celton with a flag of truce and a message to Deadwood Dick to ascertain if a confab could be arranged. Half-way between the fort and the forest the colonist went, and then paused to see if a truce would be sent out from the other side, In a few minutes a man rode forth, upon horseback, with a handkerchief tied to his rifle barrel, and approached the spot where Fred had halted. He was masked, and clad in black, and armed with a liberal supply of belt wea- pons. When he had arrived within hailing distance, he reined in his horse, and bowed, waiting, evidently, for St. Celton to speak. Which he was not afraid to do. “Do I behold in you, Deadwood Dick, the rival claimant for this valley?’ he demanded, rot **You do!” was the reply, in a hoarse tone. “And likewise the author of the ghastl crimes committed against three of our colony?” ‘*The same,” the outlaw replied. ‘You are a heartless wretch, then,” St. Cel- ton cried, fiercely, ‘‘and hanging is too good a death for you to die. Do you propose to con- tinue your villainous persecutions? “T do, This gulch isrightfullymine. Icame here and staked it out,and in thisregion we allow that he who gets first possession is owner. You came here, evidently swindled by some sharper, and took possession without any right whatever. I ordered you off, and you refused to go—defied me. Consequently, you have reaped some of the consequences, but not all, for if you i in remaining in the gulch, you shall all die— every one of you!” “Then we will die!’ Fred St. Celton cried, hotly. ‘‘ We won’t be bulldozed out of our rights by a fellow of your lawless stamp. This is not what I came to say, however. F hate here a paper from our leader, Judge Elliott, which will, I think, explain itself.” He extended the document in his hand, and Deadwood Dick’s Double rode forward, and re- ceived it. He then rode off at a proper distance and perused it. It seemed to give him considerable surprise, for he went over it a second time. LT Tt ran as foliows: **Deapwoop Dick: Str—Inasmuch as you have de- clared yourself our enemy, and have foully dealt with three of our party, when they had harmed you not, we have been compelled to adopt stringent measures in order to protect ourselves against you. Therefore, we have captured and taken prisoner your wife, Edith by name, and unless you come for- ward, and swear by all your hopes of future salvation that you will cease your hostilities toward us, re- move your men, and yield Cat City Guich to us, now and forever henceforth, I will order your wife shot, | until she is dead, in front of this fort on the morning of the 20th instant, at sunrise. To-day is the 16th, Remember! This is final. “ (Signed), Jupson Evuiorr “ Commanding Fort Ethel.” After perusing the notice the second time, the outlaw turned to St. Celton. a, will Spars d the ace 3 of this,” he sai avely. ‘‘In case | agree, I suppose m wife will be toriied over to me?” 2 yi “ Exactly. When you have sworn to the ful- fillment of the things specified in that document, Edith Harris shall be turned over into your possession, and you shall be given ten minutes to get out of range of our rifles,” “Very well. I will reflect, and report at my convenience!” the outlaw re lied, as he wheeled his horse, and galloped back toward the tim- r, Fred St. Celton returned to the fort, and re- rted the result of the interview. ‘*T think he will come to terms,” Judge Elliott declared. ‘‘ But if he don’t, he shall we shall carry out our threat to the letter.” Edith had been apprised of the plan, and re- ceived it without a word; but when she learned from Montague that there was a likelihood of her being given over to the outlaw, a frightened expression came into her eyes. ‘For Heaven’s sake, sir, do not give me over to that murderous wretch, whoever he may be!” she cried, piteously. ‘‘ Kill me outright, rather than that, for he is not my husband, and my fate in his power would make a hundred deaths preferable to me,” “That would not help us, Mrs. Harris, to kill you, when there is a possibility of securing peace by giving you over. I pity and sympa- thize with you, secretly, but have no power to act in your behalf. All the others, except Ethel, second the Judge’s plan, and the majori of course rules, in such a case as this,” ‘*Then you would not see me thus made the subject of a bargain, but for the others—a hor- rible trade—the sacrifice of a weak woman to an unholy ruffian, to secure peace?” Edith said, tears standing in her i ‘Indeed I would not. If the outlaw is really not your husband it is an inhuman outrage to trade he into his power, even to secure peace. I would fight against such a thing with my last breath!” “Thank you! thank you! Your words show that you, at least, have a heart. Never Let them barter me, if they will. Perhaps I can escape from the other captor easier.” “‘T trust and hope you can,” Montague said, e arnestly. He and Ethel alone were in favor of giving Deadwood Dick’s wife her freedom, but, course, could carry little argument Bt the rest, who, smarting under the blows of the gulch outlaw, were rN apg against her whom they fully believed to be his wife. Night drew on, and spread her mantle over all objects within the mountain-locked land; still no sign was seen from the forest, of the return of Deadwood Dick. A fierce storm was brooding along the eastern horizon, and gradually spread its black vail over the great dome above, the fierce roll of the thunder, and the spiteful lightning predicting that it was to be no mild affair, Myers and the Chinaman, who had kept pretty closely housed since the advent of the outlaws into the valley, came over to the fort, just at dusk, and asked permission to my there, over night, and were not refused, as the Cali- fornian appeared friendly, and as yet had shown no sign of treachery. . Fred St. Celton volunteered to go upon guard duty alone, and was so allowed. About ten o’clock in the evening, all turned in for the night, and he was left to look after the safoty of the fort. As the storm had not yet burst he remained out of doors, and kept watch lest prowlers should get near, for he was troubled with a fear that an attack would be made by the out- aws. But the hours dr by until it was after midnight, yet no attack, and as it was beginning to sprinkle he turned to enter the fort, when he d that — } | ) | - . 4 fs ‘ TOE LES ETT PEL ET ae a es
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= 10 saw something ahead in the darkness, that caused him to halt, abruptly. Two gleaming balls of fire, they were, about the size of a pair of eyes, but he could see no outlines of head or face, and was unable to de- termine whether they belonged to man or beast. Doubtful as to the practicability of advanc- ing, he stood still in his tracks, and gazed stead- ily at the gleaming fiery orbs, that seemed to have in themselves a mocking, triumphant ex- pression. And the more he gazed at them the more he felt like gazing at them—a strange ecstatic feel- se none: laying hold upon him. as it a trance, or what? There he stood, while the rain drops began to patter down, faster and faster—stood rigid and silent, leaning partiy upon his rifle, not so much asa muscle in his body appearing to move while his gaze continued steadfastly riveted upon the twogleaming orbs that shone out of the darkness. Finally they began to grow nearer and nearer; slow was their approach, yet steady until at last the owner, a masked man, loomed out of the darkness, and stood within a foot of the colonist, Amn clad in black garments, with a mas‘ over his eyes, the lower part of his countenance being exposed to view. A moment his fiery eyes gazed into those of the colonist—then he waved his gloved right d before his face in several gesticulations, none of which Fred St. Celton seemed to notice. Then, with a chuckle, the masked man passed on, and into the open doorway of the fort, Fred having left the door unlatched. Upon the threshold the masked stranger in reht and peered into the great apartment fore him, which was dimly lighted by a single candle. Evident it was that he preferred to look be- fore he leaped. The apartment was a large one, and the colo- nists and their families occupied beds dotted about, here and there—those old-fashioned curtain beds which belonged to the days of our ancestors. Therefore, while the prowler could see the pertain bedsteads, he could not see the occu- nts. 5 He listened several minutes, but as he heard only the suppressed breathing, he seemed reas- sured, and stepped softly into the cabin-fort. ‘A glance showed him where Edith Harris was confined, and he stole toward her with cau- tious steps. “Shs was lying upon a hastily improvised couch that had been furnished her, and was evidently asloa. Not so with the great mastiff, Daggers. ' He arose promptly to his feet from a position beside the couch, and sniffed the air inqu ingly. Then he wagged his tail familiarly, as if he ized the intruder, h! Dag, old boy!” the masked man whis- pered. “Lay down, and be quiet.” As if fully understanding the words addressed to him, the dog obeyed: then the night prowler stole forward and bent over the recumbent form of Edith, as she lay in slumber! CHAPTER IX. CASE OF MESMERISM AND A WOMAN’S WIT. ““Eprra! Edith!” It was the voice of the stranger hushed to a whisper, that called. “The sleeper aroused with a start, and proba- bly ‘would have screamed at sight of the eke but for his motioned injunction for her c vie silent, accompanied by hasty, whispered words, “Sh! don’t alarm the others. "Tis I, Dick— your husband!” “Oh! thank Heaven!” Edith breathed in re- lief. “I see now, Daggers knows you, and would permit no other man to approach,” ‘True. Daggers is a faithful friend and pro- tector,” Deadwood Dick returned, in the same guarded tone. ‘Tell me when you were brought ere and what for?” Edith accordingly narrated, in as few words ag possible, what is already known to the reader —how she bad been captured asa shield against the pseudo Deadwood Dick, and the proposed barter that was to be made, “Curse them!” the ex-Prince of the Road muttered, fiercely. ‘I would be their friend, but they are taking the wrong course to win my friends ip. Iscarcely know what to do in this case “« Free me, my husband, and let’s flee from this spot!” Edith suggested, eagerly. **No, I cannot do that. It would not be the Deadwood Dick’s Double. square thing. These colonists hold you and treat you as a prisoner of war, and, under the circumstances, they do right, as they deem you to be my wife, and me the outlaw who is giving them so much trouble. Do they treat you re- spectfully ?”’ “Yes, I am treated civilly, although with two eee, I am regarded sternly and unpity- ingly. % Very well. Isee you are not actually suf- fering, except in spirit, and that fact takes a eat weight from my mind. I must not tarry onger, as some of the colonists may awaken.” “Oh! are is not going to take me with you, my husband?” *“Not now, pet. We are miles from our home, and I would have no place to take you. You had best remain here, for the present. If they attempt to kill you, be of brave heart in the knowle ge that I will be near and ready to protect you. ‘* But in case the Double comes to take advan- tage of their offer?” ‘Go with him, the same as if you knew it were I, and take assurance in the fact that I yous husband, so directed you,” Deadwood ‘ick said. **T will do as you have told me,” Edith re- plied, trying to very brave, although the tears would spring into her eyes. “Of course you will, my pet, and_now good- by until you see me again, which I trust wil not be a long time hence,” he said, kissing her, and receiving in return her loving caress. Then he turned to leave the fort, but stopped short, with a stifled exclamation of disappoint- gg be not a dozen yards away stood Tom 6. elton, holding a lighted candle in one. hand, and a cocked revolver in the othor, the | latter being leveled at the breast of the ex-road | Prince. A triumphant smile was upon the face of the > colonist, and he stood coolly gazing at Dead- wood Dick, with the air of one who had gained the complete mastery, as he imayined he had, over the famous outlaw. So he thought, but he reckoned wrongly. Scarce were the men who had ever been suc- cessful in holding Deadwood Dick long in abey- ance to their will, and Tom St. Celton was no exception to the rule, burly and strong though he was. The very fact that he stood gazing triumph- antly at his supposed cuptured game, was where he lost, for the eyes of Deadwood Dick met his in a steady gaze, and after a mo- ment, feeling a strange sensation stealing over him, he found it literally impossible to over- come the fascination of the gleaming orbs of the ex road-agent. Rigid he grew in his tracks, vacancy of ex- pression taking the place of brilliancy in his eyes. Then, Deadwood Dick menped orward, and waved his hand in front of hi face, and Tom St. Celton was effectually done for, for the time being, although he looked grim and dan- gerous, as he stood positioned in the middle of the floor in a warlike attitude. “Weapons keener than daggers, have I,” Deadwood Dick whispered, triumphantly, as he glided back to kiss th once more. ‘‘ Be of good ehect, now, and IJ’ll be on hand, again, by- and-by. ; Pea he turned aa ees — ing pant n € pouring night, with its crashing, pound- ing thunder, and its vivid lightning. he passed the spot where Fred St. Celton ae stood, he pussed his hand several times be- ore his eyes, and then darted on into the stormy darkness, So thatere Fred St. Celton had recovered from the mesmeric trance into which Dead- wood Dick had first thrown him and afterward relieved him, that knight of the trail had suc- lly made his escape Although in a trance, Fred had been aware that some figure had flitted past him into the fort, and no sooner did he recover sufficiently than he dashed out of the rain, into the great room, to see if all was right. Then he saw Tom St. Celton standing in the middle of the floor, holding a candle in one hand, and a revolver in the other, the latter aimed at Edith Harris, who sat pale and awe- stricken, upon the edge of her couch, with the big dog, Daegers sitting close beside her. “Hello!” ed exclaimed, as he beheld the sight—“‘ what the deuce does this mean. What are you up to, Tom, old boy.” No answer! Poor Tom was incapable of moving even his tongue. Thinking it queer, Fred approached nearer, and slapped him on the shoulder. . “T say, hang it, why don’t you answer a fellow? What the blazes you doing, standing here pS your pistol at the prisoner?’ Still Thomas continued to gaze straight at Edith, in a vacant way, not moving so much as a muscle, or paying the least attention to Fred’s words, or presence. ‘Well, may I be kicked if this ain’t mighty queer,” the young man muttered. ‘‘ He ap- pears to be awake, and yet is as mum asa deaf crab. I wonder if I can’t bring hir: to his senses.” And putting his lips in the region of Tom’s left ear, he gave vent to an ear-splitting ell. : But it had no apparent effect, except te arouse the whole fort, the men hastily putting in an appearance, while the females peeped in alarm from their curtained beds. ‘““What under the heavens is the matter, Fred?” the senior St. Celton demanded, as he approached, in company with the others. ‘That’s precisely what I’d like to know, myself!” was the reply. “Just look at Tom standing here, as if struck dumb. ‘You can’t get a confounded word outof him, to save your ife. “Tecan explain what may seem to you a mystery, if you will allow me!” Edith said, speaking from her place of confinement, in a tone that all could hear, * The gentleman you call Tom is mesmerized, and all your efforts fp arouse him will be un- availing, unless you Understand how to doit,” ‘How came he mesmerized?’ Judge Elliott demanded, sternly. “That is easily explained,” Edith replied, coolly. ‘My husband, the original and genuine Deadwood Dick, is possessed of wonderful mes- meric power, and has it in his power to put any person into a trance whose eye he can catch ina steady gaze, and whose mind is weaker than his own. He came here to see me to-night, while you were slumbering, and as he was about to depart yonder personage blocked his path in the exact attitude you see him now, and was thus mesmerized.” ‘*But, how did this marvelous husband of yours effect an entrance to the fort?” the Judge cemanded witha frown. “Fred, you perhapa can best answer this question!” ‘“*T don’t know,” the young colonist answered. ‘*T believe I was mesmerized too, when I ccma to think of it. I remember of seeing a pair of eyes staring at me out of the darkness. but suddenly forgot all about jit, except that 1 felt mighty funny. I also remember seeing something like a man’s figure flitting by me toward the fort, but had no power or inclina- tion to give chase. A little while ago I awoke to find myself standing out yonder, in front of the fort, in adrenching rain.” “*'You were undoubtedly mesmerized, too, but my husband pages 4 peed you out of the Samy when he took his departure,” Edith added. ‘‘ This is the strangest piece of business I ever heard of,” Judge Elliott declared, angrily. ‘* You state that all our efforts to restore this youn man to consciousness will be of no avail, do you? ‘*T do, unless you have the proper directions. He would not live long in that. state.” ‘“Where will we seek these directions, then?” “‘T could tell you how to do it if I chose,” Edith replied, coolly. “ My husband taught me once, that I might know.” “Then, tell us at once. It will not do to let him remain thus.” ‘* Mr. Elliott, you hold my life in your hands, and propose to use me to whatever purpone ma best serve you, even if you have to kill me. Te. me, is this not so?” ‘*“You have undoubtedly struck close to the truth; yes,” the sage replied. ‘You being the wife of a bloody-handed, outlawed. ruffian, you cannot expect to have much respect or mercy shown you.” f ‘“‘ Exactly,” Edith replied, pale, but very calm. ‘I supposed that was how you regarded me. I am a prisoner of war, and you hold wy life at your disposal. onder, pelpleyy stands another prisoner, whose life I hold a my disposal. Thus the case is pretty even, I be- lieve!” The colonists exchanged glances. They saw that it wasas Edith had intimated—they had not all the power on their. side. “Surely you would not let this young man die in this condition, when you could easily save him?’ Judge Elliott said, endeavoring to argue the point. ‘Surely you will not let me die, or fall into the power of a ruthless wretch whom you are afraid to battle get by doubtful stratagem,” Edith returned, coolly. ‘The matter is just about as broad as it is long, sir, and I think,
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upon reflection, that you will conclude that it is visable to come to me for terms, since the tables have turned half-way.” “Well, what terms do you propose?” the Judge demanded, vexed that his plan should be thus baffled by a woman, and a very young one at | that. **T will tell you,” Edith replied, caimly. ‘I have been thinking the matter over, and think a better plan can be arranged. If this man who calls himself Deadwood Dick comes for me, you are to say that I am not willing to go with him, except on different terms—that he must first prove himself capable of taking care of me b fighting a duel. One of you must fight wit him, or if you are all cowards, and timid about fronting bim, free my hands, and I will meet him myself. In this way you can provide for peace, without sacrificing my life, or ae me in the power of that ruffian, For unless he kills his opponent, I am not to be given up to him, and yet he is to grant you peaceful pos- session of this valley.” “But, there will no one volunteer to fight this ruftian!” ‘*Then I cannot save the life of the entranced colonist,” Edith said, firmly. ‘You have no mercy for me, and I must force you to have, or else you must lose one of your members. This is final!” The announcement of course was not favora- bly received by the colonists, but it appeared to is the only chance for saving Tom St. Celton’s ife, Montague and Ethel were both secretly pleas- ed, but refrained from expressing their senti- ments at that time. They both regarded Edith Harris favorably, and saw that she was but justly defending herself. Finding that there was no other plan left, the Judge ordered a canvass among the colonists, to see who should encounter the bloodthirsty gulch outlaw, and Fred St. Celton finally volun- teered, ‘ “4 ait eg Judge Elliott reported the fact to “dith, “Very well,” she said, calmly. ‘All you have to dois to swear you will carry out the plan, and [ will tell you how to bring yonder young gentleman out of his trance.” “‘T swear, upon my honor as a gentleman, to have the plan suggested by you, carried out to the letter, in case you free Tom St. Celton from this mesmeric trance!” Judge Elliott said, sol- emnly. ny (ood! Hurrah forthe Judge’s resolve!” Montague cried. ‘Tt is well,” Edith said. ‘‘I think upon re- flection you will all admit that it is better for a man to fight the battle, than a woman’s life and a wife’s honor. Mr. St. Celton can be brought out of that trance in only one manner, except by the mesmerizer in person—and that way is by standing him upon his head for a few mo- ments, and tickling the bottoms of his feet. It may seem a very simple plan, but trial will convince you of its efficacy.” * Accordingly the directions were followed, and five minutes afterward Tom St. Celton was able to walk about in full possession of his senses. Morning dawned, before they were scarcely aware of it;.a wet, drizzling day was the promise succeeding the night’s thunder-storm. Soon after sunrise Deadwood Dick was seen to ride from the forest toward the fort, masked and armed, but carrying a truce flag, and it was surmised that he was coming to accept the Judge’s proposition. \ CHAPTER X. THE DUEL. From the fort the colonists rly watched the approaching horseman, for his coming was a matter of considerable moment to them. Should he agree to what the Judge would propose, there would be a duel, and perhaps the loss of another man to the colony, for, though brave to a fault, Fred St. Celton was no duelist, having never been engaged in such a contest. Nearer and nearer the outlaw rode, until he drew rein before the door of the fort. And about the same minute Slippery Sal made her appearance upon the scene, coming in by the northern trail. As the outlaw drew rein, the colonists crowded without the fort, eager to gaze upon the ruffian who had caused them so much sorrow, but their eagerness was because of a bitter craving for vengeance. “T am here!” Deadwood Dick’s Double an- nounced. ‘‘I have come for my wife, pursuant to the agreement in a letter which I received.” j \ offered, as she objects. She declares that you | she is not your wife.” but will not pass muster. to go with me, then?’ that you are man enough to protect her. In are not the genuine Deadwood Dick, and that ; man!” Slippery Sal cried. ! OEE ee ees 11 ‘Hurrah! ther furst fusilade didn’t drap a “Not a pilgrim! But thet ain’t nothin’. See’d a duel oncet, over ‘Ha! ha! that is a well manufactured lie, | in Nevada, whar two cusses stud an’ plugged Perhaps she refuses | away at each other, fer a hull half a ay, an’ ‘ | nevver drew a ounce 0’ blood. An’ now, ef ‘*She does, until you prove to her satisfaction | we're goin’ ter hev a repetition o’ thet affair, Targy thet we sail in an’ finish up, ter suit our order to do this, she has suggested that you own complexion.” fight a duel with one of our oh |} ‘One! two—ihree! GJ” egain cried the ‘Ho! ho! Isthatso? What member of your | Judge, and as before pisto!s erac.ed, sharply. gang would be my opponent, then?” and the gaze of the outlaw swept the crowd sharply. **T am the man, Sir Outlaw!’ Fred St. Celton said, stepping forward, with great coolness. ‘*T have volunteered to meet you with pistols, and am ready at any time.” “Hurrah! That’s ther checker!” Slippery Sal said, coming up. ‘ Thet’s ther wa if like ter heer things work. You're all solid, St. Celt, an’ I'll bet a yaller dorg on et, ev’ry day in a week.” **T will not object to meeting this gent,” the pseudo Deadwood Dick declared, ‘‘ but I first want to understand the business. If we fight and I win, I am to have possession of the gir and this valley?” “Exactly. And if St. Celton wins, we like- wise retain possession of both,” the Judge ex- plained. ‘“ All well. I will meet your man in duel, with that understanding; if I fall, I am to with- draw my men, and all claim upon the valley— | if he falls, I am to have positive and undisputed possession of the valley, and of my wife, Edith, whom I dearly prize.’ And so saying, the outlaw waved his hand in the air, and a moment later a party of horse- | men rode from the forest toward the fort—a | dozen, all told, masked, well-mounted, and | wellarmed. As they drew near, the colonists drew weapons, suspiciously, but the assumed mia Dick smiled beneath his mask and said: “Have no fear. They come under my truce, and will not, harm you, except you try to play gum games!” The outlaws soon arrived and drew rein, and then their leader turned to them. ‘*Pards,” he said, “‘I am about to fight a duel, and I desire that you see fair play. My opponent stands yonder. Our weapons will be revolvers. In case I fall, these colonists are to retain possession of this valley, and we are to disturb them no more. If, however, he falls in a contest, we Bp to pore Ht valley oe e ssion of my wife. o you under- stand?” * 4 There was a silent nod from the outlaws, which signified that they did, whereupon the outlaw leader turned to St. Celton, saying: “T am ready, now, sir. Please take your choice of distance and position, and let’s get to business.” ‘“Very well. A hundred yards apart, face to face, will do me,” Fred said, quite as calmly as his opponent, Accordingly the distance was measured—fifty yards along the stage trail in each direction, from directly in front of the fort door. At her expressed desire, Edith Harris was allowed to come without the fort, Montague and Ethel keeping her company. When all was in readiness, the two duelists drew their weapons, and walked tothe respec- tive ends of their line, where they faced about, preparatory for business, e settlers had also drawn their weapons as had the companion outlaws of the bogus Dead- wood Dick, each party seeming to suspect the other of premeditated treachery. “Now, then, get ready, gentlemen,” Judge Ellivtt cried, stepping forward. ‘ At the word ‘Go,’ you will both fire. It is 110t necessary that your aim should be deadly, but one or the other must fall from the effect of wounds, ere the case can be decided.” ‘‘Kerect! and I’m ther as hain’t afeard ter bet my head thet St. Celton wins. He's a nervy cuss, you bet, an’ et takes a hull horse ter git around him, an’ don’ ye mind et. Ef I war goin’ ter stack my chips on either o’ them galoots, ’'d say ther outlaw is a-goin’ ter git scoo d fer every consarned cent he’s worth.’ “Get ready!” cried the Judge, and the cocked weapons of the duelists came to a level. Both men were apparently cool—not a perceptible sign of agitation or fear did either evince. , “One! two! three!” counted the Judge, in measured tones. ‘‘ Go!” , Instantaneously the weapons of the duelists rung out clear and spiteful, but neither man » ' ( ht Still neither party fell, although it was St. Celton’s turn, this time, to flinch sliehtly. “*Cum! cum! fer Heaving’s sake don’t keep us in suspense!” Sal cried, impatiently. ‘ Jest open an artery, so we kin see ther red. Ef ye don’t we shall all die of ennui!” “Yes, gentlemen, please be brief in this mat- ter,” Judge Elliott added. ‘‘It is no child’s Play, and the sooner decided, the better.” Then, after a moment, for the third time came the order: “One! two—three! Gc!” And for the third time the weapons shot forth a tiny flash of fire, and the bullet wended forth on its deadly mission, while a shudder ran through the little knot of col mists. For there seemed to be the sound of death in the erack of the weapon. A moment both men stood defiantly erect, after the exchange of shots—then, with a stifled curse the pseudo Deadwood Dick dropped for- ward upon bis face, while a loud cheer burst from the lips of the colonists at their victory. A movement on their perk to approack the fallen outlaw, was checked by the leader of the mounted ruffians—a burly fellow whose voice sounded alike to that of Bob Jones. “ Hold up!” he commanded, riding f ward, with the others at his heels. ‘ The duei’s u and thet’s all ye’ve got ter do about et. We ij take keer o’ ther Capt’in, an’ ye needu’t bothes yersel’s!” “Very well,” Elliott said. ‘We've wen, and shall expect your early evacuation of th valley.” “That's jest as the Capt’in sez,’’ was the re ly: then the outlaws raised the wounded out aw, and carried him away in the direction of the forest, to the east, while the colonists turned to look after Fred St. Celton, who had drawn near, only a couple of slight flesh wounds the worse for his encounter. **You did nobly, my boy!” Judge Elliott exclaimed, warmly grasping his hands, as did the others. ‘‘ But for you we should have been in honor bound to give up the valley which you have clearly won for us!” ‘And I want to thank the gentleman for so bravely preserving me from a most terrible fate,” Edith Harris added, coming forward, and touching Fred’s hand, reverently, ‘But for your success, sir, I should now be in the power of a ruthless wretch, who regards neither the laws of God nor man.” “Tam glad that I was able to so serve sor lady,” St. Celton said, gallantly; ‘‘ but, unless i guess wrongly, we have not seen the last of the ruffian and his band. Foiled in his attempt to kill me and get possession not only of you but of the valley, he is not the man to back off, as long as he’ has a foot of ground to stand up- on. “Then you think he will not keep his promise, by vacating, eh?’ Judge Elliott demanded, “‘T am almost sure of it. He is as evil at heart asa man well can be, and if I mistake not, he will now resort to other means to sole possession of this valley, which undou a ly is rich in mineral wealth.” Fred St. Celton’s views were shared by Mon, - reperes several others; consequently, Judga iot the fort, until it was known for certain what course the ouge ws were going to adopt. If they brok™ their promise by contineriis ta occupy the valley, it was the determination ol Pe se to ey the bitter end. y the noon stage Montague was dispatched to Leadville for a fresh supply of emnminition and provisions, and in the meantime, those re- maining at the fort kept close within doors, and on the watch for hostile movements. But, night drew on, and no sign of them was seen, cae the smoke of camp-fires that rose above the trees in the basin. “Don’t ye fergit it, you'll not see ’em leave the valley yet,” Slippery Sal averred, “an’ I reckon it behooves me, in ther interest o’ bu- manity, to explorate an’ see w’at ’em cusses ar’ \ doin’, So, ef ye need me, all ye’ll hev ter do will be ter screech ‘ Sal!’ an’ I'll be on deck?” ~~ ey . x ve orders for all to keep closely within __ f ' * Mets | =< ~ eee E—eeee SSS 4 |
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12 ——— And then, taking her gun, she departed. The night shadows were hovering dense and dark over the valley, when we penetrate the deep forest, and arrive at the outlaw’s camp, consisting of a large rude cabin, hastily erected, with a large bonfire blazing in front of it, and a corral, near by, for the horses. Inside the cabin the outlaws were congregated —some were rolicd in their blankets near the fire; others were gambling and drinking; some were reading and some were cleaning their weapons. Their captain was pacing to and fro, a dark expression about his mouth and coming from his ay that gleamed through the holes in his mas. That he was not sorely wounded was evident, for his stride was stropg and his movements | elastic. Without a word to those gathered around | him, he continued to pace to and fro, until an- other outlaw entered the cabin, the mud upon his garments telling that he was but recently from the saddle. ‘*Hal! Davis, is it you?” the chief demanded. “T am glad. What news bring you from the old camp, up the Tartoise, for it is of there I would hear ‘The news is not of a Le ager nature, Cap- tain,” Davis replied, unbelting himself. ‘The sheriff and his posse have cleaned the place out, = only two of the boys escaped with their ves. ‘Furies! this is bad business! What else?” “Much, The sheriff is scenting after your trail, and as he comes this way, no doubt but he will locate you.” ‘Curse him, let himcome. We'll be in wait- ing to receive him, after we’ve cleaned out the colonists. What else?” ‘* A letter, chief. It was handed me just after I entered the valley, with the instructions to give it to you.” ‘Ah! what kind of a man was the giver?” the outlaw demanded, “T donot know, as it was so dark that Icould scarcely see him. Iam of the impression, how- ever, that he was masked.” With eager ee ge the outlaw chief tore open the envelope, and hastened to peruse it. Written in a plain but stegant chirography, it was easy to decipher, and he read it over, his face growing dark below his mask, and his eyes gleaming with a suddenly wrought fierceness, This was what he read: “*Srr: You are using my title, without any au- thority or permission from me, and I must request you to drop it, at once, or I shall be under the ne- ty of dropping you. Understand me—I mean business, Your career of outlawry is adding s after stain to my somewhat famous title, and I command you to ‘cheese it,’ and pick up another name, Also, you’d better get out of this part of the country immediately ess you are a candidate for a tarred-rope picnic. “1 advise you to puckachee. “*Deapwoop Dick.” A growl of anger escaped the outlaw as he flung the paper upon the floor, and ground it beneath bis heel. “What else, Davis?’ he demanded, as he turned to the courier who still stood in wait- ing. 8 A man, chief, whom I found wounded, near the trail. He belonged to the colony, and wants to see you.” “Ts he here?” “No. I left him where I found him, and promised to notify you at once,” the courier re- CHAPTER XI. VILLAINS PLANNING. “T wit go,” Deadwood Dick’s Double said. “This man may be of use to’me in ag SPY these accursed colonists. Direct me, Davis, that I may find this fellow.” ‘¢-You will find him, chief, in Gorgon’s Gulch, beyond the basin, to the north. Walk five aces from an old b aye stump, due northward; en turn eastward, and enter thicket. You will find the chap in a small glade in this thicket.” “Tt is well. I will go at once, under the cover of darkness. If aught should happen of importance previous to my return, give me the alarm in the usual way.” | whence : Deadwood Dick’s Double. A rapid gait soon took him away from the camp, when he slackened his pace and exercised more caution in his movements, for it was very dark, and the outlaw knew not how many foes — be lurking in the gloom. e was not a particularly brave man, this brigand who had appropriated the name of Deadwood Dick. Indeed, at heart he was a thorough coward, but, by a rough, boastful manner, he contrived to produce the impression that he was a hard customer. With cautious steps he stole along through the forest, on the alert with both eye and ear. dae he reached the edge of the timber, ne could command a view of the fort, ant here he paused, and gazed keenly about n Not a dozen yards distant to his left was the grave of Royce Elliott, and his gaze wandered to it as a chuckle escaped his lips. ‘*T fixed him cursedly nice,” he muttered, ‘and wish the rest of the gang were served the same way. But, never fear! They shall not long usurp my rights. Ill crush them, one by one, until not a shadow of them shall haunt the gulch!” And gritting his teeth, he took his course once more across the valley toward the north- ern gap, to find the man Lyons. In due time he arrived at the spot mentioned by Davis, and found a man lying upon a plot of grass, apparently asleep. A slight sbaking, however, aroused him, and he uttered a fierce grow] at being disturbed. “What d’ye want?’ he growled, angrily. ** Who are you?” “T am Deadwood Dick,” was the reply, as the outlaw produced and turned on the light of a small bull’s-eye lantern. “Oneof my men stated that you wished to see me; so I came.” “Oh! yow’re the chiefo’ ther gang, eh?’ Lyons demanded with a groan, “*T am the chief,” was the reply. “ But not the original Deadwood Dick?’ ‘* What does that concern you, sir?” “Not much, only I reckoned 1 twigged you,” the Kansan replied; ‘‘ don’t make no difference who r¢ be, so long’s you're not over scrupulous, which I opine ye ain’t,” ‘*Not over scrupulous, I presume,” the road- rover replied. ‘‘If you’ve anything to propose, I’m open.” Lyons raised himself to a rest upon his elbow. ‘*Pve got a wound that has made me rather lazy; still, | am better than a half-dozen dead men. I was dropped by thet gal who hangs about the fort under the name of Slippery Sal. Who she is, is more than Ican tell. But, thet ain’t to ther p’int; I want thet gal, Ethel Elliott, the Judge’s daughter, and I’m goin’ ter have her, ef I have to work till I’m gray as a badger. But Pll allow etain’t no healthy job fer a man ter try ter gobble onter her alone, an’ accord- ingly, I want help. a see?” ‘You want my aid, eh?’ Deadwood Dick’s Double demanded. “Exactly, an’ ef ye aire a-might to, we kin work the game successful. You’ve a notion after the woman, Edith Harris, I take et, and ef ye wanter go in snacks wi’ me, we'll capture ’em both, at the same time.” “Good. Td give much to get the woman, Edith, into my power. But how would you manage it? I have no access to the fort.” ‘That need make no difference. I have, and that will answer the same purpose. Say we select to-morrow night as the time for the job. When the fort is asleep, I will silence the rd, and you can be near, ready to enter. ter that, it will be an easy matter to creep upon the girls, and gag them and make our esca’ “All right! Ill be lurking in the ap: aa soon after dusk, with horses ready. In the meantime, do not be surprised if I attempt to take the fort. All you need do is to keep out of rifle a al “*Ha! ha! fee T’ll look out for myself. By the way, lend me a swaller from your canteen, and then Pll rest a little longer before attempt- ca, 8 reach the fort.” eadwood Dick’s Double passed over the can, and Lyons took a big swig before returning it. Then the outlaw departed, directing his foot- steps toward the fort; but he wide of that building, and entered the forest at the same point where he had quitted it. But he had taken only a few steps into the forest, _ Donning a heavy coat, and pulling the slouch | when he paused, abruptly, an exclamation of oe wore down ht h i to weapons an night. is eyes, he then looked stepped out into the horror leaping from his Lo He tried to retreat, but he was rooted to the spot, and could not. He would have drawn his pe SE NES ST ba a en a a eee Ta ai BS ein Fie SS Ls oe EN ae ee a ee ee ee ee ee SS ee i fo) ll Meg nage but his hands were as powerless as his eet. Before him, not a half-dozen yards away stood the ghost of Gorgon’s Gulch—the spectral horse and rider that twice had been seen in the edge of the wood by the colonists, but never un- til now by the bogus Deadwood Dick. It stood in the center cf a little natural glade, info which the outlaw had taken several steps be- fore he had noticed it—stood there, grim and ghostly, the figure in the saddle being a perfect counterpart of what Royce Elliott had been in life, except that the eyes were now closed and the lips slightly parted by the falling of the lower jaw, while a strange, whitish halo of light surrounded both borse and rider. he fact that the outlaw was none too cour ageous, and was inclined to be superstitious, but ded to his terror, for he speatty recognized the Phantom Horseman as the victim of his dia- bolical scheme, and quaked with tear at being thus confronted bya spirit of the cead, for such he really believed the apparition to be, For several moments the specter remained motionless, but finally it began to come nearer upon its snowy horse, until but a couple of yards intervened between it and the outlaw, Then the horse came to & halt, and trembling from head to foot the outlaw gazed with a hor- rible fascination at the white-robed thing, be it spirit or human. Not a movement of the specter was there, ex- cept that the lower jaw suddenly closed, with a snap, and a moment later the lips began to move and furm words that the outlaw heaid with increased horror. “ Aha!” the 2 spoke, ina strange, chilling tone: ‘‘aha! I have thee, now, ruffian and mur- derer! For days I have been searching for thee—ever since thou deprived my eartl.ly body of its life. Knowest me, thou cringing cur? I am Royce Elliott, in the spirit instead of the flesh!” A faint gasp came from the wretch, but that was all, e shook in every limb, but affright had sealed his tongue. “Thou knowest me,” the specter continued, with a frightful a “thou couldst not forget me so soon, nor the agency thou hadst i» causing my spirit to take its flight from the earthly tabernacle for the realms above. No! no! thou well rememberst me, and tremble at my approach like the monster thou art, to thy very heart’s core. Aha! I see thee, even without eyes. And thou fearest me! Well thou mayest, for I have come for thee—come to transport thee to the border of aJake of fire that burneth with brimstone. Art thou ready to ‘““No! no! Spare me! spare me!” the outlaw gasped, his terror becoming greater each mo- ment. “I beg your forgiveness—anything— everything—only don’t kill me!” ‘“Didst not thy hands poison the water that killed Royce Elliott, villain?” the specter mai sternly. ‘‘Didst not thy hands help to behea the St. Celton brothers? And yet thou keggest for mercy, thou craven!” “Ay! Pll own my guilt—I’'ll admit the truth of what you say—but still I want to live that I may by good deeds atone for the pest. Spare me, and ask of me anything you will, and I will grant it.” There was an awful moment of silence, during which neither spoke, If bis ghostship had heard the words of the outlaw he was evidently giving them considera- tion. Finally the deathly lips moved again, and the specter spoke: ‘Thou shalt have a reprieve of life upon one condition, which is: that thou shalt forever quit this valley and withdraw your claim. Refuse, and I will smite you down where you -now stand!” “T promise that, and swear to it,” Deadwood Dick’s Double said, eagerly, ‘‘ and, with your permission, I will away to order my men from the valley at once.” “ Ay! go, and see that another sunrise does not find you within this valley. Go!” ard the specter fore-finger pointed in the direction of the outlaw camp. Without waiting for a second invitation the miscreant found strength to stride on into the ES ae of the forest, leaving the ghost of Royce Elliott in possession of the glade. Straight to his stronghold the outlaw went. and aroused what of his followers were not awake. ‘“‘ Awake! Get ready!” he shouted, standing in the center of the cabin, and blowing upon a small bugle when not epenkng: * to your arms and prepare to steal a march upon the
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a fort within the hour. Sufficient long these colonist dogs have usurped my rights, and now they must £0 or die, and I’d rather kill’em than not. -night they will not be expecting us, and it will be our very opportunity to sur- round and take ’em!” In the meantime the colonists were doing the very reverse of the scoundrel’s calculations— were watching for an expected attack. Every one within the fort was expecting an attack, and was prepared to fight for the pos- session of the gulch. “*T tell ye what, feller-cityzens,” said old Bill Myers, removing his grimy clay pipe long enough to speak—‘‘I tell ye what, feller-city- zens, ef ye don’t see things smoke afore mornin’, Pve lost my reckonin’. Here’s meand my right bower, Sing Song—we’ve tramped tergether these three years, an’ Sing, he’ll tell ye I nevyer in thet hull time predicted wrong. Eh? Sing? ‘‘No wrongee—Myers muchee sure,” the celestial replied with a nod. ‘*T, too, am of the opinion that there will be an attack before morning,” St. Celton, Sr., added, ‘‘And teu to one we shall be con- quered.” “Never!” Fred St. Celton said, fiercely. “We may get whipped, but never conquered by this outlaw demon. Here is one right hand ere fight when the rest of the body is co “And here another!” Edith Harris said, eagerly, “But place ariflein my hand, when it comes to fighting, and I will show you that I am “al ? “You shall be tested!” Judge Elliott said. “And if you turn out to be as you have all along claimed, we shall have many apologles to offer you.” ** None of which you need offer, as they are not asked for. Youhave treated meas a pris- oner of war, and I have not suffered. There- topes I emg Fate be reven seg ee aay wish Montague and the gir ppery were here, and I think we could defy tl for a time, at least,” Warwick said. ‘We can, as it is!” Edith declared coolly. ‘Don’t fear for your personal safety, for, should Reg danger menace, you can depend upon it t my husband, the genuine Deadwood Dick will be on hand.” Somehow her words inspired hope in the hearts of the colonists, even though they were doubtful of there being any difference in their a enemy, and the other Deadwood Cc That there were two persons bearing the same name was beyond their understanding. Slowly the night dragged away; midnight came, still no signs of the outlaws, By having all lights extinguished within the fort, they were able to see the lay of the coun- try, without, and distinguish objects a short distance away. About two hours before daydawn, when the night was the darkest, dusky objects were seen moving in the clearing, to the east of the fort. “The outlaws, sure pop,” old Bill Myers an- nounced. ‘‘They’re creepin’ up, thinkin’ ther fort’s, asleep. it reddy now, ev’ry mother’s son an’ darter of ye, and we'll see ef we ken’t wake up the varmints. Fill every loop-hole, an’ pick out yer man, an’ when ye heer my clarion note ag’in, give ’em salt an’ pepper ti they’re thoroughly seasoned, fer cayote ante, ” e oe Pyne were promptly manned and ‘womaned,’ for that matter, and the approach- ing figures were covered, as one by one they made their appearance, out of the gloom. Five—ten—twenty—thirty there were, all told, although there appeared to be a hundred of the dusky forms. “Now! git ready,” cried Myers. ‘ One! two—three—fire!” CHAPTER XII. THE OLD ORIGINAL TO THE FRONT. THE cry of Myers was instantaneously an- swered by the crack of a dozen rifles in concert, Then, from the black night without welled up another cry—a wild yell of pain and rage, com- ing from the outlaws, for almost every bullet of the colonists had taken effect. “Hurra! thet’s ther way ter give ’em jessy!” Myers cried, delightedly. ‘‘See, they’re re- treating! Give em another blizzard before they get out of sight.” Accordingly the repeating rifles spuke again, spitefully, and another dozen of the outlaws went down, either dead or wounded. Deadly practice was this, and in consternation the re- taining ruffians retreated from view. Deadwood Dick’s Double. ——— Enough had they had of the colonists to con- vince them that everybody in the fort was wide awake and prepared for all emergencies. ““Tt no use wasting more life!” Deadwood Dick’s Double said, with a bitter curse. ‘‘ Get back to the stronghold, and wait until to-morrow night. Then will [turn a trump card, for which there will be no alternative. nang of this shabby kind of warfare has there n, and we’ll now come down to business.” Under the same cover of darkness a horseman left the gulch basin, a few moments after the conclusion: of the brisk battle, passing through the south gap over the Leadville trail. Once out of the basin, he put the spurs to his horse, and they flew swiftly down through the gloomy canyon-like seam in the rugged face of nature, the horse evincing an unusual degree of knowledge in selecting the easiest portions of the trail, and the rider sitting in the sad- dle with apparent ease. On down the canyon they went, until its intersection with the Ken- n y Gulch trail to Fairplay was reached; then the horse was reined in, and the rider removed a mask from his face, and stored it away into one of the pockets of the jacket he wore. Once the mask was removed, a handsome face was re- vealed—a peculiar face, adorned with imperial and mustache, and lightly by a pair of mag- netic black eyes, whic one brightly with a resolute expression. Armed with rifle and revolver was this night- rider, and evidently familiar with the country around him, for he soon turned into Kennedy Gulch, and struck off in a alee again. For an hour he rode thus, and just as day was beginning to break in the east, he dashed down a little descent, right into the heart of a little one that was pitched ina sort of a tree-strewn et The embers of a campfire smoldered at the foot of an old hemlock, and around them, upon the Engr: a party of men were rolled in their blankets, fast asleep. Bnt they hastily arose, a round dozen of them in number, as the horseman dashed up, and weapons were plentifull drawn. ‘You needn't mind about pulling your pop- guns, gentlemen!” the new-comer said, with a smile, as he drew rein. ‘I’m not a dangerous ee eee , unless ye rile me.” ‘* Well, you know it’s always best to be ready, in case of emergency,” replied the leader of the party, a small wir fellow, with iron-gray hair and mustache, and an eye as keen as a hawk’s. “Certainly,” the stranger replied, bowing as- sent. ‘If you never allow yourself to be taken at fault, ten chances to one you will never be taken at all. I believe I have the pleasure of addressing John Webb, the sheriff of this coun- ty, have I not?” ‘You have, sir. My name is John Webb. May I also ask your name?” “Yes. I am Edward Harris, alias Dead- wood Dick, ex-road-agent!” the stranger re- plied, coolly, at which announcement the sheriff and his men stared. ‘You, Deadwood Dick!” the officer ejacu- lated, allowing his hand again to drop upon the butt of his revolver. ‘“Yes, Iam Deadwood Dick, but you have no power to arrest me. I ama free man, and have the papers to prove it. It is not as an enemy that I come, but as a friend.” “Well, sir, let’s hear your errrand. I’ve heard so raver’ evil reports of you, in the past, that you must really excuse me for standing on my guard, you know!” eadwood Dick laughed. “You do quite right!” he said. ‘‘ You would do wrong to trust even yourself, too far. My errand I will briefly state. You are, doubtless, aware of the location of Cat City, and Gorgon’s Gulch, some miles to the north-east?” 2 pare pana of the same, TO oe eisitiits ell, not long ago a ah ° ns traded their homes for the Cat City Basin, and emigrated there with the intention of hopin pe J and settling the tract for which they had traded. “ But they have been bitterly op by a eee ruffians headed is he fellow who calls imself Deadwood Dick, having appropriated my old title, and by his crimes under that name, endangered the freedom granted me by the Governor. ing that you were in this vicinity, upon an outlaw hunt, I came hither to see if I could not prevail upon Bing to scoop in this gang, on your way, and thus not onl relieve me of an unpleasant position, but al- so rescue these celonists from an unpleasant sit- uation.” John Webb gave vent to a strange, prolonged whistle. ““Why, hang it, this is the very chap I’m 1 7 i ‘ \ : 13 TE SSRN TETAS Ri Lk ak eT hunting for, but have sot been able te find. He’s been raising the devil generally, up around Fairplay, and only last night we took his old stron hold, and licked out a lot of his men, But I supposed all the time that there was but the one cuss sailing under the name cf Dead- wood Dick.” “Then you thought wrongly, for I am th» original, anda free man. Who this other cus tomer is, I bave yet to learn.” “ Well, we'll find out, directly, perhaps. Dir mount and accept the hospitality of my mesg and we'll arrange our plans.” Not long after the defeat and retreat of the outlaws, day dawned upon the little ewe basin, and with its coming came Lew Lyons, bear- ing the hind quarters of a fine buck-deer upon \is shoulders. Though somewhat suspicious and prejudiced sigtinet kin, the colonists were glad to welcome the fresh meat, for there was little to eat with- in the fort, and the fresh juicy venison was tempting in the extreme. Therefore the dark- browed son of Kansas was vouchsafed a more cordial reception than usual, He, too, seemed in a more amiable mood, and chatted and conversed in altogether a better humor than he had, heretofore. V'hen questioned as to his movements dur- ing his absence he did not vouchsafe much information, merely saying that he had been up in the mountains. About noon Montague arrived on the north- ward-bound stage, and mee an additional stocr of edibles and ammunition, so that the fort vas now pretty well prepared to resist a siege, should there be one. he day passed swiftly, still no further signs of the outlaws were seen. Night drew on, and once more settled ite shador*s over the valley. And still no perceptible appearance of the enemy. * Tam of the opinion that we've successfully squelchrd ’em!” old Bill Myers declared, when it came time to turn in. ‘ Anyhow, i don’t believe they’ll come swoopin around the fort to-night, after ther blizzard they got last night,” ““T don’t know about that,” Montague de- murred. ‘‘Maybe they calculate we think that, and will be sure to come.” “Tt won’t do no harm to set a guard, at least,” Lyons said, it being his first manifesta- tion of interyst concerning the safety of the fort. And so it was decided, Myers and Sing Song being chosen for d duty during the night. They according! took their stations outside of the cabin, which the tavern-keeper averred was the safest place. The rest of the colonists then turned in, and were soon asleep, dittle dreaming that it was a bad move for them, or that their chosen guards would not prove equal to the position, For be it known, both Myers and his Celestial servant had a particular and indiscreet weak- ness for the bitters called ‘* bug-juice,” Not only did thes hanker after it, but im- roved each shining moment to gargle their hroats with it, when not otherwise busily en- guged. The darkness without the fort was very dense, and its density seemed to cause a thirstiness in the windpipes of the two guards, which grad- ually increased until Myers was obliged to step over to the tavern after a little brown jug. On his return he and Bing Song both sampled the contents, and were evidently well satisfied, judging by the way they smacked their lips. The one sample however seemed but to create a demand for another to ‘‘ wet up the darkness,” and gta the twain took cit er pota- tions from the jug. The liquor, instead of being enlivening, seemed to conduce to sieepi- ness, and before the second jug had been brought over from the Casino, and finished both Myers and his companion were stretched out upon the ground in a drunken sleep. ‘ Shortly after midnigbt the door of the fort was cautiously opened, and a head was thrust through the a ure; then, a moment later, the form of Lew Lyons followed suit, A chuckle escaped him as he noted the points of the situation, principal among which was the condition of the guards, ‘* Sound asleep, and—hello! here’s a couple of jugs, which accounts for it. Ah! things are working finely. The guards are out of the wa —the dog is igged, and now all is in - ness except Deadwood Dick, the second.” ‘‘And he is here,” a low voice replied, as @ man stepped around the corner of the cabin. “Ts the coast clear?”
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\ nana “Perfectly so. All we have to do is ‘to step in and take our game.” ‘* Which may not be so easy as you think for,” the outlaw replied. ‘‘ Where do the girls er, ‘* Your game sleeps upon a couch in the fur- ther end of the cabin. My game also sleeps alone, in a curtained bed, near by.” ‘** Good enough, so far. How about the dog?” *T drugged him, a bit ago, with a piece of orice meat. Did you bring the chloro- orm?” ‘No, but I have some ether, which is equally ood. Get a light stalk or sapling about ten eet long, that I can fasten a sponge upon.” Lyons softly obeyed, and the outlaw then fastened a large mage upon the end of it, and soaked the sponge liberally with ether, which he carried in a bottle. He then removed his boots, and equipped with sponge and pole, followed Lyons into the fort. Within all was dark and silent, the sup- pressed breathing of the sleepers being the only sounds audible. Softly the two villains stole toward the couch where Edith Harris slumbered, all uncon- scious of the danger that threatened her, When they were but a few yards away, they paused and waited until their eyes had become somewhat accustomed to the gloom; then Deadwood Dick’s Double shoved forward the pole so that the sponge was directly in close proximity to Edith's nose. ‘For several minutes he held it there, and when he finally removed it the poor woman was quite overcome by the powerful drug. ‘Lift her and take her outside,” he said to Lyons, “‘ and I will see what I can do with the other one. Get far enough from the fort so that in caseI give an alarm you can reach the timber with her.” Lyons gently raised Edith in his arms, and bore her cautiously from the building. Then Deadwood Dick’s Double stole across the floor to the curtained bed which Lyons had ilesignated as the sleeping place of Ethel Elliott. Before parting the curtains, he paused and listened to assure himself that all was right. The regular breathing satisfied him on this score, and he finally parted the curtains and peered in. Ethel had thrown herself upon the bed with- out disrobing, and now By sweetly sleeping with her head resting upon her arm, instead of the pillow. Her face was turned toward the prowling outlaw, and he paused a moment with an inaudible exclamation of admiration. Then after a moment he shoved the sponge forward beneath her nose, and allowed her to breathe the drug with which it was saturated. At last he calculated that she was bereft of all power, and removed the sponge, prepara- tory to carrying her away a helpless victim. ut at this juncture he heard a stir, and gow through the curtain, he saw that Fred tt. Celton was up, and was moving toward the open door. A smothered oath escaped the outlaw, for he saw that unless prevented the young colonist would discover the condition of Myers and the Chinaman and at once give the alarm. Should he do this, escape would be doubtful and discovery inevitable. Resolved not to be baffled, when he had the so nearly in his own hands, the ruffian ons a knife, and glided noiselessly in the wake of Fred St. Celton, is movements alike to those of a cat in the act of pouncing upon a rat. vor at step the young colonist took without the f then the murderous knife of the as- sassin was plunged to the bilt in his back. With a low groan St. Celton sunk forward to the ground, but to make doubly sure the fatality of his terrible deed, the outlaw leaped upon him, and fastened his bony hands about his neck in a vise-like gripe. veral minutes he remained thus; then —€ with a horrible chuckle he softly re-entered the fort, and re- moved Ethel Elliott from her bed, and bore her out and away into the black night. The next ete: the corpse of poor Fred was found lying partly across the threshold, by the horror-stricken colonists, and upon the floor, near by was asheet of paper, bearing the following words, in cramped chirography: “By this time I'll allow thet ye’ll opine I mean bizness. I’ve sp’iled another o’ yer men, freed m wife, an’ hitched onter one 0’ yer Bd eee gals, whi ain’t bad fer one night’s work. Mebbe ye’ll take my advice and skin out, now, sence ye’ll obsarve thet ain’t no slouch on my muscle. “ Ef ye’re gone, pack an’ pilgrim, afore sunset, so good, but ef ye persist. Oreeal, ter get took off, one by one, Ye’ve got 1% wos Drapwoor DICK.” Deadwood Dick’s Double. CHAPTER XIII, CONCLUSION. SHALL we pause to picture the grief and hor- ror of the ill-fated colonists as they gazed upon the inanimate form of the fourth of their party who had fallen a victim to the cruelty of the ter- rible scourge, Deadwood Dick’s Double? With heavy hearts the mourning colonists raised their stricken companion and bore him within the fort, and endeavored to restore him to life; but it was a hopeless task, which they were finally compelled to give up, and prepar- ations were made for the burial. Mr. and Mrs. St. Celton were wholly pros- trated with grief at this last blow, and obliged to take to their beds, and the remainder of the colonists were more or less affected. Nothing of old Bill Myers or Sing Song could be seen or found, and what had become of them was destined to remain a mystery, as they were never seen in Cat City Basin again. Doubtless they had awakened to a realization of what terrible harm their spree had precipita- ted, and had thought it best to slide out. oward noon a party of horsemen were seen entering the gulch by the south gap, and in a few moments they drew rein before the door of the fort. There were thirteen in all—stanch and stal- wart-looking fellows, who looked every inch as if they were born to Bebe. The colonists crowded without the door to learn the meaning of their coming. “‘Good-morning,” the leader of the party said —a wiry little fellow with iron-gray hair and mustache, and a keen eye. ‘‘ Iam Jobn Webb, sheriff of this county, and hearing that you were in trouble, [thought I’'d ride over with my posse, and see if I could extend you any assist- ance. “Wor which I thank you in behalf of myself and companions. We have been troubled much since coming here, and last night an additional blow was struck by the accursed outlaw and ruffian, Deadwood Dick.” “Hold! you err there!” Webb declared, quick- ly. “The man who calls himself Deadwood Dick, in this gulch, is an impostor, as has been proven to my satisfaction. This man, at my os here, is the original character of that title. And as he spoke he pointed to the handsome knight of the saddle, who formed one of his company. ‘““Ah! say you so? Then the woman was right,” the Judge said, turning to his party. “If this is the original Deadwood Dick, | wish to apologize for the trouble we have made his wife, under the belief that she was the wife of the gulch outlaw.” ‘None is needed, if you treated her respect- fully, asa prisoner of war,” Deadwood Dick said. “This Double of mine has caused you serious trouble, and you were perhaps right in holding my noble little wife. But, now that you have been satisfied on that point, I trust you will be willing to yield her to my possession.” “Willing I would be, sir, if it were within my power, but it is not,” the Judge said. And then he related how hey bee found Fred St. © pa, Celton’s corpse, and how sy of the bogus Deadwood Dick had explained the abduction of Ethel and Edith. Both Deadwood Dick and the sheriff listened with stern faces and flashing eyes, and when the Judge had finished his recital, the officer tight- ened his belt, suggestively. ‘‘The ruffian has run nearly to the end of his rope!” he said, gravely. “If you will furnish a couple of men or so, I will lead an immediate attack upon these outlaws, and rescue the wo- men or fall in the attempt f» “ Ay! we'll do that very thing,” Deadwood Dick assented. ‘If we boldly attack the wretches it won’t take long to wipe them out.” Montague, the two Warwic and Lige m at once volunteered to go, and bringing ep eee horses they mounted, ready for the a ‘ Then brave John Webb, known purcasbout all the Colorados as a fearless officer, led a charge down into the basin—into the forest, and to the very outlaws’ camp. Gathered outside were the followers of the counterfeit Deadwood Dick, with drawn wea- pons, and no sooner did the sheriff’s posse eee into the glade than they were greeted by a deadly vo ey. Fortunately, however, nota man was disabled, and the next instant they returned the salute deliberately and with withering effect, every pcr counting a disabling injury or a en But a handful of the outlaws now remained, and with Lew Dyer at their head they at- tempted to rally, but the sheriff and his men dashed forward and cut them down without quarter, till not an able outlaw remained stand- ing. Short and decisive had been the battle, and it had resulted most victoriously in the favor of the right. The bodies were gathered together, but noth- ing of Deadwood Dick’s Double could be found. A search of the cabin resulted in the finding of Ethel Elliott, unharmed, and she stated that the outlaw chief had only a few moments be- fore taken his flight, with Edith Harris in his wer. Directing the sheriff to re’urn to the fort, Deadwood Dick mounted his horse and rode rapidly away through the forest, declaring it hi: intention to pursue, overtake, and capture the outlaw. John Webb and his men returned to the fort, Montague, of course, escorting Ethel. Their coming was warmly greeted, and it was with a sigh of relief that the colonists heard of the breaking up of the terrible band that had caused them so much harm, Shortly afterward the sheriff dispatched the captured outlaws who had not been killed to Fairplay, under charge of a part of his men, he with the balance remaining to learn of Dead- wood Dick’s success in ca paring his ‘‘ double.” At sunset poor Fred St. Celton was buried not far from the grave of his old companion Royce Elliott, and sorrowing friends watched his remains laid forever away frcm the sight of man Just at dusk a little party upon horseback rode into the basin through the northern gap, and drew rein before the foit, and | roved to be Deadwood Dick, Edith, Chris Carleton, and— ey we relate it?—Royce ILlliott, aliwe and well Wild exclamations of surprise and wonder came from the colonists at sight of their sup- posed dead companions, and rising in his stir- rups, Deadwood? Dick motioned them to be si- -lent; whereupon he spoke. “Tf you will permit me,” he said, ‘‘ I will ex- plain. Mr. Elliott is alive and well, as you see. After you had buried him, I took the hberty to resurrect him, and by acministcring proper remedies, succeeded in restoring him to life. I then enlisted him in my service until this gang of outlaws should be destroyed, and we manufactured the ghost business with the aid of simulation, white robes and plenty of abi rus. I now surrender him to you, alive and well. Also, toCaptain Webb I hand over my risoner, here—Chris Carleton, alias the bogus Besawont Dick. Letthe law punish him as he de- serves. Now, having tendered you this explana- tion, I will beg to leave my wife in your care a few days, while I am off on private business in the North,” Edith was warmly welcomed, as was the re- turned Royce Elliott, and after many thanks had been lavished upon Deadwood Dick, he was permitted to take his departure. The next morning Sheriff Webb and his men set out for Fairplay with their prisoner, but their absence was shortly after made good by the reappearance of Slippery Sal. A week plement passed at the fort, and as there were no outlaws to hinder them, the colonists got to work, and activity soon teemed every where throughout the gulch basin, Weeks flew by; paying gold was struck; shan- ties dotted the valley everywhere, and one night Ethel and Montague celebrated their nuptials, midst the best wishes of many warm friends. And the Judge, who had been vigorously spark- ing Slippery Sal for some time, found oppor- tunity on this occasion to draw her aside and propose immediate union. And shall we record the answer? Off came the blonde wig, and on went a long- haired black one, and a false mustache and im- perial, and as Deadwood Dick stepped forward and encircled Edith’s waist with his arm, he gave the Judge his answer: “IT highly appreciate your offer, friend Elliott,” he said, “ but, as you perceive, lam not at liberty !” : aS eS
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—ee — eed EADLE 32 Large Three-Column Pages, 1.A Hard Crowd; or, Gentieman Ram’s Sister, By Philip S. Warne. 2. The Dare-Devil; or, Tar WincEp Wircn oF THe Sea, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 3. Kit Carson, dr., Tue Crack Snort or rae West. By Buckskin Sam. 4. The Kidnapper; or, Tur Great SHANGHAI OF THE NorTHWwEsT. By Philip S, Warne. 5. The Fire-Fiends; or, Hercuiss, THE Honcupack. By A, P. Morris, 6. Wildcat Bob, Tur Boss Brurser ; or, Toe Borper BLoopHounns. By Edward LL. Whee- ler, author of “ Deadwood Dick,” “ Double Daggers.” 7. Death-Notch, Tur Destroyer; or, Tue Spirit Lake Avenarrs. By Oll Coomes, 8. The Headless Horseman. A strange story of Texas. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 9. Handy Andy. By Samuel Lover. 10. Vidocq, THz Frencu Poxice Spy. Written by himself, 11. Midshipman Easy. By Capt. Mar- ryat. 12. The Death-Shot; or, TRACKED TO Dears. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 13. Pathaway; or, Nick WHIFFLES, THE Op TraprerR of THE NorTtuwest, By Dr. J. H. 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a Complete Deadwood Dick, Tre Prince or THE Roap. By Edward L. Wheeler. 4 Yellowstone Jack; or, Tat TRAPPER o¥ THE ENCHANTED Ground. J. E. Badger, Jr. 3 Kansas King; IGHT Hanv. By Buffalo Bill (Hon. Wm. F. Cody). The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Reid and Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 5 Vagabond Joe; THe Youna WANDER- ING Jew. By Oll Coomes, 6 Bill Biddon, Trapper; or, Lirz In THE Nortuwest. By Edward 8. Ellis. q The Flying Yankee; or, Tux OczAN Ovrcast. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. og Seth Jones; or, THE CAPTIVES OF THE Frontizr. By Edward 8. Ellis. y The Adventures of Baron Mun- chausen. 10 Nat Todd; or, THe Fare oF THE Sroux Captive. By Edward 8. Ellis. 1 1 The Two Detectives; or, THE Forronss of A Bowery Girt. A.W. Aiken. 12 Gulliver’s Travels. A Voyage to Lilliput, and a Voyage to Brobdingnag. or, THE RED 1 The Dumb Spy. By Oil Coomes, author of ‘“* Vagabond Joe,” etc. 1 4. Aladdin; or, THE WonpERFUL Lamp The Sea-Cat; or, THz WircH or Darren. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. OF THE Robinson Crusoe. His Life and Sindbad the Sailor. His seven voy- 5 The Double Daggers ; eb dorm The Sea Serpent; or, THE Boy 24 Diamond Dirk; or, THe Mystery 27 Astelope Abe, the Boy Guide. y. age; oR, THE Doan’s 3 Ranour. By Harry St. George. or, THe Grat Deap-Suor. E. L. Wheeler. 35 Boy Sry. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 38. Ned Wylie, Tux Boy Scour. By Roving Ben. A story of a Young tom Miner; or, Drap- woop Dicx’s Bonanza. By Ed. L. Wheeler. Dick Parting: She Pony Express By eat An- nihilator. By Edward L. Wheeler. 46 Glass Eye, the Great Shot of the 1 Surprising Adventures, i illustrations.) 3 { Ralph Roy, The Boy Bucca- neer. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 1 ages. From the Arabian Nights. 19 The Phantom Spy or, THE Prior or Tux Prarmm. By Buffalo Bill. 20 woop Dick’s Dmriance. By E. L. Frontier Angel. A Romance of Kentucky Rangers’ Life. By E. §, Ellis. 2 Rosrnson Crusog, By Col. Juan Lewis. 23 Nick o’ the Highs 5 or, THE Boy Spy or 76. By T. OC, Harbaugh. oF THE YELLOWSTONE. By Col. Ingraham. 4 5 The Boy Captain; or, THz Prmatz’s Daveutzr, By Roger Starbuck. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Demon. By Edward L. Wheeler. Oll Coomes. 2 Buffalo Ben; or, Deapwoop Dick m Diseuisz. B Edward L. Wheeler. 29 The Dumb Daveutrr. B ‘apt, F. Whittaler. 30 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, THE RECKLESS Keen-Knife, THe PRINCE Prarrizs. By Oll Coomes, 3 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian; 33 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, THz Rep Prrares or Tox Carresexs, 8.W. Pierce. 34 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Wuirrtzs’ Wild Ivan, Tux Boy Ciaupz DuvaL; By Edward L, Wheeler. 36 The Boy Clown; or, THE QUEEN oF THE ARENA, 5 Peers 8. Finn, 37 The Hidden Lodge; or, Tux Litre HonTER oF THE ADIRONDACKS, Harbaugh. Texas Jack, 39 Death-Face, the Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. 40 American. By John J. Marshall. Lasso Jack, THe Youna Mustanc- ER. Oli Coomes. 4 The P 43 Rider. pt. F, Whittaker. Rat Rube; or, THE Nicurt- j rite este oy ih St. George. 45 Old Avalanche, the West. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 47 Nightingale Nat; on, Ta Forest Aaprams. By T. CO. py 48 Black John, the Road-Agent. Jos. EK, Badger, Jr. Gunite Oll; or, Dkapwoop Dick in Davozrn. By Edward L. Wheeler. 50 Burt Bunker, THe Traprrr. A Tale of the Northwest. By OC. E. Lasalle. 5 1 The Bo GROUND 5 The White Buffalo. A Tale of Strange Adventure. Charles E. Lasalle. 53 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., THz Boy PHENIx; or. THROUGH TO THE Deatu. E, L. Wheeler. 5 4 Ned Hazel, THz Boy TRAPPER; or, THE PHANTOM Princess. By J. F. C. Adams, 5 5 Deadly-Eye, Tus Unknown Scour; By Buffalo Bill 56 Nick Whiffles’ Pet; or, IN THE Vautry or Deats. Capt. J. F.C. Adams, 5 4 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, Tar Parps or FLoop Bar. E. L. Wheeler. 5 ies, The Border King; or, Taz Secret For. By Oll Coomes, 59 Old Hickory, or, Panpy ELLIs’s Scatp. By Harry St. George. 60 The White Indian; or, TH Scout oF THE YELLOWSTONE, By J. F.C. Adams. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, THz Rep RirLe Team. By Edward L. Wheeler. Bea ee uy Oak trectinn Ingralints. EUTENANTS. By Col. Prenti o 3 The Red Brotherhood; or, THz Tweive Avencrers. By W. J. Hamilton. 6 4 Dandy Jack; or, THE OUTLAW oF THE OrEGON Tram. By T. OC. Harbaugh. 65 Hurricane Bill; or, Mustane Sam anp HIS ‘*Parp.” By Jos. E, Badger, Jr. 66 Single Hand; or, A Livz ror 4 Lirz. By W. J. Hamilton. 6 Patent-Leather Joe; or, OLD Rat- TLESNAKE, THE CHARMER. By P.S.Warne. 68 Te Border Robin Hood; or, Tx Prarie Rover. By Buffalo Bill. 69 Gold Rifle; or, Taz Boy DxTEcTiIvE or THE Buack Rancu. By E. L. Wheeler. 70 Old Zip’s Cabin; or, Tut GREEN- HORN IN THE Woopa. By J. F.C. Adams, ef 1 Delaware Dick; THz Youna Ran- Rifles; or, THz UNDER- amp, By Archie OC. Iron. Raneaer. By W. J. Hamilton. 73 Deadwood Dick on Deck. By Edward L. Wheeler. i 4 Hawk-eye Harry, THz Youna TRAPPER RanceR. By Oll Coomes. 7 5 The Boy Duelist; or, THz Cruisx or , xa Wor. By Col. P. Ingraham. q G Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. By Albert W. Aiken. 7 us § Corduroy Charlie; or, THz Last Act or Dgeapwoop Dick. By &. L. Wheeler. ys & Blue Dick; or, THz YELLOw Curzr’s Venceance. By Captain Mayne Reid, 2 ty Sol Ginger, Tue Giant TRAPPER. By Albert W. Aiken. 3 {) Rosebud Rob; or, Nuaext Nzp, THz Kuieut or THE Guice. By E. L. Wheeler. 1 Lightaing, Jo, THE TERROR OF THE RaInigE, By Captain J. F. C. Adams, 2 Kit Harefoot, Tuz Woop-Haws; or, Rollo, the Boy Ranger; or, 1H Os 3; or, THE $3 HEIREss OF THE elien Horn. Oll Coomes. fe 4 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosrnup B ON Hanp, By Edward L. Wheeler. fog, 5 Buck Buckram ; or, Brss, THE F'E- MALE Trapper, By Capt. J. F. C. Adams, 6 Dandy Rock, THe-MAnN-FROM-TEx- as. By G. Waldo Browne. bry - The Land Pirates; or, THE LEAGUE or Devit’s Istanp. By Capt. Mayne Reid. §8 Photograph Phil; or, Rosmsup Ros’s PEARANCE, By Ed. L. Wheeler. 89 Island Jim; or, TA PET OF THE Famity. By author of “Jack Harkaway.” 9 The Dread Kider; or, Tur TEXAN Dvuenist. By George W. Browne. 9 The Captain of the Club. By Bracebridge Hemyng, (Jack Harkaway.) 92 Canada Chet; or, OLD ANaconpa i Srrrine Buix’s Camp. By E. L. Wheeler. 9 3 The Boy Miners; or, Taz ENCHANTED Isuanp. By Edward §. Ellis. 94 Midnight Jack, Tuz Roap-Acmnt. By T. C. Harbaugh. 95 The Rival Rovers. By Lieutenant Col. Hazeltine. 96 Watch - Eye, Tam Derrexcrivz. By Edward L. Wheeler. 97 The Outlaw Brothers; or, THz Captive or THE Harpers. By J. J. Marshall, Robin Hood, THE OuTLAWED Ear, By Prof. Stewart Gildersleeve, Every one of them ‘ Live” Stories by ‘*‘ Live»? Authors. Each number Novel, at the extraordinary price of a HALF-DIME. ey i 9 The Tiger of Taos. By George Waldo Browne. 10 Deadwood Dick in Leadville. By Edward L. Wheeler. 1 O 1 Jack Harkaway in New York By Bracebridge Hemyng. 102 Dick Dead-Eye, Txt Boy Suue GLER, | By Col. ntiss Ingraham. 103 The Lion of the Sea. By Col Delle Sara. 10 Deadwood Dick’s Device. By Edward L. Wheeler. 10 5 Old Rube, Tur Huntekr; or, THE Crow Captive. By Capt. a. Holmes. 106 Old Frosty, the de. By T. C. Harbaugh. 107 One-Eyed Sim; or, THe ABan- DONED Forest Home. By J. L. Bowen. 108 Pree Dey. ne jeu 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. The Black Steed of the Prai- ries. By James L. Bowen. 1 1 The Sea-Devil; or, Taz Mmsnir- mAN’s Legacy. By Col. P. Ingraham. 1 1 The Mad Hunter; or, THE Cavz or DeatH. By Burton Saxe. 1 13 Jack Hoyle, Tur Youna Spxcvu- 1 14 LaTtor. By Edward L. Wheeler. The Black Schooner. By Rocrn 1 1 5 The Mad Miner. 11 STARBUCK. By GrorGs Waxipo Browne. 1 16 The Hussar Captain. By Cor. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 1 1 yi Gilt-Edged Dick, Tur Sport-Ds- TECTIVE. By Edward L. Wheeler. 1 18 Will Somers, THz Boy Derrzo- tive. By Charles Morris. 1 19 Mustang Sam; or, THz Kino op THE Puains. By Jos, E. Badger, Jr. 120 The Branded Hand; or,THn Man or Mystery. By Frank Dumont, 121 Cinnamon Chip, THE Girt Sport. By Edward L. eeler. 122 Phil Hardy, The Boss Boy. By Charles Morris. 1 23 Kiowa Charley: Tue WHITE Movs- TANGER. By T. C. Harbaugh. 124 Tippy, the Texan; or, Taz Youne HAMPION. By Geo, Gleason, 12 a Bonanza Bill, Miner; or, Tux Frmatrt Forcrer. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 126 Picayune Pete; or, Nicopmmus, THe Doa Detective. By Chas, Morris. 127 Wild-Fire, THz Boss oF THE Roapv. By Frank Dumont, 128 The Young Privateer ; on, THE Prreates’ SrRoNGHOLD. H. Cavendish. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double. A Story of Wild-Cat City. E. L. Wheeler, 130 Detective Dick; or, Tox Hero in Rags. By Charles Morris. 131 The Golden Hand; or, Danny Rock To THE Rescur. G. W. Browne. 132 The Hunted Hunter; or, Tur Srrancge Horseman. By Ed. 8, Ellis. 1 33 Boss Bob, THe Kine or rae Boorsuacks. By Edward L. Wheeler. 134 Meet et 1 3 5 Captain Paul, Tax Moonsurmen or Kentucky. By C.D. Clark. 1 36 Night-Hawk Kit ; or, Taz Daven- TER OF THE Ranone. J. E. Badger, Jr. 137 The Helpless Hand; or, Bacx- woops Retrisvtion. Capt, Mayne Reid. 1 3 Blonde Bill; or, Drapwoop Drox’s Homes Basz. By Edward L, Wheeler. 139 Judge Lynch, Jr.; on, Tax Bor Viemante. By T. C. Harbaugh. Ready Mareh 234 1 40 Blue Blazes; or, THE Break 0 Day Boys. By Frank Dumont. y March 80th. 1 Al Solid Sam; or, THE Boy OutLaw. By Edward L. Wheeler, Ready April 6th. 1 42 Handsome Harry, THE Boor BLACK DerectivE. By Chas. Morris. Ready April 18th. A new issue every week. The Half-Dime Library is for sale all Newsdealers, five cents per CORT sent by on receipt of six cents each. LE & ADAMA Pub 98 William Street, NewyYork.