Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 131) (1880 01 27)
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oat w \\ \9 Ws n€ N XN aa 4 \ | ae fn ge we in 1880 Oy BEADLE AND ) aDAus,” Vol VI Single PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, * a Number. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. EE THE GOLDEN HAND; or, DANDY ROCK T0 THE R RESCUE, BY GEORGE. WALDO BROWNE, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DANDY ROCK,” ‘“‘ DREAD RIDER,” “ TIGER OF TAOS,” ‘‘ MAD MINER,” ETC., ETO, SS = v ~~ EG A ‘ ‘Ii ‘ ‘ 1 nN a ci { AS A ' NYA \
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2 The Golden Hand; DANDY ROCK TO THE RESCUE. BY GEORGE WALDO BROWNE, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DANDY ROCK,” ‘‘ DREAD RIDER,” ‘““TIGER OF TAOS,” “‘MAD MINER,” ETO. CHAPTER IL. THE LOST MINE. Hap a dial been placed on the mountain crest it would have indicated the hour of four Pp. M., August 20th, 1852. It was a wild, picturesque scenery, such as only Arizona can show, Amid one of her most diversified regions of mingled hills and valleys, plains and gorges, two. persons paused in rapt wonder. One was in the prime of life, his strong frame and hardy constitution giving promise of many years of active work. mg exposure to the sun had bronzed his skin, aot continual hardship had somewhat shrunken his form, but the luster of his eye was undimmed, and the jetty hue of his raven hair was unfaded. Worn at full length the latter fell far down his back, while the pointed ends of an enormous mus- tache touched upon either shoulder. *Twas Rock del—Dandy Rock, The-Man- from-Texas. His companion was five-and-twenty years of age, a young man of fine physique, clear skin, regular features, genial disposition, and a gen- eral favorite of the mining settlement further down the valley. He was an Eastern boy, who had sought the perils and privations of a miner’s life that he might gain a share of the golden treasure. Dustin Dare was what his parents had chris- tened him, but the honest miners had ignored the fact and given him a cognomen to suit their whim; so he was generally called Silver Dust. ‘And so that is the Lost Mine I have heard so much of, Rock?’ said Dare, as from their slight eminence they gazed up the val- ley. ‘* Yes, Silver Dust; what you see is a part 0’ the Lost Mine. But you can’t see the worst- looking portion o’ it from hyar, Up on the mountain you can see the hull place, and a more dismal spot was never sot afore yer eyes! ‘Tt does look dréary from here. But, is there no way to reach the mine?” “Nary a chance where any sane man would eare to risk his life. You see it is surrounded by a nearly perpendicular ledge, except at the lower end, and there the smooth rocks pile sono one could get a foothold to climb ’em. There was a pass to the valley until old Scar-Face and his horde stopped it in their fight to get the “ Were all killed in that fight?” et soul, good and bad. It war an awful e. “Has any one ever tried to reach the place since?” ‘Lord bless you, no!” ‘Why not? You say the lead is a rich one.” “Tis. There is gold enough in that place to make every man in the Gila valley rich as all the Jews in kingdom come!” ‘¢ And because report has given it the name of being haunted, no one has dared to go near it?’ “You have chipped it the first time, Dust. The claim is worked by spook miners, and I reckon thar ain’t one in Mad River valley es would care to enter the Black Pocket, as thet place war called, even ef they could.” “Oh, nonsense, Rock; we have but one life to live in’ this world, and if the miners of the Pocket were all killed they certainly will not trouble others.” * Don’t know "bout that,” replied the Texan, with a dubious shake of the head. ‘‘ We know all war rubbed out who war in the Pocket; we know it is impossible for any one to get thar. now the is stopped, and yet I have s with others upon the mountain-side and looked down there see men rushing round, while others seemed to be at work with their picks and shovels. I know 1 were all ! “ Let’s go up a little further where we can get a better , and then I wish to hear the story of the Lost Mine. Iam interested in it.” - A few minutes later the twain paused where a full scené of the valley was obtained. A peri era Ba was Black Pocket, the site of the Lost Mime; and not only’ strange, ’ but drear and gloomy. The Golden Hand. Surrounded on three sides by precipitous mountains which rose to considerable hight, the only entrance to the place was through a ravine that, commencing with the width of half a mile, ually narrowed to a of twenty feet. his last was then filled with a huge bowlder of many tons weight, which had evidently been top- pled from the cliff above by some giant power. As Dustin Dare gazed upon the inaccessible spot he saw that it seemed wholly devoid of life of any form. True, a stunted forest surrounded it, but every tree and shrub was desolate ‘of foliage, though it was in midsummer. Even the earth was black and its barren sur- face seemed as dead as the vegetation that once covered it. ‘*Tt doesn’t look very inviting, that is a fact,” admitted Dustin. ‘“‘T reckon so,” assented Rock. ‘But one egy ago it looked as green and lifish as the val- ey below.” “Come, I am impatient to know its story.” “A year ago last June, six brothers by the name of Redmond came up hyar, and I think were the first to diskiver the Pocket. _Enny- way they were detarmined to pan its gold, and leaving a couple to watch their claim, the others went back arter their wimmen folks and imple- ments to work with, for they were going in business in ’arnest. ‘*They were sharp ’coons, every one 0’ ’em. There was Leon, the oldest and leader, and Roy, Dimon, Hart, Lewis and Hark. All six-footers, and dead-shots with the rifle, or sling-ups with the bowie. “‘Scarcely had Dimon and Hart been left to guard the Pocket when they found two other men in the ravine. “These other two claimed that they had the best right to the lead. Howsumever, the four a to wait till their leaders came, for these strangers said they had.five friends com- ing back.to the valley, the same as the Red- mond brothers. “Wal, the same day Leon Redmond guided his teams up the west side o’ the Mad river, Russel Greenwood led his party up the east. “ They met at the pass, and you may believe they all looked surp: ‘ At first Greenwood said they must fight for it, and as his followers were all big fellows with true grit, and he had one the most in number, it looked like lively times for the Redmonds. ‘Leon warn’t no sneak, but he told them it was for their interest to be friends, and thet there was gold enough for all. ‘* Finally they all agreed, except one of Green- wood’s men, to cast up a dollar-piece and see if they should be friends or foes. “Tt seemed a queer way to settle it, but good luck won, and so the two parties united and went into the Pocket together. ‘‘ Howsumever, es I sed, thar was one called Cape Horn—I think his name was Gasper Horn —who wouldn’t agree to it; and swearing like a pirate he tore off down the valley like mad, bs A he war fer whole ter or none. ‘The twelve with their families and teams built themselves some cabins and went to work the very next day. ‘The ore panned out big, fer they had struck it rich, and everything went well. “The A were on the war-path ravin’ es they ar’ now, but Leon Redmond had done the old chief, Long Wind, a good turn, and he told the whites to go ahead and he would see they were left in peace. More than that he sent some 0’ his warriors to guard the pass for the miners while they dug, for ’twas no knowin’ who might come along; and you see that was a regular trap to get one into. ‘* All went on slick for a time, till all to once that infernal Cape Horn came up with a lot of followers, and tried to drive out the Redmond boys and their companions. ‘Old Long Wind pitched in, and Gasper Horn found he had got more than he bargained for. ‘Finding he couldn’t get possession o’ the claim he swore no one else should hev it. “One dark night he s’prised the Indian watchers at the pass and rubbed ’emout. Then he drilled into the ledge above, and charging it = raga pt — top ie the cliff into thway, ma it impossible for any one to leave the Pocket. © : “* At the same time a part of his followers got upon the windward side and fired the forest. _ “The flames and stifling smoke sweptdown into the gorge so the miners could not extin- ish it, and, unable to escape, every man and Serpe atdhed. ecape, Cvery man anc “y pin it must have been awful, but & Horn and bis horde had to pay dearly for their work. Before they could get away Long Wind led the savages upon them, and the red-skins carried off every one 0’ their skulps! ‘You see nothing has grown on that fertile land since the fire, and no mortal foot has stepped inside the Pocket; spirit miners are working the Lost Mine, and—” “‘ Hist, Rock! Look there!” CHAPTER I. THE GOLDEN HAND AND THE LEAGUE IN BLACK. As Silver Dust gave his sudden exclamation he pointed into the valley below. ock turned in the direction indicated, and started back as much surprised as his compan- ion. _ A party of horsemen had appeared in the ravine and drawn rein opposite them, lt was not their being there that startled the two miners so, but it was the riders’ garb and mount that caused the twain to look upon them with wonder. There were twelve of them, all men of power- ful build, dressed, every one, in a. suit of dead black, unrelieved by a single bright object from their slouch hats to heavy boots. Even their faces were covered with somber masks. The horses they rode, their trappings and weapons, were of the same raven hue, “ Jeems Stopple!” gasped Rock, “ef thet don’t beat me holler es a drum! Do spooks ever kem in black?’ “Hark, Rock! what do they see?” The little cavalcade were watching intently the growth above. Then, as the leader pointed to the shrubbery ahead, the listeners heard him say arn in a deep, sepulchral voice, that seemed to thrill them through-and through: ‘“‘ Back! I hear some one coming!” The group drew nearer together and watched| and waited. As they sat so motionless in their saddles, our adventurers saw tbat for their lives they could- hogy one from another, they were so exactly alike. After a moment the hoof-strokes of a horse were heard ap roaching. ‘‘Be ready for work!” hissed the foremost of .the black riders, and in an instant a dozen dark rifles were half-raised. Then the bushes parted and a horseman dash- ed into the econ. As he caught sight of the cavalcade he halt- ed abruptly, casting a swift glance about him. The somber band quickly brought their wea- pons on a level with his breast as the new- comer paused. ““Who are you who dares to invade our do- main?’ cried the leader, in that awe-inspiring tone. Offering no answer the lone rider looked from one to another in silence. His appearance contrasted strangely with the others, and it was nearly as mysterious. He seemed a man of middle life, strongly- built, with a handsome face nearly covered with along, flowing beard. His garb was spangled with Sw and his rifle, revolvers and knife were all mounted with the same precious ore, while one side of the rim.to his broad sombrero was fastened up by a golden hand. Ay, even the mustang he rode was of that peculiar color which made it look in the distance as if bur- nished with the yellow treasure. : ‘Tis the Golden Hand!” ejaculated Rock, in amazement. “T ask again, why you are invading our do- mains?’ exclaimed the leader in black. “How long since such beings as you have claimed this land as yours?” was the other’s re- %: Answer my question at once, or we will make you food for the vultures!” “T opine they would hardly care to touch such a black throng!” was the contemptuous re- mse. “Why don’t you answer me?” and the man shook with anger at the other’s audacity. “Pardon me, but those rifles ill-become spooks. Put them down!” ‘¢Te]l me who you are, or we will riddle you with bullets!” The Golden Hand laughed money and partially — his glistening weapon, when the oth : er : . ‘‘ffold] Make a move and you are a dead an!” - mewhy don’t you fire?’ asked the daring rider, as | he slowly lifted his rifle and brought it vo his lidér; le 2 vii : The men in black seemed spellbound. The ons tg ‘ * : ~ M
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The Golden Hand. ES 38 In an instant the League in Black dashed for- ward. But the Golden Hand disappeared in other seemed to hold them powerless by his cool, singular manner. The Golden Hand grew oes ‘“Will you come, Rock del? I promise At length he said: you shall not be molested.” the Gort almost ata bound, “Once more I ask who you are?” ‘‘T don’t savor of spooks!” answered Rock “ Hunt him down!” cried the leader. ‘‘ There No answer. uneasily. ‘‘Can’t you ’scuse me, old pard? he — ‘Fire, quick!” -he band sent a volley after the fugitive, which was answered yA a mocking laugh. Dustin Dare saw the last of them vanish a the trees and bowlders, to find himself alone. “ Guess I had better escape while I have the opportunity,” he said to himself, and hurried away to find his companion. Reaching the spot where he had left. Rock, he was amazed to find him missing. He dared not shout his name for fear he might be heard by the men in the valley, whom he hardly cared to trust. “Tt can’t be he has deserted me. No; he must be near by,” and he fruitlessly searched for the Texan. ‘*T fear something has happened to him. But Ican do no better than to start for camp,” and he started down the hillside, at a rapid pace. Just as he reached the valley, he was sudden- ly confronted by a horseman, Springing back he tried to evade the rider, but, to his dismay, found himself encircled by the Le Black! 8 on I” erie ‘* Hold on !” cried No. 1.“ Another step and feel awful dizzy at my stummick » “But you will come, Dustin Dare? The m who favors me now shall have my lasting friendship.” “Tam going, Rock,” the young man said to companion. “*T wouldn’t! It will be your funeral!” ‘* Bosh! here is to your good luck till I come back,” and with a wave of thehand Silver Dust hurried into the valley. ‘* Let me get one more peep at him,” said the — to self. ‘It'll be last o’ the poor ld bullet upon you?’ and his eyes flashed like balls of fire. “We have no secret,” exclaimed the spokes- man, doggedly. ‘‘We are the ‘League in Black.’” “From whence comes the League in Black, and for what purpose are they on forbidden ground?’ ‘We are the spirits of the dead twelve whose bodies bleach Black Pocket! We have come—” A sharp cry from the Golden Hand, who had suddenly lowered his rifle, caused the speaker to pause. “T recognize your voice. Are you Leon Red- mond?” I am glad you have come,” greeted the Golden Hand. “ You have heard all that has been said, and know what I want. When we are ready, count off the signal.” All this was spoken in a matter-of-fact way, and turning to the masked leader he went on: **No. 1, I challenge you first. Ishall follow in your regular order. See, you stand by yon- der pine. will ride back to that oak. You can dismount or not, as you choose. I shall not take the trouble.” Silently the chief of the league took his posi- **We don’ e° by names now. We are num- bered. I am No. 1.” ‘** Which is as muchas to a you are the leader, and the leader of the old twelve was Leon Redmond. Whoare you? Do spirits generally appear in your form and gar do they always wear masks on their faces?” ‘*Fiends alive!” yelled the other. ‘Is there no end to your impudence?” ‘ My p is to warn you out of the | tion, without dismounting, and the duelists you shall smell brimstone!” Moers No man, living, can stay an hour in the | were ready. Finding he was surrounded Silver Dust leaned Lost Mine.” At the signal they fired simultaneously—at | against a pinenear by, and coolly presenting his least he pulled the trigger at the same instant; | rifle, said tersely : but the masked man eae him by saying: but, while the report of the masked man’s “What is wanted?” “Wait a moment. you the Golden | weapon rung out loud and clear, the Golden Only a moment had and as the dozen Hand?’ Hand’s rifle only sna horsemen crowded into the li clearing their “Tam.” Still, he was untoue by the other’s bullet. | leader replied: ‘* What is your business here?” Muttering something under his breath, he “We want to know what has called you into “To watch over the Black Pocket.” said aloud: Black Pocket valley?” ‘“ What interest have you there?” ‘All of my relatives are there.” %, ae you are a relativeof the dead?” “cc oO. ‘* Then who and what are you?” ‘Your enemy! So, see that your weapons are primed. I am going to kill every man of | you! Now, I give “ha your choice to agree to | meet me in a duel, one by one, or leave this “*T will look eri te No. 1, when Ihave dis- patched your co es. No. 3, I challenge you | only came here out of curiosity. I belong to next!” ; Mad River settlement.” “ And here is your man, old rusty lock!” cried “Spoken like a man, Now we would ask you one of the others, as he rode to the spot deserted | who that strange being called the Golden Hand by his chief. is?” This time Golden Hand looked carefully to “T know nothing of him.” his piece and placed the cap upon the nipple “Hold! He knows you and we believe you with care. know something of him.” ‘If thatis all, you may as well let me go. I ht Se a ee ee a a ee ee ee Oe ee ee ey valley within two minutes. ve re ay “Never saw him before in my life, as sure.as “You are a fool ora madman! Stand aside, Again Silver Dust counted off in clarion tones | I live.” or we will fill you with lead!” the ominous numbers. **You have heard of him?’ Without making any reply the Golden Hand “Three! Fire!” “Yes, as the Specter Rider of the Lost Mine.” sat_motionless in his saddle, while the League Like a flash the combatants raised their rifles, ‘Strange he should know you and you know in Black gazed upon him in wonder. and glanced swiftly along their barrels, nothing of him.” *Jeems Cricket!” muttered Rock. ‘Ef ’em ain’t queer doin’s may J be blowed for a rattler. Dust, [I am afeerd we gone beavers!” $6 Why?” in surprise. S’pose’n ’em spooks git their peepers on us, we are gone to our funerals!” As before, that of the masked leaguer belched “T cannot explain it myself, but it is the forth its fiery contents, while the weapon of the ih.” Golden Hand a exploded its cap! And yet ““Where is your companion, The-Man-from- he was unscathed! Texas?” “Strange!” he ejaculated, and a frown “1 don’t. know,” eo gathered by te countenance. ‘But I am “Beware!” cried the chief as he fixed. his ‘ What is that Golden Hand?” not done! No. 3, take your place.” piercing eyes upon the other. ‘A lie shall seal “Why, bless you, he is a spook es has been He spoke authoritatively now. your doom! tell us where Rock Randel has gone tearin’ round loose for a big spell! Unless ’em Still more carefully than before he examined | or we will tear you limb from limb!” his firearm, and recapped it. — This time his antagonist seemed more loth to CHAPTER IV. come forward. H A RED SURROUND, ‘*He ain’t no mortal!” declared No. 8: “‘ and “T pon’? know,” reiterated Silver Dust, firm- chaps in mourning have got silver bullets they can’t touch him! He slings gold and—” “Hist! they are going to fight!” “Jeems Stopple! won’t they make things lively!” I don’t care about facing that shooter of ‘his.” ly. “When I got back where I had left him.he ri “gat up,” declared the Golden Hand, = Hod are a coward,” cried No. 1. Heo gone, and fs myself sorely puzzled as to rsely. 4 ou, cap’n, he— whereabouts. ‘* Which means—” “Fire and furies! is that the way you are to The speaker was so honest in his words that “That you have defied me, Are you ready address me?” thundered the leader. the ] accepted them in faith to face me, No. 1?” » bab “*Good-by all,” said the thoroughly frighten- ly he has gone to River City,” Tam.” . ed man, as he rode forward to the pine. ‘His | said the chief. “Albright. As fast as you fall, I will take | shooter ain’t going to fail this time and I am a “Perhaps, though I cannot say.” . you in your regular order. dead—” | “Never mind; we shall find him in good Dowt he mean bizness!” ejaculated Dandy | “ Hist! another word and I will send you to | time.” Rock. perdition!” exclaimed No. 1. “Then Lam at goons § to go my way?” “Shall I select one of my friends to give the | Mechanically taking his position, the cower- | ‘‘ Yes; upon one condition.” wy signal?” asked the masked leader. No. 3 was ready. ‘* What is that?” asked Dare in rise. ‘No, That would be hardly fair, for I have or the third time Silver Dust counted off the *‘ That you never come into this valley again.” fatal numbers and gave the signal; and forthe The young miner looked up in amazement, third time, too, the affair ended as a farce. | Is that my only alternative?” he asked, The Golden Hand, as if he had a charmed | “Jt is. Swear that you will never enter existence, was unhurt by the masked man’s | Black Pocket valley again, and you shall be al- ot; but his own weapon missed as it had twice | lowed to depart in peace. Refuse and you die ee The-Man-from-Texas; | before! bs al five minutes.” s . but little confidence in them.” * “* What is your wish, then?” ‘*T call upon those men watching us from the mountain-side to act as our seconds, and see that ae Ngee is fair.” “Good Lord!” **do they mean wu s git like blazes!” “Bah!” cried No. 1; “ would you try again? as y. tell me why you demand such an un- This is boy’s play!” reasonable surrender?” CHAPTER III. “Worse than that,” declared the other, frank- “Dog! Enough for you to know that we are STRANGE DUELING. **Rook RANDEL,” called out the sharp voice of the Golden Hand, *‘be so kind as to come here with your companion.” ' (Jeoms Bto e! he is arter us!” ‘ Hadn’t we r consent? I think we shall fare as badly if we refuse,” said Dare. “You can do jess as youare a mind to. This | *evon don’t go pag fm The League in Black had looked up in sur- prise. { Pr That Texan here!” exclaimed the Jeader, ander his breath. ‘I thought he was dead.” | ly. “There is a spell upon my rifle. I will | the owners of the Lost Mine, and that it is for give you one more chance to leav. the valley | your interest to leave without another word.’ and if you don’t accept, I shall retire from the As we have said, Silver Dust was standing contest now, but the worst will be your own in | near a huge pine, which partially protected h the end!” from the masked band; but.as he glanced around “‘Out upon you for a fool!” yelled the leader | he saw no avenue of escape. of the League in Black. ‘It is for usto dictate | Even had he known Rock’s fate he would not terms and not such as you!” have easily been driven from the. ; as “it The rider of the m' ng winced slightly, and | was he was determined to put ona front hr tee his animal to ride away, when ong Rave 4 ont, és 0. undered : Speak!” cried chief, as he hesitated. “‘ Surround him, lads! Don’t let the kmave es- | “ Ve areina tobeaway. See, the sun cape!” ‘is setting. Which do you prefer—life or Jeath”’ (x
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7. + Dare ok The Golden Hand. so at your hands!” came the defiant reply. At the same moment he raised his rifle with lightning-like rapidity, and glancing. along its barrel pulled the trigger. ; ane the sharp click of the hammer fol- owed. Then the League in Black with one accord rushed upon him. Swinging the rifle around his head Dare bounded forward. A volley of shot flew about him, but he reach- ed the brush growth and dashed headlong through it. The mounted leaguers could not well follow, and were ae. fa to diverge to one side. ** Don’t let the dog escape!” yelled No. 1, as he spurred furiously down the ravine. Silver Dust looked hastily to the priming of his firearms and placed a vew cap on its tube, as he plunged along. Then as the wild horde rode down the gully and passed him, to make a stand in front, he a discharge the piece again, but still it ailed! Disconcerted somewhat by this he bounded recklessly to the right. ‘* Stop him at yonder oak,” ordered the mask- ed leader. ‘‘ Quick, for your lives!” Dare reached the 6 just as three of the black riders confronted him. Before a blow could be struck, however, a hoarse cry came from the ravine above, and the Golden Hand rushed to the place. As his yellow mustang came to a halt, he raised his rifle and the hammer clicked twice in quick succession. . The weapon had not seemed to explode the cap. “Fire away, old Vengeance!” snorted No, 1. ** At him, lads, and the cur is ours.” Without a word Golden Hand snatched his knife from its sheath, and sweeping it in the air dashed upon the amazed throng. As he reached the nearest he drove the fatal blade to its haft in the leaguer’s breast! ‘* You ain’t steel-proof if youare bullet!” cried the enraged rider. Ere he could strike a second blow, however, the surprised band. fell back, and beat a hasty retreat, followed by the Golden Hand. Thus Silver Dust found himself quite unex- tedly free. Hurrying rapidly forward as he last sound of the horsemen died away, know- ing. it would be folly to follow even his strange deliverer, he soon came where the ravine wid- ened into a considerable valley and away to the east and south strétched an extensive plain. Dare had gone perhaps half a mile, when he suddenly paused. ; ' ‘*Tt can’t be Lam wrong,” he said, half aloud; ** but nothing seems familiar!” Not yer to acknowledge to himself yet that he feared he was lost, he pushed on again. ‘“Wecrossed the brook twice. Once ata big pine, and then near some rapids. That race with those black riders has completely bewil- dered me; but Iam certain I have crossed the stream but once. Hark! I ought to hear Mad river from here. My faith! | have turned too far to the left, and the settlement lies away to my right. Whew! this is a pretty go! But I must make the best of it.” Bearing to the west, he still continued his course; but as he hurried on and the forest grew denser, while he was leaving the mountains far behind, he finally paused again, this time in dis- = e was lost ! It was then getting dark, and he knew he must look up a stopping-place for the night, It was while thus gazing anxiously around fe of discovered the glimmer of a fire near at Cautiously advancing, not knowing whether he should find friends or foes, he approached the eos and soon saw four men gathered around ts ruddy blaze. Their garb showed them to be miners, and oe. were rough-looking, he:vily bearded. enturing at a hazard to address them, they all i to their feet in an instant, rifles in ‘*Tam only one, and peaceful at that,” said as they glared upon him. © “Who might ye be?” asked the leader, a tall, muscular person, who seemed more of a moun- taineer than miner. “My name is Dustin Dare, better known per- haps as Silver Dust. While prospecting in the val to-isy I got lost.” 4 Sho! fe don’t mean to say ye are pros- = te the Black oe bo ah all alone?” a companion, but we got se dedi] tate en grinoesbie® ‘“Wal, ye hev got some grit, ennyway. Ye look like an honest chap, so j’ine us. I am old Gil Rey, frum the Rocker Mountains, and hyar am my chums, True Bill and Big Paws and Shelby Jack,” and with a wave of his long arm the mountaineer-miner sunk back upon his seat. Silver Dust saw that three of the men were past middle life, while the fourth, Shelby Jack, was about his own age. Just outside the Faery nite he saw four pack-mules, and a pile of picks, shovels, and other minin; Nit together with sundry pots, pans, etc, ‘ F ’ “T reckon we are in for it,” said the first ppeeker: witha grin. ‘* We are on the trail fer amet Pocket! Are ye enny ’quainted up ere ‘‘ Never was there before to-day.” “Sho! Wal, fix the chap sumthin’ to fill his crop, Big Paws, while he _ tells what he knows. Hev fhe seen the Golden Hand?” ‘Yes; he saved my life this afternoon.” “Shol Then he ain’t so bad es they hey told? But gi’n us yer yarn.” Commence with his leave of Mad River “City ” that'afternoon, to explore the valley, he told what the reader already knows. “What did ye say yer pard’s name was?” asked True Bill, suddenly interrupting Dare in the midst of his narrative. **Rock Randel, though he is generally called The-Man-from-Texas.’ “Rock Randel!” cried the other, excitedly. “D’ye mean to say my old chum 0’ twenty years is in this kentry?”’ “That was my friend’s name. Hecame from Texas to this place, I think.” ** So hev I, and Gil and Jack hyar! Can it be k is livin’ when I s’posed he was gone under long ago? He was , with long. black hair and mustache. A regular whirlwind on the war-path!” ‘* The- -from-Texas must be your man.” ‘Ken it be?’ and the excited miner danced to andfro. ‘ Boys!” he cried, ‘‘ I won’t know no rest till Rock is safe. .We.must strike his trail in the mornin’ fer all the Pocket! Ef it should be the old boy I hunted with—” A wild cry in the ravine above caused every man toleap up. Then fierce shouts followed, and the report of firearms. A mae ap deter = vepmen riding a bridleless ustang in e opening, crying: st Have me! Iam pursued by a hundred sav- ages As she spoke, the woods rung with the war- whoop of the fierce Apaches, CHAPTER V. THE LEAGUE IN BLACK AGAIN. ** Quick! for cover, boys!” cried old Gil Rey. As the five men sprung back into the shade of the forest, and ed the fugitive with ee the yelling red-ski surrounded the Pp : Howgh—ou h!” shrieked the leader, and his followers ech the cry till it became deafen- ing. Then the sharp crack of the miners’ firearms rung out and the war-whoop of the foremost sav became their death-cry, ‘Don’t giv’ ’em enny show!” cried True Bill. A volley of bullets and arrows from the Apaches came tearing through the growth. na moment the fight was hand-to-hand, Clubbing. their rifles they hardly waited to stand on the defensive, but met their wild foes in the edge of the timber. By the movement they gained an advantage, which they had not been slow to discover. While = savages ware leas i eng A. the opening, they were partially hidden the daxienoe of the woods. 4 Thus for a brief interval they held them at bay. But overwhelming numbers began to tell. Gil Rey shivered the stock of his rifle over the head of the first savage, and throwing the now useless wea; aside, drew his long knife and cl in a life and death grapple with the next Apache that came within reach._ B ‘aws, one of the most skillful knife-men in the mountains, had relied on his keen-edged weapon from the first. Already the second enemy had fallen before it, and the third was True Bill and Shelby Jack were no less active. But side by side, were being pressed into quarters m Ww they must retreat or die. POE pe save me!” cried the female whom were trying to,protect. ._. : er rotten Jog siete rest. In fact it was his strong arm which had borg her from the mus- ‘Ha! you lied, chief! tang, and was fighting nobly to save her from further harm. He saw her peril... She had been swept from bim by a body of the red demons, and as they dragged her into ‘the clearing, at least half-a- dozen crowded around and with uplifted toma- neTtes were in the act of dealing their deadly ows. With a defiant yell, he sprung to the spot, and reached the captive. At the moment high above the din of the strife rung the voice of True Bill, crying: ‘* Break, boys, or you'll go under!” “Cache, every coon of you!” supplemented Gil Rey, as he overpowered his assailant, but saw the madness of continuing the fight. The next moment he cleared his way for the growth, and gained the side of Bill. Shelby Jack was no less successful. “Where am t’others?”’ cried the old moun- taineer, hurriedly. “Gone under meb—” ; ‘“‘ Howgh—owgh—ow—gh!” and the demoniac horde again pressed mene. them. “My God! Silver Dust and Big Paws are a-goner!” cried Gil Rey, as with his companions he was forced to retreat. Away into the forest they were driven like hunted beasts, leaving everything behind. _. Dare, reaching the captive’s side, fought like a hero to keep the red horde back. Big Paws saw his endeavors and unmindful of his own safety bounded to the rescue. For a moment the gallant twain made fierce work for the yelling Apaches. Only for an instant, however. For every savage that fell a dozen rushed in, and inch b inch the brave men were pressed back, until escape was impossible. ile trying to defend his charge from a furious blow Dare fell. Big Paws, was, overpowered and the red-men had conquered. : Wild with glee they danced around their prisoners. J When. the excitement of their victory had somewhat , they bound them securely. This done they prepared for an instant depar- ture. ‘* Me take pole-fuce to great chief's wigwam, then me see fun!” announced the leader, with a grim smile, : The savages took the miners’ animals with them, but left the mining utensils behind, proba- bly not considering them worth the trouble of carrying off. i Silver Dust soon recovered his senses, and it was light enough for him to see that the red- skins numbered full a score, to say nothing of those who had gone in pursuit of the other miners, or those who had staid behind to look after the dead. With his companions he had been placed on the back of one of the pack-mules, and was se- curely bound, while a guard walked on either side, making escape impossible. He could see by the moonlight that the woman was young. In fact, she was a girl of not more than nineteen summers, and extremely beauti- ful. He felt his heart go out to her as he witnessed her suffering from the cruel treatment of their captors, and his own agony was doubly hard to bear. Big Paws bore his captivity with stolid indif- ference. He knew enough of Indian nature to put ona careless appearance, no matter what the reverse might A mile had been slowly passed over and they were coming upon a country less hilly and broken, when the savages halted. Wondering what had occasioned the pause, the prisoners glanced around to see approaching a band of horsemen. Silver Dust started as he recognized the e in Black. The Apaches seemed terrified and huddled close together. When within a few rods the partg pause. and after a moment’s silence the leader said: “ How is it, warriors of Long Wind, that you ain dare to enter the land of the League 12 Black?” [ “White captive run away; Long Wind send braves to get her,” answered the chief in broken lish. r “Captive? Let me see,” and he rode nearer. You spoke of but one, when you have three.” “Ugh! chasing white gal, we find pale-face, one, two, three, four, five. Some run—we get rest. ‘“ Well done, if true. Oho, Mr. Silver Dust! It seems ud ae in the net at last. That is a»
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— a good. Look to it, chief, that he don’t escape... I guess I will take the girl off your hands.” “Chief no let squaw go!” exclaimed the ae quickly. *Long Wind be_ hoppin’ mad! “Tecan’t help that. Just unfasten her from that animal and I will take charge of her. Young lady, come with me and you “have noth- ing to fear.” “Oh sir, save me, and you shall be liberally rewarded.’ As the strange person seemed bent on carry- ing out his purpose the Indians began to show hostile intentions, though they looked upon thé mysterious gang in awe. “*Put down your weapons!” commanded No. 1. Turning to his followers, he said: ‘Lads, present arms.” As the twelve ominous muzzles stared them in the face, the red-skins cowed in terror. Whipping out a huge knife, the masked man cut the ligatures that held the captive’ to the saddle. This was too much for the chief, and with a fierce yell he bounded upon his foe. As he moved, a whip-like crack was heard} and he fell dead! “The first warrior that moves dies, and none shall be spared!” thundered the stern leaguer. Awed by the sound of his voice, and his aw- ful appearance, the Indians allowed him to lift the maiden from the mulé upon his own mid- night steed. ‘It is well,” he said, as he turned to leave. “I leave the others to you. But beware how you enter our domain again. Remember the Black Riders of the Lost Mine spare none who cross their way.” Saving which he turned to ride away, when the girl cried: . ‘Will you not save my friends also?” ‘No; they are in better hands! I ought not to have stopped to save you, but must take you to your friends as soon as possible,” and with an appeal of hers ringing on the air, the League in Black soon disappeared. After a short consultation the Apaches moved on toward their village, taking the body of their dead leader with them. The whites could see that they were madly excited, and knew they must receive the venge- ance of their disappointment. But could they have been certain the helpless maiden had fallen among friends, they would have felt easier. Somehow, they could but realize that a dark future hung over them all. CHAPTER VI. THE STAKE—GOLDEN HAND. In silence the Indians hurried on their way. ' Not far did they advance before coming into a piece of heavier growth than any before, and upon the further side where it reached toa val- ley of some extent they came upon their en- campment. The village was all astir, and it took but a glance for the prisoners to see that the savages numbered several hun . Straight to the center the captors led their victims. 7 : Their appearance was hailed with wild yells, and soon the motley horde began to gather around, making the night hideous with their cries and gibberish. Before the chief; Long Wind, the leader told his story, interrupted at intervals by fierce ex- clamations. Silver Dust and Big Paws were brought be- fore the old Apache, the act causing a new outbreak among the crowd. What followed, the old mountain man as- sured his companion was a council-of-war. One after another of the old, weather-beaten chiefs harangued the throng, and many of the younger ones addressed them with fierce ges- tures. All of that was perfectly unintelligible to Dare, though Big Paws, who had witnessed such scenes before, and understood a’ part of their speech, whispered to him that it was going hard with them. ‘* Our trail is spotted, young beaver,” he said to Dustin. ‘But they hev another captive somewhere, which I don’t jess see into. Can’t be they hev kaptered one of the boys?” ; “Perhaps it’s Rock!” “Mebbe. But hark! Thet ar’ smoky-skin is jess givin’ it to us, hot and heavy. Our trap is sprung in spite o’ ginger!” : A young chief was addressing the excited mob, and from the wild yee they paid to e was not speaking his words, it was seen that for * verbs, Whe he had ended a battle-searred’ veteran 5 The Golden Hand. spoke to Long Wind, and a few. moments later the captives were drag to the opening in front of the wigwams which were located in the form of a circle. In a few minutes a stake was driven firmly into the ground in the center of the place, and the doomed men knew only too well what the red skins had decreed their fate should be. “ Bear up like a man, Silver Dust,” said Big Paws, in an,undertone, “ and it will be all the better for us.” The busy savages soon heaped a pile of brush- wood and small saplings with branches of larger trees all dry around the spot in a circle, and when it was done they renewed their yells, and rushed about in frantic excitement. Then Big Paws was rudely borne forward, and, the thongs. removed from his ankles, he was made to stand upon his feet. This wasthe signal for the beginning of the prisoner’s ordeal. In an instant all the old hags and children, to say nothing of the innumerable squaws, be- gan to pelt him with stones and sticks, hooting and jeering at him in a most hideous manner. All this the giant hunter received with appar- ent indifference. Exasperated by their ineffectual attempts up- on him, the horde turned to inflict a similar punishment upon Silver Dust. Though a novice in the Indian method of war- | fare, Dare summoned all the fortitude of his nature to his aid, and stood the test grimly. Failing in their efforts in that direction, the savages resorted to a harsher fate. His clothing nearly torn from ‘his lacerated body, Dustin Bare was bound firmly to the stake, At this every throat in the mass of demons seemed to uttera wild, unearthly shriek, so fear- ful that the whites would fain have covered their ears had it been possible. When the tumult had somewhat subsided a torch was applied to the combustible wood, and the tiny spark of fire soon fanned into a flame by the wind it swept along the peer pile at a startling jrate, while huge volumes of smoke nearly suffocated the helpless victim. ‘Big Paws groaned aloud as he beheld his com- panion’s awful sufferings. Higher and higher leaped the fiery furnace, while, shrieking out his agony, the doomed Sil- ver Dust staggered back against the stake. Let us return to the fortunes of True Bill and his companions. Finding they could not be of any assistance to bag ee they sought safety for themselves in flight. With a horde of the red-skins upon their heels they plunged through the forest. Choosing their course where the growth was thickest, asa soon gaining the bottom of the valley, they succeeded at last in eluding their pursuers. When satisfied their foes had given up the chase, they cautiously returned to the old camp- ing-place. ‘This is rough and tumble,” declared Gil Rey. “I reckon the varmints hev toted off Paul and Silver Dust with thet gal.” ‘* Jess so_I opine. Shall we take the trail?” asked True Bill. “That am this ‘eoon’s vardict. What do ye say, Shelby Jack?” ‘I move we follow the savages and rescue our friends if possible.” ome Them is my sentiments. Lead the way, il. _“‘Let’s cache our things es the reds hev so kindly left them. They may change their minds ye know and kem back fer ’em.” Acting upon the mountaineer’s suggestion, the utensils were soon carefully hidden away, and the little party started on their perilous work. The direction of the Indian encampment was well known, and thus they were able to push on without hesitation. It was while thus hurrying on that they were admonished of danger by the sound of a horse approaching. Drawing back into the shade they soon saw the rider of the yellow mustang come into sight. “Tt must be Golden Hand!” said Bill under his breath. “Will it do for “Yes,” answered Gil Rev. us to make ourselves known?” Before the others could reply, however, the stranger paused and glancing quickly around finally fixed his eyes on their covert, paying: ““You need not fear me. I am friendly to the peaceful.” Finding they were discovered, though through what Bye they could not tell, the three cau- tiously left their concealment. “Dog m my ef ye ain’t a sharp ’un,” de- clared Gil Rey, “T saw you some time ago,” said the horse- man. ‘“ Are you the men who had the fight with the Apaches?” “*T reckon we are a part o’’em. The rest o’ us, two boys and a gal, hev been tukin captives we fear by the varmints.” = rik did you say? Pray have you seen a lady riding a mustang near your camp?” “That war es the one we meant. She kem to us chased a gang o’ smoky-skins. We pitched in to help her and got kerwalloped most awfully!” ‘* And she has been captured?” “Sure es shootin’ beaver by starlight!” “ And two of your friends have been taken with her?” Yes; Silver Dust and Paul Hayes, or Big Paws es we call him fer fun.” “Then we must rescue them. Do you know where the Indians are camping now?” ‘“‘T reckon. We was going there straight’ es a fall wind.” “ ~— The noise of a party of horsemen approaching caused him to ry In a moment the League in Black rode into | View. rise the watchers To their still greater su orse with the lead- saw a woman’s form on the er. ‘Tis she!” cried the Golden Hand, and spur- ring his mustang forward he dashed into the th of the amazed en te ** Hold on!” thunde he, but unheeding his command the party kept slowly ahead. ‘Stop or I will shoot you!” cried Golden Hand. ‘“Oh, save me! save me!” implored the maiden as she saw the speaker. Still the strange cavalcade moved away, un- noticing the cries. Excited to frenzy the unknown raised ‘his rifle to fire at the foremost, but the weapon hung fire! Plunging his steed forward the baffled marks- man dashed madly upon the nearest rider, and striking a furious blow with his knife, felled the masked man back upon the haunches of his horse. Before Golden Hand could repeat the stroke the whole cavalcade started intoa gallop and quickly disappeared. The excited rider of the yellow mustang followed. CHAPTER VII. SHOTS FOR A LIFE. ‘“*Tt’s no use for us to foller,” said Gil Rey. “But ef that ain’t queer doin’s I don’t know a stump from a rattler!” “Wal, it am sum!” chimed in Bill. . “Who in mercy’s name is that Golden Hand?” exclaimed Shelby Jack. ‘Dunno enny more’n I know who ’emtarnal coyotes in black are!” answered Gil. ‘They claim to be the spirits of the murdered owners of the Lost Mine.” ““Sho-o-o! Reckon I don’t savor much 0’ sich creetur’s!” “This won't save our friends,” cried True Bill, and, heeding the words, they once more hurried ahead. It was not long before they came within hear- ing of the savages, as they carried on their wild carousal. ‘“‘Thar they are!” exclaimed True Bill. Now. ées, kems the tug 0’ war.” Moving by stealth through the timber, they slowly approached the Indian village. “They ar’ up to sum o’ their works or ’'m a p’izen snake!” gritted Gil Rey. Without agin Bill kept straight ahead, while Shelby Jack followed close behind the mountain veteran. At last they reached the edge of the growth, and were in full sight of the red-men’s home. “ Look!” hissed Bill, as the glare of the fire lit the surroundings with startling brilliancy, ‘we are too late!” ‘“My teeth!” answered his companion, ‘they are burnin’ ’em to the stake, or my name ain’t Gilman Reynolds” “Yes; ‘tis Silver Dust!” exclaimed Jack. “See, there is Paul Hayes bound near at band!”’ “We must save "em or go under!” exclaimed Bill, excitedly. “How?” asked Shelby Jack. ‘‘I fear we cannot rescue Dare, or couldn’t if we had a score to help us! See! he falls back against the pakey, The poor fellow’s sufferings are almost over , _“ Boyees!” said Gil Rey, it ously, ‘‘T see but a single chance, and that is like one in a
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thousand. We must shoot off his bonds, and if he has life enough left to outrun the varmints, perhaps we can cover his retreat so he can get away. I see no other way.” The flames swept higher in fiercer heat, and the savage tors renewed their fiendish cries wit oubled zest. ‘““We can’t make it any worse fer him,” re- Ee True Bill, quickly. ‘‘ Let’stry your plan, “Allright. Is your hand steady, Bill?’ ‘As Chimbly Rock on Platte!” "Good! How are you, Jack?” / © T won't fail.” “Sure es time.” 7 The light from the fire made it as bright as day, and from their ition the miners a range of the fearful scene. As calmly as if practicing at target-shoo rather than risking all on shots for a human life, they raised their rifles. ‘‘ Now—ready—fire!” The three reports blended as one. A cloud of smoke curled up from the spot, and the red-men paused instantaneously their mOubtin Dar Feit harp twi f pain re felt as winge o upon either wrist; but before he could realize more, a stentorian voice started him into activity. “Run, Dust! For your life, run!” Springing wildly forward, he found that he was free. Then, before the amazed sav: understood the sudden movement, he lea the burning fagots and bounded past the red-skins at the top of his speed. ‘ ‘Look hyar,” cried Gil Rey to his compani- ons, ‘‘ d’ye look to helping him sronee, an’ while the varmints are arter ye, I will help Big Paws out o’ his s:rape.” Silver Dust was running for the growth a little distance below, and without hesitation Bill and Jack rushed to his assistance. Not till the fugitive was nearly down to the growth did the surprised Indians recover their wits enough to give chase, Then, with yells truly terrifying, they pur- sued en masse. Some were searcely less than a rod behind, andit seemed as if the captive could not es- cape. . Bie saw his peril, and tried to flee the faster. Just as he reached the timber, Bill and Jack shot the foremost red-skins, and a moment later joined Dare. . ‘* Quick, for the bottom!” A wild and exciting scene followed. Nearly all the Apaches mingled in the race, ane the sy were oo og arene ye ee ose together, the w were driv- en to fot utmost. ‘Load yer shooter, ef ye can, Jack; but don’t fire till I tell ye,” panted Bill,-as they rushed through the undergrowth. ‘‘ They are coming from the right, and mean to head us off.” ‘“‘Turn to the left, then. There is a river ahead somewhere, and we must reach it.” . Then a volley from the Indians checked their ch. They had scarcely gone three rods further when Shelby. Jack, catching his foot, tripped and fe Not missing him for a moment, the others kept on. ae John eo n his feet the red-skins were so c upon that he saw it was folly to run further. So, Bey a | ome at bushes abe’ om crawled rapidly hPa pastor og, @ spo he dashed ‘nto the tangled growth to headlong down a steep declivity. _ Half-stunned he s upon his knees, but a fierce growl caused him to gaze wildly about, without moving more. As he discovered a pair of fiery eyeballs watching him from the darkness sperone his hand sought for his knife to find he lost it! His rifle had been jerked from his grasp. by the fall, and he was umarmed! Another fierce growl and he heard the angry beast lash his side in rage. “ Jack is a goner!” exclaimed True Bill, after he and Dare ha ] The Golden Hand. *°Twon’t do for us to stop!” and thus they were forced to keep on. Still continuing to yell as fierce as ever the mad horde of Apaches kept up their pursuit. Half a mile was passed in the wild chase and the miners were fast losing hope. Though many of the savages had fallen be- hind, the majority were sony Gelies on the whites, owing in part to their r knowledge of the land. fs ‘*Keep on, Dust,” said Bil. ‘Ef I sto ahint ye may be able toclear’em. I ain’t muc i ae to peg it, ennyway, and if the varmints git m “Not another word, True ‘oh ot broke in Dare. ‘‘We escape or die to— Look! I see water ahead!” a= had indeed come in sight of a small n It was not many acres in extent, but to turn around it would be to suffer capture. Breaking through the line of shrub that Fe its shore, they dropped silently into the A war-whoop from the Indians told that they had missed them. A moment later they reached the bank. Pausing in wonder, they soon surrounded the place, and dancing around in demoniac glee, watched for the reappearance of the fugitives. Quietly sinking beneath the surface they would keep under the tide as long as possible, and then gently rise to get their breath. Five, ten minutes sage in that way and no relief was promised for the dreadful mse. Ay, at last to their horror the hunted miners heard the savages entering the water, and in a few moments the pond swarmed with the furious horde! CHAPTER VIIL. TRUE BILL’S DEFIANCE, As Gil Rey saw the main body of the Indians rush in pursuit of his companions, he prepared himself for the hazardous undertaking he had decided upon. Quickly reloading his rifle he then cautiously but. swi left the cover of the forest, and hurrying forward in a stooping posture he soon reached the shade of the wigwams, Every able-bodied savage had gone in the chase, though the ground was flocked with old or decrepit warriors, shrieking syuaws and children. Darting along like a shadow the mountaineer soon gained the rear of the huts that fronted the fire. Now for the struggle. Closely watching the crowd of saree, who fortunately for his purpose, were sev feet in advance of the captive, and all had turned their backs to him as they watched the exciting |. race, he Seay from place to place until only the clearing lay between him and Big Paws. He tried to attract his friend’s attention, but found he could not do it without disturbing the savages, - So, with his rifle in his left hand and knife en firmly in the other, he flitted noiselessly ong. The quick ear of Paul Hayes heard his cat-like step and he turned to behold him with joy. He was much of a mountain-man, however, to betray his discovery to their foes. In an instant Gil was by his side. ““Ky—yi—yah—ough!” yelled the excited Apaches, unconscious of the daring deed being done behind them. A quick thrust of the knife and Big Hayes was free. 4 Soringtng lightly to his feet the twain started escape. Still the Indians rushing frantically to and fro were unconscious of 1 their tive. Gil Rey saw a corral of catianls at the upper end of the village. ‘‘ Are our horses thar?” he asked, in a whisper. Hayes nodded an affirmative. e Let’s take em!” Unmindful of the additional risks were courting, the hardy miners hurried rapidly that way. y at the same moment a new outbreak among the savages told that they were dis- covered, Ms We yee hyve ae oe bgt cried Rey- n and no longer attemp any cauti ba - ded toward their horses. e hi ching there in advance of the red-men, they tore off the animals’ hobbles, and springing upon the backs of the nearest, while each led a frend | the bridle, they rode away with a de- fiant y + Like infuriated demons the red-skins followed; but broken-down warriors and squaws could not race with the daring white men, who had accomplished so successfully one of the most s ising feats border history has ever re- corded. “‘Guess we hev giv ’em the slip,” said Gil, when finally the cries of the savages were only fy. heard. ** You are right, old beaver,” answered Hayes, moderating the pace of i his companion’s. “I shan’t forgit what ye hev done for me, not by a long sight. So giv us yer — I see’d on do sum tall doin’s ong the ;Pawnees onc’t, but *twarn’t nowhar ’side 0’ yer—” ‘* Never mind, Paul,” broke in the old moun- taineer, blushing like a school-girl at his friend’s rude compliment. ‘‘ We hev come off all right, but I should like to know where the boys are.” “Ttll be a tight tussle for ’em to escape. “‘Can’t we find ’em?”’ ‘We must—hark! I thought I heard a hoss.” “So ye did! and thar kems the Golden Hand es true es I live!” Sure apr the strange rider had suddenly come into sight, and seeing them rode that way. “Hold on!” exclaimed Gil Rey as he ap- proached, ‘‘ Are ye the Golden Hand?” “Tam so called,” he answered calmly, as he paused. ‘‘Are you a t of the pores gente who gr attacked by the Apaches a little while since ‘We are two on’em.” ‘“ Where are the others!” “‘Thet’s jess what we would like to hev ye tell us. The last we see’d on ’em they war runnin’ fer life with a couple hundred red-skins a tear: ing arter ’em!” “In what direction?’ ‘* More to the eastward.” ‘Have you seen the Black Riders?” ““Nary achip. Did ye git thet gal?” “No; the masked horde escaped with her. But Iam detaining you, and I suppose you are anxious to help your friends.” **O’ course, Good ‘*Look here; Peer seem honest men, I will save your frien upon one condition.” 4 ! Name it,” spoken quickly. “Tt is madness for you to stay in Black Pocket valley. You have more enemies than ou dare t and not a single friend. I ac- owledge I am your foe, but what I say I know is for your best. I will promise safety to yourselves and com ons until you can get out of the valley, if you will swear that. you will never come again.” “Sho—o! Are ’em your only tarms?” “Yes. Give me your answer at once. Every moment lost may cost.a life!’’ ‘“What d’ye say, Paul?” asked Reynolds of his comrade. “T think we had better git. This isa pecan a kentry. Ef we can’t find a more wholesome lead than this, I am goin’ back to Texas a-huntin’ mowstangs.” “Til jine hands with ye thar, old ’coon. ld Hand, if ye’ll risky our friends t like mountain sheep!” “Good; it is the best thing you can do. Fol- low me, and we will see what we can do for your companions,” With the words the speaker headed his mus- tong toward the south-east, and the miners fol- ow! ““We better keep our peepers opened,” said Hayes, “fer the imp may lead us into ap.” “Tye s’pose he’s a spook Y. whispered il : Fig pesky onsar and I don’t savor much ts) ; Then in silence the little party kept on their "B00 m, however, the yells of the red-men were borne to their ears. | “They are away from their village, and I don’t believe they have captured your friends,” said the Golden Hand. noe I,” replied Gil Rey. ‘But what am Suddenly they heard a cry for help, which came from no front distance. ‘ ‘My stars! it’s Jack, es true es I am a-talkin’ beaver!” cried Paul Hayes. ng their animals rapidly forward the cries were plainer heard; and in a moment they was in a hand-to-hand tussle ther. rin, to the earth, the Golden Hand whipped out a@ knife and waited for his chance to the beast, his animals to that of '
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Rolling over and over on the ground with its victim in its clutch, the brute at last came upon the top, when with a certain blow the unknown Nevhed his weapon in its side. As the monster released his hold, the rescuer quickly dragged the miner away to a safe dis- tance. While the cougar spent its strength in its dying struggles, Gil and Paul turned to their companion. Shelby Jack, though bruised and sore, had suffered no serious wound. ‘“ Whar am Bill and Silver Dust?” asked Gil Reynolds. “They were. trying to run away from the savages when I fell down that cliff,” replied the young Texan. ‘‘ From the sound of the Indians, I think the have cornered them,” cried Golden Han “Quick, if you would save them!” obn Racy, or Shelby Jack, as his ‘‘ chums” called him, mounted one of the spare horses, and away darted the four. Just as True Bill and Dare found themselves surrounded by the Apaches, and felt that their last hope was gone, the shouts of their friends rung on the air. **Hooray!+thar’s help fer us!” cried Bill, excitedly, and with Dare sprung from the water. Swinging his rifle over his head rather than discharging it, the Golden Hand dashed into the midst of the savages. Close behind swept the others. Amazed by the sudden attack, the red-skins paused. Then they shrieked: ‘*Golden Hand! Golden Hand!” and before a blow could be struck, fled in apparent terror. “Ho! that ye, Bill?” exclaimed Gil. “T reckon. An’ may I be smoked ef we ain’t hyar allalive an’ kickin’. Wal, that cooks me! “You are all right if you leave at once. You remember your promise?’ said the Golden Hand to Gil Rey. “Every time. Kem, Bill, I old ’coon in gold that we would git out o’ Black Pocket valler quicker’n a streak o’ buckshot a flyin’ down a cottonwood if he’d only help git ye and Dust out o’ yer scrape. He's done his part es true es gospil, and we must keep ours.” “Hev ye seen ennything o’ Rock?” “Nary a spot.” eynolds, I don’t leave the kentry till romised this “Gil Rock is found, ef he is Hiv ing or ef he is rubbed out, till my old shooter is kivered with skulps oy the smoky-skinned coyotes es turned up his toes! CHAPTER IX. THE PHANTOM HORSE. Git Rey started in surprise. The Golden Hand looked amazed. “But this is a ’tarnal bad kentry, and the sooner we git the better, True Williams,” de- clared the mountaineer. “T know it, Gil; but I hev tramped too long with Rock Randel to go back on him now. Sides it’s ag’in’ my nature to desert a friend.” “Thet’s ye, every time, old ’coon! Ye ain’t been called ne Bill these thirty years fer nothing. I’m sorry I promised the old gold- mounted chap what I did, but I thought it war fer ther best.” “Ye cs’ on the square, old beaver, and ye and Big Paws can keep to yer bargain and go back to the city, while the rest o’ us will take Rock’s trail.” “T hate to, but I's’pose I must; so good luck to ye. old chaps.” ® Have you found nothing of Rock Randel yet?” asked Golden Hand. s Nary a spot, old ’coon.” “Don't you believe he has gone back to the settlement?” “*It wouldn’t be like him,” answered Silver Dust. “IT think he is either dead or gone back to Mad River. In either case you cannot help him by periling your lives here.” ““ Very true. But we do not know what you say, and we are anxious to relieve the uncer- tainty of his fate. I, for one, do not believe he has left the valley.” 7 ‘Well, as you are so determined to stay, [ vill give you leave to remain here and continue vour search for bim one day, though [ risk my own life im doing it. You are at liberty to go where you will until to-morrow at sunset. Tf you are not out of the valley then I will not promise you a moment's life. Remember, no on? will be allowea to spend another night in Linck Pocket hollow!” Dare, boldly. Starting up his yellow mustang nervously, he replied: “By the best right in the world. Enough for you to know that [ am determined in what I say, and that I give it for your good. Lookout for the Indians while you are here, and oe as Ihave requested and all will be well. Fail to do it and your doom is sealed!” While speaking he turned his animal, and had scarcely uttered the last word when he dashed away. “Strange!” muttered Shelby Jack; “‘but we must discover more of him.” “Look hyar,” exclaimed True Bill, ‘‘’twon’t do fer us to stand hyur like scart turkeys. Ef thar warn’t enny chance o’ the reds gobblin’ us up, we oughter to be at work.” ‘You are right, Bill; and as you are leader, give us your plans.” “Thet’s bizness. In the fust place, let’s git *way from hyar afore the varmants corral us. Ef thet Golden Hand -hadn’t scart ’em like blazes they’d ’a’ had our skulps afore this. Wagh!” As there were but four animals, Silver Dust was forced to mount behind Williams. {n a few momertts they were riding once more for the valley. Shelby Jack had recovered his rifle after his fall into the panther’s den, and thus all were armed buf Dare. However, Bill’s der was all wet, and when they divided the little Gil Rey and Jack had they had only a few rounds iece. But Dustin was given a revolver by ayes, and they were not disconcerted. The yells of the baffled savages were occasion- ally heard in the far distance: “Let ’em ky-yi ef they want to,” said Big Paws. | “Guess they won’t ketch us so easy agin. “Yes. But what can be the object of that Golden Hand—” * Hist!” interrupted Jack; “he is comin’ back.” A horseman was surely heard, and waiting in oe for him to appear, the sounds suddenly ceased. “Queer, but I heard hoof-strokes es true es I live,” affirmed Shelby Jack. The others chorused an affirmative. Somewhat puzzled, they resumed their course witb more caution. They had not gone far, however, when again the same sounds were ‘heard. Once more they gazed anxiously around and finally drew rein as the rider seemed to ap- proach near to them. Still as before the noise died away and silence ominous and oppressive followed. ‘“* Beats me holler!” ejaculated True Bill. ‘* But we must keep on.” Their progress was then uninterrupted for some time, and they were nearing the valley when for the third time they were brought to a standstill by the apparent approach of ‘a horseman, “Tf he don’t show hisself this time I am go- in’ to scout round a leetle,” averred True Wil- liams. ‘‘Thet’s the talk, old ’coon,” said Gil Rey; but I reckon the creetur’ is goin’ to poke into sight. Hark! he is clus to thet cedar!’ e sounds indeed seemed near at hand, but before any ‘object came into view the hoof- strokes stopped. The miners looked from one to another in sur- prise. “Come, Gil, let’s hunt that animal out if it is ssible. The rest 0’ ye keep quiet unless ye ear us call to ye, then kem like time.” Leaving their horses in the charge of the ethers, the two immediately hurried into the thicket ahead with cautious steps. Advancing directly to the cedar spoken of they could find no trace of any horse or rider. Not at all daunted they pressed still further on, and yet were unsuccessful. . Then the miners began to show their trepida- on, ‘Blame me if I don’t believe the valler is haunted!” exclaimed Bill, under his breath. | ‘*Them’s my idee,” declared his companion. ‘“‘ Howsumever, I reckon we’d better make the cireuit 0’ the boys afore we return.” After making the complete circle and joinin, the others they had learned nothing to quie their misapprehensions. “1 will tell you, boys,” said Shelby Jack, lowering his voice to a whisper. ‘It is that spirit rider. Golden Hand, following us!” Never before had his friends seen the stout- hearted Texan so nervous, and his fears made them tremble like aspens. Silver Dust alone was self-possessed. Not at all superstitious he scouted the idea of John Racy’s, and suggested that they move on. ith outspoken misgivings this last was con- — to, and again they were riding slowly ong. Strange as it seemed to them they had scarce- ly started when once more the hoof-strokes were plainly distinguished from those made by their own animals. “Let’s go faster,” cried True Bill, and spur- — their horses into a gallop they sped away. ith the increase of their speed, their ponies thus making more noise with their feet, the sounds were not heard, until they finally drew rein. Then they heard them distinct enough. ‘*Pain’t any use!” declared Paul Hayes; ‘‘it’s a ghost a-follerin’ us and we might as well give up.” * Let's once more to discover what it is,” suggested Silver Dust. - ‘Are Eh) ready to make a reconnoissance with me, Paul?” Expressing his willingness the big miner joined Dare, and as Bill and Gil Rey had done they made the entire circuit of the place with- out finding aught of the mysterious being, who had now thoroughly aroused their alarm. “Which way now?’ asked Shelby Jack. It was light enough to see the surroundin country quite plainly, and Dustin Dare poin toward the mountain-side, saying: ‘* Let’s ride to the base and wait for daylight, when we must look for the lost trail of Rock.” Silently agreeing, the others followed him. Just as they were nearing the designated place a couple of men sprung from the ground and rushed up the ascent. It took but a glance for our miners to see that they were a part of the League in Black! Watching them as they ran along the side of the mountain the impetuous Silver Dust ex- claimed: “ Let’s follow them. We may find a clew to Rock’s whereabouts!” Nothing loth his companions quickly con- sented. Leaving Shelby Jack to stand guard over the animals, the others started at once in pursuit of the masked leaguers on foot, for it was too broken to follow with a horse. Their course soon led them well up the moun- tain; and while hurrying swiftly along the brink of a ep descent, they came upon the clear white surface of what seemed the part of a huge Jedge. When midway upon this they were startled by a terrific crash, and felt the stone rushing from beneath them. Throwing out his arms wildly, Dustin Dare was fortunate enough to grasp the limb of an overhanging tree; but his companions, with cries of horror, were hurled down the precipice, and = enormous rock went crashing down upon em. In a moment it was all over, and as Silver Dust glanced downward he saw a deep, dark abyss yawxing below! He shouted to his companions, but no answer came, ; ney. had been crushed to death by the fall- ne! e dared not loose his hold on the tree-branch and tried to draw himself upward, when it snapped and he dropped rapidly downward! 4 CHAPTER X. DANDY ROCK’S MARK, ‘“*WnHoorp—whoop-ee! I’m the roaring lion o’ ther Rockers! the hard-pan o’ ther Gila! Whar’s the goat es shins up tother boss king o’ the South-wes’? Jess show him to me. ck bim out ck!” and the burly speaker, whose wild speech and antics had collected quite a crowd in front of thé leading ‘‘shebang” of Mad River ‘City "—the ‘ Miner’s Home”— danced to and fro in frantic excitement. “Whar am he? They sed he war hyar, and I hev kem all the way frum Lone Pine to spot him! Jess trot him out!” and the giant removed his broad sombrero to sc away the great jo of perspiration that had gathered on his row. The lookers-on watched him in silence. Some seemed awed by his braggartism; while others upon him in wonder. ‘“* Who is he?” one at Jast ventured to ask. ‘Dunno, ‘less he is Big Sandy, the bully o’ the lower lead,” answered another. ‘“Who am I?” snorted the stran the words. ‘‘ Ain’t I tole. ye? r, catchi im’ the Gils
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8 Lion! the hard-pan o’ the Rockers! Yas; I’m Big Sandy, too, right frum the Lone Pine! But whar’s my game? Whar’s the galoot es lifted out more coyotes at Long Meader row than enny other hoss? I want to seehim! I want to put this paw on him!” and he extended the enormous member menacin y: “*He’s arter Rock Randel!” exclaimed a by- him—The-Man-from-Texas! pe y Rock hes buried his buttons!” ‘Wot ‘Rock turned up his toes in Black Pocket valler!” * Wot?” ‘Rock Randel went under yesterday!” a Wot?’ As the other ceased his explanations, the giant stared upon the crowd in apparent disappoint- ment. “The-Man-from-Texas wiped out!” he howled at last: ‘‘my hard-fought victoree stolen from me jess esI hed my huf on him? Hev I kem all the way from Lorie Pine to be bu’sted in this way?’ and tearing about wildly for a moment, he flung his sombrero spitefully against the side of the building, his countenance showing a plain case of a og Just as the hat touched the wall and quivered there for an instant ere it to descend, the swift gleam of a knife darted through the air, and thrown by a skillful hand, the weapon pierced its crown, pinning it to the spot! The throng started in surprise. Big Sandy trembled and gazed about in amazement. ‘* Who did that?’ he cried. Te aee cpm able bp oo: 2 y don’t ye spoke e giant went on. ‘* S’pose I’m ole} to hev my skulp-piece used like thet? Ef the goat es did thet don’t show hisself less’n a minit I'll kerwallop the life right out 0’ his boots! Hyar?’ If the individual in question heard the demand he evidently did not care to have the ‘‘life ker- walloped out 0’ his boots,” as no one stepped forward. “Jess show me ennything but a sneakin’ coyote!” growled the man, and advancing to the lace he was in the act of wrenching his hat om its position, when another knife sped b his head, and, half severing the lobe of his left ear, struck the wall with a dull thud! With a shriek of terror the giant bounded back, and the blood streaming from his wound, howled most vociferously. For a time wild commotion followed. When at last it had become more quiet, and Big Sandy had checked the flow of blood from the cut, he looked sullenly around exclaiming reely : < Ef: sum 0’ ye don’t pick thet man out fer me, I'll kerwallop the hull lot o’ ye! Jess p’int me aman! Ennybody’ll do; only give mea chance to spread him!” e half-cowed stranger had hardly ceased aking when a ringing voice from the rear of e en said: ‘* Hyar’s your beaver every shoot! Jess walk up and take your meat like ye war hungry!” Every one present recognized the tone, and to their ble astonishment Dandy ~ oa his way forward and confronted the Big Sandy rubbed his eyes and glared upon the Texan in unfeigned amazement. ‘ Tae mought yer be?’ he finally blurted out, pers and see fer yerself,” said tly, as he coolly folded his arms and faced the other. “Never see’d yer picter afore. Don’t know ye!” affirmed the giant. ‘OTis The-Man-from-Texas!” cried a voice from the crowd. ‘But ye sed he hed taken up his walkin’ papers! Wot in creation can I b'lieve ye say?” Look hyar, old tearer,” exclaimed the Texan, ‘‘ye said ye had come from Lone: Pine toseeme. Ef ye hev any bizness spit it out suddint, fer I’m ina y hurry.” “Did ye hang my hat up there, old chap?” “Jess look at the knives, and ef ye don’t find two R’s cut on the handles I won’t claim ’em, and ye can walk around me jess es ye area mind to.” Pulling them from the wall Big Sandy found they were marked as Rock had declared. ‘Ken ye do thet every Ro , old coon?” “T reckon. It’s a trick I arnt from a pard 0’ mine onc’t. Jessstand mulish and let me spot the end o’ yer nose. I won’t touch more’n half an inch. ” ee ee The Golden Hand. Shifting his position uneasily, the boaster found his co’ e fast leaving him before the Texan’s cool au acity. ‘Shall I tickle it?’ continued Rock, appear- ing impatient for the trial. ‘‘I won’t spile yer beauty.” ‘Git out!” blurted Big Sandy. ‘ All Iaxo’ ye is to keep away from me; I ain’t anything to do with ye!” and the quondam ‘lion o’ the Rockers ” shrunk away in disgraceful retreat. As the crowd began to jeer at him, he wheeled about and yelled savagely: “‘ Ef thar’s a goat hyar es dares to show his face I'll pan him heavy. Hyar thet?” The mob did seem to hear, and as no one ad- vanced to accept the challenge, quiet was soon restored. : if ere is Silver Dust? and how is it, Rock Randel, that we see you back here alive when we supposed you were dead?” one of the specta- tors asked. “Wal, it am a big yarn, and I ain’t the time to run it out. I’m afeerd poor Dust has gone to his last funeral. We got separated through that pesky Golden Hand. I war gobbled by the reds jess like a turkey peekin’ at a dead Injin. They toted me off to their wigwams, all un- known to Silver Dust, and put me through a course 0’ sprouts, ye bet! I hed tocrawl on my head, stand on my hands and knees, and be ker- es YT in the most rantankerous way. But I 8 it big, and larfed at ’em, and told ’em to go ahead, an Res. they did go ahead! I war bound like a peccary and they built a warmin’ fire, and war jess a-goin’ to me up on the coals like a ready fer a roast, when a terrible rumpus was kicked up by a lot_o’ the varmints kemin’ in with the purtiest gal I ever set my eyes on—a captive. ““Thet sort o’ turned ’em frum my ugly ic- tur’, and fer a time they danced around her like a lot o’ hungry wolves over their breakfast. While they war up to their maneuvers, I twisted my gers free, and had just undid my feet, when, Jeems Stopple! ef that gal didn’t knock ’em smoky-skins right and left, and mounted on a pony, leave ’em quicker’n hot water runnin’ down a sand-bar! ‘*Then the hull lot o’ reds went arter her; but afore they got back I sloped. ‘*T hev been clear through their village since and I don’t think they got her. I find anything o’ Dust, and I am afeerd the boy hes gone under. ‘Thar are awful doings up thet way, and finding I wa’n’t more’n a scared crow alone, 1 hev jess stalked down hyar for help. “ Thar’s ye arn. Now who is willing to go with me and help find Silver Dust and thet gal, fer ’'m anxious ’bout her?’ As Rock turned from one to another of the lookers-on, none seemed willing to join him in the hazardous undertaking. “Don’t ketch me in Black Pocket valler!” ejaculated a tall, raw-boned miner. “Nor me!” echoed others. Finding no one ready to assist him, Randel sail y: i know it’s a tough job, but ef thar ain’t any man hyar who go with me, I am going alone.” re had scarcely spoken when a clear voice cried: “Beware, Rock Randel! Though it would save the best friend you have in the world, keep away from the Lost Mine valley! Death awaits every one there!” : CHAPTER XI. ‘“ WORSE THAN DEATH.” A swirt rush of air, a dizzy, blinding sensa- tion, and Dustin Dare felt himself going down, down, until at last he lay upon a cold, damp surface half insensible. When he opened his eyes he saw a light spot seeming far above him, and still further away he could see a myriad of stars. He knew that the aperture must have been hidden by the rock, and thus as he clung to the tree while the stone fell from under him, he had been precipitated into a sort of cavern by the breaking of the sapling. A glance told that it would be impossible to conte the perpendicular wall that encompassed Must he perish there? It truly seemed so. He listened for some sound of his companions, and shouted aloud their names, but only the hollow echo of the massive surroundings gave ly. hie was lost! Nearly frantic with the thought, he moved y about. Though the place where he had fallen was Neither could ee less than ten feet in diameter, he soon found a passage that led further into the interior. Should he follow it? For a moment he was undecided. But, know- ing it was not ible for him to escape un- aided, any other way, he could lose nothing by trying it. bart he would wait awhile for his friends and then, if he heard nothing of them, he would explore the narrow pass-way. alling the names of his chums till he was hoarse, he waited and listened for them until { long after daylight, and yet he heard nothing ; of them. { They had been killed by the falling ledge! _| Confident that it must be so, he finally en- ‘ tered the gloomy passage, to slowly grope his let | along. e had not gone far before he was shrouded in Stygian darkness, so that his progress was tedious and uncertain. Time and again he paused to turn back, but, after all, his only hope lay in the Cimmerian space beyond ; and thus he kept on and on, go- ing he knew not where, only hoping it might lead to the light of day. At last he paused in despair. He had stumbled and fallen for at least twenty times, and, as he staggered to his feet, his course seemed barred by a solid wall! As he hesitated a low sound was borne to his ears. Listening anxiously he heard it again, and this time sounding like a human voice. Satisfied that some one must be near by, he renewed his endeavors to find a continuance of the passage. He soon discovered that it turned an abrupt angle, and in a moment he moved along the new course, He had not gone far before the sounds became quite audible, and he knew that several persons were not far away. me gg | then with more caution, he soon saw to his delight the gleam of a light ahead. But knowing he was far more likely to find foes than friends, he approached with every sense on the alert for danger. He was unarmed, and his only safety depended upon his discretion. From the loud tones of the ers he knew something of an exciting nature was taking place. In a moment he came upon an apartment of considerable size: and he started in amazement at the startling tableau ‘o suddenly disclosed. The cave-room contained at least a score of brutal-looking men, dressed in coarse garb while in the center, securely bound, Silver Dus saw themaiden whom the Apaches had captured and whom afterward the League in Black had rescued or pretended to. = the dim light from the row of flickering torches stuck in the crevices of the wall, he could see that she was extremely pale, as if undergoing fearful suffering. One of the gang had arisen to his feet, and standing over her, with a knife held menacingly above her head, was saying: “Once more, girl! I give you a chance for ro life. Will you tell us who the Golden Hand Looking the hard-featured man unflinching] in the face she replied: “T cannot, sir. “Ha! you lie! But I have another question, Who are the League in Black?” The captive shook her head. aver don’t you speak?’ exclaimed the wretch, fiercely. “Sir,” she answered, defiant] any punishment you wish to inflict, or wish to But, helpless as I am, you cannot force me to tell that which I do not know.” “You do know,” retorted the desperado “We have seen you with the Golden Hand and you can tell us who he is, and also the mystery of the Lost Mine.” ‘“How does it concern you? Once more I repeat that you had better set me at liberty.” ‘Furies take such impudence! Will you tell us. ge the Golden Hand is?” ° Silver Dust watched the brave maiden with admiration in spite of his anxiety for her peril. Never had he seen a nobler specimen of courage. The ruffian glared upon her in silence for a moment. “What do you think to gain by your ob- stinacy?” he exclaimed at last. “* As much as I shall lose,” she answered calm ly. The man fairly foamed with rage. eo
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eo “You forget you have not a friend within miles. And there are none save us present who know where you are!” ‘Your boasts do not frighten me.” “Bah! I will find something that shall. You shall suffer for all your stubbornness! ‘You need not think to bluff me.” “Sir, I have friends of whom you little dream. Beware how you treat me, or this day’s work shall prove a dear one to you.” As she spoke the captive drew her regal form toits full hight and gazed with flashing eyes upon the trembling wretches standing aroun With an oath the leader seized her rudely by the shoulder and hissed venomously: “T give you your last chance. Tell us the mystery of the i prof can invent!” slight inclination of her shapely head was the only answer. t Mine, or we will force the | secret from you by the harshest treatment our | “ Kill her!” cried a voice from the crowd, and | the mob seemed about to spring upon her. Dustin Dare started in dismay. How could | he save her? His mind filled with a vague a he tried to devise some way to rescue er. In vain. “Back, men!” commanded the desperado chief. ‘‘I will show you how to tame her. Bring me a rope.” Silver Dust came near betraying his presence with a groan. In an instant one of the horde brought for- ward a stout piece of cord. Seizing the maiden fiercely by the wrists, the leader began to fasten the thong around her thumbs! Dare could stand no more, but began to crawl cautiously forward. sa Sad Beoptyed ae ret the nearest ce tog unno ,.if possible, and, overpowering him get possession of his weapons and make a bold ght, hoping to escape with the prisoner by the aid of the darkness. He had barely moved, however, when he heard a slight noise behind him, and turned just as a smart blow was dealt upon his head. Before he could recover enough to offer any opposition, he was hurled upon the rocks and ey bound, then dragged into the center of the meee **Oho!” cried the chief, with surprise, ‘‘ found him prowling in the passage to the rear? How in the world did he come there? Well, never mind, we will cook his venison as soon as we get through with the girl Perhaps her sufferings will sharpen his appetite. Up with her till I tell you to stop.” _ Quickly placing the rope over a jut on the cor- ner of the ledge, a few feet above their heads, the chief’s willing followers slowly plied their strength to the line, till the captive was nearly lifted from her feet. “Steady where you are, boys. Well, Miss Impudence, are you ready to tell what you know of the Lost Mine?” Bearing her awful sufferings with remark- able fortitude, she answered firmly : ‘*T have nothing to tell.” ‘*Curses upon her!” yelled the brute. ‘‘ Draw her up, men, till she can’t touch the rock, and then she shall hang there until she is glad to ield. Her sufferings shall be worse than eath!” CHAPTER XII. TRAPPED. G in wonder, the spectators saw the | 'TURNIN Golden Hand riding away from them. ‘““ Whar in the world did he cum frum?’ some ’ one asked, in amazement. n “‘Jeems Bung-Gum! ef he didn’t riz out o’ the ound, may I be used for a wipin’-stick to my shooter!” exclaimed Rock, as he watched the rider of the yellow mustang. “TI don’t reckon I foller,” declared a by- stander. “Let him go,” muttered The-Man-from- Texas; “I bev got other meat to cook. Say, boys, whar’s the chaps as goes to Black Pocket walle with me? Thar’s a pile o’ fun up thar!” Notwithstanding Rock’s promise of ‘ fun,” no oue seemed inclined to accept. “Rocker Mountain catamount!” ejaculated Big Sandy, “‘ef thar ain’t another goat hyar as dares to risk his Skule ed ere am the lion as goes every pop, Randel!” “Good!” declared Dandy Rock. ‘I reckon we two can do a heap.” “« And hyar’s a hand es’ll score his beat every time!” ed a broad-shouldered miner, Texas.” pushing his way through the excited crowd. ‘Giv us yer paw, old | back on a friend. The Golden Hand. As no more volunteered to go, Randel said: ‘“*Tt’s our lead—we three. henare ye ready to start?’ ~ Now,” answered both. “Thet’s my hand. We must Pt k up sum animals and git off as soon as possible.” An hour later the trio were riding away from Mad River City at a smart canter. ‘It’s the last we shall see on ’em!” affirmed one of the miners in the crowd, as the little cavalcade disa ae “ Rock’s getting reck- less; but I kalki ate he won’t be so very long!” “ Tt’s for ye to lead,” said Big Sandy, as they got fairly started on their way. “Wal, byar’s the spot then. But I tell ye, Big Sandy and Pete Clark, we must keep our peepers wide open, fer this is the wussest ken- try I ever put uff in!” An hour and a half’s sharp riding brought them within the range of the Lost Mine. They had slackened the pace of their horses somewhat, and were riding leisurely along, when they heard a party approaching them at a moderate gait. Reining up under the overhanging branches of a huge pine, they silently waited for the horseman to come in sight. They did not have to wait long, thcugh, for Rock soon congne sight of three riders. As he saw them he moved uneasily, but ap- parently without fear. ** Jeems Sarg oe !” he muttered, “ef it should be him!” and he forward. The three discovered him, and paused in amazement. Then the foremost uttered a glad cry, and the animal quickly to the spot. ** Randel Rock!” “Do By old eyes deceive me, or is that ye, True Bill’ “*Tt’s me every time, Rock ; and I’m powerful glad ye ain’t gone under yit.” “*T reckon we are a pair o’ glad beavers! An’ hyar’s Gil Rey es true es I hail from old Texas!” When the first grecting had passed, Rock saw that his friends were in a sorry plight; and in answer to‘his questions was told of their adventures. ‘Poor Silver Dust was all crushed to pieces by the ledge. We could see him under it jammed right into the hard earth. O’ course we had to leave the body. We barely escaped with our lives. Paul hes a broken arm and leg. Gil is a’most smashed to me tiel and I am awfully bruised and hev got a broken leg. ‘“We waited thar and hollered fer Jack; but he didn’t kem, so Gil hobbled out whar we had left him, and couldn’t find nary trace o’ him though he had left our hosses. “Takin’ ’em Gil got back to us and artera hard time o’ it he got us mounted, and hyar we are on our way fer the city, a lot o’ sorry chaps es ye ever see’d.” “Dye think we had better go back with ye? or can ye go it alone?” “Weare allright now. But, old beaver, ye had better keep away from thet place. Go back with us.” * But Jack?” “He’s got his pony and I reckon Shelby ’Il look out for hisself.” ‘““What do ye say, boys?” asked Rock, turn- ing to his companions. “I say, ef ’em chaps don’t need us, to go to the risky o’ Shelby Jack. Who knows but the reds hev gobbled him up?” answered Big Sandy. “*T chip with ’em!” declared Pete Clark. “Ye sha’n’t say The-Man-from-Texas went I am with ye on Jack’s trail.” “Look hyar, old ’coon,” cried True Bill, *ain’t I alwus stood by ’em es stood by me?” ‘*Every shoot, old pard ; true es a possum shinnin’ a cottonwood!” ‘** Ain’t I hed sum long trails and alwus kem out straight?” “Ye hev; old beaver; and no side show!” affirmed Rock, while wondering what bis friend was driving at. “ Wagh! I reckon a dog’s tail don’t wag fer nothin’! Now look hyar. Don’t ye go any nearer Black Pocket than ye are now!” “Ye are a slick one, old boy, I know ye hev hind sights on yer tongue, but this ’coon is half froze for ha’r! He smells fun in ther air! He won’t rest easy till he knows Jack is all square, sO go on es best ye ken to Mad River. Look out for ’em burts o’ yourn, and be ready to hear sum tall yarns when this ’coon kems back. Dye hyar?” ‘Every chip! Giv’ us yer paw, and don’t fergit what I hev sed. Ef yegit rubbed out, and this old man has life enough to shoulder his pee he'll kiver yer grave with Apasb 8. ee — the hand fer ye. Now git!” Without further delay the parties separated. The one to go safely on to the settlement below; and the other—well, let us see. Riding fearlessly forward, the three soon reached the valley, where they discovered the gigantic rock described by True Bill. i ae Rock gazed under one side that was partially lifted from the ground as it lay eso the bluff that rose perpendicularly above. ‘My gracious!” he cried, ‘‘ Bill war right I can see a man’s form under thar, and o’ course it must be poor Silver Dust! Wal, he war a good boy, and Iam powerful sorry. I—” A terrific noise sounded just above, fairly making the mountain-side tremble. ‘‘ Jeehoosafat! what was that?’ exclaimed Pete, in alarm. ‘Dunno, "less *twar an ’arthquake!” averred Sandy, quickly. “No ’arthquake "bout that!” affirmed Rock. “Hark a moment; we may hear it ag’in.” Though they listened for some time it was not a heard. ‘*T move we ride up a leetle furder and see ef we can’t find out what it war.” “°Greed,” supplemented Clark. ‘*Boyees!” exclaimed The-Man-from-Texas, a a tragical tone, ‘‘thet kem from the Lost ine! ‘‘ All the better, then,” answered the giant. “T reckon this goat ain’t afeered o’ the critters as stop thar.” ‘‘Nor me,” chimed in Pete again. Rock was fain to put on a bold face, part to speak the truth, in his own thoughts he didn’t ‘‘savor much o’ stirrin’ u ks,” and joined his companions as they rode forward. They had not gone far, however, before half a dozen men bounded from the growth and in- tercepted their course. used without a word, Sandy and Clark while exclaimed, in a startled tone: ‘“"Tis the Black Riders!” and he half-raised oe ay when the foremost of the leaguers cried: “Hold! Stand quiet and offer no resistance.” ‘*Not ef this ’coon knows it,” thundered The- Man-from-Texas, and quick as a flash he leveled his weapon at the speder: and the sharp click of the lock instantly followed, but no report! His rifle had missed as those of the Golden Hand and Silver Dust had done when pointed at the masked men ! Nothing daunted, Rock repeated the attempt, to fail ep ‘* Aha!” laughed the leader of the others. “You can fool in that way as much as you choose, but you are our game. You have done well to get him here, mond,” he continued, addressing Big Sandy. ‘But, why didn’t you give him acold hand, and save us the trouble?” “Tve did the best TI c'u’d; didn’t I, Pete?” “That ye hev, old pard,” answered Clark. ‘“Never mind. Do you surrender, Rock Ran- del, without any further resistance?” Rock was dumbfounded. He had been the victim of a shrewd scheme, but it was so unex- pected and sudden that for a moment he could only stare upon his confederates, and attempted no reply. CHAPTER XII. A RACE UNDERGROUND. ONCE more the ruffian band applied their strength to the rope, and a wild, agonizing cry rent the air as the poor girl was lifted slowly upward, until her whole weight was suspended from her delicate thumbs! Meanwhile in Dare was not inactive. As every member of the fiendish horde was watching with satisfaction the inhuman treat- a rendered the maiden, he wrestled with his nds. They had been hastily fastened, and he soon worked them loose. Joy! one hand was free. Tn an instant he had torn the other from the lling ligature; and before any one had turned ‘om the scene in front he had cleared his feet. “Will you tell us the secret of the Golden Hand?” cried the monster. 2 aI though you torture me with untold “ Fire—!” Ere the d o could end his exclamation Dustin Dare bounded forward and dealt him a blow that felled him to the earth, while he seized the desperado’s knife, and then springing to the captive’s side, cut the thongs that suspended her in the air. 3
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10 The Golden Hand. The movement was so quickly and unex- oer done, that it was over before any one ad time to understand it, The maiden had fallen, almost overcome by her sufferings. Knowing that immediate action was his only hope of escape, Silver Dust raised her in his arms and started toward the exit of the cav- ern, just as the horde recovered from their surprise. Springing to his feet like an enraged tiger, the leader yelled, hoarsely; ‘*Surround him, men! Shoot him!” In his haste to escape, Dare had no time to select his course, but rushed for the nearest opening, bearing the helpless girl in his arms as if she were a child. With shouts and curses the banditti hurled themselves close upon his heels, Had Dare been armed he would have felt quite confident of escape, but with only the knife he snatched from. the chieftain’s. belt, he had little to hope for in a last resort. Still, he had. reached the in advance of his foes, and plun zed into the kness that marked its way. If the desperadoes, had not used their firearms it was only because they had not had time. As the miner was disappearing, however, they sent a volley of bullets flying around him, though he was fortunate enough to be spared. ** Follow him up, boys, and he is ours,” cried the foremost; ‘‘that passage leads into the mountain and has no exit!” Dustin Dare heard the words. as well as his ursuers, and his heart sunk; and yet he could Put keep on. As they once entered the darksome way, the bandits as well as their fugitives were obliged to grope their course somewhat slowly. “Quick! a torch!” yelled one. By this time the maiden had so far recovered that. she realized the burden she was to the other. ‘‘T can walk, now,” she said, ‘“‘so please do not let me incumber you so.” ** No incumbrance, I assure you,” he replied, quickly, thonais acceding to her request. ‘‘ Do you know aught of this passage?” “No,” spoken hurriedly. ‘I do not think *tis the one we entered the place by when I was captured.” ‘*T fear then we are lost!” Meanwhile he was going forward as fast as possible. In the blinding blackness it was only through their utmost endeavors that they could advance atall. The pathway seemed strewn with loose rocks and bowlders, while the j wall, formed of sharp angles, ever and anon inter- cepted their course. ustin shielded as best he could his compan- ion, but often she was forced to cry out in pain as they, time and again, fell against the rugged rocks. He was flattering himself that they should escape, as the footsteps of the outlaws seemed Sroduaily dying out, when suddenly a light ap- peared in the distance. They had a torch, and now would soon over- take them! What a wild race followed, Faster and faster the pursuers seemed to gain upon them! Whither should they turn? t could they do? ‘‘ Hunt ’em down!” cried a hoarse voice in the rear. ‘‘A hundred dollars to the man who kills the dog and brings back that girl to me!” It was the chief who spoke and the chase was for life or death. ‘Let mecarry you!” exclaimed Dare, as his companion was unable to keep up with his pace. “No, no! Let me go! You may escape alone.” ‘IT cannot leave you!” and the brave miner more than half carrying her, still hurried on through darkness, not knowing where he was going—only hoping to escape. Nearer and nearer came the mad horde. Still no way of escape save by rushing on—on to what? Soon the pursuers were so close behind that Dustin Dare was forced to pause. “ Tt’s no use to go further!” he panted, and in- stinctively he d his knife, resolved to be defiant until the last. Then, as the desperadoes were so near that he could see their faces by the blaze of the leader’s torch, he drew back into a niche in the ledge, and placing. himself in front of the terrified maid, he waited for them to reach the spot in breathless silence. ? “Quick! we are almost upon them!” cried the Sqrenaish, as he and his followers plunged ahead, Dare saw by the glare of the light that there | amazed man, and before The-Man-from-Texas were a dozen or more of them; and he saw also that, near to him, the pathway diverged into two, while the place where he was standing after extending back a few feet made an angle, an possibly continued in a passage for some istan ce. All that we have noted Silver Dust saw ata glance; and then the mad rabble had reached m. In an instant a daring resolution had formed itself in his mind. The party carried but one torch, and ere the had discovered him, he sprung from his conceal- ment, when, with a well-directed blow, he dash- ed the brand from the man’s grasp. Extinguished by the fall the scene was instant- ly shrouded in a Stygian darkness. A wild yell went up from the disconcerted gang, who had had time to barely catch the gianee of a form darting before them to quick- y disappear. bie wey Dustin Dare regained his companion to seize her in his arms and hurry silently and as swift- ly as ible along his new course. With renewed yells their pursuers paused in a mass. Left. thus suddenly in the gloom they were momentarily bewildered. With rage that found vent in fearful oaths the leader groped for the lost firebrand. At last he held it in his hands and with an ex- ultant cry called for flint and steel to relight it, Seve moments passed, however, before it was accomplished; and then they began anew the chase, to discover the different passages, when again they were at their wits’ en During the interval Dustin Dare was improv- ing his advantage. inding the pathway to continue as he had hoped, he threaded its course somewhat faster than he had been able to previously do as its surface was less uneven and its direction not so much defined with sharp turns. “Shall we escape?” asked the ae anxiously. **T trust so. But I shall be forced to rein Pane you to your own support,” and Dare was orced to acknowledge that the strain of his ex- ertions was beginning to tell. **T know not how to express ay gratitude,” she exclaimed, earnestly. ‘‘I wish you would leave me, for alone I you would escape, while now you may not.” sig ae Teh ee on it again,” he replied, quickly. ‘*May Heaven reward you if I cannot,” and though he could not see the grateful look m- om her countenance the sweet voice ou; donot men- ing thrilled his very being and he seemed more than paid. Ay, already deep down in his heart the maiden the first spark of love. His answer of tenderness, however, was checked by a different though joyous cry. Pre ‘gees of light suddenly shone in the space With exclamations of joy, they soon reached the opening of the underground pass-way. “Thank God we are ved ts Siatulgted Dus- tin, but the words had barely left his lips when he saw that they had come out upon the precipi- tous side of the mountain! Twenty-five feet below lay the valley. As they gazed downward upon a blackened waste of land, unrelieved bya single thing of vegetation, and saw the place hemmed in on eve 5 seca by an insurmountable barrier, Dustin Dare exclaimed in surprise: ‘‘The Lost Mine!” Ere his companion had time to answer, their pursuers were heard close upon them! CHAPTER XIV. BLOWN UP. IN an instant Rock was himself. Snatching his revolvers from his belt, he stood upon the defensive, as he asked, defiantly : ‘What will you have?” ** You, dead or alive!” was the quick reply. “Then why don’t you take me? ‘*Then you surrender ully?”’ “Yes; when I surrender at all!” “Dog of a Texan, don’t hg see your folly? Men, capture him, and if he makes the first move I will send a—” Before the rg irs could tell what he would send and where, k had sprung tg one side of the clearing with the agility of a deer, and at the same moment a bullet from his pistol sent Pete Clark to the earth. The masked leader discharged his own peepnn, but the nimble miner was too quick for Quick, men! surround him!” yelled the | molest you upon the condition wee had time to gain the i tee of the ravine below, he found his retreat cut off. Big Sandy, no longer. disguising his enmity, was the one to meet him first. ‘“Hyar!” shrieked the traitor, “‘reckon yer game’s up!” and with a hasty aim he fired his rifle at the oncoming Texan. But once more Rock was too quick for his assailants. Bounding to the side of the giant he dashed the ruffian’s firearm from his hold even as he pulled the trigger, and, perma his own weapon into the baffled man’s face, fired. With a shriek of yey Big Sandy bit the dust, or at least he fell there. t the same instant too, one of the black leaguers reeled and dropped as if dead. The shot intended for the Texan had struck, by a strange fatality, another than its expected victim ! A volley from the others went hurtling around Rock’s head as he plunged into a neighboring thicket. ‘*Don’t let him escape!” roared the chief in mask, and he had scarcely uttered the command when the remainder of his followers came rush- me SES the scene. *k bounded into the ravine for dear life, while the infuriated league sprung after him. Fleet of foot, the Texan’s escape seemed more than probable, had not a new-comer appeared upon the scene. Just as Rock reached the bottom the Golden Hand dashed into sight, right in front of him. Though he had nothing to fear, as far as he knew, from the mysterious rider of the mus- tang, our adventurer paused in wonder at the other’s sudden appearance. “Hold! Another step and you die!” com- paar: a the unknown, and his rifle covered the itive. t the same instant the League in Black came into sight, when he uttered a cry of amazement, and unconsciously turned from ‘k to face the others. The masked band paused in equal surprise, and the three parties so antagonistic to each — stood for a brief spell motionless, speech- ess. Finally the Golden Hand said: ‘* Why is it, League in Black, that you have so rashly unheeded my warning—that you still remain-in Black Pocket valley?” 7 “T opine Bing? question is not called for, Mis- ter Golden Hand,” was the defiant reply. ‘‘ We are here, and here we are going to stay. Just turn that rifle muzzle of yours aside so we can recapture that dog of a Texan.” “Stand!” came the clear reply, and the speak- er eyed them with the watchfulness of a tiger guarding its prey. The masked leader muttered an oath, but re- mained without moving. “Let us have the Texan and we won’t molest you,” he exclaimed. - “Never! Why do you make war upon him?” “He has killed two of our friends.” ‘But not long since you claimed to be more than mortal. How is it, then, that he has slain two of your number?” 5M ; “Oh, they were not of our spirit league, but earthly friends,” ‘“‘ Bah! I have no time for such folly. ioe in Black, I warned you out of the valley, and by defying me you have sealed your own doom— every man of you. Ha! two of you are cng se now. Where are they? Did not my knife fin their life-blood? Leave the Texan tome. Though Iam no friend to him, I will not see him hunted to death by you. Dare to molest him while he is in the Lost Mine lead and I will hasten your fearful doom. Away, while you can.” “We will go,” cried the leader, fiercely, “* but not as you wish. We are still a league of twelve, and we defy you to lessen our number.” With the defiant speech the masked man slow- ly slunk back from the way he had come, and his confederates followed his example. “‘ Rock Randel,” said the Golden Hand then, i.why do you still stay in the Black Pocket val- ey?” ‘*T came to find my friend.” “ He is dead, is he not?” ae Yes. ” “Then you have nothing to keep you here now?” ‘ pat a chip.” “Will you leave and never attempt to enter the Lost Mine if I suffer you to de in peace?” ** Jess let this ’coon hut ‘it, and he will never ask to look on this spore place ag’in. Jeems Stopple! my skulp feels queer now.” ~- All right, Rock Randel, I ob eige not to
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—__- — - - The Golden Hand. here forever. Remember, if you break your word to me, your death shall be the forfeit.” ‘*T reckon this ’coon knows beaver from ’pos- sum. So fer once he gits. Goodluck, old pard and if ye ever git into a tight scratch, jess send for Rock Randel.” Then The-Man-from-Texas turned down the ravine, and, to use his own words, ‘‘ huffed it like mad.” Watching him until out of sight, the Golden Hand rode swiftly away in an opposite direc- tion. “« Jeeman!” muttered Rock to himself, ‘‘ I got out o’ thet fix slick es a rattler shinnin’ a le! Wal, poor Silver Dust is gone under and ill hes gone to the city, so I have nothin’ to keep me up hyar. I reckon ’tain’t no place for me. This spook bizness don’t give a chap no show fer fun. Howsumever, I should like to show a dozen o’ old Texas Rangers up this way. Guess ’em chaps in mournin’ would think their funeral —” Rock had been rapidly advancing while re- volving the thoughts in his mind, and his medi- tations were abruptly ended by the sound of a es in the dense growth that lined the ra- e. Ever on the alert for danger he instantly leaped one side just as a lasso went whirring above the spot, to fall harmlessly by his side. He had escaped the trap set for him, but be- fore hecould escape any further attack, half a dozen men sprung upon him, and in the twink- oe an eye he was borne to earth, and in spite of his mad resistance overpowered. “At last, Man-from-Texas, you are our game,” cried the exultant leader’ of the assail- ants, and Rock saw the League in Black swarming about him. “What are you going to do with him?’ queried one. ‘Take him to Big Sandy, and let him fix bis punishment.” ““Good! Tl warrant we shall have no more to fear from him.” Then Rock was placed upon his feet, and with his hands bound behind him, was made to walk between a couple of the masked men, while the remainder of the party followed close upon their heels. A few minutes’ travel brought them to the rock-ridge which barred the entrance to the Lost Mine. They were near the base of the mountain and where formerly existed the pass to Black Pocket. Rock saw to his surprise that work had been commenced to blast away the huge bowlder that had filled the pathway. Men were even then at work upon the task, and were evidently laboring in conjunction with the league. He bent all er lation, al ever, b @ appearance 0 Sandy, who, with his head bandaged up, came forward, smil- ing like a demon. ‘So ye hev got ‘im?’ ‘¢ Yes: and leave his fate in your hands.” ‘Wal, that’sclever! I'll fix ’im.” After a few moments’ conversation with the chief of the leaguers, Sandy turned to Rock, saying: ‘Look a-hyar, Cap’in Randel, on one condi- tion we will spare your life.” “Wal, spit it out. 1 reckon I ain’t a gone coon yet.” : “Swear thet you’ll wipe out thet Golden Hand and ye ar’ free to go. Will ye do it?” ‘“No,” replied Rock, tersely. “Fool! Ye throw away yer only chance fer life! Yeshall die the awfulest death we can get fer ye. Yeshall be blown up!” “Makes nary difference. No side show with Rock Randel. Blow me = ae i and when I kem back I’ll dig yer funeral, true es I live!” ‘Bah! let him die as he deserves!” cried the _nasked leader. ‘We can take care of that Golden Hand.” / “B im "long, boyees,” yelled Big Sandy. ‘‘ Bf we don’t git sum sport out o’ this may I wed, too!” ine rabble drag. The-Man-from-Texas for- ward to the spot where they had begun to clear th “ ash hands and feet, and then put ’im on top the rock. Thar’sa — all ready fer ’im and ef ’tain’t big enough to h’ist im sky-high it won’t drop ’im below the a 0’ the mountain!” Many and many times had Rock faced deadly ril, but never it seemed to him was he so near death. In fact, as his captors threw him upon the top of the ledge, and pre to fire the fuse 43 closed his oes and the spark of hope died out. “Hooray!” yelled Big Sandy as he applied (a esses ses sess esses the spark of fire to the match; ‘‘a purty ride fer ye, Rock Randel!” and the ruffian hurried to join his companions, who had sought safety further down the valley. Slowly the fire crept along the fatal line, and the demoniac horde wate its course with fiendish satisfaction. Poor Rock! an awful moment for him. Un- told the agony he suffered. “See!” cried Big Sandy, “’tis almost there! Ha—ha—ha, Ruck Randel! reckon ye’ll wish ye hed taken up—” A sudden sh-sh-ssh drowned his words, and as a flash darted from the rock, a report so deafening, so terrific that it fairly made the mountain-side tremble, awoke the valley and resounded far down the rugged country. Then the air was literally filled with the frag- ments of stone hucled upward with lightning- like velocity. Amid the clouds of rocks and dust was —_ ly seen the form of the doomed man, hurtled up —up, until with the debris around him he seemed but a speck in the sky! CHAPTER XV. INTO BLACK POCKET. **We are lost!” exclaimed Dustin Dare’s fair companion, and as they heard their pursuers fast reaching them, and saw that all further retreat was cut off by the perpendicular descent before them, it seemed truly so. Silver Dust glanced hurriedly around for some ee of escape, but none presented itself and his heart sunk. To attempt to descend to the valley would be certain death. He realized ina breath how hopelessly they were hemmed in, and with his coolness prepared to sell his life as dearly as ible. **Must those dreadful men get us?’ cried the maiden in terror. ‘Oh, I had rather die!” ‘Be brave, lady, and I trust we shall escape. There must be some way to get from here,” and he crawled out of the cavern upon the very brink of the cliff, lanced down into the With a shudder he dark depths below; and then, as he looked up- ward, a glad cry came from his li Growing upon the side of the mountain some feet above was a tree of considerable size, and one of its branches had grown to such a length that it had bent down over the ledge and was within his reach. He saw that near the trunk of the tree was a surface of a few feet in extent where a foot- hold could be easily gained. In an instant he had formed the wild resolu- tion of scaling the ledge to the place by the aid of the limb. True, he might be no better off then, but he fancied he saw a chance from there to descend to the valley. At least they could be no worse off and ing the maiden to him he began the perilous undertaking. Be this time the banditti were almost upon em. Grasping the girl firmly in his right arm Dustin seized the branches in his other hand, and with her welcome aid began the steep ascent, For a moment it seemed as if both must be precipitated into the valley, but at last after almost superhuman exertions they gained the little plateau. “Thank Heaven for that!” exclaimed Dustin Dare, as he fell back against the tree nearly exhausted. At the moment the desperadoes reached the exit of the cavern. Listening in breathless silence our fugitives nae Fy them moving to the brink of the dizzy ight. one sai ‘*More’n Jikely then thet they were killed,” ““ Of course; such a fall would smash them all to bits!” “Very well: it has saved us a little trouble. Iam glad they have perished, for it wouldn’t be just the thing for us to have them living, knowing what they do of our retreat. But come; let’s go back. It’s time we should have a call from that old Apache chief. You know he was to bring us ae e scalps of that League n Black.” As the words died away they heard no more of their foes; and after a few minutes they began to look for some way of escape. “IT think we have no more to fear from them,” said Silver Dust, encouragingly. “Oh, Tam so glad!” she murmured. “ But, how can we get away from this horrible place? Oh, I shudder as I look down from here!’ ‘That looks to me like a chance to descend,” said Dare, pointing to a rift in the ledgy moun- see must have fallen off into the gorge,” | 11 em, and anon moving quite easily along, they finally reached the bottom. The place they had entered was, as we have already said, entirely destitute of all vegeta- tion. Its surface was quite broken and a more dismal tract of country it would be hard to con- ceive of, much more to find. The valley was perhaps a mile or more in length and nearly as wide. ‘This must be the Lost Mine, as it is called,” said Dustin Dare, as they gazed anxiously around. ‘*But, look!” exclaimed the other, ‘there seems no escape, for we are walled in on every hand by a rata cliff. And what a drear, gloomy hole!” Silver Dust had not the courage to tell his companion that there was no escape from Black Pocket. Never had he been in a place of such utter loneliness. “Have you sustained no inj in our peril- ous adventure?” he asked, somewhat anxiously. Little wonder if he begun to feel ‘a more than common interest in the fair unknown, for she was a maiden of surpassing loveliness, and better still, of gentle deportment. Ay, he had already learned to love her, and as he gazed upon her sunny features, and waving brown hair, she seemed to him the most beautiful crea- ture he had ever met. ‘‘No; thanks to your bravery,” she replied, in her sweet tones. ‘ But I hardly know how you will receive your reward, for I feel. that any word of mine would be but a poor compen- sation.” ‘*Nay, my fair friend, allow me to differ with you there. I am more than paid for all the danger [ have passed, with the conscious- ness that I have been so favored as to aid you. And you must remember that my life was at stake as well as oo But, Miss— Pardon me, but I fain would know your name. I trust we are to know each other better.” ‘‘Oh, thanks. My name is Real Greenwood. And now you must return the favor, Sir Stran- ger,” she said, with an arch smile. ‘“Real Greenwood,” repeated Silver Dust ; “what a pretty name.” “But, will you please tell me yours? I do not like to be at a disadvantage.” ‘*Pardon me; mine is Dustin Dare.” ‘* Odd and pretty, too.” “‘T am glad you think so. But if you are not too tired, su we begin an exploration of this place. is must be Black Pocket, and, if so, I fear there is no escape from it.” “Black Pocket?’ Greenwood asked in surprise. “Yes,” answered Dustin, in wonder. ‘You have heard of it before?’ “Most assuredly. y owner of the fearful place. ““What!” exclaimed Dare, with increased sur- — ‘you can’t be the daughter of Russel reenwood, who first came here with the Red- mond brothers?’ ‘He is my uncle. Oh, what a fearful time that must have been.” ‘You are indeed right. But I trust we shall get away without trouble.” “There is but one place of exit, I have been told, but surely we can find that.” ‘“Yes; but I have been told that that is now impassable. It has been filled with huge bow]- ders from the mountain-side. However, we will not despair until we know the worst. And as we try to find the pass I shall be pleased to hear the story of your captivity. Surely you are the same person who sought protection from the miners camped on the stream below here last night?” “Yes; and what a dreadful time I have had, though it don’t seem much to tell. ‘“*My home is on Mad river, away to the easi, of the city. Day before yesterday, while a short distance from our house, as I was riding to a friend’s, I was suddenly seized and over- powered by a lot of savages. ‘Without being able to warn my folks of my capture, [ was carried off by the Apaches to their village. But, as if in answer to my piay- rt succeeded by a bold attempt in escaping, the fiends, reached you and when we were all oH ner “At first I thought those d men in black were my friends; but when I plead for them to return and save you, I learned mv mistake, father was a part
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= form! 12 ‘Soon they were pursued by a strange horse- man, who was quickly joined by others. From what I have heard, the first was the Golden Hand. We had not gone far before we were so closely pressed by him and his companions that my captors were forced to separate, and in the confused flight I was rescued, and recaptured for the third time. ‘* My new captors proved the banditti of the cave, and thither I was borne. ‘The rest you well know, and I feel that I owe my life to you. But, how my parents must be suffering over my fate. Help me reach my home in safety, and you shall be richly paid for your trouble.’ “‘T can ask no. higher pay than to know that T am main | you. t assured I will do all in my power for you.” **T do not doubt it.” Before he could reply, a fearful concussion made the mountains and valley shake as if convulsed by an earthquake, and the air was filled with a mass of matter. Then, as they gazed in. wonder upon the startling scene, they saw a huge agi uiver- ing for a moment in mid-air, where it been thrown by a pomente agency, to suddenl shoot downward with frightful velocity, ana, striking the ground a few rods distant, tear up a hill of dirt as it was buried half of its enor- mous size in the hard earth by the force of its fall. Approaching the spot with wonder they saw that: tt was a gi antic bowilder. ‘But look, Mr, Dare, what is that lying upon it?’ asked Real Greenwood, in greater surprise, as they saw a dark object resting on its top. Olinging to its rugged surface was a human CHAPTER XVI. A NARROW ESCAPE. “Sen!” exclaimed Real, in amazement, “it isa man! And he moves!’ The figure had indeed fallen from the rock. a the spot in surprise Dustin bent over the form, to cry in a startled tone: “Tt is Rock Randel!” “Ts he hurt?” ‘“‘T fear he is dead,” said Silver Dust, as he carefully moved the limp and senseless one away to an easier resting-place. ‘‘But how in the world did he come here in this way?” and he tried to restore the other. It did seem a miracle, but The-Man-from- Texas really lay before them. To all appear- ances he was unharmed, save several bruises and scratches that to a mountaineer “ war of no ’count ennyway.” “ Will— ! he moves!” A moment later Rock began to show signs of eturning consciousness. . ** Jeems peer whar am I?’ he cried starting with a look of wonder. ‘“‘ Whew! but warn’t the stars thick! I jess—hookey, Silver Dust, may I be blown like a sky-rocket ef ye don’t s’prise me! No, hold pax ap ef ’tain’t yer spook!” and he ep s Dustin Dare, unable to credit his own senses, gazed upon him in silence. * Are youa spook?” asked Rock after a mo- ment, as he rubbed his eyes and looked, wildly around. ‘“No, Rock; Iam flesh and blood. But 1 was never so surprised in my life. Tell me how you came here.” ‘Gracious alive! seems to me that I don’t know myself! Let’s see; it’s pesky queer!” ‘* But are you hurt?” ‘‘Not much I reckon, though my head feels a leetle queer and I’m stiff as a mountain sheep arter arace!”’? and he gained his feet, starin wildly around him. ‘‘ Whar am we, ennyway ‘* In Black Pocket.” “Black Pocket? Did thet rock bring me hyar?” “Yes; but tell me the mystery. The first we saw you were coming down from the region above lying upon that piece of rock tied hands and feet.” “Wal, I begin to tell. But I war never so completely winded before. Silver Dust, old beaver, may I be taken for a live Injun ef Tain’t been blown up!” “Blown up?” ““ Yes; L reckon, and down too.” Then Rock pelea his met Ey santas ag A In making ti ar erates, age in Blac had of pas. So drilled throw the shattered rock toward the Lost Mine; an Rock, into the air on the lar; piece, upon it until it came down into the Black Pock- oa Receiving the same momentum as the The Golden Hand, stone, he had suffered only a severe shock when it struck; and thus he was saved from further adventures.* “*Tt was one chance in a thousand,” ejaculated Dustin Dare,as he listened to the thrilling recital. But we will not dwell upon the explanations that followed. ‘“* Wal, we are in for it now,” exclaimed Rock at their conclusion. ‘“ That League in Black are clearing the pass, and by to-morrow they will Ret in hyar. en kems fun!” = you sure there is no other exit?” ‘*Sartin sure.” we we are prisoners until our foes let us ou ‘‘Kezactly. But, Silver Dust, you mustn’t think they’ll do that jess es we will want ’em to, They ain’t such fools as to kem in hyar without a guard at the and our chance of escape is pesky small. Howsumever, Rock Randel ain’t one to whine, and he’d a pesky sight ruther be hyar than go on that cruise ’mong the stars in. Jeeman! won’t that be a big yarn to tell when we git back to camp?” ‘Tf we ever do,” added Dare, with a shake of the head. ‘‘But we can do no better than to make an exploration of the place.” The valley was divided by a considerable ridge of earth and rocks, extending about three- fourths of its length. This eminence and astrip of the bottom alongside were covered with the remains of a thick bbery that the fire had not consumed, The remainder of Black Pocket, as far as could be seen, was a blackened waste, unrelieved by a growth, except a fringe on the outer edge. ‘*Look there!” exclaimed Real, as they turn- ed from the spot to explore their surroundings. Her companions were hardly less startled, as they beheld the bleached and charred remains of human beings. Further away were the bones of animals. ee a tole ye,” = ogg wif be perish ere when Gasper Horn an e Apaches fired the valley.” ‘‘ Oh, it must have been awful!” declared Real, with a shudder. Half a dozen or more of the ghastly, inning skeletons were found scattered here and there. ‘Then the story of those who died here was no hoax,” said Dustin Dare. ‘“No,” affirmed Rock; ‘thar war a dozen 0’ ’em ’sides the wimmin folks and some Injuns, and they war all rubbed out. But hark! d’ye hear thet?” “Ah, they are blasting away the obstruction from the pass,” declared Silver Dust, as the click of a drill and the sound of the strik- er’s hammer was heard. “You are right. They mean bizess, old coon. Ha! look thar!” A loud report had suddenly broke upon the valley, and a cloud of dust and pieces of stone filled the air. ‘“°Twon’t take ’em — to kem through at thet rate,” exclaimed Rock. ‘“‘ What are your plans?” asked Dare. ‘Wal, I reckon as we had better look round for a hiding-place. Ef ’em coyotes see us when they git in hyar, it will be our funerals. We ain’t got nary weepon ’cept thet knife o’ yourn, and nothing to eat; and all we can do is to keep shady till the varmints cl’ar the pass, and then make a strike for freedom.” y “*T don’t know as we See reac pee? than fol- ow your suggestions,” admi ustin. ile t velien aa “ to me we can find no better cache than under that bluff.” Acting under Rock’s lead, in Dare and Real Greenwood followed him toward the place indicated. In reality they were all too much exhausted from the hardships and adventures they had ex- perienced to go far. Amid the rocks and remains of the once thick undergrowth, they found partial protection: and were fain to remain there and wait for fur- ther developments. A few hours d thus; the sun had disap- peared behind the mountains, and the shadows were warning them of the close approach of night, when a sharp, clinking noise was borne to their ears. It seemed to come from the earth near at hand, and sounded like the regular strokes of a ‘* Jeems Stopple!” exclaimed The-Man-from- Texas, as they listened to the sounds so sudden- ly arousing them, ‘‘’tis the spirit miners of this *tarnal place?” *To many this incident may seem too incredible for belief, but we are knowing to its actual occurrences. UTHOR. "6 go. “Nonsense, Rock! But, what are those sounds? They do seem like pickers at work.” “They ar’, and ’tis as I tell ye! Spooks are— Jeeman! look thar! The Blacks are tearing the mountain all to pieces!” og League in Black had made another Again the air was filled with splintered rocks. periame and valley shook as if by an earth uake. Quickly following the deafening report was 4 wild, triumphant shout. It hardly died away when a series of unearth ly yells, such as only the red-men of the West can utter, followed, prolonged into a soul-sick- ening shriek. ; Rock started nervously, and his companions listened in breathless silence. ‘* The Apaches are with ’em like mad bufflers!” ejaculated the Texan. ‘‘Thet yell tells, too, that they hev done their work. It won’t be long afore we shall see their pesky pictures!” The confusion at the pass hardly lulled. : Other blasts were speedily made by the horde trying to force their way into the Lost Mine. An hour of anxious waiting passed, when they were again startled by renewed yells from the pare. ‘<'They’ll belong ’fore many spells!” declared Rock. ‘‘Look sharp fer yerself then. I’m madder than a stung rattler to think I’m hyar in Black Pocket without even a toothpick to show for my independence!” The sounds that had so surprised them had suddenly stopped, and a stillness of death hung over the place, save the cries of the mad rabble at the cut. “Here, men, clear away that bowlder in the front and our way is open tothe Black Pocket,” said the leader of the masked horsemen, exult- antly. ‘At last we are within the reach of our treasure. But, Big Sandy, you are to see that your reds do not come inside the mine.” “T reckon I know,” was the rather sullen re- sponse, though under his breath he muttered, “guess ye don’t fool me out o’ the lion’s share.” he way was clear and the strange riders dashed forward. The three saw the League in black ride boldly into the valley, and they started in wonder as they saw that their number was unbroken! CHAPTER XVIL. FOES AND FRIENDS. TOWARD the close of the same day that the League in Black rode into Black Pocket, two heavy, covered wagons, drawn by three mules each, might have been seen moving slowly up the valley which lay below the Lost Mine. Besides the drivers, half a dozen coarsely- dressed men, mounted upon small, hardy horses, rode in the train, while occasionally a woman’s head was seen at the wagon’s front. ‘“Can we reach there to-night?” asked one at last of a large-framed man, who seemed to be the leader. “T fear not. We shall soon find the way more broken. However, we will not think of stopping for the night until we find it impossi- ble to reach there. ‘‘Hurry up, then, boys,” said the other, and the train quickened its pace for a few moments, to relapse into its former slow pace after a few mth a ogressed far, h bef: ey had not pr , however, before the sound of hoof-strokes caused them to pause. ‘‘It may be one of the boys coming to meet us,”’ said the leader, as ordering a halt. i e next moment the Golden Hand came into sight. Drawing rein in front of them with evident surprise, he exclaimed: ‘‘TIn mercy’s name! why did you not stay at home as I sent word to you?” } ‘Sent to us? what has happened?” cried the other in amazement. 4 ‘‘Happened? The whole Apache nation, I should judge by their numbers, has swarmed into the valley? “‘ But they will not. molest us?” _ “Tam not so sure. Long Wind is dead and they are led now by a renegade white. They are on the war-path and mean mischief!” ‘* How are the boys?” , ‘All right as far as I know. But it is im- possible to enter the Pocket. And, worse still, a party of twelve men styling themselves the League in Black bave blown the rock out of East Pass and by this time are in the mine!” ‘Then we are booked for war!” “‘ Worse than that Ifear! 1 have just barely escaped with my life and to go back to the Pocket will be like courting death!” }
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shall we do?” “Send the teatns back with the women and the rest of us must go to the rescue of our friends.” ‘“‘ Agreed. But shall we incur too much risk if we bivouac here to-night?” ‘Risk? Better turn the teams as quick as possible, and don’t let them rest till they are far from here!” “ Hark!” exclaimed the other, ‘‘ I hear the red demons even now! By ee I think you are right. Here, Mosco and done, do you make the best ened possible for home.” * That we will,” replied the twain in chorus. They were obeying the mandate, when for the second time a horseman rode up to the place, this time ata mad canter. Startled, the little party threw their firearms to their shoulders, which were quickly lowered, however, when the stranger cried: “* Hold up, friends. . Don’t you know me?” ‘Harris Greenwood!” exclaimed one and all. “Yes. How is it I find you here?” ‘We were on our way to Black Pocket.” ‘‘What? Are you aware that the valley is alive with red-skins?” ““We have just been warned of it, and are eter ag turn back. But, what has brought you ere?’ “Have you not heard that Real has been car- ried off by the Apaches?” ‘‘Real carried off a captive? When did it Papen! and have you found nothing of her?” ‘No. We missed her night before last and I have known no rest since in trying to find her. Oh, I fear she has been inhumanly butch- ered by the savages, or—I dare not contemplate the fate which she may have met!” “T have seen her,” said the Golden Hand, quickly. ‘She was captured by the Indians to be taken from them by a gang of men called the League in Black, when the last party were attacked by a band of outlaws that have their retreat somewhere in the mountain. I have tried my best to save her, but I have only found that Real is now in the power of the banditti.” “Better there than in the hands of the sava- ges, but may God have mercy upon her!” ‘*Well may you say so,” said the rider of the mustang. ‘ But, Dimon,” he added, turning to the leader of the train, ‘‘ you had better turn our teams homeward as quickly as possible. It will soon be dark.” “That we will at once,” and the teamsters were instructed to that effect. As the animals were slowly headed for the south, he addressed as Dimon looked wistfully up the valley. * How long,” he muttered, “‘must this con- tinue thus? Hark! I hear the red fiends now. And, by my life, I think they must be in the Pocket!” “Ten to one!” cried the Golden Hand. “But, Dimon, hadn’t you and the boys better keep with the teams til) they are beyond danger? You can come back then; and Harris and I will o on toward the Lost Mine. I am anxious to ow the meaning of those yells. I fear the boys are in trouble.” : “T am afraid you are right. You can expect us back along before morning.” With the words the parties separated. As the wagons were started southward on the home trail it alarmed the female occupants; and in answer to their questions they were in- formed of the dangers besetting a continggmce of the journey to the Lost Mine. ; “But, never fear,” said Dimon; ‘“‘we will escape without harm; and as soon as this dis- turbance is over, return without dread of mo- lestation. Had we dreamed the Apaches were on the war-path we would not have ventured here now.” ; i Thus thinking that they had avoided all peril, the party moved down the valley until com- pelled to stop for the darkness. ‘We will camp here. to-night,” the leader said, ‘‘and in the morning resume the course homeward. Or at least all of you but two, who will go on to Black Pocket with me.” Forming a partial protection by placing the wagons inan angle upon one side, and tether- ing the animals near at hand, the emigrants partook of the food they had with them, and prepared otherwise for the darkness which had crept on a, . y “Come, boys,” said the leader, “ while the rest look ont for affairs here, and see to the morrow’s journey, we will go to the aid of those at the Lost Mine.’ The two who had been core sy to accom- pany him, quickly mounted t horses, and i a ee ee a Oe Se ee ee ee i a 13 Pocket. Following the course the wagons had passed over, they made quite rapid progress for a tim e. They had not ridden far, however, when again they heard yells from the direction of the Pocket. This time they were wilder than before, and as they rode on the sounds increased in volume with a fierce ring. ‘““My God! we have dallied too long!” cried Dimon. ‘‘ All that hue and cry isn’t for nothing! Let’s ride faster!” But this last. was well-nigh impossible. The country was now more broken and often their animals were forced to move at a walk. “Head for the bottom. It is not so ru there,” said one; but the words had barely left = lips when a rifle-shot rung from the growth ahead. Reining up impetuously, they heard others follow in rapid succession. ‘‘Some one is in peril!” ejaculated Dimon. “Come, let’s ride for the timber yonder, and see what is going on.” Riding cautiously forward they crossed the stream that was to their left, and approached diagonally the scene of the confusion. In a moment they heard the sound of rushing bodies, and then a groan issued from the thicket. ‘*Quick!” cried Dimon, “that was Harris Greenwood’s voice. He has been attacked by foes. Let’s to his rescue.” ‘ As the three dashed out into the slight open- ing where the starlight made it quite bright they saw a horseman rushing past. In the brief moment they recognized the Golden Hand, but instead of riding pred fe — he was moun upon a coal-black orse! CHAPTER XVIII. A BAND OF BROTHERS. As the League in Black rode into Black Pocket they paused in front of the hiding fugi- tives. ““ Where’s the lead?” asked one. It must be toward the western side,” replied the leader. ‘‘ We will ride that way and see,” and the strange-looking cavalcade started to- ward the northern end of the ridge. “This is pesky skittish for ~— ejaculated Rock. ‘‘Howsumever, it won’t do ter us to show our heads yet awhile. Hear ’em var- mints a-takin’ on up to the Reckon I should like to hev "bout two score o’ Texan boys round! Jeems Stopple! guess there’d be some tall fun!” They watched the league until the masked riders had disappeared in the valley above. | Still the savages kept up their deafening yells. Slowly night crept on and it began to be quite dark in the Pocket. Soon after the Black Riders returned and halted at the mouth of* the pass. ““Pr’aps they’ll go ’bout their bizness, and let us leave hyar as soon as dark,” Rock observed. Their hopes began to rise as they finally saw the band ride into the pass-way and disappear. “We'll escape to-night or my name ain’t Rock Randel,” exclaimed The-Man-from-Texas, as the last of the gang went out of sight. ‘*T hope so,” were his companions’ words. Not daring to leave their covert until long after dark, and the sounds of the red-skins ha died away, the time apes tediously to them. “Kem,” whispered Rock at last, “it’s time we war moving. Now be pesky keerful, fer ‘tis life or death. Gin me yer knife ’cause ’m more used to it than you. . You keep yer club in yer hand, Silver Dust. Miss Real must keep clus behind you, while I will lead.” Moving as noiselessly as shadows in the dim starlight, the three crossed the barren waste of land, until they reached the base of the cliff that shut Black Pocket out of the world, as it were. “Now, es we scout along in the dark hyar, jess keep yer peepers on thet opening.” : ae he utmost caution, Rock neared e pass. Nothing was heard now of the enemy outside. and they hoped with a reason that they had e Fi the cut was reached, and nothing had to alarm them. Crawling to the moutb, Rock paused and listened. By a was to be ae or heard. ‘They are pesky still, anyway. 4 Oh, I hope they have gone!” ejaculated - eee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeEEOeEeEeeeEEEOEeeeeeEeeeeeeeee ‘*Hist!” commanded the Texan, a moment later, as Dare was about to speak, “‘they are there!” “How do you know?” asked the others, in surprise, for they had discovered nothing to warn them of such an unwelcome event. **Know? Can’t ye hear their horses? And, as I live, I hear one o’ their guards walking *bout! ar’s no mistake; we are penned in!” Now that their attention had been called to it, his companions fancied they could hear the designated sounds. ith The-Man-from-Texas it was no fancy, he well knew. “Must we give pte gl hope of escape?’ asked Dustin Dare, as they stood listening to the slight disturbance outside, “Not while we bev a bit o’ wind to draw,” declared Rock. ‘‘See hyar, Silver Dust, I am goin’ to do a leetle spyin’. D’ye jecs stay byar with Miss Real, and don’t yo move ‘less ye are driv’ to it, while I'll crawl long the pass and see what thar is at t?otherend. Mind ye don’t git oneasy ef I don’t kem back afore daylight, less ye hear me gi’n my whistle, when ye may know I hev got gobbled up, and ye had better t for our hiding-place like mad. Arter thet o what ye think is best. But I don’t tend to let ’em ie 187 funeral. Sharp's the word, and don’t git skeery. . Hyar I go,’ With this : inal Senne BOCK grea the pass-way, and began to crawl slowly forward. Dustin and Real watched him aarienaly un- til his form faded from sight in the darkness. Then time wore slowly on and they heard nothing from. him. ‘Where can he be?” asked Real, at-last, un- able to bear the suspense longer without speak- ing. He has met with no mishap or he wouid have warned us,” replied Silver Dust. ‘ Try and keep up hope a little longer. He will doubtless ars plea ; i ey into silence, and still Rock id not return, 1 Fully an hour had passed and Dare was be- ginning to grow nervous as well as his com- panion. ‘He must come back soon,” he said. ‘What if he don’t?” “Then. we must look out for ourselves. Hark! I thought I heard a cry from the savages.” The words had scarcely left his lips when a wild, terrifying shriek awoke the stillness of the night. Dustin and Real started with dread forebod- ings. Weds either could speak a sharp whistle rung on the air, coming from the same way as the war- whoop. “ Rock has fallen among the savages!” ex- claimed Silver Dust, in dismay... Real Greenwood was for the moment the sounds that the uproar was almost deafening. Mingling with the cries, too, was the report of fire-arms. : To Real, though used to border life, the con- fusion was terrible, and she could not help shud- dering as she shrunk inst her companion. Leading her tly forward with words of encouragement, in started toward the spot where they had found their covert before. He had scarcely turned, however, when he paused in dismay. Coming up from the center of the Pocket, he saw a y of men approaching him! They seemed to discover thim at the san:e moment, for they instantly threw their rifles to their shoulders, Real came near, uttering a cry of terror. Seeing that it was letpomibiyee — Silver Dust was forced to meet them, though his heart sunk within him. ; “Don’t fire, boys!” they heard the foremost say. ‘‘Qne of them is a woman, and they may be friends.” ; Something in the man’s tone seemed not alto- gether that of a ruffian’s, and Dustin Dave was emboldened to say: “We are to the peaceful.” ‘Good! Who are you?” the leader asked, as he came nearer. ‘““We are'prisoners in this place, We had a
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14 friend, Rock Randel, who left us a little while ago to scout out our enemy, but by the cries we fear he has been captured. By this time the men had reached them, and they saw that there were four of them, all tall, sp ia miners, as their garbs indicated the ast. ‘““We have heard of Rock Randel, and are glad to meet friends of his, for his friends are ,our friends. But I fear something of more than common moment has eab co > a oA here. Ah! pardon me; but are you not Harris Greenwood’s daughter?” ‘*T am Real Greenwood,” replied our heroine. ‘* And you are Leon Redmond ‘You are right, fair lady; and these are three of my brothers.” “Glad are we to meet you, too, Miss Green- wood, though we wish it was under pleasanter circumstances,” greeted the others. ‘‘ Excuse me,” cried Leon, ‘‘but if I mistake not we have work on hand. Have not the Black ae cleared the pass?’ he asked of Dave. “ es, “Then they are likely to enter the Pocket at any instant.’ ‘Ha! they are coming now!” exclaimed one of the others. “Forward, then, quick! If they come with- in the cliff we are lost!” CHAPTER XIX. LEAGUER No. 10. As the three miners dashed across the opening, and the Golden Hand disa) to the right, an- other horseman came into sight from above. At first glance they saw that it was Harris Green- wood, and he was hotly pursued. “ Quick! for the bottom!"’ he cried, as he saw the party. “The red-skins are co ts Then a wild yell rung from the growth, and a horde of savages sprung forward Dimon and his com Greenw and ip an instant all had disappeared in the ravine below. With increased yells, the Apaches followed. For a few moments wild excitement Mounted upon their sure-footed horses, while the pap mn ne afoot, the whites soon escaped without a scratch. and if we ot! I fear here! Ten to one they will discover the teams, and then our friends are lost. We must ride down and see to their safety.” Spurring their horses quickly forward, they started down the valley. Dashing through a line of shrubbery that skirted the bank of the stream, they came into the bottom, where they were enabled to make better 5 H reenwood was in advance, and the others close behind him, when a rush was suddenly heard in the growth. Then, ere they could understand the movement, a party of horsemen bounded out of their conceal- ment, and surrounding the, four miners, swept upon them with such power t almost in the twrinklin, of an eye twoo The Golden Hand. “what reason have you for this treatment? We have no war with you, and it will be best for you to let us go peaceful on our way.” a 1’ yelled the other, ‘‘ you don’t know what you are saying, Dimon Redmond!” Wilder and higher rung the sounds from below. arris Greenwood and his companions fairly groaned aloud. Dimon Redmond aroused by the unknown’s words struggled fiercely with his bonds, the movements cau his horse to leap forward, and for an in- stant if seemed that he would escape. “Stop the brute!’ cried the leader. ‘Death to the one who lets either of them escape.” Acouple of the leaguers had succeeded in check- ing ond’s horse, when a rider was heard com- ing through the growth, and approaching them. Look sharp!”’ exclaimed No. 1. * It mag besteer Ina moment the horseman had come boldly into sight. A single glance showed that he was one of the League in Black. “Ho! where have you dallied?” greeted the chief. “ Had to run the gantlet of five hundred enemies!" blurted out the other. ‘*Enemies? Where did you see them?” rs Right at the foot of the mountains. But you needn't be alarmed, I wiped him out!”’ “Him? You said there were five hundred! Ex- plain yourself.” **Don't the Golden Hand count five hundred? It was him I met and rubbed out.” “* Have you killed the Golden Hand?” “Tf IT hain’t ‘twan’t my fault. You needn’t fear him any more.” **Good upon your head, No. 10. Now we will take our prisoners to the camp, and give ’em over to the “Sho! So you have caught these chaps? Wal, that’s clever,” and the speaker e one of the guard over the captives as they started up the valley. Follo their leader the masked riders rode | slowly up the hollow panions followed the lead of | All the while the wild confusion was raging fur- ther down the gorge. As a rode through the growth it was quite dark, and the Leaguer No. 10 pressed close to the side of Dimon Redmond. Then the latter heard him whisper: “T am oing to cut your bonds. Ride for your | life when I do! Redmond came near giving an exclamation of sur- prise. Still the horsemen moved slowly on, often obliged to TO emong somewhat as the growth me thicker. ere the forest was the darkest, Dimon Red- mond felt the thongs cut from his hands, and then | he was free! them were hurled from their - | dles, while the others were covered with half a | “Hold, or you die!’ thundered a hoarse voice. * Bind them, boys, quick, for your lives!” To their amazement the discomfited miners beheld ein Biack. !” laughed the leader, as a of his followers secured the fallen men, while remain- der held Greenwood and Dimon inactive before their weapons, ‘Your gameisup! We have runyou to the end of your race!” Harris Greenwood had no reply to offer. For once in his life he had been caught napping. Knowing the folly of giving resistance, he could only allow himself to be bound like a brute as soon as fallen friends had been secured in a similar manner. He saw but ten of the league, and felt that the others were not around. kitted Perhaps the missing ones had been t “What shall we do with them?” asked one, when risoners had been rendered helpless. h, we will hand them over to the savages. It will save us trouble. But where are Nos. 9 and 10?”’ and the chief seemed nervous, * No, 9 was with us when we but I haven’t : en 10 since we were at the pass,”’ replied one of the saguers. Ruinguinn ints diaten the pesky hansioed aerecal psing lence, the y seve minutes in anxious waiting. While thus, each one pone with his own thoughts, shrill cries were borne to their ears, and then suc- the ceeded the crash of firearms. The masked riders started, and gazed down the valley, from whence the sounds had come. Harris Greenwood and his friends turned pale with dread misapprehensions, “Good!’” exclaimed the chief of the leaguers, ‘‘ the reds have attacked your friends, and they will make it hot for them, ess you think after a time 7 you had better kept out of Black Pocket valley, eb ” “Sir,” oried Dimon, speaking for the first time, “Now!” hissed the deliverer. **Quick as a flash Redmond seized the bridle-rein that had been hanging loosely on the horse’s neck, and striking the animal furiously with his rowels, wheeled it and rode madly away. ‘Good mercy!” cried Leaguer No. 10, the first to be alarmed apparently, “there he goes! Quick! or you will lose bad In an instant yells of amazement filled the air, and turni their horses oy te! the horde plunged after the fleei miner. , Save three, who staid behind to guard the rem captives. “Look out for them!” yelled the leader. men, quick, catch the dog!”’ Dimon Redmond was too old a hand to be easily caught. Gaining at the outset a good advantage, he almost instantly left his pursuers far behind, and at last they were fain to return to their companions, to fine astill more startling discovery. “ Here, CHAPTER XX. THE VALLEY IN FLAMES! Leon Repmonp and his brothers sprung uick y Dustin an forward to the pass, closely followed Real They could hear their foes plainly, and a portion of them had seemed to enter the defile. ‘“* Let them come,”’ said the older Redmond, grim- ly. “Are you armed, Mr. Dare?” Receiving a negative answer he went on: “Well, you stand back with Miss Greenwood, and the rest of us will give the rascals a dose of lead.” Throwing themselves prostrate upon the earth be- hind bowlders that lay near the mouth of the pass- : ry oe four waited patiently for the enemy to come “ Don’t fire till you are sure of your man,’’ whis- pered the leader. When a few minutes’ anxious waiting had passed, the miners saw several dark forms coming slowly along the way. , Phere they come!’ hissed Leon. ‘“ Be ready to | fire when I give the word.”’ Arperes unconscious of the fearful trap into la they were going, the party approached the wi ers. Finally they were near enough to see that they “Te — “ re ” As the word rung out clear and distinct, the re- ports of the miners’ rifles succeeded with fearful effect. In an instant a wild ic raged in the cut, Completely surp , those of the red-skins who esca) the fire, too terrified to retreat for the moment, howled in startling tones their fear, danc- ing to and fro like so many fiends let loose from the lower regions. "Reload as quick as possible for another dose,” ys og Redmond, and his brothers were not slow obey. The sav however, were not to be caught again. Ere thewhites had recharged their weapons ee and fled, leaving four of their number Meanwhile the uproar among the Indians was in- c s “We have got to look sh c for bl ” declared Roy ‘ “Yes; and for fear they may attack we had better make a fortification of these rocks,” said Lewis. The others agreeing with him they began their work at once. Rolling in some of the largest at the bottom, they then piled the smaller bowhiues upon the top, tilla strong wall was built across the mouth of the pass. When they had filled the crevices with bits of p eces of stones, save four apertures that they had left to fire from, they were entirely shielded from the bul- lets of the Apaches. “I think we can can hold them a siege here,’’ was the comment of Hart Redmond, as they watched for their foes, while listening to their uneartly outcry. ‘But what shall we do for food?” ed Silver Dust, anxiously. ‘Never fear that we are destined to death; at least for a considerable time,’’ answered Leon Red- mond, with a laugh. ‘‘ We ve plenty of food at our camp on the other side of the ridge." **Pardon me, but I h understand you,” said Dustin. ‘“ Yous of a camp in Blac ‘ocket. = it be possible you have been stopping in this ace?”’ pa Quite possible,” replied the other, with a smile. ume pave been in the Lost Mine, as it is called, a ong time.” ‘“But—but, excuse me; I did not think any had ever been here since the death of those who came here a a ago. At least, I have been told so.” ‘Without doubt; notwithstanding, we have been here ever since the fire. b “Are you those who were said to have perished ere?"’ “ The same; we esca) by another exit out of the Pocket, and have lived to come back here to work the mine ever since, Ln, we have been care- ful to keep it from the world. e have never been molested until now. As a last resort we can seek our way from this apie by the other e I spoke of, though that hardly be less ange, as I think the valley below here is overrun with the red- skins. Hark! their cries are louder than ever!” ** And there they come!” exclaimed Roy. bis mney then, and don’t waste a shot.’ Crouching under the sides or crawling along the bottom, the dark forms of the savages were seen cautiously nearing them. There seemed to be a dozen of them, but more out adventurers could not distinguish. . Finally they paused as if reconnoitering the situa- 10n. The mad confusion had somewhat abated outside, and within the Pocket all was all of a deathlike stillness. A few moments of silence posses within the defile; and then a mes thud was heard against the breastwork shielding the miners. This was quickly repeated, when it was found that the red-skins were their long bows. * Shoot ep old chaps,” muttered Leon Red- mond, “we make it aly for you in a few mo- ments.” prnting Se no attention was given to their firing the assailants grew bolder and an to advance. Then the miners’ rifles again belched forth their fiery contents with deadly effect. ‘ Repulsed, terrified the second time, the Indians made no oa to make a stand, Before the whites could reload their weapons they had fled from sight. “So far, so ” said Leon Redmond triumphant- P ey'll get enough of that; butit won’t o for us to be og id napping: ney oy into silence the little party waited anx- jously for the next move from the red-skins. Five, ten minutes passed. ‘Hist! there they come!” A light had suddenly appearedin the defile, and was rapidly approach ng. “What's up now?” ed Dustin Dare in wonder. ‘*Some new trick— Ha! they want to talk; they have a white flag.” This last was now plainly seen in the hands of the leader, as he boldly advanced. “Tis a white man!’ exclaimed Roy. Sure enough it was big Sandy! Waving the torch in one hand and the truce in the other, the renegade continued to approach, until Leon Redmond cried sternly: “Hold! Be you friend or foe, stand where you are. Stopping abruptly the t tried to penetrate the semi-darkness ahead, without offe 8 “What will you have?’ demanded the miner. “] want to know who you are, and why you treat defenseless men in the way you have?” “ As to who we are it does not matter.” ‘“‘*Pears to me ye are purty in ent. No one wanted to trouble ye, but as ye hev begun the war the reds want Sop se ny ou surrender, or shall we proceed pe you ou “Nary'a surrender! Proceed with the funeral!” was the taunting reply. **T should like to know who you are!” “ We are the Redmond brothers.” “Bah! you lie! They are dead.” Leon Redmond moved uneasily. “Beware!” he cried. “If you have no mare to say. withdraw at once,” ‘ now for they are Wait! Is Rock Randel with you?” “No.” ‘“*Then the —— is ours,’ and he turned I Texan was wiped out!” muttering: ‘ wed thet
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= » ™ —_ —— The Golden Hand. — ter the departure of Big Sandy nothing was heard from the savages for sume time. “ Wonder what they are studying up? But Rock hasn’t fallen into their hands or he wouldn’t have spoken as he did.” y 1 ‘He may have escaped,” said Dustin, “ though it don’t seem possible.” “Look there!’ cried Lewis Redmond, “what is that light down the valley?” A lurid glare had suddenly sprung up to the south, aml was sweeping far right and left. * Merciful oceenl the Indians have fired the valey's 4 “Yes; and they are scaling the cliff!” cried Roy Redmond, with increased alarm. The flames were leaping high into the air, lighting up the surrounding country with dazzling peillienay. Disclosed. plainly in the vivid light was seen the forms of a score of savages rushing along the top of the rock-ridge that isolated Black Pocket. By some means they had ascended.the_ barrier, and had it not been for the fire would doubtless have succeeded in surprising the besieged miners, Finding that they were discovered the red-skins uttered a wild war-whoop just as the whites sent a ringing volley of bullets among them. CHAPTER XXtI. ROCK TO THE RESCUE. THOSE encamped at the oe passed an anxious time after the departure of Dimond Redmond and his companions, Hark Redmond was considered the leader of the party, and his first movement was to see that all was in readiness to meet an attack from the sav- ages, for he was not sanguine enough to think they shouid ber one, Placing the wagons in form of the letter V, he then ordered that the men should bring up what fallen trees they could find in the vicinity, and plant- ing them outside the: vehicles, quite a strong bart. cade was speedily made. **Now we can only watch and wait,” said Hark, as with the others he seated himself behind the shelter. ‘ * Hark!’ exclaimed a companion, “‘I hear them up the valley! They are coming!” At this moment they heard the outery above. The frightened women began to draw closer to- gether, as they listened to the appallinz sounds, “Keep up courage,” said Redmond, ‘they may not discover us. If they do, we can stand quite a siege here. .You have corraled the animals as best you can?’ he asked of the others. “Yes,” responded one, ‘But hear the firing! I fear Dimon and t’others have run into an ambush.” “Tt would seem like it. Ha! the cries are nearer! The red-skins are coming this way! See that your powder is dry, boys.” The horde was’ approaching, and with bated breath the whites listened, noting their dusky foes’ progress by their unearthly tumult, Nearer and nearer came the warning of danger, gradually decreasing in volume, The miners had extinguished their camp-fire, knowing that it would betray them tothe enemy. “Have they stopped?’ asked one, anxiously, as the cries entirely ceased. “Tthinkso. Beready, boys; the crisis is coming!” Hark Redmond had barely uttered the wo je a yell more terrible than any before startle them. “Here they come!”’ A furious crash succeeded, and the yelling demons hurled their forces upon them. As they burst through the line of timber, the rifles of the miners pealed forth their deadly warning, with such fearful result that the Indians were forced to flight. ‘*Hold them there, boys, and the victory is ours!” exclaimed Hark Redmond. With fierce yells of defiance, the baffled savages drew back into the darkness of the forest. At this moment the besieged miners discovered a slight fire in the brushwood just to their right. ow the flames caught it was never kfown, but. beyond doubt, they started from a spark of one of their rifles. Be it as it would, they increased so “rapidly that when the red-skins ly Te a renewal of the fight the blaze illumined the timber for some distance. Without seeming to heed it, however, the Indians pagan to ereep cautiously forward. Their defeat before had learned them a bitter lesson. Hist! they are coming like painters!’ warned Hark. “ Look sharp, and fire when I give the word.” Then for a few moments the silence was un- broken, save by the crackling of the fire. A strong wind was spreading the flames right and left, ane rapidly fanning the he: sparks into a con- ation. rawling along in the shrubbery, the savages were fast approaching their in ended victims, and seemed certain of reaching a position that would make the Struggle hand-to-hand, — At this critical instant when the whites seemed on the eve of total destruction, the fire reached a larger ie of dry brushwood, and streaming far up into he air disclosed the crouching forms of the red foes plainly to view. | Seeing that they were discovered, the horde leaped to their feet, and» hurled themselves en masse upon Quickly s ckly emptying their rifles, our hardy pand was forced to meet nati face to face, haud to hand, to a ee as coatty as pomils, ech - rw. ng them in numbers, ar ting like fiends incarnate, the red assailants must have gained a mee, victory. e helpless women shouted in terror, The foes answered with demoniac yells, and tore them from the wagons! In the midst of the wild scene a horseman dashed up to the spot. . Plainly seen in the light of the conflagration it was the Golden Hand! Giving expression toa ringing cry he pinnged his horse in among the Apaches. As they beheld him, they paused in their bloody work, giving utterance to his name, Awed by the bold defiance of the mysterious rider, and frightened by the peril of the fire, the In- dians relinquished the fight. A.moment later they were gone. “Thank God, we are saved!” murmured Hark Redmond, and the others echoed his words, A new danger was upon them, however, from the fire. But the wind was blowing smartly from the pega omy soon swept the mighty conflagration up e valley. Safe at last the party watched it sweeping furious- y on. “Tt has done us a good turn,” said the Golden Hand, “but may God have mercy on our friends. They are lost!” Meanwhile, when Rock left Dustin Dare and Real Greenwood he crept slowly oleng the until he had reached the outer end, nothing had oc- curred to alarm him. Near the entrance to the place he could see the savages lying around their camp-fire, some appar- ently asleep, while others were smoking or lounging idly about. Jess es I thought,” he muttered to himself. “*Reckon I shouldn’t hev to stir round much to kick up some ginuine fun!”’ Seeing a bowlder ahead where he could get a_bet- ter view of his foesand still remain unseen, he began | to crawl slowly toward it. He had spent much time in his progress thus far, but your true plainsman or mountaineer has an un- faili supply of patience, and, had it. been neces- sary, Rock would have devoted an hour to the pur- pose of gaining that desired spot with as good grace as he did the fifteen minutes it took him. “Dang my buttons!” he said to himself, “ ifI don’t | could stop that guard jess es slick es sliding | believe down hill.” The Indians had watchers outside the pass, but, bape AP ani of danger,.they exercised but. lit- e@ nce. Rock passed several minutes watching. them, un- decided what course to pursue. Alone he could easily escape, but— In the midst of speculation he was aroused by hearing some one approaching him. He turned and saw that one of the League in Black had arisen and was coming toward him, Evidently the man was unconscious of. his pres- | ous. ; | . Infact all had-reason to ‘rejoice over their-escape ence, as he approach*! «im carelessly enough. Rock was in a dilemina, Finding he could not escape. he to over- power the leaguer as s90n 1s © » should come nearer. Lying perfectly motionless, the Texan watched the other closely, until ne was almost upon him; and then he sprung up to seize him in strong grasp and bear him to the earth before the victim eould cry out. A short struggle and The-Man-trom-Texas had rid the world of one more preempt and in an instant he was carrying into effect a daring project. Quickly divesting himself of his outer garments, he hastily donned those of the other, even to his mask, At this juncture the Indians were startled by something in front, and fearing that a discovery was coming Rock gave his alarm, and sprung for- ward to join in the rabble. : He was in season to see the Black Riders leave the Savages, and resolved to out his 70le he fol- lowed as soon as he could find the horse of the dead Inan, We know how he effected the escape of Harris Greenwood, and the moment he was left with the two ee over the rem pursuers, he threw himself upon them so fiercely that, when the others returned he was master of the situation, and had freed his friends. Before they could recover enough to understand what had taken e, the three sent as many of the masked men to the earth. iia tinea ate tere on of the shots, an e remnan ) e in Black turned to flee. Three of them escaped, “‘ Hooray, boys!” cried the now unmasked Rock Randel, ** warn’t that fun?” “May Heaven reward you, Rock Randel,” said Greenwood, grasping his d. ‘*You are the no- blest man in this eountry!”’ “Wal, Lreckon I hev kem to the rescue at last. But I want to know who these chaps in mourning are,” when the masks were torn away from the faces of the dead leaguers. nat had been supposed the leader was Gasper orn. . eed one other was recognized, and he was Shelby ‘ack ‘Wal, who'd ’a’ thought it?” ejaculated the Texan. Not long were the wed to ulate. Anin- stant later they saw the fearful co tion sweep- ing up the valley. : tretching from side to side—mountain to moun- tain—there was no bass py Roaring, leaping, rushing far up into the ht air, and destroying everything in its course, the flames came sweeping s yo see 1 “We are a-goner now!” Rock, ‘as the gazed upon the a dn foe that knows. no merey. ' CHAPTER XXII. THROUGH THE FIRE. “Quick! Follow me and I'll show you a way to escape,’’ cried one of the miners, and he headed his horse up the valléy toward the Lost Mine. Rock and the. others instantly followed, Plunging their animals through the tangled growth the four rode wildly forward, with the flames | ca ing upon them at every gust of the strong wind. k had not forgotten his friends, but in the mad flight he had presence of mind enough to know that they were safe-from the conflagration. Suddenly the leader of the fugitives reined up. ‘““We are to the entrance to Black Pocket,” he said, hurriedly, and drove his horse through the thick shrubbery, to ride into a considerable stre:m. Following it for a few rods they suddenly came upon an gperiing in the bluff, and a little later they were inside the Pocket. “This entrance has never been discovered,” sail the leader; ‘‘and it. was pas way that we all escaped at the time of the , a year ago, when it was supposed that we had perished. But we have no more to fear from the tlames, I hope our frievds below with the teams have escaped.” “The wind is favorable for them. We will trust that they were,” said. Harris Greenwood, hopefully. “TI wonder where the boys are? We. left four Redmond brothers here when we went down to meet the train.” **Look hyar,” exclaimed Rock, “couldn’t we geet round to the from hyar? I left a couple.o’ friends thar who I’m pesky skittish about. They war Silver Dust and a gal called Real Greenwood.”’ s Greenwood! My daughter!’’ cried Harris Greenwood. ‘Is she alive and unhurt?” “She war less’n two hours ago.” “Then lét’s go‘to them at once,” exclaimed the anxious father. ** We can, and.look for the boys as we go along.” With nothing to impede their course now, they rode hurriedly forward, soon reaching a few rude camps and evidence of mining. "Tis where we have been working the claim,” said the foremostin explanation. ‘‘ Yousee we have worked here most of the time, for a year.” Seeing nothing of their companions they kept on around the ridge, to finally reach the other side and in hear of the fight going on at the pass, “ Our friends are in danger!” and they spurred {cr- ward to mingle in the strife. ; Their arrival was opportune. Dustin Dare and the four Redmonds were in a ight place, but re-enforcements quickly turned the e@ of battle, and the savages sought safety in a to fall before the flames. ith nothing to fear from it, the miners turned to watch the conflagration, as it devastated the valley. The reunton of the father and daughter was joy- from the many perils which had encompassed them. “God be thatT find you again unharmed,” murmured Harris Greenwood, as he folded Reai to his breast. “T, too, am happy, dear papa. But I owe my life to my dear friend here, Mr. Dare.” The remainder of the time till daylight was de- voted to story-telling and congratulations, The fire raged for about an hour, and when the party left Black Pocket it had long since died away. The baht, Pe probably all perished’ in the flames. At t, they were no longer dreaded. The cavaleade rode down the valley to find their friends and relatives around the wagons, who hailed them as from the grere, “Though -I t there is not more, to fear from our foes, we will return with the teams to the settlement,” said the Golden Hand, now_ addressed as Russel mwood, who was really a brother of Harris. Upon consultation, however, it was decided that a part of them should go on with the teamsand the rest return to the mine and look after things there, Leon Redmond Jed one half the number back to the Pocket, while Russel Greenwood guarded ihe others and the women toward their home. After being driven from Black Pocket the year be- fore’Leon Redmond had returned and commenced working we rormeit¢ ss brothersand a At Russel Greenwoo acted of the Goki- en Hand to carry provisions to Pie Pacha, and also see that they were not surprised by foes... Gasper Horn had formed the “League in Black, hoping to gain of the Lost e. s often as one of their number had been killed he had filled the vacancy with a new man. The failure of the rifles used by their foes was due to the fact that the traitor Shelby Jack had plugged the pipe of each rifle. , e ful owners of the Pocket mined the ore — without molestation until they inad satisfied most greedy cravings for the precious treas- ure, Pos and Silver Dust received a good share, tov. n was more happy. however, over the higher ae that fell to him—the Real gem that became With the beautiful Real for his wife he considered himself the happiest man in the South-west] Pos Pos- her unbounded , . i for ithe Ute? love, what more could he ask Bill, Gil Rey and Paul Hayes soon recovered from their wounds and lived nage years to hear the story their Rock Randei— Dandy Rock kad an te ol ee Cn. . \ aaa ges Rock, unlettered but generous almost him, not adieu, but aw revoir, THE END,
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12 Deadwood Dick, Tur Pauros OF THE Roap. By Edward L. Wheeler. 4 Yellowstone Jack; or, Taz TRAPPER OF THE ENCHANTED Grounn. J. E. Badger, Jr. Kansas ae) or, THe Rep Rieat HAND, alo Bill’ (Hon. Wm. F. Cody). The Wile -Horse Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Reid and Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 5 Vagabond Joe; THE YounG WANDER- ING JEw. By Oll Coomes. 6 Bill Biddon, Soy or, LIFE IN THE NORTHWEST. B q The Flyin, Yankee ; or, Tm Ockan Outcast. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. ey Seth Jones; or, THE Captives OF THE FRONTIER. By Edward S. Ellis. 9 The Adventaves of Baron Mun- chausen. 1 Nat Todd; or, Tom Fare or THE Sroux Caprtve. By Edward §. Ellis, 1 1 The Two Detectives; or, TH 1 Gulliver’s Travels. A Voyage to Lilliput, yg Ags to pro ton 13 The ib Spy. By - mes, Agno of ‘“‘ Vagabond Joe,” 15 The Sea-Cat; or, THe WitcH or Darien. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. Fortunes or A Bowrry Grau. A.W. Aiken. 1 Gq Alad din; or, THE Wortiaot: Lamp, 16 Robinson Crusoe. His Life and Surprising Adventures, (27 illustrations.) y, The Boy Bucca- 1 4" Ralph neer. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 1 & Sindbad the Sailor. His seven voy- ages. From the Arabian Nights. 19 The Phantom Spy; or, THe Pinor OF THE PRAIRIE. By uftalo Bill. 20 The Double Daggers; or, Drap- 21 woop Dicx’s Dertance. By E. L. Wheeler, Frontier Angel. A Romance of Kentucky Rangers’ Life. By E. 8. Ellis. 222 The Sea Serpent; or, THz Boy RoBINSON Crusor. By Col. Ri uan Lewis. 23 Nick o’ the Night; or, THz Boy Spy or '76. By T. . Harbaugh. Diamond Dirk; or, THz Mystrry OF THE YELLOWSTONE. By Col. Ingraham. 4 5 The Boy Captain; or, THe Prratn’s DAUGHTER. Pie Starbuck, 26 Cloven Hoof, the Demon. By 28 Buffalo Ben; or, DEapwoop Dick IN DISQ@UISE. yy Edward L. Wheeler. 29 The Dumb 5 or, THE DoGr’s DAUGHTER. . F. Whittaker. 8) Ralph R ckwood, THE Recxiess Ran@erR. By Harry St. George. 31 Keoen-Baifo, THE PRINCE OF THE Oll Coomes. 3 Bob ob Woolf the Border Ruffian ; or, Tue Girt Deap-Snor. E. L.Wheeler. 33 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, THE Rep PrraTEs OF THE CARIBBEES, S. W. Pierce. 34 Oregon Sol; or, Nick WHIFFLEs’ Boy Spy. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 3 5 Wild Ivan, THE Boy CLiaupr Duvat; By Edward L. Wheeler. 36 The Boy Clown; or, THE m Quaes oF THE ARENA. Frank § 37 ; or, Tan LitTLe , HUNTER OF THE ADIRONDACKS, Harbaugh. 38 Ned Wylde, Tue Boy Scour. By Texas Jack. 39 Death-Face, the Detective. By Rovian L. Wheeter. 40 Fe ving Ben. A story of a Young peter By John J. Marshall. 4 Lasse. Jack, THE YounG Moustane- Oll Coomes, 42 The cs Shantent Miner; or, Drap- woop Dick’s Bonanza. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 43 Dick Dar arling, the Pony Express Rider. By Capt. F. Whittaker. Rat Rube; or, THE NIcurt- etn Flames on By Harry St. George. 4 5 Old Avalanche, the fivant An- nihilator. By Edward L. Wheeler. 46 Glass Eye, the Great Shot ofthe West. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 47 Nightingale Nat; on, THE Forest ‘APTAINS. By T. C. ” Harba ugh 48 Black “7 the Road-Agent. Gushe. Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 49° Ou; or, DEaDwoopD DICK IN pene Edward L. Wheeler. 5O Burt Burt B er, THE TRAPPER. A Tale of the Northwest. By C. E. Lasalle. 51 The Boy Rifles; or, THE UNDER- Me ag fey By Archie C. Tron. 52 The © White ‘Buffalo. A Tale of Strange Adventure, Charice 5. Lasalle, JBEADLE’S HALF-DIME LIBRARY. 53 Jim Bludsoe, dr., THE Boy. PHENIX; | or, THROUGH To THE DeaTH. E. L. Wheeler. 54 Ned Hazel, THE Boy TRAPPER; or, THE PHANTOM Princess. By J. F.C. Adams. 5 5 Deadly-Eye, THe Unknown Scout; By Buffalo Bill. 56 Nick Whiffles’ Pet; or, IN THE Vauuey or Dears. Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 57 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles ; or, Tse Parps oF FLoop Bar, E Wheeler. 5 & The Border King; or, THz SEcRET | For. By Oll Coomes. 59 Old Hickory, or, Panpy ELtis’s Scautp. By Harry St. ’ George. 60 The White Indian; or, THE Scour OF THE YELLOWSTONE. By J. F. C. Adams. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, THz Rep Ririe Team. By Edward L. Wheeler. 62 The Shadow Ship; LIEUTENANTS. By Co Prentiss Ingraham. 6 The Red Brotherhood; or, Tur TWELVE AVENGERS. By W. J. Hamilton. 64 Dana Jack; or, THz OuTLAWw oF REGON TRAm. By T. C. Harbaugh. 6 Harticane Bill; or, Mustane Sam AND His “‘Parp.’’ By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 66 Single Hand; or, A Lire ror 4 Lire. By W. J. Hamilton. 67 Patent-Leather Joe; or, Op Rart- TLESNAKE, THE CHARMER. By P.S.Warne. 68 The Border Robin Hood; or, THe PRAIRIE Rover. By Buffalo Bill. 69 Gold Rifle; or, THz Boy Drrective oF THE BLACK RancH. By E. L. Wheeler. ee Old Zip’s Cabin; or, THe Green- Delaware Dick; THz Youne Ran- aer Spy. By Oll Coomes. 12 Mad Tom Western, Tor TExan | RanGcer. By W. J. Hamilton. Deadwood Dick on Deck. By Edward L. Wheeler. Hawk-eye Harry, THe Youna 74 TRAPPER RANGER. By Oll Coomes. 7 The my | Duelist; or, THe CRUISE oF rar bi EA WOLF. By C ol. P. Ingraham. 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. By Albert W. Aiken, “9 7 Corduroy Charlie; or, THe Last | Act or Drapwoop Dick. By E. L. Wheeler. an & Blue Dick; or, THE YELLOW Cuter’s VENGEANCE. By Captain Mayne Reid. 79 Sol G r, THE GIANT TRAPPER. By | Albert W. Aiken. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nuaaet Nep, THE Knieut or THE GuioH. By E. L. Wheeler. 1 — Jo, THe TERROR OF THE RIE. By Captain J. F. C. Adams. foe, Kit Harefoot, THz Woop-Hawk; or, Oup Powper-Face. By T. C. Harbaugh. & Rollo, the Boy Ranger; HEtRess OF THE GOLDEN Horn. Oll Coomes. tag 4 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosrsup B ON Hand. By Edward L. Wheeler. & Buck Buckram; or, Bess, THE F'E- MALE tock By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. SB Dandy por HE-MAN-FROM-T'Ex- G. Waldo Browne. 8§7 The Land Pirates; or, THE LEAGUE oF Devit’s IsLaAnD. By Capt. Mayne Reid. ete} Photo graph Phil; or, Rosesup | Rop’s oR ers By Ed. L. Wheeler. | 89 Island Jim; or, THE PET OF THE | The De. By author of “Jack Harkaw ‘ay.”’ GQ) The Dread Rider; or, THe TEXan | DvELIST. wer og * George W. Browne. 91 The Cap tain of the Club. By | Braceb rae Hemyng, (Jack Harkaway.) 9 Canada Chet; or, OLD ANACONDA In Srrtine Buww’s Camp. By E. L. Wheeler. 9 The Boy Miners; or, Tuk ENCHANTED Istanp.. By Edward 8. ‘Bllis. 94 Midnig ht Jack, THe Roap-AGEnrT. aE Jat Harbaugh. 9 5 The Rival Rovers. By Lieutenant Col. Hazeltine. 9 Watch - Eye, Tok Detective. By Edward L. eeler. The Outlaw Brothers; or, THE 9 CAPTIVE OF THE Harpes. By J. J. Marshall. 98 Robin Hood, Tue OuTLAWwED Ear. By ‘aa Stewart Gildersleeve. 99 The ger of Taos. By George ius eens. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville. | By Edward L. Wheeler. 1 O 1 Jack Harkaway in New ae By Bracers © Hemyng. 102 a Eee vA Bi By 00. 103 The Lion of the Sea. By Col. e Sara. 104 Pohead ee Dick’s Device. ward L. Wheeler. on nt eh or, THe Riva. | HORN IN THE Woops. By J. F.C. Adams. | or, THE | By | Nov ———$—$—————————— ae Pustx; | BQ) 5 Old Rube, THe pila or, Tra Crow Captive. By Cart. H. Holmes. 106 O14, Frosty, the “Guide. "SS 107 Mee “Sim; or, THE ABAN- , THE Youne Brsap R. St. George. 109 Deadwood. Dick as Detective. y Edward L. Wheeler. 1 10 The Black Steed of the Prai ries. By James L. Bowen, 1 1 1 The Sea-Devil; or, Taz Mmsurr- me s Mend By Col. P. Ingraham, 1 1 Mad Hunter; or, THE Cave mer Deatu. By Burton Saxe. 1 13 Jack Hoyle, Tur Youne Sprce LATOR. By Edward L. Wheeler. 1 1 4 The Black Schooner, By Rocry STARBUCK. 1 1 5 The Mad Miner. Waxpo Browne. i 16 7 Hussar Captain. By Cor By Grorer 1 1 8 TECTIVE. By Edward L. Wheeler, or, THE KING oF or Mystery. By Frank Dumont, ENTISS INGRAHAM. Will Somers, THE Boy Drrso- 1 19 Mdstens ( ye Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 12 1 ser bayer Chi ip, THE GIRL SPoRtT 1 1 vf Gilt-Edged Dick, Tue Sport-Dx- tive. By Charles Morris. 1 2 The I Branded i Hand; or, THE May eeler. The B ’ DR Eby ciate Wai ee LBS Eeres Bene fn Sah asta 12 5 Bonanza » Miner; or, Tur TEMALE Fi Emag By Ed. L. Wheeler. Tie Yieenosiys: By Chas. Morris. 127 Wild-Fire, Tue Boss OF THE 128 The Young Privateer ; or, THz 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double. A Story of Wild-Cat City. E. L. Wheeler, | 13 Detective Dick; or, Tux Hzro 131 The Golden Hand; or, Danpy Rock To THE Rescun. G. W. Browne, The Hunted Hunter; or, Tux 133 Boss Bob, THE KING oF THE Bootsiuacks. By Edward L. Wheele. | 1 34 Sure Shot Seth, Tue Boy Rirtx- 1 3 5 Captain Paul, Tor MoonsHiner oF Kentucky. By C.D. Clark. 1 36 Night-Hawk Kit ; or, az Daveu- TER OF THE RANCHE.. J. E. Badger, Jr. woops RETRIBUTION. Capt. ‘Mayne Reid, 13 bey Blonde Bill; or, DEADwoop Diox’s Sclian Home Base. By Edward L. Wheeler, / 139 ge ANTE., By T. C. Harbaugh. Blue Blazes; or, THE BREAK oO! Day Boys. By. Frank Dumont. 14 Agent. By Edward L. Wheeler, 142 BLACK DETECTIVE. By Chas. Morris. 1 43 Scar-Face Saul, THE Sment 1 44. Dainty Lance, THE Boy Sporr. Cap tain Ferret; or, Boss Bon’s 145 ios Jos. By Edward a Wheeler. A Prairie Romance. re? Oll Coomes. 1 47 OROUGH- BRED; or, THE WinniInG Hanp, By 1 48 Sharp Sam; or, Tak ADVENTURES OF A a po In New York. 9 A Game of woop Dick’s BIGGEST ir. By Edward | 124 Tippy, the exan; or, THE YOUNe HAMPION. B Geo. Gleason. 126 Ficays ne Pete; or, NicopEmvus, Roap. By Frank Dumont. PrraTES’ STRONGHOLD. H. Cavendish. In Raas. By Charles Morris. 13 STRANGE HORSEMAN. By Ed. S. Ellis, MAN. By Oll Coomes. 137 The Helpless Hand; or, Bacx- Lynch, dr.; or, THE Boy Solid Sam; or, THE Boy Roap- Handsome Harry, THE Boor. Hunter. By Oll Coomes, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 1 46 Silver Star, THz Boy KnicuHt. May 11th. Will Wildfire, Tux Charles Morris. Ready May 18th. By J. gre Patten. 25th. | bf Gold: or, DEAp- L. Wheeler. Ready June Ist. 1 50 Lance and Lasso; or, THE CaIL- DREN OF THE CHAcO.: By Capt, Fred. | Whittaker. Ready June 8th. 51 Panther Paul, Tae Pram Prrate; or, Damnty LANCE TO THE | Rescur. By Joseph KE. Badger, Jr. Ready June 15, | A new issue every week. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by ali Newsdealers, five cents per co recat t of six cents each. hers, 98 William Street, New Vor y or cn PJ mail op & ADAMS