Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 138) (1880 03 16)
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Ll Ltlttatatalalalalal) 7 24 WE imal |i! il AX M-OER=*Co. \ ~ a NX ) : is AS ive | tie @2. P sas mR pesca 070 Wl Wiser rap tt nt i! a tS aa i nH Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., as Second Class Mail Matter. Copyrighted in 1880 by BEADLE AND ADAMS, March 16, 1880, ~ A Ss le PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, No 1 38 Number. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. x ‘ Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick's Home Base. BY BDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK,” ‘ ROSEBUD ROB,” “ GILT-EDGED DICK,” “BONANZA BILL,” ETC., ETC. crs iy! iy HG HME)
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2 i Deadwood Dick’s Home Base. A Romance of the ** Silent Tongues.” BY E. L. WHEELER, AUTHOR oF ‘‘DEADWOOD DICK,” ‘ROSEBUD ROB,” ETO., ETC. CHAPTER I. OVERLAND—THE SWOOP OF THE SILENT TONGUES. From Del Norte to the south-western mines of Golorado, along the rapid and impetuous waters of the Rio de los Animas, and through the rug- ged, mountainous district of San Juan county, runs the stage-trail, which is used in lieu of a railroad; as a route of transportation both of ople and supplies, into the mines that abound the vicinity of Silverton and Animas City. Through some of: the wildest country upon the American continent penetrates this trail, in its tortuous course through the mountain environs. All the way from the Wagonwheel Gap to Bullion City the route is wild and tortuous in the extreme, After leaving Bullion City, a mining town of considerable importance, the traveler soon strikes the San Juan* valley, and the rushing Animas, and follows through its rugged line of march toward the Gulf, he valley in reality is but a deép, gloomy canyon of but width for a wagon-trail, in many places, while in others it widens out into broad and fertile acres of sufficient numbers for graz- ing farms. Many a frightful abyss yawns be- side the trail, while the either hand reflects the mighty pine-covered, hoary-headed mountains that rise in massive grandeur, as grim sentinels sver the route, A balmy October day is drawing to a close, as old Sol rests his beaining face upon the crest of a western peak, on his way to retirement ‘rom the active scenes of the day. The rays trom his merry countenance shoot across to the more eastern mountains, and then reflect down into the depths of the gloomy San Juan. About the same time the lull of repose is rude- ly awakened by the sharp cracking, as of a whip, and a loud, rumbling, jolting sound—then the south-bound stage rolls into view,. from around a bend, drawn by three spans of spirited horses, that in turn are held in hand by a little Canadian Jehu, who, from long experience, thoroughly understands his business, No ordinary affair, this stage, as an ordinary observer would have at once perceived, for its size was doubly greater than other vehicles of its calling, thereby bringing into use a greater number of horses, and it was neatly furnished, too. That night it was literally loaded down, both with passengers and baggage. Every seat in the interior was occupied, and even the flat top had been converted into a carry 2ll, for it was occupied by several persons of both sexes. The occupants of the interior of the Monitor, as the stage was known, were all men—mostly rough, bearded, red-shirted miners, with a sprinkling of ruffians, speculators and gamblers, Upon the outside the passengers were of a more varying type. Down through the canyon tears the stage, close at he heels of the plunging, snortin, horses, who are answering to the rapid crack o the fiery little French Kenuck’s whip—wildly on they go, the ponderous vehicle groaning and creaking under the strain, as it lurches spas- modically from one side to the other. The can- yon catches up and echoes the sounds; the mountain pines look spectral and nod their heads sagely in the dying sunlight as if to say, *¢ Beware.” And, let us sp the flying moment for an inventory of the personnel of those upon the roof of the Monitor. La Carte, the Jehu, needs no portrayal. He is known from Denver to Trinidad—from Leada- wille to Conejos, and all through the mining {districts ot the Colorados, as an expert lines- man, a dead-shot, and a fearnaught of the bold- est roac-agent that ever robbed a stage. Next to him, upon the driver’s seat, is a rtly, distinguished-looking personage, with frown hair, mustache and _ side-whiskers, and eyesto match. He is attired in the very bight elegance as to costume, and evidently isa man of some importance. His iame is Hon. Ray Vernon, of Ohio. He sits at the right of La Carte; next to him, upon the top of the stage * San Wan. Blonde Bill; | 2 ee Blonde Bill. - are two bordermen—one a little old man, with wrinkled features and silvered locks; the other a giant in stature, with a positively ugly coun- tenance. Next to the giant sits a clerical gentleman of solemn mien, and a remarkably pretty and vi- vacious young lady, who evidently is his daugh- ter; then comes a dandyish fellow, of hand- some face and form, whose dress is a model of elegance; then another lady and gent, upon whom the other passengers center considerable attention. This woman is slight of figure, and is clad in black of costly kind, and a heavy vail con- stantly over her face, thereby screening it from the inquiring gaze of the passengers. The man is medium size, attired in a stylish suit of light cloth, with a shirt front of spotless white, ornamented by a blazing diamond pin, while he has a jaunty white slouch sombrero upon his head, and alligator top-boots upon his feet, the legs of which reach above his knees, In face and feature he is quite prepossessin —his white complexion harmonizing well wit his long blonde hair, and sweeping mustache of the same hue. His mouth has a firm expres- sion, and his forehead is broad and intellectual, while his eyes are hidden behind a pair of green sogEles, that give him a strange appearance. belt about his waist contains a pair of ser- viceable revolvers, and a Winchester rifle is among his effects, as baggage, All of the other outside passengers are armed, except the man from Ohio, the clerical gentle- man, and the two ladies, none of whom appear to carry weapons of defense. Especially was the big borderman well armed, for his belt boasted of no less than six formidable revol- vers, and a huge knife that glittered danger- ously. ‘“T tell ye what, et don’t pay fer ter go un- armed in this kentry!” he observed, after sur- pee | those of the passengers who were un- armed, with a critical glance. “ aloot ain’t safe onless he kerries a hull battery hitched on- ter his waist. Hillo! capt’in, I see ye don’t go none on six-shooters?” ; ‘No, my. friend,” the clerical man replied, solemnly. ‘I ask for no weapons other than those the Lord gave me.” “Oho! thet’s et, hey? Hain’t no fight in you then, Pll allow?” ‘*T get not my living, sir, by fighting my fel- low-creatures,” was the reply. “I am a ser- vant of the Lord, and I preach his word to the flock with which he peopled the earth. If a man smite me upon my right cheek, 1 rise not in anger, but turn sbout my left cheek, that he may smite that, also!” “ Kerwhoop! great catapultian. comets an’ roarin’ rhinosserosses!” exclaimed the giant, with a snort. ‘‘D’ye heer thet, Alva—did ye heer thet ar’ sentyment, jest now uttered by thet ar’ clargyman. Gol-darn my old mule’s capacity fer tarant’ler, ef evyer I heerd a sar- cumstance ter ekal. Say, old hoss—ef a pil- grim war ter salivate ye in ther eye wi’ a disused quid o’ terbaccy, w’u’d ye turn yer uther optic around, an’ give ’im a shot at that?” “T would in truth,” the clerical party replied. “He who heedeth the words of the Creator, need fear nothing here below.” “Waal, I'll be shot ef I quite agree wi’ yer docterine, Purfessor,” the giant replied, grimly. ‘** Et don’t, hitch wi’ ther great state of hooman affairs out in this kentry. Here am I, Beautiful Bill, ther Apoller o’ ther Nor’west—ther great Pet Elerfant o’ their Leadville trail—that’s me. This leetle squinged-up cuss aside me, air Old Avalanche, familiarly recognized in modern spellin’ an’ hymn books as their Great Annihi- lator — ther Devastatin’ Eppydemie o’ ther West. Waal, now, ye see, we’ve j’ined forces an’ capertal, an’ now constitute ther Death Committee of ther Mines. Ye’ll heer uv us everywhar whar ther auriferous vegetates—a sure extarminatin’ pestilence fer road-agents, hoss-thieves, card-sharps an’ ruffians. Our pulpit’s a tarred rope—cur platform et be ther limb o’ ther fust convenient tree. Now, I'll bet ary pilgrim a bite right out o’ my off ear, thet we ther great Trans-Atlantic an’ Per- cific Death Committee, qn’ Society fer Practical Elevation, kin convert more simmers in one minnit, then a burro-load 0’ preachers, philoso- phers or anv other sich critters. That’s me, every time—Beautiful Bill, ther Grecian Apoller ©’ San Won county—ther thurrobred Masher o’ ther Animas!” A smile went around among the passengers at the giant’s sneech, in which the clerical party did not narticinate. At thisjuncture the stage plunged more rapid- ly down through a narrower portion of the eanyon valley, where % was darker and more weirdly gloomy. “*Now, feller-citizens, git yer pepper-boxes in shape, an’ keep yer eyes open, ef ye’ve got a full hand o’ swag!” announced Beautiful Bill, ‘‘ fer we're sailin’ right inter a prime locality fer road-agents. pect ye’ve heerd about ther Silent Tongues, an’ how they tackle this trail, twicet ev’ry month. Reckon, thar don’t much swag git thru on ther Monitor, them nights— eh? Carte?” : . Hardly ever,” the stage-driver replied, imly. “To-night is the regular time fore raid, that’s true. I had nearly forgotten it. Bad, too!” * Why bad?” the man from Ohio demanded, anxiously. ; “Because, there’s a full treasure-box, to-night. See the man with the goggles?” ‘Waal, he’s gota heap o’ gold aboard, an’ a heap of greenbacks, too.’ ‘* Who is he?” “Don’t know ’cept some one up at Lake city éalled him Blonde Bill. He got on, there, along wi’ the vailed woman.” Hon. Ray Vernon took the liberty to turn his seat, and gaze keenly at the blonde stranger. When he turned again to La Carte, he spoke, in an undertone: ‘‘ So he has considerable treasure, eh? Where is he bound for?” ‘“< Deadwood Dick’s Discovery.” *€ Ah! where is that?” “Oh! that’s a new strike *twixt Silverton and Parrott City. ’Tain’t much of a place yet, but they say there’s good prospects of a new Leadville.” The Ohioan was silent a few minutes, after which he continued: ‘“‘This Deadwood Dick is a road-agent, isn’t he?” “ No—that is, he ain’t any more. ‘“Thet used ter be his perfession, But, they say he quit off, awhile ago. Et don’t do him much good, however, fer ther people have got a udge ag’in’ him, and won’t let him alone. Fer nstance, he is sed to have discovered the new mines that bear his name, but a gang from Silverton went down and cleared him out, and took_possession. Ah! the imps! road-agents! the Silent Tongues are upon us!” The cry of the driver awoke startled echoes up and down the canyon! The horses had been suddenly hurled back upon their haunches, thereby bringing the stage to a standstill in the gloomy canyon. Then out from many a niche and sheltering rock poured a crowd of dusky figures, masked, and armed to the teeth, and surrounded ihe stage in less time than it takes to tell it. “No use to offer resistance, boys!” La Carte shouted. ‘‘ They’re two to our one, an’ hev got the drop!” ‘‘ Fight’s the word!” cried the blonde stranger, as he sprung to his feet, a cocked revolver in either head: “ Rally, all! the dogs must not touch the treasure-box!” The words were electric in their result. Beautiful Bill and Avalanche were instantly by the blonde man’s side, weapons in hand. And also the individual who wore an imperial and waxed mustache. ‘Give it to em!” the blonde man cried, ‘an’ charge it to Blonde Bill. Fight for your lives and the safety and preservation of your rights!" No second time did the blonde man have to speak; for the weapons of the others poured a volley of death into the ranks of the outlaws, even as did his own. Crack! crack! crack! rung the sharp report of the pistols, accompanied by flash aiter flash, and yell after yell of pain and rage. But the passengers were not the only ones to fire, for the Silent Tongues—so called because they were never heard to speak—returned the fusilade with interest. The miners within the coach also engaged in the fight, by firing from the windows, and there within the gloomy depths of San Juan canyon waged such a battle as had ne’er been fought there, before. “Scoop et to em, ye durned galoots,” roared Beautiful Bill, handhng his great revolvers with deadly dexterity. “Giv et to ’em right from yer muzzies, like as ef ye war killin’ polecats or salivatin’ suckers. Don’t ye heer me, now? Beautiful Bill am J, the great bair-trunked, ivory-tusked Pet Elerfant 0’ the Leadville Trail; ther half-partner o’ the Transfigurative Death Committee an’ Society fer ther Propogation ©’ Practercal Bievation !’ Crack! crach ! evack, The can) on cengkt up and echeed the rireing |
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a ————— ef the pistol-shots—the bullets beat a death’s tattoo against the rugged walls. Madly—determinedly—desperately fought the defenders, Blonde Bill in the front, and the oth- ers close beside him. “Great ham-bone, thet war ther bee-line fer old Joner! they’ve plugged it to yer leddy!” the Annihilator pil in the blonde man’s ear —then he turned to fire again into the swarming outlaw ranks. ‘ ae, Suddenly there was a wild, shrill scream, as of a mountain Eagle. Blonde Bill was kneeling beside the vailed woman. But it was not his cry that echoed through the canyon. Another had uttered the cry—the road-agents heard it—paused—hesitated—and ‘then as if by ‘unanimous consent, beat a precipitate retreat from the scene of the attack! CHAPTER IL A BAD BITE—A QU&— GEREET AUCTION. Pe agra was pon = ats setae. irst, the stage-coach, stop n the gloomy zanyon; next the defenders aiettlg in bold re- lief upon the top; and lastly, the rapid fleeing of the Silent Tongues, in every accessible direc- tion. It was a tableau worthy of representation upon any theater’s boards, only here it was true to nature. And, not least noticeable, was the blonde stranger, kneeling beside his wounded com- panion, the vailed lady, tears trickling down over his cheeks, from beneath the green gog- les. en Great ham-bone thet discombobberated ther terrestyal gravytation uv old Joner!” the.An- nihilator cried, springing forward, to the blonde man’s side, ‘‘ Hey they hurt yer leddy,, pil- grim?” ‘Yes!’ was the husky reply; “‘may God’s wrath be upon them—they have killed her.” ** All aboard!” shouted La Carte, who, along with the minister and the-Ohioan, had taken no part in the fight—‘‘ all aboard, who goes on the Monitor !” “Stop!” the Sport, of the waxed mustache, cried, covering the driver with a_ revolver. **Don’t ye see we’ve got a dead lady, here? Just you hold up, if you please.” ‘*Can’t help if ye’ve got a dozen of ’em,” La Carte replied, drawing up on the reins. *‘ This "ere stage hes got to go through on time!” “Oh! et haz, haz it!” roared a stentorian voice, and the next minute the little Canadian found himself held high above the head of Beautiful Bill, supported horizontally by a of arms that never once quivered. ‘Oh! ye wull, wull ye?” the giant repeated, with a ma- licious.grin. ‘‘Oho! PAS fergot thet Beauterful Bill was on deck, hedn’t ye—I, ther great varie- gated, sweet~cented Apoller o’ ther West—ther old original Pet Elerfant o’ ther Leadville Trail —ther left bower o’ ther famuss Death Commit- tee o’ the Mines, Yas, ye’d forgot all about thet leetle fack, on course. Aire ye goin’ ter start ther stage, ye ill-favored son 0’ a polecat, ef I set ye onter yer feet ag’in?”’ - ‘*Curse you, yes!” the Kenuck gritted sav- agely. ‘Dll tear yer heart out!” ‘ “Bet yer pile ye lie!” the giant replied. “Tl fix you fer a coroner’s inquest, an’ drive ther stage, myself.” e next instant the giant had hurled the Canadian half-way across the canyon, from the poise above his head, and he struck the hard ground with a dull thud, the sound of which seemed pregnant with a deadly meaning. Blonde Bill turned to the Sport. “What is your handle?” he asked, wiping the tears from his cheeks. “They generally call me Rosebud Rob,” the other replied, bowing. ; The pioune man thenstarted a trifle. ‘*T have heard of you,” he said, extending his hand. ‘“ Will you hand me her”—with a glance toward the dead lady—‘‘when I get to the ground? I will bury her somewhere in this vicinity.” ‘“‘T will assist you, certainly,” Rosebud Rob ied lied. “Ihe ‘next instant Blonde Bill had climbed down from the stage-top to the ground, the pas- sengers regarding curiously. Rosebud Rob then raised the inanimate form of the dead woman, and handed it into the blonde man’s extended arms, Bill receiving it with a simple bow as acknowledgment of his thanks. ** You may go ahead with the stage, now,” he said, addressing the giant, who stood erect in La Carte’s seat, with whip and reins in hand. Blonde Bill. Then Blonde Bill turned about and strode up the gulch, carrying the body of his dead com- panion in his strong arms. The next instant the crack of the ro whip was heard, and the stage rolled away down the canyon. In an opposite course, Blonde Bill made his way for several moments; then paused and looked around. As he did so, he found himself face to face with the Sport, Rosebud Rob. “What! you here?” the blonde man exclaim- ed, in surprise. ‘ Yes—pardon the intrusion, but I had a curi- osity to know more of a pilgrim that can shoot the way you can, and thought 1 might be of some assistance to you,” the Sport replied. ‘It didn’t look fair to leave you alone to take care of the dead, and so I dropped off.” ** T thank you, sincerely,” Blonde Bill replied, warmly. ‘*I shall not forget your kindness.” He laid the body upon a plot of fresh, green grass, and bowed down before her and wept. ot in a Jloud, obtrusive way—the falling of a tear now and then, and a convulsive shaking of the form being all the symptoms perceptible of his terrible grief. ‘ When he turned again to the Sport, all signs of his grief had vanished, save, mayhap, a trifle of paleness to his cheek. “ She was my wife,” he said huskily; ‘and as true and faithful as an angel. May God gather her to his fold, and permit me tolive that I may wreak vengeance upon her murderer! Come! let’s bury her.” A. little ravine branched off from the main canyon, and up this they carried the body, toa green, grassy slope, shaded by a great hemlock. Then, with their knives, they dug out a grave of sufficient. dimensions for the purpose in- tended, and wrapping a heavy blanket around the corpse, laid it in its last resting-place. Sticks and boughs were then so arranged as to protect the body, when the dirt was covered over; then the grave was filled by Rosebud Rob, while the blonde man knelt beside it, in silent prayer. When the last of the dirt had been heaped over the remains, he arose and grasped the Sport’s hand, warmly. ‘* May God bless you for your kindness,” he said, in a choked voice, ‘‘and put it in. my wer to amply repay you. Come; let us follow the stage on to Silverton. I will yet make thi mining country too hot for these so-called Si- lent Tongues,” ‘Silverton, then, is your destination?” the Sport inquired. ss ts I must find the ‘““Yes—thereabouts. Ab! driver, La Carte, and get the key to the trea- sure-box of the stage, in which I have some money.” They debouched from the ravine into the Juan gulch, and a short walk brought them to where the driver of the Monitor still lay upon the ground. : “The big chap handled him rather rough,” Rosebud Rob said, ‘‘and I allow that he won’t drive any more stages, right away.” While Blonde Bill searched the Canadian’s kets, Rosebud made an examination of his injuries, and found that he was yet alive, but badly bruised, and stunned beyond immediate recovery. ‘* Ah! here are the keys,” the blonde man said, rising, at last. ‘‘ Now, if you are going my way, come along. My game is to break up the Silent Tongues, and rid the Los Animas of some of its ruffianly and villainous element.” “Then you may count me in, too, providing you have no objections,” Rosebud Rob an- swered. ‘TI gin’t no modern Sampson, ner I don’t pretend to bea prime factor o’ this world’s arithmatick; but ef there’s any fun on hand yell ginerally find me a man to suit all circum- n “Then you are the very man I want tor a pard,” Blonde Bill answered, with decision. Silverton, Colorado. The lively little town of the San Juan moun- tain districts—the Pride of the Animas. No city or pretensions thereto, this town of Silverton, with its mountainous main street of business places, and shanties and cabins dotted about without any attempt at regularity. : Yet it had an enormous floating population, and is considered one of the roughest places in Southwestern Colorado, Here, as in ville or Deadwood, you find an indiscriminate mass of people, literally the “culls” from every quarter of the globe. The fact of Colorado’s being a recognized State of the Union, a State and municipal gov- ernment, does not in the least deter Silverton from having its street fights and daily demand for coroner’s inquests, nor does it discountenarme the various phases of fast life peculiar to all mining centers. The streets every day present a festive and gala ap nce, and the boom of business is relieved by constantly occurring scenes and in- cidents of a highly sensational nature. On the early evening of the day succeedin the bold attempt of the Silent Tongues to the stage in San Juan valley, two persons rode ' down the busy main street of Silverton, moun upon a pair of burros of the ugliest possible appearance. One of the persons was a young woman or maiden of perhaps eighteen years of age—a prettily proportioned girl, with an equally pretty face of a decidedly independent type, relieved by a pair of saucy brown eyes, and a mouth that could relax from gravity to a broad smile, in a single instant.. Her hair was of ex- treme :ength, as it fell in an auburn wave over her shoulders, and was crowned by a jaunty straw hat. Her riding habit, although coarse, was also neat and tasty. Her companion was a swarthy man of forty- five, with jet-black bairand beard, and features of a most repulsive cast. His dress was rough and greasy, and a small arsenal of weapons oc- cupied his belt, As this strangely contrasted couple rode through the street, general attention was turned upon them by the crowds of men who peopled the busy thoroughfare, and more than once the name of ‘‘Salamander Sam,” was spoken by resident Silvertonians. The girl, it was discovered, was bound to the saddle, and her hands were secured behind her back, clearly proving that she was a prisoner in the hands of the swarthy ruffian. For Salamander Sam was a ruffian of the boldest type, and was feared by one and all throughout the Animas mines. ke A never-failing dead shot, and a person who had no fear of man or God, he was a desperate customer to ‘‘rile,” as many a conceited pil- grim had learned to his cost. Involuntarily the busy tide that surged in the main street, turned and followed the course of the two riders, when it was discovered that the ruffian’s companion was bound, for it was of course anticipated that there would be develop- ments in the case. Straight down the street rode the roffian, until he came to a aes shanty designated by a sign: “‘ Hotel,” when he drew rein upon his own and the maiden’s horses. In a moment, thereafter, a dense crowd had collected around them inquiringly. At first the ruffian gazed at them fiercely, without any seeming disposition to speak, bat after awhile he rose in his stirrups, and cried: **My name’s Salamander Sam, pilgrims, ef ye don’t know me, an’ I’ve come down here ter sell this yere gal at auction ter ther highest bidder. he’s my darter, is Dashin’ Dol, an’ I opine ef I want ter sell her, that’s my bizness She ar’ a tricky beast, an’ last night she tried ter carve me wi’ a dagger, but et didn’t work. I happened ter be a leetle ther spriest, an’ cotched her at it. So, now, feller-citizens, ef enny o’ ye want ’er, jest give me a startin’ bid. How much do I hear, neow ?” “Gentlemen, for the love of God, rescue me: from this ruffian’s power,” the gir] cried, plead ingly. ‘‘He is a bad, wicked man, and I only defended myself. Help me, I pray!” ** Shet up, will ye?’ Salamander Sam roa whipping a pair of revolvers from his belt, a cocking them. ‘‘ Ef ye doan’t want me ter sod der ye, jest_keep mum. I’m master 0’ these sarymonies, I am, an’ I’m goin’ ter sell ye ter ther highest bidder. How much’ll ye giv fer her, boyees—how much, now, hoss am’ allt Durst ary man start er at any price? Gal an’ hoss! how much do I heer now, fer ther gcod- will an’ fictures—sole right and title—how much, now?” “T’ll give ve five dollar’s fer ther burro,” said a brutal-looking Kentuckian. ‘ Don’t waut ther petticoater at no price.” “ Hoss an’ gal must go tergether!” announced Salamander Sam. ‘Five dollars I’m bid, pik grims—five dollars I’m bid—who makes et ten# Jest think, a fust-class burro an’ a gal, “i as a posey—an’ five dollars all I’m offere Why, ye durned galoots, ther gal’s wuth a ten, ter say nothing about ther gol-durned burro !” ‘“‘Hello!” sung out a bystander; “ heer cums Mie Syckel, ther minister! He'll raise ther i “The Lord forbid,” the reverend party seid, as he came forward and was acquainted with
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& Blonde Bill. —r the rare opportunity held forth by Salamander Sam. ‘My good friend, knowest thou not the grievous sin thou’rt committing, by putting up so comely a maid at public auction?” *““You torkin’ ter me?” the ruffian demanded, with a scowl. “Ay! good sir; it is within my heart to per- suade you from your unholy purpose.” *“Lookee heer, old hoss, [’m assumin’ ther ‘sponsibility 0’ this funeral, ef I know myself, an’ don’t wantno slack. This gal’s my darter, an’ ef [I wanter sell her, ’'m goin’ ter do it, an’ kin lick enny son uv a coyote es sez nay. Ef ye wanter save ther gal, an’ make her a piller uv Christendom, bid on her, or keep yer valve closed!” This response elicited a general laugh from the crowd, for the Reverend Mr. Van Syckel was no favorite among the rude and unreligious miners of Silverton. The few supporters he had in his goodly work were com mainly of the feminine sex, with now and then a merchant or citizen, and even they were not proud of their ministerial servant. “Cum, gents!” Salamander Sam cried, begin- ning to grow impatient, ‘will ye let me talk myself hoarse over ther vartues uv ther gal an’ ther mule? .Fer heaving’s sake raise ther bid enuff so I can git decently drunk. hoop her up, now!—how much do I hear?” ““T will give you a hundred dollars for the girl,” a man said, as he stepped forward—a stranger, by the wo ~, and no less a party than *he Honorable Ray Vernon, of Ohio! CHAPTER III. MISS VAN SYCKEL’S WARNING. SEVERAL hours after the termination of the street scene, introducing the peculiar auction of Salamander Sam, a man stood upon the veran- «a of the Leviathan Hotel, which, by the way, is Silverton’s principal hostelry. He was leaning carelessly against one of the svooden supporting columns, in a way that be- <agres ease and grace combined. he man was Blonde Bill. He was clad in a faultless costume of spotless duck, with patent leathers of elegant fit upon oe tigi and a jaunty wool hat upon his blonde ead, He eppenred to be enjoying the busy scene updn the street, for it was yet early evening, and tho whole population of the lovely little town seemed to be abroad. As he was thus standing, two persons came down the street, and passed the hotel. The one was Rosebud Rob, the Sport, and the other was a girl, attired in male garb throughout—a wild- ly handsome creature, with dusky, passionful eyes, a mouth of sweet expression, and a mass of wavy brown hair, which blew unconfined over her shoulder. Her attire was of serviceable white cassimere, but neatly-fitting, and showing to good advan- tage her finely-contoured form; a slouch hat, jauntily turned up, ornamented her curls, and the knee-boots she wore were of the daintiest pattern. The Sport was in the advance, and evidently not accompanying the girl, if indeed he knew her, which was not probable. As he caught a glimpse of ber, a strange start eame over Blonde Bill, and he half started for- ward, only to step back again, a resolute expres sion settling around his mouth. “Did you think you knew the woman?” The words were addressed to him, plain enough, and he turned to find another youn woman standing by his side, which she had reached without his hearing her. She was richly attired in a stylish and costly street costume, consisting of a fine silk walking- dress, a knit shawl, and prettily-trimmed hat, and Blonde Bill had no difficulty in recognizin her as the young lady who had accompanie the minister at the time of the stage robbery. ** Ah! excuse me,” he said, doffing his hat with a gallant bow; ‘‘were you speaking to me, lady?’ The minister’s daughter nodded, with a piqu- ant smile. ‘* Yes,” she said, pleasantly, ‘‘I was asking a if you knew the bold creature in male at- ire?” | “Tf my memory does not belie me, I think I have met her before,” Blonde Bill replied. “Why do you ask, pray?” ss Ont merely because I saw you start at sight of her, and partly, perhaps, for an excuse to in- troduce myself,” was the frank, laughing reply. “saw you standing here, and wanted to ask you how isthe lady who was shot?” “She is dead, miss — was dead, ere I left the stage.” ‘* Was she a friend of yours, then?” ‘As near as ever friend could be—my wife,” the blonde man replied, a trifle huskily. ‘“‘ You are the minister’s daughter, I take it?’ “Yes, sir; my name is Nora Van Syckel. Yours is—” ** Blonde Bill, at your service.” The young woman nodded, and glanced hur- riedly around her, as if fearful of being seen in the blonde man’s company. There chanced to be no one else upon the veranda, at the time, and she seemed relieved. ** Will you come with me into the hotel?” she asked. ‘1 would speak with you, in private, if you have no seg, arse to listening to me.” “Certainly, lady. If I can be of any ser- vice to you, you may command me of course.” ‘Then, follow me,” she said, re-entering the hotel from the veranda. She then led the way up the broad staircase to a private parlor upon the second floor, Blonde Bill following her, and accepting the seat she offered him. “‘It won’t take me long to tell you what I want of you,” she said, as she swept to and fro, over the carpet. ‘I have taken it upon my- self, as my duty, to warn you that you area marked man in this town, and that the sooner you take your leave the safer it will be for ‘“What do you mean? Why amI marked— and a total stranger in the town, at that?” the blonde man cried, in surprise. ‘‘Tcannnot tell you that, sir—no more than that there exists throughout the mining districts of San Juan county, a bold and lawlesss gang of ruffians, who style themselves the Silent Tongues, and who rule these towns, literally, for once they take a dislike toa man, he has to leave,—if not of his own free will, by theirs! I overheard a bit of conversation awhile ago, which led me to believe that a plot was on foot to rid the town of your presence, and I took the liberty to bring you here, and put you on your guard.” “For which act of kindness on your part I am deeply grateful,” Blonde Bill said, warmly. ‘One question I would ask you, that you may be able to answer—who is the commander of these Silent Tongues?” ‘That, sir, I do not know, except that he is called Captain Terrible, which, of course, is but a nom de plume to ccreen another name.” ‘Undoubtedly. I will bear your warning in mind, and look out for the Silent Tongues. A1- ready I owe them a debt of vengeance, which shall be paid in blood.” Then the blonde man arose to depart. ‘IT should be pleased to bave you call again sir, when papa is at home,” Miss Van Syckel said, accompanying him to the door. ‘*I am somewhat a stranger in these parts myself, hav- ing recently returned from school in the East, and of course have made but few eligible ac- quaintances, having taken no particular fancy to the rougher class of citizens.’ ‘Perhaps J shall find it convenient to do so,” Blonde Bill replied. “If you learn pet I more concerning the Silent Tongues, that migh concern me, I should be pleased to have you let me know, as I generally like to rake in all the points on the board, when practicable.” Then, with a smile, Blonde Bill bowed him- self gallantly out of the presence of the minis- ter’s daughter, and Datook himself to the street. Let us return to the street scene. The bid of the Ohioan elicited a murmur of surprise from the crowd, and seemed to please Salamander Sam greatly. ‘“‘Thar now, ye durned galoots, here’s one pilgrim as ain’t afeard ter bid on ther gal!” he roared. ‘Keep ther ball in motion now—keep ’er a-goin’, I tell ye! A hundred dollers I’ve got—a hundred I’m offered, fer ther gal an’ bur- ro! .Whar’s ther pilgrim w’ot makes et two hundred—a hundred an’ fifty—one an’ a quarter? Going at a hundred—who makes et two?” “Tll make it two hundred,” exclaimed a voice, and Rosebud Rob stepped forward. “Two hundred I’m offered—two hundred,” shouted the ruffian. ‘‘ Who sees me three?” “Here,” replied the portly Ohioan, eying the helpless girl with a gaze that caused her to shudder, so full of villainous significance was it. “Three hundred—three I’ve got—four T want! Keep ’er b’ilin’, gents!” cried the auctioneer. “‘ She’s a gud’un, is ther gal, ’cept she’s inclined ter be a littie sassy, an’ ar’n’t afeard ter carve a feller when her dander’s up. Three I’ve got— who'll make it four?” — “T will,” Rosebud Rob said, with as much coolness as though he were bidding off a gold- mine instead of a lovely girl. “Tll make it five, then,” the Ohioan said promptly, with a scowl at his opponent. “ T'lk ave the girl, young man, at any price, so you may as well stop bidding.” oS Maybe you'll get her, and again, maybe ye won't,” the Sport coolly replied “It depends somewhat on which of us has the biggest pile!” A titter from the crowd at this juncture, caused the Ohioan to mutter an execration. ‘Who are yout’? he demanded, angrily. ‘*'You will please use more respect in addressing your superiors, sir.” “Oh! I will, will I? Undoubtedly, sir, when I find them!” Rosebud responded, with a mocking, bow. ‘As to who I am, I am generally calle Rosebud Rob, from a habit 1 have of always wearing a rosebud in my buttonhole, when I am able to get one. Auctioneer, I'll see you fifty better on the last bid.” ‘“*Five-fifty I have—five-fifty, gents: who will make it six? Six! six! who'll make it six? Go- ing at five hundred and fifty dollars; who'll make it six?” ‘*Hillo, heer—hillo, ye gol-durn muiles! Git: out o’ ther way, an’ make way fer ther great: Dubble-j’inted, Patent Adjustable Death Com- mittee o’ the Mines—ther reg’lar roarin’ antedi- luvian disaster o’ the Animas—the sky-scrapin” Centenyal Insurrective Investergation Board uv ther San Won! Heer we cum a-boomin’, an” we do desire ter stick our paw in this yere pur- tickler pie. Cum erlong, Avalanche, ye gol- durned no-ear Annihilator, and let’s take a peep: at ther critter—cum erlong wi’ yer uncle, Beau- tiful Bill—ther world-renowned, sweet-’cented, saintly-tempered Apoller o’ the West—ther ha’r-trunked, ivory-tusked Pet Elerfant o’ ther Animas Trail ; ther gigantic statter o’ ther God- dess 0’ Liberty. That’s me, my gawpin galoots —me, cla’r down ter ther eend 0’ my leetie toe! We be ther original an’ famuss Death Commit- tee o’ ther Mines, jest like oyster pie, an’ if ve’ve. got oa funerals around heer, we want a front seat And, following the words came the big man from Leadville, elbowing his way through the crowd, closely accompanied by the Annihilator. ‘*Going—going—going!—who makes et six? Where’s the man as durst offer me six hundred dollars fer ther burro, wi’ ther gal throw’d in?” cried Salamander Sam. . “Harkee! Great bam-bone, ef they ain’t sellin’ a gal at auction,” exclaimed Avalanche. ‘* Bill, thet ain’t a squar’ deal!” “No sir-ee! bob-tail horse—thet ain’t no fair kinder shake,” the giant cried, indignantly. “When wimmen cum ter be sold like sheep, I reckon et’s high time fer ther Death Committee ter show a tooth er two, dog my mother-in-law’s old Thomas cat, ef I don’t! “Say, see heer, ye durned black-ha’red, stoop- shouldered, lantern-jawed, slab-sided, disgustin” specimen o’ humanity, d’ye see me? I’m Beau- tiful Bill, I am, an’ this yere snoozer he be Ola Avalanche, an’ we two constertute ther Death Committee o’ ther Mines. Jest gaze at_us—jest luk at me, will ye, the great Saraytoga-Trunked, ivory-tusked Pet Blerfant o’ ther Leadville Trail —ther gilt-edged Apoller o’ ther West—ther father uv yer country, an’ ther bellerin’ statter- esque Masher o’ old Montezume. Thet’s me, an’ now, durn yer cats, we, ther aforesaid Death Committee, want ter know w’ot bizness you've got makin’ a’ aucktion hyar, uy a gal!” “ Et’s my gal, an’ ef I wanter sell ’er, ’m goin’ to do et!” savagely replied Salamander Sam. “This ain’t none o’ yer funeral, old man. an’ ef ye don’t want me ter make a tunnel through you, jest ye close yer valve. D’ye heer?’ “Do we heer?” the giant replied, with a leer; ‘on course we do, an’ ef ye'll git down off’n thet burro, an’ waltz over hyar ter my embrace, V’ll hug ye ter death in less time ’n takes an In- jun ter smell tarant’ler. Don’t fret—right byar wull ther Death Committee wait ontil ye git ready ver purceed ter biz.” : ‘Six hundred and fifty dollars,” cried Roge- bud Rob, at this juncture. ; “Seven hundred,” added jr laa fiercely. “Eight hundred,” sung out’ the Sport, who was now backed, or rather yfged on, by Blonde Bill, who stood at his side. ’ “‘Nine hundred!” from the Ohioan, followed by a vindictive curse. ss “A square thousand I'll make it!” the Sport eried, coolly, while the situation momentariy grew more and more exciting. ; Such a street scene had never before been drawn upon fair Silverton’s record—such sn in- cident was not to be found in the history of San
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Blonde Bill. The most attention was bestowed upon the dandyish Sport, of the waxed mustache, for self-assurance excites admiration, in any crowd. And evidently the Sport was as cool as he ap- ared, as also was the blonde man who stood y his side, ‘ “Honorable Ray Vernon claimed to be a Con- ressman, from Ohio, traveling in the West for his health; but if this be true, the state of ex- citement he gradually worked himself into could not particularly conduce to his recovery. Angrier and angrier, if possible, he grew, at the opposition offered by the Sport for he was determined to possess the girl, Dashing Dolly, and every raise offered by the Sport, meant so many more dollars out of his pockets. ‘Come, gents, keep ’er a-goin’,” shouted Salamander Sam, with a grin of satisfaction. ** Bt does me proud to see ye place ther gal at sech a high valnwradaee fer she’s cl’ar material, an’ wuth her weight in pure a’riferous, ter say nothin’ about ther burro.” “Ten-fifty,” bld the Ohioan. ‘* Rieven I make’r,” from the Sport. ‘*Hleven-fifty V’ll give.” “Fifty better I'll see ye.” ** Curse you, you vagabond, do run the girl up toa million?’ the cried, fiercely. “Perhaps, if I see fit,” Rosebud returned. ‘*-You’ll generally find me a man to suit all cir- cumstances, an’ I propose to see you a better, bid what you may.” > elec } An oath from Vernon was indicative of his feelings. 3 : “There is no use of fooling,” he said, sav- ‘Pll have the girlin spit of you. Pll Alite for the girl, cash at mean to ongressman agely. ve five thousand d own!” od “Well, then you put me under obligations to see you better, ’the Sport said, with a smile. “Pu bid ten thousand dollars for her, and give her her freedom!” A murmur of astonishment ran through the crowd, for this was the grittiest bidding they had ever known. ; “Ther fellere wi’ ther waxed mustache is a brick, durn my old mule’s left hind fut ef he ain’t!” declared Beautiful Bill, approvingly. ‘Great ham-bone, yes,” assented the Anni- hilator. ‘‘I’ve heerd o’ him, afore. But, ’tain’t his cash w’at’s buyin’ ther gal. Ther blonde galoot’s his backer.’ This was evident to all the spectators, for the blonde stranger occasionally nudged the Sport to raise the bid. “Well, my friend, are you through?’ Rose- bud Rob demanded, when the Obioan did not raise the bid. ‘‘Can’t you see ten thousand in the girl?” per ‘*No, curse you, but I’ll make this job cost you dearly, before you’re through with me.” ‘Cum, young feiler, let’s hev yer swag, an’ yecan hev Dashing Dolly,” Salamander Sam cried. ‘‘I’m anxious ter slope, afore ther gal its free.” : “Hold on! afore ye slope, I’ve got ’er leetle ackount ter settle wi’ you!” Beautiful Bill re- minded, ‘‘ an’ we may as well settle right heer, as enny whar.”’ CHAPTER IV. DEADWOOD DICK PUTS IN AN APPEARANCE. giant meant business, evidently, for right there in the center of Silverton’s main street, he stripped off his packet, and rolled up the sleeves upon a pair of monster arms, in a way that was very suggestive, to say the least. A murmur of admiration esca the specta- tors at the sight of the whip-like cords and heavy muscles upon the giant’s limbs, mander Sam saw them, and scowled darkly, for, ruffian and bully though he was, he at once felt that he had met a man for whom he was no match. ' “Jest luk at me, wull ye,” Beautiful Bill roared, prancing about in a very undignified series oft positions. “Jest feast yer optics onter me, wull yorme, ther famuss statter uv ther Goddess 0 Liberty—ther father o’ m kintry. Thar was a time, ye durned galoots, when Ian old George Washington war half- rothers; so ye see my pocigree ar’ way up, fer high. D’ye see me, ye gql-durned slave-trader—d’ye see yer unkle n’ at ye, wi’ ther zest uva hungry elerfant? Cum erlong ter my hug, ef ye durst fight United States, fashun, an’ let me put a ar gp over yer eye, so’t’ll let ye pass as hird-class matter!” Cum an’ hug me, once, if you dare—if ye dare, ye black-whiskered son uv a buffler.” , “Tt is useless to waste your breath on him,” “He is a bigger coward, at heart, than a coy- s no fight in him.” *“You lie, cuss ye!” Salamander Sam cried, fiercely. ‘‘Thar’s no man as walks w’ot lam afeard of.” “Then, fer ther luv of Heaving, jest cum an’ see yer unkle!” implored the giant. ‘‘ Cum an’ harpoon ther great ivory-tusked pet elerfant, or offer me a stale chawuv terbaccer! Whoop-ce! sail in, ef ye wanter l’arn how ter skin a cata- mount in two single seconts.” * But Salamander Sam made no move to re- spond; and seizing the package of bills handed him by Blonde Bill, he jabbed the spurs into his animal’s side, and shot away down the street like the wind. ‘“‘Gol-durn my old mule’s left hind fut!” blus- tered the giant. ‘Ef I was a good fer shucks on hossback, I’d foller thet galoot, an’ dust his jacket, Iwould. But et ain’t no use o’ chasin’ chain lightnin’ on fut. Whar’s ther feller w’ot owns ther gal?” ‘‘Here is the man,” Rosebud Rob said, indi- ed the blonde stranger who stood by his side. - “If was only the bidder—he was the backer, and consequently own his purchase.” “You mistake my motives, Sport,” Blonde Bill said, stepping forward. ‘I take pleasure in presenting the young lady with her liberty. It was for that purpose I backed your bids.” A murmur of applause escaped the lips of the spectators, and Dashing yw § gazed at the blonde man, tears springing to her eyes: ‘‘T am sorry I have only the grateful thanks of a friendless waif to offer you,” she said, modestly. ‘*[—I—” ‘Do not consider yourself under the least ob- ligation to me,” Blonde Bill replied. ‘‘It was simply to prevent your falling into villainous hands that I interfered, and it was no more than any man would have done!” “Then, sir, you mean to infer that I had _ vil- lainous motives in bidding on the girl?’ the Onioan sharply demanded, striding up before the blonde man, “I do, sir,” was the cool response. ‘The way you gazed at her was sufficient guarantee of your base designs, had you got her in your power,” ** You lie, sir—you lie like a Ute!” the Con- gressman cried, furiously, and he raised his clenched hand threateningly. But if it was his intention to strike the blonde man, his plan was frustrated, for he suddenly found his wrist caught ina vise-like gripe, in the ditehig hand of the Leadville giant. . hyar, no ye don’t, my gay rooster!” the Pet Elephant cried, with a chuckle. “ Goin’ ter punch ther blonde ilgrim was ye? But got fooled, didn’t ye, jest like ther Cninaman w’ot tried ter pick a sliver outer my old mule’s fut! Ho! ho! D’ye s’pose I’m goin’ ter stand idly Ry an’ let ye abuse ther widders and orfants? 0 sir-ee, bob-tail hoss! Thet ain’t accordin’ ter ther constertoochin’ an’ by-laws uv ther Death Committee—is it, Avalanche?” ‘*Great ham-bone, no,” the veteran Annihila- tor replied, with a shake of his grizzly head. “On course et ain’t,” the giant declared, em- phatically, ‘‘an’ gol-durn my mother-in-law’s pet Thomas cat ef ye ain’t got ter git down on er knees an’ apolergize ter my cinnamon a’red namesake, or I’ll make a cadaver outer ou quicker’n a lightnin’-bug ever got skeart at hunder !” “Don’t bother the man, on my pard,” Blonde Bill said, turning away. never harm anybody.” Beautiful Bill reluctantly let go his hold on the Ohioan’s arm, seeming to regard the blonde man’s will as hislaw. ‘‘Ye may thank yer boots ye git off so cheap,” he muttered. *‘ Next time her Death Committee will tend ter yer case. The crowd now began to disperse, Blonde Bill had gone, and taken away the chances of a street fi ht, and so there was nothing more for these Silvertonians to wait for. The Ohioan also took his departure, as soon as by the giant, being glad to escape pun- isnment at the Pet Elephant’s hands. ashing Dolly still remained bound to her burro, Rosebud Rob now stepped forward and cut her bonds, and then amished her to dismount. “Have you any friends or acquaintances here, to whom I could conduct you?” he asked. “None,” was the reply. “I have not a friend in the world.” “Say not so, young lady. Two at least will act as your friends, with your permission~ Blonde Bill and myself.” ‘I thank you, sir, but I could not think of ac- account “ He'll — ee 5 cepting the hospitality of two utter strangers. If you will show mea good hotel, I will see if I cannot get employment, there, ashelp. I think by trying I might be able.” Accordingly Rosebud Rob accompanied her to the Leviathan, and found and introduced her to the proprietor. He then stepped aside and waited until he got an opportunity to speak with the gentleman himself, whose name was Colonel ur. “Did you hire the is ey the colone a ell, no, not exactly,” was the surprised ‘I sent her to the parlor to await my young lady?’ he asked, in- reply. answer.” “You take her—give her some light and de- sirable employment; I’ll settle the bill,” the Sport said. ** You?” the colonel demanded. “Exactly. I’ve plenty of cash, and it won't hurt me to look after the friendless. If you want a recommend go ask Blonde Bill if Rose- bud Rob is not all right?’ ““Oh! yes, I see. You’re the blonde man’s friend, eh? Well, that’s all the recommend I —_ The young lady shall be properly cared or,’ “Thanks. If aman who calls himself Hon- orable Ray Vernon, offers to molest her, fire him out, at my expense.” ** T'll see to it, sir,” the colonel replied, turning away. ‘The self-styled Congressman is no particular favorite of mine.” About the same hour, that evening, when Blonde Bill wascloseted with Nora Van Syckel, the Honorable Ray Vernon, of Ohio, entered a notorious gambling palace, not far from t):c Leviathan, It was a large shanty of more careful arcl)i- tecture and finish than its immediate neighbors. and the interior was plastered and frescoed, ani there were carpets upon the floor. The furui- ture, too was of the richest wood, heavily carved, and great lamp chandeliers pended from the ceiling. The interior was one vast apartment, with a bar at the further end, the rest of the space being chiefly occupied by chairs and tables. The saloon, which was known as the ‘‘ Mona- co,” was filled with miners, citizens, and gamlb- lers, when the Ohioan entered, but he crowded his way along until he chanced to finda vacant chair and table. He at once ordered a bottle of wine, and pro- ceeded to do justice to it, while he smoked a cigar, and gazed upon the strangely exciting scene around him. He had not been seated more than half an hour, when a man entered, and approached the vacant seat oe the Congressman. He was a burly individual, clad in mud- splashed garments of coarse material, and his face, what was not hidden beneath an immense bushy red beard, was shaded by the broad rim of a slouch hat. The butts of a pair of heavy cavalry pistols peeped out of the tops of lis knee-boots, and another pair of Colt’s trust; a were thrust into the belt about his waist. Without invitation he took the vacant chair, and a= at the Ohioan for several minutes in a rude stare. ain’t ye?” he finally “You are Ray Vernon, demanded. “That is my name,” the Congressman re- plied, coldly. “Tho’t so,” was the reply. “You're ther feller w’ot s ter hev bought out ther mines, below heer, I reckon?” ‘“‘T am supposed to be the owner of the Dead- wood Dick’s discovery-mines,” the other assent- ed. “ Why do you ask?” “‘ Because, ef yure ther chap, ye’ve undertook a bad job. “Deadwood Dick didn’t sell you the mines ** He didn’t?” “No sir-ee! You met him up in Leadville, “Ye offered ter buy him out, didn’t ye?” “T did, sir,” aoe ye didn’t make the purchase, in a fair wa e Ohioan scowled. “Why did I not?’ he demanded, with some fierceness. - ‘*T tell ye,” the red-whiskered party said, low- ering his tone. ‘‘ Ye made Deadwood Dick an offer, which he declined. Then you asked to see ther deed to ther claim. He show’d thet to ye an’ ye examined it. While purtendin’ ter refle you asked him ter drink, an’ ordered a bottle o’ wine and glasses. When ther wine came Dead- a
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shies clever di 8B wood Dick refused ter drink wine, and you masked him ef he wouldn’t exchange ther wine fer sars’p’rilla. This he consented to do, an’ while be was gone you dropped a sleeping po- tion ster his glass. When the peirink came you hastily filled his glass, an’ he didn’t notice the powder when he drunk it. In five minnits he war asleep, an’ you made off wi’ ther deed o’ ther Discovery claim.” The Ohioan uttered an impatient oath, as he listened. ‘ How do you know this?” he demanded. “ L know it,” the stranger replied, ‘‘ beeause— ecause Iam Deadwood Dick, and have come for that deed!” And as he spoke, he made a quick motion to- ward his feet, and the next instant held a pair af cocked revolvers in hand. Gold-mounted tools they were, of great beau- oy, and their deadly muzzles stared the Ohioan he the face, * Curse you!” he gasped, growing white in an instant. ‘Put aside your weapons. What do vou mean?” ‘‘{ mean business,” the ex-outlaw said, with uerce resolve. “I don’t generally mean’ any- thing else, when I grip such tools as these. You can give me back he deed to Deadwood Dick’s Discovery, or J shall be forced to shet up yer shop, at once.’ “T haven't got the deed—I didn’t take it,” was the parleying reply. **You lie!” Dick replied, coolly; “you stole it, and I demand it, or your life!’ * Put up your weapons first, then.” “Oh, no. You can’t come that. The ‘ boys’ ‘won't harm you, if you dish over the deed, in right noo race.’ at if I refuse to do it?” ‘*Then I shall make it necessary for crape to 6e hung on your door.” “Bah! you dare not kill me here. You'd be st ‘rung up before the smoke had cleared away.’ The Buckeye Congressman was beginning to manifest a little more assurance. “‘Humph! It is plain you donot know me,” the ex-road prince said, dryly. ‘If you have any doubts asto my being able to back my word, Pll give you a little illustration, free of cuar 79” o! no!” Vernon said, quickly. “ You deine mind, [ll give you PP the deed; but, understand you, it is merely because I choose, as I have no fear of you. Did I deem it best, the simpl4 announcement from my 6 that you were the famous outlaw, Deadwood Dick, would stand e crowd down upon you, for I "under- stand these Silvertonians have no love for “ Poche not,” was the indifferent sane *and it is likely 'their love will be less, ere fear the last of me. As you say, it ‘might > somewhat to my indisposition, were my pres- ence here generally known, Therefore, unless zou craye a coffin, you’d better keep mum. ome! am ready for the deed, so be lively, £2 our siting appearance of friendliness to- w: +e, one another is beginning to attract atten- ‘Pine deed is at my hotel. You will have to come there for it,” the Ohioan said. ** Very well. Rise and move toward the door, and I will follow you. Make one treacherous move, and P’ll put an air-hole through you on time. Remember who is behind you! Vernon arose with a scowl, and pushed his way toward the door throu ong the crowd. Close at his heels followed Deadwood Dick, in uise, and the formidable pair of vevoivers he held in his hands were an incentive = caused the crowd involuntarily to make for him. ‘Out into the crowded main street of the little “nountain town they went, the ex-outlaw now shoving his weapons into his jacket pockets out of sight, but in such a way that he could fire at +ue Ohioan as well as befor e. Down the street they went, toward the Levi- et an hotel, without any one knowing their .-uhiar relations to each other. *'T he Ohioan was in a rage at himself for thus neing forced to obey the will of the outlaw, but ne had heard so many stories of the dare-devil Deadwood Dick, that he was fearful of the con- 1ences of disobeying. “hinally they reached the Leviathan, and as- - ended the steps to the veranda, Watching his chance, the Ohioan made a sudden dive through a side door, as they en- pig te the broad h shoute # tel ! help! Stop the red-whiskered devil “¢ tie cooureet, outlaw, Deadwood Dick way, and raising his voice, z _ Blonde. ‘Bill. CHAPTER V. ‘ CALAMITY AND AVALANCHE, THE cry of the Ohioan rung londiy throu h the hall and bar-room of the hotel, and he rus ed through the latter, and ensconced himself in a closet, used for storing liquors. He was fearful that Deadwood Dick would follow him, and thought only of his personal safety. Those who had occupied the bar-room, at the moment of his entrance, drew their revolvers apprebensively, for enough of the name and notoriety of Deadwood Dick had they heard, to eos that revolvers were necessary when he cam But, though they stood with bated breath, the famous ex outlaw did not appear as expected. Instead of boldly braving their wrath, he evidently had taken the opportunity to escape. A hasty search was anda of the lower part of the hotel, and upon the street, but no person with red whiskers could be found. Learning this, Ohio’s Congressman, the Hon- orable Ray Ver: non, emerged from his tempo- rary place of refuge, and proceeded first of all to gargle his throat with hot scotch, at the bar, to steady his nerves. He had been thoroughly frightened at his own temerity in breaking away from the ex-road- agent, and was yet pale and agitated to such an extent that he trembled perceptibly. ‘* Kinder skeart, weren’t ye?” a miner asked, when he found himself able once more to walk about, bravely. ‘‘Hain’t much used ter havin’ road-e gents a-taggin’ at yer heels, I reckon?’ ‘No, curse the fellow. He had me covered by a pairof six-shooters, and I had to dodge lively to get out of his reac h,” the Ohioan re- lied, with a scowl. ‘Which way did he go— ow did he escape?” ‘“‘Thet *pears ter be somethin’ pay don’t know how ter ans’er,” the miner ae se Here’s Calamity Jane! she’s one o Deadwood Dick’s old flames—mebbe she could tell ye.” Soke Congressman turned his gaze sharply n the famous girl dare-devil of the mines, 7 o had just sauntered into the bar- room—the same nobbily attired party whom Blonde Bill, not a great while before, had seen going down the street. She was the same imverturbable character, whom it has been our privilege to introduce’ heretofore, only if anything gow ing handsomer in feature and form, consequent upon her ever moving life and excitement in a wild country. ‘You say that person isa woman?’ Vernon demanded, of the miner. ‘*On course she is,” was the reply, * That's Calamity Jane, ther ‘gal w’ot ain’t afeard 0’ no man thet evyer rode a mule—no sir-ee, not she! Knowed her up in Deadwood an’ Leadville.” ‘** And you say she is a friend of Deadwood Dick, the outlaw?” ve Waal, I reckon; leastways, she used to be. They do tell me thet she’d hev "im in a minnit, ef he’d hev her.” ““Humph!” the Ohioan said, eyin dare-devil with a sharp scrutiny. yj know her. Introduce me.” ‘‘No, sir-ee!” the miner declared, promptly. “Ter interdooce a stranger ter a gal, out he this land, means ter vouch for his bein’ all squar’ an’ ain’t on ther vouch, ter-night, especially batons: Calamity Jane is around, an’ her pistol- ter be in good workin’ order. Thar’s Blon e Bill, stranger—mebbe c’u’d tell ye w’ich wey Dead wood Dick went, ef ye’re 50 anxious ter foller him.” ““I do not care to receive information from that man,” the Ohioan gritted, flashing a glance at the handsome, airy blonde man, who had oe sauntered into the great bar-room. “ Heis a ar, a rascal, and a meddlesome villain!” “Bet a cookie ye dursn’t ell im thet ‘ter his face,” the miner muttered, as Vernon turned away He. followed the girl sport, Calamity Jane until he found an opportunity to excuse himself in her presence, for his temerity in addressing her, with the gallantry of a thoroughly polished man of the world. ‘You will please excuse me,” he said, * but on learning that you werea friend of the ex-out- law, Deadwood Dick, I could not refrain from addressing you, and begging permission to ask you a few questions!” The girl gazed at him keenly, through her steady dusky orbs, as if making a rapid analysis of the man. “Well, go ahead,” she said, calmly. It ye ropoun ennything I feel like answerin’, most ikely ye’ll heer from me fe ef ye don't, I’m as pd as a clam in his s “Ha! ha! Isee you are *thelined to be face- the girl ’d like to tious. I admire facetious persons,” Ohio’s pseudo-Congressman said, in most bland manner. ‘* Well, ye needn’t me, fer I don’t purticular- ly admire yer animatec say, an’ be lively "bout it. Very well. They tell me you once wanted to wed this Deadwood Dick, but he wouldn’¢ have you. It was a bitter insult to as pretty a girlas you. Has not there risen in your heart a revengeful spirit, me eye this road-agent— would you not tite’ to get square with him, on the old score, if you were paid well for it?” The Ohioan bent towar her, his eyes gleam- ing like those of a tiger about to spring upor its prey. It was easy to see that he meant busi. ness—that for Deadwood Dick he cherished a deadly hatred. Calamity Jane gazed at him for a moment, a if in great surprise; then a wild laugh burst from her lips. ‘You consummate villainous Uppy,” she said, jerking a revolver from her belt.” “* Pve ten kinds of a notion to blow the hull roof of be4 skull off, fer your audacity. Begone, sir, before I get nervous and pull the trigger!” “But fold! you must hear me through. f will pay you well to put this Deadwood Dick out of my way—a thousand dollars—two thou- sand, even!” ‘Bah! a hundred thousand would not hire Calamity Jane tostrike a true and tried friend!” the girl replied, scornfully. ‘‘ You mistake me, sir villain. Iam no tool orhireling to be tempt- ed _ by a paltry offer of gold. Go, sir, before I make a Pallet hole in yer head, I’m famous at it, once I am riled.” "The Honorable Ray Vernon slunk away, with a vindictive curse. He had calculated that he eould make the girl care-devil a valuable ac- eet to his schemes. But how signally he had faile After he had taken his leave, Calamity Jane left the bar-room, and ascended the stairgto the first floor of the hotel, where her room was located. it soared it, she locked the door behind her, and seated herself at a window overlooking the busy main street of the town, ** Deadwood Dick is down in this district,” she murmured, watching the man moving figures in the moonlit street, below, ‘‘and he is again in danger. He was here in this a photograph. Say yer hotel, to-ni ht, and yet I did not know i til he had come and gone. I wonder—i he knows of the danger that threatens him{ Probably. He is ever on the outlook— ever successful in getting out of the many serapeshe gets into. Noble Dick! no braver man ever roamed through this wild country— yet the people are turned against him, because f his early record. Ha! ha! why do they not Seamelas on me, because a devil in man’s attire once crushed every true womanly instinct out my heart—because one man wrought me a ruined life, with the hope of Soba me go headlong down. the ea, ysical and morai destruction? But he failed—thank God for that! The one fatal step taken, I had courage to re- fuse the next. But, bah! why recur to the past, though I were a virgin saint, I am still Calamity Jane —still Calamity Jane! No one cares for me; I am regarded as a crea- ture as wild as the tall untutored pines of the mountain—a dare-devil, who would as lief take a human life as to smoke a cigar. They call me heartless, unfeeling. Perhaps I am. Were-I friendly to the world, my name would be even worse than it is. Yet, T have a heart— a taste—a craving fora different life than this. Knowledge of manners, education, intellect— all are mine, yet I cannot grasp them, because —I have nothing to live for—no one to encour. age me—because, I am Calamity Jane. Alone Seat motherless—friendless. Oh! Dick! ic Her voice grew choked, she buried her face in her bands, and her form quivered with the emo tion that filled her being. ‘* Calamity! She started violently, and raised her head, quickly, a wild, eager hope coming from her listering eyes. g A ried Pe hi before her—not Deadwood Dick, as she had expected on hearing her name spoken —not the famous ex-outlaw, but one whom tle dare-devil girl recognized, for all—Old Ava- lanche. The veteran Lorrie of old times, but now growing eg ae “ Avalanche! can ‘it be true that this is you?” the girl cried, springing forward to grasp his ants hand. “‘TI should sooner have expected to see the Old Nick!”
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7 Blonde Bill. ‘¢Or, Deadwood Dick,” the old scout replied, with his old-time peculiar chuckle. ‘* Yes, C’lamity, et’s ther old Disaster o’ ther Nor’-west, sure pop—ther great Annihilation, minus Flor- ence Night-in-a-gale an’ Prudence Cordeliar, but ’merged inter ter Death Committee 0’ the Mines—w’ich be me an’ Beautiful Bill.” ‘“‘T am glad to see you, Alva,” Jane said, warmly. ‘‘They are all strangers, here, ye know, an’ an old face is better than a cooked dinner, What evyer brought ye down here?” “Great ham-bone, C’lamity, what ked hev ever fetched me, ’cept ter help ther b’yee, Dead- wood Dick. I heerd as how they war mis- treatin’ him, down hyar, an’ so I j’ined wi’ Bill, an’ we rid down on a terrific zephyr o’ demoli- tion, to lend a helpin’ hand.” “Have you seen Deadwood Dick?” *‘No, but I bev heerd frum him. He sw’ars he’ll make it lively hereabouts ef they don’t let him alone.” “Which I honor him for. They tell me the roughs from here drove him off of his Discov- ery, down the Animas.” “Yas, so they did. He discovered gold thar first, about a month ago, staked out his claim, an’ got it recorded. So, ye see, et’s his, fair shake. But the roughs war too much fer him, an’ he had ter pull cut.” ‘But, Alva, you have not told me how you gotin here, yet?” “Great ham-bone that discomboberated ther terrestyal gravytation uv old Joner! thet warn’t no sarcumstance, C’lamity. Ther old Annihi- later allus kerries keys ter fit all locks. Dot ish how, as the Deitcher said. But, gal, ye’ve not told me what ye was callin’ Dick fer, an’ a-feel- in’ bad, like a cattamount w’at had lost his tail in a b’ar-trap? Hain’t ye grown out o’ thet hankerin’ arter Deadwood Dick yet, arfter ye lived ter see him so muchly married?” A strange flush came slowly to her cheeks and Prony and she flashed him a glance unutter- able, “‘No,” she said, frankly, after a moment's hesitation, ‘‘ I will not lie to you, who have ever been kind tome, The love I bear for Deadwood Dick sprung to existence during our first meet- ings, up in the Hills; and instead of lessening, it has increased. Were he a thousand times wedded, it would not lessen it or make me jeal- ous. Why, you ask? Because I know he does not idves-tuaeeniie he is innocent of all know- ledge of my blind devotion. I tell you this, Avalanche, because you have asked me. I feel safe in doing so, relying on your secrecy.” ‘*Kerect, gal kerect! I’m glad bg still hankers arter ther boy, an’ hope my old years may be spared long enuff ’til I kin see you two jined. ebbe et won’t be so, fer he’s got a purty little woman now; but life is mighty on- sartin. So, ye won’t be wicked ef ye hope, ret. ; ‘Less wicked than wise, I guess,” she said, with a sudden-wrought lightness. ‘‘ Who are St two strangers—Rosebud Rob and Blonde ill?” “‘Dunno much about ther blonde pilgrim, by ther great ham-bone. He be er sorter enigma, be thet galoot—sort o’ king o’ ther mines, fer et is reported he kerries more wealth about his togs nor Julius Ceeser. Ther t’other chap he be Rosebud Rob—a cuss on wheels, once ye set him argoin’, I’ve heerd say.” ‘Bet high on that!” Calamity said, with a nod. ‘*Yecan allus tella good cayuse by ther slumberin’ fire in his eye, Alva. Hark!” © Both became silent, and listened. From the streets below arose the sounds of a great hub- bub—as of many voices and h ing feet. ‘Great ham-bone thet paralyzed old Joner, wat’s up, now?” The Annibilator demanded, excitedly. ‘‘Thar’s some circus afoot, Pll bet a plug o’ terbaccer. Cum! let’s go down, an see what’s ther rip?” They accordingly hastened from the room, and down the stairs to the veranda of the Levia- than. Below, in the street, hundreds of people were collected in the bright moonlight, forming a circle around two persons who stood facing each other in an antagonistic attitude. One of them was the ruftian, Salamander oe — the other the Leadville giant, Beauti- u a There they stood, the latter stripped to his _—_ while the former had not as yet removed a du “Cum! ye gol-durned Rocky Mountain tar- ant’ler—ye ornery sweet~cented polecat! ef ye’ve got er single spark o’ vitality or manli- ness erbout ye, squar’ yerself, an’ waltz right up! Don’t ye see I’m waitin’ wi’ all the lamb- like docilerty an’ patience uv old Job’s gob- bler?’ the giant roared, dancing about, as if he were upon nettles. “T ain’tagoin’ ter fight,” the Salamander re- plied, with an oath. ‘ You’re a bigger man than [, an’ I ain’t anxious ter get “knocked | outer time.” | “* Ba-a-a!” roared the giant, who had evident- ly been indulging, to some extent. ‘Ye don’t ! mean ter tell me thet ye aire actooally afeard , o me, ther Sarytogy-trunked, ivory-tusked | Apoller o’ ther Nor’west—ther sweet~cented Pet Elerfant o’ ther Leadville Trail—ther stat- teresk Pride o’ ther Animas? Oh! hoary-headed polecats an’ false-toothed mother-in-laws! ye don’t durst ter say thet ye air weak in ther knees, when ye gaze onter me, ther symbolic Goddess o’ Liberty?” ‘ “*T have said that I wouldn’t fight you,” Sala- | mander Sam replied, sullenly.» ‘‘ You are a giant, and I am not, Put up some other pil-:| grim, and I'll fight, an’ show ye how ter fill a coffin in first class style.” * rami ese: A thet’s her tork,” the giant cried, pausing to glare around him. ‘‘Whar’s ther pilgrim o’ pigminyan size as durst step for’a’d an’ thrash ther conceit out o’ ther feller w’ot auctioned off ther gal, this afternoon? I’ve hunted him up—I, Beautiful Bill, ther Pet Eler- fant—an’ a hunderd dollars hev. I right heer in my breeches pocket fer ther galoot as kin lick Salamander Sam. Who'll take ther offer, now—whar’s the man?” ‘‘ Here!” a voice exclaimed, and to the sur- prise of all, forward into the ring stepped the new king of the mines, Blonde Bill! CHAPTER VI. A STREET FIGHT AND AN ACCUSATION. A muURMUR of surprise ran through the crowd, as the blonde man stepped forward into the ring. Somehow, in the short time he had been in the little mining town, the report had got abroad that he was a sort of financial king, and that he, with all his prepossessing elegance of manner and dress, should desire to participate in a street fight, was past the understanding of the average Silvertonian. Especially was Calamity Jane surprised, as she stood with Old Avalanche upon the veran- da of the Leviathan, “The blonde pilgrim is on his muscle, ain’t he?” she said, enthusiastically. ‘‘I thought he wasn’t no slouch the minute a my eyes onter him, an’ I kinder warmed terword him. Beta cayuse he’ll scoop et to ther ruff, fine.” ‘**Dunno erbout thet,” Avalanche replied. ‘Bt depends how they fight. I’ve seen sum 0’ them dandy chaps w’ot couldn’t lick a d’ed buz- zard, an’ then ag’in, sum on ’em aire might peart. Thet ar’ Salamander Sam is a toug nugget ter handle, they say; an’ I'll bet a half-eagle wi’ any pilgrim thet he licks the blonde man.” “Well, uncle, I hate to take a mean advan- tage of an old snoozer, but ef ye wanter bet that way, I can accommodate Bend and Rose- bud Rob stepped up to where Calamity and the Annihilator were standing. ‘*Great ham-bone thet agitated ther larynx of old Joner! Et’s you, is et?’ Avalanche ex- claimed, surveying the sport keenly. ‘‘ You be ther chap they call Rosebud Rob?” “The same, old boy, and you, I believe, are the famous Indian-fighter, Old Avalanche? “ Kerect—ther great double-distilled dyna- mite disaster o’ ther plains—ther famous terrific extirpatin’ zephyr o’ ther north, by ther great pores I’ve heerd 0’ ye, ne et gives me pleasure ter grip yer paw. is hyar party is Onlamity Jane, ter whom et does me proud ter make ye acquaint.” Rosebud Rob raised his hat knowledgment to. Calamity’s turned to the Annihilator. **8o ye think the ruffian will get away with Blonde Bill, eh?’ he asked, a faint smile playing about his handsome mouth. “Dunno,” the old man replied, watching the sea of people below. ‘‘ Mebbe ther cimnamon- haired galoot is good for his oats, but I’d orfuily like ter seo them ’ar green goggles knocked away from his eyes.” ee nnd Jane started; and gazed at him s y. - t do you mean?’ she demanded, in a lowered tone. * ‘Can it be that you have been tackled with ther same desire I have, ter see ther eyes uv thet pilgrim down there?” **T shed opine thet same. I say, Rosebud, who is Blonde Bill?” The old man bent forward, and as ha into the Sport’s face as Calamity had antly in ac- ow, and then s into his own. Rosebud gave vent to a.surprised little laugh. ‘*1 see that all three of us have something of a curiosity, in the same direction,” he said. ‘‘If you were to ask me who were the inhabitants of the moon, I could tell you just as easily.” ‘*'Ye don’t know, then?’ “T do not, more than that he calls himself Blonde Bill, has a plenty of ready cash, and is a second cousin to an iceberg, so far as coolness oes. c They now ceased to converse, for the time be- ing, in order to watch the approaching combat between the blonde man and the ruffian. Salamander Sam had thrown off his coat, vest and shirt, and stood stripped to the waist. His form as thus revealed was sinewy and mus- cular. Blonde Bill stood with arms folded across his | breast, watching the unstripping of his adver- sary, with a strangely peculiar smile lurkin beneath his blonde mustache. As yet he h made no preparations at all for the fight. “Cum, ye cinnamon cuss,” Beautiful Bill cried, as he noted his man standing so calm and unconcerned. ‘‘ Ye wanter be pullin’ off yer togs, ef ye expect ter lick ther black-haired ga- loot. Beautiful Bill, am I—ther great Saryto a-trunked, ivory-tusked Pet Elerfant o’ ther nimas Trail—the sweet-’cented Appoller o’ ther Nor’west, and I do asseverate an’ declare thet ther Salamander he ; muscles like er buffa- ler bull.” “‘T have no preparations to make,” Blonde Bill replied, indifferently. ‘‘ When the ruffian is ready, I am.” ““D’ye mean ter call me a ruffian?’ Salaman- der Sam demanded, savagely. ‘‘ V’ll pound ther daylights clean outen ye fer that.” ‘It is your privelege to do so, ef ye git ther chance,” Blonde Bill replied, again, apparently not the least troubled by his opponent’s threat “When you are ready, sing out. How do you want it—by rule, or ‘ do as you please? ” **Do as ye durn please, on course,” Salaman- der Sam replied, an evil glare in his eyes, for right glad was he to have the chance of 4 choice. ‘“‘Do as you please,” or rough-and- tumble fighting, as sometimes practiced in the mines, gives a person the chance to bite, kick, scratch, knock or gouge, without any confor- mity to the genera es of pugilism, ard is certainly the most effective and brutal manner of using a man up, without mercy. A growl of dissent ran through the crowd as the ruffian eagerly accepted the beasily mcde of fighting, for he had a wide reputation of being the ¢ — of that particular field, and very few were there among the assembled spec- tators, who would have liked to see the blonde stranger clawed to death by the wolfish ruffian. But, Blonde Bill did not appear to be particu- larly concerned, as he stood calmly awaiting his adversary’s onslaught. Faster came the people, and denser grew the crowd in Silverton’s little main street, but Beautiful Bill patrolled the out. skirts of the ring with frowning mien, and kept back the spectators by having a huge pair of four-shooters in his ~ 4758 “Git back! git back!” he yelled, ‘‘ ef ye doan’t want to git snagged inter purgatory on er streak o’ greased lightnin’. Ther sarcus is about ter begin—ther performers aire now on ther sawdust, and ther old Pet Elerfant aire a waltziw’ around ther trail. Keep back, ef ye doan’t want ter explode!” Involuntarily the crowd surged back to a re- spectful distance, for they were rather chary of this big overgrown individual from Leadville, whose aspect was anything but saintly, to say the least. The Coloradoan, Salamander Sam, now waa ready, and moved stealthily toward the center of the ring; his eyes expressive of a venomous purpose. Blonde Bill also moved forward to meet him with his arms still folded upon his breast, and a faint smile lurking about his lips, When within a couple of yards of each other, both men paused—paused, and gazed at each other. The one evilly, fiercely, malignantly; the other steadily—deadly. The next instant the Coloradoan laumched himself forward, directly at bis antagonist, with doubled fists, and mouth open, as if he were bent upon the instant annihilation of bis victim. Not an inch stirred the blonde manfrom his tracks, but suddenly stretching out his arm, he knocked the attacker back to the ground, without any apparent effort. Down went Redamander Sam, like a log, and lay quivering where he had fallen, while a cheer of applause rose from ‘the crowd, and the Pet Elephant of the Leadville Trail danced about in the hugest kind of delight.
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= $$ ar eS ee o 8 ‘‘Kerwhoop!” he roared, springing high in the air. ‘*Thet’s ther way ter skin ther Devil, an’ ther blonde galoot he did ther beautiful, by m, an’ I’ll bet ary galoot six ter six thet ther Raidteasbiar see’d more stars, then, than er su- perannerated cherubim.” “The blonde man’s a clipper!” Calamity Jane said, enthusiastically, as with Rosebud Rob and Avalanche, she watched from the ver- anda. “TU bet high on him, after seein’ him plant that one blow. Ah! Salamander Sam is crawling to his feet, after another dose.” It was even so. The ruffian had regained his feet, and stood a few feet from bionde Bill, his eyes glaring more like those of a wild beast, than those of a human being. ‘Curse ye!” he hissed, fiercely, ‘‘ what did ye hit me with?’ ‘““Wi’? his patent, cast-iron post-malls, on course!” Beautiful Bill replied, with a grin. ‘*Oh! he’s a hoss, is that blonde cuss, an’ I ken’t plant a better crop o’ knuckles, myself.” “Come, you overgrown booby, get to busi- ness, if you want another installment,” Blonde Bill commanded peremptorily. “I am anxious to get through with you, and go about my busi- ness. This caused a titter among the spectators, and more enraged the ruffian. ‘Tl finish ye, this time,” he gritted, fiercely, and the next instant he took a flying leap for- ward, that brought him directly in front of the bionde man. Ina moment more the two bad clinched, tightly. It was now to be a contest of strength, rather than science, and the attention of the spectators became greater. The Coloradoan was a man of great muscular strength, and it wouid seem that he had a de- cided advantage over his opponent, but such was not the case, for, although he tried tbe squeezing hug upon the blonde man, with the hope of crushing him, he soon found that his adversary knew a trick or two about the little game himself. Like the powerful jaws of a vise did the arms of Blonde Bill wind around the Coloradoan, and tighter and stronger became his hug, until the eyes of the dlack-haired pilgrim began to buige from their sockets, 1nd he grew purple in the face. “Rocky Mountain polecat, an’ perary coyotes!” ejaculated the giant, as he waltzed about the ring, nearly bes'de himself with en- thusiasm. ‘* Tork about bein’ hugged ter de’th by yer mother-in-law, pards—et ain’t no sar- cumstance ter ther present case, no sir-ee, bob- tail hoss! Jest luk at thet aire blonde cuss, will ye?—ain’t he whoopin’ her up ter ther black ba’r, famuss? Bet my boots he’s half-brother 9 a reg’lar high pressure engine, wi’ forty hoss wer. See how he makes the Salamander lush around ther gills, will ye—oh! Lordy, et’s better nor a circus. Beautiful Bill, am I—an’ I do hereby sw’ar an’ asseverate thet Blonde Bill ar’ king o’ these hyar miues, in ther artso’ hug- giv’ an’ knockin’.’ Around and around staggered the locked ene- mies, both powerless to escape each other’s hug, and each using his master efforts to crush the life out of the other. It might seem a strange and horrible way of fighting, out in the far t, where such scenes are unknown; but in the wild life of the wilder mines of the far West, it is esteemed the acme of sport, and eagerly witnessed by even the “toned” citizens. Tbe blonde man was the coolest, and appar- ently least affected. If the savage hug of the Coloradoan hurt him, the fact was not percepti- ble upon his smiling face; while on the contrary Salamander Sam’s face was purple, his eyes bulged nearly out, and his tongue was h g from his mouth. ‘“*When you get a let me know, and Ill unloosen,” Blonde Bill said, as he noticed his ad- versary’s condition. ** Never, curse ye!” was the gasping reply. . “Pl die first!” At this instant a change came. A pistol-shot was heard, and Blonde Bill suddenly drop one arm to his side, with an exclamation, while Salamander also released his hold, and fell to the omnes ‘Pye been shot,” Blonde Bill said, ‘‘and so has my ——— Who committed this act? Show me the man, and with my uninjured right arm, [ will fight him!” In an instant all was confusion, and hasty search and inquiries followed, but without satis- facto ry result, No one seemed to know or have the least idea who had fired the shot which had barked the —— man’s wrist, and entered his opponent’s bac Blonde Bill. Whoever had fired the shot had been at some distance from the crowd, probably, as the re- port had not been loud. The man, Salamander, bled like a stuck hog, and an examination proved that he could not be other than mortally wounded, for the bullet — entered his back and penetrated the left ung. ‘Who wants ter take charge 0’ this chap?” Beautiful Bill demanded. ‘‘ His fiddle is bu’sted, an’ we sh’an’t heer much more music from him, Who wants ’im, I say?” “T'll take charge of him,” a brawny, brown- whiskered miner replied, ‘‘and see that he has proper care.” And with the assistance of a couple of com- panions, he bore the wounded ruffian out of the ring and away. The crowd now began to disperse, but were, to some extent, prevented from leaving, as Honorable Ray Vernon, of Ohio, stepped for- ward, and said: ‘‘Eixcusing me, gents, for detaining you, it will be to your advantage to give me a mo- ment’s attention. I have discovered who it was that shot the blonde man and tho ruflian.” “Oh! ye have, eh? Then y’u’re ther percise chap we want ter see,” Beautiful Bill declared. ‘Tell us who promulgated ther deadly pill, an’ durn my mother-in-law’s little yaller dorg ef I won’t impannel ther great Death Committee an’ set it ter work. Beautiful Bill am I, and kin lick ther teetotal spots off’n ther cuss who salivated ther blonde an’ pasted ther stripes 0’ glory to ther Salamander.” ‘The man who fired the cowardly shot is present,” the Congressman went on. ‘* As I un- derstand your laws of honor, here in the mines, gentlemen, the man who does a mean act in a sly or treacherous manner is considered dishon- orable, and deserving of being lynched. Is this not correct?” ‘‘Keerect!” cried the giant, with a flourish, and his sentiment was echoed by nods from the others. “Then 1 propose you string up the man, Blonde Bill,” the Ohioan decided, ‘* for he is the guilty man who fired the shot!” CHAPTER VIL. A BAD LOOK-OUT FOR BLONDE BILL, THE announcement of the Ohioan was re- ceived with a — murmur of surprise, and not a few of the spectators gave vent to dis- senting murmurs, while the big man from Lead- ville jum fully three feet from the ground, with a yell of derision. “Git out hyar, ye durned galoot!” he ejac- ulated, ferociously prancing up to the Ohioan. ‘*Ye don’t wanter die a unnatural death, do ye? Waal, then, ye doan’t want ter cast insinywa- tions ag’in’ my friend wi’ ther yaller mustache. Beautiful Bill’s my name, an’ ef ye doan’t wanter be measured fer yer pine-box, ye’d better dry up yer vocabulary.” **T care not who you are, sir; I have a right to make a truthful assertion,” the Congressman declared, maps “Tf you will listen, Pll ex- plain to you. I was watching the contest very closely, at the time of the shooting, and I saw a small pocket revolver slip down from the blonde man’s coat-sleeve, in such a way that it came between his thumb and forefinger of his right hand, the muzzle bein inted at his an- tagonist’s k over his onde Bill’s) left wrist. Before I could give the alarm, it was too late—the shot was fired, and with the dropping of the blonde man’s arm to his side, the weapon disappeared.” The looks of surprise and doubt began to dis- appear from the faces of the crowd to be fol- lowed by expressions of interest and belief. is a strange story you are telling, rd,” a miner said, who chanced to be Silver- n’s deputy-sheriff, by name George ’ i “We've all,as a people, tuk quite a notion to the blonde pilgrim, an’ et’s hard ter believe he’s up tosech sly gum games as that.” ‘*On course et is!” decided the Leadville giant, in disgust. ‘‘Et’s ther disgustinest kind o’ a polecat lie, and durn my mother in-law’s little yaller dorg, ef I ken’t lick ther onery cross- eyed, ring-nosed - galoot w’ot preferred ther char, “] do not know that you will take my testi- en alone, gentleman,” the Ohioan continued, ‘and perhaps, again, it isn’t any of my business to take up sides against the blonde, but 1 like to see things half-way fair. Perhaps there is some one in the crowd who saw the same as I, quick as was the action.” ‘Yes, there is another; who witnessed the foul deed,” a voice replied, and out from the crowd stepped Silverton’s ministerial man, the Reverend Lester Van Syckel. ‘Though it is my creed to be merciful, I will at no time sercen crime, and I frankly acknowledge that I saw the blonde stranger’s murderous act!” “Then, by heaven! it must be so, and the as- sassin shall not escape,” Deputy Garwood cried, ‘‘Tt was a mean aud unfair act, and if there are any here who want invitations to a lynch pic- nic, let ’°em speak up brisk!” ‘Here! here!” came the answer, by a hun- dred voices. ‘‘ We’re with ye.” ‘Contrary, no!’ roared the giant. ‘‘ Beauti- ful Bill am [; but may I be etarnally kicked ter death wi’ cross-eyed mules, or buzzed ter death wi’ anti-dyspeptic wassups, ef Vl evyer take sides ag’in’ ther innercent chap wi’ ther yaller mustache.” “You needn’t; we can get along without you,” the deputy replied, with a chuckle, as he saw that nearly all the crowd were ready to back him. ‘‘Cum along, boys, an’ we’ll halter the hoss.” And, headed by Honorable Ray Vernon, the Reverend Van Syckel and the deputy, the crowd surged eagerly toward the hotel, upon the ver- andah of which Blonde Bill stood, in company with Rosebud Rob, Calamity Jane and Old Avalanche. He had crossed over the street and engaged in conversation with the Sport, immediately at the conclusion of the strange duel, before the Ohioan’s charges. Therefore he had heard no- thing of the charges made against him, being deeply engrossed in conversation with Rosebud Calamity and the Annibilator, to whom he hac been introduced—Rosebud having introduced his friends—nothing until the deputy-sheriff’s hand rested on his shoulder, and the officer’s voice exclaimed: 3 rho, ioe my prisoner!” “Oh! I am, eh?’ the blonde man replied, somewhat surprised by the announcement. ‘‘ How do you make that out?” “Well, sir; I am the deputy-sheriff of this ’ere town 0’ Silverton, an’ I hev orders frum ther ople ter arrest ye fer killin’ ther Coloradoan, alamandar Sam!” ‘¢ What’s this?—arrest me for killing the man? Why, my dear sir, you must be out of your head! We were fired at by some unknown party while struggling with each other, and I came near getting the same dose the ruffian got. Ihave a bark here on my left wrist as a me- mento of the close call!” ‘Yas, that’s all well enough for you to say, but et don’t pass muster, ye see, wi’ this hyar court,” Garwood announced, determinedly. ‘* We've got two men who tell a different sort 0’ astory from yourn. They say a revolver drop- ped out of your sleeve, into your hand, went off an’ then disappeared from sight again, the re- sult being the wound in the Coloradoan’s back, an’ a kiss o’ yer wrist, purposely intended, no doubt. Now, mebbe this ain’t so, but luks like- ly, an’ sol arrest ye fer trial, wi’ ther prospect o’ a lynch picnic!” “this is an infamous plot against me—a scurvy lie. I did not kill the an, nor did I have any hand in it!” the Blonde replied, with sudden fierceness. ‘‘ Who are my accusers?” ‘T am, for one,” the Buckeye Congressman said, stepping forward with a malignant smile of triump by his face. ‘‘I saw you do pre- cisely as the deputy, here, has described.” “And, I too!” added the Reverend Van fyckel, with a sorrowful look, “ Although I would bea shepherd to the Lord, and gather lambs unto my fold, I cannot allow myself to screen a ee and permit the wicked to go un- pu ee Blonde Bill was staggered when he saw the evidence offered, but he remained as calm as was bis usual wont. ‘Gentlemen, you are both infernal liars,” he answered. ‘ Your testimony is falsehood and slander—some scheme worthy of Satan’s imps to harm me. Again I protest that I had noth- ing to do with the shooting.” 1 ‘So fer ye, pard, but yer word won't carry weight, I’m afeard,” the deputy replied. “Two aces is allus better’n a lone jack, an’ ye see how ’tis yerself. ‘“« Thar’s enuther way 0’ gettin’ at the mat- ter,” a miner sngested. ‘Ef he did the shoot- in’, as stated, no doubt he still carries the wea- pon concealed in his coat-sleeve.” ‘Good idea!” the deputy accepted. ‘‘ Pull off yer coat, prisoner!” “‘Very well, I will do so,” Blonde Bill said, obeying the order, ‘‘and you will find a smal] revolver suspended in the sleeve by a rubber elastic. It is loaded in every chamber, and you can easily see that it has not been , asl have had no occasion to use it.”
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Blonde Biil. 9 A short search found the weapon, just as its owner had prophesied. It was a bran’-new four- shooter, of smail or vest pocket pattern, and deing bright and polished in every part, and fully loaded, had evidently never been used. A further search of the blonde man’s person re- vealed no other weapons, except those he car- ried exposed to view, in his belt. “Thar! now, ye see don’t ye, thet ther Ohio lecat was a-lyin’?”’ triumphantly cried Beau- iful Bill, as he crowded forward. “ Et’s con- clusive proof he’s innercent!” ‘* Gn course he is!” exalaimed Calamity Jane, joined by similar exclamations from Avalanche and Rosebud Rob. ‘The blonde cuss didn’t shoot the rough, no more’n I did.” “‘ Waal, I ken’t tell about thet,” Garwood re- plied. ‘‘ Things seem ter be a leetle mixed, an’ et will be necessary to have a trial.” ‘See here!” Calamity cried, confronting the deputy; ‘‘ jest you hold on, a trifle. If I mis- take not, ther fight was a ‘doas ye please’ affair —wasn’t it?’ ‘*On course it was. To that fact I do solemn- ly sw’ar an’ asseverate—I, Beautiful Bill,” roar- ed the giant, with a flourish, ‘‘On course them war ther constitoochin an’ by-laws o’ ther horse- der-combat, an’ I kin lick ther ornery burro who sez the blonde man shot ther Salamander, or sez he didn’t hever right to, ef he pleased. All in favor o’ freein’ ther yaller hirsuted galoot, will make manifest by saying I, wi’ capital em- hat.” pn 1!” cried Calamity Jane. «1! eried Old Avalanche. “Tl? cried Rosebud Rob, “An? I—I—I—yi—yi—I!” roared the big Leadvilleite. ‘* Blonde Bill forever!” But they four were the only ones to affirm. The remainder of the excited crowd were grim- ly silent. ae “The paadoriey rules, gentlemen, and it is my duty to make the arrest,” the deputy sheriff per- sisted. ‘‘ Will you come with me, prisoner, or shall I have to use force?” “T will not resist the law, sir!” Blonde Bill replied, as he put on his coat! “‘Lead ahead, and you have my word that I will follow.” ‘«« Your word is sufficient,” the deputy replied. “ Come along.” He turned, descended from the veranda, and up the street they went, the crowd parting on either side to give them passage. Close behind followed the Sport, Rosebud Rob, and also Beautiful Bill, Calamity, Avalanche, with the surging crowd bringee the rear, the Buck- eye Seer = ae and the Reverend Van Syckle em. among t . . ; At the upper end of Silverton’s —_ main street stood a large barn, which was used partly for stabling horses during the winter season, but was now empty. It also served as court- house and jail for the little town, when there was need for such a place, which was seldom. To this castle of legal jurisdiction the deputy sheriff led the way. eee) Every available space was soon occupied in this impromptu court-room, and Blonde Bill stood in the prisoner’s box—an empty feed box, while Garwood towered upon an imaginary judge’s stand. . ‘“Feller-pilgrims,” he said, after glancing over the crowd, ‘‘ we are here for the purpose of trying a man for murder in the furst degree. Mebbe sum o’ ye ain’t heerd ther testimony, so a i] party of the prosecution will please be eard. Ohio’s representative accordingly arose, and stated what he knew, precisely as he had first done, when making the accusation. He was then followed by the ministerial man, who confirmed his statement, with a few con- cisely chosen words. ‘¢ You see, feller-citizens,” Garwood said, “‘ the f is conclusive. The blonde chap undoubt- edly did the shooting, and he therefore is pro- nounced guilty. There is no use of impanelin a jury—the case can be decided without. Al thet is ter do is ter vote on et. All in favor 0’ seein’ Blonde Bill hoisted, will confer a favor by saying ay!” yay! fee ’’ came a hoarse, tumultuous shout of many voices. “Contrary, no!” 2 “No!” came the reply—vut only a few voices heralded the cry. “Et’s decid then,” Garwood announced, ‘an’ I, ther deputy sheriff an’ jedge o’ this hyar town 0’ Silverton, do sentence Blondy Bill to be hanged ter ther first convenient limb 0’ a tree, one hour hence, Clear ther court-room, an allow ther prisoner a quiet chance ter cogitate over his p’ io And so, out ones more into the moonlight emerged these citizens of Silverton, and waited in groups in the immediate neighborhood, for no thought of sleep was there, with the prospect of the soul-inspiring spectacle of seeing a man launched into eternity. In the hurry of the exit from the building, Calamity Jane had somehow got separated from Old Avalanche and Rosebud Rob, but evident- ly purposely, for no sooner had she gotten out of the thickest of the crowd, than she sped off up the mountain-gulch trail with rapid steps. * Once she was out of sight of human eyes, she increased her pace to a trot, and finally to a run, Through the gulch, with its grim borderin of tall spectral pines, she flew like a startlec fawn, the occasional bars of mellow moonshine darting athwart her face, and revealing a wild, resolute expression. Rude shanties and cabins were strewn along through the gulch, but she seemed scarcely to notice them, until she reached one, about a half a mile from Silverton, with a man sitting upon the threshold of the doorway, and evidently en- joying the beautiful moonlight, as he smoked a grimy =s pipe. A red-shirted, roughly dressed fellow, with bushy bewhiskered face, and shrewd little eyes, and a form betokening muscle and sinew. Before him the girl dare-devil came to a halt, her bosom heaving deeply, from her swift run. * Raphael!” she said, questioningly. ” y heaven! is it you, Calamity?’ And the man sprang, to his feet, glad sur- prise beaming from his little eyes. “Yes, it’s me,” was the hasty reply. “Iam glad you know me. You promised me, Raphael, when you served under Deadwood Dick’s flag, that, did I ever need assistance, I might com- mand you.” ‘Tn truth I did, Calamity. You were a faith- ful friend to our Captain, Deadwood Dick, in those bygone days, up in the Black Hills, and that fact made me a friend to you. The chance has never come as yet, when I could deal you an assisting hand.” ‘“Well, it has come, now. A man—an inno- cent man, mind you, is about to be hung, down there,”—with a nod toward Silverton—“ and it must not be. What is to be done?” ‘Rescue him, if you say so.” ‘But the crowd’s against him—and us. There’s a full hand of ’em.” “T care not. Count the cabins up the gulch— there’s twelve of ’em, and every cabin contains three or four boys who know me as a leader. Once they knew Deadwood Dick, in the same shape!” “Can it be true? Then, if they’ll volunteer, we're flush, yet. Get them together at once, and Ill lead you and them down through Sil- net in the way Dick used to do up inthe ills. The miner, Raphael, nodded, and drawing a silver whistle from _ his pocket, he blew a shrill blast that echoed and re-echoed in wild, piercing, detonating quavers through the valley gulch. CHAPTER VIII. JUDGE LYNCH DETHRONED. In the meantime, the crowd waited in the moonlit gulch, for the moment to arrive when Blonde Bill was to be a chief participant in a tight-rope performance. Eager were these Sil- vertonians to watch the lynching process, so that they could get the “‘hang” of it, assome face- tiously inclined miner remarked, Various were the culations as to how the stranger would meet his death, and as to where he would go after the stern hand of justice had done with him. “E's er dirty, mean shame!” Beautiful Bill declared, as with Rosebud Rob he stood apart from the main body of watchers. ‘‘Thet aire Blondy didn’t do ther shootin’ no more than I did, an’ I say we’rea dratted pair o’ polecats ter let him pony up wi’out interferin’.” “Interference would avail us nothing, Bill,” the Sport replied. ‘I fear thet Blonde Bill’s jig is up, for the crowd's ag’in’ him, an’ there ain’b no_use o’ our nr eu in, wi’ two lone hands. I wonder what’s become o’ Avalanche and Calamity?” “Dunno, ‘They missed us when we left ther barn, yonder.” Vi mj the moonlight streamed down into , playing with spectral effect upon the groups of miners, citizens and adventurers, otted here and there, awaiting the crowning scene of the evening. Nor had they long to wait, for the minutes slipped quickly by, and the hour grew narrower and narrower. At last the door of the barn swung open, and a wild yell arose, for it was known by that that the allotted time had expired. The next instant the deputy sheriff stepped out into the gulch, followed by four other men, between whom Blonde Bill marched as a pris- oner. As calm and composed as a statue was the man, nota trace of fear upon his face, nor a tremor to his form. . If fear he felt at his approaching fate, not a perceptible sign did he show of it. The nearest tree suitable for the purpose of Judge Lynch was some hundred yards up the gulch, and toward this the prisoner was led, fol- owed by the crowd. A stout lasso was made ready, as soon as a position was reached beneath a strong, out- reaching branch, and while the noosed end was secured about Blonde Bill’s neck, the other was tossed over the limb, and taken in charge by a half-dozen ready volunteers. “Now, then, pardner, yer all hunk!” the deputy sheriff said, surveying the prisoner with a patronizing air, ‘‘ All’s required is a leectle muscle, to h’ist ye. So, before the ceremonies begin, w’ich’ll be in five minutes, ef ye hev any confessions to make, or eny prayers ter offer, ye’d better git down ter bizness, lively.” “T would like to speak a moment with Rose- bud Rob, if you haven’t auy objections,” Blonde Bill replied. **Not in the least,” Silverton’s worthy deputy replied, accommodatingly. ‘Rosebud Rob, he is present, will please come forward.” The handsome rt obeyed, as soon as he heard his name spoken. A moisture came into his eyes, as he beheld the blonde man, ready for a launch into eternity. “By heaven, Bill, I would that it were in my power to help you!” he said, huskily, “‘ but the four of us ain’t enough.” ‘““Of course not, and there’s no other way out of the difficulty than by hanging, though the Lord knows I didn’t shoot the ruffian. Rosebud, have you any idea who I am?” *‘No!” the Sport replied—“‘ except you are Blonde Bill.” “That is only a nom de plume,” the other re- plied. ‘I’ve got to stretch hemp, and I may as well do it under my real as under a fictitious name. I am Richard Edward Harris—better known as Deadwood Dick !” Rosebud Rob gave vent to a sudden exclama- tion, which was in turn echoed by the crowd. “« Deadwood Dick—you ?” “Yes, I! As Blonde Bill I was enabled to re- turn here, whence these accursed Silvertonians drove me; therefore, the disguise,” was the ef ““Where are Calamity and Avalanche?” **T do not know. I have not seen them since we left the court room. “Well, it matters not. They would grieve to see me shuffle off, and it is better they should be spared the pain. You will do as well. I want you to promise me something. ‘** Anything, friend,” the Sport said, vely. “Good. know you’re true as ook ay You have heard of the mines, Deadwood Dick’s Dis- covery. Henceforth and forever hereafter they are yours, and Calamity’s, jointly. But, in or- der to get them, you must get the deed of them from that Ohio scoundrel, and plant your flag on the claim. You are no outlaw; they will not dare to drive you off. Another thing: I want you to break up the outlaw gang that caused the death of my wife, Edith ou will not have a hard job. The leaders of that gang are, I truly believe, the same pair who ca m sentence to-night, and it was the minister’s daughter who fired the-shot that killed Sala- mander Sam.” _ “il carry out your wishes to the letter,” the Sport replied. ‘‘Is that all?” “Yes. Go, now, and let the law take the ven- geance she has so long been deprived of.” With tears dimming his eyes, Rosebud Rob turned away, and retraced his steps to the place where he had left the giant. Even as he did so, the voice of the deputy sheriff was heard— “Time’s up. He’ oh? he’!” “Come!” Rosebud said, to the giant, “‘let’s a0 a of this. I don’t care to witness the spec- cle, Nor did Beautiful Bill, for, with a yell, he turned and dashed down the street after the Sport. Ruffian though he was, by nature born, and rude and uncouth as the wild mountainous country of which he was a denizen, it was i- ble that he still had a heart more capable of tender emotions than his every day exterior would seem to betray. A wild, reverberating yell, as they rushed down toward the Leviathan, warned them that
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Ea oes, 5s 10 Deadwood Dick’s feet had cleared the ground— that he was being launched into eternity. But hark( Not only do the yells of the crowd swell upon che night, but other yells rise far above them,— fierce yells they are, accompanied by the sounds . rapid pistol-shots, and the thunder of horses’ eet! Then follow startled cries, and a perceptible breaking of the crowd; a mass of humanity comes rushing headlong down Silverton’s main street, with howls and curses, as if the Old Nick in person were after them. “ What in the blazes is the matter?” Rosebud Rob gasped,as he and Beautiful Bill reached the veranda of the Leviathan, a few mo- ments ahead of the crowd. **Holy polecats! can’t ye see?” the big man from Leadville cried, pointing up the street. ** Road - agents! road -agents, sure’s I’m ther Apoller o’ ther West. Road-agents, by ther breath uv oll Zackariaher Zebulom, an’ they’ve reskied ther blonde cuss, too! Hip! yip! hurraher!” And loudly the giant’s triumphant huzza rung out upon the night. But, the rushing crowd paused not to learn from whence it came. Madly they sped on, frantic with desire to escape the band of masked horsemen that had driven them away from Judge Lynch’s tree, But, they need not have fled in such confusion, for the outlaws halted at the tree, and proceed- ed to take the rope from the neck of Blonde Bill, who had been dropped to the ground at the fleeing of his executioners, unharmed. But, his bands were not cut, except those around his feet, and they were renewed, when he was lifted into the saddle. Seeing this act,one of the party uttered an exclamation of surprise, but a revolver pressed against his temple by an outlaw by his side, had the effect to produce silence. Blonde Bill was securely fastened into the saddle of an extra horse that had been brought along; then the lead line was taken in charge by one of the rescuers. _ Then, the dismounted ones again leaped into their saddles, and the cavalcade dashed away over the back trail, with yells of victory. On they went up the Gulch, into the interior of the mountainous district—now branching off into cross ravines, guleches and canyons—on, on, the wild ride continued, until the light of an- other day flecked the crest of the horizon. Then, to the great surprise of Blonde Bill they came toa halt upon a singular plateau in the side of the mountains due east from Silver- ton, anc: overlooking the San Juan valley through which the turbulent Animas follow ‘its tortuous course like a thread of silver. Here a dismount was made by the outlaws; Blonde Bill was released from his saddle, and assisted to the ground, His arms were kept bound, however, and he was carefully guarded by two of the masked strangers. After all had dismounted, the course was taken up through a narrow fissure that seemed to split the mountain in twain, and one by one the masked men, their prisoners and horses, dis- appeared within this yawning gap, as if enter- ing into the very bowels of the earth. Tnto what strange hands he had fallen or whither he was going, Blonde Bill had not the slightest idea. The rescue of Blonde Bill by the masked band, was an event that furnished much food for dis- tussion among the residents and population of Silverton’s little town. And for the next several days it was liberally i , by everybody, The general belief was that the strange band of rescuers were some of the Deadw Dick’s own men, while there were a few who declared that ho had been rescued by the terrible Silent Tongues. But, those who did not believo the first inference, were limited. Even Rosebud Rob and Beautiful Bill were inclined to that opinion, although they had no proof of it, and were somewhat anxious, Avalanche and Calamity, too, were both mis- sing, which had a strange look. On the evening of the day after that on which the rescue had taken place, the Reverend Les- ter Van Syckel left the hotel, and walked up the street to the first corner, where he turned off, and made his way into that scattered and mountainous part_of the town, which had not as yet been classified into streets, Xx short walk brought him to a large board shanty, somewhat isulated from other habita- tions, and apparently unoccupied, as there were i Ce Re ee et ee denen SS —— Blonde Bill. no a of life about it, and the windows were closely boarded up. E The night was extremely dark, owing to the fact that the sky was thickly covered with a pall of black clouds; yet the ministerial man ap- peared nervous lest he should be seen, and walked with careful precision. On reaching the vicinity of the cabin or shanty, he paused, and gazed sharply around him, as if to assure himself that no one was watching him; then he clapped a mask over his face, and fastened it there, thus effectually disguising his identity. He then advanced to the door of the shanty, and unlocked it. . Opening the door, he entered a large apartment, which was wrapped in dark- ness, and closed it behind him. Fumbling around, he soon found a lamp which he lit, and placed upon a mantle, The apartment as revealed by the light, was furnished by a largeround table in the center of the room, surrounded by some two dozen chairs. Rude settees were also arranged around the sides and ends of the apartment, making a seat- ing capacity for at least two score of people. aking a seat by the table, the disguised min- ister lit a cigar, and waited. He had not been seated ten minutes when the door opened, and another masked man entered from the darkness of the night without, “ Ah! it’s you is it, Vernon?’ the renegade minister said, withanod. ‘Iam glad you are punctual, for we have business to attend to, to- night. % Exactly,” the other said. ‘It was a bad thing for us that Blonde Bill, who turns out to be Deadwood Dick, has escaped.” ‘Bad enough,” the minister said, in a tone that spoke of anything but a sanctified spirit. ‘* Have you seenany of the other members?” ‘Yes, there are several in town.” The assertion proved correct, for more mask- ed men began to string along into the shanty, one by one, until, in the course of an hour, over a score were assembled. As no more came, after that, the minister arose, and glanced the crowd over. “My friends,” he said, ‘I am glad to see so many of you present, because we have impor- tant business on hand, that concerns the future welfare of every member of the band of Silent Tongues. We have an enemy in this town, who is deadly against us, and his removal from our path is imperatively necessary. The manis he who was rescued last night, Blonde Bill—alias Deadwood Dick, the ex-road agent!” A deep murmur came from the crowd, show- ing that they knew, but had no love for the Prince of the Trail. “Some of you may have heard,” pursued Van Syckel, “that this same man came here for the sole purpose of breaking up our band, as he has successfully done in other parts of the country. It istrue, else I would not have or- dered an attack upon the stage, in the San Juan, which resulted so disastrously for our pert Thad learned that the fellow was bound iither, and [I thought that we could secure the treasure without loss of life, and at the same time settle his hash,” ‘““ But the bullet intended for him took off his wife,” Hon. Ray Vernon said. Yes. I did not get a good chance at him.” ** Deadwood Dick is sa ply caged at the head- quarters, captain,” one of the masked outlaws said, rising and bowing. ‘‘I just came from there.” ‘*What! Deadwood Dick captured, and at the stronghold? Low is this?—explain!” the rengadeo minister cried, excitedly. ‘Et was ther Lieutenant Raphael who did it,” the outlaw replied. “*-Ye see, Raphael, he used ter be one 0’ Deadwood Dick’s fellers, an’ Calamity Jane she knowed him. So when she heard thet Blonde Bill was a-goin’ ter be hanged in an hour, she off an’ hunts up Raphael, an’ asked, him ter help her resky the chap frum bein’ lynched, on account of old friendly scores. Raphael he knows his Q’s and P’s, an’ so he jest gits sum o’ ther boys tergether, an’ sails in an’ reskies ther blonde cuss, wi’ Calam- ity Jane along, an’ then totes both she an’ ther blonde chap off ter head-quarters, an’ sends me ter let ye know!” Van Syckel, alias Captain Terrible, the leader of the dreaded Silent Tongues, gave vent to an exclamation of joy: “Things have worked well,” he said, rubbin his hands together, gleefully. “Deadwood Dick in our power, we can soon dispose of him, and thereby rid the brotherbood of a dangerous bsg “Certainly; and with his death, the Discov- exy mines down on the Los Animas become un- disputably ours!” Ohio’s professed Congressman said, with a triumphant chuckle. ‘ You say the girl, Calamity Jane, is also a captive, Rulof?” “Yes, sir grand chief.” ‘*T will turn her over to you, my brother,” Van Syckel said, addressing the Ohioan. ‘“T want no women upon my plate. But, come; we have been long enough in session. Take your departure as you came, singly, and cau- tiously, for should suspicion be aroused as to our meetings here, inquiry would follow, and it would not be healthy for us hereabouts.’ Accordingly the Silent Tongues disbanded in about the same order they came. CHAPTER IX. ROSEBUD ROB AS A DETECTIVE. RosEsuD Ros, the Sport, was one of the masked men who assembled within the council- chamber of the Silent Tongues that night, all by merest chance. He had been up to a gambling saloon, not far from the shanty, and was returning, when a. masked man passed him, and entered the said shanty. It at once struck him as a “‘little off,” and be- ing of an adventurous turn of mind, his curios- ity was aroused; so he lingered in the vicinity to watch proceedings. Not long did he have to wait, ere another masked man came along, and followed the ex- ample of the other by entering the shanty. horoughly aroused by this time, Rosebud Rob, with his accustomed quickness, resolved to enter the cabin, also. ‘“*Ef thar ain’t a revelation awaiting me in there, it won’t matter so much,” he muttered, ‘as I am in want of something to pass away time. When another of them chaps comes along, perhaps I can induce him to lend me one of his masks, and trade places with me.” It was not long ere another of the outlaws came stalking through the darkness, to sudden- ly find himself confronted by the Sport, and a revolver pressed close against his cheek, in the most sug, stive manner. 6OSh Y? bud hissed; “‘not a peep, if you don’t want me to spile your beauty. [’m a dangerous man to rile, so you’d better be sub- missive. I want to go in there to-night, and you must lend me your uniform,” and he nod- ded toward the shanty. The masked outlaw gave vent to a growl, but did not attempt to reach for a weapon; he evi- dently knew better than to thus sign his own death-warrant. “‘You’d better not try venturing in there,” he ted, ‘‘ef ye don’t want ter git yerself inter trouble.” ‘*Pll take the chances,” the Sport replied, as, while he kept the fellow covered by the revolver in his left hand, he used the right to relieve him of his belt weapons. ‘‘I never got in so tight a a yet that I couldn’t get out, Now be so ind as to put your hands behind you, and keep them there while I secure them. Don’t you try no gum games, neither, if you don’t want me to bore for ile in your cheek, with a lead augur.” The man obeyed, with poor grace, and in two minutes Rosebud Rob had him safely hand- cuffed, with a pair of the law’s patent bracelets, which he always carried with him. He then bal ig him tc the rete and tied his feet with his pistol belt, so that he was ut- terly heipless. “What the devil you going to do with me, anyhow?” the outlaw demanded, gruffly “Sh! not so loud, if you don’t want me to shut off your throttle-valve. I am going to drag you out of hearing, somewhere, and let you lay, while I visit the shanty, yonder. But first, let me remove your mask, and take a peep at you. You may be some friend of mine, and I’d awful- ly hate to discommode a friend, you know.” And with a chuckle, the Sport knelt beside his captive, and tore off the cloth mask which screened the upper portion of his face from view. He gave an ejaculation of surprise the next instant. : ! “Garwood, the deputy sheriff, as I live!” he gasped. sites Yes, Garwood, the deputy sheriff,” the other growled, savagely. ‘“ Young feller, you’re the only one in Silverton that knows this, an’ I want you to keep my secret forme. How much do you want?” “ Nothing !” Rosebud Rob said, quietly, “Tam no tool or slave to be bought for gold. “ Nor am Tafool to lose a good advantage. If you don’t want your neck put where you put Blonde Bill’s last night, you’ll have to figure for me.”
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Blonde Bill. 1 “T am at your mercy,” the man replied. would not healthy around here, if it was known what I am. Of course I don’t want to ose my position, and need not if you’re a mind to play fair. Ef ye want any jobs done, that ye don’t want to do yourself, all ye’ve got ter do is keep my secret, an’ depend on me.” Rosebud Rob involuntarily shuddered. The man before him, a servant of the public and treasurer of their confidence, was in fact a villain, who, to screen one bad step, would doa darker deed. ‘“‘T shall promise you nothing,” he said, stern- ly. ‘I'll leave you where you'll be safe, while T take a peep into yonder shanty. When Icome back, mebbe I’ll render a verdict!” Without much difficulty he gagged the rene- ade officer, and then carried and dragged him into a little clump of pines, which grew in a wild spot, not far from the edge of the town. Here he left him, and donning his mask, re- turned to the vicinity of the shanty. Watching his chance, he entered, and although great was the risk, he was not particularly noticed, and thus escaped detection. What he heard, is already known to the reader. After the session closed, he left, as soon as possible, and returned to where he had left the deputy sheriff. ‘‘ Well, what are you going to do with me?” that guilty individual demanded, with an eager- ness born, apparently, of greatest fear. ‘Ye ain’t a-goin’ ter give me away, I hope.” “That depends, somewhat,” the Sport replied, ‘““Tf ye tell me where the head-quarters of the Silent Tongue outlaws is, I shall probably be more merciful, than if you refuse to grant the information?” ‘‘Then ye needn’t be merciful,” Garwood said, with a scowl, ‘‘fer I can’t tell ye that. Ye kin string me up, but I cannot—will not tell ye that.” ““Then, I'll liberate you,” Rosebud said, cut- ting the bands about his feet, and relieving him of the handcuffs. ‘‘ You darenot do me harm, if you value your public office, andif I conclude bi use you, [ll hunt you up, some other time. to! “T will go,” Garwood replied, ‘‘and Iam no dog not to remember you. When I have had my revenge, we'll cry quits, if you’re willing. Ha! ha!” And the deputy took advantage of his liberty to stride away into the darkness. “I'm ’most sorry I let the devil go,” the Sport muttered, ashe turned away toward the main street of the town. ‘‘He has not a spark of honor about him and will probably lay for me. But Iam not afraid of him, if he don’t take me at a big disadvantage, where I car’t get a chance to use my arms,” ae went back to the hotel and retired for the night. arly in the morning he was abroad, and met Beautiful Bill upon the veranda. , ‘‘ Waal, w’at’s ther tap?” the giant demanded. ‘“‘Heerd anything frum Deadwood Dick and Calamity?” ‘* Yes,” and the Sport related his adventures of the previous night. The big Leadvillite whistled, as he heard: ** Beat’s a red-hot novel all holler, by gum,” he said. ‘‘ So they’re in the power o’ ther Silent Tongues, arter all?” “* Yes, and it must be our business to get them out,” Rosebud Rob said. ‘‘ But how, is the ques- tion. Ido not know where the outlaws’ ren- dezvous is located.” ‘“‘Ner I, by ther holy polecats. But, yonder cums ther other branch o’ ther great Continen- tal De’th Committee, an’ mebbe he kin dig up ther trail. Ido sw’ar an’ asseverate thet Old Avalanche, ther Annihilator, kin root up ary trail tact ever mortal made.” And, as the giant ceased speaking he sla his hand heavily down upon the shoulder of the great scout, who had just come up. “Take keer, Billee; not too heavy,” the old veteran grunted. ‘“ My old j’ints won’t stand as much jarrin’ as they uster did, in ther days when ther Annihilation established ets great fame—great anti-carniverous ham-bone, no!” “On course they won’t, Alva, ye old superan- nuated zephyr—on course they won’t; an’ thet’s ther reason I teched ye so lightly,” the giant re- plied, effusively. ‘ But, we’re glad ye’ve cum, all ther same, ferwe hev need 0’ ye, ye pur- seeve.” “Yes, we have, that,” Rosebud Rob coincid- ed, ‘“‘We want ye to hunt up the trail of the Silent Tongues, and find where their head- quarters are.” ‘*Reckon thet wou!ldn’t be ne slouch of a job,” uf vteran Annihilavor replied. ™ hey £ “e It | ped T to k 1 (hd t? Pp ! out sumwhere’s about Clumsy mountain, over yonder to’rd ther Animas, ’ta’se I’ve seen sum o their anymiles grazin’ in the neighborhood.” “You know that Blonde Biil,—alias Dead- wood Dick—and Calamity Jane are in the power of these? Silent Tongues.” “‘ Great antiquated ham-bone, no!” “Well, they are, we have ‘learned, and if we don’t get ’em out, it looks purty likely thet they'll be made the principal cadavers of a couple of funerals.” And then the Sport narrated to the old An- nihilator what he had previously told Beautiful Bill. When he had finished, a new fire of life and spirit came into the eyes of the scout. ** Great ham-bone thet gargled the throat of old Joner!” he ejaculated. ‘‘ Etis as you sey; ther byee an’ ther gal must be got out o’ tLer deefikilty, somehow. When d’ye want ter move?” “Not just yet. I’ve got a little other bull- dozing to do, beforeI go. If you see anything of Van Syckel, the preacher, or the Ohioan, look out for ’em, for i half expect they’re atthe head of the band of outlaws.” ‘You bet yer last dollar on my old mother- in-law’s leetle yaller dorg. we will!” the giant assured, tossing his hat through in under his leg into the air, and skillfully catching it on his head, ala clown. ‘‘On course we will, old last rosebud o’ summer, ef we hev ter destroy ther blamed constertushing uv the United States! Beautiful Bill am I, an’ hyar’s Oid Avalanche Hogg—ther lop-eared Poker o’ ther North, an’ we two planets do constertoot ther famous Death-Committee o’ ther mines!” Taking leave of them, Rosebud Rob re-en- tered the hotel, and positioned himself in a place where he could see everybody that entered or left the place by the front entrance. Lighting a cigar, he took up a paper, and appeared to be absorbed in its perusal, while in reality he was conscious of everything that was going on around him, and saw every person that passed him in or out. During the fore- noon he noticed the man from Ohio leave the hotel, and shortly afterward, the renegade preacher followed suit. This was exactly what he was waitin and leaving his watching place, he ascended to the second floor of the building. Having pre- viously obtained the numbers of Van Syckel’s Speen, he had no difficulty in finding them now, he tried the first door of the suit, which opened, and admi.ted him into a plainly furnished sitting-room, lighted by two windows. Nora Van Syckel, the bogus clergyman’s daughter, was seated by one of these windows, engaged in sewing, at themoment of the Sport’s abrupt entrance, but sprung to her feet with a little cry of alarm, as she saw him, “Sir!” she said, coldly. ‘To what am I in- debted for this visit?” ** Excuse me, miss, but you are not indebted, at all,” Rosebud replied. ‘I never charge for professional visits, especially to ladies. I came to have afew words with you, and I trust, takin the welfare of the Reverend Lester Van Sycke into consideration, you will have due patience and becoming fortitude, upon this occasion.” There was sarcasm in the Sport’s tones that caused Miss Van Syckel to crimson, and then grow pale, “*T don’t understand what for, : f ou mean,” she said, with an effort to conceal, somewhat, the agitation ‘she felt, “but I will listen to what you have tosay. Be seated, please.” “On the contrary, I think you do quite un- derstand the import of my words,” Rosebud Rob rejoined, accepting a chair, and becoming ey ae the vernacular 3! we egret come for the express purpose 0 ing turkey to you. In the first place, I’d like to oly fon a question to answer. hom did you intend that bullet for?—the ruffian, or Blonde Bill?” he minister’s daughter grew deadly pale at the question, but by a strenuous effort managed eep her composure. I don’t understand you yet.” she fal- re “What bullet do you mean?” The one that shut off ‘the wind of Salaman- der Sam, in the street fight, night before last,” was the reply, “You needn’t deny that you fired it, for such a denial would not avail you. You were seen to stand upon the balcony, or roof over the veranda, and do the shooting, and now the question is, which did you shoot a ‘That is none of your business,” was the re- ly. ‘If you think you can make me commit mveself, sir. you are mistaken.” “No fam not mistaken.” Rosebud persisted. “a tered. “You can either answer my questions, or PR put hen where Blonde Bill left off.” “Bah! you wouldn’t dare!” ‘Why not, pray?” ‘‘Oh! for different reasons!” The young lady was beginning to manifest more assurance. ‘‘Because your reverend sire chances to be the Captain Terrible of the band of the Silent Tongues, eh?’ was the retort. ‘‘Iassure you that would not hinder my purpose.” Miss Van Syckel paled again. ““Who are you,” she gasped, “that you know so much?” ‘Rosebud Rob, at your service, miss—s man to suit all circumstances,” was the answer. Then there was a silence of several minutes, which was finally broken by the young woman. “You scem to be positive that I fired the shot,” she said, ‘‘and Ido not know as there is any use of beating around the bush; noram I afraid to name who the bullet was intended for. It hit the party at whom it was aimed, in the back.” ‘‘ Ah! then it was not for Blonde Bill?” “Tt was not.” ‘¢ Well, that’s one point in your favor. may I ask, did you shoot the rough?” ‘Because I had taken a fancy to the blonde gentleman, and thought the ruffian was going to be too much for him.” ‘You needn’t have feared that,” Rosebud commented, with a low laugh. ‘I opine it takes a man to hug Deadwood Dick to death.” ‘What! was Blonde Bill the famous Dead- wood Dick?’ “ He was.” “Well, that is news to me.” “Perhaps. But if you admired Blonde Bill, as you claim, why did you allow him to be ar- rested for your crime?’ ‘“*T will tell you,” the girl answered, frankly. ‘My father saw me do the shooting, and came up here and locked me up in my room; then went back and plotted with Vernon for Elonde Bill’s death. I was powerless to be of any as- sistance.” Why, CHAPTER X. IN THE SILENT TONGUES’ ‘POCKET’ ROSEBUD ROB TAKES A JOB. Let us return to Deadwood Dick, otherwise Blonde Bill, whom we left in the power of the strange masked rescuers, who were of course, the gang of cutthroats, that for several months had spread a reign of terror throughout the Animas, by their bold deeds. After entering the fissure with which the mountain seemed rent, they proceeded along through a Seay of utter darkness that was so narrow and low as to scarcely admit of their progress. For several minutes they continued through this, finally emerging into what proved: to be a second plateau or spot of lev which was totally locked in by perpendicular mountains that rose on every side to a hight of a hundred and fifty feet, or more. This appar- ently was the Silent Tongues, retreat, for evi- Gences of a permanent camp were plentifully strewn about. About every dozen yards around the edges of the ‘ pocket,” stakes and poles were erecbed for holding kittles over a fire, and close to these large niches or caves had been blasted out of the mountain rock, which provided suf- ficient shelter and living room for a couple of men and horses. In all, there were some thirty of these fire-places, and caves. As soon as the band debouched into the val-. ley, they separated, and made for their re- spective quarters, with the exception of the leader a two others, one of each of whom kept guard over Blonde Bill, and the mask who had demurred at the arrest of the blonde man, As the reader has probably surmised, this was Calamity Jane in disguise, Ata motion of Raphael, the lieutenant under Captain Terrible’s command, directed the pris- oners to’ be removed to one of the caves, and closely guarded, until he gave further orders. The mask was accordingly removed from Calamity’s face and her arms were bound be: hind her. Then she and Blonde Bill were both conducted to an untenanted cave, and left to make the best of their situation, a guard being stationed at the entrance to prevent them from escaping, When they were alone in each other’s pres- ence, Blonde Bill turned to the girl dare-devil, in surprise. “Calamity,” he said, “I am somewhat puz- zled. Can you solve what is bothering met Here I am snatched from the gallows, as ! fire supposea, 0} friends. out ster i tind out er land, / z
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12 oa - & Blonde Bill. mies. And yet, I find you also among them—a prisoner!” ‘“*Hal ha! Ycs. I am among them, a pris- oner,” Calamity replied. ‘‘I got fooled, ye see, an’ thet ’counts fer it. D’ye know who thet gang o’ fellers is?” “Phe Silent Tongues, [ have surmised, since seeing you a prisoner.” “*Good guess. You hit it correct. D’ye want me to tell a how I came to be a prisoner?” ‘“Yes. Tell me, if you like.” Accordingly the girl narrated how she had, on learning of the disposition to be made of Blonde Bill, fled to seek aid from Raphael, one of Deadwood Dick’s old men; how Raphael had consented to render assistance, and how, when the rescue had been effected, Raphael had pro- nounced her his prisoner, and threatened her with instant death if she offered resistance, “So, you see how it comes I’m here,” she said, in conclusion. ‘I got fooled in my man, and now all I ask is to get just one pop at him witb .ny pistol.” “i am under most lasting obligations to you,” Blonde Bill said, gratefully, ‘‘for had it not been for me, you would not be here in this un- enviab'e position. But have you any idea whom you have been serving?” ** A suspicion that you were—were Deadwood Dick has flashed over me, but I have not gave it a second thought.” “Yet I am that very party,” he said, with a strange smile. ‘‘ Had I the use of my hands, I could soon convince you.” “Can it be true? I am so glad,” Calamity said, her color quickening—her voice softening. “Tt seems almost too good to be true. We have Leen old acquaintances so long, you know.” “Of course we have, Calamity, and I am per- haps as glad to see you as ycu are to see me.” “ But, Dick, Rosebud Rob said that Blonde Sill lost a wife by the road-agent attack, in San Tuan canyon. Can it be possible that it was jour wife?” ‘* Yes, it was Edith,” the ex-outlaw said, hus- kily. ‘‘She was shot, and killed instantly, leaving me again a widower. Poor Edith! she was a dear, faithful little woman, Calamity—as pure as the snow upon the crest of the Sierras.” ‘“‘T sympathize with you, Dick,” the strange girl said, earnestly. Then she turned away, lest the yearnin hun ry look in her wildly beautiful eyes Shout pain him. Later, he broke the silence: “We're in a fix, Calamity, and we must get out of it. Dve dodged death so many times, that I don’t intend to give up the ghost yet.” The >d stooi in the entrance, in an atti- tude of listening; so they retired to a further phony of the cave, and sat down beside each other. “Yes, we must get out,” the girl declared; “but [’'m afraid we won’t be successful in doing it. This remarkable retreat is well guarded, no doubt, and it would take some figgerin’ ter dodge ‘em. “You are right,” Deadwood Dick replied. “ But we'll ees 3 a watch, and take advantage of any favorable circumstances that may offer. You ag Ms man who ordered us sent to this cave is Raphael, of my old Black Hills gang?” ‘*The same. He is is now, I take it, the lieu- tenant in active command of these Silent Tongues.” The day pa away slowly. At noon the guard before the entrance of the cave was relieved by another masked outlaw, but try though they would, the prisoners could not geta word out of either of them. Their title of Silent Tongues was well bestowed, Shortly after noontide, another outlaw enter- ed the cave, and to the surprise of both Dick and Calamity, cut their bonds from their hands and feet. Then he left the cave, and gern | a few words to the guard, both went off together. “There, now! will you tell me what that means?” Calamity demanded, when they had ne. ‘It looks as if somebody had changed is mind mighty sudden.” . “It means that we are to have the freedom of the valley, I presume. At least, we'll take it, until otherwise warned,” Dick replied. He tore away the green goggles from his eyes and also removed the blonde wig and mustache, and stood there before her, handsome and fear- less—Dead wood Dick. “You see it’s I?’ he said, smiling. “Yes, it is you, minus your raven curls and ia a iar same Dick whom I knew up in the hills.” They shook hands warmly, and then tooka peep out into the mountain-locked valley. ——<—<—$——<———— LL LT uo] The iight and sunshine of day shone down into it pleasantly from overhead, and made it seem more like the outer world. Standing near the mouth of their cave, the two captives surveyed the scene with a sha gaze. Few of the outlaws were abroad—a half dozen, all told, being engaged in sifting sand, which formed the bottom of the pocket at the further side. These fellows and their occupation attracted the attention of Dez*wood Dick, and he watch- ed them narrowly. “‘T believe they’re mining gold over there,” Calamity,” he said; ‘‘and if such is the case, this is a good find. The outlaws have no right to it, and itis mine and yours. Do you hear? We must possess this cosey retreat ourselves.” We will go back to Rosebud Rob, and the minister’s daughter. The Sport was silent for some time following Miss Van Syckel’s last words, as if weighing them in his mind. “Then you are not in league with your fa- ther, in his villainy?” he asked. ‘Tam not,” she replied. ‘In fact I have not had the least suspicion but that he was doing right, until the attack of the Silent ’ongues upon the stage in San Juan canyon, Then I heard him give vent to the whistle that was in- strumental in causing the retreat of the outlaws, and knew for the first. that he was in some way connected with them. I questioned him, on reaching our home, here, but he professed to be awfully religious, and horrorestruck at the suspicions I entertained of him. Later, how- ever, I played eavesdropper, when he was hold- ing a private confab with the man from Ohio who is in reality my father’s own brother, and learned that Vernon is the Grand Chief and my father the Captain of the Silent Tongues.” ** Ah! I thank you, miss, for your frankness, in telling me all of this, as it puts me in a con- dition to fight these outlaw devils, and rescue Deadwood ick, and Calamity Jane from their wer. “Do you mean to say that Deadwood Dick is then in the power of the Silent Tongues?” ‘* Both he and Calamity Jane. The party of masked men who rescued Blonde Bill from be- ing lynched, turned out to have been some of ks see] selfsame Silent Tongues, under one Ra- ael. *‘Indeed? Iam sorry for them, as they will probably be shown no mercy at the hands of the outlaws.” “But, Lintend to go to their rescue. While Rosebud Rob luxuriates around these rts, the Silent Tongues will find that they have one haré nut to crack. But, I want you to furnish me the information how to reach the head-quar- ters of the band.” “Tam sorry, but I cannot do that.” “Why not?” ‘‘ Because, it would not only betray my father to death, but bring down the vengeance of the other outlaws upon me.” “Fear not. No harm shallcome to you. If you wish to uphold your father to a life of crime, keep your secret, and I will see what can be done for you,in the way of a collar, Guide me and my party to the den of these outlaws and Ill guarantee that no harm shall come to you.” Miss Van Syckel arose from her chair, and paced across the room and back, her face the scene of many pal rec emotions. “Tl tell you what ful do,” she said, finally. **Tll dress up in men’s clothes, and guide you to the entrance to the Silent Tongues’ retreat, for one hundred dollars, and the promise that I shall have my liberty to go where I please, when I have done asi have agreed. Theca you must pay now, for, as soon as I have done with you, I shall immediately fly to another pare of the country, in order to escape being illed.” “Tt’s a bar ‘““Here area nm,” Rosebud accepted, quickly. undred dollars. ind you, now you’re in my service exclusively, and not in the employ of Captain Terrible.” Pp not forget it. When will you want me “To-night, just at dusk. That will be the best time to make a start.” “Very well; I will be ready,” the minister’s daughter said, after which Rosebud arose, an took his departure. , As _ he descended the stairs to the veranda, he met the deputy sheriff, Garwood, He flushed a little, as he caught the Sport’s stern gaze, but raised his hand and motion a him to stop, whioh Rosebud accordingly . -_ #2 omy, “Be our don, sir,” the deputy sai but Site directed to hand youa pr Mie —a challenge, by the way, from the Honorable Ray Vernon.” d as he concluded, he extended an envel- ope, which the Sport received, with a smile of thanks. ** An answer is wanted, I presume,” he said, as he tore it open. ‘““A verbal one is all is necessary, I guess, sir,” was the reply. The challenge was written upon a single sheet of paper, and ran as follows: ‘*Mr. RosEsup Ros, Srr:— ““As you have on several occasions insulted me, publicly, and as I am aman of high rank and social standing, it becomes me to challenge you to meet me, in mortal combat, at any time or place which may best suit you, the weapons to be revolvers at thirty paces each way from the center. I would re- spectfully suggest that you would name an early moment, for our meeting. “Hon. Ray VERNON.” Rosebud Rob read the challenge, a smile breaking over his countenance, “T think I see into this matter, already,” he said, turning to Garwood. ‘‘ You have inform- ed the Silent Tongues how I took the liberty to invade their privacy, and they of course are in- spired with a desire to send me to Heaven ina Pullman car. So the right honorable Ray Ver- non, member of the Devil’s Congress, takes this method of giving me a chance for a through ticket? Well! well! I don’t know that I have any objections to giving him a whirl, and so you may tell him that I will meet him in the ed Wine saloon, just above here, one hour hence, and we'll plug away at each other. But, mind you; see to it yourself, that no gum games are tried on me, or Silverton will need a new deputy sheriff.” ‘Do you s’pose.I’d have anything to do with an unfair settlement?” Garwood demanded, with an air of injured innocence, “T couldn’t say. My motto is—watch your neighbors as you would yourself!” the Sport re- joined, while Garwood turned away with a growl. Rosebud Rob then hunted up Beautiful Bil) and Old Avalanche, and found them in a saloon, engaged in a quiet game of Old Sledge, which the giant won. en the Sport made known to them the challenge he had received and accepted, Beauti- ful Bill gave a snort of deiight. “Holy polecats!” he ejaculated. ‘‘ Yekedn’t ’a’ hit a more tender spot in my old constitushing then by acceptin’ thet invitation—ye couldn’t, sw’ar! Beautiful Billam 1, an’ I do sw’ar, an’ affirm, an’ asseverate thet nothin’ in ther hull continent o’ Ameriky or Australyer ked please me better than ter see thet galoot perforated wi le’d pills. Lordy! ef ye don’t salivate him in style, Sport, gol-durn my old motber-in-law’s leetle yaller dog ef I doan’t i? ye a sockdola- ger right in the nose, myself.” “Ye needn’t fear but what he'll raise a thun- der-starm o’ demolishun an’ spread a reg’lar harrykane o’ disastrous deefikilty inter ther cussed Ohioan’s system,” Old Avalanche re- marked, ‘‘ Rosebud Rob knows how ter pull teeth wi’ his revolver—great alluvial ham-bone, 1? “T certainly intend to teach the dog a lesson, anyhow,” Rosebud replied, ‘‘and I want you tre to be present, and see that there is no unfair eal, “On course we will—great ham-bone, yes; an’ mebbe the Death Committee will git er chance ter work a consarned old disease o’ anni- hilation,” the Annihilator suggested. icon $k all Jeft the saloon and start- ed for the Wine, which resort was famous in the history of Silverton as the scene of many a bold duel, and free fight. As they entered the great apartment of the building, which was used for bar-room, gam- bling and fighting, they saw that Vernon was not there. But he entered, shortly afterward, accom- panied by the deputy sheriff, and a couple of rough-looking, bewhiskered miners. CHAPTER XI. ROSEBUD ROB MAKES HIS MARK, Tue condition of his eyes was plain evidence that he had been drinking deeply, as was the unsteadiness of his gait; but he had apparently not as yet fully satisfied his appetite ie he im- mediatel ripe up to the bar, and called for the drinks for his party, which were promptly produced, paid for, and quaffed. The Ohioan then turned away from the bar, and crossed with unste ady steps to where Rose- bud Rob stood leaning against a tier of liquor
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barrels that were ranged along the side of the room opposite from the bar. , “Hello! it’s you, is it?’ he demanded, in a thick tone. ‘‘You’re the man that wants to fight me?’ ‘‘T am undoubtedly the same party,” was the Sport’s response. ‘I believe I received a chal- lenge from you, to meet you at this place?” ‘“Yes, curse you! You are a little too impor- tant to suit my style, and so I thought I’d comb you down a little, just for the fun of it. Are you ready, you puppy?” } “T am at your demand, but, as a friend, I’d advise you to wait until some other time, when our nerves are more quiet, and you are sober. Fou are drunk now, and. in no condition for fighting a duel.” “You lie!” the other shouted, and the next instant he raised his hand, and made a pass at Rosebud’s face. The agile sport parried the blow with his left arm, while with his right fist he dealt the villain oo between the eyes that felled him to the oor. “There! pick up your rooster and sponge him off, if he’s going to do any business with me,” Rob said, turning to the deputy sheriff. “The next time he tries to slap me in the face, I'll knock him clear out of time.” And there was no mistaking the flash that came from his eyes. It meant business. A crowd quickly gathered. — Such a knock-down invariably was the ad- vance of a fight. : Garwood and his two companions hastened to assist their man to his feet, for he had only been stunned by the sledge-hammer blow; and while they were bathing the swelling forehead, Rosebud Rob turned to the crowd who had col- lected to learn the nature of the case, F “Tell you how it is, gents,” he said, ‘while my opponent is doctoring up. He, a man total- ly unknown to me, as far as acquaintance goes, Guallen ed_ me to come here and meet him in duel. As I never refuse a soft snap like that, I came, when the party of the first ios yet ed to slap me in the countenance, but got fooled as to the natur’ o’ the beast. I’m not to blame for that, am I?” . “Great auriferous ham-bone, no!” cried Old Avalanche, and the crowd universally echoed his sentiment. ‘*On course ye ain’t to blame!” declared Beau- tiful Bill, striding forward. ‘‘Ther Ohio pole- cat wanted ter slap yer across ther vocabulary- trap, but ye give ther Buckeye galoot ther fg est slap thet evyer emanated from ther 0 mortal man. “en in favor o’ the carryin’ o’ this resolution make manifesto by sayin’ I!” “Ty “Tp* “«T |” was the hearty cer ye Carried by a big majority, an’ laid on ther table o’ ther house, instid o’ on ther floor, as ther Congressman war!” the giant cried, with a broad grin, By this time the assailant’s forehead was bathed, and he was regaled with a brandy “smash.” He then turned and glared at Rosebud Rob, savagely, while Garwood cried: : % Now, gentlemen, lease git to either side o’ the room, an’ let the duelists have the ends, and we will see how the Honorable Ray Vernon, of Ohio, will scoop it to the snoozer with the few waxed hairs upon his upper lip!” ’ “Oh! yas, we will, won’t we?” Beautiful Bill snorted, with a caper. ‘ We’il see ther Sport a-climbin’ ther iden stairs, in about two jerks of a pig’s narrative, we will, no doubt. Tell ye what I'll do, pilgrims—Ill bet a solid pound 0’ ure auriferous wi’ ary mortal man, that Rose- ud Rob makes ther Ohio galoot howl!” ‘* Who are you, that you interfere in this mat- ter?’ Vernon demand , fiercely. ‘You let him alone,” Rosebud Rob advised. *‘He knows who and what you are, as the whole town will, before I’m through with you. Come! get to your place, if you insist upon ee with me, though I would prefer you woul wait, until you are in a better condition.” “Tam ready. If, however, you are afraid to meet me, I can perhaps find it convenient to let you off!” ‘““T am not afraid to meet a dozen of your ilk, sir, providing they don’t come too fast,” was the answer, “Take your place, and let’s get to business.” ** Thet’s ther tork, feller-citerzens—git ter yer women BA purceed ter bizness. Thar’s no more uchiful sentence in er grammatical spellin’- book, than ther word ‘ bizness,’ an’ w’en a feller don’t mind his own bizness, here’s w’ot likes ter see him cornered like a bull o’ ther market, and licked!” the Leadville man announced. Both men now took their relative ech ol the Sport with his back against the door open- Blonde Bill. ing into the street, and the Ohioan with his back against the rear wall of the cabin. , The spectators were ranged upon either side, leaving an alley for the duelists. ‘* Now, gentlemen, let’s know the terms of this engagement!” Garwood cried, ‘‘and we'll try and keep order.” “We won’t only try, but we'll do thet leetle same!” Beautiful Bill declared. ‘ Ary ill-timed aloot that shows endicashuns of treachery, will f spot right squar’ atween ther eyes wi’ one 0’ my patent love-pellets.” eo Ihe terms of the duel are that we fight with pistols, an’ don’t quit till one or t/other of us yells for quits!” Rosebud Rob announced. **T beg to amend that resolution,” Vernon growled. ‘ We'll shoot till one or the other of us is dead!” ‘Just as you like,” Rosebud assented. “TI was inclined to be merciful, but if you object, I have no reason to complain.” “Then git ready, for the Lordy’s sake!” cried Beautiful Bill, ‘I’m anxious to see sum gore spilt. Pull yer pistolic perforators, now, an’ w’en ye heer my clarion notes yell—‘ One! two! three ’—let yer luv-pellets slide.” The two men drew their weapons, and stepped forward, a pace from the wall. The Sport ped a pair of heavy Colt re- volvers,‘ the Ohioan had a pair, if anything larger and more formidable than his opponent’s. Up came the right hands of the two duelists, and as they rose to a level, Beautiful Bill, witha quick eye to business, shouted :— “One! two! three! Ther rooster crows an’ away she goes!” Then the report of two weapons echced through the room, with roaring effect, and there was a faint of eg coming from the Ohioan. The Sport's bullet had torn a oy through the fleshy portion of his left cheek, eg an ugly-looking wound which bled pro- usely, “Time!” Garwood ordered. “Yas! giv ‘im time ter rub down his charger, an’ sponge off his cheek,” snorted the big Lead- villite, capering about in the most undignified manner, Time was accordingly given to bathe the wound of the Ohioan, and bandage it, he mean- while cursing like a pirate. “Such treatment is only fit for a dog,” he growled. ‘‘The next time I'll kill the villain, outright.” “Yas, ye will!” roared the Leadville giant. “The next time, my pard, the Sport, ’ll knock you way out o’ time, mebbe, an’ put anoth.r wrinkle in yer cheek.” This elicited a laugh from the spectators, and also increased the rage of the Ohioan; but he wisely repressed it. He now took his place again, and the revol- vers once more came to a level: there was a flash and a report, as Beautiful Bill gave the signal to fire. e result was, that the Ohioan gave vent to another howl of pin and rage. The second bullet of the Sport had plowed an- other furrow, this time through his right cheek! ‘*Kerwhoop! converted polecats an’ old tar- ant’lers! what did I tell ye, pilgrims? I sed ther Sport w’u’d make ther Buckeye galoot howl— offered ter bet on it, an’ nary @ pilgrim durst ring me a deal, Ho! ho! whar’s ther man who now sez thet ther Sport ain’t a reg’lar seckond edishion o’ true grit an’ straight-grained bull- dosian? Whar?” Nowhere, apparently—at least the tide ot ad- aay oe seemed pretty evenly centered upon e Sport. Neither of the Ohivan’s bullets had done him any damage, and he stood at his end of the beat as cool and calm, literally, as an iceberg, while the Honorable Ray Vernon hopped around in a high state of pain and rage. “Time, curse you!” he paced. **Garwood, you fool, tie up this side. I'll murder that devil if I die a-doing it.” “A solid pound 0’ pure, uralloyed auriferous carryeth I down in ther left ; ocket o’ my durned old bricheloons, wo’t sez ye ’re a durn old liar, a blowhard, an’ er fit associate fer ther fleas in ther hair o’ my mother-in-law’s leetle yaller dorg!” exclaimed the giant, quickly. "Bet? On course ye won’t! A mule kin tell w’ich way ther wind blows by ther way ther straw goes, ev'ry day in a week, an’ he’s a durned ring- nosed, lop-eared, slab-sided, long-legged son &v a Hoosher skulemaster, w’at bucks a’gin’ ther jedgment uv a mule or his driver.” For the second time the Ohioan suffered the in of having his wound and bandaged; hen he once more took his P ey vg trembling with rage when he realized that his beauty was 13 in all probability spoiled by the buHets of the port. “Do you still want more?’ Rosebud Rob de- manded. ‘I could have killed you either shot, had I chosen. I'd advise you to throw up, for your own sake, as none of your bullets come anywhere near me, and if you continue, you'll only get the worst of it. ‘“‘That’s none of your business as long as 1 choose to stand the blunt!” was the fierce answer. ‘ Ready!” Once more the weapons came to a level, and Beautiful Bill gave the word. Once more there were two flashes—two re- ports—a how! of pain. The Ohioan’s pistol hand hung helpless and bleeding by his side, the wrist shattered by one of the large bullets from the Sport’s revolver. A faint streak of blood oozing out in the neigh- borhood of the Sport’s ear, told where his opponent's bullet had left a trifling ‘kiss.” Again doth the busy little bee improve each shinin’ minute!” ejaculated Beautiful Bill. “How are ye, Ohiof Want sum more uv ther same piece 0’ goods? Wanter bet ye didn’t git licked? Oh! holy polecats! Beautiful Bill am I —the Apoller o’ ther West, an’ cumin’ man fer ther next Presidency, but I'll be Keked up by er consarned ’arthquake ef ever I see’d a man so transformed, in er jiffy. Most Honorable Sir, how doth stand yer thermometer, now? Be yer mercury all friz into zeroic irfinity, or aire it boomin’ red-hot, ready fer anuther salivate?” “T have got enough,” the Ohioan replied, sobte gag, Pi least, until I get able to use my hand. As for you, my man,” turning to Rose- bud—“‘as for you, ll fix you, yet. ou have not heard the last of me, by any means!” Then, turning, he staggered from the room, followed by Garwood and the two miners, whe had entered with them. Rosebud gazed after them, a smile hovering about his lips, as he lit a fresh cigar. “Gentleman,” he said, sarcastically, ‘‘I have the honor of introducing you to four members of the outlaw gang, known as the Silent Tongues. Yonder they go, headed by the right Honorable Ray Vernon, of Ohio.” cry of surprise came from the crowd. “You don’t mean to say ther deputy-sheriff, too?” a miner cried. ‘I do, precisely,” Rosebud replied. ‘‘I hap- nord to spy around and get into the meetir g- ouse of these Silent Tongues, last night, and Te = much, tt ae. neoee from Ohio, challenged me to fight, naturally expecting, no doubt, to get the best of me.” “Then, you charge those men with being members of the outlaw gang, eh?” another by- stander demanded, pulling out his revolvers. “IT do,”the Sport replied—“ at least, the de- puty-sheriff, and the Ohioan, and it is not im- robable that ef you would take off the false ees of one of those miners, you’d find his nibs, the Reverend Lester Van Syckel, who is the real Captain Terrible.” is was enough, for with a shout of ven- geance a number of the crowd sprung in prr- suit of the outlaws, who bad left the salocn, — while the Sport was speaking. But the pursuers arrived in the outer world ust in time to gaze with chagrin upcn four orsemen that were flying down the gulch at a safe distance, out of rifle range, and bound mountainward. Rosebud Rob turned to Avalanche ard Beau- tiful Bill, with a shake of the head. “Tm afraid that theyll get to the strong- hold ahead of us now. If Miss Van Syckel is ready, we will start at once.” He left them and betcck himself hastily to the Leviathan Hotel, where he was so fortunai +» as to meet the pseudo-minister’s daughter, i the main hall. On explaining matters, she signified her wil)- ingness to get el at once. she then ascended, to prepare, while Rose- bud hunted up horses for the party. They were presently joined hy Miss Var Syckel, who was disguised as a young miner, i» an admirable manner. ‘ A mount was at once made, and the party set off in a direction opposite to that taken by Vernon, at Miss Van Syckel’s advice. “There are two routes to the rendezvous, or rather, to the neighborhood of it,” she expiain- ed, as they rode along, “and I will take you over the least dangerous, for I have heard father describe both leads.” you 5 ars danger, then?” Rosebua@ Rob demand “Yes. The Silent Tongues may have a sus- picion of an attempt to rescue Deadwood Dick, and will guard a stit.”
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CHAPTER XII. RAPHAEL’S PLOT—INTO A TRAP. Tie day sed quietly, at the stronghold of the Silent Tongues, and night at last fell upon the earth with its somber shadows. Neither Deadwood Dick nor Calamity ventured far out into the valley, but kept closely in the neighbor- hood of their cave. Once Dick went as far as the passage that was the entrance and exit of the ‘ pocket,’ but found it guarded by two masked and well-arm- ed outlaws. He saw that escape, here, was out of the question, unarmed as he was, and accordingly sauntered back to the cave, As the darkness closed in, their former guard entered the cave, bearing a lighted lantern, and a tray of steaming roast venison, pot of coffee, and some cold biscuits, which he deposited, and withdrew, without speaking. “That fellow would no Grundy’s servant,” Calamity observed, dryly. **Nobody is qualified for that position except aman who can talk.” “You should say, rather, a woman who can talk,” Dick replied, with a smile. ‘But, I should be pleased to know to whom we are in debted for this feast.. Prisoners are seldom treated thus.” if spi Raphael’s conscience is working on him, and he is whackin’ up,” the girl suggested. *Tt’s strange we do not see or hear something from him. Don’t you think so?” “A little queer, maybe, but I am not at all eager to see him again, as his next coming may bode us no good.” “True. Indeed, I believe these Silent Tongues are hatching up some devilish means of getting rid of us.” { think they are waiting for the ar- rival of their leader, Captain Terrible, whom I believe to be either the Ohioan Vernon, or the minister, Van Syckel.” They were not again disturbed that night, and after finishing the relishable repast, Ca- lamity lay down to sleep, while Deadwood Dick kept guard near the entrance. Jarly, on the following morning, the man Raphael made his appearance at the cave, un- masked. Dick and Calamity were seated at the rude table, with which their abode was furnished, engaged in finishing the remnants of the last ee meal, when he entered, and bowed plea- santly. “ litely. y excuse my intrusion,” he said, ‘*T thought P’d look in upon you, having a bit of news to communicate. I suppose you know me, Deadwood Dick?’ “*T do,” Dick replied, as courteously as though he had been addressing a friend, instead of an enemy. ‘Calamity informed me whom I was indebted to, for my rescue from Judge Lynch, and my subsequent captivity here.” “You are not having a very serious time here, [ should judge,” Raphael replied, with a smile. ‘‘Indeed, I did not intend you should have, after I deliberated on the fact that we were once master and man. I’ve alittle plan to unfold, however, if you will give me your at- tention, which I think we can manage to our mutual satisfaction.” “My ears are open. Go ahead, and your words will receive due weight from me,” Dead- «wood Dick said, in return, and Calamity echoed his words by a nod. “Well, to begin with, you may not have heard that this hidden pocket is in truth a valu- _able gold-mine?”’ ‘* No, I never heard so, but have suspected as much since coming here.” “Then you have suspected rightly, for it is a richer gold-field than has ever yet been discoy- ered in this part of the State. This is unknown to any persons, with your exceptions, outside of the band.” Well, there are certain members of the band who have become tired of this general outlawry, and want to dissolve with the others. But, at the same time, they are not willing to bid fare- well to the gold-mine, and therefore, there the matter stands.” ““Why do these fellows wish to draw off?’ Diok demanded. “They are boys whom some misstep in life has forced to take up the life of road-agents, but who are not criminals at heart, nor by desire. That’s why they wish to draw off from the others, whose ruffianly cravings are only for murder and plunder.” ‘How do the stive numbers stand?” ‘There is a large majority of those who wish ‘to disband, and they are the best men, The do to be Mother Blonde Bill. ang was considerably larger, until the fight in an Juan canyon, when quite a number were killed.” “A half a dozen or soof whom _you can credit to me, probably,” Deadwood Dick reminded, “Do you know who killed my wife?” “T have no idea. Did I know, I would un- hesitatingly inform you.” “ I want is to meet the man. I'll vouch that he’ll never kill another woman,” the ex- Prince of the Road said, bitterly. ‘‘ But why are you telling me of all this about the outlaws? What does it interest me?” ‘“We want you to lead us, and we will put out the roughest of the gang, and keep the val- ley for ourselves. There is enough for us all, and we can hold the valley like a charm.” And the lieutenant laughed at his own propo- sition. “But, supposing I were inclined to accept your proposition—what assurance have I that I would have my liberty, afterward?’ “The assurance, sir, that I was formerly one of your followers, and in making you our lead- er, will be yours to command, again, as will be the others,’ “Very well; I will accept the position of command, with the understanding that we are miners, and citizens, and not outlaws. I will demand the right to keep Calamity Jane here, if so be she chooses to stay, and a'so three other friends to whom I am deeply indebted.” “Very well; I have consulted with our boys, already, and they are tage, to go under your leadership, and give you full power to do for the mutual benefit of’ the company.” “How will you manage to get rid of the other portion?’ “Basy.enough. They are now all sleeping off the effects of a drug that was administered to them in their tea, last night. They cannot re- cover consciousness, before noon, and by that time we can have them all lugged out of the valley, at a safe distance from it. There they will left to recover. When they recover, each will find pinned to his coat a paper, warn- ing him that Deadwood Dick has taken posses- sion and charge of the valley, with a large force of men, and any attempt on the. excluded outlaws’ part to enter the valley, will be pun- ished by instant death. How like you the plan, Captain Harris?’ “Good. Unless the excluded outlaws haunt the vicinity of the exit of the valley, and make us trouble when we go in and out, for pro- visions.” ‘**T don’t think they will, as there has already been talk among them of going down into New Mexico, and joining the uerte brothers’ band.” ‘“Well, go ahead, and follow your course of action, according to your plan, and we'll sev how things will work!” Deadwood Dick com- manded. ‘Tt is a safe shell, at all events, and perhaps I can find peace here—a last home-base, as it were.” The lieutenant bowed, and at once took his coors a hour later the work of removing the bodies of the drugged outlaws from the valley was commenced, and by noon, not a trace of them was left to tell the tale of the former ex- istence of the Silent Tongues. In the meantime, Deadwood Dick and Calam- ity sauntered from one cave to another, and made an inspection of the quarters, after which they returned to their own cave, ortly afterward, Lieutenant Raphel mar- shaled his men before the entrance, and Dick was called forth to review them, which he did, and made a brief but appropriate address, which was received with enthusiastic applause, Then, Raphael proposed three cheers for the new com- a which were given, and the band sepa- rated. A strong guard had been stationed at both ends of the remarkable passage which furnished the mode of entrance and exit of the secret gold- pocket, and thus everything was satisfactorily arranged, without bloodshed or battle, During the early afternoon, as Raphezl and Deadwood Dick stood in the valley, engaged in conversation, a guard approached them, and tipped his hat in a respectful manner. “Tf you please, captain, there’s one o’ the old gang, outside the pocket, who has important orders he 5 be from Captain Terrible, for the Lieutenant Raphael!” ‘*Show him in, at once,” ordered Deadwood Dick. ‘‘ We will see what he has to say for Wee Dude BOGE nd 'tock. departure. e guar wed, and too is de 9 but returned ere long, accompanied by one of the rough-looking miners, who had escaped with Vernon and Garwood, from Silverton. “Ah! Yvlverton, is that you?’ Ralph de manded. ‘ What brings you here, sir?” ‘“*Tcame from the captain, sir. Four of us had to take fight from Silverton, to escape Judge Lynch. e were betrayed by a fellow who is called Rosebud Rob. But, we’ve got him, anda party of two others, hedged in, down a matter o’ six miles frnm here, and want ther ang ter come down and help finish him up. hey were comin’ to rescue Deadwood Dick, but we rung in a deal on ’em, an’ got ’em cor- nered, where they can’t fight out.” “Very well. Go tell Captain Terrible that I will fetch down a part of the gang, before long!” Raphael said. ‘I would come now at once, but have some other matters to look to first. Be spry, now, and convey my answer back to the captain at once,” The outlaw nodded, and took his departure from the valley. When he had gone, Deadwood Dialk tasmmed te Raphael, ing gly. ; souk: he demanded, “what do you make of it ‘‘ Just what the fellow said; they’ve got Rose- bud Rob and his companions cornered in some tight place, and all we’ve got to do is to take part of our men, and go and help them out. Do you see?” “But, while we are absent, will not the men you bounced from the valley regain possession?” “No. Half of our thirty men will hold the valley, and with the other half, we can effect the rescue. Leave Calamity Jane in charge, here, and she’ll attend to it, while you accom- pany me,” Accordingly it was so arranged. Calamity was left in full charge of the valley, with fifteen men under her command, and with the other fifteen, Deadwood Dick and Raphael soon rode from the secret valley, bound for the rescue. All were well armed, and masked, and with Raphael in the lead, they dashed away down the mountain trail at breakneck speed. We must now return to Rosebud Rob and his party, whom we left on their way toward the stronghold of the Silent Tongues, bent on the rescue of Deadwood Dick and Calamity Jane. Nora Van Syckel led the advance, at a rapid gallop, and the others followed but a short dis- tance behind. ® The route chosen by her was the same taken by the Silent Tongues, when they had rescued Blonde Bill, and was extremely rough and tor- tuous, leading through deep, k chasms and frightful mountainous places, such as none of our three friends had ever encountered before, About mid-afternoon, Miss Van Syckel drew rein, and awaited for the others to come up, ‘You had better stop here a few minutes until I go around yonder bend and reconnoiter,” she said, slipping from the saddle, and giving her bridie-rein to the Sport. “There is a place there where an enemy could lie in ambush, and once you entered the trap, they’d have you, ere you could think of it. If the route is all clear and safe, I will blow a little silver whistle, and you can come on, and fetch my horse with you. Just around the bend, the ounycn forks ‘into two. Take the left hand one and follow it, un- til you find me waiting for you.” en, taking her rifle, she strode rapidly on up the gulch, until she was out of sight. “Tl bet she discovers the outlaws, and we shall have to £0 back, and around the other way,” Rosebud observed. ‘Somehow I don’t trust her, just as 1 would an angel, for all I hired her fairly.” “Great ham-bone, no, ner I nuther,” Old Avalanche declared. ‘These weemin ar’ ther deceitfulest uv all critters on ’arth, in’ em as they come, on an average. Thar war old Methusler Hoppenberry, up at_Shian—durned- est old cattymount ye ever see’d, I sw’ar! Tell ye w’at she did oncet. She cum down ter my ranch, an’ axed me ter marry her, an’I con- sented. After we got hitched, aw’ile, she coax- ed me ter git my life insured fer forty million dollars, an’ I like a big fule I did thet same. Waal, sir, one night she tuk me at an advan- tage when I was asleep, an’ throad me in a boat an’ sent me down ther river. Then she collect- ed ther forty million, an’ skipped out. Fact, J “Hark!” Rosebud Rob cried. “I thought I heard the whistle!” eh They all listened, but there came no second sound of the kind. The minutes passed by to the number of fif- a
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teen or more; then a shrill whistle from the distance was borne to their hearing. _“ Alls right; so come along,” the Sport ex- claimed; and putting the spurs to their horses, they dashed up the canyon. - Past the bend they swept, and discovered the forks in the canyon as Nora had advised. Taking the left hand one, they continued on for several minutes—then stopped, abruptly. Before them loomed 2 a ab ge pong! tow- ering barrier of solid rock—ahead, and on either side of them. ; 'lhey had entered a blind canyon, and were trapped! : - Full well they realized this, when, at the sound of a low laugh, they looked back, and saw that they were coverec by a trio of rifles, which were leveled toward them by the out- laws—Vernon, Garwood, and Lester Van Syckle! Betrayed by the latter’s daughter, they were in an unenviable situation. CHAPTER XIII. CONCLUSION. “Ha! ha! youare surprised, are you not?” the Ohioan demanded, with a villainous smile. " The tables are somewhat turned, just about now!’ ‘* In all probability,” Rosebud Rob admitted, coolly. ‘It depends, however, upon your abil- ity to keep us covered, whether we are long your prisoners or not.” “Oh! we'll hold the drop, don’t your fear, until aid arrives,” the minister announced, with a laugh, ‘‘and drop you in the most summar manner, if you attempt to budgeaninch We don’t bear you any particular amount of te will, and should deem it a pleasure to shoot you.” “ “T presume so. But I am shocked to observe how very impious your reverence is growing,” was the Sport’s stinging retort. At which the outlaw laughed again. “T am sorry you have been so badly deceived in the ornament of the Silverton pulpit,” he said. ‘Not werry much deceived, ye consarned old polecat!” grunted Beautiful Bill. ‘We know’d ye were a blamed lop-sided, spindle-shanked sinner, long ago. But, we got ’most sucked in on ther female critter who led us inter ther trap. Consarn her purty mug! Beautiful Bill aire I; an’ I do boldly sw’ar, declare, an’ asse- verate, thet ef I evyer ketch my claws inter ther raphernalyer uv thet gal, she won’t never know w’ot struck her.” ‘“Very likely, but she is safe out of your reach, long ere this,” the Ohioan assured, mock- ingly. ‘A clever young, lady is Miss Van Syckel, to whom we are largely indebted for your easy capture.” Then there was a pause. __ Rosebud Rob, Beautiful Bill and Avalanche sat in their saddles, quietly, believing it their best course not to make any more resistance. The three outlaws stood a few yards away, and kept their rifles leveled at their captives, steadily, evidently resolved to prevent any pos- sible chance of escape. : ‘** When your arms get tired, gentlemen, don’t you dare to lower your weapons, for the chances stand ten to one that ere you can raise one of them, again, I can send in a whole note!” Rose- bud Rob warned, “I’m up to all such tricks, you know and am not to be trusted!” This elicted a scowl from the three men, for the weapons were evidently growing heavy. Aad the fact that the Sport’s hand rested upon a pistol butt su sated the thought that he wanted but the slightest gap left open by them to open the ceremonies. “T guess we’re good for a half-hour,” the Ohioan said, “‘and by that time we sh=ll have nid. The plan of reo capture was prear- _ renged, and so confident were we of its success shat we sent a man to our stronghold for rein- ‘orcements, which must soon arrive.” Bravely did the three men keep their rifles up to a level with the captives’ breasts, although it was evident that their arms must have ached Bag tiara te And all the while the hawk-like eyes of the upon them, watching for an Sport were turned unguarded point. Thus five, ten, fifteen minutes—a half an hour passed away; then there came rolling through the u.ountain corridors the blare of a trumpet. A smile of triumyh broke over the mock min- ister’s countenance, ‘‘ Reinforcements,” he said, with a smile, and the next minute he answered the signal with a piercing ‘he's Seen, then, there came the clatter of hoofs Blonde Bill. anda party of seventeen masked outlaws dashed up, on horseback, Raphael in the lead. “Cover yonder prisoners, lieutenant,” the bogus minister cried, ‘‘and spell us, as we are near dead a-trying to keep them under the drop.” You'll be dead in truth soon, unless Dead- wood Dick chooses to spare your lives,” was the reply. r What mean you?” Vernon demanded. “Cover them, boys!” Raphael commanded, and he was quickly obeyed. ‘‘I mean that it is you and your crowd who are now our prisoners, instead of Rosebud Rob and his party. The tables have turned, just a little you see. This man on my right is Deadwood Dick, and he at present, and for all time hereafter, commands the gang. You are no longer included. The Silent Tongues have been merged into the Rough and Readys, under Deadwood Dick, and all the ruffian element has been bounced out. How like you the change?” Horrible curses came from the three baffled villains, but they were too wise to draw wea- pons against such odds, ‘““Throw down your tools, gentlemen, and surrender,” Deadwood Dick ordered, “ or I shall direct my men to shoot you down on the spot.” They obeyed, and were made prisoners. Rosebud Rob now rode forward, and was heartily received by Deadwood Dick, as were Bill and Avalanche. Then a general introduc- tion took place, after which the whole party set | 34 Rocky Mountars Ros. By Albert W. Aiken,. out for the Golden Pocket. The three chief members of the former band | 3? Hirt, Tae Honcwsacg. By Ji. H. Robinson... of Silent Tongues, Vernon, Van Syckel, and the deputy-sheriff, Garwood, begged so piteously for their lives and liberty, that Deadwood Dick finally concluded to let them have both, but first made them swear that, as soon as they were free, they would leave the mining country forever. They were then set at liberty, to be seen never again in the country of the Rio de los Animas. Later Rosebud Rob bid a final adieu to Golden Pocket and his friends there, and journeyed to the Nor’west, with the intention of taking to himself a wife in the S sae, of a young lady whom her friends call Cinnamon Chip. Golden Pocket, with its rich mines, is to-day a bonanza. And it has also proved to be the home- base of Richard ot Deadwood, for he is still there, with his little band of friends around him, among whom are Calamity Jane, Old Ava- lanche, Beautiful Billand Raphael. Peaceful and undisturbed the band is mining the days away, out of the reach of the strong, stern arm of the law; and, in the dim future, it is not improbable that Dick and Calamity will enter into a loving partnership for life, which long delayed consummation, we believe, our readers will welcome with— Three cheers for Deadwood Dick! THE END. The Saturday Journal, “The Model Family Paper —AND— Most Charming of the Weeklies.” A pure r; good in every thing; bright, brilliant and atacen: J cpa Pindgpsettan Serials, Tales, Romances, Sketches, Adventures, Biographies, Pungent Essays, Poetry, Notes and Answers to Correspondents, Wit and Fun— All are features in every number, from such celebrated writers as no paper in America can boast of. What is best in POPULAR READING, that the paper always has; hence for Homer, SHOP, Li- BRARY and GENERAL READER it is without a rival; and hence its great and steadily increasing circulation. 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| | | : a ee Se = 22> Se a. Every one of them “ Live®” Stories by ** Live® Authors. Each number a Complete Novel, at the extraordinary price of a HALF-DINIE, 1 Deadwood Dick. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 2 Yellowstone Jack. Jos. E. Badger. 3% Kansas King. By Boffalo Bill, 4 The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Reid and Capt. Fred. Whittaker. 5. Vagabonddoe. By Oll Coomes, 6 Bill Biddon, Trapper. By E.S8. Ellis. 7% The Flying Yankee. Col. Ingraham. 8 Scth Jones. By Edward §, Ellis. 9 f.dventures of Baron M-tnchausen. {0 Nat Todd. By Ed. S. Ellis. {1 The Two Detectives. A. W. Aiken. 12 Gulliver's Travels. 138 The Dumb Spy. By Oll Coomes, 14 Aladdin. 16 The Sea-Cat. By Capt. F. Whittaker. 16 Robinson Crusoe. \? Ralph Roy. Col. Prentiss Ingraham. {8 Sindbad, the Sailor. \9 The Phantom Spy. By Buffalo Bill. £0 The Double Daggers. E. L. Wheeler 21 Frontier Angel. By Ed. S. Ellis. 22 The Sea Serpent. Col. Juan Lewis. @3 Nick o’ the Night. T. C. Harbaugh. 24 Diamond Dirk. By Col. P. Ingraham. 25 The Boy Captain. By Roger Starbuck. 26 CGloven Hoof. By Edward L. Wheeler. 27 Antelope Abe. By Ol! Coomes. 28 Buffalo Ben. Edward L. Wheeler. 29 The Dumb Page. Capt. F. Whittaker. 30 Roaring Ralph Rockwood. By Harry St. George. 831i Keen-Knife. By Oil Coomes, 32 Beb Woolf. Edward L. Wheeler. 23 The Ocean Bloodhound. 8. W. Pierce 34 Oregon Sol. Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 85 WildIvan. By Edward L. Wheeler. 36 The Boy Clown. By Frank 8. Finn. 37 The Hidden Lodge. T. C. Harbaugh. 38 Ned Wylde. By Texas Jack. 39 Death-Face. By Edward L. Wheeler. 40 Reving Ben. John J. Marshall. 41 Lasso Jack. By Oll Coomes. 42 The Phantom Miner. E. L. Wheeler 43 Dick Darling. By Capt. F. Whittaker 44 Rattling Rube. By Harry St. George. 45 Old Avalanche. Edward L. Wheeler. 46 Glass Bye. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 47 Nightingale Nat. By T. C. Harbaugh. 48 Black John. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 49 Omaha Oll. By Edward L. Wheeler, 50 Burt Bunker. By C. E. Lasalle. 51 The Bey Rifles. By Archie C. Iron. 52 The White Buffalo. Chas. E. Lasalle. 53 Jim Bludsoe,dr. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 54 Ned Hazel. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 55 Deadly-Bye. By Buffalo Bill. 56 Nick Whiffies’ Pet. J. F. C. Adams. 67 Deadweod Diek’s Eagles. Wheeler. 58 The Border King. By O!! Coomes. 59 Ofd Hickery. By Harry St. George. 60 The White Indian. By J. F. C. Adams. 61 Buckhorn Bill. By Hd. L. Wheeler. 62 The Shadow Ship. Col. P. Ingraham. 63 The Red Brotherhood. Hamilton. 64 Dandy Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh. 65 Hurricane Bill. Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 66 Single Hand. By W. J. Hamilton. 68 The Border Robin Hood. Buffalo Bill. 69 Gold Rifle. By Edward L. Wheeler. 70 Old Zip’s Cabin. By J. F. C. Adams. | 71 Delaware Dick. By Oll Coomes. |%2 Mad Tom Western. W. J. Hamilton. | 73 Deadwood Dick on Decix. Wheeler. | 74 Hawk-eye Harry. By Oll Coomes. 75 The Boy Duelist. Col. P. Ingraham. 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. Aiken. | 72? Corduroy Charlie. Ed. L. Wheeler. 78 Blue Dick, By Capt. Mayne Reid. 79 SolGinger. By Albert W. Aiken. 80 Rosebud Rob. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 81 Lightning Jo. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams, 82 Kit Harefoot. By T. C. Harbaugh. 88 Rollo, the Boy Ranger. Oll Coomes. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner. E. L. Wheeler. 85 Buck Buckram. Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 86 Dandy Rock. By G. Waldo Browne. 87 TheLand Pirates. Capt. Mayne Reid. 88 Photograph Phil, Ed. L. Wheeler. SY « haa No. 28.—Burra.o Ben. 89 Island Jim. By Bracebridge Hemyng. 90 The Dread Rider. George W. Browne 91 The Captain ef the Club. Hemyng. 92 Canada Chet. Edward L. Wheeler. | 93 The Boy Miners. By Edward S. Ellis. | 94 Midnight Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh. 95 The Rival Revers. Hazeltine. 96 Watch-Eye. By Edward L. Wheeler. 97 The Outlaw Brothers. Marshall. 98 Robin Hood, Gildersleeve. 99 The Tiger of Taes. G. W. Browne. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville. By Edward L. Wheeier. 101 Jack Harkaway in New York. By Bracebridge Hemyng. 102 Dick Dead-Eye. Col. Ingraham, 103 The Lion of the Sea. Delle Sara, 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device. Wheeler 105 Old Rube. By Capt. H. Holmes. 106 Old Frosty, the Guide. Harbaugh. 107 One-Eyed Sim. By 8. L. Bowen. 108 Daring Davy. By Harry St. George. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. | 69 Patent-Leather Joe. Philip S. Warne. | 110 The Black Steed of the Prairicc. By James L. Bowen. 111 The Sea-Devil. By Col. P. Ingraham. 112 The Mad Hunter. By Burton Saxe. 113 Jack Hoyle. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 114 The Black Schooner. R. Starbuck. 115 The Mad Miner. G. W. Browne. 116 The Hussar Captain. By Ingraham. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick. By E. L. Whecler. 118 Will Somers. By Charles Morris. 119 Mustasg Sam. Jos. E. Badger. Jr. 120 The Branded Hand, Frank Dumont. 121 Cinnamon Chip. Eiward L. Wheeler. 122 Phil Hardy. By Charles Morris. 123 Kiowa Charley. '. C. Harbaugh. 124 Tippy, theTexan. Geo. Gleason. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner. E. L. Whecler 126 Picayune Pete. By C. Morris. 127 Wild-Fire. By Frank Dumont. 128 The Young Privateer. Cavendish. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double. By Edward L. Wheeler. 130 Detective Dick. By Chas. Morris. 131 The Golden Hand. Geo. W. Browne. 132 The Hunted Hunter. Ed. 8. Bilis. 138 Boss Bob. By Edward L. Wheeler. 184 Sure Shot Seth. By O!l Coomes. 135 Captain Paul. By C. D, Clark. 136 Night-Hawk Kit. Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 137 The Helpless Hand. Mayne Reid. 188 Blonde Bill. By Edward L. Whecler. 139 Judge Lynch, Jr. T. C. Harbaugh. 140 Blue Blazes. By Frank Dumont. 141 Solid Sam. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 142 Handsome Harry. By Chas. Morris. 143 Sear-Face Saul. By Oll Coomes, 144 Dainty Lance. Jos. E. Badger, Jr, 145 Captain Ferret. Ed. L. Wheeler. 146 Silver Star. By O11 Coomes, 147 Will Wildfire. By Charl s Morris. 148 Sharp Sam. By J. A. Patten. 149 A Game of Gold. Ed. L. Wheeler. 150 Lance and Lasso. Fred. Whittaker. 151 Panther Paul. Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 152 Black Bess. By Charles Morris. 153 Eagle Kit. By Oll Coomes. 154 The Sword Hunters. F. Whittaker. 155 Gold Trigger. By T. C. Harbaugh. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood. By Edward L. Wheeler, 157 Mike Merry. By Charles Morris, 158 Fancy Frank ef Colorado. By Buffalo Bill. 159 The Lost Captain. By F. Whittaker. 160 Black Giant. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr, 161 New York Nell, Tar Boy Girt Dr- TECTIVE; or, OLD BLAKESLY'S MONEY, By Edward L. Wheeler. August 24th, 162 Will Wildfire in the Woods; or, Camp LiFe IN TRE ALLEGHANIES. By Charles Morris. Ready August 31st, 168 Little Texas, THe Youna Mus TanGER. A Tale of Texen Prairies, By Oli Coomes. Ready September 7th. 164 Dandy Rock’s Pledge; or, Kuntep to DEATH. By George Waldo Browne. Ready September 14th, A new issue every week. The Hak-Dime Library j Newsdealers. five mae per co Ay oan 9 Ae = receipt of six cents each. < : AMS Publishers, {& ¥ filiam Btreot™ Rte foe -