Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 140) (1880 03 30)
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4 J AV tI b| BO menca VAS ' CE ae “ei tf nt tn! a! $2.50 a year. Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., as Second Class Mail Matter. D iy) Single PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS Single, No. 140 No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. - BLUE BLAZES; or, THE BREAK 0° DAY BOYS OF ROCKY BAR. woe BY FPRANE DUMONT, Author of “The Branded Hand,” “ Wild-Fire,” “ Wide-Awake,” eto. eto. fa ia Sa at MORIARITY LEAPED FROM THE DEPTHS OF THE BOX WITH A BRACE OF REVOLVERS—ONE WEAPON AIMED AT THE GROUP HOLDING THE ROPE, THE OTHER ONE LEVELED FULL AT PAYSON’S HEAD!
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Blue-Blazes; ~ The Break o’ Day Boys of Rocky Bar, “ BY FRANK DUMONT, AUTHOR OF “WIDE-AWAKn,” ‘‘THE BRANDED i HAND,” “WILD FIRE,” BIS., ETC. eee nt Ro aaa 4 CHAPTER T. ~ A WOMAN’S FACE, gentlemen! have your hands onto eapons, for in seven seconds we will avine and I predict a pic-nic!” pe was seated upon the heavy Con- ord +h, grasping the reins of the four horses that were attached to the vehicle and whose clattering hoots awakened the echoes of the wild region. Beside.thée “driver sat several men 086 hands held polished weapons, and whose eyes endeavored to pierce the gloom that settled down, like a ‘black pall, as thé vehicle rolled into a ravine—or rather the huge cleft in the mountain of rock. Within‘ the coach sat two persons—one—a So girlish form, upon whose features the eath angel had set his seal. The low cough in- dicated the pulmonary disease that was relent- lessly dragging her to an early grave. ‘The're- maining passenger was an old man muffled to the very eyes with a woolen scarf and appa- rently plunged in slumber, for he heeded not his companion opposita, or the violent rocking of the coach as it rolled over the rough trail. Scarcely had the driver uttered the warning when, from the gloom directly in advance, came @ dull quick puff—not unlike the uncorking of a bottle—and the driver fell headlong from his box with a bullet imbedded in his brain. The four horses poe ina mad attempt to free themselves from some unseen person who had Par the leaders, throwing them back upon heir haunches., Simultaneous with this movement a rocket flew upward into the gloom and shed its blue light upon the surroundings, for a moment only flaminaittig the dark ravine. During its brie light the men upon the coach were enabled tose that upon every bowlder an armed man was rehed and a, tosound the death-knell of he group upon the vehicle, Directly infront, drawn up like a platoon of soldiers, was an armed body of ruffians—a living barrier of mer- ciless outlaws. Thé next instant a masked person appeared at the door of the coach and flung it open, and the ominous glitter of steel in his right hand told that a revolver was ready to sounc the death-knell of any one within the vehicle offer- pre ate ve he masked robber peered into the coach and suddenly opened the slide of a bull’s-eye lantern, sending a ray of light full upon the features of = gray-haired person reclining upon the back sea ; “Come sir!” said the mask, ‘step outof the coach. You’re the person I want to interview. Be lively, for time’s precious!” The roal-agent’s voice was quite poem and his command was given devoid of the swag- ger and coarseness generally attributed to the chevaliers” of the road. The robber observed the female seated in the coach but her features were turned from him as if his voice had sent a thrill of terror into her soul, and she sat crouched in the corner, pale and motionless, The road-agent paid no atten- tion to her, but assisted the old gentleman to alight from the coach, and then turned the rays of his lantern full upon the passenger. 2 “Now sir, you will please remove the boot upon your gh foot, and be lively about it, too,” ordered the road-agent, Pooley. he old gentleman stood aghast and his tongue refused to articulate. He was regarding the masked robber as if endeavoring to penetrate the black cloth that covered the latter’s fea- tures. “Come, be lively! We're losing time, and my men are tired of holding their rifles in one tion and taking chances. In ise, you see that I know you, Spencer Gibson, and that I am well aware of the fact that, within the curiously contrived double- soled boot you wear upon the right foot, lie con- cealed ten thousand dollars in treasury notes of large denominations. Now, sir—shell out!” The gray-haired person addressed by the road-agent as Spencer Gibson gave vent to a low groan and without another word removed the boot indicated. ‘This the robber took and called an outlaw to his side. / spite of your. Blue-Blazes. EE “Take your bowie and remoye the sole of this boot,” he directed. ’ Instantly the point of the knife was inserted, and by a dexterous movement removed the sole, Spee a cavity, artfully concealed. he road-agent chief took from this curious hiding-place a small package of bank-notes that lay compressed between the Lp of leather, and then handed the boot back to the old gen- tleman, “There, sir! There is your boot, and as I have the money, you are freo to go your way. The quicker the better, for I can assure you that your fair daughter will be anxious concerning your safety.” Spencer Gibson replaced his boot, and re-en- tered the stage coach. ‘Bear a hand here, several of you,” said the bandit leader, ‘and place the body of the driver upon the coach. The r fool tried his game just once too often. He’s been in the habit of whipping up his horses and dashing through this locality to escape us, whenever he had a valua- bie cargo, but he won’t try the game any more, As he isn’t a married man, no family is left to mourn his loss. Come, boys; no delay. Delays are dangerous, you know, and Blue-Blazes uses for his motto—' Procrastination ‘is the thief of time. Several burly ruffians seized the limp body of the dead driver, and placed it upon the roof of the coach. ; ‘*Now, gentlemen,” commanded the bandit chief, ‘‘ hand over your valuables, please. Don’t compel me to ask for them a second time.” This was addressed to the group of passengers upon the yehicle, and they needed no repetition ot the demand: for they delivered articles of value to the tall robber delegated by the leader to receive the booty. ‘*Now, gentlemen! one of you take the reins and drive on.. Keep straight ahead, and you will reach Boise City in less than an hour, Hold! one moment!” the road-agent; ‘‘ there’s a lady in‘the coach. I had almost forgotten her.” Blue-Blazes, as the robber chief had an- nounéed himself, advanced to the door and turned the rays of his. lantern upon her fea- tures. She turned her eyes upon the masked robber as the light of the lantern flashed into the coach. . i With a wild yell, and a curse upon his lips, the desperado hurled the lantern into the gloom and dashed away from the spot as if a horde of demons were at his heels! He fied into the darkness, trembling in every limb, and gasping for breath, while muttered oaths came from his lips. Finally he paused. ‘* What is she aug: % ere?” he hissed. ‘* Why does she track me like an avenging Nemesis? Did she ith, pene me? Curse her, I did not dream I should ever look upon her again!” Strange that the bold outlaw should flee from the pale-featured woman reclining in the coach! Strange that her face struck terror to his soul and caused him to beat a hasty retreat from the scene of the robbery, abandoning his com- rades and all thoughts of booty! True, he had the package of National bank-notesin his pocket, but he did not remain to estimate the value o: the cash and trinkets handed over by the pas- sengers. vel as he paused in the wild locality, and listened, he heard the creaking of the wheels, and the sound of the horses’ hoofs upon the hard surface of the road; and he knew that the coach was en route for the town. A sigh of re- lief escaped his og and he tore aside the mask he wore to enable the cool night wind to fan his brow. Drops of perspiration stood upon his forehead, and his face betrayed the emotion caused. by the sudden and unexpected dis- covery he had made. The face of this road-agent was that of a young man scarcely more than four and twenty years of age. A silken mustache of raven hue shaded thin lips that were now compressed with nervousness as their owner stood like a statue listening to the receding coach, his long hair waving in the night air and his hand trembling upon the hilt of a revolver. This was the desperado who, under cover of his mask, and surrounded by lawless comrades, ruled the road and demanded toll from all who traveled over the trail. Reward after reward had been offered, both from Boise City, Silver City and Rocky Bar, Pom ie ieahecemeristed tilled to-entrap the ruffian or his confederates into betray- ing their leader. : t the period of which we write the silver re- gions bowdering upon the Salmon river and its chain of mountainsin Idaho, were with A all the lawless element of the States. Hee the criminal sought a haven among kindred spirits and struck terror to the honest miner’s, heart, and the traveler compelled to journey in coaches considered himself fortunate if he escaped these “ chevaliers.” “Blae-Blazes” was without doubt the most reckless and daring of his class, and his deeds were related with bated breath by his victims as they sat about the fire of the hotels in Boise City. The scoundrel was known by no other name, and his appearance and identity were a perfect mystery. It was even whispered that the members of his own infamous league had never looked upon his features. A. blue rocket shooting upward into the murky darkness always heralded the coming of the out- law and his men, The robbers were armed with air-guns and thus were enabled to pick off their victims from their places of concealment without betraying their near presence by the flash of fire-arms or the report of explosives. Thus the fiery rocket, of the dazzling color mentioned, gave the sobriquet of Blue-Blazes to the desperado, and that name became a ter- ror in the silver regions. The outlaw chief re- mained listening to the coach as it rolled away toward the city; then he retraced his steps to- ward. the scene of the attack. : “She is journeying toward Boise City— tracking me—no doubt of it. Her presence in this locality and at such a time is dangerous to my plans. She must be removed just as soon as possible; my safety demands it, for she will either denounce me or remove me.” A blue rocket pierced the gloom and shed its brilliancy for a moment upon the desolate land- scape. “The coach has passed the outer line of pick said the border outlaw, ‘‘and that’s he signal of ‘ all’s well ’” Blue-Blazes retraced his steps, but before he had traversed half of the distance to the trail a form came toward him and a low whinny echoed close at hand. A moment later and a horse stood beside the man. “Tired of waiting for me,” said he softly, **Come, my beauty; you and 1 must reach Boise City with the speed of the wind.” © vaulted into the saddle and the steed dash- ed forward, like a bolt from a cross-bow. CHAPTER II. “DEAD AT YOUR FEET.” Borsr Crry was fairly alive with its swarms of miners, speculators, gamblers and men of sun- dry occupations, although it was near the hour of midnight. The saloons and gambling resorts were in full blast and groups of players and spectators sur- rounded every table. trouched near the door- way of aspacious gambling den was the form of a female who eagerly scanned the features of each person entering or leaving the den. From her place of observation she could easily observe the face of each person without fear of dis- covery. “Perhaps I am mistaken. But the voice— can I be mistaken in that? No—no,” she mur- mured, ‘‘my days are numbered and I must see She drew back into the shadow of the door- way, for a horseman drew rein before the saloon and dismounted. He secured the horse to a and strode toward the open door. The light fell upon his features and from the lips of the hidden watcher came a low, quick cry, and the next moment the woman had dart ed forward and stood directly in his path. The young man started back nervously and for a moment stood as if rooted to thespot. The woman approached and laid her hand upon shoulder. ‘“‘T have found you at last,” said she. * e?” he ga ** Why do you follow sped. ““Why? Why should I not seek to find you? Who else but you ean repair the great wrong? I have waited patiently and sought for you far and wide until my efforts have at last succeeded. To-night Isaw you—saw you in the act of rob- bery—a highway—” , “Hush! not a wordof that!’ warned the young man huskily. “‘ At least‘not here, where my life trembles in the balance. Now tell me what is it you want?” . ‘ “Nothing! I wanted to look upon you. You basely deserted me. ‘You have blasted m young life. Look npon me! I am but a wreck “You have but yourself to blame. ceased to love me and proved untrue.” ‘Tis false!” she cried vehemently. ‘‘ Thisis the coward’s ready excuse after he has basely deserted and betrayed the heart that loved and m truste ; “T did not desert you until I was satisfied that — You -
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Blue-Blazes 3 you bad taken your love from me,” said the man in a sniveling tone of voice. “Death rights everything, and when that comes you will know how deeply I loved you. You will know that you were the heart- spring of my life and soul. I do not ask v to believe it now. I love you to-day as I have loved you in the days of our early acquaintance. Remember, Fred, the dying will not speak false.’ | | / | | ; The woman made an effort to withdraw some | object from a side backward nervonar a contemptuous smile pocket and Fred started She noticed the act and played upon her lips. “Do not fear me,” saidshe. ‘I would not harm you. True, in my angry moments I re- gistered a vow to kill you, for | dreaded to lose you, but now the angel of death is near at hand and the end is fast approaching.” She was seized with a violent fit of coughing and for a few moments she stood endeavorin to recover her power of speech. Fred recoil again, for he saw an object glistening in the grasp of her hand. “Teil me, can I do any thing for you? Your resence here will ruin my plans, and sadly in- rfere with: my prospects; yet 1 will cast these all aside if ' can befriend you. My love you can never again obtain—” ‘‘T do not seek it,” she said, in a low, wailing tone. ‘ Too late!—too late!” She trembled violently, and would have fallen to the pavement if he had not reached forth his rm. “T said I did not seek your love,” said she, faintly. ‘‘ What is this world to me without it? Oh! if I could but crush you out of my heart as I have strived! But it cries for you, and will not banish you. Oh, Fred! my hours are num- bered. Tellme that you still love me.” She turned her pale face toward him, and her eyes shone with a strange light—a glitter that told of wild emotions sweeping through her brain. : ‘Edith, we can never be but friends. Let us forget the past and—” urther utterance was cut short by the crack of the pistol which the woman grasped in her band, and, the bullet ete into her own brain. She turned her large dark eyes upon his face, and vainly endeavored to speak. The words died away upon her lips, and, before he could prevent it, sbe fell to the pavement. Fred gaged horror-stricken upon the body of the suicide at his feet. The villain looked upon the form of his poor victim—the woman whom he had betrayed and abandoned, and a shudder swept through his frame. nly a moment did he pause to view the pros- trate form of the young woman whom he had called Edith; then he dashed into the gambling den. Hardly had he entered cere memes when a young man emerged from an adjacent doorwa and bent over the motionless form. Placing his hand over her heart, he saw that life was ex- tinct. As he arose, he observed a crushed pa- r in the hand of the suicide. Scarcely know- g what he did, he took the pe from the death-grasp and thrust it into his pocket. All this had occurred in the brief space of a few mo- ments, for even as the young man placed the paper in his pocket, he was surrounded by a number of men who, attracted to the spot, gath- ered about the dead body. Among the number was Fred, the identical person who had wit- nessed the suicide’s act—the villain who had been the direct cause of the tragedy. “Young man, whatis your name?” said a stout personage, addressing the youth who had taken the paper from the dead woman’s hand. ‘Robert Warden, sir,” he replied, calmly, although the scowling sea of faces surrounding him plainly told that he was suspected of the murder. , “T am the sheriff of this county,” announced the stout person, ‘‘and I have a word or two to say to you.” bert e ted to hear the dread summons of the sheriff, or worse—to find himself in the hands of the excited crowd who would execute lynch law in a summary manner. Warden chanced to glance toward the doorway, and his a rested upon the features of the man whom the suicide called Fred. Their eyes met and that one glance spoke volumes. The evil face of the villain disappeared as its owner slunk away o \ sey of the crowd. oe the face was photograp upon Warden’s mind. The look upon the scoundrel’s face betrayed him; and that look and the liar expression of the eyes were indelibly fixed wpon Robert's mind, and he recalled them at will. Each moment he expected to hear himself denounced as the murderer. The mob was ut- tering threats, and the murmur grew louder and louder as the crowd viewed the form lying upon the pavement. **Gentlemen—ono word with you all,” said the sheriff. ‘‘I happened to bein the locality and saw the deed. The woman took her own life. LIsaw that myself; but, gentlemen, there is a black-hea villain—a scoundrel that caused this r girl to commit such an act.” The crowd uttered another cry, and Warden was the center of all eyes. ‘** Not he—gentlemen—not he,” cried the sher- iff; ‘‘ you know that I wouldn’t shield a mur- derer—no indeed!—but that’s not the man; I saw him approach the body after the deed had been committed. Bear a hand here, gentlemen, and let us convey this poor girl’s body to a place of shelter. After she is attended to we hem ap after the devil that caused her to take er life. Several willing pairs of hands raised the body tenderly from the pavement and conveyed it to a hotel close by. The crowd se ted slowly. The shooting of aman would not have occasioned any sur- prise, but a woman—why it was sacrilege, and woe to the scoundrel who would have dared to thus take the life of one of the gentler sex or be in any way responsible for the act! A rope and the nearest tree would surely await him. No matter how rough and lawless the mining regions may be, a respectable woman will com- mand respect, and a hundred champions will — to her rescue if insult be offered to her. he sheriff ee the body of the unfortunate girl in a room and securely locked the oor. ‘* Now, sir, we will see that she is decently buried. Do you know who she is—or where she came from?” ““Thave a clew,” replied Robert, as he took the crushed paper from his pocket and care- fully opened it in order to examine the writ- ing. It was written by the poor suicide and contained the following, penned in a neat femi- nine hand: 2 “Heaven forgive me for the crime Iam about to commit—self-murder. Betrayed, abandoned, and friendless, what more can I do but seek to regain his love or die at his feet? Eprtu Gray.” Robert and the sheriff examined the a Lact and the official finally refolded it and h y said: “*Of course we don’t know who to blame, but I will make a +e pp to you. For humanity’s sake you and l try to hunt down the man that brought this poor girl to an early grave.” ‘“‘There’s my hand upon it, sir,” said Robert eagerly, and the two men clasped hands; the compact was sealed. The sheriff retained the paper and after a few moments’ conversation the twain se ted. Robert wended his way toward boarding- house, his mind filled with the events of the sad tragedy and its cause. “No matter,” said he half aloud, “I will know that face wherever or whenever I see it again. A dark form glided from a doorway and with quick, cat-like movements, it followed at Robert’s heels. There was a dull thud and a suppressed cry as the young man fell to the pavement. He was conscious of being d into a doorway and carried down a flight of eo then all was a blank, for his senses deserted d CHAPTER III. A STRUGGLE FOR LIBERTY. RoseEnrr’s first sign of returning consciousness was evinced by feeling a chill that almost pene- trated to the bone of every limb. A deep gloom prevented him from observing the place into which he now found himself prostrate upon a damp earthen floor. The m and cold earth had revived him, and the water dripping upon his features had recalled him to consciousness. His hair was matted with the blood that had oozed from the wound upon his head and a 4ull pain racked his brain. At first he was bewildered, and failed to com- prehend the situation, but soon the events of the night came vividly to his mind and again the ren the’evil of the suicide’s companion >. on him. en he sought an explanation for his present situation. Why had he thus been followed and his life attempted? Who could wish to remove him? Who was it that held him asa captive in the dismal quariee wherein he now lay? He sought in vain to find an answer to his -knew not of an enemy in the m-ning towa, —— ae and if robbery bad been the object, why then were the watchs and chain that he wore still safe in his pocket? Perhaps he had been mis- taken for some one who had incurred the dis- pleasure of the desperadoes infesting the Sal- mon river regions? Or tt Se he had been “spotted ” because he had lingered in conversa- tion with the sheriff? Then came the thoughts that were ever upper- most in his mind, and even in the black gloom of his prison-like cellar he fancied that he saw the sweet face of Elsie Gibson. Her wealth of golden hair appeared like a halo of glory about her Madonna-like face, and Robert instinctively murmured her name. Even as her name lingered upon his lips there was a slight noise at what ‘pps to be the door leading into the cellar. heavy footfall sounded without. A chain fell to the floor with a dull rattle and the rays of a bull’s eye lantern flashed into the cellar, dispelling the darkness. A tall, masked figure descended a few broken steps, and then flashed the lantern’s rays in sev- eral directions until the light rested upon the features of Robert W arden. The masked figure started back asif surprised to see the young nian erect. ‘* $0 you're alive, are you?” came in subdued tones from beneath the mask. “It’s a pity you've recovered, for you’ve got to take a Soarsby to that unknown land. in other words, your moments are numbered,” ** Who are you?’ demanded Robert, “Tt matters not to you. A doomed man has no need of knowing anything that is meant to be a secret. The information would be of no benefit to you,” answered the mask, sullenly, ** Why am I confined in this place?” “For several reasons! One is that you are in my path, and once you are removed I will con- sider myself much safer, Let this srffice to satisfy your curiosity. Robert Warden, youare a doomed man. This undergrcund place will be our tomb. Gaze upon yonder mass of decay- mortality! Those bones and tattered gar- ments were once part of a human being who, doomed to death in this same place, met the dark angel, and that is all that is left to tell of his fate!” Robert’s eyes glanced in the direction in- dicated and saw the ghastly remains of a mor- tal ially concealed beneath a_ tattered blanket, The grinning skull had rolled away several feet from the rest of the skeleton. The boots lay under the torn edge of the blanket and the lantern’s rays cast a weird light upon the horrible picture. The masked person noticed the expression of both surprise and horror upon Robert's face. A chuckle escaped from beneath the mask. “What do you think of the prospects?” he asked derisively. ‘* Your form will mingle with that skeleton in less than two hours. Depend upon it!” and the mask turned to depart. “One word with you,” cried Robert. “I do not know of an enemy in Boise City, and if I have crossed your path in any shepe or form ou should be manly enough to tell mg, or at east reveal yourself.” “It is not necessary,” responded the ruffian. “You are a dangerous person while living. Once you are dead I will cease to anticipate any trouble. Prepare for the worst, for an execution- er will visit you who knows not the meaning of the word pity, and whose ears are deaf to sup- plications for mercy. I have looked upon you alive for the last time,” and he extended his hand in a dramatic manner, That moment Robert’s eyes obtained a limpse of a curious opal ring upon the man’s Soger It shone like the eye of a tisk in the rays of the lantern. ; arden’s attention was riveted upon the ring so intently that he failed to notice that his visitor was slowly ascending the steps. A moment later and the door closed, the chain rattled and the damp cellar was plunged in gloom. Robert was alone—alone with the ghastly relic of ‘the previous occupant of this dismal prison. A swarm of rats added to the horrors of the un- derground prison, for the bold vermin, dashed hither and thither as the light disappeared. Robert wondered how he had escaped from the vicious animals as he lay insensible and com- pletely at their mercy. { By degrees they became bolder and he kicked and oruahed them beneath the heels of his boots, Lege! Neg to and ae in his are — our dragged wearily, and the only signs of life were the hungry rodents that ly leaped upon him in their hungry despera-- Suddenly hig ears caught the faint sound of. ae
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approaching eng e Some one was nearing prison den. erhaps it was the execu- tioner that the ninebee person had threat- ened to send? The footsteps halted at the door, a faint light glimmered through the cracks of o heavy pane. and the chain rattled to the earth, Robert was unarmed, and he knew that the emissary would not venture into the cellar without a weapon to aid him in his murderous work. The youth determined not to yield witb- out a desperate struggle, and he prepared to meet the unknown destroyer. Warden had noticed that the door of the cel- lar opened inward, and, quick as a flash, a plan of escape presented itself. Even es the chain fell to the earth he glided quickly to the steps and the door began to seen as the executioner pushed the heavy barrier be- fore him. As the door swung around, Robert lided behind it and thus avoided the stream of ht that shot forth from the lantern borne by a hideous hunchback, whose glittering eyes red above the edge of a huge red scarf bound in many folds about his neck. This dwarf was muffled up in such a manner that nothing could be seen of his features but the nose and evil eyes that fairly blazed in their sockets. With one hand he held the lantern and di its rays into the cellar. In his talon-like fingers ho clutched a long glittering knife whose blade reflected the light of the lan- . A coarse woolen jacket enveloped his body, and the ugly hump between the shoulders almost drow the garment away from his waist, threatening to burst the seams asunder. Warden had but time to observe this mon- strosity when the deformed came cautiously down the steps, evidently seeking the exact po- sition of his victim. The remains partially con- cealed beneath tho blanket caught his eye, for he directed the rays of the bull’s-eye toward the spot, “Hello! that’s not him!” he egy “The captain told mo ho was here and to let daylight into him—but whero is he?” Tho reply was a terrific blow, and the de- formed wretch was hurled head foremost to the damp floor of tho cellar, while the swarm of rats ed away into their retreats as the monster landed in their midst. Iu a moment ho was upon his feet, and with a scream resembling the cry of a wild beast he sought to recover the knife that had reat from his grasp. Robert leaped down and kicked prs ef ee, re and byslirced in- ® was Ss in the of the in- furiated wretch. = Tow A rough and tumble fight ensued upon the slimy floor of the cellar. th men were strug- glin to obtain the knife that lay close by, for n that slender blade lay death or escape. One or the other must perish. CHAPTER IV. FROM THE DEN. Tue hunchback was a powerful fellow and his immense strength was telling in his favor as he struggled with his lithe agri Robert was weak from loss of blood, but he knew that life was at stake; he strained every nerve to pre- vent the cripple from obtaining the knife. Warden did not wish to take the life of ,the de- formed creature, gy the latter bit and screamed like an infuriated wildcat. Sudden- ly the hnnchback, by a most powerful effort, hurled Robert towards the knife, and before the youth could recover himself the cripple bad seized the weapon, and uttering a cry of triumph, dash toward the young man, Blinded with rage and the very thoughts of an easy victory—the hideous wretch came onward with a malignant gleam in his wolfish eyes and a how] issuing from his lips. The young man hesitated no longer, but leap- ed forward to meet the advancing assassin and seized the upraised hand. A short, quick strug- gle, and Robert had disarmed the cripple and wrested the dagger from him. Then ti e keon blade was driven deep into the body of the pir gece espairing cry, a cry resembling the d screech of the panther, and the wintch fell 4 the slimy floor of the cellar in the throes of death. A few convulsive struggles and the would-be assassin was dead. For a moment Robert stood horror-stricken with the dripping blade Peco in his hand. It was the first time he had ever shed the blood of a fellow mortal and the young man was seized with remorse as he contemplated the lifeless mass at his feet. The overturned lantern shed a ghostly light Blue-Blazes. upon the group and formed a strange picture in that dismal ay panes chamber. The struggle had occupied but a few ssegesnee and even as the hunchback expired, the soun of footsteps again echoed in the ge leading to the cellar. The cries of the cripple had reached listening ears and help was coming, or persane the masked person was at hand to aid is confederate. Robert saw but one chance of escape and he quickly siezed upon it. He tore the woolen scarf from about the neck of the dead hunchback and fastened it about his own. A moment later and the dead man’s jacket had changed owners also; then, by aid of his own coat—Robert thrusting the garment be- neath the jacket, well up toward the shoulders made a most natural hump and presented a con- terpart of the dead hunchback. e then extinguished the flickering lantern and breathlessly awaited the person rapidly ap- proaching. A second later and the masked figure appeared in the low doorway. he mask still bore his own lantern and its expiring rays failed to clearly revealed the en- tire chamber. This was a most fortunate inci- dent and assisted Warden in his deception. “What are you screaming for? Did you finish your work? Is he dead?’ ‘*One question at a time,” said Robert, striv- ing to imitate the husky tones of the ro ‘Thad a tough fight with him, but I fixed him. See this blade? his life’s blood drips from it!’ An ceprosnn of delight esca from the masked figure’s lips as he obtained an imperfect glimpse of the stained dagger and the huddled mass of prsegers | upon the floor. The strange echo of the vault-like chamber aided Robert’s voice and the mask did not fora moment sus- pec: that it was not his emissary who now stood conversing with him. “Well, if you’ve settled him, come along; Ill give you w t I promised. Where’s your lan- tern?’ os * Smashed it up in the fight.” “That's too bad! e is nearly out; but, come along; while the light holds a spark we must make good use of it. Shut the door after you and bolt it. Isay, Matt; did you search is pockets?’ asked the mask, suddenly halting and Here the supposed hunchback. ‘‘Tndeed I did! captain; did you think I'd let such a bird go unplucked? No, sir! I’ve got all the papers and mouey that he had in his pock- ets! “Keep the money but I want all the letters and papers, do you hear?” “Yes, captain; you can have ’em.” ‘‘Confound this lantern! There’s no oil in it and it won’t last until we’re outof the passage,” and the masked person groped along in the ghostl light, cursing the lan.ern and stumbling over the debris that littered the path. A few fitful sputters and the lantern died out; the two men—the two who were henceforth to be bitter foes—were alone in the deep gloom of the geway! ‘‘Curse this darkness!” growled the mask, as he again, stumbled over some obstacle in his th. ‘Keep close behind me, Matt; I know he way better than you do. Weare now almost under ond’s gambling-rooms. Come along; a few yards further, and we’ll reach the stair- way.” The masked ruffian had unwittingly given the information most needed by the soi ga at his heels, and Warden began to realize his present whereabouts. The wound he had received still pained him, and his head ached terribly from its effects. The loss of blood and the rapid but terrific struggle in the cellar had weakened him considerably, and it was only by a supreme ef- fort that he trudged along, stooped over and muffled up, keeping close at the heels of the man i had registered a solemn oath to remove m. Had the mask but known! At length a faint streak of light issued from a a point some dozen yards above the level of the passageway. The ruffian paused, and began searching in his pockets. ‘* Not even a match,” he said, in a tone of dis- appointment; “‘ but, no matter; here’s the stair- way. See, there’s the trap-door!” bert glanced upward, and saw that the sub- dued light came through the cracks in the floor above, and that a flight of steps led upward to- ward the spot. At the head of this series of rough gg ong the trap-door. 3 dope strong as an ox,” said the villain, ‘‘ You go up and raise the trap, and then hold ic until I pass out.” Se —~ ado, who, aided by the strong light of the kero- sene lamps, woul prevent escape. However, it was the only chance; he ascended the a and pushed the heavy trap-door up- war Slowly it yielded to the desperate efforts of the young man and he obtained a view of the room thus revealed to his gaze. A lamp was burning upon a rough table but not a living soul was visible although the low murmur of voices came from an adjoining apart- ment. Robert aia nimbly up the few remaining steps and stood in the room. The masked rut- fian was just half-way up the stairs when Robert allowed the heavy trap-door to fall down again and he leaped upon it to prevent the man underneath from raising it. He glanced about quickly to discover an outlet from the room. The noise of the falling trap evidently had reachéd the ears of the men in the next room, for Robert heard them approach the wall and a moment later a secret door opened in the side of the room and several whiskered in- dividuals appeared in the opening. “The trap slipped out of my hands and darn me if I can raise it again,” explained Robert in a whining tone making an effort to raise the ecw d door but in reality standing upon the planks. ‘“Who’s under there, the captain?’ “Yes,” replied the supposed hunchback. “Get out of the way there; let’s get hold of the door,” said the oldest of the men as they advanced toward the spot. The speaker grasped the cripple roughly and hurled him toward the table. bert improved this unlooked-for in- cident by falling heavily against the table and dashing the lamp to the floor. The room was tasters enveloped in darkness, the lamp break- ing in such a manner that it was extinguished immediately. A chorus of oaths broke from the men in the room and Robert glided toward the secret door. From beneath the heavy trap-door came a sub- dued shout and the masked ruffian’s words came distinctly to his comrade’s ears. “Seize that impostor! Don’t allow him to leave the room!” The ruffians turned swiftly and dashed toward the secret opening, but it was closed, and they rained heavy blows upon the frail barrier. Meanwhile Robert had gained the adjacent room and closed the spring door, thus moment- arily checking his pursuers. He fled througu another door and found himself in a narrow corridor. Scarcely knowing in what direction he ran, he suddenly found himself almost blind- ed by the stream of daylight that confronted him. He was upon a side street, and a dozen yards away he saw the main street and throngs of miners and teamsters moving in all direc- tions. He had escaped from the underground den, but an enemy was soon to trail him with all tle venom of the viper and the cruel instinct of the bloodhound. CHAPTER V. AN UNEXPECTED MEETING. SEVERAL days had elapsed since the events related in the opening chapters. The excitement following the attack upon the coach and the murder of the driver had almost died out. Although the sheriff offered a reward for the gy ge ee of the assassins no clew had yet been discovered, and, like all such proclamations and rewards, nothing came of it. The footpads and road-agents had become so bold that robbery and murder had ceased to be regarded as a sensational event. ; be murdered driver was + gees a favorite on the stage route, for his skill and presence of mind had often saved the treasure-box ard the urses of the passengoss by swiftly eluding the Patiaite and running the gantlet. Loud and deep were the threats uttered against the m sterious personage known as Blue-Blazes, and it was sate to say that if the villain once fell into the clutches of the excited ulace his body would grace the limb of a net without the semblance of a trial. The band of cutthroats under his leadership was composed of the most desperate refugees from the States —men who had plunged into every species of crime and who feared neither man nor devil. It was plain to be seen that the formidable league were under the command of one who
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————————==— exercised undisputed sway, and whose discipline was rigid even among the desperadees forming the band. Whoever he was, Blue-Blazes was credited with being a man whose word was law and whose reckless exploits had gathered about bim the worst elements of the berder ruffian specimens. The very appearance of*the blue rocket shoot- ing upward into the murky sky struck terror to the occupants of the coach, or to the horseman riding through the rocky gorges and ravines, It was certain, also, that Blue-Blazes took ad- vantage of the notorious reputation attached to his name, for the band became bolder and the robberies more frequent, The home of Spencer Gibson, on the outskirts of Boise City, was a neat frame dwelling, pic- turesquely situated on the hillside, about twenty pha se the road. Gibson had speculated in mining stocks, at times profitably and again losing considerably, His only child, Elsie, was a beautiful maiden of scarcely seventeen. Her golden hair rippled down almost to her waist, and her features were of almost faultless beauty and the expression of rare sweetness. Gibson sat in the little room used both as a library and place to transact business. His faco wore a sad expression and traces of recent tears were still upon his furrowed cheeks. He still held the pen in his hand and a sigh escaped his lips as he glanced over the column of figures that he had Traced upon the sheet of paper lying upon the desk. ; ‘‘ Nothing can save me from ruin unless more time is granted to me.” The words were uttered in a voice trem- bling with emotion, and for a moment ho re- mained gazing upon the figures. “* Allthat I have toiled for—all that I have planned and cherished is about to vanish, and my darling will be without a home, without even a roof to shelter her! Oh! fate that led me to speculate so wildly! I should have ayed the first mortgage easily, if that villain bith not robbed me. Everything seems to be against me, and nothing bright greets my anx- ious gaze, How did the highwayman know that the sum of money lay concealed within the false sole of my. boot? Surely I spoke of it to no one. How could the footpad know it was concealed there? He called me by name, too! Yet not a living soul knew of my intentions. Stay! I be- lieve I told Frederick Payson of my inten- tions—” The door opened anda young man entered the room, hat in hand, and he paused as he ob- served the old gentleman seated before tho desk. The man was neatly attired anda long black mustache shaded the upper lip. His face was sallow and rather thin. It is needless to say that this person was the same individual whom we noticed in company with the wretched woman who was earnestly pleading with him and who finally fell a corpse at his feet. A smile rested upon his thin lips as he saw the older man turn to observe his entrance and he extended his hand. “Glad to see you, Mr. Payson; be seated,” and Gibson placed a chair for his visitor, who seated himself close to the desk. ‘*‘You have called perhaps to arrange our affairs,” Gibson went on, “ but an unlooked-for occurrence has prevented a settlement and I must appeal to amount read lacein your fortunately [have been robbed!’ “‘ Robbed?” echoed Payson, elevating his eye- brows and ing calmly into the features of the old gentleman. “Robbed!” he repeated, “‘by whom?” ‘‘By the scoundrel known as Blue-Blazes!” ‘Indeed! may I ask how?” “T was returning to Boise City after negotia- ting a loan to pay you the amount promised, when the notorious rascal stopped the coach and plundered all of the passengers, and took from me the amount I had concealed.” ** Ah! then you had concealed the amount,” said Payson, innocently. : _ “Yes, and the most curious part of the affair is that the robber called me by name and even requested me to produce the notes from their hiding-place. Now, sir, how was it possible for the ruffian to know my name and the secret T had selected?” “‘ Ah! that is somewhat surprising; but then, you know this fellow, Blue-Blazes, would be sure to know your name for you are so well known. I see nothing strange in that,” replied Payson yin gsteey f “But, sir, how did he know where I had con- cealed the notes?” “Very true! That is strange!” shands, but un- heed generosity. I didhave the . p Blue-Blazes. ** Not a soul knew of this intention, sir—not a soul—but you!” ‘* Me?” cried Payson nervously, starting from his chair. “Yes, sir; I remember telling you, and if I am not very much mistaken you suggested the idea yourself!” ‘“‘ Ah! yes; I remember now; but, might it not be possible that we have been the victims of an eavesdropper? You forget, sir, that the rascal known as Blue-Blazes has emissaries everywhere. Perhaps under your very roof—” “T will not believe that,” said Gibson with an impatient. gesture. ‘‘I trust my _ servant, Patrick Moriarity, because I know him to be an honest fellow.” ‘*But he might have listened and repeated the words he overheard?” “Stop, sir; not another word against the honest fellow. I have known him too long to even doubt his loyalty. The treacherous infor- mation did not come from that quarter.” In a moment Payson had leaped to his feet, his sallow face flushed, and his eyes gleaming like those of a cat in the gloom. * Am I to infer that I am responsible for the loss you have suffered by repeating what you confided as a secret?” Gibson met the calmly, and he fix visitor. “Did I accuse you?” asked Gibson, calmly. Payson checked himself and instantly his manner changed. All traces of anger vanished, and a smile played upon his lips as he again seated himself. ‘Excuse me for displaying my feeling,” said he. ‘I misunderstood you and labored under tho impression that you suspected me of com- plicity—or—or—” Payson hesitated and inwardly cursed his stupidity for allowing his tonguo to utter words that betrayed what was really uppermost in his mind at that moment. “Let the matter rest,” he added. truly mer you have met with such a loss for you can ill afford it at such a time. You know, sir, that the time allowed is past and the notes are due.” “Yes; it is that mortgage that now troubles me. I must ask you for an extension of timc. I will sell somo shares in the mine and pay you as soon as possible.” “IT am sorry to tell you, Mr. Gibson, that your note is not in my keeping. I transferred it toa friend for a ccrtain amount, and 1 am pained to say that he demands a settlement and will not listen to anything looking to delay. This is sorry business, but I did not dream it would come to such a 4h Payson tried to look as if he really meant the words he uttered, and he secretly rejoiced to sec the expression of sorrow that swept over the old gentleman’s features. ‘*Then, sir, let your friend do his worst. I can meet ruin. I care not for myself but m ok td child—my beautiful Elsie—she will ak er. ‘For her sake I will make you an offer, Mr. Gibson,” said Payson quickly. ‘You know that of late I have been a visitor to your house, and Elsie has been the magnet that drew me hither. I am well off in my share of the world’s goods, for fortune has smiled upon me. your daughter and if you will consent to our union I will assume these debts and you are again a freeman. What do you say, sir? Re- fuse and the mortgage is forecl ; consent, and I'll stay the hand of your creditors!” _ Payson leaned forward, anxiously awaiting the reply. Gibson stared hard at his visitor, and after a slight pause he spoke: Frederick Payson, your intentions may be honorable, but I am sorry to say that Elsie can never be your wife. My daughter's hand could not be the price of my wild speculations, even though she consented to such an alliance; but such a thing is next to impossible, because she loves another, and I will never step in between her and the man of herchoice. Robert is an old lances of the excited man his eyes upon those of his “T am schoolmate, and they were children together. He comes to these regions to toil for his future bride, and he is even now seated beside her in ~ next Argent dian ayson's face betrayed no surprise—no ee in the blandest tones ble, e nded: ate geutismed whe has prined the love of your gentleman who i ie love our beautiful daughter?’ k Gibson strode toward a door, and opening it exclaimed: “Robert, will you please step into this room I love | for a few moments? Excuse yourself to Elsie; I won’t detain you very long.’ A moment later and Robert Warden entered os room, and the two young men gazed at each other. The moment that Warden’s eyes rested upon Payson’s face he started back nervously, and Payson’s features changed to a sickly ashen hue. arden knew the face the moment that his eyes rested upon it. He could not forget those features, even though he tried. Gibson failed to note the actions of the two young men, but merely introduced them: ““Mr. Payson, this is my young friend, Robert Warden.” And the two grasped hands. Robert had at last met the man whom he had seen on the night of the woman’s death! Even as Payson extended his hand, Robert’s uick glance observed the curious ring that the ormer wore upon the little finger of the right hand. It was an opal, exactly like that worn by the masked m who had visited him in the underground den! Was he grasping the hand of the man who had sought to destroy him, or was he mistaken about the face and the ring? These thoughts presented themselves to rt’s mind as he held Payson’s hand within own. CHAPTER VI. PAYSON TRIES A NOVEL GAME. Ir was strange to behold the remarkable com- posure of the villain as he mct the gaze of his rival. He greeted him cordially and for a mo- ment Robert was thrown completely off his guard. Strange that Gibson should associate with such a person! thought Warden as he sat ego Payson, and although he felt certain that he was the person who had caused the death of the poor girl yet he could not account for the ring. Certainly the voice was not that of the rvffian who. had sent the hunchback upon his errand of murder. Finally, Robert could not refrain from asking the question that arose to his lips a dozen times while cen. with the man seated near him, and he carelessly said: “That is a strange ring, Mr. Payson, it glitters like a ball of fire.” Payson’s hand was withdrawn rapidly from its position upon the desk and with a light Jaugh he answered: “Strange kind of aring! I found it yesterday as I was proceeding homeward. I think it isan opal. I have heard that opals are considered unlucky; if that’s the case have to discon- tinue wearing it.” The wily rascal did not offer it for in on, but removing it from his finger he thrust it into his vest pocket and resumed his former yety. “‘Perhaps he did find it,” thought “but it is certainly strange, and the more think over the matter the more like a mystery it appears. One thing is certain, however, and that is, that the man before me is the most re- markable actor and the most subtle villain that I have ever met with.” At ae Robert arose and after bidding Pay- son good-night he passed from the room and re- aes Elsie. ' ‘He is a very nice gentleman,” said Payson “and lam truly glad that I have met him; but now, Mr. Gibson, you know the alternative. If you exercise your influence Iam sure you can gain Elsie’s consent, and you will study your own welfare by acting umn my sug; on, even commanding if it is necessary. Remember, sir, there is much at stake!” “T have considered all, and my answer is still the same: my dau hter is free to act as her heart dictates and I must suffer the conse- quences alone.” “Very well, sir. I give you a chance but you have spurned it. You will hear from me ain and probably before pen expect it.” ithout another word Payson took his hat and strode from the house. Once outside, his menner changed instantly, and an oath broke from bis lips: “He lives! lives after all my plans for his destruction! Curse my luck, what’s to be done? He is the favored man. He recogni me as Edith Gray’s companion on that fatal night, there’s no doubt of that; but, that’s all; the rest is a my to him. Confound the ring! I do believe opals are unlucky, for it almost betrayed me. Ill never wear it again. I’ve no time for weak sentimentality; now I must act—and that, at once.” He had reached a secluded spot, and placing a small silver whistle to his lips he blew a sin- gle shrill blast upon it. Several forms seem- ed to arise from the earth itself only a dozen
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6 yards away and they came forward to greet Pay- son. “ What's up, captain?’ asked the foremost. “Sh! don’t address me’ by any title, just now, Listen to me, boys! have work for ou to do and it will require a little acting on our part. I have just 2 yom a visit to my lady ove and find that a rival has supplanted me in her affections. He is a new arrival in these parts and if I’m not much mistaken his visit to the Salmon river ig ees will be a mighty short one. I speak of the lady now; I have conceived a bold plan to win her favor, but if this plan fails Pll try another which will be sure of suc- eess. I don’t want to show my hand just yet; you understand me, boys?” “Tike a book, captain! like a book!” “My plan is this: Two of you will enter Gibson’s house and watch your chances to forci- bly carry off his lovely daughter. Use no vio- lence and prevent an outcry. You, Tom Boyer —you’ll watch the young upstart as he leaves the house; track him and bring me satisfactory proof that you’ve killed him and Pll make you a present of a hundred dollars.” ‘All right, Cap; I’m your oyster!” and the ruffian addressed as Tom Boyer departed upon his mission. The remaining two listened for the villain’s eoncluding instructions. ‘““When you have secured the girl makea dash for the hillside and I will be close by and rush forward and pretend to rescue her from our hands—see? [Jl fire several shots at you; th of you will fall to the earth and lie a corenny, dead while I return to the house wi he rescued maiden and receive her thanks. Once wes are out of sight you can take to your heels and disappear.” “Tsn’t he a darling!” said the short ruffian admiringly: ‘‘no one but the captain could plan such a smart thing.” ‘Took out when you’re shooting, Cap, that you don’t pepper us in earnest,” admonished the other ruffian. “Tl be careful of that. Now go, and mind that you play your parts like born actors. Remember, I always reward merit liberally. Payson stood for a moment, listening to the retreating footsteps of his two emissaries, and a low chuckle broke from his lips as his plan pre- sented itself in all its shrewdness, and he slowly followed-after the ruffians, “Smart plan and it takes me to originate them!” said he. ‘Divil take you and your plans, me darlint; it takes esos f Moriarity to find yees out. As the young lady is not now in danger I'll follow the thafe that’s after master Robert, and I'll tickle his ribs wid the sole o’ my boot!” and the ker arose froma clump of bushes close at ries and glided im the direction taken by Tom oyer. oriarity was a Ss ka little son of the Em- erald Isle, and had almost grown pray in the service of the Gibson family. He accom- panied the head of the family when that_per- sonage had removed to the mining town of Boise City, and, as Paddy had often remarked, “he'd been a mother to Miss Elsie.” Moriarity was pugnacious and cunning, and was even ready to stand up and battle for the ‘‘ family” that he represented. Once in a while he in- dulged in a few drops of “‘ mountain dew,” and it was owing to arecent potation that Moriarity found himself in the brush at theopportune mo- ment, when Payson and his comrades were planning the assault. Paddy was sobered in a moment, and the ruf- flan’s words caused him to listen intently to all that was said, Away sped the Irishman in the darkness, striving to obtain a glimpse of the outlaw Boyer, or to intercept him. But he was doomed to ion, egg ee He listened in vain for the’ villain’s footsteps. Everything was still as death. “‘Begorra, is it possible that I’ve come the age | way?” he muttered. He took another gen orward and he fell forward upon his e. ““Somebody tripped me up,” he cried; but, before he could arise, he felt the cold muzzle of a pistol pressed to his temple and a voice hissed in his ear. “ Not a word or you’re a dead man!’ Before Moriarity could make the slightest re- him and his ‘sistance a rope was thrown about arms were pinioned firmly. “This is what comes of me drinking the dirty stuff. If I hadn’t touched the poteen I'd have a clear head wid me, and not be tied up like a chicken for the oven. Serves me right; but, mind yees, if I git the hands o’ me loose I'll lav Blue-Blazes, | ee a five-dollar bill that some o’ yees "Il have a eadache whin yees wake up.” Moriarity cursed his short-sightedness and heaped maledictions upon the heads of his un- seen captors, for it was tco dark to enable him to distinguish their features. While the ruffians are thus bearing away the irate son of Erin we will follow the brace of cutthroats delegated to abduct Elsie. The two approached the house, and for a short time prowled in the vicinity, intently watching the window where the young lady ap- peared at intervals. While they were waiting a favorable oppor- tunity they saw Worden depart from the house and disappear in the direction of the road. To their great joy they saw Elsie pause upon the portico of the building. Like a pair of serpents they glided toward her, keeping well in the shadows until, by a concerted movement, they sprung forward, and seizing the unsuspecting girl, bore her quickly away. When they had reached a point about twenty yards from the house Elsie uttered a piercing scream and made a frantic movement to escape from the rough hands that held her. Before the scream had died away a hurried footfall sounded close at hand and a form dashed gee the scene. Several rapid blows were launched right and left, and the two outlaws went reeling to the earth, while Elsie was c to a manly breast with one arm, while the other directed a hand that wielded a deadly weapon. Crack! crack! Two whip-like reports and a spiteful flash of fire followed the explosions. One ruffian fell with a bullet | his brain, and the other limped away with a shattered arm, ** Elsie, may dasiing, look up! You are safe.” “Yes, Robert!” replied 6, returning her lover’s embrace. “Nice trick Payson played on. us,” growled the wounded villain, as he staggered away. CHAPTER VIL. MORIARITY CAGES HIMSELF, THE ota of marauders who had captured the Iris n Frpeceted in the direction of the lower range of mountains. Even if enough light had enabled Moriarity to see his captors he would have failed to dis- cover their identity, because heavy crape masks entirely concealed their features. They paid no attention to Paddy’s remarks, but compelled him to trudge onward until the group halted in a secluded spot and each man ed to select his horse from a number of animals picketed in the canyon. The bandits were -oon in the saddle, and Moriarity found himself upon the back of a vicious mule. In order to secure the Irishman, the outlaws had fastened his legs in such a manner that both heels were tied beneath the mule’s body. This compelled Moriarity to balance himself in a ludicrous manner in order to remain seated upright. He swayed to and fro like a tall weed, and whenever the mule descended a steep declivity the Iri would lurch Torwekrd upon the animal’s and the next move he would probably be hurled, without any ceremony, upon the mule’s back. 6 gorra, I’m getting sea-sick,” he mut- tered.” How the divil am I to kape my fate whin the baste rolls around like a top? I niver saw such a fool of a horse in allmylife. Hould on there!” A sudden jolt had flung him forward upon the mule’s neck and his arms remaining pinioned he had to make desperate efforts to regain his position. ‘“Bad Juck to me!—Tie the hands ov me loose, will yees?” Of course Pat’s miseries and comical antics amused the rufflans, who, aided by the faint streaks of the coming day were enabled to see the gyrations and frantic efforts of the Irish- map plunging to and fro, The bandits actually led ‘he way down steep places in order to see Pat's amusing maneuvers. : “ Phwat do they take me for—a circus-rider or a jump-jack?” cried he, and he followed up tke exclamation by a torrent of abuse dis- tributed among the grinning bandits. Pat’s tormentors actually worried the mule in order to see the animal endeavor to fling the Irishman from its back. = if, 1, could only, be, off. 0° shis emt. thur’s back for a moment I’d show yees what it is to t’ase an Irishman this way! luck to yees! Ye're half white and half | Fwhat a curious tribe yees are. Hold on there, you ‘vid the big hat! I saw you tickling the oray- ec thur so that it would kick up its heels. Bad luck to your ugly, mug. Pd make you kick up er heels if I had the hands 0’ me onto a stout club at this blessed minute!” . Pat received no reply to his questions, nor did his threats have any effect upon the brutal crowd that rode along, urging the mule for- ward and jeering Pat’s vain e orts to retain a steady position. “Mark my words, I’ll make some 0’ yees for the laugh that yer having at my expinse!” The cavalcade finally paused’ upon the very brink of a deep precipice. Huge rocks arose upon all sides, seeming like the parapets, basti- ons and. towers of a huge castle or medieval for- tress. Upon the opposite side of the yereng abyss the rocks arose like a huge wall, to the hight of some seventy feet. eyond this barrier the mountains spread away in all directions until they seemed to meet the dull sky, now faintly reflecting the orb of day. a The group of bandits dismounted and one of their number blew a peculiar call upon a whistle. Instantly a dull sound proceeded from the di- rection of the wall of rocks and a large oblong piece began to move outward toward the chasm until it completely bridged the abyss. The drawbridge moved in exactly the same manner as an ancient drawbridge, or rather the port- cullis of an old castle. lt formed a safe cross- ing over the deep abyss and the outlaws and their prisoner traversed the structure. As soon as the cavalcade had entered the gloomy portals of the strange retreat the port- cullis swung back into its place again. “Be gob, am I among the fairies, or am I dr’aming? Maybe the divil’s imps have carried me away and it’s to the warm place they’re taking me now,” said Moriarity, as he saw the strange proceedings and the still stranger place into which he was conveyed. The bridge moved back into its place, fitting as snug as a panel in the wall of a chamber. The cunning workmanship was now easily to be seen ese Ag at first it would have been next to impossible to detect the trick from the oppo- site side of the chasm. The bridge was formed of stout beams and planks. ‘The outer surface, facing the precipice, was covered with huge ir- regular blocks of wood and these had been nted to resemble the rocks. So faithfully ad the painter done his work that the illusion was perfect and the entire surface seemed to bo a barrier of solid stone. A vaulted sronway led into the very heart of the mountain and then opened into a series of honeycombed chambers. Into one of the wide ssages the horses were led by one of the ruf- ans; then Patrick’s limbs were released and he was rudely dismounted from the back of the restless mule. : “Much obliged to yees,” said he in a loud voice, but he wey added in a lower tone— “may the old boy fly away wid the crowd of ees!” ns His limbs were so numbed by the ropes used in securing them that he could scarcely stand erect or move them. ; “Be gob, is 1t paralyzed I am?’ he whined. “I can’t even move me big toe. Ah, thin, it’sa fine scrape I’m in. I’m tuk prisoner by the speerits and they’ve Sg kebue me entirely. ch, worra! worra! this is what I = for jist taking a sup of the potcen! Patrick Moriarity, if yees don’t sign the timperance pledge after this yer no man av yer word. WheireamI? I don’t see the Jake of fire yet.” Moriarity looked around, half afraid that he would see the terrible flames of the infernal regions ged out of the dark passages. ~ May be they’ll put me into the small furnace first. I’m not a wicked man, any way, and the divil’s no gintleman if he puts me into the big fire widout first axing me consint!” Pat’s remarks were cut short at th’s juncture because a tall form emerged from the gloomy ssage and approac @ group. ac There ie 1” muttered Pat; ‘“‘here’s the boss, and he'll put the Moriarity family into a hot place.” es Helo, boys! who’s this?” demanded the new- mer. “An Irishman that run across our path and we scooped him in. He may give an account of himself to the captain when he returns,” and the burly ruffian turned on his heel and entered one of the passages, motioning Pat to follow. Moriarity followed through the several in- tricate passages, murmuring a few short prayers as he pr ed, : ‘There, now!” said he, with a sigh of relief. “Tm not afeerd av the v srowd 0’ whelne—
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Blue-Blazes. — 7 Pee eee not even the boss divil himsilf. Troth and how could I fergit mesilf in the first place that I didn’t offer up a prayer to St: Michael?” The masked conductor patised in a large, ky chamber, and turned to the prisoner. ni Here's your quarters for the present,” he announced, ‘‘ and when the captain arrives he’ll find out all about you!” “* He’ll find out but very little about me, yez may bs sure o’ that,” stoutly averred Pat, be- nning to understand that he was not yet in e hands of spirits, nor in the infernal regions. His courage returned instantly and his tongue wagged incessantly. The bandit departed and Moriarity was left alone in the chaniber. “They didn’t tie me hands,” said he, gleefully, “and be jabers! I’m going to make a bee line for the front door.” Pat began to put his resolution into immediate éxecution, for he passed out of the room into the passage and there ho was soon bewildered by the numerous dark aisles that greeted bis aze.. Now and then he saw a distant swinging mp, or heard the murmur of voices, but, in attempting to shun these he strayed into differ- ie tunnels until he paused and realizad he was ost. “ There’s a nice crowd—not to give a mana map o’ this place. Now how am I to find me way out? It won’t do to walk out before thim, beca’se they may have objections to my de- parture. I want to take Frinch lave, if [ can, unbeknownst to thim.” He again started forward and as he turned a sharp angle in the dark passage he collided with some one coming in the opposite direction. The person, whoever it was, gasped for breath and be rh backward. “Pve knocked the wind out o’ some one!” ejaculated Moriarity, as he sped away from the spot. He could hear the hurried tramp of his ursuer and the angry shouts of the bandit as e ordered the fugitive to halt. Pat dashed into a room and by aid of the swinging lamp in ths apartment, he saw a large chest in one corner of the chamber. With the agility of a squirrel he leaped into the chest and slamined down the heavy lid. It fell with a peculiar sound, and closed with a dull click. The next moment several men dashed into the chamber and began an eager search for the Irishman. **Be gob, if NN a the chist, I’m cotched, so Tam!” thought Moriarity, as ho crouched in his narrow hiding-place. One of the ruffians actually tried to raise the lid of the chest. “Nothing in that but the captain’s weapons and he always keeps it locked,” declared a graf voice. “I'll bet the fellow ran in the next room.” The rer anadiieean out of the chamber and their voices died away in the tunnel. Moriarity tried to raise the lid of the chest, but he could not move it an inch. Jt was locked; ‘and the Irishman was imprisoned in the iron-bound box —entombed in the chest. CHAPTER VIIL. IN THE BANDITS’ 1-40. Tr willbe remembered that hobert arrivad at the critical moment, and discomfited the two ruffians engaged in the abduction of Elsie Gib- son. One of the bandits lay stark upon the damp oa oy the other crept away with a shatter- m Elsie laid her head passively upon the bosom of her lover and felt perfectly safe while nest- ling within his strong arms. “Do not fear! Look up; you are safe, my darling,” said Rob- ert, and he led his beautiful companion toward the house. ’ Mr. Gibson was standing nervously upon the veranda asthe pair approached. ‘The report of firearms had alarmed him, and he reached the front door in time to behold the thrillin finale to the encounter. Before Robert coul uestion in to aid you if necessa What has hap- pened? No harm to Miss Elie, I trust?” ‘Payson came forward and appeared rl so anxious concatfitig the safety of the young ‘I do not know who they were!” replied Robert. ‘‘I could not see them plainly, nor did E wait. | I dashed upon them without any cere- mony.’ “Indeed?” muttered Payson, between his clenched teéth while a fiendish glitter shone in his eyes fora second. ‘Pll settle with you in good season, never fear;” and then, in a loud tone, he exclaimed almost joyfully:—‘‘l’m glad you taught the rascals a lessonone they can remember.” “One of them will never do any more mis- chief,” suggested Robert. ** Why?” asked Payson, quickly. ‘Because, there is an ounce of lead in his body, and I believed it touched a vital spot,” replied Robert, carelessly. ‘ayson ground his teeth with rage, and his breath came in short gasps. If Warden could have seen the villain’s face at that moment he would have started back with surprise. It was features that he looked like another being. It wasas if a mask had been suddenly placed upon his countenance—a mask such as the old mas- ters painted upon their canvas to depict the arch-fiend. But the consummate scoundrel quickly overcame his passion, and the next mo- ment his face wore a smiling appearance and his words were pleasant. ‘*Tt’s lucky I did not arrive in time,” said he. “lucky for the other villain I mean, for I would have sent him to keep company with his confederate. But Iam pleased to see you are safe and no harm done to either of you. Sol will resume my journey to the hotel. Are you going my way, Mr. Warden?” ‘Well, not exactly, sir,” replied the young man; “at least, not at present.” Something promp Robert to his decision caped the lips of Payson as he turned upon his heel, with a hasty good-night to the group. Ths villain strode away in the dark and was soon in the friendly recesses of the deep gloom, Here he paused and shook his fist toward the Porn standing upon the veranda. “This will be a bad night’s work for you, Robert Warden. You have crossed my path, and if is now too late to allow you the least chance of escape. Nothing but your life will atone for the wrong hia ve done me, Let me see, the whelp spoke of LA | shot one of my men, dead! I wonder who it was? Oh! bitterly will he rue this interference! Ill put him to the torture as the wild Indian tortures his captive; laugh at his shrieks of pain; scoff at his entreaties to be merciful. I must invent some horrible torture.” “‘Captain!” said a voice, proceeding from the tangled underbrush. ““Who’s there?’ demanded Payson, turning toward the point in question. ‘Me, captain,” and the speaker came for- ward with his arm hanging limp and bleeding. It was the outlaw—the survivor of the twain sent by Payson to abduct Elsie. “‘That was a mean trick, Cap! I’ve got a bullet in my arm and Russell lies out yonder with his toes turned up. He’lk never do any more business on the road. He’sa goner! Bub, I didn’t think you would play us a trick like that, captain.” “My dear fellow, you are mistaken; I am just as much grieved over it as you are. It was not I that came forward and fired the shots but a contemptible sneak whom I'll kill by inches when I get him into my hands. I was tricked as much as any of you. Iam ex- tremely sorry for you, and for poor Ruvsell, and you take my word for it we will have a vengeance that will amply repay us for all our disappointment and suffering. My plan was a ood one but it missed fire!” ; “I wish the confounded pistol had missed fire!” Aida! the wounded bandit with a groan of pain. “If we had known that it was a stranger that was rescuing the girl we could have dropped him easily but we thought it was ou, and we didn’t make any ce or show ght. Just let me get my rs on the feller that broke my arm and bet he’ll pay dear for it. You hear me a-shouting!” Instead of the “shout” the ruffian uttered a low groan of pain. “There is a still deeper vengeance that will track him and he is a doomed man,” protested | Payson. “The vengeance is that of one who never fails—the vengeance of Blue-Blazes!” “Correct, captain! Blue-Blazes is the word, and the fellow is just as good as dead.” a a “But, I'd rather know be was there,” thought Payson, as the wounded bandit’s sanguine ex- pression fell upon his ears, an evil, malignant look that so transformed his | and something like the hiss of a serpent es- | ‘*What’s to be done, Cap?” ‘Follow me; the man’ we're after is still in that house, and maybe Tom Boyer will nail him as he leaves itand he willneed help. Come along. Payson led the way and his wounded com- panion followed. The villain led the way toward the road, and as he neared it he became cautious. He had scarcely reached the broad trail when the click of a weapon fell upon his ears and instantly he gave vent to a low sound—a peculiar signal, that was answered immediately. From the mass of wild vines and jagged rocks came the ambushed assassin, Tom Boyer, and the three villains were soon engaged in a low but hurried conversation. “Sh! I hear the sound of a footstep! He’s coming! To cover at once.” Like phantoms the rascals glided to their hiding-places, and eagerly awaited the comin of their victim. Nearer and nearer approac the person in question, until a shadowy form passed the spot where Payson and his murderous comrades lay concealed. Then, like spirits they crept down the hillside and followed Robert Warden, and before the young man could turn he was felled to the earth and Payson peered into the face of the prostrate man while he pressed the muzzle of a revolver close to War- den’s temple and uttered a blasphemous ex- pression of triumph. “Not a word, you hell-hound, or P’ll let day- light into your skull,” he said huskily. “What, is it you, ‘Mr. Payson?” said Warden in tones of amazement. “Yes! Furtherconcealmentis useless, I ama our most bitter foe and your life will answer or the blood you have shed to-night! Bind him, lads, and keep an eye upon him. The least effort he makes to evade us send a bullet into his brain. Come, be lively!” The two ruffians secured Robert’s hands with a stout strap and allowed him to stand upright. “One question, please,” said Robert, turning to Payson, but the ’s face wore a terrible expression. “Nota word! Dare to speak until I address ou, and T’ll have short work made of you. orward now, and with our horses we must reach the rendezvous before daylight.” Robert saw that it would be. useless to resist or even bandy words with the ruffian and his comrades, so he went forward quietly. He blamed himself for his want of caution, and his surprise was indeed great when he discovered that Payson was the instigator of the abduction and in league with the ruffians whom he had defeated. An hour later saw the party all mounted on swift horses and dashing toward the mountain den of the robber league. They passed over the curious bridge and entered the portals of the stronghold. Robert was in the robbers’ lair and in the hands of a deadly foe. CHAPTER IX. A NEW FOE BEGINS, THE streets'‘of Rocky Bar presented a livel appearance on the evening following the inci- dents related in the preceding chapters. The wide street was thronged with groups of excited men, armed with the inevitable revolver—men whose faces wore a determined look, and whose fingers toyed nervously with the triggers of their weapons. In fact, the whole scene pre- sented the appearance of a battle-field after the sulphurous smoke has been wafted aside by the wind. It was indeed a calm after the storm—a lull after the tempest. A terrible conflict had raged in the streets of the mining town, and the deadly pistol had cracked in all quarters of Rocky Bar. Dead bodies lay upon the floors of the drinking saloons, and wounded men wan- dered to and fro with pale features and blood- stained bandages. Red-shirted miners and staid residents of the rough town had banded together and finally unced down upon the desperate characters infesting and ruling the town, The threatened blow had fallen; the storm- cloud had burst; in other words, the miners — “cleaned out” the gamblers and despera- oes. As the repeated warnings failed to effect a re- form, the pistol was called in to settle the ques- tion. A fearful conflict ensued, but the gam- blers and bullies melted away like snow beneath the warm sun, and the evil characters were either sleeping the last sleep or skulking away in the mountain defiles or in safer pen laces. Border vengeance is rapid and complete, and never is reform accomplished so thoroughly as -when the outraged community rises and asserts its power, and deals out summary justice to
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oe those who have defiled and trodden all laws under their feet. ’ Such a scene had occurred in Rocky Bar. The Vigilantes, organized under the title of the ‘‘ Break-o’-day Boys,” swept down on the un- suspecting rascals, and a short but bloody ren- conter took place. Not until the last gambler and bully had fled was quiet restored; then the gron upon the street congratulated themselves hat Rocky Bar was purged of evil-doers. One brave man—one brave spirit had formed the league, and led it on to victory. This per- son had arrived in Rocky Bar but a few weeks previous, and in that time he had organized his party of reform, and completely crushed out the eae that overran the little town. Herbert Gray was a tall, middle-aged man whose premature gray hairs and careworn fea- tures would have led an observer to estimate his age much beyond his years. Some secret sor- row bowed down and left its traces upon his face. The desperadoes seemed to be the ob- ect of his hatred, for he was uncompromising his views, and nothing short of a complete extermination would satisfy him. The remnant of the r n element prowled in the mountain recesses and shunned Rocky Bar, seeking more congenial neighborhoods, The name of the order became suddenly famous in a day, and carried dismay into the ranks of the blackleg fraternity. It was toward sunset that a horseman neared the elevated plateau overlooking the mining town, and reined in his steed. It was Payson, and a troubled look rested npon his countenance. “Tt is folly to remain away from my old haunts,” said he. ‘‘It is almost two weeks since I visited Bar, and most of my old com- rades will think [ have abandoned them. The fact is that, to remain solid with the men of in- fluence in this town, I must mingle with them, My love affairs have prevented me from visit- ing this place, although I should have done so immediately after the coach affair. I don’t want to be sus , because I want full entree to the society of both Boise City and Roc Bar; once that is denied to me, I’ll have to stic to the mountains like a wild beast. That would not suit me. I must play the gentleman and avoid all suspicious company. have secured Mister Warden, and left him in the hands of responsible persons who will attend to him. Ha! ha! ha! Hello!” The exclamation was caused by the sudden appearance of a form that emerged from the tall bushes skirting the mountain trail. Payson’s hand was seeking a weapon, when the new-comer’s voice reassured him. “It’s only me, Cap!” said the blood-stained pedestrian, drawing nearer. ‘“ I’m in a bad fix, and I’ve got to tramp a long ways.” ‘*What’s the matter?” widen been a devil of a time down at the ! “A scrape among yourselves?” “No; we’re ‘cleaned out!’ ” ‘How? Explain; I don’t quite understand you. ‘The miners have banded themselves together, and they swooped down on us and gave us a scorcher.” “‘Do you mean to say there has been a con- Bet, and that the boys are driven out of Rocky “Correct, captain; that’s the meaning I wish to convey. We're scattered like chaff. We're all either wounded or caved in. I never saw such a clean sweep in all my life. I’ve been in hot scrapes, but this beats ’em all. Our race is run in that town, and it ain’t healthy, you bet.” Payson inwardly cursed himself for having absented himself from the Bar, for he felt cer- tain that he could have avoided the catastrophe to his friends, or rather, warned them. C) blow struck in Rocky Bar was a direct blow at his infamous league, and the villain knew it. His lips turned purple, and his eyes gleamed like the orbs of a tiger in the dark. ““ Who has done this?” he suddenly demanded. ‘*Some stranger. He ain’t been at the Bar more than two weeks, but he did it slick. An old feller—his name is Gray. He comes from Sacramento!” A shudder swept through the frame of the yuffian as the name fell upon his ears and his face changed color. of ae A ta say the name is Gray?” said he anxiously. ‘* Yes, that’s the name,” replied the wounded mbler. “‘Her father!” murmured Payson in a hoarse whisper. ‘ t brings him to these regions? Does he come to seek for his daughter, or does he come to seek me?” ; Blue-Blazes. Or It was evident that the name of the Vigilante leader had alarmed Payson, for he trembled as if he had the ague and his words were incoher- ent. ‘* Where is Neal Williams?’ he asked. ‘Gone under! I don’t think there’s many of us left,” answered the other. ‘‘I tell you, Cap, the news of the coach robbery started all the fuss. Neal Williams came into town and he allowed the ‘ fluid,” to get the best of him and he blabbed his business right out, and gave the whole thing away.” ‘*Confound the idiot! good thing he’s dead!” ‘He was one of the first keeled over. We had a hot skirmish to even get out of town,” said the wounded man. ‘* Would you advise me to venture into town?” asked Payson, quietly. ‘* Not by a darned sight, Cap!” “Why not? What do they know about me?” “T wouldn’t go if Iwas you, I'll tell you Cap: they’ve ae an idea who it is that plays hiraself off as Blue-Blazes. They kinder suspect who it is that sends up the blue lights and stops the coaches. Blame me if I’d stick my head into the lion’s mouth. Things is bad down there, Cap; so take my advice—vamoose!” **Do you mean to say that they suspect the identity of Blue-Blazes? ‘Well, a little that way, Cap! Neal Williams blabbed too freely and there’s no knowing what he said and what he didn’t say. Then, there was a young feller over here several days ago by the name of Robert Warden; he had a con- fab with this man by the name of Gray. It may be that you were not the burden of the conversation, but the person called Blue-Blazes certainly was; and now let me tell you some- thing, Cap: This young feller pretends that he is here merely ula , but that’s all in my eye. He’s on the United States force—just appointed; I know it, because I have good reason to know it. He’s a fresh detective just sent out to hunt up road-agents in the interest of the mail service. He’s acquainted with Spencer Gibson and his lovely daughter, and he worked hard to get an pe ged ars hag in the ter- ritory. Now you see I’m giving it to you ely ok Cap; it’s gospel truth.” 7 ou sure about it?’ “No doubt at all. [’m a feller that keeps ted, and I know what I’m talking about. ou just manage to get your claws on this Rob- ert Warden and scoop in old Gray, and you can break up the Vigilantes in no time, and things will be just as they need to be.” A smile of fiendish satisfaction swept over Payson’s face and he exclaimed: “T have it in my power to kill two birds with one stone!” ‘‘Tndeed! and how?” queried the gambler, “Til tell you. I’ve got this same Robert Warden safe in my head-quarters, at this present minute, He has crossed my path in various ways. Idid have a dozen reasons to remove him, but now I shall not rest untii I can place my foot upon his dead body.” Payson’s voice betrayed his hate, and he turned the horse’s head away from the mining town. ‘* Delays are dangerous, Cap. If you have the power to crack him do so at once. Dead men tell no tales, and the lesson we received to- day should be a bitter one.” ‘It shall be a bitter one.to our foes!” thun- dered the bandit. ‘‘ I'll sweep down upon that town, and I'll lay it in ashes for the blow struck to-day. ‘I'll know no rest until I destroy Rob- ert Warden. Come! Mount behind me! You shall witness his death, and see how Blue-Blazes removes an enemy.” The gambler mounted behind the road-agent and Payson spurred the horse toward the mountain retreat—one thought uppermost in his mind, and that was the death of Robert Warden. CHAPTER X. “LUNG CHER.” WueN Robert Warden entered the rocky chambers of the outlaw league, he was led into a dim passage, opening into an apartment that seemed to be hewn out of the solid granite, He was placed in charge of several bandits who were instructed to watch the prisoner narrowly, one to prevent any conversation with the cap- ve. The bandit chief seeking his own chamber, cast himself upon a rough cot. ‘‘ I’ve got him caged at last,” he said, gleefully, and my way is clear. Ill call upon Spencer Gibson and dic- tate my own terms. I have played the humble lover long fe g a now I want a decided an- swer; the girl l w ill have!” A figure at that moment, hobbled into the chamber—a short, yellow-faced Chinaman with an immense cue coiled upon the summit of his cranium. His little eyes twinkled with plea- sure and his capacious mouth exposed a set of wolfish teeth. ie advanced, grinning and bow- ing toward the reclining bandit. ; ‘Lung Chee glad see cap’en allee home again! Likee see cap’n home!” : “Oh! it’s you, is it?” said Payson, glancing up carelessly, ‘ Yes! I’m home again, but I’m going to take a ride over to Rocky Bar. You will have some one to look after, Lung Chee—a young lady !” ‘* *Mellican young ladee?” “Certainly! You'll have to look after her and Pll pay you for it!” Lung Chee grinned. The word money always thrilled the Chinaman’s heart. He would have sold his grandmother and all his relatives into the bargain for ‘‘ ’Mellican silber.” ‘‘When youngee ladee comee?” he asked. “In a day or two; I haven’t made up my mind yet,” replied Payson. Lung Chee busied himself arranging the chamber and replenishing the fire. The China- man answered the purpose of cook and house- keeper, and was one of the most mercenary of his kind. Cunning and tricky as the fox he was ever on the look-out to add a few dollars to his hoarded wealth, with which to return to China, there to live like a grandee. Lung Chee was open to any bribe, and often skulked into Payson’s private chest to obtain liquor for the members of the league for which the “‘ boys” always j aid liberally. Lung Chee’s idea of money was to get it at once and think about it afterward. ‘A bird in the se was his gg ag es ma “When cap’n going ’way e inquired, - denly, putin and facing the chief. “Tn an hour or two. Get me some coffee; make it strong.” Lung Chee hastened out and soon returned with a steaming cup of the beverage. Payson drank it and passed out of the room to the spot where the ruffians were guarding the narrow entrance leading into Robert’s quarters. ~ So an eye on this fellow,” he ordered. Wi ig ippery as an eel and may give you trou- e. ‘*T'll warrant you he does not get out of this lace, Cap. If he does he'll get lead pills into be system! S’pose he did get out, he can’t cross the precipice ‘less the bridge is swung ’cross, There’s the sticker, Cap! and you needn’t be afraid about the bird dying away. He won't get far afore we clip his wings,” and the speaker eered viciously while his comrade joined in with a low chuckle, “Very well! I leave him in your care. Look after him until I return. He’s on the black list and I dare say you know what that means?” The two sentries uttered a loud guffaw. ‘It means that the buzzards ’ll have a jubilee,” responded one of the men. Payson now ordering his black steed brougbt to the main entrance, sprung into the saddle; the curious drawbridge rattled down over the loomy abyss; the outlaw rode over the struc- ure and waited until he saw the bridge drawn back and glide into its bed of rock. “That’s one of my inventions. It makes my stronghold a perfect Gibraltar,” said he proudly. “That rocky wall is loopholed, and with my band I can sweep the only approach to my mountain castle. But, I’ll have to abandon it if I win Gibson’s daughter. Yes. I can leave America—a rich man.” Thus rier dae rode along toward Roc Bar, building airy castles, and forming confident plans. In the meantime poor Moriarity was almost half starved in the chest and unable to raise the lid, for it wasa curious lock that fastened the cover. A few holes in the side of the chest enabled him to see the apartment and its surroundings; also afforded air te the Irishman in his close uarters. He felt in all corners of the huge chest and found but a few articles of clothing and a brace of revolvers. To his intense satis- faction he discovered that the weapons were both loaded. ‘* Be I have something, any ways, to protect sneaalt,” said he. ‘“ Now, if I only had a sup 0’ the craythur to keep me blood in cireu- lation. There I go! bad scan to me! Didn't I say once that I’d never touch a drap again? Arrah! whisky, ye’re the divil, sure enough! It was you that got me intill the trouble I’m in! Here I am locked up in a chist and sorra a one o’ me knows whin going to be let out! Be
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mere ot MER ere in dad I have the pistils! Ill shoot the lock off the chist—so I will!” Moriarity’s soliloquy was brought to an ab- rupt terminus, for a person entered the rocky chamber and glan eagerly about. It was Lung Chee. Paddy observed the Chinaman from his peek- holes in the sides of the chest. Several times he was on the point of hailing the Celestial but he wisely held his tongue. Moriarity saw the heathen approach a closet and take a bottle from its depths. A low gurgling sound came to Pat’s ears and the aroma of whisky reached his dilated nostrils. “Och, look at the paler thafe!” he groaned; “he’s drinking right tmder me very nose. Hould me somebody or [ll faint! There I go again! Didn’t I say [ wouldn’t tech another drap? Och, look at him drinking, Murder in Trish! Can I stand it? Pll die! Tl die!” Lung Chee replaced the bottle and closed the cupboard. The Chinaman hobbled out of the ree smacking his lips while Moriarity uttered a deep groan and gasped. re Til bet he drank Rh up! Bad luck to him —the yaller-faced baboon!’ Lung Chee making his way into the chamber where Robert was secured, approached the young man and halted before him. ; sad Hello—you got hands tied up allee same like prison—eh?” “Yes. Do you belong to Payson’s gang?” “Me Lung Chee; me workee Mistee Payson. Why you gottee hands tied?” > T don't know. You say your name is Lung Chee?” , “Yes; Lung Chee!” “Tung Chee, you look like a good fellow. I dare say you expect to go back to China some day?’ Robert saw that the mere mention of the Flowery Kingdom had startled the Chinaman. ‘““ Yes! Me go back China country, some day. Lung Chee poor man allee same, got to savee money to ride in big ship back to Canton!” ‘‘Tung Chee, how would you like to earn a hundred dollars?’ ‘“Gollee! ‘Sh! don’t speakee loud; Mellican man outside hear you talkee Lung Chee. You give Chinaman hundred dollee?’ said the rapa- cious heathen. “Pll give you a hundred dollars if you help me to escape. A hundred dollars is a great deal of money to you, and you can easily help me out of this place.” “How I can helpee you?” said Lung Chee, ap- rently to himself, and he ee added: ‘When you give me hundred dollee?” ‘¢ As soon as you set me free and show me the way out of this place.” “You no foolee poor Chinaman?” “T promise you faithfully to pay you the money just as soon as I am out of this cavern.” ‘All rightee! No say a word. Lung Chee can’t do now! Wait by’m bye when nightee; when Mellican man sleepee I helpee you. No forget one hundred dollee?” : : Robert again assured the Celestial of the amount, and as the aed outside drew nearer to the chamber, Lung Chee glided away into the passage to avoid the sentinel. “ve made a friend of the Chinaman,” thought Robert. ‘‘ He may aid me to elude my enemies. For the money the fellow will mur- der a sentinel if necessary to get me out of here.” The hours wore on, and nothing ted the ears of the captive but the tread of the sentry or the low hum of voices in the passage. Aloud commotion at length in the aroused him, and a hurried footstep sounded close at hand. The next moment Payson burst into the chamber. The bandit chief had re- turned from Rocky Bar, and his face wore a most diabolical expression as he strode before bis prisoner. Robert saw that something un- had angered the ruffian, and his hopes of escape were dashed. —__ CHAPTER XL A HUMAN ROAST AND AN IRISH STEW. THE bandit paused for a few moments and then in a voice hoarse with fury, he exclaimed: “Having attended to more pressing business T have returned to settle with you. First of all let me tell you that I fling aside all concealment and boldly tell you who I am. I am the man known as Blue-Blazes, and the head and front of the band ruling the Salmon river regions.” “T am well aware of your identity,” respond- ed Robert, calmly. “I made that discovery without any information from your lips.” ‘The information will be of no benefit to you Blue-Blazes. because you never again leave this place. You are doomed to die in this chamber. Your mo- ments are numbered and my vengeance will be as y, but a terrible one. “Very well, sir; I can meet death as I have often faced it. I see you in your true colors. Vile hypocrite, cowardly villain, do your worst! You cannot intimidate me in the least. ‘*We shall see!” replied Payson with a mean- ing smile. ‘‘J, too, have made a discovery. ‘You came to these regions to ferret out the mail- robbers and road-agents, didn’t you? Poor, zi fool! You’ve put your foot into a trap!” he road-agent cast a look of cold contempt upon his bound prisoner, and then he continued: “You sought these wilds to again press your claims upon ncer Gibson’s daughter. Before your coming, I was her chosen suitor.” Robert's eyes flashed fire and his lips curled with scorn. “You?” said he, contemptuously. ‘‘ You? Do not couple your polluted name with that beautiful girl’s. She wed with such a monster as you? Better, far better that she should seek the protection of the famished tiger!” Payson’s face grew deadly pale; Robert’s words were burning into his soul as if each sen- tence was compo of molten lead. At length, unable to control his ion, he raised his hand and struck the prisoner with his clenched fist. “That’s right!” said the young man; ‘strike an unarmed and defenseless prisoner; it is worthy of the courage of the famous Blue-Blazes. It is the heroic act of a cowardly desperado—a robber and a villain. Ay, strike n! I can- not return the blow and you are safe!” Payson bounded backward and blew a signal upon his silver whistle. Several outlaws entered the chamber. ‘“Call a few more of the boys; tell them to come immediately,” the outlaw chief ordered. “TI will arrange matters with you at once,” said he, significantly to Warden. In a few moments a dozen bandits stood in the chamber. A more villainous group of cutthroats would have been hard to find anywhere. They stood waiting their leader’s orders. “Take the prisoner into the next chamber!” he exclaimed. Several di radoes led Robert out of the room into a larger one. Payson and the Te- mainder of the party followed in their wake. ‘* Now, then, one of you bring in an armful of wood and dry twigs. I think I can amuse ou. A ruffian sprung away to execute the order, i the rest stared as if asking an explana- tion. “Till tell you what to do next. Take down that swinging lamp and pass a stout rope through the iron ring.” In a short space of time the order was obeyed by the nimble rascals. It happened that Payson and his gang had brought their captive into the very chamber where Moriarity tf coiled up in the chest. The Irishman could see every thing that tran- spired in the room, and his blood boiled when he saw that it was Robert Warden who was in the hands of the bandits, and that preparations were now under way to execute him. Lung Chee hovered about the group, busying himself in various ways. When the rope hid been adjusted through the iron ring fixed in tLe dome of the cavern, the ru sent in quest of the wood entered and placed the combustible mat- ter in the center of the chamber floor. “‘ Arrange that wood directly under the spot where the rope passes through the ring and start the fire.” A few seconds later and the huge mass of wood was crackling and blazing upon the rocky floor, sending forth tongues of flame. “* Now then, pass one end of the rope around the prisoner’s ankles and secure it.” The ruffians obeyed with alacrity and soon fastened the rope in the manner desired. ‘Now then, boys, do you see through my plan? I’m going to swing him over that mass of fire, head downward; spoil his pretty curly hair and damage his beautiful face. e came here to ferret out the road-agents, and, as luck would have it, he’s in our hands. What’s the verdict?” r Death!” came from every ruffian’s lips. ‘ Begorra they're going to roast him!” whis- pered Moriarity. ‘‘ How the divil can I get out of the box?’ He made a desperate attempt to raise the lid, but the stout cover did not yield in the least. ‘Must I stand here and see him kilt?’ he Mc rate and his hands grasped the brace of re- volvers. 9 ‘* Now seize the other end of the rope and be ready to haul him up when I give the word. When I think he has suffered enough I'll send a bullet through his brain.” Payson’s d sought his belt, but his wea- pons were not there. He had mislaid them. ‘*No matter. Here, Lung Chee; you'll find my pistols in that chest. Open it and hand them to me.” Moriarity’s heart stood still and he grasped his oe firmly. Ay ad, if the yaller nagur opens the box it’s all up wid ye, Patrick Moriarity,” said the Irish- man, in a hurried ban Sa ‘*But, be the sowl of me great ndfather Shamus Moriarity— him as kilt five Britishers in Killkkinny—Ill have aruction afore I’m cotched!” Lung Chee was advancing toward the large chest and a group of ruffians had seized the end of se rope and awaited Payson’s next com- mand. Robert stood unflinching; although he knew full well the horrible fate awaiting him, bis cheek did not blanch. Payson noticed this. He had expected *hat his victim would beg for his life; but the scoundrel was denied that pieasure. Not a murmur came from Robert’s lips. **Do you see the manner in which you are to be launched into eternity?’ Payson demanded. ““T do—and with my last breath I defy you,” cried the young man. ‘‘There is one chance left you—only one. First, I will call your attention to the flames. You are to be suspended, head downwards, over the fire and lowered into it. It is a fearful death, but one which you deserve. I said would give you achance. Itis this: Leave this territory and never return. Swear never to see Elsie Gibson again. Renounce all claim to her hand. Do this, and you are free to depart. Re- fuse, and you die!” Payson stepped forward and awaited the reply. The outlaw crew looked disappointed, and with scowling faces allowed the rope to fall to, the floor nded Robert. ‘Such “Then I'll die!” re liberty as you would offermeIscorn. Renounce her whom I love far better than life itself? Never! Torture me—kill me if you will; but to the last moment I will remain loyal to honor and to love.” “Curse you! Up with him, boys!” cried Pay- son, in a wild outburst of anger. The bandits drew up the rope rapidly, and Robert was hurled upon his side, violently. A second later he was suspended over the flames, head downward, swinging to and fro, . The Chinaman, advancing to the chest, had barely thrust aside the hasp of the lid, when up it flew and Moriarity leaped from the depths of the box with a brace of revolvers—one wea aimed at the up holding the rope, the other one leveled full at Payson’s head. It was a most thrilling and unexpected inci- ‘dent, and each rascal stood rooted to the spot while looking toward the ominous weapons in the hands of the Irishman. ‘Lower that man this instant, and be careful re don’t hurt a hair of his head, or be ences Tu et daylight intill yees!” shouted oeertey- “Down wid him, ye spalpeens, or I'll pull the trigger. I’ve a bullet for ev’ry one o’ yees, and a half-a-dozen for that divil’s brother-in-law over there!” said he, indicating the outlaw chief. Payson shrunk back, and the bandits instantly ‘lowered Robert down, clear of the fire, and laid mT Oek the ne Be th aller-faced “Cut the rope there, ye er-faced n or Tl tell the pe tin’ ae eos ye drinkin ‘his whisky. Cut the ropes, or by the rod of Saint Patrick, I'll give ye a bullet to chaw on.” It was lucky for Moriarity that none of the outlaws present were armed. They were wholly at the Irishman’s pos 6 The Chinaman produced a clasp-knife, and quickly severed the ropes that bound Robert's arms and ankles. “Now, thin, out of the way wid yees! Foller me, Master Robert, and be gorra we’ll l’ave the Moriarity led the way toward the opening, and brandishing his weapons he stood at the en- trance until Robert had disappeared. Payson and his followers were aoe, “pe paralyzed with surprise. So sudden was the ap- pearance of the Irishman, and from such unex- quarters, that the robber chief ani his men were literally dumb with astonishment. Moriarity actually cowed them and took their prisoner out of their hands, without meeting the slichtest resistance! Payson knew the weapons were loaded, and he read determination in the eyes of the Emer- ald Islander. He knew that it meant death to
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10 Blue-Blazes, \w the first man resisting, and he wisely concluded that he would not be the first victim. But, the moment that Moriarity passed out of the chamber the,spell was broken, and with a howl resembling the cry of a hyena, Payson dashed after the fugitives, followed by his yell- ing confederates. ‘After them!” he shrieked. ‘‘They can’t cross the Abyss unless the bridge 3 down. They’re caged, after all. Instead of one we’ll have two.” The bandit and his followers dashed pell-mell | into the low, dim passage and Payson distinctly | heard the retreating footsteps of the fugitives | as they sped away. “There they go! Now we've got them! They’re cornered!” Crack! A sharp explosion rung through the assage, and the yelling outlaw directly behind ‘ayson pitched forward and fell heavily to the earth with a bullet-hole ir the center of his forehead. At the same moment a distant signal eame to Payson’s ears. “Curses and furies!” he shouted. ‘There goes the signal to lower the bridge!” CHAPTER XII. ‘(HE BREAK O’ DAY BOYS.” MORIARITY ran onward, scarcely knowing in what direction to find the outlet. Robert kept elose beside him. Once or twice Moriarity turn- ed and discharged his revolvers at his pursuers. “Kape straight ahead, Misther Robert!” he eried. ‘Don’t turn to the right nor to the lift but folly yer nose and its mesilf thinks we’ll find the front door.” Payson’s voice could be heard above the sounds ef pursuit—cursing and urging his confederates onward. Robert knew that the greatest danger lay in the vicinity of the portcullis, for several bandits guarded the entrance, night and day. These rufflans handled the machinery to lower the bridge, when ordered from within, or signal- ed from the opposite cliff. Ina few moments the fugitives turned a sharp angle in the lon passage and at that instant a peculiar: sign eame from afar. The rumbling sound of a windlass and the clanking of chains followed. Some one had hailed the ‘ robbers’ Gibraltar” from the opposite side of the chasm; some mem- ber or members of the outlaw league had signal- ed for admission, and the guardi of the en- trance were lowering the bridge! It was a most fortunate occurrence, and Mori- arity cried: “Come along! Did yees hear that? The bridge is being lowered. Bedad, we'll be the first to cross it!” Another sharp turn and the two men came full upon the outlaws working the windlass, and to their great joy they observed that the a was almost half-way over the chasm. The | noise of the chains and the machinery had drowned the sounds of pursuit, and when Robert and Moriarity suddenly sprung into view the bandit sentriés failed to observe them. Nearer | and nearer came Payson and his men. The bridge descended but slowly. By the time it was aug into its place Payson would be upon the scene Moriarity saw all this at a glance. In a mo- ment his revolvers were leveled at the toilers of the bridge. “Be gob, it’s our lives or theirs, and I want’ to live if I can,” and he fired two shots in quick succession. The bandits relaxed their hold up- on the windlass and the huge roller spun around with rapidity ’mid a fearful clatter of chains and pulleys. The bridge was dashed across the chasm and it touched the opposite cliff with a tremendous shock. A moment later and the two friends were upon the structure making their way to- ward the cliff. Several shadowy forms stood upon the brink of the opposite side. It was the outlaws that had challenged the keepers of the portcullis. Even as Moriarity and Warden were mid- bie Se oe the bridge, Payson and his howling ck sprung into view and filled the dark en- rance of the rocky citadel. The fugitives were, therefore, between two ‘fires. The mounted bandits who had just ar- rived and were seeking admission to the retreat seemed to understand the state of affairs. In the dim light they saw the two fi crossin the bridge, and heard the confused hum o voices within the cavern. The mass of timbers falling in such an abrupt manner excited their suspicions, and immediately each horseman pro- dueed a weapon. ‘ “Stop them! stop them!” the outlaw chief yelled. ‘“‘They are prisoners escaping from us ? Several pistol-shots awoke the slumbering echoes of the locality. Robert and Patrick had barely taken another step forward when both fell ee the wooden structure and shot down into the deep gloom of the abyss. Several planks displaced by the rude shock caused by the rapid descent of the bridge, had left an open space and the two fugitives had unconsciously darted into the death-trap and fallen through! A low cry came up from the awful gloom of the chasm as the two men shot down into its untried depths. A fiendish laugh broke from Payson’s lips as he discovered tho fate of his foes. An outlaw hastened out upon the bridge, with a flaming torch, and the bandit chief seized it and vainly endeavored to peer down into the abyss. Everything was still and silent as the grave. “They’re mangled beyond recognition!” said he in tones of satisfaction. ‘“‘ No man could es- cape such a fall. Mee Pho | was for the best after all, The bridge lowered by mere accident in time to allow them to step forth upon it, but it proved to be the means of sending them out of this world.” Payson’s joy was complete. Both men were disposed of at one blow! Warden was a crush- ed mass of humanity in the rocky fastness of the chasm and never again would he cross the road-robber’s path! In a few moments several outlaws had pro- duced some planks from the recesses of the cavern and repaired the broken timbers. The mounted bandits then crossed in safety and joined Payson and his group. In a few words the chief explained every- thing to the new-comers. ** But, Cap, we’ve lost valuable time both in bh 3 to cross over and by the attempted es- cape of your prisoners. Do you forget that the coach from Rocky Bar is due to-night? It’sa vaulable haul, and if we expect to rake it in we've got to be mighty lively,” said the spokes- man of the mounted robbers. ‘Very true,” replied Payson. ‘Ihad for- otten that. We can’t let that slip by us. olls, Fargo & Co, have a case of silver ingots onthat coach. We must have that bullion for it?s a valuable chest. Anybody in charge of ?’ ~_ ot “Yes, but only a handful; we can scoop in the whole escort if we want to. It won’t do to tackle the coach in the same place, will it Cap?” “No! we'll ride about a quarter of a mile ond the “2 hs and then send up the blue vo to let them know that Blue-Blazes sends his compliments and wants them to fork over the valuables.” Payson uttered a light laugh. Now that Robert Warden was out of the way, the bandit was in the most jovial mood imaginable. He gave several orders, and prolonged signals echoed in all quarters of the mountain retreat, and the tramp of horses’ hoofs sounded upon the rocky floor of the caverns. Each outlaw donned his mask and vaulted into the saddle. A cavalcade crossed the bridge and orig down the steep mountain toward the trail, Payson at their head, At length he reined his steed. “Now, then, separate as usual. You, Gabe Sullivan, take the ition to the north, and you, Tom Boyer, take up a position to the south, after the coach has passed. Take your aqons with you.” ch lieutenant rode aver. followed by his picked men, and Payson, with about a dozen selected ruffians, remained upon the point of rocks overlooking the deep bora i through which the stage-coach was compelled to pass in order to reach Boise City. “Now, look out, boys! We're not a moment too soon,” said Payson, in a hoarse whisper. ‘Listen! I hear the rumbling sound of wheels, The coach is coming. Get the blue lights ready. I guess the boys are all at their posts by this time. Dismount, everybody!” The orders were obeyed with alacrity. “Now come down cautiously to the trail. Wait for the signal.” The road-agents ‘crawled down toward the road and awaited the coming of the coach. The driver of the vehicle doubtless thought all danger past, for he was coming along ata rat- tling sg now that he had almost passed through the canyon without molestation, Suddenly a streak of fire shot up into the murky shadows—a blue light that cast a glare upon the desolate regions; and then came the swift rush of the human tigers and the coach was completely surrounded. A platoon of ban- dits barred the road to the north, while the same number cut off a retreat to the south. | But hark! What sound is that? Even as thé bandit league grasp the treasure-box a cloud of horsemen gallop toward the spot, and the next moment a storm of bullets sweep through the astonished ruffians. **Down with them, lads!” cries a stentorian voice, ‘Surrender, you hell-hounds, to the Break-o’-day Boys of Rocky Bar !” CHAPTER XIII PAYSON MEETS WITH A SURPRISE. THE band of regulators headed by Herbert Gray swept down upor the astonished ruffians and literally rode over them. The crack of the pistol and the clash of steel resounded on the night air, while the oaths of the surprised bandits mingled with the shrieks and groans of the Wotinded? Herbert Gray dashed into the thickest of the fray, and vainly endeavored to single out the head and front of the robber league. He cheered the ‘‘ Break-o’ ey Boys” onward, and code down all who opposed him, At the very first shot fired Payson scrambled up the side of the mountain and dashed toward the spot where the horses were picketed. ‘* Make for the roost!” he yelled to his discom- fited followers. ‘‘We’re overpowered, and we can’t tell friend from foe in the dark. Make for the rendezvous and cover your retreat. Once in our stronghold we’ll mow them down.” The wily ruffian did not wait to see the result of the conflict, but vaulting into the saddle he as the horse away from the combatants. nstead of proceeding to his mountain citadel he dashed away toward Boise City. ‘*No one saw me or recognized me in that scrape,” said he, ‘‘and I’Jl make tracks for Boise City and show myself there in case the finger of suspicion should point tome. Let the boys fight it out. They can afford to receive a wound or two, and I can’t; I must appear in good shape when visiting my lady love. What a lucky thing it was that Warden fell into the chasm! but, what an unfortunate thing it was that we should lose the coach and treasure to- night! Curse those Break o’ Day Boys! They’ve started the fuss in Rocky Bar and now they’ve actually come down on our stamping-grounds to make shcrt work of us, Curse the old fool that ereenaet that band. Ill get even with him; Pll make it my business to capture him and make him suffer for this. As for the mem- bers of that band they’ll find that Blue-Blazes and his men are like dragon’s teeth, or at least like sowing them—for we’ll spring up with re- newed life and for every man I lose Ill have a dozen to fill the vacancy.” Thus communing Payson rode along at a break-neck pace. He tried to convince himself that the conflict was only a little ‘‘rumpus,” and that his desperadoes would lure the regula- tors up into the defiles and then destroy them. “Tf it comes to the worst we can destroy the whole concern; we can let them enter, but they'll never issue forth alive; I’ve got that all fixed. There are some of the most deadly com- pounds known to science under the rock-bound roof of my retreat—dynamite enough to blow the mountain to atoms. I have that stored ina particular spot. By touching a secret wire I can hurl a hundred tons of rock upon the cans containing the explosive and then what?” Woe to them who are in the cavern, at that awful moment!” ‘ ’ As if ef RTE with the idea of the fearful scene the bandit again urged the poss steed forward. Once or twice he reined in the borse to listen, but no sounds reached his ears. Pay- son was pursuing bis way ina el line wi the stage-trail, but by short cuts he was rapidly nearing Boise City. He would be enabled to —. the town several hours in advance of the coach. i He felt certain that the treasure-box vad ¢s- caped his men and that it was irretrievably lost $0 hima. He grew furious as he contemplated the loss, and earnestly wished that bis despera- does would succeed in luring the Break o’ Day Boys into the passes of the mountain. t was almost daylight when Payson reached the outskirts of the town and he made his way to a log-shanty perched aes the bluff over- looking a stream. greg seeps f specimen of humanity greeted the bandit chief, who, in a few words related the adventure to the occupant of the shanty. Leaving his horse in the care of the man, Payson mounted a fresh steed and spurred into the “city.” He made his way to one of the numerous saloons and freely mixed with dino pe in the place, . He was greeted upon all by the loungers —j —
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at the tables, and gamblers looked up from the game to exchange a few words with the genteel ruffian. This was just what Payson desired; although many in the assemblage were leagued with him, yet he wished the majority of those resent to believe that he had spent the night in Boise City, and he spared no efforts to convey that idea to all who chanced to speak to him. The cunning rascal had every thing arranged to rove an alibi, it it came to the worst. But he eared no such result. He laughed at the word law. The only real move toward purifying the Salmon river regions had just transpired in the banding together of brave spirits led on by Her- bert Gray. The Break o’ Day Boys were the only ones who’had thus far attempted to check the career of the boasting, lawless mass of hu- manity that had so long ruled and terrorized the mining districts. The ‘‘ millennium” was at hand After spending an hourat the gambling sa- loon, Payson visited a barbershop, and called in tho duties of tho tonsorial artist. It was while he was seated in that establishment that tho stago coach rolled into town, followed by a detachment of mounted men. : In ashort space of time the news flew like wild-fire that the coach had been attacked by Blue-Blazes and his band of road-agents, but the rascals had been routed by the regula- tors, and tho treasure-box and mail-bags saved intact. Payson kept shady and strove to learn full | particulars of the affair. All that he could as- certain was that his followers had left anumber of their dead upon tho battle-field, and fled into the fastness of the mountains, closely pursued by a strong detachment of Break o’ Day Boys. Payson ground his teeth with rage and inward- ly registered a terrible oath of vengeance. — Groups surrounded the coach, and the driver and passengers were given highly wrought de- scriptions of the conflict. The bandit chief care- fully avoided the thronged street and hurried] made his way toward Gibson’s residence. Ho coon reached the dwelling end was admitted into the library. Spencer Gibson entered, and his feces changed color as he saw his visitor. ‘“You have called to receive the amount, I daro gay,” he exclaimed, ‘‘ but, as I said before, it is notin my power to pay the debt!” ‘“‘Yes it is. Your fair daughter once my bride, the debt is canceled. The only obstacle in the way was our young friend, Robert War- den. Iam pained to say that ho has met with a violent death.” Spencer Gibson started back, nervously, and his ‘voice grew tremulous: “ Robert Warden dead?” he gasped. ‘* Yes; his horse stumbled and hurled the poor oung man intoa deep chasm. I give you the {atorination just as l received it from an eye- witness,” said the scoundrel. ‘‘ And there is not the least doubt, sir, of his shocking death.” Midst many expressions of sorrow and the imp:stor went on to lament the loss of the oung man, and have the certainty of his death teupressed upon Gibson’s mind. * Now, sir, you will see at once that the only objection is removed. I would be the last one to intrude upon her grief, and will allow you to arrange matters, I will cancel the debt as soon as she ismy wife. Refuse, sir, and I demand payment at once and will have it.” Gibson listened attentively to the scoundrel’s words and then arose and faced his visitor. ‘“*Mr. Payson, I want you to remember the conversation we have had on this subject once before. I again tell Many that if my child should refuse, I would not lift my little finger to gain- say her wishes. Personally, I dislike vou, and I have my reasons. Itis plain talk,-but there is no need of disguising the fact. You can speak to Elsie and abide by her decision.” Gibson turned to leave the room. “Stop! one word with you, Spencer Gibson!” eried Payson, also rising from his seat. “ Well, sir, what is it?” “1t is this; You have referred me to your daughter and flatly refuse to intercede for me, ér to use any authority in the matter? ‘That is it exactly!” ; “Now, Spencer Gibson, listen tome. Do you know that, if 1 foreclose the notes you are ren- dered homeless—that you must leave this home?” ““Thave considered everything,” re the old gentleman firmly. ‘‘I have considered my daughter’s happiness first of all.” ‘* You refuse to my suit? You refuse to use a parent’s authority?’ cried Payson, whose face was now livid with rage, and who was ad- vanting threateningly toward the old gentle- man, “I do refuse, and now, sir, go your way and Blue-Blazes. hter can not be sacri- do your worst! My da tions. You have my ficed for my foolish spec answer. Go!” Payson sprung toward the door and intercep- ted Gibson. “You do not leave this chamber until you promise to aid me!” exclaimed Gibson. The next moment the bandit lea upon the old man and bore him to the floor. Gibson uttered one cry, and it was echoed by a female voice in the adjoining apartment. Payson drew forth a murderous-looking bowie and raised it aloft. Before the blade could descend a form bounded into the room and Payson was seized and hurled to the oppo- site side of the room. Had a thunderbolt burst at his feet the villain could not have been more surprised. He gasped = reeled backward as his eyes rested upon the oor. ‘**Robert Warden! Not dead?” he gasped, and the next instant the scoundrel leaped through the window and fled away asif the spirit of his victim was in rapid pursuit, CHAPTER XIV. AN UNEXPECTED DELIVERANCE. It will be borne in mind that Robert and Moriarity were plunged into the black chasm after falling from the shattered bridge. wn—down went the two men into the gloomy gulf, until Patrick brought up with a terrific shoc Scarcely had he experienced the first shock when a second one occurred that left poor Moriarity gasping for wind. Robert had partly fallen upon the Irishman and both men were now swaying over the deep abyss. About fifteen feet from the brink of the cliff grew a vast number of bushes and young trees of the movntain ash species. These grew out almost perpendicular in some spots, and then again they shot out over the chasm interlaced with vines and bushes. It was into one of these curious clumps that both men had fallen, and now hung in mid- air. Hach movement threatened to launch them to the awful depths below, for the branches swayed and cracked beneath the combined weight of the two men. They were compelled to remain perfectly quiet to avoid being te me nn into the unknown depths that yawned below the frail support up- on which they clung and rested.” ‘Och, be gob!) Ye knocked the wind out 0’ me, Masther Robert!” whispered Patrick, faint- ly; *‘and it’s meself is jist like a bu’sted baloon widout any wind in it at all, at all.” ** Heaven be praised we have been spared a most horrible death. Let us offer upa prayer,” said Robert. ‘Deed I will, and a barrel ov thim,” said Pat, earnestly. ‘‘ It was only through the blis- sid Saint Patrick—me namesake—that we're spared from a trip down to the bottom and find oursilves all mashed to a jelly. Och, I feel the branches is cracking—my, oh my! if they should break we'd resume our excursion, wouldn’t ‘wef J say, Masther Robert, I have about a dozen mee branches stuck into me ribs like daggers. Och, murther in Irish, if I hadn’t grabbled hould of a twig that time I’d been off. Divil a one o’ me was ever cut out for a squirrel!” Moriarity kept up a flow of conversation and the hours wore on. In the meantime they could observe the men above repairing the bridge and finally saw the bandits ride across and the sound of horses’ hoofs died away. The bridge was drawn back and a deathlike stillness reigned. Robert saw the bandit chief when, torch in hand, he was endeavoring to | Alley Barber a-watching ov thim. | or is it a nightmare I’m a-riding?” r down into | 11 the power of the robbers. Robert imparted his fears to his companion. / ‘“Tt’s out of the frying-pan intill the fire, ony- | ways,” replied Patrick. ‘‘ If we fall down we'll | be kilt, and if the spalpeens catch us they’! kill us too. If we fall down now we'll be kilt en- thirely, and if the spalpeens catch us maybe we | moight give ’em the slip. If we’re kilt now wid | @ fall how can we have a chance—eh?” | Robert saw that there was a chance even if they fell into the hands of Payson and his men. It was a very faint chance to be sure but both men eagerly grasped at this little ‘‘ straw.” The gray dawn was just beginning to dispel the shadows when a hurried clattering of hoofs -was borne to the ears of the men in the chasm. Nearer and nearer came the horsemen at a break-neck pace. They came to the verge of the Abyss and the signal resounded. Then the secret bridge swung down over the chasm and the mounted men dashed across the structure. In avery short fime the portcullis had swung back into its place again. “That manes something,” said Pat. ‘It manes that somebody’s afther the spalpeens and they’ve been gitting a walloping.” oly et right. It was a detachment of routed bandits fleeing before the victorious | Break o’ Day Boys. Their superior horses had saved them from the regulators. Robert could hear the pursuers searching in the vicinity of the cliff, they never once dreaming that the desperadoes had crossed the chasm, for nothing | greeted their gaze but the jagged, rocky w opposite. Robert was on the point of hailing the unknown horsemen when a commotion far down in the depths of the chasm attracted his attention. From his lofty point of observation the young man saw asmall group of mounted men coming rapidly through the deep ravine. They camo onward as if pursued, also. | They halted direct- ly beneath the clump of bushes and trees. Ono of their number dismounted, and going to the side of the chasm seemed to touch some con- cealed piece of machinery, for a tremendous rock turned upon a pivot and disclosed an — large enough to admit men and horses. ven as the two men gaz d down, bewildered, the group of bandits disappeared and the rock swung back into its place. The bottom of the chasm was again deserted. “Well, now, lock at that!” whispered Pat. ‘*Isn’t that like the forty thaves, aud we’re ould Iawake Moriarity rubbed his eyes to assure himself that he saw aright. ‘This is the most perfect organization that ever infested a country,” said Robert, ‘‘ and the master-mind of the band is certainly the most consummate villain that ever lived. Every- thing is perfect, and cne would imagine that this was a band of robbers such as we read of during the Middle Ages, instead of a league of the present time. It will be hard to destroy them, but I’m sure it will be done.” “Be gob, we'd betther think of saving our own bacon, now that we have a chance, or sereo’ | the spalpeens in the rocks will cook it 1 * us. Hear the men above? Ill holler to thim. Ihave a voice like a bull.” Moriarity uttered a shout that awoke strange echoes in that dismal chasm; then he uttered several more, in quick succession. To his de. | light he saw a face peering over into the abyss. | Then the owner of the face thrust a pistol down- | ward toward the two men upon the clumps, and | his voice was borne distinctly to their ears, | Here’s two of the infernal scoundrels down here, a hanging onto some bushes. Shall 1 the chasm, but the flambeau failed to throw its | blaze away at them?” light far enough to expose the two men upon the vines. “TI wonder where they’re all going?” asked Moriarity, in a low whisper. **On some marauding expedition, no doubt. Now, Patrick, you and I must remain quiet, as we cannot see our exact ‘position. When day- light dawns we can make some effort to extri- cate ourselves.” But the impatient Irishman could not remain passive. He talked, and moved about, swore at the bandits and at the frail bushes upon which he rested. Although hanging between life and death Moriarity laughed and cheered his com- panion by his comical remarks and was about as happy as though he was resting upon a downy couch. It seemed an age to Warden as he awaited the coming of daylight. Even then no chances of are might be offered; but, on the con- mys a aylight might expose them to the gaze of desperadoes and they would again be in “Hould on! hould on!” roared Moriarity. ““We don’t belong to the blackguards that yees are afther! We're two dacint min. Here's Robert Warden, a gintleman, and here’s mesilf, Pathrick Moriarity, esquare, an honest man an a scholard!” As Pat roared out this the pistol was with- drawn, and the hum of the regulators’ voices told that they were engaged in consultation. So far the bandits within the stronghold bad re- mained perfectly quiet, altho they could see their foes by peering through the numerous apertures in the rocks. It was a dread silence that boded no goed to the daring regulators. Finally, a coil of rope was lowered down from the brink cf the chasm by several regulators, and the two men upon the swaying bushes eagerly grasped it. Hardly was the rope in the hands of the Irishman, when a volley of firearms rung out from the side of the robbers’ ‘‘ Gibraltar.” Tongues of fiame spat out from the rovky
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_ me where to find Blue-Blazes. wall from twenty different places, and the Break-o’-Day Boys fell back, confused, leaving half of their number dead upon the fatal spot. The rest retreated beyond the shelter of huge rocks, and returned a brisk but harmless fire. The bandits had gained an unimportant victory, but exposed their retreat. ‘‘Now, thin, grab the rope, and we’ll thry to rache the bottom,” cried Moriarity. “If we stay here we'll get the same kind ‘ov a dose! They know we're here, and the sooner we skip the betther.” Even as he was talking, Patrick secured one end of the rope and allowed the other end to trail down into the depths of the chasm. It lacked many feet of touching the rocky bottom, but without considering the distance Moriarity- glided down the line with great velocity, and then drop to the rocky bottom. A few bruises and a lacerated pair of hands rewarded Pat’s efforts, but he was safe. Robert soon fol- lowed his example, and the two men stood fora moment to recover themselveg, and then darted away through the winding chasm. Not a mo- ment too soon, for, just as they disappeared into the shadows of a sharp bend, the huge rock covering the entrance in the ravine swung around, and a dozen aes eee armed to the teeth, appeared. One glance upward and the bare nines and trailing rope told the tale. With yells of rage they started in pursuit. The fugitives made good use of their time, and had almost reached the terminus of the chasm, when, to their great joy, they discovered a werful horse without a rider. A few yards Poarither the dead body of the outlaw horseman lay upon the ground. Wounded in the conflict, he had ridden away to die almost within sight of the stronghold. Robert vaulted into the saddle and Moriarity clung on behind him. Away sped the fugitives toward Boise City. CHAPTER XV. THE STRONGHOLD A STRONGHOLD NO MORE. RoBert WARDEN arrived in Boise City and immediately rode toward Gibson’s residence. Just as he entered the door he heard the scream of a woman. It was Elsie’s voice, and the voung man leaped forward in the direction rom whence it proceeded. The library was to the right of the corridor, and the door stood ey open. One glance revealed Gibson pros- rate upon the floor, and the assassin’s hand raised to strike the fatal blow. One bound placed Robert beside the villain, and the next moment the would-be murderer was hurled aside. Both men evinced a mutual surprise. Payson turned ghastly white as he beheld the man whom he supposed to be lying mangled in the chasm. And Robert was astonished to find Payson when he supposed the villain to be with his outlaw band many miles away from Boise ty. Before Robert could recover from his surprise Payson bad dashed through the window and Elsie had quickly glided into the room and flung her arms about her lover’s neck. Robert had barely time to receive Gibson’s thanks and to press bis ~ to Elsie’s, when two pistol shots rung out, close to the house, and confused shouts followed the discharge of fire- arms. Moriarity bounded into the room and joyfully exclaimed: ‘They’ve got him! He’s cotched! They’ve nabbed the feller they calls Blue-Blazes!” Robert advanced to the window, and in the midst of an excited group he saw Payson. Whispering a few words to Elsie, the young man, followed by Moriarity and the old g nt, made his way toward the assemblage. Payson’s eyes rested upon Warden as he approached, and the malignant gleam told of the intense hate and disappointment he experienced at that mo- ment. The tall figure of Herbert Gray appeared in the midst of the noisy crowd, and the chief of the regulators strode before the cringing des- perado “So you are the villain who has been mas- querading as Blue-Blazes? Scoundrel, what have you done with my daughter, my beautiful Edith?’ thundered Herbert hn ‘*T have not seen her,” replied Payson coolly. “Liar! You lured her into these wild re- gions, bisely betrayed and deserted her. Tell er or a father’s vengeance will strike you where you stand!” **T Jast saw her in “she still resides there!” ‘‘Hoid on there!” cried the stout personage acting as sheriff of Boise City. some high man.” ky Bar,” said Payson; “T can throw t on the matter, and so can this young The sheriff pointed toward Robert Warden and continued: ‘‘We saw your daughter fall dead at that villain’s feet, and we re red an oath to track down her betrayer. ntlemen. that’s the scoundrel! Payson’s the man, and here’s the proof of his guilt in Edith Gray’s own handwriting.” The sheriff produced the paper upon which the unfortunate girl had traced the accusation: For a moment did the grief-stricken father — upon the well-known poeta nee | while o tears trickled down upon his bronzed 8. Even while Herbert Gray was perusing the per Payson scanned the sea of taces around im and a quick glance passed between the out- law chief and a confederate in the assemblage. A second later and the person had elbowed his way toward the captured bandit, and, unper- ceived, Payson skillfully passed a folded paper | into the hand of the fellow. The man drew away and quickly read the contents of the note and destroyed it. He spoke to several others, and two of the number cautiously crept away toward Gibson’s residence while the re- mainder mingled with the crowd surrounding the bandit leader. owly | | above. | | | given the alarm the abductors had a good start of the pursuing party. At the very same mo- ment Payson led the regulators away at a right angle and a double chase began. Both jes were making for the lurking- wer of the robber league. Mile after mile ew beneath the hoofs of the horses, and a wild region was soun traversed and the vicinity of the stronghold reached. Moriarity broke away from the group of horsemen and pursued a course wh ch he knew led to the bottom of the chasm. Payson’s course seemed to indicate that he was making for the summit to cross the Abyss by means of the bridge. Moriarity was soon in the dismal precincts of the deep ravine and he continued toward the =_ where both he and Robert had observed the secret entrance. Patrick dismounted and went forward toward the clump of bushes, which he could see far he rope still trailed downward. Patrick was just about to -_ vent to an ex- pression when the sound of horse’s hoofs in the ravine caused him to sink down behind a giant bowlder and lie perfectly still. On came the horsemen—two bandits, one bearing the sense “Villain!” cried Herbert Gray, as he dashed | less form of Elsie Gibson in his arms. They aside the paper. ‘‘ You have killed my child and | paused near a hu her bl cries aloud for vengeance. I have trailed you to these regions and devoted my life to exterminating men of your class. You have escaped me up to the present time but your time has arrived. Mount that horse!” | slab and signaled upon it. The bandit had scarcely uttered the signal when Moriarity leaped from behind the rock— | revolvers grasped in each ger and, quick as the lightning’s stroke, the Irishman had dis- | charged his weapons full at the heads of the two The road-agent was assisted upon the bare | back of a horse, and with bands tied and guard- ed by a cordon of armed men, the desperado was hastened beneath the stout limb of a tree close by. Several regulators hurried in advance and fastened a rope to the limb and arranged a | noose in the end of the ‘‘ hemp.” Payson’s face became livid with fear as he saw the pre- | parations and beheld = ave swinging as if | te) awaiting its victim with glee. A moment later and he was beneath the limb still on the horse’s back, and the rope was just | in the act of being adjusted when the horse sprung forward suddenly. Several forms dart- ed in advance to intercept the animal but the frightened beast bounded onward. One of the group while pretending to grasp at the animal contrived to place a knife in the bands of the road-agent even though they were secured behind his back. At the same moment he administered a sharp blow upon the horse’s flanks as if done accidentally and then fired a harmless shot at the escaping bandit. Payson used his heels to urge the steed forward, and | fairly screamed to add to its speed. Revolvers cracked upon all sides but the es- caping robber laid flat upon the horse’s neck to escape the leaden hail. ith the sharp knife he slashed and cut at the rope binding his arms, regardless of the blade cutting into his flesh. A few more efforts and his hands were free; then he put the horse to its topmost speed. man and he showed his skill in directing the horse into breakneck places to elude his pursuers, who came on, just beyond pistol-shot like a swarm of wolves. At the head of the regulators rode Herbert Gray, his keen eyes fixed upon the fugitive and striving to overtake the desperado. ‘Satan takes care of his own, it seems,” said Gray, in tones of pee eran Yet he fol- lowed the escaping ruffian like a sleuth-hound. Payson was making for his stronghold in the mountains, while the regulators followed on his track scarcely ever losing sight of the fugi- tive and firing at him whenever an opportunity presented itself. Moriarity was foremost in the band of horse- men following Herbert Gray’s leadership in the chase after the ruffian. e Irishman knew that Payson was exerting himself to reach his mountain citadel. In the meantime a startling scene had been enacted in Gibson’s home. ile Robert and the old gentleman were mingling with the group surrounding Payson, several ill-looking fellows had forced an entrance into the house, and, stilling the cries of the unsuspecting girl, one had seized and borne her to a horse close by and with the maiden in his arms the rascal had dash- ed away. The remaining ruffian also mounted, but covered his brother bandit’s retreat. One despairing cry came from Elsie’s lips as she was hurried away. That cry reached the ears of her lover who quickly wens toward the house. The two ruffians were dashing away and the fair girl was seen in thé arms of the foremost villain. By the time Robert had secured a horse and Payson was an exce)lent horse- | ' | At the same moment | revolve upon its pivot. ruffians. He caught Elsie in his arms as tho bandit’s hold relaxed. Both outlaws fell from their horses to the rocky surface of the ravine. e huge rock began to An opening a red and a face protruded from the aperture. Patrick stepped forward and presented his pistol at the fellow’s head. ‘* Come out 0’ that immediately!” cried Mori- arity. ‘‘ Come out, or be jabers I'll introdooce ye toa bullet!” The ruffian came forth from the secret open- ing and his eyes rested upon his fallen com- rades. “Turn yer back and don’t look ’round,” shout- ed Moriarity flourishing his pistol with one hand and supporting Elsie with his ceo: hand. The bandit obeyed the order and Mori- arity gently placed the maiden upon a large bowlder and turned his attention to the outlaw. Moriarity began a conversation with imagin | confederates to lead the ruffian into believin that a number of men were conccaled at han and ready to obey his orders. “Don’t turn ’round, ye blagguard ye!” he cried. ‘‘If he turns ’round one 0’ yees shoot him. The rest of yees kape yer eyes upon that door and peg away at any one that show their mug to yees. Put yer hands behind yo. That’s right! Now come out here, Tim Monahan, and tie the hands ov him. Don’t turn round, ye spalpeen, or I'll keel ye over.” oriarity kept up arunning conversation with bis imagin comrades and when tho bandit had placed bis hands behind himy Pat coon secured them with a stout strap taken from the horse’s bridle. ‘‘Now thin, me gintleman! I'll put a rag foreninst yer eyes and thin we'll l’ave you here for a while.” Pat blindfolded his captive and had scarcely accomplished the task when a signal sounded far above and he saw the bridge slowly swun across the chasm. The Irishman knew tha Payson had reached the brink of the Abyss and had signaled to cross over into his stronghold. A few moments later and Payson dashed across the bridge and entered bis cavern. Strange to say, the bridge remained down as if inviting the pursuers to venture across. The road-agent was evidently Sm to lure his uers into the cavern. Blinded by his desire or vengeance, Herbert Gray followed the ruf- fian into his den, and close behind him came a score of Break-o’-Day Boys. Theo crack of fire- arms told that a desperate conflict was raging within the robbers’ stronghold. Moriarity seized Elsie and bore her away from the spot. He had not traversed twenty rods before Robert Warden appeared in the ravine, and the Irishman pla the lovely girl in the arms of the young man. ~ “Don’t stay in the ravine, Masther Robert, for its mesilf that thinks the robbers will be thrying to escape by this rock down here, and I'm goin to block their ame!” cried Patrick, at e Fastily retraced steps toward the swin. Seal else He almost reached the rock in question when he saw aform emerge from the entrance.
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Blue-Blazes. 13 Moriarity dropped down behind a mass of granite, and peered forth at the person It was ayson! His features were bloodstained, and one hand was bound with a handkerchief. He staggered forth from the entrance and paused. “Pll launch them all into eternity,” he howl- ed. ‘*No one knows of the terrible doom gene; the captors of my fortress. And my plan will now come in to wipe out my foes and avenge my fallen comrades. Ono pull at the concealed wire in this entranco and ’tis done! He re-entered the opening, and when he had eee in its gloom, Moriarity leaped for- ward and swung the rock into its socket and rolled several bowlders beforo it to prevent the bandit from again using if as an exit. He then sped away down the ravine as fast as he could. While s ing away Moriarity heard the clatter of hoofs and the shouts of men as both horses and riders swept across the bridge re- treating from tho caverns of the bandit league. Then came a dull rumbling sound from the in- nermost depths of the mountain—a terrific >. heaval of the earth as though a violent earth- quako swept through the masses of rock. A blinding glare leaped into the air. Rocks fell in giant fragments into the chasm, literally choking up tke ravine. Payson had exploded his mine, but his own band of cutthroats had been swallowed up in the work of destruction. Not a vestige of the stronghold remained. Payson was buried beneath the huge masses of granite while vainly seeking an outlet into tho chasm. Nearly ail of the regulators suc- ceeded in escaping the awful effects of the ex- plosion. Thanks to Patrick’s speed he was well out of the ravine when the fearful detonation took rar and the masses of rock were hurled into he abyss. The destruction of Blue-Blazes and his league was complete. An awful crater marked the spot of the fa- mous stronghold, and it is still shown to the tourist who wanders into the wild range of mountains, and the guide tells the story of the infamous band of outlaws and shows the ravine with its mass of nite—assuring the listener that oeneath the fragments lie the bones of the gia bes rado, ‘‘ Blue-Blazes.” Herbert Gray still continues in the work of weeding out bad characters from mining towns of the region. Pat Moriarity is still in the employ of Spencer Gibson, and after informing the reader that Robert Warden is a happy husband and Elsic Gibson is his wife, we wit add but a few words to conclude our story. As Payson’s notes were never presented, Gib- son found himself on the high road to p rity and never again speceibiad in wildcat” stocks. It was evident that Payson had lured the old gentleman into idle speculations pur- posely to have bim in his power. He had robbed and cheated his victim in order to mplish his designs. It was a bitter lesson, but Spencer Gibson profited by i Robert was hap girl he adored an and sunshine. Occasionally Herbert Gray calls to visit his oung friend as the secret service compels them % coisult one another frequently. ie often visits a little grave and places fresh flowers upon a small tombstone bearing the name of ith Gray. ‘ - We will conclude by reporting Moriarity’s re- arks. “‘ Masther Robert, will yez do me a favor?” ‘‘Anything, my dear friend. What favor shall is you oe "s a boy will ye call him Patrick ?” “T will!” t. y in the love of the noble their days were happiness m THE END. © * The Sunnyside Library. 1 Latta Rooxs. By Thomas Moore........... 10c. 2 Don Juan. By Lord Byron... .........+..++ 20c, 3 Panapise Lost. By John Milton ............. 10c. 4 Tuk Lapy or rae Lake. Sir Walter Scott... 10e. 5 Lucite. By Ower Meredith... ...........-+. 10e. 6 Unping, on Tae Warer-Sprrit. 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BILLINGS, BRYANT, STREET, WALLACE, HOLMES, HAMILTON, ° RANDOLPH, MADISON, WINTHROP, REV. JOS, COOK, / ben MARK TWAIN, OOFTY GOOFT, DOESTICKS, CARLYLE, MACAULAY, WILBERFORCE, PITT, ( SHAKSPEARR, MILTON, BYRON, BURNS, K, E. REXFORD, BF, TAYLOR, STODDARD, ALDRIOR, WiLL CARLETON, JOE JOT, Jn., THE POPULAR AND School, Exhibition and SPEAKERS ¢ DIALOGUES. — STANDARD BOOKS. = Home Entertainment. THE MOS? ATTRACTIVE SERIES, ost AVAILABLE, apy PNyp Declamations, Recitations, Speeches, Orations, Schools, Exhibitions ? Amateur Theatricals. : 9—Dme ~ JUVENILE 10—Dre SprREAD-E l—Doe DesaTER anp CHarmMan’s GuipR. , Are filled with original and caterers for the amateur and School burlesques, social comedies, domestic farces, exquisite dress an NN —oOr~ Notable Passages, Extempore Efforts, Addresses, Dialogues, Colloquies, Burlesques, IN ALL THE FIELDS OF Wit, Humor, Burlesque, Satire, Eloquence and Argument, FOR p TAKING COLLBCM py. Farces, Minor Dramas, : ) PARTON, | PHILLIPS, | j SARGEANT, MASON, LINCOLN, WASHINGTON, | | JEFFERSON, MEAGHER, f OF'HUS OC, KERR, Acting Charades, J Dress Pieces, THE DIME SPEAKERS, 1—Diwam AMERIOAN SPEAKER, 2—Dime NaTIONAL SPEAKER. 8—Dive Parrioric SPraAKER, 4—Diur Comic SPEAKER, 56—Dimg ELocurionist. 6—Dom Humorous SPEAKER 7—Dimr STANDARD SPEAKER, 8—Drve Stump SPEAKER. SPEAKER, AGLE SPEAKER, 12—Dm: EXHIsirion SPEAKER. 18—Dimme ScHOOL SPEAKER, 14—Drme Lupicrovus SPEAKER. 15—KARL PRETZEL’S KOMIKAL SPRAKER. 16—Dime Youtn’s SPEAKER, 17—Dime ELOQUENT SPEAKER, 18—Dor: Har, GotumBia SPEAKER. 19—Diwm:_ Serki0-Comic SPEAKER, 20—Dime SELECT SPEAKER. 21—Dime Funny SPEAKER. 23—Dimr DiaLEcT SPEAKER. Zach Speaker, 100 pages 12mo., containing from 60 to 75 pieces. THE DIME DIALOGUES any other eollection ever offered. Dm Diatocurs NumBerR OnE, Druk DraLocurs Numser Two. Dmr DraLoGurs Numser THRERB, Dore DiaLoaurs Numser Four Druze DriaLoGvuEs NumsBer Frvz, Dm Diatogurs NuMBER Srx. Diaz DiaLtocues NuMBER SEVEN. Dre DiraLocurs NuMBER EIcut, Drwsz DiaLocurs NuMBER NINE. Dore DiaLtocurs NumBer TEN. Dore DiaLocurs Nomper ELEVEN. Diwe DiaLocurs NumsBer TWELveE. Dore DraLoacurs NumsBer THIRTEEN, 22—Dimk JOLLY SPEAKER. ially prepared contrioutions from favorite and popular tage—giving mere takin and effective dialogues, . exhibition dramas than § Dorm: DIALOGUES NUMBER FOURTEEN. Dime DIALOGUES NuMBER FIFTEEN. Druze DiaLocurs NumBer ScxTeen, Dive DrALoGurs NuMBER SEVENTEEN, Little Folks. m™E DiALoGurs NumsBer EIGHTEEN. mmE DIALOGUES NUMBER NINETEEN Dmx DIALOGuEs NumpBer TWENTY. Drmrk DiaALocurs Numerr TWENTY-ONE. Doe DIALOGUES NumaerR TWENTY-TWo. Dive DIALOGUES NumBeR TWENTY-THREE, Dime DIALOGUES NuMBER TWENTY-FOUR, Doc D1aLoGures Noumser TWENTY-FIVE. Each volume, 100 pages 12mo., containing from 15 to 25 pieces. BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William St., N. Y. WHITEHORN, DR. CROSBY, SPRAGUE, PIERPONT, FAT CONTRIBUTOR, MAGOON, DUGANNE, PERCIVAL, DANBURY NEWS, REV. DR. HALL, LOWELL, DANA, DETROIT FREE PRESS, SCUDDER, BAYARD TAYLOR, JOHN NEA\,. HAWEEYE, DOANE, POR, OSGOUD, BEN ZEEN, BELLOWS, EE HALE, "SAX, MILES O’REILLY, » GEO. F, TRAIN, | CROCKETT, DICKENS, SIDNEY SMITH, TOM HOOD, JERROLD, HOLT, SUMNER, WILSON, JOHNSON SIMPSON, PARKER, COLLYER, WILLETY | ANNA DICKINSON, MRS. VICTOR, THE CARYS, FANNY FERN GREELEY, EVARTS, SCHURZ, CURTIA | BISHOP WHIPPLE, REV. DR. WOOD, DR. NADIR, | HAWE= MILBURN, SPURGEON, KOSSUHS, BENTON C/LEOUN, STEPHENS, HENRY CLAY, iciieite, | eotaie*) , . i s PL LL LLNS LA A 0 A ea ta sce TPS ” “
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82 Large Three-Column Pages, ~ 1.4 Hard Crowd; or, Genrieman Sum’s Sister. By Philip S. Warne. 2. The Dare-Devil; or, Taz Wincrep Wrrcn or tHe Sea. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 3. Kit Carson, dr., Taz Crack Sxor or wuz West, By Buckskin Sam. ' 4, The Kiduapper ; GmancuAl of TIE NortTuwest. By Philip S. Warne. 5. The Fire-Fiends; or, HERCULES, THE Muncupack. By A. P. Morris. 6. Wildcat Bob, Tae Boss Brutser ; or, Ta® Borper BLoopHounns. By Edward L. Whee- ler, author of ‘* Deadwood Dick,” “ Double Daggers.” 7. Death-Notch, THz Destroyer; oR, Tax Srinrr Lake Avencers, By Oll Coomes. 8. The Headless Horseman. A strange | story of Texas, By Capt. Mayne Reid. 9. Handy Andy. By Samuel Lover. 10. Vidocq, Tue Frencu Poxice Spy. Written by himself. au. Midshipman Easy. By Capt. Mar- rya - 12, The Death-Shot; on, Trackep To Dseata. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 13. Pathaway; or, Nick WHIFFLES, THE | onTHWEsT. By Dr. J. H. Rob- | OLD TRAPPER OF THE n. 14, Thayerdanegea, Tur Scouncz ; or, THE WAR-EaGie or THE MonAwks. By Ned Bunt- tne, author of “‘The White Wizard.” 15. The Tiger-Slayer; or, EaGur- Heap To THE Rescug. By Gustave Aimard. 16. The White Wizard; or, Taz Great PROPHET OF THE SEMINOLES. By Ned Buntiline. or Hounstow Heats. By Dr. J. H. Robinson. 18. The Sea Bandit; or, Taz Queen | or THE Istx. By Ned Buntline, 19. Red Cedar, Tat Prarmrre Ovurtiaw. By Gustave Aimard. 20. The Bandit at Bay; or, Tre Pr- RATES OF THE Prarrizs. By Gustave Aimard. 21. The Trapper’s rang eee Tae OvrLaw’s Fare. By Gustave 22. Whitelaw; or, Natrim or THE Lake Snore, By Dr. J. H. Robinson. 23. The Red Warrior; oR, Sretia De.orme’s ComMANcHE Lover. By Ned Buntline, 24. Prairie Flower. mard, author of “ Tiger-Slayer,” etc. 25. The Gold-Guide; on, Steen Arm, THE Reoutator. By Francis Johnson. 26. The Death-Track; or, Tue Ovrt- Laws OF THE Mountain. By Francis Johnson. 27. The Spotter-Detective; or, THE Gris or New York. By Albert W. Aiken, : 28. Three-Fingered Jack, Tur Roap- GENT OF THE KIES; OR, Tor B Harp Luck. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. orga 9 29. Tiger Dick, Taz Faro Kine; or, Tue CasHieR’s Crame. By Philip 8. Warne. 30. Gospel George; or, Frery Frep, tar Ovttaw. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 31. The New York ‘S 3? on, THE or Licutnine. By Albert W. Aiken. 82. B’hoys of Yale; on, Tae Scrapers or A Harp Ser or Couueeians. By John D. Vose. OR, 34. — tot Wee Mountain Rob. By Al Ww. 86. Injun Dick. By Albert W. Aiken. | 37. Hirl, the H ; rl, unchback ; OR, THE OF THE SanTEE. By Dr. J,B. Robinson. , OR, THe GREAT | 1%. Nightshade, Tur Rosser Prince By Gustave Ai- / | THe Prams. By Capt. Mayne Reid. |. 56. The Indian Masep a | Map Man or THe Pars. ihe — Overland Kit. By Albert W.| | Hatt Mysrery. By Percy B. St. John. 35. EK . Aiken, entuck, the Sport. By Albert OvTLaw oF ARKANsAs. By Albert W. Aiken. IBRARY. Price 10 ets. Each Number Complete. ! 38. Velvet Hand ; on, Tux [non GRIP oF | Ingun Dick. By Albert W. Aiken. 39. The Russian Spy; or, Tue Brorn- ERS OF THE STaRRy Cross. By Frederick Whittaker. 40. The Long Haired ‘ Pards;’ or, Tue TARTARS OF THE ns. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. | 41. Gold Dan; or, THE Wurre SAVAGE OF THE Great Saur Lake. By Albert W. Aiken. 42. The California Detective; or, Tae WitcHes or New York. By Albert W. Aiken. 43. Dakota Dan, THE ReckLess RANGER; or, Tae Bex-Hunrers’ Excursion. By Oll Coomes. 44. Old Dan Rackback, Tue Great EXTARMINATOR; or, THe TRIANGLE’S Last TrarL. By Oll Coomes, 45. Old Bull’s Eye, Tse Licurninc | Sor or THe Piarns., By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 46. Bowie-Knife Ben, Tse Littitx Hunter or THe Nor’-west. By Ol] Coomes. 47. Pacific Pete, THE Prince or THE | Revotver. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. | 48. Idaho Tom, Tse Youne Ovrtaw OF SILVERLAND. By Oll Coomes. 62. Loyal Heart; or, Tue TRAPPERS OF ARKANSAS. By Gustave Aimard. 63. The Winged Whale. By Albers W. Aiken. 64. Double- Sight, the Death Shot. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 65. The Red Rajah; or, THe Scoures OF THE INDIES. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 66. The Specter Barque. A Tata oF THE Pactric. By Captain Mayne Reid. 67. The Boy Jockey; or, Honzstr VERSUS CROOKEDNEsS. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 68. The Fi hting Trapper; or, Kir | CARSON TO THE - Vv Capt. F. C. Adama, 69. The Irish Captain; A TaLEe oF FontTenoy. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 70. Hydrabad, Tur STRANGLER; or, ALETHE, THE CHILD oF THe Corp. By Dr. Re Robinson. 71. Captain Cool-Blade, or, Taz Max SHARK OF THE Mississipr1. By Jos, E. Badger, Jr. 72. The Phantom Hand, A Srory or ; — Yorke HEARTHS aND Homes. By Albert W. en. 73. The Knight of the Red Cross; or, THE Macrctan or GRANADA. A Tale of the Al- | hambra. By Dr. J. H. Robinson. | 9a. Captain of the Rifles. A Romanca : | OF THE Mexican Vauuey. By Captain Mayne Reid. | %5, Gentleman George, or, PARLOR, | Prison, STAGE AND By Albert W. Aiken, 76. The Queen’s Musketeer, or, | THISBE, THE Princess PatmistT. By George Albony, 77. The Fresh of Frisco, or, Tom Herress or Buenaventura, By Albert W. Aiken. |_ %8. The Mysterious Spy; or, Gotpry | FEATHER, THE BuccaNngerer’s DavGurer. By A. M Grainger. | 9. Joe Phenix, Tur Poxice Spy. B; Albert W. Aiken. 80. A Man of Nerve; or, CaLman. THE Dwarr. By Philip 8. Warne. 81. The Human Tiger; or, A HEan or Fire. By Albert W. Aiken. 82. Iron Wrist, the Swordmaster' By Col. Thomas H. Monstery. 83. Gold Bullet Sport; or, maz Kyicurs OF THE OvERLAND. By Buffalo Bill 84. Hunted Down; or, tax Waits Wrren. By Albert W. Aiken. | 85. The Cretan Rover; or, ZvLErKan, | THE Beavtirut. By Col. Frentice Ingraham. 86. The Big Hunter; or, THe Quren OF THE Woops. By the author of “ Silent Hunter.” 87. The Scarlet Captains or, Tre PRISONER OF THE TowER By Col. Delle Sara, 88. Big George, Tar GIANT OF TH | Guten: or, Tae Five Ovrtaw Brotuers. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 89. The Pirate Prince; or, Pretry Netty, Toe QUEEN oF THE Istx. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 90. Wild Will, Tuz Map Rancueno, or, Toe TERRIBLE Texan. By Buckskin Sam. 91. The Winning Oar; or, Toe Ixw KEEPER'S Davcnrer. By Albert W. Aiken. Ready April 7th. 2. Buffalo Bill, Taz Buckskin Kina; or, HE AMAZON or THE West. B jor Da field Burr. Ready April 2ist. Tee 93. Captain Dick Talbot, Kina or THE RoapD; or, Tae Biack-noops of SHasTa. By Albert W. Aiken. Ready May 5th. A new iseue every two weeks. Beadle’s Dime Library is for sale by all Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by mail oa receipt of twelve cents each. BEADLE & Publishers, 98 William Street, New York. 49. The Wolf Demon;or, Taz Quzrnor | THe Kanawna. By Albert W. Aiken, ea) ) KIT CARSON, gn.—No. 3. 50. Jack Rabbit, THe Pram Sport; or, THE Serene oF THE LLANO Estacapo. By Jos. er, Jr. 51. Red ‘Rob, Tue Boy Roap-Acent. By Oll Coomes. 52. Death Trailer, Toe Curr or Scoors; or, Life and Love in a Frontier Fort. By Hon, Wim. F, Cody, (Buffalo Bill.) 53. Silver Sam; or, Taz MystERy oF Deadiwoop Crry. By Col. Delle Sara. 54. Always on Hand; or, Toe Sportive | Sproat or tHe Foor Huis. By Philip 8. Warne, | | author of “A Hard Crowd,” “Patent Leather Joe.” 55. The Scalp Hunters. A Romancror 3 or, THE | By rt W. Aiken, | 57. The Silent Hunter; or, Taz ScowL | ; 58. Silver Knife; or, WICKLIFFE, THE | Rocky Mountam Rancer. By Dr. J. H. Robinson, 59. The Man From Texas; or, THz | 60. Wide Awake; or, THe W10r oF | THE BLACK Hints. By Frank Dumont. 61. Captain Seawaif, tae Privaresr. By Ned Burilisea
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BEADLE’S HALF-JIME LIBRARY. Every one of them ‘** Live” Stories by ** Live»? Authors, Each number a Complete Novel, at the extraordinary price of a HALF-DIME. ] Deadwood Dick, THz Prince oF THE Roap. By Edward i. Wheeler. Yellowstone Jack; or, Tar TRAPPER o¥ THE ENCHANTED GrounD. J. E. Badger, Jr. Kansas King; or, THe Rep Ricart Hanp, By Buffalo Bill (Hon. Wm. F. Cody). The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Reid and Capt. Frederick Whittaker, a) Vagabond Joe; THz Youne WanpzR- Inc Jew. By Oll Coomes, 8 Bill Biddon, Trapper; or, Lirz in Tae Nortuwest. By Edward 8. Ellis 47 The Etving Yankee; or, Turk Ockan Outcast. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. bq Seth Jones; or, THe CaPTives OF THE Frontier. By Edward 8. Ellis. 9 The Adventures of Baron Mun- chausen. 10 Nat Todd; or, Tum Fare or THE Sroux Captive. By Edward 8. Ellis. 1 1 The Two Detectives; 6r, Ta Fortunes or 4 Bowery Giri. A.W, Aiken. 12 Gulliver's Travels. A Voyage to Lilliput, anda Voyage to Brobdingnag. 13 The Dumb Spy. By Oll Coomes, author of “ Vagabond Joe,” etc. 1 4. Aladdin; or, THa WonDERFUL Lamp. 1 5 The Sea-Cat; or, Taz Wrron or Darien. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 1868 Robinson Crusoe. His Life and Surprising Adventures, (27 illustrations.) 1 7 Ralph Roy, The Boy Bucca- meer. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 1 fe) Sindbad the Sailor. His seven voy- ages. From the Arabian Nights. 19 The Phantom Spy; or, THe Pirtor oF THE Prarniz, By Puffalo Bill. 20 The Double Daggers; or, Drap- woop Dick’s Dertance, By E. L. Wheeler, 21 Frontier Angel. A Romance of Kentucky Rangers’ Life. By E. 8. Ellis. 222 The Sea Serpent; or, Tux Boy Rornryson Crusoz. By Col. Juan Lewis. 23 Nick o’ the Night; or, THe Bor Spy or "76. By T. OC. Harbaugh. Diamond Dirk; or, THz Mystrry OF THE YELLOWSTONE. By Col. Ingraham, 2 5 The Boy Captain; or, 1x Pirate’s e BaveuTer. By Roger Starbuck. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Demon. By Edward L. Wheeler, 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide, By Oll Coomes. 2& Buffalo Ben; or. Drapwoop Dick m Disauise. By Edward L. Wheeler. 29 The Dumb Page; or, THE DoGr’s Daveutrr. B apt. F. Whittaker. 30 Roaring Ralph ckwood, THE Recxiess Raneer. By Harry St. George. 3 Keen-Knife, THe Prince oF THE Prarrizs. By Oll Coomes, 3 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian; or, Toe Girt Deap-Suor. EK. L. Wheeler. 33 The Ocean Bleodhound; or, Taz Rep Prrares or THE Carissess, §. W. Pierce, 34 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Wutrr.es’ Boy Spy. By Capt. J. F, C. Adame, 3 5 Wild Ivan, Te Boy CLaupg Duvat; By Edward L. Wheeler, 36 The Boy Clown; or, THE QUEEN OF THE ARENA, By Frank 8. Finn. 37 The Hidden Lodge; or, TuE Litris HonTer or THE ADIRONDACKS. Harbaugh. 38 Ned Wylde, Tux Boy Scour. By Texas Jack. 39 Death-Face, the Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. 4 Roving Ben. A story of a Young American. By John J, Marshall. Lasso Jack, THe YounG MustTancG- 3 ER. By Oli Coomes. 4 The Phantom Miner; or, Diap- woop Dicw’s Bonanza. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 43 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. By Capt. F. Whittaker. 4 4 ttlin ube; or, THE NIGHT- moe or Ie oecoRY. we St. George. 45 Old Avalanche, the Great An- nihilator, By Edward L. Wheeler. 4 Glass Eye, the Great Shot ofthe West. By Capt. J. F. 0, Adams. 4.7 Nightingale Nat; on, THe Forest Gepianie By T. 0. Harbaugh. 48 Black John, the Road-Agent. By Jos, E, Badger, Jr. 49 Omaha Oll;-ar, Deapwoon Diox in Daxona. By Edward L. Wheeles, 50 Burt Bunker, THE Trapper. A | Tale of the Northwest. By O. E. Lasalle. | 5 1 The Boy Rifles; or, Tox UnpEr- @Rounp Camp, By Archie ©. Iron. 52 The White Buffalo. Strange Adventure. Charles E. Lasalle. 53 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., THz Boy PHEntx; or. THROUGH TO THE DeaTH. E. L. Wheeler. 5 4 Ned Hazel, THz Boy TRAPPER; or, THE PHANTOM Princess. By J. F. C. Adams, 5 5 Deadly-Eye, Tue Unknown Scour; By Buffalo Bill. 56 Nick Whiffles’ Pet; or, IN THE Vatiry or Deats. Capt. J. F.C. Adams. 57 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, Tax Parps or Ftoop Bar. E. L. Wheeler. 5 & The Border King; or, Tox SECRET For. By Oli Coomes, 5 Old Hickory, or, Panpy ELu1s’s Scatp. By Harry St. George. 60 The White Indian; or, TE Scout oF THE YELLOWsTONE. By J. F.C. Adams. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, THz Rep Rirtz Txam. By Edward L. Wheeler. 62 The Shadow Ship; or, THE Rrivau LyEUTENANTS. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 6 3 The Red Brotherhood; or, Tux TweLve Avencrrs. By W. J. Hamilton. 6 4 Dandy Jack; or, THz OuTLAw oF THE OREGON Tram. By T. C. Harbaugh. 6 5 Hurricane Bill; or, Mustane Sam anD HIS ‘“‘ParpD.” By Jos. E, Badger, Jr. 66 Single Hand; or, A Lirz ror a Lire. By W. J. Hamilton, 67 Patent-Leather Joe; or, OLD Rat- TLESNAKE, THE CHARMER. By P.S.Warne. 68 The Border Robin Hood; or, THE Prarrig Rover. By Buffalo Bill. 69 Gold Rifle; or, Taz Boy Drrective or THE Biack Rancw. By E. L. Wheeler. 70 Old Zip’s Cabin; or, THz GrEEN- HORN IN THE Woops. By J. F.C. Adams, g 1 Delaware Dick; THz Youne Ran- Ger Spy. By Oll Coomes. Mad Tom Western, THz Trxan Ranaer. By W. J. Hamilton. 73 Deadwood Dick on Deck. By Mawkeye ney, Tas Ww e 5 OUNG 74. TRAE: RanGer. By Oll Coomes. q 5 The Boy Duelist; or, THz Cruisz oy THE Sea WoLr. By Col. P. Ingraham. 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. By Albert W. Aiken. 7s Corduroy Charlie; or, THz Last Act or Drapwoop Dick. By E. L. Wheeler. 7 & Blue Dick; or, Taz YELLOW CurEr’s Venceance. By Captain Mayne Reid. y &y Sol er, THE Giant TRAPPER. By Albert W. Aiken. SO Rosebud Rob; or, Nuacrr Nep, THE Kyieut oF THE GuLcH. By E. L. Wheeler, Si Tdghtnls Jo, THe TERROR OF THE y Captain J. F. C. Adams. ey 4 Kit Harefoot, THz Woop-Hawsx; or, Oup Powper-Face. By T. OC. Harbaugh. §3 Rollo, the Boy Ranger; or, THz HErRess or THE GOLDEN Horn. Oll Coomes, 4 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosrsup B ON Hanp, By Edward L. Wheeler, te] 5 Buck Buckram; or, Bess, THE FR- MALE TRAPPER. ny . JF. C. Adams, $6 Dan Rock, THE-MAN-FROM-T'Ex- as. By G. Waldo Browne, = rf The Land Pirates; OR, THE LEAGUE or Drvit’s Isuanp. By Capt. Mayne Reid. ss & Photo ph Phil; or, Rosksup Rop's nance. By Ed. L. Wheeler. om Island Jim; or, THE PET oF THE Fasory. By author of “Jack Harkaway.” 9 The Dread Rider; on, THE Texan DvueuistT. By bir W. Browne. 91 The Captain of the Club. By Braceb Hemyng, (Jack Harkaway.) +9) Canada Chet; or, OLD ANACONDA In Srrtine Boiy’s Camp. By E. L. Wheeler. 9 3 The Boy Miners; or, Tuk ENcuantzp IsuanD, By Edward §. Ellis. 94 Midnigh t Jack, Tue Roap-Acent. By T. 0. Harbaugh, 9 5 The Rival Revers. By Lieutenant Col. Hazeltine. 96 Watch - Eve, THe Drrecrivz. By Edward L. éeler. 97 Caprivs OF THE By J.J. 9a Rohin Hood, THe OurLawep Ear.. By Prof. Stewart Gildersleeve, The Outlaw Brothers; or, Ta HARPES, J.J. Marshail. OO Tee. Ligee of Thos. By owe 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville By Edward L. Wheeler, 1 Oo 1 Jack Harkaway in New York By Bracebridge Hemyng. 102 Dick Dead-Eye, Txz Boy Suve G@LER. By Col. ntiss Ingraham. 103 The Lion of the Sea. By Col Delle Sara, 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device. By Edward L. Wheeler. 105 Old Rube, Tsr Hunter; or, Taz Crow Captive, By Capt. H. Holmes. 106 Old Frosty, the Guide. By T. C. Harbaugh. 107 One-Eyed Sim; or, Tuz ABAN- Daring Davy, THE Youna Breas 108 KILLER. B Hairy St. George, 1 10 The Black Steed of the Prai. ries. By James L. Bowen, 1 1 1 MAN’s Leaacy. By Col. P. Ingraham. The Mad Hunter; or, THz Cavz 1 1 3 Jack Hoyle, THe Youne Sprxov- Lator. By Edward L. Wheeler. STARBUCK. ' 1 1 5 The Mad Miner. By Grorce 1 16 The Hussar Captain. By Con 1 1 wf Gilt-Edged Dick, Tax Sport-Dx. 1 1 8 TECTIVE. By Edward L. Wheeler. Mustang Sam; or, THE Kine o7 THE Piains. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 121 Cinnamon Chip, Tue Grau Sport. By Edward L. eeler. Harbaugh. 124 Tippy. the Texan; or, THz Youne HAMPION. By Geo. Gleason, 126 wueagane Pete; on, NicopEMUS, THE Doe Derectivz. _By Chas. Morris 127 Roapv. By Frank Dumont. The Young Privateer; on, TE 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double. A Story of Wild-Cat City, E. L. Wheeler 1 3 mn Ras. By Charles Morris. The Golden Hand; or, Danpy 132 The Hunted Hunter; or, Tus Srrance Horseman.. By Ed. 8, Ellis 133 Boss Bob, tHe KING OF THE BooTsiacks. By Edward L. Wheeler MAN. By Oll Coomes. 1 3 5 Captain Paul, Tar Moonssinzs DONED Forest Homr. By J. L. Bowen. 1 O09 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. The Sea-Devil; or, Taz Mmsnurr- 1 12 or DeatH. By Burton Saxe. 1 1 4 The Black Schooner. By Rocra WALpo Browne. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, Will Somers, THz Boy Drrec- The Branded Hand; or, THz Mar 122 Phil andy. The Boss Boy. By Charles Morris. 12 5 Bonanza Bill, Miner; or, Tx? or Kentucky. By C.D. Clark. 1 36 Night-Hawk Kit ; or, uz Daves- TIve. By Charles Morris. 1 20 or Mystery. By Frank Dumont. 1 23 Kiowa mney & THE Wuitz Mus TANGER. By T. OC. FremMaLe Forcer, By Ed. L, Wheeler. Wild-Fire, Tur Boss or TH 12 PIRATES’ STRONGHOLD, H. Cavendish. Detective Dick; or, Tux HmRo 1 31 Rock To THE Rescugr. G. W. Browne 1 34 Sure Shot Seth, Taz Boy Riri» TER OF THE RancueE. J. E. Badger, Jr. 137 The Helpless Hand; or, Back- woops RETRIBUTION. Capt: Mayne Reid. 1 38 Blonde Bill; or, Drapwoop Dick’s Home Bass. By Edward L. Wheeler. 13 Judge Lynch, Jr.; 08, THE Bor By T. C. Harbaugh. ae nick ed Ready March 28a 1 4 Blue Blazes; or, THE Breax o Day Boys. By Frank Dumont. Ready March 80th. 1 Al Solid Sam; or, Tux Boy Ouriaw. By Edward L. Wheeler. Ready April 6th. 1 42 Handsome Harry, Tux Boor pLack Derzcrive. By Chas. Morris April 18th. A new issue every week, Whe Half-Dime Library is for sale by al Newsdealers. five cents per Le ,or sent by. Tuail on POUL Wei tac eerie aa