Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 144) (1880 04 27)
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2 Dainty Lance, THE BOY SPORT; oR, The Bank-Breakers’ Decoy Duck. BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, Jr., AUTHOR OF “‘YELLOWSTONE JACK,” ‘‘ HURRI- ©ANE BILL,” “MUSTANG SAM,” ‘‘ NIGHT- HAWK KIT,” ETC. CHAPTER L THE DECOY DUCK. Wart-whit-whit-tu-wH00-00-0! Only the weird, peculiar notes of tho lesser horned owl, but the traveler abruptly reined in his horse and turning half-way round in the sad- die, cast a keen glance into the darkness from whence the sound proceeded, and through which he had — ridden. Not that the night-bird or its melancholy yet far from disagreeable plaint were uncommon at that hour when twilight deepens into nightfall, for already the young traveler had caught brief — of more than one of the birds as they tted past on silent wing, had listened to their g call; but his SS trained ear told him that there was a difference in this last call from the others—that it was either a poor imi- —— or else uttered by a badly demoralized owl. His years were those of a boy, his experience that oa man. He was in a portion of a then border State where life was lightly valued, and this uncertain cadence, which would have es- caped an ordinary ear, put him upon his guard at. once. The sound had scarcely died away, when an- other and more startling cry came to his ears— the shrill scream of a woman in bodily danger or terror. The first came from the rear, the second from in advance, apparently just around an abrupt bend in the road, only a few yards ahead of the horseman. He was young, courageous, and endowed with more than an ordinary share of that chivalry which ranks women but little if any below the angels. He forgot tho suspicions aroused by the cry of the owl, and with a clear shout of en- wits, pop he plied his spurs aud dashed around the curvo in the road. The moon was nearing its full, and on this evening shone brightly down upon a short stretch of road where the heavy growth of tim- ber had given place to a matted mass of sumac and hazel busbes, bound together with black- berry briers aud other brambles. The silvery Hans fell upon a tableau that told its own oat £ he form of a woman struggling desperately in the grasp of two men who, with fieree, angry curses, were endeavoring to drag their captive from the road into the dense un- «ergrowth out of which they had pounced upon tes ill-omened cry broke the peaceful Tike Geiieyed traveler took all this in 7 fe e and without a thought of the s r to himself, he drew a revolver from its olster and uttered an encouraging shout as he hastened to the ler was forced to wrench up hi Tast he ehould side peta i tegitive’ @ should ride over the terrified 1 ve, who paused onl when her Saemameued hands fairly brushed the animal’s breast. In this brief space, the two ruffians had scrambled to their feet, and with fierce oaths of vengeful rage, were ng in pursuit of their fizeing prey, when they hesitated atthe sight of ‘this new actor upon the scene. se ‘That the latter was a bold player, was quick- dy made manifest. Oy &teadying himself as well as possible under the ' existing circumstances, he discharged two shots, in swift succession at the enemy. A fierce, snarling cry told that at least one of ‘these bullets had its billet, and the nearest of the two ruffians made an angry leap forward, D EE EEE —eEE—eeEEOOEEEOE—EEEEEOEOEOEOEEEEEeeeeee | bent on revenge, but his mate grasped him b the arm and fetal him back under cover. ‘4 ‘* They will murder you—we must flee for our lives!” Even in that moment of excitement, the horseman noticed how musical was the voice which uttered these words, and as he glanced downward, the clear moonlight gave him a glimpse of a young face in perfect accord with the tones—but only a glimpse. A small, brown hand closed upon the bridle- rein, and the spirited horse was turned sharply around as though on a pivot, then, with a move- ment that was active grace itself, a small foot upon his instep for a moment, and then @ warm arm cl him around the waist as the girl settled herself on the horse behind him. ‘“* Not now,” she breathed, hurriedly. ‘‘ They will shoot you down as you attempt to pass them, or will steal along under cover and shoot he here. Death for you, and a worse fate for me It was her heel that urged the horse along the back-trail, out of the moonlight and into the dense shadows where the tree-tops closed in a somber arch above the road. But the horseman raised no objection, either in words or by ac- tions, simply saying: “Where do you want to go? back to town? ie ay wholly at your disposal—my horse and I. “Ride fast for a few moments—let them think that we are hastening to town, and they will give over the chase,” quickly responded the young woman. The willing horse dashed on for a few rods at full speed, then at a word from the woman, was checked. ‘* We have lost them now,” she added, but with an undercurrent of anxiety in her voice that she failed to conceal. ‘‘I don’t think there is any more danger. And Iam taking you out of your road—” ** No,” said the traveler, quietly. ‘‘ My road is the same as yours, until you are once more safe with your friends. This is a rough country for & woman to be journeying through, alone and after dark.” “If not too much trouble—I believe I ama coward!” and there was vague uneasiness in her faint laugh. ‘* What you call trouble, 1 consider a pleasure. Just consider me a brother, and make use of me as such, until you find a more suitable guar- dian.” This was said with a laugh, but there was something in his voice that would have reas- sured a far more timid creature than she who was perched behind bim. **Then—brother—turn into that path to the right; it will take us to my—our relatives. And as we go, I will tell you how I came to fall into the trouble from which you so bravely rescued me. “Not unless you are perfectly willing,” said the traveler, turning his horse into the narrow path indicated. ‘Why should I not?) There should be no con- cealments between brother andsister. But first, a brother should know his sister’s name. I am Myrtle Fair.” ‘The first should be last, or the moonlight back yonder spoke falsely, Fait Myrtle,” laugh- ingly uttered the traveler, but with more of earnestness than a’ red on the ace. ‘Bah! had Is Gipey Brown there might have been some truth in the conceit,” but even as sho spoke, a little thrill was sent along the arm that encompa the traveler’s w; that told him his words had not seriously offended her ears. ‘‘The moonlight fell upon your face, as well, and I saw—what, no doubt, many an- other silly girl has told you. I like tobe al, and so cut the words short, you can the compliment to your own fancy, broth- ‘“‘ Lance—Lancelot Daintree, sister Myrtle.” “Or Dainty Lanee—the name suits you well for fair weather, and is pegood as though you had backed it up witha mal certificate.” There was a touch of mockery in these words. as well as in the short laugh which accompanied them, and for the first time Dainty Lance—to accept the sobriquet bestowed upon him by the girl he had so xpenen, 4 encountered—began to suspect that he was not acting quite as prudent- ly as he might. The unnatural call of the horned ow] recurred to bim, and he could not he!p thinking that his fair companion was strangely self-possessed for a ie woman who had so recently met with a terrible adventure. That hoot may have been a signal—the scene in the moonlighted road but a preconcerted ’ r ainty Lance, the Boy Sport. affair—instead of a maiden in distress, his fair charge might bea decoy, leading him to robbery. Such things had been. Thus far Lance thought, then dismissed the ideas from his mind with the carelessness of a young and fearless heart. What was to be, would be, and he would see the adventure to the end. lt seemed as though Myrtle divined his doubts, for her bantering manner instantly changed, and she once more became the tender creature: whom he had rescued from ateir:ble peril. Her arm clasped his waist less firmly, and there was a faint tremulousness in her voice as she spoke: “T forgot for the moment where I was, and all that had happened. I forgot, too, that you are a stranger. My calling you brother, seem- ed to carry me taak to the time when my real brother—but there! My nerves are so agitated and unstrung that I hardly know what I am saying.” evertheless, she had power of will sufficient to push aside these reminiscences of the past, and give a clear and succinct account of the events which had led to her encountering that awkward adventure. Her relatives had come to Missouri from Georgia, in search of a new and more comfort- able home, From St. Louisthey had sourpered this f rin wagons, pausing from time to time in order to search for a pleasant location, and they were now taking one of these breathing spells, only a mile or two from where Dainty Lance had so nobly risked his life— Well, he could not prevent her from thinking what she felt was true, anyhow! She had ridden into town, that afternoon, to st a letter and make a few little purchases, ut when she was ready to start on her return,,. her horse was missing. Whether stolen or only strayed, she failed to learn, though she spent. the remainder of daylight in the effort. She started for her home—if a woodland camp could be called home—and was surprised by the two brutal ruffians from whose evil hands his timely approach freed her. What their motives, she could only conjecture, but she should al- ways feel that he had preserved her from a fate far worse than death itself. She used many more wordsin making these explanations, than are recorded here, and dur- ing it all, Dainty Lance was on the keen look- out for a Begs peg on which to hang the suspicion already alluded to, but without suc- cess. There was nothing lacking in the story she told; not a word too much nora word too little. 1f not all truth, then she was an admira- ble actress. Lance began to feel a little ashamed of his suspicions, and to make amends, went to the other extreme, soon putting his fair companion wholly at her ease, and any one hearing them as they rode along, chatting gayly, would have: deemed them lifelong friends if not lovers. Myrtle seemed wonderfully well acquainted with the land before them, considering she was little better thati a stranger in that section, and though she laughed a little incredulously when Lance declared that he was wholly at sea re~ ding their present whereabouts, shc assumed he office of guide, passing from one path to an- other without the faintest trace of doubt or hesitation, though at times the dense foliage of the thiceapeetng trees shut out every ray of moonlight. ‘ _At length she said, with a half-sigh: “Our is almost atanend. Some of them must have beard us before now.” “JT can see no light—no trace of an encamp- ment.” ‘*We are obliged to be prudent. You know what the country is: how thick and daring the horse-thieves are. We have some fine stock, and such needs to ,be, Seslously wuprded where gentry of that denomination a “They must have heard our approach, and have hidden or extinguished the I must give them the signal, or we may meet with a warmer reception than we care for!” She slipped from the horse to the ground, and gave utterance to a cry that brought back his suspicion like a flash—for it was peculiar note of the horned owl! The next instant a sereen of blankets was torn down from around a fire, upon which a handful of hay was cast, while the bright glare of a bull’s-eye lantern was turned full upon his face, almost blinding him. Mechanically he grasped his revolvers, but a soft, warm hand instantly rested upon his, and a well known voice uttered the words: ‘“*Have no fear—these are my friends, and yours!” No doubt these words were not without. theix
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influence, but as Lance gradually recovered the use of his eyes, he saw enough to tell him that if evil was really intended, he was helplessly entrapped. He saw that he was surrounded by armed men, nine in all, or all that were then visible. Though lounging against tree-trunks or stumps, with seeming carelessness, he could see that one or more could leap upon him before he could make a second movement in any direction. They were all rugged, resolute looking fel- lows, not especially calculated to shine in so- ciety, but awkward antagonists in a hand-to- hand struggle for life and liberty, A single glance showed him this, and with a ready coolness far beyond his years, ce ac- cepted the situation, relaxing his grasp upon his pistols, and leisurely alighting. ‘ ake the gentleman’s horse, Abe,” said a tall, rough-clad, but far from unhandsome man, Be op forward. “‘Tt’s a rather peculiar reception, this, stranger, but. when you have been bothered as much with horse-thieves as we have, you will under- stand it better.” “No offense taken where none is meant, I as- sure you,” replied Dainty Lance, with a care- less grace. ‘But I will not trouble you so far. Now that Miss Fair is among friends, I must net forget that I have an appointment in How- a — “At any rate, you must wait until I have kee with father—he must thank you,” said yrtle, gently drawing the bridle reins from his hand and motioning the man who had ad- vanced at the order, to lead the animal away. All this might easily be only a natural hogpi- tality, but though the youth made no objection, he felt more and more confident that all was not as it should be. With the one exception of the tall man whom Myrtle called father, the men looked more like horse-thieves than honest emigrants. And such, if not more, he set them down in his own mind, even while resolving to make the best of a bad affair, and meet cunning with cunning. Without appearing to do so, he noticed that the men s0 arranged it that he was kept con- stantly surrounded, and never for a moment beyond arm’s-length of atleast one of the party. Yet all was conducted with such quiet adroitness that, had not his suspicions been awakened b rk ga facts, he would hardly have noticed all this. With one exception, the men seemed good na- tured and even particula'ly glad to see him; that re, a short, powerfully buil) young man, dark and handsome as a Gipsy, only gave him short, surly responses, an ce smiled as he saw how often the moody fellow his eyes toward the spot where Myrtle Fair was earnestly conversing with her father. ‘*So-ho!” was his inaudible comment. ‘A jealous lover!” In this conclusion he was correct, but before he could pursue his observations further, Myr- tle’s father, whose name was Edward Fair, came forward and warml bis band. “My daughter has told me and I hardl know how to find words to sufliciently than ou-— “Then the best way would be not to try,” in Lance with an easy laugh. ‘And I pave ee more — repaid od the little I did, y pleasure o er acquaintance. and our ride hither.” t rae. are as generous as you are brave, ‘‘ Lancelot Daintree is my name, sir.” The r paused, amazed at the effect of his announcement. If he had introduced himself as his Satanic Majesty, the consternation writ- ten upon the faces about him could have been no ter. ut then the Gipsy-looking fellow strode for- ward and said: Sunten lie, curse you! Your name is Harry allou!’ The next moment his heels ‘flew up, and his head struck the earth. > CHAPTER I. A QUESTION OF IDENTITY. ‘ THERE was nothing mysterious about this sudden overthrow of the Gipsy-looking fellow, for even he saw it co: , though unable to es- —S— prompt retort to his fiery accusation. . ty Lance made one step forward as the jealous lover confronted him, thus bending the whole weight of his body to the swift, right- ed lunge that caught his insulter off his guard and knocked him so cleanly off his 1 that his head and shoulders first touched the yround, ten feet away, quietl t \ Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. The stroke sounded sharp and clear as the crack of a whip, and those standing nearest the young stranger, involuntarily drew back a pace or two, as though unwilling to receive a like compliment. Dainty Lance cast a quick glance around him, but if he was looking for an avenue of. es- cape, he must have seen that they were all closed, unless he chose to run the risk of dealing with powder and lead. Though fearless and‘ daring to a fault, Lance’ was nobody’s fool. He saw that he had been decoyed to this lonely spot for some ulterior purpose, and he knew that, did they cheese te so exert their their disposal. e would make the best fight possible in such an extremity, but weuld do nothing more to precipitate the crisis. These reflections occupied scarcely an instant, and with a cool composure remarkable in ene so young, Dainty Lance stood upon his guard, ready but as yet making no effort to draw a Tough knot, the Gipsy-lookin ough as a knot, the -looking young man quickly scrambled to hia fest, and draw- ing a long, venomous-looking knife, would have hurled himself upon Lance, only for the prompt action of Edward Fair. ** Easy, Dan Rowe!” he cried, authoritative- ly, his voice coming om his chest. up your weapon and bottle your wrath, or you'll have to deal with Hammer Fair!” Nor were his words unsupported by actions, His heavy hand closed upon the angry fellow’s — with a power held him motion- ess. ‘He struck me—I’ll have his heart's blood for that blow!” snarled Rowe, his eyes glowing like those of an infuriated wild beast. ‘*He served you right—” ‘Don’t spoil the gentleman’s sport,” inter- posed Dainty Lance, with a cool insolence that proved even more stinging than his words, ‘Give him his head, and I promise to convince you all that he is the liar he accused me of be- ing.” Fieitier Fair turned his head sharply and addressed, not Dainty Lance, but his men. “Close in on him, but remember what he is worth—” He paused, amazed. <A light form darted ast him and took up its position beside Dainty nee, a cocked revolver glistening in the red rays of the camp-fire. t was his daughter, whose voice rung out sharply: ‘* Keep your places, all! This Serr eeeme is under my protection,and any hand lifted against him is raised against me!” “You see what comes of trusting a silly, ro- mantic fool like Duck?’ grated Rowe, i his arm free from the grasp of the astonished father. ‘‘1 was against it from the first, but ‘es wouldn’t hearken toreason. His Goll’s tace made a fool of the girl—but he shall never live to boast of it! T’ll cut his heart out!” With a snarling curse he leaped forward, his knife uplifted, but then paused and involun- tarily recoiled. No single man could have cowed him, but the |) irl whom he loved with all the power of his ry, impetuous nature, confronted him with leveled revolver, stern determination written in every feature as she cried: “Back, Daniel Rowe! back, or by all the pomers above, I'll eool a mad blood by a ullet through the brain! Back, I say!” = ap « Lance stood a quiet and ly wholly disinterested spectator of the wild, pecu- liar scene. He knew now that his first suspicions had been well-founded; that he had been decoyed thither through a cunning scheme, for some evil agree But be knew, too, that be could not hope to successfully fight his way clear of such heavy odds. He. h:d made one bitter anor, and to counterbalance that was the un- deniable friendship of the fair decoy. The few words that had already been spoken, taken in connection with the amazement with which the leader of the party received the an- nouncement of his name, told the quick-witted youth that he had probably been mistaken for somebody else. And believing this, he decided upon a bold, daring course of action. With a quick, dexterous motion he grasped the pistol held by the girl, in such a manner as to prevent its explosion when from her grasp, saying: \ fe 5 Pa thanks, Miss Fair, but Iam not used to hide behind a petticoat when danger threa- tens me. If you please, I'll manage my part of this affair after my own fashion.” x At the same time Hammer Fair, as he had ‘ wer, his life was wholly at “ Put: “fo much time in idle talk.” 3 termed himself, once more seized the jealous lover, growling: % e another offer like that, and T’ll have you tied up, hand and foot, like a runaway schoolboy! Can’t you wait until we’ve got the truth out of him? Are we to lose all our time and trouble, just because you have taken a fool notion into your head? By the horns of the devil! I'm getting sick of your infernal tem- r. Perhaps it was this explosion of rage, or it may have been the action ofthe fair decoy that influenced Rowe. She appeared mortally of. fended by the cavalier manner in which Dainty Lance had treated her defense of him, and flounced away, her face burning hot. Let the cause be what it might, the angry lover im- mediately cooled down and returning his knife to its sheath, shook his arm free, and leaned inst an adjacent tree-trunk. nee coolly uncocked the weapon left in his hand by his offended defender, but still retain- 3 apenas of it while addressing Hammer air, ** You have a peculiar way of welcoming vis- itors. Do you insist upon furnishing every man a name of your own choosing, and then try to ae him in case he doesn’t fancy the substi- “Dan did act the fool, but you gave us a false name,” responded Fair, clearly taken aback by this.cool attack. ‘Dan did act the fool—I grant you that. He called me a hairy baboon, or something of the sort—” “Harry Ballou—your real name—we know you too well to be mistaken,” interposed the other, sharply. " My name is not Ha Ballou—never was— never will be. I am ncelot Daintree! I never even heard of the person you are mis- taking me for, before to-night.” The youth spoke deliberately, but with a ris- ing flush on his smooth, girlish cheek that be- ened a growing impatience. Hammer Fair stared at him steadily. The mer interchanged quick glances. The fair decey drew'a little nearer while a short, mock- ing laugh came from Rowe’s lips. We all have eyes and cansee. He thinks to bluff his way clear. No doubt he has scented our little game. But what’s the use of wasting Truss him up to a tree, and try a dose of hickory-oil!” From the murmur which came from the other men, it was clear that this blunt speech found an echo in their hearts, and Hammer Fair made use of the hint. “Yeu will have only yourself to blame if it comes to that, young man. For my part, I wish to treat you as generously as possible, consistent with the end we have in view. But you were decoyed here, that we might glean some important information from you. §& out plainly. Tell us what we wish to know, and as'soon as we can do so with safety to ourselves, you shall be set at liberty, to go where you will. Refuse—be obstinate, and you shall be made to speak out. You understand?’ During this deliberate speech, the brain of the youth addressed was more active than ever. this trouble weuld not have been under- taken for any light cause. The watching along the road, the pretended assault upon the decoy, the part she had played since, the precautions taken at the lonely camp—all this pointed to- ward mee oe | a eae he paar? to penetrate the mystery if possible, never giving a second thought to the danger he would be in- curring in thus playing with edged tools. _ He saw that they were fully convinced that he was the person called Harry Rallou, and he made up his mind to accept the position, though net’so suddenly as to arouse their suspicions, “I have told you my name. If you don’t choose to believe me, allright. That will not alter the truth. After all, I am not particular, h a stranger in this State, there are por- “tions of the country where my name is rather too well known for comfort or safety. Tl make a bargain with you. “TI frankly own that I am what is vulgarly known as ‘on the make’—nor am I over-particu- lar about details, so long as the # pte good. And, unless I mistake, you all pull oars in the ar eer boat. I can scent horse-dealers in the & *“Do you take us for horse-thieves?” sharply eried Fair. “If I have mistaken your line of business, I ask pardon,” resumed Dainty Lance, with a ' wave of his hand. ‘“ You may te road- agents, train-wreckers or bank-breakers; but that you are not of the fools called hene-t men,
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it needs no gift of prophecy to divine. I may be young, but I have been in the business too long to make a mistake of that kind.” ‘*Curse such nonsense!” cried Rowe, angrily. “Bring him to the point, Hammer Fair, or else turn him over to me.” ‘‘Take him at his word, and when I have thrashed him soundly, he'll know better than to speak when gentlemen are talking,” coolly ear the strange —_ : wift as a’panther leaping upon its long watched for prey, Daniel howe, fairly beside himself with rage, whipped forth his knife and darted upon his enemy. But the youngster had not spoken so confidently without possessing the ability to back up his words, and with an agile motion he evaded the descending blow, siipeialp under Rowe’s arm, kicking his feet from be- neath him, end at the same time dealing him a blow with the fist beneath his ear, so powerful that the fellow lay where he fell quivering like an ox felled in the shambles. The fair decoy had started forward at the on- set, but was too late to interfere before her lover was overthrown. “Tinker,” she cried, sternly, ‘‘ takeaway his weapons and stand by him. if he attempts to make any more trouble, tie him hand and foot. I order you.” “Do as Duck says,” uttered Fair, then turn- ing toward Dainty Lance with a still sterner air than before. ‘‘And you would do well to take a lesson by him. This is no child’s play. We have taken a great deal of pains to get you into our power, and we mean to be paid for our trouble and risk.” ‘* Beyond a horse and a few dollars in money— for | have no more—I don’t see where your pay is to come from, unless oo accept me as a re- eruit and stop it out of my first earnings,” laughed Lance, easily. “You play your part well, but luckily we have taken all necessary precautions. We can easily prove that you are the bird we intended to trap, And to prove what I say—Abe Tinker!” The man addressed turned his head, but did not leave Rowe, who was just beginning to recover his senses after that crushing stroke. ‘Who is this young man? What is his name?” “The son o’ the banker in Clayton. He pays out the money. They cal] him Harry ou,” was the prompt reply. Oné by one the other men were asked the same question, and each one returned substan- tially the same ans‘ver. ‘That should satisfy you that we know you, and that any further attempts to throw dust in our eyes will be labor spent in vain,” added Fair, triumphantly. During this interval, the brain of the youth had been busily at work, and he decided upon the course he should follow. Whether wisely or not, future events were to show. ‘*Mind you,” he said, slowly, ‘‘ I don’t admit that you are right. I don’t say that Iam Harry Ballou. But supposing I am, what right have you to decoy me here, and put me un eross- examination?” ‘The right of might, I reckon,” laughed Fair, evidently highly pleased by the turn affairs had taken. ‘‘But you need not be uneasy. You have nothing to fear beyond a brief detention— provided you are frank and truthful in your answers to a few questions.” “What are they?’ demanded Lance, shortly. ‘ Purely in the line of business. Weare - ing of opening a bank, and as you are a profes- sional, you can give us a few hints, per’ 4 chuckled Fair. “Tt is my turn to say—come to the point,” $e ety well. In the first place, how much money has your father got in his bank—in round numbers?” ‘““You mean Mr. Ballou? I can’t say, exact- ly, because I don’t know, but no doubt there is more than he can well afford to lose,” was the calm response. . ‘But not more than we can afford to win! And win it we shall, for you must tell us how the bank is secured; how the safe or vault is easiest opened; what shape the money is in; whether the building is ed inside or out on Sunday—to-morrow. In short, you must help us all you can to do this work—” This eager s b was cut short bya from no great distance; an imitation of the hoot of an owl, even less natural than that which had first aroused the suspicions of Dainty Lance, And quickly following the signal, an old man sor ol out from the darkness, the very picture of an rage and disappointment, His clothes were torn and soiled; his hat was gone, revealing a round head entirely destitute ee a eee of hair. In figure lean and wrinkled, in face a human vulture, Bs 2 emer !” cried eet Fair. ‘‘ What ) as gone wrong now “ Everything!” the old man, pointing a trembling claw at Dainty Lance. ‘ You’ve got the wrong oe ea pages ype oe ad e passed me in’the road—he esca us Curses on the foul luck!” CHAPTER III. ANOTHER LINK IN THE CHAIN. Harry BAaLLovu was the only son of Pierce Ballou, sole owner of the one banking-house which the solid little town of Clayton. The old gentleman laid the foundation of his present comfortable fortune by poten with Pierre Choteau, the giant of the Western fur trade, but when silk and felt began to over- shadow beaver, Ballou sold out and finally lo- cated in Clayton, where he set his thousands to breeding tens of thousands. But our business is not so much with him, as with his son, Harry Ballou. This young man served as cashier in his fa- ther’s bank, and was to be admitted as a full er into the concern on the day he attained majority. ; That lad. day—for more reasons than one— was only a few months distant in the future; and if ever a youth appeared to be the favorite of fortune, Harr ou was that individual. a only — he = into a ri rer ey at usiness, with a large income, but on the same day he was to wed with fair Rose Harvey —and it would be hard to find another youn fellow who was more thoroughly dese go such a double stroke of good fortune. But evil eyes were enviously fixed upon the bank and the wealth it contained, and after a long dallying with temptation, Bald Bisbee en- tered into communication with Edward Fair, whom he had been intimate with in days gone by, and set the train in motion that was to startle the entire country, and furnish the ma- terial for this story. The old sinner did his work seg ne as far as lay in his power. Having no funds with which to open a banking account, he could learn nothing definite concerning the interior arrangements or workings of the bank, for old Ballou would not tolerate even genteel loafers inside his doors, let alone a disreputable sot like Bald Bisbee. Rose Harvey lived in Howard, a small town a dozen or more miles from Clayton, and ever since their engagement, it was the custom of H Ballou to ride over there on Saturday evenings, returning on Monday morning in time to occupy his place in the bank. It was Bald Bisbee’s idea to waylay and cap- ture Harry Ballou while on his way to visit his lady-love; to extort, by torture if other means failed, the information deemed essential to the complete success of their plans; then to break into the bank on Saturday or Sunday night. Butit was Myrtle Fair—or ‘‘ Duck” as she was better known among her friends, the nickname being a very common one in Mis- souri and other Southern States—who elaborat- ed the idea, on learning that Harry Ballou was a brave, chivalrous youth. There can be but little doubt concerning the complete success of her adroit planning, had not an unforeseen event preserved Harry Ballou from the snare into which his “ double” fell. At the usual hour, Harry left the bank and hastened home to pre for his customary trip, while Bald Bis urried out of town to e sure that his ambuscade was properly placed. Had the old sinner been a few minutes later, the whele course of this record would have been pecrey my and papery d Lance might have pur- sued his journey without interruption from the bank-breakers, for in that brief epape of time it was known through the town that the fine, half- bred horse belonging to Harry Ballou had either strayed or stolen. A brisk search was set on foot, a foir reward offered for the missing animal, for it was a high favorite with the banker’s son, and in hopes of its being found in time for his journey, he wait- ed until dark. Then, hearing nothing favor- able, he one another horse and set out on peiaen ing then four miles behind Lancelot in He had scarcely cleared the outskirts of — ton, when he met a citizen of Howard with whom he was well acquainted. This was John Steuben, a well-to-do farmer, a horse-dealer and the chief of the V: Committee, or- ganized expressly for purpose of hunting down and Gack up the numerous horse- thieves that infested the State. This man had long coveted and often sought to either trade for or purchase ’s favorite horse, and had been laughingly given the ‘re- fusal of the animal. hie at ‘tea mene Har- ry, in no v good humor, charging him with breakin Sareord: since he bad met a stranger iding that very horse, only a few minutes be- ore. ‘*T jest ketched a glimp’ o’ him as he passed the Forks,” he added. ‘I knowed the horse in a minnit, an’ tuck the man to be you, ontel I see you jest now.” arry gow } made known what had hap- pened, and they jumped to the conclusion that the thief must be making for Howard, no doubt ignorant that the horse was quite as well known there as its master. “Some o’ the boys’ll be sure to notice the hoss, an’ they ’ll either ketch the critter trippin’ in his a’count o’ how he come by the hoss, or else they'll give him the hint o’ danger, un- knowin’ly, when he’ll skin out o’ thar soon’s the law ’lows him to. Anyway, there’s bound to be fun, an’ work fer us, so here goes back with ye.”’ Ballou was nothing loth, for deeply as he was in love, the loss of his favorite horse was sorely felt, and he eagerly jumped at the faint chance of its recovery. With a brisk spur they rode on, just reaching the forks of the road when they met Bald Bis- bee, who was bastening back to Clayton to show himself in his usual haunts, in order to guard against any suspicion falling eee bim when the events of that evening should be made gen- erally known. He it was who, his nerves unsteadied by the magnitude of the stake for which he was play- ing, uttered the a m signal that the ame had passed his ambush—the quavering Foot of the hortied’owl, his imperfect imitation of which first aroused the suspicions of Lancelot Daintree that mischief was brewing. It may be stated here that Dainty Lance was also the horseman seen by John Steuben; that whatever else he might be, he was no horse- thief, nor was he riding the missing animal be- longing to Harry Ballou. By one of those remarkable coincidences which sometimes occur, Dainty ce was as perfect a counterfeit of Ha Ballou as was his horse of the one usually ridden by the banker’s son. Seen tely, they would have been con- founded by intimate acquaintances, and even when side by side the resemblance would have been remarkable, though there were nearly four ears difference in the ages of the two persons. arry looked less than h yk Lance ap- peared fully as much older t he really was. The near resemblance deceived Bald Bisbee, who had known Harry Ballou for years, and at his signal, ‘‘ Decoy Duck” admirably played the part of beauty in distress. The old man followed them until he saw that their bold ruse had fully succeeded, then set out for Clayton, -, to meet Harry Ballou on the road, free as air Even the gloom could not conceal the great dismay and confusion into which the old rascal was thrown by this encounter with one whom he had felt confident was at that very moment a risoner in the hands of the bank-robbers, but Fatry overlooked the matter in his eager ques- tioning, and John Steuben attributed it to his position as the head of the Vigilantes. The sight of this important official warned Bald Bisbee that he was not entirely free from suspicion, and enabled him to return sufficient answers to the flood of questions poured upon him. He had been passed by a horseman some min- utes before, whom he mistook for the banker’s son. This was enough to assure the pursuers that the horse-thief had ridden on to Howard, and they set out again at a rapid rate, eager to reach the end. : “ Don’t know but what we'd ’a’ bin smarter ef we'd ’a’ pumped that old cuss closter,” grunted Steuben, in a doubting tone. “* He acted mighty skeery fer a honest man. "Tain’t no two-to-one he didn’t know the thief, an’ didn’t give him a hint to steer coat 0’ ae “The old fellow was more drunk than fright- ened. I could hardly make out the werds he spoke. I hardly think there is any real harm in the poor old sucker.” The reader knows how far both were from the truth. And it may be mentioned here, that as soon as Bald Bisbee could collect his scattered senses sufficiently to fully understand the magnitude of the mistake he and his allies had committed, he made all haste to the wood-
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land camp of the bank-robbers, in hopes of re- | pairing the error. That night-ride of Harry Ballou’s seemed fated to be continually interrupted, for he and his comrade had not ridden more than three miles after leaving Bald Bisbee, when a dark figure stepped briskly into the road before them, where the right moonlight shone full into his face. By consequence, the faces of the horsemen were cast into the shadow, ai their shapes and figures were clearly outlined. “T jotted your gittin’ yer to-night, Lance,” cried the stranger, in a glad, cheerful tone, as the horsemen pulled up their animals in order to avoid riding over the person. ‘‘’Peared like I knowed ye was comin’—” . ““Quess you’ve made a mistake, stranger,” cried the banker’s son, sharply. ‘There’s no one here by the name of Lance—” ‘But that ain’t sayin’ we don’t know an’ cain’t tell you all ye want to know about your mate,” hastily interposed Steuben, giving Harry a covert punch of warning. ‘‘ But to make sure our Lance is your Lance, give us the rest o’ his name an’ ockepation.” The chief of Vigilantes was entirely competent to put two and two together, and the moment the stranger—whose beardless face and changing voice betrayed his youth—ad Harry Ballou so confidently, he remembered that the rson riding—as he supposed—the missing orse had been mistaken for the banker’s son by both himself and Bald Bisbee. And remember- ing this, he believed that the youth now before them was in some manner connected with the horse-thief. ‘“Spect I’ve made a durn fool 0’ myself,” uttered the stranger, with a sort of sheepish laugh, ‘‘Beg yer pardon, gentlemen, but the light was on yer backs, and that gray hoss looks powerful like the one Lance was to ride, or I wouldn’t ’a’ made such a p’izen mistake.” John Steuben was taken considerably aback by these unexpected words, The stolen horse was a blood-bay, while the gray horse alluded to was his own saddle nag. But he rallied sufficiently to add: “You didn’t answer my question; Lance who?” “Jest Lance,” was the prompt mse. ““Wepore whites cain’ta’ford to give our niggers more’n one name,” “Nigger!” ejaculated Steuben, his last hope fleeing. 5 aS y’ar old come next grass— white wool—one eye gone —rides a white hoss—” The chief of Vigilantes uttered an oath of vexation at having wasted so much time on a false scent, and gave his horse the spur so furiously that it dashed away at full nearl nhc omge the stranger, who esca onl a nimble si eleep. Ballou followed rapidly, leaving the stranger after them in mingled doubt and anxiety. That was the last interruption, however, until the little town of Howard was reached. During the latter portion of this ride, they talked the matter over, and Harry decided to lace the matter entirely into the hands of his riend, naming the reward he was willing to pay for the recovery of his property. On his part Steuben was to the word around to the members of the Vigilance Com- mittee, and after a thorough search of the town, if the stolen animal was not found, to scour the country around in quest of it. Harry gg 5 paused long enough at the hotel to have his horse stabled and his cus- tomary room, then hastened to the house where his betrothed lived. Rose Harvey was anxiously awaiting his coming, for in the absence of a message statin the contrary, she knew that H would no fail in coming, unless something serious had oc- His reception was warm enough to have satis- fied the most exacting lover, for Rose, though poms and modest, was no prude when once her ove had been fairly won. And she had full faith that Harry was one in every way worthy of her virgin heart. An admirable match, so everybody said, and for once vitae! Saag was correct, Sais Rose was two years younger Harry, a rfect brunette, somewhat pote the medial ght, but with a form as admirably shaped and proportioned as that of Queen Mab herself. Like Harry, the only child of loving parents, well todo in the matter of this world’s ee her love was fully sanctioned by them, an thus far not a single cloud had marred their courtship. Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. | 5 Harry Ballou was, as before stated, nearly Tall, erect and graceful, he stood there, sur- twenty-one years of age, though looking several ears younger. He was tall and slender, hough his broad shoulders gave promise of a more athletic form as he grew in years. His face was smooth and guiltless of beard as any maiden’s. His long yellow hair hung in ring- lets almost down to his shoulders; his eyes were blue as heaven itself; his features regular, though quite strongly enough marked to remove from them the charge of effeminacy, and form- ed a face far handsomer than is often to be found among his sex. This description, despite the discrepancy in age, applies perfectly to the young adventurer, Dainty Lance. ae Ballou did not remain late with his be- trothed, being afflicted with a painful sick-head- ache, which experience told him could only be slept off, and after an affectionate adieu, dur- ing which he promised to come over in the morning immediately after breakfast, the lover returned to the hotel—the only one in the vil lage, by the way—where he found John Steu- ben awaiting his coming. “The critter we want, hain’t nowhars in town, nur yit he hain’t bin here,” the chief of Regula- tors ‘began when he and Harry were her in a retired corner of the large office. ‘‘ t- ways, nobody hain’t see’d nothin’ o’ the hoss, an’ don’t reckon the thief hes bin smart enough to trade him off this airly.” “Then he must have around, or else turned off before reaching this place,” said Harry, a little sourly. ‘I may as well say good-by, first as last, to Marmion.” “Weill set out at daybreak, ef he don’t come me 5 2 ‘And come back as you go—for luck seems against you regulators, John,” retorted Harry, Byowots But little more passed between the two, for Harry’s headache kept growing worse, and only pausing to register his name, he passed up-stairs to his room. Steuben, no whit disconcerted by the well- founded quip of his young friend, left the hotel and passed into the adjoining building, which was occupied on the ground floor as a bar-room and billiard hall. Ashe entered, he made a covert signal, and two men immediately arose from the card table and left the saloon. They were members of the band of Regulators, and understwod that they were to relieve their chief from bis watch upon the hotel and its stable. Fee that he had done eve ing he could, under the circumstances, until the new day should dawn, Steuben challen; a friend pre- sent to a game of billiards, and having full con- fidence in his subordinates, the worthy chief cast aside all care, and passed a most enjoyable two hours. At the end of that time, one of the men de- by to nee the hotel, ype ben and called for a glass o r, making a secret signal which ie ape paar 80 observe, uddenly ing an important en men he abandoned his almost won game, ona eft the saloon, being almost immediately joined by his Spy. ‘* What's up now?” he demanded in a hurried ib rk ‘“*The hoss stands yonder, hitched afore the door. The man as rid it, Hong with another critter, hes gone inside.” Smothering an oath of exultation, Steuben hastened to where the two horses were standing before the hotel, and made a hasty examination. Though the shade trees intercepted the rays of the d:scending moon, Steuben felt confident that one of the animals was indeed the stolen horse, and sent the man with him to hurriedly collect half a dozen of the Regulators, in order to make the canture of the thief a matter beyond doubt. During this brief interval, he stood over the horses, resolved to take the thief sin- le-handed, in case he should attempt to leave © hotel before reinforcements arrived, But this attempt was not made, and followed by his men, Steu ascended the steps and en- tered the hotel. : CHAPTER IV. PLAYING WITH EDGED TOOLS, THE consternation which followed the ex- cited announcement of Bald Bisbee that the wrong man had been captured, was so great that if Dainty Lance had chosen to make the attempt, he could have fled under cover before a hand or weapon could have been raised to check him. But apparently were) was further from his mind than the idea of flight, rounded by the bank-robbers, an amused smile playing around his short upper lip as he noted the result of the thunderbolt cast into their midst by the agitated old sinner. er Fair was among the first to recover his wits, and with a swift step forward, his heavy hand closed firmly upon the shoulder of Dainty Lance. * Who are you, boy? What trick have you mys trying to play off on us?” he uttered, stern- y: ‘‘T am Lance Daintree, as I told you from the very first,” coolly replied the youth. ‘“ But you wouldn’t have it so. You had made up your mind that I was somebody else; so much so that I found myself obliged to knock down one of our number for insisting that I was a hairy boon, or some such outlandish animal.” “ But at the last—you acknowledged it—” “Not exactly,” interposed Lance, with a lightlaugh. ‘‘I saw that you were all deter- mined to make me out somebody else, and as I didn’t care particularly about thrashing you all, one after another, I simply favored your hallu- cination by asking what would be the conse- uencesif my {name was really Harry Ballou. t the same time I -warned you that I did not admit being the person you took me for.” “That plea, cunning as you seem to think it, will serve you little, young fellow,” said Fair, his heavy brows contracting darkly. ‘‘ You have heard too much—” “Then tell me more,” interrupted Dainty Lance, with a cool audacity that seemed ess. ‘This blunder may turn gut to be one of the wisest moves you ever made. “ As Isaid before, Iam out of work, just now, and on the look-out for a job which combines amusement with good pay. You have seen enough to-night to know that Iam no infant, but if you still doubt my being man enough for your business, I am willing to stand any and all tests of strength or skill which you may pro- pose. - “He is a spy—he only wants time to betray us!” growled Daniel Rowe, arising from the ground with some little difficulty. ‘*T haven’t learned you to hold your tongue while men are speaking?’ cried Dainty Lance 8 ly. ‘The third time I am forced to soil ay. ands with you, will be the last—remember that! Daniel Rowe was no coward, and though he had been wholly disarmed by Abe Tinker, ac- cording to orders, he rushed headlong upon his tantalizi enemy, from whom is would doubtless have received punishment even great- a i before,. had not Hammer Fair inter- ered. Springing between the two, he closed with Rowe, twisting him to the ground as a child might bend over a reed, then turned sharply upon the independent youngster. “As for you, put a guard over your tongue or I will have you bound and gagged. and your weapons over to Tinker, and consider yourself a prisoner until we can decide what d tion to make of you.” ntil now, the outwerd appearance of the are had been that of one engaged in an amus- ng masquerade, rather than in #nadventuie where his life might pay the forfeit of his av- dacity, but at these words the smile vanished from his lips, his features grew stern-set, while a ae glitter filled his blue eyes. With a quick, sidelong leap, he reached and —— his back against the tree-trunk where iel Rowe had stood, ct the same time draw- ing a revolver with each hand. His voice was and menacing as he said: **No one man can take them, nor your whole company, until after they have eaten the con- tents! / Beyond a doubt the attempt would have been made, and it is equally certain that bloodshed would have followed before the dauntiless youth could be either disarmed or killed, but before Hammer Fair could utter the words that trem- bled on his tongue, Decoy Duck reached his side and made an appeal that turned the scale. “ Better a live friend than adead enemy,” sho said, in tones loud enough for all tohear. “Ho is ready to join the band, and where would you find a better or a braver ally? If you mako an enemy of him, you must either kill him, or abandon the plan which has already cost us so much time and trouble. Besides,” she lowered her veice so that the ears of her father alono could oe oo rst ma Ars > time enou strike when you know be is playing ars Swear him in, and I will watch his every movement. It is the surest plan.” Hammer Fair pushed her aside, then con.
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SSS Se ee ee G. ee ee re oe ores —— a Dainty Lance, _ the he Boy Sport. Sport SS ee fronted Dainty Lance, who still stood on his | Sappho with pistols ready for use, but_the chief d recognized the wisdom of Decoy Duck’s ar- guments, and made a_ gesture indicating peace. “You heard what my daughter said: are you willing to become one of us, to take the oath of fidelity to perform faithfully the duties as- signe you?” he demanded. ‘I said so from the very first,” was the cold response. ‘Iam still willing to join you, but not because I am afraid; if any of you have that idea—” ‘“Whatever else me may be, you are no coward,” interrup Fair, speakin frankly and extending his hand like one who did not yield his confidence half-way. Decoy Duck nodded slightly, and Dainty Lance replaced his weapons, then grasped the proffered member. Everybody a Ss pomertn relieved and satisfied by this manner of settli ng a delicate point, save Daniel Rowe, who yielded his hand reluctantly, growling surlily ; mg as you prove square, there can’t be — oonr uarrel between us, but I give you warn- ing at I mean to keep an eye on you. I don’t eve hen are what you ao I believe you are » aying a part, and t ou will betray us at the first opportunity. But mind. I'm watching you, and at the first false move, I’m down on ye!” “You've been down on me twice, already, but I don’t feel much the worse for wear. Bet ter luck to you, ne time,” retorted Dainty Lance, laughing easily During is scene Bald Bisbee had been fidget- ing around as though resting on needles, utter- ing an occasional grow] at such waste of precious time, but not until now could he manage to se- cure the attention he coveted. He explained how it chanced that he had made the unlucky mistake of sounding the sig- nal for the ——- of Dainty Lance, and not one of his auditors could blame him, since the — fatal resemblance had deceived them as we ““T, for one, am very glad that the old man made the mistake,” said Decoy Duck, softly, an upward glance from her dark eyes emphasizin her words most pleasantly to the ears for whic they were intended. Not that Dainty Lance was in love with the dashing beauty of the wild woods, or even fancied he was. He was no sentimental fool, nor had he been raised in a hot-house, like the perfumed dandies of citydom, who are blase at his age and old men at twen But he was flattered by the unconcealed interest which Decoy Duck took in him, and thus found one more excuse for the course he had hastily de- cided on of all D Perhaps of all, Dainty Lance felt the stron- gest interest in his “double,” of whom he never heard before this ni, ht, and as he began to divine the bold plans of he bank robbers, he generously resolved to do all he could to baffle them and aid his counterfeit. He never gavea _-second thought to the personal peril he might be incurring, in thus playing with edged tools, until it was too late for him to retreat from the line he had marked out and fairly entered upon. Me was now a sworn member of a band of bank-robbers, one at least of whom would ro pains to catch him tripping, and ano = . whom was already making furious love to him. On the whole, Dainty Lance ar to suspec’ that this time he had fairly ‘‘ put foot in it. ae Still, he gave no outward signs of discom- posure, and with a malicious desire to annoy Daniel Rowe, he met the cordial advances of Decoy Duck more than half-way, and soon found hiuself making furious love to one for whora he did not care a row of brass pins. The girl, too, was assuming far more warmth pass she really felt, doubtless having the same laudable end in view, but she was not so busy that she could not follow the thread of Bald Visbee’s story, and at its end she put in an ob- servation that was fated to strongly influence tue future of every character then present, “‘You say that Harry Ballou has gone on to Woward. What is there to hinder us from fol- lowing him, and taking him captive foarte We i:now where he puts up. We can smuggle him out of the hotel, or we can wait and watch our chance to-morrow. He and his lady-love will stroll out together, or else take a ride or drive, Hither way we can capture him, and finding out what we wish, open the bank on Sunday nitht.” ?- snhap Te discussicn followed, during which Dainty Lance strongly favored the pl lieving he saw a chance of putting Harry lou upon his guard, without too pele wing his hand. Of course none of the party knew that the Regulators were afoot, for Bisbee had been too utterly dumbfounded at the appearance of Harry Ballou, to pay much attention to the uestions asked him, and had not mentioned the act of the stolen or missing horse. It was finally decided to act upon the plan pro d by Decoy Duck, who immediately oped away to prepare for the part pete A little comforted by the brightened aire Bald Bisbee took his departure and pre ne back to the town, in order that suspicion might not be directed toward him, thus injuring omen as @ spy and secret ally of the bank-rob- be Decoy Duck soon made her rhen dressed in masculine garments whic Saeasty suited her style of beauty, dark ce iant, She would have aroused no mune oen of being other than an unusually handsome bo 7: Despite his knowledge of what she iaya Moe the daughter and companion of crime- ed felons, a willin soermenegn in their hands—as the she ady played in that ni ts work clearly tae —Dainty Lance fel heart beat fast with growing admiration, and his cheek flush warmly as the girl stood before him in silence, waiting for his judgment on her mas- querade ade dress. At the same time Lance saw Daniel Rowe standing not far off, Sheehy enOb ne them, and this weed ee to steel wham and lightly ress the ri that shone so temptingly 4 the firelight. a lige It was a Soolish act, considering all the cir- Somers One was to bring its own inp men , and oe toniaian y Duck shrunk awa: a feeling of timidity. qe Lance knew snips of all this. The kiss was given as a defiance to the jealous lover, in return for his threat; and as Rowe turned silently away without the expected outburst of roger age 1 ep all oe matter in aoe w accompanied their preparations for the road. re were nine men in the company besides the chief, Decoy Duck and Dainty Lance. Al- though it was not at all likely that the entire force would be required on the present occasion, since stratagem was to be emploseds it was deemed best to have them all within call in case some unexpected emergency should arise. To avoid exciting suspicion, in case they should meet any travelers along the road, the band was divided into four equa portions, with instruc- tions to ride separately, but all meet just before reaching the town, Father, daughter and the new recruit led the way. This was the choice of Decoy Duck, for Hammer Fair was in favor of havin Daniel Rowe with him, but Duck, in an aside, gave him reasons which satisfied him. “Dan is too hot-headed for delicate work; be- sides, he has been in this part of the countr before, and might be recognized. Better the r than your right-hand man. And, then, I prefer keeping an eye upon him.” If there was more than appeared upon the sur- face in this opinion, Hammer Fair not dis- cover it, and yielded to the ar, ents of Duck, = ne ere did whenever she was really in THe yielded all the more readily that there was really little or no danger to be apprehended in the duty which Decoy Duck had assigned herself. Through Bald Bisbee, they had learned that Harry Ballou. stopped at the hotel while in Howard, and it was to make sure that he had not ridden on with Steuben, whom they knew was chief of the Regulators, that this visit was to be paid. A glance at the hotel register would settle that point, when they could complete their plans at their leisure. Leaving Hammer Fair on the outskirts of the village to await the gathering of the band, D eoy Dvek and Dainty Lance rode merrily on \ ~ together. hacen one of them dreaming of the terrible Dainty ce was resolved to warn his “double” of the plotting against the bank, but could think of no certain mode of doing so, with- out knowing more of the surrounding circum- stances. But he played his part so well that Decoy Duck never suspected what project was Be ing his mind. otel was reached, the riders alighted and hitehed their horses beneath the shade trees, then entered the building. The clerk eyed Dainty Lance with evident surprise, and that worthy laughed in his sleeve at the mystification, for he knew that he was taken for Harry Ballou Decoy Duck played her part well, and was leisurely rigs over the register, "when the door opened and the Regulatorsentered, John Steuben at their head. In an instant the quick-witted girl divined that mischief of some kind was brewing, from the strange looks with which the half.a-dozen Regulators ~! ed herself and companion, but be- fore she could give Dainty Lance a warning word or look, Steuben spoke: “ Which one o pou owns that bay hoss hitch- ed out yonder—the one with the Mexican sad- dle?” Dainty Lance turned around in surprise at this unceremonious salutation, and without noticing the warning glance and gesture of hig fair companion, answered, quite as bluntly: “‘Tdo. What concern is it of yours?” “That’s a stolen hoss—you’re the thief, an’ my ‘gail eried Steuben, sternly, springing But before his heavy hand could alight upon the astonished adventurer, Decoy Duck thrust a revolver almost agate his temple, and sent a bullet through his brain! CHAPTER V. A TRANSFORMATION SCENE. Tris desperate deed was accomplished so sud- denly and was so wholly unexpected, that the onlookers seemed literally petrified with horror and amazement. “Shoulder to_shoulder—make a rush for ba door!” uttered Decoy Duck in a clear, sh whisper that penetrated the brain of ‘Dainty Lance like a knife. ‘‘ Once outside and on of horses, we can on ey at them—but if they pen us in here, we will be butchered!” Though rapidly spoken, there was not the re- motest trace of fear or trembling in these words, and even in that moment, when their lives hung upon a thread, Dente Lance caught bim- self wondering what must have been the strange training that taught this young girl such won- pvekger self-possession d scenes of blood and arti that hurried whisper produced its de- sired effect. Dainty Lance saw that John Steuben was dead poh his body measured its length upon the floor, and pears Mc told pm that a bloody re- tribution would be exacted by the friends of the slaughtered man, ae they could effect their by gtd y mt Clear the road pr te cried. Sony, ties one arm around the waist of Decoy sents ing toward the door. ‘The man who tries the way, dies like a dog!” Fe held a revolver in his right hand, but made no attempt to use it as the astonished men a passa ch fell back from before him, leaving clear to the outer door; but not so rials in store. Desay She ocnad — with a devil that her to slay and spare not, and twice during that brief passage to the door, her pistols spoke with deadly intent, if not effect. Each time Dainty Lance foiled her aim by a uick jerk, causing the bullets to expend their orce upon the insensate walls instead of living flesh and blood, but this served to delay them, and waste several precious moments, The sounds of firing attracted attention with- out, and eager to learn the cause, ee adjoining saloon was em tied, the men rushing up the steps and bursting into the hotel, jest F time to cut off the retreat of Decoy Duck and Dainty Lance -: Keep close bebind me, and all will go well!” cried the youth, his courage rising to meet the emergency. He knew that rh ure now would mean almest certain death, yet be could not bring himself to use his revolvers other than as clubs to open a passage to their horses, With a power and force that were amazing, Dainty Lance assaulted the new-comers fairs, they cook realize the actual state of affairs
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Snocking them over like so many nine-pins be- fore a well-bowled ball, and clearing the door- ven by enn But then he heard a half- choked cry behind him, and turning his head, he saw Decoy Duck down upon one knee, her ankle in the grasp of one of the men knocked over by his furious onset. Had his companion been one of his own sex, Dainty Lance, after such a rash and foolhardy opening of hostilities, would have left him to shift for himself, as a single active leap would suffice to carry him down the steps to his good horse, and once in the saddle, he would have been comparatively safe, but he could not de- sert a woman, foolish and criminal though her actions had been, Two blows in swift succession toppled over his nearest foemen, then Dainty Lance dashed his foot into the face of the man who still clutched Duck by the ankle hurling him along the floor, bleeding and senseless. Ten he raised the form of the girl in his arms, ana ran swiftly down the steps, placing her in the saddle with a mighty exertion, cutting the halter close to the its. At this moment, a pistol was fired from the top of the steps, and with a sharp cry, Dainty Lance staggered and fell against the shoulder of the alarmed horse, completing its fright, and sending it down the street at a mad pace, De- oor Duck, half-unconscious, clinging mechani- chore pail f mingled triumph and i ry yells of min umph an vengeatiog this men rushed forth and pounced upon the fallen outh, each one eager to deal him a blow, and not their eagerness defeat- ed itself by forming such a confused heap over the prostrate body, there can be little doubt but that would have ended the earthly career of the young adventurer. Harry Ballou was aroused by the fearful tumult, and rightly attributing it to the cause in which he had enlisted the services of John Steuben and the Regulators, he hastily pulled on his pants and boots, then rushed down stai = in time to notice the fall of the sup; Tomek turally quiet and ful, wh ough na et an ce when once aroused the Satiber's son wen teal as a lion, and unwilling to stand by while murder was being done upon even a criminal of the deepest dye, he rushed into the melee, and soon aucseeded in bringing the men to their sober senses, Clearing themselves, they picked up Dainty Lance, who was insensible, quite as much from the effects of the suffocating prennd ba him, as from the pistol shot, and carried up into the hotel: Here Tim Farrer, a stalwart settler of Irish descent, and who had been second in command of the Regulators, assumed the control of the case, calling to his aid those ees to the organization and peremptorily clearing the room of all outsiders, with one exception. Ballou, though no Regulator, was suf- fered to remain, being the owner of the stolen horas and thus, ina manner, the public prose- cutor. This done, attention was directed toward the fallen chief, for the first time, but a brief exami- nation of his person speedily proved him beyond all earthly aid. The hand of Decoy Duck had been all too true. Her bullet had passed through the brain of John Steuben, shattering his skull in a frightful manner. en this result was made known by those who conducted the examination, a deep, deadly murmur arose that showed what scant mercy the esses need expect at the hands of bis captors. rry Ballou sbuddered and turned pale, brave as he undoubtedly was, and sorely re- retted that he had not suffered the loss of his nang favorite thoug! it was, rather than have the blood of this youth, so strangely like himself, resting upon his conscience. Feeling as though he would suffocate in that closed room, he made an excuse to leave it for a few moments, using the horse still standing out- side as a pretext. Several of the Regulators bore him company and there was no little excitement occasioned among them and the motley crowd which had collected before the hotel, by his positive A 3 sertion that there had been a terrible mist 4 mor age the horse was not the one owned by nim Py. The resemblance was as remarkable as the one existing between the young men them- selves, but Harry soon pointed out the absence of several minor marks that distinguished his own horse, and conviction followed. Filled with a new hope by this important discovery, Harry Ballou returned to the hotel and e it known. ‘“‘That proves he is no horse-thief!” he cried eagerly, ‘‘ He was wrongfully assailed, and committed no sin in defending his life. You must let the poor fellow go free!” Tim Farrer pointed nen, toward the corpse of John Steuben, lying in a pool of its own blood. “Life for life!” he enunciated in a deep, solemn tone. ‘‘ As good and true a man as ever lived, lies yonder dead, assassinated while in the discharge of hissworn duty. His blood would haunt us night and day, were we to suffer his aay to escape our vengeance!” deep, sullen murmur ran around the room. Toattempt choking these men off, would be like robbing a tigress of her whelps! “But there was another man,” edgar Ballou, reluctant to yield while the ghost ofa hope remained, ‘‘ He may have been the one to fire the fatal shot. Who saw it all?” There were at least half a dozen present who had been witnesses of the entire scene, but the majority of them had been roughly handled during the rush made by Dainty ce and Decoy Duck in the effort to escape, and when Farrer called upon them to bear witness, they had but one story to tell between them. Whether they had been unable to distinctly see which hand had fired the shot that laid John Steuben low in death, or whether they were not unwilling to perjure themselves in order to avenge the hard knocks the present prisoner had dealt them, can only be conjectur- ed, but certain it is that they one and all swore te Bray that Dainty Lance discharged the eath-shot. The hotel clerk knew better, for, from his ition he had a side view of the whole affair, ut he was a timid sort of creature who always floated with the current, and on being appealed to, said that he could not safely swear to the one who had fired the first shot, He consoled his conscience with the reflection that this was the truth as far as it went; for surely it was not safe for him to flatly contradict the sworn evidence of those five rough, heavy- fisted fellows! Dainty Lancé had recovered his consciousness while this investigation was under way, but he held his ysis knowing that whatever he might say wo oe only enrage the Regulators still more im, e watched Harry Ballou with a peculiar in- terest, not only because he was interesting him- self in his welfare, but for the extracnfinary likeness which existed between them, How- ever matters might turn out, he was not so that he had attempted to do his “‘ double ” aser- vice. Harry Ballou did not yield easily, though he now saw that he was fighting hopelessly against fate, What little chance there might have been for the prisoner, was utterly destroyed by this false pitneesing. Even Tim Farrer at length grew impatient, and told Harry that he would save trouble by quietly leaving the room. “The boys are growing angry, and you may get roughly handled,” he added, in an under- tone. “You can do nothing here. If an angel from heaven should come down to bear witness in his favor and plead for his life, it would be breath spent in vain. John Steuben was mur- dered, and his slayer must hang—that’s flat!” Harry realized the truth thus told, and his head was now aching as though his brain would burst. He had done all he could, and witha last pitying glance at the prisoner, he wearily left the room. Tim Farrer had not spoken too strongly. Dainty Lance was already doomed to death, and the Regulators were panting with their eagerness to avenge upon him the death of their idolized chief. More as a form to quiet his own conscience than from any doubt as to the answer he would receive, the newly promoted chief put the mo- mentous question: guilty or not guilty? The verdict and sentence came in breath: é oy of murder—to be hanged on Gallows a No one thought of asking when the dread sentence should be carried out. The Regulators never allowed their resolutions time to cool. Me snag sentence and execution went all to- gether. With « wild, fierce growl that plainly told those without what was Const, the Regulators jerked their prisoner to his feet, half a dozen strong hands grasping his person. the same Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport, — ee NNN at ct va The door was flung parted and made way through. Dainty Lance quietly yielded to the impulse given to him, but there was no trace of fear upon his pale, blood-stained features. He knew that any present attempt atescape would be worse than useless. At best he would be roughly handled and bound. But still he did not despair. He coolly bided his time, watch- ing for a more favorable opportunity to make a desperate dash for liberty. e could not have been cooler, but he might have felt more confidence, had he known t there was one true friend—a heart of goki— among bis enemies. The Gallows Oak—the name explains itself— stood not eS half a mile out of town, and the’ yelling, bloodthirsty crowd were not long im covering the distance, There were few preliminaries. A huge bon- fire was kindled, both to give light to the execu- tioners, and permit the crowd to see the whole affair, then a long rope was tossed over the stout, horizontal limb beneath which the doom- ed youth stood, and Tim Farrer fitted the noose around his neck. As the men who had held him, darted away, eager to do their part in swinging him inte eternity, Dainty Lance, believing that this was his only chance of escaping a shameful death, dually turned around so as to nearly face im Farrer, his muscles steeled to the d attempt, but then he hesitated, for his eyes rested upon a face he knew well. A short, oar form, clad in buckskin and woolen, pressed through the crowd, crying: pen the excited crowd or the company to pass “That knot ‘ll slip, Mr. Farrer! At the fust ull, the p’izen critter ll be loose and away Noni ye!” : Taken by surprise, the amateur hangman suaf- fered the bold intruder to snatch the noose from his hand, and fling it clear from the throat of Dainty Lance! “Run fer it! take kiver, Lance!” cried the young fellow, and as he spoke, his right hand rose and fell, driving a long, keen bowie-knife to the very haft in the broad chest of the Regu-. lator, who flung up his arms and fell backward, without a groan, heart cloven in twain! CHAPTER VL A FRIENDSHIP TRUER THAN STEEL. THOUGH retrospective glances are generally” unpleasant ones, and liked by neither reader nor writer, at the present stage of this stery, such becomes absolutely necessary. Perhaps it would have been better for beth John Steuben and H Ballou, if they had not so lightly accepted the explanation givem by the young fellow who brought them to a halt in their rapid ride to Howard. But they were not the only persons deceived on that night. of strange events. With the moon shining upon his back, as he stood gazing after the two bei swine the young fellow uttered a low, unconscious sigh of per- plexity and apprehensivn. Not on his own account, Zephaniah Hardy had fought his way through the world ever since early childhood, and the daily conflict had so toughened him that by a perfectly natura’. transposition he became dy Zeph. That sigh, then, was on account of his best friend and self-elected master, Lancelot Dain- ree. Zeph felt certain when he entered the road and barred the way, that Harry Ballou was Dainty Lance, and this belief was wholly un- shaken when the banker’s son rode reas ently past him. He thought that his friend had some good reasons for denying his identity, which the hasty questions put by John Steuben seemed to con Hence his adroit and effec- tive evasion. } ‘“*He’s playin’ some o’ his darin’ tricks,” mut tered Zeph, watching the receding horsemen, “He didn’t want to be knowed. An’ from the Mt Rr feller with him talked, he ain’t ne. He said no more. Thislast reflection decided his course, and with broad breast squared, his head thrown slightly back, Hard Ze into a swift, level run that carried him over the ground at a wonderful rate, and kept him with- in hearing of the clattering hoofs upon the hard ro ahead. ork was a long race, but Hardy named, and win Toe his with was well an appar- ent ease that spoke well for his muscles and . wind, He was only a few rods behind the horsemen. when they rode into the little town, and as they
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= ee SSeS ES = ie a Sing 8 Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. lackened their speed on reaching the outskirts, luo could dog them without fear of attracting ~ unwelcome attention by his rapid gait. The occasional glimpses he could obtain of Har- ry Ballou’s face only confirmed his belief that the banker’s son was his friend, wang & Lance, nnd with a dogged fidelity peculiarly Wardy Zeph kept the young man in view, though ‘bolding himself in the background. He knew tat for no ordinary reason would Dainty Lance deny him, and while poling, himself in readiness to lend his assistance when the mo- ment of action came, he would not interfere prematurely for fear of frustrating the main a in view. hen Bary Ballou left. the hotel, Zeph was ‘cluso behind him, and this distance was main- ‘tained until the banker’s son was admitted by Rose Harvey. Zeph was untaught, unskilled in the various subtilties of polite society, and did not. know that there was any parti harm in playing the spy or eavesdropping, when he fancied his ends were to be served by such means, and jeal- ously fearful on his friend’s account, he prowled around the Harvey house until, from the fork of a shade tree before the buildin , he found he could catch a glimpse of the peop 6 in the dimly ‘lighted parlor through the thin lace curtain. “What he saw there puzzled him not a little, ut at that distance and through that cobweb- ‘like sereen, the eyes of a mother could not have ‘told Harry Ballou from Dainty Lance, and — did not realize the mistake he was laboring under, As already recorded, Harry Ballou made only ® brief stay with his betrothed on that evening Ea ae his severe headache as his excuse, an ardy Zeph followed him back to the hotel. The friendly spy did not enter the room where Tfarry and John Steuben were consulting, but stood upon. the steps in the deep shadow cast b one of the shade trees in front of the hotel, eagerly watching the banker’s son. he latter was standing with his back toward him, and the conversation was conducted in such a guarded key that not a single word reached the ears of the cavesdropper. But then, as allou turned around, face toward the door, stretching his arms and yawn- ‘ing wearily, the young trapper discovered his omistake To those who knew Dainty Lance intimately ‘there was a distinguishing mark that could not possibly bo mistaken. Upon his throat was a small red scar, the trace of a red-skin’s nearly fatal bullet, which xvound was received by Dainty Lance on the oa of. his first meeting with Zephaniah y dy. Tt was a thrilling chapter of wild western life, is own, but needs only a passing mention here the better to the unbounded love and blind fidelity «zhi ph felt for the dashing young adven- ‘turer. That occurred some two years before this story opens, and though only a boy, even then Hardy Zoph won a name as an adventurous and successful trapper. He was working along the White Man’s Fork of the Republican river when he was attacked by a straggling band of Sioux, who, though mominally at then, as at the present day, rarely overlooked the chance of taking a white man’s scalp. But they caught a Tartar in Zeph, “boy though he was, for the youthful trapper fought his way into a dense thicket of plum- ‘rash, and there held them at bay for two * nights and one day, killing four of their number eae and wounding others. But at last, loss of sleep, added to loss of blood from several flesh wounds, enabled tha surviv- img red-skins to crawl upon and take him by ough far more rare than writers of border ‘romances would have us infer, there are well authenticated instances of the plains Indians ~tting their captives to the torture by fire. 2 fad dish peer a than they, reed, aa worst passions are aroused, can y found the world over, as witness the Minnesota saassacre of August, 1862. As a rule, they can iaflict tortures enough without calling fire into requisition, but the case of the boy trapper was na exception. One-half of their company had been killed, ond two of the other four bore rankling wounds, (Only the most exquisite tortures could atone for all this, and bearing their prisoner to the ‘aijacent foothills, they made preparations for ‘tae burnin Bat ere hit could apply the torch, they were . tacked by a human whirlwind, two of their pomber falling dead in as many seconds, and before they could fairly realize that they were attacked. Determined uRoe securing their revenge at all costs, for doubtless they fancied themselves attacked by an overwhelming force, the other two lea toward their captive, knife and hatchet in hand, only to be knocked over in swift succession, before they could deal a single blow. And then a youthful stripling hastened forward, his well-handled revolvers still smok- ing, and cut Zephaniah Hardy loose from what had well-nigh become his fiery monument. Terribly weakened by all that he bad under- gone during the past forty-eight hours, without food, drink or sleep save for that unlucky nap Zeph came near fainting away when he reali the fact of his rescue. The stranger was bending over and encour- aging him, when one of the savages last to fall, p uclring up his fast failing strength, cocked the revolver he had taken from the boy trapper, and made one desperate attempt to avenge him- self and comrades. The sharp double click warned the rescuer, and he turned as he arose, but only received the bullet in his throat which would otherwise have pierced his brain, and staggered back, like one who had received his death-blow. The sight aroused Zeph, and seeing the In- dian trying to raise the hammer again, with fingers stiffening in death, he‘flung himself upon the savage, throttling and tearing his throat like some infuriated wild beast. That rescuer was Lancelot Daintree, and from that day the youngsters were sworn friends and comrades, while Zeph fairly idolized the one who had snatched him out of the jaws of death. The wound was a severe one, but Zeph had a fair knowledge of simples, and no loving wo- man could have been a tenderer or more watch- ful nurse. The wound healed, but the blood- red scar always remained, and every time the eyes of the boy trapper rested upon it, he men- tally renewed the vow he had made to give life for life, whenever the necessity should arise for such a sacrifice. Now, as Harry Ballou turned toward him, the light fell full apon his throat, and by the ab- sence of the blood-red scar, Zeph knew thai” he had mistaken his man, Dazed and bewildered by the extraordinary resemblance, the boy trapper descended the poo and ecubanialhy left the village, thinkin only of reaching some quiet spot where he coul puzzle out the enigma at his leisure, This spot was soon secured, but Zeph soon found that the more he reflected, the further he seemed from the right solution. Dainty Lance had told him that he had no living relations; that he had never been in that portion of Mis- souri before. Then who was the stranger who, save for the absence of that blood-red scar, might well have been the twin brother of his friend, so far as outward appearance went? “He must ’a’ come here since I left, or I’d ’a’ knowed him,” muttered the boy trapper, lost in a maze of wild conjectures, True friends and sworn comrades though the were, both of the youngsters had kept bac something of their past life, while believing that the other was open as day in his confessions. There was a deep mystery surrounding the earlier life of Daint ce, to which he did not possess the key, though he suspected some- thing of the truth. But not even his bosom friend could he tu, Orgel to breathe these suspicions, since he had no proof to support em, So too did Zeph have his secrets, though they sprung from an entirely different source, Though ignorant in book lore, unable even to write or read his own name, Zephaniah Hardy was proud and sensitive, despite his rude ex- terior. Son of orant amaer®, whose main de- light was found in drinking and fighting be- tween themselves when drunk, Zeph was early forced to “hoe his own row,” and took to the rifle and w when not as long as his own ramrod. For years he kept the family in food, the old man selling his furs and skins for whis- ky, then amusing himself between his pitched battles with his double-fisted wife, in thrashin little Zeph for not being a still more succebatul forager. He used the rod once too often, and Zepha- niah Hardy struck out in the world to carve a fortune for himself, nor had he ever returned to the home of his childhood until now. He knew what to expect, and shrunk from letting Dainty Lance see his degraded parents. which Lance good-naturedly as suffi- cient, and after agreeing to rendezvous at How- ard on the coming Sabbath, Zeph hastened to the house of bis birth. There is no need of following him thither. Enough that matters had wn worse instead of better with the Hardy family, and after his intimate association with one of nature’s gentle-. men, like Lancelot Daintree, Zeph would rather have died than return to such a miserable life. He left the larger portion of his Paibics as a trapper, a sum sufficient to keep the old folks drunk for a year, then, sick at heart, he turned his back upon the old cabin forever, and lay in wait along the road to intercept Dainty Lance, in case he should keep the rendezvous ahead of time. All this passed before the whirling brain of the boy trapper, as he crouched down in the fence corner, nor did he arise until the sound of pistol-shots and excited yelling came from the direction of the village. Human nature is the same in buckskin and in broadcloth, and Zeph obeyed the impulse which draws us all to the scene of any especial dis- turbance or row, though he had not the ghost of a suspicion that his friend and heart’s-master was so terribly interested in that tumult, But he was not long in making the discovery. The blood-bay borse told him the terrible truth, and had not the doors of the hotel been strongly guarded, could Zeph have attained a single glimpse of Dainty Lance, he would have died in the desperate attempt to rescue him. Luckily for them both, he was forced to wait, and this gave him time to contro) his mad pas- sions before the prisoner was led forth to meet a shameful death beneath the Gallows Oak. But though he was outwardly cool enough, Zeph was none the less resolved to either rescue his master, or else die in the generous attempt. The very hopelessness of his cause lent him the coolness to wait and watch for the most favor- able opportunity. But none such occurred during the march to the Gallows Oak. Though never even dream- ing of a rescue, the Regulators kept their ranks close around the prisoner, and not until the noose was fairly placed around the throat of Dainty Lance, could Zeph see a chance of in- terfering. On the spur of the moment, he called out as heretofore recorded, and cut down Tim Farrer with a desperate blow, bidding Dainty Lance take advantage of the confusion following his daring attempt, and make his escape under cover of the darkness. This might have been done with comparative ease, since the crowd was seemingly petrified with amazement, but Dainty Lance saw that his friend was facing the enemy, as though in- tending to cover his retreat, and refused to ac- cept the sacrifice. ‘With you—not alone!” he cried, resolutely. It was no time for argument, and ae thrust. a revolver into his hand, armed himself in the same manner. “ Shoot to kill—open a path through ’em!” he rated, setting the example and firing into the innest portion of the cordon around them. A man fell at the report, uttering a horrible screech of bitter agony, and his companions. hastily broke and left the way free for the two dauntless youths. But those around had been given time to recover from the surprise, and as the boys leaped forward, fire was opened. Dainty Lance stumbled and fe headlong. Believing him killed or disabled, Zeph snatched up the Cagis ote revolver, and standing at bay over his friend, ae hig a deadly fusilade into the yelling crowd!” CHAPTER VII. A WOMAN'S FAITH. WueN that hand caught her by the ankle and flung her headlong to the floor, y Duck re- ceived a shock that nearly stunned her, making what followed seem like some horrible dream, | rather than reality. And yet, abe understood ; all that happened, though unable to help her- self beyond mechanically clinging to the mane of her affrighted borse as i oped wildl down the street, up which she had ridden witle such different thoughts, only a few minutes earlier in the ravanre Her limbs seemed paralyzed for the time though, her brain was active enough. She heard the pistol-shot that struck Daint’ Lance P ona as he settled her fairly in the oth dle. e heard the sharp exclamation that burst involuntarily from his lips, and from the lifeless manner in which he had fallen forward He made a clumsy excuse for the separation, | against her horse, Decoy Duck felt that he was
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Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. 9 life asa gallant sacrifice in her defense. She felt that she must turn about and retrace her steps, to share his fate—but her limbs for- tunately refused to obey the mad impulse of her disordered brain, and the terrified horse darted out of the village and only slackened its pace as it came near and recognized its mates. The bank-robbers heard the alarm, and in- stinct told them that Decoy Duck and her com- panier had fallen into trouble. They started orth from their place of waiting meaning to charge through the town and recover the dateetar of their leader at all hazards, if still living, when they caught the sounds of a shod- horse rapidly drawing near, and in hopes that their friends had effected their escape, the bank- robbers drew up alongside the road. ‘“‘There’s only one horse,” uttered Daniel Rowe in a bitter tone. ‘ You will find it just as I warned you it would be. That cursed boy has given her the slip, and even if Duck has es- caped he will blow all our plans and make the country too hot to hold us!’ There was no answer made to this vicious speech, for the last words had malig passed the lips of the jealous lover, before the running horse was upon them. ; Both animal and rider were recognized by each one of the bank-robbers, and each man felt his heart turn sick and faint within him for a moment as he saw how the proud form of his loved mistress ay along the withers of her galloping horse, as t ough mortally wounded. With a hoarse, gasping cry, Hammer Fair forged alongside the horse and plucked the form of his dau,hter from the saddle, then wrenched his own animal up and alighted. Tremblingly his hands roved over the limp, nerveless form, while his eyes sought for the dreaded wound by the clear moonlight, but in vain. He could discover no signs of either flow- ing blood or wound. ' " ‘The hounds will be upon usin a minute,” cried Dan Rowe in his ear. ‘We must save her from falling into their hands, be she alive or dead.” The father glanced up at the speaker with an impatient gesture, but not as one who under- stands the words addressed to him. Daniel Rowe alighted, and with one hand upon the shoulder of the bereaved parent, spoke decidedly : “You are wasting precious time. The ac- cursed lynchers will follow, and at every cost we must prevent Duck’s falling into their 8. Do you understand me?” “‘T believe she’s dead—she don’t answer me,” was the only response made by the father, whose brain seemed fairly stupefied by this strange return of his daughter. oor A fresh outburst came from the direction of the village. It was the gathering mob yelling and shouting forth their disgust at having the doors of the hotel closed in their faces, but Daniel Rowe read the sounds differently. He believed a chase of the fugitive was being or- ganized, and with a fierce curse of impatience at the stupor of his chief, he snatched the nerve- less form of Decoy Duck away, and made the attempt to leap into his saddle. ’ But before he could succeed, Hammer Fair was upon him, growling and snarling like some infuriated wild t, and he was forced to drop the unconscious maiden in order to prevent the temporarily insane father from throttling him outright. Even then he was forced to e the chief several fierce blows in the face before he could free his throat from that terrible ‘ The pain attending these blows, served to awaken Hammer Fair to the reality of their situation, and as he caught Decoy Duck once more to his breast, he muttered a brief apology for the violence he had been gens of. Daniel Rowe laughed, short and harshly. “Tf you are satisfied, lam. But now maybe you'll Lent bo reason. Those devils yonder are getting ready for a chase. Dead or alive we must keep Duck from falling into their hands. Mount your horse, and I will hand her up to ou.” ‘“‘It may be her death, though I can see no tracesof blood,” hesitated Hammer Fair, though to the full the good sense of the wo en by his lieutenant. “You need not ride far. A few hundred yards, then you can take to the woods until at a point where you can see for yourself how she is injured, and attend to her injuries. The rest of us will wait close beside the road, and if these hell-hounds come this way in search of her, we will ride on and draw them after us. py she may be dying while you are playing e fool by hesitating!” slain va gallant sac he bad yielded up his young At any other time Hammer Fair would have resented this gees gon manner of speech, but now he yielded without a word, mounting his horse and silently holding out bis arms for the precious burden, which Daniel Rowe gave him, after one passionate yet furtive kiss upon the marble-like brow. Lawless, sinful and crime-stained though he was, Daniel Rowe possessed one redeeming point in his love for Myrtle Fair. It was as pure as it was passionate. Hammer Fair rode on in silence, with the form of his loved daughter clasped tenderly to his breast, easing the jarring motion as much as lay in his power, and when Rowe pointed out a side trail leading into the timber, he left the road and entered the shadows, while the bank- robbers drew rein with the intention of drawing off the pursuers whom they expected momenta- subdued, Hammer Fair was rily. Though strangely session of his faculties, and now in the fu knowing that his men would not fail in carry- | ing out this part of the game, he did not ride far into the woods before drawing rein, choos- ing a small opening into which the moon cast its clear rays, where he gently dismounted. He could see now, what his great agitation had_ hindered his perceiving before, that Decoy Duck was breathing naturally, that her eyes were open, though filled with an uncertain light that told how complete had been her re- cent bewilderment, Renewed hope was struggling with the crush- ing seapesy that had taken possession of him when he first saw his daughter come back to him like a dying woman, as he sought for the wound which he believed existed, even while asking her where the injury lay. Decoy Duck could not say that she was not inj When cast to the floor by that desper- ate grasp upon her ankle, her head had struck against the swinging door with terrible violence in a measure paralyzing her in every limb and muscle. The anxious father, however, was not long in assuring himself that she had escaped without serious injury, and after pressing her to take a swallow of brandy from the flask he habitually ac aah her Wwaet bee easgerreds a e fiery liquor speedily in e tongue of the fair’. hamaneee and in gn ae she related the attempted arrest in the hotel, the death-shot, the fierce struggle which follow- ed their attempt to escape, her fall and the gen- erous conduct of Dainty Lance in sacrificing himself in her defense, when he might easily have effected his own escape, unharmed. ““We thought he had betrayed you, when we heard the uproar and saw you coming back alone,” uttered the bank-robber, with strong compunction in his tones. Duck kissed him impulsively, for this cadence, rather than his words, and when he su that they should rejoin the remainder of the band, she eagerly assented. She was received almost in silence, but it was a quietness that spoke louder far than words. She was their queen—about the only thing they either reverenced or worshiped. “‘The sooner we leave this part of the coun- try, the safer it will be for us all,” said Dan Rowe, speaking more gruffly than usual, in the effort to hide the t wrens gratitude that filled his heart. ‘If that boy is not killed out- right, those devils will soon squeeze the whole truth out of him, and then they will be afterus.” i last sentence was an unlucky one for im. What had only been a passing fancy for a handsome, dashi youth in ns re Duck, by the generous self-sacrifice made by Dainty Lance for her sake, had changes into the one undying love of a lifetime. hatever chance the Sparkes had had before, was now de- stroy “You know our rules,” she said, sharply. “We are sworn never to desert a co: e while there is breath in his body.” “You said yourself that he was dead,” sullen- ly retorted Rowe. Any man who had witnessed the fall of Dainty Lance, would have believed him dead, slain outright, and so at first had Decoy Duck, but pow her purely woman’s faith came to her. One whom she loved so passionately could not be dead. And living, he must be rescued, or else she would share his fate. This was reasoning such as no man would have been guilty of, but it was characteristic, and Dainty Lance was fortunate in having an ad- vocate whose ar; ents were founded on love. One, too, that did not hesitate to reinforce the truth by falsehood. ‘« He is not dead!” she cried, passionately. ‘I saw him a prisoner in their hands as my horse carried me away, If you are cowards and trai- tors both. I am neither. Go your ways, and I will rescue him alone, or share his fate, though that be the hangman’s noose!” With an active leap, she was in the saddle, and only for the ready hand and strong arm of Rowe, she would have galloped openiy into town, to meet her death. “Tf he is still living, we will rescue him,” he cried, holding back her horse. ‘‘ But we must use some prudence. You will only insure his death and our destruction, if you act sorashly.” Though love-smitten, Decoy Duck was no fool, and instantly recognized the truth of this observation. She knew, too, that her point was gained, and suddenly quieted down. The outlaws had no doubt concerning the truth of their fair comrade’s assertion. Reason told them that had Dainty Lance been slain, ere this pursuit would have been made after his companion. That this had not been attempted, the fact of the shouts and cries being station- ary, all coming from the same point as at first was an undeniable proof. And the excitement over.a dead body would be neither so intense nor so long continued. In common with the rest, Hammer Fair be- lieved that Dainty Lance was a living prisoner, and even if the mutual oath as alluded to by Decoy Duck had not bound him, the generous | devotion displayed by the youth would have urged him to attempt a rescue. a the rest follow slowly, for now the sound of excited voices was moving south, Hammer Fair advanced on foot in order to dis- cover the actual state of affairs. This he was not long in doing. He saw that Dainty Lance was indeed alive, a prisoner in the hands of the Regulators, who were conduct- ing him out of the village. Even if he could have doubted their terrible purpose, the shouts “and cries of the excited rabble at the heels of the Vigilantes, were only too readily under- stood. He hastened back to rejoin his band, and in a few words made known his discoveries. ; He, as well as all the rest, with the sole ex- ception of Decoy Duck, realized how nearly im- ible it would be for them, with their small orce, to effect a rescue from such overwhelm- ing numbers, even with the advantage in their favor of a rise. “Tt will ruin our chance at the if we escape being killed,” muttered Rowe, sullenly. “« There are other days and other banks,” re- torted Decoy Duck, woe yo “T hold my life above gold. He restored it to me after I had forfeited it, by sacrificing himself. I swear to repay the debt now, or die with him. Youma forget the oath you swore, when he was adm ted into the band, but I cannot!” “We do not fous ” said Hammer Fair, ad- dressing his daughter with greater sternness than he often toward her. ‘‘ We will do all we can for him, but you must keep | in the background and not make a movement only to follow my lead, or I will leave you here, in charge of Abe Tinker, until the job is done, one way or another. Your mad impetuosity will ruin us all!” ie Duck saw that her father was in earn- est, and that he needed only the slightest ex- cuse to carry out his threat. she meekly yielded, promising to obey him to the letter. Doubtless she meant all she said, at the time but she was young, hotblooded, full of life and courage, besides being madly in love. No need to say more. Walking their horses, the bank-robbers drew ” even aniel near the excited crowd congregated beneath the Gallows Oak, kee’ just without the circle of light cast by the , carefully watching for the proper moment for a rescue. They were fully as much taken by surprise as the crowd, when Zephaniah Hardy so auda- ciously freed his friend from the han ’s noose and struck down stout Tim Farrer before that luckless fellow could even suspect the dan- ger that threatened him. bce 4 saw Dainty Lance fall headlong as though stricken if Bering and a Piercing shriek of angry horror from the lips of Decoy Duck, as she urged her horse crowd, parting their ranks like so many reeds, There could be no hesitation now, and the bank-robbers, yelling, shouting, and using their revolvers, par va through and over the crowd, close behind Decoy Duck. ; Dainty Lance, whose foot had caught in a creeper, leaped to his feet just in time to recog- ock up the pistol nize Decoy Duck, and to
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i 4 { 10 2 SL Se SS a SST Se Se 2 Le Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. which Zeph was aiming at her, taking her for an enemy, when Hammer Fair thundered past his daughter and grasped Lance by the shoul- der, swinging him across his thighs. Then, sounding the signal of retreat, the bold riders sped away from the Gallows Oa CHAPTER VIII. BALD BISBEE AGAIN. THE double surprise was complete, and, as usually is the case with such a motley crowd the numbers of the horsemen were multipli tenfold at least, and long before the new day should dawn, bade fai ‘air to become an over- whelming army of gigantic warriors beside whom the sons of were but babes in swaddling clothes. Two men besides Tim Farrer had been slain outright, while a dozen or more others bore painful memeatoes of that exciting night in istol wounds or in bruises received from the orses when the bank-robbers charged. This, together with their being deprived of the only two men who had authority to lead them, will account for the Regulators not pressing on in pursuit’ of the enemy. As for the crowd in general, like other mobs, it might follow a stout lead where the danger was not too great, but no more. Taking everything into consideration, it will not create much surprise when we say that the bank-robbers su ed in leaving the Gallows Oak far behind them, having not only rescued their new recruit from death, but that without one of their number receiving so much as a scratch. For perhaps a quarter of a mile the horsemen kept straight abead through the open woods, then — oatherer Rowe, who possessed a more ae owledge of the country than hs i eft comrades, they veered abruptly to the ulling their horses down to a walk and listen- g intently to the sounds from the agitated swarm behind them. Until now, Dainty Lance had remained quiet in the tremendous grasp of Hammer Fair, though his ition was anything but a com- fortable one, but now he was forced to cry enough. ‘*Let me either walk or mount behind some one of the party,” he “T don’t want to find fault, but I couldn’t safely swear now which end my head’s on.” y Duck..promptly rode alongside, and nimbly shifting from her saddle to the croup of the horse ridden by her father, she said, with a lightness she was far from feeling: “You saved my life, Dainty Snvees2 lend you my horse; take it, and we will call it even!” The young adventurer had too recently es- caped Front the frightful peril into which he had been cast by her rashness, to feel like ban- rags. Rady or compliments, but he accepted e offer as freely as it was made. It was clear even to the most obtuse of the party that as yet none of the enemy had started t of them. But reason told them that ie new day would furnish a sufficient supply of courage, and that they must make the most of the remaining hours of darkness, if they would not be followed and hunted down in the end. Daniel Rowe soon fancied he saw his way clear, and was leading the party by a moderate detour around to strike the main road, where their trail could not be as readily traced as upon the unbroken ground they were now cross- ing, when a fierce but low curse parted his lips. ‘Some one is following us on foot,” he mut- tered, still riding on to avoid giving the alarm to the skulker whose phantom-like figure he had just caught a glim of as it crossed a bar of moonshine. ‘‘He’ll make us trouble in the future, if we don’t shake him off—or better still —we will draw him out from the cover further, then turn on and run him down! Better one death than a dozen!” While Rowe was speaking, Dainty Lance had a chance to collect his scattered senses, and his first thought was of his faithful friend Hardy Zeph—where was he? glance showed him that the brave fellow was not among the party, and he instinctively divined the truth. “TI believe that is my friend—the one who came to my rescue first,” he said, in an ~ but guarded tone. ‘‘If so, you must kill me fore you injure him!” Daniel Rowe ea — fet an angry growl, but Deco ck quickly ‘rposed: “Call to hint, anes If a friend he will answer; if not, then he is an enemy spying on us. “Tf it is the oneI think, he will recognize my signal, If not, the fellow will bo no wiser than before,” said the young adventurer, putting a finger to his lips and producing a curious sound that cannot well be ribed. Almost immediately there came back a re- petition of the sound, faithful as an echo, and in obedience to the glad cry which Dainty Lance uttered, Hardy Zeph approached the party. If a silent, it was an unusually joyous meet- ing, when the sworn friends and brothers warmly clasped hands after their narrow escape from death. But Rowe, who felt an uncon- trollable hatred for Dainty Lance and every- thing connected with him, rudely cut the greet- ing short, by exclaiming: “While we're playing the fools here, the enemy is at work. e must puta long trail behind us, and find a snug hiding-place before daylight, unless we want to be hunted down like wolves!” ‘* Ef you say so, Lance, I kin lead ye all toa hidin’-place whar a bull tribe o’ red-skins couldn’t smell ye out, even ef the’ hed noses like blood- hounds,” said Zeph Hardy, eb ‘*Can you answer for his fidelity?’ asked Hammer Fair, turning to Dainty Lance, with sudden interest. ‘* Far more certainly than Ican for my own,” was the hearty response. ‘* Zephis truer than steel, and what he says you can safely swear to. Besides, he was born and raised in this county, and knows it like a book.” “Better, Lance, better,” put in Zeph, with a low laugh. ‘I cain’t tell one letter from an- other, but they ain’t a tree nur a hill nura holler in these parts that I cain’t—” ‘* Let him mount behind some one of us, and finish his history as we ride along,” interrupted Rowe, impatiently. ‘The first we know, those hounds will have us surrounded—” “They won’t take the trail afore daylight,” said the boy trapper, confidently. ‘They was mighty bad skeered when you rid through ’em that a-way. But how is it, Lance?” ‘* Lead the way to the hiding-place you spoke of. Some one of these gentlemen will give you a lift—” “‘T kin make better time through the woods, an’ long the trail we’ll hev to foller, then the best hoss that ever wore hide an’ hoofs,” light- ly laughed the independent fellow. ‘‘ You only keep at my heels, that’s all.” Daniel Rowe did not exactly fancy yieldin the office of guide to a stranger, and a boy a that, but even he was impressed by the quiet self-reliance of the lad, and as he knew of no sure covert any where near, his idea having been to break the trail and then ride clear out of the State until the fierce storm should blow over, he yielded with a better grace than might have been expected. Hardy Zeph proved himself fully equal to the task he had assumed, and before day-dawn the bank-robbers were safely stowed away in the best of cover, a large, dry cave, which abound in south-western Missouri, affording shelter to both horses and riders, It might be instructive to detail how admira- bly and perfectly Zeph broke and lost their trail, leaving no trace behind by which even a blood- hound could have followed them after they first took to the water, miles away from the cavern, but space will not permit. Enough that the task was accomplished to the complete satisfac- tion of even Daniel Rowe, who went so far as to compliment the boy trapper upon his cunning and skill. There was only one thing lacking to render the party in general wholly at their ease, and that was their lack of provisions. Water ran abundantly only a few feet from the entrance of the cave, but of food they had not even a mouthful. ““*Twon’t be much work to ketch enough fish from the creek to keep us from starvin’ to-day —blue-cat, bull-heads, an’ red-hoss,” laughed Zeph, easily. ‘* An’ to-night we kin make a raid on somebody’s smoke-house. Anyway, we won’t starve while we got nigh a dozen hosses to go on.” His = pte names were fulfilled to the very let- ter. The deeper holes along the stream were literally filled with fish of the kinds named, and in a couple of hours a supply sufficient for the entire party was secured. And right here let me make known a fact connected with the eating of a “ blue-cat” that will be worth the line or two asked for it. The large majority of fishermen ‘skin the blue catfish batore cooking, but the wise man would as soon think of skinning a trout. Cook with the skin on, eat and congratulate be delighted palate that all fishermen are not idiots. At daylight that morning, the Regulators, strongly reinforced fiom the ranks of citizens and settlers, took the cold trail in quest of the daring company, but soor lost it beyond recove- ry. There was much riding to and fro, more boast- ful talking, but as the days went by and nothing was heard of rescued or rescuers, the people —— cooled down and resumed their regu- ar occupations. Observing all due precautions, Daniel Rewe ventured forth about the middle of the week, and under cover of darkness, held an interview with Bald Bisbee, the resident spy of the bank- robbers. From him it was learned that their real business in that part of the State had not even been susnected, people deeming them a band of horso-thieves, though no one had put forward a claim for the animal which Dainty Lance had ridden. In addition he advised them to lie in hiding for a while longer, then deal their blow. Meanwhile, Dainty Lance began to grow rest- ive under his enforced inactivity. Benidea, he found himself in an unpleasant position, on more accounts than one, The wound he had received, and which had caused his fall just when he had placed Deco Duck in her saddle, was not a severe one, th the scalp on top of his head was conside lacerated, but it was enough to furnish the fair the tender nurse, and to make much of the king of her proud heart. Had Dainty Lance been double his actmal 6, this fact would not have been disagreeable, whatever the state of his own affections. He could have gracefully received the tender at- tentions, and repaid them in kind, but lads of seventeen rarely take the trouble to disguise their likes and dislikes. And Dainty Lance did not like, much less love, Decoy Duck. He could not forget how promptly and, as he believed, te coil she shot down John Steuben; and though he felt teful to her for her dar- ing efforts in his behalf, by which his life was undoubtedly saved, he quickly wearied of the rt he had begun in order to provoke the jealousy of Daniel Rowe. It might have been different had not Deeoy Duck too plainly showed him the state of her rap He began to realize, too, how foolish he had been in the resolve he had taken at the start, and was fast learning the lesson that, soom or late, comes to all who blindly suffer themselves to play with ed tools. e thought of making his ents but that he soon saw was well-nigh impossible. His senses sharpened by a fierce jealousy, Daniel Rowe plainly suspected his purpose, and either he or Abe Tinker kept close watch over Dainty Lanee. night and day. Oneor the other of them would certainly foil any attempt at escape. Dainty Lance thought much of his ‘‘ double” —of Harry Ballou, who so strangely resembled him in form and face. j He knew how ardently the young man had pleaded his cause, and felt grateful to him ae- cordingly. Tt was the desire to repay this debt of grati- tude, more than aught else, that delayed him from attempting his escape. He knew that the band had not yet aban- doned their intention of robbing the bank, but the suspicions of Daniel Rowe were duall spreading among the remainder of the party, and the subject was not openly discussed before him. He knew not whether they meant to make another attempt to capture Harry Bal- lou, or if they were follow a bolder course. Until he should learn something definite, and thus be enabled to put his “double” on guard Dainty Lance was resolved to bide his time, a make the best of his situation. Perhaps it was fortunate that his hot blood was not put to a prolonged ordeal. Late on Friday evening, Bald Bisbee gave the signal before the cave entrance, and rushed into the retreat, almost as excited as when he first made his appearance in these pages. CHAPTER IX. PREPARING FOR ACTION, Ir did not require the gift of prophecy te rightly divine what was at the bottom of all this perturbation on the part of Bald Bisbee and with a curious thrill that would be difficult to pac define, Dainty Lance felt that he was at length about to gain the object of his weary waiting. But he knew that it would not do to show too great an interest in the matter, and so, guided by fate, he lay still in his retreat un- til he should be summoned to the general coun- cil which he was positive would te called, to i. upon the word brought: by Bald isbee. Amazon with an excuse for playin
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1 : } I} Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. It chanced that Dainty Lance, weary with the confinement, and tiring of the too pointed love-making of Decoy Duck, had stolen id and nestled down in a snug hiding-place—a little niche and shelf in the rock wall of the cavern, above the level of a human’s head, and where no ray of light came from the fires kindled for warmth and cooking. , From this refuge, he could see without be- ing seen, and he was speedily to reap the benefit of it. Hammer Fair chanced to be the one who re- ceived the spy in the first place, and Dainty Lance knew Phat he had not guessed amiss when a beam of the red firelight fell athwart the rugged features of the bank-robber, even though he failed to catch the words that were then ut- tered. ‘¢ The old scoundrel has brought some news of special importance—concerning the bank, of course. Well, almost anything would be better than this sort of life.” The rapid tramp of single footsteps coming from around the curve, checked the reflections of our hero, and he saw Daniel Rowe advancing to meet Bald Bisbee and the chief. Until that moment Dainty Lance had not aven thought of playing the part of an eaves- dropper, because he ere een that if there was pene. Fag importance in the wind, he, together with the remainder of the band, would be called to join in the discussion or deliberations. But the first words uttered by Rowe enlightened him: “You and I, captain, are enough to receive his report. Right or wrong, you know my opinion of the new recruits. They may be true blue, but there’s no need of trusting them any further than we are obliged.” ‘He favors Harry Ballou too much in loo not to be some relation of the family,” uttere Bald Bisbee. ‘I don’tlikehim. I[’drather cut his throat than trust him even as far as you have, You'll regret it, sure!” Hammer Fair yielded, ven Dpee, oe The ae ente ed and so ly ventilated by Daniel Rowe, had gained a certain influence over his mind. While he laughed at the idea conveyed by Bald Bisbee, he knew it would do no harm to keep Dainty Lance in the dark con- cerning their plans until it would be too late for him to accomplish his treachery, in case he meditated any. He expressed as much, and Dainty Lance caught enough of his meaning to determine him to overhear what more between the trio of conspirators, even though he should peril his vez life in the venture. ut here fortune favored him in. The cavern itself was very much like a mam- mouth letter V. The entrance at the base; the ide arms nama an ee tn ne ae rock, separa a wedge-s partition reaching fropi’ har’ to root at ake oud being directly opposite the entrance, though distant some three-score feet or more. One of these chambers was allotted to Decoy Duck and her father, while the other was occupied by the other members of the band. Fires were kept burning in each division, for, though quite dry, the air of the cavern was two cool for comfort without some such amelioration. Thus whoever stood near the edge of the wedge, could command both chambers and the entrance, nor could they be mfr by any one, unseen, even while they themselves were in dense o ity. For these reasons, the three men drew nearer the point, all unconscious of the fact that the very person of whose good faith they had so freely expressed their suspicions, was crouch- ing in a little recess only a few feet above their heads when they halted for consultation. Dainty Lance fully appreciated this stroke of d fortune, and eagerly listened to all that ollowed. 7 Bald Bisbee lost little time in detailing the purpose of his visit, but he was long-winded, and desired to make the most of his services, so there is no need to repeat his exact words. From his account, it appeared that the bank of Pierce Ballou was the depository of all the County funds; that as a large amount of inter- est on the County bonds was nearly due, the r had that day paid into bank nearly fifty thousand dollars to meet the payment. © interest was not due until the middle of the ensuing week, but the margin was none too great, in the spy’s estimation. ‘You must capture Harry Ballou to-morrow, or not at all,” he added, earnestly. ‘“ There must be no ure, this time.” “That was the idea of a romantic girl,” said Rowe, in a sharp, unpleasant tone. “I never favored it. Whereis the use of our going all around Robin Hood’s barn? [ say now, as I said then, that the boldest course is the shortest and the best. One brisk dash, and the money is ours. This gave a hint of something fresh, and Dainty Lance listened eagerly, almost stilling his breath. “Suppose we do capture the youngster; how much better will we be off than now? By tor- ture, we wight possibly learn from him how the money is stowed ate 8 but he would not be likely to have any of the keys about him. We would either have to burglarize the bank, blow or cut open the doors of the vault and safe, run- ning the risk of being overheard and surprised, or else fall back on the plan I have always ad- vocated.” “You mean to make the attempt in daylight?’ “Yes; it is the safest and the surest way, if _ only look at the matter coolly. Remember he time when we rescued Lance, thanks to Duck. We were outnumbered nearly ten to one, yet we came off without a scratch. And the larger portion of that crowd were armed, while the opposite will be the case here. “We will be a round dozen, not counting Duck, who, of course, wil] not take any active _ in the work. Three of us can enter the nk, as if on business, timing our movements so as to get there at, noon, when there will be no customers inside to bother us—no one but old Ballou and his son. “The others, at a — can keep the streets open, by using their horses and pistols, long enough for us to do up our portion of the work. Then, in a body, we can easily clear the town and ride away.’ “The shouting and firing would bring every- ee Pape to see what was up,” demurred d Bisbee. ‘Let them come,” retorted Rowe. “I tell you that with no more than the men now in our band, I can take any town not over twice the size of Clayton. All it needs is the dash and daring—the surprise will do the rest. **It would be different if they had warning of our coming, or were given time to collect their thoughts and find a man capable of acting as their leader. But there is no danger of that in this case. We will keep our own counsel until the hour comes for setting out. Then, even if a wished to play the traitor—and I would hate to risk my life on the truth of that Dainty Lance, while the other boy would scalp his own mother at the nod of his master—if, I say, any one thought of playing us false, they would not have the time or chance for so doing. ” “If you doubt those fellows, why keep them wimal a per inst their playing double,” sa again eir playing double, laughed Rowe. ‘* With them waaer ex eye, I know what they are doing, but if we turned them loose—” Bald Bisbee made a significant gesture, that caused Dainty Lance to note his name in his black book. _ “So I will, at the first proof positive that he is playing us false,” coldly said Rowe. “ But, until then, he is safe from our hands, by virtue of the oath we have taken.” There was nothing more said on this point, and, after some further discussion, it was de- cided to act as Daniel Rowe advised; make a bold attack upon the bank at noon, on the next ensuing Monday, trusting to the very audaci pa. 7 exploit to carry them safely throug: with it. Bald Bisbee finally took his departure, and waiting his chance, Dainty Lance descended from his hiding-place and rejoined Decoy Duck without any suspicion being awakened. He congratulated himself on having an abund- ance of time in which to work, and was not lon in arranging sod sears Though he had join the band, and taken the oath of fidelity, Dainty Lance did not feel any particular remorse at the idea of proving false to that vow. All was fair in war, and the sin would be against criminals in favor of honest men. He watched his chance and wrote a full ac- count of the plot, giving facts and figures, but only the names and number of the regular band. of course it was not his intention to take any on in the proposed robbery. Both himself and eph must manage to effect their escape before the critical moment, even if that could not be done until after the band had entered the town. Dainty Lance knew that the jealous and sus- eps over would watch him too closely for to deliver the sealed warning, but he took counsel with Zeph, telling him everything, and that worthy volunteered to take charge of the warning message. 11 It will be remembered that when the cavern was reached, neither Dainty Lance nor Hardy Zeph had their horses. The latter had left his in safe keeping, and the blood-bay was held for a rightful claimant, in Howard, as Bald Bisbee had ascertained. Rowe was determined not to leave the two new recruits behind when the robbery was at- tempted, and so it was necessary to procure horses for them. Zeph saw his chance, and said that he could easily recover his own charger, and was willing to attempt to spirit away the bay horse. His offer was accepted, and that same night the venture was made, Rowe and Tinker bearing him company. Dainty Lance, to cover all contingencies, pin- ned a bank note to the letter, with a few words on an accompanying scrap ing the finder to hasten and deliver the letter to its rightful address, keeping the money for his trouble. “Tf you can’t drop it in the post-office with- out too much risk, put it where somebody will be certain to find it,’ he whispered hurriedly in Zeph’s ear. colons ths oom t is not necessary to follow oA ge i adventure. Let it suffice that Zeph was as good as his word, not only securing his own horse, but stealing that belongmg to Dainty Lance with a skill and silence that raised him not a little in the estimetion of hiscompanions. And he drop the letter at the door of the stable from whence he had taken the animal. ‘* Would it be found and forwarded in time?’ anxiously thought Lance. CHAPTER X. MATTERS BECOME COMPLICATED. Now that he saw a probable speedy end to the part he was reluctantly pla ing, Daint ty Lance became once more the lively, agreea’ companion ret wt ye 2 comer first da a _— spen e -robbers, and, thou kept Decoy Duck at arm’s length 7 owe tact, he did so in such an adroit manner that the love- blind girl was happily unconscious of the truth. he not overheard their plans, Dainty Lance would never have suspec how near they were to the Ne ew exploit, for neither Hammer Fair nor Daniel Rowe dropped the least hint of the truth where other ears could catch the sounds. Only, once or twice, when some one of the men would utter a growl at their idleness, Dainty Lance caught a meani glance passing between the twain, which his successful eavesdropping enabled him to inter- pret correctly. It was not until after sunset on the Sabbath that the subject was 8 alluded to. In short, blunt words, mmer Fair told his men that the time was close at hand when they would be able to win a fortune by ant Besides th lar di hich Bald ss ides the regular deposits, w Bisbee assures me are very Thtge for a country bank, there is now in its safe, fifty thousand dollars belonging to the county. Take it all to- om ny ne be _ ten ae dol- ars apiece for us. Isn’t that worth running a little risk for, boys?’ Dainty Lance cheered quite as lustily as any of the rest, but he doubted if the answer would have been quite as enthusiastic, could the bank- robbers have known about the letter directed to Harry Ballou. Hammer Fair knew his men well, and so did not dwell a that point; danger was i food and drink, and not ae ighten them away from such a glittering bait. He went on to detail the plan already a upon between himself, Rowe and Bald Bis “We will Jeave here about nine o’clock to- morrow morning, and as soon as we are out- side, separate into pairs, making our way to the town from different sides, timing our progress so as to surround the bank direct! after twelve o’clock. “Two of you will bear me company; our part of the work will be the most fopartan though no more dangerous than the rest. Bu to avoid any suspicion of partiality, we will de- ah part each man is to play, by draw- ing lots. Hainty Lance, though he was careful not to allow it be Aen in his features, was a little uneasy at this unexpected decision. If he and Zeph shouid be se ted by the drawing, it would render their leek of escaping just double what it otherwise would be. Nor would his un- easiness have been lessened could he have known the entire truth. To all ——— the drawing was conducted fairly and above-board, short slips of paper be- ina hat from ing plainly numbered and plac
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which each man drew one as his name was called. But there was craft and cunning un- derlying itall. Dainty Lance was to be sepa- rated from Hardy Zeph, and Daniel Rowe was to be his riding mate. So it was decided upon, and so, by adroit manipulation, the ‘* lot- “2 of chance” confirmed. hrough it all, Decoy Duck had been an at- tentive if quiet looker-on, but now, as Hammer Fair resumed his hat with an air of relief, she created a sensation. “You appear to have entirely overlooked me,” she said, ina gentle tone, but with a de- termined expression around her lips that warn- ed those best acquainted with her of coming trouble. ‘* All that was decided long ago,” said Fair, | hastily. ‘‘ You are to meet us at the rendez- vous agreed upon before we came here. That was the only condition on which I would let you bear us company this far.” ‘* Exactly—and knowing that, I told a lie,” retorted the fair Decoy, with refreshing candor. “‘T never intended to obey—I meant to bear a te in tho play, and I am more determined han ever, now.’ Daniel Rowe uttered a bitter curse, but said no more. He knew that if he interfered, Duck would only be all the more determined, through malicious spite. Hammer Fair attempted to reason with his daughter, but it was labor spent in vain. Her mind was fully made up, and nothing he might say could alter it. is was a fresh complication which Dainty Lance had not foreseen, but now gave him seri- ous regret. At the consultation which he listened to in se- cret, it had been positively stated that Decoy Duck was not to form one of the party when the attack was made upon the bank, and hence he had not given the matter a second thought. He kuew that if his warning had reached the the hands for which it was intended, measures would be taken by the banker to either kill or capture every person engaged in the bold at- tempt to rob the bank. He had warned them to secure Bald Bisbee in a manner that would fail to arouse suspicion of the actual cause, and to have him guarded so carefully that he could neither escape nor send any m to the out- law band. As for himself and Zeph, he had felt confident that they could steal away from the o ust before the trap was entered and the critical moment arrived. But now that Decoy Duck was determined to share in the en- terprise, he was greatly taken aback, and al- most regretted the part he had played. He saw Daniel Rowe watching him closely, and that sight warned him tobe prudent. As every one knew would be the result, when Decoy Duck once decided upon a certain course, Hammer Fair was forced to give way at length, though reluctantly. Duck bore her triumph modestly, and soon after left the men alone to discuss the minor de- tails. These were soon arranged, and in high spirits at the prospect of exciting work poss glorious y, the bank-robbers separated to see to their orses, horse furniture and weapons, Dainty Lance watched his chance, and ere long succeeded in gaining an interview with Decoy Drsck, Saves a hard matter to do, since her love was y: Though he dare not reveal his actual reasons for being so urgent, Dainty ce pleaded hard with the young Amazon to renounce her deci- sion, and leave such dangerous work to the men, as should be. But even his ments failed. “You are going, and I will not shrink from any danger in which you bear a share,” sho Dainty ce was touched by her tender tone, despite himself, and was on the point of | telling ber all that he had done, let the risk to himself be what it — when he caught a | brief glimpse of Daniel Rowe starting cautious- ly teward them, plainly bent on overhearing eir conversation. as he was of his own life, Dainty Lanee felt that he had no right to sacrifice that of Hardy Zeph, and thoug i he continued his argument, he was careful not to utter a word that: arouse the ag ap of the jealous lover, or rather to turn them toward the eun- ning trap that had been set for him and his. Then Hammer Fair rejoined his daughter and the chance was gone. Nor did another one presert itself. Daniel | Rowe plave his part to perfection, sticking to | Dainty L. uve like bis own shadow, and binder- ine him trem speaking a word in private even | ‘to Zen, i Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. More than once that night did Dainty Lance curse his folly in having yielded to the tempta- tion of playing with edged tools, and of having allowed himself to become mixed up in such a disreputable affair. Though he knew he could clear himself of the charge of horse-stealing, by bringing forward the man from whom he purchased the animal there were still graver charges which could and would be brought against him, if ever he should be taken prisoner. He had been with Decoy Duck when John Steuben was killed; Tim Farrer and others had been slain when he was rescued trom the noose beneath the Gallows Oak. Even if he should tell the truth, who would believe it? All this was brought upon him by Decoy Duck; yet be could not bring himself to aban- don her to the fate which lay before the rest. She was a woman—and she loved him! The eventful day dawned, and still Dainty Lance saw no way through the fresh complica- tions that still continued to arise around him. _Decoy Duck openly declared her intention of riding in company with Daniel Rowe, but that sullen worthy knew what was really meant. It was not his company that was the attraction and pe scored one more mark against his ha rival. Dainty Lance dared not remonstrate, since all the others had accepted the situation, and it was with no very enjoyable sensations that he mounted and rode out of the cavern, without an opportunity being given him to do more than exchange a meaning glance with Hardy Zeph. Saying their long ride, Dainty Lance more than once felt strongly tempted to shoot Daniel Rowe dead, and thus save both himself and De- coy Duck from the greater danger in store, but each time his manhood revolted. He could not commit a murder. And at length he saw that any such desper- ate expedient would be out of the question, Por, thanks to his utter ignorance of the country around, they were at Clayton before he realized their near approach. e as it may seem, now that the die was cast and the fates clearly against him, Dainty Lance felt itively relieved, and coolly ac- cepted the situation. e saw at a glance that there was no unusual stir in the town, that their ap nce attracted no attention, and knew that, if his message had not miscarried, Pierce Ballou had taken pre- cautions not to awaken the suspicions of the bank-robbers and frighten them away, before they were fairly inside the snare. As the trio leisurely approached the bank, they saw that the other parties had timed their advance admirably. Coming from different directions, apparently wholly unconnected with each other, twelve ea and one woman were closing in on the Hammer Fair and the two men who were to bear him company in his work, were a little in advance, and drawing rein before the quiet building whose precious store they had sworn to rifle, they dismounted and hitched their animals to the posts set in the sidewalk. Casting an apparently idle glance around him, the chief saw that his allies held each one of the four streets, slowly nearing each other, and keenly watching for the signal to begin their share of the work. Satisfied that all was well, he ascended the steps leading into the bank, then turned and made the fatal signal. CHAPTER XI. SPRINGING THE TRAP. A SIMPLE wave of the hand, but it was the signa] for which the bank-robbers were eagerly waiting, and from that moment Pandemonium seemed to have vomited forth its inmates with orders to rendezvous on the Bank Corner. Yelling at the top of their voices, the bank- robbers urged their fresh and willing horses to top speed, riding to and fro, discharging their revolvere, now into the air, now through the | door or windows of the adjacent hore, wherever a curious clerk or employe ventured to show his head, charging furiously down upon whoever made an appearance in either of the cross streets near the bank, shouting amid fearful oaths, still more terrifying threats of what would follow the slightest hesitation in obeying the orders thus given. Dainty Lance hardly knew whether to regret or rejoice. It seeme inust have failed to reach its destination, since the ouly persone visible rapidly gave way wien ste as though bis warning | charged, pany frightened almost out of their senses. appearance the bank-robbers were going to have matters all their own way. But then, as the yelling, firing horsemen drew closer around the bank, there came a sud- den change. Upon every hand windows were thrown up in the second-story of the stores, and full two score armed men opened fire upon the enemy below. Hammer Fair had chosen his men well for the sort of work they were intended for, as was now clearly proven. Two of their number fell dead at the first volley from above, before any one of the band realized the peril that so unexpectedly reveal- editself, but then, with still fiercer yells than before, the survivors returned the fusilade, send- ing whisting lead toward whatever head and shoulders first caught their eye, riding swift] to and fro, while the leaden hail hissed aroun them and pattered viciously upon the cobble- stones or sidewalk. Though he had been expecting the springing of some sort of trap, Dainty Lance was quite as greatly surprised as any of the bank-robbers; and well for him that this was the case. Daniel Rowe wa: keeping close beside him in their wild gallopings, and as that volley came, his jealous suspicions caused him to turn upon the new recruit with a deadly fury, feeling sure that since treachery had clearly been at work, here he would find the fountain head. But even he could not mistake the genuine as- tonishment so plainly written in every feature, and he turned his half-raised revolver toward a bearded man above who was taking a deliberate aim at him with a repeating rifle. The bullets crossed in mid air, but Daniel Rowe only uttered a reckless laugh as he felt a searing touch across his broad chest, for he saw the bearded marksman drop his rifle, fling up his arms, then fall heavily forward, his body balanced across the window sill, while his life blood trickled out from a hole between his eyes and pattered upon the sidewalk below. The abrupt appearance of so many armed men, all stationed in positions where they were safe from a charge, told the bank-robbers that -their pases had somehow gotten wind, but they were like bulldogs, hard to choke off, and they still dashed recklessly to and fro, resolved to hold their ground until their chief and com- rades should make their reappearance. Dainty Lance failed to dothem justice, when he hoped to compters the work so well begun, by shouting loudly: ‘*We are betrayed! Bald Bisbee has sold us to the Regulators!” ‘Shut up!” thundered Daniel Rowe, wheeling alongside, his eyes glowing like living Cane his long lack hair floating in the breeze caused by his own swift e. ‘ Another cry like that and I’ll blow your brains out! We must hold the streets until the captain comes out!” Dainty Lance hardly heard this threat. His whole attention was now occupied by Decoy Duck who, after the first moment of surprise was d, seemed fairly intoxicated by the wild excitement, and with a revolver in each hand she was speeding up and down the street, guiding her well-trained horse solely by the pressure of her knees and the swaying of her supple body, sending bullet after bullet into the open windows above, at each shot uttering a clear, musical shout of defiance. A glorious picture of the wilder sort she pre- sented then; the beau ideal of a dainty dare- devil, for, beautiful as she was, no one not in the secret of her sex would fora moment have suspected her for other than her dress indicated —a boy, half-crazed, in his first fight. Dainty Lance gave no further thought to his own safety, but sped along-side the young Amazon, Nasa d pleading with her to ee Lo her escape before they were irretrievably hemmed in by the enemy. “Not until my father comes!” she cried. ‘* Whatever his fate I mean to share it,” and Dainty Lance saw from her stern-set features that this was no idle vow. i Thanks to the precautions taken by the sus- picious Rowe, Hardy Zeph was one of those most widely separated from Dainty Lance, but. when the ambuscade was unmasked, Zeph dis- regarded all else and rode with a bloody spur to regain bis heart-brother. Just as he came opposite the bank, a shot from one of the windows above, intended for himself, struck bis horse and killed it instantly. Catlike, Zepb alighted upon his feet, and with a swift glance around him, sought refuge be- hind a lerge dry-goeds box lying against one of the stores, Kew. cely had he done so, when Dainty Lanes
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and Decoy Duck came rushing down the street, and Zeph saw a man opposite following their motions with a carbine, evidently determined not to waste his lead by firing before he made sure of his aim. : That carefulness proved fatal to his hopes, for Zeph, recking little what he did so long as it was in defense of his beloved friend, leveled his revolver and sent a bullet through and through the cautious marksman. At this moment, rendered desperate, not for his own sake, but lest the young girl should be killed, Dainty Lance cried aloud as he rode be- side her: “You must go with me—you shall not throw your life away! All is lost! Your father is slain or captured—we are surrounded—I know it, for I sent them the warning!” Decoy Duck was too terribly excited to fully understand this rash confession, even if she heard the words, which is doubtful when what was to follow is considered, but there was one who did overhear the speech. Daniel Rowe was ridin a a few paces be- hind the young couple, also shielding the girl as much as lay in his power, by plying his pis- tols rapidly at each head that showed itself at the open windows, and the words that Dainty Lance uttered penetrated his ears like a dagger- thrust, fully confirming his oe With a fierce, hoarse cry of terrible rage, ho plunged his spurs deep into his horse’s sides, and met the couple as they wheeled and came dash- inz back once more. He no longer thought of the enemy above. He only saw the one who had ruined their well-laid plans and led them to their death. At that moment he felt that sho could willingly die, if he might only send this traitor along the death-trail before him. But terrible as was his hatred, Daniel Rowo was not so carried away as to neglect a chance of making his blow for vengeance certain, and he wheeled his horse as the couple met him, riding a few feet to the rear of Dainty Lance. The latter was wholly absorbed in his desire to save Decoy Duck from death or capture, and did not notice Daniel Rowe even by a glance as he joined them. If he had done so, he must have read the truth there in those rage-dis- torted features, and that would have put him on guard, As it was, Rowe rode close behind him, and thrust a cocked revolver almost against his head. But if Dainty Lance saw nothing of this, Hardy Zeph did, and divining the murderous intention of the bank-robber, just as the three riders drew opposite his covert, the boy tra r, with a swift, unerring aim, sent a pistol- Palle cteaight to the heart of Daniel owe, eo the cup of vengeance from his very ips! Pall this time—but a few minutes in reality, though so full of action—nothing had been seen or heard of Hammer Fair and his companions since ener rag She bank after giving the signal to open the p y The quick gi nce which he cast inside the small room before making that signal, had shown him no cause for uneasiness. Pierce Bal- lou and his son alone were visible behind the glass-topped counter, not even glancing at the men who stood in the Raoearny : The signal given, Hammer Fair sprung to the counter, revolver in hand, covering the banker and Harry, crying: ““Up with your hands! Utter a sound or at- pes to touch a weapon, and you are dead men His two companions fully understood the part they were to play, and hastily crawling through the window which indicated - the ag ten maw he ition, they grasped the two men, holding pis- Soli against their temples while Hammer Fair crossed the counter. By this time the uproar was continuous with- out, for just then the ambushed men opened fire upon the robbers, but the chief had no suspicion of the real facts and attributed it all to his men. “You hear that firing?’ he cried, with a short laugh. while we clean you out here. There is no fear ‘‘No nonsense! Show us where the money is —your own funds and deposits, as well as the county money. Be quick, or by the horns of the devil! ‘scatter your brains all over the room! Quick—the money!” ‘Don’t shoot—spare our lives—you shall have all there is here!” gasped and gurgled the bank- Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. er, trembling in every limb as though under the influence on an e-fit. ‘‘The money is there in the vault—Tll show you.” So admirably did both he and Harry act, that the robbers never once suspected them of play- ing a part, and as Hammer Fair darted toward the nearly closed door of the vault “— follow- ed, still grasping their prisoners. bot their eyes were eager to behold the rich reward of their daring exploit, and so they failed to intercept the meaning glance which between father and son, or noticed how suddenly the muscles stiffened beneath their grasp as Hammer Fair reached the door of the vault. The chief flung the heavy door open, only to be knocked senseless by a heavy blow as haif-a- dozen armed men leaped out from their con- tracted ambush! And at the same moment the two prisoners grappled with the astounded robbers, easily overthrowing them in the instant of surprise, and before either of the ruffians could attempt any resistance, other stout enemies were upon them, and almost ere they could realize the truth, they were both firmly handcuffed. CHAPTER XII. A TRAITOR IN THE CAMP. DANIEL Rowse discharged the pistol he held, but its contents never touched the life he had sworn to take. Death-stricken himself, the sharp pang as the bullet sped by Zeph Hardy ie his heart, caused his arms to raise and is head to be jerked backward with a convul- sive motion. Thus, though the lead whistled close his ear, Dainty Lance was unhurt as he quickly turned his head just in time to read the startling truth in the hatred-glowing eyes that even death could not instantly quench. Decoy Duck made the same discovery almost simultaneously, and a sickening shudder agi- tated her frame—a concession of weakness that her own personal danger was unable to extort. Just at this moment the door of the bank was flung open, and the stout men who had so easily overpowered Hammer Fair and his two assist- ants, a flushed with victory and eager to complete the good work so well begun. Dainty Lance saw his chance, and made the most of it. é “You see—all is lost!” he cried, pointing to- ward the men who had lost no time in opening fire upon the nearest robbers down the cross- street. ‘‘ Your father has been entrapped, and either killed or taken prisoner. We can do him no good by sacrificing ourselves—” 1% flee while you can—leave me here to share his fate!” cried Decoy Duck, wildly. “We sink or swim — you and I,” quietly responded Lance, —— what he said. ‘*They must kill me first, before they make you their prisoner.” As soon as he fired the shot that overthrew Daniel Rowe, Zeph Hardy left his covert and hastened to secure the well-trained horse asa means of beating a rapid retreat. Despite its excitement and high spirits, the noble snimal no. sooner felt its rider reel and fall, than it balted, standing like a statue of stone, awaiting the remounting of its owner. Thus Zeph was easily enabled to secure the creature, ing the dead man’s foot from the stirrup where it had become entangled, and springing into the saddle, he dashed up to his bosom friend fond in time to catch the spirited words recorded above. ‘*See ’t she don’t throw herself off,” he cried hurriedly, at the same time bendin forward and grasping the reins of Decoy Duck’s bridle, near the bit. ‘“‘We got to skin out o’ yere monstrous quick or else go under.” But the words of Dainty Lance had an- swered the purpose for which they were intend- ed. However desperate she might be, where only her own life or liberty was concerned, the love with which the dashing young adventurer had inspired Decoy Duck, was toc intense for a ' to sacrifice his life, and she yielded to his will. Of all the outlaw band that rode so confident- ly into town but a few brief minutes before, there were now only two left in the saddle in addition to the trio whose movements we have pacn particular? interested in, and these two. r g that all was | as soon as the arm force rushed out of the bank, put fresh spurs to the sides of their animals and galloped to join Decoy Duck and her com ons in their flight. For a few moments they were forced to run the gantlet of many a whistling bullet, but though more than once blood was wn, and Decoy Duck silently flinched as a ball plowed its way t gh her — shoulder, not one of the was empti 1 But every precaution had been taken by Pierce Ballou to make a clean sweep of the bank robbers, and to cut off any stragglers that might chance to break away from the main snare, each one of the streets leading out of town was guarded by armed and mounted men as soon as the firing announced the springing of the trap. Just as they began to feel that there was at least a chance for their escaping, the fugitives saw this unexpected obstacle; nearly a half- score men barring their way to freedom. ‘Charge home!” cried Dainty Lance, his voice ringing out as clear and defiant as the rast of atrumpet. ‘It’s either them or us! Better die fighting than be captured to end on the gallows! Charge, and make every shot tell!” ere was no trace of fear or faltering in any one of the little band. All knew that Dainty Lance had spoken but the truth. To yield meant death. Thus, like a human whirlwind they charged along the narrow street, opening fire upon the — who, not anticipating such a desperate assault, were thrown into confusion as the winged lead hissed around them. True, they returned the fire, but without any apparent effect, while two of their own saddles were emp- tied, but when the shock came, they were scat- tered like a flock of sheep when a hungry wolf pounces into their midst. A wild, defiant laugh burst from Dainty Lance’s lips as he rode on, the path now free and unobstructed, but this excited burst was abruptly checked as one of the two robbers reeled in his saddle like a drunken man, then pitched sideways to the ground, a dead man. And then, for the first time he noticed that Decoy Duck was wounded, from the red blood that was deeply dyeing her garments. “Tt is only a scratch, skin deep,” she said, with a short, bard leugh, shaking his tremblin hand from her shoulder. ‘I hardly felt it unti you spoke. Ride on—we will be chased by an army—a minute lost may be fatal!” ; She spoke so clearly and steadily that Dainty Lance was thoroughly deceived, though he could not heJp seeing that the flow of blood was suspiciously profuse for a mere scratch. Had his love been like hers, it would not have been so easy to quiet his fears. By virtue of his more thorough knowledge of the surrounding country, Hardy Zeph was tacit- ly elected leader, and knowing that hot an persistent pursuit wovld be made, he led the way at a rapid pace, boping to secure such a start by the time that night fell, as to enuble him to throw the enemy wholly off the scent. Dainty Lance, thinking more of the wound Decoy Duck had received, when he saw that the course Hardy Zeph was following would take them far north of the cavern from whence they = started, reminded the boy trapper of this act. ‘*T know it,” was the cool response. ‘‘ That'll be the fust place they’ll lock fer us, when we throw ’em off o’ the track. You know they’ve tuck Bald Bisbee pris’ner. All they need do is to pinch bim a little, an’ he’ll squeal out all he knows, to make ’em lighter on him.” There was no answer made to this reasoning, but it let light into at least one a ed brain. The sole surviving outlaw was SB Tinker, the right hand man of Daniel Rowe, and to whom the jealous lover had freely communicated his suspicions concerning the new recruits. Thus far, though he could not help seeing that there had been treachery at work, the intense excitement had prevented his reasoning the matter out, but that speech of Hardy Zeph gave him the clew. If they had not set the ball in motion, how could they be so sure that Bald Bisbee had been captured? He saw it all, now, and though he dared not nly ch them with treachery, or attack them as he longed to do, Abe Tinker made a mental vow to — his slaughtered comrades, even though it should cost his own life. The pressed on at a rapid , their enemies all behind them, since in those day Missouri was not covered with a network of tolograph lines, and in his desire to fully entrap the -robbers, Pierce Ballou had been care- s not to let a hint of the truth pass out of the wn. Their horses had been selected for their speed and endurance, and though considerable had been taken out of them during that mad gallop- re Bees ny Bea in the streets of Clayton, Zeph 2 t confident that they could keep in advanee of all it until the friendly shades of night shoul descend to cover their movements. Nor was he deceived in this estimate. Thanks to his thorovgh knowledge of the
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= country, gained in childhood days, not a single limpse was obtained of their pursuers while the daylight lasted. Despite her repeated protestations, it was evi- dent to all that Decoy Duck was failing, that the great loss of bl from her wound was fast undermining her strength, and when the sun set, Dainty Lance bade Zeph lead the way to some covert where they could rest in security, at least until the injury could be properly at- tended to. “The hoss-critters need it, too,” muttered Tinker, but he had another object than rest in view. Though reluctantly, Zeph was forced to obey, and after carefully breaking the trail ‘by en- tering the bed of a creek and doubling back the party came to a halt in a thick clump of trees. Abe Tinker volunteered to care for the jaded horses. Zeph kindled a small fire in the midst of a dense patch of bushes, where the feeble rays would be intercepted by the dense foliage, while Dainty Lance tore strips from his shirt to prepare bandages for dressing the wound. By this time Decoy Duck was too greatly en- feebled by fatigue and loss of blood to make any resistance, and languidly submitted to hav- ing. her shoulder laid bare. hough no bones had been broken by the bul- let, the wound was a severe one, and had been irritated by the subsequent ride. Tenderly as a woman, Dainty Lance washed and bandaged the hurt, coming more nearly to being in love with the fair Decoy than ever be- fore, when he reflected on her courage and for- titude under pain that would have broken down many a stout man. y his advice, Duck lay down to sleep imme- diately after her wound was dressed, and as Tinker soon after iinet the comrades, it was decided that they should keep alternate watch until midnight, when it was necessary for them to resume their flight, “Ef we git started then, afore day I kin git yeall toa hole whar we kin lay low ontel the wust o’ the storm blows over, an’ then we kin cross the river an’ git into Kansas, whar we’ll be safe enough,” said Zeph. Abe Tinker volunteered to keep the first watch, and as neither of the others dreamed of his treacherous intentions, they easily granted his desire, feeling tired and sleepy. The training of an adventurous life had given them both the power to sleep and wake at will and despite the peril which still threatened them, in less than ten minutes from the time they lay down, Dainty Lance and Zeph were asleep. For some time Abe Tinker remained quiet arguing the matter out in his own min but finally decided that an attack upon the traitors, as he regarded them, would be too personally dangerous. Then he arose and silently stole away. Hardy Zeph was the first to awake, and as he did so he could just catch the sounds of receding hoof-strokes. Then he called cautiously to Tinker, but there was no reply. CHAPTER XIII. ALL FOR VENGEANCE. Harpy ZerH awoke just a little too late for the of himself and his companions. He barely heard the distant trampling of horses’ hoofs in the instant when his ear touched the ground before he hurriedly sprung to his feet, but that was all. The woods around were si- lent as death. And when he again pressed his ear to the ground, the tell-tale sounds could no longer be distinguished, leaving him without any guide as to the direction which the traitor had taken. - Abe Tinker had carefully mapped out his course while making ond watching for a favor- able chance to deal blow. ' He knew that his mates were all dead or pris- oners, and that they owed their fate principally to Dainty Lance. By solemn oath he was bound to avenge their fate upon their betrayer, and this oath he resolved to keep, even though it involved bis own death or captivity. “She was knowin’ to the trick—that’s plain enough,” he pondered, though drawing an erro- neous conclusion in thisinstance. ‘‘ She wouldn’t be'so thick with a traitor, onless. So much the better! He won’t be apt to desart her, an’ she can’t travel fur on that ugly wound.” This brief transcript will show the line of yeasoning followed by Tinker, and will account for his running the risk necessary to remove the four horses. oh" By the exercise of patient cunning, this was finally accomplished, and Abe Tinker ¥ as just mounting his own horse having secured the others so they would lead, when Hardy Zeph caught the sound of his movements. The outlaw rode direct as possible back to the main road where he expected to intercept some one of the parties out in pursuit of them. Nor was he disappointed in this hope, though more time was spent than he cared to lose, for he knew that at any moment those whom he had sworn to deliver into the hands of the hangman, _— awaken, and discovering his absence, would not be long in divining the truth. ‘*We kin run ’em down easy enough,” he muttered, his eyes glowing with a venomous hatred. ‘‘I could trail ’em day in an’ day out on my knees—I could wade that-a-way through a lake o’ burnin’ brimstone, but what the boss an’ the rest o’ the boys shell be avenged!” Abe Tinker had ridden some five or six miles along the road, heading for Clayton, before he encountered those for whom he was seeking. Then, even had his heart or courage failed him at the pinch, there was no retreat or falter- ing, for the soft, sandy road had so deadened the sound of hoof-strokes that he was within fifty yards of adozen horsemen before he suspected their proximity. But Abe Tinker did not hesitate. He was one of those men whose brains seem incapable of dealing with more than one question at a time. He knew that his oath bound him to exact vengeance on those who had betrayed him and his, and what might befall himself became a secondary consideration. **Don’t shoot!” he cried, holding both unarm- ed hands aloft :n the clear moonlight, and slow- ly riding forward, the horsemen having abrupt- ly drawn rein as they caught sight of him. ‘** Don’t shoot—I surrender!” ‘“‘ Come forward and give an account of your- self!” cried a voice so strongly resembling that of Dainty Lance as to cause a cold thrill of su- perstitious terror to agitate the traitor. Though it seemed impossible, at that moment he believed that Dainty Lance had once again circumvented him, and was here in his front. But a dozen weapons were covering him, and ne yew that hesitation would be equivalent to eath. His painful doubts were of brief duration. The difference in clothing told him that the speaker was not Dainty Lance, but Harry Bal- lou, the banker’s son. ** Who and what are you?’ was the sharp de- mand, ‘Your pris’ner,” coolly responded ' Tinker, drawing rein as the party closed around him. ‘“‘T surrender. I hevrid back this houror more, to give myself =! “One of the band, by the holies!” cried the sheriff, who was in reality the leader of the posse, ‘* Yes, an’ ef you'll foller my advice, you kin ketch the rest—they’s only three on ’em,” said Tinker, eager to consummate his treachery. “These is thar hosses. I slipped away while they was sleepin’. Ef you move live y, you kin pounce onto ’em afore pe b wake up,’ 5 k out that he don’t lead you into a trap,” said llou, vrs Se “A fellow who would betray his mates that, is capable of anythin f? : Hard words don’t break no bones,” mutter- ed Tinker, in a tone. ‘I’ve my reasons fer hatin’ them as rid these hosses, What they be, don’t matter to nobody. I’m willin’ to stan’ my trial, or be strung up by the Regulators, just so they be thar to keep me com- ny. Ef I don’t lead you to them, then you do with me as you see fit.” ‘* And that will be to string you up by the neck to the nearest tree!” vowed the sheriff, eying the bank-robber closely as he spoke. But the fellow never flinched, and all could see that he was in deadly earnest. The different horses were recognized as among those ridden by the robbers when the bank was attacked, and this served to confirm the story told by the outlaw. With afew sharp questions, the sheriff glean- ed all that he deemed essential to the full un- derstanding of the situation, then placed Abe Tinker under the especial guard of two trust- worthy men, with strict orders to blow his brains out at the first suspicion of foul play, then set forward to capture the betrayed trio. This party, with a few additions, was the same that bad captured Hammer Fair and his two fellows inside the bank. That done, they rocured horses and set out in pursuit of the eeing robbers, Harry Ballou joining them for reasons which he was careful to keep to himself. Dainty Lance had been very explicit in his warning message, and Harry knew that the writer was the young man who so strongly re- sembled himself, whose life he had vainly plead- ed for, in Howard. Many oo had recognized Dainty Lance among the robbers, and learning this, the bank- er’s son was resolved, if possible, to save his life if he could not bis liberty. With these sentiments, knowing that his * double” was one of the little party which Abe Tinker was betraying, it may be imagined that Harry followed his companions with anything but joy, but great was his secret satisfaction when, after carefully surrounding the where the traitor-guide assured them that they would find their game, the party closed in—only - mee — the coveted prey had given them e slip “They cain’t hev gone fur,” cried Tinker, fairly foaming at the mouth with mingled rage, terror and disappointment. ‘‘They was afoot, an’ one o’ them badly wounded—” ‘* Here’s some bloody rags!” cried one of the Perhaps it was just as well for Abe Tinker that this confirmation of his story came as it did, for the man-hunters, ey ora just when they held themselves sure of their game, were ey —— in adangerous manner. “*We can’t trail them thr rm the woods—we can do nothing until daylight; and by that time they will have broken their trailand found some hi wo per snug enough to baffle us,” said the sheriff, with a curse, “Zack Bulloek don’t live far from here,” sug- gested one of the party, but hesitatingly as beens more than half ashamed of what he inted. But the sheriff, who deemed his oS paaamgee at stake, eagerly se rofessional upon the int. ‘*And they say his bloodhounds can trail a shadow, or a mink through running water! The very thing! Thompson, your head is worth more than all of ours put together.” “T protest against such an outrage on hu- manity!” cried Harry, indignantly, but the sheriff bluntly ope ss his further speech: ‘Protest and be—blessed, Harry Ballou. 1 am in command here, and do not take my orders from you. I mean to capture those rascals, and if it can’t be done by men alone, then Vil use dogs. If you don’t like the idea, you can go your own way—that’s flat!” The general sentiment was against him, and when a man was dispatched to secure the aid of Zack Bullock and his trained bloodhounds— trained tohunt runaway negroes through the Southern swamps, the banker’s son, feeling heartsick and discouraged, leaped upon his horse and rode away from the a While awaiting the return of the messenger sent after the man-hunters and his four-footed allies, the sheriff was not idle. The smolderin embers were blown into a flame, light-w torches were manufactured, and by their aid, search was made for the trail of the fugitives. This was soon found, though none of the pre- sent ge if Abe Tinker be excepted, were greatly skilled in woodcraft. But they man- aged to make out the general direction taken by the fugitives, and saw that there were three different sets of footprints. Thus far the story told at Fan prisoner was confirmed. An hour later, the messenger returned, ac- compained by Zack Bullock, a short, heavy-set man whose huge nose, retreating forehead and chin gave him a startling resemblance to the brace of bloodhounds which he held in leash. The dogs were set upon the trail. God help the fugitives now! CHAPTER XIV. ALL FOR LOVE. A.most by instinct Zeph Hardy divined the truth, but before awakening his com ons, he verified the startling suspicions that found birth in distant hoof-strokes. ‘*] knowed it,” he muttered, in a hard, ugly tone as he found the spot where their horses had been tethered was now vacant. ‘‘ The halters was untied, an’ the critters led away, one by one. ’Twas that Tinker cuss—but why ? That's the p’int that bothers me!” _ it was an enigma that might have puzzied a keener brain than that of the boy-trapper, or any one ignorant of the manner ia which Abe Tinker had worked cut his dogged suspicions. ae Pog did not waste any time over the — g question, only pausing long encugh make sure that the animals had not broken loose and wandered away of their own accord then hastened to where Dainty Lance lay, rous- ing him from a deep and refreshing slumLer.
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“‘ The devil to pay an’ no pitch hot!” he mut- tered. ‘Horses gone, an’ Abe Tinker gone with em!” Dainty Lance stared at him in speechless amazement, unable to believe the evidence of hisears. Just as Zeph before him, he could not understand why the bank-robber should desert them after such a manner, when he was almost y ignorant of the country around him. And not only that, but incumber himself with three led horses. “ Tt’s the truth,” added Zeph. ‘‘ He’s levant- ed, takin’ the hosses an’ leavin’ us here afoot.” “ But why ?” persisted Dainty Lance, vain] striving to see a ray of light through the mud- dle. “Because he knows that you betrayed his mates to death and captivity!” came a low, solemn voice from out the gloom. Both instantly recognized the voice. The speaker was none other than Decoy Duck, who had been aroused from her slumbers by the sound of their voices. She now came forward and confronted the friends, who stood before her more like crimi- nals than honest men. “Tam not blaming you,” she added, with a simple dignity that became her even better than her usual manner. ‘‘ You acted as you deemed right. We forced you into this sad business, and have no right to complain because you fought and defeated us with our own wea- 8. Poainty Lance muttered something, he him- self scarcely knew what, but the little hand of le bao was pressed over his li “The less said the soonest mended,” she ke, quickly. ‘ You acted according to your ties of right. You tried your best to keep me from entering the snare, and I thank you for that. I didn’t understand it then, but Ido now. “You remember what you said about Bald Bisbee being captured? That enlightened me, as it did Abe Tinker, and cleared up more than one perplestig point. For it was plain that somebody had betrayed ‘ur plans. A foolish passion made me blind to the truth, I suppose, until that speech opened my eyes. “’You don’t know Abe Tinker as well as I do. fle feels sure that you set the enemy upon us, and he will have revenge, even if it costs him his life. For that reason he has left us afoot. He will seek out some of our pursuers and lead them back here.” “Then the sooner we set out the better!” cried Dainty Lance, more like his usual self. ‘‘ Zeph, we trust it all to you. Is there no snug hiding- place near?’ “‘ Good-by, then!” uttered Decoy Duck, with a visible struggle to choke down her growin emotion. ‘‘l.am wounded and weak. I woul only prove a log on your movements. Leave me here and save yourselves—” “Tf I do, may I be forever scorched!” cried Lance, hotly. “It has been an unlucky busi- ness all wironehe and, though I don’t see how I could have acted otherwise, I feel like a treach- erous cur. Don’t make my remorse any sharper by urging me tu play the coward, as well.” “ Better one should be captured than all ? tered Lance, feeling his heart throbbing with something not far akin from love. ‘Come— lean on me. Lead on, Zeph!” That tender title, the first that had ever been addressed to her in earnest by Dainty Lance, broke down the resolution which Decoy Duck had formed, and as his right arm stole around her waist, a faint sob_ parted her lips, and she yielded to the will of the youth whom she loved so madly—because hopelessly. If not pleased by this positive declaration, Hardy Zeph kept his dissatisfaction to himself for the time being at least, and led the way in a direction almost parallel with the road along which Abe Tinker was then hastening. Their faces were turned toward the same point of the compass, for Zeph, now that they were forced to depend upon their own powers of locomotion, knew that their onl y chance lay in finding some snug hiding-place where they might lay low unfil the first: fury of the death-hunt had passed by. For this reason he was doubling back, striking for the “ cave region.” Her wound and consequent loss of blood, had seriously weakened. Decoy Duck, though she concealed this fact from her companions as well as. could, pressing on with a courage that was really oxtraordinary. But as the hours and mile after mile was placed be- Dainty Lance could not hel» notic- crept_along, hii: } them, ee ——ESE ee ing that her steps were et to drag, and that she bore her weight more and more heavily upon his arm. Life was very sweet to him, yet, despite the fact that all his trouble had been brought upon him through the agency of Decoy Duck; Lance | was resolved not to abandon her 1n this extrem- ity. So when her limbs suddenly gave way, and she, in a feeble voice, bade him leave her and save himself, he flatly refused. v ‘* How much further is it, a to the hiding- place you have in view?’ he added, turning to- ward the “4 trapper. s ** A good dozen miles,” came the discouraging response. “Then we must make a litter—” “ Or else git a hoss fer her to ride,” interrupt- ed Zeph, a little sourly for him. ‘ It’d be pow- erful nasty travelin’ with a litter long the way we've got to go to break our trail. A hoss would be best, ef she could ride.” ‘We can tie her on, or I could hold her in my arms,” said Dainty Lance; then adding, gloom- ily, ‘‘ but why mention such a thing? e have no horse—” ‘That ain’t sayin’ we cain’t git one,” chuckled Zeph. “I know whar thar’s hosses, ef they hain’t bin pressed into sarvice to chase us, You mought be makin’ some sort o’ litter, while I go an’ see. Ef the hosses should be gone, then thar won’t be so much time lost.” **Be cautious, then. Remember that we are stran — here and that our lives depend on you.” Zeph promised to bear the warning in mind, then stole rapidly away, while Dainty Lance set about cutting the sticks necessary to form a narrow litter. “ Better not waste the time,” answered Decoy Duck. ‘I feel that I shall never see the sun rise Nor am I sorry. Ali are gone—l am alone in the world!” se ip attempted to utter a few words of consolation, but a low, bitter laugh from the girl silenced him. He knew that she felt the words came only from his tongue, not from the heart, and he said = eae but bent his every energy to preparing the litter. Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. 15 Two shots that sounded as one, and the fero- This consumed time, since the light of the | moon was shut out by the dense foliage over- head, but the job was done before anything was heard of Hardy Zeph. Satis approached the spot Just as Dainty where Decoy Duck was resting, a sound came to their ears that caused their blood to thrill and fairly curdle in their veins—the deep, ringing bay of a bloodhound upon a hot scent! nstinct rather than reason told them that this | the brain an trail was theirs—that the enemy were hunting them surely to death. For a moment Dainty Lance was paralyzed, but then his wonted courage returned, and he raised the trembling girl in his arms despite her feeble resistance. ring her thus, he plunged through the darkness with an ener? born of ir, hoping to soon reach some’ running water where he might break his trail sufficiently to delay their terrible pursuers until a safe cov- ert could be reached. : But fate seemed against them. _They encoun- tered no stream, and Dainty Lance, strong though he was felt himself gradually failing be- neath the burden he bore. m - ee me—save yourself!” murmured Decoy ack, } “We settled that be p tron) uestion before,” panted nce, doggedly. e will share the same fate—live or die together.” He no fonger thought of escape by flight, for the regular baying of the bl ounds told him that two yards to his @ animals were going one. His only hope was in killing them before thc human enemy could come up, and with that forlorn hope he was seeking a favorable spot for standing at bay. Luckily this was soon found: a small. glade where the sayeth am fell upon the ground al- most as Pr ee Ge y. H if the hounds were running in advance, as he believed from their rapid progress, he might be able to slay them in time to resume his flight and escape in the darkness that reigned around the glade, The delay was brief—barely long enough for the young adventurer to steady his nerves suffi- ciently to handle his pistol with certainty —then | a long, dark shape glided out into the moon- ; light, uttering its terribly musical note as it headed direct for the hidden fugitives, With nerves as steady and true as steel, Dainty Lance covered the hound and fired. A _ wild howl, and the animal fell dead, while its mate sprung over its quivering body, uncow yelling like a veritable fiend! cage? | cious creature dropped at their feet, dead ere its body touched the ground. Loud, angry shouts came from the forest be- yond, telling the fugitives that a no less terrible enemy was near. Dainty Lance cl Decor Duck in his arms, and would have raised her up to resume their flight, but she repulsed him, crying: ** Alone, you can escape; together, we must wk ve me—I pray you, save your- se Dainty Lance uttered an impetuous refusal. “*Then kiss me—only once—do not refuse—no one need ever know how you sullied your hon- est lips. Kiss me!” Scarce knowing what he did, Dainty Lance obeyed, pressing his cold lips to hers, wondering at the strange request. “Thank you, and God bless you!” the strange girl murmured, then slipped from his arms. ““Remember—I loved you!” The moment these words were uttered, Decoy Duck raised her revolver, placed the muzzle be- tween her teeth, and sent a bullet crashing up through her brain! P a out a sigh or moan, she sunk down, ead! And Dainty Lance knew that she had taken her own life, that he might the more surely eés- cape from his enemies, CHAPTER XV. A DEBT OF GRATITUDE CANCELED. For a few moments Dainty Lance stood like one suddenly turned to stone. He could hardly believe the evidence of his own senses. But an instant before, her lips were touching his in a clinging, passionate pressure—he could still feel the tender yet fiery touch—and now! dead— slain by her own hand, rather than live longer aclog upon bis motions! She had given her life to increase his chances of escape. In that horrible moment Dainty Lance felt like a murderer—as though his hand had held the weapon that cut short this thread of itife— and with a sobbing groan he sunk upon his knees beside the body of the suicide, raising her head and shoulders to his breast, in the wild, vain hope that she was not yet dead. True to her sex even in t dire extremity, Decoy Duck, while doing her deadiy work most thoroughly, had so arranged it that her beauty should not be marred by the death-wound she had inflicted upon herself. Death had been instantaneous, the bullet pass- ing up through the roof of her mouth, through making its exit amid the short, curling hair of her head. There was a smile u The man-hunters, hearing the fierce yells of firing, £0 : rapid llowed by the single shot, knew that their game was run down, and strained every nerve to reach the scene. All except the owner of the bloodhounds had followed the trail.on horseback, and, spied by the confused noises, they spurred on at a reck- less pace, soon plunging gh the fringe of undergrowth into the o' glade. Dainty Lance bad not attempted to flee—had not given his own peril a thought since Decoy Duck fell dead at his feet—but now, as the man-hunters crashed inte the opening, al- most riding over him, he raised his head, mo- tioning them back as he sternly cried: ‘Hold! there has been enough bloodshed—” ‘Harry Ballou!” exclaimed the sheriff, who was foremost, and making a very natural mis- take as the clear rays of the moon fell full upon the upturned face of the poets, “ You here! noes, fe the others? who is that you have ere At the sound of those words, Dainty Lance suddenly became himself og in, for they told him that all might not yet be lost, should he play his cards boldly. He eagerly grasped the chance offered bim by the unconscious sheriff, and made quick reply: “Gone—fled just a moment after I came upon them.” Bud He was interrupted i Bin volley of furious curses from the lips of Zack Bullock,as that worthy bent over the dead bodies of his four- footed allies, This explosion attracted the attention of the sheriff, and during the few moments of_ respite _ aoe a Dainty nO) of i a plausible account to give of the tragedy, He had barely thought this out ol tha
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sheriff once more turned toward him, though it was plain that not the remotest suspicion of the truth entered his mind. “How did you stumble upon them, Harry? ae shoot the dogs? You killed that fel- ow? “It was the yelping of the hounds that first aroused my suspicions of the truth,” said Dainty Lance, speaking slowly, afraid alike lest he should say too much or too little. “From the sounds I knew that they must be near, and so I struck across to cut them off. Icame up too late to save the dogs, but catching a glimpse of the three fugitives, just as they started to re- sime their flight, I fired at them, and this one fell. The others darted into the timber, but I never gave them another thought, for in the one scream of agony that this—that the person I shot, uttered as she fell—” ** She!” interrupted the sheriff, incredulously. » “ Yes—a woman in disguise—and I murdered er! There was no feigning in the groan of bitter remorse that accompanied this h, for at that moment Dainty Lance did indeed feel that the death of poor, misguided Myrtle Fair rested upon his soul. Nor were the man-hunters unaffected. They could have looked upon the death of a score of men such as those they had believed themselves hunting down, but this was different. A woman —young and beautiful, as the clear moonbeams showed—that was. a very different matter. They gathered around in awe-stricken silence, and even Abe Tinker, believing as he did that Decoy Duck had been a party to the treachery which had annihilated the band, felt his eyes growing dim and a large lump swelling larger n his throat as he gazed down upon the in- animate form of his once idolized young mis- ess, Doubtless it was well for Dainty Lance that the suspicious old bank-robber was so wholly taken up with the mournful spectacle, else the eyes of hatred and vengeance might have recti- ed the mistake made by the sheriff. And once let the question be raised, and the difference in the dress worn by Dainty Lance from that of the genuine Harry Ballou, must soon reveal the startling truth. Life is sweet to one still young and active, and despite his remorse over the sad fate of Decoy Duck, these thoughts occurred to Lance, and he noiselessly edged away from the crowd, avoiding all appearance of flight, but soon reach- ing ihe darkness which surrounded the glade. t that instant, a dark form arose before bir 1, and a low voice uttered cautiously : ** Don’t start or utter a word, but hear me. I am a friend, and would serve you.” Dainty Lance, despite the gloom, managed to recognize the speaker—none other than the young man whom he had so recently been per- sonating—Harry Ballou! “tT heard how they mistook you for me, out yonder, and so I lay low. I—and my father— owe you a debt greater than we can ever hope to repay in this life. Yousent us that edges ¢ and thus saved us from ruin, for such a bo d assault would surely have succeeded had we not been forewarned in time. ‘*Tt was in hopes of doing you a service that I joined in the pursuit. I left them when they set the bloodhounds at work, but followed the baying resolved to defend your life, if it need be, with my own. I came here—I heard them mistake you for me, and so watched for a chance to speak to you without any one else hearing my very ill th rt began. M carry on the part you y horse is only a few rods away. Take it and save yourself. And wherever you go, you will have our prayers for your safety, and future well-being.” It was impossible for Dainty Lance to doubt the truth or sincerity of the young man while these words were being uttered. Each sentence carried conviction with it. And when Harry ceased speaking the hands of the two youths met in a warm and fervent pressure. “Tf you heard—you must know who it was that died out yonder,” muttered Dainty Lance, a choking sensation in his throat rendering his words indistinct. ‘‘She shot herself, because she would not be a hindrance to my ht. I could not prevent her, she did it so sudden- iv I shoul like to remember that—that her “Ip you my word of honor that all re- spect be shown her remains. They shall have Christian burial, and the spot where they rest, so marked that you can find it, if ever you come into these parts again.” ‘Sometime I will thank you for this—I can- Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. not now,” said Dainty Lance, speaking with difficulty. ‘‘Her name was My e—that will | be enough.” ‘The stone shall be so marked, But come. There is danger in lingering here. Let me show ou where my horse is hidden. You must ride ast and far. I will keep this band off the right track, but there are others scouring the country. God grant you may escape them as easily!” In silence Dainty Lance followed his generous ‘‘double” and soon stoud beside the horse al- luded to. At the same moment he heard the cautious signal that told him Hardy Zeph was close at hand and ready to aid him in case of need. Telling Harry Ballou as much, they parted, after one more fervent hand-clasp; then Lance hastened to rejoin Zeph. The boy pabeg had succeeded in stealing one horse, and would have secured more, had he not been alarmed by the baying of the _blood- hounds. Divining the truth, he made all haste along the back-trail, arriving just as Harry Ballou made over the horse. Proceeding cautious) y until beyond all danger of being heard by the enemy, the fugitives made the most of the remaining hours of night, and just as the sun arose they reached a small but unusually snug cave, where, as they had taken ood care to emt ty gt break their trail, they elt that og 8 could lie in safety until the worst of the storm blew over. Nor were they mistaken. during which they neither saw nor heard any- thing of a human being besides each other, save when Zeph ventured forth in the night time for the purpose of securing food. At the end of that time, they left their re- treat, and by riding hard all night, were out of the country before day dawned. Resting ina secure covert all that day, the succeeding night carried them safely out of the State. ‘* We are outlawed there,” said Dainty Lance looking back across the river. ‘‘ We were 1 into crime through my folly in playing with edged tools. But, thank God! there is plenty of room for us all, between here and sunset!” “Ef thar ain’t, we kin make it, I reckon,” laughed Hardy Zeph. A week passed, Only a few words are needed in conclusion. Harry Ballou was pr! married to Rose Harvey, and admitted as a full partner into the bank which was so nearly robbed by Hammer Fair and his gang. That personage, with Abe Tinker and the two others, were tried, found guilty, and sentenced to hard labor for life. The unfortunate ‘‘ Decoy Duck” was buried as Harry promised, in consecrated ground, with ‘‘ MYRTLE ” on her tombstone. Harry and his wife often wondered who aca A Lance really was, but it was years be- fore they solved the mystery. In due time, the reader may be made as wise as they. THE END, Beatle's Half-Dime Liarary. 1 Deapwoop Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler.... 2 YELLOwsTONE Jack. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.. 5c 5e 8 Kansas Kina. By Buffalo Bill 5e 4 Tae Wiip-Horse 5 VaGcaponp Joz. By Oll Coomes..... .... .... 6 Brit Brppon By Edward 8. Ellis,. 7 Tue Fiymva YANKEE, By Col. Ingraham 8 Seto Jones. By Edward S. Ellis +waat 9 Tue ADVENTURES OF BARON MUNCHAUSEN..... 10 Nar Topp. By Edward 8. Ellis 11 Tae Two Derecrives. 12 GULLIVER's TRAV: 13 THe Doms Spy. PN Peep reer ee ree cotta Tt 15 Tae Sea Cat. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker., 16 RoBINSON CRUSOB..... .....- «.--++- iia 17 Ratpa Roy. By Col Prentiss Ingraham. ... 18 SmypBaD THE Saror.... ea tite. tS 19 THe Puantom Spy. By BUS 4% 20 Toe Dovsie DaaaGers. VILLLLLS ralo By Ed. . By Edward L. Wheeler... van Doms Pace. By Capt. F. Whittaker.... ARING RatpH Rock By H. 8t. George # : E 5 WOOD. By Oll Coomes...... 4o2% speek - E SHCSLERTSE SSS STSSETTS g A er y Cuown, Frank 8. Finn DEN Lopez. By T.C. Harbaugb.,.... iy Be eee 388 Nep Wyupr. By Texas Jack.............)..5 39 DeatH-F'Aack, THE DETECTIVE. By E. 40 Rovina Ben. By John J. Marstali..... me 41 Lasso Jack. By Oll Coomes....... 42 Tur PHANTOM 43 Dick Daruina. ,By Ca 44 Rarriine Ruse. B 45 OLD AVALANCHE. 46 Guass-Eve. B 47 NIGHTINGALE 48 BLAcK JoHN, THE RoaD-AGENT. J. E. B 49 Omana OLL. By Edward L. Wheeler. 50 Burt Bunker. By Charles E. Lasalle.......... 51 Tue Boy Ririxes. By Archie C, Iron........... 52 Toe Wuire Burrawo. By Charles E. Lasalle... 53 Jim Buupsor, Jr. By Edward L. Wheeler..... 54 Nep Hazet. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams.... .... é 55 Deapiy-Eyr. By Buffalo Bill 56 Nick WHIFFLES’s Per, By J. F. C. Adams,.... 57 Deapwoop Dick’s Eacurs. By E. L. Wheeler... 58 THe BorpER Kina. By Oll Coomes sees 59 Op Hickory. By H y St. George Cc 60.THe Wauire INDIAN. B J. F, C. Adams....... 5c 61 BuckHoRN Brut. By Edward L. Wheeler...... 5c 62 Tue SHapow Sure. By Col. P. Ingraham...... 63 Tue Rep BrotHERHOOD, By W. J. Hamilton . 64 Danpy Jack. By T. C. Har 65 Hurricane BIL. - Jos, E. 66 StincLE Hanp. By W. J. ilton 67 PaTENT-LEATHER JOE. By Philip S. Warne... 68 THe BorpEeR Rosin Hoop. B ‘alo Bil... 69 GoLD . By Edward L. 70 Otp Zrp’s Canin. By J. F. C. Adams.......... 71 DewawareE Dick. By Oll Coomes............... 72 Map Tom Western. By W. J. Hamilton....... 73 Deapwoop Dick on Deck. E. L. Wheeler.... 74 Hawgeye Harry. By Oll Coomes............ 75 Tue Boy Dureuist. By Col. Ingraham......... ! 76 Ang Cot, THE Crow Kituer. By A. W. Aiken 5c 77 Corpuroy Cuarue. By Edward L. Wheeler.. 5c 78 Biue Dick. By Captain Mayne Reid... 79 Sot GinceR, THE GIANT TRAPPER. A.W. 80 Rosenup Ros. B Aiken, ! Edward L. Wheeler ... ° 81 LIGHTNING JOE. 4 Captain J. F.C. Adams,... Krr Hareroot. By T. C. Harbaugh. 88 Roto, THE Boy Ranoer. By Oll Coomes.... 84 IpyL, THE Grrt Miner. By Ed. L. Wheeler .. 85 Buck BuckramM. By Captain J. F.C. Adama... .. 86 Danpy Rock. By G. Waldo Browne Se 87 Tue Lanp Pirates. By Capt. Mayne Reid..... 88 PHorograPH Pum. By Edward L. Wheeler.... 89 IsLanp Jim. By rae Hemyng 90 Taz Dreap Riper. By G. Waldo Browne. ... 91 THe CapraIn or THE CLUB. By Bracebridge “year ; 92 CanaDA CHET. By Edward L. Wheeler 93 THe Boy MINERS. Edward S. Ellis 94 Mipnicur Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh 3 Rrvat Rovers. By Lieut. Col. Hazeltine. 96 Warcu-Eye. By Edward L. Wheeler. ... 97 Tue OvTLaw Brotruers. By J. T. M ¢ 98 Rosin Hoop. By Prof. Stewart Gildersleeve.. . 99 Toe Ticrr or Taos. By George W. Browne... 100 Deapwoop Dick 1n LEADVILLE. By Wheeler. 101 Jack Harkaway In New YorgE. 'y Brace- graham... 103 Tae Lion or THE SEA. By Col. Delle Sara... 104 Deapwoop Dick’s Devicr. rt Ed. L. Wheeler. 105 O_p Ruse, THE HUNTER. by apt. H. Holmes . 106 Oty Frosty, tHE Guipz, By T.C. Harbaugh... 5 107 Onz-Eyep Sm. By J. L. Bowen 5c 108 Dartne Davy. By Harry St. George. os 6 «v0 109 DeEapwoop Dick as DETECTIVE. Wheeler iit Tam Saa:Devit. By Gol, Prentiss Ingrahars., HE SeA-DeEviL. ‘ol. ntiss s 112 Tue Map Hunter. By Burton Sax 113 Jack Hoytx. By Edward L. Wheeler.... 114 THe BuAck SCHOONER. ey et Starbuck. .. 115 THe Map Miner. By G. o Browne 116 Toe Hussar Caprain. B ‘ aoe. Be 117 Giur-Epeep Dick. By a eeler, .. 118 THe Boy Derective. B bo ave 119 Mustranea Sam. By Jos. E. 120 Tok BranpED Hanp. By Fra 121 Coxyamon Cure. By Edward L. Wheeler...... 122 Pam Harpy, THE Boss Boy. By Chas. Morris. 128 Kiowa CHARLEY. byt. C. Harbaugh......... 124 Trepy, THE Texan. By George Gleason...... 1s Bonanza Brut, Miner. By E. L. Wheeler. 26 Picayune Perr. By Chas. Morris. 127 Wuop-Firr. By F 5e 128 Tue Youne Privateer. By Harry Cavendish . 129 Deapwoop Dick’s Dougie. By E. L. Wheeler. 180 Derectrve Dick. By Charles Morris.. ...... 5c 131 Tue Gotpen Hanp. By G. W. Browne 5c 182 Tae Hunted Hunter. By Edward S. Ellis... 138 Boss Bos. By Edward L. Wheeler Be 134 Sure-Snot Sern, By Oll Coomes. 185 Caprarn Paut. By C. D. Clark 136 Nieut-Hawk Kir. By Jos. E. 137 THe HeLptess Hanp. By Capt. 138 Bionpe Brut, By Edward L. Wheeler 139 Juper Lyxcu, Jr. By T.C. Harbaugh....,.. 5c 140 Brox Buazes. By Frank Dumont * ward L. Wheeler FERRET; By Edward L. Wh Tae Borper Derective. By Ready May 1ith Y¥; OR, dle’s Half-Di Beadle’s {Dime Library is for sale all Newadealers, five conte per copy. Gr coat by mal on pt o cen Publishers, 98 William Street, N. Y.