Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 160) (1880 08 17)

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An Pe ee No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR... e DLE AND ADAMS, The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in J eopardy. (bua! ‘ts August 17, 1880. — — SS one) AUTHOR OF “YELLOWSTONE JACK,” “ HURRICANE BILL,” “ MUSTANG SAM,” ‘‘ NIGHTHAWK KIT,” ‘‘ DAINTY LANCE,” ETC., ETO, LIKE AN ANGEL OF LIGHT A GIRL STOOD BESIDE THE NEGRO, ONE WHITE HAND RESTING UPON HIS MUSCLE-KNOTTED ARM AS SHE GAZED DOWN INTO THE SINK.

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The Black Giant; DAINTY LANGE IN JEOPARDY. BY JOS. E. BADGER, Jr., AUTHOR OF ‘‘ YELLOWSTONE JACK,” ‘BLACK JOHN,” ‘‘ HURRICANE BILL,” “ MUSTANG SAM,” ‘ DAINTY LANCE,” ‘‘ NIGHT- HAWK KIT,” ETC., ETC. CHAPTER I. A REMARKABLE ENCOUNTER, ‘“‘THAR’S more a-plenty whar that comes from, Lance,” said Zephaniah Hardy,as a large snow-flake settled silently upon the outstretched . hand of Lancelot Daintree. ‘* We've had extry good luck so fur, but ef we ain’t snowed up in- side a week from this, you kin—” That sentence was never finished. While speaking thé words recorded above Hardy Zeph was walking along close behind Dainty Lance, for the trail which they were following was barely wide enough to admit the passage of one person at a time; a narrow path whieh wound along the side of a small, steep tél or ridge, at what would have been its base, only for a deep, rock-strewn and brush-entan- gled ravine or hollow which formed a continu- ation of the slope. This ‘‘ sink ” was some forty feet in depth, but the snow which had drifted into it, filling the minor hollows and smoothing over the most for- bidding features, made it seem much less, though neither of the young trappers was de- ceived by this fair, unsullied mask. They well knew what was hidden by the snow-mantle, for that narrow tgail was frequently used by them in ing to and from their traps. Yet, knowing all this, knowing that such a fall would be dangerous to limb, if not life, Hardy Zeph cut short _his sentence, flung his arms around Dainty Lance, then flung both himself and comrade headlong from the trail, down the rugged slope. i Dainty Lance, taken wholly by surprise, and unable to help himself, uttered a cry that was cat short as the snow-crust yielded to their weight, and the dry feathery particles rose in a cloud around them as they rolled end over end among the bowlders and shrubbery at the bot- tom of the sink. Dainty Lance was not the only one taken by surprise by this sudden action on the part of Hardy Zeph. For nearly#in hour four men had been lying in ambush on the hillside above the narrow trail, watching and waiting for the coming of the two young men whom they had strict orders to slay without mercy. Creuching down in a narrow space between several bowlders, which space they had cleared from snow, the detailed assassins waited with a cogged patience until their intended victims were fairly in the trap; until the two trappers reached a point directly below them, not twenty yards away ; then at a silent signal leveled their iifles, a brace at each target. ‘Powder was burned and the bullets r The assassins saw their game plunge h ong down the steep slope, and a united yell burst from their lips as they arose and broke cover —a yell that was fairly devilish in its ruthless exultation. They believed their work was done, and done thoroughly ; but they were soon undeceived. So far from being slain, neither one of the youngsters had been touched by the _ lead, thanks to the swift and decided action of Har- dy Zeph. i Through the slowly-falling snow-flakes he had cought a glimpse of the enemy as they par- tially arose from cover in order to make sure of their aim, and realizing the danger of himself und heart-brother in those leveled rifles, Hardy Zeph acted on the spur of the moment and took the only course that could have averted the impending doom, even for a moment, the ragged lead whistling viciously in close proxim- ity to their ears as they took the hazardous, headlong plunge. EXver more thoughtful for his comrade than himself, Hardy Zeph managed the fall so that he himself should receive the principal shock of the first plunge, guarding Dainty Lance with his own body. Luckily his head struck nothing barder than snow and frozen earth during that svift, confused descent, for, as he staggered to tis feet, mechanically brushing the snow from lds eves and drawing a revolver from his belt, he saw that Dainty Lance had not escaped Bo casily, The Black Giant. He lay half buried in snow, his limbs awk- wardly disposed, his head partialiy doubled up beneath his body, silent and motionless like one dead. Such was the sickening dread that seized upon Hardy Zeph: that he had destroyed in- stead of saving his friend, and as he heard the exultant& yells of the assassins as they scrambled down the hillside to the path, from whence they could obtain their first glimpse of the bottom of the sink, a dangerous fire spruhg up in his eyes, his weather-beaten_ countenance became couvulsed with a terrible rage that told how bitterly he meant to be avenged. * Yet he stooped long enough to draw his friend’s head out from its suffocating position. He had time for no more. The enem reached the narrow trail, and were staring at him in mute amazement, so certain had they been of finding both of their victims dead. With a sharp, snarling cry that sounded like the notes of some infuriated wild beast, rather than aught human, Hardy Zeph covered the most prominent figure above him, and sent a bullet crashing bo ido wes through bis brain. A hoarse, cho ing scream—an uplifting of arms—and then a dead body came plunging down the slope, so direct for its destroyer that Hardy Zeph was forced to leap aside, lest he be felled by a corpse. be ag = assault disordered his aim, and the life of another of the astounded enemy. The three assassins were bold enough under ordin circumstances, and had they not been so confident that their bloody work was done by their first volley, Zeph wolud hardly have been given time to fire bis second shot. As it was, they used their feet instead of their firearms, shrinking back and seeking the near- est cover. Had he been alone Hoge Zeph would in- stantly have improved his advantage, and set- tled the question in one way or another by a bold charge upon the - vigg Ohare they were thus demoralized, but in his overpowering anxiety for Dainty Lance, he allowed the gold- en opportunity to pass arin e dead body that lay between Spurning t them with his foot, Hardy Zeph stoo over Dainty Lance, feeling as though an icy band was fast griping his heart. There was no motion, no outward traces of life, and as he raised the body in his arms, the head hung down so limply that he began to fear that pets Lance’s neck had been broken by the fall. Before he could reassure bimself on this point, a crashing sound from the hillside above gave Zeph warning of fresh danger, and rais- ing his eyes he bebeld a huge bowlder dashing directly toward him. Once more he forgot himself in his all-power- ful love for Dainty Lance, and though he feared his friend was dead, he would. net leave the body there to be crushed by that mass of rock, even to save his own life. Throwing all his strength into the effort, Zeph swung the lifeless form of his friend around out of danger. He had time for no more than to fling himself at full length upon the trampled snow, when the bowlder, large as a common trunk, made the last bound that threatened to crush him to a bloody, shapeless pulp. " Carrying a cloud of mingled snow and dirt, parting the air with a roaring sound, the bowlder came and passed, not wholly without injury, though Hardy Zeph was not slain. A sharp cry of pain parted his lips as he was rolled violently over and over after the mass of rock, for a rough corner had struck his left shoulder so forcibly that for the moment he believed his arm had been torn from his body. This cry was echoed back by the assassins above, whose temporary panic had quickly subsided, and now they came into view at different points along the trail above, each one holding a revolver ready for use. Blinded by snow and dirt, partially disabled by the terrible shock he had received, rdy Zeph was, nevertheless, endeavoring to arise in order to remove the body of his bosom frien out df danger. Confident now that the game was in their own hands, the three men above raised their age and waited to secure a certain aim before ring, each so intent upon carrying out the bloody instructions the had received, that not one of them suspected the swift approach of danger until it was fairly upon them. The fellow who stood directly above where | the bowlder had been started in motion, was the See ee ee eee ee eee eee cn ere ee et Ee Oe. ee | oe eee ee bh ceeded high through the air as his arms were convulsive- ly flung aloft—for a feathered shaft -quivered from between his shoulders, and a bright steel! arrow-head gleamed with a reddish tinge before his broad chest! A gurgling, gasping curse parted his lips—the smoking pistol fell from his grasp, and then both hands tore convulsively at the steel point that.had spitted him. One moment thus, then his stiffened muscles relaxed, and he plunged headlong down into the sink of death! Amazed, confounded, ignorant of what had caused his death, for so intent had they been u their bloody work that neither had seen the arrow, the two survivors stared at the fall ing corpse in superstitious terror—but only for a moment. , A-shout that can only be likened to the hoarse roar of an angry lion, broke the spell that bound them, and they turned to behold a spectacle that might have carried terror to the hearts of far bolder men than they were—a gigantic form clad in skins, bounding toward them with won- derful swiftness, considering the nature of the ground, brandishing a huge and knotted club, at each enormous stride uttering that deep, bellowing roar; a negro giant. His close-curling wool, a sb Spa manip- ulation, had been straightened out and firm bound into the shape of horns rising above each temple. His wide mouth was open, revealin t white teeth. His swift cause the tails and fur tassels of his strange attire to dangle and sway in the air. And all this, com- bined with his glossy skin of face and bare arms, was enough to account for the super- stitious terror which seized upon the two assas- sins. They believed his Satanic Majesty in person was coming for them! a The sable giant was barely a score of yards distant from the nearest outlaw when he was discovered, and before the panic-stricken wretch could think of either flight or defense, the human avalanche was upon him. One downright stroke of the great club crushed the man to the earth, a bloody spray following that terrific blow and staining the snow for yards around. The negro did not pause or even break his huge stride in dealing this death-blow, but fixed his rolling eyes upon the last of the assassins, and brandished his blood-dripping club as he rushed along the narrow trail. With a despairing scream of terror, the crav- en wretch fired one futile shot at his terrible enemy, then turned and ficc—but not far. His foot sli ped, and ke sunk upon his hands and knees. As quickly as possible he scrambled UP, but that instant lost was fate] to his hopes of escape with life. : With a laugh that was even more fear-inspir- ing than bis roar, the ebony Hercules swung his club round sideways, striking the doomed wretch near the middle, sweeping him off the trail and hurling him as from some mighty catapult, over the head of the wondering trapper below, and half way across the sink. Laughing again, as though enjoying this terrible evidence of his match ess strength, the t twirled the club round bis head as though t weighed no more than a feather, then fixed his eyes upon Hardy Zeph and crouched for a leap that should carry him within striking dis- tance of another victim. = The young trapper saw this look and action and reading them aright, he drew bis secon istol, knowing that unless he killed the negro before he came within striking distance, his doom would be certain death. Fortunately that stern necessity did not ar- rive. “Hold, Hercules! stay your hand—your work is done!” Clear and musical was the voice that uttered these words, but that it was all-powerful with the negro, was made clear by the complete al- teration which instantaneously manifested it- self. His ferocity vanished like magic. From an avalanche of death and destruction, he beeame « huge, overgrown child, jolly and good-hu- mored, slow and even sluggish in motion. Harcy Zeph had hardly time to realize this signal transformation, before another and even greater surprise greeted him. Like an angel of light a girl stood beside the negro, one white hand resting upon bis muscle- knotted arm as she gazed down into the sink, anxiety filling her large blue eyes, her red lips parted as if in painful suspense. Even in the midst of his astonishment—al- first one to burn powder, but the action was an | most awe—at this strange vision, Hardy Zeph | involuntary one, end the bullet he sped whistled noted that her gaze was directed not towa: qd

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3 The Black Giant. him, but upon the pale, upturned face of Dain- ty Lance. As though there was a magie power in her gaze, Dainty Lance opened bis eyes, and from his position the first objects they rested upon were the forms of the strangely mated couple standing in the narrow trail above. The negro has been described sufficiently for all present purposes, but of his companion, a word in passing. A more complete contrast could scarcely be imagined. * A form light and graceful as that of a fairy, in hight.and weight that of a child, but with the rounded limbs and swelling bust of a wo- man. The form clad in s.owy-white feathers and fur from top to toe, a compromise between the feminine end masculine costume, The onl bits of color being short curling locks of a gol- den hue that clustered around her face as she stooped to look downward; that face itself with reat eyes of blue, ruby-red lips, and a warm flush that suffused her cheeks as the wonder- ing gaze of the young trapper met hers fully. n her left hand she held a strung bow, while a quiver of arrows hung over her shoulder. Both bow and arrows seemed made more for service than for show, and one unskilled in the gentle art, might have tasked his muscles severely ere bending the weapon; re the slight arm of that seeming child had sent an arrow to the feather in the tough carcass of yonder ras- cally assassin. . Just what he said as he scrambled to his feet and began the slippery ascent to the point where the en =A matched couple stood in smiling waiting, Daint Lance never knew, but Hardy Zeph did, and his brow clouded as his memory flew back to those perilous days when Decoy Duck held his friend with a silken chain. ‘* Darn the gal-critters, anyhow!” he mutter- ed in an undertone of utter disgust, as he close- ly followed Dainty Lance. ‘' They’re al’ays makin’ trouble. We come here to git shet on ’em,an’ blamed ef the hills ain’t chuck full o’ the Ppizen varmints!” His left side and shoulder, though nothing more serious than a few ugly bruises had follow- ed the blow of the bowlder, was still nearly helpless, and Hardy Zeph found it took longer to ascend the slope than to descend. Thus he missed the first. words that passed between Dainty Lance and the fair stranger. ‘*There is no time to waste in idle speech,” she said, with an impatient gesture that check- ed the words Dainty Lance was on the point of uttering. ‘‘ Notbanks are needed for what we have done, for those villains were our bitter enemies as well as yours. In slaying them, we lessened the chance of our being shot down from ambush. “But you have only escaped a single danger. There are still a dozen and more armed men in the neighborhood, who have sworn to hunt you down to death. Another ey! of four are now seeking you, as these were, while the remainder of the band are lying in wait around your house, watching for your return, You will be lucky if you live to see the sun rise again!” The young trapper listened in amazement to this rapid speech, hardly able to take in the full rt of her words. She saw this, and stamped her, little moccasin- ed foot with impatient vehemence. ** Are you so dull, stupid, that you can’t un- derstand plain words? I tell you that Dirk Weeninx and his band of cutthroats, m-sque- rading under the guise of honest trappers, have sworn your death. These four men were a por- tion of his company. They are beyond troub- ling you for the future, but a dozen more are left. Flight and flight alone can save you. er) here, and you are doomed!” “Who is this Dirk Weeninx?’ gravely asked Dainty Lance. “A demon—the chiefeand leader of devils second in cruel ferocity only to himself!” was the emphatic response, ‘Then you are not—that is, you don’t be- jong—” r clear, mellow laugh cut his confused speech short. “Am [one of his band? you would ask. Do I look like it? Would i strike down my com- rades as I struck that wretch, with an arrow cleaving his crime blackened heart?’ y “Who and what are you, then?” asked Dainty Lanee, growing desperate as he saw the strange leing motion to the giant negro, and turn as though to leave the scene of bloodshed and Ceath., ‘* An elf—a changeling—a snow-sprite!” with a mocking lapgh that showed rhe had been | deeply offended by his former unlucky speech. EE EO — ‘Sibyl, the Snow Sprite—so you may call me / ber that after the tragic death of Panther Paul, in your dreams. Seek to know no more, lest and the departure of Handsome Hal with his your curiosity meet its fitting punishment. | strangely recovered wife, the young trappers ** Hercules—come!” she added, turning impe- | returned to their snug retreat, the ‘‘dug-out” riously toward the huge negro, who, , a at | in the hillside, believing the worst of their *~‘als upon his blood-stained club, had been listening | past. + ‘ with a broad, somewhat sleepy grin. | Time rolled on, and the winter, an unusually Light and graceful as the unsubstantial crea- | mild one, had more than half spent itself, when ture to which she had likened herself, Sibyl | three strangers made their appearance in pitia- glided along the narrow trail, followed by the | be ep giant black, like a well-trained dog. | ey claimed to be honest trappers, who had Sharp as had been his repulse, Dainty Lance | been attacked, robbed aud hard chased by In- could not bring himself to yield so tamely, and | dians, they alone escaping out of more than a with a deprecating exclamation he started for- | dozen stout men. ward in pursuit. But scarcely had he takena| The boys never doubted the truth of their second step, when the Snow Sprite turnoc with | story, for the men were unarmed, save oue pis- a warning gesturo, her cheeks flushed, her cyes | tol and two knives between them, and had that flashing with a fire that increased her weird, | half-famished, wolfish look that comes only of unearthly beauty. i re tie and long abo . ‘Back! I will not be followed nor spied upon. Food was placed before them, and they ate ravenously, their hungry eyes roving around Ihave done my duty in saving your life. ou have thanked me. So we are quits: Donot | them and making mental notes of all they saw. make me regret kavivg frustrated the bloody Neither Dainty Lance nor Hardy Zeph were blind, and that night they took turns in keep- scheme of those villains.” At her first word, Hercules turned about in | watch over their rongh guests. But to all seem- ing this precaution was superfluous. Stuffed to the path, upheaving his huge club with a men- acing flourish, all traces of sleepy good-nature — with hearty food, worn and weary eradicated from his face and supplanted by a | after their forced journey, the three strangers dark and sullen ferocity. He cast a glance | slept heavily until the sun was high up in the back at his mistress, only waiting for a word or | heavens. signal to hurl himself upon those whom he had Hardy <a cooked them breakfast, and then so recently saved from death. | the man who appeared to be the leading spirit Dainty Lance paused short, not through fear of the trio, began to expose his hand. of the negro, but because the words of the The Gng ae was unusually well stocked with maiden showed him he had no right to force | firearms, knives and ammunition, the young himself upon her against her will. trappers having collected those once used by His prompt obedience seemed to placate the | Panther Paul and his men. strange girl, for her tones were softer as she | Ford—which was the name given by the bur- added: ly spokesman—demanded rather than asked “The time may come when we will meet for an outfit of these superfluous weapons, and again, and learn to know each other better. | was ony denied by Dainty Lance. But for the present we each have other duties. “Food and blankets you may have, all you Yours is to escape your bitter enemies. Re- | choose to carry, but I don’t like your looks well member my warning, and beware of Dirk Wee- | enough to trust you with firearms. In less than ninx and his band of cruel mountain vultures!” | a month, by steady tramping, you can reach Again she turned and sped away, this time | the settlements. Take enough meat for that without a backward glance. Hercules followed | length of time, a pound of powder ‘and some her, but it was plain that his suspicions were | lead. More than that you'll not get here.” easier roused than quieted, for he cast an ocea-| The fellow appeared cowed by this sharp sional frown over his shoulder, as though reluc- a and proposed that they form a partner- i fairly crouched to for the winter trapping. + | f course this was cm and one word led to another until, in a fair fist-fight, Dainty er now, and only a few moments sufficed to | Lance soundly thrashed the inrolent fellow. carry the strangely matched couple beyond | Hardy Zepb, with a cocked revolver in each Dainty Lance’s range of vision. Not until they | hand, keeping the others from interfering until were quite lost to view did he turn toward | the burly _— was forced to admit that he Hardy Zeph who was beginning to grumble | had hud enough. and rub his bruises. ° | In sullen silence the three roughs aecepted “A spook—that’s what she is! I’d ruther | what was given to them, and pursued their way fight a bull tribe o’ redskins then to hev any | southward, dogged by Hardy Zeph until they doin’s with sech outlandish critters!” | were many miles distant from the dug-out. For Dainty Lance smiled, but said nothing. The | a long time, the young trappers kept a wary anxious look which accompanied these words, | watch, expecting to hear more of their ugly told him that Hardy Zeph was not thinking of | guests, bu®a month or more had elapsed since nig own weHare when he spoke thus. | Dainty Lance administered that lesson, without t may be that he secretly acknowledged there tringing the expected visit. ae was some foundation for these fears—that he, | The weather gave unmistakable evidence of a change for the worse, and believing that the k ng-expected snow-blockade was now at hand, the young trap set out on this afternoon to gather up their scattered traps. It was while he: engaged that they were assailed from am- tant to leave the prey he had leap upon. ti he snow-flakes were falling faster and thick- too, felt that he was in danger. Be that as it may, he held his peace, asking no questions about what had occurred during his brief insen- sibility. For the present he did not care to | trust his tongue too far. | He passed along to where lay the mangled | corpse of the man first struck down by the giant | ush. | And now, in the face of the dead man, they negro, but turned away with a shudder of lcath- | recognized one of the trio who had been dis- ing for ane remained of the head and face | missed from the dug-out, over a month before. but a ghastly, bloody pulp. . The faces of the other two dead men were At that moment he was startled by a sharp, | examined, but they were those of utter stran- ers, “Then they’s two more o’ the critters skulkin’ ‘round, anyway,” muttered Hardy Zeph, an ugly cycle surrounding his lips. ‘‘Mebbe the gal-spook was right. A dogen an’ more, she said. Long odds—an’ we ain’t got no Sure Death to help us fight our way through, now,” ‘‘Surer death than that negro end his club, I never wont to see,” said Dainty Lance, turning with a shudder from the body hurled across the | sink by that terrible weapcn. ‘But we are | losing valuable time. She said they were wait- | ing for us by the dng-out. It will be impolite to CHAPTER II. AT DEATH'S PORTALS, AcTuATED probsbly by the same feeling of curiosity that led Dainty Lance to examine the body of the man first slain by the giant negro, Hardy Zeph descended into the sir k once more, and brushing the snow from the face cf the per- son slain by his bullet, uttered the sharp cry | that so startled his comrade. A swift gesture decided Dainty Lance, and plowing his way down the steep slope, he soon : stood beside Hardy Zeph. | keep them longer in suspense.” ‘You kin see fer yourself. That ugly mug | Hardy Zeph did not like the short, hard leugh speaks plainer nor words. It gives a good | that followed this speech, It sounded tco 1 ck- reason for what the gal spook said "bout them less, and from the steely blue light in tle exes men huntin’ our lives.” of his comrade, he knew that- Dainty Lance An ugly, crime-lined and sin-hardened face | meant mischief. . ooked up at them through the thin vail of | “ Durn the gal-critters, anyway!” he wutter- scattered snow-flakes; a face that Dainty Lance | ed, beneath his breath. ‘Just the same way immediately recognized, and cne that made the _ he looked when he went mad ‘long of that De- bitter attack upon them svfficiently var. coy Duck!” Thore who may have fellowed the verving Dainty Lance caught the fortunes of our boy-hcroes thus far; willren:em- bocing speech, anv’ toy? astonished cry from the lips of Hardy Zeph. | £ : substerce of this ’ ° Yew ka rway,

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heading for the dug-out, his cheek flushing deeply, for Zeph’s remark had struck home. ‘or several miles, not a word passed between “om, both keeping a wary look-out in every direction, for they had not forgotten the decla- ration of the Sngw Sprite that there was still another force out in search of them, and they gave a wide berth to every spot that seemed favorable for an ambush. These precautions consumed time, and # was past the middle of the afternoon when they reached the belt of timber which bordered the river, ab a point nearly opposite the dug-out, having thus far seen no signs of the enemy. But now, as they stood upon the bank, peer- ing through the matted undergrowth, an angry exclamation broke from the lips of each. Across the ice-bound river, near the base of a high bill, they saw a dense smoke oy + “They’ve got tired of waiting, and have set fire to the dug-out!” grated Dainty Lanee, his eyes flashing ominously. ‘By the Lord that made me! they shall find something burning, more dangerous than logs Hardy Foph grasped his arm and restrained him from leaping from the bank to the snow- covered ice below. ** They’d sight us afore we could git half-way acrost. "Twon’t better the case none fer us to lose our lives as well as property,” he said, re- wrovingly. “Tl not stand by like a coward, and see them—” ‘“No more you needn’t. We kin cross the river below the bend, an’ creep up on ’em with- out bein’ seen, ef you’re dead sot onto it. But it’s a foolish resk, aJl the same. We cduldn’t | squinch that fire now, even ef they’d ‘low us to try, which ain’t likely.” ainty Lance was in no humor for arguing | the case, or of listening to reason, but set off’! down the river bank at a rapid s Hardy Zeph followed after, his honest coun- tenance clouded with an uneasy anxiety. He saw that Dainty Lance was in a dangerous mood, and he feared that evil would come of it | —and his forebodings were well founded. Down theriver for half. a mile, then across it | to the opposite shore; stealing along under its | thinly-timbered bank. This was dangerous, since it left them wholly visible to any one who might be standing on the other side of the river, but owing to the pecu- liar lay of the ground, it was the only manner in which the dug-out could be approached under cover. By this time. Dainty Lance had managed to regain partial control of his passions, and neg- lected no precautions as they drew near the spot which had once been their safe retreat, but which was now a mass of flame-tinged smoke. ; Nearly a dozen men were carelessly grouped around in front of the rpg bry ores laugh- ing and jesting together as they watched the progress of the flames. After a brief penpentty, Mardy Zeph arrived at the corgect solution. ese men fad heard the sounds of the volley fired by their four com- rades, and believed that their work was surel done, the distance being too great for a single pistol shot to reach their hearing. plundered | They had broken open the dug-out it of weapons, food, furs and such other articles as met their wishes, then set fire to the building, rough pure wantonness. Dainty Lance saw all this, and more; for prominent among those rough forms, he recog- nized that of the ak og real or cuatenttid. whom he had so soundly thrashed for his inso- lence, a few weeks before, In a fiery spasm of rage, he leveled his pistol at the unsuspecting rascal and pulled the trig- ger; but Hardy Zeph had been watching bim closely, and the hammer fell only upon the palm of his dexterously interposed hand. “ Et you’re dead-sot on havin’ a shindy ag’inst sech odds, wait ontel the right time comes, an’ l won’t balk ye. Just now they’d be «lown on- to us afore we could firea second shot, an’ thar’s enough on’em to swaller us alive, ef they so keered. ’T'won’t belong waitin’, ‘less I miss m guess, an’ twenty-five pound o’ powder’ll kic tp a gay old bobbery, Ef they hain’t found the keg, which I don’t think, them p’izen critters is goin’ to be the most discomfuddled— J told ye so!” Not even the speaker heard these last words, for they were drowned by a deafening explo- sion that awoke the echoes for miles around, telling that the devouring flames had at length ched the buried keg of powder. | he stoutly fastened loes were rent asunder an! hurled in every direction, like straws before | | taking the short cut and strainin The Black Giant. a cyclone, mingled with stones and earth as the overhanging mass of dirt was torn away by the mighty force of the confined powder. hose standing before the building were scat- tered like chaff, but luckily for them, the main force of the powder was exerted in an upward direction, and only one of their number was killed or disabled. Even the young trappers, though distant | some fifty yards, were prostrated by the severe | concussion, and though they quickly scrambled to their feet, for several seconds thereafter, they were kept busy in dodging the falling debris. . ~ Dainty Lance saw the enemy come tumbling down the bank, and on the spur of the moment, believing he recognized the leader of the incen- diaries, he leveled his revolver and sent a bullet through his back. _ The shot, though fatal, was both a mistaken and unlucky one. The victim Dainty Lance selected was not Dirk Weeninx, which was the real name of the man who had called himself Ford. That wor- thy had suffered no injury from the explosion, being knocked into the bushes, from whence he had a fair view of Dainty Lance, when his at- tention was arrested by the pistol-shot. A fierce, cursing cry parted his lips as he re- cognized those whom he had believed dead, and at once opening fire, he shouted to his men to -— and follow him. ardy Zeph duplicated his comrade’s death- shot, then, seeing that a moment’s delay might easily prove fatal, since the a were quick- y. rallying at their leader's , he grasped ainty Lance by the arm and hastened toward the further bank of the river. ‘““We must make the rocks over yonder, an’ fight ’em off ontel dark—it’s our only chaince!” « he cried. Dainty Lance ever grew cooler in proportion as the danger thickened, and as the leaden mis- siles a to hum viciously around them, he realized the wisdom of Zeph’s advice. They could not battle successfully against such heavy odds out in the open, and knowing this, they sped rapidly across the snow-covered river. The enemy, led by Dirk Weeninx, followed with mad yells, firing at every leap, but by their very eagerness frustrating the deadly pur- pose they entertained. Slipping and sliding upon the snow-covered ice in their bloodthirsty haste, they did pause to secure any thing like an aim, and natural consequence the bullets sped wide of their mark. True to his devoted nature, Hardy Zeph was aes in the rear and striving to shield the form of his heart-brother with bis own person, consequently it was Dainty Lance who first made the unwelcome discovery that their re- treat was cut off by at least four enemies, who suddenly made their appearance through the tangled brush that lined the further bank of the river. Instinct told the youth that these men comp. / posed the y which the Snow Sprite declar- ed was out in search for them, and the exultant yells of the pursuers confirmed the fact. The four men had been startled by the thun- derous report, followed by the cracking of re- volvers, and forgetting their usual cunning in their anxiety to learn the truth, they discover- ed themselves to the keen-eyed fugitive, who might otherwise have run fairly into their arms. Witb a short, defiant shout, Dainty Lance turned abruptly to the left, racing directly up the river, by this maneuver hoping to throw both forces behind him. But it could only be done by a serious sacrifice of the brief advan- tage they had gained over their pursuers from the dug-out. Shouting and yelling like veritable fiends, the mountain vultures also altered their course, every nerve to overtake the fugitives, ur on by Dirk Weeninx, who shouted out amazing offers of — reward, from his position in the rear of ismen. His courage was not lacking, but he was heavy of foot, and could fight far better than he could run. Active and surefooted, knowing that they were racing for dear life, the heart-brothers sped on at a killing pace, not at random, but knowing that they must gain a certain distance ahead of their pursuers, or else die. No words passed between them. They ran in silence, but they fully understood each other. Another mile, and if all went well, they would reach a point where they could turn to bay with some pr ts of success. When half this distance was covered, Dainty Lance cast a glance over his shoulder, and saw with a grim thrill of satisfaction that the enemy were being steadily distanced, the nearest man being fully fifty yards to the rear, But that same glance showed him another fact that was far less pleasing. Hardy Zeph also had fallen behind him, and was now run- ning heavily, bending slightly over to the left, as though that side was beginning to fail him in this critical emergency. nd that was exactly the truth. The injury received from the fallin bowlder was now making itself felt, and Zeph knew that he could notast much longer. Dainty Lance saw this, and knew that his newly conceived hope of maintaining their flight until darkness came to aid their escape, must be abandoned. He slackened his pace, to allow Hardy Zeph to catch up, and looked at him anxiously. F + fe asped the ee me nto at — got,” gas 6 youn r, with a sic smile. ‘You rad: on Dll tan’ 4 rocks, an’ fight it out.” ' ‘* Both or neither—we live or die together!” That was all that was said then, but ne more was needed, they understood each other so thorou _ ¥ Dainty Lance veered toward the right hand bank, not so abruptly as to give the enemy any essential advantage, peering through the slowly falling snow-flakes in search of a favorable posi- tian for eerie themselves. His face lighted up with a stern delight, for he believed he had found what he had wished, only a few rods back from the river. A word told Hardy Zeph, and straining every nerve, they dashed ahead with a burst of speed that amazed their heavier laden pursuers. Leaving the river and scrambling up the bank, untouched by the bullets that buried themselves in the snow around them, for now the pursuers betook themselves once more to their pistols, erg fearing that the intended victims would yet give them the slip, unless over to them | killed or crippled by a chance shot. The chosen spot was reached; a high, rock wall rising almost a og eae behind them to the hight of some fifty feet, at the base of which lay several irregular fragments of rock that had fallen from above. None too soon. Hardy Zeph had barely strength sufficient to turn around and confront the err A as they rushed forward with ferocious ells of bloodthirsty joy, when his injured side ailed him entirely. Yet his spirit was indomitable, and dragging himself upon his knees, his right hand weakest his revolver in time with those grasped by Dainty Lance. More than a dozen against two, the enemy charged with the recklessness of men who feel that there is nothing to fear, but they quickly realized their mistake. Steady of aim and true of eye as though he was practicing at an inanimate target with nothing of moment at stake, Dainty Lance plied his révolvers with deadly effect, not a single pellet going astray, but wounding where they did not kill. And then the no less certain weapon of Hardy Zeph ~ one noe fire, and the astounded ruffians recoiled from before that dauntiless front. Confused and tho hly cowed for the time being, they sought shelter behind the nearest cover, leaving their dead where they had fallen, eo? blots —— virgin at (attra e young trap pro’ this breathin spell to make the best of their ition, sera ng away the snow from behind a long, breast-hig rock, and packing it so as to leave them several small loop-holes, through which they could observe the movements of the enemy without e ing themselves to view. We can hold it against double the force, at least long enough for the night to settle down and afford us a chance of stealing away under cover of darkness,” said i ance, with a grim smile as he settled down to await the next movement of the enemy. “ Ef they don’t take a notion to rock us to sleep frem AN a muttered Zeph, glancin z up the wall behind them. ‘ A few dornicks set agoin’ up thar, an’ I don’t reckon we’d be wu’tl: much, ’less it was fer sassages!” This wasa source of danger that Dainty Lance had overlooked, but now a single glance show ed him that Hardy Zeph had in no wise overrated the peril. Beyond a doubt the enemy could either kill them as they lay there, or else drive them out of their refuge to meet no less certain death by — or gee yet there were no signs given to tell that the mountain vultures had noted this deadly

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The Black Giant. method of attack, but the young trappers dared not hope that it would long esca ete notice. Lust of revenge would sharpen their senses too keenly for that. By this time the short afternoon was spent, and twilight was beginning to deepen into night, hastened by the steadily fallicg snow. And as the time passed on, our heroes began to hope anew, when they heard loud shouts from the river. These were returned by the enemy in front, and it was clear that they were being reinforced. ‘* The hills is full o’ the p’izen critters!” growled Zeph, in a tone of disgust, still vigorously chafing his injured side and arm.- ‘It'll give ’em a bit o’ spunk, mebbe, an’ they'll make a charge. - Well, we'll try to git a solid mouthful, while they're ys a squar’ meal, anyway!’ t fom then the hoarse voice of Dirk Weeninx was heard, bidding the new-comers make a cireuit and reach the top of the rock-hill above their game. He briefly described their position, and bade his fellows not to spare the stones. While he was speaking, both Dainty Lance and Hardy Zeph sought to catch a glimpse of him, but the outlaw kept close covered, and they were disappointed in their hopes. +*’Pears like I wouldn’t so much mind goin’ under, ef I could only git one squar’ crack at that p’izen imp, fust!” “T have marked his cover; do you the same. If we are forced to make a break, spot him the first of all.” Minute after minute rolled by, without sound or sight of the enemy. Dainty Lance watched in front, while Hardy Zeph directed his atten- tion toward the rocks above, ready to give his comrade warning in case of danger. Objects around them grew more and more in- distinct, and all would have been utter darkness only -for the mantle of snow that enveloped the earth. That afforded an uncertain light, but was enough to materially benefit our friends, It was the sense of bearing, rather than sight, that warned them of the first attack from above; a rumbling; crashing sound as a heavy mass of — came thundering down the face of the wall. Crouching, low, they pressed close against the rocky , ignorant in which direetion to leap in order. to avoid the descending missile. The ponderous -mass struck fairly upon the bowlder which they had used as.a breastwork, shatter- ing both into, fragments, more than one of which struck the young trappers, though no serious injury was done. chorus of exultaut yells came from the enemy in front, and was. echoed back from the hill-top, as more rocks followed in rapid suc- anes ning 2 te Weeninx and Be ey 38 thoug guard, against a rush on the part o their desperate game, opened fire from a dozen different. points, ‘We've got, to make a break!” uttered Dainty Lance, savagely, wincing as a flattened, bullet rebounded from the r and struck his cheek foreibly, ‘‘ Shoulder to shoulder—we may cut our way through. It’s certain death here! Hardy Zeph too believed that this was their only chance, but. before they could put the des- erate projectinto execution, they were startled the rapid thud of horses’ hoofs, and high above all other sounds rose that deep, terrible roar that once heard could never be mistaken for augue else—the angry bellow of the giant negro ercules! nd not only that, but in the sudden, almost awe-struck silence which fell upon the outlaws, there came a clear, ringing, mellow langh—the laugh of a girl, a woman—of the strange crea- ture who had.once before befriended the young trappers; the laugh of Sibyl the Snow Sprite! CHAPTER III. IN CLOSE QUARTERS, ONLY once that Seaital roar sounded before the giant negro, riding a black horse whose size and strength were in just proportion to those of the Colossus on its back, was in the midst of the astounded enemy, whirling his enormous club around until it fairl whistled as it cut the air; dealing an irresistible. blow, wherever he obtained a glimpse of aught sentient through the thickening gloom of the night and falling snow, Beside them rode the girl who had called her- self Sibyl, the Snow Sprite, looking like a fairy in company with a genie, wielding no weapo but..causing scarcely less terror in. the hearts 0 the superstitious rafflans than did the sight of Hercujes, Of them all, perhaps Dirk Weeninx was the only one who knew or suspected the truth, and | ed from his position to one side, he did-not imme- cramps has about left me, too, an’ I reckon I diately realize it. his cover, he recognized the huge rider an fair companion. : ‘*Close in, boys!” he shouted hoarsely, leap- But as the negro swept past his ing forward, forgetting all else at the sight of | his long-coveted prey. “Kill the nigger, but take the girl alive! Death to the one that dares harm a hair of her head!” In ttartling contrast came the musical laugh of the Snow Sprite as she bade Hercules follow her. And then, as suddenly as they had ap- peared, they vanished amid the snow. ‘‘Follow! kill and capture!” howled Wee- ninx. ‘‘ Half my share of the treasure to the one who secures the girl. Kill the black devil, but she is worth ber weight in gold!” Their superstitious fears were dissipated by these words, and with eager shouts, the moun- tain vultures rushed through the snow in head- long pursuit of the prize they could still hear, but not see. But little less amazed, Dainty Lance and Bay, Zeph stood irresolute during the bold assault that had come at such a critical mo- ment, scarce able to believe their ears, until they caught the voice of Sibyl as she bade Her- cules retreat, and heard the fierce words spoken by Dirk Weeninx. ‘*She saved our lives—we must aid her now!” cried Dainty Lance, overleaping the shattered rock and pressing forward in the direction taken by both pursued and pursuers. Hardy Zepb could only follow, though he felt that such a course was rank folly, bidding fair to destroy the chance for life which the bold assault had given them. In that gloom, and mounted upon good horses, there was little danger of their two friends being overtaken by their mutual enemy. And realizing this, Hardy Zeph lost little time in putting a curming ruse into execution. With a desperate spurt, he forged alongside Dainty Lance, then uttered a stifled cry as of pain, stumbling against his comrade, whose are instinctively closed around him in sup- port. “Them cramps ag’in!”’ he a *T cain’t a fee leave me, Lance. ’Pears like I’m in ‘There was a brief struggle, but then brother- ly love prevailed over blind passion, and Zeph won his point. “They cain’t ketch the hoss-critters in the dark,” he added, breathing shortly and as though in pain. ‘‘They’ll soon find that out an’ then they’ll be back fer our skelps. Len me a little boost, an’ le’s git out o’ the track.” Dainty Lance fell into the trap, so admira- bly did Hardy Zeph enact the part of a disabled man, and it was well that such was the case. © Before they had hobbled a hundred yards, they could hear the voices of the outlaws re- turning, doubtless having realized the folly of pursuit under the circumstances. Hardy Zeph was strongly tempted to abandon his pretense, but before he cou!d decide, Dainty Lance pulled him down into a shallow ditch, where they broke the snow crust, and lay al- most entirely buried from sight. They could distinctly hear the rapid tramp- ling of the enemy as they hastened back to make sure of the prey they had been so strange- iy led away from, and felt a grim delight as they heard the yells and curses poured forth by the infuriated outlaws when they found the nest empty. : “ We are safer here than if we were running,” muttered Lance in a guarded voice. ‘ They'll never dream of our hiding so near at hand. they stumble on us, ’twill be by chance.” ese Zeph made no reply, for the enemy aa | ) could travel a purty good jog, ef need be.” —_ “We must have some shelter, but where will we find it?’ gloomily utteped Dainty Lance. ” ‘*The dug-out is destroyed—” ‘But the rat-hole ain’t,” interposed Zeph, al- juding to the secret tunnel which had stood them in such good stead when Panther Paul and his band were waging war against them. ‘ We kin lay hid thar ontel the wust o’ the storm is over, an’ them critters won’t think 0’ sech a idee.” Dainty Lance could suggest nothing better, and confiding in the friendly darkness, they arose and moved slowly away, avoiding ail un- necessary noise. Yet the very gloom that covered their move- ments, led them into danger before they had gone a hundred yards. A dark form de chonel visible before them, al- most within arm’s length, and a hoarse voice uttered: ‘It’s like lookin’ fer a black cat in a dark sul- lar in the night-time! We might fa’rly bump noses, an’ never know the difference ontel we | felt the blood come!” To make reply would risk discovery through | their voices being strange to the fellow’s ears. To brush past in sflence would awaken dangerous suspicions of the truth. There was only ons other course, and the young trappers took it without a moment’s hesitation. Hardy Zeph leaped upon the fellow, both hands fiercely griping his throat, while the force of the attack caused them both to fall heavily, Zeph uppermost. Dainty Lance knelt beside them, and guided by the sense of touch, pressed the long blade of his knife to its hilt between tbe ribs of the luck- less wretch, then clapped his other hand over his lips, to smother the death gurgle. But this last precaution was needless. Hardy Zeph knew that the faintest outcry might be fatal to their hopes of escape, and contracted his fingers so rigidly that they almost met through the flesh of the outlaw’s throat. Nota sound escaped through that deadly gripe, which was only relaxed when it was certain that the man was dead. A nasty job, but better him than us,” mut- tered Zeph, after a brief period of listening as- sured them that the short struggle had not at- tracted the notice of any of the dead man’s comrades. “They begun the fight. They meant to kill, an’ nobody kin fault us fer de- fendin’ ourselves.” ‘*TTl never sleep the worse for my share in it. Remember what she—what that lady said. Born devils, every one!” Hardy Zeph made no revly, but immediatel moved away in the lead, for he did not relis this allusion to the being who had so powerfully interested his comrade. Contrary to his fears, Dainty Lance followed without remonstrance and a few minutes more carried them beyor d the danger ef being intercepted by the demoral- ized enemy. Sharper and colder grew the air, and the darkness deepened as the snow descended in slanting sheets. Eyesight no longer availed them, and to one ignorant of the country sur- rounding them, that icy mantle would have proven e« shroud, Guided as though by instinct, and knowin that the snow would soon oblitera:e all traces of their passage, Hardy Zeph led the way back to the ruined dug-out by the most direet route, no longer fearing discove When still at some ‘didaee, they discovered If | a dull light shining through the descendi: z snow, and soon saw that, fanned by the strorg wind, the logs -of their once cosey home were were scattering in every direction, hoping to | blazing up brightly. catch sight of or hear some sound from the fugitives. ore than once discovery was imminent, and the young trappers sped their revolvers with astern resolve to sell their lives dearly, but as “The p’izen imps left in sech a hurry that | they didn’t stop to pick up thar plunder,” cb- | often were they passed by unseen, thanks to the | gloom of night and the friendly snow-flakes t at were steadily weaving a cover for the | prostrate figures in the hollow. Thicker and faster the snow fell, though the flakes were growing compact as the wind arose and the air grew colder. The young trappers soon grew chilled in their smaller in size and more | cramped cover, and experience told them that | unsheltered creatures on that night would fare but ill. _ “*The p’izen imps is so scattered, an’ the night is se dark now, that I reckon we kin creep away without much fear o’ diskivery,” mutter- Hardy Zepb, at length. Them pesky served Zeph, as be mece sure that none of the enemy bad reached the scene before bir=. “They ain’t no tellin’ how long the storn il last, an’ we be cooped up in thar. Wemusti:v some grub and a few biankets, anyhow. Vd talre the hull lot, but they’il be back ver afore long, an’ that’d tel) em we hadn’t gone fur.” The temptation was strong to reclaim their own, but neither of the youngsters were so fool- hardy as to yield to it. Missing the articles, the enemy wou'd know that they could rot have retreated either fast or far, and a persis- tent search would guiskly unearth them. Leaving Dainty Lance on guard, Hardy Zeph stole up the bark and brushing aside the sues, secured a couple of good rifles, with a sufficient: supply of ammunition, several blankets anc a quantity of dried meat, erough to last them: for a week or more,

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6 : 1 The Black Giant. Brushing back the loose snow, ho end Dainty | but since then I have seen that girl; she is far Lance carried the articles to the clump of bushes which concealed the outer entrance to the tun- nel. Retracing his steps, Zcph brushed the snow back into theif footprints as ho retreat to the cover, knowing that in a few minutes more the falling flakes would complete his pre- * cautions. A flat stone was uncovered and raised, reveal- ing a dark opening into which the goods were thrust, Dainty: Lance entering and stowing them away, while Hardy Zeph smoothed over the snow outside. Then he also entered the tunnel and lowered the fiat stone over the opening. Tho air inside was warm, and from the other end of the passage, there came a dull red glow, caused by the burning ruins of the dug-out, Investigation revealed that the explosion had caused the roof of the tunnel to cave in near that extremity, nearly blocking up the hole. Thanks to this, discovery by any one without, who was ignorant of the existence of such a place was highly improbable. A few handfuls of dirt stopped up the open- ing entirely, and then the comrades, wrapped in their ‘temiisitn, settled down in their close quarters, to meditate over the strange and thrilling events which had crowded so fast upon them. Perhaps it was just as well that they were ee long allowed to brood over these particu- ars. Indistinct sounds from without aroused Har- dy Zeph’s curiosity, and cautiously removing the loose dirt, he both saw and overheard the enemy, who were crowding around the blazing logs like men who were chilled to the bone, For a few moments he was afraid that they had been tracked thither, but this suspicion was. quickly dispelled. From their speech he soon gathered that they had abandoned the search as useless in such darkness and storm, and feeling the severity of the cutting wind as their excitement subsided, they bethought themselves of the warm blank- ets and furs which they had left behind them. “Ef we hedn’t bin in sech a hurry to burn the thing, it’d make a powerful suug kiver fer vs from this cussed snow an’ wind!” grumbled one grizzled sinner, whom Zeph recognized as the other of the three pretended trappers. “Snug enough, but not for us,” retorted Dirk Weoninx. “If it had been still standing those two young devils would have sought refuge here, and if we couldn’t whip them out in the open, what show would we have stood against them in such a stronghold? Don’t be a fool, Ham Toplong! At least we have a good fire to keep us from freezing.” For an hour or more, our heroes listened to the desultory conversation of their enemies, erimly amused more than once by the comments iuacte concerning themselves. Tie outlaws, freely using the woodpile amass- ed by the young teppoers for use when the an- ticipated snow-blockade came upon Shei, dee up a roaring fire, though their utmost endeav- ors were not sufficient to produce warmth and comfort enough to permit them to sleep. Dainty Lance soon had cause for being thank- ful that such was the case, for Dirk Weeninx, probably to raise the spirits of his grumbling followers, entered upon the subject just then most important to our hero. His speech was too discursive for a literal re- port, but a synopsis is strictly essential to a full understanding of the events to follow, as wellas those already recorded. According to his statement, that wild region had at least three strange inhabitants: the Snow Sprite, the huge negro, and a half, if not wholly crazed old man who appeared to be the father of the young girl. Lunatic or not, it was certain—so Dirk Wee- ninx solemnly affirmed—the old hermit was eustodian of a hoard of gold sufficiently large to enrich a hundred men. He had doubtless discovered a wonderfully rich gold mine, and by playing upon the superstition of the Indians, and of the few ignorant trappers who had ven- tured into those regions, he had given the vicin- ity the reputation of being haunted. The personal appearance of the trio was _ad- mirably calculated to foster this idea, but Dirk Weeninx had been given a glance below the surface, and was not to be thus imposed upon. ‘You know now why I enlisted your aid,” he added. ‘‘ An enormous fortune awaits our claiming: all that is necessary to be done is_to find out just where these le harbor. By discovering that, we will a treasure. ‘ A* Srst, I had only thoughts-for the gold, sO unearth the more precious in my eyes. [ might claim ber | as mine, by right of discovery, but I am not a hog emong friends. Tem ready to pay for my | fancy, and will. yield one half of my share of the tieasure to be divided among you, and take the dainty lidy instead.” A united cheer grect d this generous speech, and luckily drowned the sharp cry of indigna- tion that burst from the lips of Dainty Lance is as he overheard the cold-blooded bargain which, if carried out, would consign the fair girl to a fate far more to be dreaded than death itself. With a quick motion, Hardy Zeph stopped up the hole with dirt, then firmly grasped Dainty Lance by the arm. ‘*T ain’t ready to die yit, ef you be,” he whis- pered, sternly.. ‘You heard what he said? Now listen to me,” and Dainty Lance spoke with an emphasis not to be mistaken. “The girl whom these rascals are plotting against, twice saved our lives at the risk of her own. I swear to repay the debt with my heart’s blood, if needs be; whatever her fate, I mean to share it—come weal or woe!” CHAPTER IV. A TERRIBLE DOOM! CoLpER and more bitter grew the night. By daydawn it was blowing a gale that seemed born of an iceberg. The snow was driven with stinging force, in small icy particles, Despite the fire which the enemy ‘without kept up, as the only hope of keeping from freez- ing to death, Dainty Lance and Hardy Zeph could hardly keep comfortable in their blankets i a sheltered as they were in hea e About noon the snow ceased falling, but the wind storm grew more violent than ever, and the young trappers experienced a grim pleasure in hearing the growling and cursing of the mountain vultures as they blew their fingers and stamped clumsily around in order to keep from eerie 2 For three days that storm lasted in its bitter coldness—a storm that proved the last of earth to many a luckless hunter and wayfarer—then settled down into brisk winter weather, the thermometer hovering about midway between zero and freezing-point. It was wearisome work for the young trap- pers, this being so closely confined for so man ours at a stretch, and they suffered not a little through lack of water, the only substitute ere snow which they procured by raising the fla stone that covered the entrance to the tynnel. But both were pretty well inured to hardships, and doggedly stuck it out, swallowing their pert ge dried meat with what grace they might. et Hardy Zeph was sorry when the sounds from without told that the enemy were making preparations for their departure, for he knew that Dainty Lance was resolved to dog them in their search for the old hermit and his compan- ions. He felt a presentiment of coming evil, connected in some manner with those strange people, which no reasoning could banish. Dirk Weeninx and his band took their depar- ture, leaving a broad trail behind them, though the snow-crust was in many places quite firm enough to bear up the unsupported weight of a man. Dainty Lance showed more coolness and pru- dence than Hardy Zeph had dared expect, only emerging from their close quarters when the enemy were fairly out of sight, and then hold- ing his peace while his comrade cooked some of their venison and procured water by melting a quantity of snow. It is not necessary to speak in detail of the next few days. Suffice it to say that Dainty Lance and Hardy Zeph took the trail and dog- ged the enemy for miles to the north-west, finally running them to earth among the moun- tains, where they made their head-quarters in a commodious if dark and comfortless cave among ne dint of d eavesdroppi y dint of cautious spying and eavesdropping, they learnt that the itd was su peed. tS be living not many miles distant, still deeper in the mountains. o make sure work, the d was to scatter daily and lie in wait for some one of the trio to come forth, and then either effect a capture, or dog them back to their hidden me. All this consumed time, and though they | stinted themselves, the young trappers, at the end of a week, found themselves without a par- ticle of food. Hardy Zeph was pleased rather than other- | wise, and Dainty Lance, though he disliked the idea of relaxing his watch over the motions of Dirk Weeninx for an entire day, finally agreed to the plan proposed by his mate. A portion of that night was spent in finishing a pair of rackets or snow-shoes apiece, and Le- fore the dawn of day, the two hunters were miles away from the cheerless den in which they had been hiding. The sky was of a dull, leaden color. The air was much warmer and moister than it had been since the last storm and presently the large snow-flakes began to slowly drift down from the regions above. “A better day fer a chase couldn’t be ef it was made to order!” chuckled Hurdy Zeph, a born hunter. ‘ But it’ll be heavier travelin’ to-night then it is this mornin’.” One less weatherwise than Dainty Lance might easily have interpreted these words aright. Unless the signs belied themselves, this was the beginning of a snow-storm of more than ordinary magnitude. ‘Meat or no meat, remember this,” said Lance, after a pause of some duration, ‘' There must no powder burned to-day. So far, we have kept those rascals from suspecting our vicinity, but a single shot might put them on their guard, and ruin our bopes of frustrating their evil plans, even if we escaped with our lives.” “ve tuck more’n one elk with my knife alone, when the snow wasn’t near so deep, or the crust nigh so strong,” chuckled Hardy Zeph. ‘‘ We kin butcher the hull drove, ef so be we feel like it.” “Only enough for food—I am anxious to get back. mehow I feel a strong presentiment of coming evil. I almost wish we had conclud- ed to fast for another day.” Dainty Lance spoke with a gloomy frown that strongly impressed his comrade, and per- haps it was as well that they were so near the spot where their labors were to begin. This was a “‘yard,” where a large herd of elk, or, more properly speaking, wapiti deer, the stag of Canada, made their head-quarters. The young trappers had chanced upon it, while dogging the enemy from the dug-out, and were now about to profit by the discovery. Meat, not sport, alone being their object, the oungsters used every precaution in approach- ing the yard, soas to be as near as possible when the game broke away, for they knew from experience that the wapiti keeps sentinels sta- tioned on the highest points surrounding their ard, both night and day, does invariably per- orming that duty. But fate was against them here. While yet several hundred yards away, a doe leaped out of a clump of Bushes, and with ‘‘ flag” elevated, lunged over the narrow ridge beyond which ay the yard. Fully understanding what would follow, the hunters drew in a long breath and dashed for- ward at top speed, reaching the ridge just in time to see the entire herd—some two score in all—break away, a number of the strongest stags in the lead, shattering the snow-crust and filling the air with a shower of the icy parti- cles. It was an exhilarating sight to one in whose veins the hunter’s blood flowed freely, and an eager shout burst from the oe alike of Daint Lance and Hardy Zeph as they pressed at, fu speed in pursuit of the royal game, for the mo- ment forgetting all else. When a snow-storm is in progress, itis no easy matter to break or scatter a herd of wapiti. They seem afraid of getting lost, and crowd to- gether even when they must know that they could flee faster if not thus hampered in their motions. The hunters knew this, and raced alongside the broad trail plowed through the snow, biding their time. At almost any minute they-could have drawn near enough to make use of their firearms with effect, but prudence forbade the burning of wader, for reasons already stated. And they ew they would risk an ugly if not dangerous fall, were they to approach the cracked, irregu- lar edge of the snow-crust, in order to use their ives. ; “We got to run’em fer a few mil we kin scatter ’em without shootin’,” said y Zeph. The leading stags had now settled down to their arduous work in business-like style, no longer wasting their strength and straining thelr athens by 8 odie bounds, but gallantly breasting the stiff snow crust, opening a passage for their weaker or more cunning mates. This was killing work, for the snow was be- tween three and four feet deep on a level, and owen afore

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The Black Giant. 7 ————_— = _ —__—_—_—-- - —- = — the crust thick. And before an hour had elapsed, the pioneers were forced to fall back and give way to others. Thus the chase led on, straight in the wind’s eye, the hunters biding their time, running steadily with practiced skill, closely watching for the proper moment to make their final ef- fort. This was not delayed much longer. Those running in the rear were irritated and frighten- ed by the strange pursuers who hung so tena- ciously upon their flanks, and their uneasiness was increased by the shouts which the hunters occasionally uttered. They crowded still closer upon the heels of the leaders, inflicting wounds with their sharp hoofs and staining the tram- pled snow with blood. The hunters were on the point of making their effort to scatter the herd, when four of the creatures, two stags and two does, broke away from the rest, running at right angles, heading north-west. **Them’s our meat!” cried Hardy Zeph, slack- ening his pace, for the animals had broken away on the side of the main trail opposite to that on which they were running. It was blundering work crossing the trail and regaining their footing upon the sound crust be- yond, and while thus occupied, the four elk gained several rods additional start. That, ina chase on such unequal footing, was but a trifle to hunters as well versed in the art of snow-shoe running as our heroes, and settling dowr to their work, one on each side of the trail, they drew rapidly upon their game. Twenty minutes carried them alongside, and drawing their knives, Dainty Lance and Hard y Zeph simultaneously bent over sideways and by a dexterous cut, hamstrung both of the does. At the same moment, the stag on the side nearest Hardy Zeph, wheeled half around, and in avoiding the angry thrust it made with its huge ope by trapper fell prostrate. ith a ill, vindictive whistle; the mad- dened creature reared upon its bind feet, and plugged forward with pointed hoofs that, had ney fairly reached their mark, would have perforated the lad as deftly as a spear, but with a snake-like motion, he twisted his body around and the hoofs simply touched his shoulder as the stag came down upon him with its whole weight, burying him deep in the snow. All this transpired with the greatest rapidity, and Dainty Lance hardly knew that his chum had fallen, before he was buried beneath the @ made one mighty bound, crossing the trail and alighting fairly upon the back of the stag, into whose throat he plunged his long knife, bringing it out with an upward slash, at the same time jerking the animal’s head forci- bly backward by the antlers. That one cut was sufficient. With one fierce effort to free itself, the stag reared upward, then rolled over, dead, its head nearly severed from its body. Before Dainty Lance could free himself from the fallen carcass, Hardy Zeph scrambled to his feet, a trifle breathless, but none the worse for wear. He knew that his friend had saved his life, for, incumbered_ as he was with the snow- -shoes, the infuriated stag would have cut him into ribbons had they been left to themselves. Few words were spoken, the warm hand- clasp being sufficient between friends who un- derstood each other so well. é The other stag had by this time made its es- cape, but they had killed more than they could dispose of as it was, and without a second glance at the fleeing animal, they set about butchering their game. This did not take long, their dbject being to have the most food with the least waste, and the hindquarters of the does were separated from the rest, the feet tied together and slung across their shoulders. Scarcely was this done, when a suspicious noise startled them, and cing over their shoulders, they beheld half a dozen men rushing toward them, having just arisen from a deep hollow that lay beyond. Hampered though they were, and taken by surprise, the boys their w ms and wheeled quickly at bay, But the snow crust suddenly yielded beneath their ibe oy te in striving to recover themselves, their rackets be- came entangled in such a manner as to cast them headlong. Before they could arise, the enemy was upon them, choking and beating them senseless. When "Me! recovered their senses, they were disarmed, their arms bound behind them as they were held on their feet, ” to their middle snow. Dirk Weeninx, their chief enemy, sat on the carcass of the stag, before them, a devilish enjoyment written upon his rugged features, ‘*We have been discussing your case,” said the former, with a short, hard laugh that boded ill to those he addressed. ‘‘ You have done us much injury. Not counting the good men and true whom we know you murdered, four of our party are missing, and we believe that you as- sassinated them also. “For all this, you richly deserve death, and so my comrades here have voted, but luckily for you, I am such a soft-hearted fool that I dislike the sight of blood shed in anger. But some punishment must be inflicted.” With another malignant laugh, Weeninx drew his knife and proceeded to cut along strip of hide from the stag, several inches in width. Bidding his men hold the prisoners back to back, he wound the strap around both their bodies again and again, drawing it with cruel force, and knotting the ends securely. This cog ae to his satisfaction, he fitted gags of raw hide, forcing their jaws open by compressing their throats until they were blac in the face, securing the unsavory morsels by a strap passing around and tied behind their necks. “Tm doing this all foryour own good. You are young and foolish, and would only strain i! lungs tono purpose— make yourselves oarse and probably catch cold—if your jaws were left at liberty. “ As I said before, I don’t mean to kill you though your crimes richly deserve death. leave you your lives. Here is food in abun- dance. Beside it I place your weapons. “True, the snow is falling faster, and the air is getting colder. You may suffer some, but you should have counted the cost before entering upon the trail of sin. “Ifyou grow tired or cold, lie down. One of you can serve asa blanket, the other as a feather-bed. Your feet are at liberty if you wish to journey toward -your childhood home. No enemy can surprise you, for you can keep a look-out behifiti as well as in front. “Remember me in your rhs Ager and bless your stars that you have to deal with so mer- ciful and soft hearted an enemy as I! Good-by —be good to yourselves!” While Weeninx was utterin sentences, his comrades were the stag and the rest of the does. The entrails, heads and feet the heap, laying the weapons taken oners upon it, in bitter mockery. Then, with a few parting jeers, they shoulder- ed their meat, and strode away, leaving their victims plauted waist deep in the snow, doomed toa terrible death, Just asit-had on the occasion of the former storms, the wind was rising and growing mo- mentarily colder. Already the helpless cap- tives were beginning to feel its effects, for their clothes had been dampened with sweat in that long, hard chase, and their bands were drawn so rigidly that the circulation of blood was se- riously impeded. The first few minutes were spent in striving to burst or slip their bands, but in vain. And then they began to realize that the end of all was near at hand. An hour passed, the icy breath of the north wind chilling them to tue bone, their limbs begin- ping to fail them. They tried to hobble along, hoping thus to drive off that terrible sen- sation of numbness—terrible because they knew that it meant death—but soon ceased, fearing to ay fall, and thus die all the more ily. ‘Another hour and another—then Hardy Zeph felt his heart-brother fail all at once, and only by bending forward to support the dead weight upon his back, could he keep from being over- thrown, Words cannot describe his horrible sufferin —mental, for his limbs and y were nearly senseless. The knowledge that his idolized friend was dead or dying—that he was helpless to aid him—hurt him more than the belief that his own race was well-nigh run, and in a spasm of horror, he strove to move away, with the wild idea of finding help before Dainty Lance should be past recovery. For himself he cared nothing, just then. All was for his friend. A few staggering steps, then his limbs failed him, and he sunk down in the snow, which silently closed over their forms. CHAPTER V. CATCHING A TARTAR. ‘Loox yonder! thar they be, now!” The person who uttered these words was the these mocking usy cutting up placed in a m the pris- = grizzled rascal named Ham Toplong, second im authority over the band of mountain vultures, as Sibyl aptly termed them. As he spoke, he half-arose from bis ambush and pointed down through the silently falling snow, to where two strongly contrasted figures were gliding along—one graceful and airy, the other bulky and massive; Sibyl the Snow Sprite and Hercules the negro giant, They were nearly two hundred yards away from the point where the three ruffians lay am- bushed, too far for sure shooting with the com- mon muzzle-loading rifies of those days, even had the intervening atmosphere been clear. And they knew that the huge black was no com- mon enemy. To miss or simply wound him, meant a life or death combat, and even with the odds of »umbers on their side, the idea was not an agreeable one. ‘*Hunker down an’ let ’em pass along,” mut- tered Toplong, after a hurried reflection. ‘“‘We ll make a dead sure thing of it afore we strike a lick. Ef they don’t run afoul 0’ some o’ the boys, we’ll take ’em as they come back.” “They may take some other route back—”’ ‘““They hain’t bin out in the snow five min- utes,” interposed Toplong in a tone that carrted conviction with it. ‘* They come out from be- hind that short ridge, yender, an’ we’d ’a’ sce them ef they cross the open above or beyond.” At this moment Hercules paused abruptly and cast a swift glance around, his head thrown back, his broad nostrils snuffing suspiciously as though the air was tainted. Silently the three villains cowered behind their rocks, the snow which had lodged upon their blankets, still further screening them. Long and eye | as they had sought for these persons, now that they were found, not one of the trio but wished devoutly in his heart thet the huge club-bearer would pass on withont more trouble. In this they were gratified. Hercules a; ~ ed satisfied that he had been mistaken, ‘aia ence more he shuffled over tbe frozen crust upon his mammoth rackets. “The overgrowed critter wotild spot us in a minnit, ef we was to try to foller ’em,” muttered Toplong, like one searching for a pre~ text to excuse his cowardliness. “They kin both run like race-horses. The old man an’ *most_ o’ the boys is gone off after meat, so thar wouldn’t be anybody fer to head ’em off. Jo, fust idee is the best. We'll lay low fer ’em as they come back, shoot the nigger an’ grup the In silence they watched the receding figures: rom - until view. “There has enough snow fallen for us to track them,” suggested the young fellow who had ken before. “If we can find their hiding place, and capture the old man—” ‘Don’t crib other men’s idees, an’ then try te a ’em off fer yer own, boy,” growled Top- ong, whose sluggish wits had been unable to travel thus rapidly, but who was resolved to reap all the credit attached to the enterprise. ‘““Would Ia’ let them pass, ef I hedn’t seen a. surer way 0’ gainin’ our ends? Think I’m a durned fool?” The young fellow mace no response, and that side of his face toward Toplong bore an abeshed yo weer very different from the roguish wink of his dexter eye. Satisfied that he had silenced all claims con- trary to his own, Toplong arose and descended the slope, supported on the snow-crust by rack- ets, and led the way along the plainly defined trail, contrary to the direction pursued by Si- byl and Hercules. The recently fallen snow by this time lay an inch deep above the crust, so there was no diffi- culty in following the tracks for the short dis- tance they extended in that direction. Only a few score rods—then the outlaws came to a halt, doubt and wonder written upon their brutal faces. The trail had come to an end, so far as the human eye could trace it, yet the solution was plain enough. The two strange beings had come up to the outer world from the very bowels of the mountain, as it were. The men stood about midway up the moun- tain. Before them was the head of a small- sized, but perfect and still living glacier. The snow of course concealed many of the distinc- tive features peculiar to these curious forma- tions, but there was one still visible that could not be mistaken; the yawning mouth of a bh width, irregular And fantastic: usted nce aunt ere there by the oe atte Jagged, gloomy opening through snow ard ica the descending flakes shut them remnants of snow avalanches—a. U : me!

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= == = ee a ==> > =: 8 Ze ! ‘That had apparently been accumulating fer | es conmt ces a . Straight to this black and forbidding portal, the trail extended, and as Toplong moved along ; -arer, he could distinguish unmistakable signs i .at told him their coveted came had «cscended icém the mysterious depths helow. No wonder they had failed to discover the secret. retreat! Only for that tell-tale trail, {ey would never have dreamed of searching in euch a place for mortal beings ‘.oplong felt that he had a reputation to sus- tein, oe though he felt a strange disiike to venture on such forbidding ground, he suffered 1.0 trace of this to show in his face. ‘Whar a gal come, I reckon. we kin go,” he said, with a dogged growl, ‘‘ Ef we stop here, the nigger’d sight us afore he come within range ~ our shooters. We'll go Gown in yonder, an’ Ixy low. The snow’ll soon kivcr up our tracks. The black devil won’t be thinkin’, an’ we kin rub him out easy.” No objections were raised, for neither of the (ublaws was over eager to t:ckle the negro s iant in a fair fight. Better shiver for a few Le and make sure woik of it. Toplong found their task much easier than he mB have expected, for he discovered a swall 1 <t strong robe of white hice, fastened at the ice-mouth and leading down into the depths. Jsing this as a guide and a support, he drop- ped down upon a ones of ice a yard below, then passed along by a scries of mammoth steps, or lotions of ice, followed by his wondering, awe- stricken fellows, First came the surface snow, sprinkled here end there with stoncs and bowlders shot down ircm the cliffs above, soiled and discolored, but czanging to pure white below, where it was gradually becoming crystalline, forming white, porous ice. This, aguin, as the wandering ex- plorers descended furti:er, changed to blue and green ice, ranged in layers, of beautifully con- trasting shades, gently blending like the color- bands in a rainbow. Here andthere were lLollows and miniature grottoes, where icicles hung from the roof, and tie hoar frost sparkled in the light which de- éeended the Schrwid. Though looking black and forbidding from the outside, Toplong and his mates found it was quite light below, the ice-walls and roof appear- ing translucent. For atime they entirely forgot the purpose vith which they had come, wandering slowly onward, gazing in silence upon the fresh Wwon- Cors ‘Which every step in advance brought.to view. The icy walls were soon exchauged for others, scarcely less bright aud even more beautiful, v-hile from the roof abcve hung countless sta- ylictites, showing weird ond ghostly in the dim ight which shone through numerous cracks end cevices hidden from any without by the carpet «2 snow. Upon every hand were scattered fantastically shaped stalagmites, formed ty the calcaerous droppings from the pendants above, through countless ages. How far the cutlaws would have wandered, or how long they might haye guzed at the mur- ~vids around them, ha! they not, been abruptly “*a.called to their recoliec:ion by, the sound cf a i.uman voice, can only be surmised. Coming from the dim distance beyond, they heard a peculiar voice, that. seemed « ddresring some one in tones of reproach, mingled wita e-vtreaty and cven reviliug. : Instantly their habituol craft returned, and t.ey crouched ¢own amid the ybost-like shapes, troathlessly listening, eagerly watching, wea- pons in hand. Toplong was the first to catch sight of the speaker, for thero was but. one; a tail, power- dully-framed man, dressed in « jong robe of gray ‘woolen, his head bared, bis. long white hair mingling with his beard that reacted nearly to his middle, 3 as a bed-bug!” muttered Toplong, barely loud enough for his comrades to catch bis words. ‘The old hermit, sure as shootin’! Watch me, an’ bounce him al) together. Take him alive, an’ the big treasure is ourn!” No answer was given in words, for the hermit was now drawing rear, but by the dim light, Toplong saw that he was understood and would be obeyed, The men were replacing their wea- pons, and preparing for thelr Heap, Iniieed the strange looking old man did ap- pear like one mad, as he drew noar, talking aloud and gesticuiating, to the i,aorant, ont- Jaws, who hed never witnessed a representation of the grand old play—fcr the veritable Shylock stood before them. eee The Biack Giant. For a few moments he stood siili with bowed lable impulse that always seized her the mo- lead, as though listening to the sentence prc- | nvunced by the ‘‘ just judge,” the outlaws in | | that she had called herself the Snow Sprite, for readiness to leap upon him, but waiting vutil be should come a few fect nearer. This be soon did, with a swift stride that took them by cur- ment the snow began falling. It was quite as much in earnest as in mockery at times she doubted whether cr no she was an ordinary mortal. She found it well-nigh im pee, and Toplong involuntarily rose erect be- | possible to remain quiet under cover during a ore giving the agreed upon signal. That momentary hesitation made all the dif- ference between complete success and utter de- feat, for, instead of being taken unawares, the mad actor appeared to realize his peril, and rushed to meet it, with a low, grating snarl of fury. The four men sprung forward at the same instant, and the collision was severe, all being overthrown by the shock, e With a power that was amazing, the hermit shook himself free and leaped to his feei; but be showed no intention of seeking safety in flight, or of shirking the fight in any way. Instead, he grasped one of the men by an arm and leg, lifting Lim high above his head, then casting him down with frightful force—not upon the floor of the cavern, but on the sharp pin- nacle of a stalagmite! The unfortunate wretch struck upon his left side, near his. middle. [he flint-like point pierced clothing, flesh and all, its blood-red tip just showing through the garments on his right side. One horrible screech, and the impaled wretch spun round and round as his limbs worked_con- vulsively ; then his head drooped, and he hung there, dead! His frightful doom cowed the survivors, and with yells of horror and fear, they turned. to flee. But they had roused an implacable demon, and with a maniacal cry, the maaman started in pursuit, catching up a heavy stalactite that had fallen from above, and poising it in one hand, like a spear. o While wandering on, looking at the natural marvels around them, neither of the outlaws had taken any particular notice of their course, little dreaming bow fatal that-oversight was. to prove, and now they fled at rapdom, dodging and tw isting among the stalagmites, too terrifie even to think of their weapons. Knowing thoroughly every point and turn, the mad hermit had little culty in. cuttin them off from the entrance, and by a burst o speed, came so close upon the heels of the fugitives that they separated, with panting cries of terrors Toplong chanced to take the most difficult course, and the. hermit followed his comrade, marking a vital spot at which to launch his weapon. But justas he was.on the point of casting it, the fugitive tripped and fell head- long. Before he could arise, or even beg for quarter, the terrible enemy was upon him, pressing him to the floor with one foot, then shifting his grasp to the small end of the ston weanin, ha dealt a downright blow that would not have disgraced the cub of Hercules. No more was. needed. The man’s skull was shattered like a gourd be- neath a horse’s hoof. The weapon was shattered to atoms, but the hermit did not pause to look for another, wheel- ing and rushi ng in pursuit of Toplong, uttering that blood-curdling, snarling cry that could be formed by ne 3ane man’s lips. Bewildered and utterly unmanned by fear, the grizzled outlaw rushed blindly on, almost precipitating bimself into a black and yawnin pit. before he saw it. Too wide to leap, an reaching as far as his eyes could see in either di- rection, Toplong turned, only te see the mad hermit rapidly advancing. The. certainty, of death, if ever those powerful hands closed upon him, lent the comgnered out- law a desperate courage, and he snatched a re- volver from his belt, cocking and discharging it as rapidly as possible. Once, twice, yet still the hermit advanced, to all appearance. Un- touched. Did he bear a charmed life? So it seemed to the despairing outlaw. Another shot—then he was grasped by the in- furiated lunatic, raised aloft and shaken with an energy that almost made his bones rattle in his skin, after which he was hurled down the black abyss, with a fierce vell of excitement. A gasping cry—then a sudden splash of water. CHAPTER VI. SUBTERRANEAN SECRETS. LAUGHING and chatting gayly, gleeful as a child, Siby! bore the black Hercules company through. the snow-storm. She bad no definite purpose in view, but, was stmply acting in accordance with an uncontrol- snow-storm, At such times there was a fever in her blood that rendered her insensible alike tocold and fatigue. For hours she would wan- der on, singing, crying aload for very joy, and thus unwittingly giving the vicinity the reputa- tion of being haunted, the abode of spirits. Her musical voice would be heard, or her airy figure momentarily seen by some superstitious trapper or Indian, and the :tory lost nothing by being repeated. n this day, eventful to all concerned in.our story, Sibyl wandered aimlessly along, enjoying to the full the peculiar intoxication which the falling snow ever inspired her with. it was fortunate that the larder of the out- laws under Dirk Weeninx was so low, forcing him and nearly all of his men to set off in quest of food early that morning, or the merry voice of the Snow Sprite would assuredly have bLe- trayed her to them. Caring nothing whither she went, docilely followed by her gigantic guard, Sibyl wandere:i on until quite noon, when she abruptly paused on a bit of rising ground, peering curiously through the falling snow. Rousing from his. sluggish half-sleep, Her- cules grasped his massive club more firmly, muttering: ‘*Whot is it, missee? Injins or white nig- gers, old Here. kin lick ’em!” “A bear, I think, over yonder in the snow; end yet,” she added, doubtingly, “it acts very strangely! It appears to be standing up, and turning round and round—” ** Like ole Herc, time he got drunk an’ tought he was'de big lighthouse down on Ce coast,” chuckled, the giant, as Sibyl made a pause of doubt while inspecting the strange creature be- yond by means of a small field-glass whic? had hung pendent from one shoulder. “Let cle higger fo on an’ sce. Ef it’s drunk b’ar, ole Here.— With a sharp cry of wondering doubt, Siby! lowered her glass, replacing it in its case, then glided forward with all the speed she could command, Hercules seemed well habituated to all man- ner of freaks on the part of his young mistress, and immediately put his huge form in motion, arias to pass her and throw himself between her and any possible danger from the dark enigma beyond. But exert himself as he might, he could not pass the Snew Sprite, whose inter- est had been strongly excited by the discovery she had made through the glass. Hercules saw the nondescript sink down and disappear amid the snow, and shouted out a» anxious vidong, toe Sibyl, butshe paid him no more attention than if she had been deaf. . She sped on and never slackened her pace until she knelt be gl the cold and motionless bodies of the two young trappers. She ~ aside the snow that had fallen upon the face that was turned uppermost, show- ing scarcely less white than its wang 4 hand- some as a dream despite the jaws being distend- ed by a cruel gag—tor it was the face of Dainty Lance. A low, wailing cry parted the maiden’s lips, and heedless of the presence of the wondering negro, she’ pressed her warm, red lips again and again to the snowy brow, displaying a fervor remarkably in contrast to the coldness and hau- teur with which she had repulsed the young trapper only a few days before. ercules expressed no surprise, for with him, whatever Sibyl did was right, but the maiden was quickly recalled to hr senses by his matter- of course speech. “Let de ole nigger cut dem strings, an’ git << white gemmen’s mouf open so he Scin swaller. Den, ef a leetle 0’ dis whisky, added to dem ’ar kisses, don’t fotch him to in a hurry, reckon he’s * done dead suah!” With ber own Keen knife Sibyl severed the cruelly drawn bonds, and then Hercules lifted Dainty Lance and placed him upon his huge fur coat, which he had doffed and yh upon th» snow-crust for ‘that ptitpose, then performe:! the same kind office for Hardy Zeph. Using whisky from a large leather flask, He: - cules’ bathed the faces of the young trapper, and poured a small quantity down their throats. Almost immediately Hardy Zéph gave tokens of returning consciousness, but Dainty Lance lay like one dead, insensible to the tender and—novy by the tervi- that she was thrown off her

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The Black Giant. 9 < ~ ee — ble situation in which she found him—even lov- ing ministrations of the Snow Sprite. flardy Zephb’s first thought was for his loved comrade, and the sight of his head lying in_the lap of a ‘female .? from whose eyes love beamed as tender implorings flowed brokenly from her lips, his old dread returned with re- doubled force. But only for a moment. Then his every thought was given torestoring Dainty Lancée to life once more. Between them they succeeded, and Zeph fairly blubbered for joy, when Dainty Lance opened his eyes and pressed his hand, a faint smile stealing over his face. But then, asa fairer face greeted his vision, the young trapper left the eager words of his mate unanswered, and Hardy Zeph turned aside, a dull, sickening pain at his heart, for he knew that he could never hope to rival this be- wilderingly beautiful creature—this strange, weird Snow Sprite! He listened moodily to the mutual explan- ations given, nor did he utter a word in remon- strance when Sibyl frankly invited Dainty Lance to share their secret home with them un- til the outlaws had tired of hunting for them. There was a light in the eyes of his chum, something similar to what he observed on that post night whem poor Decoy Duck was driven tu er death; like, yet with a subtle difference which Zeph felt but could not fully define. He had never been in love with a woman, or he — have known that Dainty Lance was hard iit. In silence he brushed the snow from their weapons, and picked up the rackets which Dirk Weeninx had east aside as useless. He fastened ono pair upon the feet_of Dainty Lance, then denned bis own, and the party set out, i talking ‘‘ thirteen to the dozen,” so strangely animated was she. Dainty Lance tried to keep pace with her, but neither his tongue nor his limbs were equal to the task. For the first time he was experienc- ing the embarrassing delights of love. He could scarcely remove bis eyes from that sparkling, elfish face and graceful form, yet as often as he strove to reply to her light badinage, his tongue became entangled, and le felt a delicious tin- gling from the crown of his head to the soles of his feet. He had suffered far more severely from his exposure to the cold while so cruelly bound than had Hardy Zeph, and after the first: edge of the excitement wore off, his limbs, began to fail him. Hardy Zeph, whose watchful eye and all-pow- erful love overlooked nothing, was the first ‘0 observe this, and it was his stout arms that caught the failing trapper. by onto me, ontel your laigs gits back thar nat’ral feelin’. Lucky ’tain’t so fur away to the den. Once thar, whar I kin kindle a fire, you'll be all right ag’in,” Dainty Lance Jaughed shor ay, for he had no- ticed and rightly interpreted the uneasy frown of bis superstitious friend, then said in a quietly resolute tone: y “You forget the invitation this lady extend- ed so kindly, We ‘left nothing but fort at that cold and cheerless den, so we need not go out of our way on that account,” Hardy Zeph said no more, for he knew from experience that he might as easily move a mountain as his friend when he assumed that tone, bus Sibyl might have felt. more subdued, could she kave divined the stern vow that the young trapper was then registering in his eart. Ever since learning that Dirk Weeninx and his band of cutthroats were lurking around the neighborhood, the huge negro had n uneasy, not on his own account, Lut for the safety of his young mistress, arid he chafed more and more as their return was delayed by the slow movements of the temporarily crippled Lance. At length, with a half apology, he caught Dainty Lance by the waist and raised him to a sitting posture upon one enormous shoulder, then set out over, the snow at a rapid pace, laughing in grim glee at the amazement of his companions, and holding Dainty Lance fast se- spite his somewha* sheepish resistance, but Sibyl quickly reassured him. “Tt is: aneasy seat for I -have often.ridden there. Let Hercules carry you until you,are youreels again, There is need of baste if. Dirk Veeninx and his mountain vultures are around, Fatber is allalone, The trail we left may have been lingompred and. followed. On, go er- cules! We will keep you company at your best gait!” laughingly accepted the chal- lover the snow ata racing The negro giant lenjre, 22 ] rt elu ee : a nee pace, Dainty Lance hugely enjoying his novel | joy which burst from the wretched outlaw at ride after the first few moments of natural un- easiness, steadying himself by a stout grasp on one of the giant’s horns. In this manner the return was made, and the party found themselves at the curious ice rift without having seen any traces of or being mo- lested by the outlaws. “Dey hain’t been nobody here sence we bin one, as I kin see,” said Hercules, as he lowered Dainty Lance from his sboulder. ‘‘De snow am smoove, an’ dar’s de rope, jes’ as we lef’ it. Reckon de debbils ain’t smelt us out yit. Better dey didn’t, neider!” Sib 1 leaped lightly down into the ice rift, and thus down from ledge to ledge, Hercules following her more leisurely. Hardy Zeph believed this bis lest chance, and said hurriedly as he held Dainty Lance back from following: “No good cain’t come from dealin’s with sech outlandish critters—le’s git out o’ this while har’s time—” What more he would have said, or what an- swer Dainty Lance would have made him, can only be surmised, for at that moment a shrill scream of terror came from the depths below— a scream in the unmistakable voice of Sibyl the Snow Sprite. Breaking loose from his comrade’s grasp drawing a revolver from his belt as he lea recklessly down the icy steps, Dainty Lance sped to the rescue; but he found only dead men to war upon, panend ing to give her new allies a pleasurable surprise. Sibyl was hastening along among the stalagmites, when she came abruptly upon a ghastly, heart-sickening sight, and covering her eyes with her hands, she sunk down upon the Reacepesiens floor, where Dainty Lance found er. In scarcely.less horror he too gazed at the form of the dead outlaw, impaled upon the stalagmite, a horrible grimace upon its face, with grinning teeth and staring eyeballs. Hercules quickly discovered the other . and it alongside, where he and Hardy Zeph examined both, while Dainty Lance as- sumed the more agreeable task of composing the terrified maiden. This was quickly accomplished, for it was only the suddenness of the hastly encounter that had unnerved the Snow Sprite, and she was already recovering ber usual composure when Hardy Zeph exclaimed: ‘““Take kiver: an’ watch out fer snakes! This yer’s one Eas gang outside—one o’ Dirk Wee- ninux’s “They must have found our trail and follow- ed it—and they and father had a fight!” ex- laimed Sibyl then adding in a lower tone to Nerocles: ‘Keep them here—don’t let them follow me—I must find and see him first, for if he is in one of his mad fits, there will be more murder done!” She turned and away with the grace and smab th empath the went eae haried oug . e n the way, shakin head . say—-‘keep dem here.’ Ole Herc. mus’ "bey orders, eben ef he habto knock you down, wid club?” “Hark!” muttered Zeph, his bronzed face turning to a sickly yellow with superstitious fears. A faint, muffled the cayern, none the less that neither of the yo trappers could tell whether it came from above or from below. And as they listened, they could quite distinct- ly make out the one word—* Help!” “The devil an’ all his imps is in yer, an’ Pm coin’ to skin out—you hear me!” muttered ardy Zeph, desperately, but the huge paw of Hercules closed with resistless power upon his shoulder. n came echoing through ing in its effects being, we must rescue bim,” said. Dainty _ Lance, firmly. “What hole— extended across the cavern, down which the mad heniatt, had flun Toplong, and from whence now came those doleful groans and feeble cries for aid. Dainty Lance answered, and a wild yell of emacs; ie mma the sounds of a friendly human voice, told how intensely he must have suffered during those long hours. “Cain’t do nuffin’ tell young missee or ole marse done comes,” muttered Hercules, stub- bornly, as Dainty Lance turned tohim. ‘ Kin sabe him easy nuff, but not less dey say so. Nobody gib orders here but one o’ dem two.” He finally yielded so far as to sound a long, shrill whistle, which was answered in a few minutes by Sibyl, who made her appearance with a grave shadow upon her beautiful fea- tures. : The negro looked at her inquiringly, and she nodded. ‘** All is well, as far as I could learn,” she said, by way of explanation to Dainty Lance. ‘*] found father well, but sleeping. From that I do not believe there are any more of the ba men concealed in here—” Again Toplong cried aloud for help, and when Dainty Lance explained the discovery they had made, she bade the negro giant do what he could to save the poor wretch, ‘* And remember,” she added, sternly. ‘‘ These gentlemen are our friends. You, are to obey them as promptly as you would my voice or the commands of my father. You understand?” The negro nodded, then strode away, soon returning with a stout coil of rope and a small lantern, containing an oil lamp. This lantern he tied to one end of the rope and low- ered it into the black pit. Some thirty feet below, ran a silent but swift river, its waters inky black when viewed from above. In the middle of this, a rock upreared its crest, and clinging to the top of this, as his only means of escaping a horrible death by being swept away by the subterranean stream, was the outlaw, glaring appealingly at the faces dimly outlined above. At the sight of a buman being, Hardy Zeph forgot his superstitious terror, and volunteered to descend and fasten the rope around the fel- lew, so he could be drawn wp. The rope was long enough to reach the water when doubled, and so, knotting one end around his waist, Hardy Zepb grasped the other and was lowered by the giant into the pit, bearing the lantern bound upon one shoulder, Even while securing the free end of the —_ around the chest of the outlaw, beneath h arms, Hardy Zeph failed to r him, and soon after aloud that all was ready. Dainty Lance gresped the rope, but Hercules shook his bullet- witha ie y laugh, declar- ing that he needed no yp. Reon did he. With the a t ease of a n drawing in bis hand- he raised the two men, hand over hand, and landed them safely upon the floor of the cavern.” Dain Zence bent over the precnert man, then started with a sharp cry as be recognized his bitter enemy, Toplong. CHAPTER VII. A GLIMPSE OF ANOTHER MYSTERY. Harpy. ZEPH burst out with an expression of intense goo as he ized the grizzled vanae ot m Toplong and realized he had taken so much trouble in order to preserve the life of ene of their most malignant enemies. In truth, had not Dainty Lance caught his arm, he would have flung the fellow back to meet the doom his manifold crimes so richly de- served. ‘ All the same, it’s well enough to make sure he can’t do us any further injury,” said Daint Lance; shifting his grasp to the shivering, half- drowned wretch, who cowered before the ra, of the young trapper as though his freezing bath had taken all the manhood out of him, “Take a turn or two of rope around his arms and body, Zeph.” Poplong was bound, save that his feet were left at liberty, for even Hercules did not fancy carrying the outlaw looking not a little like a drowned ky To him, op odeinds maa given charge 0 er, and bearing the super- fluous length of rope, driving Ham Toplong be- fore him with many a quaint expression and jest, he followed after. Sibyl led the eri but_ Dainty Lance. kept close at hand and dy Zeph grew pore and more gloomy as he saw how swiftly and surely the Snow Sprite was snchenting ta sata} Dainty Lance was being bound and foot in meshes a thousand-fold stronger than the rope that enveloped Ham Toplong. Ke his eyes, there was witchcraft in all that had transpired. The st maiden was an evil sorceress who had marked Dainty Lance as her next victim, soul and body. nd if she ow

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I ey OE Se ee a — ~ aaa Reo Siac i ie - nn CE, FA a ie = es = | | | | 10 only knew it, never yet in the whole course of her strange, eventful life, had the Snow Sprite stood so nigh death’s portals as sho did then, with the superstitious trapper following close | behind her, as she gayly pointed out the many curious and beautiful points around them. The yawning chasm, at the bottom of which flowed the subterranean river, was crossed upon a natural bridge, narrow and not easily to be found in that semi-twilight, save by those well acquainted with the secret. his bridge was several feet below the level | of the floor of the cavern, and barely wide enough for one person to pass ata time. From beneath came up the hoarse gurgling of the secret river, and the dim light of the lantern only intensified the gloom below. y this time the ice-chamber was left behind them, but still greater marvels were gradually unfolded with every step they took in advance. Sibyl bore the lantern, and frem a perfect knowledge of the surroundings, she could cast the steady beams from the reflector in sucha | some eyes of Dainty Lance, ‘‘but my father | -terrible—sublime—a manner as to bring the more salient features into view at the proper moment. All around them were weird, fantastic forma- tions, brought into startling prominence by the dexterous manipulation of the light, only to fade away as though retreating from the hu- man invaders, offended by this rude intrusion ou their privacy. Considering their close proximity to so much snow aid ice, the air in this remarkable freak of nature was remarkably dry and warm. The Snow Sprite laughed when Dainty Lance al- luded to this fact, and at once extinguished the light of the lantern she bore. Comparative darkness reigned around them, but from ahead came a soft, mellow light strongly resembling that of the summer’s sun, a light that deepened and grew more brilliant as they advanced. “We need never stint our fires down here,” said the Snow Sprite, directing the attention of Dainty Lance to the walls around them, where the sme rocks were replaced by masses of § ng coal. ‘‘Fuel is plenty, and easily procured. We keep good fires constantly going, and this, added to another convenience which you shall shortly inspect, is what ren- ders these subterranean chambers so comforta- bly warm and dry.” Taking one or two more sharp turns, the party came out upon the verge of an immense vaulted chamber, the roof of which hung full of stalactites, glittering and looking hae beautiful in their countless shapes in the brill- iant light that was reflected from their prisma- tie points. e floor was of rock, smooth and level as that of an ordinary room. If there had ever been any stalagmites, they had been cleared away. Fiori the floor, in the center of the chamber leaped up an inverted pyramid of flame tha appeared to be the work of enchantment, since no fuel was visible. Rising half-way to the roof, or double the hight of even giant Hercules, this pyramid of fire gave out an intense heat, burning without any noxious fumes. “ Hercules,” said tho Snow Sprite, ‘‘ tie your prisoner some place where he cannot be readily seén "by—by any one coming in here, Then prepare food.” A perfect understanding seemed to exist be- tween the strange couple, for Hercules asked no questions, but fell back with his prisoner and bound him to a projecting spur of rock, deep in a snug niche, This done, he soon produced pots and pans from a recess in the wall, and igniting a long torch at the pyramid of flame, he retreated a few paces, stooped and swung the torch around in a circle, almost begincren the rock-floor. Dainty Lance was both interested and amus- ed to see half a dozen small spouts of flame spring up above the dusky giant, over which he placed his utensils with the careless indifference of one hardened to such wonders. But Hardy h was trembling like a leaf. pote, og superstitious, he began to believe they descended into the infernal regions, from whence they would never be able es- cape with life or souls. He had never before seen gas used a8 a medium of diffusing light or heat, and under the circumstances his fears were but natural, Only for Dainty Lance, the ignorant trapper would have turned upon his heel and sought safety in headlong fligh Dainty Lance understood his feelings, and looked so diabolical at first sight. So earnest took to give him a correct idea of what | was he, that before Hercules had prepared his meal, Hardy Zeph kreathed more freely, though still watching the “‘ gal-witch ” closely. While the giant was thus occupied, Sibyl, | speaking in a graver, more subdued tone than | was customary with her, gave a brief explana- tion of her reasons for leaving her guests so un- ceremoniously, on discovering the tragedy which had taken place in the ice-chamber, **T do not know whether all men are so, or not,” she said, gazing intently into the hand- has two separate natures, lives two distinct lives. He has books which tell about mad peo- ple. I have read them, and I believe that at certain times he is insane. ‘* Whenever those spells overtake him, he is 1uman lion! | Hercules, yonder, is but an infant in his mighty grasp, then. And from the manner in which those wretches had been slain, 1 felt sure that an- ee of these mad fits had seized upon my fa- ther. ‘Fortunately they are of brief duration. I have never known them to last over an hour, and sometimes they come and go like a thunder- bolt. But one result invariably follows. The fit past, father retires to a secret cell, and there falls into a ee | slumber that strangely resem- | bles death itself. So I found him when [I left a in the ice-chamber. He may lie thus for 10urs, or he may rouse up at any moment; but whenever he does awake, it will be as himself, in his sober senses.” “‘It is a strange story,” said Dainty Lance, thoughtfully; ‘‘ but no more strange than that such a peerlessly beautiful creature as you, should lead such a life, insucha spot! Why is it? Why does your father keep you here—” His words were checked by Sibyl placing her warm palm over his mouth, her face sober, a little frown wrinkling her brows, her voice al- most stern as she uttered: ** Never again ask those questions—never ap- proach that subject, for it is a forbiddén one, even to my lips. Once I was as curious as you, and I asked my father what you have asked me, Never before or since, even in his maddest spells, have I seen him so terribly agitated; never before had he laid an ungentle hand upon me. Butin that moment I ta the full hor- ror of death!” A convulsive shudder agitated her frame, and bowing her faceupon her hands, she sat there in silence for several minutes, Dainty Lance not knowing how to offer the consolation he yearned to give. “Ef we only live to git shet o’ these onairth- ly critters, an’ breathe the free air o’ daylight once ag’in, durned ef I don’t b’lieve Ill git ‘ligion powerful an’ take to exhortin’ fer the resto’ my days!” muttered Hardy Zeph, in a tone of mingled disgust and superstitious dread. ° : Hercules effected a timely diversion, by an- nouncing the méal in readiness for discussion and tossing back her golden curls, Sibyl raised her head, all traces of -trong @fnotion gone, once more the sparkling, brilliant Snow Sprite, Even Hardy a> did ample justice to the smoking viands, for long fasting and short commons enabled his appetite to subdue his superstition. uddenly Sibyl rose and with ‘a glad cry, da forward to meeta tall, dark figure that had paused on the edge of the chamber furthest from the pass by which our friends had been conducted thither. The young trappers gazed with no little curi- osity eee the new-comer, whom they guessed, and rightly, to be the father alluded to by Si- byl in her brief explanation. It was the same person whom Toplong and his fellows had attacked a few hours earlier in the day, though they might well have doubted the fact, Now he was dressed in black, a little seed and threadbare, but faultless in style and cu His hair, iron gray, was clipped close to his skull. He was younger, seemed taller and more slender than when in his guise as Shylock. Though several rods of space intervened, the yop trappers could see by the brilliant light nat the stranger was displeased at finding them inmates of his strange retreat, and that the dark frown still corrugated his brows, despite the earnest, if subdued, speech of Sibyl. ‘He ain’t no sorrier we’re here then J be!” muttered Hardy Zeph, doggedly. “Id givea year’s trappin’ ef we was only out 0’ yere, safe an’ sound.” A startling change came over the hermit. He brushed Sibyl] rudely aside, and strode forward, his burning gaze riveted upon the face of Dainty Lance, who arose at his approach, wondering at ee the powerful emotion which was pictured on the face of the hermit. Twice the strange being strove to speak, each time only a harsh, unintelligible sound rattling in his throat. ‘* Who and what are you?” he at length man- aged to utter. ““My name is Lancelot Daintree, and at pre- sent I follow trapping for a livelihood,” replied Dainty Lance, despite the wonder which this harsh address awakened. The hermit strode forward, seemingly with- out having heard the answer to his question, and with a hand that trembled like a leaf in the breeze, touched the young trapper on the arm, then on the brow. * Alive! it is no phantom—no ghost of the past, risen up to haunt me—” + ip 7? eagerly interrupted Dainty Lance, his cheeks flushed, his eyes glowing hotly, ‘if you know — of my past—if you can solve the mystery that has enveloped and overshadowed my life from infancy—I beseech you tell me— tell me ef my parents!” The hermit drew back, and passed one hand quickly across his eyes and forehead, then stared at the eager youth as though striving in vain to comprehend his meaning. A short, hard laugh parted his lips. ‘* What is it you would know of me? I can tell you nothing. Iam no magician—no dealer with the devil, though I bear that reputation among the ignorant fools who scmetimes wan- der into these parts. All I know is what you said but now.” ‘You appeared to recognize me—” faltered Dainty Lance. “Tt = se pee cry born ~ a terrible struggle which I recently passed through, and the effects of which I still eel in my ovatent- ed, throbbing brain,” responded the hermit, speaking slowly and with a coldness that seem- ed studied and artificial. ‘I do not mind con- fessing it, for it ismore a misfortune than a dis- grace. At times Iam subject to fits of mad- ness. And while one of them was upon me, I was attacked by three ruffians who sought to murder me. I killed them, after a frightful struggle. And one, the last of the trio, as I held him aloft, before hurling bim down to the center of the earth, cried aloud for mercy, It was his voice that I fancied I heard when you ke—and his face I saw reproduced in yours. or a moment I fancied niy brain might still be unsettled—that you were a ghost—a phantom, For that reason I touched you.” Dainty Lance saw Siby] flush deeply and turn away. He lowered his own eyes, for he knew that she believed as he did, that the hermit was speaking falsely, that he was giving an un- truthful explanation of his strange agitation, Not even a madman could trace any resem- blance, however faint, between grizzled Ham Toplong and the handsome young trapper, either in voice or feature. Father,” said the Snow Sprite, speaking softly. ‘If you have suffered remorse for the death of that man, be comforted. He is not dead—we heard his cries for help, and rescued him from thesecret river—” ' ‘Her words were cut short by a grating snarl from the hermit, whose white teeth looked wolfish as he glared around in quest of the out- law. Then, as nothing met bis gaze he turned upon Sibyl with ashort, forced laugh. “T see—you are jesting—it is a good joke! Bah! Iama fool! Did I not hurl him down to certain death? Did I not hear his horrible death yell? Ay! and itis still ringing in my ears! e luckless devil had a most aisoundians voice!” “Father,” seriously replied Sibyl, “you el, 2 knew me to tell you a falsehood, even in j 1 speak the truth, now, when I say that we rescued the wretch, alive—” ‘* Where is he?” grated the madman, for such he seemed to become as he grew convinced that the Snow Sprite was king the truth. “* You have not set him free?’ turned him loose to go and tell what he has seen? Girl! you know not what you have done! He will tell them—they will come, an army, to steal you away from me, to rob me of the only treasure life has left —and then they will hang me on the shameful eS ea me by the neck until Iam dead— ead | Covering his averted eyes with one hand, he held forth the other, tremblingly, as though seeking to drive away the horrible vision his words had conjured up, exhibiting such emotion that Sibyl hastened to reassure him. “No; we held him captive. He is safely bound, and Hercules has stowed him away un- Sternly, his eyes glowing with the fires of

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— ——— madness, the hermit turned upon the waiting giant, and fiercely demanded: “Show me where he is—quick! or Pll murder rou!” 4 Hercules pointed out the rocky recess in which he had bound Ham) Toplong, his little eyes glowing as though he wagely relished the idea of the impending tragedy. ‘The hermit caught up the huge club usually borne by the negro giant, and with a panther- liké seream of ferocious anger, bounded toward the recess. ‘Save him—save him from committing mur- der —for my sake!” cried Sibyl, to Dainty Lance, imploringly. ; Glowing with a strange exultation, the young trapper sprung forward, but speedy as were his movements, he would have been too late, had Toplong been in the recess. But he was not—he had vanished as by magic! CHAPTER VIII. A BLACK LION. A WILD, fierce cry of surprise broke from the lips of the mad hermit as he found the rocky recess empty, and he turned upon the group be- hind him as though suspecting them of having played with him. But the blank amazement imprinted on each countenance could not be mistaken, and then he noticed the — which had been used to bind the outlaw. his lay upon the floor, cut in several places! Beyond a doubt, Ham Toplong had been set free by some friend—so at least our friends reasoned, One and all they realized the great danger of allowing the outlaw to make good his escape. Bitterly vengeful both by nature and training. he would hasten to reveal all he had discover to his evil associates, the mountain vultures, even if he did not guide them to the secret home for which they had searched so long and ar- dently. Quick-witted Sibyl was the first one of the party to act decisively, crying aloud to Her- cules: ““Go—hasten to the ice-chamber! He must have gone in that direction, since he could not have stolen past us unseen. You can get there first—intercept and capture him—for your life!” At her first words the sable giant stooped and icked up the huge club which the mad hermit ad dropped, and was darting away on his mis- sion when the latter addressed him, in a hard, grating voice: ‘Kill, not capture! Kill him, crush him, break every bone in his body! He has gone to call them—to bring the hangman. I feel his clammy grasp upon my throat, now—no! it is the rope—the hangman’s noose!” The madman grasped convulsively at his throat, as though —— to tear away the noose which he in fancy felt suffocating him, his face livid, his eyes wildly protroding, a bloody froth fringing his lips. He staggered back and would have fallen, only for the support which the Snow Sprite afforded him. Dainty Lancs made as though he would re- lieve her of this burden, but the stricken man shuddered violently at his approach, and Siby! motioned him away. “Leave him to me—I alone can soothe him and drive away the evil spell that is battling for the mastery. For some strange reason, the sight of you excites him dangerously. It will soon be over; only a few minutes.” Forgetting all else in his intense interest in the dramatic scene, Dainty Lance slowly with- drew deeper into the shadow, accompanied by Hardy Zeph. And from there he watched the tender ministrations of the Snow Sprite, until a terrible, prolonged roar echoed taréeghbout the cavern and its many es—the sound _ that, once heard, could never be forgotten; the angry battle-cry of Hercules, the negro giant. The giant had only paused long enough to hear the:first words of his crazed master, which he received with a broad grin and a display of gleaming white teeth that told plainly enough which of the two widely variant orders he would prefer to follow; then twirling his enormous club as though it weighed no more than a feather, he bounded away in quest of the escaping out- law, taking the most direct route to the ice- chamber, It may be stated here that Ham Toplong had effected his escape unaided by friend or foe. A cunning rascal was he, whose life from early childhood had been one fitful struggle against all that was ood and tonest. Theugh encoun- Giant. The Black 41 > r a . , tering many & reverse, he was always lucky enough to win his way clear in the end, nor was this occasion an exception: The moment Hercules left him in the rocky | recess, So bound that an escape unaided seem- ed among the impossibilities, he began his efforts, and in the course of an hour had suc- ceeded in freeing one hand and arm. This done, he soon produced a small pen- of his heavy flannel shirt. Its blade, though so tiny, was keen asa razor, and in five minutes more, the ropes were severed, and Hans Top- long stood a free man, so far as bonds were con- cerned. It was at this moment that the mad hermit made his appearance in the ‘“‘ dining-room,” but Toplong did not pause to note the curious scene which followed. ‘* Next thing it’ll be that crazy, white-headed galoot,” he muttered, for such a transformation in the hermit deceived him, ‘‘an’ ef he once smells me out, it’s good-by John! Guess I'd better skin out while I got the chaince!” A wise resolution, which he lost no time in utting into execution. Stealing silently away, + attempted to find his way to tbe rift through which he and his ill-starred mates had descended into the wonderful ice-chamber. But this he found was a more difficult task than he had anticipated. The passage was winding, the dim light de- ceptive, rendered doubly so by the weird, fantastic forms around him on every hand. And ere he had spent many minutes thus, Ham Toplong found his garment wringing wet with the cold perspiration that streamed from ever pore—drawn forth by the knowledge that his escape might be discovered at any moment, when relentless enemies would hasten upon his track. Nor was this all. Time after time he fancied he saw those enemies moving silently forward to bar his way, deceived by the uncertain light which seemed to endow the fanciful shapes around him with life and motion. At length he was checked by the yawning pit, and lost several valuable minutes in hunting or the narrow bridge by which alone the barrier could be crossed, The dim ~~ was fading as the afternoon waned, and the discovery was made by the sense of feeling, rather than eyesight. Fearful of missing his footing, and being precipitated into the inky waters that rumbled and growled in the pe aes below, Toplong straddled the narrow bridge when found, and hitched himself across, inch by inch, reaching the further side in safety. Safety he now felt it to be, for from no great distance ahead he could see the light which shone through the perforated roof of the ice- chamber; but just at that moment he heard the frightful roar which black Hercules uttered at first catching sight of his intended victim. Even if armed to the teeth, Toplong would not have dared to confront the ebony giant, and | and fel knife from its place of concealment in the collar | floundering through the deep snow, tbe crust | yielding beneath his feet. A fierce roar of triumph burst from the giant's lips, but then came a startling change. Through «the rapidly falling snow-fli kes the¢ deepened the twilight, several rifles flashed, an-! even before the reports could have reack«:t his ears, Hercules uttered a wild cry of pain, heavily backward, bis body bow.ding from ledge to ledge, bringing up on the icy floor with a force that seemed sufficient to shat- ter every bone in his carcass. That horrible or was echoed back in a veil of relief by Hem Toplong, for he recognized bis friends and comrades in the new actors on the scene, and in a few moments more he was sur- rounded by Dirk Weeninx and a dozen cof the mountain vultures. Their opportune appearance—for Toplong-— may be briefly explained. It was while out on a foraging expedition that Dirk Weeninx and his men encountered the two trappers, whom they doomed to a cruel and apparently certain death. The meat which the boys had killed, proved all they could carry, and without hunting e: y more, they returned to their temporary heze- BeHa-s Wear the middle of the afternccn, now, knowing that his life depended upon his | lightness of foot, he dashed toward the ice-rift with a that at any other time would have amazed himself. Roaring again and again; the giant bounded | on in pursuit, like an enraged lion, crossing the | chasm by the bridge, though only one foot | were his | , then, on, on, brandishing his blood-stained | touched the stony lea club which seemed as eager for another victim as himself, But the distance was short, and life was sweet even to the sin-stee ice-steps fifty doubly active by his wholesome terror of the giant, Toplong sprung swiftly up the rift, and seeing that he would reach the outer world before he could be overtaken, Hercules whirled his club around his head, then hurled it with terrible force at the fugitive. The border ruffian ped, Hing fled further, arch, so might had not his foot slipped, Bringing him to his knees upon the last ledge "but one, for the vi- ciously cast missile passed over him, not a foot above his head, me Bn solid ice with a force that sent the sparkling ee in every direction, then rebounding and falling at the feet of the negro as he came dashing along. With a yell of terror, Toplong recovered his feet and ve arent te the ledge and out of the ice-rift, while Hercules, snatching his club from the floor, hastened on in swift pursuit, deter- mined not to lose his victim. © - It required but one mighty bound to clear each one of the ice-ledges, and as he leaped up from the rift, into the snow outside, he caught a glimpse of Toplong, not twentv yards away, vulture, who reached the | yards in advance. Rendered | SSS A LL See ae irk Weeninx took a scout, and chanced across the trail left by Sibyl, Hercules and Hardy Zeph. i hopes that this was the long-sought-for clew, Dirk followed the trail to the ice-rift, and rightly divining that this was the entrance to the secret home, he hastened away to collect his men, returning just in time to save Ham Top- long from a richly merited death. By a few sharply-put questions, Dirk Wee- ninx managed to extract from his chum a tol- erably correct idea of all that had occurred, and how matters stood below. He was amazed and bitterly chagrined when he beard that the hated trappers were among the defenders of the subterranean home, alive and none the worse for their adventure; but he was no personal coward, and this totally unex. pected news rendered him all the more resolved to accomplish his ends. ‘*The worst of the lot is disposed of,” he said, pausing to reload his rifle. ‘‘ We can easi! manage the rest. There may be some litt! danger, but remember what 1 told you about the golden treasure which the crazy hermit has secreted somewhere below; enough to pay for ten times the risk we may have to run. “One bold charge will do it. Kill the men, but spare the girl. She must tell us where tha treasure is hidden,” The men, with the one exception of Toplong, were ready enough to advance, for in the fall of the giant negro, they felt that more thon half of their work was done, and, headed by Dirk Weeninx, they rushed toward the rift. Only to pause again, in utter dismay, for the dead had come to life again, and the huge bulk of the negro uprose from the rift, brandishing his club, looking more like a demon than ever, in the streaks of blood that lined his face, arms and breast. With a roar of rage that was fairly awe-in- p ivehens the sable giant plunged forward throu h the snow to attack the enemy, too terribly en- raged to think of counting the odds, only seeing the deadly foes of his loved master and mistress, and, many as they were, the moun- tain vultures seemed more inclined to flee than to await his impetuous assault. Still, it was fortunate for the negro that he had good backing. Dainty Lance and Hardy Zeph had lost as little time as ible after hearing the first cry of Hercules, and now opened fire from the ice-rift, Both of them thought of Dirk Weeninx, and sought to single him out from the rest, but the rapidly falling snow and the twilight combined, proved his safeguard. At the double report, two of the outlaws fell dead, and casting aside their empty rifies, the yo trappers drew their revolvers and rained a hailstorm of lead upon theenemy. They were too good marksmen to waste many bullets, de- spite the unfavorable conditions, and with cries of dismay, the surviving outlaws turned to seek safety in flight. Dirk Weeninx saw that the negro would soon overtake them, despite the advantage they pos- sessed in being provided with snow-shoes, and as soon as he felt himself beyond range of the ice rift, he turned and taking deliberate aim, fired at the giant black. , Uttering a snarling roar of mingled rage and pain, Hercules staggered, then fell prone in the snow, as the outlaw resumed bis flight with an exultant yell. ~

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PON OGRE PS SS mans —— ett.” S-) A pa e a an ee oo : SOE DI IE a et eet SE Re ere eer ae a ~ = a, es 12 . The Black Giant. Dainty Lance and Hardy Zeph, by this time rejoined by Sibyl and the mad hermit, on wit- nessing the fall of the black lion, rallied forth to the rescue, finding him still living, though to all appearance mortally wounded, With their aid, he managed to arise and stag- ger back to the ice-rift, down which he was assisted. Then Sibyl and her father, whose brain seemed calmed by the cold air of the outside world, led him away between them, to where they could better attend to his injuries. Dainty Lance and Hardy Zeph were left behind to guard the entrance in case the enemy should recover from their discomfiture sufficient ly to renew their attempt. But as the time passed on, without any sign or sound from them, Dainty Lance gradually fell into a reverie deep and strangely mingled with doubt and pleasure. He could not hide from himself that he was in danger, such as had never before threatened him—in danger of falling over head and ears in love with Sibyl the Snow Sprite. Only for the strange repulsion which he felt for the mad hermit, Dainty Lance would not have felt. much troubled on this score, But he felt that there was something black and dreadful inghe past of that strange being; something connected with his own Ipast. On no other grounds could he account for the powerful emotion displayed .by the hermit, when first they stood face to face. There was abject fear written upon his death- like countenance—fear, mingled with bitter hatred! Who and what was he? Why was he hiding in such a strange. habitation? Why did he fear and hate him? Mises should he feel the noose of the hangman throttling him? All these and many more queries of similar import passed athwart the brain of the young trapper as be crouched there in the chilly ice- chamber, on guard. So deeply was he buried in thought that. he failed to notice the dark, phantom-like shape that was slowly and silently creeping toward him, from the rear. Inch by inch the shadow-like form crept nearer, upon his stomach, bearing a long, keen knife between his tightly clenched jaws—nearer to the unconscious dreamer, whose fate seemed inevitably sealed, The moments on, each one bringing the shadow a trifle closer to its intended victim, until only a yard or two separated them. Then the assassin silently rose to his knees, grasping the knife in his right. hand. Inch_by inch he ‘rose erect, measuring his distance, then leaped forward, alighting close behind Dainty Lance. But a splinter of ice crushed beneath his foot, just as he crouched for the leap, and hearing this, Dainty Lance turned his head and caught the faint gleam of the bared steel as it was ele- vated for the death-blow. ick as thought he flung himself backward, striking against the legs of the assassin, clutch- ing them with his hands, and throwing all his strength into the effort, he cast the unknown heavily forward upon the floor. The shock stunned the would-be assassin, and Dainty Lance, rendered furious by this unpro- voked attempt at murder, drew his own knife, and was about to. pounce upon the quivering form, when a shrill scream checked his hand as the Snow Sprite appeared. “Spare him—he is my father!” - ng enough, the assassin was the mad _ her- mit! ed CHAPTER JX. WAITING AND WATCHING. As she uttered. these words, Sibyl, the Snow Sprite, rushed from out the denser gloom and sunk upon her knees beside the form of the baf- fled assassin, her hands clasped, her beautiful face uplif to Dainty Lance. And in that moment he knew that, let her ask what she mich he could never refuse her, when she ap- pealed to him thus, with that imploring look. **T do not wish to injure bim,” he said, with difficulty speaking clearly. ‘‘I thought it was an enemy—I saw him stealing upon me with up- lifted knife—” “ T know—I too saw him, and I e to cry out in warning, but my tongue refused its office. I could not - I could only stand here as though petrified, Yet all the time it was as though he was pressing his knife home to the center of my own heart!” She uttered these words with an air of bewil- derment that was a revelation in itself, and had Dainty Lance been a little more experienced in heart-matters, his own would have leaped for joy. Ignorant of the fact, Sibyl was exposing

ae than a report here | would be to the readbr. Suffice it to say that an hour was thus Ae ila Dainty Lance meeting and overcoming eachb- | jection raised by Hardy Zeph, who finally be- gan to feel that, after all, there might quite as | much good as evil result from the encounter | with these strange people, They were not so wholly absorbed in the mat- ter under discussion as to neglect their duty, and the most crafty enemy could not have en- iered the ice-rift without their discovering him, despite the gloom. ithout, the storm seemed to be holding its | own, if not increasing in intensity. The wind ) was rising, and from iis sbriil whistling and | howling, the young trappers felt little fear that | any objections. | the surviving outlaws would dare its fury, so soon after their bloody repulse. They drew closer together for warmth, for, though protected from tbe biting wind, it was bitterly cold in the ice-chamber. Still, though | feeling tolerably sure that the enemy had re- treated to their quarters, the lads would not desert their post, and were still conversing earn- estly when they saw Sibyl approaching, bear- | ing a small lantern. “You must not remain here in the cold,” she | said, softly, addressing Dainty Lance as he | arose to greet her. ‘‘It is not likely that Dirk Weeninx and his rufflans will trouble us again very soon, but even if they should make the attempt, we will receive warning in ample time to defeat them.” Neither Dainty Lance nor Hardy Zeph raised The ice chamber was not very enticing on that bitter cold night,"and the pros- pect of a warm berth beside the pyramids of fire was particularly alluring after their cold vigil. Sibyl led the way across the natural bridge, but at the beginning of the passage beyond the chamber, she paused and handing the lantern to Dainty Lance, drew out a coil of rawhide from a niche in the wall. At intervals along this rope were hung small brass and steel bells, which rung out clear and distinctly with every motion of their support. The rope was long enough to pass twice across the mouth of the e, and Sibyl arranged it thus, the lower strand being about knee high and the second one some two feet above this. If an attack should be attempted that night, the enemy could not possibly pass by withcut ‘ setting the bells to jangling, unless they bore torches or something of the kind to light their way: and this, of course, they would not be fools enough to do, on a hostile expedition. The arrangement was an ingenious one, and much admired by both of the young trappers — foresaw a prospect of some much needed sleep. They were soon at the pyramid of fire, warm- ing their thoroughly chilled bodies, while Siby1 busied herself in a little recess something simi- lar to that in which Ham Toplong had been confined. Her preparations were soon made, and return- ing, she told the young trappers that they might retire to sleep as soon as they felt inclined. Dainty Lance felt that he would gladly re- main awake fora week, if by so doing he could be sure of having her constantly vith him while waking, but while he was striving ‘to shape the thought into suitable words, the Snow Sprite bade them good-night and abruptly retired. Satisfied that the enemy could not pass the bell-rope without creating noise sufficient to awaken them, and wholly ignorant of the fact that there was another vommes by which the curious cayern might be entered, Dainty Lance and Hardy Zepbh, with a fimal look at their weapons, passed over to the little recess alluded to, where they found an aluncance of furs, skins end blankets prepared for their conifort. Despite the fact of tis being over head and ears in love, Dainty Lance wes worn and weary enough to fall asleep almost immediately after lying down. It would be a curious picture of dream-life, could the fancies that thronged his brain be literally reproduced in print; but a faint idea may be gleaned of hisatry bliss, when itis stated that twice that night, Hardy Zeph awcke from ; sound slumber to find himself closely embraced and rapturously kissed, while Dainty Lance was murmuring loving words in his unsympathetic r After the second disturbance, Zeph arose in disgust, and rolling himself up in a blanket, lay down on the floor near the pyramid of fire, to resume bis broken sleep. _ When the yeung pecreess awoke in the morn- ing, they found Sibyl noiselessly engaged in preparing breakfast, to which they were scon doing ample justice. In answer to a question put by Dainty Lanee, the maiden replied that her father was still sleeping peacefully, ‘‘ When he awakens, it will be in his right mind once more,” shesaid in a quiet tone that told _ bow frequent:trese mad fits must have beén, for her to treat them so calmly. ‘Then he wil! apologize to yourfor his actions last night. He was not accountable for what he did.” Dainty Lance;has } to assure her that Ke held no Emudge againsh her father—nor did he. Luve coverec oe The':mad hermit might assault bim every bour of the: day, pro- vided he might be favered by’ the: smileg ajc. soft tones of the daughter Letween spells,

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— — Sibyl added that Hercules was also sleeping; that his wounds, though severe, were not really dangerous when his perfect health and magni- ficent constitution were.taken into considera- tion. Ina week, if no unfavorable symptoms showed themselves, he would be on his feet and nearly as good as ever. Soon after breakfast, the young trappers, ac- companied by Sibyl, made their way to the ice- chamber, removing the bell rope as they passed, and took a look at the outside world. The storm was stilragin ; the snow fallin thick and fast, though the fierce wind seem dying out and growing less bitter-cold. So far as they could see, there were no signs of the enemy, and pat believed the storm had driven them under shelter, even if they had not alto- ther abandoned the desperate game they had en playing so long. After a while they returned to the fire cham- ber, where several hours were passed, very agreeably to both Sibyl and Dainty Lance, in conversation. At the end of that time, the hermit made his appearance, dressed as when we last saw him, and at once began his apologies to Dainty Lance for the events of the night. The escape of Ham cplong had been weighing heavily on his unsettled and he had made his murderous attack under the belief that he was assailing the outlaw. Dainty Lance freely granted his forgiveness, but Hardy Zeph was not so easily satisfied. Flis eyes were not blinded by love, and he felt that the hermit was telling a lie as he spoke. There was an uneasy, shifting look in his eyes that betrayed him, and the young trapper - bluntly said: ‘You want to take good keer that you don’t make sech another mistake. Anybody that strikes my , Strikes me ; an’ I give back lick fer lick, with a few throwed in fer good mea- sure. So I say—say your prayers afore you git another sech a crazy notion in your noddle!” There was no mistaking the meaning of the earnest speaker, and the face of the hermit flushed hotigy and he seemed on the point of making an angry reply. to the insinuation thus conveyed, when a truly startling surprise took place, and gave them something more important to see to. CHAPPER X, A BOLD RASCAL’S DESPERATE GAME. Tr was not the fault of Dirk Weeninx that the in- mates of the subterranean refuge were given such a long respite. A bolder than he might be searched for a long time in vain; bold even when the odds were against him. And as he was the last one to retreat, pausing to fire the shot that laid the giant negro low, so he was the first to pause and counsel a return to the assault, bitter curses and flerce imprecations upon the hi of his associates when tuey sullenly refused to follow his lead back to the ice-rift, “They ain’t human critters—they're® born devils!” doggedly uttered Ham Toplong, for probably the first time in his life holding an Opinion different from that of his Seog and master. ‘The nigger is bad enough, but the old man is a powerful sight wuss. He grabbed the boys, one in each hand, an’ Squeezed ‘em to a jelly, ontel the blood run through his fingers like it war pourin’ rain!” This veracious statement proved the cap-sheaf, and wholesome as was their fear of Dirk Weantax, the outlaws flatly refused to make any further movement until their force wus all gathered togeth- er. Sullenly enough the leader yielded to what he could not control, and retreating to their den among the rocks, they bade deflance to the blustering sterm and deathly cold while crowding around a mae, rly in the morning Dirk Weeninx was afoo' and leaving Ham rng wee had been given tH orders, incommand of the force, now numbering ten men, he sallied forth from the cave and strode away, on snow-shoes, Dirk had made good use of his time, que&tionin pople sonre making him repeat Svanything ~ either heard or seen while in the wonderful cav- ern, and he was now aay | on a settled convicti that there must*be more mea a _—— hollow hill. ° “ae trey a ore than that, be believed he had seen that en- trance, and even partially explored it, while search- ing aw Ry a half-way comfortable spot in which to lie Ww The traveling was exceedingly laborio’ despite his wearing rackets, and a lems rsistent enemy than Dirk Weeninx would have bided a more favor- able time, satisfied that his courted prey could not esca him while that terrible storm lasted. much the better for me!” he muttered, bow- ing his head to the bitter blast, and pushing dogged- ly on. “They won't suspect danger during such nasty weather, and once I spy out the lay of the ground, I'll make my blow swift and sure! There are enough of the boys left to do the work u rown, if we can put in the first blew—and unless am badly fooled ut that windy hole, it can be done}”’ The Black Giant. » 13 oo weer now and then to catch Dirk Weeninx doggedly pressed on, finally reaching the'solitary spot which 16 now firmly believed was the key to the success he had so long coveted. _A narrow rift in the rocks was al distinguished, and as he knelt beside it, Dirk Wee- ninx saw that the snow had drifted into the cheer- less den, filling it almost entirely, from floor to rag- ged ceiling. t as he knelt there, he heard and elt the cold wind as it eddied into the rift, and his belief was still further confirmed. Ever a close observer, the outlaw remembered enough of the internal arrangements of the rift to feel little hesitation in lowering himself into the snow-drift, which at once closed over his head. With slight difficulty he groped his way along un- til he reached the further end of the cave, where it contracted like the mouth of a funnel, blocked up by a tolerably snug-fitting bowlder. Still covered by the snow, though he could feel a strong suction of air passing him, Dirk Weeninx se- cured a firm grasp upon the bowlder, and exerting his Fat wie strength, rolled it aside. © wind whistled by still stronger, ca: the snow with it, but the outlaw was not troubled much by this fact. Full a mile separated this hole from the ice-rift, and though he believed there was an open connection between the two, the distance was so considerable that bs did not fear being betrayed by the increased draft. Waiting until the drifting snow had partially sub- sided, he examined his pistols, making sure that they were in serviceable condition, that the cylin- ders were not clogged by the snow he had passed through, but wo revolve freely. This done, he crept forward cautiously, silently. = feeling pretty confident that this passage would lead him direct to his coveted prey, Dirk Wee- ninx was resolved to leave nothing to chance, but to re until he was absolutely certain. *'There’s time enough and to re,”’ he mutter- ed. “I'll get an idea of the route, and the lay of the ground at the other end, then lead the boys in after nightfall. They can be bold enough when the chances are on their side, and would rather try a surprise than lay out there in the snow for a day ~ two, watching the ice-rift, as they are now oing.” As he advanced, the caution of the outlaw was in- creased in due pent forhe saw that his con- jecture was well-founded, and that he was drawing near a portion of the strange, subterranean house, which was ordinarily inhabited. A faint light grew clearer and more distinct, until he paused on the edge of a rock-chamber which was illumined by several gas-jets rising from the floor. Furs and skins were scattered over the rock-floor asa carpet, while choicer specimens were ranged along the walls in fanciful order, mingled with nu- merous weapons and garments, all of Indian manu- facture, ornamented in the highest style of savage art and splendor. The covetous eyes of the outlaw sparkled as he beheld these, for the furnishing of that one cham- ber, if conveyed to the right market, would produce a moderate competence. But he believed there were still more precious treasures beyond, and assuri ‘himself that the chamber was untenanted, he passed through and resumed his explorations. ae rods wm oo on, he came to a = chamber, tha w entrance ope upon 2 yeaa, and as ne paused here, he coul distinctly ear the sounds of heavy, regular Pg: Cautiously creeping nearer, he red in upon the negro giant whom he bad until now believed dead. A bitter curse rose to his _ and was only smothered with difficulty. He felt a fierce longing to send a brace of bullets through the brain of the sleepi but he knew that the report would bri upon him. He fingered his knife wistfully wounded though the giant was, he looked so for- midable that Weeninx not make the bloody ven- ture. “Tt would take a saber blade to reach the heart of the monster, and unless slain instantly, he would crush me to jelly with his enormous strength. Bet- ter wait and make all sure,”’ he muttered, turning reluctantly away. In a very few moments he saw ample cause for congratulating himself on his prudent forbearance, for coming from no t distance ahead, he caught the sound of hurfian voices in conversation, For a brief a Dirk Weeninx hesitated, doubt- ing whether advance or beat a hasty retreat. Prudence told him the latter course was the one best to pursue. He had learned all that was essen- tial to plans. He had found the way into the secret house, and by retreating now, could guide his men at the proper time, earning bis coveted prizes ata single, w -directed blow. But curiosity mrged him ona little further. It could do no harm to learn the exact force of the Colossus, he others , but enemy. So SC ascel , and holding his bared knife in readi- ness for use, should the emergency arise, Dirk Wee- ninx crept forward, keeping in the d t shadow, pausing vonly on the verge of the fre-enamber, where the mad hermit was then making his profuse apoloues to Dainty Lance. t Weeninx paid little attention to this speech. He saw that his discovery was almost inevitable. Sibyl was moving slowly toward his place of concealment, evidently meaning to leave the chamber. If so, she could not help observing him if he remained where he was. He knew, too, that he could not retreat in time to avoid being seen, and in his heart he bitter- ly cursed the mad curiosity that had run his throat into a noose, Then came the sharp, significant speech of that could be | beside the maiden, one arm claspil Floundering through the snow, facing the fierce Hardy Zeph, and as thoughfearing trouble would his breath, | arise from it, Sibyl paused and turned half-way around. In that instant the resolution of the bold outlaw was taken, and with a cat-like leap he landed close her with flerce force, pinning both arms to_her sides and holding her helpless, while his right hand held a bared_ knife with its keen point inaevting her bosom, directly over her heart! “Move a finger—touch a weapon, and I cleave her heart in twain!’’ he uttered, in a stern, yet subdued tone, fearful of arousing the sleeping giant if he spoke loudly. The three men stood as if turned to stone. They saw that the daring ruffian held the maiden power- less in his grasp, and that not even instant death could hinder him from carrying out his diabolical threat if he were so minded. And that he meant ex- actly what he said, one look at his hard-set features and glowing eyes clearly proved. re ember what I said,” added the bold L in the same guarded tone, “At the first croo move, the first word spoken above a whisper, the girl dies, even though you butcher me the next in- stant.” “Your terms—ask what you will—only spare der, my innocent child!’’ the hermit, as = and trembling like a leaf with strong emo- on, “Defy him—make no terms—never mind me!” im merely cried Sibyl, but then her words were ee ort. Dirk Weeninx contracted his left arm until Sibyl! and 'well-nigh fainted under the terrible com- ression, while the ruffian bore upon his knife until ie white skin was punctured and a drop of blood stained its point. “No om ey—obey me, or she dies!’ growled the ruffian, his eyes glowing venomously. ‘Turn your backs this way, one by one, as I indicate you, and drop your weapons on the floor at your feet. But mind, If a pistol explodes, it will sound the death- knell of this girl—I swear it by all above and below!”’ They were utterly ig ryree and could only obey him. To refuse would be death to Sibyl. And one by one they disarmed themselves, then awaited his further orders in silence. Griping his knife between his teeth, Dirk Weeninx tore the scarf from around Sibyl’s neck, and thrust- ing a portion of it into her mouth, wrapped the ends tightly around her head and face, Then again hold- ing the knife to her bosom, he said: ‘One of you light that lantern, then lead the way to the spot where we ses. you yesterday. close together, holding each hand above your heads, save the one that carries the lantern, wer them even for a moment, or attempt to run away, and I kill this girl.”’ Bitterly as they hated to, there was nothing for it but implicit obedience to the arbitrary commands of the bold ruffian who was playing such a desper- ate game. To revolt would sacrifice the innocent being whom two at least of the trio would gladly yieid up their very lives to preserve. Jn silence the hermit picked up and be rag the lantern at the oy, »yramid, then looked at Wee- ninx, who motioned him away, not for a moment re- laxing his crushing grasp upon his long-coveted prize, or removing the knife-point from her bosom. The hermit saw this, and in an agony of fear for his idolized child, he ventured to remonstrate: “Remove your knife—think if you should stumble —it would be murder to the poor child! We promise not to give any trouble—to do exactly as you say, just so you do not injure her /” “Not another word!” peg sper muttered the rascal, who evidently enjoyed the situation. ‘“ Lead the way with the lantern. You boys follow him closely, Not a word unless I speak first," The hermit obeyed in silence, and the young tra ers followed him. Close behind them came Dink eeninx, bearing Sibyl + ae his left arm with as much apparent ease as though her weight was but that of an infant, no ee penne e knife to ber bosom,but holdi ‘a it. ready for immediate use. His brutal “face was al aglow with evil ous, for pe believed —_ pag — ce n. De ew wer 4 is men, under Ham Toplong, were w within close pistol-shot of the ice-rift, phy count- ed on driving the three disarmed men out te meet certain death. Dainty Lance had said nothing thus far, but though silent, he was not entirely disheartened, and watehed for some chance, to turn the tables on their foe, and rescue SibyL But Dirk Weeninx was on his guard, and no such chance wa§ offered until all hope seemed gone. The natural bridge was the hermit care- full h the precarious way, lest a misste should ‘un iaclized child down to a frightful eath. The ice-chamber was reached, and Dirk Weeninx exultantly ordered them to ascend the high steps. They could-only obey, though Dainty Lance lagged behind the others, until sternly cautioned by the hardy rascal. At that instant Sibyl, who had been countenenns unconsciousness, made a swift movement wrested herself from the ruffian’s prasp. With a furious curse, he made an ineffect grasp at her, and at the same instant Dainty Lance madea mighty ding with terrible force ] from the ice ledge, aligh full upon the outlaw's back! CHAPTER XL THE LAW @F THE BORDER. THE moment that Sibyl, the Snow Sprite, wrested herself frem his arms, Dirk Weeminx realized that he was going to have some trouble, after all, though

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ES A a Di a: A Oa hilt Ba Te ae 7 — ——<——— | 14, —_—— not anticipating the shape which it so quickly assumed. He uttered a loud, ringing yell which he knew would reach the ears of his ambushed men, and surely bring them down upon the backs of his unarmed foes, then he made an ineffectual grasp at the agile Snow Sprite. Before he could do or ne more, Dainty Lance was upon him, shooting down from the ice ledge nearly twenty feet above, his feet striking fairly against the outlaw’s broad shoulders, crushing him forward and downward with a force that drove breath and senses entirely out of his carcass. Unfortunately Dainty Lance did not fare much better. The shock was a terrific one. He fell to- gether with Dirk Weeninx, and his head coming in violent contact with the icy floor, he lay like one dead, unconscious cf the thrilling scenes which fol- lowed each other so rapidly. Ham Toplong and his ambushed men had caught a glimpse of the head of the mad hermit as he reached the highest ice-step, and this being followed so closely by the signal of Dirk Weeninx for them to advance, they at once floundered through the deep snow, yelling fiercely. The instant he noticed the action of Dainty Lance, Hardy plunged with break-neck recklessness down th® icy flight, to lend his aid. It was unneeded, so far as Dirk Weeninx was concerned, but the egg ore 4 — lay so like death himself, that Hardy Zep had eyes, thoughts for nothing else, until satisfied that his mate was only stunned. By this time, clearly believing that their redoubt- able chief had cleared the way for them, the moun- tain vultures were leaping down into the ice-rift, led by Ham Toplong. That worthy was immediately seized by the hermit, whose cour was no longer paralyzed by the knowledge of his daughter’s danger, and tumbled headlong down the ledge to the floor of the ice- chamber, but losing his own balance, and keepin aap I 0d only by clinging to the raw-hide rope a the side, Deceived by the gloom, the outlaws believed that Ham Toplong had made the descent of his own accord, and with loud yells they followed. Hardy Zeph saw them corte, and snatching the revolvers from the belt of Dirk Weeninx, he at once opened fire on the enemy, who were thrown into confusion by the wholly unexpected attack where they fancied all was clear. Standing over the prostrate form of his insensible comrade, Hardy Zeph worked his weapons rapidly. a veritable hero, fighting ten to one. And two of thé ten went down in death, while as many more felt biting wounds, before they saw by the red glare of his’shots how small was the force opposing them, This, with the scent of freshly flowing blood in their nostrils was sufficient to change their panic into rage, and with fierce yells, blasphemous cries, they rushed bodil Hg the dauntless young trapper. Not an inch did Hardy Zeph quail. He was fight- ing for more than his own life now—for that of his heart-brother. No harm could come to Dainty Lance while he lived. Sibyl tore the muffling scarf from her face, just in time to behold the recklessly daring leap of her lover, and in that moment, if never before, she ac- knowledged her heart's master. She saw the hermit hurl Toplong down the icy steps, saw aes Zeph arm himself with the weapons of the fallen chief, and taking pattern by his ex- ample, she rushed to where Toplong lay, snatching the revolvers from his belt and firing upon the mountain oujgews as they plunged past her. e@ hermit, also, was only momentarily discom- fited, and recovering himself, he leaped after the enemy, kis brain beginning to throb and burn with the old madness that rendered him a fiend incarnate while it lasted. Thus furiously assaulted both in front and _ rear, where they had counted.on no resistance at the outlaws were thrown into utter confusion. And the cap-sheaf was put on when a horrible roar filled the vaulted chamber—a roar that past experience told them mtant utter destruction, In a panic of horror, the survivors turned to flee, but their path was barred by Sibyl with Toplong’s yistols, and the mad hermit, who was wielding a wge icicle scarcely less terrible than the club of the negro giant. Fate was against them.. Fhey were in a trap from which there was no escape. Before they could foree their bags Bon the mad hermit, Hereules was upon them, monstrous club dealing death at covery blew. One wirlwind like rush—then all was over, ‘The mad hermit glared around him in quest of an- cther enemy. His blaaing eyes rested upon the white, upturned face of Dainty Lance, and he eroue as for a leap, the blood-stained icicle ivembling in his grasp, a merciless devil glittering in his bloodshot eyes. But faithful Zeph Hardy was watching him, and he knelt over the body of his heart brother, his re- volver leveled, in readiness to send its last charge crashing through the madman’s brain, ere harm should come to his chum, Sibyl, too, saw the intention of her father, and leaping forward she clasped her arms round_ his neck, charming away the ugly demon as she alone knew how. His work dene, Hercules sat down, faint and trembling in every limb, feeling the effects of his past injuries, And thus Dainty Lance found them, as his eyes opened, and he arose to his feet, still eonfused and dizzy, but not much the worse for his flying leap and su uent shock. His first thought after assuring himself that Beither Sibyl or Hardy Z-ph had sustained any in- | The Black Giant. « 1y of moment, was given to Dirk Weeninx, whom the avengers passing down the hill and entering the e foun d alive, though still senseless, Sibyl hermit began examining the fallen vultures. Of them all, only one besides Weeninx gave any evi- — of life, and that was the grizzled outlaw, Ham oplong. Pol !”’ cried Dainty Lance, as the hermit rutk- lessly raised his ice-weapon, with the intention of forever stilling the faint struggles of the fellow, who was just recovering from his fall. ‘‘ Hold!” I claim his life, together with that of Dirk Weeninx, by the universal law of the border!” The hermit turned sharply upon the bold speaker, but he saw something in those glittering blue eyes that quelled his anger, and he lowered his, weapon, with a short laugh. - ‘““Have your will; I see that they will never give us any more trouble, and that is all I care for.” Tearing the raw-hide rope loose, Dainty Lance cut it up into suitable lengths and bound the hands of rd two outlaws behind them, leaving their feet ree, While thus eng d, the hermit and Hercules were disposing of the dead men in a summary man- ner, dragging them to the chasm and hurling them down into the subterranean river. By the time this repulsive task was completed both Dirk Weeninx and Ham Toplong had recovered their senses, and were ruefully eying one another, too dejected by their wholly unexpected reverses to utter a word. Dainty Lance stood before them apasking eee | H ng help. “You came to us in want and misery, as We aided you; fed, clothed —_ rovided you with nts. means to reach the settleme: ut in return, you waylaid us and sought to take our lives, Failing in uickly managed to calm her father, and the | | } cavern once more. And the rising wind howled more fiercely, the snow flakes fell faster and faster, as though eager to bury its victims forever! * CHAPTER XI. A BETROTHAL AND SOMETHING ELSE, For three eb and three nights, that terrible storm raged without a moment’s cessation. Then, at the end of that period, it broke up as abruptly as it had commenced, the sun coming out clear and cheer- ing, though the weather was steady at several de- grees below freezing point. _# During those three days, not one of the little party this, you burned down the building where you had | found shelter, robbed us of our property, and then | hunted us almost to death’s door. By the aid of these good friends, you were foiled then, only to make another attempt. You stole upon us unawares, ° bound us, and left us to what you believed would be certain death. And since then, you haye never ceased in your bitter attempts at murder. That you have been as often foiled, does not lessen your crimes. “Men say that there is no law on the border; but they are wrong. Here it is eye for eye and tooth for tooth, As a man does unto his fellow men, just so shall they do unto him. Do you understand me?” **Bah!"’ growled Dirk Weeninx, his eyes filled with a greenish, venomous light. ‘‘ Why waste so much breath? You mean to murder us. Do it like a man, not torture us beforehand by railing at us with a woman’s tongue.” Dainty Lance made no reply to this insolent speech, but turned first to the hermit, then Hercules, and finally to Hardy Zeph, asking each in turn what such crimes as he had enumerated deserved by way of punishment. e answer of each was short and to the point: death ! He passed Sibyl by in silence, and in silence she thanked him for this thoughfulness. In justice she could not plead in favor of clemency, and it would be hard to pronounce the death sentence in cold blood. "And as he met her grateful glance, Dainty Lance felt warmed to the very core of his heart, Toplong began an appeal for merey wheg he saw how sternly in earnes: his judges were, Dut Wee- ninx cut him short by a heavy kick from one of his unconfined limbs. ; “Stiffen your backbone, and don’t disgrace your below ground ventured outside of their romantic refuge. And, despite the howling of the storm- fiends outside, or the biting cold which penetrated even to the fire-chamber, Dainty Lance never — ose | more blissful hours than were comprised in’ t three days. He drank deep of the intoxicating cup of love, and long ere those three days were spent, the Snow Sprite’s. maidenly reserve was overcome, and she, too, drank deep draughts.of pure and undefiled love. For such it was, on both sides. It is only among the young that first love may be found in all its virginal purity. If this love.is real and sincere, it is wholly unmixed with alloy. They are ignorant of any higher happiness than simply being in the company of the ido one. Other older hearts may Tove as assionately, but there is ever a trace of sensuality n the emotion; always a looking ahead to prospec- tive bliss, of which younger enthusiasts—always pro- viding their love is genuine and all-absorbing—are innocent of. F Thus it was with Slbyl and Dainty Lance, Thrown closely together at hours of day and night, loving each other with the first passion of virgin hearts, knowing that they were beloved even as they loved, yet they remained pure and unsullied even in thought, content in the mere fact of their being together, As yet nota word had been spoken of their love between them. There seemed no need. They understood each other so thoroughly. But there were two less contented inmates of the cavern, * The hermit, though he wore a mask of biand approval whenever in the immediate society of the | lovers, at times suffered that mask to drop, and training, old man,” he cried, with a reckless laugh, | but even he grew serious, and his bronzed face | turned a sickly white as Dainty Lance pronounced | their doom. “The punishment that you devised for us two, shall be yours. Bound back to back, you shall be ex osed to the storm, to live or die as the fates or i Hardy Zeph broke forth into a hearty chuckle as this sentence was pronounced, It seemed especially appropriate, and remembering what untol ny he had suffered, he felt that he could not have devised a more exquisite revenge. Snatching up the lantern he ran back to the fire- chamber, returning with the weapons Dirk Weeninx had obliged them to discard, together with a bundle wrapped up in a blanket. bd As it was not intended to go far from the ice-rift, and as.the freshly-fallen snow was so deep as _to render snow-shoe navigation difficult, the party not trouble to don rackets, but foreing their prison- ers along before them, emerged from the _ice-rift and plowed their way up the hill to the high point from whence Ham Toplong first discovered the | Snow Sprite and her her -ulean body-guard. The giant aeg dey of Hercules sufficed to hold the | doomed outlaws back to back, while Dainty Lance bound them firmly. - Hardy Zeph was in his element, and insisted on carrying out every little detail that had marked their ows treatment when the present captives had the eg d. te e manufactured huge gags, and Hercules, grin- | ning, choked the doomed wretches until their jaws were sufficiently distended for the purpose. The gags were applied, and then Zeph unrolled his pundle, revealing a chunk of fresh meat, Across this he placed rifles and pistols, knives and belts saying: . Thar’s grub when you git hungry, an’ weapons to ‘fend yourselves. Ef you git tired an’ cold, lay down. One kin be bed, t’other play blanket, Take it turn about, an’ mebbe you kin keep from freezivg to death as long as we did.” And thus the two evil men were left to their fate, | less blind wo reveal his real sentiments. ne “The devil is in him bigger’n a woodchuck!”’ mut- tered Zeph Hardy, the first time h urprised this venomous, threatening look in the olfman’s eye, and knowing that Dainty Lance would treat a warning jestingly, he set himself to watching the watcher, spying on the spy, his hand ever ready to defend’ his heart-brother in case of need. So the days passed on, The storm came to an end, and the two young rs ventured forth to see if aught could be discovered of the mountain vultures whom they had repaid in their own coin, The snow was of extraordinary depth, but as a crust was gradually ee ey. and they wore rackets, they contrived to reach the hill on which the outlaws had been bound, to meet the terrible death they had | devised for others. With long sticks the youngsters probed the snow. “JT have found them!” muttered Dainty Lance, ceasing his explorations. ‘The bodies can lie here safe enough until the snow melts away; then we will bury them out of sight.” * “The wolves and buzzards kin do that well enough,” growled Hardy Zeph. ‘They, wouldn't ’a’ give us no better.” Back again to the underground home, where day after day stole by, full of blissful happiness to some; of deep anxiety to others. Thus a week was spent, when there came a great change. As usual, Dainty Lance and Sibyl were together. They drifted from one subject to another, until they began speaking of the future. Then Sibyl grew gloumy and tearful. She fore- saw that the time was coming when this precious communion must end in separation, and when anx- iously questioned by Dainty Lance as to the cause of her sudden despondency, she made frank confes- sion. The Spring would soon arrive, and then the young trappers would naturally tire of such inactive life. They had regained the furs and peltries of which the mountain vultures had robbed them. With these they would return to the settlements— Thus far Dainty Lance listened to her in amaze- ment, bengh not a single word of love, as such, had passed between them, he believed it was ail understood, But now he madeample amends. Such speeches read tamely enough on paper. They are eloquent enough to ears that drink in the soft cadences, but only provoke a smile from those who read, even though they may “have been there *’ themselves. Enough that Dainty Lance left no room for doubt or misunderstanding. He declared his love, and in so many words asked Sibyl to bless him by becom- ing his” wife. Dainty Lanee awaited her reply in fear and trem- bling. ‘Like all true. lovers, he doubted his own worth, and expected disappointment where any one i d have seen his success was a fore- | gone conclusion. Soft and low was the answer he received, but it sufficed for him, and then, for the first time during all their close intercourse, his arms were wrapped around the yielding form and drew it to his breast; heart to heart, lip to lip—bliss far beyond expression. in words. y And then they talked of their future life, when they should be all in all to each cther: all uncon- —-

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scious that an evil pel them from theshadow beyond—that the hand of an enemy was grasping a revolver that was’ aimed at | the heart of the happy young trapper, with fingers that itched to press the trigger. As though this evil ave had power to overshadow her supreme bliss, Sibyl gradually grew nervous and her old forebodings returned with redoubl force. First Dainty Lance joyously rallied her, then ently chided her growing despondency, until he earned the cause of her trouble. : “ Remember the strange antipathy with which my father has regarded you from the very first. Re- member, he is not wholly as other men. His brain is diseased, but he never forgets a prejudice once conceived. He may not listen to your suit with favor—” “With sucha glorious prize at stake, darling, I could talk life into a stone, or restore a dead man to life. He my have fallen into the same mistake as you—may think thatI have been making love only asa means of passing away the time, to fly away at the coming of Spring; but I can easily con- vinee him of his mistake. “This very evening I will ask his consent to our marriage. He will grant it—he must grant it, for we would die if disappointed now—and then, when the pine Fomine away the deep snows, we will turn our face toward the settlements, there to find some holy man who will bind us together inthe law of God and man—but not more truly, surely, than we are now united in heart.” _The weapon was lowered, the eavesdropper stole silently away, a smile upon his deathlike face, a satisfied light in his eyes. And when the lovers next met the hermit, he beamed benevolently upon them, the very ideal of a kind, egy seyret gene Dainty Lance was eager to b the all-impor- tant subject, but Sibyl had extorted a promise t he would wait until after the evening meal was over, and he was as good as his word. Sibyl, blushing charmingly at his roguish smile, beat a hasty retreat, leaving the three men, with Hercules, who was now nearly recovered from his ingriens together in the fire-chamber. mncouraged by the bland and unusually good- humored ae he eg which rested on the face of the hermit, Dainty Lance frankly unbosomed him- self, avowing his love, modestly stating that it was fully reciprocated, and begging the father to sanc- tion their speedy union. The hermit was either mightily pleased, or else was a most consummate actor. He warmly embrac- ed the ss and with tearsin his eyes, declared that his heart had nothing left to wish for. “T freely own that I have doubted you. I believed you were simply amusing yourself, by playing on the heart-strings of Sibyl; and I have watched you closely, resolved to drain your heart to its last drop at tae first sign of positive treachery. ButI believe you now. And I say again, that I have ne, left to wish for. You love each other, you are admirably suited to make each other happy. An when I die— which may happen at any moment, so terribly shat- tered is my brain—I will leave my darling in good, true, loving hands!” ; He ceased, his voice choking with sobs that he could not entirely papieans. And even Hardy Zeph, his suspicions banished to the four winds, felt the moisture in his eyes, and beheld surrounding objects as through a hazy atofosphere. a The hermit declared that he must visit his daugh- ter, and bestow upon her his blessing. Dainty Lance begged permission to bear him company, but it was smilingly refused, “Your turn s&all come, never fear; you_shall not be denied your love’s rights; but just nowI wish = see her alone. Wait fo® me here, I will soon re- urn.” While he was gone, Hercules following at a ges- ture, Hardy Zeph cordially congratulated his part- ner, Sibyl had exerted herscif to remove his pre- judices, and successfully; so. muca so. that the rough trapper was ready to die in her defense. The hermit soon returned, and with him came Sibyl, blushing divinely, more gloriously lovely than ever, Dainty Lance enfolded her in his arms, proudly, lovingly, and in a voice shaken by strong emotion, the hermit blessed them over and over. Then, with a gayety that seemed forced and un- natural, he bade them all follow him; that the joy- ous oceasion should be as fitly celebrated as his poor means would permit. Laughing and talking, excitedly, he led the way from the fire-chamber to the room whose hangings of fur, and valuable ornaments and Indian weapons had so eeronely excited the cupidity of Dirk Weeninx where they found Hercules grinning like some enormous satyr, behind an improvised table on which stood several bottles, a pac of sugar, and . ‘i oe with water boiling above one of the lighted Dainty Lance felt that a quiet interview with Sibyl out of earshot of the others, would be far preferable to this intended jollification, but his heart was too full just then to raise any objection, and heranged with the rest around the table. At a motion from the hermit, Hercules brought the hot water, and he mixed the strong-scented com- pound, passing each one his cup, giving Siby] one of pure water instead of whisky. In a quick, nervous+ tone, he bade them all drink to the health of the blushing bride elect. Had it been aqua-fortis, neither Dainty Lance nor Hardy Zeph would have refused to honor this toast, and with eager haste t) ey swallowed the steamin compound, And as they did so, both felt as thoug # sharp, benunmgbing blow had struck the nape of -The Black Giant. r of eyes were glaring upon / their necks—the cups dropped from their hands and | they stood like men suddeniy turned to stone. The hermit dashed aside his untasted cup, and at a sign, Hercules grasped Sibyl and bore her shriek- pr, Be | strength of the dru 15 Whether the mad hermit was deceived in the he administered, or really had ining their limbs until death no intention of enc | by starvation should come to their relief, but ad- | dressed them as he did merely to add to the torture ainty Lance and Hardy Zeph saw this, and strove | to spring to the rescue; but in vain. Their brain was as active as ever, but it was as though the limbs, body, muscles had all been suddenly petrified. They could not move even the tip of a finger, nor an eyelid. They were living, thinking, sentient beings, yet as much dead as though they had been buried ten fathoms deep in the earth for as many thousand years! they must suffer, can only be surmised. It may have been that he only desired to gain sufficient time in which to make his escape: for that he had | fled in company with Hercules, taking Siby] with Cast aside all disguise, the mad hermit stood | before them as he really was, a malignant devil—a fiend inearnate, rejoicing in the terrible deed his cunning had wrought. “Poor, silly fools!” he said, and every word rung distinctly through their brains, even while an were unable to move a muscle. ‘ Did you think would allow you to bring my neck to the hangman's noose? You flattered yourselves that I was blind to your accursed cunning—that I could not detect or even suspect the treacherous 5 purpose which you concealed beneath a pretended love for one whom you well knew you could never wed—my darling! If only for this insult to her, you should die, ten thou- sand deaths in one! “‘T would have slain you before matters went so far,’ he added, addressing Dainty Lance more par- Ustwrk “but your mate was cunning, and watched me too close. ButI bided my time, and the blow has fallen at last.” ““You are doomed to death. Even if found by friends who would sacrifice their own lives to pre- serve yours, they could not aid you. Outwardly you are insensible to pain. Your bs and bod are like stone. Blood would not flow, even thoug = limbs were to be amputated, one after another. ut for all that, you can and will suffer, You will feel the gnawing pangs of starvation, frowing keen- er and more horrible with each passing hour, until each moment will be more agonizing than death: yet you will live a week, two weeks, and perchance even longer. Oh! it will be an exquisite revenge for your intended treachery!” He paused with a diabolical laugh, a madman now if never before. He raised Dainty Lance in his arms, and planted him in an upright position again, at the side of the table opposite that where Hardy Zeph stood, rigid as a statue cunningly carven out of stone. Repeating his devili laugh, he brought food and drink, and placed them on the board between them. “See!” he said, chuckling in horrible glee. “I am generous. When you begin to experience the pangs of starvation, you can feast your eyes upon these viands.” pole wert Soy strangely doomed trappers sought to banish the dread spell that fettered their limbs, but in vain. As the hermit said, they were already dead—dead even while their brains lived—and their horrible tor- ture was aiveeay began! Laughing diabolically, the hermit left the chamber. How long a time elapsed, they had no means of computing, but it appeared an eternity; then they heard the sounds of footsteps, and the hermit re- turned, accompanied by Hercules, in whose arms rested Sibyl strangely white and deathlike, all but her eyes. They were filled with unutterable des pair, which deepened into agony, as the negro, in obedience to a gesture by the mad hermit, held her face close before that o Not a muscle moved, only the terrible despair in her eyes told that she was not dead! “Closer—closer still!” cried the madman. ‘“ One last kiss—there can be no harm in that—are they not betrothed?” , Nearer until their ice-cold lips touched; then the n drew back, and strode away with his burden. Sus arting laugh—a final jeer, then the mad her- ae = wed leaving his two victims to their horrible oom CHAPTER XT. DAINTY LANCE TAKES AN OATH. Day after day rolled on, and still the two trappers stood confronting each other in that strange, petri- fied manner. . As the mad hermit predicted, they felt the grow- ing pangs of hunger—hunger that steadily deepened into the gnawing torture of starvation, doubly in- tensified by the scent and sight of the food and drink maliciously placed before them. Just how long they remained thus, neither of the victims could ever tell, or even guess; but it must have been all of a week before Dainty Lance felt. his knees suddenly give way beneath him, suffering him to fallin a ang 4 to the floor likea dead man. Hardy Zeph believed his mate was dead—and the bitter agony it caused him enabled him to shatter the weakening bonds of the baleful drug. A gur- ling, gasping ery parted his lips, and he supported fumes t against the table, trembling in every limb like one just arisen from a bed of long and severe sickness. With a powerful effort of will, he man- aged to raise both water and food to his lips, and force them down his parched throat. Then sunk down in a deathlike stupor. Thanks to the nourishment he had taken, he was soon enabled to arise and assist Dainty Lance, re- storing him sufficiently to swallow a few mouthfuls of food and drink. Then, side by side they lay down and fell asleep, a deep unconsciousness that lasted for many hours, It was nearly a week before they were able to handle their persons with any degree of ease, and twice as loug before they felt entirely restored. Dainty Lance. She did not speak. | e, too, ’ him, was made manifest by the young trappers crawling upon their hands and knees through the entire cavern, before they regained strength suffi- cient to walk. The hollow hill was deserted by all human beings save themselves, but while making this exploration, ainty Lance came upon a scrap of pape which he had studied over and over again, though the written contents were indelibly imprinted upon both his brain and his heart. It had neither address nor signature, and broke off abruptly in the middle of a sentence. He found the peper in the chamber usually occupied by the Snow prite, and felt no doubt but that she had traced those hurried lines: “IT have just learned what was the meaning of that terrible scene—doomed to death, but perhaps you may yet escape. We are to leave this—I believe to go Northward—to the home of the Plain Crees. If Be live, seek out the ‘ec * of a chief called—”’ ere the writing ended. e paper was crumpled up and thrown in a corner, as though at the sudden entrance of some one whom the writer feared. When Dainty Lance read these words, doubting not that they had been traced by the agitated hand of his loved one, he sunk upon his knees and with uplifted hands, swore a solemn oath that he would know no rest until he had found his lost love, or per- ished in the attempt! THE END. The Half-Dime Singer's Library. 1 Wuoa, Emma! and 59 other Songs. 2 Caprain Curr and 57 other Songs. 8 Tue Garnszoro’ Hart and 62 other Songs. 4 Jonnny MorcGan and 60 other Songs. 5 PL Strike You Wirn A FearHer and 62 other ngs. 6 GEORGE THE CHARMER and 56 other Songs. 7 Tue Bevis or Rockaway and 52 other Songs. 8 Youne FeLian, You're Too Fres# and 60 other ngs. 9 Soy Youne Grau and 65 other many 10 I’w THe GovERNOR’s OnLy Son and 58 other Songs. 11 My Fawn and 65 other wine ° 12 Comrm’ Tro’ THE Rye and 55 other Songs. 13 Tae Roituickine IrisHMan and 59 other Songs. 14 Op Dog Tray and 62 other Songs. 15 WHoa, CHARLrI£ and 59 other Gong 16 In THIs WHEAT By anv By and 62 other Songs. 17 Nancy Lee and 58 other Songs. 18 I’m THE Boy THAT’s Bounp To BLAZE and 57 other Songs. 19 Tae Two OrpHans and 59 other Songs. 20 WHAT ARE THE WILD WAVES SAYING, SISTER? and 59 other Songs. | 21 Inpienant Potuy Woe and 59 other Songs. 22 THe O_p Arm-CHarR and 58 other Songs. 23 On Conry IsLanp Brac and 58 Other Songs. 24 Otp Smmon, THE Hot-Corn Man and 60 others. 25 I’m ww Love and 56 other Songs. 23 PARADE OF THE GUARDS and 56 other Songs. 27 Yo, Heave, Ho! and 60 other Songs. 28 "Iwitt NEVER vo To GipitvuPSo and 60 other Songs. 20 Bive Bonnets Over THE PorDER and M4 others. | 30 Tue Merry Lavanine MAN and 56 other Songs. | 81 Sweer ForGet-me-Not and 55 other Songs. 32 LeETLeE Baby Mine and 53 other Songs. 33 De Bango AM DE INSTRUMENT FOR ME and 53 other Songs. 84 Tarry and 50 other Songs. 85 Just ro PLeasp THE Boys and 52 other Songs. | 86 SkaTiIne oN ONE IN THE GUTTER and §2 other Songs. 37 KoLoRED Kranks and 59 other Songs. © | 88 Nix DesprRanpvum and 53 other Songs. 89 THe Grr_ I Lerr Beeinp Mer and 50 other Songs. 40 "Tis sur A LitTLe FapED Ftower and 50 others. 41 Pretry WHILwELMINA and 60 other Songs. 42 DANCING IN THE BaRw and 63 other oe. 43 H. M.S. Prvarore, compiets, and 17 other Songs. Sold everywhere by Newsdealers, at five cents per copy, or sent post-paid, to any address, on re~ ceipt of Six cents per number. BEADLE AND ADAMS, PvupBLIsHERrs, 98 Wri11AM STREET, New Yore. The Sunnyside Library, 1 Latta Rooke. By Thomas Mo@me.......... 10¢. 2 Don Juan. By Lord Byron Ai . 2c. 8 Pardpise Lost. By John Milton ....... $70, $06 4 Tue Lagy or Tur Lake. Sir Walter Scott. 10c. 5 Lvcitz.” By Ower Meredith 5's * 10e. 6 UNDINE OR, THE WateR-Spirir, From the German of Iriederich De La Motte Fouque... 10c,. For sale _— newsdealers, or sent, postage on receipt ~, twelve cents for single numbers, double numbers twenty-four cents ADAMS, VICTOR & CO., Publishers 98 William street, N. Y.

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GT NL eS | BEADLE'S | HALF-DIME | LIBRARY. ' Deadwood Dick, THe PriNcE of THE Roap; or, Tae. Buack Riper or THE Biack Hits. By Edward L. Wheeler. 2 Wellowstone Jacky; or, TRAPPERS OF THE EncHantep Grounp. By Jos. E. Badger, Ji. Kansas King; or, THe Rep Ricu7r Hann. By Buffalo Bill (Hon. Wm. F. Cody). The Wild-Horse Hunters. _By Captain Mayne Reid and Captain frederick Whittaker. Vagabond Joe, THE YounG WANDERING JEW; or, PLorrisa ror A Lecacy. By Oll Coomes. Bill Biddon, Trapper; or, Lire IN THE Nortuwest. By Edward 8. Ellis. Whe Flying Yankee; or, Tam OcEAN Ovt- cast. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. . Seth Jones; ‘or, Tau Caprives of THE FRoN- Time. By Edward &. Ellis. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen,. 10 Nat Todd; or, THe Fate or THE Sioux CaP- "gs. A Sequel to Bill Biddon, Trapper. By Edward 8. Ellis. 11 The Two Detectives; or, Tae Fortunes or A Bowmry Gir. By Albert W. Aiken. 12 Gulliver’s Travels. A Yorsee to La ut, and a Voyage to Brobdingnag. By Dean Swift. 13 The Dumb Spy. By Oll Coomes, author of “Vagabond Joe,”’ etc. 14 Aladdin; or, Tae Wonperrci Lamp. 15 The Sea-Cat; or, Toc Wrron of Darien. By Captain Frederick Whittaker, 16 Robinson Crusoe. His Life and Surpris- ing Adventures, (27 Illustrations.) By Defoe. 17 Ralph Roy, tHe Boy BuccanreEr; or, THE Fuaittve Yacut. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 18 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven Voyages. From the Arabian Nights. 19 The Phantom Spy; or, THE PILOT OF THE Prarris. By Buffalo Bil. 20 The Double Daggers; or, DEapwoop Dicxk’s Deriance. By Edward L. Wheeler. 21 The Frontier Angel. A Romance or Ken- TucKY RANGER’s Lirr. By Hdward 8. Ellis. 22 The Sen Serpent; or, Taz Boy Rosison Crusozr. By Juan Lewis. » 23 Nick o° the Night; or, Tax Boy Sry or "76. By T. C. Harbaugh. 24 Diamond Dirk; or, Taz Mystery oF THE YELLOWSTONE. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 25 Tie oy Capt inj sor, THz Pirate's DauveuterR. By Roger Starbuck. 26 Cloven Hoot, Typ Burraco Demon; or, THe Borprr Vourvres. By Edward L. Wheeler. 27 Antelope Abe, ruu Boy Guripz. Oll Coomes, 28 Buffalo Ben, THE Prince or_ THE PisTo.; or, DEADWooD Dick IN DIsGuUIsB. 29 The Dumb Page; or, THE Doer’s Davuen- ver. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 30 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, Tux REck- Less Ranger. By Harry St. Geor "ge. 31 Keen-Knife, Prince oF THE Poamms, By Oll Coomes, 32 Bob Woolf, Tun Borper Ruprran; or, TaE Girt Drap-SHor. By Edward L. Wheeler. 33 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, Tue Rep | PIRATES OF THE CaRrpBrEs. By 8. W. Pierce. 34 Oregon Gels or, Nick Waurries’ Boy Spy. Ae ot. J. F Adams. : 35 iid Ivan, Tne Boy Ciaupe DovaL; or, THE BrotrHEeRHoop or DuatH. By Ed, L, Wheeler. 36 The Boy Clown; or, THE QUEEN OF THE Argena, By*Frank 8. Finn. 37 The Hidden Lodge; or, Tue Lirriz Hun- veR OF THE AprRONDACKS. By T. O. Harbaugh. 38 Ned hfe + pape tHE Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 39 Death-Face, THe Drrecrive; or, Live AND Love In New York. By Edward L. Wheeler. 40 Roving Ben, A Storyor , Youne AMERI- cAN WHo WANTED TO Ske THE Wortp. Marshall, 41 Lasso Jack, tHe Youne Musrancur. By Ol Coomes. 42 The Phantom Miner; or, Dzapwoop Dicx’s Bonanza, By Edward L. eeler. 43 Dick ag eae Tart Pony Express Riper. By Capt. Freder ck Whittaker. 44 Rattling Rube; or, Tue Nicur Hawks or Kentpoxy. By Harry 8t. George. 45 Old Avalanehe, THE GREAT ANNIHILATOR, or, Wine Epna, THE Girt Bricann. FE. L. Wheeler. 46 Glass Eye, tae Great Sor or THe West. 7 Capt. J. F.C, Adams. 47 igmting ste Nat; or, Taz Forest Caprarns. By T. C. ‘ arbaugh. 48 Black John, gue Roap-AeenT; or, THE OvT- LAws’ Retreat. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 49 Omaha Oll, THe Masxep Terror; or, Dmap- woop Dick IN DANGER. By Edward L. Wheeler. 50 Burt Bunker, Tux Trapper. .A Tale of the Northwest. By C. B. Lasalle. 51 The Boy Rifles; or, Tas UNDErRe@ROUND Camp. uae GO. Irons. * 52 The ite Buffalo. A Tale of Strange a Adventure in the Northwest. ah HK. Lasalle. 53 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., THe Boy PHuenrx; or, + THrRoven to DeArH. By Edward L. Wheeler. 54 Ned Hazel, Tur Boy Trapper; or, Tae PHAN- TOM PRINC y Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 55 Deadly- HE UNKNOWN Scour; or, THE BranveD Br Hoop. By Buffalo Bill. 56 Nick Whiffles’ mat or, In THe VALLEY OF Data. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams. 57 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, Tax Parps or FLoop Bar. Fede . Wheeler. 58 Whe Border King; or, Tos Secret For. By Oll Coomes. 59 Old Hickory; or, Panpy ELLis's, Scatp. By Harry St. oeres. 60 The White Indian; or, Tux Scouts or THE YeELLowstons, By Capt. J. ¥. C. Adams. 61 Buckhorn Bil); or, Taz Reo Rows Tzam. By Edward L. Wheeler. E. L. Wheeler. | 62 The Shadow Ship; or, Tae Rrvav Lirv- TENANTS. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 63 The Red Bretherhoody or, THE TWELVE AVENGERS. By W. J. Hamilton. 64 Dandy Jack; or, THE OUTLAW OF THE OREGON Tram. By T. C. Harbaugh. 65 Wurricane Bill; or, Mustane Sam anv His *Parp.” By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 66 Single Hland; or, A Lire vor a Lirg, By W. J. Hamilton. 67 Patent-leather Joe; or, OLD RaTrLesnakE, THE OHARMER. By Philip S. Warne. 68 The Border KRebin Heod; Prairie Rover. By Buffalo Bill. 69 Gold Rifle, THe SHARPSHOOTER; or, THE Boy DETECTIVE OF THE Back Rancu. By Edward L. Wheeler. 70. Old Zip’s Cabin; or, Tot GREENHORN IN THE Woops, C. Adams, 71 Delaware or, BRoTHER AGAINST BROTHER. By Olli Coomes. 72 Mad Tom Western, THE Texan RanGER; or, THE QUEEN OF THE PRamir. By Hamilton. 73 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, CaLamiry JANE, THE Heromye or Wuvop-Up. By Wheeler. 74 Hawk-eye Marry, THE Younc TraPpPEeR Ranasr. By Oll Coomes. 75 The Boy Duelis*; or, Tue Cruise or THE Sra-Wour. By Col, Prentiss Ingrabam. 76 Abe Colt, THE Orow-Kiiier; or, Tae Great Fientinc MAN of 1nE West. By A, W. Aiken. 77 Corduroy” Cherlie, Taz Boy Bravo; or, Deapwoop Driok’s Last Act. By E. L. Wheeler. 78 Blue Dicky; or, THE YeLiow Cuier’s Ven- G@EAaNce. By Captain Mayne Reid. 79 Sol Ginger, THE Giant TRAPPER; or, THE FLOWER OF THE BLACKFEET. By A. W., Aiken, 80 Rosebud Rob; or, NuceerNen, Taz Knieut or THE GuicH. By Edward L. Wheeler. 81 ey pln Jo, THE TERROR OF THE PRAIRIE. a Captain J. IF. C. Adams. 82 Kit Haretoot, tus Woop-Hawk; or, Op PowbER-FackE AND "His Demons, By Harbaugh. 83 Rollo, the Boy Ranger; or, ‘Tae HEIRESS OF THE GOLDEN Horn, By or Coomes. 84 wag 8p the Giri Miner; or, Rosesup Ros on Hann... By Edward L. Wheeler. 85 Buck Buckram,; Trapper. By Captain J. F. 0. Adams. 86 Dandy Rock, THe Man From Texas. By G. Waldo Browne. . 87 The Land Pirates; or, THe LeaGuE or Derviu’s IsLanp.. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 88 Photograph Phil, ras Boy Sieur; or, Rosepvup Ros’s REAPPEARANCE, By E. L. Wheeler. 89 Isiand Jims; or, Toe Per or THe Famity. By the author of *‘ Jack Harkaway.”’ 90 The Dread Rider; or, THe Texan DUELIST, 91 or, Tae By George Waldo Browne. he Captain of the Club; or, THz Youne Riva Arnusres. By Bracebridge Hemyng, (Jack Harkaway.) 92 Canada Chet, THE CoUNTERFEITER CHIEF; or, OLD ANACONDA IN Srrtine BuLw’s Camp. By Edward L, Wheeler. 93 The Boy mecca as ay Toe ENCHANTED 8. IsLAND. By Edward 8. 94 Midnight Jaek, tHe Roapd-AGENT; Or, GopHER Grp, THE Boy TRAPPER OF THE CHEYENNE. By T. C. Harbaugh, 95 The Rival Rovers; or, THe FREEBOOTERS oF THE Mississteri. By Lieut, Col. Hazeltine. 96 Watch-Eye, THE eanoy: or, ARABS AND ANGELS oF A Great City. By E. L. Wheeler. 97 The Outlaw Brothers; or, Tae Captive or THE Harpes. By J. J. Marshall. 98 Robin Hood, tHe Ovriawed Ear; or, THE Merry Men or Greenwoop. By Prof. Stewart Gildersleeve. 99 The Tiger of Taos; or, Witp Katz, Danny Rook’s ANGEL. By George Waldo Browne. 100 Deadwood ck in Leadville; or, A STRANGE STROKE FOR LIBERTY. eg i a aga 101 Jack Harkaway in New York; er, Toe ADVENTURES OF THE TRAVELERS’ CLUB. ; 7 Bracebridge Hemyng. 102 Dick Dead-Eve, THe Boy Smvuecier; or, Tue CRUISE or THE VIxEN. By Col. Ingraham. 103 The Lion of the Sea3 or, Toe Vatep Lapy or San Tropez. By Col. Delle Sara. 104 Deadwood BDick’s Deviee; or, TH» Sien or THE Dovsie Cross. By E, r Wheeler 105 Old Rube, THa Hunter; or, Toe Crow Cap- TIvE. By Capt. H. Holmes. 106 Old Frosty, THs GurpE; or, NIOKANA, THE WHITE QUEEN OF THE BLACKFEET. Harbaugh. 107 Ome-Eyed Sim; or, THe ApanponeD For- ust Homes, By J. rz. Bowen. 108 Daring Davy, tHe Younc Brar-Kuer; or, THE Tram of THE Borpsr Wo.r. By Harry St, George. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. 110 The Black Steed of the Prairies. A Thrilling Story of Texan Adventure. By James L. Bowen. 111 Whe Sea-Devil; or, THE MipsHIPMAN’S Lecacy. By Col. P. Ingraham. Mad Hiunter; or, Tae Cave or DeatH. By Burton Saxe. 113 Jaek Hoyle, rue Younc SrEcuLator; or, Tur Roan To Fortuns By Ed. L. Wheeler. 114 The Black Schooner; or, Jip Junk, THE Op Tar. By Roger Starbuck. 115 The Mad Miner; or, Danvy Rocg’s Doom, George Waldo Browne. 116 The Hussar Captain; or, Tut Herr or Hett-Garr. l. Prentiss eee 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, THE Srort DerectIvE; or, THE AD-AGENT’s DavuGuTmR, Wheeler. By ae 4 ick, THE Youna RanGer Spy; | or, BErss, THE Hrwite | 2e7 The Helpless Hand; 118 Will Somers, rae Boy Dersctive. By Chartes Morris. Mustang Samj or, THe KinG OF THE Puains. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 120 The Branded Mand; or, Toe Man or Mystery. By Frank Dumont, Cinnamon Chip, THE Girt Sport; or, Tuer GOLDEN [pot or Mr. Rosa. id. L. Wheeler. Phil Hardy, Tvs Boss Boy; or, Toe Mys- TERY OF THE STRONGBOW. By Charles Morris. Kiowa Charley, THE WHITE MusTANGER; or, Rocky Mountain Ki7’s Last Scatp. Huwr. By T. C. Harbaugh. Tippy, THE Texan; or, THe YouNG CHAMPION. By George Gleason. Bonanza Bill, Miner; or, MADAME Mys- TERY, THE I'EMALE ForceER. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 126 Picayune Pete; or, Nicopemus, THE Dog DerecrivyE. By Charles Morris. 127 Wild-Fire, Tax Boss or THe Roan; or, THE Wo ves or SaTan’s Gap. By Frank ‘Dumont. 128 The Young Privateer; or, Tue Pirates’ STRONGHOLD. By H. Cavendish. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, Tue Guost or Gorcon’s Guicu. Ed. L. Wheeler. 130 Detective Dick; or, THe Hero m Rags. By Charles Morris. 131 The Golden Hand} or, DAnny Rook To THY Rescvur, By George W. Browne. 132 The Hunted Hunter; or, THE STRANGE HORSEMAN OF THE Prargiz. By Ed. 8. Ellis. 133 Boss Bob, THE Kine or THE BoorBLacks; or, THE PAWNBROKER’s Piot, Ed. L. Wheeler. 134 Sure Shot Seth, tur Boy RirtrMan; or, Toe Youne PATRIOTS OF THE NortTH. By Oll Coomes, 135 Captain Paul, THe Kentucky Moonssiner; or, THe Boy Spy orf THE Mounrams. By C. D, Clark. 136 Night-Hawk Kit; or, Toe DAvGHTER or THe RancH. By Joseph KE. Badger, Jr. 119 121 122 123 124 125 or, BAcKWwoops RetrRipvTion. By Capt. Mayne Reid. ~ 138 Blonde Bill; or, Deapwoop Dicx’s Home Base. By Edward L. Wheeler. 139 Judge Lynch, Jr.3 or, THe Boy Viat- LANTE. By T. C. Harbaugh. 140 Blue Blazes; or, THz Break 0’ Day Boys or Rocky Bar. By Frank Dumont, 141 Solid Sam, tHe Boy Roap-AGENT; or, THE Branpep Brows. By Edward L. Wheeler. 142 Handsome Harry, THE Boorsuack Dr- tTective. By Charles Morris. 143 Sear-Face Saul, THE SrteNT HUNTER; or, Tue Mystery of Fort Rane. By Oll Coomes. 144 Dainty Lance, THe Boy Sport; er, THE Banx-Breakers’ Decoy Duck. J. E. Badger. 145 Captain Ferret, tHe New York Dersc- TrvE; or, Boss Bozn’s Boss Jos. By Wheeler. 146 Silver Star, THe Boy Knicut. A Prairie Romance. By Oll Coomes. 147 Will Wildfire, tHe THOROUGHBRED; or, THe Wixnina Hanp. By Charles Morris, 148 Sharp Sam; or, THE ADVENTURES OF A FrrienDLess Boy. By J. Alexander Patten. 149 A Game of Gold; or, Dgapwoop Dicr’s Bie Srrixe. By Edward L. eeler, 150 Lance and Lass®; or, THE CHILDREN or THE Cuaco. By Capt. erick Whittaker. 151 Panther Paul, Tae ’Prarrm Prrate; or, Darmty Lance To THE Rescur. J. E. Badger. 152 Black Bess, Wm. Wivprire’s Racer; or, Wixnina Aearnst Opps. By Charles Morris, 153 Eagle Kit, raz Boy Demon; or, Tar Ovr- LAWs OF THE Gop Hiiis. By Oll Coomes, 154 The Swerd Hunters; or, Taz Lanp or vue ExepHant Ripers. By Fred. Whittaker. 155 Gold Trigger, tHe Sport; or, Tae Giri AVENGER. byt é. Harbaugh. , 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, Tur Pickep Party. By Edward L. Wheeler. 157 Mike Merry, Taz Harpor Potice Boy; or, THe NicHt-Hawks oF PHILADELPHIA. By Charles Morris. 158 Fancy Wrank of Colorado; THE Trapper’s Trust. By Buffalo Bill. R = 159 Whe Lost Captain; or, Sxipprr JaBEz CorFIn’s CRUISE TO THE OPEN PoLAR BEA. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 160 The Black Giant; or, Damry LAnog Jroparpy. By Joseph EF. Badger, Jr. 161 New York Nell, tHe Boy-Gmt Derecrive; or, OLD BLAKESLY’S Mowry. By E. L. Wheeler. 162 Will Wildfire in the Woods; or, Camp Lure IN THE ALLEGHANIES. By Charles Morris. 163 Little Wexas, THe Youne MusTancer. A Tale of Texan Prairies. By Oll Coomes. Ready September 7th. 164 Dandy Bock’s Pledge; or, Hunrep to DeatH. By G. Waldo Browne. September 14. A new issue every week. : The Half-Dime Library is for sale by ali Newsdealers, five cents per copy or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York, .