Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 164) (1880 09 14)
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| jt! | | (i ‘nt A 74, —— we (pa $2.50 a@ year, Copyrighted Single PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS Price Vol. VII. Number. No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. ‘ 5 Cents. No. 1 64. Dandy Rock's Pledge; or, Hunted to Death. BY GEORGE WALDO BROWNE, AUTHOR OF ‘‘THE DREAD RIDER,” “THE TIGER OF TAOS,” ‘‘ DANDY ROCK,” “‘THE MAD MINER,” “THE GOLDEN HAND,” ET¢, Dole 3 ~ Pe sae me . = es Se ee snekae he b” PaR WEILL CLINGING TO HIS RIFLE, HE FOUND HE WAS AT LEAST HOLDING HIS OWN WITH THEM. BY THE AID OF THE INCREASLN DARKNESS HE HOPED TO EVADE THEM.
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2 Dandy Rock's Pledge. weedeat == Dandy Rock’s Pledge; OR, HUNTED 1 ODEATH. BY G Wailuv BROWNE, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ THE DREAD RIDER,” “THE TIGER Or TAOS,” “DANDY ROCK,” “THE MAD MINER,” ‘‘THE GOLDEN HAND,” ETC. CHAPTER I. DANDY ROCK’S PLEDGE. “SPRANGER, as true as I tramp from Old Texas, I'll hung that coyote to his den and save your child, or dig the end 0’ my own trail. Rock Randel swears it, and hyar’s my hand.” In a valley of the Sierras the speaker was the central figure of an impressive scene. Upon either hand the towering mountaia- sides shut,out the light of the fast setting sun, 20 that the gloom of twiliglit hung about the ‘place. , He was a tall, commanding-looking person, with long, raven hair and envy mustache, a clear, piercing eye, and a form capable of great endurance. aving spent his earlier yrars_on the plains of the Lone Star State, > ough he was equally “at home” amid the wilds of California as on the savannas of his mative land, he had carried with him to the e sobriquet of Dandy Rock, The- Ttan-from-Texas. At the moment We introduce him to the Tead- er, he was standing with his left hand resting uyxm the mazzle of his long rifle; he held.the weapon upright; in his right band he ciutched a leavy revolver, while he gazed upon the itionless form of a man lying at his feet as he spoke. The prostrate person turned slightiy, with a moan of pain, to give utterance to some 7e- oo though in so low a tone that the other not understand it. eng upon his knees, Rock cried: “Ts there anything more, old beaver? Speak nick ef thar am, fer I reckon ye ar’ ‘bout done er. Don’t be afeerd to say it. Rock Randel has given you the pl of his life, and may the hungry coyotes on his bones ef he ever goes ona friend! Wagh!” God bless you!” said the other, with e@ pressed his hands upon “Ma ot difficult ; is side where a great pool of blood wasalready frrming upon the earth, telling that he had re- ceived a fearful wound in some encounter. ‘*Once more, let me hear your promise to save my child.” *I swear it, old coon, or may the varmints dig my funeral!” *Tell my child how I died, and you will not ro unrewar'ed. I can die easior now that I know that t! ere is some one to carry out the work I have begun. But itis dreadful to real- im— Here the sneaker choked and broke complete- ty down. Rock raise his head tenderly, feeling that ‘the othor’s race was nearly run. “Anything more to ask, old pard?’ queried the Tc xan, as his companion breathed easier alter a moment, “Give my body proper burial, and—and re- member your above, and bis lips ceased to move. “* Robbed out!” muttered Rock, as he laid his friend’s |:cad back upon the ground. ‘But, it’s a rp em as has no end, and that coyote shall “ig be ‘ly for—” sound of footsteps arrested his attention, nod springing to his feet, he half raised his rifle as he ed around, Im an instant he saw a dozen roughly-dressed sem vpproaching, all armed to the teeth. “Pal ha!” laughed the foremost, as he beheld Eendel’s defiant attitude, “put down that eooter. We mean you no harm.” “What.do you want?” asked The-Man-from- ‘Texas, di ged » fixing his gaze upon the lead- «yr without lowering his weapon. “We have come for the body of the dead mn our side.” = is he to you?” “Enough that it is not for you to interfere in oe aac Will you let us remove it peace- — “ Not till I know you better. TI have promis- ed to see that he is a a buried.” “Bah! you are a fool! W. 0 stand aside.” 6 will save you that trouble He was only one against twelve, but he faced | Advancing with a quick, nervous step, a them coolly, as he said: | medium-sized man dre in a plain suit of ** Hold on till you pre your claim, What black, and his face hidden by a dark mask, was this man’s name?” | paused hefore the wondering crowd. Z “Roland Maxcy.” “Ho, Curlew!” he cried, in a sharp voice to “Sho!” the leader. ‘‘ What means this?” “And he was my brother,” the speaker con- Nothing,” was the sullen reply; tinued. dog of a Texan is trying to poke his nose into our funeral. He says we shan’t bury this car- rion. The first speaker had, ere this, fixed his eyes, that glowed from neath their partial conceal- ment like balls of fire, upon Rock, to meet the other’s gaze unflinchingly. “Who are you, sir, to meddle in our affairs?” he asked, with an attempt at arrogance. ‘This coon hyar,” replied Randel, pointing to the form of the prostrate man, ‘‘ was my pard, and these chaps were going to bury hirn alive, when I tells ’em to go ahead ef they want | a double funeral. See, he moves!” “The Rocky Mountains move!” exclaimed the new-comer, with. a laugb, as he looked at the body. ‘‘Pshaw, men, throw it into the | hole and cover it up as quick as pdssible,” “only that ‘* Jeems Stopple! who'd ’a’ thought it? Look | ’bout as much alike as a white hoss and a kick- in’ mule!” ‘“That makes nary difference. We have come for his body, and if you give us any of your tomfoolery we'll take you, too.” ‘* Jes’ so! Reckon I don’t savor of your com- ny. Ef you want to help me bury the body Psbaivt object; but I promised to see that ’twas done to omer. and Rock Randel ain’t going to sneak out 0’ his talk.” “Then you are Rock Randel?” exclaimed the other, insurprise. ‘**Thank you, for telling us of it. You can go with us and see that the car- cass’ is earthed to order. Come, men, fetch it along. We have fooled away time enough.” The speaker’s followers started forward to | pos obey his command, when Rock exclaimed: The words had barely left bis lips, when the ‘T have not the time to go with you. -Why | sharp click of Rock Randel’s rifle-lock was heard, not dig his funeral hyar?” and ‘the others fell back inactive. — ‘“?Cos_ it’s ’gainst our orders...*Sides, we hey | ‘‘The first man who touches him dies!” grit- got nothin’ to work with.” ted The-Man-from-Texas, fiercely. “T don’t know ye,” declared The-Man-from- By this time night had fairly settled upon Texas, as he still looked the leader straight in | the scene, but it was still light enough for the the eye. ‘Go ‘bout your bizness, and 1 pro- | foes to see each other distinctly. mise—” The masked man trembled with rage, ‘*nough has been said,” broke in the other. “Put down your weapon,” he said after « ‘* We'll have the carcass ef we have to kill you | moment, “and we will see if your friend in doing it. But, you can go with us if you | lives.” wish,” : “Tis all I ask,” replied Rock, and for an in- Without further opposition, Rock allowed the | stant he relaxed his vigilance, for once thrown party to take up the y and start to bear it | off his aps a Quick as thought the other, who had been away, while he followed them in silence. “| may git corraled like a smoked eel!” he | watching for this chance, gave his commad, muttered to himself, ‘‘ but I’m ’tarnal anxious | when his followers, to a man, hurled themselves to know what ’em varmints are drivin’ at, so | upon the brave Texan. I'll jess keep with ’em a spell.” Not till the spang of Rock’s rifle, however, With apparent carelessness, though really | had rung out, and one of the horde fell to the never more on his guard in his life, the Texan | earth. accompanied the gang down the valley for per- Then, as they closed upon him, he clubbed the weapon, to sweep down another before they could seize him baps half a mile, when the leader ordered a A sharp struggle followed; but, assailed wy pause, such overpowering numbers The-Man-froni- Texas was soon borne to the ground, when despite his almost superhuman resistance he was a prisoner. ‘* Bind him, boys, so that he can’t escape, and we will look after him as soon as we bury these bodies. He is a prize we little dreamed of.” Tn less time than it takes us to relate it, Rock was secured, hands and feet. “It’s no use togo any further,” he said, ‘* The Cap promised to meet us here; and while he is | coming, bars, you had better dig the grave. Get the tools, Robie.” To the surprise of Randel, one of the number brought from a clump of bushes near at hand a spade and pick, both of which bore the appear- ance of recent use. Selecting a spot near the center of the open- ing the men soon began to throw up the earth, so that in a few minutes quite a pit was As this was done the masked leader turned to excavated, Rock all the while watc the | the wounded and dead. and without hesitation workmen in silence. east the bodies of those Reck had slain into the ‘A little deeper, boys; and if the chief don’t come by that time we will chuck the carrion in and cover it up.” Ten minutes later and the task was done. ‘Lend a band, Sir Texan, and help bury the carcass. Rock helped bear the form to the brink of the ave, and as they l:id it down upon the earth or a “pees” tggehmemaabl to lowering it into | the pit, he cried: ‘“* He is not dead! Soe! he moves!” The co indeed did show signs of life. The lookers-on started in amazement, but their leader guickiy said; “Tt don’t matter. I'll warrant he won't kick | long with two feet of earth above him. Let him down, boys, as quick as ble.” * Rock Randel sprung to his feet like a tiger at oay, and seizing his rifle faced them, eeying: ‘ Look hyar! would you bury that man alive?” ‘*Stand back, and let us do our work!” “Never! I reckon this coon will fill that funeral afore ye shall his pard alive!” There was an unmistakable ring to the Texan’s voice which told that be was fearfully in earn- est, while his nervous hold upon his warned his foes of deadly peril. “‘ Very well,” replied the leader of the party: as he boldly defied The-Man-from-Texas, “‘ it, and with a kick of his foot sent the living oon of the Texan’s friend into the grave with em. How the honest heart of the The-Man-from- Texas throbbed as he saw his companion about: to be buried alive! True his wounds had seem- ed fatal, put the inhumanity of the horde caused him to wrestle witb his bonds in frantic energy. As the ruffians began to cover the bodies with the loose earth that had been thrown out, a fierce growl suddenly startled them from their task; and before weg | could he rdly gain breath, a isk f body came tearing through the under- wth, | _ “ Injuns!” shouted one, and they seized their | firearms to meet the unexpec attack, not knowing whether to flee or d their ground. It was not Indians, but proved to be a huge cinnamon bear that had been aroused from its lair near at hand by the scent of blood. Before the terrified men bad time to see more the furious brute was in their midst. In too close proximity to discharge their rifles, they tried to beat back the monster by clubbing their weapons, but the bear scatte: ed them like chaff before a strong wind. j The masked man alone retained anything like self- ion. ckly bringing his rifle to bis shoulder he was in the act o' ng the trig- grave is big enough to hold two !” r, when the brute seized the muzzle in iis —- srouth, to receive the fatal shot and staggered CHAPTER II. one side, stricken with death. It was some time, however, before it finally ceased its struggles. A icnife-wound inflicted by one of the men, as BURIED ALIVE. For a moment the amazed horde stared upon The-Man-from-Texas in silence, while he faced ~~ ics sh ecick on a tossed to and fro, served to hasten he wounded man continu ow si of | its en returning consciousness. = The attack of the bear seemed Providential to How this strange tableau would have ended | Roek, for, as his captors all joined in the fight it would be hard to tall had not a new arrival leaving him momentarily alone, he began to suddenly ap upon the scene, | try and gain his freedom. In the brief inter-
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val he so far succeeded that he found his hands at liberty. The fight was over though, and his spirits fell as he felt that he had labored in vain, for his efforts would now be discovered and frustrat- perth a to _ joy, while a part began to ni in e@ grave, the rest prepared to dress the Hous pate 2 Just as the last of the dirt was shoveled upon the grave, he freed his feet. He had no time to re, and seeing his rifle lying a short distance off, his first move was to spring to the spot, and catching up his trusty weapon, he swung it about his head with a triumphant whoop; and with another yell of — he bounded Athy A own aga en completely by ise he disappeared from view behind a tree fore his amples re- covered enough to start in pursuit. ‘* Quick, men!” yelled the masked leader. “ A hundred dollars the one who will capture him dead or alive.” The eleven men rusbed madly forward through the growth, and soon clearing the cop- ice in front came into full sight of the fleeing ‘exan. Then their firearms spoke, and for an instant jhe blinding discharge filled the air. CHAPTER III. A SLEEPING STRANGER, As the smoke from their rifles cleared away vhe pursuers saw Rock still running for dear life and apparently unhurt. ‘*He will escape,” cried the masked leader. ‘‘Worward, men, for your lives.” Fleet of foot almost as the deer The-Man-from- Texas bounded down the valley, glancing back ever and anon to note the progress of his foes. As yet he had formed no definite course, but was scanning the country right and left for a way of eluding the horde behind him as he rush- ed onward. Still clinging to his rifle, he found he was at least holding his own with them. By the aid of the increasing darkness he ho to evade em, Thus, occasionally making the woods resound with his wild cries of defiance, the intrepid Texan gave his enemies a life and death race. Ashe kept onthe land grew more broken, though here and there a stunted tree spread out sor branches. A gain ppearing from his pursuers, as he dodged ascend tie huge rocks, or darted behind the low-limbed growth, he became silent, and then looked for a place of concealment. ‘*T don’t savor of puffin’ it like a scart red- skin,” he muttered. ‘* Reckon I must kiver.” In the midst of his speculation he suddenly found himself upon the — of an opening in the growth, and extending for a couple of rods was a white ledge, its smooth surface shining like glass. Beyond that he could gaze intoa ravine that Pipi full fifty feet below, like an enormous pit sunk in the ground with nearly perpendicular sides. k’s breath came quick and short, as he saw his fix. To descend the declivity seemed like certain death, and.to turn aside was cap- tivity, or to be shot by his foes. No time was to be lost in hesitation. A shout from his enemies told him that they were still close upon his heels. of defiance the daring With an answerin re Texan ran down the slippery surface of the ledge, until he stood upon the brink of the chasm, barely saving himself from falling down the steep declivity by dropping upon his hands and knees. He saw at a le glance the impossibility of going further, and he momentarily felt that bis race was run. About to regain bis course to a place where he could meet his foesin a stand-up fight he saw to his — — lower down on the k, what looked to him like an opening in the cliff large enough for him'to hide in. te Without delay he crawled toward the spot, and by dint of hard work let himself down upon a narrow projection or shelf in the rock, that was within reach of the crevice. To his joy he saw that the place promised him ample concealment, and holding upon the jagged surface with all his strength he succeed- ed, after repeated attempts and some sevefe ashes upon his hands, to gain its cover, just as eh his pursuers above him. Crawling in out of sight, he lay at full length upon the rocky surface, with scarcely room to move, and listened to the gang of men above. ‘* He has fell off into the bottom,” Rock heard one declare. ‘*Tt must be so, for he can’t have gone around Dand yan cck’ so 6d.73; this,” said the sharp voice of the masked , he may hev leader. | seen the boc After this a short consultation was held, every / ‘1 have heard of you many times; and I have word of which was heard by The-Man-from- | wanted to find you above all other men.” — Texas, and then by the sounds he knew that | ‘‘Sho! Jeems Stopple! Do I look nateral?” they were moving away. ** About as I expected,” replied Howe with # “Tt has saved us considerable trouble, and we | Ifght laugh. ‘Only they said you were cross- will go back to our retreat,” were the last words | eyed!” borne to his ears. ‘*Cross-eyed? me cross-eyed?” asked Rock im Waiting until he was satisfied that he had | amazement. ‘‘ Where am the chap as said sof nothing to fear from his foes, Rock cautiously | Jess show him to me—quick! I'll show hina left his hiding-place. what ’tis to be eross-eyed and cr and. When at last he reached the top of the cliff, | cross-nosed, too!” and stood again upon the glassy surface of the | ‘‘ Are you alone in this uncivilized Pye? Ok ledge, he peered around to see if there was any ‘Yes. But that puts me in mind of my bi indication of his enemies lingering near. ness. Hey you seen a lot of coyotes pass this ‘*Nary d@ sign,” he muttered, ‘‘ but that war a way? clus rub. Howsumever, old Rock is good for ‘* No,” was the surprised answer. more work. I declar’ to blazes, old black-face, ‘‘ Thet is cause ye hev been snoozing. Elevem we'll meet ag’in, and I reckon ’t ’Il be your turn | 0’ ’em hev gone by.” ’ | to heel it then, I sha’n’t forget ’em stars of ‘* Whar can the animals have gone? Butthey yours or that voice.” are not very dangerous 1 believe?” While speaking thus to himself, The-Man- ‘‘Animules! Are you asleep nowt I mean from-Texas hastened toward the growth and a pack o’ varmints—men! 1 hed a reaching it followed along its edge, steering for | the base of the mountain range to the west. ‘* That accounts for the firing that I heard.” It was clear starlight, but there was no moon | - “Jes-so. But kem, let’s toe and heel, and to lighten the scenes of night. while we trot along we ken keep time with our He paused once, as he fancied he heard his | tongues.” foes further down the valley; but after listening | Rock: then led the way down. the valley, a few minutes without cause for alarm he con- | pyri: 2 followed by his new-found companion. cluded that he must have been mistaken,and | ‘‘ Ye said ye war looking for me; what do moved on again. | you want?’ asked. The-Man-trom-Texas, “T wonder whar their den am?’ he mused. “I have got into trouble, and I must have *‘T reckon they must hev atstopping-placesome- | some one to help me out.” whar in this kentry, though I have never heerd “* Rock Randel is jess the beaver. for of sich a gang. They didn’t look like miners: ' you run an honest hand.” Howsumever, I mustn’t bother with ’em, forI | | ‘‘I will tell you my story, and then you can must look arter the coyote as wiped out that | juége for yourself.” stranger. Yes; I’llkeep my pledge to him; and “All right. Spot the trail. And while you then [li strike the trail o’ these varmints. | talk, I'll keep my peepers spread, for ’em Wagh! I see fun ahead.” coyotes may be hiding ’round for us.’ hile thinking thus the Texan was still hur- “To begin my story then, I have been in the rying forward, and had soon passed over half a employ of one Lemuel Divons, the foremost mile. | man of business in Cross-tree City, He has ever As he was thus cautiously advancing, he | treated me well and I have tried to discharge suddenly discovered the form of a man leaning | my du gy faithfully. against a tree just ahead of him. | * A 3s0ut one month ago h» sent me to Spring- ‘*Jeems Stopple! ef that ain’t queer, may I be | vale with a considerable sum of money to pay blowed like a north wiud! ‘Pears so he is snooz- | up a share he had purchased in the mine there. ing!” ‘*T started on my trip in company with one Approaching as silently as possible, he went | other. But while making our way on horseback within a few rods and paused again, to watch | we were attacked by a band of masked men; him closely. my companion was killed, and I was robbed of He was a youth of not more than twenty, with | every dollar I had, and left by the road-agents a smooth, fair face and slender form, though its | for dead as I suppose, for when I came to m symmetry showed that he possessed strength | senses 1 was alone, so confused that I could beyond the average of bis age. hardly tell what had happened. is left hand was resting lightly upon the ‘In the struggle, however, I had managed te barrel of a highly-polished rifle, whi» the other , tear the mask from the face of one of the gang, steadied him in his position by holding upon a | and I shall never forget how he looked. branch of the tree just over his head, ‘** As soon as I could I returned to Cross-tree “Thar may be other chaps ’round!” seid | and told Divons what had occurred. He raved Rock, mentally, ‘‘ but I am going to risk and | and swore that it was a scheme gotten up by spoke at the boy.” me to rob him of his money. Of course I denied Suiting the action to the thought, The-Man- | it, which only served to make him fiercer. from-Texas gave a low whistle that instantly | Finally he declared that unless I gave up the caused the young stranger to start and look | money within ten hours he would have me wildly around, while he grasped his firearm | arrested for robbery. In vain I expostulated more firmly. with him, and told of how frequent occurrence am, old beaver,” exclaimed Rock, Ey back on my idee, an’ ye her » 2? skrimmage with ’em and rubbed out two!” you if “ Hyar these robberies had become, and that I was lowly, at the same time raising his rifle half- | innocent. way to his shoulder; ‘‘ but ye needn’t call your “Promptly, at the end of the time, he semt pards, ’cause it might make a little hard feel- | for the vigilance officers, and, unable to esca ing.” had I so desired, I was arrested and throws ‘I am alone,” replied the other, quickly, ‘so into the jail. The very next day my trial came you have nothing to fear as 1 am peacefully dis- off, and | was not only tried but condemned as | posed,” and he gaged upon the Texan with the | an outlaw and a road-agent. I had a narrow utmost unconcern. escape from being lynched on the spot, but aid- ‘““Who are ye, all alone in these heathenish | ed by a few friends, for all did not desert me, diggin’s?” my execution was delayed until the next day, | ‘My name is Alfred Howe, and I have come | and I was in placed in confinement with a from Cross-tree Corner. I was on my way to | double over me to see that I did not get Ridley’s Blut?, and in trying to save a little | awey. : distance in going across the lower range I got | ‘' Perhaps I should have said ere this that my lost and have traveled I know not where, until employer and persecutor, Lemuel Divons, had I am nearly tired out.” | daughter whom I had learned to love most “Jess like these younkers! But ye appear | dearly. To the sweet Lilla Divons, who had honest, and ef ye’ll promise to never snooze on | given me the full affection of her generous your post ag’in, [reckon we'll be larfin’ coons | heart, my condemnation was a fearful blow. | on the same trail. My get-up is Rock Randel, And 1 ¢uffered more on her account than my and I hail from old Texas. Gin us your paw, | own. Her father had not looked upon our Alf.” union with favor, and I think be was glad ‘hat | it was likely to be broken off, no matter \, hat the cost to his child. “To cut my story short, that night, Lil bought off one of the guards who was sweet on her, and though nobly risking her own life, sis effected my freedom. ‘Of course | was forced to flee, and ever since I have been hunied like a beast of prev. A price is set upon my head, and if I dared \« show myself I should be shot down like a do;. “T have seen my beautiful preserver Lok CHAPTER IV. “Wr'RE ON THE SAME TRAIL,” * ARE you Rock Randel?” asked the youn — surprise, as he grasped the honest Texan’s ma, ‘ ‘Every pop, old ehap, es true es ye’ll see | Stars atrunnin’ down bill backward. Reckon ye hev read ’bout me? I know’d a chap onc’t | ! es wanted to write up my doin’s, an’ I told him ' to hold up till I had tramped my last trail, but ' ~
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“eam road-a: cone. 4 Dandy Rock’s Pledge. RR ee * ISS eS en ea ence, and then for only a momént’s talk. She gave me a false beard and wig to wexar, so that i should not be recognized so quickly if any one should see me, I removed the whiskers at dark, | as the Gord which holds them on burt my face so that you found me without them, But 1 ‘will repjace them now,” and as he spoke’ he alipped the false beard upon its place, which wnade him appear at least ten years older than ‘efore. **Jeems Stopple! it don’t take much’ to make yn old man o’ you!” *‘¥t doés Change my looks some. But to re- “same my story: for the past three weeks I have dene nothing but hunt for the men that robbed mxe. Until I find them, and bring them to jus- tee, thus showing my innocence of crime, I am <mim Outlaw before the world, and cannot gain, he hand of her whom I love better than my vwmen life, though she believes Iam not guilty. I “eave heard of you, Mr. Randel, and have wish- «wd to find you, hoping that you would assist me im my ni You are an old woodman and ~ “the one to ferret out these robbers, while I know nothing of wildwood life. Rock Randel, ye , have my story, and now will you help The speaker had turned his dark eyes upon “the Texan with an imploring light, and he estiutched the ranger’s hand in a “You said you had seen the face of one of nts; what did he look like?’ asked Mandel without replying to the other’s ques- wiion. “He was rather good-looking; though his <#iin was a little sallow, and he seemed about Gorty years old. His eyes were dark and he ‘wore a full brown beard. What struck me as wm little singular, and a mark I shall never for- set, his mustache where it under the vmeostrils was completely white, though I saw no emther gray hair.” Stopping abruptly, Rock faced his companion, mary ing with more than common excitement: **Did he have a red spot under his right eye?” ** Yes; a birth-mark upon his cheek.’ “Randel Rock! he’s my man! Yes, Alf Wiowe, I chip in with you. e are on ‘he same seail” PSB) CHAPTER V. ROCK’S SECRET. __™*] don’t understand you,” declared young tHlevwe, as he grasped the extended palm of The- ‘“Wian-from-Texas. “* Tnat is because you have not heard my se- “eave spun; but, es | live, we are out on the -aéage-road frum Cross-tree to Ridley’s Bluff. “‘Bhe ‘ Wayside Home’ is only a leetle furder up evar, and I reckon we’d better stop thar to- veaght; I ain’t had grub since sunrise, and I feel ey gaunt. Mebbe you're in the same pre- mony?” ™*T have searcely tasted food since yesterday.” “* Sho! Wal, ITreckon Granny Sloan ’Il hev =m bone for us to pick. So kem arter me, and Wi tell ye my plans afore we sleep. I don’t vaerant any pesky ears ’round when I’m talking, or I hev got sum ticklish doin’s ahead.” Relapsing into silence, the two hurried for- “ward a quarter of a mile or so, when they came Wa sight of alight, and a moment later reached oa large, rambling log building with others of ommalier dimensions closely connected. “Tis the Wayside Home, kept by Granny “loan,” said Rock. ‘‘I remember of stopping Yeyar a year ago, and I found good picking. ‘'Gaess they won’t know me, though, now, ’cause “was on a leetle partickler bizness then, and eas rigged up like a whoopin’ red-skin, Jee- Sm, how things will change, and we trot arter ! By this time they had gained the entrance of ‘“8ae only door visible to the rude structure, and <oxs it stood invitingly open, they entered with- -eeaat hesitation. The apartment within was quite large, but -sievoid of any furniture, save a few boxes and ‘lsenches, and a miserable excuse for a table. A low fire was slumbering in a huge stone fire- “pAace, and a single occupant of the room was ~seaited upon a box, seeming fast asleep. “Wonder where the old woman is? Guess s8be don’t know company has ’riv.” As if still unconscious of their presence the omsolitary man in the room remained motionless. ** Perhaps he can tell,” whispered Alf, nodding “Se the silent individual. “‘Reckon not,” declared Rock, witha smile. “Ye mought as well talk to the moon arter it *ad been through a sassage grater! He is deaf aeend diavmb !” -Betore Howe could express his surprise, the I have a rr story to tell than you | opposite door opened, and a tall, weazen-faced, | ‘* All that he could learn of her was that she slatternly-dressed female of uncertain age en- had gone to California, and so he took the tered the apartment at a shambling pace. ‘+ Ho, strangers!” she greeted in a shrill tone, as her sinall, restless eyes looked our friends close in the face; ‘‘ make yerselves at hum, fer I s’pose ye’ll stop with us to-night?” “Treckon,” affirmed Rock; “‘and we are as hungry as a pack of whoopin’ wolves in sight o’ apile 0’ venison. So pack out combustibles, and we'll pitch in.” ‘*Wa'’al, dosay! ‘‘’Moose yerselfs as much as you can till my old man_comes, and he’ll keep yer spirits up then till I set things to right. e see my poor boy hyar, ’tain’t any use to talk to him, ’cause he’s lost the use of his walkin’ limbs by the rheumatiz, and he can’t hear his- self speak, nor speak so he can hear. Poor boy, I feel powerful bad ’bout him.” Mu.nubling over something to herself, she left the room. Rock and his companion were not left alone long, however, as a seedy specimen of a man long since past the prime of life entered, with a cordial “« How d’ye pull up?” “Reckon’ye are strangers ’round hyar,”’ said the new-comer, as he pulled a dry-goods box u in front of the adventurers, and stuck an old; toma er aman into his mouth. ‘‘ Did you em up from Cross-tree?” ‘“‘Reckon not,” replied Rock, ‘' Huffed it cross the mount’ins from Dry Town.” ‘“Wa’al, I declare to gracious! Ye s’prise me! An’ ye are purty kinky yit?” ‘Kick the hind sights right off any mule this side o’ Bilin’ Spring! We're frisky as young colts turned out to grass, wagh!” sf Wonderful! S'pose ye hev heerd o’ the rob- ry ‘What one, old coon?” “Why the ‘road-agents o’ Cross-tree Holler poms = the stage last night, bu’sted the driver the passengers all to death, and carried o: every ounce,o’ dust they could clap their paws on. I tell ye, strangers, these are gettin’ to be awful times. My old woman is ’bout frighten- ed to pieces. Warn’t she afeerd o’ ye?” ‘“Nary a chip. I war afeerd—that is, I thought to Jeems Stopple she’d give me a left- hand’ buss in spite o’ all I could do!” “ Queer! and she had the hi—hi—histeers this mornin’ when I only told her that the stage had been bu’sted.” Then followed a detailed account of the rob- bery, after which Rock and Alf did full justice to the coarse food Granny Sloan had prepared for them. A smoke, another talk, and The-Man-from- Texas, with his companion, was guided up- stairs into an apartment allotted them for the night. th By Randel Rock!” exclaimed the Texan, as he dropped squat upon the floor and crossed his legs in true mountain style, ‘‘there am fun ahead, or ye may use my head for a snuff- uch. D’ye’member what the old man sed out ’em road-agents?” “Yes; and Tii venture they are the gang that robbed me.” ‘Bs true es blowin’ up destruction with salt- as But, my old coon-eye, we hev got to work. ray Tell me what I can do, and you will find me ere,’ “That's the jaw for me. Now, hear my leetle chin-music, and then we will lay our plans. When ye know my hand ye'll e the trick eas ‘“ Yesterday afternoon as I war trailing it up the valler, all to one’t I heard a rifle-shot, an then another. They kem from no great way off, so Is up thet way, expecting to find friends. I hadn’t gone far when [ see’d a man a-scooting it down the mountain as if the old Harry war arter him a-throwing hot ashes in his face. I ’spected mischief war ’round big es yer left foot in springtime, so pulled that way to soon hear sum dreadful cries. ‘“Wal,I found a white man who was shot, and it didn’t take me long to corral him as in’ out like summer bail. I fixed him upa it, but I knowed it warn’t any use. He sed that his name was Roland Maxcy, and that he had been shot by the coyote I had seen huffin’ it so much like a scart buffler. ““Then, knowin’ he was turnin’ up his toes fast, he told me the chap, whose name was Hiram Lore, had hunted him like a peccary ever since he had married t’other’s gal. “ Beon after he had got hitched to the woman he had to go away from hum, and when he got back ag’in he found that his wife hed gone off with this old sweetheart o’ bern, though a child had been born to her. ae o_o as trail. ‘That war nigh onto eighteen years ago, and he had followed tho varmiut’s lead till then, but he had never seen him. Before the coyote shot him he told him his wife and child war livin’, though they had not seen each other for over fifteen years. Of course Maxcy begged to see them, but he war.shot instead, aad without finding where they lived, or even knowing whether his child was a boy or girl. - Queer, wa’n’t it? ‘**He made me promise I would take the trail and hunt the coyote down, to find his wife an child. Then he gi’n out, and I war goin’ to di his funeral, whem up kem a gang:0’ cusses aa sed they would help me. _‘* When we had po the grave, Maxcy showed signs of returning to life and o’ course I warn’t for planting him. But the varmints war, so we fit for it. I wiped out two, and then they corraled me. ‘*T see’d ’em bury my poor friend alive, and ye may reckon, I did some tall thinkin’ ef I didn’t spit ’em out, ‘“‘Howsumever, I managed to work my strings off, and I lit out on my own hook, to give ’em the slip es true as I am hyar. But I’m in for bizness now. ‘‘ Hiram Lore, ’cording to Roland Maxcy’s descripture, is the road-agent chief who bu’sted ul. “Hark!” warned Alf Howe. ‘‘ What is to y below?” “ Jeems Stopple!” exclaimed Rock, springing » his feet, “the hull Mexican army is at the oor! CHAPTER VI. “HELP! HELP! SAVE—” A GREAT commotion was going on at the outer door below, but in a moment some one opened it, and our listeners heard a body of men enter the apartment. “Quess they have got callers,” said Howe, as e-Man-from-Texas, But open yer ears, and mebbe we shall git a leetle ’arning.” ‘* Ho, there, Cap; what’s the word?” asked one in an excited tone. ‘‘Hold up, Rube, and be more careful how you speak. We have company up-stairs,” ‘* Company?” “Yes; that infernal Man-from-Texas has turned up ag’in. He and another chap are up- stairs now. We must look after them as soon as they git quiet, Anything new down along?” ‘Not a bit. That confounded Alf Howe has given us the slip ag’in. I tell you, Cap, he means mischief.” ‘*Pshaw! Weare good for that boy, or I'll sell out, Besides, old Divons shells out more liberal. He offers now three hundred if we will capture the fool. I tell you we must get him,” “Hist!” exclaimed a shrill voice at this junc- ture, ‘“‘I heerd the Texan and his pard a-talkin’ a minute ago, and they’ll be hearing ye.” Then, thonge the conyersation went on, Rock and Alf could only bear the indistinct sound of the akers’ voices. “Randel Rock!” said the Texan, ‘‘ we arein a purty pickle. P’m pesky anxious to know what is going on.” ** Can’t we go down the stairs?” “Jess what popped into my numbhead, I am going to try it. “T will go with you.” ‘*Nary achip, old coon. D’ye jess stand at the door, and if 1 give the signal be ready fer work. Hyar I crawl down the step.” After looking to the priming of his revolvers, and seeing that they were in good order, The- Man-from-Texas stepped lightly out into the hall. Then noiseless as a shadow, he began to descend the stairs. Alf followed him as far as the top and there waited the adventure of his companion. _ With the utmost care Rock succeeded in reach- ing the door below without having caused any disturbance. — 4 He looked in vain for some crevice where he might gain a view of the adjoining apartment. But he could still hear the men within, and applying his ear close to the thin partition he could distinguish quite plainly the talk which was then continuing. “‘T tell ye, Cap, it war a bold push,” were the artmhat dont matter. W. : t don’t matter. e must tr in.” ‘When?’ afte ‘To-morrow night. The Dry Town due then, and it will be well loaded with— Here the speaker’s tone was lowered se mygh e is
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that The-Man-from-Texas failed to catch the remainder that was said. He had heard enone, however, to cause him to start a trifle, as collected as he generally was, **Jeems Stopple!” he muttered to himself, ‘ef that “ates 4 talking ain’t the black-faced var- mint as chucked Roland Maxcy into his grave alive, may 1 be smoked into a p’izeu rattler without any music!” Hearing the sound of voices again he once more bent his whole attention to listening. “Then it will be a big hau], Cap?” “The biggest yet. But come; that Texan is snoozin’ before this, so I pro we attend to him now. After that we will take a little rest.” “Greed,” came the hearty response of at least a dozen voices. “All right then. Look to your weapons, boys, and have a steady hand, for you know we are after more than common game. That Texan dog don’t die easy. Follow me like shadows, we will deal him a cold hand before he wakes up. I will look after him if you will take that covey with him.” Rock waited to hearno more. Witha grim smile upon his sun-bronzed countenance he cautiously returned to his companion. ‘* What’s up?” asked Alf in surprise. ** Nothing! only ’em pesky coyotes are comin’ up to lift our skulps. your hand steady, my beaver? Thar am comin’ fun,” ‘‘ How many are there?” ‘* At least a dozen, And they are led by the varmint es buried poor Maxcy alive. I know him by his voice, but all [ ask is one lifter at him, and I'll fix his funeral.” _ “Hark! what is that?” cried Alf half aloud as an excited movement was suddenly heard down stairs. ; Motioning for his companion to be silent, Rock bent anxiously forward in a listening at- titude. A door was heard to be flung violently open and some one rushed into the room below. ‘*Save me! I am pursued by a lot of ruffians! . — a clear voice with womanly sharpness n it. The reply of the men was not heard, but loud cries and oaths were borne to their ears, is iy faith!” exclaimed Rock, “it is a wo- man! Thea, high above the confusion came the sh quick tones of the masked man saying: af in the world did beg come from girl?” “Twas carried off by alot of bad men, sir; and only this evening succeeded in escaping. Surely you will befriend me?” A= the reply was unheard. “ y Co, "Rock, ee ble?” , can it ible «There they come!” exclaimed the frighten- ed female. ‘‘Oh save me!” Rock and Alf hurried down the stairs as quietly and as swiftly as possible. Pausing at the bottom they heard the fierce retort: “We'll save you, girl. Seize her, men, and see that she don’t get away from you!” A fierce rush followed, and then the building rung with the wild appeal: ‘* Help! help! help!” “ Quick, men, don’t, fof mercy’s sake, let the jade arouse the whole house! Secure her! ind her! Quick, for your lives!” ‘Save me! help! hel-p!” ‘“My God!” cried Alfred Howe, in wild ex- citement, ‘it is Lilla’s voice! Where is the door? Quick! we must save her!” By this time the whole building rung with the sound of the mad scene enacted within. CHAPTER VIL A STARTLING SITUATION, Roox had reached the door, and with one wrench of his powerful arm he sent it flying from its hinges, and, closely followed by his companion, he sprung into the midst of the avith ren in either hand a revolver either hand the i twain faced the excited mob.” ceuing yi, pam’ fairly yelled The-Man-from-Texas, as he leveled his weapons at the foremost, ‘‘or I'll shoot you down like coyotes!” Alf hed bounded to the side of the defenseless girl, just as a couple of desperadoes had seized er fiereely by the arms. Felling them to the floor witha couple of well- directed blows, he drew her to his side, and turned to meet the mad assailants in conjunc- Be oe darling,” he whispered, “Have courage, m rling, Ww arid yeu shall be ese it “Fire and furies!” hissed. one of the deepera- does, ‘‘ what means this?” gs ; Dandy Rock's Pledge. “That you sha’n’t make war upon unarmed women!” retorted Rock Randel, as he calmly faced the speaker. There were twelve men in the room, and all armed to the teeth, but not one famuiar face to | The deaf- | The-Man-from-Texas among them, mute was still sitting in the corner apparently unheeding the relay | scene surrounding him. The furious horde, for the instant too much surprised to offer assault, glared upon the de- fiant twain in silence. “* Dog of a Texan!” growled the chief spokes- man, ‘‘if you value your worthless life, begone ere we riddle you with bullets!” ‘Pepper away, old coon. This beaver ain’t up for sassage meat yet. moves a hair dies!” By their sudden and prompt action the two | heroes held the others AY odds for the moment. In the midst of the strange tableau, Granny Sloan came rushi “Oh mercy! mean? You will kill and murder us all!” heck and Alf dared not for an instant turn | from those in front. Had they done so, it would have been certain death. As it was the crisis came quickly. Loud shouts were heard outside, and three or four coarsely dressed ruffians appeared in the doorway. Comprehending at a glance the tion, they prepared to assist their allies. » quick as was their movement, The-Man-from-Texas Mice teat (0 as possible to by the eing that it was im e to escape by outer door, which was blocked by their foes, he turned back toward the stairway crying: “This way, Alf; quick tor your life!’ Howe was not slow in following him. Half- carrying the maiden, he dashed after Rock, | who cleared their way through the crowd with fierce sweeps of his stron s, sending the | ruffians headlong right and left. Before the d adoes could realize the move- ment Rock and with their ghange had disap- peared and the door closed with a slam, ‘* Come on, old tearers,” cried The-Man-from- Texas exultantly, as he braced himself against the stout oaken frame. The baffled horde uttered fierce threats and hurled themselves against the door. Can’t find a timber up there to put up here so to eep the old thing in its place?” pant- ed Randel. I can hold it, while you hunt one up. Alf sprung up-stairs, and tearing up a part of the floor he succeeded in veinetis pom of the split slabs, when he carried it to Roc By placing one end against the o} te side of hall-way they soon formed a icade that promised to withstand a great pressure from the other side. “Hammer away, old cronies, but let us know when ye force an entrance. By the way, the first head that comes into sight shall be made into a pepper-box! So look out. Rock Randel don’t carry wet powder, nor he don’t burn it for nothing.” Finding that the door could not be readily forced open, The-Man-from Texas su ted that they go above where they would pre- pared to meet an attack from any direction. Bang, whang came the furious blows from the enraged assailants below. if Oh, those dreadful men, we shall all be killed!” said Lilla, as she trembled at the sounds of their foes. “Never fear, dearest,’ replied Alf encour- | agingly. ‘*‘ We may yet escape.” ee think so, sir?’ she asked, appealing to “Of course, purty one. We ain’t agoin’ to let ’em varmints wipe us out while we can stand ag’in’’em. So don’t giv’ up, but lend us a helping hand.” Lilla Divoms was a fair, sweet-faced girl, with a brave heart. Gaining strength from her companions’ words she tried to appear calm, as she said: ‘What can I do?’ ‘Nothin’ yet; but we will give you a chance soon. Hark! as I live, the coyotes are surround- ing the building.” m the sounds there was no doubt of it. ‘*Let ’em work. I reckon we can stand ’em a siege.” The noise in the room below gradually grew less, anita but ittsle was heard. ey are hatching up some game,” declared Rock. ; Y, Wal, all is we must iden our peepers wide open and be ready for ’em.” ive minutes wore away without any further indication of danger to the beleaguered friends. By that timo Rock’s quick ear cavght the But the first man who | bod ing into the room, crying: what do you dreadful men | | air some grew impatient, and thes sound of some one trying to force an entranee: into another part of the chamber. | ‘You stand hyar and don’t let a varmint out- wit ye; I must see what is up over there.” Crossing the floor as silently as a cat about te» spring upon its prey, Rock hurried to the spot. As he came near the place he saw a light sud-- denly shine through a new opening in the floor... _and as the flame grew brighter, he saw that the ruffians were trying to raise one of the ; Crouching back in the darkness he saw the flooring pushed up higher and higher, until. quite a°space was‘opened, Then, after a mo- ment’s silence, a man’s head was thrust up through the aperture, speedily followed by his y- Others would quickly succeed him, and Rock knew his time for action had come. Springing lightly forward before the intruder» was aware of his presence, he seized him in his. vise-like grip, to hurl him upon the floor sense- ess, Then deftly dislodging the prop that held it. in its place, the board fell back with a crash, and again all was darkness. A few half-smotheréd curses came up from. the baffled horde below, as Rock dragged hie prisoner toward the stairs, where he had left. Alf and Lilla. “Tt’s all right,” he said, in answer to them anxious inquiries. ‘‘I thought we should like a little more company. If I could only find sm piece of rope, I would show you some fun, or” my name ain’t Rock Randel. Hyar, look out for the cuss while I hunt round a leetle and see ef 1 can’t find a string to suit me. Hoot away, . there, outside, ef you want to, ’m comin’ ta» ar 4 ou out in a minute.” oliloquizing thus he searched about in the dark for acord to carry out the designs that. | bad entered his fertile brain. All the while the half-cavage mob kept up» their fearful Babel of sounds, and were ptt. to devise some scheme by which they could. drive the fugitives from their retreat, as they circled about the building. CHAPTER VIIi-. ROCK PLAYS A DARING GAME.”. Rook had been gone so long that Alf and Lilla. : were getting uneasy when he rejoined them. ev found something that will answer,”” “oe I he said. ‘‘Nowif you wi stand seat post. hyar and not let the tarnals fool ye, *l bring ’em round to the west endo’ the building. The minute I give the word, Alf, ye hurry down the stairs with the gal, open the door and git for’ the horses the coyotes left at the door. ount - one on ’em and ride for Ridley’s Bluff like. - | blazes.” ‘But, what will become of you? _Ican—” __ “Never mind me. Iam too old a coon ta be ' | ketched napping. Look sharp and mind what I . have told you.” ; ; With the last injunction The-Man-from-Texas- lifted the still unconscious outlaw. in his arme and bore him to the further end of the building, where a solitary window was to be seen as the: pale starlight glimmered through the dust and cobwebs. Laying his victim down upon the floor, Rock. uickly secured the cord around his body under the arms. Then he fastened the other end- ta | one of the rafters overhead. This done, he re- j moved the window and his intentions were._ | instantly epperees Though the desperado was a man of medium » | size, it cost the strong Texan no great effort. | to anc him upon the window sill, | is last movement jally aroused the © fellow and he began to kick lustily.: a. : tin ‘Tear away, old rattler; the more the het- © ter!” chuckled Randel, as he held him there for’ a moment. The watchers outside caught sight of the — figure, and in an instant the cry wen. ‘‘ Here they come! out of the window!” | With a smile of satisfaction, Rock let he: _ prisoner down the side of the building just ag: the crowd be to gather beneath. | ‘Quick, Alf! now’s your time!” he warned | his companion, as the excitement increased. amon ir foes. vicru'd The-Man-from-Texas slowly lowered the fran-- | tic outlaw down, until he was suspended ie | the rope, when he dodged back out of. sight -withe. _ aghuckle of triamph. : In the brief interval the ruffians to a man had | flocked to the end of tke house, and stood ready to seize their supposed victim»as soon as he Ay, as he qengies in micl- arp repor’.. came within reach.
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‘fm upon either’side as our party rode down the | Dandy Rock's Pledge. of their rifles rang out, mingling with the cries of the unfortunate ruffian, Meanwhile Alf had not been inactive. With Lilla he dashed down the stairs, and throwing aside the barrier he and the Texan had placed against it, flung open the door, to enter the room below ard rushed out into the night. He found the horses of the outlaws secured near by, and it took but an instant for him to essist Lilla upon the back of one, while he sprung into the saddle of another. Just. as they rode out of the yard and took fhe road for Ridley’s Bluff, Rock appeared in the tavern doorway. ‘Hooray fer Texas!” he cried, half-aloud. “Now fer fun!” and he bounded among the animals hitched near at hand. The outlaws at the end of the tavern had dis- eovered Alf and Lilla as they rode away, and instantly comprehended that they had been duped, when, with yells of rage, they rushed sor their steeds. Whipping out his long knife, The-Man-from- Texas cutting them loose, and as the baffled desperadoes came around the corner of the tavern, they saw their animals galloping off #t the top of their speed. All but one, and the iatrepid Texan was just springing upon its back. “Shoot him!” yelled the excited leader, but Wefore the volley of shot that followed reached the spot, Rock had gained the bighway, and waving his sombrero above his head, disappear- «i down the road. Furies and destruction!” yelled the madden- a outlaw; ‘‘that dog will escape!” Rfore they could recover their horses to give pursuit, he was indeed beyond their reach. Riding at his breaknec ed, it took Rock itt a few moments to overtake his friends. * Are you unhurt?’ asked Lilla, anxiously, as after a few minutes they slackened their pace somewhat. * Yes; and as lively as a cricket in dog days. § reckon the coyotes won’t hold us very hard, ay that we needn’t kill our horses fer fast driv- “Thus they moved at a more moderate gait. “I guess we had better go to Sanford’s. He kzeps the ffice, you know; and a better mm ain’t in the country. He and I are regular rds, too, and no side-show. Ye'll be at hum e, Miss Lilla, and Alf and I can trot round sad look arter things.” Miss Divons started in surprise as the Texan ageoke her lover’s name. “Never fear, Lilla,” he said; “Mr. Randel ksows my secret and it is safe with him.” “ But is it safe for you to be seen? I fear you will be recognized and if you should—oh! I &emble to think of what would be your fate.” “Have courage, dearest; I will leave it with eur friend to say what we had better do. He kes seen me with my disguise off and knows how avneh it changes me.” “Tsay the old Harry won’t know ye. But I ‘*Good! You shall come in,” and the door was quickly opened, when a stout, pleasant- faced man in middle life greeted the Texan with a cordial welcome. “We have had a first class row this afternoon and to please the women-folks, I caused the doors to be bolted, as I hardly dreamed of call- ers at thislate hour. However, you are heart- ily welcome.” We need not dwell upon the explanations that followed, but Lilla was happy to know that she had found friends, and both Mr. Sanford and his wife were deeply interested in her story, as well as her own frank manner. “You shall stay here with us until the danger is over,” declared good Mrs. Sanford. ‘I do hope they will destroy that gang of road-agents or it will not be safe for any one to go out after dark. And, don’t you think, no less than ten meu have been shot and robbed in the city with- in three days?” ‘Never mind, wife,” said her husband; “now that Col. Ridley has been made mayor we may hope for better times. A Mh holding a cele- bration at the Lion’s Rest to-night in honor of theevent. He keeps the tavern, you know, and is our leading man, and who gave his name to the place.” + I hey heerd,” replied The-Man-from- Texas, ‘‘ and as I hev never seen him, I have an idee o’ trotting over to his shebang. Want to 80, Tom?’ he continued, addressing Alf. ‘Don’t go to that dreadful place!” cried Lilla: ‘vou will both be killed.” ‘Never fear for that, purty one; but Tom needn’t go unless he wants to. Iam going be- cause I hey perticler bizness. Reckon ye’ll let me in bimeby?” he said to Mr. Sanford. “Certainly. But you can’t be too careful, Rock.” “‘Treckon. So hyarI scoot. Ef ye don’t see me ag’in look out forthe gal, Tom,” and the last having decided to remain in safer quarters, The- Man-from-Texas went out rlone. “ Now I ain’t got only this coon to look arter, and I feel better,” he mused as he gained the street. Had Rock realized the da he was running og he might have hesitated before doing as he id. Reaching the square he passed up the street for a short distance, aud then crossed over to o down a corresponding space when he paused in front of the ‘‘ Lion’s .’ The truth was he did not care for any one to know that he had come from Sanford’s, for reasons of his own. Within, highest excitement was rife, but, after assuring himself that his fire-arms were in readiness for use in case of need, he pulled his sombrero down over his face and boldly entered. His entrance was greeted with a stolid stare from a score or more of heavily-bearded, coarss- ly-dressed miners, who had gathered around the bar, drinking and carousing. Rock was but a little acquainted in the place, wuist give ye a new handle. So ye must an- | and he hoped no one would recognize him. ewer to—let me sec—yes, that'll do—Tom \. * Ho, stranger!” cried a tall, weather-beaten ith.” individual who savored strongly of the moun- “ All right, Rock; I will remember.” *Don't ye ferget, cither, Miss Lilla. So it’s xi fixed. We'll go to Sanford’s to-night: and 4morrow to Cross-tree City by way of Dry Town.” The next hour passed in comparative silence, wher: they suddenly came in sight of e small mining settlement, which lay at the base of the | tain range. Ridley’s Bluff, for such was its name, was a tviving place though of but a few months’ grevth. Already it had its duly elected authorities and claimed the dignity of being | walled a ‘ city.” An oceasional light was seen glimmerin from some of the rude huts that were crowd | weain street; and when they reached ‘‘ Central Square” they found it nearly as pean as day from the lights of a neighboring building that ‘hore the inscription in gilt lettering: ‘Lion's Rest.” *The big shebang o’ the city,” said Rock, wittr a nod of the head. ‘The post-office is below.” “Post O “Hyar’s whar we'll put up,” said Rock, as he wounded upon the door after finding it fastewed. CHAPTER IX. ROCK IN TIGHT QUARTERS. “Who's there?’ asked a deep Lass voice as Ye Mar-from-Texes rent b> thumping. cathe. Cha rikiiog™ “ss als Tb) . ’ et j MOC sulle baitt & | tains as well as of the mines, ‘‘ye are jess in up, and Jift a bumper to our | season; SO pon new mayor. Hurray fer Colonel Ridley, futer guv’ner o’ all Californy and the Pacificker sea with Mexico throwed in!” As if one throat had uttered the cry the build- ; ing rung with the shout of every spectator, The-Mah-from Texas pitching his voice to the highest key. “Now, death and destruction to the road agents and highway varmints o’ the kentry, and | ten foot o° rope for Aif Howe, their leader!” cried the tall miner, when again the applause was defeaning. ‘Now for a bu’ster 0’ p’izen! My swallower is as raw as a pepper ree on the north side | o’ arock. Kem, old hosses, shank up hyar and the mayor ’ll pay the bill. Kem, stranger, yer turn to lead off. Gi’n us yer handle and we'll toss to yer health.” “Whoop! hurray! I’m the Coon from Live Oak, I am!” exclaimed Rock, as he sprung for- ward and brought his fist down upon the bar with a crash that sent the glasses flying in every direction, ‘Turnout yer benzine! Heap it up high as the Rocker Mount’ins!” nan instant the bar-tender came forward and filled the glasses to their brim. Then, midst the wild confusion, the nois drinkers drained them at a single gulp. “Ali save Rock, who had learned long before that to — a steady hand he must have a level head, and seldom, if ever, drank any liquor. Thus, while the others were drinking, he his ! uron the floor rnnotice. t '* Ain't the csiers! kem vet ?? sshd one, — ‘‘Queer,” said another, as they received a negative answer. ‘‘ Wonder how he will }.0k with his whiskers off. ’Tain’t every chap as would lose his beard to pay a bet.” “Right. But the mayor is true blue, every time. en he says a thing he means it.” ‘*- Yes; and when he offered an extra two hundred for the outlawed Alf Howe he meant bizness. I tell ye, he’ll make it warm for the boy when he leads the Vigilantes down thar to- morrer.” ** Where do ye 8’ the chap is hiding?’ “Why, bless ye, he war seen only this arter- noon down in Cross-tree hollow.” “Sho!” ‘* You bet! and he’ll hev to kem, too, I tell ye, boys. I wouldn’t give a goat’s ear for hi chance. That Man-from-Texas ’l] hev to stretch S im AY rope afore another morn, mark me for at. “Shovel up the coyote, and we’ll dig his fun- deel tetke tn Rocke : ‘Rah for the Coon from Live Oak!” ‘‘Hyar kems the mayor!” cried one, and in an instant all was quiet. Randel fell back among the majority of the crowd toward the door. To the truth, he thought it best to be on th2 look-out for an escape. If any there should recognize him his game would be up. At the moment a ringing footstep was heard coming from the interior of the building, and = oS nervous appearing man appeared behind the bar. At sight of him a loud skout went up from the crowd, but Rock was so much absorbed by the looks of the new-comer that he failed to join in the cry. He saw a rather pre ng looking man of middle age, with a smile upon his florid zoun- tenance. More he failed to notice, for his suddenly rested a crimson scar or birth- mark upon the right cheek just below the eye. In an instant he thought of the murdsrer of Roland Maxcy, and had not the person before him had a cleanly-shaven face he wou.d have felt certain that it was he! “Jeems Stopple!” he muttered under his breath, “‘ can it be him?’ ‘Then ye hev kept yer wager, colonel?” said a ar agers miner, as the mayor grected the crowd, “Yes,” he replied in a quick tone that made Rock start in unfeigned surprise. ‘‘When I bet whiskers with a oes and I lose, they must come off,” and he stroked his smooth face with anotber smile. “Hooray fer ye, mayor! But, hyar’s a new man fer ye. Kem up, Coon from Live Oak, and show yer mug,” and half-a-dozen of the throng seized Rock in high glee and pulled him forward to face Ridley. Randel’s keen vision saw that the ‘‘ mayor” started back with a look of terror, but, quickly recovering himself he said calmly enough: ‘Tam glad to meet you, m friend, for I trust the you such,” and he grasped Rock’s and, “The Coon from Live Oak knows his pards every time and no side-show,” replied the Tex- an as he bent bis gaze — the man before him, feeling that he was in close quarters. As Ridley seized him by the hand he hurled himself upon The-Man-from-Texas to throw him to the floor as he cried: “Quick, men! Help me! °Tis Rock Randel, leader of the road-agents!” CHAPTER X. ROCK “STRIKES THE TRAIL,” Hap a thunderbolt fallen among them the spectators could not have been more surprised. Rock Randel was not easily caught. Divining on the instant the intentions of Col- onel Ridley, that person bad barely uttered his command for help, when Rock dealt him a blow with his left hand that sent him reeling to the floor. Then, before the amazed crowd could offer any assistance he bounded toward the door reaching it at a leap, sending the specta- tors right and left rem “Hyar’s the beaver! Kem and trap bim!” he shouted defiantly as he flung open door and dashed out. “Don’t let him escape!” roared the discom- fited mayor as he regained his feet. ‘“ Block- heads, why don’t you capture bim?”’ Aroused at last the half-drunken miners — out in noisy pursuit of The-Man-from- ‘exas. ae ei tre caught sight of a dark form fi round the corner of an adjacent stredt, but when they reached the spot their man was nowhere to he seen.
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Dandy Rock's Pledge. “’Tain’t any use!” declared one, when they nad spent fifteen. minutes in a fruitless search; ** we mought es well try to ketch chain lightning as that long-haired Texan.” ‘* if ye hadn’t been a set of wooden-heads we might have captured him,” affirmed the crest- fallen mayor. ‘‘I had him, once,” ‘‘ But I reckon ye war glad enough to let go. Reckon ye didn’t keep him a long spell, enny- way. Mastering the thoughts of his defeat as best he could, Ridley led the way back into the Lion’s Rest. ‘“We must be warned by this and lay our pou with more care in the future. He must got.out of the way or we can look for no peace,” Meanwhile Rock had gained one of the cross streets, and following down in the darkuess for a short distance; kept shady, as he would have said, until he could hear no more of his foes, when pe cautiously made his way toward the ce. Finally he reached it in safety, and was ush- ered into the presence of Mr. Sanford and Alf, who were anxiously waiting for his return. “Then you have come back without a scratch?” said the genial postmaster. ‘We were getting anxious about you.” ‘‘Nary a scratch, old beaver. But, Jeems on a kickin’ uoule, ye ought to have seen me git up and git!” ‘‘ What? did you get into trouble?” asked Howe in alarm. “‘T reckon! We got up a tearin’ old side- show, I tell ye. Ye oughter seen me floor the mayor.” In answer to his friend’s inquiries, he told of his adventure winding Up, >) ; “That are Coon from Live Oak didn’t fool the mayor, ’cause he ’membered like a book. How- sumever, { hey l’arned sumthin’ that is worth a ile, Alf Howe—I mean Tom Smith, but, as ong as Dan knows our biz it is all right—ye hev got to keep yer peepers open. But we hev got the varmints we are arter or iy may tote me off fer kindlin’s for the Old Boy. hev struck a trail and ’tis fresh as a p'izen snake! Wagh! Later that same night when the last loafer had left the Lion’s Rest, and all the hubbub and excitement of the evening had died away, -" solitary, dust-laden traveler paused at the oor, A glimmering light still shone from within, but he hesitated as if afraid to enter. **T must risk it,” he muttered, as he glanced uneasily around. “Stay; I wonder if I can see him from that window?” and while he spoke thus to himself he advanced toward the spot from whence the light was seen, Being careful to keep back in the shadows, he peered into the room, his gaze becoming fixed upon some object with an intensity that held him in his position for several minutes like a statue, “Yes: itis he!” he said at last. ‘And he moves. He is about to shut up for the night, and I must go inor he will refuse me admit- tance,” and he shook his threadbare garments, with a low chuckle. Seeking the door again he boldly entered the apartmen ‘ Colonel Ridley started to his feet in surprise, and turned upon the new-comer with a look of anger at his intrusion. ow that he came before the light, he pre- sented a sorry-looking spectacle. His ee rb hung in tatters, while well coated wit irt. His long hair fell about his neck and a goodly portion of it over his face in tangled masses, while a straggling beard nearly covered the remainder of his face, that evidently had not been washed for many day. ** What will you have?’ poof the mayor, as he shambled across the floor and sunk into a seat near him. eat, squire, and a place to lay pee it open and ‘* Something to these weary limbs. ‘Have you come far?’ ‘Well, yes; I have been tramping nigh onto fifty years!’ sping his lip to keep back his vexation, Rid- *T'ehink you must be a stranger in these Pe Idon’t know. I find my fellow men wher- ever I go, and I always feel that my wants will be seen to among my kind.” gain the tavern-keeper came near showing his anger at the man’s singular conduct. “But we have never met before and are there- fore strangers.” “Tam not so certain,” replied the other, stag- ering to his feet and facing the amazed mayor. ‘I have not forgotten that scar. You are Hi- ram Lore, and we have met before!” Had the floor opened at his feet Colonel Rid- ley could not have shown greater astonishment. Ay, we might say consternation. “Who are you?” he gas rr Where is Roland Maxcy?” came the reply. ** Hal you know, then? You do not de—” “T deny everything!” shrieked Ridley with an oath. ‘‘Who in the fiend’s name are you?” ‘His friend. ’Tis madness for you to deny what I already know. But where is Roland Maxcy’s wife and child?” “Dog! I'll hear no more! Out of my—” “‘ Not so fast, my old chap, or Tl dig your funeral. Come! Where are the woman and child! Tell me quick!” and the speaker had placed a muzzle to the trembling man’s temple. “Fire! fire! fire!” CHAPTER XI, THE DOOMED CITY, ** Free! fire! fire!” With awful distinctness the alarm rung upon the night air. Already the tramp of feet could be heard as the frightened inhabitant of the place rushed toward the scene of the conflagration. Rock Randel with the muzzle of his revolver at the temple of his foe, for it was none other than the Texan in a disguise rigged out for him by Sanford to force from Colonel Ridley the secret he imagined the mayor had locked in his heart, instinctively turned for one instant aside, For one moment he relaxed his vigilance, when the other saw his chance, and, quick as a flash, $s to his feet, at the movement hurlin he- -from-Texas back against the bar with a fearful shock, ‘* Lie there, dog!” cried Ridley, as he bounded toward the door. Before he could reach it, though, Rock was by his side, the Texan’s strong grasp was on his shoulder; and finding ante impossible the man turned, and the two were locked in each other’s arms. Both were powerful men and no novices in the work they had undertaken.. For the time they forgot—in fact, they could not well use their weapons, and thus they fought with main strength, each trying in v to overpower his antagonist. Rock’s vise-like gripe clutched Ridley by the throat, and the mayor exerted his utmost to hurl the Texan to the floor. Still the wild cries outside increased, and the terrified people rushed blindly to and fro as the oncoming flames seemed to laugh at their futile efforts to stay their ravages, and drove them back toward the mountain, The fire had caught at the upper end of the village and a strong north wind was sweeping it forward at the speed of a race-horse, the lines of wooden buildings that stood on either side the street burning like tinder. Little thought was given to the saving of property, for if all escaped with their lives ney would indeed have cause to be thankful, _Unmindful of this fearful scene, and the ter- rible death they were courting by hazarding their existence in the building that was already marked with the fiery touch of the elements, Rock Randel‘and his foe fought on. Now struggling down upon their knees and anon stagpe ng to their feet, they carried on the contest which was so squarely pitted that for a time it seemed beyond the ,power of either to gain a victory without the help of a friend. At last, however, The-Man-from-Texas began to show greater power of endurance, and as his adversary commenced to pant for breath, he threw back his body to give more force to his action, and concentrating his strength for the decisive move, be suddenly hurled Ridley to the floor with a crash that made the building fairly tremble. Mi del Rock! Won’t ye give up now?” he cried, as he planted his knee u the fallen man’s breast, and held down the struggling mayor. ‘I reckon this coon ain’t played out rT Fda ranging ere et me wu am death !” “ 4 wing “Not yet, old coyote! Ye don’t git on yer pins till ye answer my questions! Where am—” ts For God’s sake let me up! Help! “None o’ thet, ye varmint!” hissed Rock, as he pressed his hand upon the prostrate speaker's SS — * ut a é + throat. ‘Tell me, quick, is Roland Maxcy’s wife living?” “T don’t kn—o—w!” ‘“You lie! Kem, speak quick! This building is on fire! You haven’t a minute to spares” ‘Yes; she lives!” “yp” ¥ oa ab the fire is coming nearer!” go xan’s gripe closed upon the *s; the Te throat. ‘‘T don’t know! Help!” The crackling of the flames at this moment: was plainly heard, ana glancing up Rock saw that the fire had burned through upon the buik? raf overhead. Already the cinders began te fall by his side. “Do you hear?” he cried, fiercely glaring up- on the cowering Ridley like an enraged tiger. “‘T will die here with you in these flames, you tell me where she is! Speak, quick!” Mentally Rock had measured the distance te. the door, and was gathering his strength ta» ring into the open air as soon as he heard the» esired answer. ‘Where am she?” he repeated. “The last I knew, she wasat Granny Sloan's.*”’ ** And the child! what of that?” *T don’t know, I—” Is it living?” “ee Yes. ” “Tell me if it is a boy or a girl.” Before an answer could be given, the door was burst open and half a dozen men sprung ie. upon the exciting scene, which was lit to the» brightness of midday by the fire. “Help!” grceaned Ridley, and, as the crowd saw the combatants, to understand the peril of their leader, they hastened to his rescue. Without stopping to see whether Rock was: friend or fce, the foremost dealt him a furious blow upon the head, and the cthers pulled bina back into the further corner of the room where: he fell senseless. Then, seizing Ridley by the shoulders they dragged him out of the burning building justae the roof feil with a crash. By this time the crowd had been driven from: the street by the heat of the flames, and all thet could be seen of Ridley’s City was one living: street of fire! Women and children shrieking in angui and roughly clad wen rushing hither ar thither with bitter curses made an av ful Bakeli of sounds. ; Many were missing who it wes rurposed must have perisi ec in the corflag raticn Colonel Ridiey came to bis serses tc fre him. self surrounded by the excited throng, Lut safes from the fire! : ‘“ Where is he who ceme so near tekirg my’ life—Rock Randei?”’ were his first woi¢s, ‘“* He has not c me cut of the Luin ¢ Luiid-- ing, and must have died in the flames!” *Then I am satisfied, though half of Califor— nia is destroyed!” There was one who, bearing the fate of Roek,, turned pale. "Twas Alf Howe, After the alarm of the fire he, vith Sariford, had looked to the sefety ot their loved omnes: end then, while the cther icmained vith the frightened lacies who lad Leen carried to x place of safety he bed scught for his friend. “Rock dead?” he repeated to himself. .“* Noble fellow, itis too bad. And to bave dicd in that fearful manner—lurned to ceath! What shall! I do now?” and feeling the keenest pangs for~ the fate of his generous-hearted friend re-- turned to his companions, to make another dis- covery more heart-rending than the first Lilla was missing—cculd not be found! Mr. Sanfcrd bad left his wife and Lilla, te- gether for a mex ent to assist an unfortumate: miner in escaping ircm the fire, when he was. struck by a falling timber. His wife had rushed to bis side, in grief, ane! when he was borre to a safe distance, thoug tt. but a few minutes had elapsed, Lilla was ne where to be found. Alf renewed the serrch pt cree, and others. readily joined in the uncotsh.iy, Lut no trace of her could be found. No one had known ber, or remembered ef seeing ber, which of course was not a wender: - Constadrintt the exciterrent of the hour, Had she perished in the flames? Somehow Rev could not think so, erd intuitively he felé that she had met with a fate even worse—become: - haps the prey of marauding demons i ~ uman form! The night wore away and the morrow’s sum looked down upon a haggard ple at Ridley’s: Bluff, while all that was left of their homes was, a pile of smoldering ashes!
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_ jing him before he satis . sand knowing that Sanford had friends CHAPTER XIit. THROUGH FIRE. Tar gray light of morning was just tinging | y “the east as the solitary figure of a man might | the Wayside Home, and [ think we bad better ‘have been seen standing at the base of the bluff which overbung the doomed settlement. He had just arisen from the earth where he — been lying, evidently sleeping after great ag Bl a tall, powerful framed person, but 0 wild and strange did he appear that had any «one seen him they must have started in amaze- anent. Ay, even his most intimate friends would not have recognized him as the dashing Rock Randel—Dandy Rock, the beau ideal of a | splainsman. The remnant of his clothing, for his person was scarcely covered, hung in tatters, burned and blackened by the fire. His long hair was all gone and even his dark mustache and eye- brows had been burned to the skin, while his whole face was scorched and blistered. Truly the had been through a fiery furnace. ‘““Jeems Stopple!” he muttered with a grim as he moved his hand over his bared “T reckon thisam a purty go. HyarlI vam burnt up like a scrumpted moccasin! Went im there slick as a trap beaver, and kem out . bald as a drowned rat, wagh! Nary a weapon, ~ Rop-knot a goner, Rock Randel, ye are no_bet- ter than u sneakin’ ‘possum a shinnin’ a cotton- wood by starlight!” The sound of hoof-strokes caused The-Man- from-Texas to pause and gaze anxiously down ‘ue road which lay at his feet. “Sum one is comin’,” he said, ‘‘ and ef I don’t want to scare ’em to death I'd better git back _sfato the brush. ’Sides I ar’n’t perticuler about seein’ me in this predicimony. Reck- son I'd look well side a picked goose!” ostegn'y Fev thus he drew back into a thicket pe) iia i“ nd, just as a party of horsemen came From his position he commanded but a limited view of the highway, and the riders were - vered a woman in their ous!” he muttered, as he parted the bushes so as to get a better view,” if) that ain’t _Miss Lilla may I be shot! But, Alf ar’n’t there; and’em chaps don’t look very clever towards cher. S’pose thar am mischief in ther game,” and he stepped from his concealment, to catch a last glimpse of them as they rode arounda “ My . s@arve in the way. “TJ hev half a mind to foller, but ’twouldn’t P a any use as Tam now. Time enough by-and- » wy. on I’ll look for Alf and Dan fust.” With the words Rock started down the sod t Low the city where he should be the mide Hosiy 4 find him, he shaped his course in that direc- The postmaster was indeed there, though ‘ying in a critical situation. sed teligh A aaa: was hailed with unbound- - 4Hivar Tam all thar ar’ left o’ me,” he said. “*Reckon I look like a led onion, but I tell co Sion, AP this coon ar’n’t smoked out yet. Whar’s "Then he was told of the mysterious disappear- ance of Lilla and that Alf was still in search of er. : ‘*Gi’n me a shooter,” he cried. ‘I hev seen the trail. ’Em coyotes have toted her off.” Alfred came back from his fruitless errand -300n afterward, and his rise can be well imagined when he met Rock alive and as jovial ~ 2S ever. “Dye see, my beaver, my top-knotisa goner. 1 hev Boorl skulped alive, and I ’pect I oe wuss nor a dead Injin.” “Better so than not at all, Rock, But, how id you escape? Every one thinks you are “Jessol Wal, I scooted jess as slick es a _: reased forkintine! Reckon I kem to myself ‘hen I did mighty suddint, and finding thar no _ne to look arter me, I up and tore for the back coor, seein’ es how the fire had already ketched « purty smart grip on the front one. When I got out, which was only by the smallest chance «+s my looks show, I see’d that the folks war all ja front, and not perticuler ’bout ’em seein’ me T kept shad , and hyar I am.” ‘A narrow escape truly, Rock. If Lilla were onl y safe I should not care.” “Alf, I hev struck her trail,” and Rock con- ‘tinucd with a description of what he had wit- essed that ae ‘* We must go to her rescue at once,” cried the yourg man, eterna eipeemestieemees eset ei aia iii a Dandy Rock's Pledge. “Don’t be too fast, my coon-deer. I reckon T hev a plan I want to dry fust. Ef we start off blind-like, we may git corraled in spite of ten rows of live-oaks. ow I smell a bait at set our toes for that shebang. Thar ar’n’t nar a hoss we can git this side o’ Dry Town, so let's rig up like we were strangers, and take the stage this arternoon, to poke our noses up round that way. Ef we don’tsmell the coyotes out and hev sum fun, ye may stuff my head full of powder and tock her off kerbang.” : ‘But, what will become of Lilla while we dally here?” * Thar now, don’t cit so yooh, oneasy es ef ye war steppin’ on a nest of yaller jackets. We shall git round as quick as we should in any other way and twice as sartin. I sha’n’s be sur- prised ef we find her at Granny S!oan’s.” Alf yielded to Rock’s superior judgment, and preparations were begun at once to carry the plan into effect. In order to escape recognition it was decided that Rock should wear Alf’s false wig and beard, while another was made for him. They decided to pass themselves off as sport- ing gentlemen, which would allow them to go well armed without creating suspicion. Alf, who was to be called Ned Armstrong by his companion, wore a full red beard and hair, which the ingenious Rock had a pi The-Man-from-Texas, somewhat agreeable to nature, aspired to be more of a swell, and wore a light-colored suit of dandy pattern, while he stuck upon his nose a pair of hy goggles. No one could have recognized him, not even his most intimate friends, and if he acted his part well he seemed certain of deceiving his foes. He answered to the ‘‘handle ” of Dick Bandy, “There, Ned, old peeper, we are up in style, and ef we don’t miss a pull we’ll flax ’em. Say, how does these lookers shine on my picter, my boy! They feel tarnal queer,” and he adjusted his glasses for at least the hundredth time. ‘Oh, they'll do well enough if you will let eee Die Th that, old pard? yar ye say old pa Ye may call me stone, gravel, pitchknot—any- thing but Rock! D’ye hyar?”’ Ms ‘ardon me; 1 be more careful in the ture. “ All right. Let’s go down to Arlins to meet the stage. "Tis time ‘twas thar.” Leaving their friend, Dan Sanford, with the hope that he would be well when they came back from their perilous e ition, if they ever did return, Rock and Alf took a cross-cut down to a small settlement a couple of miles below where the Dry Town sta peers bag They were barely in season, for it was about to start as they got there; but, springing aboard, they were soon being borne k to Ridley’s Bluff, and thence the driver soon whipped on towards Cross-tree City by the way of the Wayside Home, Besides Rock and Alf there were four passen- gers, all of them apparently middle-aged men. hile two of them sat back in the corner in almost total silence, the others were very pro- fuse in their remarks, and after iene ay | the late fire, ventured to make a few inquiries in re- gard to the affairs of our friends, which were met with evasive replies upon the part of Rock, who began to “Smell fun” as he whispered to his companion. It was nearly dark and the Texan knew they must be near the Wayside Home, which was the stopping place for the stage on its route. Outwardly The Man-from-Texas, was as calm as usual, but his mind was filled with conflicting thoughts. Instinctively he felt they were run- ning into danger. Nor was he far from right. “That's a splendid-looking rifle you have there,” remarked one of the ta king twain, speak- ing to Alf. “I used to have one of that pattern ill you let me see it for a moment, please?” Without thinking of what was coming, Alf handed his wea to the other, just asthe stage came toa sudden stand-still, and a sharp, im- perative voice was heard to say: “Hold up, driver, or you are a dead man!” _ CHAPTER XIII. ROCK IN A NEW ROLE. Tue stage had stopped so abruptly that the shock threw the ca ers from their seats, As they staggered forward, the two nearest men threw themselves upon Rock and Alf intending beyond doutt to overpower thers in season to mect the others if they offered enrs-ition, and at tho same mowers the dene wer de yg peu, —_ ‘Quick, men, throw them!” exclaimed the man out-_ide. The desperadoes had counted without know- ing their odds. Rock Randel had calculated their game, ani as he saw them spring for himself and companion a quick, sharp blow to the right, an- other to the left, and they fell sprawling upon the bottom of the coach! As he turned to meet the others, be was seized from behind and pulled outside the ve hicle, where he fell upon the ground. Alf had been too bewildered to move until |e saw his companion fall, and then as the two si- lent men sprung out to meet the road-agents Le followed, A couple of men bad sprung out from und r the driver’s box, and the robbers found then.- selves met by an unexpected force of armca men. ** Down with them !” yelled the masked lead er; but, taken so completely by surprise, |: followers drew back, and as Lie of their num ber fell, retreated in dismay. Sceing that inevitable capture awaited then: the chief cried: ‘* To the woods for your lives!” “Don’t let the dogs escape!” shouted one of the stage’s defenders. But it was useless to foi- low them up, and thus the outlaws got away, save the two who had been shot and the pre- cious twain who lay senseless in the coach. ‘“Tt’s too bad to let that leader get away after we havecome ’way up hereto capture him. But our plan hasn’t failed entirely for we have a part of the gang, and Iam thinking the rest have learned a Reson they won’t forget soon. Go on, driver, for Cross-tree, and we will bind the pair we have inside. Guess they are worth carrying home,” Rock, who had done more work really than all the others, was now writhing in the ditch in greatest agony. ‘*What is the trouble, my gor fellow?” ask- ed the officer, compassionately, “T am done for!” he groaned. ‘That black faced one hit me an orful sockdolleger, and I’m "Ph hay It be ve coura my man. may not aia tad 48 you think” 2 ‘*Oh—oh! I can’t keep my wind-mill goin’! I’m going under fast!” “Ts there nothin’ we can do for you, Rock?” asked Alf anxiously, as he bent over his friend. “Laying on a rock? Yes; git me into the wagon, but be keerful! That v t smashed my inards all into sassage meat!” e others willingly lent their help, and, amid the groans and supplications of the wound. ed Texan, he was placed inside the stage. “Oh, Ned, my boy, this is orful!” he said as Alf stood by with all the tenderness of a brother. ** Don’t Pen feel any better, Dick?” ** Would you feel pre Gage old pard, ef you had your liver and lights and everything else all jammed into a last year’s snake’s skin? But let ’em trot along with their mules. They mus’n’t mind my hollerin’. Mebbe I can stand. it to git up to Granny Sloan’s.” Cracking his whip the driver urged his team: forward, and once more the old stage went rumbling on its way. Roek tossed to and fro by the lurching of the stage complained most bitterly. ‘*Tt’s no use, Ned, old boy,” he said as Alf did all in his power to alleviate his pain. ‘‘I bev got my check for—ah!—oh! that pain in my side! Ain’t we got most to Granny Sloan’s! I can’t go any furder without makin’ this team into a funeral!” ‘“We are sorry for you, poor fellow,” said the officer kindly, “and we will see that you are left at the Wayside in good hands. We shouldn’t have fared so well but for you. What is your name?” ‘“* Dick—oh—Bandy, I guess that varmint has fixed my breathing machine! Do I grow white, Ned? I feel like a mop-rag in dog days!” At this moment the stage et when it was announced that fhe Waysi Home was reached, “Can't you ride on t» Cross-tree” asked the cer. “No; I feel awful antics cut up by ’em quirks and twists in my inards! Lain’t long fer enny- thing. Git me inter the house and mebbe a pper sling wil! start me cczing. Handle me fitve eggs fer l’m well worn through.” Alf assisted by two others carefully lifted the suffering Texan from the conch, and bore him to the house. ‘‘He has been badly hurt.” said the officer { een as she who had procedod them to Cranay
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met him at the door with anxious inquiries, ‘* und we must leave him in your care.” ‘All right, sir. Here, bring him inter the next room and I'll fix a buffier hide for him to rest on.’ Rock was made as comfortable as possible, and seeing that no more could be done, the officer with his followers went out to resume their journey to Cross-tree, Alf having signified his intention of staying with his friend. Suddenly Rock, who had laid back upon his couch apparently feeling easier started up cry- ing: “Randel—goat! whar’s my shooter? Hev em coyotes toted it off? I want to go under ef they hey. Look ack, Ned!” Alf hastened out in season to get the Texan’s coveted weapon as well as his own, which he had forgotten in his excitement, as the stage was starting off, ‘““Thanks, old pard,” replied Rock, as he srasped his trusty rifle once more, ‘‘ Of course Paver expect to use him ag’in, but, when I go under I want ye to send him home to my old So i ma as a part of their boy! D’ye hyar, sec ‘“*T sha’n’t forget you, Dick.” “Jesso. Wal, stand the shooter right u lyar in the corner whar I can look at him. know it will make me feel better.” After this The-Man-from-Texas settled back, seeming more comfortable. ‘““Hoow did it happen?’ asked the old man Sloan a few minutes later. 4 f was about to answer when Rock inter- posed; “ ‘Let me dig it out, my pard, ’cause I know nearer whar the shot struck. Ye see, stranger, me and my friend war off on a bu’st, and a comin’ up in the stage with four t’other chaps. _All ter onc’t the ghost stopped to rest mighty suddint, and not tellin’ me o’ the fact I kept right on, and the fust I knowed I war dancing on my head. The next I knowed’em are chaps war poundin’ me promisicussum, and I war pulled out o’ the cart, and if it hadn’t a been for a big chap with a dirty cloth on his face ’d a been no more than a tumble-bug with his jacket bu’sted! As ‘tis I reckon I ama p’izen goned coon, Ain’t x° got a little pepper we. Sud me? It would be ’mazing g *bout pining way this pain. I feel holler, too!” Rock’s story elicited some sympathy, and the Lost_set himself about preparing the “ sling.” ‘“T can’t help shuddering, Rock,” said Alf, as le and the Texan were left alone for a brief in- terval, ‘‘as I think of the fate of poor Lilla while we are here with no way to aid her. I must start alone in the morning if you are no better, CHAPTER XIV. ROCK’S RUSE. “Don't git narvous, my boy,” replied The- Man-from-Texas; ‘‘this may be all for the best. Thar kems my sling, and I know that'll do mea heap o’ git-up.” ; Old Sloan, followed by his deaf-mute son, en- tered the room at this juncture and offered Tock the “sling” he had prepared, which the lutter drained with apparent eagerness. “Reckon I'll hey another swig. I feel a heap eight brighter ’ready.” . Thus between his aches and groans Rock sip- ped his ‘* pepper sling,” and seemed better, In taet it wasn’t long before he broke out into inatehes of song. Alf, unable to understand his friend’s actions, ¢,ew nervous. Was the Texan losing his mind from the effect of his injuries? ‘* Whoop-la! Hi—hi—oh—hum! I’m pesky— my peepers are tired, old pard. Ye had better git to snoozing young to-night, ’cause we want io start the sun with us in the morning. Snooze sound, but look out for rats! _I see—yah, I’m a goner!” and muttering something’ ~ about **eoons, beavers and pepper sling,” he became | motionless as a log, though his heavy breath proclaimed that he was “* still thar.” Completely puzzled Alf showed his uneasiness + so much that the others noticed it when Granny Sloan said: : “Ob, never fear for him, Mr. Armstron ~I reckon he'll be all right in the mornin’, Guess “he old man fixed his bitters a little too stout. Hadn’t. you. better spread yer bones fer the night? cone,” ’ Alf caw that they wore arxious to get rid of him, and his firsé thought was to requést to veuain with Rock, bus whiie be Ye must be tired ‘arter all ye hev hesitated he * Dandy Rock's Pledge. went to his friend’s side, ostensibly to see if no- thing more could be done for his comfort. “Git to bed, but sleep with your eyes open !” hissed Randel, as he bent over him. Trusting the Texan fully Alf delayed no longer. “We will call you if your friend is worse,” said Sloan, as he showed Howe into the same chamber he and The-Man-from-Texas had oc- cupied but a few nights before. ‘I would like to know the mystery of Rock’s conduct,” thought Alf, as he threw himself upon the rude couch, and impatiently waited for the hours to drag themselves away. As time passed on nothing occurred to arouse his suspicions or excite his fears, and he grad- oy began to grow sleepy until he fell into a o7ze. Meanwhile Rock lay like one in a drunken stupor, apparently unconscious of all that was transpiring around him. By and by the inmates of the house ceased their bustling about and the three gathered in the room where the Texan was resting. “Time he was here,” said the old man, aris- ing and going to the window. ‘Ah, as [I live, he bas come and two others with him,” where- upon the speaker hurriedly left the apartment. Left alone with the deaf-mute the old woman began to travel the floor uneasily. When will these doings end?” she muttered half-aloud. ‘I’m tired and sick o’ this way o living, and do wish Jack would go back to the East. We were fools for ever comin’ into this heathen land!” and she wrung her hands as if her Shoughts were far from being pleasant. Dumb Dick arose and hob! out of the room, “Gol” exclaimed the old hag, shaking her fist after him. ‘You have caused us this trouble! If it hadn’t been—” The entrance of her husband and three others checked her speech, and she sunk down into a seat in the corner of the room in silence. ‘Ts the girl all right?” asked the tallest of the men, as he drew a seat up by the side of Sloan. “She was, half an hour ago,” replied a second, in that quick, sharp voice which Rock Randel would have recognized as belonging to him who wore the dark mask, but whose rather -looking face was now seen. He was a londe-haired man, in the prime of life. “Good! And the woman?” As he spoke he turned his face toward the light, when the countenance of Mayor Ridley, of Ridley’s Bluff, was to be seen! Yes; the birthmark was there, and the speaker was none other than the man! ‘““We sent her to the hollow, when the girl came, as you ordered, It won’t do to have many here at once.” * oe But who have you here?’ And he started in alarm, as he saw for the first time Rock Randel. ‘Only a traveler, who was wounded on the 6 to-day.” A traveler? Why in the name of common safety have you allowed him to remain here? And he has heard all we have said!” “Never fear; he is dead drunk, and cannot harm us.” “Better kill him! Dead men tell no tales!” And drawing a knife, the speaker advanced to oa apenas Texan, to carry his words into effec > ‘* Better let him alone,” admonished old Sloan. “He has afriend up-stairs who might give us trouble. Tl warrant this one will not disturb us. “Oh, well, if you'll risk it, of course I will. But you can't be too careful how you take in strangers, for the officers are hunting us down like hounds.” “And there ain’t one half so dangerous as that Man-from-Texas. I verily believe he would go through fire and water to carry out his purpose!” aie as, Arnold; but that fire was too much for him last night. He perished in it.” **Ts he—Rock Randel—dead?” “He is, beyond doubt.” ‘«Then we have reason to rejoice. But wusn’t that fire more than you intended?” * “Tt was more than we bargained for. Bag- ster found that the Vigilantes were so close upon bim_ that he must burn his shebang to hide his work. But the wind was so strong that it drove the fire down the whole city. All is for the best, after all, I guess, for Bagster made a bi ia) in buying up the damaged quartz mi “Oh ‘it’san ill wind that blows nobody good,’ you know.” “*T believe it, But come, we have a long ride 9 before us, and it is time we were moving. Bring out the girl, Sloan, and we’ll be off.” ‘You can go with him, Joeand Devins,” said the owner of the sharp voice, who had been called Arnold by his confederate. ** We will bring her out this way,” said Sloan as he moved away. “That stage job to-day was a bad affair, Arnold.” ““Worse than that. But, look here, Bill, it ar’n’t best for that gal to see our faces.” ‘You are right. Let’s put on our masks.” The desperadoes had barely adjusted their dis- guises, when Rock Randel, who had not moved for the past half-hour, suddenly sprung to his feet with the agility of a panther, and bounding before the startled men ere they could con:pre- hend the movement, and leveling a revolver at the face of either, cried: * Movean inch and you are dead men!” CHAPTER XV. EXCITING SCENES. NEVER were men more completely surprised than the pore era confronted so suddenly by Rock Randel. In a moment it became evident that he had been playing a deep scheme. y what could not the fertile brain of The- Man-from-Texas devise or out? “That you are a dead man if you move!” An oath escaped the man’s li Granny Sloan started to her feet in unspeak- able terror. All this as it were in the flash of a second's time, and then the doors were thrown open, and a trio of armed men bounded into the apartment. The foremost was the officer of the stage and the others two of his assistants. “Take ’em!” said Rock coolly, ‘if ye want the leaders of the Cross-tree road-agents.” “Never!” yelled Ridley fiercely, and, un- mindful now of the Texan’s firearm he sprung to one side to escape. His confederate, tco, followed his example. Lively times ensued. The four found it no easy task to ove the desperate men brought so fearfully at bay. In the twinkling of an eye the latter had drawn their weapons, and shot succeeded shot with startling pony i Leaping to and fro to escape the fire of their assailants they tried to gain the door. Rock saw and understood the move. At the moment the light was extinguished, and the combatants were left in darkness, But The-Man-from-Texas had ‘‘spotted ” his. wer victim. Ridley was on the threshold when Randel felled him to the floor like a stricken ox. Arnold had received a bullet-wound which was bleeding profusely, and he was fast losing his strength. As his confederate fell he, too, was over- powered. ** Have ye got him?’ asked Rock. “ Yes. » “Then blaze up that pitcl “not. I want to see how the coyotes look.’ A light was quickly procured and brought forward. “First of all make ‘em fast,” cautioned the Texan. “This done—they were still unconseious from ‘the blows they had received—Rock tore the mask from their faces. “te powers!” ejaculated the officer as he saw the features of the larger; ‘tis Dan Rid- ley, mayor of Ridley’s Bluff!” ‘True as preachin’, old beaver.” “But he can’t be one of the road-agents! You have made a fearful mistake.” “Not much! Didn’t he fought like one on ‘em? Let’s see how his pard looks.” The other was 4 stranger to all. “ Whelping hound!” exclaimed The-Man-from- Texas. Max
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| ' | a f | 10 a i a At this juncture Alf, who had been aroused by the noise of the conflict, appeared upon the scene, His surprise cannot well be told. He saw Rock before him, well and active; and of the others? “Kem, old pard,” cried Rock, ‘ don’t stand there looking like a turkey peeking ina jug. I hev found yer peppermint! Yer sugar-heart, I inean, and we must resky her from the coyotes.” “Have you found Lilla, Rock? Is she safe?’ ‘Hark! thar she kems! stand one side the docr, and Alf, ye stand on other with me. Let the varmints get fairly in the room, end then go for’em, rough-and -tum- ble. But, don’t hurt the gal. Hist! quick!” Quickly taking the position easigne them by The-Man-from-Texas, they waited for the ap- pearance of the expected ruffians, They were not kept in suspense long. The door was jerked open by the old man Sloan, and his confederates came into the room, dragging Lilla with them. ‘We had a hard tussle to get the she—” The sentence was never finished. Before they could understand the danger the three were prisoners. 4$ ee yes hurt, my darling?” asked Alf, as he ot illa in his arms. “No. But, Alf, I hardly know you in this disguise, How did you come here?” ‘*T will tell you all by and by. Are you sure you are unhurt?” ‘Perfectly. But what won’t those dreadful men do next?” “No more harm, I trust. See, they are pris- oners now.” “Wal, I declar’, purty one, ye look as sweet as ever. But I’ll bet ye hev had a tough time. Hev ye been to supper?” asked Rock. “have had what will pass for that. But I do not know you, sir.” ** Don’t know me? JeemsStopple! look ag’in. Ob! 1 mowher mewt A pene changed some fence you see’d me afore, ese ’ere ping make me look like somebod ants “But, how is it, Rock? I see you alive and well, when you seemed so near gone only a short tim, , ‘* Ki-yil "bout gone under, wasn’t I?” **T thought so, truly.” “Old coon, ye must ’scuse me for playin’ ’pos- sum on ye. smelt what war up hyar, from what J hed heerd, and so I tra to ketch the game. I told the officers what I war goin’ to do, and instead of keepin’ on to Cross-tree to kem back and be y to help me out. I thought *bwa’n’t best to ge ye inter the muddle, ’cause ye are young and don’t know mueh ’bout war. ‘Won’t think hard on me for it, will ye? Re- ra ie in a long run I am your friend to the ast. “You have done nobly, and here is my hand.” “* And hyar is mine, old beaver.” While the conversation recorded was taking place, the others were binding their last pris- oners. Granny Sloan had remained in the corner, hless. In the midst of the lull in affairs one of the captives suddenly sprung to his feet, t was Dan Ridley who had undone the bung- ling knot tied in his ee | and he was free! Before any one could stop him he had leaped through the open door and was gone. ** Randel Rock!” cried The-Man-from-Texas, the first to move, ‘thar goes the coyote!” and he started to follow him, when his goggles fell down on his nose so that it blinded bis sight, and he stumbled and came near falling over one of the men. ‘Leaping painters! I wish’em lookers war whar my knot is!” and Rock threw the glasses from him excitedly. Meanwhile the fleeing desperado had gained the open air, and springing upon the back of one of the horses hitched in the yard, was heard to ride madly away. hyar,” exclaimed Rock. ri “ Look t ‘‘That varmint don’t escape ef I have to foller him through the sea o’ Californy!” and seizing his rifle from the corner he rushed out of doo: sprung into the saddle of a second iy pas ownward upon the course of the flying outlaw. CHAPTER XVL A WILD CHASE. Tue clatter of~the horses’ hoof-strokes soon died away in the distance. “They have gone on toward Cross-tree, but I Te Dandy Rock's Pledgre. PRESS Ue ae ET EE Se) | TS ERT SOR ere neater Sree te gE eS Te Se fear Rock won't overtake him,” said the officer. ‘Tt war a careless job of ours, anyway.” ‘* Who was that man?” asked old Sloan, the only one who had anything like self-possession among ‘the prisoners. ‘“*Rock Randel, The-man-from-Texas.” “Then he has more lives than a painter!” ‘‘-Yes; and he ain’t afeared to risk any of \them. But come, men, we must start on for Cross-tree.” After cousultaticn, however, it was decided Hyar, two on ye | to spend the night at the place. But little sleep visited any there that night. Granny Sloan, despite her protestations, was put under guard, Dumb Dick, strange to say, could not be found. We have made no attempt to portray the hap- piness of our lovers who were so suddenly and unexpectedly reunited. As yet, they could h y realize that they were safe, True, there was still a price set on the head of Alf, but he had little to fear from that, now. In the morning all set out for Cross-tree to- gether, leaving the Wayside Home deserted. Here permit us to anticipate by saying that the outlawed road-agents who had nm cap- tured were summarily dealt with according to border law. Sloan and his wife, however, were permitted to de in peace with the under- standing that they should leave -the country, which t ‘! were not slow in ee Dumb Dick proved to be Arnold, the robber, in disguise. Reaching Cross-tree and leaving Lilla at her home in safety, Alf joined a party that set out to the aid of Rock. Meanwhile let us turn to follow the fortunes of the intrepid Texan. In speed the animals of the fleeing outlaw and his nae a were about equal. iding for life or death the first urged his steed on to its very utmost, while Rock with Harpo scarcely less determined, gave him chase. “ Go it, old p’izen-eye!” yelled The-Man-from- comets ‘it’s a long trail that ain’t got any en For the first two miles the distance between them did not seem to vary. Rock was growin nervous, and he be ay to finger bis rifle, resolv to try ashotsoon if a change in the race did not occur, when he found thatat last he was gaining on the other. Ay, his horse was likely to prove the stronger in a long race, It soon became pppersnt that his foe under- stood this, from the hurried glances that he con- stantly cast backward, Still they rushed on till two miles more had been passed, and k was now bearing close down upon his victim. “* Hold up!” he cried, “‘ or I'll fire!” A hoarse laugh was the only reply, and almost. the same instant Ridley wheeled his horse nests to the left and disappeared in the growth, With a cry of defiance Randel watched for the opening and as he reached it followed furi- ously upon the new course of the desperado, They were now riding along a bridle-path that k knew led through Cross-tree valley toa mining settlement at the lower extremity of the mountain range. Of course their progress was somewhat slower, though the Texan man- aged to keep his man in sight the most of the time. '' ‘*T don’t like this,” he exclaimed. ‘‘ The var- mint means mischief in leading me off hyar.” Ashe gave the thought expression, he struck his horse a smart blow to urge him forward at a quicker pace, when the animal reared and lunging on headlong for a few rods reeled and zee the earth, where it lay in a quivering eap. Rock had succeeded in freeing his feet from the stirrups and sprung safely to the ground. first thought was to look for his foe, but he had disappeared from view. It took but a glance to show that his poor horse had done its work. ‘Tis too bad, but I don’t see how it can be helped,” he ejaculated, as he witnessed the mo- mentary sufferings of the beast that soon Jay rigid in death. ‘The coyote has flung me ont, this time, sure. But I must follow on foot.” . Without hesitation Rock started on again at his peculiar lo ing pace, following without dif- ts le ficulty the hoof- t by Ridley’s horse. and on, dos r and deeper into the forest | he pursued the of his foe. mile was gene over when he found that the hoof-marks no longer were seen in the path, but that they had turned aside, taking a course now more directly toward the meuntains, ‘By the plains o’ Texas, I am runnin’ the varmint to his den,” he muttered. After this, however, he found the tracks harder to distinguish. The country was becom- ing more broken, and often for ni at a time he could find no trace of them, until at last he was forced to pause. True, the sky was thickly studded with stars, but it was not daylight. As Rock gianced about bim he saw with a start further up the hillside the fresh mound of earth which marked the grave of the unfortu- nate Roland Maxcy. “* My rifle,” he exclaimed, as he gazed upon the fatal spot, ‘‘ the coyote who helped put you thar is corraled, The other, too, shail follow, or Rock Randel passes in his own check, He don’t wt) 3 his pledge.” _ While looking to the right and left Rock’s sight became fixed upon the rocky gully below. ‘Jeems Stopple! they kem from thet way, and who can tell but they war right from their den? I must explore that place,” saitbece action to the thought he cautiously advanced in that direction, while he searched every bowlder and thicket with flashing eyes for some indication of a lurking foe. A hundred rods further down the hollow he was brought to a stand-still by the sound of a human voice, or at least he would have sworn that he heard such. ‘*Tt can’t be my old ears have fooled me?” he asked himself, as he listened in vain to hear it again. ‘“‘ Hist! there it is!” “* Help—help!” CHAPTER XVII. It was a woman’s voice that seemed to come from below him. After glancing about Rock ran forward for a few rods when he suddenly found himself upon the brink of a cliff with an abyss yawnin below of many feet. Barely saving himselt from falling off into the depths, he stopped on the very edge. “ Hel—” “Stop that jade’s clatter or I’ll knife you!” As the words fell plainly upon his ears, Rock glanced downward to look upon an exciting scene. At least thirty feet below him, on the side of the solid ledge was a sort of shelf or passway and on the narrow strip of rock with a chasm below of unknown depth, he saw three men— the foremost, Dan Ridley, with a woman in his arms! ‘“‘ Why don’t Joe come along? It is no time to dally.” ““T guess he can’t find the powder.” “Strange! Many times as I have told you to be ready to leave at a moment’s warning, you ain’t ready now!” “But this is deuced sudden, colonel. What has bu’sted that you come here in this awful excitement, and say we must leave the country at once?” “The Old Boy is to pay, that’s the matter! Arnoldisa prisoner! Sloan and the all Wayside have been hauled up. The whole city is burned up, and Bagster’s had to get. I barely escaped by the skin of my teeth to be pursued almost to this spot! If we don’t get out of this before morning we never shall! ‘*Bad’s that? But whar are ye going to pitch next?” ‘‘ Newry’s camp, fifty miles to the south. But tee’ Se ga layaet drone come along?” m his position Rock could obtain only a tiel view of the party below, but he dared not move for fear of betraying his presence. He saw that the path d until it reached the top of Fhe dred feet to his right. “While trying to devise some way to rescue the captive, a man came out of an open in the ae of the rock behind the outlaws and joined em. “T can’t find it to save my life, and the boys are swearing like blazes ’cause you won't divy the spoils here.” Ps them!” exclaimed Ridley, excitedly, “*T will go back and silence them or break their necks, Here, Dane, hold this woman and see that she don’t escape while I am gone.” “Better throw her over the precipice end have done with the bother of her! She Has caused us more trouble than all else we havo had to deal with.” ‘Over with her then! If you make a sure thing of her death fifty dollars are yours!” an- | swered the maddened chief, as he turned te | enter the cavern. ascended e cliff a few hun-
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Dandy Rock's Pledge. * “Greed!” cried the heartless wretch. ‘‘ Here “Pardon me, but I have marred your good- 3s for her!” As the monster tried to hurl the poor woman out over the frightful chasm which yawned down till lost in the darkness, she clung to him with frantic desperation. ‘*Qla, spare me! spare me!” : . Seeing that their companion was having his hands full, the other inhuman ruffians sprung to his assistance. A ery of horror escaped the lips of Rock Randel! as he saw the hapless one’s pert. In an instant his rifle was at his shoulder, and glancing along its barrel he took hasty aim at the nearest desperado and fired. Two death cries blending as one rung out with frightful accents on the night, for the second villain bad leaped forward in time to receive the bullet that had passed through the brain of the other. Then, the stricken twain, reeling backward, went crashing down the declivity into the depths, carrying with them in their death clutch the luckless woman! ‘Good God!” cried Randel as he saw the doomed three disappear from sight, ‘I have done it!” and the strong man inured to dangers and sufferings of every kind, staggered back for the moment, bewildered. The remaining outlaw glanced around in terror. Ridley heard the shot, and came rushing back from the cavern in alarm. Rock quickly recoverei himself and turned to leave the spot, when he found himself con- fronted by three of the most brutal desperadoes he had seen, who had discovered him and were trying to reach him without being heard. ecing no way to escape them without a fight, the Texan was not long in emptying the remain- ing barrel of his rifle, and one of the ruffians ell. The others, armed with knives, sprung for- ward with fierce yells. Casting aside his rifle, Rock drew his revol- vers and began discharging them with light- ninglike he ing th Before the twain could reach him his shots had sent another to the earth. But, undaunted by the fate of his companions, the survivor hurled himself upon the cool mar an. Receiving the outlaw’s attack with a bold front, Rock sent him headlong upon the brink of the canyon. Though partially stunned,the man, still uncon- quered, sprung to his feet, and with an oath, again threw himself upon his adversary. n too close quarters now to use powder and ball, Rock dashed up the intended blow of his combatant with the left arm, and with the other sent him reeling to the earth for the second time. He was about to spring upon him and thus end the contest, when he received a sharp blow apes the head, which felled him by the side of is foe. Ridley and others had heard the firing and reached the spot at this juncture. ‘“‘ Ho!” exclaimed the chief, as his followers overpowered the senseless Texan, ‘‘ it is the man whom of all others I most desire. I am satis- fied now, come what may. Bring him down in- to the cavern.” : Lifting Rock in their arms they bore him down the narrow way and into the somber re- treat which the outlaws made their stopping- We came near saying home, but suc men as they know not the meaning of such a blessed word. The-Man-from-Texas came to his conscious- ness to find himself ping upon the jagged bot- tom of the cave and a dozen of the coarse-fea- tured desperadoes standing round him. ‘At last, Rock Randel, I have triumphed,” said Ridley, as he waved a torch over the prison- er’s head. ‘‘Let me see if you are securel a for I don’t intend you shall escape, th } Thenashe examined the captive’s bonds he continued: ‘Ha, men, bring me that raw hide, and Tl make him a little more secure,” when Rock’s arms were pinioned behind him in @ manner no wer of his aoe loosen. His ankles were also ed as firmly. “There,” sail the outlaw chief, arising to his feet with the smile of a demon, “I'll warrant that. But I would like to see how you look pod ss ame out of on oe Po yg your on I will remove these Drawing his knife he cut off the wig and false Rock was wearing, and nearl severing one-half of his ear in doing it throug a carelessness that seemed itentional. looks a little I fear,” he said mockingly. ‘* But it will be all the same to you where your are going. Guess I vill keep this hair for my use. think it ’l1 be—” Thus far Rock had not said a word, but as he felt the blood trickling down his neck and he listened to the taunts of his captors he could stand no more. : ; Springing half way to his feet in his excite- ment he cried: “‘ Coyote, I would give my life for a moment’s freedom!” __— CHAPTER XVIII BACK FROM THE GRAVE. “Ha! ha!” laughed the outlaw leader, ‘I have no more to fear from you. Men, bear him back into the rear of the dungeon-cave. We have no more time to fool away here.” Rock was ponghly dragged to the extremity of the underground passage. “There,” spoke the chief aguin, ‘‘this place was originally the course of the stream that now flows to the other side of thecanyon. We turn- ed the water there so we could have this chan- nel for a place uf exit in case our retreat should be discovered and our escape cut off at our usual pass-way. Now we shall leave you here, and as we go away tear down the dam that keeps the torrent back and let it come in upon you. It will be a horrible death for you, but it is the best I choose to do, Come, men, let’s away. Farewell, Rock Randel; may you die a ith the words the speaker turned away fol- lowed by his band, Rock had said nothing, knowing its useless- ness. As the Jast sound of their footsteps died awa a feeling of utter loneliness came over him suc as he had never felt. Still he would not yield to despair. Too often had he faced death to act the coward now, He worked his bonds in vain to accomplish his liberty. Knowing it was a waste of strength to con- tinue the efforts he sunk back, resolved to meet his end calmly. Hark! Was that the rush of water? The outlaw chief had kept his threat! In a moment the tide began to rush up on every side of him and the place was soon over- run with the water. Merciful heaven! he was lost now! Faster and faster, higher and higher swept the angry current! In a moment Rock felt it cover his body, and though he was holding his head as high as possible it would soon be under the flood! It laved his mouth! Another minute and he would be drowned! Nearly frantic he struggled to arise, but only to fall back in despair. In his exertions, however, he found that he was near the wall of the cavern. This gave him hope; and by catching the cord around his wrists upon the ragged surface of the rock he succeeded in raising himself to a half upright posture, It cut and tore his flesh; still his life was at stake and he heeded it not. In that uncomfortable position he found he could keep his head above the stream. But the agony he endured was beyond description. Shut up in that horrible place, surrounded by a darkness so intense that he could seem to feel its weight upon his feverish face, expecting every breath to slip into the tide, each moment seemed to him an eternity. At times be was tempted to let himself down into the flood and thus seek relief in death. Still with that tenacity so peculiar to the hu- man being he clung to life. Hours dragged themselves away until it truly seemed that years had Tt was not until nature ws fast yielding to exhaustion and his very moments seemed num- bered, that Rock felt the cord upon his wrists slacken. Joy! Almost before he knew it they were free. The thong upon his feet, too, had so slack- ened that he quickly freed them, Weakened, cramped by his long inactivity, while suffering a numbness from lying in the water so long that he could not well shake off, he staggered to his feet. Thank God!” was all he could say. His deliverance which appenret a miracle, was vo leas or more than the vielding of the Li raw hide, with which the outlaws had bound, by saturation in the water. When at last he had somewhat recovered his strength Rock groped his way out of the dis- mal place. Nearly overjoyed, he finaily reached open air, to find that it was almost daylight. “ My gracious!” he said poe as he wrun the water from his drenched garments,” tha war leetle the toughest fix I hev been in since I kem to Californy. But 1’m good for another trip. First, I reckon Dll see ef that poor female is really gone under, and then I'll strike the trail o’ that varmint ag’in. Jeems Stopple! he sha’n’t ketch me nappin’ this time!” Following the narrow. passway up to the hights above, Rock could see that the river flowed at the base of the cliff. ‘‘] hope she escaped, but I’m mighty afeerd she didn’t.” As soon as gaining the top of the path he fol- lowed along the canyon’s brink, hoping to find a place where he could descend to the water. In this he was disappointed but he had not ot far when he caught sight of a form under he bank. With bated breath he looked again and saw that it was a woman’s figure. ‘‘ Hurray!” he cried in joyous excitement, when the person, aroused by the sound of his voice, started up and locked wildly around. “Hyar Iam! Are 1 damaged much?” “Oh! I’m nearly killed! Save me! save me!” she implored. “ Hold right on and I'll fish you out.” Going back into the forest Rock soon procured a long slender pole. Then taking off his coarse hunting-frock he tore it into strips of sufficient strength, and secured this hasti * improvised line the end of the stick. his done, he made a slipping-noose in the disengaged end of the con Ngee i it poms. he the by beogres ip it round your under your arms, and then Pl fetch you up.” a “It required a mighty effort, but he was equal to the task; and a few minutes later she stood beside him. ‘‘Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for deliverance from that fearful place,” she murmured, as she sunk upon the ground ex- hausted by her exertions. Rock himself but a little stronger could offer her little assistance. “T don’t think we hev any more to fear en the coyotes and a little rest will do us ood. % The woman was evidently in middle life, though the cares and sufferings she had ex- perienced made her seem much older. ‘How did you ’sca etting stove into sas- sages arter that tumble?” asked Rock. “T think it must have been owing to the bodies of those men, which broke the force of my fall. I found but little trouble in getting out of tha water, but I never expected to get out of that place alive. Kind sir, I owe my life to you, but I cannot find words to express my gratitude.” “T don’t want ye to hunt for ’em, not by a long stick. I reckon I hev had quite a tramp to fin SO ** Were you looking for me? Then you had heard of my captivity?” “Treckon. Ain’t you Roland Maxcy’s wife?” i ergy in great surprise, she cried: “Yes! Do a know aught of my husband? Speak! Is he l.ving?” wildered aw the speaker’s sudden earnest- ness, ‘Rock could not find his speech to answer at once. ‘Tell me,” she implored. ‘Where is he? I know you have met bim!” “T knowed him. I—” ‘‘ Then he is indeed dead? But there, I have mourned him as such these mapy years,” “Yes; he’s gone under,” said compas- sionately. ‘‘I] was with him when he gave his ates 9 His funeral is just up hyar a litt ” : 7, His—” ‘“T mean, his grave is in this valley not arifie- shot from fe “Where?” she asked, excitedly. “Can it be he was so near?” “Jesso. Foller me, and I'll show you the place.” She followed him in silence, too full for utter- ance. A few minutes’ walk brought them in sight of the lonely grave. “Thar!” said Rock, simply, as he pointed to the newly-made mound of earth. “Oh, my husband' my dear dear husband!”
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H iW z) ' HH } i it [SS SSS SSS = = a a ee had somewhat ap \Texan’s hand. ‘‘The guilty can’t escape pun- . ishment.” -\ “Rock Randel don’t intend they shall. So, f, my beaver, I’m off. Ef the varmint don’t fring me out I’ll kem round and see you and the spot. Betbhe she reached it, however, a wilder cry escaped her lips, Lying near the grave was a human form, that started slightly up at the sound of her voice. Pausing one moment spellbound, the next she threw herself by the side of the prostrate one, exclaiming: ‘*Oh, Roland! Roland! can this be possible?” Rock saw in ig amazement that Ro- land Maxcy was indeed living and lay before him. sant my wife!” was all the overjoyed husban eon say as he folded her in his arms. wee Ager tenderly the two remained locked in each other’s embrace, their happiness too great for words to express. After eighteen ea of separation, through the be: ficence of a nign Providence, the husband w.:i wife had been reunited. Rock, more used to scenes of hardship, dan- rand suffering, turned aside to brush a tear rom his eyes. When the first transport of their joy had pass- ed, the happy couple turned their minds to the affairs of the moment. Roland Maxcy, still suffering from the wound received af the hands of his foe, Hiram Lore, or Daniel gre f as the arch-villain called himself, was very fee le, In fact, his situation was very precarious. Instead of having been buried alive, as Rock had supposed, the shovelful of dirt thrown upon him by the outlaws had so far revived him that he understood his peril enough to crawl away from the spot into the neighboring bushes while the desperadoes were having their en- ‘ counter with the bear. In their hurry after their fight with bruin the outlaws filled up the grave without missing Maxcy, Still. he seemed little better off. Too weak to get away from the spot for any distance, he ad been forced to remain in the vicinity. He d his hunger and thirst by eating portions of the bear left by the rob- bers. e will the reader the agony and 8 se he must have endured. * Jeems Stopple!” exclaimed Rock, ‘‘ this am the queerest trail I ever set my peeping lights on. Howsumever, it’ll come out slick as thir- teen rows of live oaks. I hev corraled the black- faced chap as wanted to dig your funeral, and I have spotted t’other.” “‘ Between talks” Rock made what prepara- tions he could for the wounded man’s comfort. “T reckon we are three mpeht Poe bea- vers, and I'll be skulped alive ag’in ef I know tA. are going to get down to Cross- Again fortune favored them. The sun was little more than an hour’s time above the horizon, when they saw a party of horsemen approaching, the foremost of whom Rock quickly recognized as Alf Howe. Alfand his companions, who had come to find Rock and assist him in the capture of the outlaws, were surprised to meet the friends the Texan had found. After much talking it was decided to start at once for Cross-tree, which we are glad to say they reached without further adventure. It was a tedious journey to Roland Maxcy, but his wounds were not dangerous; and once he aa ma give BY igs where comfort and care cou ven him, a speedy recovery was looked forward to. z of Rock’s first move was to attire himself in a new suit of “‘toggery.” This done, he shoulder- ed his rifle, saying: ‘Wal, friends, [ reckon this coon is off like a split stick, He’s goin’ to strike the trail o’ that coyote, and he don’t let it git cold till thar’s powder burnt. He smells fun, wagh!” “Let him go, Rock,” said Alf as he held the alsome time. Roland Maxcy, I hope ye'll git round slick. Gi’n us your paw, for I’m on a powerful dig to git off. I can’t no more rest than a hickory sprout in a norther till I have kept my pledge.’ n spite of the request of his friends to remain with them and let the arch-demon, Hiram Lore, be left to m<et his mevitable doom sooner or inter from a just God, Rock mounted his horse, | Dandy Rock's Pledge. CHAPTER XIX. HUNTED DOWN. Srx months later. / Around the bar of a mining camp in Swift River Valley a score or more of roughly clad miners and loafers were startled from their drinking and story-telling by the sudden ap- pearance of a haggard-looking, wild-eyed stran- ger among them. : Clothed in rags, with a woe-begone expression upon his emaciated face, he flung himself upon the nearest dry-goods box, crying: “For mercy’s sake, save me!” t ‘‘What’s up?’ asked one of the surprised crowd. ‘*T am bunted like a dog!’ “The man is mad!” exclaimed a bystander. “Oh, my God! I shall go mad. Pity me! Let me hide somewhere till he is gone!” ‘* Who?” asked the amazed miners. ‘ As long as you carry a civil tongue you are safe here.” “Not that! Iam tracked! A man is hunting me to death!” “Sho! And ye look as if he hed driven ye most there! ‘But tell us what you want, and we are ready to help you.” Encouraged by the promise the new-comer started up. “Thank you,” he cried. ‘ Aid me and I will never forget your kindness, Secrete me so he he cannot find me.” Puzzled beyond expression the spectators stared upon him in silence. “ He will find me “Quick!” cried the man. and then I am a dead sinner!” “Whois hunting you? Explain yourself if you wish us to oe ny 8 “T am follow the spirit of a man who died in Cross-tree Hollow six months ago. He has tracked me like a blood-hound!” “A dead man hunting him? Ha--ha! he must be crazy!” zs “No—no! Let me—” Suddenly a dark form appeared in the door- way, and a laugh broke in upon the speaker’s words. Turning quickly about he uttered a cry of terror oil reeling forward, groaned; “Ttis he! I od lost!” The individual who had so abruptly made his ap nee was a tail strongly built person with a dark, sun-burned face, raven hair, and a full beard, “Randel Rock!” he exclaimed, ‘at last, co- yote, I hev hunted ye down!” “Rock Randel, The-Man-from-Texas!” cho- rused the bystanders. It was our hero, but greatly altered from what we remember him when in Cross-tree. Six months had healed the wounds he had received there, and given him a growth of lux- uriant hair. Instead of a mustache now he Ae a full beard which made him look much older. “Varmint,” he said, sternly, facing the cow- ering wretch who was none other than the sometime mayor of paaey Bluff, and also leader of the road-agents in conjunction with Black Arnold, ‘‘I hev follered * ks trail from Cross-tree to Newry’s Camp, from there to White Springs, and then to Lost Lead Mine, from whar ye hev kem to this place. Ef ye are not a sneaking coyote ye’ll meet me like a man. One o’ us must oe, ‘*Ts that you, Rock Randel, or your spirit?” ** Both, old chap, es true es I hail from old Texas. Kem, I am onpatient to try my shooter.” “IT have no quarrel with you, “plead the trembling villain. ‘‘ Why do you persecute me in this manner?” ‘* No quarrel with me?” repeated Rock, as he fixed his piercing gaze upon the other. ‘‘D’ye think I have forgotten the night you left me in that cave to go to my funeral in three feet of water tied hands and feets? D’ye think I shall ever lose the scar your knife left upon me? Nary a chip, old coyote. I swore to Roland Maxcy when ye had left him for a dead beaver es ye thought, that I would hunt ye till one o us went under. I want to tell you that Roland Maxcy and his wife are both above the sod and as bright as chippin’ birds in the pring. Tm round, too, as lively as a tumblebug in a shower.” “Ts Roland Maxcy living?’ asked the outlaw, in amazement. ‘“ And his wife, too?” “ Sartin sure, es true es possum shinnin’ an al- ligater in the dark,” “Let me go in peace and I will swear to never and turning his face toward Newry’s Camp, | molest you or them again.” started @enee more on the trail of death. i “Never! Ali I ask is fair play. Meet me Se ssi lisse slit ss SS SSS Sess . will be all right, only see that my body is covered out of sight. Ef tis you to turn up yer toes, Pll see ye are well earthed, Cuan ye ask for more?” ‘‘Tt’s square!” cried the crowd. ‘Stand up, stranger, and fight the Texan as a man.” “Til bet fifty on the long-haired chap!” de- clared one of the miners, but no one took up the wager, and in silence the crowd followed the duelists out of the building. Pale and trembling Hiram Lore took the posi- tion assigned him. Rock did the same and the two stood ready for the signal to turn and fire. fi Ere the warning numbers were counted which were to precede the fatal word, “fire,” the outlaw wheeled and with a hasty aim fired thinking to dispose of his foe and then escape the crowd. Fatal move. Nervous and excited his bullet flew wide of its mark. The-Man-from-Texas, firm and cool as ever, turned and slowly leveled his never-failing A sh eeded by a pierci s ang, suce y a piercing cry, and shaooiardiy wretch fell to earth to rise no more. Rock had fulfilled his mission. CHAPTER XX. EXPLANATORY. A year has passed since the eventful night of the burning of Ridley’s Bluff. No one who saw the city then in flames would realize that within twelve months’ time there would be no vestige of the fire, and that double the buildings would now mark the spot. Such is the case. Business flourishes and there is naught on the horizon of the future to destroy its ae arte Dan Sanford is now its mayor, ling his prawn with credit to himself and satisfaction to others. With the destruction of the road-agents as we have told, no others have arisen to break the peace of the country. 3 It is to the home of Roland Maxcy and his wife, who have settled down to a quiet life in Randelville, as the place once known as Rid- ley’s Bluff is now called out of respect to our Texan hero, that we would have the reader ac- company us. They have both recovered from the effects of: the suffering they had felt, and are extremely happy Papecsnenbly so, inasmuch as in the Neg la they have ound their long-lost daugh- r, She gladly accepted their proof of relation- ship, for Lemuel Divons had proved a stern and unloving master to her. It seemed when Roland Maxey was awa from home, Hiram Lore had gone to his wife and told her that he (Maxcy) was sick in. a dis- tant city. 5 She had not heard from him for a long time, and not knowing Lore’s true character she ac- cepted his story in Rrra faith, and with her child went to see her husband. Unable to find him at the designated place, she was about to return, when the arch-plotter again met her and told her that Roland had giv- en out a false report in regard to bein sick, but had really gone to California, wit. no intentions of ever returning to her. Of ‘course she could not believe the story,. though Lore brought forward men who csr- roborated what he had said. Mrs. Maxcy went back to her home, nearly broken-hearted, and yoy unable to find any trace of her husband, until she saw a California Paper one day, speaking of a Roland Maxcy oing business in one of the gee 3 settlements. Convinced now of Lore’s truthfulness, and a Cake there Mrs, Maxcy resolved to go to California, and with her young daughter reached the place to find. her relatives either dead or moved away. Again as if by some strange Sey: though really through his own machinations'to avenge himself upon.her for rejecting his hand in mar- riage, she met Hiram Lore. e knew, or at least pretended, to know noth- ing of her husband. ‘ From that day her troubles increased. Her child was lost, and supposed to have been killed. Her grief knew no bounds. Without the means to return to her home, and no friend to« send to, she remained in that place,
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Lore asked her to marry him, and after re- peating his offer without success he finall swore she should never know another moment's ce. fi caused her to be carried off by the ang of outlaws of whom he was the unknown leader. and she never knew an instant’s relief until through the work of Rock Randel she was again with her husband. He had after leaving his home, been imprison- ed for a crime of which he was innocent, and in a foreign land had been unable to send word to his friends; and thus when he at last returned his sorrow can be well imagined to find his wife missing. He followed her to California, but not to learn aught of her until the day our story opened he had seen Hiram Lore, and fallen by his hand. At last the happiness which had been so#long denied them was granted, and in their great joy, the past was temporarily forgotten. ‘ We need only one more to gladden us with his presence,” said Lilla, on the evening of which we speak, asin company with her hus- band, happy Alt Howe, she was visiting her parents, ** And he is Rock Randel,” replied her father. ** We have not heard a word m him for a year. “T reckon. Thought he would come to speak for himself straight as a row o’ thirteen live oaks!” cried a cheery voice in the doorway, and turning they beheld their noble friend. With one accord the four gathered around with anxious questions in regard to his wel- fare. “Glad to see ye all. Heerd "bout your streak of good luck, and jess pret I would trot ’round and set my peeping sig ts on you. I am as slick as a spruce tree, and twice as spry as a yaller jacket. I’m on my way to join an old d who has got into some tall doin’s up north.” ‘As uneasy as ever, my good fellow. But you must stop with us awhile. We have much to ask you, though first of all, we wish to know what has become of him whom you went in pursuit of?’ His simple reply was: ** Rock del has kept his pledge.” THE END. The Half-Dime Singer's Library. 1 Wuoa, Emma! and 59 other Songs. 2 Caprarn Curr and 57 other Songs. 8 Tur Gaixsporo’ Hart and 62 other Songs. 4 Jounny MorGan and 60 other Songs. 5 ux. 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i Speakers. BEADLE AND ADAMS have now on their lists the fol- lowing highly desirable and attractive text-books, prepared expressly for schools, families, etc. Each volume contains 100 large pages, printed from clear, open type, comprising the bent collection of Dia- logues Pramas and Recitations, (burlesque, comic and otherwise. ) The Dime Speakers for the season of 1890—as far as now issued—embrace twenty-three volumes, viz. : . Standard Speaker. 1, American Speaker. 13, School Speaker, 2. National Speaker. 14, Tudierous Speaker. 3. Patriotic Speaker. 15, Komikal Speaker. 4. Comic Speaker. 16. Youth’s § 334. Zebra Zack. 436, Masked Guide. 535, Masked M r. | 437. The Conspirators. 836, Morgan, the Pirate. , Gritening. 337, The y Spy 439, Caribou Zip. 338, Tahle, the Trailer. 440. The Privateer. 339, The Boy Chief. 441. The Black Spy. 340, Tim, the Trailer. 442, The Doom: unter. ) 841. Red Ax, 443, Barden, the Ranger. 342. Stella, the Spy. 444. The Gray Scalp. 343, The te Avenger. . The Peddler Spy. 344, The Indian King. 446, The White Canoe. 245, The Long Trail. 447. Eph Peters. 346, Kirk, the Guide. 448. The Two Hunters. 247. The Phantom Trail, | 449. The Traitor Spy. 848, The Apache Guide. | 450. The Gray Hunter. 349, The Mad Miner. 451, Little Moccasin. | 850, Keen Eye, the Ranger | 452. The White Hermit. | 851. Blue Belt, Guide. 453. The Island Bride. 352. On the Trail. 454. The Forest Princess. 353. The Specter Spy. 455. The Trail Hunters. 354, Old Bald Hi | 456. Backwoods Banditti. | 855. Red Knife, Chief. 457. Ruby Roland. | 356. Sib Cone, Trapper. 458. Laughing Eyes. | 857. The Bear Hunter. 459. Mohegan Maiden. 358. Bashful Bill, Spy. 460, The Quaker Scout. 359. The White Chief. 461, Sumter’s Scouts. 860, Cortina, Scourge. 462. The Five Champions, 361. The Squaw Spy. 463. The Two G 362. Scout of ’76 464, Quindaro. 863, awe Jack. 465. Reb Ruskin. 364, Masked Spy. 466. The Rival Rovers, 365, Kirke, Renegade. 467. Ned Starling. Comprising . Singie Hand. i Tippy, be a . You ustanger. . The Eunted Lite. . The Buffalo Trapper. . Old Zip. Foghorn Phil. . Mossfoot, the Brave. . Snow-Bird. . The Dragoon’s Bride Old Honesty. Bald Eagle. tandard Dime Publications. 480. The Black Princess. 481. The White Brave. 482 Riflemen of the Miami 483. The Moose Hunter. 9 The Brigantine. Put. Pomfret’s Ward. 486. Simple Phil. 490. Captain Molly. Others in Press. THE ILLUMINATED DIME POCKET NOVELS, the best works only of the most popular living writers in the field of American romance, Each issue a complete novel, with illuminated cover, rivaling in effect A 2. 3. 17, ZALSSSSSSASARARASSSASRESRESSSISHLELASSSASHEEHASS SASHELSSSBBNERELBASSS w& Hawkeye Fi : Dead Shot. fp a The Boy Miners. Blue Dick. . Nat Wolfe, The White Trecker. The Outlaw’s Wife. . The Tall Trapper. . Lightning Jo. . The Island Pirate. . The Boy Ranger. . Bess, ihe Trapper. 3. The . Long Shot. . Gunmaker of Border. . Red Hand. ‘ench Spy. Ben, the Trapper. Wild Raven, Ranger. The Specter Chief. The B'ar-Killer, Wild Nat. Indian Jo, the Guide. Old Kent, the Ranger. One- Trapper. Godbold, the Spy. The Black Ship. Single Kye. Tndtan | het The Scout. Eagle Eye. The Mystic Canoe. ae ha ag Harpoon, e King. Ol Ls manger e ; The Boy Pioneer. Carson, the Guide. The Heart-Eater. Wetzel, the Scout. The Huge Hunter. Wild Nat, the Trapper Lynx-cap. The Phantom Tracker Moccasin Bill. The Wolf Queen. Tom Hawk, Trailer. The Mad Chief. The Black Wolf. Mad Anthony’s Scouts The Luckless Trapper The Florida Scou' The Yellow Hunter. The Phantom Rider, Delaware Tom, Silver Rifle. The Skeleton Scout, Little Rifle. The Wood Witch, Old Ruff, the Trapper. The Scarlet Shoulders The Border Rifleman. Outlaw Jack. Tiger Tail, Seminole. Death er. Kenton, the Ranger. ig Horseman. Cy | | | e popular chromo. . Phil Hunter. 88. The Indian Scout. . The Girl Avenger. . The Red Hermitess. . The Antelope Boy. . The Phantom Hunter 87, 89 90. eG Star-Face, the Slayer. 93 94, Tom Pintle, the Pilot. . The Red Wizard. . The Rival Trappers, . The Squaw Spy. . Dusky Dick. . Colonel Crockett, 00. Old Bear Paw. 1. Redlaw. 102. Wild Rube. 108. The Indian Hunters, 104. Scarred Eagle. 105, Nick Doyle, 106, The Indie an Spy. 107, Job Dean. 108. The Wood King. 100. The Scalped unter, 110. Nick, the Scout. 112. The Crossed 1, The Texas Tiger. ives, 118. Tiger Heart, Tracker 114, The Masked Avenger 115. The Pearl Firates, 6. Black Panther. 117. Abdiel, the Avenger 118. Cato, the Creeper. Tw 9. o-Handed at. 120. Mad Trail Hunter, 121. Black Nick. | 122. Kit Bird. 1283. The ~ ang Riders, 124, Giant ‘ete. 125, The Girl Captain. 126. Yankee Eph. 127. Silverspur. 128. Squatter Dick. 129, The Child Spy. 130. Mink Coat. 131, Red Plume. yde, the Trailer. . O 183, The Lost Cache. 137, Kidnapped. 188. Maid of the Mountain. 189. The Scioto Scouts. 141. The Mute Chief. 142. Boone, the Hunter. 143. Mountain Kate. 145, The Lone Chief, 146, The Silver Bugle, 148. The ‘angled Trail, 149. The Unseen Hand. 150. The Lone Indian. 1, The Branded Brave, 152. Billy Bowlegs. 158, The Valley ut. 154, Red Jacket. 155. The Jungle Scout. .| 156. The Cherokee Chief, 157. The Bandit Hermit. 158. The Patriot Scouts. 159. The Wood Rangers, 160. The Red Foe. 1. Beautiful Unknown. 162. Canebrake Mose. 163, Hank, the Guide. 164. The Border Scout. 165. Wild Nat. 166. Maid of Lo} meme i 167, The Three Capti 168. The Lost Hunter. 169. Border Law. 170. The Lifted Trail. 171. The Trader Spy. 172. The Forest Specter, SONG BOOKS. BEADLE’s Dime Sona Boo the found in the market. Melodist, School Melodist, JOKE BOOKS. Pocket Joke Book. Paddy Whack Joke Book, +»... .~. Nos. 1 to 88, containing onl popular collection of copyright songs to be Music and Words. Jim Crow Joke Book, . The Border Renegade the Cheyenne
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|BEADLE'’S 32 Large Three-Column Pages. 1.4 Hard Crowd; on, GenTLEMAN Sam’s Sister, By Philip S. Warne. 2. The Dare-Devil; or, THz Winczp WrircH oF THE SEA. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 3. Kit Carson, dr., THz Crack SHOT or THE Wrest. By Buckskin Sam. 4. The Kidnapper; or, THe Great SHANGHAI oF THE NoRTHWEST. By Philip S. Warne. 5. The Fire-Fiends; or, HERCULES, THE Hounowupack. By A. P. Morris, 6. Wildcat Bob, Tue Boss Bruiser; or, THE BoRDER BLoopHounps. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 7. Death-Notch, THz Destroyer; or, Tue Sprrir LAke AVENGERS. By Oll Coomes. 8. The Headless Horseman, A strange story of Texas. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 9. Handy Andy. By Samuel Lover. 10. Vidoeq, THz Frencu Po.ice Spy. Written by himself, 11. Midshipman Easy. By Capt. Mar- ryat. 12, The Death-Shot; orn, TRACKED TO Deatu. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 13. Pathaway; or, Nick WHIFFLES, THE OLD TRAPPER or THE NorTHWEST. By Robinson. 14. Thayendanegea, THE Scourcz; or, THE W4Rr-EaGLE OF THE Monawks. Ned Buntline. 15. The Tiger-Slayer; or, EaG.r- HEAD To THE Rescus. By Gustave Aimard. 16, The White Wizard; or, Tue Great PROPHET OF THE SEMINOLES. By Ned Buntline. 17. Nightshade, Taz Rosser Prince or Hounstow Hratu. By Dr. J. H. Robinson. 18, The Sea Bandit; or, Taz QuEEN or THE Istx. By Ned Buntline. 19. Red Cedar, Tur Pramm Ovtiaw. By Gustave Aimard, 20. The Bandit at Bay; or, Tux Pr- RATES OF THE Pratrres. By Gustave Aimard, 21. The Trapper’s Daughter; or, THe OvrLaw’s Fars. By Gustave Aimard, 22. Whitelaw; or, Narrie or THE LAKE SnHore. By Dr. J. H. Robinson. 23. The Red Warrior; or, STELLA DELORME’s CoMANCHE Lover. By Ned Buntline, 24. Prairie Flower. By Gustave Ai- mard, author of ‘** Tiger-Slayer,” etc, 25. The Gold-Guide; or, Stren Arm, THE Reeuuator. By Francis Johnson. 26. The Death-Track; or, Tue Ovt- LAWS OF THE MounTary. By Francis Johnson, 27. The Rpotter Detectives or, THE Greats or New York. By Albert W. Aiken. 28. Three-Fingered Jack, Tux Roap- AGENT oF THE Rockies. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 29. Tiger Dick, Tox Faro Kina; or, Tue Casmrer’s Crime, By Philip S. Warne. 30. Gospel George; or, Firry FRzp, Tue Ovrtaw. By Joseph EK. Badger, Jr. 31. The New Work ' Sharp 3? on, THE FLASH oF Ligutnine, By Albert W. act 32. B’hoys of Yale; or, Tan Scrapes or 4 Harp Set or Couiegians. By John D. Vose. 33. Overland Kit. By A. W. Aiken. 34. Rocky Mountain Rob. By Aiken. 35, Kentuck, the Sport. By Aiken. 86. Injun Dick. By Albert W. Aiken. 3%. Hirl, the Hunchback; or, Tux SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEB. By Dr. J. H. Robinson. 388. Velvet Hand; or, Te Iron Grip or Ingzun Dick. By Albert W. Aiken. 39. The Russian Spy; or, Tru Brorna- ERS of THE STARRY Cross. By Frederick Whittaker. 40. The Long Haired ‘ Pards;’ or, THe Tarrars or THE PLAINS. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 41. Gold Dan; or, THe Waits Savacr OF Tow Great Saur Lake. By Albert W. Aiken. 42. The California Detective; OR, ‘Tae Wrrenes or New York. By Albert W. Aiken. 43. Dakota Dan, TH® RECKLESS RANGER; | 0?, THe Ber-Hunrars’ Excursion. By Oll Coomes. | SHARK oF THe MISSISSIPPI. i a ol Cee 44. Old Dan Rackback, Tue Great EXTARMINATOR. By Olli Coomes. 45. Old Bull’s Eye, THe Licurnine Ssor or THE Pras. By Joseph E, Badger, Jr. 46. Bowie-EKnife Ben, Tue LirTLx Hunrer of THE Nor’-west. By Oll Coomes, 47. Pacific Pete, Tor PRINCE oF THE Revotver. By Jos, E. Badger, Jr. 48. Idaho Tom, THe Youne OvuTLaw OF SILVERLAND. By Oll Coomes. 49. The Wolf Demon; or, THE QUEEN oF THE KaNAwHA. By Albert W. Aiken. 50. Jack Rabbit, Tur Prainm Sport; By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 51. Red Rob, THe Boy Roap-AGEnt. By Oll Coomes. 52. Death Trailer, Tue CHIrF oF Scoors. By Hon. Wm. F. Cody, (Buffalo Bill.) 63. Silver Sam; or, Toe MystTERy oF Deaiwoop City. By Col. Delle Sara. 54. Always on Hand; or, Tut Sportive Sport oF THE Foor His. By Philip S. Warne. 55. The Scalp Hunters. A RoMANCEOF THE PLAINS. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 56. The Indian Mateppe; or, THE Map Man oF THE Puiatns. By rt W. Aiken. 57. The Silent Hunter; or, Taz Scow1i Haut Mystery. By Percy B. St. John. KIT CARSON, JR.—No, 3, 58. Silver Knife; or, Wickiivrn, THE Rocky Mountrarm Ranger. By Dr. J. H. Robinson. 59. The Man From Texas; or, THE OvTLaW or ARKANSAS. By Albert W. Aiken, 60. Wide Awake; or, Tax Ipior or THE Buack His. By Frank Dumont. 61. Captain Seawaif, THz PRIVATEER. By Ned Buntline. 62. Loyal Heart; or, Taz TRappERs oF ARKANSAS. By Gustave Aimard. 63. The Winged Whale. 64. Double-S By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 65. ihe Red Rajah; or, Tar ScourcEe or THE Inpres. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 66. The Specter Barque. A TALE OF THE Paciric. By Captain Mayne Reid. 67. The Boy Jockey; or, Honesty VERSUS CROOKEDNESS. By Aiken. Carson TO 1HE Rescun. By Capt. J. F. C, Adams. 69. The Irish Captain; A TaLEe oF FOnTENoy, By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 70. Hydrabad, THe SrRanGLER; or, ALETHE, THE CurLp oF THE CorD. By Robinson. 71. Captain Cool-Blade, or, Taz MAN By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. ht, the Death Shot. | By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. | 68. The Fighting Trapper; or, Kir | ARY. Price 10 cts. 72. The Phantom Hand, A Srory or New York HEARTHS aND Homes, By A. W. Aiken. 73. The Knight of the Red Cross; or, THE MaGician oF Granapa. Dr. J. H. Robinson. 74. Captain ofthe Rifles. A Romance OF THE MrxicaN VALLEY. By Captain Mayne Reid. 75. Gentleman George, or, PAR.or, Prison, StaGE AND SrrEET. By Albert W. Aiken. 76. The Queen’s Musketeer; or, THISBE, THE PRincEsS Patmist. By George Albony. 77. The Fresh of Frisco; or, THE Herress oF BuENAVENTURA. By Albert W. Aiken. 78. The Mysterious Spy; or, Gotpzn FEATHER, THE BuccANHER’s DAavGuHTER. By Grainger. 79. Joe Phenix, tHe Pouice Spy. By Albert W. Aiken, Each Number Complete. TRE DwarFr. By Philip 8. Warne. 81. The Human Tiger; or, A Hart or Frre. By Albert W. Aiken. 82. Iron Wrist, the Swordmaster. 4, By Col. Thomas H. Monstery. { 83. Gold Bullet Sport; or, taz Kyicuts OF THE OVERLAND. By Buffalo Bill 84. Hunted Down; or, THE Waits Wire. By Albert W. Aiken. 85. The Cretan Rover; or, ZULEIKAH, THE BEAUTIFUL. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 86. The Big Eunter; or, Tur QurENn OF THE Woops. By the author of ‘‘ Silent Hunter.” 87. The Scarlet Captain; or, THE PRISONER OF THE TowER. By Col. Delle Sara. 88. Big George, THE GIANT OF THE Guicx; or, Taz Frve Ovrtaw Brotuers. By Badger. 89. The Pirate Prince; or, Pretty NELLY, THE QUEEN of THEIsLE. By Col. Ingraham. 90. Wild Will, Tur Map RancHenro; or, THe TERRIBLE Texan. By Buckskin Sam. 91. The Winning Oar; or, Tox InN KEEPER’s DAUGHTER. By Albert W. Aiken. 80. A Man of Nerve; or, Caiman, 92. Buffalo Bill, Tue Buckskin Kine; By Major Dangerfield Burr. 93. Captain Dick Talbot, Kine os THE RoaD. By Albert W. Aiken. 94. Freelance, Tur BucCANEER; or, The Warr or THE Wave. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 95. Azhort, THE Axman; or, THE SECRETS orf THE Ducat Paace. By Anthony P. Morris. 96. Double-Death; or, THz Spy QuEEN or Wyomine. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 97. Bronze Jack, THE CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED. By A. W. Aiken. 98. The Rock Rider; or, TE Spr OF THE Srerrs. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 99. The Giant Rifleman; or, Wimp Lire IN THE LUMBER Regions, By Oll Coomes. 100. The French Spy; or, Taz Brmer oe — A Story of the Commune, By A. P. ) 101. The Man from New York; or, Tue Romance or A Rich Youne Woman. By Albe W. Aiken. 102. The Masked Band; or, THE Man Wrrnovut A Name. By George L. Aiken. 103. Merle, the Mutineer; or, THE | BRAND OF THE Rep AncHoR. By Col. P. Ingraham. rt 104. Montezuma, the Merciless; or, Tue EAGLE AND THE Serpent. By Col. P. Ingraham. 105. Dan Brown of Denver, TxHr | Rocky Mountain Derectrve. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. | 106, Shamus O’Brien, Tux Bovtp Boy | oF Guinea; or, IntsH HEARTS AND InisH Homes, By Colonel Delle Sara. 107. Richard Talbot of Cinnabar; or, THE BROTHERS OF THE Rep Hann. By Albert W. | Aiken. Ready November 10th. 108. The Duke of Diamonds; or, THE | Frower or CatcuTtTa. By Fred. Whittaker. Nov. 17. A new issue every two weeks, Beadie’s Dime Library is for sale by all | Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of twelve cents each. BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York.
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“ SR A RL RT ST | BEADLE’S | HALF-DIME | 2) Se ct 1 Deadwood Dick, Tr PrrNcE or THE RoAD; or, THe Buack RipeRk oF THE BLACK Hints. By Edward L. Wheeler. Yellowstome Jackj or, TRAPPERS OF THE ENcHANTED: Grounp, By Jos. E, Badger, Jr. KMansas Kine; or, THe Rep Riaar HAnNp. By Buffaio Bill «Hon. Wm. F. Cody). Khe Wild-fiorse Hunters. By Captain Mayne Reid and Captain Frederick Whittaker. Vagabond Joe, tHe Younc Wanverine JEW; or, PLorimxa vor A LrGaAcy. By Oll Coomes. Bill Biddon, Trapper; or, Lire IN THE Nortuvest.- By Edward §. Ellis. The Fiying Yankee; or, Tae Ocean Ovrt- cast. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 8 Seth Jomesys or, THs CAPTIVES OF THE FRON- Tien. By Edward §. Ellis. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen. 10 Nat Todd} or, THe Fats or THE Stovx Cap- trves. A Sequel to Bill Biddon, Trapper. By Edward §. Ellis. 11 The Two Detectives; or, THE ForTUNES or A Bowrry Giri. By Albert W. Aiken. i2 Guliiver’s Travels. A Voyage to Lilliput, and a Voyage to Brobdingnag. By Dean Swift. 13 The Dumb Spy. By Oll Coomes, author of “Vagabond Joe,”’ ete. 14 Aladdiny or, Tar Wonperrv. Lamp. 15 The Sea-Cat; or, THe Wrren or DARIEN. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 16 Robinson Crusoe. His Life and Surpris- ing Adventures, (27 Illustrations.) By Defoe. 17 Ralph Roy, tHe Boy BuccaNnesr; or, THE Fugitive Yacut. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 18 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven Voyages. From the Arabian Nights. 19 Khe Phantom Spy; or, Tae Por or THE Pramizn. By Buffalo ill. 20 The Double Daggers; or, DEADwoop Dick's Deriance. By Edward L. eeler. 21 The Frontier Angel, A Romance or Krn- TucKy Raneger’s Lire. By Edward 8. Ellis. 22 The Sea Serpent; or, Tae Boy Rosinson Crusor. By Juan Lewis. 23 Nick o? the Night; or, Taz Boy Spy or "76. T. C. Harbaugh. - © Ww CS >| B 24 Diamond Dirk; or, THe Mystery oF THE | YeuuowsTone. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 25 The Boy Captain; or, THE Prrare’s Daventer. _By Roger Starbuck. 26 Cloven Hoot, tue Burrato Demon; or, THE Borper Voutures. By Edward L. Wheeler. 27 Antelope Abe, tHe Boy Gus. Oll Coomes, 28 Buffalo Ben, tae Prince or THE PIsToL; or, Deapwoop Dick In Diseutse. FE. L. Wheeler. 29 The Dumb Page; or, Tue Does’s DauGH- Ter. By Capt, Frederick Whittaker. 30 Roaring Ralph Rockwood , THE RECK- tess RANGER. By Harry St. George. 31 Meen-Knife, Prixce oF THE Prams. By Oll Coomes. 32 Bob Woolf, THe Border RvurFian; or, THE Girt Deap-Suor. By Edward L. Wheeler. 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, THe Rep Prrates of THE CaRIBBEES. By &, W. Pierce. 34 Orecon Sol; or, Nick Wuurries’ Boy Spy. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 35 Wil Brorurknoop oF DratH. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 386 The Boy plow ns or, THE QUEEN oF THE | \ Argna. By Frank 8. Finn. 37 The Hidden Lodge; or, Tae Litrie Hen- TER OF THe AprRONDACKS. By T. C. Harbaugh. 38 Ned Wylde, Tue Boy Scour. By Texas Jack. 89 Death-Face, tae Detective; or, LIFE AND Love In New York. By Edward L. Wheeler, 40 Roving Ben. A Storyor a Youna AmMeERI- cAN Wno WANTED TO Sex THE WortD. Marshall. 41 Lasso Jack, THe Youne MustTanarer. By O}l Coomes. 42 The Phantom Miner; or, Dxsvwoop Dick's Bonanza. By Edward L. Wheeler. A383 Dick Darling, THe Pony Express Riper. B eet Frederick Whittaker. 44 Ratt ing Rube; or, Tue Nicur Hawks or Kentocky. By Harry St. George. 45 Old Avalanche, THe GREAT ANNIHILATOR; or, WiLp Epna, THE Girt Bricannd. E, L. Wheeler. 46 Glass mre THe GREAT SHOT OF THE West, By Capt. J. F.C. Adams. 47 ightingale Nat; or, Taz Forest CAPrarns. By T. C. Harbaugh. 418 Black John, THe Roav-AGEnT; or, THE Out- LAws’ Retreat. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 49 @maha Oll, THe Maskep Terror: or, Drap- wood Dick IN DANGER. By Edward L. Wheeler. 50 Burt Bunker, THe Trapper. A Tale of the Northwest. By C. E. Lasalle. 51 The Boy ifles; or, THE UNDERGROUND Camp. Archie ©. Irons. 52 The ite Buffalo. Adventure in the Northwest. 57 Deadwood Dick’s Eaglens or, THE PARpDs or FLoop Bar. Ba hod heeler. 58 The Border King; or, Tue Secret For. By Oll Coomes. 59 Old Hickory; or, Panpy Exiis’s Scaup. By Harry St. George. , 60 The White Indian; or, THe Scouts or THE YELLOWSTONE. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, Taz Rep Rirte Team. By Edward L. Wheeler. ivan, tug Boy CiaupE Duvat; or, THE | | 88 Photograph P | 68 The | 76 Abe Colt, tHe Crow-Kitix 62 The Shadow Ship; or, Tae Rrvau Litv- TENANTS. By Col. Prentiss a. 63 The Ked Brotherhood; or, THe Twetve AvrEenGErs. By W. J. Hamilton. 64 Dandy Jack; or, Tue OUTLAW OF THE OREGON Tram. By T. C. Harbaugh. 65 Muarricane Bill; or, Mustane Sam anp His “DParp.” By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 66 Single Handj3 or, A Lire ror 4 Lire. By W. J. Hamilton. 67 Patent-leather Joe 3 or, OLp RATTLESNARE, THE CHARMER. By Vhilip S. Warne. Border Robin Hoody or, Tar Prainte Royer, By Buffalo Bill. 69 Gold Rifle, tHe SHARPsHOOTER; or, THr Boy DETECTIVE OF THE BLACK RancH. By Wheeler. 70 Old Zip’s Cabin; or, THe GREENHORN IN THE Woops. By J. F. C. Adams. 71 Delaware Dick, THE Youna RANaER Spy; or, BRorHER AGAINST BROTHER. By Ol! Coomes. LIBRARY. | | 120 The Branded Hand; or, Taz MAN oF 72 Mad Tom Western, THE Texan RANGER; | or, THE QUEEN or THE PRAIRIE. By Hamilton. 73 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Cauamity JANE, THE Herormse oF WHOoP-Up. By Wheeler. | | 74 Hawk-eeye Harry, F THE YOUNG TRAPPER Ranger. By Oll Coomes. 75 The Boy Duelist; or, Tre Cruise oF THE Sra-Wo.F. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. R; or, THE GREAT FicHtina MAN oF THE West. By A. W. Aiken. 77 Mach ott A Charlie, tax Boy Bravo; or, Drapwoop Diox’s Last Act. By E. L. Wheeler. 78 Blue Dick; or, THe YELLow Curer’s VEN- GEANCE. By Captain Mayne Reid. 79 Sol Ginger, THE GIANT TRAPPER; or, THE FLOWER OF THE BLACKFEET. A. W. Aiken. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nuceer Nep, rar Knieut or THE GuLcH. By Edward L. Wheeler. 81 Li J, THE TERROR OF THE PRAIRIE. 7 aptain J. F. C. Adams. ° 82 Kit Haretoot, THz Woop-Hawk; or, Op Powprr-Face AND His Demons, By Harbaugh. 83 Rollo, the Boy Ranger; or, THe Hermess OF THE GOLDEN Horn. By Olf Coomes, 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosrsup Ros on HAnp. By Edward L. Wheeler. 85 Buck Buckramy or, Brss, THE FEMALE Trapper, By Captain J. F. C. Adams. 86 Dandy Wock, THE MAN From Texas. By G. Waldo Browne, 87 The Land Pirates; or, THe LesaGue or Dervi’s IsLanp. ng Mayne Reid. il, THE Y SLEUTH; ofr, RosEsub Ros’s REAPPEARANCE. By E. L.Wheeler. 89 Island Jim: or, Tae Pet or THe Famtiry. By the author of ‘‘ Jack Harkaway.”’ Dvenisr. 90 The Dread Rider}; or, THe ane Captain of the Clubs or, Tae Youna htnin George Waldo Browne, 91 Ti RivaAL ATHLETES, Edward L. Wheeler. 93 The Boy eine or, THe ENCHANTED | IsLAND. By Edward 8. 94 Midnight Jack, THE Roap-AGENT; or, GopuHeER Gin, THE Boy TRAPPER OF THE CHEYENNE. By T. C. Harbaugh, 95 Whe Rival Rovers; or, Tue Freepoorers | oF THE Mississippi. By Lieut. Col. Hazeltine. 96 Watch-Eye, THE Suapow; or, ARABS AND ANGELS oF A GREAT Criy. By E. L. Wheeler. 97 The Ontlaw Brothers; or, Tue Captive oF THE Harpss. By J. J. Marshall. 98 Robin Hoad, THe OvTLAWweD Eart; or, THe MEN or Greenwoop. Prof. Gildersleeve. | 99 The Viger of Taos; or, Wip Karr, Danny Rocx’s ANGEL. By George Waldo Browne. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A STRANGE STROKE FoR LiserRTy. By Wheeler. 101 Jack Harkaway in New York; or, THE ADVENTURES OF THE TRAVELERS’ CLUB. By Bracebridge Hemyng. 102 Dick Dead-Eye, tHE Boy Suveeier; or, THE CRUISE OF THE VIXEN. By Col. Ingraham. 103 The Lion of the Seaj or, THE VAiLep Lapy or San Tropez. By Col. Delle Sara, 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, Taz Sian of THE Dovste Cross. By FE. 4 Wheeler 105 Old Rube, tHe Hunter; or, Tue Crow Car- TIvE. By Capt. H. Holmes. 106 Old Frosty, THe Guipe; or, NIOKANA, THE WHITE QUEEN OF THE BLACKFEET. Harbaugh. 107 One-Eyed Sim; or, THE ABANDONED For- est Home. By J. L. Bowen. 108 Daring Davy, tHe Youne Bear-KieR; TR BorpER Wor. By Harry St. Geo: e. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. 110 The Black Steed of the Prairies. A Leaacy. B 112 The Mad Hunter; or, DeatH. By Burton Saxe. 118 Jack Hoyle, tue Youna Specriator; or, THe CAVE oF Hiussar My tg at or, Tom Hermit or Heti-Garr. By Col. Prentiss ee. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, tHE Sport DErectIve; or, THE Roap-AGEnT’s DAUGHTER. Wheeler. 118 Will Somers, tue Boy Derrecrive, By Charles Morris. 119 prussans _ Prams. By oe Sam; or, THE Kina oF THE Jos. EB. Badger, Jr. By Bracebridge Hemyng, | 92 Canada Chet, THE COUNTERFEITER CHIEF’; | or, OLD ANACONDA IN Srttine Buiy's Camp, By | | 156 Deadwoo 171 Ebon ELAN 5 121 122 123 Mysrery. By Frank Dumont. Cinnamon Chip, tHe Girt Sport; or, THE GOLDEN IpoL or Wir. Rosa. Ed. L. Wheeler. Phil Hardy, Tux: Boss Boy; or, Tue Mys- TERY OF THE STRONGBOW. By Charles Morris. Kiowa Charley, Tae Wire MusTancer; or, Rocky Mountain Krr’s Lasv Scape Hunt. By T. C. Harbaugh. 124 Tippy, THE TEXAN; or, THE YOUNG CHAMPION, By George Gleason. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner; or, MApame Mys- TERY, THE EMAL ForGER. By ka. L. Wheeler. 126 Picayune Pete; or, Nicopremus, tHe Doa Detective.. By Charles Morris. 127 Wiid-WFire, Tar Boss or THE Rosp; or, THE WOLVES OF SATAN’s Gap. By Frank Dumont. 128 The Young Privateer 3 or, THE PinaTEs’ STRONGHOLD. By H. Cavendish. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, THE Guost of Gorcon’s Gutcw. Ed. L. Wheeler. 130 Detective Dicks; or, Taz Hero mw Raas. By Charles Morris. 131 The Golden Hand3 or, Danny Rock To THE Rescue. By George W. Browne. 132 The Hunted Hunter; or, Taz STRANGE HORSEMAN OF THE PRarRIg. By Ed. 8. Ellis. 133 Boss Bob, tHe Kina or THE Boorausces: or, THE PAWNBROKER’s Prot. Ed. L. Wheeler. 134 Sure Shot Seth, Tue Boy Rirrieman; or THz Youne Patriots oF THE NortB. By Oll Coomes. 135 Captain Paul, THe Y MoonsHINER; or, THe Boy Spy of THE Mountams. By Clark 136 Night-Hawk pont 3 or, THE DAUGHTER oF THE RancH. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 137 The Hetpless Mand3 or, Backwoops RETRIBUTION. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 138 Blonde Bill; or, Deapwoop Dicx’s Home Base. By Exiward L. Wheeler. 139 Judge Lynch, Jr.3 or, Tar Boy Viar- LANTE. By T. C. Harbaugh. 140 Blue Blazes; or, THe BREAK 0’ Day Boys or Rocky Bar. By Frank Dumont. 141 Solid Sam, tHe Boy Roap-AGEnT; or, THE BRANDED Brows. By Edward L. Wheeler. 142 Handsome Harry, THE Boorsiack Dr- TECTIVE. By Charles Morris. 143 Sear-Face San}, tHe Sivenr Hunter; or, Tue Mystury or Fort Rang. By Oll Coomes. 144 Dainty Lance, THE Boy Sport; or, | HE BAankK-Breakers’ Decoy Duck. J. E. Badger. 145 Ceptaiv Ferret, te New Yorx Derec- TIVE; or, Boss Bos’s Boss Jon. By Wheeler. 146 Silver Star, tHe Boy Knicut. A Prairie Romeénce. By Oll Coomes. 147 Will Wildfire, THe THoxovcssReEp; or, THe Wrisnine Hanp. By Charles Morris. 148 Shurp Sam} or, THE ADVENTURES OF A FRIENDLESS Boy, By J. Alexander Patten, 149 A Game of Golds or, DeEapwoop Dicx’s Bia Strixe. By Edward L. Wheeler. 150 Lance and Lasso}; or, THE CHILDREN OF THE Cuaco. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 151 Panther Paul, Tar Pramm Pimare; or, BDarinty Lance To THE Rescur. J. E. Badger. 152 Black Bess, Wim. Witprine’s Racer; or, WINNING AGaiInst Opps, _ By Charles Morris. 153 Eagle Kit, tae Boy Demon; or, Toe Ovr- LAWS OF 1HE Gotp Hits. By Oll Coomes. 154 The Swerd Efunters; or, Tae Lanp ob THE ELEPHANT Riprrs, By Fred. Whittaker. 155 Gold ‘Trigger, tur Sport; or, THE Girt AVENGER. By T. ey. Harbaugh. Dick of Deadwocdy3 or, THe Pickep Parry. By Edward L. Wheeler. 157 Mike Merry, tre Harzor Poiice Boy; or, Tue Nieut-HAWKS OF PHILADELPHIA. Morris. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, Taz TRAPPER’S Trust. By Buffalo Fill, 159 The Lost Captain; or, Sxrrrr Janez CorFimn’s CruIsSE TO THE OPEN PoLAR SEA, By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 160 Whe Black Giant; or, Dainty LANcE In Jroparpy. By Joseph FE. Badger, Jr, 161 New Work Ne?), tae Boy-Grrt Derecrrvr; or, OLD BUAKESLY’S Monry, By E. L. Wheeler. 162 Will Wildfire in the Weods; or, Camp LIFE IN THE ALLEGHANIES. By Charles Morris. 163 Little Texas, TEE Younc Mustancer. A Tale of Texan Prairies. By Oll Coomes. 164 Dandy Bock’s Pledge; or, Hunrep To DeatH. By G. Waldo Browne. 165 Billy Baggage, tue Ramroan Boy; or, Run To Eartu. By Charles Morris. 166 Hickory Harry 3 or, Tae Tram or Free. By Harry St. George. 167 Asa Scott, Toe Sreamnoat Boy; or, Tue Land Pirates OF THE Mississrprr. By Ed- ward Willett. 168 Deadly Dash; or, Ficnrme Fie win RE. By Jos. E. ‘Badger. 169 Tornado Tom; or, Ixson Jack From Ren Corr. T. C. Harbaugh. 170 A Trump Card3 or, Wm. Witprimr Wins AND Loszs, By Chas. Morris. Dan; or, Tae Rrvau LEAGUES or Sitver Crrciz. By F. Dumont. 172 Thunderbolt Tom; or, Tat WoLr-HeERpDER OF THE ROCKIES. oo St. George. 173 Dandy BRock’s Rival; or, THe Mam or Taos. By Geo Waldo Browne. 174 Bob Rockett; or, Mystrnies or New York, By Charles Morris. Ready November 28d, 175 The Boy Bunaway } or, Toe Buccanrrr oF THE Bay. Lieut. H. D. Perry, U.S.N. Noy. 2 A new issue every week. The Half-Dime Library is for sale }+ »)) Newsdealers, five cents per CORY, or sent by mei! «pn receipt of six_cents each. ADLE & ADAMS Publishers, 95 William Street, New York, ee