Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 170) (1880 10 26)
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} ' A Tromp Card. thisdliscarded blanket, pressed the wide-brimmed hat down fiercely over iis eyebrows; and & ‘The landlord returned :diene where his three cronies-awaited ‘him. | ' “Sfow’s this?” askedJoe ee ,in rien tigre wer hee fellow, safes sau x who tra ou out to the ; seesGone” wealdiaaane’s shert answer. : “‘*8Gone!” echoed the thirdof.his:cronies; now akadat be vight tof’ asked Soloman .an- baie ’s arter:no good,” witha dubious shake of the thead. “*Bo you know him?” asked Joe curisusly, “ IT moticed you twigging him.” * What I knows we,” replied ‘the ther. “T've only one ‘thing ‘to -say; and that de, he’s arter mo good.” into: the 90m, dog 4 +6 ee HAPTER 4. OUT (IX .A BITTER #TORM, is’s a -reg’lar beast of-a «sight;consarn ‘it!” grumbled an ill-favored, . ~dressed, fel- w, as ‘he. opened ‘the door; plunged into a hut near the road which the.two, travelers... just taken, “You mought well say .2o;".grewled a-second, trom the.chimney eorner. ‘You've in enough and snow-enough .to set.the whole house in a shiver, blame your:pictur’.” The interior of the ‘hut consisted of a.dingle yoom, with a low-reofed loft above it, he light of.e lantern on the table showed that. the building was a dilapidated structure. Indeed it weemed te have been deserted, and to be .ec- weet Sy onl y egerany for the fire.in the ry y was fed with .some..desa ‘boands 4, torn from the floor, mingled with wet fagets i, gathered (from the surreunding weod. {By the table sat a man much more presentable § than his reugh compasions. ‘These, three in .' number, were dressed in coarse pantaloons, { pushed into the tops of bigh “boots, while their “* upper garb consisted of thick flaymel shirts, t But the fourth was. dressed neatly, and with i #ven some appearance of Soppibpers, his coat | * of the latest cut, bis necktie displaying the glit- ter of a diamond pin. He was as well marked im face. ‘The others were rude, unkempt, ill-favored fellowe, whom one would not have liked te meet alore; on a eatery road. But their leader as he seemed to be, a keen-cut, fair-skimned visage, with a haughty ex m and a piercing glance in his high-browed eyes. A thin black whisker marked the lower part of his face, while bis oer lip was by a long but slender mustac He looked up with some interest, as’ the man entered and shook the snow from his wide- mised to be on hand vy twelve to-night. It is a howling old storm ou But, you know him, If he says a thing once, fire and water wouldn’t hinder him from going through with it.” : “Twelve! He should pass here a little after sleven, in that case.” He drew out a handsome gold wateh, and looked at its white dial. “It is later than I thought,” he muttered. ** Comae, boys, it is nearly time we were moving. Get your traps together, We must be on guard without delay.” “Funny weather this, for Christians to turn out in,” was the rebellious answer of the mah in the chimney corner, “ I’d let the young hound go to Jericho, if it was me.” “ But it isn’t you,” sternly repfied cheir lead- er. ‘“fAndI donot see that one is asking Christians to turn out. Itstrikes me that. it | would be hard to stir up a set of greater repro. ba tes. A sewer has pte as if phey soe sidered {t imentary. here ? was Sane ut bells, donning of hats, and examining of weapons, each of the Vv crew see well provided with pistois. In ten minutes more x 4 had partly extin- guished the fire in the old hut, closed the slide of the dark lantern, and left the building, plunging with many a shiver into the swirling snow and biting wind that ruled without. ‘“* What in the blazes did you close the lantern for?” growled one of the men, as he scrambled op from a tumble intothe deep snow ‘Open x | ed, tthe slide:and let us see where we am going. We willbe diving into the brambles next.” Iu megponse tue slide of ise caiedantern was thrown:epem, fiinging a ray! ai:zatin adwanee, which displayed a narrow path, ilanked by ange brewn-trunked trees. Jm »the clear ‘beam th flaky: smew came.down in white eddies, dashed into their faces by the whirling winds, 8S ing forward, with wang a muttered sthey soon reached the side,of a narrow road -wkich here passed: through ithe center of | ‘flaky. tunieling gro mind response Silene branches, had heed th therforest, and was marked ouly by :e ‘thicker swirlof snow and a partial retreat of the cloge- growing trees, | serie the spot;”.said the leader, ‘ Two.of -one of the men. ; . ‘“‘ Adlash from the lantern. Quick! In posi- Sion ae. We may look for him at ,any.ain- ute. “The sooner the better,” was the grumbli 2, as the desperadoes sought out..the ,po- |. ae alana np them. ; 2 1 pon, the, woods, braken -only,.by | thé,sough ofthe wind through the snow-laden ( The flakes continued to descend, in their noiseless them um blinding clouds down en ue Toad, but the boughs of the fonest.they.were Ketited by the wind. 7 w@mbushed villains waited impatiently, ‘théinfingers and.ears nipped by the cold, wh the, desgending, snow. aasiy shrouded them. in white drapery. While this ambush was being prepared, the ‘young men who had made a temporary halt. at the Golden Lion, was plun again. nee the fierce January storm, half-blinde’l by the snow, ibut labial up too warmly to greatly €.00 ‘The nijzkt was very gloomy, its only tight-be- ing xthe faint white glare of the shew, with which the whole country was deeply sovered, ‘Only a darker shadow marked where the fences ran at the roadsides, and it was at times diffi- | cult to prevent plunging against these dimly visible boundaries. *T would :give something handsome if I eould spend the night at the Golden Lion,” he mutter- to face.a roaring fire than such a howling storm as this. But I promised to come through, and eome through f will, if it rains cobble-stones.” . ¥or several xeiles his journey continued, the weather growimg worse rather than better while the cold saemed to increase as the night were-on, “T wish | had a secord edition of old Solo- mon’s famous punches,” Le again remarked. “That one has lost its fire. I believe a man feels-worse after the warmth of a punch Gies out, than if ho had not touched it. Keer up your spirits, old lass,” patting his horse’s arcii- ing neck, ‘‘ We have a six miles journey bel: re us yet; but you and [ have been through worse than this togethcr.” A deeper gloom now marked the sides of the road, the avenue me gy Spo a white channel | between lofty banks. forest. The horse gailoped briskly forward, the snow being less deep, as it was pertly caught by the sheltering boughs of the trees, They had penetrated the wood for ebout a quarter of a mile, when a strange sound to the left caused the alert traveler to look keenly in that direc- tion. At the same instant a narrow line ct light shot across the dark road, just in front of b the animal io halt and rear ey had entered the horse, causin in sudden aff: $ ‘Halt! Yield yourself prisoner, or it will be bes neg for you!” came a loud voiee from the t. At the same instant a rush took place, several men breaking from the shelter of the woods, and gathering in the center of the road. One of these gras the bridle of the rearing horse, ** Down!” he cried. are a dead man" tootpad horse, " Seize voice of the chief villain, while the light of the jantern was thrown upon the form of the young | traveler, revealing him in its brilliant luster. rush was made toward him, bat, at the \ way. An occasional gust blew “It isa hundred times more comfortabdvle , “Off your horse, or you | | blessed set of cowards you all are, when the that bridle, or tnere will be a winged | wind of a bullet is enough to settle any vane of was the stern reply of the traveler, as he strove to regain coutrol] of the frightened | ; | high a wind for my liking, him! Drag hira down!” came the | down his beast, and here we ar witha d horse and adead man on our hands,” | : ——— & same instunt, a pistol eracked in bis hand, amd | the tellow at bis bridle Joosed. his bald with ingied.groan and curse. me Gat of my way, hounds!” cried the traveler, spurviag his trightened horse, aud cocking bie pistol for anvther shot, if necessany, him, ; off his hat. Another, and the horse, with a } scream of in, gave a savage plunge and tua bled headlong, in a quivering heap, to tiw .“QOn him, men! Down with him! Don't Jet im escape!” yelled the leader of the ambushed. }, A quick rush was made,-the light of the*tan | tern being again thrown azpon the horse. Bw | the rider was not there, as they had expected « see him crushed beneath the fallen animal, ty he had flung his Tee | f the horset . He wa» pain. . the conflict could ‘proceed further it wag | broken by an unlooked-for diversion. Silently, over the cushion of snow, a second horsemag | had. come upon the combatants. A loud ery Was the first intimation of his presence, ’“ Back, hounds! Back, ,cutthroats!” he 5 | lated. ‘Release your prisoner, if you ve taken him. Where are ycu, Mr, Wildfire “Here! Safe and sound!” came back in tones f surprise from the first traveler. ‘‘ Ware! whoever you are. Ware! or you are a dead awan! You are under their pistols!” - Tis warning was too late, At that instant the ‘gleam of the lantern fell upon the form of the orseman, revealing to the astonished eyes of the young man the figure of his late companion atthe Golden Lion. At the same momen thee |} was a keen report from the pistol of the leader | of the highwaymen. The uniortunate traveler | threw up his arms, with an ejaculation of pain, |} and fell headlong from his horse into the deep bed of snow. The animal, almost simultaneously, stumbled ver the fallen horse in his path, ana fell kim- self, scrambling awkwardly to his fect. One of the villains ran forward to seize this trembling and frightened horse; but he was too late. For the young man had darted with the agility of a panther from behind his shelterin tree, caught the bridle of the animal, and lea like a cat to the saddle. “Another game that two can play at!” he shouted, as he set spurs to the horse. “ Yuu have killed this poor creature’s master, but Will Wildfire is not to be so easily laid out by a pera villains.” : na tting spurs to the horse be derted rapidl daitarts: basdins low in his saddle, as bulles after bullet followed him in his flight. In a moment more he had disappeared in tlie thick darkness, leaving the baffled and enraged ruffians alone with their dead. CHAPTER ITI. : A LATE WEDDING GUEST. it would not very well express the fact to say that the villains looked at one another with sur- prise and dis Looks would have been wasted on such a night as that, but they were by no means sparing of curses, and expressions baffled rage. * May Satan fly away with the young imp!” roared one. “Shoot me if he hasn’t bored my hand with a bullet.” ; q “Your hand be hanged!” yetied another, | “He’s cut a hole clear through my shoulder. #m bleeding like a stuck pig.” ** Why in the blazes didn’t you hang on te the bridle?” demanded their angry leader, “A minute more anc we would have hadhim,. 4 ou,’ "The wind of 1 ballet, hey? It war's bit tos Anyhew 1 bru _** And we'd best make tracks, quicker than lichtnine. He monght have the whole. Oh On Us.” : vo arf ont
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) ) i i : q i) q * “Not he,” rejoined the leader. ‘‘ He has other Sato fry. This way with the lantern. Let's v% this dead fool, whoever he is, into the “sds, It might raise the hue and cry too soon ‘d have’ him here.” : ‘Tne body of the fallen man lay half buried in *,eep bed of snow. While one of the wounded «iains held the lantern the two unharmed ones { Died the seeming corpse, and dragged it inside |. _& Wigs tine of bushes. “ ling the light here, on his face,” said the wevder. “Let me see if [ know him, He must te one of Wildfire’s cronies.” Txe keen line of light fell upon the scarred ttewe, which the straggling hair, and several ‘oroza smears of blood rendered unrecognisable, The sharp eyes of the observer fixed them-_ ex’. es for several minutes upon the corpse like fare. He shook his head doubtfully. **"Phere’s something about him,” he muttered, 3 can’t make it out exactly, but I’ve seen a face like that somewhere. owever, it don’t gnaster. He’s dead as a door nail, and dead 2 mare of no more account than dead d @ome, lads. We must look to your wounds and then get away as quick as possible. It is ing unhealthy around here, Where did ou leave the horses, Jerry?’ , “In the bush hollow, back of the hut, Un- ‘@er the old shed, there,” “ Come on, then. We will take a whiff of the five, and look after your hurts, and then, he tox better quarters! A devil of a sharp hispid, thet, young Wildfire. And thisfellow! I have | os a mind to make a sure thing of him, ere’s something I don’t like in that face.” | “Never fear him. He is past kicking,” re- _ yplied one of the men, ‘‘ And too many pistol- @kots may bring us into trouble. Come, we are wasting time here.” capetebas imciny' the leader turned his vicious ey: s away from the pallid countenance, already ha! {shrouded in snow, and slowly followed his eonfederates toward the hut. . FEhey were hardly out of sight and hearing betore a strange metamorphosis came upon the’ corpse. uick quiver threw the snow the half-buried form, and, a moment after, he the darkness, ' “Just as well for me that you didn’t try to mate your work sure,” he muttered, ‘‘ though I uizht have astonished you all a little if you had tried iton. Iwas as good as a dead man for Hye minutes, | acknowledge that. But Richard is himself again, now. A scarred forehead, and a near of blood on the face, are not enough to siakeafuneral. Let me see; ‘in the hollow be- tind the hut,’ ke said. Since that young dare- _ @evil has borrowed my horse, I cannot do bet- Palla to borrow one from our good friends Te. ‘ He made his way with difficulty through the blinding snow, feeling the borders of the path, wmntil api, eb that came from the crevices of the ~ld hut enabled him to progress more rapidly. @#ilently as a ghost he moved around the built: ixg, looking in at some of the wider crevices up- oo the un: cting villains. Then he disa yeared in its rear, and sunk into the dense dark- ReSS., __ When, fifteen minutes afterward, the crew of oy ba a ig sqais from the hut, and ‘ #eit ther way by the light of the lantern to the point where the horses had been secreted, it was , with no small surprise and dismay that they ‘fund there three horses only, instead of four. “A pretty hand you to tie up horses!” cried %e loader, angrily. ‘‘ You’ve let the best of i go astray.” “Not a bit of it,” was the firm ly, as the ,dantecn was lowered to the auttaas of tha snow. “See here! If this: isn’t a man’s tread, I’m a Reh gt to his feet, standing upright in the storm Jest! And, sure as-you live, the halter’s been PST Ta fol _ Yhere-was a start of ay and alarm as ‘these facts were recognized. For a moment they Aooked at each other with stupefied glances, , Weea the leader snatched the lantern and ran Me returned in a few minutes, a look of an- ery vexation upon his face. ust as I thought,” he ejaculated. “That wap was laying on us through it all. He has «xen to life in a hurry, and made off with one af oar horses. An infernal fool I was not to make sure of him when I had him under my . We must out of this like a flash. Those ‘e chaps may raise the country upon us.” Yn a very few minutes more they were pick- ve their way carefully through the woods by tube Jigh’ of the lantern. The road reached, they snasated their half-frozen horses, one of the. gernsnimals being obliged to carry double, and A Trump Card. passed away, in their turn, into the night and. the storm. ' Only the dead horse and the trampled snow remained in evidence of the late dead ly strug- gle. And the footsteps and the body were quickly shrouded in the white garb of winter. ’ While these events were taking place in the depth of the storm-assailed woodland, a very different scene was playing in the interior of a neat cottage, which formed part of the small village of Dover, several miles distant from the spot of the attempted murder. : ; In tne pleasant sitting-room of this mansion, adorned with pictures and articles of artistic ornament, sat a group of young ladies, richly attired, as if for some festive occasion. Keveral ntlemen were present, dressed in regulation lack, yet with such care and style that they, too, seemed to have got themselves up for some special occasion. : In an ney ere bedroom, on the second floor of the house, sat two ladies, one dressed in the floating, vapory white of a bride, the otber in rich blue, with orange flowers at her throat. “It is just like him to be late,” said the last- mentioned of these, a bright-eyed, beautiful girl of medium hight, and with a look of mingled earnestness and dignity. ““Will bas vexed me more than once by his carelessness about keep- ing an appointment.” * But his time is not up yet,” replied the white-dressed nymph, a fairy of a girl, with blue eyes and golden hair, and a face as bright as asunbeam, ‘“ And then there’s such a storm! It is not fit for a living creature to be out of doors on a night like this.” - ' “But Mr. Wetherly is growing so impa- tient.” : “Very well. I have no objections, I am sure,” returned the little beauty, in a tne of incipient vexation, ‘‘ lam afraid he may have greater cause for impatience ere he has much to to do with me. I have given my promise to Will Wildfire, and I will not break it.” ** And I would not ask you to for the world, you witch,” laughed her companion, ‘‘I only spoke a word for poor Mr. Wetherly, and see what a storm I have raised about my ears.” “Tt is just like me,” replied the other, con- tritely. ‘“‘I am always making myself disa- ble. I hope you will forgive me, Clara ear,” She flung her arms around the graceful form ef her friend, and looked up softly into her face, as a blush-rose might look up to a stately lil X Don't you love me now—just a little?’ she , coaxingly. Yes, a great deal, you little tease,” laughed her more sedate companion, stooping to kiss the pouting red lips. “Tt is such a dreadful business, this getting married,” was the pensive reply. ‘‘Sometimes there comes over me a wish that I had never seen him. To be given away, you know, It’s too ridiculous.” “You would like to be a butterfly, or a rose- bud, always, I doubt not,” remarked Clara, smilingly. “But, that is out of the question. If you love Mr. Wetherly, Lucy, and—” Why of course I love him,’ interrupted the bride, with feverish haste, while a bright red spot came into her cheek. ‘‘I would never have lap ct to marry him if—if I had not loved im dearly.” Clara’s deep eyes were fixed steadily upon her friend’s face, while a look of pitying doubt passed over her features. She seemed on the eg aed speaking when a sharp rap came upon e door She hastened to open it. In the hall outside stood a gentleman, with an expression of slight impatience upon his face. “ Not paddy yebt he asked, with an affecta- tion of surprise. ‘‘ Here we are within a half- hour ia eidnight, And you know the hour ‘“*Is that you, Robert?” queried Lucy, as she ily rose. ‘‘Do come in. Midnight is the hour, so you will have to possess that uneasy soul of yours in patience.” The gentleman who entered in response to this playful speech, was of an erect form, with a firm, well-rounded face, and a penetrating eye. He was tastefully dressed, and of a shape- ly figure, though there was something in his ex- prem. that a practiced judge of human na- re might not bave liked. He put on a look of playfulness as he came forward, though it probably did not express the ‘feeling that was foremost in his mind. “So you have dccited on midnight, then?’ rrr Cenc cccc nnn nnn nn ee eS UU UnI IEEE IIIS SSSI SSS pRGRCERRNTC SOS Ak mR =. he questioned. ‘‘And of course every bacy must give way to your imperious wil.” This was said laughingly, yet not without a, hidden meaning. j “I promised Mr. Wildfire, you know, that f would not be married except he was present. And he has sent me word that he could not be here before midnight. So I am bound to.my promise, though I don’t like that hour a bit for a wedding.” Ske shrugged her shoulders suggestively, as: she fixed her eyes with a coaxing expression on the face of her lover. “‘T should be the last to make you breek your promise,” he gayly replied. ‘‘ Though I cout very much it Me. ‘Wildfire will be here. It is, an outrageous night out.” he turned half away there was a look upom his face that neither of the ladies saw, bri which might have indicated that he had a ««¢p- er reason for doubting the coming of the ¢x~ fected wedding guest. Jn the sitting-room down-stairs en ine patience more outspoken than that of the bride: groom was manifested. There was more then one expression of surprise and displeasure st what they called Miss Darling’s foctis cbst.. nacy. i) this expected guest couid not Ge here ut an earlier hour he should not have tried to eer4 at all,” said one of the vexed bridimains “1 is too bad to keep us all waiting.” ‘It is not that, but there isa bad omen in a midvight wedding,” replied another, Midnight came, but with it no sien «f “4 loitering wedding guest. The bricie no Jorger iiectet: ‘**T have been faithful to my promise,” she re- marked. ‘But I donot blame him it he hea preferred to stay at bome on such a dreadiul night.” ~ ‘He stay at home?” exclaimed Clara, ‘Ni 4 he! He will be here, unless he be utterly storm-stayed. Will Wildfire never willfully broke a promise.” : ‘Well, be can offer congratulations to tla bride, then,” remarked Mr. Wetherly, with sn ill-disguised triumph of tone. ‘“‘We bave givcu him the time he claimed.” Ten minutes afterward the persons preci ' were all assembled in the parlor of the mirsic: , the bride and groom, flanked by their axien- dants, fronting the grave-lcoking minister wh* was prepared to conduct the ceremony, The others were grouped in the reem jn behind them, forming a close array of inicrest- ed spectators of the wedding. The bride grew slightly pale as tle graxo clergyman proceeded with the marriage service, There was a bright spot in her cheek ibet cu ed almost the hectic of fever, The groom, on his part, stood quietly and self-sustained, though his occasional quick glav. ces betrayed a feeling as of some secret cause of anxiety. Indeed, he violently started on tear- ing a sound come from the front of the Lowe, as of some one entering. He instantly 1. cv- ered his equanimity, however, and appeaied intently interested in the ceremony. Yet a new guest had entered the parlor, and stood at the rear of the group of spectators. “Tf there is any who knows just cause why this man should not take this woman to wite, let him now speak or forever hold his peace.” The deep tones of the clergyman were hushed, as he waited an instant. Then to his, andevery one’s utter surprise, there came as deep-tored a response: ‘“‘T know cause, and just cause!” ; All gration def around. There stood the orm of the in est, the erect but youth- ful figure of Will Wilatire, =; CHAPTER IV. A CHAPTER OF SURPRISES. An ‘indescribable confusion followed tis startling and undreamed-of interruption. bride became deathly pallid, and seemed on tho point of falling. strong arm of Clara Moreland, who east » glance of mingled anger and astovishm«: i 9 the intruder, standing there so stern but so self-possessed, As for the bride his face flushed with anger, and he took one quick step toward thn intruder, as if with intent to punish him for his daring interruption. Yet an »ye accustomed to read the indications of the human face miceht have seen a sense of dread and confusion hicden under the anger. Indeed the hasty movement of the groom was instantly arrested, as bo turned and aided to support the shrinking Fries, “Who is it that: speaks{’? Gemcriule ch The. But she was sustained by ths |
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== _—— = ————— ——_—_—_-— - — / interrupting this solemineremony?” : “He is a villain,and an enemy of mine!” ejaculated the or ‘He has come here to disturb us,.and should be ‘ejected from the ” 100m. At this hint two or three of the young men present stepped forward, as if for the purpose of ing out the suggestion. But the youth- ful mtruder stood erect and unmoved, fixing upon therm: an eye which acted _as a check upon their belligerent intentions. There was a self- possession and dignity in his attitude and ex- gon which brought them involuntarily to a t. ““T come not asa foe of the bridegroom, but as a friend of the’bride,” he responded. ‘I am not willing that she-should be sacrificed.” “ Sacrificed?” cried Clara Moreland, with a look of eager inquiry toward the speaker. ‘* Again, what means this interruption?’ de- manded the graverclergyman. ‘ No light cause will justify this intrusion.” ‘It means—”’ began the-young man. “Tt means that you are a liar, and a base- born hound!” hissed the bridegroom, again ringing forward. ‘Help me, gentlemen. t us fling the dog from the room, and teach him that he cannot play his shabby tricks upon such as us.” His friends stepped forward in ready support. But Wildfire moved not, and hardly changed a muscle of his faee. His lips only became more firmly set, and there was a dangerous glitter in his steel-blue eye. “Hold!” cried the clergyman, earnestly. ‘*No violence, I beseech you. Let the gentle- man speak.” But there was a quicker and more effeetive interruption. or Clara Moreland had darted forw: with the ‘flight of a bird, and ;placed herself between the antagonists. Her eyes were flashing and her cheeks burning, as she faced the four men who were advancing on one. “ Back!” she exclaimed, with an imperious wave of the hand. “It is dastardly for four men to attack one. Mr. Wildfire must and shall speak. If he has reasons why this mar- = should not be proceeded with, who would wish to hinder him from giving them?” “Thanks, Miss Moreland,” said Will, with a smile of gratitude. ‘‘ And as for you, :gentle- men, you will do well to resume your places. I have come throngh too much in order to reach here to-night te be so easily silenced. I have ridden through ‘fifteen miles of this howling storm, and have escaped an ambush of cut- threats of whose pu Mr. Wetherly may give us some information.” “Tf cried the groom, fiercely, though with a herr A face. “Yes. You had good reasons to try to keep me from arriving here to-night. If it will be any satisfaction to you, I can inform you that our of.villains have killed one man, but ortunately the wreng one. I am here safe to rescue this poor girl from your hands,” “Liar and villain!” shouted the groom, furi- ously. ‘“You shall answer dearly for this.” ‘When and where:you please,” was the cool ‘* And with what weapons you prefer. ” “Oh! what is this dreadful charge?” exclaim- ed the bride, in a tone thrilling with distress, while her pallid face and outstretched bands were full of pitiable anxiety and dread. ‘Oh! do cease this terrible quarrel! It is too shock- ing. I cannot bear it.” ‘Let the gentleman speak,” demanded the clergyman, in solemn tones. ‘Again and for the last time I ask, what charge does he bring?” “Simply, that the lady is deceived,” Will uietly rejoined. ‘‘ The gentleman here is not obert Wetherly; but an impostor who has as- sumed his name.” The confusion became tenfold hightened at this startling announcement. Cries of alarm and astonishment from the ladies were followed by the fainting of the bride. A hasty stir filled the whole room with excitement. “Base liar!” vociferated the bride m, clenching his fists, though the look of fury on his face was immediate y replaced by an ex- ression of triumph. ‘‘ You have come far to ar us a pitiable lie. I defy you to prove your assertion. ; At this moment the door of the room quietly opened, and another person entered, unseen and unheard by those present in their overruling ex- citement. y ‘Has Miss Darling recovered yet?” asked Will anxiously. ; ‘‘ Yes,” replied’ one of the ladies. ‘‘ She did got quits Icse her'senses.” j ———————— tsps slits property of whuch he simply has charge.” ““That is easily suid,” returned the clergy- man. ‘“ But such a chayge needs proof.” “I only learned the tacts a few days ago,” , rejoined Will. “I have here a telegram, re- ceived this evening trom Geneva, from Robert | Wetherly himself, which will substantiate all J have said.” ¥ He stepped forward, and presented the open dispatch to the peti ae : “It scarcely n all this explanation,” te- marked the groom, in a tone of triumph. am not aware of baving made any claim of being the owner of Brookdale. Yet my name is Robert Wetherly, and I am the cousin of the great bughone that you have raised. I ap- peal to Miss Darling if I have made any other claims.” ‘No, no,” came the reply, in scarcely audible tones. ‘‘ Then this terriblecharge falls to the ground,” he triumphantly responded, stepping orwar and again taking the bride’s hand. ‘‘ You wi please proceed with the ceremony.” Will Wildfire stood for a moment abashed. He then hurriedly spoke. ‘This is a highly improbable story. Let him prove his assertion.” ‘*T can readily do that,” and the bridegroom fixed his eye mockingly upon his accuser. ‘I have letters here from Robert Wetherly of Geneva, addressed to myself, Robert Wetherly at Brookdale, which may be pleasant reading for any doubting Thomas. ill you examine them, sir?’ He drew a handful] of letters from his pocket and them to the clergyman, who hastily ae is eye over the contents of one or two of em. “Tt seems to be .as the gentleman declanes,” he announced, ‘‘I have no doubt that he has a just right to the name he bears, ‘* Shall we proceed with the ceremony?” “Yes, yes,” from the impatient groom. “Let the lady speak. Shall we proceed?” ‘*'Yes,” came in faint response from the pallid lips of the trembling bride. Will Wildfire stood biting his lips in baffled anger. He had played his card and lost. He looked significantly at Clara, but she shook her head doubtingly.as she resumed her place be- side the bride. ‘Tf there is any one who knows just cause why this man should not take this woman to. wife, let him now speak or forever hold his peace,” came again in the deep, solemn tones of the clergyman, Another short pause. All listened in breath- less suspense. It was half expected that Will Wildfire would speak again. And a response indeed came, but it was not in the deep-chested tones of the former speaker. In a husky but firm voice came the reply: . “T_ forbid this marriage; and for just cause.” With indignation not unmixed with terror all eyes looked around. There stood a man of much the same figure as the groom, but with bent shoulders, painfully scarred face, and dressed in the most careless and unattractive fashion. With a start of astonishment Will recognized him as his fellow traveler of the Golden Lion, whom he fancied he had left dead in the snow at the scene of the ambush. He could not sup- press a hasty ejaculation of surprise, **T am alive you see,” responded the stranger, with an odd smile, ‘‘ though you did not stop to find out.” “Tt was not safe to stop,” Will coolly re- joined. ‘And I had more important business in view.” ‘*Please state your reasons for this interru tion,” queried the impatient clergyman. ‘ It is shameful to distress this poor lady so, without better cause.” 3 “My reasons are,” quietly replied the stran- ger, “that the gentleman has heen deceived. sneey is not the heiress of the Linden es- eo. ‘Not the heiress?’ cried Clara Moreland, an- grily.. ‘‘ Who is the then, pray?’ An Srp reerign of utter surprise passed over the pallid face of the bride. The plot was in- deed thickening. ~ As for Robert Wetherly he started, and look- ed with eager attention toward the speaker. “What do you mean?’ he demanded. **T can substantiate all I have spid ” wes the | | sister of the heiress of “J. “was taken to be a up by land. : SS reply. “‘T am so; ~ Whois she?’ asked Clara. ‘‘ It seems that this is to be a night of revelations.” é' -“Jté will be. The revelations are not all ended yet,” spoke the stranger, with a peculiar ex ion. ‘‘This lady is really the younge den. 1 will not —— ble you.all now with the strange story of h the mistake in the heirship of these sisters canw to be made, but Ihave the proofs here for the perusal of this reverend gentleman.” ‘ All remained in anxious suspense while hr stepped forward and presented a folded paper to the astonished clergyman, who quickly eper- ed and cast his eyes over its contents, Meanwhile the pale and shrinking bride hak been led to a chair, and was surrounded by™ close bevy of her sympathetic friends. As fm Robert Wetherly he stood apart, a sullen, nie rose look upon his face, his foot impatientiy ing the floor. 5 dhe he aged face of the clergyman manifested’ variety of emotions as he continued to read, perplexity, surprise, and sympathy succeeding ‘each other upon his countenance. “Ttis a mens, story,” he remarked, on fir- ishing the per of the long document. ‘“‘ Bits I fear it is true. The statement here seems pre ‘cise, and wellattested. Shall I read the : ‘* Please give us its contents,” demanded Clam, Moreland, meyer be “Tt seems, then, that Miss Darling: has am older sister, unknown to herself. A wit a relative of the fomaily residing ty This sister in een repor ead, from some purposed the family possessing her. But the eae of Ger heirship of the Linden estate has brought fortt: an attestation of her continued existence. Aw the estate was left by will to the eldest ; ter of John Darling, without name men g it follows that it is the property of this new claimant, on full proof of her claim to the naz of Mary Darling.” “T have lost my Prpperty, but I have gainsii a sister,” murmure av f with an expression: of mingled emotions. ‘ have often heard af this sister, and mourned her as dead.” “But I do not perceive that there is mar false pretense here,” remarked the clergyram “These persons have just elaims to the nan they bear. They have both lost the property which it was supposed they . lax no reason why the marriage should not ga ceed, if they desire it. Luey Darling, will stil] take this man for your wedded hus He paused a minute for a reply, but mow came from the pale lips of the half-fainting =». man. ‘Robert Wetherly, will you still take Mier woman for your wedded wife?” He again paused, while the eyes of tke brite fixed themselves morosely on the. ae of the girl to whom he had given his p ove. “No,” he at length replied. ‘It seems-me have both been deceived. I will not suffer ter to become the victim of any involuntary deegr- tion in regard to my property. I free her fyam any troth plight to me.” e turned and walked toward’ the door, #& lowed by looks of disgust and indignation atitim. baseness. Ere he reached the door, howe=m, his f° was barred by Will Wildfire. “You have yet to answer to me,” said the bit- ter, sternly. weapon,” “ And pd paws I refuse to fight with -yns* came thecool reply. “Then I will brand you asa coward,a ‘ia and a villain,” Will sternly rejoined. ‘Neither of which I am, and all of which I throw back in your teeth. Make ita week fires to-day, at eight in the morning, on the Beare cliffe meadows, and pistols,” came the JoWw.am- swer. Will bowed and stepped back at the clos» ef this low-toned colloquy, none of which bad bem heard by the women present. Wetherly continued his movement tora the door, but ere he reached it he was apm. halted by a touch upon the arm. ke tured? haughtily to perceive the plainly-dressed ste ger who was guietly regarding him, a sir, what do you want?” he haugifait- asked. “A word in your ear, only,” and the strange whispered for a moment. With a violent start, and a sucdenty - face, Wetherly turned and hastily left the leaving all behind surprised at. his ae change of conntenance, “Name your time, place awe
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* Darrow . very evident, some be et lg toward path. ** We are on one end of their trail,” annouriced CHAPTER V. A TRAIL THROUGH THE SNOW. ’ “T'ire sun rose clear and bright, pouring its ra- giant beams upon the ivory-like surface of the new-fallen snow, until the whole face of the earth glistened under its white vail. The storm of the previous night had utterly passed, but had left its mark in fifteen inches clear éepth of snow, and in a biting cold which the ar nb rays of tho sun failed to alleviate. ear the spot where the struggle of the pre- vious night had taken place rode three horsemen, their animals struggling with difficulty through the yet unbroken snow. It wasa dreary pros- pect through which they passed. On either side sose the skeleton trees of the forest, their. bare limbs fringed with white, while the soughing wind sent misty flakes trembling downward through the air. The sky was of a steel-blue Mister, having none of the tender softness of summer. <A shiver ran through the frame’ of the horsemen, as they halted a moment to ob- serve the scene around them. “This should be near the spot,” remarked Wil Wildfire, who was foremost of the party. * {+ is lucky the snow did not last long after our # ruggle. te we once get on their track I fancy wecan follow them.” ** What is that odd white bunch ahead there/” avked a tall, gigantic fellow, who rode a mighty w*;, ay It don’t look as if it belonged to the road,’ lcis horse, at the same moment, gave a fright- evsc neigh, and reared as if in dread of the ob- ect in question. “Quiet, you brute! Quiet, now!” commanded tithorseman angrily. ‘‘ It is not a spook, hang ua! And nothing with teeth to bite you. duict, will you?” Meanwhile Will Wildfire had ridden his more ‘tractable steed. “Aha, gentlemen!” he exclaimed. ‘“‘ We are nthe spot. It is the borse I rode last night, tis poor creature who was shot under me, She ig blanketed in snow, r devil. If I cam fihd _ the chap that killed her, hang me if she shall nt be revenged.” The other two had ridden forward by this time, the huge rider having conquered his skit- Ush horse. It was easy to trace the outlines of a prostrate steed under the shroud of snow, Soe scarce a trace of the animal was visible. _ **¥ou can see the marks of the struggle,” re- marked Will, pointing to where the snow had bern fiercely trampled. ‘‘The tracks seem to lead into the wood at this point.” Turning his horse he forced him to enter tho th into the forest. A few yards % him to the deserted hut. Throwing the bridle on the neck of the docile creature he entered and explored the interior of the ruined habitation. Traces of its late occupancy were ks yet remaining in the a-hes of the fire on the hearth. Quickly emerging he followed the track of Zovtsteps in the snow, to a deep hollow back of the hut. Here horses had age weed under a ruined shed, and the track of hoofs I the road, though by another ‘Will’joyfully to his comrades, who had followed hiny ¢o the hut. “ This was their lurking-place. ‘Yonder go the hoof-marks, leading to the road. fd here is where they mounted. If the track only holds as clean as this we will run them down sure. Let ‘us away, gentlemen, before: ether hoofs get on the snow. Their trail is now us clear as if made in butter.” Wading back through the: deep snow he re- mounted his horse, and the three companions rede away along the forest avenue. The tracks of thé horses they were in pursuit of-were well defined. Considerable snow had futlen since they were made;. destroying the «ear-cut marks of hoofs, but the deep Lye’ ag gions in.the snow were only partly filled up, st a blind man could almost have followed t «se breaks in the broad level. Near them were other, less defined impres- pions, which Will recognized as the hoof-marks of his own horse, and that of his fellow guest of tic Golden Lion. “fT would give something handsome for a good steich,” ne remarked, as the horses trudged slowly onward. ‘This is too heavy work on our animals. We may be able to get one at the Gc len Lion, if the track leads in that di- reetion,” is was about eight o’clock on that midwinter morning, when they reached the front of this forous hostelry, and beheld the sturdy figure ef Solomon Tims, resting easily egainst one of the pi‘lars of his porch, \ | ward, dragging the heavy sleigh a ‘it had been made of cork. Down the road the ani- \ “* Hollo; the house!” roared Will. “‘ Remem- ‘Der me, friend Solomon?’ “Should jedge you were the young t ‘that stopped e Golden Lion last- it,” Solomon responded, in his slow way. ‘You've hit it there, old man,” replied Will, amid a burst of laughter fram his companions. **Can you let us have a two-seat sleigh, and a of horses? Our own animals are played out with the drag.” “} ain’t so sure,” was the slow reply. ‘‘ The snow ’s not broken, you see, and I’m afeared to trust my critters to such fly-aways.” “Put in four horses, then,” cried Will im- patiently. ‘‘ And we will break the snow for you. And quick as lightning, too, We are going to make them travel, my jolly host. But if we hurt them we will pay for them, and leave our own horses in pledge. Hurry up your peo- ple, now, for every minute counts when men are in haste.—And hark ye, Solomon!” “ Ay, ay,” answered the host. ‘* Mix us up something less than a half-gallon of the Golden Lion punch. We're chilled an inch deep below the skin, and want one of your famous thawings out. Stir yourself now, old man, It’s a matter of life or death.” Somewhat mollified by the last order Solomon rolled away, to give orders for the preparing of the sleigh, and to mix a stiff brewing otf his fa- vorite beverage. In ten minutes more the three travelers were away again, the warmer for their deep draught of steaming punch, which indeed seemed neces- sary on that bitingly cold morning. Fourstron horses pulled the sturdily-built sleigh which ha been prepared for them, the road being far too heavy for any lizhter vehicle. Bolduién wanted to lend them a driver also, but Will firmly objected. **We have to make time,” he declared, “and want no extra weight. And don’t take the foolish notion into your brain that we can’t drive your ferocious beasts. I'll bet you a dou- ble ey ad that you have not a man about your lace t at can handle the reins with Will Wild- e “Will Wildfire?’ repeated the host in surprise. ‘*- Yes, That’s the name I sail under.” “Drive ahead then, in Lucifer’s name! I’ve heard tell of ye, and ain’t afeared, But, don’t quite kill the poor beasts.” ‘Will showed his white teeth, as he laughed in mse to Solomon’s earnest warning. e gathered the reins into one hand, as he said: ‘“We are on the track of a gang of murderers, old man. If we could run them down sooner by killing a score of horses I would doit. But, animals are scarce, I would rather have as good I them alive than dead. Good-by, and wish me od luck.” At the same instant he laid the whip lightly on his impatient team, who cab bee rly for- r them as if mals broke at full gallop, Will standing upright and grasping the reins with both hands, as he | cheered them on with his voice. “Tet out! Briskly, briskly, now, my noble beauties! Step and bottom now is what we want, and the horse that first shirks is in for a dose of the whip. Letout, now! And I'll bury ‘ou in oats if you bring us within eye-shot of @ runaways.” ‘ The ho: as if sharing his impatience, tore with all ble speed through the heavy snow, Seowng the tracks which were yet plainly ble. But it isno trifling matter to break a road through fifteen inches of virgin snow, and de- spite their strength and spirit the progress was not satisfactory to Will’s impatient mood. “There is one thing sure,” he muttered, ‘they could make no faster time than we are making. But then, they have eight hours the start. Unless they stopped to rest somewhere on the road we have no chance.” “They could not have calculated on this ehase,” replied one of the others, a short, stout- built young man, “Don’t you swallow too much of that, Ben, my boy,” returned his huge comrade. “It is a miracle if they haven’t pushed, the whole night through, for the city. We have only one chance in a hundred.” ** And we will work that chance to the finger- bones,” rejoined Will, fiercely, as he touched the off-leader smartly with the whip. A half-hour of this furious driving brought them to the front of another roadside inn. Here the snow had been greatly broken up by passing feet and vehicles, yet the tracks they were following continued easily distinguish- able, turning in toward the house. ead “They have here, sure - yemar . in, Will, to the It will be well to ask piss arn —. The questions asked elicited- some very inter- esting ivuformation. Four men, mounted on three horses had stopped there,.an after é — _ and had spent. the remainder of the t there. ree of them. were described as... rongbly- dressed, ee ae ey rs g men, while the other had a fresh, handsome face, was attired in the garb of a gentleman. ne men, for a thousand!” ejaculated Will. “They are not here yet?” “No. They are a good two hours gone. They hired a sleigh, put two of their horses to it, and left the other as pledge for the. sleigh. They are off on the Middletown, road, yonder.— What’s up, gentlemen, anything wrong about them?” “‘Only that you’ve been harboring a gang of road cutthroats,” Will curtly replied. ‘‘ Give way, my beauties! We'll see if four horses are not more than a match for two. Lay down lively, and we’ll have them yet.” The horses seemed to understand him, and te share his excitement, to judge by their telling action, The sleigh tore through the heavy snow, heaping it up, and tossing it to the right and left, as a vessel tears its way thr the foaming waves. Will seemed a very u as he stood upright in the front of the vehicle, his whole frame whitened by the dashing snow, while he grasped the reins ly in one hand, and held the uplifted whip in the other. “This is what I call life,” he shouted, turn- ing a face florid with excitement to his friends. “Talk about your sleighing over smooth roads; what is it along with wild work like this?” He ceased speaking as the horses came to the brow of a long declivity, down which they plunged at a breakneck pace, Will leaving the reins loose, although the sleigh leaped Ive a feather bebind them. “Tt is neck-or-nothing, gentlemen,” he cried. “If we are going to kingdom come. on this road, it can’t be helped. When I am in chase, I mean work.” ‘‘Let them go!” replied his gigantic friend. ** But, look out, my boy, that they don’t stam- ble. A fall, at this pace, would put us clean ‘ out of the race.” { Will, at this warning, tightened the reins, _ re taking care not to check the headlong speed of the plunging animals. The track of the sleigh of which they were in B gter st continued clearly defined, being ‘the only vehicle, with the exception of a singh wagon, which had yet Fm on that road. ‘or an hour and a half more the pursuit con- tinued over a very a, country, the road being broken into frequent ascents and declivities. And it becere gradually more and more, brok- en up, as the dsy advanced. But the track which they were following remained clearly de- fined, and could not be confounded with any of the numerous crossing and parallel tracks. Finally they foand themselves on the summit of a lofty hill, from which a long outlook,over the country in front was obtainable. The road was plainly marked out by its two dark lines of fences, and by the path it cut through the occa- sional groves that crossed it. “Yonder they are!” cried Will, enthusiastic ally, as he pointed to a distant spot on the road. “Not more than two miles ahead of us, and we'll eat that up in notime. Hey! gentlemen, didn’t I tell you we would run them down or burst? There’s never a burst; so 1 fancy we'll make it a clear run-down.” ** Don’t halloo till you are out of the woods,” returned his huge comrade. ‘There’s many a slip between the cup and the lip. There’s a brace of good old proverbs for you.” Nor was his doubt ill-placed. The road.ran downward here with a sheer slope of twenty feet on the right-hand side, while the protectin fence had been broken down. A short turn a the summit led into this long declivity. Witha firm pull on the right-hand reins Will guided the horses around this turn, and faced them at full speed upon the descending slope. Unlucki- ly he had pulled too strongly upon the rein. The leading horses sheered over until upon the very brink of the precipitous roadside. Then, with a snort of dread, they leaped back at a short turn, followed by the shaft horses. The sleigh was whirled short round upon the hill- side. For an instant it ran on one runner, the other being lifted into the air. Then it over- turned, flinging its occupants heavily down the een descent, while the frightened horses ran wildly onward with the overturned sleigh, f - | a
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A MORNING AT THE GOLDEN LION, “'TrERE’s been the very hounds to pay, last night,” remarked Joe Jonquil, as he rested easi- ly cgainst a pillar of the Golden Lion porch. oe » 28 not much given to wasting his muscular } o'-er in hard work, so that the roadside inn ia! plenty of his company. “lu g’lar highwayism,” he continued. ‘‘The we + 5 chap as left here last night was ambushed i: . ‘Thornton woods, and had a mighty nar- tor yucok for it.” : hal’s cobbler’s news, Joe,” replied old Sol, co) u:ptuously. ‘Haven’t you any thing i.cs. of in your bag?” * You bet I have,” Joe triumphantly r nd- cd ** She ee was to come off at Dover \.es woke up in the queerest way goin’. The i. cpuicman was arrested for burglary, or mur- even found out who they were,” veniured Bexy Huntly. “They? Oh, they are small fish.. Ae fer who they are I know them better then thegp. - fancy. I bad my eye at the cracks ot flewid - hut last night, before I borrowed one of dems horses.” : ‘Good fer you!” cried Will, springivg ex eitedly up, and grasping his strange friend my the hand. “Who are they? Put me on té#ér track, and I’)] promise to save you from iusto trouble with some of them.” “No, no,” replied the other, fixing his ere* with a cool expression on Will’s flushed taee, | “Tt is not the time yet for you to know therm. You are too hasty to deal with men like Huexe, Take my advice. Be on your guard agmmet-> Robert Wetherly. I will take care of wane other foes.” He turned quickly and walked from the Poa. \. In a minute more the tramp of a horse’s tewie: was heard without, in the clear space im trent. - of the porch. The three friends remained sok - ing at each other in silent astonishment. — CHAPTER VII. THE MEET AT THE ROSE TREF. ‘ Ir was the morning of the 4th of a There had been some warm weather #nce We date of the January storm just recorde:, ond every trace of the snow had disappeared, save, -- some stray remnants in deep pockets of th# tai hill-sides) The weather was now cliat wd. frosty, and the ground well hardened ty tie | breath of the wintry winds. : On the porch of a beautiful cottage. in trex. edge of the village of Dover, Will Wilcfire end Clara Moreland walked leisurely upetd AeA, 9. in the bright winter sunlight. eir awae: were clasped in each other as they wall+< ara» their eyes met with a look of warm éfferhen,.. It would have been evident to even & Jexang observer that those two souls were like ne-.- one by the ardent bonds of love. But their conversation was, justnow, Dy«mamaG such subject. They had much more’ pwestacaly objects in view. ; ** The meet will take place thenon Montiayr™ she eagerly asked, her eyes sparkling with sri mation. “Yes: at the Rose Tree Inn. The htittsnane | has found the lair of that cunning oi) rox, which so cleverly threw the hounds at the sas hunt. We intend to give the shrewd rae #& sharp dash for it, if the ground is in comdmom + forarun. He will have to be wide awake si te saves his brush.” ; ‘*And are there any ladies entered? she war gerly queried. “Neveral, I believe. I hear mention of Birs- Jobnson, and of that dashing rider, Miss Mybet- Morton.” “Then Iam going to join the chese,” entinet- astically. ‘‘IThave not had a good ride sie that steeple-chase. la-t autmmp: and FY tise eee
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’ y “wnat Selim will not be easily distanced in the “field.” | That he won't,” returned Will “It isa igs: Neceapt et A though.” . - *Semuch the better. What horse will you wade? Biack Bess?’ “Black Bess! Why the creature would be geod for nothing after such a break-neck dash ws we are likely to have. She is only fit for the racetrack, arrior is the best horse I have for awa ae a pa age ble work as a fox chase. I \ 4a.cle Dshall make him my mount.” Tsey, continued their walk up and down the *s their conversation verging now to more “personal subjects. “And so little Lucy is coming around all right wa "remarked Will, after a short interval. yes! It was a dreadful shock, you know. _dxndishe is very sensitive. But, between us, I feney tbat in her quiet little soul she is glad that “it tarned out as it did. L believe she would have ‘eroken the match herself, if she had dared. Sie ‘did not love the man half so much as she feared “* Then [ am glad I had a hand in breaking it. I wish, though, that I knew more about the ‘stranger who took so prominent a part in the ‘business. There isa mystery about him I cai- motfathom. Lam sure heis not the common person he seems. By the way, Clara, he has warned me tobe on my guard against Robert Wetherly, who, I suppose, owes me no good “Oh? I hope you are in no danger from him!” she-excitedly exclaimed, halting and fixing her eyes on Will witha look of alarm. ‘He is a ‘treacherous foe. I know he is. You must be -wery careful. Promise me, Will, that you will net: yourself toany danger?” + y, you nervous child, | don’t fear him “auymore thanI do yonder cat. As for getting aryself in a fret about his threats, | bave come See too many perils to begin now to “prem ble.” “Bat you are so heedless and trusting. You ““apew you are.” She placed both hands on his . eteulders, and looked chingly into his face, her ewn lips trembling. ‘‘ Dear Will, you are avorth a hundred suchmen. I beg, for my sake, ‘ifmot for your own, that you will uot expose aeeThy, you fearful litt goose! | Of I RT assembled in front of the Rose Tree. This old-fashiqed inn, noted in that part of rrr the country as a favorite resort for apormeene, and the scene of many an eager fox- ys was attended this morning by some twenty or thirty well-mounted lovers of that famous sport, a number of ladies enlivening the scene with their bright faces andgay ature, while the gentlemen, many Of them with green or crimson coats, added to the brilliancy of the scene. Leashed in the shed near the inn a well-filled pack of fox-hounds, eagerly whining, or im- patiently ‘‘ giving tongue,” yielded a foretaste of the sport which would be experienced when they got in full scent of the flying fox. | Among those present was the gigantic figure of Pierce Browning. Heavy as he was, and fond of taking his ease as every one reported him, he was still fonder of sport, and never al- lowed an opportunity for its enjoyment to es- cape him, ie sat a horse of mighty size, a huge, yet clean-built animal who seemed well able to carry his heavy mount, over field, fence and flood. Pierce had ranged himself beside a bright- eyed, fresh faced little beauty, from whose cap waved a long white feather, and who sat her blooded chestnut horse with a grace that could not well have been surpassed. She was the young lady of whom Will Wiicfire had spoken as ‘‘ that dashing rider Mabel Morton.” ‘‘ Where is your other self?’ she lau hingly asked. ‘ Your shadow, Mr. Wildfire? He don’t surely mean to let the hounds be thrown off without his presence?” ‘** He will be here,” replied Pierce. ‘‘ At least he promised to. But as for your shod re- mark you are not doing me justice. Why I have hardly set eyes on the man since—” “Since when?” seeing that he hesitated. ‘Since he upset a sleigh full of good compan- ions, aud flung us down a fifty foot hillside into a snow-bank at the bottom.” “) have heard of it,’ she gayly laughed. “ And of how Mr. Browning was buried so deep that not a hair of Lis head remained visible.” ‘* Words are too weak to express it,” rejoined Pierce, with a comical shrug of the shoulders. ‘“‘It was one of those situations in which the law gives a man the privilege of swearing. However, my eloquence was bottled up in snow. I had to keep mum, and take it out expres- sive thinking.—But, what is the talk to-day? Is there any chance of a fox?” ‘So they say. I am told that at least a half- dozen earths were stopped last night. There are bound to be some toxes cheated of their earth-holes, and we hope to find some ken- neled in the covert below the hill yonder. The huntsman has an idea he can rouse that long- winded fellow that threw the hounds last week. If he does we are in for a famous run.” As she spoke the person concerning whom the fair Mabel had questioned was rapidly sy am ing, through a strip of woodland that bounded the horizon to the t. He was driving a light in which sat with him bis fair fiancee, Clara Moreland. “We will have to hurry up,” remarked Will, ‘‘or the hounds will be uncoupled before we reach the hunt. Iam glad I have my fair pro- tector with me,” he continued, looking keenly around, ‘* for this would be a rare place for an ambush,” Indeed he was in more danger at that mo- ment than he dreamed of. They had reached the bottom'of a declivity, beyond which the road again ascended, while a flowing stream here crossed the road. On each side of it the bushes Fe thick and tangled, while a broken mass of rocks broke througi the soil at one side of the stream. These rocks, half covered b growth, furnished a dark cover, bebind which, at that moment, a man lay, with his eyes fixed upon the approaching carriage, while the long barrel of arifle protruded halfthrough the mask- ing bushes. A sound of satisfaction came from the man’s im on seeing who approached. He cocked the threatening weapon, and waited im- patiently for the approach of his intended vic- tim, He was so close, indeed, that he plainly over- heard Will’s remark. At the same instant his eye glanced with deadly aim along the sights, and his finger touched the trigger. At that. minute death hovered over Will Wildfire, all unconscious as he was. But, des- tiny bad not yet cut the thread of his fate. The intended murderer had made oneerror. He was on the left of the carriage, and Will was partly sheltered from danger his fair companion; and at this instant, as tr by some divine im- pulse, she playfully threw herself before him, covering hit with her protecting arms. iat fax to be your fair protector,” she > the bushy laughingly exclaimed, ‘‘I know no more dan gerous spot than this dark glen. Drive oy rapidly, Will, while I serve as your shield against peril.’ 4 Tavating at her impulsive action, Will touched his horse shrewdly with the whip: The animal sprung briskly forward, and in iu- ute had drawn them out of the threatening peril, through which they had so unconsciously assed, 7 With a bitter curse the assassin lowered bis weapon, muttering: P “Fiends take the woman! It is not her life I want. She has balked me of my vengeance. Shall l send a bullet through the back of the carriage?” t He raised his rifle again, with a balf-intent to do so; but at that moment the borse whirled around a short curve ‘n the road, and the trav- elers were safely beyond the danger with which they had been so unconsciously threatened. en minutes after they drew up in front of the Rose Tree, and were receiving the waim greetings of their friends. CHAPTER VIII. THE PACK IN FULL CRY. ‘‘ How soon are the hounds to be thrown off?” asked Will. ‘‘ I was desperately afraid I sl.ovla be too late.” ‘‘Within a half hour. But where are your animals?’ ‘“They are here, all safe. In the Rose Tice stables. I had them sent over last night,” he answered, as he accompanied his fair companion into the hotel. In less than a half-hour they reappeared, Will dressed in a handsome suit of biue cloth, that set off his fine figure to great advantage, w) ile his mount was a deep-chested gray horse, of fine action and proud bearing. Clara was dressed in a purple riding-robe, that showed to great advantage on the jet- black skin of her horse Selim, an animal well known in that country for his great speed and caring action. It was not the first dashing raee through which his rider had taken him, As for her she was radiant with expectation, Ler face flushed to a vivid rose hue under the pure white of the plume which adorned her close setting hat. ‘““Ycu are none too soon,” warned Pierce. ‘Tt is past ten now, and our friends aie push- ing toward the covert, which lies just beyond that bit of meadow. But, excuse me. I fan- cied you two ladies were old acquaintances,” “So we are,” smiled Clara, taking Mabel’s outstretched band. ‘It will not be the first time we have followed a fox together.” ‘And I fancy we will not be the last in at the death,” laughed Mabel, with a roguish plance at the gentlemen, as they set their horses in motion toward the field, The buntsman was already on the edge of the covert with the restless and impatient hounds, He was attended by the whipper-in, and the gentlemen and ladies who were to take part im the hunt, besides a goodly show of mere obser- vers, who had been attracted by the bare men- tion of a fox-hunt, and were eager tc sce the hounds ‘‘ throw off.” Before them was a narrow thicket of low un- derbrush, traversed in its center by a fenee, and a flowing stream. It was in this covert that the fox burrows had been found, and the ‘earth stopping” performed, and from which they confidently hoped to rouse some cunning hit es arate of the good old family of Rey- bara. Just as our friends reached the field the hunts- man had cheered his dogs into the close covert, with the familiar cry. ‘In there, good dogs! Eu in! Euin there! Have him up, beauties!” He rode after them into the covert followed by the “whip,” the mounted gentlemen and ladies remaining outside, end waiting with eager meee the first cry of the find. The master of the field, a stout gentleman but an earnest hunter, named Roger Coverdale, ar- ranged the hunt, while the dogs were eagerly making their way through the cover with an occasional impatient, snapping bark. With every eye alert, and every hand firm on the bridle, restraining the horses, which were uite as eager for the dash as their masters, they listened to the cheering shouts of the bhuntsman to his hounds, the well-known ery of 'Yoicks, yoicks, have at him! Push him up! Fetch him, good dogs!” One or two of the gentlemen were now allow- ed by the master to ride forward iuto the covert, to aid in finding the fox, which seemed to be keeping close to his kennel. The others were stationed at various points about the field.
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ready for the break when the hounds should give tongue. : Will and Pierce, with their two lady friends, were stationed at the right of the field. Here a nel of the fence had been taken down, so as to Facilitate the first break on the track of the hounds. / ‘*Tt seems to be a hard find,” remarked Pierce restlessly. ‘“‘The scent ought to lie well on a morning like this. I doubt if there are any foxes in that cover.” ‘““It was there we raised the one that esca us in our last hunt,” replied Mabel. ‘‘ He has very likely returned to his old lair.” ‘*You are too impatient,” Will laughingly broke in, “If you had a cigar, and a post to lean against, we would have you praying the fox to stick to his burrow.” “Oh! I grant you that,” rejoined Pierce, with an expressive shrug of his great shoul- ders. ‘*‘Circumstances alter cases, as we used to write in our copy-books at school.” “Hush!” cried Clara, holding up her hand with a warning gesture. ‘‘Ha! there it is! There’s the signal of a find!” She had heard an anxious whine or whimper from an old hound, who was coursing through the part of the covert near where they were stationed. Other hounds instantly ran to his side, and in a minute half the pack were follow- ing the scent which the experienced old fellow had discovered. Back and forth they ran through the close Ge te teen iving tongue, and cheered = by the urgent calls of the huntsman. Yet ) ding a scent is by no means the finding a fox. This one bad evidently ‘run his foil,” as the technical term goes; that is, had doubled back and forward on the same track till the hounds were completely baffled. The whole pack was now running somewhat wildly through the covert, following the puzzling scent, while the huntsman and his aids were working their horses through, in hopes of push- ing the cunning brute from his close cover. ill had ridden forward to the fence, so as to command a view of the other side of the thicket, at which side the whipper-in was also stationed, on the look-out if the fox should “ break cover.” He had hardly reached this point when he saw a emall, grayish, sharp-muzzled creature, coyered with a thick fur, and displaying a long, bushy tail, steal from the thicket, and start with a quick Scag Une mason across the field in front, e fox had broken cover, unseen by the “whip,” whose eyes were directed to the oppo- site quarter. But, Will was too well acquainted with the etiquette of the field to give too s0on the “ view oo.” A fox will often turn back and seek cover again, if any unusual noise is raised too prc be behind him. The eager observer re- strained himself, therefore, until the animal was half-way across the field, and had exchanged his first creeping movement for a quick leap that carried him rapidly away. Then the impatient hunters heard, in Will Wildfire’s clear, ringing tones, the well known view halloo. “Hou-y! hou-y! Tally ho! Gone away! Gone a-way!” 45 This loud, thrilling, long-drawn call rung like the tones of a trumpet through the field, stirring the warm blood in the veins of the ardent sportsmen, and followed by a quick yesponse from the huntsman, who blew his horn to collect the hounds, ‘ “Steady, gentlemen] Steady!” cried the master, riding briskly across the field. back, till the hounds have beenlaidon. Steady now, I beg Ag Meanwhile the whipper-in was driving out lagging members cf the pack, the huntsman settling them on the ‘scent, which Will pointed out, and all was restless bustle and confusion ebout the:eager field. “Keep back! Keep back! Let the hounds yettle to!” cried the master, riding earnestly be- fore the eager line of horsemen. ‘‘ Hang it, gentlemen, do you want to follow the hounds, or have them follow you? Keep back, or the day will be ruined!” “There they burst! There’s the cry!” cried an eager sportsman, as twenty couples of hounds made the air thrill with the ringing music of their voices, and the whole pack broke away at tremendous speed, on the scent of the fox, which had already vanished from sight in the distance. Simultaneously the crowd of eager hunters | broke away. Some well up wiih the hounds, others lagging behind, but all arteing impetuous- ly in the rear of that ringing musie which thrill- ed so richly through the wintry air. “Where is the fox?’ asked Pierce, as our “ Hold | friends rode together across the broad meadow in front. ‘Heaven knows. He went for the hed yonder; but it would not be easy to follow the cricks and turns of a fox’s track except with the help of a dog’s nose. How well the hounds run, with their heads up, as if they were running by sight instead of scent.” Yes,” answered Mabel, as she touched her horse with the whip. ‘‘They own the scent breast high bon It is easy for the pack to carry a good head, while the scent lies ee After a mile or two, when the scent grows cold, you will not find them with their heads to the sky. But here we are, gentlemen. Here’s the first proof of your valor. Not a very heavy one, oe ,” she continued, with a laugh, as they faced the low hedge which was the first obstacle to the hunt. The hounds and their immediate attendants were already across. With an easy skill Mabel lifted her blooded chestnut to the leap and was over it like a flash. The others followed with- out a moment’s hesitation, and were in a minute more racing across a broad pasture field, that descended rapidly toward a wide brook which ran brawling at its bottom. The hounds were already across this water, and breasting the opposite ascent, while the foremost riders were Malt-way down. the hill. The first tremendous pace was not yet broken, and the whole hunt streamed onward at racing were speed. Across the brook at a lively gallop went the mettled horses, in the first eager impetus of the burst, leaping the water at a bound, and breast- ing with fresh ardor the opposite hill. Before them was the long line of hounds, now stretched out, and running, still “‘ with their noses in tHe air,” at a tellin , while their musical bay made the ear thrill and the heart leap with ex- citement. Close beside them rode the hunts- man and the whipper-in, the latter having yet no occasion to use his lash on lagging or stray- ing hounds. At a short distance behind again came the troop of sportsmen, dashing at a ringing ‘amg over the brook, and already stretch- ed out into a long line, in the foremost files of which could be seen the flowing plumes of the lady riders. As for the fox he had disappeared in the far distance; but only for atime. He would have to be cunning indeed to escape his ardent pursuers, “Hat I ‘fancied that Master Fox would not face that hill!” cried Will, as the chase veered and ran atan angle ony the hillside. ‘He has no fancy for wasting his st®eagth in clinb- ing— Look! the ornate. bate is mang eH the strip of woodland. ere are going to be ed hats if we have to ride under those limbs,” “Ts there no safe way through?” asked Clara, anxiously, r i : ‘Oh yes!” replied Mabel, “TI will find you 4 path whére you need not brush a feather of yer plume,’ ‘ s . Several of the horsemen had already entered the wood, in ‘close pursuit of the hounds. As our friends approached, a footimian, who ‘stood just within the edge of the grove, intently ob- serving their approach, turned with ‘a look of satisfaction, and plunged deeper into wood, It was the same man who had already ‘aimed at Will Wildfire, from behind the Yrock, on the road to the Rose Tree. He still bore the rifle in his hand, and dashed with a crouching motion back into the thicker depths of the grove, to where a dense growth of bushes bordered the stream. Yet, quick as he was, he had not escaped observation. <A horse- man who was riding in that direction saw him, and turned his horse toward the spot at which he had disappeared. ‘‘Look out for eyes and hats now! Stoop, or that bough will sweep away your tiles!” cried Pierce Browning, bending to his horse’s neck, as the chase swept into the forest. But the dangerous limb against which he warned them was not repeated. Mabel had led them into a narrow cart track through the ‘ove, which they followed with ease, It wound ownward, approaching the stream at one point of its course. Again danger threatened Will Wildfire. The foe, who had already sought his life that morn- ing, lay crouched in the hazel thicket, at the point where the road Sprenened the stream. Vith ready weapon and alert eye he waited with murderous patience until the unconscious riders should have passed his place of ambush. “Ah! there’s sunlight ahead,” announced Will. ‘*We shall be in the open in a minute more.” His words were echoed by the sharp report of a ti arifle, the ball from which whizzed past so near his cheek that he felt the wind of it on his face. Simultaneously there came a fierce crashing of timber, and the tones of a loud voice in warning. . “Stoop! to your bridles! on your lives! Hold, you murdering villain, or [’ll ride you down!’ CHAPTER IX. IN AT THE DEATH, It may be imagined that our friends were not long in reining up their steeds, and turning toward the locality of this strange alarm. As they did so a horseman came thrashing through the hazel thicket that lined the brook, and rode up to them. : ‘* A narrow escape,” he cried. ‘‘The villain had point-blank aim on you. But I drove my horse on him and disconcerted his murderous project.” ‘“Who is he? Can we ride him down?” ex- claimed Will, his face flushing with quick in- dignation. “No. He plunged down the brook, under the thicket of brambles. It is useless to follow him in a place like that.” Something familiar in the tones arrested Will’s attention. He looked quickly at the speaker. That unsportsman-like dress! That livid scar! It was the mysterious stranger of the Golden Lion! ““You again?’ cried Will. ‘‘You haunt me like a destiny. Did you recognize this crouch- ing rogue?” ‘Yes. He was one of the men of the hut. But he has given you the slip. Away, or you will lose the fox also.” te 3 Jove, that’s true!” exclaimed Pierce, uickly wheeling his borse. ‘‘Come on, friends, miss shot hurts nobody, and we have the fux to run down.” They all wheeled and followed him, Wilk casting ohne expressive glance back at his warn- ing friend, who remained motionless on bis horse until they were out of sight. On reaching the — ground again it was found that the chase had made much progress during this interval. Not a horse or a hound was in sight, though the musical clamor of the latter could be heard from behind the flank of a hill that sounded away some distance in ad« vance. “Holck away! Yonder they po!” yelled Vie Push ahead lively and ‘we 4vill be on them. “ No, no,” cried Mabel; shakifiig her head, and breasting her borse it the hill in front. “The fox has 4 ‘at that turn. We will make a short cut over the brow, and down upon them like a breeze. Follow me!” Yielding to the advice of their experienced leader they drove at a rapid pace up ‘and in a minute more stood on the summit of an elevation, which commanded a wide and noble prospect. ; Before them lay a broad, grassy valley, inter- sected with fences and ditches, hedges and stone walls, while down its bottom ran a winding creek, ranging from eight to sixteen feet in width. The valley was dotted with numerous: farm-houses, and some plowed fields betokened. the autumn labors of the husbandmen, © Mabel was right. The fox had taken a sharp turn around the flank of the hill, and the chase was streaming along in the valley below them, the huntsman urgently cheering his hounds, who seemed to have struck a “cold scent,” while the whipper-in was lashing some stray- ing dogs to their duty. As for the bunters they were straggling over a line half a mile in length, some taking every leap that offered, and keeping well up with the hounds, others following a side road that led near the run, while one or two were leading their limping horses, disabled by a fall. “Yoi, Merrylass! Hear the music of her voice,” cried Mabel, as the bay of a hound came up the wind. “And there goes Rosamond, [I would know their voices in a million. Come on, entlemen. We will be at the heels of the ounds in a jiffy.” } . She presented a charming picture as she drove her horse at full speed down the decline, her bright eves flashing, her flaxen hair, which had escaped its confinement, streaming on the wind, while she sat her springing chestnut as though she bad been born to the saddle. Nor was Clara less lovely as she urged her jet- black Selim forward, reaching in a dozen of bis long strides the side of her enthusiastic friend. A look of admiration. passed between Pierce and Will. They gathered their bridles, and dar}- ed at a vigorous pace in the track of their charming leaders,
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| | | 1 1 ES II TE OEE Es i my 10 * Hoic away!” came in Pierce's stento- rian tence’ Hote at them, ' baaaticat Have’ at them!” ] leh hse This ng call was heard even by the dis- tant hounds. Down ‘the hill the four excited friends dashed, side by side. Yet it was no easy pancrt de “Here a fence, there a bushy ravine, their path. But these obstacles stopped them not for an instant. Rising, as with one will, they crossed the fences in full gallop. The bushes yielded and closed behind the impetuous dash of the steeds. In five minutes they were in the valley, well up with the hounds, and in the front ranks of the chase. “Yoil Tally ho! Forward! Hoick! Hoick!” yelled Pierce, whose blood was now fully up. A chorus of shouts followed, from the other hunters, to encourage the dogs, who seemed to have trouble to take up the scent. ‘* Have at him, Merrylass! Break in, Parson! Hoi, good dogs! Lively, sweethearts! live-ly !” The huntsman was blowing his horn, waving his cap, and trying every means to encourage the dogs, who seemed to be greatly at fault. They ceased giving tongue, and suddenly sto ped, throwing up their heads, and huddling in a confused mass, ‘* Keep back!” cried the master. ‘‘Give the houndsa chance! They are at fault. What is it, Joe? Has he taken to earth?’ “T think not,” replied the huntsman. ‘‘ Most likely he has headed back. He was runnin down wind here, you see, and no wise fox will i that up long. Shall I take a cast for if Yes, The hounds do not seem able to pick up. Blowing his horn, the huntsman ‘‘lifted his hounds,” as the technical phrase goes, and took a cast round the spot where the scent had failed, cheering them on ashe did so. His circles grew wider and wider, till at length a whimper from the shrewd old hound Rosamond, showed that she had “hit off” the scent. A cry from the tongues of the whole pack followed, andin a minute more they were streaming down the val- ley, rae direction almost opposite that before pursu As. the horsemen followed at full speed, a single equestrian was visible, a balf-mile in ad- vauce, leisurely pursuing the track the hounds had now taken. ‘Who is that chap?’ cried the master. ‘‘He is a rascally shrewd fellow, whoever he is, He is wise enough to. know that the fox would not Pre § face the wind, and let it carry his scent to the hounds,” Whoever he was, he rode slowly on, waiting the coming of the hounds. Yet it was no ea country, through which the chase now led. Fences, hedges and ditches intersected it at fre- quent. intervals, while they were approaching, at a sharp ang e, the creek that, traversed the bed of the valley Now came the trial of the horses. It was the the heavist piece of country they had yet met. But our four friends still kept well up with the hounds. Over fence and ditch they went, al- most side by side, their well-trained horses mat nothing of some very heavy leaps. But all the field was not so fortunate. It was being gradually thinned out by falls and_ balks, while a good dozen were making their way sng Oe ee roads and lanes, - they go!” cried Mabel, in her musical voice. ‘‘There’s Jack Gordon down. Under his horse, as I live! No, no! well done! He is on his feet and has him up again. And see the fat man in the green coat. He will never take that Peties By see! A STP en balk We yonder goes Harry Miller 1€ ditch. The horse is down on him. Shall we help the poor devil?” “No, no,” ejaculated Mabel, with her ardent fox-hunting hae “There is plenty of the philanthropic brigade behind. On, on! the fox 1s our game.” They went like a shot through the hedge which had checked the fat man, leaving it to close FP behind them, and were away on the heels of the hounds, which were here running slowly again on a cold scent. “ There’s that chap again who headed the field,” cried the master. ‘See how neatly he takes his leaps. I never saw a. better rider. Who under the sun can he be?” They were now much nearer him, and Will, at a glance, recognized the horseman of the woods, the scarred stranger whom he seemed destined to meet at every turn. Who could he | be? The mystery was deepening around him 5 ft 2 Moone en I first saw him at the Golden Lion, we sneaked in like a disconsolate tramp who A, Trump Card. SS ———E——EEEEEE oe was half afraid of being kicked out. And here | the outbuildings of a farm-house, seeking some he is now leading the» taking fences and ditches like a hunter.” ~ : ; “Something mighty odd about: him,” replied Pierce; shaking his head. ‘‘I would Rac orser fox’s brush to find out who he is,” ‘© You must take the brush first,” laughed Ma- bel. ‘‘ Ha! do you see’ that?” She pointed to a field at a considerable dis- tance ahead, where a flock of er was gath- ering in a peculiar manner, much like a troop of cavalry preparing for the charge. ‘* We are gaining on Sir Reynard,” she an- nounced. ‘Poor fellow, he is trying to hide —— the sheep, and has given the silly things a start.” But, even as she spoke the hounds were again at fault. rs bedi is it?’ asked the master, riding for- ward, ‘Taken to earth, I’ve a fancy,” replied the poet sete as he pointed to a hole in the bank, that looked like the entrance to a fox burrow. “ Not so!” Mabel:eagerly announced, pressing her horse forward. ‘‘ Do you not see the sheep yonder? He is in the flock, or has been there.” As she spoke there came from the distance a cheering ‘‘ Hark! Halloa!” The hounds raised their heads, and some of the younger dogs started in the direction of the call. The cry was repeated. It came from the stranger, who had ridden forward to the sheep- field, and who now stood in his stirrups, point- ing forward. There again came up the wind his cheering ‘“‘ Hark! Halloa! Stole away! On, hounds! On, good dogs!” thorough In an instant the whole pack broke away, and | ran with open moutbs toward this stranger. Ere the huntsman could come up, he had them on the scent again, and their loud bay announc- ed to the field that the fox was again found. On, on again, with an exhilaration scarcely tempered by their sharp spurt. Reynard was now heading across the valley, and a few min- utes’ ride brought the, hunt to the verge, of the creek, which bere ran between level, banks, and was from twelve to fourteen feet in width. Straight to the water’s edge ran the hounds. The fox had evidently taken to the stream, and the whole pack was in a moment, in the water, swimming eagerly for the other side.. A min- ute’s. huddling. . Another. minute’s. - restless search. Then old Rosamond owned the scent, and the hounds were off upon.her tracks, with their inspiriting cry. The hunters—of whom scarcely a dozen now remained in sight—headed straight for the wide, deep stream. Several of them, however, onexs eh Ubi tt, and rode off to the right, an fin search of an er passage. % all we bate down for a few Rett of run- ning water?’ asked Pierce, pointing forward with his whip. — er <hr: ‘ Never!” rejoined Will, giving his horse the p inal and driving ata rattling pace for the stream, ,; Sigel But Clara was now foremost. Her blooded horse, with dilated nostrils, bad broken into a short, quick rush, risen with an arrowy leap, and made a clean breach across the stream, landing, with several feet clear, on the other bank. Following her’ Will and’ Mabel, dashed forward side by side. They rose in the air to- gether, a moment they hung suspended over the stream, and then landed, his heavy horse dashing the earth with his heels back into the water, Waele | Mabel’s light chestnut cleared the a spss bank. - ierce had not such good fortune. Heavily- built as his horse was, he was beginning to feel the weight of his rider. He did not k, but he landed with only his forefeet on the ‘soil, his hind feet oo ry | the water. But his skillful rider was ready for the emergency. Quick as a flash he was Off over the horse’s ears, and’ was | tugging at the bridle to aid him in his strug- gling eff orts. This change in weight proved effectual, — The animal gained the bank, and Pierce was in an instant more again in the saddle. The chase had now continued at top speed, | for a full hour, and fox, hounds ‘and _ horses were alike growing tired. Reynard showed a | y | sheltered him. The second time I was nearly disposition to exchange cunning for speed. Several of his wel aiowh devices to destroy the scent were tried. At one point he had run for a hundred yards on the top of a fence, giv- ing the huntsmen much trouble to regain the scent. At another, he had waded some distance | down a shallow brook. But all these devices roved ineffectual, and the hounds were yet in full anh : Finally the worn-out anima! dashed in among id ‘with the. ‘best; and: -place from his foes. stantly there was a general uproar, the screaming of chickens, the cackling of geese, the cries of men and women, the. confusion worse confounded by a couple of young lt who took that opportunity to kick up their heels about the barnyard. Pee Reynard, evidently not relishing all this up- roar, took to the field again, Stealing 2s a hedgerow that led outward from the stable. ‘On went the chase at full speed, the horsemen now closing up more with the hounds, sure that the run could not last many minutes longer. To their left rode the stranger, while the most of the hunters inclined to the right, nearer the hedge. Suddenly the line of hounds turned outward, and in a minute more their leader, old Rosa- mond, leaped on a skulking form that was creeping across the field a short distance in ad- vance, The strange rider, who was foremost in the chase on that side, sprung from his horse, with the ‘‘ whoo! whoop!” that announces the death of the fox. In an instant more he had lashed the struggling pack from their prey, and was holding up the dead form of poor Reynard who had given them such lively sport. — Cutting off the head, feet and tail he flung the careass back to the hounds, who in an instant were tearing it into fragments, rolling over each other in their eagerness. Looking around the line of excited sportsmen for a minute, the stranger walked up to Clara, who sat her panting horse in the front rank, and presented her the ‘* brush,” with a low, de- ferential bow. : “And to this fair lady the head, if she will accept it.” With a smile of pleasure Mabel took the prof- fered prize, thanking him for the compliment, The ‘‘pads,” or feet, he distributed epang those of the remaining hunters who wan them. as trophies of the chase. He then re- mounted his horse and took his bridle in hand, turning the animal’s head toward the neighbor- ing road. R ‘‘You are not going?” asked the master of the hunt, with some surprise. “Yes, Pray excuse me.” “But will you not attend the supper at the Rose Tree? Such a daring rider as you should not run off from the honors you have “T should be glad to; but business will not permit it.” “At all events, you will be kind enough to leaye,me your name?” “Not now. You shall have it soon. I have reasons for remaining unknown at present.” With a low bow, and an aspect of dignity which Will had not seen in his face at their pre- vious meetings, he turned his horse to the road, and was off at an easy canter, leaving the throng of hunters lost in surprise. CHAPTER X. A NEW GAME FOR A FORTUNE. BROOKDALE, the manor-house of the W - ly estate, was a sturdy stone mansion, of ‘Reyo- lutionary date, though it had received many modern improvements. Its windows looked down upon neatly-decorated grounds, while a broad lawn with a stately elm in its center, lay between the front of the house and the high- road that passed close by. In the smoking-room of this mansion sat two men, on the eyening of the day in which the fox-chase had taken place. On the table before them was a decanter of stronger beverage than any wine, flanked by a tray of cigars, and a brace of. glasses filled with the ruby-colored liquor. With the two occupants of the room we are already acquainted. One was Robert Wether- ly, the rascally agent whom his namesake had | left in charge of this estate. The other was the leader of the gang of ruffians who had waylaid Will Wildfire on the night of the storm. ‘The hound has a charmed life,” exclaimed Wetherly, with a fierce blow of his fist on the table. “I drew a bead on him twice to-day, but both times he escaped me. Once the woman ridden down by—who would you fancy?” How the Blawes should I know?’ answered the other, as he took a draught of the strong liquor. ti No less than that infernal scarred stranger who played the devil with my wedding. Td give something clever, Dick, to know who that chap is and what heisafter. There’s something confoundedly mysterious about him.”
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2 — ———————————— —J; _her silence, . Vow that y SE—— “Wheat was it he beh in your ear that night?” asked Dick. ‘There are all sorts of ‘ramors efloat.” “Nothing, nothing that matters,” was the reply, thovgh the speaker grew slightly pale. ‘Fo knows.something that 1 would give @ cool thousand (0 find out, that’s all.” “ And why the thunder then are you wasting our time with an open-handed fellow like this Will Wildfire? If I play_rough it is with men who don’t show their eatin A. man that wears his sign-post on bis face will never hurt any- body, for you always know where to meet im. “T hate him!” hissed Wetherly. ‘‘ And what is more | fear him. I am under a challenge now to fight him, and 1 know he will wing me, ‘or sh mo me if I backdown. I have put off the meeting, but I do not see my way clear out of it. If 1 badn’t been so infernally unlucky this morning!” He took a sip of the brandy, with a look of dcep reflection. i Good heavens! you’re no slouch with the pistol yourself. Blow me if I'd back down from a ~~ @ ““A boy, the devil! Just you keep clear of such boys, if you want to have an easy life. Besides, that’s not all, Hang him for a med- dler, do you know that he cut me neatly out from a fortune, in spoiling that marriage? “Don’t ask me. I never guessed a riddle in my life,” answered Dick, coolly lighting a ci- gar. ‘Jt struck me that he saved you from being bit.” “Tt was a clean sell, I tell you. A regular fox-trap; and I stepped right into it like a blind ninny. IJ might have known that the thing was too confounded unlikely.” “Tam allatsea,” replied Dick, puffing away at his cigar. “Why, confound your stupidity, don’t you understand that the story was made out of the whole cloth? I have telegraphed to England and found out the truth. There is no ry Darling. She has been dead nigh these twenty years. Lucy Darling is the true heir of the Lindens. The whole business, that paper and all, were cooked up to cheat me; and Prat head- foremost into the sell like a blind mole into a trap.” Dick made no answer. He simply leaned back in his chair, inserted his thumbs into his vest pockets, and gave vent to a long, low whis- tle, as he fixed his eyes on Wetherly’s disturbed countenance, ‘Do you wonder, then, that I have a crow to pick with this hound?” Dick continued to smoke in silence for several minutes, his eyes fixed reflectively on the face Same eee x ni ‘ e here,” he at length said. ‘‘ What have you done with that telenensar “ Burnt it.” “Do you think little Lucy. knows. of this game?” * ae ge ge Ct it as meng Ae I di eft. the Lindens, yesterday, is now staying with her aunt eo oree . ‘Then blame you fora blind gull, why, don’t ou go for her again? You have as pretty a ure and as glib a tongue asever. Swear that ou were taken all aback that night, and Fancied that she had given you the mitten ‘by love ber for herself, and not for her money.,.,Make her believe that you are a sugary lump of disinterestedness and pure affection. Why bless us, man, if you play our cards right, she will drop into your mout e a ripe Bit into a basket. “You've got ust the prettiest game that a man ever saw, at Le pat toon seg denel Saeer as if you nD for a. ce w ai ashamed of oe In : poured out a brimming draught of the age brandy, and Saeed te off at a mouth- ‘Good. for you, Dick!” exclaimed Wetherl with quick enthusiasm. .‘‘ Your head’s clear vi a bell. Dll do it; and win her too. ou may bet on that. And I'll make it worth your while; hang me if I don’t.” hen strike while the iron’s hot,” Dick uietly rejoined. ‘‘Sbe may have written to Bngland. Get your work in within a month, or you may lose the e yet.” “You're right,” cried Wetherly, springing to his feet. ‘You can bet I will not let it grow cold, if I haye to get my first blow in before the day is over. But what is to be done about that duel, Dick? He is crowding me like thunder.” “Ob! that’s all right. Go ahead with it. Trust moe to have the authorities on hand. It wouldn’t be a bad joke to let him put a bullet through your arm or your leg, and have him locked up till the fun is all over. Little Lucy would be sure to fall into the trap then, if you could get her to u.ix pity with love.” = ets blazed!” growled Wetherly. “The confounded idiot talks about bullets as if he was chattering about sugar-plums. And that heady young devil would be as apt to put one through my head as my arm. You must break in, Dick, before a shot passes, or I'll fly the bargair.” “ All right,” replied Dick rpg 8 “*Tt’s all one to me. Only lll be hanged if Pd fly from an even chance.’ In ten minutes more Robert Wetherly was off on his projected visit to Lucy Darling, leav- ing Dick to finish in solitary state his brandy and cigars. y At an hour shortly after that in which this conversation had taken place, a party of the fox-hunters who had taken part in the day’s sport, stopped at the Golden Lion on their way home from the late dinner at the Rose Tree. Among them was Roger Coverly, the master of the hunt, and several of the most ardent sportsmen. They were a little the worse for the potations they had taken on the strength of their morning’s sport, and talked away with very loose tongues as they leaned back against the bar at Solomon Tims’s hostelry. “A tight run to-day, gentlemen,” remarked Solomon, as he deliberately prepared the drinks ordered by his customers. “Tight! You better b’lieve it,” answered Roger, a little thick in his speech. ‘‘ Never saw a fox make better sport.” ** And I’m told that a stranger to these parts rid in and stole away the brush.” “Yes, hang him!” ejaculated a second. ‘And rode off as mysterious as if he was King George, or some other highflyer. Wouldn’t touch salt with us or give his name. A blamed queer sort of chap, dressed like a tramp, and with a scar on his face as if’d he gota saber- cut. At these words a quick glance passed between Solomon and his three cronies, who were all present. ‘* 4 scar, did you say, sir?’ queried a person who had just entered. ‘‘ Was it a long, livid cut, from the eye down to the chin?” ‘* Here’s somebody who knows him, at all events,” exclaimed Mr. Coverly, quickly turn- ing, “for you bave given us his photograph in balf a dozen words. Whois he, sir? I’m curi- ous to know.” The new-comer was Robert Wetherly. ‘I have seen him, that is all,” he replied in- differently. ‘‘ He is a stranger to me.” ‘“‘T dunno what ye gentlemen wants to know a chap like that fer,” came in a grumbling tone from Bill Blaker, who sat behind his long ipe near the hearth. ‘‘ You won’t know noth- M to brag of arter ye take him in.” ff ‘Aha! here's another that knows something,” cried Mr. Coverly, with a slight hiccough. “T didn’t say that,” rejoined Bill. ‘‘ Only I gt ges in at the death of the fox, and I was a bit dumfounded to see ye gentlemen in sich comp’ny, that’s all.” , “Hold yer tongue, Bill,” growled old Sol. ‘Who asked you to put yer lip in?” “Tet him talk,” said Wetherly, with illy -re- erness. ‘‘ You know something of this man, then, that is not to his advantage? “T know he’s a State Prison bird,” replied Bill, with great dignity. | The glasses they had raised were set down with a clash on the bar. ‘The devil you say!” ejaculated Mr. Coverly. “He isn’t company for gentlemen, that’s all I’ve got to say,” remarked Bill, drawing away at bis pipe. ‘But what do you mean?,, Where was he in prison? and what for?” ‘A wink’s is good asa nod to a blind hoss,” rejoined Bill, mysteriously. ‘‘I ain’t got noth- in’ ag’in’ the chap, and don’t want to hurt him. Only I thought I’d put him in his place. What I knows I knows, and if ye want to find any more ye can go further. Thar ain’t no use fol- lering a feller up cause he’s happened to meet with a misfortune.” And Bill resolutely held his peace, after doing the man for whom he felt such sympathy about all the harm he conveniently could. Finding that there was no use to question him further the guests left the room, with signi- ficant looks at each other. Robert Wetherly, who was acquainted with some of them, follow- ed_ them out, an expression upon his face which enone that he did not intend to let this inter- est! ng information stop at that unsatisfactory poin 11 CHAPTER X1. \ THE MEETING ON THE EARNCLIFFE MEADOWS. “Waar you call ’em, Marse Wilt” queried Pete, the little ebony mortal who acted as valet de chamobre to Will Wildfire. = ‘* Pistols. What do you think, stupid?” “Golly, don’t I know they’s pistols? But. they isn't ’volvers, sich as folks shoots with now-a-days. Don’t like ’em,” and Pete closed his lips with a show of invincible determination. “Folks says as how you’s gwine to fight , Marse Will. An’ dat’s what dem pistols is fur. MY fool dis nig; I knows it.” “Fight a duel, Pete? What put such nonsense into your pate?” “It's eberybody’s talk. An’ eberybody's talk muss be de trufe. Jess you skip dat, Will. Jess don’t you do’t. Like to know what good you ‘spect to git out of bein’ bored wid bullets?’ “Aman can’t die but once, Pete. I don't know that I need care much what becomes of me.” ‘*But what's to come o’ me; dat’s de question?” Pete earnestly replied. ‘It’s easy ‘nuff fur white folks like you to git ‘long, anywhar. But what's to *come of yer little nig? Can't do widout you, no- how. You's jess gwine to leab me a poor orphan.” There were tears in Pete's ares as he spoke. He had a real warm affection for his master, despite his odd way of showing it. Will laughed as he tore off . iece of white paper of about the size of a silver ollar. ‘Pin that up against the oak tree there,’ he said, handing it to Pete. ; The boy advanced wondering to the tree in ques- tion, a huge-trunked specimen, about twenty — distant, and pinned the scrap of paper to the k. Will past meanwhile been engaged in loading the pistol. z ““Now stand aside, boy,” he commanded, as he lifted the weapon and took quick aim. A flash, a sharp report, and he lowered his arm. The paper fluttered away. ‘See if your pin isn’t driven into the tree, Pete,” “ Golly, it am dat,” cried Pete, with eyes as large | as saucers, “‘and a bullet hole ang’ froo de pa. “Don’t you think then, boy, that if I were to figbt a duel it would be the other fellow who would stand the chance of being bored?” “* Dat’s all berry nice,” rejoined Pete, with a doubt- ful shake of the head, ‘ But den, dat piece o? Paper ain’t de oder feller. Wouldn't be a bit skeery "bout shootin’ at a bit o’ paper myself. But if dar was _ anoder chap wid a pistol, *stead of a paper, I's feared ob de consequences.” Will laughed again, as he wiped the silver-mounted weapon. - on7 never afraid of co uences, Pete. If I don’t quite kill the other fellow, it will not be becanse I can’t, but because I don’t want to.” i ‘“*And perhaps because killing, even in a duel, is called murder by our unreasona le courts.” Will glanced quickly around on hearing these words, given in a sarcastic tone. There, leaning against the oak, was the figure of uhe scarred stranger. But his expression was different from that which Will had first o' him. There was a dignity, and self-con about him in strange contrast with his former ; “Ts it not rather unusual, Mr. Wildfire,” he coolly asked, ‘to have it bruited through the whole ne ga that you have given a challenge to a/du- ely”’ i ‘“* I did not bruit it,’ Will angrily replied. “Then it must have been your adversary ; for it is the common talk. I came to ask you to think better of this challenge. A duel is no longer the honorable affair it once was; and the contestants run the risk, one of being shot, and the other of being hung.” “He isa neni cur,” cried Will. “ Imay have been hasty in challen him; but I will never back on my word. Lucy Darling shall be revenged for the affront put upon her.” mn wh “T am ae Nesta roster she needs it,” the stranger m: ) replied. ig Why ? What do you mean? I do not understand ou.” rege ? “Only that the interrupted wedding bids fair to again.” \y oF * tt ag does!” a es ““Wetherly is paying cou at quarter again ; a yee to him; and they have become a. race of turtle-doves once more. . “Why, hang it, I fancied he was after her for ber money only. He can’t love her?’ i Bg Ke stranger ae a step, and rested his weight upon a railing. “Send the boy away,” he demanded, Will turned to Pete, who was to the con- versation with eyes and mouth both eopen.. | “Vamose,” he said. The boy was enough of a Spanish scholar to know what this meant, and hc reluctantly withdrew, cut short at the most interesting part of the conversa- tion, “It is her money he wants,’ continued the stran- ger. ‘‘ Lucy Darling is heir to the Lindens.” “‘ And the paper you read at the wedding?" “Was a fraud, intended to open the eyes of the bride, and break her from her infatuation. Some- how Wetherly has discovered our triek, while the young lady has not. He EF ya the and she believes in him, e game is getting excit- ing. “Why not inform her?” “No. I cannot go back on my work in that way. T believe she has written to England berveli
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4" ig ho is a ug before an answer.” ( “ Leave that to mo,” exclaimed Will, with energy. | A Trump Card. g matters so fast that there is danger of if they leave us a minute’s grace. Are you ready, gentlemen?” he called out. “ Ready, sir.” “You o se the duel. Why the duel is the very “Then let us finish with this little amusement, be- thing. I will not quite kill the fellow. But if hehas | fore our dinners get cold. Station your man, sir.” the t to stand up before me I think I will put off Will advanced with a firm step to the ition as- ; his wedding for a whole month to come.” signed him. His keen eye took a quick survey of ; ‘A good idea,” laughed the stranger. ‘‘But take | thesurrounding scene, the bread meadow, the neigh- my word for it, he does not intend to let you shoot | boring wood, with its screening fringe of bushes, e y at bim.” ‘ i curving blue skies overhead. His vision rested a “Tf he gives ts a chance I will discount his inten- | moment on this charming landscape, as if he felt tion,” Will grimly replied, ‘ But will you excuse | that he might never look upon it again, Then his ime, sir, for inquiring your name, and the cause of | eyes turned upon the figure of his antagonist, who your interest in this business?” F “ Not now,’’ was the constrained es . “I have an of my own to settle first. When that is PY done I may surprise more than you. Gvod-day sis, He turned and walked away, leaving Will lost in wonder, but too proud to question further after this | refusal. ,,On the morning after this conversation, on the iarneliffe meadows, a broad green expanse partly ; .wrrounded by woods, and remov from the | iagin road, a group of persons had gathered. _ Of these Will Wildfire and his friend Pierce Brown- | ing, in company with a doctor whom they had | _ brought with them, stood under the shade of the spreading chestnut, to the east of the field. vapoe em were two persons who had just arrived, Rob- ert Wetherly and bis well-dressed but villainous as- Koclate, the leader of the ambushed gang. Will had brought the case of pistols which he had been examining on the previous evening. The others } aid not seem ) aryicr om tid Pierce addressed the sec- ond of the other side, offering him the use of one of Mr. Wildfire’ weapons. J “Much o a,” was the reply. “But my friend lak Wwided, He is used to shooting with the revolver, fers that to your single-barreled pistols.” ‘** Just as you please,’ replied Pierce, indifferently. “You may fight with a blunderbuss if you prefer. We want to be accommodating. But, Mr. Brown— did T not understand that your name was Brown?” “ Yes, Richard Brown, at your service.” _ “Then, hadn’t we best push this affair through? ; My principal is engaged for a ride at ten, and fora dinner party at one; and you see he has little time to * ; The other second stared, and then whistled. This was a cool way of looking at it. “Suppose we make it a ride in an ambulance?” I he “And a dinner on bed-room gruel?” \ “We do not accept such mupposizions, - returned Pieree. “He will take that ride; you may have my word for that, Mr. Brown. And now, sir, where shall we place our men?”’ They conversed earnestly for several minutes, walking about and viewing the field. Then Pierce returned to his princi: : ; “ Well; whal’s to be loner” asked Will impatient- A’ "Ti Gur frends are a little aki and are t to | aon make time,” rejoined Pierce, ‘There is something in the wind. Just what it is I don't sée, but it won't work. They have got to fight on ‘nail, or slink t. “Right,” declared Will, “By ‘the nervous way . Wetherly looks toward the ‘woods I fancy they ildon an irruption ¢f the duthorities. Drive them, erce, Or force them to back down, like curs as they Pierce fied hnd the conference was resumed. “The shorter the distance the better,” he remark- ed. “But ifyou insist on the twenty paces, we are agreeable. ill you, step th ti off?” Ot that,way,’ he continued. ‘‘ Here, to north ‘and’ .. We yg want either of our men to fet the sun in his face.” “And bless my eyes!’ he continued; “a isn't a yard and a ‘quarter in my dict nye 6 n’t put the men out of sight of each other. They are snot to peg away at a barn door, or at an * -acre field.” 4 . “That's my idea of a pace,"’ Dick coolly responded, ‘as he continued to make his longest str des. “ How are you ona long shot?” Pierce asked his | principal, on returning to him. “That confounded ‘ chap has made a long twenty yards of the distance. _ ’ Some game in this.” ht; I'll discount their game," Will rejoin- ed. “* e gives me the chance for a shot I promise - that he not bein marrying trim for the next o months.” Wetherly was glancing anxiously toward the wood when his second approached. ‘“*] do not see your friends,” he anxiously remark- “They are all ready,’’ Dick responded. *‘* You will : find them prepared to pounce out as soon as I give them the signal. But why the deuce don’t you try a shot at the fellow sy be ty If I were before him, with a revolver in my d, shoot me if I wouldn't give him the six barrels.” “ He has such blazing luck in everything he under- takes,” muttered Wetherly. “And they say he isa dead shot with every weapon. I want time to make a will in your favor, Diek, before I step out. Dick laughed. * Have our own way,” he said. there’s six foot six beckoning me. what he wants.” Another short conference took place between the two seconds. “Tam to “ Exeuse me; I must see — ve the biger answered Pierce, on re- turning’ to his principal. ne, two, three, and fire. Don't fet him get his bullet in ahead of you. Drop hin acnap shot at the word fire. And mind you, Will; bang me if 1 don’t give the word, police or no, . / a ) | } f Bh ’ had just taken his position, and upon whose face he marked a slight shade of pallor, telling that all was not at rest within bim. Will's lip curled in scorn, and he grasped his pis- tol with a firm gripe, standing erect and steady as a young oak. Pierce looked at him, and then at his antagonist, and a slight shadow of uneasiness which had displayed itself upon his countenance passed off, before a smile of assurance, i ed ngs ready, gentlemen?” “Ready,” returned Dick, loudly. Asif this word had been a agpal there instantly emerged from the wood the forms of three men, who seemed to have been concealed behind the bushes, They ran quickly across the field toward the combatants, “Aha! is that the game?” cried Pierce angrily. “Hang me if we won't have a shot anyhow! Ready, ntlemen, You know the word. One — two— ‘Hold!’ came in loud, stern accents from the ap- / proaching men. 2 Will qui Sy radeud hie istol, but his antagoni: quickly is ut his an nist re- mained with his hand at his ae evidently with no intention to fire. A moment’s hesitation, then Will took a quick aim and pulled the er. Wetherly turned half round, and the pistol flew from his nerveless hand. “You have hit him!” exclaimed Pierce anxiously. “No. I could not shoot the cur with his pistol hand at his side. You will find bullet mark on his pistol. I may have made his fingers tingle; but that is all.—What do he wish, gentlemen?’ This was ad to the three men who had just come up, Rito put a stop to this law-breaking business,” sternly replied the foremost. “And to arrest the participants. * Por what?” replied Will coolly ly no crime in a little exercise of skill? This gentle- man and I were merely trying who could shoot a istol out of the Othex's hogers without touching foe I have succeeded, as you will find on examin- ing his weapon. Come, Mr. Browning; our sport is over for to-day.” “ That anees will not answer, sir,’’ the of- ficer ste replied. “ Subterfuze?"’ cried Will, fiercely turning to him, ill you be kind enough to withdraw that word, r would you prefer to take a hand in our little *“ There is sure- “ sir? sport?” ** No, no,” rejoined the officer, with a grim laugh. “ and if you don’t like the word you 4 jv ben ae it with any you prefer. But, gentlemen, I have been in- formed ta duel is intended here; and it is my duty to bind you over to keep the Wa ‘Informed?’ exclaimed Pierce, with a look of scorn at voore d his second. “I fancted it would end that way. This comes of dealing ‘with cowards, All right, gentlemen. Mr. ‘Wildfire ‘is ready to pledge himself not to shoot_at this fellow aii—except it be in self-defense. You will allow him that privilege?’’ “The law does not permit the carrying of deadly weapons,"’ answered the officer. “ But the mayor may grant the right, when a man is in danger of tion. on, gentlemen, We will promise only to defend ourselves against murderers."’ His eyes were fixed on Wetherly and Dick so sig- nificantly, that the latter stepped forward. “Do you apply that word to me?” ¢ a , if the shoe fits,” Pierce indifferently re- nded. Be re me, then, for a white-livered—” “Excuse me,” Interrupted a new voice. “Mr. Richard Brown, I believer" “ And suppose that is my name, what then?” . ‘Only that 1 have a moment’s business with you.’ Will started on observing that the speaker was the stranger with the scarred cheek. “This young man does not quite relish the name of assassin,” he continued, turning to the office “vet I have here a warrant which I will ask one o you to execute, ch him with an attempt to murder Mr, William dfire on the night of the fifteenth of January. Of course we do not con- demn him a8 a murderer; and he can have the chance of proving before the courts that he is none. “Hell's fire!” cried Dick, in fury, making a movement toward Wetherly’s revolver. “ Not just yet, my friend,” replied the officer, lay- ing a heavy hand on his shoulder, “I arrest you upon the serious charge contained in this warrant. n CHAPTER XII. ANOTHER IN! ERRUPTED WEDDING. In an easy-chair, within the pleasant. sitting-room of her aunt’s residence, sat Lucy Darling, her slen- der fingers busily engaged in some of that incom- prehensible fancy-work with which young ladies manage to consume their spare time. She was thinner and paler than when we saw her last, on the evening of the interrupted wedding, but there was the same soft light in her eyes, and the si Vea Seen Se ON =— if | same fresh bloom on her lips. recovering ~ rom the shock of that - ee reat “Allalone? And crocheting, asl live! And leok-- like anything but a ghost,”’ i turned a toward the s er.. She- dropped her work on seeing the la face of: Clara Moreland, who had just entered the room. “Oh! 1 was z= pai ay | oul” cried Lucy, 8 ringing quic y to her feet. “How was it, then!* Was ere a duel?” “Not exactly,” answered Clara, with curling lip. “T was so afraid that one of them would be killed! a mo me all about it, dear. They did not ficht, en 9 “T am very glad they didn’t,” vegies Clara, ‘I, would never have forgiven Will, if he had taken part in such a barbarous business, ‘‘But—” and er scornful look returned. “But what?” anxiously. “But I would rather have had him fight than show the white feather of a coward. The authorities: a a a but not by Will; you may be sure ef ‘‘ By whom then? By Robert Wetherly?”’ “Yes,” Clara contemptuously replied. ‘‘ He had officers stationed in the woods. His second gave them a signal, and they came out just as the duel was ready to be fought,” “I don't believe it!” cried Lucy bitterly. “ Rob- ert Wetherly could not be snch a coward!’ Ge I had it from one of the officers himself,” replied ara. Lucy fell back in_her chair, her face blazing with anger and scorn. Mild and gentle as she was she — not bear the thought of having a coward fora over. P Her lips were dry, and a strange look in her eyes, when she again lifted her head. “IT do not know what I have done to deserve such unhappiness,” she murmured, “Here are you, whose life has passed like a happy dream. Ina few days more you will be married to him whom you love, and who loves you; while poor me—” “None are sure of happiness while they live,” Clara replied, with a very grave look. “I do not know what it is, Lucy, but a very dark presentiment comes over me like a thunder-cloud. Something ter- rible is going to ~~. n, [am sure. I would give anything if that w g was once over. I feel that a deeper trouble than yours is impending over me.” Lucy tried to laugh off this gloomy foreboding of her friend, but failed to do so. Whatever its cause, it had taken too deep hold of her to be readily dis- possessed, An hour Then Clara rose to leave. “Do you like it here, Lucy?” “Yes. Better than at the Lindens. In fact, I could not well content myself there under present ces.” circum * Did it ever strike you, dear, what a very stra story it was, with which that unknown person broke off your wedding?” “ y, Clara—”’ “I don’t half believe it, that’s flat. What proof have you of it? Any person might have prepared tha pepe. 8 rietet an idea! Atany rate, I have written | to Loe “Then don’t get married until you have an an- swer." “And why not, pray?” “Does it not seem strange that Mr. Wetherly after deserting you somewhat basely on the night of your wedding, has come back again in the role of a penitent lover?” ‘*Any one may repent,” replied Lucy, a little coldly. Clara stooped, and whispered in her ear. “Jt is not repentance, child. I verily believe he eo pp : t Ue — still = —_ a Bry! Lin- ens, an try to deceive you game of the disinterested lover.” When Lucy looked up again her friend was gone; Low fe had [eft the sting of suspicious thoughts be- ind her, An hour afterward the unhappy young girl was still sitting by the window, her head upon her han lost in her gloomy thoughts, while her negh work lay untouched upon the floor at her feet. A step, unheard by her, sounded behind her.. An arm was thrown around her waist, and a kiss pressed upon her cheek. With a cry of alarm she quic’ sprung up, and stood like a deer at bay, gazing wit eo and wide-open eyes upon the intruder. y, love, one would think that a bee had stung you,”’ laughed Robert Wetherly. “How can you?” she demanded, in ill -repressed in ation. ‘I do not like to be startled that way, Mr. Wetherly.” “Why she is roy ,” he laughed. ‘ Well, T vow I had no idea o brisgtie such a color into your cheek and such a flash into your eye. Come, sit down here, Lucy, I want to talk with you.” ion do not feel like sitting down,’’ she coldly re- plied. ‘Very well then,” with a shrug, “ we will stand up until you get over the effect of that stolen kiss. I will admit it was very improper; but, then, if you will look so = and so tempting! “And so, Robert Wetherly, you have been engag- ing in a duel?” 3 ‘Who told you that?’ quickly. “The news = perhaps. It is no close secret. But who was it, that, after g part in such a bar- barous affair, was coward enough to himself in- form the police? Cunning enough to sham, bui not brave enough to fight?” ‘Has anybody dared say I did so?” red with anger. ** Yes,” in a tone of scorn. His face was
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vr. ' Wildfire’s schemes? “Then he or she lies, whoever they are? I do not sapprove of dueling, any more than you do, Lucy. I was forced into s, and had to fight to save my honor. I promise you that I shall never enter into enother such affair, Butletit go. What I want to talk about to day, love, is a matter nearer to both our hearts. Ihave sought to prove to you thatI love you for yourself, not for interested motives. It was for this that I returned to you after the loss of your fortune. It is for this that I now wish to hasten the happy day of our wedding. There is no need for delay. e are both pre You mis- trusted me, I know. Iam eager to prove my disin- terestedness.” He sought to take herhand. But she withdrew it, the brooding look still upon her face. ‘Not yet, Mr. Wetherly,” she quietly replied. “T am not ready Pigs I request one month's delay.” ““Why should we delay?” he eagerly demanded, though with a shadow of uneasiness in his voice. “*This is foolish and ridiculous, Lucy.” ‘Perhaps so. I suppose I ‘have the right to be sa occasionally. re “But you are in such a strange mood to-day. Why do you demand this delay?” > She lifted her head, and fixed her eyes meaningly “upon him. “* Because I wish first to hear from land. Itis possible that there may be a mistake in this story of do not wish to marry under res sister’s survival. false he oe eof coming to a as a beggar, when I may be ay an heiress. I wish to know where I stand before I take any new step in life,” ‘arnt was something strangely sarcastic in her vtone, * But, ge he angrily exclaimed. “Do younot see that I wish to hurry the wedding for that very reason, that I may prove my disinterestedness?” “And cheat me perhaps,” fixing her steady eye Wdeftaed sicenity eat i ama Fenty eat etrons wrod thot earn amr an and that this tale veo a ‘ en @ ath was strong and deep that broke ifrom Robert Lalas Me lips when he found himself cagain in the open air, and out of of the strangely self- possessed girl whom he had thought ets Wil Wildfire that Ih “Ttis Wi ildfire tha: ave to thank for this!” ‘he ejaculated. ‘Blast him for ameddling hound, he jhas spoiled allmy plans! He broke off my wedding when the girl was mine ina word more; and now he ‘has destroyed my other well-laid plan. But let him ‘beware!’ and a bitter hiss was in his tone. “ His own wedding .comes off in three days. We will see if all goes merry as a marriage bell on that festive occasion.” There was ia very dark look upon his face, as he waiked on muttering to himself, “This scarred stranger! Is that another of Will have not yet forgotten his ‘The chain is broken. The Beware!’ To what did he refer? Was it to my worthy co the true owner of Brookdale? Had I not better have taken the warning end ieft for parts unknown, before the true Robert Wetherly came to seek his own? It may not tbe safe to have to account for my stewardship.” It would have been a paper day for more than thim, if he had been guided by his fears, and taken flight, then and there, from the scene of his dark thoughts and deeds, Three days after the date of the scene just record- ed there was a happy party gathered in an apart- ment of the delightful country mansion in which Clara Moreland resided, The day had been a glo- rious one. The snows and ice of winter had gone. The mild weather of late February so tempered the chill breath of the winter king that the grass was greening in the fields, and some early flowers had already opened their daring buds. though it was mow early evening the windows of the room in which this party had gathered were raised, though the shutters were = closed It was the second wedding to which we have come in the course of our story, that of Will Wildfire and Clara Moreland. As they stood together before the old clergyman, the same who had officiated upon the former ion, Will’s handsome face was radiant with joy, and he looked upon his beauteous bride ae the beaming happiness of an ardent young sou This joy was not reflected in her face, Despite her efforts a shadow lurked upon her features; she che go He throw off the dark presentiment that trou- bl er. Pierce Bro: , Whose shapely but huge figure stood at Will’s right, did not fail to notice this strange expression of the bride, and he w red for a moment with Lucy Darling, who acted as first bridemaid. She nodded and wh to Clara, up- on whose face came a forced smile. “* What it is, Lucy, Ido not know,” she whispered. ** But it to me like a ghost.”’ The marriage service proceeded. A thrill of in- voluntary expectation came upon those who had been ent at Lucy Darling’s broken wedding, when the aged clergyman repeated the words which had caused such a strange interruption on that oc- whisper in my ear. bloodhound is loose, ons “Tf there is any one who knows just cause why this man should aot take this woman to wife, let him now speak, or forever hold his peace.’ He paused. A deep silence fell upon the room. They could not help being affected by the result of this demand on the former occasion. Yet none knew why such a st e feeling was upon them, and were all startled on hearing a voice, that seem- eid to come from beyond the room, “*T know just cause!” « . 7 = eee eee Ee A Trump Card. i3 ““What is your cause?’”’ queried the astounded who has already made so many unexpected appear cle an, “oe ” Simultaneously there came the sharp re of a than usual. pS: oa g pistol, accompanied by the sound of and a loud cry of dread and pain. ’ The eyes of the bride had turned toward one of the partly-closed windows, through which the gas- light gave her a momen glimpse of a face, dark with threat and ion. ey, about the form of her lover, and the ullet intended for him pierced her frame. The cry she gave was followed by a gasping sound, as she sunk bleeding to the floor, her form caught in the strong arms of Pierce Browning. “Take her, Will,” he ecditmet, turning to the thunderstruck groom. ““ After a doctor, like lightning!” he shouted to the frightened and shuddering RRO. d en he turned, and with one leap at the window broke through sash, glass and shutter as though they were but paper, and in a moment had disa) peared in the gathering darkness in furious p t of the murderer. The fright and confusion in the room were inde- scribable. One was found with sufficient self-posses- sion to fly for a doctor, but the remainder ran back- ward and forward in utter wildness, Will bore the bleeding bride to a couch, and hung over her with an astily she flung her arms | utter loss of his strong fortitude, his whole nature | broken down by the dreadful disaster. She was fortunately insensible. The ball had struck her back of the temple and entered the brain, The doctor shook his head gravely after a momen- look at the wound, “Ts it death?” asked Will, pitifully. “TI fear so.” The strong man buried his face in his hands, lost ina nee pg of grief. Meanwhile Pierce returned. His pursuit had been in vain, The murderer had escaped, CHAPTER XIII. THE ANSWER TO THE RIDDLE. CriarA More.anp lay for the whole night in utter insensibility, Deep grief and the dark for re- v surrounded her. What murderous hand had sent that death-dealing bullet? Suspicion pointed to Robert Wetherly, or to some of his nous asso- ciates; but suspicion was not proof, and Will Wild- was 30 overwhelmed and stupefied with grief that he had lost all his ordinary resolution. Pierce Browning was more active, and had roused the whole country around in search of the escaping murderer, but in vain. No lurking or suspicious could be found. Tt was ten o’clock on the morning of the next day ere Clara weve sens of returning animation. The doctor had succeeded in extracting the bullet during her swoon, but it had entered so deeply that he de- of a favorable result. A soft h. A slight movement of the hands. Then the v eyes opened. A sign from the doc- tor’s hand kept back the excited friends and the in- consolable lover. “Where am If What has happened? I feel so weak," she faintly murmured. ‘Ah! I see it now! I see it all! That dreadful face at the window! That pistol shot!’’ she shuddered, as her hands cov- ered her eyes. “What face? Whose face?” Will involuntarily exclaimed, “His! Robert Wetherly'’s! Oh! Will! my love! my darling! He would have killed you! He would— oh! clasp me in your arms! Kiss me, love! for] am dying: ying for you!” Wi cane impulsively forward, flung his arms around the slender form, pressed his lips upon the pallid mouth, while the great tears from wet yes Bene ing, Will,” she softly whispered “Yes, I am dy * she so whispered. “ But, lam happy! Ob, so happy!” She rested a moment in his arms, the breath grow- ing fainter and fainter, thowep her eyes remained fixed upon his with a look of divine love. Then a convulsive movement; a straightening out of the form; a fluttering breath; and the head fell nervelessly back upon the pillow, “Take him from the room,"’ whispered the doctor to Pierce. ‘Poor child; her troubles are over.” * But not my duty!” eried Will, with sudden en- ergy. “From her dy lips I have learned the name of her murderer! Vengeance remains!” At an hour somewhat earlier than that of this sad scene a grou of men had gathered in the breakfast room at akdale, This was a fine old apartment, wainscoted in English oak, and wi h windows reach- ing to the floor. As the morning was so warm one of these windows was raised, looking upon a Pca lawn without, adorned with dense masses of shrub- were five men in the party, which consisted of Robert Wetherly, three sturdy, stern-faced men, dressed in a sort of uniform costume, and the sham- bling figure of Bill Blaker, the punch-loving fre- a AnT i To — tlemen!"’ _ ere is ring now n en!" re- marked Westerly. "will you lease retire? This er please. You remember signal?” . That is our 3," one of the men sharply replied, as they entered the small ad- joining room of which he had opened the door. whee my friend, ig will play Mer gar tee to you, er your game is,’ exclaim ethe ru’ bing his hands with satisfaction. “ Saad hound: is loose, eh? Very well; you shall feel his At this moment a servant es wap the door leading | e scarred stranger, Md into the hall, and ushered in ; | 8 eyes | : ocean, | the actions of his agent. ances in these pages. But he presented a somewhat different asper? His face and his diseveled hair remain- ed the same, but his threadbare clothes had gives lace to new and fashionably-cut attire, while the nd in his shoulders had disappeared. He now — erect, and with an enigmatical smile upon hig ps. “You received my message, then?" “Yes; and as I was anxious to know what you wanted with me I hastened to obey your sum- mons.” “It is only a trifling matter of business,’ remark- ed Wetherly, with a smile of triumph. “ First I wish to know what you meant by your whisper to me on the night of my wedding.” “IT fancied you understood me, by the expression of your face on that occasion.” “Who was the bloodhound?” “There is but one whom you have reason to fear.” “T have reason to fear no one,” came the proud answer. ‘* You have chosen me to play your games on. You have been trying the rales dodge. It willnot work. It is turn now.” “Your turn?’ with a look of affected surprise. This harmo seckuell to betas pecendettel rignal name seeme e mn for it was followed by the o of the door of the ees. ae e entrance of the men ere. * ou know this man?” Wetherly asked of ? Well I rather calculate 80,” re- plied Blaker, with a knowing grin. ** Couldn't let out his name, cause in ey Oe sail bird, only knowed him as 74. But he’s an old jail- ‘or I’ve seen him thar myself.” Wetherly Jooked for a show of consternation in his visitor at this announcement. But he still preserved his enigmatical smile, and asked without a gesture of What sere you doing there?" Well “Why I only— it were a little affeir of chickens,” stammered Bil]. “ — ButI dunno as how that’s got anything to do with this business.” “So,” said the stranger, turning with ert to Wetherly. ‘‘ You have brought a chicken-t ere = confront me? Is that what you invited me here or?” “Tt is not because you have been in pe be cause you are wanted there again,’ etherly trium tly announced. “ You have thought fit to meddle in my affairs. I have my own way of repay- ing those who take such an interest in my business. —Officers, there is your prisoner."’ You are wanted, Maurice Tapley,” said one of the men, stepping forward, and laying his haud om the stranger's shoulder. “on that x Bi ayn burglary at Cam “* On that o' part in the p's Mills, on the fifth of last January.” “ But sup I deny being Maurice Tapley?™ “That cat won’t jump, old chap,” replied the offi- cer in a Pe end tone. ‘‘I have your description here; an F hoes are a little too well marked for your business. You should have chalked out that scar.” Wetherly laughed at this as if he saw in it a bril- | liant joke “It won't do, Tapley. You barked up the wrong tree when you tried your tricks on me,” “Will you allow me a few words, gentlemen?” asked the prisoner, politely, of his captors. “Tf you'll promise to cut it short.” “It is only that I have a trifle of business with this gentleman, He has played a very sharp game on me with the Maurice Tapley busiiese, patdeularly as I never heard the name before. I will be kinder than he and clear up a slight mystery that is troub- ling him. He is anxious to know what I meant by a ry whisper bidding him beware of the blood- ound.” “Not at all,” ay aay Wetherly, with assumed in- difference, though he could not hide a slight uneasi- —)- oa not greeny oe in an "K meni a “We en, aps I may make i sereating you,” continued the prisoner, with a sarcastic sm “*T presume, gentleman, you look upon this person as proprietor of Brookdale?” “Why, certainly." “That happens to be a slight error. He is only here as the agent of the real proprietor. And nes ay proved faithful as a steward, it is about o—” “Why, you infernal hound!" exclaimed Wetherly, striding forward, his face white with rage. you accuse me—"’ “There, there, my friend,” waving him back with geese ae have told you i oa ound, w as ve Mh SE Fares edinentn : as ” n it in this way: The real pro- rietor of Brookdale, Robert Wetherly, of Geneva bas heard of the manner in which ages Ba being handled, and to satisfy himself of has crossed the in order to see for himself After keeping a close eye for a month on the operations of that agent he has satisfied himself.” “Of what?” in threatening tones. “That if he had given him free foot much he would not have found much property to look after.” an infernal lie, from ejaculated the furious villain. shoot me if I will stand here longer to be belied by a convicted Hage In the first place Robert Wetherly is not in t 2 ath lf so, where is he?” ‘ ere ” * v beginning to end!” » ens a
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Ny f 14 lt apeeegen ate This unlockod-for answer came from the lips Mo myster.cws Livarzcr, on whom all eyes were : Seb tk Guidtly to the table ho dipped: his: h Vepping Guickly to the table he and- keicicef into a ee of water that Se ate Livanont Lo had drawn the wet haudkeschief. over | his Scarred cheek, while at the same. time he took atood out on all sides from unde rim, A most remarkable se¢amorphosis followed this movement. Thescar Ki entirely disappeared. The unkerm);t hair was replced. by short, well-combed trown locks. - His stibby beard had vanisbed, There stocd before the asionished spectators.a,hand- , some erect, digniNed, pérson, with a fave resem- bliniz that of tlic agent cf. Brodkdale, though with a totally different expression, *‘ ero!” he repeated, turning toward, his trem- bling and thunderstruck, namesake, “* Here,is Rob- ert Wotherly, the owner of Brookdale, come, to. de- mand of you an account of your stewardship, and to take trom you that charge which you have so dis- honostiy déaltnwith.”” Por several minutes the discomfited villain was unable to reply. He stood. gazing with wide-open eyes, as if at an apparition... sean’ “Take it,” he at, length bitterly ejaculated. “ Wat is left of it. And much good may’ it do you. Fe. was retreating precipitately from the room, when bis steps were arrested by one of the. officers, at a signal from the metamorphosed stranger. “You willtake him into custody on virtue of this it,” said the. master. of Breokdale, produciz a legal document from his Packes which he handed, wo the officer. .‘‘ Laccuse of fraud, treathéry and false pretense.” There was a look of gloom and desperation on the face of the exposed v: as he stood at the side of the room, near the..open, window, with the heavy nae ET He officer upon his shoulder... At this instant there took place a sudden change in the situation of affairs. .'The door of.the room was flung violently opt, and Will Wildfire ed in, owed closely by Pier¢e Browning. Will's face was: distorted with pain eng anger. His eyes vlared, a light froth was upon his lips. “ Where is he!” he screamed. “The murderer! Ah? I see hin now!" His fe ust fallen ‘on the shrinking form and polled ace of the erased Villain, With a cry like of a ‘beast Will sprang fo: ward. It woul ve gone hard with Robert Wetherly at tant not the officers step forward to ’ their prisoner, while Pierce Browning’ laid gr on the arm of his excited friend, “What is the matter?” deniarided the mastér of Brookdale, ‘“ What theans this sudden intrusion?’ _ “Tt means’that this ian is the murderer of Clara Moreland,” explained Pierce. “‘She has just died ot her wound, after living long enough to denounce as her murderer.” “and here is tiie very bullet by which she died!" exclaimed Will. “As I am a living man the same shall pierce his dastardly heart!” Drawing a pistol from his pocket-he proceeded is excited with him, Restrain your friend, sir,” to Pierce. “No man shall restrain me,” Will flereely rejoined. “By all the gods, he dies by my hand!” During these moments the prisoner had been glan- feartully from right to left, cowering before thr ngien tt face of his foe. Now, with a quick flash ‘of the eye, he suddenly broke from the loosen- ed grasp 0. captor, and instantly darted through the’dpen window near which he stood. Before a man could move to prevent him’ he had disappeared behind the clustering shriibbery. ' CHAPTER XIV, _ THE MURDER-CHASE. Tax’ momentary astonishment ' at this sudden m hig A tollowed by a'rapid leap forward of Will Wildfire, who sprung through the open window in pursuit of his mortal foe. He was instantly fol- lowe he others, every face full of anger and in- ten: ré to recapture fhe Cecpblies taurerer, ‘only sufficed ye career through the Be Ss: ) of bu behind which the fugitive had con- cenled himself, But he was no longer there. He : Orde Gena “Which way did he take?” demanded the breath- less grounds of a man who stood further back on the “He struck for the fence, leaped u horses, andWwas off like a flash. Yoader he goes now. , He pointed, to an open space, that gave a glim of taco ‘a short distance in advance, There ap- peared the form of Ltobert Wetherly, riding rapidly away. Will and Pierce had, in fact ridden up to the house, throws their bridles over the fence palings, and left their horses standing there while they entered. It was one of these horses which the escaping murder- er had taken, while he had been shrewd enough to loosen the other, which was following its compan- ion down the road at a slow gallop. will after this horse at fullspeed. It was his own, Wetherly havi taken that of Pierce Bro . But the animal had a, a consider- able start, and Will's heart sunk within him as the chance of his foe's escape grew more decided. For- m one of your tunately the leisurely trotting horse soon stoppe attracted by a frosh Cham) of shave: grass by the roadsi Nee ey ee ee ee EE ee ee a ee eS eee eee ong eee gee appease See of | Will ran with the | A Trump Card. j of a deer, and in a minute more was Up with the quietly-browsing animal, A touch of his hand, an agile spring, and_im an instant he was in the saddle, and caught the To a) loose bridle in his strong grasp. SP PUT “it is life or death on your. : | speed, good horse! Fly now, it you never flew be- off hig het, and with it the straggling hair which | fore!’ r * Now!” he shouted, With one glance back toward the others, who had’ | already run to the stables, for horses with which to | join. the pursuit, Will turned the horse into the dashed his spurred heels against its flanks and was off ata tearing gallop in pursuit of hisfoe. But the latter’ had yg gained a quarter of a mile start, and on Pierce Browning’s, strougly-bult and fast-zoing horse was flying onward at a break- neck gait, freely ‘using on the mettléed’ creature a; stout, Breen which he. had caught up from the ground. c ; F The road just, here was straight and rage ters Will could plainly s€e his foe in advance. With set teeth and glaring eyes the young man scarcély breathed in, his bitter hope. of revenge, as he forced his genérous steed to his utmost r of motion. And the spaitive was not less eager'to Kar thar was_his foe to_overtake, ., POwn road went thé thun Tae , the horses driven to their utmost stretch of § tive, a cowardly dread ig pitifeset es Waown upor him, Meanwhile the. others Had taken to the aecale hélpiug theriselvés to some of the numerous horse: in the Brookdale stables. “We have little, chance to,overtake them,” s Mr. Wetherly. ‘ But we din only follow. We niay be of some aid,” wir ee ; “that will never do,” replied Pierce, with a dis- senting shake of the head, ..\* They have too fouge start. “‘ What i8 more, Will is not going to ove tara, his foe. The houtid has wy horse, which has all the speed and twice the bottom. of that of Will.” ‘* What shall we do then?” “This, There are too many twists and turns in tiiat fellow's nature forhim to go long on 8 porate road. He will be trying the tricks of the ‘ a ing’ and doubling on his track, I move then that we break for’ the side roads, Make a straight’ wake across. country to right and left, and ‘we may head him off in some'of his'shrewd tricks.” The idea: was too good not to be instantly acted upon, Dividing into two parties, of which Pierce and the princi officer constituted one, and Mr. Wetherly atid the two minor officers, the other; they rode off, as he had advised, to the fields as yet, until they shoul road. The two leaders mede little of the fences’ th met, except some specially high ones; but their com- panions, unused to this sort of exercise, and mounted on horses not br ken to leap, were forced to seek low places, or to dismount and take down bars, ere they could get from one field to another, They were some time, therefore, in reaching thé roads of which they were in search. Along these ht and left, taking meet some cross they rode toward Janes that opened into them from | the high road, Another idea of Pierce’s was here carried out, to patrol the onenes of these lanes and thus head off the fugitive should he take any of them. Thus the five men became gradually sepa- rated, and stationed as guards at the entrances to as many narrow lanes, which crossed the country from the turnpike to the parallel roads on either side of it Here, like patient cavalry sentinels, they silently waited, with the understanding that they were to move on to a more advanced locality, it the fugitive failed to a fa after allowing sufticient time. While this ambush was being laid the pursuit went on with undiminished vigor. Wetherly was slowly gaining on his pursuer, whose horse had not the bottom to keep up that tremendous pace: Yet Will spurred him on with the impatient ardor of a madman, his heart burning within bim with fear that his foe might escape. ; If ever the thirst for Blood was’ justified it was in his case, and a bitter determifiation to take the life of the murderous wretch beforé him was the only feeling left in his im ioned brain. ; The road, which had’so far been straight, now bent at a long angle, the fugitive disap ng from the eyes of his pursuer. li thundered cyward to the turnin the road. But his foe was still lost to sight, no living form appearing on the avenue before Another curve in the road, however, showed itself about a quarter mile in advance. It was 4 natural conclusion that the fugitive had ‘this ‘curve. Will rode onward with unabated ardor. He the mouth of a lane that led westwardly ata sharp angle, scarcely observing it. The next curve was reached. It lay at the summit of a slight hill. Before it the road stretched onward for nearly a mile without a bend. Some moving things were foie foe it, wagons, carts, etc., but no trace of the ng foe. With a sense of astonishment and bitter disap- pointment his eyes roamed quickly over the sur- rounding country, which was visible to a considera- ble distance from his élevated point of view. A flash leaped into his eyes, Here, to the left, pursuing the lane he had thoughtlessly ], rode the fugitive, looking back upon him with eyes in which Will fan- cied that, even at that distance, he could see a gleam of triumph. The entrance to the lane lay an cighth of a mile back. But it crossed the country at an acute angle and was mudh nearer across fields then by way 0 the road. Will needed not a second s consideration. with -a_s d to the icap, he too Lim ex rit, ME shek dt pursted were, ac ; Across bere’ ‘field in front he: thunders tis Pe Ot top, however, ure red ~ stant bre and starting back in all directions. ‘What is thé matter?” he asked, in a tone of ‘be- wilderment. | Some ofthe men instantly came.to him. “Your poor devil of-a horse broke both its fore legs,” one of them announced, ‘ We have had 11) shoot the poor suffering creature, to put it out of is. misery.’ ‘* And the murderer? The mani was rsuing * he demanded, as his memory returned. ‘ Whi » is he? Is there a horse here? I must be after hu. tin.’’ “It is of no use. You have been lying here for half an how, He is far away 7 this time. But your friends are in pursuit of him. The whole country +s being aroused.’ Will with difficulty ed his feet. The chase bi: re a him. He could hardly stand u t.. One of the persons present, a passing /e).- Genie had left his carriage standing in the reac.
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He to this yehic’ = supported Wit poor i fellow’s head or ms vas near night hen eres Bro v Woes ane re ecg ig ee ar fugitive Levee ui e turnpike, reached a meighberine — tion, and was now driving westward tow Harsisbutg at the full speed of an express trai “But the telegraph! Hie e may be caught yet!" “Messages have been flashed in all directions,” reaped Pierce. “The police ae everywhere warn- He cannot escape us.” Yet he did, How or when he left the train ho “one could tell, but all Boronia fa arrest him. proved in vain. He uote es Days é funehat of of Ciara Moreland took pisos, attended eg Jon + train of earnest mourners. Among them W fire walked with dry eyes and lowering face. He had thoughts too deep for outer grief. Yet two days afterward Pierce Brownivg found him sitting by the side of her grave a face wet with the tears he had shed, but a h implaca- ble expression marking his fe atures. “Come, come," said the kind-hearted giant. “ This will never do. Come with me, Will. We must try and keep you from brooding over this sad busi- ness, Come, come with me.” “No, Pierce,” replied Will, rising with an air of ‘ ity. “I will go to no home until I have avenged poor, slaughtered angel. I have just registered : vow upon her grave to. nevér rest until have sent | home to her murderer's heart the bullet with which he took her life. That.is henceforth my duty.” Pierce looked mto the resolute face, and madé no He saw that it would be impossible to shake firm resolution. And in truth, lie’ was too deeply in an. ey papesiay with the lover's vow to wish to everco bay: ien¥o here to-niglit, Pierce,” continued Will. “I have no clewto his plaée of ‘refuge, IT acknow- ledge. But wide as the country is it-is not too wide for mevenass to seek mr object. If I should send for vey at an — time to aid me, will you come?” es; if it be to wa wife, friends, and all have in the i Yorid behind,” Pierce answered, with earnest Will warmly ped lifs hand without replying, and the two friends walked slowly away bas ths new-made grave. That night, Will left home. A year has passed since then, yet no word has come to Pierce from his absent, friend, no demand for the fulfillment of his promise. The av eager of blood is still on the trail of the murderer. And so we leave him, with the assurance that he bey et show his work, that we may yet meet him e death, on that day when the long-kept bul- fet = find its home in the heart of the flying mur- ys ‘for our other friends, they are all well and hapyy. Robert Wetherly has settled orn, aa. the. master of Brookdala, witho it further’ desi abroad and leave his prope’ A eee newe Lucy Darling is again in talled at the Lindens, happy in the double fortu..c of having regained her estate, and having escaped her false lover. Pierce Browning still sounkes about, though fond of = aged C3 ever. He has n, of late, very much taken with Mabel Morton, his dashing yous pat ner in the fox chase; though he declares ps not. settle down in life until he has heard from ill Wildfire, as he knows he will yet. be wanted to Pel out in the accomplishment of his vow. As for Solomon Tims, and his cronies oe the Golden Lion, they still smoke their long clay pi around their blazing fire, and settle the whole affairs of the world from the shelter of a chimney corner. THE END. The The Saturday Journal, “The Model Family Paper —AND— Most Charming of the Weeklies.” A vure paper; good in every thing; bright, brilliant and attractive. Serials, Tales, Romances, Sketches, Adventures, Biographies, Pungent Essays, Poetry, Notes and Answers to Correspondents, Wit and Fun— All are features in every number, from such celebrated writers as no paper in America can of. The Satukpay JouRNAL is sold everywhere by newedealors: sprice sia cents per number ; or to pg bers, post-paid, at the following cheap ra Four "mibthe, one dollar; one year, three dollars ; or. two copies, jive dollars. Address BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York. ——— YORK Fireside Library 1 Was Sue His Wire? Mrs. Mary Reed Crowell. 2, FLexnve From Love.: Harriet Irving. 8 Di He Love Her? Bartley T. Campbell, 4 A Srrance Woman. Rett Winwood. 6 Two Grats’ Lives. Mrs. Mary Reed Crowell. 9 Tue Warnor Hearts. Corinne Cushman: 11 Toe Parse Wipow. Mrs. Jennie D, Burton. 12-13 Lost For Love. Miss M. E. Braddon, 14-15 Torners of rae Ska. Victor Hugo. 16 Tue QuapRoon. Catharine A. Warfield. 17-18 Uncuz Stas. J. 8. Le Fanu, 19-20 Deap-Sea Fruit. 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= ao wendwood Dick, tHe Prouvce or THe Roap. | 73 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, CALAMITY By Edward L. Wheeler. 2 VWeliowstone Jack, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. $ Kansas King; or, THe Rep Rieut Hann. By Buffalo Bill (Hon, Wm. F. Cody). 4 Khe Wild-Horse Hunters. Mayne Reid and Captain Frederick Whittaker. or, PLortine For A Lecacy. By Oll Coomes. ‘$8 Bill Biddon, Trapper. By E. 5. Ellis. ‘7 The Fiying Yankee; or, THE OcEAN OvuT- cast. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. *S Seth Jones. By Edward S$. Ellis. ‘9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen. G@ Nat Todd. By E.§. Ellis. 1 The Two Detectives; or, THe Fortunes or A Bowery Grru. By Albert W. Aiken. 2 Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean Swift. The Dumb Spy. By Oil Coomes. Aladdin; or, THe WonperruL Lamp. ™he Sea-Cat, By Captain Fred. Whittaker. Rowzinsen Crusoe. (27 Illustrations.) ‘¥ Matph Roy, tHe Boy Buccaneer; or, Tae Fuerttve Yacut. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. ‘8 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven Voyages. 9 The Phantom Spy. By Buffalo Bill. 0 The Double Daggers} or, Deapwoop Prck’s Dertance. By E4ward L. eeler. @1 The Frontier Angel. By Edward 8. Ellis. 22 Whe Sea Serpent; or, Tat Boy Rosinson Orvsor. By Juan Lewis. 23 Nick o’ the Night; or, Tax Boy Spy or "76. a T. C. Harbaugh. 24 Diamond Dirk. By Colonel P. Ingraham, 25 The Boy Captain. By Roger Starbuck. oof, THE BurraLo Demon; or, THE a Qaim = t. ‘26 Cloven Borper Vourores. Ry Edward L. Wheeler. 27 Antelope Abe, THe Boy Guipg. Oll Coomes. 28 Buffalo Ben, THe Prince oF_ THE PISTOL; or, DEApwoop Dick mm Diseuise. E. L. Wheeler. 29 The Dumb Page. By Capt. F. Whittaker. 30 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, THE REcK- tess Rane@er. By Harry St. George. 81 Keen-Kniife, Proce or THe Prainms. By Cli Coomes. $2 Bob Woolf, raz Borper Rvrrtran; or, THE Gret Drap-Suor. By Edward L. Wheeler. 83 The Ocean rhtitertngge ot or, Tae Rep PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEES. By 8. W. Pierce. *B4 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Wuirr.es’ Boy Spy. ‘By Capt. J. F. @. Adams. 335 Wild Ivan, Tue Boy Ciauper Dovat; or, THE Brornernoop or DratH. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 86 The Boy Clown. By Frank 8. Finn. 37 The Hidden Lodge. By T. C. Harbaugh. $8 Ned Wylde, Tue Boy Scour. By Texas Jack. 39: Death-Face, THe Derectiyz; or, Lire AND Lova in New Yors. By Edward L. Wheeler. ‘40 Moving Wen. A Story or A YOUNG AMERI- cAN Wao WANTED To SEE THE Wortp. Marshall. ‘41 Lasso Jack. By Oll Coomes. 42 The Phantom Miner; or Dick’s Bonanza. By Edward L. Wheeler. 43 Dick Darling, THe Pony Express Rmenr. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 44 Rattling Rube. By Harry St. George. ‘45 Old Avalanche, THE GREAT ANNISILATOR; or, Wiup EpNA, THE Girt Bricanp. E. L. Wheeler. 46 Glass Eye, THe Great SHoT oF THE WEST. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 47 Nightingale Nat. By T. C. Harbaugh. 48 Black John, rue Roap-Acent; or, THE Ovut- LAws’ Retreat. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. ‘49 Omaha Oll, THe Maskep Terror: or, DBAD- woop Dick In DANGER. By Edward L. Wheeler. 50 Burt Bunker, THe Trapper. C. E. Lasalle, $61 The Boy RBifles. By Archie C. Irons. $2 The White Buffalo. By ©. E. Lasalle. %63 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., Tar Boy PHENrTx; or, Trove to DeatH. By Edward L. Wheeler. 64 Ned Hazel, tHe Boy Trapper; or, THe PHAN- rom Princess, By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 65 Deadly - Eye, THe Unknown Scour; or, THE Branpep Brotuzenoop. By Buffalo Bill. .66 Nick Whiffles’ Pet. Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 67 Deadwood Dick’s Le ee! or, TH& PARDS or Fioop Bar. By Edward heeler. +68 Whe Border King. By Oll Coomes. 69 Old Hickory. By Harry St. George. 60 The White Indian. Capt. J. F.C. Adams. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, Taz Reo Rruz Team. By Eaward L. Wheeler. ‘32 The Shadow Ship. By Col. P. Ingraham. 63 Whe Red Brotherhood, W. J. Hamilton. 64 Dandy Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh. ‘65 Hurricane Bill. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 66 Single Hand, By W. J. Hamilton. «67 Patent-leather Joe. By Philip 5. Warne. 68 Border Robin Hood. By Buffalo Bill. 169 Gold Riffe, rue SHArpsHooreR; or, THE Boy DETECTIVE OF THE BLACK RANCH. by Wheeler. YO Old Zip’s Cabin; or, THe*GREENHORN IN _vHE Woops. By J. F. C. Adams. “71 Delaware Dick. By Oll Coomes. q2 Mad Tom Western, THE Texan RANGER; or, Taz QUEEN OF THE PRamiz. By Hamilton. \ DEADWOOD | | } By Captain | JANE, THE Herowne oF WHoop-Up. By Wheeler. 74 Hawk-eye Harry. By Oll Coomes. 75 Khe Boy Duelist; or, Toe Cruise or THE Sra-WotF. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. !'%6 Abe Colt, THe Crow-Ki.ier; or, THe Great § Vagabond Joe, THE YounG WANDERING JEW; ! | | 103 The Lion of the Sea. FIGHTING MAN oF THE West. By A. W. Aiken. "7 Corduroy Charlie, tHe Boy Bravo; or, Deapwoop Dicx’s Last Act. By E. L. Wheeler. 78 Blue Dick. By Captain Mayne Reid. 79 Sol Ginger, Giant Trapper. By A.W, Aiken. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nuceet Nep, THE Kyieutr OF THE GuicH. By Edward L. Wieeler. 81 Lightning Jo. By Captain J. I’. C. Adams, 82 Kit MHaretoot, rae Woopn-Hawk; or, OLD PowbDER-Fack AND "His Demons. By Harbaugh. 83 Rollo, the Boy Ranger. By Oll Coomes, 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosesup Ros on Hanp. By Edward L. Wheeler. 85 Buck Buckramy; or, Bess, THE FEMALE TraprperR, By Captain J. F. C. Adams. 86 Dandy Bock. By G, Waldo Browne. 87 The Land Pirates. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 88 Photograph Phil, tae Boy Sievrs; or, Rosresup Ros’s REAPPEARANCE. By E. L. Wheeler. 89 Island Jim. By Bracebridge Hemyng. 90 The Dread Rider. By G. Waldo Browne. 91 The Captain of the Club; or, Taz Youna Riva ATuauetres. By Bracebridge Hemyng. 92 Canada Chet}; or, OLD ANACONDA EN Srrrine Buu's Camp. By Edward L. Wheeler. 93 The Boy Miners. By Edward &. Ellis. 94 Midnight Jack, ree Roap-Acent; or, Tue Boy Trapper. By T. C. Harbaugh. 95 The Rival Rovers. Lieut. Col. Hazeltine. 96 Watch-Eye, THe SHADOW; or, ARABS AND ANGELS OF A GREAT Crry. By E. L. Wheeler. 97 The Outlaw Brothers, By J. J. Marshall. 98 Robin Hood, THE Ovuritawep Hart; or, THE Merry Men or Greenwoop. Prof. Gildersleeve. 99 The Tiger of Taos; or, Witp Karr, Danpy Rocx’s ANGEL. By George Waldo Browne. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A SrRaNGE STROKE FoR Liperty. By Wheeler. 101 Jack Harkaway in New York. By Bracebridge Hemyng. 102 Dick Dead-Kye, TH Boy Smvcater; or, Tue CrvIsE OF THE VIXEN. By Col. Ingraham. By Col. Delle Sara. 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, Tax Sicn oF THE DovusLe Cross, By E. % Wheeler. 105 Old Rube, rHe Hunter. Vapt. H. Holmes. 106 Old Frosty, THE Guide. By 'T. C. Harbaugh, 107 One-Eyed Sim. By James L. Bowen. 108 Daring Davy, THE Youne Bear-Ki1er; or, Tue TRAIL OF THE BorpDER WoLr. H. St. George. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. 110 The Black Steéd of the Prairies, A Thrilling Story of Texan Adventure. By Bowen. 111 The Sea-Devil. By Col. P. Ingraham. 112 The Mad Hunter. By Burton Saxe. 113 Jack Hoyle, tHe Younc SpPrcv.aror; or, Tue Roap To Fortune. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 114 The Black Schooner. Roger Starbuck. 115 The Mad Miner; or, Danny Rock’s Doom. By George Waldo Browne. 116 The Hussar Captain; or, Tue Hermrr or Heri-Gate. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, THE Sport DErectivE; or, THE AD-AGENT’s DauGurEeR. Wheeler. 118 Will Somers, rune Boy Derectivz. Morris. 119 Mustang Sam, THE KING oF THE PLAINS. By Jos, E. Badger, Jr. 120 The Branded Hand. By Frank Dumont. 121 Cinnamon Chip, TH Grr. Sport; or, Tue GoupEN IpoL or Mr. Rosa. Ed, L, Wheeler. 122 Phil Hardy, tur Boss Boy; or, Tae Mys- TERY OF THE Stronapow. By Charles Morris. 123 Kiowa Charley, THE WaHiTs MustTANGceEr. By T. C, Harbaugh. 124 Tippy, THe Texan. By George Gleason. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner. By Ed, L. Wheeler. 126 Picayune Pete; or, Nicopemus, THE Doa Derective. By Charlés Morris. 127 Wild-Fire, Boss or THe Roap. By Dumont. 128 The Young Privateer. By H. Cavendish. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, Tur Guost or Gorcon’s Guicn. Ed. L. eeler. 180 Detective Dick, By Charles Morris. 131 The Golden Hand3 or, Danny Rock To THE Rescur. By George W. Browne, | 182 The Hunted Hunter. By Ed. 5. Ellis. 133 Boss Bob, tue Kine or THE BooTBuscks: or, THE PAWNBROKER’s Pitot. Ed. L. Wheeler. 134 Sure Shot Seth, THe Boy Rirteman; or Tae Youne Patriots oF THE Nortu. By Oll Coomes. 135 Captain Paul, THe Kentucky MoonsHInER; or, [ne Boy Spy or THE MouNTAINS. By Clark. 136 Night-Hawk Kit, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 137 The Helpless Hand. Capt. Mayne Reid. 138 Blonde Bill; or, Deapwoop Dick's Homa Base. By Edward L. Wheeler. 139 Judge Lynch, Jr. By T. C. Harbaugh. 140 Blue Blazes; or, Tot Break o’ Day Boys or Rocky Bar. By Frank Dumont, 141 Solid Sam, THe Boy Roap-Acenrt; or, Tm pED Brows. By Edward L. Wheeler. 142 Handsome Warry, THE Boorsuack Dr TECTIVE. By Charles Morris. 143 Sear-Face Saul, By Oll Coomes, 144 Dainty “Lance, THE Boy Sport; or, Tox sux Bamaxena’ Decoy Duck. J. E. Badger. 145 Captain Ferret, rae New York Detsc- TIVE; or, Boss Bos’s Boss Jos. By Wheeler. 146 Silver Star, rH: Boy Kyicut. A Prairie Romance. By Oll Coomes. 147 Will Wildfire, tHe THoKOUGHERED; Or, Tae Winnine Hanp. By Charles Morris. 148 Sharp Samy} or, THE ADVENTURES OF A FrrienDuess Boy, By J. Alexander Patten. 149 A Game of Goldy or, Drapwoop Dick's Bia Srrixe. By Edward L. Wheeler. 150 Lance and Lasso, By Capt. F.Whittaker 151 Panther Paul, Tre Prarrm Prrare; or, Dainty LANCE To THE Resccr. J. E. Badger. 152 Black Bess, Wr. Wivprier’s Racer; or, Winnineo AGarnst Opps. By Charles Morris. 153 Eagle Kit, rae Boy Demon. By Oll Coomes. 154 The Swerd Hunters. By F. Whittaker. 155 Gold Trigger, THe Sport. T. C. Harbaugh. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwoodj or, Tue Picxep Party. By Edward L. Wheeler. 157 Mike Merry, tue Hareor Porice Boy; or, Tue Nieut-HAWKES oF PHILADELPHIA. Morris. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, Tx Trapprer’s Trust. By Buffalo Bill 159 The Lost Captain; or, THe Open PoLan Sea. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 160 The Black Giant; or, Dawry LANCE Lv JEOPARDY. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 161 New Work Nell, THe Boy-Griret Derecrrvr; or, OLD BLakesty’s Money. By E. L. Wheeler. 162 Will Wildfire in the Woods; or, Camp Lire IN THE ALLEGHANIES. By Charles Morris. 163 Little Vexas, tHe Youna MusTancer. 4A Tale of Texan Prairies. By Oll Coomes. 164 Bandy Rock’s Pledge; or, HuntTep To Deatu. By G. Waldo Browne. 165 Billy Baggage, THe Ramroap Boy; or Run to EartH. By Charles Morris, 166 Hickory Marry. By Harry St. George. 167 Asa Scott, THEStTEeAMBOAT Boy; or, THE Lanp PrmaTEs OF THE MIssIssipPI. By ia. Willett. 168 Deadly Dash. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr, 169 Tornado Tom; or, Ingon JAck From Ren Corge. T. C, Harbaugh. 170 A Trump Card; or, Wii Witprire Wins anp Losms, By Charles Morris. 171 Ebony Dan. By Frank Dumont. 172 Thunderbolt Tom; or, THE Worr-HeRper or THE Rockies. By Harry St. George. 173 Dandy Bock’s Rival. By G.W. Browne. 174 Bob Rockett, rar Boy Dopeer; or, Mys- TERIES or New York. By Charles Morris. 175 Captain Arizona, THE Kine Pin or Road AGENTS; or, Patent Leather Joe’s Big Game. By Philip 8. Warne. 176 The Boy Ronee? 5 or, THe BuocaNerr or THE Bay. Lieut. H. D. Perry, U.S.N, 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, Tar Scamp oF THE Srerras. By Edward L, Wheeler. 178 Old Solitary, THe Hermit Traprrr; or, Tue DRAGON oF river Lake. By Oll Coomes. 179 Bob Rockett, TH Bank Runner; or, Tee Roap To Rui. By Charles Morris. 180 The Sea Trailer; or, A Vow Wet Kept. By Lieut. H. D. Perry, U. 8.N. 181 Wild Frank, ter Bucxsxm Bravo; or, Lapy Lity’s Love. By Edward L, Wheeler. 182 Little Hurricane, tHe Boy Carram; or Tue OarH or THE Youna Avencers. By Olt Coomes, 183 The Hidden Hand} or, Wm. Wuorire's Revencr. By Chas. Morris. Ready Jan. 25th. 184 The Boy Trailers; or, Danrry Lance on THE War-Patu. By Jos. E. er, Jr. Feb. Ist. 185 Evil Eye, Kine or Catrix Taieves; or, Tre Vourures oF THE Rio Granpg, By Frank Du- mont. Ready Feb. 8. 186 Cool Desmond; or, THe GAmBteR’s Bia Game. By Col. DelleSara. Ready Feb, 15th. 187 Fred Malyard, tHe Lire Boar Boy; or, Tur SMUGGLERS OF THE By C. Morris. Ready Feb. 22. A new issue every week. The Half-Dime Library is for-sale Newsdealers, five cents per Cone’ or dent by Xe a receipt of six cents each. RADLE & ADAMS Publishers, 98 William Street, New York. =