Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 177) (1880 12 14)
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Vv ol. VIL. - ind aunnomme = - _— = = ~- —_ ee: 5 Cents. NOBBY NICK OF NEVADA: or, THE SCAMPS OF THE SIERRAS, BY BDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, ‘ROSEBUD ROB” NOVELS, “ GILT-EDGED DICK,” “BONANZA BILL,” ETC., ETO. ne gas
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—v 2 Hobby Nick of Nevada; ‘THE SCAMPS oF THE SIERRAS. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, _sawzuor Or * DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, ‘‘ ROSE- “BUD ROB” NOVELS, “‘ GILT-EDGED DICK,” “BONANZA BILL,” ETC., ETC. CHAPTER L ‘°THE OLD HUT AMONG THE CRAGS. “Wags .has spread its wintry mantle over the Sierras. From the crest of the highest peak, te tee+bottom of the deepest chasm the cold gray J sprevailed,while the bleak north wind bore a Melicy breath fine flaky particles of purest ~w ibe; that alighted with ease on every obstacle, ns ding it with a feathery coat of snow. Itiavas the first.snow of winter, in the Sierra 3 and coming late in November, as it ‘Nevadas, #@ai, when all nature seemed housed and pre- for winter, it presaged the winter at ia a remote of the north range of the ane «gr hills, and far up the craggy moun- ‘tain , securely hidden in a shelving plateau @eM fringed by weird, gaunt Jooking pines and : rocks, was an old tumble-down hut, ; from the civilized world. Tt-had evidently been built years ago by some ~wemburesome miner, ve decay 4s bia yes «wverywhere visible about the black logs anc thatched roof. It was built against the tace of aa huge cliff that formed one side of the plateau, nd ‘boasted of but a single slab door and a mall window, up near the eaves, from which a ‘bar of bright light streamed out upon the bleak wintry ft: WMournful melodies the north wind hummed &hrough the gaunt pines, giving to the spot an wutamny aspect. The door was opened, and the bushy head of a om ; the eyes took a hasty glance “3 then the head was withdrawn, and the ideorslammed to with a vengeance. “Teh! et’s a cussed — night outside,” the man said, as he strode to the fire-place, where a iptit fire was burning, and around which sev- men were seated on camp-stools, engaged wm ameking grimy pipes. ‘‘A cussed tough might, an’ I reckon the capt’in ll find it out, “tore he rises the mountain. Et’s a-snowin’ and ~s-blowih? like thunder, outside, and ten tew one bane. Nl be full, to-morrow.” five men on the camp-stools nodded with- «wat Aodking up from the cheery blaze, and went om waiaiking in otter diarapard of what had been A strange collection was the inmates of the the best. All were attired in red flannel -mud-splashed pautaloons thrust in knee- pose eg jouched ye > ha be ee weapons. No mas ut immense ‘Wiank beards, concealed all of their fa ' s except ~ithe 4p Of the nose and the eyes, their na’ iy down over thelr farehicads £0 as to con- -evdleventhat feature. — ‘Phere to the cabin be- the Unknown. seated at a rude table in one corner, wen in writing, and occasionally looking aver @ of manuscript in front of her. At er the table, was a telograph instru- nant, to wi was connected a wire that ran ‘hsaugh a chink between the logs of the wall, 7preving that these strange beings in this lone “‘meumtain retreat had electric communication ~witt the outside world. Another noticeable thing about the Bearded Wrothers was, that each man was numbered al- «yon betically with a braes letter pinned upon the - -eiertfront, The man who had commented upon “the weather, wore the letter B, and the other pei aga C, D, E, F and G. Letter A was The drear shrieks of the wind outside caused «s gloamy silence to pervade the hut, and the six omen puffed away at their pipes until the wibatehed ceiling was lost from view in a dense woud of smoke. “J -don’t see why A does not come,” Letter B , as be knocked the ashes from his old *wierweod, preparatory to refilling. ‘Don’t i weer sy eh they allowed she was a woman, ncging by voice, and she had given the ~» aneof” ‘pear ter me as ef thar’s enny great attraction down tew Deviltry, to-night.” ** Mebbe trouble,” G suggested, ominously. ‘Yo know H hasn’t showed up fer two days. Mebbe Grim Goblin hes come down _heer- abouts.” As of one accord there was a general exchange of glances, and shrugging of shoulders. he name of Grim Goblin seemed to have a startling effect upon the gang. ‘*No; the cussed scourge has not struck this district yet,” and Letter B_ gave a nervous glance toward the door. ‘‘ He’s been workin’ the mischief up around Hard Pan, and down at Blue Canyon. Any new reports, Marie?’ “None since yesterday,” the Unknown re- lied. ‘‘ There were then but four of the league eft at Hard Pan, and six at Blue Canyon. All the rest have fallen prey to the vengeance of the mysterious Grim Goblin, as he styles himself.” A sullen murmur passed among the Bearded Brothers, and Letter B smote his knee heavily with his clenched fist. ‘I’m cuss’d ef I don’t believe it’s our only salvation to shut up shop and scatter, This un- known, unseen foe is a pickin’ off the gang one by one, day by day, an’ ye can bet yer ts we won’t escape, boys. I fer one ain’t favorable ter havin’ my heart cut out by this bloodthirsty avenger.” “You are cowardly, B,” the Unknown said, sternly. “If the captain was to hear you say thut he’d settle with you in short order.” “T didn’t mean J’d a notion to desert,” B growled. ‘I only meant we’d all better throw up ther sponge and shift, ruther’n ter git our death warrant.” ‘‘That is impossible,” Marie said, stamping her foot emphatically. ‘‘' Too much is at stake to entertain that idea. Our motto is ‘Gain without scruple or fear.’” ‘Yes; but Pll be blamed cf we’ve seen much abovo our venison an whisky, awhile back, hev we, boys?” ¥ he five men shook their heads in the nega- ive. ‘* Thateis because business bas been ata stand- still, The travel has been small, and the paper has been watched narrowly. Ireckon L will negotiate a fat document soon, and the result will set every man on his taps. Ab! hark!” The Brothers sprung to their feet, and stood in an attitude of listening, with their hands upon their weapons. Out in the night, above the howl of the wind came the muffled sound of horses’ feet upon a rocky road, and a moment later the sound be- eame hushed. “lt’s A,” Letter B declared, whereupon all hands dropped back upon their stools ** Ho’s in bad temper for he rode up the at amad gallop.” — A few moments later there were heavy foot- without, and the door was flung open, ad- 5° tall, brawny man to the hut—anotber of the Brotherhood evidently, for he was beard- ed the same, and attired tho same, with the ex- ception of a heavy cloak worn about the shoul- - With a keen glance about the hut, he shut the door, threw his gloves upon the floor, - ing to the: fire-place warmed bis bands over the dancing blaze. 2 * Well, what’s the news at Deviltry?” Letter B inquired, drawing slowly at his pi ‘The captain grunted some unintelligible sen- tence before replying, which might or might not have been a curse, “No news at all,” he finally said, brushing the snow from his whiskers. ‘‘ Summed up, in a nutshell—snow, poker and whisky the three ruling elements.” : ‘No news of H, I, or J, yet?” ‘None. They are doubtless laying low. The town is stirred up considerable because of a check old Poreupine paid out of the Miners’ Club fund. They say it’s a forgery, and have withdrawn their sand from the bank,” A peculiar laugh escaped the Bearded Brother- hood, in which even the Unknown participated. “This. is the seventh thing of the kind that has happened, within two months, and the miners and citizens generally are mad as hor- nets. To make matters worse a miner came over from Hard Pan, to-dav, with a like report. So it has become generally surmised that a gang of forgers are in the vicinity, and every one is on the alert, watching his or her neighbor, with suspicion. It would not be healthy for one of the “shovers ” to be caught just now.” And the captain laughed. A-silence of a few minutes followed, within the hut, while the wintry blasts without made weird music among the mountain crags. no more’n the rest o’ the | nknown said, sharply, and her command was obeyed, although every. man bent forward in his seat, as if ower eager to grasp the every meaning of the electric clicks. Then, turning, Marie seized a paper and pen- cil, and waited. Soon there came more clicks of the instru- ment, now slow and measured—then a periect tattoo of sounds. It was all Greek to the bearded men who ert in eager waiting, but it was apparently plai: Gustine to the Unknown, for her pencil mover upon the paper nearly as fast as came the sounds. Finally there was a cessation of tke clicks and the message lay upon the table. ; “Read it?” Letter A said, huskily. ‘‘ Let's know the best or worst, at once.” “The news isa mixture of good and bad.” Marie said, taking up the paper. ‘Here iti: : so judge for yourself.” “Harp Pan, November 20th: Lcok out for old gent coming to Deviltry—Name Gen Arlington—Lot s of money—Look out for Grim Goblin—Also for the Sharp, Nobby Nick—suspicious character— Look out for spy in employ of Government, hunting for us— Troub e brewing your way—Tap man Arlington.” ae A uttered a fierce curse, ‘““We must be on our guard, now, if ever. This Nobby Nick, I have heard of before. He bears the repute of a thoroughbred, but will find that he’s struck the wrong nest, in Deviltry. As for the Grim Goblin, our only salvation is to lay him out. In order to do this we must knife every suspicious new-comer. As to this man Arlington, he’s our pie!” ‘And good pie, too,” Marie added with a light laugh. ‘‘T chance to knowthis General Arlington, and his signature is as familiar to me as my own.” ‘It is well. We will have no difficulty then in drawing on him. And, now, since the recep- tion of this news. Isball goback totown. B, C, D and E may follow at a latter or rather an earlier hour of the morning. While you, fair Unknown, will of course rcmain the guardian angel of our mountain aerie?” the captain said, gallantly raising his hat. “ Didst ever miss me from my post!” the Un- known demanded. “Truthfully I can ed no,” Captain A_re- plied, raising her gloved hand to his lips. You came among us, uiknown, as asortof Queen. and have ruled right royally to our pecuniary interests. May you long continue in the same way. And now, my hearties, au revoir!” Be careful in leaving the nest that there are no ob- servers around,” Then, taking a long pull at a brown jug which occupied a chimney corner, the leacer of the Bearded Brothers wrapped his cloak well around him, and set forth into the wild Novem~- ber night. Captain A was not the only storm-traveler abroad that nigh. At the base of the range among whose es pines was pitched the hut of the Bearded roth- erhood, ran a deep, wide gulch, between two continuous chains of mountains, whose tower- ing poem shut out all but a limited view of the cold, sk Snow had Tatien to considerable depth, ren- dering everything white, and lessening the gloom of the wild, Wore Plodding industriously through the snow came a horse, or rather a superannuated little donkey, bestriding which was a snow-covered figure, of stalwart proportions. The donkey was evidently the least tired of the two, for it shied at every suspicious obstacle, while the rider dozed and nodded in bis saddle, regardless of the capers of his long-eared charger. He was finally aroused by curses fierce and loud, which came from around a bend, just ahead of him. A sharp chirrup to the donkey caused it to canter ahe~d at a lively rate, soon bringing the storm-traveler to the spot whence came the curses. And an exciting scene it was. With his back planted firmly against a rocky cliff stood a single stalwart Indian, fighting off a half-dozen able-bodied men, with the simple aid of his clubbed rifle, while the whites in ques- tion were trying to get at him with their hunt- ing knives. is, however, was hard to accomplish, as was amply evidenced by a glance at three bleed - 1 4
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—_ A TT TD snow. A fourth assailant received blow beside the head, from the rifle of the In- dian, just as the storm-traveler rode into view, and took a place not too gracefully beside those | who had gone before lim. The man on the donkey drew rein at ouce, | and tuok a glance at the situation, as if ** siming” | | were located, together with a few dwellings; “One Injun—five whites,” he mused, drawing | the crowd before taking a hand. a pair of gleaming revolvers from his belt, and cocking them. ‘ tough-lookin’ customers. Til drop my lines on the red spot, an’ give the whites a chance fo | et a free passage to the nex6 station after | ed e. His arrival had been unnoticed, but he sprung | to the ground, and took his steed by the left.ear ina + pmb manner. “Now; see here, Doxy,” he said, solemnly, “I’m goin’ fer te help clean out the white gang, and I want you te take a hand also. Mind, if you earn ’em, it’s a bushel of corn for you, when we strike Deviltry.” The donkey wes capable of understanding, evidently, for he shot away into the midst of the fight, with a vicious squeal, and such biting and kicking as he did was a caution for the human race never to despise a donkey. Taken utterly by surprise, the whites were thrown into a state of consternation, and what of their number did not get a dig from Doxy’s heels, took leg bail for security, nearly fright- ened out of their wits. And of these there were but two, Doxy having made short work of the remaining three. The storm-traveler sent a couple of random bullets after the fleeing roughs, then, with a chuckle, sauntered es to where his donkey was standing meekly before the Indian, wiggling its huge ears as if in pride over the vietory of the battle. ‘* Well, well, Doxy, you did right well, or my handle is not Nobby Nick. A full bushel of corn shall you have the next moment after we set foot in the estimable town of Deviltry, wherever that may be. Hello, Injun! I opine they was crowdin’ on you ruther close about the time I arriv’, weren’t they, now? Canaan — Jerusalem didn’t seem more’n a mile off, © ‘Stern Face was not frightened,” the Indian replied with stoical calmness ‘Old age has frosted his hair, and caused his hand to tremble, but his arm is yet strong and heart brave.” “Good fer you. Injun! I like your grit. Who was them chaps who were tryin’ to knife ef “ Wagh! bad miners. Jealous of Stern Face because he has gold. *Tack him once, twice, three times. Git lick ebbery time.” “That's business! Glad my old donkey took sides with you. She’s a snorter, is my Doxy, an’ kin clean out ary crowd she taaiclen: 3 give us yer paw, Injun, an’ we'll be joggin’ on toward Deviltry, wherever that may be, My name’s Nobby Nick, right down from Nevada, The old Indian put out his hand, warmly, ‘“Pale-face good,” he said. ‘‘Stern Face re- anember Nick. Tell Wild Flower about him. Good-by !” oe Good-by, Injun! Hang onto yer hair,” Nobby Nick replied, in his jolly way. Then he threw himself into the saddle and Doxy cantered away down the stormy gulch. “ White e-face—true heart,” Stern Face said, watching after the eccentric couple as they died from view. ‘‘ Stern Face like. Tell Wild Flower; Wild Flower like him too. Make him —- vecvag 4 over him—ugh! Nick heap e- i And thus the man from Nevada had formed one fast friend. CHAPTER IL. DEVILTRY—BIJE GREEN’S TAVERN, DerviLtTry! What a name pelbations ok — yet rer be . the portentous ap ion oO e little mi vewh down in the heart of the Sierra Nevadas, between two ranges of snow-capped mountains. The postal station I believe is called Surrey, butamong the inhabitants,and for miles around, the town itself was called Deviltry. Why the title nobody ssemed to know, unless it sprun from the fact that plenty of deviltry was al- ways in session in the town. Ina broad deep gulch bottom nestled the scat- tering shanties upon a sandy and reciy surface, some two hundred all teld. only about two- tiirde of which were used for dweiling pur ing figures that lay outstretched upon the white | poses, and tents. Still, they aaswered the purpose of a tremendous _ “*Good-looking Injun—whites, | Nobby Nick of Nevada. rei and sowe of thew were but mere huts | host of rugged, uncouth-ooking men loungim habitations better than none at all. A swift running stream, some twenty yards in width, rushed through its channel in the center of the gulch, dividing the village into two parts. Ov the eastern shore was the main street where tue stores, saloons, and business houses across the creek were more shanties and an ore mill for refining quartz. Of the busiuess places, there were several stores, a bali-doveu saivons, and Bije Green's Tavern. ... large two-story log edifice was one roe the marks oi particular ion, vi been built long before the aicensey of a | caused a few sanguine mortals to start what was now the prosperous town of Deviltry. Abijah Green bad been tie landlord from the start, and often remarked that it was his in- tention to continue as long as the auriferous was found within the lonesome precincts of Hard Pan Gulch. The tavern of which Bijah was the host was a monstrous affair for tie far western mining towns, having no end of rooms, and queer out .of the wuy closets, up-stairs, while the whole of the one floor below was in one great apartment, wherein was kept a bar, a © omg him gg paca by the way was partitioned off by itself, having a wicket opening into the main apartment; a dining counter ranged along one side of the room, and the center was occupied by chairs / and tables. Mr. Bijah Green was a little man | of only medium stature, with remarkably thin legs and wrinkled face, and wore a perpetually hungry expression about his mouth. Moreover, the end of his nose was very red, his head was totally barren of hirsute vegetation, and he wore goggles. These facts taken together with his pec attire, which consis of a long swailow-tailed coat, and a broad-brim battered plug hat so large that it rested upon his ears, gave him « most eccentric appearance. Bijah Green generally presided at the post- office, and but little could ever be seen of him ex- cept his superannuated visage through the postal window. One reason for this lay in the fact that Bijah was a most pitiable coward, and dare not circulate about the town, for the rougher class of the residents having learned of his weak- ness, took every opportunity to annoy him in all sorts of ridiculous ways. Wherefore Bijah’s wisdom advised him not to expose himself, un- necessarily, Mrs. Bijah, however, was the man of the house, literally speaking, for what she didn’t oversee and boss did not need bossing. Leaving Bijah to attend to the few duties devolving on a postmaster at Deviltry, she ran the rest of the establishment herself, with the assistance of a couple of Chinamen, she generally tending the bar, in person. A big strapping woman was Mrs. Bijah Green, of some two hundred and fifty weight, with a superabundance of grit and mus- cle, a squarely molded red face, and red hair to match, and there were those who avowed that she could clean out any two men in the town, in a square stand-up fight. The regular habitue of the tavern never sought to provoke her into a scrimmage—that was certain. The day following the scenes last described, wae but a continuation of the wild November rm. The wind had fallen a little at sunrise, but the snow came down ceaselessly all day, until, when darkness once more hovered over the little set- tlement, several feet of pure snow lay upon the surface of Mother Earth. It was a quiet day in the place. Placer mining was out of question, and onl those who had employment in the quartz dri made bold to crawl forth to their work. Such holidays were not every day, and the ie 2 of the idle hands and citizens made sie Green's tavern their objective point, for Mrs. Bijah always ay a roaring fire in cold weather, and something else of an excellent quality be- hind the counter to warm the inner man. And the amount of beverage consumed on that snowy day was astonishing, yet the motley crowd kept very good-natured, although it was noticeable that they began to grow more boisterous, as the night drew on. Bijah looked grim, took a pair of service- able revolvers from a drawer, and laid them upon a shelf behind the bar, . The crowd noted the movement, and the noise decreased for a time, but soon began to in- crease again, It was not a particularly fosciret ne scane—a ; under the aull glow of ear] iad int ef ii 1: : a candle-light—sumae | smoking, some drinking, others gamibuug. — | Beitea and ‘ heeled” toa man, these citi | of Deviltry, and of a disposition to shoct.at &. | least provocation, they were uot a crowd tov regarded with any certain admiration by dae peacefully-disposed. mortal. One of the leading spirits of the gang, andi upon whom the liquid spirits seemed ‘to Le hs== ing considerable effect, was a burly, bras. shouldered ruffian, who bore the title of B® Eph—and an appropriate handle it was, forts was a swarthy, evil-looking, pilgrim, witb’ uckempt black hair, and full rd to pam while his face was literally: a mass of-sca™ His attire, too, was greasy avd rough, andi was ab uusavory appearing cusiomer .ab.ai t. “*T tell ye, b’yees, thar’s no cussed use 0” law’ in’ a spree *thout ye hev a spree, in dead cary est,” he yelled, clambering on top of a deals ble, and swinging his old hat abeve his hee ‘So fetch along some more insane us) “catin drink, ole elerfant! It’s my treat this tine,@- 1 feel’s ef Icould smash all creation inter pm ice in a red-hot seckont.” “See hyar!” Mrs. Bijah cried, in-a percmpie ry manner. “Jest you get down cff that tatits or I'll cum over there an’ pitch ye right out ov doors, Eph Saunders! Ef ye want lilex; what I want is to see the tin afore I lose sight? the bevera Whisky is whisky, nowadeys"” ‘Yas, what ain’t water,” growled Evii hgw “ Ef it hadn’t bin. fer ther water ye put in ow tonick, old woman, me an’ ther boys’d bin 4» tened up, reddy fer Congressmen or Senaten, long ere this. Ef ye want a Pn wr buckleberry! Byar’s a brick weighiu’ tweay ounces—wuth three hundred an’ twenty dolhax, ef acent. Give ther boyees sumthin’ to Cximk, and be sure an’ give me back ther change.” And taking a gold ‘‘ brick” from bis imre pre the ruffian hurled it at Mrs. Pijat ead, regardless of what the consequences nijgit have been, had it reached its intended merk. But it did not, for the strong-aimed_ piops#- tress caught it gracefully, and slipped it qui» as gracefully into a strong-box, before sl.¢ ar ceeded to serve the drinks. “T say hurra fer ther old woman, Gree* Evil Ep ; cried as he rey - li por Bik e wasn’t quite so old, an’ ugly, Mrs. Bi Gaus m Lote ef I wouldn’t break my veck ft what I’d kiss ye.” “Oh! ye would, would ye, brute!” Bijah Yep aoe utting her ame akimbo and glaring at Saunders. “Oh! a human grizzly! Ef it wasn’t fer leavin’ ' bar unprotected, I’d jump right over thar aal mop the floor with you, so I would!” vil Eph well knew she never said the wont! you disgusiing: ’s bluffed down,” «cid one. ‘* Dursent kiss Bije’s old woman.” “Pshaw! He’s no sand,” another reugh m= marked. ‘Tl bet a ten-ounce brick he corsa step up an’ kiss any female in town.” You lie; I durst,” Eph roared, in a rage “TH go ye another brick ye dursent,” a secusl miner cried. “So ef you've got any sand, m&- up, an’ we’ll have some fun.” eruffian took a glance around bim, and ese that he either had to bet or flunk, in which laterr case he forever forfeited the regard of his rome companions, Y ; So, drawing a wallet from his pocket te counted out hundred and twenty dolisey in_ three bills, and planked them on the tatie: “Here’s the worth 0’ two ten-ounce bricks, watt says I kiss the first female who axes fer niailat e ce, ter-night!” he cried, determin tion in his tone. ‘“‘ Who holds ther stakes." “TJ will!” Mrs. Bijeh cried. “It allus hes tim my rivelege since | run this shanty!” fe ye please, ma’am, you failed to menthar thet I’m the proprietor,” interposed Bijdy thrusting his head through the postal windom ‘*T’ll show you who owns the place if -y don’t get out of sight,” retorted Mrs, ‘Bijah seizing an empty bottle and hurling it at te head. ‘‘ You prepare yourself for a gosh sound spankin’, to-night, Bijah Green!” At this the crowd cheered, and Bijah ‘becsmm immediately invisible. From the earliest days of Devi Mrs. Bi Green had been the “ wan” who held the sta of all bets, because she was square in ccaling, no matter whom she had to settle with. The stakes were accordingly deposited it tar keeping, sad Evil Eph . sauntered.eboxt. —————————— 2 a — | ) | | |
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4 2 Wobby Nick of Nevada. on his face, The, crowd, too, became less noisy, and kept closp watel less tuey should miss the impend- ig Smore. Very few women ever entered the tavern, nd the few who did were such as had no one to end for their wiail, which necessitated their coming for itin person. It wus seidum, how- ver, that they were offered insuit py the rough arg who frequented the tavern, for, rough iou2h thoss men were, they seemed to have ome respect for uaprotected fominuity, when .ot in liquor, To-nigut, however, the case was destined to “a an exception. Half an hour had not elapsed, cre the door 4s opened, and a young maiden, with a shawl rown partly over her head and shoulders, ered the tavern, and made her way toward 12 postal window, without noticing any of the sen who were lounging about, awaiting the snonement. The young woman was somewhere about eventeen years of age. In stature she was a rife below the medium bight of women, but round and plump as a peach, yes light and vaceful of movement. In faco she wasremarkably bright and pretty, with a fair, health-tinted complexion, dancing ue eyes, and golden hair, which flowed in fine lossy ripples down over her shoulders. She was clad, however, in aplain calico dress, white apron, and the suawl which covered the head and shoulders. A murmur ran through the crowd as she passed across the floor to the postal-window, and the interpretation of that murmur was tho name-—- “Sandy Sue!” Al} eyes were instantly turned toward Evil ph, who was convers ng with a miner. He saw the look, and well knew what was ex- pected of him; accordingly strode up to the pos- ‘al wicket, where Sandy Sue was in tho act of inquiring for mail matt: r. ‘No, thar ain’t nothiw fer ye, Miss Sandy Sue,” the ruffian said, laying a hand familiarly upon her shoulder. ‘‘ But ye seeas how I’ve ¢ ot suthin’ fer ye.” -*You got. somethin for me, sirf” the girl suid, turning about, and casting bis hand quick- ty from her shoulder. ‘ Pray. how comes it that anything of mine should be in your care??? “ Waal, ve see, gal, it _ain’t, exactly—not yet, but it’s goin’ to be. Ye see as how ther boys made a bet with me about sithin’. That suthin’ was to ther effect that I, Evil Epb, ther Bold Lion o’ the mines, dursen’t kiss ther first female womn who entered ther post-offis ter-night, I wuk ther bet and put up three hundred dollars aw over thet I could and would do it, an’ you heii’ ther first gal who’s come in since ther bet, it naterally falls ter yer lot ter be kissed. So on course, you'll submit, an’ not force me ter steal], when I kin git a thing in an honest sort 0’ way.” " “Ruffian!” Sne criel, indignantly, pushin him back, ‘don’t dare to touch me or Th onl for assistance!” ““ But, thet won’t do no good, Ther’s durned few in this town as will take yer part ag’in’ Evil Eph, an’ you know it, So the ess thing on kin do is ter pucker up yer lips an’ let me ’em, an’ earn my money. Then ye kin go, an’ not till then. Come, now, give ne the smack, Ittle one. It’ll be all over ina fiffy.” ‘* Never! you miserable loafer—never! Stand hock, and don’t dare to Jaya hand onmea, Gen- ‘omen! I appeal to you. Will you rit there » d see this bully insult a sble women?’ “You bet. your boots they will!” Evil Eph declared witha horrible grin. “ Thev’reall a- iff up tLeir shirt sleeves, a-thinkin’ Idursen’t bies you, But they shell durned quick find out. Ef ye won’t give mo a kiss, my little brick-top, then by thunder I’m the lad that’s going to it, *thout leave or liconse. So here goes—one, two three, and a kiss, you see!” And with a wild chuckle the rough leaped for- ward and seized her in his strong embrace, hold- me ena) ae i she could not resist. ba But, for all this, the plucky girl struggl like a young tigress, Mg Saunders found the job of getting the kiss was not so easy as he an- ticipated, as it required all bis efforts to keep her from breaking away. Th. crowd cheered vociferously and Evil Eph sw youndly. *TT-Jp! help!” Sandy Sue shrieked. “Curse you!” the bully gritted; “some one gar her for me.” Bot. no one seomed te prettier thik needshance. CI ee ee ee eee Help! wili no one save me?’ * No, thar won’t, an’ ’U cut yer cussed weaz- and, soon’s I kin git hold o’ my knife,” the ruffian raved. A wild shout and a clatter of hoofs was at this instant heard without the tavern, while the inmates of the bar-room sprung to their feet, with startled glances. Then there came a tremendous crash, and a donkey and its venturesome rider came through one of the front windows and landed half-way in the middle of the bar-room. It all occurred in an instant, as it were, and when the astonished spectators had time to col- lect their scattered senses, they raw a youn; man estride a scrawny donkey, with a pair of ~ yt six-slooters leveled straight upon Evil Yph. “That's quite sufficient, my presuming friend,” the new-comer spoke, in a slow but re- solute tone. “Vil bother you to release that young woman, whoever she may be, and let her go her way.” “PH be cussed ef I will,” Evil Eph growled, holding his victim tightly. “I’ve got a wager up that I’d kiss the first gal who kum to ther post-offis to-night, an’ I’m goin’ ter do it.” ‘‘No, you arenot. If you dare to pollute that young lady’s lips against her will, Pl! agree you won't be able to munch your buffalo-meat to- morrow—not if I’m any judge. Release her in- stantly, or, as sure as my name is Nobby Nick | of Nevada, lll let candie-light through your cowardly carcass!” Eph looked the young stranger straight in the eye, and saw that he meant business; then be rcleased Sue, with a baffled oath. Gilad to escape, the terrified girl turned and ficd fron: the tavern. After she had gone, Nobby Nick dismounted. ‘* And, now, by the way,” he said, brushin the snow frem tis long wolfskin overcoat, ‘* if Lave ruffled any one’s feelings by this little pro- ceeding, I am ready to render satisfaction by the car-load!” CHAPTER II. A NEVADIAN’S PROWESS. TAD a meteor fallen down in tho bar-room of Bige Green’s tavern, it probably would not have caused a greater state of confusion than did the arrival of Nobby Nick of Nevada. Not but what as cool and daring men as he eppeared to be had walked the planks in the floor of the old tavern—not that these rude and lawless men of deviltry were inclined to be bluffed by a single man, but there was an inex- plicable something in the appearance of the oung stranger, added to the reports of his dar- ng ceeds, w ich bad reached the town long be- fore him, which caused the crowd to gaze on him in some awe. Nobby Nick was a stalwart young fellow, of handsome limb and well-developed body, and was as lithe and agile as a panther in his move- ments. In years he did not appear to be over twenty, for his face was fresh 4, youthful in its ex- pression, though indicating much firmness. Eyes of midnight black, bair of the color of tho ra- ven’s wing, in otoge cling ha curls about his head, and a smooth, handsome foce, and you had the phoweraps of Nobby Nick, except his c kskin costume, w consisted of a pair of buc breeches and a fringed hunting-sbirt, op boots, slouch hat pinned up on the left side, anda heavy wol overcoat, with the furry side out, A light sporting-riflo slung at his back, and the pair of revolvers, constituted his weapons, A murmur of astonishment escaped the crowd at the Nevndian’s bold challenge, and hands ete ee A guia the hilts of weapons by a ma- v of the spectators. Ont that’s right,” Nick said, noting the movement, “I mean business, end am glad to see that you are not inclined to be facetious. Perhaps my precipitate entrance into this Bacchanalian sanctuary has given offense to somebody, ond if so, I’m ready to fight, drink or gamble with the effronted one, *s to whichever direction his inclinations may lead. Fight can I frem sunrise till sunset, on an empty stomach, when cecasion demands; drink ean J all the prime old Hoey of nature vou will | furnish—rure ond sparkling water: gamble will | I with any pilgrim here, in any wav, shape or , manner, for any amount from a nickel to fifty or a hundred thousand dollars. And that’s my lavout, right fresh from old Nevada. Vm a prize package, IL am, and if any one wants to in- | oom vith the villainous smile of anticipation | to Help! help! help!” screamed Sue, again. vest, let him amble forward at once, or forever afterward hold his peace.” And with an air of utter unconcern, the young stranger folded his arms across his breast and stood gazing around. A hush pervaded the reom; then one by one the miners drepped into chairs, or formed into little knots, and conversed in smothered tones. Full five minutes Nobby Nick maintained his attitude; then, seeing no motion was made to- ward hostilities, he took off his coat and hung itupon a nail in the wall. Acting upon this asa fact that they were to remain, the donkey betook himself to a com- fortable position uear the fire-place, and squat- ted upon his haunches dog-fashion, and closed his eyes wearily. The move clicited a laugh from several of the bystanders, but not from Mrs. Bijah Green, who sailed out from behind her bar, in high dud- geon. “See heer, young feller, d’ye know what I want ye ter do?” she exclaimed, as up to Nobby Nick, and shaking her formidable fist under bis nose. ‘ D’ye know what you’ve got to do, or git licked like a puppy?” “Well, no, grandmother,” replied Nick, gaz- ing at her with a smile, ‘“‘I can’t say as Ido. ‘Well, Pll inform you then!” Mrs, Bijah de- clared, with arms akimbo. ‘ You kin ~— fork ever a fifty-dollar note for breakin’ thet windy, yonder; ten dollars for cleanin’ up ther muss, an’ fifteen dollars fer disgrecin’ my place by bringin’ a mule intoit. An’ what’s more, ye isnt ead that animal right straight out-doors, or ‘ll mighty quick do it for ye.” s¢ Pshaw! You wouldn’t beso cruel as that?’ Nick said, coaxingly. ‘‘Dexy he enjoys ea fire jest as well as you or I.” ‘‘Can’t help that. I won’t have no nasty mule in my hotel—no sir-ee!” ‘*Oh! so this is a hotel, isit? “On course it is!” ‘* How much d’yecharge a day, then? “Five dollars, cash in advance, afore ye git a mouthful.” “Allright! Here’s ten dollars for myself an’ my donkey. A loaf of bread, a pie, afew po- tatoes, and some cheese will answer for Doxy, while a little rare antelope steak will answer “But I won’t have no mule in my establish- ment, I say!” vociferated Mrs. Bijah.” %s But, Tsay yes,” Nick persisted. ‘‘ Where I stay that donkey always stays, too, and I'm gcing to put up here to-night. Soif you don’t want aoe 4 toremain, you'll have to speak to him about it.” “See here, old woman, ef ye want thet mule put out, I'll do it fer ye ” interposed Evil a, coming forward, *‘ an all Pil ax ye is a drink o beenzeen.” “You put the critter out, and I'll give ye the whisky,” Mrs. Bijah assented. “Tl treat the crowd if the bummer is success- ful,” called out Nobby Nick, vaulting to a seat on one end of tte bar, and lighting a cigar. 4 allow he’ll earn his bitters, for once in his e Evil Eph evidently did not think so. Doxy —_ oe d roa near the fire, apparen a ‘or his ears no ae vibrated ck and forth—and a truly laughable a he made, and one not encoun every ay. a strong lariat, Evil Eph formed one end into . noose, and roo rope in hand, he crept stealthily toward the seemingly unsuspect- ing donkey. oe had gained a position within ten feet of the ani when, all of a sudden, Doxy upon all four feet, opened his mouth wide, a gave vent to en ear-splitting scream—that startled Evi! Eph, and frigh' him nearly out of his wits, The next instant oo for him, with glaring eyes and disten jaws, the very pic- ture of fury incarnate. The spectators sprung from their seats and rushed back with cries of consternation, while, with a horrified yell, Evil Epb bounded toward the broken window. Luckily for him, he ed the & first and leaped out into the snowy t, a fren zied how] of terror pealing from bis lips, for be ted the infuriated beast to follow him. But in this he was agreeably mistaken. Doxy only gave chase to the broken window, evident- ly content with scaring the ruffian from the tavern: and giving two loud, triumphant brays through the open casement, he retarned de- murely to the position be had first occupied, and apparently went off into a dore again. obby Nick eat upon the bar, nearly con- ew aes
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) ' vulsed with laughter, while the larger portion of the crowd seemed dispo: Nobby Nick of Nevada. sed to vegard the af- fair gee hea 4g “Well, granny, what d’ye think about put- ting the mule out?” he inquired, dryly»‘‘ Looks as ef the donk knew bis biz a leetle better’n any of you, don’t it?” i “ Oh!you miserable blackleg—you scamp!” Mrs. Bijah cried, stamping her foot, in a rage. “Til get even with you yet, mark my word! I'll skin you the first chance I get.” ‘Bo mild, my dear, be mild,” came the sepul- chral voice of Bijah, from the postal window. “Oh yes! I'll be mild with you when I catch ou,” Mrs. Bijah screeched. ‘‘ Now; ‘lookee eer, young feller, my name is Abbical'Green, an’ I’m the proprietress and boss 6’ this ‘tav- ern, as every one knows, an’—” ‘Tain’t so—I’m the proprietor,” squeaked Bijah from the office. * Will you shut up!” yelled Mrs. ‘Bijah, hurl- ing a poker toward the window of the U. 8. de- artment. ‘‘I’ll see who’s boss. As I was say- in’, young fellow, either you remove that long- eared critter from my establishment, or you don’t get nary a mouthful o’ vittles. Now take yer choice.” ‘““ Well, as I had supper down at a miner’s cabin below here, I’m not at all hungry, and so choose to let the donkey remain undisturbed,” Nick answered with provoking calmness. He then dismounted from his perch on the bar, and ensconced himself in a comfortable chair beside the mote and began the perusal of row hes 0 which he pulled from a breast- oket. The crowd finding the “fun” over resumed their various games and even Mrs.’ Bijah seemed unwilling to disturb the peace. : And by and by the Nevadian’s chin dropped forward upon his breast, and then heavy breathing pronounced him to be asleep. Evil Eph now rejoined the crowd, but took care to keep at a safe distance from the donkey, who to all appearances, like his master, was fast asleep. Eph and some of his boon companions cast grum glances at the sleeper as he reposed com- posedly in his chair. Wearied by long and tedious rides Nobby Nick did not find it much trouble to sleep, even in so.noisy a place as Bije Green’s tavern, and he was in the midst of a pleasant dream when a loud bray from the donkey brought him to his feet. quick as a flash, his revolvers in his grasp. And the cause of Doxy’s signal of alarm be- eame apparent to him at a glance. ; A score or more of the most ruffianly looking inmates of the bar-room, headed by Evil Eph, were drawn up in line before him, and the man Eph was armed with a grappling hook fastened to the end of a pole, some ten feet in length. It at ones became plain to Nick, that Saun- ders was about attempting to hook him with the pple when Doxy gave the alarm, Fa ha! So that’s your game is it,” he said, leveling his revolvers. ‘ Afraid of the lion awake you propose to take him asleep, eh? Well I that’s about your style. Cowards to a ; “ We'll cussed soon show ye, ef we be or not,” Bvil Eph snarled. ‘t We’ve bin hevin’ a confab, me an’ ther boys, an’ we’ve about cum ter ther conclusion that you’re our man.” “Your man!” Nick ejaculated. ‘ Waal, now, that depends considerably. Ef you kin walk ht in an’ take me, mebbe I am.” ‘But ye don’t understand,” Saunders replied, gruffly. ‘Ye see, some of the mining deo- stricts hyar in ther Sierras o’ late hev been hevin’ heaps o’ trouble wi’ a skulkin’ assassin who claims to be an avenger, and calls hisself Grim Goblin. He spots out a town an’ ef it suits his notion, he goes ter pickin’ off ther citizens one af a time, like as ef it was no more account than shutin’ buzzards: “The thing’s run along more’n & year now, an’ it’s gittin high time suthin’ was did. All sorts o’ traps has been set fer him, an’ yet he ain’t never bin caught, till now, an’ now we reckon as how we've got him.” “Pshaw, you don’t mean to tell me you’ve really caught the wretch?” “ t’s jest what we allow, pardner, an- yowre the man!” “What! the cutthroat, Grim Goblin?” “Perzactly; Me an’ ther boys hes put -this an’ that tergether, an’ them’s ther facts we’ve ‘ou bet.” “Well, well, you’ve made a most positive blunder, that’s certain. Why, old man, I never even heard of this Avenger, until I struck the mining camp called Hard Pan, a couple of weeks | ? gre a” nF i I ‘Get out! It won’t. be no use fer you ter lic, fer we're: convinced that youre our man, aa’ we're goin’ ter make ye howl ter yer crimes— ain’t we boys?’ ‘““That s what we are,” was the response, and the tone in which it was given bespoke the fact that these men meant business. ‘* But, see here! I insist that this is a mistake —a most emphatic mistake. I can, if. you will give me time, prove that for the last year, until about three weeks ago, I have been in the terri- tory of Nevada, and as your Grim Goblin’s op- erations have been going on in these deestricts for more than a year, that alone proves that 1 am not the man you seek.” ‘* We ain’t wantin’ no better than our suspi- cions,” Evil Epb replied, with a leer, ‘‘so ye may as well spare yer breath and surrender. You’re ours, an’ we’re goin’ ter put yer whar ye won’t cut out any more white men’s hearts.” ‘““When [. surrender as Grim Goblin. the Avenger, which I swear I am not, it will be when my weapons have lost their powers of ready speech!” Nobby Nick retorted, in ringing tones. ‘*Soif you want me, come along, and Vll make more than one dog of you bite the dust before you get me.” Involuntarily the men fell back a pace, and exchanged glances. ‘“*T allow we better wait till we ean nab him, unawares,” one of the gang suggested, “or else give uP takin’ him alive, an’ shoot him on the spot. “No. We want ‘im alive or not at all,” Saunders snorted. ‘‘ We'll cut out his durned heart like he did Jim Granger’s, up at Hard Pan, Ef ye’re all afeared, 1 ain’t, not by a long shot. Providin’ he’ll agree not to use no weapons, ’cept natteral ones, I’m the very lad as can sail right in an’ capter him, an’ hev him bound hand an’ foot inside ©’ five minits.” “ That hits me right away,” Nobby Nick re- ed, ‘with a smiling face. - ‘ Providin’ it’s a tinct and honorable understandin’ that I use no weapons, you use no weapons, nor the crowd offer any interference, Til give you all the chance you can get to take me a prisoner or lick me—you to take whatever knocks you get, all in good part. If you succeed in capturing me you can take me out to the nearest tree, an string me up. If you get worsted, 1’ll extend a standing invitation for the rest ef the crowd to step in and fill your place, one at a time. Is this a fair offer?” : ‘*Waal,; I opine it'll. do—eh, boys?’ Evil Epb chuckled. ‘‘ Ef I can’t take the cuss thar’s enuff of us to tire him out: But I’m the bold bully e’ the mines w’ot kin lay him on his back before ye kin count a hundred. So we all agree fair an’ squar’ ter yer proposition, young feller. Eh, boys—ain’t it so?” bi ay ! ay!” was the response, to a man. “You hear, Doxy,” Nick said, turning to the donkey. ““‘ ’m goin’ ter clean out this unhealthy crowd. So ef yesee’em pitch onto me faster than that, or see any pilgrim draw .a weapon, jest Fo sail in and make the fur fly. rye mind; now?” The ious animal actually nodded his head, and gave vent to an affirmative bray, as Nick began to strip. ? With a pleasant expression upon his face, and the utmost apparent unconcern, the young pilgrim from Nevada threw off his jacket, and shirt, removed his boots, and stood ready for the struggle: More ‘than oné murmur of astonishment. es- caped’ the crowd as they gazed upen his broad knotted trunk, with its deep chest, and upon his trim clean arms and their tremendous mus- cular development. No ‘man was there in the crowd who could boast of such a’pair of arms. . Evil Eph dia not strip, but spat upon his hands, and gave vent to a gruff laugh. **Now, ef ye ever did see any fun, an’ wanter seé sumthin’ ter dubbel discount it, jest watch e sail in an’ gobble up ther Grim Goblin. Oh! 1 show ye sumthin’ great!” he cried, witha uety grin of anticipation. en, in a half squatting posture, he stole stealthily forward toward Nevada Nick, with a catlike tread, and a sinister glitter in his blood-shot eye which well befitted his evil name. Nearer and nearer he crept, and Nobby Nick stood with coolly folded arms, watching him sharply with his eagle eyes. Never a move he made until Evil Eph was but little more than an arm’s length away— when, with lightning quickness, he dropped on his knees, seized the ruffian by the ankles and jerked him down to the floor. As Evil Eph went down the young athlete regained his feet, still grasping his adversary’s ankles, and then, to dare us, eh?” -ment later. a by the wonderful power vf his knotted arm he began to swing the ruffian around an around, raising him gradually, until he had hina nearly above his own head. , Around and around the bully wasswung by the heels, then the athlete suddenly let go h grasp, and Saunders went flying to the further end of the bar-room whero ko struck against the wall with crushing force. CHAPTER fv. GRIM GOPLIN’S NOTICE. A WILD shout cf consternation went up trom the crowd, for Evil Eph rolled out ‘upon the floor, a senseless mass <f crushed and bleeding humanity. . While with folded arms, the young gladiator stood firmly ercct, with Lis right foot apace, @ faint flush,upon his cheeks, a steadfast unwaver+ ing gleam in his dark eyes. “One!” he said, calmly. ‘What rare old sport the ruffian mace by capturing me! Is there a substitute fcr mo to play with?” ‘“‘ Hurrah!”.one ef the miners shouted. “ Heer comes Colonel Bill Travers, the famous fightin’ cockolorum of the Sicrres! He'll cut yer spurs fer ye, you young bantam.” ‘All right; trot forward your royal roosfer, and let me get a equint at him,” Nick replicd eagerly. ‘If ycu have somereal, good, cold im- ported stock, thats just. what bits me.” The entrance of a broad-shouldered, well- proportioned six-footer had occasioned the shou’ of the miner, and the new-comer came quickly forward. Rather a handsome man was the. colcnel, as compared. wiih bis rough comrades, fcr he boasted of a full round fece, a clear, deadly eye, and long black hair which fell below his shcwi- ders. His.mustache, too, fairly touched his breast, and gave hiin a decidedly brigandish ap- pearance. ‘‘ Well, what’s the row, here?’ he demanded, pausing and surveying the scene with a flashing eye.‘ Who’s.hurt?” _ ; ‘‘ Evil Eph has got the first.dcse,” a rough by name of Alaska Joe replied. ‘* Yé see,. the chep yonder he’s ready ter lick ther hull crowd ef they , come fer him withcut weapons, one at a time, ' So Eph sailed in, en’ yorder he lays, teetotally smashed up.» Tke Grim Goblin jest slung bim up ag’in’ the wall, like asef he wasn’t nothin’ more’n a muskrat, by thunder!” ‘‘The Grim Goblin?” Col. Bill ejaculated, with a black scowl. ““Yas—that’s him, yonder, wi’out any ehint on. He sailed in heer ter night, a-calling his jags Nobby . Nick, or somethin’ o’ the kind, an’ the boys: put this an’ that tergether, an’ we made up our minds that he was ther Avenger. So we jest told him ter surrender, an’ he showad fight, but. sed if ary man in ther town could take him single-banded, without usin’ weapons, he was willin’ ter be tuk.” . ‘‘Oho! So this hold assassin hes come down Travers growled. “By my soul he has a hanged sight of assurance. t he must not escape, now that we have him!” “When you get him, I weuldn’t let him es cape, if I,were you,” suggested Nick, with a sareastic laugh. ‘‘For if you.are in search of Grim Goblin, you will have to look further, as I am not your man,” “ That’s not for me to say,” Travers replicd, +‘ The boys here have been the jury, and rend: r ed a verdict. All being sensible fellows, I dire say it is as they have decided.” : ‘‘Oh! well; have it. to, suit- you,” the m:n from. Nevada replied, “Grim. Goblin, or 190 Grim. Goblin, if you want. me, your chance is open to come and take me, and Til venture to agree that you'll earn all of me that you can get, if you come for me fairly, one at a time.” Travers uttered an oath. “‘Cuss me ef you ain’t got plenty of gall,” Le muttered. ‘‘ Ef ye meant that fer a challenge, young man, I accept. Ef ye have cleaned oxt one 0’ the best fightin’-men, in the town, yeu ain’t cleaned out. the best, by a long shot.” Off came the coat of the fighting man of the Sierras, and up» went his sleeves,exposing a finely contoured pair of arms. ie y;” the colonel cried, promptly, a mo- ** How’ll you have it, murderer!” “ Most any way and all ways if it suits yu, you son of a coyote,” the young Hercules ro- sponded, with a tormenting laugh. “Oh! I'm easily suited when I-play with bantys,” Travers fired back. ‘‘I’ll amuse 1:_y- self first, by boxing your ears.” And. stepping closer, he aimed a sudden well ' directed blow at Nick’s face.
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wie his chatter, and elici ‘hom not a few of the spectators. * Box one!” called out Nick groom Travers, uttered a smothered curse, but stood is ground, and aimed his blows thick and fast, aad in a way which showed that this was not Mis first fight. But it was his first attempt at boxing wétb such a man as this from the unclassic dis- ‘kicts of Nevada, for, while Nobby Nick re- axtved not the first bruise, the colonel’s face be- gen toassume many of the different shades of she rainbow, and. blood was visible in more than ome place. Nor was the young gladiator in the least con- cerned, apparently, sceming to put in his blows in. a mechanical sort of way, with the utmost sang roid, Not so with the Fighting Man of the Sierras. ihturiated over his defeat, at every move, he | teked more like an enraged wild than a | doman, as he made lunge after lunge only to | ‘tis further personal ale “uss ye! cuss ye!” he howled, spitting blood | "xan between his swollen lips, ‘“‘Give me a amuife, somebody—a knife, [ say.” “Tie one who draws a knife might as well go | ' Se wpeek for his coffin,” Nick said, sternly. ‘“ Ani ws ae you, my friead, a knife would not avail yan Byon as he spoke, the Nevadian leape! for- wari and seizing his an mist by the throat wy.t belt, raised him high above his head, by the norvalous strength of his iron-like arms. Thon, stepping forward to the front of the | dutiding, he hurled the colonel from him, with av his strength, and he went crashing through evindew, carrying sash and all oat into tbe ateopmy November night. Werning, this wondrous native of Nevada weiked back to his first position, and folded his #mms.serenely across his breast, not betraying tiw least excitement ov fatigue, even in his bowthing. *Next!” he called, stencity at the clock akere the bar. “ ’b keep the audience wating.” Bit fhe next man did not appear. Bvident it was that courage was the thing | king at this precise moment. “se of the crack “knockers” of the town, | ware these self-same unfortunates, Evil Eph | wed Col. Bill, and the treatment coe, a wo re- mivaxl was not calculated to inspire noted nmachs to test the prodigious strength of this mange man. “¥ reckon nous of us want a bite, pilgrim,” | Bikska Joe responded, scratching head, | “leastwise them’s my sentiments and I allow | (te rest 0’ the crowd is about ther same way 0’ | ve thinkin. You’re ther hest meat w’ot even struck this town, or I’m a fust-clasa liar.” | “Well, if you are all of a disposition to mind | yoser own business, why, all right. [f, how- exer, any of you has got an itching to sail in | amt wipe me out, I’m still open for business,” mas Nick’s sa ory assurance. “No one anxious, eht Well, then, if the land- | ‘ey can accommodate me with a room, | think | ‘Tf retire, as I’m most deucedly drowsy, from omifing all nag ee the wind. By the way, if your ‘eetings are humane toward those fellows who | t-rnpted to play with me, to-night, I'd advise | ‘wei to scrape together what’s worth saving of dom, and carry it to a doctor. He may be able | tose it in behalf of science, if nothing’ more. | Thien, dowotog’ his 1 which be ‘Thad. re- | : n apparel wh e re- | eatin’ the Seustaabsmetit of the le, he | olewed Mrs. Bijah Green up-tai or the ool hdstess had come to the wise conclusion | chet the gent from Nevada was a customer who was inthe habit of having his own way. and , he likeliest thing she could do was humor him. | When they ved at the head of the stairs | dovrever, she , facing him, and shook a * ‘ger bony finger admonishing] ly in his face, “See heer, young feller, et’s all very plain. | Gou're right an’ as good as yer ekal, amy day,” she said, grimly, ** but you jest take @e advice of an old woman who knows a few @i:igs, and keep yer watch eye open. Ef ye | u@er’t, thar’s them hyar in Deviltry who'll make ; wig fer you, when ye ain’t on yer guard. | *S:! mum’s the word. Life’s cheap, heerabouts, asemetimes.” | Shout this same hour, the weekly mail was ae wae Deviltry. t ) Giwe a week was as often as the citizens of the Waa mining towns in the Sierras had communi- | _ search for his ina wig hong the fightins penn he ah which | not pious Pete Travers started a pony express | nor to harm even a fiy, and he had the entire conficence of every one, and jogged oo } urs- Deviltry every Thursday, as regular as day caine, and jogged out again on Friday, bringing in mail end taking out mail for ten cents xpiece, each Jetter or package. To-night he rode down through the snowy gulch upon bis stout able-bodied horse, not in the best of spirits, despite the fact that be was considered extremely pious. The snow had delayed him, badly, and where he should have reached rovers? in'the morning, he found bimself still a round dozen miles from his destination, at eleven o’clock at night. ‘* Drat the snow! Giang, Dobbin!” he growled, occasionally, casting an eye at his surroundings, suspiciously. ‘‘ Et’s high time we was ter town, for these mountings have a pesky bad reputa- tion, they sey. More’n one man’s bin robbed heer. Goodness knows how many robbers may be laying fer me, anywhere’s along heer.” The thought seemed to make him nervous, for he urged his steed into a gale. something, by the way, quite unusual with him. ‘'S’posin’ some o’ the pesky rascals should git it into their beads that I’ve got money aboard, to-night?” was his next thought. “I s’pose I'd be Killed and scalped, right here.” The words in thought had scarcely occurred to him, when he dashed into a dark shadow cast by overhanging rocks, and the next instant -his horse was hurled back upon his hannches so sud- denly that Pious Peter found himself keeling backward into the snow, Frightened nearly out of his wits, he made no attempt to arise, but lay upon bis back in the snow and yelled at the top of his lungs for as- sistance, until— Until he felt someth of icy coldness touch his cheek, end opened eyes to behold @ tall form standing beside him, entirely reek ae in a black gown, which covered the face and head as well as the body, with the exception of a slit to breathe th and a pair of eye holes. This uncanny object held a rifle in its grasp and it was. the muzzle of this which toncbed Pious Peter’s cheek, and sent chill after chill of terror coursing down his spinal column. “Stop your yelling” the figure paid, “or you shall die like a dog! “ Oh! yes, Pre yes—Il) stop—IT beg—TN bee,” Peter Jared, with chattering teeth. “ Don’t shoot, av’ Vil do anything you ask.” “You are wise. J am one who always am obeyed. Iam Grim Goblin, the Avenger.” “Oh! good Heavings!” Peter gasped—‘‘ ob! oh!” “ Silence!’ the Avenger ordered, sternly. “You need have no fear that I shall burt you, if you do as I direct. See, here is a roll of papers,” and as he spoke he drew a roll from beneath his cloak, and cast them upon Peter's breast. “ They are posters or placards, printed in blood of mine enemies. ake them: mount your horse, and pursue your journey. You will ar- rive in'the town of Deviltry at the dead of night. When you get there, I want you to post one of these posters upon the door of every saloon in the place. You can do this without being ob- | served, and at the same time oblige me, mu- ise me faithfully to do this and I will let you go. Refuse, and [')) blow your brains out where you Jay. “Oh! ee pa wey yes—I nepal romise anythin eter gasped, wildly. é “Very wot A Thi learn if you have done my bidding.” Grim Goblin seid, “and if you have not, it won't be many days before youl bea ripe subject for a funeral.” Then, with a wild laugh be bounded away, and ere Peter could regain his feet, had disap- peared from view. ’ It is unnecessary to add that the pious mail man did not pause to make any particular sitor, Instead, he gained his saddle as quickly as ssible, put spurs to his animal, and tore mad- away down the gulch as though a thousand | vils were at his heels. ° ; Neither right nor left did he look until the lit- tle camp hove in sight, and then he uttered a prayer of thanksgiving for his eoeepe. When the town awoke, the following morn- ing, u the door of every saloon and gam- bling house, Bijah Green’s tavern included, was tacked a sheet of paper, inscribed in red ink or blood, of which the following is a fac-simile:— w| ss NOTICE “Take warning, all ye sinners of the camp called Deviltry, for. Grim Goblin the Aven in midst, and death shall follow where this notice is posted—death to all whose hands are dyed im blood of innocent humans. “ (Signed) Cinm Gosiin, ** Avenger.” Such was the notice that was read and re-read by startled groups, and sent a thrill of terror to many a weinewe heart. It wasn’t an hour before the town was thor~ oughly aroused, and the street filled with an ex- } cited pemceene who came.to read for themselves, ible warning of the Avenger, a being | the te whose very name was an ill omen in more than. one of the Sierra Nevada mining districts. Nobby Nick came down from his room, look- ing fresh and wide-awake after his night’s re- pose, and took a look at the posters, while he smoked cigar. “‘T must see if I can’t trap this Grim Goblin,” he routtered, more to himself than for other ears, “He'd be quite a prize to capture. I wonder if a reward has been offered for him?” “You bet thar has, young feller,” a voice at his elbow said, and he turned to behold standin, near him a little dried up specimen of humani- ty, bow-legged and bumpbacked, and _ positively ugly of countenance—a buckskin-clad being. with stubby beard, long iron-gray hair and a game eye, who might or might not have been sroncunced a buman, according to the peculia: ideas of the observer. ‘“ You bet thar has, my larky,” this shriveled up individual continued, | with a grima “an’ you kin bet also thet | Fae ain’t cl’ar from yer shoulders, yet. y've got an eye ou ye, bev ther people, | watchin’ fer somethin’ ter confirm the 'spicion. | Why, you didz’t know et, my boy, but, ’twixt | you.an’ I yer room was guarded all last night,” | ‘ Psbaw, vou don’t mean it?” Nick exclaimed, repRRlin the old man with a smile. “Yas I do, sure’s my nane’s Old Porcupine, an’ I'm a sinner. Ob! ye’d. better keep yer per ‘em, fer they’re bitter toward ye— is, the tougher class, Another thing while I'm. tellin’ ye, ye’d better nod venture out o’ | sight till they are convinced who ye be.” And why not?” “ Because I’ve bearn it sed thet ye couldn’t leave the village alive, til] et was fairly proven you weren't Grim Goblin.” “Oho! so this is the lay, eh?” Nick said, scratching bis head. “ Well, ’'m much obliged for the warning, uncle. What's yer handle “Old Porcupine at yer sarvice,” the old man said, doffing his hat. ‘Ye see as how I kee t bank across the bridge on "tother side | stream—me an’ my “dopted darter, Sue. wa oe reskied from the miserable rough, | Evi 7 | “Oh! it was?” with a stare of surprise. | “Yas, an’ she sed as how I should tel ye she | was mighty thankful to ye. I must be goin’ | now, or the folks ’cuse me 0’ connivin’ wi’ ye. Good-day Ef ye Poke cross +tream, drap in.” ‘{ dare say I shall,” Nick muttered, as the | little old man limped away. ‘But I shall keep | my eres about me, all the same, accordin’ to | your acvice. If this is a nest of hornets they'll find they have the addition of a bumble-bee, maybe.” to ye! Keep yer eye out. BOGGED FOOTSTEPS. | As the day progressed, and he sauntered | about the little mining town, Nobby Nick be- | came more fully aware that he was the center | of observation for all eyes—and another thing | did not escape bis keen notice: or more | men of the town never lost sight of him, as he | could see them following, whenever he looked | back. They were hardly ever the same men ' when he looked, but this did not deceive him of the fact that he was watched, as he rightly sur- mised that a change was made to ward off sus- picion. Even the women and little children regarded with a suspicions stare, for they, too, had heard of him as the terrible avenger, Grim Goblin, whose name was a terror wherever spoken. But Nick did not take the matter to heart as many would have done under the circumstances. Instead, he sauntered leisurely about the settle- ment, puffing away at a cigar and inspecting everything of interest as he went. | | CHAPTER V. ~# ———- —-
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| 4 4 Then the sun rose warmly above the moun- tain tops, and the air was balmy like an Indian summer day. The miners went to work on the placer claims, and a scene of general activity was every where. One thing rather puzzled Nobby Nick. He eould neither hear nor see anything of the two men he had di of so effectually the pre- vious evening. ey were not abroad, that was certain, nor did any one seem to know of their whereabouts, for inquiries were eral. the course of his rambles he crossed the narrow foot-bridge that had been built over the stream from to bank, and wasstrolling along the opposite shore when he heard a foot- | and felt a hand laid softly upon his arm. rning, he beheld the maiden to whose rescue he had come the previous evening at the tavern. She was atti in a pretty pink calico dress, with beaded slippers upon her feet, and wore her hair in « rippling wave down over her shoulders. And very pretty sbe looked with the sunlight resting warmly upon her pretty face. ‘“*T was told that you were the | rere who «ame so bravely to my rescue last night,” she said, flushing with hesitation, ‘‘and I came to thank you for your braveact. I trust I am not bold for so presuming to address you.” “Most assuredly not,” Nick replied, doffing his hat gallantly. “Indeed, I was just medi- tating on calling on you, and thanking you for the opportunity afforded me to save so pretty a young lady from insult.” ‘*Pshaw! you are inclined to flattery,” Sandy Sue saidy “That is out of place, as I am not even good looking; and I should think you would nate me for getting you into trouble.” “Ha! ha! that’s nothing. [Pm always io trouble with some one,” Nick replied, smilingly. **Ten to one if I badn’t heard your appeal for assistance, I should have made my enrtrce to the tavern in the same way I did, as | have a pecn- liar idea that dashing and independent first im- pressions rule the day.” “ Perhaps; but, even though you may deem yourself safe Shay had best. look out.” Sue warned, cand ly. ‘‘You are feared by the majority of the citizens of the camp as a bold bravo, while oe om that wen anes oo dread scourge, m in, causes the peop to regard you with aversion. You are watched at every turn, and should the least thing arise to confirm this suspicion, it would not be an hour eve the whole populace would be turned ei nee If included?” he queried. ‘* With yourself inclu e ‘No, indeed! Dlistick by you. When others are bitter against you, I shall defend you!” “Then you do not believe me to be the avenger?” “No. You have too honest a face. This terrible man, Grim Goblin, must be a heartless wretch, with a dark, ugly face, distorted by the reflection of his bloody deeds.” {thank you for your confidence,” Nick said, warmly. ‘Things do begin to look rather squally for me, buf I allow I'll wriggle out some- how. One thing is certain:—If they take Nobby Nick alive, they'll have to do it when he don’t know eA we about it.” “Sh! Talk lower,” Sue said, looking straight in his face. ‘‘ Don’t look around yet. By and by glance carelessly toward the bridge. You wil set bite! men there leaning on the railing.” eli— “They have been shaking their fists at me as a warning that I bave no business to talk with you, if I provoke themit may be the worse for us both, so 1 will bid you ~dlay.” “‘Good-day! Accept my sincere thanks for your interest in my behalf, for I feel I have in ou at least one friend among a host of foes. hall I see you again?” ‘When opportunity comes, and 1] can do so safely, I will find you,” Sandy Sue replied. Then, with a no|, she crossed the street and entered a well-built | cabin, over the door of which there was a little sign bearing the inserip- tion: ‘JOHN FaLcongeR, BANKER AND BROKER.” “Falconer,” Nick muttered, reading the sign, and then turning and retracing his steps toavard the bridge. “That must be the name of my young friend.” : The two red-shirted, stogy-booted miners who had been lounging on the bridge also turned “What's your burry! ‘* Waal, what d’ye want?” one of the pair de- manded, gruffly. erin’ after yer acquaintance, either,” the Neve- dian retorted, with a provoking laugb. ‘ But I'd like to inquire what setisfaction you get | from degging wy footsteps!” ‘We ain’t bin doin nothin’ o’ the sort.” “You lie! My movements are under con- stant surveillance, and you. were watching me while I conversed with the young lady k onder.” “Et don’t matter. we've got ter stick by em,” the second man ad- mitted, ‘‘an ef you don’t like ’em, why ye can chaw ’em.” “Dll chaw you, if you give me much of your tongue,” the champion replied. ‘‘Who gave the orders to have me dogged?” “Spect it was Col. Bill Travers.” ‘“Oh! so he’s alive, chf What business has he to order me watched?” “Humph! W’at the colonel says is law, hyarabouts, an’ thar ain’t no man, woman or child as’ll say he ain’t boss. You'll find it out, too, when he git’s ready to square up accounts with you.” “So he hasn’t got enough yet, eh?” “Guess not. A broken arm an’a smashed head won’t bother ther colonel much, an’ ef ye want any letterin’ done on ver tombstone, ye’d better let out ther job, ter oncet.” “Many thanks for your unselfish advice,” | Nick retorted, ‘‘ When I need a tombstone I'll | have time to import one from the East. March along, now, before I am seized with a notion to tumble you over into the river.” The men obeyed without urging, for neither, after what they had seen of the Nevadien’s prowess, cared to court a scrimmage with bin. Nick followed them back to the tavern, which he entered, and sougbt bis room. To his sur- prise, be found the door unlocked, and on entering tound that his apartment had another occupant than himself. Not a man, but a woman, young and pretty, dressed in men’s clothing—top boots, breeches, vest, white shirt end tie; jaunty jacket plumed slouch hat, all complete. She was seeted com- fortably in a rocking-chair, smoking a cigarette, and a; parently enjoying herself. Nobby Nick paused upon the threshold, and surveyed ber with a stare of astonishment, not knowing whether to feel angry or amused at the intrusion. Remarkably pretty was the intruder, both of face and of form, with well-rounded features, rkling brown eyes, and hair to match which owed down over her shoulders. Her costume was of expensive material and fitted a well-contoured figure of medium hight most charmingly. Seeing that she did not offer to speak, and being in rather an awkward pesition Nobby Nick finally broke the ice by doffing his hat, gallantly. “Excuse me, lady,” be said, glancing at the interior of the apartment to make sure that he was right, ‘‘ but haven’t you made a mistake and got into the wrong room?” ‘*Not a bit of it,” the girl-boy replied, inde- pendently. “I reckon I know what Pm about, ¥y ung feller.” “Not doubting that.” Nick replied, bis as- tonishment increasing, ‘1 beg to state that this was my apartment, if ] am mot very much mis taken! “You are not in the least mistaken,” was the | answer, ‘This is your roam, so come in, shut the door, sit down, and be sensible.” Nick obeyed the first three orders, with alac- rity, resolved to see the thing through. “ As to the sensible part,” he said, his compo- sure returning to him, *‘ I don’t know about that. Perbeps if you would be kind enough to give your name, and explain in what way I am in- debted for your unexpected visit, my senses may come to a more settled state.” “Oh! we'll get to that, directly,” the girl re- plied, coolly. ‘‘ This world wasn’t made in one day, and yet it isa success. But, to begin with, how are you feeling, to-day?” ‘‘ Never felt better, I assure you.” “Glad to hear it. If you have a cigar join me in a smoke. I haven’t an extra one, my- self. Isee you’ve got yourself in an unenvia- ble situation since your arrival here.” ‘*Reckon ye don’t know us!” | * An’ I reckon I haven't any particular bank- | Them’s our orders, an’ | * Don’t be so sure about that. 1 have reasem | to have serious doubts of your ever oat. | of the place. You barked the wrong free when you took hold of Col Bill Travers. Ba'k ; a bad man,” “So am I when they foo) around me toe oom ae you are a friend of this border raf : e | “By no means, But, who or what I am to you, it matters not. yre I _—— be a. friend. | —more, a benefactor. possess the pewer get se out of town and to a place of safety.” “But, ain’t you a little fast? I am mot half” re to shake bands with Deviltry, yet, if I recollect myself.” | “But stop! If you do not take advantage of opportunity and escape, ere five suns havedeme and gone, there will not be so much as a beme of you left to tell you were ever bere.” “Ha! ha! ba! Your imagination would de- credit to a novel writer,” Nick laughed. “TL fancy I shall know something in regard te thia wholesale dissecting business about the time it is transpiring.” “Humph! you may be facetious now, but E fancy you wil) kiow more than you wanté ta, of it, later,” ske returned with a faint smeer-.. ‘- Still, if you desire to take the consequences of* your fool- ardiness, it is not my lcok-out.* “Decidedly. Supposing, however, 1 were te engage your services to conduct me toa place of paletye- © het remuneration would you ex pect?” |" “Three species, namely: five bundred deHars= which you carry in a belt beneath your shirt; your band joined with mine in marriage;- end last but not least, the secret of the exmet:. lecation and entrance to the cla Indian mine!” As she spoke the woman leaned forward and ptvzed searchingly into the Nevadian’s face, ex- pecting evide nily to note some great change ar ttart im his manner, and ber countenanee fell when she noted none. Perfectly composed wae. | tLis man of strength, no surprise even depicted | upon his ccuntenance. } “Asto the mamey, no. As to m wp ey | unknown adventuress, emphatically no. ; | as to the secret connected with some old Indian nine, you've tackled the wrong dictionary feea. } | solution, I can tell you.” “You are lying tome. You and you aleme, Ralpb Arlington bold the secret!” the wena cried, rising to ber feet, a wild glare in hereyes_ ** Deny it you dare rot.” Still no erg of surprise upon the face af" the pilgrim from Nevada. Wars of emotion and alarm might have Been reging withiu his bosom, but if so, he had the wonderful power of retaining an outwardly ccmposed demeanor. “T can deny it with the greatest of ease,” was Nick’s calm answer. ‘I know not who or what \} ou are, madame, nor do I care. bien ss icopump me of any a tihab oy Be bg Pe mise ] o8sess, is utterly without avail, and the soomer~ you take your leave, the greater wil] be my eb i; ation to you. Your neme I would, however, like to know.” ““You may call me Moll McGregor, Lut that is not my name!” and she rose to depart. “What- ever wy true name is, it does not matter to you; suffice to say that I am one whoknows you’ ind a past, and shall never lose sight of you,.. until I get possession of the key to the Th dian mine.” “If you wait that long, your hair wilf Be snowy white!” “By no means. If you will not have me asa friend, you shall bave me as an enemy. F wilt. plan to get you in my power, and then tear the secret from vou, or tear out your heart.” “Very well. That will do for the presemt& and TH excuse you now!” Nick said, pointing toward the door. ‘Go, now, and do not make- yourself quite so forward henceforth.” She did go, but shook her fist at him as she vanished through the doorway. ‘*Remember!” she said, savagely; “‘ this is not: our last meeting.” After she had gone Nick lit a cigar, and sat meditatively eyeing the clouds of smoke whiel» rolled ceilingward from his lips. “IT reckon I might better have stayed from this place,” he confessed scratching” bie head, ‘* as it appears that I am between stversl fires—one the Sopdince who have set me | as an assassin—the other that eccentric al who apparently knows more about me pan I know myself. I am fogged about her, fer ¥ cannot remember that I have éve t ber.” He sat for over an hour, “Tf so, I am quite able te get myself out,” thought, his brow wrinkled in a half-scowl ag> ied. in. deep -
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bs 7 the nature of his meditations were not A ae some hours erehe awoke—at least the nis room was dull and gloomy and he | soneluded that it was nightfall, Me awoke witha start, caused by a hubbub .#f magises without—the sound of voices and tarks of dogs prevailing. } Rising and going to the window, he gazed ‘down imto.the street below, And here his eyes fell upon a sight which ‘hrilled him in spite of himself. “Phostreet was filled with the townspeople, “ho were talking clamorously, and pointing to- ward an object upon tie extreme top of a pole nerried by a burly miner. “This object, horrible to relate, was 2 man’s be detached from the before, in the hotel disturbance. Straight toward the hotel the trophy bearer sume, closely followed by the yelling crowd, ith weapons drawn. What did it mean, the young Nevadian axed himself? Was this a victim of Grim Goblin’s vengeance? | “And were they coming for him, Nick, to an- | vgnsex for the crime? 36 was a horrible thought. CHAPTER. VI. UPRISING OF A POPULACE. *T am ina position that necessitates my do- dug something for my country, 1 should opine, tf that crowd is any prognostication of coming ““f would like to vents,” he said, grimly. #mow for certain if they are coming for me. If wo, they'll not find me—that’s certain. Their ‘hand is decided] waise it, and so I'll pass,, Tho next important «syuestion is—where will I pass to?” 46 was an important question with him to Gaxow how he was. to get out of the dilemma vat stared him ominously in the face. Outside was the hooting, howling crowd, and te did not want any firmer conviction than that asf his own senses, that they sought for him, He took another glance from the window. 3 had gone down behind the hills, and a wens chon was creeping rapidly through the A at the ghastly head perched on top of ‘ithe pole—then Nobby Nick shut his teetn to- _., gether with a snap, his eyes flashed resolutely, gad be buckled his belt a notch tighter. “IT wonder where Doxy is?” he mused, glanc- ang at bis revolvers, to see that whey: were all aieke. and slinging his rifle to his back. “17 she was down there I’d set her on the amo, TIl bet a cracker she’d make some of ’em ~odust their leather.” Tie was now ready for escape, as soon as he »shoald find the avenue thereto, ‘Going to the door of his room he listened in- ~ Swvgeaab] t could hear no one in the ball outside. This hall ran the whole length of the upper stony of the great cabin, and was intersected by weamerous smaller passageways leading — to «aide rooms. The stairway leading, to the bar- vtoom below was located at the eastern end of “he hall, while at the western end was a win- dow ing ouf upon the gulch stream. Leaving his room Nick stood for a moment ‘ y undecided which direction to go. Final- , however, be resolved to creep to the head of stairs and listen to what was going on be- | Sow, He therefore stole stealthily along for a few owmbeps—then suddenly panned and retraced his orateps dly and went to the western end of raph awd thought had occurred tv him in 4 ea 3 Nick knew he had seen the | ‘vor raed too flush for me to attempt to | gathered from snatches of conversation, | oe ouseid Suwa erty. Ror a half an hour or more the hubbub con- | tinued, and during that time it was evident that considerable’ whisky changed hands, judging by the rattle ofiglasses. Finally, there was a fearful racket made by | pounding upon a tin.pan, and all became quiet, | proclaiming that a meeting was called. | With all attention Nobby Nick leaned for- ward tohear what was said. From bis position he commanded a view of a portion of the scene below, and could see the speaker, who proved to be Co}. Bill Travers, mounted upon an empty flour barrel. | A sorry looking orator he made, however. | His left leg was bandaged, his left arm was ina sling, his right eye was tied up, and his face was bruised and raw in a dozen places. He took the stand, and gazed around with the | spoke, | “Fellow citizens,” he finally said, savagely, | “I don’t reckon Vm called on to say much. You all know thet Grim Goblin, the cussed cut- throat, is among us, an’ thet we’ve jest found one bloody evidence of the fact, to-night. You are all well satisfied, too, that the young puppy who ealls bimself Nobby Nick is none other than the veritable Grim Goblin, and so what remains for us to do but capture the cuss, an’ make him suffer for his crimes?” **Hurrah! that’s ther ticket to vote!” shouted Alaska Joe, who now-calculated he was second thoroughbred of the town, since Evil Eph was sick. *t Ef Nobby Nick is ther chap, Grim Gob- lin, why, et’s our saintly duty ter clean him out. An’ ef he ain’t, opine as how he ain’t no pil- grim as will do any purtickler credit to cur moral town, an’ et would not do any hurt ter use his bone-dust fer fertilizin’ purposes.” “See heer, Alaska, you’d better shet yer yawp!” Col. Bill growled.“ Ef ye ever stick in er blab when I’m addressin a meetin’, like this, ag’in, Pll be cussed ef I don’t_ slip my knife in- ter yer juggler vein. Isay, Nobby Nick is the self-ssame Grim Goblin, or else an emissery of him, an’ I fer one pees we don’t parley any longer, but sail right in and capture im. Arter that, we kin hold a meetin’ an’ devise a plan o’ puttin’ him todeatb. Allin favor. of this mo- tion make manifest by saying I!” A general yell of “I!” was the answer. tf Xs I expected,” Col, Bill said, with a grin of approbation. ‘‘ You all like this chap about as much as Ido, Now the next thing is to get him. Ef I’m elected captain of the thing, Pu give ye plans by which we kin take the cuss.” ‘‘Hurrah! hurrah!” shouted the crowd. ** Colonel Bill is ter be ther boss.” “Then, first of all, let twenty able bodied men surround the building on all sides, with weapons ready for use,” Travers said. “If our man is in the shebang and makes an attempt to escape, fire upon him; do not let him get away if you have to kill him.” The order was executed, some two score of the crowd swarming to the outside of the build- ing. “Next, let two men creep cautiously up- stairs, and to the door of the Avenger’s room, and listen there. If you hear anything of him come ani r-port. If not, give the alarm, anc there shall be a general search of the premises.” Two burly miners immediately sigvified their readiness to make the reconnoissance, and put fresh cartridges in their revolvers, preparatory for battle, if ne ‘i | ‘Then they came to the foot of the stairs, and | began to ascend them in a stealthy manner. Crouching behind a back-set_in the wall, at | the head of the stairs, Nobby Nick waited for them, his eyes gleaming desperately. He was resolved to hold his own as long as practicable, and then make a bold leap for liberty. One of the men paused upon the steps, balf- way up, to tighten his belt—the other came steadily on, and gained the landing. The next instant he found himself in the iron asp of the modern Hercules, and ere he could defend himself was raised in the air above his opponent’s head; like a helpless child. Then without warning, he suddenly hurled the vic- tim of his surprise down the stairway against the second miner, and the two went crashing te | glare of a hungry wolf in his eyes, ere he | headlong to the bottom, mid cries of:consterna- tion trom the crowd u the bar-room. , Uttering a yell of defiance, and without wait- ing to note the effect of his bold deed, Notts Nick turned and ran swiftly through ,the bai! toward the western end of, the bnilatng, inter: upon leaping through the open casement intu the guich stream. ia But, this plan was suddenly foiled, for he ha-\ only gone about half the distance to the wi - dow when: be tripped upon a wire or rope strun, across the floor, and fell with stunning severity - and, before he could even make the attempt i: regain his feet, a figure darted forward, sprun: upon him and bore him back, and ere he full. regained his wits, his wrsts were handcuffe:! and a bandage tied over his eyes. : * Now_rise to your feet, quickly,” a voic* spoke, close to his «ar—a feminine voice, Spee her head completed a very tasty costum: . which contributed to make her a very pretty girl. But for the dusky expression of her eyes, and the faint tinge of brown to her skin, one would not have suspected that she was an In- dian, for her features were of an Anglo-Saxon pe. As he gezed at ker in mute surprise and ad- miration, a thought flashed across the Nevadi- an’s mind. Of the three pretty females he had met sinc coming to Deviltry, which was the prettiest —thi- Indian maiden, Sandy Sue, or Moll McGregor? And he was not prepared to answer, for al) three were pretty to a fault. “JT am Wild Flower the daughter of Stern Faee, the banished Sioux,” she said, breaking the silence. ‘‘ You saved my father from the vengeance of the gulch miners, and he liked you. He dreampt you were in trouble and sent me to help you escape.” “For which I thank you heartily,” Nick said. extending bis hand. “I did give the old chief a lift, or rather, mv old mule, Doxy did, but 3 didn’t reckon there’d be any chance o’ returning the favor so soon.” Wild Flower hesitated a moment, and then seized his left hand, and examined the palm closely. © ? As ‘suddenly then did she drop it and reel back, a shade of pallor crossing her countenance, and her own shapely right band dro ping to the butt of a revolver which she carried in her belt. ‘Hold on—what’s the matter, now?” Nick de- manded, in surprise. ‘‘ What’s the matter with my fist that you are so affected?” ‘OSh* Your life is in deadly peril, if Stern Face sees that band.” she gasped. “Not even the favor you did bim would save your life.” “And why not? I'll be shot if I ain’t fogged, for once in my life”
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-~—--— “2 1 JN Feet oh Wt xsl of, wot, 4uGh Gs oo Y wa « Perhaps. Maybe you are ignorant of the Did you ever study the veins ef your left hand _— veins that blood circulates through, but marks that seem to have been seared there by the hand of nature and which look like a laby- rinth of trails.on a prairie?” “In truth I have studied. my marked palm many times, in curiosity, buf never al owed there: was any. particular meaning connected therewith,” Nick replied. A “There is a meaning, however,” Wild Flower assured, ‘and one. which I can well under- stand. By that marked hand I know who you are, your whole antecedents, and that yon are the last of a race of people who know the secret of the old Indian mine.” “You are mistaken. I know nothing con- cerning any Indian mine,” “Maybe vot, but the trail leading to that mine is engraven upon your hand, and there are hundreds who, would give their right hands to gain possession of the secret!” Then she stopped short, and listened intently. Sharp though were the ears of the Nevadian, he could hear no outside sound, for the room was apparently without doors or windows, none being visible. Wild Flower heard hostile sounds, however, for her big yes grew duskier, and she repro- duced the bandage which had previously served as a blindfold. ‘““We must escape further, lest they scent us out,” she announced. ‘‘ We are safe unless the think of one thing. Col. Travers has a bined hound, and if he were to set it on our trail it would be bad. Come!” ‘* Where?” “Tt matters not, to you, just yet. I. will blindfold you, and lead the way—a long and tedious one, it will seem. By and. by we will pause to rest, and Wild Flower will tell you something of the story concerning the mystery that surrounds you. Come!” She banda, his eyes, and taking him by the arm led him forward. A few paces thus; then they began to descend what he concluded was a narrow and winding staircase. It proved to be of extreme length ere they came to the end of the steps, the lower portion of which proved to be stone. They were now in a dam ace which his senses of smelling and feeling 1d him was a sub passage. CHAPTER VIL. THE BANK BESIEGED. IMMEDIATELY after the twominers came head- foremost down into the bar-room, pro lied thither by the mighty: power of Nobby Nick’s terrible arms, there was a loud yell of ven- geance, and fully a hundred rough and lawless men sprung up the staircase, armed with drawn revolvers, a by a which they had grab from the fire-place. |. Bill Travers was too lame to lead the van, but brought up the rear, urging on the whose ruling spirit he was, A swift and thorough search of the upper story was made—in every room, way and niche, and the result was nothing! : Nowhere could anything of the Nevadian be found; but the open window at the end of the hall pointed out the avenue of his escape. Disappointed howls and curses escaped the searching miners, and a rush was made for the outer air, some descending the stairs, and others — recklessly from the window. nm ing sharply questioned, none of those who had formed the guard surrounding the cabin, had seen anything of the sw nao aven- ger, and declared emphatically that he had not escaped through the window by leaping over their heads, Loth to believe this were the larger share of the populace;— even Colonel Bill raved and swore around like amadman, and orderedevery house and building of any description ran- sacked. And his order was obeyed. The mob divided up into several companies, and, armed with torches began to search the town. Colonel Bill hobbled and limped along at the head of one gang, and led the way across the river to the cabin-bank of Porcupine Pete, for- merly owned by John Falconer. seoret, that envelops. your life, but Iam_ not. noe musty-smelling Here he pemeat and rapped smartly upon the door, which was partly opened by Sandy Sue,. whose pretty face and figure filled the gap. “Come, gal; open up, an’ let us s’arch the lace,” Travers said, gruffly, pushing on the Joor. But Sue held it firmly. “No you don’t,” she said, “*tillI know what _ you want.” aaa “Durn ye, open the door! We're s’archin’ } fer that infernal cuss, Nobby Nick,” he replied, | savagely. ‘‘ He’s slipped away, like a greased eel, an’ we wanter see ef ye ain’t got him hid away somewheres.” “‘ He ain’t here, and you can’t,.come in. The | bank is closed for to-day.” ‘“Oh! but. we'll cussed.soon open: it, tho’, ef ye don’t let us in.” ‘Then. blaze away, and. you'll get Ping fill, mighty quick!’ Sue retorted spiritedly. She was a resolute girl, one not easily frightened, and she slammed the door in Col. Biil’s, face, with a will, after which she barred it heavily. ‘There! now stay out!” she cried, in ‘a deter- mined tone. ‘Nobby Nick is not here, and you can save time by searching for bim elsewhere.” “Tl be cussed ef we will,” Trayers roared, enraged at his defeat. ‘‘ Boys, go cut and trim a good tree, for a battering-ram, an’ we'll devilish soon make splinters of the door.” A dozen sprung to do his bidding, while the rest stood guard around this strong cabin. ‘Ob! but I'll spoil yer purty face, when I get in. thar,” the valiant colonel yelled, limping about. ‘‘Vll cut yer head off an’ stick it a-top of a pole like Hank Long’s.” Sue did not reply. She was alone in the cabin, Porcupine Pete having been absent on a hunt in the mountains since noon, and she did not feel that it was policy for her to provoke these rude citizens too much—yet was determined they should not enter the cabin at any hazard. For, though she knew nothing of the where- abouts of Nobby Nick, she did know that there was wealth enough in the iron safe to tempt more honest men than Travers and his gang. “Ye’d better let us in,” Travers. growled, from a position near the door. ‘ The boys aire cutting a tree, over yonder, an’ we'll batter thunder out of yer door ef ye don’t open it.” “Batter away!” Sue replied, fiamly. ‘I guess it will require a deal of pains for you to et in here, and even when successful in so oing, you'll fail to find the object of your search. I warn you fairly not to attack this cabin. If you do, I'll shoot every man I geta ar 4" of, sure as Iam Sandy Sue.” “Oh! we ain’t afeard o’ ye! We’ve heerd uaws talk, before.” esently the tramp of feet announced that the bearers of the battering-ram were return- ing, as did a Babel of discordant voices. ‘Come, now,” the hoarse voice of Colonel Bill shouted, ‘‘ ef ye’re goin’ to open up, do so— ef ye ain’t say 80, and we'll make pudding of yer old cabin.” “IT have told you repeatedly I shall not open the door,” Sue returned. ‘If you resort to vio- lence you do so at your peril.” Ayell of defiance came from the outside; then there was a tremendous thump against the stout oaken door, which shook the cabin from roof to foundation. But, the door did not yield. ; Taking down a light repeating rifle, of the Winchester pattern, Sue stationed herself at a loop-hole in the wall, and waited, resolved that as thecabin was attacked, she would show fight, in dead earnest. Thecabin was admirably adapted for standing a siege, the walls being built of three thic of logs, and the roof ey boarded and very steep, making it impossible for any one to stand it u ’ ’ Within, it was divided into two rooms* below the door by which entrance could be gained opening into the bank, while from that a door opened into a'side room which was used fcr kitchen and dining room. — apartments were u irs, under the roof, e windows of the cabin were well protected by stout iron re and altogether it was a snug little ort. . Surrounded as she was by these formidable barriers, Sandy Sue felt little or no fear as to what the result would be, for with her father she had settled here when a mere child and when Indians were hostile, and she could remember more than one occasion when the stanch little edifice had withstood the ingenious attack of the wily sava for da the rifle she leveled: the weapon Cockin th h the loop-hole. The next instant there was 4@ flash, a sharp report—and a yell. arp repo The yell told that the shot had taken effect, and howls of rage among the self-styled Regu- lators proved it. ‘Open ther door, you she-wildcat!” Colonel Bill howled. ‘* Never!” came the response ‘from the inside, o asc paapenameia ; es followed by a shot which dropped another | miner. a bee the battering-ram was applied with a will. At first the door withstood the shocks brave- ly, but the continued attack finally began to make it clatter noigily and show signs of giving in, Encouraged by this, the men with battering- ram. lent renewed efforts, and made the night hideous with their yells, Shot after shot came from within the cabin with telling effect, which increased the fury of the Regulators, for they could not handle their clumsy weapon of assault. Thump! bang! crash!—the door shook visi- bly, the bars burst in twain. Another thump and the dcor went in with a loud crash. Cheer after cheer rent the air as the men dropped tke log and poured into the cabin, ——- ? Later that same night, when the mécn was soaring down toward its western bed, a stage came dashing down through Hard Pan gulch; not a public conveyance, evidently, but a pri- vate hack drawn by four bandsome white horses, and driven by a liveried darky, who sat upon the box. Who was inside could not be seen from the exterior, both doors being closed and the cur- tains drawn. The moonlight fell dimly in the gulch, but it was still light enough for the coachman to see, and he drove rapidly and seemingly recklessly. His constant glances about him bespoke the nervousness he felt, probably owing to ihe hour and his lonely surroundings, and his left hand ever hovered near his belt. The trail owen the gulch lay all the way down hill toward Deviltry, and this fact avcele- rated the speed of the horses until the convey- ance tore along at a furious speed. ; Yet this fact did not seem to alarm five beard- ed men who were drawn up in a line across the trail, a few bundred yards further down the guleh—dark, rough-looking fellows, with great rass letters upon their hunting shirts, end cocked revolvers in their grasp. meee Boe leader called cut the challenge seg ~ t!” as the —— came Lewis a e darky, on seeing them, prom rein, and allowed them to approach. i ‘See yar now, you fellows, w’at youh want, a-stoppin’ folkses dis yar way?’ he demanded, leveling his big navy revolver at the foremost of the outlaws. ‘Jes’ you ’splain,. sah, or I’se goin’ to bore a hole right away froo youh, fo’ suah!” “Git out, you infernal nigger!” the chief re- eeeny savagely. ‘Drop that weapon, or we'll low ye so fur you never ’ll find even the cclor of yer black hide. As to what we want, we’re the Bearded Brothers, and we want thet bloat- ed old aristocrat, General Arlington, who is aboard this stage.” ‘‘Oh! de good Ler’ bress you, but you’s too late, fo’ suah,” Pompey replied, throwing up his hands. ‘‘ Dis yar back has been attacked by robbers free miles up de gulch, sure’s I’se a live nigger, and de general an’ all his gold jes’ taken right away off into de vata ey fo’ sueb! An’ de general he say ‘ Pomp; fer heaven’s sake o on to de town, an’ sendsome one to my ’sis- nae! Yes, sah, de general is done gone fo’ ct. An exclamation of dismay escaped the Beard- ed Brothers, and Captain A uttered a frightful string of curses. “Tm cussed ef I don’t believe: you’re lyinz, you infernal black skunk. Open the carriage docr, boys, an’ see ef the old chap ain’t.in thar!” Several of the men sprung to obey his bidding, and as a result, both doors were flung wide open. ‘ ec Gone, sure enough!” the ca: growled, flashing the light of a bull’s-eye lantern within a vehicle. ‘‘Cuss the luck, the nigger is right.” S “Done tole you so,” Pompey declared, tri- umphantly. “Guess dis nigger knows when he’s tellin’ de gospel trufe, or not.” : ‘‘ What's ter be did?” one of the men demand- ed, whose arms ached from holding the snorting — by the bits. “Shall we let him go on, or not ‘Yes, cuss him, let loose the horses and leave him go on!’ Captain A growled. ‘ We've got in our bid too late, to-night.” The horses were accordingly released, and the ge rolled away toward Deviltry. And then it was that a’ panel in the front part of the interior of the cab was shot aside, and a tall white-whiskered man stepped forth from a | } | |
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10 ———— secret compartment wherein he had been hiding, | with a satisfied smile upon his face, At the rush of the lators into the bank | er cabin home of Sa Sue, the brave girl | ht the steel barrel down upon the heads ' SR hh AN ose BRE woe von ef those who darted forward to secure her, but a score of hands seized her as ina of iron. Resistance was out of the question, nothing was left for her but to submit. ‘‘Bind her securely, and take her to the jail eabin,” Colonel Bill ordered, slapping her h- ly beside the head. ‘‘ Ef we don’t stretch purty throat in the mornin’ I’m a liar!” The order was obeyed, and Sue taken toa strong cabin on the ere side of the stream, where she was locked up in a cheerless room, with gratings over the window, and left alone. At fhe bank part of the crowd busied them- selves in caring for those who had been wound- ed by the prowess of the brave girl, while the others pe a thorough search of the premises without, of course, discovering any thing ot Nobby Nick. Nor was he found elsewhere by the other | searchers, and it had to be given up that he had made good his escape. About midnight Colonel Bill and five of his | comrades left the town on horseback, declaring their intention to search the mountains, but they returned about daylight without their | man. } The settlement was thoroughly aroused again | by sunrise, for it was understood that Sandy Sue was to have a hasty trial, and that in all proba- | bility she would be lynched for the crime of | — two of the citizens who had joined in the | attack upon the cabin. A large crowd assembled upon a square near the river, where all public trials were usuxlly about two hours after sunrise the held, and maiden was — upon the stand, along with « lawyer and Colonel Bill Travers. This lawyer wasa@ruffian as well as Travers, and things looked dark for the girl, for nota friendly expression: was there upon the sea of faces that surrounded her, and she could not sve even the rough visage of her guardian and pro- tector, Porcupine Pete. Colonel Bill arose pously. “ Ladies and unseen, 1 eons the honor of ning this court,” he said, ‘‘The case is one murder, committed upon two of our most re- Senne citizens by a mere chit of a girl, here. Ne marthenlorste ia ena aide agectaae No . is . She openly re- fused us admittance to. her cabin, Wed. in the name of the law we sought for a notorious crim- inal, and boldly killed two of our men when we took measares for obeyin.: the maidates of the law. Nowif there isany law to protect her, let us hear it!” “There is no law on the side of the prisoner | in such a case,” Deviltry’s disciple of Blackstone | declared, “and I make no hesitation in pro- | nouncing her guilty of murder in the first de- | gree, and sentencing her to such death as may | suit the people.” ““T propose she be put up asa target, an’ be | shot at by every one as wants to,” Travers said. ‘“ All in favor of this motion make manifest by saying I!” » was a general shout of acclamation, on all hands. Such a would be a novelty. ‘* Hold on. I protest!” a well-dressed stranger with long white beard said, stepping forward. “T want to purchase this prisoner!” CHAPTER VILL WILD FLOWER NARRATES. ho rune tee, Praca by cg ws =i the where e , as 7 oer tittle aie | danksome smell and feeling of air | circulated through the place. A halt was made, and Wild Fiower pushed | him gently backward to a seat upon a square | rock at one side of the passage. “ Be seated,” she said, seating herself beside | him, “and we will rest awhile, while I talk | with you. [like you very much.” ‘‘T thank you for it,” Nick replied, “‘ without | knowing a ta sh Fu ‘Because Ido. You are the only white man I ever fancied, because you are strong, fearless, handsome, noble. Then, too, the mark upon our hand draws you nearer to me. Presently, will explain all this which seems to be a mys- tery to you. But first, let me inquire what brings you here to the mines? You surely must have had an object in coming.” ‘Certainly. I am here fora purpose. But, how do I know that you are one whom I can safely intrust with my secret?” } omens | epee s 4 rr ameener=y | child hither. Nobby Nick of Nevada. he felt a magne influence m its contact with his own. “Tam proud to earn you as a Wild : friend, Flower,” said, raising the hand to his lips and then releasing it, ‘‘and will va a what brings me here. I am sent by the U.S. Mar- shal of this territory, to out and find the rendezvous of a certain band of forgers who are known to be quartered somewhere in this sec- _ Ihave followed the business of Govern- men y, for some time, and came here sup- poral choull be able to pursue my calling without trouble.” “You come on a mission, and J am glad. These forgers do exist in this section, and I can give you considerable information eoncern- ing them. They undoubtedly exist in a party of outlaws known as the ed Brothers, and whose ruling spirit is a woman, unknown by real name, to them, who always keeps her face masked. She, I believe, is the author of the Pho, and these Bearded Brothers pursue @ donble calling of disposing of the forgeries, and attacking lone mountain wayfarers for the pur- pose of robbing them.” “ Hat tris. is news to me. Where are they located? here is their retreat?’ “That Ido not care to tell. I stumbled upon it one night, and saw erough to convince me of what I have told you. ey caught me, how- ever, and would have cut my throat had I not promised never to reveal the whereabouts of their den to any human being. They made the clause, and I agreed to it.” “Then, in order to get possession of the Rualenee, | have t commit matrimony, eb? “It would seem so, if you hoped to get your news of e “Well, wellf 1 shall have to think this matter over, seriously. It may not be a bad plan, anyhow, peovidiiee the party of the second part is willing. But, now,tell me what is the secret of my branded hand, and why would your father be angry were he to see. it.” Wild Flower was silent a few momenits—then she went on to relate: . “Years ago, sir, to begin with. my feather | Stern a half-breed,; and your father, Jotn tg, et acguainted in Texas, and formed a pene eee tig came to this section of country and explore for gold. They came bither and explored and found gold, sure enough. They built a cabin and lived together, mined together, hunted t Finally, ether. and were the best of ‘friends. tern Face signified bis intention of him a cabin and bringing his v ife and And his decision proved identical witha one Falconer had formed, and so both the rds journeyed bence and brought Lack their amilies—Stern Face, bis pale face wife and little | daughter, and John Falconer, a little son and daughter—their mother having died while en yee from the East. oe oo “A year passed by. two s were grow- ing rich, and settlers began to string in, one by one, forming the beginning of a little mining city, when one day Stern Face discovered some writings upon the stone that lay over an Indian mound, which disclosed to him the secret of an ancient subterranean Indian gold mine, which secret had been written on the stone in signs and had remained unknown since the Indian’s death. My father unearthed the mine, explored it, and found it to be one of the richest this country ever had known. ‘* Tn the spirit of his luyalty to John Falconer he took him into the secret, and as a partner in the new fortune. ‘* If was then they took an oath that the secret of the w uuts of the mine should never go beyond their present family, and sealed that oath with a taste of blood. They then branded their left hands, and those of their family with | a die made by Stern Face, which marked out the topography of the surrounding country, and the secret entrance to the Indian mine—this was done as a sort of link binding the two fami- lies ther. ‘‘Well, in the due course of time they had taken out really more wealth than they cared to have lying around loose lest it arouse sus- icion; so, as the town began to increase, John ‘alconer built a bank and started a general banking business—more as an object to secrete the gold of the Indian mine, than anything else, until he and Stern Face should come to some decision how to invest their wealth; and while Falconer attended the bank and guarded the gold, Stern Face secretly mined it. ‘One day John Falconer took a trip to an | Eastern town, and when he returned | back a wife—a mere girl of sixteen, with a retty, babyish face and snaky, beadlike eyes. | Stern Face did not like her, as he read treach- ery in her eyes, and so he warned Jobn Falconer not to let her into the secret of the mine, and a promise was given. “They did not agree a Sgt? Stern Face new wife, and | says—that is, John and his home knew not the peace it did ‘before. John was often despondent and moody and | Strange. One night Stern Face returned to his | cabin, to find his little gir) crying bitterly, say- | ing ‘mamma had gone.’ In rise he went | | over to Faleconer’s, and there found his little | in the same condition, she partys Se that her | mamma had gone. Search revealed that John | Falconer had left, that afternoon, for the East, | accompanied by bis ‘young son, and that his | wife and Stern Face’s wife bad not long after taken the same trail, on horseback. Searching | the bank, Stern Face found all gone—his own | ce Jobn Falconer’s gold and the gold that ad been deposited by miners—gone! and who had taken it? ‘‘He could form but one conclusion. John Falconer had sloped with the gold, accompanied by his wife and my mother, as accessories to the crime. Jt maddened the honest old chief be- yond comparison. He did not take the trail in vursuit, but registered an cath to have the life’s blood of every one whose left hand bore the branded key to thesecret wine: He, however, exeepted me, bis own child, and the innocent little one Jokn Faleoner had Jeft bebimd.. Over her he appointed Old Porcupine, a scout, as guardian; then took me avd our household into the indian mine. Here he has since lived, watebimg and waiting forthe time when some of the guilty ones should return: to: this vicin- y; “Then my pame is Falconer, and not ee 3 ton, and 1 am the brother of: the: youn y they call Sandy Suef’ Nick exoldniet; citedly. “You are. Did you suppose your name was A rlingto» ”? “ Ves-or rather bowass called Nebby Nick | over at the fort in Nevada, where my first re- collections date back to, when 1 was aged ten years. From that time. on, to the present, I shifted for myself, around throughi territories, knowing little or nothing as to Ivy antecedents, a caring Jess. That's my history in a nut- shell.” “You are Nick Falconer; I knew that the minute 1 saw your hand,” Wiid Flower de- clared. “And so when we were little shavers, we used to play together? Well, well! stranger things have happened, to be sure. So you think your stern old father would be likely to feel scalpishly disposed toward me, were he to find ‘out my identity?’ ‘In truth he would. His anger even I could not os “Well, then, I’ve got to keep this left fist out of bis reack.” ‘““You have. But I think 1 can manage it. He thinks the world of you, as Nobby Nick his rescuer, and bade me secure you and make you a guest of the Indian mine, first. sealing your lips with a terriblé cath binding yourself to secrecy. This oath I have not demanded of you, because I trusted in you, implicitly.” “ And you can bet your life that your trust shall not be misplaced!” Nick ass , warmly. “The sin ef the parents shall not follow the son. ‘* Bravely spokes—words that fill Wild Flow- er’s heart with gladness and love for you. Stern Face shall not harm you. Wild Flower will fix your band in a sling, for the present, and Stern Face will see that it bas been burt and ask no questions. Let Nick remain here a few minutes, till I return with some ye She then skipped lightly away, and was absent a few minutes, when she returned with some strips of cloth and bound up his left hand in asling, as if it had been poeniibal ‘“*T have just been wondering,” Nick remark- ed, when she had finished, ‘‘ where you get all your education and refined manners, living as you always have in the wilds here, away from schools and _society.” “Stern Face is a man of some culture. Though a half-breed, he received an excellent education, and then his wife, my mother, was an American lady of intelligence and good eae ed father has been my instructor, and te him I owe such knowledge as I have ex- ee ee ee = -~
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ee we eerie eu ote eee ee not learned from ee and reading. :mistaken in the mining town?” ‘*T often have suspicions, but sometimes be- lieve them wrong. I neitner give them cred- ence nor publicity. Who Grim Goblin is, is destined to remain unknown. He is undoubt- edly some person who has been deeply wronged by the ruffian element u whom he ever preys. He has never been known to attack any «f our peaceably-d d citizens of the mines, \t has always been that class whom dissipation ov evil natures had transformed into wretches of the worst order. But come now, and we will so on to the end of our journey.” She linked her arm in his, and led the way along through the strangs subterranean passage, which, by its formation, Nick judged had one «lay been an underground water-course. She had removed the bandage from his eyes, yet the darkness was so intense that he could not see his hand before his face. “One entrance to this mine is then through the tavern?” he inquired, as they went along. “Yes. One of the queer gables, supposed to be solid, is in reality hollow, and contaius a room and spiral staircase, desending to this old water-course, which connects with Phosphorus | | ing himself near the door, with a crawn revol- | Cave, which is the main chamber of the old Jiidian mive,” They soon emerged into what was evilently the very cave. It was a huge subterranean coamber, with high rocky walls aud vaulted ceiling, and ra , uneven bottom, and these rocky walls seemed to emit « peculiar bluish- white glow, which had the effect of lighting the cavern throughont, The center of the bottom off into a narrow ht si py Fab Seach a te My water gureled ong, enteri a blac tannel-like fissure at one aan of the cave, and porns mde | through a similar one on the opposite side. There was fall enough in the stream so that an admirable system of sluice- boxes and cradles had been arranged in its course, making the washing of minerals av easy matter. Ou the o te side of the ravine was a rtable engine and an ore mill or crusher, all nn working order. On the side of the ravine where they had xaused there was. little but rock and” sand. own in the ravine three Indian lodges had been built, not over half a dozen yards apart, aid before one of these a fire of pine cones was burning, and an Indian was engaged in roasting some meas, Que thing puzzled Nobby Nick: how had the engine aud crusher ever been conveyed to this secret avenue? He asked the question of Wild Flower, and she laughed gayly. ‘* Ou! they had it bere at Deviltry before the Indian mine was discovered, and after discovery made pretense of selling it, but in reality re- moved it hither, by another route. Come; Sterv Face is yonder preparing supper.” She led the way down a rocky path into the ravine, and Nick followed, watching her graco- ful figure, admiringly. @ was inning to feel a keen interest in her,short though hed their uaintance. : Siern Face strode forward when he saw them appr aching, and put out his hand, which Nick acecp ed. “ Stern Face is glad to see pale-face brav.,” he said, motioning Nick to a seat ona cam)-stool. -*! He is to see Nick come with Wili Flower. Nick brave man—Wild Flewer good Injun girl. Nick and Wild Flower make good match—then Stern Face give ’am all his get ms heap like mountain. Go East den— ib like nabobs: Stern Face like that—like to live in Washington an’ be big man like Presi- | dent!” Aud Nick’s spoken thoughts were: “I wonld- n't mind that, myself.” CHAPTER IX. THE MAN FROM DENVER. Aout the same hour in the morning that the trial of Susie Falconer was occurring in the town of Deviltry, Evil Eph had a visitor. The ruffian made his home in an old tumble- down cabin, down the gulch, where the pines grew dark and gloomy, and to this cabin he had kept closely since his rough usage at the hands of Nobby Nick. In his terrible fall that nigbt he had sustained such injuries asa fractured sboul- der blade, a broken rib, a badly bruised head, anda dislocated knee, and was now yet unable | He had partly risen, this morning, upon his elbow on the couch, ai was puffing his pipe when there came a rude knock on the | hyar town, like Sandy Sue has door that made it rattle. 1 H ; | gruffiy. I a 2 SS ere —<2 “On course they were!” Colonel Bill replied, a They” was buliy fellows, an on’t purpose to iet ary female or hemale mor- away at | tal stan’ up an’ decrease ther population of this i ge | these ‘What was the aggregate weight 0 poising He started upright with an oath but sunk two ruffians’” the general demanded, quickly back with pain. The knock was immediately repeated with a peremptorinest that speke of the knocker’s im- | roared, getting mad. patienee. ing for his revolver, but failing to find it in its accustomed place. Or at least a person of rather small stature, | time his pencil “ Cuss you, what's it your business?” Travers “S’pose they weighed | *bout three fifty, but I don’t reckon you'd better “Come in, cuss ye!” Saunders growled, reach- | stick in yer blab around heer if you don’t want to git knifed.” ey shall take care of myself, never you fear,” | the general replied, calmly, and at the same witb his pencil. “The te with an immense beard that fell down over the | weight of these men you say was three Sos | and fifty pounds. Let me see: gold is sixteen | The door opened, and a man entered. breast, and which hid a view of all of the face except the nose and eyes and forehead. ‘His belt fairly bristled with weapons, too. and, taken as a whole, he was not a person of prepossessing appearance. Evil Eph did not seem to recognize him, either, for he gave vent toa snort of rage at sight of him. ‘ Who ’re you an’ what the devil d’ye want?” he Cemand- “Lam Grim Goblin, the Avenger, ard I seek your money and your life,” was the stranger’s matter-of-fact reply. Saunders uttered a of alarm. “You lie!” he gritt ‘““You are not the sa A Avenger.” ** He, and none other!” the man replied, seat- ver. ‘‘I rejoice in the honor of being that noted person who seldom appears in public yet | quite often makes his presence felt, You being ' one of the alloted few in this town, who hc ppen | to be entered upon my Death Register, I | thought Pd cal] around and settle up with you. Where is your gold concealed?’ “AU DPve got’s in my pocket, an’ thar ain't but cussed little o’ that,” Evil Eph growled. “Oh! it won’t avail you to lie to me,” Grim “T know you have upward of ten thousand in and gold, else I should not have asked you,” The next instant, without | any warping what- ever, he raised his revolver ot ! fired upon the border ruffian, One bullet—thst was axes pe It had pierced the f of Evil Eph, and he sunk back upon the couch with only a gasp With a horrible laugh the Avenger restored the revolver to his belt; then he began a search of the ca’ overhauling such thinge and ran- sacking Places as were likely to contain hidden wealth, In one corner a huge stuffed wolf stood with distended jaws and glassy eyes. It had been Eph’s pride, this animal. Gazing at the brute a moment, a thought seemed to strike Grim eee he thrust his hand down the wolf's roa He then uttered a ery of joy, and throwing the stuffed. animal upon the floor, slashed open ite hide with his knife. Then through the pg tid ra he handed out handfal after handful | o bank-notes and coin and dust, and transferred the same to bis own pockets. al was secured he hurried from the cabin, _ To return to the village and the scene there- in, in which Sandy Sue was a prominent figure. A murraur of surprise escaped the crowd at the words of the stranger, whose fine garments, silk hat and jewelry to indicate that he was well able to buy several prisoners. A black scowl came upon the face of Colonel Bill Travers, for he scented in the new~comer a werful 4 “Who are yon?’ he growled, gruffiy. ‘ Evi- dently some snob or ye'd know we don’t turn trials into auctions up in this hyar country.” “My name is General Joseph Arli at our. service, a noted Denver financier!” was dollars a Troy ounce, or one hundred and ninety-two dol a Troy pound. These men’s lives, counting them worth their weight in gold, would be in the region of thirty-six thousand dollars each, or seventy odd thousand, all told. I have a fifty thousand dollar draft in my pocket on an Eastern bank, wlich 1 will give for the young lady’s release,” “Ob! no! no! sir, do not do this, I beg of you!” she cried, imploringly. ‘‘ Keep your money and let them do their worst. I am not worth so much money.” ‘No, ner ye wouldn’t escape death, gal, ef he was ter offer a hundred thousand for you!” Col. Bill growled. ‘“‘Ye may as well shet up, old white-whiskers, fer yer stamps is out of place in this crowd,” “Not so!” General Arlington replied. “It appears evident that you bave run the town heretofore, my friend, but I'll allow your days are over. divide ten thousand dollars among the first fifiy able-bodied men who will step forward and back me, and help to clean out this domineering, ruffianly, one side element, and release the girl, who it appears was but act- ing on the natural principles of self-defense. These men are to also back me in making this an orderly and ‘table town—not a den for cuttbroats and robbers.” . The fifty men asked for were forthcoming in a twinkling—honest, well-thinking fellows who longed to see the town ruled _by a better it than Colonel Bill Travers. In.mediatety wowen and children, and another parcel of miners crossed over, and but a few roughs were left on the side of Travers. “There, you see that your your ingolence, don’t yout” t moc , ‘Where money goes, it most always wins the day. Boys, draw your weapons fire u the 1ruffans, if yaw offer molestation, while I assist the young lady to the oops He then strode forward to the stand where Susie and Travers were, and assisted her to the ground. ion ‘‘Cuse ye, ll bave your heart out for this!’ Col. Bill roared. ‘ You'll have a chance to Pig me a debt of gratitude soon—ye'll hev ter fight or flunk.” “ Though I am not a fighting cbarecter, I dare to presume I could master you,” the general re- turned, with a stiff bow. ‘‘Come, my dear child, and I will conduct you to the hotel.” “Ob! no! no! I do not want to go there,” Sue cried. ‘1 will go back to my own cabin.” “Very well,” the old man said, kindly. “I will have a watch kept to see that you are not further molested by those ruffians. They erossed tle bridge and paused before the battered door of the bank. ; poun 83 Arlington started as be saw the sign aloye doar, tut Sve did net notice the fact. “ So, this is your home, eh!” hesaid. ‘* Well! wer is only in general said, well! they have been giving oo lace a pretty t h usage, I declare. en John Fa a to keep here, that-door was mighty strong.” “Did you ever know him?” Sue demanded, turning her great Justrous eyes upon him. “ Ay, quite wefl. It’s been many years, how- - - reply, whereat there was more than ene in | ever, since I looked upon his face. crowd who started. ‘‘I just arrived, and finding the young lady yonder in trouble, J pro- pose to extricate her by purchasing her liberty, and making her a present of it. What price do you set upon her head?” ‘A cu sight more’n you kin pay, I'll al- low,” Travers replied, with a sneer. ‘The price upon ber head is the lives of two men whom she shot last night, when we was tryin’ ter zit inter her cabin to search it.” ‘“‘Humph!” the Easterner said, shifting a pair of gold rimmed glasses to his nose, and taking ont a note-book and pencil. ‘I 9’ these oa like you, were worth their weight in gold. “How long?—where was he when you saw bim last? Pray excuse my eagerness, but he was my father ” “Indeed! Wel, I last saw Falconer at Opabe, a matter of fourteen yearsago. He was boun for the East, to settle up the matter of a herit- age which had come to him.” ‘* Were there two ladies with him?” ‘‘No. He was alone. He was very much troubled by a report that had reached him from here, to the effect that he had carried of the bank proceeds. Iam ready to swear in his on, he was guiltless of any such mis- oing. ee ik God for that!” Susie said, fervently. $
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oe leans “Though every one in Deviltry, except me, believed him guilty, 1 never could, but laid the deed to my step-mother, and the wife of Stern Face, who disappeared the same day.” “Undoubtedly they were the culprits,” the general declared. ‘‘Then you think it would not be advisable for Jobn Falconer ever» to come back here?” “No. I hope he may never-come—not but what I should dearly love to see him, but be- cause his life would not be safe were his identity known. The miners are very bitter against him, and have never really trusted me. Then there is an old Indian called Stern Face, who has sworn to kill him if he éver returned to this country, Thus you see his life would be in double peril,” hs SS appears. Well, he will probably never return, as the heritage in the East netted him a mater of about a million dollars, which sum he has more than doubled in successful specula- tions. Good-day to you, child. If you need’ as- sistance send for me. When you get your bank in running order again, I wish tomake a deposit in it.” Then tipping his hat, the old gent turned away, ont sauntered back toward the hotel. ss What a nice old man,” Sue commented, watching him from the doorway. ‘‘ He is just nice, and I owe him an everlasting debt of grati- tude for saving me from so horrible a fate. Oh! I wonder if the money is all right yet?” She hurriedly turned and entered the cabin and approached the safe which stood in a niche be- hind the counter. A brief examination proved to her that, al- though it had been tampered with, it had not been opened. This was ono relief, at least, and her spirits rose, accordingly. Securing the services of a carpenter, she soon had the demolished door of the cabin replaced with a more substantial new enue, and things put in order, snctelly: General Arlington returned about noon, with a package in hand, which he placed upon the counter, ‘ ; “ There is a hundred thousand dollars in that package, in thousand-dollar notes,” he said. “TI will leave it in your care for a few days. I may give out checks on some of it, sol will order. you to pay such orders as bear my signature.” Seizing a pen and piece of paper, he wrote out his. name ina full, graceful d, enhanced by well arranged flourishes. ‘ “There. Every check bearing an exact blance of that signature is mine,” he added. do not believe there is a penman in America who can counterfeit it, without a deal of prac- tice. He then took his departure and returned to Bije Green’s tavern. Some of the men who had en sides with him, were there, and also a crowd of Col. Bill’s confederates, Bill himself being the center of the group, and the cause of considerable noise and blasphemy. “Yas, ’m goin’ to make mince-meat out’ of that ar’ old white-whiskered galoot, an’ don’t ou ferget it,” he cried, flourishing a long-necked ttle over his head, and ogc pene t ng a drink of its contents. ‘‘ ve got about six inches uv old red-eye down my throat, an’ by ther time I git six more, I kin lick ary man from Joner down to Methusler’s time.” “You better leave the Easterner alone, col- onel,” Wolverine Mike said. ‘You know. ye got orfully fooled on the Nevada chap, an’ ‘this white-whiskers may be one of the same style,” ‘“‘ Bah! Dll risk 1t,” the ruffian replied, glaring at the general, who was now eating his supper at the lunch counter. ‘“‘I ain’t afeard o’ ary Eastern snoozer, no matter ef he does sling on more style than a country peacock. I’m not a-goin’ ter let et be said thet enn cum hyar to Deviltry an’ clip Spurs “) (agers gravee a + as a play mop for oor ag’in. I’m goin 6 the Rasterner fight or flunk.” ae “Pll bet a cent he don’t flunk at all,” a miner Beers: “He don’t look like that style of a sem- “T “Oho! ye think he’s game, ‘cause he’s got money and style, do ye?” the ruffian snarled. “No, I don’t; but I'll allow still waters giner- ally run deep,” the miner retorted. “Yes, an’ so does whisky,” the colonel snort- ed, taking another long swig from the bottle. ‘* Whisky is what sets a pilgrim on his taps, every day in a week. Now then, ye chicken- hearted duffers, I’m a-goin’ ter sail in an’ show ye T’'m high-cockolorum uv this pious burg, yet, am. I’m jest goin’ ter challenge that high: toned cuss ter fight a duel, ef he dare.” “Well, I dare, you bet!” the general said, ad- vancing from the counter with a huge Piecegof 2 INUDDY aNicK OL INGVaua. custard pie in his-aands, *‘ Ll accordingly chal- lenge you, first, to meet me ina a to. the death, and I make this a seal to the challenge.” Ashespoke be stepped quickly up to the bully, = slapped the piece of soit pie full in his ace. A howl of laughter escaped the crowd, while Travers spat, sputtered, swore and dug the stuff from his eyes, in a terrible. rage. « ““Come!” the general cried, promptly. ‘“‘ There’s no time for a waste of words. If you want my life, name your tools and the condi- tions, and we’ll get to work. I never, like ‘to put a duel off, but like to see one or the ether get killed!” CHAPTER X, A STRANGE DUEL, “Tween, cuss ye, you shall git all you want,” Travers cried. ‘ll choose rifles as the weap- ons, an’ show ye ther position outside.” He accordingly léd the way into the street, and was followed by the crowd, ew or the old general who seemed possessed of the vigor of a man twenty years younger. “Thérel you see the twin cliffs,” Travers said. ‘““They are the relative positions,” The cliffs or crags in question were down where the gulch was narrower, one being on either side, and rising with a perpendicular face to the hight of a hundred feet or more, while the — separating them was not over forty yards, Once upon a time in the history of Deviltry, two miners had stood upon the tep of these cliffs, and fought a duel with rifles, and since then they had been ed with superstition by a majority of the citizens. \ Henee there was a re of surprise at the words of Col. ill. ‘**Oh, I mean it,” he said, with a vicious look. “*T pur this: We each’ take a position on a cliff, with our backs to each other, level our rifles across the right shoulder, sight by aid of a-piece of looking-glass, and then blaze away until one or the other dies in his boots. Ha! ha! ha! How d’ye like the flavor of that, you old t " Iecpon eddeeep $h I d =$ ou ress that query to me, I respond, bully!” the ge anewe “It is an excel- lent’ plan. ly neither are to fire until one man here below gives the signal by firing a pis- tol. An equal number of men on either side is to see fair play. If either of us try to use foul play, we are to be shot down like dogs.” A cheer followed this speech. It was evident that the general was — friends in the town, by his bluff and independ- ent Ways. “Yer cussed purticler?’ Col. Bill declared. ‘* But ef you're satisfied, Iam. Git yer shootin’- iron and one © lookin’-glass, an’ git up on one cliff or the other, where I can blaze away at e. “Yes, hurry up with yer shoot, fer you're keepin’ the boys away from their ve * Mrs, rs Green cried, with an eye to business. ‘Kf you want any one to give the signal, ’m the one fer the biz, every day in a week!” General Arlington soon sueceeded in borrow- ing a handsome Winchester rifle from one of the miners, and also a piece of mirror, after which he clambered up the mountain-side to the <p the pe cliff, Travers having set out for the left one. In five minutes both men had assumed their relative positions upon the cliff, with backs toe- ward each other, rifles over right shoulders, and gaze fixed’upon the mirror by whose reflection i were to obtain their aim; then they await- ed the signal to fire. ve Below in the gulch the men, women and chil- dren of the mining camp’ aited in suspense. “God save the old gentleman,” Susie Falconer murmured, as she nervously watched from the door of the bank, ; “ ~“The old cuss is doomed!” was the general tone of the comments among thecrowd. ‘‘ Colo- nel Bill understands his biz, you bet, an’ the old ’un is goin’ to git » To the two antagonists awaiting the si this was of course all side-talk, to which they were not listeners. The colonel was nervous and inclined to blas- phemy, as he grew angry. with impatience. The general, by far the cooler of the two, did med yg amt aoe ace epee to his personal safety. **Cum, old woman, ef ye’re a-goin’ te shoot, © ahead,” some of the miners exclaimed, impa- ently. ‘‘We want to see the fun.” Bang! went the old horse-pistol in the hands of Mrs. Bijah, the next minute, causing a re- port loud enough for a small-sized cannon. Bang! Bang! ». ; This time it was from the twin cliffs that tw¢ reports echoed, and. little wreaths of snioke curled up toward the suulit sky, Neither man stirred,.and t that. neither was hurt. ‘Once an’ nary athing dene!” Mrs, Bijah an- nounced, . ‘‘ Here she goes ag’in!” The pistol went off a second time, and bang! bang! again from the cliff. ( This time there was a manifest result, Colonel Bill uttered a frightful yell, threw up his arms and fell ever the edge of the cliff. A shudder passed through the crowd of spec- tators, He would be killed, they thought. But, luckily for him, the gulch stream ran at the base of the cliff, and he struck in the wa- inference was ter, Ready hands scon pulled him out, and found that he yet lived. He had only received a flesh-wound. The wound to his bullying pride was evident- ly the greatest, for soon afterward he mounted his mustang and rode away down the gulch, The following morning saw crowds of people gathered around two posters whieh had, durin the night, been tacked up against one side o Bijah Green’s tavern. am Peterson, a Chinese laundryman, had first discovered them, and called the attention of the crowd to them, after which they were read and re-read by every one in the mining- camp. One of them was printed in crimsen letters with a marking brush, and bore the insignia of the Grim Geblin—a skull and cross-bones. The following message was conveyed by means of the poster: “Notice.—It having come to my hearing that you, the people of ie have aceused a man calling himself Nobby Nick ef being Grim Goblin, the Avenger, I wish te emphatieally deny the charge. I will allow no morta: to bear my noble name and notoriety. If you want further evidenee of my work, go to the cabin ef Evil Eph. But, never again accuse Nobby Nick of being Grim Goblin. Until I get in another vote on you 1 am ‘Humbly Yours, : “Grim Gosio.” And this explanation should have convinced the most stubborn that they had wronged Nobby Nick, but it was evidence which those stubborn ones would not admit, The other poster was b pep ms with a brush, but in black ink, and read as follows: ‘*Noricr.—It having comé to my notice that I was suspected of having stolen and abseonded with the money in my bank, fourteen years ago, I hereby deny the ch , and lay the erime upon my wife, who left shortly after my departure. Having pros- red in the East, and not et any one to suffer brough the pape 4g of my family, I shall to-night ride down the gulch into the town, and bring a pack- age of money. If I am not molested, I will give this money over to my daughter, who has a record of what money was missing peers ago, and. who it belonged to. She will pay off such rightful claim- ants as are living, or as have heirs living, with priu- wy and interest. If I cm molested I will turn and ride exer, and you will see no more of me. Re- member, lam but a spirit, having died four years ago. You may try to capture me, but your grasp will rest upon—nothing. JOBN FALconeR.”’ We will return to the old Indian mine. While Nobby Nick became seated, Wild Flower ‘ bustled around and assisted Stern Face in pre- paring the evening meal, her every movement watched by the admiring eyes of the young Nevadian. : She brought a little rude table and placed it before Nick, and then served him with some rare bits of antelope steak, with gee pes | dishes of corn-bread and coffee, whieh tas’ very relishable to him. ‘““ Why don’t you sit by and eat in company with me?’ Nick asked, seeing that Wild Flower remained standing near his elbow, and Stern Face squatted.on a log on the opposite side of the fire, and puffed away athis pipe. ~ “Wild Flower rather wait = the pale-face brave,” the girl replied, with shining eyes. ** She likes to serve him very much.” “Well, I can at least remark that I have no — objections to that,” Nick replied, with a smile. He finished his , finally, and signified aie willingness to eure de for he was in truth a “White brave sleep in three wigwam,” Stern Face grunted, designating the third one from the camp-fire. ‘‘ Skins there, and tobaeco,” Niek accordingly seught the wigwam, and found it carpeted with bear-skins, and furnished with a bear-skin couch, and a rude stand con- taining a lantern and box of tobacco, Not care ing to smoke, Nick threw himself upon the
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couch, and wes seon asleep, feeling a sense of security in this subterranean abode that he would scarcely have acknowledged in the town just above it, in the outer world. After his retirement, it was not long ere Wild Flower arose from the camp-fire to seek her own wig wam. “The face of Wild Flower is bright,” Stern Face said, in the Sioux tongue. “Her thoughts must be of a pleasant nature.” ‘* Wild Flower is happier than ever before in her life,” the maiden admitted, gazing down- ward, with a flush upon her cheek. ‘‘ Because she loves the pale-face brave,” Stern Face suggested. ‘‘ The eyes of the old chief are sharp, and they can read. It is well. Let the Wild Flower seek her couch and . Her ehoice is wise—unless—” He added the ‘‘unless” just after she had vanished within the wigwam, and there came to his cold gray eye a glitter that was terrible in its uninterpreted meaning. For hours he sat before the blazing camp-fi with a gloomy expression of countenance, ahd smoked pipeful after pipets! of tobacco, until a + mantle of smoke hovered cloud-like above im. Then like a noiseless shadow he rose to his feet, and craned his neck forward as though he were listening. Several minutes he stood thus, never a muscle moving. Then he circled cautiously around the camp- fire, and crept in a -crouching position toward the wigwams. Instead of pausing at his own, he glided by it, and also bast ths one oc- eupied by Wild Flower, n front of the third wigwam he paused! Like a grim_ statue he stood erect, his every sense on the alert. From within the wigwam came heavy breath- ing, which bespoke the fact that Nobby Nick slept. This sound did not seem to satisfy the old chief, entirely, for, stepping to the opening, he softly parted the skins and peered within. Nick was lying outstretched upon the couch, with eyes closed. There could be no doubt that he was slumbering. For several minutes the old chief stood as if in besitation—then pening the curtains still fur- ther, he stepped within the wigwam. With cat- like tread he then approached the sleeper, his eyes fixed searchingly upon the young Nevadi- an’s features, . When he had reached the bed or couch side. he knelt upon his knees, and studied the face of the sleeper intently. “The face is that of John Falconer, fifteen summers ago,” he mused, with darkening brow, “The mouth, the forehead, the expression. are nearly the same. Ugh! the hand is bandaged. It may only be to conceal the brand that tells who Nick is.” The gleam deepened in the eyes of the old chief, which indicated that his passion was ris- Eten Face no fool,” he continued, to him. self. ‘‘He see ight like hawk. must look at the bandaged hand.” He arose softly and glided from the wigwam but returned ina few moments with a tiny vial of liquid, which he uncorked and held under Nobby Nick’s nose several py tome Ahoy him to inhale the strong fumes rising the ‘‘He sleep sound, now,” the chief muttered. “Devil no wake him for an hour. Stern Face see that hand, now.” A cautious red-skin was the Sioux miner— that was plain in all his actions, Before leaping he always looked. Arising from the Nevadian’s side he left the wigwam, and carefoly spproecned that of Wild Flower. Parting the skins he peered within and saw her lying upon her couch of skins, apparent- ly asleep. Ati: ta grunt of - 4 he retarted to the ether wigwam, an ng a keen-edged hunt- ing-knife from his belt, to cut away the bandages that covered Nobby Nick’s scarred hand, using great caution not to prick the flesh. It was but the work of a few seconds ere the net prowl of rage escaped the chief, Tow esca’ e chie His icions had not been without verifica- tion, for there was the brand upon the palm of the Nevadian’s band. “‘ Nobby Nick is Falconer’s son!” the old chief said, rising te his feet, and folding his arms across his . “He come here with gloved hand to steal Stern Face’s gold, like bis father. He snake iw the grass. Stern Face will remem- ber his oath. He kill him!” He stepped nearer te the ceuch, and raised the knife reaty to strike the deadly blow, which Wobby Nick of Nevada. would scere his first link of vengeance against John Paleoner. But the blew remained unstrack. There was a quick, wild cry, and Stern Face found his arm in a vise-like grasp. “Stop! what would Stern Face do!” the voice ef Wild Flower exclaimed, sharply. ‘‘ What would Stern Face kill the pale-face brave for?” “ Wegh! he snake in the grass!” Stern Face replied. ‘‘See scar-brand on his hand. He John Falconer’s son. Heceme here to steal gold of Sioux same like his treacherous father. Stern Face kill him.” ‘No! no! Pale-faco brave is Wild Flower’s lover.” ‘*Stern Face care not. Hesnake. He come with covered hand, fearing the vengeance of Stern Face. Stern Face no fool—be smell rat. He know him. He preve him—now he kill im, “No! no! I say!” Wild Flower cried, pos f ing her foot impetuously. ‘‘ Stern Face is wild. He is not wise. Nick did not come here for mischief. He knew not the secret of the scarred hand, or anything of his own or his parents’ history until told by Wild Flower. He came to this country to break up the forgers. He did not bind his hand—Wild Flower bound it, fear- ing to have Stern Face see it lest he get angry.” ‘Wild Flower lie!” the chief cried, angrily. “She snake, like Nick!” He wrested his arm from her grasp, and struck her across the face. With a faint cry she fell back, insensible, upon the bear-skins. Then, ae grasping his gleam knife, the revengeful chief turned toward helpless Nevadian. CHAPTER XI. A ROUGH BECHPTION. Tue date of John Falconer’s coming drew nigh at hand. People swarmed in the streets of Deviltry, in eek cay ae SH women and children. The poster h literally set the town wild, and yet, it would have taken a sharp guesser to tell what the reception of the long- absent miner would be. Little or nothing was said te indicate whether they were in favor of reclaiming John Falconer as a free and loyal citizen or driving him forth again an outcast. Sandy Sue was behind the counter in her little bank, engaged in figuring up some deposits for the day, and entering them upon the ledger, when a burly mud-spattered pilgrim, in slouch hat, red shirt, everalls and stogy boots, came striding into the benk—a s‘eedy-locking indi- vidual, with heavy reddish beard and hair, and eyes that were deep and black. : “Hello!” he saluted, taking a huge chew of tobacco from a oops and thrusting it into his mouth, even as he spoke. ‘‘Is ther boss of this iy agi he boss,” Sue responded, not es, I’m the ue mn. not too pleasantly, for she “sized” the chap up as a professional rough. ee aire, aire ye? Waal, neow, I'll be cussed ye ain’t ruther a good-lookin’ boss, too. But, I say, neow, hev hy seen a feller round this town, a-callin’ hisself Genril Arling- ton— lus sort o’ galoot with stove-pipe hat and white whiskers?” “General Arlington was in town this morn- ing,” Sue. replied. ‘‘ You will find him at Bije Green’s tavern, undoubtedly.” “Ob! .1 ain’t ler bout seein’ him,” the mon replied. ‘It’s his cash I’m arter, 4 bet! My bandle is Jim Tucker, by gum, an’ I’m jist down from Painter Flats. The Genril he guv me a leetle paper hyar, and sed as how when I presented it heer, l'd git my cash fer ther Poker mine wot he bought of me.” And Tucker pro- ir Aa pve a ee slip of ‘ged from be poc an pped own upon the coun with business-like emphasis. id Sue took the order and examined it closely— then went to a desk and compared it with the chirography of General Arlington. When she again fC tipawres the counter it was with a shake of her pretty “You will have to furnish reliable identifica- tion before I can pay that order,” she said. “So many forgeries have been presented lately, that require all persons nob personally known to ela ey the ter gre “The you say!” the miner ted. ‘' So a don’t knew me oh, an’ won’t pay that order or five theusand dollars, till Pa identerfied afore ye? Well, I’m blasted. °S how you'll bein’ callin’ the order bogus, ly.” ‘““T have my doubts as toits validity,” Sue lied. “Sit down a moment—my tea-kettle is pete over,” she added, dating into the itchen. — LLL BLL She did not lie in this respect, for the kettle was doing that very thing. But, another mission also was a cause of part of her hurry. Quickly leaning out of the kitchen window, she beckoned to a ‘small boy who was playimg near, and when he came up she said: “Go to the tavern, find General Arlington, and tell him to come quickly, and I will give you a dollar.” The boy nodded and sprung away; then she returned to the banking-room, and steod behind the counter. “Seems to me bg a mighty long time a- fixin’ yer tea-kittle,” Tucker growled. ‘*That’s none of your business,” Sue retorted. “ Let’s see that note again,” and she oceu- t. He produced it, with a Tiare pied by Sten Srogsiece in rigs rod i ** Come, dan ou, ef yer ter it, fork over the = Ihe é oink, say so.” bd * Well, I'll admit that I am not,” Sue declar- ed, as the form of General Arlington loomed up in the doorway. + please close and bar the door. Tucker, you are my prisoner.” And, even as she spoke, a cocked revolver gleamed in the brave girl’s hand, leveled full upon the miner. Tucker leaped back with a horrible oath, and his bands flew toward his belt, but he drew no weapons, the deadly tube in the hands of Sa: Sue warned bim what the consequences wou be. ““What the devil does this mean?’ he de manded, savagely. “Tt means t you are my until General Arlington says he gave you this order for five thousand dollars,” ed, coolly. “Tt is a base forgery,” the general said, em- tically. ‘‘I have given no any or- r, whatever. Let's see the er.” He received it and examined it with a strange e. “Tt is a clever imitation of my chirography,” be sald: “nevertheless, 18 is counterfett. ‘Dut one person within my knowledge could imitate that bend. This fellow is undoubtedly conmect- ed with the same gang of forgers whi in this vicinity, and I'll venture to bind bim, if Jim ou keep him covered, Miss Falconer, If he of - ers r , shoot him!” And the general proceeded to bind the mi- ner’s hand with a strap he found hanging upon Meche! did resist, physically—be dared ucker did not i sically— bela the hig ai lev- not, for Sandy Sue’s hand eled with unflinching firmness, and he knew by the — of her eyes that she would as soon sheot as not, if provoked. Accordingly he suffered the general to bind him, contenting himself with resorting to the sierence of a bw he could think of. ‘ “There you are, announced, as he secured MS pr behind be back “We'll see if can be made to disclose some knowledge about this nest of forgers; now Miss Falconer, if you will hold your aim upon this man, I] soon bring a man to take charge of him. The U. 8. Marshal of this section has camped up the south gulch, Tunderstand, with a posse of men, and be only too glad to take pessession of this gentleman. led, fiercel bu rm erear S you m git your throne Gut for thie ob. if Ldow't have he pleasure o’ doin’ the job, thar’s them as w “T'm not at all alarmed,” Suereplied. “Your ca is but the signal for the whole gang’s defeat.” “Bah! you will find out better.” “We shall see. If Iam not mistaken I knew who hte are, under that evident disguise of red w “Who?” the ruffian demanded, pris th “You'll find ye ain’t so smart as ye ye are.’ “You are Blue Bil) Groton—that’s patent,” Sue declared, and as she spoke, she reached quickly over the counter, and caught his es | ouaten beard. The next moment she you see!” she said. “I was right.” “Devils take you!” the disguised Ceccy cried. wher had the drop on you, I'd you t. “But you haven’t, you see,” fue retorted, laughing at his cha . “Bye got you ina oe any sure.’ ate “a e general soon returned, eccompanied the U. 8. Marshal, who at one» svrore in the reneral and Sue, aud then toek Tucker away to his camp.
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ee a ae 14 Nobby Nick cf Nevada. A portion of the crowd followed the unfortu- | ments ufter atoning See contemplated victim nate “shover ” of the Bearued Brothers, to the | escape. All except Col. Bill. marshal’s head-quarters, but, tuey were the re- He lounged around until he thought he was cipients of no particular satisfaction, for Blue | not observed and then crossed the bridge and Bill was put in a marquee, and a strong guard | hurried up the gulch to where Falconer’s horse posted around his prison. had fallen. The marshal was reticent as to what disposal | The neighborhood was deserted. he proposed to make of his prisoner. ae Poe animal was quite dead, having been | riddled by a dozen bullets. ; | Travers uttered an exclamation of delight as Before Bije Green’s tavern the crowd grew | he noted that the ackage was still strapped to steadily more dense and black, | the pommel of the saddle. The sun went down, so that even the top- “Mine!” he said, as he cut it loose and hefted most peaks reflected none of its radiating | it. ‘This is what Falconer offered to give to beams, and in the valley below the dusk of | the ones he robbed. But for my influence, the evening crept on apace. ' cussed fools would have been foolish enough Facing the northern opening of the gulch the | to have accepted it. Ha! ha! it’s mine now.’ crowd stood with silen ageing weapons _be- He did not pause to open it, but burried on up to appear in more than one hand, and they | the gulch. Once or twice he halted, nervously, had their own significance. No friendly aspect, | fancying he heard footsteps, but could see no at least for the man they were all waiting for, | signsof human presence through the gloom that and that man was John Falconer. surrounded him, He had said he would come at dusk, and the In the course of half an hour he came toa hour was at hand for his arrival. halt in the depths of a heavy pine forest that Col. Bill Travers was at the front of the | enveloped the gulch bottom, and listened again, crowd, pacing to and fro with the impatience | Not a sound could he hear denoting human pre- of an animal at bay. Not a word he uttered, but | sence in that vicinity. ; the baleful glitter in his eyes spoke the same ‘Tt will be as good a place as any to examine meaning as the grim silence among the crowd. | my her be muttered. Ha! a faint murmur passes among the wait- *‘ Hal ba! you’ve struck a bonanza, Bill Trav- ers—a general stir is visible. ers, and you'll be a fool if you ever whack up A man has just hove in sight up the gloomy | with your brethren.” gulch, on horseback—a man clad in citizen's He scraped together some leaves and dry garb, except a steel cap with visor, which sur- | twigs, and soon had a bright fire blazing be- mounts his head. neath the forest cover. He comes riding nearer at a canter, seeming Then seating himself upon a fallen log, he to have no fear, and carries in front of him | proceeded to untie the package. upon the saddle pommel a package several “Thar must be a fat stake in here,” he chuck- inches in dimension. led, ‘‘and if thar is, East-l go ter set up as a Nearer—nearer he approaches, until opposite | first-class nabob.” the Falconer cabin, across the stream—then “Your ill-gotten gains will avail you not, draws rein. Bill Travers, for you are another of Grim Gob- Susie is standing in the doorway, and starts | lin’s marked men!” a sharp deep voice cried to rush forth in greeting, but he waves her | and the following instant there was the vivi back, peremptorily. He sees a movement | flash and ringing report of a rifle. among the crowd that arouses his suspicion of Travers gasped, and attempted to gain his foul play; it is the aiming of two-score or more feet, but fell forward upon his tace, and expired ef rifles and revolvers at his person, after a few short struggles. A laugh of defiance escapes him, and he The moment after Grim Goblin stepped forth throws his arms and hands behind him. into the firelight. Scarcely noticing the bod of Travers, he picked up the packet and tore it open, Rndinel of money, he found it stuffed full of ‘* Surrender!” Colonel Bill yells, at the top of his voice, at the same time advancing toward the bridge, followed by the citizens, with wea- pons leveled. ‘‘ You are our prisoner.” bits of valueless paper. ‘“You are mistaken!” a clear, deep voice re- Falconer had been too sharp for the sbarpers; plied. ‘‘I came here expecting no molestation. | instead of putting his money in the package, he Am I to understand you propose to take and | had put it in his pocket, and used the package treat me as a prisoner?” as a blind, “You can bet we're a-going to take ye,and| | Grim Goblin seemed to comprehend this fact, make be hump fer what es fourteen years | for, dropping the package with a curse, he hur- ago,” Travers shouted. ‘“ e budge a hair’s- | ried away into the w breadth we'll riddle ye fer certain.” About three hours later General Arlington sat “Then riddle away!” Falconer cried. ‘ [ve| in an easy-chair in his room at the tavern, with offered to do more than a fair thing by you, and | his head resting upon his hand, buried in deep now that you spurn that offer, you must lose | meditation, when there came a light rap upon your game, Ta! ta!” the door. He wheeled his horse like a flash, and dashed | ‘*Come in,” he said, rousing up, and suppos- away up the gulch. ing it was the landlady who knocked, for he “Fire!” howled the colonel; “ shoot the thief | had ordered a cup of coffee to be fetched to his: h the back!” room. And a deafening explosion of powder answer-| _The door opened, and instead of the landlady, ed the command. there entered no less a n than the same “Hal ha! your bullets are but little hail- | female who had visited Nobby Nick—Moll Mc- stones!” Falconer shouted back, ‘‘ You had | Gregor! best saye your ammunition, while I will save | At sight of her, General Arlington staggered tte gold you have scorned to receive. Ha! | to his feet, in astonishment. ha!” “ You!” he managed to gasp, though it cost “Stop! stop!” Travers shouted, infuriated at | him an effort. ‘‘ You?”, the apparent defeat, for no part of the bullets| ‘Exactly. I!” the woman he ari cons fired at the ex-miner had seemed to take effect. | forward. “ Are you surprised that I shoul “Shoot him, I tell you, somebody.” still be on the hunt for you?” Another volley was accordingly fired, but | “On the hunt for me?” without, effect, for Falconer dashed on, waving | _ ‘‘On the hunt for you, precisely! You basely his hand back, occasionally, in defiance, deserted me, and is it anything surprising that Once more the enraged citizens fired, and this | I should wish to find you, and clasp you once time scored a hit. The horse that. Falconer rode | more to my bosom?” uttered an almost human scream, and fell for- | __“‘ Fool!” the general cried, risiug—‘ idiot! ward to the ground heavily. Whom do you take me for?’ Falconer had landed upon his feet first, how- | . Moll Mc-Gregor laughed. ever, and darted on at a greater s than “Well, when I saw you skinning out of the when on horseback, soon disappearing from | gulch to-night, about the best you knew how, I view up the gulch. very naturally concluded that you were none A figure stood upon one of the Twin Cliffs | less than Jobn Falconer, Ha! ha!” viewing the scene below. The CHAPTER XII. | | CONCLUSION. ‘You lie!” the general cried. ‘‘ I am General m was garbed as a man, but the face and form were unmistakably feminine. And upon the face there was a strange, exultant expression, as she saw Falconer escape. Arlington.” “Good! He is now left for me,” she said, |, “No, I do not lie,” the woman replied. ‘I turning away. ‘“‘ What Travers has lost, Ihave , know you—knew you were coming ere you won!” came. Iam your wife that was, fourteeu years _ago. You ran away and deserted me, LTalso The defeated citizens of Deviltry, generally, skipped out with what money | could lay my edjourned to Bije Green’s tavern for refresh. hands on. Stern Face’s squaw suspected me, - : and I lured her into the mountains and shct her. Since then, | bave been dritting abcut, hunting for you. lIlong for a different sort vi life than I have been leading, and want you to take me back. I have money, by the million , and will share it equally with you.” “Bah! I’d die of starvation before I’d take a cent of it, and cheerfully accept a life of in - prisonment in some foul dungeon, rather the: for a moment take you back. Go, woman—g: ! You were always the curse of my life, and hav« been the means of bringing disgrace upon m) head.” “Oh! you needn’t apprise me of my short- comings; I am well aware that I’m no saint,” was the sarcastic reply.‘ Nevertheless I an: tired of a harum-scarum life, and want to settl down. You must receive me back with ope: arms, or it will be the worse for you!” ‘“What! you dare to threaten me! You are insane, woman!” “Not a bit of it,” the runaway wife 1¢plicd ““T know what I’m about, every day in the week. Below in the bar-room, you doubtle:~ hear a noisy crowd, who are drinking and cr - rousing, to drown their grief and disappoint- ment at losing you. Were I to inform them that John Falconer could be found in this room, your life would not be worth the bits of peper you had, to-night, in the budget attach d tc your saddle-bow.” “Bah! we shall see!” the general cried, flerce- ly, and with agility not becoming his apparent age, he leaped upon her, and kore her to the oor, act oeiatn # her screams with a cushion, he managed to bind her hands; then he gagged her; after which he secured her feet, thus hav- ing her asafe prisoner. Opening a closet door, he thrust her in to the dark recess, and closed the door, again. ‘“There! lie there till 1 make up my mind what to do with you,” he muttered. ‘TU sec which plays the trump hand, this deal.” He then went back and resumed his forme) osition, ard buried himself in a deep reverie. ES deep in fact that it turned into a sound slun- ber from which he did not awaken until ar usec. by a ponyy jar. He awoke to find himself slung over a man’s shoulder, and being carried along out of his room into the hallway of the hotel. He tried to shout for assistance but could not. A gag in his mouth prevented him. He tried to struggle to release himself, but also found that impossible. He had been tightly bound, hand and foot, and could only submit to being carried along upon the -shoulders of his capturer, whose face he could not see, Out into the main hall, they went, and then along to a narrower passage, which was entered and followed unti) at last the general’s captor came to a pause, for a moment, during which ce of time there was a creaking sound, after which the man entered a room off from the hall, when there was another creaking sound, similar to the first. In this room the general was lowered to his feet and he beheld his captor’s face. “Stern Face!” was his exclamation, beneath his gag, and the old chief seemed to comprehend his meaning, for he calmly: . “Yes, I am Stern ce, once the brother miner of John Falconer. You are John Falcon- er, beneath your long beard—same thief who ran away, fourteen yearsago, Stern Face knuw you—never forget you! He swore to kill you and ee treacherous snakes. He no kill Sunny Hair. He capture you and your boy. He kill you both, if Wild Flower no bring proof of mal innocence.” ay waiting to note the effect of his e threw a blanket over the head and face of John Falconer, as we shall continue te call him, hereafter, and agein lifting him in his arms, descended through the trap that had serv- ed as a mode of escape for Nick and Wild Flow- er, not many hours before, Moll McGregor, otherwise the faithless seco) (\-~ wife of John Falconer, lay for hours in the closet unable to rid herself of the gag and bonds that bound her limbs. Desperately and determinedly, however, did she writhe and struggle, until, after several hours of effort, she succeeded in getting her hands free. The remaining work of liberating herself was but short, and she soon stocd out in the upper ball. : Here she oe herself with a sandy wig, and beard, and went boldly down into the bar- room and out into the street. Two men immediately left their position at
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oe - the bar, where they had been drinking, and fol- lowed her, out into the night. , Both were roughly-dressed, common-looking miners, but were armed to the teeth. Sandy Sue was seated that same evening in her cabin, engaged in sewing, when there came @ knock at the door. . Dropping her work she spring hastily to open it, for she expected that it was her father’s She had been watching and waiting with all erness for him to come back, and her heart beat fast as she turned the knob and open- * OUk dineppeieiaaent Hew. toto ber f h ut, disa ent flew into ber face as she beheld standing without—not John Falconer, but Wild Fiower! “‘Let me come in,” the half-breed girl said, quickly. ‘I have bad news for Sandy Sue, and we must work.” ‘¢ What is it—tell me, quickly,” Sue cried, ad- mitting her, and handing her a stool. “Tl tell you if you listen,” Wild Flower said. ‘‘ Your father, John Falconer, and your brother, Nobby Nick, are both captives in the power of Stern Face.” Sue uttered a horrified exclamation. She well knew of Stern Face’s vengeful oath, and the peril of those who were dear to her instant- ly flashed across her mind. ““My brother you say—is Nobby Nick my brother?” she asked. ‘Yes, he is your brother. He and John Falcon- er are both in Stern Face’s power,and it depends en us whether they live or die. Wild Flower is in Jove with Sandy Sue’s brother; she would fight through fire for his sake. She plead with Stern Face, and he consented not to kill them un- til two sunrises, and if in that time we can prove that John Falconer did not steal the money, Stern Face will release them.” “Oh! Wild Flower you are a brave, noble girl. But it will be impossible for us to produce the required proof. My mother, or rather step- mother, was undoubtedly the culprit, and she only could furnish the desired proof by confess- ing.” ‘Exactly. eonfession.” ‘* But, how? Where can we find her?’ ‘* Wild Flower will find her, in a few hours. She has long suspected who she was, and if Sandy Sue will arm herself, and follow the In- dian girl’s lead, the game will be cornered ere another sunrise.” ““Then you can rely on me,” Sue said, brave- . ‘Tam no coward, and will help you allI ean to trail this woman down and extort from her a confession of her misdeeds.” “Then prepare at once. Arm yourself with revolvers, and dress in men’s clothing, as it will facilitate our speed in getting through among the rocks.” Sue hastened to obey, and ere many minutes elapsed they were both en route, like sleuths of the night, on the search for the faithless wife of John coner. They were not the only ones. Tbe two men who had followed the tigress from the tavera quinn! on her, as she hurried ? 1 And she must be made to give a away up the gulch, and made their pursuit as noiseless as possible, — Two more miners might have been seen bring- ing up their rear in the same cautious manner, making it altogether a night chase of a very in- teresting nature. The first pursuers were soon near enough to make aim certain, and halting, they leveled their revolvers at the figure ahead, and cried: “Halt! Face about, or you are a dead man!” And there was no mistaking the meaning of their order—it was life or death. Moll McGregor seemed to ize their voices, for she wheeled about abruptly, and ad- vanced toward them. ‘There! there! Put up your tools, and don’t try to play highway tricks on me,” she said, with agrimlaugh. “It’s I—Marie “Oh, yes, SO we are aware,” one of the men replied. ‘‘ And you are the very one we want.” ‘Oh!” the woman said, shoving her hands down into her jacket pockets, and giving vent to a whistle of —- “What, may I inquire, do you want of nief p ee We want you for your funny little pranks of late, mum—in fact, we’ve found out that you are the one who has been playing up Grim Gob- lin, the Avenger. Ho! ho! Youstart, you she- wolf, but not so hard as you will when you’re ya up toa limb.” , my secret safe in “But you shall “ Yes, I start, for I thought my own keeping,” she replied. not take me—oh! no!” en as she finished speaking she whipped a ae ee — 1 SSR en a TE ~N — revolvers from her jacket pockets, and | where or whence. A woman in sex, yet in upon them, droppingboth of them as | heart and hand a devil incarnate, she had though by magic. Then she turned and fled. Loud yells came from the rear, and the sound of rapid footfalls, She was pursued by others of the desperate ng of Bearded Brothers, whose queen and iteral leader she had been for many years; they trusted her implicitly, when, all the while, she had abused their trust, and now that they had learned of her treachery and were pursuing her, she knew too surely that her escape was a mat- ter of skill and nerve. Summoning all her strength she = along up the gulch as fast as she could run, but, try her best, she could not get out of the sound of the pursuing footfalls. To follow her through the tortuous windings and over the crooks and turns of the route she chose would necessitate a description of an al- most unflagging run. For hours she sped on, her strength fast leav- ing her, and her footsteps slower and more uncertain, from sheer fatigue. At last she entered a long, narrow chasm or fissure between two mountains, into which the light of early dawn was just creeping. “If I can get through this, I am safe among the caves beyond,” she muttered, a wild, hag- gard expression in her eyes. If! Itis a word that interposes between full many a success of this world, and brings death and disaster to the front. If she could get through the chasm unmolest- ed, the way lay open for her escape! But she did not. She had not gone fifty yards into the chasm when she heard the Bearded Brothers in her rear, near the mouth of the pass, yelling and cursing, and saw step out across her path, in front, two persons, who leveled cocked revolvers full upon her. ‘* Stop!” cried the voice of Wild Flower, for it was she and Sandy Sue who had lain in wait for the female figure, on not finding her at the rendezvous. ‘You are our prisoner. Throw up your hands, or I'll fire!” So exhausted was the fugitive that she did not try to disobey, and the girls bound her in a jiffy. © Quick! Take me out of this place, or they will get me,” the forgeress said, with a nervous glance. ‘“ We will rescue you only on one condition,” Wild Flower said, in a stern, ringing tone. ‘* What is that?’ Marie demanded, eagerly. “Tt is this,’ Wild Flower replied. ‘When we take you before my father, Stern Face, you are to confess to him that it was you instead of John Falconer, who robbed the bank, fourteen years ago. Swear that you will do this, and then take your departure from this section of the country, and we will take you direct to Stern Face.” “ And if I refuse?” “We will tind your feet, and leave you ly- ing bere at the mercy the Bearded Bro- thers.” . Marie shuddered. Too well she knew the rough men who were seeking her life, not to know that her fate would be a horrible one. “T swear by my hope of redemption in the next world, to do as you wish,” she cried. ‘‘I will do any thing rather than fall into the hands of those human wolves on my trail.” “We shall be doing according as you have done by others, did we leave you to their tender mercy!’ Wild Flower declared. ‘‘ Come!” She blindfolded the captive with a scarf—then she and Sue seized her, each by an arm, and hurried on through the ge. As soon as they were able to find a secure hiding-plece they came to a stop and waited for darkness to again fall. The remainder may be briefly told in a few words. When night once more fell, the two brave gee set out for the old Indian mine, where hey arrived in safety, and, true to her promise, Marie confessed before Stern Face that it was she who had stolen the money fourteen years previous. When questioned as to what she had done with the wife of Stern Face, she said she bad gone back to the South. She was reticent on all cther points; but Stern Fce’s doubts were satisfied, and he iustructed Wild Flower to con- duct her from the mine and set her at liberty. John Falconer and his son were then released, and a joyous reunion and reconciliation took place within the mine. Marie, released, disappeared; none could tell | } a hi | lived a wilder life than many a hardened reu:- gade and ruffian. But never, in all those years of vicious indulgence in the frevzy of excite- ment had she permitted any intimacy that could taint ber woman’s hcnor! She was, in- deed, a strange compound of evil and good, the explanation ot whose career was to be mens- urably found in the kumane supposition of a species of insanity that goaded lor to do and dare the very worst that a human arm and will could do—as if in revenge for the first rash act that made her a thief and outcast. Even Jolin Falconer, while he could only shudder at: the thought that sbe had been and still was his wife, yet had not the heart to wish her punis!:- ed for her crime, and so, with her full assent she passed into the world again to be known no more as the thing she had been, but witb the millions at her command which her erime- stained hands had won—what part was it not possible for her to play in a new sphere or in another continent? Most of the Brothers were later captured by the U. 8. Marshal, assisted by Nevada Nick, and taken to the fort for trial and condemna- tion. Having amassed the equivalent of a dozen fortunes, the friends abandoned the hidden mine and separated, Nick and Wild Flower going to Denver where they were married. ohn Falconer and Susie to Chicago, where they now live, but Stern Face true to his love for the wilderness passed into the North-west to the hunting regions of his people, the Sioux—among whom he reigns as Peacemaker, Father an Great Medicine. THE END. The Saturday Journal. “The Model Family Paper —AND— Most Charming of the Weeklies.” A pure 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. boast of. What is best in POPULAR READING, that the paper always has; hence for Home, Sxop, Li- BRARY and GENERAL READER it is without a rival; and hence its great and steadily i circulation. The SaruKDAY JOURNAL is sold by newsdealers; price six cents per number;or to. ~ subscribers, aid, at the following cheap rates, viz.: Four months, one dollar; one year, three dollars; or, two copies, five dollars. Address BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York. Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. 1 Deadwood Dick, THe PRINCE OF THE 3 or. T trp RIDER OF THE Buiack HI1s. ; Edward L. Wheeler. : Vell stone Jacky; or, TRAPPERS OF THE ENCHANTED GRovnD. By Jon E. Badger, Jr. 8 Kansas King; or, THE ma Hann, By Buffalo Bill (Hon. Wm. F. The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Captain # Mayne Reid and Captain itrederick Whittaker. 5 Vagabond Joe, THE YounG WANDERING JEW; or, PLOTTING FoR A LEGACY. ll Coomes, 6 Bill Biddon, Trapper; or, Lire w THe Nortuwest.. By Edward 8. i 7 The Flying Yankee; or, Tae Ocean Ovt- cast. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 8 Seth Jones; or, THe Captives or THE FRoN- Tier. By Edward S$. Ellis. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen, 10 Nat Todds; or, Tue Fate or tue Sioux Cap- TIves. A Sequel to Bill Biddon. By E. 8. Ellis.
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or A Bowmky Grru.. By Albert W. Aiken. 12 Gulliver’s Travels, A Voyage to Lilliput, | and a Voyage to Brobdingnag. By Dean Swift. | 13 The Damb Spy. By Ol] Coomes. 14 Aladdiny or, THe WonpEerFcvi Lamp. 15 The Sea-Cat; or, Tae Wircen or Darren. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. | 16 Robinson Crusoe. His Life and Surpris- } ing Adventures, (27 Illustrations.) By Defoe. 17 Ralph Boy, THe Boy Buccaneer; or, THE Fueitrve Yacut. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 18 Sindbad the Sailor. oyages. From the Arabian Nights. 19 The Phantom Spy; or, Tue Por or THE Prairie. By Buffalo Bill. 20 The Double Daggers; or, Dnapwoop Dick's Deriance. By Edward L. Wheeler. 21 The Frontier Angel. A Romance or KEn- vucky Rancer’s Lire. By Edward 8. Ellis. @2 The Sea Serpent; or, THz Boy Rosson Crusoe. By Juan Lewis. 23 Nick o° the Night; or, Taz Boy Spry or '76. By T. C. Harbaugh. 24 Diamond Dirk; or, Tox Mystery or THE YELLOWSTONE. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 25 The Boy Captain; or, PIRATE's DaveutTer. By Roger Starbuck. 26 Cloven Hoof, tae Burrato Demon; or, THE Borper Vourures. By Edward L. Wheeler. 27 Antelope Abe, THe Boy Guing. Oll Coomes. 28 Buffalo Ben, THe Prince or THE PISTOL; or, Deapwoop Dick ry Diseuiss. E. L. Wheeler. 29 The Dumb Pa e; or, THe Doar’s DAauau- rer. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 80 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, Tus Reck- Less RANGER. By Harry St. ——— 31 Keen-Knife, Privce or THe Prarms. By Oll Coomes, 32 Bob Woolf, tHe Borper Rvrr1an; or, THE Girt Drap-Snor. By Edward L. Wheeler. His Seven THE 83 The Ocean Bloodhound}; or, Tas Rep Prratss OF THE CARTBBERS. By 8. W. Pierce. 84 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Wiirruzs' Boy Spy. By Capt. J. F. GC. Adams. BS Wil Ivan, THe Boy CLaupE Dovat; or, Tas BROTHERHOOD oF DratH. By Ed. L. Wheeler. %6 The Boy Clown; or, Taz QUEEN oF THE Anena. By Frank §. Finn. 37 The Hidden Lodge; or, Tas Lrrruz Hon- TER OF THE ADIRONDACKS. By T. C. Harbaugh. 38 Ned Wylde, THe Boy Scour. By Texas Jack. | 39 Death-Face, THe Derective; or, Lirs anp Love In New York. By Edward L. Wheeler. 40 Roving Ben. A Sroryor 4 Youne Ammrr- | CAN WHO WANTED TO Sexe THE WorxLp. Marshall. 4) Lasso Jack, tHe Youna MustTancer. By Oll Coomes. 42 The Phantom Milner; or, Drapwoop Dick’s Bonanza. By Edward L. Wheeler. 43 Dick Darling, tue Pony Express Rivre. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 44 Rattling Rube; or, Tax Nicur Hawss or | Kentucky. By Harry St. George. 45 Old Avalanche, THe Great ANNIRILATOR; or, WILD Epna, THE GrrL Bricanp, FE. L.Wheeler. 4¢ Glass Eye, Tue Great Sxor oy Taz West. | Capt. J. F.C. Adams. 47 ighsin ale Nat; or, Tap Forest Carrars. By T. C. Harbaugh. 48 Black John, Tue Roap-AGenT; or, Fas Ovt- LAws’ RerreaT. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 49 Omaha Oll, THe MAaskep Terror: or, DwAp- woop DIocK IN Dancer. By Edward L, Wheeler. 50 Burt Bunker, rHze Trapper. A Tale of the Northwest. By C. BE. Lasall 31 The Boy ifles; or, Camp. By Archie C. Irons. 52 The ite Buffalo, Adventure in the Northwest. é. Tos UNDERGROUND Deas. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 67 Deadwood Dick’s ae Wa Tae Parps or Fioop Bar. By Edward eeler. $8 The Border King; or, Taw Szcrrr Fos, By Oll Coomes, Me Old Hickory; or, Payor Ex.is’s Scar. By Harry St. yg 80 The White Indian; or, Tx Scouts or rum Ye.utowstonn. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams. @1 Buckhorn Bill; or, Tas Rep Ruta Tram. By Edward L. Wheeler. $2 The Shadow Ship; or, Tam Rrvat Lrv- TENANTS. By Col. Prentiss Se Ene ‘ 9? The Red Brotherhood; or, Tas TweLvn AVENGERS, By. 7. Hamilton. $4 Bandy Jack; or, Tae OvrLaw or THE OREGON Tram. By T. 0. Harbaugh. 85 Hurricane Bill; or, Mostane Sam anD His “arp.” o, Jos. E. Badger, Jr. &G ones and; or, A For A Lire. By W. J. Hamilton. G7 Patent-leather Joe; or, OLD RaTTLesnakg, THE CHARMER. By Philip 8. Warne. #8 Whe Border Robin Heod; or, Taz Prairte Rover. By Buffalo Bill. 89 Gold Rifle, tHe SHArpsHoorer; or, Tax Bor Derecrive or THE BLack Rancu. by Wheeler. 70 Old Zip’s Cabin; or, Tos GREENHORN IN vue Woops. By J. F.C. Adams. ¥1 Delaware Dick, THe Youna Ranoer Spy; or, Brorumr aGainst BroTHer. 72 Mad Tom Western, or, Tax Quen or THE By Oll Coomes. THe TEXAN RANGER; . By Hamilton, | 20 A EEE NS OF EEN BEADLE'S HALF-DIME | 11 73 Deadwood Dick on Deek3 or, Catamiry JANE, THE Hrerormve.or WHoor-Up. By Wheeler. | 74 Hawk-eye Marry, THE Youna Trappe Ranaer. By Oll Coomes. 75 The Boy Duelist; or, Tae Cruise or THE Sra-Wotr. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 76 Abe Colt, THe Crow-Kitier; or, Toe Great FuGHTmnGc MAN oF THE West. By A. W. Aiken. 77 yeeektites, 4 Charlie, taz Boy Bravo; or, Deapwoop Dick’s Last Act. By E. L. Wheeler. 78 Blue Dick; or, THe YELLow Culzr’s Ven- GEANCE. By Captain Mayne Reid. 79 Sol Ginger, THe GIANT TRAPPER; or, THE FLOWER oF THE Buackrerr. By A. W. Aiken. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nuaccer Neb, THE Knieur or THE GuicH. By Edward L. Wheeler. 81 pag ining Jw, THE TERROR OF THE PRAIRIE. By Captain J. I’. C. Adams. 82 Kit Haretvot, THe Woop-Hawk; or, OL PowpeEr-FAcE AND ‘His Demons. By baugh. 83 Rollo, the Boy Ranger; or, Tur Heress or THa GoLDEN Horn. By Oll Coomes. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosznvp Ros ON np. By Edward L. Wheeler. 85 Buck Buckram; or, Bess, Tae Fema Trapper, By Captain J. F. C. Adams. 86 Dandy Bock, THs Man rrom Texas, By G. Waldo Browne. 87 The Land Pirates; or, Tar Lracur or Devi’s Istanp. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 88 Photograph Phil, Tx Boy Sievrs; or, Rostsvuv Ros’s REAPPEARANCE. By E. L. Wheeler. 89 Island Jim}; or, THe Per or tus Fay. By the author of “‘ Jack Harkaway.” 90 The Dread Rider}; or, Tus Dvuxguist. By George Waldo Browne. 91 The Captain of the Club; or, Tae Youre Riva ArTsuerrs. By Bracebridge Hemyng, 92 Canada Chet, THE CoUNTERFEITER CHIEF; or, OLD ANACONDA IN SITTING BuLL's Camp, By Edward L. Wheeler. 93 ‘The Boy Miners; or, Tan Encuantsp IsLaAND. By Edward 8. Ellis. 04 Midnight Jack, THe Roap-Acent; or, GopHer Gip, THE Boy TRAPPER OF THE CHEYENNE. By T. C. Harbaugh, 95 ‘The Rival Rovers; or, Tox Freenoorrens OF THE MIssIssIPri. By ieut. Col. Hazeltine. 96 Watch-Eye, THE SHapow; or, ARABS AND Anoris or A Great City. By E. L. Wheeler. 97 The Outiaw Brothers; or, Tas Caprivs or THz Harpers. By J. J. Marshall. 98 Robin Hood, tup OvrLAwepd Harn; or, Tas Merry Men or Gremnwoop. Prof. Gildersieeve. 99 The Tiger of ‘Taos; or, WILD Katz, Danny Rock's ANGEL. B —' Waldo Browne. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strance STROKE ror Lrserty. By Wheeler. 101 Jack Markaway in New Work; or, Tus ADVENTURES OF THE TRAVELERS’ CLUB. By Bracebridge Hemyng. 102 Dick Dead-Eye, THz Boy SuvcG.er; or, Tas CRUISE OF THE VIXEN. By Col. Ingraham. 103 The Lion of the Sea; or, Tar VamLep Lavy or San Troprz. By Col. Delle Sara. 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, Tus Sian or THE Dovste Cross. By E. L. Wheeler 105 Old Rube, THe Hunter; or, Tae Crow Cap- tive. By Capt. H. Holmes. 106 Old Frosty, Tan Guipe; or, NIOKANA, THE Waite QUEEN or THe BLACKFEET. Harbaugh. 107 One-Eyed Sim est Home, By J. or, THE ABANDONED For- . Bowen. 108 Daring Davy, THe Youne BEaR-KreR; or, Tus Trator THE Borpsr Wo tr. H. St. army Se 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective, By Edward L. Wheeler. 110 The Black Steed of the Prairies. A Thrillin Brom ot Texan Adventure. By Bowen, 111 The Sea-Devil; or, Tx "8 Leaacy. Col. P. Ingraham. 112 The Mad Hunter; or, Tax Cavs or Deatu. By Burton Saxe. 113 Jack Hoyle, Tax Youre SrecuLaror; or, 'H# Roap to Fortune By Ed. L, Wheeler. 114 The Black Schooner; or, Jip Junx, THR O_o Tar. By Roger Starbuck. 115 The Mad Miner; or, Danpy Roex’s Doom. ae Waldo Browne. 116 ¢ Hussar Captain; or, Toe Herwrr or Heut-Garz. By Col, Pren 117 eee eon Dick, THE Sport °CTIVE; or, THE AD-AGENT's DavuGuTsr. Wheeler. 118 Will Somers, THs Bor Morris. ; or, pe GoLpEN Ino. or Mr. Rosa. Kd. L. Wheeler. 122 Phil Hardy, rxx Boss Boy; or, Tus Mys- TERY OF THE StronGEow. By Charles Morris. 123 aa gl es bo de Tos Wars MusTancrr. ugh. 124 Ippy, THE Texan; or, Tos Youne Cxamrron. By George Gleason. 125 Bonanza Bill, Mivar; or, Manama Mys- TERY, THE FEMALE Forarr. By ied. L. Wheeler. 126 Picayune Pete; or, Nicopemus, Tax Doa Derective. By Charles Morris. 127 Wild-Wire, Tur Boss or THE Roap; or, Tas Wo tves or Satan’s Gap. By Frank mont. 128 The Young EN ent or, Tae Pirmarss’ SrronaHOoLD. By H. Cavendish. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double Tos Guost or Gorcon's Gutcn. Ed. L. eeler. 130 pojeetts Dick; or, Taz Haro om Racs. les Morris. 1831 The Golden Hand; or, Danvy Reoox re tHe Rascus. By George W. wne. » LIBRARY. | 41 The Two Detectives; or, Tue Fortunes \ Fancy Frank of Colorado; TRAPPER’s Trust. By Buffalo Lill. 159 The Lost Captain; or, Sxrrrrr Janez | 1382 The Hunted Hunter; or, Ton Straxer HORSEMAN OF THE Prarie. © By Ed, S. Ellis. 133 Boss Bob, tHe Kine or tHe Boorsusacks: or, THE PAWNBROKER’s Prot. Ed. L. Wheeler. 134 Sure Shot Seth, tHe Boy Rivizman; or Try Youne ParrioTs OF TEE NortTH. By Oli Coomes. 135 Captain Paul, tHe Kentucky MoonsHinER; or, THe Boy Spy oF THE Movuntars. By Clark. 136 Night-Hawk Kit; or, Toe DavucHrer oF THe Rancw. By Jose h E. Badger, Jr. 137 Whe Heipless ands or, Backwoop# ReEtTRipvuTION. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 138 Blonde Bill; or, Deapwoop Dick's How Baszg. By Edward L, Wheeler. 139 Judge oe at Jr.; or, Taz Boy Vier LANTE. By T. C. Harbaugh. 140 Blue Biazes; or, Taz Break 0’ Day Boys or Rocky Bar. By Frank Dumont. 141 Solid Sam, tHe Boy Roap-AGEnt; or, TH Branpep Brows. By Edward L. Wheeler. 142 Handsome Harry, THE Boorsiack Dr’ TECTIVE. By Charles Morris. 143 Scar-Face Saul, Tur Sitent Huntre; er, Tas Mystery or Fort Rane. By O!l Coomes. 144 Dainty Lance, THE Boy Sport; or, Pai Bank-Breakers’ Decoy Duck. J. E. Badger. 145 Captaie Ferret, tae New Yorx D TIVE; or, Boss Bon’s Boss Jop. By Wheeler. 146 Silver Star, tHe Boy Kyicur. A Prairie Romance. By Oll Coomes. 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 Will Wildfire, THE THokovcHpREn; or, Woaaine Hann. By Charles Morris, or, THE ADVENTURES Frrenpuess Boy. B A Game of Goldj3 or, Drapwoop Dice's Bie Strixe. By Edward L. Wheeler. Lance and Lasso; or, THE CHILDREN oF THe Caco. By Capt. derick Whittaker. Panther Paul, Tue Pram Prrars; or, Dainty Lance To THE Resccr. J. E. Budger. Black Bess, WiL WILprine’s Racer; er, Wriynave Acarmst Opps. By Charles Morris. Eagle Kit, mmm Boy Demon; or, Tax Our LAWS OF THE GoD His. By Oll Coomes, The Swerd Hunters; or, Taz LAnp os THe PLepHant Rivers. By Fred. V hittaker. Gold Trigger, THe Srort; or, THe Gries. AvENGcER. By T. d. Harbaugh. Dick of Sharp Samj; ov A J. Alexander Patten. Dead weo endwoods or, Tae Picken Party. By Edward L. Wheeler. Miike Merry, Tur Harpor Pouce Boy; or, Tue Nicit-HAawEs oF PHrapEeLrsta. Morris. or, Tas 158 Corrmn’s Cruise To THE Oren PoLtar 824. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. Whe Black Giant}; or, Dainty Laner m JEOPARDY. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. New York Nel}, THe Boy-Giet Derecrapn; or, OLD BLAKESLY’s honey. By E. L. Wheeler. Will Wildfire in the Woods; or, Camp LIvE IN THE ALLEGHANIES. By Charles Morris. Little Wexas, Tar Youne Mvustanorpr. A Tale of Texan Prairies. By Oll Coomes. 160 161 162 163 164 Dandy Rock's Pledge; or, Hunrsp ve Deatu. By G. Waldo Browne. Billy Baggage, tHe Rimnoap Por; or, Row To Eartu. By Charles Morris. 166 Hickory Harry} or, Tye Tram or Free. By Harry 8t. George. 165 167 Asa Scott, Tar Sreammoat Poy; or, Tae bam Pirates oF THE Mississipr1t. By Ed. Willett 168 —— Dash Firz. By Jos. E. ger. 169 Tornado Tom; or, Ixson Jaox From Rep Corz. T.C. Harbaugh. 170 A Trump Card} or, Wri. Wrprms Was axp Losrs. By Charles Morris. : 171 Ebony Dany; or. Tse Rrvat Leacvss or Sisrematicacads by F. Dumont, 172 Thunderbolt Tom}; or, Tar Wors-Hmwe ov THE Rockies. By Harry St. Geo 173 Dandy Rock’s Rival; or, Tee Huvrre Mar or Taos. By George aldo Browne, 174 Bob Rockett, ruz Boy Dopcrr; or, Mus TERIES OF New York. By Charles Morris. 175 Captain Arizena, tHE Kine Prix or Rosp AGENTS; or, Patent Leather Joe's Big Game. By Philip 8. Warne. 176 The Boy Runaway; or, Toe Buccaneer or THE Bay. Lieut. H. D. Perry, U.S.N. 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada. By Edward L. Wheeler. 178 Old THs or, Fienmine Fim wir rg. Solita THe Hermir TRAPPER; OF, Dracon 4 iriver Lake. By Oll Coomen. 179 Bob Rockett, Ter Bank RUNNER; oe Roap to Ruts. By Charles Morris. Dec. 180 The Sea Trailer; or, A Vow Wet Ker, By Lieut. H. D. Perry, U. $.N. January 4th, 181 Wild Frank of Mbp pore yt or, Tam Krxe or Bucksxins. By Edward L. Wheeler. Ready January lith. 182 Little Hurricane, THe Boy Capram; Tue OatTn OF THE YOUNG AVENGERS, By ol Coomes. Ready January 18th. A new issue every week, The Half-Dime Library is for sale Newsdealers, five cents per cnr, or sent by receipt of six cents each. EADLE & A | Publishers, 98 William Stract, New York.