Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 20) (1877 12 21)
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= x ‘i Leal cl hy Te Doo CF | : AAA KX NN MIRA, SA, a = sith Tf ol li al Tl lal Ta aS Copyrighted in 1877, by BEADLE AND ADAMS. BEADLE AND ADAMS, PUBLISHERS, Price, No. 20 No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. ° ‘ A Tale of the Regulators and Road- | a monster realistic drama, such as no pen or brush | ingly ro h-looking customer he was, attired in can fitly portray. dirty, mud-splashed corduroy, with a small arsenal Agents of the Black Hills, Fourie ism in Deadwood has not reached that | of atees belted about his waist. Little of the face acme of perfection attained in our eastern cities; still, | was visible through a thick bush of red beard, but h 1 D e | some enterprising individual, with the aid of pen, e ou e ag 4 ers , scissors and paste, and a doe peg hand-press, has OR, Deadwood Dick’s Defiance. A Companion Novel to Deadwood Dick, Half-Dime i Tibrary Number One, am BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK,”’ ‘‘ CLOVEN HOOFP,’’ ETO, CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTORY. “ SoMETHING ABOUT DEADWOOD Dick. Mr. Edward Har- ris, or, as he is better known, “Deadwood Dick,” has ly more lives than a cat. For some time past, Hteral until last week, we have heard little about him, but now his name is whispered in connection with the last stage-coach rob- bery, near Cheyenne. On .Tues- day a watchful band of Dead- wood Regulators, led by Dash- ing Dave, pounced down upon him and a portion of his band in Big Lode Canyon, and a terrible struggle ensued. All of the road- agents were slaughtered without quarter—all except Deadwood ick. He, on his big black stal- lion, was seen to ride straight up the mountain side, where none could follow. Nor did bullets seem to check his progress. So much, again, for the notorious youth, who is making for him- self a name, as a daring road- rider, second to none in the world.""—Deadwood Pioneer, July The above notice, or para- graph, created quite a furore of excitement in the Deadwood circles. For perhaps a month ast the sensational news of he Black Hills had been rather stagnant. The absence of In- dians from the vicinity had lessened the number of reports ef murderous attacks, and a nietude among the much- readed “gents of the road,” had been the means of lulling Deadwood and her sister towns into a drowse of peaceful con- tent and serenity. A glance at Deadwood from a point of observation, reveals no start- ling changes. The magic city is nestling down among the tree-fringed hills, as of yore. The pr rg 9 mountains ap- peer just as haughty as then; he mountain streams pour wildly down through their rocky channels the same; no change is noticeable unless it be in the nse ed the vee metropolis, an e number o: people who throng its homely streets. People of almost every na- tionality may be seen here, men, women and children, vend- ing their wares; eager, expect- ant miners coming in to seek their fortunes; grim, despond- bi gen going out “* dead- roke;"’ speculators, sharpe curious tourists, with now an then an artist or author mixed in; gamblers, bummers, officers, trappers and scouts—~ all are here in the make-up of succeeded in bringing to light a very creditable sheet, considering everything, whose heading is 7e Pioneer, it being devoted to the mining interest, ete. The office of the worthy newspaper was upon the second floor of a building directly across from the “Metropolitan ” saloon, and was very scantily fur. nished, and attended by a very wise-looking young gentleman from the East, who was a reporter, and a combination of the city dandy and crushed actor. This individual was perched on a high stool behind the office desk, one bright morning a few days sub- sequent to the issue of the paper containing the above paragraph, engaged in writing an editorial, when the door was unceremoniously opened and a rson entered the room. Augustus looked up with a patronizing nod, and beheld a broad-shouldered, bewhiskered miner standing before him—an exceed- Un i) i 77) i] ] ) Hy} Hi ij Wy N, \\\ DEADWOOD DICK, N\A \W Wi \ \ the gleam from the small black eyes was danger- us. * Howdy do!” saluted Augustus, in a business-like manner, giving an extra flourishing stroke of his pen, and then giving his attention to the visitor. ‘In what way might I be able to serve you, sir?” “‘Humph!”’ and the miner gave a contemptuous grunt as he glanced about the office. ‘‘ Reckon this ar’ the shebang whar they print the ‘ Pi’neer,’ hey?”’ “This is the editorial room of that publiostion, yes,” Hp Augustus, loftily. “Tho’t so. Hain’t no more’n I expected. ’Spect the boss be about, not?’’ ‘*T am sorry to say Mr. Wilbur isn’t in, at present, sir. Important business called him away to Elizabeth City over an hour Ago. He, however, placed me in power to transact all business for the establishment, and consequently I make no hesitation in placing ray services at your disposal.” “Waal, I opine et doan’t make much difference, atwixt ou’n’ me, Reekon you'll do jes well as Mister Wilbur; eastwise I’ll make you. I’ve got an egg to break wi’ some- ody, an’ jes’s lief it’d be with you as anybody else.” Here the miner stopped and fumbled in his poskes. indus- triously, at last bringing forth a late copy of the Pioneer. This he spread carefully upon the desk, in front of our Augustus, and with one white, aloracier meg so greatly at contrast with his gener appearance, he pointed to the large-type heading of a column: *‘ Some- thing about Deadwood Dick,” as per paragraph, “Dye see that?” he de- manded, in a voice that made Augustus shiver—'‘d’ye see them ‘ar lines?” ‘*Exactly—as plainly, per- haps, asIsee you. It is a par eersph concerning Deadwood Me ky the notorious young out- aw.’ ‘Yas, that is w’at it ar’, an no mistake. Now, one o’ my errants, here, ar’ to see the in- dividual who writ them truth- ful lines uv prosaic.”’ “Tam proud to sayI penned that sensational ragraph,’’ announced rts Sag us, drawing himself up to his fullest hight, “and if you have come to re- munerate me for my interest in Mr. Dick, I shall be most happy and grateful to accept a V, promising devotion to the cause in the future.” The customer in corduroy stared, “So you writ it, did you?” he asked, ** Assuredly, I did!” \ “Waal, mind that you don't \\ write another like et ou \\ doan’t want ter git knocked \ inter the middle of day before a! yisterday. Deadwood Dick do \W aly not keer to be made quite so \ free wi’, about these times. Now, about my other errant. \ \ \ \ i OL \4 y \ j I want ye to put a ’vertis’ment ! in — Pi'neer, w’at'll cover a pos page, an’ i want it in big » too, SO everybody can read it, right plain.» y Exactly. I understand what you wish—a display ad
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/ Dashing Dave, his eyes constantly roving around as ‘ticular call 2 vertisement, such as will attract universal attention. Yes, yes; I see; I see. Such a one will cost you only a e, and undoubtedly prove advantageous to the cee degree, Two hundred dollars : settle the ‘Dog cheap, ain’t you?” sneered the miner. “It’s awonder you can e a living, you’re so cheap. Now, I'll tell ye what Tlldo. You go ahead and ‘set = ’ the advertisement I’m goin’ give you, an’ arge it to Deadwood Dick. it comes out in the next issue of ther. Pi’neer, you'll get your pay, right offylikewise, ef it don’t, you'll git a bullet through your skull the fust time you show your pate outside hencoop, you bet!” “Ugh! yous don’t mean it!” * Reckon I do. y word ain’t to be larfed at, I want you to understand. Will ye do it?” “IT could not, possibly,” protested Augustus. “IT have no right to insert a gratuitous advertisement, you see, because this is not my paper. If it wasI — be glad to accommodate you. As it is, I can- not!’ “We'll see about that, my young rooster—we'll see about that. Now, jist open yer ears ar listen w’at’s on this bit 0’ dockyment, so’s you’ll remember it *till ye put it inter type.” 0 saying the rough visitor brought forth another piece of paper from his pocket, and after studyin the doubtful scrawls for a few moments, he Dead aloud: ~ “Deadwood Dick, the Road-Agent, desires to say, through these columns, that he defies Deadwood it- self and all its inhabitants; that he is even now within the confines of the Magie City, and will soon show the so-called Deadw tors that for every Road-Agent killed in Big Lode Canyon, the other day, he will guarantee the demise of a tor. Let Dashing Dave beware! let all Deadwood beware! for the Prince of the Road is on his muscle! “The Public’s dutiful servant, ** (Signed, ) Deapwoop Dick.” “ Thar! that’s bizness clean to the spinal men- af ina 7 ” pany gn declared the miner. ‘“ That'll show folks that, Dickey and his b’yees ‘hain’t afeard; no more they ain’t. Now, you Pi’neer cuss, reckillect ef that doan’t cum out in glarin’ style in the next issue, your grave’s dug. D'ye hear?’ “Yes, yes!” nodded Augustus, more alarmed than he cared to have the miner know he was, “I will try to get your ‘ad’ in, somehow, only don’t trouble us “Waal, that depends. Maybe ye'll heer from us again, sumtime afore you die, an’ ag’in maybe ye won’t. Now, good-day to ye, an’ remember w at ye’ll git, if that ar’ ’vertis’ment doan’t come out!”’ sugoeie bowed, stiffly, and the uncouth visitor took departure. The next issue of the Pioneer contained the bold w of Deadwood Dick. To say it caused a sen- sation would be putting it mild. There was an un- precedented excitement in mining circles; the article was the theme of discussion for a hundred tongues or more; capitalists frowned and poy closer to their gold; miners kept their weapons handy; Dash- re Por Regulators kept shady; inside of ten hours after the appearance of the notice in the Pioneer, the * solid’’ men of the magic city had made up a purse, and a thousand dollars was the price set for the cap- ture of the notorious Deadwood Dick. The so-styled Regulators were, and are to-day, pate _ y of the apopenitial men of Deadwood— a sort 0 ce body-guard, w. g war against road-agents and thieves ~ a Mg and — striking blows in the defense of justice. No doubt they have done some good in their par- ing, but positive it is that they have caused the Joss of more human life than the outlaws themselves, Dashing Dave was a tall, brawny, handsome bor- derman of three and twenty years, who had wona great name as an Indian-fighter during the troubles ing the fatal Custer engagement, and was eared by a large class of the desperate characters who infested the Black Hills. He had lost his famil —a wife and a month-old babe—by the border ruffi- ans, since coming into the Hills, and this had em- bittered his whole nature against mankind in the guise of an outlaw. He struck blindly, without a care or thought of the life he was taking; it was for. vengeance and the interests of an all-powerful peo- ple. He, with a half-dozen of his comrades were gath- ered in the Metropolitan saloon, on the evening after the yes 4 issue of the Pioneer, discussing matters in gener “There seems no doubt left but that Deadwood Dick is really down among us again,”’ said one of the arty, Big-eared; John by name, and as har rder veteran as ever pulled a trigger. tinues to grow bolder every full moon, darn my old pelt if he don’t.” “Tf I mistake not, his race is nearly run,” replied though in search of some one. ‘He has carried a high hand around these parts, too long, alr , and = mark my word he’ll soon come to grief. once can ead on him, it will be good-by Dead- hty hard Hes her brother, you know, and she ” “Yes, but you rection. Mr. Road-Agen and twice as slippery as ary eel ye ever see’d, an ; their conversation, and had now hal Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. when ye ketch him napping, jes’ consider the millen- nium clos’t to hand.” “Well, wait and see. Keep about you, and maybe you'll when you least expect it.” So saying Dashing Dave sauntered off through the densely thronged a ment, followed by many ad- miring glances. e@ was sens a dashing-looking fellow, when you came to view him closely, with his commanding form, and genial, sun-burnt face. He was a man of great muscular development; was an unerring rifle and pistol shot; his speed in a foot-race and grace in the saddle, once npon a time attracted favorable comment from that worth ome. the Pioneer. His eyes were brown and of alike color, while his goatee and mustache were jetty black. The expression of his counte- nance was frank, yet stern; pleasant, yet possessed of the power to be very grave. Let us follow him. The ‘‘ Metropolitan’’ has been enlarged since we were here with the reader in “* Deadwood Dick.”’ All, now, is under one vast roof and in one apartment; still the place is crowded night and day. Drinking, gambling, dancing, fighting, and all the associate vices are carried on here; there are scores of other similar places in Deadwood, but the ‘* Met.” holds her head proudly above competition, as the chief headquarters of the magic city. Dashing Dave sauntered through the immense room, casting careless, yet sharp glances on either side as he moved on; nodding occasionally at some acquaintance, or, mayhap, scowling at an enemy; for he had many—possibly more enemies than friends among the rough class who go to make up the swarming population of the Black Hills metropo- S. He presently chanced upon a vacant seat at an empty table, and was not longin making himself the posscasee of it, for a chair in a Deadwood saloon af- r sunset is a scarce piece of furniture. Not long had he been seated, however, when. he was tapped gently upon the shoulder, and turning he beheld a young man standing just ind him. He was superbly built, and attired in tanned buck- skin, but little or nothing of his face could be seen on account of an immense slouch hat that was drawn down over his eyes. “Well?” demanded Dave, interrogatively, ‘‘ what will you have?” “This chair, if you please!’ was the decisive re- sponse. ‘I sat here before you did, and you usurped my place while I was away for a cigar.” ““Can’t help it, my friend. Ifound this seat va- cant, and I reckon find ’em’s keep ‘em, ‘round this ranch; so go along and find the mate!’’ advised the Regulator. ‘Which I decline to do,” replied the stranger, as coolly as if he were an iceberg. ‘That chair be- a to me, and here’s what oe so!” e held a cocked revert his right hand, which was as white as a wo The glitter of the pol- ished weapon and the tone of his address both be- spoke business! your eyes and ears scare up something CHAPTER IL. THE TWO FUGITIVES. “Su! don’t make a noise, If their attention is at- tracted we are lost!” F So spoke a young girl, over whose head had passed seventeen summers. - The scene was at the bottom of a deep, dark can- on, walled in by the mighty tree-clad mountains, e girl and a male com on stood secreted ina clump of undergrowth at a point where one smaller ie or canyon on either side, branched off from e main one, making it a sort of natural ike. The branches were much narrower and deeper than ne other, and in them the night’s gloom was more The girl and her companion, a small, stout negro of tremendous muscular power, were entire screened from view among the underbrush, while the time they were enabled to command a straight outlook down the main and transverse canyons, into which the feeble soaring moon slanted a few yellow rays. Up the main canyon, coming directly toward the “split”? or “divide,” was a com y of horsemen, ee apsa dozen in all, advancing at a slow jogging a 4 and it was to these that the young girl h - uded. ‘*Yas, I’m mum as a baked clam,” replied -the ne- “lf dem debbils cum w’ere I can git just one kick at ’em, I'll sp’ile ’em fur all e.” “Shut up your gabble!” commanded the girl, au- thoritativ: ““T do believe you would like to have them discover us.” ‘No sech a thing, Miss Leone; not a bit o’ trufe in hand, rather than fall again my sentimen’s, fe righ R 0 fer yer sweet sake. ‘ now, peekin’ about, a-tryin’ to spy us The horsemen been dra nearer during at the divide, but a few paces distant from where the fugitives were crouching. There were twelve of them, all rough, bearded bor- derers, save two, whose ap’ ce was a trifle loss uncouth and grizzly. The one was a portly man of per- haps forty years, with a full, florid face, ornament- ed with ‘‘Burnside” whiskers, which were slight- ly streaked with gray: black eyes and shagey ¢ e brows to match; an aquiline nose, and a complexion of a swarthy brown. His dress was scrupulously neat, and the diamond pin upon his immaculate shirt front was of -the first water. The other man was older by perhaps ten years;— was poor in flesh; scrawny, shriveled, wrinkled. His face wasa mirror of his black, evil nature; his eyes constantly emitted gleams of a baleful light pie and debauchery had wrecked his life; avarice and greed for gain mainly: kept him alive; at a glance, he was a repulsive object to = nt with his furrowed, h sallow face; his sinister eyes; his huge wolfish mouth, and the accompany- ing geoteawe ivories, and all relieved by a matted shock of hair and beard of purest white. His attire, however, was even superior in texture and worth to that of his companion, being cut in the latest style, and of more costly material. Diamonds littered upon his tie, upon his shirt front, and upon is fingers—not paste, by any means, but the real, priceless gems. i * Aha!’’ muttered the girl, Leone, as'her eyes rest- ed upon him; ‘if ever I was tempted to commit murder it is now. Jasper Leslie, I could kill you base, designing wretch that you are, without a bit of com ion |” “Dem’s my sentimen’s eggsactly!”’ declared John- son, emphatically, his eyes rolling back comically. “I could jes’ put a bullock t’ru dat ornery coon’s cranium wid de best of spirit.” Just here let us pause and describe the woman and her sable companion. Leone was of medium hight, and possessed of a plump, symmetrical form, which, in its delicate rounded outlines, was little less than perfection. tapering waist, anoble bust, a small, arching neck, on which was saucily perched a round little head surmounted with an indiscriminate confusion of curls of brick-red color; a fair, creamy complexion, here and there tinted with blushing roses of health and youth; soft, expressive hazel eyes, and a mouth of sweetest expression, So much a casual glance discovers of her zapenINg, rich young beauty, but a finer beauty she is pos- sessed of in her sweet, warm, sunny disposition; and as we study her traits of character, her speech, her every motion, we each moment find some new point in her to admire. Her dress was of coarse, serviceable woolen stuff, probably purchased ready-made, as it Co pre a very pretty pair of ankles to view, and feet that were in- cased in richly ornamented moccasins, A round fur turban sat upon her brick-colored curls, and this constituted her outfit, unless we include a handsome — sporting-rifle, and a pair of pistols in her gir- e. Johnson was literally blacker than the ‘ace of spades,”’ and short and very powerful of build, His fat, sable face, and ludicrous rolling eyes were ex- pressive of a jovial nature, and told a true story, for old Ben was one of the best-hearted souls imagina- ble. But when his ire was provoked, he was a very tiger to fight; hence, Leone was glad to have him on her side against her enemies. He was attired in a semi-civilized fashion, and armed with rifle, knife and pistols—the common equipment in the delect- able Black Hills country, where very few go about unarmed, As the horsemen came to a halt, the repulsive indi- vidual, whom Leone had called J asper Leslie, gave vent to a horrible curse. “Here’s a pretty go! Where in——is our game gone, now, I should like to ki®w?” “Yes you may well ask that, Jasper Leslie,” sneered he with the ‘‘ Burnsides.” ' “If you have let the girl escape, you know the consequences, Off comes your head, in Jess than no time.’ : “Tl find the girlif I have to raise hell on earth! : declared the old man, with another oath. ‘ She can. not escape me, 3 though she may.” “You must find her soon, then, you old curmud. geon, for I shall not long keep these men under my pay. to assist you. It’s too expensive. ‘Let "em go, then! They don’t do any purtickler good, asIsee. I can find the gal jest as well wi’out em, as wi’ ’em, for.that matter. Cuss that nigger! If I ever get hold of him, I'll rip his carcass open in short meter!” * Will you, dough!” grinned Johnson, from. his concealment. ‘Spec's it’s dis chunk o’ coal-black he has referwunce to, ain’t it, Miss Leone?” “Yes, he means qos But, hush! we must not let them know we are here.” > ” accorded. he of the Burnsides; “if the nig- ger hadi been with her, she would never have got “ Dat’s a comblymen’ fur Johnsing,”’ chuckled the sable gentleman, in the bushes. ; - “It's true,” whispered Leone, gratefully, ‘But you, Ben, I should: never have eluded them this mn, Sey *Dem’s my sentimen’s, eggsactly.” “T see no Prospect of ‘Overtaking them, oe t,” growled one of the men. “Here we ar’, nigh six miles from Deadwood, an’ hain’t see’d hide nor ha’r on’em, I propose we camp down yere, an’ wait fer daylight.” a ot much!” retorted Leslie, ge an # ‘Guess they’ve got fur enuff start now, wi’out givin’ ’em any more. ‘ We'll all take a good stiff drink of ‘mountain dew,’ to brace up our nerves with, and then go on.”
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The Double Daggers. A large bottle was er produced from one of the saddle-bags, and passed around, each man helping himself to a liberal allowance. ‘Now which canyon shall we take?” demanded Brierly, the one who had proposed to halt on the spot for the night. ‘‘ We don’t dare to split up, fer fear of | ee aan an’ here’s three routes the gal may hev took.” “We'll take the main course,” decided Leslie. | “The fools would ha’ been more likely to ’a’ took this, knowin’ it was more traveled, an’ there were not so much danger 0’ their gettin’ lost. Eh! Syd- | nor?” ““T do not know enything about it. All I want is the girl, and you must get her for me, or you shall never leave the Hills alive. Do you hear?” “T ain’t at all deaf, I reckon,” nted the other. “Come! come! this won’t do; fall into file and off we go!”’ According to the order, the whole cavaleade put spurs to their steeds, and dashed away up the main ee noisily through the night’s dim light. “Thank Heaven they are gone,’’ muttered Leone, when they were out of sight beyond a curve in the course. “It was a very narrow escape.” ““Dem’s my sentimen’s eageaes ‘oe responded Johnson, drawing a long sigh of relief. ‘‘ I’m werry lad dey didn’t poke dere noses in yere;—not beca’se ‘se “fraid o’ enny hurt they would do to us, but I should orfully ’a’ hated to squashed dem noses!”’ “You have a very tender heart, Ben,’ said Leone. laughing. ‘‘You’d never make a general, for all your worth. But, now that our enemies have ske- daddled, what are we going to do?” ** Jes’ w’at I was ee on, Miss Leone. S’pos- in’ we huff it back to Deadwood!” **No! that would be next to following up our ene- mies and surrendering ourselves. Without doubt, Curtis Sydnor and my father have posted spies there, who would nab us as soon as we showed our faces.” Johnson did not reply, immediately, but stepped out into the gulch, a few paces, to where a bar of light from the soaring young moon slanted down over bare mountain-top and kissed the earth. All was now et. The hoof-strokes of the horses had become inaudi- ble; the wind fanned alow, sweet symphony through the dark cloaked pines; music sweeter than all ema- nated from a clear little stream that babbled adown through the left gulch. “T s’pec’s it’s our duty to do sumfin for Dianer,” commented Johnson, gazing around him with a ra- ther grum expression of countenance, “but bress de Lor’ if diss gen’man o’ color knows w’at. Miss Leone, yer de bossess; w’at shall we do to break de fronolony ob our situation?” “Only one thing remains,” replied the maiden, stepping from her concealment. ‘“‘We must take one of these transverse canyons, and follow it until we can find a secure hiding-place. The left one has a stream of water—let us 6 that.” * Berry well. I’se no ‘jections, providin’ it are fur de best. I'll go ahead, an’ you can brung up de rear.” So sa the negro threw the repeating rifle in the Hise his arm, and led the way into the left canyon, Leone following close at his heels, holding her own weapon in readiness for instant use, “There is one thing in our favor, Ben,"’ she said, as they hurried along. ‘There are none among the band that can read a trail, and whatever signs we leave behind in passing over this hard rocky bottom would be hardly perceptible to an experienced trailer.” 9 “Dem’s my sentimen’s eggsactly, Miss. De coon as can nose us out are berry smart.’ ; - On they went, their footsteps awaking only slight echoes up the mountain-side. The canyon grew gradually narrower and deeper, the walls on either side rising to a stupendous hight. Far up overhead was the dimly starlit sky; the moon had hid its head behind an aerial + are leaving the canyon in dark- ness. Yet it was light ap for Johnson to see the route ahead of him, and lead the way carefully, avoiding the rougher paths that Leone might have jer. sy fnd thus the twain wandered on through the weird oe an had spent the latter years of his life upon the frontier, and was a thoroughly good trailer, his familiarity with mountain and prairie renderin, ‘him invaluable as a guide. His one failing was a liking to serve under somebody—to have some one go ahead and take the responsibility of an underta : ree he was all right and ready to perform uties. He was very keen of hearing and observing, but to- night he was less guarded than usual, and as a result, ere he was scarcely aware of the fact, in rounding an abrupt curve in the canyon, he came face to face with a horseman, who had halted, evidently hearing their approach by the echo of their footsteps. Leone uttered a startled scream as her eyes rested upon the unexpected apparition, and stepped closer to her sable companion as if feeling reassurance, that he was with her. Johnson stopped stock-still as he beheld the apparition, and would have raised his repeater, only that he perceived a pepming pistol in m. each hand of the stranger covered The grim rider* was the first one to and these were the initiatory words, in a growling, deep voice: “Well? wh ? where ye goin’?” “ That de atetaal ort sarcumstances,” replied Johnson. ‘My name is Johnsing—Benjamin r~ ster Johnsing. Who the debbil d’ye s’pec’ you are? The horseman uttered a loud, hoarse laugh. It can’t be that ye’re long in these parts, or ye d know * For description of Black Harper, see last page. well enough that but one man in all the Black Hills carries sich a fronticepiece as I do—an indelible scar stamped there by the lightning hand of God. Once seen, I always make it a point never to be forgotten. My name is Black Harper!” ‘Phew! you don’t tell us dat you is dat debbil’s imp, hisself, do you? I heerd ob Black Harper in Dead- wood, and dey said dat he was a cuss!” “Haw! haw! haw!” laughed the horseman, his deep voice becoming boisterous; ** sed I was a cuss, didthey? Haw! haw! haw! that’s better than three- fingers o’redrum. Yes, nigger, that’s about my caliber. I’m acuss clean frum my dirty socks to the top o’ my attic, you bet, and if you don’t find me so, why chalk it down that I’m a Centennial liar!” *T don’t doubt your word de least bit, Mr. Black Harper, so jes’ be obligin’ enuff to lower de aim ob your rewolvers. Seein’s we’ve met, I s*pec’ you in- ten’ to do sumt’inks, eh? Speak up!” “Waal, Ishouldn’t wonder. I reckon ye don’t go up this canyon no furder, not if this hoss knows his- self. Hello! by all that’s sublime and rediculous! what d’ye call that ‘ar’ behind you? A female—a real live kickin’ critter of the Eve persuasion? It is, or I'm a liar, an’ no one ever calls Black Harper a liar but once. I say, you brick-top critter, step out hyer so I can git a fair squint at ye!” ‘*Hide behind me!" cautioned Johnson, ‘* Don’t show yer face for your life, honey.” “Dye hear?’ commanded the outlaw, riding closer, ‘Come out, I say.” But Leone refused, for, well aware of her own wondrous beauty, she knew it boded her no good to let the ruffian feast his eyes upon her. “You get back, old coon!” ordered Ben, his white eyes rolling threateningly. “I jes’ advise ye to go along an’ mind your bizness, or dar’ll be a corpuss around here fur some one to bury. You hear me/”’ But Black Harper uttered an oath of pene and Shee a a revolver at the negro’s heart, p ed the trigger CHAPTER ITI. A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S HANGING, “On! you can’t scare me worth a cent,” said the Regulator, calmly, as he gazed down the throat of the other’s weapon. “I wasn’t brought up in the woods to be scared out by an owl, much less, an ornery looking pill like you.” “You were evidentvy brought up where good- breeding was a dead letter!” was the sarcastic re- sponse. ‘‘Come! are hb going to vacate? Ido not wish to hurt you, but if you don’t get out of there be- fore I have time to count thirty, there will be a first- class job for an undertaker, hereabouts.” Dashing Dave stared at the cool stranger in aston- ishment. He flattered himself that he knew pretty nearly every person in Deadwood, but could not re- call the face and figure of this tellow, whoever he might be. Certain itwas that he was one of those cool, reckless characters so often met with in the western wonderland, who was wont to falter at noth- ing that would further his own ends. “Who are you?” demanded the Re tor, still re- fusing to move; ing to divert the other’s attention while his hand stole toward his belt. But the watch- ful eyes of the stranger caught the move, and the hammer of his revolver came k to full cock, with an ominous click, **No matter who I am,” was the stern reply! I have counted erent Ten more, and off goes the summit of your skull, if you don’t puckachee!” Dashing Dave reflected a moment, and then rose from the chair. He had no doubt but the fellow would “ salt’ him, as he said, and this was againsc the grain of his nature; so he concluded it best to yield, for the present. : “There, curse you, take the chair!’ he said, fierce- zs: “But, mind you, I will have my revenge for s. I don’t chaw insuits without retrievement!” ‘You seem to take ’em in, kind of natural, like!” po ney the victor, taking possession of the chair, “Hunt up another perch, pardner, or sit down on your thumb, an’ Jet’s take a beer. That will wash down the burning sensation of your defeat!” “No! nothing but your blood will wash it down!” hoarsely growled the chief, as he strode away, leav- ing the stranger laughing quietly to himself. ter in the evening the same individual was still seated at the table, puffing slowly at a cigar, a glass of untouched beer at his elbow. He seemed wrapt in deep thought, yet it was noticeable that his black eyes were ever roving over the motley assembly, as in search for some one, Unobserved Dashing Dave had worked his way around to a position directly in the rear of his enemy and in a moment when the st er least expected it, his hat was snatched from his head, revealing his face to the gaze of all the nearest bystanders, under the full glare of the gaslight. A cry of astonishment came then, Dashing Dave reeled back, aghast, a terrible oath pealing from his lips: * Deadwood Dick /” he cried. “Deadwood Dick, the road-agent!”? seconded the crowd, gathering around breathlessly, knives and pistols drawn in an instant. The face so suddenly uncovered was strikingly handsome, and any one who had ever once seen Ned Harris the road-prince, could not doubt that this was indeed the man. It was the same peculiarly fearless expression of countenance; the same stern yet pleasant mouth; the same prominent nose, and the same piercing eyes and long waving hair of jeviy blackness. Tobe sure there were absent some of the personal characteristics of Deadwood Dick—the black buck-skin suit, the black gloves and the ac- companying black horse. But, there was not a per- son in the room who was not convinced that this was the lawless Prince of the Road. | 3 —- lances And there he sat, quietly, under all the him, @ sarcastic smile breaking out showered upon about his lips. “Gentlemen!” he said, biting off the end of a fresh cigar, “‘ you all seem to see something uncommonly attractive about me. Do you for a moment imagine that I am the notorious road-agent of the Black whom you call Deadwood Dick?” “We don’t imagine nothing of the kind, my gay young Claude Duval of modern times!” declared Dashing Dave, triumphantly. ‘ You’re Deadwood Dick, and everybody knows it, by one glance at your face. The features of Ned Harris are too promi- nent and bold in expression, to easily be forgotten.” “Nevertheless,”’ replied the young man, coldly, “you've got hold of the wrong chap, this time. I’m not Deadwood Dick; neither do I claim any relation- ship to that illustrious gentleman. My handle is Hawk—Gerald Hawk, at your service, and I hail from Austin, Texas.” ‘Haw! haw! haw!” A great shout of derision went up from the crowd, Convinced as they were of this man’s identity, they ee hey his denial as a clever falsehood, originated with a design to hood- wink hem. But the plan failed to work, whether intended so, or otherwise. “That'll do to tell marines!’ sneered the Regula- tor, with a wink at the crowd. “ Here’s an eye you can’t shut up, however. I krow you're Deadwood Dick, and, more than that, that you're bound to swing, now that we've fairly got you. What say you, my boys?” “Ay! ay! ay! = assented a chorus of voices, “String him up. Hang him for his crimes.”’ “ Correct! ‘t his death be a lesson to all who choose the life of aroad-agent. Seize him, and some one get a rope!” A dozen willing hands grasped the cool road-agent, if road-agent he was, and held him imprisoned in a firm gripe, while his wrists were bound behind him, He made no resistance, probably because he real- ized that it would be useless. He saw that all be- lieved him to be the famous young road-agent; he knew that nobody would interfere in behalf of one whose numerous acts of outlawry and crime had gained him almost a world-wide notoriety. “You have made a serious mistake, gentlemen!” he protested, as a rope was noosed about his neck. “If you suspend me, thinking you are ridding the world of Deadwood Dick, you are committing one of the gravest errors of your lives, for Iam not the man—TI swear it!” ‘“You can swear as much as you please, my fine fellow!” taunted Dashing Dave, ordering the ar- rangement of the noose. “I don’t care if you tell a huil bushel of lies, it won’t help your case one iota, You're bound to have a swing, Deadwood Dick or no Deadwood Dick; so dry up, an’ say your prayers, There, boys, that'll do; now, then, follow me and trot out your gay and festive road-agent. There's plenty o’ trees in Deadwood gulch as is itchin’ to groan beneath the weight 0’ this oe ered pris- oner, Come along, then, one and all, for there’s music in the air!” And so saying, the Captain of the Regulators led the way out of the thronged saloon, followed by an escort of a score of his own men with the prisoner; and behind them surged the noisy crowd, eager to witness the execution. Out into the busy main street of the magic city they marched, making a weird procession under the light of the soaring midsummer night’s moon, the yells and shouts growing louder and more boisterous each moment, The nearest tree suitable was several hundred yards down the gulch, in front of a neat little cot- tage, and toward this the would-be executioners hur- ried their victim, anxious to get through their venge- ful work. At last the tree was reached, and a great ring was formed around it by the uncouth and grizzly au- dience. Inside this ring the prisoner was conducted, and positioned beneath the tree’s out-spreading branches, the free end of his halter being tossed up over a stout limb, and dropping on the other side to be seized in the relentless grasp of half a score of Regulators. us in an instant all was ready for the execution. “¥ellers!”’ cried Dashing Dave, turning to the vast multitude assembled, when everything was in readi- ness, ‘we have here, ripe for suspension, one of the worst desperadoes in the whole "Black country, namely—Deadwood Dick. For nearly two years he has held a reign of terror in these ons, and his daring crimes are without equal. of you know that more than a dozen men in Deadwood have fall- en by his hand, Does it then stand to reason that we should give him a formal trial?” “No! no/” shouted a hundred voices. “String him up without no trial. He'll get trial enough going hummin’ along the road to purgatory, Yank him up, an’ let’s see what kind of stuff he’s made of. urra! one, two, three, now, and give him a boost!” ‘Hold! what is the meaning of this?’ cried a new- comer, elbowing his way through the crowd and confronting Dashing Dave. ‘‘ What would you do?” ‘None of your busin Justin McKenzie,” retort- ed the young Regulator chief, insolently. _“* Reckon ye can see, without bein’ so inquisitive. We've got your estimable brother-in-law, Deadwood Dick, here, and we're a-goin’ to give him a tight-rope lesson, D’ye understand?” cKenzie, looking a trifle older and more m than when we last saw him, turned with a start and gazed at the prisoner, whom before he had only giy- en a casual glance. : “Great Heaven, Harris, is this you?” he cried, stepping closer, his features meteor. Hi emotion, “Tho never to see you in such a fix as this, Ged grant that Anita may never hear of it)”
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_while others prolonged its discussion to a nine-day: » wonder. ** Anita?’ echoed the prisoner, his face assuming a puzzled expression, that, however, did not deceive the crowd. ‘‘ Who is Anita? Who are you?” “What! don’t you know me, Harris? Is it possi- ble that, in the few short months since we separated in Flower Pocket gulch, you have forgotten me, Jus- tin McKenzie? Don’t you remember?—I married your sister, Anita!’’ ; F The prisoner shook his head, a smile wreathing his RIN. I am positive I never saw you.” Then a new light seemed to dawn upon him. ‘“ Ah! I see,” he added; ‘‘ you take me for Deadwood Dick, eh?” “Certainly. You are he—or, in reality, Ned Har- ris,’’ replied McKenzie. D No, lam not. My name is Gerald Hawk, and I am from Austin, Texas. These fools have mistaken me for some desperado of your accursed Black Hills country, and it looks probable that Iam elected to swing for this other fellow’s crimes.” McKenzie looked grave. { “Tm afraid that won't work, Harris,” he said, pityingly. ‘You are too well known around these arts to attempt deception. Would to God I had it fn my power to help you, but I fear I have not.” “Tdon’t crave help!’ replied the prisoner, half- angrily. ‘I have heard it said that Deadwood Dick is braves and if Iam to die in his name, it will be bravely. I have never done anything bad, that Iam afraid to face my God, so these gentlemen can go ahead with their murder as soon as suits their con- Inwardly, McKenzie groaned, and he turned to Dashing Dave to plead the case. * You see how it is,” he said earnestly; ‘‘the poor fellow is notin his right mind. Surely, gentlemen, you will not hang a man in his condition. “We just will, though!” growled the Regulator, rimly. ‘‘ Reckon I’m a cool thousand richer when at devil’s feet ar’ off ’m terra firma. Crazy or no crazy, he’s got to ee, 7 If you don’t want to wit- ness the performance, Mr, McKenzie, you’d better step out of sight, for I’m going to give him the final hist, direct, now. Get ready, boys!” | McKenzie sprung to the prisoner’s side and flung his arms about his neck, “Good-by, Harris, old fellow!” he said, huskily, tears raining from his eyes. ‘I must leave you now, for I cannot stop these men, and would not witness your death-struggles. Die bravely, with your heart ven over to God, and we will pray for your salva- jon—Anita’ and 1, Have you any word to send to her, Ned?” ‘ ‘*None!” replied the prisoner, briefly. McKenzie then gave him one last brotherly em- brace, and turning staggered blindly away, the crowd parting to let him pass. Then, just as the moon seemed the most ghostly bright, and a puff of wind sighed a mournful dirge through the branches of the gallows-tree, Dashing Dave waved his hand to the men at the rope, there was a universal ery of ‘‘ Heave oh!’’ andthe doomed prisoner was pulled up into mid-air. His struggles were fortunately of short duration. After a slight writhing and twist of the limbs, the body straightened downward, and life was pro- nounced extinct. “You need not let him down!” ordered Dashin, Dave, ‘but fasten the rope to ponte fence-post, an let him hang there till sunrise. I tell you there’s nothing like making sure of a thing. Deadwood Dick was such a scaly customer that 1 would not be much surprised to see him resurrected after hanging there a whole week.” Accordingly the crowd dispersed and the ghastl object wan lath hanging alone in the light of the mid- summer night’s moon, a fearful example of what justice is in the wild Far West. | The crowd dispersed to the various haunts of crime and vice, to over the uncommon events of the evening, and drink over the death of the road-agent rince, who had spread such a reign of terror and wherever he gone. Now that he was dead, did it not promise to put an end to some of the bold robberies and depredations? At least so thought the over-confident population of Deadwood. ut, while believing this, another cloud arose upon their horizon. Would not the followers of the lynched road-rider seek terrible no YS bloody, reckless revenge for their esteemed leader’s death? It was highly probable that they would. On the following morning, the lynched outlaw’s body was not hanging there beneath the fatal gal- “venience.” lows-tree. During the darkness just preceding day-dawn, some one had come and cut down the lifeless corpse rie removed eo Saseare from the gaze of Deadwood’s rongin: tion. Whither. 1o one knew—no one cared. There seemed to be a universal] satisfaction in belie that the notorious Black Rider was ep tige £~ the hanging affair die entirely out of their ds, Ss A few days later the Black Hills Pioneer came out with a big-lined edito commemorative of the death of Deadwood Dick, describing his capture and death, in an pattie: aoe flow of |, e, ending with the announcement that the said paper was hopeful that the deceased would not forget to send down the amount of that little bill he owed them for advertising. ; And on rolled the wild, bustling tenor of life in Deadwood’s maaglo city, as if nothing had occurred to mar its peace of mind. CHAPTER IV. DEADWOOD DICK’S VOW OF VENGEANCE. DasHinea Dave, the Chief of the Regulators, was a Bead:e’s Half-Dime Library. man who might be admired at a distance, but come to make his personal acquaintance and study his character, and you found him far from your expec- tation. He was, to all outward appearances, a thoroughly Uprige gentleman, yet he was as bad at heart as many of his fellow-men who bore a far worse reputation. ne day as he was lounging in front of the notori- ous Metropolitan, engaged in inspecting the constant throng of fs apeiptbicl a woman, trim of figure and a trifle haughty of carriage, came down the street from the direction of a row of new cottages that had re- cently been erected and tenanted, She was clad in deep mourning, and so closely vailed that nothing of her face was visible: but her form was sufficient assurance that her face was pretty, and she was one woman of a dozen in Dead- wood to attract attention. Dashing Dave watched her narrowly from the time he t oon Ret of her, until she had hur- riedly passed, and vanished down the street. “‘T wonder who that trim craft is?” he muttered, puffing away at his pipe meditatively. ‘I don’t recollect of ever seeing her before. onder if she holds out in one of them shanties? Confound it, I ought to recognize her, for [reckon there ain’t many females in Deadwood I don’t know. If she comes back this way, I’m hanged if I don’t make a dive for her acquaintance.”’ True to his word he continued to lounge about the street, watching narrowly for the eh 4 pene of the vailed woman who had so excited his curiosity. Several hours passed, and he was growing impatient at the delay, when once more he caught a glimpse of the trim figure coming from the direction in which she had previously gone. But unfortunately for his designs, she was accompanied by a young man, well- dressed and ordinarily good-looking, whom he per- ceived at a glance to be Justin McKenzie, the brother-in-law of the dead road-agent. ‘*Ha! then, * ag that is his wife?" the Regula- tor mused, allowing them to pass without interrup- tion. “She is in mourning for Deadwood Dick, I reckon. Yes, that solves the matter about her. But pour where they live? In that new row of shan- ies, eh?” McKenzie had changed his place of residence since the death of Deadwood Dick, and it was highly prob- able that he had taken one of the referred to cottages, for he was extensive “qoaee in mining, and reap- ing so rich a harvest that he could afford something a little above the average. Unconsciously the Regulator followed on behind them, at a safe distance, until he saw them disap- es within one of the rude structures; then he urned back toward the Metropolitan, an evil gleam in his sinister eye. “Thate that McKenzie!’ he growled, biting sav- egely at his nails by way of re faving sae feelings. ‘He is too stuck up with his ideas, entirely. I’dlike to give him a dig, and I believe [have found ey how to touch him in a tender spot. Ill get up a flirtation with his wife, and that will be genuine torment to him, for he is as jealous of her, I have heard, as the an oy long.” Dashing Dave rarely broke a promise or his word, it was evident he would work mischief in the home of the McKenzies, He had no respect for per- sons; he was naturally evil at heart, and always ill-at- ease when he was not meddling with the business of other people. Why he was at the head of the Deadwood Regula- tors, working in the defense of justice and civil rights, was a mystery even to himself, for certainly in spirit he was beneath the notice of all decent men. That evening he procured a handsome bouquet of choice flowers, and sent it t» the cottage by a gers | Indian lad, whom he had taken into his employ. O course there came no answer; indeed, the evil schemer expected none—not yet. He ar that it takes time to work miracles; and if he wished to have success he must not hurry mat- ters. He was aware that Anita knew nothing of his being the sender; therefore how was she to recipro- te? On the following morning and eve two more choice floral offerings found their way to the McKen- zie cottage, and the latter one contained a delicately perfumed note, couched in the following manner: “Dear Mrs. McKenzie: Charmed not only with your beauty of face and form, but with your purity, good- ness, and grace, and well-knowing the shameful fals- ity of your husband, I take this mode of forming your valuable acquaintance, trusting you will not deem me bold. “Tf you will grant me a single interview, it will af- ford me the greatest pleasure, and I shall be enabled to prove to you, that in clinging to Justin McKenzie for a husband, you are fostering a base, ungrateful wretch—a hardened ingrate and a polygamist. “ Respectfully yours, : * DASHING DAVE.” The chief of the Regulators had scarcely expected a reply, yet he was highly elated at he ment when his an messenger brought him back the follow- ing, written in a neat feminine hand: ““*To-night, beneath the tree where my brother was hung, at eight. ANITA.” ‘Ha! this ce’ savors of victory,” ejaculated the schemer, triumphantly. “ My dart has entered her heart, and now we see where the fun comes in. Under the tree where her brother was hung. Ugh! what if Deadwood Dick should protrude his haunting visage ffom one of the branches? Bah! I am get rage T'll take coun Pa horns of mountain dew, and hie myself sting-place that I may be in time.” : Ne ee eee eee He accordingly entered the Metropolitan, and drank several glasses of poison at the bar, after which he lit a cigar, looked to his weapons, and quit- ted the saloon ex route for the appointed meeting be- neath the gallows-tree. The night was intensely dark, the face of the hea vens being overcast with skurrying black clouds, through which the moon peeped at long intervals only to disappear again and leave a deeper gloom. A strong current of wind swept fiercely down through Deadwood gulch, making weird music around the eaves and chimneys of the scattered buildings. Not nearly so many people were out, to- night, as commonly thronged the busy streets, and Dashing Dave found the neighborhood of the gal- lows-tree quite deserted. It was rather a lonely lace, especially upon a dark stormy night, as this hreatened to be, for already e few drops of rain had fallen. The nearest habitation was a hundred rods distant, unless it be the cottage before which loomed the tree, and that was untenanted. “ Danged if I admire the location,” growled the Regulator, glancing about him, uneasily, ‘I can- not see what made the fool appoint this place. There’s four men swung under this tree, and their gern binge spirits ought to be sufficient to haunt it. e Oo ” This latter exclamation emanated from a discovery made, as he passed close to the trunk of the tree. i bis a Nase Sane, Saewped rand the tree, evi- ently intende righten passers-by. What else could it be for? 3 ‘*Ha! ha!” chuckled the Regulator, growing bold- er where at first he had been cousiderably fright- ened, ‘Rather a thin Groh, that; but, then, ghosts are naturally supposed to be thin. I wonder who put up this job to scare folks?” Just then there was a step close at hand, and turn- ing quickly Dashing Dave saw a dark figure com- ing up through the gloom, It stopped when within about twenty yards, and remained motionless, and he perceived that it was a man mouuted upon a powerful black horse, Instantly a cold chill of terror attacked the Regu- lator, and he trembled in his moccasins. What did it mean? Was this—Deadwood Dick ? It was a thought truly horrifying to the former executioner of the road-agent, He was loth to be- lieve in pe tm | that tended toward mupeumbicn ; eae what was this weird, motionless thing that made im so quake with an uncontrollable fear? The wind howled a fuera: 4 through the leafy coverts of the gallows-tree; the skurrying clouds parted now and then to let a short bolt of ghostly moonlight descend down athwart the earth. And it dwelt with startling distinctness upon the two motionless figures—the speschices, terrified Reg- ulator, and that thing upon horseback that was the cause of his affright. Was it an Papen The spirit of the lynched outlaw returned to earth? Or was it some member of the notorious band, mounted upon their leader’s horse, and come back to frighten the citizens of Dead-~ wood into the belief that the ghost of Deadwood Dick was abroad? j These were the questions demanding a solution, yet Dashing Dave was not able to furnish it. He stood rooted to the spot, powerless to move, his eyes protruding, his form trembling and teeth chat-: tering as though with ague. “Tis his ghost!” he muttered, whitening the long- er he gazed at the strange apparition. ‘‘It has seen meandis watching me. Curses! why did lever come here alone? What, in God’s name, shall I do?” Nothing answered his question, unless maybe it was the loughing voice of the wind in among the branches of the tree, above. But, hark! there are footsteps approaching—foot- steps soft and stealthy, it seems; then gradually a circle of dark shadowy forms are outlined, through the gloom—draw closer and closer, until the Regu- lator is in the immediate presence of a score of masked men, They are vea/ men, too, for he feels their iron clutch upon his shoulder; he is thrown to the ground and bound hand and foot, Then comes forward that man on the back of the powerful black steed. It is Deadwood Dick—or, is it his spirit? Which- ever, ‘tis the same erect iron frame, clad in jet- colored buck-skin; with black gloves upon the hands and black trappings for the fiery steed. A chill of horror attacks the oseiater and he glares help- lessly at the phantom leader, for, despite his better reason, he is convinced that he is in the presence of the departed spirit of Deadwood Dick. Indeed, how can it otherwise? He was bound and gagged, securely; he was power- less to do or say aught in defense of himself; he could do nothing but watch and wait in an actual fear, that was more tormenting to him than the most acute bodily pain. The “ag oe Jar are grouped around, loo: dark and grim, but they speak not. Neither does the ob- son on horseback. Save the humming of the wind hrough the gallows-tree, all is quiet for a long peri- od; then a blood-curdling burst of laughter from the phantom rings out, and his men start, ready to obey commands, He does not speak—phantoms rarely do—but rais- es one black gauntleted hand and points to the Regu- lator, then lets it fall again to his side, One of the road-agents now produces a small covered iron pail which, when opened, proves to hold a bed of glowing coals. the aid of a pair of tongs, there is taken from the fire a red-hot piece of iron, shaped like a double dagger, and p heavily upon the forehead of Dashing Dave. There is a hissing, sputtering sound, a sickening
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stench of burning flesh; a writhing of the prisoner, accompanied by piteous groans, that only excessive pain could cause; then the burning brand is removed and the man who applied it, speaks: “Thus be it that the first brand toward vengeance is burnt. David Gorgon, you are now in the pres- ence of the living followers of Deadwoood Dick, whom you executed upon this apots An yonder horse is what is left us of our gallant leader, and his death we owe to you. As he swung, so shall you swing, with our curses upon you.” As he finished speaking a rope was produced, and one end of it noosed about the Regulator’s neck. The other end was then tossed up over an overhang- ing limb, and a dozen pairs of hands pulled the doomed Regulator up into the air. We will not dwell upon thescene. Suffice it to say that the death-struggles were terrible to witness, and some of the avengers turned aside their heads to shut out the sight. And when it was all over, and the body hung limp and lifeless, a sheet of paper covered with writing, whose ink was human blood, was pinned to the clothing of the suspended corpse, after which horses were led forward for the road- agents to mount, and in a wild, weird cavalcade they tore madly down through Deadwood’s magic city, their score of voices blending together in a jolly mountain song, that aroused the slumbering echoes —that called forth Deadwood’s wakeful population to gaze in awe, wonder and consternation at the cere spectacle. And high above the chorus of song would occasion- ally ring out an awful, wild, Dios reneSas er of laughter, from a black re on horseback, leading afew yards in advance of the main band, and gazing at it the astonished lookers-on could utter but the one opinion: ee; Deadwood Dick, and his jolly dogs!” It was a scene not new to Deadwood and its popu- lation, who had witnessed the wild dash of the dare- devil road-agents more than once srougs their city; and though attempts had been made for a capture, they had always been made in vain. The body of Dashing Dave wasfound swinging be- neath the fatal galllows-tree, on the following morn- ing, and pinned to his clothing was a paper contain- ing the following words, written with crimson gore; “ NOTICE:—Though life may become extinct from the body, the spirit never dies, and know ye, one and all, that this world has not seen the last of the man who swung beneath this tree, a few nights ago. ‘The following is DEADWOOD DICK’S VOW OF VENGEANCE: “As sure as there is a God in Heaven to witness this oath, will Deadwood Dick cause the death of the ten men who laid hold of the rope that jerked him into eternity. Also, will he end the career of Dash- ing Dave, and of as many more as shall hereafter seek to oppose the Phantom Avenger and _ his faith- ful band. ok out for the sign of the double daggers / Dashing Dave heads the list, and there are ten more to follow him, By request of ““Deapwoop Dick.” That was all, but it was sufficient to set Deadwood wild with excitement. Very few were there, super- stitious or otherwise, who did not believe the oath of vengeance was meant to be executed, and by this weird thing that claimed to be the spirit of the dead road-agent. CHAPTER V. A FRIEND LOST—A FRIEND GAINED. Unper the deadly fire of Black Harper's revolver poor Johnson dropped to the ground without a yell ora an, for the bullet had penetrated the brain and killed him almost instantly. As she saw her »brave protector fall, Leone uttered a cry of pain and indignation; her hand flew to her girdle, and the next moment she had covered the outlaw with her own gleaming weapon. But he did not seem to sense any danger in the action, for he laughed, mockingly. “Blaze away, my Fea !” he taunted, lowering his own weapon, an eae the fired pipes with a loaded one. “I'll bet the dirtiest ; in my collection that you can’t hit me; ides, I’m said to be literally bullet-proof. Go ahead, wi’ your ark, if you imagine them ittle pills in your pop-gun will do me any purtickler harm. Leone, however, did not fire. She was dumbfound- ed at the man’s reckless coolness; there was a lack of power in her forefinger to pat the trigger. She iow trembled for her safety, for how could she ever none to contend with a man of nearly twice her size oud strength? Poor Johnson lay, a stiffening corpse, ~t her feet, and she could not depend upon him for protection; then how was she to defend herself against this man whose intentions could be none but cvil? “Hal! ha!’ he laughed, riding a little nearer, a davilish jubilance in his ing Re the little bird iasitates, eh? She sees 'tain’t no use o’ gettin’ an- ery at nothin’, Iguess. That's the dy do, The tender sex should allus nogutence to ther infinitely » wperior judgment of the sterner creation, an’ then { Pill go slick an’ clean. Thunder! I b’lieve ye’re te purtiest piece of Eve’s Rib that ‘twar ever my fyrtune to behold, and if you don’t become Mrs. ‘lack H r afore another sunset, you can call me us labeled Har an’ thar’s no one ’skin call Black Har- per a liar and live.” “No! Ill never become your wife, wretch!’ cried Leone, in ing fire. “I would rather *t help what you'd rather do, ro’ socks you base antly, her eyes flash- e a thousand deaths!” m. : You hain’t got no choice in this matter. "Just open ve ye an ijee o’ how eee Harper, and, as vor ears and [ll am the Honorable t nig- The Double Daggers. ger remarked, a bit ago, one o’ the wust 0’ cusses, this side o’ Tophet. [command a gang of as jolly chaps as can be found in the Hills, whose only care is to plunder, rob, slit weazands and digest liquid speerits, and am a gentleman noted for unequaled cruelty, hard-heartedness and meanness. A meaner man than I you'll have hard work to findin all the States.” “T believe you, there,” retorted Leone. “Thank ye. 1 consider yer belief a compliment, my blooming bricktop. Now, then, what I want, is a lovely female to adorn my ranch, and I reckon there hain’t a likelier one than you in the hull Black Hills country. So it are naturally devolvent upon ye to fill the desired place, I once had a woman to tend ranch for me, but she got sassy, and her grave ’s i here in the gulch, a bit of a ways.” Leone shuddered at the ruffian’s brutal hint. He er a murderer, then, as well as a thief and an out- aw. What should she do? If she turned to flee he would certainly pursue and overtake her. If she should attempt to shoot him, would it have any ef- fect? He had said he was bullet-proof. Was any man bullet-proof? Alas! with her limited knowledge of men of the bara ag and warfare with such men, Leone could not F But a sudden thought struck her. She could at least shoot down his horse, and risk a foot-race with him. It would be a brutal act to thus kill a helpless dumb beast, but it meant ees te ie to her. To get away from this ruffian, she just then was confident she could shoot down a score of men. With the revolver she was an unerring shot. Since their flight, Johnson had daily instructed her in the use of firearms—poor Johnson, who now lay dead and forever speechless at her feet, Too, she was a swift runner. On the dear old Texas plantation where she had been raised, she had daily practiced with the harum-scarum daughter “ott a neighboring planter, and come off generally the st. “Tam waiting for you to go!” she said, speaking with as much coolness as was possible under the cir- cumstances, her revolver coming to a level with her gaze. “Ishall not wait more than about two sec- onds for you to porenet !”’—using a common bor- der expression by way of giving emphasis, and a business-like tone to her words, But the outlaw only laughed, as he had before. He seemed to take delight in keeping her in suspense —in watching her as the hawk watches its prey as the wary bird hovers nigh. “Blaze away, uy, sweetest ducky!’’ he chuckled, triumphantly. “I’m willing to risk the conse- quences ;’’ and while speaking he drop a thick hide visor over his face. ‘‘ Now, there’s o one place ye can reach, an’ that’s through the eye-holes an’ [ll bet the dirtiest socks in my collection ye can't touch me!” Leone pulled the hammer of her revolver back to full-cock, decisively. “One!” she counted, her tone full of assurance that she meant business. “ Two!" after a slight pause. to save yourself, this is the last chance!”’ But Black Harper made no motion to move. He gazed at the young girl in cool admiration, verging on indifference. “* THREE!” / There was a sharp report, a bright flash in the black night, a shrill scream of pain; then Leone turned and sped down the gloomy canyon with the the swiftness of an arrow. With a dying groan the powerful steed of the out- law pitched forward, head-foremost, hurling its un- suspecting rider heavily against a bowlder, and ren- dering him momentar ly insensible. But not long. Soon was upon his feet, with the blood flowin from a gash in his swar’hy cheek, and comprehend- ane the situation at a g' nce, he uttered a frightful oath, and bounded awzy in hot pursuit, howling vile curses each moment after the cause of his dis- aster. Least of all his expectations had been to be thus outwitted by a young girl, and she, too, com- paratively unskilled in border warfare. Down the canyon several hundred rods in advance, sped Leone, with the fleetness of a frightened hare, exerting every power to keep ahead of her pursuer, who now came leaping fiercely after her. His oaths did not intimidate her, for she had often heard such language before; it was only the fact that she was alone and had no friends to appeal to for protection, that made her fear. On—on—on; the moon now came to her aid, and lighted the pee for her through the rough canyon; the tall half-naked pines on either side upon the lights looked ord eee ghostly rs as reflected in the white moonlight. Save the occasional bark of a mountain wolf, nothing was heard but the loud- ly oe footsteps of the pursuer and pursued. Black Harner, unhorsed, was a man of great bulk, with ponderous limbs, and giant muscles, and in a foot-race was decidedly not in his element. He was a cal enon, tile ae but entirely too bulk to de- pen or locomotion. erefore, in- stead of gaining upon Leone, she gained upon him, almost every step ing her further out of his reach, which of course only added to his chagrin and terri- ble rage. - 7 ray tg She ca a he Felled, pantit and puff- eas on: ne as he continu: e race; ‘hold up, I say, or I'll put a dozen bullets into Leone glanced back over her shoulder, and meas- ured the intervening distance with her eagle eye. Then she sent back a shrill laugh of defiance, for she saw that no bullet could ever reach her until she was “Come! if you wish 5 nearer to the outlaw, and that would probably never be, for he was rapidi losing ground. n—on; just ahead was the gap where the trans- verse canyons were crossed by the larger main one; up this her enemies had gone scarcely an hour be- fore, in search of her and Johnson. She could not go in that direction; either she must follow up the other smaller canyon, or the other part of the main one, which would take her back to Deadwood, over the route she and Johnson had come, Of the two she concluded to take the smaller, pre- ferringgnot to show herself in Deadwood, until she was forced to go there in quest of food. On—on—on—; she darted out of the mouth of the one canyon, across the main gulch, and into the oer which was much narrower, deeper and arker. She did not pause, but sped swiftly on, her breath coming and going in quick gasps, showing that her endurance, though remarkable, was nearly exhaust- How long she would have continued her flight is not for us to say, had not something occurred to check it. Suddenly and without the least warning a fi pee ey from behind a tree, a few yards ahead of her, and blocked her path, not only in a commandi form, but also with a pair of Colt’s Navy sixes, tha Sieomed in the overhanging moonshine like polished silver. Leone uttered a cry of consternation and stopped stock-still. ; “Who are you?" she demanded, trembling, with fear and apprehension, “Just the question I was about to ask; who are you ?” replied a pleasant voice, which sounded some- what feminine, for all the speaker was clad in male attire—a neatly-fitting suit of tanned buck-skin, fring- ed and ornamented with Indian beadwork; leggings and moccasins likewise, and a hat of the jockey or- der perched upon the head. , The form was plump and graceful; the face not really handsome; yet a rough and dissipated career had not altogether “Swept away the lines where beauty lingers,” A great cloud of raven hair swept to a waist of fine proportions; the eyes were black as midnight; the mouth stern and decisive. Leone’s fears subsided somewhat when she glanced over her new foe, and listened to the words uttered. “T asked first; you should answer first!’’ she re- plied, stepping a little nearer that she might better view the stranger. “Right you are. I am a woman, like yourself, oung lady, though my dress would argue different, t is an eccentricity of my own, and it matters not to any one the whys and wherefores. I am called throughout the Black Hills, Calamity Jane, and have very few friends—for the simple reason I don’t want ena But, how is it that you, a girl unused to roughing it, are wandering about, here, alone by yourself?” “That is a secret of my own,” replied Leone, not caring to be too using, with an utter stranger. ‘Enough is it for you to know that I have come here to escape enemies, who have been pursuing me—are, even now, searching for me.” “The deuce, you say!” Calamity Jane thrust her revolvers in her belt, and came nearer, ‘Then you've come to precisely the right gal for protection, my dear. Here’s what’s always on hand to protect the weak and oppressed. From now on you can count Calamity Jane as your right bower in everything.” “Thank you,’’ and Leone gratefully seized the hand of her new-made friend, which was as soft and white as her own. “I will gladly accept of your erigr 4 for Iam all alone, my last friend, except God, having been killed but a few moments ago.” “Yes; I heard a couple of pistol-shots up the branch gulch,” assented Calamity, ‘‘and slid over in this direction to see what was the rumpus, But1 heard you comin’, so I played hide-an’-coop ahind a tree, till you showed yourhand. ReckonI might ’a’ socked it to ye, dolorous, if I had spied out that you were a female, like mysel she “You mean you would have shot me?” “Yes—that’s about the size of it,” \ ‘“And why, pray?” “Because no one don’t goup this gulch an aaae heck, again, except me and my pardner—¢hai’s why [° Leone failed to Nt age the explanation, but she did not say so. Her thoughts reverted to her enemy, Black Harper, and she cast a startled glance behind her, Calamity Jane also glanced feenly att the Gaps a nile Was’ y aks ‘Was any one following you, when Is our flight?’ she demanded, her hand Heating tocit one heroine’s shoulder, her coal-black eyes growing sharper—more penetrating. “Yes,” acknowledged Leone, fearful lest the con- fession should anger the ecgentrie girl, “I w: chased by a rufflan, whom I encountered in trying to elude my otherenemies. He shot down my compan- ion, a colore | man, and we tried a foot-race. AS you see, I came out ahead,” Calamity’s eyes sparkled. “You're a brick!” she vowed, forcibly emphasiz- ing the declaration by giving the narrator a up- on the shoulder. “I can make a man of you, if you give me time. Doubtless your vanquished enemy is even now at the forks of the gulc ndering over which course to take. Did you get his royal nibs?” ‘His what?” asked Leone, am: tl is roval nibs—his handle—that is, I mean, his name ps h! yes. He mei reine sit eu some suspiciously an oath, leaped back, her teeth hard set "= “®
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* The devil!’’ she ejaculated; ‘‘ you don’t mean it!” ** Mean what?” , “That you saw Black Harper?” “Tsaw a man who called himself that,” replied Leone, wondering why the name so aroused her ec- centric friend. ‘Do you know him?” * Dol? well, I reckon!”’ with a wild, strange laugh, unpleasant to hear. “Black Harper has got a name pretty nigh as no- torious as Deadwood Dick had. Poor Dick! he had to soar aloft, just when he was in the acme of his success. They say his spirit is abroad, though; but I don’t believe it. Poor fellow. Yes, I know this Black Harper; guess so, That hain’t his only ‘cog,’ not re long ie Down in Deadwood they call him Chet Diamond, the card king. Can hide three tricks in his sleeve, and not half try. See that black mark what covers his forehead? Well, he got that last fourth of July night, when he was a-cussin’ his God and Maker enough to make your hair raise, up at Elizabeth City. “I'warn’t astormy night, either, for the stars were out an’ the moon shone; but all of a sudden there was a roar of thunder, a fearful glare of lightning, and Diamond went down, head over heels. When they picked him up that black fore- head was first seen, and they considered it a hard slap from God's indelible hand, No pain accompa- nied it, though, they aL “Up in Yankton, Dakota, the sheriff wants Har- er under the name of Bloody Ben, for hoss-steal- n’. In Custer, he’s Jim Murdock, an’ at Cheyenne several of the law-slingers would like to renew his acquaintance as the Bullet-Chawer. Yes, I know him—he’s the fellow who—who— but never mind that; you'll hear about it some other time. Come, let’s strike for camp!’ CHAPTER VI. GOLDEN BAR, So saying, Calamity Jane led the way rapidly up the guich, the grade ascending for about a mile, then descending almost precipitously, when they found themselves in what was more like a deep, nar- row trough in the mountain, half a foot of water everywhere covering the bottom. “We'll have to wade here,’’ Calamity explained, in answer to Leone’s blank look of astonishment. “Don’t be afraid. A little stagnant water won’t hurt you, for you can dry your feet when you get to the Golden Bar.” “Where's that?” “On ahead, about three miles, It’s my camp, and unknown to any one else, save myself and_pardner. You will be the third one initiated into the secret. Can you work?” “Yes, at some things. It depends altogether as to the nature of the labor.” “Correct. I guessI can make you do. If you can wash sand, there’s a snug little fortune awaiting you at Golden Bar.” “But, how about Black Harper? Are you not afraid that he will follow us?” “No! He’d’a’ been along while we were a-stand- in’ back yonder, if he’d ’a’ took this gulch.” They waded through the “trough,” for the dis- tance of perhaps a quarter of a mile; then the can- yon ascended a trifle, turned its course abruptly, and suddenly ended in the face of a giant mountals of gray rock. A round, black hole was the only mode disclosed of furthe progress, it opening into what appeared to be an inter-mountain cavern, “This is the entrance to Golden Bar,”’ announced Calamity, stepping into the forbidding entrance, and motioning her companion to follow. “Don’t be afraid, for there’s nothing here to hurt you, while I'm around.” “Ts ita cave?’ questioned Leone, doubtful about ong led unwittingly into the bowels of the moun- ns. ““Yes—or, rather, an immense subterranean vault. of which only one person, aside from you and I and my pardner, has the least knowledge. Its floors are rich with gold-bearing sands, a bar of which we have worked for the last month with big success. pent of water runs through the cavern, providing us wit: means by which to wash out our wealth. Come, let’s enter. They went in t h the black hole and found themselves in Stygian darkness. Not long, however. Calamity gave four shrill, distinct whistles; then seized Leone by the arm and hurried on, their feet an inch deep into a fine sandy bottom. Pres- ently their hearing was greeted with the savage grove of several dogs, which caused Leone emble in ¢ “They won't hurt you,” Calamity observed, re- ae . “They are chained.” At this instant a flood of dazzling light was poured upon them from a bull’s-eye lantern, held in the hand of a man standing several yards away, his other hand clutching a cocked revolver. : “Tt’s only me, Don,” the young woman cried; then down went the weapon and the man rapidly ad- vanced. : ‘ *“You, Jennie,” he said, Paige in his tone. “Welcome to Golden Bar! Hello! who's this you have with you?” ; “A waif I picked up, back yonder near the Forks. Isn’t she pretty though?’ **Guess so/* echoed the partner, turning the light of the bull’s-eye full Jey ne, and Seenoing r over, admiringly. “‘ as a picture, by Jove. What’s her name, and where did she come from, $0 ue, caer roaming wild, out here in the Black “My name is Leone,” replied she, flushing a trifle under the man’s peranitent bank “T have come all ey ryi ginia the way from Texas, chased by enemies, Thatis all I care to tell at present.” “That is enough,” said Calamity, decisively, ‘So long’s you’re a good square pard, that’s all we care. Allow me to introduce to you Mr. Donald Yates, ! pardner in the Golden Bar mines.” eone acknowledged the introduction with a plain little COURT Mr. Donald Yates was a young man in years, his age probably not exceeding one-and-twenty. Inform he was rather above the average hight, yet muscu- larly developed and well-proportioned. In face he was at once strikingly handsome, the features being perfect and genial, the mouth expressive of humor; the eyes, sharp, of a light-brown color; the straight Indian hair and imperial, of the same hue. His dress consisted of tanned deer-skin trowsers, thrust at the knees into the legs of a pair of high leather boots; a loose velvet blouse and a Spanish sombrero, looped up to one side with a gold arrow- pin. He also wore what is in the Black Hills very rarely encountered—a ‘ boiled” white shirt, in the bosom of which gleamed a cluster diamond-pin! A single pistol was in his belt, but this was a seven- shot, and of elegant finish. Altogether Mr. Yates was a man of prepossessing personal appearance, and one with whom a person would not care to trifle, to judge by his muscles, and the coming and going steely glitter in his penetrating eye—handsome eyes they were, truly. The introduction made, Calamity said: “T have taken in this young lady, pardner, as one of us. She can wash sand as good as you or I, and what she makes let her keep. Do pe say so?” “Of course. There is plenty of gold here for all of us—more than we shall ever live to pan out, I fear. Come! let’s get into camp, for I left some fresh venison roasting, and if it should burn we would be defrauded of our supper.” “Yes,” assented Leone, laughin, merrily, for she now felt somewhat at home. “If there is any pros- pect for a square meal, let’s go on, for I haven’t had a morsel since yesterday morning.” Accordingly young Yates led the way, and they tram on over the level sand-bar that constituted the floor of the mammoth cavern. It was a won- derful place to Leone, with its rent width and length and aerial ceilings, from which hung stalactites of every i inable size, and not unfrequently very grotesque in form. Presently they suddenly rounded a projection in the rocky wall, and found themselves before a bright fire of cones, over which was roasting a savory piece of venison. A a of fragrant coffee was steeping ona bed of coals; near the fire was a rude table set with dishes, and looking quite inviting—especially to Leone. A few stools, a collection of mining implements, and an array of weapons from the rifle down to the knife and cartridge-belt, nung upon the wall. “There! this is the city of Golden Bar,” laughed Colamiity Jane, as she gave the fire a nudge with her foot—a very dainty foot, by the way—and point- ed Leone to a chair, or stool. *‘*Off yonder in the darkness, where you hear the dash of water, is our present place of labor.” It all seemed wild and strange to Leone, yet she secretly liked it. Her young spirit craved for some- thing new and exciting, and now she had it. Donald finished the roasting of the meat, then with a familiar hand arranged the supper. It consisted of the venison, done to a nicety; cof- fee, and hardtack biscuits, and some fresh crackers that had been purchased in Deadwood. Nota very dainty meal to be sure; yet it was substantial, and that was what the appetites of the trio most craved. ‘Were you in Deadwood, to-day, Jennie?’ Yates asked, after having finished a huge slice of meat. ‘“‘T reckon!’’ was the laconic reply. “Thought so. Any new. ?”’ “None scarcely worth mentioning. Oh! yes, there is, too. Deadwood Dick’s fellers has strung up Dashing Dave!” “The deuce, you say!” ““Yes—the Regulators found their blowin’ chief swingin’ beneath the same tree they stretched Dick An’ last night, they say, the through town, an’ there at 1 and Paoid like a loony, k hoss, black rider from, this mornin’. ang made a spurt u eir head, ridin’ for was Deadwood Dick, himself—b and all!” Yates laughed, peor ar ag ‘““What nonsense!” he said, | Sop “Are they trying to make out that it’s his spook, or what?— for certainly it cannot be aught else, as Deadwood Dick was h till there wasn’t a breath of life in him. I'll vouch for that.” **Reckon it’s his speerit, then,” replied Calamity, the firelight playing over her features and revealing rather a grim expression upon them, ‘“ Dick was a cuss, an’ no mistake, an’ ’twere a pity he got sus- pended but the Lord forbid I should ever meet his “Would it scare you?” with a laugh “T reckon. I’m not pantie! to anything of the spiritual order. Once they had a ghost up in Vir- City. Iwasa whee dare-devil of a gal, then, and led a band of fellows down against the old ranch where the animal held out. Hangéd if the cussed thing didn’t take after us, and clear us all out! But, that wasn’t the worst of the matter, though. “{ got a buzzer from a Spencer rifle, just back 0” the ear, and one o’ the band, Sam Alman by name, got tickled to death under the fifth rib, with a mate it. After that you can bet we didn’t trouble his ghostship for a cent.” The fire or yy low as the ae a er it; the surrounding ows seemed to form weamne figures; a hushed silence followed in the Saks of the ended conversation. . Donald Yates sat staring steadfastly into the flames, his elbows resting upon his knees, and hands supporting his chin. e seems to be thinking very intently upon some subject, evidently a pee one, for his eyes occa- sionally light up with warmth and animation. Leone is reviewing her past career up to present date, as she watches the queer formations in the glowing coals, a she can trace and decipher mountains steep and declivitous; narrow, winding valleys; cities that look as if they had been over- turned by the restless roll of an earthquake; forests and cascades—and almost everything conceivable, Calamity Jane is watching her two companions, and studying them with a careful observance that is characteristic of her. In Leone she sees a pure, true, confiding maiden, little versed in the wicked- ness of the world. In Yates, a man of the world beyond his years; a brave, cool, reckless, determined fellow, rarely to be caught napping; always pleasant to friends, and cold toward enemies; stern and unforgiving in his hates —warm and og apitie in hisloves. Of all men, the eccentric girl thought she would choose him; but bah! that old rankling recollection comes back, and makes her almost despise and curse the race of men. “How much did you pan to-day, Don?”’ she asked, breaking the silence, in ordér to dispel her own bitter thoughts. * Yesterday, I panned about five ounces; it is now another day, you will remember!” he replied, glanc- ing at the face of an elegant watch. “If we in- tend to get any sleep, it’s about time we turned in.” To which a general assent was given. The young man rolled himself i in a large Mexi- can blanket and lay down near the fire, while Ca- lamity led the way off into the darkness where more blankets were piled upon a bed of leaves and sand. Here she and Leone sought slumber, of which the latter was very much in need. Humble though the couch, the young wanderer found it a relief to lie down and rest, and ere long she was in asleep, sweet, dreamless and a mee Hours later, a shout from Donald awoke t em, and they found breakfast—though it was in reality noon —already awaiting them, To Leone's surprise she found the cavern now flooded with daylight instead of firelight, a large opening at the northern end of the mammoth apartment furnishing it. At the fur- ther side of the cavern a foaming torrent of water gushed down from a crevice in the rocky ceiling, rushed by through a well-worn channel, and disa) peared through the before-mentioned opening, fall- ing in a silvery sheet into a continuation of the can- yon below, which the mountain had choked up and divided from the part out of which the Texan woman had come a few hours previous.* The light thus entering from the opening was suf- ficient to make objects distinct to the furthest end of the wonderful inter-mountain apartment, The grade of the stream flowing through the floor was down-hill, considerably, and in its channel were dextrously arranged a series of sluice-boxes for washing out gold, which was abundant in the sands that formed the bottom of the Golden Bar—one of the richest discoveries, by the way, anywhere in the vicinity of Deadwood. “Come! come! Your dreams must have been leasant to have kept you sleeping so long!’’ said ates, placing the repast upon the table, while Le one and Calamity made a hasty toilet at the stream. “T did not dream at all,” replied Leone, meat ie) her profusion of brick-red curls. “I was ti enough to sleep all day.”’ ““T don’t often sleep so long,” remarked Calamity, yawning. ‘Did you see to my cayuse* and the d Don?” “Yes, long ago. Why? are you off again to-day? You won’t get much gold mined at this rate.” ‘* Bother the yp Lhave got ten times as much laid by as I shalleveruse. Besides, what am I work- ing for?—who am I hoarding up gold for? I have no one to leave it to when I go up the winding stairs.” **You have relatives in Nevada?” “Ourse them! they'll never get none o’ my tin— bet your pile on ¢hat. When they kicked me out of doors, it was forever. Ugh! I don’t want to talk about it, for I always get te They sat down and partook of the repast in si- lence, the wronged woman looking grim and stern. Donald Yates also looked grave He was, perhaps, more familiar with her history than any one else in all the Black Hills. She had confidentially told him the whole bitter, terrible story of her life, when one day she met him in the mountains; he had pitied her, and as a result she had initiated him into the secret of the Golden Bar, and made him her partner. After the meal was dispatched, the strange wo- man took down her rifle and prepared to quit the cavern. A whistle from her lips brought to her side from a further part of the cavern, a large, iron- framed, ete ace pis a Mexican breed, ac. com y a brace of ferocious-looking dogs, ©: decided bull-dog paternity. You will not be afraid to remain here with Don, Abe you?” she asked of Leone, as she saddled the orse. “T—I—guess not,” faltered her guest, hardly know- ae she was speaking the truth ornot. “‘How long ! bon be gone?” ‘Only a few hours, probably. You can amuse ourself at washing sand. All you get is yours, to eep. Then she mounted and galloped away through the * This description may be readil b familiar with the Sountiy north-west of
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ing through the black hole by which Leone h come into the cavern. After watching her vanish, Leone turned toward where Donald had been staading. But, strangely, he was not there. He too had disappeared! CHAPTER VII. THE ‘‘ SLOP-BUCKET ’’—DOUBLE DAGGERS! AGAIN we return to Deadwood, the chief center = attraction and immigration to the Black Hills acers,. : ’Tis an hour bordering nigh upon midnight. The streets are thronged with people—an intermingling of miners, who have either come in after supplies or to have a big drunk—of “ citizens,” as rough an uncouth-looking as the miners themselves—of ‘* ten- der-foots,”’ or new arrivals of swearing ruffians and desperadoes—of females who have lost all claims to respectability—of a great, indiscriminate mass, com- prising people no doubt honest and upright, and oe criminals of the worst class to be found west of the “ Mississip.” Nor are all out in the streets, under the grand il- lumination of the soaring moon. There are saloons, danee-houses and gaming-hells by the wholesale, and these are crowded to overflowing, and from them emanate hoarse shouts, vile curses, rude las- civious songs, and occasionally yells of pain as some fellow, per aps, gets a ‘“‘thump on ‘the shell o’ phrenology.’’ . Worst among its bad class; combining saloon, card- house, dance-house and — all in one, was a rough, uninviting shanty of huge dimensions, doing a thriving business despite its name— “Tae SLop- Bucket,” The proprietor made a truthful hit, when he first christened his establishment thus, for the drinks he dealt out were nothing more or less than slops; and the name also drew in the roughest classes that could not find enough ‘excitement ” at the Metro- litan and other similar places of its character. he “ Slop-Bucket ” was literally a hot-bed of vice and rankest infamy, and none but the lowest of the low frequented it—even the common “ toughs”’ con- sidering it below their mark. Yet we have chosen to visit the place, to introduce a new scene into our drama, taking care to omit the mention of such features as we would consider objec- tionable for pen to dwell upon. i It is midnight, when we enter—and it is doubtful if at this hour there are a score of people in all Deadwood that are in bed and asleep. Everybody seems up and aay and fully as wide awake as in the daytime. In this delectable magic city of the Black Hills, sleep, for the most part, is obtained from three to five A. M., and five to half-past seven P. M. For the predominating class a very meager al- lowance of poor whisky seems to answer all demands for rest, unless occasionally time is taken to store away a limited meal. In the ‘‘ Slop-Bucket,”’ all is “‘ red-hot *’ as we enter its grimy portals. It is the same old story, only conducted in a rough- er, more obscene manner;—dancing here, drinking there; gambling in this place, figh in that; sing- ing, swearing and blaspheming, most revolting and horrible to hear. A tumbledown stage in one corner, before which an orchestra of a banjo and fiddle makes terrible at- tempts to produce music, contains ‘he attraction of the evening, as the posters on every side—Pioneer print—announce, in the person of “Silver Sal;” ‘The Bossest of all Boss Gals!” We have no power to give her a correct descrip- tion; nor would we soil these pages even with the attempt. Let us simply call her a fat, coarse young woman, dissipated and ribald, and let the matter drop. The vicious songs are ted with wildest enthusiasm by the brutal audience, and no sooner do they cease than a dozen i of beer are - ed to the s over the footlights, out of which the songstress selects one to drink, and kicks the others far out among the crowd, an act, by the way, that is received with loud shouts of oa a Seated at a table in one of the quietest corners of the saloon, and watching the scene with an expres- sion of disgust depicted upon his handsome features, was a@ yo man of about twenty years, who seemed out of place in the God-forsaken audience. He sat alone by his table, minding his own business; yet this did not prevent his becoming the center of many curious glances, and some broad hints ques- tioning his right there, were thrown out, loud enough to reach his hea’ But, this did not seem to dis- concert him in the least. He was quite cool, and re- pag of danger, if danger was to be inferred rom the glances leveled at him, and did not give the ne rude remarks the slightest attention, appar- ently. i mat respects he was a remarkable young man. Remarkably handsome in face and feature was he; his hair was of a chestnut hue, and. worn long down over his shoulders; his eyes were brown, yet with power to gleam dangerously, at times; his mouth stern and overshadowed by a youthful mus- tache. In form, he was s ht and well-cast, his limbs like bars of iron in their hardness; his shoul- ders Brow and powerful; his bearing upright, and a trifle ha i ; Most ia ular of all, however, was his costume, which would have attracted special notice in any crowd. The breeches were Of buffalo-skin, with the fur left outward; the moccasins small and neatly embroidered in fantastic shapes; a velvet vest, and a pg ie coat, like the breeches, = ne the oul ess it be the beaver cap upon - Aouad the waist wel belted a horn-handled knife —an eighteen “incher,” by the way—and a pair of The Double Daggers. gold-mounted revolvers, which looked as if they had seen a good deal of service, though they were as yet nearly as good as new. A lasso slung to the back, and an Evans repeating rifle leaning against the ta- ble, bespoke the fact that the young stranger was no miner, but fresh from the hunting-grounds of the far North-west. “That’s Buffalo Ben—heerd of him, ‘ain't ye?” one of the crowd, a burly Montanian, asked, scowl- ing at the object of his remark. ‘‘ He’s some on the a they say, an’ ar’ down from nigh t’ the British 16. ” ‘* What the devil do he want hyar?’”’ responded the individual addressed. ‘‘We don’t want no British- ers in ¢his consarn, not if ole Minnesota Mike ar’ dreamin’ correct. I say, young feller, w’at d’ye surspect ye're doin’ ’round hyar, anyhow?” “It appears to me that I'm mindin’ my own busi- ness,’ replied Buffalo Ben, quietly, ‘‘and I beg to mention that it would be advisable for you and your erowd to follow suit. I don’t wish to pick a quarrel with you, but you've got to mind your own business —that’s all!” And the tone of the young man was decidedly positive, “Ts that al?’ sneered the Minnesotian, mocking- ly, as he strode nearer. ‘“ Young feller, do you know what I can do? Why, I can just chaw your ear off in one secont by the watch, roast me if I can’t.’ “T haven't the least doubt about it,’’ retorted Ben, coolly, eying his giant insulter, indifferently. ‘‘ I’ve met wild beasts in my time that could chaw down a man without winking. It must be that you belong to that ferocious order!”’ f The rough uttered a curse, and a snarl like an en- raged bull. nd a general laugh went up from the nearest by- standers who had overheard the conversation. ‘You had better move on,” added Buffalo Ben drawing one of his polished revolvers, cocked an ready for instant usé. ‘‘I don’t feel in a talkative to-night; but if you'll come around some oth- er time, we'll converse. If there isneed for any fur- ther words, on — art, this evening, I'll let this speak for me!” and he indicated what he meant by a nod at the grim six-shooter. The Minnesotian glared at his cool adversary .in rage and astonishment. He had little expected to see such an exhibition of “ nerve,’’ from one who appeared to be simply a youth. He was one of the Deadwood Regulators, as was his companion, the Montanian, and had been a domineering, bullying fellow from boyhood up. But very rarely had he, in all his eventful experience, encountered any one who dared to brave him as the young frontiersman had done. “You'd better leave him be, Mike!’’ argued the Montanian, endeavoring to ull the offended giant away. ‘Come! let’s go an’ imbibe!” Me right,’ accepted the Minnesotian, with alac- rity. “Inever refuse pizen, Deer-Foot; but arter’ds won't I lay out that young whelp? J reckon /” And he shook his huge fist at Buffalo Ben, threaten- ingly, a8 he waltzed off toward the bar for the ‘*Now’s just your chance to peel out, younker,” advised one of the crowd, earnestly, ‘‘ afore Minne- sota Mike gets back, for he’s the distilled essence o’ eg when he gits eight fingers o’ corn-juice down m. , “Is that so?’ coolly asked the borderer, twisting up a cigarette, and lighting it with the utmost non- chalance. “I don’t care if he is, or what he is. I reckon I’m too tired to run for such a looking brute as he, if I know myself.” “ And‘ain’t ye afraid that rs it hurt?” “Not the least. Reckon I'll look out for number one, every time.”’ “Waal; just wait till Mike gits at ye, an’ I opine ye'll sing a different tune,” was the unheeded warn- ing. Winuesdia Mike did not come back very soon. He mene y found too much attraction around the bar, where the proprietor of the “‘ Slop-Bucket ’’ dealt out en tar the worst decoctions to mits of the magic city. Buffalo Ben sat quietly at his table, watching all that was going on about him. pom nine did his eyes linger upon the repulsive so ress, shiver Sal, and a a dark frown stole over his features while his se ten shut hard together, as he continued to gaze at er. First she was on the stage, sin her shameful songs; then she was mingling with the ruffian audi- ence, drinking with whoever offered to stand treat, and swearing in @ manner awful to hear, at little or no provocation. Several times she passed near to where Buffalo Ben sat, and the young man half rose to his feet his lips parted, as if about to speak; but she pushe on without noticing him, and he resumed his seat, his face wing dark with anger. “The ill-fates take her!” he muttered, fiercely. “Will I never get an opportunity to speak to the brazen wretch? My God! it makes my blood run cold when I see what a low, shameless thing she is, and realize that Belle is in her power! Curse her! ne To I get a chance, I'l) make life seem dear er.”” But if Silver Sal knew of his presence among the audience she fought shy of him, for her attention was mostly geven another part of the crowd. After waiting and beatin upward of an hour longer, Buffalo Ben left seat, and slinging his rifle on his back, sauntered toward the door, in- tending to seek the street for a little fresh air, the at- mosphere in the “Slop-Bucket” being rank and heavy with tobacco-smoke, the odor of very bad whisky, and the vitiated breath of that bad crowd. But his action was immediately noticed by Minne- sota Mike, who was approaching at this juncture, 6 found within the 7 and he instantly blockaded the way with_his burly form—Deer-Foot, his pard, close behind. Both were in liquor, the Montanian, ng, oowee being in more of a fighting mood than he h reviously been, began the Minnesotian, 1 “See hyar, young feller!”’ a greenis are coming into his eyes, “we've got a small ham-bone ter pick wi’ you, afore ye git out o’ our glorious palace—just the wee bittest leetle bone ye ever dreamed of in yer hull life. Awhile ago you called me a dirty, knock-kneed, cross-eyed son-of-a- gun—now, didn’t ye?—and my pard, hayr, a wam- mel-chopped, lantern-jawed hoss-thief, didn’t ye?’ “Not that I remember of!’ replied Ben, allowing his hand to rest upon the butt of a pistol in his belt. **T rarely call a person undeserved names." “Ye don’t, hey? Ye didn't call us sons-of-guts, an’ ne now, did ye, you contemptible little cuss?”’ “T called you nothing of the kind,so get out of my path, or Pll do something worse than call names!”’ was the stern answer, for the young man’s blood was rising, and when angr he brooked no trifling. “Come! move aside, or i make two corpses here within the next two minutes.” ‘* Will ye, though?” roared the giant, and the next instant he and the Montanian sprung forward, each clutching a long, gleaming knife in hand. But before they could strike a blow, or even before Buffalo Ben could draw his weapon, there were two sharp reports, and just as a half-score of masked men sprung in through the open casements, the two would-be-fighters tumbled to the floor, without a groan. Then, high above the din and confusion, rung the ery: % Clean out the den! Douwble-daggers and vengeance for Deadwood Dick!”’ Yells of horror, rage and consternation arose from the lips of the swrprised ruffian audience; curses mingled with pistol-shots; the clashing and ringing of steel, and dying groans, were the ruling sounds of that awful moment, Bang! bang! bang! went the death-speaki re- volvers of the avenging road-agents, each report rol- lowed by a vivid flash of flame and a yell of pain. Bang! bang! spoke the weapons of the ruffians in re- turn; and on waged the deadly conflict, unceasingly. But it soon appeared that the attacked party were getting the worst of it. Already a score of their men were stretched out, while every road-agent still retained his feet, though some were hard hie “Douse the glim! out with the light!” yelled the alarmed proprietor ‘of the “ Slop-Bucket.”” And in a twinkling, the whole estab ent was in ad darkness. Of course firing now ceased, for frien could not be told from enemies. Blindly the crowd mingled together, every person on the alert; all expecting to be the recipient of a blow which would renew the battle. After some de- lay the killed and wounded were dragged to one side, so as not to be trampled on; then, some one more daring than the rest ventured to light a lamp. In an instant each man scanned: his neighbor, ex- pecting to find himself contiguous to an enemy, But lo! and behold, the road-agents had taken ad- vantage of the darkness to make their escape, It was no use to follow them, Once more the “ Slop-Bucket ” puts forth her lights, and then all rush forward to count the victims of the affray. : But ha! what is this they see staring them in the ace There are a score of dead and dying, and upon the forehead of each, slashed deep, vite keour lenife is that terrible emblem of Deadwood Dick’s avow vengeance—a bloody double dagger / CHAPTER VIII. A WOLF IN THE FOLD. LEONE was Peerage alarmed, when she found that Yates was not in sight. Where had he gone? What was his motive? Had she, after all, been entrapped into this place for some foul purpose? She grew pale and tremblin these questions; then, nerv hasty search, Suddenly, behind a huge bowlder that had some- time become dislodged from the cotta 900 now la upon the sandy floor, she came upon the young mi- ner, crouching out of her sight, and laughing quietly to himself. **Come! this is not kind of you!’’ she cried, a tri- fle indignant, ‘getting me alarmed and excited, be- cause I thought I was left alone in this horrible den, noe did you hide away?” “Just to see what you would say or do,” he re- plied, doughing heartily at her sulks, as he left his re- treat. ' “Don’t get mad, now; ‘twas only in fun,” “Well, don’t do it again, will you?” “No; I promise you. Now, come and I'll initiate you into the mysteries of gold-mining, so that you'll be able to earn your three dollars a day, and not half try.” And in this respect he was as good as his word. He taught her how to separate the fine golden parti- An from the coarser sands by the aid: of the sluice- XeS, And ere long she was able to do as good execution in her work as he. The sand was not hard to get, being loosely packed over the bottom, and _ it too only a few panfuls to prove that it abounded richly sani gold—and gold, too, that was of a superior y: Leone took to mining with a zeal and earnestness that showed she was not afraid to work; and Don- ee Mh a watched her, secretly, tion m eyes. Cust a beauty. is she!” he mused, leaning on his spade, occasio: , to gaze on the handsome face, as she asked herself herself and began a
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4 ' 4 q q Mn ! eee comes and form, busily engaged at the “cradle.” “I'd give the world to such a prize to keep me company roa life. But I doubt if she could be won by suchachap asI. She has a pretty exalted opinion of herself, and mayhap, another lover.” . There was where the miner madea mistake. There was nothing proud or vain about Leone; she was quiet, unobtrusive and sociable. She considered every respectable person as good as herself, and en- vied nobody their good-looks or worldly riches. She rather admired Yates; she thought she saw in him a man who would make a kind, loving husband: be true and kind, and a faithful partner through life. But, then, she had never seriously given marriage the least consideration; hitherto, her time had most- ly been devoted to her studies, until circumstances caused her flight from the land of her childhood. “Where di zea come from, before you came to the Black Hills?’ she asked, working away industri- ous that he might not see that she was interested m, ‘From Cheyenne, direct to Deadwood. I was born and reared near Harlem, New York, but since I was fourteen years of age, have been roughing it in near- ly every portion of the West.” “Were you everin Texas?—dear old Tex; the land T love above all others?” “No, Inever got quite so far South, though once I was within fifty miles of the border line. I have hunted in the wilds of Montana, and even into Wash- ington Territory, where the foot of white man sel- dom treads; played cards by the season in Salt Lake City, with Mormon sherpa and billiards and roulette in San Francisco; have illed Indians here in Dako- ta, and trapped beaver and otter about the head-wa- ters of the Yellowstone.”’ “Indeed! Yours seems to have been an eventful experience. Were you ever captured by the In- “Yes, on several occasions. But the Fates always braew J it that I should speedily escape from their clutches.”’ Thus ne worked and conversed, and ere long light ceased to come in through the natural window, and the miner announced that it was night. ‘* We'll eat Papper. now,”’ he said, ‘‘and then count up our pile. esterday | realized more pure gold n ever before, but shall fall short, to-day, be- cause I spent too much time in watchi ou.” ‘“Which was your own fault, I did not tell you to stare at me all the time,”’ flashed back Leone, “T know, my dear lady, but I couldn’t help it, You are so charmin, gene beautiful—” ‘*Ugh! don’t!”’ he girl shrugged her pretty shoulders, and made a wry face. ‘“‘I’d rather take medicine, any day, than flattered. And, don’t call me your dear lady, again, if you please, because I'm aothing of the kind.” “Ain’t you? Well, you must excuse my famili- arity,’’ and the miner turned phevpey and stalked away toward the camp-fire, which he had_ kindled some time before. Leone ranafter him, and caught him by the arm. “You will not be angry with me?’’ she questioned. “Certainly not!’ he replied, looking down at her, half-gloom: y; “but you wouldn't give me a chance to— “To be familiar on short acquaintance—is that it?” she demanded, ro; aie uit Bote aee perhaps that’s it,’’ he confessed, hesi- y. Oe well, we'll come to be very good friends, in time, I dare say; only don’t presume to call me your dear,’’ she rejoined with evident earnestness; then she added: ‘ wait and see what happens. be some one else will come along whom you will like better than myself. Don’t you think that a wise estion?”’ o. Iam positive, in regard to my present pre- delictions, -headed girls of your style, don’t grow on every bush in the Black Hills, - ¢t they? Well—you needn’t be poking fun at my bricky hair, I’m sure. If you keep far enough away from if, it won't burn you. me! Come! enough of this nonsense. Let us have some supper and, then, as you said, count our gold—the fruits of half a day’s labor. I s’pose I’ve made my fortune, iy. ‘““No doubt of it,” replied Ya ly, as he stirred up the fire. He was not in the umor, on ac- count of this evident repulse by his fair companion. He had scarcely anticipated such a rebuff; but it learned him a lesson to be less presum in the fu- ture. Be it said to his credit, it was his first attempt at love advances—the first time in his eventful life, a he had ever felt any tender feeling for the oppo- sex. The supper was soon prepared, out of venison, coffee daa: fraske and aes tched insilence. Yates was not in a talkative mood, and Leone did not urge him into conversation. When they were through eating and the table was cleared away, Donald pro- duced a pair of tiny scales, and poured his dainty pile of shining dust into the receiving pan to be weighed. ‘“Only three ounces!’ he announ adj the w hts; “but it is finer gold than usual,”’ e next brought forth from a niche in the wall a large leathern-pouch, half-filled with something that Leone at once concluded was Into this he Paes the gold he had just weighed; then held it all umphant after adjust- minute—but I’d rather have the gold, the pure stuff that gleams so richly when you look at it. Girl, I could go to Deadwood and gamble that all away in one night; I did do it, once in F’risco. I en a@ gambling-hell at seven o’clock, one even- Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. ing, with six thousand dollars in pocket—the result ofa year’s hard toilin the Timbuctoo mines—and came out, seven hours later, cleaned of every ounce and beastly drunk in the bargain. That’s life and business for you!”’ “You were a big fool—that’s all I’ve got to say!’’ declared Leone, “and served just right.’ ‘* Yes, I know; that’s what all my ne friends told me. But ‘twasn’t won fair, bet your dust on that, and the rascal what won it got laid out, within the next two weeks.” ** Did you kill him?’ “No; certainly not. No white man’s blood has ever yet dyed my hands, though I’ve sent many a -skin humming across the equator of eternity. The feller got suspended by a band of Vigilantes. Give me your pile, and I'll weigh it.” According] Leoue’s gold was poured into the pan, in a little yellow heap, and the weights adjusted. “Five ounces, by hokey!” cried Donald, in sur- prise, ‘“‘and that in half aday, too! Why, that is extraordinary, and if you continue in that vein all the while, you’ll soon have your fortune made.” ‘“* Five ounces; isn’t that grand?’ cried Leone, in delight. “I had the stuff. What shall I do with it?” “Thave another pouch here that is empty; and see! here’s Calamity’s. It don’t weigh as much as no idea there was half an ounce of | mine by several ounces. She don’tstick close enough to business to make business profitable, She is rich, though.” “Rich?—who, Calamity Jane?” “Yes. She’s got a good bit of money invested in landed property in Deadwood, and owns three silver- locates up in the Bear i mountain region. Be- side all this, she has ten thousand dollars worth o’ greenbacks on her person, all the time, and I heard when I was in Deadwood, last, that she had bought out the Metropolitan saloon, root and branch.” A man, who, unbeknown to either of our friends, was lurking among the black shadows of the cavern, just within hearing, pricked up his ears at the gra- tuitous information so unwittingly given by the mi- ner. “The devil!’ he ejaculated, under his breath. ‘‘So this Calamity Jane carries her tin about her harness, eh? Curse the luck; I wish I'd ’a’ known it, this af- ternoon, for I’d bin apt to’a’ stopped her, when I see’d her pass on her buckin’ cayuse. Never mind, though, I'll remember w’at I’ve heard, an’ keep an eye out for her in the future. My present business is in this place, an’ wi’ these secret miners. Hang me if it ain’t as purty a posish as ever I see’d. ri get the gal, put the ry out o’ the way, an’ when alamity comes back, I ll latch onto her.” This man, with his black forehead and wonderful long, piratical mustache, was none other than Black arper. He had seen Leone and Calamity Jane in the trans- verse canyon, had secretly followed them until they entered the remarkable mountain cavity; then he secreted himself in the ne hborhood to watch. Patience was one of his personal characteristics, and as a result, he waited till he saw Calamity come forth on her horse, and ride away. He then had stealthily entered the cave, expecting, of course, that Leone had been left alone. But he was astonished to find her under charge of an able protector, and that the cave was in mops & a rich old field— ae the most valuable in all the Black i country, f course he could have nae young Yates at a shot, and taken Leone captive; but, ke a mye na on preferred to wait until they pn then surp them, and make matters er. Perhaps if Donald Yates had scented the presence of this lurking wolf in the fold, he would not have been so free in displa: his gold. “Do you think Ca ty Jane will come back to- night?’ Leone asked, securing her pouch of precious stuff to her belt. “That's hard telling,” replied Donald, as he threw himself upon a blanket in front of the fire, and filled and lighted his meerschaum. ‘‘She may, and she may AP a as it happens. If she gets very much interested in cards and any luck, you may not see her in a week.” “Then I don’t want to stay here!’’ “Why not, pray? No one will harm you.” **T’m not so sure about that. How do I know but you are one of the worst villains in existence; and she may be a party to F dae plot to ruinme? You will remember Il am a stranger in the Black Hi and know nothing of you or your antecedents.” “True; but you need not fear. When you find Donald Yates less than a Gonieman, you may be- lieve yourself in danger. Until then please have faith in me, and py ability to protect you.” The ruddy firelight viene over his feat made him look handsomer than ever, stretched as he was at full length, thereby displaying his manly figure to full advantage. “You might let me love and cherish you,” he re- sumed, after a short silence, his tone coaxing—per- suasive. ‘“As-man and wife, we could buy off Ca- lamity’s claim, and here at Golden Bar we could om the rest of our bt security and happiness. cavern could be fitted into an din’s palace, and we would be separated from the world—content and blessed in each other’s love.” “Tf you were anartist, Mr. Yates, and could trans- fer that verbal picture to canvas, you would no doubt uire an enviable reputation, and make might your fortune,” said Leone,la menryy “There! don’t get mad, now; I was onfy joking. t did you mean what you said?’ “Of course I I Say an I don’t mean,”’ he replied, again half-say ecause he was fool enough to let her trifle with his feelings. “Then, don’t say what you mean on that subject agate wa I have told you, as I thought, very plainly tha I didn’t want you to get in love with me; neither do I want to fall in love with you; but I shall if you don’t hush;—so keep still about it.” “That is just what I want—to have you learn to love me!”’ he cried, raising himself to a sitting pos- ture, and endeavoring to take her hand, his face flushed and eyes glistening. But she quickly rose and got out of his reach. “Do go away, Mr. Yates, and let me alone, or I shall scream for help!’’ she cried, her eyes snapping in their earnestness. ‘‘That would make no difference, were I ungentle- manly enough to persist, as there is no one within miles of this cavern, in all probability,” he said, throwing himself upon the blanket once more. ‘Be seated; I will not be so audacious, again.” And he kept his word. Nothing more was said on the subject—in fact, little or nothing was said during the remainder of the oma, Y the miner appearing bi me up in his own thoughts. en ten o’clock came, and Calamity Jane had not returned, he said: ‘“You can retire now, if you wish, as Calamity will probably not be in, to-night. I will smoke an- other pipe, take a turn about the premises, and then take a nap myself.” Leone accordingly sought the couch on which she had lain the previous night, and soon she was fast at the labor of mining having greatly fatigued er. It must have been song past midnight, when she was startled from her slumber by an intuition of danger, or something, she knew not what, until she gave a terrified glance, and then uttered one pier- cing shriek of horror as she beheld a human face— the face of a man, with black forehead, gleaming eyes and a long grizzly mustache, reach- ng behind huge ears—bending close to hers, his breath, scented with tobacco and bad whisky fanning her cheek! She recognized the face in a single instant as that of the outlaw and ruffian, Black Harper! CHAPTER IX. DEADWOOD DICK AGAIN—PLAYING FOR STAKES, Between midnight and morning of that same night of the road-agents’ raid upon the “ Slop-Bucket,”’ in Deadwood, the whole band made a grand dash wild ly up through the main street, and disappeared in the darkness, leavin bind them their echoing songs and shouts of laughter. And boldly in the lead, black, grim and terrible, rode that ant populace. Notices offering an immense reward for the cap- ture of the desperate outlaw gang, dead or alive, were ted up in conspicuous places on all the ap- proaches to the town; and the Regulator band whose number had been diminished by the loss of a leader and ten men, was pecagarnses and enlarged toa well- armed company of fifty. For a commander was chosen a big brawny Mis- sourian, with indomitable courage and immense muscle. His name was Uriah Denby, and he had fought Indians and outlaws since he was a boy of fourteen, without a serious wound. Now he was forty-five. By his direction ten of the band were sent out in- to the surroun mountains and gorges, well-arm- od “ad rovielens and ordered to keep a sharp ook-out for road-agents. And when evening once more settled over the me: tropolis, the peonle therevf felt a better sense of se- curity than ey had, earlier in the day. But this feeling was dissipated, when the Cheyenne shone Suxvent and a dozen badly scared passengers to ry. The + had been stopped not ten miles below Deadw in a lonely spot, by the so-called Phan- tom Road-Agent and his full band, numbering in all about thirty masked men, and the ngers had been rob! of their watches, money, jewelry and fire- ating in worth to about a thousand dollars. es, Bond & Moxey, the Deadwood brok- ere, ad five thousand dollars the daring g as he sat smo The cnvelope was directed in a ragged, scrawling
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hand, and clearly was not the manly chirography of Deadwood Dick Inclosed was a bik Gieet: of aper. a othe devil!’ exclaimed Denby, as he made the discovery, ‘this is a sell. There is no writing in the letter.” the sheet around among the assem- And he blage for inspection. ‘“Ha! thar is writin’, though!’ ejaculated one old fellow, handing it back to enby. ‘ mn ttm and hold ther critter atwixt your gaze and the light.” A lamp was pean tien, Foor aaa and, putting on his spectacles, the big chief held the mysterious mis- sive between his gaze and the lamp-light. True enough, a few faint, shadowy lines now be- came visible, and the writing was not unlike Dead- wood Dick's. “Come! what’s it say?’ demanded the anxious throng. ‘ Read out loud.” “Humph!” said Denby, looking a trifle grim, “this is what it says: “Mr. Urntan Densy, Esq. Py unanimous vote, you have been chosen leader of the so-styled Dead- wood Regulators, You may be an honest man and a ti good fellow, but you have, in your old age, mistaken your vocation, I do not wish to e you, nor those under you. Deadwood Dick’s vow of vengeance has been fulfilled, in the death of the ten Regulators at the ‘Slop-Bucket.’ But, if you move against my men, it extends to you. Therefore, I warn you in time, Myself you cannot harm; all ou could do, would be to go to my lonely grave in he depth of the Black Hills, and seek to re-kill my decaying body. My spirit has a long lease of liber- ty. Itis with = every day, and knows all your in- tentions. AgainI advise you to remain ve, and not turn my avengers against tates Adieu, These lines traced by the spirit hand o ‘“Dgapwoop Dick.” ‘“ Well, by thunder!’ was the general commen when, after a long silence, the assemblage foun their tongues. ‘That’s the essence of cheekiness, if ever thar was any. What d'ye think, Denby?” “*T don’t know what to think, boys!” replied the new chief, candidly. ‘But you have your opinion. D’ye think there's any spirit about this business?” “Yes, I should say there was considerable spirit manifested in this ‘Slop-Bucket’ affair. As to the immortality of this accursed scamp, I am unable to render any decision. Inever believed in any ghostly nonsense before; but you all affirm that this same poe sv Dick was not long ago hung, till he was at pres- eut, t eadwood Dick's ering We And thus it was settled in the minds of the people of Deadwood’s pos city. A few strong-minded ones *‘ Bah-ed!”’ an ked fun at the preposterous idea, as they termed it; but most of the citizens and “floaters ’’ were nervous and alarmed at such a state of affairs, Several notorious women on the follow- ing morning even took the back stage for Cheyenne, so terrified were they lest the Phantom Road-Agent should visit them—for it wats known they had won much money, since their arrival, at the gaming-ta- ble. “Will you move =e the agents?” asked the senior partner of the Ida Gray mine, whose moneyed influence in the Black was second to none. ‘Certainly!’ decided Denby, without a moment's consideration. “I am not seared bad at this so- called warning, and shal] go on just the same as though I had not received it. By the way, — - sengers who were robbed, how did this Phantom Rider appear, when you saw him?” “ Silent and grim as a balky near-wheeler!” volun- teered Jehu, coming up at this juncture. ‘He just sot onter his hoss as if glued thar, an’ never spoke a word, When he’d any d’rections to give, he just jateg ne oa paw, and the men they got /—bet your pile on . ‘An’ w’en they’d got thr’u, he heaved that letter ter one of the gang, who fetched it to me, an’ told me ter d’liver et to Uriaher Denby, w’ich I did.” “Tsee no way to move just yet,” said the new Regulator chief, in answer to a question of a promi- nent speculator.. “The way the matter stands, I don’t know the place to strike at. The gang are here one minute, and there the next;—in fact the are as uncertain as a swarm of lively fleas, for until you ketch ’em, you haven't got ’em.” So matters rested, and the crowd dispersed, all conversing on the all-absorbing tops of the day—the deeds and doings of Deadw Dick. The “ Metropolitan” gaming-parlor, though with- out separation from the bar @ dancing of the big apartment, was yet distinct from them, only a class see gaming amusement being allowed wu on the rich carpet beyond the boundary. The rough- er set gene hovered near the bar and dancers, so that the aamblage at the gaming-tables was less savage and d Wonnen as well as men played for stakes—in fact, some of our ae in Deadwood are of the tender sex, though some of them are rather more “tough” than tender. The Double Daggers. One woman to be found here, night and day, and a very paying card to the management, was the ““Vailed Queen,’’ as everybody called her, from the fact that her face was ever vailed. She played a good square game, and was regarded as the richest card player in Deadwood—perhaps, in the world. The receiving clerk of We Is Fargo & Co., declared that within the six months of her stay in the Black Hills, they had transmitted for her to different banks throughout the West, moneys to the amount of nearly a million; besides, Bond & Moxey held a large sum in keeping for her. er name, people said, was Ida Burton, but she was more generally known as the “ Vailed Queen.” In form she was remarkably neat and trim, and her dress was always of the richest material, she rarely ever appearing in the same suit more than twice or three times, Jewels of wonderful magnitude and value, were worn upon her gloved hands, her face was always hidden behind that thick green vail; her hair was great in So reaching far below the waist in a shimmering cloud, : On this evening of which We have been writing, the Vailed Queen sat at her table, which was not sur- rounded as usual with a throng of lookers-on, Only one man was playing with her. Neverthe- less the game was an exciting one, for the hitherto successful queen was losing heavily. Almost every known game of cards had been played; still the man went on winning, as coolly as if he was not working his best to win, He was a little bewhiskered gamester from the silver mines of Idaho, named Lotus, and was reputed in that section never to have lost a game. “The bank’s broke!” said the queen, at last, throw- ing down the cards. ‘I'll not play another game with you, for you've won a thousand dollars, al- ee and that’s quite enough.” Without a word the gambler ralzed in his stakes, and “‘ pulled out,’ leaving the card queen to herself, for the ir my part of the building was nearly de- serted, owing to the recent arrival of the stage with its crowd of robbed ngers: As she sat there her gaze—for she was enabled to look through the vail—wandered carelessly over the crowd; then suddenly she started violently, and ut- tered an inaudible exclamation, as she beheld two men approaching her, They were the two men whom we first saw in pur- suit of Leone—Jasper Leslie and Curtis Sydnor. They had come into Deadwood but an hour since. from an unsuccessful hunt in the mountains, and were not in the best of humor, as may be surmised, “Tt’s devilish queer what has become of the cursed girl!” Leslie was Wling, looking horribly haggard and gaunt, from his long jaunt. ‘I will break every bone in her body, if I once get her again.” “That will not help the matter, at all!’ replied Sydnor, sneeringly. ‘“ You rye me the girl for my wife, within three months, if I would not fore- close the mortgage on that ranch of yours, and the time’s been up for two months. To-morrow I shall take the first stage for Cheyenne, on my way back to Texas. If ever you show your face in or about Austin in the future, I will have you arrested and lynched as a wife-murderer /” ‘Bah! I do not believe Celeste is dead. I have always had an idea she swam to shore, that terri- Lae ght on the Missouri, Anyhow, you could prove nothing.” “Couldn't I? UT could swear I saw you pitch her overboard from the upper deck of -the steamboat; Ican also testify that you abused her two children, until you forced them to flee from under your roof; that you mortgaged ‘their property to me, and even tried to assassinate the boy, these circumstan mentioned in a Texas court of justice, could not fai to insure you a halter, and a grave—three feet under the ground. How do you like the picture, Jasper “Tt isn’t an attractive one,” growled the elder; ‘still, l_ am not afraid of you. Hello! here is the Vailed Queen, we heard about. Tl tell you what I'll do, Sydnor. I'll play you a game of cards for the ranch at Austin. If you win, ff is yours; if I win itis mine. Will you do it?” “Certainly not. The property belongs to me, ~— fully, now, and I'd be a fool to gamble it away. e wil however, try this sharper a hand for a hundred a side, gust to pass away time. Will you play, am?” ‘* With pleasure, sirs,” replied the queen, bringing out a fres. k of cards trom a drawer under the table. ‘“‘ What shall it be?” “ Old sledge,” replied Leslie. ‘‘I’m better on that than on other games.” “Very well;—sledge it is, then. Plank ’em!” and the mysterious woman laid a crisp hundred dollar bill down for them to cover. Both Sydnor and Leslie followed suit, and then the game began. As it pro Leslie kept his eyes riveted upon the face of the Vailed Gamester, as if he was half-suspicious of her. But why? - The game was played through and resulted in her avor. “Curse you!” cried Sydnor, losing his temper as well as his money, “* saoniaek cannot be lasting. I'll stake a thousand against you.” “And I, too!” growled miserly Leslie, hoping to ret vony well, Th lied th “Very well. € more the merrier!’’ re ) gambler, with astrange laugh. ‘“‘Ican scout ‘ate you, with ten thousand, if would be satisfacto- “No; I do not care to risk .> much. I will, how- ever, make it five thousand, if 7.u say 80.” “All right; I’m suited.” A fifteen tho d dollars—ten of itin checks—was planked, and the cards dealt. Sydnor considered himself an adept at gaming, but it proved 9 that neither he nor Leslie was a match for the vailed queen. Down went the last pasteboard, and thé game was hers. ‘Woman, I believe you are in } e With the dev- il!’ hissed Sydnor, rising. “ Bad, enough gami for to-night, but remember, I’m bound to get b what I’ve lost, sometime.” “Very well, sir. I shall always be happy to commodate you,’ replied the woman, raking in winnings, asthe two defeated men sauntered away, But after they were “ay lost pee the crowd, She turned and shook her clenched right hand after them, her teeth grating together fiercely. “Oh! I know you, Jasper Leslie!” she muttered under her breath—“ know you, and loathe and haté you. And now that Fate has cast you across my path, I shall not let you estape until I have made you tel the full measure of my power—of my ven- geance|’ ac her CHAPTER X. IN THE MOUNTAINS—THE ROAD-AGENTS, “Ha! ha!” laughed Black Harper, triumphantly, bending his repulsive face still closer, and Snape | his coarse lips to Leone’scheek. ‘‘ Ha! ha! * re ty dear; so I've found you, at last, eh? Didn't think I was going to let such a pigeon as you coe my trap, did you? If you did, you were muchly mis- taken, Chaw off my ear, but you're pretty an’ sweet enough to eat!” And the ruffian held her head between his great hands, and ae kissed her upon the lips, to her horror and a . She ee desperately to get free, but it was no use, He had bound her, hand and foot pan (3) slept, and she was as helpless as a new-born abe, But he had ee a ty to gag her, and she uttered shriek after shriek for assistance. ““Donald—Mr. Yates!’’ she screamed shrilly— Biey, * help! help!” “Oh! you needn't screech for help, ’cause no one’ll hear you, unless et ar’ that cuss over thar by the camp-fire, an‘ he’s bound and gagged. So shut up your yawp, if you don’t want me to crack you be- side o’ the head. I ain’t in a mood fer none o’ ae yowlin’, cuss’d if Lam; though I did have fine uck in cagin’ ye, fer a fact. Sit up—there, like that, an’ I'll kerry ye to the light.” Leone was so terrified that she could no longer scream; therefore she suffered herself to be dragged toward the fire, without offering vocal resistance, Here the outlaw seated her upon one of the camp- rene young Yates occupying a similar erent pn, a cruel wooden gag was fastened in his mouth, ’ “There! now you're both as cozy as a bug in # rug, ain’t you?” and the ruffan gave vent to a ma- lignant chuckle, ‘I’m sure ye can’t complain, when you don’t git no worse oy fe than this. I had a mind to knife you both, at , but then I conclu: ded I could make good use o’ both o’ you;—the yal for my wife, and the feller fer a sort o’ servant. Wait till I import my jolly bucks ter this place, an’ ye’ll see lively times, bet your gaiters! I intend to make a monstrous fortune out 0’ claim. Just hold on till I ait hold o’ Calamity Jane; then not a livin’ mortal will squeal 0° this place " “You are a villain and a monster!” gasped Leone, recovering her power of speech. “Yes, [know I am!” accepted he, with a malig- nant grin. “Ill bet a cuss few find me bizness, tho’, cl’ar to the backbone, 11 me all the pritt; names ye like, an’ [ll chaw 'em down like fat veni- son, so long’s they come from yer lips 0’ honey, But ef any other cuss’d call me a lantern-jawed half-an’- half, ye’d just see me insert my ‘knife under his fifth rib, in the latest approved fashion. Yes; you bet your pile on ¢hat/” art!"’ said Leone, con- “You are a disgusting br: temptuously, “and a coward, too, or you wouldn't bind a helpless girl. You have taken my weapons; what harm co Ido if you were to let me have the use of my limbs?” “Thar’s no tellin’ what ye’d do. Ihain’t a-goin’ to run no risks. It's a cussed sight easier fer me to watch ye, tied up nor it would be to have you free.” “Atleast take that a out of Mr. Yates’ mouth, then. It must hurt te “No, I won’t, my d . Lreckon he won't die ‘reel yet from actual pain. Just you let me do the bos- sin’ about this ranch, if you please, Reckon I’m big enough an’ know enough.” “What you know will never cause you to have the brain fever!” flashed back Leone. At this juncture there was a faint cry audible to the hearing of all, seeming to come from the direc- tion of the canyon-entrance to the cavern. “What the devil was that?” growled Black Har- pe laying hold of a revolver butt, and peering off — the gloom. “Et sounded like the cry of a young nter.’ } “Better go and see, you coward!” taunted Leone, ee ly. ‘You are 'fraid of the squeal of a rat, ° eve. “ Not much, I ain’t; bnt that warn’t no rat music, I know well enough. Listen to that, will you?” Just then there was a sound of halt suppressed laughter from off in the darkness; then the indis- tinct murmur of voices, : “Some one is co to our rescue, thank God!” ve courage, Mr. Yates; help exclaimed Leone, “ 8 eN0 I 2 cursed ” roared Black Harper 0, I'm if it is!” drawing and cocking his revolvers, with a string of horrible oaths. “I'll make sa meat out of ‘em, see ’f I don’t now!” and he leaped off into the gloom, in search of the intruders. “Now is our time, Mr. Yates!" exclaimed Leone, ‘We must contrive to get free, in a shrill whisper.
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10 bol is absent. Can you get your hands or feet oose?”” Donald shook his head in the negative. “Wait, then; I'll try and get that gag out. Hitch along on your stool toward me.” By their united efforts they soon succeeded in bringing themselves close together; then the miner bent his head down to Leone’s side, and with the fingers of one hand she picked the knot out of the cord that bound the gag. lt was_a tedious under- taking, but she accomplished it at last, and the gag fell from his mouth. “There, so much is done,’’ she whispered, joy- fully. ‘ Quick, now; try and see if you cannot loosen the cords that bind my hand.” “Yes; bend a little lower, please—there, that’s the kind,” and the young man attacked the hard drawn knots with a will. ‘‘ l wonder who it was that made the noises, off there. Friends?’ ““No! Nobody made them, except myself. I am gifted with ventriloquial power, and sent that ruffian off on a fool’s errand, in order to give us a chance to make our escape. God Pent he may not return before we get our hands and feet free!” ““To which I say amen,” replied Yates, fervently. “ Confound the rope; it’s drawn tighter than a loc j and I don’t believe 1 can loosen it. Hark!” Footsteps heavy and noisy were approaching, rap- idly. oy Heaven! ’tis Black Harper returning!’’ ex- claimed Leone, and she oe truly, for in the next moment the outlaw leaped in upon the scene, utter- ing a volley of terrible blasphemy. ‘No ye don’t, my conspiring ducklings—my be- loved schemers!” he cried, lifting Leone bodily in his arms, and comping her to another seat, then re- turning to Donald and administering him several sound slaps in the face. ‘“ Thort you war goin’ to escape just as ’s ye please, didn’t ye? Haw! haw! haw! I kin just ‘ancy you two escapin’ to- gether, an’ me overtakin’ ye!” “Don’t let your fancy carry you too far,” said Leone, nearly ready to cry over her defeat. ‘“ We will outwit you, yet,” “‘T rather don’t think so, my beautiful bricktop. When it comes daylight I shall take you to ranch in the depths of the mountains, and Socket an’ you will live in peace an’ plenty til we ascend the golden stairs, This feller, here, I shall leave a tem- orary inmate o’ the Golden Bar, until I can bring ack my band o’ fellers an’ set ’°em to work.” So saying the ruffian threw himself down in front of the , and lit a cigar. “Did you find any one?’’ asked Leone, her tone sarcastic; her wonderful eyes shedding a mocking ht, ME Fes!" boldly lied the outlaw; “I met three fel- iers off yonder in the darkness, who had accidently stumbled into hayr, an’ didn’t kno’ the way out,”” ‘Indeed! What did you do with them?’ “Ohl I simply slipped a knife in under the fifth ae each, an’ it actually tickled ’em to death. So em,’ “You don’t say so! What do you think about it, Mr. Yates?” “It’s about the largest sized lie I ever heard!” af- firmed Donald. “What! durst you call me a liar—you, a man!” ara the ruffian, suddenly flying into arage. “Take hat, ye long-lipped moreg Oe And the next instant a bullet from his revolver Donald’s cheek, not, however, drawing any lood. ‘Blaze away!’ cried the young miner, indiffer- ently; ‘I'd much rather you'd kill me outright than use me for target practice. I am not afraid to die.” “D’ye s’pose I'd kill ye to onc’t?” growled Har- per, looking doubly savage, in the firelight. ‘Oh! no; not much! I want to use you, before ye peg The night passed away, and once more the light of pp nal ore the maacmnoeh eavern, The out- law then proceeded to cook breakfast out of what comprised the Golden Bar stock of provender, and soon had a palatable meal set out. He offe: Leone a portion of the food, and she accepted and ate it, her quick wit and judgment tell- ing her that she had best not lose any strength, if she ever hoped to escape, when she would need it all. But r Yates was left out in the cold, Black Harper o tely refusing to let him eat, despite all our heroine’s entreaties in his behalf. “You are a hog, that’s what you are!’’ Leone cried, indignantly. *“ Any one but a heartless brute, would not wish to starve a person; whether he be a prisoner or not.” “Oh! I guess he'll get along very well; besides I’ve no more grub’n I want myself,” replied the n. ‘*Well—here’s more food than I want; let him share it with me, then!” : “No, | won't. Let him go without—and shet yer infernal clack.” So Donald was doomed to go without any break- fast. But then he was not very hungry, and did not a ee Harper sleeping b Tt y pa ys r slee ry aoe in front of the camp-fire, but never “4 lost in slumber as to not know what was going on about him. He was wonderfully keen of hearing, and any attempt on the part of Leone and Do to move nearer to each other was sure to arouse him, and their plans were frustrated. When night once more slanted her grim, gloomy shadows into the cavern; he rose and Brepared an- other meal, this time footing Dengls and Leone, each in turn: then he permitted them to lie down on se araie blankets, while he took up his lonely with only the crackling of the glowing fire for com- pany. EIS PS OS Bg ne SE Thus three days more were passed at Golden Bar; and on the pacene of the fourth the outlaw said: “T have bin waitin’ heer in hopes o’ capturin” Ca- lamity Jane, an’ gittin’ the ten thousand dollars Theard she kerried about her harness, But it ‘pears she ain’t comin’; sol reckon we'll quit this place, fer present, and go to my den in the Hills.”’ Arrangements were accordingly made. Leone and Yates were bound together side by side, as if they were the Siamese twins, but in a manner so that they could in no way loose each other’s bonds. Their feet were then cut free, and they were pre- pared for a long beet At Black Harper’s direction rong Pal ig: Golden Bar, and emerged into the canyon beyond, he bring- ing up the rear with a revolver ready for use should they make an attempt to run. But there was no use of undertaking such a feat, as they were so bound as to render swift locomotion impossible. After a long, tiresome tramp they reached the forks where the main canyon crossed the transverse one. “T wish we were going to Deadwood!” sighed Le- one, glancing down the rugged route that she knew led to the magic city. ‘‘I wish to heaven I had staid there, instead of coming off into this wilderness of dangers. I could have eluded my enemies there as well as here, no doubt. ‘‘T wish we would meet some one that I know,” said Donald, in reply. ‘‘ButI fear we are doomed to go with this ruffian far into the mountains, per- haps never to return. But let us not give up while there is the faintest shadow of a hope.” ‘Yes, while there is life there is hope.” No halt was made, but the journey continued steadily up the other gulch, the ruffian captor allow- ing his prisoners no time to rest. The place was assed where Johnson, the colored man, was shot own, but pees Rey his remains was to be seen. Either some one removed him, or the wolves had feasted upon his corse. The dead horse still lay where it had fallen; but this was all. On tramped the two prisoners and their captor through the lonely gorge. High on either side rose mighty’ walls of gray rock, ed mayhap a hundred feet above with a growth of young pines. The canyon gradually de- scended the further they advanced, seemingly aim- ing for the very bowels of the earth. t was mid-afternoon ere the outlaw permitted his prisoners to halt and rest, by a fresh, clear spring of water that bubbled from a rocky crevice. Leone was nearly exhausted, and her companion was also somewhat fatigued, although he was better able to stand the journey than she. ‘‘Wor God’s sake, where are you taking us?’ he demanded, speaking for the first time in several hours. ‘‘ How ng are we to keep up this confound- ed tramp through desolate canyons?” “Till git ready to let ye stop,’ replied Harper, mly. “ Reckon ef we eep on steddy, we'll get my ranch about mi ht.’ ‘“* How far are we from Deadwood?” asked Leone. “We are about five mile, as the crow flies.” “What? You cannot mean it, We were eight miles distant when at the canyon forks, and we've come nearer ten than nine miles since leaving there.” ‘Waal, mebbe we have; but ye see this gulch ar’ powerful deceivin’. It winds, curves an’ crooks about like a garter snake, an’ finally comes to an end in the face of a rocky peak, the t’other side 0’ which is Deadwood City. D’ye see?” Only about ten minutes was allowed for rest; then the march was again resumed. ‘*T cannot hold out more than till dark, I believe,” Leone murmured, as they were urged on by the merciless ruffian in the rear. ‘I am already nearly Wr God ken h thy, d lied nows you have my sym y, dear, rep Donald, feeli av ‘“When you feel too tired to go further, we will—” He did not finish the sentence, for just then a band of horsemen suddenly ic around a curve in the canyon, at full tilt, making rather an imposing spectacle. All, save one, were mounted upon snow- white horses, and they were alike with one excep- tion, all clad in the picturesque garb of the moun- taineer, The one exception was in the advance of all the rest, mounted upon a fiery black steed. He was clad from top to toe in black habiliments; the saddle and accompanying trappings were black, as also were the gloves upon his pely hands, and the half-mask upon his face. The others were masked, too, and all were armed with polished rifles, revolvers and knives, and as looked upon by a casual observer, might have been pronounced a erous gang of men. The moment Black Harper saw them he uttered a savage oath, and, turning quickly, he sped back down the canyon as fast as he could run, leaving his captives at the spring. Some of the horsemen —— instant chase, but the main portion came toa t in front of Donald and Leone, the Black Rider at eos head as on’t be afraid, Miss Leone,” Yates whispered, reassuringly. ‘*Wecan consider these fellows our friends, I nats for itis Deadwood Dick, the phan- tom, and Olly road-agents!”’ i CHAPTER XI. TO THE ©'sRONGHOLD. Tue road-agents di. not speak for several mo- ments, but ae § fe who appeared to be a sort of e silence. a lieutenant, b “Well, strangers, what does this look like? Rath- er suggestive that you've been took in, ain’t it?” Yes, I should say so. We have been the captives ef the wretch who just dug out, for nigh on six Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. | Your coming has at least relieved the mo- notony, for all we may be changing from bad hands w % “You need not fear us. Do you know who and what we are?” “You are Deadwood Dick’s band of road-agents, are you not?” “ fixactly—the same. This gentleman, or spirit, up- on the black horse, is the Phantom Chief of our band. Though he may eaneen. mortal to. you, that does not make him so, He was Pung in Deadwood, not long ago, but his spirit came back to us, after we had buried his body six feet in the ground,’ Donald smiled. e was not so blind, he told him self, as to believe that that figure on the black charger was other than flesh and blood. The lower part of the face was natural, and this alone con- vinced him that the “ spirit”? of Deadwood Dick was contained in flesh, instead of being disembodied, as the lieutenant would have him believe. “Of course it’s none of my business,” he said, bowing; ‘‘but I am not so much of a blockhead as to swallow such trash. Whether the black horseman is Deadwood Dick or no; I will not say; but I’ll bet the worth of a Rothschild that if you will kind lend me a revolver, Ican drop him out of the sad- dle in short meter.’ The lieutenant dismounted and cut the prisoner's bonds, a low laugh breaking from his lips. “Can't fool you, can I? ell, all the difference is if you had believed what others believe, you would have been set free and given an escort nearly back to Deadwood. Asit is, we shall take bee along to our retreat, where you will have the chance to Soin our band and swear the oath of eternal allegiance, or remain in durance until we see fit to set you at liberty. You see this ghost business is serving us ad- mirably, and we dare not let you go lest you should release our valuable cat from its bag of confine- ment.”’ “Then yon man is the original Prince of the Road?” asked Donald. , f “Tam the same!” replied Deadwood Dick, riding closer, and raising his mask, and disclosing the ever- handsome face of Edward Farris. At this instant Leone uttered a cry of mingled as- tonishment and joy, as she sprung toward the young road-agent. “Gerald! Gerald! my dear brother!’ she ex- See her face pale and eyes shining. ‘‘Is it pos- sible?’ “ Your brother, miss?’ echoed the Prince of the Road, incredulously. ‘‘J’m not your brother, Iam Deadwood Dick.” “No! no! you are my brother Gerald, whom I have not seen in three years. Do you think you can oct an mee ing to decei 1 am no ing to deceive you, my dear young lady. You BA one that is F ripe Ber: 6 if you have taken me for your brother. I have but one sister— Anita, who lives in Deadwood. Do I resemble the brother to whom you refer?” “Oh! yes!” cried Leone, excitedly, “and I still be- lieve you are he. You have his face, his eyes, his hair, and his form, Oh! sir, do not deceive me; 1 have come all the way from Texas to find him,” * Ah!” said Deadwood Dick, thoughtfully, ‘I see, or I think Ido, . My dear girl Jam not your brother, but I can tell you of him, Be calm, now, for I am going to tell you that he is dead. Some time since a young man was arrested and hung in Deadwood, by he ulators, for me, he being the exact _counter- part of myself. He told the lynchers that his name was Gerald Hawk; but they were positive that he was Deadwood Dick, and so they strung him up; and the world still believes they hung me, till I was dead. “Theard of the fate of the unfortunate young man, and with my men, went and cut down the body, brought it into the mountains, and gave ita decent burial. Since then pom have declared me a ghost, and I have helped to keep up the decep- tion. Over the grave of your brother I swore a vow of vengeance—not so much on the account of his untimely end, but because it was a good excuse to further my aims in avenging other atrocities—and I have kept it to the letter.” ‘ Leone received the news without any violent out- break of emotion. She seemed partially stunned by the shock; her heart went bitterly even while her eyes were tearless. And thus she remained for some me, the others refusing to break the silence that was sacred to her. At last, however, she spoke: : ‘“*T must not forget your kindness,” she said, grate- fully, ‘and I thank you for it. Could you show me to my brother’s grave?” ‘* Yes. Come with me to my stronghold, and on the morrow I will do as you wish,” replied Dead- wood Dick. ‘‘Donot be afraid to come with me, and my men. Road-agents mong we are, we all have bie hea ts and due respect for ladies. In the wife of my lieutenant, here, you will find an amiable companion during your stay, of about your own age; and I assure you every attention shall be yours, while I am around.” At this juncture the road-agents who had been in a t - Black Harper galloped back, and rejoined e ban “Well? How about the ruffian?” asked Deadwood Dick, seeing that they brought back no prisoner. ‘He’s stretched out, down in the canyon, yon- der,” replied one of the men. “‘He war runnin’ av the top o’ his speed, when all of a sudden he stubbed his toe, an’ down he went, like a thousan’ o brick. When we got to him, we found that he’d broke his neck, short off.” a “A good riddance,” said the Prince, quietly. “ He’s got a gang of cutthroats here in the hills, somew. , that we shall take the pleasure of clean- ing out; some of these days; ‘but not now. The
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— . —E — The Double Daggers. 11 Deadwoodites are too wide awake, and might take ad toughs’ into partnership, in order to circum- vent us.’ bs Te are of a gold-loving turn of mind,” said Donald, resolving to make the best of an undesira- ble situation, ‘‘ you might as well return to the poor cuss, and remove from his person about eight thou- sand dollars worth of gold, which belongs to me and Miss Leone, here. I suppose you will appropriate it, but you might as well have it as any one else.” “Lieutenant Audley, you may take part of the men and go for the gold,” directed Deadwood Dick, after a moment’s thought. ‘* With the rest I will re- turn to the stronghold, whither you can follow. Miss Hawk—forI am led to suppose that is your name—you and your companion will accompany us. Gaspard, you and Le Greuf can dismount and walk, while these footsore twain take your places in the saddle.” Accordingly arrangements were made as the young chief directed. Lieutenant Audley with a dozen men set off down the canyon, while two saddles were emptied for the occupancy of Donald and Leone; then, after Deadwood Dick had replaced his mask, the remainder of the band took an opposite course up the canyon. They galloped on for pea a mile; then struck into a narrow path, single file, that led up a nearly pee ee and densely wooded mountain-side. he ascent was extremely arduous and difficult for the horses, and the riders were frequently required to bend on a level with the saddle to keep from be- ing swept out of their seats. ‘If this is the way to your stronghold, why don’t he clear away the branches?” said onald, address- ng Deadwood Dick, who was just in advance. ‘For the simple reason that few would attempt to ascend here, in the face of the contending obsta- cles, with an idea of finding me and my band. To an inexperienced eye, this path would be deemed too rough and obstructed for a horse’s ascent.” + our retreat is on the mountain-top, then, I sup- ose? ““Yes—and here we are,’’ was the reply, as they rode abruptly up out of the thicket onto a large plateau, as level as the floor of a house. On all the surrounding edges rose tall thickets of beech and young lindens, which completely hid the view of the pe 5 ie as country—fenced in the plateau, and made it a secret to the outside world. There was about half an acre of the top, and it was asif the mountain had been sawn off, leaving a smooth floor of solid rock. Upon it was built two cabins, com- posed of rocks, clay and logs, and joining each other; aa a row of thatched sheds, for the horses, at one side, “By George! this is a capital stronghold!” cried Yates, his sharp glance taking in the scene immedi- ately. ‘‘ Here, a few men, well-armed, could hold an army at bay, as ea Ae chawing b’ar-meat.” “Exactly,” assented Deadwood Dick. “It is an admirable nest, and that’s the reason I chose it. A little unhandy to the stage road, to be sure; but our spies keep us constantly informed of the ‘fat lays,’ in time for us to be in waiting. How about it; do you think you would like to become one of us—a mer -rider?”’ ; “No, indeed,” replied Donald, flushing. ‘I would rather be pe ey My sense of honor is too fresh for that.” . “Very well; just as you like; only you will have to remain in confinement.” “Better that than to lower my good name, of which I am right proud, What do you think of the place, Leone? “T like it,” replied the girl, allowing the young chief to help her dismount; and had she added: “T like Deadwood Dick also,” she would have only told the plain, unvarnished truth, for immediately upon their meeting she had conceived a sudden — for the handsome young road-agent, for which she could not account. He seemed so grand and noble above other men she had met; there was an inexplicable fascination about him that with her untutored heart she could not resist. Donald saw this, and it caused a odious pang to © worming its way through hisheart. He had, even fa captivity, been building air-castles of what enjoy- ment he was to have when he got Leone for his ’ pride—for the poor fellow had had no doubt any of the time but what he and the beautiful girl would sooner or later be man and wife. Therefore it caused him much jealous indignation to see her smile upon the outlawed Prince of the Road. The remainder of Dick’s ae had by this time reached the plateau, and after all had dismounted, the chief led the way toward the smaller of the two cabins, Leone and Donald bringing up the rear. “You'd better look out how you become too fa- miliar with him, miss,” the young miner cautioned, inalowtone. “He is the worst desperado in the Black Hills, and cannot be trusted under any cir- cumstances.” Leone flashed upon him a curious look. “You are jealous; that’s what’s the matter with you!” she retorted, mischievously. ‘‘ Don’t get jeal- ous, I pray, Mr. Yates, for I don’t believe I care a cent for this elegant road-agent, and I’m positive I don’t for you. ‘There, now! and she tossed her confusion of bricky curls saucily. Yates fiushed to the temples, and hot words rose upon his lips; but he swallowed them back by a stro: effort. “You are candid!’ was his substitute for them, and _ the sarcasm in his tone was keen. “Tam always candid,” she replied, feeling sorry = cae ~_ said, yet too ones to acknowledge , me, here is our future mn.’ “No!” corrected Deadwood Dick turning, after unlocking and opening the door, *“ This is your pal- ace, Miss Hawk. Come in and see how you like the home of a merry road-agent.”’ They all entered and gazed about them. The cabin was divided into two apartments, the larger one, in which they stood, being carpeted with wolf-skin robes, with the furry side up. The walls were also hung in the same style, and the effect was, with a ruddy fire blazing on a hearth in a distant corner, truly cheering. veral sumptuous couches of soft furs were made up in different places, and half a dozen camp-stools distributed about. This comprised the interior adornment, but it all looked so comfort- able and snug that Leone uttered a cry of ecstasy. “‘Tt’s perfectly splendid. But where is the lieu- tenant’s wife you spoke of?” ‘*Her apartment is in the other building. Be seat- ed, and make yourself at home, and I will call her. In the adjoining room yonder, you will find conven- iences for making your toilet, if you wish.” And bowing the Prinee of the Road retired through a side door into the other cabin, which was iven over to Lieutenant Audley, his wife and the nd. A moment later a man entered with a couple of torches which he thrust into crevices in the wall and then retired. It was already dark on the moun- tain-top, and the sky was overcast with gray, leaden clouds, threatening a heavy blow of win and rain, Leone on ente ng the adjoining room found a rough table, a wash-basin, comb, brush, towel and mirror; and with the use of these she was able to ut herself. in a more presentable condition. She ound Donald lounging on the skins before the blaz- ing fire, when she returned, engaged at his meer- schaum, of which Black Harper had not robbed him, “You can go in and wash and fix yourself up if — wish,” said Leone, seating herself upon one of he camp-stools. ‘Perhaps you can eradicate that grum look from your face.” “T don’t think so,” was the cold reply. ‘ At least I shall not tr bay’! hard.”’ “As you like. It is not for me to urge you.” Then there was a long silence, which was finally broken by the entrance of a young woman, bearin a tray of fragrant, steaming coffee and roasted veni- son. It was the lieutenant’s wife. She was of me- dium stature and rather stoutly built, yet she was evidently not out of her teens. In face she was won- drously pretty, her features being regular and full, her complexion fair, and her hair and eyes of a soft, lovely brown. She sat down the tray and advanced toward Le- one with extended hands, a smile of welcome upon her lips, an expression of admiration in her eye. “So you are the new arrival Captain Dick is so ga over, eh?” she spoke, with a pleasant little laugh. ‘“ Well, well, I’m sure I admire his taste. You are just a little beauty, dear; and Iam sure we shall be famous friends. Ah! you havea friend, eh?” ‘Yes, this is Mr. Yates,’’ replied Leone. ‘ You I ro iting are Mrs. Audley.” “Tam. My husband’’—and just then it appeared there was a tinge of bitterness in her tone—‘ is a lieutenant in Captain Dick’s band. Perhaps you saw him.” “So I did, but he was masked, and I could not see much of his face. I think your chief is very hand- some.”’ “So he is, and as noble as heis handsome. I’ve often wished it had fallen to my lot to have won him, instead of Fred Audley.” Deadwood Dick sauntered in, later in the ae and the trio conversed together, merrily—Don d Yates, however, refusing to join in. He had the *sulks,” the provoki one laughingly remarked, which accounted for his silence, All were thus engaged when one of the men stuck his head in at the door, and announced that aman wished to see the chief. “Show him in!’ ordered the Prince; and then en- tered one whom none had expected to see, in the person of the girl dare .devil—Calamity Jane! CHAPTER XII. WHO IS THE TRAITOR? Ir was indeed Calamity, and all recognized her in a moment. “How in the name of all that is wonderful, did ou find your way here?’ exclamed Dick, springin o his feet and extending his black-gloved hand, “ would have sooner expected the old Satan, than ou.” y The young woman laughed in her quiet fashion, as she shook hands all round. “Tam *bout.as much my} as the rest o’ ye, I reckon,’’ was her reply. ‘I shouldn’t ‘a’ cum, only I didn't find no one at my caboose; so I set out on the trail, and run across some 0’ your gang, and on bein’ assured that you weren’t no spirit, I made up my mind to come up an’ pay you a visit. And who should I see here, but my old pard Don, and my new pard, Leone.”’ “Yes. Tand my boys met them down the canyon, a piece, in company with Black Harper; but the tough turned tail and dug out, when he saw us, and left his prisoners in our charge. So you come up with Au ey and the boys, did you?” ‘*With the boys, but not with Audley. He has gone on to Deadwood.” “To Deadwood?” echoed the young chief. “Yes. It was my information, though, that sent him there. Dick, there is among the members of your band no less a viper than a traitor /” ~ “What? A traitor among my men?: Impossible. “Nay! not impossible. ‘There is some one of your band in communication with the Deadwood Regula- tors; of this Iam positive, for not ten hours ago, I heard old Uriah Denby give his men a perfect de- scription of this place, in the Metropolitan. More’n that, they’re plannin’ together how to come an’ take you. It seems that they have been advised of your strong defense, and don’t know just how to work, told Audley about it, and so he went on to Deadwood to learn what he could.” “That was right, Audley is a good trustworthy lieutenant, and is sound in his judgment, eve time,”’ said Deadwood Dick, reflectively. “‘ But cannot believe that there is one among my band who would turn traitor. Every man is bound by a fear- ful oath to respect the laws of our brotherhood, and death is the result of a ‘* Well, that may be,’ replied Calamity, seating herself and lighting a cigarette, ‘‘ but when you con- sider the inducements offered, you can’t much won- der if men do play the traitor. Since Uriah Denby’s bin put in Dashing Dave’s shoes, the price on your head, Dick, has been swelled to the enormous figure of five thousand dollars. Posters announcin’ this fact stare you in the face all the way from Deadwood up to the canyon forks.” “Yes, no doubt. But the man that earns that re- ward, let me tell you, will earn it dearly—will wade through blood!” said the road Prince, quietly, though his eyes glittered dangerously. ‘TI ho Audley will return with advices soon, for in the morning I wish to give the men an overhauling. If there is a traitor among them, leave it to me to find him out.’’ Then the conversation turned onto other topics, and Calamity said: **And what is it about this ghost business, Dick? All Deadwood believes that you were Pung Dash- ing Dave and his gang, and I was of that ef, un- til Audley told me different.” “Tt wasn’t me, or else I shouldn't be here,”’ laugh- ed the chief, gayly;—this time, for a wonder, it was not that horrible laugh, so peculiar to him, ‘ The fellow whom they lynched was, as he asserted with his dying breath, Gerald Hawk, of Austin, Texas. This young lady, ‘Miss Leone, claims to be his sister, A short time ago she was positive I was her brother, so great was the resemblance between the unfortu- nate young man and myself.” “You say the name was Hawk,” said the Dare- devil, thoughtfully. Then she relapsed into silence, studying the glowing coals on the hearth and the face of Leone, gaymenpe But she failed to say whether or not the name was ro moe to her, or what recollections it brought back o her. The morning dawned before any one was aware of it, so oo were they in conversation. Leone found Bessie, the lieutenant’s wife, an excellent companion, and they became firm friends from the first. Bessie was modest, intelligent and affable, but it was apparent that in marrying Lieutenant Audley Pn had made a sad mistake, for she did not love As soon as they were aware that day had dawned, Deadwood Dick rose and replaced his mask, which he had removed while in the presence of Leone, Why he had done this, probably no one knew, save himself, for Bessie informed our heroine that that was the second time she had ever seen-his face un- covered. “Will you remain with us long, Calamity?’ the chief asked, as he was about to t the cab “Til to-night, I reckon,” replied the Dare-devil, “for I don’t want to expose you, by slidin’ off in daylight. Who knows but Denby may have spies in the canyon, who'd string me up at sight, fer bein’ among you “You are right. Make yourself at home as long as you choose to stay, for you are welcome.” e then quitted the cabin, Bessie s: ily fol- lowed, and Leone, Calamity and Donald were left one, ‘* Well, Don, how do you like it?’ quizzed Calam- ity, staring hard at the young miner, who lay upon the furs before the hearth, and smoked incessantly at his Ripe, as grim and sullen-looking as a cross bear. ‘‘ What’s crossed your nervous system ?”’ ‘“* Nothing, icular. I’d much rather be back at Golden Bar than here, though. Can’t you prevail on your desperado friend to let me off?” “No, I reckon not. Very few have any influence onter Dick. He calculates he’s the boss of his own bizness, an’ he won’t take any dislocated jaw from no one.” Bessie soon came in with a tempting breakfast of stewed rabbit and coffee, and was accompanied by Dick, who helped the trio do justice to the meal. “T think I’ve got my eye on the traitor, if there is one,”’ he said, leaning back, after having satisfied his appetite. ‘There is a young Spanish-American in my band, Carlos Cambre, by name, who has on several occasions manifested a disposition to disobe my commands. Of all the thirty men in my band, he is the only one I could even suspect.” “Yet he may be the truest to your cause, of all,” said Leone, “Such trifles should not prejudice ou.”’ “T know they shouldn’t, but I would not know who else to mistrust. All have served me faithfully, and I should feel ashamed to doubt any of them. ow- ever, duty is duty, and I shall inspect them all.” Deadwood Dick's men were well disciplined, and when they were drawn up in line before him, an hour later, they looked every inch the bold, fearless men they were. All were unmasked, now, and a strange variety of faces was preset view. All were young men, so far as years went; none being over thirt; . but the faces of many might have to a different story toa stranger. Calamity Jane and Donald were present, having left Leone, with Bessie, at the cabin. The road-agents all seemed to be much surprised to be calied us to ane pore the Piercing, stern aze of their young er, and were per more Rstonished when he addressed them. al
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i ; if Sa i aed as Stan a ee eee ES 125 “*Fellows!’’ he said, in the cool; measured tones that ofttimes rather repelled than attracted, after he had ran his keen observing eye over the band, “we have a little matter before us that needs con sideration; a matter that involves the peace and se- curity of us all. Therefore, you will see that it is of vital importance: “Among you there is a traitor to our calisée—a faithless wretch, who, for a few dollars of offered re- ward, has betrayed us to our enemies!” A great murmur of indignant surprise ran from one end of the line to the other. Deadwood Dick continued: “T hate to suspect any of you, my boys, for you have all sworn by me, and served my interest faith. fully. But Iask you, is it, not right that we should investigate the case, and discover, if possible, the traitot, that we may punish him?” “ Oertainly! of course!” were the cries given in hearty unison. ‘If there is a dastard traitor among us, let’s unas him out, and give him the penalty.” Deadw Dick’s face flushed with pride. He loved his men, truly and with his whole heart, and it poner him to see them so eager to punish trea- chery. ‘*Good; well said; my hearties; And now whom shall I suspect? Of you all, only one man would I care to dishonor by suspicion, and even he may be innocent—God knows I hope he is. That man is—’’ ‘Carlos Cambre!” spoke Calamity Jane, for she saw that Dick hated to make the accusation, In an instant all eyes were turned upon the young Spaniard, for if he was the traitor they wished to see the effect of the accusation. But, only astonishment and indignation were de- pienee upon the clear face of the suspected man, at he charge. He was a fine-loo. éellow of about five and twenty, and there was nothing in his face to excite doubt as to his loyalty and honesty. Yet upon him had rested the chief’s suspicion, “You wrong me, captain,’’ Cambre said, huskily, when he had recovered from the firstshock. ‘‘ Have I not ever served eo as faithfully as the rest? To be sure, I have only been a brother two short months but as God is my judge, I never have been guilty o er ‘You have several times appeared loth to obey my commands, sir.” ‘Probably, but that was owing to my wild, ungov- ernable spirit, which at times struggles hard for the mastery.”’ f “Exactly; and that same spirit has made you a traitor to our cause!”’ **No, captain; by High Heaven, Iswear that I am not the guilty one.” “*T would like to believe you innocent, Carlos,’ and Deadwood Dick’s stern glance softened a trifle, ‘* but the laws of our order demand that I should find this traitor, even though I have to kill you all to accom- plish the work. Therefore, believing in God that I am just, I denounce you as a traitor/ Fellow road- agents, what is the penalty?” here was a short silence, during which many kindly and pitying glances were turned upon Carlos Cambre. en, in one voice came the answer, grim and terrible in its full realization: “*DEAaTH!”’ As the knell of his doom fell upon his hearing, the young Spaniard vowed his head upon his breast, and ears trickled down over his cheeks. Hardly a road- agent was there but was deeply moved; but the or- der of their chief aroused them: ‘* Death! that is the measure usually meted out to traitors!” he said, glancing down the line. ‘Carlos Cambre, you are then sentenced to death. Boys, bind him to the sapling on yonder edge of the plateau; bring me five loaded and five unloaded rifles, and we will have the terrible work over!” _ Reluctantly the road-agents seized their brother outlaw, but he begged for one moment’s respite. The poor fellow, when released, walked over to where Deadwood Dick stood, and threw his arms about the young chief’s neck and embraced him, “Good-by, captain,’ he said, huskily, “ good-by! Iam content to die for you, whom I have loved as a brother. You are judging me wrongly, for you had no truer man aranng your band. Good-by, and may your Christian God bless you.”’ Then he conquered his agitation, went back and pot himself into the hands of his brother outlaws. “Is it possible your heart is of stone?’ said a low, sweet voice, and turning about, Deadwood Dick found Leone, accompanied by Bessie, the lieuten- ant’s wife, aonding a few steps away. He was greatly affected by Cambre’s exhibition of affection, and the words of the Texan girl was the “ straw that broke the camel's back.”’ } “No!” he cried, his voice ringing out clearly; *‘ Deadwood Dick still has a heart, for all it has been repeatedly trampled upon. Men, Carlos Cambre is no traitor, and I command you to release him.’ A great shout of rejoicing then went up, for none was there among the assembled band who could force omens to believe in the guilt of the ac- accused, P the. chief went straight to Cambre and grasped his ands. _ “Forgive me, mate!’’ he said, rg “for my unjust suspicion. I apologize, and try to do more for you, in time, for I am you are worthy. Your life you owe to that el with the brick-red curls, not to me, so you can her, if you like. Have I your forgiveness, old boy?” 4 ,” replied the true-hearted S “T should have forgiven you even had I been shot by your orders.”’ ¥, men were then dism and Leone and Bes- sie, accompanied oy Dicks Donald and Calamity Jane, adjourned to cabin. Calamity said, ee a cigarette and throwing herself in a careless, easy a titude upon the fur- carpeted floor, “ fer thar ain't no snake in eye, an’ know’t,”’ , ‘No; I am now satisfied he is not guilty 2 replied the Prince of the Road, staring thought uully at Le- one, ‘But I do not know of any one else to suspect, It is strange that Audley don’t return.” “He'll come, afore long. And now, do you know what I think you’d better do?” “No, What?” “Waal, you'd better take Miss Hawk, here, an’ our lieutenant’s wife to McKenzie’s, in Deadwood, our sister can take good care of them, and they wit be out of danger, which they won't, if they stay ere,”’ “ Perhaps you are right,” assented Dick, mueingly. ** Anita thinks I’m dead, but I'll soon set her mind at rest on that score. Will you stay here, in charge, till I return, Jane?” “Yes, if you like, You'd better take my pard, Yates, along. He will protect your sister and the girls; for you know McKenzie’s up in Bozeman this week.” “Ah! yes; so he is; I had nearly forgotten.”? Ac- cordingly arrangements were made. An hour later, four persons, well-mounted upon spirited animals, were riding down the canyon to- ward Deadwood, Three were acquaintances of ours —Donald Yates, Leone, and Bessie; the fourth was a rough-looking old fellow, with sh hair and ard, dressed in dirty mining-garb; and not one out of a hundred would have even suspected that under this disguise was the terror of the gold country— Deadwood Dick. The quartette rode into the magic city about noon, and pushed rapidly up the crowded main street to- ward the cottage of McKenzie. Leone was shield- ed as much as possible among the others, lest some of her enemies, on the watch, should discover her. But, despite their precaution, a woman looking out of an upper window of the Metropolitan saloon, saw and recognized her / It w s the mysterious vailed Card Queen, And as they passed the saloon, Deadwood Dick al- so made a preyitniy & Standing on the front steps, in earnest conversa- tion, with Uriah Denby, the Regulator chief, was Lieutenant Audley !/ At almost the same instant, the lieutenant discov- ered and pointed out Dick’s party to Denby; then the two exchanged a few hurried words, and whirl- i phrupey entered the saloon, at did it mean? Was Lieutenant Audley the traitor ? CHAPTER XIII. DICK ON HIS MUSCLE—CALLERS. **Comn! let’s hurry up!’ said the Road Prince, un- easily, as he spurred his horse into a gallop, “for ’m dubious there’s fun ahead, on the horizon.” “How do you mean?”’ asked Bessie, who had also seen her husband in company with the chief Regu- lator, ‘‘ What did you see to alarm you?” “ Nothing to alarm me; but enough to make me know it’s unhealthy in this immediate vicinity, for a certain chap who sails under the standard title of Deaempnnt ick. Did you see Fred Audley, back ere?”’ “Yes, I saw him. Do you think he recognized you in your di se? ’ “Certainly. hat was Uriah Denby, the new Regulator leader, with him; and Audley pointed me out, and told who Iwas. He is the trailor /” ard lines came into view about Bessie’s mouth, but she did not seem shocked. _ “T was fearful that such was the case,” she said, ain and mortification supplanting any tender feel- f she may have had for the man. “ But I had no evidence against him. He would have killed you, long ago, had he felt sure that the men would accept him as a chief.” Deadwood Dick frowned, but said no more until they had halted in front of one of a row of ay ih finished shanties, or ‘‘ cottages,” as they were called, though sad looking cottages were they. Here he dismounted, and xepped upon the door, at bi —_ time bidding the others dismount, which the Presently the door opened, and a young, pretty- faced woman stood upon the threshold, lance and we recognize her by her features as the sister of young Harris, or, Deadwood Dick. | ‘*Good-morning,”’ said the disguised road-agent, bowing low. ‘‘Do I behold Anita, the sister of our good chief, Deadwood Dick?’ “Yes, I am his sister. Why do you ask?” ques- Hanes Anita, regarding the whole party wondering- < Because, I have been commissioned to bring here, for you to care for and protect, these two young omen and this gentleman. Your brother feels sure ou will not refuse to take them in,” “ But, sir, my brother is—”’ “ Alive and well, dear lady, though all Deadwood believes him dead. It was not he who was lynched by Dashing Dave, but another, Gerald Hawk, by pee. wan wae a brother to — yo eww f Miss ne. Ma eave m yin your change “Certainly, and God. epee dy that Dick still lives!’ cried Anita, crying for joy. ‘There is a sta- ble in the rear for your horses; leave them here and I will send a boy 2 care for them. Come right into os pty lies and gentlemen, and make ourselves at home. i “T must return to the mountains,” said Dick. Mi reeked IT speak with you one moment?” Bessie and Donald accompanied Anita into the cot- Beadle’s Half-Dime Library “T was durned sure that cuss weren’t the traitor,” tage; Leone lingered a moment behind, during which time the young chief of the road-agents made bold to take her hand, while he gazed at her lovingly. ** Leone—Miss Hawk,” he said, earnestly, “ duty calls me back to my men, and I leave you here, be- cause I think it safest. Ere long there is destined to be spilt in these Black Hills, blood—blood of the in- nocent as well as the criminal. I have warned peo- a to let me alone; if they do not heed my warning heir deaths be on their own heads. In the conflict I may fall, for my lease of life is not forever, I sup- pose; but if I do, I want you to know of my passion- ate love for you. You must have been aware of it from the first, for you are not one of the blind. You know just what Iam; I know nothing of your past —only that I love you more than any other woman, Therefore, I ask you, if Icome to you after I have settled accounts with these Regulators, will you make me a happy man?” ‘* Wait till you come back,” she replied, evading a direct answer. ‘I will tell you then.” ‘‘Thanks, dear young lady; I will consider that as good as a promise, and seal our betrothal, thus.”’ And before she could feesent him, he had slipped a magnificent cluster diamond ring of exceedin value upon the fore-finger of her left hand, caugl her to his breast and puprinted a passionate kiss upon her rosy lips; and then vaulted into the sad- e of his waiting horse, a moment more, he was off up the street like an arrow, so swiftly did he ride. Leone watched him, with a half-sorrowful, half- leased look in her dreamy eyes, until the surging ustling crowd hid him from view; then, with a heart pulsating almost wildly in the joy of a new- born love, she turned and entered the cottage, where he others had preceded her, a few moments be- ore, Straight up through the homely main street of the homelier metropolis cantered Deadwood Dick, until he came to the Metropolitan saloon, when he guided his horse in to the side of the street, leaped out of the saddle, and tied the animal to an awning post. Then he leisurely ascended the steps that led into the saloon. he was about to enter, Lieutenant Audley and Uriah Denby, the Regulator, came out. * Hello!” exclaimed Audley, with an oath, his flushed face showing that he had been drinking ra- ther freely, “‘ here’s the very cuss we want, now!”’ “Waal, ef I’m ther indywidual ye refer ter,” drawled the eaaiiees road-agent, resting his hands upon his hips, his arms akimbo, and his eyes squint- ed in a laughable manner—“ef I’m the ring-tailed roarin’ rinosserhoss ye indycate, w’at might be your business?” ‘* We'll very soon show you!” avowed Audley. “You can’t shut my eye up wi’ your outlandish bipuaey’ You're our game, and you're Deadwood ‘““Wuat!”? Apparently the rough-looking customer was astonished. ‘‘ What’d yesay,boyee! Me Dead- wood Dick! Me the grate road-feller, who has got more brass ‘na hull Missouri brass band? Whoop-ee/ ly K. Slukens an’ all ther old maid mothers frum hayr ter Omaha! Pickereeled mule’s tail an’ Mor- mon chin-music! Durn my old sow’s last litter o’ pigs ef that ain’t the worst I’ve heerd since Jonah swallered a whale, bone and all!” “See here!’ said Denby, authoritatively, “you may as well surrender, Harris. We've got you this time, without any mistake; so the quic er you give ourself up peaceably, the better it will— 4 The Re 3 ator hap finished the sentence, for like a sledge-hammer Deadwood Dick’s fist hit him be- tween the spe and he went hind-foremost down the stone into the street, where he lay like a log, helpless and insensible. A tremendous kick from the road-agent’s boot, in the stomach, stretched Audley out, quietly; the when a hundred pair of eyes were on him, Theniweoad Dick dashed down the steps, and with his gleaming knife deliberately slashed upon the Regulator’s fore- head the terrible sign of double-daggers/ An instant more, and he was on the back of his horse, the hal- ter cut, and up the street at breakneck speed flew the horse and rider, that wild laugh echoi Hs the hearing of an excited and astonished popu- on, As soon as was possible, forty Regulators were in ete eee and off in hot pursuit. But with what res About dark they came straggling back into Dead- wood, gaunt and jaded, ha , for their pains, a story to tell of how the daring Road Knight had, af- ter picking off three of their number, eluded them among the intricacies of the mountains, and made escape. Uriah Denby, the Regulator, was not killed. The terrible blow only stunned him for a time; the gash- ed forehead was the only important injury. The wound was skillfully dressed by a surgeon, but it would leave a scar of double-daggers never to be ob- literated from the living flesh;—the chief was a marked man for life. The Pioneer issued an extra the next morning, giv- ing a detailed account of the whole affair. It gave its opinion of Deadwood Dick in terms more forcible than polite, and hoped no efforts would be s to capture this most notorious criminal of the nine- teenth century. In Mrs. Anita McKenzie Leone and Bessie found one of the sweetest little women they had ever en- countered. She was still sunny and confi , but ard oo sed a when we knew her before. (In No. 1 of es. Her life thus far with Justin McKenzie, had been one of perpetual happiness and marital bliss, and
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The Double Daggers. not a cloud had come across the horizon of their ex- istence, until the hanging of the supposed Prince of the Road, a short time before. * And it seems so strange,” she said, “ that instead of my brother it should be yours, Leone. It is the change of sadness to your heart and joy to mine, for I cannot help but rejoice that dear Ned is safe and alive.”’ And Leone secretly rejoiced in the same knowl- edge, for her heart now beat faster when she thought of the dashing, dare-devil road-agent, or glanced at his costly token upon her engagement finger. What did it ce Was she engaged to an outlaw? ‘“‘T wonder when he will come to see me?’ Anita went on. ‘“‘ I should so like to see and talk with him. He was ~—* a good brother, though once a little harsh toward me, But, that was all owing to a mis- Seen “You saw him and talked with him but a short time since,’’ put in Bessie. ‘‘ That was Captain Dick who brought us.” “What! That my darling brother? Impossible!” ‘On the contrary, it is quite possible. He was disguised. But I fear for his safety, for he was re- cognized and pointed out to the Regulator chief, as we came in.” “Oh! heaven; then he isin peril. I will call Swift Fox, my Indian boy, and dispatch him to learn if he made his escape. Poor Ned—always hunted.” Swift Fox was sent on his errand, and our friends anxiously awaited his return with the news, “T think it looks very much as if there was a pros- eee of your having a sister-in-law soon, Mrs. Mc- enzie!’’ observed Donald, who had noticed the dia- mond ring immediately, directing Anita’s attention to the gleaming token. “Indeed! Is that so, my dear?’’ and the little woman seemed delighted. ‘‘ Well, I shall be just happy if you get N Your influence ought to re- form him.” “Tt certainly ought to,’’ agreed Donald, a tinge of sarcasm in his tone. “Of course it ought,” assented Leone, not in the least abashed; ‘‘ but I notice that there’s a shoe that pinches some one’s foot, and that not far away, either.” Donald flushed to the temples at the cut, and might have sworn, just a little, had there been no ladies present. Thus they all conversed and passed away the time very pleasantly. After about an hour’s absence, Swift Fox returned and reported the daring deed of Deadwood Dick, and his attempted escape; but, as yet, nothing was known whether he had eluded the ep Regula- tors or not; therefore Anita sent him back to wait till he could find out more. “T think the day is at hand,’ said Donald, ‘when it will become necessary for your brother to seek another field of action, if he calculates to escape death at the hands of his enemies. he has a name and fame extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific slope, and soon, if it cannot be accomplished by other means, the government will send on a force of military to rout him out—for the few soldiers stationed here now could not catch a disabled flea,”’ “*T fear Ned will never desert the Black Hills, while there is life and excitement here!’’ said Anita. ‘Here, he is in his element; elsewhere, he would be lost—literally out of place.” “Well, they'll certainly make it warm for him, after this Denby recovers. He is reputed to be an old customer at fighting, and I reckon he won’t fool long around such a fellow as Deadwood Dick.” ‘Neither he will. The next time, he'll stop a bul- let instead of a knife. The mark of Deadwood Dick is on him, and his days on earth are numbered,”’ About dark there was a loud, rude knock at the door, and Anita, accompanied by Donald as a sort of body-guard, went to answer the summons, Leone and Bessie Audley crouching out of sight behind a great cupboard. On opening the door, two men were found to be standing on the steps outside. They were none others than Leone’s step-father, Jasper Leslie, and her persecuting lover, Curtis Syd- nor. ‘* Good-evenin’,” saluted Leslie, while both men doffed their hats. ‘‘ We called to see a young lady whom you have in your charge, Miss Leone Hawk, y name. We presume she is at liberty.” ~ **No!”’ said Donald, coolly, “she is not. Ido not believe she cares to see you.” ‘*No, probably not,’ sneered Sydnor, sarcastical- Ne “but that makes no difference to us. We have a ttle important business to transact with her, and must and shall see her!”’ * But you won't, though!” declared Donald. ‘“‘ You will have to wait till =); see her outside this door, [’m thinking.” “But I say we shall do mating of the kind, you in- solent puppy!’’ roared Leslie, flying into a passion. “Get yourself out of the road, and let us pass!” ‘Oh! no!” retorted the cool miner, perfectly calm. “When you enter, here, you'll be apt to stop several bullets.’ And in his hand, as it to back his asser- tion, he held a’small gold-mounted revolver. Sydnor swore and so dia Leslie. “I would advise you to make yourselves pretty enerally scarce,’’ continued Yates, pulling back the mmer. ‘ My argument of a case is always and decisive, and composed of round, leaden pellets, Come! will you move away, or shall I ventilate you?” “You have the advantage, now, curse you!” growled Sydnor, retreating down the steps, his face nearly purple with rage, ‘Sut your triumph will be short-lived. I'll have that girl if I have to murder every cursed dog in Deadwood. Do you hear, you young wretch?” ? “Ay! ay!” responded Yates, with a smile of ac- knowledgment; “I am not deaf. If you propose paying us another visit, we will be prepared for you. ’ Then he closed and locked the door, and the dis- comfited villains turned their steps back toward the Metropolitan. Leone had been considerably alarmed, when she heard the voices of her enemies, but she became once more her lively self, when she found that they had gone. “They mean mischief,” said Anita, dubiously. “They will perhaps enlist a gang of toughs in their service, and give us trouble.’ “In that case, I had better take Miss Hawk and escape into the Hills,” said Donald. “Oh! no! no! Idid not speak because I fear for my safety. No; you must stay right here, and we defend ourselves to the best of our ability.” “Yes, that we will!” cried Bessie, emphatically. “Tam armed, and am a good shot; so you can count me in for at least a dozen.” A few moments later there were two raps upon the door, and by peering through a crack in the window- shutters, Anita was able to distinguish two persons standing on the a Donald went to the door. One of the twain was Lieutenant Audley—the other was Ida Burton, the Vailed Queen. ‘ ‘** Well?” demanded the miner; “‘what’s wanted ?”’ “T want my wife!’’ cried Audley, with a frightful oath; ‘‘so bounce her out here!”’ ‘“‘And I,’ said the Vailed Queen, bowing, ‘* have pose a my daughter, Leone! Tell her her mother ere CHAPTER XIV. THE NEW-FOUND MOTHER—CARRIED OFT, DonaLp closed the door, and went in and reported to the parties concerned, who were anxiously wait- ing. My mother!’ cried Leone, in great astonishment when she learned what was the vailed woman’s mission, ‘*What can it mean? My mother was ac- cidentally drowned in the Missouri river, years ago.” “Are you sure? There may have been some mis- rf) ” “Ah! would to God it could be so, My step- father was my authority on the matter,” ““Then, doubtless he lied to you; forif that was him at the door, awhile ago, he is not too mean for anything. Shall Ladmit the woman?” “Yes. Ican at jeast see her,” * And how about your husband, Mrs, Audley. Do you wish to see him?”’ ““Nol”’ the young woman replied, scornfully. “I despise him!’ ‘Then, I shall not bring him in?” ““No. Send him away if you can.” The miner went back and opened the door, a cocked revolver in his hand. ‘You may enter, madam,” he said, addressing the Card Queen, “and you, sir,” to the half-intoxicated lieutenant, ** can get out of the reach of my revolver in ten seconds, or take the consequences. me! get a-goin’, One! two—” ith a curse the baffled renagade retreated down the steps, and thence down the street, out of pistol range. ‘You are a capital hand to rid yourself of nuisan- ces!” laughed the Vailed Queen, merrily, as she fol- lowed the miner inside. “I saw you drive away — Leslie, and his companion, a short time ago.” They entered the little front parlor, where Leone, Bessie and Anita were waiting. “My child—my own darling child!” cried the vailed woman, uncovering her face, and advancing with outstretched arms. ne gave her one quick, searching glance, and then sprung into her embrace with a glad, joyous cry. Any one had need to look but once at the faces of the two, to be assured that they were mother and daughter; for, except that her hair was dark and her general appearance older, the Card Queen was a very counterpart of Leone, “My mother! my mother!” cried the girl, joyful- ly; ““T believe be are she.”’ ‘Then you ieve truly, my child, for Iam your mother, whom you have not seen for years, t last, after many trials and much terrible suffering, I rejoice, for I have found one of my own blood to love and cherish.”’ And the two wept tears of grateful joy upon each other’s shoulders. After the first fond greeting was over, conversa- tion took a turn upon another subject. Leonespoke of Jasper Leslie, and Sydnor’s threat to possess her, at no matter what cost. “The villains shall never lay a hand upon you, dear!’ the Card Queen said, reassuringly. ‘I have the power to arrest them both, and once they know nee A am, they will not offer, I think, to molest you urther.’ It was now que dark, outside, and a heavy rain was falling. But few pedestrians were abroad, and it looked probable that there was nothing to be feared from Leslie and his companion in crime, un- til another day. But this was a mistake. After ey Aine had been rren-wed of and all were seated comfortably in the ittle front parlor, loud shouts were heard from out in the wild wet night, and peering out of the window Donald beheld a score of rough-looking fellows com- up the street. hey were headed by the two villains, Sydnor and Leslie, and many were armed with long poles and torches. “They’re co !” exclaimed the miner, setting his teeth together with an ominous click. ‘We must repulse them or surrender—which ?”’ 13 “We'll fight, of course!” cried Leone’s new-found mother, fiercely. “T have two partoreeng instru- ments, here,”—and she displayed a couple of hand- some revolvers—“ with which I can do good service. Death to Jasper Leslie, I say, and then the same to his tools!” ; Deadwood Dick found no difficulty in pipding his Regulator pursuers, and in two hours he was at his mountain stronghold. Here he found: Calamity Jane and his band, as he had left them, enjoying a good rest preparatory to the great siege that they expected was soon to come, “T am glad you have got back,” Calamity said, “for that takes a burden from my shoulders. T like well enough to boss my own ranch, but when it comes to bossing somebody else’s, I ain’t nowhar, How did you make out?” f “T made out of Deadwood in telegraph time! laughed the Prince of the Road, gery & “T got chased by a swarm of vengeful hornets, but T soon escaped ‘em wi’out being stung.” “Regulators, were they?” **Reckon they were, I tumbled over old Uriah Denby, and marked him so I'd know him the next time we met; kicked Fred Audley out of tune, and then came away in double-quick time!” “What did you kick Fred Audley for?’ questioned a number of the band, who had gathered about, “TI judge he needs something worse than kicking, the accursed traitor!’’ and the young chief's brow grew as black as a thunder-cloud, ‘To him you owe your betrayal, for Ae is the traitor. Carlos Cambre, you are henceforth to fill his position as lieutenant!’ ‘ “Furra!” yelled the road-agents, in unison, “Three cheers for our new lieutenant! Long life to Carlos Cambre, and death to Audley the traitor!” “Ay! ay, my lads; that’s the ticket to vote!” cried Deadwood Dick, pleased to see Cambre so nae, accepted. As for the Poung Spaniard, he scarcely knew what to say about the matter, ‘** Audley is the last one I should have suspected out of your band,” said Calamity, after she and tho young chief had ‘been left stanc ing alone, the road- agents having retired to their cabin, ‘Do you think his wife is implicated?” “Nary! Bessie is a true little woman, and scorns treachery and deceit above all else. No; Audley is the nigger in the bush; and he may as well speak for his coffin, for his days are numbered!’ Just then a Ly en circling around in the air over- head, attracted eadwood Dick's attention. “Look! it’s a messenger from my reporter at the Metropolitan. What news can it bring, I wonder?’’ He was soon answered, After describ many raceful curves and circles, the beautiful bird slowly escended and alighted upon the chief's shoulder, It was of snowy white color, and under its left wing was tied a small piece of folded white paper. Z Desponings this, Deadwood Dick glanced over it astily. ‘*Phew!’’ he muttered, setting his teeth together, firmly, Then he handed the message to Calamity, while he strode rapidly off toward the larger cabin. There were but few words of it: “Come; you’re needed. Gang o’ toughs goin’ to. ‘tack McKenzies; Denby also started after Ae with fifty men. Look out, ETE,”’ In avery few moments Deadwood Dick and his men had left their mountain retreat, and were dash- ing through the intricacies of the mountains, in ee face of the night's drizzling and blustering rm, On came the gang of men toward the cottage their hoarse yells and shouts of laughter calculated to inspire the hearer with dread and terror. They were mainly composed of the class of bummers and bruisers that hover about all mining towns, and pick up a living by the strength of their muscle, or light- ness of their fingers. “T don't like the looks of them!”’ said Anita, dubi- gosk OY fom F pre of the by Com of men in eadwood, and have HO reepee or life or perso God pity a woman that they are very brutes.”’ “T think we have nothing to fear!” replied Donald, calmly, ‘A few telling shots will send them off, a-kitin’, bet your pile on that. I’ve faced just such music before.” “And _ it’s eyed to tell that you haye a brave heart!’’ praised the Queen. ‘You are not afraid to ht, and that just suits me to a T. Now, let me tell you, the best way to drive off this gang is to drop the two villains in the lead. You cover Curtis Syd or, the portly scoundrel, and I'll do for that uld white-haired wretch whom a cruel father once forced ” me to marry. ‘*What! You surely will not murder your own husband!" exclaimed Anita, in horror. “ Yes—were he a thousaad times husband,” was the woman’s fierce rejoinder, ‘‘ He is an ac- cursed viper on the face of the earth, and surely God will not hold me to answer for ridding the world of such a wretch as he. Ha!” This latter exclamation was caused by the sudden eeereerance of both Leslie and Sydnor. Whither hey ad gone so suddenly was hard to tell; but certain it was that they were no longer in sight, Their gang of ruffians, however, came howling on, and at last halted in front of the cottage. “What has become of them?’’ asked Leone, anxiously, referring to the two missing men—her ted enemies. ““They’ve probably hidden themselves, somewhere out of Mapciet om y where they can watch their tools take us,’’ said Donald, grimly. ‘“ Hark! let’s hear what that big tough has to say.” One of the grizzly crowd, a very giant in size, by n, ‘alls into their hands, for
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= SS 14° the way, was yelling and gesticulating, evidently trying to attract the attention of those inside. “Hello! what do you want?” cried Donald, through an open slat in the shutter. “Cum out hayer, durn yer old socks—cum out an’ see,” replied the giant. .“‘ Yer a drat-hanged cow- yard, ye be, or ye wouldn't be afeared tew show up. Cum, d'ye heer? Ar’ ye cummin’ out, or shall we cum in?” ge tre ye’d better come in!’ was the deci- sion of the miner, “that is, if you’ve any desire to stop a small cannonade of round lead. If you haven't, you’d better get back to your respective ranches, take my word for it.” “Haw! haw! d’ye heer thet, my pigeons? The pilgrim actually hes got the cheek to advise us w’at ter do. Jes’s as tho’ we angelic flutterers will obey his dicktashun! Not much, Mary Annar. I say, you cuss in thar?” “ Well—” “You can’t know who I am, I reckon, or ye wouldn’t be quite so fresh. I am a double-distilled torpeder o’ nitro-glycerin’, an’ when ve touch me off sumthin’s got to bu’st, bet yer dirty socks. My geographical title ar’ Jesus MacGinness, tho’ I ain’t no Irisher!”’ “Jesus McGinness! Lordy, what a handle,”’ laughed Donald, turning to the ladies. ‘Certainly the ones that christened him that Scriptural handle could not have looked this far into the future.”’ Then, aloud, to the giant outside: ‘‘ Well, Mr. Jesus McGinness, what wi ge have?” “Great cats o’ Barbary! I reckon Bae ought to know. We war hired to cum hyar and git a gal as ou’ve got caged up in thar, an’ git her we , bet he best pair o’ boots in town. Now, pilgrim, biz- ness is bizness with us, an’ we'll give ye percisely five wiggles of an elefant’s Saratogy trunk ter per- dooce that gal in. At the terminus uv that ‘ent od ef the critter hain’t hove in sight, we'll deliberately perceed to make patent-baled kindling wood out 0’ thet shanty !”’ “Correct!’’ retorted Donald; ‘and now, in turn, I'll give you and your crowd four minutes by the watch to get out of pistol-range. All that are wise will not neglect to skin out.”’ “Nary a budge will we!” shouted back Jesus Mc- Ginness, Then for a moment silence ensued. “Shall we fire upon them?” asked Bessie peas out of a knot-hole. ‘I could just salt that b ig chap nicely from here.” “No. We will not open on them till they make some show of violence, then blaze away, and make every bullet count.” “Listen!” cried Anita, in alarm. pounding at the back door,” “You keep watch in front, and I'll go see who it is,”’ replied Donald, and off he went, revolver in hand. The back door opened off into an entry or back rch, and the person knocking was evidently in “Some one is is. “Hello!” said the miner, sternly. ‘ Who’s out | there, and what do you want?” “ Hist!’ came back the reply, in a shrill whisper, through the key-hole. ‘ Don’t attract attention here, but let me in,” “The deuce I will. What'llI do that for? Who’s out there, and what do you want?” “°Sh! you'll have them toughs around here if you don’t shut up. Let mein. I come from Deadwood Dick to help you. He and more of the boys will be along soon. Come! let me in, if you’re goin’ to.” Yates had a cool head on him and never did things in a rush. He always endeavored to see his way clear before acting. Therefore he did not immedi- ately apes the door, but searched around and found a knot-hole, through which to obtain a glim of the gent outside, At last he was successful, and though the gloom was dense, he was able to distin- guish a man, brawny and heavy set, attired in moun- taineer costume, and masked. In all probability he was a genuine road-agent. ‘*S’posin’ youtell us your name!” proposed Don- ald, as he opened the door. “Ce Un assented the man, entering hurriedly. “Tt is Kirk Graves; but listen! the toughs have at- tacked the shanty. Lead the way front, and we’ll give them a blizzard. I hope the captain will hurry along with the rest o’ the gang; he'll soon scatter this yelling crowd!” Without another word Donald did as directed, for he heard the ruffians attacking the front door with les and clubs. He had taken the Opera isi to it strongly, however, and it stood the fierce as- sault without flinching. ‘The ladies were somewhat alarmed to see a stranger in their midst, but Don- par speedily dispelled any doubt they may have “*Tis a member of Deadwood Dick’s band,” he explained, “come to help us keep off the devils till Dick can put in an appearance in person.” “* And here goes for a shot!’’ cried Graves, firin through a knot-hole into the crowd. ‘Bully. dropped one gallus tough first shot. Whoop! that makes ’em scratch their ideas up. Here’s for an- other!’ and again the road-agent’s pistol cracked with d effect. : Bessie, the Card Queen, and Yates had also opened fire through the slats of the blinds, and the ruffians were dropping off rapidly. They too resorted to fire-arms, and their bullets came Cc through the thin boards that formed the walls of the buil ; Suddenly, Leone, who was occupied in watching the others fire, saw Graves reel away from his loop- hole, and st. r across the room, blood oozing from a wound in his forehead. “Take me where I can get water,” he said, reach- ing out blindly. ‘Don’t tell the rest I’m wounded.” Beadle’s Half-Dime Quickly Leone seized him by the arm and led him out through the kitchen into the back porch, where there was a drove well. Pumping some fresh water, she was about to turn to bathe the road-agent’s fore- head, when she was suddenly seized in a stout pair of arms, a shawl thrown over her head to prevent any screams from her lips; then she felt herself be- ing borne rapidly away. She struggled but could not break from the iron grasp that held her; she screamed for assistance, but the cloak effectually muffled her cries. hands of her enemies, who were taking her—where? Ah! that she knew! But it was impossible to form any idea; she knew nothing only that she was being carried on—on—on! CHAPTER XV. DEADWOOD DICK TAKES A HAND. Tue absence of Leone was not noticed, nor that of | the pretended road-agent, until later, so busy were the others engaged in loading and aiine One by one the attacking ruffians fell—some dead, others more or less injured. At last their number became so diminished, that they turned and made a a oars Deadwood. But even in this they were ed. As if waiting the moment, madly down through the pouring street of the rain-soaked town, dashed a cavalcade of horsemen, headed by a grim black ridér, as black as the wild wet night itself; madly on they rode, and then came a collision with the re- treoting ruffians; groans and furious curses, the bang! bang! of revolvers, the clash of steel; and igh above the roar of the pau storm, rings out a wild shriek of laughter, followed by a mighty shout from o’er a score of powerful throats: “ Hurra! three cheers for Deadwood Dick! geance, and double-daggers!”’ For the first, crowds of excited men begin to issue from the saloons to learn the cause of the disturbance in the wild black night. But when a whisper reaches their ears of “* Deadwood Dick,” they pause and con- sider what is best to do. Certainly they don’t care to tackle this ghostly scourge, in darkness more profound than the shades of Xgypt. Uriah Denby and his crowd, the proper men to attend to such business, are off somewhere in the mountains, searching for this very disreputa- ble Richard. Why, then, shall these legitimate citi- zens of Deadwood rave a pouring rain to fight road- ents, so long as said road-agents don’t come too close for persona: sefety? No reason is thero, argue they; and go back to the saloons en masse, giad to get inside where all is dry, except what you pay for in the shape of “ tarantler uice.’ The battle between the ruffians and road-agents is of but short duration, and soon Deadwood Dick and his men dash up to the cottage, to learn the damage done there. But only the young chief dismounts and is admitted; the rest sweep on and off into the dense shadows, like the dark wild spirits they are. rs ot Dick was admitted into the cottage with- out delay. “You are welcome!” cried Donald, grasping the Prince's hand. « “‘ You come, however, just when we were successful in driving off the enemy.”’ Yes, so I perceived. But Icould not get here any sooner.’ ““You were soon enough to finish what we left, I imagine, by the sounds of conflict. Your man, Graves, sai hme were coming. By the way, Bessie, where is the fellow?” “T don’t know. I’ve been oa hog more attention than anything else. to my shoot: “Tt’s deuced dark, seems to me. Get alight, Mrs. McKenzie. Maybe the man’s been shot down and we knew nothing about it.”’ Anita, who had been clinging to Deadwood Dick nearly in raptures to once more see him alive an well, groped around, and soon produced a lamp, which she succeeded in lighting. ‘What did you say about my man Graves?” de- manded Richard. “I’ve no one in my crowd of that name,”’ “What! You must be mistaken. A man, masked like your men, came and clamored for admittance, just before the fight began, saying he came from you, and that you and your fellows would be along, soon, We let him in, and he fought against the Ven- roughs.” aT wager a thousand the rm g was an impostor, and you have been fooled!” cried Dick, his tone be- are eras “Where is Leone? Quick, Anita— e yt Econo! Leone!” cried the Card Queen. The lamp was seized, and its rays flashed around the room. ‘* Yes, by Heaven! she is gone!” Dick exclaimed. “You're alla pack of brainless idiots! You've let her — snatch her right out from under your noses !”” A cry of horror went up from all. “And that pretended road-agent isthe abductor of my child!” cried Mrs. Hawk, or, as we have known her, the Card Queen. ‘ No doubt the man was Cur- tis Sydnor.” ‘“‘ But Sydnor had side-whiskers, where this fellow had none,”’ said Donald. “The shears would rid him of his beard,” Dick eet pacing up and down the floor, ex- citedly. “It was no doubt one of the young lady’s enemies. But, there’s no use erying over spilt milk. She’s gone, and that’s the long and short of it.” “ And we must find her!’’ ded Donald, grimly. “We must n the search now, and not give itover until we have her again in our possession.” _ “Which is easier said than done!’’ replied the Prince of the Road. ‘“ The gal’sin the enemies, and they’re going to freeze to her likea wer of her She was powerless;—and in the | “They will most likely take the morning stage for Cheyenne, en route for Texas.” “In that case, I think I can safely promise BAL the restoration of, your child!’ said Deadwood Dick, re- assuringly. ‘The out-stage will carry a large con- signment of gold, and by stopping it, I can doubtless hit two birds with one stone. So I will now bid you adieu. You probably will have no more trouble, as the young lady was the cause of this we have had. Without doubt, your plan, madam, is the one Leone’s enemies will adopt; so I will see to it that the stage is — d, and if we find your daughter she shall be ely returned to you. Now, then, good-eve- , one and all!’’ : “Ned! Ned!” Anita cried, “you are not going away to stay so long again? You will come back to | visit me, won’t you?” “Yes, little sister,” and the young chief kissed her fondly. ‘I shall drop in to see you, occasionally. unless the Reg’s get my scalp. have not foun time to ask you how zoe enjoy married life, but I’m certain you cannot otherwise than happy with such aman as Justin McKenzie fora husband. He is truly a noble fellow. But I must not tarry. Good- b 7)? fir the next momeut the door had closed behind Deadwood Dick. Outside, in the wild, pouring night, he mounted his black charger, who was growing impatient at the delay, and away down through the gulch city of gold dashed the weird horse and rider, at breakneck speed, and no one was abroad to check his course. After his departure, those at the McKenzie cottage talked over the events of the evening, when it was J Same that Donald should pay a visit to the Metro- politan and other saloons, and learn, if he could about the whereabouts of Sydnor and Leslie. is he at once agreed to do, and wrapping himself ina huge army coat—the propery of Mc- Kenzie—and arming himself thoroughly, he set out on his errand. . The first saloon he entered was the Metropolitan. The rainy night had drawn in a large crowd, but, under the stern age of the manager, an old California veteran, everyt was passing off mildly, consid- ering the crowd, the time and the locality. Occa- sionally there was a quarrel and a knock-down, over a game of cards, or some unlucky pilgrim cag eye gouged, or an ear chawed off, for interfering with a partner upon the dancing-floor. But such occur- rences are so frequent as not to cause any particu- jar commotion. / Donald wandered about in the great saloon for an hour or more, but saw no one answering to the de- scription of either Sydnor or Leslie. eir names were upon the books, but they were absent from the assembled throng. And where were they? This question Donald was unable to answer, That they were not in the Metropolitan he was quite posi- tive. He had narrowly scanned the faces of each and is Reet present, but none were of that type peculiar to the two villains he rin Ep “‘T judge there’s little use loo further!’ he muttered, going out once more into the storm, ‘ but I suppose I may as well drop into one or two of the other dens, to pass away time.” He accordingly did so, but without any satisfacto- ry result. Nothing of Leone’s captors was to. be seen, nor could inquiry further his search, for out- side of the “Met” noone knew anything of the men in question. So about midnight he went back to the ig Anita and Bessie were still up and waiting, but Mrs. Hawk, they said, had gone out, half an hour before, and had not yet returned. “T reckon we needn’t worry about her,”’ Donald said, taking off his rain-soaked cloak. ‘She has roughed it enough to know how to take care of her- self. Shouldn’t wonder if she’s thought of some place where she might find Leone's captors,” somethin; **She’ll give them trouble, if she should find them!” are Bessie, decidedly. ‘‘ She has got plenty of grit.” In the meantime where was Leone? F The Metropolitan was a hotel, in addition to its saloon and dance-house, and in an upper room two men sat at a common deal-table, upon which a lamp was burning. The room was bare and cheerless, its only furniture being the table and two chairs occu- gees by the two men, and a low, uninviting bed in a urther corner, upon which lay a young woman, ap- parently in deep sleep. The men in question were Curtis Sydnor and Leone’s step-father, Jasper Leslie. Sydnor was still attired in the disguise in which he nad visited the McKenzie co e, all cacems the mask, which lay before him on the table. He had sheared off his beard, and looked rough and grizzly. “The pen worked capital!’ he was saying: bring- his d down on the table heavily. ‘I never a noo rod of acting in iy life. No one sus- re my identity, and that bullet that zed my orehead must have been sent me by the devil, as an aid in perfecting my ements.” * And ‘ek never thought of such a thing ef I hadn’t told ye!’’ growled Leslie, running his skeleton rs through his long white hair, ‘The gal’d bin in the cottage yit, ef et hadn t bin for me,” ‘Bah! you needn’t brag, you old bone-yard. I’ve got the gal, and that’s al I care. You'can go to aa till yo eens the plied - ** Not till you give me over mortgage,’ replied Leslie, farmly. ‘Give me that, and I'll agree not to trouble you any more,”
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“Will you wait till you get it?” sneered the other, evilly, t aah gleaming in the glance of his blood- shot eye. ‘I rather reckon you will. I’ve got the gal, and you didn’t help to git her, either; and I’ve got the mortgage, too—”’ **You lie, Curtis Sydnor!”’ cried Leone, sitting up on the bed. ‘When you were carrying me away from my friends, I worked my hand into the inside pocket of your hunting-shirt, and abstracted a pack- et of papers—”’ “By heaven, girl, the mortgage was among the apers!”’ ie So I thought. at the time, and, unbeknown to you, I tore the whole lot all into little bits, and sent them off on the wind. Ha! ha! ha!” For a moment the baffled schemer looked like an infuriated wild beast, in his rage. “You wretch. You cursed little imp of the devil!” he roared, drawing a knife from his belt. ‘‘ I’ve half a notion to cut your throat from ear to ear.” “Go ahead and cut, if you want to!” retorted | Leone, defiantly. ‘‘ But it won’t help matters a bit. The mortgage one, and you cannot get the Hawk Propensy: it is mine, and no earthly power can take t away from me, for my mother is alive, and will to fight you.” ! your mother made food for fishes in the bottom of the Missouri, years ago!” sneered Sydnor. “ After you marry me the propenny is mine, no mat- ter if you have a dozen mothers living.’’ “ But I won't marry you, you insolent vagabond,”’ retorted the girl, firmly. ‘True, you have succeeded in getting me into your possession, but there is no law in the land that compel me to wed such a brute as you.” “Oh! never mind, my daisy. I'll see to it that all comes as I desire. I'll take you down into Texas, and there I’ll so fix you that you will be only too will- ing to marry me.” ; ‘I fear not your villainous threats, Curtis Sydnor. I have a mother and friends here in Deadwood, and ou know the old-time saying, about the slip *twixt he cup and the lip. If you get» me away without any trouble, it will be a great wonder to me.” “Don’t fear. I'll manage that all right. When your friends come to search for you, they'll find you missing!’ There was little sleep at the McKenzie cottage that night. All felt anxious about Leone, and discussed the probabilities of her whereabouts, at length. Anita had great faith that her brother would be successful in recovering her, for he so seldom failed cA oy undertaking which he set about to accom- sh. Pi Did you see anything of my husband, when you were out?” Bessie asked. “No—not that I remember of. Perhaps he has hidden out of the way, fearing the vengeance of the road-agents?” f “Tt will avail him little to hide. Sooner or later his death will be the result of his treachery.” ‘* You will be a widow, then?” The miner had taken quite an interest in pretty Bessie, since finding that there was no hope left for his winning Leone. “ Yes, I suppose so, but better so than to be tied to a man like Fred Au ae T believed him to be a man when I married him, but found out that he was a brute.” . Toward daylight, Donald started out again into the rainy morni and made his way to the stage-stand, tosee if possif e whether or not the captors of Leone went off in the Cheyenne coach, But he found that the stage had departed over two hours before; and inquiry gained him no news, for no one knew any- thing about the passengers, or their number. help me oe Swiftly down through the black mountain canyons | tore the noisy Cheyenne stage, with its plunging, snorti horses, six in number, and the dete | Jehu, who managed the lines with one hand, an the incessantly cracking whip with the other. It is an hour before day-dawn, and in the black, wooded mountains is the very darkest part of night. The Jehu is a veteran on the Deadwood trail, and no other than Bill McGucken, who Reopenly has hauled more humans into the Black Hills metropolis than any other ** howler” on the road. And Bill knows his business, too, as has formerly een evidenced. : On—on tears the jolting, overloaded coach; on— on plunge the fierce, spirited al tnd then, in a darkest part of a dark goer fone Me in his ‘‘ prancers,”’ and yells down into the Ce ‘ “All you’t’s got any tin may’s well be gittin’ it out, fer we’ve arriv’ at Deadwood Dick's toll-gate. Yander'’s his ga now, comin’ through the pass! True enough, Deadwood Dick and his men came riding leisure ye view, revolvers drawn in hand. MecGucken been long enough “ stagin’ it’’ to know what their coming meant. CHAPTER XVI. CONCLUSION. aut on came the road-agents, fearlessly and boldly, until they had surrounded the stage, MeGucken was down upon his knees on his box, his hands clasped in mute supplication, for the poor fool really believed he was in the presence of the spirit of Deadwood Dick. The passengers in the coach did not offer to fire upon the ge tres they well knew Bh guch a proceeding wo insure their own death, j “Get up, you crazy loon!” cried Deadwood Dick, riding to the front of the coach and giving Mc- Gueken a crack alongside the ear with the butt of the plage whip. “What in the Old Nick is the mat- ter with you?” é William arose, forthwith, fully satisfied that there | we shall realize heavily from the treasure-box. ucken reins | was more that was earthly than who had given him the blow. ‘*Yes, yer honor,” he said, trembling, as he be- held the stern gaze of the young chief centered upon him. ‘“ Iheer ye say et,” — “Correct. You're generally a pretty fair sort o’ pilgrim, Billiam, and I can’t afford to be hard on nt cig much tin have you got on board, to- night?’ “ Nary. ne unless et be in the treasure-box, an’ Lcouldn say the amount ye'll find there.” “Well, we'll proceed to investigate. Boys, blow open the shell, half a dozen of you, while I attend to taking up a collection for the foreign missions!”’ Then the Prince rode back to the coach door and opened it, “Gentlemen,” he said, politely, ‘‘I would request that you step outside of the stage. Upon the im- pulse of the moment, I have decided not to relieve you of your valuables, for I doubt if there is a man leaves Deadwood overstocked with riches; peaides, you will all step out fora moment, I will guarantee that none of your effects will suffer.” At this unusual proposal there was a general scramble to get out, and as one by one the passen- ers eme through the low doorway, Deadwood ick scanned them narrowly, by aid of a lighted torch held in the hand of Lieutenant Cambre. At last they were evidently all out, a dozen of them all told, for the most part miners who had be- come disgusted, and were bidding adieu to the magic city. Tare all outside, gentlemen?” “No! thar’s a young gal in thar’s’s bin drunk ever since we started!” vouchsafed one old fellow ‘and these here pilgrims, sur,” pointing to two of the passengers, who were att in citizens’ dress, ‘ar’ the ones as fetched her inter ther stage.” spiritual of the one “Then they are our game. Seize ’em, mates!” cried Richard, covering the two wretches with his revolvers. “A couple of a also bring the young lady out of the coach. She is not drunk, but has been drugged by these two scheming demons.”’ Sydnor and Leslie, for it was the two enemies of Leone, were seized and securely bound; then Leone was brought from the inside of the coach and laid on the grass, beside the stage-track. She was in a deathly stupor, that eaten easily have been mis- taken for an intoxicated s sony Deadwood Dick dismounted and knelt by her side. He saw that she would soon wear off the effects of the opiate if left in the open air, It was still are, briskly, so he covered her body with his blanket, an let the rain fall upon her upturned face. While he was thus engaged, there were three pistol-shots in rapid succession, and the audible sound of as many bodies falling upon the ground, Springing to his feet, he perceived at a glance that the villains Sydnor and Leslie had been shot; also, one of the passengers lay outstretched upon the greensward, with blood oozing from the left temple, and a still smoking revolver clutched in the stiffen- ing, fingers, to show the origin of the bloody tra- gedy. Furthermore, he recognized in that passenger no less a person than our heroine’s mother, the Vailed Queen, whom he had seen at the cottage, and also many previous times at the ‘* Met.” ‘‘Great heaven! this is a horrible thing, gentle- men. Have any of you passengers any knowledge of this trio?” asked Dick, bending over the dead woman—for she was. dead, the last bullet rrom her revolver having crashed through her brain, The false whiskers she wore had partly fallen off, and her long hair was disarranged. “ Reckon none of us knows anything about ’em!” owe the miner, who had spoken before. ‘The ot inter the stage at Deadwood, and that’s all we know.’ Well, so be it. All three are dead, and thank God I have not their blood upon my hands. I shall bury them, here, and that is all I can do. Mates, have you done with the treasure-box?”’ “Ay! ay! We've cleaned it out.” “Very good. You passengers may now enter ond the stage can proceed. ut, mind you, Bill Me- Gucken, not a word of this to the Cheyenne or Dead- wood authorities!” 3 A general scramble was made for the coach, by the overjoyed passengers, and in a moment it was rolling noisily away ars 4 the gulch. When it was out of sight and hearing, Deadwood Dick turned to his men, “Mates,” he said, “it is our duty to bury these dead ones, ere we depart. Dig two graves ip the clayey soil, yonder, and I will search this woman, for she may possess papers that will prove valuable to this young lady, here, who is her daughter.” The road-agents made haste to obey, while their youthful leader rifled the pockets of the dead Card Queen. He found some valuable rings, a couple of bank books, and a small roll of manuscript, that was evidently freshly written. That was all. The graves were soon finished, and after the bodies were well wra: in blankets, they were lowered into their coffinless tomb; then they were covered up forever from the sight of man. By this time, day was breaking in the east, and the rain had ceased to fall, with all promises for a clear, warm day. “We must needs be moving,” said the Prince, glancing at Leone who had not yet returned to con- sciousness. “Day is almost upon us, and it.is not desirable to be visible too much, being as the Regula- tors are abroad,” “Then shall we return to the strong-hold?” asked Lieutenant Cambre, “No, Denby and his men are likely up in that e “ The Double Daggers. | region, and I don't wish to meet them, if it can be “Well said, captain, for surely enough blood has been spilt by us, to insure usa warm reception into the devil’s kingdom. Where, then, shall we go?” “To the place Calamity Jane calls Golden Bar. She directed me so I can easily find it, and there we can lie low fora time, When another night comes, perhane there will be a wedding, if the bride is will- "Recordings the road-agents all mounted, and Leone was handled tenderly into the arms of Dead- wood Dick, after which the cavalcade rode awa: from the fatal spot. Under the young chief's | they threaded the intricate mountain gorges, and hours later, when the glad warm sunlight was flood- ing the earth with a beautiful radiance they reached the novel entrance to Golden Bar, and rode, single file, into the cavern. Calamity was there, evidently awaiting their com- ing, and bade all make themselves at home and guests of her hospitality. “Twas afraid you’d got into difficulty,” she said, arranging a pile of blankets whereon to lay the senseless maiden. ‘‘Old Denby and his crowd went up toward your stronghold, last night, after dark, and I didn’t know but you might have encountered em ” “Oh! no. I fought shy of them, because I did not want to raise any more disturbance, for awhile. Deadwood’s whole population might turn out after me.” ‘Ha! ha! but they'd never find you, here. Gold- en Bar is a secure retreat from all the world, How is it that you have Leone with you? I thought she was in Deadwood, at your sister's,” Richard explained in a very few words, and then Leone was laid upon the couch of blankets, while Calamity set about applying restoratives. But her efforts were unavailing. The maiden lay as one in a deep, deathly slumber, breathing easily, appearing to arouse but a little, An expression of peaceful rest was upon her fea- tures, bespeaking the fact that she felt no pain. Calamity had some little knowledge of doctoring, and medicines; and as she sat and watched the beautiful sleeper, a dark look passed from her eyes —a aneres, flashed over her features, of doubt and anxiety, ““What is it?” asked Deadwood Dick, who had been watching, narrowly. Camity shook her head. “Tt’s m ghty strange,"’ she said, grimly, her eyes staring. ‘I never saw chloroform or ether hang on like this, Iam afraid that—” She paused, in evident hesitation, > “What !—atraid of what?” cried the road-agent, in alarm, ‘“‘ Afraid that the wretches, finding that there war no hopes o’ carryin’ her off, have poisoned her.” “Great heaven! girl, you cannot be in earnest. She poisoned!” Richard knelt down beside the sense- less ido] of his heart, pale and wild-eyed. She pois: oned; doomed to die when he had just learned to worship the very ground she trod on? No! it was not—must not be so! She would return to life, to smile once more upon him, road-agent, criminal, and outcast though he was. “It may not be so,” replied Calamity, ‘ but it's more’n likely. The cusses war bound to have the gal for some purpose or other; I reckon it was on account o’ property. They were not too good to do any thing. Maybe she'll rouse up, but I wouldn’t swear to it. At any rate, an ’our will tell, for if it’s poison, she'll die inside o’ that!” Tears fell thick and fast from the eyes of Dead- wood Dick. Had it been his own sister lying there before him, and she dying as Leone was, he could not have felt worse. He had become a hater of wo- men, from the time Alice Terry had refused him, until he had met this fair girl, when his reckless heart had again felt the thrill of love, this time ten- fold stronger than ever before. The road-agents u gathered around, in respect for their sorrowing leader, for they loved him even bet- ter than themselves. He had won a firm place in their hearts by his courage, daring and fitness to command, and his sorrow was theirs, “TI think you have little need to weep, Captain Dick,” said Cambre, the lieutenant, kneeling on the Genoa side of the sleeping beauty. ‘If it is onl the effects of chloroform or ether, it will undoub edly wear off, for it rarely kills a person of the robust build and health this young woman appears to en- joy. 8 SS well satisfied et’s pizen,” said Calamity, con- ently. “Well, in that case, I believe I can fetch her around, Wait till I return,” replied Cambre, and turning, he hurried from the cavern. In ten minutes he came back, with a handful of reddish weeds, that the Blows Indians call cabrai—meaning “the fire- plant. Procuring a kettle from Calamity, he proceeded to steep the herbs into a strong, unpleasant-smelling liquor, a glassful of which was forced down the maiden’s throat. In ten minutes more she had vom- ited up the emetic, and with it came a greenish sedi- ment that was in the first stages of fermentation, | ‘She was poisoned, true enough,” the lieutenant said, ‘‘ but she will now recover, I'll guarantee,” | ‘And I owe you another debt of gratitude!” cried | Deadwood Dick, rasping his hand warmly, ‘“ May God reward you fn a way that I cannot,” Leone now repldly showed signs of returning con- sciousness, and inside of an hour she was sitting up fully aroused, with a clear comprehension of what was going on about her. At her over’s request, she related what had trans- pired from the time she was stolen from the cottage
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| : | i H jt Se Se : ing it and the jewel: will go to Deadwood for a preac 16 by Sydnor, until they had forcibly drugged her in the room at the Metropolitan saloon, preparatory to tak- ng her aboard the stage. ick then explained to her all about how he had rescued her from the stage; how her mother, dis- guised as a passenger, had killed Sydnor and Leslie and then herself; and how they were given a decen burial on the spot whereon they died. Leone cried bitterly, at first, over the loss of her new-found mother; but grief, naturally, was of short duration for one she so briefly known. “This roll of manuseript I found in the pocket of the Card Queen’s dress, and thinking it might relate to you, I brought it ge i said Deadwood Dick, giv- er. soon as she could control her emotions, she read the papers, but said nothing concerning their con- tents. The day passed very quickly away, and before any one was scarcely aware of the fact, the shades of “ mai to depart. “Where now?’ asked Calamity, rolling up a cigar- ette. ‘It’s dangerous, bein’ abroad these times, you recollect.” “Yes, I know; but never fear for me. It is yet to be truthfully said that Deadwood Dick was ever caught napping. As to where I’m going, it’s to Deadwood. I shall return with a gospel-slinger, if one can be found, and Miss Hawk, here, will then be- come your Princess, as lam your Prince!”’ A thundering cheer went up from the highwaymen, for Leone was generally admired by them. So'saying, Deadwood Dick quitted the cavern and rode away into the starlit night. Perry Pennypacker was about the only ordained minister of the Gospel in the delectable magic city. He had come from the Granite State of Maine, with a view to establishing a church and Christian- izing Deadwood sinners; but on his arrival’and re- Mii of the — of A ce ET hee to by the guarding shephe ec mind, an i mon gold, a mile above Deadwood, To-night he was wending| his way through the gulch at a late hour, on the way to his boarding-place— late, in consequence of his paying a friendly visit at too many of the saloons, that are pitched down all the way to Elizabeth. And being a tolerable singer, Mr, Penn ker was warbling forth on the ight air snatches from good ol at yer 1 hymns. uddenly his path was blockaded by a man, on a black horse, and holding a pair of cocked sixes in his grasp. The man was Deadwood Dick. ‘*Waal?’’? demanded the man from Maine, staring mor, “what might you be wanting with me, my son?”’ “Are you Perry Pennypacker?” “Tam, indeed, my son.” “And do you sling gospel, for odd jobs?” “Yea, my son; I occasionally serve the Lord in the manner you allude to,” “Then you’re the old hoss I’m wanting. D’ye know my caliber?” “* How, my son?”’ “Do you know my name, I say?” “Nay, my son. Ihave not the honor of your ac- quaintance. I ae however, you are one of the lambs of the Lord’s flock, are you not?” “Oh! yes, without doubt,” laughed the young chief. ‘My handle is Deadwood Dick.” ‘“'The devil!’ gasped the minister. “NGS only a representative of that distinguished gentleman,” assured Richard. ‘ But the long and short of itis, you old bummer, I want to get legally tied to a female; so I'll give you fifty dollars to come up and do the job. Eh?” Pennypacker considered. At a dollar and a half oor it would take him over a month to make y. “Done! I’m your pickle!’ he decided, heaving away his tools. mS Leak on.”’ Deadwood Dick first bound and blindfolded the fel- low and then helped him ontoa horse that he had waiting close at hand. Then the strangely assorted pair rode away. Early on the following morning Deadwood Dick, ac- companied by Donald, Anita and Bessie, and the ter, arrived at Golden Bar. They were received with shouts of welcome by the road-agents. First,in order, came a splendid game- b ast; then the wedding ceremony of Richard and Leone, in which the Reverend Mr. Pennypacker acquitted himself very creditably. And thus were the hero of the road, and the heroine of the Hills, made man and wife, and it was the congratulatory wish of all present, that they might ever live happily by Pico ter the ceremony, Leone gave some explanations concerning herself and family history. Her mother had, while agg married a wealthy planter named Garry Hawk. hen he had become the father of two children (Gerald and Leone) he was killed by an unknown assassin, leaving all his property to his children. Later, Mrs. Hawk had been prevailed up- on by a tyrant father to wed Jasper Leslie, who treat- ed her brutally, and finally attempted to drown her in the Missouri; but she escaped death there. Jas- per Leslie’s persecutions extended to the children, and, — year before our story, Leone’s brother, Gerald, run away. Her flight followed, to avoid the persecutions of both her step-father and his villainous associate, Curtis on Why Mrs. Hawk did not return to her ¢ ec after escaping drowning, Leone was unable to tell. And it was destined never to be known. Thus we come to the end of a second Black Hills story—a romance illustrating the remarkable career of Deadwood Dick, the most notorious living road- agent of this nineteenth century, according to the report of the ‘‘Pioneer.”’ e is still in the Hills, alternating his visits be- tween his band and his beauteous bride, who resides rs a snug little home—a toll-gate—on the Bazeman rail. Audley, the traitor, is yet alive, at last accounts but his death by the vengeful hand of his betrayed bretnren is only a matter of time. And when he ‘* passes in his checks,’’ Bessie will undoubtedly wed Donald Yates, to whom she is fondly attached. Calamity Jane I don’t think will ever marry; her life will continue that of the dare-devil and reckless adventurer that she is, until the end. The recent sale of Golden Bar netted her and Don- ald a princely sum. The reader has noticed the casual introduction of Buffalo Ben. He is a living character, whose. full rite A is in the author’s hands, and will form a sub- ject for another Half-Dime Library romance, in which will reappear, in new guise, the Prince of the Road, Deapwoop Dick! DESCRIPTION OF BLACK HARPER, A VERITABLE CHARAC- TER IN BLACK HILLS HISTORY, AS HE APPEARED TO THE FUGITIVES ON PAGE 3, The horseman was a brawny, powerfully built man, with immense limbs and Phedsloe, inn great depth of chest. His face was covered from nose to 8 -collar with thick black beard, the mustache of which reached across each cheek, the ends hanging down beyond his ears. His eyes were dark and sin- ister, and brows shaggy, but what was most remark- able of all, was his forehead, which was low and re- treating, and jetty black in color f Close examination, later, proved that it was nei- ther dyed or painted, but seemingly burnt, the flesh being —and crackling: , as by flames, A slouch hat ornamented a shock of black hair w on his head, and a tanned, embroidered suit of buck- - grasp, a rifle of the unequaled Remington pattern was slung to his back, and a long dirk in a sheath hung at his hip. The horse he bestrode was a giant Mexican beast, fiery and restless, as was evidenced by its fierce champing of the bits and pawing of the pebbly ground. THE END. BEADLE’S HALF-DIME LIBRARY. “Live” stories, every one of them, by ‘‘Live”’ Au- thors, in the popular “folio” form, each Number a complete novel, at the extraordinary price of a Ha.r- NOW READY, AND IN PRESS. 1 Deadwood Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler. 5c. 2 Wellowstone Jack. By Jos. E. 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