Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 238) (1882 02 14)
The text was read from the page scans by machine (OCR), so it has mistakes and its columns may run together. See the pages · About this title · At the Internet Archive
Page 1
Eola Mall alislallas = Sitti tletlalalalallaly J ion (Sia | ans Ay PE hin Vol - S le PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, ° . Number. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. No. 238. BY OLL COOMES, AUTHOR OF “‘ VAGABOND JOE,” “ THE DUMB SPY,” ‘‘ ANTELOPE ABE,” ‘‘ KEEN-KNIFE,” ‘ PROSPECT PETE,” ETO., ~ >” SW, 3 ~ nite SS \ } i in “DEVILS, YOU SHALL NOT POLLUTE MY CHILD'S BODY EVEN WITH YOUR VILE TOUCH! DEATH WILL CLAIM HER BEFORE YOU SHALL!”
Page 2
2 The Parson Detective - LITTLE SHOCKY, THE RANGER OF RAVEN-ROOST. BY OLL COOMES, AUTHOR OF “‘DASHING DICK,” ‘TIGER TOM,” “THE BOY HERCULES,” ETO., ETC. CHAPTER L. REV. PTOLEMY FRODD MAKES AN APPOINTMENT. Tau Missouri river rolled seaward under a summer sky. There was no moon and a blue mist rising along the stream. overspread the heavens, blotting out the starsand wrapping wood, water and plain in one silent, solemn darkness. A number of lights twinkling snl the gloom shone from the cabin of River View on the left bank of the ‘“‘ Big Muddy.” River View was, at the time of which I write, the only village that broke the monotonous desolation of all that territory lying between the mouth of the Keya Paha and Sioux rivers. Brave and adventursome spirits were they who, with their families had dared to settle there in the very face of the dangers from Indian and outlaw. During the year of 18—, a detachment of Government troops had wintered there. At that time there was nod one but an old bunter and trapper within miles of the place. When the soldiers went away they left a line of bar- racks and three g cabins tenantless, and these were at once taken possession of by a pay. of hunters and trappers, some of whom ad families. Thus a nucleus was formed around which other men with their families be- an to gather, and in the course of time, River Jiew—now known by another name—bloomed into a frontier village, and, although small, it soon possessed all the characteristics of an old river town. The Indian, the hunter and trapper, the sol- dier, the horse-thief and outlaw, the prairie ranger, and the gambler, all contributed to the prosperity, the misery or outlawry, as the case might be, of the piece. Judge Lynch’s work soon became greatly needed, but that dispenser of border justice seemed slow to take hold at River View. It was a good place for Christian missionary work, and two or three missionaries had attempted to establish a church there, but for the want of physical, as well as moral, cour- age, their efforts had ended in ignominious fail- ure; and the law-abiding, God-fearing part of the settlement Degen to fear for the future of the village. In the course of time, however, there came another preacher along answering to the name of Ptolemy Frodd which was at once distorted, by the unsaintly, into Reverend Ptolemy Fraud, the Old Psalm-Singer of the Missouri. On the night our story opens some twenty men—the roughest characters of the place— were assombled at ‘‘ The Pine Cone” saloon, a notorious whisky-shop and gambling-house. Some of them were playing cards, some were throwing dice, and some smoking and discussing the subject of their next ministerial grand bounce, Reverend Ptolemy Frodd. The new preacher had, at the time, only been in the town a day or two. But few of the roughs had seen him yet, and not one of them knew when and where he was to preach his first sermon. In view of the ignorance of these im- aoc facts, the bully of the place, who was own as ‘‘ Rocky,” was appointed a committee of one to wait on the preacher and ascertain the time and place of his first appointment. But scarcely had this honor been conferred upon the “mill” when the door of the saloon swung open and a stranger entered. ““That’s the Psalm-Singer, now!” exclaimed Rocky in surprise. ‘It are the Reverint Tole- my Fraud or I’m a bu’sted cabbage-head!” n general appearance the stranger was rather striking. © was a man of perhaps fifty years of age, and fully six feet in hight; but he was slender and angular with long ungainly arms and legs, with hands and feet evidently several sizes too large for the man. The lower part of his long bony face was covered with faded brown whiskers, the upper lip being shaven revealing a mouth of enormous size. His nose was rather long and sharp, his eyes mild and soft asa maideu’s. His hair was iong and The Parson Detective. combed straight down on his temples, givin him a look of meek simplicity. Hoe was dresse in a becoming suit of dark clothes that had evi- dently been long in service. Stopping near the door the man politely re- moved his hat and sat it upon atable. Then, as he stood wringing his fingers, he glanced meekly over the assembled crowd that was half-hidden in a fog of tobacco-smoke, and then in answer to Rocky’s remarks on his entering, he said in a mild, yet distinct voice: “Yes, gentlemen, my name is Frodd—Rever- end Ptolemy Frodd. I have come to River View to look after its spiritual welfare.” “Good! good! hear! hear!” shouted the roughs, all aquiver with emotion. ‘¢ And in passing here,” continued the preacher, **T saw there were several of you together, so just dropped in to say—” ‘‘Hold on thar, a minute, preacher!” inter- rupted Rocky with a flourish of the hand, as he strode to the bar and taking up a bottle of liquor started toward Frodd, “‘your voice sounds husky, and you want to take a swaller 0’ this corn-cologne to cut the mud outen your throat, for I knows you’ve been drinkin’ Missouri river water.” “Thank you, sir, I never drink op gn but water,” replied the old divine, mildly aud po- litely. You'll have to drink corn-essence if ye stay here, Psalm-Singer,” declared Rocky; ‘“‘ the olimate requires it, so jist you throw aside yer temperance scruples and take a horn and see how much smoother yer can talk.” ‘‘ Sir, I tell you I never drink liquor!” reiter- ated the preacher in a firm tone which gave the bully to understand that he meant what he said. But ‘‘ Rocky ” had gone so far that he could not recede without virtually acknowledgin “first blood” in favor of the meek-face ‘‘Psalm-Singer,” and so turning toa friend he said: ‘Come up here, Mait Hohn, and we'll see if this ere old meekly Moses don’t take a social nip with us.” Matt Hohn, a heavy set, muscular fellow who was known as Rocky’s * right-bower,” at once responded to the call of his friend, and swag- ered forward with a smile upon bis coarse ace. In an instant the crowd was on tip-toe of ex- citement—eager for what promised some lively rt. Dat it was different from what they had ex- pected, for scarcely had Rocky come within reach of Frodd when the latter’s long arm shot out and a huge, mallet-like fist was driven into the bully’s face with such force as to knock him half senseless on the floor; and, at the same in- stant almost, he dealt Hohn a left-handeron the side of the head that sent that smiling individual reeling clear across the room. A yell of surprise, mingled with mutterings of revenge, burst from the lips of the astonished spectators. Smarting with pain and furious with rage the two roughs regained their feet, and with bitter curses turned toward the preacher. ‘‘ Hold on there! hold on!” cried the redoubt- able divine, with a revolver in each hand cover- ing the bullies, ‘‘ the first. man that comes near me again will be made the subject for a funeral sermon! Do you hear ?” They did. The terrified roughs started back. The presence of those deadly weapons backed b that towering form and those onco meek blue eyes now burning with a fierce light, awed them into motionless silence. A dead hush fell on the crowd. The fall of a pin could have been heard on the floor. In the stillness a card fluttered from the sleeve of Glyndon, the gambler, and fell with a “‘ fleck” on the floor. The “drip,” “drip” of whisky from the faulty spigot of a whisky-barrel be- hind the bar could be distinctly heard; but no one moved. Reverend Ptolemy Frodd was master of the situation. Presently he said in a slow, firm and deliber ate tone, with his revolvers still drawn: ‘* Gentlemen, I have come to River View to stay! And, as I was going to say, next Lord’s Day, at eleven o’clock, I'll preach in the old barracks, and I want every sinner of you to come out and hear me. Don’t forget, eleven o'clock next Sunday at the old barracks, no preventing Providence.” . With this the old preacher placed his revol- vers in his pockets, took up his hat, with his wonted meekness bade the crowd good-evening, and quietly retired from the Pine Cone. As the door closed on his tall form, the roughs drew a long breath of relief, and then a subdued murmur of voices filled the room. The bar- tender looked after the leaking spigot, Glyndon picked up his card, and Rocky and his “ bower” retired for repairs. CHAPTER II. ““ SHOCKY,” THE BOY-TRAPPER. * Haut! Roger Millbank!” and the command was accompanied by the click of revolvers and the sound of footsteps. The young ranger drew rein, and his hand dropped to his belt as three men issued from the bushes before him with their revolvers cev- ering his breast. . ** Don’t you dare attempt to draw a pistel,” one of the masked villains said, ‘‘or you are a dead man! Dismount and surrender, and be quick about it!” Roger Millbank was not a coward. He had stood face to face with death more than ence, and as he now sat upon his horse looking inte the revolvers of men whom he knew were out- laws he was unmoved and undaunted. He saw that the foe had him within their power, and yet he had the apts of mind not te precipi- tate his danger by an attempt to checkmate the enemy. Roger Millbank was a dashing young ranger of two-and-twenty, known throughout Nebraska and Dakota, and was feared by foes _as he was admired by friends. He was a skillful scout, a fine horseman and a remarkable shot with rifle and revolver; and besides these accomplish- ments of the border ranger and scout, which were the envy of every young man on the sain who knew him, Roger seemed especially avored by the kindness of Fate in that he wes the accepted lover of the fairest of all fair maidens, Ethel Robertson, the niece of Samuel Robertson of River View. He was on his way to the village when met by the outlaws, and when accosted, was riding southward threugh the timber bordering the Vermillion river seme five miles from the Trisctet, Young Millbank had been a source of constant annoyance to the Missouri outlaws and horse- thieves, and he was aware of the fact that a ‘price had been set on his head; and when eon- ronted by the three masked villains he knew that his capture had been carefully planned and executed; though, to gain a moment’s respite, he demanded: ‘*Gentlemen, what does this mean?” “Ha! I would ask such a question, Roger Millbank!” replied one of the trio, with a sneer. “Did you ever explain to your victims the whys and wherefores of your murderous treat- ment of them? However, the meaning of this is we have the drop on you and you'll oblige us amazingly by dismounting from your horse without any further words.” As he spoke, the man advanced slowly toward the young stranger, ounesar with the intention of seizing his horse by the bits, but divining his purpose a_ thought hed through the quick mind of the ranger and digging his roweled heels into his horse’s sides, the animal, a quick, fiery creature, lunged forward against the out- law, knocking bim down and trampling him under foot, as it dashed on straight toward the others. er threw himself forward on his animal’s neck to avert the bullets now whistliog over him, but at the same moment his horse leaped wildly into the air and fell dead—shot through the brain. Millbank was thrown vio- iw, Sg the ground and was half stunned by the fall. Before he could regain his feet he was seized and disarmed; then with a lariat: taken from the saddle on the dead horse, he was securely bound hand and foot, The young ranger’s capture, however, had not been made without the cost of life, for the out- law ridden down lay lifeless, his breast crushed by the horse’s feet. This loss rendered the fury of the two captors all the more bitter, and once they were on the point of shooting the young ranger; but a thought seemed to have occurre to their excited minds and putting up their re- volvers they cut the lariat in two, tied one end around the Yin ph neck then dragged him to a tree where there was a convénient limb. By this time it was getting dark and while one of the men guarded the prisoner the other gathered some dry twigs and limbs and started a fire which soon lit up the surroundings with a ruddy glow. In the light the outlaws saw that Roger Mill- hank’s face was a little pale, yet a look of unut- terable defiance blazed in his eyes. He asked not for meroy, and gave them tc understand that he was ready to die as he had lived. ‘‘ Now, then,” said one of the villains, “‘ yeu can see what your fate is to be, Roger Millbank,
Page 3
There is, however, one thing we want to know of you, and we will promise you, in view of the fact, that your fate will depend entirely upon the information you are able to give us. Mind, we know that you have a knowledge of what we seek, and you will also bear in mind that we know enough of the matter to tell whether you give us the truth or not. In fact, all we want of you is a single connecting link.” “Phen you will never receive that from my lips,” replied the prisoner, defiantly. “There is a way of compelling you to speak,” assured one of the villains. ‘‘ Here, Rathburn, let’s put on the screws.” So saying, they threw the end of the rope over a limb above the young man’s bead, and catching hold of it, drew down upon it until Reger felt the encircling noose tightening on his throat, ‘*Now,” said one of. the outlaws, “we will ive you one more chance—what say you, ger Millbank?” “T will die rather than save my life by a compromise with villains,” was the unequivocal response. “Then pull down, Rathburn, pull down—” “Hold on there! hold up there! hold there!” were the three several commands that burst from three different points in the surrounding gloom, The outlaws started with fear and terror, They quickly let go of the rope and grasped their revolvers, believing it was a case of life and death with them. They glanced quickly around them, but saw no one; to their ears, however, again came the stern command: * “ Hold up your hands there, you fellows of the masks, or we’ll riddle you full o’ holes.” ‘The demand came from the right. ‘“Up with ’em, quick!” came another com- mand from the left. ‘Yes, up with ’em, for you’ve no chance,” said a third voice before them,.and at the same instant they caught sight of a human eye blaz- ing along the barrel of a rifle that was leveled toward them from a clump of bushes. The two villains fairly staggered under the terrible shock they had so suddenly sustained. That they were surrounded they had not a doubt, and being caught, too, in an act that would condemn them to death, their chances for life were as doubtful as Millbank’s had been a few moments previous. One of them, how- aver, quley whispered something to the other, then both threw up their bands. But in the mean time they kept their ores on the rifle be- fore them, and the instant they saw it lowered they whirled and dashed away into the woods, making good their escape from the single bullet that whistled into the darkness after them. Then, before. Roger Millbank was . hardly aware of what had transpired, a figure stood before him with a knife in one hand anda rifle in the other, It was the figure of a boy of sey- enteen, clad in buckskin garments. . His round smooth face was, flushed with excitement, an his big blue eyes flashed with emotion. His head was bare and covered with a great shock of long frowsy hair that stood out like the quills of a porcupine, giving him an odd, and, to say the least, comical appearance. ‘ Shocky, the Boy Trapper!” burst from Mill- bank’s lips, as the boy severed his bonds; ‘ by heavens! I’m glad to see you, lad!” ‘*T should specerlate you war, Rog’r,” replied the boy; “‘ but come, git away from this light afore the foe rally.” The boy turned and led the way into the darkness of the wocds, closely followed by ger. Nota word was eROFRR until they had gone half a mile, when Shocky stopped and said: ‘Thar, I guess this’ll let us out, Rog.” “Yes, yes; but it seems more like a dream, Shocky,” replied the ranger, ‘‘I can’t hardly realize that I am safe. don’t know what to say to you,” “Tell me how you felt bout the time them critters begun to pull down on that rope,” and the lad burst into a peal of boyish laughter. ‘Not now, my little hero; I want to ge. my- self set right nvince myself I’m not in another world.” ‘“‘ Pshaw, Rog’r! You could easy tell by the smell o’ brimstone if you’d gone to another world!” “Shocky, you little rascal, give me your band. I want to thank you for getting me out of the worst scrape I was ever in.” ‘‘Didn’t I play that nice onto them neck-tie men, Rog’r! Didn’t they reel off into the dark- as tho’ Satan war after ’em?” ‘“You wasn’t alone, Shocky?”’ “ Bet your sweet soul I was!” The Parson Detective. “What? do you mean to tell me you had no assistance in rescuing me? Why, I heard three or four different voices catl dak from different points to those outlaws to hold up their hands.” **T can’t help it, Rog’r; every one o’ them commands come out of this flap-doodle of mine. Why, didn’t you know, Rog’r, that I can sling my mouth around like an oleshoe? Didn’t you know I’d a_double-geared, back-action voice that I can chuck away into any hole jist like nothin’?” ‘* Well, I believe, since you spoke, that I did hear once that you were a kind of ventriloquist, but it seems impossible that one could use his voice like you—’ ‘Here they are! here they are!” suddenly broke in a voice behind them, and seizing Shocky by the arm, Millbank cried: ‘*The outlaws are upon us! Run, Shocky!” Shocky burst into a peal of laughter. “That war jist a specimen 0’ my mouth-work, Rog’r,” ho said. ** Well, that beats me all out of time! Shocky, with that wonderful gift of yours, you should not be here in this heathen land. [t’would be a fortune to you in the East,” declared Millbank. ““That’s what my ole pard, Jack Snyder, says, Rog’r,” replied the Jad, “ but, I'll swaney, I won’t give up the prairies, the woods and the rivers and all their kersloshin’ ole fun, 1 were cut out for a double-breasted prairie vagabone, and I don’t want to be spilt in makin’. But say, Rog’r, won’t you go down to the ‘ Raven's Roost,’ and stop over night ’ith me! I’m alone now.” ““My dear Shocky, I'd like to go and stay a week with you, but I cannot. I have got to be at River View by to-morrow night, and as I am out of a horse now, it will be all I can do to make it on foot, traveling night and day.” *“Woll, I’m sorry you can’t roost with me, Rog’r; but if you can’t now, mebby you can some other time.” “Yes, I will, Shocky, and that before long, too. I owe you a debt of gratitude I will pay some time or other. But, my lad, you must be very careful; if them autlaws, find you out, your life will pay the penalty of your daring adventure of to-night.’ ‘** Let ’om sail in,” defied the boy; “I could ’a’ killed ’em both to-night if ’'d wanted to, but I don’t want to kill anybody—not even an Ingin. But if I have to, Tll not fool ’bout it.” Thus they conversed as they moved slowly down tho river, Finally they came to where Shocky’s road di- verged to the right. Bidding the youth adieu, Roger resumed the some the outlaws had interrupted. Shocky turned and glided rapidly away through the lonely wood. He soon came to the foot of a high perpendicular cliff, and, dropping himself on bis knees, slaked his thirst from a cool spriig that bubbled from under the rocks. Then, slinging his gun at his back by means of astrap, he caught hold of arope that hung, quite concealed by a natural groove inthe rock, against the face of the cliff and began to climb, stepping from one projection to another and ey ae himself with the rope. With won- derful rapidity he glided up the cliff, but prac- tice had made him expert in climbing that rudely improvised rake Up some thirty feet he landed on a ledge or table-rock shaped like a half-moon. It was ten feet wide in the middle. this the cliff continued on up fifty feet higher, ending in a projection that made approach from above impossible. In this cliff, opening upon the cresent-shaped table-rock, was a spacious hole or cavern in which Shocky, the Boy Trap- er, was making bis home temporarily, or until is friend, old Jack Snyder, returned from Omaha. Putting away bis rifle and revolvers, Shocky threw himself upon a robe spread upon the rock outside the door of the cavern. ere had he Jain an hour before when the report of the out- law’s pistols attracted his attention and led him to the rescue of Millbank. While the place was a secure one. it was dreadful lonely for the jolly-hearted, fun-loving’ Shocky. The trapping season had not yet be- gun, and so the youth had nothing to do but cook his own meals and while away the hot summer days in dull inactivity. is adven- tures that night were the first of any conse- quence that he had met with during the sum- mer, Of late, however, he had the promise of all the excitement desired. It was rumored that ihe Indians had broken out in open war- fare in the Hills and along the Niobrara, and that it was onl ur Sao aE dere-seeeron, ee > ae ee ee a the Missouri River in Dakota, In fact, roving bands of Sioux had already been reported seen on the Dakota River, and this was bringing danger pretty close to the *' Raven’s Roost.” As Shocky lay upon his back looking up at the blinking stars, and thinking over what Roger had told him of his ventriloqual powers, he was suddenly startled by what appeared to be the sound of voices, Rising to a sitting posture he listened and found he was not mistaken—that a number of persons were halted at the foot of the rock; and, what made the discovery all the more startling to him, was the fact of their being Indian voices, and that they were hostiles he had nota single doubt. But what were they doing there? Had they discovered his retreat and the way of we it? Were they about to climb the cliff? Crawling to the edge of the cliff he silently drew up the rope hanging against the rock and thus secured the Roost against invasion. A few moments later he discovered that the Indians had halted for the night and lighted a fire, and a feeling of uneasiness filled his breast through fear that the lynx-eyed savages would yet find him out and give him trouble. This they could easily do in the daytime by climb ing into the trees opposite the Roost; but the boy consoled himself with the refleetion that while they were climbing he could be shooting. As soon as the light of their fire had reached up into the gloom before him, Shocky crawled to the edge of the cliff and nee 1d over at the crowd, The fire had been built close against the base of the rock, and although the leafy branches of a cottonwood tree partially ob- structed his view jhe was enabled to see seven Indians, all of whom were bideous in war- paint. Nor were they ‘all that he saw; toa tree some thirty feet away, yet within the radius of light, was tied a captive—an old man at the sight of whose face Shocky almost ut- tered a cry of surprise. The captive was an old Frenchman named Max La Fleur, es better known as Old Max, the Tanner; and as soon as Shoeky recog- nized him he quickly searched the Indian bivouac for other faces, for, never bad he seen Old Max before without bis daughter Aimee, a sunny-faced, bright-eyed little girl of sixteen summers, at his side. The boy even searched the girdles of the red-skins to make sure no scalp hung there, for a terrible fear had now seized upon his mind—a fear that the old tan- ner’s daughter had been slain, forto this wild, little trapper-boy, Aimee La Fleur was more than all else on earth, But he could see noth- ing about the camp by which he could decide, one way or the other, as to the fate of the maiden; and so he composed his feelings and turned his attention to the old man. ow he could proceed to rescue him, he: could not, for the life of him conceive. ©The odds were against him seven to one. Were he upon the. ground he might, with the aid of his wonderful gift of voice, accomplish the tanner’s release as | he had Roger’s. | | | | | ; The savages seemed totally ignorant of the boy’s presence, for, as yet, they had discovered nothing to arouse their suspicions, or curiosity, and feeling thatthey were secure, for the tine being, with their captive, they seated them- selves around their fire and entered into con- versation. Presently one of them produced a queer-look- At the back of | ing, long-stemmed pipe upon the bow! ef which was carved the face of a man. It was evident from the curiosity manifested over this pipe that it was something new to them—doubtless the property of the captive. ‘ Filling the pipe and lighting it the savage took a few whiffs, than advanced to where the captive stood and deliberately puffed cloud after cloud of smoke into the old man’s face, al- most strangling bim. This treatment of the captive seemed to afford the savages great amusement, and not until the smoker’s own mouth burned with the hot smoke did he desist and return to his friends. Seating himself in the circle around the fire he passed the pipe to & comrade, and after he had taken a few eo passed it on to the next. In this way all were passing the moments in the hight of savage enjoyment when something was seen to drop into the fire from overhead. Involuntarily every savage leaned forward and pressed down at the mysterious object, but only for an instant, for, suddenly, there was a puff, a dull, heavy report, and a flash that seem- ed the very flame of hell bursting from the earth. Fire, savages, dirt and stone were hurled in one confused mass in every direction. a question of time when the | The ground shook as with the jar of an earth- scene of bloodshed would extend eastward to | quake. The trees hard by swayed violently.
Page 4
Leaves and twigs were stripped from the boughs and blown upward into the great moun- tain of sulphurous smoke that filled the sur- rounding and blotted out the stars of heaven. Then darkness, deep and awful, fell upon the Indian bivouac and over the Raven’s Roost, and the dread silence that followed was broken only by a long-drawn moan of human agony—the agony of death. CHAPTER III. AIMEE LA FLEUR. ‘‘On, why does my dear father not come?” The jmabeh was a young girl of sixteen, the daughter of Old Max, the Tanner. A look of intense anxiety was upon her pretty face, and her blue eyes swam in a mist of tears as she watched the river for the coming of her sire. Tke cabin of La Fleur stood on the side of a bluff overlooking the Missouri river—some fif- teen miles from River View. It was a double- log structure, with a neat front yard blooming with flowers of every hue. For three years had the Frenchman lived there, and in all that time no known danger had threatened him. He had, with a remarkable degree of policy, maintained a strict neutrality with the Indians and whites alike, no difference whether the were friends or foes to the rest of mankind. He believed that such a course would insure him against danger and molestation, and by fair and honest dealings with the Indians, hunt- ers and rapsersi hoped to reap a just reward. Old Max had vnce been a well-to-do tanner in Omaha, but a fire consumed his tannery one night and left him but little. To add to this pecuniary loss he was soon after preaneat to suffer the sore affliction of the death of his wife, and then, with his little daughter Aimee, he embarked on a Government boat for the region of the Upper Missouri. But by the time the boat bad reached River View he was ready to stop, and did land at that place; but he no desire to locate there. He wanted to get away from the baleful influence of liquors—not that he drank himself, but those with whom he ex- pects to trade were addicted to a love of iquor he knew, and he wanted to have nothing to do with drunken Indians. So he went up the river, erected him a cabin, and at once became known as Old Max, the pretend to dress and tan all the furs he purchas- ed, for he devoted some time to ot and trapping himself. He had a ready market for all his goods at Omaba, whither he sent them by Government boat or private parties going from River View for supplies. Old Max, during the season, was visited al- mwost daily by the Indians and white hunters and trap of that vicinity, and it required considerable tact to prevent collisions between these ancient foes when they happened to meet each other there. The Indi always went away from his cabin fully satisfied with their trade. He never heard of a le complaint, and in view of these facts he felt that if an In- dian war should break out he would have nothing to fear from the red-skins, But there were those he did fear, and these were the out- Jaws and adventurers that roamed up and down the river—many of them calling at his cabin— seeking his hospitality under the guise of honest men. But he panna ies no suspicion, although he kept a close watch upon them, and guarded well the attraction of his cabin, he fair Aimee, who was budding into a beautiful womahood. As time passed on, however, there came the news of an Indian outbreak throughout Dakota and northern Nebraska. Old Max was advised to remove to River View, but he declined to do so. He still adhered to the belief that his fair dealing with the Indians was a sufficient safe- guard for him; but Aimee did not share that belief with him—that great faith in the cunning red-skin of whom her boy-lover, Shocky, had told her so much. And thus matters stood at the time we intro- duce her to the reader. Her father had gone away that morning, and evening was now approaching, and he was no- where in sight. Naturally enough, she became uneasy, for.it was something unusual for him to remain away so late. nd when the sun finally went down, and the shadows of night began to gather fast, and her father came not, the poor girl’s heart became sorely distressed. She prcae the floor of the cabin wringing her hands and sobbing. Ever and anon she would go to the door and look out into the night and listen with her hand upon her heart. But nothing could she see, nothing could she hear save the broad white river flowing on at the foot of the bluff. anner. He did not The Parson Detective. Finally she went out into the yard and paced uneasily to and fro in the cool night breeze. Here she walked many long hours away, but her father came not. At length the moon came up, casting a weird, mellow light over woodland, river and plain; but her light brought no ray of hope to the breast of the poor girl, and finally overcome with despondency, she sunk down upon the doorstep. A moment later she caught a faint, far-away sound like the call of a human voice. In an instant Aimee was upon her feet listen- ing intently. he howl of a wolf came to her ears. That faint ray of hope faded from her face, and she bit her lip to keep back an outburst of grief. Still, there might be more in that wolf’s howl she thought, than she had at first supposed, and so she continued listening. In this she was right, for she could soon hear a dozen or more wolfish voices all gathering at a point, as it seemed, a mile or two up the river. And once she was sure she heard a’ human voice mingled with those of the beasts, and when she heard it repeated she waited for no more, but turning sped down the bluff to the river’s edge, where, in a little cove, lay a small bark canoe. In a few moments the girl was in the craft gliding up the river. She was Spe skillful in handling the paddle, and her bark being a mere shell—Indian handi- work purchased of the Sioux by Aimee herself —she skimmed rapidly along, flashing in and out of the shadows and moonlight that fell Bpon the winding river like a spectral boatman. er head was bare, and her long yellow hair, tossed back from her fair face, floated on the breeze at her back, while her little form swayed to and fro with each stroke of the pecee. vaya F she stopped to listen. The sound of those wolfish voices was not far off and dip- ping her paddle she sped on. Plainly could she now hear the beasts barking, howling, and soar lite as if impatient to begin a nocturnal east. Finally Aimee knew by the ’sounds that she was opposite the Rgds 3 ibbering beasts, and running her bark to the shore she landed and tied it up. Then taking up a stout stick that lay on the beach she proceeded into the shadowy woods, her heart rising in Jher throat. As she advanced the timber became more open. There were but few trees before her. Moonlight and shadows checkered the earth, and in and out of these she suddenly saw dark, shaggy forms whisking to and fro like a weaver’s shuttles. And such a wild, infernal din of voices! The blood in Aimee’s veins ran cold. She stopped and with starting eyeballs glared at the scene before her. It seemed that a hundred wolves were circling ee and and oe . scnrieig center, sna and snar an 4 Ever and ws a beast would utter a sound lileo a human wail or break into a wild, maniac laugh. And suddenly—above all these bedlam voices—rose a human moan. A cry burst from Aimse’s lips, and lifting her stick she ran in among the beasts, calling out in wild shrieks to her father. ‘The maddened wolves ‘ted on either side of her and fell back with a sudden yelp of surprise and disap- pointment. Lyin prene upon the earth the maiden dis- cove’ e form of a man, but before she had scarcely reached the body—before she could look at the face, the wolves rallied and returned with renewed violence, closing in around her. With her stick she beat them , but gradu- ally they closed around her—some coming so close as to snap the skirts of herdress. Her feeble blows only maddened them. Their eyes lowed like balls of fire and the fetid odor of their bodies and breath sickened her. But it was a case of life and death with Aimee La Fleur and her father, whom she believed to be the man lying at her feet. She fought as only one fired with a last desperate hope could fight, but each blow grew feebler, her head was growing d , the earth seemed slip- ping away when, suddenly, there was a flash— Se aate report rung out above the babel of wolfish voices and was quickly followed by an- other flash and another report. Aimee’s courage rallied. The horde of wolves, like an ominous cloud, ted and vanished as if by magic, and in the moonlight bursting through, she saw a familiar form and face ap- prostanes and Shocky, the Boy Trapper, stood ore ber. The ring of his revolver had frightened the wolves away. ‘“Oh, Shocky! my father is dying or dead!” burst from the girl’s lips as the boy stopped be- fore her, speechless with horror—almost doubt- ing the evidence of his own eyes—doubting the presence of Aimee La Fleur in flesh and spirit: until she had spoken. ‘Great heavens, Aimee!” he cried, sping the trembling hand of the girl, “what as gone wrong? Your father dead?’ The two turned and looked down into the bloody face of the prostrate form. A cry, half joy, half regret, burst from the maiden’s lips. “Aimee, this is not your father,” said Shocky ; “itis the young ranger, Roger Mill- bank!’ ‘Oh, where can father be?’ the girl cried, wringing her little hands and looking implor- ingly into Shocky’s face. “Aimee,” the boy said, “‘I saw your father once to-night and he—” ‘You saw father, Shocky? Was he alive?’ ‘* Yes, but he was a prisoner in the hands of seven Indians.” “Oh, heavens! then my worst fears have come true!” ‘But Ido not think he is a prisoner now, Aimee,” the boy continued; ‘‘ the whole party had camped at the foot of Raven’s Roost where Iwas. They tied their captive toa tree about age oe aay See pagel set ripper aioe eir fire. a package o n powder into their fire. ft exvioded with oastaasion likea magazine. It was ten times worse than ex- pected, and them savages were blown to king- dom come. It puffed upinto my face knockin” me almost senseless and fairly blindin’ me. It. war ten minutes afore I could tell whether I was dead or alive. I heard a groan and called to your father, but there was no answer. It bein’ dark as pitch I climbed down from my roost and went to where your father’d been tied, but he was gone. I hunted around and found two wounded Injins and two dead—one of the latter blowed all to smidgeons. As I didn’t know what’d become of your father— whether he’d got loose and come home or the survivin’ Injuns’d taken him off, I struck for your cabin to see. Hearin’ a racket out here I concluded to inquire into it, and that’s how E happen to be here. I see now that the Lord sent me, Aimee, But, poor Roger Millbank! I'm afraid he’s gone under this time. I res- cued him once to-night from two outlaws up, on the Vermilion.” “Shocky? Is that your voice I hear Shocky/’ The question came from the lips of the prostrate man. = a ; r, it’s me,” aay bene kneel- © ranger, ‘‘ and, great smidgeons? age I glad you’re still alive! Rog’r, what can I do for you?” “T don’t know, Shocky; I’m pretty badly up.’ ‘Who denial it, Rog’r?’ asked the boy; “‘ do ou know?” ‘*No; but it was some one who was too cow- ardly to face me, and crept up behind and struck me down with a club and t me till I was unconscious. It was some one, too, who had no arms or else did not want to kill me with pistol or knife. I have my opinion who it was now, Shocky, since my mind has become clear- er, but, my boy, who were you speaking to just now?” ‘* Miss Aimee La Fleur.” tle girl, and— Here Roger broke down. A moment’s silence ensued that was broken by Shocky: “ Rog’r, you didn’t tell me who it war you thought tried to kill you.” ““Shocky,” answered Millbank evasively, “could you bring me a sup of water? I am famishing.” ‘‘Yes, indeedy, Rog’r,” but as he turned away toward the river, he said to himself: ““By heavens! I b’lieve he mistrusts Aimee’s 4 father, Max La Fleur!” In a few minutes the boy returned with Roger’s pocket-flask full of water, which the TaneSs. drank and at once expressed a feeling of relief. Aimee proposed that the wounded man be re- moved to her home. Shocky favored the idea, but Roger was silent, and his silence, to the Boy Trapper, was significant. Aimee tendered her canoe to the ranger. ‘““Rog’r, what d’ye say?’ queried Shocky. ““Shocky, it’s just as you say: Iam almost helpless.” co
Page 5
en a ree — ‘Then, if we can git you to the canoe, I'll take you to Mr, La Fleur’s cabin, andstay with you till you’re able to resume your journey.” ‘ God bless you, Shocky!” Roger was assisted to his feet, when the heroic little trapper-boy took him on his back and carried him down to the river and laid him in the canoe. Then the boy and the maiden took their seats in the boat and dropped quietly down- stream. They moved slowly, for the boat was taxed to its utmost capacity; but in the course of time they arrived at the landing in front of the La Fleur cabin. Roger Millbank, supported between Shocky and Aimee, was conducted up ‘the hillside and into the cabin, where he was placed upon a couch. ’ Disappointment met Aimee on her arrival home, for she had hoped that her father might be there. : Shocky proceeded to wash the blood from Roger’s head and face and dress his wounds. Aimee brought him water and bandages. While thus engaged, a footstep sounded out- side the door, and the next moment a wild, haggard form reeled into the room. t was Max La Fleur, though Aimeée scarcely knew him. His h was bare, and his long, dark hair and full beard tossed and disheveled like that of a madman’s. A wild look was in his eyes, and he started back at sight of Shocky, as if with fear. “Oh, father!” cried Aimee, throwing her arms about his neck, “‘I have mourned you as dead! but, father, what is the matter? why do you shrink from me?” ‘“My God, Aimee!” burst from his lips, ‘I am going mad! Iam a murderer! The curse of Cain is upon me! For hours I have been hiding away in the darkness, afraid even to ap- roach my own door. Aimee, I killed = ve illbank, through mistake in the darkness, lieving he was a savage, until—” “No no, Mr. La Fleur,” interrupted Shocky, “you didn’t quite kill him, for there he lays, good as forty-’leven dead men!” “ My God! Roger Millbank here, and alive?” and for the first time since entering his eyes fell upon the prostrate form of the ranger, who, rising upon his elbow, said: , “T know now it was a mistake, Max, though you dealt me some terrible blows. But your daughter Aimee came to my rescue, and, with her assistance and Shocky’s, I guess ri pull through.” Max La Fleur promod upon his knees, and lifting his face toward heaven, murmured a prayer. When he rose to his feet he seemed transformed into a new being. He was Max La Fleur again—a large, noble-looking old man of sixty, with a commanding figure, and a face pleasant and intellectual. “Roger,” he said, advancing to the ranger’s bedside and taking his hand, ‘‘I have age 2 through the tortures of hell since I left you lying, as I believed, dead. Fear took posses- sion of me the instant I discovered my mistake, and I fled wild with horror. Buf the fact is I was almost crazy when I struck you down, for I had passed eg an ordeal just awhile be- fore that completely unnerved me. It was this: Seven of my old Indian customers on the war-path, took me prisoner. After traveling some distance they camped for the ht at the foot of a great cliff. I was tied to a tree hard by. A fire was lighted at the foot of the cliff, and while my captors were seated around it, an ex- plosion occurred in their midst that absolutel blowed fire and red-skins out of existence, for a { know. I received such a wrench, also, as to break my bonds, and in the sulphurous dark- ness that hung over all I escaped. But what the cause—” Here the old tanner was interrupted ly outburst of laughter from Shocky and A ( After this the lad explained the cause of the ex- plosion, and his story filled the Frenchman with surprise and wonder. » La Fleur finished dressing Roger’s wounds, and after the young ranger had been skillfully bandaged and anointed he began to feel better and his spirit revived. In fact. all parties felt better, forthe worst appeared to be over with. But, alas! for human hopes, A pistol ontside in the darkness suddenly rung out and Shocky, who was advancing toward the m door, uttered a cry, threw up his hands and stagger- ing backward, sunk with a moan to the oor. The next instant the lithe figure of a dark- ‘visaged man with his head tied up in a red handkerchief, glided into the room, followed by four savages whose faces were ringed and streaked until they appeared the very demons of hideousness! The Parson Detective. CHAPTER IV. THE WEDDING IN THE GROTTO. From the ‘‘ Pine Cone” Ptolemy Frodd went direct to his own quarters that were located in the east end of the village in a building known as “The Twin Cabins.” Two cabins standing about eight feet apart were covered with one continuous roof, thus covering the open space between. In one of these cabins verend Ptolemy resided—boarding with the family liv- ing in the other end. His apartment was entered by a door — under the shed, and he had just reached the space between the build- ings when he was met by a cloaked figure that asked: S. : ‘*Ts this Rev. Ptolemy Frodd?’ “Tt is, sir,” and the hand of the old divine mechanically sought the pistol in his bosom. ‘“Then here is something for you,” said ‘the unknown, thrusting a note into his hand; ‘I hope you'll not delay in reading it and complying with the request therein.” So saying the man turned and hurried away. Frodd’s mind at once reverted to the Pine Cone, but a moment’s reflection convinced him that the note had nothing to do with his trouble there. The roughs had not had time to act, even though they felt disposed to; so opening the door he entered his room and lighted a lamp. Then opening the note he read: “Rev. ProLeMy Fropp: Please be at the Fairy Grotto by ten o'clock, sharp, to-night to officiate at a romantic wedding. Secrecy is enjoined for the time being. Do not fail to come under any circum- stances, or we be sadly disappointed. If you have doubts of our honesty of pur we will sat- isfy you when you come to the grotto. “Tur BRIDE AND BripEGeRoom." ‘* Well, well,” mused the old preacher, as a broad smile passed over his face, ‘‘ Ptolemy Frodd, you're getting right. into business all in one night. This is, most assuredly, a romantic wedding, but why is it at the Fairy Grotto? because the grotto is a romantic place? Let me see; there are half a dozen marriageable young ladies in River View and I wonder which one it can be? But the way to find out is to go and see and I believe I'll go. I always had a weakness for romance and—but fie! fle! why speculate?” Placing the letter in his ket, he lit a small pocket-lantern and then looked at his watch. . It wanted forty minutes of ten o’clock. It was time to start, for the grotto was over a mile away. Puttin out his light and closing the bull’s- eye of lantern, tbe old preacher left the cabin. With rapid strides he hurried from the village and entered the little valley that led to the grotto. A little stream meandered through the vale and a dense wood grew upon either side. A path led along the stream. Twenty minutes’ walk brought the old divine to the head of the valley whose sides closed abruptly in and where the g branches of the trees formed a beautiful avenue at the upper end of which a little cascade fell with a musical roar. This was the place that the citizens of River View had aptly named Fairy Grotto; and as Ptolemy Frodd entered its silent darkness, a voice called out: ‘* Who comes there?” Frodd — his lantern and raising it let the light shine into the man’sface; but a glance convinced him that his face was securely cov- ered with a mask of false whiskers. ““ Well, who have I the honor of meeting?” the disappointed preacher . H ‘The ‘ groom,’ ” was the evasive reply, given in a pleasant tone. ** And where’s the bride?” ‘*She’ll be here soon.” ** Well, well, am I to remain in ignorance of whom I have been summoned here to join in wedlock?” asked Frodd. “Yes, sir, for the present; but I assure you there is nothing wrong about this secret work. It is just a notion of mine and the bride’s to keep our marriage a seeret for a short time. After the marriage is consummated I will call at your cabin and give you our names that you may make ut a certificate for my wife to keep, for I shall start at once for the West.” “ Not to-night?” ‘** Yes, to-night; the Indians are on the war- path and I have been summoned by the Govern- ment to my post of duty as scout.” ~° “Ay, my fellow!” exclaimed old Ptolemy, ‘you are Roger Millbank, I mistrust, 5 —Se and I have an idea who the bride is. Roger is the only scout and ranger that I can think of in Government service around here.” “Ah! Here comes my bride,” said the mask- ed man, and his voice fell almost to a whisper. True enough, the lithe figure of a female wearing a long cloak and with her face closely vailed, emerged from the shadows into the light and ss to the side of the masked man looked up into his face. He spoke to her in an undertone, then she fluttered closer to his side.as if afraid of the surrounding shadows and took hold of his arm. , Reverend Frodd saw that he was not to know who either of the parties were, for certain, and he began to feel that it was his duty to discour- age such a secret marriage instead of consum- mating it, and dissuade the thoughtless young folks from what might in time be seriously re- gretted; for, while the marriage would be un- natural, it would be as eee, on the parties in the eyes of Heaven, and as legal as though rformed in midday in the presence of all iver View. , Neither of the lovers would yield, however, to his counsel, for they claimed they had consid- ered the matter carefully, and so the old divine yielded, and in a slow and measured tone pro- nounced those few words that made them hus- bandand wife. As soon as the ceremony had ended, and the reacher had congratulated the strangely-wed- ed pair, all three left the grotto and started back toward the village, the Rev. Ptolemy tak- ing the lead. In the course of a few minutes they reached the outskirts of the town, when Frodd left the young people to pursue their homeward journey, while he hastened to his own overmery! Buc, scarcely had he reached his room and lighted bis lamp, when there came a rap on the door, and before he could answer the call the door swung n, and the man he oe married entered, his face still securely m “Excuse me, sir,” he said; ‘ my wife remind- ed me just as we reached the door of her home that we had forgotten the certificate of our marriage. Will you please make out one, Mr. one Certainly,” th her quickly responded, inly,” the preacher quickly for he was anxious to know the names of the contracting parties. Seating himself at a table, he took from a little chest pen, ink and paper, and wrote out the certificate in blank. ‘“‘ Now what names shall I fill in?” he asked. ‘*Oh, never mind them,” replied the man; ‘just sign it, and I can fill in the names.” ““No, no!” replied the preacher, a vague sus- icion, for the first time, rising in his mind. ‘I ave already done what I now feel was not right in marrying you as I did, and [ will never let my signature go out to a blank certificate, for two wrongs do not make a right.” ‘*Very well, then,” responded the man, impa- cently ene evidently disappointed; ‘‘my name is Rufus Humbolt.” ‘*Rufus Humbolt?’ repeated the old man, with a look that clearly told that he doubted the man’s truthfulness; but after a moment’s pov he wrote down the name, saying: ‘* Well, Rafus. Humbolt is a stranger to me in name, but I hope we may become better acquainted. Now your wife’s maiden name, Mr. Humbolt?’ ‘Ethel Robertson.” ‘* Well! well!” exclaimed the preacher, as he wrote down the name, ‘‘I have met Ethel Rob- ertson, and I must say you have the fairest of all fair women fora wife. But I heard just esterday that she was the betrothed of Roger bank. declare, you must bave made a mistake in giving me your name,” and the old fellow burst into a chuckling laugh. Having dated the instrument and duly goon itas ‘‘ Minister of the Gospel,” he passed it te Ahi sir,” replied the latter, glancing fi you, sir,” rep the latter, gla over the paper, ‘ butone thing more. You de not know, perhaps, that there were witnesses to our marriage to night?” ‘*T was not aware of any but high Heaven.” “Ay, but there were—two friends of ours were secreted in the shadows near. Hubert Anson and Heil Macon are their names. Please put them down as witnesses,” , “JT would rather not without—without the consent of the gentlemen themselves,” replied Frodd. growing more and more distrustful of the man before him. “Then that can be readily obtained,” said Humbolt, and advancing to the door gave a low whistle. Tn answer to the call two young men, whom Frodd had never seen, entered the room and
Page 6
6 politely doffing their hats, accosted the old preacher, ° “These,” said Humbolt, “are the gentlemen who witnessed the marriage.” ‘* Yes, sir,” added one of them, ‘‘ we were witnesses to the marriage of our friend at the aerate “Well, verily,” exclaimed the divine, writing down the names, ‘‘ this strikes me as being a very remarkable, and I. must say, mysterious wedding. I ho ae batt "heedthe | of it. But there you have it, Mr. Humbolt, with the names of Hubert Anson and Heil con as witnesses.” Humbolt took the certificate and carefull reed it over, then folding it up he thrust it down into an inner pocket. Frodd, who was watching him all the time, saw, as he drew his land from that same pocket, that he held in iis fingers a little:derringer; and before he had time for a second thought the man pointed the weapon -at his head and pressed the trigger. ‘There was a flash, a sharp report, a groan, and Ptolemy Frodd sunk to the floor. Then Rufus Humbolt blew out the light, and, followed by his two men, hurried out into the darkness, CHAPTER V. ADMIRATION OF THE OLD *‘ PSALM-SINGER.” THe departure of Rev. Ptolemy Frodd from the Pine 6 saloon was not, us might natur- ally be supposed, followed by any noisy demon- strations or violent threats on the part of the assembled crowd. On the contrary the roughs were inclined to regard the matter seriously. They could not shake off in a moment the awe- inspiring influence that the old preacher's pre- sence had left them under. After Rocky and Matt Hohn had washed the blood from their faces and dressed their wounds, they sat down and began to talk over their “mill” with the ‘Old Psalm-Singer,” as he was termed. ‘*Thar’s no use a-talkin’, pards,” said Rocky “that Ole Psalm-Singer’s none o’ yer low and meekly vritters. He may be solid on religion and temperance, but he’s chock full o’ grit, and he’s got a fist and the science and an arm to drive it home like a shot from a Columbiad. I say, Mathew Hohn, how did you feel when he fotched you that left-hander?” “T thought a behemoth had kicked me,” re- plied Hohn, gravely,” and I know I see’d more stars o’ the fust magnitood than ole Astronomy, hisself, ever see’d,” Sy Well, my friends,” observed the handsome young gambler, Dick Ogilvie, who had entered the saloon some time after the encounter with Frodd, ‘don’t all this teach us one thing?” “Ya-as,” put in the proprietor of the Fine Cone, “ it learns me one thing, and’ that is, we've got to squelch that Ole Psalm-Singer lefore he gits the whip-row over us, or River View's a dead duck. No town can prosper on <a and necay 4 or,” said the gentleman! ken gam- bler, Ogilvie, whose ane ott ioe sobjecte went a long way with those whom he almost daily ‘‘ fleeced ” out of their earnings and steal- ings, ‘‘ you and I have been always hail fellows well met—never had a word of difference; but lat me say right here that I admire pluck and 1nanh even in a preacher, A man that’s willing to back his religious convictions with luis fists, if need he, is a man to be ted as well as feared. Now, Ptolemy Frodd is one among a thousand of his profession. Why, the coolness with which you say he ente this saloon, the firmness with which he refused to drink, the handsome and scientific manner in which he erected a shed over Rocky’s eye, and the magnificent and gorgeous style in which his left hand kissed Methew’s check—bringing that gentleman to ,» has won my admiration and respect. only wish I could have been lere to have seen his style.” “Shake, pard!” exclaimed Rocky, to the ut- most surprise of all; ‘that’s just the way I feel, only a little mofe so whar the swellin’s goin’ on over my eye.” * And I foller suit,” chimed in Hohn, and _ then the crowd clapped their hands and reared. “* Lookey bere,” said Rocky, rising to his feet, ** you may think that Old Psalm-Singer’s skeered ame into this, but ye think wrong if ye do. And listen to me, will ye? Next Sunday I’m goin’ to meetin’ and—” Here he was interrupted by a roar of langh- ter; but after the noise subsided he went on: ‘“* And I’m goin’ to respect the teachin’s o’ my ld mother again, and bebave myself like a tunn. for I tell you I do respect that thar Ole The Parson Detective. Psalm-Singer. I would like to see w - mug 0’ you fellars thar, but remember that the first one that undertakes to git up a dog-fight, or the fellers that begins a game o’ poker door- in’ meetin’, or takes a drink o’ whisky and aren bottle to the preacher, or otherwise isturbs the meetin’ as hereuntofore, I'll jump right thar and then and lick ’ithin an inch 0’ his or her life. D’ye hear me, pards?” ‘ ‘‘Bravo!” shouted the cool and cunning Ogilvie; ‘‘that has the true metallic ring, Rocky! Don’t you see, boys, that if we pull too strong against religion and Sunday ‘bib and tuckers,’ there be just grounds for the organiza- tion of a vigilant committee, and oon know— or some of you, do doubt-—that these things lead to necktie-p.rties. Acquiescence, in a manner, is the best thing for you gentlemen, since the ims of River View have found a ‘* Ya-as,” wled the barkeeper, who was not in with a movement calculated to injure his business, ‘‘ Ogilvie’ll take the Psalm- Singer’s side publicly, but I'll bet he’ll skin him in a private game of poker before he’s preached his second sermon.” This was said a low tone to a friend, who indorsed every word of it by a nod. And thus the matter was discussed for two long hours, when suddenly fhe door flew open, and a man entered in great excitement, All recognized him at a glance as Major Robert Brandt, a Government surveyor who was stop- ping at River View, but who had never been seen in the Pine Cone before. ‘Hullo, major,” exclaimed Ogilvie, rising to his feet, and advancing toward him, *‘ what’s up, anything?” = ‘(A foul murder has been done!” cried the surveyor, excitedly; ‘‘ Rev. Ptolemy Frodd is lying at the point of death with a bullet-hole through his head!’’ A cry of surprise and horror burst from the lips of the roughs. Ogilvie turned pale and with a quick, searching look he turned and ran his eyes over the crowd as if for evidence of guilt that would naturally be stamped upon the face of the assassin were he present. Rocky rose, too, and as he did so there was a look of stern gravity on his face, and a fieree light in the single eye on duty, since the old her had dressed the other in mourning. ne a ree gay emphatic, yet full of emotion, said: “‘Gentlemen, thar’s been foul play. Some coward has rung in a cold deck on the Ole Psalm - Singer, and though I, Phelix Bunks, still bear the wounds, smokin’ hot, too, given me by that. ole pilgrim, I’m ready to help in huntin’ down the assassinand hang him ona horn o’ the moon!” ‘And put me down to help ye, Rocky,” shouted Matt Hohn. ‘* And me, too,” putin the gambler, Ogilvie, and his words were repeated by nearly half of the excited crowd. In a few minutes more the roughs in the Pine Cone had dispersed, and in a short time after Ogilvie, accompanied by Rocky and Hohn, roceeded to the Twin Cabins where Rev. Ptolemy Frodd was said to be dying. Half the town was already assembled outside the cabin, discussing in excited.tones the ter- rible It was quite dark—so dark that Ogilvie and his friends could distinguish no one by his face. This fact enabled them to hear much that they would not had they been recog- nized in the crowd. Suspicions of the assembled populace turned toward that hot-bed of in- iquity, the Pine Cone, whose frequenters had long before declared no missionary should ever stay long enough in River View to preach bis second sermon. ‘¢-You see, boys,” whispered Ogilvie, ‘* where the suspicion rests, but we. can prove our inno- cence and—” ‘* Good news! good news!” suddenly shouted a man that came running from the cabin; ‘‘ the doctor says the old preacher’ll live!—that he’s only got a bad scalp wound. The old feller’s come to his senses now and recognizes us folks; but when still a leetle flighty he started up in- quirin’ bout them three fellers, meanin’ his as- sassins,” ‘“We'll find ’em at the Pine Cone!” yelled some one in the crowd. ‘* Yes, there’s where they are!” shouted an- other, and then a score of voices took up the cry and continued: ‘‘The Pine Cone! to the Pine Cone ‘with firebrand and rope!” The citizens had become, by these few excited words, incited into a howling mob crying for blood and ven . A movement was made toward the heed, but suddenly, above the noise of the surging crowd a stentorian voice rang out, It was the voice of Ptolemy Frodd, ‘* Hold! hold, my friends! to me a me- ment.” The mob stopped and tarned their faces to- ward the speaker who stood under the roof be- tween the cabins. A dead silence reigned. ‘* My friends,” continued the old divine, “do. nothing rash. There is a mystery about thie night’s darkness and crime that 1 cannot fathom. I do not believe my attempted assassination was done by the Pine Coue people. True, I was there tonight and had a little difficulty with two of them, and yet I do not believe either of them guilty of crime against me. Two of the three assassins I never saw before and the third. ope was masked and is also unknown to me. My friends, go to your homes and sleep over this, and to-morrow morning we can take some steps toward hunting down the villains. I am glad to say that Ay skull was hard enough to turn the assassin’s bullet; although it knocked me senseless and has the symmetry of my face somewhat, it has not damaged the fluency of my tongue, as you see.” An outburst of laughter greeted this grim hu- mor, as the preacher turned and went back to his room, while the crowd dispersed and each one sought his home. Not all, either, for ae soon as d and Dr. Wales were alone, the ambler, Ogilvie, Rocky and Hohn were ushered nte the presence of the wounded divine. Hohn had a bandage around his jaws, as though the victim of the toothache, and Rocky’s left eye was swollen shut, and his face around it black and blue. ‘‘We beg your pardon for this intrusion,” said the free and easy Ogilvie, ‘‘ but we felt it our duty to call and see you, Mr. Frodd, and tender you our services.” ‘“‘Thank you, sirs,” replied the preacher, ey- ing the gambler closely. ‘‘ Be seated, gentle- men and let me hear your opinion of this night's work. ‘‘It’s all dark as Egyptian gloom to me,” de- clared @gilvie, as the three sat down around the preacher's table, upon which sat the lamp. ‘* And it’s more’n dark to this left eye o’ mine, preacher,” asser ; “but I hold no grudge ’g’inst yee for all that. A man that’s. got the sand back his religion with his fists and revolvers are my style o’ Christians, and J'll be da—doomed if I don’t calkerlate to stand in with you till he—Hades freezes over,” ‘‘ And here, too,” chimed in *‘ Right Bower.” ‘‘We naterally felt a little oneasy arter we heard you war down,” continued Rocky. *‘ knowin’ as what you’d taken a hand ‘ith us at the Pine Cone. e war afraid you’d think we war tryin’ to ring in a cold deck on ye.” . ‘No, no, I did not think any such a thing, Rocky,” Frodd replied. ‘‘I know that my as- sassins were not at the saloon when I was there, tor I took in every face in the room, and would _ have remembe them. , I don’t remember of seeing Mr. Ogilvie there, but I know he was not one of the three. Iam glad you are all feeling kindly toward me, for I need friends like you. men to assist me in hunting down that er- ous trio,” “Mr. Psalm-Singer—ahem!—1 mean Mr. Fraud,” stammered y, “if yer want to put us down as friends aud helpers, yer can do so. We admit we ar’n’t saints by a da—doomed sight, but it’s our desire to play you a squar” game—excuse me, sur, I mean— f ‘tT will not be prepared,” said Frodd, with a smile at Rocky’s confusion, ‘‘ to take any defi nite measures before morning. If you three men will call to-morrow morning may be able to know exactly what I will do in the remises. Call early to-morrow morning, and hope you'll find me a little clearer in my + ’ mind. » 80 with this the three men rose, and bidding the preacher and doctor goodnight, left the cabin. As soon as the door had closed upon them, Dr. Wales turned to his patient and said: “ Ptolemy, you have won Rocky and Hohn’s eternal friendship, but keep aneyeon that gam- bler, Dick Ogilvie! He hadn’t much to say, but don’t forget that—” “<The shallows murmur while the deeps are. dumb,’ ” quoted Ptolemy Frodd. “Exactly, I etone exactly,” said Wales; “‘ but seeing I can do nothing more for you to-night, I believe [ll go home.’ in Sosaying, be bade the preacher good-night and departed. olemy closed the door and locked it and made arrangements to retire. It was now midnight, and he had no idea that he would be visited again that night; but, just as he had re-
Page 7
pocket, there came a quick, gentle knock on the door The old man started, and for a moment a look of doubt contracted his brow; but finally, he advanced, and, unlocking the door, held his revolver in his hand at his back, and, stepping back te the opposite side of the room, called out: “ Walk in! Quickly the door swung open, and a vailed woman glided into the room. CHAPTER VI. SOME STARTLING REVELATIONS. Aa glance Ptolemy Frodd saw that his lady visitor was the bride of the Fairy Grotto mar- riage, and, slipping his revolver into his pocket, be advanced and said: “ My dear young woman, whoever you ma parr 'coolles, ~eet at this very momen ou please be seated?’ P ne womnal took the proffered chair, and, as “ Parson so, threw back her vail, saying: Frodd, I have no longer a desire to keep my identity from you.” A fair and lovely face was revealed to the old man’s gage, but it was pale and wore traces of recent sorrowing. It was that of a girl of per- haps seventeen years. Without betraying any emotion, however, Frodd said: “Bthel, I found out some time ago who the bride of the Fairy Grotto wedding was from yeur husband.” “ Then you have seen him since we parted?” said Ethe “ Yes, Ethel, he came right here after escort- ing you home and asked fora certificate of mar- ria In making it out he gave me your name and his. He was also accompanied by two men, who were witnesses to your marriage.” ‘“* Witnesses?” cried the pale young girl, ex- citedly. ‘I knew nothing of the presence of wi there!” tnesses “ Well, it seems there were; nor was this all, Mrs. Humbolt.” “Mrs. Humbolt ?” cried Ethel. “Why do ou know your you call me that?” “ Why, my dear L sa don’t husband’s name? Don’t you w you were married to Rufus Humbolt?” ‘«Did he give you that name, Mr. Frodd?”’ “He did, Ethel.” ‘‘ Oh, God!” she shrieked, as though her heart had been “pele: “then my worst fears are realized ! am the wife of some villain, and not of him I loved, Roger Millbank. Oh! it eannot be that Roger has betrayed me into some adventurer’s power!” “Then you were to have married Roger?” “ Yes, sir.” ‘Well, well, well,” exclaimed Frodd, “‘ there is something seriously—yea, criminally wrong, in this night’s mysteries, and I feel that I am greatly to blame. I should have discouraged your secret marriage—refused to be a party to it. But how such a mistake could have been made I cannot conceive, nor can I understand, even now, why you wished to marry as you did, i ito.” ‘Mr. d, I will tell you all,” said the wretched girl: ‘‘ In the first place my uncle and —- was opposed to my marrying Roger illbank, but my aunt was not. x few even- Roger and I met at the Fairy Grotto and arranged for a secret wedding before he went away +o act as scout for the Geant The reason why we arranged to meet there closely masked and vailed was through fear that you knew of unole Robertson’s dislike of Roger and would refuse to marry us. We had hopes that time would change uncle’s feelings toward Roger. I knew, however, that it was not so much dislike of Roger after all as it was his de- sire that. I marry another man, and when I heard him tell aunty that he would compel me to marry his young friend as soon as he arrived 1 wanted to place a barrier between me and that man by marrying Roger. In the course of a few days I was to call on you and obtain a certificate of our marriage as proof to be given at the proper time. Not a soul that we knew of was about when we made the arrangements for the wedding in every detail. Of course, the fatal mistake lay in meeting there masked. This afforded the man Humbolt an oppor- tamity to deceive me, for, under a mask, no voice would sound natural. This I knew, and that is why I did not detect the voice of a stra under the mask. Moreover, Mr. Frodd, he wore the very hat that Roger had on at our last meeting, else one just like it, and, under these circumstances, do you wonder at my being deceived?” “No, no, my child; but what puzzles me now ings ago a ———————————————————————————————————————————————— The Parson Detective. a errr a ee is how that man Humbolt came to be in Rog- er’s place. Either he overheard your detailed arrangement for your and has made way with Millbank and substituted himself, or else he was a confidential friend of Roger’s to whom Roger revealed your secret and was then made way with. If neither of these, then Koger has betrayed you.” , “No, that cannot be, Mr. Frodd! Roger isa true and honorable man. He would not deceive me. My suspicion that something was wrong was aroused after we parted with you to-night, My husband hurried me along in rude haste, and with a simple ‘ good-night’ spoken excitedly he left me at the door of my home and walked rapidly away. [ stole softly into the house, and, going to my room, I sat down and took a good cry. It almost broke my heart to think ger would act so cold and cruel, and that, too, when he was leaving me for months, and, perhaps, forever. I took off the ring he had iven me at the grotto and looked at it until its rilliant ames seemed to burn into iny very heart. Something im me with a feeling of strange doubt, and the conviction n to force itself upon me that I had committed a wrong in marrying as I did, and I became anxious to unburden mene to you. When I heard you had been killed I could not help thinking your murder had something in sym- pathy with my marriage, and I was on the eve of making a clean breast of all my secret to my uncle and aunt when the news came to m ears that you were not dead, but sg he pom A I could not rest or sleep until I bad told you all this—some invisible power impelled me forward, and bade me tarry not until I had seen you, But during all this time, and notwithstandin the cold, cruel and heartless manner in whic’ my husband treated me, if never occurred to me that he might be any one else but Roger; nor can I see Pi how it could be any other.” “If it was Roger Millbank, Ethel, then he is a murderer, for it was he whom you wedded that shot me down and left me for dead after I gave him the certificate.” “Oh, my God!” cried the startled woman, ‘this cannot be, Mr. Frodd! Roger Millbank is not a murderer!” “Then Roger is not your husband, Ethel. Merciful Father! what a state of affairs this is! You and Millbank are the victims of some foul conspiracy. He may be dead, while you are the lawfully-wedded wife of—of whom? a stranger and murderer! Oh, what a foolish, fatal mistake that Fairy Grotto affair was! But do not weep, Ethel; I shall devote my whole life, if necessary, to the solving of the ah ited that hangs around it.” ° Ethel, in spite of the old preacher’s assurin words, was overwhelmed with her grief, and it was some time before she could master her emotions and choke back her sobs. Old Ptolemy Frodd was silent and thoughtful for a few moments, when he said: ‘Ethel, I have kept your marriage a pro- found secret from all that called on me to-night, out of respect for your feelings, and we must continue to keep it a secret for the present. But I want to make one rh Sap d of aon and that is that you let me see the ring that man gave yor at the grotto,” “That I gladly give you,” she said bitterly, tearing the circlet from her finger as though it were a hoop of fire, “‘ I shall never wear it again —I never want to see it again!” Frodd took the ring and examined it closely. An exclamation burst from his lips. “Why, girl!” he said, ‘‘this is a diamond of the first water—a’ valuable jewel, such as none but a wealthy man could afford—well, unless obtained by robbery, and perhaps murder. I tell you, Ethel, mystery thickens around this night’s work, and—ah, ha!—shere—I have made another discovery! I see the initials ‘E. D. R.’ on the inside of this ring in very small letters. Would you believe it, I know something of the history of this ring, and that history is stained with blood!” ° ‘‘ What is it, Mr. Frodd?”’ the poor girl asked, the muscles of her face twitching with the agony of her young heart. “Ethel,” Frodd went on, glancing quickly around the room in a nervous way, betraying uneasiness, “‘ you and I are already in a secret that must. hold us together in the strictest con- fidence. They say a woman can’t keep a secret, but I don’t believe it. At least I am going to confide one to your keeping—one in connection with this ring.” “Your confidence will never be betrayed, Mr. Frodd, Iassure you. In you I must now trust more than all others. ! that a shrewd detective was here to aid us!” ; » ; 7 “Now then, Miss Ethel, you are coming right to the point, for, while | am a regularly-or- dained minister of the church, and I feel that [ /am sincere, too, I am also what you wished for, a detective, but will not say a shrewd one, though I have bad much praise.” ** Indeed!” exclaimed Ethel. ** Yes; preacher-detectives are scarce—real preacher-detectives, I mean. If I were a fraud as a her—-wearing the sacerdotal robes so as to cover my other calling, then your mar- riage would be illegal; but I am sorry it is not so, on your account; it is a sacred m I have been a preacher for twenty recite and in all this time I have been a deteetive. My ex- perience has all been in the west, south-west and north-west among the worst of characters, and I think I have been instrumental in nging many hardened criminals to justice as well as reclaiming others from the ways that lead to destruction. There may be—in fact are, many cynical people who do not believe a man can be a Chris and at the same time bea detective. To catch a rogue they claim it takes a rogue. A. reformed rascal may make a better detective than a preacher, but be that as it may, I feel that [ have not been an entire failure. “ But, I am digreesing ; three years ago a t murder and robbery were committed in t. Louis. Aman named Ramsey and his wife were murdered and their house robbed of many valuables, among which were a set of diamond jewelry valued at ten thousand dollars. At the time I was preaching at Lawrence, and a de- scription of the number of pieces of jewelry and the initials upon some of them were sent me by a brother detective. Of course, I on a sharp look-out but without success. is ring, however, is one of the Ramsey jewels beyond a single doubt; still, the man that gave it to you may not be the man, or one of the party, that murdered the husband and wife,” ‘Oh, sir!” cried Ethel, ‘‘I am doubly sure ve that the man I married is not Roger Mill- nk! “Well, [ shall begin an investigation to-mor- row that I hope may lead to the capture of my assassins and your unknown busband, But me, Ethel, di vem have any other admirers be- sides Roger Millbank, that you know of? Did Ogilvie, the gambler, ever call on you?” ‘*He has called at our cabin frequently b uncle Robertson’s invitation,” she arsw ‘*He never expressed any more interest in me than the warmest friendship. I had no admira- tion for him, although he is a very entertaining and intelligent man,—a perfect gentleman in his manners. Major Brandt, the Government surveyor, and Mr. John Radway, also, have called often at our house. I have nothing to say wc svete of them but that Mr. Ogilvie is a er. ; “Well,” said Frodd, consulting his watch, “ it is getting late, and I would suggest that you re- turn home, and be patient, vigilant and silent, Remember, I will stand between you and the man who may claim you as his wife, but this I don’t believe he will ever dare attempt to do since he failed in killing me. Still, 1 believe there is some damnable plot being planned and consummated, but what it is we can only hope for the future to reveal.” Ptolemy Frodd saw Ethel safely home; then he returned to bis room and retired for the remainder of the night. But, he was astir early the next morning, breakfasting with the family in the opposite room. . Ogilvie, the gambler, Rocky and Matt Hohn were the first to call on him that ashes + “Mr. Frodd,” said Ogilvie, ‘we're here to. offer our services to you. e’ve armed and equipped for anything. If, however, you haven’t faith in us say so, and we’ll not obtrude ; ourselves on you.” ** No, I’ll be da—doomed afore [ll ‘ renig’ on you agin, Psalm-Singer!” added Rocky, | ; ‘* My friends,” said Frodd, who in daylight had made a satisfactory study of the three men’s faces, ‘I am satisfied to put you down as helpers, and willing to trust you. Here comes Major Brandt, the surveyor, and Tom Ackerman, the ‘cowboy.’ I should like to have the major join us, for he is an old frontiersman, or rather, an experienced plainsman. Good- morning, major—good-morning, Tom!” Major Brandt was a man upwards of forty years of age, though he looked much youn er, He was and erect as an Indian, with a face indicative of ao decision of character; with dark eyes and hair, and a full, dark beard. He been stopping at River View, off and on, for some six montbs, and at the time he was waiting the arrival of a party from the south to assist him in the survey of the Black Hills dis-
Page 8
8 trict. The major had ‘also served his time as a soldier, with no little distinction, on the Wanos of the south-west, and with all his experience it was natural enough that Frodd should desire his services. ’ Tom Ackerman wasa young man who had grown up on the prairie asa herder. He wasa fine horseman, a deadly shot with rifle and revolver—a wild, dare-devil sort of a fellow who was a terror to all when in his ‘‘ cups,” but kind, generous and jolly: when himself. Brandt and Ackerman at once tendered their services to Ptolemy Frodd, and were accepted. Others came up and offered their assistance in hunting down the assassins, and the old preacher- detective kindly thanked them, but declined their offer for the reason that his party was sufficiently large. Some were inclined to marvel at his acceptin the service of such men as Ogilvie, Hohn an Rocky. His troubles with them at the Pine Cone had become generally known, and those who were not acquainted with the particulars of that affair, fixed suspicion on them as the attempted murderers. d revealed none of his secrets to his chosen friends, so that while he knew that some- thing more than mere revenge prompted his attempted murder, re had no idea of the crugeiio the vain’ So ae ry. mes had a prejudices againt the three roughs, especially the gambler, Ogilvie. There was somethin about the latter, he said to Frodd, that he coul not understand; however, the old man resolved to give Ogilvie a trial, and at once submitted to the a men his plans of action, but none of his secre CHAPTER VII. A BOY’S STRATAGEM. To return to the cabin of Max La Fleur, the tanner. We left the old Frenchman and his fair daughter Aimee confronted by four hideous savage foes, while on his sick couch lay Roger Millbank, and upon the floor, stricken down by the murderous shot of the savages, lay Shocky, the Boy Trapper. The lay upon his side, his body doubled up till his knees touched his chin. Old Max stood motionless facing the intruders, his body bent slightly forward, his fists clench- ed, his teeth set, and his black eyes glaring at the foe with the look of a desperate madman. Little Aimee stood near her father’s side, her hands clasped over her heart and her white face wearing an expression of terror. A — and deadly silence followed the en- trance of the savages. The latter stood facing the father and daughter with the smiles of de- mons on their painted faces. They saw the pale-faces were transfixed with surprise and terror by their presence. Max LaFleur was the first to break that momentary silence. “Crafty,” he said, addressing the handker- chiefed renegade whom he had often met be- fore, “‘ what does*this mean?” A smile that indicated a guilty conscience passed over the man’s face as he replied: “The Indians have dug up the hatchet.” “What if they have?” replied La Fleur. ‘‘Have I not always been the Indians’ friend? Have I not dealt honestly with them? Have I not sheltered them under my roof and fed them from my table?” ‘But the white tanner is the friend of our enemies,” replied ‘“‘ Crafty,” and then pointing first to the little knot of motionless humanity on the floor, and then at Roger Millbank, con- tinued: oo the Indians’ foes, and the white tanner harbors them under his roof.” **They are my friends, too,” responded Old determinedly. “They are our enemies, and we have been sent here to burn your cabin, and take you and your gal to the Indian village.” * y did you slay that boy?” asked Max; ‘‘are you making war on boys and girls, too? Is this Indian manhood?” ‘The pale-face boy carries the gun of a war- rior,” cig the dark-browed Crafty, “‘ and his scalp will now hang at the girdle of the Sionx.” A ery burst from the lips of the terrified Aimee. “Do not dare to mutilate that boy's body!” — La Fleur fairly hissed between his set “Do you threaten, Max La Fleur?’ demand- ed the renegade, ‘Tam no coward! I shall defend my own!” “Then you refuse to go quietly to the Indian village where the chief may grant you immu- nity? The Parson Detective. ‘* Bah! talk of immunity from a treacherous mevas?} I am ready to die here,” returned Old ‘ax ‘“‘Then you shall die, but your child shall be the wife of Crafty,” responded the villain, fixing a devilish look upon the girl. Aimee started and crept closer to her father’s side, The old man laid his arm around her shrinking, trembling form and as he drew her closer to him he snatched a flashing knife from a sheath that hung on the wall and raising it above her head, cried fiercely: “ Devils, you shall not pollute my child’s body even with your vile touch! Death will claim her before you shall!” The Indians grasped their weapons, startled by the desperate look on the old tanner’s face. * Hold,, La Fleur!” cried Crafty; ‘* de- et girl’s life and you shall suffer a dozen deaths.” The old Frenchman gazing down into Aimee’s eyes said something to her in his native lan- guage; then fixing his gaze upon the foe he ex- claimed: ** Donotforce me to slay my child or the wrath of an avenging God will smite you dead. Crafty, take your warriors and leave my roof! The on of that innocent boy already stains yonr soul! ‘*‘ The pale-face talks big; he will not kill his child; Iam not afraid of him,” was the rene- gade’s ae ol ‘*Scoundrel! leave my cabin!” cried the now thoroughly enraged tanner. “Not without scalps,” retorted Crafty, laying his hand on his tomahawk. ‘‘ Hold, there, you devils!” suddenly cried an impish voice in the room behind the savages; “hold! don’t move or we’ll shoot!” Quick as a flash the Indians turned to confront the speaker, but_scarcely had their eyes been removed from La Fleur when the form of Shocky, the Boy Trapper, became imbued with life and in an instant he was upon his feet utter- ing a yell like that of a young Comanche. At the same time a revolver in his hand rung out and Crafty fell forward dead. Max La Fleur had not been slow to take in the situation, and releasing his child he sprung like a tiger at the nearest savage and drove his knife to the guard in the fellow’s neck. With a rattling in the throat, a spasmodic clutching at the open air, the red-skin fell dead. With terror the other two savages fled from the cabin into the night pursued by the intrepid Shocky; but they made good their escape and the boy returned to his friend, his boyish face flushed with triumph and excitement. ‘*God bless you, Shocky!” exclaimed Old Max; “‘ you played that well, for we thought you dead. “ Well, I thought so, too, when they fired into me, but i guess I war only scared, for I feel all right. I laid curled up there on the floor jist to make ’em think I war dead till the proper time come to put in my best licks. But, friends, !m sorry of one thing—that I had to kill that feller. It is the first time I ever had to pull trigger on any man, be he Injin or white. I never liked the thought of takin’ human life.” ‘‘ My noble little hero,” cried out Roger Mill- bank, ‘‘ you dida 1 iow act when you killed that man, Crafty. 6 world is better off with- out such miserable, murderous wretches.” “But itll be death for Mr. La Fleur and Aimee to remain here now,” asserted the boy, ‘‘for them two escaped rascals’ll bring friends down here to avenge their leader’s death.” ‘Yes, yes; that is all very true,” asserted Max La Fleur, ‘‘ and as soon as Roger is able to be moved with safety, we will seek safer quar- ters somewhere.” ‘For Heaven's safe! do not let me stand be- tween you and safety, Mr. La Fleur,” advised the young aanGe- “ We can be saved, Millbank, so do not ive yourself a moment’s uneasiness,” assured e old tanner. By this time it was nearly morning. It was already growing red in the east. Sleep and rest were out of the question that night. After the dead had been removed from the cabin and all things set aright, Aimee prepared breakfast for her friends. After breakfast had been dispatched and the day had been fully ushered in, Max La Fleur made known bis intentions of removing at once to the island in the river opposite his cabin, It was a place of refuge fixed upon long before in case of danger—such as now men them. He called it the Isle of Refuge. It was well calcu- lated for a temporary defense, It was_some forty rods in length by twenty in width. In the center stood a little cluster of tall, slender ee trees fringed around with a dense growth of shrubbery. All the rest of the island wasa barren waste of white sand sloping dually from the center to the water’s edge. On either side of the island the water was fully two hundred yards wide, deep and strong of current. Shortly after sunrise the removal to the island was begun. A large bateau was used for the purpose. Roger Millbank and Aimee were taken over first. A. comfortable tent was erected of poles, robes and blankets for the wounded ranger in the heart of the little motte. Then the household articles, provisions and in fact everything of value were transferred to the island, and although the old Frenchman and Shocky worked like beavers, it was high noon before the last boat loaded had been safely carried over to the Isle of Refuge. After partaking of a hearty dinner the refu- gees examined into the condition of their fire- arms. Shocky had his trusty rifle and a pair of revolvers. Old Max was possessor of a Sharp’s rifle, and some four muskets he had brought from Omaha to trade to the Indians, and a pair of Colt’s revolvers. Besides they had the two rifles and the pistols that had be- wnged to Crafty and his friend. In all, they had eight rifles which were carefully cleaned up and loaded, and then they were ready to re- ceive the foe. Their boats. had all been concealed—the bateau under some heavy drooping willows on the right bank of the river, while Aimee’s little bark canoe was carried into the grove on the island, thus leaving nothing in sight that might attract the attention of the enemy to the island. Keeping under cover of the little grove Shocky kept a close and constant watch upon all sides, and along in the afternoon be discovered a figure dodgin among the trees on the bluff back of the old tanner’s cabin. It was an In- dian who seemed to be making a reconnoissance, ignorant of the fact thatthe house was deserted. As evening approached other sav. were seen gathering in the woods on the ridge, and darkness had scarcely fallen when there arose a fiendish yell on the night that fairly chilled the blood in the veins of the refugees. It was a yell of mingled rage and disappointment. It came frow the deserted cabin, and was kept up for several moments. Finally a dim light was seen shining from the cabin window, but rapidly it grew brighter and brighter. The cabin had been set on fire. Soon red tongues of flame darted out at the door and windows and ate through the roof. In half an hour the whole structure was in flames revealing in its light a wild and pic ue scene. Around the burning building stood a score of savages that to the eyes of the watchers on the island looked like fiends of giant form. Back of the fire rose the sloping hill with its dark, green woods frosted over with the shim- mering light. At the foot of the hill the broad turbid river swept across the line of light like a great stream of molten silver. The little chunp of trees that concealed the refugees rose up hike a grim, black sentinel on the breast of the snew- white isle. The savages stood around the burning cabin until the walls began to crumble, then t be- gan ber adie: Red surrounding, They the body of fty and his friend covered with some bushes a few rods above the cabin and at once set up a yor of dismay that resounded horribly through the night, 3 Their search, however, did not end with the finding of the bodies, but was continued, evi- dently for some trace of the whites. Finally a warrior ran down to the river bank and searched the beach. A yell announced a discovery and his friends at once te where he stood. The Indian pointed out the tracks of the fugitive in the sand, also the im- ression made by the prows of the boats. 7 si they knew the old tanner and his had embarked for a point unknown. In silence they stand looking up and dewn the river and across at the Isle of Refuge. But pec can see nothing, for the trail of the whites ends where it begins—at the water’s brink. It never once occurs to their savage minds that Old Max is within rifle-shot of them. Finally they return to the burning eabin where they ap to hold a consultation, then they take up their dead and move slowly and solemnly away up the river. “ Thank the Lord!” exclaimed Old Max, with an They don't’ suspect we're #0 close,” ‘They don we’re 80 close,” r Shocky? but now as we’venothin’ ra ct of, s’pose you — Aimee lay down and rest and let me kee v Wearied and worn out with the labors and
Page 9
— excitements of the past twenty-four hours the father and daughter were glad enough to ac- cept of the brave boy’s sug: on. hocky paced with noiseless step the circuit of the little grove, The light of the burning cabin enabled him to see over the surrounding waters except where the grove threw a shadow across to the right shore. But this line of dark- ness was narrow and both eye and ear were kept on the alert when passing Sapa hus two hours or more had passed. The fire on the hill was gradually dying out, and the somber shadows were again settling over the river, when suddenly the boy discovered a long, dark craft whe ae up the stream close alon the right shore, He could see that it containe several occupants and that it was propelled by no less than three pairs of oars, But whether the occupants were Indians or whites he could not tell, but believed they were whites; and if so, they were undoubtedly friends. While debat- ing with himself as to what he should do, a foot- step sounded behind him and Old Max stood at his side. ‘*T can’t sleep, Shocky,” he said; ‘give am your gun and Pll keep guard while you sleep.’ ? «Nary sleep, Mr. La Fleur,” quickly re- sponded the boy, ‘for, by the holy smidgeons! there goes a boat loaded with either friends or foes, and I’m bound to know which.” “ declare, there is!” exclaimed Old Max; ‘*but how can you find out who they are with- out challenging them, and run the risk of pub- lishing our whereabouts to enemies?” ‘‘ Why, Vl foller them in the bark,” the lad responded, ‘‘and if they are friends bring ’em back here and save them runnin’ into an Ingin “That will be a dangerous undertaking, my boy, [am afraid. If anything should deprive us of P pipe assistance, Shocky, I am afraid we would never be able to get away from here alive. And still, if those in the boat are friends, it is our duty to rescue them from the death- snare into which they are going unawares.” Being determined on following the bateau Shocky made ready to depart. d Max help- ed him to carry the bark canoe to the water, when he at once embarked up the stream—the little boat gliding out into the darkness noise- jess as a moving shadow. The lad was an expert with the paddle, and despite the resistance of the great river’s cur- rent, he sped sie for half an hour, when be sto to listen. But hearing nothing, he pad- on, and not until he had journeyed at least a mile did he aoe seen to listen. is time he caught the swash of oars. The boat was not very far ahead. Cautiously he moved on, and for the third time serpuett to listen. but he could hear nothing. The t had stopped, and its occupants were either lying in wait under the bank somewhere, or else had gone ashore, Shocky waited a few minutes, then moved on, searching the lurking shadows for the mysteri- ous craft, but allin vain. It bad vanished as if swallowed up in the waves. Finally the Boy scout ran into a little cove, and landing, beached his boat. He then set off to search the bank, for he felt assured that the unknown boatmen had landed and perhaps gone into camp. He was res tng! noiselessly through the dark woods when his ears were suddenly ted by the ese ge of a cricket, and was immediately answe by the piping of a tree- That both these sounds came from bu- man lips the boy had not adoubt. Ears as care- fully trained in the voices of night and of the wildwood as Shocky’s could readily detect the deception, ' : But what did it mean? Had his approach been discovered and a trap set for him? — Having submitted these ema to his own mind, the boy stopped by a large tree-trunk to consider them and await further developments. While thus gnbsged be heard footsteps advanc- ing. He p himself close against the tree. which he found was hollow and half-rotted away on one side. Into this hollow he had no trouble in squeezing his slender form; and scarcely had he done so when thcsa approaching footsteps stopped near him, and he caught the dim outlines of a man’s figure standing within arm’s reach; yet it was so extremely dark that he could not tell whether it was the figure of an Indian or white man; consequently he remained perfectly quiet, scarcely daring to breathe through fear of detection. The unknown soon proved to be the individual that had uttered the chirrup of a cricket, for, after taking his position under the tree, he re- peated the sound, and was at once answered by a low, guttural ejaculation from the darkness before him, and then another figure appeared and stopped in front of the first. Shocky bit his lips to still the emotions rising in his breast, when he heard the first comer ask: ‘*Who is it that answers the signal of the Night Hawks?” ‘Black Bat,” was the answer given by an In- dian. ‘‘ Who is here?” ‘Night Hawk himself,” was the reply of a white man. ‘‘Has not my messenger from the pe ee camp reached the camp of my friend, rafty?”’ “Yes, he came; but found Crafty dead.” ‘*“What!” eried the white man, ‘“ Crafty dead?” : trapper-boy shoot him dead in old tanner’s cabin.” The white man seemed deeply grieved by this news. After a moment’s silence he asked: ‘What trapper-boy killed him?” **Shocky.” ** Does he still tive?” ‘© You bet!” said Shocky, to himself. ‘**'Yes,” replied the Indian, “and go away with old tanner—don’t know where.” “Who is your leader—your chief now, Black Bat?” ‘*White Dragon. He is a pale-face like Crafty.” “‘T do not know him.” ‘He is a brave chief, and has slain many. He can be trusted by a ot Hawk. He came from the far North since Night Hawk left our vil- ‘T must see him at once, Black Bat; there is work to be done yet to-night. Six men from River View are camped near here, and they must not be permitted to go from here alive. But where are you camped, Bat?” “Over river.” “Then yeu go over at once, and tell White Dragon to come over and meet me in his boat at the mouth of Spider creek. Tell him Iam a friend of Crafty’s, and that Crafty had promised me the hel seek of him. I will watch the pale-faces that they do not escape, and be on the east side of Spider creek near its confluence in fifteen minutes. I will wait there till the chief comes. Tell him to be on the alert, for those pale-face foes are cunning fellows.” All, this conversation was carried on in a low tone, yet Shocky heard every word distinctly. Black Bat, the Indian, departed for his canoe, while Night Hawk, turning, walked away down the river. Shocky stepped from the hollow tree, took in a breath of free air, scratched his frowsy im reflectively, then, turning, made his way silent- ly back to the river, determined upon a desper- ate adventure. Entering his canoe, he paddled up-stream, and deliberately entered the mouth of Spider creek, and came to a stand where the shadows hung over him black and impenetrable. Here he remained waiting and listening. _ Ten minutes passed, when he heard approach- ing soctateps pause on the bank of the treek near him. He uttered alow whistle. The fel- low on shore answered it, then asked in a low voice: “Ts that White Dragon?” ‘* No,” replied the desperate boy, altering bis tone. ‘‘ Dragon’s sick and couldn't come. He sent me after you. He will meet you alone in bon mee i of the other shore. You must come uic: “Oh, the devil!” the other responded, and then stepping into the canoe and seating himself he said: “ Pull out then, and be easy about it, or we'll get some cold lead through our car- casses.”’ The voice did not sound exactly, to Shocky, as it did when under the tree, but satisfied it was Night Hawk, he dipped his paddle, turned the canoe and moved down-stream. By this time the moon was up, flooding the river with its mellow radiance, and as the little bark glided from the shadows of the creek into the river it passed a Jong canoe, or ‘‘ dug-out,” with two occupants, that had just turned from the river into the creek. Both boats, however, were moving so rapidly and silently that when Shocky glanced back over his shoulder the strange dug-out had passed out of sight amon the shadows of the Spider. He was satisfi that it was Black Bat returning with White Dragon to meet Night Hawk, and the uneasi- ness of the boy can better be imagined than de- seribed. With all his skill and strength he plied his eo and instead of going straight across to he opposite shore he turned down the stream. The lad now had a pretty fair view of his passenger, who was sitting with his back to shading it. 8 y began to feel as though he had an . elephant on his hands. He knew the man would not be easily scared by a boy like him, and yet it had been his purpose from the start to capture the ew €S8 SOOD as an oppor- tune moment offered. Keeping his eye on the man, the boy plied his ceogbery in silence; but presently, when he saw he fellow before him growing restless, he dropped his paddle, and presenting a cocked re- volver at his head, exclaimed: ‘“You’re my prisoner, ole man! one word and you die! Throw up your hands!” CHAPTER VIII. DODGING THE FOR. Tue Boy Trapper did not bave to repeat his command, for in an instant the sur and startled man before him threw up his long awas, sayin in a low tone: i ‘Youngster, be careful with that shooter, for I see there's a mistake somewhere. You're not the fellow that I supposed you were, and—” ‘No, sir; I’m Shocky, the Boy Trapper, aod ‘ll shoot quicker’n wink if—” ‘Then there’s a big mistake, Shocky, for my name is Frodd, Rev. Ptolemy Frodd. “Tommy Frodd,” repeated Shocky; “ well, erg £ you don’t want to play any capers on me. That you’re a firstclass fraud by name and game, I’m well satisfied. I heard your conspiracy bo some whites camped against the river. heard every word that passed *tween you and Black Bat, and I made up my mind to snail you in. Tommy, you're in the wrong boat.” “‘And I say, Shocky, you’ve got the wrong man. I was hid near and heard the conference of Night Hawk and Black Bat, and made upmy mind to try and be present at the conference on Spider creek when the chief came over. When you hailed me and told me that the chief was sick and would meet me on the other sbore, L made up my mind in a twinkle to personate Night Hawk in an interview with the chief, and slipped in your boat. Boy, we’ve both fooled ourselves. That boat we met as we sailed out of the Spider was the boat I aimed to board, I know it is. Do you see the point?” ‘ ‘* Well, it looks that way, but I’m afraid you're lyin’ to me a few like an ole—” The boy’s words were here cut short by the whistle of a bullet close to his ear, followed by the report of a gun; then out from the shadews of the shore in pursuit of them came that iden- tical canoe that had passed them in the mouth of the creek. ‘ This settled the matter in Shocky’s mind: in the darkness he had taken atten! the w man, and Ptolemy Frodd, for he it was, boarded the wrong boat; and now both found themselves hotly pursued by the foe they had expected to circumvent; in short, they were the worst deceived of the two. ‘‘Here, Tommy Frodd,” said Shocky, “you take this dle and pull ht dows the river and Ill fling some lead back toward them or » phey’re gittin’ too close to make it ealthy. Old Ptolemy took the paddle and used it skiil- fully while Shocky opened a fire on the foe, but as he shot at random his bullets seemed to have little effect, for the dug-out continued the chase and a running fight was kept up for some time without any Pekin (ey advantage on either side. But suddenly Shocky discovered a number of other canoes put out from the shadow of the left shore and join in the purswit. Turning to Frodd he exclaimed: ‘Pull, Tommy, for there comes a dozen more boats after us! By the holy smidgeons! Toramg, we're in for a lively whirl, you can bet!” “My boy ’t we better pull for the shore?” asked the old man. ‘* We could, but I don’t like to be run eff the river bya io of infernal Ingins, Tommy. I’ve some friends on an island below here oppesite the ruins of Old Max’s cabin—” ‘‘Indeed!” exclaimed Frodd, ‘' then perhaps we can make the island, Shocky.” ‘*We could, but, Tommy, I don’t want te lead them red hellyons there, for Mr. La Fleur and his little gal, Aimee, and Rog’r Millbank are there, and—” “What! Roger Millbank there?—on am island near here?” ‘* Yes, in a bad fix from a poundin’ he got. He war nighly dead when found, but’s gettin’ along now,
Page 10
ati claimed the old preacher. “But I tell you what, we mus’n’t lead them Injins down there, for if we shouldn’t be able to keep them off, ’d be a dead ranger. The don’t know they’re there, you see.” ** What shall we do, then, to escape those yell- ing demons ia gee cones oy track ane lead ’em u ver. among them islands, ahead nommy.” By this time it became evident that the sav- ages were gaining upon them, and so every mo- inent now was precious, Before the fugitives lay a cluster of little islands covered with water-willows and cotton- wood shrubbery, and in among these es a solved to try and elude the red They kept on, however, until they had reached the lower side of the up out of sight of the foe, when they ateupily t turned and pulled up among the islands, The Indians came on and the islands divided their force pend aebgcnns tow 9 to the right, three to the left and one through the cen- ter of the group. Those sent around soon met at the lower end of the island, but the fugitives were nowhere to be seen; but the wily red- skins quickly detected the fox-like movement of the whites, and with a yell they tacked about and glided in among the 8. Ptolemy Frodd and Shocky paddled here and there in a zig-zag course among the islands, In. places they found the channel, or passage, be- tween two islands so narrow, or shallow, as to admit with difficulty the passage of their canoe, and finally, when nearing the upper side of the yroup their boat grounded in the sand, where the water was scarcely three inches deep. Ptolemy sprung out and pushed it through juto deeper water, but just as it swung clear of the bar an Indian canoe with three occupants swung suddenly around into the channel, bloek- ing their bebe : With a wild, fiendish yell the red-skins leaped to their feet and a their weapons. Old Ptolemy d leaped into the water, and, swinging aloft the paddle in bis hand, he dealt the nearest savage a crushing blow that sent that worthy overboard into the river. Then again and again, with lightning rapidity, the dle circled through the air like the arm of a giant windmill, and with each =p a savage went down in the water, where blow after blow was rained upon their heads until they were dead or unconscious, ut by this time the other boats were hurry- ing to the scene of conflict, and unable to escape in their boat the trapper-boy and his old friend leaped upon the nearest island and sought shel- ter among the bushes. But sataue eyes: had seen them, and soon half a dozen bloodthirsty wretches had landed and were thrashin — the shrubbery like hounds in search o them. The fugitives ran to the lower side of the island and Jeaped the narrow channel onto the adjacent island. Crossing this one they waded the shallow Laeseyt 7 to the next, and in this way they kept on until they had eluded the savages and reached the lower side of the group. Here they sto and listened. They could hear the red-skins darting about like baffled wolves among the bushes. “The sinful wretches!’ said Frodd. “Tommy,” said Shocky, ‘‘I’m goin’ to lead them Ingins ’round this way so’s we can git baek to our boat and shin out.” “How can you, Shocky, without imperiling your life?” . ** Listen, now,” ms a the boy, turning around and inflating his lungs with air, which, when suddenly forced out, seemed to end ina sh cry several rods away. “Gracious, lad!” exclaimed Ptolemy, ‘ you are a ventriloquist. That was superbly done! Throw a few more decoys over there, you mag- nifieent little war-horse—” “Here! here! this in Tommy! run, man, rum!” suddenly rose on the right from the east- ern side of the group, and, as the savages went plashing through the water and crashing through the brush toward that point, Shocky stood shaking with suppressed laughter. Suddenly there was a yell and then a crash of firearms, that was followed by groans of dying agony. ; “Ob, heavens!” groaned Ptolemy Frodd with horror at the sound. ‘*Moley Hoses!” exclaimed Shocky with joy, “‘ the demons are firin’ into each other in the darkness, and the way they sing out I'd say they were rin’ each other’s brains out, but let ’em splat. Now’s our time to strike, “Praise the Lord for this!” solemnly ex- The Parson Detective. Mr. Frodd, so let's. peg out for our canoe by te yi > ities lided idl fol saying, Shocky g rapidly away, fol- lowed by Frodd with colossal strides, and ina few moments peey. were safely back to their boat around which stood a dozen Indian dug- outs, ‘‘Gather up all their paddles, Tommy,” said the boy, ‘‘ while I pitch a few more words over a little to the south,” In a few moments every paddle had been transferred to Shocky’s eanoe, and then leaping into the craft each took up a paddle and sent the boat fying from among the islunds into the river, and before their pete was discovered they ,were fully a hun yards from the A wild, demoniac yell followed the discov of their escape, but when the outwitted - skins found their paddles had all been stolen they seemed transformed into frantic demons. And a parting shot from Shocky’s gun add- ed fuel to the flame of their wrath, for all they could now do was to stand and watch the cunning pale-faces paddling off in safety into the gern of the distance. “Shocky,” said Old Ptolemy when he realized they were out of immediate danger, *‘ youare a little—a little staver.” Shocky laughed at the old man's odd com- pliment, then replied: “ And the won yom dled them three red- skins, Tommy, ould say you war a bu’ster from the roarin’ Wabash. But just hear ’em Bob Crusoes yelling down there! Don’t they open their yawps and let her scream? Tommy, look here; if you ever catch me gittim’ you in another dee ilty like this, I hope you’. kick me up-bill and cuss me down.” ‘“*T never swear, Shocky; I am a preacher.” ‘Great je- whomicky smidgeons!” exclaimed the astonished boy, ‘‘you a preacher? Who ever heard o’ a preacher ona war-path and kickin’ ’round like a wild bull in the mountains, spankin’ the brains outen red-skins instead o teachin’ them ce and love and the way the Holy Prophets went? Old folks, ar’n’t you try- in’ to feed this rooster on sawdust?” Ptolemy Frodd, for the first time in a week, burst into a peal of hearty laughter at the boy’s blunt, outspoken words. ‘It’s true, Shocky,” he replied, ‘‘ however wrong it may appear for a minister to be an Indian-fighter.” “Oh, [don’t think it’s wrong,” exclaimed the philosophical youth, ‘‘and if it’s religion that puts starch in your backbone, strengthens your arm and dashes the sand into your craw when it comes to business, it’d be a good thing if lots more folks in this world had some o’ the same material. I never was an awful bad boy, if I do say so myself, and never until yesterday had I fired a shot at any human bein’—not even an Ingin; but I found it necessary to shoot the daylights right outen a renegade, whose soul is now smokin’ hot in—” ‘“* Boat ahoy !” io ee . fe e poe de Ce eeoaal slong e shore. oc. fe) is 6 an took up bis rifle. 7 A But Ptolemy Frodd recognized the voice and answered: ‘Ho, friend Rocky, is that you?” . ‘Bet it is, Psalm-Singer,” was the response, and the next moment a bateau with five occu- pants ran alongside of them in the moonlight. CHAPTER IX. A DASH FOR THE ISLE OF REFUGE. SHocky knew that the bateau alongside of them was the one that had passed the island and that he had followed. ‘* Wal,” declared Rocky as he the old preacher’s hand, ‘‘we thought you’d throwed up your hand, Ptolemy, when we beard that shootin’ and them red devils yellin’; but what ye there, Frodd, a captive?" ‘No, sir; I’ve a_ brave little friend—Shocky, the Boy Trapper.” An exclamation burst from the lips of those in the bateau.,, ‘* Good-evening, Shocky,” said Tom Acker- man, ‘‘ don’t you know me, my boy?” «I should say I did, Tom,’ fe the boy ‘and 1|’m all-killish glad to meet some feller i know, though I'll be dashed to smidgeons if this big preacher isn’t a lively crowd to be out with, you may shoot me for a tadpole.” “You may bet he’s a bull meetin’-house full, and alers holds a full hand,” observed Roeky. “ What became of them Indians you were in trouble with?’ asked Ogilvie, the gambler. “ We Bob Crusoed them down on the islands b’low here by stealin’ their paddles and runnin’ antl away with ’em,” answered 8 ; ‘* but it off some way’r other, if they have to ar’s haydoogins o’ them, and we've got to look out or our hair’ll ornament some warrior’s t. “Well, what shall we do, Ptolemy!” asked Major Brandt. ‘“We can only go ashore and go into camp again,” replied d. ‘As for me,” said Gp “Pm gein’ back to the Isle of Refuge or the folks there will stand on their heads. Tom, you know Rog’r Millbank? well, he’s down the river with eld Max and his gal on an island.” An exclamation of surprise burst from the lips of the men. ‘‘ He "bout got his head bu’sted, though,” the lad continued, ‘‘but he’s pullin’ along a in’ly now, and I guess’ll well if the Ingins don’t git hold of him; but if they do his scal isn’t worth takin’, his head was all cut mauled up s0.” ; ME Se Pa “on hear that he is recover- a ing,” dec] randt, ‘Yes, for if he had been killed Miss Robert- son would have died of a broken h ” said Ogilvie, though just why he had made this as- sertion Ptolemy Frodd could not fully under- stand, for to him it seemed out of place. ‘After some further conversation the two boats were headed toward the shore, and as they moved along, Pedros to his friend: ‘Te ars d, I you’d go with me to the and,’ ~ ae think ’'d be welcome, Shocky?’ ‘ Welcome?” exclaimed the lad, ‘‘1’ll bet ree a dollar you'll be doubly welcome. The fact is, we're in need of friends down there.” ‘Then I believe I will go with you,” replied Frodd, and when they reached the shore he said to his friends: “‘Boys, ’m going with Shocky to the island; I want wo see Millbank. I may stay there to-night, but if I do, I'll join you early in the morning. If it didn’t look so much like intruding we'd all go down. But keep your ears and eyes open, boys, for there’s dangers around you. Good-night.” So saying the boy and the old preacher- detective turned their boat and moved slowly and silently down the stream in the shadow of Os TRY Gecdetehibietd th ? telavide— the oO te the group of is the has ee their ‘ate adventures—they heard the *‘ Crusoed” Indians still there. Half an hour’s paddling peo them in sight of the Isle of Refuge, and when they finally left the shadows of the shore and veered off toward it, they were suddenly hailed by the voice of Max La Fleur, demanding: ‘* Who comes there?” ‘‘Me—Shocky,” was the tra -boy’s reply as he and the preacher reached the island and landed, “and I’ve got the bossest kind of a friend with me, too—a reg’ler ole slam-banger on a ight La Fleur advanced to meet them and was in- troduced to Frodd. “Welcome, my dear sir,” said the French- man, joyfully, ‘ We are in sore need of brave friends just now. This is my daughter, Aimee, Mr, Frodd.” The maiden extended her little hand and greeted the old man with a sweet, tremulous voice. ‘‘Shocky,” said Old Max, turning to the boy, “T never expected to see you alive again.” ‘We had a big racket with the skins, you can bet, but we outgineraled °em and escaped handsomely,” responded Shocky; *‘ but come, now, Mr. Frodd, and I’ introduce you to Rog’r Millbank.” The tent in which Roger lay was lighted with a candle, though the walls were darkened so that the light could not shine through. At sight of Ptolemy Frodd young Millbank started up with a cry of surprise and joy, for he and the preacher had met before at River View. Shocky at once retired from the tent and sought c While thus engaged, Aimee took her position as sentinel, and silently paced the rounds of the camp. Frodd and Roger held a long conversation. The old preacher revealed to the ranger the mysteries surrounding the beh Fo Fairy Grotto. Roger was deeply affec by the startling news, and at once expressed the belief that it was a deep-laid conspiracy, but what result was to be achieved by it he could not inggine: gO “Surely,” the old detective finally said, in a low tone, ‘the attack of La Fleur on you had nothing to do with the conspiracy.” “While it looks suspicious, Mr. Frodd, I am Fleur to consult on their situation.: a
Page 11
> sure it. was accidental. He had been in the power of some Indians that night buat was re- teased by some trick of that brave little Sh - and was on his way home, when in the dark- ness he took me for an Indian and beat me down with a club. But a few hours before I had been in the clutches of some white, masked villains who waylaid me. They put a rope around my neck and told me I must hang un- Jess I revealed one er to them, I never’ asked them what it was, for I resolved to die rather than make terms with outlaws. But be- fore they could execute their threat, that glori- ous Shocky came to the rescue and ran the villains off. I am sorry now I didn’t find out what it was they wanted to know.” “Of those at River View, Roger, whom do you suspicion?’ Frodd asked; ‘“‘what do you think of Ogilvie, the gambler; Brandt, the sur- veyor; Ackerman, the cowboy?” “Ogilvie is a shrewd, sharp fellow—rather peculiar for a gambler, too, for I know of one er two instances where he gave his evening earnings at the card-table to a poor family in the town. He always was a warm friend of mine, professedly. don’t believe he is the iain, do you?” ‘“‘He made a remark to-night that sounded queer, I thought.” ‘“ Well, he may be the rascal, Humbolt, but I would never mistrust him—I would as soon mis- trust Major Brandt and Ackerman, and we all know they’re above reproach,” Frodd narrated the interview he had heard between Night Hawk and Black Bat, and the mistake he and Shocky had made in attemptin to ferret it out. He expressed the belief tha Night Hawk was one of his party, but which one he could not tell, for Night Hawk’s voice was disguised in his talk with Black Bat. He decla his intention of investigating the mat- ter when he returned to his friends by finding out who was absent from camp at the time he was. But Roger would not hear to his leaving the island that night, and after earnest en- treaties from all parties he finally consented to remain till morning on condition that all retire and allow him to stand guard. As this was agreed to, the old man teok his position and paced the weary hours away. Ere the rosy streaks of morning dawn burst into flame, all were astir. Aimee prepared a sumptuous breakfast which all partook of with a hearty relish. Just as the sun came up La Fleur took Frodd ashore-and the old detective h«stened up the river to join his friends and conduct them down to the hospitality of the Isle of Refuge. Shocky was on guard when the sun came up and as the shadows lurking along the shores were dispelled by Old Sol’s arrows of light, the lad’s keen eye caught sight of the end of a canoe prowuding slightly through a fringe of willows drooping in the water on the left bank. It was not there the day before, so of course, the natural conclusion was that it had been taken there during the night, and by Indians too, But why had Ptolemy Frodd not detected it? It was undoubtedly one of the very same canoes or dug-outs, that he and the preacher had. robbed of their paddies. Shocky called La. Fleur’s attention to the boat. Its presence was discussed with no little misgiving, although no sign of life was visible one We must. k sh toh “We m eep a sharp wa upon i Shocky,” said Old Max, ‘‘ there may be avai: in the boat now waiting for an opportunity to strike, and if this should be true, it might be that there are a dozen more loaded dug-outs con- eealed under those willows.” 7 “Tl keep an extra eye on that quarter,” said Shocky, and he started on around the grove. When he reached the opposite side he saw Ptolemy Frodd and his companions comin down the river bank. La Fleur had told Frod where his bateau was concealed and in this the party was to cross to the island. To Shocky’s surprise, however, they were all running, and the old preacher, who was in the advance of his friends, was swinging his hat and pointing obliquely across the river inan excited manner. What could it mean? ’ Shocky ran across the little grove and looked eut over the water, and to his utmost horror beheld a dozen savages running from the woods and dodging into the fringe of willows where the canoe had been discovered. “Injins! Injims! they’re coming, La Fleur!” eried the youth excitedly, and running back across the motte he shouted at the top of his hangs to Frodd and his men. eanwhile, Old Max, with rifiein hand, fol- lowed by brave little Aimee with two other loaded Fear advanced to the edge of the grove ready the inevitable conflict. And just as the red-skins—a score strong— ame out frem among the willows toward land, Old Ptolemy and his friends put out from the opposite shore. twas an exciting moment in the lives of those on the island, for their only hope lay in Frodd and his friends reaching the ve Little Aimee ran to the south side of the grove and in mute appeal stretched out her hand to- ward them while she lifted her white face im- ploringly toward Heaven, ‘ Siar = be one Swnae nate touched oni eart, and, w renew eke — determination, the men in the bateau pl © Oars. CHAPTER X. A BLOODY CONFLIOT. Never did men work as did Frodd and Rocky, who handled the oars of the boat. The distance from the island to either shore was about the same, and for a time it seemed a question of doubt as to which party would land first. In silence Shocky and La Fleur waited for the approach of the foe, and when the foremost boats were half-way across, the Boy Trapp2r’s rifle rnng out and a savage drop his paddle, clutched wildly at bis breast, and then fell over dead, his body hanging half cut of the canoe, And the next moment Old Max’s musket run ont like the boom of a cannon, and a handful o buckshot went hurtling among the canoes, for a moment seeming to confuse the savages. Without waiting to see the result of his aol the old tanner too up another gun and again, simultaneous with Shocky. Two of the dug-outs swung round and drifted at the will of the current, their occupants dead or wounded; but, undeterred by this disaster, the others paddled on and finally reached the island in the face of a deadly fire. As they leaped ashore the bloodthirsty sav- ages uttered a wild, fiendish yell that blanched the cheeks of the fugitives, but their war-whoop was followed by a yell of defiance from the throats of Ptolemy Frodd and his followers, Shot after shot did Old Max pour into the sav- age horde, while with woman’s quick, deft fin- gers Aimee reloaded his guns. Evidently the savages had expected to take the fugitives by surprise, and would have suc- ceeded, in a measure, but for Ptolemy Frodd and party, so silent and quick bad been their movements. As it was, however, one third of their force was killed and disabled before they had struck a blow, and, when the struggle at length came, they found themselves face to face with Ptolemy Frodd’s men. The foes met on the open island; and with fierce yells and shouts closed in deadly, sanguin- ary struggle. Pistols cracked in rapid succession, tomahawks whirled through the air, knives thrown by savage hands flashed in the mornin sunlight. Yells, shouts, curses, groans an rending blows made the young day hideous. Old Max, with a yell like the roar of an en- ra lion, and little Shocky sprung into the thickest of the fray and dealt deadly and sturdy blows right and left. Half defeated before the struggle began, the savages soon began to yield. Gradually they were forced back toward the river, and, finally, with a yell of dismay, they broke and fled confusion—some plunging into the river and trving to escape by swimming and diving, others throwing themselves into their dug-outs, and, lying flat on their backs, tried to paddle the craft. But few, however, of the over-confi- dent red-skins escaped unharmed to tell the story of their bloody defeat. Three wounded, besides several dead warriors, and four canoes, were left in the hands of the victors. After all, however, the victory had been purchased at no little loss. Matt Hohn lay dead; Tom Ackerman was seriously if not mor- tally wounded; Ptolemy Frodd had received another scalp wound from a bullet; Ogilvie had been seriously wounded in the arm by a flying tomahawk; Shocky had been knocked sense- less, though he soon recovered; and Rocky, whose left eye was just beginning to see light again, received a downward blow above the right eye that tore loose a patch of skin that fell down like a curtain over that optic piving a horrible and ghastly appearance. Old Max and Major Brandt were the only ones that es- mee without a wound. oung Ackerman was carried to the tent where Roger Millbank lay and his wounds dress- ed by Old Max, whose knowledge of surgery was of no mean character. 12 See pea nacarenpummecaoionaeoasmeneesioomstneeap-epeneareneer niente aaa eae The wounds of Ogilvie and Rocky were dress- ed by Frodd and Brandt. The wounded Indians were placed in a canoe and sent adrift that their own friends might rescue them and attend to their needs, The pur of Matt ee bs one into we ve an e or burial. were fod rorrowfal enough over his death, but Rocky’s had been his best friend—his ‘‘ right bower ”— for ~— years and it was hard 0. part witb him. hen it came to laying his away in — grave, Rocky went to Ptolemy Frodd and said: “Mr, Frodd, you’re a Gospel man and I want you to say something nice over poor Matt when we lay him in the grave. It’s all we can do for him, poor feller. You know he wer'n’t the meanest man living—that he had a good, kind heart even if he war a leetle rough. You know he didn’t fear the very old devil and died in the arness. “Rocky, I will conduct a brief service at your friend’s burial,” replied the preacher, seri- ously; “but say, Rocky there is one thing about his death that troubles.” ‘*Why, Mr. Frodd, didn’t he die like a man with his face to the foe? Did yousee Matt Hohn ‘ renig’ when trumps led?” “Matt fell with face to the foe, Rocky, foremost in the fight; but he received his death” wound from a shot in the baek !” ‘What do ye say? Matt Hobn shot in the back? Then no foe done it, ‘ Psalm-Singer.” It must ’a’ been an accident.” “It might ’ve been, Rocky, yet it was a sipgu- lar accident to happen in so small a crowd. But say nothing about it, for it will only serve to wound the feelings of our friends.” So Hohn’s body was consigned to the grave.. The dead Indians were also buried, and all traces of the late conflict removed. Not all either, for Tom Ackerman was suffering great pain, while the rest of the party, with the ex- ceptions of Brandt and La Fleur, gave the Isle of Refuge the +P rance of a hospital, Ptolemy Frodd, Rocky and the Boy Trapper were, however, soon ready for active service. But what could they do toward relieving the situation of its increasing dangers! Indians could be seen off on the wooded bluffs, and among them at least three white men were dis- covered. That the latter were the moving spirits in the siege upon the island old Ptolemy had not a doubt, and this belief was tially confirmed, when, as the day advanced, one of the outlaws was seen approaching the river-bank bearing a white flag. Ptolemy Fredd stepped out of the grove, laid down his rifle in recognition of the truce-flag and then walked down to the water’s edge and waved his hand to the renegade. The latter at once climbed down the bank, disappeared in some willows, but soon emerged therefrom ina canoe and came straight over toward the island, his flag floating from the prow of the boat. When half-way across he turned bis boat u »stream, and came to a stand, using his paddle only to counteract the force of the current. ‘*Say,” he called out, ‘:will you meet me ne hat ?” inquired Frodd “For w urpose ?”’ inqui > **T want to Mold a séedanane with you look- ing to peace and the stopping of bloodshed.” g gs ‘ Well, we’re no ways anxious ’bout it,” was Frodd’s rejoinder, ‘‘ however, I will meet you.” ‘* But, say, are you the leader over there! demanded the truce-bearer, as if doubting to, the boys will,” Ptolemy’s authority. ‘“Whatever I answered the old preacher, seatting himself in an Indian dug-out and paddling out into the stream. Meanwhile Shocky lay in the bushes with a bead drawn on the outlaw to “wing” him in case he intended treachery. As Ptolemy approached the man he saw the fellow run his hand over his face, and his fingers through his hair as if ‘‘ brushing up his counte- nance” so as to appear to good advantage; bu as the old preacher-detective ran alongside o him, he mistrusted that he was endeavoring to produce the very 0 ite, for his hair was dragged down over forehead and his face streaked with dirt from dirty fingers. Despite his efforts, however, to disguise himself, the keen eye of Ptolemy Frodd recognized him at a lance as one of the men who claimed to have book a witness to the Fairy Grotto wedding— one of his attempted assassins | But for the fact that he claimed to be a man of honor, and was bound to respect the flag of truce, Frodd would haye shot the man dead with
Page 12
r 12 the pistol that now seemed burning in his pocket. But controlling his inward emotions with masterly skill, and feigning entire ignor- ance of the man’s identity, he said: ‘Well, stranger, I’m now at your service.” ‘‘T presume your folks are heartily sick and tired of this unholy, bloody work?” he said, with a furtive look. “T can’t say that we are,” replied Frodd, determined not to show too much anxiety for terms of peace; ‘‘our fellows over there are made of the material that never gets tired and sick when it comes to fighting red-skins and— and outlaws. The way we walloped the red- skins this morning makes us feel as though we were masters of that island, at least.” ‘But you cannot withstand a long siege,” said the outlaw. ‘“We'’re fixed nicely for a few weeks, any how; however you can state your terms, and if deemed reasonable, we will consider them.” ‘You have one man in your party that we want, and his deliverance into our hands will insure the rest of you your safety.” ‘* And who’s that?” asked Frodd. The truce-bearer, as if afraid to speak aloud leaned forward and spoke the namein a loud we ‘Well, well,” said Frodd, as a thought flashed through his brain, ‘‘ we think a great deal of that man, sir, and I think we would all rather die together than surrender one of our most gallant friends.” A smile passed over the face of the outlaw—a treacherous, sinister smile. ie Well, you know now,” he said, ‘‘ what ’m here for. ‘“Why do you want him, and no other?” questioned Frodd. ‘‘Why wouldn’t I do as well?” ‘‘Because he is wanted,” was the emphatic mse; ‘‘he made a false report to Govern- ment authorities as to the conduct and attitude of the Indians in Dakota, and that report was the means of bringing a lot of soldiers into the territory to hamper the freedom of the Indian, and open warfare has been the outcome of it. He lied, and nothing but his life will atone for the lives his act bas cost the Sioux.” “Tf that’s the case let the Indians seek re- dress of the Government, and if it finds they have been ar the guilty party will be speedily punishe That’s the proper way to settle that difficulty. The life of my friend will not stop the war but food the In- dian thirst for more -blood. oreover, I don’t know that he’s guilty of the char preferred, and even if I did, I would not be the coward to give him up to save my bacon. No, sir, tell your folks we'll all die together.” **Very well; you'll have the chance, for a messenger has been ee for a hundred warriors. Think well of what you have said.” ‘* All right; come on with your warriors,” said Old Ptolemy defiantly, ‘you'll get the best we've got. We'll die game, sir.” Thus the conference ended, and each of the men returned to his friends, ** What did the fellow have to offer?” asked La Fleur of Ptolemy. ‘‘He demanded the surrender of one of our friends,” replied Frodd,” and assured me of no ewer molestation a cone we — yes He says the party wan responsible for the pa ae on of this Indian outbreak by false re- ports made to the Government.” ** And which of our friends is it?” questioned tbe Frenchman. “The one most likely to know the most about the Indians,” was the old man’s evasive reply. ** Ah!” exclaimed Old Max, with a shake of the head, ‘“‘then we all know that the one wanted is Roger Millbank, but I will lay down my life in defense of the life I came so near tak- ‘T did not say it was Roger, Mr. La Fleur— I will not say who it is, for | know there is not a man here but who is brave and chivalrous enough to give up his life, if needs be, to save his friend’s and | am determined no such sacri- fice shall be made: and that’s why I withhold the name. lf any has to die, let us all die to- ether.” ** Second the motion, Mr. Frodd!” exclaimed the indomitable little Shocky, ‘we're no chicken-hearts to be skeered into a unconstitoo- shunal surrender. We can hold this island till the Missouri runs dry, or we starve. This is big talk for a tad like me, but I mean it all the same, by smi ns!” ‘7B for you, Sh !” shouted Rocky, “Tl go my pile on you bein’ the gamest young rooster that ever scratched Missouri sand.” Aimee, assisted by her father, prepared din- The Parson Detective. ner for all, and after the meal was over a gen- eral consultation was held in the tent where pose Millbank and Tom Ackerman were con- D During the afternoon not an Indian or out- law was to be seen on either shore, and as night approached Frodd expressed the belief that the foe had entirely withdrawn, aud that the truce- bearer’s story of having sent for help was all a hoax. In this opinion Major Brandt and Ogilvie concurred, but the only definite way to settle the question beyond doubt was to send scouts ashore, and as soon as darkness set in, Major Brandt volunteered to reconnoiter the right shore and Ptolemy the left, and at once departed on their dangerous mission. CHAPTER XI. A SILENT STRUGGLE, Wuat that night would bring forth no one knew. If the sav, were still about, it was not unlikely that they would endeavor to ac- Scepplies under the friendly cover of darkness, what they failed to accomplish in open day, and it was ones hopes of frustrating their designs that Ptolemy Frodd and Brandt had gone ashore. The old preacher-detective Janded some dis- tance below the ruins of La Fleur’s cabin and cautiously made his way back from the river. He reconnoitered the woods along the hillside where the foe had been seen during the day, but not the sign of a red-skin could he find. Still he was not fully satisfied, and concluded to go down the river aways and make assuranee doubly sure, Passing below the Isle of Refuge, he finally found himself on a narrow ridge running to- ward the river, and which terminated on its bank with what was known as the Sentinel. This was simply a shaft of limestone rock some ten feet high by four or five in diameter at the base. It 5 there solitary and alone, and had the appearance of having been placed there by the hand of man. The sides of the ridge on which the Sentinel stood broke into perpendicu- lar embankments some thirty feet down the slope, and from within three feet of the base of the rock the end of the ridge pitched abruptly off into the river. So that one approaching the Sentinel must leave it by the way he came in if he would leave it safely. It was not a desirable place to be caught, but ignorant of the dangers of the place, Ptolemy Frodd moved on and ap- proached the Sentinel. There was no timber or shrubbery within sev- eral rods of the stone, and the sky being clear and the stars shining brightly, he could see the surrounding ridge and its pitfalls quite clearly. Stopping, he leaned against the Sentinel and look - and down the river and then lis- tened. He heard a sound like the brush of a wing; then he saw a dark, elongated object ap- pear before his eyes, which he at first took for a narrow, black cloud drifting against the sky, but which soon resolved itself into the tube of a revolver clutched in a man’s hand; and then he realized with startling force that that hand and revolver were being followed around the Senti- nel by some one intent upon murder. Of course the natural conclusion was that it was an out- law, for an Indian, under the circumstances, would not have used a revolver—even had he one—when a tomahawk would have nm a surer and more silent weapon. The revolver was in plain Sig t and still ad- vancing, though the owner’s body was concealed behind the rock, and drawing his own pistol Frodd began to retreat backward around tbo Sentinel just fast enough to keep the revolver and band that held it in view. He was tempted once to put a ball through the unknown’s hand but concluded it would be better to wait and put it through his head, and so he movedon. In this manner the two circled around the shaft two or three times, when suddenly there was a flash and a sharp report, and a bullet cut close to that head of old Ptolemy’s which already bore two pistol-wounds. ; Involuntarily Frodd leaped backward from the stunning crack of the weapon. At the same time his own revolver was accidentally dis- charged, but with what effect he did not know for he never heard a word from the unknown. Tn fact, not a word had been uttered by either of them yet. Pressing himself close against the rock Ptolemy kept a sharp look-out on both sides for the un- known who he felt satisfied was still on hand. Nor did he have to wait long before the black muzzle of that weapon appeared in sight apete: eexings te steal a march upon him; and then again the advance and retreat began—silent as though both were voiceless. How long it was to last thus, and how it was to end, Frodd had not the faintest conception, but he finally made up his mind that it must end some way or other, and turning quickly, he dashed around the Sentinel hoping to find the rear of the foe unguarded. But he was somewhat mistaken, for the fellow seemed actuated by the same motive at the same instant, and the result was that the two came together with such violent force as to causethem to recoil half stunned. Their pistols were discharged at random or by ac- cident, and in the confusion of the moment they ran together again, and again actuated by the same impusle, eached dropped bis revolver and clutched at the right hand of the other to pre- vent him shooting; but finding themselves dis- armed woe grappled in a hand-to-hand struggle. In strength they seemed well matched. ey still fought in silence. Suddenly they fell. Over and over the earth they rolled—this way and that—until finally they spun over the bank and went rolling in an avalanche of dirt and clay down the steep de- clivity into the sweeping turbid river. Nor was their hold on each other broke in the descent, but it became all the firmer when they plunged into the flood—they clung to each other with the desperation of drowning men, for the fight was now with the waves—not with each other, At this point the river swept in toward the shore with a strong current and in this the twe combatants were rolled and whirled down the stream, Half drowned they were finally landed in water where they could touch bottom, but ne sooner did they realize that be were, for the time being, free of danger from the waves than they began to pummel each other furiously, And the science that old Ptolemy had cioeyed at the Pine Cone in chastising Rocky and Hohn, was again called into requisition. few, well- aimed blows convinced his antagonist that he was no match for the brawny preacher, and as there could be no other means of escape, he was forced to beg for mercy. “Enough!” he cried, his mouth half full of blood and water. ‘Good God, Ptolemy Frodd, don’t you see I’m a friend?” : “Great King Solomon!” burst from Frodd’s lips, ‘it’s Major Brandt or I’m a blind Bar- timeas! In the name of goodness, man, why didn’t you speak out sooner? I might ‘a’ killed ou! “T did the moment I recognized you,” said the major, as he stood in the water to his arm-pits, panting with exhaustion and_ pain; ‘‘T was certain you was an Indian with that handkerchief around your head.” ‘And so did [ take you fora red-skin, not dressing of the being on this side of the river,” replied ‘odd. ‘T came over here because—” ‘‘Ha! ha! ha! quite a ludicrous mistake, folkses!” suddenly broke in upon the ears of the twomen, and the next moment a canoe with a single occupant ran out from the shadows ef the bank alongside of them. = ol as I am born!” exclaimed Ptolemy “ Bet your pile it is, boys,” replied that tadi- vidual, as he assisted the two half-drowned mea into his boat. ‘* How in the world came you here, Rocky?” asked Frodd, “Wal, arter you fellers left the islan’, Roger Millbank and that boy, Shocky, had a confab; both come to the ’clusion that the best thing te be done was to send to River View for help, and Shoc determined to go at once. ‘al, I brought him ashore, landin’ him a bh yards below here *bout ten minutes ago. what brought me here.” “ Well, I’m glad you're here, Rocky, for my eyes are about in the same condition that yours have been lately—somewhat bunged—and you'll oblige me by hurrying this craft to the island, where I can procure some ointments,” said Ma- jor Brandt, humorously. Rocky indulged in an outburst of laughter, then headed the canoe up-stream. In a few minutes they had reached the island, and having made known their plight, Max La Fleur furnished Frodd and Brandt with dry clothing. , - - The silent conflict of the two friends, and its ludicrous termination, formed the topic of a rather laughable conversation in the tent of the wounded. Assured that they were menaced by no imme- diate danger, all laid down to sleep exeept Rocky and La Fleur, who stood guard. Frodd, Brandt and Ogilvie slept on blankets in the open air, or rather Brandt and Ogilvie did, for d did not close an eye that night, +
Page 13
altbeugh he lay silent and apparently asleep. His mind was too deeply occupied with strange thoughts to sleep. The moonbeams struggling through the open foliage of the trees enable him to see the forms of Brandt and Ogilvie ly- ing near. By their respirations he judged they were asleep, but in this he found he was mis- taken, for suddenly one of them rose to a sitting posture and gazed carefully around him, then rose to his feet and crept noiselessly away through the bushes—was gone a few moments, then returned, and lying down, drew his blanket and once more became motionless. Owing to the darkness, Ptolemy Frodd was unable to tell whether the man was Brandt or Ogilvie; but he was satisfied of one thing—that all was not right—that the fellow’s silent move- ments looked very suspicious. But he had no time to make an investigation of the matter, tor the hour for changing the guard had come, and he was one of the parties that went on duty. The night passed away and day dawned bright and clear. +a e first man astir was young Ogilvie. He expressed himself as feeling quite well after his night's sleep, despite his injured arm. He visited the wounded in the tent and inquired after their health; then alone he sauntered leisurely out upon the island, and when he reached the lower side, he sat down near Matt Hohn’s grave with his back to the grove. Here he sat, apparsony in a reflective mood. Presently he stretched himself out in a reclining attiude with his elbow resting on the ground and his head on his hand. While in this position he dug a little hole in the sand and dropping something in it covered it up. Then he arose, paced to and fro a few minutes in a sort of a reverie. He looked up and down the river. He caught sight of a bird skimming along the surface of the water toward him. He drew his revolver and fired at it, then turned and walked briskly back to eamp whistling as he went. But his movements had not passed un- ebserved. The eagle eyes of Ptolemy Frodd had marked every one of them with a vague suspicion. reakfast was finally announced and all sat down to the repast. All missed the happy, boyish face of Shocky from their midst, but none felt the loss of his resence more than pretty Aimee, With the streaks of dawn she began casting sager a down the river for the return of her boy- over. After breakfast the wounded men’s injuries were by La Fleur and Frodd, and then the cares, fears and speculations of another day began. ot the sign of a foe red or white—was to be seen along either shore. Ptolemy Frodd was restless and uneasy. No ene failed to notice this but all accredited it to his apprehension of impending dangers. Finally the old detective walked down across the island in a sort of mental abstraction. With his eyes on the ground he walked on around to Matt Hohn’s grave. Here he to and fro across the ed where Ogilvie had reclined a short time before. A little t of damp sand marked the spot where, as the old man believed, the gambler had buried some- thing and in going backward and forward he managed, by a dexterous scrape of the foot to remove a little sand from the spot every time he passed. inally his sly work was rewarded by un- earthing afolded paper. He stooped and picked it up at the same time taking up a large pebble. The former he thrust in his bosom, the latter he tossed out into the river. 3 Still he continued his pacing, but finally sauntered leisurely away toward the camp. He found Ogilvie engaged in conversation with Aimee. Brandt was on guard and Rocky was molding bullets for La Fleur. Entering the tent where Tom Ackerman and Roger were in conversation, the old detective took that paper from his bosom and opened it. Altbough a man of the most remarkable self- control, bis face assumed a look of sudden sur- prise and bis eyes were cast with a quick furtive glance around him. The exclamation that involuntarily rose to his lips was stifled in a forced cough. met. The paper he held in his hand was the certifi- sate of Humbolt’s ard Ethel Robertson’s mar- riage at the Fairy Grotto! Se CHAPTER XI. FRODD AND OGILVIE HAVE A TALK. Nuarraee Roger Millbank nor Tom Ackerman noticed the expression upon the face of Ptolemy | were already surrounde Frodd, as the old man folded up the paper and returned it to his bosom. Addressing some pleasant remarks to the wounded men, the old detective rose and left the tent. His fingers burned to grasp the throat of the gambler Ogilvie, for there was no doubt left in his mind now as to who the double-dyed villain, Rufus Humbolt was, The discovery, however, caused himn a pang of deepest regret, for he had formed a good impression of the handsome Frank Ogilvie, gambler though he were. But what was he todo? He was almost disarmed by this sudden surprise, for his sus- picions had been fixed upon another ; but Ogilvie must be arrested, and since Rocky had been a boon compapion of the young gambler, it was not unlikely that he would take sides with bis friend, and thereby com eens the dangers they with. _ While revolving the matter in his mind, Ogilvie came up to him, and taking bim by the arm, said: Frodd, let us take a walk.” Although in no mood to trifle with him, Frodd walked along with him to the lower end of the island. Seating himself on the sand, the gam- bler said: **Be seated, Mr. Frodd.” Ptolemy sat down. “Now, Mr. Frodd,” the gambler said, ‘I want to talk with you; for a preacher, you have always placed confidence in me—-at least I have thought so, and | assure you I have re- spected that confidence, and now want to make a confidant of you.” PP on I never betrayed a friend,” said d. ‘*To tell iw the truth,” Ogilvie went on. ‘I am a gambler for policy only—my real calling being that of a detective.” ** What? Ogilvie, the capes a detective?” exclaimed the astounded lemy Frodd. ‘** Yes, sir.” Frodd turned to the man, made a motion or two with his hand, then extended that member to the gambler, who, on taking it, exclaimed: ‘*By Judas! is it possible youtoo area detective, Frodd?” ‘‘Have I not proven myself such by the ~ and grip of our association?’ responded the preacher. ‘* Yes, but how isit that we haven’t discovered ‘this before now?” ‘Because you are a gambler and I am a preacher.” Ogilvie burst into a laugh. es M ae De, an oe pases ou,” and he began n the san nf “It’s not there,” aa rodd, with a smile: “*T had my eyes on your movements and got the paper sal Ptolemy Frodd! — a bold, slick old corer my dear sir?’ to show eel; but what about ti ** Does it not explain i ' 4 and why hav’n’t you hinted this to me be- ore ‘* Because some suspected you of being the villain, Humbolt.” . ad “Well Dll be eternally blest!” exclaimed Ogilvie. ‘‘ Frodd, I have been working on the Missouri five years and never got into su a mixed up affair. Some three months ago I came to River View hunting for the murderers of the Ramseys, of St. Louis.” ‘* Indeed!” exclaimed Old Ptolemy taki from his ket the ring that Humbolt had given Ethel, and banding it to Ogilvie; ‘‘do you ize that, my gay gam-bo-lier?” “ Tes one of the Ramsey jewels!” declared Ogilvie in astonishment; ‘ se sir, I never trusted you of being the guilty ty!” ; ar two men indulged n a hearty good augh. Ptolemy Frodd ra a full history of the wedding at the Grotto, the attempted assassina- tion of himself by Humbolt, and the history of the ring so far as he knew it. ‘*Then,” said Ogilvie, “the man who at- tempted to kill you—the man who gave Ethel this ring is the man to whom you gave this cer- tificate?” ‘* Yes, sir.” “Then our friend, Major Brandt is Rufus Humbolt !” ‘* Judas Iscariot!” burst from the old detec- tive’s lips. “Yes, sir,” Ogilvie went on, “last night while you and Brandt slept, I went through his | pockets. I found it in an inner pocket of the coat he had hung up to dry after you and him had had your dip in the river. Didn’t you notice the paper had been wet? TPve had my eye on that gentlemen for months and have been watching for some clew as to who he 13 really was, and when I saw him hang up his coat I could not resist the temptation to inspect the pockets; and I must say the result has been a good one. I came along with you on purpose to watch the surveyor, and now I think he’s the man we both want.” ‘Very likely,” replied Frodd; ‘I know he is the man that that truce-bearer demanded yes- bemday’s and, by the way, that truce-bearer was one of the witnesses to the Fairy Grotto mar- riage. Sang now are developing fast. Brandt is undoubtedly in league with the Indians and may be responsible for our present dangers. I am satisfied now that he is Night Hawk, whom Shocky and I overheard in conversation with the Indian, Black Bat; and if he is all this, he is the man who killed Matt Hohn in the fight, for Matt was shot in the back. And furthermore, having failed in killing me the night | gave him this paper, he crossed the river last night to finish his work. That affair at the Sentinel was, on his part, a premeditated murder, and if he is permitted to run at large much longer he will hurt somebody, for he strikes at the back.” ‘Yes, we want to put an end to his move- ments pretty quick now, for if he misses that paper, © may get uneasy and give us the slip. e can only be staying with us to pon out of the way when the o Pdeiga’ is afforded. But what can be at the Cottam of all his work? —his conspiracy against Roger Millbank and you, and his desire to be the unknown husband of Ethel Robertson?” ‘tT think he is some scoundrel that knows of Ethel’s being heiress to a fortune somewheres, and he’s trying to get it into his possession. With this certificate of marriage and the evi- dence of his two confederates he could easily establish the fact that he was the husband of Ethel, and thereby gain control of her property. This of course, is only my opipion of the mat- ter. It may be still worse when the truth is known.” ‘Well, we must put him under arrest at once,” said Ogilvie, ‘and we've got to go about it carefully, for if Brandt is Humbolt he’s a daring, desperate man, and might put a chunk of lead through one or both of us,” So saying, the two rose and walked back to the little grove. Brandt was not there, but in looking around the detectives saw him walkin anne e beach at the upper end of the island. His footsteps were quick and short—indicative of uneasiness of mind. Was he beginning to mistrust something! Had he missed the certifi- cate from his pocket? was he absorbed in ag up the old detective laid his hand upon his meglien, and, looking him straight in eye, said: ‘Major Brandt, you are—” But here his 9 Bs were cut short by Ogilvie, who suddenly cried out: ‘*My Gop! Fropp, LOOK UP THE RIVER!” CHAPTER XIII. A DREADFUL MOMENT. ProLeMy FRopD turned his head and glanced “4 the river. A cry burst from his lips. To his surprise and terror he beheld no less than a score of logs and dug-outs floating down toward the island, and over the top of each he could see the muzzles of from six to ten rifles, while ever and anon the tufted head of a savage was seen to pop up. The dug-outs were partially filled with brush and sand, and both they and the logs were floating sideways down the stream. ‘Mercitul Heaven!” cried the old detective ‘‘there are a hundred or more Indians behind those boats and loge ‘We're in deadly peril, Frodd!” said Ogilvie; “‘T must warn our friends,” and he ran back toward the grove. A grim smile overspread the face of Brandt as he glanced up the river and then at the ex- cited, terrified face of Ptolemy Frodd. The advancing foe was over two hundred yards away, and moving slowly with the cur- rent. It would require several minutes for them to reach the island, for their breastworks were floating at the current’s will. They could hurry them but little. Frodd did not arrest Brandt, but, turning, he hurried tocamp. Death inevitable was staring all in the face unless they could escape from the lower end of the island in the boats before the foe landed, Men were at once sent to take the boats around to that point. The wounded were being:
Page 14
14 dressed for removal. Major Brandt jwas assist- ing in the preparation for departure, though his attentions were devoted more particularly to Aimee. Everybody was in a fever of excite- ment. Suddenly Rocky, who was attending to the go og fired upon from the shore and forced to seek shelter in the grove. A dozen Indians appeared ore either shore, and their presence there told the whites that it would be sure death to enter the boats. “Well, we can die fighting,” said Ptolemy Frodd with calm resolution, “but oh! that poor little girl! it is her fate more than all ethers that makes my heart shudder.” “Mr. Frodd,” said Aimee with all the reso- lute spirit of a little heroine, “1 can die fight- ing, too, and will before I will be taken a cap- tive!” . “Ah, my little heroine!” said crema “you do not know what is coming—our fight to-day will not be like that of yesterday. It will be— Great heavens!” This exclamation was occasioned by a hoarse, rolonged noise, like the whistling of a steam- t, that suddenly came ringing and crashin in frightful intonations through the valley an : oD ae in demoniac shrieks among the wooded For a moment all were transfixed by the sound, and stood gazing from one to the other in reer wonder, Rocky was the first to a speak: ““* A boat! a government boat!” he yelled. Then a glad shout burst from every lip, and pe error excitement of hope and joy pre- vailed. All hastened to the lower side of hte: little grove and looked down the river. iy dide 'y the timber on the lowland across a bend in the river they beheld the moving smoke- stacks of a boat from which were pouring and epee I out behind on the air, great volumes of b smoke, ‘* Will it be in time?” some one asked in eager tones, * Let us trust in God,” said Ptolemy Frodd. The greatest excitement prevailed among the . Indians on the shore for full well they knew ha it meant; but there was no evident ex- citement among those drifting in the river above, Every eye on the island followed the burstin smoke, and in a few moments the great boa came gliding around the bend into full view, its row plowing the turbid waters with wonder- ul rapidity. A flag was flying from stem and stern. The deck was covered with blue-coated men—soldiers. Under the forward flag ria dl saw a person standing swinging his hat excited- Wy and as the boat came nearer all recognized it as Shocky, the Boy Trapper. ‘CA Government boat with soldiers, with Shocky in the lead!” cried Ogilvie. **Can they be aware of our impending peril?” asked La Fleur. Before any one could answer the roar of a re of rifles resounded on the air. The boat had been fired into by the savages on shore and im an instant all was commotion on deck. broadside from the soldiers sent the lurking red- skins flyiog back into the woods and the t bing boat steamed on. Ptolemy Frodd dashed from the grove and running to the lower side of the island, shouted aloud to those on the boat. But already the eagle eyes of the brave pilot had discovered the logs in the river above. The soldiers had been ounce of steam was now employed in oy ing the boat forward. Ina few moments the little monster went panting and puffing apast the island as if eager to dash in among the savages intruding within its ele- ment, Cheer after cheer burst from the lips of the rescued islanders as the craft steamed by. Soldiers with rifles in hand stood ready for the bloody work, while a cannon on the for- ward deck was being trained upon the nearest of the floating savage breastworks. Then came a moment of eager suspense to those on the island. With distended eyes and throbbing hearts they watched the men at the cannon. “Look out now,” Ptolemy. Scarcel warned, and eve suddenly cried Old} had he spoken when there was a great puff and a boom that shook the very hills and valleys. The river before the boat seemed to burst into a thousand frothy jets and boilin toam where the load of grape e@ grea an struck, The roar of the cannon was fol- owed by the discharge of a hundred rifles, and to this was added the shouts of the soldiers; and | did.” . The Parson Detective. a nn nn a LL finally, to make the din more complete, the boat’s whistle was thrown open when the most infernal noise that ever startled the echoes of the Missouri valley was heard then and there. The savages were within four rods of the isl- and, straining every nerve to reach it, when the cannon pealed out. Some of them fairly leaped 2 Be in the water with sudden terror at the thunderous roar of the gun, and like a school of fish they darted away in every direction in the river. Some endeavured to, es- cape by diving, some made for the island and were shot by the soldiers, a few still clung to their floating breastworks and opened fire on the boat; but resistance was fruitless and ina minute’s time every savage was swimming for his life. Their rout was complete, scarcely a savage that reached the shore with his life having even so much as a knife about him. The boat stopped, and, swinging in toward the shore, tied up. The commander of the troops, accompanied by Shocky, came over to the island in a boat. The moment Ptolemy Frodd and Ogilvie re- alized that they were out of danger of Indian massacre they advanced to where Major Brandt stood, when Frodd said: “Major, consider pousee under arrest for the attempted assassination of myself, and the criminal deception and marriage of Miss Rob- ertson.” Brandt started back, and his face grew black and white by turns. His eyes seemed to change their color, and his nostrils quivered. His breath came quick and hard, and in a husky tone he asked: a ergy Frodd, what do you mean?” “What I say, Mr. Humbolt,” replied old Ptolemy triumphantly; ‘‘you see I have run you to your hole, notwithstanding you have played your game well. I have the marriage gens 5 that you got for your wife in my ssion. “Sir, you did not find it on my person!” ex- claimed the terrified man. ‘No, I did not, but brother Ogilvie here ‘‘ Yes, found it in your wet coat pocket last night,” put in Ogilvie. ‘Curses, on you!” hissed the baffled villain, and then, like a tiger, he leaped from Frodd’s grasp and struck Ogilvie a blow in the face that elled him to the earth, and with the cry of a eng he leaped over his prostrate form and unded away toward a boat at the lower end of the island.’ “Halt!” yelled old Ptolemy, but the villain heeded him not. “Ping!” rung the old detective’s revolver, and the fugitive staggered and fell to his knees —struggled to his feet, and again ran on. * Ping!” rung the revolver again, and Major Brandt rtm } glanced back over his shoulder and fell upon the beaéb, The two detectives advanced to where he lay breathing bard. eee ‘‘oreased” him, Frodd,” observed vie. ‘I’m sorry, major,” said Frodd, seriously, **but you provoked the shots.” Brandt looked up into Frodd’s face. His,eyes no longer burned with that defiant look. His face was pallid with fear and terror. “You're a better shot than I am, Frodd,” the prostrate man said; ‘this would never have happened had I made sure of your death on the night of the wedding in the grotto.” ‘Ah! then you admit that you are Rufus Humbolt?”’ exclaimed the old dotective. ‘* You would not have shot me bad you not been certain of my wrongs against you, nor would I admit anything were I not dying from the effects of your bullets.” At this juncture Ogilvie left to see how mat- ters were going on between the soldiers and sav- ages. In a few minutes he returned and reported the savages’ defeat. ‘Curse the luck,” said Brandt, bitterly. “I deserve this fate for being so stupid. I might have escaped unharmed once.” ‘““Why did you take any risks?” asked Frodd. “That I might slay you and Millbank, and assist a friend in abducting Aimee.La Fleur— he who met you with a flag of truce yesterday is that friend.” ‘* Yes, yes; he assisted Ne the night of the wedding,” said Frodd. ‘‘{ recognized the fel- low, and knew pis demand for. your surrender was all a trick of some kind. But, Brandt, poh did you marry Ethel Robertson as you Tbe man was silent a moment, and then said: ‘* Well, as life with me is short, I might as well tell you all, for I have nothing to fear in this world. I married Ethel because she is an heiress, though she nor her uncle knows it. With the certificate obtained from you I ex- ted to prove that I was ber husband and get old of her fortune before the executor found out how matters stood. With you out of the way I felt more certain of my success, for I did not like the way you criticised our secret marriage, and was afraid you would expose me, especially after you discovered the groom was not Roger Millbank. The arrangements for their marriage at Fairy Grotto was made one evening on the river shore, whither a spy of mine had followed Roger and Ethel and heard every werd. All my plans to possess her fortune were matured after I had heard of the Icvers’ romantic ar- rangements. To make it successful Roger Mill- bank must be put out of the way, and three of my men were ted along his route te inter- cept him, This they did, but the boy Shock rescued him, and, but for the fact that he fell into the clutches of the old Frenchman, who beat him unconscious under the impression he was a savage, Roger would have been in River View the night of the ew * It was a bold and risky game to play, but I failed only when I did not make sure of your death. I knew [ stood well with the people of River View, and after I had shot you, I sent my friends off in hot haste, while I returned to my quarters, The trail of the two horsemen that led us off up here was that of Ansonand Macon. I came along with you to see that you were put out of the way when an opportunity was offered—” ‘‘“That’s why you laid for me at the Sentinel last night,” interrupted Ptolemy Frodd. “Te ted to bave finished my work there.” ‘* And have you not been in league with the savages?” ‘‘Hor several years—ever since I was an as- sistant Government surveyor in northern Ne- braska,” “ And you were known as Night Hawk?” ac as ** And tried to betray us all into the power of White Dragon’s band of savages the night we camped above here?” ‘‘T did, and but for that boy, Shocky, would have succeeded.” ‘Major, how long have you been on the prai- ries of Dakota?” ‘‘Three years.” ‘* Have you not been the leader of a gang of outlaws?’ “T have,” he answered. feebly, ‘* Were you ever in St, Louis?” ‘* Yes—why?”’ and Brandt started uneasily. i Why, the diamond ring you gave Ethel was ‘‘Of the Ramsey jewels!” exclaimed the dy- ing man, excitedly. Then you killed the Ramseys?” **T helped to do that crime.” ‘*Major, during the’ fight yeste witb the Indians did you not shoot in the back?” ‘‘That shot was intended for you—if was a mistake.” ; Here followed a momentary silence. Ptolemy odd became absorbed in serious reflection. Finally he said to the dying man: ‘* Brandt, your soul is stained with crime; do you have any hopes of the future life?” Brandt made noreply. Frodd repeated the question, and still no reply. Major Robert Brandt, alias Rufus Humbolt, was dead. He had died without a gasp or a sound to indicate the moment of dissolution. ‘“‘What a wicked life and a painless death,” said the old detective, as he closed the dead man’s eyes. Ogilvie returned to the camp and narrated the story of Brandt’s life and deatb. By this time most of the soldiers had come over to the island, and now followed a season of great rejoicing. F No one was happier than Ptolemy Frodd. He realized now that Ethel was free of the blunder made at the Fairy Grotto, and that the arch-villain of the Missouri Valley had gone to his iinal rest. , Not another Indian was to be found in the vicinity of the Isle of Refuge, and the next day Ptolemy Frodd and his friends, accompanied by La Fleur and his daughter and Roger Mill- bank, started in boats for River View, where they finally arrived in safety, and in time for the Rev. Ptolemy to keep bis appointment and reach his first sermon in the old barracks, with hocky as one of his most attentive listeners. Shocky went with the soldiers up the river in the ee pase of a guide and scout. He drifted on and on up the Missouri until he finally found | morning att Hohn
Page 15
SS himself in Wonder Land—the Yellowstone valley. It was three years before he returned to River View to meet his little sweetheart, Aimee La Fleur. In this time he had grown to be a large and handsome young man. His voice had undergone a complete change, also— had changed from that of its boyish tones to that of manhood; and in speaking of it he pite- ously remarked: “f The worst thing about it is, when [ lost my ‘goslin voice’I also lost my ventriloquial powers entirely, and I can’t sur- round a crowd of Ingins or outlaws like I used to do and make ’em b’lieve I was a hull regi- ment.” : Max La Fleur took up his residence at River View and engaged in the tanning business and fur trade, and accumulated quite a little for- tune in the course of years. Rev. Ptolemy Frodd had the pleasure of mar- rying Ethel Robertson a second time, and this time there was no mistake about Roger Mill- bank being the bridegroom. Ogilvie, the watts -detective, undertook to trace out the source from whence Ethel’s for- tune, of which Brandt had spoken, was coming, and after a year’s working he found the fortune in England; but.to his disappointment he found, also that the heiress was another Ethel Robert- son, and not the Ethel of River View. But the latter felé no digappointment, for she declared that she was a3 heiress in the possession of ene Millbank’s love. he influence that Ptolemy Frodd exerted over the discordant elements of River View so- ciety seemed miraculous, for in a short time the place was one of the most orderly and law- abiding on the Missouri. THE END. . . ° . The Fireside Library. Y Was Sue His Wire? 4! Mrs. Mary Keed Crowell. 2 FuremeG From Lovz. Harriet Irving. 3 Di He Love Her? B ace T, Campbell. 4 A Srrance Woman. By Rett Winwood. 6 Two Grmus’ Lrves. By Mrs. Mary Reed Crowell. 9 Tue War ov Hearts. By Corinne Cushman. 11 THe Fatsz Wipow. By . Jennie D, Burton. 12-13 Lost ror Love. By Miss M. K, Braddon. 14-15 TorLeRs OF THE Sua. By Victor Hugo. 16 THe QuapROOoN. By Catharine A. Warfield. 17-18 Uncie Stuas. By J. 8. Le Fanu. 19-20 Dmeap-Sza Frurr. By Miss M. E. Braddon. 21-22 Lrrrue Kate Kirsy. By F. W. Robinson. 80-31 Rep As A Rosg 1s Sux. By Rhoda Broughton. 82 Tro: Liny or St. Erne. By . Crow, 33 StRaANGELY WeD. By Mrs, Jenny Davis Burton. 34 Tae Gipsy Brive. By My ¥. O. Malen. 35 ANNIE Tempie. By Rev. J. H. In am. 36 WirHout Mercy. By Bartley T. Campbell. 37 Buack Eyes AnD Bivur. By Corinne Cushman. 38 Brave BARBARA. By Corinne Cushman. 39 A DanarRovus Woman. By Margaret Blount, 40 Ovrpa’s Love. By Henrietta E. De Conde 41 Lost: A Wire. 42 Winnina Ways, By Margaret Blount. . By C M. Braeme. 46 A Woman's Hann, By Author of “ Dead Letter.” 47 ViALs OF Wrate. By Mrs. Reed Crowell. 48 A Wiip Girt. By Corinne Cus 5 49 Tue Mapprst MARRIAGE Ever Was, By Burton, 50 Love ina Maze. By Mrs. E. Fl, Ellet, 56 - 57 Dip Sue Sin? By Mrs. 58 Dousiy Drvorcep. By Mrs. Jennie Davis Burton. 59 A Wickep WoMAN. e Devereux Umsted Blake. 60 Burp Bagpara’s Secret, By Mary G. 61 AN AmmeRICAN ;. By Grace Mortimer. 70 Drirtixa TO Ruin. By Mary Reed well. 71 Tar Parson’s DAUGHTER. A Parson's Daughter 7 Tar Mysterious GUARDIAN, Corinne Cushman. 73 Was Sue A Wire? By Rett Winwood. Mrs. Jonnie D. Burton. The Parson Detective. 83 THe InnERITANCE OF Hate. By Mrs. Burton. 84 PEARL oF PEARLS. A. P. Morris, Jr. 85 For Honor’s Saxe. By Mrs. Mary Reed Crowell. 86 Lance UrquHart’s Loves, By Annie Thomas. 87 Sarety Marrrep. By the author of ** Caste.” 88 FLoretre, CHILD or Tur Strreer. By Ingraham. 89 Toree Times Deap, By Miss M. E. on. 90 For A WomaAn’s Sake. By Watts Phillips. 91 “* He Comern Nor,’Sue Sarm.’’ Annie Thomas. 92 THe New Maapaten, By Wilkie Collins. 93 AN OpEN VeRDIcT. By Miss M. EB. Braddon. } 94 Sworp AND Gown. By George A. Lawrence, 9 A Beaaar on Horsepack. By James Payn. 96 Her Facer Was Her Fortunr. F, W. Robinson. 9 JANE Iyre. By Charlotte Bronte. 98 WRECKED IN Port. By Edmund Yates. 99 THe CoLLEEN Bawn. By Gerald Griffin. 100 AN Amurrious GIRL. A Celebrated Actress. 101 Foun Puay. By Chas. Reade and Dion Boucicault. 102 Carita. B rs. Oliphant. 103 A Woman Harer. By Charles Reade. i04 Arrer Dark. By Wilkie Collins, 105 Harp Times. By Charles Dickens, 106 Grur, By B. L. Farjeon. 107 Wyenton’s Quest. By M. FE. Braddon. 108 Turre Featarrs, By William Black. 109 Joun Haurrax, GrntuEMAN. By Miss Mulock. 110 Murpny’s Master. By James Payn. 111 Heaps or Monny. By W. E. Morris. 112 In Morrat Pert, By Mary Reed Crowell. 113 Toe Deap Secret. By Wilkie Collins. 114 PLayine To Win. By G. M. Fenn. 145 Dents Duvan. By W. A. Thackeray. 13 Too Soon. By Katherine 8. MacQuoid. 117.Tue Two Destinizs, By Wilkie Collins. 118 Ar His Mercy. By Corinne Cushman. 119 Crcit’s Tryst. By James Payn. 120 Croups AND Sunsuinr. By Charles Reade. 121 Vaueriz. By Captain ig UN a 122 Bounp spy a Spetu. By H. Rebak. 123 Tae Goipen Lionor Granpern, By A. Trollope. 124 Tar Crrats in Cuarar. By Mrs. Oliphant, 125 Tue Mipniaut Son. By Fredrika Bremer. 126 Tue PILarm™s or THE . By EB. L. Bulwer. 127 Founp Drapv. By James te eb 128 Harry Heatuocotr, By Anthony Trollope. 129 Tne Fuarttves. By Mrs. Oliphant. 130 Tue Best or Hussanns. By James Payn. A new issue every week, For sale by all newsdealers, pone ten cents, or sent, postage paid, on receipt of twelve cents. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers 98 William street, N. Y. Saliday Journa “The Model Family Paper —aND— Most Charming of the Weeklies.” A ‘pure paper; good in ev thing; bright, brilliant and attractive. ad 3 2 Serials, Tales, Romances, Sketches, Adventures, Biographies, Pungent Essays, Poetry, Notes and Answers to Correspondents, Wit and Fun— All are features in every number, from such celebrated writers as no paper in America cap boast of. What is best in POPULAR READING, that the paper always has; hence for Homs, Suop, Lr- BRARY and GENERAL READER it is without a rival; and hence its great and steadily increasing circulation. : The SaATuKDAY JOURNAL is sold everywhere by newsdealers; price siw cents per number; or to subscribers, post-paid, at the following cheap rates, viz.: Four months, one dollar; one year, three rs; or, two copies, five dollars. Address BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York. THE Sunnyside Library eg, sie Py Thomas Moore..........-. 10c . 10¢ Sir Walter Scott.... 10¢ 6 UNDINE; OR, THE WareR-Sprnir, ‘ietah' ae. te German of Friederich De La Motte Fouque.... 10c For sale by all newsdealers, or sent, postage paid. on receipt of twelve cents for si teen double numbers twenty-four conte. ie ADAMS, VICTOR & CO,, Publishers, 98 Willlam street, N. Y. 15 ee BEADLE AND ADAMS’ STANDARD DIME PUBLICATIONS. Speakers. BrApLE AND ApAMS have now on their lists the fel- lowing highly desirable and attractive text-boeks, prepared expressly for schools, families, etc, Kach volume contains 100 large pages, printed from clear, open type, comprising the best collection of Dia- logues, Dramas and citations, (burlesque, comic and otherwise.) The Dime Speakers for the season of 1882—as far as now issued —embrace twenty-three volumes, viz.: 1. American Speaker. | 13, School Speaker. 2. National Speaker. | 14. Taidicrous Speaker. 3. Patriotic Speaker. 15. Komikal Speaker, 4. Comic Speaker. 16. Youth’s Speaker. 5. Elocutionist. 17. Eloquent er. 6. Humorous Speaker, 18. Hail Columbia Speak- 7. Standard Speaker. er. 8. Stump Speaker. 19, Serio-Comic Speaker. 10, Bored Hagle Speaker | 31, runny Speaker j - e er | 21. Funny § er. 11, Dime Debater. 2, Jolly Speaker. 12. Exhibition Speaker. 3. ects ker, These books are replete with choice pieces for the School-room, the Exhibition, for Homes, ete, They are drawn from FRESH sources, and contain some of the choicest oratory of the times. 75 to 100 Declama- tions and Recitations in each book. Dialogues. The Dime Dialogues, each volume 100 pages, em- brace twenty-nine ks, viz.: Dialogues No, One, (Dialogues No. Fifteen. logues No. Twenty-nine. 15 to 25 Dialogues and Dramas in each book. These volumes have been with especial reference to their availability in all school-roome, They are adapted to schools with or without the fur- niture of a. stage, and introduce a range of charac- ters suited to scholars of every grade, both male and female, It is fair to assume that no volumes yet offered to schools, at any price, contain s0 many ts moe ge useful dialogues and dramas, serious comic. Dramas and Readings. 164 12mo Pages. 20 Cents, — For Schools, Parlors, Entertainments and the Am- ateur , comprising. Original Minor Dramas, Comedy, , D ess oe Humorous | sed and Burlesque, by 1 oted ters; and Recitations and erage i new nd standard, of the est celebrity and interest. Edited by Prof. A, M, Russell DIME HAND-BOOKS. Young People’s Series. puipuys in ae these ae 4 Sean cover a& range of subjects, and are 26 adapted to their end. They constitute Scots the cheapest and most useful works yet put into the market for popular circulation, Ladies’ Letter-Writer. Book of Games. Gents’ Letter- Writer. Fortune-Teller. 409 of Banstie, heed MN rote pr of Verses, -room Com) nm. Book of Dreams. Book of hr . Hand-Books of Games. ndbook of Winter wah ettopeln al Book of Crequet. ‘achting wing Chess Instructor. Riding an Cricket and Football. Book of Guide to Swimming. Base-Ball Player. Handbook ef mer Sports. Manuals for Housewives, Brapue’s Dore Famity Serres aims to suppty a class of text-books and manuals fitted for every per- son's use—the old and the young, the le and the unlearned. They are of con 2 Reels Hook. 5 3, Housekeeper's Guide. Lives of Great Americans Are presented complete and auth ographies of ft es of the men who hinve added heme to the pepenye by their lives and deeds. The series em- races I,—George Washington. | VII.—David Crockett. eS. BS ed. value ‘| 5. Dressm and Mil- linery, TIl,—John Jon TH.—Mad Anthony Wayne toate ; .—Ethan Allen. XT.—Abraham Lincoin. hath > gee de Lafay-| XII,—Pontiac, v1 . ort XI. —Ulysses 8. Grant. The above publications for sale by all newsdealers or will be sent, on of _price, b: ADAMS, B83 Wrooecan Sr., N. ¥. f BEADLE & MS,
Page 16
{2 Deadwood Dick, True Prince or THE Roap { Edward L. Wheeler. 2 Yellowstone Jack. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 3 Kansas King; or, Taz Ren Riagut Hann, BY Buffalo Bill (Hon, Wm. F,.Cody). 4 The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Captain Mayne Reid and Captain Frederick Whittaker. 5 Vagabond Joe, THE Youna WANDERING JEW. By Oll Coomes. Double Number, 10cts. 6 Bill Biddon, Trapper. by E. 8. Ellis. 7 The Flying Yankee; or, THe Oczean Ovr- cast. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 8 Seth Jones. By Edward 8. Ellis. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen,. 10 Nat Todd. By E.§. Ellis. 1 The Two Detectives. By A.W. Aiken, 2 Gulliver’s Travels. B an Swift. By Ol! Coomes. 3 The Dumb Spy. 4 Aladdin; or, THe WonperFut Lamp. 5 The Sea-Cat. By Captain Fred. Whittaker. 6 Robinson Crusoe, (27 Iilustrations.) 7 Ralph Roy, tHe Boy Buocanesr; or, Tar Foeitive Yacut. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 8 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven Voyages. 9 ‘The Phantom Spy. By Buffalo Bill. 0 The Double Daggers. By E. L. Wheeler. i The Frontier Angel. By Edward §. Ellis. 22 The Sea Serpent; or, THz Boy Rosinson Crousor. By Juan Lewis. 23 Nick o? the Night. By T. ©. Harbaugh. 24 Diamond Dirk. By Colonel P. Ingraham. 25 The Boy Captain. By Roger Starbuck. 26 ©Cloven Hoof, tur Borrato Demon; or, THE Borper Vourores. By Edward L. Wheeler. 27 Antelope Abe, THz Boy Guipz. Oll Coomes 28 Buffalo Ben, THe Price or THE PisToL; or, Dkapwoop Dick o Diseuise. E. L. Wheeler. 29 © Dumb Page. By Capt. F. Whittaker. 30 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, THe Reck- Less Ranaer. By Harry St. Scores... 31 Keen-Knife, Prince or THE iRIgEs, By 32 Bob Woolf, txz Borper Rorrian; or, THE Grau Deap-Snor. By Edward L. Wheeler. 33 The Ocean Bloodhound. S. W. Pierce. 34 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Wuirrurs' Boy Spry t. J. F. OC. Adams. 35 ild Kwan, THE Boy Ciavupg Dvvat; or, THE BROTHERHOOD oF DxaTH. Ed. L. Wheeler. 36 The Boy Clown. By Frank S. Finn. 37 The Hidden Lodge. By T. C, Harbaugh. 38 Ned Wylde, THe Boy Scour. By Texas Jack. 39 Death-Face, tHe Detective. By Wheeler. 40 Boving Ben. By J. J. Marshall. 41 Lasso Jack. By Oll Coomes. 42 The Phantom Miner, | E. L. Wheeler. 43 Dick Mg ie pe THE Pony Express Riper. 44 i eH ok Whittaxer. St. Geo attling Rube. By Harry St. rge. 45 Old Avalanche, tHe Great ANNIHILATOR; or, WiuD Epna, THe Gre Briganp. KE, L. Wheeler. 46 Glass TGs THE GREAT SHOT OF THE WEST. Capt. dams 43 Nightia ae Tree et tee gas vm h. a ohn, THe Roap-AGenrt. Badger. 49 Omaha Oll. By Edward L. Wheeler. 0 Burt Bunker, tue Traprer. C, EK. Lasalle. 1 The Rifles. By Archie C. Irons. 2 The White Buffalo. By C. E. Lasalle. 8 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., Tax Boy Puen; or, vwoH TO Deata. By Edward L. Wheeler. 4 Ned Hazel. By — J.¥F. ©. Adams. & Deadly - Eye, THe Unknown Scout; or, Tae BRANDED BROTHERHOOD. “ar re Bill. 6 ag Whitites’ Pet. t. J. F. C. Adams. 7 wood Dick’s E es. By Wheeler. 8 The Border King. By Oll Coomes. 9 Old pe Sg By pa St. Mow 60 The White Indian. pt. J. F. C. Adams. 61 Buckhorn Bill. Edward L. Wheeler. 62 The Shadow Ship. By Col. P. Ingraham. 63 The Red Brotherhood, W. J. Hamilton. 64 Dandy Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh. 65 Hurricane Bill. Ey toe. E. Badger, Jr 66 Single Hand. . J. Hamilton. 67 Patent-leather Joe. By Phili 68 Border Robin Hood, By Buffalo Bill. 69 Gold Rifle. By Edward L. eeler. 70 Old Zip’s Cabin. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 71 Delaware Dick. By Oll Coomes. 72 Mad Tom Western. By W. J. Hamilton. 73 Deadwood Dick on Deck ; or, Cauamrry JANE, THE HEROINE OF WHOOoP-Up. By Wheeler. 74 Hawk-eeye Marry. By Oll Coomes. 75 The Boy Duelist. By Col. P. Ingraham. 76 Abe Colt, THz Crow-Kmirr. By A, W. Aiken. "7 Seanene & Charlie, THz Boy Bravo; or, Deapwoop Dicx’s Lasr Act. By E. L. Wheeler. 78 Blue Dick. By i esa Mayne Reid. 79 Sol Ginger, Guyt PER. By A.W. Aiken. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nuacaet Nep, THe Knianr oy THE GuicH. By Edward L. Wheeler. 81 Lightning Jo. By Captain J. F.C. Adams. 82 Kit Haretoot. By T. C. Harbaugh. 83 BRollo, the Boy Ranger. By Oll Voomes. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner. By E. L. Wheeler. 85 Buck Buckram, By Capt. J. F. C. Adams, 86 Dandy Rock. By G. Waldo Browne. $7 The Land Pirates. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 88 Photo raph Phil, tae Boy Sievrs; or, RoseBup Ros’s REAPPEARANCE. By E. L. Wheeler. 89 Island Jim. By Bracebridge Hemyng. 90 The Dread Rider. By G. Waldo Browne. 91 The Captain of the Club; or, Taz Youne Riva ATHLETES. Bracebridge Hemyng, 92 Canada Chet, By Edward L. Wheeler. | 93 The Boy Miners. By Edward §. Ellis. 94 Midnight Jack, tHe Roap-AGEnr; Tae Boy Trapper. By T. C. Harhaugh. OOrrSe re Sr rin 5S. Warne. or, —= 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 The Hunted Hunter. By Ed. S. Ellis. Boss Bob, THe Kina or Tar Boorsuscgs: or, THe PAWNBROKER’S Piror. Ed. L. Wheeler. Sure Shot Seth, Tar Boy Ririeman; or THe Youne Patriots oF THE Norta. By Oll'Coomes. 5 Captain Paul, tax Kenrucky MoonsHiner; or, Boy Spy oF THe Mounrars. Clark. 6 Night-Hawk Kit. By Jos.£. ger, Jr. Z The Helpless Hand. Capt. Mayne Reid. 9 3 3 3 3 38 Blonde ili; or, Deapwoop Dick’s Home 3 BASE. Edward L. eeler. Judgé Lynch, Jr. 5 kD Harbaugh. 40 Blue Blazes}; or, Tax K 0’ Day Boys ‘ or y Bar. By rank Dumont. 1 Solid Sam, Tur Boy Roap-Aaent; or, Tae Branpep Brows. By Edward L. Wheeler. 42 Handsome WMarry, Tax Boorstack Dr- TKoTIvE. By Charles Morris, 43 Scar-Face Saul. By Oll Coomes. 44 Dainty Lance, rue Boy Sport. By Badger. 45 Captain Ferret, Taz New York Dsrrsc- TIVE; or, Boss Bos’s Boss Jon, Wheeler. 46 Silver Star, THe Boy Kniacar. Coomes. 47 Will Wildfire, tHe THoxovesprep; or, Tae Wrynina Hanp. Charles Morris. 8 Sharp Sam. By J. Alexander Patten. 9 A Game of Goldy3 or, Deapwoop Dicr's Bie Srrixze. By Edward L. Wheeler, 0 Lance and Lasso. By Capt. F.Whittaker. 1 Panther Paul, Tae IRIE. PrRATE; or, Diinty Lance To THE Rescor. . E. Badger. 2 Black ‘Bess, Wi. Wuprtme's Racer; or, Winnine Acarmst Opps, By Charles Morris. 3 Eagle Kit, tHe Boy Dm«on. By Oll Coomes, The Swerd Hunters. BY . Whittaker. Gold Trigger, Tax Sport. T. 0. Harbaugh. Deadwood Dick of Deadwood or, Tue Pickep Party. By Edward L. Wheeler. Mike Merry, tHe Harsor Porice Boy; or, Tue Nraut-Hawks of PuoruapeLpar. Morris, Fancy Frank of Colorado, Buffalo Bill. The Lost Captain. By Whittaker. Whe Black Giant. By J. E. Badger, Jr. New Work Nell, rae Bov-Grau Derectrive; or, OuD BLAKESLY'’s Monry. By E. L. Wheeler. Will Wildfire in the Woods. Morris. Little Texas, THe Youne Musranacer. A Tale of Texan Prairies. By Oll Coomes. Dandy Rock’s Pledge. By G.W. Browne. Billy Baggage, THe RamRoap Boy; or, Run To Earts. By Charles Morris. Hickory Harry. By Harry St. cree. Asa Scott, Tae Sreampoat Boy. By Willett. Deadly Dash. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr, Tornado Tom, By T. C. Harbaugh. A Trump Card3 or, Wm. Witprme Wins anp Loses. By Charles Morris, Ebony Dan. By Frank Dument. ThunderboltTom. By Harry St. George. Dandy Rock’s Rival. By G.W. Browne. Bob Rockett, tae Boy Doperr. By Morris. Captain Arizona. By Philip S.Warne. The Boy Runaway ; or, THe Buccanrer oF THE Bay. Lieut, H. D, Perry U.S.N. Nobby Nick of Nevada. E. L. Wheeler. Old Solitary. By Ol Coomes. 9 Bob Rockett, tae Bank Runner. Morris. 0 The Sea Trailer; or, A Vow WELL Kept. By Lieut. H. D. Perry, 0.5. N. 81 Wild Frank, THe Bvuoxsxin Bravo; or, Lapy Y's By Edward L. Wheeler. 182 Little Hurrftane, tHE Boy Capra. By Ol] Coomes, Or OO ww KOOP SF Ane Mete¥eE akefekeksde’ HIDAADD AD AD AGH AF ANMWWH SCOSAIH ae 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Zz 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 183 The Hidden Hand. By Chas. Morris. 184 The Boy Trailers. By Badger, Jr. 185 Evil e, KrxG oF CaTrie Tuirves; or, THE vous or THE R10 GRANDE. By F. Dumont. 186 Cool Desmond. By Col. Delle Sara. 187 Fred HMalyard, tue Lire Boar Boy; or, THE SMUGGLERS OF THE INLET, By C. Morris. 188 Ned Temple, THE Border Boy. Harbaugh. 189 Bob Rockett, THe Cracksman. By Morris. 190 Dandy Darke. By Wm. R. Eyster. 191 Buffalo Billy, THe Boy BvuLLWHACKER. By Capt. A. B. Taylor, U. 8. A. Japtain Kit. By Lieut. H. D. Perry,U.S.N. Captain Mask, THe Lapy Roap-AGENT; or, Patgent-LEATHER JOE’Ss DerEaT, By Warne Buffalo Bill’s Bet. By Captain Taylor. Deadwood Dick’s Dream, By Wheeler. Shadowed; or, Bos Rockerr’s Fiaur ror Lire. By Charles Morris. Little Grit, Taz WILD Riper, By Ingraham. Arkansaw, THE Man wire THE KNIFE. By T. C. Harbaugh. 199 Featherweight. By Edward Willett. 200 The Boy Bedouins,. By Whittaker. 201 The Black Hills Jezebel; or, Drsp- woop Dick's Warp. By Edward L. Wheeler. 202 Prospect Pete, or THe Boy Bricapp; or, Youne w Honrrers. By Oll Coomes, 203 The Boy Pards. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 204 Gold Plume, THe Boy Banprt. Ingraham. 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom, By Wheeler. 206 Dark Paul, THE Tiger Kina. By C. Morris. 207 Navajo Nick, tHE Boy Gotp Hunter, A Tale of Arizona. By T. C. Harbaugh. 208 The Boy Hercules. By Oll Coomes. 209 Fritz, THe Bounp-Boy Derszctive. Wheeler. 210 Faro Frank of High Pine. By Eyster. 211 Crooked Gale, THe Calman or CELESTIAL Crry. By Jos. E. , oF. 212 Dashing Dave, THE Danny Derrorive. By Charles Morris, 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 213 Fritz to the Front. By E. L. Wheeler. 214 Wolfgan THe ROBBER OF THE RHINE. By Captain erick Whittaker. 215 captain Bullet, THz Ramer Kine. By T. C. Harbaugh. 216 Bison Bill, raz Prince or THE REINS. y graham, By Col. Prentiss In; 217 Captain Crack-Shot, By E. L. Wheeler. 218 Tiger Tom, rae Texan Trrnon, By Ol} mes, 219 Despard, the Duelist, By P. S. Warne. 220 Tom Tanner, ScaLawaG anv ScapEGRace. By Charles Morris. 221 Sugar Coated Sam, By E. L. Wheeler. 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport. By Ingraham. 223 Ozark Ait, Kixe or Tae Movunram. By Edward W: 224 Dashing Dick; or, Trapper Tom's Casriz. By Oll Coomes. 225 Sam Charcoal, the Premium Dar- ky. By Charles Morris. 226 Snoozer, THe Boy Smarr. By Edward L. Wheeler. 227 Dusky Darrell, Traprer. By KE. Emerson. 228 Littl: Wildfire. By Oll Coomes. 229 Crimson Kate, Tae Grru Traner, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 230 The Yankee Rajah. By C. D. Clark. 231 Plucky Phil, or rae Mountamw Tram. By T. C. Harbaugh. 232 Gold-Dust Diek. By E. L. Wheeler. 233 Joe Buck, of Angels, 4np His Boy Parp Pau PowpDERHORN; or, THE THREE WILD Men or Eacue Bar. By Albert W. Aiken, 234 Old Rocky’s ** Boyees;” or, Brxrro, THE Youna HorsEe-BrEAKER. By ‘Buckskin Sam. 235 Shadow Sam, THe Merssencrer Boy; or, TURNING THE TaBLEs, By Charles Morris, 236 Apollo Bill, raz Trai Tornapo, By Ed- ward L. Wheeler. 237 Lone Star, the Cowboy capsets or, THe Mysterious RANCHERO. By Colonel n- tiss Ingraham. 238 The Parson Detective; Suocky, THE RANGER oF RAVEN OL Coomes. 239 Whe Gold-seeker Guide; or, Tar Losr MovunraIx. By Captain Mayne Reid. Ready February 2ist. By Edward L. Wheeler. Ready February 28th. A new legsue every week. or, LirrLe Roost. By 240 Cyclone Kit. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all! Newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cente each, BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 Wiliam Street, New York.