Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 255) (1882 06 13)
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=( : Q\ ; JL iilalslalalalalaly/ wn (eV ct! He Oe Lj - a > / , - saya is sca itt i itl ll a al a hag. = Za i NS Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mail Rates. Copyrighted in 1882 by BEADLE AND ADAMS. June 13, 1882. le PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, No 2 5 5 r. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. . ° ——— CAPTAIN APOLLO, THE KING-PIN OF BOWIE: or, Flash o” Lightning's Feud. ; 5 A ROMANCE OF THE SHASTA COUNTRY. are en OS SSE ARDS AU Cree, AUTHOR OF ‘‘NIOK 0’ THE NIGHT,” ‘“‘ HIDDEN LODGE,” ‘‘ NIGHTINGALE NAT,” ‘‘OLD FROSTY,” ‘‘ DANDY JACK,” ‘‘ KIT HAREFOOT,” ETO, LEN i, Li) i WAN) 2 > ~ a 5 nS, a. eel Ee HALF-HIDDEN BY PISTOL-SMOKE HE WAS SENDING DEADLY BULLETS IN RAPID SUCCESSION INTO THE STARTLED CROWD BELOW.
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2 Captain Apollo, The King-Pin of Bowie; FLASH O”’ " Yeetenlirs FEUD. A Romance « fthe Shasta Country, BY T, C. HARBAUGH, _ AUTHOR OF ‘‘ BILL BRAVO,” ‘‘ CAPTAIN BULLET,” “KIT HAREFOOT,” “‘GOLD TRIGGER,” “ NICK 0’ THE NIGHT,” ‘‘ NED TEMPLE,” ETC. - CHAPTER I. THE SKELETON HORSEMAN. Bowre Ciry was the capital of Grizzly Gulch, and Grizzly Gulch is in the middle of the great Shasta gold country, : There may be many such mining towns or camps in California, but none with such a his- tory as that which clings to the memory of Bowie—as it was called for short—for there liyéd and died the most daring men of the land of — he sun sinking slowly behind the lofty cone of Mount Shasta one summer day in the year just passed, threw his beams down Bowie’s one street, and revealed a number of dark-shirted men in front of a large two-story cabin, which went by the name of the Nugget Hotel. The day was warm, and the men ‘had’ plenty of time on their hands. Without a solitary exception these fellows were stalwart and dark-skinned, and carried boldly upon their persons the deadly revolvers _ and dirks of the far West. The entire population of the place seemed to compose the group, but not a female figure was visible. Bowie was a tigers’ den. The cause of the gathering infront of the Nugget, could have been found in a bit of paper which fluttered on a stately tree before the “hotel.” It had been placed there during the past night, anda hundred times through the day it had been read, cursed and stared at by the denizens of Bowie. ‘T's a gag o’ some kind, boys,” suddenly ex- claimed one of the handsomest and best built men in tha crowd. ‘It bears the imprint ov lunacy. Thar isn’t a sane wordinit. You kin watch fur the crack brain ef you want ter, but (’'m goin’ below fur a spell.” “* An’ I’m goin’ ter watch,” was a positive re- joinder. The first speaker whirled suddenly upon the positive man and looked him in the eye. ‘*What d’ye think it means, Shasta?’ he asked. tes don’t know exactly, but stayin’ hyar will out. sad | “kaow what ails ye,” and Shasta felt the speaker’s fingers on his arm, ‘‘Come with me a minute.” orazy—crazy a3 Wild Noll up Yuba?” ba So alive.” asta said nothing for a moment, but it was piatily to be seen that he did not agree with is companion on the mental prospects that confronted him. ** You must quit talkin’ nonsense,” continued Yuba Sam. You’ve read thet notice fift times to-day, an’ ev’ry time you've given Flash o’ Lightning credit fur writin’ it. the dead write, Shasta? When did a skeleton pen a paper like thet? Tell me when, er keep yer mouth shut furever.” Shasta was a nervous man of six arid thirty, one of the oddest characters of the Gulch. He had restless gray eyes and long slender hands with fingers that a strangler would have cov- eted. “The dead can’t write; ye’re right thar, Yuba,” he said, ‘ neither kin a skeleton hold a pen, but—” : j A conte ats smile began to form at the corners of Yuba Sam’s mouth; it w to interrupt Shasta. - “Why on’t ye go ont Don’t be afraid ov me. ‘Shasta swallowed and seemed to gain cour- age. ‘*T hey a rigbt to my opinion,” he said rather resentfully. “You fellers b’lieve him dead an’ mebbe ye hev a right to, fur rs thar, I only know what I hev seen, Yuba.” ‘* A skeleton ridin’ a hossover ther Lone Injun Trail?” “ 1 saw it!” Yuba Sam looked at his comrade a minute without speaking. This time Shasta returned the look with interest. ““Ye’re gittin’ worse every day,” suddenly broke forth Yuba. ‘‘ Why, what little mind e’ve got left won’t last yer till ther cap’n comes ck. We'll hev to build a pen fur ye next week, Shasta, but ther boys won’t let yer hurt ye when you get real mad.” “Thar!” and Shasta’s éyes appeared to flash. ‘*The man ov Bowie what lays hands on me an’ talks ‘ pen’ will turn his toes to the next sun! Yes, I saw a skeleton ridin’ a hoss over the Lone Injun Trail—a skeleton, Yuba. Thar! a the most ov thet, I’m goin’ back to ther hasta stepped from the shanty undetained. Yuba Sam made a motion to stop him, but suddenly changed his mind and burst into a loud boisterous laugh. ‘Let ’im laugh. I know what [ saw,” said Shasta, as he hurried toward the crowd which still confronted the Nugget, He kept on until he could look over the shoulders ahead and read the sentences on the paper on the tree... He was not pbecnly eee ‘of Bowie who had read them fifty times, but this time more than usual excited, he read half aloud as follows: “Men oF Grizz: ‘To-morrow at four o’clock, p. m., Death and his pale horse will pass through Bowie. He will be on time. Stand in front of the Nugget and get a good May f of him. He has come into the Shasta country stay ! This was the notice \which Yuba Sam had pronounced the work of a madman or fool, It certainly did not bear the workmanship of a mind any too sane. ‘It’s gittin’ nigh onto four now,” said one of the men, ‘‘Let’s stay hyar till the time hez passed, jes’ to test ther notis.” ‘* Stay we will!” was the response, and the crowd began to arrange itself directly in front of the Nugget Hotel. Curiosity and unbelief were Visible on the countenances of every one but Shasta. He looked at his comrades with a self-satisfied air which grew into a triumph be- fore five minutes had passed away. ‘“Which way will the fool come?” was the prevailing question. ‘‘Ef from below, he'll run ag’in’ Yuba; ef from above, be may stumble onto ther cap’n.” Ten minutes of rough jokes, loud laughter and oaths passed, and the gold hands of Puma Dick’s watch were about to proclaim the ap- pointed hour, ‘Whar ar’ ye, Shasta?’ called cut several. ‘Yer skeleton even doesn’t come. Whar’s the bones thet rode over the Lone Injun Trail the other night?” “Thar he comes!” Instantly Shasta’s answer; was echoed by 4 dozen voices, and the men of Bowie glanced over Shasta’s arm to descry the figure of a la: y horse which was entering the town at its western pprintews F Sounds were suddenly hushéd, Four o'clock in ery Gulch was an hour of shadow, the sun, hidden by the matted foliage on Shasta, no longer threw his beams down the street; but the advancing horse was distinctly visible. As the men stared, the beast changed his slow frot to a gallop, and came straight on. All at once those furthest from the hotel shrunk against their companions in the rear, and pressed them against logs. **Who sez I didn’t see aeyening, the other night?” cried Shasta, with triumph. “ Thar’s Death an’ his pale hoss, an’ thar ain’t a man in Bowie brave enough to stop the animile; no, nor draw a pistol on his Ack It was true. On came the horse ridden by a real skeleton. Not au ounce of flesh cove thé bones which were as white as the snows of the Sierras, One of the skeleton hands held the r ins, the flesh- less fingers of the other clutcied a cocked revolver! With head erect and his bony feet rattling in the Mexican stirrups, the terrible rider sat his steed with the gra: s of a cavalry- man. It was a picture horrible er oh to frighten the bravest men. Shasta, w » bad not been taken unawares, felt a namel.ss terror creep to his heart. PP pn Skeleton Rider ieee within tal feet oe e speechless group, but not aman stirred, No one sear orward to check the horse’s speed, Captain Apollo, the King-Pin of Bowie. the laugh, 30 boisterous a moment befors, was now as silent as the L sary : Looking straight ahead, as it were, but in fact the sockets of the Skeleton Horséman were sight- less, the terror passed on, His back was turned on the men of Bowie, and he was leaving them without a motion, without a sign. “Ef thet isn’t Death yer pistols will, shatter him,” suddenly said Shasta, ‘‘ Why don’t ye shoot, men of Bowie?” The response’ was the drawing of a dozen revolvers, and the owners of the weapons leaped forward with oaths and cries. Up went the deadly weapons, and twelve bg se bh the town. ut the Skeleton Rider did not reel. Instead, as Shasta afterward declared, he straightened into an extra inch of stature, and sent back a hollow oe fics Nobody the cachinnation but the mrao with the gray eyes. ‘Shoot ag’in!” he cried .to the exasperatud twelve. *“ pty yer revolvers among’ his ribs, an’ let ‘im carry off ther compliments of Grizzly Gulch.’ A fierce fusilade by men who never missed a living target was the result of Shasta’s sugges- tion, but Death and-his*pale horse went on- ‘‘ Read thet paper in the light ov what ye’ve jest seon,” exclaimed the excited Shasta, as he darted forward and called everybody’s atten- tion taithe docurne t on tho treo, Senet Ay Rg) in oa = ~~ . tw w ; = Sy tet eto ther /Kentry to stay! Thet oe eath |’ ; Shasta had mounted a huge bowlder which rested at the foot of the tree, and his finger almost touched the paper as he faced the crowd and spoke. ‘“We kin clean ’im out!” exclaimed a des- rate-looking man, whose face was disfigured a long’ crimson scar, which ran across his right cheek. ‘'Thar’s some trick in ther hull pares pt Death can’t fight Grizzly Gulch and win ‘Thet’s brave lingo, Red Scar,” said Shasta. ‘It’s ther truth. I say thet Death can’t fight Grizzly an’ come out on top. Who sez ther same? A loud unanimous ‘* I!” was the response, and a rush was made for the tree. Shasta would bave been erscged from the bowlder, if he had not. v of his own accord, and a moment later twenty dirks had pierced the "ee ed and were sticking in the tree! ‘* Thar’s flesh an’ blood behind thet skeleton,” murmured Shasta, as he re ed this demon- stration of madness. ‘‘ Yuba war right when he said thet a lot ov bones can’t shoot, but mus- cle an’ brain kin. Thar’s in every line ov the paper they hev stabbed with ther bowies, Death hez come to Grizly Gulch to stay.” Was Shasta right?” Let the following chapters of our romance say. CHAPTER IL THE QUEEN OF BOWIE. ‘‘SHasta, ar’ ye thar?’ These words were spoken at the door of one of the shanties in Bowie, an hour after pm, had thrown her sable mantle over Grigzly Gulch yr its inhabitants. n response to the question, the figure of Shasta appeared at the Threshold and confront- ed a man of his own age, five-and-thirty, or thereabouts. ‘ “You haven’t been asleep, Shasta! I kin see thet by yer eyes,” continued late caller. “Death an’ his pale crittur hev afore ’em through ther Gulch.” “What ef t Perfection? They hevn’t bean absent from yer Sioaghte all ther time,” asta’s visitor sm “ mx net : ar Pm byar on other biz- ness. e Cap" me. Shasta seemed to spring clear of the ground. “He must hey sneaked inter Bowie!” ho Prnngs me x4 I’ve be wide awake ever since four o'clock, an’ my shanty-door bez been open, but I’ve heard nuthin’, When did he come?” Ey been mrtg s minutes.” 0 came wit ode sa he went after—the future Queea a How tives she loak, Perfection?” “T didn’t get more’n a glimpse of ’er. She's a beauty, though, I kin tell ye thet; but she’s a sg eee ae mee child. She's got ts) eyes ir ‘saw in a woman’s head, an’ whi 1 first sot my peepers on ‘oe, I said to myself: ‘Rile ’er an’ she'll shoot.’ ever since a wars ’ L want yer to go down an’ look at the Queen of ‘Bowie.”
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ne During Perfection Pete’s recital Shasta had | recovered his composure, and leaned against the frame of his cabin door with folded arms. ‘I will go an’ look at the new beauty,” he said, illy concealing under his voice an unna- tural eagerness. ‘* What do they call ’er?” “Meda, er some sech name,” was the answer. ‘‘T heard the Cap’n introduce her to the boys, but I didn’t get a tight gripe on ber name. It might be Meda, anit At not.” By this time Shasta, the long fingered, had left’ the cabin, and was hurrying toward the western end of Bowie's single street. His gray eyes emitted a dangerous gleam. Perfection ‘ete noticed that those famous fingers cocked the revolvers in his belt as their possessor walk- ed on. A visitor to the ground in front of the “ Nug- get” at that hour would have poy he the scene, that the Skeleton Rider bad ety been Grizzly ch forgotten by the occupants of , A full moon would have flooded the spot with light if vast clouds had not obscured the sky. As it was, a number of lanterns, attached adjacent trees and to the Nugget’s logs, fur- nished all the light desired. Shasta saw men gambling and looking on games of chance before the ‘‘ hotel.” Bowie was seeing flush times, and betting was pert The skeleton’s warning still transfixed with knives adhered to the tree; but Shasta did not give it more than one glance. His eyes sought another object. “T seo neither the Cap’n nor the Queen 0’ Bowie,” he said, in a disappointed tone, as he turned to Perfection Pete who had kept a short distance behind bim. ‘‘ Mebbe he’s taken her home.” “Tl inquire inter thet,” and Shasta was about to turn away when tho re of a man appeared in the doorway of the * hotel.” ““Thar’s the Cap’n,” ‘whispered Perfection Pete over Shasta’s shoulder. . A splendid specimen of physical manhood was “the Cap’n.” He was tall, robustly built avd handsome. Some one wishing to compli- ment his good looks had dubbed bim ‘ Captain Apollo,” and the title seemed none too appro- priate. His nut-brown face was ornamented by a long mustache, and his long black hair touched his strong and faultless shoulders. A pair of searching yet wonderfully gentle eyes rendered him less leonine than he would other- wise have a ed. This man was the ruling spirit of Grizzly Gulch, the one character whose word was law to its inhabitants, and whose re- votvers were the deadliest in the country of the Shasta buttes. Shasta immediately fastened his eyes on Cap- tain Apollo, and did not see how wickedly and keenly he himself was being eyed by Perfection Pete. ‘‘Things ar’ workin’” said Pete to himself unable to restrain his thoughts. ‘(Bf Pm not mistakin’ the Skeleton Horseman won't do all the shootin’ thet’s bound ter come off in Grizzly.” For several moments Shasta eyed Captain Apollo; then he glided forward with his pierc- ing eyes still fixed on the man in the door. Per- fection Pete watched him until he dodged out of sight—disappeared as completely asif the earth had opened and swallowed him. “Whar did ther ‘crazy fool gof” ejaculated Pete. “ He’s up ter suthin’, but what?” Shasta had merely dodged behind a tres and escaped Pete’s gaze. He had next glided around one corner of the hotel to present himself at a door in the rear of the structure. This door stood invitingly wide, and Shasta did not hesi- tate to enter. y barred his progress, but he stood for a moment in'the dingy corridor with bis fingers clutching the butt of a revolver which they had taken from his belt. “Tl find ’er. ef she’s hyar,” he said. “Ef she’s in ther Oap’n’s cabin, he wouldn't be at the Nugget. I’vo some bizness with the Queen of Bowie.” He moved forward unfil a rough stairway rose before him; this he ascended to the floor above, for the Nugget was the only two-story house in Bowie. : Once up-stairs Shasta glided away in a cer- tain direction, and soon reached an open door. His tread had been that of the panther, his eyes possessed the night-seeing faculty of the at’s. The light on the outside of the hotel fell upon the one window of the room into which Shasta looked; It showed him the figure of a young girl P how appeared- to be contemplating the gambDters balaw, “ Thet’s ther Queen ov Bowie,” muttered Captain Apollo, the King-Pin of Bowie. 3 Shasta to himself as he stared at the girl. ‘* She’s | Take the boy. into the Nugget!” suddenly the prize thet ther Cap’n fetched all ther way from ’Frisco. She’s too young fur him, but she’d suit Dandy Dave—suit ther boy ter per- fection.” Wholly unconscious of the presence of the desperado, the girl at the window continued to study the scene below, The light did not reveal her features to the watcher, but Shasta was willing to swear that she was beautiful. Suddenly, as if goaded by some powerful im- pulse, Shasta bounded into the room and clutch- ed the girl’s arm, 4 ery followed, and the Queen of Bowie started back to stare into her visitor’s face. ‘Pm Shasta, an’ ye’re our future queen, ac- cordin’ ter Cap’n "Pollo,” said the man, “1 knowed ye war comin’ hyar long afore ye ever sot foot in Bowie. Perfection said ye wara ay band: - by pth gk ® ar’. ou'd suit my andy Dave, fur he’s young an’ good- lookti You don’t like ther Capa The girl did not reply: She tried to disen- gage herself from Shasta, but his long fingers prevented. ‘* Ye wasn’t willin’ ter come ter Bowie with him?” Shasta continued. ‘ Thar’s all ther differ- ence in ther world twixt Grizzly Gulch an’ Ee cae Ye hed friends thar, an’ ye hev one ar!’ : “You?” said the girl speaking for the first me. ‘Shasta, the Fool, éz they call me!” answered the man with asmile, “ Yer not satisfied hyar; ye can’t be, fur Bowie isn’t ’Frisco.” *T know that, but I’m here by m choice,” was the reply that startled Shasta. own “Say thet ag’in. [’m dreamin’,” he said. “Twas not carried from by force,” the girl said measuredly, ‘‘I came hither with ae Apollo of my own volition. Lam sat- ‘*¥e’re ther first lamb thet ever elected to live with a tiger—ther first dove thet I ever saw alive in an eagie’s nest.” **T'can’t help that,” was the girl’s reply. “You are wrong when you think I need help. Iam not i a Apollo's wife,” ‘Not yet, but—” **T never expect to be.” ‘*Oho!” laughed Shasta. “Yo talk jes’ ez ef ye could help some things; but I’m yer friend, an’ so is Dandy Dave.” ** He is your friend?” “We ar’ pards.' He’d suit ye, Dandy Daye would. I'll see thet ye two meet when he comes back to Bowie.” **Do not put yourself to any trouble, told you that [am satisfied. with m I have condition. cpepen Apollo did not steal me in sco. My father consented to my a ti this region.” ‘“‘ Yer father?” echoed Shasta, ‘ t does he call himself now?’ “‘T cannot answer any more question?) was the reply. ‘It might not be well for you if m ar should come up and find you here. If ever stand in need of your friendship, I will not hesitate to call on you.” ** And on Dave, too; promise me thet.” ‘*T don’t know him—” “But he’s yer friend, jes’ ther same. He's a boy, oma a game one. Good-by—what’s yer name “ Medea.” ‘‘ Perfection didn’t miss it more’n a mile. Good-night, Meda.” Shasta was about to turn away when a loud shout from below attracted his attention. ** Jericho! look down thar, Meda,” he ex- claimed. * Ther boy hez come in ahead ov time. Thet man what Red Scar’s liftin’ from ther hoss ar’ Yuba Sam, an’ the youngster held up by the peony cog ther little game-cock ov Shasta- and. Medea’s gaze was riveted on the scene transpiring below her quarters. A company of six Indians had arrived beforé the roofless gambling den of Bowie. They were well mounted and led two extra horses. Across the saddle of one had lain, until lifted there- from, the limp figure of an unconscious: man; the second horse carried a boyish rider, who was held in the saddle by one of the Indians. The man gave forth no signs of life, but the youth, pallid and weak, was still on this side of the dark river. Shasta sprune away and left Medea to gaze alone at’ the scene. The Indians were being plied with hundreds of questions when Shasta reached the spot. He went straight to the two men who were trying to support the boy to the hotel. ‘Pll take charge’ov Dandy,” he said. The men looked at ove another and hesitated, said a voice in accents of comm . Shasta drew his revolver and, turning halt- way around, shot a resentful. glance at the epeaker—Captain Apollo. ‘* Ul take ther boy!” he repeated firmly, but with unmistakable emphasis. “Tl hev ’im, ef I’ve got ter shoot fur ’im!” The youth’s supporters evidently caught the menace of eye and pistol, and a moment later Shasta was carrying the boy away, “ Where’s the youngster” asked a man pusb- ing toward the Nugget. ‘ Shasta’s got ’im,” was the answer. Captain Apollo turned and caught the eye of the speaker, who was Shasta himself. For a moment. a collision seemed imminent but Captain Apollo eee, A turned away and walked to the spot. where Yuba Sam had, been laid on the ground. ““Wiped out, Cap’n!” said several men catch- ing his eye. hat? Yuba Sam dead? The eyes of Captain Apollo fairly flashed: “* He’s the first of the six,” he said to himself, and then went forward to where an Indian was surrounded by a group of mad men. ‘‘ Who did this, War Robe?” he inquired. **Couldn’t my brother. guess?” “TI want answer, not question, Who killed Yuba Sam?’ ‘*Flash o’ Lightnin’, brother.” |, Captain Apollo, was seen to start, “T don’t believe it!” he exclaimed, ‘Some crary fool has borrowed the name and fame of our old enemy!” CHAPTER, Ul, THE GRAVE IN FINES, VALLEY. DeaD under the tree to which,still adhered the Skeleton Horseman’s notice, lay one,of the bravest spirits of Grizzly Gulech—Y uba Sam, We have heard Captain Apollo. mention him as one of ‘‘ the six” against whom the vengeance of some slayer seemed to be directed, uba’s rough companions, -full .of, .vengeful. oaths, stood around the corpse; but, their leader left the crowd. A minute, later his yoice, surprised the girl who stood at the window over the, scene, “How do you. like your introduction to Bowie?” he asked, with a laugh. ‘* Tt isn’t none of the pleasantest; but it is not “bray thus here?” ‘*Of course ‘not, Medea. . The refinement, of Frisco society does not.reach the, Shasta coun- try. Men live here at the, pistols muzzle. and the bowie’s point. Every man, below would shed their heart’s best blood for you.” “But it will not.come to that?” **No; why should it, girl? One of our men has. been _killed—shot by some devil down the Gulch. Vengeance of course will follow... There has been a terrible vendetta, in, this country. We thought it no longer claimed_an existence; but it has broken out afresh.” ‘ Vihat began it?” : Medea asked this question in a tone of intense curiosity. . ‘‘T would have to take you back five years ‘in order to tell you the whole story, and I haven’t time to do that now,” was the reply. , “ There’s some love mixed up init, and a great deal. oi blood, In telling the story I would have to, in- form you how Bowie came to. be built where. is now, stands, and how I met. the men. below:; If the history of. the vendetta was to. be published, it would read like anovel.. But. you will bear it all when I find time to, relate it. Promise me one thing, Medea—that you will go to sleep, and not fimd fault with me for wishing to be with my comrades just now.” *T will go to sleep,” answered the girl, glanc- ing at the couch in one corner of the room. ‘In the eyes of all below you are,the Queen of Bowie. not forget that.her. citizens would die for you,” . Adding a good-night to his last sentence, Captain Apollo resought the ground below, and spoke quietly and as quickly as possible to four men, A fifth he addressed ina tone intended for many. ears: ‘“Remember that the Queen of Bowie is sleep- ing overhead,” he said. ‘' Sheis in the hands of the men of Bowie. ‘Woe to the hand among them that refuses her protection, and to the eye that guards her not. She’s the richest nugget in the Shasta district; and the man who insults her will have to fight me, tied arm to arm, and at the toothpick’s point!” *‘She’s our queen.an’ we'll stan’ by,’er, Cap’n.’" was the response from several quarters, Five minutes afterward, Captain Apollo aud
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a Captain Apollo, the King-Pin of four men were leaving Bowie at its eastern extremity. They were wel] mounted on strong- limbed horses, and were armed to the teeth. The night was dark, but the five seemed to possess the eyes of owls, for they kept. their steeds in the narrow trail, and 6 good head- way. Not a word was spoken until Captain Apollo drew rein and halted the men that rode behind him. “Boys,” he said, “do you know where you are?” For a moment there was no response; the men seemed to be getting their bearings as best they could. “ Ain’t we in Finis Valley, Cap’n?” came a voice through the gloom to the desperado’s ears. ‘“We ar’ nowhere’s else, Lige. I brought you hither to investigate.” “Thet’s what I’ve been thinkin’, Shasta ought ter be with us.” * We don’t want such a ghost-seeing fool in Finis Valley, while we ar’ conducting our in- vestigation,” sna Captain Apollo. “ Shasta had better leave the country for his health. He talks too often and sees too much.” A rough chuckle that echoed weirdly around the group, replied to the leader’s words, and all dismounted. A lucifer flashed like a glow-worm in the gloom, and ignited a small torch which Captain Apollo had brought from Bowie. The part had reached one of those wildly romantic ral leys, which are scattered over northern Cali- fornia. As far upward as the light extended the perpendicular walls of verdureless rocks were visible; the basin-like valley a to be completely hemmed in by cliffs utterly inac- cessible. ‘The valley hasn’t changed since we finished the vendetta here,” resumed Captain Apollo, advancing toward the foot of one of the walls with his torch, There was no response. The men who trod at his heels carried cocked revolvers in their hands, and fourteen-inch bowies had been 1loos- ened in their leather sheaths. ‘* Here’s the spot.” And with this hp ga te the leader of the five halted and revealed a heap of small rocks, by swinging his torch near the ground. ‘They've not been disturbed, Cap’n,” said one of the men, as all pressed forward. “ Shasta an’ War Robe ar’ ez crazy ez loons. Bet, yer boots thet Flash o’ Lightning rots under them stones.” ‘““We are here to test the matter, boys. I want no guess-work. Five years ago we cor- nered our enemy in this basin, and, as we thought, finished the st le and made our- selves masters of GFizzly Gulch. After the bat- tle we buried him under these very stones, and rode off with our dead. Shasta has seen a skeleton riding over the Lone Indian Trail, and one went through Bowie to-day; and War Robe swears that Yuba Sam dropped before Flash 0’ Lightning’s revolver. I want to be satisfied. I'am here to prove a lie or discover the truth.” Captain Apollo’s men fell to at once and the stone heap was s ily demolished. ‘* Now far the bones, Cap’n!” A spade brought from Bowie was soon at work, and Captain Apollo leaned forward and watched with intense eagerness the opening being made, ‘* Hello!” fell from his lips as the implement struck something that resi ‘Flash o’ Lightnin’! He’s occupyin’ the same old claim, Cap’n,” exclaimed one of the men. ‘By Jericho! we’vestruck it rich jes’ ez I thought we would when Dick throwed up ther first shovelful. ‘Pay dirt,’ sez I, an’ pay dirt it is.” **Go on,” said Captain Apollo to the man in the grave. ‘‘ Bones tell the truth.” Down went the spade again to be b the unseen object which resisted before Carat time when it was withdrawn for a fresh plun into the soil, something was found to adhere it, and the terch revealed a board, Instinctively the desperadoes of Bowie ex- changed glances. ‘““We didn’t give Flash o’ Lightnin’ a coffin, Cap'n?” “No. We hadn’t any to give our comrades,” **Then how did thet board” Captain rr a a hand jerked the piece of wood from the spade, and the next moment he was examining it critically in the light of his flam beau. The board, which was about ten by sixteen ‘inches, exhibited but few signs of decay. Some earth adhered to it, but the bronze hand of Bowie’s king rubbed it off, and left the two suar- faces comparatively clean, How eagerly his followers were regardin him, he did not look round to see. In the terri- ble silence that overhung the scene, he might have heard the beating of their hearts. “Thunders!” he suddenly exclaimed and in a voice that made his men recoil. ‘Shasta has told the truth and War Robe hasn’t lied. Flash o’ Lightning isn’t here, boys.’ “Not hyar, Cap’n?” in chorus echoed the startled four. ‘‘ What does ther board say?” ‘‘ This: listen with all your might, and never forget one word, one letter of the inscription: ‘This grave is empty! Death has yielded to justice! Vengeance!’ Boys, the hand what cut those words on the board we buried in this grave five years ago, and then named this spot Finis Valley, because we thought we had finish- ed the vendetta here.” The four stared at the board on which the torchlight fell. They saw the rude but start- ling inscription which the point of some knife made, but all did not believe. “Tis a lie, Cap’n—a lie in spite ov ther board!” flashed one as he snatched the spade from the hands which had just wielded it. Captain Apollo smiled as the desperado went to work, e mate met with no resistance, but the digger did not stop until a grave large and deep enough to receive a human being yawned in Finis Valley. sends ‘*T give up, Cap’n,” said the digger, desisting at last. ‘Flash o’ Lightnin’ isn’t hyar!” ‘Yuba Sam could answer thet question ef he hed ther use ov his tongue.” “That’s solid truth!” said a clear voice, which seemed to descend from some point overhead. A triumphant laugh—not boisterous nor long, but still triumphant—supplemented the wo which had startled Captain Apollo and his men. ‘“*T know you!” exclaimed the leader of the grave-despoilers. ‘‘ Flash o’ Ligh , We are ready to meet you. Are you coming down?” “To fight all of you?” ** No, to fight Captain Apollo,” How?’ “ Wrist to wrist! My men will stand back. It shall be a fair fight. The grave has been dug for oneof us. Flasho’ Lightning, you dare not come down!” “*T will be there!” The voice ceased in a manner which indicated that the speaker had vacated his position. Captain Apollo looked at his men. ‘“‘Tt’s a boss trap, an’ ther fool ar’ walkin’ straight inter it,” laughed Juan Dick. ‘““What’s a trap?’ demanded the desperado king. Why ther one we'll spring on ther chap we buried hyar five year ago when he comes in sight. We'll shoot straight this time, Cap’n, an’ thar’ll not be any more resurrection in Finis Valley!” The sound of footsteps fell on the ears of all when Juan finished. The four men raised their revolvers, and turned toward the noise. “Tt is my duel!” shot Captain Apollo into their faces as he seized Juan Dick’s arm. ‘Flash o’ Lightning is coming to fight me, not you. Ill kill the Bowieite that raises his hand against an old foe without my consent.” The look that accompanied these words caused every revolver to fall, and the next instant the figure that had been advancing was seen by all. ’ ; An athletic young man, with flashing eyes, and long hair, not unlike Captain Apollo’s, was the sole survivor on one side of the red ven- detta of other years. He held in his right hand the long-bladed bowie of the gold camps. **T am here, Captain,” he said in a clear yoice as he halted in frontof the men of Bowie, and bared his left wrist, ‘‘ You are right-handed, red I. Now let one of your men fasten us er.” n less than a minute, as it seemed, Captain Apollo’s left wrist was lashed to Flash o’ Light- ning’s, and the two men clutched their bowie- knives with desperate resolution, and waited for the signal. Juan Dick held the torch over this scene. CHAPTER IV. NOOSE AND REVOLVER. ‘*What’s thet, War Robe? mgd it don’t mean that Dandy may hev Sam?’ Yin. Yer ot Yuba war no good, and now War hev fixed Yuba. Thar never war any love ’twixt the two, an’ then Dandy’s pard—sShasta —ain’t ther right stripe.” ‘““Ye’ve struck pay dirt now, Ned!” .was the response from several throats. ‘‘Them_ two cronies hev no bizness in Bowie nohow. War Robe more than suspects Dandy, but he doesn’t like to be positive. An’ ef ther boy wiped Yuba out, ye kin bet yer eyes thet Shasta’s behind ther whole bizness.” These words were spoken while Captain Apollo and his four were solving the secret of the grave in Finis Valley, The bar of the Nugget Hotel had furnished whisky to the little d of Indians who bad fetched Yuba Sam and Dandy Dave, the youth, back to Bowie. To the crowd gathered in the uncouth bar-room War Robe had told a story which did not correspond with his former ex- ressed opinion of Yuba Sam’s death. The ndian now said that, while traversing a gloomy mountain defile, he heard two revolver shots which, blending together, almost seemed one; that, tisslonfae tor ward, he saw Dandy Dave on the ground under his horse’s feet, while Yuba was on the point of falling from his steed. Why, then, had he assured Captain Apollo that Flash o’ Lig htning had fired the deadly shots? Simply he did not want to see Dandy Dave torn to pieces by the tigers of Bowie. Now the excitement had somewhat cooled; the boy was conscious, and could answer in his own defense. The white occupants of the California bar- room did not note the expression of the wily Blackfoot while he spun his narrative. There was in his eyes a gleam of tigerish vindictive- ness which became subdued when he mentioned Yuba Sam, but flashed with tenfold intensity as he spoke of the boy, ‘‘Pye heard enough!” cried Nevada Ned fac- ing the crowd. ‘Ther boy is ther Jonah ov Bowie, an’ Shasta ther urd thet protects him. Flash o’ Lightnin’ a graveyard ov his own in Finis Valley. Thar ought ter be rope-stretchin’ in Grizzly afore the Cap’n comes back! Ther next thing we know, Shasta an’ Dandy ‘ll plot ag’in’ the queen. What ther boy can’t think ov, Shasta will.” Loud cries of madness greeted the despera- do’s speech, and the crowd surged toward the door oor. “ Death to ther two pards!” ‘‘ Ropes fur Shasta an’ bis kid!” rose on every hand. ‘‘Don’t be fools!” suddenly cried a coarse voice, and the giant form of Pe: “ection Pete— the man who had informed { usta of Medea’s arrival at Bowie—ap ea inthe doorway. ‘‘ Don’t ye know thet Shasta kin handle a re- volver like a devil—thet Dandy Dave kin hold two out an’ hit two centers at once?. Ther boy hain’t hurt half. ez bad as he ’peared ter be, I’ve jes’ come from Shasta’s shanty. He’s set- tin’ on a stool tellin’ how Flash o’ Lightnin’ Pp Yuba, an’ him at ther same time—” ‘““Thet story won't g° down, Perfection!” was the interruption. ‘‘ War Robe gives ther hull thing away. Shasta an’ ther kid hev been playin’ a deep game, but they’ve struck a chim- ney at_last—a chimney, by Jericho!” sg ey did og stir. ert 2 a : ye must hey ther why dont ye seperate ’em?”’ he continued. Git Shasta to come hyar; git ‘im away from Dandy, any- way. Pete's suggestion was favorably received by the mob. It no longer surged toward the door, but stopped to deliberate. | “Dandy kin shoot,” said several, ‘‘ He’s amazin’ handy with the trigger. Pete, can’t you separate ’em! y “T might,” was the response, “Try it. Bring Shasta down hyar, without his shooters ef ye kin,” ‘*T can’t do thet; Shasta’s no fool.” “Bring ’im with ’em, then. What’s one man ag’in’ forty?” Perfection Pete left the Nugget and bastened toward the cabin to which ai had borne the youth, wounded and faint. ‘Things iz workin’,” smiled the messenger to himself, ‘ez sure ez death Dandy Dave an’ Meda will meet ef the thing ain’t nipped now. Let ’em hang Shasta first; ther boy ’ll soon foller, fur ez Ruby Rob sez, ‘ what’s one ag’in’ ‘ort a” e door of Shasta’s home stood more than ajar; it was open, and Perfection Pete saw -—.—
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->s—.— Dandy Dave and his friend by the light of the candle stuck into a rough block. “Could ye come down to ther Nugget a minute, Shasta?’ said Pete, halting at the entrance. ‘‘ War Robe’s goin’ ter stan’ treat, an’ wants all ov us thar.” Shasta glanced at the boy before he attempted to reply. sh Go, Shasta,” said Dandy Dave. “I'll keep house till you come back. I owe War Robe a good deal. I might have died where he found me if he had not come up. Go and drink the Blackfoot’s health for me.” ‘“‘ By Jehosaphat, I'll do it,” exclaimed Shasta, springing up. ‘Come, Perfection. You'll drink fur Dandy with me.” Pete glanced at Shasta’s belt and saw the weapons of death ready for use therein. The twain left the cabin watched by the boy, whose eyes followed with gratefulness the form of the one friend he had in the Shasta country. Nothing indicated a conspiracy as the victim entered the bar-room. ‘* Hyar he is! hyar’s Shasta!” “Tm hyar in the flesh,” replied the doomed man to his seemingly enthusiastic greeting. An instant later those behind him pushed forward, and before a thought of treachery could form in his mind, his revolvers were torn from his belt, and the arms of men, his equals in strength, pinioned bis to his sides. Shasta could not speak fora moment. Blank astonishment filled his eyes. “‘Tt war fair an’ squar’!” he flashed sar- castically. ‘*‘ Now ca out the rest ov ther p amme, an’ do it afore Dandy Dave hears ov it. Ye’ve wanted my blood a long time, beeause some ov ye hate ther kid. But what ar’ ye goin’ ter do with him?” ‘Give ‘im an air dance, mebbe,” came over the crowd from some one on the outer circle. ‘We ar’ goin’ to crush both Jonah an’ his gourd.” ““Ye’ve got ther power,” said Shasta, “Perfection, you war helpin’ me tree.” ‘* Mebbe so, Shasta.” ‘Never mind. I think I know what ye're after, but ye won’t win, Perfection. It ar’ ag’in’ justice an’ human natur’. Ye’ll never win in the game ye’re playin’, fur ye don’t hold ther best hand.” Perfection Pete’s gaze was a stare when Shasta concluded, and ee look of Dandy Dave’s made him guiltily away. ‘*What’s ther use ov foolin’ with him?” grated Pete in a low voice. ‘‘ He’ll git away yet ef ye don’t hurry up ther hangin’.” That put the spark to the powder. Shasta was hustled from the hotel to the prepared, was in frontof it, and a = already e ietly. ther pr , was thrown over his hea ust above the notice of the Skeleton Rider’s coming to Bowie a strong limb yey from m the of the tree. Under it had laced a wooden box about two feet high. Shasta mounted it without urging ** Quick!” cried a man who sprung to the side of the leader of the mob. ‘“ Dand Dave ain’t in ther shanty. We can’t find where.” Why did scores of bronze hands leap to revol- ver butts at this announcement? Why did half ef the crowd turn round as they drew the deadly weapons? They feared the wounded boy whose marks- manship with the pistol was the wonder of the mining camps of Northern California. ‘By Jericho! hyar’s Dandy!” exclaimed Nevada Ned, to the consternation of all, and the figure of the youth was secn not twenty yards away. He tottered as he came forward, weakened by his wound, Shasta uttered a cry of horror. ** He’s out ov his head! Men ov Bowie, ye ar’ not goin’ ter riddle a boy!” he exclaimed. At one and the same moment the roughs of Grizzly seemed to note the youth’s helplessness. He carried no weapons in his hands, but was advancing upon the mob with almost childish confidence. As he reached the edge of the crowd he was instantly seized. ‘* Where’s Shasta?” he asked. “Hyar, Dandy! They’ve got ther call on us at last. Pa give my life ef ye warn’t hyar jes’ now. The boy seemed to take in the situation at a glance and the movement his band executed to- ward his belt caused a general laugh of mingled triumph and derision. “Hang the kid first an’ let his pard see thet we mean bizness!” said Perfection Pete, thor- oughly unmasked. er kid any- The next moment Shasta was pulled from the box and Dandy Dave was forced to take his place. The rope was taken from the man’s neck and coiled round the boy’s, All this in less than a minute’s time. “What are they doing this for, Shasta?’ asked the youth of his friend and protector. ‘* You killed Yuba Sam!” cried several voices from the crowd. **That’s a lie!” came down from the wooden box, ‘‘ War Robe knows better than that.” ‘* He i you did,” Dandy Dave’s eyes wandered over the mob in search of the Blackfoot, but, before he found the savage, impatient voices were hurrying up the lynching. ‘Pull im up!” said Nevada Ned, the master of ceremonies. A last look passed between Shasta and the boy, the noose grew tight about his throat; he was leaving the box! At that critical moment the sudden shatter- ing of window-glass startled all, and the next instant the sharp detonation of a revolver was heard, and the main man at the rope staggered away with a bullet in his brain! Half-way out of one of the upper windows of the *‘ Nugget,” leaned the figure of the Girl Queen of Bowie, and the revolver clutched in her right hand told from whence had come the death-shot. ‘*Unnoose your victim, men of Shasta!” came over the menacing weapon. ‘‘ You are brutes, not human beings. Lift the boy down, and lib- erate bim or I will sever the ties that bind some of you to life. If Iam Queen of Bowie, I pro- pose to rule here,” The mob recoiled from the leveled revolver, and the dangerous eyes that looked down upon the lynching. Every bronze hand slunk from the rope, and their owners, cowed by the new queen of the gold camp, fell back with their comrades, ‘‘She’s queen hyar, an’ no mistake!” gasped Perfection Pete. CHAPTER V. THE DAGGERED HEARTS. Danby DAVE the almost victim of the lynch- ers’ cord cast a grateful glance at Medea as he stepped from the box. Their eyes met for the time, and for a moment only. Shasta was still held by the men who had spared him that he might witness the death of his sya protege. ey did not like to relin- im. ‘“‘They will hang Shasta!” said the boy to himself. ‘‘ Without my weapons, I can lend him no aid. He would have died for me, By Heaven! they shall not separate us now!” Did Medea catch these t aushts as they flash- ed across Dandy Dave’s brain? If not, why did she send these words down her pistol-barrel: ‘* Release the man called Shasta. Let him ac- count for his deeds to Captain Apollo,” There was no real menace in these words, but they were obeyed without a grumble of dissent. ** Shree cheers fur the Queen ov Bowie!” ex- claimed Perfection Pete, the last man inall that crowd from whom such words were expected. ‘* We kin tie to her, men ov Grizzly. She’s the boss gal ov these parts—the rose what we kin sw’ar by an’ win. Giv’ ’er the bip, hip—now!” A moment later—such is human nature in the wild West—three tremendous cheers were given by the mob still covered by Medea’s revolver. Under the tree Jay the corpse of the miner slain by the Queen of Bowie, and from the hang- man’s limb dangled an empty noose. Shasta and his young friend walked away. Dave had to lean on the strong arm of his com- panion. The boy’s face was very white. ‘Wasn't it ther closest call ov yer life, Dandy?” asked Shasta. ‘Ef it hedn’t been fur ro we would hey been buzzard food afore s. ‘“ Who was at the head of the deviltry?” asked the youth. ‘* Pete an’ Ned.” **Do you think War Robe accused me of mur dering Yuba Sem?” “A drunken Injun will say anything, Dandy. Perfection thought he held ther winnin’ hand awhile ago—” ‘* But he proposed the cheers for Medea.” “Ov course! He hed to do suthin’ to offset his failure. Pete’s no fool when he’s pe in’ fur himself. Do you know what would hev happened ef Cap’n Apollo hed been hyar?” ‘Certainly. That mob would have been crushed before it got under way.” A singular look accompanied by a faint smile was Shasta’s answer, ‘* You do not think so, Shasta?’ Captain Apollo, the ‘King-Pin of Bowie. 5 ‘‘ Dandy, ye’ve been with me five years an’ more, but thar ar’ a few things you don’t know. What ef I war to tell ye thet ye’d be safer than ye ar’ to-night ef ye war a thousand miles from ther Cap’n and Grizzly Guich?” The eyes that regarded, Shasta were full of wonderment. ‘Tell me why?” the boy’s lips said. ‘Think ov Meda an’ ye kin solve the question yerself.” * Jealousy!” cried Dandy Dave... ‘‘I never saw the giri until to-night.’ ‘* But ther meetin’ hed to come, an’ ther Cap’n saw it from ther start. I knowed it all along. Fate couldn’t See ye two apart. Cap’n Apollo can’t win Meda’s heart. She wants a younger pard, a brave boy like you, Dandy.” Color had come beck to the youth’s face—he was blushing to his temples. His blushes were his only replies to Shasta’s observation, and the two walked on in silence. When they reached Shasta’s cabin, they found the candle left behind burned almost. to its wooden socket. The ruddy flame threw a light over the rough table, but went no further... - ““Somebody’s been hyar, Dandy!” exclaimed Shasta, as he sprung over the threshold, and called the youth’s attention to a spectacle sig- nificant enough to make the bravest quail. Yes, somebody had visited the cabin during the twain’s absence, for in the center of the table was sticking a huge born-handled bowie, whose point was imbedded in the wood... This bei not, all; rst pe ae held. to 9 table two hear ° - e knife had been driven through both | ag blow that would have sent it to any living’ heart. Dandy Dave glanced from the sight to Shasta, who had not stopped until he could lay his band on the hilt of the bowie. The perforator of the hearts had left no mes- e. His act was warning enough. é tk, rae ag us, pa yt said aye loug- ngered rough, turning abrup is star- tled comrade. . ‘ Thet knife con ane git ther full length oy me.’ What or ye, pard?”’ A flash of defiance lit up the youth’s eyes as Shasta finished. ‘‘Pm for remaining!” he cried, , ‘It is fifty against two, Shasta, but we might as well fight it out here as elsewhere, I’m not afraid of that threat. Other hearts than ours bleed. I’m a boy, but I don’t run. I vote to stay!” + ees unanimously,” said Shasta. ‘‘ We've jes’ a free vote an’ we'll give ther men ov Bowie a fair count,” As he spoke he drew the warning bowie from the table and removed the hearts which bad been roughly cut from thick paper with a ei and by a hand not used to that kind of work. “ Hearts ar’ heal cy hyar!” he said with a light chuckle as he held the two objects 5 uP to the boy’s gaze. ‘‘ We're in fur ther b me, Dandy, onless—onless the first pot is in by our enemies. We've staked our lives but,” with 2 smile, ‘I’ve staked mine afore and won! , ; Dandy Dave had cast his wearied body upon the three-legged stool which stood invit- ingly bandy, and was listening with interest to bis companion, Dark-shirted and rougb- featured Shasta was a man whose friendship could not be correctly valued, and while Dandy gazed at him, his thoughts flew back to the time and place of their first meeting. He recalled with a vividness that sent.a shud- der and a chill creeping through his frame, the terrible night five years before when he was the only living occupant of a certain mining camp in the depths of the snowy Sierra. Hemmed in by winter and heaps of freezing white, all the rest had perished, and he was passing into that delusive sleep which always ends in death. He recalled, too, the thousand stings that darted like electric needles through his frame, and his first glimpse of the face from which he had since been rarely separated. From beyond the camp rescue bad come— rescue in the form of a man who had learned that, somewhere or other, a campful of miners were freezing and starving to death. Shasta had baffled snow and cold to save men of whom he had never heard; he had reached the cam in time to fan into a flame the spark of life flickering in the breast of the last survivor—a boy whose fortunes were henceforth to be united to his own, Dandy Dave thought of all this as he looked up from the stool into Shasta’s face. If the old fellow had proposed an_ attack upon the forty men in front of the ‘ Nugget,’ he would have his revolvers and marched at his side.
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““T owe you a life, Shasta!” he cried, spring- ing up laying his hand on his preserver’s arm. ‘Wherever you lead, I will follow.” “ Don’t I know thet? Wait a minute.” Shasta Sr ga to the door which stood slight- Wy ajar, and leaned out into the night. The ark street-of Bowie seemed dese ; but the voices of men some distance away fell upon his ears. “They hevn’t gone ter bed yet,” were the words he sent over his shoulder to the breath- — bo . ‘*Mebbe they’re waitin’ fur ther ‘ap’n: “ Where is he, Shasta?’ “ Diggin’ up ther hull ov Finis Valley to see ef T hevn’t lied,” was the reply. A moment afterward Shasta turned quietly to Dandy Dave. “‘Come hyar.” The boy went forward. “Oan’t ye hear a step, Dandy?” After listening at the door for a second the youth answered in the affirmative. “It’s goin’ to stop hyar,” said Shasta, noise- lessly cocking his revolvers. Dandy Dave did the same. - The ears of men inured to danger become ar, acute. The footfall approachin gave forth but little more noise than the trea of a fawn, Ph Shasta and his protege heard it, On, on it' came straight toward the cabin, right up to the mtizzles of the deadliest revol- vers in Bowie. ‘The waiting pair had a aside; their eyes were’ fixed on the opening to which the feeble glare of the candle extended, All at once a figure, then a face appeared ‘to their vision, and the pistols that instantly coy- ered the latter were lowered with ejaculations of astonishment. “Queen ae by Jericho!” gasped Shasta. It was the Girl Queen ‘of Bowie, and Dandy Dave, glancing down her faultless figure, saw that ed in her white righ hand a cockea .) volver whose silvered handle bore Captain Apollo’s monogram in gold. hy CHAPTER VI. - : THE DUEL IN FINIS VALLEY. ‘Ar’ ye ready?” asked’ Juan Dick, who held the torch over the two men facin 2 ge tor ey. “Then met it, an’ may the winnin’man be t the other.” Excited but speechless spectators of the duel about to take place, the four desperadoes stood a few feet off with their hands within easy call of their revolvers. * Juan Dick held the torchinan ome man- gth ner. He trusted in his leader’s 's and of the duello with bowies. second after the signal, the men seemed loth to begin the fight; but all at once Cap- tain Apollo lunged at his adversary’s heart only to find himself adroitly foiled by the quick eye and quicker arm of Flash o’ Lightning. “Ther eye ov a hawk’s in his noggin!” whis- pered one of the spectators to his companions. ‘It’s ther same 6ye thet dropped our pards in the last big fight on this very roo o Lightning was e . , ; Knife crossed knife and arm met arm in the mad foil and counterfoil of the bowie duel. The two men fought with bated breath and compressed lips. Sparks of living hate seemed to leap from their eyes; if they had fought in darkness, the fire-flies that danced along their knives whenever they met might have revealed their tion. At their left yawned the open ve which had been searched for the bones of the man who faced the King of Bowie. Near-by lay the board which bore the letters carved into it by Flash o’ Lightning’s knife, and he was now seeking to leave the mark of that same blade on Captain Apollo’s heart. Il at once there was dealt a blow for which there seemed no parry. It was Captain Apol- lo’s favorite stroke. Down came the glittering knife to within a few inches of! Flash o’ Light- ena breast, when it darted asidé and shot a lightning-like thrust under his arm, ven that blow failed. Captain Apollo was thrown almost off. his feet by the failure of his favorite stroke, and before he could recover his eoomny, knife dealt what appeared a killing blow. Captain Apollo swung’ half-way round with ant Paieit Ney to his band. “Tt’s our time now!” cried Juan Dick. — rn aptain Apollo’s Captain Apollo, the - An instant later, separated from his enemy by a rapid blow of the bloody bowie, the leading desperado of Grizzly Gulch was preg Monte The four men leaped forward, but Flash o’ Lightning met them with two revolvers drawn so suddenly that they instinctively recoiled. ‘Take your captain home and do what you can for him!” passed over the leveled weapons to their ears. ‘‘I haven’t killed him. I didn’t want to finish him here nor yet. He shall be the last of his band. I have sworn it, and I shall keep my oath. There were six of you this morning; to-night there are but five. Yuba Sam tempted me. I didn’t give the dog a chance for his life. You know what he did that night in Finis Valley. Take Captain Apollo home and let the new Queen of Bowie dress his wound.” Juan Dick and his companions listened am- azed. The torch burning on the ground between them and Flash o’ Lightning showed them a calm face ‘and outstretched arms that did not quaver. ‘““Aren’t you going?’ cried the'victor after a moment of impatient waiting. ‘‘If you prefer Finis Valley to Grigzly, I can accommodate ou. Like that wonder boy-citizen of Bowie, can hit two cénters at once.” ‘‘Th a moment, Cap’n,” said Juan Dick. ‘*We ar’ curious to know one thing, an’ thet is how you come to arter we planted ye five years 0. a erhe corners of Flash o’ Lightning’s mouth became wreathed in a faint smile, and a twinkle appeared in his deep eyes. **Never mind that information, boys," he said. ‘* You’d sooner have it; though, than save Captain Apollo, I see. He might bleed to death.” : ‘* Let the story go. We'lltake care ov ther Cap'n!” Imost imperceptibly the form of Flash 0’ Lightning began to fade from the desperadoes’ eyes, > greg pen — the bg i ary of light, an isappeared among the shadows of Finis Valley. F ‘Give ’im a volley, hit or miss!” exclaimed one of the four as he shot toward the spot where their enemy had er <A st An’ die with col in yer brain-pans!” and the hand of Juan Dick clutched the wrist of the maddened man and held him back. The four now turned their attention to Ca tain Apollo, who had shown no signs of life since his fall. Bronze hands bared his breast in search of the wound, while the torch was held over his prostrate form, All at once one of the men uttered a cry of pe = ho They had not looked high enough for the wound; it was in the shoulder, and pny enough to make the fearless fellows shudder, Juan Dick ‘and Utah Phil bore Captain Apollo to the horses and held him across the saddle of bis steed until every thing was in readiness for the start back to Bowie. “Swar over ther Cap’n afore we go, boys, thet we will make Flash o’ Lightnin’ give two drops ov blood fur each one he’s shed to-night!” shouted Juan Dick lifting his arm. “Two drops?” flashed Utah Phil contempt- uously. ‘‘ Ar’ ye a fool, Juan? Ill not sw’ar on less than fifty!” ‘““FRifty, then; but sw’ar!” The four men leaned forward on their horses, and clasped hands over the body of their un- conscious leader. Then and there was taken a terrible oath, and ‘when the quartette straightened in their saddles, the last echoes of their vow came back from the dark corners of Finis Valley. The next moment the five steeds started off ina gallop, Juan Dick’s giant hand holding Captain Apollo on his horse. s if to show them the road to Bowie, the clouds above sudderily parted, and the rim of a summer moon became visible. Five minutes later the whole disk of the planet was unob- scured. ‘Then came a sudden ‘‘ Halt!” and the four drew rein, ‘Look yonder!” spoke Utah Phil, ia a whis- per, as he pointed ahead. “Thar's the chap what rode through Bowie jes’ afore sundown.” The party was about to emerge from a moun- tain gulch, whose walls were not unlike the perpendicular sides of Finis Valley. ‘The moon- ight silvered a pe thirty feet ahead, and showed them a skeleton seated bolt upright on a’ white horse! : _“The ‘‘Halt” had fallen from Juan Dick's lips. _ ‘Nothin’ but bones!” said one of the men. Tl drop the hogs.” King-Pin of Bowie. The white steed, ‘ agger : plun forward with his grisly rider. ¢ “Heavens!” Juan Dick, withdrawing his hand from Captain Apollo, as he recoiled. “Them ar’ livin’ bones! Git out ov ther demon’s wan ” ; ‘The horses of the four seemed to share their masters’ fright and started back. The white steed and his rider dashed through their ranks in the twinkling of an eye. The roughs did not recover until the sound of hoofs far down the road they had just traversed told them that the Skeleton YJorseman was hurry- ing on. “T smelled brimstone as he went by,” gasped the first man, who broke the silence. “He didn’t bev it in his pockets. I'll go ae ten ounces on thet, Wildcat,” and Utah Phil laughed at his witticism, as his comrades gath- wed up the reins, which had fallen from their unnerved hands. “Tt’s no laughin’ matter,” growled Juan Dick. ‘Boys, I think I know thet skeleton.” ae Wal?” ‘“Them’s Flash o’ Lightnin’s bones—” “ He can’t hev two set, ye fool!” interrupted Utah. ‘A boneless arm can’t drive a knife into Cap’n ’Pollo, ter-night. It ar’ a mys , pards, ther deepest I ever struck; but I say thet when we git to ther end ov it, we'll find o' ‘“ Yer oath |—hev Sr furgotten it a’ready?”’ Juan Dick’s eyes fell beneath Utah’s parang look, He glanced from under his long lashes Captain Apollo, and rested his gaze for a mo- ment upon his figure, What caused the strange light that flashed suddenly in Dick’s evil orbs as he looked? “T didn’t take much notice ov ther gal,” he murmured, ‘‘ but from what I saw ov ’er she’s a benef Queen ov Bowie, eh? Ef ther Cap’n should pass in his checks, she’d fall to somebody. Why not to me?” Juan Dick repeated the question. “Tl play fur her!” he continued, answering himself. ‘I’m a hoss when I go in on my mus- de. An’ ef I take a notion ter be King of Bowie an’ win ther ’Frisco angel, ye kin bet yer boots thet I'll git thar !” From that moment until the cavalcade began to enter the capital city of Grizzly Gulch, Juan Dick never removed his eyes from Captain Apollo, nor had the evil envious gleam deserted them for a minute. “ve made up my mind,” he said finally. “My plans will: meet with weppeitien, ame ¢ thar! I’m a hoss an’ a devil, an’ nobody nows it better nor Cap’n Pollo.” “ What war ye sayin’, Juan!” said a voice at his elbow. ; Juan Dick turned with a start. He had unconsciously spoken aloud. ‘‘T said jes’ what ye’re thinkin’, Utah—thet ther Cap’n ’ll prove a hoss an’ a devil to Flash o’ Lightnin’ when he gits well ag’in.” tah Phil appeared satisfied , but Juan Dick did not. see the watchful glance shot at hima moment later. CHAPTER VIL THE WOUNDED KING OF BOWIE. Tue long eventful night was departing when four rough, dark-shirted men carried an appar- ently inanimate figure into one of the cabins of Bowie City. : Captain Apollo had recovered consciousness, and smiled when Utah Phil assured him that Flash 0’ Lightning’s bowie had entered no vital part of his frame. The news of the duel spread rapidly over Bowie, and the cabin was soon besieged by a mob of bronze men who were not so noisy as the would-be lynchers of the two friends. The iant figure of Ruby Rob was on guard at the Foot and the only man in Bowie he made any pretensions to surgery was attending to Captain Apollo’s wound. Of course the handsome desperado was soon made acquainted with the thrilling scenes which had transpired in the Gulch during his absence, A frown of displeasure ap on his face when he learned that Shasta and Dandy Dave had escaped the fury of the mob, and his eyes beamed with admiration when the narrator re- ferred to Medea’s courage. ‘ ‘‘She’s more the Queen ov Bowie than ever, Ca Thar’s a ov grit in thet gal. We all liked the she wiped out, but we like her because she kin shoot.” :
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Cap Captain Apollo caught the speaker’s sleeve and ered todas him down to the spot he oc- cupied. “Did they meet after it was all over?’ he asked in a low but eager voice. “T think not, Cap’n. Dandy Dave looked u ter see whar the shot came from—thet war all, Him an’ Shasta went off, then.” The king of Bowie looked relieved. He seemed tofear that Medea and the boy had met, and ex- changed more than glances—words. The crowd before the cabin would not be com- forted until Captain Apollo summoning all his strength rose and showed them his face at the door. Then a wild cheer rent the air. “ Pve tussled with death before, boys,” he said, smiling grimly. ‘‘This ain’t more than a scratch. Flash o’ Lightning is alive. There’s no use to disguise that fact. A part of the red vendetta will have to be fought over; but the men who met him five years ago in Finis Val- ley will not bungle the job a second time.” ‘“Ye kin draw on ther Bank ov Bowie, Cap’n, an’ ev’ry draft will be honored!” was the en- thusiastic answer. ‘‘ We’re ready ter cash ’em in any funds ye name—bowies er revolvers.” Captain Apollo knew this, and returned thanks to the men who surged toward the Nug- get to drink his health, ‘Did you send for Medea, Ruby?” asked the Captain. **She’s hyar now.” A -pcleny gleam lit up the questioner’s eyes. He threw himself on the cot in a reclining posi- tion and watched the door. Half a minute later the figure of a young girl appeared on the threshold, and then entered the cabin. ‘*Here I am, Medea,” said Captain Apollo, smiling, ‘I’m down for a time. 0 fe Sear and IJ had a tussle in Finis Valley— but you know all about it already.” ‘‘T have heard something, but I want you to tell me everything,” answered Medea. ‘* You are not badly hurt?” ‘A scratch—a little blood drawn,” and hay- ing said this, Captain Apollo proceeded with his narrative of the duel in the valley. The Girl Queen of Bowie listened with a good deal of interest, and did not once interrupt the narrator, “IT thought this old enemy was dead,” were her first words after the story. “So did I, If he was, Medea, I wouldn’t be Oregon Jim’s patient at this moment. But Wiek did you do last night?” Medea started and some color left her face, but she did not hesitate to reply. ‘* A mob dragged two of your people under a noose, and would have hanged one—a boy—if I had not interfered. I could not stand at the window and witness such a cowardly deed. I broke tiie game and shot to save the youth.” “ And killed a man?” ‘Fate directed my bullet to his brain.” “It was fortune in one sense, Medea. shot made ren Queen of Bowie. Grizzly Gulch would now go through thick and thin fer you—not exactly use you rescued the boy, but because you have nerve and know how to handle the revolver. The young chap thanked you, of course?” The piercing eyes of Captain Apollo were fixed upon. the girl when he put this question, and quickly captured the hesitancy that fol- lowed, ‘‘He would be an ingrate if he had not thanked you,” he went on: ‘‘but don’t you think, Medea, that he deserved a little neck- lengthening for shooting Yuba Sam?” “He didn’t do that.” “Ah!” ‘War Robe was drunk when he made that accusation,” ‘‘ Where is the Indian now?’ P i left with his braves just before day- light.” Captain Apollo smiled to himself for a sec- ond, ‘What does the boy say about the charge?” he asked. “He denies it, and Shasta stands by him.” “That’s natural, They ought to’ stand to- gether!” F There was a sign of rising rage in the speak- er’s tone, ‘“Who shot Dandy Dave, then?” “‘ He cannot tell.” ‘ To Medea’s astonishment, Captain Apollo broke out into a strange laugh. “By Jove! this ou be a good field for a Frisco detective!” he exclaimed. ‘‘ Medea, I don’t blame you for believing all this stuff. That The miners of tain Apollo, the King-Pin of Bowie. Youll know something by and by. ‘You needn’t go back to the Nugget for the present. Yonder ’s your room,” and Captain Apollo pointed to a door that led into the one other apartment of the cabin. The girl glanced curiously at the door. ‘Yes, you can go and inspect it,” said the man on the cot, Medea rose and opened the portal. She stood on the threshold of a small room which con- tained something that seemed entirely out of place in Grizzly Guich—a bed and dressing stand. One window let the pure morning light into the place, and showed the Queen of Bowie her future palace. Captain Apollo watched her from his cot, while she stood in the doorway and inspected the place. ‘*You’ll have better than that one of these days,” he said. ‘‘ Bowie’s queen is fitted to fill any station. When Bn go back to ’*Frisco—” edea interrupted her guardian by turning with an ejaculation of joy. ‘What did I say that made you start?” asked Captain Apollo. he girl’s face crimsoned. ‘You said I was going back to ’Frisco.” ‘*So you are, but not to-day, nor to-morrow! When you go back you'll move into better nahin than these—that is, if you trust in aptain Apollo. You had enemies in ’Frisco Medea. We have plotters here. Iam satisfied of this after what happened last night.” There was no reply. The Queen of Bowie stood over Captain Apollo in a vain attempt to ferret out the hidden meaning of his last sen- tence. He watched her for awhile, and was on the eve of Py Mh rete when the loud ex- clamation of Ruby Rob the lounger at the cabin door was heard: a Cabin ther boys ar’ surroundin’ Shasta’s cabin. feng goin’ to wipe ther two pards out!” he said. A cry broke from Medea’s lips. ‘He did not keep his promise!” she exclaim- ed. ‘‘He would rather stay here and die than go away and live,” The look that Captain Apollo gave her seemed to freeze her blood. It said: ‘*Traitress! you love the boy whose life you saved last night. You have told him to fly for his life.” Then he spoke to Ruby Rob who was wait- ing for orders at the door. ‘Let the boys go on,” he said. ‘‘By heaven! the hand of Captain Apollo shall not keep them from crushing the two vipers that infest Griz- zly Gulch!” edea shot him @ look of anger. He replied with one of triumph. CHAPTER VIII. TUMBLED. FEAR and anxiety were reflected in the girl’s eyes when Captain Apollo went to the door to get a glimpse of the bloodthirsty mob adyanc- ing upon Shasta’s cabin. “Tl let them do it if they will!” he mut- tered to himself. ‘The two pards must be crushed, and the sooner the better. Medea loves the boy. I have discovered this already. I did not bring her from ’Frisco to lose her in this manner. There’s too much at stake in the game I’m playing.” “Thar they go, Cap’n,” said Ruby Rob’to the wounded desperado, ‘‘Saltpeter won’t save be this time. The pards hev to pass in their chips.” ow Captain Apollo’s eyes sparkled while he listened to the guard’s words! He evidently thought of the beautiful gin) in his rear—the new and dauntless Queen of Bowie: but he did not see the flashes of fire which were then light- ing up her eyes. Silently—for a herd of tigers make no noise when advancing upon a lot of selected victims —the men of Bowie, fired with the liquid poison dealth over the bar of the “Nugget” at “a quarter a drink,” approached the log castle | owned by Shasta, and shared with the youth whose life his heroism had saved. Captain Apollo followed the stealthy deter- mined mob with eager eye. All at once he heard a voice behind him, and turned, , “You are going to give your tigers free rein?’ were the words that assailed him. The speaker was Medea, Never before had she appeared so lovely to Bowie's king. Drawn to her full hight, another inch seemed to have been added to her stature. Her face was white, and her eyes fairly blazed. 7 She waited impatiently for his reply. “The boss girl in California” said Ruby Rob ——— under his breath, as he fixed his eyes on Captain Apollo, eager to see what he would do. “Are you going to call them off?’ demanded Medea who could and did glance at the meb from her position. ‘* Don’t get flurried, my child,” he said taunt- ingly. ‘' Let the men of Bowie give their en mies eye for eye. Why should you interfere?” ‘*Murder is going to be committed.” ‘“Was it never done before? Who shot a man last night?” The Girl Queen did not quaver, ‘tI did!” she cried. ‘What I did then I would repeat under similar circumstances. If you will not save Shasta and Dandy Dave—as he is called—l shall proffer my assistance,” ‘* Beware! y pards might forget that you are Queen of Bowie.” “‘T will refresh their memories. with the trigger!” edea saw no leniency, no interference in Captain Apollo’s eyes. As the last) words left her lips, she step toward the door and sprung out before the King of Bowie could in- terpose an arm. “Stop her, Ruby. By Jove! the girl is mad,” Ever ready to obey his leader’s commands, Ruby Rob bounded after the girl, but all at once he was brought to bay bya leveled re- volver, “You stand at the boundary line of your life!” said Medea, sternly, as she confronted the ruffian. ‘‘ Another e, Ruby Rob, and I'll send you unannoun to the tribunal on high.” Captain Apollo bit his lip and sent a well- hissed curse at the fearless girl, In the ruling frenzy of the moment, he 5g gy me the re- volver clutched in his hand, lowered it when he saw that Medea’sfinger was at the trig- ger of her own pia ne ‘* Fair play is all L ask,” said the girl address- ing Captain Apollo as muchas Ruby Rob. ‘If I have to fight for it in Grizzly Gulch, well and good. The battle can open now.” To this challenge there was no reply. “Go and reap your harvest,” snapped the King of Bowie, after a minute’s silence. ‘My men have all the advantage now.” The triumphant tone in which the last sen- tence was ken was unmistakable. The Girl Queen uncovered Ruby Rob’s head, = hastened in the direction taken by the mob. ‘* A she-devil, but a boss one, Cap’n!” Ruby Rob heard the grating of his leader's teeth before he replied: ‘‘T’ll tame her! If she is Queen of Bowie, she ted 4 nite ca een < b h to th edea’s was bound to bring her e mob in ashort time. Its approach to Bhnsta’s cabin was not very rapid. Suddenly the girl left the main. street, and glided on but in the rear of the cabins... |. She had suddenly recalled the fact that. Shas- ta’s shanty contained a rear door, a convenience of which few cabins in Bowie could boast. She had noticed it on her visit to Dandy Dave a the purpose of soliciting him to fly for his 8. Unseen by the mob, she reached the place and entered by the door mentioned. To her surprise the cabin was untenanted. After all Shasta and Dandy Dave had fled. “Thank Heaven!” Medea, fervently. “The men-tigers of Bowie will not find the vic- tims they seek, What will it say when they find themselves greeted by me?” She was soon to have her question startlingly solved. A number of |half-muffled footsteps fell, upon her ears. i ; The interior of the cabin was not very light, although morning bad broken again. All at once something like a log fell against the portal, and as it opened and let in a flood o1 daylight, Medea stepped forward. , ‘By thunder! ther gal ag’in!” ejaculated Perfection Pete, as he recoiled from the sight that met his astonished eyes. a A faint twinkle—one of satisfaction—reliev: the sternness of Medea’s eyes, ‘*Sold once more!” cried several of the roughs who seemed inclined to take a good-natured view of the situation. ‘‘Let’s go back an’ drink the Queen’s health.” : ‘* Not till she tells us whar ther pards ar’!” Medea turned quickly to the speaker. It was Red Scar, one of the four men who had accom- panied Captain Apollo to Finis Valley.
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8 Captain Apollo, the = ae emo “J don’t know where the two friends are,” she said firmly. ‘‘No lyin’, girl,” flashed Red Scar. ‘“ Ye’re Queen ov Bowie an’ all thet; but we kin chaw ye up in a minute.” “J haven’t been here five minutes. They were gone when I came. If you want Shasta and Dandy Dave you must find them.” “Grit to the core!” murmered Perfection ‘ete. “Hunt ’em we will. We're goin’ to s’arch ther shanty.” ‘**T shall not object.” Medea step back as she finished, and the most eager spirits of the mob rushed in. Their search did not occupy five minutes. “They war hyar two hours ago, pards,” shouted Red Sear. ‘They can’t be far off, an’ whar they ar’ we'll find limbs—limbs fur the cronies what wiped out Yuba Sam.” The crowd within the hut began to retreat with the intention of hunting down Shasta and his young protege. ““T won't give you away, girl,” said a low, strange voice at Medea’s ear. ‘‘I don’t blame tr fur doin’ ther boy a turn. Ye kin trust me. 1 back ye in anything ye undertake.” Of course the girl turned astonished upon the speaker. ‘Who are you?” she asked. “‘’m Juan Dick, an’ when I say thet ’m yer friend, ye hev a friend thet always gits thar!” was the reply. ‘‘ Don’t tell Cap’n Apollo thet I’ve offered ye my friendship. [ll not give ye away. You helped ther boy off cleverly, an’ bet yer boots, Juan Dick will not see ye touched fur doin’ it. Promise me an interview, Medea. I hev suthin’ ov importance to say. Ez ye got to the edge ov Bowie comin’ in last night, ye saw a big rock along the trail?” Medea’s eyes said * yes.” “Meet me thar jes’ after dark to-night, an’ yell hear suthin’ thet ’Il open yer eyes.” Juan Dick’s lips were trembling with the last word when the loud report of a revolver filled the cabin, and the — desperado reeled from Medea’s side with a groan! ms wre the blamed weapon!” cried the bronzed fellow who held a smoking revolver in his hand. ‘* What made the pesky thing go off, wy ety alf a dozen men had rushed to Juan Dick’s side, but a dozen surrounded Perfection Pete. “T must hev cocked the pistol fur Shasta an’ his pard an’ furgot it,” continued Pete. ‘‘Thar’s a ya in Bowie strong enough for me, pards. Tll take my medicine without a crooked face; but you know thet I wouldn’t hev tumbled Dick fur a mountain ov gold.” No man doubted Perfection ‘Pete’s story, but the sidelong glance which he threw at the bloody face of the man he had “ tumbled,” ~— have given the lie to his last avowal. he left the cabin, Medea’s eyes followed ‘him in a look that might have troubled him if he could have seen it. One thing was certain: the girl did not be- lieve that the unexpected shot was ‘acci- CHAPTER IX. THE CHOKE OF A LASSO. ‘‘ Hyar we ar’, Dandy. I feel kind o’ foolish —kinder like convertin’ myself inter a kickin’- machine an’ beginnin’ work on my anatomy. It would hev looked more like bizness to have stayed in Bowie an’ fought it out with ’em, but you couldn’t resist the gal—the ’Frisco angel.” The boy who heard these words drop from ‘Shasta’s tongue turned slowly, and presented a flushed but handsome face to his companion. ‘‘] may have promised her hastily, Shasta. but Iam not going to regret that promise ab this stage of the game.” ‘Ov course not, whether the promise ought ter hey been given er not. Ef I wara young chief, them eyes an’ thet voice might hev won on me, too.” “ Shasta ” —- “Pll stop right hyar an’ let the future take care ov itself,” laughed Shasta, at Dandy Dave’s display of confusion, ‘‘ We ar’ nigh four miles from Bowie—a place [ thought (’'d never turn my back on. Let me see exactly whar we ar’,” and the bronze Shasta began a scrutiny of the rough country by which they were encom- The pair had listened to Medea’s pleadings for them to leave Bowie in order to avoid for the present the anger of the dark shirted men by whom they were so cordially hated. Shasta would have ree if the boy had not promised the young girl hat they would go. e influ- ence of a pair of matchless eyes, and the plead- ing tones of a silvery voice are irresistible, and the pards of Grizzly Gulch were forced to swal- low the resolution just taken. Dandy Dave’s wound was by no means seri- ous; the first weakness had passed, and he was regaining the strength needed by one in his posi- tion. “T thought I war nigh the place!” suddenly exclaimed Shasta. ‘‘Near what place?” ‘‘Folier me.” Shasta started off down the mountain trail, followed eagerly by the youth, who was anx- ious to see the outcome of the movement. “We go up now, little one.” The wooded slope of one of the Shasta hills rose before them, and they ascended. In an hour’s ascent no great hight was attained, for the trail was of the poorest kind; but the friends could look down upon the ragged rocks that formed the dark gray walls of the Gulch. ‘“ We've reached the place. Don’t ye see suthin’ strange, Dandy?” The youth took in their surroundings with a uzzled expression of countenance, and was orced to acknowledge that he saw nothing striking excepting the wild scenery. The next instant Shasta’s arm executed a sweep to the right, and a lot of mountain creepers were brushed aside, revealing the mouth of a cavern. A cry of astonishment burst from the throat of Dandy Dave. ‘*T know_what_ ye’re thinkin’ about,” smiled Shasta. ‘‘ Ye’ve lived a long time in this ken- try an’ never saw this hole in the ground afore. Ye’ve ne. er needed it till bart | Dandy.” “ Do I need it now? Must I ide like a hunt- ed wolf from the dark shirts of Bowie?” ex- claimed the boy, with indignation, ‘‘ Thet’s the policy,” was the Oe by “They ar’ oin’ to hunt you. Cap’n Apollo is back. He nows thet the Gal Queen saved yer life when the rope war on yer shoulders, an’ he’s not so pon that he cannot look ahead an’ sée what ar’ und ter come. This ar’ my cave, Dandy. Go in an’ look at the new shanty.” The boy obeyed, and the vines, pulled aside by Shasta, fell back to their places when the twain had crept into the opening. “Nobody ‘llever look hyar fur ye,” resumed the rough old fellow. ‘‘ Ye want rest, anyhow an’ hyar ye kin git it. Why, ye kin sit behind ther creepers an’ look out on ther world jes’ ez if ye war in the old shanty at Bowie.” The boy, who was inspecting the interior of the cave, did not reply, The cavern was small and did not extend far into the heart of the mountain. To all apres. ances it had not been inhabited since the day of its accidental discovery by Shasta; there were no inscriptions on the walls and no footprints on the finely powdered dust on the floor. “Stay hyar till Icome back. You hev yer shootin’-irons, Dandy,” suddenly said Shasta to the boy. “When will you be back?’ ‘Some time twixt this an’ to-morrer.” Dandy Dave looked surprised, and would have remonstrated if Shasta had not clutched his arm. ‘Listen ter Shasta, now,” he said, ‘‘an’ ye’ll never regret it ef things go right. They’re huntin’ ye down at Bowie. I know it. Go out an’ meet ’em an’ lose thegal; stay hyar an’ hold the cards thet win.” “Tl stay.” ‘« Thet’s bizness!” A moment later the youth was the sole oecu- ant of the strange home on the mountain side. Fre stood behind the vines watching Shasta’s figure as it went toward the valley below. inally the comrade disappeared, and Dandy Dave withdrew from the opening. The tem- perature of the cavern was delightful; while a summer sun beat upon the mountain side, the interior of the cave was cool and invited re- pose. The wakefulness of the eventful night eet passed and the re ig ge by the y had told on his nature, e fell asleep on the ground just beyond the sunbeams that came into the cave through the creepers which ve at one and the same time screen and oor. Nothing occurred to waken Dandy Dave. When he at last unclosed his eyes, he was sur- rised to discover that the sun was going down he western slope of the sky. Shasta had not rated, and the boy went to the opening and peered through the vines. He saw nothing—not even the flitting figure of a mountain bird, and no sounds marred the quiet of the summer day. | | | | | | 2 King-Pin of Bowie. le After a brief inspection of eve Dandy Dave pushed a portion of and stepped out. ‘‘ Pl] not run off,” he said to himself with a smile. ‘“ Although I step beyond the cavern for a bit of fresh air, Shasta will find me here when he comes back.” Would he? The next instant something touched Dandy Dave’s head, and then dropped like the folds of a serpent around his neck! The boy started back with a cry of horror and looked up. He saw the black lariat whose captive he was, and the demoniac face of the Blackfoot at the other end. No wonder the birds had not sung around the cave; they had been frightened away by the red tiger crouched in ambush above the vines. A devilish smile distorted the Indian’s fea- tures as the noose tightened around Dandy Dave’s throat. The boy’s hands shot toward knife and pistol, but a ruthless jerk by the demon overhead car- ried him almost clear of the ground. At that moment a series of yells saluted his ears, and his eyes caught sight of a number of Indians as they leaped from cover on the moun- tain side. “Tt is War Robe’s band!” flashed through the youth’s mind. ‘‘They dared not meet Shasta, so they have ambushed me. Oh, for a fair chance at the devils with my pistols.” By this time another Indian had leaped to the assistance of the half-naked lassoer, and the two were about to draw their victim up to them at the risk of breaking his neek. “Sbasta! Shasta! help!” welled involunta- rily from Dandy Dave’s throat. His hands went aloft and clutched the chok ing cord; he pitted his strength ageinst that of the red-skins above, but what could he do against them? geudes tn ont edie cl oy frantic 8 es in mid-air—struggles which momen- tarily grew weaker. ‘‘Tam lost!” forced itself across his brain, as the yelling Indians, and the mountain bushes be to fade from sight. ot quite lost. All at once there rung out on the summer air the ringing reports of two revolvers, and a sec ond later the red-skins at the lasso pitched down- ie like human beings thrown frem a castle wall! Dandy Dave fell back upon the ground choked almost into insensibility; every limb ached, and me neck seemed to have been lengthened a oot! The first thought that came to him after his fall was that Shasta had come to the rescue, but the long-fingered rough was far away. The slayer of the red lassoers was a different person from Shasta; half-hidden by pistol- smoke he occupied the spot where the two In- dians had been, and was sending deadly bullets in rapid succession into the startled crowd below. The Blackfeet stood the deadly fusilade for a moment, and then rushed away. Not a bullet had failed to take a human life; nine Indians left behind told the splendid accuracy of the shooting. “T thought those Blackfeet were up to some- thing mean when I saw them hide here,” spc ke the slayer to himself. ‘I didn’t drop the fien’s at the lariat a moment too soon, but bless me! if I had any idea they had looped a boy. Ho» looks like the pistol phenomenon of Grizzly Gulch. By Jove! it is Dand Dave!” The speaker approached the spot where th» youth lay. ; As he stooped to inquire into his condition, the whiz of an arrow made him recoil, and a urt of blood from his neck told how well aimed the shaft had been. Quick as a flash the white man turned towar« the spot from whence the arrow had been sent, and before the would-be killer could recover from his astonishment over his victim’s escape, he fell dead over his elk-horn bow! “Tl have peace now,” smiled the slayer, as he again turned to Dandy Daye, from whose neck he immediately stripped the infernal cord. “Tt was a close cali, boy; and my discovery of the Indians’ deviltry an accident. Aha! you recognize me. Your eyes tell me 50. a Dandy Daye’s hand stole to his rescuer’s arm. “Do we meet for the first time or have we met before? You are Flash o’ Lightning.” “That's what enya ey call me.” “We ought to be friends.” ‘Friends we are, but why did you inquire if we had mot before?” bing in sight e vines aside
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Captain Apollo, the King-Pin of Bowie. _ 9 ‘I was shot about the same time Yuba Sam tumbled from his horse,” Flash 0’ idensoing’s eyes flashed triumphantly at the youth’s mention of Yuba Sam. “I did not shoot you,” he said. ‘“‘Do you know who did?” ; Dandy Dave shook his head. ‘*T will tell you and you may hunt him down one of these days.” The boy held his breath, so eager was he to become of the secret h o’ Light- ning held, ‘““Tf you hunt him down, you will have your hands full,” continued the slayer. ‘‘ Juan Dick is a devil who Leg! his horns long before he saw Grizzly Gulch.” ‘*T']] match him!” said the boy. CHAPTER X, DISMISSING A JURY. Danpy Dave was surprised to leafn that Juan Dick had attempted his life at almost the same instant that Yuba Sam fell before Flash 0’ Lightning’s revolver. The boy hitherto had more than half believed that War Robe the Blackfoot had fired the shot, although Shasta inclined to the opinion that Flash o’ Lightning had dropped the youth, believing that he was Yuba Sam’s companion. The amt 8 was obscure no longer, so far as the shooting went. Time might unearth Juan Dick’s motive. Dreading the fatal effects of Flash o’ Light- peer pistol, the red ambushers of Dandy Dave had made themselves scarce, and the two whites were at liberty to extend the acquaintance so thrillingly begun. Dandy Dave at.once told Captain Apollo’s old enemy that Shasta had guided him to the cave. At the mention of the friend’s name, Flash 0’ Lightning seemed to start. “He knows: Shasta,” wong Dave. ‘I wonder if the two are enemies?” ‘*T am going down to Bowie,” said the slayer, ‘* I'm tired of this warfare from bush to bush.” Dandy Dave’s eyes dilated. ‘* They are all there,” he said. “Good! I will not have to hunt them sep- arately.” ‘‘ They will presenta firm front. You do not know how the men of Bowie hate you.” ** Ah!” ejaculated Flash o’ Lightning, with a smile. ‘‘ You can not deter me from enterin Grizzly Gulch about sundown. Six years ago was monarch here. That was before Captain Apollo—Satan take him!—and his company of roughs came to my paradise. We were happy here—my companions and I. I saw at once that we would be compelled to fight for it, and fight we did. Five years ago as Apollo ve me a grave in Finis Valley—1, the last of the true owners of yon gulch of gold. But the earth gave me up, for the red feud was not to be ended thus, rN half-crazy trapper of the San Juan, named Dabbling Dan, exhumed me, and ran off whenI opened my eyes and stared at Your friend Shasta is the fellow who swears that a Skeleton Horseman rides up and down the Lone Indian Trail.” “He declares he has seen the specter,” said the boy. ‘So, indeed, he has, Didn’t he ride through Bowie a few hours ago, and among all her brave men there was not one bold enough to clutch the white horse’s bridle rein?” As Flash o’ Lightning finished, he glanced at the sun now quite near the western horizon. *‘Another hour,” he said, unconsciously speaking aloud, ‘‘and I will be in the lion’s den.” “If you wait here until Shasta returns you shall not go alone,” said Dandy Dave. “Why not?” “We will go with you.” Flash o’ Lightning fixed his clear eyes on the boy. The words were bravely spoken. When will Shasta come back?” **T do not know,” _ For a moment the Killer seemed to be fight- ing a bard mental battle; but when he spoke again, his voice was decided, “Keep your promise to Shasta,” he said to Dandy Dave. “I will goalone. My fight isa’t yours, boy; yours—if you have any—isn’t mine. Ar’n’t you afraid to stay here? The In- dians might come back.” ‘* With these [ will face them!” And the boy displayed his ee ee revolvers, as deadly as those in Flash o’ Lightning’s belt. : “‘Dve heard of your shooting,” said the Kil- ler, “but I never saw you at it. “You might see me shoot if we went to Bowie ther.” ‘“No doubt of that if the tigers of Grizzly want your life.” — — ee “They want that which they shall never have!” declared the boy. Flash o’ Lightning was about to turn away, when he said: “ Have you no message to send to Bowie?” ‘* Yes, seri cried Dandy Dave, with eager- ness. ‘Tell Medea that lam safe among the mountains.” ‘« Medea?” was the echo. ‘* Ah, you do not know her; I forgot that. She is Bowie. Tell her that Shasta and I are safe. But you may not get to see her.” “Y will—I’ll make that a point,” said Flash o’ Lightning. ‘‘1’ll convey your message to Me- dea, boy, if I have to shoot my way to her rs, “T like that kind of talk, and I do wish I was going with you. By Jove! I'll go anyhow!” ‘‘No! keep your word with Shasta.” Dandy Dave would have remonstrated and insisted on accompanying Flash o’ Lightning to Bowie if his new acquaintance had not checked him by moving off. He watebed the Killer until his figure became lost to view by a bend in the mountain trail, and he was forced to go back to the cavern to keep vigils with a pair of cocked revolvers. ‘Flash o’ Lightning’s fight is fast becoming mine,” he said to himself. ‘‘I owe him a life, and Juan Dick will take him unawares if he ean. By George! I wish Shasta would come.” Meanwhile the sun was going down, and the various mountain trails were. darkened by shadows. Not far from the spot where Flash Qo’ Eighepin rescued Dandy Dave from the ter- rible Blackfoot lariat, a symmetrical steed re- nded to his low whistle, and a moment later the journey Bowie-ward was resumed. At the western mouth of the Gulch proper Flash o’ Lighting drew rein and listened. If the town was ahead there were no indications that it was inhabited, for no noises came down the Gulch. pia | g° on and make my call anyhow,” said the Killer. ‘‘If they are not ready to receive me, I’Jl leave my card and retire.” At the word ‘‘ card” he glanced at the revol- ver clutched in his right hand. He kept on until he entered the camp and found himself riding down the narrow street between two rows of rough log shanties—the buildings of long-established mining towns. Nota of fear was noticeable about the faultless figure well poised on the horse that carried so well the deadliest rider of the Shasta country. Had he shod his steed with rubber shoes? He advanced almost silently, the horse obedient to his master’s will. All at once Flash o’ Lightning started, and his eyes beamed with satisfaction. There was a light abead, and he presently saw a crowd of people in the open space in front of Bowie's sole hotel. ‘* A trial!” he exclaimed, in a subdued tone. ‘* Whom have they dr before court now?” A little further on, s in the shadows be- yond the boundary of the light, he drew rein and rose in his stirrups. He could look over the heads of a portion of the crowd anddownintoaring. Hesawa tall, conspicuous man seated on a keg with folded arms, and triumphantly eying those by whom he was surrounded. “Dm hyar fura fair hearin’,” suddenly ex- claimed this individual, as he sprung to his feet. ‘Ef my pistol went off accidentally an’ tumbled Juan Dick, say so, an’ don’t chaw lea- ther over it. Ef I shot ’im on purpose prove it an’ hang me, Did I run when my weapin went off? Warn’t I holdin’ it carelessly this way?” and the speaker indicated a certain man- ner with a large “navy.” ‘An’ hedn’t I fur- gotten thet I hed cocked it fur use on Shasta an’ ther boy pard? Perfection Pete wants the charge decided one way or ’nother, an’ that afore next. Christmas.” He sat down and eyed the crowd again. Flash o’ Lightning could see the glitter of Perfection Pete’s eyes, aud the satisfied counte- nance which he could not conceal, “Tf Juan Dick is dead, Dandy Dave will not get to settle accounts with bim,” the Killer murmured. ‘I'll wait for the decision of the court before I go on.” It was evident that Perfection’s sentences had been called forth by the tardiness of a jury, which had “‘retired” for deliberation, At one side of the circle stood five men, who cast looks toward the prisoner while they conversed in low tones. ‘“‘Hyar they come at last!” fell from Perfec- tion Pete’s lips, as the five moved f » Thirty bronzed men leaned forward to hear \ aptain Apollo’s protege, and Queen of the verdict. Flash o’ Lightning put his left hand up to his ear, in order that he might not miss a word, “Shoot ’er out,” grated Perfection Pete. ‘I sought this trial an’ I’m ready to take my medicine.” Utah Phil was the foreman of the Bowie jury. He took a step forward as Pete spoke: ‘We find thet Perfection’s revolver went cif accidentally,” he said. ‘“‘Thar! I told ye so!” cried Pete. “A fair trial, an’ a fair verdict! Now dismiss ther jury an’ drink at my expense.” “Hold!” rung out a clarion voice, and the word was succeeded by the sudden halt of a horse just beyond the circle. ‘‘Tll dismiss tl.c jury and take charge of the foreman!” he speaker stood erect in his heavy stirrups, and at the end of each arm thrust forward was a cocked revolver. ‘‘Plash o’ Lightning!” greeted him on every side. Revolvers were more than half-way drawn. Perfection Pete’s victory vanished from his eyes in a second. “Draw, Utah!” exclaimed the Killer. ‘‘ You're the foreman of the jury and one of the doomed six. Draw! for. by the memories of the past! I'm here to kill!” Utah Phil had recoiled, but with his hand on his revolver. The weapon leaped from his belt at Flash o’ Lightning’s words. Up went the desperado’s arm, and the next moment, at the loud report of a “‘ Navy,” he reeled away, shot through the breast, and was dead before he struck the ground! ‘‘ Men of Bowie, where’s your captain?” cried the slayer, in the second of irresolution that followed the retributive shot. ‘Iam here to fight the war between us toanend. This spot shall be the Finis Valley of our last battle. Captain Apollo, come forward!” i hissed oath fell from the lips of a man who at that moment stepped from between two cabins near at hand. ef | try the virtue of a carbine on your skull, Flash o’ Lighiaing He put the weapon to his shoulder and pressed his right cheek to the stock. How his eyes blazed! and how eagerly his fingers leaped to the trigger! “Your captain’s a coward!” rung out Flash o’ Lightning’s voice. ‘‘Tell him that I will fight him some other time.” His horse sprung forward as he finished, and Captain Apollo’s carbine spoke. But he had aimed too long. “Drop him!” yeliea Perfection Pete. Flash o’ Lightning whirled in his saddle before a single weapon could cover him, “‘This for the paradise you devils stole from me!” he shouted, and an instant later he was shooting into the dark-shirted tenantry of Grizzly Gulch. It was a terrible moment. Men reeled from the madman on horseback and fell dead with revolvers in their hands, But what could one man with twelve loads do with eae outlaws with three hundred and sixty adieu CHAPTER XI CAPTAIN APOLLO’S NECK IN DANGER, Captain APOLLO stood speechless and as- tonished, with the smoking carbine in his hand, when he discovered that be had missed his enemy; but when the death shots of the Killer struck down man after man, he involuntarily ses ne then fled. aye e did not try to get beyond the reports of the deadly weapons. If he had looked back, he might have seen the boldest citizens of Bowie ps the Nugget for safety. The man on horseback bore a charmed existence. “If they don’t drop him, I will next time!” grated Captain Apollo, “‘He fears nothing, else he had not entered page Gulch to-night. He is anxious to settle the old feud once and forever. If my carbine had not failed me 1 would have settled it. Where’s Medea?” Captain Apollo crossed the threshold of his cabin as he put the question to himself. The candle burning on the rongh table did not reveal the girl. He went to the little room which had been assigned to her, and surveyed it for a moment, The Girl Queen of Bowie was not there. ‘She hasn’t followed the boy?” be exclaimed. “By Jove! I should have finished him before I went to Frisco after her. I might have known that the would meet and get sweet on each other. Captain Apollo, you hayen’t cut your eye-teeth yet. The boy Dandy Dave has out-
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—— witted you, and the _— worth so much has sli through your oy e stood for a moment in front of the cabin with madness in his eyes and with clinched hands. There was a commotion up the street to his right, but no more pistol-shots. Had the tigers of Bowie put an end to Flash o’ Lightning’s ca- reer, or had he ridden off with twenty dead men behind him? Itis pene that at that time these impor- tant interrogatives did not bother the King of Bowie, for he started off in a contrary direc- tion, as if he had suddenly thought where Medea might be found. e went straight to Shasta’s cabin—to the hut where Perfection Pete’s pistol had “ acci- dentally ” shot Juan Dick, e opened the door and went in, but the room was quite dark, and the starlight that followed Captain Apollo in- side revealed nothing. His hand swept across the table which he dis- covered, but found no candle, therefore Captain Apollo was obliged to see with his fingers. began to search the shanty in the dark- ness. All at once he uttered a cry and started back. Springing to the door he held his hands close to his face and saw dark stains upon them. ** Blood!” he said. ‘Pete did drop Juan, but the body isn’t here. Didn’t Ruby Rob say that it was not to be molested till morning? I won- der who took it away?’ and Captain Apollo’s eyes were full of wonderment as he stared at his bloody hands and talked. “‘There’s some aes here,” he went on. “ Perfection Pete kills Juan Dick accidentally, and Medea turns up missing. Hello! some- body’s coming!” Back across the threshold of Shasta’s cabin ste the master spirit of Bowie with a re- volver in bis hand. e held his breath while he waited for the arrival of the single person who was advancing, not from Flash o’ Light- ning’s last battle-ground, but from the moup- tains at the other end of the camp. ‘War Robe!” ejaculated the watcher, bound- ing from the shanty and halting in front of the tall Indianfied figure that recoiled at his excla- mation. “ You always turn up when I need you, chief.” "i Good! War Robe huntin’ white brother now. ‘* What's up?” “Dick an’ Frisco girl talkin’ down by big stone.” No wonder that Captain Apollo recoiled with a ip cry of amazement. *Medea—Dick? Your eyes must have de- ceived you, War Robe.” “The eyes of the Blackfoot never lie, Will the white captain come and see?” ’ “*Can it be that they left Juan Dick alive in this hut?” flashed across his brain. ‘If he does live, what business has he talking with Medea beyond the limits of Bowie? Yes, I will go and see. I will not fail as Perfection Pete did. My shot shall never be called an accidental one.” War Robe, the Blackfoot, was not asked the second time to lead the mad captain to the spot where he had seen Medea and Juan Dick. * Down!” whispe Captain Apollo’s arm when they were near the big stone, and the king of Bowie crouched with his finger at his weapon’s trigger. He saw two figures motionless beside the huge bowlder known everywhere through the Shasta country; but the uncertain light did not reveal their features. “‘White girl an’ Dick here yet,” whispered the Blackfoot. ‘‘They no move while War Robe been gone. Kin white captain hear what they say? “No, but I will!” Captain Apollo began to creep forward. War Robe was at his heels. Theirs was the noiseless gliding of a pair of serpents, or a brace of pan- t ers. They did not take their eyes from the two ob- jects at the stone. War Robe had drawn his knife, and his red fingers encircled the handle. Allat once Captain Apollo cf pe to the ground and turned his eyes upon the Indian, They were not more than fifteen feet from the bowlder. The king of Bowie saw the flashes that danced in War Robe’s eyes; they told him that the red-skin had made a oT similar to hisown. And that was that the figures at the stone were neither Medea’s nor Juan Dick’s, but those of Captain Apollo’s bitterest foes! Had War Robe deceived him? No; the In- dian’s surprise was no less than_his own; the Blackfoot had expected to find the Girl Queen and her new lover at the stone. red the Indian, touching strange figures as he spoke. ‘I’m glad I found them, though. War Robe, which one will you take?” “The boy.” ‘* And I'll settle with Shasta, curse him! They came back to the lion’s den at the wrong time. I’d sooner see them. than Medea now, yes, ten times sooner.” ‘Is the white captain ready?” “ee Yes.” A second later the Blackfoot bounded up and leaped forward like a jungle tiger. He cleared the space between Captain Apollo and the stone in the twinkling of an eye, and that before his startled companion could cover and shoot the long-fingered rough. Captain Apollo had forgotten that War Robe was armed only with a knife, and before he could recover, he saw the Indian alight between the fignres they had watched. There were cries of sudden surprise and a boy’s voice. ‘* War Robe, Shasta!” Captain Apollo sprung up and saw several figures struggling in the starlight. “Tl have a hand in that fight!” he cried. “Pll let star-beams into the boy’s head, and put him forever out of my way!” The king of Bowie went forward. He saw that War Robe was fighting Shasta and Dandy Dave with commendable courage. ‘‘I'm here!” rung from his throat as he alighted on the ground. ~ “Captain Apollo!” cried Dandy Dave, “Yes, youngster, the best hater you have in the Shasta country!” He saw the boy try to disengage himself from the left hand of the Indian which had clutched him. Dandy Dave wanted to fight the new-comer. The next second Captain Apollo thrust his revolver forward. It almost touched the youth’s head. ** Here ends your trail!” he hissed. The report was followed by a terrible cry. * emp the wrong person!” gasped the captain. e stood spell-bound while the hands of his victim relaxed their gripe, and he reeled away and fell at his feet a quivering corpse! It was War Robe instead of Dandy Dave! Fortune and accident had preserved the youth’s life, for Shasta had pushed War Robe across Captain Apollo’s aim just as the fatal finger touched the trigger. ‘The wrong man sure enough, Cap’n!” ex- claimed Shasta as he threw himself upon the shooter and wrenched his revolver from his hand, ‘‘T guess as how we'll rake in ther stakes— Dandy an’ me! Shoot ’im boy, ef he stirs!” The last words were addressed to Dandy Dave who stood before the King of Bowie now Shasta’s prisoner, ‘Yell own, Cap’n, thet ther tables hev been upsot,” the old miner went on, eying his cap- tive with a merry twinkle in his eyes. ‘‘ How did Flash o’ Lightnin’ it along in Bowie?” ‘*Go and see,” was the brief mad answer. ‘We will in a few brief minutes, Be civil, Cap’n, and talk like a man of sense. Ther ’Frisco angel is a stunner an’ no mistake. Old Goldbrick didn’t object when you offered to bring her to Bowie, an’ make ’er queen ov this death land, eh?” Captain Apollo did not reply. ““T kin see ther old rascal counting his money an’ laughin’ over ther success ov his plans. You wanted Meda an’ he didn’t, Cap’n. She’s Queen oy Bowie and’ ye’re king; but Dandy and T hold the boss hands just now, I wonder ef thar’s a rope in ther old place?” Shasta stepped aside and ran his arm into the hollow of a tree near i ‘“‘ Hyar it is,” he said, withdrawing a coil of rope which he displayed to Captain Apollo’s gaze. ‘*More’n one feller hez tested ther strength ov this fishin’-line, Cap’n.” “You are going to hang me, then?” said the King of Bowie. ‘* We hev to, Cap’n. It’s policy jes’ now,” was the answer. ‘ Dandy an’ I hev to hang ye fur self-protection. It’s purty much dog eat dog in Grizzly at this writing—suthin’ like ther survival of ther fittest, an’ that’s us.” Before Captain Apollo could reply, a noose already formed fell over his head; the cast had been made by Shasta who stood ten feet away. * Whar's Meda, Cap'n?” asked the boy’s pard. “ Ye'll die game, an’ give us a fair showin Bowie’s Queen.” fur A new light beamed in the outlaw captain’s eyes when he fastened them on the boy. ‘‘You’ll be cheated in the end!” he hissed. “ By this time the Queen of Bowie is beyond my reach and yours.” “What! Medea isn't dead?” cried Dandy Dave. ‘Go on with your hanging, Shasta,” was the retort. The cord was tossed over a limb that projected over the big bowlder which Captain Apollo was commanded to mount. Dandy Dave’s revolver still covered his head, and he sullenly obeyed. Shasta’s deft fingers fastened the lyncher’s cord to a small tree near by and stepped toward the victim. ‘‘Tve been at hangin’s hyar afore to-night,” he said, laying his hands on the stone. ‘‘ Cap’n, ther rock ain’t stationary by a long shot; ther boys fixed it fur hangin’-sprees more’n two years ago. AllI hev to dois to kick the stone pin out from under one side, giv ther rock a push, an’ it’ll roll out from under ye. I’m goin’ to do thet now. Ar’ ye ready, Cap’n?” ‘Finish the game, devils!’ Shasta’s foot was about to loosen the rock that held the bowlder firm when a figure alighted behind him, and sprung from thence upon the stone. “ Shoot him, Dandy!” cried the gaunt hang- man. But the youth instead of obeying Shasta’s command lowered his revolver, and recoiled with an exclamation of astonishment. On the stone beside Captain Apollo stood'a young girl whose name had just fallen from the boy’s ie ‘( Meda, by Jericho!” echoed Shasta, and as he spoke a knife severed the rope, and the coil nearly fatal lay harmless on the broad shoulders of the King of Bowie. ‘*What d’ye mean, girl? Thet man’s ther worst enemy ye ever hed,” said Shasta staring at the Girl Queen of Bowie. ‘“‘T mean that you shall not hang him!” was the reply. ‘‘It has been decreed that he shall not die with his neck in the noose.” Captain Apollo shot Medeaa glance which was unfathomable. CHAPTER XII. THE TRAIL OF A SECRET. Ir the Queen of Bowie had met Juan Dick at the big bowlder and gone off with him, why had she returned? This mental question puzzled Captain Apollo, and the a tye did not abate while he strode on the rock and looked into Medea’s eyes. At his feet lay the stiffening figure of War Robe the Blackfoot, slain by mistake, and he himself was still menaced by the revolvers of Shasta and Dandy Dave. ‘““Wal, queen,” said Shasta, ‘‘ef it hez been decreed thet Cap'n Pollo warn’t born to be hung, why we couldn’t hev choked ’im if ye hedn’t come. It war a close shave, boss, an’ ye kin thank ther ’Frisco angel fur yer escape.” ‘‘T want no thanks,” spoke the girl quickly, “Tdid my duty—” ‘Yer —— Wal, mebbe ye did, queen; but yee ther first person I ever run ag’in’ who tte a wolf because they thought it war right.” edea’s next words were addressed to Captain Apollo. ° ‘Let us go back to Bowie,” she said, $4 Agreed. Then you are not going to desert me? He stepped from the bowlder as he finished, and his eyes flashed as he looked at Shasta and his protege. "Say it, Cap’n,” said the former smiling. ‘* Relieve yerself afore ye go back to ther town.” “By heaven I will!” the desperado king ex- claimed, ‘‘ Others will stand on this very rock if they don’t go under by another method!” and his clinched fist fell heavily upon the bowlder. ‘I am still Captain Bowie, the man who won this ground by hard fighting. I still command the men of Grizzly Gulch.” ‘¢-Yes, them what Flash o’ Lightnin’ left in fightin’ condition,” grinned Shasta. ““Ye'd better go back ter Bowie an’ count noses afore ye talk ov thet regiment ov fightin’ cocks. I fancy thet Grizzly’s a grave-yard to- night, Cap’n. Jes’ because ye buried Flash 0’ Lightnin’ once in Finis Valley, ye mustn’t think thet he doesn’t know how ter handle ther drop- pers. Come, Dandy. Ef Meda ar’ goin’ ter tie herself to Cap’n ’Pollo, why we needn’t be so anxious to walk through ther old town.” Girl Queen of the mining-cam e heard Shasta’s last words, and shot Dandy ave @
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en ee quick giance. The boy hesitated but her eyes said “Go,” and he at last turned reluctantly aw . For several minutes Captain Apollo and Medea walked toward Bowie in silence. The dark eyes of the handsome desperado never left the girl, and he spoke not until the edge of the town was reached, ‘‘ Where’s Juan Dick?’ he asked so abruptly that Medea started, and before she could answer he continued: “I thought he was killed in | Shasta’s cabin. Perfection Pete has been tried for the killing and acquitted. How is this?’ ‘The man was not hurt much, Pete’s bul- let, tearing along his cheek, knocked him sense- less, and all who saw him lying in thecabin and bleeding took him for dead. it Pete had raised the revolver on a level with his eye, the ball would have crashed through Juan’s brain.” “You met him at the big stone before the two rae reached the spot?’ “] did. He told me before he was shot that he had something important to communicate,” * And that was—” “* Pardon me,” said the girl, lowering her gaze. ; agro bom ou reg ae tain o’s eyes 3 he Where re ith now?” Medea was silent. They were in Bowie again and the girl was not urged to ae to the rough’s last question. He took her his cabin and into the room which had been prepared for her reception. “Remain here awhile,” he said. I am go- ing away. Medea; things have reached a des- perate s' in Bowie; but I am king here, and mean toreign! Idid not steal you from ’Frisco, I asked you to come and you came.” “ But you said that my life was in danger there—that there was a dark plot against it by men who knew that I stood in their path,” said the girl. ‘‘Icame with you to Bowie to avoid them, but are they not here as well? Why did Perfection Pete shoot Juan Dick when he saw him talking to me, and then swear that his re- volver was accidentally discharged when I know that he purposely shot to kill?’ And what did Juan tell me to-night?” ** Yes, what did he tell you?” cried Captain Apollo, darting upon the girl and clutching her arm. ‘* What lies did the plotting devil coin for the patpore of turning you inst me? By Heaven! you shall unmask him here—now!” “Tf I want to,” was the answer, and the girl wrenched herself from her persecutor’s clutches. “Let me go back to ’Frisco and face my ene- mies if I really have any there. In a moment of fear-I listened to you., I am not afraid to confront the plotters of ere coast,” A sardonic laugh rippled through the des- perado’s mustache. ‘The trail to "Frisco is open for travel,” he said, ‘‘but you shall not go back alone. {fam going with you.” *« Yout—when?” ‘“« By and by.” The girl gave him a look and turned away. ‘* Ho —o Medea!” he exclaimed, springing after her. .‘‘ You haven’t told me what information Juan Dick imparted to-night.” ee the queen of Bowie whirled upon him, and Captain Apollo started from the gleam of a dagger as her “rT hand went up. ‘The secrets I hold I shall protect!” fell from her lips. ‘* Touch me for the purpose of forcin Juan Dick’s information from me, and I wi defend my secret as I would my honor!” Brave as he was, the King of Bowie recoiled from the girl’s dark eyes and uplifted r. ‘Go and bury your dead, for Flash o’ Light- ning has been here,” she continued. ‘If he got off alive, you still possess an enemy who will give you trouble,” Captain Apolld's heel was at the threshold of the little room. ‘* Tl finish this interview at another time,” he said. ‘As I have just told you, the trail to ‘Frisco is open for travel. When would you like to go back?” “I shall go whenever I choose to leave Bowie!” 1 “You'd better wait until after your corona- tion. You’re queen inname only now!” And with " dna laugh to supplement his words, aptain Apollo sprung across the thre shut J pod ga bo - edea’s face, ria. “Let Juan Dick cross my path, and T will ri the world of one viper!” he hissed. “ Weed cret didhe know? By Heaven! I’ll find out, and that at the pistol’s mouth.” He directed his steps toward the “Nugget,” the scene of Flash o’ Lightning’s battle with the men of Bowie, ; Hyar’s Cap'n Apollo!” was the ‘greeting he Captain Apollo, the King-Pin received, and a moment later he was surround- ed by a score of his band. “The devil got away,” said Ruby Rob; “ but we drew blood. He on his hoss’s neck an’ held to ther line like death. Sech shootin’, Cap’n! It war worse than that he did in Finis Valley. Yonder ar’ ther pards thet ‘ll never handle their droppers ag’in!” Ruby Rob pointed to a number of motionless figures lying on the ground afew steps away. A light suspended from a limb fell upon the ghastly faces. ‘He shot out ther lights afore he left an’ killed Tempest Tom in ther dark,” went on oy Rob, as Captain Apollo moved toward the t. The crowd followed him and saw him stand over the nine dead men lying under the tree, ‘*Didn’t he wound any one?” he asked. ‘*Only one—Perfection Pete—but he’s ez good ez dead.” ‘* Where is he?’ ‘* We carried ’im to his vee A Captain Apollo did not reply, but walked away. Twenty pairs of wondering eyes fol- lowed him, but their owners remained where they were. ive minutes afterward the King of Bowie pushed open a cabin'door near the western ter- minus of Bowie’s one street. ‘*Who’s thet?’ asked a rough, grating voice in the gloom, as the clicking of |a revolver-lock was distinctly heard. “Tt is I, Pete.” ‘*Ther Cap’n! By Jove! yer don’t want a light ter find my wound. Jes’ put yer hand in my bosom. Hyar, let me take it.” ; he hand of Flash o’ Lightning’s victim was ow forward in search of Captain Apollo’s wrist, ut the King of Bowie, whose eyes had by this time become accustomed to the to avoid it. “Tt war a fight, Cap’n—one in which yer old enemy sustained his name!” continued Pete. ‘* He’s quicker nor lightnin’. Ther court hed jes’ acquitted me when he rode up an’ proceeded to dismiss the jury. Utah war foreman an’ he got ther first dose. I hardly know when I got mine, but I got it jes ther same.” “Yes,” said or pee Apollo, “I have heard that they acquit you for shooting Juan Dick, but you didn’t finish him.” ght, contrived A cry of astonishment burst from Pete’s throat. : *Don’t give a dyin’ man taffy, Cap’n,” he d. ‘“Why should I? Juan Dick lives; he isn’t badly hurt. A torn cheek is all he has.” For a moment Perfection Pete made no reply. Captain Apollo could see the workings of his ore em wi fyb et pe ‘He may win yet,” he murmured, ing his thoughts aloud. ‘‘I hed to shoot from my waist so ez not to give myself away. Pete, ye’re a fool! Juan ought ter win ther game.” apn as it fe Captain Apollo caught every word from the desperniio's lips: ‘*Do you know what secret Juan carried?” he asked Pete. “ec Yes.” ‘© What is it?’ ‘* How did ye discover he hed one, Cap’n?” “3 Never mind how, Pete. I know he carries ne. “T found it out accidentally not long arter ther Queen ov Bowie squatted hyar.” Captain Apollo could not repress a cry. ‘It concerns Medea!” he exclaimed, *Cap’n, help me up. I feel like livin’ ag’in. Me an’ Juan an’ ther other devil fur it. I’m willin’ ter play my hand till death rakes in ther last dust.” Spasmodically summoning all his strength, the wounded Bowieite sprung up so suddenly that Captain Apollo recoiled. _ “You can’t walk, Pete,” he exclaimed, grasp- ing Perfection’s arm. ‘I'm goin’ to play my hand!” was the mad response. ‘ They’ve called me an’ I’ll answer with the pistol. Let me go, Cap’n.” The rough made a lunge toward the door which stood open, but Captain Apollo was upon i m. “You're mad! Give me Juan Dick’s secret and I'll play the game you want to see through. The secret—quic ! You are dying, Perfec- “ Ye’re ther boss liar ov ther Shasta country Cap’n,” flashed back the desperado as he tried to tear himself from his leader’s gripe. ‘‘ I’ve been shot afore. Ye want Juan’s secret, eh?” ‘Yes, yes!” gal “Wal, it’s a wonder ye hevn’t studied it out. Ye’re sharper than Perfection, Cap’n, but—” of Bowie. ll The man caught the logs at the door and *, es ee ee throw up aebtae "he said, turning his eyes upon Ca: Apo “It’s ther first cold deck I ever hed sot upon me, I guess—I"ll—quit—Cap’n.” “The secret first,” “A look was the only my: “Keep it, then!” grated the king of Bowie. “Tm man enough to shoot it out of all who it! Captain Apollo threw the dying man from his arms, and heard him strike against the logs in the darkness a few feet away. — The next moment he sprung from the hut to be greeted by a cutting laugh, which told him that somebody was rejoicing over his failure. ‘““Where are you?” he exclaimed. ‘‘I am here ready for any dog that wants to bite me. Come forward and meet Captain Apollo face to face. You're a coward, and I’m the best man in Grizzly Gulch.” Another laugh, more prolonged than the first, was the answer, and from the opposite side of the street came one sentence: “Dead men tell no tales, Cap’n.” An oath, a cry of recognition, and Captain Sone bounded toward the unseen speaker, who was Juan Dick. -_ CHAPTER XIII. THE KILLER AT HOME, Ir was true, as Ruby Rob informed aps ApoHo, that Fiash o’ Lightning had den from Bowie on his horse’s neck. Never before had nine men met their death in such rapid succession at the hands of one slayer. Flash o’ Lightning had made but one shot not immediately deadly,'and that one mor- tally wounded Perfection Pete. is horse bore him from the scene of the bat- tle, and into that portion of Grizzly Gulch not occupied by the cabins of Bowie. Not until then did the dreaded rider show an signs of life. His dark hair, fallen forward, had concealed his face, but one of his hands brushed it back as he resumed his natural posi- tion in the saddle, “Leaden pete ac ay are the only kind that cannot be rejected,” he said to himself. ‘I’m sorry I did not get to see Captain Apollo. His absence only postponed the day of reckoning. I narrowed the band down to three, if I am not mistaken. Utah Phil got the first load, and Tem Tom went under after I had shot the lights out. Captain Apollo, Ruby Rob and . Juan Dick still remain. The first shall be the last in this case. I wonder if the fools thought I was hit?” - - - yg o’ Lightning seemed to laugh as he fin- ished. ‘My rapid firing rather disconcerted them; they could not shoot at all,” he continued. ‘“ did not get to deliver Dandy Dave’s m to the girl, because shé did not show herself during the skirmish. I mistake him not, he’ see her before I do, and can deliver the message in son. Id like to see their new queen; ea, they call her. I wonder what she looks like. Do you know anything about her, Sierra?” The Killer’s steed straightened bis ears at mention of his name, and, turning his head, tried to look into his master’s eyes. Five minutes afterward horse and rider were far from the spot just mentioned and on a dif- ferent trail, ‘ “ Let me see where California is,” said Flash .. o’ Lightning drawing a silver whistle from his eae and sending a sbrill sound down the road. Within a short time the noise of hoofs was heard, and the gallop of a horse approached, “The old fellow was waiting somewhere for us,” observed the Killer, with a smile, and then a horse came in sight. Sierra answer the whinny of the white steed. A moment later the two horses were exchanging equine greetings, and Flash o’ Lightning inspected the pale steed’s rider. ‘‘ In- spected ” bim, we say, for a skeleton sat in the saddle—a skeleton grisly enough to make the warmest blood run cold. A revolver was fas- tened in the bony right hand, while the left clutched the reins it had no power to lift. “You'll soon have rest, Dan,” said Flash 0° Lightning, addressing the eng: f horseman, “and you, California, will Tow e rider you have carried so long. You two have made fa- mous Lone Indian Trail, and not a bravo lifted his pistol when you went through Bowie ac- cording to notice.” Flasb 0’ Lightning leaned forward and caught the white steed’s bridle.
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12 ‘‘ We'll go and take a peep at the ranch,” he | said. Half an hour afterward, after a smart gallop, the strange riders entered the mouth of a nar- row canyon whose walls towered for a thousand feet above its bed. Strange as it may seem, the place was almost echoless. A little dim light penetrated the romantic gulch, almost as historic as Grizzly, for the place to which we have brought the reader was Flash o’ Light- ning’s home. To the canyon, after his rescue from a living rave in Fivis Valley, he had been conducted | p Dabbling Dan, the half-witted wanderer, to whom he owed his life. He had made it his head-quarters since; there he recovered from the terrible wounds received in that desperate fight, and from thence had he sent the white horse and his skeleton rider to haunt the Lone Indian Trail. More than one resident of Griz- zly Gulch had believed that the skeleton was | the specter of the terror who had been “ shot to. pieces” and buried in Finis Valley; and more than one good chuckle Flash o’ Lightning had had over this thought. On the night of his dare-devil doings at Per- fection Pete’s trial, the Killer dismounted in the middle of the canyon and entered what ap- peared an open door. It was in reality nothing more than a huge fissure which extended hun- dreds of feet above his head. At the bottom of the wall it was wide enough to admit of the entrance of a horse and his rider, and when Flash o’ Lightning had gone in the two horses | cS ns ga one by one, and disappeared com- pletely. If a person could have crept in behind the last horse, he might have seen a glimmer of light far er, and apparently many feet above his head, This was a torch held by Captain Apollo’s enemy. He and the horses had climbed a rude, rocky stairway, and were now in a large apartment, more than one hundred feet above the bed of the canyon. This was Flash 0’ Lightning’s abode. It had once belonged to Dabbling Dan, whose spirit might be supposed to haunt the skeleton on the gray horse. The walls were bie ene of a irty gray color. On one were chiseled many names—not less than twenty-five. They were the names of the men who had once shared witn Flash o’ Lightning the delights of the paradise of Grizzly Gulch. That was before Captain Apollo and his desperadoes appeared on the foreground—before the days of the red ven- detta, which was the natural sequence of their appearance. That Flash o’ Lightning held in reverence the memories of those men, was bela from the manner in which he saluted the names on the wall. One by one, and some- times by twos and threes, they died before him for right in Grizzly Gulch. He knew them all, and they had left him their avenger. ‘Nine, and perhaps ten, more,” he said, on the night in question, as he looked at the group of names, and taking a piece of chalk from a Captain Apollo, the King-Pin of Bowie. effect that night were within grasping distance —ready ata moment’s warning to take more peugeanee for the dead, or to defend his own e. The torch burned low, flickered and threatened to go out; its shadows danced on the cavern wall; the two steeds were atresta few feet from their master. Presently a dark head ap ared above the stone stairway, then the shoulders and body of a red-skin. He crept aside, with his eyes fixed on the Killer, and another Blackfoot drew his balf-naked and well-greased body into the cave. |The pantomime of satisfaction and devilish triumph indulged in by the red trailers was | amusing. They were the companions of the demons who had fallen before Flash o’ Lightning on the occasion of Dandy Dave’s rescue from the Indian lariat. Kill ten Indians out of a band and leave three, | and the three will trail you. The red avengers bad seen Flash o’ Li — enter the canyon—a pape to which they ha tracked him before only to lose him somewhere between the towering walls. This time they had been more successful. Ten were crouching just beyond the light of the lone torch, and still the Killer slept on. Suddenly a yell shrill enough to waken the dead rung through the cavern, and the skulking fiends sprung forward. But the sleeper rose in the twinkling of an eye, and a moment later the be ey of the Sierras eadly revolvers with were reeling from his death-cries! Not a red hand had touched him. The yell— which the Indians could not oo peso eee baffled them, and sealed the doom of more than one. ‘*Never shout until you have the fox!” cried Flash o’ Lightning, grimly. CHAPTER XIV. THE ’FRISCO ROAD. Captain APOLLO found nobody on the op site side of the street when he reached it; the laughter had disappeared; or a moment he stood in the starlight, chewing the cud of chege and loudly cursing the man who had outwitted him. ‘*Juan Dick lives, and is a full-fled enem of mine!” he said. ‘‘He need not think that was unable to recognize him by his laugh. His jangh was achallenge. Iaccept it, but in spite of him, I am going to reign in Bowie.” He went. back to the cabin where he had left edea. ‘You told the truth when you said that Juan Dick still lives,” he said, ope the door that led to the Girl Queen’s room. ‘‘ I’m on the trail of secret, ome oy goo zi ‘ a e paused abruptly, suddenly realizin at the oar was not before him. He stood speechless on the threshold for a second, and during that brief period his eyes seemed sparks of fire. niche in the wall, he made nine long marks on the stone. Others were already there—marks which told that the dead were not sleeping unavenged. “The last mark shall be the longest,” he said, surveying his work. ‘I can then go back to Frisco and hunt up Lillian. I wonder how the girl looks now? I haven’t seen her for eight years. She’s a young woman now, and _ there’s something coming to her, if the money vultures haven’t defrauded her out of it. I would have fetched her to Grizzly Gulch and made her Queen of Shasta, If those demons hadn’t raided us. Bowie has a queen, but Lil- lian would have reigned over better and braver men than Medea does. Ah! she may yet be queen here, in spite of the past. Grizzly Gulch may yet be the paradise it once was, but the revolver will have to bring about the change.” A soft light was in the Killer's eyes while he spoke about the person called Lillian, a being to whom he was undoubtedly much attached; but when he returned to his enemies—to Captain Apollo and his congenial spirits—the old flash of vengeance and resentment chased the soft light away. he horse which had borne him from Bowie had already lain down. The steed wanted to do the same, but could not until Flash o’ Lightning had taken the skeleton from the saddle. He laid the grotesque horseman down as tenderly asif the bones had been a living child, and then stretched himself in the light of the torch which had been thrust into a ereviee—its rude candlestick. Flash o’ es the terror of Shasta and its wild men, was at home; but the deadly wea- pons which had been used with such terrible ‘‘She’s got ’Frisco on the brain,” he hissed, in | no good humor. ‘‘’Frisco and Juan Dick’s | secret, whatever that is.” With the last word he rushed from the cabin. This time no derisive laugh greeted him, and he saw no one until he reached the greensward in front of the Nugget. “‘Cap’n,” said Ruby Rob, suddenly leaving a group of men, “‘ what’s ther matter with the queen?” | Captain Apollo started. ‘* Has she been here?’ he asked. ‘*Not exactly hyar, but she went by ten minutes ago, paces at ther boys yonder, but t said nothin’, though she looked satisfied. Big Dan saw her. She went toward ther Twin Buttes.” “Toward ’Frisco?’ exclnimed the King of Bowie. ‘I can trust you, Ruby?” ‘* Till ther last hand hez been played, Cap’n.” Captain Apollo grinned his thanks, and he and Ruby Rob went off together. A few minutes later the pair left Bowie well mounted on good horses, and struck the trail indicated by the last true member of the six. Myriads of stars lit up the azure arr over head, and showed Captain Apollo and his com- panion the trail before them. “Ruby,” said the desperado, suddenly, and in a voice that made the listener start, “‘ what happened five years ago?” ‘Where, Cap’n?” ‘*Hyar, or in Finis Valley.” * Oh, you know jis’ ez well ez I do.” ‘* What took place to-night?” ai he chap we planted then killed nine brave v3,” a) Well?” “* An’ got away!” ig Leaving of the old vendetta you, Juan Dick and I.” ‘*What ar’ ye drivin’ at, Cap’n? Show yer hand. By Jericho! I’m all in the dark.” bg ae Apollo remained silent for a moment. ** Juan’s turned against me, He told the girl ave you any idea what it ‘‘Nary an idea, Cap’n,” was the reply. ‘‘I never thou ht thet one ov ther six would turn ag’in’ ye. You would kill Juan?” ‘*T would, and I will!” Ruby Rob glanced at the revolver which the speaker carried in his right hand. ‘‘ Where the girl is there is Juan Dick,” con- tinued Captain Apollo, ‘‘ And they are on the Frisco trail. We follow to find and to kill, Ruby. Are you with your old captain?” ‘« Bet yer boots!” A {glow of pride animated Captain Apollo’s eyes as they regarded the tall dark ruffian riding at his side, but he did not respond. The two kept on for some distance, and reached an abrupt bend in the trail. Bowie was now two miles in their rear and no longer visible; the road was somewhat dusty, and their progress was accompanied hy no sounds, “‘ Hist, Cap’n.” The twain drew bridle, and at the same time their deadly weapons were made ready for work. What had Ruby Rob heard? Several moments passed away without dis- covery af any kind, ‘“What was the sound like?’ ventured Cap- tain Apollo in a whisper. ‘* A voice—like the queen’s.” The next instant the King of Bowie dropped noiselessly to the ground, and crept down the trail. His keen eyes y scrutinized every object that crossed their line of vision. were ready to warn their possessor of any ones that might be lurking near by. Vs at once Captain Apollo stopped and held his breath. ‘* Ruby was right!” he murmured. ‘“ Medea is here.” At that moment there rose before him a re whose well known symmetry, the star- light disclosed. he ’Frisco angel was not more than ten feet Ames and was peperentty waiting for some one, ‘* Pll wait till Juan Dick comes up. Then I will kill two birds with one stone,” How eagerly and with what burning impa- tience ig Apollo kept his eyes fixed on the rize he had lately fetched from the capital of he Golden State! ‘‘On the trail to Frisco sure enough,” he ex- claimed while he watched; ‘‘ but I’m here, my jewel—here to balk this little runaway scheme and to slay the traitor.” Suddenly the girl started at the sound of a footstep, and just as the se of a man came in sight, the flash of a revolver blinded Captain Apollo's eyes, and a human figure reeled toward him with a wild death-cry! ‘‘ Heavens!” gas the King of Bowie as he recoiled with half-raised weapon, and that ree the man so suddenly shot fell at his eet, ‘ Hit home this time!” grated the victim of the shot. ‘‘Somebody has saved mea bit of trigger service,” hissed Captain 7 oy as he stooped with fiendish delight over the speaker. “Ther Cap’n, by Jove!” ‘* Yes, traitor!” Juan Dick’s hand wandered to the knife-hilt that protruded above his belt. ‘*The secret—quick!” and Captain Apollo’s hand clutched the desperado’s throat. ‘‘ Wkat do you know about the girl?” ‘*You’ll find it outif you wait. Hev paitence, a secret to-night. is?” os dap n oath was the retort. ‘‘The secret or your life! I’m in no trifling mood, traitor! You were taking the girl from me—back to ’Frisco for a purpose. Whoisshe?”’ ‘Then you don’t know?” Juan Dick’s eyes seemed to twinkle. ‘‘ What did ye go arter ber fur, Cap'n, ef yo didn’t know the secret?” he continued. “That was my business.” ‘* An’ ther secret ar’ mine!” Captain Apollo thrust his revolver into the | rostrate man’s face. The muzzle touched Juan ick’s forehead. ‘The secret, Dick, or—” A figure landed beside Captain Apolio, and broke his threatful sentence. hissed in “Tmt lie!” ther Pi Without more In ji
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ee r r into the ched Juan \ polio, and They’re gittin’ away with oe ore Cap’n,” said a voice at bis shoulder. ‘‘ Ye don’t want ter lose Meda when Shasta an’ the boy hev ‘er ou the ‘Frisco, trail” Forgetful of Juan Dick’s secret, the chief ruf- fian of Bowie sprung up and whirled upon Ruby Rob. ‘‘ Lose her? no!” he exclaimed, ‘‘The horses —ah! they’re here! Shasta shot Juan—” “Tt war ther boy-pard!” came up from the round in bitter accents. ‘‘Didn’t { wing ‘im the night Flash o’ Lightnin’ dropped Yuba Sam, an’ about ther same time. I saw what war come at fixed fur it at once. Ef ye hed d tumbled Dandy Dave, Cap’n, nfore ye went to ‘Frisco arter Meda, thar’d hev been none oy this bizness hyar.” ‘** But you would have plotted all the same.” ‘““Wouldn’t I! an’ fur such a gold mine ez ther *Frisco angel!” Ruby Rob had leaped toward the horses a few feet from the spot, but Captain Apollo irritated by Juan Dick’s last words was stooping peat. ‘‘No shootin’ byar, Cap’n,” exclaimed Ruby Rob suddenly divining his leader’s intentions. ‘Shasta an’ ther boy hevn’t diskivered us. Be- sides, Juan Dick—” A fourteen-inch bowie glittered for a second in the starlight as it da at Dick’s breast. Ruby Rob had failed to arrest the arm that wielded it. ‘No shooting but death just the same!” said Captain Apollo turning to his companion. ‘‘ He isn’t the first man who has died to-night with a secret locked in his bosom. Now for A quiver was ing over the stalwart figure on the ground for the knife had cleaved the heart of Juan Dick, What a look Ruby Rob gave Captain ape as the latter sda frome “the daxtardly eed! Had the ve pad Bowie forgotten that he had killed a friend of the last member of the band he had led into Grizzly Guleh years before? Ruby Rob threw a look upon the corpse on the ground, and then listened to his master. A minute afterward the twain were at the horses, and Captain Apollo had mounted when Ruby Ro» startled him by springing toward the spot where Juan Dick lay. The Fing of Bowie saw his companion stoo over the 'y and thrust his hand beneat Dick’s dark shirt. valuable,” ““He’s feeling for arse ag flashed across fhe Captain’s brain. ‘‘ Muybe Juan Dick had reduced his secret to writing, for he could write.” As he concluded Ruby Rob rose and came back empty-handed. ‘“What were you looking for?” eagerly queried Captain Apollo. ‘Nothin’. I war only doin’ a little swearin’.” And the speaker turned his face from his leader and gathered up his steed’s reins. The next second the twain moved from the spot and rode briskly forward as if Shasta and andy Dave with their fair companion were to be overtaken by a chase in the saddle. A mile traveled brought them no success. By Jericho! ther dust will tell us suthin’,” mel. said Ruby Rob. ‘“ Hey ye a match?” Captain Apollo replied by producing a lucifer from his pocket, and his ‘comrade glided from the saddle. Presently a glimmer like a fire-fly’s lamp ap- peared above the and the man on horse- back saw the bro_ze of Ruby Rob almost touching the dust. All at once as the light flickered Ruby sprung up. id bounded to his leader’s side: edea!” At that moment the cracking of a twig was distinctly heard, and out of the darkness came the voice of an Indian. nicer pale-face who shot War Robe shall Ruby Rob instantly vaulted into his saddle a How does thet Prospect strike ye!” he hissed into Captain Apollo's ear. ‘T’m ready to prove that red dog’s words a “Not now, not now, ef ye want Medea, without Rg oF Pe gtr ov this more Injuns than ye kin coun it nd thar ov _ : CHAPTER Xy. RUBY STRIKES FOR JUAN DICK. _THE situation of the two roughs of Grizzly Gulch was far from inviting A scowl was on Captain Apollo’s face, fire in his eyes. 13 The Blackfeet had discovered War Robe siiff and cold on the spot where he had fallen before the Captain’s revolver. Did they know by whom he had been killed? ‘‘They’re comin’ this way, Cap'n,” said Rub Rob, leading the way to one side of tbe trail. ‘* Shall we let ’em go by?” “Toward Bowie? Yes. They’ll get enough of blood if they tackle the boys,” was the reply. ‘I’m perfectly willing that they shall go there and demand the man who shot their leader.” Motionless as equestrian statues, Ruby Rob and Captain Apollo sat among the shadows of the trail, and saw fifty black figures move to- ward Grizzly Gulch. “You want Captain Apollo, eh?” ted the King of Bowie. ‘If circumstances did not de- tain me here, you’d get enough of him before morning. ait till I find Medea—then I'll turn my attention to you wolves?” Ruby Rob watched Captain Apollo more than he did the savage prowlers moying by. He could see his leader’s outlines in the dim light for their kaees almost touched, and their steeds’ heads were together. ‘‘Thar’ll be sport in Bowie afore dawn,” re- marked Ruby. ‘I'd like to be thar, but ther boys kin hold their own. I’m ready fur ther other trail, Cap’a. Ef we hev luck we’ll find ther ’Frisco seraph an’ git back in time te help ey i find ther man what tumbled War obe. Following a trailin the night in the Shasta country is not the most nap ty e of occupa- tions, and it isno wonder that and his companion should miss moccasin-tracks on the trail had told them that Gar had advanced too far, and they were com- pelled to retrace their steps, not to the spot where Shasta and Dandy Dave had rescued Medea by wounding Juan Dick, but to a spot where another trail left the main one. ‘“We’ve struck pay dirt this time, pard,” ex- claimed Ruby Rob looking up from the path which he had examined by the light of another lucifer. ‘* Hoss-tracks thet kin be felt, an’ goin’ to- ward ther Twin Buttes.” A cry of exultation broke from Captain Apollo’s lips. **To horse, Ruby! time.” A minute afterward the twain went down the new pass at a good gait, Ruby Rob still watch- ing bis leader who seemed confident of gaining a victory of some kind before long. On, on! It was an all-night ride, for the morning broke in the east, and her long arrows of light showed the two men the tall, verdureless cones of the Twin Buttes rising like giants from the valley where they stood. ey rode into the wildest, yet most beautiful valley of the Shasta district and halted fora moment between the twin cones, which stood several S apart, Ruby Rob stood erect on his saddle and looked down the trail which they had traversed all night long. ‘Nothin’ ahead, Cap’n,” he said, settling back to see a shade of disappointment cross his lead- er’s face. ‘There must be.” ‘*Git up an’ see.” Captain Apollo rose and looked. “ve got the best eyes, Ruby,” be suddenly excaimed, ‘I see something.” Ruby Rob’s eyes blazed, “By Jove! it’s a horseman coming this way,” Captain Apollo continued, “No! no!” And up went Ruby again to see a moving speck far away. Larere and jaruee it grew while he looked, but all at once it disappeared so suddenly that he at first believed that his eyes had deceived him. The disappearance of the unknown irritated Captain Apollo; his uneasiness increased, and made his companion smile. All at once Ruby Rob’s clinched hand shot out from the shoulder and delivered a blow which sent the King of Bowi> reeling from the saddle before he had any intimation of the stroke! ‘“‘ That war for Juan Dick!” grated Ruby, as his leader struck the ground. ‘ Ye'll never find ther Frisco angel, Cap’n. Why didn’t ye let Juan die in peace? Ye hed to finish ’im jes’ ez he war playin’ his last hand—why? Because he got struck on the Queen ov Bowie. Seven years ago ye organizea yer band on this spot, an’ hyar ye passin yer checks, an’ death rakes in ther last pot.” Let us make up for lost Captain Apollo, the King-Pin of Bowie. a et neil ils sss esses nests eae ss nsession i-g Ale contemplated him with eyes burning with fiendish triumph. ; “Every dog hez his dey, se an’ this ar’ yourn!” he muttered. “Juan ick would turn over whar he died if I did not avenge him. I’m ther last ov ther Six—ther only living man ov-all thet swore in this valley to wrest Grizzly Gulch from Flash o’ Lightning an’ his pards.” Ruby Rob now took from his saddle a stron black lariat; and uncoiled it as he reapproach Captain Apollo. ith smaller ropes he tied his leader’s hands together, and then drew a noose over his head, His next movement was back to the horses, and one end of the black lasso was fastened to the girth of his victim’s horse. “Tm goin’ to send ye through the valley at a two-forty gait,” he said, addressing Captain Apollo. '‘* Ye may find Medea in thet condition, but ye’ll never wear ther diamond ye fetched from ’Frisco.” With his bowie Ruby Rob cut a long withe and stepped forward for the paxnose of sending the one steed deeper into the Valley of the Twin Buttes with his doomed master at his heels, Another glance at his victim, a flashing of bis devilish eyes, and up went the stick, ** Hello!” came down from above as Ruby Rob threw all his strength into his righ: arm, “Drop th t stick, Ruby, an’ give ther Cap'n another chance.” Ruby Rob wheeled and looked up. About fifty yards away and some distance above his position a bronze face was touching a leveled rifle, and a dark hand was at the trig- r guard, et exclamation broke from Ruby Rob’s throat. ““T can’t wait all day, Ruby!” ted the man above. ‘Step back an’ hold up yer ands.” The stick dro from the desperado’s grasp, so with the sullenness of a vied whip’ ‘ Then a Reith of the interferer came into view, and the name of “ Shasta” was ken by the baffled rough. At the same time he re- called the horseman who had just mysteriously disappeared, as we have related. Shasta came forward with the rifle pointed at Ruby Rob’s head. ‘“Hevyn’t ye any respect fur prophecy, Rob?” ueried Shasta, witha grin. ‘‘ Don’t ye know thet ther Cap’n ain’t to die with a noose under his chin? Ruby, ye war temptin’ fate in tryin’ to circumvent prophecy.”’ ‘* Prophecy be hanged, Shasta! What do you mean?” “ Cap’n Pollo hez an enemy who hez a right to one more tussle with ’im,” was the reply. ‘* Flash o’ Lightnin’?”’ ‘*Thet’s his handle.” ‘** Whar is he?” “ Heaven knows; but they’li meet. They’re bound ter, Ruby.” Ruby Rob threw a look at his leader who was showin, signs of returning consciousness. ‘We oughtn’t ter be enemies, Ruby,” Shasta ee “Let us be friends ef we can’t be 8. “ ” Did Captain Apollo see the bronze hands «f the two men meet? If not he certainly saw them move forward together, and halt at his side. A look told Shasta that he had been recog: nized, but before os et Apollo could speak, the long- ered outlaw spoke: “Ye'r goin’ with us, Cap’n,” he said. “Ter ther ’Frisco angel,” suggested Ruby Rob, with a grin. “Yes, ter Meda,” confirmed Shasta. ‘“What means this, devils?” demanded the King of Bowie. *‘I am knocked from my horse b uby Rob, and he meets another dog here. Not astep without an explanation. Il] shoot my way down the trail to the oe first.” Quick as a flash Captain Apollo’s hands leaped to his belt, but weapons as deadly as his covered him in the twinkling of an eye. ‘“We'll take a hard in thet little game,” laughed Shasta. “‘Cap’n, jes’ now ye’d better ax no questions. Me an’ Ruby hyar know what we're doin’. Do yer tumble?” Captain Apollo knew the character of the men a faced him, and he did not draw a istol. “Throw down yer weapons!” commanded Shasta. . A minute later the King of Bowie was an- While he spoke, Ruby Rob sprung to the | armed. | — and bent over the stalwart man who a d been knocked senseless by his blow. ‘Now, mount yer hoss.” Pistols menaced him to his steed, and as he
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14 mounted a new horse appeared on the trail in obedience of Shasta’s whistle.” . On either side of Captain Apollo sat a man in whom at one day be had put implicit trust. What were they going to do with him, now that he was their prisoner? * For’ard!” exclaimed Shasta, as he seized the bridle of the captive's steed with his left hand and away the horses sprung. Under his dark mustache the King of Bowie bit his lip, and stole dark glances at his cap- tors. From the corners of their eyes Shasta and Ruby Rob constantly watched the rider of the middle horse. The twin cones were speedily left behind, and the trio were entering a deeper valley when the startling report of a rifle orashed eat the ears of all, and Captain o’s horse to sink under him. rele the bridle and started up. “Thet bullet war intended fur ther Ruby,” he said. ¥ oe mea pe hey; lot sily Hees that man on equal terms!” cr aptain Apollo, pointi toward the person who sat on a handsome steel a short distance ahead. You like a “Pll prove thet a lie, Cap’n!” said Shasta, had just been addressed; and the next mo- ment he thrust a cocked repeating-rifle into Captain Apollo’s bands. CHAPTER XVI. DANDY DAVE'S METTLE. THe derisive laugh which saluted Captain Apollo’s ears after the death of Perfection Pete in the cabin—an event which the reader will zeodily recall—fell. from Juan Dick’s lips. Shortly afterward he sand Medea fled from Bowie to be overtaken, as has been’seen, on the be ii where the traitor received the ball from dy Dave’s revolver, which stretched bim mortally wounded at the King of Bowie's feet. Fortune had not brought the two pards to the lace; but agility and good judgment ‘had. he keen eyes of Shasta had’ seen Juan Dick and the Girl Queen strike the famous ’Frisco trail, and by a short route and fast walking he and the youth had managed to get ahead and intercept them. Medea was surprised to find herself confronted by Dandy Davo after the unexpected shot. “Tam your friend,” the boy said in a low voice as he. p' her arm. “Shastais with me and we are on the ’Frisco trail. Leave us if a3 will and go back among the tigers of Bowie; heir leader and Ruby Rob are not far away. Choose quickly, Frisco or Bowie—liberty or slavery. ; Medea’s mind was made up. ‘“‘T will go with you,” she said, and from that p’n, moment her fortunes were linked to Dandy Dave's. The j ey from the spot to the Valley of the Twim Buttes followed as a matter of course, for the ’Frisco trail wound through the latter. More than once during the ride the boy stole glances at the girl and noted her fair face and eager eyes. Ef we could fall in with Flash o’ Lightnin’ we'd put ’im on somebody’s trail,” suddenly re Shasta. Dandy Dave saw Medea start at mention of the name. “Utah Phil dead, Yuba Sam unease. grows an’ Juan Dick playin’ his last hand, t ar’ lookin’ kinder dark fur ther Six,” contmued Shasta. ‘‘ What ‘ll Bowie do without the ' Cap'n? Why, ther wolves ‘Il fall out ’mong themselves an' War Robe’s red-skins will rake in ther dust.” “ But Captain Apollo still lives, Shasta,” said Se youth. “You overlook this important ‘act. “No, Dandy; but he’s doomed. He ’Il keep on —. Frisco trail until he turns his toes *Then you will kill bim?” said Medea’s voice. “Not much, queen. I wouldn’t harm a hair ov his head,” was the reply; ‘but thar’s a man who will.” “* T'd like to see this dreaded Killer,” the girl said in an anxious voice. _ ‘‘I heard him shoot- ing in Bowie after Perfection Pete’s trail, but I obtained no more than a glimpse of his person. The men say that he left on his horse’s neck.” ‘* A trick ov his’n,” laughed Shasta. ‘‘ One night, five years ago, he gave ’n Apollo thet very game, an’ all Bowie got nk over the event, A week afterward we planted three ov the boys what took part in ther revel—shot by Killer whe had galloped off on his hoss’s neck. Apollo, the King-Pi After thet reg i satisfied until they hed ’im buried in Finis Valley, but he got mad an’ wouldn’t stay dead. gk is boots; ef I heda foe like thet I'd sell off claims an’ jump the kentry. Like to see ’im, eh? Mebbe we will twixt hyar an’ ’Frisco, ’specially ef Cap’n Apollo an’ Ruby foller.” he girl was silent for some time after Shasta finished, and Dandy Dave, who still watched her narrowly, was confident that she was try- ing to find courage to speak, All at once she turned to Shasta. “Would Juan Dick lie?” she said. A wildering look was in the bronze outlaw’s eyes. ‘* Ef yer hed been better acquainted with ’im ye wouldn’t be askin’ thet now,” he said. ‘‘ He would steal hosses, shoot Injuns, an’ cheat with ther pasteboards; but he wouldn’t lie. Thet’s his only assport to ther future. He told ye suthin’, then?” “ Yes.” With the monosyllable which raised the curi- osity of the two friends to a high pitch, Medea relapsed into silence, and a satisfied expression overspread her countenance, ~ Shasta and Dandy Dave exchanged puzzled glances, but as the girl still kept silent neither ventured to disturb her, The ride down the ’Frisco trail was kept up until the boy noticed Medea tottering in her saddle, Overtaxed nature was asserting her sway. Instantly the friends reined in their steeds, and the gallop fell back into a walk. “Ther ‘Frisco trail is safe ahead,” said Shasta, addressing the youth. “The danger rides behind us. on an’ let the queen sleep.”’ The speaker halted. wi keep awake,” said the girl, smiling, but Shasta was immovable. A minute later her sole companion was Dand Dave. She tried to keep awake, but her words grew incoherent, and at last failed her alto- gether. The boy leaned over and steadied her in the saddle. with his left hand, his right clutched a revolver, and thus the two waifs of the Shasta copie y pasted over the trail that ot rage in San Francisco many miles to the sow Fairer than ever seemed Medea’s face, as she slept. _Her beautiful ringlets, unconfined, fell over her shoulders, and looked glossy in the starlight. More than once Dandy Dave leaned toward her with the hope that she had awak- ened, for he was eager to question her about something that seemed to devour him. All at once a sound ahead startled the boy, and the horses were stopped. Medea slept on. Merc Saag | the ae hand, Dandy Dave slipped from his dle and proceeded forward. He was certain that his ears had not deceived him. What if a band of Blackfeet obstructed further advance? Fire lit up the depths of the youth’s eyes when he glanced back at Medea and thought of this. beh g yo from the girl the boy crouched and held his breath, . A short distance ahead a darker than the sides of the rocks that rose on the left of the trail eted his -vision, and as he looked, another and another. He did not know that he had in encoun- tered the Indians from whose lariat the pistols of Flash o’ Lightning bad rescued bim a few hours before—the remnant of the red band which hai surprised the Killer at home, and met with a reception that cost them a number of lives. The first figure observed by Dandy Dave was not alone, nor did it remain stationary to per- suade him. that his eyes were deceiving him. *“*T had better go back and protect Medea,” through his mind, ‘If the Indians get tween us there will be hot work.” He gave the figure outlined against the roek a farewell glance, and turned back. At that moment a quick scream rent the air. A bound carried the boy to the spot where he had left his companion, and as he halted be- tween the horses, an exclamation of rage and disappointment burst from his throat. The girl was gone ! Not a red-skin appeared in sight, not a sound saluted Dandy Dave's ears, and when he step- ped back after this terrible discovery with a cocked revolver in each hand, he was astonished because no arrows pierced his body. Z Silently and surely some prowling Indian eagle had swooped upon Medea and earried her off, and that while he was not twenty yards away. Resolved to do something, Dandy Dave went back to the spot from which he had seen the figures on the rock. Nothing there! _— He retraced his steps to the horses, which, having smelled Indians, were now restless. The trail was dusty and he knelt down. Gently moving his hand over the surface, which he had not disturbed, his delicate touch detected o number of depressions—moccasin-tracks! “The trail!” he exclaimed, joyfully, and, starting up, he sprung away to burst into a new unknown road which he had not perceived be- ore. ‘Sh! boy comin’!” Dandy Dave’s quick ears caught these words despite the low tones in which they were spoken. **- Yes, and death is with the boy!” he grated. He was walking into an Indian ambush, but et no arrows finished his career. It could not that the captors of Medea were unarmed. All at once six figurees rose in his path—six Indians, who seemed about to rush upon bim. Dandy Dave stepped back and threw up his revolvers. “White boy no shoot, an’ live,” said a voice. ‘* Blackfeet“huntin’ man that killed War Robe; they goin’ to kill all his friends.” _ “Then give Medea back!” said the boy. ‘‘ Captain Apollo slew your chief, and the girl is not his friend.” “Girl come all way from ’Frisco with him, an’ no try to — away. Then she be the great white shooter’s squaw,” ‘* A lie brought her to Bowie—a lie you can’t understand!” answered the boy. ‘“‘I swear to you that she is not Captain Apollo’s wife—that she was flying from him to-night. He is com ing hither. Give me my friend and take my back trail until you meet him.” ‘¢ White boy can’t make War Robe’s braves believe that girl not big Cap’n’s squaw when she foller him from 'F: without bo? kt to git away. Go back an’ let Blackfeet keep young squaw.” ‘* Never!” cried Dandy Dave. “I am going to put an end to this conference, I will reach Medea’s side if it be but to die there. For the last time I say: ‘Give ber up.’” “*Go back, little shooter; . The voice of the outstretc revolvers was the interruption. The Indians were so near that the fire leaping from the barrels seemed to burn their faces. They reeled from the deadly pistols of Dandy Dave who advanced while he fired, each shot telling on a human carcass. ‘‘Give her up or reap a harvest of deat fell from his lips. ‘‘I am Dandy Dave, and | have shot before!” In a minute, so rapid was his firing and so deadly the execution, he saw no enemy save those lying around him. “ia ¥ The echoes of his last shots came back from every side, but still not an arrow, not a lasso. Why was this? He went further down the trail, nonplused, mystified. ‘T am beaten,” he at last exclaimed, ‘‘ Medea has been ea? Medea?” ” fae A faint like a ast came to his ears, and threw ta tcrieara. Suddenly he ran against an object which swung from bim as he struck it. The next moment a'wild cry pealed from his throat. The body of a young girl was ed in mid-air, the lasso or hangman’s cord being fas- tened toa rocky arm that ps over the narrow trail at a distance of twenty feet above his head! The empty revolvers fell from the yh hands, and armed with a knife he sprung at the rope. Unnatural strength sent the keen blade through the tough lariat, and the form of the Girl Queen of Bowie roger into his arms! His fingers quickly loosened the chokin noose; and he held his breath while he ga into her face for a sign of life. “Tf they have killed her, may I never see Frisco until every red fiend has paid for this hanging with bis life! Shasta will help me, but he shall not touch one of the fiends.” Dandy Dave uttered these words with an emphasis which vengeance alone can give, but the next instant he started and smiled. The first sign of life—a gasp—had parted Queen Medea’s lips. CHAPTER XVI. THE LAST OF THE VENDETTA. Nor less surprised than Captain Apollo were Shasta and Ruby Rob at sight of the man whose ullet had first brought the middle horse to the round. The twain were falsely accused by a
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Ce = ' a = Captain Apollo, the King- look from the King of Bowie; but Shasta bad | replied by thrusting a rifle into his hands, ‘** Thar now, Ca ms Sere naariy OB equal terms with Flash 0’ tning’,” said the long-fingered rough. ‘‘Settle the old grudge between yer- selves; ther time hez come,” If the shot bad been intended for him it had failed of its errand, for the horse lay on the und dead—shot through the brain. Flash o’ Eightning still sat his steed with his repeating rifle at his shoulder. ‘* He’s got me!” grated Captain Apollo, glanc- ing at his companions, ‘ Don’t you see tam at the devil’s mercy? He daren’t fight fair, back to. back, or blindfolded, wrist to wrist.” ‘*Tam willing to fight you any way,” came back from the. Killer. ‘Name your method.” Flash o’ Lightning’s face was lifted from the rifle-stock as he spoke, but Captain Apollo's dropped immediately—so quickly that neither Shasta nor Ruby Rob could interfere. The next instant a loud report awoke the echoes of the trail, and Flash o’ Lightning’s steed staggered aside as his rider sprung nim- bly to the ground. ‘ We're on an equal footing at last!” he ex- claimed darting a mad look at his enemy who WAS. dennis clagrines at the result of his shot. ‘* Back to back or wrist to wrist! Namé your method. Let this be the Finis Valley for one or both of us.” A tigerish cry burst from Captain Apollo's throat. “Fight ‘im fair, Cap'n,” said Shasta. ‘I pro- pose to kill the man who cheats in this game ov earts.” ‘‘ Give me a rapper then.” With one of Shasta’s revolvers clutched firm- ly in his right hand Captain Apollo stepped forward. F o’ Lightning, the last man of the red vendetta, was already advancing to meet him. ** Back to back if you dare!” flashed the King of Bowie. ** Agreed!” How the eyes of the two men blazed when they halted before one another, a deadly Cali- fornia revolver in the right hand of each! Shasta and Ruby Rob had dismounted: and were a few feet wd: & Without a word the two foes placed them- selves back to back. Af a given signal they were to wheel and shoot into anh other’s breast, For a moment the silence was almost palpa- pes then the voice of Shasta rung out loud and clear. ** One—two—threo!” At the third numeral the men turned to- gether and stepped back to give free play to their arms. The revolvers almost touched as they shot forward, certain it is that sleeve touched sleeve, An instant later the reports came, and one man stood alone where two had just steod face to Ruby Rob uttered an exclamation of triumph as Captain Apollo reeled from the Killer. The revolver mee gee from ‘his hand, and he sunk down with the death-gurgie in his throat. ; “‘Now!” flashed through Ruby Rob’s brain. ‘Itis my time. I am the last of the Six. He will not spare me,” Since the commencement of the duel, his hand had touched the silvered butt of his revolver. He now drew the weapon with his eye fixed on Flash o’ Lightning. ‘*It ar’ my drop this time,” broke from his eager lips. ‘ Liar!” With the epithet, an arm shot upward, a shot followed, and the man that staggered past Shasta had a buillet in his head. : The eye of the slayer bad been quicker than the des o’s trigger. Calmly, but with victory in bis look, Flash o’ Lighoning returned his revolver to his belt. He did not fear anything at.Shasta’s hand, for he came forward, not with unshaken tread, but staggering. “I got it from Captain Apollo this time,” he said, smiling grimly, as he addressed Shasta. ‘* Got it somewhere in my life-box, This place will be the burial-ground of the last of the ven: sett stia’a’ be ef I k “Tt sha’n’t e in help it!” exclaimed Shasta springing te Flash o’ Lightnin 1g side. The Killer leaned against one of the horses while Shasta inspected his wound. ‘eine are the prospects, doctor?” the former ‘‘Middlin’ to average,” was’ the answer. ** We'd better go to Dandy and ther gal.” ““T am ready.” of Bowie. 15 As he ‘spoke, Flash 6’ Lightning glanced at | dled with curiosity and” sagerness as he wont on. : ] the stiffening bodies a few feet awa “Avenged names in the cave I can write ‘ Avenged,’ and © back to Frisco with my work accomplished. uby Rob had to be the gs Seen ot long afterward a youth who bent over the fair form of a young girl in a mountain : was startled by the sound of approaching oofs. Instantly catching 7 a revolver, he sprung up and started forward. ‘‘Halt!” rung out as he stepped in front of the riders. “Ther boy—Dandy Dave,” said a voice. “Shasta, thank Heaven!” was the reply. What made Flash o’ Lightning start when he looked into the pallid and beautiful face of Me- dea, whom Dandy Dave had lately rescued from the noose of a lot of red hangmen? “ By Jericho! I thought so!” exclaimed Shas- ta, * They ar’ alike ez two peas from ther same pod, For awhile the Girl Queen of Bowie and the Killer stared mutely into each other's faee. ** Tt is Lillian—I am certain of it!” said Flash o’ Lightning. “No,” said the girl; “I am Medea—Medea Comstock. Juan Dick must have lied.” “Show me your right arm—but why need I look? You have your mother’s features.” Medea opened her sleeve, and. exposed to Flash o’ Lightning’s gaze an arm whose sym- metry was faultless, and white as Parian marble. ‘ ‘** That proves it!” cried the Killer, pointing to a strange scar on the flesh. ‘‘Some person has tried to remove the tattoo-mark, but they did not succeed.” ‘*T recollect now! Years ago my guardian tried to remove a mark on my arm, use, he said, it was a disfigurement. But I cannot be your sister. “Tam willing toswear by the stars that you are Lillian St. Omer!” was the positive re- joinder. ‘I left you long agoin 'Frisco, Love of gold and adventure carried me to this country. We discovered ~eom Gulch and its rich veins of gold, and just as I was» going to send for you—a little child),.then—Captain Apollo and his demons came, and.the , vendetta ry an, How he discovered you, heaven knows, illian.’ ae left gree with i ee much com- pulsion, guardian said that men amet me because I stood between them and wealth and position.” ‘* Ah! the old St. Omer ‘estate, that is it!” cried Flash’o’ Lightning. ‘* You stood between bet guardian and it, Lillian. We will aston- h somebody one of these days.” “But you are wounded.” “It is merely a scratch since'I have found you,” was the answer. “‘Shasta, if Captain A Lo’s ball was in my heart, it should not ‘* Thet’s ther kind o’ es thet. brings. a feller through,” said Dandy Dave's protector. “Td like to go to Bowie to finish with the rest of the fiends,” continued Flash o’ Light- — ‘* Ther Injuns will do thet.” ** What Injuns?” ‘Ther ones I heard to-night huntin’ for ther man what wiped War Robe out. Never mind, ata ther two gangs hev settled matters afore his.” Flash o' Lightning made no reply:' He was gazing into Medea’s face once more. ** Don’t you see that ae Apollo’s bullet could not kill me?’ smiled the slayer as he addressed the youn girl who rode_ beside him through one of the lovely valleys trav- ersed by the famous ’Frisco trail. ‘*‘ We are going back to the old city, Lillian, and when I return to work the mines of Grizzly and build a respectable city where Bowie stands, I will not be alone.” “*T will come with you,” she said, love the Shasta country were if not for the wild men who inhabit it.” “Thave been one of them, I acknowledge the compliment, sister, and,” with a broader smile, “‘ you have been Queen of Bowie.” ‘Queen for a season, and crownless now,” and the girl’s merry laugh rung far away. Six months later a large party of shardy Cal- ifornians entered Grizzly Gulch. | The ~hand- some man who appeared the leader of the. band inted out various objects of interest to those by whom he was surrounded, and his eye kin “T would | at last!” he said. a, Across the | Suddenly he reined in his horse and uttered an exclamation which reached the ears of many bebind him. t to die in spite of | “Why, there is no Bowie! Yonder is where it and his outstretched hand described a desolate spot a few rods ahead. * Jes’ ez br Se: Cap'n,” said @ voice at his elbow. ‘‘ War Robe’s red-skins didn’t find pet man what wiped ’im out, but they found s bg **Tt looks that way, Shasta." The scene on the site of Bowie City bafiles description. Not a citizen of the once thriving lace greeted the new invaders of Grizzly ulch. Blackened ruins of log shanties, and bleached bones lay everywhere; the Blackfeet had taken a vengeance from which no white man had escaped to tell the tale, Where the N tof famous memory bad stood, rose a pole whose wooden arms were strung with dry , and on tke site of ans cabin lay, the atte twenty men, ‘o-day a thriving mining-camp, wn as pcan City stands. where Bowie stood— where her dare-devil inhabitants fought and died. The Skeleton Rider of the Lone Indian Trail has passed away, but Shasta, the ghost seer, still remains, runs the Cherub’s. Rest—the first hotel of the new town, Across a lot of names in acertain cave far above the bed of a canyon is. carved the word ‘* Avenged,” and he whose hands forced it into the rock is known as Captain St. Omer—not as Flash 0’ Lightning any more. Captain o, never knew the. secret which Perfection Pete and Juan Dick's shrewdness had discovered; this was nothing less than the strik- ing resemblance between the Killer and ‘the Queen of Bowie. The cunning villains had cor- rectly guessed the truth, but Juan Dick failed, Captain Apollo failed, and the law of mountaip vengeance was satisfied, : : The white horse ridden by» the skeleton of Dabbling Dan has been presented ‘to the Medea of our romance. On'the day he through Bowie he joined Flash 0’ Lightn beyond the ba haying been guided his master by a signa The days of the Vendetta were numbered at last. : ‘ Prosperity is to have be cry as Bowie once bad, but this time men & her beauty, for she will be the wife of Dandy Dave—now known as David Boldly. The whole camp is to turn out. to the wedding, and mine host of Cherub’s Rest is to regale thirsty with the “‘ best throat ile thet ever came over the ’Frisco trail, by Jericho!” Where her bravery once saved Dandy Dave from the + of a mob of human demons, pay Lillian St. Omer be the happiest bride in - fornia! ties T, C. HARBAUGH _ Is ‘author of the following Beadle’s Half-Dime Libraries; a on 23 Nick o' the Night; or, The Boy Spy of '76. 37 The Hidden Lodge: or, The Little Hunter of tha Adirondacks, pa 47 Nightingale Nat; or, The Forest Captaina.. 64 Dandy Jack, the Outlaw of Oregon the Trail, 82 Kit Harefoot, the Wood-Hawk, 94 Midnight Jack, the Road-Agent. 106 Old Frosty, the Guide. 123 Kiowa Charlie, the White Mustanger. 139 Judge Lynch, Jr.; or, The Boy Vigilante. 155 Gold Trigger, the Sport; or, The Girl Avenger. 169 Tornado Tom; or, Injun Jack from Red Oove. 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. 198 Arkansaw, the Man with the Knife. 207 Navajo Nitk, the Boy Gold Hunter. 235 Captain Bullet, the Raider King: 231 Plucky Phil of the Mountam Trai. | 247 Bill Brave and His Bear Pardé. Beadle’s HalfDime Library is for gale by all Newsdealers, five cents per copy or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE & ADAMS, ' Publishers, 98 Wiliam street, N.Y
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By Edward L. Wheeler. ellowstone Jack. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr, Kansas King. By Buffalo Bill. The Wild-Horse unters. By Captain Mayne Reid and Captain irederick Whittaker. Vagabond Joe, THE YounG WANDERING JEW. By Oll Coomes. Dowdle Number, 10cts. Bill Biddon, Trapper. by E. S. Ellis. The Flying Yankee. By Col. P. Ingraham, Seth Jones. By EdwardS Ellis. Adventures of Baron Munchausen, Nat Todd. By E. §. Ellis. The Two Detectives. By A.W. Aiken, Gulliver’s Travel«, By Dean'Swift. The Dumb Spy. By Oil Coomes, Aladdin; or, THe Wonperrri Lamp. The Sea-Cat. By Captain Fred. Whittaker. Robinson Crusoe. (27 Illustrations.) Ralph Boy, tHe Boy Buccaneer, or, THE FuGciitve Yacutr. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven Voyages. The Phantom Spy. By Buffalo Bill. The Double Daggers. By E. L. Wheeler. Whe Frontier Angel. By Edward 8. Ellis, The Sea Serpent, “byt Lewis. et ee et ne eet te heed FD tke Wm OO MAIS Nick o° thé Night, T. C, Harbaugh Diamond Dirk. By Colonel P. Ingraham. The Boy Captatn. By Roger Starbuck. 26 Cloven Hoof, THe BurraLto Demon, or, THE Borprer Vourures. By Edward L. Wheeler. 27 Antelope Abe, Tur Boy Gumz. Oll Coomes 28 or, Drapwoop Dick mx Disevuiss. FE. L. Wheeler, 20 The Dumb Page. Capt. F. Whittaker.t 30 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, Tut Recx- Less RANGER. By Harry St. George. 31 Keen-Knife, Praovcz or THE Prairies By Oli Coomes, 32 Bob Woolf, THE Borner Rurrian; or, THE Girt Deap-Snor. By Edward L. Wheeler. 33 The Ocean Bloodhound. 8. W Pierce. Benwrwn~— AeA OOD Deadwood Dick, THe PRINCE oF THE Roap | Buffalo Ben, THe Prince or THe Prsrou; | j 34 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Wuuirr.es’' Boy Spy Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 35 Wild Ivan. By Edward L. Wheeler. 36 The Boy Clown. By Frank 8. 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 Roving Ben. By J. J. Marshall. 41 Lasso Jack. By Oll Coomes. 42 The Phantom Miner. By E. L. Wheeler 43 Dick Rarling, THE Pony RESS RID:R By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 44 Rattling Rube. By Harry St. George. 45 Old Avalanche, By Edward L. Wheeler. 46 Glass Eye, THE Great SHoT or THe WEsrT. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams. 47 Nightingale Nat. By T.C. Harba 48 Black John, THE Roap-AGent. By 49 Omaha Oll, By Edward L. Wheeler. 50 Burt Bunker, Tae Trapper. C. E. Lasalle. 51 The Boy Rifles. By Archie C. Irons, } 52 The White Buffalo. By C. E. Lasalle. | 53 Jim Bladsoe, Jr. Edward L. Wheeler. 54 Ned Hazel. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 55 Deadly - Eye,grHe Unknown Scour; or, THE BRANDED BRoTHERHOOD. By Buffalo Bill. 56 Nick Whifiles’ Pet, Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 567 Deadwood Dick’s E es. By Wheeler. | 58 The Border Bing Oll Coomes. | | h. dger. | 59 Old Hickory. By St. George. 60 The White Indian. Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 61 Buckhorn Bill. By 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, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr 66 Single Hand, B «J. Hamilton. 67 Patent-leather Joe. By Philip S. Warne 68 Border Robin Hood. By Buffalo Bil. 69 Gold Rifle. Edward L. ler. 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. By Wheeler. | 74 Hawk-eye Marry. By Oll Coomes. 75 The Boy Duelist. By Col. P. Ingraham. 76 Abe Colt, raz Crow-Kuer. By A W. Aiken. | 77 Corduro Charlie, THE Boy Bravo; or, DEADWOOD 78 Blue Dick. By Captain Ma Reid. 79 Sol ene gt GIANT ER. By A.W. Aiken. 80 Rosebu ob. By Edward L. Wheeler. 81 Lightning Jo. 2 Kit HMaretoot, 3 Rollo, the Boy Ranger, an 4 Idyl, the Girl Miner. By E. 5 Buck Buckram., By Capt. J. F. C. Adams By G. Waldo Browne. 87 The : By pert, Mayne Reid. 88 Taian aie Phil. = . Wheeler. 89 Island Jim. By Bracebridge Hemyng. 90 The Dread Rider. By G. Waldo Browne. 91 e Captain ofthe Clubs; or, Taz Youna 4L ATHLETES. By Bracebridge Hemyng. 92 Canada Chet. By Edward L. Wheeler. 93 The Boy Miners. By Edward 5S. Ellis. 94 Midnight Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh. 95 The Rival Rovers. Lieut. Col. Hazeltine. 96 Watch-Eye, THe SHapow. By E. L. Wheeler. 97 The Outlaw Brothers. By J. J. Marshall. By Captain J. F. C. Adams. 8 By T. C. Harbaugh. : Oll Coomes. | 8 L. Wheeler. | | 173 | 174 | 176 The Boy Runaway, 98 Robin Hood, THe OvTLawen Eri; or, THe Merry Men or Greenwoop. Prof. Gildersleeve. 99 The Tiger of ‘Taos, By G. Waldo Browne. 190 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A STRANGE STROKE For LiseRTy. By Wheeler. 101 Jack Harkaway in New York. By Bracebridge Hemyng 102 Dick Bend-Eye. By Co' Ingraham. -DIME | LIBRARY. 03 The Lion of the Sea. By Col. Delle Sara. 04 Deadwoed Dick’s Device. By Wheeler. 05 Old BRube, THE Hunter. Capt. H. Holmes 06 Old Frosty, THE Guipg. By T. C. Harbaugh 07 One-Eyed Sim, By James L. Bowen. 08 Daring Davy. By Harry St. George, 09 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. 10 The Black Steed of the Prairies, A Saene st of Texan Adventure. By Bowen, 11 The Sea-Devil. By Col. P. Ingraham. 12 The Mad Hunter. By Burton Saxe. 13 Jack Hoyle, tHe Youne Specuraror; or, Tue Roap to Fortune. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 14 The Biack Schooner. Roger Starbuck. 15 The Mad Miner. By G. Waldo Browne, 16 The Hussar Captain, Col. P. In am, 17 Gilt-Edged Dick. By E. L. Wheeler. 18 Will Somers, THe Boy Detective. Morris. 19 Mustang Sam. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 20 The Branded Hand. By Frank Dumont. 21 Cinnamon Chip. By Fdward L. Wheeler. 22 Phil Hardy, tux Boss Boy. By C. Morris. 23 Kiowa Charley. By T. C. Harbaugh. 24 ‘Tippy, THE Texan. By George Gleason. 25 Bonanza Bill, Miner. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 26 Picayune Pete, By Charles Morris, 27 Wild-Fire, Boss or THe Roap. By Dumont. 28 The Young Privateer, By H. Uavendish. 29 Deadwood Dick’s Double. By Wheeler. 30 Detective Dick. By Charles Morris. 31 The Golden Hand, By Geo. W. Browne. 32 The Hunted Hunter. By Ed. 8. Ellis. 33 Boss Bob, THe Kine or THE Boors.acgs: or, THE PAWNBROKER’s Prot. Ed L. Wheeler, 34 Sure Shot Seth. By Oll Coomes. 35 Captain Paul, THe Kentucky Moonshiner; or, THe Boy Sry oF THE Mountarms. By Clark. 36 Night-Hawk Kit. By Jos. E. ger, Jr. 37 The Helpless Hand. Capt. Mayne Reid, 38 Blonde ili; or, Deapwoop Dick’s Home Base. By Edward L. Wheeler. 39 Judge Lynch, Jr. By T. C. Harbaugh. 40 Blue Blazes. Frank Dumont, $1 Solid 9 THE Boy Roap-AGeEnt; or, THE Branpep Brows. By Edward L Wheeler. 42 Handsome Horry By Charles Morris. 43 Scar-Face Saul, 4 Olt Coomes 44 Dainty Lance, rue Boy Sporr. By Badger. 45 Captain Ferret, By Edward L. Wheeler. 146 Silver Star, THe Boy Kniaut. By Coomes. 147 Will Wildfire, tHe THoxovesprRep; o7, THe Wriynine Hanp. By Charles Morris 148 Sharp Sam, By J. Alexander Patten. 149 A Game of Gold. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 150 Lance and Lasso. By Capt. F. Whittaker. 151 Panther Paul, Taz Pramm Pirate; or, Darnty Lance To THe Rescur. J. E. Badger. 152 Black Bess, Wi. Wroprme’s Racer, or, WIsniIne AGarnst Opps_ By Charles Morris. 153 Eagle Kit, rae Boy Demon. By Oll Coomes, 154 The Swerd Hunters. By F. Whittaker. 155 Gold Trigger, tHe Sporr. T.C. Harbaugh. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood} or, Tne PickeD Parry, By Edward L. Wheeler. 157 Miike Merry, THe Harsor Porice Boy; or, Tse Nicut-Hawks oF PHILADELPHIA. Morris. 158 Fancy Fran. of Colorado. Buffalo Bill 159 The Lost Captain. By Whittaker. 160 The Black Giant. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 161 New York Nell. By E. L. Wheeler. 162 Will Wildfire in the Woods. Morris. 163 Little Texas. By Oll Coomes, 164 Dandy Rock’s Pledge, By G.W. Browne. 165 Billy Baggage. By Charles Morris. 166 Hickory Harry. By Harry St. George. 167 Asa Scott, Tue Steamsoat Boy. By Willett, 168 Deadly Dash. By Jos. #. Badger, Jr. 169 Tornado Tom. By T. C. Harbaugh, 170 A Trump Card, By Charles Morris. 171 Ebony Dan. By Frank Dumont. 172 Thunderbolt Tom. By Harry St. George. Dandy Rock’s Rival. By G.W. Browne. Bob Rockett, THe Boy Dopaer. By Morris. Captain Arizona, By Philip 8.Warne. By Lieut. Perry. 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada. E L. Wheeler. 178 Old Solitary. By Oli Coomes. 175 | 179 Bob Rockett, raz Bayz Runner. Morns | 180 The Sea Trailer. | 181 Wild Frank, rae Bucxssin Bravo; or, By Lieut H. D. Perry. Lavy Liny’s Love. By Edward L. Wheeler. 182 Little Hurricane. By Oli Coomes. 183 The Hidden Hand, By Chas. Morris 184 The Boy Trailers. By Badger, Jr. 185 Evil Eye, Kina or Carriz Tuieves; or, THE VULTURES OF THE Rio GRANDE. By F. Dumont. 186 Cool Desmond, By Col. Delle Sara. 187 Fred Malyard. By Charles Morris. 188 Ned Temple, THe Borper Boy, Harbaugh. 189 Bob Rockett, raz Cracksman. By Morris. 190 Dandy Darke. By Wm. R. Eyster. 191 Buffalo Billy. By Capt. Taylor, U. 8. A, 192 Captain Kit. By Lieut. H. D. Perry,U.8.N. BEADLE’S | HALF } 193 Captain Mask, 194 Buffalo Bill’s Bet. By Philip 8. Warne, By Captain Taylor, | 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream, By Wheeler, 196 Shadowed. By Charles Morris. 197 Little Grit, rox Witp Riser, By Ingraham. 198 Arkansaw, THE Man wirn tee KNIFE By T. C. Harbaugh, 199 Featherweight. By Edward Willett. 200 The Boy Bedouins. By Whittaker, 201 The Black Hills Jezebel. By Wheeler 202 Prospect Pete. By Oll Coomes. 203 The Boy Pards. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 204 Gold Plume, tux Boy Baxprr. Ingraham. 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom. By Wheeler 206 Dark Paul, Tue Ticrr Krya. By ©. Morris. 207 Navajo Nick. ByT. ©. Harbaugh. 208 The Boy Hercules, By Oll Coomes. 209 Fritz, THe Bounn-Boy Dergocrryz. Wheeler. 210 Faro Frank of High Pine, By Eyster. 211 Crooked Cale, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 212 Dashing Dave, THE Danpy Derecrive By Charles Morris, 213 Fritz to the Front. By E. L. Wheeler, 214 Wolfgan Tae Rosser OF THE RaeIWwE By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 215 gapqein Bullet, tae Ramer Kine. By T. C. Harbaugh. 216 Bison Bill, tae Prince or rae REINs. By Col Prentiss Ingraham. 217 Captain Crack-Shot. By E.L Wheeler. 218 Tiger Tom, THe Trxan Terror. By Ol} Coomes. 219 Despard, the Duelist, By P.S Warne. 220 Tom Tanner, SCALAWAG AND SCAPEGRACE By Charles Morris Sugar Coated Sam, By E.L Wheeler. Grit, the Bravo Sport. By Ingraham. Ozark Alf, Kine oF THe Movuntam. By Edward Willett. Dashing Dick; or, TRapprr Tom’s CasTie, By Oll Coomes, Sam Charcoal, By Charles Morris. Snoozer, Tue Boy Swarr. By E. L. Wheeler. Dusky Darrell, Trapper. By E. Emerson Little Wildfire. By Oll Coomes. Crimson Kate, THE Gm Tramer. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. The Yankee Rajah. By C. D. Clark, Plucky Phil, or raz Mounrarm Tra, By T. C. Harbaugh. Gold-Dust Dick. By E. L. Wheeler. Joe Buck, of Angels, anp_ Hts Boy Parp Pau. PowpERHORN. By Albert W. Aiken. Old BRocky’s *‘ Boyees3” or, Benrro, THE YouNG Horse-BrREAKER. By Buckskin Sam Shadow Sam, THE Messencer Boy; or, TURNING THE TABLES. By Charles Morris, Apollo Bill, tHe Tram Tornapo. By Ed ward L. Wheeler, 221 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain ; or, Tue Mysterious Rancuero. By P. Ingraham. The Parson Detective. By Oll Coomes. The Gold-seeker Guide; or, Tx Losr Mounrarm. By Captain Mayne Reid. Cyclone Kit. By Edward L. Wheeler. Bill Bravo and His Bear Pards. By T. C. Harbaugh. The Two * Bloods®. By Charles Morris. The Disguised Guide. By Oll Coomes. Sierra Sam, THE FRONTIER Ferret. By Edward L. Wheeler. 245 Merle, the Middy.. By Col. P. Ingraham 246 Giant George. By Buckskin Sam. 247 Old Grizzly and His Pets. By Captain “ Bruin” Adams Sierra Sams Secret. By E. L. Wheeler Milo Romer. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. Midshipman Mutineer., By Ingraham Light-house Lige. By J. F. C. Adams Dick Dashaway; or, A Daxora Boy w Cutoaao. By Chas. Morris, 253 Sierra Sam’s Pard, By F. L. Wheeler. 254 The Malf Blood; or, Tae PanrHer or THe Puatns. By Edward §, Ellis. 255 Captain Apollo, Tx : Kixe-Prm or ware: 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 248 249 250 251 252 or, Fuasa 0° Licntnini’s Frvup. By T. Harbaugh. 256 Young Kentuck; or, Tae Rep Lasso Ready June 20th, or, THE UNpER- J. F.C. Adams. Ready June 27th, A new issue every week The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all recap of 8 five cents per copy. or sent by mail on By Captain Mark Wilton 257 The Lost Hunters; GROUND Camp. By Captain rece of six cents each. ADL « AVAMS, Pubfishers, 98 William Street, New York.