Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 267) (1882 09 05)
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aN pre planta falallaa *s Stee Mma eo Yi, gaa ph YZ | , WS \"s N QW NN A ra N \ t y ay RX N N \ by rr N : s sae .\\ i Ws Ny ON \ Ny ' & y . = i \ x hig t £ we CV WR Wa Nae H = s ; SFE; ‘ - — a N A - ae A, OVW Go i | i _ | iia \ a Guam scant veld (8 Me fio Gut APS JL ‘ied al i | a | | ' a | $2.00 a year. Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mall Rates. Copyrighted in 1882 by BEADLE AND ADAMS, September 5, 18k, 8: le PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMB, Price, f Vol. XI. Number. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. No. 267. THE BUCKSKIN DETECTIVE; ,..0%, CLAUDE CRECE. BS” To On BS Ae Saw SS SS AUTHOR OF ‘NICK O’ THE NIGHT,” '‘ HIDDEN LODGE,” “NIGHTINGALE NAT,” ‘OLD FROSTY,” ‘DANDY JACK,” ‘KIT HAREFOOT,” 2BTO, “200K HYAR, DAINTY DOT,” SAID ’RAPPAHORB, “CHAR'A A THOUSAND OUNOR* OV DUBT ON BUCKSKIN’s HRAR”
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CLAUDE CRECY, KING OF AMERICAN ROAD-AGENTS. _A Story of Wild Men and W Ider Deeds. BY T. C. HARBAUGH, AUTHOR OF ‘ BILL BRAVO,” ‘‘CAPTAIN APOL- 10,” “ ARKANSAW,” ‘‘GOLD TRIGGER,” *‘OAPTASN BULLET,” ‘‘OLD FROS- TY,” ETC., ETC. CHAPTER I. ‘STHROW OUT THE MAIL-BAGS.” JY prHouaut I’d climb up bere an’ get a sniff ov wholesome air. No objections, I reckon?” These words were addressed to the driver of the overland stage ‘‘ Katy May,” which, thirty miles out of Denver, was lumbering along over the roughest portion of the famous trail between that city and Salt Lake. The speaker was a long-haired and handsome individual of twenty-eight or thirty, with a magnificent physiqu>, and the keenest and deep- est black eyes in the wild West. A broad- brimmed hat, not unlike a sombrero, gave him a Mexicanish appearance, and besides this, his face was almost dark enough to have pro- claimed him the wayward son of some hiialgo, Hoe was climbing to the driver's seat while he spoke, and before the man at the lines could reply be bad appropriated a seat at his side. t wanted an bour till-day. The sky was still glittering like a diamond field, while in the deep gorges and valleys below the elevated trail, a heavy mist lay Like a great damp shroud. Although it was the middle of the month of June, the morning air was cold and marrow-piercing, so cold, indeed, that Old Zack Dragon, the driver, had drawn a blanket around his legs. ‘Grand view from these mountains at day- break, they tell me,” continued the handsome stranger, somewhat perplexed at Zack’s silence. The answer was preceded by a quick, half- sucnicious glance, ‘Fine view for them what likes scenery,” Zack said. ‘‘ Ever been over the route afore?” “ Never.” The driver sbrugged his shoulders as if to say **T don't know about that:” but he did not question bis passenger’s veracity. “The railroad’s going to ruin your business,” continued the stranger in the sombrero. ‘*Mebbe so, but I expect to leave the route afore many days. Been drivin’ byar ten years, and never upsot a passenger.” A gleam of pride was in the glance Zack threw at the sharer of his seat as he spoke the last sentence. ** And never met a road-agent?”’ **! can’t say that, pard.” Precious few drivers. west of Denver can, they tell me.” ‘““Tnet’s a fact! I war stopped two year ago about ten miles west o’ byar, Dll show you the spot when we git thar. Had eight pas- aner the mail, an’ a good deal ov private dust. About one hundred pounds ov my freight war a congressman’s daughter goin’ to Salt Lake. It war about this time in the mornin’, an’ all at once | found myself lookin’ into six rifles poked over ther heads ov thet many hosses.. The men hed white masks on, but I could see thet ther leader hed long hair jes’ like yourn, pard. I halted, ov course, an’ Jost ther mail, ther pri- ee Gust an’ blamed nigh everything valu- able, ‘* And your passengers?” ‘“Pieir han‘s went up ov course, and their ‘pockets war emptied ina jiffy. Them six fel- 6 rode off with a jewelry store. The gal frem Wasbington begged, cried, an’ then got ad. I’ve see’d mad wild-cats among the ockies, but they warn’t a patehin’ to thet gal. ®be swore thet her father would introduce a bill inter Congress to hang the whole six with- out a trial, jes’ ez ef fifty er sixty fellars in Wasbingten could stop road-agents in Colo- rado!” and Zack laughed, while his absorbed listener smiled. “‘They all got off with the booty—the road- boys I mean?” ‘What war to binder ’em?” cried Zack. “*Thar war thirteen revolvers in the stage, but pery a one war drawn. I[ war confounded to drive inter Salt Lake with eight live passengers an’ no dead ones.” { -e— se “The road-boys were never caught, IT sus- pose? “IT should say not!” drawled Zack, in a tone not very complimentary knowledge of Colorado life. long in ther territory, then?” ‘About three weeks. I am going to Salt Lake for the first time; came from Tucson. We haven't had the road-agents down there et. ** You'll git em thar; it’s only a question ov time,” said Zack. *“ We'd like to ship Claude Crecy to your kentry; got no use fur him in these parts.” “Ts that his name?” “Claude the Devil some call ’im. Thar hev been slick an’ bold road-agents in Colorado, stranger, but he takes ther cake; he’s ther king ov ther trail-robbers, ther boss ov stage-stop- pers. ‘* Never saw him, I reckon?” ‘No, but I’ve an idea what he looks like. Id bet. my last ounce ov dust thet he led ther six what stopped me jes’ on ahead apiece, although he ginerally works alone,” ** Not alone?” “Claude trusts few men, I tell you, His ‘Throw out ther mail!’ hez been heard more’n once in this region. He war in Denver once; a woman’s face took ’im thar, an’ strange to say, ther face ov ther congressman’s daughter what war my stage that time.” “ 0. ‘*FHact, pard.” ‘* When was this?” ‘It war a year arter ther accident; ther con- gressman war fiat on his back, broke, an’ his daughter came West ter hunt Claude up ter git back a watch she’ hed given over to ‘im. a must hev heard she war in Denver, for he went thar. But he hed lost ther watch, so he said. The gal got buffy ag’in, an’ blowed on ’im. Denver went crazy about Claude the Devil bein’ in town; but he rode down street laughin’, and nota man tried tostop’im. But hyar we ar’ at ther — { war goin’ ter show ye,” and Zack slowed the four horses into a walk. The stage was now on the very summit of the mountain trail, and its right wheels were within two feet of the brink of a precipice whose base was a thousand feet below. Daylight was breaking and revealing the situation, which, for mountain scenery, was grand and beyond the power of pen or language to describe. The seven passengers On the inside were apparently asleep; if not, they were silently admiring, if lovers of Nature, their wild surroundings, “What a place ter be stopped in, stranger,” said Zack, ‘* What ef the team hed reared an’ thrown the stage off the trail? Jes’ lean over an’ see if ye kin see bottom down thar. Yon der’s whar the six stood, an’ over thar, close to that big bowlder, is whar we left the mail an’ the dust. Nobody hyar now to repeat the trick.” ‘*T am here!” Did Zack notice the tone in which these three words were spoken? to his questioner’s “You hevn’t been “Of course ye’r’ hyar, stranger,” he said, smiling; ‘but Claude the Devil ain’t, an’ thet’s comfort,” The last word had hardly left old Zack’s lips when the stranger turned suddenly = him, and a blow at the butt of the ear sent him reel- ing from his seat! Tbe leathern lines fell from his hands, and were instantly clutched by his handsome assaulter, whose eyes were now glit- tering with triumph. The terrible blow sent Zack clear of his seat, and with a half-stifled cry he pitched headlong over the precipice down—down to a horrible death. e had driven his last stage over the Salt Lake Trail; he had trusted a strange pas- senger too long on his seat before day. The victor made use of the lines like an old Stage-driver, A pull and a word that sounded wonderfully like Zack’s accustomed ‘* Whoa!” stopped the horses, and a leap carried the man to the ground. In another instant the sharp ‘‘ Halt!” heard so often along the stage trails of the Rockies, rung out clear and distinct .on the morning air, and there was a bustling on the inside of the cumbersome vehicle. A woman’s scream was heard above the con- fused inquiries of half-awakened men, and the three persons who poked their heads out on the side where the doubly armed road-agent stood saw a sight that instantly caused three heads to be drawn in again. With his sombrero thrown back, and his faultless figure at its true hight, the handsome pessenger of the ‘‘ Katy May” stood near the stage with a cocked revolver in each hand. “Btop that woman’s mouth, and threw out the mail—espeeially the little brass-bound sack under the lamp-box — quick!” came in stefn tones from the man’s lips. ‘'Gentlemen, your persona! effects shall not be disturbed unless my commands are not instantly obeyed. In that event, some of you will need wooden overcoats when you get to Salt Lake!” There seemed to be a hurried consultation by the inmates of the stage. : “Give him the bags,” said a voice, that made the road-agent start as if a man whom he hated had spoken. ‘They are Government property and we are not guarding them. Toss trem out.” The following moment three good-sized sacks fell with a thud at the robber’s feet, and an in- stant later a smaller one alightea cn the pile. ‘‘Thanks!” said the road-agent. ‘ Gentle- men, you've lost a driver, I'm sorry to say. Zack Dragon has gone to prospect at the bottom of the cliffs. However, do cot trouble yourself about the te m; the horses know the road to Salt Lake. Ill start them ap and prove my assertion,” As he finished, he fired a pistol-shot toward the team, and supplemented it with a yell not unlike a Sioux war-whoop. The next instant tbe four | orses started on. ‘*Good-night, gentlemen!” shouted the high- waymap. ‘Convey to Salv Lake the compli- ments of Claude Crecy, King of the Road!” An oath and several cries of astonishment greeted his last words. The stage had moved past him, but his re- volvers still covered it. Faster and faster went the horses along the dangerously-narrow road. Lhe lines bad fallen to the ground, and were being dragged over the stones. In a minute, as it were, a slight bend in the trail separated the road-agent and his victims. The latter thought no longer of the daring man who bad ridden twenty miles in their midst for the express purpose of stopping and robtir g the stage. They were being hurried over the road at terrible speed. The horses were thoroughly frightened, and the vehicle was swaying {rom one side to another as if it would scon topple over the yawning chasm and carry all to doom! At this juncture a man, one of the pessengers, leaped frcm one of the windows, ar.d swung his body round over the frent wheel. There was no longer any lines; the sharp rccks of the trail bad cut them to pieces. By an agile spring be landed between the two hindmost horses, and jerked medly at their bridle reins as he passed on toward the leaders. No human power seemed equal to the awful emergency now at hand; but with compressed lips and eyes full of determination, the man threw bimself upon the back of the most ex- cited leade:, and with a Samesonian wrench, threw him almost upon his haunches! The rear borses were stopped in an instant, and when the man had controlled the :eaders, the right wheels of the stage were on the very brink of the chasm. In another instant it would bave been thrown into the valley a thousand feet below! The passengers still inside, six men and one woman, now sprung out and ran forward. ‘*Go back and get out the new lines under the seat inside,” said the subduer of the team. pre of you ‘yen must drive the stage on to Salt e. ‘‘ We must depend on you,” was the reply. ‘*l am not going any further.” There Wasa cry of astonishment from seven throats. ‘Gentlemen, I have business in these parts,” answered the man, a “When ] say that one of your number must take the stege on, I mean that I stop here, One of eee will carry to Salt Lake a message for me.” And the speaker tore a leaf from a note book which he took from his pocket. ‘‘ You will find Colonel Scott play- ing checkers at the Post cffice,” he contiwed as he wrote, and a moment later he extended the message to the waiting men. ‘Give him this aper.’ i: rompted by curiosity all bent forward to see what the cool man had traced on the leaf which was not even folded, They read these words; “T've struck the trail at Jast. Tell Dot when you sev her. “ FRANK.” ‘“By Jove! you're a detective!” cried one of the men, looking up. “‘Maybe I am,” was the reply, as the man threw back his coat, displaying an elegant buck- skin jocket. ‘‘You may have heard of me, gentlemen.” “Thavel” exclaimed the woman. ‘‘ You are Buckskin Frank, the Road Agents’ Terrox.” The detective amiled
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was eae CHAPTER II. IN GOI) GULCH CAMP, TH©w sun was setting upon the day that wit- neéssed the last events recorded in the foregoing chapter, when a man entered one of the many maoing cawps or towns which at that time dot- ted the country between Denver and Salt Lake. Gold Gulch danp was the name of the place. There was nothing unusually striki g in the man’s appearance. He was commonly dressed in a half mining suit of dark brown ducking, wore his pants in his boots after the custom of the country, and sported a slouched hat of fine texture. Certain elevations under his coat or cket told that he was not without arms. His lace was covered with a short brown beard, over a part of which drooped a long mustache. The denizens of Gold Gulch took no par’ icu- lar notice of this visitor, for of late the camp had been visited by many men, miners, pros- rs, and adventurers, with no definite aim. e most of these, after tarrying long enough to lose their dust at a certain gambling den known all over Colorado, had departed to make another raise, when they were expected to re- turn and—lose that also. Gold Gulch was the roughs’ Monaco of the wild West. Ifa ‘“‘fair game” had been played within its precincts in two years past nobody ever knew it. What you put down you never took up, for the cards were always against you when the stakes were big or the game worth the candle. A man named Rocky Rod was the proprietor of the den where nightly the devotees of gam- bling met and played mostly for money, but sometimes for hearts. Goid Gulch had a grave- ard on the hillside, and many of its occupants ad been carried “‘ feet foremost” from Rocky s. ‘* Ar’ ye lookin’ fur the Wheel ov Fortuna stranger?’ asked a gray-shirted athlete, who was leaning against one of the shanties as Gold Gulch’s visitor passed. along on the evening in question. “ Not exactly,” was the reply, and the person addressed came toa halt. ‘* You have such an institution here, I understand; heard of it in Denver.” © “Thot’s what all the boys say what come from thar. A man could retire on Rocky Rod’s reputation and money, especially on ther lat- ter pard; fur ef he hezn’t raked in more dust without s pick than any human west ov Dome Rock, jes’ set Catumount Luke down fur a fool. I kinder fancy you, an’ es you're jes’ from Den- ver, an’ may want ter take a turn at the Wheel afore you leave camp, | wouldn’t mind givin’ ye a few lucky p'ints. Sba’n't cost ye nothin’, pard. Everything’s free in Gold Gulch, ’cep*in’ whisky, an’ thet’s jumped up ter fifty cents a drink.” Tho stranger seemed to have plenty of time on his hands, and was not indisposed to form new acquaintances, for he went up to Cata- mount Luke and introduced himself as one ' Holloway, adding, with a smile, that his com- pavions knew him as rae Fred. The citizen of Gold Gulch held out a great brown hand, and pro d with a wink an ad- urnment tc the interior of the shanty, where he two men took possession of the same num- ber of rough wooden stools. : ‘¢ Pm kinder in the ring, Fancy,” began Cata- mount; ‘but I’ve hed a run o’ bad luck in spite ov thet.” He then proceeded to give Holloway some in- formation about the game at Rocky Rod’s es- tabl shment, which was known as the ‘‘ Wheel of Fortune.” He was quite lavish with his pointers, and his listeners seemed to take them all with confidence. By degrees Catamount drew from bis auditor the valuable information that he (Paney Fred) bad some gold which he would not mind risking at Rocky Rod’s, where- upon a partnership was adroitly proposed. Catamount Luke had lost some heavy sums, simply because be had not paid the strictest at- tenjion tc the game, but he was certain that, with the pointers he had given Holloway, they could make a raise, and astonish the entire camp. The man from Denver acquiesced with some show of enthusiasm, and the gambler at once began to make what he cailed his ‘‘ toilet” for the evening. This consisted in the reloading of two immense navy revolvers and the donning of a twelve-inch bowie. ‘“ You carry an arsenal, Fancy?” he queried, with a glance at the Denver man’s person. ** Jedgin’ from yer eye, you don't travel through Colorado without any weepins.” ~~ “Tm able to take care of myself,” was the Ss ets SEE LL becoming dark specters on every side. A short waik carried the two men to tho build'‘ng which was the great attraction of the camp. A tin lampina i case burned above the door, which was wide open, for in the far West no screens are needed: gambling is not carried on bebind closed doors. ‘*Hyar we are, pard,” said Catamount, in a low tone, as he conducted Holloway across the threshold, ‘Keep the ‘ pointers’ in yer head, an’ play accordin’ly. ow, we'll proceed ter nig "up a game.” ancy Fred offered no objection, and Cata- mount soon returned to the rough pine table, at which he had stationed himself with two men whom he introduced as ‘‘ Mr.” Starbox and Tom Watson, **commonly called Whirlwind Tom,” supp! nented Catamount, is why one 0: the men should be mentioned as **.l:.” Starbox, and the other, really the most gentlemanly looking of the two, as Whirl- wind Tom, was one of tho mysteries of Gold Gulch to Holloway, until Catamount solved it by mentioning ‘that Starbox had a brother-in- law in Congress. It was Fancy Fred’s advent into Rocky Rod’s place, and he took in the scene that presented itself in a few glances. There were more than a dozen tables in the room, and apparently all the inhabitants of the Camp. A bar occupied one end of the den, and over the bottles was this roughly-painted legend: ‘No Money, no Play, no Nothing !” Whirlwind Tom dealt the cards for the little rty of four. As Catamount had brought the an from Denver to the ‘‘ Wheel of Fortune,” he was by courtesy allowed to be his partner, and the game proceeded. On every hand was heard the usual language of a place like Rocky Rod’s, but Fancy Fred played coolly although the game had turned against him, Still he played on. There was a strange glitter in Catamount Luke’s eyes as ‘‘ Mr.” Starbox and Whirlwind Tom raked in stake after stake. He cursed the fickle goddess which had deserted himself as well as Holloway, and at last looked at the lat- ter as if to say ‘‘ Hadn’t we better quit for to- night?” he Denver man responded with an affirma- tive nod and got up. iad i ‘“‘Through, mister?’ asked Whirlwind Tom. ** For to-night.” “Pshaw! You quit jes’ when Fortin’s comin’ back to you. Hyar goes fur another shuffle.” ‘*Not for me, gentlemen,” was the firm an- swer. ‘I'm willin’ to go on,” said Catamount; ‘‘ but ef my pard says quit, why ther game’s bu’stcd. I'll sw’ar thet ther game’s been fair; but some- how er other my pard an’ | hev hed a streak ov bad luck.” At the mention of a fair game Fancy Fred's eyes met Catamount’s in a glance which, quick as it was, was caught by Starbox. ‘We play the Denver game here I tell you,” he said, with emphasis, fixing bis gazo upon Holloway. ' ‘Yes, the kind they play at Monte Phil’s in that city.” y ‘Who's been fightin’ the tiger at Monte Phil’s?” cried a man who sprung up from a ta- ble at Holloway’s left. ‘‘t want ter see thet man ef he’s played thar within the last month.” The next moment Holloway and the speaker stood face to face. ‘Pardon me, stranger,” continued the latter, ‘my name is Rattle—Death Rattle they some- times call me. You have mentioned Monte Phil’s in Denver, When war ye thar last?” ‘Six months ago.” “Not since?” ‘** Not since.” ‘Oh! I thought you had lately left Denver?” ‘‘T was there two weeks ago.” ** And not at Monte’s?” **Not at Monte’s.” Fancy Fred had a singular way of repeating last words as a kind of echo. Death Rattles’s eagerness seemed to end in disgust, for he sat down without thanking Hol- loway for submitting to bis inquisition, and picked wp the cards again. “I’m through!” he cried a minute later, as he threw down his band and leaped up. ‘I won- der where the Man from Denver is?” __ The question he addressed to bimself as his eyes swept the den in a circling glance. But Holloway had vanished, and Catamouat Luke was just re-entering the den. : es 3 re nr oo ein = nero ve ee ee Death Rattle started toward the door with an eagerness he did not attempt to conceal, Where’s your pard?” heasked, as he stopped Catamcunt. “Dye ote started him toward ther St. Apol- lo. He’ll be back ter-morrer.” **T don’t want to bleed him in your way,” was the response, accompanied by a glanco which was almost a defiance. ‘I hev bia’ness with him, an’ thet afore he turns in.” Death Rattle sprang from the Wheel of For- tune as he spoke, and hastened down the streets toward the two-story frame hotel which had been christened the St. Apollo, He soon saw the figure of a man fn front of him, and with a mental ejaculation of ‘‘ That’s the chap!” he increased his speed. In another moment he was about to stop Holloway with bis extended band, when the Man from Denver whirled like a flash to the clicking of a navy’s lock. ‘““{ knew you would follow me,” he sald to Death Rattle. “‘f am ready for you, as you see, You are a man of many disguises, but a bullet can pierce them all!” ' CHAPTER III. KNIVES IN THE DARK, ‘“‘Sommpopy bas warned you since you left the Wheel of Fortune,” said Death Rattle, after a moment’s silence. ‘No. I knew you the minute you got up and asked me when I was last at Monte Phil's, was the response. ‘ Besides, who would warn me here? Not Catamount Luke, who slyly helped Mr. Starbox and Whirlwind Tom to m eagles. I’m a plucked pigeon in his eyes!” an the speaker laughed as he looked at Death Rattle, ‘* You heard me coming, then?” “Yes, and I would havo sworn it was you. I knew you would follow me, and that as soon ag you could discard your ‘ hand,’” ‘* Shall we have it out here?” ‘* Just as you say.” ‘© With the knife?” **I’'m not particular.” The Man from Denver was certainly - modating, for, still gripping his revolver, te drew a bowie, which boasted cf twelve inchea of steel. ‘‘T must have been asleep when you boarded the stage,” he continued. ‘‘I give you credit for a good deal of cuteness, Claude, but couldn’’ you have settled Zack, poor fellow, without killing him?” “‘T didn’t kill him. He’s alive to-night.” Holloway made a gesture of disbelief. — man falls a thousand feet and lives,” he said, ‘He didn’t fall forty feet. He caught on to some rock bushes, and hung there until a lot of Indians saved him with a lasso, It was a nar- row escape, and I’m really glad of it because Zack’s harmless,” There was no reply to this, Death Rattle was a man with more than one name. He already stood revealed to the Man from Denver as Claude Crecy, the daring road- agent whose robbery of the mail stage we have witnessed. And Holloway, too, was more than simply Fancy Fred, a name which he had spok- en for the first time for Catamounts benefit; he was Buckskin Frank, the detective. Thus disguised, but face to face the two men had met—th hunted and the hunter. “Let us go up to Catamount's cabin,” sedd Devil Claude after a pause. “You've heen looking for me for two yedrs, Buckskin. More than once I bad you under my rifle, tut th you are the greatest enemy I have, I did touch the trigger. That was a foolish vow yours—the one you made to Dot two yous ago, The detective started. , “You don’t deny it; how could you? fe sumed Claude. ‘‘When you left fee, vowed that you would see her no moxo ua you had avenged her father’s death. This morning after I left the stage upon the moum tain, you stopped the horses whick were attua}- ly running off, and sent a message by tho pas sengers to Colonel Scott. In ifs one Tine told him to tell Dot that you were on the right trail at last, which meant that you were far from Claude Crecy, the Terror tthe Randy That message—the one you wrote, never reach its destination.” “Why not?” ‘* Because it fell into my hands.” Buckskin Frank uttered an oxvlamation of surprise. “Never mind that,” continsed Leva A patiently. ‘You are ready to avenge i“
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LO eee +. LT TE Le OTIS father’s death! Good! And you are not par ticular about the weapons. gerness renders you the most accommodating foe I ever had. choose bowies. Let us go to the battle-field. Where we fight, Frank Fargo, no man can boast of uny advantage over tbe other.” As he finished, the road agent turned and started off, watched and eagerly followed by the western man-hunter. A short walk brought them toa shanty whose door stood wide open, and invited them into the most intense gloom. ‘“‘Qur battle-ground, Buckskin,” said Death Rattle, or Claude Crecy, as be pointed into the eabin with his glittering bowie. The detective stepped over the threshold and saw the door shut. ‘*Here we are in gloom darker than Egypt’s,” said a voice whose owner could not be seen. “Catamount is likely to be surprised when he comes back. ‘ Ave you ready?” A strange feeling had taken possession of Buckskin Frank. He was about to fight the san he had hunted for months—the desperado whose pistol hed taken the life of the father of the sweetest irl west of the Mississippi. He recalled the vow he had registered two years before in her presence—that be would not see her again until at his hand the king of all voad-agents had paid for the blood he had piti- ‘Jessly shed, Since that time he bad not heard from Dot. nor from Colonel Scott, her pro- tcctor. She might bave found a lover, mar- ried and forgotten him; she might not be in Salt Lake, but nearer the western ocean, or in the far East. The message which he had con- signed to Colonel Scott that morning was the first sent during those two years of man-hunt- iag, for until that time Claude Crecy had aluded him; never before had he found the trail a0 fresh, Thoughts like these flashed through his mind in an instant, and in reply to the question from the gloom of Catamount Luke’s shanty, he threw himself on the defensive, and eagerly ex- claimed: “Tam ready?” To his surprise no att ck followed; instead, he beard these words: “Tf you are going to lunge at me, stop a minute, Buckskin. Did you think that Colonel Scott would see Dot soon?” “He ought to, She isin Salt Lake, or—” A laugh was the interruption. * That laugh means something,” said the de- tective tohimself. ‘‘ Claude Crecy knows some- thing about Dot that would be news to me.” “Well, if you think her in the capital of the Mormons, sie must be there,” the road-agent went on. ‘Do not let me disabuse your mind of that consoling thought, but let us fight!” “ Yes, let us try our bowies,” flashed the de- teetive, although he added to himself, ‘‘ By Jove! I will force from you at my bowie’s point the secret you seem to possess.” he darkness that prevailed in the shanty was the darkness of Egypt. A cricket chirping under a board was the only sound that broke the silence after the detective’s last word. . Death Rattle’s voice had proceeded from a spot directly in front of bis eager foe, but it was not probable that he was stil) there. <As this was to be a duel to the death, would he not shift his position to deceive the detective and na killing stroke? : kin Frank moved suddenly to one side, for from that direction a sound not unlike a haman footstep bad been borne to his ears. He deew back the bowie for a blow, then stooped ick:y, and ths next moment a man’s feet “ ~ body and Claude Crecy fell headlong er him The detective’s ears had not deceived mo If he had not lowered his body when he did, the knife of his foe might have been buried in ._ An oath from the darkness where the dis- eomfited duelist had alighted, gave the de- tective his enemy's position, and with a tigerish spring he threw himsel)’ forward. + At last!” he hissed, as he alighted on a Boman body from which a hand tried in vain to tear him. *Yos, at last!” was the ted respense. “Bet it now be a bunc for hearts, Buckskin Frask, and may the best man win the beauty «f Gold Gul yom The de e could not repress a cry. “T want @er not, Claude Crecy. You are welcome to her smiles. I want revenge!’ “Hat hal If you knew who | C) title [ bave 4 — Br ee you would not have spoken thus, is my throat you're a’, . _ Pecksin” * a os The Buckskin Detective. et pe The answer was a mad chuckle, for the hand of the detective was at the throat of the man he held to the earth; but with all his strength at his disposal, Claude Crecy wrenched the chok- ing hand away, and with four words which un- nerved the detective, he threw him off and sprung erect. Buckskin Frank staggered to his feet minus his bowie, for the road-king’s words were enough to have torn a dozen knives from his CF ae ** Dot is my wife !” The enemies ssood five feet apart breathing like wearied wrestlers. The detective felt that Claude Crecy still pomeeee his bowie, and instinctively and mad- y half-drew his revolver. ‘*'You have lied!” he flashed. ‘‘For a base falsehood like the one you have uttered, Claude Crecy, you should die a thousand deaths. You slew Dot’s father and you lie when you tell me that she is your wife.” A cutting Jaugh, full of a desperado’s triumph, was the sole response. ‘“‘Laughing cannot drown a lie!” continued Buckskin. “I am going to fight as I please from this time out. ware!” The half-drawn revolver clicked as it leaped clear of the detective’s belt, and the next second a sudden flash for a moment illumined tbe in- terior of the shanty, The Man from Denver saw the glittering bowie drop from Claude Crecy’s hand as he reeled away, and heard him fall upon the board beneath which the cricket had long since ceased to chirp. ‘* Avenged!” fell from Buckskin Frank’s lips. ‘*He maddened me with a lie, and lost his life by it. You his wife, Dot? You are in Salt Lake, where I left you two years ago, and he knew it. He coined that infamous lie to break my hold. He succeeded, but it afterward cost him his existence.” The victor was moving toward his enemy, when the door of the shanty was suddenly opened, and a loud voice called out: ‘* Hello, thar!” The detective stopped, turned around, and then went toward the opening. ‘Come on,” said another voice, undoubtedly a young girl’s, ‘‘ Catamount Luke has fired his revolver in his sleep—that is all.” An instant later Buckskin Frank sprung from the shanty and halted before the couple, who were a man anda young girl—the latter dressed in ashort hunting frock and wild Indian leg- gings. “Great heavens, Dot!” cried the detective, as he recoiled from the tableau before him. ‘It cannot be that 1 meet you here, Bunt I am sat- isfled. I have kept my vow, Dot! Dot! do you not know me? Astonishment filled the girl’s eyes; she ad- vanced, and stared into the detective’s face. “Tdo not know you, although you call me Dot,” she said, ‘‘Tam Frank, the man who has just avenged your father’s death.” ** You?” in an incredulous tone. ‘You Frank Fargo? The Indians killed him on Eagle River a yearago. In proof of this I could show you his watch, which fell by accident into my hands.” The man-hunter’s hand flew swiftly to his face, and the beard that covered it fell at his feet. “Go into that cabin with a light and look at the man lying on its slabs; then come back and say that I am not the real Frank Fargo, the A venger, But I had forgotten. You are Claude Crecy’s wife.” A wild cry broke from the girl’s lips. “The wife of that man?’ she exclaimed. “When did I become such? Now I know you are not-Frank. Come, sir,” to her companion, ‘Gold Gulch has gained new citizens since I left it.” “T will convince you as to my identity, Dot,” the excited detective cried, starting after the girl. “‘ You must—you shall hear me.” ‘Back, sir! Follow me if you dare!” and the lovely speaker turned witb leveled revolver. ‘‘The man who brands Dainty Dot of Gold Gulch Camp with the crime of being Claude Crecy’s wife can never prove himself her father’savenger. You will not follow me, sir. And I advise you to seek another climate as quickly as possible!” : These words from the ns mage girl whom be had left two years before in one of the most laxuriouws homes in Salt Lake? . ‘ een gne emer nene ose ee eyye one at It is no wonder that the dared detective steg- red back with a cry of despair. “Ill prove my words one of theso days,” Le said. ‘* Dot—Dot—" He paused abruptly, for nobody stood before him, The girl and her companion had vanish«: . CHAPTER IV. A THOUSAND OUNCES REWARD. ‘“‘ What’s thet ye war gettin’ off, pard?” / Buckskin Frank turned to confront am . whom he atonce recognized as Whirlwind Tr: : whom he had lately left at the Wheel of F. tune, ‘“‘Warn’t that Dainty Dot an’ one ov }-: pards?” continued the speaker, as his ey: lanced in the direction taken by the girl #111 er companion, “The girl—the woman is Dot, You hev~ been in Gold Gulch these many months, Whirt- wind. Tell me all you know about her.” The detective’s demeanor while he spok» caused a smile to become visible at the coruets of his listener’s mouth. “Bhe’s got ye all ing flurry, Fancy. If Ihe some dust I’d plank it thet ye’ve see’d her afore ra to-night.” “My God, yes!” cried Buckskin Frank “Story for story, Whirlwind. Is it a bargain: Yes? Drive ahead. Your story first.” Whirlwind Tom eyed his man strangely, and for several seconds before he spoke. “You want all thet I know ov Dainty Dot's history since you saw her last. Isn’t thet about it, Fancy?” Tom still knew the detective as Holloway cr Fancy Fred, the Man from Denver. “Yes,” was the answer.” I want all you know about her. I saw her last two years ago in Salt Lake.” ‘¢Two years ago?” echoed the nek) Seen “« About thet time she appeared in Gold Gulch, mounted on a Maverick thet bed more lightnin in him than any hossin the Gulch. She came in a storm an’ we give her sheltec. She war huntin’ vengeance, for some chap hed killed her father.” ‘‘ Who was the villain? Did she say?” ‘‘Certainly; she made no bones about thet Dainty Dot didn’t. Why should she, pard} She hed bizness with Claude Crecy, the boss ov road-men ; thet’s the eer ee gore she wanted, She didn’t git it, cy, although she went wherever she thought she would find Devil Claude. Once some Injuns found ’er in the mountains mighty nigh chawed up by a panther. The beast wor found lyin’ beside her, all hacked to pieces, an’ nobody would hev given much for her chances, e throwed ip an’ got a doctor from Denver, an’ he brought her through all right. Tell yer, pard, thet bone-setter went home well heeled. Since thet time Dainty Dot hez been among us. She still keeps one eye open fur Claude, but hezn’t had a good chance te drop ’im yet. Her time will come, though Fortune’s goin’ ter smile on Dot’s stake one o’ these times, and then you'll hear suthin’ drap.” “That time will never come,” said the detec- tive, in a tone that dilated Whirlwind Tom's eyes with wonder. “Tt ar’ bound ter git hyar, I say,” was the response, uckskin Frank smiled significantly as he turned toward the cabin in which the duel in the dark had been fought. “You've seen this king of the mountain Du- vals?’ he said, over his shoulder. “ A dozen times, Fancy.” *¢ You'd know him if you saw him?’ “ Sartainly.” ‘‘Here’s a match. Strike it, and go in and look at the man lying in the corner of Cata- mount Luke’s shanty.” Whirlwind Tom took the matches which the detective thrust into his hand, and stepped to- ward the door. 4 ““f don’t know about this, Fancy,” he said, reflectively, at the very threshold of the cabin. **But ll go in an’ look at yer man.” Down came the lucifer on the rough boards of Catamount’s shanty, and as the match blazed up Whirlwind Tom stepped inside. —— by curiosity, Buckskin Frank er ed forward and watched the burly figure fdi- owing the little flicker of fire. ‘‘Thar’s nobody bvar, pard!” came from the cabin, in tones that drew a cry of horror from the man-hunter’s lips. No dead man in the corner? Im ible! A moment Jater Buckskin Frank wasin the cabin at Whirlwind’s side. The ler was inting into a vacant corner while he starcé to the detective’s face.
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rere seme a . Soideniy a wild cry pealed from Whirlwind Tom's throat, and the blazing match fell to the floor as he sprung up and rushed from the gabin, He had at that moment noticed that the man he bad been calling Fancy Fred had a smooth face, whereas the man whom he had latel played with at Rocky Rod's sported a full Buskskin Frank would have laughed at the desperado’s fright if the burning match had.not showed him a glittering spot on the rough slabs at bis feet. It was blood. Aa instant later the match went out. **Hold on thar, pard!” exclaimed a voice on the outside of the cabin. *‘‘ Halt! er by Jehu i'll drap ye.” The detective leaped toward the door, to be balf blinded by a sudden flash, and to see Whirlwind Tom still directing his smoking re- volver at the object at which he had fired. ** Missed!” grated the gambler, in a voice of bitter disappointment. ‘* Who did you shoot at, Whirlwir.d?” By Jehu! you’re in pardnership with Old Nick!” was the response, and the speaker re- woiled from the detective as if he had risen froma grave. “I givein,cl’arin, pard. You must be half a dozen men in one. I've jes’ fired at one ov yer shapes, fur, pon my soul! it ran out o’ the shanty. The gamble1’s ridiculous mistake made Buck- skin Frank smile, All was clear to bim, The man at whom Whirlwind Tom had just fired was Claude Crecy, the road-agent. Instead of lying dead in one corner of Catamount’s cabin, he was able to make good his retreat from Whirlwind’s revolver. ‘I was mistaken,” said the detective, ‘‘ Dot’s enemy still lives, I thought I had killed him, but be has escaped. You shot at Claude Crecy?” “ce No!” ** At noone else?” In a few words Buckskin narrated the due} in the shanty. Hefound the gambler an atten- tive listener. “Now lot me ask a quesiion,” said Whirl. win. ‘‘T am at your service,” ** You aren’t Fancy Fred?” The detective’s eyes twinkled a negative. “YT kin guess who ye ar’, They call you Buekskin Frank at some places. Thar’s a thou- sand ounces ov dust reward for ye.” ‘‘ Who offers it?” asked the detective. ‘Devil Claude,” Buckskio smiled. **Deuth Rattle told us about it last night. A thousand ounces ov dust fur ye dead er alive, ih Jes’ think ov it. What ef ther stake osers at ther Wheel ov Fortune knowed ye war hyar?’ There seemed to be a triumpant accent in Whirlwind Tom’s tone; his eyes were glittering witb a miser’s greed. ‘* Claude wants me badly,” the detective said. “* Death Rattle told you about the reward, eh? Did Dainty Dot never see that man?’ “Many a time.” ‘‘And never dreamed that he was her foe, Claude Crecy?” **None o’ thet, pard. Death Rattleare Death Rattle, an’ no one else, “Have it so, then.” ‘‘T war talkin’ about Claude’s big reward for Buckskio Frank. k, hyar. How does this strike yer?’ and before he could anticipate Whirlwind Tom’s designs, the Western detective was loeking into a cocked “ navy.” In the flash of an eye the gambler’s wespon had covered him. ae | might ez well rake in Claude’s dust ez anybody,” came over the leveled weapon from lips that had a devilish grin. ‘‘I kin finish Dot’s h pia on our way to the place whar ye’r’ ter be delivered ter Claude, What brought ye byar ez Fancy Fred from Denver, Buckskin? Ye hevn’t fifteen hundred ounces at yer com- mand, I imagine?” “T have what is of mare value just now than all the dust in Gold Gulch Camp!” responded Buckskin, firmly; ‘‘ and it is this /’ As he emphasized his last word, bis lefé hand knocked Whirlwind’s pistol arm aside, and his own revolver forced its muzzle against the des- perado’s temple. “A word, a movement, and somebody will slip on your brains before morning!” he hissed, as bis eyes flashed fire. ‘A thousand ounces of gold-dust is a tempting reward; it always watches such fellows as you. I hold the win- card now. Pistols are trumps more cas ball + 6 time fa Gold Guloh Cap ad rm sss “nsnesenernsenseneenen—et | The Buckskin Detective. caarestnsdicineneeremnenemaanesousaseeinar one imesnter eeeiprsange-sasbesoret wont one mamh aa closing in on your last stake, Whirlwind, which Ff | life. I’m going to kill you. I've got to 0 it! : The last two sentencs were spoken in cold, heartless tones. The eyes of the threatened man glared at the victor like the sullen hyena’s, He read no mercy in the detective’s face. “Tt’s yer chance, I admit that,” he said, ad- dressing Buckskin, ‘‘I guess I’m the oniy man in camp ’ceptin’ Devil Claude, ef he hesn’t left it, what knows thet Fancy Fred is Buckshin Frank, for whose kead one thousand ounces ov dust hev been offered. “And that is just why I'm obliged to kill you, Whirlwind.’ “Ov course. It ar’ a desprit game ye’r play- in’, Buckskin; ye’r takin’ risky chances,” There was no audible reply’ but dim as the starlight was, Whirlwind Tom could see that his enemy had not relented, ‘Put an end to this matter!” suddenly ex- claimed the gambler, with impatience. ‘Ef somebody’s ter slip on my brains, the sooner the better, mebbe.’ ** What do you mean?” ‘* Shoot an’ see, Buckskin!” * By heavens, I will!” Following fast upon the stern detective’s last word came a horrible, half-smothered report of a revolver, and a man reeled away and fell in a heap ten yards from the i “1 came to this part of the country to win!" fell from Buckskin Frank’s lips as he threw a look at the motionless form of his victim. “The villain would have sold me to Claude Crecy for the thousand ounces of dust.” He stooped and picked up the beard-mask which had fallen from his face almost on that very spot while Dainty Dot confronted him, Ty another moment he was Fancy Fred again and was walking rapidly toward the Wheel of Fortune, What if the road-agent had returned to the den, and, as Death Rattle, prepared its inmates for his coming? Buckskin Frank did not seem to have pro- pounded this question to himself, for he crossed tho threshold without a tremor and advanced toward a man who suddenly caught bis eye. ae my veae is Dainty Dot?’ he asked this indi- vidual, : ‘*T don’t know, sir, but I was waitin’ fur you. She sent this.” At the same time a piece of paper changed hands, A moment later a loud voice rung through the room: “Watch the door, men ov Gold Gulch! Thar’s a man among us fur whose karkiss, dead er alive, thar’s a thousand ounces ov dust re- ward!” The detective did not move. CHAPTER V. TWO LETTERS IN EIGHT WORDS, THE man who had handed the detective the message from Dainty Dot looked into his face with a glance that said: ‘*T understand. You are the man for whom the big reward is offered.” This person was none other than old Zack Dragon, the driver of the mail stage between Denver and Salt Lake City. The reader will recall the events of our first chapter. Zack’s escape from death was a remarkable one. As Claude Crecy informed Buckskin Frank, the driver had saved bimself by catch- ing hold of some cliff shrubbery to which he had clung until rescued by a party of Indians. The old driver had drifted naturally into Gold Guich Camp. The pee was & sort of mael- strom into which all who passed through the distriot were sure to be drawn. He had met Dainty Dot already, and it was through him that her message, whatever it was, had reached the detective. The order to guard the door of the Wheel of Fortune had been heard by every occupant of the place. Buckskin Frank still held the girl’s message in his hand; it had not been read, and he was entirely ignorant of its contents. “Show us ther chap, ’Rappahoe,” cried a number of voices, Toe man thus addressed was the person who had ordered the door to be guarded, ‘* Yonder he stands, boys!’ and the speaker’s outstretched hand designated the detective. “Thet fellar ain’t Fancy Fred, but he is Buak- skin Frank, ther mountein man-bunter. Devil caaage means him on his notices, aun’ nobody else. By this time every eye was fasteued upon the & ’ scproe ocaeoneesoethapecstooeoammroane tea eggroomane gpoenscd wena anSemepaoened raceoeea ENT detective. Zack Dragon glided toward bim,. and said in a voice thy scarcely parted bis pas “T guess you kin count on Zack Dragon, pment Frank beard these words, but gave no sign. Twenty men were glaring at him like tigers, and more than that number of hands clutched the butts of revolvers. ‘““What d’ver say, Fancy?” asked one of the ruffians, ‘ Rappa oe makes a direct charge. Ef yer ar’ Buckskin Frank, we want yer.” Tam Buckskin Frank!” eame the answer, in clear, ringing tones, and the eyes of the speaker seemed to flash. ‘I may not be worth a thou- sand ounces of dust to Claude Crecy, but tell me where be wants to see me and I will meet him there.” The men of Gold Gulch exchanged significant glances, ‘*That won’t do,” cried one. ‘‘ We intend to take a to ther place.” “To-night?” * Right away.” Py The detective sent a quick glance toward Zack ragon. “Sail in, pari,” was the scarcely audible response, he next f{ostant two immense revolvers a ge: into the light before Buckskin Frank, and the crowd involuntarily recoiled ,as he tool: a step toward the door. “*T will seek Claude Crecy when I want to see him!" dropped from his lips, ‘‘Men of Gold Gulch, you will let me out.” A path was not cleared; the gamblers seemed , to have recognized and were disposed to fight the cool man, whose revolvers were lodking into their faces. ‘Let ’im out!” said the old driver, who held in his right band the revolver he had earried many times over the route. Sey ae eh?’ was the derisive response. ‘*By Jehu! we ’re goin’ to hev a picnio byar.” * But it will be a picnic of death, unless we are let out,” came over the detective’s revolvers. ‘* Claude Crecy was in the camp to-night ant you know it. He is welcome here, for wolves love their kind.” ‘* Hear ’im, pards! He calls us wolves. Will yor stand it?” ity No ? Buckskin Frank smiled, and at the same time he took another pix forward, Again the men fell back before the leveled revolvers, but he was not to be allowed to guim the door without an accident, “Trip 'im!” was suddenly whispered at the detective’s elbow. Instantly the menaced man shot a glance ak the speaker, and the next second a fob was thrown violently against his legs, and he was almost thrown off his feet. ‘*Thet’s it! Now corral ther tiger!” “A rush was made for the detective; the entire occupancy of the den sprung like at his throat. Old Zack threw himself into the melee with a. yell, but before he could cover a single assail- ant, he was yw aside and trampled undcw foot, All this within the space of a minute, As for the detective, the search for the man on his left had resulted disastrous!y for bim. His eye had been taken for a moment from the men in his front, and in the flash of an eye the attack was made, Descending revolvers beat down bis arms, and he was burled back’ with ten men clutching at his throat. But ‘all at once by a desperate Yong er he jerked himself loose, and regained: vis feet. . ‘* Don’t let ’im lift his Navys!” cr'ed "Rappay hoe who was pushed back as the detective rosa, 5 men open ther pic-nic in earnest et he dogg net. But Buckskin Frank did not use his revol although he was on his feet again. Hoe gi at the speaker with a smile and tben palate into the score of revolvers that is face, ‘Open ther pic-nic,” said one of his eonfrent. ers. ‘ Jes’ tech ther trigger and get im reivr . ther compliments ov Gold Gulch Camp; We will hold yer for Devil Claude, but he sha’: ‘5 hey yer until them thousand ounces ov dusthe + been planked down.” “*T agree to that,” smiled the detective. “Good! Men ov Gold Gulch, take dowm yer weepins,” The revolvers were lowered from before the detective’s face, but their owners did not re store them to their belts, : ina minute not one-wase to be seen and Buek
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> 6 skin Frank stood apparently vsmenaced in the midst of the men who a moment before had leaped at bis throat. “Tit ye hed agreed to thet afore, thar would hev been no pic-vic like ther one we've jes’ hed, Buckskin,” said "Rappahoe. ‘‘ Claude hez got ther dust, but we must hev it afore he gits you. We'll hold ye in ther camp till we kin send *im word. What brought yer back hyar to-night?” ‘I came on business,” replied the man-hun- ter, ‘* Not knowin’ thet Death Rattle hed jis’ told rne thet you war in Gold Gulch? Ov course I hed you nailed jes’ ez soon as you came into ther Wheel ov Fortune. Come up; ther boys are goin’ ter drink.” @ whole crowd was pushing forward to- ward the bar; but Buckskin Frank did not ‘move. At that moment there bad appeared in the doorway a figure that kept his gazo. ‘Hello! Dandy Red!’ exclaimed several voices as the person in the door became visible te many. ‘Jes’ in time for a little throat- scorcker, Dandy. Walts up this way.” The person addressed, a full-blooded Indian, rather gaudily attired, advanced into the room; but with his eyes fastened on the detective. ‘*Ho’s one ov the red-skins thet saved me With the lasso,” whispered Zack, the driver. Backakin could not remove his gaze from the Indian. In years the red-skin was young, in stature tall, and physically an athlete. ‘Who thet?” asked the Indian, wheeling sud- denly upon ’Rappaboe as he designated the de- tective with outstretched finger. “One ovus,” replied the desperado with a wink at the detective. ‘' Pard, this is Dandy Red, the boss Indian ov Colorado.” Tho young red held out his hand and the de- tective grasped it without hesitation. Thenext moment something slid along his palm and al- most made him start; but when be withdrew bis hand from the Indian’s, he clutched a small “Dan poll see white man before,” said 4eIndian, ‘Him no been hyar long.” “*No, came to-night.” “Dandy thought so. Where him come from?” “Qh, eome up an’ take yer poison,” cried a .4een impatient men at the rough counter. *Hyar Dandy, what ’ll yer take™ The Indian turned to the counter with a part- ing giauce at the detective who was burning with impatience to read the two messages which had been slyly conveyed to him, the one by Zack Dragon, the other by an Indian whom ae now wet for the first time. * You'll give as yer parole?” asked ’Rappahoe ae he Samnon to Buckskin with the moisture of Rod’s villainous liquor on his lips... “It will only last till we kin hear from Claude,” “ Oertainly,” wasthereply. ‘Iam not going to be stubborn now.” ‘* Whar's Catamount?” “ Hyar!” said the owner of that name step- vlogs ward, x: ou ena Buckskin to the Nihal in yer give ’im a part ov yer shanty 7 el Luke responded in the affirmative, and without more ado the detective was turned In Catamount’s cabin he had fought Claude Crecy, and in front of it his revolver had fin- fabed Whirlwind Tom’s career. He red to himself the dead desperado 1g the starlight where he had fallen. weld a crime Le charged to him by the bis d @ulch when the body was found? nt Luke led bis guest straight to his abenty, awti the detective’s eyes searched the space in front of it for the dead; but no human ody: met his gaze! _ “Remember yer parole, Buckskin,” said Cat- t as be waved his guest into thestructure. Wyn goin’ back to ther Wheel.” And off he “Til know something now,” said Buckskin to himself as be produced a lucifer. i got twoletters to read. Heaven knows ‘DPve n anxious to get at them these many eninutes.” The match immediately blazed up, and he ‘strew Dainty Dot’s message forth and in an in- wtant mastered its four words: “+ Phirlwind is buried. Go!” The detestive did not speak as he read the ‘ine, nor when he tore the message up, but ‘there was a hopeful gleam in his eyes. m came the paper received from Dandy “Red, tho red-skiv. A second match had to be for i Its contents consisted of three words: ‘ Renucinber the Alamosa |” The Buckskin Detectiva A ‘What does it mean!” exclaimed Buckskin not a little mystified, and at that moment his match went out. ‘‘ Whoever sent that message, might as well have written it in Hebrew. ‘ Re- member the Alamosa.’ What does it mean?” His mind was busy for five minutes; he was thinking over the past. “*T know of but one Alamosa and that is on the old Fort Garland Trail,” he said to himself. ‘*T was there once four yearsago. What hap- pened then? Nothing! Nothing? Ah, yes; I saved an Indian dog from a lot of miners who were going to hang him to atree for amuse- ment. But Dandy Red’s message can’t refer to that incident. It must mean something else.” ‘*T expect it does.” These words came from the door, and with his revolver in his right hand the. detective sprung forward. He saw nobody when he reached the thresh- old, heard nothing; yet some one had spoken. He went back into the cabin, but a moment later heard another voice at the door. ‘Shake that young Indian if you want to win the game you’re playing in Gold Gulch!” were the words he heard this time. CHAPTER VI. BREAKING A PAROLE. Wuite there was no signature to the first letter he had read, the detective knew that it had come from Dot. The man whom he had slain to keep his identity from the denizens of Gold Gulch Camp had been buried; but he had been unmasked for all that. Claude Crecy had returned to the Wheel of Fortune in the role of Death Rattle, the gam- bler, and through a revelation by him, ’Rappa- hoe bad been able to accuse the detective, and — about the events which have just taken place. Buckskin Frank had ample time to think over these thingsin the gloom and silence of Catamount Luke’s cabin. He had found the young girl for whom he had trod the path of vengeance for two years. Instead of being in Salt Lake City, where he had left her, she was a tenant of Gold Gulch, among a lot of lawless men who feared neither lead nor steel, Like himself, she was hunting Claude Crecy, who had shot her father because he refused to submit to being robbed on an overland trail. She had Jived in the very district inhabited by the mountain road-agent, had probably met Death Rattle in Gold Gulch a thousand times, and yet no one had told her that the gambler was the man she wanted. To all she was Dainty Dot; none ever asked about her real name, for not one among the camp’s tenants cared to know. ‘“*lam not gomg to remain here,” exclaimed the detective. ‘Dot is in Gold Gulch, and I am going to make her recognize me. I must see her to thank her for baviug Whirlwind Tom buried, if for nothing else. Then I want to know the meaning of Dandy Red’s three letter message. I think I have my hands full.” Once more Buckskin Frank stood in the star- light: tbat revealed to bis gaze the wooden shan- ties of the camp. He saw no one; the person who had just warned him to beware of Dandy Red had disappeared, and when he started off he heard no footsteps behind him. He stepped in the middle of the street before Rocky Rod’s den and looked in at the open door. The usual business was progressing as if nothing unusual had happened that night; the tables were well filled, and the detective re- cognized the features of ‘‘ Mr.” Starbox, Whirl- wind Tom’s late partner. But his gaze wandered through the room in search of a person whom he about half expected to find there—Dot. She was not to be seen, however, and after a five minute inspection of the lighted interior of the Wheel, he passed on. This time there was a tread in bis rear. The detective heard it distinctly, and his practiced ear told him that it was not the tread of a miner in his heavy boots, but rather the cat-like step of an Indian. Dandy Red was the only red-skin he had seen in Gold Gulch Campsince his arrival, but others were likely to inhabit it. Indians were privi- leged characters there; they were admitted to the tables, and the proceeds of many a long hunt had vanished in the excitement of play. ‘“‘The dog, whoever he is, is following me,” muttered Buckskin, quietly removing his revol- ver from bis belt. ‘‘ Il am not going to be fooled with if I am on my parole of honor. I ma have to treat this enemy like 1 treated Whirl- wind Tom.” . He kept on, but with his eye on the trail be- | nina him. As yet the person there had wot come in sight. All at once, springing clear of the ground, the detective gained the dark cor- ner of one of the cabins and held his breath. The footsteps stopped for a moment, them came on again. A moment later he saw a figure stoop in the road at the point where he had left it. All doubts that be was tracked now vanished, , for the feathers of an Indian were visible, Buckskin put up his revolver, and drew bis bowie in its place. “ This makes no noise,” he said to himself, ag his hand closed tightly about the handle of the knife. ‘I am tracked for some ae ge by an Indian. Claude Crecy may not be fn the camp, but Iam convinced that he is nct idle, I must not forget that he has offered a thousand ounces of dust reward for me!” Did the Indian in the road suddenly discover that the detective had left it at that point? He rose with a light cry, and turned toward the cabin where Buckskin stood in readiness for him, ‘‘White man leave road, but Dandy Red wilt find him; him must!” “It is Dandy Red, the red-skin I am to shake!” murmured the man-bunter, Sere the words of the mysterious voice which h spoken at the door of Catamount’s cabin. The Indian was approaching while he spoke, and all at once the detective darted from the shadows straight at his tracker’s throat. “One cry, ove word, Dandy Rec, and m bowie will split your heart!” he hissed, as h fingers closed on the copper-colored tracker. ‘*You hunt me. Iam here. I have forgotten the Alamosa. Will you beso good as to ex- plain?’ The Indian’s reply was a stare; bis eyes seemed ready to leap from their sockets; the detective’s grip was too tight. ‘‘There!” the latter said, letting up a little. ‘*T do not desire to shut off your wind entirely, although you have played the sneaking wolf to-night. You can talk now. 1am sureof it,’ ‘* Dandy Red kin talk, but his neck fee] sore,” was the reply. ‘‘Buckskin need not fear Dandy’s knife, even if him let Injun go entire- ly. Him forget Alamosa, eh? Dandy never furget it.” ‘““Who wrote the three words you put into my hand awhile ago.” “Dandy Red.” “You?” P “Dandy kin put white man’s talk on 2 Him lorhed it since him see Buckskin et The detective showed the young red-skin a puzzled countenance. “Jf IT bave met you before to-night, I have forgotten the circumstance,” he said. ‘*White man often furgets. A young Injun went to Alamosa once after a long bunt; his dog went along. The town was full of white men who had been drinking fire-water. They catch Injun’s dog, and was going to hang bim. The young Injun tried to save his dog, for he was a good hunter; he offered his gun and blanket for the dog’s life, but the pale-faces would not listen, and when the ae try to take his dog away they knock him down and kick him. But Buckskin came up then and cut the dog Gown just when the fire-watered whites were hanging him. Now, does Buckskim remember the Alamosa?” ‘““To be sure I do!” responded the detective, to whom the incident connected with his only victs to Alamosa now vivedly returned. ‘‘ You are the owner of that dog?” “Dog b’long to Dandy Red!” was the reply. ‘‘Him swear then that him would never furget Buckskin. They are friends, ag Red was ready to shoot for Buckskin when bim foun his friend in the hands of his white foes.” There was honesty in the young Indian’s voice, and fraukness beamed from bis eyes. Yet, he bad been mysteriously warned not to trust him. ‘Buckskin suspicious, eh!” continued Dandy Red. ‘Allright! Injun go away, but before long him will show white man that him no lie now. ’Rappshoe has sent a messenger to say to Mountain Claude that they bave caught Buek- skin. To-morrow he will be taken to Claude’s cabin.” The Indian turned away as he finished, and would have stepped beyond the detective’s Arve if the band of the latter had not detained im. - ‘‘Where is Claude’s cabin? Do you know, Dandy?’ he asked eagerly. The Indian nodded, but oy added: | be will mag ie Buckskin’s word is ou C P 0
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‘ i % The Buckskin Detective. “Thab is true, but—” “No, no! send Dandy Red to Mountain Claude,” interrupted the red-skin. ““‘Let him prove to Bu that him no furget Ala- mosa.”” “T will go myself.” “And break word?” “No! I will throw ™p the parole. You have bat to say that you will put me on tke trail to Claude Crecy’s cabin. I fought the villain to- night, but it was in the dark, and I am not sur- prised at my failure.” **How Buckskin throw up parole?” asked the puzzled Indian. “Qh, that will not be difficult. Como with me. I was on my way to find Dot; but 1 am willing to let her go for the present.” As he finished, Buckskin Frank turned toward the Whee of Fortune, and walked rapidly away, followed by the Indian, who seemed to consider him as one who had lost his wits, Although it was late, Rocky Rod had not shut up his trap for the night, and the detective soon saw that the same crowds lingered at the tables. He was advancing upon the establishment with a cocked revolver in bis right hand, when Dandy Red clutched his arm. “ Buckskin has lost his head!” hesaid. ‘What him going to do?” “Throw off my parole—that’s all,” was the reply. ‘Stand by me until you have showed me Claude Crecy’s trail, and you'll never regret it. You have already paid the debt contracted at Alamosa. As he finished he shook off the Indtan’s gripe, and stepped boldly to the open door, With the courage of a brave man he sprun lightly upon the threshold, and faced the ha crow@ that filled the room. “Wen of Gold Gulch, give me your attention for a migute!” Every head was raised and every eye became riveted upon him. “T repudiate the parole given here an hour age,” he went on, in the tones of a determined man, ‘I have business beyond the boundaries of Gold Gulch Camp, and I give you back the parole forced upon me at the pistol’s muzzle.” There were oaths and half-suppressed threats and hands moved toward the ready weapons of the far West. ° os i! George! you break your word at your ril!” cried ’Rappahoe, springing from behind Bis table. ‘‘ We don't want your parole back.” “T leave it here at any rate.” “Then we'll give you over to the man what wants you—dead!” A strange smile, more than half defiant, stole to the corners of Buckskin Frank’s mouth. “If it comes to that, men of Gold Gulch, you will find me ready!” he said, ‘‘I will be bound no longer. You may follow me, but my re- volver may speak in tones that have no uncer- tain sound!” He stepped from the den with his last words on his lips. “T am ready now,” he ssid calmly to the waiting Indian. ‘ You are to show me Claude Crecy’s retreat.” “ Quick, Buckskin! And the red-skin’s hand clutched his arm again. ad and his white braves areon your il. The detective was hurried around the corner of the den by the young Indian, and that more than balf against his will. His blood was hot; he was ready to stay and fight it out with the desperadoes of Gold Gulch Camp; but the se Claude Crecy kept him at Dandy 's side. Led by 'Rappahoe, the tenants of the Wheel of Fortune rusned forth to find no one in sight, and to stop in the lighted road like suddenly- baffled sleuth-hounds. ““He’s somewhar in camp!” exclaimed the leader of the crowd. ‘ We might hev knowed that he would throw ther parole into our faces afore mornin’! Scatter an’ hunt ’im_ down! No foolishness this time! Claude’s offer says ‘‘dead er erlive,” an’ oy course he'd prefar ' Buckskin erlive, but we mustn’t take any risks. Shoot him on sight, an’ then we won’t hev ter ask fur his parole.” In another moment a fierce hunt for the deteetive would have commenced if a girlish figure had not appeared to the crowd, and en in tones heard by all: “Let that man go!” she said. ‘‘ His mission is one which I approve of, his trail is my. trail; and the man who touches him, I will kill if 1 vied : “fhe men of Gold Gulch stared into the beau- tiful face and the flashing eyes of the speaker. ‘She had planted her figure firmly before "Rappa- hoe, a er words were addressed to the whole crowd. ‘* Look hyar, Dainty Dot,” said’ ppahoe, the first to recover, ‘‘Thar’s a thousand ounces ov dust on thet man.” ‘Tf there were a million I would not retract one of my words!” was thereply. ‘I will say no more than this. Touch him and I may shoot!” Dainty Dot’s lips met with firmness behind the last words, after uttering which she turned and walked away. *Rappahoe’s mad eyes followed her for a ae then he turned to the crowd at his back, “TI didn’t aspect sich a play ez this from Dainty,” be said. ‘‘ Boys, she holds the call on us now. What's got inter ther gal.” ** She’s struck with Buckskin!” came from the crowd, and those who looked toward the speak- er saw ‘‘ Mr.” Starbox’s lips moving. ‘Take yer choice between the thousand ounces of dust an’ ther gal. If she’s goin’ ter rule ther camp, I want ter pull up stakes an’ vamose.” A shout of defiance was the response, and *Rappahoe said firmly as his eyes met the last speaker’s gaze: ‘““Wekin git along without the gal; but we must hev the dust!” A few feet away Dainty Dot heard this de- cision, and smiled—smiled when she knew its terrible import. CHAPTER VII. CLAUDE AND THE CONGRESSMEN, ‘Wal, what luck, cap’n?” “Tm back alive; that’s about all, Poison.” “Then he’s down thar?” “ Yes.” The first speaker who stood in front of a cabin built near the wildest part of the old Den- ver and Salt Lake Trail looked at the man who had approached from toward Gold Gulch Camp, and did not further question him after his last brief reply. “T met him as Death Rattle, but parted from him in my true character,” continued the last speaker. ‘‘ We had a tussle—a fight in the ark with bowies, Poison.” * And you left him ther?” ‘*T didn’t bring him with me, that’s certain,” was the rather snappish answer. ‘‘ Let me go on. He’s nobody’s slouch. 1 found him at the Wheel of Fortune, All who go to the camp get there some time or other. After he left the lace, I got up and followed, but he was ready om me. He had penetrated my disguise—done in one second what fifty men in the Gulch hevn’t succeeded in doing in three years. Well, we had to fight, as I told you. e went to Catamount’s shanty—I led him there—shut the door, and we went at it. When I thought I had him I sprung at him, but be must have the eyes of an owl, for I went clear over him.” Poison Jack, the bandit’; single euditor-ut- tered an exclamation of surprise. ‘‘He was upon me before I could rise, and after fighting awhile we separated; but he let me have it with his revolver just as I was about to settle the whole affair forever with one of mine.” “Shot you, cap’n?” “T fell, anyhow,” was tho reply. ‘The bullet fired in the dark came uear putting an end tome. My blood is on the planks of Cata- mount’s cabin, and plenty of it, too, When I recovered, I heard voices and groped my way to the door and rushed out. Whirlwind Tom was there, but his “halt ” didn’t stop me, so he fired and the bullet went between my arm and my heart.” ““Two close calls, Cap’n Claude,” said the listener. ‘*An’ you came straight to ther cabin?” “Not exactly. I saw ’Rappahoe first and posted him. Buckskin will be the captive of the camp before morning. The thousand ounces reward will stimulate *Rappahoe.” “Ov course it will, but whar is ther dust to come from?” Claude Crecy smiled. “‘T want Buckskin Frank above all things,” be said, ‘Never mind the dust, Poison, A beggar’s reward is as good as a king’s, if neither intend to pay.” ‘ Thet’s a fact. But Dainty Dot? I wonder ef Buckskin saw her?” board “JT think not. I hope not,” said the bandit, ra **T didn’t see her fo-paht, myself; but th Rattle knows what he’s doing. Faint heart never won fair lady, Jack,” and \ ’ ae er ee the Terror of the Stage Trail laughed as his hand descended upon Poison Jack’s shoulder. The cabin was Claude Crecy’s home, He had other hiding-places among the mountains, of course; but here he and Jack had established a home from which the king of road-agents had crept to deeds that had terrorized a large scope of country. The lonely cabin was so well se cluded, that a stranger would not have been made aware of its existence until he found himself face to face with it. ‘* We'll live some day in a better palace than this, Jack,” Claude exclaimed as he waved hand toward the mountain retreat which the stars could scarcely see, so well was it kidden on the mountain side, “Then ye’r’ goin’ to give up the road bis- ness?” ‘* Before long!” , ‘‘ When Death Rattle wins Pumty Dot?” Claude's reply wasan affirmative smile. “She doesn’t dream the truth; an’ she's huntin’ Devil Claude with a revolver, too} Cap’n, what if the true facts should flash across the gal’s mind?” The stage robber was silent and sober for a moment, ““T guess I’m equal to any occasion,” he re- plied a moment later with a lightlaugh. “I will not be Death Rattle after the wooing—nor Claude Crecy. I can be some one else in Den- ver, with my beautiful bride, and you, Jack— you will soon learn to call me by my new name.” ‘“T’'d rather stay byar fur fear I'd make a blunder, an’ let the cat out ov the bag.” The twain had passed into the interior of the cabin which was partly illumined by the rays of a lamp. Although Claude Crecy had deprived the mail stages of many preeious sacks, not one was to be seen in the retreat on the mountain side, neither were any of the proceeds of his nu- merous robberies visible. The apartment was simply furnished; a cot, a rough table, and several three-legged stools, “TI get disgusted whenever I have to pla the role of Death Rattle,” he said, throwing bh disguise upon the floor. ‘But I can’t be Claude Crecy to everybody here. It wouldn’t do, Jack.” ‘*Ov course not, cap’n, Policy ar’ policy, an’ @ man ’s no man at all what bezn’t thet precious article.” . The road-agent stood silent in the dim lam light for a moment, when Poison Jack sprang up with the agility of a suddenly startled cat and went to the door. “Suthin’ ’s comin’ from toward Mormon- dom,” he said over his shoulder in a low tone while he continued to listen at the entrance. ‘* Mebbe it’s that Congressional Committee. Ef 80, cap’n, they’ve got an escort ov cavalry an’ ar’ too much fur both ov us ter tackle.” A sneer curled Claude Crecy’s lips at Jack’s mention of a Congressional Committee, and the next second he stood beside his companion. “Tt is the committee, sure enough!” he said. ‘“‘Thear nothing but a stage. Do you know, Jack, that those fellows just to show their con- tempt for me wouldn’t be escorted by Govern- ment Cavalry for balf of their pay? I let them pass over the trail unstopped going out, just to interview them on their way back.” ‘ Ye’r’ goin’ down, thenf” “Tam, Stay here.” As the Rocky Mountain road-agent left the cabin, he drew from his belt and examined two elegant, silver-mounted revolvers, into which more than two hundred frightened travelers bad stared. He had discarded the mask which made him Death Rattle, and was the handsome, dark-eyed Claude Crecy, knight of the moun- tain trail once more. The stage road wound round the mountain many feet below the bandits’ retreat; but, used to the descent, be soon stood on it at a spot wel calculated for a surprise. The rumble of the approaching vehicle was distinctly beard, Clavde knew that it wag drawn by four horses, over whose heads one of oe meet overland drivers in the country craaleed his whip. The bandit selected his spot, and leaning against the axons bare rock that made a wall op one side of the road, be waited quietly for him prey. Suddenly an outburst of coarse laughter soared above the rumble of the stage. “The Washington birds are merry!” fell from the road-agent’s lips, and the next moment fay ther sounds told him that a portion of ware His’ this boliterentt sung, nee over C) valley and peak: R >
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8 Taan! ee 04-0 ante er neten ose amen nae terres Oe tema eee a 8 te NO He sapen seen Sora back to Washington— “Wo'ro To Was n! to Washington! We're on our road to Washiagton, To hand in our report. We've it yen ~ fed and we find The peop va And Devil Claude a myth!” ‘‘A myth! We'll see about that in a moment or two,” smiled the road-agent, as he stepped imto the road just as the foremost horses turned a bend and brought the happy party in plain view, “ Halt!” rung out loud and clear on the night rs The man in the driver’s box pulled the team back, and Claude meneee to one side, with both revolvers leveled at the stage. Instantly half a d>zen heads were protruded from the windows, and several angry voices demanded to know why the vehicle did not pro- ‘*T am the cause of this stoppage, gentlemen,” said Claude, in a clear tone, which drew the at- tention of allto him. ‘If you have not signed your report, permit my presence here to correct some false impressions, I would not have Con- gress misinformed on any subject, especially in regard to myself—not for the world, gentlemen! Iam Claude Crecy, the myth, and [ beg of you to toss this =| your watches, as reminders of your official trip to this region.” The mock gravity of the bandit’s tone cannot be described. A majority of the heads instantly disappeared in the interior of the stage; those that remained at the windows belonged to persons whose pres- ence of mind seemed entirely gone. ‘*The chronometers, gentlemen!” said Claude, ' impatient] y. This is an outrage, sir!” suddenly cried a florid-faced man whose head almost filled the window at which it app ared. ‘‘ We are mem- bers of the United States Congress.” “Your title to that distinction is not dis- uted,” rejoined Claude, “I am simply a ocky M_untain gentleman, who—” **Gentleman?—robber!"” was the irate inter- ruption. ‘‘ You shall hear from us when we get to Wasbington. No! by George! we will gpen the campaign when we strike Denver. ou lay your bandit hands on the sovereign power of the whole Government when you stop us!” * And you will lay your bones in a Rocky Mountain graveyard if you don’t toss me your watches within two minutes!” Thera was a sternness in Claude’s tones which -was not to be mistaken. ‘Drive on, driver!” cried a voice from the gloomy iuterior of the stage. Claude sent a glance upward at the man on the driver’s seat. He occupied his box like Pa- tiencs on a wonument. ‘*Come, gentlemen, the watches, or I shall send twelve compliments among you in the shape of bullets.” “Don’t shoot, my dear sir, and we will com- ply with your request,” was the frightened re- s few seconds later seven gold watches fell at Claude Crecy’s feet. “Ts that all?” he asked. All, sir.” “ Driver, how many passengers have you?” ‘* Seven.” ‘‘Now, gentlemen, you can open the cam- paign at Denver, or proceed on to Washington avd draw up your report. The best wishes of Clande Crecy accompany you. Move on, driver.” The Jehu gathered up the lines again and cracked his whip. Claude stepped nearer the edge of the road, but kept his revolvers leveled on the stage. ** Look here, sir,” cried the big man, shaking his fist out of the window, “you're no gentle- My first care when I get to Washington will be to draw up a bill that will hang, draw aug. uarter vou like England served Wallace, t' ottish rebel, Weare going to put an end to your brigandage if it costs us every soldier in the regu service and every dollar in the Treasury.” “You will probably vote yourselves new watches first. Good-by, gentlemen; we may meet again.” Tho stage moved on, and the fat Congress- man began a new tirade of epithets and threats, Saran _ up until Claude could no longer 8 Voice. ' He therefore fell to examining the elegant Groen, had secured. They were heavy gold nom one, of a shell - which pba, bemg remarkably beautiful. The Buckskin Detective. — Claude opened it mechanically, and found a photograph attached to the inside of the case. “A Congressman’s sweetheart,” he said to himself. ‘I must see how she looks.” Ho lit a match, and held it near the picture. As the light leaped up, he uttered a loud cry and started back. “Great heaves!” he exclaimed. ‘I did not expect to see Julia’s face here. The owner of this watch shall bave his property again, if I have to take it to Washington fn person.” A minute later Claude Crecy was on his way back to the retreat on the mountain side, ‘“‘ Jack! Jack! where are you?” asked the road- agent as he entered the cabin ungreeted by his comrade, roan at bis feet made him spring forward. “I’m hyar, cap’n, playin’ my last hand with death!” was the feeble response as Clande mg ‘Jack, it is booed what is the matter?” “Knifed! I wouldn’t te)\’em whar you war, fur they wouldn’t tell me the’r bizness.” ‘‘ Who were they, Jack?” Claude held his breath while the dying man gathered strength to repy ‘““Two men from Gold Gulch Camp,” came the reply at last. ‘‘ Pay the hull crowd back fur it, cap’n!’ “Vil do it, Jack!” CHAPTER VIII. CLAUDE’S VENGEANCE, Porson Jack, Claude Crecy’s trustiest friend, had remained true to him-to the last. While he spoke the words ‘I'll do it, Jack!” the road-agent held his pard’s hand in his. When the two hands separated, Poison Jack was dead, and Claude was the only living ten- ant of the cabin, In a few words the dead man had told how he came by his mortal wound. ‘*T wouldn’t tell them whar an war, cap’n, and ey wouldn’t tell me their bizness,” He referred to the visit to the cabin made by the ‘*two men from Gold Gulch Camp.” These men were the messengers sent by "Rap- ahoe to inform Claude that Buckskin Frank ad been captured, and was then the prisoner of the camp. ’Rappahoe was one of the few men who knew the location of Claude’s moun- tain retreat, and to the two messengers he im- parted the route. Jack, of course, was the only person found in the cabin, and, as the messengers refused to de- tail their errand to him, he as stubbornly re- fused to disclose Claude’s whereabouts, Hot words, then blows followed, and the two messengers from Gold Gulch Camp left the cabin, and Poison Jack weltering in his blood. This is, in brief, the story of the bandit’s death, for bandit Jack was, as more than one wild mountain deed could attest. Claude Crecy stood for a while in silence over the body of bis companion, “Two men from Gold Gulch, eh?” he said, repeating Jack’s last words. “Ill go down and see about it.” He did not know that Buckskin Frank and Dandy Red, the Indian, were at that moment approaching the retreat in which he stvuod. If he had, he might have remained at home and given them a warm reception. He went down the mountain by a circuftous route to Gold Gulch, and his boots awoke the echoes of the camp in the early hours of the morning. Vengeance for the death of Poison Jack was what he wanted now, It was an “all-night session” for some of the frequenters of the Wheel of Fortune; the door of the establishment still stood wide, but all the tables were not occupied. Claude Crecy strode straight to the door, and stalked boldly into the room. He was not Death Rattle now; the mask which he had discarded still lay on the planks of the mountain cabin behind the stiffened body of his comrade, ‘*‘ Hello! a stranger!” At these words, heard all over the gambling den, the gamblers looked up. “By Jove! it’s Claude himself!” ejaculated the redoubtable “Mr.” Starbox, as he rose to greet the early visitor. ‘“‘The messengers *.and bim after all. I say, captain, we owe you an apology—” “Somebody here owes me more than that!” was the interruption. ‘If some of you men do not know me let me say that I am Clande Crecy of whom you perhaps have heard. There’s a dead man up the mountain, He was my pard; A ete AEE. Ne eee th nee eae ir wenn: i tee rte a nate oat = ee ee eee eens meee his blood stain the floor of my cabin, He was killed by two men from Gold Galeh Camp. I am here for satisfaction.” The road-agent spoke calmly to the five-and- twenty men whom he faced in the dan. At the words: ‘‘two men from Gold Guich Camp,” the all-night gamblers exchanged sig- nificant glances. “They must have beem "Rappshoe’s messen- gers,” said Starbox aloud. “Who were a9 oe ‘Santa Jim and Quarts Dick.” “ Are they here?” ‘‘No! they haven’t come back. They war sent te tell you that we had caught Buckskin.” “ r Claude’s eyes flashed. “We had’im on his parole, but the fellar wouldn’t stand it; he threw it up an’ left camp.” The Her ae step from the rough coun- ter which his back had touched during this colloquy, and the next instant the gamblers were looking into the muzzle of the revolver quickly thrust forward. ‘* You sent two men to tell me that you had captured an eel, eh?” fell derisively from his **Do not tell me here that seventy men cannot keep one three hours! Your two messen- gers have not returned? Are you certain that they are not somewhere in camp with the blood of Poison Jack on their knives? I am here for vengeance, I tell you. I prefer the blood of Santa Jim and his pard, not that of the men who sent them to my cabin; but if I cannot get theirs I shall have that of their employers.” Claude had scarcely ceased fore rapid glances toward the door to which his back was turned told him that some person was about to enter, “‘Hyar ar’ ther boys, cap’n,” said one of the covered gamblers, ‘' Ask for Old Nick, an’ he’ll turnup. Hyar ar’ Santa and Dick!” At that moment two rough-looking men crossed the threshold and the road-agent turned. The recognition that instantly followed was mutual, The two messengers saw the flash of Claude Crecy’s eyes, and the revolver that darted vengefully at them. Their hands moved to their own weapons, but too late! Two reports, so near together that they al- most seemed one, filled the gambling den, and two men staggered omt into the night shot through the brain! Santa Jim and Dick had returmad to camp at the wrong moment. The last man shot had scarcely disappeared through the door when the avenger whirled Ma the almost breathless spectators of the illing. “Tf you want to play the game of death Iam here to accommodate you!” he said, stern facing the crowd, in which more than one ban clutched the butts of half-drawn revolvers, ‘Men of Gold Gulch, until to-night I have never raised m y hand against one of your num- ber. The two lying out yonder struck me when they gave Poison Dick the lengths of their blades, Shall we fight?” *‘Thar’s no use in doing that, captain,” said Starbox, ‘ ee has but one law hyar, and that is death, Ef Santa and Dick wiped your pard out, why we hev nothin’ to say, of course not; but—” The continuation of the speaker’s remarks was interrupted by a cry of: ** "Rappahoe!” At that moment the burly, dark-faced and long -haired leader of the camp entered the lace. He looked as swarthy and as fierce as a Vubian lion. ; “Who did thet out thar” he exclaimed pointing to the door. ‘** Claude Crecy!” The name was ken by its owner as he wheeled at the question and faced "Rappaboe. An instant change came over the new ar- rival’s face, ‘““Ef you did it, cap’n, you hed a cause.” be said recognizing the road-agent at once. ‘Them boys did suthin’ in the mountain—suthin’ you didn’t sanction!” “ ir? gave Jack their knives. You sent them, they tell me.” “ Yes.” “To tell me that you had captured a man whom seventy men could not keep in canyp?” ““Wedidn’t; thet’s a fact, Claude,” ans: "Rappahoe with a sickly smile, . Py didn’t you seund men who.don’t nee their knives when they can't have their way , ? ; . "Rappahoe’s eyes suddenly flashed,
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with his dark eyes still rail. He fixed upon the Knight of the Mountain Dick to yer retreat,” he responsible fur their goin’ you hold the hull camp re- sponsible a do wrong, Cap’n Claude. am BE ul J BE ss my own part. I sent ther boys to mountain, but I didn’t tell 'em ter knife Poison Jack ef they couldn’t find you. My name is "Rappahoe!” The last sentence was a challenge understood y all who heard it. Two pistola were lifted simultaneously and two triggers were touched at the samo time, but only one report was heard, There reeled toward the door the figure of So gen the King of Gold Gulch as he was and there leaped after bim tho man from whose deadly revolver he had reeled! Twenty pistols sent their bullets after the ‘victor, but the leads either buried themselves in the rough door frame or lost their force in the darkness without. Claude Crecy bounded over the three bodies that lay on the ground in front of the Wheel of Fortune, and as he turned toward the den, when but a few feet away, he saw the would-be avengers rush out. **No more to-night!” he said to himself low- ering the revolver which he had turned upon the crowd. “They would not hate me more than they aJready do if I took a dozen more lives. Gold Galch will swarm with tigers from this hour. Death Rattle will not be permitted to sit at Rocky Rod’s tables any more. I will never don that disguise again! To the men of the Gulch I shall henceforth be Claude Crecy, but to Dainty Dot—what?”’ He turned away with the interrogative still uivering his lips, and as be had halted in the cep shadows of the nearest cabins, the infuri- ated men in front of the den did not see him, He wentswiftly down the deserted thorough- fare of the camp, and halted at the door of a rather tasty little cabin near the end of the line, For several moments he leaned forward and ' Jistened with his ear close to the door, but all was still. Then he ventured to push on the portals which to his surprise sprung back without the least noise, and at the threshold of the apart- ment thus revealed, he listened again. Something drew him noiselessly and with an expression of intense curiosity on his face into the room, which was dimly lighted by the star- beams that came in at the western window. The keen eyes of the road-agent detected the cot that stood near the window, and when he bent over it, he saw its lovely occupant dressed as he had often seen her in the mountains and among the mines of the Gulch! Dainty Dot looked lovelier than ever asleep in the starlight in the little cabin which the rough of the camp had built for her. Her door had no lock; there was not a key in the Gold Gulch. : Claude Crecy gazed upon this tableau with eyes full of admiration. Suddenly the look was changed to one of aig and rie ip quickly he lifted the beautiful sleeper in his arms, Dainty Dot awoke with a start. ‘*Not a word!” whispered Claude with his lips at herear. ‘‘ Your safety depends on your silence. The men of the camp have turned against you just asI knew they would some day. Trust me for the present, and we will seo if we cannot outwit Starbox and his pards,” Dainty Dot seemed a feather in the man’s arms, so far as ber weight was concerned. He carried her into the street and thence toward the mountain that loomed the darkest before the —— He did not stop until far above the Pace, ‘when he placed his captive upon her feet an her eyes met his gaze. ** Who are you?” she asked. ‘I have been thanking Zack Dragon for this assistance; but you are not him!” “ No.” “Then you will not hesitate to name your- self. You know me and my mission?” At the mention of her mission, the mountain bandit seemed to start. “T am one whom you can trust if you will,” he said, ‘‘ You will start when you hear my It is Claude Crecy!” Dot did start. She recoiled from the at last? You have carried me to the moun- sem that I might leave you to the vultures that frequent them!” - The Buckskin Detective. The girl’s hand flow rapidly to her belt, but Claude darted forward and his bronsed hand closed on her snowy wrist. “Not yeh «4 seraph!” he said, devilishly, dar while h eyes fairly twinkled with triumph. ‘I did not perry sont hither to tell ou that I was Claude just to receive your bul- et. I have avotber pur in view. You have reigned as Gold Gulch’s queen long enough. I am going to erect another throne for you. You shall become Claude @recy’s wife, as you are now his queen!” The girl could not suppress a cry. CHAPTER IX, WHAT FOLLOWED A BEAR HUNT. ‘Loox, Backskin! The mountain trail is ended. Dandy Red has led you to the white robber’s lodge.” The outstretched finger of the Indian speaker was pointing at a cabin near which he and the detective had halted. ** Indeed you have, Dandy,” was his reply, as he gazed. ‘If Claude is insthere, he is asleep. Not a sound came from the spot occupied by the little cabin, and Buckskin Frank was about to creep forward to reconnoiter, when the In- dian touched his arm. * Dandy go first,” he said, and glided away before he could be detained. Presently the red-skin came back with the in- formation that all was still within and around the road-agent’s retreat. ‘““We have him, then!” ejaculated the detective. ‘‘€ome on, Dandy.” The twain advanced together, and were soon crouching in the star-light near the entrance tu the cabin, In the hand of each was a revolver, Suddenly there pealed from the Indian's throat a signal not unlike a bird call, It pene- trated the dark interior of the hut whose door was opened, but no responsive sound was heard, no figure presented itself at the entrance, The detective showed his disappeintment in his looks. ‘‘Wobody in there, Buckskin,” said Dandy Red. ‘Ingin go see, anyhow.” With tho blade of his knife clutched between teeth, the snake-like red-skin crept into the ut, All at once the detective heard an exclama- tion of surprise from his lips, and the next moment Dandy Red was at his side. ‘* Dead man in there,” he said. Claude Crecy dead?” “Don’t know, brother; but Dandy’a hand move over & cold face.” ‘* Impossible!” Buckskin Frank sprung into the but himself, and the Indian guided him in the gloom to the ‘cold face” which he had just touched. “Tl solve this mystery,” said the detective producing a lucifer match, which he struck and held near the dead man. A cry burst from the throat of red and white, ‘*Poison Jack, Buckskin,” said the Indian, glancing from the dead to his companion’s face, “ Who kill him, I wonder?” ‘You'll have to ask some one else.” The detective rose with the flickering match in bis hand, A puzzled and disappointed ex- pression sat enthroned on bis countenance. Had Claude Creey returned to tho cabin and slain his main stay, Poison Jack? At that moment the road-agent was facing the miners and gamblers of Gold Gulch Camp in the Wheel of Fortune. ‘Claude has done this, Dandy!” said the de- tective, gancing at the dead. ‘* Wolves fall out among themseives sometimes.” ‘“No, Claude no kill Jack.” ** Who then?” “Dandy cannot tell. Claude will come back.” ‘Then let us wait for him bere.” “ Just as Buckskin says. Dandy Red remem- bers the Alamosa.” In the darkness of the bandit’s retreat the man-hunters concluded to wait for the return | of the tiger, Far perpes and above the door they could see the shimmering stars and hear the night- winds among the mountain sbrubbery. A long dreary bour passed away. Not a | startling sound of any kind had broken its | length. At the end of it, however, a stranger | noise entered the cabin and carried the red- skin’s havd to the detective’s wrist. | Buckskin Frank cocked his revolver as he | step toward the door. “Injun make that noise, Buckskin,” said Dandy Red, at his elbow, “ An Indian? Is he your friend? **Mebbe so.” ‘Ts ho Claude's enemy?” 9:0 eemeementnne +100 ~ 4a geteanens Su en enon te sete EERE A TERETE # * U0 ote: SSS one nenenerwremene © ann tenamqatensagumed ener aa-wanene a v ee ees ae ee “That Dandy Red can’t tell.” The sound was andoub a signal of some kind, and the detective was about to investigate it, when Dandy Red between him and the door and kept him we ‘* Bear comin’!” were the words the red-skin uttered. A minute later, there at the door wasa grizsly so h and hideous that the detective involan- tarily recoiled. : a . Pog wae het yest ohn ndian in the lowest of w , as he at ed to push the detective further back, For a moment the animal firmly planted In front of the door snuffed the air with elevated nostrils, but did not advance inside. The ceuple thus penned up stood ready for the com- bat which thay considered unavoidable—the de- tective with a knife in one hand and a revolver in the other. Dandy Red was similarly armed, All at once something like a snake dro upon the grizzly’s neck, and the next instant a series of wild whoups awoke the echoes o€ the mountain, The bear had been lassoed! With ferocious growls the maddened antmat tried to tear the choking cord from his neck, and his contortions became dreadful. “‘TInjuns at other end of lasso!” exclaimed Dandy Red. ‘‘ They bold prizzly fast till they fix him with their arrows.’ “One lasso cannot bold a bear,” said the de- tective. ‘‘I wili not Lelieve that.” “ Injuns pat two together.” It was true as Buckskin Frank discovered by creeping to the door, The grisly was in the toils of two lariate twisted Lope ye His eyes tollowed the rouge irate stretched upward, and he saw a number of figures holding for dear life to the other end, Ten Indians well braced against the rocks above, were pitting their strength against that of the monster whom their prowess had se- cured. Suddenly the whiz and the thud of a feather- ed arrow struck on the spectators’ ears. The shaft buried itself in the shoulder of the bear; then another, and otbers followed in quick suc- cession, Few went amiss, and one of buried itself in a log not more tban an from the detective’s head, ‘ A light laugh fell from Dandy Red’s lips Buckskin Frank instinctively drew back. - The struggles of the half-choked bear subsided | at last, The red-skins were too much for bim. | Suddenly the ground before the cabin seemed to swarm with the attacking party. They rushed upon the grizzly with arrows drawn to the barb, and sent them deep among his vitals. Not until more than thirty of these terrible shafts had pierced him, did the bear give up, and when he fell beavily on the groand fighting and defiant to the last, bis huge body blocked up the doorway of the cabin, ‘* We shall be routed now,” muttered Buck- skin Frank. ‘The Indians will invade this cabin; they will find us and Poison Jack’s body. If they are Claude’s friends they will lay Jack's death at my door. Dandy?” , He could address his companion in safety for loud cries were attesting the termination of the battle between red men and bear, In reply t the call, the young Indian glided to his side, “Well, Buckskin?” “You have seen the bear-killers,” “They no like Dandy; they all Dewil Claude's friends.” **T thought so,” ‘* What Buckskin soln’ to do? ‘We must leave this shanty.” ‘“« By the door, brother?" ‘* By the door!” ‘‘ Dandy Red ready!” The detective knew that the red bear-hunters would soon inspect the interior of the cabin. While they were friendly to the road-agent, they could not restraiu themselves when hts unguarded but stood before them; they would enter and greedily plunder it before its owner could return, And for the detective and bis red pard, extry weant discovery, perhaps death. ‘Claude gove away,” suddenly said one of the bear-bunters as he stuck bis heed irside the door on a tour of inspection, * Him left cabin for good, mebbe.” An instant later the body f the er was half-way inside, and severa, other were moving forward. The dead bear and its juicy steaks and valu- able hide were fast being ee : - Thievery and plunder now animated the rod ,
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10° ———--. As he spoke the last word, he dealt the most roménent Indian a blow with his fist—a blow at sent him reeling among his comrades, several of whom, forced over the carcass of the the bear went to the ground with him! ’ The next second the man-hunter of Colorado sprung sproogh the gap thus made and bounded away like a deer. Dandy Red was at his heels. Taken by surprise the bear-hunters did not recover for several moments, but when they did they uttered loud yells and darted in swift pursuib. The Indian speedily caught up with the de- ve. “This way, Buckskin!” he said, attempting to pull the man-bunter from the trail. “No! let’s give the rascals a taste of cold lead,” and the deteetive halted and turned — bia pursuers with a revolver in each and. On came the hotly pursuing band, and as the eager Indians reached a spot thirty feet from the detective, jets of fire leaped from the demi-gloom and they recoiled from the deadly revolvers! “Phere’s an astonishing virtue in lead pills,” laughed the slayer as he saw a number of pil- gre reel from before his weapons. ‘‘This is e true way to stop the red chasers and the only brave way, too!” less than a minute the only Indians in front of the deadly revolvers were thos9 on the ground. The others bad fled. “We can go on now,” said Buckskin Frank, as he turned to his companion. ‘‘They have but to follow us to have the dose repeated. We have missed Claude for to-night. If that infer- nal bear had not halted before the hut, we might have corraled the game; but as it is—" “* Halt Buckskin Frank stop suddenly in the trail dow: which he was a eae “We want you an’ thet Injun pard what stands at yer side!” continued the person who had spoken the command. ‘Lift yer weepins an’ drop whar ye stand! This time we'll not trust ye with a parole.” The astonished detective could plainly see the six men who stood in the trail hardly ten feet in front of him; he could also catch the star- ormpe that danced on the burnished barrels of ir revolvers. ‘‘ Hands up, both ov ye! The men ov Gold Gulch mean bizness nef ont Buckskin |” Against the six revolvers that completely covered them, what could the detective and Pandy Red dof Their hands were at once elevated as far above their heads as they could be, and Cata- mount Luke and bis men advanced with steady step, and eyes which did not for a moment leave the living targets before them. ‘We want you fur ourselves this time, Buck- skin,” said Catamount. ‘‘ Who killed Whirl- wind Tom?’ “YT did!” was the quick reply. “ Under like circumstances [ would kill you, Catamount, or any of your men!” ‘CHAPTER X. REMEMBERING THE ALAMOSA. Tux fire of vengeance blazed in the eyes of the six desperadoes into whose hands Buckskin Frank and Dandy Red bad fallen. “What did ye wipe Whirlwind out fur?” in- uired Cathmount. ‘‘Ye war playin’ Fancy Fred jes’ then. Did Whirlwind diskiver who ye war?” “T am compelled to answer no questions,” said the detective, calmly, as he returned his questioner’s look with interest. “ Mebbe ye will talk when the rope tightens er the locks click.” The detective’s eyes flashed back a brave man’s defiance. “*Now fur camp, boys!” continued Catamount, turning to his followers, and the little band turned toward the Gulch. The red bear-hunters had evidently had enough of the detective’s work with the re- volver, for they did not return to the charge, and the journey back to Gold Gulch Camp was made without incident. Daylight was breaking over the famous place when Catamount Luke led his followers and the isoners down the one street of the camp. d, vengeful men glared at the latter with it sed ferocity of tigers: but not a Band ‘was fitted against _ All at ones a man sprung to Catamount’s / side and touched bis sleeve as he imparted a bit of information in a tone which Buckskin Frank overheard: * “We're another citizen sbort since 7 left camp, Catamount,” were the words. ‘ Dainty Dot bas vamosed the Gulch.” The detective could not but start. What had taken place that the girl should de- part without warning to any one? ‘“‘ She went to her shanty arter she faced ’Rap- pahoe an’ told him that a certain somebody shouldn’t be follered,” continued the informant with a rapid glance at the detective. ‘She war thar arter midnight fur ‘‘ Mr.” Starbox looked in an’ saw her asleep. Since Devil Claude left, though, she hesn’t been seen.” ‘“‘Let her go,” replied Catamount, ‘We can’t look arter her now. We've got other bizness afore us. We’re goin’ ter hev a trial.” Hé meant a “* farce.” Fifteen minutes later the entire population of Gold Gulch Camp was assembled under the giant tree whose dense foliage shaded the Wheel of Fortune at certain hours of the day. Buckskin Frank and Dandy Red were present, of course. As Catamount had jokingly re- marked, they were the ‘‘ mostinterested persons in the proceedings about to take place.” The sun was not yet up, and fresh in the memory of all were the thrilling events of the night just ended. ‘Mr.” Starbox was chosen judge-advocate of the hastily improvised court. The spectators were to constitute the jury, and on this farce the life of the western detective, Claude Crecy’s foe, was to hasg. Dandy Red’s eye quietly took in the dark- faced assembly that girted bim in. What was he to be tried for? There was no fear visible in the eyes of the young Indian who stood at Buckskin’s side; he was going to prove his gratitude won by a cer- tain act at Alamosa, many months prior to the opening of our story, by dying with the man who had won it. ‘¢-You have been indicted by the men of Gold Gulch for the killing of Whirlwind Tom last night,” said Starbox addressing the young de- tective. ‘‘ What’s your plea?” “ Guilty!” Clear and without a tremor the answer rung through the natural court. “That settles one case,” resumed the judge, running his eye through the assemblage. ‘* What’s your pleasure, men?” ‘¢T move thet he be stretched,” said a voi from the crowd. ' In less time than we can trace a line of these wild proceedings the motion was put by Star- box and carried without a dissenting voice. To all appearances not.a man in the crowd, ex- cepting the prisoners, of course, had refrained from voting. ‘‘Now for the red-skin, jedge,” said Cata- mount, ee toward Dandy Red, who gave him a glance of unrelenting hatred. ‘¢ What’s the charge?” ‘‘Derned ef I know,” was the puzzled Cata- mount’s reply. ‘“‘He hezn’t killed anybody thet we knows of, but it wouldn’t be good pol- icy ter turn him loose arter hangin’ bis white pard. By George! try him fur gineral cussid- ness. He’s got ter be tried!” ‘‘He might have been Buckskin’s accomplice, seeing that both were together when captured,” said Starbox. ‘‘T never had an accomplice!” exclaimed the detective, turning full upon the speaker, who occupied a three-legged stool in the center of a table brought from the Wheel of Fortune. “The blood of Whirlwind Tom is on my hands, on mine alone! That Indian united his fortunes with mine after that occurrence, and entirely of his own accord, although our trip to the mountains was made up at my instance. I did not come here to make war on the men of Gold Gulch Camp. I sought the life of Claude Crecy; that is well known now. You made war on me. Claude’s thousand ounces of dust re- ward was too much for you. Whirlwind Tom, having discovered my identity, would have be- trayed me for the pile. What would you have done under the circumstances? My revolver was at his temple; he held my identity, my life in his hands. The greed of gold was in bis eyes; it fairly danced there, I ask you, men of Gold Gulch, what would you have done had you been me under such circumstances?” “That question is not before the court,” an- swered Starbox. ‘‘ We're dealin’ with the In- jin now. Dandy Red.” At mention of his name, the athletic young Pa a ste forward and faced the man on 3 ™ ee - ar i ad ee = el a ea Sn Re I set ee cee Bit eel eer ee PE ee | UE EEE EEE RENEE EEEEEEEEEEEEREEEEEEERERD “Dandy listens.” J With his figure drawn to its full stature, he looked nobler than ever. He was stripped te the waist, and the muscles stood out on his strong arms like a ship’s ropes. - “We'll give you a choice, Dandy,” said Star- box, leaning forward and looking the brave in the eye, while he spoke wilh a mock charitable air which every one understood. ‘I ought to have said ‘a chance,’ perhaps. Which would ou rather receive, four hundred lashes on the e back, or the rope?” At mention of a whipping, such as is some~ times administered by lynch law in the fay West, the Indian seemed to recoil, then his dark eyes blazed with resentment, and he whirled, and placed his hand on Buckskin Frank’s arm. “Dandy Red and Buckskin are brothers!” he exclaimed, throwing a defiant glance through the anxious crowd. ‘Dandy will stand by his brother to the end of the trail. He has not forgotten the Alamosa!” ‘Jes’ what I thought he’d do between ther two!” remarked Catamount, in audible tones, to a companion. ‘‘Thar's no discount on thet wild- cat, ef he ar’ a red one!” ‘What shall be the Injun’s doom?” asked Starbox, addressing the crowd. ‘¢Giv’ him what he hankers arter!” came the response, which was applauded by sentences of similar import. Thereupon “Jedge” Starbox sentenced the prisoners. They were to be hanged on the very tree he- neath whose boughs they stood at that moment. “When?” Within the next ten minutes! “T appoint Catamount Luke General High Sheriff of the execution,” finished Starbox, and a mowent later two ropes hung from the best bough of the tree. Up to that moment the hands of the doomed twain had not been bound. When they were guarded by sixty men, whose hands were al- most at the butts of deadly revolvers, why bind the hands of two prisoners? “This is fur Whirlwind Tom!” said Cata- mount, advancing upon the detective, with re- venge in his blood-shot eyes, ‘‘ We ar’ losin’ the thousand ounces by pullin’ ye up on our own account, for Claude wouldn’t give Gold Gulch Camp a picayune fur ye now. He war back hyar the second time last night, an’ we didn’t part friends, An’, it’s on account ov thet visit thet ’Reppahoe, an’ Santa Jim, an’ Quartz Dick ar’n't hyar to see yer go.” Buckskin Frank seemed to start. He now knew why he and Dandy Red had failed to fiad the road-agent. ‘‘ Hurry up the hangin’, Catamount!” “Talk ter him arterward!” and kindred ex- clamations came from every side, and the execu- tioner ordered the nooses to be adjusted over the prisoners’ heads. “The end of the trail is not here, brother!” said Dandy Red, in a low and hasty whisper, “Dandy remembers the Alamosa. See hins prove it!” The next second the young Indian was whirled half way round by the ruffian who held the noose of death in one hand. ‘Tt is Dandy Red’s time! White Camp dogs, stand back!” The man with the noose was flung aside by one sweep of the young brave’s left arm, while there leaped from below his deer-skin belt a knife whose twelve-inch blade had a biss ag it cleft the air! Nobody would have thought that inside of his buckskin leggings, the red-skin could conceal such a weapon as that. The ruffians of Gold Gulch involuntarily recoiled from the sweep of the Indian bowie, A loud yell pealed from Dandy Red’s throat, and before any one could divine his intention, he cast himself with a tigerish bound upon Catamount Luke, the man most anxious to see him banged. ‘““The rope for Dandy Red, the knife for Catamount!” fell from the Indian’s lips as a blow was struck with that terrible knife, and the dark-faced victim reeled away. “Shoot the red greaser to pieces!” cried the excited spectators. ‘‘ Dandy Red can shoot, too.” In the twinkling of an eye as it were the Indian had jerked Catamount’s two revolvers from his belt, and as the crowd faced bim his red arms were thrust forward with six chambere freighted with death at the end of each. The next moment twompre men sprung to the red-skin’s side. One was Buckskin Frenk with a pistol in his hand, the other war—Seole
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Sees Dragon, the old stage-driver, who had just given the detective the weapon he held, Such was the thrilling tablean that presented if under the lynch-tree as the sun crept over the rough rocks of Gold Gulch. Te lives of many depended on the slightest action, “Mr.” Starbox stood on the table, rendered speechless by amazement and horror, Something had to be done to break the spell. : “We'll =) this Ee sracy he said. ‘The angin not e ace to-day. The prises are discharged.” . . The bard crowd looked up at the speaker, but the gravity visible on his face told that he was in earnest. “We'll Aght it out another time!” continued esos. Ef Catamount is dead, woe to red- w ho doubted Catamount’s death after the Wow which the naked red arm had delivered in ht of all? © lay on the ground at Dandy Red’s feet, and pear him lay the bowie. Its blade was white no longer, “What says my white brother now?” said the Indian, glancing at the detective. ‘Does he believe that Dandy Red will ever forget the Alamosa?” Buckskin’s reply was a glance that spoke vol- umes, altheagh his lips said: “Draw on me hereafter for anything you went, een to my life. The call will be hon- ored. CHAPTER XI. OLAUDE PLAYS A NEW GAMM DaRinG and desperate as some men are, there are times when they quail in the face of danger. Mounted on the table, and he the judge of the court, ‘‘ Mr.” Starbox had considered the dese perateness of his own situation. A rapid glance from Dandy Red’s eyes had told bim that at the opening of hostilities he would, unless the young Indian was immediate- ly shot down, tumble headlong from his ele- wated position. He had therefore an eye on personal safety when he adjourned court and declared that the prisoners were discharged. “*Dandy Red had knife hid in his trowsers all along,” said the Indian, with a grin, to the de- tective. ‘‘ Him watchin’ fur his chance, that’s all. Catamount too eager to bang Dandy, eb? Him never try to hang ‘nother Injun!” Truer words were never spoken, The men who raised Dandy Red’s victim saw his expres- sionless eyes and searched in vain for his puise, The hard crowd accepted Starbox’s decision, but with many oaths that were not loud but deep, and Buckskin Frank found himself leav- in comp with the Indian and Zack Dragon. fine old stage-driver was anxious to hear of Dainty Dot, about whose strange disappearance from Gold Gulch he knew no more than those whom he had left pebind. , The girl was really gone; that was certain. pi What does she think of me now, Zack?” asked the detective, eagerly. * She b’lieves in you.” “What? Say that again, Zack.” ‘*She b’lieves that you ar’ the genuine Frank Fargo, the man what left her two years ago to hunt down the man what shot her father in a stage on the Salt Lake-Denver Trail. Last night she went back on you, you know. Wal, thet war because she could not think thet the dead could come to life, for she got news of your death long ago. But when I told her about yer career in Denver, and she had put this and thet pagethee, she changed her mind, Then she wrote thet note I delivered to you in the Wheel of Fortune, an’ afterward she taced ’Rappahoe an’ his pards, an’ told ’em thet ef they follered you, somebedy might git hurt. She’s a daisy, thet Dainty Dot is, Buckskin.” A “ Bat Fy y did she desert Salt Lake for this eountr, ““When she heard thet you war dead, she made up her mind ter hunt Claude Crecy her- gelf, Thet’s why she come hyar. Ov course old Gulch took her in an’ nicknamed her Dainty Dot. Claude Crecy come down hyar often, but it war ez Death Rattle, the man you met last night. Dainty didn’s know bim, an’ ther few roughs what did wouldn’t post_her. 0 she lived hyar on the lookout fur Devil Claude, an’ saw him night after night.” ‘She buried Whirlwind Tom or had it done?” “T did it, Buckskin,” was the reply. ‘‘ She found the carkiss in front ov Catamount’s shanty, an’ her good jedgment told her who had s*iped bim out, so she told me to t bim ohieaie oe a ‘* But he was found?” “Yes. His pards got suspicious an’ s’arched every place furhim, Of course the body war found; then Catamount an’ his six men took an oath of vengeance an’ started out arter you.” This conversation took place a short distance beyond the confines of the desperadoes’ camp. ‘he trio had been permitted to depart unmo- lested, although they had been served with a notice that henceforth between them and the roughs of Colorado there was quenchless hatred, eternal war. , They would be hunted and shot on sight! If captured they were not to be accorded the procses s of even a lyrch court. Starbox ad told them that they would find more ene- mies on their trail than they could manage. To all this the three had returned nothing but defiant looks. Dandy Red, the Indian, would have replied in mad eloquence if a glance from the detective had not checked him, and in this manner the camp was left behind. We need not say that Buckskin Frank listened with much interest to Zack Dragon’s narrative. It had imparted the pleasing intelligence that Dainty Dot had at last reco:nized him as the lover who had quitted her side to avenge her father’s death. He was now to find her and to measure knives again or cross pistols with Claude Crecy, the king of road-agents. From an elevated spot on the main mountain not far from the scene of many of the events of our romance, the trio looked down into Gold Gulch. The sun wag creeping zenithward, and they could see a crowd in front of the Wheel of Fortune. ‘An indignation meetin’,” smiled the detec- tive as with folded arms he surveyed the spec- tacle. ‘'‘I’d like to be a listener, and yet I sup- pose we're safer where we are.” ““T should say so, cap’n,” returned old Zack. ‘“‘Thar’s a fellar on a bar’l down thar, ef my eyes don’t deceive me. I can’t recognize him by the cut ov his anatomy at this distance; but I'd call ’im ‘‘ Mr.” Starbox, the feller what hez a brother-in-law in Congress. Thar’s whar he got the polite handle to his naiae, IJt’ll be ther onorable *‘ Mr.” Starbox one ov these days ef he doesn’t run ag’in’ a bullet.” Dandy Red was leaning against a rock with his eyes fixed on the distant crowd, At the mention of his late judge’s name, however, he started forward and his eyes gleamed with in- tense hatred. ‘‘'Ther Injun’s riled,” whispered Zack to the detective. For some moments the young brave glared at the assemblage with the eyes of a tiger. “The man what gave Dandy Red his choice ‘aks to the white wolves,” he suddenly ex- claimed as his outstretched hand pointed to- ward the camp. “‘ By-’m-by Dandy give him choice mebbe, It makes his heart hot to look!” and turning suddenly from the scene below them, the Indian walked away. ‘‘He’s taking us toward Claude’s cabin,” murmured the detective. ‘This time I trust we will catch the master at home.” . But all three were doomed to disappointment, for they found the cabin deserted after a cau- tious approach, Blood in front of the door told where the In- dians had finished the bear, and an inspection of the hut itself showed more blood on the planks that formed the floor. This was the life gore of Poison Jack, but his body had been re- moved, doubtless by the man whom he had s0 faithfully served—Claude Crecy. ‘“Tnis hut has been abandoned forever by Claude,” said Buckskin after the inspection. ‘What makes you think so, cap’n?” — “There’s notbing valuable left in it. Last night when Dandy Red and I were here, it was a regular arsenal.” vi The red bear-hunters may hev plundered as “That is true, Zack, but I think Claude has been here.” ‘ ‘Injuns Claude’s friends,” said Dandy Red at this juncture. “They might take a pistol or two, but no take everything.” “ That’s my opinion exactly.” Of all the plunder that the road-agents’ dar- ing bad collected during a number of years, not so much as a silver watch was to be found at the cabin. The three did not prolong a search which a brief inspection had told the detective would result in nothing, : ‘‘We don’t want his plunder, but the man himself!” Buckskin said. ‘‘ He is the game I have been hunting these two years. This trail was beginning to seem an endless one when he Soret tale mail-coach yesterday and got the | The Buckskin Detective. So een a grin. “‘She’s got the best wight to mete justice out to him; I'll admit, that, Zack, but I don’t want her fair hands steined with anybody’s © blood, not even with his!” At that instant a low exclamationfrom Dandy _ Red, who was stationed at the door of the ban- dits’ cabin, drew the twain’s attention in that direction. “Stage comin’,” said the Indian. “ Don’t my brothers hear it?” ‘“‘T do,” said the detective, who had listened a moment, “Tt’s ther reg’lar mail from Salt Lake, Tom Texas ought ter be on ther box. I know ’im.” Zack appeared eager to leave the cabin and rush down to the trail. ‘‘Claude may stop stage in his old place,” said the Indian. ‘‘He’ll do anything. Let us go and see tip stage pass the spot.” ‘Have to be keerful, Buckskin,” replied the Indian. ‘Claude git the drop on us mebbe, en—” “Then there would be somebody shot, set 4 e that is what you were going to say,” smiled detective. Dandy Red did not reply. The trio now glided $b the hut on the mountain side and were guided by the Indian through a sunless defile to a spot slightly ele- vated above the old stage trail. Almost direct~ ly facing them was a deep ravine, whose mouth opened upon the trail itself; the opening was — twenty feet wide and more than half filled with a thick growth of mountain brushwood. The approach of the stage was now plainly heard by the three; the sounds enabled them to follow it as it rounded the rocky curves and bowled over the lonely trail to the cracks of the driver’s whip, and his constant shoutings to the train. ‘“‘Thar she comes with Texas in his place suddenly exclaimed old Zack, as the four horses appeared in sight. “* And yonder is Claude himself!” Tbe last sentence had fallen from the defee- tive’s lips, and an instant later the eyes of all were staring at the handsome man who had leaped from the ravine and, doubly armed, awaited the stage at its mouth. Buckskin Frank instinctively cocked his re- volver as his left hand parted the bushes before bis face, but at that moment Claude sprung toward the horses and his loud * Halt!” rung out on the morning air. “Texas ar’ no fool!” ejaculated Zack, in a low tone, as the driver reined in the four steeds. “Bill, ov San Jose, tried to run over Claude once, He never drove another stage arter- ward.” “Throw out the bags!” swiftly followed the “halt,” and almost before the last words had ceased to echo around the road-agent, twe leather sacks fell at his feet. ‘*Now!” exclaimed the detective, ‘‘cover him, but don’t fire until I give the signal!” The three sprung up and Buckskin Frank’ voice startled every one who heard. “Stand where you are, Claude, and up with your hands!” he cried. which I am going to take a hand!” The eyes of the mountain robber instantly recognized the speaker as bis old enemy—the man who had hunted him so long, For a moment his gaze was a flash of rage, and then, with the agility of a panther, he leaped at the nearest stage horse. “Wire!” cried the detective. Three revolvers spoke, but the next seeond one of the four horses was flying down the trail . mounted by Claude Crecy. i In the twinkling of an eye the knight of the trail had cut the leader loose, and was being carried away on his back! “That beats my time all holler!” exclaimed old Zack, as he gazed after the road agent with the smoking pistol in his hand. Buckskin Frank, the detective, did not reply. He, too, was looking in the same direction; but his gage was one of baffled rage and aston- ishment! : Claude had again outwitted him! CHAPTER XII. . EXCITING EVENTS. A rew bounds carried the three to the stage whose passenger a atigh mk spru ted. & se sie the driver, ea that worthy toushed the grunt ‘ “This is a game in |
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“ “ Wohat’s that horse worth?” he demanded, pointing tc the one left by Claude i in the load. “ Ha nonee ter the contractor.” “ Where is “I'm that person.” The last speaker, a well-dressed man with a massive gold neck-chain, stood before the de- tective as be turned. ‘Will you sell that horse! Wvaste words!” said Buckskin, “Whe are you?” / “Bucksin Frank.” “Then take the animal. You've saved the mails, i Sepang our lives.” “Than The avs was 8 y mounted. “No rest now till I’ve run Claude Crecy down!” he said to the little crowd that stared uthim. ‘Dandy Red, I will never forget the Alamosa; you may depend on that. We'll meet again—perhaps {" mod with this doubt, he dashed boot-heels against the horse’s flanks and was off like a meteor. Already the speed of Claude's horse, and the windings of the stage trail, bad hid the bandit trom view, and a short time sufficed to hide the detective from the sight of those who gazed after him. Claude had secured a good start; but Duck- skin “Frank urzed his horse on, utter! y vegard- less of the many loose rocks that rollel from oe his feet, and constantly threatened his ety. Tt was a chase that ended for the present, so far as the pursuer was concerned, in a narrow gorge several miles from the point cf attack, and some distance from the regular trail. The detective drew rein there and took in his surroundings and prospects at a glance. Fresh boof-marks leading ea the stage road had caught bis eye at acertain point, and led him to the spot where he now sat on his beated steed’s back, baffled by the man he wanted. ' All at once the stillness around him was broken by a loud report, and the detective felt his borse gradually sinking beneath him! He #prung to the ground drew his revolvers us he faced in the direction of the shot, No foe appeared, “You can foot it now, Buckskin!” said a voice, while yet no man was to be seen, “Go back and pay the old contractor for his hors >.” Av exclamation of rage burst from the deteo- tive’s throat. ‘IT know you, Claude Crecy! Come out and fight me!” he cried. * [guess not. Will you not gO back?” “Not until I have accom my sworn mission !” ‘“ Which is my death?” at Yes!” “Then Pll end your hunt where you stand. But let Claude Crecy tell you first, Frank Fargo, that Dainty Dot is completely in my power, and that while you rot in this aah she an reiga queen in a better camp n Gold Quiek! I can’t ‘Not as your wife, though.” ** As Claude Crecy’ 3 wife!” * Nover, villain!’ Buckskin Frank sprung toward the spot from whence the voice had proceeded, for be had pe a glimpse of a face behind the drnse hrubbery, and the gleam of a revolver barrel. <A that moment the bushes parted, and the next a flash of fire leaped into his face, and be mes ; back like a man shot through the ain “Vm the da rige you followed too long!” said the road- op stepping into full view as the smoke of his deadly shot rosa above his head. ** You mat, Buckskin Frank, that I am Claude Srecy. trail is ended at last, and the oath you took in the girl’s presence will never be bs detective had fallen against the wall of the gorge. As Claude approached the body it slip to the ground, where it lay motionless. ou made yourself my foe for a girl’s love,” the road- agent continued. “I guess we're even ow! Five minutes later the only occupants of the tragic place were the detective and his horse. To a certainty, as it seemed, Claude had put an end to the long bunt. If he had remained in the gorge a minute longer, he would have seen the plies ed dead man move, the eyes open, a the hands eree to the bloodiest of As agate e end of the trail is not peel" weed as detective, as his e skull is better than a ballot int in the bra 4 with difficulty er Oa Ase ‘a fow yards away. ere he fell 7 2 cee tone oe oe ee neennwer ee: iether than laid himself down on the cool | | | The Buckskin Datevtive grass. “White hunter chase Claude no more, him says, ” fell suddenly on the detective’s ears, ed Beaver is to have one of the white man’s pistols; his brothers can take the rest of his things.” Buckskin Frank drew his hody further back among the bushes that partly surrounded him, Glaude Creey had met a party of Indians whom he had sent to plunder the supposed corpse of his old foe! ‘The red thieves shall find the liveliest dead man they ever attempted to plunder,” he said to himself, es he fixed bis eyes on the trail that led westward, “am worth at least twenty dead men yet.” At this mcment six Indians came in sight, and acry of joy broke from tier lips as the y beheld the dead horse lying almost directly iv front of Buckskin’s retreat. Several bounds cirried the red crowd to the spot, but an exclamation of disappoint ment im- mediately followed the halt by hi ‘“Where Buckskin? Him no walk away after Claude shoot!” they cried. ‘‘Claude say bim leave him dead rear his Loss, but him no herc. Gone, sure!” “They wi'l find me aft-r a moment's hunt,” | murmured Buckskia, “Thera is blood on the | trail I made from the spot where I fell to this place. [might os well open the battle now. Bracing himself on one foot and knee, the de- tective turust bis weapons forward, ‘* Here Lum, red thieves!” he cried, in a voice that matle every Indian tura, and an instant later the six wero reeling from ‘the death-flasbes of his s'x-shooters. All but one fell over the prostrate horse in less time than wa can record t.e fact, nnd that one fled for bis life at a speed that almost de- fied the pursuit ot a bullet. Buckskin Frank, however, sent one after bim, and saw him wheel half-way round as if struck, bu: as he kept on he (the cetective) concluded that no mortal vound had bk en inflicied, A smile of grim satisfactiou cverspread the man-bunter’s face when he found himself the victor of the short ergagement although but one side had done che firing. “Your plunderers meet with rather poor luck, Claude,” he laughed aloud, ‘The next time you send them forth, [advise you tosatisty yourself that your victim is Gen er ough to submit to the indignity. Now, if I ean leave this place, I will do so, and hunt you again.” The detective found himself strong enough to move from the almost fatal spot. In a little spring at the foot of the wall of the gorge he bathed his face and the clear waters showed Bie the furrow made by the road-agent’s “Turn about is fair ogg I govo kim a wound ju-t like this Mytamoun.’s eabin last night,” he said, ‘The next tims vue cf us must shoot truer. I will be that one!’ Where was Claude Crecy at this time? Ridiog slowly over a winding trail on the horse which be h:d dextrously cut from the mail team, thereby saving his precious life, was | the read-agent, a gleam “of satistaction in bis 6 horse, SS ee eee ee i ye. “Gold Gulch will be against me, cf course, | but I don’t care for that!” he said as if acdress- | ing a party at his side, for he spoke aloud. ‘Then, Congress will be asked to look after me, if the fat Congressman gets his terrible resolutions in, I need not fear Congress either. The only man that ttood between me and Dot is out of my road now, and 1 cen begin the | other game. I must visit Gold Gu'ch before I | bid the road farewell, but 1 not go down | alone this time. I just want to show * Mr,” Starhox and his pards that Claude Crecy can marshal an army at a signal. What if the faces of my pard are not white; more than half of them carry gold watcbes, ‘and that is Oe aig precious few of Gold Guleh’s citizens At theend of an hour the road-agent drew reinin a picturesque ravine almost on a level with Gold Gulch Camp some miles away. He left his horse which was not: loth to rest, and parted the bushes that rose before him with his hands. As be advanced, the mountain brake seemed to grow denser, but all at once he came upon a small log building before whose door stood a magnificent specimen of the Indian | race, **Claude come back at last!"exclaimed the | red-skin, at sight of the road agent. . She no speak to the Poe Claude go im and see.” ** How's my bird?” | Ra PN aE AN A NN TE SNR RY NF Ren re EE RN RAE Anette eer tenee oie een one erent tet ptt stew att keen de ncaane batted ge barnaiemimnnoesapoaiacn-aplindseneatiteny-napsameceeeeorsermommraiepreecascaeenanpear engine aise ainaeper rn oareeteeeereaeen meow { “YN find ber tongue,” replied the ss by ti pushing past the red guard. As he threw opem thp door, the beautiful face and undaunted jo Dainty Dot met his gaze. | ‘At last, my uty, we can jook forward ave to an unmolested heneymoon,” he said. “ My persistent enemy has left the trail with his eye mission unaceomplisbed !” Triumph blazed up in Claude’s eyes as a spoke, ne “T understand you. You would make me | believe thet Buckskin Frank is dead,” the x. said, * Dead be is—at last.” “eh Instead cf recoiling from him with a ery_ofthre horror, Dainty Dot stood erect and said firmly: Deat “In your triumph never for a moment forgetthis that J live!” Gu RUS thors CHAPTER XIII. ain THE AVENGERS OF GOLD GULOH. ept THE result of the attempted lynching of thewhol detective and Dandy Red gave rise to an indigpelre nation meeting at Gold Gulch Camp, Not far from the assembly, covered me a tlanket, lay the young Indian’s victim—Cata-ers | mount Luke, The rough would never seek tonuch . the hargman’s repe over another red-skin’s Ev 1ead, for Dundy Red’s one blow with the knifeear concealed in bis leggings had put a bloodylrive period to his career, , udde The most prominent character at the indig 10x’s nation meeting was the redoubtable Starbox, ‘'’? the late judge of the lynch court, fexy He declared that Buckskin Frank, Zaclrbisp Dragon and the Indian should be hunted dowrhoot and shot on sight. For the moment Claude ‘‘ W Crecy and his last exploits at the Wheel oftarb Fortune were forgotten. Tte clods ef th ‘TI Gulch had scarcely fallen upon ’’Rappahoe anéie M his two messengers before they, too, were for ** G« gotten for the men who had escaped the nooseev sr The camp teemed with excitement. fts a Rocky Rod’s counters and not his tables wer Not now thronged. obody thought of play, avight t the ees, rietor of the Wheel offered to close oe . den anc Vjoin the bunt for vengeance. “By Jovel we'll skin ther young ng. Injulirae ; alive!” was a common expression. “Cat?¥ 4 fi mount wer a brick! He never flunked when | ie pard asked him fur a dellar.” In t Woe might almost say and keep within tbisible. bounds of truth, that the meeting closed with "dian ceneral rush toward the mountain. Gold Gule_“‘ Wi was nearly deserted half an bour after the mobttle d: adjournment, Ogniz: Rocky Rod and a few others remained { oc Bet “keep house” as they expressed it; but th’ - cards were allowed to remain idle while acré,8¢e the bar of the gambling den the terrible eved | Mr of the last few tours were discussed. “Go The avengers were led by ‘ Mr.” Starbayees b who could boast, as well as traila foe. N@'® ve withstanding his bonstings, he was a man | (Lik nerve, a desperado like those by whom he dark. sh surrounded. yard ai He bad seen better days than the present; beone. the wild West hud made him wild and reckie( The a ‘‘ Boys, we’ve run the game down,” he saistrain as he turned with gleaming eyes upon the th/ould F teen men at his back, in one of the broken peyvain of the mountain above the camp. ter raly * What's thet, can’n?” “Nos ‘“ Come bere an’ listep—two at a time.” mais m f'arbox stood at the almost concealed mot® Pr of + cavern. A lot of vines over hesgebey or te tut the 10ugh’s sharp eyes had discovers he y lis frien they bad lately been lifted, and that b hold your ears right thar, an’ use ever hand of man. fura moment, he ssid to the two men who! YY un the band in response to bis last words, stient, For a little while the twain beld tkeir het“ Buch close to the creepers, ard all at once their ter Cle met their leader’s gaze, O we’y “They're in thar!” said one. ‘IT kin Starbo Zack Dragon's voice, PR's tellin’ some shook “Now, about h is last tussle w ith Claude, an’ thet body ar’ Buckskin or the [njun, ov course ‘Ov course!” was the echo. ar ** Who knows this cave?” asked Starbox, t Pd r ng his eye ove @ gan, bat opt eye over the gang. ‘Starbo: ‘* What about it, Mexy?” hes Mexy was youthful son of Meatico, the ey t person with Spanish blood in_his veins who Ter put permitted to inhabit Gold Gulch Camp. mi more than seventeen, he was known fora son whose courage was unquestioned, ard thoroughly knew the mountains of Cole ‘It’s the ceve in which Mexy ard the pee their fight, senor,” he said, . ddressmy “Then you do know it, tor that gri
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sat oe yon all through it, ef I recollect the gare. y of that tussle,” smiled the chief of the ward \vengers, “My “But Mex t bim at last!” with flashing h van kite = “Sh I lead you, senors?”’ es ooo TANS Sete tie tw tnt stent as he The Mexican drew his bewie as he parted the vines, and went forward stooping. e me, ‘Do you mean for all to follow?” asked Star- } girkbox, * Yes, senor.” “Then come on, boys. We've corraled the ry of;hree. They needn’t ter see another sunset. rmly:Death ep sight! forgettbis time.” Guided by the Mexican, who professed a thorough knowledge of the mountain cavern, cores by an encounter with a bear in its epths some time prior to the present visit, the of thewhole party crept forward, and found them- indig*¢lves in a dark corridor. e need not say that revolvers were carried withocked and knifes unsheathed as the man-hun- -Cata-ers glided on, led by one in whom they had eek tonuch confidence. -skin’s Every now and then they would halt and . knifeear the well-known voice of the old stage- pbloodylriver. It guided them on and on, until Mexy /uddenly stopped and laid his hand on Star- indig ox’s wrist. arbox, ‘‘‘Phey’re in the big round chamber where Jexy fought the bear,” he said in the lowest of Zaclvhispers. ‘We're above them. We can | dowrhoot down, senor?” Claude *‘ What better will the boys ask?” returned peel oftarbox elated at the prospect before them. ef th ‘‘ They got fire, too, just to help us,” continued oe anéie Mexican, re for “*Good again! Fortune is givin’ us a share of noosecv smiles hyar, if she doesn’t give us many fts at ther Wheel!” eg wer Not far ahead was to be seen indications of a ay, an/ght being below the trailers, and a few minutes lose hitter Mexy, the yellow guide, led Starbox toa t% from which he could gaze down into a , rge circular chamber which was illuminated + Cathy, a fire, when! T5is was not all. In the light of the fire two fizures were hin tbisible—one that of a white man the other an | with Mdian’s, as was easily seen, d Gule ‘* Whar’s Buckskin?’ queried Starbox, not a 1e mobttle disappointed for he had itmmediately re- ognized the occupants of the cavern. ined | | Senor Buckskin not there now .” put t “‘ He may come directly, but I want the boys 6 fo ee the tableau down thar.” eeved |, Mr. Btarbox crept back to his men. Go for’ard, pards, an’ look down ioter ther starbarte but, mind ye, no shootin’ ti!l I’m ready. Nove want all three at once.” man | Like specters, but armed to the teeth, the he wark shirted avengers of Gold Gulch glided for- ao and peered over the edge of the wall of sent ; er reckie( The sight that met their gaze could hardly he sastrain them, and it is probable that they the th/ould have sent a volley of revolver balls at the | ain below, if Starbox had not whispe ate Poly within hearing of all: Pe ah “No shootin’! The man what disobeys oins »” pox spe Dandy Red witha lead tations Fs his d more For ten minutes the avengers looked u th be bleau to which Mexy Shad guided’ them, t by hey were waiting for Buckskin Frank to join is friends, for they, of course knew nothing of an’ Hse events which had separated the three, who By and by the men of Gold Gulch grew im- atient, eir het’ Buckskin isn't comin’! He’s off somewhar their efter Claude, Better make sure work ov the WO we've corraled!” They said. Starbox omen at the growlers and resolute- ead. somen * Wait!” hesaid. ‘I’ve gota new plan, We thet BC & Pp aa ight hey a hangin’ hyar, arter all. Thet rould be better than 2 dead shootin’ scrape.” rbox, ' ‘I'd rather see the Injun’s neck streteh, but iretch it ef ye kin, cap’n! 'Starbox smi'ed. |. Men must sleep,” he said in a low voice. They think they're safe hyar. They won't », the Fon put their fire out.” w P) a Ten minutes later Dandy Red and Old Zack for a to show signs of weariness, and to the joy bd the roughs of Gold Guich they at last threw sloraat’lr forms on the ground in the glow of the nid begtaning to die out. ‘Why sho they extinguish it? Were they not in one of the many sed@eded ves of Colorado—eaverns hardly known to ite and red, and very seldom visited by four- ted prewlers? ssing ~ That’s the motto. No foolin’ | lion itech nanan “How did you get down thar thet time, crs asked tarbox, turning to the guide, ‘* By the lazo, senor.” “T can go down that way, too.” The rope brought along for a certain purpose was now uncoiled, and a stirrup formed at one end by the Mexican’s deft fingers. “Hold me well, boys,” said Starbox as he stepped into the stirru as it dangled over the edge of the wall. * t me down ea-y, an’ this old cave ever hed. Some ov ye might | ‘kiver’ Zack an’ Dandy ez I go down, fur thar ’s no tellin’ what might happen. | what thet young Injun did at camp?” Lowered by five stalwart men, ‘ Mr.” Star- box slowly descended toward the sleepers fifty feet below the edge of the wall, He clung to the rope with his left hand; his right clutched the butt of a revolver, and his eyes were fastened on the foe beneath him. Once, when he was midway between friend and foe, he glanced up at the former with eyes that fairly gleamed with ferocious triumph; then looked downuene again. All at once tbe young Indian sprung up, and so quickly that he totally frustrated the aim of the men whose revolvers were covering bim. A wild, mad oath fell from ‘‘ Mr.” Starbex’s ips! It was his last. : Quicker than a flash Dandy Red's revolver had covered him, and the next instant, while the report of the shot filled the cavern, he was spinning round and round li:e a giddy man! Zack Dragon leaped to his feet. Ba saw Dandy Red 6 nd the dying brands in every direction by a flying kick, and just as he Seddhe sight of a man’s body being drawn rapidly upward, bang! bang! bang! went a number of pistols, and the cavern was darkness save where the embers glowed! “Is brother hurt?” whispered a voice at his éar as & hand encircled his arm. ‘No, but those devils will shoot till they kill. They are notsatisfled. The men ov Gold Gulch are above us!” “Dandy Red know that. Him get awake an’ see man comin’ down on Jasso. Dandy Jay still an’ watch ’im till him ready to shoot, Ugh!” The Indian’s last expression was occasioned by the fall of a heavy body on the floor of the cavern, Then a veioe was heard overhead: ‘“‘No more shootin’ in the dark! mayn’t be dead!” Dandy Red sprung forward and felt in the gloom for the man who had fallen from the rope. is hand came suddenly in contact with a human face, but he uttered no cry. “Shoot, boys, an’ never mind me!” were the words that resounded througbout the cavern the following minute, ‘‘Death holds the call on me; but ther Injun still lives!” A wild shout of vengeance came down from above; it encountered midway an ejaculation of Indian ferocity. bay) The next instant the whole ceiling of the sub- terranean cave was revealed by the flash of their twin revolvers, and something fell against Jack Dragon, and almost forced him to the wall. “ Ar’ thet you, Dandy?” said the old man, clutching the cbject which was a human form. A groan and a gaep replied, and then Zack felt his arms disengaged. - ‘Come, brother!” was said at his ear, ‘‘ Dandy Red still wears the feathers of the eagle.” And a band that seemed wet with blood led him away. The cap’n CHAPTER XIV. THE LAST OF GOLD GULCH CAMP. “Waa, pard, what is it?’ asked Rocky Rod of the tall, dirty-looking Indian that sauntered into the Wheel of Fortune during the absence from camp of Starbox and bis band of aven- rers, r The red-skin took in the small crowd assem- bled in the den, and threw a little leathern sack ot gold-dust upon the counter. “Do yer treat the crowd?” asked Rod, “Bison Hoof want white brothers to drink with him,” was the answer, and as no citizen of Gold Gulch had ever been asked a second time to drink, the entire crowd came forward. ‘““Where rest?’ eontinued the Indian, throw- ing an inguisftive glance round the room, ‘* Off on a’man-hunt,” was the answen * All gone? “All but ther corporal’s guard you see byar, Rison.” pn ee nr — oe ee oe ert omens! we'll hev ther quiekest an’ ther neatest hangin’ | | You know | ward one of the mountain peaks that over- 13 te ee The red-skin seemed satisfied Half a minute later the et had been gulped sper, paid for, and the had dis- appeared, ** Clever greaser, thet,” remarked Rocky Rad. “Bison Hoof war his handle, warn’t itd Never hed ther pleasure ov meetin’ ’im afore thet I know ov. Went off like powder, Didn't evor stay fur return treat, Colorado’s full of Injuns just like thet one.” If one of the occupants of the Wheel of Frr+ tune had followed the “clever Indian ” to the. door, he might have seen him turn his face to- ; looked Gold Gulch, and wave above his head ee a loose panther-skin he wore on his shoul- ers, k maa did that meant It looked very like o signal. A short time afterward there rode into the camp from toward that same mountain five- and-twenty red-skins headed ‘by a person who, while his face was red like the faces of bis fol- lowers, seemed more a white man than a red one. “ Halt!” went through the Indian ranks as. the squadron halted in front of the Wheel of Fortune before Rocky Rod and his friends dreamed that Indians were near. “Great Cesar’s ghost! Bison Hoof hex brought some ov his friends inter the Gulcb!” exclaimed the man who went to the door only to start back surprised. “IT knowed he war a clever red!" said Rocky Rod, as he leaned over the counter and them cleared it at a single bound. A moment Jater he ore’ in the doorwa in dark gray shirt and with revolvers on h hips. ‘Brother Rocky!” wes the exclamation by which he was immediately recognized. ‘‘ Wh doesn’t our brother come out an’ shake hands. with War Arrow?” ‘In a minute,” responded Rocky Rod, bound- ing back into the den. fris face was fearfully white when he turned it upon his companions again, ‘* Boys,” he said, in a ghostly whisper, “ boys, . we've got to figbt fur our lives. Them greasers out thar mean bigness. Their chief, War Ar- rer, is Claude Crecy !” “Wo! no!” “Fact! Dll sw’ar ter it! He couldn't deceive me. He’s hyar ter kill! I allus said he would come back!’ For a moment the roughs of Gold Gulch seemed paralyzed, ‘“We’ve got our boots on,” said one, “ It’s our time ter go under.” The last word still quivered the speaker's Nps when a wild yell sounded through the camp, and a volley of pistol-balls came crashing through the planks of the old gambling den. ‘What'd I tell yer!” cried Rocky » Spring- ing back with cocked revolver. “ Now, men, in! an’ when Starbox an’ ther boys coine beck, let, ern find Claude Crecy an’ his red devils stiff ' an’ cold whar we bev died!” At that moment the door of the den wa» closed, and locked in spite of the second volley that sent two Gold Gulehers reeling against one of the card tables with bullets in their brains! The besieged now began to reply. The Wheel of Fortune had been loosely built, and large cracks were visible where the planks had never met. From these Rocky Rad and bis men delivered some shots which sent several savages headjong - from their horses. ‘*Make sure of Claude! Remember Rappa- hoe an’ Santa Jim an’ his pard!” exclaimed Rod. ‘I tell yer, boys, Claude hez come to Gold Gulch this time ter clean the hull comp | \ out!” The firing was now incessant The attacking party bad withdrawn a short distance, and the Indians were making good use of Winchester rifles from behind their horses. The Wheel of Fortune had never been in- tended for a fortress, and tie leaden missiles therefore whistled through the pine planks, Men fell everywhere. It was massacre! In ten minutes not a response came from the famous den. \ A flash of victory lit up the dark eyes of the person who had been called War Arrow. ; ‘*T said ’d make my last visit to Gold Gulob one long to be remembered!” be said aloud. “Tm not yet througb with it. I only wish that Starbox and bis men were here. ey never thought that their old player, Death Rattle, would visit the camp in this style, All me for Poison Jack, willed hy two men fom Guicb Camp.’ \
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a The spews was Claude Orecy, as his words have revealed. ‘* Now open the doors, boy«.” His Indians sprung from behind their horses and rushed forward. No volley attempted to eheck them. They broke the door down, and thundered into the den; but the sight that met their gaze was enough to make even an Indian recoil with borror. Everywhere lay the men who had literally Wied with their boots on. From the storm of » lead which had swept the interior of the build- ing, no. one of the defenders had escaped alive! rrible, indeed, had been the road-agent’s visit to Gold Gulch, but more ruthlessness ws to follow. “They never thought I was very solid with the Indians,” he laughed, as his red helpers poured from the den. ‘‘ Why, my first duty, ‘when I took to the road, was to make sure of ‘the red-skins. I didn’t want white allies. Now, beys, we'll complete the job.” strong west wind was at that moment blow- ivg up the Gulch. Five minutes later it in- creasei a little fire which bad been kimdled against one of the dry wooden shanties, Gold Gulch Camp was doomed, all, save the Wheel of Fortune, and several other buildings rom which the wind kept the devouring mes, Suddenly Claude drew a piece of paper from an inner pocket and held it agaiast the old gam- bling den while he wrote upon it. Then he pinned it to the door with his bowie, and turned away, proud of bis work. Seventeen live Indians followed him from the doomed camp when be rode away, and the wind that carried the flames eastward fluttered the paper which he had fastened to the door of the gainbling den, Its inscription read: “To Mr. Srarnox: “The compliments of Claude Crecy! I have bid farewell to the road. These men were grit to the last. CLAUDE.” About halfa mile from Gold Gulea Gamp, Ciaude urged his band into a gallop, and all were moving rapidly over the old stage trail, when a young [odian was seen approac ing. **Tbhe Fox—Dainty Dot’s guardian!” fell from Clau le’s lips as he dashed ahead of his band and m+t the young brave. *' “Tam Claude!” he eried, clutching the rope bridle of the horse about to pass him. ‘‘ What has happened? Why are you here?” Tho Indian almost fell from the saddle, which was * blanket—as he turned to Claude. “(The Fox was watchin’ the hut when ’nother Injun come up; had news for Dainty Dot from Ciaude, himsay. The Fox b’lieve bim, of course, and tell ’im to go in.” Well?’ thundered Claude as the Indian paused. “Injun spring at the Fox all at once, throw him down an’ give him a knife—see here!” and the red-skin tore off a bandage formed of pliable deer-skin and revealed a horrible gash in the right breast. “Tdon’t care for your scratch!” almost ae Claude. ‘ Dainty Dot went with the— e Indian?” “ Yas,” “That Indian game reveals the man,” the road-agent exclaimed. ‘* He always could play the red-skin to perfection. I thought I finished him in the gorge; but he is my living foe again. Well, Buckskin Frank, I accept the challenge our thett of Dainty Dot has thrown at my eet! A moment later Claude Crecy was shooting over the trail like a meteor, i CHAPTER XV. . 4 TIGER IN IRONS. It was true, as the Indian messenger had de- tailed to Claude, that the mountain cabin to which he had taken Dainty Dot had been visited. And the road-agent was correct in asserting ‘that the man who had personated the Indian was none other than bis old enemy Buckskio Frank, the detective. A short time after receiving the tidings, Claude drew rein before the place, but the cabin door stood wide, evidence enough that the nest was Beeb that Dainty Dot was no longer his r guest. “Tam confident of it now, this is your work, Backskin Frank!” fell in mad tones from his a ae A a a when I fancied you lying dead not far from here. You are bard to kill, it seems: it takes a bullet through tbe brain. Well, 1 will make sure work next time.” While Claude thus addressed himself in front of his cabin, not more than a mile away, an In- dian and a white man were watching a num- ber of rough-looking whitea who were creeping along a narrow mountain trail many feet be- neath them. ‘*The white chief who came down to Dandy Red and his brother on the rope does not lead them now,” said the Indian turuing to his com- panion, ‘‘No, Dandy. I calkerlate thet ‘Mr.’ Star- box sleeps in ther biggest grave in Colorado,” was the reply from the white man, who never took his eyes from the men below while he spoke. ‘‘I never thought they’d find us in thet cave.” ‘“‘The yellow Indian, Mexy, once fought a bear there,” said Dandy Red. ‘‘Him know much about cave; but him did not seem to know, brother Zack, that a trail led from the big room to the open country.” “Tf be hed, Dandy, thar’d hey been none o’ thet rope bizness, an’ we’d not be hyar now, lookin’ at thet band ov tigers who’d give their dust fur our karkisses.” The Indian smiled, and continued to watch the roughs until the last one had disappeared, **Come, now,” he said to Zack as he started up suddenly, and plunged into a mountain thicket. ‘* What ar’ the young red up to now, I won- der?’ exclaimed the old stage-driver. ‘‘ He’s wounded already, bad enough ter ki!l a man, an’ yet he keeps on. He’s a fool ef he ex- ects ter finish Starbox’s men down thar. ometimes | think he’s crazy, but, crazy er not, ef he opens on the Gold Gulchers be kin count old Zack Dragon in ther mix. I’ve retired from ther road, an’ [ ruther like this kind o’ life. It’s excitin’, but a little dangerous, ov course.” Dandy Red burried Zack through the thicket at no inconsiderate speed. Rapid progress through s1ch a place was, of course, out of the question; but tbe fadian pusbed on until the pair emerged at last in a lonely but picturesque = a goodly distance from the place where they had plunged isto the thicket. ‘““Look yonder, Dandy!” suddenly exclaimed old Zack, as he grasped the [ndian’s arm and pointed excitedly down the bear trail that ran in front of them. ‘* Grizzly?’ asked Dandy Red, as he turned his eyes in the direction indicated by his com- panion. “*Suthin’ better nor a b’ar! Can’t ye see Old Nick himself, standin’ by thet big tree?” If Dandy Red had been a white man, he would have uttered an exclamation of surprise and joy at sight of the person almost in full view, ‘* Tt is Claude, brother!” he said, in low tones, while his eyes fairly blazed. ‘‘Let him die where he stands,” Click! click! sounded the Indian’s revolver, as he finished. “No! you mustn’t drop him!” And Zack Dragon’s hand griped Dandy Red’s dank wrist. ‘“ What hez Dainty Dot been livin’ fur these two years an’ more? An’ who hez Buckskin been huntin’ ez long? No! Claude ar’ not fur us, Injuo. Let him go.” Dandy Red resolutely shook his head, “Then catch im!” was the reply. ‘‘ You’ve got the rope thet follered Starbox to ther bot- tom of ther cave, when he fell. But Claude's an old bird.” ‘Dandy Red no care fur that. Him comin’ this way now.” The road agent was not entirely alone, as the twain noticed at the conclusion of the Indian’s last sentence, for he had stepped back and mounted a horse which he was guiding over the winding bear trail. As Starbox’s fata] stirrup still remained in the rope, a running noose was soon formed, and with a significant glance at Zack, the young In- dian crept nearer to the trail. In fali view Claude came on, with the eager, blazing eyes of Dandy Red fastened upon bim. The red lassoer crouched in the luxuriant growth of grass that covered the ground, but his eves stiJ] watched his victim. “ He’s tecked out!” ejaculated old Zack, as he saw the road-agent ride past the spot where the Indian was concealed, The next moment Dandy Red leaped forward and halted in the bear-trail directly bebind Claude. The lasso instantly uncoiled and dart- ed through the air like a &ying serpent. ; + > A-cry, an oath ed from the road-agent’s tek a as he ea peed to the ground before he had time to draw a weapon; and es he stag- ered to his feet in spite of the tightening co eS whirled and saw the demoniac features his captor. i‘ “ Dandy Red, by my life!” he exclaimed. “ An’ Zack Dragon!” said a strange voice, as the old stage-driver sprung into view. ‘‘ Cap'n, we've got the call on yer this time.” ‘‘That you have; but you daren’t toss me & revolver,” ‘*Whar’s yournf’ **On my horse.” Old Zack came forward with a victorious twinkle in his eyes. ““ How'd ye like ter go headlong over ther old stage-trail, Claude?” he said, halting in front of the bandit. ‘‘ What d'yer think I thought when I found myself fallin’ down—down to—goodness knows whar? Cap'n, I hedn’t time ter think ov anything. Ef I hedn’t lodged on some rock- trees an’ hung thar till a lot ov Injuns come along, I wouldn’t be hyar with Dandy Red. You did thet trick on purpose, didn’t yer, Claude?’ “Certainly I did, you fool!” was the quick retort. ‘You do not imagine that it was an ac- cident, I hope.” ** An’ if you e ++ any accidents ter happen hyar, cap’n, you'll be ther worst fooled man in Colorado!” Fa caad turned from Zack and faced the In- ian. ‘* We were friends once,” he said. “Dandy Red an’ Claude never friends! White man mistaken.” For a moment the baffled trail-robber looked into the glittering eyes of the young Indian. There was no mercy in their depths. ‘You are going to finish me here,” he said. ‘*A man can die but once. Go on with your work. You are going to cheat Buckskin and the girl out of long-cherished revenge. { am sati fied, if I am not to get another stroke at my hunters.” ‘‘No, brother. Dandy Red no right to take poy te life. Thet bong to girl or Buck- £K1D, A frown passed over the road-agent’s coun- tenance. ‘““Take me to them, then!” he bissed. ‘* Let this long hunt terminate before sundown. This is Buckskin’s victory after all, and not yours, Dandy Red. You are not going toavenge your own accident, Zack!” The old stage-driver shook bis head, “You are not my prisoner,” he said. ‘‘ You belong to Dandy Red.” In front of the revolvers of the stage-driver and the Indian, Claude Crecy was conducted over the bear trail, which gradually ascended as they proceeded. . Suddenly the road-agent paused, and turned his face eastward. His eyes fiashed with the fire of triumph once more. ‘““What would you say to that smoke if you were a citizen of Gold Gulch?” he exclaimed, addressing Zack, and then turning his eyes again to the dense columns of smoke which were rising from a large mountain gulch mai 7 feet below the terrace on which they then were. Zack and the Indian looked without reply. “IT was down there awhile ago!” resumed Claude, ‘I left my compliments on the door of the Wheel of Fortune. I—” ** Move on, brother! Dandy Red no care how much Gold Gulch burn,” was the interruption. The road-agent tramped on again. Half an hour later he turned suddenly upon his captors. ‘¢ Where are we going to stop?” he demanded. “Do you not know that Buckskin has met Dainty Dot. and that they may have fled the country? You can’t find him. See here! We might as well be friends as foes. There's a big bonanza in the stage business on the Denver~ Salt Lake Trail. It’s better than doing the work you two are doing now. Buckskin woul turn his back on both of you if be got a ehanca I would bet all my dust that he has done so now.” Claude ceased and waited anxiously for his auditors’ reply. ‘Brother Claude can’t put lies deep inte Dandy Red’s ears!" said the Indian before olf Zack could shape a sentence. Goki Guich bave other an’ better pease in it by~n-by. They make the stage trail sofe, an’ when horse of the white mountains, men like le will not have es to andy Red do his dety” “T stand in with the Injan,” said Baelc. Ui Cinade Gapoy bit his Bp, { | if | | | ) | ' .
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5 be af ape —. His bn had failed, and he had nanght to do but to move on again at Dandy Red’scommand. Suddenly there came up from below the sharp report of arifle, and a bullet grazed a limb so close to the Indian’s head that he sprung aside with a cry. Instantly the three cast their eyes downward from the terrace along whose edge the trail now ad, At first they saw nothing more than a little column of bluish smoke that crept skyward, but all at once Dandy Red uttered an exclama- tion of discovery. ‘* Mexy miss this time!” ** Mexy, the yaller dog?” **Look, brother!” Zack could see nobody among the bushes be- low, but he knew tkat Dandy d’s eyes had discovered the firer of the shot, Mexv, the Mexican, whom we saw last with the Avengers of Gold Gulch in the cavern had failed to avenge ‘‘ Mr.” Starbox’s death. ‘* Back! him shoot again, mebbe!” exclaimed Dandy Red. At that instant the figure of the Mexican rose from among the bushes below, and as the occu- pants of the terrace sprung back another bullet whistled past their heads, ‘I wouldn’t bave missed at that distance!” said Claude, ‘‘Why don’t you give him a shot?” Dandy Red sprung to the brink of the cliff and was taking a hasty aim at the man below when Claude Crecy darted forward and witha mad kick sent him whirling into the air! It was the work of a second! A wild shriek pealed from the terrace, and it had not died away when tbe road-agent wheel- ed upon old Zack. “The Indian is out of your way now, Zack,” he said, ‘‘ What's the use of going right against my) own interest? Here, cut this rope that inds my hands, and let.us be pards. In ayear Tean send you to ’Frisvo a millionaire. Pards it is, isn’t it, Zack?” “Not yet, Claude!” was the response. ‘‘ Here ends your trail. I have a right to avenge my cwn wrongs. You attempted to take my life the other day, you have just taken Dandy Red’s. He war Zack Dragon’s pard, ef his skin war red.” The revolver that was thrust almost into Claude’s very face had a ma’ fiager at the trig- ger, and flashing eyes behind it. The next moment the road-agent would have reeled from the terrace with a bullet in his brain, if the revolver that cracked behind Zack had not sent a bullet into his arm. The old stage-driver started back with a shriek, and Claude, too surprised to fly, stared in direction of the unexpected shot. © * At last!” fell frora his lips in low tones as s manadvanced. ‘“ Fis has s: ved my life that he might take it himself. But I am not dead yet.” In spite of the menace of eye and revolver, Claude turned and sprung rapidly down the cliff-sxirted trail. CHAPTER XVI. A THREE HANDED DUEL, “Drp you do that on purpose, Buckskin?’ asked Zack, holding out his wounded arm to the man who rushed forward as Claude fled. ‘‘- Yes!” said the detective. ‘You had for- tien that the blood of Dainty Dot’s father oes vot call for revenge at yeur hands.” “ But ther blood ov Dandy Red did!” The old stage-driver regarded Buckskin with flashing eyes. Blood oozed through bis sleeve, and was fast staining the grass at his feet. ‘We'll settle fur this at another time,” be said. ‘If Cliude Crecy belongs to you, gd an’ get hima —if ver can!” Th. detec‘ive sprung awa He had not noticed Sat CAinaers nands were fastened at his sides, but not long afterward he caught sight of a figure skulking over a t som» feet below him. ‘*My man at last!” fell from bis lips as he insantly disa red for the purpose of inter- cepting the skulker some distance from the place of discovery. Su ldenly Claude Crecy started back as a man stepoed into his path. he enemies were face to face once more, and One was helpless before the other, “Tt is your day, Buckskin,” said Claude bit- terly. ‘‘Where’s Dot?” ‘Not here, thank heaven.” “4 I know that, but you know where she is?” es, ** You played the Indian nd robbed my retreat.” e Messenger a Who told you” The Buckskin Detective. ————— — —- ‘The Indian guard.” ‘Then I did not finish him.” ‘Not quite, Buckskin.” The foes were silent for a moment, ‘*You know what I want, Claude,” gaid the detective, suddenly. “My life, of course.” “‘ Nothing less,” ‘*Tt is in your power, My hands are fastened tomy body. The red-skin did it; but he will nevor tie another captive.” “T saw you send him headlong over the elif.’ Claude smiled grimly. **T could not shun the splendid opportunity,” he said. ‘* But to your work, Buckskin. Two years of trailing will bring men together some- time. This is your revenge, not Dot’s.” The road-agent compressed his lips like a per- son who is ready and even willing to meet death at the hands of a foe. **T never shot a bound man in all my life,” said Buckskin, advancing, with a knife in his left band, ‘‘I would not shoot my worst enemy when he stood defenseless before me. I’m going to take the chances, Claude. You were merciless when you caught me in the gorge, but, by my life! I cannot serve even Choude Crecy thus.” The road-agent’s eyes sunk abashed before the detective’s gaze, and before he could raise them again the keen knife had severed the cords that bound his hands! As Buckskin Frank stepped back a revolver fell at Claude's feet. Such fairness he had not expected. ‘Pick it up,” said Buckskin, casting his glance upon the weapon ou the ground. ‘‘ We fight here for the last time. On this duel hang the fortunes of Dainty Dot.” The uname made the road-agent start, and with a wild cry of eagerness he snatched the pistol from the ground and faced his hunter with it cocked in his hand. Tbey were ten feet apart. ** Back to back,” said Buckskin Frank. ‘‘ We will turn at the word ‘Three,’ and may the best shot win,” The next moment the two enemies stood back to back on the lonely dueling ground. - ** Ready?” asked the detective over his shoul- er. ‘Ready?’ came firmly back. ** One—two—three |” The men wheeled at the same time. Two revolvers went up, but instead of their reports a rifle cracked at Claude’s left, and with a cry the road-agent reeled from the astonished detective whose finger was about to press the trigeer! “Dot!” fell from the man-hunter’s lips as he beheld the girlish figure standing erect not twenty rods away. ‘ The gir! came forward. “This had tobe, I had sworn it!” she said, calmly, as her gaze met the Buckskin’s rebuk- ing look. ‘ Two years ago that man ruthlessly shot my father in a stage he had stopped to lunder. You might have known when you eft me awhile ago, that I could not remain alone when you were on the trail of the man whose life belonged to Colonel Berdan’s daugh- ter. Come, let us go now, I am satisfied. Gold Gulch has lost Dainty Dot forever, and Buck- skin Frank leaves bis last trail, does he not?” The beautiful eyes of the girl avenger were fastened on the face of the silent, thoughtful man before ber. “T would that the blood of Claude Crecy wes not on your hands, Dot,” be said. ‘The oath was mine and the vengeance had to be!” was her reply. ‘‘It was fate, too. The gun that avenged my father belonged to the manitslew. He took it from the cabin, you know, when you played Indian and took me away. The stage trails of Colorado were to have rest. It was meet that Claude Crecy should fall by the a ty of the girl whom he had brutally or- haned, : If she had recognized him fn the person of Death Rattle, the gambler, a large part of this wild romance would never have been written. On Claude’s person was found the shell case watch which he had taken from one of the Congressmen in the stage which we lately saw him stop. The pho ph on the inside of the case turned out to be the portrait of bis own sister, who never Jearned, let us hope, any- thing of the career aad fate of her wayward brother, Not long afterward Buckskin Frank and Dot arrived iw Denver. SSS Alamosa,” The avenging band led by “ Mr.” S'arlcx, returned to the desolation of Gold Gulev, ut their Jeader lay in the mountain cave at the end of his last trail, Gold Gulch Camp was almost entirely de- stroyed; but industry rebuilt a part of it, and it once more became the abode of men as rough as those whom we have seen die at the revol- — ver’s muzzle. Frank Fargo has left off man-hunting and, with the handsome wife whom he won in the West, where many a trail is red, lives many miles from the scenes of his last long bunt. Let us leave him here to say that the mam cracking his whip over the heads of the stage team, just now coming around yon ‘oouetan elbow, is our old acquaintance, Zack Dragon. He is careful to shun the rebuilt Gold Gulch Camp, for, as he says, ‘It mightn’t be healthy fur Zack down thar, you know.” THH END, DIME DIALOGUES AND SPEAKERS FOR SCHOOL EXHIBITIONS AND HOME ENTERTAINMENTS. Dialogues, Nos. 1 to 29 inclusive, 15 to % popu lar dialogues and dramas in each book. Each vol- ume 100 12mo pages. Speakers, Nos. 1 to 4 inclusive. Each speaker 100 pages 12mo, containing from 50 to 75 pieces, YOUNG PEOPLPYS SERIES Dime Book of Winter Sports. Dime*Book of Summer Athletic Sports, Dime Gents’ Letter Writer, Dime Book of Etiquette. Dime Book of Verses. Dime Book of Dreams. Dime Fortune Teller Dime Ladies’ Letter Writer. Dime Lovers’ Casket. Dime Ball-Room Companion. { Dime Book «6.4 Games, Dime Chess Instructer, Dime Book of Beawig, a" The above books are sold by newsdealers evorywhere, or will be sent, post-paid, to any ad dress, om reeeipt of price, ten cents each. Busses & Apams, Publishers, 08 William st., N.Y. THE Sunnyside Library 1 Latta Rooks. By Thomas Moore........... Me 2 Don Joan By Lord Byron............. voice aoe 8 Parapisr Lost. By John Milton...... .... .. We 4 Toe Lavy or Tae Lake. Py Sir Walter Scott.. Me 5 Lvcns. By Owen Meredith. .......... 6 Unpine; or, Tae Warer-Srierr. Frem the German of Friederich De La Motte Fouque. 1s Fer sale by all newstealers, or sent, postage palé on receipt of twelve cents for single nambess, double numbers twenty-four cents, ADAMS, VIOFORA Om, Publishers, 98 William street, 'K. ¥. ‘oe
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Goe 1 Deadwood Dick, thr Proctor THE Roap By Edward L. Wheeler. Yellowstone Jack. Kansas King. By Buffalo Bil. 4 The Wild-Horse Hunters. Mayne Reid and Captain + rederick Whittaker. 5 Vagabond Joc, THe Youre Waxperie JEw. li Coomes, Dowlle Number’ 6 Hill Biddon, Trapper. by BE. 8. Ellis. The Plying Yankee. By Col. P. Ingraham, Seth Jones. By Edward B. Ellis. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen, 0 Nat Todd. By E. 8. Ellis. The Two Detectives, By A.W. Alken. Gulliver’s Travel«. By Dean Swift. The Dumb Spy. By (il Coomes, Aladdiny or, THe Wonperrvt Lamp. The Sea-Cat. By Captain Fred. Whittaker. Robinson Crusoe, (27 Itustrations.) tad shee Roy. * By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven: Voyages, The Phantom Spy. By Buffalo Bill. The Double Daggers. By FE. L. Wheeler. By Juan Lewis. T. C. Harbaugh. The Sea Serpent, Nick © the Night. By Diamond Dirk. By Colonel P. Ingraham. The Boy Captain. By Starbuck, Cloven Hoot. By Edward L. Wheeler. Antelope Abe, THE Boy Guinz, Oll Coomes, Buffalo Ben. By Kdward L. Wheeler. The Dumb Page. By Capt. F. Whittaker. Roaring Halpb Rockwood, rue Recu- LEss Ranerr. By Harry St. George. Keen-Knife. By Of] Coomes. Bob Woolf. By Edward L. Wheeler. The Ocean Hloodhound. 8. W. Pierce. on Sol, By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. Ivan. By Edward L. Wheeler. The Boy Clown. By Frank 8. Finn. The Hidden Lodge. By T. C. Harbaugh. Wylde, tax Boy ScovréBy Texas Jack. Death-Wace, tHe Detective. By Wheeler. Roving Ben. By J. J. Marshall Lasso Jack. By Oll Coomes, Winer, By E. L. Wheeler. By aie Fred. Whittaker. By Harry St. George. Bee SCUVDIAM HOW RO ROR SEE SS le at est pt es -_ SISH Rattling Rube. Old Avalanche, The White Buffalo. Jim Bludsve, Jr. B Ned Mazel, By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. Deadly-Eye. uffalo Bill. Nick Whiliiles’ Pet. Capt. J. F. C. Adams. Deadwood Dick’s Eagles. By Wheeler. The Border King. By Oll Coomes. Old ichary. By Harry 8t. George. The White Indian, Capt. J. F. C. Adams Buckhorn Bill. By Kdward i. Wheeler. 2 The Shadow Ship. By Co). P. Ingraham. 63 The Red Brotherhood, W. J. Hamilton. 64 Dandy Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh. vo Murrieane Bill. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr 66 Single Hand. By W. J. Hamilton. BOSE ONHGUU MOS EA SN ROM MOSOTOMEEE Se 67 Patent-leather Joe. By Philip 8S. Warne. 68 Border KRobin Hood, By Buffalo Bill 69 Gold Mifie. By Edward L. eeler. 70 Old Zip’s Cabin. 7i Delaware Dick. 72 Mad Tom Woeostern. 723 Deadwood Dick on Deck. Ey Wheeler. 74 Hawk-eye Marry. By Olli Coomes. 75 The Boy Duelist. By Col. P. Ingraham. 76 Abe Colt, raz Crow-Kiturr. By A. W. Aiken. ¥7 Oorduroy Charlie. By E. lL. Wheeler, 78 Blue Diek. By Captain Mayne Reid. 70 Sol Ginger, Giant eR. By A.W. Aiken. 80 Rosebud Hob, y Edward L. Wheeler. 81 Lightning Jo, y Captain J. F; C. Adams, 82 Kit Haretoot, T. C. Harbaugh. 83 Rollo, the Boy Ranger. By Oll Woomes, $4 Idyl, the Girl Miner. By E. L. Wheeler. 85 Buck Buckram, By Capt. J. ¥. C. Adams. 86 Dandy Hock. By G. Wako Browne. 87 The Land Pirates, By Capt. Mayne Reid. 88 A at cig Phil. E. L. Wheeler. 8 Isiand Jim. By B dge Hemyng. The Dread Rider. By G. Waldo Browne. 9i The Captain of the Club; or, Tax Youre Mo«L ATaurres. By Bracebridge Hemyng. 92 Oaunda Chet, . By Edward L. Wheeler. 93 The Boy Miners, By Edward 5, Ellis. 94 Midnight Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh. 95 The HivallRovers, Lieut, Col. Hazeltine. 96 Watch-Eye, THE SHADow. By E. L. Wheeler. 97 The Outlaw Brcthers, By J. J. Marshall. 98 Robin Hood, By Prof. Gildersleeve. 99 The Viger of Taos. Py G. Waldo Browne. 300 Deadwood STRANGE STROKE FOR Lisrrty. By Wheeler. 201 Jack Harkaway in New York. By Bracebridge Hemyng. 102 Dick Dend-Kye. By Col. Ingraham. 103 The Lion of the Sea. By Capt. J. F. C, Adams, By Oll Coomes. Whe Frontier Angel. By Edward 8. Ellis, | By W. J. Hamilton, By Col. Delle Sara. | By Jos. FE. Badger, Jr. | By Captain | | 210 Dick in Leadville; or, A | | | } | : 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device. By Wheeler. | 405 Old Rube, tae Hunrer. Capt. H. Holmes. 106 Old Frosty, THz Gume, By T. C. Harbaugh. 107 One-Eyed Sim. By James L. Bowen. 108 Daring Dery. By Marry Bt. George. 109 Deadwood Wick as Detective. By | Fdward L? : 110 ‘The Black Steed of the Prairies. A | Thrilling of Texan Tt tata 131 The Sea-Devil. By Dol F. ing 312 The Mad Hunter. By Saxe. | 217 Captain Crack-Shot, Jack Morte. By Edward L. Wheeler. The Black Schooner. Roger Starbuck. The "iad Miner. By G. Waldo Browne. The Hussar Captain. Col. P. ae Gilt-Edged Dick. By EF. L. Wheeler. Will Somers, Tie Boy Derecttvr. Morns, Miustang Sam. By Jos. KE. Badger, Jr. The Branded Hand. By Frank Dumont. Cinnamon Chip. By \dwand L. Wheeler. Phil Hardy, tnx Boss Koy. By ©. Morris, Kiowa Charley. By T. C. Harbaugh. Tippy, THe Texan. By George Gleason. Bonanza Bill, Miner. By Hd. 1. Wheeler. Picayune Pete. By Charles Morris. Wild-Fire, Boss or Tre Roap. By Dumont. The Young Privateer. By H. Temepdiah. Deadwood Dick’s Double, By Wheeler, Detective Dick. By Charles Morris, The Golden Hand. By Geo. W. Browne, The Hunted Hunter. By Fd. 8. Ellis, Boss Bob. By Ed. L. Wheeler. Sure Shot Seth. By Oll Coomes. Captain Paul, By C. Dunning Clark. Night-Hawk Kit,. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. The Helpless Hand, Capt. Mayne Reid, Blonde ilf. By Edward L. Wheeler. Judge Lynch, Jr. By T. C. Harbaugh, Blue Blazes. By Frank Dumont. Solid Sam. By Edward L Wheeler. Handsome Warry. By Charles Morris. Scar-Face Saul, OU Coomes. see Lance, THe Boy Sport. By Badger, Captain Ferret, By Edward L. Wheeler. Silver Stary ra: Boy Knianr. By Coomes, Will Wildfire. By Charles Morris, Sharp Sam. By J. Alexander Patten. A Game of Gold. 2, Ed. L. Wheeler. Lance and Lasso. By Capt. Whittaker. Panther Paul. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Black Bess, Wm. Wrwprire’s Racer; or, Winnine Aaarnst Opps. By Charies Morris, Eagle Kit, rae Boy Drwon. By ll Coomes, Nhe Swerd Hunters, By ¥. Whittaker. Gold Trigger, raz Sport. T.C Harbaugh. Deadwood D Tur Proxep Party. By Edward L, Wheeler. Mike Merry. By Charles Morris. Fancy Frank oft Colorado, Buffalo Bill The Lost Captain. By Whittaker. Whe Black Giant. J. EF. Badger, Jr. New York Nell, By E. L. Wheeler. Will Wildfire in the Woods, Morris. Little Texas, By Oll Coomes, Dandy Rock's Pledge. By G.W. Browne, Billy Bageage. By Charles Morris. Hickory Harry. By Harry St. George. Asa Scott, Tue Steamnoat Boy. By Willett, Deadly Dash. By Jos. KE. Badger, Jr. Tornado Tom. By T. C. Harbaugh. A Trump Card. By Charles Morris. Ebony Dan. By Frank Dumont. Whunderbolt Tom. By Harry St. George. Dandy Rock’s Rival. By G.W. Browne. Rob Rockett, THe Boy Dovarr. By Morris. Captain Arizona, By Philip 5.Warne. The Boy Runaway. By Lieut. Perry. Nobby Nick of Nevada, E. L, Wheeler. Old Solitary. By Oll Coomes, Bob Rockett, THe Bank Runner. Morris. The Seca Trailer. By Lieut. H. D. Perry, Wild Frank. By Edward L, Wheeler, Little Wurricane. By Oll Coomes. The Hidden Hand, By Chas. Morris, The Boy Trailers. By Bads—, Jr. Evil Kye. By Frank Dumont. Cool mond, By Col. Delle Sara, Fred Halyard. By Charles Morris. Ned Temple, TH® Borper Boy. Harbaugh. Bob Rocket t, THE CRACKAMAN. By Morris, Dandy Darke. By Wm. R. Eyster. Butialo Billy, By Capt. Taylor, U. 8. A. Captain Kit. By Lieut. H. D. Perry,U.8.N. Captain Mask. By Philfp 8. Warne, Buffalo Bills Bet, By Captain Taylor. Deadwood Dick's Dream, By Wheeler. Shadowed. By Charlies Morris. Little Grit, rar Won Rirr. By Ingraham. Arkansaw.- By T. C. Harbaugh. Featherweight. By Edward Willett. The Boy Bedoutns, By Whittaker. The Black Hills Jezebel, By Wheeler, Prospect Pete, By Ol! Coomes. The Boy Pards. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr, Gold Plume, tHe Boy Banprr. Ingraham. Dendwood Dick’s Doom. By Wheeler Dark Paul, THe Ticer Kina. By C. Morris Navajo Nick, By T..C. Harbaugh. The Boy Hercules, By Oll Coomes. Fritz, Tue Bovnn-Boy Drtrcrive. Wheeler. TY OY US idee shin hin shi shee phe ahem the thi the GO CO GO GO CO CO GO SO G0 GO BO BS ROS ODS OO RS AS RS et at ret tat tt - ~ DA perm tometer eet et ett et Nel fst ct fh fe ml fm eh th fl eth ee ft el ft fe ft mh fet fet et et ft eh oe fel fl ft et fl th fet ee ee eel, Ad Dorie ORS OD HAN Oe ONS OO Hk re ON OS DAN Sm OOM Ome Wm OD Wad oor me ONO OS Dad Sore Oto OS Wad orm CRO OO adored em mee me me me ee eee DOSS S SOO S MOM SS WHS HW Wak abad asada FF DHSOOHODQOOUGAN GA no we — a —i-] “Ooo 202 203 RO+4 205 206 207 208 209 By Jos. EK. Badger, Jr. 212 Dashing Dave. By Charles Morris. 213 Fritz to the Front. By E. L. Wheeler. 214 Wolfgang, TH: Ropsrr or THE Rewer. By Captain Frederick Whittaker, 215 Captain Bullet. By T. C. Harbauch. 236 Bison Bill, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 211 Crooked Cale, 218 Tiger Tom, THe Texan Terror. Coomes. 219 Despard, the Buelist. By P. 8. Warne, 220 Tom Tanner. By Charies Morris 221 Sugar Coated Sam. By E. L. Wheeler. 222 Grit, the Bravo Spor... By Ingraham, ick of Dead\woody or, | Faro Frank of Hich Pine, By Eyster. | 293 Red Claw, rar Oxr-Evep Trarrern. By | 236 | 237 By E. L, Wheeler, | | Nowsdealers, five cents per COPY, | 255 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 Ozark Alt, Kuso or rar Movcntarm, By Edward Willett. Dashing Diek, By Oli Coomes, Sam Charcoal, - By Charies Morris Snoozer, THD Boy Searp. By E. L.Wheeler, Dusky Darrell, Trarrer. By E. Emerson Little Wildfire, By Ol Coomes. Crimson Kate. By Col P. Ingraham The Yankee Rajah. By CD. Clark. Plucky Phil. By T. C. Harbaugh. Gold-Dust Dick, By BE L. Whreler Joo Buck, of Angels. By. A W. Aiken. Old Hocky’s * Boyeos.’ Buckskin Sam Shadow Sam, _ By Charies Morris. Apollo Bill. By Fdward L. Wheeler. Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain 5 or, Tax Mysterious Rancnero, By P. Ingraham, 238 The Parson Detectiv>. By Oll Coomes 239 The Gold-secker Guide? or, Tre Lost Mountars. By Captain Mayne Reid. 240 Cyelone Kit. By Edward L. Wheeler. 241 Bill. Bravo and His Bear Pards, By T. C. Harbaugh, 242 The Two * Bloods’, By Charles Morris. 243 The Disguised Guide, By Ol] Coomes. 244 Sierra Sam. Ly Edward L. Wheetr. 245 Merle, the Middy. By Cel. P. Ingraham, 246 GiantGeorge. By Buckskin Sam. 247 Old Grizzly and His Pets. By Captain “ Bruin" Adams. Sierra Saim’s Secret. By FE. L. Wheel. Miilo Romer, By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. Midshipman Mutineer, By Ingraham. Light-house Lige. By J. F. C. Adama Dick Dashaway. By Chas, Morris, Sicrra Sam’s Pard,. By E. L. Wheeler The Half Blood. By Edward §, Elli. Captain Apollo. By T. C. Harbaugh. Young Kentuck, By Capt. Mark Wilton, The Lost Hunters, By Capt. Adams. Sierra Saws Seven, By EF. L. Wheeter, The Golden Harpoon, By R. Starbuck. Dare-Devil Dan. By Oll Coomes, Fergus Fearnaught, By Geo, L. Aiken, The Young Sleuths, By Charles Morris, Deadwood Dick's Divide. By Wheeler, The Floating Feather. By Ingraham, The Viger Tamer. By Capt. Whittaker, Killb’ar, the Guide, By Ensign Warrea. The Buckskin Deteetive. By T. Harbaugh. Deadwood Dick’s Death Trall, Edward L. Wheeler. The Gold Ship. 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 by By Col, P, Ingraham. Blizzard Hen. By Captain Mark Wilton. The Huge Hunter. By Edward 8, Edis, Minkskin Mike, By Ol Coomes. Jumbo Joe. By Edward L. Wheeles. Jolly Jim. By Charies Morris. Arizona Jack. By Buckskin Sam. Merle Monte’s Cruise. By Ingraham, Denver Boll. By E:twara L. VWoeeler. The Three Trappers. Ry Major Carson, Old Winch, rer Rirte une. By T. C, Harbaugh. } Merle Monte’s Fate, Py Col. Ingraham, Denver Dols Victory. By Wheeie:, The Typo Detective. By Edward Wiets Indian Joe. By Major lL. W. Carson. The Sea MMarauder. By. Cul Ingraham, Denver Doll’s DBecoy. By KL. Wheeler. Josh, the Boy Tenderfo st} or, Trt WILD Mex oF Buzzarp Bar. By Mark Wiltoy Billy Bluec-Eyes. By Cot. }, Ingraham, The Scalp King. By Capt. J F.C Adams 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 | o9R9 Jolly Jim’s Job.s¥By Charis Morris, 290 Little Foxtire, By Oil Coomes, 291 Turk, the Ferret. By EF. L. Wheeler, 292 Sancho Pedro, tre Boy Banprr. By Major E. L, 8t. Vrain, Captain Comstock. 294 Dynamite Dan, By T. C. Harbaugh. 295 Fearless Phil; or, Toe Krxo or Qusrte VILLE. By Edward Willett. 296 Denver Doll's Drift. 297 The Tarantula of Taos, Sam, 238 The Beach Pirates, —) © arcs Morris A neu *ssu6 every week, The Half-Dime Library is tor scle by al. or Beat by mall on of six cents each. tADLE & ADAMS, 98 William Street, New York, By EF. L. Wheeler, Py Buckskia recei Pab