Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 268) (1882 09 12)
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FIFTH EDITION, ————— —s X= Vie raat Be ass Slat Walaa LE, 6a, eZ g2 y = zg Zz Me ye ee As CEE WD VET aN WHOM WA y y= He | (ia wt ih i Hey Woeee att $A Ai ie im ‘ > | ell Dat! al ik $2.50 a year. Kutered at the Post Office at New Yerk, N. Y., at Second Class Mail Rates. Copyrighted in 1882 by BEADLE AND ADAMS, September 12, 1882, . Vol ee Singie PUBLISUED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, O 268 « . Number. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. ¢ : BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, “ROSEBUD ROB” NOVELS, “ GILT-EDGED DICK,” ‘‘ BONANZA BILL,” ETC., ETC. 4 A ae eee \ ¥ Ps { Mr ; | = / PRET,
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— 2 Deadwood FROM OCEAN TO OCH.AN. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF “‘ DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, ‘‘ ROSE- BUD ROB” NOVELS, ‘‘ BONANZA BILL,” ‘* GILT-EDGE DICK,” ETC., ETC, CHAPTER I. THE WRECK AND COAST VULTURES. Many miles up the rugged Pacific coast from San Francisco, going north, a little town nes- tles upon a sloping beach whereon huge bowl- ders form a feature of the rugged landscape. Arude collection of huts and shanties com- ses the town, such as usually tenanted by obetinen or wreckers, with a couple of saloons, and a few general stores. We will call the place Seaport for want of a better name, as it was only known as Quigg’s by those who knew of it, or ever ventured to it, from inland by stage. ; ; Its harbor was rough and dangerous in the extreme, and could ig be made by fishing sloops of light burden, but it was seldom that Seaport received a call from any vessel what- aver, Occasionally there was a wreck upon the coast, which to the inhabitants of the town, was a fortunate circumstance, and many hard stories were told by experienced sailors, of false beacon lights to lure vessels to destruction upon the rocks. Which was not untrue, as the larger part of eg Seaportians, were of a hard class to say the east. Some of this class belonged to the permanent residents, while another element hailed from an adjacent inland mining camp, the worst charac- ters of which frequently poured down into Sea- port, to drink, fight, and squander their hard earnings in various ways. All of which tended to give Seaport the hard- esc name of any town on the coast, At the time of which we write, there had been little or nothing to arouse the citizens from their monotonous life—no fights, no wrecks, nor incidents of any sort, worth relating. __ But as the rainy season was setting in, it was reasonable to expect some accident or incident would offer the desired relief. One wild stormy night, when a fierce gale drove the great Pacific waves in upon the rug- ged beach with a thunderous roar, a signal gun of distress was heard off the town. In a few minutes the inhabitants of the town were gathered at the shore, and a hard-looking assemblage it was—a bad crowd, whose mercy would not be less cruel than, the winds and waves. The signal gun had not been fired far from shore, as the report was loud and distinct, prov- ing that the vessel, which it was impossible to see from the shore, owing to the dense darkness, eould not be far off the rocks. “he’s bein’ driven in this he I reckon!” Old Jabez Quigg cried—the grim o d coast con- dor who bad long haunted Seaport, and profited by wrecks innumerable. ‘‘ Can’t make her out, tho’, account o’ the spray, blarst my old eyes ef I can. Guess ther poor vessel willhev to go to pieces ’case how no rescue boat can ever live in shet aire surf.” A stranger might have thought the old vul- ture’s whining tone meant that he was grieved because the doom of the sbip seemed sealed, but such was by no means the case; it really de- a him to know that he was about to have fall into his hands a handsome prey—for it was a r wreck from which he could not realize Tichly. : { Louder—-louder roared the thunder of the storm and sea, while the wind shrieked among the crags with piercing shrillness. , “Ef I mistake not, they’ve lost their masts!” said Jerry Carker, one of Old Quigg’s right- hand men, as he seemed to penetrate the dark- —_ with his hawk-like eyes. ‘‘Not a sail in 3 it that’s ther case, ten to one she'll go down afore reachin’ the rocks,” whined the old wrecker. ae With eager ws did the motley crowd peer out upon the stormy sea, in quest of the ship, ae ees nothing could be seen of it any- where, bees A oe next hour, a one Bi pieces of wood aud rigging came ashore, thus proving that the vessel had gone down, bifore having = to reach and be dashed to pieces upon the rocks. The disappointed and disgusted crowd was about to turn away, when Carker descried a dark object dashing in toward the shore, and gave yent toa cry of astonishment and joy. It proved to be a ship’s launch, and with startling mapichty. the little craft was hurled high up on the beach, amid terrified cries from those within it. The wreckers gathered around, holding their torches aloft to view the occupants of the boat. These were four in number—three women and a little boy of four years. The oldest of the women was perhaps thirty- eight years of age, stately of figure and lovely in countenance, her rich attire and general ap- pearance indicating her superior social position. The second lady—a girl of seventeen—was evidently the daughter, or else the younger sis- ter of the first, as there was a strong resem- blance betwee. them, The third female was probably not many years out of her teens, and might also have been voted handsome, although there was a marked difference between her type of beauty and that of her twocompanions, to whom she was evi- dently acting in the capacity of traveling maid. Hers was a dusky countenance, of brilliant, even fascinating expression, with large, bold black eyes, a tempting mouth with pearly teeth, and a head burdened with a wealth of hair that any woman well might have envied. The little boy looked somewhat like the state- ly lady, and doubtless was her son, pig Aen although the first to discover them, had no sooner taken a good sharp look at them than he quickly shrunk back out of sight, leaving old Quigg to act as reception officer. ‘Waal, marm!” the old vulture said, steppin forward, and addressing the eldest lady, af mere kim nigh gittin’ ducked, didn’t ye?” ‘We are thoroughly drenched, but do not mind that, since we have been so fortunate as to escape with our lives!” was the shivering ie ‘« Then ther ship went down, did she? What was her name?” “The Belle, of Portland, Oregon, bound for San Francisco. She lost her masts when struck by the gale, and would have been dashed ashore on the rocks only she sprung a leak, and sunk, when not over two miles out.” yb And you were the only ones that escaped, 2 “JT think so. WhenI saw the masts go, we took to one of the boats, preferring to risk our lives thus, than in the larger craft.” ‘* How many were there on board?” ‘*Ourselves and the crew. 1 don’t exactly know how many there was of them—perhaps twenty. Is there a hotel here, where we can go to get dry?” “*Yas—thar’s the tavern back yonder, kept by old Jim Howler. ’Spect ye might find ’comydations thar, tho’ I allow it’s more goes thar ter get wet than it is ter get dry. Cum along an’ I'll show ye ther way!” The ladies, by this time out of the boat, made haste to follow the old land pirate, and the tavern was soon reached. ’ Howler being interviewed, consented to ac- commodate the guests with the best parlor and bed-room off, providing they forked over the cash in advance. One day’s board was paid in advance, ac- cordingly, and the ladies were shown to their rooms. Upon Howler’s unpretentious register their names were inscribed thus: ““Lapy Beatrice CHanpos, London. *‘Lapy Leona CLARE, : 2 * CAVANAUGH ~ “ Mi L E. oo * All of Chandos Heath, London.” “Waal, neow, cuss my carcass, ef we hain’t Sor gid chee Gowland, oF he peered. over tis us!” o owled, as he over the register, aan os ladies had retired to their rooms. “ Luks like ter me thet thar mought be some money in thet party.” Jerry Carker glided sneakishly into the saloon, just then, and took a hasty glance around to see that no one was present belong- ing to the English party, and an expression of relief came over his face when he perceived that there wasnot.° | He somewhat differed “1 appearance from the —— class of Seaport’s citizens, from the fact at, though hawkish looking and slouchily at- tired, there was less of the genuine ruffian in his conduct and appearance than in many others around him. His features were finer, _wasn’t mistaken. Lady Chandos, eh? | Lady Chan — have been termed villainously handsom with its sweeping black mustache, trimm away enough at the mouth to expose a glitter- ing exhibition of pearly teeth. e wore his hair clipped close to his head; his eyes were black as a raven’s; his form was one of evident great strength coupled: with agility and endurance. He was clad in rough a garments, with top boots and a slouch at. He glided up to the office-counter, and peered over old Quige’s shoulder, at the register. ‘‘Humph!” he grunted. ‘I thought I Well, of all surprises!” “Tork ’s though you know’d her?’ Jabez observed curiously. ‘*Reckon I orter,” was Carker’s sententious answer, ‘‘when she an’I uster be a good deal more ter each other than we be now, Jest give us yer ear, a bit, an’ I’ll bite a hole in it.” fr followed Carker to a quiet corner of the room, where they sat down, and Carker began in his rough Soda’ S ‘Now ye see this yere Lady Chandos isa urtickler mash o’ mine, or uster be, an’ I aven’t given her up yet, although she’s hitched to another lord over in London. I am of noble birth myself, but I got inter a deefikelty, an’ hey fell a peg, after gittin’ sent to Van Dieman’s Land. Nevertheless I’ve bin keepin’ an eye on family matters, an’ allow my time ter play has jest cum!” ‘Ye don’t say so?” ‘* Bet your chips I do! venge now!” “Tn what way?” “Oh, easy enough, now! I propose to steal the child, and keep it hidden away for a time. If I mistake not this will have the effect of separating Lady Chandos from her husband, as he is insanely jealous of her, believing that she still has a hankering after me, which may be true. Therefore,in case the child is missing, Lord Chandos would no doubt. believe his lacy guilty of putting the kid out of the way; a separation would follow; I would restore the boy to her ladyship in case she would marry me, and have a picnic off her annual income forever after. Or, should this little game not work like a charm, I could undoubtedly get a large reward from one or the other of them, for the restoration of the child.” ‘‘ Jeminetta! but you're the arch rascal, ef evyer I see’d one!” Jabez Quigg declared.’ ‘* But, what does this consarn you an’ me, col- lectively?” : **Oh! as to that—” Here the villain lowered his tone to a whis- per, and spoke rapidly for some minutes, after which he said, on arising: ‘‘There! how does that strike you? Do you think I am not using you well enough to se- cure all your efforts henceforth in my behalf?” “Kerect!” Quigg replied, with a grin. “Every detail shall be executed according te your directions, so far as lies in my power “Then so be it!” Carker said. *‘ Have my horse awaiting in the rear, ten minutes hence. He turned, went to the bar and procured a liberal drink of whisky, listening the while, with grim satisfaction, to the roar of the storm, without. “Just the night for my work, to enable me to escape without difficulty.” Dispatching his liquor, he left the bar-room, and entering a narrow hall, ascended a flight of stairs to the next floor. : At the top of the stairs he met Marie Maros, Fos’s attendant, The two stopped and gazed at each other a moment, in mutual recognition—then Marie flung herself into bis arms with a glad cry! CHAPTER II. A VILE SCHEME. CARKER put her away, after enduring a mo- mentary bug, and held her off at arm’s length. ‘* Well, it is really you, is it? and you haven’s forgotten me?” surveying ber curiously. “‘ Why i supposed you married, ere this!” ‘‘ Not while you remain above the grass,” she replied significantly. ‘‘Have you forgotten our ph mge troth?” 2 “Tam not likely to tore it—nor the soon- succeeding circumstances that seeured mea free passage to Van Dieman’s Land, as a convict. I’ve had tough luck since_then, Marie—cursed tough luck, mark me; but I’™; now about on the eve of quitting cutting thre ts, in order to drop eracefully into a little goo:. fortune.” ‘Indeed! And do you a to make our solemn promise to me?” I’m goin’ ter hev re- ‘ood i and his face one that aa Most assuredly, providing you are suffictent.
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Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail. ly interested in me to enter into my scheme and help further it to a success.” ‘‘ Dearest of men! I assure you nothing could please me better than to work for your success!” was the response uttered in a tone that indi- eated the strength of her love for the man. ‘‘ What is it you wish me to do?” For Carker to relate his plans did not require much time. Marie listened attentively, her face under- going many changes of expression. ‘Your plan is good,” she said, when he had concluded, ‘‘I will help you in whatever way { can, still remaining in her ladyship’s employ, until you are ready to claim me. But you must swear that, when all is achieved, you will then marry me!” ‘*By all I hold sacred,I swear that I will,” Carker cried, dropping dramatically upon one —, He then arose, kissed her, and said, hur- riedly: ‘Enough of this now. I must get to work. You say you have the child in your care?” “ Yes,’ ‘““Then in about. ten minutes get him, and take him down the back stairs. ou will find a shed in the back yard. Wait there until you hear me pec Spat run up the stairs and give an alarm, by which time I and the kid will be a goodly ways. off, and I'll defy them to find me! Is her ladyship alone in the parlor?” ‘*Yes—or was a few moments ago. Lady Clare is in the kitchen getting dry.” Carker’s eyes twinkled villainously, as he passed on toward the parlor, while Marie went down-stairs. Opening the parlor door, he boldly entered, and closed it bebind him. Lady Beatrice Chandos sat before a fire on the hearth, clad simply in a wrapper, which she had borrowed of the tavern-keeper’s wife, and ber damp hair fell carelessly over her shoulders. Carker’s eyes lit up with admiration, and he seeped forward with doffed hat, and smiling ace, “My dear Lady Beatrice, at last we meet after so many years!” he cried, ‘‘Do you not recoguize me, my lady?” ‘Indeed, sir, [ do not, and I consider your presence here an intrusion!” was the haughty answer. ‘ You will be kind enough to leave!” ‘No! no! not till you know who I am!” Carker persisted. ‘‘I am your betrothed, Sir Ferrol Falconer!” Lady Chandos had arisen haughtily a moment before, but at this declaration reeled back into her chair, with * gasping cry, her face as white as death, her sycs staring wildly, while Carker as we shaif stilt continue to call him, stood looking on, trixmphantly, ‘“You!—you Ferrol Fulconer? Oh! God!” her ladyship gasped, as soon as she could find her voice, ‘‘ Well, yes; I was Ferrol. Falconer before I ot transported, but now I’m plain Jerry Poalkar, one of the roughest roughs on the Slope —only about half-civilized since I fell away trom your kindly influence. How was Chandos when you left him?’ _ “Very well, I believe,” was the cold reply. ** But how did you know of him?’ ‘Oh! Pve kept posted, and I'll admit I was a fittle surprised that he should marry one who. was to have been an outlaw’s wife, but for the intervention of the law the day before our nuptials were to have been celebrated. Suppose he sae nothing of this?” “Of course not. From the moment you brought disgrace upon me as well as yourself, by crime, I ceased to respect even your memory. Sir, the interview is prolonged too far already. le | al , : “Not yet, Beatrice. The sight of you to-night has rearoused all my old flerce passion for you. Ob Beatrice! look at. meas I am now, and com- pare me with what I once was! You, and onl you, can redeem me from everlasting hell. ® are here together in this far-away country. Lord Chandos is in England, at his cards, wine, and midnight suppers, thinking naught of you antil he recovers from the effects of his revelry, and then, seized with a fury of insane jealousy, he curses the very ees you walk upon, lest while he has been debauching, you, perchance, may have met your old true and faithful lover, Ferrol Falconer.” . Lady Chandos sunk back again in her chair, faint and white, an expression of exquisite pain upon her features. What did it mean? ‘ Did she know that every word Carker uttered was a aa iat Heneatoe, Ll Pue, am t an a ve man now eatrice,” he went on, ‘‘ because I have allowed myself to go wild like the other wild despera- does in this rough region; but let me be encour- aged—then mark the change!” A sudden wave of flierceness swept over the face of the pallid lady. She sprung to her feet, her form drawn to its fullest hight, her eyes flashing like diamond fire. ‘*Go! Ferrol Falconer—go! Remember that evéry word you are saying is aninsult, as I am a married woman, Go!” “*T will go, but before I do go, I tell you that you will be sorry in more than one sense for our hasty decision. More—you will live to earn the truth of what I say, that no man loves you but me. I shall seek revenge, but in the end it will result in uniting two hearts into one, and in the saving in some degree of one man’s soul, Aw revoir, Lady Beatrice—aw revoir |” He knelt quickly, seized her hand and raised it to his lips, and then was gone almost in an instant. Five minutes later Marie came rushing up the stairs, screaming at the top of her voice: ‘Help! help! murder! thieves! kidnappers! Some robber has snatched Lady Chandos’s son from my arms and fled! Help! Help, for God’s sake!” In her room sat Lady Chandos, still deathly white over her recent shock. She beard the terrible news; then the great strain of the even- | ~— excitement upon her nerves caused her to fall off into a deep swoon, from which she did not awaken for hours. CHAPTER IIL. A DOUBLE SURPRISE. THERE was sensation once more in Seaport tt the kidnapping of Lady Chandos’s pretty child. When it was found that her ladyship bad fainted, and consequently po news could be ined from her, Marie was taken in charge by rs. Howler, and made to give an account of the affair, which she proceeded to do in a hys- terical, sobbing way. She stated that she and little Cavanaugh had started down the back stairs en route for the kitchen, as they supposed, when along came a big, bad man rushing after them, snatched up the child, and disappeared down the stairs. She could give no description of him, more than that he was a bold, brigandish-looking fel- low. When Lady Chandos was finally restored to consciousness by the united efforts of Mrs, Howler and Lady Clare, she was very calm. ‘*Oh! my lady, I trust you will forgive me, and believe it was not my fault!” Marie whined, ‘*Bo still, Marie! I know you were not to blame. But Ay ought to have given chase and not allowed the villain to escape. I know him —he was in my room but a momentor so before I heard your cries. He calls bimself Jerr Carker, and is a rufflan of the worst type. He came here to threaten me, and finding he could not do that successfully, has taken his revenge,” Her ladysbip’s declaration that it was Carker who was the bold eres soon spread around the little town, and old Jabez Quigg immediately thereafter had an excuse to pay her ladyship a call. ‘‘Excuse me, marm, ’case I’m so rough, ye see, but I jest heerd about yer losin’ a child, an’ thort I’d drap in ter see ef I couldn’t help ye out of ther sting yates % “Tam sure your kindness will be greatly ap- preciated,” her ladyship answered, simply, and yet with feeling. “I am sureif youcan give me any news of my lost boy it will be most gratefully received. The loss to me is one of the greatest I could possibly have sustained,” “Waal, I reckon,” Quiggs assented, with a shrug, “‘ tho’ l war never blessed with any kids of my own. Ye see, I don’t know for cert? jest whar yer kid might be jest at present; but I al- low I do know where Jerry Carker’s hang-out is up in the mountings jest as well as I know my own nose,” ‘Oh! thank Heaven,” Lady Chandos ex- claimed. “And you will go to the rescue of my darling?” “That depends on sarcumstances, mum, Ef ye hev_got money to pay fer my services, kerect, Pll go an’ take ye along; ef ye hevn’t, durn my boots ef I kin see how I kin get a livin’ doin’ work for notbin’.” “T could not ask you todo sucha thing. I yet have some money that I saved from the wreck, and will pay you handsomely if you will too wild | assist me to recover my little darling,” ‘Waal, then iv’s a bargain. Dt’s out to-night to venture inter the mountains, but ef et elears up by mornin’, we will get an early start. Will you want to return this way in case ye recover yer child?” ‘** Not if we can go overland by stage, so as te reach the railway. I am tired and side of roughing it in Western America.” ‘“Then I will provide borses for the entire party, and we’ll most likely get off by sunrise.” This was a great relief to Lady Chandos, for prey moment’s, delay was positive torture to er But disappointment came the nest morning, as regards their getting an early start, for tha rain was pouring down in torrente, making it impossible to travel, so the statt had. te be post- poned until the rain ceased, which was not until late in the afternoon. During. the forenoon several mountain eharae- ters rained down into the town, among whom was a little bent old man, with a painfal bump on bis back, and who seemed able to hobble along, even with the aid of the two staffs he carried, Little of his face could be seen owing to the mass of snow-white hair and beard that cov- ered it. About as well-fitted for an undertaker’s ser- vices, was he, as any other odd charactor that had ever landed down in Seaport, and he was surveyed by the habitues of Howlei’s saloon with much curiosity. Decrepit as he was, however, he roanage te hobble up to the bar and order his whisky, which he downed with great gusto. ‘See hyar, old goblin’!” ejaculated Bill Far- go, the proncunced bully of the town, “you ain’t lost yer lip fer bug-juice yet, I see,” ‘* A very, very leetle, jest ter soften my rheu- matism!” the old crook replied, in a squeaky voice, ‘Yas, whisk’ is a great limberer!” Fargo as- serted, ‘‘I know, ’ca’se I’ve bin tryin’ it these many years, but I’ve oceasionally got so stiff wi’ ther consarned critter that [’ve not bin able to move for a long spell. But I tell ye, old man, what aire the best thing to limber ye up—this /” And he dealt the old chap a tremendous slap on the hump upon his back, that caused him to utter a how! of pain. Up went the ruffian’s hand to inflict another blow, but it was caught before it descended and held in a that was by no means loose, although it belonged to a woman, And the woman was pretty Lady Clare, with le face and flashing eyes. Passing thro he hall on her way up-stairs, she had seen t assault of the bully. “Stop! stop! You cowardly rufflan!” she cried. ‘‘Have you no manhood peste hg Ma thus strike a poor defenseless cripple? For shame!” Fargo surveyed his accuser for a moment in mingled astonishment and awe, then, suddenly flaming with anger and mortification, at bein interrupted by a weak woman, he snatched his wrist from her grasp and dealt her a slap in the sacn SERA knocked her to the floor almost sense- ess. Tt was a brutal act even for a man of Pargo’s type, and he had cause not to forget it soon. ‘or he heard a wild, ringing yell, and he and the others turned to stare at the crook-back, from whom the cry came, But. no hunchback was there now; instead, behold the transformation! Upon the floor lay a white wig, beard and a suit of rags! And before the assembled crowd stood a man of striking appearance, with a resolute, hand- some, beardless face, and a pair of eyes that were piercing and magnetic, . His garb was jetty black, now, and a bels about bis waist contained a handsome revolver, in addition to one he held in the grasp of his ewe eee argo utt a , at the sudden while Dick of Deadwood—for the pe gag oa was none other than that famous chara: pointed sternly to the floor, his eyes ing with a deadly ight. “Brute, behold your cowardly work. ac te you shall pay searlxs Tl learn you a lesson you'll not soon forget. ‘Hold up the hand with which you struck that brave young lady.” Fargo growled, and disobeyed, “T ain't “ Waal, I reckon not!” be swore. sech . ninny as that!” ‘‘ Up with it,” cried Deadwoed Diek froy, ‘‘Ti's your only chance te save your life. HK} den’s put a bullet through between your te avenge this young lady, I ena h your heart. Be One, two,
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& With a horrified oath at Deadwood Dick’s de- mana, the bully held up his hand, and there followed a @-sh, a report and a yell. The buMet had pierced the palm of the fellow’s hand, and cut its way clear through, making not Be, a painful wound, but also a mark that was le to cling to him all his life. “There!” Bick cried, sternly. ‘* You'll prob- ably kaow better than to insult a young lady in, by slapping her, If I ever catch you at sueh work again, [ll kill you.” We turned, and strode from the saloon, and not a hand was raised to hinder him, albeit, Seaport was counted one of the roughest places for a gingle man to get fnto trouble anywhere along the Slope, Lady Clare also went to her room, a great deal ewcited at her strange adventure, and won- dering who was her handsome young rescuer. Late that afternoon the rain ceased to fall, and, as Indy Chandos urged that an immediate start be made, the horses were brought around, and the* party mounted, consisting of Lady Chandos, Lady Clare, Marie, and the old land pirate and wrecker, Jabez Quige. Leaving the coast town, they ascended a nar- row and i, mountain trail, bordered on one side by beetling cliffs, and on the other by a deep, dark abyss, many feet deep. ln the course of an hour, they struck a stretch of highland country which was level for miles, and set out across it, Old Quigg in the lead. For several hours they rode on, The sky overtiead became clear, and the moon, nearly full, rolled up with Rennie effect from behind the horizon, giving to the landscape a pictur- we appearance. bout this juncture Old Quigg drew rein, and allowed the others to come up. hort to make ther trip interestin’, an’ give ther horses a chance ter blow, ye mought not object. ter heerin’ a story, wich ain’t no darned fiction, but reg’lar downright facts,” Quig¢ averred. ‘‘ Did ye heer tell on Guares, the red-handed Mexican band!t?” ‘Ob! vo! no! do tell us!” fly-away Lady Clare cried. ‘Be brief,” Lady Beatric? said, with im- patience, ‘I am more anxious to get to may child than to listen to improbable bandit stories,” “ Nothin’ improb«ble about this, I tell ye, neow. Waal, ye see et ain’t werry long. A few years ago, down in Mexico, this Guarez launched out. in bigness by killin’ his first man, at the age o’ twenty-fiva. But, Lor’y! thet wnren’t nothin’. I killed Haine when I war only six year old—put arsenic in ther old man’s coffee, for sugar. But, as I war sayin’—he killed his man, and then lit out. He was caught, and inwited to a teck-tie party ay! bless you, he slip away from ’em like a streak e’ greased lightnin’ from the hands of a soap- maker, ‘Arter that he us’ter lay abouts, heer and thar, an’ catch onter rich gals an’ wimmen, an’ et warn’t long ago that he anchored up in this heer kentry. Ye see, he catches onter anything wot’s got plenty o’ money behind it, and freezes to it till seme one comes along and pays over a sum to get a release. Hope ye ain’t got many spondulics wi’ ye, marm.” “Why?” Lady Beatrice said, in alarm—‘‘ are wo “ any danger of being captured by that bad man : ‘ uigg medded his head in a rather grim 10n, “Thar’s no tellin’. ‘I’ve took parties across the kentry a pile o’ times, an’ given ther cuss the slip; but, ag’in, I’ve been caught, an’ m rties made to fork over handsome. But we’!l og along, an’ I'll keep a weather eye out, and jike enough we'll dodge ’em. Ef we kin only g ay yonder dark fine of timber, we're all unk, sao They then started the old wrecker jn the lead, as usual, and pretending to keep a sharp look- ous, Wat in reality he was doing nothing of t nd, Jadies were pretty well frightened except Maric, who, haviug wotking of particular value | to lone, did not have so much concern. “ Whercy, what should we do if we were to lose our money {” Lady Beatrice said, in a scared tone. “ We should have to wait in this wild country & 4 ® oY ims 8 “4 Lae 3 S 8 tS i=} ® = =} a firmy. a Fou had both better turn gour money and valnables over into my scoping, until we are out of danger. would very likely | not be a. a lady’s maid.” tly. I dea’t think it would do to trust to your Deadwood Dick’s Deat h Trail. exemption from search. The robber might take a fancy to you.” Marie frowned her displeasure at the implied want of confidence in her integrity, but did not reply audibly. ** Can it be that she suspects me of complicity in this affair?’ she mused. “If I was sure of it I'd choke her!’ and her black eyes flashed viciously. They rode on, anxiously expectant. When they were within half a mile of the wood border, old Quigg once more drew rein. ‘““What is the matter, now?’ Lady Chandos demanded, with a shiver of dread. ‘* Nothin’ much, ’cept that we’re at the end of our journey. Look abtint you.” They did, and saw, out on the bigh grass on ator 4 side masked men rising, armed with car- ines. eel pose you comprehend the significance,” Quigg chuckled. brave men of Guarez the bandit, whose verit- able self Jam, and now you will ki: dly allow me to suggest, is the proper period for fork over your cash and jewelry, an trouble and costs!” CHAPTER IV. DEADWOOD DICK’S DOUBLE QUEST. : Hap a thunderbolt fallen among the little arty it could hardly have more surprised the wo English ladies, while as for Marie, ske did not seem very much troubled. “ Sir! do you mean tojsay that you hrve been so base as to deceive and betray us?’ Lady Chandos cried, indignantly, gazing at the old wretch with flashing eyes. “Yas, I have been just sur-base!” the villain replied, with attempted facetiousness. ‘1 war save figgerin’ on a large amount 0’ spondulics out 0’ | this yere catch, an’ I opine I won’t get left on | it, ee ; ‘* Monster!’ “Oh, call me all the front-parlor pet names ye want, mum; I ruther like ’em,I do. But | ‘tain’t goin’ ter do ye a bit o’ good, more’n to blow off yer steam. ‘You're prisoners, an’ you’ve got to come to terms, jest like docile | ducks, and don’t ye fergit it!” He gave a wave of his hand then, and the masked men immediately formed in a circle around, ‘*Bind the captives’ arms to their sides, and then, after blindfolding them, take them to Black Gulch,” was Quigg’s order, and the ladies were cbliged to suffer their wrists to be bound and eyes blindfolded. Their horses were then led away, and they could hear the fo@tfails of the balance of the band in their rear, The journey was a long one, and the captives could judge if horses that they were bein rougher country than that behind them. Finally a halt was made, and the ladies were assisted to dismount. The bandages were re- moved from their eyes, but their hands were kept bound behind their baeks. / it was just daybreak, and they were able to dimly discern their whereabouts. They were in a deep gulch, which looked more like a na- tural dungeon, with blackened walls rising on every hand to a tremendous hight. Upon the bottom, where they had Halted there were bones of animals, all bleached and ghastly, while in one instance a buman skull was visible lying upon the rocks. There were half a dozen rude cabins, and one | of these bore the sign ‘‘ Saloon” over its door. It was a den such as wolves and kindred wild animals usually haunt, and certainly was a fit. ting rendezvous for the human wolves who had captured Lady Chandos and her party. After they had taken a good look about them Jabez Quigg once more approached and doffed his greasy old hat. “Thar, mums, ye see wkat sort of a place Guarez, the bandit, lives in, don’t ye? Thar’s but one ble way to escape from here, and that’s triple guarded, always. Neow let me read ye ther rules and regulations, an’ then | ye’ll know how to act.” He took a greasy piece of paper from his pocket, and began: ‘**Pirstly; Every person on arrival here shall peaceably deliver up all his or her valuables, with- | ' out hesi emur, to the chief, and shall ril of forfeiture of , Which if not satis- tion or make no attempt to escape, at life. A ransom will be impos: factorily settled, after first day, one toe will be am- pulse , a8 a weminder that we mean business. | s ucceeding delay of one day will call forth another amputation, which will be continued until the whole body is cut up, im default of payment of the ransom.’ ‘You are surrounded by the | ‘ou to | y the frequent stumbling of the | taken into an even ! aay NL ‘‘So beware! The rules of Guarez were never known to fail to be carried out to the letter. So deliver up your valuables at once, and you will | then not be molested until I fix upon a stittable ransom,” ‘*Oh! sir, pray do not take all we have, but instead, accept a part, and allow us to go in search of my stolen son!” Lady Beatrice cried, piteously. Quigg laughed, loudly, ‘‘ Ef ye evyer set pe-pers on that kid, again, yell hev ter marry verry Carker, that’s all,” he declared, “fer Jerry tol me so, hisself. As fer ther spondulics, . want ’em all, ter one’t, ar I'll set ther boys ter s’archin’ ferem. Ef ye’ve | got ’em onconvenient, ye kin jest ep inte one 0’ the cabins, an’ relieve yerself of ’em.” Lady Chandos gave a despairing sigh, and motioned her companion’ to follow ‘her to the cabin, nearest at hand, Quigg first having re- leased the hands of Marie. In the cabin the ladies removed a part of the money, and secreted it in a place where it was not apt to be noticed; then vook the remainder, together with some very costly jewels, and gave them to Marie to hand to Quigg, which she did, and he went off, apparently satisfied, as the harvest aggregated much more in value than he had really expected. As the cabin was supplied with some rude furniture, the ladies decided to oecupy it dur- ing such time as they should remain in the bandits’ stronghold. The day passed, without their again bei molested by Quigg. At meal hours, ay ee outlaw brought them some meat upon a*vooden tray, and then departed. During the afternoon, young Lady Clare ventured out into the gulch. She was a brave irl, who at all times was ready to protect and. efend berself. She moved about here and there, inde- pendently, followed by admiring glances from the outlaws, none of whom, howcver, offered to molest or address her, In the further corner of the gulch, she present- ly spied some heed wild flowers growing up on a pocket in the rough wall. Determined to possess them, after some diffi- culty she succeeded in clambering up the rock and plucking them, and was about to clamber back again, when, chancing to glance along the shelf, she beheld a man crouching on the narrow ledge, watching her. She gave a little cry at sight of him, for she saw that he was masked and dressed like the other bandits, Immediately upon her outcry, he raised his | hand, admonishingly. | “Sh! he said in a tone just audible. ‘Iam not an enemy, but a friend, bere for the pur- Pe of rescuing you. Return to the cabin, and will join you as soon as practicable.” | Who are you?’ Lady Clare demanded, fancying she had heard the voice before. ' *] am Deadwood Dick,” was the reply—“ the | man who punctured the hand that slapped you, | over in Seaport. But, tarry not, lest suspicion be attracted to this spot, which would be dis- astrous to our mutual interests.” Feeling decidedly relieved at what she had heard, Lady Clare descended from the ledge, and went back to the cabin, where she commu- nicated the good news to her despondent sister— for such was the relationship between the twa Jadies. The prosprct of escape brightened her up very much. Toward evening an unusual bustle was notice- able in the gulch. The bandits were collecting on horseback, as if with the intention of leaving the rendezvous for a raid, as all were armed to | the teeth. | After a deal of consultation, they rode away | down the gulch, and soon disappeared from view. Only five men were left in the valley—Old | Jabez Quigg being among the number. | J wonder what desperate errand those ruf- fians are going on{” Lady Chandos murmured, | with a shudder. ‘‘Oh! where is Cavanaugh, my boy?” | Take courage sister!—Perhaps this coming ) — Deadwood Dick, can help to find tho child? 5 ‘‘God grant we may be able to enlist his ser- vices in our behalf!” Lady Chandos sighed, | “for what could we do alone? I fear we shall | never see my little son again.” ‘*Ob, don’t despond. If you had half the grit I have, no amount of loss could make you give up hope.” About an hour later, the cabin door wae “If I do not recover him soon, i may never see him again.” ? ; | ’ '
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. one of the men who had ac Deadwood Dick’s Death Tra eae Leet eek RRS ERS SE EA RRR AAS AS SS AT AR il burst rudely open, and Quigg and his four #ompanious, filed into the apartment, where the three captives were seated. Seeing that the ruffians were all under the in- fluence of liquor, and that her sister had turned deadly pale, Lady Clare leaped to her feet, haughtily. “ Rufflans, what means this intrusion?” she ried, angrily. “Sit down, sissy—don’t get excited!” Quigg said, provokingly. ‘‘ Children should be seen not heard. Lady Chandos, I have fixed your ransom for youand your party, at the moder- ate sum of fifty thousand dollars, and have, moreover, decided to close the matter up at once. So please write me out a draft on yer Dank, after which ye will only be detained long enough ter allow me ter git ter Omaha or Denver, and have the money drawn.” “Never!” Lady Chandos cried, firmly, as she arose to her feet. ‘* You have received from me every penny you shall ever get!” “Not so, fair lady. I am the last man in ther world ter be trifled with, When I mean bigness, I mean it. Write out the draft, or off comes a finger from your hand, and one also from the hands of each of your companions. Number Four, bring in the block and hatchet!” The order was obeyed. This block was mounted upon legs, and the top of it was much hacked up, and profusely stained with blood. Judging from its present proposed use, it was ‘the fatal block which had been the scene of the brutal amputation of more than a score of fin- fers, on previous occasions. At sight of the terrible object, the three wo- men shuddered, and turned pale: but Lady Chandos quickly recovered herself; her face Secame flushed with indignation and the fire of a true Briton entered her eye. “Ruffian!” she cried, drawing her figure in ‘proud defiance to its fullest hight, ‘do not sup- ‘pose for an instant that your most bloodthirsty purpose could make me yield to your request. [ loathe and defy you. There!” and she placed her fair left hand upon the block. ‘I was a warrior’s daughter. Cut the whole hand off if it will gratify your demon heart!” Lady Clare and Marie, with frightened cries attempted to rush forward, but were hauled back by two of the bandits. Quigg, steeped in villainy as he was, stood for an instant dumfounde by the beautiful womun’s pluck; but soon, the old ugly gleam crept back into his eyes, and a malicious grin upon his face. ‘*Very bravo, bet yer!” he said, “but ye war mighty keerful ter reserve yer fightin’ hand, which is perfectly O, K. Tl fix it fer ye!’ With brutal satisfaction expressed all over his face, he seized the hatchet, and raised it to strike the blow. An instant of suspense, then— Two piercing screams— ‘A rifle report— er pees fall mad a gone. s abez Qui ayupon the floor, a stream of blood spurting from is temple. ; an, Anothet report, and anotheg This time anied Quigg to the cabin. Quigg With yells of consternation the remaining outlaws turned and fled, pell-mell from the room, following which there was an exchange of shots on the outside. Then a shadow dark- ened the doorway, and Deadwood Dick stepped into the cabin! ’ > ack glance showed him that neither of ‘the three ladies was harmed, and Lady Clare, uttering acry of joy, ran forward and put her fands in his. “Oh! sir, you are a noble man, and I am sure the Lord will eye you for killing these wretches!” she said, looking up into his face, earnestly. “Tf he don’t, I reckon I’ve had a heap of sat- isfaction in passing in their checks!” the knight of the West replied. “Such brutes as those are worse curses on the face of the sarth than any known pests except Texas musketoes. Iam glad my arriva and its result was so opportune,” All the ladies were deeply impressed with the appearance of the dashing man of the mountains, who, without his usual mustache and imperial, looked somewhat boyish. “Tam very thankful to you for risking so moch in our behalf!” Lady Chandos said, ‘‘ and ‘oust also thank you for a former service to my aister, here. I hope it has put you to no in- convenience, in coming to our rescue?” “*By no means, and even if it had, I should. have made the same attempt to free you from what I feared at the start was a trap; hence I followed. Your mission and mine, is, in one respect, identical. You want to see the rascal Jerry Carker, andsodolI. I want his scalp— you want your child. With your approval, I will endeavor to get both, and give you your choice of the trophies.” The ladies shivered a little at his liberality, while he went on: ‘*My handle is Deadwood Dick, and you may have heard of me, for I’ve been rather a tough cuss, Vlladmit. Batafew months ago, I and my wife, Calamity Jane, settled down for good, up country, on a little ranch of ourown. Our next neighbors war fine people, but unfor- tunately rich, an’ atarget for ruffians to aim at. The old gentleman, in particular, wasa man to the backbone, and he an’ I were in- separable friends. He had a fair daughter, and what does this rough, Carker, do, but come along one night, set an evil eye on her, and offer her insult. When the old gent heard of it, he had Carker flogged, and driven off. You see that?’— and he held up a bit of human scalp, the locks of hair upon which were long aud white as snow. ‘‘ They found the old gent a few nights after, wi’ this beside him, and the letter “C’ cut in his forehead. The family were paralyzed with grief, but the horror and in- dignation I felt surpassed theirs, and when I bid ’em and Calamity good-by, I told ’em I shouldn’t be back until I was sure Jerry Carter was where there is no chance for him to do any more sealping jobs. . First your child—then his life.’ CHAPTER V. NELLIE THE WAIF. “TO trap this mas, Carker, will require shrewd planning and indomitable perseverance!” Dick went on. ‘It will require movey, too—but erhaps we can find a-plenty in this brigand en. I will make a thorough search, at any rate, before per'g: the valley.” Old Quigg and the other ruffian had expired almost instantly, and were now stiffening corpses. But this fact did not seem to appall the avenger, for he went through their clothing with a celerity that must bave astonished a professional pickpocket, and succeeded in bring- ing to light a sum of money nearly double the amount that the ladies bad surrendered to the outlaw. ; } Delivering up their past, Dick appropriated the balance, after which he went out into the valley to make a reconnoissance. Diseovering no signs of the enemy, he re- turned to the cabin, and bade the ladies prepare to start as soon as possible. “The first place we’ll strike for will be the San Jacin mines, to the eastward, which will in all probability be the first place Carker will strike on his route, He is a cunning rascal, and I think he suspects that I am already on his trail. Therefore he will naturally work east- ward, where he thinks to puzzle me. But he will get left if he conceives that I will give up the chase; I'll follow him to the ends of the earth but what I will have him, I see there are enough horses in the gulch to mount us; so while you get ready, I'll secure them.” As night was fairly settling over the earth they were all mounted, and Deadwood Dick led the way out of the mountain stronghold through a narrow gap, and then all rode away through a mountain gorge, which ran eastwa ly, walled in on right and Tet with mighty tarrecing: cliffs. The ride continued during the night through some of the roughest country the ladies had ever seen, but it was no novelty to Dick, who bee literally grown up among rocks and bowl- ers. Once, about the middle of the night, Lady Clare, who was in the rear, gave vent to a scream, which caused an instant halt. ‘“Hello! what is the matter?’ Dick cried, wheeling his horse around, while the others echoed his ery. or Li y Clare’s deathly white face was visible, even through the darkness. “Ob! oh!” she gasped—“‘I saw him! I saw him! He was walking right alongside my horse, just a moment ago! Oh! oh!” “Who?” demanded Deadwood Dick. “Who?” cried Lady Chandos, press: “The man who ecamed me,” gasped Lady Clare. ‘‘ He walked beside my horse for an in- ‘stant, and nearly made me faint by the terrible expression of hatred upon his face.” You were dreaming,” Dick suggested, “‘ balf asleep on your horse,” 4 ‘*No, sir, I was never more awake in my life. | I am no coward, nor am I prone to frights, & saw the man, and am willing to swear to it,” ‘Tf that ruffian fs really following us, be bas an object in it, and it may be that he is acting as a rear guard for our genial friend Clarker. l’ll keep an eye out for bim,” They continued their ride, and made the best time possible, until the next noon, when they arrived at San Jacin, a little Spanish-American town, whose principal industry was mining. Its inhabitants were of the usual lawless kind, and the street scenes were identical with these in many other towns, the dance-houses, saloons, and gaming dens doing the best traffic, by fas. Conducting the ladies to the only respectable tavern in the place, Deadwood Dick set out on a tour of reconnoissance about town, wondarirg if in this strange place he would meet any om® who knew him, The first thing he did was to visit a pawn- broker’s shop, one of which profitable exists in nearly every mining town, Always among the stock in trade are to be found various styles of disguises, Many Western eharacters are pompelien by a force of circumstances to resort to disguises te save being lynched, while others use them to further some particular private scheme. Not knowing what minute he might need te conceal his identity, Dick selected a variety of wigs, beards and other apparatus, and conceal- ed. his chases about his person. He then betook himself te the post-office, and spent an hour in watching and studying the different characters wh e in and inquired for mail. When the wit was vacant lor a few minutes, he speronee it satisfied Dick that for the present, at least, he was on the right trail. But where was Carkert Had be already flown, or was he still lurking around the town. Cautious inquiries, on Dick’s part failed 1o elicit any news during the afternoon, so he re- turned to the tavern and made known what be had discovered, to the ladies, who seemed pleased—all except Marie. Whenever mention was made of Carker's probable capture, a steet-like glitter would creep into her eyes, and a sart of grayish pallor suffuse her face, Dick’s sharp eyes noticed this,on several oc- casions, and he jotted the matter down in his ment dent re hy at woman evidently is not ve - lar whether Carker is caught or not,” he mused, ‘‘and Dll wager a detective’s guess that she is not overburdened with scruples. I must keep an eye on her; she'll bear watching.” When it came dark again, he set forth and made a tour of the saloons, gaming-houses and da nce-houses. The first named were, as a rule, filled with half-drunken miners, who were awakening the echoes wiih Bacehanalian song. The gaming rooms were more quiet and orderly, and held a better class of people—at least as far as personal appearance was con- cern In neither of these places did Dick see eny- thing of Carker: so he sought out the principal dance-house, where music and Terpsicharean revelry had a decidedly spirited airing. The majority of course was composed of males, but there were also not a few of the posite sex, and not all bad, by any means, as it would seem, but in a majarity of cases decent, so far as eeenctarniry is cerned—women — reared amid scenes of hardships and rude ex- citement peculiar to the border, who, in many cases, had no choice left but to live as best they could and act lives they hated for a paltry sum of money, to secure their maintenance. Among. those rp the floor Dick spied a oung, trimly built girl of gevemteen, with an intelligent, D yi face. She was struggling in the grasp of a disgusting looking r , whe vi apparently, endeavoring to force ber to nce. The others were paying no pertioulen atten- tion to the struggle, which probably was nott- ing unusual in the place, ‘ There was an expression of disgust and leath-. ing upon the face of the girl that alone was suf~ ficent evidence of her purity, Dick watehed the scene for a mo mating whether it was best or not eae but when he | ived that the rough wae perce ‘* half the seas o’er” with bad bug-juice, he dig not stop to eonsider longer bud stepped forward, ' \
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m, an, bushy -bearded and sinister, glared at Dick with a stupid expression upon his face. “Wat ver say? Ben, I am!” ‘Oh! sir, please make him release me!” the et cried, appealingly. ‘‘He is crushing my rm “Release that girl!” Dick thundered, taking a ine nearer, his fists doubled and a dangerous ight in his eyes. “T won't!” Bulldog Ben declared, doggedly. The words had hardly left his lips, when there was heard a resounding whack, as Dead- wood Dick’s fist struck the forekead of the raffi in. Bulldog Ben released his hold upon the girl, clutched wildly at the air, and then went down upon the floor. A doen roughs iustantly sprung toward him, and a pitched fight ensued, in which Dead- wood Dick came out victorious, by knocking one after another down, until the whole number lay stretched out on the floor. ‘*There! is there another batch ready?” he cried, looking round. “If there is, send ’em along, and [ll bustle ’em off, while I’m at it!” A dead silence for the moment reigned with- in the saloon, until the rescued girl pulled at Dick's coat-sleeve and said: — **Come. Go with me. This is a hard den, and the sooner you get ont of it now, the better. Besides, | want to talk with you.” Dick gazed at hera moment, and then turned to the rough audience, ‘Please say for me, after these loafers wake up, that if they want more, 1 shall be in town . eral days yet, amd can likely accommodate em. He then turned and followed the girl from the dance house. She led the way to an out-of-the- way spot, and turned and faced him. ‘You must think me a public character,” she began, ‘‘ but I ain’t. I’m a girl that can’t be run on, and I admire men like you who ain’s afraid to take a woman’s part. [| perceive that ou are a waan of steel, as they express it, here n the West, and I'll bet you’re every incha entleman, too, so I just want to ask you a iestion—or two of them. First, what is your name?” Dick laughed. ‘“*Why do you ask?” he queried. “Simply out of curiosity to know who you are that was so brave?” “ Well, ’m ealled Deadwood Dick, sometinaes —a pretty tough name in the West, correspond- ing with the man that bears it.” “Ts it possible! I’ve heard of you. Well, my name is Nellie Dean, I belong in New York. What I wanted to-ask is this: Do you know of any way a genviless but respectable girl can get. from heM there? I’m willing to work at anything, as long as it is honest and respectable, so I can get back to my friends!” “ You say you belong in New York, Nellie? How is it, then, that you are out in this country among such rude associations as | saw you to- night 3 Since you ask, I will tell you,” and tears oe into her eyes. ‘‘{ am an orphan, my parents both having ween lost at sea when I was a child. I then went to live with a widowed aunt. Two years ago we came West. I was only fifteen then, and kwew byt little of the world, but I awoke to my ignorant innocence when we arrived in Utah, where my sunt told me every man had from one to ten wives. We were not there long ere my aunt married a Mormon elder, who was many years younger, and had three wives already. It was not long before’ tkey wanted me to marry an old gray- haired maa, and you can betIsaidno. They shut me up, then, and tried to force me to, but I escaped them and from Utah. Since then I’ve been trampiug here and there, trying to get a living, bat wes much luck have f had, when I’ve nat at any ome time had enough money to take we Hast, * What broeght you to the dance-house?” “No sad motive, I assure you. I am sto ing with a miner and his wife, until I can do tter. The latter is suspicious that her hus- bani frequents the dance-houses, and paid me #o find out for her. I had hardly got into the den when the big ruffian attempted to haul me into the dance.” Dic ed the girl over keenly and then ck a am going East on a detective trip. If you desire, will take you along, you to assist tue in any little spying jobs that I may elect.” “You do? Why I saw him leave town early in the day, He had a fight in the street and was forced to leave.” CHAPTER VI. MARIE SHOWS HER HAND. THE next morning they all left San Jacin for Gander’s Gulch, another mining town to the eastward, which Dick concluded Jerry Carker would be liable to strike, as it was on his route. Dick could see that Ladies Clare and Chandos did not exactly fancy the idea of Nellie Dean’s being added to the party, but he did not care, as he resolved to see the girl back to her eastern home, at all hazards, and might also much need her services. Lady Clare, more particu- larly, appeared to be a little piqued, for without appearing to do so, she had been endeavoring to win the special attentions of the dashing Prisce of the Road, but Dick’s heart was far away, in the keeping of Calamity, and he was not eager to even attract the notice of the gentler sex, as he only too well knew that flirtation worked trouble at the best. He took considerable interest in Nellie, how- ever, for further acquaintance proved her to be a most charming girl, full of the wit and spar- kle of innocent womanhood, that could but win her friends anywhere. Two days and one night of steady travel brought them to Gander Gulch, which was a fair-sized mining town, with considerable life and bustle about it. rage, rooms for the ladies at the hotel, as in the last town, Dick went forth on a tour of reconnoissance, and had not gone far when he spied a man whom he knew. It was the bully of Seaport, Fargo! He was strolling along, watching the miners at work, bis maimed hand done up in a bundle of rags. Quickening bis steps, he overtook the ruffian, and slapped him on the shoulder. “Hold up!” Dick cried, authoritatively. “Seems to me I’ve seen you're furty phiz some- wheres.” Fargo wheeled, and then uttered an oath. ‘‘Seems to me s0, too,” he be Sowteh lookin ruefully at his injured hand. ‘‘W’at the devi d’ye want o’ me anyhow, cuss ye?” “*T want to know what brings you so far away from Seaport?” Dick demanded, sternly. The bully emitted a growl. “Dunno what’s it yer bizness long’s I ain’t disturbin’ you.” ‘¢ [t makes a deal of difference!” Dick retorted. “You ain’t so far from your home for nothing. Tam aware just what you are up to, my larky, and you can bet on it.- You’re dogging me, watching out for a chance to trap me—that, too, at the instance of the villain Jerry Carker!” The declaration only brought a bulldog sort of expression into the rufflan’s face. “Well, what of it?’ he gritted. ‘‘ As long as Tain’t teched you ye can’t complain, | am sure.” “But, mark you this!” Dick cried. ‘‘I’ll let you off now, but just as sure as I catch you dogging me hereafter, just so sure will I send a bullet through your brain. Where is your as- sociate, Carker?® “Out of your reach. He left this morning for Frenchville.” Dick knew this was a lie. Frenchville lay ih miles to the north, off i main line of travel, and very few ever went there. He knew that the ruffian would not be likely hi stop in the mining country of the West at east. Giving Fargo a parting warning, Dick re- turned to the hotel, and consulted his pocket map while he smoked in the parlor. rom Gander Gulch three stage trails di- verged in northeastern, southeastern and east- ern directions, all leading to towns beyond the | divide, or water-shed. Which one to take he was a little at loss at first, not knowing which one the kidnapper had pursued, He was still puzzlin~ over the matter when Nellie Dean came tripping into the room, look- ing like a modern ‘fairy in a pretty traveling dress which Dick had given her the means to purchase. “ Well, ’m apt to resume the journey you see,” she said, with a merry laugh. ‘TI don’t know how to thank you enough for your kind- ness to me, Mr. Dick, And, oh! what do you think that nasty Frenchwoman said? She had the impudence to ask me where I made a raise of the money to get this dress with! like hera bit. But, Mr. Dick, Ihave got some news for you tbat you will value.” ‘“ Have you, indeed? Well, let’s hear it.” “This is it. 1 was down in the hall a bit ago when the man who keeps the post-office came in and asked the landlady if she had a guest named Miss Toodles. I overheard the inquiry, and at once stepped forward and laid claim to the letter, as it popped into my head that maybe it might be of service to you.” ick whistled. ‘Well, you’re cute!” he said. ‘‘So you cal- culated Miss Toodles might turn out to Marie, eh?” ‘‘ Yes; just that and nothing else.” ‘Well, let’s see. Perhaps you areright. It s0, you shall be enlisted on the regular deteo- tive force when we get to New York.” He opened the letter and perused its contents. It read as follows: ‘*ToopiEs—I leave by southeastern route, with a view of striking into the Leadville country. You be sure to take the northeastern trail, and then there will be no danger. Ake ‘Tt is evident that you are right. Marie and Carker are in correspondence, with a view of outwitting me. Does it not look that way to ou?” Nellie looked the letter over and nodded. ‘*Certainly. K stands for kidnapper, in place of Carker,” she said. ‘‘ The woman Marie must. not receive this, eh?” “No. Ill just keep mum, and not let her sus- pect that we know of her treachery, When the proper time comes I’ll open up on her. [I sus- yected all along that she, in some way, had a and in this kidnapping business. Now I know it. ‘Tt has just occurred to me that possibly this: is a blind to put us off the track,” Nellie sug- ested. ‘‘May it not be that the enemy be- leves we are suspicious, and therefore takes this. ° method of putting us off the track?” “Your magpie is not without weight, but I am inclined to believe that Carker has struck for Leadville country, whence, if pursued, ke can easily get to the East. We will run the chances, anyhow, and go to Leadville,” Marie entered just then, but on seeing that Nellie was present, soon retired. The following day the party set out on their long journey for Leadville, which we will pass over until the day before they were due in the mountain city, when an incident occurred woi thy of narration. Cook’s Curve, an outlying town, had beer reached about sunset, but the party had intend~ ed to push on, This, however, was made im- sible, as Lady Chandos was taken raclenily il, shortly after reaching the settlement, wit vomiting and internal pains. She was given a. room in the only hctel the town afforded, anda doctor sent for, who, upon appesrance, turned out, fer a wonder, to be a man of both refine- ment and education. After studying the case for a while, he called Dick aside, and said, in a low tone: ‘¢ She will doubtless be all right ina few min- utes, but 1’d advise you to see that she eats or drinks nothing except what you know is pure.” ‘*Ob, then you mistrust—” ‘Foul play, of course! There is every reasow to believe that she has swallowed poison—pro- bably by eating.” **T will see to the matter,” Dick assured him ; and after receiving his pay the doctor took bis e's tig Jick at once sought Nellie, whom he made hi; confidante in most everything, and info1 med her of what the doctor had said, first, however, warning Lady Clare to maintain a rigid watch over her sister. Nellie listened to the news, with~ surprise beaming from her pretty eyes. “* And this, too, is Marie’s work,” she queried. “Undoubtedly. She is rushing matters rather faster than I supposed she would, Lut I can’t see into her little game. If she is in the employ of Carker, I cannot see why she should want to poison Lady Chandos; for I believe it is Carker’s design, in abducting the boy, to ulti- mately force her ladyship to marry him. Why then this attempted poisoning?” ‘*T cannot see myself, unless the wily French- woman has some private scheme she is trying to pusb. What will you do?” “T cannot tell, until I reflect. Where is Marie?” ‘‘In her room. She has been there ever since our arrival, complaining that she felt too sick to attend to her ladyship. Don’t that show guilt?” ** You are’ right;—yes, she is the leper, in our party, at present!” Dick said, absently, as he I just don’t | drummed upun the table,
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} ; . Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail. | ” “ Yes, and I have something else to tell you,” Nellie went on. ‘Soon after our arrival, I heard her ask of the landlady: ‘if there was a wee? office in the town? ” ‘fhe did? Well, Nellie, yeu’re a jewel of a detective. I had no idea you would be so good at the bainess.” “‘T am-pleased, if anything I can do pleases ou, Mr. Dick,” she said, very earnestly, as she aid one of her white hands upon his shoulder. Dick teok the second glance at her. “Don’t get too serious in your efforts to please, little one,” he said, kindly, ‘‘ remember- ing it is your duty to steel your heart against any particular friendliness with married men.” ‘* Married!” @he echoed—‘' you married?” _ “Why yes—4o one of the dearest little women in the world,” The waif was evidently a little staggered at this, but kept her self-possession well. “didn't know that,” she said, ‘‘ but we are alj liable to be mistaken in a person.” Just then a note was shoved under the door of the room, and the ‘‘shover” was heard to beat a hasty retreat. ig ran and seized it, and handed it to ick, “‘I wonder what news this brings?” and Dick hastily tore it open. CHAPTER VIL DICK’S BIG DROP. ‘(HE contents were by no means less than Deadwood Dick anticipated, for he expected to be surprised, and was not deceived. The note ran as follows: “Srr:—If you want to find Jerry Carker and the boy,come tothe mouth of the Big Blow-out Mine, to-night, at moon-up, and an enemy of his will show you whar to lay your hands on him.” That was all—no signature whatever. Nellie also perused the note. ‘““What do you think of it?’ Dick asked. ‘* Looks as if Carker had offended some one of his tools, and be was taking this method of re- venging himself.” “Don’t look a bit like that, to me!” Nellie de- clared. ‘‘ It’s only a bait to get you where they can get rid of you.” ‘‘Maybe you are right. I’ve known stranger things to happen. But, at any rate, !ve made up my mind to test the matter. I'll go to the Big Blow-out mine; but, mind you, on the alert, and not unprepared to defend myself.” ‘‘Oh! I wouldn’t go, nor pay any attention to it, if I were you, Mr. Dick. ou might be sur- prised and killed, when you were least expect- ing danger.” ‘Never fear. I’ve had death stare me in the face a hundred times, and in many shapes, but — so ce Saag to tell of it. I 4 pe eee ~ right—perhaps bringing young Chandos—an Palle reer saipess on to Leadville to- morrow. Keep mum about our little discoveries, and [ fancy it will not take long to work the case to a climax.” When near moon-rise that evening, Dick armed himself thoroughly, and made a few : inquiries as to the location of the Big low out mine, to learn that it was a shaft, about half a mile beyond the limits of the town, which, though moderately profitable, had been deserted because of a rumor that it was haunted. ; Leaving the camp, in the course directed, | Dick was not long in gaining a position in what he judged to be the neighborhood cf the mine. Here he paused and listened, but could hear nothing except the wind sighing through the scrub-oaks and pines, which grew in little patches here and there. : Made bold by this, he advanced, little by little, until he was within a few rods of the Big Biow-out shaft, the location of which was dis- tinguishable by the great windlass over its | mouth, From Ris position the moonlight afforded | Dick a good view of the place, yet he could see | pecking of human presence in the neighbor- | ood. ‘Possibly there i#@ an ambush waiting for | me!” he muttered: ‘“ but I won’t stumble into | it just yet. Ill wait amd see what turns up!” e bad not long to wait, only a few minutes; then the sound of footsteps were heard approach- ing from in the direction of the Curye, and soon a taracke figure, wrapped ina black cloak, and wearing a thick vail over both face and hat, peared, and came to a halt in the vicinity of the windlass. “That must be my correspondent, I should jadge!” was Dick’s conclusion at sight of her. ‘*If lam not greatly mistaken, too, it is Marie. Ill go and see what she wants.” e thrust his hands into the side pockets of his coat, and they came in contact with a pair of revolvers that nestled there. Advancing from his place of concealment, Dick approached the vailed woman, who was evidently awaiting his “sme 9 “ Good-evening, madam!” he said, looking at her keenly. ‘‘ Were you waiting for some one?” ‘“*Yes—for you. You are Deadwood Dick, are you not?’ she asked, in a voice which did not sound familiar to him, ‘Tam Deadwood Dick, at your service, and you, I presume, are the party who sent me an unsigned communication some hours ago.” “Yes, I am the person. You want a man named Jerry Carker?” a“ I do. ” ‘Well, you can’t have him!” a voice cried from in the rear, and at the same instant Dick was seized by several pairs of hands. Although he had been alert, the approach behind him had been made so cautiously that he had no suspicion of such an attack until it came. With all his strength did he try to jerk and twist himself free, but all to no are od for they held him as in a vise of iron, while Marie, throwing back her vail, stepped forward, and with cords secured his hands and feet, so that he was a prisoner, in all truth. He was allowed to stand, however, while his captors came around to get a front view of im. . They were Jerry Carker, Fargo, and another ruffian with a scar up and down his cheek—a trio of as villainous looking men as you would often meet even in the wild West. ‘* Ho! ho! so we have you, eh?’ Carker ex- claimed, with a triumphant leer. ‘ Didn’t count on our bein’ so cute, did you?” “I presumed there was a trap set, but being in the habit of attacking my enemies in the front, instead of the back, which is the coward’s method, I was hardly wary enough!” Dick re- torted. “You call me a coward, do you?’ Carker cried fiercely. ; ‘* Yes, though I don’t know but the average coward would then feel insulted at the com- parison. You are a murderer, a thief, a con- temptible sneak, and the devil, your master, only knows what else.” yRAe Cachet drew a revolver, and cocked it, signi- ficantly, his face livid with rage. But, before he could usé it, Marie knocked it out of bis grasp. «Stop! she cried, authoritatively. ‘‘ What did you promise? Don’t attempt any murder, orl Ml withdraw from the game and denounce you, Carker uttered a sullen growl. ‘* Well?” he said, interrogatively. Marie turned to Deadwood Dick. ‘“My sharp friend, you see I have just saved your life!” she remarked, with evident sarcasm. ‘‘Thisin reward for your efforts in behalf of her ladyship. Finding it difficult to elude your vigilance, we have concluded to dis- pose of you until Mr, Carker has time to get away where you cannot find him. To this ef- fect, we have concluded to lower you into this haunted mine, where you can have the plea- sure of sojourning, until some kindly disposed spook comes along and sets you free. Dick did not reply. It was a less terrible fate than he had expected, and he resolved to take it with good grace, having hopes of being able to escape, sooner or later. He had a small sized idea that pretty Nellie Dean would never leave the mining-camp, with- out making a diligent search for him. The great iron bucket was hauled up out of the shaft, by Fargo and the other 10ugh. Ordinarily this hoisting process was done by horse-power, but a crank bad also been pro- vided by which a man could raise or lower the bucket at will. Dick was then placed in it, to which he made no demur, and the bucket was once more low- ered into the mine, where the darkness of Stygia reigned supreme, a grim silence pre- vailing among the authors of the work. Down! down went Dick, and still down, un- til it seemed to hivn that he must be really en route for China via a new line of travel. Suddenly the rope parted, far above him, and his downward flight was continued with light- ning velocity. , Then, he was conscious of a tremendous jar-— and remembered no more, for a long time, When he did recover consciousness, the scene os nr qeeretis was materially changed. He was still fying upon the und, in the mine, but a miner’s lamp burning in a crevice in the rock. near at hand, and Nellie Dean was bending over him, holding camphor to his nostrils, and applying it to his forehead. When she saw his eyes open, she gave vent to an exclamation of joy. ‘Oh! I was so afraid vou were dead, when I found you lying so still and white. Are you hurt much, Mr. Dick?’ ‘* Don’t know about that, till I find out!” Dick replied, staring around, to recojlect what had happened. ‘‘ Guess there’s no bones broken though I got an unmerciful thump. Ugh! it feel kind of sore like;” but with an effort he re- gained his feet, Nellie having cut the bonds. “Oh! I ain’t so bad hurt after all. How’d yen come down? Hope you didn’t take the lightning express that I did!’ ellie laughed. ‘*No—I took an accommodation. You see, about as soon as you left the hotel, 1 hired a couple of rough but honest fellows to come with me, and set out to look after your welfare. We arrived just in time to see you lowered into the well, and the men began an attack on your captors, who, however, succeeded in escaping. en we arrived at the windlass, we found that the rope had been cut, the perpetrators of the deed undoubtedly thinking the fall would kill you. One of the men at once returned to camp, and procured a long rope, and lowered me down here, where I have been, since, work- ing to restore you to your senses.” ‘You are a noble girl!” Dick said, taking her hand, and pressing it warmly. ‘* No kindness I can ever do you will be sufficient to express ay ratitude. But, how are we to get out of th en is the next question to be considered?” ‘*T have that already arranged. Yonder lies the bucket, and I have fastened the rope to it, by which I was lowered. The other end is secured to the windlass, so that we sball have no difficulty in being drawn up. By the way, the woman Marie was with your captors?” ““ What do you propose to do with her?” ‘Tam not decided. I hardly think she will trouble our party again. If she does, 1 may not make any mention of this night’s work, in hopes of using her as the trap through which to catch Carker. That rascal is no doubt on _ his ray to Leadville ere this. Come! let us go.” hey entered the bucket, gave a jerk on the rope, and were slowly drawn upward. na few winutes they were once more above ground, and safe from the effects of the adven- ture, Paying the two miners liberally for their ser- vices, Dick wert back to the hotel, seccompanied by Nellie, who at once retired to her room, while Dick sat down in the parlor, to smoke and reflect, first having inquired and learned that Lady Chandos was feeling much better, and would no doubt be well enough for the morrow’s journey. He had not been seated long, when Marie entered the parlor, and nodded pleasantly, as though nothing had ha pened, “IT was just pone see if 1 lost a glove here,” she said, apologetically, ‘‘Have you been out?” There was no trace of guilt—not even a flush —upon her attractive face, as she turned it to- ward the Prince of the Road. ‘““Yes—I just got out, about half an hour ago!” Dick replied, dryly, at the same time wondering why this woman did not adopt the stage, so skilled an actress she was, ‘“Why, were you in jail?’ Marie queried, raising her eyebrows in surprise, and at the same time looking him straight in the eye. ‘Yes, in the jail you helped to place me in, Don’t play off your assumed innocence on me, woman—it won’t work, You are guilty, and your fate is sealed,” ; She turned pale, and trembled, at this; then, to Dick’s astonishment and disgust, she dropped on her knees at his feet, and burst into a violent fit of weeping. CHAPTER VIII. DICK ‘* TUMBLES TO” A LIVE LORD. “On! Mr. Degidwood Dick!” she cried pit- eously. ‘*‘Donot be merciless with me, but for- give me for my sinning and give me a chance to repent and atone. You alone know of my deed, and why ruin my future prospects by allowing the matter to travel further, when yu can save me from going utterly to the bad. Dick surveyed her with little expression of mercy upon his face, and a feeling of repug> -_ 4
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8 Deadwood Dick's Death Trail. nance tugging at his heart, to see her kneeling there in abject humiliation, before him. “Realizing that you have been discovered, and that, too, at the risk of your situation, you have concluded to make a clean breast of it andthus get time and opportunity for making sure of your job, next time, eh?” “No! no! I realize what sin I have been pully of, and all I want is a chance to do tter, and to prove that my intention is good.” “‘T suppose your intentions were commend- able, when you poisoned Lady Chandos, and tried to break my neck!” Marie turned still whiter, subsided. - **¥ou know that?” she gasped. “ About the poisoning—yes! You thought ourself cunning and sharp, but you are a "avert at the best. Rise to your feet, woman. I shall watch for any more of your charming little acts, and curb pose playfulness, if I see any more of the devi cropping out of you. Go!” By the next morning Marie had quite re- covered from her grief and looked as saucy and piquant as ever. taay Chandos, however, was feeling worse again, and so Dick announced his mtention of galloping on to Leadville, leaving them to follow in the stage, as soon as her ladyship felt able. So leaving her to the careful charge of Lady Clare and Nellie Dean, the ex-Prince of the Road mounted his horse and set forth, The route between the Curve and Leadville was one of the wildest sort, the trail alternately ascending and descending, and being Zor much of the way lined on either side by forests. Although well mounted and well armed, Dick anticipated trouble before reaching the mountain metropolis, wherein the early days of the town, he had associated his name with rob- bery, reckless daring and sport; so he kept a ae lookout, and put his horse toa spirited gallop. He had half completed the journey, and was crossing a treeless plateau, when he heard the peculiar whirring sound of the lasso, Quickly slipping to the side of his horse, In- dian fashion, he just escaped the noose which had been sent with precision; at the same time he gave a yell that sent his horse flying across the platead. Lucky for him that he remained at the side of bis horse, for soon after another lasso drop- ped across the animal’s back, then disappeared again, as the horse flew on, Taking a squint in the direction from whence had come the attack, he saw the heads of men popping up above the tops of rocks. Quickly reseating himself on the flying horse Deadwood Dick's vengeful repeating rifle almost immediately spoke, and for each shot came back a wild yell, which proved the deadly aim of the ever-ready man. Into the forest again the faithful horse bore him at break-neck speed; but now satisfied that the danger was over, Dick reined in the animal, and rode on, glad to have escaped so luckily. ‘+ T don’t doubt that I owe this little serenade - to his honor Jeremiah Carker,” he muttered, as he rode along, nearing Leadville. ‘*Oh! my great and noble rascal, sooner or later V’ll show you that retribution is bound to overtake you; sooner or later [ll teach you that to murder a white-haired old man is one of the greatest of unpardonable offenses, and you sball suffer for your crime!” He reached Leadville about the middle of the afternoon, thoroughly disguised in a brown wig aud fall beard and mustache, together with an entire change of clothing. Stabling his horse, and putting up at a good hotel, he ordered dinner, after which he started out for a stroll. Although the place had grown much since he was there before, he still knew where there were several resorts of the sort Carker usually fre- quented, and accordingly he paid them a visit. But no Carker was to be found. If in the ay it looked very probable that he was lying in iding until he should find a good opportunity to escape; so Dick went back to the hotel, and on entering his room found that a note had been shoved under the door during his absence. With some curiosity he picked it up and read: *Deapwoop Dick—This is to inform you that I will never be taken alive, no matter where you fol- low. The scheme I had afoot for the boy is bu’sted, for I got tired of the brat, and knoc' his brains out this. morning. As for you, you'll do well te stop oon owes you are, for if you don’t I'll show 7" it will not et ca cee bulldog. shall stay here Fe emer Se Sie TS, aud then move on. , J. Carxur.” and her sobs ‘All right, Mr. Carker; if you will only be so accommodating as to remain here in Lead- ville I will be much obliged, as it wiil save me the trouble of searching. That lie about the boy, though, however much it might strike other folks, does not affect me in the least, as I know you think too much of your prize to yield it up in that way. Tll watch out for youdike a hawk.” He went down-stairs, then into the gaming- room that was attached to the hotel proper, and run under one management. The place was pretty well filled, and drink- ing was still going on merrily. One man appeared to be somewhat ‘ elevated.’ He was elegantly dressed and yet vulgarly loud, wore plenty of expensive jewelry, and was overbearing and obtrusive. He wore a lux- uriant full beard, and his hair was parted in the middle, as was revealed by bis hat being cocked back upon his head. At Dick’s entrance, he rose from the table where he was sitting, and slapped the ex-Prince of the Road familiarly upon the shoulder, Dick surveyed him, coolly, for a moment. ** Well, sir! what do you want?” The man gave vent to a drunken snicker, and endeavored to take Richard’s hands, but failed, as Dick refused to ‘‘ shake,” ‘“Is that the way you address a nobleman?” the ‘‘genteel” ruffian demanded, evidently ripe for arow. “That’s the way I address every one who ets too fresh, no matter who or what he is!” ick responded, with a grim smile. ‘*Maybe_you don’t know who I am since you are so impudent?” “*T don’t care who you are, no more than if ou were the most insignificant thing on the ace of the earth!” was the retort. ‘‘ You made yourself exceedingly fresh, and I asked you what you wanted!” ‘* Well, I want you to know that I’m a gentle- man and a lord—the son and heir of an earl— and if I choose to slap a man on the shoulder, it’s condescending in me to do so. I feel highly insulted at your rudeness, and I—” “ Spit it out if, you want to fight, and don’t be a coward!” Dick cried. ‘That’s what you want, evidently.” “You're a liar!” his lordship fired back, ‘‘ and I—” but he suddenly stop talking, for out went the right iron-fist of Deadwood Dick, and the Englishman went down like a stricken ox. The sympathizing barkeeper came forward, then, dashed water into the Briton’s face, and dragged him into the side room, there leavin him to recover at leisure, while Dick walk leisurely away to another part of the room, to smoke and meditate. This individual was an English lord, he said, but, judging by appearances, he was a sorry representative of the aristocracy. dy Chandos’s husband was a lord, too, and as Dick had from time to time learned from Lady Clare, was, as she expressed it, ‘‘an over- bearing man whom no one could r—wild, reckless, and intensely jealous of his wife.” Might not this same individual be the same noble Briton, following her in her travels? An amused smile came over the sport’s dis- guised face at the thought of the thing. “One thing is certain. Her ladyship and husband do not particularly admire each other, nor do they live happily together. I have often noticed a pained, disheartened expression upon her face, when speaking of her husband, Lord Chandos. If this is the style of a man she has got, I don’t wonder she feels bad sometimes. f the fellow comes around like a gentleman, Pll work bim up and see what there is in him.” It was not long ere the Briton recovered; then he arose and arranged his soiled costume as best he could, and inquired for the “insolent puppy who had knocked him down.” eadwood Dick was pointed out, and he ap- proached the sport looking somewhat the worse for wear, but fall of fight or bluster. Walking up to Deadwood Dick, he glared down at him a moment over his nose, which was swollen three times its ordinary size, then spat direct into the sport’s face. ‘“*There!” he cried, savagely. ‘That is an insult, and if you want satisfaction, as gentle- men get it, come outside!” Dick arose, and wiped his face, apparently very calm; but any one acquainted with him could have told by the gleam in his eyes that all the tiger in his nature was aroused. A crowd had almest instantly gathered, with 2 was a moment before Dick could compose himself enough to speak—then he said: “T shall be happy to meet the British baboon a ae at onee. Weapons, revolvers. Lead ahead! Pll try and make a gorilla of him before Pm through with him,” ‘* You'll have to teke te the outskirts of the town, gents, as ther day of street scrimmages is over, here, en aecount @ ther perlice. re’s Skin Sullivan—he’l show yea right peart spot to die,” the barkeeper said, sententiously. ‘‘ He’s a good slugger, too, is Sully, an’ a class second in any skewrup.” “Mr. Sullivan will act for me!” the lord said. “And I'll act for the gamey chap, I wii,” a ae gruff voice exclaimed, belonging to a man clad in a suit of Overalls, stagy boots, and greasy sombrero. He wore bushy black hair, and an immense beard and mustache to match, and was about as brigandish-looking a buman as one would care to meet of a dark night, with his belt full of weapons as they were now. Dick surveyed him, and nodded. It could not matter much to him who was his second. “All right. Lead ahead!” he said. ‘ Let's get down to business as quick as possible!” They left the saloon, and struck for the city limits, followed by one of the biggest crowds that ever witnessed a fight in Leadville. The sun was near to setting when the dueling ground was reached, and no time was lost in marking off the space, which the Englishman insisted should be fifty paces. ‘*He evidently wishes to make the distance long enough so that he will not be dangerously wounded!” was Dick’s thought, ‘* but id reckon I’ve got the beauty that will tickle him!” He took a case from his coat pocket, and therefrom extracted a weapon—a field revolver. There was a unanimous exclamation of admi- ration from the crowd at sight of the deadly tube, and they involuntarily rushed forward to get a closer view of the weapon, the equal of which, for beauty, they had never seen. ee CHAPTER Ik. A DESPERATE WOMAN'S DESPERATE GAME, On leaving the Curve, it had been Dick’s last request to Nellie not to mention anything to Lady Chandos about the poisoning, and ver likely she would have acted according to his wishes Lut for the woman Marie, who, on every occasion took pleasure in casting some slur at Nellie, which she believed might annoy her, Several words passed between them, until finally Marie expressed an insinuation that fired all the temper the pretty orphan girl possessed, and under the impulse of the moment she went to the ladies’ room, and revealed to Lady Chan- dos and Lady Clare all that was known relative to the poisoning. To say that both were astounded would be expressing it mildly, for their astonishment knew no bounds, : “T am loth to believe this criminal charge against Marie!” Lady Chandos said, soberly; ‘* still, I have never quite put implicit confidence in her.” She then ordered Lady Clare to go and fetch the Prenchwoman. Marie soon made her appearence, her face somewhat pale, and her manner nervous. “* Marie!” Lady Chandos said, ‘‘do you think you wot find your way back to your home in vre “I fear not, lady. Iam very little traveled, you know. Why do you ask, my lady?” ‘** Because it becomes my duty to discha you. We need not necessarily dwell upon the whys and wherefores, but suffice it to say that you know full well the cause why you are dis- charged, and will I hope feel grateful toward me for allowing you to escape merited punish- ment so easily. Say nothing, but gu. You were paid up your full onary yesterday.” Whiter than before was the treacherous wo- man, now, and she turned upon Nellie with a gasp, one of her hands partly concealed behind ner. ‘*Do I owe this to you?” she kissed, her eyes burning with an unnatural fire. ‘Tf you mean the telling of the truth, yes, I was ordered by Deadwood Dick, to make no disclosures until he perfected plans for the capture of Carker. But when you insulted me by assailmg the only gift I have left that I value most—honor—forbearance ceased to be a virtue! Take care! I see you have a stiletto ready todo murderous work with, but I eon- sider this much easier, quicker, and more ef- fective;” and the resolute girl produced a little revolver and cocked it, : “Curse you! curse you all! You have not outwitted or done for me yet. I will have re- venge, mark you, and it shall be such a revenge that you will prefer the torments of hell to it!”
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Then she was ladies in anything but an enviable frame of gone, leaving the two English mind, while the threat. ‘Marie will go to Leadville, no doubt,” she said, ‘‘ to have a conference with Carker, and I am going like a sleuth - hound on her track. I may in the same trip capture both, before Deadwood Dick can. You will not be afraid to eR on in the stage to-morrow?” ellie was but little concerned at “Not afraid, dear, but I am afraid to have you make such a rash venture,” Lady Chandos ‘said, anxiously. “Never fear for me! I have had just enough hard experiences in the West to make me wide awake!” Nellie said, earnestly. ‘‘I know, be- fore I go!” As soon as she could complete the necessary arrangements, she ordered one of their best sad- dle korses and mounted. She had learned that Marie bad left some minutes before, so she set cff at a good gallo ps open track or road which led to Lead- ville. Her one desire seemed to be near tke hand- some knight of the West—Deadwood Dick—her mind was ever on him; some irresistible spell of human magnetism seemed to draw her toward him, She knew it was wrong that she should allow herself to let the feeling grow upon her, but she—she could not help it, was her consoling thought, when she allowed herself to consider. Bat as she rode on, and ker mind’s eye was gazing at the handsome face and figure of Dead- wood Dick, her reverie was rudely interrupted by a harsh grating voice exclaiming: ‘Halt, girl Advance another yard and Ill make you feel the vengeance Marie promised you! Nellie Dean looked up from her reverie to be- hold the wily Frenchwoman sitting upon her horse, a few song ahead, a light sporting rifle held leveled for instant use. “What do you mean?” Nellie demanded, quietly. { “ Didn’t I tell you I should have revenge, you hussy?” she cried. ‘I’m going to have it, too. Something told me you would follow me, so I just waited here for tre sole purpose of waylay- ing you. Now that I’ve got you right where I want you, I'll show you that it were better to betray the devil than a fierce-tempered French- woman. Do you know what [ am going to do with you?” “T haven’t the slightest idea, 1 am sure,” Nellie replied, with apparent composure. “Well!” Marie said, significantly, ‘I am going to rob you of your beauty. That is worse than death, to one with any claim to good looks, , I shall cut off your hair, disfigure your face and—” ‘*T beg your pardon, my royal queen of viciousness, you will do nothing of the kind!” a deep, thrilling voice exclaimed, and an elderly gentleman stepped from a thicket near to where the wom:n were halted, followed by a younger man, ‘You have laid a most villainous plot, which you can hardly expect to carry out. So you had better go!” Marie uttered a scream at sight of the speaker, and turned very white. ‘** You!” she gasped—* my God! you?” ** As you see,” the man replied, calmly, “One would infer that you had seen a ghost.’ Marie did not reply, but wheeling her horse ut spurs to him and dashed away toward : oe ville as fast as she could go. ; The elder man then turned to Nellie. He was, in truth, noble looking, with a kindly-ex- ressioned, full-bearded face, and a form of tuanly beauty, while his dress and his habitual hearing bespoke a person of more than ordinary culture, : The younger man was almost a fac-simile of the elder, for the resemblance between them was very striking, though the younger man wore no beard, a a mustache. ‘* My dear young lady, it was opportune that we were near, or that vixen might have done you harm,” the elder gentleman said. ‘Tam very glad, sir, you were near,” Nellie only money. “for she is avery bad woman, and has sworn to kill me. But you mustexcuse me, asI wish to follow her. Is it far to Lead- ville?” “Fes, a good half aday’sride. You cannot reach it until after dark, and I would advise you not to attempt to go without an escort.” “Oh, ’m not afraid. V'll be more careful, during the remainder of the ‘egggy: a And bidding them good-by, she ier away in pursuit of Marie, de not to give up, until she had trailed the French tigress down inte the hands of Deadwood Dick, at least, ‘*Pve lost my heart, uncle!” the younger man said to his companion, when the girl was yar “In that girl, you’ve seén the future dy Cecil Falconer!” “Fudge!” the elder retorted. ‘Tl cut you off without a peony if you ever mention it again.” It_ was in the early morning when Mario finally arrived in Leadville. She appeared very much exhausted, but stabled her horse; then made a tour of the better class of hotels and examined their registers, evidently looking for some one, and a disappointed look came over her face at every failure to find the name she sought. Finally she entered the Clarendon, and as she did so uttered a gasp of delight as she saw a man ascending the stairs. She quickly fol- lowed him, and entered his room immediately behind him. “ Marie!” he exclaimed, at sight of her, her sudden an earance giving him a start, “$ Yes, frario?” she cried, seizing his jeweled hand, and covering it with passionate kisses, ““your faithful Marie—the only woman who has ever proven true to you.” “‘Then you have the evidence to confirm my convictions, eh?” he demanded, his eyes fairly blazing, ‘*Mon dieu, Lord Chandos, I sincerely wish I could say no; but I have not that weicome news to bear you. WhenI left England, em- ployed to spy upon Lady Chandos, by you, kt could have sworn to her purity and love for your noble self. But it has, alas! proved as you feared, Her trip to America was but to escape the vigilance of your watenful eye, that she might bask in the smiles of her first love!” Lord Chandos paced the floor more after the frenzied style of a madman, than like a sane person, ‘You tell me all this!” he hissed. ‘‘Oh! God! why cannot I get my hand at her throat! Ugh! I am going mad, I believe.” He was violent for a few minutes, then quieted down suddenly, and said: ‘* You have seen them together?” ‘Yes, on more than one occasion. I met Sir Falconer last night, en route to see her,” Does she receive him with evident pleas- ure? Judging by some of their romantic Shakes- perian scenes, I should suppose that she con- siders him every inch her Romeo, The fact is, she is no longer a wife to you, and I have heard her declare, with an oath, when under the influence of liquor, that she would never live with you again!” “Nor shall she, ll end the disgrace, while here in this lawless country, by killing them both, and then go back to London a wiser man,’ “But you must first fulfill your promise to me, please to remember, Lord Chandos,” ‘*What do you mean, woman?” e ‘*Bah! do not be so innocent! You promised me that if I would spy on Lady Chandos, and prove her unfaithful to you, you would fill her place with me.” ‘Bosh! Nonsense! Do you take me for an idiot? The idea—marrya menial! Ha! ha! the idea!” Marie’s eyes flashed. “* You'll find out you can’t put me off. If you don’t marry meat once, when you go back to London, I go too, and I’ll make things lively for you, you may rest assured. I know too much for your peace of mind, so make the best of a a 7, situation,” is lordship winced. ** Deuce take you!” he growled. “ If you want money say so, and don’t take such a round- about way of getting at the matter.” “Pooh! I don’t want money! I want a home, anda husband, I want you, because you can Deadwood Dick’ Ss Death Trail. Bi 9 mamma vas OHAPTER X. “AN OLD OFFENDER” ANNOUNCED. BmavutirvL revolvers had often flashed in Leadville’s sunlight, and killed their man, but nothing eg the magnificent as that held by Deadwood Dick had ever been seen by any of the admirers of ga st Be 9 : The steel was plated with gold, the handle was of pearl and a dozen diamonds of medium size were set in its aides, to say nothing of the or superb solitaire which gleamed in the utt. “Take care, gents! It’s danger to get too near a costly weapon like this!” Dick warned, dryly. Onder!” cried Dick’s black-bearded second. ‘“‘fhis hyar pic-nic must proceed, as both gents are anxious to get into one another. y name is Bolivar, I yer, and I’ see this thing ker- ried on on the square.” *So’ll I,” announced Sully, as he was called among his associates. ‘‘Git all ready gents! When I say three, blaze away at each other fer all you’re good for. Ill hev a pine box fixed up long enuff so yer knees won’t get humped when we chuck ye in.” The antagonists took their positions, facing each other, and deliberately cocked their weapons. it was easily to be seen that neither paused to consider the results that were liable to follow. “Are you ready, sir cur?” his lordship cried, impatiently. ~ “Ready, sir baboon,” was Dick’s taunting answer, “Then get ready!” the “slugger” cried, 1oud- | ly. ‘One! two! three !” Bang! bang! bang! There were three pistol reports, instead of two. The Englishman (ell to the ground, wounded very slightly in thz lefs side, Deadwood Dick stood unhurt, although he had heard two weapons speak besides his own, and had heard two bullets whiz unpleasantly close to his hea/s, Looking quickly around he caught sight of his second ruaning toward a conveniené shed, with all his might and main. It was he, then, who had fired the third shot! If so, it needed no more to inform Dick that he had been within arm’s reach of the man he wanted—Jvrry Carker! Again hud the villain attempted the Sport’s life and esvaped—for he was now too far off to easily pick off with a revolver, as Dick per- ceived; but with a fierce exclamation he sprung away in hot pursuit, leering the crowd to at- tend to the wants of the lerd, who really had purposely fallen, on bew.g wounded, to avoid further punishment. A fleet runner was Deadwood Dick, but the desperado had the advantage in getting behind the shed, so that no bullet could bit him. In this way be succeeded in gaining some place of safety by the time Dick had reached the shed, and the Sport was baffled for the time ing. a Bit have him, if he is in this town, how- ever!” he gritted. ‘ It was a bold move on his part, coming forward to play my second, and more’s the wonder he didn’t salivate me for good.” He went back to the dueling ground, and found that the Englishman had gone back to the hotel. After some little trouble Dick succeeded in enlisting half a dozen men in his service, whcm he posted about the city with a purpose of keeping a close watch for the villain Carker. It seemed only a matter of time ere the cap- ture must be mude, Nellie Dean arrived in town during the fore- noon, and found Dick, to whom she communi- cated what is already known to the reader. Dick listened, but did not chide her, as she was afraid he would. “Well,” he said, “we shall have to look to put me where I can shine above those who look | her movements here, and may in that way see down on me, now,” The other laughed, wickedly. “If you don’t clear out, I’ll put you where | you'll shine for eternity,” he said. “ Pllnever marry you, so settle on that. Carker. That he is lying low, somewhere about town, I am certain, but so far I am not able te locate him, nor are my men.” Dick then related his experience with the If you want a | Englishman, whom he believed to be Lord thousand pounds to clear out to France and | Chandos; after which he conducted her to a keep your mouth shut, you can have it—other- wise not.” “T will choose the not!” she retorted, sav- | agely. ‘‘I will show you that it is not profit- able to hotel several blocks from the Clarendon, and she retired to her room to get a few hours’ rest. Lady Chandos and Lady Clare arrived that afternoon, and were taken to the same hotel, tamper with a woman’s affections. I | where Dick took care to register them und did not mention to you that your son, Cava- naugh, has been stolen from tai Chandos, and Ialone hold the pea of his whereabouts. Good-day, sir,” and she left the room, assumed names, and warn them to keep wi doors, as he did not want ema, fa w of Lord Chandos’s presence, nor he ; Her ladyship was feeling greatly improved
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10 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail. from her late illness, but talked and warried #onstantly about her boy, who she was fearful ‘would be barmed. Phat evening a paper had in it this item: eee nen sie Sa eeee | in his disguise of a red-bearded bullwhacker, office, through an anonymous letter, that the notori- gus outlaw and road-agent, Deadwood Dick, who pome time ago made himself many enemies here- sbouts, owing to his defiance of the law, and his esperate deeds, is once more in town, in disguise. 6 informant neglects to give further information, more than to say, ‘watch out for him,’—not even a description of his disguise. As there are still several rewards standing for him, the latter, with his former description has been referred to the police, and we age sanguine that it will not be long ere the festive Richard languishes in our local “ jug.’’ That he is here planning out some new campaign of deviltry, is evident, and the sooner his actiuns are eon in the , the better—or rather the worse for the business our local undertakers.”’ And, as fate would have it, the ‘festive Ricbard’ was among the first to purchase a copy of the paper, and read the interesting notice concerning himself—interesting because it was of vital importance to him, when he remem- ered that Leadville was no longer the utterly lawless mining town of the past. CHAPTER XI. DICK’S WARNING AND CARKER’S BLUFF GAME, Dick was not surprised. He had rather expected that his reappearance in Leadville would endanger bis liberty, but for the papers to be first to open on him, was rather unexpected, Who had given the information—Carker, or Marie? He hardly knew which, as either certainly was possessed of the necessary cunning. Having read the paper, he went at once to the hotel, and donned an entirely new disguise, eonsisting of a luxuriant pair of side-whiskers, of jetty biack, with sweeping mustache and hair to match, and a ful exican costume, such as is worn by a general. With a prepara- tion, he also expertly dyed his face and bands to a darker hue, and when his arrangements were all complete, he was an ideal picture of a high-toned -- Greaser,” The next thing was to test the disguise, and complete some other little arrangemeuts. Taking bis bundle of baggage, he made his exit from the hotel by a rear stairs, unseen, and went to another hotel and registered as General Guyamirez, of the city of Mexico, Having acquired considerable of the broken Mexican lingo, it helped him in furthering his attempted deception. Half an hour afterward, he went back to the Clarendon, and registered under a different name than he had adopted at the other hotel. After sauntering around awhile be dropped into a chair near where Lord Cuandos bad. an- other man were engaged in conversation and in which the detective soon was drawn. After awhile the third man left, leaving the pseudo-general and Lord Chandos alone. Fully an hour passed in exchange of confi- dences, after which, having acquired many ints to satisfy him that Chandos was a heart- ess wretch, and Lady Chandos a sinned-against woman, Dick took his departure, assured that his disguise had not been penetrated so far, although he saw persens pass him whom he re- membered from his previous Leadville experi- ence. Going to his lodgings, he wrote a note to Lady Chandos not to be alarmed at his non-ap- pearance, as he was working up the case in an- ether disguise. He also wrote to N lie to the same effect. After sending these to the hotel where they were stopping, he wrote outa poster to fasten upon the door of the ass»ilant newspaper office when it should become quiet enough. PROCLAMATION! “ Wheres, a certain sheet of Laadville having an- unced the presence of an old offender in this city, t individual takes this method of informing the people that he is in the city on business, and pro- poses te remain here until he sees fit to absent him- salf. The person who gave the paper notice was one of two persons concerned in a shameful abduc- tion of a child with a view of extorting money from whe parents, and it is for the purpose of capturing these sharks that Deadwood Dick again visits Lead- ville. Those concerned will please take note of this— my old challenge is still applicable. Let me alone and [ll let you; crowd'on me, and you are welcome to the benefit of what you will get in return. “ Yours ag ever, Drapwoop Dicr.” Dick did not write this as a bluff to invite notoriety, but as a warning that he was still too pe the past-and-gone daredevil to tolerate ‘Jerry Carker was no fool. : Indeed he was an unusually shrewd and sensi- ble man did he put his gifts to their right use. Lady Chandos and sister had not been located at their hotel two hours before tke wily Carker, had found them out, and the number of their room. Lounging about the hotel for awhile until he saw Lady Clare and Nellie go out for an even- ing walk, the villain watched his chance to sneak up-stairs and made his way to the door of Lady Chandos’s room. : Softly trying the knob, he found to his satis- faction that the door was unlocked. To open it, quickly enter, and then close and lock it behind him was but the work of a mo- ment, when he wheeled around, facing her with .a revolver in his hand. She would -have screamed only that she was too terrified to give utterance, “Sh!” he cautioned. ‘It is useless to raise a fuss. I am Carker, and I mean business, I have come to arrange terms—or kill you; one of the two things!” CHAPTER XU. A BRUTAL MISTAKE AND A STRANGE RESCUE. Marre had struck deeply when she had in- formed Lord Chandos that his wife was untrue to him. There was little in the man’s nature that was good or pure; he was envious, selfish, mean and treacherous, and was intensely jealous of hand- some Lady Beatrice despite the fact that he really cared no more for her than he did for any pretty woman. ‘onsumed with all the torments of his burn- ing passion, he went once more to his room after his conversation with the disguised Dead- wood Dick. “Tl kill ’em! Pil kill ’em both!” he raved. “Tl learn her that, in this country, she cannot shake her lcrd and master off without a decree of divorce!” He procured his revolvers, loaded all their chambers, and then set forth upon the street as soon as it was dark, ‘‘Something tells me I shall meet her to- night,” he muttered, ‘‘and if I do, curses be on me if I don’t remove one disgraceful blot from the fair name of Chandos [ll shoot her and her paramour, too,” For some time he paced up and down the principal street, attracting considerable atten- tion, partly from the fact that he had made himself a reputation asa bad duelist, and partly because so much fury was now expressed in his countenance. It was perhaps an hour after coming upon the street that his lordship saw a man pause upon a corner, as if waiting for somebody. His suspicion at once aroused, Chandos paused not far away, despite the fact that it was beginning to rein a little, and his fine cos- tume was in danger of getting wet. He had not long to wait. In the course of twenty minutes, a woman came tripping across the street, joined the man, and the two went off together. Chandos followed. So great was his rage, that he could scarcely refrain from yelling out for them to halt. The woman was invested in a long oil-skin ulster, with hood attached, and very little of her face could be seen. The man was well dressed, and wore a luxuri- ant brown beard, “This is their trysting-place, is it!” his lord- ship hissed. ‘T’ll break in on their duet in a way that will surprise them.” The pair were evidently lovers, for they walked slow, and seemed evidently wrapt up in each other’s society. Directing their course from the main street into one of the more quiet thoroughfares, they continued on, with their unsuspected enemy lurking behind them. Finallv Chandos’s jealous spirit could bear no more. He, saw the gallant Romeo stoop and kiss the Juliet of his promenade. **Curses on you both!” Chandos gritted. *“Down to perdition you shall both go, and I will be free!” Leveling his revolvers, he fired repeatedly, until every chamber was emptied. Then he saw the couple lying on the walk ahead, strug- gling in death-throes. A realization of his terrible crime partly dawned over him, and with a gasp of terror, he turned to run from the spot. But flight was impossible, for on turning, he was seized by half-a dozen officers, and hand- cuffed before he could give utterance to pro- test. “Let me go! let me go!” he cried. ‘You have no right to arrest me for shooting my own wife and her paramour!” “You have not killed your wife, my fine bird!” the chief of police said, ‘“‘ but instead, have killed two of our most esteemed citizens, Mr. and Mrs. E——, who have but recently been married. If we can keep you from the mob that will come to lynch you, you may be exceed- ingly thankful. Come!” ; lordship went, trembling in every limb, and cursed himself with every breath, a’ the fearful mistake. That death would be his reward for the crime, he had but little doubt, and then all his estates would go to his wife, to be enjoyed by her and her old lover, while his bones were moldering in a felon’s grave. With the ferocity of a madman he tried te get away, but it was no use. The officers were too strong for him, and he was soon securely locked up in jail. There was no mistaking the tone in which the villain, Carker, spoke—he had come for a purpose, and he meant business. Poor Lady Chandos was pale and weak with affright, but she managed to speak, fimally, though it was with an effort. ‘‘ Sir, I pray that you will not torture me with your presence,” she said, in a piteous tone. “*T am not feeling well, not having fully re- covered from the effects of the poison adminis- tered to me by your partner in crime, so I trust you will be humane enough not to worry me until I am stronger.” ‘*Dear Beatrice, accept my assurance that I did not come here for any such a purpose as that. But, I don’t understand about the poisoning. Surely, I had no knowledge of that, nor anything to do with it. Did Marie de it? “She did, and got her discharge.” “Too bad. She will prove a worse enemy to ye8 than ever I could. But, a aren es I ave come to talk business, now. ou tell me ae no longer any affection for me, as of te) “Certainly not. Indeed, I can see little of the former Sir Ferrol Falconer about you.” “Well, such being the case, I presume it would be useless to press my suit?” “‘Quite absurd, sir; alike dishonorable and impossible.” ‘*Well, I’ve about come to that conclusion myself, and consequently do not feel so badly as I otherwise might. Therefore, we will pass that matter by, by considering terms for the boy. You see, it is beginning to become quite apparent that there are healthier parts of the country for me than the West, and I’ve a desire to find out where they are, without delay. I have several reasons for wanting to slope. The kid, although there is money in him, by hold- ing him back, is a nuisance to drag around the country. Therefore, Iam going to dispose of him to the highest bidder.” ‘“*Monster!” why do ycu keep my child away from me?” Lady Chandos cried, in anguish, ‘‘Simply because you have a fat bank ac- count, and I desire to taste of it!” Carker chuckled. “*Then go, you inhuman wretch, for you shall never handle a penny of it!” her ladyship cried, firmly. : “Oh! well, I'll try Lord Chandos then, and succeed. By the way, I dare say you bave not heard the latest sensation.” ‘*T am ignorant of what you refer to, sir.” “Why, you knew that Lord Chandos sus- pected you of coming to this wild country to meet me, and followed you hither?” ‘*T knew nothing of the kind!” ‘Well, he did come, and found out that you came here to meet me, and have met me re- peatedly. He has even learned, beyond doubt, that our meetings have created a aa of tall, and is naturally enraged. To-night, a few mo- ments before 1 came here, he was arrested and lodged in jail, for murdering a man and wo- man, whom he believed to be me and you!” Lady Chandos turned deathly white, but did , not answer—so Carker went on: ‘‘The murder was a clear case, and Chandos will meet the penalty of the law, unless he is taken out and [lynched—something not improb- able—or is rescued. I happen to be the only oue who can rescue him, as I have the power to do it. If he will handsomely for the child, he can have his liberty and the child, too, If you will see him, and go him one better, the
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nota ha tan child is youra) And, now, which shall it be— yeu or he—who gets the child?” “YT will not give youa cent. Deadwood Dick will recover my boy for me, and he shall get the reward—not you!” “Curse your stubbornness! I'll see about that! Wl kill the kid, outright, before that dare-devil will ever get hold of it. As for money, you have it ign in your pocket, or about your person, and I'll have it before I leave this room, or Pl have our life!” He sprung toward her with a savage resolve expressed in his villainous face, that boded her ladyship no Boot, She quickly left her chair, and uttered a piercing shriek, as he seized hold of her. ‘“Shut up, curse you! Give me your money!” he hissed, savagely. ‘‘ Never!” she returned bravely, at the same time shrieking for help, again. The next instant footsteps were heard run- ning along the hall, and tue door was burst open with a crash. With a yell of defiance, Carker made a break for life, and dashed through a rear window carrying sash and glass with him; but not until he was seen and recognized by the the two men who burst the door in, and came to Lady Chan- dos’s rescue, who were, strangely enough, the same parties whohad rescued Nellie Dean from the vengeance of Marie. An expression of mutual recognition and as- tonishment came upon the faces of Lady Beatrice and the elder gentleman, who sprung forward with outstretched hands. “‘Beatrice!—I.ady Chandos! Is it possible that this is you?” he cried, gazing at her, rap- turously, as he seized her hands in his. “Qhi Sir Ferrol, Iam so glad! I have been #0 terribly shocked and deceived !” “Deceived? In what way, pray,” and he led her toa seat onthe sofa, while young Cecil, his nephew, also became seated, after acknowl- edging an introduction, and explaining the cause of the sereams to the landlord, who made his appearance. In trembling tongs her ladyship went on to explain how Jerry Carker had represented him- self to be the lost Sir Ferrol Falconer, and the other troubles that had beset her since leaving the boat at Seaport. Sir Ferro! heard her through—then he said: “This man Carker I know only too well, and am now after him. In Australia, he was my valet and coufidant, and got hold of all my se- crets and past history. He then stole consider- able money from me, and left the country.” “ But of yourself, Sir Ferrol—you have not told me of yourself, yet.” “You shall hear, Beatrice. You remember how, years ago, and just previous to what was to have been our wedding day, I was arrested for forgery in London. Circumstantial evi- dence was used against me so strong, and the enormity of the offense was so great, that I was packed off to Van Dieman’s Land for ten years. “Tt wasn’t more than two years later that I escaped, and under disguise and an assumed name, went upinto the Australian fields, with the intention of secretly communicating with you. But, after learning of your marriage, through an English paper, I gave up all hope in that direction, and resolved to remain where I was. While there I amassed an immense for- tune, which I now carry about my person in the ferm of thousands of diamonds, “A year ago Carker left me, carrying off a sinall fortune. A few months ago my nephew here, came and found me, bringing with him evidencve of my innocence, my freedom papers and honorable exculpation, and a highly com- plimentary letter from the Queen’s counsel; so that lam now en route to assume my former rights, But, I am sorry you are in the midst of so mueh trouble, Lady Chandos. I trust your life is, but for these temporary troubles, ees happy? “T wish | cowl tell you yes, Sir Ferrol,” she replied, with sadness, * buf IT cannot truthfully say so. Im fact, I do not believe a more un- happy woman lives,” i a low tone, she then told of what Lord Chandus’s Jealousy had brought him to, and many other little things that had served to make her married life with him a tting of so tmauch misery that she had fled to the west coast Bok pg bee to get as far away from him as pos- sible. Sir Ferrol listened with a darkening brow. “T always privately imagined that Lord Chandos make a disagreeable husband, ost sorry it has turned out so, Will po go to sce bim at the jail? 8 ee eee Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail. = Ot es ‘Yes, to-morrow, though I am satisfied that he will be vindietive enough to kill me, if he gets free.” ‘Tf he has committed murder, as you say, I much doubt if he ever gets free. Border justice does not stand long on technicalities. will, however, go out and learn what [ can for you, in regard to the matter, and if there is any pos- sible way I can be of service to you, you are aware, I trust, that you are at liberty to com- mand me.” ‘Considering you my friend, I shall not hesi- tate to address you when I believe and need your assistance,” Lady Chandos replied, with a bow, and a grateful a Sir Falconer and young Cecil then took their departure, and went forth into the street, ere an intense excitement prevailed, over the double murder that had been done—for both of the victims had died almost immediately after being shot. The vicinity of the jail was black with people, and the tone of the conversation showed that there were strong indications of a forthcoming lynch pie nic, in which Lord Chandos was to be the central figure. The police, however, were vigilant in their efforts to prevent a reign of mob law, or it is doubtful if Chandos would have been suffered to crouch within the protection of his dungeon ten minutes. That the Englishman was a coward now needed no further verification than by a peep into his prison, where he was huddled up in one corner, white and shaking, asi in an ague-fit. In the meantime, while the threatening crowd surrounded the jail, Deadwood Dick had ¢ pees ” upon his man, in the Carbonate saloon, CHAPTER XIII. HOW DICK DIDN’T WIN. THE Carbonate was, and yet is, we presume, one of the roughest holes to be found in Lead- ville. Loafers, bummers, blacklegs and rascals of various types commingled there, and the papers denounced the establishment as a place not safe for an honest wan to enter after dark. Noticing the rough crowd on that side of the street, late in the evening, Dick concluded to ‘“‘drop in” and make observations, as it was about the style of a place he imagined Carker would frequent. He was still in his disguise of a Mexican Gen- eral, and had no fear of detection, even by Carker’s sharp eyes, should be perchance en- counter him. After purchasing a cigar at the bar, he saun- tered about the room, and finally saw a red- whiskered, dirt-besplashed, rudely - dressed miner, sitting at a table, handling a pack of cards, as if he were anxious to try fis luck with some one. The beard and hair looked so much like one of Dick’s former disguises, that it at once at- tracted his attertion; so sauntering over to the table, he sat down opposite the apparent bull- whacker, and said: “‘Tsee you are idle, stranger; what say you to a social game of poker?” “TY hain’t no ’jections a6 I knows on,” the man replied, in a voice which, if feigned, was cleverly disguised. ‘‘ My handle is Sam Jones; what’s yourn?” ‘*Genera]l Guyamires, of Mexico,” was Dick’s answer. ‘ Quite an excitement about the mur- der.” “Yas, They orter lynch that cuss, an’ will, I opine,” Jones said, at the same time laying a cocked revolver at bis right hand on the table. ‘‘ What's that for?” Dick asked, in pretended surprise, “Oh! that’s simply a matter o’form. I allers does that when I don’t know who I’m playin’ with, ye see, jest ter settle disputes with,” “IT don’t know but what it’s a purty good idea,” Dick said, drawing one of his self-cockers and laying it at his right. They played that game and two others, quiet- ly, Dick allowing the bullwhacker to win. Finally, he gave a yawn and picked up his revolver with the apparent intentioggpf restor- ing it to his pocket. Nesthad of dotnet at, how- ever, he turned it suddenly upon the man of the red whiskers! *Carker, you're mine! Move a muscle and I'll blow your brains out!” he said, in a low, quick tone, the positiveness of which there was no mistaking. Carker growled out a terrible oath, but obeyed orders. “You're off yer base!” he gritted. “I'm Sam Jones, and you'll find et out ef ye don’t put up yer tool,” lt ““Tll run my chances of your getting danger- ous. I have got yes down fine, and my eye is right on you, so that if you don’t come precisely to time I will salivate you,” “On account of the kid Ta dassent,” Carker declared, cunningly. ‘‘ When I die the secret. of the whereabouts of the boy will also die.” Dick had thought of this, but did not hesitate. ‘*f reckon that won’t work. I guess when it. comes right down to one minute before death, you’d squeal. I am after the boy, but that is not my main object. Jerry Carker, do you re- member that poor old man you brutally mur- dered up in Big Valley?” The man chuckled, an expression of some- thing like pride coming over his face, “Yas, I reckon I got in my revenge on that old rooster in the most approved fashion,” he said. ‘‘ Won’t never wallop another man, that’s: certain.” “Nor you won’t ever murder another man, Carker, When I saw your brutal work, I registered an oath to take your scalp back to that valley as a trophy to show how much I loved the good old man you murdered. I then set out on the death-trail to fulfill my oath. Your scalp now lies within my grasp, but I will not take it. I’m a fair man, and a square man, and here is what I have to prapeses You take me to where Lady Chandos’s boy is conceal- edand deliver him up tome, We will then come back here, and Pll give you twenty four hours start ahead of me, in a race for your life. If bes are the smarter, long life and liberty lie fore you. If not, death! If you do not accept these terms, I will pay no more atten- tion to the Chandos case, but avenge my own case, by dropping you dead where you sit. Yow have heard Deadwood Dick. Consider bis only terms for five minutes, after which, if you do not accept, you'll need a coffin!” . ‘*T have considered, I am not ready to in my checks. You shall have the boy,” Car- ker said. Carker’s acceptance in a measure surprised Deadwood Dick, who had imagined he would have more trouble with the fellow; but he was by no means taken off his gaard by the ready acceptance of the other. ‘* Well, if you mean business, get up and lead ahead,” he said, ‘‘remembering that I am watching you like a hawk all the time, and ready to drop you at the slightest provoca- tion, ‘Ye needn’t trouble yerself about me!” Car- ker growled, ‘‘When I say square, I mean square. Come erlong till I go ter my room in ther hotel to git ther key.” “The key to what?” Dick demanded, ‘To ther place whar ther boy’s shut up,” was the reply. They left the saloon, Carker leading, and went down the street to a large shanty hotel, which corresponded favorably with the saloon they had just quitted. Carker went up-stairs to a front room, and Dick promptly followed, resolved not to give his prize any chance whatever to escape. After searching about for awhile, the rascal produced an old rusty key, and signified his readiness to depart. “ Before you go, I opine you’d best leave your weapons all here on the table, where you can get them on your return,” Dick advised. ‘I won’t have to watch you quite so close on the may to where the boy is concealed if you do this.’ ‘Anything to accommodate you!” Carker gritted, with bad grace, as he complied with the request, ‘‘ AllI want isa squar’ deal in this matter, an’ I’ll be squar’ myself.” “Correct. See that you are, and you will stand a chance to win,” Dick said, grim y. They then left the place and walked away to- ward the western outskirts of the town, in which direction Carker stated they would have to go for the boy. It did not take long ere the gleaming lights of Leadville were left) behind, and they were struggling along the gloomy stage road that led te some of the surrounding shanty towns. ‘‘Reckon Lord Chandos will get his neck stretched!” Carker remarked, as they pro- ceeded, ‘So he ought,” Dick averred, heartily. ‘‘I am positive that her Jadyship would Saas mourn her life away over his demise. Nor wi his death help along your case to any great ex- tent, if I know myself. You'll have to adjourn your nuptials.” ‘““That remains to be seen,” was the sullem answer; after which silence reigned between them for some time. The drizzle of rain which had f len earker:
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Deadwood Dick's Death Trail. iin the evening was now st into a heavy fal; but the two enemies strode on. Soon they turned off the main trail and be- an to clamber up the forest-covered mountain, the branches of trees somewhat sheltering them from the storm. Beneath this cover it was so dark that it was hardly possible for Dick to see his man, but be kept close beside him, resolved not to let him escape if it were in his power to prevent it. B® Buta surprise was sprung upon him when he was least of allexpecting anything of the kind. Tney gained a sort of table-land on the moun- tain plateau, and were tramping along through the leaves and darkness, when Dick suddenly found himself go crashing downward through leaves and sticks, and knew that he had been led directly onto a dead-fall, such as is usually “ag 7a Ne to catch grizzlies in. hile from above Carker uttered a wild, re- vengeful laugh—the laugh of a demon. Down! down! went Deadwood Dick full twenty feet, when he succeeded in landing upon his feet in the bottom of the pit. “Hello! How do you like it down there?” veried the triumphant voice of Carker, from above. “Got the boy, didn’t you? Purty smart man, you are, Dickey, but I kin see ye an’ go ye one better, allee samee! Was goin’ to juggle me right off into the next world, ‘wasn’t yout but you got handsomely left on that. l'’ve got you, now, just where I can use you tosuit my own convenience. Curse you, it will be good-by for you now. I’m going to gather a lot of stones and mash you into a jelly!” With these words Dick heard the ruffian walk away. What should be done? He had no doubt that Carker was brute enough to do all he had promised; so something must be done at once. It would be useless to think of climbing out of the pit. Groping about he soon found a shallow hole that had been dug in the side, at a level with the bottom. Drawing his knife he soon had a primitive cavern excavated of sufficient dimensions to ad- _ mit of bis stowing himself snugly away in it. Lucky it was, too, for he was barely fixed, when he heard Carker above. ‘Well, hello!” he cried. ‘*How d’ye feel down thar? Ready ter shuffle off yer coil?” “Ob! don’t! don’t kill me, I beg of you, good Mr. Carker!” Digk whined, in piteous accents. ** Please don’t throw stones down here. I cave, and ‘ll do anything in the world for you, if you'll only let up on me!” *Can’t do it!’ Carker declared. ‘‘ You’d kill me, ef ye got ther chance, and I’ll be shot ef [ don’t make pummice of you. So say yer prayers!” ‘* Fire away!” Dick cried, fiercely. And the next minute a heavy stone was hurled down into the pit, at which Dick gave vent to a terrible groan, afver which he kept mum, and allowed Carker to fire the stones down into the pit to suit his convenience, Fully ten minutes were occupied in this in- teresting ceremony; then the rocks ceased to descend. ‘Deadwood Dick has had the dead wood come on him this time, for sure,” Dick heard the villain mutter as he leaned over and glared down into the hole. “Ill git the boy, now, I reckon, and take him back nearer to town, where he’ll be handier, when I want touse him.” ‘Soon after Dick beard the ruffian’ tramp away. Nothing was left for the man-bunter but to remain where he was, until daylight should en- y2ble him to determine the best way to get out of his predicament. It was not long until morning, and Dick ‘was not sorry, for daylight brought to him a di-covery which he did not hesitate to improve. A single strong grape-vine dangled down into the pit. Trying this Dick found that it would hold bis “itt amt and made haste to climb up out of the ole “Now, for Leadville!” he gritted. “Tl go back there: andif I don’t make it warm for that rascal Carker, my name is not Deadwood Dick. I almost fancy that it will take me but a few days to close my interest in this case— then I'll away to rejoin my bonny Calamity in our valley home, never again, I trust, to go upon the trail!” CHAPTER XIV. PLAYING HER CARDS. ByLirvi G he had ss ig disposed of his greatest en my, Carker was in th e best of spirits when he appeared upon the streets of Leadville the next morning. To him there was not the shadow of a doubt that Deadwood Dick was numbered among the dead; consequently, hav- ing no particular fear of any one else, he laid — his disguise, and appeared as his natural self. The excitement over the murder had mate- rially diminished; still the vicinity of the jail was yet thronged, and lynching formed a theme of general conversation, The authorities, therefore, considering the existing state of feeling, had determined to put off any hearing of the case until matters had quieted down, which was a great relief to Chan- dos when he heard of it, although he still feared that the people might uprise and lyncb him, in spite of the law. During the day following his arrest, Marie was brought to the grated door of his cell, and the warden called through: ‘* Prisoner, is this your wife, as she states to us?’ Chandos took the cue, as a drowning man might clutch at a straw. ‘* Yes, she’s my wife,” he answered, gruffly. The warden then unlocked the door, and ad- mitted Marie, after which he closed it, saying: **Remember—only ten minutes; so make the most of it.” He then marched away. Marie went over and sat down on the iron bed beside Chandos. ‘* Well, you’ve cut a fine caper for a noble- man, haven’t you?” she said, with sarcasm. “Vm not aware that you are concerned in the matter, madam!” he retorted, with a frown. “Ob! you needn’t be so independent,” Marie retorted, ** because I’m the only one you have to look to for help now. If you come to terms, it won’t take long to get you free. If you stay bere another night, you'll bs seen dangling toa tree, before morning. If you could hear the sentiments expressed on the outside you’d trem- ble in your boots.” ° “What do you think they will do with me anyhow?” be asked, doubtfully. ‘* Hang you, of course,” Marie said, decid- edly. ‘It the law don’t do it, the enraged people will. Iunderstand that Lady Beatrice and Sir Ferrol, who are more constantly to- gether than before, are using their utmcst efforts—quietly of course—to ) a you taken from jail and lynched.” Chandos, of course, grew furious at this. ‘*Curses be on them!” he said. ‘‘ Would that I bad made no mistake in the matter. What do you want, Marie?” “IT want you!” she replied, emphatically. “Tlove you—always have loved you—always shall. There is now no reason why we should not marry, since your wife has proved false. Marry me, and [ will release you, restore to you the little boy, and we will go at once to Castle Chandos.” ‘You haven’t got the boy,” the murderer protested, warily. ‘‘I’m satisfied on that.” ‘*] know I haven’t got him, but I can easily get him. Carker has got him, and it will be an easy matter for me to get him from him.” ‘IT don’t know about that. He is a low vil- Jain and not under your control at all.” / ‘‘Tam not mistaken. I am playing my cards carefully. If I cannot win in one direction, I will inanother. While Iam working you up, Carker is doing the same with Lady Chandos. The long and short of it is, the one who pays the most gets the boy, providing you want your liberty.” Lord Chandos was silent, some minutes, He was considering the case as it appeared to him. On one hand was the law of the Western coun- try which he knew to be less merciful than the East. On the other hand, theidea of marrying Marie was decidedly repugnant; but could it be any more disgusting to marry her than it would be terrible to be hung? Marie finally grew impatient at bis delay in answering. ““Come!” she said. sharply. ‘I have only five minutes more. Decide at once, or never.” “You are in a hurry to tread th halls of Castle Chandos, eh?’ he replied. ‘' Well, Pll tell you what Ill do, and it is all I will do, I swear. Go you and put Lady Chandos and Falconer out of the way, first of all, so that in marrying you I can doso legally. Next, get a of the boy, and then procure my re- ease from this jail, and my escape to a place of safety. On these conditions only will I wed you, and give you a marriage present of ten jhousand pounds.” ; Marie’s little French eyes sparkled venom- ously. I “He's a bargain!” she cried, resolutely. ‘I will set to work at once, and bave you out dur. ing the coming night, without fail. Mind! there’s to be no trifliag about this matter.” ‘* My word is good!” he replied. ‘‘Very well. Here comes the keeper. You be very quiet and all will be well.” Marie went from the jail with triumph gleam- ing in her eyes. hortly after she had gone Lord Chandos called the warden, and said: “If my other wife should make application to see me, positively refuse to admit her, as I do not care to see her at all.” ‘* What! have you two wives “Yes. Please remember what I say. Ido not want to receive Number Two.” ‘““ Well! well!” the warden muttered, as hoe strode away. Later in the day Lady Chandos approached the jail, where the warden was standing upon the steps. ‘*Tf you please, sir, I would like to see my husband, Lord Chandos, who has been arrested for murder,” she said. ‘* Sorry, ma’am; but I cannot gratify your wish,” the official replied. ‘‘ His lordship’s first wife has been to see him, and be requested me not to admit any other that came.” ‘* What, sir? My husband has no wife but me!” Lady Chandos cried, in great astonish- ment, ‘““Can’t help it, mum, if he hain’t got any. Them’s his orders, and they’re bound to be obeyed.” ** Then you will not admit me?” “ Nixy !” “But, Pl press to the authorities!” ** Appeul to the divil, for all 1 cares, I runs this hyar place, I does, an’ I won’t allow no second-wives to bother his lordship. So, bounce!” Shocked beyond expression, rady Beatrice wended her way slowly back to the hotel. She was beginning to see through it all. CHAPTER XV. A RED REVELATION. Own his return to Leadville, Deadwood Diek made his way by an wnfrequented route to the hotel where he had left bis disguises, and after paying his bill, took his package, and once more made his way out of town toaclump of timber which lay on the stage trail to Oro City. Here he made a careful and complete ehange of disguise, the result making him a typical swell of the genuine nabob pattern. After inspecting himself in a pocket mirror, he was satisfied that he would pass muster, and accordingly secreted his bundle and returned to town. Almost the first person be met was Nellia Dean, who was coming out of a dry goods store, and upon whose face was an expression of anx- iety. Was she anxious about him? Dick wondered, Something prompted him to test the girl, for in his present disguise be looked really ‘ too ut- ter for anything,” so to speak, with bis luxuriant blonde side whiskers, mustache and curly hair, to say nothing about a suit of ‘‘ darling” clothes that fitted him most elegantly, and a chapeau that was the latest rage; and his eyes, too, were sbaded by nobby glasses. Doffing his «hapeau as he met Miss Dean, he paused and said: * Aw! excuse me, sf pretty miss, but could you direct a bewildered stranger to the Claren- don?” ‘Indeed, sir, Iam a stranger myself, and could not inform you,” Nellie replied, civilly, but by no means pieanly. ‘* Aw! how fortunate I have met one a stran- ger like myself. They say misery likes com- panionship. Might I have the pleasure of your further acquaintance, divine creature? It would be one great pleasure to form social acquaint- ance with some congenial spirit,” “Tf you area gentleman, allow me to pass, sir!” Nellie retorted, coldly. ‘If you want ac- quaintances, go where they are plenty for the asking.” ; Bhe endeavored to pass him then, but he blocked the way. *‘ Nellie!” he said. in his usual vofee. Sbe gave a quick start, and a look of glad surprise came over her face. “Is it you, Mister Dick? I was never more surprised. have been greatly worried about you, and I had a terrible dream last night which I cannot shake off, and I am _ sure some- ang terrible is about to happen to Lady Chan- os, She then related how Carker had attempted to rob the lady, and how the real Sir Ferrol had
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Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail. 2 ee turned up in the nick of time; also concerning her ladyship’s failure to see Lord Chandos, “1T want you to devote your whole attention to watching over Lady Chandos so that no harm zomes to her,” **T, too, have a premonition that some peril is overhanging her, and of course it can eome from but one of two directions. While you watch her I will make another attempt to close this case in a satisfactory way.” They then separated, Dick sauntering about town, wide awake to everything that was going on. He saw one thing that was not unexpected to him—that the real feeling over the murder was growing no less. Most of the advocates of lynch law, too, were “nerving up” with whisky. It consequently as if Chandos would not pass the night andisturbed, Por several hours the disguised Dick strolled about town, on the watch. Once he caught a lina of Carker, in a crowd across the street, ut did not care to disturb bim just then. Later he saw Marie in an ice-cream saloon. She had finished eating, und was figuring or writing upon a piece of paper. “T wonder if she is up to some new scheme?’ was Dick's thought, as he went out. ‘I want Carker first—I can attend to her later.” She was indeed planning out her campaign. “I must spy out the boy’s whereabouts. Then, to-night, Lord Chandos must be released. Prior to that, however, comes the disagreeable attempt to in some manner dispose of Lady Chandos, and also of Carker, whom I so strangly mistook for the real Sir Ferrol. Humph, it’s been mixed up all around, in a very provoking and exciting manner. Who of us two years ago could have conceived of all this tragedy and comedy ?’ and the designing woman smiled sarconically, The vision of the splendors of Castle Chandos, over which she was to reign, was.too powerful a magnet to allow ber to hesitate as to means to be adopted to secure that end, so she decided to act reso- lutely and promptly. During the afternoon she saw Carker in the évreet, and was successful in corraling. bim— more than Dick had been able to do. The im- postor was evidently surprised to see her. ‘* Come!” she said, Bye great business on hand, and no time for parley. Come where we ¢an talk in private, if you want to make money.” é, ‘Like to know what you’re up to?’ the ras- cal growled, ‘‘If you want the Rid, I'll tell ye _no! That’s my spec’!” ‘* But it must also be equally mine. Give me the custody of the tos, tarkan and [ll make you rich!” ‘‘Bah! [I ain’t so badly heeled as it is, and when I make a raise from her sade Tl be ready to start into business with a full hand.” **But I say you can make more by sticking by me, I have everything arranged whereby T alone will soon be Lady Chaaies, Then when Lord Chandos dies, you stand a good chance of being his successor, even if you are not Sir Fer- rol Falconer.” “Tt won’t wash! I consolidate with nobody. I have done fer my enemy, Deadwood Dick, and now shall have everything my own way. So you'll have to goit alone if you enter the race,” ‘You'll regret not joining me!” Marie warned, turning away with gall in ber heart toward the scamp. Carker evidently proposed to play bis own game vet awhile, and risk the results, whatever they might be. : ’ : Not tong after Marie’s conversation with him, he sent a letter to Lady Chandos, who, after reading it, handed it to Sir Ferrol. it was as follows: “I see itis not worth while to fool with you, as t mean business. I’m going to leave here to-mor- row, and you can bet I’m not goin’ to. tote the boy along with me. Jf I don’t see two thousanu dollars in hand in good United States cash by sunset, you'll know that by that time your kid has gone to be an el, to prove which I'll send you a piece of his eealp. I am bizness; so ef you want to negotiate, send answer by the boy who brings this mes and I'll wait on you for the cash, after which bey is yours to command. » “ Lovingly your Jerry CARKER. Sir Ferrol read the message wi'h a scow]. ‘“‘ Where are you to take the word to?” he de- manded of the boy who had brought the note. ‘*I won't give it away,” was the prompt re- sponse. ‘I promised not to tell.” Falconer turned to Lady Chandos, om whose face was an expression of anxiety painful to witness. “‘T would accept these terms,” he said. ‘‘ You will never miss the money; besides, I know the rascal’s nature. He will do juss as he promises for spite, as he has no care for life, so far as taking it is concerned.” ‘‘But what surety have I that I will ever see the child after giving him the money ?” ‘*No money must be given him until he pro- are wg the child. I guess we can arrange it all right.” He seized a piece of paper and wrote upon it: “Allright, Come at once.” This he gave to the boy. ‘Take it to the man who sent you,” he said, The boy nodded and departed. Night had fallen over the city when Carker enpearrc. Vell, you concluded to come to terms, eh?” he said, as he entered Lady Chandos’s room. ‘* Yes, conditionaily,” Sir Ferrol responded. Carker started violently at sight of him, but Sir Ferrol gave no sign or expression that he had ever seen the rascal before. ‘““What do you mean?’ Carker growled. ** Needn’t think ye kin come any skin games on me, fer it won’t work.” ‘No games will be tried. But before the money is paid into your hands we must set eyes on the boy, to be satisfied that everything is square on your part.” ‘*Nixy! That won’t work fer a cent,” Carker declared. ‘*Money in my fist first—then all you've got ter do is foller. I left word ef I wasn’t back in an hour ter kill ther boy, an’ my pard he’ll do it, too, you bet.” Sir Ferrol looked at Lady Chandos, “T suppose we'll have to do it,” he said. ‘‘Put.on your wraps, and when ar are ready, pay this scoundrel the money. If he attempts to play any games on us then, I'll drop him. He knows I never fire wild.” Carker gave a grunt, which was as much as to say that he was aware of Falconer’s marks- manship. Lady Beatrice procured her wraps. and don- ned them, then handed a roll of greenbacks to Carker. ‘‘ There, sir, is the money. Now see that you take me to my child!” ‘* Yes; and that you attempt no funny busi- ness, or I’ll murder you as quick as I would shoot a rattlesnake.” ‘‘T’'m square. Come along.” They left the hotel and went down a side street to the very edge of the town, where they came to a weather-beaten shanty of consider- able size. ‘*This is the place,” Carker announced, try- ing the door. ‘ Reckon Fargo’s got full, an’ gone to sleep.” He produced a key, and unlocked the door, and they entered. A candle on the stand lit up the room, Be- fore them was a sight which made them recoil, Weltering in his own life-blood, as he lay stretched upon the floor, was Carker’s ruffianly associate, Fargo, A dagger was buried to the hilt in his bosom, and he was stone dead. Stuck in his belt was.a piece of paper, with words upon it, rudely scrawled in human blood. It read: ‘Marie came to get the boy, but found this man dead and the boy gone,” What did it signify? Carker uttered a terrible curse. ““That she devil has been here, hey?’ he roared. ‘If the boy’s gone I’ll murder her.” He sprung away up the stairs. | : * Quick! Follow him, or he will escape with the money!” Lady Chandos gasped, and Sir Ferrol darted in hot pursuit. But when he ined the landing above, he heard Carker leap hrough an open window to the ground, and then run for his life. tiny) After ascertaining that there was no child in the loft, Sir Ferrol rejoined Lady Beatrice. & Foiled after all,” he said. ... Do you think the boy has ever been here, Sir Ferrol?” _ "Yes. I believe Carker’s intentions were sincere; but finding that some one had stolen a march on him, he resolved to run rather than give vp the money.” Re tdo you make out of the bloody mes- Sir Ferro] took another look at the paper be- fore answering, ‘‘One of two things seems to me sure. Either Marie came and killed the man and stole the child, and left this to turn of suspicion, or your | friend Deadwoed Dick did the deed, sec SE TT eT boy, and put this notice bere to involve Mario in the tragedy.” ‘God grant that it may be the latter way!” Lady Chandos ejaculated fervently. ‘* What is to be done?’ ‘‘T fail to see what more we can do to-night than return to the hotel and await a report from this Deadwood Dick you have told me about. He may throw some light upon the matter in the nforning.” ’ They left theshanty and made their way back to town both disappointed and disheartened at the ill-success of their evening’s adventure, CHAPTER XII. A SHE-DEVIL’S DEEDS. ln her first move toward accomplishing her purpose Marie had signally failed. By some means she had discovered the house where the boy was concealed. argo keeping watch and ward below, she was compelled to climb up to the rear window, and thus gain an entrance, which she did with wonderful agility. The loft was only one room, but had a large closet, which was locked with new padlocks, Listening at the door she heard the stifled sobs of a child, and knew that little Cavanaugh was there, At the same instant she heard Fargo singing, below, a Bacchanalian song, and moving about. Well she knew she could not pry off the hasps without noise, nor secure the boy until the guard was silenced. “T)] fix bim!”’ she mutiered, a demoniac gleam her baleful eyes, ‘Dead men tell ne tales,” ; She drew a stiletto from her bosom, and glided down the stairs to take the half-drunk wretch unawares. His back was toward her, and approaching noiselessly, she struck the terri- ble blow with unfaltering nerve, that buried the blade to the h'lt in his broad bosom, and he dropped heavily to the floor, dead when he touched it. With faee flushed and breath coming in ex- cited gasps, she bounded back up the stairs, A cry of rage escaped her lips then. The closet had been unlocked, and the door stood open, but there was no one inside! Some one had entered while she was at her murderous work below, and secured her prize. For a moment sho was fairly blinded with rage, but controlling ber passion, she finally made her way from the shanty, back into the town, : Here she went to her room, in a second-clags hotel, and sat down to cogitate. ‘Deadwood Dick is not dead, for all Carker thinks so,” she said. ‘‘It must have been him that followed me and secured the boy, for ne one else could have done it so quietly. But now it is more important than ever for me to act promptly. Lord Chandos must be got out of that jail to-night, and Lady Chandos and Sir Ferrol must be silenced. I think I’ve prepared Pay well for their case. Lady Chandos, [lh vid you a long adieu!” She took from her valise a small package, which when opened proved to be eandy wine- drops. ‘Ah! long life to French chemists for their shrewd ways of dealing out poison,” and the arch-schemer smiled, ‘‘ Rach one of these con- tains deadly, tasteless poison enough to kill the most robust person.” She then procured a box of similar candies from a shelf. ‘*These are Ameriean goods. I will remove the first layer, and substitute mry imported drops in, their place. Then the undertaker will have work to do to-morrow,” She suited the action to the word, then fied the box up aor g and wrote upon it in a mas. culine band, with pencil: ** Respeets of D. D. Boy All Right.” Canning triumph gleamed in the woman's eyes, as she finished her work, “That will settle that matter beyond perad- venture,” she mused, ‘‘If there are not four corpses in that hotel by next sunrise, I will have sadly missed my reckoning. And now, as for the prisoner, I see but one bope, and that lies through me. There will no doubt be an at- tempt to lynch Chandos to-night, and I can see but one chance for him to eseape. I must visit bim and remain in his place, while he escapes in my clothing. It’s arsky job, but it must be tried. If they find it’s only me, after he ew capes, they can do nothing more than release me, becauge I am guilty of no murder—at least so far as they know.”
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ee —— ——— It was a desperate remedy, but she resolved to try it. Leaving the hotel, she found a boy and gave him a do to take the candies to Lady Chan- dos, and say to her that Dick sent them. She then produced from the closet in her room a number of articles of disguise and a ring of keys to fit handcuffs—when or where obtained it would be difficult to say. She evi- dently was a master hand in villainy—a woman ie'd in crime. The warden sat on the steps of the jail as she approached. ** Can I bid my husband good-by?” she asked. “TI am going to leave on the early morning od e slipped a twenty-dollar gold-piece into his hand, and without a word he admitted her to the jail, and to Lord Chandos’s cell, “Il be back for you presently,” he called out as he strode away. ‘Give me all the time you can,” Marie re- plied, with an extemporized sob, then turned to handos, Sb! When you leave this jail it must be as me. Do you see? Not a word now, while I prepare you.” ith lightning rapidity she clipped off his beard with a pair of scissors, Then she dis- robed, herself. and he did the same, and they exchanged garments, all except underclothing. In five minutes Lord Chandos looked so nearly like Marie that not one in a hundred would have noticed the difference in the darkness, the vail pene patios down over his face. Marie, the aid of false beard, and donnin the Englishman’s suit, had also made hersel resemble his lordship very closely. When the warden came the pair were sob- bing very hysterically in each other’s arms, ‘Come! come! you'll have to let up on this!” he cried. ‘Tragedy won’t draw big houses ar. They like fun—ther pure cream 0’ com- edy, such as a lynchin’-bee fer instance. Come, ma’am, you'll have to go out now.” Lord Chandos rose mechanically, but secretly trembling that he should make a blunder, and followed the warden from the jail, the latter letting him out at the rear so that he might not have to encounter the rabble that was again collecting in front of the jail. Once outside the jail, Chandcs chuckled vil- lainously, “Fare thee well, Marie, dear!” *¢ Your loss is my gain!” he said, CHAPTER XVI. CONCLUSION. Tue package of candies that Marie had sent to Lady Chandos was received without delay when the party at the hotel were together in the parlor—Sir Ferrol and Mr. Cecil, Lady @handos, Lady Clare, and Nellie, who had worked herself by her simplicity into the friend- ship of all. “Why, this is from Deadwood Dick,” Lady Chandos announced, in surprise. ‘He is sucha nice man. Thank God! listen to this. Here is written in pencil: ‘Respects of D. D. Boy all right.’ @h! he has got possession of dear little Cav- anaugh!” A glad papresion beamed upon every face but that of Nellis Dean. Her face was as white as death. She rose from her chair and staggered across the room like one intoxicated, while all gazed upon ber in astonishment. She reached the side of Lady Chandos and gazed down at the writing with a strange . tremor in her frame. “Don’t dare—that’s Marie’s wri—” she gasped, then fell upon the floor in a swoon. Great consternation ensued. Sir Ferrol seized the box from Lady Chandos, and placed it upon the mantle, while the others raised Nel- lie, and applied restoratives, Undoing the box, Sir Ferrol examined the contents. ‘*By Heaven, I believe we’ve had a narrow escape from a horrible death!” he cried, ‘all through the timely warning of this noble girl. I would not touch one of those candies for all in this wide world.” “ Why, do you think thero is poison in them?” Lady Chandos asked, in astonisbment. “Tf my suspicions are not all wrong, there is some devil’s dose here, and Miss Nellie, I think, will agree with me when she recovers.” In a few minutes Nellie was able to sit up, and collect her scattered senses. “The candy?” was the first thing she faintly | man epticulated. “Ts all put away, to await an explanation of your affright,” Sir Ferrol said, while Mr. Cecil seemed very much devoted in his self-appointed duty of fanning Nellie back to life. The girl breathed easier when she heard Sir Ferrol’s words, ‘“‘T never was rore frightened,” she said. “It struck me instantly what was in the box, and that the wicked woman, Marie, had sent them for a murderous purpose. I knew it when you read what was written on the box, Lady Chan- dos, and a sensation of sickening horror came over me lest you should eat one of the candies ere I could reach you!” “It is a fortunate thing you were here,” Sir Ferrol said, while the ladies embraced Nellie, “‘ for otherwise I dare say we would all now -be suffering untold agonies. You shall have your reward for your great service this evening.” ‘*You bet she shall!” cried Cecil, so impetu- ously that all eyes but Nellie’s were turned curiously upon him. “The candies have not been proven poisoned yet, and this may really be much ado about nothing!” Lady Clare suggested, and she left the room as if Cecil’s proximity to, and evident in- terest in, pretty Mellie Dean was of less moment to her than something in her own room, The box was left severely alone on the man- tle, and soon all parties retired to their differ- ent apartments. But not an hour had passed when most terrific screams were heard issuing from the par‘or, and among the first.upon the seene were Sir Ferrol and Cecil, and the land- lord, Big Jake. Upon the floor rolling about in excruciating agonies was a Chinese servant, while near by was the box, half emptied of its candies, The poor fellow lived but a few minutes, and all was over. The landlord was given an explanation by worried Sir Ferrol, at which be laughed gruffly. ‘*Pooh! that’s nothin’,” he grunted, ‘I knocked one o’ the skunks in the head the other day fer stealin’; serves ’em right!” And then he seized the dead Celestial by the pigtail, and dragged the body down the stairs and out into the back yard as if it were but a dead dog he was putting away. It bad been a night of incidents, but it was elected that there should be one more, of a thrilling character, ere night’s somber mantle lifted from mother earth. Though early in the evening, considerable rabble had gathered in the vicinity of the jail; but the crowd gradually dispersed, and fpally quiet reigned over the bustling city of Lead- ville, But it was the strange quiet that usually betokens the outburst of a storm, The town seemed deeply Miaka iy in slumber; but some people were abroad, for one by one dusky figures began to gather once more in the vicinity of the jail, and the hushed murmur of many voices was ere long heard as the crowd thickened. Marie, in her prison cell, heard the dull Babel of sound, and her face blanched white with terror, Were they coming to lynch her? Would they lynch her when they found out she was not rd Chandos? Suppose they should out of re- venge on her for her connivance in his escape? The thought was torture to her wicked, sin- stained soul, and her face blanched to a death- pallor there in the darkness. Outside the crowd still grew, but as if it were a prearranged plan to meet after the law-abid- ing people were in bed, there were no loud or boisterous demonstrations. Evidently all were waiting for some one or something. Soon, however, a man Sg nop his way through the crowd to the steps of the jail, near the door of which stood a capital tree for lynching pur- poses, as if it had grown there to meet the re- quirement. The man who mounted the steps was a brother of the murdered woman, and held a huge key in his hand. “Get a noosed rope ready!” he ordered. “ Half a dozen strong men follow me.” Marie began to shiver with terror as she heard the door of the jail thrown open, and to shriek as the avenger approached and entered her cell; but her frantic protestations were dis- regarded, and she was dragged from her cell to the steps of the jail, more dead than alive. Here she was held in a vise-like grasp, while her neck was noosed. “Mercy! mercy!” she screamed, in piteous accents. ‘I am not Lord Chandos—I am a wo- ” “Tt matters not!” the brother of the mur- Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail. dered lady cried. ‘ You released the murderer of my sister, and, curse you, you shai hang in his stead!” ‘* Mercy! mercy!” she shrieked at the tpp of no hace ‘*Oh! God, is there no one to save ma Only a dismal groan from the crowd was the answer. It was perhaps merciful that she fainted then, of sheer terror, and they strung her up ere she recovered consciousness: Let us draw the curtain. Lady Chandos knew nothing of the tragedy, until the next rege She had the body of Marie seeured and given a decent burial at her own expense. Vigilant scouts had been sent in search of Chandos, but as yet no trace of his whereapouts had been discovered, In the afternoon Diek appeared at the hotel, bringing with him little Cavanaugh Chandos, whom he had rescued from the shanty where Carker had him imprisoned. He was in disguise, but the reception be re- ceived satis@ed him that he was recogniwed among those whom he had served, in a way that would never be erased from memory. Nellie was not present, but the others made much of him, and Lady Chandos and Sir Ferrol each tendered him large sums of money, which, however, he promptly but respectfully refused. ‘*T did not undertake to restore your child to you for any pecupiary consideration, Lady Chandos,” he said, *‘ for it was but an act of hu- manity, and I am glad it has turned out so well I must now bid you all farewell, as I have an- other mission to perform, ere I return to my wife at home.” “Before you go I will insist upon pressing on you a present to remember us all by,” Sir Fer- rol said, taking a little case from his pocket and handing it to Dick. ‘ And if you ever come to England, visit Castle Chandos, and I trust some of the present party, who owe so much to you, will be there to welcome you.” Dick opened the case, and his gaze fell upon the largest'and handsomest diamond it had ever been his fortune to see. “This I will accept as a token of remem- brance,” be said, in a choked voice, “and I’!l never forget the pleasant aequaintance our mutual adventures have been the means of estab- lishing. Wishing you a safe journey across the ocean, I will bid you all farewell!” He shook hands with them all then, and left the room. In the hall outside, he came suddenly upon Nellie Dean, who had evidently been listening. ** Nellie!” he exclaimed. ‘Oh! Dick, are you going away? Shall I never see you again?” she articulated, in a husky voice, and then she threw her arms about his neck and wept. ‘Sh! my child!” he said, chidingly, but tenderly. ‘‘Thisisall wrong. You must not be thus affected.” ‘* But—but what is to become of me? Oh! let me go with you to be your—your sister. Please do not say no!” “No, no, Nellie! I cannot do that. You must control yourself and forget. Here are a thou- sand dollars, which came to me unexpectedly. Take it as a gift of one who has the greatest re- spect for you. Go with Lady Chandos, She will gladly take you, and do well by you.” He kissed her, tenderly, and gently put her off; then glided down the stairs, with these words ringing in bis ears: ** Come back, Dick! oh! come back!” He could not go back—no! for his mind went back to Calamity and their peaceful valley home, where he yearned to be once more, in the a of a little Deadwood Dick, to brighten their after lives. Although the detectives of Leadville sought for Deadwood Dick, they were never destined to see him again, and though they sought for Lord ‘Chandos, they were not destined to find him, in life. During the evening aparesiiy 4 Chandos’s es- cape from jail, he hung about the rear of the hotel where the Chandos Falconer party were stopping, and late at night made an attempt te enter a second story room through the window —for what purpose only himself could say. It chanced to be the proprietor’s room, and the proprietor ehanced to be at home. . There was a pistol-shot, a groan, a dull thud and—silence. After breakfast, the following morning, the proprietor observed that he had ehot a burglar,
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a tlt tt Deadwood Dick’s D RE EE RTD SARS ESN SN AEE ALS A RE eT about bed-time, and presumed likely it would be wiss to send for an undertaker. earch was made, and Lord Ghandos’s body | found and recognized. Is was the ratural end of a rough and _.profit- less life. Lady Chandos ordered the remains interred in the Leadville cemetery and shed no tear over that closing scene. It was the passing away | from her lips of the bitter cup. A week later, after hard dodging and trailing | on their respective parts, Carker and Deadwood Dick confronted each other in a wild mountain SS, The Seaport ruffian and impostor was lying on | the ground, partly peralyaad from a fall, and | was near to death. True to his- manly instincts, Dick set assidu- | e sly to work to give the sufferer all possible aid, and succeeded in getting him quieted down into a subdued and repentant spirit. Before he died, Dick talked so kindly to him that the wretch cried like a baby, and offered | up a sincere and feeling Les 9 to the Almighty to not judge him too harshly for his sins and transgressions. After he died, Dick laid him away ina mountain cave, and with a feeling of sadness and joy commingled, turned west- ward, en route for his home where Calamity shone as the bright particular star! The Chandos party returned to England in safety, never to forget their wild American experience. While it is probable that Sir Ferrol and Lady Chandos wili soon marry, it is also not im- probable that Mr. Cecil will lead pretty Nellie to the altar, for she had been adopted by the lady as her companion, and proved her worthi- ness of all the love showered _uponher. Lady Clare reigns as a belle of London society, a bright, gay, spirited girl, who will make a brilli- ant match, and reign as society queen in a very aristocratic circle. THE END. W averley Library. 1 Tae Maskep Bring. 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cheno BEADLE’S | HALF-DIME | LIBRARY. — By Edward L. Wheeler. The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Captain Mayne Reid and Captain I‘rederick Whittaker. Vagabond Joe, THE YOUNG WANDERING JEW. By Oli Coomes. Double Number, 10cts. Bill Biddon, Trapper. By E. 5S. Ellis. Whe Flying Yankee. By Col. P. Ingraham, Seth Jones, By Edward 8. Ellis. Adveutures of Baron Munchausen, Nat Todd, By E.S. Ellis. The Kwo Detectives. By A.W, Aiken. Gulliver’s Travel«. By Dean Swift, The Dumb Spy. By Oli Coomes. Aladdin; or, Tae WonperFruL Lamp, The Sea-Cat. Robinson Crusoe, (27 Illustrations.) Ralph Roy. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Sindbad the Sailor. The Phantom Spy. The Double Daggers, The Frontier Angel. The Sea Serpent. By Juan Lewis. Nick o? the Night. By T. C. Harbaugh. Diamond Dirk. By Colonel P. Ingraham. .The Boy Captain, By Roger Starbuck. Cloven Hoof, By Edward L. Wheeler. Antelope Abe, Tue Boy Guipz, Oll Coomes, Buffalo Ben. By Edward L. Wheeler. 29 The Dumb Page. By Capt. F. Whittaker. 30 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, THE RECEK- LESS RANGER. By Harry St.George. 31 Keen-Knife, Price or THE Prairies. By Oll Coomes. 32 Bob Woolf. By Edward L. Wheeler. 33 Nhe Ocean Bloodhound, S&S. W. Pierce. 84 Oregon Sol. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. Wild Ivan. By Edward L. Wheeler. The Boy Clown. By FrankS. Finn. The Hidden Lodge. By T. C. Harbaugh, Ned Wylde, TH Boy Scour. By Texas Jack. Death-Face, THe Detective. By Wheeler. Roving Ben. By J. J. Marshall. Lasso Jack, By Oll Coomes. The Phantom Miner. By E. L. Wheeler. Dick Darling. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. Rattling Rube. By Harry St. George. Old Avalanche. By Edward L., Wheeler. Glass Eye, Tae Great SHor oF THE WEST. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams. Nightingale Nat. By T. C. Harbaugh. Black John, tae Roap-Acent. By Badger. Omaha Ol, By Edward L. Wheeler. Burt Bunker, THe Trapper. C. FE, Lasalle, The Boy Rifles, By Archie C. Irons. The White Buffalo. By C. E. Lasalle. Jim Bludsoe, Jr. By Edward L. Wheeler, Ned Hazel. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. Deadly - Eye, THe Unknown Scour; or, THE BRANDED BROTHERHOOD. By Buffalo Bill. Nick Whifites’? Pet. Capt. J. F. C. Adams. Deadwood Dick’s Eagles. By Wheeler. The Border King. By Ol] Coomes. Old Hickory. By Harry St. George. The White Taian. Capt. J. F. C. Adams. Buckhorn Bill, By Edward L. Wheeler. The Shadow Ship. By Col. P. Ingraham. The Red Brotherhood, W. J. Hamilton. Banas Jack, By T. C. Harbaugh. 5 HWurricane Bill. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr Single Mand. By W. J. Hamilton. Patent-leather Joe. By Philip 8.Warne. Border Robin Hood, By Buffalo Bill. Gold Rifle. By Edward L. Wheeler. Old Zip’s Cabin. By Capt. J. F. C, Adams. Delaware Dick. By Oll Coomes. Mad Tom Western. By W. J. Hamilton. Deadwood Dick on Deck, By Wheeler. Hawk-eye Harry. By Oll Coomes. The Boy Duelist, By Col. P. Ingraham. Abe Colt, TH® Crow-Kriurr. By A. W. Aiken, Corduroy Charlie. By E. L. Wheeler. Blue Dick, By Captain Mayne Reid. Sol Ginger, Giant "TRAPPER. By A.W. Aiken. Rosebud Rob. By Edward L. Wheeler. Lightning Jo. By Captain J. F. C. Adams. Kit Haretoot,. By T. C. Harbaugh. Rollo, the Boy Ranger. By Oll Coomes. Idyl, the Girl Miner. By E. L. Wheeler. Buck Buckram. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams, Dandy Rock. By G. Waldo Browne, The Land Pirates. By ae Mayne Reid. 88 Photograph Phil. “4 . L. Wheeler. 89 Island Jim. By Brace wdge Hemyng. 90 The Dread Rider. By G. Waldo Browne. 91 The Captain of the Club}; or, Taz Youne Rival ATHLETES. By Bracebridge Hemyng. 92 Canada Chet, By Edward L. Wheeler. 93 'The Boy Miners. By Edward §S. Ellis. 94 Midnight Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh. 95 The RivalRovers. Lieut. Col. Hazeltine. 96 Watch-Eye, THE SHapow. By E. L. Wheeler. 97 The Outlaw Brothers, By J. J. Marshall. 98 Robin Hood. By Prof. Gildersleeve. 99 The Tiger of Taos. By G. Waldo Browne. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, 4 STRANGE STROKE FoR Liperty. By Wheeler. 101 Jack Harkaway in New York, By Bracebridge Hemyng. 102 Dick Dead-Eye. By Col. Ingraham. 103 The Lion of the Sea. By Col. Delle Sara. 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device. By Wheeler. 105 Old Rube, THE Hunter. Capt. H. Holmes. 106 Old Frosty, THE Guine. By T. C. Harbaugh. 107 One-Eyed Sim, By James L. Bowen. 108 Daring Davy. By Harry St. George. 109 Deadwoed Dick as Detective. Edward L. Wheeler. By_ Buffalo Bill. By E. L. Wheeler. Te RM =—OOHD IAM WM OCDIA 1 & BORSA OND le bt i rt at tpt pe et Sad 41 Ce OM SSCMsF Dow wro rrr roo bh Cw-t DOMWMOSK HM HakaF aad FoFa Faso} SAME WWE SORA AN By 4 Deadwood Dick, THE PRINCE OF THE ROAD | 2 Yellowstone Juck. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. | 3 Kansas King. By Buffalo Bill. By Captain Fred. Whittaker. His Seven Voyages, | By Edward 8, Ellis. | 110 The Black Steed of the Prairies. A | 223 Thrilling Story of Texan Adventure. By Bowen. 111 The Sea-Devil. By Col. P. Ingraham, 112 The Mad Hunter. By Burton Saxe. 13 Jack Hoyle. By Edward L. Wheeler. 4 The Black Schooner, Roger Starbuck. 5 The Wad Winer. By G. Waldo Browne. The Hussar Captain. Col. P. Ingraham. Gilt-Edged Dick. By E. L. Wheeler. Will Somers, THE Boy Detective. Mustang Sam. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 0 The Branded Hand, By Frank Dumont. 1 Cinnamon Chip. By Fdward L. Wheeler. 2 Phil Mardy, Tue Boss Boy, By C. Morris. 3 Kiowa Charley. By T. C. Harbaugh. 4 Tippy, THe Texan. By George Gleason. 56 Bonanza Bill, Miner. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 6 Picayune Pete. By Charles Morris. 7 Wild-Fire, Boss orrHe Roap. By Dumont. 8 The Young Privateer, By H. Cavendiah, ake ES Im 0 Detective Dick, By Charles Morris. 1 The Golden Hand. By Geo. W. Browne. 2 The Hunted Hunter. By Ed. S. Ellis. 3 Boss Bob, tHe Kine or THE BoorsuacKs: or, THE PAWNBROKER’S Pot. 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 ill. * Edward L. Wheeler, Judge Lynch, Jr. By T. C. Harbaugh. Blue Blazes. By Frank Dumont. Solid Sam. x iward L Wheeler. ma RARRNW BHOWKNKNNNKONWWN ee ee ee Handsome By Charles Morris. Scar-Face Saul, Ol Coomes. imeem § Lance, THE Boy Sport. By Badger. Captain Ferret. By Edward L. Wheeler. Silver Star, THE Boy Kniaur. By Coomes. Will Wildfire. By Charles Morris. Sharp Sam. By J. Alexander Patten. A Game of Gold. By Ed. L. Wheeler. Lance and Lasso. By Capt. F. Whittaker. Panther Paul. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 2 Black Bess, Wii. Wivrme’s Racer; or, WINNING AGAINST Opps. By Charles Morris. 3 Eagle Kit, roe Boy Demon. By Oll Coomes. 4 The Swerd Hunters, By ¥. Whittaker. 5 Gold Trigger, THe Sport. T. C. Harbaugh. 6 Deadwood Dick of Doadwoody3 or, THe Pickep Party. By Edward L. Wheeler. 7 Wike Merry. By Charlies Morris, 8 Aaah Frank of Colorado, Buffalo Bill. 9 The Lost Captain. By Whittaker. 0 The Black Giant. By J. E. Badger, Jr, 1 New York Nell. By E. L. Wheeler. 2 Will Wildfire in the Woods. Morris. 3 Little Texas, By Ol! Coomes. 4 Dandy Rock’s Pledge. By G.W. Browne. 5 Billy Baggage. By Charles Morris. 6 Hickory Harry. By Harry St. George. 37 Asa Scott, Tue Sreampoat Boy. By Willett. 8 Deadly Dash. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 9 Tornado Tom. By T. C. Harbaugh, 0 A Trump Card. By Charlies Morris. 1 Ebony Dan. By Frank Dumont. 2 ThunderboltTom,. By Harry St. George. 3 Dandy Rock’s Rival. By G.W. Browne. 4 Bob Rockett, tHe Boy DonGcer. By Morris. 5 Captain Arizona, | By Philip S.Warne. The Boy Runaway, By Lieut. Perry. Nobby Nick of Nevada, E. L. Wheeler. 8 Old Solitary. By Ol! Coomes. Bob Rockett, THe Bank Runner. Morris. The Sea Trailer. Be Lieut. H. D. Perry. Wild Frank. By Edward L, Wheeler, Little Hurricane, By Oll Coomes. The Hidden Hand, By Chas. Morris. The Boy Trailers. By Badger, Jr. Evil Eye, Kine or Carrie Teves; or, THE VULTURES OF THE R10 Granpp.. By F. Dumont. Cool Desmond, By Col. Delle Sara. Fred Halyard, By Charles Morris. Ned ea THE BorDER Boy. Harbaugh. Bob Rockett, tam Cracksman. By Morris, Dandy Darke. By Wm. R. Eyster. Buffalo Billy. By Capt. Taylor, U.S. A. Captain Kit. By Lieut. H. D. Perry,U.S.N. Captain Mask, . By Philip 8. Warne. Buffalo Bill’s Bet. By Captain Taylor. Deadwood Dick’s Dream. By Wheeler. Shadowed. By Charles Morris. DRRHW WW HOSS DIA oe ~n i SY GU GU Git hee shee shin hie she be bh he bee he — « 7 "ot Orer x ww ROC RAIA = Q te Wwe OCDE OT . BCOSCOS SOS CSBMMDW COWS HM HM akakasafakshakskeb-F HAHA AHDAADAD aD By T. C. Harbaugh. By Edward Willett. By Whittaker. 8 Arkansaw. 99 Featherweight, 200 The Boy Bedouins. 1 1 1 1 1 J ] 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ] 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 } 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 201 The Black Hills Jezebel. By Wheeler. | 202 Prospect Pete. By Oll Coomes. 203 The oy Pards._ By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 204 Gold Plume, THE Boy Banpir. Ingraham. 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom, By Wheeler 206 Dark Paul, Taz Ticer Kine. By C. Morris 207 Navajo Nick, ByT. C. Harbaugh. 208 The Boy Hercules. By Oll Coomes. 209 Fritz, THe Bounp-Boy Derective. Wheeler. 0 Faro Frank of High Pine. By Hyatee. Crooked Cale, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Dashing Dave. By Charles Morris. Fritz to the Front. By E. L. Wheeler. Wohtzang, THE RopBER OF THE RHINE. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. Captain Bullet, By T. C. Harbaugh. Bison Bill, THE Prince or THE REINS. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Captain Crack-Shot, By E. L. Wheeler, Tiger ‘Tom, THe Texay TeRRoR. Coomes. Despard, the Duelist. By P. S, Warne. Tom Tanner. By Charles Morris. Sugar Coated Sam, By E. L. Wheeler. Grit, the Bravo Sport, By Ingraham. 1 2 3 A 5 WRewwnwwe ww Wwwwnw 1 1 1 1 1 1 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Morris. | 9 Deadwood Dick’s Double. By Wheeler. | ‘ ‘ | 251 Little Grit, tHe Witp River. By Ingraham. | ony | 277 | | 230 | 232 . 280 Ozark Alf, Kine or THE Mountam. By Edward Willett. 224 Dashing Dick. By Ol] Coomes. 225 Sam Charcoal, By Charles Morris. 226 Snoozer, THE Boy SHarp. By E. L.Wheeler | 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper. By E. Emerson. 228 Little Wildfire, By Oll Coomes. 229 Crimson Kate, THE Girt Traiter. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, The Yankee Rajah, By C.D. Clark. Plucky Phil. ByT. C. Harbaugh. Gold-Dust Dick, By E. L. Wheeler Joe Buck, of Angels. By. A W. Aiken. Old Rocky’s * Boyees,? Buckskin Sam. Shadow Sam. _ By Charles Morris, Apollo Bill, tHe Tram Tornapo. ward L. Wheeler. Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain j or, THe Mysterious Rancuero, By P. Ingraham. The Parson Detective. By Oll Coomes, The Gold-seeker Guide; or, Tae Losr Movunrarn. By Captain Mayne Reid. Cyclone Kit, By Edward L. Wheeler. Bill Bravo and His Bear Pards,. By T. C. Harbaugh. The Two ‘ Bloods®, By Charles Morris- The Disguised Guide. By Oll Coomes, Sierra Sam. By Edward L. Wheeler. Merle, the Middy. By Col. P. Ingraham. Giant George. By Buckskin Sam. Old Grizzly and His Pets. By Captain * Bruin ” Adams. Sierra Sam’s Secret. By E. L. Wheeler. Milo Romer. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. Midshipman Mutineer. By Ingraham. Light-house Lige. By J. F. C. Adams, Dick Dashaway. By Chas. Morris. Sierra Sam’s Pard, By E. L. Wheeler. The Half Blood, By Edward §. Ellis. Captain Apollo, By T. C. Harbaugh. Young Kentuck, By Capt. Mark Wilton. The Lost Hunters. By Capt. Adams. Sierra Sam’s Seven, By E. L. Wheeler. 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 Tiger Tamer. By Capt. Whittaker. Killb’ar, the Guide. By Ensign Charles Dudley Warren, (of the Engineer’s Corps.) The Buckskin Detective. By T. C. Harbaugh. Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail. Edward L. Wheeler. The Gold Ship DEMNED. By Colonel Blizzard Ben. By Captain Marl Wilton. The Huge Hunter. By Edward 8. Ellis. Minkskin ike. By Oll Coomes. Jumbo Joe. By Edward L. Wheeler. Joliy Jim. By Charles Morris, Arizona Jack. By Buckskin Sam, (Major Sam 8. Hall.) Merle Moonte’s Cruise; or, Tan Caase oF THE GoLp Snip, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Denver Doll. By Edward L. Wheeler. The Three Trepperss or, THE MounTarn Monster, By Major L. W. Carson. Old Winch, THe Rirte Kina. By T. OG, Harbaugh. Merle Monte’s Fates or, Peart, THR , Prratz’s Prive. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Denver Doll’s Victory} or, SKULL AND Cross-Bongs. By Edward L. eeler, The Typo Detective 3 or, WEASEL, THD Boy eane. By Edward Willett. Indian Joe; or, THe WHITE Spirit oF THE Hits. By Major L. W. Carson. The Sea Warauder; or, Mertz Monte’s PiepaEr. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. Denver Dolls Decoy. By E, L. Wheeler. 286. Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot; or, THE Witp Men or Buzzarp Bar. By Mark Wilton, 287 Billy Blue-Eyes, tHe Boy RovER OF THE Rio GRANDE. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 288 The Scalp King. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams, 289 The Young Detective; or, JouLy Jm’s Cure Case. By Charles Morris. 290 Turk, the Ferret. By E. L. Wheeler. 231 233 234 235 236 By Ed- 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 By or, MERLE, THE CoN- 269 ’ bremiss Ingraham. 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 278 279 282 283 284 285 A new issue every week. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all Newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. FADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York.