Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 271) (1882 10 03)
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FOURTH EDITION. ee ‘Tro y/ i B »” othe ae ee, Jo ee BaP SE Ea ial | | Le Se lions Pet SPW sb “ | {al | | (a i | rin | all 3 x bi | \, IS $2.50 a year, Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mail Rates. Copyrighted in 1882 by BEADLE AKpD ADAMS, October 8, 1882, Vol D8 Single PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BRADLE AND ADAMS, : ¢ Number. No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK, S Gant. No. 271. THE HUGE HUNTER: or, THE STEAM MAN OF THE PRAIRIES. Bx DDWiARD So ELIS. AUTHOR OF ‘“‘THE BOY MINERS,” ‘‘SETH JONES,” “BILL BIDDON,” ETC,, ETC., ETC. wMihhic (I a OE Lea \ : 4 — 7 _— \\ SS — sce eh Vox J / Wp y VA ~ of / pire <A St yey, h é yO * BEGORRAH, BUT IT’S THE OULD DIVIL, HITCHED TO HIS THROTTIN’ tc WAGING, WIP HIS OULD WIFE HOWLDING THK REINS |” #XCLAIMED WIOAEW. |
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— The Steam Man of the Prairies. BY EDWARD §8. ELLIS, AUTHOR OF ‘THE HALF-BLOOD,”’ “THE HUNTED HUNTER,” ‘‘ THE BOY MINERS,” ETC. CHAPTER I. THE TERROR OF THE PRAIRIES. “HowLy vargin! what is that?’ exclaimed Mickey McSquizzle, with something like horri- fied amazement. e the Jumping Jehosiphat, naow if that don’t beat all natur’!” Foi dy the divil, broke loose, wid full steam on There was good cause for these exclamations upon the part of the Yankee and Irishman, as they stood on the margin of Wolf. Ravine, and gazed off over the prairie. Several miles to the north, something like a gigantic man could be seen approaching, mah re at a rapid gait fo: a few seconds, when it slackened its speed, until it scarcely moved. Occasionally it changed its course, so that it went nearly at right’angles. At such times, its colossal proportions were brought out in full relief, looking like some Titan as it took its giant strides over the prairie. The distance was too great to scrutinize the henomenon closely; but they could see that a Black volume of smoke issued either from its mouth or the top of its head, while it was draw- ing behind it a sort of carriage, in which a single man was seated, who appeared to control the movements of the extraordinary being in front of him. No wonder that something like superstitious awe filled the breasts of the two men who had ceased hunting for gold, for a few minutes, to view the singular apparition; for such ‘a thing had scarcely been drexmed of at that day, by the most imaginative Sp much less bad it ever entered the head of these two men on the western prairies. f * “ Begorrab, but it’s the ould divil, hitched to his throttin’ waging, wid his ould wife howlding the reins!” exclaimed Mickey, who had scarcely removed his eyes from the singular object. “That there critter in the wagon is a man,” said Hopkins, looking as intently in the same direction. ‘It seems to me,” be added, a mo- ment later, ‘ that were somebody else: a-sit- ting alongside of him, either a dog or a boy. Wal, naow, ain't that r?”’ ; ‘*Begorrah! begorrah! do ye hear that? What shall we do??, ; At that instant, a shriek like that of some agonized giant came home to them across the plains, and both looked around, as if about to flee in terror; but the curiosity of the Yankee re- strained him. His practical eye saw that what- ever it might be, it was a human contrivav ong there could be nothing supernatural ‘abou t ’ “Took!” Just after giving its ear-splitting screech, it turned straight toward the two men, and with the black smoke ra puffing from the top of ite head, came along at a tremendous ratéiy>. | ckey manifested some nervousness, but he as alone by the coolness of Ethan, who kept his position with his eye fixed keenly upon it. ¥ Coming at such a railroad speed, it was not long in passing the intervening space. It was yet several hundred yards distant, when Ethan Hopkins gave Mickey a ringing slap upon the saoulder. x “ Jerusalem! who do ye s’poso naow, that man is, sitting in the carriage and holding the We h! why 4 ‘“Worrah, worrah! w oy I'm so frightened Seriteoly that who I am niyself?” ‘* It's Baldy.” “Git ont!” replied the Irishman, but added the next moment, ‘‘ am [ shlaping or dhraming? }t’s Baldy or bis ghost.” Is certainly was no ghost, judging from the maoner in which it a ; for he sat with his hat cocked on one side, a pipe in his mouth, and the two reins in his hands, just as the skillful driver controls the mettlesome horses and keeps them weil in hand. He was seated upon a large pile of wood, while near nestled « little hump-basked, bright- ax me, whin don’t know _kmapsack made themselves a rm ’ ee The Huge Hunter. ex boy, whose eyes sparkled with delight at the performance of the strange machine. The speed of the steam man gradually slack- ened, until is came opposite the men, when it came to a dead halt, and the grinning ‘‘ Baldy,” as he was called, (from his having lost his scalp several years before, by the Indians), tipped his hat and said: ‘“‘Glad to see you hain’t gone under yit. How’d you git along while I was gone?” But the men were hardly able to answer any questions yet, until they had learned something more about the strange creation before them. on, shied away, as the timid steed does at first sight of the locomotive, observing which, the boy (at a suggestion from Baldy), gave a string in his hand a twitch, whereupon the nose of the wonderful thing threw out a jet of steam with the sharp screech of the locomotive whis- tle. Mickey sprung a half dozen feet’ backward, and would have run off at full speed down the ravine, had not Ethan Hopkins caught his arm. ‘*What’s the matter, Mickey, naow? Hain’t you ever heard anything like a locomotive whistle?” ‘*Worrah, worrah, now, but is that the way the crather blows its nose? It must have a beautiful voice when it shnores at night.” Perhaps at this point a description of the singular mechanism should be given. It was about ten feet in bight, measuring to the top of the * stove-pipe hat,” which was fashioned after the common order of felt coverings, with a broad brim, all painted a shiny black, The face was made of iron, painted a black color, with a pair of fearful eyes, and a tremendous grinning mouth. A whistle-like contrivance was wade to answer for the nose, The steam chest proper and boiler, were where the chest in a human being is generally supposed to be, ex- tending also into a large knapsack arrangement over the shoulders and back. A pair of arms, like projections, héld the shafts, and the broad flat feet were covered with sharp spikes, as though he were the monarch of base-ball players. The legs were quite long, and the step was natural, except when running, at which time, the bolt hy een in the figure showed different from a human being. In the knapsack were the valves, by which the steam or water was examined. In front was a painted imitation of a vest, in which a door opened to receive the fuel, which, together with the water, was carried in the wagon, a pipe running along the shaft and connecting with the boiler. The lines which the driver held controlled the course of the steam man; thus, by puiling the strap on the right, a deflection was caused which turned it in that direction, and the same acted on the other side. A small rod, which ran along the right shaft, let out or shut off the steam, as was desired, while a cord, running along the left, controlled the whistle at the nose, The legs of this extraordinary mechanism were fully a yard apart, so as to avoid the dan- ger of its upsetting, and at the same time, there was given more room for the play of the delicate machinery within. Long,sharp, spike- like projections adorned theso es of the immense feet, so that there was little danger of its slip- ping, while the length of the legs showed that, under faveraine circumstances, the steam man must be capable of very great s , After Ethan Hopkins had somewhat familiar- ized himself with the external appearance of this piece of mechanism, he ventured upon a more critical examination, - The door being opened in front, showed a mass of glowing coals lying in the capacious abdomen of the giant; the hissing valves in the arent, and the top of the hat or smoke-stack had a sieve-like arrangement, such as is frequently seen on the locomotive. There were other little conveniences in the way of creating a draft, and of shutting it off when too great, which could scarcely be under- stood without a scrutiny of the figure itself. The steam man was a frightful looking ob- ject, being painted of a gl black, with a pair of white stripes down its legs, and with a face which was intended to be of a flesh color, but which was really a fearful red. To give the machinery an abundance of room, the steam man was exceedingly corpulent, swell- ing out to aldermanic proportions, which, after we was little out of harmony with its immense 4 The wagon dragged behind was an ordinary four-wheeled vehicle, with springs, and very strong wheels, a framework being arranged, so that when necessary it could be securely cov- ered. To guard against the danger of wpsotiing it was very broad, with low wheels, which 1% may be safely said were made to “ him” when the gentleman got fairly under way. Such is a brief and imperfect description of this wonderful steam man, as it appeared cu its first visit to the Western prairies. CHAPTER II. ‘“HANDLE ME GENTLY.” ' Wuew Ethan Hopkins had surveyed the steam maa fully, he drew a long sigh and ex- alaimeds ‘Wal, naow, that’s too bad!” ‘‘What’s that?’ inquired Bicknell, who had been not a little amused at his open-mouthed amazement. “Do you know I’ve been thinking of that thing for ten years, ever since I went through Colt’s pistol factory in Hartford, when 1 wasa youngster?” “Did you ever think of any plan?” ‘“‘T never got it quite right, but I intended to do it after we got through digging for gold. The thing was Fast taking shape in my bead. See here, naow, uin’t you going to give a fellow a ride?” ** Jis’ what I wanted; shall I run it for you!” ‘‘ No, Isee how it works;.them ’ere thingum- bobs and gimcracks do it all.” ‘‘Johnny, hyar, will tell yer "bout {t.” The little humpback sprung nimbly dewn and ran around the man, explaining as well as he could in a few moments the manner of controlling its movements. The Yankee felt some sensitiveness in being instructed by such a tiny specimen, and springing tnto the wagon, exclaimed: “Git eout! tryin’ to teach yer uncle! I knowed how the thing would work befare you were born!” Perching himself on the top of the wood which was heaped up in the wagon, the enthu- siastic New Englander carefully looked over the prairie to see that the way was clear, and was about to ‘let on steam,” when he turned toward the Irishman. ‘*Come, Mickey, git up here.” “ Arrah now, but I never learnt to ride the divil when I was home in the ould country,” replied tbe Irishman, backing away. But both Ethan and Baldy united in their persuasions, and finally Mickey consented, al- though with great trepidation. He timidly climbed wo the wegon and took his seat be- side the Yankee, looking very much as a man may be supposed to look who mounts the hearse to attend his own funeral. “ When yer wants to start, jist pull that ere crack!” said Baldy, pointing to the crook in he rod upon which his hand ‘Git eout, naow! do think you’re goin’ to teach me that has teached school fur five years in Connecticut?” . There were some peculiarities about the steam man which made him a‘rather unwieldy con- trivance. He had a way of starting with a jerk, unless ge skill was used in letting on steam; and his stoppage was equally sudden, from the same cause. ‘ Wen the Irishman and Yankee had fairly enscoftced themselves on their ha, the latter looked carefully round to make sure that no one was in the way, and then be turned the valve, which let on a full head of steam, For a second the monster did not stir. Tre steam had not fairly taken “hold” yet; then he raised one immense spiked foot and held it sus ded ip air. ri That’s a great contrivance, ain’t it?” ¢: claimed Ethan, contemptuously. ‘“‘Gan’t do nothin’ more ‘ian lift his foo’? Wait till you see more! he’s goin’ to dance a: «1 skip like a lamb, or outrun any locomotive yor: ever sot eyes on!” : ‘Bad luck to the loikes of yees, why der’: ees go on?” exclaimed the irate Irishman, «+ ho leaned forward and addressed the obdura': machine, ‘‘ Are yees tryin’ to fool us, bad luc!: to yees—” t t this instant, the feet of the steam man began rising and falling with lightning like rapidity, the wagon being jerked forward with such sudden swiftness, that both Ethan and Mickey turned back summersets, rolling heels over head off the vehicle to the ground, while the monster went puffing over the p: , and ata terrific rate. Baldy was about to start in pursuit of it, when Johnny, the deformed boy, restrained him. “Tt won't run far; the steam is nearly out.” ‘Be jabers! but me head is caved in!” ex- claimed the Irishman, rising to bis feet, rubbing
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‘Jerusalem! I thought sbe had Npeet or bu'sted her biiler!” said the Yankee, looking atound him with a bewildered air. The two spectators were laughing furiously, and they could scarcely stand the trick which iad been played upon them. “Let your old machine go to blazes!” mut- tered Ethan. “If it actsthat way, 1 don’t want oothin’ to do with it.” lu the mean time the steamer had gone rat- tliag over the prairie, until about a quarter of a mile distant, when it rapidly slackened, and as quickly halted. ‘What's the matter wid it now?’ asked Mickey; “ has it got the al and gi’n out?’ “The steam is used up!” replied the dwarf, as he hurried after it; “‘we can soon start it again!” All four made all haste toward the stationary pe gh but the light frame and superior activity little Johnny brought him to it considerably im advance of the others. Emptying a lot of wood from the wagon, he was busily engaged in throwing it into hiss ch when the other twocameup. His eyes cpa as he said: “Jump up there, and I'll give you alla ride!” The three clambered up and took their seats with great care, Mickey and Ethan especially clinging as if their life depended on it. Johnny threw in the fuel until the black smoke poured in a stroam from the hat. Before leaving it, he opened two smaller doors, at the knees, which allowed tho superfluous cioders and asbes to fall out. The water in the boiler was theu examined, and found all right. Johnny mounted in his place, and took charge. “Now we are ready! hold fast!” “ Begorrah, if I goes I takes the wagon wid me,” replied Mickey, as he closed his t-ota and hung on like death, The engineer managed the monster with rare skill, letting on a full head of steam, and just as it made a move shutting it off, and letting it on almost immediately, and then shutting off and admitting it again, until it began moving ata moderate pace, which, however, rapidly increased until it was going fully thirty miles an hour, Nothing could be more pleasant than this ride of a mile over the prairie. The plain was quite level, and despite the extraordinary. speed attained, the wagon glided almost as smoothly as if running upon a railroad. Although the air was still, the velocity created a stiff breeze about the ears of the four seated on the top of the wood, The hight of tho steam man’s head carried the smoke and cinders clear of those behind, while the wonderful machinery within, worked with a marvelous exactness, such as was a source of continued amazement to all except the little fellow who had himself constructed the extra- ordinary mechanism. The click of the joints as a, obeyed their motive power was scarcely audible, and, when once started, there was no unevenness at all in its progress. When the y had ridden about a half-mile, Johnny descri a large circle, and finally came back to the starting, checking the pro- ress with the same skill that he had started it. e immediately sprung down, examined the fire, and several points of the man, when findin everything righ’, he opened his knee-caps an let cinders and ashes drop out. “How kin yeou dew that?’ inquired Ethan Hopkins, peering over his shoulder. ‘* What’s to binder?” ‘‘ How kin he work his legs, if they’re holler that way and let the fire down ’em?” “They ain't hollow. Don’t you see they are very large, and there is plenty of room for the leg-rods, besides leaving a place for the draft and ashes?” “Wal, I swan, if that ain’t rather queer. And you made it all out of your head naow?”’ asked the Yankee, looking at the diminutive in- ventor before him. **No, I had to use a good deal of iron,” was ne reply of the youngster, with a quizzical smiie. ‘mean you got up the thing yourself?” 4 es, sir,” was the quiet but proud reply of ~© bo “Jingo and Jerusalem! but your daddy must be fond of you!” exclaimed the enthusiastic New Fa lander, scanning him admiringly from head oot. “T haven’t any father.” “Your mother then f? “T don’t know about that.” . “Bay, you, can’t yer tell a feller "bout it?” ‘The Huge Hunter. **Not now; I haven't time.” As the steam horse was to rest for the pres- ent, he was ‘put up.” The engineer opened several cavities in his legs and breast, and dif- ferent parts of his body, and examined the ma- chinery, carefully oiling the various portions, and when he had completed, he drew a large oil skin from the wagon, which, being spread out, covered both it and the steam man himself, CHAPTER III. A GENIUS. HAVING progressed thus far in our story, or properly having begun in the middle, it is now necessary that we should turn back to the proper starting point. Several years since a widow woman resided in the outskirts of St. Louis, whose name was Brainerd. Her husband had been a mechanic, noted for his ingenuity, but was killed some five years before by the explosion of a steam boiler. He left behind him a son, bump-backed, dwarfed, but with an amiable disposition that made him a favorice with all with whom he came in contact. If nature afflicts in one direction she frequent- ly makes amends in another direction, and this dwarf, small and misshapen as he was, was gifted with a most wonderful mid. His me- chanical ingenuity bordered on the marvelous, When he went to school, he was a general fa- vorite with teachers and pupils. The former loved him for his sweetness o/ disposition, and his remarkable proficiency in all studies, while the latter based their affection chiefly upon the fact that he never refused to essish any of them at their tasks, while with tbe pocket-knife which be enrried he constructed toys which were their delizht. Some of these were so cu- rious and amusing that, had ttey been secured by letters patent, tiey would have brought a competency to him and his widowed mo*ier. But Johny y never thought of patenting them, although the principal support of himself and mother came from one or two patents, which his father had secured upon inventions, not near the equal of bis. There seemed no limit to bis inventive pow- ers. Hoe made a locomotive and then a steam- boat, perfect in every part, even to the minut- est, using nothing but his knife, hammer, and a small chisel. Ho constructed’ a clock with his jack-knife, which kept perfect time, and the articles which he made were wonderfully stared at at fairs, and in show windows, while Johnny modestly pegged away at some new idea. He became a master of the art of telegraphy with- out assistance from any one, using mere y a common school philosophy with which to ac- quire the alphabet. He then made a couple of batteries, ran a line from bis window to a neighbor’s, insulating it by means of the necks of some bottles, taught the other boy the alphabet, and thus they amused themselves sending messages back and forth. Thus matters progressed until be was fifteen ears of age, when he c2me home one day, and lay down on the settee by his mother, and gave a great sigh. : ‘ What is tho matter?” she inquired. “‘T want to make something.” ““Why, then, don’t you make it?” “ Because I don’t know what it sball be; I’ve fixed up everything I can think of.” ‘‘And you are Fike Alexander, sighing for more worlds to conquer. Isthatit?” — “Not exactly, for there is plenty for one to do, if I could only find out what it is.” ‘Have you ever made a balloon?” The boy laughed. ** You were asking for the cat the other day, and wondering what had become of her, didn’t tell you that the last IT saw of her was through the telescope, she being about two miles up in the clouds, and going about fifty miles an bour.” “I thought you looked as though you knew something about her,” replied the mother, try- ing to speak reprovingly, and yet smiling in spite of herself. ‘“‘Can’t you tell me something to make?” final- ly asked the boy. “Yes; there is something I havé often thought of, and wonder why it was not made long ago; but you are not smart enough to do it, Johnny.” “* Maybe not; but tell me what it is.” ‘It isa man that shall go by steam |” The boy lay still several minutes without speaking a word and then sprung up. “ By George! Ill do it!” And he started out of the room, and was not months to come. So it proved. He spent several weeks in thought, before he made the first effort toward constructing his greatest success of all. He then enlarged his workshop, and so arranged it, that he would not be in danger of being seen by any curious eyes. He wanted no disturbance while bai. ey upon this scheme, rom a neighboring foundry, whose proprie- tor took great interest in the boy, be secured all that he needed. He Was allowed full liberty to make what castings he chose, and to construct far he wished, And so he began his work, The great point was to obtain the peculiar motion of a man walking. This secured, the man himself could be easil made, and dressed up in any style required. inally the boy’ be- lieved that he bad bit upon the true scheme, So he plied harder than ever, scarcely paus- ing to take his meals. Finally he got the machine together, fired up, and with feelings somewhat akin to those of Sir Isaac Newton, when py hey | the truth or falsity of some of his greatest discoveries, he watched the result, Soon the legs began moving up and down, but never a step did they advance! The power was there, sufficient to run a saw-mill, every thing seemed to work, but the thing wouldn't go f > The boy was not ready to despair. He seated himself on the bench beside the machine, and ket ping up a moderate supply of steam, throw- ing in bits of wood, and letting in water, when necessary, he caretully watched the movement for several hours, rome Occasionally, Johnny walked slowly back and forth, and with his eyes upon the “stately stepping,” endeavored to discover the precise nature of that which was lacking i machine, At length it came to*him. He saw from the first that it was not merely required that the steam man should lift up its feet and put them down again, but there must be a powerful for- ward impulse at thé same moment. This was the single remaining difficulty to be overcome. It required two weeks before Johnny Brainerd succeeded, But it all came clear and unmistak- able at last, and in this simple manner:— :, (Ah! but we cannot be so unjust to the plod- ding genius as to divulge his secret. Our read- ers must be content to await the time when’ the young man sees fit to reveal it himself.) When the rough figure was fairly in working order, the inventor removed everything from eround it, so that it stood alone in the center of his shop. Then be carefully let on steam. Before he could shut it off, the steam man walked clean through the side of his shop, and fetcbed up against the corner of the house, with a violence that shook it to its foundation) In considerable ip Mampiet 3 the youngster dashed forward, shut cif steam, and turned it round. As it was too cumbersome for him to mana any other way, he wy cautiously let on steam again, end persuaded it to walk back into the shop, passing through the same orifice through which it bad emerged, and came very nigh go- ing out on the opposite side again. e great thing was now accomplished, and the boy devoted himself to bringing it as near thon as possible. The principal thing to e feared was its getting out of order, since the slightest disarrangement would be sufficient to top the progress of the man. ohnny therefore made it of gigantic sige, the body and limbs being no more than ‘“ Sells,” used as a sort of screen to conceal the working of the engine, This was carefully painted in the manner mentioned in another place, and the machinery was made as strong and durable as it was possible for it to be. It was so con- structed as to withstand the severe jolting to which it necessarily would be subjected, and finally was brought as nearly perfect as it was possible to bring a thing not g human intelligence, . By suspending the machine So that ite feet were Clear ofthe floor, Johnny Brainerd ascer- tained that under favorable circumstances it could run very nearly sixty miles an bonr. It could easily do that, and draw a car d it on the railroad; while on a common road it could make thirty miles, the highest rate at which he believed it possible for a wagon to be drawn upon land with any degree of safety. It was the boy’s intention to run it twenty miles an hour, while where everything was seen again until night. His mother felt no|safe, he would demonstrate the power of bie
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4 invention by occasionaily making nearly double that. As it was, he rightly calculated that when it game forth, it would make a gr.at sensation throughout the entire United States. CHAPTER IV. THE TRAPPER AND THE ARTISAN, “ HELLO, younker! whatin thunder yer try- a’ to make? Jobnny Brainerd paused and looked up, nota little startled by the strange voice and_ the rather singular len which stood before him. [It was a ter in half civilized costume, his pants tucked into his immense boot tops, with revolvers and rifles et bis waist, and a general negligent air, which showed that he was at home in, whatever par®.of the world he chose to nder. He stood with his hand in his pocket, chewing his quid, and complacently viewing the opera- tions of the boy, who was not a little surprised te understand how he obtzined entrance into his shop. ‘* Stopped at the house to ax whar old Washoe Pete keeps his hotel,” replied the stranger, rightly surmising the query which was agita- ting him, ‘‘and 4 cotched a glimpse of yer old machine, Thought I’d come in and see what in blazes it war. Looks to me like a man that’s gwine to run by steam.” “That's just what it is,” replied the boy, see- ing there was.no use in attempting to conceal the truth from the man. “Will it do it?” ‘* Yes, sir.” ‘Don’t think you mean to lie, younker, but I don’t believe any sich stuff as that.” “Tt don’t make any difference to me whether u believe me or not,” was the quiet reply of the boy; “ bat if you will eome inside and shut the door, and let me fasten it, so that there will be no danger of our being disturbed, | will soon show you.” These two personages, so unlike in almost every respect, aad taken quite a fancy to each other. The strong, bardy, bronzed trapper, powerful in all that goes to make up the physical man, looked upon the pale, sweet-faced boy, with his misshapen body, as an affectionate father would oak upon an afflicted child, On the ether hand, the brusque, outspoken Manner of the hunter pleased the pperecacye ind of the boy, who saw much admire, th in his appearance and manner. ‘tT don’t s’pose as know me,” said the stran- ger, as he stepped iuside and allowed the boy to secure the door behind bim. “Tam Baléy Picknell-though I gineral ‘‘Tam Ba cknell—though I ginerally go by the name of ‘ Baldy ’” ‘' That’ rather an odd name.” ‘Yas; that’s the reason.” As he spoke, the stranger removed his bat and displayed his clean-shaven pate. ‘‘-Yer don’t understand that, eh? That ’ere meaps,[ had my ha’r lifted ten years ago, The Sisux'War the skunks that done it. After they tuk my top-knot off, it had ors on ag’in and that’s why they call me Baldy.” In the mean time the door had been closed, and all secured. The hat of the steam man emptied its smoke and steam into a section of stove-pipe, which led into the chimney, so that no suspicion of austiang unusual could disturb the passers-by in the street. ** You ste it won’t do to let bim walk here, for when I tried it first, he went straight through the side of the heuse; but you can tell by the way in which he moves his legs, whether he is able to walk ar not.” ** That’s the way we wiperally gits the p’ints of an animal,” returned Baldy, with great complaisance, as he seated himself upon a bench to watch the performance, It required the boy but a short time to gene- rate a sufficient quantity of steam to set the legs going at a terrific rate, varying the pro- ceedings by letting seme of the vapor through the whistle which composed the steam man’s nose, Baldy Bicknell stood for some minutes with a surprise too great to allow him to speak. Won- derful as was the mechanism, yet the boy who had eonstructed it was still more worthy of wender. When the stéam bad given out, the juunter placed his big hand upon the head of the ‘ittle fellow, and said: ‘ You’se a mighty smart chap, that be you. wid anybody help you make that?” ‘No; I believe not.” *‘What’li you take for it?’ “I never thought of selling ft.” “ Wal, think of it now.” The Huge Hunter. “What do you want to do with it? ‘“Thar’s three of us goin’ out to hunt fur gold, and that’s jist the thing to keep the Injins back an’ scart. I’ve been out thar afore, and know what's the matter with the darned skunks, So, tell me how much money will buy it.” “*T would rather not sell it,” said Johnny, after a few minutes’ further thought. ‘It has taken me a great while to finish it, andI would rather not part with it, for the present, at least.” ‘* But, skin me, younker, I want to buy it! Pll give you a thousand dollars fur it, slap down.” Although much less than the machine was really worth, yet it was a large offer, and the boy hesitated for a moment. But it was only St My moment, when he decidedly shook his ead, “JT wish you wouldn’t ask me, for I don’t want to sell it, until I have had it some time. Besides, it isn’t finished yet.” ‘“*Tt ain’t?’ exclaimed Baldy, in surprise. “Why, it works—what more do you want?” ‘*T’ve got to make a wagon to run beltind it,” “That's it, eh? I thought you war goin’ to ride on its back. How much will it draw?” ‘* As much as four horses, and as fast as they can run.” The hunter was half wild with excitement. ht boy’s delight was never equal to one-half of iis. **Skulp me ag’in, ef that don’t beat all! It’s jest the thing for the West; well walk through the Injins in the tallest kind of styie, and skear ’em beautiful. How long afore you'll have it done?’ “Tt will take a month longer, at least.” Baldy stood a few minutes in thought, ‘See here, younker—we’re on our way to the ‘diggin’s,’ and spect to be thar allsummer. Ef the red-skins git any ways troublesome, I’m comin’ back arter this y’ar covey. Ef yer don’t want to sell him, yer needn’t. Ef I bought him, it ain’t likely I’d run him long afore I’d bu’st his Diler, or blow my own heaa off.” ‘* Just what I thought when you were trying to persuade me to sell it,” interrupted the boy. “Then, if he got the cramp in any of his legs, I wouldn’t know how tv ile it up ag’in, and thar we'd be.” ‘*l am glad to see you take such a sensible view of it,” smiled Jobnny. **So0, ’'m goin’ on West, as I said, with two fools besides myself, and we’re goin’ to stay thar till yer get this old thing finished; and then ’m comin’ after you to take a ride out thar.” ‘‘That would suit me very well,” replied the boy, his face lighting up with more pleasure than he had shown. ‘‘I would be very glad to make a trip on the prairies.” ‘*Wal, look fur me in about six weeks.” And with this parting, the hunter was let out the door, and disappeared, while Johnny. re- sumed his work. That day saw the steam man completed, so far as it was possible. He was painted up, and every improvement made that the extraor- dinarily keen mind of the boy could suggest. When he stood one side, and witoemed the noiseless but powerful workings of the enor- mous legs, he could not see that anything more could be desired. It now remained for him to complete the wagon, and he began at once. It would have been a much easier matter for him to have secured an ordinary carriage or wagon, and alter it to suit himself; but this was not in accordance with the genius of the boy. No contrivance could really suit him unless he made it bimself. He bad his own ideas, which no one else could work out to his satisfaction. It is unnecessary to say that the vehicle was made very strong and durable. This was the first great requisite. In some respects it resembled the ordinary express wagons, except that it was considerably smaller, It had heavy springs, and a canv s covering, with sufficient, as we have shown in another place, to cover the man also, when necessary. is was arranged to carry the wood, a re- servé of water, and the necessary tools to re- pair it, when any portion of the machinery should become disarranged. English coal could be carried to last for two days, and enough wood to keep steam going for twenty-four hours. When the reserve tank in the bottom of the wagon was also filled, the water would last nearly as long. 7 When these contingencies were all provided against, the six weeks mentioned by the hunter were gone, and Jonny Brainerd found himself rather leuging for his presence again. ee eee —_ — ——s a -_ —— a CHAPTER V. ON THE YELLOWSTONE. BALDY BICKNELL was a hunter and trapper’ who, at the time we bring him to the notice of the reader, had spent something over ten years among the mountains and prairies of the West. He was a brave, skillful hunter, who had been engaged in many desperate affrays with the red-skins, and who, in addition to the loss cf the , hair upon the crown of his head, bore many,’ other mementos on his person of the wild anc dangerous life that he had led. | Like most of his class, he was a restless being, constantly flitting back and forth be- tween the frontier towns and the western wilds. He never went further east than St. Louis, while his wanderings, on more thah one occasion, had led him beyond the Rocky Moun- tains. One autumn he reached the Yellowstone, near’ the head of navigation, just asa small trading propeder was descending the stream. As much rom the novelty of the thing, as anything else, he rode on board, with his horse, with the in- tention of completing his journey east by water. On board the steamer he first met Ethan Hopkins and Mickey McSquizzle, who had spent ten years in California, in a vain bunt for gold, and were now gy by their homes, thor- oughly disgusted with the country, its inhabi- tants and mineral resources, Baldy was attracted to them by their pe- culiarities of manner; but it is not probable that anything further would have resulted from this accidental meeting, but fora most startling and unforeseen occurrence, While still in the upper waters of the Yellow- stone, the steamer exploded her boiler, making a complete wreck of the boat and its contents, The hunter, with the others, was thrown into the water, but was so bruised and injured that he found it impossible to swim, and he would assuredly have been drowned but for the timely assistance of his two acquaintances, Neither the Yankee nor Irishman were burt in the least, and both faJling near the trapper, they instantly perceived his helplessness and came to his rescue, Both were excellent swim- mers, and had no difficulty in saving oar Do ye rist aisy!” said Mickey, as he saw the hunter’s face contorted with pain, as he vainly strug, led in the water, ‘‘and it’s ourselves that'll take the good care of yees jist.” “Stop yer confounded floundering,” admon- ished Hopkins; ‘‘it won’t do no good, and there ain’t no necessity for it.” One of them took the arm upon Cne side, and the other the same upon the opposite side, and struck out for the shore. The poor trapper re- alized bis dire extremity, and remained motion- less while they towed him along. ‘* Aisy jist—aisy now!” admonished Mickey ; ‘‘ve’re in a bad fix; but by the blessin’ of Heaven we'll do the fair thing wid yees. We understand the science of swimmin’, and—” At that moment some drowning wretch caught the foot of the Irishman, and he was in- stantly drawn under water, out of sight. Neither Hopkins nor Baldy lost presence of mind in this fearfal mo but continued their progress toward shore, a8 though nothing of the kind had happened. As for the Irishman, his situation for the time was exceedingly critical. The man who had clutched his foot did so with the grasp of a drowning man; in their struggle both went to the bottom of the river together. Here, by a furious effort, Mickey shook him free, and com- ing to the surface, struck out again for the suf- fering bunter. ‘(I]t is sorry I am that I was compelled to leave yees bebind,” he muttered, glancing over his shoulder in search of the poor fellow from whom he had just freed himself; ‘‘ but yees are past helpin’, and so it’s meself that must attend to the poor gentleman ahead.” Striking powerfully out, be soon came beside his friends again and took the drooping arm of Baldy Bicknell. ‘*Be yees sufferin’ to a great extent?” in- quired the kind-hearted Irishman, looking at the white face of the silent hunter. . ‘Got a purty good whack over the back,” be replied, between his compressed lips, as he forced back all expression of pain. “'Ye'll be aisier when we fotch ye to the land, as me uncle obsarved whin he hauled the big fish ashore that was thrashing his line to pieces jist.” F “'Twon’t take you long to git over it,” added Hopkins, anxious to give his grain of consola- tion; ‘‘ you look, now, like quite a healthy young man.”
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The current was quite rapid, and it was no light labor to tow the belpless hunter ashere; but the two friends succeeded, and at length drew him out upon the land and stretched him upon the sward. The exertion of keeping their charge afloat, and breasting the current at the same time, carried them a considerable distance down- | stream, and they landed perbaps an eighth of a | mile below where the main body of shivering wretches were congregated. “Do yees feel aisy?”’ inquired Mickey, when the hunter had been laid upon the grass, beneath | some overhanging bushes, ‘“Yes—I’ll soon git over it—but woofh! that ar war a whack of the biggest kind I got. It las made me powerful weak.” ‘“‘What might it have been naow!” inquired | Hopkins. “Can’t say—fust thing I know’d, I didn’t know nothin’—remember suthin’ took me back the bead, and the next thing I kerwholloped in the water.” The three men had lost everything a a what was on their bodies when the catastrophe occurred. Their horses were gone, and they hadn’t a gum between them; nothing but two Py and about a half-dozen charges for sach. Of the twenty odd who were upon the steam- er at the time of the explosion, nearly one-half | were killed; they sinking to the bottom almost | sas suddenly as the wrecked steamer, of which not a single trace now remained. The survivors made their way to land, reach- ing it a short distance below their starting- point, and here they assembled, to commiserate with each other upon their hapless lot and de- termine how they were to reach home. Our three friends had remained upon shore about half an hour, the two waiting for the third to recovrr, when the latter raised himself upon his elbow in the attitude of listening. At the same time he waved bis hand for the others ‘to hold their peace. A moment later he said: ‘I hear Injins ‘* Begorrah! where bees the same?’ demanded Mickey ae to his feet, while Ethan gazed aiarmedly about. ** Jist take a squint up the river, and tell me of they ain’t pitchin’ into the poor critters ar. Through the sheltering trees and under- growth, which partly protected them, the two men ga bs aa To their horror, they saw fully fifty Indians massacring the survivors of the wreck—whooping, screeching and yell- ing like demons, while their poor victims were vainly endeavoring to escape them. “Begorrsh, now, but that looks bad!” ex- claimed the Irishman, ‘Be the same towken, what is it tly t we can do?” *‘ Jerusatem! they’ll be sure to pay us a visit —Tll be gummed if they won’t,” added the Yankee, in some trepidation, as he cowered down again by the side of the hunter, and said to him in a lower voice: “The worst of it is, we haven't got a gun atwixtus. Of course we shall stick by you if we have to lose our heads fur it. But don’t you think they’ll pay us a Visit?’ “Like ’noughd” was the indifferent reply of the hunter, as he laid his head back again, as if tired of listening to the tumult. ““Can’t we do anything to get you out of danger?’ **Can’t see that you kin; you two fellers have done me a good turn in gittin’ me ashore—so jist leave me yere, and it don’t make no differ- ence about me one way or t’other, Ef I hear ‘em comin’ I’ll jist roll into the water and go under in that style.” __ “May the Howly Vargin niver smile upon us if we desart you in this extremity,” was the re- ply of the fervent-hearted Irishman. * And by the jumpin’ jingo! if we was con- sarnedly mean enough to do it, there ain’t no need of it.” As the Yankee spoke, he ran down to the river, and walking out a short distance, caught a log drifting by and drew it in. “Naow, rs ale or Mr. Bicknell, as you call yourself, we'll all three git hold of that and float down the river till we git beyond fear of the savages,” The plas was a good one, and the hunter so expressed himself. With some help he man- ‘aged to crawl to the river bank, where one arm was placed over the log, in such a manner that be could easily float, without any danger of sink- ing. % Keep as close to shore as you kin,” he said, as they were about shoving off. - ‘ The Huge Hunter. ““We can go faster in the middle,” said Hop- kins. ‘*But the reds ‘ll see us, and it Il be all up then.” ? This was the warning of prudence, and it was heeded, CHAPTER VI. THE MINERS. Tr was late in the afternoon when the explo- sion occurred, and it was just beginning to grow dark when the three friends began drift- ing down the Yellowstone. This fact was greatly in their favor, although there remained an hour cr two of great danger, in case the Indians made any search for them. In case of discovery, there was hardly an earth- ly chance for escape. The log or raft, as it might be termed, had floated very quietly down-stream for about half an hour, when the wonderfully acute ears of the trapper detected danger. “Thar be some of the skunks that are creep- in’ "long shore,” said he; **you’d better run in under this yar tree and hold fast awbile.” The warning was heeded, Just below them, the luxuriant branches of an oak, dipped in the current, formed an impenetrable screen, $ the log, guided thither, floated beneath this, Mickey and Ethan both caught hold of the branches and held themselves motionless. ‘Now wait till it’s dark, and then thar’ll be no fear of the varmints,” added the trapper. ““*Sht I haars sumfin’!” whispered the Irish- man ‘¢ What is it?” asked Ethan. *‘ How does I know till yees kaaps still?” ‘““Tt’s the reds goin’ Jong the banks,” said the trapper. he words were yet in his mouth, when the voice of one Indian was heard calling to another, Neither Mickey nor Ethan had the remotest idea of the meaning of the words uttered, but the trapper told them that they were inquiring of each other whether anything hed been dis- covered of more fugitives. The answer being in the negative, our friends considered their present pcsition safe, When it was fairly dark, and nothing more was seen or heard of the Indians, the raft was permitted to float free, and they drifted with the current. They kept the river until day- light, when, baving been in the water so long, they coveluded it best to land and rest them- selves. By the aid of their revolvers they suc- ceeded in kindling a fire, the warmth of which proved exceedingly grateful to all. They would have had a very rough time had they not encountered a party of hunters who accompanied them to St, Louis, where the trap- per had friends, and where, also, he had a good sum of money in the bank. Here Baldy remained all winter, before he entirely recovered from the burt which he re- ceived during the explosion and sinking of the steamer. When the Irishman and Yankee were about to depart, he asked them where they were going, “Tm goin’ bum in Connecticut and goin’ to work on the farm, and that’s where I’m goin’ to stay, I was a fool ever to leave it for this confounded place, I could live dec+nt out there, and that’s more than T can do in this blamed country.” ‘“And I shall go back to work on the Erie railroad, at thirty-siven cents a day and boord | myself,” replied the Irishman. **Tf yer were sartin of findin’ all the gold yer want, would yer go back to Californy?” “ Arrah, now, what are yees talkin’ about?” asked MeSquizzle, somewhat impatiently. ** What is the good of talkin’?” “‘T didn’t ax yer to fool with yer,” replied the trapper—“ thar’s a place that I know away out West, that I call Wolf Ravine, whar thar’s *nough gold to make both of yer richer than yer ever war afore, and then leave some for yer children.” ‘ “Jerusalem! but you’re a lucky dog!” ex- claimed Ethan Hopkins, not daring to hope that he would reveal the place. ‘‘ Why don’t you dig it up naow, yourself?” ‘T only found it a month ago, and I made a purty good baul of it, as it was. When that old boss of mine went down with the steamer, he carried a powerful heft of gold with him, and if anybody finds his carcass, it'll be the most vallyable one they ever come across.” “ Jingo! if 'd know’d that, I'd taken a bunt for him myself.” “Howsumever, that’s neither yar nor thar. You both done me a good turn when I got into trouble on the river, and | made up my mind to do what I could toward payin’ it back i _—$—?—_—$— SS eS eee 5 seve qewe —et e | eee nn ee e+ rn ene ~ 3 a TY NTT Seca hdbhastie Aedbeneogie the first chance I got. Ididn’t say nothin’ of it when we wer on our way, ’cause [ was afeard it would make you tee crazy to go back ag’in: but if you'll come back this way next spring I’ll make the trip with you.” ‘ “ Why not ge naow?” eagerly inquired Hop- ins, ‘“*Tt’s too late in the season. I don’t want to be thar when thar’s too much snow onto the ground, and then I must stay yar till I git well over that whack I yot on the boat,” It is hardly necessary to say that the offer of the kind-hearted trapper was accepted with the utmost enthusiasm. Mickey and Ethan were more anxious to go out upon the prairies than they had been a year and a half before, when they started so fullof Tife and hope for that vast wilderness, and had come back with such discouragement and disgust, It was arranged that as soon as the sycceed- ing spring had fairly set in, they would set out on their return for St. Louis, where the trapper would meet and accompany them to the won- derful gold region of which he had spoken, Before continuing their journey homeward, Baldy presented each with a complete outfit, paid their passage to their homes, and gave them a snug sum over. Like the Indian, he never could forget a kindness shown him, do too great a favor to those who had aosiganien benefited him, » P So the separation took place again; and, om the following spring Mickey and Ethan «# peared in St. Louis, where they had no di culty in finding their old friend, the trapper. He had recovered entirely from his prostrat ing blow, and was expecting them, anxious and glad to join in the promised search for gold. Ag the fair weather had really begun, there was no time lost in unnecessary delay. The purse of Baldy Bicknell was deep, and he had not the common habit of intoxication, which takes sq much substance from aman, He purchased a horse and accouterments for each of his friends; and, before they started westward, saw that nothing at all was lacking in their outfit. Three weeks later the men drew rein ina sort of valley, very deep but not very wide. It was on the edge of an immense prairie, while a river of considerable size flowed by the rear, and bya curious circuit found its way into the lower portion of the ravine, dashing and roar- ing forward in a furious canyon. e edge and interior of the ravine was lined with immense bowlders and rocks, while large and stunted trees seemed to grow everywhere. **-Yar’s what I call Wolf Ravine,” Baldy when they had spent some time in about them, ‘ “And be the same towken, where is the sole inquired Mickey. “Yes, that there is what I call the important. question,” added Ethan, ‘ “That it is, of the greatest account, as me. grandmither obsarved, whin fell off the. staaple, and axed whether her pipe was broke.” ‘‘Tt’s in thar,” was the reply of the hunter, as he pointed to the wiklest-looking portion of the ravine. ‘* Let’s git it then.” - “Thar be some other things that have got to be looked after first,” was the reply, ‘‘and we've got to find a place to stow ourselves away.’ This'waa a matter of considerable difficulty ; but they succeeded. at last in discovering a retreat in the rocks, where they were secure from any attack, no matter by how formidable a number made. After this, they hunted up a grazing place for their animals, which were turned loose, They soon found that the trapper had not de- ceived them, There was an unusually rich de- posit of gold in one portion of the ravine, and . the men fell to work with a will, conscious that they would reap a rich reward {or their labor. . The name, Wolf Ravine, bad been given to it by the trapper, because on his first discovery of it he had shot a large mountain wolf twas. clambering ap the side; but none others were. seen afterward, But there was one serious drawback to tbis brilliant prospect of wealth, Indians of the most treaeherous and implacable kind were all areund them, and were by uo means disposed to let them alone. : ' On the second day after their labor, a horde of them came se dowh upo) ; and had it not been for the safe retrbat, which | trapper’s fcresight had secured, all three w have been massacred, As it was, they had a severe fightgand were. penned up for the better part of two days, b which time they bad slain so many of their —
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6 enemies that the remaining ones were glad to withdraw. But when the trapper stole out on a visit to his horses he found that every one had been completely riddled by balls. The treacher- vie goes had taken every means of revenge at and. “Skin me fur a skunk, but we've stood this long as we ought to!” exclaimed Baldy Bick- nell, when he returned. ‘‘ You take cate of yourselves till 1 come back again!” With which speech be slung his rifle over bis ehculder and started for St. pare CHAPTER VIL. THE STEAM MAN ON HIS TRAVELS. Youne Brainerd bad a mortal fear that the existence of the steam man would be discovered by some outsider, when a large crowd would robably collect around his house, and bis Stends would insist on a display of the powers of the extraordinary mechanism. But there was no one in the secret except bis mother, and there was no danger of her reveal- ing it. Sothe boy experimented with his in- vention until there was nothing more left for him to do, except to sit and watch its workings. Finally, when he began to wonder at the pro- jonged delay of the trapper, who had visited him some weeks before, he made his appear- ance as suddenly as if he bad risen from the ground, with the inquiry: “Have you got that thundering old thing ready?’ ‘Yes: he has been ready for a week, and waiting.” ““Wal, start her out then, fur I’m in a hurry.” “You will have to wait awhile, for we can't get ready under half a day.” It was the hunter’s supposition that the boy was going to start the man right off up street, and then toward the West; but he speedily re- vealed a far different plan. It was to box up the man and take it to In- dependence by steamboat. At that place they woul | take it out upon the prairie, set it up and start it off, without any fear of disturbance from the crowds which usually collect at such plices, as they could speedily run away from them. When the Y grey was explained to Baldy, he fully indorsed it, and the Jabor was begun at nee, ‘The legs of the steam man being doub- led up, they were able to get itin a box, which Rave if the appearance of an immense piano un- der transportation. This, with considerable difficulty, was transported to the wharf, where, with much grumbling upon the part of the men, iff was placed on board the steamboat, quickly followed by the wagom and the few necessary tools. Tbe boy then bade his mother good-by, and she, suspecting be would be gone but a short time, said farewell to him, with little of the re- gret she would otherwise have felt, and a few hours later the party were steaming rapidly up the ‘‘ Mad Missouri.” ° Nothiog worthy of notice occurred on the passage, and they reached Independencé in safety. They secured a landing somewhat above the town, om the western side, where they had little fear of disturbance. Here the extraordinary foresight and skill of the boy was manifest, for, despite the immense size of the steam man, it was so put together that they were able to load it upon the wagon, and the two, without any other assistance, were able to drag it out upon the prairie. ““You see, is may break down en irely,” re- marked young Brainerd, “‘and then we can load it om the wagon aod drag it along.” “That must be a powerful strong wagon to carry such a big baby in it as that.” “So it is; it will hold five times the weight without being hurt in the least.” It was early in the forenoon when they drew it out upon the prairie in this manner, and be- gan putting it together. It certainly hed a grotesque and fearful look when it was stripped of all its bandages, and stood before them in all its naked majesty. It had beer so securely and carefully put away, that it was found uninjured in the least. ‘The trapper could not avoid laughing when the boy clambered as nimbly up its shoulder as an- -other Gulliver, and made a minute examination «f every portion of the machinery. hile thus ¢mployed, Baldy took the shafts of the wagon, and trotted to a farm-house, which he descried in the distance, whefe he Yosded it down with wood and filled the tank The Huge Hunter. with water. By the time he returned, Johnny had everything in readiness, and they immedi- ately began ‘firing up.” In this they bore quite a resemblance to the modern steam fire engines, acquiring a head of steam with remarkable quickness. As the boy had never yet given the man such an opportu- nity to stretch his legs as he was now about to do, he watched its motions with considerable anxiety. Everything was secured in the most careful manner, a goodly quantity of fuel piled on, the boiler filled with water, and they patiently waited the generation of a sufficient head of steam. ‘Ts it all good prairie land in that direction?’ inquired the boy, pointing to the West. * Thar’s all yer kin want.” “Then we'll start. Look out!” Despite the warving thus kindly given, the steam man started with a sudden jerk, that both of them came near being thrown out of the wagon. The prairie was quite level and hard, so that everything was favorable, and the wagon went bounding over the ground at a rate so fast that both the occupants were considerably fright- ened, and the boy quickly brought it down toa more moderate trot. This speed soon became monotonous, and as it ran so evenly, Baldy said: ‘Let her go, younker, and show us what she can do.” The rod controlling the valve was given a slight pull, and away they went, coursing like a locomotive over the prairies, the wheels spin- ning round at a tremendous rate, while the ex- traordinary speed caused the wind thus created almost to lift the caps from their beads, and a slight swell in the prairie sent the wagon up bee a bound that threatened to unseat them t It worked splendidly. The black smoke puffed rapidly from the top of the hat, and the machinery worked so smoothly that there was scarcely a click heard. The buge spiked feet came lightly to the ground, and were lifted but a short distance from it, and their long sweep and rapid movement showed unmistakably that the steam man was going at a rate which might well cefy anything that had yet swept the prairies, As there was no little risk in running at this speed, and as young Brainerd had not yet be- come accustomed to controlling it, he slackened the rate again, so that it sank to an easy glid- ing mo ion, equal to the rapid trot of an ordi- nary horse. Fully ten minutes were passed in this man- ner, when steam was entirely shut off, where- upon the giant came to such a sudden halt that both were thrown violently forward . and bruised somewhat. ‘‘Skulp me! but don’t stop quite so sudden like,” said the hunter. ‘‘It’s a little onhandy fur me to hold up so quick!” ‘*Vll soon learn to manage it,” replied John- ny. ‘I see it won’t do to shut off all at once.” Descending from his perch, be examined every portion of the engine. Several] parts were found heated, and the fuel was getting low. The water in the boiler, however, was just right, the engineer having been able to control that from his seat in the wagon. Throwing in a lot of wood, they remounted to their perch and started forward again. There was an abundance of steam, and the bov readily acquired such a familiarity with the working of bis man, that be controlled it with all the skill of an experienced engineer. The speed was slackened, then increased. It stopped and then started forward. again with all the ease and celerity that it could iuave done if really buman, while it showed a reserve of power and velocity capable of performing won- ders, if necessary. As vet they had seen nothing of any travel- ers, They were quite anxious to come across some, that they might show them what they were capable of doing. “There must be some passing over the plains.” remarked Johnny, when they bad passed some thirty or forty miles, ‘Plenty of ’em; but we’ve got out of the track of ’em, If you’!l turn off summat to the left. we'll run foul of ’em afore dark.” The boy did as directed, and the rattling pace was kept up for several hours. When it was noon they helped themselves to a portion of the food which they brought with them, without checking their progress in the yf True, while the boy was eating, he kept eye on the giant who was going at such rapid strides; but that gentleman continued bis progress in an unexceptionable manner, and needed no atten tion.. When the afternoon was most] declared that they had gone the a hundred miles. The boy could hardly credit it at first; but, when he recalled that they had scarcely paused for seven hours, and had gone a portion of the distance at a very high rate, he saw that his friend was not far out of the way. It lacked yet several hours of dusk, when the trapper exclaimed: ‘* Yonder is an emigrant train—now make for gone, Baldy tter part of ’em {” CHAPTER VIII. INDIANS. THE steam man was headed straight toward the emigrant train, and advanced at a speed which rapidly came up witb it. They could see, while yet a considerable dis- tance away, that they had attracted notice, and the emigrants had paused and were surveying them with a wonder which it would be difficult to express. It is said that when Robert Fulton’s first steamboat ascended the Hudson, it created a consternation and terror sucb as bad never be- fore been known—many believing that it was the harbinger of the final destruction of the world. Of course, at this late day, no such excite- ment can be created by any human invention— but the sight of a creature speeding over the country, impelled by steam, and bearing such a grotesque resemblarce to a gigantic man, could not but startle all who should see it for the fiist time. The steam man advanced at a rate which was quite moderate, until within a quarter of a mile of the astonished train, when the boy let on a full head of steam and instantly bounded forward like a meteor. As it came opposite the amazed company, the whistle was pulled, and it gave forth a shriek hideous enough to set a mn crazy. The horses and animals of the emigrant train could be seen rearing and plunging. while the men stood too appalled to do anything except gaze in stupid and speechless amazement. There were one or two, however, who had sense enough to perceive that there was nothing at all very supernatural about, it, and they shouted to them to halt; but our two friends concluded it was not desirable to have any company, and they only slackened their speed, without halting. But there was one of the emigrants who de- termined to know something more about it, and, mounting bis horse, he started after it on a full run. The trapper did not perccive bim until be had approached quite close, when they again put on a full head of steam, and they went bounding forward at a rate which threat- ened to tear them to pieces. But the keen perception of the boy had de- tected what they were able to do without real risk; and, without putting his invention to its very best, he kept up a speed which steadily drew them away from their pursuer, who final- ly became discouraged, checked his anima], ana turned round and rode back to his friends, a not. much wiser man. This performance gave our friends great de- light. It showed them tbat they were really ap of a prize whose value was incalcu- lable, “Ef the old thing will only last,” said Baldy, when they had sunk down to a moderate trot. again. ‘* What's to hinder?” ‘‘Dunno; yer oughter be able to tell. But these new-fangled things generally go well at first, and then, afore yer k now it, they bu’st 2)! to blazes.” ; ‘“No fear of this. I made this fellow so ! ig that there is plenty of room to have everything strong and give it a chance to work,” ‘““Wal, you’re the smartest feller I ever seen, big or little. Whoever heard of a man going by steam?” ‘‘T have, often; but I never saw it. I expect when I go back to make steam horses—” “ And birds, I s’pose?” ‘*Perhaps so; it will take some time to get such things in shape, but I hope to do it after awhile.” “Skulp me! but thar must be some things: that you can’t do, and I think you’ve mentioned em. “ Perhaps so,” was the quiet reply. “When you git tkeowen. with this Westerm trip. : what are you goin’ to do with this old fel ler # ——
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mn — = oor en ee — “T don’t know. I may sell him, if anybody wants him.” “Wo fear of that; Dll take him off your bands, and give you a good price for him.” 5s t good will he do you?” ‘Why, you can make more mone him than Serntan ever did with his Horse.” , ‘“‘ How so?’ inquired the boy, with great sim- licity. NC: ake him eg, the country and show him to the people. tell yer they’d run after such things. it out yer pictures of him, and the folks would break thar necks to see him. I tell yer, thar’s a fortune thar?’ The trapper spoke emphatically like one who knows. As it was growing dusk, they deemed it best to look for some camping-place. There was considerable danger in running at night, as there was no moon, and they might run into some gully or ravine and dislocate or wrench sume portion of their machinery, which might result in an irreparable catastrophe. Before it was fairly dark they headed toward a small clump of trees, where everything looked favorable, “You see we must find a place where there is plenty water and fuel, for we need both,” re- marked the boy. ‘*Thar’s plenty of wood, as yer see with yer eyes,” replied Baldy, ‘‘ and when trees look as green as that, thar’s purty sure sign thar’s water not fur off.” “That's all we want,” was the observation of the engineer as he headed toward the point indicated. Things were growing quite indistinct, when the steam man gave its last puff, and came to rest in the margin of the grove. The fires were instantly drawn, and every- thing was put in as good shape as possible, by the boy, while the trapper made a tour of examination through the grove. Hecame back with the report that everything was as they wished. ‘“Thar’s a big stream of water runnin’ right through the middle, and yer can see the wood fur yourself,” ‘ ‘* Any signs of Indians?’ asked the boy, in a low voice, as if fearful of being overheard. ‘‘ Dunno; it’s too dark to tell.” “it it’s dangerous here, we bad better go on.” ‘*Yer ain’t much used to this part the world, with oolly ' You may keep aes ul easy till mornin’.” As they could not fe certain whether in danger or not, it was the part of prudence to | high, into a roaring river at the believe that some peril threatened them. Accordingly they ate their evening meal in silence, and curled up in the bottom of -their wagon, first taking/the precaution to fill their tank with water, and placing a portion of wood and kindlings in the bowels of the steam man, so that in case of danger, they would be able to leave at a short notice. Johnny Brainerd was soon sound asleep, and the trapper followed, but it was with that light, restless slumber which is disturbed by the slightest noise. it came about that, but a few hours bad , when he was aroused by some slight disturbance in the grove. Raising his head he endeavored to peer into the darkness, but ke could detect nothing. But he was certain that something was there, and he gently aroused the boy beside him. “What is it?” queried the latter in a whisper, but fully wide-awake. — “+I think thar ar Ingins among the trees,” ‘Good beavens! what shall we do?” “Keep still and don’t git skeart—’sh!” At this fJuncture he beard a slight noise, and eautiously raising his head, he caught the out- lines of an Indian, in a croucbing position, steal- ing along in front of the wagon, as though examining the curious contrivance. He _un- doubtedly was greatly puzzled, but he remained oply a few minutes, when he withdrew as silently as he had come, “Stay yer, while I take a look around!” whispered Baldy, as he slid softly out the wagon, while the boy did the same, waiting until sure that the trapper would not see him. Baldy spent a ha)f-hour in making bis recon- noissance. The result of it was that he found there were fully twenty Indians, thoroughly wide-awake, who were moving stealthily through the grove. When he came a it was with the convic- tion that their only safety lay in getting away without delay. ; ‘We've got to learn,” said he, “how long it will take yer to git up steam, youngster?” The Huge Hunter. ‘There is a full head on now. I fired up the minute you left the wagon.” ‘* Good!” exclaimed Baldy, who in bis excite- ment did not observe that the steam man was seething, and apparently ready to explode with the tremendous power pent up in its vitals. CHAPTER IX, THE STEAM MAN AS A HUNTER. At this juncture the trapper whispered that the Indians were again stealing around them, Johnny’s first proceeding was to pull the whistle wide open, awaking the stillness of the night by a hideous, prolonged screech, Then, letting on the steam, the man made a bound forward, and the next moment was oer 3 over the prairie like a demon of dark- ness, its horrid whistle giving forth almost one continual yell, such as no American Indian has ever been able to imitate. When they had gone a few hundred yards, Johnny again slackened the speed, for there was great risk in going at this tremendous rate, where all was entire blank darkness, and there was no telling into what danger they might run. At the speed at which they were going they would have bounded in‘o a river before they could have checked themselves. “Yer furgot one thing,” said Baldy, when they had considerably moderated their gait, and were using great caution. ‘What is that?” ‘Yer oughter bad a lamp in front, so we could travel at night, jist as well as day,” ‘““You are right; I don’t see how I came to forget that. We could have frightened the Indians more completely, and there would have been some consolation in traveling at such a time.” ‘Ts it too late yet?” “Couldn’t do it without going back to St. Louis.” ‘“Thunderation ! ahead.” “Such a lamp or head-light as the locomotives use would cost several hundred dollars, although I could have made one nearly as good for much less, Such a thing in the center of a man’s forehead, and thé whistle at the end of bis nose, would give him quite an impressive appear- ance.” ‘“ Yer must do it, too, some day— My God!” The boy instantly checked their progress, as the trapper uttered his exclamation; but quick- ly as it was done, it was none too scon, for another long step and the steam man would have gone down an embankment, twenty feet base. As it was, both made rather a burried leap to the ground, and ran to the front to see whether there was not danger of bis going down. But fortunately be stood firm. “T declare that was a narrow escape!” ex- claimed the boy as he gazed down the cavern- ous darkness, looking doubly frightful in the gloom of the night. “Skulp me if that wouldn’t have been almost as bad as staying among the red-skins,” replied the trapper. ‘‘How are we goin’ to get him out of this?” ‘‘ We've got to shove him back ourselves.” ** Can’t we reverse him?” ‘‘ No; he isn’t gotten up on that principle.” By great labor they managed to make him retrograde a few steps, so that he could be made to shy enough to leave the dangerous vicinity, and once more started upon the broad firm prairie. : : ‘Do you suppose these Indians are following us?” inquired the boy. ‘*No fear of it.” ‘*Then we may as well stay here.” The fires were drawn again, everything made right, and the two disposed themselves again for spending the night in slumber. No disturhance occurred, and both slept soundly until broad daylight. The trapper’s first proceeding upon awakening was to scan the prairie in every direction in quest of danger. He was not a little amused to see a dozen or s0 mounted Indians about a third of a mile to the west. They had reined up on the plain, and were evidently scanning the strange object, with a great deal of wonder, mixed with some feer. “*Do you think they will attack us” inquired the boy, who could not suppress his trepidation at the sight of the warlike savages, on their gayly-caparisoned borses, drawn up in such startling array. “ Ef thar warany danger of that, we could stop ’em by ’tacking ’em. ‘*Jest fire up and start toward ’em, and see how quick they will scatter.” The advice was acted upon on the instant, al- I didn’t mean that. Go RENN NT a NA LL PARR Mt RRS OTTER ECT ns aa. | though it was with no little misgiving on the part of the engineer, All the time that the “ firing up” process was under way the savages set as motionless as statues upon tbeir horses. Had they under- stood the real nature of the ‘ animal,” it cannot be supposed that they would ave hesitated for a moment to charge down upon it and demolish it entirely. But it wasa terra incognita, clothed with a terror such as no array of enemies could wear, and they preferred to keep at a g»odly distance _ from it. ‘Now, suppose ae? do not ru?” remarked Jobnny, rather doubtingly, as he hesitated whether to start ahead or not. ‘What if they don’t? Can’t we ran another way? But yer needn’t fear. Jist try it on.” team was let on as repidly as possible, and the momentum gathering quickly, it was soon speeding over the prairie at a tremendous rate, straight toward the savages. The latter remained motionless a few mo- ments, before they realized that it was coming after them, and then, wheeling about, they ran es though all the legions of darkness were after them. ‘Shall I keep it up?’ shouted Johnny in the ear of the hunter, ‘Yas; give em such a skear that they wan’t be able to git over it ag’in in all thar lives.” There issome fun in chasing a foe, when you know that be is really afraid of you, and will keep running without any thought of turning at bay, and the dwarf put the steam man to the very highest notch of speed that was safe, even at the slight risk of throwing both the occupants out The prairie was harder and nearer level than any over which they bad passed since starting, so that nothing was in the way of preventing the richest kind of sport. “Are we gaining?” oe ie Johnny, his eyes glowing with excitement, ‘Gaining? Thar never was a red-skin that had such a chase in all the world. Ef they don’t git out the way mighty soon, we'll run over ’em all.” They were, in truth, rapidly overhauling the red-skins, who were about as much terrified as it was possible for a mortal to be, and still live. To increase their fears, the bey are up a con- stant shrieking of his whistle. there had been any other contrivance or means at bis command, it is possible the red-skins would have tumbled off their horses and died; for they were bearing almost all the fright, terror and horror that can possibly be concentrated into a single person. ; inding there was no escape by means of the speed of their horses, the Indians sensibly did a “ee trapper had prophesied they would do at first. They ‘“‘scattered,” all diverging over the prairie, As it was impossible for the steam man to overtake all of these, of course, this ex- pedient secured the safety of the majority. Neither Baldy nor the boy were disposed to give up the sport in this manner; so, they sin- gled out a ous ‘*noble red-man,” who was pursuing nearly the same direction as they seg he and they headed straight for bim. e the object of the monster’s pursuit, seemed to become frantic with terror. Rising on his horse’s back, he leaned forward until it looked as though there was danger of going over his head altogether. Then, whooping and shriek- ing to his terrified horse, that was already straining every nerve, he pounded bis heels in its sides, vain y urging it to still greater speed. In the mean time, the steam man was pelning steadily upon bim, while to add variety to the scene, Jobnny kept up the unearthly shrieking of the nose-whistle of the giant. It was dtfficult to tell which sounded the most hideously in this strange chase. The remaining Indians bad improved their advantage to the utmost. Fearful that their dreadful enemy might change ite mind and single them out, they kept up their tearing flight, all regardless of the great extremity to which their companion was reduced, until finally they disappeared in the distance. A short distance only separated pursuer and pursued, when the latter, realizing that there was no escape in flight, headed toward the river, which was a sbort nee on the right. This saved him. When with a bowl, borse and rider thundered over the bank and disap- d, the steam man could not follow him. @ was compelled to give up the chase and draw A few days later, and without further note- or wretch, when he saw that he was
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8 — worthy incident, the steam man reached Wolf Ravine, being received in the manner narrated at the beginning of this story. CHAPTER X. WOJ.F RAVINE. Durine@ the absence of Baldy Bicknell in search of the steam man, neither Mickey nor Ethan had been disturbed by Indians. They bad worked unceasingly in digging the gold mine to which they had gained access through the instrumentality of the trapper. When they had gathered together quite a quan- tity of the gravel and dirt, with the yellow sand glittering threugh it, it was carried a short distance to the margin of the river, where | it underwent the *‘ washing ” process. While thus engaged, one of them was con- | stantly rnnning up the bank, to make sure that their old enemies Gid not steal upon them un- awares. Once or twice they caught sight of several moving in the distance, but they did not come near enough to molest them, doing nothing more than to keep them on the qui vive. There was one Indian, however, who bestrode a black horse, who haunted them like a phan- tom. When they glanced over the river, at almost any time, they could see this individual cautiously circling about on bis horse, and ap- varently waiting for a chance to get a shot at is enemies, ‘* Begarrahb, but he loves us, that he does, as the lamb observed when speaking of the wolf,” said Mickey, just after he had sent a bullet whistling about their ears. ‘*Jehosipbat! he loves us too much!” added the Yankee, who had no relish for these stolen shots. ‘‘If we ain’t keerful, there’ll be nuthin’ of us left when Baldy comes back—that is, if he comes back at all.” This redskin on his black horse was so danger- ous that he required constant watching, and the men could perform only half their usual work. It was while Mickey was on the lookout for him that he caught sight of the steam man coming toward him, as we have related in another place. So long as that parnotings was kept puffing and tearing round the vicinity, they knew there was no fear of disturbance from the treacher- ous red-skins, who were so constantly on the alert to avenge themselves for the loss they had suffered in the attack; but it would hardly pay to keep an iron man as sentinel, as the wear and tear in all probability would be too much tor him. _ After consulting together upon the return of Baldy, and after they bad ridden behind the steam man to their heart’s content, they decided upon their future course. As the boy, Johnny, had no intention of devoting himself to manual labor, even had he been able, it was agreed that he should take upon himself the part of senticel, while the others were at work. In this way it was believed that they could finish within a couple of weeks, bidding good- by to the Indians, and quickly reach the States and give up their ras, Ire pursuits altogether, whereas, if compelled to do duty themselves as sentinels, their stay would be doubly prolonged. This arrangement suited the boy very well, who was thereby given opportunity to exercise his steam man by occasional airings over the prairies. To the east and south the plains stretched away till the horizon shut down upon them, as the sky does on the sea, To the west, some twenty odd miles distant, a range of mouotains was visible, the peaks being tinged with a faint blue in the distance, while some of the more elevated looked like white conical clouds resting agalnst the clear sky beyond. From the first, young Brainerd «xpressed a desire to visit these mountains. There was something in their rugged grandeur which in- vited a close inspection, and he proposed to the trapper that they should make a hunting excur- sion in that direction. “No need of goin’ so fur for game,” he re- lied, ‘‘takes too much time, and tbar’s sure to red-skins.” ** But if we go with the steam man we shall frighten them all away,” was the reply. *"Yas,” laughed Baldy, ‘‘and we'll skear the game away too:” . *‘ But we can overtake that as we did the poor Indian the other day.” “Not if he takes to the mountains. Least- ways yer isn’t him that would like to undertake to ride up the mountain bebind that old gintle- “Nor I either, but we can leave the wagon when we get to the base of the mountain.” * And give the reds time to come down and run off with yee whole team.” ee ee The Huge Hunter. ‘Do you think there is danger of that?” ‘Dunno as thar be, but ef they catched sight of yourself, they’d raise yer ha’r quicker’n lightning.” Seeing that the little fellow was considerably discouraged, Baldy hastened to add: ‘* Hf you’re keerful, younker, and I bi’lieve | yer generally be, take a ride thar yerself, behind yer jumping-jack, but remember my advice and stick to yer wagon.” Having thus obtained permission of the hun- ter, Johnny Brainerd, as may well be supposed, did not wait long before availing himself of his privilege. The weather, which had been threatening toward the latter part of the day, entirely cleared away, and the next morning dawned remarkably clear and beautiful. So the boy announced his intention of making the expected visit, after which, he promised to devote him- self entirely to performing the duty of sentinel. ‘* Abeout what time may we look for you, neow !” asked Ethan, as he was on the point of | starting, , ‘Sometime this afternoon.” ‘*Come in before dark, as me mither used to observe to meself, when I wint out sbparkin’,” added Mickey. The boy promised to heed their warnings, and began firing unpagain. The tank was completely filled with water, and the wagon filled nearly full of wood, so that the two were capable of running the contrivance for the entire day, provided there was no cessation, and that he was on the *‘ go” continually. Before starting, it was thoroughly oiled through and through, and put in the best possi- ble condition, and then waving them all a pleas- ant farewell, he steamed gayly toward the mountains. ; The ground was admirable, and the steam man traveled better than ever. Like a loco- motive, he seemed to have acquired a certain smoothness and steadiness of motion, from the exercise he had already bad, and the sharp eye of the boy detected it at once. He saw that he had been very fortunate indeed in constructing his wonderful invention, as it was impossible for any human skill to give it any better move- ment than it now possessed, The first three or four miles were passed at a rattling gait, and the boy was sitting on the front of bis wagon, dreamily watching the play of the huge engine, when it suddenly paused, and with such abruptness that he was thrown forward from his seat, with violence, falling directly between the legs of the monster, which seemed to stand perfectly motionless, like the intelligent elephant that is fearful of stirring a limb, lest he might crush his master lying neath him, The boy knew at once that some accident had happened, and unmindful of the severe scratch he had received, he instantly clambered to his feet, and began examining the machinery, first taking the precaution to give vent to the sur- plus steam, which was rapidly gathering. It was some time before he could discover the cause of difficulty, but he finally ascertained that a small bolt had slipped loose, and had caught in such a manner as to check the motion of the engine on the instant, Fortunately no permanent injury was done, and while he was making matters right, he recollected that in chatting with the trapper as he was on the point of starting, he had Soran to screw on the bolt, when his attention bad been momentarily diverted, when it escaped his mind altogether, so that he alone was to blame for the accident, which had so narrowly escaped proving a serious one. Making sure that everything was right, he remounted the wagon, and cautiously resumed his journey, going very slowly at first, so as to watch tbe play of the engine. Everything moved with its usual smoothness, and lifting his gaze he descried three buffaloes, a with erect heads, staring wonderingly at him. : “Tf you want a chase you may have it!” ex- claimed the boy as he headed toward them. CHAPTER XI. THE STEAM MAN ON A BUFFALO HUNT, Wirs a wild snort of alarm, the three buffa- loes turned tail and dashed over the prairie, with the shrieking steam man in pursuit, The boy had teken the precaution to bring a rifle with him. When he saw them flee in this terrified manner, the thought came to him at once that he would shoot one of them, and take a on back to his friends for their supper. t would be a grand exploit for him, and he = a —_~ would be prouder of its performance than he was of the construction of the wonderful steam man. | The lumbering, rolling gait of the buffaloes | was not a very rapid one, and the boy found | himself speedily overhauling them without dif- ficulty. They did not know enough to separate, but kept close together, sometimes crowding and striking against each other in their furious efforts to escape. : but, after the chase had continued some time, | one of the animals began to fall in the rear, and Jobhuny directed his attention toward him, as he would be the most easy to secure. This fellow was a buge bull that was slightly lame, which accounted for bis tardiness of gait. Frightened as he was, it was not that blind ter- ror which had seized the Indians when they discovered the steam man so close at their heels. The bull was one of those creatures that if closely pressed would turn and charge the mon- ster. e was not one to continue a fruitless flight, no matter who or what was bis pursuer. The boy was not aware of this sturdy trait in the animal, nor did he dream of anything like resistance, So he steadily drew toward him, until within twenty yards, when he let go of his controlling rod, and picked up the rifle beside him. A bul- let from this, Le supposed, would kill any animal, however large, no matter at what por- tion of his body he aimed, So raising partly to his feet, and steadying | himself as well as he could, be aimed for the lumping haunch of the animal. The ball buried itself in his flank, and so retarded bis speed, that | os next moment the boy found himself beside | him. : The instant this took place, the bull lowered | his head, and without farther warning, charged full at the steam man. The boy saw the danger, but too late to stave it off. His immense head struck the rear of the monster with such momentum that be was lifted fully a foot from the ground—the concussion sounding like the crack of a pistol, | Fortunately the shock did not materially in- jure the machine, although the frightened boy expected to be capsized and killed by the infu- riated buffalo. The latter, when he bad made his plunge, in- stantly drew back for another, which was sure to be fatal if made as fairly as the first, The boy retained his. presence of mind enough to let on full steam, and the concern shot away at an extraordinary rate, bounding over the ground so furiously that the billets of w were thrown and scattered in every direction, so that now, from being the pursuer, he had speed- ily become the pursued, The tables were turned with a vengeance! \ It was only by providential good fortune that young Brainerd escaped instant destruction. The wonder was that the steam man was not so injured as to be unable to travel, in which case the maddened bull would have left little of him. As it was, the experience of the boy wes such as he could never forget. When he turned his affrighted glance behind he saw the enraged animal plunging furiously after him, his bead lowered, his tongue out, bis-eyes glaring, and his whole appearance that of the most brutal | ferocity. Had the bull come in collision with the horse or man while in that mood he would have made short work of bim, But great as was his speed, it could not equal that of the wouderful steam man, who took | such tremendous strides that a few minutes sufficed to carry him beyond all danger. Johnny quietly slacked off steam, but he kept up a good swinging gait, not caring to renew his close acquaintance with bis wounded enemy. The latter speedily discovered be was losing ground, and finally gave up the pursuit and trotted off at a leisurely rate to join his com- panions, apparently none the worse for the slight wound he had received, As soon as the boy found himself beyond the reach of the animal’s fury he halted the man and made a r inute examination of the ma- chinery. The head and horns of the buffalo had dented the iron skin of the steam man, but the blow being distributed over a large area, inflicted no other damage—if indeed this could be called damage of itself. The boy was greatly pleased, not only at bis escape but at the admirable manner in which his invention had ‘borne the shock of collision. It had not felt. Turning his face more toward the mountains, he again let on a geod head of steam and ave him a confidence in it which hitherto &e f
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—_—_— en et ree nen ee rattled over the prairié at a stirring rate. An hour was sufficient to bring him to the base, where he halted, He bad not fergotten the warning of the trapper, but, like almost any inexperienced per- son, he could not see any cause for alarm. He scanned every part of the prairie and mountain that was in his field of vision, but could detect nothing alarming. He supposed the parting admonition of Baldy was merely a general warning, such as a cau- \tious person gives to ong whom he has reason to fear is somewhat carel#§s in his conduct. It therefore required $ttlo self-argument upon his part after putting his man in proper ‘ con- dition,” to start offona ramble up the moua- tain side. It was not his intention to remain more than an hour or so, unless he came across some game. He had a goodly quantity of am- munition, and was careful that his rifle was loaded, so as not to be taken unawares by any emergency. Although Jobony Brainerd was afflicted with a misshapen form, yet he was very quick and active upon his feet, and bounded along over the rocks, and across the chasms like a deer, with such a buoyancy of spirits that he forgot all danger, However, he had gone but a short distance, when he was startled by a low fierce growl and turning his head, saw to bis horror, that he bad nearly run against a colossal animal which he at once recognized as the dreaded grizzly bear, Such a meeting would have startled an ex- perienced hunter, and it was therefore with no steady nerve that he hastily brought his piece to his shoulder and fired. The shot struck the bear in the body, doing just what bis shot at the buffalo had done some time before. It thoroughly angered him, with- out inflicting anything like a serious wound. With a growl of fury the brute made straight for him. What would the boy have given, as he sped down the mountain side, were he now in his wagon, whirled over the prairie at a rate which would enable him to laugh to scorn any such speed as that of the brute. At first he had hopes of reaching his refuge, but he was not long in seeing that it was im- ible, and found that if be escaped he must nd some refuge very speedily. When he suddenly found himself beneath a goodly-sized tree it looked like a providential indication to him, and throwing his gun to the ground, he ascended the tree in the shortest time that he had ever made. He was none too soon as it was, for the bear was so close beneath him that he felt the brush ef its claws along his feet, as he nervously jerked them beyond its reach. Hastily scrambling to the very ‘top of tha tree, he secured himself among the limbs, and then glanced down to see what his enemy was doing. Great was his relief to find him sitting on bis haunches, contenting himself with merely casting wistful glances upward. The sensation of even temporary safety was a relief—but when a full hour had dragged by, with scarcely a single change of tion upon the part of the brute, Johnn bimself what was to be the ould of all shis, It looked as though the grizzly had resolved on making his dinner upon the youngster who had dared to fire a sbot at him. The patience of an animal is proverbially greater than that of a human being, and that of the bear cer- tainly exceeded to a great degree that of bis expected prey who crouched in the limbs above. to ask CHAPTER XII. THE GRIZZLY BEAR. FRoM where young Brainerd was perched on the tree it was impossible to catch a glimpse of the steam man, so patiently awaiting his re- turn, The distance was also too great for bim to make himself heard by the miners, who were hard at work twenty miles away. Fruitfui in expedients, it was not long before the boy found a resource in his trouble. Tear- ing a large strip from his coat, he tore this into smaller strips, until he had secured a rope half a dozen yards in length. Upon the end of this he placed a loop, and then, descending to the lowest limb, he devoted himself to the task of Jooping it over the end of his gun. It fortu- nately had fallen in such & manner that the muzzle was somewhat elevated, so that here was a good opportunity for the exercise of his skil) an ey ttempt was made the bear m a maddouly olawed at it and tore it from the boy's ‘ The Huge Hunter. hand before he could jerk it beyond his reach, So he was compelled to make another one. Nothing discouraged, the boy soon had this completed, and it was dropped down more cau- tiously than before. When the grizzly made a lunge at it, it was deftly twitched out of his way. This was repeated several times, until the brute became disgusted with the sport, and dropping down bebind the tree, let the boy do all the fishing he chose, Now was his time, but the boy did not allow his eagerness to overcome the steadiness of his nerves. It required no little skill, but he finally succeeded in dropping the noose over the muzzle of the gun and jerked it up taut. With a heart beating high with hope, Johnny saw it lifted clear of the ground, re he began carefully drawing it up. The grizzly looked curiously at bis maneuvers, and once made as if to move toward the dangling rifle; but, ere his mind was settled, it was drawn beyond bis reach, and the cold muzzle was grasped in the hand of the eagerly waiting boy. While drawing it up, he had been debating with himself as to the ilies means of killing the brute. Remembering that his first shot had done no harm, he sensibly concluded that he had not yet learned the vulnerable part of the monster. His gun was loaced very carefully, and when everything was ready he made a noise, to at- tract the attention of the brute. The bear looked up instantly, when the gun was aimed straight at his right eye. Ere the grizzly could withdraw his gaze, the piece was discharged, and the bullet sped true, crashing into the skull of the colossal brute, With a howling grunt, he rose upon his hind feet, clawed the air a few moments, and then dropped dead. Young Brainerd waited until he was certain that the last spark of life had fled, when he a Sapgye descended the tree, scarcely able to realize the truth that he had slain a grizzly bear—the monarch of the western wilderness. But such was the fact, and he felt more pride at the thought than if he had slain a dozen buf- faloes. ‘Tf I only had him in the wagon,” be reflect- ed, ‘* Pl take him into camp, for they will never believe I killed a grizzly bear.” However, it occurred to him that he might secure some memento, and accordingly he cut several claws and placed them in his pocket. This done, he concluded that, -s the afternoon was well advanced, it was time he started homeward, His hurried flight from the ferocious brute had bewildered him somewhat, and, when he took the direction he judged to be the right one, he found nothing familiar or remembered, from which fact he concluded he was going astray. But a little computation on his part, and he soon righted himself, and was walking along quite hopefully, when he received another severe shock of terror, at hearing the unmis- takable whoop of an Indian, instantly followed by several others. J : Immediately he recalled the warning given by the trapper, and looked furtively about, to make sure that he was not already in their hands. His great anxiety now was to reach the steam man and leave the neighborhood, which was rapidly becoming untenable, — So he began stealing forward as rapidly as possible, at the same time keeping a sharp look- out for danger. It required a half-hour, pro- ceeding at this rate, before reaching the base of the mountain. The moment be did so, he looked all around in quest of the steam man, whom he had been compelled to desert for so long a time. He discovered it standing several hundred yards away; but, to his dismay, there were fully a dozen Indians standing and walking about it, examining every portion with the greatest curiosity. Here was a dilemma indeed, and the boy be- gan to believe that he had gotten himself into an inextricable difficulty, for how to reach the steam man and renew the fire—under the cir- cumstances—was a PA nin which might well puzzle an older bead to answer. : It was unfortunate that the machine should have been taken at this great disadvantage, for it was stripping it of its terror to those Indians, who were such inveterate enemies to the whites, They had probably viewed it with wonder and fear at first; but finding if undemonstra- tive, had gradually gathered courage, until Lae bad congregated around it, and made as critical a scrutiny as they knew how, ‘pace, and was striding 9 Whatever fear or terror they had felt at first sight was now gone; for they seemed on the most familiar terms with it. Several climbed into the wagon—others passed in and around the helpless giant—and one valiant fellow hit him a thwack on the stomach with his tomahawk. This blow burt the boy far more than it did the iron man, and he could hardly repress a cry of pain, as he looked upon the destruction of his wonderful friend as almost inevitable. The savage, however, contented bimself with this demonstration, and immediately after walked away toward the mountajn, The ob- servant boy knew what this meant, and he withdrew from his temporary hiding-\lace, and started to watch him. The fact that the Indian followed precisely the path taken by him, did not remove the un- easiness, and he made up bis mind that nothing but danger was to come to him from this pro- ceeding. When the Indian had reached the spot where the dead grizzly bear lay, he paused in the greatest wonderment. Here was something which he did not understand. The dead carcass showed that somebody had slain, him, and the shot in the eye looked as though it had been done by an experienced hunter, A few minutes’ examination of the ground showed further that be who had fired the sbot was in the tree at the time, after which he had descended and fled. All this took but a few minutes for the say- age to discover, when he gave a whoop of tri- umph at his success in probing the matter, and started off on the trail. Unluckily, this led straight toward the bowl- der behind which the boy had concealed him- self; and ere he could find a new biding-place the Indian was upon him. At sight of the boy, the savage gave a whoop, and raised his tomahawk; but the youngster was expecting this, and instantly raising his gun, he be dB it full into his heart. ; As he heard the sbriek of the Indian, and saw him throw up bis arms, he did not wait to hear or see anything else, but instantly fled with might and main, scarcely looking or knowing whither he was going. A short time after he found himself at the base of the mountain, Mie & near the spot w he had first come, and glancing again tow the steam man, he saw him stan motion- ees before, and with nof a single Indian in sight! CHAPTER XIII, AN APPALLING DANGER, Nor a second was to be lost. The next mo- ment the boy had run across the intervening space and pulled open the furnace door of the steam man. He saw a few embers yet smol- dering in the bottom—enough to rekindle the wood. Dashing in a lot from the wagon, he saw it begin blazing up. He pulled the valve wide open, so that there might not be a moment’s delay in starting, and held the water in the boiler ata prope level, The smoke im- mediately began issuing from the pipe or hat, and the hopes of the boy rose correspondingly. The great danger was that the Indians would return before he could start, He kept glancing behind bim, ard it was with a heart beatin with despair that he heard several whoops, pi saw at the same instant a number of red-skins coming toward him, The boy gave a jolt to the wagon, which com- shoe ype to ibs yee man, and it instantly started, a te a moderate gait, but rapid] increased toite old-fashioned fait d sirhiee It was just in the nick of time, for two min- utes later the savages would have been upon him, As it was, when they saw the giant moving off they paused for a moment in amaze- ment. But their previous acquaintance with the ap- paratus had robbed it of all its supernatural attributes, and their halt lasted but a few sec- onds. The next moment they understood that there was some human vonage about it, and ut- tering their blood-curdling yells, they started But by bm: ag é steam ttin own 8 ar Ri os the ipraire lke a omedary. For a time the Indians gained, then the intervening distance became station- ary, and then he began pulling steadily away from them. Still the savages maintained the chase ve in full pursuit. gentleman was satisfied of its hopélessness, when up and sullenly withdrew in the direstlos of. mountains. The young fellow, in his triqggph, could not
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_ a rn ee void rising in the wagon, shouting and waving his hat defiantly at his baffled pursuers, The daring act came near costing his life, for it was instantly followed by the discharge of several guns, and the singing of the bullets about his ears caused bim to duck back into his seat as suddenly as he had risen from it. The afternoon was now quite well advanced and besides feeling hungry, Johnny Brainerd was anxious to get back to camp. The intervening distance was rapidly passed, and the sun was just are as he slacked up within a short distance of Wolf Ravine. For some unaccountable reason, the nearer he approached ‘‘camp,” as it was called, a feel- ing akin to fear came over him. It wasa pre- sentiment of coming evil, which he found it impossible either to shake off or to define, and that was why he halted some distance away. From where he stood it was impossible to see his two friends at work, but at that time of day he knew they were accustomed to stop work and come out upon the prairie for the purposo of enjoying the cool breeze of evening. At the same time, when such constant danger threat- ened, they were accustomed to have one of their number, either all or a part of the time, on the ground above, where the approach of enemies could be detected. The absence of anything like a sentinel in- creased the boy’s apprehensions, and when he had waited some fifteen minutes without see- ing anything of his friends he became painfully uneasy. What if they had been killed? What if they were prisoners? What if a bundred Indians were at that moment in the possession of Wolf Ravine? Such and similar were the questions which the affrighted boy asked himself, and which, with all his shrewdness, he was unable to an- swer, In the hope of attracting attention he set up a shrieking with the whistle, which sounded so loud on the still evening air that it must have gone miles away over the level prairie. There being no response to this he kept it up for some time, but it still failed, and all this confirmed him in the belief that ‘‘ something was up.” What that particular something was it was impossible to say, so long as he sat in the ‘on, and for five minutes be endeavored tu decide whether it was best to get out and make a recounoissance on his own hook or remain where, in case of danger, he could seek saf. ty ia flight. As the day wore rapidly away, and he still failed to see or hear anything of his friends, he finally concluded to get out and make an examination of the ravine. Accordingly he sprung lightly to the ground, but had scarcely alighted when a peculiar sig- nul—something resembling a tremulous whistle ~-reached his ear, and he instantly clambered back again, fully satisfied that the whistle was intended as a signal, and that it concerned him, although whether from friend or foe he could only conjecture, / owever, his alarm was such that he moved a hundred yards or so further aw. v from the ravine, where there was less likelihood of being surprised by =f sudden rush upon the part of the thieving red-skins, ‘ From this standpoint he carefully scanned what could be seenof the ravine. It descended uite gradually from the edge of the bank, so that he gained a partial view of the rocks and bowlders upon the opposite side, Some of the trees growing in the narrow valley rose to such a hight that one-half or two-thirds of them were exposed to view. It was while the boy was gazing at these that he detected a peculiar movement in one of the limbs, which instantly arrested his attention. A moment showed him that the peculiar waving motion was made by human agency, and he strained his eyes in the bope of detect- ing the cause of the curious movement. he gathering darkness made bis vision quite uncertain; but he either saw, or fancied he saw, a dark object among the limbs which resembled the form of Baldy Bicknell, the trapper. Johnny Brainerd would have given almost anything in the world eould he have understood what it all meant. But the very fact of these singular demon- strations was prima facie evidence of the must uaguestionabl> kind; and, after a moment’s consultation with himself, he began moving away, just as the sharp crack of several rfles tified him of the fearful. peril which be had The Huge Hunter. CHAPTER XIV. THE HUGE HUNTER, Simultaneous with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a con- siderable distance from the ravine. All the time he kept looking back, but could see nothing of bis enemies, nor could he detect the point from which the rifle-shots were fired. Now, as night descended over the prairie, and the retreat of his friends became shrouded in impenetrable darkness, be fully appreciated the fact that not only were they in great danger, but so was he himself. The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rap- idly worn away, the circumstances unfortu- nately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a buman invention, which of itself could ac- complish little or no harm. He could but reflect, as the man glided slowly along, that if he bad the three friends beside him, how easily they could glide away in the darkness and Jeave all danger bebind, But they were in the extremity of peril already, and, reflect and cogitate as much as he chose, he could see no earthly way of assisting them out of their difficulty. Besides the concern which he naturally felt regarding his friends, there was a matter that more clearly related to himself that demanded his attention. The water in the tank was at its lowest ebb, and it would be dangerous for him to attempt to run more than one hour or so longer before replenishing it. Consequently he was unable to stand anything like another chase from the Indians. As the part of prudence, therefore, he turned toward the river, following slowly along the bank, in quest of some place where it would be easy and safe for him to secure the much-needed water. It was a Jong and discouraging bunt. The banks were so high that he could find no point where it was safe for bim to descend to the water’s edge. There was too great a risk of “upsetting his cart,” a calamity which, in all probability, would be irreparable. At length, however, when he had wandered nbout a mile distant from the Wolf Ravine, he discovered a place, where the bank had atout six “eet elevation, and sloped down gradually to the river. Here he paused, and with a small vessel, descended to the stream, muttering to himself as he did so: ‘Why didn’t I think and put a pumping arrangement to the machine? I cculd have done it as well as not, and it would have saved me a good deal of trouble.” But regrets were now unavailing, and he lost no time in useless lamentations, setting to work atorce. It was tedious labor, carrying up the water in a small vessel, and emptying it in the tank, but he persevered, and at the end of a couple of hours the task was completed. ‘*IT can make the wood stand me another day,” he added, as he stood looking at the greatly diminished pile—‘‘ although, if I knew where to get it, | would load up now, and then I should be prepared—” He suddenly paused, for scarcely a dozen yards away, coming up the margin of the river, straight toward ,.bim, he descried the figure of a man fully six feet and a half bigh. Young Brainerd’s first impulse was to spring into the wagon and start away at full speed; but a second glance showed him that it was not an Indian, but a whiteman, in the garb of a hunter. ‘* Hullo, boss, thar, what yer doin’?”’ He was at a loss what reply to make, and therefore made none. The next moment the giant hunter was beside him. “Bars and bufflers! younker, what ye got thar?” he demanded, eying the steam man with an expression of the most amazed wonder. ‘I say, what do yer call that thing?’ “That,” laughed Johnny, who could not avoid a feeling of strong apprehension at the singular appearance of the strange hunter, ‘‘is a sort of peregrinating locomotive.” ‘*Paggyratin’ locomotive—what’s that?’ he asked, in a gruff voice, and with. an expression of great disgust at the unfamiliar words employed. “You have seen a locomotive, haven’t you?” ‘“‘Reckon I hev, down in St, Louey.” _‘ Weil, this is something on the same prin- ciple, except that it uses legs instead of wheels,” —" 1 See -. * Ela F™ 2 ee ee et ee ee ee ee ee ee ee tt ee ee eee eee ee ee “Can that ere thing walk?” “Yes, sir, and run, too; it traveled all the bai from the Missouri river to this place.” he huge hunter turned upon him with a fierce expression. ‘* Yer can’t fool this yar hoss in that style.” ‘*Don’t you believe me?” asked the boy, who was fearful of a the stranger. ‘* No, sar; not a word.” ‘“‘ How do you suppose we got it here?” ‘*Fotched in a wagon.” ‘* Let me sbow you what he can do.” He was about to step into the wagon, when the hunter stopped him. ‘* See byar, younker, who mought yer be?” The boy gave bis name and residence, ‘* What yer doin’ byar?”’ ‘‘T’'m traveling with this machine of mine.” ‘* How do you git it along?” “T was just going to show you when you stopped me.” ‘*Hold on; no need of bein’ in a sweat about Do yer come alone?” ‘*No. I came with a hunter.” ‘«What war his name?” ‘* Baldy Bicknell.” ‘* Blars and bufflers! did yer come with him?” ‘Yes; he was m companion all the way.” ‘* Whar mought he be?’ Johnny Brainerd hesitated a moment. .While the huge hunter might possibly be of great ser- vice to the beleaguered miners, yet he recollected that it was the desire of Baldy that the fact of gold existing in Wolf Ravine should be kept a secret from all ee their own party. Should it become known to any of the numer- ous hunters and emigrants who were constantly passing in the neighborhood, there would be such a flocking to the place that they would be driven away and probably killed for the treasure that they had already obtained. The boy, therefore, chose to make a non-com- mittal reply: ‘* Baldy is some distance away, incamp.” - ‘* And what are yer doin’ byar?” ‘*] stopped here to get water for this steam man, as we call him, You know anything that travels by steam must have the water to gene- rate it.” ‘*] say, younker, I don’t want none of yer big words to me. Ef I h’ar any more, b’ars and bufflers, ef I don’t crack yer over the head with Sweetlove, my shootin’-iron, so mind what yer say, fur I won’t stand no nonsense.” ‘*) didn’t wish to offend you,” returned the boy, in the meekest of tones. “ How far away might be Baldy?” ‘‘Teouldn’t tell you exactly, but I think it is Jess than ten miles.” ‘* Be you goin’ back to camp to-night?” fs It was my intention—that is, I meant to do so.” ‘Guess I'll go witb yer: butsee hyar, younker, let’s see yer try that old humbug of yourn.” The boy sprung into the wagon, glad of the opportunity of getting rid of what looked like a dangerous man. Before he could start he was again ang, ex pA stopped. “Yer see, I b’leeve yar a humbug, but if that ole thing does run, and, mind, I tell yer, I don’t b’leeve it will, do yer khow what {’m goin’ 1o do? ‘**T do not.” ‘Pm goin’ to take it myself to chase red-skins in. It won’t bother yer much fur them Jong legs of yourn to carry that humpback home again. So, younker, start now, and let us see what yer can do.” The boy let on steam, and the man started off on a moderate gait, which rapidly increased to a swift one. The huge, wonder-stricken bunter watched it until it adually faded out of sight in the gloom, and still watched the place where it had disappeared, and though be watched much longer, with a savage and vindictive heart, yet it never came back to him again. CHAPTER XV. THE ATTACK IN THE RAVINE. IN the mean time, the situation of our friends in Wolf Ravine was becoming perilous to the last degree. Before going to work, on the morning of the steam man’s excursion to the mountains, Baldy Bicknell made a reconnoissance of the ravine, te assure bimself that there was no danger of being suddenly overwhelmed, while delving for the precious yellow sand. He saw abundant s‘gns of Indians baving re- cently visited the place, but he concluded there were none in the immediate vicinity, and that com tively little risk was run the boy ress tog wished-for visit to the mountains in the w it.
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the bottom of it, and with a little placin = Through the center of the ravine ran a small stream of water, hardly of enough volume to be used for washing gold without adam being ereated. It looked as if this had once been fhe head of a large stream, and that the golden sand had been drifted to this spot, by the force of the powerful current, Tue auriferous particles were scattered over the entire breadth of the ravine, for the distance of several hundred feet, being found in the richest deposits between the ledges and rocks, in the bottom of the channel, where, as may well be supposed, it was no easy matter to ob- tain. A short distance back of the “ diggings,” where the vast masses of rocks assumed cu- riously grotesque forms, the miners discovered a rude cave, where they at once established their head-quarters. A tiny stream ran eet h of the loose bowlders, they speedily put it in the best condition of defense. It was almost entirely surrounded ’by trees, and there was one spot where a thin man, like Hopkins or Baldy, could draw his body through and climb a luxuriant cottonwood, whose top gave a wide view of the surrounding plain, The day passed away without any signs of Indians, Baldy occasionally ascending the side of the ravine, and scanning the plains in ever direction, on the constant lookout for the insid- ious approach of their enemies, Just before nightfall, while all three were at work, a rifle was discharged, and the bullet was imbedded in the tough oaken handle of the spade with which the trapper was digging. “Whar in thunder did that come from?” be demanded, dropping the implement, catching up the rifle, and glaring savagely about him. But neither of the others could answer him, and climbing up the bank, be looked fiercely around for some evidence of the whereabouts of his treacherous foe. The latter remained invisible, but several hundred yards down the ravine, he caught a glimpse of enough Indians dodging hither and thither to satisfy him that there was quite a formidable force in the valley. Giving the alarm to his companions, all three withdrew within the cave, not the less willing- ly, as it was very near their usual quitting time. ‘“Begorrah! and what'll becoom of the shtame man and the boy?’ inquired Mickey, as he hastily obeyed orders, ‘‘ Jerusalem!” exclaimed the Yankee, in great trepidation, ‘‘if be isn’t warned, they’ll catch him sure, and then what'll become of us? We'll have to walk all the way hum.” _As the best means of communicating with bim, the trapper climbed through the narrow opening, and to the top of the tree, where he ensconced himself, just as the steam man ui- tered its interrogative whistle. Toe trapper, as we have shown in another place, replied by pantomime, not wishing to dis- cover his whereabouts to the enemy, as he had a dim idea that this means of egress might pos- sibly prove of some use to him, in the danger that was closing around them. When Johnny Brainerd recogniged his signal, and beat a retreat, Baldy began a cautious de- scent to his cave again. At this time it was already growing dark, and he had to feel his way down again. And so it came about, that not until he had reached the lowest limb, did his trained ear detect a slight rustling on the ground be- nenth. Supposing it to be either Mickey or Ethan, he continued his descent, merely glan- cing below. But at that moment something suspicious caught his eye, and peering down more carefully, he discovered a crouching In- dian, waiting with drawn knife until he should come within his reach. The trapper was no coward, and had been in many a hand-to-hand tussle before; but there was something in the character of the danger which would have made it more pleasant for him to hesitate awhile until be could learn its pec Csermanes sek time was too pee: an 6 next momen eb d direct by the side of the colekin Ere . The latter intended to make the attack, but without waiting for bim, Baldy sprung like a anther upon him and bore him to the earth. bere was a silent but terrific struggle for a few moments, but the prodigious activity and power of the by 11 trapper, whom he bad known so intimately years before. But had he been aware of the fact, he would only have turned further aside, to avoid him; for, when the two trappers, several years pe vious, separated, ms ad been engaged a deadly er which came near resulting fa- tally to both. At length the faint rattle of the wheels caught his ear, and he bent his steps toward the point where he judged the steam man to be. CHAPTER XVI. THE REPULSE. A Frew minutes more satisfied the trapper that he was right. Gradually out from the darkness the approaching figure resolved itself into the steam man. Jubnny Brainerd, after leaving the buge tra per so neatly, continued wandering aimlessly over the prairie at a moderate speed, 80 as to guard against the insidious approach of the In- ~ dians, or the hunter who had threatened to con- | fiscate his property in so unjustifiable a manner. Fortunately he did not see Baldy until the latter cautiously hailed him, otherwise he would have fled before ascertaining his identity ;. but the moment he recognized bis voice he hastened toward him, no less surprised than pleased at meeting him so unexpectedly, ‘‘ Where are Mickey and Ethan?” he inquired, as he leaped alongside of him. **In the cave,” ‘* How is it you are here?” The trapper briefly explained that he had crept out to hunt bim up; but es there seemed no imminent danger, he deemed it best to leave bis companions there, as if the Indians once —— possession of the golden ravine, it would e difficult, if not impossible, to displace them. Besides, in order to carry out the scheme which he bad formed, it was necessary that two at least should remain in the cave, while the others were on the outside. Under the direction of the trapper, the steam man slowly approached the ravine, keeping at a respectful distance, but so near that if any sudden emergency should arise, they would be able to render assistance to their friends. The boy gave several whistles so as to inform the Irishman and Yankee of their wher: abouts, A few seconds after, and while the noise of the instrument was echoing over the prairie, a fainter whistle reached their ears, “That’s the long-legged Yankee!” instantly remarked the trapper; “he knows how to make any kind of noise,’ ‘* What does it mean?” “Tt means that all's right.” ‘* Where are the Indians?” ‘*Tbey ain’t fur off. I wish they war fur- ther, fur ef it warn’t fur them, we'd had half sg metal out of thar by this time.” oung Brainerd had the reputation of pos- sessing a remarkably keen vision; but, peer us much as he might, he could detect nothing un- usual, The trapper, however, affirmed that numerous forms could be seen’ cree ing along the edge of the prairie, and that these same 2 were more nor less tian so many red- skins, **What are they trying to do! **Dunno.” ‘‘Hadn’t we better withdraw?” inquired Johnny, showing a little nervousness, ** Not till we know they’re arter us,” was the quiet reply. By and by the boy himself was able to get an occasional glimpse of the shadowy figures mov- ing to and fro. “I think they are going to surround us,” he added, ‘‘and I feel as though we ought to get out. ae we eae do so.”” Ant e only reply to this, was by the trapper suddenly bringing bis gun to bis shoulder and firing. An agonizing screech, as the savage threw himself in the air, showed that the shot bad not been in vain. Rather curiously at the same moment the nee of a gun in the ravine reached their ears, followed by the same death-shriek., “They ain’t sleepin’ very powerful down thar,” was the pleased remark of the trapper, as he leisurely reloaded bis piece, while the Tey remained in that nervous state, awaiting the permission of } ildy to go spinning away over the prairie at: rate that would very quickly Br ie eos oes aineeae u 6 trapper was in no give the eranse desired ission. He reared to have a lingering affeccion for the place, wt ich prevented his ‘‘ tearing away.”
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12 The boy’s timidity was not in the least di- | minished, when several return shots were fired, the bullets pinging all around them. “My gracious, Baldy, let’s get out of this!” he instantly pléaded, startamg the man him- self, “Go about fifty feet,” was the reply, “ but not any further.” It may be said that the steam man fairly Jeaped over this space, and somewhat further, ike a frightened kangaroo, and even then it ‘vould not have halted bad not the trapper given peremptory orders for it to do so. The sky was now clear and the moon, riding high and nearly full, illumined the prairie for a considerable distance, and there was no fear but that they could detect the approach of the most treacherous savage, let him come in what- ever disguise he chose. The night wore gradually away, without any particular demonstration upon the part of either the Indians or white men, although drop- ping shots were occasionally exchanged, with- out any particular result on either side. Now and then a red-skin, creeping cautiously along, made his appearance on the edge of the ravine; but there was too much light for him to expose himself to the deadly rifle of the trap- per, who took a kind of savage pleasure in send- ing. his leaden messengers after the aborigines. his species of sport was not without its at- tendant excitement and danger; for the last creature to take a shot quietly is an American Indian; and they kept popping away at the steam man and its train whenever a good op- portunity offered. Owing to the size and peculiar vi ae em of the steamer, he was a fair target for his ene- mies; and, indeed, so uncomfortably close did some of the bullets come, that the boy almost continually kept his head lowered, so as to be protected by the sides of the wagon. Finally morning came, greatly to the relief of ali our friends. As soon as it was fairly light the Irishman and Yankee were notified that a move was about to be made, by means of the steam-whistle. An answering signal coming ‘buck to them, the steam mau at once advanced ito the very Geo of the ravine. Tie trapper peering cautiously down the gulch, caught sight of several red-skins crouch- ing near the cave, and, directing young Brain- erd to fevrawe his piece at a certain one, the two fired nearly together. Scarce five seconds had elapsed, when both Ethan and Mickey did the same. All four, or rather three—as the boy gave bis principal attention to the engine, be- gan loading and firing as rapidly as possible. The red-skins returned a few scattering shots; but they were taken at such disadvantage, that they immediately began a precipitate retreat down the ravine. Ere they had withdrawn a bundred yards, Ethan and Mickey emerged from the cave, shouting and excited, firing at every red-skin they could see, the Lrishman occasionally swing: ‘ing hia gun over his head, and daring the sav- og a hand-to-hand encounter. hile the two were thus engaged, the trap- r was notidle. The steam man maintained lace but a short distance behind the enemies, me his deadly rifle scarcely ever failed of its mark. The moment an Indian was killed or helpless- ly wounded, his companions caught and dragged him away, there being a great \ear upon the of all that some of their number might all into the hands of their enemies, and suffer the ineffaceable disgrace of being scalped. ‘The savages were followed a long distance, until their number had diminished down toa fraction of what it was originally, and the sur- vivors had all they could doin taking care of their disabled comrades. Never was victory more complete. The In- dians were thoroughly discomfited, and only too glad to get away after being so severely punished. Daring this singular running fight the steam man kept upa constant shrieking, which doubtless contributed in no slight degree to the rout of the red-skins. They fired con- ' tinyally at the fearful-looking monster, and, finding their shots produced no effect, invested the thing with a partion of the supernatural power which they had given it at first sight. When the last glimpse of the yet ae 3 In- dians was seen, the trapper turned triumphant- ly toward the boy. _ * Warn’t that purty well done, younker?”’ ¥ It il i rfl rok +4 now stay away awh e. «We would bave falled if wo snd waited sny : ” ow ih y 30, boy?” | ew OA A eS ee a ee ee ee ee ee ee ee eee The Huge Hunter. ‘* Because the last stick is burned, and the steam man couldn’t be made to run a mile fur- ther without more fuel.” CHAPTER XVII. HOMEWARD BOUND. THE punishment administered to the Indians who had so greatly annoyed the miners proved a very beneficial one. Nothing more was seen of them, except one or two glimpses of the red-skin upon his black horse. He, however, maintained a respectful distance, and at the end of a day or two dis- appeared altogether. These were golden moments indeed to the miners, and they improved them to the utmost. From earliest light until the darkness of night they toiled almost unceasingly. Half the time they went hungry rather than stop their work to procure that which was so much needed. When, however, the wants of nature could no longer be trifled with, Baldy took his rifle and started off on a hunt, which was sure to be brief and successful. Sometimes he caught sight of some game in the gulch, and sémetimes something in the air drew the fire of his unerring rifle, and the miners feasted and worked as only such violent- ly laboring men can do. Although the boy was unable to assist at the severe labor, yet he soon demonstrated his gen- ius and usefulness. He not only constructed a dam, but made a ‘*‘rocker,” or machine, of an original style; that did the work far more ex- editiously and thoroughly than it had yet en done, While the men were getting the auriferous sand, he separated it from the particles of dirt and gravel, without any assistance from them, and without any severe labor for himself. There was some apprehension upon the part of all that the huge trapper, whom young Brainerd had met at night, would make bis appearance, Should he do so, it would be certain to precipi- tate a difficulty of the worst kind, as he was morose, sullen, treacherous, envious and reck- less of danger. Baldy Bicknell really feared him more than he did tbe Indians, and the constant watchful- ness he exercised for several] days showed how great was his apprehension. Fortunately, indeed, for all concerned, the giant hunter continued his travels in a cifferent direction, and the miners were undisturbed by him, ) Two weeks passed, by the end of which time the ravine was about exhausted of i's precious stuff, and the miners made their preparations for going home. It was impossible to do anything more than conjecture the amount of wealth they had ob- tained, but Baldy was suro that there was enough, when sold, to buy each of them a hand- some farm. ‘* Jerusalem! but naow ain’t that good?” ex- claimed the delighted Ethan Hopkins, as he mopped off his perspiring forehead. ‘‘ That ’ere encourages me to take a step that l’ve often contemplated.” ‘What might the same be?” ‘*Git married; me and Seraphenia Pike hev been engaged for the last ten vears, and now Tll be banged ef I don’t go home and get spliced.” : ‘* And it’s myself that'll do the same,” added Mickey, as he executed an Irish jig on the bard earth in front of their cavern home, after they had concluded to leave the place. ; ‘Where does she reside?” inquired Mihan, * Ballyduff, Kings county, in the Gim of the Sea; it’s there that lives the Jass that’s to have the hoper of becoming Mrs. MeSquizzie, and becomia’ the mitherof herown children. Arrah, but isn’t the same a beauty?’ ‘‘The same as my own, Michael,” ventured the Yankee, who deemed i’ his duty to correct this general remark of bis friend. ‘* Arrah, now, get cut wid ye! she can’t begin wid Miss Bridget Moghlaghighogh that resides wid her mit er and two pigs on the outskirts of Ballyduff, in the wee cabin that has the one room and the one windy. Warrah, warrah, now isn’t she a jewel?” ** And so is Seraphenia.” ‘* But has she the rid hair, that males it on- necessary for them to have the candle lit at night? und has she the same beautiful freckles, the size of a ha’penny, on the face and the nose, that has such an iligant turn up at the end, that she used to hang her bonnet on it? Arrah, now, and didn’t she have the swate teeth—six of the same that were so broad that they filled ber mouth—and it was none of yer gimblet holes that was her mouth, but a beautiful one, that | when she smiled went round to her ears, did | the same. And her shoes! but you orter seen them,” ‘* Why so?” ‘* What was the matter with her shoes?” ‘‘ Nothing was the same, They was the shoes that the little pigs went to slaap in, afore they got so big that they couldn’t git in them, and then it was her brother that used one of them same for a trunk when he imigrated to Amerilky. Arrah,. now, but wasn’t me own Bridget a jewel? “‘Jehosephat! I should think she was!” ex- claimed Hopkins, who had listened in amazo- ment to this enumeration of the beauties of the gentle lrish lass, sho had won the affections of Mickey McSquizzle. ‘‘ No doubt she had a sweet disposition.” “Indeed she had, bad she; it was that ofan | angel, wasthesame. It was niver that I staid therea night coorting the same that she didn’t smash her shillaleh to smithereens over me head. Do yees obsarve that?’ asked Mickey, removing his hat, and displaying a sear that extended half way across his head. “T don’t see how any one can help seeing that.” ‘* Well, that was the parting salute of Bridget, as I started for Ameriky. Arrah, now, but she did the same in style.” ‘*That was her parting memento, was it?’ ‘* Yes; I gave her the black eye, and she did the same fur me, and I niver takes off me hat to scratch me head that I don’t think of the swate gal that I left at home.” And thereupon the Irishman began whistling “Tne Girl I Left Behind Me,” accompanying it with a sort of waltzing dance, kept with re- markably good time. ** And so you intend to marry her?” inquired Hopkins, with no little amazement. — ‘*Tt’s that I do, ef I finds her heart fraa when I return to Ballyduff, You know, that the loikes of her is sought by all the lads in Kings county, and to save braaking their hearts, she may share the shanty of some of ’em.” ‘Jerusalem! but she is the all-firedest critter I ever heard tell on.” ‘* What does ye maan by that?” demanded the Trishmaa, instantly flaring up; ‘‘does ye maan t the most pharuing to insinooate that she isn craater in the whole counthry?’ ‘* You'll allow me to except my own Sera- phenia?” ‘* Niver a once,” ‘Then I'll do it whether you like it or not. . Your gal can’t begin with mine, and never could,” ** That I don’t allow any man to say.” And the Trishman snes ianely: began divest- ing himself of his coat, preparatory to settling the difference in the characteristio Irish man- ner. Nothing loth, the Yankee put himself in attitude, determined to stand up for the rights of his fair one, no matter by whom assailed. Matters having progressed so far, there un- doubtedly would have been a set-to between them, had not the cooper interfered. He and the boy were engaged in preparing the steam man and wagon for starting, when the excited words drew their attention, and seeing that a fight was imminent, Baldy advanced to where they stood and said: " ‘*Not another word, or skulp me! ef I don’t hammer both of you till thar’s nothin’ left o’ you. This was unequivocal language, and neither of the combatants misunderstood it, All bellige- rent manifestations ceased at once, and they turned to in assisting in the preparations for moving. When all four were seated in the wagon, with their necessary baggage about them, it was found that there was comparatively little room for the wood. When they had stored all that they could well carry, if was found tbat there was hardly enough last them twelve hours, so that there was considerable risk run from this single fact. The steam man, however, stepped off with as much ease as when drawing the wagon with a ‘single occupant. The boy let on enough of steam to keep upa rattling pace, and to give the assurance that they were pro ing home- ward in the fastest manner possible, Toward the middle of the afternoon a storm suddenly came up and the rain ent in ter- rents, As the best they could do, they took refuge in a grove, where by stretching the can- vas over themselves and the steam man, they managed to keep free from the wet. The steam man was not intended to travel during stormy weather, and so they allowed him to rest,
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pS a SRN a a LS AIBA TO = CHAPTER XVIIL THE ENCAMPMENT. Tre storm proved the severest which the steam man had encountered since leaving St. Louia, antl it put an effectual veto on his travels during fte continuance, and for a short time afterward. that they were compelled to lie by unt the sun had hardened it somewhat, when tiipy ence more resumed their journey. As they now had thousands of dollars in their possession, and as all sorts of characters were found on the western plains, it may be said that none of the company ever felt easy. Baldy Bicknell, the trapper, from hisextensive experience and knowledge of the West, was the guide and authority on all matters regarding their travels. He generally kept watch during the night, obtaining what sleep he could through the day. The latter, however, was generally very precarious, as at sight of every horseman or cloud of smoke, they generally awakened | him, so as to be sure and commit no serious | | minute it was attempted. error. _ As the steam man would in all probability attract an attention that might prove exceed- ingly perilous to the gold in their possession, the trapper concluded it prudent to avoid the regu- Jar emigrant routes. Accordingly they turned well to the northward, it being their purpose to strike the Missouri, where they would be pretty jsure of intercepting some steamer. Reaching such a place they would unjoint and take apart the steam man, packing it up in such a manner that no one could suspect its identity, and em- _bark for St. Louis. While this relieved them of the danger from their own race, it increased the probability of an attack upon ‘he Indians, who scarcely ever ‘seemed out of sight. Their watchfulness. however, was constant, and it was due to this fact, more than anv other, toat they escaped attack at night for the ‘Greater part of their return journey. heir posi ion in the wagon was so cramped, that the party frequently became excessively Wearied, and springing out, trotted and walked for miles alongside the tireless steam giant. Water was abundant, but several times they ‘were put to great inconvenience to obtain wood. On three occasions they were compelled to hait for half a day in order to obtain the nec- ‘essary supply. , Voce the steam man came to a dead standstill in the open prairie, and narrowly escaped blow- bgup. A hasty examination upon the part of he inventor, revealed the fact that a leak had occurred in the tank, and every drop had run out. This necessitated the greatest work of all, As water was carried the better part of a mile, and nearly an entire day consumed before enough steam could be raised to induce him to travel to the river, to procure it himself, while the miners acted as convoys. Late one afternoon, they reached a singular formation in the prairie. It was so rough and Qneven that they proceeded with great difficulty and at a slow rate of speed. While advancing n this manner, they found they had uncon- iously entered a small narrow valley, the ttom of which was as level as a ground floor. he sides contracted until Jess than a bundred eet separated them, while they rose to the ight of some eight or ten feet, and the bottom femained compact and firm. moking it such sy traveling for the steam man, that the com- ny followed down the valley, at a slow pace, ach, however, feeling some misgiving as to the ro riety of the course. t runs in the right direction,” said young rainerd, “and if it only keeps on as it began, wit prove a very handy thing for us.” _“ Hyar’s as afeared it ain’t goin’ to keep onin hat style,” remarked Baldy; “ howsumever, rou an &° pe ey a a aa , that’s what I call real queer,” re- narked Ethan Hopkins, who was stretching his | pgs by walking alongside the steamer. _. And it’s meself that thinks the same,” added ickey, puffing away at his short black pipe. I don’t understand ‘it, as me father obsarved vhen they found fault with bim for breaking snother man’s head ” _ “Ef we git into trouble, all we’ve got te do 5 to back out,” remarked Baldy, as a sort of pelogy for continuing his advance. a fellow doesn’t know how to go back- yard,” said Johnny, “ but if it prove necessary, ye can manage to turn bim round.” “All right—go ahead.” Aft the same moment, the limber Yankee ed ahead at a speed which was as fast as was prudent. However, this delightful means of progress was brought to an unexpected standstill, by the sudden and abrupt termination of the valley. It ended completely as though it were an un- . vey ace canal, the valley rising so quickly to The prairie was found so soft and glippery | the level of the prairie, that there was no ad- vancing any further, nor turning, nor in fact was there any possible way of extricating them- selves from the difficulty, except by working the steam man around, and withdrawing by the same path that they had entered ~ ‘“Well, here we are,” remarked the boy, as they came toa standstill, “‘and what is to be done?’ ‘*Get out of it,” was the reply of Hopkins, who advanced several yards further, until he came up on the prairie again, so as to make sure of the exact contour of the ground. “Did yer ever try tomake the thing go up hill?” asked the trapper. Young Brainerd shook his head. ‘* Impossible! he would fall over on us, the When I was at work at first making him, what do you think was the hardest thing for me to do?” ‘* Make him go, I s’pose.” ‘* That was dificult, but if was harder work to balance him—that is, so when he lifted up cne foot he wouldn’t immediately fall over on the same side. I got it fixed after a while, so that he ran as evenly and firmly as an engine, but I didn’t fix upon any pons by which he could ascend or descend a hill.” ‘*Can’t you make him do it ?” ‘Not until he is made over again. I would be afraid to attempt to walk bim up a moderate inclination, and know it would be sure destruc- tion to start him up such a steep bank as that.” “Then we must work him round, I s’pose.” ‘*There is nothing else that can be done.” ‘* Let's at it, then.” This proved as difficult a jobasthey imagined. The steam man was so heavy that it was es he sible to lift him, but he was shied around as much as possible; and, by the time he had walked across the valley he had half turned round. He was then coaxed and worked back a short distance, when, with the “leverage” thus gained, the feat was completed, and the steam man stood with his face turned, ready to speed backward the moment that the word might be ven. : a3 y this time, however, the day was gone, and darkness was settling over the prairie. Quite a brisk breeze was blowing, and, as the position of the party was sheltered against this annoy- ance, Hopkins proposed that they should remain where they were until morning. ‘* We coukin’t get a better place,” said Johnny Brainerd, who was quite taken with the idea, ‘““Tt’s a good place and it’s a bad one,” replied the trapper, who bad not yet made up his mind upon the point, They inquired what he meant by calling it a bad place. a he a lot of the varmints should find we're byar, don’t you see what a purty fix they’d have us in? “Tt would be something like the same box in which we caught them in Wolf Ravine,” said young Brainerd. ‘* Jist the same, perzactly.” ‘‘ Not the same, either,” said Hopkins; “ we’ve got a better chance of getting out than they had. We can jum into the wagon and travel, while they can’t; there's the difference.” “§'pose they git down thar ahead of us—how ar’ we goin’ to git away from them then?” “Run over them,” “Don’t know whether the younker has fixed the engine so it'll run over the skunks, ef it doesn’t run up hill.” ‘¢ Tt can be made to do that, I think,” laughed young Brainerd. ‘“‘ Afore we stay hyar, I’ll take a look round to make sure that thar’s some show for us,” Tbe trapper ascended the bank, and, while his companions were occupied in their prepara- tions for encamping, he examined the whole horizon and intervening space, so far_as the human eye was capable of doing it. Finding nothing suspicious, be announced to bis eom- panions that they would remain where they were until morning. CHAPTER XIX. * THE DOINGS OF A NIGHT. Ir was soon found that the camping possessed another advantage which, d round ng the prong into the wagon, and the steam man start- discussion, had been altogether overlooked. | | : } 13 During the afternoon they had shot a fine- looking antelope, cooking a portion at the time upon the prairie. A goodly portion was left, and they now had an opportunity of kindling their fire without the liability of its being seen, as would have been the case had they encamped in any otber place. This being agreed to, the fire was speedily kindled, and the trapper himself began the culinary parformanes. It was executed with the characteristic excellence of the hunter, and a luscious meal was thus Fees for all. t. its conclusion, all stretched themselves upon the ground for the purpose of smoking and chiatting, as was their usual custom at such times. The evening whiled pleasantly away, and when it had considerably advanced, the ques- tion of who sbould act as sentinel was discussed. Up to this, young Brainerd had never once performed that duty at night, although he had frequently solicited ‘the privilege. He now asked permission to try his band. After con- siderable talk it wag agreed that he might do. The trapper bad lost so much sleep, that he was anxious to secure a good night’s rest, and the careful scrutiny which he had taken of the sur- rounding prairie convinced him that no danger threatened. So he felt little appréhension ip acceding to the wish of the boy. At a late hour the three men stretched them- selves upon the ground, with their blankets gathered about them, and they were soon re pe in profound slumber, while Johnny filled with the importance and responsibility o his duty, felt as though he shoul another hour’s sleep. He was sure of being able to keep up an unintermitting watch several days and nights, should it become necessary. Following the usual custom of sentinels, he shouldered his gun and paced back and forth before the smoldering ¢amp-fire, glancing in. every direction, so as to make sure t no enemy stole upon him unawares. It formed a curious picture—the small fire burning in the valley — motionless forms stretched out befcre it, the -huge steam man silent and grim standing near, the dwarfed boy, pacing slowly back and forth, and, above all, the moon shining down upon the silent prairie. The moon was — faint, so that only an in- distinct view of o aa could be seen. - sionally Johnny clambered up the bank and took a survey of the surrounding plains; bat. seeing nothing at all suspicious, he soon grew weary of this, and confined his walks to the immediate vicinity of the campfire, passing back and forth between the narrow breadth o the valley. : never need As the hours dragged slowly by, the boy gradually fell into a reverie, which made him almost unconscious cf external things. And it was while walking thus that he did rot observe a large wolf advance to the edge of the gull look down, and then whisk back out of night before the sentinel wheeled in his walk and faced him. Three separate times was this repeated, the wolf looking down in such an earnest, way that it certainly would have excited the remark and curiosity of any one observing it. The third glance apparentiy satisfied the wolf; for it lasted for a few seconds, when he withdrew, and lumbered away at an awkward rate, until a rod or two had been passed, when the supposed wolf suddenly rose on its hind lege, the skin and head were shifted to the arms - o the Indian, and he continued on at a leisurely gait until he joined fully fifty comrades, who were huddled together in a grove, several hun-. dred yards away. In the mean time young Brainerd, with his: rifle slung over his shouldcr, was pacing back and forth in the same deliberate manner, his mind busily engaged on an “ imprevement”™ upon the steam man, by which he was to wall backward as well as forward, although he couldn’t satisfactorily determine how he was. to go up and down hill with safety. ) Still oceupied im the study of the subject, }¢— took a seat by the half-extinguished camp-tire and gazed dreamily into the embers. It hed been a babit with him, when at home, to sit thus for hours, on the long winter evenings, while his mind was so busily at work that he | was totally oblivious to what ver was passing around him. It must have been that the boy seated himself without any theught of inevitable result of doing so; for none kne tter than he thalt such a thing was fatal to the faithful perform. ance of a sentinel’s duty; and the thoughé that his three companions, in ene sense, had put their safety in his bands, would have pre , anything like a forgetfu of duty.
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14 Be that as it may, the boy bad sat thus less than half an hour when a drowsiness began stealing over bim. Once he raised his head and fancied he saw a large wolf glaring down upon him from the bank above, but the bead was withdrawn so quickly that he was sure it was only a phantom of his brain. So he did not rise from bis seat, but sitting still he gradually sunk lower, until in a short : tiene he was sleeping as soundly as either of the \ three around him. ‘Another hour wore away, and the fire smol- ‘dered lower and all was still. ‘Then numerous heads peered over the edge of te ravine for a few seconds, and as suddenly withdrew. A few minutes later a curious sight might have been seen—a sight somewhat resembling that of a parcel of school-boys making their gigantic snow-balls. The fifty Indians, the apr mee rtion of whom had patiently waited the adjoining grove, while their horses were wecurely fastened near, issued like a swarm of locusts and began rolling huge bowlders toward the valley. Some of them were so large that half a dozen only succeeded in moving them with the greatest difficulty. . But they persevered, working with a strange persistency and silence, that gave them the ap- pearance of so many phantoms engaged at their ghostly labor. Not a word was exchanged, even in the most guarded of tones, for each un- derstood his part. In time half a dozen of these immense stones reached the edge of the ravine. They were ranged side by side, a few feet apart, so as not to be in each other’s way, and the Indians stood near, waiting until their work should be com- pleted. Some signal was then made, and then one of these bowlders rolled down in the ravine. Even this scarcely made any percep:ible noise, the yielding ground receiving it like a cushion, as it came to a halt near the center of the valley. When this was done a second followed suit, being so guided that it did not grate against its companion, but came to rest very near it. Then another followed, and then another and another, in the same stealthy manner, until over a dozen were in the valley below. This completed, the phantom-like figures de- scended like so many shadows, and began tug- sing again at the bowlders, ot a word was exchanged, for each knew what was — of him. Fully an hour more Se , by which time the labor was fin- ished. The bowlders were arranged in the form of an impassable wall across the narrow valley, and the steam man was so thoroughly impris- _ that no human aid could ever extricate CHAPTER XX. THE CONCLUDING CATASTROPHE. Baldy Bicknell, the trapper, was the first to discover the peril of himself and party. When the Indians had completed their work it lacked only an hour of daylight. Having done all that was necessary, the savages took their stations behind the wall, lying flat upon the ground, where they were invisible to the whites, but where every motion of theirs could be watched and checkmated. When the trapper opened his eyes he did not stir a limb—a way into which he had got during his long experience on the frontiers. He merely moved his head from side to side, so as to see anything that was to be seen. The first object that met his eye was the boy Brainerd, sound asleep. Apprehensive then that something had occurred, he turned bis startled gaze in different directions, scanning everything as well as it could be done in the pale moonlight. When hecaught sight of the wall stretched across the valley, he rubbed his eyes, and looked at it again and again, scarcely able to ercdit his senses. He was sure it was not there a few hours before, and he could not compre- hend what it could mean; but it was a verity, and his expertence told him that it could be the work of no one -xcept the Indians, who had outwitted him p cast. His first feexng was that of indignation to- ward the boy who had permitted this to take place while he was asleep, but his mind quickly turned upon the more important matter of meeting the peril, which, beyond all doubt, was of the most serious character. As yet he had not stirred his peeon's and look- ing toward the prison wall, he caught a glimpse aS aD aT The Huge Hunter, of the phantom-like figures, as they occasionally flitted about, securing the best possible position, before the whites should awake. This glimpse made everything plain to the pation mind of Baldy Bicknell. He compre- 1ended that the red-skins had laid a plan to en- trap the steam nian, more than to entrap them- selves, and that, sofar as he could judge, they had succeeded completely. It was the tightest fix in which he had ever been caught, and his mind, fertile as it was ih expedients at such crises, could see no way of meeting the danger. He knew the Indians had horses somewhere at command, while neither he nor his comrades bad a single one. The steam man would be un- able to pass that formidable wall, as it was not to be supposed that he had been taught the art of leaping. Whatever plan of escape was determined upon it was evident that the steamer would have to be abandoned; and this necessitated, as an inevitable consequence, that the whites would have to depend upon their legs. The Missouri river was dt no great distance, and if left un- disturbed they could make it without difficulty, but there was a prospect of anything sooner than that they would be allowed to depart in peace, after leaving the steam man behind. The trapper, as had been his invarjable cus- tom, had carefully noted the contour of the sur- rounding prairie, before they had committed the important act of encamping in the gorge or hollow. He remembered the grove at some distance, and was satisfied that the barbarians had lett their horses there, while they had gathered behind the wall to wait the critical moment, By the time these thoughts had fairly taken shape in his brain it was beginning to grow light, and with a premonitary yawn and kick he rose to his feet and began stirring the fire. He was well aware that although he and his companions were a fair target for the rifles of their enemies, yet they would not fire. Their plan of action did not comprehend that, though it would have settled every hing in their favor without delay. ‘*] declare I have been asleep!” exclaimed Brainerd, as be began rubbing his eyes. ‘Yes. You're a purty feller to make a senti- nel of, ain’t you?” replied the trapper, in dis- t st. ‘*T hope nothing has happened,” answered Johnny, feeling that he deserved all the blame that could be laid upon him. ‘* Not much, exceptin’ while yer war snoozin’ — reds have come down and got us allin a nice zm. The boy was certain he was jesting until he saw the expression of his face. ‘Surely, Baldy, it is nct as bad as that?” ‘‘Do you see that ar?” demanded the trapper, pointing toward the wall, which the youngster could not help observing. ‘* How comes that to be there?” ‘‘The red-skins put it thar. Can yer steam man walk over that?” ‘Certainly not; but we can remove them.” ‘Do yer want to try it, younker?”’ ““’'m willing to help.” ‘*Do yer know that ar’ somethin’ less nor a hundred red-skins ahind them, jist waitin’ fur yer to try that thing?’ ‘*Good heavens! can it be possible?” ‘*Ef you don’t b’leve it, go out and look for yerself, that’s all.” The boy, for the first time, comprebenaed the peril in which he had brought his friends by his own remissness, and his self-accusation wa; so reat, that, fora few moments, he forgot the act that he was exposed to the greatest danger of his life. By this time Ethan and Mickey awoke, and | were soon made to understand their predica- ment. As amatter of course, they were all dis- posed to blame the author of this; but when they saw how deepty he felt his own shortcom- ing, all three felt a natural sympathy for him. ‘* There’s no use of talkin’ how we came to get hyar,” was the philosophical remark of the trapper; ‘it’s ’nough to know that we are hyar, wit: a mighty slim chance of ever gettin’ out ag’in. , ‘It’s enough to make a chap feel down in the mouth, as me friend Jonah observed when he went down the throat of tbe whale,” said Mickey. : “ How is it they don’t shoot us?” asked Hop- kins; ‘‘ wecan’t git out of their way, end they’v2 got usin fair range.” : ‘* What’s the use of doin’ that? Ef they kill us, that’ll be the end on’t; but ef they put thar claws on us, they’ve got @s sure, and can havea ° ————— ee ee e. so" em rn ~ good time toastin’ us while they yelp and dance around.” All shuddered at the fearful picture drawn by the bunter, ‘Jerusalem! don’t I wish I was to hum in Connect’cut!” “* And it’s myself that would be plaised to be sitting in the parlor at Ballyduff wid me own Bridget Maghlaghaghighagh, listenin’ while she breathed swate vows, afther makmg her supper upon praties and inions,” “TI think I’d ruther be hyar,” was the com- mentary of the trapper upon the expressed wis! of the Irishman. Pid can’t yees touch up the staam mzp, and make him hop owver them shtones?” asked Mickey, turning toward the boy, whom, it was noted, appeared to be in deep reverie again. Not until he was addressed several times di! he look up. Then he merely shook his head, to signify that the thing was impossible, ‘Any fool might know better than that,” roe- marked the Yankee, ‘‘for if he could jump over, where would be the wagon?” ‘“That’ud foller, av coorse.” ‘No; there’s no way of getting the steam man out of here. He is a gone case, sure, and it looks as though we were ditto, Jerusalem! I wish all the gold was back in Wolf Ravine, and we war a thousand miles from this place.” ‘Wishing "1 do no good; there’s only one chance I see, and that ain’t no chance at all.” All, including the boy, eagerly looked up to hear the explanation. ‘*Some distance from hyar is some timbers, and in thar the reds have left their animals. Ef we start on a run for the timbers, git thar ahead of the Ingins, mount thar hosses and put, thar’ll be some chance. Yer can see what chance thar is fur that.” It looked as hopeless as the charge of the Light Brigade. Young Brainerd now spoke. “Tt was I who got you into trouble, and it is I, that, with the blessing of Heaven, am goin; to get you out of it.” The three now looked eagerly at him. ‘*Is there no danger of the Indians firing upon us?” he asked of the hunter. ** Not unless we try to run away.” ‘* Ail right; it is time to begin.” The boy’s first proceeding was to kindle a fire in the boiler of the steam man. Whenit was fairly blazing, he conti ued to beap in wood, until a fervent heat was produced such as it had never experienced before. Still he throw in wood, and kept the water low in the boiler, until there was a most prodigious pressure of sont making its escape at half a dozen ori- ces, When all the wood was thrown in that. it could contain, and portions of the iron sheeting could be seen becoming red-hot, he ceased this, and began trying the steam. ** How much can he hold?” inquired Hopkins. ‘* One hundred and fifty pounds.” ‘* How much is on now?” ‘‘One bundred and forty eight, and rising.” ** Good heavens! it will blow up!” was the ex- clamation, as the three shrunk back, appalled at the danger. ‘Not for afew minutes; have you the gold se- cured, and the guns, so as to be ready to run?” They were ready to run at any moment; the gold was always secured about their persons and it required but a moment To snatch up the weapons. ‘* When it blows up, run!” was the admonition of the boy. The steam man was turned directly toward the wall, and a full head of steam let on. It started away with a bound, instantly reaching a speed of forty miles an hour. The next moment it struck the bowlders with a terrific crash, shot on over its face, leaving the splintered wagon behind, and at the instant of touching ground upon the opposite side di- rectly among the thunderstruck Indians, it exploded its boiler! be shock of the explosion was terrible, It was liko the bursting of an immense bemb-shell, the steam man being blown into thousands of fragments, that scattered death and destruction in every direction. Falling in the very center of the crouching Indians, it could but make a terrible destruction of life, while those who es- caped unbarmed, were beside themselves with consternation. This was the very thing upon which young Brainerd had counted, and for which he made his calculations. When he saw it leap toward the wall in such a furious manner, he mew the inevitable consequence, and gave the word te his friends to take to their legs.
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~_—————-—— [a All three dashed up the bank, and reaching the surface of the prairie, Baldy Bicknell took the lead, exclaiming: ‘* Now fur ¢he wood yonder!” As they reached the grove, one or two of the number glanzed back, but saw nothing of the pursuing Indians. They had not yet recovered from their terror. Not a moment was to bos lost. The ex- yerienced eye of the trapper lost no time in se- [eating the very best Indian horses, and a mowent later all four rode out from the grove at a full gallop, and headed toward the Mis- sourl. Toe precise result of the steam man’s explosion was uever learned, How many were killed and wounded could only be conjectured; but the number ¢ertainly was so great that our friends saw nothing more of them. They evidently had among their number those who had become pretty well acquainted with the steam man, else they would not have laid the plan which they did for capturing him. Being well mounted, the party made the en- tire journey to Independence on horseback. From this point they took passage to St. Louis, where the gold was divided, and the party separated, and since then have seen nothing of each other. Mickey McSquizzle returned to Ballyduff Kings county, Ireland, where, we heard, he and his gentle Bridget, are in the full enjoyment of the three thousand pounds he carried with him. Ethan Hopkins settled down with the girl of his choice in Cennecticut, where, at last ac- counts, he was doing as well as could be ex- pected, Baldy Bicknell, although quite a wealthy man, still clings to his wandering habits, and spends the greater portion of his time on the prairies. With the large amount of money realized from his western trip, Johnny Brainerd is educating himself at one of the best schools in the country. When he shall have completed his course, it is his intention to construct another steam map, capable of more wonderful performances than the first. 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BEADLE’S | HALF-DIME | LIBRARY. “ | L Deadwood Dick, Tem Prince oF THE Roap | 110 The Black Steed of the Prairies. A | 223 Ozark Alf, Kine or THe Mounrarm. By Edward L. Wheeler. 2 Yellowstone Jack. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 3 Kansas King. By Buffalo Bill. i The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Captain Mayne Reid and ‘Captain Irederick Whittaker, 56 Vagabond Joe, THE Yourna WANDERING JEW. By Oll Coomes. Double Number, 10cts. Bill Biddon, Trapper. By FE. 8. Ellis. Whe Flying Yankee, By Col. P, Ingraham, Seth Jones. By Edward 8. Ellis. Adventures of Baron Munchausen, Nat Todd. By E. 5. Ellis. The Two Detectives, By A.W. Aiken, Gulliver’s Travel«, By Dean Swift. The Dumb Spy. By Oll Coomes. Aladdiny or, THe Wonverrvun. Lamp. The Sea-Cat. By Captain Fred. Whittaker, Robinson Crusoe, (27 Illustrations.) haa Roy. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven Voyages. The Phantom Spy. By Buffalo Bill. The Double Daggers. By E.’L. Wheeler. The Frontier Angel. By Edward 8. Ellis. The Sea Serpent. By Juan Lewis. Nick 0° the Night. By T. C. Harbaugh. Diamond Dirk. By Colonel P. Ingraham. The ie | Captain. By Roger Starbuck. Cloven Hoof, By Edward L. Wheeler. Antelope Abe, THe Boy Guripz. Oll Coomes. Buffalo Ben. By Edward L. Wheeler. The Dumb Page. By Capt. F. Whittaker. Roaring Ralph Rockwood, Tae Recx- Less RANGER. By Harry St. George. 31 Keen-Knife, Proce or Tae Prairies, By SCBRUIAS eS OSM ARM OO EID GE RS RSS RS OS 6S SS Re oe ee ee et et et ee Oll Coomes, 32 Bob Woolf, By Edward L. Wheeler. 33 The Ocean Bloodhound. 58. W. Pierce, By Capt. J. F. CO. Adams, 35 Wiid Ivan. By Edward L. Wheeler. 36 The Boy Clown. By Frank §. Finn. 37 The Hidden Lodge. By T. 0. Harbaugh. 38 Ned Wylde, Tue Boy Scour. By Texas Jack. 39 Death-Face, THe Detective, By Wheeler. 40 Roving Ben. By J. J. Marshall. 41 Lasso Jack. By Oll Coomes. 42 The Phantom Miner. By E. L. Wheeler. 43 Dick arenes. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. 44 Rattling Rube. ee arry St. George. 45 Old Avalanche, By Edward L, Wheeler. 46 Glass Eye, tae Great SHor or THE West, By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 47 By T. C. Harbaugh. ightingale Nat, «8 Black John, Tur Roap-Acent. By Badger. By Edward L. Wheeler. 34 Oregon Sol. 49 Omaha Olli. 60 Burt Bunker, THe Trapper. C, E. Lasalle. 61 The Boy Rities. By Archie C. Irons. 62 The White Buffalo. By C. E. Lasalle. 63 Jim Bludsoe, Jr. gerry L. Wheeler. 564 Ned Hazel, By Capt. J. F, C. Adams. 65 Deadly - Eye, THz Unknown Scour; or, Tax BRANDED BROTHERHOOD. By Buffalo Bill. 66 Nick Whiffles’ Pet. Capt. J. F. C. Adaims. 567 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles. By Wheeler. 68 The Border King. By Oll Coomes. 9 Old Hickory. By arry Bt. George. 40 The White Indian. Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 4} Buckhorn Bill. By Edward L. Wheeler. @2 The Shadow Ship. By Col P. Ingraham. 6383 The Red Brotherhood. W. J. Hamilton. 64 Qandy Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh. 65 \Curricane Bill. Py ge. EK. Badger, Jr 66 ingle Hand. By W. J, Hamilton. 67 Pa*ent-leather Joe. By cme 8. Warne. 68 Boyder Robin Hood. By Buffalo Bill 69 Gold Rifle. By Edward L. eeler. 70 Old Nip’s Cabin. By Capt. J. F. 0, Adams, 71 Delaware Dick. By Oll Coomes. 72 Mad Tom Western. By W. J. Hamilton. 73 Deadwrood Dick on Deck, By Wheeler. 74 HMaw\\seye Harry. By Oll Coomes. 75 The »y Duelist. By Col. P. Ingraham. 76 Abe Coll, THz Crow-Kiuier. By A. W. Aiken. 77 Corduray Charlie. By E. L. Wheeler. 78 Blue Dk. By Captain Mayne Reid. 79 Sol Ging}r, Guyt . By A.W. Aiken. 80 Rosebud Nob, By Edward L. Wheeler. 81 Lightning Jo. By Captain J. F.C. Adams, 82 Kit Haretoot. By T.C. a 83 Rollo, the Noy Ranger, ae Coomes, 84 Idyl, the GAsi Miner. By KE. L. Wheeler. 85 Buck Buckram, By Capt. J. F. C. Adams, 86 Dandy BRack. By G. Waldo Browne. 87 The Land Pivates. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 88 Bhotogrs h AAI. E. L. Wheeler. 89 Island Jim. ly Bracebridge Hemyng. 90 The Dread Ridon. By G. Waldo Browne. 91 The Captain of t\\e Club; or, Taz Youna Riva ATHLETES, ‘ Bracebridge Hemyng. 92 Canada Chet. By \dward L. Wheeler. 93 The Boy Miners. ¥ owas 8. Ellis. 94 Midnight Jack, Br T, C. Harbaugh. 95 The RivalRovers. Lieut. Col. Hazeltine. 96 Watch-Eye, THE SHamvy. By E. L. Wheeler. 97 The Outlaw Brothei. By J. J. Marshall. 98 Robin Hood, By Prof ildersleeve. 99 The Tiger of ‘Taos. By %&. Waldo Browne. 100 Deadwood Dick in Keadville; or, A STRANGE STROKE For Lisertx By Wheeler. 101 Jack HMarkaway in New York. By Bracebridge Hemyng. 162 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, THz Guinz. By T. C. Harbaugh. 107 One-Eyed Sim. By James L. Bowen. 108 Daring Davy. By Harry St. George. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective, By Edward L. Wheeler. |} 211 Thrilling Story of Texan Adventure, By Bowen. The Sea-Devil. By Col. P. Ingraham. 112 The Mad Hunter. By Burton Saxe. 13 Jack Hoyle. By Edward L. Wheeler. 14 The Black Schooner. Roger Starbuck, 15 TVhe Mad Miner. By G. Waldo Browne. 16 The Hussar Captain. Col. P. Ingraham, 17 Gilt-EKdged Dick. By E. L. Wheeler, 18 Will Somers, Tan Boy Derectriyr. Morris, 19 Mustang Sam. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 20 The Branded Hand, By Frank Dumont. 21 Cinnamon Chip. By Fdward L. Wheeler. 22 Phil Mardy, Tux Boss Boy. By C. Morris. 23 Kiowa Charley. By T. C. Harbaugh. 24 Tippy, THE Texan. By George Gleason. 25 Bonanza Bill, Mrver. By Ed, L. Wheeler. 26 Picayune Pete. By Charles Morris. 27 Wild-Fire, Boss or Tne Roap. By Dumont. 128 The Young Privateer. By H. Cavendish. 29 Deadwood Dick’s Double. By Wheeler, 130 Detective Dick, By Charles Morris, 131 The Golden Hand. By Geo. W. Browne. 132 The Hunted Hunter, By Ed. 8, Ellis. 133 Boss Bob, tHe Kine or THE BooTsuacks: or, THe PAWNBROKER's PLor. Ed. L. Wheeler. 4 Sure Shot Seth, By Oll Coomes. Captain Paul, By C. Dunning Clark. Nizght-Hawk Kit. By Jos. EK. Badger, Jr. The Helpless Hand, Capt. Mayne Reid, Blonde ill, By Edward L. Wheeler. Judge Lynch, Jr. By T. C. Harbaugh. Blue Blazes. By Frank Dumont. Solid Sam. By Edward L Wheeler. Handsome 1! wet © By Charles Morris. Scar-Face Saul, By Oll Coomes. . creme oe 3 Lance, THE Boy Sport. By Badger. Captain Ferret. By Edward L. Wheeler. Silver Star, THE Boy aur, 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. Black Bess, Wr. Wiwpriee’s Racer; or, Winnine AGarinst Opps. By Charles Morris. Eagle Kit, rae Boy Demon. By Oll Coomes. The Swerd Hunters, af . Whittaker, > Gold Trigger, THE Sporr. T. C. Harbaugh. 6 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, Tae Picken Party. By Edward L. Wheeler. 7 Miike Werry. By Charles Morris, 8 pancy 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 Oll Coomes, 4 Dandy Rock’s Pledge. By G.W. Browne, 5 Billy Baggage. By Charlies Morris. Hickory Harry. By Harry St. George. Asa Scott, Tax Stramnoat Boy. By Willett. Deadly Dash. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Tornado Tom, T. C. Harbaugh. A Trump Card, By Charles Morris. Ebony Dan. By Frank Dumont. Thunderbolt Tom, By Harry St. George. Dandy Rock’s Rival. By G.W. Browne, Bob Rockett, TH Boy Doparer. By Morris. Captain Arizona, By Pullip 8.Warne. The Boy Runaway. By Lieut. Perry. Nobby Nick of Nevada, EF, L. Wheeler. Old Solitary. By Oli Coomes. Bob Rockett, rHe Bank Runner. Morris, The Sea Trailer. By 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, Kixe or Carrie Trirves; or, THE Vuurures or THE Rio Granpe. By F. Dumont. Cool Desmond, By Col. Delle Sara. Fred Halyard, By Charles Morris. Ned Temple, THe Borvrr Boy. Harbaugh, Bob Rockett, rae CracgsmMAn, By Morris, Dandy Darke. By Wm. R. Eyster. Buffalo Billy. By Capt. Taylor, U. 8. A. Captain Kit. By Lieut. H. D. Perry,U.8.N. Captain Mask, By Philip 8. Warne. Buffale Bills Bet, By Captain Taylor. Deadwood Dick’s Dream, By Wheeler. Shadowed. By Charles Morris. Little Grit, rar WiLp Rimmer, By Ingraham. 8 Arkansaw,. By T..C. Harbaugh. 199 Featherweight. By Edward Willett. 200 The Boy Bedouins, By Whittaker. 201 The Black Vallis Jezebel. By Wheeler. 202 Prospect Pete. By Oll Coomes. 203 The Boy Pards. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 204 Gold Plume, Tue Boy Banprr. Ingraham. 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom, By Wheeler 206 Dark Paul, THe TicreR Kine. By C. Morris 207 Navajo Nick. ByT. C. Harbaugh. 208 The Boy Hercules. By Oll Coomes. 209 Fritz, THe Bounpv-Boy Derectivz. Wheeler. 210 Faro Frank of High Pine. By Eyster. 211 Crooked Cale. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 12 Dashing Dave. By Charles Morris. 13 Fritz to the Front. By E. L, Wheeler. 14 Wolfgang, THe Rosser oF THE RHINE. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 15 Captain Bullet. By T.C. Harbaugh. 16 Bison Bill, toe Prince or THE REINS. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 17 Captain Crack-Shot, By E. L. Wheeler, 18 Tiger Tom, THe Texan TERROR. Coomes. 19 20 21 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 J 1 ] I 1 1 1 os iho ibe da aide CO CORO EO COGS we SOM Sen 2S BHCC SWOoks sean iat oo ed APRAARHARABGHARDAGH me abd ed dad bed ed edad DIAN wew=OOBaIs & fuk fl jf ff foo oo fo ff ej tf fe df fo fe do fa fd MANERA HK SSDI Oe ONwHS COSCO CCoorTe2eOe CCOCOS Despard, the Duelist. By P. S. Warne, By Charles Morris. By E. L. Wheeler: By Ingraham, Tom Tanner. Sugar Coated Sam, 2 Grit, the Bravo Sport. BWWHBLW WH WwW Edward Willett. Dashing Dick, 225 Sam Charcoal. By Charles Morris. 226 Snoozer, THe Boy SHarp. By E. L.Wheel 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper. By E. Emersc) 28 Little Wildfire, By Oll Coomes. 229 Crimson Kate, By Col. P. Ingraham. 230 The Yankee Bajah,. By C. D. Clark. Plucky Phil. ByT. C. Harbaugh. 232 Gold-Duast Dick. By E. L. Wheele: 233 Joe Buck, of Angels. By. A W. Aik: 234 Old Rocky’s *‘ Boyees,.’? Buckskin San: 235 Shadow Sam, By Charles Morris. 236 Apollo Bill. By Edward L. Wheeler. 237 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain ; or THE Mysrerious RancuEero. By P. Ingrahan 238 The Parson Detective. By Oll Coome: 239 The Gold-seeker Guide; or, Tar Lo» Mountain. By Captain Mayne Reid. 240 Cyclone Kit, By Edward L. Wheeler. 241 Bill Bravo and His Bear Pards, By T. C. Harbaugh. 242 The Two ‘ Bloods’, By Charles Morris. 243 The Diszguised Guide. By Oll Coomes. 244 Sierra Sam. By Edward L. Wheeler. 245 Merle, the Middy. By Col. P. Ingraham 246 Giant George. By Buckskin Sam. 247 Old Grizzly and His Pets. By Captain “ Bruin” Adams. 248 Sierra Sams Secret. By E. L. Wheeler. 249 Milo Romer. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. 250 Midshipman Mutimeer. By Ingraham. 251 Light-house Lige, By J. F. 0. Adams. 252 Dick Dashaway. By Chas. Morris. 253 Sierra Sam’s Pard. By E. L, Wheeler. 254 The Half Blood. By Edward §, Ellis. 255 Captain Apollo. By T. 0. Harbaugh. 256 Young Kentuck. By Capt. Mark Wilton. 257 The Lost Hunters. By Capt. Adams. 258 Sierra Sams Seven, By E. L. Wheeler, 259 The Golden Harpoon, By R. Starbuck. 260 Dare-Devil Dan. By Oll Coomes, 261 Fergus Fearnaught. By Geo. L. Aiken. 262 The Young Sleuths, By Charles Morris. 263 Deadwood Dick’s Divide, By Wheeler. 264 The Floating Feather. By Ingraham, 265 The Tiger Tamer. By Capt. Whittaker. 266 Killb’ar, theGuide. By Ensign Charles Dudley Warren, (of the Engineer’s Corps.) 267 The Buckskin Detective, By T. C. Harbaugh. 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail, By Edward L. Wheeler, 269 The Gold ert DEMNED. By Colone 270 Blizzard Ben. By Captain Mark Wilton. 271 The Huge Hunter. By Edward §. Ellis. 272 Minkskin Mike. By Oll Coomes. 273 Jumbo Joe. By Edward L. Wheeler. 274 Jolly Jim. By Charlies Morris. 275 Arizona Jack. By Buckskin Sam, (Major Sam S. Hall.) By Oll Coomes. or, Mery, THE Conr- tiss Ingraham, 276 Merle Monte’s Cruise. By Ingraham. 277 Denver Doll. By Edward L. Wheeler. 278 The Three Exeevers | or, THe Mountain Monsrer. By Major L. W. Carson. By T. C. 279 Old Winch, ree Ririz Kina. Harbaugh. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate, By Col. Ingraham. 281 Denver Doll’s Victory. By Wheeler. 282 The Typo Detective, By Edward Willett. 283 Indian Joe; or, THe Warre Spirit or Tat Hiriits, By Major L. W. Carson. 284 The Sea Marauder; or, Mertz Morrr’s Pieper. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 285 Denver Doll’s Decoy. By E. L. Wheeler. 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot; or, Tz Witp Mun or BuzzarD Bar. By Mark Wilton. 287 Billy Blue-EKyes. By Col. P. Ingraham. 288 The Scalp King. By Capt. J. F.C. Adame 289 Jolly Jim’s Job. By Charlies Morris. 290 Little Foxfire, rae Boy Sry; or, OLD CaLEB ARBUCKLE, Mounrarn Dertectivz. By OD Coomes. 291 Turk, the Ferret. By E. L. Wheeler. 292 Sancho Pedro, THE Boy Banpir. By Captain Mark Wilton, 293 Red Claw, THE One-Eyep Trapper. By Captain Comstock. 294 Dynamite Dan; or, THz Bowm Biaps or CocHgeropa. By *p. C. Harbaugh. A neu dseue every week. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by al Newsadealers, five cents per Cony or sent by mail on receipt of siz cents each, BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York.