Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 279) (1882 11 28)
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a“ Sy : (oa alalLllZ Yes ct tN Copyrighted In 1882 by BEADLE AxD ADAMS, November 23, 1882. HED tADL ete. PUBLIS WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, No. 279. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. OLD WINCH, THE RIFLE KING: or, THE BUCKSKIN DESPERADOES, m= Penta? tame om Nene ~~ Oe. Wie — Ae — Fe” We or gil ee AUTHOR OF ‘PLUCKY PHIL,” ‘“‘ ARKANSAW,” “ BILL BRAVO,” “CAPTAIN APOLLO,” “ CAPTAIN BULLET,” “OLD FROSTY,” ETC., ETC, ies YF CATT “lf iio aN HG) VN, 4 BNE A T i HN (Ake SSN SSS Sr SS SS “@LD WINCH AK’ HER FRIEND, AN’ WOE TO THE MAN WHAT OFFERS INSULT TO GOLD GEORGIE WHILE I SLING THIS SHOOTER,” AND HE PATTED HIS RIFLE THREATENINGLY. “3
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Old Winch, the Rifle King. Old Winch, THE RIFLE KING; on, The Buckskin Desperadoes. A Romance of California. BY T,. C. HARBAUGH, AUTHOR OF ‘PLUCKY PHIL,” ‘‘ ARKANSAW,” ** BILL BRAVO,” ‘CAPTAIN APOLLO,” ‘*CAP- TAIN BULLET,” ‘‘ GO). D TRIGGER,” “‘ OLD FROSTY,” “‘ DANDY JACK,” ETO, CHAPTER L BLDORADO SURPRISED. Goip VaLLey, which lay at the foot of the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, was a pic- turesque spot. It was very large in area, and was dotted with many ranches and mining- camps. Prominent among the latter was a place called Eldorado by ‘the motley crowd of American miners, Mexicans and Indians who inhabited it, for it stood in the midst of the great gold-pro- ducing district, and naturally became the ren- dezvous of the wild, rough classes of California. Far above Eldorado towered the snowy + oe of the Nevada range, and the grizzly could look down at any time upon the lovely valley and its denizens, Eldorado prospered, and that without a wo- man within its boundaries. Occasionally the daughter, wife or sister of some ranchman ven- tured into the place, but they were surrounded by such a crowd of wild men that all had been iy to beat a hasty retreat. soft September day was nearing its close when a couple that attracted much attention rode into Eldorado. They came from the east, where the San Joa- quin rolled over a golden bed, and their fag horses told that they had traveled a long dis- tanee. The man—for one of the new-comers was a representative of the softer sex—was a grizzly bearded person of sixty years. His figure was tall, and as straight as a Cheyenne arrow; he had the eyes of an eagle in his head, the car- riage of a person conscious and proud of bis own abilities, and a voice when he spoke, geutlo but, at the same time, full of resolution. He looked more like an old bear-hunter than a miner, for his buckskin garments were fringed after the fancy of a modern Nimrod, and his weapons consisted of an elegant repeating rifle, knife and revolver. His companion was a girl not more than seventeen. Although she was white, she wore the tasteful garments of the Indian maiden, which outwardly consisted of soft doeskin leg- gins, and a frock of the same material, the latter ing to an inch or so below the knees. Her feet were incased in a pair of Cinderella-like moccasins, and her head-gear was a unique cap whose only ornament was the gaudy wings of the California oriole. Added to this outfit of wearing apparel, the irl wore a belt in which was stuck an ivory- andled bunting knife, which did not look for- midable when compared with the huge affair evrried by her companion. Her beauty was at- tractive, for her eyes were dark and sparkling, ana ‘er garments revealed enough of her figure to sbo,~ that i¢ was faultless. It was a strange couple to be seen at Eldorado, and itis not at all singular that they shuld be merroune? by the entire population of the place. “ My name, gentlemen, is Winch—Old Winch, fur short,” —said the girl’s companion, looking down upon the staring and gapin crowd from his saddle, ‘‘This gal is Gold rgie, fur ef she ain’t worth her weight in yaller stones, thar’s not a woman in Californy worth a dollar. Jes’ look at her, men, an’ say thet she isn’t a daisy, ef you dar’!” A’ slight flush that enhanced her wild loveli- ness suffused the girl’s face, and she threw a re- proving glance at the old rifleman who did not notice it, but went on: “Don’t ask me. whar I picked up this rare nugget, for I mightn’t give yeany satisfaction ef ye did,” he went on. ‘She’s a mountain rose, thet will bloom in any climate ef she’s treated square. Old Winch ar’ her friend, an’ woe to the man what offers insult to Gold Georgie while I slings this shooter,” and he patted his rifle threateningly. ‘Whar ar’ you goin’?”’ came from the crowd. It was Old Winch’s time to start. “* We ar’ on the trail ov a my: ” he said —‘‘ one thet consarns Georgie hyar. e hevn’t made much headway in the matter yet, but we hope to afore long. Whar’s Plumas Roy?” ‘Here I am!” and there stepped forward a handsome young man whose honest face seemed out of place among the roughs and toughs by whom he was surrounded. “You're a young chap,” exclaimed Old Winch, ae his keen eyes upon the youth, ‘IT wouldn’t hev thought thet from what Ive heard ov you. Georgie,” he continued, turn- ing to the girl, ‘‘ this is Plun as Roy.” the eyes of the young people met a cour- teous bow passed between them, and the youth who had emigrated to Eldorado from Plumas county, whence his singular name, advanced until he stood at the head of the girl’s horse. ‘“‘We want to see you, Plumas,” continued Old Winch, “but not in this crowd. We're hyar on important bizness, an’ if I’m not mis- taken, we'll stir Gold Valley up one of these aare 1 couldn’t call on anybody else in Eldo- lo but you.” “Tam at yourservice,” and the speaker’s eyes wandered to the girl as he spoke. ‘‘ If you will follow me I will lead you to a place where we can converse with no listeners to bother us, I mean my own cabin, miss. It is not a palace; we have no palaces in Eldorado,” And as Gold Georgie caught his'smile, he turned to lead the wy through the crowd. he men of Eldorado fell back, and the Old Rifle King and his beautiful companion urged their tired animals on again. Plumas Roy walked by the head of Old Winch’s horse and carried on a.conversation in tones which did not attract the girl’s attention, for she was taking in the camp and its many rough objects of interest. “The old fellow hasn’t changed a bit since I saw him last in Starvation Camp,” muttered one of the eighty men who ga after Eldo rado’s unexpected, and somewhat mysterious visitors. ‘* Ranch always maintained that he would turn s some day, but I never took much stock in it ut byar he is an’ I must do my duty. LIcan’t leave camp fur thar’s no tellin’ what'll happen byar afore mornin’ with thet old devil among us. Didn’t I hear ’im tell Plumas that Gola Valley war to be stirred up as it hez never been stirred afore? He’s liable ter begin to-night, an’ he brought thet gal along to catch young fellers like Plumas. The old cuss kin shoot with tbat kill-devil rifle ov his, but what’s one man among eighty .ef the eighty take a notion that he’s lived too long?” be man who communed tbus with himself was almost as dark of feature as a Mexican. He was brvad-shouldered, active’ and not unband- some, although a raised scar extended from the corner of his left eye almost to the ear. When he separated himself from the crowd, he esas over his shoulder and found himself fol- owed by a wiry little Mexican, whose snaky eyes glittered beneath the brim of a dark som- rero, A rapid look full of meaning between the two men, but they did not meet until they had entered a rough-looking cabin, a hundred ards from the spot where the men of Eldorado ad inspected Old Winch and his beautiful girl companion. ‘“‘Santissima! He is here, Modoc,” said the Mexican, the first of the twain to ae “Hyar? Ov course he’s hyar!” was tbe re- ply. ‘I wasn’t lookin’ far him, but he came, anyhow. As he war livin’ be war bound ter come. All ther grizzlies in the Rockies couldn’t keep the Old Rip back, an’ heaven knows thar war a power ov ’em around when I saw ‘im last. Mex, you must ride to the ranch.” “To-night?” “ Right away.” “Tt is twenty miles, senor.” A If it war a thousand I’d send you off jes’ the same. The Mexican youth was silent and awaited orders. “You're not to tell Ranch Rob more than I in the table. An instant later the snapping of steel’ was pean and Modoc held a broken bowie in his and, Mex the Mexican looked on amazed. a, “Take this broken knife to Rob an’ say he hez come—not another word.” And the knife was thrust into the Mexican’s hand. ‘‘ You had better take the black horse, for the night will match him in color, an’ nobody will see you. Don’t spare ’im ef he is the best critter in Gold Valley. You ar’ ridin’ for the life of more than one man. You must fit to Ranch afore day, if it costs you every bullet on yer person, an’ the last — ov blood in yer veins.” “T will get there, senor!” was the determined rep] eThnen go. Remember the word, ‘He hex Sete youth sprung piney, from the cabin, an ppeared as quickly as a pis- tol’s flash in a dark ravine. He burried to a corral between Eldorado and the mountains, and selected from ome the restless horses confined there a glossy black gelding, on whose beck he sae after having pape a Mexican saddle and bridle. ‘ way like the wind went the black horse as if he bore norider. Swift as a comet he shot down the mountain trail for thirty tye won then Struck across a portion of Gol alley. Ye wenied to know the road as well as bis swarthy rider, The sun had gone down, and darkness covered the earth. A few stars glimmered like miners’ lights in the deep firmament, but the: certainly did not show the Mexican the trail he trav- ersed. Lop § =. Where was Modoc—the man who had dis- tched him on his mission—and what was he oO ing? a can be diamond: cut diamond ez it used to be, when Ranch Rob comes,” be said, in gleeful tones. ‘‘ Thar’s nobody to stop Mex now, for the Injuns hev left the trail. He'll git thar safe an’ sound, an’ thet’s all I want.” “ Mebbe be will!” Those three words caused Modoc to recoil. He had just stepped from the gloom of bis cabin, and an exclamation of surprise dropped from his lips. His revolver bad been drawn, and was already cocked in bis hand. “Mebbe yer yaller tool will git to ther ranch, an’ mebbe he won't,” continued the same voice. “ Bz fur you, Modoe, yer days ar’ nearly num- bered. I’m byar to stir Gold Valley ter its depths, if it’s necessary, to giveGold Georgie ber rights. I warn’t expected, ez I saw the first time 1 sot eyes on ye awhile ago. Old Winch hez a habit ov turnin’ up whenan’ whar he’s not wanted.” The left hand of the speaker was at Modcc’s throat; his right thrust the muzzle of a revolver into his face. *“Go back into yer cabin; I don’t want you now, Modoc,” and the rough was flung backward with a force that astonished him, His heel struck the threshold of. his mountain home, and he fell at full le. gth amid the dark- ness beyond. “ By heaven! we'll bev yer blood fur this!” he grated, as be recovered, ‘‘ You've ridden inte a devil’s den, you an’ ther gal hev, ye old devil!” ‘We did it with our eyes open, Modoc,” was the r mse, accompanied by a derisive laugh. ‘<T shall stay hyar till Ranch Rob comes if the Greaser finds’im. Meanwhile, ef you want sat- isfaction out ov Old Winch, you'll find ’im at yer sarvice.” Modoc found the revolver, which bad been knocked from his hand by the fall, and rushed from the cabin. But bis enemy was not in sight. ‘ To-morrer!” he hissed, y “Tam satisfied; let it be to-morrow!” came from the darkness. ‘I came byar on bigness, an’ a pert ov thet bizness is to use my rifle im writin’ lead sermons fur your crew.” : CHAPTER II. THE UNKNOWN MAZEPPA. We need not say that Modoc was the only citizen of Eldorado excited by the arrival of Old Winch and Gold Georgie. Away into the night groups of miners and roughs with no particular avocation, discussed the une ted visit. f , All agreed that the girl was the most beauti- ful creature they bad ever seen, and not a few envied Plumas Roy the good fortune which kept him in ber presence. . : “The old rascal came by the beauty unfairly —l’ll stake my claims on thet!” exclaimed a member of one of the groups first referred to. ‘Let's investigate the matter at daylight. He needn’t say thet the gal’s bis cbild for they don’t resemble one another more than an Injnn looks like a snake. We kin git up a court an’ try ’em fur child stealin’. We hevn’t hed a bit ov fun in ther valley for a coon’s age, an’ things ax’ fa a
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-_ = ittin monotonous, A court in ther mornin’! t’s git at ther bottom ov this thing.” “The old feller might shoot,” ventured a lis- tener, “Shoot! Pshaw! What's one man ag’in’ eighty?’ was the contemptuous rejoinder. ““He’s got more sense than to buck ag’in’ the hull outfit ov Gold Valley.” The proportion put forth by the man who ‘wanted a court was favorably received by all who beard it, and when the sun again rose on the mining town at the foot of the mountains, it was plainly seen that some exciting events were about to take place, The eyes of more than fifty men were fixed on a certain cabin, the door of which was closed. ‘*He’ll come out pretty soon,” passed from lip to lip as the desperadoes of Eldorado watched the but. ‘‘We mustn’t tackle *im too fresh, fur, as Ned remarked last night, the shootin’ may begin too soon,” “Thar he is!” The cabin door pee ie opened, and the im- posing figure of Old Wicch was in full sight. He seemed to take in the situation ata glance. The attitude and the looks of the men by whom he was confronted must have told him that a critical moment was approaching. “‘They’re up to suthin’, gal,” he said in atone which the men of Eldorado did not hear, for he pow over his shoulder to some person in the epths of the cabin. ‘Git yer revolver an’ fol- ler me, We might ez well deal with the Gold Valley boys now ez at some other time.” There stepped to his side the next moment the fairy-like form of Gold Georgie, She did not quail when she saw the miners, but sent a look of trust and confidence up into her old guardian’s face. They stepped from the cabin side by side. The old man carried his heavy rifle half care- lessly in the hollow of his left arm, but those who looked closely saw that his bronze fingers rested near the trigger. “T don’t see Plumas Roy, gal,” he remarked to his companion. ‘‘Thet ain’t the kind ov crowd thet the boy mixes with; but he’s not fur off. We'll find him on hand when he’s wanted,” The assembled roughs almost held their breath when they beheld Old Winch and the girl com- ing boldly forward. * Jes’ ez | told you last night,” whispered a boyish miner, “'Thar’s ‘shoot’in Old Winch’s eyes, an’ suthin’ ov ther same sort in the gal’s. We kin try ’im fur stealin’, but thar’ll be ] ively times in camp when we go to carry out the sen- tence.” - “Never mind that,” was the reply “ When eighty men can’t hang one, we'll burn El- dorado, an’ leave it to the b’ars,” By this time Old Winch and the girl had ad- vanced to within twenty feet of the foremost of the duly organized lynch court whom they looked fearlessly in the eye. “Cap'n, ou will excuse us, but this ar’ a court,” said the burly ruffian, who took a step toward the pair,“ That girl ar’ yours by no right. ‘You've stolen.her an’ we've organized a court whar she kin git justice. What's yer plea —guilty or not guilty?” A broad smilé overspread Old Winch’s face. His eyes twinkled merrily for a moment, then flashed; “Ask Gold Georgie!” he exclaimed, as he stepped back and waved his band toward the irl. “Ask her if Old Winch hez kidnapped er. If she says he hez, you kin pass in the verdict at once an’ perceed to bizness. There was confidence in the veteran’s voice. He was not afraid of his protegee’s answer. “‘T will an wer for him,” responded the girl, in ringing tones. “ We are friends. I am here because vengeance has brought me to Gold Valley! I am not a stolen child. The lips that accuse Old Winch of kidnapping tell a falsehood as dark as the heart that prompts them. Men of Eldorado, we are not going to tarry with you iy 2 The mission that brought us to your camp last night is almost accom- plished. If nothing prevents, to-morrow’s sun will see us far from bere.” “That's all pretty talk from a gal’s ez well trained ez thet one seems to be! cried the spokesman of the court, with a glance at Old inch whose = had remained fixed proudly on the girl while she spoke. “She isn't yer child, old man—” “That's a fact! carry a drop ov Old Winch’s reugh blood in her veins, but she’s all the world me, any- how, an’ I’ve sworn to see her through it to the best of an old b’ar-hunter s ability.” Gold Georgie is too good to’ Old Winch, the Rifle King. The roughs of Gold Valley were nonplused for a moment. “The court wants proof that the gal hezn't been kidnapped,” persisted the spokesman. “We hev yer word. Proof old man—proof !” “Then Gold Georgie has lied, eh?” thundered the Old Rifle King, and before a single mem- ber of the mob could lift a hand the cock of bis deadly weapon clicked as the weapon struck his shoulder. ‘May it please the court, I hold in my hands an argument thet hez convinced many a man thet he insults Gold Georgie at his peril. Her word is better than mine, for I might lie under some circumstances, but a lie would starve to death in her heart. I say, ag’in that she’s not a stolen gal, but whose child she is is the bizness of no man who looks into the muzzle ov my shooter! I plead not guilty; now go on with yer court!” What could the roughs of Eldorado do? Their hands touched the butts of their revol- vers, but not one wasdrawn. More than one- half of their number had instinctively recoiled from the muzzle of Old Wicch’s rifle, and the rst were nonplused. The old hunter had stepped in front of the girl, whose figure his body completely covered; his cheek rested on the stock of his rifle and his eagle eye flashed along the polished barrel. How the menace would bave terminated if a certain event bad not occurred, no one could have known. All at once a wild shout came up from the southern limits of the camp, and those who turned in that direction saw a horse advancing at full speed. A moment later every minh noticed two things, -—that the animal was bridleless, and that a hu- man being was lashed to his back. As the horse dashed straight toward the lynch court in the main street of the camp, cries of “clear the track!” rose on every side, and men who hid faced revolvers without a sign of fear sprung out of the wild steed’s path. The horse came on like an animal goaded to madness by a score of spurs. With dilated eyes and distended nostrils, and flecked with patches of bloody foam, he shot be- tween the lines mechanically formed on either side of the street. “Great heavens! a masked Mazeppal” sud- denly ejaculated Gold Georgie, as sve turned pale and clutched Old Winch’s arm, The man lashed to the steed’s back by several lassoes was indeed what the girl had termed him —a masked Mazeppa. Stripped to the waist, his skin, where it was not gashed by the fiendish ropes, fairly glist- ened in the sun. His hair, long and dark, float- ed in the wind like the black pennons of a pirate craft, but his face—ah! that was not to be seen! It was masked by a piece of dark cloth that completely hid it. Nuta feature was visible. The hopeless expression of the eyes and the firm set lips no one could see. That the unknown be So had suffered and was still suffering untold agony, the hands buried as it were into the flesh of the horse told all who looked. : “Stop him!” yelled a dozen men as the horse reached the bead of the living lane. Brave would be the man who would attempt such a thing; and the consequence was that not a person stirred, A_dozen bounds carried the steed beyond reach, but he did not leave the living lane un- til from the lips of the unwilling rider a wild cry had sounded on the air: ‘Help! help! for the sake of heaven! If I am among men who will not save me, send a bullet through my head.” Not a word escaped a single ear in all that breathless crowd. “Dil do him the favor!” fell from Old Winch’s lips. ‘Better a bullet through the brain than ter be chawed up by-wolves in the mountains.” Nobody interposed a hand as the old man attempted to cover the masked Mazeppa with his deadly rifle, He turned his back on the wild men he faced a moment before. Had he forgotten that the entire sixty thirsted for his blood! For several seconds the old mountain man looked over his rifle’s barrel; his was no steady target. “Now!” he said at last in tones which only Gold Georgie heard. The crack of the rifle followed, and those who were looking saw the head of the unknown jerked suddenly to one side! A light ery fell from the girl’s lips. ; Old ch ‘lowered his gun and glanced at his protegee. : pete “Tt wasn’t a death shot, Georgie,” he whis- ered ‘Let the roughs ov Gold Valley think it was, if it ‘ll do ’em any good.” Gold Georgie gave her protector a look which told him that she was thankful that his bullet had not put an end to the masked Mazeppa’s career. “You grazed his head, that was all,” said the young man who stepped to Old Winch’s side a moment after the shot. The old hunter and the girl recognized the speaker in an instant. He was Plumas Roy. CHAPTER Ut, THE TRAIL OF THE MYSTERY. AN event like the one just recorded had never before happened in Eldorado. The scene of a wild borse bearing through the camp an unknown min lashed to his back with Jassoes Was enough to startle every spectator, and threw the whole place into a state of in- tense excitement, Old Winch and Gold Georgie were for the moment forgotten, : The horse and bis rider had disappeared, but some of the roughs were still looking down the vir ad if they expected to see the scene re- acted, But the horse did not come back. Be ‘“*What do you think, Plumas?” asked the old bear-hunter, looking down into the handsome tace of the youth who stood at bis side. “T hardly know,” was the reply. ‘‘ How was the victim dressed from bis waist down? I did not get to see much of him, you know.” “Be wore dirty buckskin pants, but his skin was white as a waterily. He’s no Greaser, Plumas; he bad the skin of a gentleman.” A strange light litup the youth’s eyes. Old Winch did not notice it, but it did not eseape the girl’s observation. Meanwhile, one of the men of Eldorado Wad hastened to the corral and mounted a borse whose limbs were indicative of great speed,” “T can’t gef the idea out ov my head,” said this man, who was Modoc, the burly fellow we bave already met. ‘I didn’t see the man’s face —that’s a fact; but I saw enough to set me to thinkin’. If it war the cap’n, I must catch ‘im. The bullet fired by that gray-bearded old devil didn’t do more than ‘eed nigh his head. Tre boys all say so, an’ so do I.” The horse was soon bearing Modoc down a narrow road that ran between the rear of the cabins end the foot of the mountain slope. In a few moments he struck the trail lately traveled by the unknown Mazeppa. Then he gave his brave steed the spur, and not until ut the end of ten miles did Modoc draw rein. He had vot overtaken the masked Magzeppa, he bad not even cavght sight of the peor wretch! ‘ ‘ “Thet boss must hey sinews ov steel,” he exclaimed. ‘ Hyar 1 am in Injun Canyun, an’ not a hair ov ‘im hev I seen since I left Eldorado.” The place called Injun Canyon was wild ‘pra icturesque. It was about ten miles from Idorado, Perpendicular cliffs towered for a thousand feet above the rough’s head, ‘and the canyon was so dark that he could lookup and see stars glimmering in the lofty heavens. although tbe hour was approaching bigh noon, Modoc had not counted so much on the éndur: ance of the borse he had followed; in other words, he had expected to overtake the strarge Mazeppa long before reaching —— Canyon. His own steel was well blown, and flecked with foam and sweat, he stood in the narrow road panting heavily, like an overrun bunter, | All at once be pric ked up his ears; and) Modco uttered an exclamation of surprise. ° ‘Hear suthin’, eh?” be said, addressing*the steed. Whatef the hoes an’ hisrider should be comin’ back? By Jove! if they ar’y M)find out whose face war covered. I'm byar fur thet very purpose, an’ I'll not go back to Eldorado without knéwin’!” The rough drew a revolver and gazed down the canyon, for something was approaching. There was an echo between the lofty walls,’an the galloping of a horse through the gloomy place would have filled it with many soundy. But no horse was coming forward at a gallop; on the contrary, the sounds indi¢ated tt approach of a steed almost exhausted ‘by hard running. , wieoe ey Bepe it’s the wild hoss,” Modoe said, e>- ae every minute to ‘catch sight of ibe orse. ‘‘It’s some animal nearly played out— thet’s mighty plain. Mebbe—thar he is’at Jast, by hokey!” ' Yes, the horse bad eppeared and, to Modoe’s
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a Old Winch, the Rifle King. fy; be saw the figure of a man lashed to his c The steed came forward with drooping head and blood shot eyes, the very picture of exhaus- tion. Unable to climb the mountain path that .asconded toward the clouds from the other end of the canyon, be had turved back. Modoc’s horse sent forth a whinny when he saw the exhausted animal. <A faint response ws given, and the rough put up his revolver and leaned eagerly forward. He saw that the face of the unknown victim was still covered by the dark cloth, There were now gouts of blood on his breast and arms, and his head hung lower than it had dur- ing the journey through Eldorado. Old Winch’s bullet found his brain-pan after all—curse him!” grated Modoc. ‘‘Tll go back now an’ settle with the old t for I owe him one fur last night’s insults. Jes’ ez soon ez, I kin take the carcass from the hoss an’ bury it somewhar hyarabouts, I'll turu my at- tention. tothe old man. Plumas hez got his eye on the gal a’ready; but he’s a boy—no match fur Modoc!” By this time the horses were together; their distended nostrils touched and they wero mak- ing friends. oc leaped tothe ground and sprung to the side of the masked Mazeppa. “Tl solve this mystery now,” fell from his li “Tf this man ar’ ther cap’n, I'll know it. he is, Mex did not git to see him last night, an’ he never got the broken bowie blade an’ the three words I sent with it,” His hand was on the mask, which he began to lift with no little fear. What did he see when ha had raised it, and why did he start back with a cry that sounded far away? “Great God! a yaller face, but a white skin!” be exolaimed letting the mask fall back to its ere ‘‘Tt. beats my time all holler. He must the devil!” Ten feet away Modoc stood and stared at the man whose limbs, almost as rigid as the limbs of & CO} , bad ceased to quiver. He had stared fora moment into a face as yellow as a Mexican miner's, although the skin elsewhere, where it was not bloody, was as white asa child’s. A pair of eyes filled with a wild expression were staring at the stars over- head, and the teeth were clinched like the teeth of a man in great agony. It took no stretch of the imagination to be- lieve that the masked Mazeppa was dead! Modoc was astounded; he could no longer give expression to bis horror, *Let-me git out ov this!"he exclaimed at last. ‘I wouldn’t touch the two-colored man ag’in for all the claims in Californy. I wish I hedn’t follered 'im. I might hey knowed he warn’t the cap’n!” The next moment he was mounted again and his horse’s head was turned toward Eldorado, “Come, Golddust, take me back ez fast ez you brought me hyar,” he said to his steed. Away he went, but a snortand the sound of boofs in bis rear told him that the Mazeppa was following. The wild horse had rested a ll, and was bound to keep up with the new friend he had found, “Follered by a dead man!” Modoc. “Great Jehosaphat! This ar’ more than I bar- gained fur. I’m not afraid to face all the knives and pistols in Californy, but you can’t reason with a stiff, A dead man hezn’t got a grain ov nse. He urged his horse forward, and was soon re- traversing the trail to Eldorado at a gait which, a te) circumstances, would have delight- Every now and then he glanced over his shoul- der to find that he was still followed by the Ma- veppa’s horse, which would soon travel abreast of his own steed. Modoc drove the spurs deeper into the rowels of his own animal, but it availed him nothing. The strange horse had the better bottom, an in spite of the rough’s efforts, he came abreast. odoc shrunk from contact with the dead man with a anda . If the trail had been wider he would have moved away, but it was hardly wide enough for two. The horse and his ghastly leaden kept along- side for a mile or more, ** Curse fon. Tl fix you!” ratenix preted the rough, ‘‘I’llleave von both hyar fur the wolves that ’1l come obig el As he finished, ruffian drew a heavy revol- ae. and, cocking it, leaned toward the wild orse. He grated forth an oath as he pressed the muzzle of the weapon against the animal’s head and touched the trigger. He turned white when no report followed. Never before had the trusty revolver failed him. He felt like throwing it down, ‘*You’re not to be kiiled, fur you’re the devil’s own!” he cried, rising once more. ‘ By Jove! I’m not goin’ into camp with a dead man at my side. I’d sooner ride into an Apache yillage painted fur the torture!” Modoc flung, himself from his steed as he fin- ished, and sprung to a narrow bush-fringed trail that led up the mountain, Terror now held entire possession of the su- perstitious desperado’s heart. He fully expect- ed to see the Mazeppa follow him, but the two horses stood in the road side by side and watched him with much equine curiosity. ‘Rid ov ye at last!” be cried as he looked down upon the horses from an elevation of a hundred feet, ‘The boys’ll laugh when they see me creep into Eldorado afoot; but I'll kee my adventure to myself. One oy these days I'll clear up the mystery ov the white man with a yaller face,” Modoc soon lost sight of the two horses appar- ently waiting for him in the mountain road. He had no intention of returning to them; all the wealth of the mines could not have taken him back. The sun was at the meridian when the fright- ened desperado found himself once more in his little cabin, He had succeeded in reaching it without attracting the attention of any one. Eldorado was quiet. As he passed to his shanty he did not catch a glimpse of Old Winch or his proteg-e. Enraged at the revolver which had failed him in the mountains he flung it into a darkened corner and took another weapon of the same pattern from a secret place in the wall. ‘“*Thet one is under a devilish spell of some kind!” he hissed, referring to the discarded weapon. ‘The failure warn’t in my fingers; no,no! By heavens! I'd like to try this dropper on a livin’ target. Where's old Winch? I told ‘im last night thet I’d see him to-day.” Modoc moved toward the door of his cabin with the cocked revolver in his hand, He was in the actof stepping forth when a loud cry reached his ears and a horse stopped in front of his hut. The next moment the body of a man fell from the saddle and struck the ground with a thud that drove Modoc back witha ery of horror. “The Mazeppa, ez Shey call im!” he exclaim- ed, fully believing that the man with the yellow face had followed him to his very door, but an instant later he bounded forward and was lift- ing the fallen person from the ground, ‘Great Cesar! is it you, Mex?’ he cried, now recognizing the Mexican he had sent to a cer- tain person the day before with the broken bowie and the message of three words. ‘“‘What did the cap’n say, Mex? Ar’ he ese he little Mexi e@ se was @ gasp; the little Mexican had mahi § only the power of speech. Modoc laid him down and opened the em- broidered jacket he wore, Something fell to the floor, The desperado pounced upon it and lifted the broken bowie he had sent away to the man he had called cap’n. The blade had never been delivered, “ Hello! p holly suthin’ else!” exclaimed Modoc espying another object lodged against the gaudy lining of the Mexican’s jacket. ‘‘I don’t won- der now that the boy can’t talk. Jehosaphat! jes’ think ov sech a thing passin’ through a man’s life-chest?” While he spoke he was staring at the iron arrow-head he was holding between him and the sky. Mn juns!” he hissed. ‘‘The red tigers shall pay fur their shot, Mex. We ar’ san’ hey m ever since you risked yer life ter save me on the San Joagnin. When I’ve settled with a Winch, Tll pay the red Arabs fur this t., The eyes of the boy opened at that moment and his lips fell apart. ‘* He is here!” he gasped, looking into Modoc’s The desperado smiled. ‘* He thinks be’s deliverin’ the message to the ee go he said. ‘‘ Yes, Mex, he is hyar; so am I. Modoc saw the little Mexican’s head fall beck by a human figure, tall, straight, and power- ul “Wal, did you overtake Mazeppaf’ :sked rough voice, ‘The gai an’ I’d like to |.now be fore we move on.” CHAPTER IV, THE RIFLE KING, THE clicking of Modoc’s revolver was heard before Old Winch had finished his sentence, “Oh, if that’s yer game, I’m byar!” was the response. he old man-hunter sprung back, and, eager for the contest, Modoe leaped clear of the threshold and halted in the sunlight outside, but he did not lift the formidable navy, for Old Winch stood coolly before him with bis rifle at his shoulder, “Tm ready ef ye hevn’t changed yer mind by this time, Modoc,” came over the polished barrel of the leveled weapon. *‘I came hyar with a civil question. Did ye overtake the man on ther wild horse?” “ Yes,” “Wal, who did he turn out to be?” **You kin kill me ef I know, Winch.” A breath of relief escaped the old avengers’s ps. “TI know who you thought he war, an’ so did I fur awhile,” continued Modoc. ‘If he hed been the cap’n, 1 would hey recognized him ov course, but he warn’t Rob.” “Thank heaven!” “You say thet because you think you'll git to wipe the cap'n out.” “T wouldn’t shoot him for the world,” “What's thet?” cried Modoc. “If you don’t expect to kill the cap’n, why did you say last night that you came to Eldorado to shoot?” “TI came for more than that, Modoc. You haven't forgot Starvation Camp?” “T hev’n’t thought ov it fur a long time, Winch, but it warn’t because I hed forgotten it. How did you get out?” Old Winch smiled grimly. ‘“ That’s neither hyar nurthar,” he answered. “Tt warn’t Starvation Camp when you an’ the cap’n went vba | you remember, Modoc. Thar war b’ars enough around to meat a_ bull camp all winter, an’ I war tied to a tree ez help- less as an Injun baby. Heven’t I a parfect right, Modoc, to send a bullet whistlin’ through yer brain, a right ter hunt Ranch Rob down an’ s’arve him the same way? What would you do to a lot ov men who would leave Fig helpless to the mercy ov a herd ov grizzlies “Yd hunt ’em down! I say this, Winch, knowin’ what Ido. It war a mean trick!” ‘*The meanest trick ever played in Califor- ot was the response. ‘‘ If Ranch Rob war the ngleader in the plot I hev no right to call him to account for it. Vengeance longs to an- other.” “To the gal?” ‘To Gold Georgie!” “1 never heard the cap’n mention her.” ‘*Mebbe not, but he belongs to her fur ven- eance just the same. Arter you left me in tarvation Camp you fellars went to the Siski- you mining country, didn’t you?” “ es. 6 a Deven recollect the beauty ov Golddust am “The Diamond ov Sonoma be ato her because ber husband found her in thet kentry— I know her!” “Wal, what bappened thar, Modoc? I want to see if you bev furgotten anything.” “TI don’t think Ihev, Winch? Irecollect thet the cap’n got love-struck soon arter we reached Golddust, an’ ez the Diamond ov Sonoma war the only white woman thar, ov course she bed his heart. But, somehow er other, she didn’t fancy Ranch, although he_war a better lookin’ man than ber husband. We all know what the cap’n did then? He war bound ter win in the me he war Play int He riled the Diamond’s usband one night an’ they fought. The e's brought down his man. Wasn’t it a fair fight, Winch?’ An expression of scorn twitched the old man’s ps. “Fair!” he sneered. ‘‘ Yes, it war fair—ez fair ez Ranch Rob wanted it. Go on, Modoc, What became ov the Diamond ov Sonoma?” ‘Thar’s whar I stick,” was the ple. “Not long arter the shootin’ scrape she iddust, an’ the cap’n gave her up.” ; ‘ Thet’s yer oj inion, Modoc!” cried Old Winch and heard the death-gurgle as it rattled with t. never gave thet poor woman gob ww be hie staring | EPS eT a 'm now ; chik a toward the door. ; her father’s care; but Ranch Rob crossed her The next moment the doorway was * path likea hungry grizzly an’ wanted ber te . Ga get he, on mes
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nd power-- sked a »iuoOw be vas heard fence, ’ was the nd, eager ir of the tside, but _ for Old is rifle at ‘mind by ed barre} r with a man on ” rengers’s ow ll git » uu don’t ay last. ot?” .. YOu g& time, iten it, marry him—the man whohad made her a widow! She warz’t the kind ov woman what) shoots. Her spirit war ez gentle ez a rabbit’s. She hed a right to kill the cap’n an’ nobody would hey touched her fur it, but thet warn’t her nature, She used to say thet heaven would avenge her busband’s death. ‘“Wal, Modoc, to trim a long story down, the Diamond ov Sonoma left her father’s ez sud- denly ez she left Golddust after the killin’. We didn’t know whar she went fur a long time. Everybody lost sight ov her—no, she war watched an’ follered by one man. She couldn't hide from the devil who had sworn to make ber his wife er else hound her to the grave. He didn’t do the first thing, Modoc, but he suc- ceeded in keepin’ the last part ov his vow. Me an’ Gold Georgie, ez I call her, hunted the Dia- mond ov Sonoma fur a year an’ more.’ We found ’er at last, dead in a ravine, with a few poor berries in her hand, shoeless, an’ with rags fur her clothes. Driven from civilization by her persecutor, she had taken to the moun- tains, an’ thar, alone in one ov the darkest engi ov the Sierras, she Jaid down an’ died, he seemed to know, poor thing, thet the gal avd me war close on her track, fur in her dead hand she held a piece ov paper addressed to Georgie. She told her child on it to follow to his death the devil who had killed her ez surely ez if his bullet hed split her heart. Thet’s what became oy ther beautiful Diamond ov Sonoma, after you lost cight ov her, Modoc, Gold Georgie war hardly big enough then to know what vengeance means; but I taught her ez she grew older, fur I swore over the poor body lyin’ in the gulch, thet she should carry out the last request ovthe dead. While I war teachin’ her we lost sight ov Ranch Rob an’ all you fel- lers, fur like Sirds ov a feather you’ve stuck together. Thar’s five ov yein Eldorado now. Ranch lives nigh, on the bigzest ranch in Gold Valley. Thet's what brought Gold Georgie an’ me hyar, Modoc. After I shot at the man tied to the huss, the gal turned an’ thanked me, decaisse I didn’t kill’im. She more’n half be- lieved thet it war your cap’n. But, you say, he hed a yaller face like a Greaser, Modoc?” *Thet's the kind o’ face I saw when I raised the cloth,” declared the rough. ‘ Bat arn’t you mistaken when you say thet five ov ther gang thet. lashed ie to the tree an’ left ye to the ga in Starvation Camp ar’ livin’ byar now “No. I saw all ov ye yesterday.” A curious light beamed in Modoc’s eyes as he stepped aside, and waved his hand toward the cabin door. “Look at the fellar in thar, an’ ye’ll not be so positive about thar being five,” he said. Keeping his eyes riveted upon Modoc, Old Winch strode forward. “ A truce for a minute, Winch,” said Modoc. “Yo kin look without fear.” e old man threw a hasty glance into the miner’s cabin; he saw the corp-e lying on the rough planks that formed tne floor. ide it pe A broken bowie and the deadly arrow- “It’s the little Mexican,” he said, straighten- fing and looking at Modoc again, ‘The boy hadn’t much to do with vhe tying scraps at Starvation. He wanted to help me away down in his heart; but you forced him to tie one ov the kndte, Who wi the littie fellar out?” “‘Thet’s what I don’t know.” “It warn’t done hyar?” **No, be came hyar dyin’; he couldn’t speak be more. I bad sent—” odoc paused. He was about to tell Old Winch about the errand that had taken Mex from E!dorado, “Ah! you sent the young ’un to the cap’n’s raneh wih the broken bowie which w.uld let bim know that I war byar! I kin see all this, Modoc. I don’t think the boy got thar; if he did he didn’t find Ranch Rob, er the knife wouldn’t be lying thar. I'll take the news to the cap’n myself, an’ Georgie won't be fur off when I tell him thet the old man he left in Starvation Camp hez come back.” Modoc’s fingers tightened round the butt of his revolver. “You'll bave to fight me first!” he gritted looking into the old man’s eyes, ‘*Last night— you know what paeeed then! Ineed not re- peat it. Drop the rifle an’ give me a chance.” “The chance you gave me Once; eh?” was the answer, ‘‘T'll do it, Modoc. Do you want any witnesses?” “The body in thar is witness enough. Mex ‘ ane po Nath ad spl ” responded Old “Pm noi to X Winch with a smile. : Old Winch, the Rifle King Modoc turned and led the way into his cabin, the door. of which was left wide open, so that the warm sunlight could enter. The corpse of the little Mexican still lay where it had fallen from Modoc’s hands. ' With a hasty yet. an eager tread the rough stepped across the body, then turned abruptly, naiheoad Old Winch. The old fellow had discarded his rifle and drawn a revolver as large as the one griped by his adversary. Face to face the two men stood, with a corpse between them! ‘*What’s to become ov the gal if I win?” asked Modoc, ** Plumas will take care ov her.” ‘“‘That’s jes’ what I thought,” was Modoc’s re- otsvier ‘The boy’ll hey a good time watchin’ er, Winch. It would be strange if Ranch Rob should Jove the daughterez he once loved the mother.” ‘Then he will love: to his sorrow.” Old Winch said nomore, His look told that he was ready for the duel. ‘Let us get at this affair,” said Modoc, ‘TI want it settled one way or, the other. Iam ready, Winch,” and up went his revolver, but a bronze band closed instantly on his wrist, and forced the weapon above bis bead before he could touch the trigger, aud the next second he was looking into the muzzle of Old Wyinch’s weapon! “ Thet’s a trick I’ve l’arned since I got out ov Starvation Camp,” remarked the old man with a grin. ‘‘ Loosen yer grip on yer weapon, Modoc, er by the gods ov. vengeance! Ill do it fur ye with half an ounce ov cold lead.” As it was speedy death to refuse, Modoc let his revolver fall, and as it fell upon the young Mexican’s breast it did not explode. “JT don’t want you now, Modoc,” continued Old Winch. ‘I hev sworn to corral all those who left me helpless to the grizzlies, but I’ve other bizness first. Live a few hours longer. Gather yer pards together an’ foller me if ye want a little diversion, Bury the Mexican first. He wouldn’t bebyar ef it hedn’t been fur you, Modoc.” With a strength which did not seem possible in his aras, the Rifle King whirled the Lurly desperado balf-way round and hurled him away with a suddenness that astounded him, “‘Foller me now an’ sleep to night in Eldora- do’s graveyard!” were the threatening words that fell —_ his eare as Old Winch stepped from the cabin. ** His last words war a lyin’ boast!” muttered Modoc, sia pecor s up the revolver upon which his hand bad accidentally fallen.. A mad bound carried bim into the sunshine, to see his enemy a few feet away. ‘This is Modoc’s answer!” he yelled. The revolver already covered the old man’s head, but there was no report when be touched the trigger—nothing but a metallic click. “The. bewitehed revolver!” he exclaimed, ‘Curse the dead man’s spell!. I’m at Old Winch’s mercy.” At an avenger’s mercy he truly was, Old Winch bad whirled at.the pistol’s failure. His rifle was already at bis shoulder. “DIL make it a deuble funeral!” and with the echoing crack of his weapon Modoc reeled back with a cry. CHAPTER V. THE DEADLY PICNIC, Wrrnovr retracing bis steps to note the re- sult of his shot, Old Winch resumed his walk toward another part of the camp. No person apparently had witnessed the shooting. The rest of the citizens of Eldorado were discussing a matter which was destined to bear gory fruit before stinset. The old man did) not pause until he found himself in a little cabin in what might be called the outskirts of the camp. He was greeted by two young. persons who were the only occupants of the apartment, “What bas’ harpened?” exclaimed the young git! who sprune forward and laid her hand,on is sleeve. ‘We heard a shot a moment ago. Ah! it was your rifle.” ! ed “It war no one else’s,” was the reply. “You—” 109% : : f “T left a corpse in Modoc’s cabin if I’mnot mistaken,” ‘ r bie “In Modoe’s?” cried the girl’s companion, Plumas Roy. | iter of : ‘*Thar war a carkiss in the shanty when I ot thar,” said Old Winch. ‘The one I tum- led makes two thet ar’ lyin’ side by side in the ‘hut. I told im to keep off ez I war dangerous 7a 3k 5 when I war riled, but he wouldn’t, an’ so I showed ’im thet I meant bizness. [t war Mo- doc himself.” Plumas did not reply, but went to a stout wooden chest in one corner of th room. RUN lee 3 back the heavy iron-bound lid, he displayed several apparently new revolvers, a brace of bowies, and a quantity of cartridges. “Tf you bave killed Modoc we are in fora a desperate ime, and so had better prepare for it at once,” he announced, looking up isto Old Winch’s face. ‘In less than twenty minutes, unless we can leave Eldorado, we will buve the entire crowd down upon us, Mo oc Was ‘a wer, among these cesperadoer, They will’ urn to avenge his death. This is my little armory, Arm yourselves if you, stand in ‘need of weapons.” “Tye got weapons enough,” said Old Witch, patting his gunstock. ‘Gold Georgie may. want suthin’ in yer line, Plumas.” The girl was about to say that ber one re- volver Was enough, when the youth took an elegant weapon from.the chest and extended it to her, “Tt is light, but effective—take it,” he said. “Yes, take it, gal, fer thar'’s vo tellin’ ‘what might happen,” urged the old avenger. he white hands had hardly touched the re- volver, When a heavy blow hke one delivered with the tutt of a pistol struck the door and caused the trio to start from the chest. “You war right, Plumas,” whispered Old Winch. ‘ The crisis hez come!” Plumas Roy, holding a revolver in his right hand, stepped across the room, and opened the door to confront three gray shirted men whose vireges were dark and determined. ‘“Whar’s the old man?’ asked one of the three. At the question the O)ld King of the Rifle stepped boldly forward, “Hyar Iam,” be announced, ‘* What's the rumpus now?’ : ‘We ar’ a committee of three from a meetin’ ov, the, Law an’ Order Men oy Eldorado,” was the response. ‘* Thet meetin’ hez jes’ disbanded, Its last resolution war one thet requests you an’ ther daisy ter leave the camp within twenty minutes. . ** Tf we don’t, what?” demanded the old bunts r ics , twinkle in ie eyes, i ~ i e stay, suthin’ may bappen!” was the reply. TO Ton see, Old Witch. we're a quiet, orderly set oy men in Eldorado, Ore of the rules of camp is thet no white womun shall stay hyar more’n twenty-four hours. Some oy fre — boys ar’ quarrelin’ over yer daisy now, an’ if she stays we'll hey to salarne bn graveyard up on the mountain. So we did the next best thing —voted to ask you an’ the gal to yamose ft! racch,, Californy kivers a heap ov grote? it’s big snodal fur all ov us, cap’n: byt BE dvu- rado can’t hold all the boys an’ the prrson ylu call Gold Georgie, What's your arswert? |" “Tell yer men thet they might bey sav’ their breath, fur we war goin’ anyhow,” repiicdt Old Winch. ‘‘ Twenty minnits, eh?” ‘* Thet’s the time,” ee “All right.” . . The trio.turned away. with significant glances at one another, “He took it easy,” observed one, “I war almost afraid to sarve on the committee, fur wv | fear the old. eagle eye would recognize me, but he didn’t. 1’ll never furget bow he glared at us with them eyes when we lasbed him to the tree io Btanmasion Compe . Be [aay e speaker le: companions an toward the middle of the a while his a panions proceeded toward the corral. 2 The death of Modoc, evidently was still undis- covered. If his corpse should be found be the camp could be left, bloody work wo ensue. F -04 ‘‘Once beyond Eldorado. and I. shall , feel content,” remarked Gold Georgie, “I feel that our trailishall, soon end, for my mothen’s perse- cutor, and. father’s slayer seems within .my pores Then I go back to civilization again to orget if I’ can this horrible but righteous an eh : will “You will let me accompany you. w not?” asked, Plumas Roy, pausing on the aah old of the little. cabin which she was about, to leave. ' , .. “Certainly, the girl, blus' SAD y, se. Seaine,” ae tte oot an hoe you have remained in this wicked camp as long as you have.” ; ; fod yi? _ “Tscarcely know myself,” and Roy smiled as he spoke.. ‘'l drifted here without any aim. Roatan twice I wanted to Rare tot oes —what it really was 1 cannot. tell—held me
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G back. TI think now that I was to remain here until your coming.” “I think s0 too, boy,” put in Old Winch. “When the man we met in the mountains told ug that we’d find a friend in Plumas Roy, I said to myself ‘It’s fate an’ nothin’ else,’ an’ if it isn’t fate then set me down fer a chuckle-headed grizzly. But the horses?” ‘* Yes, yes!” cried the youth, starting off. “T'll haye them bere within ten minutes.” “ Thar goes a dog thet’ll do to tie to,” declared her warder, turning suddenly upon Gold Georgie, whose eyes were fixed upon Plumas Roy. “I fancy thet he'll fetch three bosses hyar instead ov two, although he hezn’t told me about it. Thar’s nothin’ to keep ’im hyar; he’s no wolf, Georgie, an’ Eldorado is a wolf’s den.” The girl did not answer for a moment. Plumas Roy had passed from her sight, her eyes having followed him as far as they could. “You don’t wish you hadn’t come hyar, do ‘ou girl?’ suddenly asked the old man, notic- ng the reverie into whick his young charge had fallen, ‘‘ Wouldn’t you rather be back in Old Sonoma than bhyar, among the devils of Gold Valley an’ a man-hunter?” ‘Yes, if mother and father were there—no! since they are not!” was the reply. ‘ My trail must end only over the corpse of Ranch Rob; after that, we will think of Sonoma,” No response from Old Winch’s lips. He stood in the doorway watching the camp that lay be- fore him. e knew that every minute was sixty seconds of precious time; he was eager to leave Eldorado not for his own safety, but for the girl’s. It was time for the young miner, to be com- ing back. All at once three horses appeared in sight, “I knowd thar’d be three horses instead ov two when he did come,” murmured the old man, unconsciously giving vent to his thoughts, “ Thet means thet he's goin’ ter stand by us to the bitter end.” Gold Georgie now sprung to Old Winch's side, a4 the twain watched the horses’ ap proach, ‘Here I am!” exclaimed the youth springing to the ground in front of the but. . ‘“‘ As we are to leave Eldorado, the sooner we get off the better,” “Why so, Plumas?” ** 1 fear—” The youth paused abruptly for at that mo- ment he caught Gold Georgie’s glance. ‘Don’t ‘fear’ forme, Speak your thoughts, You fear that Modoc has been found?” ‘tT know he has,” was Roy’s reply. “I saw a crowd about the cabindoor, I was going to say that I feared we will be sus: “yg ‘Oh, is thet all?” exclaimed Oid Winch. “Our twenty minutes ar’ nearly up, but I sha’n’t hurry a whit on thet account, Ordered to leave town, eh?” and the Rifle King grated his teeth as he spoke. ‘‘ 1t’s the first time in all my life I ever obeyed thet kind ov order, an’ if it warn’t for Georgie hyar I'd stay an’ face the rascals. Mebbe [ll come back one ov these days an’ stay till I want to move.” 6 now took the pick and lifted her u the back of one of the horses as though she were but a child; he then leaped astride of another while Plumas Roy mounted the third. “To the south you say, Plumas? Wal, lead the way. We don’t hey to move through the main part ov the camp. Under other sarcum- stances l’d like to ride down Main street with my rifle at my shoulder. You're the only thing thet keeps me from doin’ it,” he added glanc- 4 the girl. @ party turned their horses’ heads toward the south. They bad to ride through a portion of the camp, but as it was deserted, the entire population being then in another part, they ex- pected to get beyond the place without asGhette- tion, Old Winch brought up the rear with his rifle ing carelessly over his left arm, and his eyes seeing everything as the journey pro- Suddenly a loud shout behind them sounded upon the ears of all. “Tt’s comin’!” announced Old Winch. ‘‘ We're not to leave without a scrimmage. You two young folks ride ahead.” “Wo!” demurred the young po a i y. “T don’t desert a companion when danger threatens.” ‘“‘By hokey! that’s the true grit!” muttered the oldman. ‘Look yorder! tell me thet them itt hev’n’t an idea who wiped Modoc out The three looked, to behold fifty or sixty men approaching. Old Winch, the Rifle King. The flashes of dark eyes and the revolvers clutched by rough hands told the threatened trio that if they stopped to face the mob blood would flow. Old Winch had not turned his horse’s head toward the gang, but he had turned in his sad- dle, and was presenting to the roughs a visage full of defiance. “This is the kind ov a picnic I like!” he said, in low tones. ‘‘ Them wolves ar’ her’ to them- selves: ‘ What’s one man ag’in’ fifty? Vl an- swer thet question pretty soon.” At a distance of sixty steps from the immov- able old bear-hunter, the men of Eldorado etepped: “Wal, what’s wantin’?” he demanded. “Blood!” shouted the leader of the mob, in whose hands was a repeating rifle. ‘*We want Mn blood ov the man who killed Modoc an’ ex. ‘* You'll hev to hunt Injuns if you want to avenge ther Greaser, but ez fur the man what dropped Modoc, he is byar ready fur the sport to begin. I am the man—Old Winch, at yer service, men ov Gold Valley!” oh peice 9 was ready for the battle to open, but the mob held back. “We might hurt the girl. Wedon’t want in- vocent blood!” declared the leader. Old Winch sent a quick glance toward Gold Gactgie. “Take her away, Plumas,” he ordered. me Let me stay,” pleaded the girl, ‘‘ or let us all go. “*T stay hyar!” was the determined answer. “Lead her boss away, boy.” As eager to remain and face the mob as Georgie was to stay with her protector, Plumas Hoy reluctantly took the bridle of her horse and led it away. “Now I’m alone,” said Old Winch to the des- peradoes. ‘Shall it be one at a time er the hull ov ye at once?” ** All of us!” rung from fifty throats. “Suit yerselves. Here oes!” Hard upon his last word bis rifle struck his shoulder, and almost before be had time to glance over the barrel he was pouring the con- bide of the steel chambers into the face'of the mob, He shot seemingly without any effort at all but at each discharge a man fell, not wounde but dead, invariably pierced through the in. ** Thet’s what I call bizness!” he exclaimed, as the roughs of Eldorado reeled from before the deadly fire. They had not forgotten their revolvers, but the old marksman still oceupied the saddle, al- though once he reeled half-way around like a man bullet-struck. . All at once he turned bis horse’s head in the direction Plumas Roy and the girl had taken. A few bullets followed him, but did no harm, and acry of joy burst from Gold Georgie’s lips when she saw him riding toward her. But the next moment her face grew pale, for she saw that all color had fled from his. “*Yes—I’m winged, girl,” said the old man. “‘Thar’s no use in keepin’ thet fact back. It war the liveliest picnic I ever hed. Confound it, Plumas, if I don’t see double!” The young miner saw the old bunter reel, and leaned forward to catch him. ‘*They’ve drilled a tunnel through my life- box, Plumas, but you ought ter see the lay-out lleft back yonder. A grim smile followed these. words, and Old Winch would have fallen if Roy had not held him up. The next minute three horses were galloping from the spot. CHAPTER VI. THE MASKED MAZEPPA AGAIN. ‘'P’R’aps we'd better stop hyar, Plumas.” These words drop from Old Winch’s lips five miles beyond the capital of Gold Valley, and in the center of a pretty little pass where ent a spring of the coolest and clearest water. “They will follow us,” said the miner. “I had a place in my mind; it is three miles fur- ther on.” ‘ “No, westop here. If they come—why, thar’ll hev to be another picnic, thet’s all!” Truth to tell, the old marksman’s wound had greatly weakened him, and he knew tbat it had to be attended to with some kind of surgery, or bite pe aim of his life would never be accom- ished, He to the ind without assistance, and laid meelt panels velvety grass that bor- dered the spring. His face was still pale, but his teeth were firm set, and Plumas Roy noticed that he did not neglect to carry his rifle to the spot where he cast himself upon the ground. ‘*Now,” he said to the youth, ‘‘ you must play surgeon, boy, with my help. The wound is in my left breast. Open my coat and look at it.” y knelt beside Old Winch and proceeded to obey his commands. Gold Georgie, holding the reins of the three a knelt there, too. It was a strange tab- eau. ; The cool spring water washed the blood away from the hurt, and Old Winch gritted his teeth when he looked down upon the gaping wound that stood revealed, ““Pshaw! Is that all?” he exclaimed, glancing up with a smile into the young couple's faces. “Is that all they gave me in return fur ten dead men? ay it doesn’t begin to make things even, does it, Plumas? I more ’n half wish they would come. I'd like to show ’em thet it takes more 'n one bullet to kill the man who war once left to ther b’ars in Starvation Camp. Now go to work, boy. Georgie, you kin do nothin’. Take one of the bosses an’ ride back a little ways an’ watch.” Happy that Old Winch’s hurt was not to prove fatal, Gold Georgie sprung up, mounted one of the steeds without help, and rode toward the mouth of the pass by which they had en- tered it. From the spot where she halted she could see far down the wild road they had lately traversed at a furious gallop. Over itthe men of Eldorado brine have to approach if they had pur ued them, But no moving figures now met the girl’s ripe The landscape lay inamimate before her vision. Perhaps the wild denizens of Eldorado had had enough of Old Winch, that they were will- ing to let him depart unpursued after his terri- ble gory oa ae A little d in the trail ramning throvgh the separated the girl from her companions, ut she could hear the old man’s rough voice and Plumas Roy’s softer tones, Ten minutes passed and the landscape before the girl was not disturbed. .Another ten were waning when several dark objects that seemed imbued with motion appeared at the place where the trail seemed to lose itself. Gold Georgie involuntarily started, but she did not turn to alarm those behind ber. ‘*T'll see what the are,” she said, audibly to herself, as she continued to watch the moving 8. She saw the far-away objects increase in size, for they were approaching, but not at a very rapid gait, therefore she could not think that they were the men of Eldorado, All at once the figures disa) , but three minutes later they burst into view again, and so suddenly and near that the girl started with an exclamation of surprise. sla 4 ‘* Indians!” she exclaimed, ; Yes, the horsemen consisted of thirteen red- skins, for the could count them now without difficulty. Georgie in her time bad seen many Indians. The representatives of various tribes had visited the wild capital of Sonoma county during her residence there, and with more than one chief she had become well acquainted. While the great majority of the California Indians were at the time of which we write— two years back—at peace with the whites, the red-skins whose lodges were beyond the State's eastern borders often entered it for purposes of plunder and sometimes of murder. The red thirteen were riding directl bale ee, but the pass guarded by Old Winch’s as et seabed not been observed. ei hen she saw them halt not more than two hundred yards away and at a spot where-she knew another trail branched off from the one. that ran on to the pass, she hoped that they were going to change their course. . “What do I see—a prisoner?” fell from Gold Georgie’s lips as she gazed, for the rear of the band bad come up and she saw that one of the horses carried a captive. The reader may imagine the eagerness with which the girl leaned. forward for the ig es of scanning, if possible, the face of the man thus environed by the red Arabs of California. “Tt must it is the Unknown er suddenly cried the girl. ‘‘He has fallen into the bands of a lot of Indians who have proved 8 little more merciful than his other foes. But why haven't they stripped the dark cloth from his face?” — The amszed girl could not remove her eyes
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—_a . ae from the man whom she called the Unknown Mazeppa, lately carried through Eldorado at the top of a mad horse’s speed. __ She could see that be was still stripped to the waist, but he no i a lay helpless on the horse’s back to which he had been lashed with lassoes, but he sat bolt upright, watched by the red-men by whom he was surrounded. Her ouriosity was rife; she would have given much to have be»n permitted to peer beneath = dark mask that concealed the prisoner’s ‘ace. He took no part in the council held by the savages where tho trail left the main road; be future fate did not seem to trouble him at “Ah! they are taking the main trail!” said Gold Georgie, turning her horse toward the friends. ‘‘ We must get out of their road,” and she hastened back to give the alarm. “Injuns with the masked rider?” exclaimed Old Winch, astonished. ‘‘ We don’t run, Geor- gie—not a bit of it! I’ve an idea who that man is, an’ you’d vote to stay hyarif you shared it with me, Whar ar’ they!” His wound had been dressed, but he was in no fighting condition, yet he went to his horse, se!z01 the bridle and with d fficulty seated him- self once more in the Mexican saddle. Pinmas Roy threw a look at the girl which was nen understood. “Tf you think so,” she whispered, ‘‘ we must t him away before the Indians enter the pass. ide to the other side of the horse and seize the bridle, I will atterd to this side. Quick! no time is to be lost.” The flashes of Old Winch’s eyes had told his ynaet companions that his mind was wander- g, and they had determined to remove him from the pass against his will. At the same instant their hands seized the bridle of his horse, one on either side, and, at a word from Plumas, their steeds turned, forcing @ld Winch’s to do likewise. . “Hyar! what does this mean?’ burst from the old man’s lips, ‘I’m worth all the dead men I left in Eldorado. Hurrah for Old Winch! ba, ha!” hat laugh was enough. Roy and the girl held on to the reins. Suddenly there rung behind them a number ot whoops that awakened the echoes of the pass. Old Winch heard and responded with a wild yell of defiance, which was repeated again and ogain, and which no one conld check. 6 tried in his frenzy to tear Roy’s hands Oy as then Gold Georgie’s, but in vain. old on for his life!” said the girl to the ung miner, ‘‘Recollect that he’s the best riend I have on earth—that he must be saved at all hazards.” The Indians were now in sight, and having caught glimpses of the trio flying before them, they hi oubled their yells, and were urging their steeds to extra efforts. All at once Old Winch threw himself from the saddle bernard the young miner, and with a force that almost unseated him. The girl’s heart seemed to leap into her throat. She saw the youth recover and try to prevent the old. marksman from falling between the two pe a his strength was not sufficient for @ In another instant Old Winch struck the und, and, escaping the horses’ hoofs, was ne to face the on-rushing red-skins. “Stand by him—to the last!” shoutéd Gold Georgie, reining in her horse as quickly as pos- sible, aud then, not looking to see whether Roy had heard her, she whirled toward the Indians ‘and covered their foremost braves with two re- volvers, Old. Winch had risen and drawn his revolver, and Plumas Roy was at the girl’s side, showing to the red-skins a steady hand and flashing eyes. . Thus confronted when they least expected such a movement, the pursuers involuntarily recoiled—all but one horseman. He kept on with a loud ery, that sounded like a he schiinew 4p Mii e mas zeppa!” ejaculated Roy. “(Make room for the wretch Net him escape, Coors had otion of 6 gir! no notion of attempting to block- ade the Mazoppa’s way. . Old Winch, however, maddened by his wound did not stir. He seemed to be wai for the mystery with a demoniac glee which he could not conceal, The next moment the bridleless steed and his strange rider were upon him. old man threw himeelf straight at the knocked aside and sent 7 Old Winch, the Rifle King. “He is killed!” gasped Georgie, turning pale | against the man whom they had lashed to bis at the sight. “No,” said Roy; ‘* but the demon wants you. My God!” His startling ery was forced from his lips by the masked man’s action. His steed had scarcely dashed Old Winch aside before he came up with the girl. The young miner tried to save the hunter’s protegee, but the revolver which he raised was not discharged, for the two came together the moment his finger found the trigger, and a naked arm tore Georgie from the saddle as the ‘wild horse swept by. All this in less time than we have described the startling scene. Piumas Roy, horror-struck, almost reeled from the saddle, When he recovered Georgie and her captor had disappeared, and the Indians were approach- ing with their hands above their heads. ‘Thank heaven! we shall not have to fight them!” said the young miner, “If I mistake not the unknown Mazeppa will not enjoy his victory long.” Ah! if he could have foreseen the peril des- tined to follow the wild event we have just re- corded, brave as he was he might have wished himself a thousand miles from Gold Valley and its inhabitants. CHAPTER VII. THE DEATH-TRAP. Prumas Roy and Old Winch were soon sur- rounded by the Indians whose leader was a stal- wart il]-visaged fellow known as Red Star. ‘““White ranchero carry off gal, eh?’ queried the chiof addressing the youthful miner. ' ef Yes, but he shall not keep her in his clutches ong! “Young gold-hunter right.’ Red Star’s braves hate the pale ranchero,” and the Indian waved his hand toward the twelve half-naked red skins a few paces behind him. ‘‘They find him yes- terday exercising his horse, an’ they cotch ’im with a lasso. Then they tie him to the wildest horse in his corral an’ send him away.” “Did he beg?’ asked Old Winch, from whose eyes had already fled the wildness that had brought about the catastrophe recorded at the close of the foregoin chapter. - ‘““What does my bunter brother think?’ ex- claimed Red Star. ‘‘ Did he ever see the white ranchero beg?” “T never did, chief, but what you did to ’im would try anybody.” Red Star smiled. “The white man was as brave as an eagle, Ah! he did Seah Star had forgotten. But it was for his shooting irons, white hunter. He wanted to fight Red Star and his braves with them, but Red Star said no, and commanded the lassoes to be wound around his body.” “*T don’t know who your victim is, but I used to know a man who would not have begged for mercy if his enemies war about to lash him to md Sac back. We used to call ‘im Capt'in The Indian darted a quick look at his braves. “Tt is the same man, white hunter,” he said, tarning to Old Winch. **Do you hear that, Plumas?’ he exclaimed whirling upon the young miner. ‘‘ The mask Maze: pas ez youcall ’im’war nobody but Ranch Rob, ¢ @ very man whose blood Gold Georgie wants,” Plumas Roy could not but start. “It seems incredible, and yet—” ‘* An’ yet you've got to take it all down, eh, Roy? It’s easy to tell whar he'll break fur arter be leaves the pass, You know the ranch, you say ve ‘Every foot of it.” “Good! I feel like the bullet the men of Eldorado gave me awhile ago ain’t goin’ to do much harm. I war kinder out ov my head a while back, warn’t I Plumas? Ef it hedn’t been fur me we wouldn’t hev’ gotten inter this predicament an’ Gold Georgie would be with us still an’ not in the clutches of that devil. But never mind, boy. Old Winch hez passed ther crazy crisis, an’ from this time on be’ll heva squar’ head on his shoulders. We'll be down to ther ranch afore long, an’ ther’ll be some lively tusselin’ fur ther gal.” We need not say that the young miner was pleased to see Old Winch talk in such a rational manner. He no longer looked like a maniac, and the discovery of the masked Mazeppa’s sence seemed to have infused new life into his v He was ones more the iron-nerved old grizzly fighter of th- Rockies. Red Sar and his band held a deep gradge rn Ser nee ce a A ta en a nl | most ungovernable horse. hen they freed the animal] and urged him from the seene of the ranchero’s capture, they thought they had seen both horse and rider for the last time, but fate had ordained otherwise. They bad come sud- denly upon the exhausted horse and were as- tonished to discover that their Mazeppa had not been killed during the mad journey through the mountains. He was unbound and reseated on the back of a fresh horse, while the wild one was left to roam at large. Red Star was reserving the ranchero for a fate more terrible "han death on the back of one of his own steeds, and he was being conducted to the place of torture when he made his escape inthe pass and disappeared, carrying with him the old bear-fighter’s beauti- ful protegee. Plumas Roy’s proposition to follow the ranchero and his unwilling captive was rec iv- ed with shouts of approval by the red-skins, who were eager to get the masked Mazeppa into their hands again. “You caught bim on bis ranch you say, Rod Star?” asked Old Winch. * Yes, white hunter.” “Since thet did you chase a yaller boy—a young Grearer?” “We ran the little one hard,” was the an- swer. ‘He was riding to the ranchero’s big lodge, but we turned him back toward the gol town, an’ sent our arrows into his body.” “ You fixed bim, too, fur he war lyin’ dead in Modoc’s shanty when I left Eldorado, He didn’t git to Ranch Rob’s with the broken bowie . Modoe sent with him. Foor little Greaser! I itied him when they made ’im tie one ov the nots thet day at Starvation Camp. I don’t think I would ever hev killed him, fur some how or other I could never hold a grudge ag'in’ the boy.” When the occupants of the pass, red and white, moved from the spot, they took up tbe trail made by the wreck ol horse, but when the end of the pass was reached the hunters turned to the left and proceeded in a southerly direc- tion, thus abandoning the trail as it, were, This proceeding would have astonished the reader if he could have witnessed it. As Ranch Rob had kept straight on after uitting the —— why did not his hunters k the trail and press on at the top of their ani- mals’ speed. More than once the young miner found him- self looking at Old Winch, who once more var- ried his deadly r ting rifle, while he. sat al- most bolt upright in hissaddle entirely unlike a man who was badly wounded, The twain had never met before their en- counter in Eldorado the preceding day. Plumas had never even heard of Old Winch, for be was nobody’s confidant, ther fore Modoc bad never . told him the story of Starvation Camp, a name well known among the annals of North- ern California. We need not say that from the first, his heart bad been captured by the fair creature whom Old Winch hed brought into Gold Valley in search of vengeance, vec Gold Georgie bad smiled upon him and he thought he had caught her eying him softly on several occasions; but after all, their might amount to nothing; there might be a lover among the hills of Sonoma to w the 1 would return when she had accomplished er purpose. ’ Old Winch noticed the youth's abstraction as they rode through the lovely little valley which they had entered after leaving the pass. ‘Brighten up byar an’ look things squar’ly in the face,” he e med touching Moni arm. “Tm doin’ better nor you, boy, an’ I tea bullet somewhar in my life-box. Don't I know thet I'll never be able to face another grizzly, nor to out-jump the red-skins at their nex big match on ther North Platte? I’m goin’ under by this very wound; but not to-day nor to-morrow Roy—not til] Pve seen Gold ce at the end ov her trail! We'll git)’ r ‘bac Plu an’ I'll see thet you stand a good show fur the whitest hand in Californy. Thar’s no one ahead ov ye, boy, an’ heaven knows thet I’m not yer rival. Me? Who'd think ov marryin’ sech an‘ old mass ov ugliness ez Winch.” ~The boy looked at the old y ter for a moment and then laid his on the great bronze to weleome it, Plumas blushed to his temples at Old Winch’s allusion to his love for Gold Georgie, aud he tried to return a merry answer, but-failed, and at last gave up in disgust. ‘ “Never mind!” cried the rifleman, ‘You palm that *vas ready
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8 Old Winch, the Rifle King. won’t be so flustrated when you an’ the gal git together one ov these days. But we must be nigh the ranch by this time. Ef we don’t find Ranch Rob at home, mebbe Red Star will take a notion to wait fur him.” “We are on his ranch now,” answered the young miner, after surveying his surroundings amoment. ‘A short, brisk gallop would take us to his dwelling. Ranch Rob is the king of herders in this country. He visits Eldorado frequently, and his revolver has done some deadly work there.” ‘Ob, L know the rascal!” smiled Old Winch. ‘‘T was his hunter for six months, but that was long before he ever thought of comin’ hyar an’ settin’ up in a style which he knew so well how te carry out. He didn’tseem to recognize me when his horse knocked me down back in the ass, fur he didn’t git Modoc’s message, you now.” Old Winch was finishing his last sentence when Red Star, the Indian, leaped suddenly upright on his horse’s back and looked far abead. ‘We are near the ranchero’s big lodge,” the chief said, turning to the two white men as be settled back into bis old position again. ‘‘ Red Star saw the top of it and the trees that sur- round it.” The next moment the horses were urged into a brisk gallop, and not long afterward the en- tire parey, at a signal from the chief, drew rein at the edge of a little belt of timber from which they could look out upon the picturesque buildings of a California estancia. The home of the ranchero stood in the midst of a valley well grassed and watered, and af- forded a i prrwerr 3 prospect to the eye. Beyond the distant herds of cattle, the num- ber of which approached thousands, and a score or more of horses that gall hither and thither up and down the bank of a silvery creek, no signs of life were visible. “ Nobody at home!” ejaculated Plumas Roy. ‘(We shall see, boy,” replied Old Winch. “If you should be righ’ my word for it that Ranch ‘Rob will come sneakin’ back when he thinks we ain’t on his track, Thar goes one red-skin for- ward to reconnoiter.” Well concealed in the belt of woodland from the view of anybody who might be on the look- out from the house, the enemies of the masked Mazeppa had sent aspy forward. The Indian was watched until he disappeared near the creek, and nothing more was seen of him until he suddenly and unexpectedly reappeared to the band among the trees, “House empty,” was his report. ‘‘The white ranchero no come back yet.” “T’m not surprised,” said Old Winch. ‘We kin watch hyar, er go forward an’ catch ‘im when he comes back. What are ye goin’ to do, chief?” “The big lodge shall bea trap for the white man when he comes,” was the reply. ‘* Come, bear-bunter.” A short gallop carried the ranchero’s bunters across the ca that intervened between the timber and the buildings, and in a short time the herder king’s house was tenanted by his foes, Their horses had been taken to the stables and stalled there, and ‘he trap was set. The sun approached the western horizon and po shadows grew long; but the watch was not ven up. “Phe hunted fox always comes back to his eave, Plumas,” whispered Old Winch to the young miner who could not conceal the im- patience that almost devoured him. The sun sunk behind the distant mountains, the twilight deepened into night itself; the patient red-skins had not moved for three hours, Suddenly Old Winch’s hand fell upon Roy’s wrist. ‘*Do you hear it, boy?” he said in the lowest of tones. ‘“ What did I say about ther fox comin’ back to his hole?” Plumas Roy listened for a moment and then almost sprun erect. “A horse!” fell from bis lips. “ Yes, our Mazeppa!” The galloping of a steed was now distinctly heard, not only by Old Winch and Roy, but by the red watchers who cocked the revolvers they earried, and glided toward the porch that ran along the front of the meer nes ad Nearer and nearer came the horse as yet un- seen, ‘‘ Heavens!” suddenly exclaimed Roy, “ Ranch Rob is not alone.” ‘* A herd ov his hosses ar’ followin’ him,” said Old Winch. ; —_— ————————————————————————— 0vwO0O OC rrr Three minutes later a man’s voice was dis- tinctly heard, and the occupants of the house so that a horse had stopped before the pore. ; “ Hyar we ar’!” was the exclamation that followed the halt. _ ‘‘ The old grizzly bunter s id thet Gold Valley would be stirred up afore many days, an’ time sha’n’t prove ’im a liar.” he last word was still sounding when some- body, wearing heavy boots, alighted on the porch, Plumas Roy darted forward with an ejacula- tion of eagerness. ‘‘I want to grasp the girl-stealer first! By Jove! lll make him—” He was jerked back by Old Winch, whose fingers seemed to cut into his flesh as he retained bis hold, ‘Great God! thet man isn’t Ranch,” said the grizzly hunter. ‘‘ Let the Injuns find out who he is. The savages hod already cleared the thresh- hold and were on the porch. “Tnjuns!” grated the man there, as he whip- ed ouv' two revolvers. ‘‘By thunder! this isa trap, and baited with Injun liveratthet. Hurry up, boys! Hyar’s.a chance fur a pic-nic.” He had retreated to the edge of the porch, where he faced the dozen Indians about to leap, panther-like, upon him. A band of men were riding up at full gallop; they had answered their comrade’s hail with loud shouts, All at once the porch was lit up with the scans of revolvers that the man thrust for- ward. He had not waited for the red-skins to open the attack. The Indians stood up to the work with a cour- age that would have been a credit to white men. The man at the edge of the porch reeled ane shot through the brain, and in return for his death twenty mounted men were sweeping the porch from end to end with their deadly “Clean ’em out, boys! no quarter!” was the ery constantly heard as the firing went on. “The reddies hev finished Ranch, perhaps. Wear’ bis avengers!” Safe from the bullets of the herder king’s self-constituted avengers, Old Winch and Plumas Roy kept in the room where poor bed secreted themselves upon entering the build- ing. “Tt isn’t our mix yet, boy,” the grizzly- hunter said, noticing how eager Roy was to help the Indians re; ess of consequences, ‘‘Tbar can’t be an Injun left by this time. Ho! what war that?” The old man’s last words were called forth b; the rush of a figure past them, and on throug! the room. ‘‘Foller im! let none escape!” cried a loud voice, and the next minute the room swarmed with the d does of Gold Valley, all in pur- suit of the solitary living Indian who had back into the house in order to make escape. “Sarch the room first!” said a voice so near Roy and his friend that they started. “Foller me, boy,” whispered the bear-hun- ter. The twain crept along the wall toward the door that led to the porch; of course it stood wide open. Old Winch was the first to put his foot across the threshold. : As he did so, a snap like the explosion of a capgreeted his ear and a lucifer flashed in bis “Hello! the old man an’ Roy, his kid!” was the exclamation that fell from the giant in buckskin wh» held the match over his head, ** Yes, it’s Old Winch!” The grizzly bunter sprung forward like a tiger, and struck by the stock of his uplifted rifle the man with the match s' back, ‘ Now, Roy, for ther bosses.” The short iife of the little torch had revealed the steeds standing before the porch, Old Winch bounded toward them, and Roy was at his heels when a hand fell upon his shoulder, whirled him around, and a voice. hiss- ed madly: ‘\ A-word—a move, an’ yer brains ’ll glisten in ther starlight, Plumas!” ‘* Not to-night, pard!” 2 With the four words rung out the thunderous report of arifie fired by a man not ten feet away, and although biinded for a moment by the. i knew that his captor would never hiss his threat again. - » The-young, miner did not lose a moment, but sprung toward Old Winch, his preserver, en } - ee ee eS ee ee ee ee ee and was soon seated in a saddle belonging to one of the tigerish citizens of Eldorado. “It war a ticklish shot, pat fur I hed to shoot over yer shoulder,” said id Winch. “I reckon my eyes know their bizness when it comes to shootin’, Now we're off!” The two horses dashed away, and the commo- tion behind tuem told the two men that they were not out of danger. CHAPTER VIII. THE SHADOW OF THE NOOSE. ‘Wr ar’ follered—don’t you bear em?” Old Winch need not to have spoken thus, for the youth riding at his side knew that tho rout be of Gold Valley were following them at the utmost limit of their horses’ speed. It was a night chase through one of the most beautiful valleys of the Golden State. Myriads of stars lit up the deep azure vault of the skies, and the horses bounded over the well-defined trail like the swift-limbed steeds of the gods. “ Ar’ they gainin’, Roy!” “T can’t tell.” “(7 think they_ar’.” “Then let us leave the trail.” “Not jes’ yet!” A-moment’s silence followed. “Do you know whoI shot back thar on the PoRP ? suddenly asked Old Winch, ‘No “Tt war Calaveras Nat, one ov the hounds thet left me in Starvation Camp. Jes’ give moe time,” and the old man grated his teeth, “ an’ I'll settle the score with every last devil oy ’em. I’ve got to do it soon, Roy, fur I’ve already got my passport to eternity. Don’t I owe ’em a grudge?” and the mad laugh that sup; Jemented the grizzly hunter’s sentence sent a shudder to his companion’s heart, Meanwhile the pursuers had not lost ground. Swift as comets the horses flew over the wild road. Not a nerve was lefs unstrained, and every spur was covered with hot blood. “Now’s the time!” suddenly exclaimed Old Winch, guiding bis horse to the left as his right hand clutched Roy’s bridle, ‘‘ We may hev to fight ’em ag’in, t I want to choose my ground.” They were in no path now, but were dashin across the valley, whose grass almost reach their steeds’ knees, ‘A wild shout from the desperadoes of Eldorado told that the new departure bad been discoy- ered, and a few revoly.rs were fired just to tell the hunted men that the chase would not be re- linquished. “This doesn’t look like Bodine Gold Georgie,” muttered Plumas Roy to himself, as_ his thonghts reverted to the girl even at that fate- ful hour. ‘‘ My opinion is that the Rifie King the masked Mazeppa, and not enough in his own judgment. 1 wonder if we are to continue this flight until somebody’s horses break down! Winch?” There was no reply. : All at.once a wild exclamation pealed from Roy’s throat, ; be horse plunging along at his side was riderless! Where was the old man? During the youth’s inattention for a moment, he had dicarnented as quickly and eff as if he had been shot upward among the stars. Instinctivel Old Winch’s horse plun, on, fainted because cf hunter, who. had bab] oa = ong from his saddle, ao aaved 1 ae hiia aga? anid: Bored hs “ He saved me awhile ago,” sa’ Ys, m~- self.. “‘He wouldn’t desert me now if I had fallen instead of him, No! I will stay with him, come wiat may!” Spite of. the bloodthirsty men thundering down upon bim, the courageous young miner turned his horse’s head and confronted them. “Halt!” he cried, as they came up and twent revolvers shot toward him with twenty dar fingers.at. the triggers. “Iam your prisoner, gentlemen, but I want it understood that i surrender because I want to help my com- panion.” yl ‘‘ Whar is he?” : ‘Back yonder somewhere in the grass.” : “Then he’s beyond help, fur hev’n’t we jes’ thundered over the spot?” Roy lost color.. He had not thought of that. ‘You may have missed him,” he said, Tecov- 3 ering hope. ‘Let us go back and see.” ~ one Bet nails bows, oxdhunged suspicious glances. trusted too much to Red Star in this hunt for ~ Roy reined in his s while, He could not think of ae the old grizzly-
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TTT eeu5qtsee=00ES S$ ‘* We'll keep the younger hyar,” said one, a man with whom Roy had been on rather friend- ly terms during bis residence’ at Eldorado. “Ten ov you fellars go back an’ look fur the old shooter. He may be healthy enough to bang. The boy byar is, anyhow; we kin all swear to thet.” There was a retrograde movement by half of the band, and Roy followed them with wistful lances till their matches went out and their ures vanished from sight. He had not been disarmed. Why need he be deprived of his pis- tols when ten revolvers were ready to deprive him of life?” He was the prisoner of men whom he had known for several years—men by whose sides he had worked day after day in the Eldorado mines. He knew that they disliked him be- eause he had not associated with them at all times, yet he had never quarreled openly with any one. He was hated by them because he possessed a loftier nature and a mind fitted to adorn a bet- ter society than one usually finds among the camps of the gold region. ihe pigeon had fallen among the hawks; but there was one beak among them not yet ready to rend. Roy suddenly felt a hand on his arm, and he turned. his face to recognize the man who had iu eatares the ten back to hunt for Old inen, ‘Don’t let_on thet you hear me, Roy,” he aaid in a low whisper. ‘‘I don’t want to see you go back to Ranch’s bouse, fur ef you do all creation can’t save ye. I’m goin’ to propose to tie yer hands on yer back—I’ll do the tyin’ myself, but yer kin bet thet I’ll fix ther ropes to suit you. little jerk will loosen them, an’ away you go ag’in. I'll give you the signal to make the break. I don’t want to see sa pulled up, boy, but if you go back to Ranch’s, thar’ll be a hangin’ sure!” Plumas Roy heard the rough through without oncv interrupting him, although he could hardly keep back the words that struggled for utter- ance. “T can’t desert Winch!” he said. “I would sooner go back to the ranch and take the chances!” “Chances?” echoed the miner, ‘ Thar’ll be no chances,” “Vl go back any how.” Roy did not see the surprised look by which w he was meqnenied: “ Don’t bea opt, boms” he said in a tone that tokd the depths of the interest which the speaker bad taken in him. ‘‘If Lasso Dan war in your fix, an’ hed yer chances, he wouldn’t think ov stayin’ with an’ old pard who might be lyin’ dead in the We've never been real friends, boy; I don’t exactly know why, but we hev’n’t. Let me fix the ropes. What d’ye say?” Roy had weighed everything, and now reso- lutely shook his head. Lasso Dan aig ll estes Be the saddle, not only disappointed, but E had gn ay and Fon the bottom of a heart that knew few virtues, given Plumas Roy * chance for liberty; but the youth had rejected t. Several moments later a shout came from the ten men who had been searching with flaming bunches of grass for Old Winch. “Thet means ‘come on;’”? Lasso Dan said. addressing his companions, ‘‘ They hev'n’t found the old b’ar-hunter.” The men gathered up the lines which had been permitted to fall on the necks of their steeds, and started back toward the ranch, pe nen cc nn cc ee Trend aennEEEIEIREEEEIEEI EERIE RRR “ Once more, Roy,” said a voice atthe youth's | ears, ‘'Hedn’ the ro } : Tre eyes of the two men met for a moment. “ For the last time I’ say no, Lasso,” was the answer, “Tm afraid it is fur the last time!” These words sounded. like the shutting of the doors of doom. Lasso Dan had a trul that the ten men had failed to find the old bear- hunter. This was confirmed. when the tw. parties met. ‘ “I fur one don’t b’lieve the story "bout the you better let me when he said old un fallin’ from his boss,” suddenly exclaimed’ one of the despe addressing Lasso Dan, but at the same tine throwing a sly glance at Roy. ‘‘If be war anywhar in the grass, we would hev found ’im.” The young miner turned full upon the r. “Tt is true,” be said. ‘‘Old Winch may have been dragged away from the stirrup, but I missed him suddenly—I, did not.see him fall— and I naturally thought, knowing him to be des- Old Winch, the Rifle King. perately hurt, that he had tumbled from the saddle. Why should I lie, when 1 have volun- tarily given myself up?” These words abasbed his would-be accusers. ‘* We can’t hunt for the old man—not now, at any rate,” put in Lasso Dan at this juncture. ‘*or’ard to the ranch! Mebbe the rest.ov the crowd hev caught the Injun thet broke back inter the house.” The horses started forward at a smart gallop, Roy being watched by more than balf of the gang. The ride back was devoid of incident. h Lasso Dan did not renew his offers of assist- ance. There was heart enough in the rough to regret that Roy had rejected them, hen the bome of Rancu Rob) was reached, torches were flashing on the porch and the ex- terior of the house, and the gaunt. trees that fronted it were plainly revealed, ‘“We didn’t get the Injun!”? said a man, ad- dressing Lasso Dan. ‘‘Somebow or other the red skunk got away; but, cap’n, I see you've brought back a fit subject fur the rope.” A loud, mad shout greeted the last words, and while it yet echoed over the scene, some one threw a lasso over a large limb that stretched toward the porch. ‘“‘That’s for me,” murmured Plumas Roy, in- terpreting the looks that now became fixed upon him, ‘Lasso Dan, I thank you for leaving me in poeeen of my revolvers.” t was more than evident that the young miver’s hour was near at hand. ‘The roughs of Eldorado had resolved that, he should die. CHAPTER IX. THE RED HELPER, Ir the torches of the rouzhs of Gold Valley revealed the surroundings of the lynchers’ court, their light did not show the anima!-like object crouched in one of the forks of the death-tree about twenty feet above the fatal limb. The i a was so imperfect and weird among the thick golden foliage that the occupant of the fork really looked like a huge panther or moun- tain tiger, but in reality it was a man, But his skin was red, and the greater part of his body wore no clothing o: any kind. In short, the tree was sore ae by an Indian, who held in bis red hand,.while his snaky eyes looked down upon the lawless men under the limb, a cocked revolver, against the trigger of which rested an eager finger. Who was the brave, and how came he to be crouched in the fork at that moment? In a word, it was the red-skin who fled back into the ranchero’s house when all his comrades had fallen before the pistols of the buckskin des- peradoes. He had eluded his maddened pursuers, for be gained the rear of the buildings in advance of their hands, and disap) while they still thought he had not left the house. Instead of keepisg on and hastening toward the mountains, he fearlessly skirted one end of the house, suddenly reappeared in front and ascended the tree. It was, indeed, the safest covert he could find, for the roughs would never think of searching the tree for him when he bad escaped by the rear of the house. This Indian was no less a person than Red Star himself, the leader of the band whom Old Winch and Roy bad accompanied to the ranch. He had miraculously escaped death during the battle on the porch. If blood trickled down his arm, dyeing his skin a deeper crimson, it was from a slight wound in the shoulder which was not worth looking after, We may imagine that Red Star became an interested observer of the proceedi being conducted beneath the rope-encircled bough. He had recognized Plumas Roy, and with re- cognition a resolution to rescue if possible rose in bis “* White boy too brave to die by rope,” mur- mured the red-skin. ‘‘Him must live to help save pale girl from the talons of the king eagle —him shall live!” Red Star left bis fork and lowered his body several feet, then stretched himself along a limb directly above and within reach of the lynchers’ rope. How his eyes flashed as he eyed the swarthy crowd beneath him! Once or twice bis gaze wandered to the motionless bodies of his braves lying on the porch, and then it would seek out the five figures on the ground side by side a few feet away, zi Those forms told the of the little fierce battle that. had been decided in favor of the men of Gold Valley’s capital. pa : ‘We. can’t stay hyar all night!” cried sev- 9 eral impatient men who were eager for ibe hanging. ‘Come, Lasso, order the youngster pulled up an’ let us git away,” > Lasso Dan could give Roy no more time; the mar, leew geen forced him to turn to the outh, 7"Bis look said, ‘‘I offered you liberty, but you would not take it, I cannot save you now,” but the young miner did not return a, glance of regret. His eyes fell upon the two re- volvers that had been permitted to remain in his belt, and remained there for a moment. All at once he was pushed forward until he found himself directly under the noose that dangled over his bead. If he had cast his eyes upward at that mo- ment, he might bave seen the orbs that. glit- tered amid the leaves; he might, have caught sight of a dark hand from which protruded sometbing very like the the barrel of a navy. “Give ’im a minute, thet’s all he'll need!” shouted one of the mento whom Roy's eyes wandered while the sentence was. still un- finished. Lasso Dan stepped to bis side, ‘“We wil give you a minute, Roy,” the cap- tain of the Vigilants said, At that moment the noose dropped over his head and rested on his shoulders. ‘A minute todie in, eb?’ muttered the youth. “T don’t want a second when my time comes. Men cf Eldorado, when you go to hang a fellow, be be boy or man, you should first deprive him of his revolvers. See! here are mine!’ The next instant Roy’s weapons were jerked , from his belt by bis own bands, and the startled desperadoes instinctively recoiled. 1 ‘*Ho! pull im up, you fellows at ther ropel” shouted a voice of command, ‘‘ We s00n choke his grip on ther killers!” . The four men who held the loose end of the cord sprung back for the purpose of drawing the youth up. gk revolvers instantly covered them. “ Pull and die!” he flashed, “ Pull!” thundered Lasso Dan, the man who , had offered mercy. The rope tightened and then came the crack of the leveled revolvers, griped by hands which no tt ata : wo, of the men the rope staggered back. The others dropped the and recoiled, as if such action would save their lives. Still the Indian on the limb overbead did not stir. In his opinion, the time for action had not arrived. Simultaneously with the shots, both — of which bad proved death ones, the whole — crowd had made a rush for Roy, | : Bene must hang mee yee Lasse Dan, rushing among crowd, making desper- ate efforts to reach the menaced youth, | , Ov course, Lasso; we're not tryin’ to hurt — im!” was the response. ‘We war fools to let. ‘im keep ther killers, It hez cost us two more men, but ther rope will avenge’em|!” , Tn less time than we can pen a sentence, | patient anne ipa found himself completely . elpless and the power of the sw eut- throats to whom merey was unknown, His pistols had been wrenched from his $f the two shots at the men at the rope were af ; he — pel ade ga to deliver. | on ‘ No shootin 6, my young moun cat!” was hissed in trium ae tones in his faee. ‘When we've settled with you, we'll go back an’ bunt Old Winch till we. pull him up an’. leave him to the ov Gold Valley”... In order that the hanging should p od without furtber interruption, Roy’s hands were bound to his side, and when four men . kr again bp te cord and seized it, he gave blmaelf. up for ; veb bas gids Pab! The desperadoes, though they outnum-. bered him twenty to one, were afraid to let bim have his pistols back; they dared not give hima SSH digg on Las. et wi su ou! P Y fo Gold. Valley. 7 Dan’s voice, “It’s good-by forever this time, Roy.” The ae ed youth lea the ground, a e doom outh was, _! The. accursed rl was chokin, into ingen- sibility—a mist swam before his eyes. yr A loud shout from the throat of Srey ban man tiger before, him sung in his, ears, . this the beginning of death inp w il At that moment somet! ted dewowerd: from among the leaves above the lynchin limb. An obj>ct-like a bowie-blade glitte: for a second:in the flashes of hight, thot leaped up frem the flaring torches, then ° astonishment of all, : . the men at the rope sta ay ; . Yeids edt Doe yolk
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10 Old Winch, the Rifle King. * Hello! a broken rope!” exclaimed several | they had traversed it at all hours, under the at once. ‘‘Pick ‘im up an’ try agin. Bring out another lasso! He can’t break ’em all!” No! the rope bad not broken, the knife of the red-skin in the tree had cut it through by a sin- gle sweep of his crimson hand! Fast upon this unexpected accident came the rin ng crack of the deadly navy, and the men of Eldorado fell back from Plumas Roy, some alive, others with holes in the tops of their Is! “ Thar’s a devil in the tree!” was the cry that rose on every side. Lasso Dan recoiled, spite of his well-known bravery; his followers had already fallen back. The tie of a human being dropped through the smoke and alighted beside Roy who was re- gaining his feet without assistance. In one instant his bonds were severed, and he looked into the face of his helper, Red Star, the Indian chief. “Come!” said the red-skin. ‘‘White man an’ Red Star must stand together. If one falls the other must go down, eh, brother?” “Tam with you, chief,” was Roy’s mse. “The men of Eldorado have fallen back. The present moment is our time.” Without reply Red Star sprung straight to- ward the a to which the roughs of Gold Valley had fled, nonplused and mystified by the death-shots from the tree. “An Injun, by Jove!” cried Lasso Dan. “Give the pards all the cold lead you hev, boys. It mayn’t be hangin’, but it’ll be death all ther same.” At that moment Roy and his companion placed a number of horses between them and the men tigers of the mining capital. “Mount, brother, but don’t ride like white wan,” ordered Red Star. The couple leaped upon the backs of the near- est horses, but held to the manes and stretched their bodies along the animal’s sides and necks. No command to dash away was needed. The roughs were themselves again, and were springing forward with their revolvers. Away went the two friends to the sharp eracks of a score of revolvers, the balls from which, intended for their bodies, whistled harm- lessly around their ears. To their surprise the rest of the horses thun- dered along at their heels, thus leaving Lasso Dan and his braves without means for pursuit. **Let ’em come, brother!” ejaculated Red Star, looking into Roy’s face after surveying the riderless steeds fora moment. ‘The wolves of the valley will have to trail us on foot,” and a triumphant grin appeared at the Indian’s mouth. Ou, on, down the trail he had lately traveled with the Rifle King, Plumas Roy pressed at the top of his new steed’s speed, and within touch- ing distance of the brave red-skin chief who rode at his side. * Red Star, I thank you for this,” fell from the ‘oung miner’s lips when he drew rein five miles Som the scene of this exciting rescue. ‘ I never did you a favor that merited such a gallant rescue.” “No, brother; but Red Star wanted his brother to live for the pale girl he will find by and by.” Roy started. “Tam to hunt her alone, chief. Old Winch has left me—” ‘* But Red Star is near!” was the interruption. * When the white youth wok that Red Star hates the ranchero, kt him forget that he loves the white flower.” “T will not forget,” Roy said, laying his hand upon the Indian’s naked arm. ‘ This night you have linked me to you with a chain of friend- ship and devotion which naught but death can sever.” ‘Red Star knew that.” The horses which had dashed after the escap- ing pair had turned back as if conscious that they were not following Lasso Dan, whose sad- dle was now filled by the youthful miner. Red Star and Roy were alone in the midst of the beautiful valley that stretched, grass clad, to the foot of the Sierra Nevada. They could plainly see each other’s figures, for the stars were shining with unusual bril- ii , and when they moved ona it was ~— , as if they did not fear pursui' t wasa nt rescue, and a narrow escape; but the was not yet. CHAPTER X. DHALING WITH A TRAITOR. VParraen miles away lay Eldvrado, and five behind them stooi Lasso Dan and his discem- fited crowd. Roy and the chief knew Gold Valley well; stars as well as beneath the glare of the noonday sun. Thoughts of the Old Rifle King and Gold Georgie, but especially of the latter, were upper- most in the young man’s mind. If he could but strike the masked Mazeppa’s = would ask no other favor at Fortune’s nds. Red Star had failed in the object which took him to the herder’s ranch after the capture of the bear-hunter’s protegee in the pass. He knew, as Plumas Roy did now, that the masked Ma- zeppa really was Ranch Rob hi ‘self. Indian vengeance had tied him to the back of bis wild- est horse, but the fortune which sometimes comes to the aid of buman devils had interposed in the robber ranchero’s behalf. Roy was eager to go back to the pass and strike the herder king’s trail; but Red Star would not listen to such a proposition. A thirst for further vengeance against the men of Eldorado burned in’ the red-skin’s breast. He would bave ridden back to the ranch to try conclusions with them once more. He was constantly tortured and maddened by thoughts of the twelve braves he had left on the porch; the dead white men under the trees failed to fill the cup of revenge. If the twain riding slowly through the star- lit valley had retraced their steps, they might have reached the estancia in time to witness a sight that would have delighted them. 6 roughs of the valley were still cursing their discomfiture and the loss of their steeds, which had not yet returned, when a single horseman drew rein in front of the house. A loud shout greeted him, and he was instant- ly surrounded by the torches that revealed his flashing eyes and strangely yellow face. “Ranch Rob, by Jehosaphat!” exclaimed Lasso Dan. ‘ What on earth makes yer face so yaller? Ye hev’n’t been tryin’ ter make a Mexican out ov yerself, hev ye “T haven’t, but a lot of cursed a have!” was tho nse, ‘‘ What meant all the shoot- ing I heard awhile ago? In the name of Tarta- rus! who did all that?’ and the arm of the speaker designated the red-men and white lyin where they had fallen before the deadly revol- ver. In a few words Lasso Dan told all. “ And Red Star, the chief demon of them all, ot away?” grated the man on horseback, and hen he added: ‘I’m glad of that! I wouldn’t have him lying yonder for all the gold in Cali- fornia. You don’t know what I have endured. You couldn’t stop my horse when he took me through the camp yesterday?” An exclamation of surprise fell from’ every tongue, “Then you war the masked man?’ cried Lasso Dan. ‘If we hed known thet, cap’n—” - “Never mind, boys; the more I suffered the deeper grew my hate—my desire for vengeance! I’m glad you didn’t check me, although if you had, those boys wouldn’t be thar with their faces turned up to the stars. It was Red Star that dyed my face a dirty yellow which no water can ever wash out; but what of that? I can hate and hunt my enemies just the same! His accursed fingers fastened the dark mask to my face; but what if they did? I can see again, and I shall pay him back! Bury your dead, boys, and toss the Injuns down the walls of the guich beyond the gnarled trees; then come back and let us organize for the fiend’s own vengeance.” Ranch Rob looked strange with his dark, yel- lowish face and white hands. His eyes fairly flashed while he spoke, and his voice sounded like the hiss of a serpent. “So you couldn’t find Old Winch, eb?’ he said, his thoughts recurring to the Rifle King. “*T don’t believe him dead. He never fell from the horse if the young chap does think so. I knew him the moment I set eyes on him in the ss. Time hasn’t changed him since we left im to the grizzlies in Starvation Camp. Ha! ha! Where’s Modoc?” Lasso Dan and his crowd exchanged glances. “* He’s dead—I know it!” declared the herder. a he is—shot by Old Winch,” Lasso as- sured. “For tying four knots years ago, I expect,” and the ranchero smiled. ‘Well, there'll be other other knots tied be- fore the old man’s time comes.” Ranch Rob was a handsome man, spite of the dye that had altered his complexion. Tall, en standing erect, with limbs of the prac- ticed athlete, and the strength of a giant, he was, physically, one of nature’s finest. Encircling wrists were raised welts of crimson—mementoes of his wild ride as the masked Mazep If he had me to the waist, the men whom he was at that moment surrounded would have started at the sights they would have beheld. Red Star had indeed fastened ‘his white enemy to the horse securely, and when he sent the spirited beast snorting away, he confident- ly thought that he had seen the animal for the last time. But the white herder was alive to bunt him— alive to inflict a vengeance com to which the role of Mazeppa would be mercy itself. If Ranch Rob had appeared at the estancia —_ where was his captive Old Winch’s prote- gee He did not mention her to the reughs of Gold Valley. Ifshe was still in his power he was keeping the secret to himself. ¢ dismounted during the burial of the mem- bers of the band, and entered the house. His walk was not steady; the cutting lassoes had done their work, and his limbs had not re- sumed their suppleness, “Twelve out of thirteen!” fell from bis lips as he looked at the red corpses that strewed the porch. ‘I’m glad, as I told the boys, that the thirteenth red-skin escaped. Vengeance has already decreed that he shall fall into my hands. Ah! Red Star, your doom sball be worse than the one you marked out for me. After that I will bring my new mistress to the ranch!” Georgie, then, was somewhere where he could lay his hands upon her when he wanted her! Gold Valley sted of many ranches smaller than ‘his, and their owners—some dark fellows with Mexican blood in their veins, others native Californians—were his friends. Might he not have left his captive in the care of one of those rancheroes? At any rate, according to his resolution, Old Winch’s ward was to be queen of the ranch some day. But let us follow Ranch Rob. His dwelling was large enough for the resi- dence of. twenty persons; but he had been it’s sole occupant for several years. He passed through the room where Red Star and his com ions bad waited for his return, and ascended to another almost directly above it. This apartment looked out upon a small grove of trees behind the house. A slanting roof ran from the window-sill te within ten fect of the ground. It was touched by the limts of the nearest trees. The interior of the room was te dark, but the rancbero soon illumined it with the rays of a lamp which he found on a rough table. It was evidently his sleeping apartment for a low cot stood in one corner, and a suit of showy ranchero garments _— against the wall. “Tf I can’t Americanize my face, I can trans- form myself into a Mexican entirely,” he ex- claimed, and a moment later he was donning the garments as rapidly as possible. The change did not cupy five minutes. Ranch Rob sprung to the small mirror that hung over the stand, and catching up the lamp, surveyed bis figure by its aid as best he could, He had nearly completed the inspection when the rapid galloping of a horse came in at the open window. “What does that mean?’ he ejacalated. ‘That horse is coming from the west—from toward Red Carlos’s estancia.” He was at the window listening to the sounds growing more distinct with each waning mo- ou, capa?” exclaimed ment. “Santissima! is it the Mexican’s voice as the horse stopped under the trees whose limbs touched the roof below the herder’s window. “Carlos, as I ¢: ed!” grated the ranchero. “Something bas happened. The traitor has come to me with an excuse and a lie!” Then he shouted aloud: “Tt is I, Carlos, “Come up and be quick about it, for you have news,” There was no response, and the ranchero “turned as if he was expecting to see the messen- ger reach the room, as he had dove by the stair. But instead of gaining it by that route, the man below bad swung himself upon the sloping roof by means of the trees, and was coming toward the window from that direction. Captain Rob turned when he heard the voice bebind him. He fixed his eyes on a dwarfish, treacherpus- looking Mexican, whose dark, almost. Indian, face had gained for him the name of Red Car: “Well, what is it?” demanded Rob, as the man reached the window.
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Old Winch, the Rifle King. : rs ‘The senorita has run away, cap’n!” was the ae = ‘Gold Georgie—gone!” gasped the herder, as his hand darted at the Mexican’s throat. “Traitor, why didn’t you stay away and not be the bearer of your own double dealing?” ‘By the Virgin, cap’n—” “ Boough! thousand oaths wouldn't save you! The girl gone, eh? Her beauty captivated hart and you have hidden her. Never mind! will find her, Carlos, but you will never prove false again!” A revolver was presented to he Mexican’s gaze. He recoiled witha cry, but the ranch- ero’s arm was the length of his tether. A second later a loud report followed the ressing of a trigger, and the human figure that ell from the Mazeppa’s merciless hands rolled down the roof and dropped to the ao If Red Carlos was a traitor, he had betrayed his last trust. ““T mig 't have forced a confession from his lips, but who could have believed it?” muttered the ranchero as he turned eta “Tf he bas concealed my prize his slaves shall unearth her for me. Iwasa fool for trusting the traitor, but he is out of my way forever.” With a glance at the blood-staims on the win- dow sill, and placing a fresh cartridge in the heated chamber, the slayer left the room. CHAPTER XI. PEDRO THE MERCILESS. Caprarn Ros had discovered, when too late, that some men could be trusted too far. If Red Carlos, the man who lay dead under the trees with a bullet in his brain, had come to him with a well coined lie about Gold Georgie’s escape, one thing was certain—he would never deceive again. Relying on the assertion that thieves are true to their mates, the ranchero had borne Old Winch’s Et teoee to Red Carlos’s estancia after his success in the little pass. He feared that it would not be safe to take her at once to hisown ranch, for Red Star and his band, with the old grizzly hunter and Roy, would be likely to beat him to the place, where they would doubtless lie iu wait for him. Red Carlos’s estancia lay fifteen miles distant from bis own oe grounds, near enough to recover Gold rgie within a short time when he should want her. But now the girl had es- caped, so the trai or said, and he had to inaug- urate a quest which might interfere with other plans lately formed. The girl first.” he said to himself, as he reached the ground floor of his dwelling. ‘‘The more I think about the affair the more confident I become that the little Mexican died with a lie on bis lips. His peons, or slaves, shall ee her nising pines at the revolver’s muzzle. Gold © 1s @ pearl worth winning. She looks like the Diamond of Sonoma did when she was the beauty of the mountain camp. Her. eyes alwa, ih when they regard me, and she shrinks whenever I touch her. But never mind, my uty. I will win and wear in the end. This love affair of mine will have a pleasanter ending than the other one did,” and the ran- ehbero ended his prediction with a laugh as he oF upon the porch, 8 own horse 8' where he had left it, and near by stood a number of steeds belonging to the men of Eldorado, the most of whom were at that moment giving sepulture to their com- es. Ranch Rob knew that instead of pursuing the trio from the mining camp, the roughe had made their way to his ranch, for a terrible suspicion relative to the identity of the masked Mazeppa had entered’ the heads of several. If they had found him at home the whole band would have hunted Old Winch and his friends with cocked pistols and ready ropes. “ Hello, cap’n!” exclaimed a man who sprung forward from the group of horses as the ranch- ero reached his own steed’s side, and pat one foot into the broad wooden stirrup. ‘‘ Ye’r’ not in’ off afore the boys git through with the Baryie’, ar’ ye?” Rob recognized the man. Tam going off,” he said, *‘ but not for long. Daylight will find me back here, If you want to stay—' = Sta ? Lasso Dan’s not one ov ther stayin’ kind when thar’s several hangin’s in prospect,” was the response. ‘‘Who are you going to hunt?” var-fighter, ef he’s livin’, * Red Star, the old an’ the boy.” ‘*Not the Injun! he belongs to me!” said the ranchero firmly. ‘‘ You will tell Lasso when comes up—I can’t stay tosee him myself—that I will call to account the man.or men who sheds that red-skin’s blood. You fellows can deal with Old Winch and the boy; I don’t care about them; but the Injun is my man—mine only!” The lips of the herder king met firmly benind the last word, and his eyes gave emphasis to his sentences, “Tl tell Lasso, cap’n, but—” “But what? Out with it!” “It'll be hard to hold ther boys off ef they should git Red Star in a tight place.” Captain Rob looked like « man ready to burst with rage. He seemed about vo give utterance to some violent language, but restrained him- self, and answered in a milder tone. J “You will tell Lasso what I have said,” he said, addressing the representative of Eldora- do’s lawlessness, and then touched his horse with the spurs, and was off before the listener could reply. ‘“‘Lasso Dan’s a man of judgment,” he mut- tered. ‘‘If the message is faithfully delivered there’ll be no trouble between us; but I shall keep my resolution, for that Indian belongs to me just as much as if I had purchased bim of a lawful owner. Vengeance has given him to me, and woe to the man who attempts to cancel the pent which nobody has a right to pay but Ranch ! baa the man who ve him the masked Ze) soon disa) ls Wincouie led ane his beatiful estancia, and the stars showered their wealth of golden light upon him, but the bewitching splendor of the niobh had no delights for him, The fifteen miles that stretched between his lands and the smaller but well stocked ranch of Red Carlos, were soon traveled over, and he at last drew rein before a little house along whose entire front stretched a porch where Red Carlos was wont to enjoy his cigarettes after a new pur- chase, or a successful raid, for it was said that the little Mexican was not much annoyed by conscientious scruples. The dwelling at first seemed deserted, but after a minute's inspection from his saddle, Ranch Rob detected a glimmer of light beyond one of the windows. Without a word he dismounted and let bis an- imal stand with the reins thrown carelessly upon his neck, while he himself glided across the porch, revolver in hand, and his eyes fas- tened upon the window. An attempt to look into the room beyond through the rent in the greasy curtain proved a signal failure, so the ranchiero crept to the door near by and listened. He heard the coarse voices of several vaqueros mingled with the clinking of tin cups; he could’ see nothing. “ They’re just drunk enough to fight,” be said to himself; ‘* but Lam here on business. . They must tell me what they know about Gold Georgie. I recognize the voice of Hip Pedros the little Mexican’s right-hand man. knows everything,” The next moment the rancbero put his shoul- der against the door and fo it oper. As it fell inward four men leaped up from a rough table in the middle of a room. and sprun bac wits exeloinationnot astonishment, an revolvers drawn and cocked, “No shooting till we understand each other!” said Captain Rob, sizaighteving up and dis- laying two ready navies, one in each hand, i Your lives hang on your own lips and not on the droppers in my hands. Iam. here on busi- ness—business that we ought to be able to transact without bloodshed. The ranchero paused and fixed his eyes on the po who onpenten io his size and looks to be the leader of the gamblers. j This was the fellow be had called Big Pedro before entering the room. He stood six feet in his rough boots; he was broad-shouldered, dark-skinned, evil-eyed—in short, a giant in physique, a cunning devil, a man-tiger, in looks. } ‘‘Where Senor Carlos?” he asked of the ana in a voice that betrayed his mixed eage. “T am the questioner—not you!” was the quick pepousy “ Now listen to me—where is The four men exchanged quick glances; then a strange twinkle lit up the depths of the swar- thy giant’s eyes. x La aatanaial run off, senor capitan,” he an- swered, ia she Soeenlianes iid ae cost,” ranchero, flercely. ‘ come here for a continuation of the falsehood. I want the truth—the truth or 1 Do you hear that?” ‘We hear that, senor; but the little senorita did.get away from Capitan Carlos.” ** Tell me about it.” ‘You see, senor, Capitan Carlos him git pretty full of liquor; then he go to la senorita’s room an’ brag about his. estate.. The girl told him she no b’lieve be have so many manes or so many horns. Him sware by the Virgin that he has, and then be invites la senorita to ride out with him to look at his stock.” ‘The idiot!” hissed the ranchero, ‘‘When 1 told him to give the bird no aia he must es- cort ber round bis ranch. Go on, Pedro,” ‘Well, la senorita ready to go, ov course, so Capitan Carlos hav’ the big white mustang fetched to the door an’ helps her on, Away they go.” * Alonef” “Alone, senor. By’mby Capitan Carlos him come back all over mad, an’ swear that la senorita give Lim theslip, We mount an’ go with him to the place, an’, sure enough, we see that the big white mustang carry girl off to- ward the mountain. No foolin’ this time, senor. Capitan Carlos did not lie.” Ranch Rob could not discredit the nt’s story. Although it, bad not been spun inelegant language, it did not fail to impress him with its truthfulness. His thoughts went back to the man he had adjudged a traitor and slain. ‘Carlos knew better than to act as he did,” he exclaimed. ‘‘ After all, if he was no traitor, he got bis deserts.” ‘*Where is Capitan Carlos!” suddenly asked Big Pedro. ‘At my house. He will never come back. Senors, this estancia is yours,” , ‘Carlos is dead, then?” “He is dead!” Big Pedro’s eyes did not flash, but his lips met firmly bebind bis last word. ‘\He eame to. me with the cloak of treach on his shoulders,” continued the ranchero, ‘“ saw that be was glad that the girl escaped from his hands. Senors, I am going away. Sta; hereand enjoy yourselves. This estancia, wit all its hoofs and horns, belongs to you!” The three. men who stood behind the giant ut- tered exclamations, of satisfaction, but Pedro himself did not unseal his lips. : “The giant.isn’t satisfied. I must watch him,” flashed across the ranchero’s mind. I didn’t .do him a service when I dropped Red Carlos. The others do not care.” At that moment Big Redzo serene forward, picked, up_a tin cup brimming full of liquor, and extended it to the ranchero, ‘Drink, capitan,” he said .‘‘We are going to part. Drink peace to the soul of Capitan Carlos, “Certainly, I can do that,” said Ranch Rob, and a moment Jater be had ed the cup to the sparkling of the giant’s e pw ‘““Now Um off! Take care of the estan senors. There’s gold in its thousands of hoofs and horns, Cashes Be Hee will jee ae to ne possess. you. w ind m. one you must show me the rail. wide : ‘* Benz will go, capitan,” said pazenre: One of the peons stepped briskly forward and joined the ranchero, His was the most honest face in the group, and Raneh Rob approved of the ar selection, A brief time sufficed to pie a saddled steed beside the ranchero’s, and the two men rode AWAY They did uot see ve sage bound that carried Big Pedro across the little room, nor hear the vengeful threat that fell hissing his lips: : “ there may be two dead capitans in Califor- nia, senor, when, the sun comes up,” he ex- clai , whirling upon his associates with a coiled lasso in his swarthy bands. ‘A }ife for a life. Sacrissima! The blood of Capitan Carlos burns Pedro's tongue. Co’ senors, or with the Wagece ti I come back.” A stride k the half-breed giant to the door, and a few bounds to the etanela’s wtablen 3 When he appeared again in the starlight, he was mounted on a dark horse, and the lasso at his saddle. bow. The two men left behind at the house had not SiRT99 him. Bia iak tan heh . way went the iow 6 directio taken by Ranch Rob and the i dap or ” He looked like an aven like one o' ' tireless trackers to be found among the wild bes of the L grakeg Seige 7 af . ‘ was not Jong before Ranch' Rob turned his saddle and looked at his companion, “Hark!” hesaid. “Ahorse!” Benz turned his head toward the house and listened with a significant smile at the corners of his mouth, . _
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12 at 1 bear a horse, capitan, but it is riderless,” said. “Say you so, Benz?” exclaimed the ranchero. “Tam not so certain about that. Stir at your peril. The band that slew the master is not afraid to kill his slave.” Benz gave the speaker a look, which bad to pass over the glittering barrel of a leveled re- volver. _ The sound of the approaching hoofs grew more distinct, and neh Rob was straining his eyes through the night to catch a glmipse of the animal rapidly coming up. ss By Jove! you're right, Benz. The horse has no rider!” fell suddenly from his lips. ‘‘ He’s going to pass us on the left. There he goes!” Both men now saw the steed which bad come in sight, and was dashing past on their left, al- though within a Jasso’s cast. Allat once, and while Ranch Rob still eyed the animal, a man rose on hii back, and the next instant a noose settled down over his (the ranchero’s) shoulders. A mad curse and a start was the reply. Then the ranchero was jerked from his saddle. A shout of triumph burst from ithe guide’s throat. It brought Ranch Rob to his feet. “Traitor, take that,” he hissed, and from the flash of bis revolver Benz, the traitor, reeled and fell from his steed. “I’m ready for you now!” ha grated, whirl- ing upon the lasscer; but at that moment he was jerked from his feet, and a laugh of re- venge and victory sounded in his ears. e knew that he had fallen into the hands of one who was called sometimes Pedro, the Mer- cilesss “Never mind, I’m not weaponless!” said the ranchero. ‘I've been in tighter places than this in my life. Come on, villain, and let me give vou a bullet that itches to pierce your heart.” Ranchero Rob lay amid the yielding grass that covered the rich pasture ground, ready eager to confront the man who had lassoed im. Tre lasso had tightened around his body, pinioning his arms to his side, but he was confi- dent that he could use his revolvers with effect on any enemy who dared to approach bim, But n0 one-came up. Suddenly something red like the lantern of a will-o’-the-wisp danced before his eyes. It grew larger, and he watched it until all his doubts vanished. “Great Gol! Pedro the Merciless doesn’t be- lie his name!” fell from his lips in accents of horror. ‘Unless I can escape from this ac- curged coil, 1am doomed. The fiend has fired the grass ’ CHAPTER X1Il, FROM FIRE TO FLASH. Tam ranchero’s situation was appalling! ‘When he attempted to spring to his feet the lasso tightened, and he was jerked rudely back again. He doubted not that Pedro the Merci- less was at the other end of the infernal cord. * Advance upon me, demon!” he shouted aloud. ‘ Ab! you dare not face the man you have entraped. Iam helpless, weaponless and yet you keep aloof, coward that you are.” There was nd reply, and Ranch Rob did not waste any more words on one who must have heard yet would not answer. He could see that the flame which at first had appeared no r than the light of a lucifer, was fast becom J a raging and devouring fire. The tongues of crimson leaped above the like serpents, and the wind was blowing fa bis face. The horse ridden by Benz, the avenger’s con- hal Fallopea off, but the ranchero’s steed had not deserted him. With distended nostrils and flery eyes the animal stood almost within touch of his mas- ter’s hands, and eyed alternately the burning grass and the men on the ground. Where was Pedro the Merciless? If Ranch Rob could have looked through the black smoke, and over the top of the fire, he would have seen the author of his peril. ®tanding beside the horse that had carried him to the spot, the little Mexican’s rity wa watched with dancing orbs the progress of the rea pee: “Pedro hears the ranchero, but he will not answer,” he murmured when Ranch Rob had ceased to taunt him. “He will never shoot another man whe leaves to him the truth which he calls alie, Sacrissima! he will irm like a serpent when the fire touches Pedre, the Merciless, as we have just seen, Old Winch, the Rifle King. was not at the lasso, The cord was fastened to a sharpened stick forced into the yielding ground, so that when the caught ranchero at- tempted to rise, it would tighten and throw him tgain. “A man must fight to the last!” grated Ranch Rob, ‘If Pedro, the Merciless, will not come to me, I will go to him!” Believing that the giant held the end of the cord which he could not see, be clutched his re- volvers with a firmer grip, and began to creep toward the ae His horse followed him, asif there was a bond of affection between man and beast, which only death could dissolve. The fire was continually approaching. If the grass bad been entirely ry and a strong wind to fan the flames, Ranch Rob would never have reached the end of the lasso alive. Fully expecting a death-grapple with his enemy, the ranchero was eager to get to the end of the cord. The whole scene was now revealed by the glare of the billowy sea of crimson that rolled toward him. His crawl, while it was full of de- sire, b came cautious. Pedro, tae Merciless, might be waiting for him. At last be reached the end of the rope, and found instead of the giant—a stake?” ‘*Curse me! why didn’t I find this stick sooner!” he exclaimed, as he threw himself for- wardand pulled it up. ‘Thevillain has ridden off and abandoned me to my fate. Ah! there will come a day ora night of retribution for ne fiend. He has added a new enemy to my ist. While be spoke the ranchero was loosening the Jasso which he did nct fling aside but ap- propriated as he turned to the one faithful friend —bis borse. **-You can outrun a fire, Meza!” he exclaimed, throwing himself into the saddle. ‘‘ Now take me away, and help me to live for vengeance. Benz didn't get to show me Gold Georgie’s trail, but never mind. We'll find the pear] of Gold Valley, and come out on top yet. The yellow fiend is riding off confident that sree the crumbling grass when the flames bed on, will lie only the bones of Ranch Rob. was man so terrioly deceived before!” The herder king could hardly repress a wild ery of victory when he found himself being car- ried swiftly over the ground in advance of the fire. He looked back more than once and saw the whole valley in flames. Hundreds of ran- cheroes would curse the hand that fired the grass, and on the morrow the sun would rise upon a scene of desolation. The ranchero's steed was an animal of ac. knowledged swiftness; but bis greatest efforts were not required to keep his master ahead of the flames. He bore him across the doomed ure lands, nor felt a rein drawn until the fty foot-hills of the Sierra Nevada hid the flames, but not the spark-kissed sky. ‘*Here we are, Meza, eafo and sound without a hair singed!” cried Ranch Rob, smoothing bis steed’s heated neck. ‘Let me see, where are we?” and he looked up at the towering trees and = sloping sides of the bills that surrounded them. : He knew almost exactly where he was, for the mountains that looked down upon Gold Val- ley were as familiar to bim as the trails of his own ranch. But it was night, and his surround- ings were likely to prove ptive. * We'll go on,” he said, addressing his horse, whicb he now urged forward again. ‘If I am not mistaken, this path leads to a spot we bave frequently visited, Meza. We went through it when I was strapped to a horse’s back. am going there in a better condition now.” ever The horse was now urged into a gallop, and Ranch Rob was emerging into @ little basin, when a man’s voice greeted his ears. ‘Hello, thar, stranger! I wish ye’d stop, fur I don’t like ter shoot, although I expect ye'’r’ a fellar what richly desarves killin’ like the most ov mankind in Gold Valley.” The first three words made Ranch Rob draw rein, and while the speaker continued, he leaned forward with his fingers at the triggers of his revolvers. ““Who are you?” he demanded, catching a ee pe of a human figure among the mountain ushes perhaps twenty yards away. ‘*Thet’s no secret. I’m Old Winch!” was the mse, n exclamation of amazement fell from the ranchero’s lips, : “Kind o” ses you, eh?’ the old bear hunter went on. ‘'‘Mebbe you've heard how I tumbled fron my boss, down in ther valley, an’ war dragged away danglin’ from ther stirrup. I’ve hed many queer adventures in my time, but thet one | wouldn’t hev repeated fur all ther claims in Californy. I’m hyar, though pretty nigh used up, but ready for bizness all ther same. Il know you.’ “Hal “T hey’n’t heard yer voice fur a long time, but I bev’n’t furgot it. Don’t I recollect how you ordered the 2 ati ter lash me to ther tres the day you broke camp away up in northern Californy? You didn’t git the Diamond ov So- noma, Ranch Rob, but ye’ve done better with the gal. Whar is she?” Captain Rob had by this time seen that Old Winch beld a rifle against his shoulder, and that he was talking over the barrel. “From Pedro the Merciless to Old Winch— curse the change!’ grated the ranchero to him- self. ‘*J can’t hoodwipk a man who has cause to bate me, if any man living has, 1 must get out of this scrape as best I can, or the victim of Starvation Camp will complete his revenge.” He looked at the old grizzly-fighter again. ‘**IT am Ranch Rob—the man you've been looking for ever since that day,” he confessed. “You've reccgnized me already. Now shoot and cancel the debt of blood!” “Thet’s not fur me to do, Ranch,” was the answer, and the man among the bushes ad- vanced, bat unsteadily. ‘‘ You hey’n’t answered my question: Whar's Gold Georgie ?” **-You would not follow me?’ “Try me!” A strange gleam was in the depths of the rerekenis eyes which were fastened on Old inch, Did he read in the old man’s unsteady step and unnatural look signs of approaching death? The Old Rifle King stood at his borse’s head, ane was eying him with his piercing eagle orbs. ‘Where's your horse!” asked the ranchero, “Ready fur me,” was the answer. ‘You will take me to Georgie?” “ Yes.” 7 “Fool me, Bebo wiey me false, an’ the buz- gards ov Gold Valley will find you dead to- morrow.” Tt. was a threat which Old Winch would not hesitate to carry into instant execution at the first sign of treachery, “Tam ready,” the ranchero resumed, still se on the old man, iar call by the bunter brought a horse forward, and after two attempts he seated bim- self in the saddle. “‘He’s a dying man!” ejaculated the ranchero in an undertone. ‘That ride at the stirrup h s nearly finished bim. I will complete the work at the first Fd, gr md “Go ahead, Ranch,” ordered Old Winch as he fell in behind the herder whom he wa closely while be held his cocked rifle in his bands, ‘Don’t furgit the buzzards thet’'ll sail above Gold Valley when the sun comes up The ranchero vouchsafed no reply, but sent his horse forward with a of touch of the The fierce eyes of Old Winch did not leave him for a moment. “I’ve got ‘im now!” he hissed. ‘The fool will take me to Gold Georgie an’ thar the gal’s trail will end. What ef he knowed thet she war ther Diamond’s child? If he war aware ov thet, he’d stop his boss an’ we’d hev to shoot it out hyar.” The next moment the flash of a revolver leaped from the dim starlight abead, and the man on the foremost horse ing erect in bis stirrups with a loud cry, and pitched forward over his steed’s ears! ‘“Who did that?” yelled Old Winch. the coward who bez cheated Gold Geor ov her man show bis carcass, if be dares!’ There was no response. CHAPTER XITI. AT THE HEELS OF HIS OWN HORSE. Oud Wincu repeated question and challenge, but the person who had shot the ranchero with- out warning neither replied nor showed him- self. “The shooter’s a coward!” grated the grizzly- hunter. ‘' He’s afraid to face an old man whose life lease hez about expired!” And as there was still no answer, he moved forward and bent over the ranchero. A glance told him that the sbot bad not proved fatal for the Mazeppa of Gold Valley was secs his face, and a grim smile was visible at corners of bis mouth. “Tm hard to kill, you see!” he exclaimed, Las don’t think the red-skin drew a drop of ie out
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“The red-skinf” echoed the Rifle King, his eyes dilating. ‘* Then—” “T saw the red devil a second before he fired but not in time to prevent the shot, although i dodged as quickly as possible,” continued Ranch Rob. ‘I didn’t expect to find him here, but in Gold Valley one’s enemies are constantly turn- ing up. Didn’t you see bim?” “if T hed, thar would be a corpse up yonder jes’ now,” said the rifleman. ‘‘ Thar’s blood alongside ov yer head, Ranchero, but only a few drops.” “Better a few drops than a bullet in the brain-pan, eb, Winch?” laughed the ranchero. “Sartainly, I’m mighty glad thet the Injun didn’t wipe you out, Ranchero, If I had caught a glimpse of the red Greaser—” “You would have shot him?” Ld Yes.” Ranch Rob, who had now regained his feet, rejoiced that his would-be slayer had not ac- complished his purpose, gave Old Winch a strange look. “TI don’t know about that,” he said. ‘‘ Would you have shot Red Star!” Old Winch recoiled. “TI thought I’d startle you, ha, ha!” cried the ranchero, ‘' Your red friend tried to take my life. You would not have shot him.” *“*T would! I would!” was the reuly. “No Injun livin’ hez a right to kill you, Ranchero. So ther skunk was Red Star, eh? Wal, I didn’t expect him hyar, nor at this bizness; but then he doesn’t know—” The bear-hunter checked himself, and turned toward the horses, “We war goin’ to Gold Georgie,” he con- tinued, glancing at the ranchero. “Red Star will not attempt his sneakin’ trick ag’in, even if he finds out that he failed, fur he knows that I am with you. To the gal! thet’s the bizness before us now,” To remount and ride forward again was the work of a minute. “If iher shooter war Red Star, mebbe Roy isn’t fur off,” thought Old Winch. “Td like to bevy bim around now, fur thet bullet in my life-box ar’ ’gittin’ in its work. 1 feel the monster at my heart-strings. I promised to see Georgie to the end ov her trail, an’ I must do it. Grit yer teeth, an’ sw’ar to go ahead, Winch!” With this determined resolve the brave old Rifle King kept, on with his keen eyes riveted upon the man who rode a short distance ahead. The reader knows that Ranch Rob was ignorant of Gold Georgie’s whereabouts. She had esca from Red Carlos to whom he had consigned her for safe-keaping, and he was now ccnducting the woundel man deeper among the mountains, ready and eager to whirl Mf ce him at the first opportunity and sweep him from his path, Old Winch was a dangerous enemy, and the sooner he was put out of the way the better. More than once during the lonely advance the ranchero looked over his shoulder to see his follower, and to note that bis rifle was cocked and ready to be discharged at a second’s warn- ‘Now's my time!” suddenly said Ranch Rob to himself. ““’I can’t deceive the old fellow much longer, I haven’t an idea where the girl is, and he will find that outsoon. Therefore, I might as well bring matters to a crisis.” ; As he finished he leaned over as if a trivial eel such as the slipping of a girth, had appened. f “Curse the girth he growled in tones intended for Old Winch’s ears. “Broke, ehf? asked the bear-bunter as he tar Te cone: - : ook at that. Uns cting, the Rifle King leaned forward, as Ranch Rob rose suddenly erect. His eyes flashed, and the next moment he pm at the old vengeance-hunter with the swiftness of an eagle. With a of ro Old Winch felt his rifle torn from ‘hie grasp, and saw it lifted over the head of the man who had risen in his stirrups, and was about to crush his head in. © Liar!” bissed the veteran. ‘You can kill Old Winch, but you can’t escape the fate thet’s wighty nigh.” “The fate? I kill as I go, regardless of the fatnre!” was the answer. “This isn’t Starvation Camp, but this time it’s certain death, We can’t be more than fifty yards from Gold Georgie. You'll never live te see her Ranch Rob’s wife, 1 want you to die on the threshold of my triumph. our Old Winch, the Rifle King. the last word left his lips. At the same moment the clubbed rifle descended. Despite the arms uplifted to break the blow, the weapon beat down all opposition, and the brave old hunter fell backward from the saddle, “That: settles another enemy !” exclaimed the ranchero. ‘This is what I call figbting my way to the girl; but P’ll reach her. The boy will oppose me, but what do 1 care fora fellow like Plumas Roy? Come, Meza, we must on.” Old Winch’s borse léft him when he fell, and had already disappeared, But he was to come back. Not a movement indicated that life might still exist in the body lying across the mountain trail, Captain Rob did not doubt the effect of his mad blow; he had struck to kill, and_bad doubtless accomplished his purpose, He did not dismount to examine his victim, but rode from the spot with Old Winch’s deadly rifle clutched in his hands. He did not see the snake-like figure that glided along a trail fifty feet overhead. If he had looked up be probably would not have seen it, for mountain busbes would have screened it from bis view. “The white herder rides further from his horns,” murmured the elevated spy while he regarded the nian riding through the starlight below. ‘Red Star’s revolver must be be- witched, but he is glad now that he did not kill the ranchero. He will make him ride a wild horse again, but this time his face will be left uncovered so that the sharp briers of the moun- tain can tear it.” The Indian—for Indian the speaker was— spoke with fiendish glee, All the while he was following Captain Rob, At last he descended and crouched among the bushes along the herder’s trail. A moment later a Icud shout echoed among the mountains and then several pistol shots were distinctly heard. “The men of Eldorado!” exclaimed Rob, in- stinctively reining in horse, ‘‘They’ve overtaken ogy ty Se gang of Indians proba- bly. There! it is all over.” The rapid firing had ceased, and a strange stillness had ensued. “1 don’t want to be bothered with them,” the ranchero went on. ‘‘ Lasso Dan is meddlesome; the girl’s face might attracthim. 1’m willin to fight for her, of course, but I don’t want all Gold Valley pitted inst me,” All atonce a figure left the trafl-side, The ranchero started and whirled to meet it, but before he could cover it with rifle or revol- ver it alighted astride of the horse directly be- bind him, and a pair of hands encircled his neck. “No shootin’, no talk, cap’n!” was hissed at his ear, and away went his borse bearing them both from the scene at a gait that threatened to unseat them. Captain Rob could not turn bis head for the urpose of looking into his captor’s face, but he [now that he had fallen into the hands of an In- dian, and he fancied that the red-skin’s identity was no great mystery. He felt that bis enemy was almost as merci- less as Big Pedro had proved to he, for the long, red fingers at his throat almost shut off iis Ueatti’ he was gasping for air, yet he could not make his wants known. On, on went the horse, urged to his utmost speed by a glittering object strapped to one of the red-skin’s heels. “This is torture unendurable!”’ flashed through the ranchero’s mind. “I might as well make an effort for liberty. Death will soon come anyway, if the devil doesn’t loosen his grip.” Ranch Rob attempted to unseat his foe by suddenly falling backward, but he discovered that the Indian was seated firmly on the ani- mal’s back, and be was obliged to desist because of the tightening of the fingers at his throat. ‘‘ White herder take ’nother ride by’mby!” said the red-man. ‘‘ Red Star no kill ’im when him shoot ’while ago.” ‘*No, curse you! you did not want to kill me pee {? thought Ranch = me a show or my life! grant me an ‘unity— He paused abruptly, for one of the Indian’s hands had left his trachea, and reined in the horse. The next instant he was hurled from the saddle to the ground, from which he rose in a half-dazed manner, for the severe choking had almost deprived him of sensibility. He saw the form of his foe, and if there had been forty Red Stars in the pass he would bave done what he did. The hand that he threw to bis belt found not seer the butt of a revolver, but the handle of a bowie. The next instant the blade glittered in the starlight, and he sprung at the Indian, If the ranchero’s spring was full of the tiger’s passion tbat rankled at bis heart, he was met by an antagonist worthy of his steel. Red Star did not recoil a step, but rather went forward to meet the onset, and his right hand closed about the ranchero’s wrist as the blow was dealt. “Ranchero no find Red Star’s heart yet!” exclaimed the red-skin, whose vise-like grip the baffled white man could not shake off. ‘* Him no die when him ride before with bis face tage yellow and covered up, Mebbe the orse will carry him to the wolf trails this time.” ‘“What’s that, you inferna) Injun?” grated the ranchero. ‘* You would make me play Mazeppa again would you? By the gods! I’ve played that role for the last time!” ‘Ranchero see!” Endowed with much natural strength, and fully resolved that the Indian should not tri- umpb, Captain Rob attempted to free himself. The struggle that followed was a trial of strata- gem and strength, but the savage had admin- stered a choking which aided his cause, and the herder found bimself again in bis power. A blow knocked him senseless, and Red Star ne for a moment. ben he came back he bore a coil of ro like a lasso in his hands. Stooping over the herder’s form, he fastened one end of the cord around his feet, and the other to the horse ina manner that would cause the herder to be omeeaer at his heels when he should move on again. All the time the eyes of the red-skin glittered with a flendish triumph, ever ready to animate the spirits of his race, * Ranchero never come back after this ride!” hissed Red Star, rising at lest from his victim. Pipes | he opens his eyes. Ranchero, Red Star 8. ‘*T understand you, you dirty red wolf!” was the answer, ‘ You have tied me to the end of a lasso. I am nt the heels of my horse.” “Ranchero knows all. Is he ready?” ‘Yes! carry your deviltry as. far as you can to-night for to-morrow the tables may be turn- “No turn—never, Ranchero!” was the re- sponse. ‘ Good by, brother! you go now.” The Indian sprung to the horse, : As he did so a dozen mounted men dashed upon the scene, “T heard somebody talkin’—I’d sw’ar to it, boys,” said a rough voice. ‘lam here, Lasso!” rung from the ranchero's throat, ‘Cap'n Rob!” The horsemen spurred forward, but Red Star vaulted into the ranchero’s saddle, and dashed away. As he gave the steed the one epur he wore, he whirled and emptied a revolver in the faces of the roughs of Gold Valley. A loud, mad yell was the response and the challenge was answered by a rapid discharge of firearms asthe whites started in pursuit. But no one saw the man being dragged over the trail close to the heels of the horse ridden by the red-skin! CHAPTER XIV, TWE RESULTS OF THE CHASE, “We have had strange adventures since we sep- arated in the mountain pass. You have eluded both Ranch Rob and Red Carlos, his friend, and I have not been less fortunate. I have lost Old Winch, perhaps forever, and Red Star and 1 separ- ated for a double purpose, after the brave red-skin rescued me from the roughs of Eldorado. But we are Sd —— vo fortune, Avy Ouy shall me at your , Georgie, un © end of your life has been reached.” i We need not inform the reader that the above language was addressed to Gold Georgie, Old Winch's beautiful ward, by Plumas Roy. The two young le had accidentally and for- tunately met in the mountains—Roy mounted on the steed which had carried him safely from the men of Eldorado, and Gold Georgie was the rider of Red Carlos's big white mustang. It is needless to say that the meeting was a source of inexpressible delight to both, nor that they had resolved to stick together spite of any- that mi attem se te them. Gold George's eel hea been short. She was aware that her face had attracted. the ranchero, and Roy was wondering whether ehe had discovered that he was the man whose life she had sworn to tak tr am 3 me se po him: ‘ou have known er king,” s} “Tell me about him.” ine aia eethen you bi you do not know—” He paused, caught himeelf, and chan for the eyes of the girl were fastened apes his
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14 pa EE Se ee Old Winch, the Rifle King. “Ah! I begin to see now!" she exclaimed, “I have been the captive of my father’s slayer, my mother’s persecutor?” “You have.” “Why did I not know ft when I had it in my power to end my hunt? Once, shortly after my capture in the ning I aw his revolver within m reach. I could have finished everything then; but did not dream that the man whose face was as dark as a Moor's was my iret enemy, yet he was,” “Old Winch must have known it,”’ “He was a strange man. He used to say that he would take me to the villain and let me avenge the ; yap corer he slew. He never told me that Ranch hints. But, never mind, Roy, fate may yet bring us together. if he is to fall by the daughter's hand we need not wait long.” “After that—” Georgie’s look? oon I am your friend, Georgie, but I would be more “ Har) hi As the word fell from the girl’s lips she touched Roy’s arm, Cpyeae 4 a Mee en thrill through his body, and the twain listened intently. y heard the far-away reports of mountain Sores and the faintest echoes of some flerce youth. bed auite near; but we shall soon know, If they cross e “Wait a moment.” A minute later a sound like that of hoofs on a bridge was distinctly heard. Roy whirled and seized the bridle rein of the girl's steed, “Come!” he cried. “They are very near. They are after an enemy. There! a dozen_horses are thundering over the hollow bridge, which is nothing more than the roof of a cave under the gulch.” Gold Georgie did not resist, but permitted Plumas Roy Vy 1 Mal away, and they were soon 4 e . “We dee let them all pass,” he said at length, — his horse to one side of the trail, where both w rein not a second too soon. Ahorse that bore a rider lying along his neck flew past. At the same time something rough like the end of a lasso struck Roy in the face, and almost knocked him from the saddle. “* Heavens!” gasped the girl bending over to catch him. ‘Roy, what was that thing? It cut the air like an arrow, and—” “Sh! the chasers!” interrupted the youth. Yes, the pursuers were on hand! That they were white bee gray-shirted and in every particular the startled young couple see as they shot by. . “The men of the mines— Eldorado's said Roy half under his breath. ‘What if their enemy was Old Winch?” ‘It cannot be he!” replied Georgie. ‘‘ Let us hope that the brave old man is safe somewhere. But your face is bleeding!” “Tt is blood,” admitted Roy, removing his band “from his cheek. ‘* That object by which I was struck cut like a knife, yet it was not steel. Iam sure of that.” “What was it, then?’’ “Let us call it a mystery for the present, Georgie. It might have been the end of a lasso, but I will not waste time conjecturing. Ah! the men of Eldorado "could wnt’? have rr? ? are coming back!” exclaimed the girl. ede ive either captured their game or given up It was true that certain sounds now indicated that the roughs who had dashed past them a minute fore were returning at a more moderate gait. As the young couple would only betray their whereabouts by riding away, wae kept among the bees Bag ai of the gulch w: and held their os If their horses should whinny all would be and while they covered their steeds’ nostrils with Sat cape, they kept one finger at the trigger of a revi er. “The precipice saved the Injun if he does lie crushed three hundred feet ow us!”’ exclaimed a rn Smee = the eects | band veo a a point in ch trail opposite the pair’s position. *““We would hev skinned *im alive!” was the re- joinder. “ But whar is Ranch?—thet’s the puzzle.” “Somewhar ‘twixt hyar an’ whar we heard Ez sure ez death, boys, thet red-skin hed at the end ov_ his lasso when he started o’ t he warn’t thar when the hoss cleared the “Ov course he warn't. Look: along the ‘vail. We may hev galloped over én Roy and Georgie saw the men of Eldorado lean forward and inspect the road they had lately gai- lo over at a breakneck speed. *Ah! they will find my enemy dead if they find him at all,” ejaculated Georgie turning to the young miner, ‘“ Her- ends the trail of a lifetime,” “ We willl wait and see,” replied Roy. ‘“ Hug this wall close and wait for me. The men of Eldorado will not come back.” The youth slid from his horse whose reins he had already put into Georgie’s hands, and crept after the dozen roughs who had already disappeared. Old Winch’s ward was left alone. The star dials were pointing toward the dawn of another day. The long night full of exciting ad- ventures and deadly peril was drawing to a close, and the yonng girl felt the need of rest as well as the powers of sleep. Unable to resist tired nature's sweet restorer, Gold Georgie fell asleep in her saddle, presenting a lovely picture which only the stars saw. She did not seé the figure that crept to her side after about a half-hour’s slumber. It came from the direction in which the men of Eldorado had dis- appeared. “She needs sleep, poor child!” said the new- comer in a kind voice as he halted beside the girl at whom he gazed with a smile. “But ff I withhold my discovery, she will not thank me when she does wate, So he touched her gently, and the fair avenger opened her eyes with a start. “Tt is you, thank Heaven, Roy!” she exclaimed. “You have made a discovery?” “ Yes,”’ was the answer, “the devil takes care of his own, girl. The roughs of the Valley have found the ranchero.” * Alive?” “ Alive!” “ Fortune, I thank thee!’ cried Gold Georgie, ““Where is he, Roy? Let him feel the vengeance which fate has delayed till this hour.”? The eager girl lifted the rein as she spoke, but Roy did not stir. “Not to-night,” he said, firmly. ‘‘ When the time comes, I will show you Captain Rob.” CHAPTER XV. AT LAST! Puumas Roy had witnessed the finding of the ran- chero by his friends, the mounted troop from the minin camp. Fortunately for the herder he had not been drag- ged far by the Indian’s lasso; if he had, the roug’ would have found a disfigured corpse on the moun- tain trail instead of a man mad enough to swear eternal vengeance against all his enemies. Captain Rob had effected his escape from a horri- ble doom by the noose slipping from his feet, and that at a moment when he was jerked to one side of the trail where he was left stunned and bruised, but safe from the hoofs of the miners’ steeds. “Tlook like a beggar!” exclaimed the ranchero, surveying his torn garments in the light of the torches which the men of Gold Valley held over the scene closely watched by the youth crouched near by. “ButI am Ranch Rob, and still ready for the bloodiest traila man has ever followed. Ah! you haven't got the Injun?” **No,” answered Lasso Dan, but not until he had thrown a significant glance among hismen, “The red Greaser got away—” “Yor me to settle with him!” grated the ranchero. “ Heavens! won’t it be a vengeance, though? What trail did the skunk take? If he made the turn this side the cliff-—” “Thar's whar he failed, Rob!” interrupted the captain of the troop. ery of bitter disappointment fell from the ranchero’s lips. “What! has the red-skin escaped me forever?” he eried. ‘Do you tell me, Lasso, that Red Star will never feel ak revenge?” “Tt looks thet way, cap'n.” “*T don’t believe it! One hundred feet below the precipice twenty trees jut out from between the rocks. He mores there—I know he did! Fate is not going to let the dog escape me.” as the ranchero mad? As he finished he strode to Lasso Dan’s side, and looked up into his bearded faceas he laid his hand on his arm. “T want a horse, Lasso—a horse and one hundred feet of rope,’’ he exclaimed. “Don't try to talk me out of neither. Red Star never fell to the bottom of the wall. He lies, my victim, among the trees. The horse and the rope! You will not refuse them?’ “Ov course not, captain; thar they ar’!” “We'll take the shortest route to the eliff,” an- nounced the herder, when he found himself seated in the saddle once more. “If Red Star had taken it 1 wouldn't. be here and he wouldn’t be wait- ing for me where he is at this moment. Come, 8 brave fellows. Don’t put out your torches. e nit shall need them when we get there.” As the entire troop rode into a narrow 0 which sugeared 40 be a trail, Plumas Roy stole bac: to Gold Georgie. whose slumbers he interrupted, pe mom he told, as we have seen, that her enemy 8 ved. We will follow the ranchero and his comrades. “We are here!” fell suddenly from Ranch Rob's tongue. as he reined his steed near the edge of a cliff which stood revealed by the flaming torches BS i Bong > eae Se SS eee =e a ledge of rock and earth one hundred feet below. ag Star had thus escaped with his life, he was still a prisoner, for, without the aid of a rope two hundred feet long, he could never ho to leave the ledge, and would be compelled to die there in mid-air as it were. The roughs saw Captain Rob take a torch from the hands of one of their number as he moved toward the brink of the cliff; they saw him kneel fearlessly among the loose rocks that strewed it and lean forward to look below. Suddenly the ranchero threw the torch down through the darkness it had failed to dissipate, and saw it land among the trees, where it r ined and blazed with new v igor. All at once a wild cry pealed from his threat. “The rope! the rope!” he exclaimed, springing back and turning to the expectant miners. ‘ For- tune has not deserted me! Star is where I said ae would find him— among the trees, now my vic- m!"" He caught with a tigerish cry the coil of rope which Lasso Dan pitched forward, and turned to- ward the cliff again with the frenzied shout of a madman. ane miners leaped from their steeds and followed m. ‘Ah! the torch still burns where it fell!” said the eae mien kyo a jocks: oe fates rf the precipice. ‘* Don't you see the a little to the left of the flame, Lasso?’ y “Tsee it, Ranchero—" “That is Red Star—helpless but not dead! 1 saw him move the slightest awhile ago.” “He may be armed,” suggested Lasso Dan. “Armed after falling a hundred feet?’ was the ranchero’s exclamation, ‘' Were he doubly armed, though, I would rescue him for vengeance !"’ ** It will be difficult to lasso him.” tone talks of doing that? I’m going down’ for m!" The roughs exchanged looks of astonishment. “Try the lassoes!” continued the captain, “They make a hundred and fifty feet of strong rope you say? Good! Now a noose forastirrup, I’m ready to recover my man.” Dan did not try to dissuade the avenger from his Arowed paras, He took the rope in his hands and assu Ranch Rob that he should be ee lowered, and drawn up again at his bid- ing. ; With eyes that blazed with anticipated triumph, the herder king descended over the edge of the cliff, and was lowered by the strong fellows who held the well-tied lassoes. He © his eyes fixed on the human figure lying a the boughs and partly in the light of the orch, Red Star had probably thrown himself from his horse as the animal leaped from the cliff, and while the gallant steed had been dashed to death, he had fallen among the trees to be preserved for the man Who hated him so cordially—the man whom he had hunted in revenge for a wrong inflicted and en- dured years before. Before descending the precipice Rob had loosened his belt weapons, for Lasso Dan’s words concern- ing the probability of Red Star being armed, had recurred to him, and he thought it best to be pre- pared for an emergency, Still the ee lying like a crushed man among the boughs had showed no signs of active life since the descent of hia torch. If the cunning red-skin was shamiming, he was playing his vole to perfection, Nearer and nearer approached the eager ranch- ero, “ He is mine, sure enough!” he suddenly ejacula- ted. “As I expected, the red-skin is alive, but harmless. The spark of life that remains I will fan into a flame and then make him wish that he had followed his horse to the bottom of the gulch." Ranch Rob now saw that a pair of eyes were fixed intently pen him, and he was near enough to no- tice that the red hands of his victim were clinging to a bough to certain death. It was like the eagle swooping mercilessly down upon the helpless lamb. “Didn't think I'd come, eh?’’ chuckled the ranchero as his feet touched the tree that supported the Indian. “I was bound to find you agate, if hes had d me_a thousand miles at your orse’s heels, I would have been preserved to pay you back'” It was a tone of triumph in which these ex- ulting words were spoken, but there was no reply. The face of the Indian was as expressionless as the face of a carved Sphinx. The eyes still regard- ed the ranchero, but the look was a stare which might mean wonder, or nothing, just as one was in- clined to interpret it. The torch blazing up a few feet away revealed the strange ee | in the tree. It was evident that the terrible fall had maimed Red Star, else he would have crept from the tree to the ledge where he would not be compelled to clutch a bough to sus- tain himself, “Hurt, eh?” cried es an Rob, irritated by the prevent him from falling on down to Indian’s silence. ‘‘ Back broken, Neha or all our limbs! But no difference, so itisn’t your neck. up now. e’re goin: : As he finished he stooped and ran his left arm un- der the red-skin’s bere There was.no groan, but a sudden twitching of lips told that the touch had bag indescribable pain. . “Pull, boys—I’ve got the red!" shouted Rob to the men above as he gave the rope a jerk, and then he added in a lower veice as he looked at his prey: “ There'll be twitching ov another kind before day- light, ny red friend.” ;
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The next moment the enemies were drawn clear of the tree-top, and were swinging in mid-air over a gulch whose bottom was so far beneath them that they could not see it. Red Star was the most inconvenient of burdens, for he lay limp and helpless across the ranchero's arm. e herder had to tax all his strength to sus- ew the weight of his foe; but he wag equal to the tas It had proved a fatal fall for the once proud In- dian. Red Star was near the end of his last trail. The distance between the trees and the edge of the precipice was being slowly lessened, and Cap- tain Rob could see the anxious, but rough faces that peered down upon him, “A few more good pulls, boys, and then ven- geance!”’ exciaimed the ranchero. “The Injun is mum, but he knows that talking would do’ good. He'll hold out till I've dealt with him.” The next second wild cries burst from the throats of the men that dined the cliff, for, without warning, one of the red-skin’s arms encircled the ran- chero’s neck, and his yea right hand had jerked the bowie from his beit. “Great God! Um ina f gasped Ranch Rob, who dared not use force to gage the red-skin’s arm, lest they both would fall from the rope and be precipitated thro space to certain dea’ e wasin a trap which threatened to put a speedy and bloody end to his existence, Fire seemed to shoot from Re Star’s eyes. His terrible erip tightened about the herder's neck, and the bowie upraised in his right hand, flashed before the white man’s eyes. “Red Star can talk!” hissed the Indian. “Did Ranch think that the fall had broken the Indian's tongue? When will the white man tie Red Star to a horse’s tail? Ah! the trails of the two trailers will end when the chief strikes!” Already a number of revolvers had been_thrust over the precipice. Captain Rob saw the flashing eyesand the determined visages behind them. He still clung to the rope with his right hand, and the men ae he could not see were still drawing him upwa: “ RT ghoot, but make sure that you hit the Injun!” was the command that peril forced him to send up to the men with the revolvers. He saw that he would never get to ‘y out his revenge on the red-skin, for whom he alread, risked his life. It would be a miracle if he escaped alive, for the blazing eyes and trembling arm of the savage told him that the bowie aimed at his heart would soon deseend. * Ranchero dies now!" exclaimed Red Star, ‘With his own knife in his heart, he will meet his friends!” Captain Rob made one desperate effort to ward off the blow withthe hand that did not clutch the rope. Ke that critical moment the loud command “ Fire!’ rung out overhead, and the revolvers flashed in the ranchero’s face. He fell back and whirled half-way round like a person bullet struck, but did not fall from the rope. The following second he knew he was alone, for Red Star was not to be seen. “Hold fast, Ranchero!" exclaimed a voice from above, and as he clutched the rope with 9 firmer grip he was whisked through the air and drawn over e edge of the cliff before he could collect his scat- tered senses. “T reckon you'|l never fe down thar arter another red,” said Lasso Dan. “ Did he Roe you the knife?’ “No, but it was a close call. here are the men who shot the red-skin loose?” Lasso Dan designates the six rescuers, “T thank you, but I wish you had merely stunned the Injun,” the ranchero said, as he gazed at his rvers. , “Je ooepyas! jes’ hear ‘im!” burst. forth. the leader of the troop, ‘ Mebbe, Ranchero, you'll wish we had merely stunned ro, whom we tackled Sack: in the mountains, afore we found youan’ Red tar “Pedro, the Merciless, the man who tried to burn me alive?’ demanded the ranchero. “ You met him after his failure? Where is he?” “ Oh, he rode off; but full of lead, cap’n,”” was the re- sponse. ‘ We didn’t know what he'd tried todo, but we ‘lowed thet some devil like him hed fired the grass. With Pedro dead an’ Red Star finished, who comes next, Ranchero? Nate yer man. The men ov Gold Valley ar’ ready fur anything.” The eyes of the ranchero surveyed the swarthy faces by which he was surrounded, but did not reply, _ although he said to himself: “Why the girl comes next, of course. I'll be hunted no longer from this night. Pedro, the Mer- ciless, I wish you bad lived to dealt with by me. When I go to my ranch I can put up the re- yolvers IT have carried for years, and bass, in the smiles of the queen of Gold Valley. Ah! Raichero, your fortunes are on the mend.” He was mounted again. “ Lasso Dan, I willsee you and the boys at Eldo- rado to-morrow," he said, tur upon the troop. “Let me seek a trail of my own to-night, Red Star is dead, Pedro the Merciless has lassoed his last man, and Old Winch—" ior he’s the fellar we want to hear about, can.’ Ve is dead! If you'll go back by the way of Gold Pass you'll find himying across the trail,’’ A loud shout burst from the listeners’ throats. “We'll go back thet way, Ranchero!” said Lasso Dan. . The parting then took place, and the herder king gat on his horse alone near the cise ot the cliff, ‘As for Lasso Dan and his -shirted follow hiiey scot reached the place called Gold Pass, but- Old Winch, the Rifle King. 15 their horses did not halt before the corpse of an old man. Daylight had come in and the trail was visible, but the men of Eldorado found nothing but a few drops of blood, ‘We'll hear ov Old Winch ag’in,”’ averred Lasso Dan, seriously, and for a moment the company seemed about to resume the hunt for him; but it was voted to return to Elderado, Away the gray shirts went with Dan at their head. If they had turned back, they might have seen a horse slowly climbing a mountain trail with the fig- ure of a man lying motionless along his neck. “Take me to Gold Georgie, old hoss, an’ I'll pass in my chips without a murmur!" this man was sa. ring. * If I can't see her reach ther end ov her tr D tell ’er not to furgit the shootin’ instructions [ used to give ’er,” CHAPTER XVI. THE AVENGING BULLET! Tae horse, 4 seemed to know the man’s desires, his needs, He climbed the elevated trail in a manner that did not discommode his rider, and for an hour or more he kept on until he at last began to descend toward a valley that lay far beneath, “Tm trustin’ all to you, hoss,"’ remarked the, old man who looked down upon the scene, “I b’lieve yee know whar the ral isan’ thet you’re goin’ to take id Winch to ’’er. I hope she an’ the boy’s got to- gether, fur they’re suited to one another. I'll never t to go back to Eldorado to fight the men what put this bullet in my life-box, but somebody. else will do it fur me one ov these days. The wolves will fall out amongst themselves, ez mountain wolves allus do, an’ they'll eat each other up with knife an’ revolver. Vengeance will charge it all to my account when she balances the books. Don’t be afraid to go faster, old animile. I'm able to endure a good deal yet. Ranchero would hey put more musele inter his blow ef he hed thought thet I'd live over thet one. Live?” and the old hunter chuckled strangely, ‘I’m fool enough to think thet I’m goin’ to see Georgie at the end of her trail.” The old Rifle King was one of those iron men to be found among the mountains anywhere in the far, wild West. Some of them carry a dozen bullets in their bodies, and live to seek more in desperate en- counters with lawless men, The terrible wound in the grizzly-hunter’s breast was not the only hurt he had received during his exciting life The claws of bears, the bowies and bullets.of des- peradoes had sought his life in vain; but the ball he now carried in the depths of the wound that gaped near his heart was destined to end bis life, The horse carried him down to the shade of a pass and stopped unbidden to quaff his. thirst at the rivulet that gushed from the foot of one of the walls, All at once a loud exclamation sounded on the old hunter's ears, and he looked up to behold a man who had jnst entered the ioe and reined in his horse with a countenance that betrayed his aston- ishment, * Old Winch!” “Ranch Rob!” The enemies had met again, and unexpectedly, too. The night had passed away, and the fresh tints of another autumn day were beautifying the. land- scape. i Wihiat kind of a head have you?” exclaimed the herder, as he came forward, having seenat a glance that the old grizzly-hunter was unarmed and conse- quently at his mercy. “By Jove! Winch, you are bound to be killed!” The captain had drawn rein at the side of Old Winch’s steed, and the two animals were renewing their acquaintanceship in the equine bp 6 “You didn’t strike hard enough last night, Ranch Rob,” said the veteran, calmly returning the flashes of the mad ranchero's eyes, ‘‘Itseems to me that oe to see the little beauty ag’in, in spite of every- ni “That’s pretty much as I fay was the quick re- sponse, *‘ Let me tell you, Winch, that the feud be- gun in Starvation Camp is to end here. Ill not risk a blow this time, but a bullet; and that straight through the brain. Red Star and Big Pedro are out of my road, You're the only obstacle left, for I don’t count the boy anything.” “T would, ef I hed him ag’in’ me.”* Saat I will watch him, I'll take your advice, inch."’ The old hunter saw the reyolver as it was raised to a level with his head. Behind it were eyes that meant murder, and at the trigger was a finger that did not know how to spare. The muzzle of the weapon was not three feet from the Rifle King’s face. “How does this look like finding Gold’Georgie?” hissed the ranchero, over the glittering barrel. There was no reply. “You're as stubborn as the Injun was when I found him among the trees last night," continued the captain, “I give you a minute to live, or till I count ten, One—two—three—four—” The sharp crack of a firearm interrupted the count, and the bullet that struck the outstretched revolver knocked it from the ranchero’s hand... Rob started, with a maddened oR “The young pair!” cried Old Winch, ¢atching sight of two persons who’ stood a short distance wens oath of cman tal adh Gis ranchene® Bake of rage fe the ranchero’s lips, “Let me tell ye suthin’ ye may not low! Hanch Rob,” continued’ the old @ eras Obs eyes upon his baffled enemy. “7 | what hez ye kiv- RRR tk OIE fur very thing she’s mt yer eXtin®@ mere ‘ know 'er, Ranch Rob? Hev'n't you been able to see thet she looks like the Diamond oy Sonoma looked when you first saw ‘er—afore you shot her husband, and hounded her to a death among the mountains?" A cry was smothered in Ranch Rob's throat. “Tt's the Diamond’s righteous avenger, because Gold Georgie is her child,” went on Old Winch. “She's hunted you a long time, Rob, an’ 1 promised to see her to the end ov the trail, Thar hev been forty times since yesterday thet I thought I'd never get to see her thar; but I guess my chances hev im- proved. She knows who you ar’, ef yer face is stained. If Lhed killed you when i shot at you the day ye went through Eldorado, fastened to the pees, I expect the gal would hev turned on me, an’ wouldn't hev murmured if she hed, She'll settle the debts ov Starvation Camp ez well ez her own when she touches the Lt. | ral If Ranch Rob’s face was pale while Old Winch spoke, the fire in his eyes did not abate, “Tam here !or deeds committed years ago!" cried Gold Georgie, in a clear voice. ** You have trans- formed me from a happy little child into an aven- ger. Ranch Rob—murderer, villain and brigand. we part here forever. You would have counted ten for brave Old Winch. I count but five for you. Prepare to die! One—” . e first numeral had hardly left the girl's lips when the horse ridden by the ranchero sprung for- ward with a snort of pain. Old Winch g “ Georgie! Georgie! The beautiful avenger’s answer was the quick re- rt of the deadly weapon that still covered the esperate man, ‘ As the detonation awoke the Se hoes of back, eza, his C) murderer ov the lovely Diamond ov Sonoma will ride these trails no mor.’ wis ig he It proved a death-shot, and a minute later Gold Georgie stood on the spot where lay the corpse of the hardened ranchero of Gold aur: P “Let ‘im be, Georgie,” said Old Winch, “Did he bury the Ree woman he deserted to die in the mountains? Who gave the man a Brey" 6 killed a few months before thet? Look! those fellars ar’ fur him!’ and the old hunter pointed to a number = rhe objects sailing through the ether far over- ead. Unburled, unhonored and unwept, Ranch Rob was left where the bullet of the avenging daughter had ended his life trails. 1 When the sun descended upon that eventful day among the mountains of California, it left to the winds and the stars a lonely grave, simple whose ip. headboard of cedar bore this inscription: — 7? _ * OLD WINCH, THE RIFLE KING. . “Trug To THE Last.” As the Rifle King hunter had ieted, he lived to see Gold Georgie reach the end of her bee age it was by her soft hands that his stregpling % of pray, were brushed from his pallid , and his ands crossed on his breast forthe sleep that knows no waking. rs so r oo A year has passed since the last scene in our base and ale Se Gold Valley . : . m e “*boss ranch of Go! ” has ) in strange hands, and Eldorado still exidertbae the denizens of the camp are not the men once led by Lasso Dan, True to Old Winch's St yey ‘they fell out among themselves, and blade and made pon me another and, let us hope, a better class of is. ‘ za TV y Pedro, the Merciless, got back to’ Red Carlos's estoncia after his encounter with the roughs of Gold Valley, but it was to burst into the bouse to fall dead, shot in a dozen places, ‘ He died aps ety Mog his fire had destroyed the herder king, and the little Mexican's swarthy va- queru- save him a western burial. * Be Gola ~eorgie suddenly reappeared in Sonoma to the surprise of every one who had missed her,and her return was celebrated by a quick wedding which be- came the nine days’ wonder of the California town. Plumas ‘Roy has apo of his claim in Gold Valley, and, with the little wife he found and won on the trail of vengeance, he lives happily in the famous capital of the great golden State. — a Red Star, the vindictive red-skin, untortured by the Sane Mazeppa, sleeps unavenged in the lonely os ‘THE END. > be Sunnyside Library. 1 LALLA Rooxn, By Thomas Moore. 10 Be 10c 2 Don Juan By Lord Byron......-. sereress Be 8 Panavise Lost. By John Milton.............. 10¢ 4 ‘fue Lapy or rar Lake. By Sir Walter Scott). 0c 5 Lucmz. By Owen Meredith..... ..+.+4:..s4,4- 10e 6 : vee Water-Spsarr. From OReinan of Friederich De 1a Motte Fouque oT x00 eal BoOUrREa, sent, postage For sale by all newsdealers, or op-necetpbo twelve cents for si 33 William street, y 5 4 7 Ok
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———] BEADLE'S | HALF-DiME | LIBRARY. | 1 Deadwood Dick, tue Price or THE Roan | Edward L. Wheeler. | 2 Wellowstone Jack. By Jos. B. Badger, Jr. | 3 Kansan King. By Buffalo Bill. | 4 The Wild-Htorse Hunters. By Captain | Mayne Reid and Captain I'rederick Whittaker. & Vagabond Joe, Tan Youre WAnprrina Jrw. By Oll Coomes., Dowll. Number, 10cts. 6 Hill Biddon, Trapper. by E. 8. Ellis. 7 The Flying Yankee. By Col. P. Ingraham. 8 Seth Jones. By Edward 5. Ellis. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen. 0 Nat Todd. By E. 5. Ellis, The Two Detectives. By A.W. Aiken, Gulliver’s Travels, B ean Swift. The Dumb Spy. By Oll Coomes, Aladdin; or, Taz Worperrc. Lamp, The Sea-Cat. By Captain Fred. Whittaker. Robinson Crusoe, (27 Illustrations.) Ralph Roy. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven Voy The Phantom Spy. By Buffalo Bill. The Double Daggers, By FE. L. Wheeler. Whe Frontier Angel, By Edward 8. Ellis. Whe Sen Serpent. By Juan Lewis. Nick o° the Night, By T. C. Harbaugh. Diamond Dirk. By Colonel P. Ingraham, The neg: tain. By Starbuck, Cloven Hoof, By Edward L. Wheeler. Antelope Abe, Tas Boy Guipz. Oll Coomes. 8 Buffalo Ben. By Edward L. Wheeler. The Dumb Page. By Capt. F. Whittaker. 0 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, tm Recx- tess Rancer, By Harry St. a 1 Keon-Knife, Panice or Tun By Oll Coomes. 2 Bob Woolf. By/Edward L. Wheeler. 3 The Ocean Bloodhound, 8. W. Pierce. on Sol, By Capt. J. F. C. Adams, id Ivan, By Edward L. Wheeler. mor Clown. By Frank 8. Finn. 7 The Hiddon Lodge. By T. C. Harbaugh. Ned Wylde, rue Boy Scour. By Texas Jack. Death-Face, tae Derrcrive. By er. Roving Ben, By J. J. Marshall. Lasso Jack. By Oll Coomes. The Phantom Miner. By E. L. Wheeler. Dick Darling. Fy es Fred. Whittaker. Battling Rube, arry St. George. Old Avalanche. By Edward L. Wheeler. Glass Eye, THe Great Sxot or Tae Wrst. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams. Ni htingale Nat. By T. C. Harbaugh. Black John, rae Roavd-Acrentr. By r. Omaha Oll. By Edward L. Wheeler. Burt Bunker, ras Trappmr. C. EK. Lasalle. The Boy Rifles. By Archie C. Irons, The White Buffalo, 4 Cc. E, Jim Bludsoe, Jr. B ward L. Whee! Ned Hazel. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams. Deadly - Eye, Tre Unknown Scour; or, Tax Branpep BRorHERHOOD. ne Bill. Nick Whiifites’ Pet. pt. J. F. C. Adams. Deadwood Dick’s E By Wheeler. The Border ey sy? mes, 9 Old gated By e. ndian. a SRBNIANE BV HK OVID OW <¢ Spenne nd ce] e. ler. es. BAD AKSCWHK OCS ATceOWKOOW 3 8 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ad 4 4 & 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Pp. i 63 The Red Brotherh WwW 64 Reads Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh. 65 Hurricane Bill. ag E. Badger, 66 Single Hand, B A ¥ 67 Patent-leather Joe. By Philip 8. Warne. RS ben ‘alo Bill. 6) 8 Border Robin _ Hood, 69 Gold Rifle, Edward L, r. 70 Old Zip’s Cabin. By Capt. J. F. C, Adams. 1 Delaware Dick. By Oll Coomes, By W. J. Hamilton. Deadwood Dick on Deck, Wheeler. HMawk-eye Harry. The Boy Duelist, be Colt, THz Crow- Corduroy Charlie. Blue Dick, By Captain Sol Ginger, Gurr Rosebud Rob. B L. Wheeler. By or J._¥F. C. Adams. Rock, By G. Waldo Browne, and Pirates. By sept, Mayne Reid. whotogss pe Fe. PE Wheeler. 89 Island J + By B ridge Hemyng. 90 The Dread Rider. By G. Waldo Browne. 91 The Captain of the Club; or, Taz Youre Rrvan ArTsueres. By Bracebridge Hemyng, 92 Canada Chet. By Edward L. Wheeler. 93 The Boy Miners. By Edward §. Ellis. 94 Midnight Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh. 95 The valRovers, Lieut. Col. veltine. 96 Watch-Eye, TH# Sxipow. By E. L. eeler. 97 The Outlaw Brothers, By J. J. Marshall. 98 Robin Hood, By Prof. Gildersleeve. 99 The Tiger of Taos. By G. Waldo Browne, 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Srranos Srroxe ror LIBERTY. ; 101 Jack Harkaway in New York. By OD GO OO 00 00 00 60 OP Oh Hanh ad ae ae ae ayes DIDAe OW HK OCOBWIAMH KW tective. By ft bat Dot pth at toh a a tt fl a pa Dp J tf at Pa rl St Sf fd fo ed rf fl PAAR SUS 1 Sy ih ee ie ihe ie ee he the em OOOO 0 The Black Steed of the Prairies. A | Thrilling Story of Texan Adventure. By Bowen. | The Sea-Devil. By Col. P. Ingraham. The Miad Hunter. By Burton Saxe. Jack Hoyle, By Edward L, Wheeler. The Black Schooner, Roger Starbuck. | The Mad Miner By G. Waldo Browne. The Hussar Captain, Col. P. Ingraham. | Gilt-Edged Dick. By E. L. Wheeler. j Will Somer tHe Boy Drerectrivy. Morris. Minustang Sam. By Jos. Kb. Badger, Jr. The Brauded Hand, By Frank Dumont. Cinnamon Chip. By 'dward L. Wheeler. Phil Hardy, Tue Boss Boy. By C. Morris. Kiowa Charley. By T. C. Harbaugh. Tippy, THE Texan. By George Gleason. Bonanza Bill, Miner. By Ed. L. Wheeler. Picayune Pete. By Charles Morris. Wild-Fire, Boss or Tm Roap. By Dumont. Deadwood Dick’s Double, By Wheeler. | Detective Dick, By Charles Morris. The Golden Hand. By Geo. W. Browne, The Hunted Hunter. By Ed. 8. Ellis. Boss Bob, tne Kine or THe Boorsuacks: or, THE PAWNBROKER’s Pror. Ed. L. Wheeler. Sure Shot Seth. By Oll Coomes, Captain Paul. By C. Dunning Clark. Night-Hawk Kit, By Jos. ©. Badger, Jr. The Helpless Hand. Capt. Mayne Reid. Blonde ill. 7 Edward L. Wheeler. Judge Lynch, Jr. By T. C. Harbaugh. Blue Biazes. By Frank Dumont. Solid Sam. By 42 Handsome Harry. ~ Scar-Faco Saul, Dainty Lance, Tax Boy Sport. By Badger. Captuia Ferret. By Edward L. Wheeler. Silver Star, rH: Boy aut. By Coomes. Wil! Wildfire, By Charles Morris, Sharp Sam. By J. Alexander Patten. A Game of Gold, By Ed. L. Wheeler, Lance and Lasso, By Cept. F. Whittaker. Panther Paul, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. ILDFIRE's OO EO BS DO SO a dt re et et pt BOS Skt I SO HED Ste eS RW SOMIA Te THE Sport. C. Harbaugh, ick «f Deadwood}; or, Tus Pickxp Party. By Edward L. Wheeler. Mike Merry. es Morris. Fancy Frank of Colorado. Buffalo Bill. The Lost Captain. By Whittaker, 0 The Black Giant. J.E. - New York Nell, 3 Little Texas, By Oll Coomes, 4 Dandy Rock’s Pledge. By G.W. Browne. 65 Billy Baggage. By Charles Morris. 166 Hickory Harry. By Harry St. George, 167 Asa Scott, Tae Sreamnoat Boy. By Willett, 168 Deadly Dash. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 169 Tornado Tom, By T, C. Harbaugh, 170 A Trump Card, By Charles Morris. 171 Ebony Dan, By Frank Dumont. 172 Thunderbolt Tom. By Harry 8t. George. 173 Dandy Rock’s Rival. By G.W. Browne. 174 Bob Rockett, rm Boy Doperr. By Morris. 175 Captain Arizona, By Philip 8.Warne. 176 The Boy Runaway. By Lieut. Perry. 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada, E. L. Wheeler. 178 Old Solitary. By Oli Coomes, 179 Bob Rockett, THz Bank Runner. Morris, 180 The Sea Trailer. By Lieut. H. D. Perry. 181 Wild Frank. By Edward L, Wheeler. 182 Little Wurricane. By Oll Coomes. 183 The Hidden Hand. By Chas. Morris. 184 The Boy Trailers. By Badger, Jr. 185 Evil Eye, Kise or Carrie Taieves; or, Toe Vouurures or THe Rio Granpe. By F, Dumont. 186 Cool Desmond. By Col. Delle Sara. 187 Fred. Malyard,. By Charles Morris, 188 Ned Temple, THe Borper Boy. Harbaugh. 189 Bob Rockett, tax Criacxsman. By Morris. 190 Dandy Darke. By Wn, R. Eyster. 191 Buffalo Billy. By Capt. Taylor, U. 8. A. 192 Captain Kit. By Lieut. H.D, Perry,U.8.N. 193 Captain Mask. By Philip 8. Warne. 194 Buffalo Bill’s Bet. By Captain Taylor. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream. By Wheeler. 196 Shadowed, By Charles Morris. 197 Little Grit, raz Wimp River. By Ingraham. 198 Arkansaw. By T. C. Harbaugh. 199 Featherweight. By Edward Willett. 200 The Boy Bedouins, By Whittaker. 201 The Black Hills Jezebel. By Wheeler. 202 Prospect Pete. By Oll Coomes, 203 The Boy Pards. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 204 Gold Plume, tas Boy Baxprr, Ingraham. 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom, By Wheeler 206 Dark Pau', vax Ticzr Kia. By C. Morris 207 Navajo Ni «. ByT. C. Harbaugh. 208 The Boy: reules. By Olt Coomes. 200 Fritz, trax: sv-Boy Derrorve. Wheeler. Gold Trigger Dead woo B Cok AUS VK OOS4Hae The Young Privateer, By H. Cavendish. + 210 211 2iz 213 214 Faro Frank of High Pine. By Hyster. Crooked Cale. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Dashing Dave. By Charles Morris, Fritz to the Wront, By E. L. Wheeler. Woligang, THe Rosser’ or tHe Rute. By Captain Fredericic Whittaker. Captain Bullet. By T. C, Harbaugh. Bisom Bill, tax Privce or THE Rems. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Captain Crack-Shot, By E. L. Wheeler Tiger Tom, Tue Texan Trrgor. Coomes. Despard, the, Duelist. By P..S. Warne. Tom Tanner. By Charles Morris. Sugar Coated Sam, By E. L. Wheeler. 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport. By Ingraham. 223 Ozark Alf, Kixe or THe Movntam. By Edward Willett. 224 Dashing Dick. By Oll Coomes, 225 Sam Charcoal, By Charles Morris. 226 Snoozer, THe Boy Suarp. By E. L. Wheeler, 227 Dusky Darrell, Trarrer. By E. Emerson. 228 Little Wildfire. By Oll Coomes., 229 Crimson Kate, THe Gmt Tramre By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 230 The Yankee Rajah, By ©, D. Clark. 231 Plucky Phil. ByT. C. Harbaugh. 232 Gold-Duat Dick. By E. L. Wheeler. 233 Joe Buck, of Angels, By. A W. Aiken, 234 Old Rocky’s ‘ Boyceeos.2 Buckskin Sam. 235 Shadow Sam, By Charles Morris, 236 Apollo Will, raz Tram Tornavo. By Ed- ward L. Wheeler. 237 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain , Tar Mysterious Rancugro. By P. Ingraham. 288 The Parson Detective, By Oll Coomes, 239 The Gold-seeker Guide; or, Tue Lost Movcwrarm. By Captain Mayne Reid. 240 Cyclone Kit, By Edward L. Wheeler. 241 Bill Bravo and His Bear Pards, By T, C. Harbaugh ugh, 242 The Two ‘ Bloods’, By Charles Mo ris, 243 The Disguised Guide, By Oll Coomes, 244 Slerra Sam, By Edward L. Wheeler. 245 Merle, the Middy. By Col. P. Ingraham. 246 Giant George. By Buckskin fam. 247 Old Grizzly and His Pets. By Captain “Bruin” Adams. 248 Sierra Sam’s Secret. By E. L. Wheeler. 249 Milo Romer. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker, 250 Midshipman Mutineer, By Ingraham. 261 Light-house Lige. By J, F. C. Adams. 252 Dick Dashaway. By Chas Morris. 253 Sierra Sam’s Pard. By FE. L. Wheeler. 254 The Malf Blood. By Edward 8. Ellis. 255 Captain Apollo, By T. C. Harbaugh. 256 Young Kentuck, By Capt, Mark Wilton. 257 The Lost Hunters, By Capt. Adams. 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven, By E. L. Wheeler, 259 The Golden Harpoon, ByR. 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 bm Charles Dudley Warren, (of the Engineer's Corps.) 267 The Buckskin Detective. By T. ©. Harbaugh. 268 Deadwood Dick's Death Trail. By Edward L. Wheeler. . 269 The Gold Ship} ea eg cee a Con- Ingra m, DEMNED. By Colone 270 Blizzard Ben. By Captain Mark Wilton. 271 The Huge Hunter. By Edward 8. Ellis 272 Minkskin Mike. By Oll Coomes, 273 Jambo Joe. By Edward L. Wheeler. 274 Jolly Jim. By Charles Morris. 5 Arizona Jack, B&B 27 fone Hall) 'y Buckskin Sam, (Major 276 Merle Montes Cruises or, Tan Crasr oy THE Gop Suir, By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 277 Denver Doll. By Edward L. Wheeler. 278 The Three Frarecs) or, Tas Mounran Monster. By Major L. W. Carson. 279 Old Winchester, Rifleman; or, Tas Huwrzp Ranceero oy Goup Vaiiry. By T, C. Harbaugh. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate; or, Pear, rae Prmars's Paws, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. A new tesue every week. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by aB peg Ay Newsdealers, five vents per copy, or sent. receipt of six cents each. LE & ADA Publishers, 98° William Street, New York. ror