Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 281) (1882 12 12)
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is _ = . at ROWE hat cic ae 1 an mt a ea es 22 ——_il ttt tt he ni GEMS2.50 a year. Vol. XI. Single DENVER DOLL'S VICTORY; or, SKULL 1 BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR O¥ ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, “(ROSEBUD ROB” NOVELS, ‘‘ GILT-EDGED DICK,” “BONANZA BILL,” BTC., ETC. “HOLD UP, THAR, CROSS-BONES! TETCH A HAIR OF DOLL’S HEAD AN’ Y'LL RIDDLE YE LIKE A GATLING!”
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2 Denver Doll’s Victory; OR, SKULL AND CROSS-BONES. BY E. L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF “DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, “ROSEBUD ROB” NOVELS, ‘* DENVER DOLL,” ETC,, ETC. CHAPTER I. A WILD NIGHT AND A WILDER RIDE. Nigut wild and furious settled over mother earth, with the hot wind of summer blowing a literal’ hurricane through forest and gulch, carrying sticks, leaves and other rubbish with it. The lightning, too, flashed in vivid zig-zig streaks, and the thunder jarred the earth with its loud rolling, as heavy cannonry might have done. Down in a dark ravine between the moun- tains, which was for the most- part choked up by trees of sparse foliage, flickered a little camp-fire of pine cones, which every sudden gust of wind threatened to scatter to the differ- ent points of the compass. A short, stout Dutchman, of immense girth, but-otherwise rather attractive appearance, was kept busied in replenishing the fire, while Den- ver Doll, well known through the mountains as an exceptionally pretty and expert detective, was seated upon the ground before the low stump of a tree, upon which a telegraph instru- ment was placed, which’ she was watching with eager, expectant sg ver and anon she would glance anxiously at the sky, with its ominous »:antle of skurryin clouds, from which the rain threatened to fal at any mement, Directly overhead, but a number of feet above her, ran two telegraph wires across the gulch. Two wires attached to her telegraph instrument also connected with the main wires overhead, thus enabling her to receive all the messages that passed over the line in either direction. *Dunderation!” pealéd from the lips of Yakie Strauss, Denver Doll's companion, as a sudden ust ef win i carried a stone against the side of is head, and toppled him over upon the ground, “Sdop! sdep! dot ish no fair, shlingin’ sdones at a veller, und preakin’ his skull. Don’d like dot, Denver Doll; don’d vas like der situation nohew,” “Well, have patience, Yakie, and we will get eut of here before long. When you see a stick or stone coming at you, why all you’ve o to do is dodge it!” Doll said, with a musical ugh, which, however, was suddenly cut_short by the click! click! of the telegraph instrument, on. Yakie, too, came forward, forgetting his trouble, and crouched by the stump, seeming to be fully as expectant as his young companion, whom he had served in more than one thrilling detective experience. “Shimminy blazs!dot vas der fooniest talkin’ machine I effer see someveres. Allid say vas tick! tick! und der like ash dot, und yet you unders ost so well ash a spellin’ pook all apoud vot ish spraken. Vas, Dollbaby?” “ Of course, Yakie. If I couldn’t understand the signs, there would be no use of our being here. But, keep still now. I wamt to catch everything.” . The message came faster now, and there was a perfect tattoo of Weta that caused Yakie to open his eyes in” eee tat the eyes of the detective queen dilated with horror, as she Joes down ti _ ¢ 3 fs ; reat guns! It isa fortunate thi sus- cted mise ief,” she observed, final “Bis ere isa horrible scheme afoot to wreck the eastward bound Union Pacific Express, at Devil's Curve, arouud which she sails at a speed of forty miles an hour, down grade. Tho instigators of the ice belong in Nugget Notch and Big Pine cam e offices there are either in charge of the compe and their associates, or else con- nection bas been made outside of each camp, for the furtherance of this disbolical scheme. Here’s the message, so far as it goes.” She handed him a slip of paper, which he bore close to the firelight, and scanned critically, to read as follows: “Sally, B. P. C.... Midnight. ...U. P., east. Devil’s Curve. ... Bigswag. ... Be ready. “§$ & OB. N: N.” Not being much of a scholar, it took Yakie some time ve make it ont Denver Doll’s Victory. ‘Vell, dot vas pad!” he grunted, finally. “It looks ash off somepody vas goin’ to get burt, don’d it?” “Exactly, unless we prevent it!” the brave girl cried, excitedly. ‘*Und how vas dot goin’ done? Uff we go u ee Duyfel’s Curve, ve ketch der duyfel, not? “Likely. There will be a gang un hand to | plunder the wreck, from Nugget Notch, at east, and.maybe another party from Big Pine; so that we could do no good there, The only plan I see is for me to set the spurs to my horse, and to get to the other side of Nugget time to flag the train!” “ “Dot vas foolishness. Vat time she vas?” Denyer Doll nervously drew a handsome gold watch from her pocket and glanced at it. “It is ten minutes of eleven.” “Und der train is due—?” “At ten minutes after twelve, at Devil’s Curve.” : . “Shimminy plazes!’ How you t’ink you get to der odder side off Nugget Notch py dot time? It ish more ash dwenty miles!” “Yes, by the regular round-about stage trail, but not by the railroad track. I can do the proper distance in an hour, and I will do it, if I die trying! Bring Colonel at once!” “Vas? You ride mit der railroad track down? You preak your neck off!” “Bah! Colonel can leap any two culverts on the road. Bring bim, at once!” Yakie stumbled away, and soon returned, leading a handsome roan steed, whose fiery eye, and proud step, and arching neck, proclaimed him a thoroughbred, Without delay, Denver Doll mounted and pre- pared for her journey. “Vot ish to pecoome of me?” Yakie asked, rather dubiously, as the thunder crashed louder, ‘Uff I stay here I got de plues.” ‘*Pshaw! don’t be scared, ‘Just take the in- strument, mount your horse, and set out for Nugget Notch by the regular trail. I will join you there after I flag the train.” : She then rode away down the ravine, and in ten minutes .came to the track of the Union Pacific railroad, which she proceeded to follow in a westward course. Ahead of her lay Nug- get Notch, a rough mining town; a couple of miles to the right of the railroad, behind her, lay the Devil’s Curve, where the road ran abruptly around the mountain over a dug-way bed, the other side of the in the oad of humanity being ruthlessl; r the eternity of that black abyss. She knew that she was liable to enco danger by following the track, but that slight moment to her, if she could train, ea So she set the spurs into Colonel’s’ flan the spirited charger dashed away ata showed him to be a racer of no mean q Over the culverts he dashed, wit leaps, the young Detective Queen sitting he dle with perfect ease, and urgi ) he ties bet the brave girl also kept a sponds ch ahead, and proud’ ber, which Phe was enabl oan She had not been mistaken in her estimation that she would meet enemies along the route— of maraucers. | sor gd as it were, of the gang Once she heard something whiz back of her, and judged it was a lasso, buf could see no one. Fearing a chance bullet might cateh her, she urged Colonel on to a still faster gait. ‘ On! en! onl Mile after mile was passed. Now and then a bullet would whiz by her, and to lend wildness to the situation, the rain began to pour down in torrents. By a flash of lightning she caught a glimpse at the face of her watch, and saw that it wasa quarter to twelve. : And she had not yet passed the shanty which answered as the station for Nu get Notch. On! on! oa! Five minutes more, and she tore madly past —imadly by the gloomy station, unchecked by otch in, you!” her captor said, the villain sneered. dition. by the time we get to head-quarters. When the captain comes, he’ll fix you, antee!” sheer promontory erie on one side, and a” the @ train oO} into the yawning gulf, and Rf ors its utter | , Bran tees, and she could not ahe knowing what would be done with her. - sickened with horror as she thought of a train- | a ti = which she instantly gave her whole atten-.| } Loe ae "E a8 an geed iT e t | was burning, in ander * Tee of rock. uy er mH ssly. a. ledge and enga half a dozen Ded shots that were sent after her, from the darkness, A quarter mile more she made, when— Hark! The shriek of a locomotive whistle was heard above the roar of the storm, The express, some minutes late, was almost upon her! With a yell she leaped Colonel into the ditch beside the track, and brought him to a stand- still. Slipping to the ground, she procured a torch 1rom her saddle-bag, ana with difticulty lit it, and leaped up the embankment to the track, just as the oxime came tearing around the bend at a speed of forty miles an hour! She waved her torch to and fro above her head, and screamed at the top of her voice, frantic with fear that no heed would be taken of her. But when the angie was within fifty feet et her, the engineer blew the whistle, as a sign for down brakes. The grade at this point was very steep, and the train was long and heavily laden, so that it was some distance fram where Denver Doll Mr standing, ere it could be brought to a stand- still. But the cars had scarcely passed the brave girl, ere she was seized from behind, the torch ashed the ground and extinguished, and a clam on i over her head and stuffed into her mouth, ; : She was then raised in a irons pelt of arms, which held her so tigktly that she could not move, and in a moment more she was con- scious of being borne swiftly away on horseback. Nor was it until sbe was nearly suffocated, and they were at a safe distance from the rail- road track, that the blanket was removed, sc that she could see and breathe. Her bead was thrust in under her captor’s arm; however, so that she could not get a glimpse of his face, She saw, however, to her satisfaction, that they were mounted upon her own horse; she had never owned a horse she thought as much of as Colonel. “There! you keep mum, now, or I’)l knife gruffly. ‘ You kin count yourself lucky I didn’t kill you, when | found you flaggin’ thet aire express,” __ “That was my business, to baffle you mur- derers!” Doll cried firmly. . ** But ye didn’t succeed in your undertaking!” “The train will be in per- ll guar- Doll did not replys : Tn fact, she did not know what to say. Her sudden conan had taken her at a great ad, not Tbe ride lasted about an hour, through a wild, ravenous pass of the mountains,—ravenous be- je wolves were § oboe ing Aadinenr ring r jon either side, while the jagg paieipdtons Is arose in rugged grandeur, to the right Before this fire stood’ a number of figures, in long, somber gowns, belted at the waist. ked was each , while on e breast |} glowed spectrally the ghastly sign of a grin- Ring sullanderees bose! ee >. u +. ’ Denver D Age See ae jOLL was pron ply taken | from th arms of terete Sapling out. @ rain beat down crep pt beneath the shelter of ngaged in a low conversation was not audible to Doil, ie of the camp fire, v e Black Gowns > 6 movement was made to approach ber un- til ree y vans when two horsemen, at- ' tired e the others, rode into the glen and dis- magenta’. e Black Gowns then emerged from under the ledge, and one of them said: “Well, captain, what success?” - “Just as we calculated. Thetrain ran off the track and broke up. We secured what plunder was available and sloped. The express car fetched’a piney good load of swag, but the pas- sengers did not pan out much besides watches and rings,” and as he spoke the man'took from his pocket a handful of finger-rings and jingled them before the eyes of his comrades. One, in particular, of very peculiar. design, attracted the attention of Denver Doll—a muas- sive diamond in an odd, hand-shaped setting.
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Tt struck the Detective Queen that it had be Jonged to some beautiful young lady—perhaps some newly-made bride, to whom it had been given a$ a wedding-ring. ‘Were ther passengers killed?” one of the Black Gowns demanded as the captain ceased speaking. R “The majority of them were killed, a good many were fatally wounded, and a few made their escape. The only wonder is that all were not killed outright. owever, the train went down on its broadside. Who is this girl you have here in boy’s clothing?” “Dunno her name, . _ Captured her a-flaggin’ the train over on the U. P. She kim ridin down the track like a streak of greased —s from the direction of the Notch sta- on ‘*Oho! she’s the one, then, that some o’ the boys told of firin’ at to-night? What is your same, young woman?” “None of your business,” Doll replied, inde- sendently, and with a promptness that was characteristic of her. “Look out! none of your sauce to me, or Ill learn you better. I’m Captain Crime, of the Terrible Tribunal.” ““T don’t care were you Satan himself,” was the plucky girl’s rejoinder. ‘‘ You can’t scare me one whit, because l’ve met such characters before. If you are very anxious to find out who Lam, find out, that’s all!” Captain Crime uttered a growl of poy oh “Vve a good mind to knife you!” he said, fiercely. ‘‘ You’ve entirely too sharp a tongue for a small chiid.” “T’ve got ‘one sharp enough to talk for the right, you bet!” Doll retorted. ‘I can talk the lightning-rods off'n' a court-house, too!” ‘Enough of this nonsense. Did you flag the express to-night?” ‘ *Reckon I did.” “ What did you do itfor?” ** Because I wanted to!” “ Answer me better than that!” and the chief of the Terribles drew a pistol. ‘*Because I wanted to prevent the horrible massacre of innocents at Devil’s Curve. I rode from twelve miles the other side of Nugget Notch'to prevent your crime.” ‘But Crime triumphed in spite of you, you see, How did you find out anything al ut the proposed wreck of the train?” “None of ee business again!” “*You shall learn better. It has just dawned upon me who you are. You are a detective, and I reckon I have heard of you. You are Denver Doll.” r Doll did not answer, but smiled scornfully. “You are’ Benver Doll, and I suppose you have come here to wage war on us, eh?’ the captain continued. *T’ve no reply to make to anything that you may surmise,” Doll retorted. “Think as you like, and do as you. like. I am simply your prisoner.” ’ ** Treckon it will be safest for the interests of the Tribunal to shoot: you, Denver Doll, and get rid of*you!” he said, drawing arevolver again. “*Dead men, or women, tell no tales. Five min- utes for prayers; so improve them!” “ Holdu Cross-Bones! Techa hair of Doll’s head an’ ['li riddle ye like a Gatling!” The members of the Terrible Tribunal gazed around in great astonishment at the sound of the'boyish voice, and beheld standing near a diminutive specimen of penn whose age pein could not have exceeded ten years, and his face not bis figure was what gave him the appearance of being that old. He was extremely ragged ‘and dirty, and barefooted in the bargain, but his sturdy, reso- lute face, with its big mouth, pug nose, cunning black eyes, and fringe of unkempt hair made him a curious character. He stood in a defiant, half-pompous attitude, facing the desperadoes, and each band leveled a cocked revolver of the ‘bull-dog” brand, un- wayeringly. : ptain Crime took a good look at the lad, and then burst into a loud laugh, ‘*Well, by the Rockies!” he ejaculated, ‘if that ain’t the cutest thing I’ve seen in a year. I say, bub, who are you?” y “Pm Bill Bethel, you bet, and I’m sum on my muscle, too, Sally. So, if you don’t want to get slugged, jest you untie thet aire gal, and hand her over to my protection.” Saeee Crime looked at the boy again. “What do you mean?” he demanded, ‘‘ Why I’ve a notion’to paralyze you where you stand!” Little Bill laughed. : Large trees from little acorns grow, but I don’t scare worth acent,” he answered, unflinch- Seven men stood at bay, and one slender but determined boy held them there. It seemed foolish to acknowledge him the victor, but rather than get the contents of his revolvers, every man felt like weakening. Little Bill evidently knew it, for he said: ‘* Business is business. The old lady brought me up on pistols, and Billiam is a deadshot from Deadshotville, I’m a nervy little cuss, too, and when I say a thing, you can bet I’m going to throw myself to do it.” “Tf you don’t get out of here mighty quick, PH bave you skinned, alive!” Crime growled, savagely. ‘“ We ain't a so green as to allow ourselves to be backed down by a_boy.” i ‘But you are, all the sane, and I’m jest the sort of a rooster what was brought up to keep my eye peeled for such sharps. Release the gal and turn ber over to me, before I count three, or I'll let drive at you! One!” And up came the aoe to bear moge fully, and the flash in the little black eyes of the stranger might have been regarded as exceed- ingly dangerous. Captain Crime saw it, and so dil his men, and of one accord, they shrunk back in dread of being shot. “Lot up!” Crime called ‘out. the drop, youngster, and durned if you ain’t the pluckiest kid I ever met. Therefore, you shall have the girl, and your liberty. But, beware, both of you! The third time after re- ceiving the notice of ‘the skull and cross-bones, your doom is sealed. So be prepared!” He stepped forward and severed the» bonds that held Doll to the sapling, and motioned for her to depart. Sbe walked over to the sidecf Little Bill, and together they backed down the »gorgé, Bill maintaining his cover with the pistols, until they were safe away from the outlaws” cam It was then Denver Doll seized Bill by the hand, and thanked him warmly. ** You are a brave boy,” she said, ‘and you will always havea friend inme. “Who are you, and where.do you belong?” “Oh! I'm Kate's kid—Kate’s my old woman, you know. She cum down to a place called Deathly Ditch, or sum sech a place, bereabouts, an’ left me up in the mountings a-grubbin’ at a poor claim, with pick and pan. Bed she had *portant bigness, over heer, but I got lonesum, an’ so jest buckled on my armor, and drop- ped ee after her, to see what the old gal up to. ‘*Won’t you get scolded?” ‘Pooh! no! Kate knows better’n to tanmy jacket, bet you, fer I’m all the protection and s’port she’s got. We gets along famuss, but she sorter pears to have give me the slip, this trip. Know of sech a place as Muggin’s Notch, Death Di'ch, or sum sech a name, up in this section?” “You mean Nugget Notch, I guess. I’m bound for there, myself.” “Then, ’m with ye. I wanter find Kate, as soon as possible, for thar’s no tellin’ now'days, what these gals fall into, in the way o’ danger, if sey ain’t got a purtecter, like me.” Doll could but laugh at the boy’s remarkable self-conceit, though it was evident that be was nobody’s fool, in uhe way of worldly wisdom, Their journey to Nugget Notch occupied the best share of the day, as they were obliged to go on foot; and then, too, their route was rug- ged and tortuous. . At last, however, the place was reached—a wild; rough mining-camp, like which a bun- — could be found scattered gh the moun- ins, : There were the usual irregular clusters of shanties, cabins.and tents, here and there heing one more pretentious than the rest. Then there was tho inevitable grocery store, several saloons, dance-houses,and gaming-dens, a shanty post-office, a theater, and a bank. The theater was a long one-story shed, which would bave been much more appropriate asa barn than for its present calling, b th However, it was the popular resort of the camp, for ‘‘fun,” and more than once had pis- tol-shots therein awakened the echoes.and a to the regular performance,. *Yon've got | 3 —-——* When Denver Doll and Little Bill arrived in the town, however, the theater had no attrac- tions, for the denizens, who filled the gulch street, in knots, were engaged in the discussion of some important topic, which proved to be concerning the train disaster. Every one was terribly excited, and ‘the threats made against the perpetrators of the a were not few, nor by any means friénd- y. : Frenzy seemed to possess the majority, The deputy bad already arrived, and was institut: ing inquiries, in hopes'of getting track of some of the ringleaders, who were supposed to: belong in Nugget Noteb, which camp had the reputa- tion of containing more rogues'and rascals, than any other in the territory. Denver Doll’s appearance in’ the town at- tracted considerable attention, but no one of- fered to molest her, nor her ragged companion, Bill Bethel. rad After about an hour’s search, she found Yakioe Strauss, her Teutonic comrade: He was com- fortably stowed away in one cormer of a saloon complacently making a: meal on cheese sand crackers, and a mug of whisky;for which latter article, he bad an inordinate fondness © 4) .. He looked up, with a comical expression, aa Doll approached, as much as to say “ Ivas al} right—how you vas?” Do)l looked carefully around her to sée that she was not. watched, then said: * Well, what news:” “Loads!” Yakie grunted, ‘Train run off drack—shmash all mit dunder.” ’ : “So I em aware; 1 missed warning them, though I brougbt the train to a stop. | «0» She then explained all sbout ber adventure, which narration caused Yakie to open his eyes in wonder, t ce. “Sbemminy blazes! dot vas noddinks. | I haff swi’ times pigger adventure ash dot,” « . ‘Indeed! Let's hear abenti it.” cline “Vell, Ideils you. Afder you skin oudound leaf me alone mit mineself, I don’d vas cme straighd to dis blace, but takes a valse ofer toa blace vere I could vatech der Duyfel’s: Curve. Purdy soon, pyme py sland comes der exbress train, und tumbles off into ler gorge; yoost like rollin’ off a log... Den der vas screechin’ howlin’, und, shimminy cious! der du und his imps dey! vas skootin’ aroundt, like go0t tellers.» Deny quick dey disappear, undid goés down mit abner ied fingerop: ow mans, mit a-hole imbis bead, and be say)! ete me ein t’ousan’ dollars if I hide bimveresno- pody kould find him, So I put him-ofer aiine shoulder, und: pring bim someveres,»git-auime os — voor. t he HeretBeeg. + bie “But wherendi ou leave the» g man, Yakie?” Doll asked, with curiosity: mt 1s “Dot ish omiy secret,” the ‘Teuton nl with a broad grin... ‘*Yonsund Tvas’ paras aed, 5 but you have your little seerets, u so bsff I. Youex me no questions, I dells you no fibs, all der bin ' aad) woe te caw “Never mind, just lea and I’}] unwind the ba}l of yarn for ~P Bill now remarked, witha wink; »‘$T ain’tb.very big; but I’m lots onthepry, and t around the world,,and take Germany, Mowe Bees “Vas? you, sean; hey?” Yakie it- dignantly. * You vasa shmall fry!oe 5. But you can’t cook me, tho ’ William retorted, ‘patting ‘is, thumb — mat rh! Beate’s ale ees bitohiog aes enver ate’s me ve bY uv Doll. By theway; Dolly, Uwe gotrariittle tm. pene business about: ge ater. Cucoo!” anew wove Ysalé ioallilx And away the pees: stuttedy with a pompous s' é as. deridediyam wy me at least the Detective Dose pichens een orBhoralon tamnesi aneapy dentin gatanba be fal e also turned awa: a his luneh; for she hard Tae how fo retard bis action co have concealedie, Fae ! She bad never before had.an: him, as, with exception of a few eccen his actions bad always been:h “Ti leave. it to Little Bill to lock into ‘the case,” she mused, ag she left the plaed,» and red down the street. “The side is a3 a saunter sharp as a weasel, and would: work: rattling detective, Lfancy. He is as) asa en one ees whom mew a unting for. ere are many niysteries life, and there’s one hero, PU wager.” . Half a block down the street, she met a well- dressed man, who took the liberty to, biockade her path, and tip his hatto bem. » .. «| * Exot me," Kesaid. “ Arewrou not Denver Do g t ifs * ‘ ] ar
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CHAPTER ILL RIENZIO, Let us follow Little Bill Bethel: Denver Deil had not gone wide of her mark, in éstimating him to be shrewd, keen and wily, and having the making in him of a thorough- bred detective. Whoever had reared him, or wherever he had come from, it mattered not, but he was decided- ly a boy of boys, with the head of a man upon him, together with no end of cool, calculating courage, and a knowledge of things in general that was far beyond his seeming years. After leaving the presence of Denver Doll and Yakie, he sauntered about town for some time, taking in such scenes as attracted his at- tention, until he finally came to the “ theater,” which had opened its doors for the night, as the laborers’ day’s work was virtually closed, and they were flocking into the camp, to spend what dust they had earned that day. Before the theater, which was called the Globe, was a bulletin, upon which was mounted a hand-printed poster pommanie that ‘‘the favorite and celebrated Viennese Nightingale, Rienzio, would positively appear, every night in a choice operatic programme; also severa distinguished high-kickers, boxers, and nigger performers.” Little Bill read the announcement, and pon- ee a es _— a Nepersce and an searc! in the pockets of his r pants ti he found a gold Mralf-eagle. Py “Tl take in that racket, if I bu’st!” he mut- “Now there was my old gal, Kate—she was a hopperatic sort o’ singer, and et would be jest one’r capers to change names an’ go on the 8. So Bill paid his entrance fee, four bits; and found himself within Nugget Notch’s theater. As once before stated, it was a long building, only one story in hight, and the inside was fully as rough as the out. The floor was covered with tiers of tables supplied with chairs. At the further end was a sort of stage across the end of the building, while in front of it was a piano, upon which a man was thumping out some treraendous music, the curtain being down and no performance having commenced. The bar was at the front end of the building, on one side of the door, and was presided over by a hu peero, as black as the ace of spades, who able to bandle any three or four or- men. The apartment was partly filled, the rude au- dience consisting of miners, ruffians and loafers, and r sentatives of the different classes of humanity that made up the town. Ata number of the tables, men were engaged a“ cards, and with a keen twinkle in his eye, Little Bill saustered about, first from one table to the ether, aud looked on at'the games. He finaliy eame to one table where the game was ef more than ordinary interest, for several mem were assembled there besides the two who were seated at the board. One of these was a yeung man, some twenty years of whose form was none too robust, and whose white complexion and ‘d look quovt backing cusghi thas ie Win taclined 10 quen cough, was He was nevertheless rather pre- ef boantenancs, with deep blue eyes, a mouth, shaded by a light mustache, "lis wiemenon we ih tabl decided! C) ie was a decidedly ee individual, the glitter of whose iaut black eyes was e proof that he was of Sbat erder of buvan beings, who'was confi- dent that be could sail easily through life with- out hard to do it. He was attired in a blue suit, with an immac- ulate white vest, shirt and collar, while upon his was @ suew-white sombrero, pinned up at ‘ne side and ornamented with a colored plume. His feet wore iacased in slippers. In figure he was of commanding stature, while in face he was what most people would have called handsome. He had a peculiar smiling ups rege ever on his cleverly-chiseled features, that had some- thing ene irresistible about it; he wores oe mustache, with luxuriant long hair to match; his hands were as fair as a wo- qnen’s; f front and fingers literally gienmed with diamonds. The peering eyes of Little Bill Bethel took in ali the peculiarities of the scene as he pushed his wa 7 along to a position. be game, seven-up, had just ended, and the gambler sport had just raked in a number of @old pieces and slipped them into his pocket. on» of his peculiar smiles. hat’s got into you? Youcan’t play seven-up for shucks any more !” Ainsley’s white cheeks flushed, as he thrust his band into his pocket. *l’m not broke yet!” he said, grimly, as he brought forth two twenty-dollar gold pieces and laid one of them upon the table. ‘‘ You’ve soaked away my money long enough, Beau Blonde, and it’s my turn to retrieve my losses. Waiter, bring me a gin-and-whisky and a fresh pack of cards.” A quiet smile of self-confidence flitted over Beau Blonde’s face. “Sorry for you, Ned, but you must admit that I play a fair game. Better go light, till you get « run of luck.” * Don’t ye do it, Johnny!” piped in Little Bill, at this juncture. “Jest ye go yer forty— hull swine or no swag—an’ ef ye don’t win, Vll step in and tear the lining out of his nibs!” All eyes were turned upon the boy, who had, until now been quite unnoticed. f ‘Hello! what you doing in here, you little rat?’ Beau Blonde cried, roughly. ‘‘Get up and dust now, or I'll wring your infernal little neok!”’ “Dry up, will you!” Bill retorted, important- ly. “I paid to get inter this show, an’ ’m — to see her out. Ef ye beat his jags, here, ll jest go yea pop fer fifty aside, pervidin’ I can get some ’sponserble man to back me. Why, I kin beat ther man w’ot invented the cards, at seven-up.” ‘‘ Never mind the kid. Come on, put up, and let’s play!’ Ned Ainsley said, eagerly. ‘“‘If I lose this time, hanged if I don’t match the little chap against you!’ : Beau Blonde laughed loudly at the idea. “The ragamuftin don’t know a Jack o’ Spades from an Ace of Hearts!” he remarked, con- berry = ar ‘You’re another!” Bill declared. ‘I uster eat keerds when other fodder were skeerce.” The cards were produced, and Beau Blonde and Ned Ainsley played their game, the stakes being forty dollars a side, eleven points game. It was a short and easily-won victory for the sport, he scoring four times thrice in succes- sion, Ainsley getting no hands worth pisgtayy “ Now, then!” Blonde chuckled. raking in the stake, ‘are you done?” 4 4 no means!” Ainsley replied, rising. “T’ll back the boy against you for fitty a side. Here, youngster, take the seat!” * Bah! TP not waste time on such small fry. It’s ag’in’ the law to gamble with boys!” Beau Blonde blustered. “ Law or no law, you'll give mé a show for my money, or Pll salivate you!” Ainsley de- clared, quickly drawing and cocking a revolver. “Will ou flare * Well, if you’re so anxious to lose your cash, the gambler answered. ‘I'll beat the ittle whelp in no time. Put > Ned Ainsley laid his last fifty on the table, just a little doubtful as to whether he would ever see it again. **Now, boy, do your best!” he said, encour- agingly. ‘But, see here—whar’s my spec comin’ in, fer exertin’ myself. Goin’ to divy?” “ Yes, if you win, I'll divide, and give youa go ey , if, Beauty! Cut f U1: A uti ut fo ‘aude Squar eee y oY The cards were cut and dealt, and the game began, Bill leading the Jack of Hearts, and later scooping in three times. Beau Blonde spoke not, but the scow] upon his usually smiling face, indicated his annoyance and anger. Little Bill evidently knew perfectly well what he was about, for he played with cool confi- dence, whistling the while. Toward its close the points stood tie, and there appeared but small chance for the boy to win. ut, win he did, amid the cheers of the spec- tators, and to Beau Blonde’s intense chagrin. “You infernal little skunk, P’ll kick you out of doors!” he roared. ‘‘ What d’ye mean by stickin’ yourself in here, where you're not wanted?” ts veri wo Base —— iB tres te! = whip) the tiger—that’s a ill replied, wi a grin. “Never did know much ’bout keerds, tho’ my old man used ter be ther boss, they say! Goin’ ter back me ag’in, Ainsley, old chub?” “With all my heart?’ was the reply. “Tul put up a hundred!” ‘*Good | Hid you two to one!” Beau Blonde cried. ‘‘I¢ I don't make the baby look sick, this time, you caa eal] me chaff.” game was watched with interest, for the eon- trast of players was something novel at Nugget Notch. Beau Blonde had the repute of being the most successful card sharp in the mountains,-and that he should allow a mere child to beat him art, his favorite game, twice in succession, seemed + improbable that many outside bets were mac » on the result of the game, Beau Blonde played slowly, carefully. Little Bill played quickly, and whistled., ° **Told ye I didn’t know much erbout keerds, Beau!” he remarked, as he made high, low, jack on the first deal. ‘‘ Why, Pve gota we wrnacdl up bum, thet kin beat me every game.” “You've too much mouth!” Blonde snarled. ** Know it—bin told so, before,” Bill grunted. “Ther hull family hed big vittle-traps. There's my old man, when he opened his mouth ye could see his brains, an’ my big brother got mad and swallered his self one day. Wonder- ful family. High, jack, game, please!” —— londe’s teeth went together with a click, ‘Curse my infernal luck,” he gritted. “Dll watch you closer, young fellow. If ros come any trickery on me, I'll blow your rains out.” “ Yo score,” Little Bill retorted. yer moves, buddy.” And the game went on. Inthe last deal Bill made three points, which. put bim out, and he again raked in the stakes, with a triumphant whistle. And again the crowd cheered. Beau Blonde arose with an oath. His face was pale with the passion he was evi- dent] trying to withhold, ‘“‘That will do for the present,” he said. ‘‘ I will play with you some other time, Ned Ainsley. The concert will soon begin, now!” “Very well!” Ainsley assented, as the gam- bler walked away. “Hello! Chaffy. ain’t goin’ ter take water, aire ye?” shouted L‘ttle Bill. Beau Blonde looked back with an ugly scowl, but did not answer, “Oh! he’s got it in for me, has Blondey!” the lad chuckled. ‘First. you know some one will find my cadaver lying in an out-of-the-way place, ready for the undertaker.” “Never fear,” Ned Ainsley replied. ‘“ Beau Blonde is more bark than bite; still it will do no harm to keep a sharp ouslook. How much do you want, Billy? “Fifty will do me!” was the boy’s modest answer, and Ainsley handed it over without a murmur. Feeling as rich asa bars Billy then made his way as far front as possible to get a position so that he could hear the prima donna, who was yee dllty ensoaédnd tn: gettin bh e finally su getting a up on a barrel, from where he could clibeins a plain view of the stage, and there waited full as im- patiently as the rough audience. Beau Blonde stood near the stage, leaning against the wall, his face clouded, and eyes gleami:g with an ugly light, so that he-did not appear like bis usual self. Not far behind him was a man of about bis own build, with a heavy brown: mustache and hair worn long over his shoulders—a rather handsome fellow, who was attired in finely tanned buckskin and wore a broad-brim hat set: back upon bis head.- A couple of revolvers were in his belt, while he leaned carelessly upon his rifle, with bis eyes fixed upon the stage curtain. Finally after the room was packed full, and the audience began to get noisy with impatience, an overture was banged off upon the piano, and the curtain was rung up. A short pause—then Mile, Rienzio swept out upon the stage. ; The next instant a pin could have been heard to drop upon the floor. Every eye was fastened upon the beauteous face and figure of the singer, as she stood for a moment with slightly flushed cheeks, before bursting forth into a sweet plaintive melody, ber voice as clear and pure as the chime of an Alpine bell. f graceful, symmetrical figure, which was clad in a flowing suit of white mulle, open slightly at the throat, her face was one of rere perfeotness of feature and refined beauty, A tender, dreamy eye of blue, a delicately health-tinted complexion, with a mouth of rare sweetness, none could see her but to had better watch yourself, on thet “Tm alive to all
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her. Hor hair was/arranged with taste, and i her whole appearance was elegant—cap- ivating. With bated breath the rough audience lis- tened to the beauteous song, it seeming to hold them spell-bound. Even after Rienzio. had courtesied and retired behind the wings, there was a dead silence for several minutes, Then the babel of cheers and applause that # burst forth shook the structure as though a ' tornado had struckit. Men yelled at the top of their voices, stamped on the floor, and even went so faras to hurl pouches of dust and gold- en coinin a storm upon the stage, Two men seemed affected in a different way sYom the others. One was Beau Blonde, who had pushed excitedly forward to thestage, and stood eagerly awaiting the reappearance of the songstress, a wild expression upon his face. The other was the man clad in buckskin. His face had assumed a deathly pallor, and he had followed at the gambler’s heels, stern resolution in his glance. Across the room, Little Bill Bethel stood erect upon the barrel, a revolver in his hand. ‘See heer, Beau, what yer goin’ ter do?’ he shouted above the din. ‘’Member I’ve got my heye on yer. That singer’s my old pard, Kate, eure’s preachin’, au’ ye offer to tech her or in- sult her, Pll blow a bug through yer noddle!” Blonde flashed a withering glance at the roungster, but did not answer, and just then Rienzio made her second appearance. In an instant the applause ceased and quiet was restored, and as she was about to sing again he voice of Little Bill piped: “Look out thar, Kate, old gal—the blonde chap on the right mens mischief!” The singer gave the boy a startled stare, then turned a half-frightened glance at Beau Blonde, who at the same instant tossed a letter upon the os he picked it oP and with pallid face turned and staggered behind the scenes. As she did so the man in buckskin seized Beau Blonde by the throat! ‘You infernal scoundrel!” be roared, in a stentorian voice, ‘‘ what do you mean?” CHAPTER IV. THE DUEL. Tse man who stopped Denver Doll on the street was a genteel and prepossessing elder! gentleman, say about fifty years of age. ©) was rather portly, had a kindly expressioned face, with beard and hair streaked with gray and eyes that beamed with honest light. Doll made this inventory of him at a glance, and resolved to hear him. But for his respect- able appearance she would have repulsed him. ** Yes, [am Denver Doll,” she replied, in an- awer to bis question, ‘‘How came you to know?” ‘“*] did not know—I merely suspected. I dave heard you deser bed, and jud by your manner of dress, in male attire, that this might be you. You area detective, I believe?” * A sort of one, yes.” “4 am glad. You are the very person I want, Are your services to be secured?” ‘* Well, that depends somewhat. upon circum- stances, What's the nature of the job?’ Doll asked. ‘You shall know, if you will just step down to my office with me. My daughter Bessie is there, and I will introduce you to her.” “ Allright, Lead ahead.” The gentleman chavem On the way, he said abruptly: “Oh! I quite forgot to introduce myself. My name is Harrison Ainsley.” 4 | ‘*Indeed?” Doll said,and relapsed intosilence. The announcement evidently gave her con- siderable surprise, but as the gentleman did not arpee to notice it, she kept her counsel. They soon arrived at a strongly built log cabin, the windows of which were guarded, by strong iron bars, : Over the heavy oaken door was suspended. a sign, which read: “ HARRISON AINSLEY, BANKER.” Within, the walls were plastered, and-every- thing was comfortable. ; A long re ye - & str wire grating, divided off part of the room, behind which was an iron safe, writing desk, and cbairs. Soar tet The other portion of the room was su ~with a oouple of settees andastove. x $n ey Denver Doll’s Victory. A. young» lady of about Doll’s own age ocou- pied a seat upon one of the settees—a very pretty, modest-looking young lady, too, neatly attired, and bearing evidences: of refinement and good culture. She arose as Mr. Ainsley introduced Doll, and bowed courteously, then all hands became seated, ‘‘ Well, you see,” Mr. Ainsley. began, after blowing bis nose vigorously, ‘‘?m in a much worked-up state over things that are happening to mar the peace and tranquillity of my life. You will observe that I am a banker and broker by gpm oir and I may add, that having been lucky in business transactions for several years, I bave amasseda fortune of no mean propor- tions, but being a conscientious man, I have done so without fraud.or dishonesty, But for a couple of months past I bave been constantly robbed.” “ Well?” “Thave kept the fact hushed up in my own family, in hopes of being able to personally detect the robber or robbers at their game, but all tono avail. Ihave at last come to the con- clusion that it neéds a sharper person than I to take bold of the case.” ‘*In what. manner has this robbery been per- petrated?” “Well, that [ cannot exactly tell you. It is always done during the night, but how, or by whom, is a mystery to me. ou will observe that the cabin is very strongly built for the pur- pose for which it is occupied, The dooris of un- usual strength, and is nightly locked on the out- side with padlocks—a dozen of them, no two alike. And I have never found any evidence of their having been) picked or tampered ‘with. The window bars are so fixee that they cannot be removed without cutting them, and the money is nightly locked in the safe. Yet every few nights a sum of from fifty to two hundred dollars is taken.” ** Have you ever staid here over night?” **On two occasions; but on both I fell asleep, and money was gone in the morning.” ‘‘Humpb! Have you ever kept watch on the outside?” “No, safe, nights ae Yes.” ‘““How many persons to your knowledge are oon rm with the combination besides your- self “None, My nephew, Ned, attends to nothing but my books.” “Is he temperate and reliable?” **T have the’greatest confidence in him.” ‘Confidence is often misplaced, you know. Who are the inmates of your household?” ‘*My daughter, myself, and a Chinese ser- vant. Ned boards at a neighboring miiner’s house.” * Any other relatives?” ] A pained expression flitted over the banker’s face. . “Ay, I have, A seapegrace son, whom I ‘have not seen for over two years, and never ex- pect to see again.” s “You have no idea of his whereaboutr, then?” ‘‘None whatever.” A silence followed. 4 ( Doll interpreted it that the Ainsleys did not desire to further divulge their family secrets. ** Well,” she said, ‘if suspicion points to no one, I don’t:see much of a clew to work!” ‘“No, but you detectives ought to be able to a up threads to work on. I would really ke you to undertake the case, ame, lady, as Ibave heard much of your ability. am los- ing money too-fast to suit me, and I'll tell you what Pildo. If you'll discover the parties or Party of this case, and bring them to justice, ‘il give you a thousand dollars!” I will undertake the case. Are there aay more points you have to offer?” “ Well, yes.. There. is one: thing I have ne- ted_to mention. Once or twice a week, ately, I have received through the post-office a letter, containing one of these curious cards, the meaning of which I cannot interpret, ex- —- Meaning be a menace.” le took from his pocket a card, the size of an ey eee, but. tinted a light blue, on which was engraven a skull and cross-bones and coffin, and inscribed: “SD: a ’ “Baware—Counr trax Days——30.” “Very wall. 5 Denver Doll looked at the strange card ,ere while, studiously, seeming to: be in deep i- tation. “You are right.» The notice: is evidently meant to convey to you the warning thet you are doomed, and will be killed, in thirty days. The party of desperadoes, (whom I am bere after) that wrecked the trains last; night, em- ploy the skull and cross-bones:as'a symbol, and are undoubtedly the authors ofthis card. They also muy be connected with the: bank. robhery. I will look into the matter, If there is nothing more of importance, at present, J will take leave, and see you again.” 4 She @yst gave the bank an examination, but could 8 nothing but what appeared permanent and soffd. After bidding the banker and. his daughter good-night, she went forth on the street again, **There’s a nigger in the bush somewhere, and I will hunt a thousand’s worth for the same, you bet,” she mused, ‘‘I must see Mr. Ned Ainsley!” ; To say that Beau Blonde was astounded by the sudden attack of the fierce but dashing stranger, would be drawing it mild. He jerked loose from the grasp upon his collar, and wheeled around, his face flaming with rage incarnate. : **Curse you! what do you mean?’ he hoarsely. .‘‘ Who are you that durst laywa hand on me?” 4 “Tam Pacific Phil, at your service“and the man that dare call any ruffian to account for insulting a woman!” the stranger retorted, grimly. ‘What was in that note you threw upon the stage, sirf? of tiom “None of your business!” Beau Blonde roared, raising his clinched fist to strike. bis an nist; but before he could: do soso he recet a terrible blow in the face from: Pacific a pt bean knocked lim back against the stage, sensible. With a cool laugh, the scout turned to the | gaping crowd, bis eyes scintillating like dim monds. er “ Tell the. poppy be’ll find me outside, if he’ not satistied,” he said, dryly, and then pushed his way out a the crowd. la of the audience followed bim, and some surrounded him, enthusiastically, while othemp stood aloof, with sullen faces. These were evidently the cronies of the dis» comfited gambler, Beau Blonde. i “Ye did jest right, stranger,” one miner de- clared, loudly, ‘and bere’s what kin lick ther socks off’m ther man as ses ye didn’t, Thet fresh galoot bes wanted his nose thumped, for a long while.” Pacific Phil smiled quietly, but said nothing. He was evidently Dott Sorry tor Act 6 d creamery- “Tsay, boss, you are jest ther de-la butter, you aire!” cried Little Bill, as! burst into the cirele. ‘* Dogamy ee didn’t sail in and save my old woman, Kate, like a storm o’ horse chestnuts,” tora (Mod Pacific Pail gazed down at the lad, in won- dering surprise. ; : ‘“‘ Who are you?” he demanded, curiously, . * Billiam thel, at yer service. Thet Rienzio w’at sung aire nothin’ but an’ short o’ my old side-pardner, Kate, you bet! She jest slung aside her pick an’ ta’ ski ped out_an’ left her young prodigy at away. I skipped arter her, an’ ef ye ‘a? punched Beau Blonde’s nose, I’d hey done it fer e , wut a Pacific Phil seemed extremely surprised at the boy’s words, and probably would ad- dressed him, had not at this instant a-fierce yell emanated from the er of the theater. ~ The next instant Beau Blonde came rushing out, with the mien of a fury...) Sve ‘he strode, Straight up to — buckskin - - ‘age flaming with rage, and e aming. “Look here, you hisak toasted teealeg cy reo aware what you have donef” the g: c ° ‘* Perfectly well!” Pacifie!Phil replied) noti in the least disconcerted, ** I thump ippy in the face, and will repeat the action, if yon give mé any provocation.” | £ “You are a coward and acraven. You dare not fight as gentlemen fight!” vr ‘‘There’s where you mistake, That's just where you find meat home, with weapons. If you want to fight, all you’ve got to do is say so, and you sball accohambodinted, I doubt if I ever saw @ person Yd like to fight more, thyn ou. 1079 cn de “ ‘Fight it)sball be then!” Beau Blonde cried, | flercely. “You, have } | me, and i mand satisfaction. Revolvers shall
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6 en A LE TET 0 ‘weapons, at \twenty paces, and we are to fire candl one or the other falls ig “ Clear the street!” Pacific Phil cried. “We will get down to business at once!” The crowd partsd to either side, and the two enemies took positions in the middle of the street twenty paces apart. ‘Who will act-as starter and referee?’ the buckskin sportasked, looking around. “T will!” Denver Doll said, stepping forward. “I’m quite handy at the business, thanks to experience!” “An’ I'll be ther buckskin’s second!” Little Bill shouted, dancing with delight. I'm just ther pigeon fer that. If either party | ordered. “ Reckon | | gal as took the revolver?” tries any shenannigan, I'll send a bullet-doux | right through his pericranium.” “That’s the ticket!” Pacific Phil said, admir- ingly. ‘* You've got an abundance of mouth, yeungster, but I’m dashed if I don’t believe you've got the sand to back it!” Bet “Tm a skinner, I am, right from “TR second Beau Blonde!” a burly rufflan annoviced stepping forward. ‘‘Tbis byar has #4 ty be a squar’ go.” ‘ Of course it has!” Denver Doll returned. Get ready, gents. Turn your backs to each Mber. At the word three, wheel and fire!” The vg aga obeyed the order, in regard to position, by turning their backs to each other. Pacific Phil held a fine revolver in bis grasp— _& self-cdcker it was, silver-plated, with gold mountings, and diamond sights. As cool as a cucumber, figuratively speaking, | | tell you one thing: I’m here on that same lay was the buckskin scout, bis every expression de- noting confidence that he would win. Beau Blonde did not look so confident, but there was a dangerous gleam in his eye. » Little Bill Bethel seemed the best pleased of any in the crowd. of Yere’s yer hig old polka-dot pic-nic!” he cried. ‘‘ Yere’s yer chance ter make a fortune béttin’ on ther right hoss. Who wants to bet? Where's the feller? Gove even up thet Blon- dey gits salivated fust lick. Whoopy! old Buckskin knows bis alfyleet, you bet! He stuck ima fluke ter save my old gal, Kate, w’ot eal- Jers; nerseif Rienzio, jest ’ca’se it sounds serumpscious, an’ PR bet Beau, hyar, gits pean 0 one, apparently, had any desire to bet on #n uncertainty: ne ove could tell just bow faings would turn out, ‘Ones was as likely to win 2s the other. * Ready!” cried Denver Doll. “One!” A minute's breateloss suspes ec. oe Twol” With bated breath the audience craned their necks ferward. ‘Dares! Fire!” As if mouuted upon pivots, the opponents wheeled simultamsously, facing each other. Then came twe flaskes—two falls. Both men had been hit. ’ CHAPTER V. . THE WOMAN WHO FAINTED. THE two reports ef the duelists’ weapons had not come simultansously. The first rt had ceme from the direction of the buckskin sport, while the second had come frons the pistel ef the card-sharp. ‘Beau @ had fallen first. Pacifte Phil fell rather mechanically, soon afterward, and beth men lay in a half-reclining _— in the street, with tee moonlight stream- g down upam them from'tke arched vault of the skies above them. The rude audience stood for a moment speech- fass and motionless, as if undecided what to do; \ut when Beau Blonde fell back, apparently fead, the deputy. marshal, who had been gent to Yagget Noteh to tavestigate the train wreck, , Rapped first over to the gambler’s side, and then approached the baltkekin sport, followed by the excited erewd, Paciffe was bleedtng from a wound in the side, and somethmy of the ruddy brows of bischeeks had given way toa deathly pallor, Deputy Marchal King gaged at the stricken scont a moment caviously, teen said; ‘Well, sir, I am sorry to see a man of your evident respectability insceh adisgraceful row. It ismy dnty to-arrest you for the crime of murder!” Pacitic looked surprised. ‘How do you make that out?” he demanded, with an effort. ‘In this wise:” King replied. “Dueling is a reprebensible crime at best, and it is our duty to arrest all whom we find engaged in the prac- our boots I have!” Billy declared, | tice. Besides this, you have as goed as killed your opponent, and [ must hold you, at least to await tbe result of his injuries.” ‘But I did not fire a shot!” Pacific Phil cried hotly. ‘Examine my revolver and you will see that every chamber is loaded.” And he flung the weapon upon the ground in front of Denver Doll, who hastily secured it. King motioned to several of Beau Blonde’s cronies, who instantly seized hold of the buck- skin sport, “Off with him to the lock-up!” the deputy “We'll have a little more law and Where’s the All looked around, but Denver Doll had iat ee away. he reappeared upon the street shortly after, , sar and encountered the stern-visaged epuby. ‘ “Hello! what did you do with thatrevolver?” he demanded, confronting ber. “Pat it where it is safe until wanted, my friend,” the girl retorted, coolly. “Then you go straight and get it, or I’m dashed if I don’t yank you into the jug!” ‘Oh! I guess not!” Doll retorted, pulling back the collar of her jaunty coat, and exposing a gleaming badge of gold. ‘‘ Kind o’ opine that carries me through, not?’ The deputy started and stared. “Oho!” be ejaculated. ‘So you’re here after them train-robbers, in anticipation of a reward being offered, eh?” ‘*Perhaps. Perhaps not.” “Waal, now, my maid in britches, jest let me order here while I’m in the town. myself, and I ain’t goin’ to hev no sekond part nosin’ around in my way. Hark to that, -will ye! The healthiest thing you can do is to strike out fer some more congenial climate. Mind, I | make no threats, but'a word to the wise is suffi- | cient.” ‘Somehow, I never was very wise: so it’s useless to try to bluff me!” Doll remarked. ‘By the way, I am not aware that a deputy- marshal has authority to interfere in the pro- fessional duties of a regular detective. No doubt a letter to the chief marshal would cor- rect your freshness. Don’t you think so?’ ‘You'll find out!” King gritted, turning and walking away. “Nice man to bave ina public office,” Denver Doll muttered, as she sauntered along. “If I mistake not, he has got as black a heart as the rascals who infest this camp. Pacific Phil did not wound the gambler, for his revolver had not been fired. Beau Blonde must have enemies as well as friends here.” There was no more theater that night. The fight had, asa point of attraction, cast the beau- tiful Riemzio in the shade. It would have been hard to have tempted the crowd back into the Globe again had a bundred prima donnas held the board instead of one, Immediately after going behind the scenes, the beautiful songstress hastily enveloped. her- self in a waterproof cloak, and left the building by a rear door. In the dark shadows of the gulch she wit- nessed the result of the duel—saw Beau Blonde borne away to his shanty, and Pacific Phil to bai strong cabin which served the purpose of a ail. Then, with a stifled . she moved away through the darkness, without appearing to know or care whither she went. “Oh! God, why did I come here?” Again and again these words escaped her 4 and seemed to echo in the niches of the gulch wall and in the air above her. Her eyes burned with a wild, unnatural fire; her face was deathly white, and she trembled violently. She grew dizzy, and a sort of mist came be- fore her eyes, still she reeled on for some dis- tance, as if determined not to give up. But it was no use. At last she uttered a wild, despairing cry, and sunk to the ground in a dead swoon d ectly in front of the Ainsley residerice. Beau Blonde, although wounded, was not mary so badly hurt as Deputy King had inti- mated. He bad received only a slight flesh wound, which did not disable him to any particular ex- tent, and his exhibition of fainting was only a ruse, so that Pacific Phil would not fire at bim. After being borne to his shanty, he was laid yt egg on sr diongbt ‘obs witisigy he en, after a copious : yt declared himself ail hunky once more,; _ Dismissing all, except one lo’ vil- lainous-looking fellow, wkom he addressed as Nick, a held an inaudible conference, Soon there was a rap at the door, and Nick admitted Deputy King. The eyes of the wounded gambler lit up with a strange gleam at sight of the officer. “Wellt” he interrogated, grimly, ‘“‘ have you come to arrest me, too?’ “Hardly,” King replied. ‘If I had wanted to do that, I should have done so atonce. How are you feeling?” * A little better. Is my enemy caged?’ ‘* He is; and if 1 am any judge, he willremain so for one while.” “Why did Da prefer to arrest bimf’ ‘* Because I believed I was nailing a noto- rious desperado, and am not convinced to the contrary. Then, too, it looked as if he fireé first.” ** Well, did he?” “T am not certain yet. As far as I have learned, attention was on you, a an’ few if any saw any flash of bis weapon. It may be that Lcan not bandle him as your would-be murderer, but I reckon 1 can ae bim to Lim- erick as Captain Crime, the ringleader of the, Terrible Tribunal that wrecked the U. P, train.” **You don’t say!” “But 1do! Ihave become pretty well satis- fied that the nest of this beautiful flock of vul- tures is in this camp, and I’ve seen no one Va sooner suspéct of being Captain Crime than the fellow in buckskin.” “Maybe you’re right. The fellow isa thorougi- bred, that's evident, and I don’t fancy the idee of his occupying thesametownasJ. If youcan manage to get a noose around his neck, V’ll pay you well for it.” « “It's a bargain. As soon as a reward is offered, of sufficient dimensions, I fancy if wil! be no hard matter to bring proof against bim.’” “Of course not. Come to me and I can fur- nish you a goodly number of men who: wii) swear just as you want them.” Later, after an earnest consultation, the two conspirators sealed ‘the compact by indulging in several bumpers of ‘‘ bug-juice;’ after which King took his:deyarture. Denver Doll had not done wrong in estimating him a rogue. ‘*Gimcracks and gum-fodder, but I’m glad to see you! Hain’t 1 had a boss old skewrup, tho’, in the time I’ve been separated from ye! Bet f have! Told ye l’d find the old gal here, I did? What ye think—I jest waltzed inter the theate: an’ who @’ye s’pose I found thar? Why, twig my nose, ef I didn’t see my old gal, Kate a-paradin’ the stage, as natteral as life, witi. enuff duds and gew-gaws on, tew give a billy goat the consumpshing. Ob! but e uldn’t she whoop-’er-up inter ther key-west notes! She'd ‘a’ made a Comanche kick bis Jump: 0’ bombos- sity wi’ the rear end of bis golden slipper!” Thus rattled off Little Bill Bethel, as he and Denver Doll met, not long after the duel that had terminated in the arrest of Pacific Phil. The two had met each other within a stone’s throw of the office of Harrison Ainsley, and they naturally paused—more to exchange confidences: perhaps, than for any other reason. “Tf you could only master your tongue Billy, it would be ever so much better,” Doll said re- provingly. ‘You have in you some of tlie ele- ments of a detective, but I see I must curb you to the practice of not talking too loud, nor tell- ing too much of what you know, when there are chances for other ears in your vicinity.” “Keerect, old gal! You've got more year- nor I, and just you shove out the p’ints, and [I hope I’m a big-necked swan if I don’t rope ’em in. We'll make a hossy old team, now, wer 's we, and rogues won’t have no mere show tian a hose-fly on a Kernétticut saw-buck.” “You are right,” the girl said, thinking test to humor him. ‘“ But, by the way, I’ve under- taken a job, and since my partner, Yakie, bas forsaken me, I will take you in, in his place. There’s a case of systematic robbery going on, and I’ve undertaken to ferret it out, and I may have a cbanee to work ycu in, to advantage” ‘All right. Hyer’s with ye tooth a toe- nail, until death do us bounce, less my ga! Kate should freeze ber bread-hooks onter me. Then I'd have to walk a bee-line, br bet! But, jest tell us what ye want and I'll tackle it, with all my feet.” ; ‘Well, come along back on this vacant lot, where that fallen tree is, and we will take a seat. and Twill give you a few points relative to the case The move was made, _— “ai oe later they were sedted upon of the tree pon ag from where they soulhooe 5 atiee
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get'a glimpse of ef the Ainsley dwelling and the street, without being observed, themselves. “You see that house,” Doll said, after they were seated. “* Bet I do! itt” “As compared with the other shanties, yes. That’s wheré Ainsley, the banker, lives, It’s his case I’ve undertaken, in addition to that of bunting down the outlaws.” “Yes?” *‘ Well, you see that strong cabin, over yon- der. That’s the bank. Healthy looking bank ain’t it, but nevertheless, it is a bank, where Ainsley stores bis ducats, and carries on his business, He claims he is being mysteriously robbed, all the time, and yet can gain no clew to the perpetrator of the crime, and wants me to take hold of the job.” ‘Goin’ to tackle it?” “Yes, for there’s good pay in it.” \‘ Got yer skeleton to work on?” “Partly. Haven't suspicioned any one adi- rect, but hand got my eye on Ainsley’s nephew, Ned, who works in the bank, as book-keeper.” “Phew! ye don’t let on! Why, I’ve met that feller, aready, an’ got acquainted. He were gittin’ fleeced by that sharp Beau Blonde; so I jest sailed in an’ won his money back for him.” ‘Ha! ha! So he is addicted to cards, eh? If shat’s the case, it may be no great trouble to find how the banker's stamps disappear. Don’t you think so, William?’ * Nix-cum-a-rous!” the boy replied. ‘ Tell ye that Ned Ainsley ain’t no thief, no more'n I am, He's got a mug on him as honest looking as the face of aneight-day clock.” ‘Some faces are but natural masks to vil- jainy,” Dll observed, wisely. ‘‘ I must see this fellow myself. By the way, bave you kept an eye on the Dutchman?” ‘Yes. He's slid out from the saloon an’ evaporated. ’Spect he’s gone whar he’s got the young feller bid.” ; “Likely. Keep your eye pecled, and if you ya again, shadow him until you find the hiding-place. Got any money?” “Swads of it! I don’t play keerds fer noth- in’» Went snucks with Ned Ainsley, ye see,” “Well, then, hunt yourself up a place to bunk, and I will do the same. To-morrow we will search deeper into this case ” “Sh! look!” Little Bill suddenly whispered, excitedly. ‘* Who is that?” A figure in a dark cloak had approached the Ainsley dwelling, and even as they looked, sunk down upon the steps. ‘: It?s a woman!” Doll observed. ‘Yes, and she has fainted too!” Bill declared. ““Meébbe that’s Kate—luks like her figger. Come! let’s B° over!” : j “ Stop!” 1] hissed, catching him by the arm, and detaining him. ‘ Look! we'd better not interfere, now. See, she is being cared for,” Two men bad emerged from the Ainsley dwelling, and raised the fainting woman an borne Te within, whereupon the door was closed, and all was quiet in Little Bill looked anxious! face, as if eager to in her ceeding, without asking. y Humph !’the young Detective Geen mut- tered, ‘* What are you staring at, Billy?” ““Tryin’ to ketch yer idea of the matier,” the boy. replied, ne Wh: , what do you mean?” “Nothin’, maybe, but wasn’t thet kinder skewrious, them two galoots a-comin’ out and snatchin’ the woman inter the house?” “Well, I don’t know. She will probably ceme out again. after she is restored.” “Maybe!” Bill assented, but there was a doubtfulness to his tone that told he didn’t be- lieve it. ‘Tell ye what I’m goin’ to do, Looks like a big-bug’s pen, don’t ie vicinity. Denver Doll’s nion of the pro- I'm ? to hang around til] I see her come out. If s my gal Kate, and they keep ber shut up in there, dash me if I don’t fire the shebang! 1 “Ohl aw! you're looney, Billy. It isn’t at all likely the woman was the one you call your Kate. And if it was, what could a little pigmy like you do toward rescuing her?” “ you bet! Can’t tell how fur a toad kin jamp, by ther looks o’ him, nohow. [’m gein’ to watch!” | ‘Well, doas ye like about that. I'm goin’ to look out for a bite of sleep. If you need as- sistance, you'll find me at the Mountain View wee Roerect! Sil Doxy! I . $ 1 Sal away, Doxy! I’m in fera little dapsone business on my own hook.” - Denver Doll langhingly took her departure, lesving ber young acquaintance to his proposed no:'turnal watch over the Ainsley mansion. A plucky piec: of human mechanism was Lit- Denver Doll’s Victory. tle Bill, and you could no more scare him than you could intimidate » raging lion. So he stretched himeelf out on the log, and kept his eye upon the dwelling of Harrison Ainsley. “Bet a cookie that was Kate. She's actin’ up right strange, fer a sensible gal, o’ late. Them two fellers, Bean Blonde and Pacific Phil, seemed to know her, an’ I opine she know’d’em, too. Then, hyer she comes along, an’ faints on | the banker’s doorstep, and two men nearly snatch her bald-headed, a-gitting her inter the house. Hello!” The door of the Ainsley residence opened, and the banker himself came forth, and made his way to the juil. “Struck a lead, ’m a shad, ef 1 hain’t!” Little Bil chuckled. CHAPTER VI. BILLY’S FIRST CASE. _ AS before stated, Harris»n Ainsley, on leav- ing his house, directed his footsteps toward the jal or strong cabin, where Pacific Phil had n incarcerated after the du 1; but before he could reach that edifice of justice, he suddenly discovered that he was dogged, and turned sharply around to behold Little Bill Bethel but a few paces away. “Hello! you young imp, what you mean by following me?” the banker demanded, angrily. “Reckon a feller has a right to walk in whichever direction he pleases!” Bill retorted impudently. ‘Sides that, I’se spottin’ you, I aire,’ “Spotting me? Why, bless my eyes, what povepnas is this? What are you spotting me or ‘°Ca’se T’se a detective, I is, an’ you're a ‘spicious kerricter. Whar’s my gal, Kate?” The boy’s eyes kesnly rested on the banker's face, but failed to notice any particular effect produced by his words. ‘What do you suppose I know about your Kate, sir? Begone, now, or I'll give you the toe of my boot!” ‘“‘Ba-a-al You can’t ketch me,” grinned Bill. “T can outrun a garter snake, or a streak of greased lightning. Besides that, I can shute a wart off’m the nose of a cricket!” “Well, I shall certainly shoot. you, if you dog me any further!” the banker warned, as be turned away. Little Bill anos however, although it was at a somewhat safer distance, where Ainsley could not bear or see him. The banker soon came to the front of the jail, where a couple of well armed rougbs had been stationed by Deputy King. ‘‘Well, boys, are you keeping the fellow safe?” he asked, “Bet we aire! He’s got to tread over two dead bodies, fore he kin pass hyer,” one de- clared, grimly. “That’s the way to talk! I reckon hell be lynched to-morrow. I'll go inside, and prepare his to meet his doom.” “Oh! no eg don’t! Ther boss guy us orders not to admit any one, under any pretext, an’ we obey ther boss,” the. guard growled, ** Who is the boss, pray?” ‘Ther deputy.” “ Pshaw! he ain’t the earth. Come! open up, and jet me in!” “ Nary, iP “Nonsense. You know I am one of the re- sponsible men of the place. . ‘Don’t matter ef you war ther president— *twould be jest the same.” Ainsley uttered an anathema, He had not expected to meet with this sort of resistance. Then, too, he evidently had some strong reason for wishing to interview the prisoner. ‘See here!” he exclaimed, after a momen‘, of thought, ‘“‘ you fellows don’t find a ten-dollar gold-piece hanging on every busb. Here is a couple. Do you want them?” The two guards exchanged glances, and then held a consultation, inaudible to the banker, Finally the spokesman turned and held out his band. ‘ “Give us yer swag. You'll be responsible thet he don’t escape while we slip over and get a drink 0’ bad habit?” ; “Of course!” ’ The money exchanged hands, and the door was unlocked; theh, while the banker entered the jail, the two roughs made off for the near- est saloon to liquor up. : Knowing Pacific was chained to the wall, Ainsley did not think it worth while to close the eh mn DE PETES SB . In consequence, n figure o ttle Bill was in the jail almost as soon as the banker 7 himself, although the latter had no suspicion of his presence, as William took good care to se- ons himself behind the door, which swung in- ward. A moment later Ainsley produced a_bull’s- eye lantern and removed the cap, when a stream of light fell upon the prisoner, who was partly reclining upon the floor, He did not seem surprised whea he saw the banker; his features did not. change in expres- sion, but a steely glitter entered his eyes. ‘Well! well!” the banker said. ‘So you “SolIhave. What brings you back here?” “T donot asa rule make known my business to any one. You may infer, however, tha’ I came for a purpose.” “Oh, very naturally I should presume that. Enmity to your father, if nothing more, would furnish an incentive for you to return.” Pacific Phil laughed sarcastically. “Why should | not be your enemy?” he de- manded. “A few years ago did you not forbid me toever again set foot within your door— even refused to let me see my mother when she was dying? I was a boy then—I am a man now.” ; “But powerless all the same, You should know better than to rebel against me.” ‘“ Who are you, pray? hat are ay but an infamous rascal? Shall I tell you what you dis- owned me for, you accursed wretch of a father? Shall I tell you?” “Ob, Ican save you the‘trouble. It was be- cause you wedded against my will the daughter of my greatest enemy.” ‘ ‘Exactly, you devil! It was because you had advice that she would, by ession of ver- tain papers, come into a handsome fortune on arr aa rt age. I never knew this till after- ward, My wife then infcrmed me that you— my father and the busband of a faithful wife— had n paying her loverly attentions, and had used your utmost endeavors to persuade her to elope with pen. My mother was rapidly sinking away with consumption, and you, beart- less wretch, were paving the way for another wife and a fortune!” e Harrison Ainsley’s face had grown whiter and_bis manner nervous, as ot ‘Why bother your head with such nonsense? You know full well that every word of it is ‘tlse. " “You lie! ‘tis true, Not satisfied with turn- ing me out of house and home, you hired an adventuress to enter our bome, and, armed with a forged marriage certificate, to ¢ me with bigamy. What was the result? The evidence was so conclusive against me ) happy home was broken up, and my w re left me to fhe. wilt, reckon A of oe a) not uite a n. sport wo! erbaps be | fetter term, Do you wonder, Parties Avid ley, that Iam your enemy?” * “IT neither wonder, nor am I concerned at the matter. A man is liable to make a mis- move, once in a while!” the banker chuckled. ‘* By the way, my son, did the child come into the fortune vou have reference to?” Pacific Phil fairly ground: his teeth with rage. ‘I'd ehoke you for asking that, were I free!” he gritted. ‘You know full well she did not, ve you held tp Papen, 4 Bet ipl Hd too te for reparation yet, perha: e adven- turess is deed. T have nee ‘‘ But Lhold the certificate. Ha! ha! you had better have stayed away from Nugget Notch, Philip. You'll find poor sympathy here.” ‘It is something I do not live on, Once I get out of here, I think it .will be my turn to do something retributive.” “ When you get cuterexacthy That is speak- ing rather uncertainly. By the way, where is your wife?” : “That, of course, I would never tell you did I know !* - The words were spoken with intense bitter- ness, ; i» A faint glitter in the banker’s eyes seemed to ee t 4 he was for yoo nn ; disap- inted, at the answer ad. rece 3 ve hts 13 He to es hat Sour intention ‘T si came earn what mn were toWaed me, so I should how how Tt You are doubt aware I married. a second time, and my wife is i. Her beauti- to settle Ported ghih) ier ity i! Pye out Crime, #4 ful daug' of this scrape; otherwise, ds pot i that you may be takew for Cap desperado, and be lynched. no’ ‘ you look wonderfully like smny
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8 “Thanks for your offer, tool, If Iam lynched, remember you have an- ether enemy to fear, more desperate than 1— Rudolph Conroy.” “Bah! the man is dead.” “By no means. Although through abject feur of bim, you had him walled up in a mountain, he still lives, a free man, with an oath registered to get even with you.” “TI do not believe you; nevertheless, let him | come; I will be prepared for him. Gocd by! Expect to see you dangling to a limb, when I | arise, to-morrow morning,” and he capped bis | lantern again as he turned to deport. _ Behind the door crouched Little Bill Bethel, in a quandary. What should he do? Should he scoot out, or he locked in, with the prisoner? ; There was no time, that was certain, for medi- ati ‘p. “ Tl scoot, and run the risk of results!” and he dodged out of the door, just in the nick of time to escape discovery, by the returning guards. “Here's a go,” he mused, skulking off into the darkness, ‘Collared a case against the very nob w’ot Denver Doll is working for. ‘Thar’s no use talkin’. I’ve got ter big a load 0’ knowledge on my stomache. 1 must transfer sum of et fer Dollbaby to dissect.” With his youd% brain in a whirl of excite- ment, he hurried away toward the Mountain View, the only place in Nugget Notch with any pretensions to being a botel. “Tan my jockes if I_ain’t a blossomer—a regular fust class skin-peeler of a detective, in no time! An’it’s a rum old case. That aire Percifick Phil is separated frum his right bower. He rekernised my gal Kate at the theater, Then thar’s the money-shaver, he’s scooped Kate in, off ’m the street. Why, drat it, don’t thet look like as if Percific an’ Kate used ter be in harness? Wonder ef I’m their progeny? K4te mever sed I was hern, more’n she used ter whale me in motherly fashion. By ginger, I’m goin’ ter fizger in a claim, ef thar’s sech a thing in ther dixyunary, an’ no mistake.” In ber teean Lope gd Dat t — moro rop; into one of the princi gaming sa- loons, before going fo the hotel, in hopes of finding ber feutonic pard, Yakie Strauss. The saloons of Nugget Notch kept open all night, and where was ever a large crowd of de- v to the fasc.oating poker. ane taole 6 nee mostly at, £0 Doll led about the Jarge apartment, taking an inventory of those' present. Among those wo particularly attracted her attention, was a tall, brawny man of command- ing presence, who was probably some fifty years of for tis heavy beard and bushy hair were streaked with gray. » ‘was not unprepossessing of countenance, had a keen, piercing black eye, and was well dressed, wearing a silk hat upon his head. Doll gave him only a passing glance, but was conscieus that his gaze followed her wherever she went, At one table she found a young man seated, with his head resting upon one hand, and adull, TS, expression in his eyes. Quick to form opinions, she concluded that past was Mr. Edward Ainsley, the banker’s nephew. first she hesitated to speak to him, But, after a few minutes she summoned up courage, and pees by his table. * Excuse me,” she said, ‘ but am I not address- ing Mr. Ned Ainsley?” fie looked up at ber inquiringly. “That’s my name,” he answered, politely raising his hat. ‘“‘Is there anything I can do for you?” , “Well, yes—that is, I’ve a few questions to ask im regard toacertainsubject. 1 am Denver Dell, detective.” His surprise seemed to increase, at this an- nouncement. “Ab! I am happy to meet you. Your pro- fessiow is one I have always rather admired. If there is anything I can do for you, com- mand me.” “Thank you. I won’t detain you Pag. You see it’s a little private matter I have undertaken ba re. You work for Harrison Ainsley?” In what capacity?” “As bookkeeper secretary.” “ He doés a very snug business?” ‘ bw? a large one, ma’am.” “Do you have the handling of any of the Wlrone.? "a ** You reside with Mr. Ainsley?” Iam a map, nota | | Denver Doll’s Victory. “Tdo not. Iroom at a miner's shanty, and take meals at the hotel below here.” ‘Why do you not reside with them?” ‘*Obh! I prefer privacy.” ‘*How long have you worked here?” ‘** Since I came—a year ago.” “Acquainted with Mr. Ainsley’s daughter, Miss Bessie?” “His step-daughter, you mean. well acquainted with her.” ‘*Has she other company?” - ‘None to my knowledge.” “Do you understand the combination of Mr. Ainsley’s safe?” a do not. What are you driving at, may I ask?” “‘T will answer by asking another question. Are you aware that from time to time, lately, sums of money of various amounts, have been removed from the bank, during the niglht- time!” “Indeed I amr not!” Ned exclaimed excitedly. “Uncle never said anything to me about it. Am I suspected, for heaven’s sake?” “Not by your uncle, 1 fancy. He spoke in good terms of you, but appeared to be greatly mystified.” ‘Well, I should say so. He has been very mum, at least. Do you suspect me?” p ‘It is my privilege to suspect every one until T hit on the right oue,” Doll answered, with one of her pretty smiles. ‘It isn’t so nice to be a detective as it may seem. One has often to he rude or insolent. I hope you are not the cul- prit, Mr, Ainsley; you seem like a nice young fellow?” ‘Thanks for the compliment, but Iassure you J am not the person you seek.” “T hope not. By the way, what salary do you receive?” “Forty dollars a week,” “Oh? well, that ought to keep you in change, nicely.” “Tt does, though I sometimes blow a large part of it in at the table; but [ always manage to keep my head above water.” “Well, Pll look around and see who else to investigate,” Doll said, with a pleasant laugh. Then she left the place and went over to the hotel, on the steps of which she found her dimin- utive protege, Little Bill Bethel, his eyes literal- ly as big as saucers. , “Oh! Jemima Crima, Dollbaby!” he gasped. “T’ve struck a lead—a regular old bonanzer, or I'm an ant-eater.” ‘ CHAPTER VII. NAILING A NOTE. SEEING that a considerable crowd of open- mouthed idlers were in the vicinity, Denver Doll hastily hurried Little Bill to her room, where he gave a remarkably clear and concise narration of what he bad seen and heard, to- gether with hisindividual opinion on the matter. The Detective Queen’s surprise was great, and pin was silent for som.) time, in deep medita- on, “T hardly took Harrison Ainsley to be a man of this type,” she admitted, finally. ‘‘He ap- peared to me like a eewigie gentleman.” ‘** He didn’t to me, tho’,” Bill retorted, doubling up his little fists, ‘‘ He threatened to set me bs 4 in the boot business, free gratis, That’s why snucked arter him. Allus ’spicious 0’ men who aire afeared o’ kids like me. But, I tell ye, Doll- baby, suthin’s got ter be done. The banker may feel uneasy "bout hevin’ my gal Kate shet up in his own house, and may be snuckin’ her off ter sun safer place, even now.” ‘* Possibly,unless Ainsley may wish to keep her here for a certain purpose, which I should infer, —if, indeed, he has hershut up atall. As for the prisoner in the jail, 1 do not apprehend an wouble in bis direction ee night, as all seems quiet; so our best move is to snatch a mor- sel of sleep during the remainder, so as to be fresh for duty in the morning. To-morrow is likely to bring about new events.” The idea was acted upon, and our two friends threw themselves upon the bed, and Little Bill’s hearty snores soon proclaimed him tobe asleep. Denver Doll laid awake for some time, how- ever, her active mind alias, Se situation. ‘There seems no two ways about it, but what Harrison Ainsley is an unparalleled villain,” she concluded. “If she, his son’s wife, is to come into a fortune, and he holds the necessa papers, that accounts fcr his housing her. He hen intends to make a simmary disposal of bis own son, and in order to do it, will undoubted- 1 to make him out Captain Crime, Chiet of the kull and Cross-bones ue, known as the erribles. I fear be can do this unless sufficient Yes; I am testimony can be produced against him to make the charge a falsehood. ‘That may be a hard matter. As for bandsome Ned Ainsley’s being the robber in the bank case, { am satisfied he ‘is not guilty. I must next suspect the banker’s step-daughter, whom he introduced to me as his daughter,” “Ye Morning at last dawned, rainy, cold and dis- agreeable—such a day as suspended work at the placer mines, theugh the quartz drifts were worked as usual. After breakfast, Dever Doll left Little Bill to look after himself, while she strolled dow to | the post-office. Behind the counter she beleld the postwaaster doing up some mails; so she confremted him, after the customer had gone. “Mosby, | know you,” she said, pesitively, one hand resting on a revolver butt. He started, and stared at her a moment, and then uttered a growl of recognition, ‘* Well?” he hissed, his bloodshot eyes gleam- ing. “It is well, Mosby,” the girl replied. “I’m not after you—there’s no money in it. But I want some information!” His manner changed eres “Why on course, gal! Amything I kin do, ax of me. Jest come behind here, and sit down.” And he led the way behind the tier ef postal boxes into a small apartment where the mail was made up or distributed. “Now spiel out!” he said, lighting a pipe, and stroking his ahah beard. ‘* What d’ye want?” ‘‘Oh! I’m working upacase. Want a pointer or so, ycu know. Does Miss Bessie Ainsley r_ceive letters through this office?” “She do.” “ Often?” “Every day or two,” *‘ Are they from out of town?” 63 Nix! Allus pick ’em out 0’ the drep letter- xX. “The next letter that comes for her 1 want! Do you hear?” *Kerect! Can’t ford to-go back om yeu!” “You bet you can’t! By the way, you are rt well acquainted with the je element. ho is there about town who might be Captain Crime?” ** Dunno.” “Have you ever seen him?” ““-You bet—to my sorrow!” ‘“‘Ts the fellow down in the jail the man?’ ** Humph! no /” : “Would you swear to it?” ‘‘ Bet yer boots!” ’ y & { That’sall. Don’t forget the letter.” ‘*Nary time.” Doll then left the post-office, her brows slightly knitted, a habit with her when she was per- plexed. “T° haven’t doge so badly, an how,” she muséd, ‘I may |warn a bit by the letter.” Furtber alon ae met Harrison Ainsley, who «, been robbed again!” be bank was entered again last night, gu undred dollars extracted from the safe. 8 is unbearable,” Doll was silent a moment, a more puzzled ex- pression upon her pretty face than before, “Well, this beats me!” she ayerred. “‘ Did you leavé everything ship-shape?” “ wr I took unusual precautions.” “Was any of the money marked?” ‘One ten-dollar note had a little red x in the lower left-hand corner of the face side of the note, ‘*A mark often employed, therefore of little ge Didn’t take the numbers?” * No, “Do vo hereafter, I fancy I am hot upon the right trail, but can tell you mothing definite yet. Will see you again.” They parted. Doll rambling about town, with-an eye open to business. Tn the course of her perambulations she cane to the Ainsley mansion. Bessie was standing in the doorway, and instantly recognized the Detective Queen. “Why. good-morning,” she called out, smil- ing. “Won’t you come in? It’s so lonesome fo* poor me without company.” Secrétly elated, Doll was not slow to accept the invitation, and the two girls were soon seated in tbe cosily-furnished parlor ‘of the banker’s residence. cried, angrily. en followed an hour of purely feminine chatter. Then Doll was invi to a look tbrough the place, which she , by saying: ; rs hank you! I do so fike to look all through other people’s houses, for I expect to have one
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Denver Doll’s Victory. of my own, and like to cateh up ideas of how to arrange it.” To herself she said: “Now, l’ll see for myself, if there is a pris- oner in the shebang.” They: did the ground floor first, in all depart- ments; then the cellar, where Bessie treated her guest toa sip of wine: then tbe up-stairs was visited, Denver Doll’s sharp eyes noting every point and peculiarity. And a teeling of disappointment came over |her, after the last apartment had been visited, and no prisoner discovered, ‘Maybe it’s only a put-up job to throw me off track, though,” flashed across her mind. They returned to the parlor, and resumed conversation. ‘Have you many gentleman acquaintances? Doll asked, casually. “Nove yery intimate, It is papa’s wish that I do not form many here.” And as she spoke, she raised her left hand, and arranged her frizzes, At which Doll gave a violent start, unnoticed by the other. She saw upon the engagement finger of the banker’s step daughter, a peculiar ring—the same that had attracted her atiention, when she wasa prisoner in the camp of Captain Crime. There could be no doubt of this in her mind— it was the same large brilliant diamond, in the curious hand-shaped setting of gold, For a moment she was undecided what to say er do, for the thought was flashing through her mind—‘‘ where did the banker's daughter get possession of the ring, except through the agency of the chief of the Terrible Tribunal, or one of his men?” After she had fully recovered from her sur- prise, which had caused an awkward lull in their conversation, she said: ° * That isa very curious and pretty ring you wear? ‘‘Tsn’t it?’ Bessie replied, with rather a ner- vous glance at the inquirer. ‘‘I think ever 80 much of it!” ‘** A present from a friend, I suppose?” ‘“Yes—to my mother, many years ago, It is a sort of heirloom in our family.” “That’s a lie!” Doll inwardly commented. “Ah! my pensive maiden, you may be very demure and modest, but you are very sly and fox like, nevertheless, I think I've stirred up a root of a subsequent development, in this visit. Tll tackle you in a new way, and then take leave. it’s not practicable to rush matters, too fast.? After little more desultory conversation, Doll arose: “Well, [guess I_must_be going,” she an- nounced, with a smile. ‘By the way, do you happen to bave change for a hundred dollar note, with you? It is so hard to get a large bill broken.” “Indeed, I haven’t. Papa could surely ac- ecommodate you, at the bank,” was the reply. ‘* And so could you, Miss Minx, if you have not passed your money over to a confederate,” was Doll’s thought, as she took leave. ‘‘ You'll bear apg During their interview, in referring to the robbery, Bessie had said: ‘“‘ How strange tbat no one can be suspicioned! I¢ worries papa greatly, and I am sure it would prove a great relief to us all, to have the mys- tery solved. I fancy sometimes the culprit must really be my cousin Ned—don’t it seem so to you?” : Boll had replied, undecidedly. Once to herself, the thought came to her: “Tf that girl is guilty, and has confederates, will she not seek to avert suspicion by implicat- ing Ned? I'll stake my life on it, he’s not guilty. He stood my cross-questioning too well?” LA into the age where she had met: Ned ley the night previous, she was sur- still, instead of at the prised to find him there n His position, was something the same as at their previous meeting, and his face wore rather a dent expression. ‘Hello!’ Doll exclaimed, cheerfully, drop- ing into a cbair, across the table. ‘‘ What's matter? Why are you not at the bauk?” vob Pm mad ntil this mystery is “ su u m sokved! He thought is would be best” “He epeaia ve cormeite me. This aed may put the real ec on guard, w peas Be throw suspicion on you.” at I had no Without hesitation he took a roll of money from his pocket, and gave her ten ten-dollar notes, receiving in return a crisp bundred-dollar greenback. Doll examined the bills carefully; then, se- lecting one from the lot, tore it into fragments. Ned uttered an ejaculation of astonishment. ‘* Why did you do that?’ he demanded, “ Because it was one of the notes stolen from the bank last night!” He turned very white. ‘‘My God! Then you believe me the thief?” “Some would—I do not. But I want you'to tell me where you got the money?” syne took out the roll of bills, and extracted a ty. ‘The balance I won on faro,” he said, ‘‘ Af- ter leaving you, I played, and won, and lost, all night, at Red Mike’s. It would be bard to tell where the bill came from, as the c. ier held the money he took in, in his fist, ali the time. Usually ten dollars’ worth of ivories were bought of him at a time by each of the five laying, and when a twenty note was given im, he of course handed back a ten,” “Tam glad you explain so frankly, and that I tapped that note before oe further. Iam satistied of your honesty, and am going to snare the guilty person before saanget “Thank you! thauk you for your confidence in me!” the young man said, seizing her hand, and raising it to his lips. ‘ Honor [hold sacred, and I now know they cannot steal it from me, with such an invincible advocate as you!” “Do not be too sure. Watch your actions, oe don’t get tripped. Look at your money, She then arose and es followed by his admiring glance, for he felt he had met the only woman he could ever aferward care for. On her way to the hotel, she seroed into the doorway-of ne fee ne but a shake of Mos- by’s head caused her to go on ber a As she was about entering the hotel, the gray- bearded man she had met before came out and tipped his hat politely. “Wonder who he is?” Doll mused. ‘ Some- how it strikes me his business, here in Nugget Notch, is of some importance.” She went up-stairs and traversed the hallway leading to her room. j a “gy passing = nae of the oe ad- oining her own, a slip of paper partly pro- ations from under the door, attracted her attention. At first she was about to pass it by, but on second thought changed her mind, and procured it. Without pausing she went on to her room, where she examined it. It ran as follows: NO coe ! meeting to-night at M——’s, at usual hour, Important business. Don't fail iy caret 9 — —— and she weuld no doubt be glad to do the same. They live a sorb ef miserable existence, after squandering the other money-—up in the moun- tains semewhere, I believe. No doubt it suits the old man well enough, but the girl has an in- herent craving for mane to put ber on an equal footing with some of her more fashienable sisters—that’s what has knocked in head what- ever scruples may bave ‘been born in her. I hardly know exactly what use I should put her to were she here, still, I fancy I could utilize her, for something tells me I may need some oneeminently trusty to work for me by and by. S-mehow, I don’t put any too much confidence in the female ferret, Denver Doll. She has ’most too sharp eyes and wits, and would just as quick work up a case against me as any One else. If Felice were here, I could trust her— that is, lam pretty certain I could. To be sure she went off in kind of a huff, because I would not make love to her. But glittering gold is what causes ber dusky eyes to sparkle. If Philip should get free, I should her more than ever, for I think he knows that Kate and the singer were one and the same, and should he escape and not find ber, he would raise the earth but what he would discover her where- abouts! Ha! ba! I think she is safe, and am satisfied no one knows anything in regard to her disappearance.” ** Ye do, hey?” Ainsley looked up with a startled ery, The door was open, and a man stood upon the threshold—a burly, resped uncouth, be- whiskered mountaineer, wi blood shot eyes, and an expression of countenance that was any- thing but pretty. : “Ye do, bey?” he grunted, advancing into the office. ‘“‘Waal, mebbe ye do, but byar is what would like to know wharshe is—d’yeheer? Whar’s Felice?” “Oh! it’s you, is it, oes Didn’t know you at first. The devil’s always near at hand when you're talking about bim, they say.” “Thet bain’t wot I axed yef” queer growled. ‘‘I cum down byar arter Felice, w’ot run away ag’in, an’ I jest want her.” “Why, man, I baven’t seen her for several ears!” “Ye lie, durn ye. I jest heerd mention her name. Better not fool wi’ me, Kiasle 7 ye know I never did hev a good name in church society.” “So F am aware. But sit down; I was just as I have some more work wishing Felice here, for her. You know I paid her well before.” “Baht —_-" ye got yer jobdone dirt cheap. Ye didn’t use ber right. "Ye orter marvied her, and sot me up in bizness,” The banker laughed., “That would have been nice, wouldn't it? But I wasn’t a fool,” he retorted. “Nuther was she. She never got over the slight. Ye couldn’t git her now, nohow, ‘cause That was all, but its significance, to Doll, was | why, she’s sperienced religion!” reat, “The six dots means number six.” she inter- preted. ‘The C. C. stands tor Captain Crime —that’s plain as pie. The whole thing summed up means that there’s going to be a meeting of the Terrible Tribunal, at peg be—” ust then the door was burst open, and Little Bill came tumbling end over end into the room, shrieking with laughter. He landed upon his back on the floor, where ——'s, wherever that fer * Ainsley laughed aloud, * What nonsense !’” i “Nary! She got it bad. She sed she'd did , an’ was comin’ heer to make you hump Thet’s ther kind o’ religion Felice hez.” ‘A new ws, I should say.” “You'll think so. An’ now, I want you to pan her out.” “T haven’t got her, nor even have seen het!” “Look out! Mind, ef I ketch ye lyin’ I'll slit he rolled and kicked and roared, until Doll was | yer jugular!” forced to laugh, too! “Stop! stop, you young rattlepate! What are you raising such a racket about?” she de- man shaking him, vigorously.. But the more she shook bim, the harder he laughed, until it seemed as if his puny frame could not withstand the strain upon it, Finally he found relief in words: “Ob! Jerusalem! Oh! Holy Moses in the bullrushes! stop me! choke me! I shall ker- splode. Oh! Oh! Ouch—ah!” By this time the hall was filled with curious People, way crowded forward to see what was @ mat CHAPTER VIII. PLOTTING. Axout the same time that Little Bill was taken with his paroxysm of laughter, n Ainsley sat upon the public part of pe soem: ene engaged in = mr Pp peal pparently, " Ze u appr and bis brows were knlized in plexity. There are no wi ut 2 send for Felice. She served me once for money, don’t lie.” ‘Queer. She started furst.” bs 2 hes she got smashed up in the accident on the U. P.?”’ “Don’t believe a word of it. She was allus “Won't I?” Falqueer sneered d y. “Pl est kinder keep a watch on ye till I find whar lice is!” He might have added, ‘“‘ Becauso I away in captivity somewhere.” ye th a hitch at his corduroy breeches, departure. May the pave pana fellow!” the ) on en growled savagely w e was gone. ome- thing tells me that he will yet make me trouble. He is an ugly customer at and I could well wish him out of the way.” Ul a re. The dawn of the new day had” vived interest throughout Nugget Notch con- cerning the late railroad accident. == When the miners and citizens straggled fo upon the street in the morning, placards were
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faae | 1 ae — ss ee Denver Doll’s Victory. found about, in conspicuous places, con- taining the followiug notice: “$1,000 REWARD! “The above sum will be paid by Detective Sin- elair, of the U. P. Railway, for the detection and arrest of the noted desperado, Captain Crime, or his band of outlaws. “ These men are known to have wrecked the U. P. train, en the night of the — inst., hence the reward. 4. Hberal reward, also, for information leading to e discovery of their rendezvous. “EK. H. Surcuam, Detective. “Mountain View Hotel.” It chanced that Denver Doll had not seen any of these notices during her morning trip. But others had—among them, u Blonde — Deputy Marshal King, who were out to- gether. “Ah! just what we’ve been waiting for,” King exclaimed, as he perused the notice, ‘I now have a chance to make a season’s salary by working up a case on this Pacific Phil. Are you with me, Bl onde?” ‘That depends upon circumstances,” the =. replied. “Are you guing to lynch him ** No; it wouldn’t hardly do—especially since there’s.so much detective element in the town. This man Sinclair hasa blamed sight of influ- ence with the marshal, you see, and I can’t ver well act all my own way when he’s around. Therefore, I'll see him personally and arrange a trial, to which you will send forward three wit- nesses to testify that they have seen Captain Grime, and that Pacific Phil is one and thesame man. See?” “See? Of course. I’m not blind or dumb.” “Well, then, it’s settled. After Pacific Phil is stretched, you are to hand over to me one thousand dollars.” : / Beau Blonde hesitated. “That’s too much to give for the sake of grati- fying one’s spite,” he protested. “No matter. You agreed to itonee. If you back out now, Pll throw up the whole business.” “Oh! well, go ahead then, and I will be as good as my word.” “It’s abargain. I'll off to call on the U. P.'s man now, and see what can be done with him.” ‘He found Detective Sinclair in a room of the Mountain View, engaged in writing a letter, which, however, was laid aside on the detec- tive’s entrance. “ Mr. Sinclair, I believe,” oe or on enter- ing, and beholding a little, pinched-up, sallow- sbkinted: ferret-eyed individual, of some fifty years of age. “Exactly, sir—Elias Sinclair, at your ser- vice. Who are you?’ was the brusque answer. “Tam Deputy Marshal King,” the other re- plied, seating himself. _.‘* Ehd is that so?” and the puny man adjusted his gold-rimmed spectacles and took a good look at his visitor. ‘Yes, I guess you are rizht. Believe I have seen you somewhere. What do you “ant, sir? I am very busy.” King scowled faintly. He had rather antici- era meant cordial reception, and was not a ttle. plissppeinted. “Well, Dll tell you,” he answered, after a moment’s pause. ‘I see you have offered a re- ward for the arrest of Captain Crime, the des- perado. Fork over your stamps, and I can ce your man within ten minutes,” Sinclair looked at him doubtfully. “Tf you bave the power to produce the man, it is bye duty as a deputy marshal to do so,” “T don’t agree with you in such a case as this. In behalf of a Sonparetion you offer a reward for a culprit. If Iam lucky enough to discover him, the reward is mine. In the same an gs ‘ou get a reward for bringing the cul- prit to justice, through the instrumentality of another. : mt eyes of the U. P. detective smiled, gleam- ingiv, S You Lave evidently been waiting for this reward,” he observed. ‘That is not yet proven. I have been here but a few hours, “ Well, where is your man?’ Say § ! Where is your cash?” “Where it is likely to remain until I have the genuine offender in my possession. I do not propane to leave the vicinity until I am satisfied have the right man!” Pee donot suppdése I. would trick you, Sin- ** T suppose nothing. 1 know nothing of yo: ‘A thousand dollars isa mountain to some nien’s eyes. “Humph! Well, I can produce the ease if I choose, ch w, if I bring the man to —_ trial, and prove to you that he is without loubt the person you advertise for—?” “ The reward is yours, in band.” “The hanging will then take place at once?” “ As soon as I can take the man to the nearest legal court and have him tried.” * But one trial is sufficient. He must be tried and hung in Nugget Notch. The excited popu- lace would never allow him to be taken out of town.” “Bah! you surmise a great deal. And, too, you seem to manifest extraordinary interest in the man’s death.” “Why shouldn’t 1?’ King demanded, tragi- cally. ‘Hasn't he robbed me of money repeat- edly? Ihave no mercy for a robber.” ‘Of course, I cannot say about that,” the other replied, dryly. “If you can prove you have *}> yenuine criminal I advertise for, so be it. If , u cannot, you had better subdue your eager desire for the money.” “T can oe it. I have the fellow in jail now. Within two hours I can produce plenty of witnesses to swear that Pacific Phil, as he calls himself, is Captain Crime, the outlaw.” “ Very well!” Sinclair replicd, quietly, draw- ing his unfinished letter in front of him. ‘That willdo. Order the trial for three o’clock this afternoon, in front of the jail.” As he began writing tnen, the deputy con- sidered himself dismissed, and took his de- rture, with an expression of triumph upon is face. ; Within an hour the camp was shaken to its center, as it were, with the report that Pacific Phil was accused of being Captain Crime, the desperado, and would be tried for causing the railway holocaust at Devil’s Curve. As soon as possible, Denver Doll cleared her room of the gaping crowd, and locked the door. Then, with another attempt, she finally suc- ceeded in bringing Little Bill ou: of his fit of laugbter in o a state of serenity. Partly opening the door, she perceived that the crowd had dispersed, then turned to Bill. ‘*Now, Mr. William, [ want you to explain ourself,” she said, sternly, ‘Why, would you belteve it, you’ve actually had the whole house aroused by your screeching.” “ Couldu’t help it, sis—had ter laff—feel jest like ’splodin’ ag’in!” ** Don’t you do it for the life of you, buat tell me what on earth ails you!” **Well, ye see,'this was jes’ how it was,” Bill answered, squinting reflectively at the floor, “ Feelin’ ther portance o’ my detective biz, last night, an’ desirin’ an interview with Percific, to Varn ef he was my parental dad ornot. | waltzed down to the ne and axed togoin. The guard instanter applied the countenance of his brogan to the rear of my rank-an’-file, and lifted me six feet six. Ob! but wasn’t I mad! I jest slung apiece o’ quartz down his throat, and sloped. e slanted in the same direction. It was ni and tuck. He nipped an: I tucked. Firsi know’d I didn’t notbin’—that is, I know’d more about it afterward than I did before. Ye see, 1 dodged into a lot o’ bushes, and went end over end down into a sort o’ pit, bout fen feet deep, which had been choked over with vines, sticks and leaves. Wonder I didn’t, break my neck; *twouldn’t been o’ much account, tho’. \Well to make a short story long, when that. plagu guard peeked down, thar I lay deader’n a bat— a reg’lar smilin’ seraph, you bet, not so much as anear wrigglin’. §’posin’ I had swum across, he spit a cud o’ terbacker down inter my eye, an’ sloped, blame him! I then resurrected my- self, and took a synopsis. What d’ye s‘pose I see’d? Right in ther side o’ the pit, cluss to the bottom, was a hole runnin’ back inter teddy firma, more’n big enuff fer a man ter crawl through!” “ ell?” “Well, ef I wasn’t excited, I don’t want to go to Congress. I allowed I’d found whar sum pirut had hid his nuggets, and inter that hoel I went after’em, I crawled, and I crawled, and finally cum to an end, when I liked ter cracked my skul) on astun overhead. Et was a big flat one, an’I tried ter raise it, an’ got it part way up, and whar d’ye s’pose I found myself?” “In China!” Doll engbed, believing he was getting off a practical i° eon her. ‘“Nary a time!” Bill chuckled. ‘ That aire stone opens up inter the very jail where Percific is caged—ef it don’t, [ma ibs “Nor Laine | 1 jest gots. glimpae o? Peretti ain a glimpse o’ Percific. an’ then let the stone feck, Se teat T am nat- teral as life. Now, ain’t that ernuff to make a grasshopper laugh?’ a TOR “It is certainly good news. If danger comes to the prisoner, we can release him.” “ An’danger is arter him, like chicken arter a worm. Everybody’s excited outside. Percific has been accused o’ bein’ Captain Crime, an’ the’r’ a goin’ ter try him this afternoon et three. King’s at the head.” “ Never mind; the ‘Queen’s’ in the deal,” Doli observed, grimly. ‘* You’re a brick, Billy, and you can call me your pard, in truth, after this. ow just you sit down, mum, whilé I gather my wits together. I hardly know where to be- gin first in this matter.” She bowed her head in her hands in deep medi- tation, while Little Bill fished a stump of acige from bis pockets, and settled back for a smoke, Denver Doll was usually quick to think, but she took her time now. At last she arose, and dopned her ba “Tm off,” she announced, smiling. ‘ our rs open.” “*You bet!” Bill responded. CHAPTER IX. A CASE FOR BILLY. Denver Dow had examined the vicinity of the jail so closely tha, after Little Bill’s narra- tion, sbe knew almost the exact location of the pit he had referred to. Leaving the botel, and emerging into the street, she found that the boy’s words were true in regard to the excitement connected with the approaching trial. ’ very one was abroad, and the neighborhood of the jail was swarming with people, eager to get another glimpse at the prisoner; but the window was so high up in the wall of the jail that they could not look in, and the guards pos- itively refused any one admittance. : It was in the vicinity of the jail that Doll met Harrison Ainsley again. He gazed at Doll keenly as she approached. ** Looks rather dubious for the fellow who is locked up in that jail, don’t it?’ he remarked. *' You do not feel very sorry, it appears,” the girl returned. The words appeared to give him quite a start. “Indeed, may I ask why should I?” he de- manded, rather gruffly. . “Oh! there are natural reasons, I did not think you were the man you are, Harrison Ainsley, or I should hardly have undertaken the job for you. As it is now I will go through with it. ou have been altogether too hasty = page ways. First, in dismissing your nephew, ‘‘ Allow me to advise you that I manage my own business affairs, miss!” the banker iater- posed, flushing. “That's all rigbt, when you can do so, but when you have to empluy a detective to help, ‘ou should not spoil the whole matter through mper. Another thing you’ve madeabad move in is your attempt to prove your own son, Pa- cific Phil, a rascal and desperado by making him out Captain Crime!” “You lie! I have attempted nothing of the kind, nor is Pacific Phil my son!” the banker cried, in a-rage. Denver Doll laughed. “Tt is useless to at it, when my spy over- heard, word for word, your interview with Pacific Phil lastnight. The whole matter of it is, you are an outright rascal, and you know it. Now, do you know what I’m going to dof’ Harrison Ainsley did not reply: Fear and rage had equal hold upon him, and his face was as white as death, “7 will tell you,” Doll went on. ‘I am en- gaged to ferret out the robbery, and have the trap nearly ready to spring. I don’t like to mix in your other matters, but if I see an agency of yours in the trial this afternoon, d expose you before everybody. Do you under- stand?” , . “Yes. But I did not start this movement!” “So I am aware. But you were mighty tickled, when it sprung into shape. As I have said, except to liberate Pacific’ Phil I shall take no personal hand in your family quarrel, unless employed to do so by the right. The moré shady and qniet you keep yourself, the less liable you will be to get yourself into trouble!” With which consoling bit of advice, she turned, and strode away. The banker glared after her, trembling with rage. “Qh! you she-vixen! curse you? he hissed. ‘You have sprung a surprise dn me that I lit- tle suspected. And for the time being I am in your power, and at your mercy, ip will escape in te of me, no doubt, but wa't! Felite amy leone yet.’ Then, it will fe my turn—ha! ha! yes!” Et Spum *
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She went back to her room, in the hotel, and found the lad there, fst asleep, and snoring like a full-fledged butcher; but his eyes were open the moment she permitted, purposely, an in- cautious footfall upon the floor. ‘* Another good sign!” the Detective Queen said, inwardly. ‘* Hello! back a’ready, sis?” the lad yawned, ‘* Why the blazes don’t ye let a feller sleep?” “Why did youawaken? By the way, Billy, I’ve got a case for you!” as Then pan out, for I haven’t had a square meal in I-don’t-know-when!” y ‘‘ But it’s not sweitzer case, Billy—nothing more nor less than a detective case.” ‘ The juvenile ferret puckered up his face awry. “Can't masticate that—give a feller the dis- pepsery !” he said, soberly. ‘But off from the profits you can live like a duke.” ‘“ What's that, Dollbaby—a burro ?” “Qh! no,” Doll replied, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. ‘*A duke’s a feller like me, you know—a U.S. D. Savy? How’d you like to walk about with a Government breast-pin upon your vest?” Billy leaped to his feet, with sparkling eyes, and strutted about with his thumbs under his armpits. ‘Wel, I should suicker ef that wouldn’t be gallus!” he cried. “I'd jest rise frum thar to Congress. <A good long step and large fees will fetch it ye know.” “Weill, Bill, ’'ve concluded not to pay much attention to anything but the robbery case, for the present; so if you think you can work Pacific Phil in for a case, sail in. Do you re- member everything you heard?” ‘Like a book, Gulpedit down like an alle- gator.” “ Well, now, Pacific Phil may need some per- sonal aid, and maybe you can by extreme care become of some use to him. Supposing you t into the jail, and see what you ean do for im, in-the detective line. If you make a suc- cess of the case, a badge you shall have!” The boy’s eyes fairly danced with excitement and joy, and he executed a jig on the floor, as ty fishhooks!” what would my gal Kate say, ef she were to see me now?” ‘By the way, I forgot to tell you, Billy, that 1 was through the Ainsley residence, in every part, but there’s no woman concealed there.” Billy put his finger to bis nose, and winked, knowingly. “Git out!” he said. ‘Did hfe go into a sort o’ wing on the nor’ side o’ the shebang?” Denver Doll meditated a moment. “I think not,” she said finally. “‘As I remem- ber, all the rooms were within the main house,” “Thort so. That jest settles it that my gal Kate is up-stairs in that wing. Guess I'll go, now. But, hold up. Maybe ye better fork over a recommend ter his nibs, Percific. Slight- ly acquaint wi’ him, but ye see these big chaps w’at calls ’emselves men, don’t ginerall cake \much stock on little tats like me, an’ we're liable ter have ter swaller a lot o’ insults, ef we ain’t got backin’!” Doll smiled at her young disciple’s logic, for there was certainly some trath in it; so, seizing pencil and paper, she wrote: “ Pacrric Par.—Anticipating your need of the ser- vices of a detective, to help you out of your dilem- ma, which is known to me, I send you my aid, Billy thel. You can safely put confidence in him, and rust to his keen judgment, for he’s as sharp as a razor, and has a detective's skill far beyond his years. He will be of undoubted service to you. « wil see what cane done for yous the cria. ery respectfully, yy J O DENVER, Dout, U.S. D. “There! now scoot, and see if Pacific wants anythi before the trial,” Doll commanded, giving him the paper, which the boy pocke' eo men rt e - flash. jail ore seeking the :ecret passage to the jail, he sauntered about the oaieee Soeawhiias to see if anything of extra importance was going 00} but there was not, the crowd being about all to beseen. Just as Billy was moving away, Ned Ainsley cot Hel 0, Billy,” h 7 iy. © accosted. ‘‘ How’s your health? Do you know you turned my Tuck for the better, m 7 boy?’ : “ Sorry that Bill declared, soberly. “ Goodisess gracious! why?” . ’ . Denver Doll’s Victory. rsonally. ‘““Wull, ye know he’s Ainsley’s boy, Philip, don’t ye?” ‘‘ ve had a suspicion that way.” “Well, it?sso. Inter the family history?’ ‘“Not very deep. I’ve had it intimated that uncle and cousin were not exactly on friendly terms,” ‘Bet they ain’t! I got the case down fine. The old cuss wants to crush the young cuss flat- ter nor though an elerfant had stepped on him, To do this, a job’s bin put up to prove that Per- cific 1s Capv’in Crime. Can’t ye give a lift, at the trial, to prove different?” “* You bet, if there is any need of it. is that Denver Doll your ma, Bill?” William snorted. “Nary a time! Hain’t got but one. Doll’s my partner, ye see—young, purty, unmarried, sharp as lightnin’, rich, amiable, and a reg’lar eeg i Why don’t ye sail in, buddy, an’ capture der, Ned smiled at the boy. ‘*Pmafraid I'd not make a hit,” he answered. “Pshaw! She's sweet on you. Kinder like her, too, don’t ye?” ‘* Well, to tell the truth, she has rather taken me in and done for me,” Ned admitted, blush- I say, ingly. a He! he! be! so have 1!” squealed Bill, with a malicious grin. ‘‘ Know’d I could draw ye out, like fetchin’ a bile to a head, wi’ fly-blister. Oh! but won’t I have a sweet toothful fer Doll- baby! But, never mind, Neddy; I'll fix it up allright fer ye with her. You'll have a reg’lar puddin?!” And away trotted the young r-gamufiin, with a tantalizing laugh. “Blame that young rascal,” young Ainsley muttered. ‘‘He’s worse than anyimp. Ten to one he’ll make a laughing stock out of mein Den- ver Doll’s eyes.” = While Little Bill hurried away, rapidly. ‘This chinnin’ ain’t allers bizness,” he s0- liloquized. ‘‘ Hope I don’t meet another quaint- ancel know. I wust git in a word wi’ Parcific, afore they yank him out fer trial!” CHAPTER .X. PACIFIC’S FOES AND FRIENDS. HARRISON AINSLEY went home; bis rage un- abated, and raved about for awhile, but find- ing no relief in this, returned once more to the street, where he saw Deputy Kieg, who was superintending the erection of a sort of stand, he a which the trial of Pacific was to take place. As soon as he could, conveniently, the banker called him aside, “ Excuse me,” he said. ‘I am Harrison Ain- sley, the banker of this place. I understand that you have captured the desperate, Captain Crime?” “ Bet yer boots wehave, boss, and we’re goin’ to try him, this afternoon.” “Pm glad of that, don’t you let him escape justice. He has robbed me repeatedly, of large sums of money. I suppose you will lynch him?” “That will be im ible. There are other detectives here, and for me to allow such a pro- ceeding would be to lose py position as deputy, [ll guarantee his conviction, after which Detec- tive Sinclair of the Union Pacific, will hand him over to the courts. The only thing is to prove him the man. Are you greatly inter- ested?” “Well, to that extent,” the banker said, slip- ing a note of large denomination into his hand, T would prefer, quietly of course, that some sure and certain disposal be made of the fellow, at once.” : “Allright. I will see what can be done to accommodate you, sir.” “Perhaps I may triumph yet!” the scheming banker muttered, exultantly, as he strode away. ‘‘One thing is certain:—if Philip gets free, I shall have to.look sharp to save my life. So I may as well take advantage of first grip.” He went thence to his banking-office, near which he met Ned Ainsley. “ Well, boy, I guess you might as well come tes and | pe Sg trom ~_ saldy gandhs- juredly, am tty well satisfied you are not the thief.” ee 9 ‘ f “ Are you, really?” Ned replied, with sar- easm. ‘I thank you, but I do not care toagain enter your service, sir.” “Indeed! I suppose you can make a li on gambling, you young vagabond! &- we 1. “Tt I choose, though m and yours varies, somewha’ the more honorable mode.” The banker was nonplused; he did not know just what reply to make, “Perhaps you are right,” he said, finally. ‘By the way Ned, I wish you'd stay at the bank this afternoon, I have some important business, outside,” “So have I!” the nephew .returned, signifi- cantly, and turned away, leaying the banker in a rage, ‘Can he know, and does he seek to revenge himself on me, at the trial?’ was the thougbé that flashed across his mind. style of gambling conan mine In the meantime let us look after Little Bill, and ascertain how his errand resulted. After leaving Ned Ainsley, he made his ap- proach to the pit, in a reundabout way, and taking a good Jook around him, to meke sure that he was not observed, leaped into it. Entering the tunnel, he crept underground for some distance, until he came to an abrupt ending of the passage. Then reaching upward he exerted ajl bis puny strength, and managed to raise and displace a large fiat stone overhead, which was one of many that formed the floor- ing of the jail. na moment more he was standing in the apartment where Pacific Phil .was sp pteoget. e was half-reclining, now, his head resting upon bis hand. There was a look of surprise upon his face as he saw Biily. “ Hello! where in the name of all that’s won- derful, did you come from?” be exclaimed, ‘“°Sh! Compress your bugle!” Bill warned, with a nod toward the door. ‘Mum's the word! Ears out there sharper tham a needle. Know me?” ‘* Well, I reckon I’ve seen you. Onoe seen, your mug is never to be forgotten!” Pacific said, dryly. “Dunno. Seen purtier, an’ hev seen wuss. I’m William, Bethel, E-s-q., an’ heer’s my recker- mend,” Pacific Phil received the message and read it, surprise beaming from his eyes, ‘Denver Doll is extremely kind,” he remark- ed thoughtfully. “Hang it, so am I!” chipped in Bill, *‘ or else I wouldn’t ’a’ rooted through the dirt to reach you. Soecme down to biz, Percific, Aire ye goin’ ter employ me or no?” aH ; ‘What to dof’ the prisoner demanded, re- garding the midges amusedly, ; “Why, ter take hold o’ your case, straighten out all the kinks, and win the game fer ye, in short order,” “ Well, boy, your mistress seems to think you something of a phenomenon, so J. suppose I better employ you. What do you know rela- hineshe: bokeh hi eaps a phonographic pate—se: in all it hears, and all ye’ve - Sth furn't e crank, and out she comes! It was me who got the p’ints furst. Snuck in behind your royal dad, and ro in all the slack that passed *twixt you. The old gent don’t exactly dote on vee oe ae near ee ar *‘No!l—nor I on grea ac! - lain never lived than he!” ‘Right! He’s.a reg’lar old gockdalagen 0 Satan, and he’s goin’ to make it gosh-darned tropical fer you, too! D'ye know they're goin’ ter test. yer neck this afternoon, to see, if fed any injy rubber in it, worth workin’ up inter galluses?” ‘So bad as that!” The buckskin sport was. ‘Yas, so bad as that. mighty cool ” Fi ‘Oh! yes. There’s little use getting excite! over trifles!”” : Bill felt rather disconcerted at this. ‘“Poor show for scariv’ a ten thousan’ dollar job out o’ this feller,” was his thought. But he went on: “Well, let’s git down to biz. I'll do the ie rfectly composed, ou pan fe setae it Arter Uy nee pints down, we'll compare opinions. There’s nothin’ like quizzin’ and unearthin’ pints. In the furst place, thet aire singer at the theater, war your wife w’ot bekim sub- tracted frum ye, not?” ‘“Thort’s so. That was also my side pardner, Kate. We've bin workin’ a streak o’ pay dirt, nor’west, since I kin remember. .Kate a and you the answerin’, ® got all the highfalutin’ notion she was tired, an’ skipped an’ left me. Found her | ’ down heer at the seniors Did you an’ hey any 1 "“'None.” ; : ‘ ot oe a |
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12 “Then that cooks my goose. Tho’t I could work in a claim o’ relationship. Don’t matter, tho’. I kin look out for Willum, you bet! Now you've got kinder a notion you’d like to hitch in harness ag’in ef things could be made all right?” % “It would be the happiest day of my Jife if 1 could again reclaim her as my own!”’ Pacific averred, with honest fervor. “Pnat’s the checker!” Little Bill assented, 6 lightedly. ‘* When a feller talks lover-like I ? ce tosee him spit it out as if ’twere comin’ out o' bis boots. Ireckon [ can fix things up for ou ef I can git a word wi’ Kate. She’d break er neck to ’s0mmydate me any time, But ye see she’s disappeared!” ‘* Disappeared |” Pacific Phil uttered a groan. “Yas, she’s disappeared, but yours truly fenows whar she is. She’s locked up in yer old mars house.” This announcement did not seem to appease the anxiety of the buckskin sport. His eyes gleamed angrily, and his face wore an expres- sion of sternness not habitual there. “There will yet be a day of reckoning if I am on to get free!” he declared, grimly. “To purceed: What’s the name o’ the woman w’ot kicked up the rumpus ’twixt you an’ my gal Kate?” “ Felice Falqueer.” “Phew! That’s a possummy name. She was hired to do it by yer parent?” ** OF course} ¥ nexet saw the woman—or, more correctly, girl—before.” *« Know whar she lives?” “Luckily, no, or I should have choked’ her ere this.” “You calkylate the old ’un has got the forged certificate?” “He said so. I am also satisfied that he has the papers relating to my wife’s fortune.” ier ye want these, I reckon, purty bad, ike? * Most assuredly. They are worth much to me. 1 ‘ What?ll you give if I gather ’em in?” “You can command any reasonable price, ust lad, Lam not poor, though I bave been a rolling stone for some years. As I said, the papers are of utmost importance to me, and you can do me no greater service than to secure them for me, and also intercede in my bebalf with Kate.” “ Bet I will! Anything else? l've got to get baok before I’m discavered.” “TI do not think of anything now, because I do not know what the next few hours may bring forth. I suppose you haven’t any idea of how the bearing will turn out?” “Not much. Luks kinder as if there might be a tight-rope dance. The deputy’s ag’in’ ye, an’ the old man’s ag’in’ ye, an’ ye know two sech chaps kin work a pile o’ mischief. My pard Doll, though, is goin’ ter vote yer ticket, an’ so is yer cousin Ned, too, If my nibs kin do any- thing, I’m thar.” “Well, thar’s some good prospects, then. ‘You'd vetter go now, for some one might pop in unexpectedly.” “Allright. Ef we can’t do nothin’ fur ye to- eo mebbe we can to night. By-by." nd in a moment the young sleuth was gone, covering his retreat with the large stone and leaving no trace behind bim to tell that he had been in the cell. He and Denver Doll were alone in the secret, barring Pacific Phil. CHAPTER XI. A BRACE OF ROGUES AND A PRIMITIVE COURT. BANKER AINSLEY was seated in his office look- ing over the stock-exchangu list of a Chicago paper, when Beau Blonde, the crack card-sharp of nugget Notch, entered unceremoniously, and seated himself with all the sang froid peculiar to his species. The banker looked over his eye-glasses at the man with a stare of inquiry. “Welt sir, what fs your errand?” Ainsley de- manded, as the gamester settled himself comfort- ably into a chair. ‘*Ob! 1 just dropped in to have a little chat. Haven’ seen you around at the rooms lately.” “I do not belong to the profession—that is why, eae Ainsley answered stiffly. “Indeed! Did one night of buckin ages St weaken you?” Beau retorted tauntingly. ‘But tet-us drop that. I am out of money, througha bad run of luck, and want a lift!” The banker scowled. “You are liable to get one, if you hang around | hind his back; but there was an expressi agent for & very j defiance upon his face that told hs was not ill at ease. here much longer! I am so practicable lifting machine!” “You should also start a comic newspaper, ou are so facetious!” Blonde sneered. ‘ But et this parley drop. I want money, must have it, and you most give it to me!” Baal Where do you get so much author- ity “Oh! that is easily answered. When I men- tion that I have your secret, what is the use for you to demur?’ This seemed to stagger the banker a little, and his ey s became fixed upon the handsome gam- bler in a stony sort of glare. ‘* What do you mean?” he demanded. Beau Blonde smiled mockingly. *Pshaw! what is your object in trying to bluff a man of my type?” he demanded. * I have accidentally come into possession of all the data appertaining to one of the most important se- ere's of your life. If you desire, Vl start in and give you a full-dress rehearsal, tragedy and all!” * That is unnecessary!” the banker demurred, nervously, his face of an ashen hue. ‘How much can you get along with? Iam at low ebb to-day, owing to heavy shipments and locul de- mands far above the usual run.” “ Well, seeing as this is the first time I have called on you, and you are not flusb, just deal me out a thousand, and call it square for the present.” Ainsley looked angrily at the gambler for a moment; then going to his safe, unlocked it, and returned with a package of crisp new hun- dred-dollar notes, which he handed over to the man who claimed to know his secret. Beau Blonde glanced at the package sharply, and then shoved it carelessly into his vest- ket. “Thank you,” be said, with an obsequious bow; ‘‘ your ready willingness is du'y appreci- ated. I-presume you are interested in the des- perado trial, to-day?” ‘* Wnat causes you tothink so?’ “Oh! I merely sermised,” Beau Blonde an- swered, with a laugh. ‘‘One is apt to form opinions, you krow !” The banker was puzz'ed, but in this instance was too wily to show it, ¥ Well, suppose I am interested — what of it?’ “Oh! not much; only I thought that, as a business man, if you were particularly inter- ested, [might be of some service to you—see? I have a grudge—merely a slight one—against this Pacific Phil. Now if you are interested— and since [ ctv todo what I can for him, ha! ba!—why, you see, a few hundred, say five, might cause me to be doubly active.” “Thank you, Mr. Blonde, but I am not in need of any assistance in the matter, as 1 bave already secured all the help necessary, I be- lieve.” Beau Blonde smiled again—one of those sinis- ter, confident smiles that years at the card tuble had made peculiar to him. He also brought bis fist emphatically down on a table near at hand. “Teannot help my own cause out without helping yours, Mr. Ainsley, so plank down an- other V. hundred, if you please !” “But I don’ please!” : “Then I am were tosqueal. Did you ever witness a lynching, friend Ainsley, and notice how nice a noose adheres toa man’s gullet? Sup- n —s “Stop! say po more, you hell-hound, for you cannot get another dollar out of me to day. Come some other time when I have money.” ‘Very well. I'll not forget it,” and the card- sharp at once arose and quitted the bank. Once outside, he laughed softly to himself. “Pon honor, I had no idea of striking such a lead,” hé mused. ‘I just ventured, blindly, to hint that he had a secret, and he tumbled imme- diately into my racket. Ha! ha! ha!” ‘Lhe trial, or, more appropriately, the hearing of Pacifie Phil, had been set for three o'clock, and long before that hour a large crowd was —— in front of the platform which had n erected in front of the jail. This platform was built about four feet above ground, and was designed for the occu- pancy of all directly connected with the trial. Wien the appointed hour arrived, the drama- tis persone upon the platform was somewhat striking. j To the center stood a sort of judicial pulpit, in which presided the Union Pacific Railroad’s de- tective, Mr. Sinclair. To his right sat Deputy Marshal King. On the left, a little in front, Pacific Phil was stationed, his hands bourd oe ion 0} On his left was a bench, whereon were seated several persons, Denver Dol was first. Next to her sat Bill Bethel; then came Ned Ainsley, the mountaineer Falqueer and the man who had tipped his hat to Denver Doll at the Mountain View Hotel, but whose name was unknown. Aft all events, he was.a fine-looking man and attracted much attention. On the right of Deputy King was a similar bench, upon which was seated Beau Blonde, a companion gambler named Red) Eye, followed by six other rough-looking pilgrims, who ap- peared to be better fitted to cut throats than serve the aims of justice. Fronting the stand was tke sea of faces, not one alike, and a photographer would have been delighted to catch the scene witha single glance of his camera. Finally Detective Sinelair rapped upon bi desk for order. “ The trial, or, more properly, the supplement- ary hearing of the case, will now commence,” be said, “‘and, in behalt of all concerned, I wish t request that ya ae order and quiet be kept For the benefit of those who may not know, 4 will make the following statement: “Subsequent to the terrible disaster on th Union Pacific road I was sent here in the inter ests of the company—to offer a reward for the capture of the man or men who caused the ac- cident, and who were said to be members of a band of desperadoes styling themselves the Ter- rible Tribunal. I came as directed, and offered areward for the ringleader and his band of subordinates. Inresponse to my notice, Deputy Marshal King. who came here some hours in advance, put in an appearance and desired the reward, claiming to have the coigipal Captain Crime, of whom, probably, you all have heard. Allow me to say I was not quite satisfied, and to settle the matter, I, in behalf of my employ: ers, and the Government as well, orde: the forthcomirg hearing. The question to be de- cided is whether the prisoner at the bar is or is not the so-called Captain Crime, the outlaw. First witness stand up and be sworn for the prosecution.” Deputy Kingresponded, and the oath was ad- ministered. 5 ‘‘ Make your statement!” Sinclair said. The deputy cleared bis throat: “T was sent here,” he began, ‘by my supe- rior officer immediately after the disaster, to ferret out the crime, if possible, and bring the offenders to justice. I arrived in time to wit- ness a street duel between the prisoner and a gambles, named Beau Blonde. I arrested the ormer for the criminal offense of ensling, After I had arr: sted him I become convinced, from previous descriptions I had received, that {had the famous desperado. I set to work, hunted vp men who had seen him, and have the pay of now presenting them for examina- ion. “Why did you not arrest Beau Blonde?” Sin- clair demanded, roomy ‘For the reason that he did not provoke th quarrel,” “That isno excuse. Handcuff the man!” King dared not disobey, and Beau Blonde sub mitted with poor grace, ‘‘Next witness!” ordered Sinclair, This man, Pete Smick, on being sworn, clum- sily testified that he had seen Crime once, when be stopped a stage, and ‘‘he allowed the pris- oner was the same chap.” It was a patched up piece of testimony at the best, and Sinclair’s cross-questioning completely broke the fellow down, : The same result followed in the case of the other ruffians, except Beau Blonde, who stood up and coolly swore that he had been captured and robbed by Captain Crime several times, and would swear on a stack of Bibles that Paci- fic Pete and Crime were one and the same per- son! At this juncture, some one in the crowd shouted: “ Ho's a liar and 3 thief, and ye can’t depend on a word he says. : P ‘ : Leaver Doil ratte ot ya se er experience on the n of the train and stated that Crime was much more diminu- tive in stature than the prisoner, and slie could detect no resemblance between the two. Little Bill then had his say, and a brilliant one it was, too, although somewhat illiterate. He corroborated Voll’s testimony, but, as pri- vately agreed between them, neither alluded to Pacific Pete as Harrison Ainsley’s «sor. Falqueer next took the stand. + v, yo gol-darned fools,” ba said, ‘this monkeyin’ is preposterous! I this Pacific
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. best keep close to cover, as I should Phil. He’s bin up nor’ vest for years. Bin around the vicini ‘ o’ the Atlanta mines for pens six months, tilla day or two since, Why, e's Harrison Ainsley’s sou, and thisis ther way the old man takes to get even with him!” “Ts this true?” Sinclair asked, turming to Pa- cific Phil. “Paorfectly, although this testimony is unex- pected. Denver Doll can tell you as to the latter reference.” “Tt is true!” Doll said. - “* Bet it is!” chimed in Little Bill, * Allow me to state the balanco,” the unknown stranger said, rising. ‘“‘The prisoner and my- self have been companions for several years as prospectors and miners, as I can produce ample proof, and we have not been in this vicinity over ten days.” “No further testimony is needed!” Sinclair said, rapping upon the box. “Pacific Phil is pronounced guiltless of the charge preferred,” Then little Bill Betbel sprung to the front of the platform, and yelled: ‘‘Hurrah for Percific Phil, the squarest pard of ’em all—hip! hip! hooray!” Probably, never in all the days of Nugget Notch was there ever such a hearty cheer given as in mse to Little Bill’s toast. The crowd fairly howled themselves hoarse, and while the party of the prosecution slunk away, the victorious left the platform, and made their way toward the hotel, Pacific Phil's stalwart manly form in the lead, and Denver Doll by his side, It was an open defeat to villainy, and a strik- ing exemplification of a motto that every one stould consider: ‘“ Right is might, in the end.” Perhaps among those bitterly disappointed at the termination of the trial was the banker, Harrison Ainsley! and scarcely less so was Deputy Mar-bal King—both beaten at their villainous conspiracy. Some time after the conclusion of the hear- ing, and a little before nightfall, the trio of vil- lains, Beau Blonde, King, and Alnsley, met by chance, near the bank. Each wore a rather grim expression, and each stared hard at the other, The banker was the first to speak: ‘Well, it has turned out a fine kattle of fish, hasn’t it? he growled. ‘Mr, B., I thought sure rs could be depended on, at least. Your block- eads ywould have been a disgrace to a peniten- tiary. Bo i! very sorry! but I did my best sir!” the gambler declared, obsequiously. “Never mind!” King consoled. ‘* We've been beaten; I’m whipped! we all are! but, I am not conquered! Will you put upa thousand on that, banker Ainsley?” ee CHAPTER XII. A WRONGED WIFE'S SCORN. Denver Dot, Pacific Phil, and Little Bill went at once to the former's room at the Mountain View hotel, for the purpose of holding a conference, as it primal over what was their next best course of ac- ion. The me r, who had been introduced to Denver Boll, by Phil, as Mr. was algo invited into the confab, as he was the father of Kathleen, Pacific Phil's bride, who been so wrongfully rated from hit. R We have had a gpod vic “My identity ix met known outside this circle; iagele . But, you, Phil, had t ‘ore I am in no danger. . Piimy ‘ ut OW r “but f nhentine hate to be shut up. It goes my grain pabusnan and unfhatural parent, and I’m have it!" “'There’s time ernuff fer that, Pacific,” put in on my und to Little Bill. ‘ Jest you leave ther hull caboodle to us detectives, an’ I'll save you a furst-class slice of all fer Recomember I've taken avenge, yerself, ee in My, on it’s Tpotare that ye should yie my su jor judgment!” “Look eut, Bal, Qhi that's enly the eddication I'm an ahen? ou! back i ‘goc'atin’ wi’ y: Bill flashed . “Tm im fera sngozé now, fo I'll be fresh fer to-night. Got dead loads of bianess then,” } the pluck to tackle it, anyhow. endanger your Worl launch- | *Talso have much to look out for,” Doll declared. | “So, Mr. Conroy, we will leave our chi , Pacific Phil, in your care while we are on duty endeavoring to put things vo rights,” the n werk apers w’ot Pacific wants," Billy answered, Phat, I reckon I'll try to interview my old gal, Kate.” *“Woll, go ahead, you young rat, but look out that ye don't get caught in a trap.” “Call me a shad if I do,” Billy replied. “I know I’ve got kinder a curious job before me, but I've got Used ter live oo trout plucks up in eur camp. Oh! but I tell -you they war boss. What’s your lay out fer ter-night?"”’ *'m goimg to try and leara the import of the meeting to-night, which I spoke of as having been ordered by the Terrible Tribunal. Iam quite desir- eus of knowing what new scheme that august body has on foot; and, too, I reckon I may stand a chance of spotting some of the ringleaders, so that I will know them when I see them again,” “Guess it’s you what better look out!” was Bill's opinion. “Ef any of that gang gits their digits on ye agin, remember it will go hard with you, for Little Bifl won't be around to help you.” “Tl try and bear that in mind,” and Doll smiled. “You had better start now, and see what you can root out. Here's a duplicate key, if you should return here before ido, If I don’treturn, you will know I’m nailed.” About dusk, Harrison Ainsley entered his resi- dence, in byno means the best of humor, and sought the parlor, where Miss Bessie was seated, engaged in reading a novel. “She glanced up, carelessly, and then resumed read- ing. Bwen the banker growled, throwing himself into achair, ‘* What have you to say fa “Nothing particularly, as I know!” Bessie replied, in preming, surprise, ‘* What did you expect me to Say, papar”’ “*T want you to grr an explanation of yourself. What secret of mine do you know, girl? Speak! don’t lie to me, or it will be the worse for you!” “Secret? Why. papa, I was not aware that you had a secret; indeed, I wasn't!" the girl exclaimed, in Spoarent astonishment, f “Bah! You cannot deceive me. J have a secret —a deep, dark secret at that—and I am satisfied that you have in some way come into possession of it. Come, own up now!" “T cannot own that which is not true,” Bessie replied, firmly. ‘ You never tell me of any of your matters; so, how could you expect me to know your ot eo t girl, hall t it. ng to me, , you 8! repent It, want toknow! Where did you get “T don't know, sir, as that matters particularly to ed back. “ Pleage remember that am of age, and you have no right to demand too much of me.” “What? Throw that in my face, will you—I who have ban 8 you and kept you above want? I deman know where you got that ring. Refuse to tell me, and I will turn you from my house!” Bessie grew pale at this, and trembled. She knew that he meant all he said. If turned upon the world, to earn her own eb what would she do? Sull, she hesitated, evidently loth to betray the secret of how she came into ion of the ring. “Come! come! speak up!" Ainsley cried, sternly. “T will tolerate no equivocating.”” “The ring was lea present to me, by an ac- quaintance, Now, is that enough?” “By no means! Who is this acquaintance? I want to know?" “ A gentleman—a suitor for my hand!" “The devilf His name?" * Beau Blonde!" The banker leaped, from his chair, as though he had received an e ogo: “ Beau Blonde!—the infernal gambler and scamp! You entertaining his suit?” “ Exactly!” Ho is a perfect gentleman, and more | than that, if you must know, my betrothed bus- band!" The banker was evidently too astonished to speak, for he paced the floor like an enraged tiger. “‘T presume very likely you sanction the match," Bessie said, sweetly, ‘as it would be real cruel of you not to!” “Very, very likely!’ was the savage answer, as the er strode from the room, and went up- stairs. Passing along the hall toward the front of the | med house, he presently came to a halt, and gave a sud- jerk upon a common nail which was in the northern wall. Tn Tesponse, a portion of the wall, which was but & partition, at that point, slid aside, and a small room was revealed, which Ainsley entered, closing the panel behind him. The room was neatly furnished with a conch, chairs and table and carpet. Upon the couch, attired im the same dress she had worn at the the- ater, Leh) reclined the beautiful singer, Rienzio, or as we shall hereafter know her, Kate, the wife of Pacific Phil, oy Her face wag caln ta expression, as *he bauker entered, but her eyes gleamed with @ fir. not usn- aay there, movement of her arm discovered the fact thac both wrists were secured separately with a band, he banker seated himself with a suave smile, quite in coutrast with the expression of countenance he had worn, whex down-stairs. ‘* Well, my fair Kathleen, how do I find you this evening?’ “Precisely as you see me—the prisoner of a vil- Jain!’ Kate replied, coldly. | “ Bravely—I may say dramatically spoken, dear!” ' Ainsley returned, with a show of apparent enthusi- ‘asm. ‘Do you know, whem you fire up that way | you increase my adoration for you, tenfold?” ‘And at each tinse I set eyes upon you, my loath- ing for you increases a hundred-fold, you monster!” “Put! tut! you are a little too harsh, You know you secretly love me. So I will pass your seeming rudeness by, as I am aware that you only use it asa feint, because you wish to tantalize mie. way, I told you that my scapegrace son had been arrested on the charge of being the notorious out- law, Captain Crime, Well, they gave. him a fair and square trial this afternoon—I insisted on that, although he had threatened, publicly, that he would take your life and mine. at do you sup- pose the result of the trial was, dear Kathleen?’ “Thave not the slightest idea!’ was the reply of the wronged wife. She lay there, more resembling a marble statue than a living person, for all the color had gone from her face, But her eyes still burned with that unconquerable determination not to yield to the impression caused by the words of the villain before her, “Well, I will tell you the result,” her tormentor } went on. “I used my utmost ¢xertions to break down the Lyi | evidence that was brought against him, but all to no purpose. He was proven, fair and square, to be Captain Crime, whose deeds of terror are widely known, and was sentenced to be hung, to-morrow, at sunrise. It is not improbable. however, that he wiil be taken from the jail and tyne poulgne a i “Well? Calm as calm could be, not a tremor in her voice, | or an expression of sorrow upon her face, gazed at her enemy sterply, as she spoke. “Well,” the banker went on, “poor Philip. must die, and with his death, of course, perishes all your hopes of ever being reunited to him, bigamist and scoundrel that he is.” “Not 4 oy means, Do you know, Harrison Ainsley, that. I have long since given up the idea that poor Phil ever had another wife than me? I it was who am to blame for our separation, when I | should have Loy ow my husband. Shouse ten thousand women claimed him. should have stood pret, and given him a chance to vindicate * But the certificate—the proof of the former mar- with Felice Falqueer—" “Was a cleverly trumped-up forgery designed to a us, and the young woman was an adventuress, red for the purpose. I believe this as I believe that IT am living!’ . “ But, child! child! who could have had any desire to commit such a gross outrage and wrong? Ah? but you are fearfully in error.” “Tam not! You ask who could have done thir Pro, oe indeed, but_ you? Who turned his son from house, because he loved me? Who aspired to my hand in marri cause he had in some mysterious manner come into possession of that would bring me a fortune? Who pg , who in ask, but you, scoundrel that you are? ‘Ys any | ther evidence necessary that it was you, too sent the adventuress to break up aor Bapiy. home? Oh! Harrison Ainsley, there is a day of reckoning coming for you.” * Hum: you are get und excited over nothing,” the man growled, quailing under her | glance. ‘* Your tion causes you to | Bay things that are utterly lous. ‘Think whatever you choose.” | “That is a priv: 1 shall improve, most. as- sui . We may as well opnereiand each other. To-morrow Philip pays the — ty of his ma | crimes. Your ppearance caused no pineck whatever, as you were nothing more than a strolling mountebank. Noone has, or will, take the pains to inquire about you. In your prison snug and safe, and no one will ev resence. Therefo ‘ou. Go, monster!" ‘or i have some other business to be received with ones arn like me should be. Ha! ha! ha!” | He took his leave, much to the relief of the im- woman, who could but loathe and hate im as one utterly devilish and villainous. CHAPTER XIII. BILLY'S BOLD GAME, After leaving the secret chamber, Ainsley also uitted the house and made his way to the bauk, in the shadows of which Little Bill Bethel was lurking, like some imp of evil, as it were. “Tl see if I can’t trap these robbers hogy et he | nmttered aloud, as he unlocked the door, “It won't | do for me to lose so much money, lest my deposi- tors un . . They little suspect that it wasn't for their funds the bank could not exist. | Humph! I'm counted a rich man, I'm careful to keep my riches where they will not easily be foun:."* He flung a wide wen and entered. Bare- footed, and a shadow, Little Bill stole in Lohin:t | him, not knewing what the next mimetic would Ling
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14 Victory. nver ‘Doll’ s forth. For several minutes he could hear the banker wumbling about, then he uttered a ourse. M0 Not a match in the place to strike a light with, Tl swear,” he growled; *“‘se I shall have to let it The drugged wine is on the safe, anyhow; and n chances to one that will catch the thief, and there'll be a cerpse or two in the town to-morrow morning.” Little Bill closed one eye. “My, oh he mused. “Lucky I’ve got on to thnt. Bet a shad I'd ‘a’ soaked it all down. Won- der ef I'd better lodge in this coop ter-night = no? f I stay, Old Ainsley is goin’ to leave an‘ lock up. im Reckon a feller might dig out, tho’, as these boards of the floor are easily pulled up.” It was on making note of this fact that he formed a determination to remain in the bank over-night, and make a search for the papers that were wanted by Pacific Phil. After geet 3 about for several minutes longer, the banker finally took his departure, taking good care to securely lock the door after him. Bill listened until he heard his footsteps die away, and then made free to move around. “Um jest as wice as a monkey,” he mut- tered; an’ ef I shouldn’t bé able to git out o’ heer, they'd stretch my neck fer burglary, like enuff. So I must make the most o’ my time. ‘Guess the coast is clear.” He struck a match, and by its light took a view of the situation. “Dunno if I better light a lampor not. Kinder reckon not. Be dangerous if old man Ainsley were to Pop around again. Hello! Thar’s a wardrobe purtitioned by a curtain, whar’ a feller could hide in, perwidin’ no one didn’t peep in thar’. Can't do much 'thout a lamp, nuther. Guess Pll — up.” He accordingly lit a — but turned it down very low He then put his cat along the crack of the door. is next move was to examine the interior of the desks, but found nothing thatthe wanted there. “The old nut has got bis papers in the safe,’’ he muttered. ‘ Wonder what sort of acracksman I'd make?” Kneeling before the safe, he studied the figures and marks upon the combination plate. “A feller w’ot don’t know the p'inters has to go it blind, an’ I judge that’s what I'll have todo. Allus was kinder lucky on lottery, seven-up, an’ sich." He then began to turn the knoo and experiment is tour aetiees by, but h tl] our drag y, but he was apparently no nearer reaching the solution of the combination n at first. “Drat it! Pll bet the feller w'ot got up this con- ter our a pe ego Got ,Sum’ brains , but not enuff fer sort 0 graphy. Hello! I’m a shad ef I ain’t fetched herf It was so. By a chancé he had hit ae the right mumber! . The door was open, and the interior of the safe was revealed to view. There were several compartments filled with books and papers, and a drawer which contained money in notes. There were also several sacks of silver and gold coin, and dust, which made the young ferret’s eyes bulge out im wonder. “My, oh! Ef I war a burglar, what a haul I could: make,” he commented. *“ Thar’s enuff thar to buy a ad, locomotive an’ all, I'll bet. Ef it were only mine! *Tain't no use o’ wishin’, tho’. When a feller's s itches be must stick ‘em in pet capae I must s’arch fer them papers now." ‘ith quick, deft fingers he examined everything im the way of a document that the safe contained, but to his disappointment he found no trace of any- thing he wanted. “Fool's fishin’ fer fun, an’ nary a bite,’ he mut- tered, closing and reloc ing the safe. “The old cove must have his papers hid away in his house, Now, the next thing sumthin’ else, I must pros- pect fer a Jead w'at’ll fetch me out o' this trap. Bo a joke ef I couldn't get out, dashed ef it wouldn’t!"” ing the lamp in its bracket, he began to ex- amine the flooring, which was of rough boards and laid down with none foo much precision. After trying several which were securely nailed, he at last came to a short one that had not been nailed at all. Lifting it up, he saw that the distance hetween the floor and the ground was something over a foot, sufficient at least for him to squeeze his yin ee it became necessary for to conceal him- He also made the discovery that there were sev- eral sacks of something stored there, where no one, suppose would be apt to look for them. “Hello! Bet a hornet that's old Ainsley's gold, wot he's hid away fer fear as h»w some one would steal it!” Bill allowed. ‘Keen old rooster heis, ef Ido say it. Wonder ef I better ockerpy the hoel orno? S'’pect them robbers ‘ll be along sum time durin’ the night, an’ tho’ I could get out o’ heer wi’- ou’ half tryin’, I jest surmise as how I better hide in the curtained place yonder.” : He replaced the board, and then, with the aid of the lamp, explored the curtained alcove, which he found contained a disused stove and some broken ture. He then placed the lamp ona table, blew it out, and gro his way into the ‘aleove, where he perched himself comfortably on top of the stove, and waited! he might have to way offered, dodge out when the banker came in. Reckon they couldn't keep me in jail anyhow, ef they did ketch me, onless they chained me up the proud Mkeadorg. Hoels in verient on’c’s .“T must hurry to The minutes d slowly away—too slowly to suit the young detective—for no harder task could be im u him than to keep still for any great length of time. If he could only indulge in a good whistle, he thought it would be a decidedly precious boon of re- lief. But such a thing was out of the question. Mum must he remain, for fear he would attract attention which was not at all desirable. “Can't stop mefrom thinkin’, anyhow,” he mused. “That's whar a feller kin get the best o’ the hull caboodle of ‘em. They can't stop ‘im from shutin’ off his mind, nohow. Ef them robbers is only goin’ to come, I wish they'd hurry up, ’ca’se I'd most or- fully like to squeeze in an interview wi’ my old gal Kate somehow or other.” Seeing no prospect that he was likely to be dis- turbed very soon, he settled back into a more com- fortable position, with the view of taking a vee But he had hardly closed his eyes when he heard some one at the door, and he was instantly on the alert. He heard the key turn softly; then, after a mo- ment, the door swung open, and two persons en- tered stealthily and closed the door. They did not lock it, for the reason that there was no bolt upon the inside. ‘Well!’ one of the party said, in a hoarse voice, which Billy instantly concluded was disguised, “there we are again. ‘© must clean the place out, altogether to-night, for it won’t do for us to be caught here, w ich would likely be the result, were we to continue the raids.” “You are right. The sooner, the better, to suit me. First, you know, blame will be laid upon me,” “Pooh! youare nervous! But, I think, myself, that it will be best to slack up for awhile, and allow matters tosimmer down. Did you bring any thing along to leave here that would be apt to throw sus- picion upon Ned?” : “Nothing but a hand*erchief, with his name stamped onit. That wasthe only thing I could find.” “Tt will serve all purposes. Now, I'll strike a light, and we will see what Ainsley has left in the safe for us!”’ A moment later the lamp was lit, and the two night-hawks approached the safe. ~ Peering from between the curtains, Little Bill was able to make out that both wore top boots, long dark cloaks, slouch hats, and the face of each was securely concealed behind a heavy vail. Nor could the young detective remember that he had ever heard their voices before, owing to their being changed purposely, The two nocturnal thieves knelt in frontof the safe, placing the lamp on the floor, between them. one of them began experimenting at opening the safe, **Some one’s been fooling with this safe!’ he rowled. ‘“Itisn’t the way it is usually left. Bet ‘ll have to work half an hour before I can open it.”’ uized to himself. bei ing so,” Little Bill soliloq “While you’re atit, I'll just try and aki out of he made up The two advanced side so that he could not be surprised by any sudden turn of the enemy, and in this way succeeded in reaching the door. To raise the latch and open the door was the next important thing, but he accomplished it, with the same degree of success that had marked his move- ments across the floor, On second thought. he lved to leave the door slightly ajar, and so doing, Re was not long in put- ting himself at a respectable distance from the bank, but yet not so far that he could not see the burglars leave it, without: being seen himself. ere he waited patiently, for he calculated he could afford to be patient, as it was beginning to rain hard, and he coul accordingly follow his foes, with less danger of discovery. About half an hour passed; then he saw them leave the bank, and lock the door after them, after which they. hurried in the direction of the Ainsley residence, Like a shadow Billy followed in their wake, keep- ing just far enough behind them to feel sate from being seen. He was so slight of form as to be easily mistaken for one of the blackened stumps that were scat- tered about the camp. When within a dozen yards of the Ainsley dwel- ling, the burglars halted, and Billy stealthily glided into hearing distance. “Well, I'll leave you here,” the taller one said. ead-quarters, for I ordered a meeting there, to take place an hour hence. fF reckon the handkerchief will throw the suspicion on to Ned Analery “T should think so. When shallI ere again?’ ya ri: night, likely, at the usual place, So- long!” They shook bands then, and the shorter of the two moved away toward the pouet: while the other strode away up the gulch at ar pace. Little Bil! followed the latter. Though soaking wet, his ardor was not a bit dampened. “T’m a shad ef I ain’t beginnin’ to see into this hyer case,"’ he muttered, as he trotted along, which he was forced to do.in order to keep anywhere near the object of pursuit. ‘ Kinder gittim’ off own onter Dollbaby’s, but et’s all the same in Duich, reckon, This hyar fellow in front belongs to the desperado gang, you bet, an’ ef he’s the captain o' the hull cabooia I shouldn't be surprised” Then that t’other feller war'n’t no feller at all, but a pal in breeches. The banker's step-darter fer ducats |! Phew! w'ot a rib-tickler? She’s bin gittin’ toe step in on the old gént, tho’, in bootiful shape. Won- der what he'll say when he finds it out? t he'll kick his self all over Nugget Notch fer a consarni:{ burro |” Further soliloquy was not for Billy, for he had fully his match in trying to — up with the outlaw; who was a quick-footed pedestrian. The route was through a rough and rocky part of the country, and the boy soon found his feet to pe sore and bleeding, but he resolutely kept on, in spite of rain or pain. It seemed to him, however, that the journey would never end, nor the outlaw’s endurance ever tire, for soon he heard his footsteps dying out a good dis- “eh Go it lemons?” the plticky. bo gritted. “1 ti be * Go it, lemons 6 plu y grit e along some time next ad Further on he came to an abrupt bend in ¢he Ich, and was just in the act of rounding it when. ne was suddenly pounced upon and seized by the man whom he had been so persistently following. “Oho! pe young yneln, s0 Tye got you at last. nave I of, ie roared. ‘I'll soon cook your goose, sew jon’t!" CHAPTER XIV. UP IN A BALLOO®, Tue ruffian seized Little Bill by the nape of the neck, and strode on, dragging the boy after him. Struggle as he would, the juvenile ferret could not get se Eb her Luckily there was not far to go. Just around the bend was a large shanty, where it had once been designed to start a town, but no pay streaks being found, the place was deserted in favor of Nugget Notch, furtherdown the gulch, Back of it a dismal, pine-wooded glen ran back isto the mount- ains, Into this the outlaw dragged his victim, until they came to the mouth of a cavern, Bhier was entered. ' A bright fire was burning in the center of thefsub- terranean chamber, and surrounding it, seated upon various-sized blocks and fire-logs, were some two- score of masked men—all bewhiskered, roughly dressed, and armed to the teeth. To Billy’s horror, he perceived that Denver Doll was also there! A stake had been driven into a crevice in the floor, and she ‘was securely bound t it hand and foot. ‘ “Hurrah!” yelled several of the outlaws, as Bi and his captor entered. ‘Here comes the capt an’ another prisoner! It’s the kid, tool"’ Captain Crime turned Billy over to the care of a couple of the men, and then turned to Denver Doll “Aha! so my gallant men have been lucky enough to catch a prize, have they?” he said, ex- ultantly. ‘* Upon my word, I'am elated at your capture, my fairy detective... You to the mountains to catch a tiger, and got caught your- self, eh? Ha! ha! hal” "Yas, boss,” exclaimed one of the men, who was evidently lieutenant of the gang. ‘She dogged Barker, whose room igs next hern, at the hote), and we cotched her sneakin’ around the edge of the cave, Iguess she’s found out she was barkin’ up the wrong tree.” ” t be quite so sassy, my pert or Pi give a chance to prove your assertion!” the captain iy - around the liquor, boys, it’s devi- n dry ‘ A large demijohn was produced, and a tin cup, holding fully half a pint, This was nearly filled, and the captain downed it at a gulp or 80. is ex- ample was followed by the remainder of the crowd. “Now, after we transact a little important busi- ness, we will have some Spore But, to the business, tirst. As I stated last night, we have as the organi- zation of the order of Skull and Cross-Bones, got to look out, or the first we know we shall find our- selves in hot water, and at the mercy of the law. Since the sad railway catastrophe, several danger- ous persons have come to Nugget Notch, who it is imperative we should remove; the the serenity of our existence is not likely to be soon disturbed again. The citizens of the camp, in themselves, have not the porn to hunt us down. It is these outsiders we haye to fear. It is them we must re- move. Luckily, we have two of the foremost ones in our power, now, and if we let them escape it is our own fault. They are the only ones that know our camp is so near to Nugget Notch.” “Goin’ to spill em?” the lieutenant growled, grufily. “No! I want no more murder on my hands, than can be avoided, It is a wild night—the wind is blowing like fury. Do you remember this. nighs, three months agof” P ; “Shouldn’t wonder ef I did! We sent Jem Hol, den a-kitin’ that night an’ he’s never turned up- since. It’s a sure way 0’ gittin’ rid ov people, *thout sinnin’. - “Well, now, the other cases t have got to be corne’ is that galoot, Pacific the deputy and the ri sharper, Sinejair. Then, it will be well hough © remove the banker, Harriso m Ainsley !"’ > aed
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EE ae ae “That's cause your in snucks wi' his darter," put ia Little Bill. “They*rs the ones what robs the bank, Dollbaby. I see'd ‘em!" “Shut up, yeu cursed little wh throat!’ roared the captain. “TI there’s no back talk, here.” “Guess a feder can shoot off his mouth, ef he wants to,”’ Bill muttered, “ New, the way we'll work this thing,” the captain went ou, “is this: We'll send this precious pair off, to-night. ‘T'o-morrow, we'll all go into camp in dis- guise, and hang around till night. I'll contrive to set all hands into the saloon, when in marches you fellers, in a body, all respectably dressed, and ar- rest (a ones we want, 4g bein’ members 0’ the Lorrible Tribunal, You thust have four noosed ropes ready, and the work o’ yankin the men out and lynehin’ em, must be done quick. Bein’ unex- peer thar'll be 9. big excitement, an’ that’s what'll 16lp You along, an’ give ye 8 chance to escape.” “That won't work—the bangin’ part,” the lieu- tenant grunted. “ Better way will be fer us to be .ressed as miners, an’ let on to be drunk, . While a cowple o’ us i# a-callin’ up an’ treatin’ the crowd, the remainder o’ the gang kin run the men we want out 0° doors, and knife 'em, an’ then slide. Jest ve It to us, Cap, an’ we'll fix it!" ‘All right, Melvin; you’re trusty, an’ I'll go a hundred that apt thing you undertake won't zo wrong. Come, all hands, let’s liquor up!” , or Vi cut your have you know The liquor was again passed around, and copious 4aughts were indulged in by each member of the Tribunal. Tbe captain then turned his gaze in the direction © the interior of the eave, and called “ Rategan? Rategan?” .n response, an Old man with a hump back, and ca pon beard as white as snow, came hobbling forward, with the aid of a crooked staff. He was ciothed in rags, and a filthy-looking object to behold, to say the least, Paty. bee Rategan, have you that bajloon completed?” the if they had to die, there could be little ehoice, By the baJoon there might be a chance of The cain had ceased and thé wind seemed to be decreasing. Now then, good-by!”, the captain called out, when they were pare J “Glad to see you take it so eoolly! en you get uj to the moon, tell the Man that if there’s any trails worth working up thar to bet me know) and maybe I'll come up. tegan, cut the anchor rope!” : The order was promptly obeyed, and the crowd gave a hoarse, exultant yell, as the airship rose eracefully into the blackness of the night, and was fost to view with its basket of human freight. Shall we attempt to picture the feelings of the two victims of the desperadoes’ vengeance? It would be a task beyond the power of pen. The sensation of awe was nearly as great as that of fear. For several minutes the air-ship shot almost di- rectly upward; then appeared to strike a counter @orrent, and veered to the eastward. Little Bill had held out bravely, but now began to henver Doll, too, was greatly alarmed, but knew it could avail scouire to give way_to grief. In- stead,,she sent igs engin prayer to Heaven, tores- Set hen from their perilous situation, !”’ the at is scowling at the man, as if he’ balloon. “Don't ery, Billy,” she said, cheerfully. “for we're not *xoners’ yet,” “Dye think sor” BM aged, buishhonieg. up. “* D'ye belleve ther’s any chance for us, Dollbaby?’ as ef #,” Dell’ replied. “The balloon is slowly but surely destcaméing, or else for once, I’ve lost my reckoning. i prayed, Bill, an answer.” “ Jerusalem! jest give me jhe cue how to pray, ard Tl buckle In fer adi I'm worth!” “That is gs good as a prayer, Bill. The Savior knows omr every thought, whether we utter it in words or net, If the balloon only continues to de- scend at this rate, we will strike feva_yrma without damage. The balloon must have sprung a slight lows, Vanigg als ualfy letting the gas out. If the lic cha et satldenly grow ‘larger, we would go dow tigen’? But the leak did not grow large, and little by little the balloon settled down between the rugged mountains, intoa deep, dark ravine, where with no dl to drift it, the ground was seob reached in safety. As the two friends stepped from the basket th beheld a camp-fire burning in the mouth of a little cavern, and heard an exclamation that sounded most pleasant to Denver Doll! * Shimminy gracious! dunderund plitzen! vot ish dot!” and following the words the rotund figure of Yakie Strauss appeared in the cave entrance. ** Don't be scared, Yakie,” Doll called out, “Tt is only I, Denver Doll, and my new pard.” And the two adventurers advanced into the fire- lizht. The cave had a pleasant aspect indeed. Upon a pile of skins a very feminine looking, well- dressed young fellow, with a jot-black mustache, was lazily reclining, but se sufficiently to tip his sombrero to the Detective Queen. Explanations at once ensued, Yakie listening open- mouthed to Doll's thrilling recital, “ Vel, py dickens! dot vas a duyfel of a schrape. ed you vas lie mit me," he ejaculated, incredu- ously, “No! it's all gospel truth. And now, if you will give us the proper directions, we must strike out at once for Nugget Notch, for we shall be needed there soon," ‘We will all go,” the person on the skins said. “Tam now thoroughly recovered, and lhave impor- tant bi s there.” n sible, ht a tow I once iat Pe vott | he Paty You * vas a voomans?” Yakie. exclaim never seen you,” woman who ste separation.” . P Phe same—Felice Falqueer: I did a terribly un. just deed then, I was a wicked fool, but I am a woraan now. I recently learned that Pacifle Phil and Kase were liable to meet in N Notch, by chance. 1 set forth to effect a reco: ion.” “ They are there, and you caw retrieve, Ina mea- sro, the wrong of the past. Yakie, you rascal, you kept sacre wall, Hut Ifownd you our at last. ome, let’s all set out at onee!” In a few momerits the quartette were en route for the mining camp, some ten miles distant. Na CHAPTER XV. ; A GRAND‘ ornovs, ps Pru Aryenex could not rest after Denver Doll’s departure. oe know that he himself was free, and his wife was a in eee of his villain- ous father, than and wormw lamp was found dimly burning in the kitchen. ‘acifie Phil took possession of this, and with re~- volvers drawn, the trio moved toward the front part of the house. . 7 A glimmer of light came from under the ‘lor Boor, ana accordingly it was thrown open and they ntered, As they did so, they were followed by four other persons, who had quis house Bill, Welles Falgueors and Yale ice eer, akie Strauss, who in aon door, had followed their movements, Re the; parigr, an unexpected sight met the gaze of Lying du: oor, } y, H rad the ' ona pees eon ttem Oe P had 00 upon the et, wound tn his breast, and it weet evident t ws tite vee fast ebbing out, for he stared at the visitors, idly. - pe oak! what does it mean, father?’’ Pacific Pht demanded, quickly kneeling and supporting his sin- ter. She came late, and I 5 bank robber. shea shot ny Pact fied. One tent He fell baok, then, and cpired. z wath tow words should be sufficient to close this nar- Kate was found and released, and Felice Falq joined the hands of the wrong shane’ @nd gether, ane asked their forgiveness, which was ises discovered the pa: re- lating to Kathleen's fortune, and’also the Figo mar. Sood ax strata dee - DoD visi ‘ , penver De e and dt wars the whereabouts of the f a” a ot volunteers was at once organized, and. descent and attack made upon the tendezyo “% ; : The outlaws showed Aght, but the od ere against them. .They woul ander; er, and were mown down before. 8 of the But one ide, and that was of the Ca Bape read oy mtg te was discovered to be none ot! than Beau nade nd of out- ‘ of Nugget Not Harrison Ainsley was buried in Nugge where es his wite decided to settle dots” the lai tth info: : not her ch: apsarir Lyi war wa cart he had found wandering in the mountains, and riage aces atte geen 303 ao oll pain aes vie as th ‘own, but enver Doll “You can’t have him,” she as soon lose my Tighe hand, as part with Billy. And William ded a: i “You bet!” he said, ‘rach bleeged but ye see me an’ iy gal, yy, is the. deteetive team o’ tha day, an’ ye couk Wis BO, OTSA, tho’ we war ined t wi’ ce So, after receiving an pmple and fitting y be a friends took their departure from Before lea Denver Doll received a proposal of marriage, trom Ned Ainsley, which she firmly de- “I feel highly flattered, Mr. Ainsley,” she an- swered, “but I st respectfully q not inthe market,” a wee’ ae So, as Phili and Conroy sere abo m1 oe wea was to peter ss oe wi nr The Falgueers goon left for their home in the At- lanta tree, 208 would you belcyele akie ae : 1 And it ts not gow bie that he and Felice or later link their fates together! THE END.” decided. “Td about
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BEADLLE’S | HALF-DIME | LIBRARY. By Edward L. Wheeler. Yellowstone Jack. By Jos. BE. Badger, Jr. Kansas King. By Buffalo Bill, The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Captain Mayne Reid and Captain Frederick Whittaker. Vagabond Joe, THE Youne WANDERING JEW. By Oll Coomes. Double Number, ets, Bill Biddoun, Trapper. By E. 8. Ellis. The Flying Yankee. By Col. P. Ingraham, Seth Jones. By Edward §. Ellis, moot or a > Nat Todd. By E.5. Ellis. The Tiwo Detectives. By A.W. Aiken. Guiliver’s Travels. By Dean Swift. The Dumb Spy. By Oil Coomes, Aladdiny or, Tax Wonperrcvyi Lame, The Sea-Cat. By Captain Fred. Whittaker. Robinson Crusoe. (27 Illustrations.) Ralph Roy. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Sindbad the Sailor. The Phantom Spy. By Buffalo Bill. The Double Daggers. By E. L. Wheeler. whe Frontier Angel. By Edward 8. Ellis, The Sea Serpent. ‘ety Lewis. Nick o'\the Night, By T. C0. Harbaugh. Diamond Dirk. By Colonel P. Ingraham. The at es ptain. By Roger Starbuck, Cloven Hooft. By Edward L. Wheeler. Antelope Abe, ra: Boy Gunz, Oll Coomes. 28 Buffalo Ben. By Edward L. Wheeler. 29 The Dumb Page. By Capt. F. Whittaker. 30 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, rue Rucx- Less Ranaer. By Harry St. GOED. 31 Keen-Knunife, Praiscz or THE Ries, By Oll Coomes. $32 Bob Woolf. By Edward L. Wheeler. 33 The Ocean Bloodhound, §&. W. Pierce. Oregon Sol, ©. Adams. Wiid Ivan, The Bo DMS WW Koos! DS es ee et pret ft pre ge pd ~ i oD a By J. 5. By Oll Coomes, iner.. By E. L. Wheeler. £ ee A t. Fred. Whittaker. Rattling Rube. By Harry 8t. George. Old Avalanche, By Edward L. Wheeler. Glass Eye, THe Gruat SHor oF THK West. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams. I ightingele Nat. ByT.C. gah oo Black John, THe Roap-Acrent. By Badger. Oniaha Ol. By Edward L. Wheeler, Burt Bunker, rae C, E. Lasalle, The Boy Rities. By Archie C. Irons. The White Buffalo. By ©. E. Lasalle. Jim Bludsoe, Jr. By Edward L. Wheeler. Ned Hazel, hi THE OOD. Deadly - Eye, BRANDED BROTHERHOOD. Nick Whifiles’ Pet, Deadwood Dick’s The Border King. Old Hickory. By art George. The White Indian. Capt. J. F.C. Edward L. Whee SORAD CRA WH OSH ATH WOW HOC Ht Aihse 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 t ‘ 5 9 6 5 6 6 5 f fi ai ent-leather Joe. 68 er Robin Hood, B 69 Gold Rifle. Edward L. eeler. 70 Old Xip’s Cabin. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 71 Delaware Dick. Ol! Coo 72 Mad Tom Western. 8 Deadywrood Dick on Deck, seye Harry. Duelist, b. By Edward L. Wheeler. $1 Lightning Jo. By Captain J. F.C. Ada 82 Kit Haretoot. By T. C. Ha 83 Kollo, the Woy Ranger, 84 Kdyl, the Gis\ Miner. By 5 85 Buck Buckram. By Capt, JF. 0. Adams, 86 Dandy Hock. By G. Wako Browne. 87 The Land Pirates, Haig 3 Mayne Reid. 88 et ag ay MAL ee a Wheeler. 89 Island Jim. rid, 90 The Dread Ridoa. a G. 91 The Captain of t\\e Club; or, Taz Youre RrvaL ATHLETES. aM Besceoriaee. Hemyng. 92 Canada Chet. By ge L eeler. 93 The Boy Miners. Edward 8. Ellis. 94 Midnight Jack. Br T. C. Harbaugh. 95 The RivalRovers. Lieut. Col. Hazeltine. 96 Watch-Eye, THE SHamv. By E. L. Wheeler. 97 The Outlaw Brothers By J. J, Marshall. 98 Robin Hood, By Prof Sildersleeve. 99 The Tiger of Taos. By @. Waldo Browne. 100 Deadwood Dick-in Keadville; or, A Srrance Srroxr ror LIBERTY Wheeler, 101 Jack Harkaway in Nes York. By Bracebridge Hemyng. 102 Dick Dead-Eye. By Col. jegtehee 103 The Lion of the Sea, By Col. Delle Sara. 104 Deadwood Dick's Device: By Wheeler. 105 Old Rube, THz Huxrer. Capt. H. Holmes. 106 Old Frosty, Tux Guinz. By T. arbaugh. 107 One-Eyed Sim, By James L. Bowen. 108 Daring Davy. By Harry St. George. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By Edward L, Wheeler. Adventures of Baron Munchausen, | His Seven Voyages. | Deadwood Dick, THE PRINCE OF THE ROAD | The Black Steed of the Prairies. A Thrilling Story of Texan Adventure. By Bowen. The Sea-Devil. By Col. P. Ingraham, The Mad Hunter, Jack Hoyle. The Black Schooner, The Mad Miner. By G. Waldo Browne. } The Hussar Captain, Col. P. Ingraham Gilt-Edged Dick. By BE. L. Wheeler. Will Somers, THe Boy Devecrive.. Morris. Mustang Sam. By Jos. EK. Badger, Jr, The Cinnamon Chip. Phil Mardy, tix Boss Boy. Kiowa Charley. Tippy, THE Texan, By Burton Saxe, By Edward L. Wheeler. By C. Morris, By T. C. Harbaugh. By George Gleason. Picayune Pete. By Charles Morris. Wild-Fire, Boss or rae Roap. By Dumont. The Voung Privateer. By H. Cavendish. Deadwood Dick’s Double, By Wheeler. Detective Bick. By Charles Morris. The Golden Mand, By Geo. W. Browne, The Hunted Hunter. By Ed. 5. Ellis, Boss Bob, tux Kine or THE BooTeLacks: or, THe PAWNBROKER’s Prot. Ed. L. Wheeler. Sure Shot Seth, _By Oll Coomes, Captain Paul, By C. Dunning Clark. Night-Hawk Kit. By Jos. Ef. Badger, Jr. The Helpless Mand. Capt. Mayne Reid. Blonde ili. Edward L, Wheeler. Judge Lynch, Jr. Be C. Harbaugh. Blue Blazes. By Frank Dumont. Solid Sam, By Edward L Wheeler, Handsome arry. Charles Morris, Scar-Face Saul, Coomes. reves d Lance, rH: Boy Sport. By Badger. Captain Ferret, By Fanart L. Wheeler. Silver Star, THz Boy Knicut. By Coomes. Will Wildfire. By Charles Morris, Sharp Sam, By J. Alexander Patten. A Game of Gold, By Ed. L. Wheeler, Lance and Lasso, By Capt. F. Whittaker. Panther Paul. By Jos, E. Badger, Jr, Black Bess, Wm. Wiprire’s Racer; or, Winnine AGamst Opps. By Charles Morris. Eagle Kit, rae Boy Demon. By Oll Coomes. The Swerd Hunters, cf . Whittaker, Gold Trigger, Tut Sport. T.C. Harbaugh. Deadwoo Bick of Deadwood} or, Tue Picken Party. By Edward L, Wheeler. Mike Merry. By Charles Morris. Fancy Frank of Colorado, Buffalo Bill. The Lost Captain, By Whittaker. The Black Giant. BEd, E. Badger, Jr. New York Nell. B L. Wheeler. Will Wildfire in the Woods, Morris. Little Texas, By Oll Coomes, Dandy Rock’s Pledge, By G.W. Browne. ak 4 B age. By Charles Morris. Hic ory Har Asa Scott, THE Deadly Dash. Tornado Tom, A Trump Card, Ebon m, By Frank Dumont, Thunderbolt Tom. By H Dandy Rock’s Rival. By G. Bob Rockett, raz Boy Dopcrr. Captain Arizona, By Phili The Boy Runaway. By Lieut. Perry. wt ick of Nevada, E, L. Wheeler. old litary. By Oli Voomes. 78 Bob Rockett, rue Bank Roxy The Sea Trailer, B Wild Frank. Little Hurricane, The Hidden @Re@w@m Kwm@on CBI Crm OwH oS Bo Dand By Wi ‘™. 2 Buffalo Billy. Capt. Ta: , U. 8B. Captain Kit.” By t.. D Perry USN. Caen tbe Wied, By Captain Taylor « 4 . = “4 od Dick’s Dream, By Wheeler. Oharles Morris. post femal fret ed etl tt fl ft a fl fh tt ft tet ft fa ah ea i ap ft a pt ph Sn tt fr a et oh Ph Pt a a pu a J pat a fa al fh pa fl fl pa Jd ra ih et tf’ ft jv J Ste fd Sl Soh 198 Arkansaw. 199 Featherweight. 202 Pros mes, . 203 The. Boy Pards._ By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 204 Gold Plume, THE Boy Baxort. Ingraham. 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom. By Wheeler 206 Dark Paul, Trax Tiger Kina. By C. Morris Navajo Nick. By T. C. Harbaugh. The Boy Hercules, By Oll Coomes. Fritz, 1 Bounp-Boy Derscrivs._ Wheeler. Faro Frank of High Pine. By er, Crooked Cale, Dashing Dave. Fritz to the Front. Wolfgang, THe Roser oF THE By Captain Frederick Whittaker. ‘ Captain Bullet. By T.C. Harbaugh mei pee a PRINCE OF THE By Co ntiss Ingraham. Captain Crack-Shot. By E. L. Wheeler, Tiger ‘Tom, THe TEXAN TERRO) Coomes. Despard, the Duelist. 0 Tom Tanner. 21 Sua 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport. i] i) ai i CMs AN PRHHKOOD wBewNNW BW NWdwwwnvny Roger Starbuck. | Branded Hand, By Frank Dumont, | By fdward L, Wheeler. | Bonanza Bill, Miner. By Ed. L. Wheeler. | Ozark Alf, Kine or tax Mounmap. fy Edward Willett. 4 Dashing Dick. * Oll Coomes. § Sam Charcoal. y Charles Morris. 3} Snoozer, THE Boy SuHarp. By E. L. Wheel v Dusky Barrell, Trapper, By EH. Emerse: Little Wildfire. By Oll Coomes. Crimson Kate. By Col. P. Ingraham. The Vankee Rajah. By C. D. Clark. Plucky Phil. ByT.C. Harbaugh. Gold-Dust Dick, By E. L, Whee'e Joe Buck, of Angels, By. A-W. Aiken. Old Rocky’s ‘ Boyees.’ Buckskin Sin, 5 Shadow Sam. _ By Charles Morris. Apollo Bill, By Kdward L. Wheeler. Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain, or. Tue Mysterious Rancnpro. By P. Ingrahain The Parson Detective. By Oll Coomes The Gold-seeker Guide; or, Tse Loer Mourrain, By Captain Mayne Reid: Cyclone Kit, By Edward L. Wheeler. Bill Bravo aid His Bear Pards, By T. C. Harbaugh. The Two ‘ Bloods®, By Charles Morris. The Disguised Guide. By Oll Coomes. Sierra Sam. By Edward L. Wheeler. Merle, the Middy, By Col. P. Ingraham 246 Giant George. Saas Sam. 247 Old Grizzly an is Pets. By Captain “ Bruin” Adams. 248 Sicrra Sam/’s Secret, By EB. L. Wheeler. 249 Milo Romer. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. 250 Midshipman Mutineer. By Ingraham. 251 Light-house Lige. By J. F. C, Adams. 252 Dick Dashaway. By Chas, Morris. 253 Sierra Sam’s Pard. By E. L. Wheeler. 254 The Half 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 Ol] 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, the Guide, By Ensign Charies Dudley Warren, (of the Engineer's Corps.) 267 The Buckskin Detective. By T. C ' Harbaugh. : 268 Deadwood Dick's Death Trail, By Edward L. Wheeler. e Go Shi or, THE 269 = G ae i j Plays = Cor- 270 Blizzard Ben. By Captain Mark Wilton. 271 The Huge Hunter. By Edward 6. Ellis. 272 Minkeskin Mike, By Oll Coomes. 278 Jumbo Joe. By Edward L. Wheeler. 274 Jolly Jim. By Charles Morris. 275 Arizona Jack. By Buckskin Sam, (Major Sam 8. Hall.) 276 Merle Monte’s Cruise, By Ingraham. 277 Denver Doll. By Edward L. Wheeler. 278 The Three Trappers} or, Tax Mounram Mowsrer. By Major L. W. Carson. 279 Old Winch, ra: Ririzs Kme. By T. C. Harbaugh. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate. By Col. Ingraham. 281 Denver Doll’s Vietory. By Wheeler. 282 The Typo Detective, By Edward Willett. 283 Indian Joe}; or, Tae Warre Serair or THE Hus, By Major L. W. Carson. uder; or, Mznie Monte’s 284 The See Galenal rit So 285 Denver Dolls er By E. L. Wheeler. oy Tenderfoot; or, Tur ae 5 tne pomcinD Bas. By Mark Wilton. 287 Billy Biue-Eyes. By Col. P. Ingraham. 288 The Scalp King. By Capt. J. F. C, Adams. 289 Jolly Jim’s Job, By Charles Morris, 290 Little Foxfire, rar Boy Sry; or, OLD Catep ETECTIVE. ARBUCKLE, Movuntarn D: By OU Coomes. 291 Turk, the Ferret, By E. L. Wheeler. 292 Sancho Pedro, ruz Box Banprr. By Captain Mark Wilton. 298 Red Claw, toe Onxn-Eyep Trarrer. By Captain Comstock. Tae Bowie Biaps 294 Dynamite Dan; or, oF Coon mnGrA: By ip, C. Harbaugh. A nen’ dseue every week, The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all Newsdealers, five vents per copy ot sent by mail on receipt of siz. cents each. tADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York.