Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 286) (1883 01 16)
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lll tL —<_Seee ag ; ai” peret Tested Se ‘ oo =) ) {a til i a : Ti 2 in i pl tL at FIGEIN ae | $250 year, Ex OMice at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mail Rates. Copyrighted In 1883 by BEADLE AND ADAMS, PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, & Cents. NEARER AND NEARER THE YOUNG TENDERFOOT CREPT, WHILE FOSTER STILL LOOKED AND LISTENED, UNCONSCIOUS OF THE PERTY. NEHIND RIM.
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a Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot The Wild Men of Buzzard Bar, A Story of Colorado, BY CAPTAIN MARK WILTON, SUTHOR OF “BLIZZARD BEN,” ‘‘ YOUNG KEIN- TUCK,” “CACTUS JACK,” “ DON SOM- BRERO,” ‘“‘LADY JAGUAR,” ETC., ETC. . CHAPTER IL. THE PRICE OF A MINE. A Two men were riding through a mountainous vegion of Colorado, in the heart of Gunnison county, at a pace which showed no sign of haste, The place was wild and beautiful in the ex- treme, with its succession of ridges and valleys, its great cliffs and yawning canyons, fir all the Gunnison is in one way or another handsome. Still, these two horsemen paid no attention to the scenery. Chasms yawned at. their feet one moment, and lofty peaks, pine-clad, towered above them the next; but one of the two had erossed the spur many times before, and the ether bad matters_of more importance’ on his The former was # young man whose every leok bespoke him a citizen of Colorado; the lat- ter, a man of sixty years, bad the dress and air of i man of the gaged —, ; 5 @ was § ing earnestly as the e through a quit. Z “It matters are as you say, Mr. Wilbur, there will probably be a long lawsuit,” he observed. Paul Wilbur looked at him in surprise. ae eee 8 your mee Pai can ped Buzzard r don’t owna ora , Or a jury. There’s nobody to try the case.” = “Then how am | to recover my propertiv?” ‘“Basy as rolling off a log. Wali up to Jared Thayer and Peter Foster, and say, ‘My name is \ Randolph Barr. I own the mine you are work- ing, and here are the papers to proveit. Tl give you two hours to get outof the claim!’” “But they may not go.” “Phen you must argue with them.” “ But even after that they may refuse to give up the property.” “Probably; you don’t understand me, Mr. Barr. It is all-well enough to say to these men, “I am the rightful owner of the Cinnamon mine, I bought the concern while I was in Washing- ton, paid my money and secured my deed. I sent a lawyer to examine the same, but he came back and told me it was a salted claim. Sol settled back and remained quiet for a year, when I heard that you gentlemen were working .the mine and getting rich. Now T have come for my own.’ That's all very well, in its way, but you want todo more.” ’ : “What is that; Mr. Wilbur?” “Use a r-volver argument.” ~ “T do not understand,” “Well, sir, here in the West we are frequent- ly obliged to enforce our rights by the power of sixes, alias revolvers. I have seen a bit of the life myself, during the six years I’ve been here, and I assure you a man must give as well as take. Therefore, if Thayer and Foster conclude to stick, you must load your six-shooter and argue with them through the medium of lead.” Randolph Barr gazed at the speaker in utter astonishment. He had been worrying all tbe way from Washington to the Gunnison for fear that he could not secure a good lawyer when onée on Colorado soil, and now he was informed that that particular section to which he was go- ig had neither lawyers, judges, justices or juries, It was the second great surprise he had lately received. The first came when he learned that the mine he had supposed worthless was being worked by other parties. How he became its possessor, the reader has already seen, but he never supposed that his chosen agent bad played him false until a few ‘weeks before. When he did discover this, he had promptly started for the Gunnison, and now only a few miles separated him from Buzzard Bar, near which was the mine in question. At Crested Butte he had sec the services of Paul Wilbur, a veteran p’ tor, though your im years, and the latter, pati | no love ‘or Thayer & Foster, himself, intended to see the matter through and Mr. Barr in possession of his rights. He raised a fi malnd by intimating that revolvers might be in the old gentleman’s - Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. used in the case, but, really, he did not expect anything of the kind. Very likely the illegal workers of the mine would rebel at first, but Paul had a very convincing way when he went into a scheme to win, and he fully believed Thayer & Foster would pack their baggage and surrender the claim. “Do you intend to settle in Colorado?’ Paul continued, after a pause, “T hardly. think I will,” said Mr. Barr, his mind running on the previous conversation. “I shall try to dispose of my mine. I am an old man, and all I have left me in this world is my daughter, Nora, She needs the softening in- fluences of civilization at her age—she is eigh- teen—and Colorado would Lardly be the proper place for her.” _ Paul did not answer. ‘He really cared little for his companion’s plans, but his mind drifted back to the time he had bimself lef} an Eastern home, atthe age of twenty, to seek his fortune in the land of gold. , “T must give up ‘this wild life and return to Ohio,” he was thinking. ‘* Mother and my sister ere) . Band, ma hes all me girls are ad mee. ried. eve spose of my property here and start for the old homie.” 7P The wide-awake, observing way he had be- fore shown now vanished, and the two horse- ménjadvanced with a thoughtful air, forgetful arene bil thelr ‘hoch’ ton Rake inks a canyon an ee ; on th gee soil to be echoed back with fe markable distinctness, Tall cliffs arose on each side, and through the pass ran a small stream. Pretty soon they reached where the supply of water came tumbling down the eastern > and there the opposite wall of rock suddenly re- ceded, leaving a chasm at its base. Between this chasm and the eastern cliff ran a shelf of rock twenty feet wide and curving Steadily, and along this shelf was the road of the travelers. , Perhaps it would have done no but it was a moment in the life of Paul Wilbur when alertnéss was impera ery, necessary. Death hovered in his path, but he knew not of it. His mind was on the old Obio home, and he was forgetful of all else. Ata bend in the rude road two men lay be- hind a bowlder, smoking short black pipes, They wore the red shirts and usual costume of | miners, but little more than this could be told. Over their heads were curious masks, which concealed even the color of their hair. One of the two lay flat on his back, the other was s! watching the southern trail, “ Any sign yet?” asked the former, lazily. ‘“Nary sign,” was tho curt answer. “They are uncommon slow.” *Look-a hyar,” said the other, suddenly; “‘l’'m afeerd ther yarmints hey slipped through our fingers. It’s high Mine they was hyar ef they are comin’. in old Thayer hey fooled us . “Lord love ye,no. Et don’t stand ter rea- son. Di@n’t he give us a retaining fee, as he called et?” i * The second man did not answer, for, just.at that moment, around the bend in the shelf road came Paul Wilbur sud Mr. Barr. Then the men in ambush dropped their pipes and raised their rifles instead. “You take ther old one, an’ I’) spot Mister Wilbur, plum’ center,” said the first ambusher. “All right.” 5 Crouching side by side, concealed by the bowlder, the villains took careful aim, each cov- ering a man, and then at a given si, their weapons rung out sharply, and two bits of lead mien Cl their way. It was a terrible interruption, and “ropping their rifles the murderers ran forward with their. revolvers ready, though they bad no: doubt of their aini in the first cise. ~ : ae What they saw was not expected, Both Barr and Wilbur gave evidence of being hit, byt be-. fore they could fall the horse of the former ae sideways like a flash, collided sharply with the second animal, and then both with their riders disappeared over the ledge! The surprised assassips hastened forward and looked down the abyss. Men and beasts bad disappeared in a growth of pines and ragged” rocks far below, but it was as satis r as though they lay dead on the shelf above, “'They’ve saved ther undertaker all e said one of the masked men, wale 4 ““Yes, but bow are we ter get down oe in thunder do we want ter go dewn r “‘Mebbe somebody’ll find ther bodies, ef we leave them thar.” “Don’t you worry about that. I’ve been in mse,” ther Gunnison three year, an’ them twe critters are ther first I ever knowed ter godown in Bar- rel Chasm. Nobody’ll find ther bodies—don’t you worry.” “ Of course they are dead,” said the otherman hesitatingly. “Wal, [reckon they be. They couldn't live through that tumble ef they was made 0’ el’ar iron. Why, ther rocks an’ bushes ain’t left sea’cely a piece en ’em.”. ‘** That’s so; an’’what proof be we ter offer ter old Thayer that they are dead?” “Preoft <Ain’t our word enough?” considerin’ how we kin He; but ? yin’ without »” fe di 'o, sirree, he will come down with ther dust of git’ s’arved as we s'arved them.” : He pointed down the chasm, It had an abrupt ending to Randolph Barr’s mission; and a terrible ending to twe human livés; but the wretches who had se coolly sped the fatal bullets cared nothing ter that. To. them, Barrel Chasm seemed just the Peave grave for men who had been in some- sway. ' CHAPTER IL f BLE out an’ stretch yerself; 4 . on ‘Tom Ba od thollabeoban? ‘Tom Barney open o- ‘of the’ stage with a jerk, and shouted the feregoing words in a way which seemed unnecessarily loud, and then there was a stir from within as of some animal moving in his cage. And the crowd of men who kad surged forth from Jack Magoffin’s ‘‘ hotel” as the stage neared the door— brawny, red-shirted miners were they—looked in eager e Tom Barney had that day Butte. All the way along the road Long Tom had been growling because he had but one passei,. ger; but he had a spice of humor in his nature, nd from the polite way in which he opened tlc stage door, the citizens of the Bar were expect- ing to see either a fernale beauty or a broadcloth a, from Denver, — solitary passenger alighted and stood be- fore them, but the sight was not ome to dazzle their eyes. Since the discovery of gold west of Marshali Pass, the flood-tide of emigration bad sent into Gunnison county a representative of almost every nationality and class of human beings under the sun; but never had so poor a speci- men come to B Bar, in the opinion of the old inhabitants, as this last deposit. He was young for an emigrant, for his years were less than eighteen in number, and about as “green” in appearance as any young man Colcrado bad ever received from other climes. In stature he was almost a man, and plen of muscle lurked along bis arms and shoulders, but be had not yet had time to expand, and was not of faultless shape. The same fault wight have been found with his clothes. They were, without exception, toe small for him. His pants reached only half- way below. his knees, the sleeves of his eoat were equally short, and his hat Jacked the wens proportions of the typical Colorade ar- icle, = And as this awkward, overgrown yous fel- low stood awkward! in front of t dcer, a valise in one band ard an ymbrella in the ether. the spectators failed to see that he had an intel- ligent face and sharp eyes—they saw him only as he was, a boy end a tenderfoot, and a broad smile ran around the cirele. Then one of their number, a stout young fel- low a little older than the new-comer, ran out to meet him. : “T'm the porter,” he said, briskly. ‘Let mo take your grip-sack, mister,” The tenderfoot looked at him closely. ‘‘T was brung up.tew be my own servant,” be modestly said, ‘“‘an’ I guess I won’ trouble ou.” “But they all do it,” persisted the other. ‘*)’m the porter, you see, an’ I Kary ee bag- biel ve me a leetle ’ fur my uuble. : ught from Crested nothin’, so The t 0 shed past the and mounted the stepe of Jack Magoffin’s hotel. e further remarks were made by the men on tho Sane srega and en- “Oh! whar in thunder did you get it, Tom Barney?’ demanded the young fellow who had tancy to see what ° mY
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, ‘ s «laimed te be the “porter,” and he seemed in aome way to be a good deal amused. ‘Now yeu shut up, Dave French. ‘Pye sounded that youngster on ther way over, an’ I reckon he desarves good usage, He's an orphin, he says, av’ anxious to get ahead in ther world— ready to work «n’ all that sort o’ thing, He is green an’ awk’ard, but, I say, give him a show.” Long Tom Barney ke with unusual em- phasis. He was a rough-and-ready fellow him- self, and seldom missed a chance for fun, but be had been thinking all the way over that his inexperienced passenger would stand a poor chance with the rough characters at Buzzard Bar, and be felt rather sorry for bim. Just then, however, there was no discussion, for Barney drove away to stable his horses, and the erowd rolled inside, partly because it was their usual quarters, and partly because they wanted to see the tenderfoot. The latter stood at the bar talking with Jack Magoffia, and his ill-sha) form and worse- shaped clothes were only less conspicuous than his “grip-sack.” Jack was treating him politely, having first made sure that there was monéy at hand to pay all bills, for he was not particular what kind of lodgers he housed, so long as the money was sure. ' “Set right down at a table,” Jack was say- ing, ** an’ you shell hev your supper in a shake, ‘This hyar edifice ain’t a New York hotel, an’ ther dinin’-room are right hyar. Squat an’ you kin hey all you want ter eat. What did you say your name was?” ‘« Foshua Pepper, sir,” was the meek reply. “We don’t geep a register, but you kin s' et, I reckon. it down!” The boy bad been looking at the crowd who had filed in, and his face bore an uncertain, half- troubled look. Something about the rough fellows did not please him, but he finally sat down at a table, depositing his baggage be- tween his feet. Once more the crowd smiled. They were some of the roughest men ia Buzzard Bar—Sam Crowell, Pistol Pete, Fighting Sim, Sile Barker and others; ameng whom Dave French, the young fellow who had first accosted the tender- toot, was far from being the least. Dave had been a guardian of sheep, near Hugo, in the days before Gunnison county had made itself known, but he had little in his na- ture that was lamb-like. P A hard bey was Dave, a good revolver shot and handy with his fists, and when he took a spite against one of his years he was pied sure to go through victoriously; and with him vic- tory meant a display of all his lawless ways. He watched the Boy Tenderfoot, as the latter fell to eating, with an expression of dubious meaning on his face. He had been thwarted at the start in his attempt to raise a laugh at Joshua’s expense, and now he was planning fresh mischief. It would have been an easy matter to hurl some sort of a missile at the young pilgrim or his supper, but “Frenchy,” as Dave was fa- miliarly called, hai one very good reason for not prooeeding to extreme measures. Long Tom Barney, the stage driver, had en- tered the room, swallowed a mixture of “ some- thing hot” and taken a seat near at hand, and Dave knew that he would not stand idle if the ease went beyond a certain point. Against the ex-cowboy he had an old grudge and though he was not one to lift his han against a man of half bis size without provoca- tion, he would be only too willing to bring Dave to grief. The latter looked up as Sile Barber crossed the room and sat down beside him. ““T say, can’t we hev some fun out o” this ec icken?? Sile asked. _ ‘I don’t see nothin’ to prevent. Go right in. ‘Don’t you want ther job?” Dave hesitated for a moment, ‘Not while Long Tom is around,” he finally admitted. Sile did not need any Cxpllne iiss, He knew Long Tom Barney himself, and as he looked across the room at the six-footer, it struck him he might have an object in hanging around Magofiin’s that nigbt—for Barney had a young wife at the other end of the Bar, and he usually headed for home as soon as he struck the camp, “You're right, Frenchy,” he said, in a su dued voice. “Let's lay low an’ give nary a whisper, an’ purty soon Tom. | go home. Then, we'll hev some fun with the tenderfoot.” ‘*He’s a harnsome bird, ain’t he?” **Harnsome ain't no name fur it. He’s ther ‘Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. 3 pootiest pilgrim in ther Gunnison. Look at his ha’r! Reminds me o’ ther oxen my dad used ter drive in York State. We called one on ’em Buck, an’ t’other Brindle.” “Brindle? That'd be a mighty good name fur this chap. What did he say his name was? Josh Pepper, or suthin’ o’ ther kind. Brindle Josh would jest fit him an’ kiver that ba’r o’ bis as a rainbow covers a hog’s back.” Frenchy spoke viciously, for he had already taken a causeless dislike to the boy pilgrim; and as Sile added his mite to the contribution they managed to say some rather kean things about Joshua Pepper. The latter ate his supper in silence, but he glanced about the room now and then, first at its equipments and then at the men in the red shirts, and in eyery way he betrayed the fact that he was a ‘stranger in a strange land.” Having finished his supper, he retained his seat; but from his frequent glances toward Yack Magoffia, who was bitin, | Eastern news to @ prospector fresh from the Elk Moun- tains, it would seem that Joshua wished to catch the landlord’s attention, but was too bash- ful to press forward, Meanwhile, Long Tom Barney, failing to see signs of trouble in the camp, gave way to his desire to roast’ his feet over his ewn stove, Brows, stretched himself, and went out ef the oor, Frenchy and Sile exchan, glances, * Their time had come, and, with their plans all ar- ran further delay was unnecessary. Sile arose, stretched himself as carelessly as Barney had done, and then walked forward and took a seat opposite the young pilgrim. ‘ CHAPTER IIL THE PIPE OF PEACE—AND WAR, Buzzarp Bar was a young town at the time of which we write, and it will be many years yet before itcan boast of maturity. Its history was similar to that of the majority of the towtis in the Gunnison. Crested Butta was (and is) the metropolis of the county, being the first place settled after the miners pushed through Marshall Pass and found gold beyond; and when the rail- road crawled through the dizzy pass, Crested Butte became the western terminus and the mother town of all the brood beyond, * Irwin, Ruby, Gothic, Pittsburg, Buzzard Bar and other towns sprung up one after another, and the fame of ‘‘the Gunnison” s;read even ag the limits of Colorado. ; ‘be Bar was usually a quiet place. It had never had a plague of road-agents, and there was little promiseuous shooting done, ex- cept when the citizens sampled too much whisky aud went on a blind trail; but there were law- less characters there, the voleano was liable to burst at any time, and, it may be mentioned par- enthetically, Dave French was a young man not very strongly trusted by those who believed in law and order, With this digression, let us resume our story roper. - Site Barker sat down opposite the boy pilgrim and nodded in what he meant tobe a fascinating way. my Wal, young feller,” he said, “how does things strike you? Hope ther Bar pans out ekul ter your expectations.” “T can’t tell yit,” answered the tenderfoot, more promptly than might have been expected. “My dad used tew say that one swarler didn’t make a summer, an’! can’t tell all about this taown in ten minutes.” “* O’ course not, o’ course not,” said Sile briskly. “You will need ter look around ter-morrer. Goin’ ter locate hyar?” “Maybe. I can’t tell—” “Ef you want ter buy shares in ther best mine in ther Gunnison, I’m your man, I'll sell cheap—say at—” 7 Joshua shook his head. “‘T hain’t got any money,” he said. “I come here tew make money, instead o’ spendin’ it.” ‘‘Want a job?” ¢ “Yes, that’s what Icome for, an’ Imust have one tarnal quick, tew. Dad give me enough money tew get tew Denver, an’ then I earned enough tew come here, but it’s pritty nigh gone now. The boy heaved a sigh. He was hundreds of miles from home, among strangers and_ nearly penniless, and he had Reon in Colorado long enough to know that money is there, as every- where else, a hard thing to find and secure. . At this point, Sile fairly boiled over with seeming good will and interest. He leaned for- ward over the table, punctuated his remarks with his finger, which was waved near Joshua’s face, and then poured upon him a flood of what Pepe to be good advice and practical infor- mation, At times, however, the fellow’s eyes wavered and seemed taking in something beyond their table, but, unconscious of premeditated mis- chief, the tenderfoot listened to his new ac- quaintances. Mischief, however, was brewing, and Davo French was at the bottom of it'all. He had slowly made his way around behind Joshuu’s chair, and with a skill worthy of a better cause had succeeded in tying a string to the precivus valise resting between the tenderfoot’s feet. At last the trap was ready for the springing, and while Josh was listening with wide-open mouth and eyes, be was bcp am, to have his Wallen glide from beneath his feet as though gifted with life. At the same moment Sile Barker abruptly arose, knocking over the table and nearly up- setting the young pilgrim, while the unremoved dishes went clattering to the floor. Josh wie saved himself from falling by drop- pin ie fours, but in a moment he was on oy / **Thunderation! was et an’ ’art! ?” Bile Barker de ed, in assumed ; Joshua Reels heard him. Hesaw the over- turned table | the scattered dishes, but his valise was nowhere to be seen. He looked all or ie room, and then a scared look settled on ce, “tes ome Pans reais at the otter tablex, @ majority sm. 7 all smoking uncon: cernedly. Rison ane rest was Dave French, who looked the picture of innocence, — ‘““Where’s my valise?” the tenderfost asked, his yoice tremb ing a little, ete “Yer what?” asked Sile. ‘Oh, T savvy.” Yon mean yer grip-sack. Wa-al, I dunne—ain’t it fell inter one o’ yer butes?” eytal : “T reckon et are gone abind ther bar fur a drink,” said Dave French, unable te remain si- lent. erthe fal “Have yeou seen it?” the tenderfoot asked. “No. Dve resigned my orfice as perter,” the ex-cowboy nonchalantly said, 1 28 Joshua allowed his gaze te wander from D- ve to Sile, and then over to the other met. He looked alarmed, as well he might, for in the valise were all of the valuables he had in the word, a to lose even that much was a great calamity. He was well aware that he was the victim of a trick, for he had been uainted with the valise for fifteen years, and w it was not ssed of estrian accompl ents ip tself, but he did not know just where te place the blame. : Some one, either for mischief er rebbery, had made way with his bageagy whe was ? Joshua was sharp enough to see a way of learning. He noticed that one of the miners sitting near him neither smiled nor leoked in the least d amused. On the contrary, his expression satisfied Josh that he @id not, ap- prove of the trick, Prise ddbns, “Sir,” said the boy bashfully, “will yeou tell me where that valise is?” Aaya ‘“Wal, ther last I see’d o: 't *bwar a-shootiy” through that thar winder,” was the ready 1. - ply. ‘Es fur how it happened ter & renchy Fei ter be able ter tell you best. “He chuckei et out!” yy Joshua gave one reproachful glance at Dave French, alias Frenchy, and then darted throng!: the door in search of the valise, oe Dave and his partner in mischief, Bile Barker, burst into a loud laugh, and then the former sprung forward to bar the onter door; but Jack Magoffin carelessly reached under’ his bar, brougbt out a polished six-shooter and covered | the ex-cowboy, ; , “Hold up thar!” he said, quietly. “Look this way, Frenchy.” / The young ruffian turned and saw the revol- ver covering bis head. ity “‘T don’t mind a leetle fun at ther funeral. boyee,” said Magoffin, cheerfully: “ but that thar door never is locked until midnight, Let gf ike d for Magoffin’s ekill renchy bad a due regard for Ma n’s ek with his Smith & Wesson, and he turned and went sulkily back to his seat, but brightened up as a ne ees * ae valise To: pent a e@ had foun -property outside in goor condition, but his look was not that ef a Hepg rson. j ; : Pela afeerd I was a leetle vig’ Sai Fait, Freneby, in a pacific tone. ‘Ef so, ’m sorry BD it sha’n’t happen ag’in., Set down, Josh, set own. There was only one vacant seat, and that was at the table opposite ; but the tender-
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4 foot, after a glance about the room, slid into the chair as though afraid it would arise and sail away with him for an unwilling passenger. He looked so green and acted so awkwardly that some of the men pitied him, but this cless kept silent because tenderfeet were common in the Gunnison, all that remained had to endure n species of hazing, like a student at college, und tbe sooner poor Josh took his various de- | frees, the sooner he would be out of trouble. Perhaps none of these specious reasoners, however, ever found themselves a thousand | miles from every acquaintance, at the age of seventeen, like this overgrown boy with the valise, Dave French smiled in a self-satisfied way. “Ym a great hand fur tricks,” he resumed, “an’ I sometimes carry them too fur, which | makes me feel bad arterwards; but ter show you that I don’t hold any spite, allow me ter offer you a few drags from this byer pipe o’ mine,” it. blandly ; “T have another, Take it an’ smoke hearty.” “Tm much obl .” said the tentlerfoot, hastily, “but I don 7 ‘Then it is time ter arn. You'll never see another pipe like this. Take it!” Dave's voice was growing a trifle peremptory, ‘but still the pipe remained in his hand. “If you’ve got a saw-will handy, yeou better put it under the wheel an’ give it a goo: sousin’ Joshua. is all right,” said Dave, striking table. ‘Do you mean ter insult me” you M tall, but I don’t mean tew smoke, nuther®>Dad always said that ev’ry whiff from ther bowl was a ony from the bank, an’—” ‘‘Durn your dad!” shouted Dave, with as- sumed anger. “Et’s you an’ me that hes ther floor hyar, an’ thar pipe is atween us. I say you are goin’ ter smoke et, an’, by thunder, you shall!” CHAPTER IV. THE SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST. THE little unpleasantaess had arrived at a crisis. The ex-cowboy had played long enough with his chosen victim in a cat-and-mouse fashion, and now he intended to humiliate him before the spectators and raise a laugh—at the tenderfoot’s expense. y Unluckily for aici Joshua, Davé was not a man who mixed honey with his sting. He was & rough fellow who united a man’s strength and skill with his nineteen M de and conscious | superiority made him a bu was sure that he coakt hateile the tender- foot with one hand, if it came to that, and he | was not one to show mercy. Joshua, however, exhibited sudden and unex- i pected resolution in the face of the last asser- | tion. “Tl be gosh-darned if I dew!” he said, draw- ing back Poni the proffered pipe. ‘Dad al- ways said a new bridge was none tew good fur him tew cross, an’ when I smoke, it won't be | with a pipe so tarnal black as that air ag 1 The red-shirted miners looked up with fresh interest. Not for one moment had they ex- peeted to see the young stranger exhibit cour- «28, but his foot had come down emphatically, and he won friends by the speech, though some regretted it because Dave French was then sure to push him to the wall. @ moment the latter was rendered s loss by the rank rebellion, and then a re deepened the color of his face, “Why, you long- legged. slab-sided, lantern- jawed son of a coyote!’ he howled, in a voice ech- flush intended to terrify the object of bis wrath, | “what do you mean? Do you know who I be? Do yer know Tam boss in Buzzard Bar? Look hyar, now, let me give ve a bit o’ advice. ou’re a stranger byar, an’ sech hev ter be *nishiated an’ ter obey ther powers that be. Now, I ain’t a hard man, but I'm sot in my way. Isay you mu:t smoke that pipe, an’ ef you don’t do it, ’'1 mop up ther whole floor with yel” « And once more Dave’s fist made the table tremble, ““ Wal, I dunno about that,” Joshua returned, had Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. — with his former promptness. ‘‘Dad used tew | say that this was a free country all the way | from Maino tew Californy, an’ while it is so, i'm bound tew be my own boss.” Overon the floor went Dave’s chair as he | bounded up, and then he strode around the | table and laid one big, red hand on the tender- | foot’s shoulder. “Shut your teeth on that pipe an’ smoke,” he grimly said, “‘or by ther etarnal I'll drive your ivories down your throat!” He held one fist in front of Joshua’s nose to emphasize his remark, and the atmosphere began to grow blue around the pair. Several of the miners arose, the majority of them still in harmony with Dave, and the young pilgrim was at last driven to the wall. e must fight or show his back. Evidently he was himself aware of this fact, for he wriggled out of his chair and to his feet with an agility which surprised all. “* By gosh!” he forcibly said, * you are push- | in’ this matter most tew fur. If yeou want tu smoke i old pipe, dew so; but I’ll be darned ef [ will!” ' And he stood remarkably straight and looked defiance at the young bully. | The latter walked around the vacant chair ' and faced his victim with his fists doubled and | an ugly look on his coarse features. “Brindle Josh,” he said, deliberately, “ you hev insulted « man that never stands sass or takes water. You hey burt my feelings, an’ ther only way oO’ apology is ter fight. Knuckle ag’in’ knuckle, an’ muscle agin’ muscle, shall settle it.” “Come ahead, then, yeou darned fool!” cried | Josh, belligerently. ‘I ain’t a fightin’ man, but Thad an unele who did fight three year iu the big war, an’ I guess the blood ain’t all ron eout yit!” The die was cast; the collision must come; | but for a moment Dave hesitated. Well aware | that he had a fine form, he wished the miners of ; maturer years to look at him well—against | some of them he had grudges he meant to pay | off some time; and this was a chance to make an | impression. re was a vast contrast in the appearance of the two prospective pygilists. Dave, although but n:neteen years of age and smooth of face, had the form of a man—the compact, sinewy form resulting from his wild, outdoor life, and, withal, he looked like a yeri- table prize fighter as he tore the mask to de- molish the tenderfoot. | The latter was near] | and, though fully as tall, possessed a form in no { degree comparable with his opponent’s. At first | sig tan observer would have doubted whether his various limbs were really jointed to his body, | So loosely did they seemed %o | survey revealed the fact that a awkwardness was due to his ill-fitting garments, while a promising breadth of shoulder and chest gradually made itself visible. He stood with his hands raised for a guard, | but even there be was open to criticism; no pro- fessional would have commended the position. His uncouthness impressed even Dave French, | and while a smile crossed his face, he suddenly thrust out bis thumb and finger and tried to catch Joshua’s nose;a breach of politeness which was frustrated by a brush of the tenderfoot’s broad hand. That, however, serycd as a good excuse for Dave to open hostilities, and his ponderous left fist suddenly shot forward, straight toward | Joshua’s face—and spent its force on the empty air. By some cunning move—no; it must have been mere chance—-he had’ passed the fist over | his shoulder and saved his face. | The failure acted on Dave like a spur, and _ with an angry exclamation he pressed forward, striking out as rapidly as possible. Accordin Josh” ought by that time to have been knocked out of ig hi very much to the surprise of | every one, he had passed aside or dodged all of these sledge-hammer blows. The veterans of the pick began to look at him _ with fresh interest. He was showing a skill not | to be expected in any boy of his age, while for such a simple looking youth, it was little less than marvelous. Some of the men enjoyed Dave's want of suc- | cess and began to andibly taunt bim, and their | words stung the ex-cowboy to a fury. | He pressed forward so rapidly that Joshua | Was steadily driven back, but every blow spent | its force on the air or was neatly egos and Dave was fast losing what science he had ever possessed, two years his junior hang; but a closer little of this | to his own estimate, ‘“ Brindle | Thus far in the battle the tenderfoot had not lost his sleepy look, but, anon, a brighter light began to creep into his dull blue eyes. If ay don’t go away, there will be trouble here,” he warningly said. “Trouble? Why, you red-headed gorilla, 1’11 knock you all ter pieces,” foamed Dave, The light in the tenderfoot’s eyes grew stil} brighter, and he watched his assailant’s move-, ments more closely; then with a quick mov: ment he drove his heavy fist through Dave s guard and encountered something solid behina. One moment the ex-cowboy was pounding the air in bis strength and pride, the next he was on the floor, having knocked over a chair ip his descent, and sprawling about in a way most bupaiasing to one whose pride was in his strength, A series of shouts arose from the miners, all taunting of word and inflection, even the ma- jority of his friends laughing at his downfall. He came up quickly, bis face red from wrath, but redder still on one cheek, where showed the imprint of the blow which had 2 ighg ties him, and like a wild buffalo be rushed at Joshua. The latter, however, was done playing. His fist met Dave half-way, and once more there was a heavy fall. ‘‘ Did you hear anything drop?” ‘“* Where was Frenchy when ther light went out?’ “ee ther mark, Frenchy; what yer skeered ° ‘Ten ter one on ther tenderfoot!” These and o her shouts greeted the ears of the young man from Hugo as he arose, but though furious with be was not a fool. He bad seen enough of tenderfoot to be sure that he could not whip him a la Heenan, and he re- solved to try another method, ; He darted forward, and when Joshua struck managed to dodge blow and catch him about the waist. Here, at least, bis strength would give him speedy victory — unless Daye argued incorrectly. Once more, however, the pilgrim found him- self at home. d his bands and caught his ent, and though the latter had secured. bas advantageous a hold, he failed to secure a all. f Back and forth over the floor they struggled, and as the interest of the spectators increased, they cheered until the noise was almost deafen- ing; while Jack Magoffin, forgetful of trade and order, mounted the bar, and looking over the heads of the crowd, clapped his hands vigor- ously. E a idea had entered the tenderfoot’s mind but Dave French was no mean adversary, and. he was some time in executimg it. First of all, it was necessary to break his hold, and before this could be effected the two had gone over nearly the whole space of the floor, greatly to the peril of tables and chairs, and the: ipa crowd was kept on the move to avoid them. At last, however, they fell over a chair, and Dave’s tenacious hold was broken, and when they arose it was to secure one mutually fair, ard to renew the struggle as briskly as before. Josbua, however, bad not forgotten his former idea, and he soon saw a chance to execute it. Suddenly putting out all his‘strength, he lifted the ex-cowboy ily, raised him on high, and then, with a tremendous effort, dashed him through the very window outof which Dave had a little before thrown the inoffensive valise. CHAPTER V. THE FIRST STEP. DAVE FRENCH had come to grief in a manner at once novel] and very appropriate, but he bad no sooner disappeared through the window than the shouts of the miners ceased. The ex-cowboy’s friends were an, at the way he had been ejected, while those who cared not ing for him grew suave at the thought of what they believed would be the next step in his warfare. Sile Barker crossed the room and looked at Joshua with a threatening seowl. “You think yer did a mighty smart thing then, don’t yer?’ he demanded, “I’ve {Foe & good mind ter smash yer red head fur ye! “That's jest what he tried tew dew,” re- turned the tenderfoot, promptly. ‘‘Yeou seen haow it worked, didn’t woe “None o’ your back-talk, you corkscrew- legged cockroach!” roared the man, ug his Joshua’s face. ‘One more word o’ im- an’ Pll smash you all in pieces!” ““T wouldn’t!” said a quiet voice at his elbow. Barker wheeled suddenly. Beside bim stood a small, rather insignificant-looking man of mid- ee } *
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die age—the kind of a man nine persons out of ten would set down to be as harmless as a coyote. Barker, however, knew him better than that. He was called Pistol Pete, and, besides being the best revolver shot at the Bar, was | without mercy when once aroused out of his usual quietness. Sile stared at him in silence. ‘‘ This matter has gone far enough,” said Pis- tol Pete, calmly. ‘‘ Dave French has been i vaten at his own game, and that settles the rvatter, You won't touch the tenderfoot, andif l‘renehy comes in, as I expect he will, with his revolver drawn, he must drop it.” Every word was as quiet as though the talk concerned only a breakfast; but Sile knew the man meant what he said, and he, for one, did not care to anger him. Just then Dave sprung through the door, his vevolver out as Pete had prophesied, and his flaming eyes seeking the cause of his misfortune. Instead, he saw Pistol Pete. ‘*Put down the shooter,” said the latter, quiet- ly. ‘* If you try to sling lead at the boy I shall take a hand in the game, and you know I carry a thirty-two caliber.” | Dave’s hand dropped like a lump of lead. Of all the men in the Gunnison, he feared Pistol | Pete most. It was the first time they had ever | | send bim around ter ther house,” but his words fell like a dash of cold water on | been against each other, for Pete was no angel, the young bully. One moment his face worked strangely and his color changed from red to white, for he was ‘terribly angry, but he had considerable self-con- trol when he saw fit to use it, and he finally ended by bursting into a laugh. ‘Have your own way, Pete,” he said, with pretended carelessness, ‘ but it strikes me thet ef you interfere ter protect your friends you orter also keep them from chuckin’ other folks out o’ ther winder.” “Your argument ain’t worth answering,” said Pete, as he turned away. ‘Still, jedging from what I’ve seen o’ the tenderfoot, I advise you to let him alone,” Peace was restored on the surface. Joshua quietly resumed his seat, and the miners did the same. This time Dave and Sile went to the further side of the room, and seemed to bhava abandoned all thoughts of further warfare; but Josh noticed that they talked earnestly and frequently glanced his way. ow that the excitement was over, the young stranger began to feel down-hearted and home- sick. He was no world-wise person in disguise; he was merely a country boy far from home, and at last he was beginning to realize that rough places lie in the path of the youth who tries to climb the ladder of life. When at home Joshua had known a French- man who had once been a boxing-master in New York city, ani who was besides a fine shot and swordsman, and from him he had learned the art of self-defense. It was the knowledge thus acquired which had enabled him to defeat Dave French, but his courage wavered a good deal now that the ex- citement was over. He felt the need of some friend, or lack- ing that, of well-meant,advice, but he knew not who to ask. Pistol Pete had begun a game of poker with some of the other miners, and Josh- Pe ene a felt that he was not a desirable riend. Finally, anxious to be out of the room; he beciteey, approached Jack Magoffin and asked to be shown to his sleeping ap:rtment. Magoffin seemed to have been struck by a heavy frost of some stamp, for he no longer looked with friendly eyes on his guest. With- out a word he took a light, conducted the ten- derfoot up a rude stairway to a still ruder room, pointed to a bed which surpassed every- thing else in rudeness, placed the light on the stool, which was the only article of furniture, and returned to his bar. Joshua Pepper was alone, and a more home- sick boy was not to be found anywhere. He was no coward, as he had that evening proved, but he was away from home for the first time in his life, and he bad just begun to realize that breakers lie thickly along the river of life. The doubts, fears and troubles of the young “pligrim” during that night may be imagined. Suffice it to say, he had no furtber adventure, | and morning found him alive and well, even as the sight of daylight served to néarly banish his homesickness. Just at that time he was the only lodgerin the hotel; and when he went down to the bar-room he found the place without a single occupant excepting ffin, who greeted him with a nod of unexpected graciousness. | Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. 5 —— The burly landlord, however, had taken a fancy to him because of the courage he had shown the previous evening, and he showed it in more than one way before the interview was over. “You did amazin’ wal,” he said, as Joshua ate his breakfast. ‘I really didn’t think thar war another youngster in ther Gunnison that could handle Dave French. Yas, you did wal, but you’ve got ter keep your eyes open arter this. Frenchy es as venomous as a rattlesnake, an’ you kin jist bet that he’ll try ter get squar’ with yer in some way.” ‘He forced the quarrel on me,” said Joshua, “That don’t make any difference; you tuk his pride way down, an’ he’s goin’ ter hev re- ae ef he can git it. What you goin’ ter of The sudden change of subject, and the impor- tance of the question, made Joshua start, but he answered bravely: ‘* Most anything I can git a chance at,” he said. **T know a man that wants a boy,” said Ma- goffin, with an earnest air. Joshua laid down his knife. **T wish be’d take me,” he said. “ Mebbe he will. He told me tother day that ef any likely young tenderfoot came along, ter ‘* Where i; it?’ Josbua eagerly asked. “P)l show you arter breakfast. His name is Jared Thayer. Ef you kin get inter his good graces, you are made, for sure. He’s ther head pardner o’ ther firm o’ Thayer & Foster, ther | same that owns ther Tiger Mine; and he has got piles’ o’ dust, mine when it war cl’ar played out, an’ they’ve made things bum ever since, Ef he cottons to yer, ye may think yerself ther luckiest galoot in Colorado.” Joshua was excited over the prospect, and when, after breakfast, Magoffin put his place in chargé of bis assistant and walked over to Thayer’s with the tenderfoot, the latter was | filled with the wildest hopes. * If he tad known Taek Magoffin better, hed would have scarcely felt so much pleased, for it was a well known facet at the Bar that the Jand- lord never took any step not calculated to result; to his personal advantage. They reached the residence of Mr, Thayer—a very large, pretentious building for Buzzard Batand: Magoffin played a tattoo on the door which speedily brought into view a young lady of rather prepossessing appearance. Joshua was astonished, and while he stared at the girl, she reciprocated with equal interest. She was probably «! just about his own age, but she was far more mature of appearance and would have passed for twenty. “Mandy, is yer old man in?” Magcffia brisk- ly asked, with a wave of bis band. ‘* Rather,” she admitted. “Trot up and see him if you want to.” She spoke languidly and stepped aside for them to pass, and, somehow, Josbua felt a’ good deal impressed by her appearance. She was gayly, if not tastefully dressed, and it was no small matter to be the daughter of the richest man of the Bar. . Bhey entered another room and stood in the presence of Mr. Jared Thayer. During the in- terview which followed, Joshua was too ex- cited to scan him critically, but he saw a large, fleshy man, with a smooth-sbaven, benevolent-— looking face, and had be been announced as ‘a minister, the boy would not have doubted it. Mr, Thayer spoke in a bland, smooth tone, and in the course of half an hour he had asked the applicant a great number of questions— questions which were very readily answered as time wore on and Thayer did not criticise any- thing his caller said. . Aft last he leaned back in his chair. “I think you and I will do,” he said, blandly. “‘T want a young man for general work of a light nature abont my office, at the mine and in the house. Your education makes you. es- pecially desirable, and you can enter upon your duties as soon as you see fit. Your terms are reasonable and the pay may be increased, while, in all cases, it will be promptly given you. CHAPTER VI. THE MIDNIGHT INTRUDER. A WEEK pass d quietly away, so far as the ex- perience of Joshua Pepper was concerned. All the while be had been engaged on his duties for Mr. Thayer, or, as it seemed, since he was so much in the office and about the mine, for Thayer and Foster. The junior mumber of the firm was a man of Him and Foster tuk ther | less polish than his partner, but he was a prac- tical miner and fully able to look out for the dollars and cents. Joshua, without questioning, had reeeived a ‘ood deal of information about matters around uzzard Bar, and, among other things about the Tiger Mine, It had never been @ prosper- ous concern until the present owners teok it in hand. Before, it had passed through the owner- ship of a dozen parties, and, once, it had been in the hands of an Eastern man; but he came to the Bar and sold to Thayer & Foster, who soon made the place pay. All this news Joshua heard with indifference at the time, but it was destined to come baelr to him more forcibly at a later day. The personal appearance of the tenderfoot had improved somewhat. His ill-fitting gar- ments had been thrown byt and replaced by a mining-suit, and as he walked the streets in the glory of his red shirt and big hat, he looked better and felfi more at home than he bad done during his first night at the Bar. Since that night he had never spoken to Dave French. Twice he had seen him pass the office of Tha- af & Foster, but during ‘the day the Jouve ully was employed at another mine and Joshua did not go out in the evening. Consequently, the ex-cowboy had not yet had a chance to manifest any spite he might have. Matters were going very smoothly with Joshua. Both partners used him well, and Thayer was almost fatherly in bis bland kind- ness, Amanda also figured somewhat in the youth’s experience, f he was a young lady of a turn of mind sél- dom seen in the Gunnison, for, though somewhat given to crudities of speech, she was as languid and, in her own estimation, as refined as an Eastern belle. } Joshua decided, after a day or two, that she “meant well but wasn’t very smart ”—and a good many people would have agreed with im. ; Toward her father’s * clerk,”'as Th to call him, she was always polite, in lent way, and had never sbown any signs tha: she observed his want of experience in Western ways: but she bestowed few unnecessary wore < mak him, and be was not inclined to seek for them. R : He slept in the senior partner’s house, which, as has before been said, was a pretentious struc- ture for Buzzard Bar, but at the same time it laeked all that comes under the name elegant. Joshua had the upper floor to himself, so far as human occupancy was ¢oncerned. That part lacked the first steps toward Pe enters t Josh had slept in rooms a good deal Jike it in the East, and did not mind his surroundings as long as the bed was good and comfortable. ; At one end of the long, garret-like place was his bed; and this, with a single chair, comprised. the furniture, though he still clung to bis valise’ and often looked at it affectionately as it bung fe . d vgw on a peg. One nitty after climbing up to his room, the youth sat down on the floor and, using the chair for a table, wrote a letter to the “old folks at home.” By the time it was finished he was almost asleep, and quickly getting into bed he soon Jost consciousness, and slept as only young people c ‘er chose er indo- an. What it was that awakened him he never knew—it certainly was not any noise—but at last his eyes opened, and he was as wide awake’ as though it bad been midday. : Still, without stirring, he noted the fact that it was still-dark, and he was about to ‘turn him- self in bed when an unusual sound from a ‘point only a few feet distant attracted his attention and kept him motionless, Oe es? hia The sound was repeated—something which sounded like a cautious footstep—but as Joshna had never known any person except himselt’ to be in the room, he listened with a good deal of interest. ; ‘ \ Again the sound. : Joshua lifted his head and tried to see through the darkness, but the attempt ‘was a failure. Then, once more, he heard the sound, this time ear néar the bed, and, beyond a doubt, a foot all. ns The discovery did not alarm bim, for be bad | no doubt as to the identity of the prowler. “Ts that you; Mr. Thayer?” he asked. , The cautious movements immediately ceased, but, to Joshua’s surprise, no answer was re- turned. 7 He repeated the sig and then sat up- right, peering into the darkness, and wonder-
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J osh, the Boy Tenderfoot. ing way no notice was taken of what he had tid, Lhe.matter was soon settled. Even while Josbua was looking to the left, a strong hand | encircled his neck, and something cold and hard was epremad against bis right temple. ‘‘Bilence!” hissed. a voice in his ear. ‘One word and you die!” Jt was a useless command, for the youth eould not have spoken if he would, but it served to, keep him from making a struggle. Should the hold en his neck be Palit ar he would 200n be brought to the peintof strangulation, but he was shrewd enough to see that the most imminent danger was from the revolver, and he concluded to make complete obedience. Therefore, he kept his place as though turned to a statue. “Zam going to give you a chance to breathe,” continued his assailant: ‘‘ but you will remem- ber that my revolver is at your head, and if you utter a cry or try to escape, out go your brains.” He dropped his hand from Joshua’s throat, but only to transfar his grasp to his arm, “Who in thunder are you?” he then de- manded, “I guess it’s my place ter ask that question,” gaid the youth. ‘‘l belong here an’ yeou don’t, om jain’s Mr. Thayer nor ’Mandy—who be yeou?’ : ‘Since you are so anxious, I am a cutthroat of the first water. I have killed over forty men by daylight and “twenty-seven at night, That brings us down to my own question. Who are wo ge “Wal, so far as name goes, I’m Joshua Pep- pen son, eo’ Job Pepper, o’ York State,” said the derfoot, calmly. “T never heard of you before. Do-you be- long in this house?” “T guess I.do, mister. I'm bookkeeper fur Thayer & Foster.” “Abal a new steer in the pasture. Well, this rather surprises me. I did not expect to meet you. What ‘are you, anyhow—boy or manj” ‘ “A man, an’ I weight two hundred—no, Ill be darned if Ldew. Dad always said truth was a jewel beyond price, I’m seventeen year old, most eighteen, But, see here, mister, what be eou ,foin’ in this haouse? Yeou don’t belong ere, ‘lam happy to say that I do not, but you will readily perceive that I am here just the same. To further impress the fact on your mind, I shall have to bind you, hand and foot, an) insert a gag in your mouth.” ** Thunderation!” said Joshua, really alarmed, “What is that for? What have I did—” * Nothing, as yet, and I don’t intend that you shall. An ounce of prevention, aud so forth, Hold out your hand, young man!’ Joshua was thinking rapidly and trying to discover a way out of tais unexpected trouble. He had not the mich vert idea who this stranger was, but it was evident he was in the house with hostile intentions. At the least, be must intend robbery; it might be he harbored thoughts of murder, By nature and training, Joshua was loyal to his friends, if nothing more, and Mr. Thayer being bis employer, be was anxious to protect him.and his property. But, what could he do? Menaced Py a revol- ver, it seemed as though the case was hopeless. ‘aa Hold ous your hands!”’ repeated the stranger ively. The Boy Tenderfoot had reached a decision. Rash, reckless and foolish though it might be, he was resolved to make a bold attempt to de- feat the intruder. raised his hands, and the man had begun to mutter some commendatory remarks when with all his power, and with fhe skill Jearn from the old French boxing-master, Joshua lanted one of his fists uncer the chin so oblig- Tog! y held above him. The blew, though delivered in the dark, was a complete success, and the disappearance of the man from the bedside was followed by a heavy crash as he struck the floor. Another moment and Joshua was on bis feet, and while his loud cries of alarm rung out with startling clearness, he bounded toward the stairs which led to the lower part of the house. He had moved quickly, but the stranger was not less active, and as Joshua seemed on the eve of s he was caught by the shoulder and uccess, hurled to the floor. ; Another moment, and an iron grasp was fixed ou bis neck and a heavy knee almost crushed his chest, “You infernal hound!” hissed the stranger, ‘you have blocked my game, and now, by Judas, I'll have your life for it!” Joshua tried to shout again, to free himself from that terrible grasp, but his strength was not equal to the emergency and his efforts were fruitless, He experienced for the first time in his life, the terrible feeling of strangulation, and with a panorama of celors floating before his eyes, lost censciousness entirely. CHAPTER VII. JOSHUA HAS ANOTHER ADVENTURE, Tur Boy Tenderfoot was not dead, however, and, after a somewhat lengthy period of uncon- ciousness, he opened his eyes, Thoyer was bending over him and immedi- ately hailed his sign of life with joy. “Boy, what has been the matter here?’ he demanded, with considerable excitement, “Did you catch him?’ Joshua asked, sitting upright, “Catch who?” “The man that choked me;” and our youn hero dismally caressed his neck, which sti ached under the pressure it had received, ‘Was there a man here?” “Wal, I guess there was—” “Who was it?” “T don’t know, no more nor the dead, but I guess I scart him off.” ‘Tell me all about it.” At that moment Amanda entered the room, a little pale of face but outwardly calm, and from her manner it was plain she had been there before since the assault occurred, Joshua told his story and Mr. Thayer listened attentively. | Still, there was little to be learned—barely the fact that an interloper of some kind hid been in the house—and the trio were left fo wonder what had beea his object. lt was Amanda who made the majority of the suggestions, while Thayer, on his part, looked steadily at vacancy for a long time and seemed considering some matter he did not mention to the younger people, Whoever the stranger had been, he came no more that n ght and the following morning found all quiet around the house, Mr. Thayer seemed strangely gloomy, and, after breakfast, walked over to where Foster, his partner, kept ‘‘ bachelor’s hall” in a very humble sort of a house, “ Halloo!” be said, in surprise, “‘ what brings you over here so early?” “Sit down,” said Thayer, tersely. ‘I’ve something to tell you, and it demands careful consideration.” “Well, heave ahead,” replied Foster, as he calmly lighted his pipe. He heard the story of the midnight prowler with interest, but without showing any partic- ular emotion. ‘I don’t see why you should be stirred up by this affair,” he said. ‘‘ Your red-headed boy scared off the robber, and it will end in your having bolts and bars put on your doors and windows. It’s an evil wind that don’t blow some one good, The unknown failed to make a raise, but you are taught wisdom.” ; ‘* Foster,” said the senior partner, leaning for- ward and speaking earnes.ly. uy had a pe- culiar dream last night—after that affair oc- curred,” Foster lauzhed carelessly. ‘“What new hobby have you got into your head? You dream periodically, and though none of them ever come to pass, you believe implicit in the whole lot.” “ But I never had one so vivid as this before. Why, the scenes are as plain as though I had seen all in the broad light of day. But, Pll tell you all aboutit. You remember that—that the men we hired for a private job—” “Hold up!” said Foster, curtly, as he flashed a quick glance around. ‘ Don’t go to barping on that subject.” ‘Wait, You know what they said was done with the bodies?” ‘* They chucked ’em over a ledge. Yes, yes; Iknow. Now, let it drop.” “Wait,” said Thayer again. “Last night I dreamed that I went to seck the remains of the two men, I found the gulch, but for a long time could find no trace of what I sought. Finally, I came upon two large mounds, such as we see in ordinary cburchyards, only larger. Both had gravestones, and I passed around to read the names. They were these of—” “Will you keep your mouth shut?’ growled Foster, Confound it, man, don’t you know the very walls have ears sometimes? Babble on, if you must, but call no names,” ie abe Thayer passed his band nervously over his smooth, bland face, and then centinued: ““T thought that while I stoed there a white form suddenly a red on kis mound, aud then, steadily ari , it drifted away in the air, moving toward Bugszard Bar.” “Well, where does the joke come in?” Foster demanded, as the senior partmer paused. “T can’t help connecting the two circum- stances,” said Thayer, nervously. ‘‘ The spec- ter toward the Bar, and my house was invaded by an enemy.” Foster burst inte a leud laugh, but finally grew calmer, “‘ My dear sir,” he said, “you might as well think that an ostrich’s legs and a mountain sheep’s body ought to be eenneeted, but since you seem to beso much meved, I will remind you that, following such an excitement as last night’s scare, it wouldn’t nave beem strange if you had dreamed that Tecumseh was again on the war-path, or that you bad reformed and joined a church,” Foster’s words proved that he had little faith in what he could not see, and finally Thayer grew more cheerful under his banter, and they walked together to the office. : Joshua was already there, waiting for the door to be opened, and though he had recovered his usual spirits and health, the junior partner could plainly see the succession ef red spots om his neck which marked the fingers ef the un- known prowler. The day passed quietly away, the only event. of importance being the fact that Joshua went out and purchased a revolver. He had learned to use the weapon in the East, but by advice of his father bad taken none to Colorado. The elder Pepper had been a man of peace, That night passed without trouble, but during the forenoon Joshua had a surprise. He was in the cffice alone, both partners hay- ing gone cut temporarily, when the door un- Caresponleaaly opened and two persons en- tered, Joshua looked at them in surprise. The first was a young lady of nineteen or twenty, a very handsome young lady, too, if Josbua’s opinion went for anything, with her curling black hair, sharp black eyes and acy face, while her every movement proclaimed her a different kind of a person than Miss Amanda Thayer or the average product of the Gunnison. She looked like one bern and bred to riches and civilization. Behind her was a negro of almost. gigantic form, a man whose carriage showed that he be- lieved his great strength made amends for his. lack of a The young lady leoked keenly at Joshua, “Is your name Thayer or Foster?” she asked.. “No, marm,” said Joshua, politely. ‘ Both on ’em are out, but ’f yeou’ll set deown yeom can see them putty soon,” ‘“*What are you?’ she demanded, looking at him in the same sharp manner. “im the book-keeper,” Joshua. answered, with some dignity. , ‘Ah! How long do you expect to keep your: sitaation?” ‘Wal, I don’t know,” he answered, in bewil-- derment, ‘Is it worth anything to you?” “T guess itis. It’s all I’ve got tew depend om far a livin’, an’sech things is hard to get im Colorado.” : : Joshua spoke very earnestly. It had flashed upon his mind that this self. ed young woman had designs on his position—that she either desired it for herself or else that she im some way intended to undermine him. Her manner, too, confused and startled him at first, but the latent force of bis character came to- the service and he resolved to fight rather than surrender, “Well,” she calmly proceeded, “ your future: depends on your answers to me. Have you ever seen a tall, gray-bearded old gentleman in this office?” Joshua reflected for a moment and then shook: his head. “Think carefully,” said the girl, sharply. “Tm sure I ain’t,” be repeated. “Do Thayer & Foster receive all their busi- ness callers here?” “ee Yes. » ‘Well, now, [ want ri to think once more. If you can recollect that old gentleman, yow shall be well paid. Mind now, I don’t want you to tell a falsehood to earn your wages, but I want to get tidingsof a missing man. Have you no recollection of a quarrel between Thayer a a one side and an aged stranger om e other ry
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Joshua, The tone, and she suddenly turned on Josh. “ How Jong have you been in this office?” she ‘ight days, miss.” The girl turned impatiently from him and helped herself to a chair, ‘Sit down, Nemo,” she said, te the negro. The latter obeyed, and Joshua looked at them in an uveertain way. To a certain degree, he felt afraid ef this imperious young woman, he was filled with wonder at her singular course, and he resented the way in which she made her- self at home in the office. He therefore scratched his head doubtfully and leoked first at her, then at the gigantic negro, and, lastly, at the door, to see if either of the partners would appear. Suddenly, struck by a brilliant idea, he asked if he should not go for them. “No,” she eurtly answered. ‘You will not leave the room. Nemo, watch the door!” CHAPTER VIII. A STARTLING VISIT. Tws burly negro moved a little nearer the door, and it dawned upou Joshua that he was practically a prisoner, ati why it should be so, he could not guess, ‘or a moment he thought of read-agents and like robbers, but be knew that if these persons were on that errand they would not let the precious moments slip away. ‘A belligerent feeling began to creep over the youth, and he studied his chances carefully. Near his hand lay a loaded revolver, a potent mcans ef argument in a dispated case, He gla: at his guests. Nemo, the negro, had two huge revolvers in his belt, and the shawl of the young woman, falling back a little, revealed a twenty-two caliber at her waist, He had struck a portable battery. All this went to teach Joshua caution, but his belligerent feelings did not subside. “See here, naow,” he suddenly exclaimed, “what in the name o’ time dew yeou ' ean anyhaowf Be yeou train-robbers or what Buzzard Bar is a civilized a an’—” Joshna stopped short. Just then, Mr. Jared Taayer opened the door and walked into the room. The young woman glanced quickly at Joshua, marked his relieved air, and drew her own conclusions. Mr. Thayer had observed her, and, with his hat off, was bowing proton: “Goed-morning, miss. A lovely morning,” he said, in his bland fashion. WY ly as a sunflower,” she returned, ey- 4 Aeatty ri * Are you the man that runs th lace “ Fee miss, I am the senior partner of the house of Thayer & Foster.” “*T thought so.” “Ab, yes! Is there any way in which I can be of service to youf”’ ‘Yes, You can turn over to me the keys of this place and all other valuables,” she returned, in the same curt, uncompromising way in which she had addressed Joshua. “JI den’t clearly understand,” “he stam- mered. ‘Perhaps you will when I introduce myself. Jam Nora Barr, daughter of Randolph Barr, actual and sole owner of the Tiger Mine.” Straight in the face of the strange girllooked the senior partner. Shortly aud clearly she spoke, aud on his own part he looked like a man struck by a locomotive. x Surprise, doubt, incredulity and consternation seized upon him, one after the other, and’he sat in his chair wi hout motion, a strange pallor on his clerical-looking face. It was some moments before he found words in which to make reply, and when he managed to do so it was not very coherently. ““Whot What—what did you say?” **1 do not see the need of repeating it, but, to eonvince you that [am what I claim, I will go ever the ground more fully. Some months ago ene Randolph Barr, of Washington, purchased the Tiger Mine. He took it without examina- tion, to settle a debt, where he would otherwise have got nothing. Then he sent a lawyer on here to examine the property, but the man re- turned te Washington and said the claim was a ‘sglted’ one and worthless. Some weeks passed on,and Mr. Barr had almost forgotten the mine Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. when he received information that it was being | worked by Thayer & Foster illegally, and that it was paying well.” ‘* A remarkable story,” murmured the senior partner, caressing bis chin. “It is, as you well know, for the Washington lawyer, on arriving here, fell into your tender hands, and it was a present from you that in- duced him to return East avd report the mine worthless.” “Ts this tale copyrighted?’ blandly inquired Mr. Thayer, once more fully himself. “No, sir. It is in such a state that it will soon ‘be common property, unless you surrender the mine. That, howevcr, ts copyrighted, and the Barr family will allow no trespassing. You must surrender the property.” The senior partner smiled in a forbearing ay. “My dear child,” he said, ‘‘you are labor- ing under a mistake. Mr. Fosier_and es self are the sole owners of the Tiger. We bought the mine and paid for it, and that releases us from all obligations to this Randolph Barr— your father, did you say?” “My father, sir,” ‘Why is he not here to present this rémark- able claim?” ‘*T suspect, sir, that you can answer that question better than any one else,” said Nora, beginning with some anger, but speaking un- steadily at the end, ‘*How so, Miss Bar?” “My father, sir, left the East some weeks ago to demand his rights of you. He wrote me from Denver, and then followed utter silence. I did not delay long, but followed in his footsteps. T have traced him to Crested Butte, whica place he left in company with one Paul Wilbur, an experienced miner, and there the trail ends. They did not reach Buzzard Bar. What, sir, became of them?” ‘* Perhaps they are at Irwin or Gothic.” - Nora made an impatient gesture. ‘Let us not deal in suppositions, Mr, Thayer. I meee that you know what became of them!” ‘You, sir.” Mr, Thayer was looking at her steadfastly. If there was a eae he wished to conceal, the mask was skillfully drawn over his smooth, bland face. He would have served as a model of a Sunday school superintendent, greatly sur- prised at some unimportant thing. ‘*] don’t exactly understand,” he said, slowly. “Tam not the keeper of Randolph Barr.” ‘You do well to quote those words,” retorted the girl. ‘They were those of the first Cain; they have been used by many a_subsequent murderer, So you are iu doubt? Well, sir, to make all plain to you, I will say that 1 believe you: cack of the coming of my father, and that you contrived to have him assassinated on the way here!” The accusation was at last made, and then followed a dead silence of several seconds. Thayer looked greatly horrified, but Nora faced him steadily, studying his smooth face, and Nemo, the negro, stood behind her chair with a face that was like marble, though there was a slight glitter in his eyes and his gigantic form looked very impressive. Joshua, on bis part, though a looker-on in Venice, had grown very much interested. He was a young man who believed in right and justice, and, though Thayer wes his employer, is sympathies went over to Nora Barr, to stay until Thayer had proved his innocence, The latter was the coolest person there. Once only, since the interview began, had he shown ne erg something he was not likely to do again. ‘“My dear young woman,” he said, at last, with the old calmness, * a surely cannot be aware of the gravity of your charges. If a man had spoken thus to me, I would ti-row him from my office. I make due allowance for your Gow but, really, you must speak less positive- y. You are accusing me of being a murderer.” “Tam, sir!” “Can you prove it?” “* At present,no.” " ““Then do not make the charge.” There was a threatening undercurrent in Thaver’s voice as he spoke. ‘Well, sir, we will drop that part of the mat- ter for the present. When will you be ready to surrender the mine?” — Thayer frowned. “Let us end this nonsense,” be said, curtly, “‘T have bought the Tiger and paid for it; T have all of the papers to prove the fact, and Thayer & Foster are the sole owners.” “They do not own a square inch of it!” re- 7 “Sim ly that, unless you use more civil lan- guage, I shall eject you from my office,” His black lips parted responsively, and, as she laid her hand on his arm, he drew himself up to his full hight. “This man,” said Miss Barr, ‘is my protec- tor. You can see his size and strength, and I need only add that he goes well armed and is a dead shot, for you to perceive that he is danger- ous when angered. emo would risk his life for me, so, if I were you, I would not try vio- lence, Mr. Thayer.” The mine-owner glared at Nemo, but made ne reply. In fact, he had none suited to the occa- sion. He would not yield, and’ he dared not anger the giant. ° Before the silence was broken by any of them the door opened, and Foster, the junior partner, entered, accompanied by two other men. Nemo stooped and whispered to his mistress, and she arose quietly. “Shall Isee you at Magoffin’s hotel, this after. noon, Mr. Thayer?” she asked. “Yes, yes; I’ll be there promptly,” said he, glad to get rid of the girl at such an awkward moment, “T will expect you then.” She bowed and slowly withdrew, followed by Nemo and the wondering stares of Foster and the other new-comers; but when they ques- tioned Thayer, and rallied bim on bis fair caller, he bad no words which seemed suitable to cover the ground, The man was in a panic, but Nora bad rashly given him a breathing spell, and he meant to use it somehow, CHAPTER 1X. JOSHUA OVERHEARS A CONFERENCE, UnbeERr the banter of the new-comers, who were snrprised to find so pretty and refined a girl as Nore Barr in the office of Thayer & Foster, the senior partner soon recovered his outward composure and settled down to business. Joshua Pepper, too, was engaged on his pro- ner work, but his mind was not witb his fingers. e wrote absently. though correctly, and all the while thought of Nora Barr. Our young friend had not fallen in love, how- ever, for the young lady, being two or three years his senior, was a woman where he was a boy. Sin, Joshua was interested, and in the light of what sbe had said to Thayer he forgot ber treatment of himself. She had charged his em- ployer with having put her father out of his way. G heavens! wassuch a thing iit bis was the question which surged though the clerk’s mind as he worked, and he would have given much to know. He believed in justice, and if he bad known which side was 4 Vg would have quickly thrown his sympa- thies accordingly. When the visitors were gone the partners held a long conference together, and Joshua watching them, felt his faith in them waver. They had drawn to one side, and spoke in tones inaudible to him, which in itself was suspicious. If they had nothing fo hide would they not be willing to face Nora Barr before all the world? eee Thayer arose and went to his clerk’s side. * Joshua,” he blandly said, ‘you heard the talk of that crazy girl who was here, didn’t you?” ‘“‘T heered it—yes,” said Josh, slowly. “Well, I wish you to say nothing about the matter. I shall send word to Crested Butte, or even to Denver, and learn from what asylum she escaped, but the matter must be kept quiet. It would injure us and make our business poor if it was known, So it isto your sdvantage as well as ours that you say nothing.” Mr. Thayer rubbed his chin, and looked like a Sundey-school teacher more than ever. “Yes, sir, of course,” answered Joshua, awk- wardly, for he dreaded a direct call for a prom- ise. Luckily, two speculators came in at that mo- ment and the conversation was interrupted; but: Thayer left them to Foster, and bimself went out with a business like air. Joshua saw nothing of him after that for sev- eral hours. Business went on as usnel, ari Foster did not refer to the impending trovble. The clerk wondered if Thayer had called at Ma-
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be: offin's, acccording to his promise,and what had een the result.. The day drew near an end. Foster was be- inning to straighten his papers, and Jo-hua Breathed a sigh of relief. e would soon be out in the open air. His chair was near a window which was open, and suddenly voices sounded outside the build- ing. Every word said was audible to Joshua; he «ould only have escaped hearing by leaving his | W ‘What evil wind blew them here, I don’t i saw,” said a voice which was plainly that of | Tuayer; * but L see no room to doubt the truth of ber claim. Beyond a question, she is the daughter ot old Barr,” ‘Makes it kinder awk’ard fur you,” said a second and rougher voice. *“ Awkward? well, I should say so. Worse than that—it means ruin, unless the thing is nipped in the bud. Men, the girl and the nig- ger must be served as oid Barr was served!” “If you want it done, we are the boys for the job,” broke in a third voice. Joshua started. He had recognized the pecu- liar tones of Dave French. “It must be done,” Thayer declared. ‘‘ What are your terms?” ‘‘Same as in ther other case.” “ Both for that figure?” ‘it depends on ther amount o° work. Ef we it °em out o’ ther way easy, ther money will iver ther hull bill. { thar is trouble, it must be doubled.” “T agree to the terms. When will you strike?” “ Ter-night,” “Very good. Do the job as faithfully as you did the other, and you shall never repent it.” “Jest you trust ter us, boss,” said Dave French, confidently. ‘‘Ther gal an’ ther nig will never be heerd on ag’in.” ; ‘* Excellent—excellent. And now, hadn’t you better go over to Magoflin’s and get the lay of the land? Jack is my friend, and he will tell ou just where they sleep, so you need make no inistake,” “All right, boss; we'll see you later,” re- turned Dave, and then the conference ended. It left Joshua dumfounded and horrified. He had been a chance listener toa plot to commit wanten and deliberate murder. They had spoken plainly; there could be no doubt about it Thayer had hired Dave French and another man, whom Jack had finally discovered to be Sile Barker, to kill Nora Barr and Nemo; and this fact served to convince. the clerk that his employer had indeed removed Randolpt Barr in the same faskion. He felt horror and indignation, and his first impulse was to rush out and betray the plotters, But to whom should he go? Buzzard Bar had neither mayor, judge nor justice—there was no one to act on a complaint. Second thought convinced the Map, menlontont that he must proceed cautiously. He was nota fool by any means, and he was wise enough to know that the word of the wealthy mine-owner would go further than that of an unknown and friendless young man—a “ tenderfoot,” like | himself. Consequently, though he firmly resolved to throw al his aid in behalf of Nora Barr, he was not anxious to show bis hand. While he was still thinking, Forster arose and announced that the @day’s work was over, and Joshua was not long in getting out of the office. He did not wish to encounter Thayer. Darkness was beginning to fall. and yet it would not do for bim to go to the senior part- ners bouse for supper—the meeting he dreaded would surely occur then, “Dil go over to Magoflin’s, right away,” he finally decided. ‘I can git supper there, an’, mebbe, ll see the negro an’ git a chance tew warn him.” He weut as he had said, but Nemo was not in the bar room. The oi § occupants of the room were Pistol Pete, Sam Crowell, Abe Tyler and one stranger. This latter man was doing a good deal of talking, and announced himself as “Roaring Ben Bundy, right from ther moun- tains o’ Montana,” but Joshua paid little at- tention to him. He wanted information of Nora and Nemo. Finally, he walked up to the bar, purchased a poor cigar at a good, round price, and, wre thus won Jack Magoffin’s govd will, pencens to talk about minor matters until he deemed it safe lo speak of the one nearest his heart, _ When that time came, he met with disap- pointment. Miss Barr and her companion Joshua resumed his seat, uncertain what he should do next, though keenly alive to “the ne- cessity of warning the youn possible; but in the midst of his reflections he had a sudden idea, ‘*By gosh!” he thought, “I'll bet they hev gone tew the mine!” ¥ The idea, strong at the beginning, gained force as he’ reflected further. Rash though it certainly was, what would be more natural than that Nora should wish to look upon the property she claimed? A little more thought on the subject, and then Joshua slipped quietly out of Magoffin’s and took his way toward the mine, which was situated a fourth of a mile beyond the strag- gling cabins of ube village. He soon left the latter behind and went along the dim trail at a trot. For the time, he was entirely forgetting the hired assassins, but he was a person easily im- pressed by circumstances, and, as he neared a line of trees which grew by the path, the sight of two men brought bim to a sudden stop. These men were standing directly in the path and looking in the direction of the mine, and though he would ordinarily have paid no at- tention to them, be somehow felt a touch of suspicion on this occasion. He stepped into the shadow of the bushes and looked at them sharply. The darkness was | woman as soon as | against him, but as he looked he was struck by | what he believed to be a strong resemblance to Dave French and Sile Barker. self, And in a moment more he was creeping along on his hands and knees, keeping close to the bushes and always watching the two men. Just then, he did not. pause to reflect that he was doing a rash thing. Men bent on murder are always dangerous persons to anger, and in wild lands like the Gunnison, ia particular, it | is not wise to be caught meddling with anotber person’s private affairs, Josbua, however, had undergone quite a ohanee: since the night he had crept timidly into Magoffin’s, an utter stranger. hether it yas Colorado air or something else is uncertain, but be was developing a spirit of venturesome- —_ which was rather dangerous to a tender- ‘oot. In a short time he had advanced far enough to settle the question in his mmmd—the two men, who still watched the northern trail closely, | were right in the path by which Nora and Nemo would naturally return if they hdd been to the Tiger Mine, and Joshua had no doubt but what a tragedy was liable to occur. CHAPTER X. THE AMBUSH. Tur Boy Tenderfoot began to be somewhat excited. He had not been long enough in the Gunnison to take adventure as a matter of course; while for the crime he believed pro- jected be had utmost borror. A lifetime of wild adventure could not bring Hiesy to look lightly upon the taking of human ife. All his thoughts now became directed to sav- ing Nora Barr and her servant, and as there seemed to be but one way of doing it, he re- solved to retreat from his perilous position, make a detour and gain the northern trail in time to warn them. This movement uired some time and cau- tion, but at the end of ten minutes he was oppo- site the ambushed men, creeping along among the rocks which formed the only cover on the left of the trail; and with a fair prospect of succeeding in his object. Suddenly, however, Dave and Sile stirred into animation, he heard one of them say, “They are comin’,” and then the villainous pair drew back into the edge of the bushes. Joshua looked excitedly up the trail. Sure enough, two persons were approaching, and it did not require a second glance to show him that they were Nora and Nemo. Mohegan’ of the two had a double near the ar, One moment Joshua was at fault and almost alarmed. The persons he would save were so near af hand that they could not be saved from an attack, and if he sprung out to warn them he would very likely become a target for the re- volvers of the assassins. Then his wits cleared somewhat. ‘* Hold on there!” he shouted, in a clear voice. “Pll find out, anyway,” he declared, to bim- | f. |} what can I dew? bushes and the would-be assassins leaped forth and turned their faces toward the girl and her black protector, ‘**Good Lord!” exclaimed Joshua, ‘ there is goin’ tew be a fight arter all. Sakes alive! Run tew the village—no, they’ll be dead afore [ goten rod—I must fight!” It was a great decision to arrive at, for the Boy Tenderfoot had never been in a serious en- counter, but he cocked his revolver and ran | forward. Meanwhile the ambushers, who seemed to | bave forgotten the warning voice, were closing in on Nora and the negro. The click of two revolvers, one after the other, was a suggestive interpolation at that moment. “Halt there!” said Nora, sharply. “If you They saw that advance further, you are dead men!” Dave and his partner paused. they were just then covered by the shining tubes and they had a due regard for their lives; but for the two persons opposed to them—a negro and a girl—they bad tbe utmost con- tempt. They had only to throw them off their guard and a little shooting on their own part would end the affair. Dave at once feigned innocence. “Say, look out!” he exclaimed. ‘‘ What do you mean? We are friends, ycu know. Wa come right here from Jack Magoffin ter tell ye thar is a riot at ther village an’ you had better lay low.” ‘ ‘Don’t you believe him!” cried Josbua, leap- ing out from bebind a rock. ‘ They two were hid here tew kill yeou, an’ I know it!” “ Brindle Josh!” ‘Ther infernal tenderfoot!” Sile and Dave spoke almost simultaneously, and there was murder in their looks as they faced the new-comer; but, the ice once broken, the latter faced the music bravely. ‘*Yeou needn’t stare me, yeou ’tarnal scala- wags!” was his sturdy defiance. ‘‘ I know yeou an’ all abeout_yeou, but I guess yeour game won’t work, Young woman, they was hid in them bushes tew shoot yeou—I heerd them plan the hull business.” Both the assassins gave the accuser the lie di- rect, but Nora, still keeping her revolver well up, coolly interrupted: “There is no need of wasting worde on the subject. Whether such was your object or not, the game won’t work. You two can go your way as soon as you see fit. The sooner it is, the better I shall be pleased.” ‘Dar’s der road, you-'uns,” said Nemo, in a deep, rumbling voice, as be stretched his hand northward. ‘‘ Does we see you trabelin’?” “No, by ther Etarnal!” said Dave French, **T don’t go until 1 git squar’ with this tender- foot. He has lied about me, an’ be has got ter swaller his words. Out with yer shooter, you young calf an’ show your blood!” “ My ‘shooter’ is out,” retorted Joshua, with surprising coolness, ‘‘ an’ I'll use it, tew, ef yeou don’t keep where yeou Wiig “Haw! haw!” roared Sile Barker, with forced mirth. ‘Just hear bim! Et’s Brindle Josh that’s a-tootin bis horn,” ‘Enough of this talk,” said Nora Barr, with keen decision. ‘‘ Westay here no longer. You can do as you see fit. r. Joshua, will you go with us Even tben, aeepite the danger they were in, the tenderfoot felt a thrill of pride at being thus addressed. He prompely, moved to Nora’s side and faced the r : “*You had better git eout o’ the way or there will be afuss, Make way, there, for we won’t turn eout, Ef yeou want tew shoot, try yeour luck on them frees. Look eout, Dave French, I’m watchin’ yeou, an’ gum games won't work.” The ambushers stepped aside, but both Joshua and Nemo scented mischief in their sudden si- lence, and the fact that they moved to opposite sides of the trail, and they were waist by keener eyes than they thought. Perhaps the trio were a foot past them when the baige negro wheeled with wonderful agility. He had seen Sile Barker’s hand go up, and there could be no doubt of its meaning. Wheeling, the black struck two blows in rapid succession. The first sent Sile’s revolver fiying into the bushes, and the second drove its master crashing on the same road, Then Nemo turned to see Joshua once more menacing Dave French with his revolver. at +
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“No, yeou don’t!” said the tenderfoot, with the coolness of a veteran. ‘‘ There ain't no ‘arthly way fur yeou tew git the best on us, an’ yeou may as wal give it up.” “What he try ter do?’ asked Nemo, in his deep, rumbling voice. “To shoot us,” answered Nora, quickly. “* Hil Ismash him head al to pieces—” The negro paused, for Dave, really alarmed at last, and knowing he would be no more than a child in the hands of the burly black, had ex- ecuted some sort of a somersault and disap- peared from view with great haste, ‘We go on now,” said Nemo, instantly, and with commendable coolness. It was good advice, and they acted upon it at once. There was nothing like improving the time the ambushers would necessarily require to regain a hostile footing. ““ Walk beside of me, and let Nemo bring up the rear,” said Nora, addressing Joshua; and then, as he obeyed: ‘* You are Thayer’s clerk, I believe?” “T have be’n, but I dunnoas I shall be any lon er,” meee he, ruefully. ‘ h “Tt was him that hired these chaps ter kill you,” ** Thayer?” at Yes. ” “* Are you sure!” “‘T heard the bull talk.” fs Excellent. But—but why did you side with me? **Gosh all hemlocks! yeou don’t s’pose I was goin’ tew set still an’ see murder did, do you?” “Tt seems not, and I thank you most cordial- ty for what you have done. I su I was very rash to go out as I did, but—well, never mind. Will you come to Magoffin’s hotel and tell me all about this affair?” a Yes, fur I can’t very wal go anywhere else.’ CHAPTER XI. THE MOB, THE return to the village was quickly made, and though Nemo, as a rear guard, kept a sharp lookout, he saw nothing of Dave or Sile. Nora had relapsed into silence, and Joshua was glad that it asso. He had already begun to think of bis own future. By his recent course he had lost all chance of further service with Thayer & Foster, even if be was inclined to serve such villains, for Dave French would con- vey to the senior partner the story of the fruit- less attack. The idea that he might yet work as one the gang of the Tiger mine did not occur to him, for he did not for a moment think that Nora Barr could conquer the present occupants in the fight she had begun, When the hotel was reached they went straight to Nora’s room, where Joshu, told to her and the negro all he knew about the late at- tack. Neither seemed alarmed at the news, and it was plain that Nora, though but nineteen years of age, had the wit of a maturer person and the courage of a man. She had before believed that her father had been murdered by Thayer, and now, with her suspicions strengthened, she resolved to fight him to the bitter end. The trio were still talking when they heard a series of shouts outside, but such things were so common at Buzzard Bar thai no notice was taken of if. A little later, however, there was a knock at the door and Nemo opened to see Jack Magoffin standing outside. @ landlord’s face bore a troubled look. ; $ “T hope yowll s’cuse me for froublin’ yer, an’ fur bein’ ther b’arer o’ bad news, but ef you hev looked outer ther winder you hev see’d that ther boyees are up an’ ateit.” Just then another subdued ‘howl floated upon the air. “ At what, Mr. Magoffin?’ Nora asked. “Somebody’s drunk,” said Joshua. a “Td be glad ef that was all” and Jack looked regretfully at Nora. ‘‘In plain words, mum, ther boyees sez you are Lightnin’ Kate an’ they wants you.” “Lightning Kate? And who is that, sir?’ ‘A female road-agent that has been opera- tin’ around Ruby an’ that region. She allays bas a big darky with her, an’ that’s what’s ther raatter, Ef it’s all right, I hope you kin prove it.” Magoffin pulled his beard vigorously. He was aman on the sunny side of thirty-five and had not outgrown his fondness for pretty women; and as Nora Barr was ail of that, his sympathies Josh, the, Pax Fendertoot. 9 were with her whether she was Lightning Kate or a traveling missionary. Still, he expected to see her roughly used and did not intend to risk the safety of his house by taking her part. ‘Lightning Kate” had done a deal of business through the Gunnison, of late, and when once caught, nothing could save her from punishment. Magoffin, however, did not think best to in- form his guest that the Buzzard Barites were howling for her blood, or that they had a rope in the crowd; nor was she sufficiently acquaint- ed with Colorado fashions to suspect her dan- ger. “T certainly am not ‘Lightning Kate,’” she said, lightly. ‘The gentlemen are mistaken.” « Mol be, ef you tell ’em so it will all be right, "suggested Magoffin, ‘That will be the best way. Ill show myself at the window and convince them they are wrong.” Nora turned to carry out her idea, with Nemo close beside her, Joshua glanced first at Jack and then stepped to her side and spoke in a subdued voice. “Dew you smell a mice?” he asked. “What do you mean?” “Tl bet Fie ten cents that Thayer or Dave French is af the bottom on this all.” Somebody has struck a match, an’! s’pect them ’tarna! cri‘ters.” Nora paused abruptly, His theory was not a wild or improbable one, Just then an impa- tient howl arose irom the mob and she shivered slightly. “* Don’t yeou be afeared—yeou’ve got tew men at yeour back that'll see yeou safet through,” said Joshua, enesir ng tg She gave him her hand, uttered a few words of thanks, and then walked bravely to the win- dow, Another howl from the mob greeted her, but her face was composed and firm. All Buzzard Bar seemed to have turned out, and the space in front of the hotel was filled. * There she is!” That's Lightnin’ Kate!” “Bring ther rope!” Such were the shouts which arose from the excited miners only a few feet below her, but she put out her hand and a hush fell over them. Gentlemen,” she said, ina clear voice, “there are times when I should feel honored by such a call from the men of Buzzard Bar, but when I am told that the visit is really meant for one, ‘Lightning Kate,’ | am at first jealous and then relieved, when I hear you shout so angrily. But, tnd you are entirely mistaken; [am not Lightning Kate.” The hush continued for a nioment, showing that they were influenced by her words, and then a man pressed to the front. “Tm Roaring Ben aed ther Wanderin’ Jew o’ Colorado. T’ve see’d ther hull State an’ all o’ it’s curiosities, an’ here am I ter swear ther gal i straight—she are not Lightin’ Kate!” ““You ave a liar!” shouted an angry voice; and Joshua clutched his revolver tightly as he saw Dave French press to the front. i There was now no doubt about the origin of the plot against Nora. Roaring Ben Bundy, however, claimed the at- tention of all at this moment, Evidently his word of honor was something he held sacred, for Dave had scarcely made his accusation when he Me down under a heavy blow from Bundy’s if This was enough toset the mob on fire, for the Colorado rioter is a man who only needs the touch of a match to “yo off,” and in a moment more other men took a hand in the affair, anda model free fizht began, If it bad been one of blows alone it would soon have been over, but the cracking of revolvers was also heard, and knives flashed in the red light sent out from Jack Magoffin’s hotel sign. oshua Pepper wheeled like a flash. — ‘*Naow is yeour time,” he said,addressing Nora. “Them chaps has got other business for a few minutes, an’ by the time they git over we can mein ese eout 0” the back way an’ gi’n ‘em e slip, . Rips ‘No; I stand my ground!” said Nora, firmly, “Tf I flee it will look like guilt.” : ‘Brindle Josh are in the right, marm, beggin’ yer pardon fur ghippiy! in,” said fin. “*T ‘ou them galoots outside are » thar’s blood in their eyes, sure. Ther best thing | sl ‘ you | kin do is ter vamose, an’ lay low till ther thing | blows over.” — “ Bes’ way,” said Nemo, nodding 8’ head | ‘papidly, «Dey holler "bout a ro ats dat means a hangin’ scrape, for sure, we run, Miss Nora?” ‘Do as you think best. Yes, we'll go,” said the girl, shivering as a fresh chorus of yells arose from the fighting miners. Little needed to be done in the way ef prep- aration, Nora had brought no baggage to the Gunnison, and it only remained for Jaek Ma- goffin to. show them the rear door, deserted recklessly by those who wished to see the free fight, and then Nora, Joshua and Nemo went out into the night. “Thank ther Lord, they're gone!” said Magoffin. en he went to his bar-room, stood before a four-by-six doing glass and, wilh a bottle, de- liberately bruised his forehead until blood showed on the skin; after which he went up stairs and laid peacefully down on the floer. What was Magoffin’s little game? Simply this: When the rioters found their victims gone, they would be likely to suspect the landlord of helping them offbut if they found him on the for likensible and bleeding they would at once see that he bad been knocke down by the desperate fugitives and bis pre- cious head would be safe. So reasoned the astute Magoffin. Meanwhile, Joshua, Nora and Nemo had left the hotel and were speeding toward safety. No words eee between them, but the former was silently given the place of leader and he set his face toward the north-western mountains and pressed on rapidly. Brief as had been bis stay in Colorado, he knew something of the temper of its mobs, and he was sure Nora’s only hope was to hide in such a place for a while at least. They left the Mae, 19 behind in a short time, but Joshua noticed that the sounds of fighting at Magofiin’s had died away, and he paused in uncertainty. “There’s two ways fur us naow,” he said slowly. ‘The shortest is right across the field rar see yender, but if we go that way we want w make sure o’ a good start, T’other way is round thar fxough the bushes, Naow, dew yeou two go ahead tew that single tree yeou sea Nini an’ then look back. If you bear nothin’, eep alead across the field, but ef yeou hear a whistle, turn ter the right an’ make off through the bushes, In either case, I'll ketch up with yeou, A few more words and all was clear, and then away went Nora and the negro, while Joshua stood at his post and watched the rear. He was very much afraid the rioters weuld at once appear, but several minutes passed before there was any sign. Then their yells grew flercer and he saw them approaching. : They were too late to be dangerous, however. Nora and Nemo were, or should be, well ad- vanced on the plain, and the tenderfoot cham- pion felt light of heart as be dashed along in the rear. As be reached the edge of the level he ex- perienced a revulsion of feeling. A female form stepped into view, and, thinking it was Nora, he cried out sharply: oe heavens! be yeou here? Why the mob is a-comin’—git intew them bushes, quick!” “Not so fast, Josh Pepper!” retorted an angry - voice, “ Tt isn’t your adored Lightning Kate, She is safe in the hands of the miners and ber big darky is dead, All that is my work, and now fam Lapin Yo take you to the mob, as yon call it, to suffer for helping an outlaw and ‘for your treachery to my father.” The speaker poured out her long address rapidly and yehemently, and Josh could see 1 revolver covering his person. > *‘ Amanda Thayer!” he almost gasped. “Yes, it’s I,” returned the girl, “and yon see I am your master, You thought you could play fast and loose with my father, but you sce hold the drop. My revolver means sure death if youstir.” . y Joshua hesitated. Just them a shout arese in the rear, and, looking around, he saw the rioters rushing down upon them, several of the fore- most bea torches, and all evidently yelling for somebody’s life. , rouble in the up his mind that he might as \ eep as a Deiat tsnbitwn se pcimanda might miss; Judge Lynch would ; eke, . 7 Hardly pausing to turn his head, ded toward ‘hiss’ Thayer with tage agility. ; J .
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fler revolver sounded and he heard the bullet whistle past bis ear, but, luckily, it was no worse. Another moment and he had seized her wrist, fercing her hand, revolver and all, high above her head. “Drop that revolver or yeou’ll fare hard, and be mighty quick about it,” almost hissed the tenderfoot. ‘‘ It’s death for sure ef them men ketch me—drop the revolver, I say!” It was a critical moment, for the rioters, guided by the shot, were close at hand, their torches revealing their persons with startling distinctmess; but a vigorous wrench disarmed the girl and the revolver dropped from her band, Jesbua caught it, pushed her aside and resumed his flight at full speed. He had ne doubt of bis ability to escape, but he knew not what to think about Nora Barr and the megro. Had Amanda spoken truly when she said that misfortune bad overtaken them? He felt an uncomfortable conviction that it was <e, and, wheeling, he left the open land and lunged into the bushes. Three or four shots ‘ollowed his retreat, and proved that the miners were fully in earnest. The fugitive did not pause, bui ran on as fast “| possible, his face toward the higher moun- tains, He was still going when he beard his name pronounced in tones so clear as to leave no doubt about it, and he hesitated and fixed his gaze upon the point from which came the sound. “Don’t shoot!” said a rough voice; ‘I'ma friend ter your crowd from the word go, an’ hyer Tam.” With the las’) words the speaker emerged from a thicket, and Joshua at once reco; Roaring Ben Bundy. He remembered that the man had spoken for Noraat Magoffin’s, but he was still cautious. “YT reokin ther blood-drinkers are off ther trail fur awhile,” continued Bundy, “an’ ef you will hold up a bit I heva word fur yer vate ear.” “ What is it?” Joshua tersely asked. “Ther gal is in ther hands o’ ther Philistines an’ ther darky is shooted.” ** How do you know?” ‘*T see’d it, but I couldn’t do no Ther ether it was that did ther mischief. Durn ker mi'k-an’-water cast o’ phiz, she is a scratch- in’ cat jest like old Thayer.” “Yeeu seem tew know them wal.” “Oh, yer can’t tell me much about old hoss- fiy an’ bis colt. I’ve see’d ’em afore ter-night. Wal, as I was a-sayin’, t’other gal—what’s her mame? “Nora Barr.” “Yas, Wal, old Thayer has got her in pus- son, an’ he first shooted ther darky an’ then rolled him inter ther kenyon over yonder. So T heerd "Mandy say.” “Then the r feller is gone up, sure.” ‘‘ Yas, but ther galain’t. She still lives, but thar is no knowin’ how long she will chew air ef old Thayer has his way. y, is she Lightnin’ Katey” 3 “ Ne; not a bit on’t.” “I thought so. Wal, seehyar. I’ve see’d you an’ yer way o' fightin’, an’ I must say I like it. I'm a tough old rooster myself, with nary chick nor chile, an’ I dolovearow, Tell ye what— ef you want a pard fur ther fight, byar I be, an’ Pm fit ter tie to. What do you say?” The manner of the man impressed Joshua faverably, and he fell into line. The two clasped hands and the bargain was made, “Now, see yer,” said Bundy, “ we ain’t got a minute ter lose. Let’s around these skunks, git back ter town an’ see what we kin do fur ther gal.” ‘* Where will they take her?” “Tord, I dunno; but what I'm afeerd on is that they will hang ber. They ain’t delicate- minded at all, an’ down at Ruby, Gothic an’ Irwin they are jest _pantin’ ter eend ter career o’ Lightnin’ Kate. Now, it is ther leetle game o’ ther oppersition ter make et out that this gal is Kate, an’ it only needs a_leetle fuel on ther fire to give her over ter Jedge Lynch. You sarvy?” ““ Yes, bat, by gosh! 1’l! kill the hull on ’em afore they shall harm her. Come on, Ben, an’ we'll fight like burly ef need be.” The new partners left the spot, made a detour by which they avoided the men who were searching for them, and in this way re-entered vOniy balf of pursu nly balf ef the people had gone in it of ihe fugitives, so there was still considerable an- imation in the village. Torches had appeared : Josh, the Boy Tenderfoo in large numbers from somewhere, and the center of the illumination was near the house of Jared Thayer. They went that way, and, hovering around the outskirts of the crowd be- fore the door, saw Thayer himself on the steps delivering a speech. His first words, uttered after their arrival, were very suggestive, ““My own advice, fellow-citizens, is that we at once put an end toher villainy, Why should we hesitate? As one of you has said, the people of Gothic want her for their own. vengeance, but so do the people of Ruby and Irwin, of Pittsburg and Spider Bar, They can’t all have her, and I’m afraid that if we hesitate, she will in some way slip through our fingers.” “Buzzard Bar don’t want ter hang a woman,” stoutly said a veteran miner. “Nor we ain’t sure this is Lightnin’ Kate,” added another. “Our young, friend, David French, will swear te the last part,” said Thayer, in his oily way. ‘At this point Joshua touched Bundy on the arm. “While they quarrel, we must act,” the Boy Tenderfoot decidedly said. ‘‘Foller me!” They went around the crowd, taking advan- tage of the darkness, and approached the rear of the house. They were not certain Nora was there, but the chances were in favor of the theory. “I’m goin’ in at the winder,” said Joshua, quietly. ‘ Yeou give me a boost an’ then wait fur the result,” Bundy raised him carefully and he shoved w the window easily, Within was an untenant- ed room, though it was partially lighted by the gleam from the open door which led to the next apartment, Joshua was aware that he was venturing into the lion’s den with a vengeance, Jared Thayer knew all about his treachery by that time, and if he once fell into his bands he would fare badly; but the blood of the youth was fully aroused, aad in that crisis he forgot that he was a ‘‘ tenderfoot.” Through the window he went, and then, with cautious steps, he crept to the open door be- yond. What he saw did not astonish him. The room had two occupants. In a chair sat Nora Barr, her face paler than ever he had seen it before, but her manner brave and calm; and at the outside door, leaning against its side. the junior partner of the house of Thayer & Foster was listening to the speech of his senior. The otiter door being open guve Joshua a view of Thayer and the mob, and it also showed him that he would have hard work to get Nora away unseen, Her hands and feet were bound, and, in order to reach her, he must surely be seen by Foster, “T must silence him!” thought the young man, Foster, as ho leaned against the doorway, seemed to have no fear of trouble, but he held in his hand a revolver which hung. loosely: at his side, Hoe and that weapon must be silenced. Nora saw the tenderfoot and a smile actually crossed her face, but he had his fingers across his lips and began creeping toward the burly Foster. Few boys of seventeen would have cared to attack such a man, but Joshua had already found that victory is not always to the physical n Nearer and nearer the young tenderfoot crept, while F ster still looked and listened, uncon- scious of the peril bebind him, It was fortunate for Nora Barr that he did not then glance to- ward her. The discussion outside was still unfinished, and Foster was deeply interested in the success of his villainous partner—a most fortunate cir- cumstance for Nora and her champion, The tenderfoot reached Foster’s side, and, stooping a little, wrenched the revolver from his grasp, at the same time knocking bis feet from under him and bringing him to the floor. Fate sometimes plays queer tricks, and, just then, when Joshua had done what seemed sure to result in an alarm, fate willed it that Foster, in falling, should strike his head against the penfss the doorway and dash out his senses for e time, His assailant had his hand quickly on_his throat, but one glance was enough to show him that be was not then dangerous, Springing away from him, Joshua quickly cut Nora’s bands, and then pointed to the door through which he had entered, “Not 1 word now!” he cautiously said. Nora nodded and hastened into the rear room. One glance was enough to show Joshua that Ben Bundy was still at his post, and it was the work of only a brief space of time to lower Nora to bis arms. . Joshua quickly followed. ** Let’s pile out 0’ hyar on ther jump,” Bundy somewhat excitedly said. ‘‘Our enly safety is in ther mountains, We kin all hide thar. Come on! They started, but only a few rods had been covered when a series of angry yells arose from near the house. CHAPTER XIII FLIGHT AND PURSUIT. To all appearances Jared Thayer and _ his tools had their scheme for lynching Nora Barr well in hand. They had made the miners believe that she was “Lightning Kate,” the road agent, swindler and murderer, and all knew that person deserved rough treatment, but there were men in the town who were as bonest anc worthy as any living man, and they soon came to the surface. When once Nora was caught and caged, the opposition was begun, and where Thayer believed he could carry all before him he found a tremendous opposition. There were men there who did not regard Nora’s identity as Lightning Kate proven, and men who did not believe in lynching anyway, and there were a good isn f who would not see their young town disgraced by any suck act ae the hanging of a woman, guilty or innocent. If this girl was the female road-agent, let her be carried to Denver and delivered te the proper authorities. All these law-abiding citizens came te the surface when Thayer tried to run the towm, and while Foster guarded (f) the prisoner, the senior ve Pbk poured out his eloquence te effect his object. Anon he chanced to look around, and them he was amazed to see Foster lying motionless in the doorway. He sprung back a pace and looked for Nora, for he could not ascribe Foster’s condition to any ordinary cause, The girl was gone! Then the discomfited plotter wheeled upon the crowd, announced the fact and threw out all the injurious bints be could think of, where- upon arose a cry started by his friends, Dave French and Sile Barker were still there, and they it was who shouted so vigorously for Thayer. In the midst of it all Foster suddenly arose to his feet, “Where is he?—where is that imp of Satan?” he somewhat wildly demanded. ** Whom do you mean?” Thayer asked. ‘Ther infernal tenderfoot.” “ Josh Pepper?” “Yes, yes, It wos he that did it. He knocked me over and ran away with the girl, Where is French? Gods! we must be up and doing or the game is lost,” A terrible bow! arose from Dave when.be learned that ‘‘ Brindle Josh” was the cause of the new mishap. He had hated him most cor- ase before, but this added fresh fuel to the re. It was not bard to surmise the direction in which the fugitives would go, and in a short time Dave and Sile had a dozen men at their back and were off on the trail like a pack of bloodhounds, Away to the northwest of Buzzard Bar was the country any fugitive would naturally seek, and it was about as rough one as could be foun: in the Gunnison. A series of ridges ran up and down the side of the mountain, and there was found about every feature of nature common to mountain lands, The timber was principally pine, some of the ridges being heavily wooded: but there were other oe where rocks held high carnival. and. cliffs were numerous and caves no great novelty. It was toward this country that Josh Pepper had headed when he'succeeded in getting Nora Barr started on their flight. The yells of Thayer's tools aroused them to every possible exertion, and Ben Bundy caught Nora’s arm, and they swept on across the oper field before mentioned’as fast as possible. Bundy looked back frequently. ‘Ther durned critters are a-comin’,” he finally announced, r “Let ’em come,” said Joshua, defiantly, for his blood was fully up. ‘‘ We are well armed, au) if we don’t make them sick you can call me a liar. “T am afraid, kind friends, that you will get into trouble in trying to help me,” said Nora. gravely. zs ye
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‘Now, durn my buekskins, don’t ’ee say it, marm,” remonstrated Ben Bundy. ‘ You ain’t no clog, no more nor a full-blown angel, with a tin horn an’ celluloid wings would be; not a bit en’t. We honist men o’ Colerade think it’s an honor ter offer up our remains on ther gory battie field fur ther sake 0’ beauty an’ shivery!” “Tuat’s so, by gosh!” added the tenderfoot. Nora could say no more, and they went on as - fast as was possible. Theo shouts of the pursuers arose in tho rear, but it was a hap-hazard chase. Owing to the darkness, and the intervening space, the mob had not sighted them, and Ben Bundy had no fear. One thing, however, was against him, Every day sineo bis arrival at the Bar, Joshua had gazed admiringly on the rugged side of the mountain, and Ben had looked upon it before that day: but neither of them had ever been therc, persenally, and though caves were said to be a eommon thing, it might not be so easy te find one. : They struek the base of the higher land at a point a livtie west of the Tiger Mine, and then the climb began in earnest. Of course the pursuers gained rapidly then, and the trio were not far up the rocky ascent when a shout from below told them they were seen, and the flash of a rifle was followed by the report, and the whiz of the bullet only a few feet wild. “Vire away,” said Bundy, with a reckless h. “sR ga they don’t want to be tew gener- eus wit their Ted,” said the tenderfoot. ‘‘My dad always teld me economy was wealth, an’ in this case it may be tew our health, tew.’ ‘here was ne immediate danger for the fugi- tives, and Ben Bundy burled back fresh deti- ance as he saw the rapidity and skill with which Nora climbed apwata! ‘ She was doing wonderfully well, and the big miner took eare to help her in order to preserve her strength. ’ Tn this way half a mile was covered without any perceptible advantage to Thayer’s blood- hounds, They might at any time have been avoided by a slight deviation, for there bad Nn no sign that the fugitives were seen after that one manifestation; but Bundy expressed scorn for them all, and they went on toward po ee peint where they had planned to seek re- ©, he wa: w extremely rough, but they pressed on aitadily until far above Buzzard Bar and the pursuers were lost to sight and hearing. On a weeded knoll they paused for breath and looked down on the mountain side and valley belew. All was quiet and a deceitful aspect of peace was over the vicinity. pr, don’t think we neéd ter fear ake ees sb ors ni ” ey er dark is teo thick," ent” said Bundy “Yes, but it is also against us,” said Nora. © cannet find a cave or other place of refuge under these mstances.” «Then we'll wait far daylight,” said Ben. But, yeung follor, what’r you a-lookin’ at?” Them recks above is all broken intew pieces,” said Josh, still using his eyes. “Maybe We con't find a cave naow, but we can find some sert o’ a hole tew hide in.’ Yeou two stay here an’ Ist me look.” fter a few more words he crossed a ravine, and striking another ridge, found himself in one of the wildest places he had'ever seen. Culches cut the mountain side, chasms and cliffs alter- nated aleng the way, and thick and tangled bushes made rare places of retreat. © grew exultant at the prospect; even if no <aate te 4 found, it would be hard for the pur- suers scever them in such a place. He found a retreat which pleased bim, and tarned to ge baok to his friends. _Not far had he gone, however, before the sight of a moving object just ahead brought him to a sudden halt. His first thought was that it was a wild animal, but a closer survey showed the form of a man. On making this discovery, the tenderfoot nearly committed an indiscretion, He believed he was leoking upon Ben Bundy, and he was about te uncover himself when caution pre- vailed and he stood still. It was well to make sure of his man before uncovering. The ain came straight ahead, and Joshua shrunk back as he neared his cover. He came “ closer yet, and the youth could have touched him with his rifle. ; Up to this point the man, who plainly was not Ben Bundy, had seemed wholly occupied | witb picking his way, but he suddenly wheeled and in a moment more his grasp was upon the tenderfoot’s arm. ‘So I've got ye at last, you little snake!” he hissed; and in the face thus hovering over him Joshua recognized Sile Barker. ‘Vii smash ye inter powder, durn ye!” Joshua saw a knife raised above him, and then, though he had at first cowered, all his courage returned, and he resolved to make a hard fight for his life. He had before drawn his revolver, and with this be made a hard upward stroke, luckily bit- ting the fellow’s arm as he bad intended, and in & moment more the knife went flying through the air to fall rattring on the recks below. It was in a double sense a lucky blow; for, — Joshua did not know it, it par.ially dis- aes ane bully’s arm in the struggle which fol- owed, Our young friend promptly followed up bis attack by attempting te push Sile from him down the bank; but he caught at Josh’s arm as he went, and the two went rolling down, eiash- ing over the bushes and getting more than one hard blow from the rocks, Barker, however, maintained his hold, and when they came toa stop the battle begun in earnest, Dale for the ruffian’s injured arm it would soon have been ended, for he was a muscular man in eens of life; but as it was, Joshua twisted agilely from hold after hold, and several minutes passed without either gaining a per- ceptible advantage. CHAPTER XIV. PLANS FOR THE FUTURE. SuppENLY the Boy Tenderfoot became aware pet a new danger menaced one or beth of them. As he was whirled over in their rapid evolu- tions, he saw a vacant space beyond them and knew they were fighting on the brink of a preci- pice or, at least, of some sort of a cliff over which it was not wise to go. He made a sudden rally, but just then Sile forced him forward and, for a moment, he felt his legs dangling in space. He was banging partially over the precipice! The discovery aroused him, and catching at a bush which grew near the brink he made a great effort and drew himself back from the new eril. , The lull bad given Barker a chance, however, and be threw his weight upon his young adyer- sary with a fierce curse, “T have you now!” be hissingly added. Joshua was filled with consternation; but he thered bis strength for one more effort, and fealt the ruffian a stinging blow in the face. lnstinctively the fellow recoiled from the sake, Ane it gave the tenderfoot the chance he wanted, Like a flash his knees came up almost to his chin, and in a moment more his feet were dashed into the stomach of his enemy. He heard a muffled rear of rage, and then Sile went over backward and disappeared; but it was not until a wild ery of terror arose— seemingly far below—that Joshua realized what he bad done, ‘*Good heavens! he has gone ever the preci- pice!” exclaimed the panting victor. Then he crept to where the rocks abruptly ended in a chasm and looked over, but no sound arose from the black abyss and, in the darkness, he could not tell how far he had fallen. For a moment the tenderfoot was filled with horror and no one could have envied him as he lay shivering on the brink of the unbnown space, but as he remembered what Sile Barker had been, and what he was trying to do, bis nerve returned and he arose and started back toward his friends. He bad no longer a thought of taking them to the place he had just left, but, fortunately, there was no need of it. By a lucky chance, Bundy bad found a small cave, and in this the trio were soon collected. On the whole, the place was very favorable, in more ways than one, and Bundy proceeded to light a torch he had brought in from outside. By its light, the three sat down to consult on the future. ‘‘Pm in favor o’ active war,” said Bundy, “Thar will never be safety at ther Bar fur either on you~’uns until Thayer’s crowd is wiped out, an’ I know thar is enough decent men about town ter start a counter revival; so, when we git settled down hyer ter housekeepin’, back ter ther Bar I’m a-goin’ an’ we'll see who runs the circus.” “Ob! sir, what do you think has become of Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. 1i my poor Nemo? Do you suppose he is really dead?” asked Nora, “I’m afeerd be is, mum. mints shot at him at clost quarters an’ he fell. That makes et look bad fur Nemer.” ‘Poor Nemo! And he was so faithful and brave.’ ‘Lord! mum; we'll jest w’ar our buckskins. off a-tryin’ ter fill ther gap!” said Bundy, with ‘You say ther var- energy. ‘' We'll do it, too, or bu’st our patent leathers.” ‘* That’s so, by gosh!” said Joshua, He did not think it necessary to tell Nora that. Amanda Thayer bad said that the unfortunate black had been thrown into the eanyon—a laee into which no creature could thus go and ive through the fall. A long consultation followed. It was clear that Nora and Joshua could not at present show themselves with safety. Leaving the “Lightning Kate” excitement entirely ont of the question, the assassins hired by Jared Thayer would. be numerous, and. as Joshua was thoroughly identified with Nora’s cause, he would be in as much danger as she. Consequently, it was plain that they must keep out of sight for a while and allow Ben Bundy to act as scout, ‘Tm gein’ down inter ther te ter-morrer, an’ pecans ter ther boyees, an’ ef I find ther pot rea y ter bile, oe may look fur a split in ther Buzzard Bar p’litical party right away.” ‘“ You shall never be sorry for this if I can obtain my rights,” said Nora, “Bless your purty face! I sba’n’t be sorry, anyhew. Why, my ole marm allays told me ter stand up fur ther right, an’ I’m a-goin’ ter do it ef all ther Gunnison stands en its hind legs an’ howls for ba'r!” y There could be no doubt as to the sincerity of the rough miner, and even in ber sorrow, Nora Barr gave bim a dazzling smile. Not that she meant to turn his head, but such a smile cume natural to her, y Ons one event of importance occurred dur. ing the night. Once, as Bundy lay at the mouth of the cave, he saw a party of searchers not far away, but they failed to find the cave entrance, , The astute miner did not forget, however. that his young friends were without anything to- eat, and after a conyersation with them, he took his rifle and went out just at daybreak. It was dangerous business to do any shooting ~ ee time, but food must in some way be ad, A long time passed before his return and they had grown very anxious when, at last, he ap- peared with a huge package under his arm. @ spread it out on the floor and showed thenr not only meat but bread, and a suspicious look-- ing black bottle. ‘I’ve been at ther Bar,” he said, “ an’ all is: lovely thar. Jed Thayer ain’t got ther grip he had, an’ ther Daves are ing ter peer theirselves for what they did last night. Jed can’t muster nobody pa what works in bis nine, an’ they report Sile Barker as strangely missin’, That reminds me, I found out that Nemer, yer darky, are alive an’ not likely ter turn up his toes. Old Job Briggs has got bins in his cabin, an’ though ther blacky are full of” lead, be is gwine ter pull through,” 2 ay eaven !” said aire 1 ew, you two just easy, fur wine ter ther Bar this ane Al Sbaeck a center. current—see ef I don’t. Mebbe we'll see fit ter lynch Thayer.” Bondy stroked his beard benevolently, and Nora again thankedhim warmly. He ed up the black bottle and, informing them that it contai-ed whisky, prevailed upon them to take alittle to overcome any injurious effect the cave air might have apon them. Noon came and passed and, scon after, ones, took his rifle and started for Burzard . He left with words of cheer, but, despite this, Joshua was ill at, ease. All through the day the valley in front of the: cave had been quiet and there had been no sign from Thayer's men. . : From Joshua’s point of view this very fact was suspicious in itself. Bundy had acknow!l- edged that peer were still abroad in the moun- in, and, if this was so, why did they not search the locality where they were pretty sure the fugitives had once been een? again the tenderfoot asked himself n and the question, but no satisfactory answer came. - Bondy went for the last time, Joshua lay down at the entrance and remained witb bis: eyes fixed upon the valley. Perhsps an hour bad passed when he suddenly became impressed by what looked to be a wild
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12 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. belief. A little to the left was a thicket of small bushes, none of which were over five feet high, and in the center thereof was a rock of considerable size. Several times the tenderfoot had looked at this thicket ar ibe 8 because it would make such a good refuge for an enemy, and in this way he had fixed its position pretty clearly in his mind. » The idea which struck him after awhile was that this thicket had advanced several yards to- ward the mouth of the cave. As the suspicion first struck him he shoved his rifle a little fur- ther forward, scenting a trick, but not a person was visible, and a little further thought almost convinced him that his idea was absurd. It might be possible to move a thicket, but how could a rock, weighing a ton or more, thus be made to walk? Joshua almost smiled at the thought, but he was not easily blinded, and he kept his eyes on the‘suspicious spot. He was soon rewarded, for he saw an unmis- takable movement on the part of the thicket—it was advancing toward the cave! Greatly astonished, he used his eves once more, and this time more critically, and he was not long in perceiving that the object he had thought to be a rock was no more than a piece of cloth, para concealed by the bushes. Joshua would have been stupid indeed if he had not seen a trick in all this. Such dummies do not walk around in the Gunnison without an object or without help, and he at once decided that there must be some one behind the sham thicket. a called to Nora and explained the situation to her. “Tcan’t see anybody,” he concluded, ‘ but, beyend a doubt, some o’ the ’tarnal critters are behind the bushes. I calculate they see’d Roar- ing Ben when he was going in an’ out, an’ now they are trying tew steal upon us on the sly.” “What shall we do?” asked Nora, anxiously. “Daw?” echoed Joshua. ‘‘ Wal, my idee is tew lam them like sin if they don’t eout 0’ this vicinity!” CHAPTER XV. A HOLLOW PEACE. Tre Boy Tenderfoot 2 e bravely enough, but he was aware that he might yet have to fight against more than he could comfortably smeet, So far, not an enemy had shown his head and their number was in doubt, but Joshua did not really feel at ease. ““Is*pose I might send a bullet intew them Sushes an’wake then up,” he said. ‘ But we don’t want to open hostilities,” ** We don’t want tew be in a muss, anyhow, but I'm afeered we can’t dodge it. Sve hyer, Miss Nora, these bushes grow mighty clost up around us—I b’lieve I can crawl out unseen an’ then work my way round tew one side an’ get a squint behind that dummy.” “Do as you think best. I will stand on guard and try to hold the fort.” " Yeou’ve got tew pistols?” oe es. “ Wal, I'll leave my gun, which will give veou ‘quite a battery, as Ben Bundy calls it, Keep sharp watch an’ don’t be afeered tew shute if they try tew be ugly.” ‘Rest assured that I shall defend myself,” said Nora, firmly. No further time was wasted. Joshua saw that the mysterious thicket had once more moved ‘forward, and be at once left the mouth of the cave, twisted to the cover of the bushes and be- gan his crawl to a proper place for observation. His task was : ot an easy one, for the cave owed half its security to the fact that there was no good way of approach by stealth; but by making use of bushes and stones, he crept along without on A outery or other manifesta- tion from the strangers. The desired refuge and point of survey was soon reached. Joshua saw what he had expected. Behind the counterfeit thicket was a quantity of human bodies, arms and legs, which soon resolved themselves into three men lying flat and advane- ing their cover by degrees. e tenderfoot’s eyes sparkled and he fingered his revolver nervously. By all the laws of war- fare, anything he might do to these men who lad caused him and his friends so much trouble ‘would be no more than justice, and at that dis- tance he could create a profound sensation among them, even if no one was killed. For a moment he was swayed by the tempta- ction, and then he resolutely thrust his revolver ‘ack in his belt. **T ain’t shot anybody in cold blood yet, an’ I won’t begin now,” he decisively said. ‘‘ Them *tarnal skunks desarve it an’, mebbe, I’l] be sorry fur holdin’ my hand, bime-by, but I'll ht fair an’ square while I can.” ving arrived at this decision he turned and made his way back to the cave. All was as he had left it, but Nora was growing somewhat excited over the steady approach of the coun- terfeit thicket, and she looked greatly relieved sight of her protector. “Tm _ emg tew stop that game,” said the lat- ter, coolly. ‘Ill show them darned shunks right away that they can’t play blind man’s ae on us, an’ then they can dew what they please. He picked up a good-sized pebble and hurled it with such accurate aim that it crashed through the bushes, knocked over one of them and disarranged others, whereupon Joshua broke into a laugh. ** Just see them sticks lop over, will you?” he said, still laughing. ‘‘Guess they ain’t got many roots— Hello!” The crack of a revolver broke the silence, and the bullet flattened against the rock near the tenderfoot’s head. He met the greeting without a sign of fear, but after a little his anger arose and he sent a return shot whizzing through the bushes. He half expected a rush on the part of the be- siegers, but dead silence followed the shot and the thicket did not seem to move again. ‘““What next?” Nora dubiously asked. “ Darned ef I know,” Joshua admitted; ‘‘ but I guess we can see the bull circus by waitin’ areound here a spell.” ‘Don’t get reckless. We must think coolly.” “‘That’s abeout all we can dew. Them fel- lers hold the key tew the stable, an’ we can’t go eout tew exercise unless they say so.” The youth spoke with the utmost coolness and unconcern, and no one would have taken him for a tenderfoot of two weeks’ standing. Could it be the same boy who had crept timidly into Jack Magoflin’s so short a time before, scarcely daring to say his soul was his own? Yes, it could, and was. Joshua Pepper had not been changed in his cradle, or in any other place or way, within the fortnight, but he had caught the Colorado rush, and already felt like a veteran, A period of inaction followed the slight show of hostility, but Joshua, keenly watching, was pleased to see that the counterfeit thicket had come to a standstill. Were his enemies studying fresh mischief? In the midst of bis watching a familiar sig- nal sounded, and then Roaring Ben Bundy ap- peared only a few rods away. He was in a po- sition easily seen from the thicket, and Joshua at once began a series of warning gestures, but the miner, after a long look at the vicinity, came composedly forward. ‘* What ther blazes is ther matter with yer?’ he asked, ‘Got ther jim-jams, or what?’ Joshua hurriedly explained the situation. *‘Shoot me ef I see’d any human critters thar,” said Ben. ‘I'll go an’ see.” He strode boldly tow*rd the thicket, and though Joshua op ee to see him drop at any moment, reached it unharmed, and then turned around to shake his head. The motion meant that no one was there, and the tenderfoot was filled with surprise at the ease with which the strangers had deserted od post unseen by him; but Bundy soon came ack. “Ther blamed critters hev got up an’ dusted,” he announced, ‘Did you say you fired at “ Yes.” **Wal, you drawed claret, that’s all. Isee’d red stains on ther leaves.” q ‘Good gracious!” said Joshua, in consterna- ion. “Don’t ye mew, boyee. They played with fire an’ got burnt. Sarved ’em right. O? course they was Thayer’s men, an’ they thort they could take you onawares, but you held ther best keerds and they sloped.” ‘‘Have you been to the Bar, Mr. Bundy?” asked Nora. “T have that, an’ I’ve fixed things all squar’. Thar has b’en ther biggest powwow thar that ther civilized world hss seen sence Pontiac’s day. I talked to ther boyees an’ two-thirds 0’ them are on our side, ter stay. We're gwine ! back, an’ old beeswax, thar, that you call Jed Thayer, has got ter come ter tarms. Pistol Pete .is with us, an’ ther crowd says ef you owns ther Tiger Mine, marm, that you’re a gwine ter bev it or thar will be a nitro-glyserine explosition o’ ther greatest magnitude ” Roaring Ben delivered this address with nu- merous and a riate gestures, and by the time he was Prccint ra, sched to realize how much she owed bim. She caught his hand and uttered her thanks, and the veteran bore it bravely. Either he was of the stuff of which martyrs are made or else it did not worry him to have a pretty girl thus praise him. Nora did not forget to add Joshua to her list of debtors, and then the trio prepared for the return to Buzzard Bar. They went, and, halt way, were met by a score of miners led by Pistol Pete and Abe Nor- cross, the owner of the Eagle Mine, by whom they were escorted triumphantly to the village. No one appeared to oppose them, but as they reached the first of the cabins they saw at one side a group of men who neither cheered nor threw up their hats. ‘They are the workmen in Thayer’s mine,” explained Pistol Pete, turning to Nora. ‘The old man has closed the place, agreeably to our orders, to wait until the real ownership is de- cided, and those men yonder are out in the wet. They feel rather sour, but the breeze will soon blow the cloud over.” “It is strange that Thayer should close the mine,” answered Nora, Pistol Pete smiled quietly. “Wa-al, he did vote against it_at first, but Long Tom Barney held bim and I shoved the matter over. on every ballot, slick and clean, and when the case comes up it will go before a jury composed of Long Tom Barney, Jack Magoffin, Abe Nor- cross, and the best men intown. They’re white, marm, and they’ll see justice done if the Gunni- son reeks with gore, You can bet on that right along!” The eloquence of handsome Pistol Pete, and her peculiar situation, confused and nearly unnerved Nora Barr. Naturally very brave, she had come to the Gunnison prepared for war, and she had kept up her courage until the rough way of Jared Thayer had destroyed her courage: but now, when she was the weakest, the boldest measures were advocated by her new friends. They carried her straight to Magoffin’s and Pistol Pete and Ben Bundy took tion in the bar-room to stay as a guard, but up stairs the girl was with friends she valued more. On her arrival she was very much surprised to find Nemo there, and her heart was filled with joy when she saw that he was not badly injured. e had been bit in the head by a bullet and stunned, on the previous night, and he was still weak, but with Bis frame he would gain rapid- ly. The other friend was Joshua Pepper. In some way, Nora was strangely drawn toward the brave boy, and when he volunteered to see her through she gladly accepted his offer. CHAPTER XVI. THAYER STILL AGGRESSIVE. THE remainder of the afternoon passed peace- fully away, and everybody seemed oceupied @° usual excepting the workmen of the Tigé ee who were thus given au undesired holy y. They moved about the town in a surly, in- | dependent way, and the more observing among Nora Barr’s supporters were not slow to per- ceive that they meant mischief. Still, they kept their distance, and with Roaring Ben Bundy and pistol Pete to hold the bar-room and her other friends above, the girl felt tolerably brave and contented. Jack Magoffin had come to the front as one of her stanchest supporters, but a man in his busi- ness must go with the current, and Magoffin bowed the lower before her as he reflected that she might yet learn some of his past moves against her, when Thayer ruled as king, iw which respect Jack was only a man, Nemo had taken a great lking to Joshit Pepper. The way in which the young eag > had shown his talons pleased the big black. ai,,1 | it was at bis suggestion that Nora finally que - tioned the venderfoot on his past and futur., and ended by offering him a good situation when she gained her rights. r After-that, Joshua had a double incentive to unceasing vigilance and he had an eye to all that was going on outside. Darkness fell and Jack Magofiin’s trade .b»- eame brisk. In fact, he had never before seen it quite so good, and he dealt out the liqu wit Bee ne smiles ana chuckled as fe scoo) in the gelden gain. ‘ | Qnee, and onve ealy—until the crash came-“a uv 4 sixes ag’in’ his temples while he thought the, The result was he voted with wy 7
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a shadow lingered for a moment around Jack’s elassic face. He had noticed that the full force of Tiger Mine employes were present, and as they outnumbered the other guests, Magoffin wondered what would happen if they got on the rampage. Their behavior was excellent, however, and as the hour for closing drew near, the landlord grew correspondingly Beery In the midst of this Eden-like scene, however, the doer was suddenly pushed open and four men entered. The first was Dave French, the second, a burly stranger with a big, black beard, and the third and fourth, Messrs, Thayer and Foster, of the firm of that name. Jack Magoffin stood like one suddenly turned toa statue. but very near,” as he afterward expressed it. The man with the black beard advanced a few steps and then paused. fam in search Me one Joshua Pepper,” he said, in a distinct voice, as he looked the crowd over, “Te don’t live bere,” said Pistol Pete, promptly, as he blew a mouthful of smoke into rings. ‘ Moved to Denver last week Wednes- day, with his family. Opened an employment office for ‘longshoremen in Tabor’s Block, I bas ah . . he stranger frowned. “Wo trifing, sir,” he said. “I am Sheriff Straw of Crested Batte, and I am here to arrest: young Joshua A a t “Oht I though it was the old man,” said Pete, coolly. ‘Why, what’s Josh been doing?” “He has robbed Thayer & Foster pe pes dust worth five thousand dollars!” the sheriff. Then followed a dead silence, but every man was busy thinking. Jack Magoffin, on his part, felt a deal like praying, but there were fhose whe had more to Areal, ‘ Pistol Pete and Roaring Ben Bundy saw the whole plot at once. Thayer had been beaten eff on Nora Barr, but he was resolved to have re on “Brindle Josh,” to whom the girl owed escape from the mine-hoider’s power, | In this emergency, arguments, entreaties and elibis would alike prove useless; the plaintiffs would carry their case through if they could, and as they had packed all their men inside the room, the chances were decidedly in their favor. Pistol ai however, was not blind, nor did ke believe in fooling around the case. “Your little game is a charmin said, calmly, “but the sheriff part won't go gown. You ain’ Sheriff Straw no more than [| am. You had better speak in your natural voice, Mike Sweet, and let the boys know you.” He had spoken the name of one of Thayer & Foster’s workmen, for he had penetrated his disguise, and a jeer ran around the room as all saw the trick. “That don't matter,” said Thayer, belliger- | ly. ‘Weare here on business, and we are ot to be blutfed. Josh Pepper has stolen five +kousand dollars from us and we want the | e OK. 2 ee The man that says I’m a thief is a darned ‘ar!’ words arose from the rear of the room, ni tel the Boy Tenderfoot ies forward a 2e8, lush of anger on bis face, for Phat's soe thats Brindle Josh!” shouted Dar eae th met retorted Joshua, “and Lain’t don’t, either, I ain’t a— ie canna? Shraplly: Indiscreet words, re- ferring to the events of the previous night had had been on his lips, but he ¢ hoked them down. “ Mr, Sweet, take your prisoner!” said Theyer, jouc a 7 , ing Hold ver” shouted Joshua, in a way which made the counterfeit sheriff pause. | Thayer dew yeou mean this charge In arnes a * Yes, sir, I do! Thayer angrily answered. « -Yeou know it ain’t true?” 1s«pne? O? course it ain’t! What does sech a ‘\iser’ble skunk as bim want o’ the truth? Lord, *e wouldn’t know it ef he met it face ter face In A meetin’-house!” {t was Roaring Ben Bundy who thus express- ed his opinion of Thayer, and he did it because he saw plainly that a collision must come, and did not believe in fooling pods the matter. He brought matters to a crisis as he had ex- ps sted, but the result was ly pleasant. Thayer attered a sharp command, and at the \-ord every employee of the Tiger Mine whipped . at a revolver, and the smaller party found the « ids against them. ichteen to thirteen, all told, was the count, held sad the larger party beld the drop, “J¢ one of you attempt to draw you are He ‘‘scented the battle, afar off, | | one,” he Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. dead!” said Thayer, warningly; and then, as he saw that they did not stir, be burst intoa laugh. “‘ Ha! ha! you poor miserable flunks!” be said, tauntingly; ‘‘I pity you, but I feel a good deal sorrier because we have such men on the soil of Colorado.” ‘ “What's the matter with us?’ asked Pistol Pete. “Why, you ain’t got the wit of a louse!” said the mine-holder, contemptuously. “Just you call off your bloodhounds a second and give mea show!” cried the insulted man, hotly. ‘*Why, (ll blow your brains out in a squirrel’s jump!” “No shootin’ byar, gents; no shootin’ hyar!” implored Jack Magoflin, from behind the bar. He bad worked rapidly all this while to stow his bottles and other fragile articles away where they could not get broken, for he antici- ated a “moral earthquake,” as be expressed it, on the good old Western plan, At this moment Roaring Ben Bundy pushed to the front, “If I may put in my lip,” he remarked, ‘I would humbly suggest a compromise. Ther Dra that you want—Thayer—is a ‘»boyee—a id o? some seventeen year. Now, we all like | ter see fun, an’ I propose that one o’ your gang lay hold o’ ther accused an’ him out bodily while ther rest on us stand by an’ hold their bunnits. O’ course, ter make ther scuffle fa’r, snust send in yer youngest man. That’s mm! And Bundy leveled his finger at Dave French. The ex-cowboy was for a moment startled at the su tion, for he bad tried the prowess of “Brindle Josh” before then to his sorrow, bat even his own friends shouted at the idea, and he dared not object. The majority of men like to see a contest of the kind, and as the Tiger employes were all sure that Dave could wal ht over the angu- lar tenderfoot, they decided that rare sport was in store for them, “Go ahead, Dave, and take him out,” whis- pered Foster, ‘‘ and if you can contrive to break his ugly head while you’re about it, I'll back you up.” Dave put on a ferocious scowl and advanced toward the Boy Tenderfoot, while a pensive smile began to quiver around the corners of Pistol Pete's mouth. He had seen the two youths pitted against each other before, and be was not only sure that Joshua would contrive to look out for himself, but there was also a good-sized chance that the Tiger crowd would lose the drop before the act was over, If they didn’t, Pistol Pete was ready to for- feit his title. Dave bad cut down half the distance when Jack Magoffin ventured to raise bis weak voice from behind the bar to suggest that both boys lay aside their weapons until the affair was over; and the motion was seconded and carried | through the house. | Once more the old foes faced each other, | Dave French had nerved himself for the fight | and he was resolved to conquer and pay off old | scores se uncomfortably whipped. | _ The pride of the tenderfoot must come down | into the dust, or somebody get too badly burt to | | | } | } | attend the next lynching affair in store for Buzzard Bar, CHAPTER XVII. BUZZARD BAR'S BIG NIGHT, “ BRINDLE JosH” awaited the coming of his enemy with outward coolness. but it was a situ- ation that called on his nerves direct. In his | previous encounters with the ex-cowboy he had een in the heat of passion, but now he was to | meet him coolly, as though in a regular ring, | It seemed an unequal fight, with the odds of two years in favor of Dave French, but Joshua | stood firm and resolved to use all the tricks of — Frenchman, who had taught him so | we Dave advanced with a terrific scowl on his face, and, going quite near, made a motion as | | though to put his hand on the tenderfoot’s shoulder, but, suddenly changing his tion, he shot out his clinched fist in a terrible blow straight at bis head, | The trick nearly cost Joshua dearly; he had | been led to believe that Dave intended a grap- | ple; and when the blow came he barely had fiaie to pass it over his shoulder, and then his foot slipped, and he fell erage ¥ to the floor, A tremendous bow! arose from the Tiger ang. Not one of them was fair enough to see ose the fall was the result of a slip, and as their cheers rung out Dave gained new and reckless courage. ; He made a dive for his adversary, lying as 13 the latter did on the floor, but, somehow, the Boy Tenderfoot slid away from his grasp, and then, arising, caught at Dave’s legs and raised him bodily from the floor. One moment everybody held their breath, and then, with a tremendous effort, Joshua cast his victim aside, and he fell in the crowd, near- ly knocking over one of the Tiger men. Still that was only a beginning. Dave was stung to fury by his discomfiture, and with a series of wild curses he rushed forward with doubled fists, He reached Joshua and struck out fiercely, but in a moment more the latter dod serene- ly under the hostile arm, and stood with a smile awaiting for his adversary to turn, “Oh! bring us a man /” yelled Roaring Ben Bundy. ‘Send out eight or ten on ’em with each one’s fightin’ weight. Take this stick in ae treat him for colic.—Hurrah! I told you. so The last exclamation came as Dave French went down like a log, knocked off his feet by a blow three-fourths science and the rest strength; but the oheer of the miner suddenly died arate Pistol Pete had anticipated the result of the fight from the first, and be knew Jared Thayer had not enough bonor to abide by it; he would press his claim even though Brindle Josh whip- ped the whole crowd of Tigers at once, Knowing this, Pete had only been waiting for Josh to gain a decisive advantage, and when that time came he pieye | his own part, While they foug had managed to draw his revolver unseen by the Ti as Dave. went down there were two reperts in rapid suc- cession and the room was ed in OSS... Pistol Pete had played the old trick of shoot-- sags the lights, nother moment and his hand was on the- tenderfoot’s arm, Joetn caught ie keen quiekis enh aay be oshua caught the idea ly @ ey be— gan to make for the stairway, but at that mo- ment the voice of Foster rung ‘out sheng + ‘Tigers this way! Fire to the front Pistol Pete knew what it meant, but he way not a man to be taken unawares. He forced Joshua to the floor, and then several lumps of lead whistled over them. There were other sounds, too—cries of rage and pain, and one heavy fall, which showed that all the lead had not gone astray. sf an the stairs, quicker’n light’ we, contit ued Pistol Pete, and then they moved together. They beard another man just ahead of them,. but, without trying to secure the door, which: at the best would stand but little pressure;, they ran up the stairs, At the top Nemo met them with a light, his dusky face full of battle-fire, and in his hand the revolver which he well knew how to use. Pistol Pete saw that the man who had pre-- ceded them was Ben Bundy and his own hopes: arose. He caught the light trom Nemo’s handi and set it down near the head of the stairs. ** Now, fall back, all of you,” he said, ‘‘ and we will face the gap at twenty feet, If we: ene hold the fort at that range, I’m a iar! They caught at his idea and secured their laces. Bundy tipped over a table and he and! ete turned it into an impromptu breastwork, while Joshua and Nemo brought chairs into tho: ° game, Then, with their gazes on the top of the: stairs, and their revolvers ready, they grimiv waited for further developments, and it woul! really have been a mau Lrave to wild reckless-- meee who would have dared their fire know- ingly. In the lower room, quite a circus seemed jn progress, There had been some shooting, and » suspicious crashing of glass as though some of the miners had gone out through the windows, and then loud voices and angry cries—them utter silence, le s There’s mischief in that silence,” said Pistol ‘ete, ‘What does it mean?’ Bundy asked. ‘Mischief, I tell you, sure as you live. A lull like that is i whether it speaks for white men or red,” Joshua looked over toward Nora. She sat in a chair facing them and the stairs, and her bravery thrilled him. He felt an admiration too great to be easily stifled, but it was not a fe batnaeed: back his is mind received a new impression. The scent of smoke reached his nostrils. For a moment he felt no alarm, and he almost smiled as he thought that the wild men below bad probably overturned the stove;,
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14 but fast on the heels of that theory came two new ideas—might not the hotel be burnt by that fire; or, worse still, perhaps the Tiger gang bad intentionally fired the building! The latter idea startled him. He turved io see Pistol Pete snuffing the air. * Pete,” he cried, “there is smoke in tho air. I believe they have set the bonse on fire,” A bitter exclamation fell from the man’s lips. “ They're the dogs todo anything, butvit would be simply fiendish,” he said. “Thar is sart’nly smoke in ther air,” said “Bundy. “Ay, and this hotel is on fire!” said Pete, leaping to his feet, “The cowardly hounds have taken this vee of getting at us. Jed Thayer thinks all his enemies will die in one holocaust.” “By gosh, we won’t!” said Joshua, with equal vigor. “My dad always told me [ was good fur a bundred, like my ancestors, an’—” The remainder of the tenderfoot’s reminis- eence was lost tothe world as a brighter light suddenly illuminated the room, and the flames burst out at one side of the wall. The last doubt was removed, and the little party. knew they had to fight another foe than ‘the Tigers: Pistol Pete rushed to the window and threw it open. The men of the Bar were collected all around, but contrary to his tations, no shot greeted bim, and it looked as though the way, of pees was open. en Bundy had gone half-way down the stairs, far enough to see that the lower room was all in flames, and being met by the red ogee and acloud of smoke, be came hurriedly “T's ther winder or nowhar,” he said. “ How shall we gof’ asked Pistol Peto, look. ing at Nora, ‘ We haven’t a rope.” “You an’ me will go first an’ then ketch her,” said Ben, interpreting the look. ‘ “By gosh! we had better be startin’ right away,” added Joshua, asthe smoke poured up the stairway in renewed profusion. Pistol Pete seized a chair and dashed out the window, sash and all. The way of retreat was open. “Go first,” said Bundy, ‘“‘an’’ keep your shooters ready. I'll foller right arter.” Pete did not demur. He knew that if the crowd below was in a violent mood, the first to go would stand a chance of dying immediately after, and be was a man who never hesitated to take risks, He had bis fanlts, but he was a brave man. Seizing the sill of the window he swung him- self out, hung for a moment, and then dropped to the ground, . He alighted with a revolver in each hand, but no one stirred to molest him. Ben Bundy quickly followed. By that time, however, the progress of the fire was alarming. A few minutes more and Magoffin’s hotel would be lying flat. Woe be to any person who might remain inside, Suddenly a shout arose from the crowd. The Boy Tenderfoot had appeared at the window holding Nora in his arms, but close beside them the red flames were lapping the woodwork. “Drop her!” yelled Pistol Pete; and the crowd took up the cry and thundered it out with thrill- ing force. Joshua did not hesitate. In the red glare his face looked pale, but the mouth bore an expres- sion of great firmness. He rejeased his hold, and Nora dropped to- ward the uplifted arms of Pete and Bundy. At that moment, however, a loud, shrill whis- tle arose from the crowd, a rifles cracked, and Joshua reeled back and disappeared in the smoke and flames. Almost at the same moment, too, the nearest of the crowd sprung like tigers + Bundy and his ally, and in a moment more Nora was torn from their grasp, and both men were beaten to the ground. CHAPTER XVIII. PLAYING THE TRUMP CARDS. THE cowardly attack upon the two men ‘was the prologue fer a general fight. There were men in that crowi—Dave French and the Tiger employees—who had sworn to fight for Thayer and Foster to the last, and there were those just as ready to use their weapons in defense of Nora rr, All drew together, and then the stout men lunged into a melee which may as well go un- i here, Revolvers and knives were freely used, wild angry cries arose from the the house fell with a crash and smoke and cin- ders arose plentifully. Magoflin’s hotel was a thing of the past. There was little fighting atter that. The men drew back, each one began to look to his bruises and wounds, and it was five minutes be- fore any one thought of systematic action. When such a course was taken it was found that all of Thayer's adherents had slipped away from the spot. All? No; for Foster and one other man lay dead on the ground. Not far from them, Pistol Pete and Ben Bundy seemed in the same condition, but a little attention brought both back to life. The former had a severe cut on the bead, but Bumdy was merely bruised. His first call was for Nora Barr. Where was she? No one had seen her sines the fight began, and it was on clear that she had been carried away by Thayer’s men. ‘*But Brindle Jogh an’ ther darky?” eried Roaring Ben. Ay, what of them? The Boy Tenderfoot had reeled back from the assassin’s shot, probably fatally wounded, inte that fiery ge where Nemo still was, and since them no one had sean them. ‘*My God!” said Bundy, ‘‘ they are barnt in ther flames!” It was a natural conclusien, but in thus think- ing the miner was mistaken. § us follow the fortunes of ‘‘ Brindle Josh.” When he reeled back from the cowardly shot from the crowd, he was not by any means badly injured. The shot had been poorly sped; it struck the side of the window instead of the boy; but asplinter of wood was dashed violently in his face and he instinctively jum back, Another moment and the fight an in the crowd, and Joshand Nemo besitated, but, see- ing Dave French and some of the Tigers making off with Nora, both of ber friends lea from the vroeegen building, and, as soon as they could get clear of the crowd, started in pursuit. The abductors, however, had disappeared. Greatly excited, Joshua and Nemo went on, looking eagerly to the rigbt and left, and while thus engaged they came upon a single man. One glance showed Joshua that he wasa stran- ger, but Nemo uttered a shout of surprise and o vy. : **Bress de Lord!” he said, “it am my ole massa—if am Massa Barr!” And then the new-comer gra the negro’s band, and the faithful fellow fell on his knees. ‘Praises be to de Lord!” continued Nemo. ‘I is so glad to see you, sab. I t’ought you was dead, fo’ sure. ‘*T have been, but I am resurrected,” was the reply. ‘* Nemo, where is Ben Bund:.” “Dead, sah. He was shot at de house.” “* Dead!” echoed the man, in a voice of horror. Joshua was looking on in wonder. He re- alized that this old, white-haired man was the father of Nora Barr, but more he could not understand. Suddenly, Barr aroused. “Come with me, Nemo—and you, sir, if money can hire you. My daughter is in the hands of Jared Thayer and her life depends on her prompt rescue.” ‘Money can’t hire me!” said Joshua, with emphasis, ‘‘ but I’m in the battle jest the same. Lead the way an’ Pll foller.” Barr turned toward the wood. Excited words passed between them all, and some mysteries were explained which must be told the reader a little later. In the shadow of the wood, Randolph Barr showed the ‘‘ Tigers” to bis friends. Thayer had halted his force there to wait for morning, when he intended to make a bold push for his former pang position. He believed Joshua, Nemo, Pistol Pete and Bundy dead, and with their end would cease the existence of his worst enemies, The Boy Tenderfoot, however, was alive and thoroughly on the alert. Leaving his compan- ions, he went on a scout, He found Nora tied to a tree, with the ‘ Tigers” all about, but they depended on her bonds and the watch was poor- ly kept. Ty se resolved to attempt toonce more wrest the girl from under Thayer’s very nose. Todo thishe must run great risk, but he was not one to hesitate. He boldly entered the camp of his enemies. The darkness and underbrush were in his favor, and without trouble he reached Nora’s side. He cut her bonds and the first step was taken, but would she succeed in getting out of the camp as well as he had got in? . Anxions moments were those in the lives of both, but the last of the abiuctors was at last eo and Nora was clasped in the arms of her ather. That interview can better be imagined tham | described, but the voice of Randelph Burr was unsteady as he turned to Joshua and said: ‘*How much we owe you, young sir, 1 do net yet fully know, but enough bas been told te make me say, from the bottom of my beart, you have saved the life of one dearer to me than all the world besides.” Before Josbua could answer, Nemo camo } from the edge of the woed to say thata body of men were approaching from the direction ef Buzzard Bar. They met them, and found the party Jed by Ben Bundy, and all wild to get at the ‘‘ Tigers,” and our friends pointed out the location of the camp and went aside. We need not describe what fallowed, There was anether fight, ad wher .§ was ended Jared Thayer and Dave French were done with lize. A few words more and we are at the end. Randolph Barr and Paul Wilbur did not dio by the bands of the assassins at Barrel Canyon. They survived both the bullets and the fa, thanks two the pine tree-tops upon which they fell, and thongh Barr was desperately burt, the young prospector nursed him baek to life im a mountain cave, : Before he was able to travel, Wilbur, dis- ising himself as Roaring Ben Bundy, went to e Bar. One night be entered Thayer’s house, to secure the forged deed of the mine made ont tor Thayer & Foster by the rascally lawyer; but Joshua innocently baffled his attempt. He was at first bitter against the boy, bat when he came outso nobly for Nora, became one of his best friends. No one except Baer knew that be was other than Ben Bundy until after the whole affair was settled. Mr, Barr himself, worried by Wilbur's long absence, bad come to the town while still weak from bis injuries, and bad fallen in with Joshua and Nemo.as we have just related. A brighter day dawned on Buzzard Bar, The “Tigers” were gone, and Thayer and Daye Freneb would do no more miscbief. Only Jack Magoftin bewailed, and be Fi brighter when Mr. Barr promised to build bim another hotel. al Sile Barker was found among the mountains, lying where Joshua had pushed bim over the ledge, and before ke died he confessed that it was Dave French and himself, hired by Thayer, who so narrowly missed killing Barr and Wa- bur at Barrel Chasm. Peace fell upon the Bar. The true owner of the “ Tiger” started the mine afresh, with Paul Wilbur for superintend- ent and Joshua as an important feature. All our friends knew that their happiness was chiefly owing to the ‘ Boy Tenderfoot,” and Mr. Barr mgr that all his power should be used to pay the debt. Pistol Pete abandoned some bad habits he had and went into the mine also. Amanda Thayer fled from the Bar, and re- turned no mere. There is a rumor that Nora is te become the wite of Paul Wilbur; but whether er not that is so, we have traced toa bappy peint the fortunes of the ‘‘ Boy Tenderfoot.” THE END. 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PS gS See —y HR THAN FICTION! Ba Ae NOW READY AND IN PRESS. 1 Adventures of Buffale Bill. From Boyhood te Man hood. Deeds of Daring, and Romantic Incidents in the early life of William F. Cody. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 2 The Ocean Hunters; or, The Chase of the Leviathan. A Romance of Perilous Adventure. By Captain Mayne Reid. &. An extra large number. £50 3 Adventures of Wild Bill, the Pistol Prince, Remarkable eareer of J. B. Hikok, wn to the world as “ Wild Bill”), giving the true story of his adventures and acts, By Prentiss Ingraham. The Prairie Ranch; or, The Young Cattle Herders. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr, Texas Jack, the Mustang . Thrilling Adventures in the Life of J. B. Omohundro, “ ‘Texas Jack.” By Col. P. Ingraham. Cruise of the Flyaway; or, Yankee Boys in Ceylon. By C. Dunning Clark. Joe: Tho History of a Young “ Border Ruffian.” Brief Scenes from the Life of Joseph E. Badger, Jr. By A. H. Post. 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1 Deadwood Dick, tHe PRINCE oF THE ROAD By Edward L. Wh } Vheeler. ellowstene Jack. Kamsas King. B The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Captain Mayne Reid and Captain Frederick Whittaker. Vagabond Joe, THE Youne WANDERING JEW. By Oll Coomes. Double Number, 10cts, Bill Biddon, Trapper. By E.S. Ellis. The Flying Yankee. AS . P. Ingraham. Seth Jones. By Edward 8. Ellis, 2 By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 3 ‘alo Bill. = OMIA 0 Nat Todd. By E. 5, Ellis. 11 The Two Detectives. B Galliver’s Travels. By Swift. The Dumb Spy. By Oll Coomes. Aladdin3 or, ~ WONDERFUL LAMP. ihe Sea-Cat. By Captain Fred. Whittaker. Robinson Crusoe, Pe gar Kkalph Roy. By Col. ntiss Ingraham. Sia d the Sailor. His Seven Voyages. The Phantom Spy. By. Buffalo Bill. The Double Daggers. By E. L. Wheeler. 21 Whe eg Angel, By Edward 8. Filis. 22 The Sea epont: Juan Lewis. Nick o° the Night. By T. C, Harbaugh. Diamond Dirk. By Colonel P. Ingraham. The Boy Captain. By r Starbuck. Oloven By Edward L. Wheeler. A.W. 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By Charles Morris. pak ba fk pt ROD OO OO ee es pt tht BO ES DDE OU OND IS ODER Ore ND et - $ Riper py bag oh tad real MOO DRAAMNHNN HOOD Ak He NK SV S2taQnrew “ ek jem ok pt pk fl pj fc Pt ok fk DP hp a pl tt co ch hh lk a PRWKSODAD Ge SCOSOCCSCSOVDSBOH KTHW WM HMasakadakakaFag 197 Little Grit, rs Witp Rmer. By Ingraham. | | 198 ! 199 Featherweight. | 200 The Boy Bedouins, 91 The Captain of the club; or, THE Younc | 201 The Black Hills Jezebel. By Wheeler. By T. C. Harbaugh. By Edward Wiliett. By Whittaker. Arkansaw. 202 Prospect Pete. By Oll Coomes. 203 The Boy Pards._ By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 204 Gold Plume, THE Boy Banprr, Ingraham. 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom. By Wheeler 206 Dark Paul, raz Tiger Kine. By C. Morris 207 Navajo Nick. ByT. C. Harbaugh. 208 The Boy Hercules, By Oll ee jer. 0 Faro Frank of High Pine. By Eyster. Crooked Cale, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Dashing Dave. we Rrwewre were 22 Grit, the Bravo Sport. By Ingraham. ool Texan Adventure, By Bowen. | The Sea- | 228 Little Wildfire. | 235 Shadow Sam. | 236 Apollo Bill, rH: Tram Tornapo. By Ed- | | 225 Sam Charcoal, Roger Starbuck. | 223 Qrark Ais _Kixe oF THE Mountamy. By 224 Dashing Dick. By Oli Coomes. By Charles Morris. 226 Snoozer, THE Boy SHarp, By E.L.Wheeler. 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper. By E. Emerson. 5 By Oll Coomes. Piaiee cee 230 The Yankee Rajah. By C.D. Clark. 231 Plucky Phil. ByT. C. Harbaugh. 232 Gold-Dust Dick. By E. L. Wheeler. 233 Joe Buck, of Angels. By. A W. Aiken, 234 Old Rocky’s *Boyees.’ Buckskin Sam. By Charles Morris. By ward L. Wheeler, 237 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain ; or, Tux MysTeriovs HERO. By ra Ingraham. 238 The Parson Detective, By Ol Coomes. 239 The Gold-seeker Guide, or, Tae Lost Movuntarx,. By Captain Mayne Reid. 240 Cyclone Kit. By Edward L. Wheeler. 241 Bill Bravo and His Bear Pards, By T, C. Harbaugh. 242 The Two ‘ Bloods’. By Charles Morris. 243 The Disguised Guide. By Oll Coomes. 244 Sierra Sam. By Edward L. Wheeler. 245 Merle, the Middy. By Col. P. Ingraham. 246 GliantGeorge. By Buckskin Sam. 247 Old Grizzly and His Pets, Captai Brain” Adams. ee Santee 248 Sierra Sams Secret. By E. 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 §. Ellis 255 Captain Apollo, By T. ©. 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, By R. Starbuck. 260 Dare-Devil Dan. By Oll Coomes, 261 Fergus Fearnaught, By Geo. L, Aiken. 262 The Young Sleuths, By Charles Morris. 263 Deadwood Dick’s Divide. By Wheeler. 264 The Floating Feather. By Ingraham. 265 Whe Tiger Tamer. By Capt. Whittaker. 266 Kilib’ar, the Gulde. By Ensign Charles Dudley Warren, (of the Engineer's Corps.) 267 The Buckskin Detective, By T. C. Harbaugh. Deadwood Dick’s Death Trall, Edward L. Wheeler. The Gold Ship DEMNED, By Colone Blizzard Ben. By Captain Mark Wilton. Khe Huge Hunter. By Edward §. Ellis; Minkskin Mike. By Oll Coomes. Jumbo Joe. By Edward L. Wheeler. Jolly Jim. By Charles Morris, 5 Arizona Jack, By Buckskin Sam, (Major Sam 8. Hall.) Merle Monte’s Cruises; or, Tae Crase or THE GoLp Sup. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 277 Denver Doll. By Edward L. Wheeler. 278 Khe Three Ct gamely or, THe Mounrarn Monster. By Major L. W. Carson. 279 Old Wineh, rae Ririz Kine. Harbaugh. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate; or, Prart, THe Prrave’s Prive. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 281 Denver Doll's bf tg ad SKULL AND Cross-Bones. By Edward L. Wheeler. 282 The Typo Detective 3 or, Weasen, THt Boy Tramp. ‘By Edward Willett. 283 Indian Joe; or, THe Warre Spiare or THE Hous. By Major L. W. Carson. 284 The Sea Marauder}; or, Mertz Monts’s Piepen. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 285 Denver Doll’s Decoy. By EK. L. Wheeler. 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot; or, THe Witp iten or Buzzarp Bar. By Mark Wilton. 287 Billy Blue-Kyes, tare Boy Rover or THE Rio Granpe. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 288 The Scalp King. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams, 289 The Young Detective; or, Jotty Jni's Cure Casg. By Charles Morris. 268 By $ or, Merie, tHe Con- Prentiss Ingraham, By T. C. | 290 Turk, the Ferret, By E. L. Wheeler. A new tesue every week. The Halt-Dime Library is for sale by al Newsdealers, five cents per ba sent by mail on receipt. of six cents each. TADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York,