Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 296) (1883 03 27)
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t ent A : arias Halalalalaifallal Vay: Me a PS he llth A, =, OH | | & er" | Wy WHA, rola ia Wola! Ti) | ok tT oP oh on $2.50 a year. Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mai) Rates. Copyright, 1883, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, March 27, 1888. Single PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, : Vol. XIL, Number. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. No. 296. DENVER DOLL'S DRIFT; or, The Road Queen's Big Campaign. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, “ROSEBUD ROB” NOVELS, ‘‘ DENVER DOLL” NOVELS, ETC., WITH THE DEBRIS WENT HEAVENWARD NO LESS A HUMAN SPECTACLE THAN SUNFLOWER SAM, ASTRIDE HIS SUPERANNUATED MULEL
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2 ws Denver Doll's Drift; The Road Queen's Big Campaign, A Story of Freshet Flats, BY E. L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, ** ROSE- BUD ROB” NOVELS, ‘‘ DENVER DOLL” NOVELS, ETC., ETC, CHAPTER I. ONE WAY TO LOSE A MINE. “Yas, they say old Nathan Blob is comin’ ter town, to-night, bag an’ baggage, fetchin’ along his swag, wi’ which to buy up a monopoly over ther minin’ interests, heer in Freshet Flats!” The speaker was a black-bearded, roughly- dressed man, who formed one of a party of half a dozen persons that were seated in Fisk’s gro- cery store, one rainy September evening, in the young mining-camp of Freshet Flats. Fisk’s grocery was the only store in the camp, and consequently was a place of rendezvous, nightly, for characters that did not frequent the Satanello, the chief saloon and gaming den of town, The speaker was Jim Fisk, the proprietor of the grocery—a man who had followed up min- ing life, since ’49, and who was noted as ‘‘ squar’ from the word go.” Of course occassionally some one would insin- uate that Fisk’s character was not spotless; but then, a man never existed in a rough Western mining-camp, whom some one had not some- thing to say against, and Jim generally backed up any insults with the free use of a six-shooter, which he knew eee’ well how to handle, as did bis daughter Fanny. His audience, to-night, was with one excep- tion, composed of roughly-attired and bearded men, like himself, who were plainly veterans in {ihe mines, and who were not afraid to use the weapons they wore in their belts, The exception was a well-shaped young man, dressed in citizen’s attire, with a display of jew- elry, and the air of one who was born te easy cirvcumstances, ; His hair was jet-black, and a mustache of the same color ornamented bis lip. , Of face, he was dark complexioned, and of Sinister expression; a cynical smile almost con- stantly hovered about bis mouth, The words of Jim Fisk had been addressed to this individual, more particularly. 5 se 5 ag ordinary mortals will stand no show, when the monopoly magnate comes!” this sport said. ‘*Reckon you're right, unless you can rope him in with a skin game, La Force,” To which the young man showed two gleam- ing white rows of teeth, in his sardonic smile. “The boys tell me the ownership of Denver Doll’s Drift is likely to change hands!” Fisk went on, inquiringly. ‘‘ How is it?” “| judge that’s about the size of it,” La Force rejoined. ‘‘ Those who. dance must f the fiddler. Heard how we ran it in to corral?” ‘*No. I simply heard that Dolly had taken in, and done for.” “Well, you see, last evening Doll came into the Satanello, where I and Ben Blye were play- ing eucher—that is, we were playing off; Ben losing all the time, and I winning eavily, in anticipation of picking up a snap.. This Denver Doll stood looking on, an’ when Blye quit, two ‘hundred out, she was enough to allow she os beat the man who put the spots on the cards. **T allowed she couldn’t, and first you know we were at it, hundred dollars aside. She was a good player, and had sharp eyes, but I knew several points—El Paso skin game—that she didn’t, and as a natural consequence, [ won twenty successive games. That made her mad, and she wanted to borrow swag to gamble on. No one responded, so I agreed to lend her a thousand for twenty-four hours, and take a mortgage on the mine. She agreed, and Paque, the lawyer, fixed up a light mortgage, which makes the Drift mine, if Denver Doll don’t come to time, at eleven o’clock, to-night.” ‘* And you won the other thousand?” ; “Ot course. The man or woman does not live, that can beat me at cards!” _ And the sport spoke with emphasis enough to denote that he believed what he said. Denver Dolls Drift was the only quartz mine yet opened, at Freshet Flats, and was already de- ei loped into one of the best paying leads in that ’ | bad | vein of quartz in the hills about the Flats, that / Denver Doll’s Drift. section of Arizona, All the other claims at the Plats were moderate paying placer or surface mines, and promised speedily to play out. Nor iligent prospecting discovered another guaranteed to pay for the labor of opening. Therefore the future prospects ot the cam depended mainly upon Denver Doll’s Drift, an the noted young queen of Western detectives was considered as being the destined richest per- son in that part of the territory. But, now, according to the statement of Jean La Force, ber prospects were poor, unless she could raise a thousand dollars before eleven o'clock, that night. This she could bave done, only that her young protege, Little Bill, bad gone t, several weeks before, for machinery,’taking all but a couple of thousand dollars of their available funds with him. , It was already time for his return, but there was no knowing exactly what day he would put in an appearance. Thus was tbe loss of her available cash liable to put the girl sport in trouble, as there was probably not a man at the Flats, aside from Tea La Force and Ben Blye, who could raise a thousand dollars to meet a sudden emergency unless it was Jim Fisk—and that personage and the detective queen were not exactly on good terms, for the reason that she had refused to sell him a share in the Drift. “Pm bettin’ the mine is yourn,” Fisk re- marked. ‘‘I opine if the mes is really broke, that she won’t find no one hyer who can help her out ” “That’s what I concluded, when I lent the money for so short a time,” La Force chuckled, ‘‘The mine is worth a hundred thousand, if a cent, Pretty good investment, eb?” ‘*Yas; but I wouldn’t lke to be in your skin, if you take the mine away from her!” an old gray-baired miner said, who was known as Uncle Job, from the fact that he was noted for his patient disposition. ‘Why not?” La Force demanded. ** Beca’se ye don’t half know that aire gal, I tell ye. She’sa big-hearted *un, an’ squar’ as & corner, but she ain’t one ’twill be run over.” *““Pshaw! Would you for a moment imagine that I could be intimidated by a woman?’ scornfully. ** Wull, wait an’ see. Ef report don’t lie, you wouldn’t be the furst galoot she’s made knuckle under, Orter go up around Boise City, ef yo wanter get her i a ‘*Humph! I!) run chances against her chew- in’ off my ear. Ef you’re so much struck on the gal, old man, why don’t ee put up for her?” ‘Wish to Lord I had the ducats, an’ I would!” Old Job replied, promptly and heartily. ‘Im blowed ef I don’t feel like a fightin’-cock, when I hear a feller brag about beatin’ a gal out 0’ ber money by a skin game? Ef I hadn’t nigh seventy year on my head, I’d like to lick sech a galoot before each meal-time, jest as an appe- tizer.” . , La Force flushed angrily, and sprung to his eet. ‘*Mebbe you’d like to try it on, now!” he cried, savagely. ‘‘I’ve a mind to flatten your nose for you, you old loafer!” ** Bo kee bovee! Don’t tech me, ef I am old, or by the Holy Moses, Pll arn ye bet- ter!” the miner cri , also rising. ‘‘1 don’t want to pick bones along wi’ sech as you, but I’m hanged ef ye’ll git advantage on ’count of my years!” “What! you dare to talk back to me, youold fossil? Why, I'll have to learn you better man- ners!” the gambler cried, and he strutted up to Old Job to slap him across the mouth; but quick as lightning the old fellow ducked his head, and catching La Force by the leg, jerked him down upon the floor. He then stood aloof, and calmly awaited for the gambler to arise, which he did instantly, the back of his immaculate white duck coat consid- by yd soiled. ; , ** Curses be on you! Pll have your life for this!” he roared. **T’ll show you who is the best man in Freshet Flats!” ; He leaped upon the miner with the agility ofa panther, and -went to the floor, La Forc on Tee next instant he seized Old Job by the post, and preceeded to choke him to death, the ers ahaa around and lookizg on with approval. | La Force was counted a bad man at the Flats, pmo oe met his equal as a fighter or ‘car ; In all probe ility he would have been permit- ted to accomplistt his murderous purpose had a enn mone not the door of the store opened, at this junc- ture, and a s' r walked in, Comprehending the situation, this new-comer uttereda yell, and leaping forward, jerked the gambler off from his victim, throwing him back upon the floor, when be planted one foot upon his breast and leveled a revolver at his head. “There, you infernal whelp, lay there!” ho cried sternly. ‘‘ What d’ye mean by assaulting a man old enough to be your grandfather?” ‘* Who the devil are you?” La Force gasped, both enraged and terfified. ‘‘Let me up, curse your’ ; ‘‘ Not yet, my fine fellow, When theeld gent says you can get up V’lllet youup. If be wants me to pin you to the floor, ’ throw my knife through you!” The speaker was a, dashing-looking frontiers- man of some five-and-twenty years, with a fine face and figure—the former somewhat tanned by exposure, and the latter attired in a service- able civilian’s suit, with high oh upon his feet, a slouch sombrero upon his head, and a belt around the waist, which contained a revel- bea and knife in addition to the one he held in and. His face was strikingly handsome, witb pearly teeth, penetrating brown eyes, a tawny mus- tache, and a head of brown hair that rippled to bis shoulders like a vail. ‘What shall I do with the tough?” he asked. “‘ Just sing out his doom, and 1’ll execute it just so sure as my name is Arizona Alf!” — All hands started, and looked surprised! It was not an unfamiliar title. Down from the nor’western part of the territory bad now and uben come some miner’s camp-fire yarn, about the dare-devil pranks of a reckless ranger called Arizona Alf—a man said to fear neither man, beast nor devil, and who was a terror to evil-doers. ‘Oh! yes, it’s me,” he went on—“it’s me you bet! and I reckon someof you have heard of such a galoot. But, 1 say, pap—what skall I do with this rampaut rooster what was a- sbhet in’ off yer throttle?” ‘Let him go!” Old Job replied. ‘I orter know’d better than to try and defend myself. I’m. too old ter tackle sich cattle as him!” * Better just give me permission to puta bead through him, so that he can’t hurt you in the future ” “No! I want no murder on my soul,” Job an- swered, “Let him go. He will do better, I hope!” eS You bet I will!” La Force retorted. “V0 , removing his foot, so that the gambler could arise. “* Curse you, I’m not afraid of you!” La Foree cried, ‘If you want to fight squeal out!” “T am not the party to take the offensive, If you particularly desire 1o get mangled, Ive no doubt the avenger of Joaquin Muriete can accommodate you!” La Force grew suddenly white, “You?” he gasped— “ Am the only ews vite relative of ill fated Joaquin, and have the blood of vengeance in my veins. There are ei 3 yet, several of Joaquin’s enemies, or their families, and they are mine!” ‘Well, if you’re that sort of a pilgrim, I opine ycu’ve come to the right camp to id that man. ceit by the mest sprrad methods!” Heré was a bold challenge, aud every man in the room knew it, but none of them seemed disposed to take it up. ta Force had by degrees got around to tho other side of the stove, and‘was apparently in- disposed so far as tackling the zonian was concerned. “Your challenge is that of a bully, and not worthy of notice!” Fisk said, ‘‘Let me tell you, however, that if you mepase to remain in this camp, you will bave to exhibit less bragga- docio, or you'll get planted!” “Tf you think so, why don’t you trot out one of your planters?” Arizona Alf demanded. | Fight with nature’s weapons, and I'll give a few lessons!” La Force answered. He had heard enough of Alf to fear to tackla him with knife or pistol. } ’ For himself, he was a trained pugilist, No t a 1
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a : { : mania Freshet Flats had yet beer able to tap bina on the nose, and there were some fellows among the hardy miners, who had a deal of science in the fistic art. Arizona Alf looked the challenger over for a moment, critically, and noted two facts. La Force was trimly, compactly, and muscularly built—then, his every natural movement denoted a quickness that is especially desirable to a boxer; but these facts did not in the least disconcert the Arizonian. ‘‘ Consider me your pupil, then,” he answered, *‘ and let’s get at the lessons!” a Feree threw off his coat and vest in an instant, and rolled up his sleeves. Alf leaned agaiust the counter, making no move to dis- robe, A ring was hastily chalked out on the floor, and when the gambler signifled his readiness, the two athletes confronted each other. Resolve gleamed in each eye—it was plainly destined to be a battle of two masters, CHAPTER IL. ~ THE LONE ROBBER AND A SOIENTIFIC “ SET-TO,” Ld Haur id Sharp and stern rung out the challenge, sounding above the noise occasioned by the coach-wheels, as the clumsy vehicle tore along down through a deep mountain gulch, drawn by six good horses. . Not only did Buck Bradley, the driver, hear the challenge, but he saw a person standing in the trail just ahead, with a rifle leveled toward the coach, “Halt, or Pll fire!” came the command avain and so edie that the veteran Jehu jerked his horses back upon their haunches. The road-agent, who was dressed in good clothes, including top-boets and a plumed slouch hat, and a mask upon the smooth face, advanced, keeping his rifle ready for instant mise, **Get down off from your box!” he ordered, addressing Bradley. ‘‘If you don’t, you're a dead man!” Buck had confronted these officious gents of the road more than once during his career, and had learned that it wag safest to obey their commands; so he leaped to the ground, and awaited further orders. “Tell your passengers to pile out!” the bandit next ordered, Bradley flung open the coach door. “Dust out, you passengers!” he cried. “ Thar’s a feller out beer wi’ a sixteen-shot battery as wants tosee ye. No monkeyin’, now, ner kick- in’, but pile right out!” llowing this significant hint three men growlingly clambered out of the coach. One was a short, broad-shouldered man, with a tremendous stomach and a fat face of rather sour, disagreeable appearance, The next was a ‘‘swell” in a checkered suit, fresh kids, soft hat and eye-glass—a milk-com- plexioned party, with attenuated legs, a hooked nose, and flaxen side-whiskers, The third and '«st to leave the stage was a bouncing negro, as black as jet, who evidently belonged to the old gent of the ms Ke deat The trio halted in line as they left the coach, and their strong contrast of appearance pro- voked a dry laugh from the road-agent, who had now drawn a revolver and slung his rifle to his back. “Well, this isa healthy-looking haul, I must remark!” he said. ‘Best you can scare up, driver? Get in 4 line, there—that’s right, now. Nothing like order, you know. Throw up your bands, every mother’s son of you!” ““Vot der duyfel you means?” the fat party demanded. “ Dis vas von oudrage!” ** You bet!” the road-agent averred. “Iam tad Star. the road-runner, and I want your money. Hands up, if you don’t want to get salivated!” The command was obeyed. Nathan Blob, the wealthy Jew, sputtered and cursed furiously, but the negro and the swell were too much frightened to speak; and, as Jehu Bradley had no money, he did not care so much. Keeping the revolver ready in his left hand, Red Star was not long in effectually disarming all hands and flinging their weapons into the bushes beside the trail. “* Now, then!” he said, holding forth his hat, ‘just you toss out your money! I don’t care for jewelry—just the simple spondulicks. And remember, I'm only Poervets this for a few days, when it will be returned to you, cent for cent!” ‘Guess you're ruunin’ a new racket, then,” Buck declared, with a chuckle. “ v0 -agents don’t geverally do bizness om that plan. \ on \ Denver Doll’s Drift. oe eee ee ete eee ee es se ee oe se eee eee eee _ ee “All are not alike, sir. Come! pass out, | a fellow named Blye, who was engaged in at- gents!” ‘Py tam, dish ish von pig oudrage!” old Blob cried. ‘‘I haff no monish. I giff yon no monish !” ‘* You lie, you old gold-grabber! ‘You’re not the :.an to travel without money, and don’t you forget it. I know who you are, Blobsy—so just you pan out, or Pll put a buzzer in your noddle that’ll be worse’n tho’ a mule had kicked you!” Blob showered invectives upon the road-agent fraternity, and swore dire vengeance on them, winding up by dropping a pocket-book into Red Star’s hat, and then scrambling back into the coach, “You can go, too!” Red Star said to the negro. ‘‘Who are you, dandy, and what are you going to contribute?” ‘** My name is Apollo Snap, and I have noth- ing to give!’ the swell faintly articulated. “Plense Jet me cif for Lf have nothing to ; > Wil, dash me, if you ain’t a cool one, Lookee bere, baby, you shell out, or PU blow the muzzie off from you!” “The what?” Apollo demanded. “Yer muzzle—you’re fronticepiece—your mug. None o’ your sniveling now, but give me your pocket-book, before I drop you.” Looking more frightened than before, the swell obeyed, and then hastened to seek the pro- tection of the coach. ‘** Reckon that will do, now!” Red Star said, giving a shrill whistle, which brougbt a hand- some saddle horse to his side, ‘You can tell the citizens of Freshet Flats that Red Star sends his kindest regards!” The next instant he was in the saddle and flying down the gulch. Bradley then mechanically mounted the ‘‘hearse,” and followed on toward Freshet Flats, highly elated that the first stage-robber on that trail had been attended by no blood- shed. At Jim Fisk’s grocery, in Freshet Flats, the excitement was intense, and, yet, the silence pro- found, as the two athletes stood confronting each otker. The following instant, however, the silence was broxen by a sudden and resounding whack, which struck the gambler on the forehead, causing him to stagger back. It was a shoulder blow which the Avenger of Joaquin had struck, and would have lifted any ordinary man off his feet. “Curse you, I was off my guard, then!” the gambler yelled, coming to time with an effort. “That’s not my fault,” Alf replied, good- naturedly. “If you don’t want to get a sun- downer, you'd better be on guard, then.” For a few minutes they indulged in a little sparring, then, as suddenly as a thunder-clap, a blow from the iron fist of the Avenger caught La Force under the nose and sent him spinning backward. Directly behind him was a large drum wood- stove, in which was a hot fire. The capacious door chanced to be open, and as he staggered and fell backward, the gambler’s head plunged into the opening of the fiery fur- nace. A ery of horror went up. The force of his fall knocked over the stove, by which his head escaped from the fiery pit, but nob until his bair was in a blaze. For an instant the spectators seemed stupefied —all except Arizona Alf, who, with almost lightning quickness, pulled off his jacket and wrapped it over the unfortunate’s head. But, though the flames were smothered quick- ly, the better part of La Force’s hair bad been singed down to the very scalp. owls of pain escaped him, but as there was a prospect that the shanty would catch fire, he was dragged out of doors, where several sym- pathizers proceeded to dress his wounds, Arizona Alf, after reviewing the operations for a few minutes, turned and sauntered away, CHAPTER III. DENVER DOLL AFLOAT. Ar midnight Freshet Flats’ ag ming den, the Satanello, usually held its largest ped nfo and to-night was no exception to the rule, The room was overflowing in every part, and various games were going on, while drunken revelry prevailed; but one of the sorriest-looking objects in the room was Jean La Force, who presided behind the bar, with head bandaged in every Sy except bis face, and an expression of ugly ill-humor upon that. The Satanello was jointly owned by him and tending to the games, Few of the audience made any audible re- marks about La Force’s misfortune, for a couple of cocked revelvers lay on the shelf back of the bar, and they knew he was in a capital humor to use them at slight provocation. Although every person in the room was watch- ing some game or other, or engaged in conver- sation, it might have been noticed that they of- ten glanced at the clock behind the bar and then toward the door. When La Force looked at the clock a devilish smile of triumph would pass over his face, At eleven o’ciock Denver Doll was to have re- deemed her mortgage, It was now after twelve, and it was distinctly stated in the agreement that only two hours’ grace should be given, under any circumstances. The crowd in the Satanello were to a man ac- quainted with the facts, and hence their manifest interest, A quarter of onecame. But fifteen minutes did Denver Doll now have, to redeem her mine. eared, it was at La Force’s option whether to et her redeem the Drift property or not. “A thousand dollars to a cent, that Denver Doll’s Drift is mine!” he cried, from bebind the bar, as five minutes to one came, and the detec- tive queen had not shown herself. *‘ All that wants to take the bet, step up!” Evidently no one in the room was flush with their stamps. Four minutes to one! Peter Paque, the only lawyer in the camp, mounted one end of the bar, holding a fegth looking document in his hand. He was a pinched, shriveled-up little man, with the sharp features and general a ance of a scamp, and ’twas said of him that he was not at all serupulous as to how he made money. **Gents, at one o’clock, I foreclose the mort- gage held by Jean La Force, against the Denver Doll mine. The full extent of grace will have expired, with the meee Saw yonder clock, and I do announce to you all jthat the mortgage is then lewfully foreclosed. Enough said!” Two minutes lacking of one o’clock} The games had stopped Every man stood facing the bar, with strange, eager expressions of countenance, their gaze riveted upon the face of the clock, toward which the finger of Jean La Force pointed, like a menace, Dead silence reigned, only the low tick of the time-piece breaking the silence, One minute to one} What an eternity to some—what a loss to others might the striking of the clock signify? Tick! tick! tick! tick! It scarcely seemed that a muscle of the hu- man beings in the room, stirred, so absorbed were they—even the expressions of the motley array of faces was changed into a sort of anxious pallor. Ting! It was over! The hour wos struck, and according to con- tract, Denver oll’s Drift belonged to Jean La 7 Hark! 4 Every ear turns toward the door—every face expresses eagerness, and some disappointment combined with eagerness—all but one, That face expresses malicious exultance, It is the face of Jean La Force, ' But why the eagerness? A furious clatter of horse’s hoofs is beard ap- proaching. The horse dashes up to the door. Some one leaps off, Tho door is burst open! Denver Doll, the So Nata girl sport in the West, enters with a rush. ‘‘T redeem that mortgage!” she cries, with a glance at tke clock. “Young woman, you are just one minute too late!” the voice of Peter Paque replies. ‘The mortgage is already foreclosed. The Drift be- longs to Mr. Jean La Force, and all the courts of law in Christendom carinot take it away from him.” “ Do you refuse to accept back the money I borrowed, and return me the paper?” the girl demanded, turning her flashing eyes upow La orce. ‘* Most assuredly !” he answered, with a mock- ing smile. “Then, may the curse of Denver Doll rest upon you and that mine until it is restored to me!” she cried, backing toward the door, | 4 > ¢ If one o’clock struck, and she had not ap- | ueen of detectives, and -
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tad oe taper ees ane ee mr wwe pmeearrenepnamnteomante ane “Stop that girl!” La Force cried; and a dozen of his admirers in an instant took the detective queen into cusiody, and disarmed her, She struggled, but it was no use. Man though she might appear in her jaunty suit of male attire, she was still a weak woman as compared with the hardened miners who seized hold of her. In the struggle her sombrero fell to the floor, and her beautiful hair was tossed into wild con- fusion, which, if anything, made her more beau- tiful than ever, with her cheeks flushed and eyes dancing with indignation. “ Release me!” she cried. ‘‘ What is the mean- ing of this assault?” “Jest be quiet, if you please!” La Force said, with a wicked chuckle, ‘‘ You raised the money, and got here too late to redeem the mine. Supposin’ you jest explain to us law- abidin’ citizens how and where you raised the swag!” OF will explain nothing!” she retorted. ‘‘I defy the whole of you! You area pack of ruf- fians; and if that mine is not given back to me, this town shall know what a wronged woman can do!” ‘**T guess no one ain’t skeart of you!” La Force growled. ‘Ef you don’t tell where you made a raise of the swag, why we'll hold ye till we find out. Mebbe there has been a stage robbery, or somethin’ of the kind, since money ain’t picked up so orful easy!” A close observer might have noticed that Dol] winced perceptibly; but none of tne crowd probably noted the fact. ‘ It indeed was she who had tapped the stage, that night, and so boldly relieved the passen- gers of their cash under the name of Red Star. But, how did La Force divine the secret? And why did he order her arrest? It would not be long ere the stage would arrive; then her identification as Red Star was almost a certainty. The thought fairly maddened her, and making another sudden and desperate struggle for lib- erty, she succeeded in breaking away, and a bound carried her through a window, taking the glass and cross-bars of the sash with her. Tn an instant, all was the wildest excitement, and the rough men of Freshet Flats poured from the saloon, weapons in hand and yelling vengefully, Across the gulch, in which the Flats were situated, sped the detective queen like a fright- ened fox. The drizzling rain and deep darkness hid her from view, and it was literally useless to follow —yet Jean La Force led the pursuit. Soon they came to Rapid Creek, a furious mountain torrent that whirled through a deep but narrow channel, on its southward course, No bridge spanned the stream, and only a very expert leaper could reach the other side; yet beyond the stream, and above its angry roar, they heard Denver Doll’s defiant yell. Had she leaped the stream? If sc, it was something that no man in the party could do, and the detective queen was safe, so far as the immediate present was con- ce La Force knew this, and growlingl the men back to the saloon, satisfied t useless to attempt further pursuit. But, had he known it, he was deceived, as re- gards Denver Doll being on the further side of the stream, for she was not. On reaching its edge, and realizing that she could not get across, she ran on down the shore, and after proceeding for a little way, cut back in a cir- cuitous way into the camp. “They think I leaped the creek, but they’ll find out better ere long,” she muttered, grimly. “*T wonder if they’ll visit my shanty?” Her abode was on the outskirts of the camp, and thither she made her way, taking care not to approach too close, until she was satisfied that La Force and his followers had returned to the Satanello. She then approached the shanty, when to her ro: aha she perceived that the door was open, and a man was standing on the threshold, smoking a cigar. ordered tit was CHAPTER IV. A GIANT SUNFLOWER. A GLANCE convinced her that he was a stranger, and a handsome one in the bargain; and as there was nothing pap monieyy hostile in his demeanor, she concluded to advance and find out what he was doing there. He stepped from the doorway as she ap- proached, and tg his sombrero politely, ’ ** Excuse me, but perhaps I have been tres- _ passing,” be said. “I happened along here, and ¥ cae. finding the door open, and no one apparently at Denver Doll’s Drift. home, I concluded I’d better play watch-dog until some one did come,” ‘‘Thank you. I must have forgotten to lock the door when I went away,” Doll responded, regarding him curiously. Will you step inside, until the rain slacks up? ‘‘Tf you think proper, yes. me with your name first?” f ‘Denver Doll is what Iam generally called, Will you favor ‘* Indeed! I have then heard of -you frequent- re and am glad to meet you. fan Arizona Alf—-a name, perbaps, not familar to you.” ‘*T have also heard of you. You are called the Avenger of Joaquin?” ‘“* Exactly.” They then entered the rude dwelling, and Doll closed the door, seating herself near it, ‘You will excuse me for not striking alight,” she said, ‘‘as I am sought forby a gang of ruf- fians, and do not want them to know I am here. If they do come, I'll give them a warm recep- tion before they shall capture me,” “Then count on me as your assistant. But how is this? I have heard that you were one of the prominent citizens.” ** Possibly prominent, from the fact that I did own part of the quartz mine, but hardly popular —with the rough element.” **'You say you did own the mine, or a part of it?” “Yes. If you jike, I will explain.” And she proceeded to narrate, in a straight- forward manner, what is already known to the reader. Arizona Alf listened without speaking until she had finished. ‘‘T am sorry to hear this,” he said. ‘' From all accounts I have ever heard of you, you have hitherto borne an unimpeachable record; but I fear, as you say, that you are outlawed, so far as this town is concerned. What do you pro- pose to do, in regard to the mine?” “Fight for it to the bitter end!” Doll cried resolutely. ‘‘If the Drift can’t do me any good through one minute’s loss of time, it shall never do any one else any good, and you can bet high on it.” ‘Bravo! I heartily admire your grit. If you ever need a friend, don’t forget that the Avenger of Joaquin Muriete bas a heart that beats warmly for the weak and downtrodden, and a hand that can grip like steel. I—” Just then there came a loud knock upon the door—a knock that must have been given by a onderous fist, for it made the door rattle on its inges. eeaad Doll looked at Arizona Alf, whom she could just see through the gloom, and motioned silence. In a moment came the powerful knock again, and following it, a coarse, blatant voice cried out: ‘ | up thar, cuss ye, or I'll tumble yer door down! ‘Ye needn’t purtend thar ain’t no one to bum, ’cause I know a darned sight bet- ter, , Heerd yer squawkers a-goin’ a minit ago,’ Denver Doll tip-toed over to where Arizona Alf was seated. “Do you think it’s some of La Force’s gang?” she asked, in a whisper. ‘I don’t know. Sounds more like some half- drunken bullwhacker from out of town.” Just then there came a furious kick at the door that made it spring inward. “ Aire ye goin’ ter open?” the hoarse voice roared. Doll drew a revolver and cocked it. ‘‘ Better ask who he is, and then you can jud better what to do,” Arizona Alf suggested. ** He may not be the party you expect.” ‘Who are you, and what ae you want?’ she demanded, sternly. “Ef ye don’t open up yer ranch I’! cussed soon show ye!” was the savage response. ‘‘ I’m Sunflower Sam, right down frum Cirnamon Gulch, an’ ef ye don’t open I'll show ye how to smile. I’m wet ter the skin, an’ want shelter till I kin get a bite—then I’m gone.” Not off her guard by any means, Denver Doll unbarred the door and carefully opened it, hold- ing. her revolver ready for instant use. _ be sight of the applicant for admission satis- fied her that he was a stranger. And a typical Western stranger, to boot, If giants prevailed in ancient times, this being gg to prove that the race was not yet ex- inet, He was very nearly seven feet in hight, and largely proportioned otherwise. His face was massive and rather grotesque in appearance, ; t / | H H i ' ; t 7 t t { ER a ad a Spell he oT ts MMe IE Ml it a Fd SR alld i: vrata a aa a eed 5 eR SS ce a i Sea aes Re AP AEA BOK ie ; | —— tt ; ; ! ; ; with a huge mouth, and large nose with a plain inclination toward the Bee A goatee of about fifty bristly hairs of mg fer ornamented his chin, while his eyes were little, peering and cun- ning. His attire, however, was that of the usual slouchy bullwhacker, consisting of greasy cor- duroy trowsers thrust into a pair of stogy top- boots, an equally greasy and ragged red shirt, | open at the throat, and a much-worn plug-hat/ upon his cranium that had evideatly been used as a target for much pistol practice, judging by, the number of holes in it. A belt around his waist contained three horse- pat each one of a different pattern, and a arge knife. The moment Doll opened the door he grinned and bowed obsequiously. “ Aba! “Thou art one so young an’ fair— By me life, I reck’ed a man lived here!” he said, with profound reve rence. ‘Fair lady, behold in me Sunflower Sam’! on a spree; I'm bound to have a jamboree, In honor o’ the Wild Fejee!” And then the giant turned his back, and ex- hibited a huge cloth imitation of a sunflower, which was sewed to his shirt. Denver Doll burst into a merry laugh, while Arizona Alf came to the door to see what was the matter. ’ ‘‘ Why, Sammy, where’s your stockings and knee-breeches?” Doll asked. ‘‘ You are not. complete as an vesthete.” { ‘True. I have been neglectful, fair queen o the Muses, in not adorning my shins wi’ them togs, but then I am so much more esthetic than brother Osear, that it is hardly worth mention- ing. Can I come in?’ ‘* What do you want?” ““Tf you have no bear meat or yanked veni- son, I can, on a pinch, put up wi’ a leetle whisk made wi’ sunflower tea, miss.” ‘* Better invite him in, rather than make him an enemy!” Arizona said, in alow tone. ‘If I a not, the man is worthy of good hand- ing.” ‘Well, come in,” * An’ my dorg?” “Of course!” The sesthete gave a whistle with his enormous mouth, following which a mule of the scrawniest character and size, made its appearance around the end of the shanty. ; “That's my dorg!” Sunflower Sam explained, surveying the animal with pride, ‘an’ me an’ him ailus sails together through this briny vale f teers.” ‘You don’t expect to bring that beast. in- doors?’ Denver Doll exclaimed. ‘Bet I do, ef I come in!” Samuel grinned. ‘‘ Jurisprudence aire jest as much of an ssthete as 1 am, an’ we allus sleep together, dines to- gether, fights together, drinks together, an’ com- munes together. Any one as misuses Jurispru- dence misuses me, an’ thar’s goin’ to be trouble when we gits mad.” ‘Well, come along in; but, mind—there oy be a fight heerabouts to-night, and we shall expect you to stand witb us. , “Bet I will! Great blizzards an’ blisters! Ye just orter see me fight when my dander gits riz.” And with these words the giant entered the shanty, the burro following him, and lying down in one corner. At Arizona Alf’s suggestion, Denver Doll now lit a lamp, while the Sunflower became seated. ‘*Now then, gal, ef ye can trot out a gallon o’ bug-juice, with a Tittle yanked venison to wash it down with, et won’t take long to nerve me fer fightin’ anything from a grizzly to a rhinosereous, an’ don’t ye ferget it. You shall see what Oscar the Second can do in the way o makin’ the fur fly.” ‘¢ Grub you can have, but nary bug,” Doll re- plied. ‘I don’t keep the stuf! around my shanty.” . ‘So? Well, now, then, couldn’t ye give mea bottle o’ water wi’ a bumble-bee or wassup in it —semethin’ to get up an irriatation when it goes down my muzzle?” “Guess not, unless perchance you can use 2 cactus bur.” ‘“Humph! I’ve used ’em already: but they don’t lace: ate one’s gullet enuff as they godown, like bug-juice does, Brother?’ And he cast a glence at Arizona Alf. ‘No. Why do you ask?” “Qh, didn’t know. Looks like as ef be was from good fightin’-stock.” He then relapsed into silence, and proceeded to deyour the meat and bread Doll set before him, occasionally tossing a piece to the watch-
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eee | nee ene ne re eee nent et eee “ful burr, who would aptly catch it in his mouth, When he finished eating, Sunflower Sam took his weapons from bis belt, examined them care- fully, then produced a Yo and began to sing a hymn in a loud voice. Neither Doll nor Arizona Alf cared to arouse his anger by interrupting him, but both felt positive that his blatant voice would attract at- “¢-ention to the shanty. And they were not wrong. The huge, self-styled ssthete had not finished his hymn when the sound of a number of rush- ing feet was heard approaching. **To arms! the enemy is coming!” Denver Doll cried, dashing out the light and seizing ber revolvers. ‘‘ Ready wben they burstin ths door or windows to gite ’em all they can hold)” ‘* All ready!” Arizona announced calmly. ‘Hyer too!” Sunflower assented. ‘Ff they bu’st the door I’ll sick my dorg on ’em, an’ he’ kick ‘em so high they won't know themselves when they git back.” CHAPTER V. DENVER DOLL’s BLOW-OUT. A MOMENT later the mob halted before the shanty, and as a loud kick came against the door, the voice of Jean La Force was heard to ery out; **Open up! Curse you, open up, or we'll tear the shebang down over your heads!” No answer was given to the order, and for a minute all wag silence, both in and outside. ‘“Come! Aire ye goin’ to op-n up?” the voice of the gambler again cried. ‘* Ye neean’t think we don’t know ye’re there, fer we do. Be live- ly, or down goes the door!” “Tf you breakin here, Jean La Force, you'll find this the liveliest nest of hornets you ever aroused!” Denver Doll warned. ‘ We're armed to the teeth, and we'll make you wade through your own blood before you take us!” * Ob! will we?” was the savage retort. Then followed another silence. The gambler and his gang were evidently consulting, “Tf that is La Force the gambler,” whispered Arizona Alf, to the detective queen, * you’d better not mention that I am here, as it would only strengthen his desire to capture us,” ‘You know him, then?” * Rather, he knows me,” “Ah! then it was you who spoiled his beauty?” ‘‘ T suppose I was the indirect cause.” Just then some heavy object struck the door —evidently an improvised battering-ram—but the door only shook, and failed to yield. Denver Doll smiled. “Pm thinking they’ll need reinforcements be- fore they stave in that door,” she said. ‘‘ It was made to be unlocked,” ‘I'm afraid that persistent applications of a heavy ram would fetch it!” was Arizona’s opin- ion. ‘It won’t do to be off guard,” The shutters that covered the two square win- dows, were not more vulnerable than the door; consequently, the attack was continued upon the entrance, Each fresh assault was accompanied by a pandemonium of yells and curses, and each as- sault made the barrier spring more and more. “Is there any way 0 eae out of here, ex- cept by the door or windows?” Arizona asked, ‘None!” Doll replied, ‘‘except— Ha! listen!” The attack outside had ceased, and the voice of La Force, the gambler, was heard. ‘“Ef we can’t get ’em out any other way, boys, we kin burn the shebang. We’ll see ef we're goin’ to be pestered with she road- agents!” “Denver Doll laughed, sarcastically, as she v vaard the words, which caused both Arizona apd Sanflower Sam to eye her, in amazement, “Don’t see much to larf abont!” Sam _ re- marked, gruffly. ‘‘I kin stand sum things, but this bein’ roasted ain’t what it’s cracked up to be.” “Oh! there’s nothing like getting used to it,” Doll assured. ‘‘ But, that is not necessary.” _As she spoke, she stooped and pulled upon a ring. in the floor, which raised a trap door. “ Now, then, get down there, as quickly and as quietly as possible,” she communded, “ and Tt will follow nh Aye Alf obeyed, but Sunflower Sam de- murred. “Tcan’t take Jurisprudence down thar with me! an’ye can bet I don’t budge an inch with- out him. Go ’lang wi’ ye, an’ arter ye’re gone, Juris an’ I wull makeour exit by the front way.” , As you like.” Doll said, knowing the roughs “would not be likely lo harm the giant. Denver Doll's Drift. | Setar tn nn + + senda emewenammepemenett 0 ‘She then followed Arizona Alf into the cellar, and closed the trap after ber. In five minutes more flames were licking the sides of the shanty, despite the rain, and its de- struction was a certainty, when, suddenly, and evidently before the fire had penetrated to the interior there was a terrific explosion, that literally blew the shanty to atoms; for in truth, the whole structure was blown upward from its foundation, in a hundred different sections, and with the debris went heavenward no less a human spectacle than Sunflower Sam, seated astride his superannuated mule, Jurisprudence! The mule and its rider, however, were only lifted by the eruption a matter of ten feet above terra-firma, and dropped among the startled spectators, while the various parts of the shanty landed at some distance from its for- mer site. Neither the ssthete nor his ‘‘ dorg,” were much the worse for the explosion, evidently, for the animal brayed loudly on striking the ground, and Sunflower turned a ludicrously grinning countenance toward the astounded crowd of gaping ruffians. ““Good-evening, feller-citizens!” he saluted; ‘“howd’y do? Didn’t expect me to arrive so suddint, I reckon?” ‘*No, I should remark not!” Jean La Force growled. ‘‘ What caused that explosion? Who oe you? Where’s the accursed minx, Denver Joli?” ‘One at a time, capt’n—one at a time. The kersplosion war excited by powder, sir—simply powder, Dunno whar it was, nor how she went off. My name is Sunflower Sam, the pocket edition of Oscar, the msthete. Can’t say where Denver Doll is; 7 likely she went up in the same blaze o’ glory that I did, an’ hain’t come down yet. Any other questions ye want to ask?” ‘Don’t ye be so sassy, you over grown lout, or T’s| soon show you I'll have no shenannigan. Just you tell me where the gal is, or l’Il bore a hole thr’u’ your skull!” ‘*T tell ye I bain’t no idea whar she is, onless she’s up to the moon, blast yer uneesthetic pro file!” Sam fired back, ‘‘ an’ what’s more, Idon’t want no more o’ yer sass, or I'll step over and punch yer head fer ye. That aire gal sed she was goin’ ter hide in the cellar, an’ I told her [ was a comin’ out to save gittin’ roasted; but, jest afore I was quite ready, J got a lift that helped me along—eh? Jurisprudence, old boy?” The animal brayed loudly, as if fully cogni- zent of what its master was saying, and at the same time quickly reaching out one of its hind hoofs, gave a miner a dig in the stomach that doubled him up like a jack-knife. A howl of laughter went up from the specta- tors, as the unfortunate man hobbled away to- ward the heart of the camp, howling like a loon. “Tell ye w’at, thar’s a power 0’ music *bous us wsthetic twins when we git a going!” Sun- flower Sam announced. ‘Gang, Jurispru- dence! We'll try some new lodging-house, and see ef we'll get bounced again.” And the animal struck off into a lively canter toward the beart of the carp. Jean La Force and his pals, and such of the other citizens as bad collected at the spot, soon followed, satisfied that Denver Doll must have certainly perished by the explosion, or in its ruins, pad hae In the meantime the stage had arrived and disgorged its trio of passengers, and the sus- picions of La Force were verified by the report of old Nathan Blob, Apollo Snap, and the negro, who hore the pious cognomen of Mose. The excitement was therefore intense, until La Force returned to announce that Denver Doll had been blown to atoms, which greatly added to the Jew’s anger. ; ‘Py dam!” he vociferated, “dot vimmens mit pants on, she sdeals mine monish, und uff she ps plowed oop, so ish my monish!” On the following morning Jean La Force, armed with bis legal document, and accompa- nied by a deputy sheriff and a posse of bis own, repaired to the Drift office, and demanded the surrender of the mine from Joe Banker, the superintendent. At first Banker protested, but firally made a surrender, and posted a notice that all men who had been employed there were henceforth discharged. ; Most allof these employes were honest work: ingmen, whom Denver Doll and Little Bill had specially selected to serve them, and the blow fell upon them with unwelecme force; but there was no present help for it, as the gambler set bis own clique to work, with orders that half 5 should work the mine by day, and half by night, in order that there should be no chance for any one else to gain possession. The old Jew, Nathan Blob, sought out Jean La Force, and made him an offer for the mine, but the wily gambler said nay,” and Blob ¢& Co, were ake yen pt, i ate es” it’s peared that the swell really wasa partue . [ the Jew. Blob accordingly employed several men to prospect along the foothills for another good place to sink a drift. During the day Arizona Alf was again in the camp, and ran across Sunflower Sam, who started back with a cry, as though be bad met a ghost. “Dry up, you fool!” the Avenger of Joaquin Muriete breathed, sternly. ‘‘ Not a word to any one that [ was in that shanty last night!” ‘Upon my esthetic soul, no!” the giant nod- ded. ‘But how, in the name o’ the seedy sun- flowers o’ Sorrocco, did ye escape?” “By an underground tunnel, or passege, which the girl had secretly built. But not a word of this either.” “Depend on me. And the gal—where is she?’ ‘‘ Safe, in a place where an army could not take her, except at her will. Keep this also a secret, To-morrow you will know more, Huw did you escape?” ‘Holy daisies o’ Damascus! thr’u’ the aerial fluid o’ Suayon to be sure!” the giant grinned, ‘Sublime and beautiful was the picture—like a hen-hawk whizzin’ aloft on an autumnal breeze. Ye see, I war jest goin’ to leave the place when the explosion gi’n us a lift—me an’ Jurispru- dence—an’ no gazelle ner toy balloon ever went scootin’ inter the atmospheric mtheria more gracefully thay did I an’ the dorg, An’ when we kim down, right side up wi’ care, no Oscar evyer created a bigger sensation than us ees- thetic twins.” Arizona Alf scarcely smiled, but looked the zesthete over keenly. “*See here!” he said, grimly, ‘ you have got a large amount of lip for a man whose appear- ance is so rough. hat racket are you up to, anyhow?” The giant grinned. ‘*T don’t understand you,” he said, ‘T am simply an esthete. No deception whatever— no deception whatever.” ‘You are something in disguise,” the Aveng- er averred. ‘‘ But mind what I told you—keep mum ubout the fire.” And with this caution be turned away. atc eee an ee na nn ce That day and night passed without further in- cident, But when another morning dawned Freshet Flats was thrown into consternation, the cause of which was a number of flaring posters, stuck up in eligible places about the camp, which read as follows: Orrick of Denver DoLu's AGENt?s. PROCLAMATION. To AU Whom Jt May Conce:n :— This is to certify that I, the undersigned, am not dead, but, on the contrary, as live as a lying person could well be, surrounded by a company of brave, self-sacrificing fellows, who are willing to avenge a woman's wrongs—the wrongs that you, the people of Freshet Flats, have inflicted upon me, by de- claring me an outlaw and waging war against me as such, Perhaps come do not know the circumstances o the case. Let me explain: s I vambled with Jean La Force and lost. .T bor- rowed money of him and gambled again—he taking a mortgage on my mine, payable in twenty-four hours, with two hours’ grace. I arrived with the money one minute after the time was up, but he re- fused to give up the mortgage. This was the first outrage, I was next arrested, charged with obtaining the money by robbery, but IT escaped and fled to my shanty, where I was surrounded by’ an ugl gang of ruffians, headed by the gambier ruffian, ta Force, The shanty was fired, and 1 must have perished but fora secret I chanced to know. Phenix-like, i arose from my ashes, to have revenge. About the stage robbery, I did the job, through desperate need of money to redeem the mortgage. I promised the passengers they should receive hack cent for cent, what I borrowed, and so they shal), at any hour there shall be an election of the people who will give me brck my mine and rights—I pay- ing La Force what ] owe him, This is fair, and nv honest person can see it in a different light. Sensible people of Freshet Flats, I warn you to consider this carefully. You have your choice. : By your choice shall this matter be settled— whether I shall be your citizen or your scourge— your friend or foe. I am ready to come back and claim my rights, hut if J cannot do so without risk of beng strung up ' —
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errr 5 pia wet ig MS is f as a mee x = ee a G6 e as By road-agent, I hereby set my curse upon all tnck to the camp, and swear to make it so red-hot for one and all that you shall be glad to flee from iny wrath, Denver Doll's Drift is mine, or Freshet Flats is doomed. I appoint the 20th instant for the election, when the major vote shall say if I shall return or not. I will be in carne on that day! (Signed) Denver Dou, Chief yf the Red Stars, CHAPTER VI, A DECIDEDLY ORIGINAL ELECTION, Denver DOLL alive, after that fearful explo- sion! What would be the next wonder? As for the young woman road agent’s propo- sition, the opinion seemed about evenly divided. The honest element of the camp readily saw the fairness of the proposal, for the girl had beeu a favorite among their class, and they regarded La Force’s act as despicable, to say the least. Therefore, several of tbe most influential miners set about making a quiet canvass, in or- der that they might determine what the result of an election would be. On the other hand, La Force had a large num- ber of pals, who were literally bound to stand by him in any emergency, and this fact gave as- surance that there would be a very close, if not a bloody contest, before the matter was decided. Old Nathan Blob was on the side of the ‘ re- turn” party, for he foresaw in such an act a possibility of getting back his money. Since Jean La Force was proprietor of the Denver Doll Drift, it was generally understood that the spot whereon Denver Doll’s stood also belonged to him. And so construing, Nathan Blob foresaw that it was an eligible site to build himself a house on, whereupon he met La Force in the street and axecosted hiro. ‘*Mine frient, dey dells me you owns der blace vere der shanty vas amet up?” he inter- rogated, folding his arms above his mammoth stomach. Jean La Force closed one eye reflectively. It had not yet occurred to him, until this, that he might lay claim to the lot. “Well, what of it?’ he demanded. ““Vot you dakes vor id? I vas a poor man, so helb me, und I vas anxious to py von leedle place cheeb, to build me a house on!” ‘*What do you want of a house?” “For mine self, for mine frieut Snap, und mine peautiful daughter, Christine, vot arrive n shanty had “Oh! got a gal, eh? Well, you can have the site for two thousand. Dirt cheap. Fork over, and it’s yours!” ° “Qh! no! dot ish too t?in, Misder La Force. Der must be some babers made oud, you knows, to make der ving safe, so nopody vas can come und take id avay from me.” “Well, I reckon not!” a youthful voice cried, and Little Bill Bethel, Denver Doll’s boy pard, stepped forward. ‘Don’t you buy a cent’s worth o’ real estate from this skinflint, the ; Bampler, or you'll get suck-ed in. J own that * You?” La Force roared, “* You?” gasped the Jew. “You bet! I—inderwidually, I, Billiam Bethel, Esq.!” And the comical-looking boy- man made a wry face, and thrust bis thumbs in under his arm-pits. “You cussed young rat, I’ve a mind to wring er neck!” La Force roared. ‘And if you > keep yourself quiet round this camp, now, you'll get your throat cut,” La Force growled, striding away. “That feller’s a_reg’lar snappin’ snake,” Lit- tle Bill said tothe Jew. ‘‘ He’s mean enough to steal the eyebrows off’m a dead jack. Glad I happened along to save ye from gittin’ sali- vated. Just ’rived in town. an’ heerd the rum- pus "bout my pard, Doll, Ever see her?’ “Yes, py tam! and if I ever see dot son-of-a- gun ag’in I plow her prains outside in.” “Oh, you’re the old Waterloo she struck in the stage, eh? Ha, ha, ha! Spry gal is Denver Doll. *Spect she’ll marry my dad one o’ these days, w’ot’s a lord, duke or duchess over in England. Don’t skeer about yer rocks, tho’, Blobsy; they’l! be all right, and you'll git ’em when Dolly gits her mine back. So you see it’s to your interest to buckle in, and cast ten or ‘eleven votes for her.” “Yesh, I dinks dot ish so—dot is if she giff me pack my monisb.” “Don’t worry about that. You git in your work, and I’ll be responsible!” « J Denver Doll's Drift. 3 “ You—dot leedle suibes like you?” ‘Bet your head on it! Dve got tbe roeks if I am short. young sweet an’ tender. Ask any galoot if Little Bill ain’t got a fat pocket-book and bank account.” ‘Ish dot so? Vel, I vas glad to hear id. I s’pose you haff some monish to lend?” ‘‘Nary a cent, Blobsy—-nary a red! It don’t pay. Besides, I want to save up, so When I’m elected President, I can beat old Grant, and pay off the National debt, out o’ my own pocket, and take a mortgage on the United States. But, I tell you how you want ter work it fer Doll-baby, ‘There’s goin’ to be a big vote for La Force, an’ we shall have to buckle in our level best to get a majority. See? Well, now, let me pertically button-hole yer, an’ remind you to sling out a five or a saw-buck, here an’ there, to buy up votes for my pard, an’ so win. If ye don’t, yer rocks is gone up the flume, shure’s there’s power in a mule’s hoof.” ‘But, vy do dot? I pays out monish—dotish gone. I get pack odder monish, und sdill I vas oud of pocket.” ‘Well, goit to suit yourself, but ef ye ex- pect to live long in Freshet Flats, you better vote fer Denver Doll.” And with this bit of advice Little Bill turned importantly away, leaving Nathan Blob in rather an uncertain state of mind as to whether he would ever get his money back or not. Among the workers in Denver Doll’s cause, was the Avenger, Arizona Alf, who was here, there and everywhere, and seeming to have a plenty of money, he was not afraid to spend it where it would do the most good. A meeting of the partisans of both parties was held at La Force’s Satanello, and a form of election and votes arranged, and officers and a referee chosen. Sunflower Sam, and Ben Blye were selected to bave charge of the polls, while a miner, newly arrived, named Hawkins, was to act as referee, in case of any disputes. -The rules stated that amy person above ten years of age should be permitted to vote. The polls were to open that night, at mid- night, and close et six o’clock in the morning. This was arranged so that there should be little S ge on either side, to smuggle in extra bal- ots. During the afternoon and evening, the ex- citement waxed hot. The canvass had been prosecuted so thorough- ly, that it was known nearly to a man how the vote was going, and it looked as if there were close chances of being a tie. As the evening passed away, the excitement increased. The one street was in a glare of light caused by numerous bonfires, and a mot- ley mass of buman beings surged to and fro, ut- tering discordant shouts, many of the crowd, of course, being intoxicated. In front of the Salanello was a dry-goods box, upon which Jean La Force stood, with a hand- ful of money in his grasp, while he gesticulated wildly, and made loud but careful offers for votes in his behalf. Just across the street was another similar stand, close to a camp fire, and this was occu- pied by Arizona Alf and Little Bill, who took turns at offering money for votes—for as La Force had set the ball a-rolling, it was no more than fair that they should ‘‘invest” as well as he. ‘Ten dollars—ten dollars for the man who will vote for Denver Doll!” the Arizonian cried, in stentorian tones. ‘“ Where’sthe man— Ah! here he comes; ten dollars, old gent, when you cast your vote for right and honesty.” The man was Nathan Blob. ‘““That man votes for me!’ La Force roared from across the street. ‘©-You lie! He’s goin’ to vote for the gal who will give him bis money back!” Arizona yelled back. “ Bah! Come over here and I’ll pummel your nose off.” “Ha! ha! old boy.” ‘You're a coward and a sneak!” La Force shouted, throwing down his pistols and leaping to the ground. ‘ You dassen’t fight.” Not a word responded the Avenger of Joaquin, but throwing his weapons to the ground he also leaped from his box, and advanced toward tie gambler, in whose face and eyes the rancor in his breast was vividly expressed, “Bully fer Arizona!” screeched Little Bill, flopping his arms to his side and crowing like a rooster. ‘‘He’s the stuff, is that pilgrim, an’ I'll Better let one lesson be enough, bet a dollar to a half thet he polishes off the card-cuckoo like a chunk 0’ stove-polish. Sail in, Arizona, an’ ef I see ary galoot attempt any oR tn ne raed tricks I'll plug him in his equator, you et! Neither of the antagonists paid any attention to the youngster, but advanced deliberately each watching the other like a hawk. lt was manifestly the intention of the gambier to clinch with the Avenger; but that individual comprehended the purpose, aud justas La Ferce make a leopard-like spring, Alt’s iron-hke fist caught bim in under the chin, and landed bim neatly on his back, A portion, of the crowd cheered, and Little Bill crowed again. “Yip! yip! hooray! .That’s the kind of a roos- ter we keep in our flock! That’s how Denver Doll’s men strike. Reg’lar old burro bit, that was! Beta dollar to a cent biginibs hasn’t got a sound molar in his bread-trap!” With an effort La Force arose, and staggered to his box. at “ That’s enough!” he gasped, spitting out blood by the mouthful. : “Sure it will answer for the present?” Ari- zona demanded. ““T said enough!” was the tart answer. “Ob! don’t disturb him!’ yelled Little Bill. “Don’t ye see he’sno hog? He knows when he’s stuck!” The Avenger laughed quietly, and went back to his business on the box. An hour passed, and if was near to mid- night. Noticeably, now, there were many rough and grizzled strangers in the street, the majority of whom looked like miners. oe discerned this, and mentioned it to ill. The boy looked anxious. ‘¢ Looks like a clean beat!” he muttered. ‘‘See how La Force is occasionally shuttin’ off a tri- umphant grin. Jeminy, I wish—” r e failed to mention what, however. A stand had been erected down the street, and was occupied by the three officers, Sun- flower Sam, Ben Blye, and Hawkins, the referee. All voters were to form in line, in single file, the foremost near the polls, and the last at the end up the street. ‘ As they passed the stand, Arizona Alf and La Force were to patrol either side of the line with repeating rifles, to meke sure that no man got back to the rear to vote again, and the order was ‘‘ Death,” to whosoever should at- tempt it. By aquarter of twelve, the heterogeneous gang was formed in line, the rear end extending some distance up the street; and in this line was every man, woman and boy of over ten years, except those on duty, and every one was armed with a slip of paper containing the name of his or her choice—‘‘ Denver Doll,” or “Jean La Force.” At sharp twelve the referee fired off a pistol which was the signal to march, and the line be- gan to slowly move forward. But, though it moved slowly, there wes a perfect pandemonium of sounds, principal among which were the asserevations of various boozy miners, as for whom they were going to cast. their votes, interlarded with character- istic oaths. Above the din could voice of Little Bill. “ Jog along thar, ye skunks, and cast yer votes for Denver Doll, the best and squarest gal that ever buckled on a garter, by gum! Cheer, ards, an’ remember you're solid fer a jeb when Doll gits control ag’in, fer we're goin’ ter pilda crusher, an’ raise thunder in general,” to which announcement seemingly little or no atteniion was paid. One by one the crowd cast their votes, and there was even greater excitement beyond the polls, than befere them—the excitement born of desire to know what the result would be. Probably some of. the gang would have at- tempted to make a break for the rear of the line but for the vigilance of Arizona Alf and La Force—for be it said to the credit of the latter, he seemed determined tbat everythin sheuld go off on the square, evidently well satistied that he would win the day. ) As soon as the last one in the line had passed, the officers and referee cast their votes and the poll was closed, © The crowd quickly surrounded the stand again, when the counting of the votes began, Referee Hawkins standing over the two omicers with drawn revolvers, to see that it was done fairly. Bets were made on every hand, om each can- didate, and thousands of dollars promised to change hands on the result. be heard the screeching .
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‘ ; At last the last vote was counted, and the two men said something low to Hawkins, who ad- vanced to the front of the platform. In an instant a dead silence reigned—a invriad of gleaming eyes watched the man eagerly, Gentlansalh "he said, “the votes, by fair count, entitle Denver Doll to remain an outlaw, and Jean La Force to keep the mine. Ten votes did the business.” “ Ach, mine Got! Den I vas oud yoost anud- der thousand dollars, I vill neffer vote for dot vimmens again,” shrieked Nathan Blob, above the din of cheers that followed. a CHAPTER VII. DOLL MEANS BUSINESS, Wr pass over two weeks in the history of the “ats, The result of the election was not entirely unexpected to Arizona and Little Bill, but it fell with almost withering force upon the miners who had in a measure regained their hopes of being restored to work in the Drift. Little Bill was around among them, however, like a sunbeam of encouragement, and his in- variable expression, was— * Cheer up, fellers; the end is not yet. I’ve n few dollars in the Drift, an’ outside too, an’ ve knows I an’ Doll allers war squ x’ with ye. Ye kin eat my ears off ef thar ain’t a change, afore long!” Many of the men thanked the lad heartily, for they bad a strong attachment for him, but some were morose and gloomy, and seemed in- clined to rebel. The La Force gang were naturally in their vlement, and glorying in the fact that they had won the election, they likewise appeared to con- sider that they had won the town, and pro- ceeded to boss it, literally, according to their own liking. Jean La Force was pronounced mayor, with power to act in all cases—which very naturally made bim more officious and insolent than ever. The La Force gang worked day and night in the Drift, and the deeper and larger grew the excavation, the more gold was discovered, and the more men were required to mine it, so that before the end of two weeks, all of Denver Doll’s former pupoyes were working for the frombter ea as he now might well have wen called. In some respects, La Force was a keen di- plomat, and he foresaw strength by joining the disappointed element to his own parti, at good wages—for, reasoned he, there was no telling when or in what shape, he might hear from the road-agent queen. He had caused a large reward to be offered for ber capture, and notices to this effect were posted at ares approach to the town. Arizona still lounged about the camp, having stuck up a shanty for his own conven- ience; and he devoted the most of his time in sauntering about the streets, varying the mo- notony with an occasional game of cards, by which he seldom lost anything. Little Bill dodged about, here and there, ifeping an eye out, but saying little, e knew that he was watched secretly, by La Force’s orders, and that the gambler only wanted some reasonable excuse to lock him up, and thus put him out of the way of doing any mischief, 4 Nathan Blob had purchased the site of Den- iver Doll’s ill-fated abode, and erected thereon a arge, and, for a mining-camp, comfortable ‘dwelling. ’ His daughter, Christie, had arrived, and «strange to say, did not betray any signs of be- ing a Jewess, beyend the fact that she pos sessed a brunette complexion, and liquid ack es. yShe was very handsome, both in face and figure, and dressed richly, as well she might, «considering her parent’s reputed wealth. She and the snob, Apollo Snap, were seen out (fora gallop, every pleasant morning, and it be- caine quite apparent that the Englishman—for such he was—was courting her, and that, too, with the paternal Blob’s hearty approval. Miss Christine, however, was the least bit of 1 Coquette, and she had been but a few days in the Camp, ere she saw the handsome face and fizure of Arizona Alf, and through another ac- quaintance managed to get an introduction to him. After that, it might have been noticed that the intimacy grew. ‘ e The avenger managed to get out for his morning walk, about the time Miss Christine and her escort took their gallop, and it was al- ns ——— most a certainty for them to meet, and exchange greetings. This seemed to highly displease the English- man, and, one morning, he made it his business to encounter the sport upon the street. ‘Awl! Il say—see heah!” pausing and glaring at his imaginary rival; ‘‘you are the fellah that presumes to make advances to Miss Blob?” ‘‘Reckon I’m the mutton!” Alf laughed, fold- ing his arms, and eying the ‘‘ blood” sarcasti- cally. ‘*‘ Why? ‘* Well, my deah fellow, I demand an “agit from you, and a promise that you will heah- after cease your attentions in that direction.” ‘An a-what-ogy?” the sport asked. “An apology, sir—an apology !” ‘Ha! halha! What gali! What d’ye mean, you pup? I apologize to a snob of your com- plexion! Why, you better go set yourself up tor a clothing store man’kin.” “BSir-r-r! If you do not apologize, T shall publicly chastise you with this!” Snap declared, producing a small harmless riding.whip, from undcr his coat, At sight of it Joaquin’s Avenger laughed heartily, as did several bystanders who had come up. ‘““Why, that wouldn’t kill a flea!” AJf ob- served, ‘‘ But it will leave the sting of an insult!” was the reply. * Oh! it will? Well, strike out. to!’ The suitor of the handsome Jewess was evi- dently dead in earnest, for he raised the whi and struck the Arizonian a cut upon the nec that left its red mark; but, had he counted the cost beforehand, he probably would have held his anger in check A few feet awa filled with greenis frogs. Scarcely had the blow fallen, when the stal- wart Arizonian, seizing the swell, raised him above his head, as though be had been an infant, and hurled him forward, he:d-foremost, into the nasty ditch. A cheer went up from the spectators, which in- creased into a howl of derision, as Snap scram- bled out of his bath, a most disgusting and piti- able object. He paused for an instant and shook his fist at his foe, and then trotted away toward the Blob residence, like some whipped school-boy, fol- lowed by hisses and cat-calls from the bystand- ers; which was all that was seen of Apollo Snap that day, and the ridiculous incident became the town's talk. Nothing had been heard from Denver Doll since the proclamation, This silence was not reassuring to the people of Freshet Flats. The ruffian element went armed to the teeth, and even Jean La Force ap- peared nervous and watchful, and to have less confidence in himself than usual. When or how the blow was to come was a mystery that worked the community into a state of feverish expectancy. Every man be- came watchful and anxious, Little Bill, though watched narrowly, sbowed no signs of having any knowledge of the where- abouts of Denver Doll, nor of her forthcoming moves. Probably there were only two persons in the camp who knew that Arizona Alf was acquaint- ed with the whereabouts of the road-agent queen, and these were Bill and the wsthetic giant, Sunflower Sam, who had started a little three-card monte table on a vacant lot, and was living off his profits, which were not small. He was something of an unreadable mystery, this same giant, and was s0 regarded by every one—the general opinion being that he was not what he appeared. abe One dark evening the stage came whirling down into the town during a violent thunder- storm, and unloaded a dozen passengers in front of the new shanty hotel which a party of specu- lators had hastily erected and opened as a place of refuge for travelers. Hardly had the stage halted when Budd Har- ris, the new driver, arose on his seat and yelled; **Road-agents! road-agents! Denver Doll and her gang halted us a mile back, an’ cleaned us out o’ absut two thousand dollars. Hyar’s a letter to the mayor, Jean La Force!” The letter was promptly taken to the gambler at the Satanello, and he was requested to read it for the benefit of the crowd, Accordingly he mounted the bar and read, in a loud voice, the appended epistle: “Orrice or Denver Dou. I'll dare you was a road-side “ swale” water, and tenanted by “Jean La Force:— ’ “ Sir :—According to my promise, after being de- ‘ Denver Doll’s Drift. a ee eos Oe = ono ame gen ome feated in my attempt to obtain my rights through a vote of the people, I will to-night begin ay cam- paign by pon ge. the hctetamney 8 stage, and helpin, myself to such valuables as might conduce to enri the camp of Freshet Flats. From each who pans out will be required his name and future ad- dress, and this will be attached to. his valuable subject to safe-keeping and restoration—in case am given back my mine. When the goods are re- stored there will be a pawnbroker’s rate of five per cent. interest on value of each package per month bee s T exact as compensation for my trouble and OSSeS, course against you and your people, and if you make an attack upon us, we are amply prep for that. We shall not only relieve the stages, but the camp itself, and all moneys taken that are profits of Denver Doll’s Drift will never be restored, “There is but one way to break us up—drive Jean La Force and his ruffian gang from the town, and give me back my mine, and the war is ended. Otherwise, never /—and, too, what we get we keep, if war it is to be. “Yours from the word go, * Denver Dow!” Here was astunner, and an invitation for the well-meaning men of Freshet Plats to take the matter into their own hands, and revolutionize matters so that the detective queen should have her own again. But it bid fair to be some time ere such a move would be made, unless sturted by the new- comers; for the old citizens had no cause as yet to complain of any loss, These new-comers too, if relieved by the road- agents, as a rule would hardly feel like espous- ing Denver Doll’s cause;—they would be more apt to be ready for revenge. So Jean La Force considered his star consid. erably in the ascendant. The letter created a sensation, of course, and on being questioned the robbed passengers all corroborated what the girl bad stated. Their names and addvesacs had been taken, and written in a book by a masked man, who was evidently the lieutenant of Denver Doll. Of the band that had surrounded the stage, - there were fully fifty, all masked, dressed in pices ae red corduroy, with slouch bats and uckskin leggings, while each man was armed with a Winchester rifle, and revolvers, Some influential speculators were on the coach, and on arriving at the Flats, they club- bed together and made up a purse of five hun- dred dollars, which they offered for her cap- ture, This, with La Force’s offer, made a thousand dollars on Denver Doll’s head. Her letter was posted Bp in a conspicuous place, in the Satanello, and left for public in- spection. : ; The following morning, Little Bill met Ari- zona : ‘‘Didn’t I tell you she was a boss?” he said, triumphantly. when, Doll-baby gits left. shop she’s runnin’. Like to see her, she'll ever get the Drift back?’ Arizona shook bis head doubtfully. ‘* Don’t know,” he answered, ‘‘ La Force is ge iting his feet planted firmer and firmer every. ay. It will take big odds to root him out, or lose my guess. The girl is plucky, though!” That night the Sctanello was more than un- usually full, and the same might have been said of some of its habitues, Gambling in every form was at its hight, and the scene was at once exciting and hilarious. During the evening a striking looking person- age entered the saloon, who gradually attracted attention. Of medium, well rounded stature, avd graceful carriage, he possessed a clean- shaven but dusky countenance, excepting a heavy mustache, and bis hair, long and straight, hung well down bis shoulders, Over his eyes he wore a pair of impenetrable green goggles. His attire was a rich and costly suit, such as is usually worn by a Mexican nabob, the trim- mings alone being of immense value. A stiff | sombrero was worn upon his head, and asash of satin about his waist. ’ hand were four magnificent diamond rings. This striking man paused first at La Force's table, and looked on a few moments, and then sauntered on. ‘Did you ever see that fellow—do you know him?’ La Force asked, addressing a bystander, who from his rough appearance and long white beard, looked like a 49er. ; ‘*Oh yes,” the man answered, “That is Senor Cobra, tre famous Spanish-Mexican oker-player. Rich as Croesus, and never met’ is equal at poker!” “Humph! I wouldn’t mind taking the con- ceit out of him if that’s the case. Tm some on poker, myself, Just mention to him that the Reg’lar ole pawn- D’ye think ** By a vote of my band, we shall persist in this , “Tt will be_a blizzardous day — Upon the ee of each | ¢ 4 a ‘7 p
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en ee re ae ees Mig ai would like to make if interesting for m ’ At which the old man chuckled, softly, as he sauntered off to convey the challenge. Senor Cobra soon came back. ‘You sent for me, senor?” he tee “JY did!” La Force responded shate i Agebea § understand you are great on poker. am the man who knows no equal in these parts. Would you like to tackle me?” Cobra gave vent to a funny laugh. *T might!” he said. ‘‘ What amount?” “Ob! a hundred dollars a side!” “ { never sit down, senor, for less than a thou- sand,” Cobra smiled. “Oh! well. All the same; a thousand it shall be. Be seated, and put up!” CHAPTER VIII. SENOR OCOBRA’S CLEVER RUSE, AND SNAP’S SECOND MISFORTUNE. Tue invitation tendered the man from Mex- ico was promptly accepted, and he took from a roil of American money a thousand-dollar note, and laid it upon the table, with a cocked re- volver beside it. He ‘*meant business,” evidently, and Jean ‘La Force knew he had not picked up a flat. This Senor Cobra had a notoriety. It was said of him that so lucky was he in Mexico, and so many of the Mexican nabobs had he cleaned out, that it had become necessary for him to Sienna. over the borders, and that until re- cently his operations bad been confined to that Monaco of America, Del Norte. Noted for abundant riches, and equally for charity, he was a personage to inspire awe in any rough assemblage, inasmuch as he was known to bave killed more than his allotted one man. From a drawer at his end of the table, Jean La Force counted out a thousand dollars, in gold coin, and stacked it alongside Cobra’s wager. Then the game began, the table sur- rounded by many interested spectators, among whom was Little Bill Bethel, his sharp, weasel- like countenance aglow with excitement. ‘“* At it ag’in, are ye, buddy?’ he said, ad- dressing La Force. ‘Jest like yer gall to buck yer brains out ag’in an ’arthquake. Bet a her- ring ye don’t know the sort 0’ stuff ye’r’ playin’ with. Besides, ye never hey luck when [’m around, DVmareg’lar Joner. Take keer, don’t fee] fer the pop. [ve got one, too, an’ a self- cocker in the bargain.” “Well, you shut up, or [ll fix you!” was the savage retort of La Force. The game was played, and won by Senor mo ag who raked in the stakes with a faint smile, - * Another thousand, senor?’ he asked, quietly. ** Not by a devilish sight,” La Force growled. “The stake is too heavy. If you’ll play for five dollars a game TN try you.” **Since 1 was so lucky as to win, I suppose I am in duty bound to accommodate,” Cobra re- sponded, pleasantly. ‘ Proceed.” They then me yed for a couple of hours, Cobra losing steadily. The interest had abated, in consequence of the smallness of the stakes, and the room was clear- _ed of all but half a dozen professional gamblers who rented tables, and a score of rough-bearded pilgrims of the pick and shovel, who bad made their appearance in the camp that evening. It was after midnight when Senor Cobra Liiwnatd up his hand, and arose and picked up his istol. Ps I am tired of cards,” he said. ‘ Let’s try a different game. Jean La Force, you are my prisoner!” And as he spoke he suddenly lev- eled his cocked weapon at the gambler. La Foree glared around him, only to perceive that the other gamblers and the bar-tender were covered by the weapons of the rough-looking miners. “Trapped!” he gasped, ‘*Exactlyv!” was the mocking answer; “ and if you attempt to give an alarm I'll shoot you through the heart. George, lock the doors.” One of the men obeyed. “Now, then,” Cobra continued, “bind to- gether the wrists of each prisoner.” This order was also obeyed, La Force being first served. He was fairly livid with rage, but under that venomous glance of the man i cards, dared not give an alarm. As soon as the binding process was completed the man George stood guard over La Force, while Cobra proceeded to “go through” the pockets of the prisoners and their money -draw- ers, The result of this search was put ina leathern sack; then Cobra approached La Force again. ‘ Denver Doll’s Drift. _ ** What wealth I have secured here rightfully belongs to me, for it came from the Denver Doll mine,” he said, ‘* You'll probably be will- ing to acknowledge that you are euchered, La Force. you know me?” And off came the g0gs!9s and fierce false mustache, and the face of Denver Doll was re- veuled, looking prettier than ever, it appeared, with the dusky dye upon it. ‘The devil!” La Force gasped, for he was too surprised to say more. ‘*You will find me equal to one, if you don’t give me back the mine!” was the stern reply. on mean business, and this is but the begin- ning. Ata signal her band made their exit through a rear door, and giving La Forcea stinging slap in the face she followed. Before the gamblers could make their cries for help heard the road-agents were far away. Mr. Apollo Snap, after his unceremonious bath in the pollywog puddle, sought the Blob residence and managed to get to his room with- out being seen, wherein due time, and with the aid of soap, water and another outfit, he suc- ceeded in making himself look as good as new. He then straightforward hied himself to the presence of the paternal Blob, and to him un- tolded a most pitiful tale of his mishaps, in- cluding the revelation of Miss Christie’s open flirtation with the stalwait Arizonian. ‘*T vil see apoud dot,” Blob biustered, angrily. ‘** Christie! Christie!” Christie, in response to the call, came in from an adjoining room. “ Christie, vot ish dot vot Mr. Snap vas dells me apoud you makin’ flirdations mit anodder fellow, girl?” the old man demanded, adjusting his spectacles. ‘‘ Dot veller he drows Mr. Snap in von ditch, und spiles his clothings!” ‘Oh! you mean Mr. Arizona? Why, he’s my new mash, papa!” the pretty Jewess con- fessed, her eyes twinkling. ‘‘Did he really baptize Mr. Snap? How comical!” “ Comical? our mash? Py tam! I mash you uf I hear some more such nonsense like dot. Don’d you know you vas der betrothed wife of my friend, Mr. Snap?” *¢ Well, [ should smile not! Who told you?” ‘‘T und Mr, Snap dells ourselves. You ish to at 8 him, und keep der monish in der family. ee? ‘“‘Tmarry that jumping-jack? Why, papa, I wouldn't ive the snap of ka finger for aoe a spitz-poodle as he is! If I can’t have Arizona, I won’t have no one—that’s all, There now!” and the imperious beauty flounced out of the room in high dudgeon, slamming the door behind her. Snap looked dubious. Blob looked ditto. F ‘“‘ My case is quashed!” the former said hope- are ‘* Not py a long shot!” Blob decided. ‘I dells you vot youdo. ‘You shallenge der veller to fight mit a duel, und you use a sword I gif you. All you haff to do is to prick him mit der end of it, und he vas a goner. It vas coated mit deadly poison.” ‘Aw, excellent! I understand the foils as every English gentleman does. [t is, you know, a part of our education; so, I will challenge the beastly American at once. But, supposing I can’t gita chance to prick him? He might give me a death-wound.’ ‘‘Nonsense! These Vestern shackasses only vas know how to fight mit a pistol. You lick him so easy as rollin’ off a log, uf you is quick mit a sword.” Reassured, Apollo went to bis room, and penned an insulting challenge, which he sent to Arizona Alf. It was to meet the challenger in a duel with swords in front of the Satanello the following morning. Ina short time the answer came back, and was an acceptance, } The following morning was one of sensations, The news of the bold raid upon the Satanello was in every mouth, and was an absorbing topic for every one; but this was in a measure forgotten when at sunrise the news got abroad that a duel was to take place in front of the Satanelio, A crowd immediately collected, and expecta- tion ran high, for the names of the contestants had not ented out. Shortly after sunrise, Apollo Snap made his appearance, carrying a pair of swords, which he placed in the ring that had been formed. @ was flashily dressed, and was accompanied by big Nathan Blob, who evidently proposed to act as master of ceremonies, for he ordered the terete get 2 nena mee eeemrenneneeth crowd to clear away to the sides of the street. Shortly afterward Arizona Alf came saun~ tering leisurely up, the picture of healthy indif- ference, as he puffed away at @ cigar. ‘ “Well, are you ready for the funeral?’ he asked, rolling up the sleeves of his jacket, ‘If ame proceed, for ve not had my breakfast et. A ripple of laughter came from the crowd, The handsome sport evidently did not have much anticipation of a trip to the next world— at least, not until after meal bours. “T am ready!” Snap responded. ‘I could get but two swords, and one is rusty and hardly fit for use. We will toss up for the chcice. Here is a copper; which will you take, heads up, or tails up?” “Heads!” Arizona cried. ‘Toss im up!” The coin spun upward and dropped to the ground—tails up. ‘‘T will give the advantage to you, by taking the rusty blade,” Snap announced, seizing it, rather eagerly. “‘T presume you would rather have it!” Ari- zona averred, so sarcastically that both Snap and Blob looked somewhat surprised. On examining bis weapon, Arizona saw to his satisfaction that its edge was as keen as could be wished, The next instant the two confronted each other, As he expected, the Avenger found that his antagonist understood the swordsman’s art; nevertheless, he was but a child before the Ari- zonian, who drove him back, step by step, forcing him to take the defensive, and giving him no chance to get in a blow. It was an exciting moment, and every one watched eagerly and breathlessly. But it was a contest that was destined to be brougkt to a sudden close, and a disastrous one for Snap, for, by an expert movement, Arizona tore the sword frcm his opponent’s grasp, and sent it flying across the street! } With a bow] of actual terror, Apollo turned and ran like a deer! For mere sport Arizona followed, and chased the Englishman half-way to the Blob residence, greeted by cheers from the crowd. Poor Snap managed toreach the doorstep, and there, from sheer fright, fell in a faint, while Arizona sauntered Jeisurely back toward the hotel. oe Raabe | CHAPTER IX. cde | AN UNEXPECTED APPEARANCE, THAT afternoon as the sun was declining, wan- dering through a desolate Rocky Mountain gulch, some miles from Freshet Flats, was an old man, who seemed to be tottering on the edge of the grave. @ must have been full seventy years of age, for his hair and sweeping beard were as_ white as snow, and, as he hobbled along with the aid of a staff, he trembled in every joint. He had evidently journeyed long and far, for his garments were mere tatters, and bis shoes worn in holes. Hat he had none, Every now and then he would pause, wearily, to gaze at the sun, and his desolate surround- ings; then he would trudge faithfully on again. inally, however, he stopped, with a start. A sweet, musical voice came to his ears from just ahead! He could distinguish no words, but the voice, in itself, seemed to impress him strangely, With renewed courage he bobbled on, and presently came to where a beautiful young girl was seated upon a bowlder, engaged in weaving a wreath of wild flowers. She was clad in male a and, needless to say, this girl] was Denver oll. She did not know of human approach, evi- dently, until she heard a glad cry, and saw the old man standing near her. Then she, too, gave a start, and her face suddenly became stern in expression, ‘““My child! my child!” the old man cried, tot- tering forward, with outstretched hands. “Stop! Iam not your child,” she protested, a pained expression upon her face. ‘ You have no longer a claim upon me, inbuman father!” “Don’t! don’t!” he gasped. “Will you not welcome me, after I have patiently searched for you so long?” , “Welcome you back?” she cried, ‘You, the rmourderer of my—” ; “Stop! stop! As Heaven is my judge, I am not gu ty!” ** Not guilty—you tell me this? Did you not, when I was a happy girl, in a happy home, oppose my marriage to Walter Walraven, because his father and you had been enemies
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——a ous Did you not threaten me—did you not, at the bridal altar have my husband shot down dead by some unknown assassin?” “No! nol God bear me witness, no!” i ! do not perjure yourself further. I was sa of your guilt—am now—and swore to leave my home forever, and never to recog- nizo ip as a father of mine, until I have ample proof of your innocence!” ‘I can prove my innocence—only kiss your roken-hearted father, my child, and say that ou will give me time to prove how unjust you are, ‘You have the remainder of your life to ex- onerate yourself in. When you prove yourself iltless, I will receive you with open arms. otil then, go your way.” It evidently required a great amount of will power to speak as resolutely as sha did, but there was no expression upon her face to show that anything would cause her to relent. The old man bowed his head in silent grief for a few minutes; then he looked up, and said: ‘*'You are cruel, but perhaps just to your- self, Will you tell me it'T am on the right way to Freshet Flats?” ‘““You are. Why are you going there?” “It matters not. have business there, Good-by, my child!” and with a sob ho hobbled op. Denver Doll arose, and gazed after him until he was out of sight, as if tempted to call him back; then her oath came ue to mind—the scene where she knelt at the altar beside her youthful husband, and she shrunk back. “No! I must not be weak. I never dreamed of seeing him again, and somehow his faithful search for me impresses me more than J can ex- press. Why goes he to Freshet Flats? Does he expect to prove his innocence there? He is my father, and there are many pitfalls in Freshet Flats. I can but feel a daughter’s interest in his welfare, and will keep a watch thaé 4e is not harmed. Perhaps he may be innocent after all! Who can say? And tears actually filled the flashing eyes. CHAPTER X. 4 FLIGHT, A MURDER, AND AN ADVENT. THaT day passed, without any further inci- | dent, worthy of special mention, and night once more fell over the rude little mining-camp of Freshet Flats. Early in the ge aa he sat in the office of the shanty hotel, a boy entered, and handed Arizona a letter, and hastily departed. An eager flush mounted the Avenger’s cheeks, and he tore open the onvelope, after giving a hasty glance at the chirography upon it. The letter was in w woman’s graceful hand, and ran as follows: ** Dear Mr. ARIZONA:— “Your affectionate note just received, and read with feelings of grateful pleasure—that, too, when I find myself in dire trouble, which I will explain, when we meet. affection for me, I have only to say that my admira- tion for you surpasses that I have ever cherished for rine. other man. I positively despise the man, Snap; but, if you will meet me, as soon as you get this, at the sie cottemwood tree on the bank of the creek, T can tell you much more, and something import- ant, too, Yours, faithfully, ** OBRISTIE." Arizona put the letter in his pocket, his eyes sparkling with satisfaction. _ “She is my ideal of womanhood,” he mused. ‘Why shouldn’t I keep up this intimacy and marry her?’ He left the hotel, and strode with elastic step across the Flats to the great tree, that stood upon the shore of the roaring creek. Christie was there, seated upon a bowlder, under the dark shadows of the overhanging branches, and gave a glad cry, as he approached. ‘Tam so glad you came!” she said, impetu- ously. ‘Do you see that?” and she pointed to a neatly-wrapped bundle, lying upon the ground. ies “Yes, What is it?” - “The best of my worldly effects done up, reney for a journey!” “ A journey?” ; “Yes. Iam going to leave home,’ ‘* What for?” ‘Necessity compels me. I overheard a plot between my father and Snap, to.lock me up in a room, and keep me on bread and water, until I consented to marry the latter.” ‘© The devil!” ‘Yes, and I just packed up a few things and hereIlam. I will not marry Snap. I'll fly to the further end of the earth, first. After re- ceiving your kind letter, I felt that perhaps you could protect me, until—until—” In answer to your declaration of | | | Denver Doll's Drift. ‘Our marriage?” _‘“ Yes, love;” and she threw her arms around his neck and ie, ed bim. “Well, [should be a brute, if [ wouldn’t!” Arizona exclaimed. ‘ Let me think a moment. bier will be likely to discover your flight.” ** Yes, “Well, I have a plan. You have heard of Denver Doll?” ‘Oh! yes.” ‘“Well, she isa warm friend of mine, and I know where her stronghold is. I will take you there, and you will havea pleasant home and companion until I get ready to leave this place. Remain quietly here until | return. Do not be alarmed if I should be detained an hour.” “Allright. But hurry, please.” He kissed her then, and strode away. He was not more than out of hearing, when a man stepped from bebind the tree, and con- fronted Christie. “Sh! don’t be alarmed!” he said. ‘I heard you was going to Denver Doll’s retreat, and wanted to tell you something. After you get there, if you can como back and guide me there, Pll give you two thousand dollars. Iam Jean La Force. Sh! now mind, mum’s the word, I do not urge you todo it—you may desire to do it for revenge. Then, the cash is yours. Keep your own counsel, and remember!” The next instant he was gone, leaving the Jewess in a state of wonderment. “‘T will keep my own counsel!” she mused. Arizona may not turn out what he seems; then I can take advantago of Jea. La Force's offer. This Denver Doll may be a flame of Arizona’s— he spoke of her as a very warm friend of his. In that case—well!” She cid not finish, but a compression of the ips showed that the venom of jealousy had sireads gained root in her heart. Arizona soon came back, leading two horses. ‘We're all right!” he signified. ‘Mount now, and let’s be off.” A few hours after Arizona and bis bride pros- pective were leaving the camp, Nathan Blob was sitting alone in his office, which was built adjoining his residence, when the door opened, and the zesthetic giant, Sunflower Sam, entered. ** Howdy do, Nathan?” he saluted, familiarly, closing the door, and helping himself to a chair. ‘**Nice weather we're havin’.” ““Tsh dot so?’ the old Jew grunted, with a stony stare, ‘‘I vas not aware off dot fact ondil you dells me.” “Eh? ye wasn’t? man aire you?” ‘* A shendlemans, sir!” Sam burst into a terrific guffaw, and fairly shook with laughter, until the windows rattled. ‘Why, thunderation, Nat, how long ye bin affected wi’ that disease?” ‘** All mine life, sir, Who you vas und vat you want?” ** Phew! don’t know me?” s¢ lo, Mare “Don’t recKernise the ssthetic cut o’ my Darn me, what kind of a tt ‘Py tam, I never see you!” “Giteout! Why, I know you. As fer me, I am known as Sunflower Sam, the second Wilde Oscar. Had another name once, ’m an ®s- thete!” ‘*Vot ish dot?” “Well, it’s half way betwixt a what-is-it, and a polar bar, wi’ a little giraffe mixed in, Reck- ernise yer own fotygraff?” ‘“You ish von pig fool. Tell me vot you vont, und get right away oud, gwick, or I drow you down der steps.” : ns The old Jew was evidently getting his ire aroused, but it apparently did not concern the sesthete, for he chuckled, good-naturedly, “Well, Pll tell you!” hesaid. “ Ther primeval cause 0’ my wisit, Natty, dear, is for the unseru- pulous purpose of gathering in some root-of-evil —otherwise swag—oalias movey. Presumin that you would know me, I ventured tew rumi- nate thet. yeou would be glad tew pan ouf, on the account of old scores.” ‘Old scores! Vot der Satans you means? You vas a lunatic. I neffer knows you in mine life, so help me.” : “Waal, p’r’aps ye don’t reckernise me. I uster live in Denver, an’ was known by the name 0’ Pea-knuckle Pete, from the fact that I uster play the game often. & “Vell, vot of dot? I neffer heard off you. Vy should I pay you monish?” ‘Simply because et will be to yer interest to doso. I hold an important secret of yours. It is the death-bed confession of a man yer once made yer tool!” i a 9 ee ee ee Le eer e ees ae eee “You lie!” Blob cried, leaping to his feet. ‘You ish an imboster, who tries for to sheat me mit mine monish oud.” ‘‘Nary atime, sheeny! Shall I go on and tell ye a leetle story, all about—” ; ‘“Sdop! sdop!” the Jew gasped, turning pale. “ Der vos no need of dot. Vot you vant to keep your mouth shut?” " “* Spondulics, on course, Ye see, 'm studyin’ wsthetic culture, wi’ a view o’ goin’ on ther stage—me an’ my dorg, Jurisprudence. So et needs shavin’s to eddicate us. Then, too, thar’s another party in the field, who’s on the scent, an’ would pay well fer what tongue I’ve got. Savy?” “T understand vot you mean. dollar do you?” “Well, I reckon that might answer for about a month. Don’t wanter Ke bard on yew at first, ’ca’se et’s a poor bank as suspends at ther first run, So shell out.” Without a word, the Jew took a plethoric wad of bills from his pocket and counted out the de- sired sum. ‘There you vas,” he said. ‘Now I shall eg- spect dot you vil keeb your mouth shut.” ‘Closer than the jaws 0’ a steel-trap,” the giant grinned, arising. ‘* Guess I will go now, an’ skirmish for my side pardner, Jurisprudence, Wuss’n a billy goat, that hoss. Eats tin cans, pick-axes, an’ anything that’s dige stible, in the shape ©’ food.” Then, with another smile that even Oscar Wilde must have pronounced sublime, the giant took his departure. f Nathan Blob sat in his chair an instant after- ward, a greenish glitter in his eyes. ‘‘ Dot man vas dangerous,” be muttered, “If be vas found deadt, no one knows who kills him,” Seizing a piece of panes he hastily wrote several words upon it, and put it in his pocket; then, armed with a knife, he glided out. It was now deep dusk, but a short distance away he distinguished a man’s figure moving toward the business portion of the town, Like asleuth the Jew was at once in pursuit, the wind and the rush and roar of the creek wholly silencing bis footsteps. The nearer he approached his victim, the denser seemed to grow the night mist, so that even when he raised the murderous knife to strike the fatal blow, he could barely distinguish the form in front of him, A quick uplifting of bis arm, a dull thad; then, without a groan, the victim staggered and fell forward upon bis face. ' “There! dot settles you!” the Jew tted, kneeling beside his victim. ‘Ouch! Oh, mine Got! I have made a pig mistake. As I liff, it ish Snap! Holy Moses! vot vil Ido? I haff proken my own nose. Snap! Snap! Open your eyes, you fool, und dells me you vasn’t hurt at all!” But Snap was past all recall, and Nathan Blob was a murderer. He knelt there for some minutes, nearly dumfounded by the terrible mistake he bad made. ‘‘1t vas too bad,” be muttered, at last. “I neffer haff no more chance to make money off from poor Snap, Ob! vell, such vas life. must leaf him here und let him pe found, I vil fix dis paper on him, und fix der crime on dot Arizona sharp!” From his pocket he took the paper be had in- dited at the office, and pinned it upon the breast of the dead man. : The message was; Vil a t/ousand * Revenge is sweet! “ARIZONA ALB, Joaquin's Avenger,"’ “Dot vil fix him so he flirt mit Christie no more!” the old wretch muttered, as he skurried away. From off a rocky gulch there branched a deep, dark ravine, barely wide enough to admit of the passage of two horses abreast. The walls arose perpendicularly to a great hight, and from this fissure poured a noisy brook. : Probably not one bunter or prospector in a seore would haye thought of wading up the stream into this forbidding ravine: yet had they done so they would, eventually, have debouched into a little mountain-locked pocket, the bottom of which covered about an acre’s area. Here were a number of skin lodges of commo- dious size and aboriginal decoration, It had evidently, some time in the past, been an Indian encampment, but was now the ren- dezvous of Denver Doll and her road agents, and a retreat better adapted to their life could bard- ly have been found, There were both grass and water for their
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SS EE = 10 ~ Re ep an ae horses, and game in the outer gulch was plen- tiful, The mouth of the ravine, where it opene? into the pocket, was kept constantly guarded by two of the band, so that a surprise was out of the question. The largest of the lodges was built on a raised platform of logs, with awnings around it, mak- ing it a pleasant place to sit on a’sunny day. The evening being damp, however, Denver Doli was inside ber commodious lodge, seated by a rude table, when her lieutenant, George, made his appearance. ‘‘Excuse me, captain, but there are two par- ties halted in the ravine, who seek entrance to the pocket, I await your orders.” “ Who are they, lieutenant?” “One of them is the dashing sport, Arizona Alf. The other is a woman.” ‘*Well and good. Bring them bere.” Fifteen minutes later Arizona and Miss Chris- tie entered the road-agent queen’s lodge. “Excuse me, lady,” the sport. said; ‘this is Miss Christie, a friend of mine. I found her laboring under the persecutions inflicted by a tyrannical father, and ventured, on the strength of our acquaintance, to bring her here for a few days’ protection.” “You were Se right, Arizona. Whenever in need, you know you are welcome to my camp. iss Christie, I am glad to have you come. It won’t seem quite so lonely to have another woman in camp. Mr. Arizona, here, is one of my best friends and any of his ac- quaintances are welcome to my hospitality, ?m sure.” : “Any of my friends, you mean,” Arizona laughed. ‘Some of my acquaintances might not be worthy of a welcome here. I will leave Miss Christie in your care now, and drop around again to-morrow night perhaps. A word in ' private, if you please, fair captain,” and he led i ‘Be i Fi ay ra yt a! 1p i ~~ A iy Hs a? ~~» i the door, the way to the log veranda, where Denver Doll followed him. Christie’s eyes were afire in an instant, and her cheeks burning with jealousy, she stole to ulled aside the curtain slightly, and watched them, as they stood conversing in sub- dned tones. What they said she could not hear, but when Arizona Alf turned to depart, he raised his hat gracefully to the fair road-queen—which Chris- tie remembered, with a jealous pang, he had not done fo her. Perhaps he had forgotten it, but he had not forgotten to be extra polite to the girl outlaw. “1 don’t believe I love him, after all,” she mused angrily, ‘‘and [ don’t believe I shall sta; here at all. don’t like this Denver Doll— don’t like her, She is too bewitching. Two thousand dollars? That’s more money than papa ever gave me at once, and more than that mean, snob Snap would give me. No, indeed! I won’t forget Mr. La Force’s offer.” Denver Doll soon re-entered the lodge, and endeavored to entertain her guest, but found it a difficult job, as Miss Christie was both cynical and contrary, and inclined to hold herself aloof; so, after several vain attempts, Doll showed her to another compartment of the lodge, and bade her good-night. “Tf she is Arizona’s choice,” she mused, “* I'll bet there’ll be hair-pulling after the honey- moon. She is a snake-in-the-grass, or ’m mis- taken, But, however that may be, it’s none of my business!” And with this conclusion, she lay down for the night. CHAPTER XI. ARIZONA’S ENTRANCE AND EXIT. ARIZONA ALF went back to Freshet Flats, ,and to his room, at the hotel, where he passed ~ the remainder of the night in slumber. Early in the morning, however, he heard loud cries outside, and looking out of the window saw a large crowd collected in front of the tavern, all of whom appeared much excited. “*T wonder what’s the wrinkle?’ he muttered, hastily dressing himself. ‘*Can Denver Doll have been paying another visit?” As soon as dressed, he looked to his revolvers, and left the room: but as he stepped into the hall, be was suddenly pounced upon by a couple of powerful men, and trippe his struggles, He was then drag; and down the stairs hotel, out upon the veranda, in front of the where he was planted upon his feet. Then, for the first, he saw the lifeless form of Apollo Snap, which had beev tound and laid _ Wpon the veranda. to the floor, | where he was bound, hand and foot, in spite of | | ** Avizona The paper was still pinned upon his breast, and as his eyes fell upon it, Arizona Alf under- stood why he was arrested, and his face flushed with indignation. ““D’ye see that?’ Jean La Force cried, ap- proaching him, and leering evilly into his face. ‘Ye see that, don’t ye? Yer cussed neck’s goin’ to pay fer that job, or I hain’t got no say about the matter.” “IT understand the paper intimates that I committed that murder!” Arizona cried, ‘‘ but I swear I did not do the job, nor do I know who did. Some enemy has evidently taken this method of getting revenged upon me.” ‘‘Perhaps J did it!” the gambler sneered, savagely. ‘‘T shouldn’t wonder!” was the fearless -re- tort. ‘ You are none too good to commit any crime.” “Well, you'll find out,’ Weren’t in camp, last night, I suppose. Nevertheless, you got back time enough to committ his crime. I know where you went, also, Did you find the fair Denver Doll well?” Arizona’s lips compressed, and a steely glitter entered his eyes, but he did not answer. ‘‘Gents!” La Force went on, ‘there is no need of having any trial in this case, as it is as plain as the nose on your face that this feller is guilty of the murder, aside from the damning note o’ braggadocio he left upon the corpse. f believe ye all. know, full well, that Arizona an’ Snap were declared enemies! I have instituted careful inquiries, an’ can’t find as Snap had an enemy in the world, aside from this chap. What evidence d’ye want more conclusive, that he murdered the harmless young Englisher? Then, thar’s another p’int; Last night, he eloped wi’ Blob’s gal, an’ tuk her to the stronghold of Denver Doll. I overheard the plot, myself. Likely Snap interfered, an’ thus got stuck!” A murmur of approval ran through the crowd. It was evident that they fully be- lieved in the guilt of Joaquin’s Avenger. Arizona Alf spoke not; indeed, he did not see any use of speaking. His face was a trifle pale, and his features were set hard, and stern. He was aware that a terrible trap bad sprung on him, and there was very little hope for his es- cape from it. ‘You see, feller-citizens!” La Force went on ““T don’t say all this out o’ personal spite, for i really feel sorry for the poor cuss; but I am your mayor, an’ et’s my bizness to speak fer you, the people. It’s a clear case, an’ I opine we can't do no better than put the border code inter effect. His neck ain’t better’n hundreds o’ others as has received the noose, an’ I motion we put the matter through, in becomin’ shape!” ‘“No! no! sdop! I brodest apoud dot! Don’t you vas hang him, ondil he dells me where I finds my daughter!” exclaimed Nathan Blob. Arizona smiled mockingly, for the first time. “You want her back, el?” be questioned, “Dunder, yesh! Off I lose mine Christie, I go crazy mit der lunatic asylum. ” And the ponderous Jew paused, for want of power of utterance. ‘“Well, let me tell you!” Arizona answered. ‘When the noose shirs around my gullet, your daughter will be a corpse. That's all!” “Stop! stop! don’d hang him!” Blob yelled, frantically, as he danced up and down, fright- ened out of his wits, ‘‘I pay you monish not tu hang him, until I vas gef mine Christie back.” “T propose,” suggested a newly arrived, well- dressed, and fine-looking gentleman, “that we don’t hang this man, simply on cirewmstantial evidence; but, on the other hand, that we gave him a chance for his life by turning state’s-evi- dence, and delivering up this pack of road- agents. How does it strike you, gents?” A loud murmur of approval went up from the crowd. ‘That's more like it!” a number cried. ‘‘-You bet!” chimed in others. ‘Give every dog a show '” La Force looked disappointed. “Wal, we'll bev to see about it,” he growled. “‘T ain’t in favor o’ givin’ a murderer no show at all. Allin favor o the motion suggested sing out!’ A shout pealed forth that was almost unani- mous. “S*pose we'll have to give him a chance, then,” the gambler announced, with an oath. If, you’ve got till sunset to make oP yer mind whether you’ll aecept the noose or lea an armed party to Denver Doll’s retreat!” ' The Avenger answered not. A faint smile hovered upon his lips; otherwise bis features were immovable, and their expression was hard to interpret. : . “The next thing is a good, strong room to store the cuss in!” La Force said. “T haff got shust der ding!” Blob eried. ‘‘T fixed it up last night on burpose to shut up mine Christie in, so she don’d vould esca Yust fetch der brisoner, und I dakes care off him, you tY “Reekon you'll have to give bail for his safe- keeping, old gent,” one miner interposed, and the sentiment was generally echoed. ‘Vel, den, I gif der mayor a t’ousand dollar for security,” Blob said. ‘Pring along der brisoner.” Arizora’s feet were unloosened, and with a re- volver pressed to either temple, he was forced to walk to the Blob residence, and into a room up-stairs, the windows of which had been barred like a prison. Here his hands and feet were doubly bound, and the door was locked upon him, Old Nathan, in his office, paid the thousand dollars to La Force, and the crowd departed. Not long after, the Jew entered his house, locked the doors, and ascended to the room where Arizona was half reclining upon the you veel?” he chuckled. floor. ‘Vel, how “Don’d like id, somedimes, eh?” ‘¢Oh, it. does very well,” Arizona retorted. ‘¢ But you vas foolin’ apoud mine shild, Chris- tie.” ‘‘Nary atime. If I swing she swings.” ““S’posin’ she get free?” ‘¢ Tmpossible.” ‘*Vel, den, you gif up the road-agents to der shustice.” ‘*T hope to never breathe again if I do!” “Vot! You hang first?” ‘¢'You bet.” Blob put up his hands in horror. ““ You vas crazy!” he declared. ‘* You don’d know vot you says.” ‘Queer, if I don’t!” Arizona returned. ‘One thing is patent—it will be a cold day that I be- tray Denver Doll. The girl is doing right. She should have her own; and I don’t iisiie her for raising thunder till she getsit. As for myself, Lam innocent of the murder, and [’l) die game before I’ll make another the tool by which I pur- chase my liberty.” The speech seemed to have some little im- pression upon the Jew, for he was silent for sev- eral minutes. ‘“Den you vas like mine schildf” he finally asked. Yen 2 ‘Und she likes you?” ‘*] flatter myself she does,” ‘Vel, she aivape vas a heedetnens girl. I don’d know vot vil pecome mit her. Now, sup- posin’ I vas to gif you your liberty—vould you gif me pack my schild and neffer bodder us no more?” “No, I would not. More, I would not accept my liberty at your hands.” a ‘Den you vil die like yon dog, und I vil run der risks of recoverin’ my Christie.” ** So be it!” was the calm response. In a rage the Jew turned to leave the room, when, to his horror, he found himself confront- ed by no less a personage than Denver Doll, who held a pair of six-shooters leveled full upon him. ‘‘ Halt, Mister Israel!” she commanded. “If you stir, except when directed, or utter a peep, Pil put a bullet right through your big corpo- rosity !” ‘‘T beg! don’d shoot! I do yust vat you dells me—only don’d shoot!” “Very well. Unbind that man!” he Py sbimminy! vot you mean? He escape den!” “Exactly! Unbind him?” “But, ey dear young vimmens, off he escape T lose so mooch as a Vovsand dollars!” Do you hear me? Unbind him, I say!” the road-agent queen cried—so sharply that Blob jumped to do her bidding. In a few seconds Arizona Alf was free of his bonds and stood erect. ‘“‘ Now, then, Blobsy, dish over what cash you have about your person and we will leave you!” Doli ordered. “No hesitation, or—pop, and over you go!” In ‘despair, the Jew handed over his well- filled pocketbook, which Doll accepted ina very matter-of-fact way. ‘‘ Now the key to this room, ““Vot? You ain’t goin’ to loc “Just that. Shell out!” The ugly chambers of the revolvers glared so menacingly at the Jew that he obeyed. Tn a moment more he was locked in his own pris room, while Doll and Arizona were cn lease,” she said. ye me oop!”
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Pe. ene teeentnren renee orem route out of Freshet Flats, by the underground passage, the secret of which was known only to ' them, This passage came out in a clump of bushes at the edge of the creek, and bad probably at some previous period been a subterranean watercourse. Once outside of it, the two adventurers had no difficulty in skulking out of sight of the town without discovery, where, in a little hid- den bear’s cave in the mountain-side, the band- some horse of the queen of the road was se- creted. “You have saved my life!” Arizona re- marked. ‘‘ How can I ever repay you?” “No pay is needed. I count you asa man who would be willing to do mea favor, were I in need. Therefore, I do not care even to be thanked. Will you return to the retreat?” “No; not if I can find a disguise in your half-way den here?” ** Yonder, beneath that bowlder, are a num- ber belonging to my men. I will wait here un- til dark. I have a new racket on foot,” Arizona was but a few minutes in disguising himself, after which he set out for the mining calp equipped as a prospector. Just about sunset that night, no less a person- age than Nathan Blob might have been seen tearing madly along toward the Satanello, with his hat off, and puffing and panting like a por- poise. A crowd had collected by the time he reached the gambling-house, and stared at him in aston- ishment. ‘What in thunder is the matter?’ La Force demanded savagely. ‘‘ Has the cuss escaped?” “Yes, yes! Gif mo my t’ousand dollar—gif me minet’ousand dollar! I can’t afford to lose dot!” the Jew spluttered. ““Pvea mind to give you a bullet through your cussed head!” the gambler vociferated. * How did he escape? Out with it!” ‘Vy, dot vimmens, Denver Doll, she got in mit der house, und say, off I don’d vas set him free she put von bullet through me. I vas *fraid she vould, so I had to do it. Den ay robbed me und lock me mit der room in, und just got oud.” “ This is a thunderin’ note!” La Force shout- ed, as he started with a number of others to visit the Jew’s house, There they found that the Jew had not lied. Poor Blob! The losses of cash he had sustained that day nearly broke his heart, and he mourned inces- santly. CHAPTER XII. A BIG SCARE. THat night, as usual, the night gang of miners descended into Denver Doll’s Drift while the day gang were brought up, and wended their way ho neward. This Drift, like the general run of mines of its class, descended on a gradual slant from its mouth, and a rude car was made, together with accompanying track, for hauling the debris as well as the precious ore out of the bowels of the earth, the power being furnished by a string of burros. The miners, therefore, used the car as a means of transportation in and out of the tunnel. At the mouth of the Drift was a little office, from which the laborers received their pay. Jean La Force sat in this office during the evening, engaged in smoking and ehatting with his right-hand man, Ben Blye, when there came a rap at the door, Opening it, he beheld to his astonishment, the night gang, who had gone in a couple of hours before, huddled together like a flock of sheep, and bearing every appearance of having ex- rienced a severe fright. ‘“ What the mischief is the matter?’ Why are you all out here?” the gambler demanded, angrily, it occurring to him that they might have organized a strike. The miners exchanged glances; then one old gray-bearded veteran, named Uncle Eph Paine advanced, and said: “You'll excuse us, boss, but we all allow we don’t keer to work in the mines any longer— especially of nights!” . “Why not? What the thunder’s got into uu, pray?” me Waal, ye see, we’ve most all seen sum purty hard scrapes, but we allow we don’t keer about workin’ whar thar’s ghosts.” “‘ Ghosts ?” “Yas, you bet! Leave it to the boysef we didn’t all’ see a reg’lar, bona-fide ghost, right in the mine, an’ et pointed a skeleton finger et us, Denver Doll’s Drift. rattled its bones, and perlitely invited us to et We skipped!” a Force laughed. “Why, you cussed idiots, you’re crazy! There’s no secb thing as ghosts!” “There is!” Uncle Eph declared. -“Ef ye don’t b’lieve it, go an’ see fer yerself. We'll all dare ye to go! Eh, boys!” The “‘ boys” gave a chorus of assent. If there was one thing La Force prided him- self on more than another, aside from card-play- ing, it was for bravery. o matter though he got whipped in a *‘ scrimmage,” he argued that; * : : | we're off. Cash before delivery, in this case.” it did not lessen his courage in the least, and many of his encounters went to show that this was the case. To be dared by his own employees to enter a | dark, forbidding, underground chamber, where they claimed to have seen a ghost, was some- thing he had not expected, and for the moment he did not know hardly what to say or do. To not accept the challenge would certainly show him up ina cowardly light, to his discredit, and would also have the effect to lessen the chances of getting the men to go back to work. *Pshaw! Id just like the fun of such a thing, to show you what a pack of idiots vou are,” he exclaimed, with a forced laugh. ‘‘Londmeone of your lights, and I'll go down and see what lump of rock bas so frightened you,” Uncle Eph chuckled as he handed over his own lamp. «Bot you'll come back wi’ yer ha’r standin Shall we let ye down in on end!” he remarked. the car, boss?” ‘*No! T'll walk down the incline and back. You fellows can consider yerselves docked fer time, while I’m gone.” Putting on a bold front, he entered the mouth of the drift and strode down the track, appar- ently as fearless as a lion. In lively anticipation of the result, the miners gatbered about the mouth of the mine and wait- ed 2 ge wee i is footsteps were soon inaudible, and the light died out, leaving blank darkness behind him. Two—three—five minutes elapsed—then a sound, like the smothered report of a pistol, reached the hearing of the watchers, This was followed by several others. “ He’s havin’ a skirmish wi’ the ghost!” Uncle Eph averred. ‘ Wonder how he likes ’em?’ wo minutes later Jean La Force ceme run- ning up the drift, puffing and panting like a frightened runaway horse. His lantern and hat were gone, and his face was near as white as the immaculate bosom of his shirt. He didn’t speak until he reached the office, where he sunk down on the steps from sheer ex- haustion, : “Waal, did ye see ther ghost?’ queried Uncle Eph, with a malicious grin. ‘ See it?—of course I saw it, you fool. Why, cuss my boots, I hadn’t hardly got into the ac- cursed hole before I see’d it a-comin’ forme. T drew my revolvers an’ let drive, but the more I fired the faster it come fer me, until 1 was obliged to turn an’run, Boys, what the devil is it?” “Thet's what we wanter know before we go on ag’in,” one of the miners answered. *Tain’t pleasan( to have a spook fer a gang boss.” “ Curse it, thar’s no sech thing as ghosts, boys. It’s some one fixed up—a plot of Denver Doll’s, maybe, to get possession of the mine.” “You count yerself a good pistol-shot, don’t ye, boss?” ‘*Of course!” “Well, how d’ye account fer a human swal- lerin’ six bullets?” La Force looked grim. ‘‘ Cursed if I know,” he returned, “Jest ye go home, but come back in the morning, and go to work. Nota word of this to the other gang. Vll give ’em night tour to-morrow night.” This was more than agreeable, for the men were eager to learn how the other gang would succeed with his ghostship. ; So, for the remainder of that night, the vicin- ity of the mine was deserted. If Jean La Force ,had depended on keeping the matter hushed up, he was greatly disap- pointed, for the following morning the town was alive with the report that Denver Doll’s Drift was haunted by a genuine ghost, that had scared off even the boss himself. Great excitement prevailed, and the street was alive with curious people, who discussed the probabilities and improbabilities: of super- natural visitations. The day gang flatly refused to ge to work un- tee Oe re eee ne tere ee ee ee mee em ee til the matter was cleared up, and La Force's threats and entreaties bad no effect. “Vl give a bundred dollars to the five men who will go into the mine and solve the mat- ter!” he cried. ‘My opinionis that a trick is being played onus!” “ Hyar’s one as ain’t skeart, I'm ready; pan out yer others!” roared Sunflower Sam. ** Never see’d the ghost yet as could skeer me!” And the giant ssthete appeared to mean just. what he said, Four more men soon volunteered after the sesthete gave the impetus. ** Fork over your lucre, now,” Sam said, “and Realizing the necessity of getting his men to work, La Force did not object, but promptly handed out the cash, and the five adventurers started into the mine, The descent down the drift was made in quick order, and they found themselves in the cham- ber of the mine where the gangs had been at work, Although they had brought lanterns along, they had not lighted them, preferring to see if his ghostsbip would make himself mani- fest through the Stygian gloom, They stood for some minutes, with their re- volvers ready for use, but nothing of the spook- - ish order appeared to their vision, Then, at a word from Sunflower Sam, they shot the slides upon their lanterns, and the chamber was illuminated in every part. ‘‘Nary a ghost here!” the esthete declared, “Still, we will make a cluss search, an’ see that thar ain’t no hidin’-places.” A thorough search developed the fact that there was no place where a buman ghost could hide, nor was there any sign of any super- natural being to be found. The explorers therefore left the mine, and delivered their report, paneer # the da gang went to work, and were not righten out, as the night gang had been, A guard was also stationed at the mouth of the mine to prevent the possibility of amy hu- man agency gaining access and playing the freak of the previous night. CHAPTER XIiil. A REMARKABLE INTERRUPTION, THar day, as Arizona was lounging in his miner’s disguise upon the veranda of the pow hotel, he saw an old, age-frosted pil-~ grim hobbling along down the street, with the aid of a staff. It was the same man whom Denver Doll had met in the gulch, who had called her his daughter. The Arizonian’s keen eyes glittered, as the old man came nearer, and his teeth went to- gether with so distinct a click, that be turned to. see if the sound had been noticed by a red- whiskered pilgrim who sat on the veranda, but a little ways off. , _ The pilgrim, however, evidently was absorbed in reading a newspaper. ‘At last!” Arizona Alf muttered, in under his breath. ‘‘If I am not greatly in errer, here is my last victim but one, in avenging poor Joa- ron) + how Ihave wiped them out, though, the dogs 5 The old man slowly drew near the hotel, his every movement denoting feebleness and fa- tigue. The steps leading to the veranda of the hote} seemed to have an inviting aspect to him, for — he paused, looked at them, and then hebbled to- ward them. Arizona was by his side, in an. instant, and caught bim gently by the arm. “Excuse me, pard,” he said, “‘ but yon leok worn out. Let me help you to a seat.” And he assisted old Reuben Morse to his own chair upon the veranda, and going into the bar, brought him out a glass of brandy. ‘‘Thankee! thankee!” the eld man murmured, ‘*Mebbe that will help me to a little more strength, tho’ I seldom use it.” . After he had partaken of the stimulant, he did, in truth, seem to be somewhat revived, and when the Avenger came back and seated himself near by, he said: ‘ ‘*Well, I must thankee again, stranger, I’m getting to be an old man, an’ I ortn’t be joggin? around the country the way Iam. S'pose this is oan Blake; obi A ay gu ** Yes, this is Fresbet Fla ing further?* “No. Ithink Vill tarry here, a a me I kind o’ think Pll meet an old friend, bere, per- + 99 ) j “Indeed? That will be good. What isthe » name?” t “Mef Ob! I'm Reuben Morse, formerly of
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- - ee ene eran 0p e tweens co mecremten ene tee emma oe ents =n eeee H Denver, but now, from nowhere, in particu- “ Aha! but, I mean, your friend’s names I ht be able to help you to find him.” That’s so. Much obleeged, but ye see, I] don’t know exactly what he might called, hyarabouts. He ginerally bas a new name fer every place he goes. Last time I heard o’ him, i he called hisself Sunflower Sam.” ‘Ah! then he is here. He has a shanty and pact # claim down the gulch, but I believe be’s off | for a hunt, to-day, and won’t be home till dark. bh {f you like, since you’re so old, ’ll show you where he lives, to-night.” ‘“You are very kind, sir. It is seldom I meet an acquaintance so friendly. I will accept i of your offer; and in the mean time I think Pll hire a room, in the hotel, and rest until it is : time to go.” i “Certainly. [I will secure one for you. Come with me.” And the Avenger led the way into the hotel, i and had the best bedroom placed at the old ‘wanderer’s convenience. TI can afford to do this!” he said. ward will come to-night, I know!” Night came on, and about sunset, old Reuben Morse appeared upon the veranda, where Ari- vona once more sat smoking a cigar. ‘‘Well, my good friend,” the old man said, “‘T feel much rested, and am ready to go in search of my old friend.” “Don’t be in a hurry,” the Avenger re- sponded. ‘Take a seat. Sunflower Sam, [ dare say, won’t be back until moon-up, and “My re- ‘ we'll start in good season to catch him at home, I suppose you are an old veteran, in mining. t i What do you think of our Lilliputian Eldorado, a here?” tok ** Ob, if looks like a lively town, wi’? promise { ia © growth!’ was the answer. ‘But I tell ye, boy, California used to be the boss mineral mt State, and itis yet, for that matter.” } ‘* Ah! then you’ve roughed it there?” ‘* Ab! ves, for a number of years. Know the mining life pretty well, o’er thar.” **! suppose they used to have some pretty rouvh times over there?” i ** Reckon as how they did, §’pose ye might 0’ heared o’ that footpad, Joaquin Muriete. ) war a tough customer, an’ made himself a ter- ror. But, I tell ye, we roped him in, at last, an’ put an end to his sarcus,” ‘*T have heard of his tragic fate,” the Avenger said, averting his face to conceal its revengeful expression, ‘‘I presume there’s few living who had a hand in entrapping him, and bringing him _ to his death?” “Well, I reckon not. I guess I’m about the only one—though I didn’t take no direct part. Tve hearn tell that thar’s some chap what is a-killin’ off all who knew anything about the job, no matter whether they bad any hand init or aot. He must be a cussed fool. Joaquin Muri- ete was a was a red-handed assassin, and no jus- tice could give him his just deserts, [ tell you!” Arizona did not reply, but, to conceal his agi- tation, arose and entered the hotel. There was a dark, malignant expression upon his face, and his eyes gleamed wildly. It wasa wemarkable change that came over him—a change, as it were, from the docility of a lamb to the rage of a lion. He kept himself aloof from the wanderer, un- _ tilit was quite dusky, and the moon bid fair to em Pop up from behind the horizon; then, he went j out upon the veranda. ‘Well, I guess we'll walk down to your friend’s shanty, now,” he remarked, ‘‘and see if he’s returned from the hunt. Are you ready?’ ‘* Yos, ’m ready, thankee!” was the reply. » They descended into the street, and Arizona . | the way across the Flats, toward the rapid + eek, which, now swollen by the recent rains in .# mountains, roared loudly. lu due time they reached the big tree, where the Avenger had met Christie Blob. Here they } paused, and Arizona faced his victim. j The tree was far enough from the camp that ‘a loud ery would not be likely to attract atten- ‘ a a SS —— . : Psi rae _* Sa wet ee a st - i % : - > a tn nn . 2 ape a es Tot it sith tion, i “* Why do you stop here?” Old Reuben asked, es gazing at the swiftly rushing waters. ie “ For a purpose,” was thestern reply. ‘ Reu- pho | ‘ben Morse, do you know why [I have brought Pi. } ‘you here?” “No. Why?” the old man asked quickly. ‘Reg ee “To fulfill ‘a long made oath!” was the an- 1 a tes awer, as the Avenger drew his long keen knife. iit hee We: Pim gown, fps ge tel ; | “Kill me? In Heaven’s name, what have I ¥ done to , man?” ‘* Nothing to_ me, direct, but, if you must know it, [am Joaquin’s Avenger, and you are ‘Denver Doll's Drift. ee eee —————eEeEeEe—eEE—EEE—————EEEEE eer eee rr the one of two that remain, before my ven- geance is complete. I do not intend to strike down like a dog, on account of your age, ut give you a show for your life. You have a knife; draw it, face me and fight, and may God have mercy upon us both!” “Tam!” They drew their knives, and the moonlight glistened upon the blades. Olid Reuben Morse uttered acry, and fell fainting to the ground. Doll gazed at him, a moment, and then tarned ‘*T am too old to fight; have mercy oN me. | and faced the Avenger, her eyes glistening like I never did any one a wrong—indee not,” ‘It matters not!” was the stern reply. ‘‘I swore to avenge Joaquin’s death, and nothing can keep me from my purpose, You must fight, or I will strike you down!” ** Will you?” Tt was not the old man who said this: it was Denver Doll who leaped forward through the gloom. ‘The devil!” escaped Arizona’s lips. ‘‘ What brings you here?” . ‘‘To deiend my old father, sir, against the attack of a vampire!” was the stinging retort. “T thought you a man, Arizona Alf, tut you are a coward and a coyote! If there’s any fighting to be done, allow me to inform yvu that Pl take a hand in it, myself!” And her pair of gleaming revolvers indicated her purpose. Arizona Alf did not answer for a moment, for be was too much surprised. He had had no idea of Reuben Morse being the father of Den- ver Doll, or of being in any way related to her, And, too, the words uttered by the queen of road-agents stung him to the quick, for he real- ized that she was dead in earnest, and regarded him as a man of little more account than a typ- ical ruffian of the mines, “You probably do not understand this mat- ter!” he finally said. ‘“‘If this man is your father, he was concerned in the killing of Jo- aquin Muriete in California some years ago, and as I registered an oath to kill every indi- vidual who was concerned in Joaquin’s death, you will naturally see that your father must be included in the lis*. I am sorry of this, for your sake, bul I cannot break my vow for any person’s sake.” ‘*But, [rather opine you will care, if you at- tempt to harm a hair of his head. I have got the drop on you, and you know the style of a girl lam too well, 1 dare say, to tempt me to send a bullet through your brain, If you de- mand satisfaction, [ ain’t afraid to meet you, even though I am but a girl. You shall never touch my father.” . ‘You are foolish!” the Avenger said, ‘‘T never could bring myself down to fight a wo- man, nor do I want to fight you. Your father, as you call him, is the meat I’m after, and have his life, I will, sooner or later! Let us adjourn this affair until some other time.” ‘‘Not much! It has got to besettled to-night. You have got to promise upon your hope of an after life, that you will never attempt to harm my father.” ‘T shall promise nothing of the kind.” ‘Then, sir, you and I shall settle this here | and now!” Doll declared, with stern resolution in her fine face, The moon had just appeared over the moun- | tain crest, and siiot a mellow ray of light over | the girl’s determined face. : ‘“My child! my child! do not quarrel with this terrible man, done with it!” Old Reuben cried in tremulous tones, ** Silence!” was the quick reply. ‘Iam not afraid of him. I have not been a wandering outcast for nothing. What have you to say, Sir Avenger?” ‘*T believe it is unnecessary to say much!” as Arizonian replied, his tones cynical and cut- ing. “You choose to represent your father, whom it is my purpose to slay. I cannot break my vyow—consequently, you must take the conse- quences, or 1.” “Exactly! may I ask?” “The same that Joaquin generally used—Mu- riete, the knife, I can shoot, but prefer the blade!” It is immaterial to me, Now “Very well! let us understand ourselves. If I donot kill What is your choice of weapons, you, isthere any honorable gratitude in your | eart?” ‘‘None, whatever, so far as vour father is concerned, let me assure you. You had better make sure of me, if you can, for, were I to be wounded and yet recover, my oath is unful- filled. I shall endeavor to slay you first, and then your father. You can govern yourself ac- cordingly.” “Then, it must be to the death. Are you ready?” Let bim kill me, and have | I did | diamonds, “ Ready!” she called out steadily. They then crept toward each other, their hands holding the instrument of death in a firm clutch. Eye to eye, face to face, they drew nearer to each other, then, when nearly within aim's- length, began to move around, on guard, watch- ing each other with lynx-like intensity, and studying for an opportunity to leap forward and strike a telling blow, without incurring one in return. A spectator, familiar with this peculiar style of dueling, would have been filled with admira- tion at the novel and skillful moves they made, ‘ All’s fair?’ Doll said, interrogatively. ‘ All’s fair, to the death!” was the reply. The next instant the blade Denver Doll had held, was buried to the hilt in_ the left side of the Avenger, after being hurled with awful celerity, by her deft hand. Arizona endeavored to leap forward at her, but could not. He staggered, then fell to the ground, with a faint groan. Dull sprung forward and pulled the knife from the wound, at which he put up bis hands, imploringly. “Mercy! don’t!” he gasped. ‘‘Never fear; I am not that cruel,” she re- plied, a trifle bitterly. ‘‘ You will not die. [I simply aimed with the intent to lay you out, By the time you will have recovered, my fa- ther and I will be far from here, I trust.” ‘Will you?’ Well, perhaps you may be!” a hoarse voice exclaimed, in her ear, and turning she heheld Jean La Force but a few steps away holding a pair of revolvers leveled at her. ‘* Ha’ ha! my beauteous road-agent, I happen to have the drop on you, now!” ‘“* And, old chestnuts, I’ve got a couple o’ pops pintin’ straight at your areal” another voice cried, and out from behind the tree scooted Little Bill, a gleaming pair of self-cockers in his grasp! “Yas. “Good. We'll be ready for it, when it comes, I fancy. I’m off, now.” And before more could be said, she was speed- ing away, up the bank of the stream. She was not wrong. While Bill was dashing some water into the faces of the two men—for Arizona had also tainted—Jean La Force came running up, with half a dozen others. ‘‘ Where’s the gal?” he roared. ‘‘Dunno!” Bill replied, dauntlessly. ‘She told me to take care o’ these fellers, an’ then skipped.” ; ‘Which direction, you cussed little imp o’ Satan?’ “ Down-streem!” Biil lied, with a placidity that was unpardonable. “Darn ye, you’re the cause o’ her escape!” | the gambler yelled, and he gave the boy a terri- ble blow beside the head, that sent him spin- ning to the ground, deprived of his senses. “Now, boys, some o’ you take the two chaps back to camp, an’ the rest o’ us will give chase.” ‘“ Better let ’em Jay here, an’ the bull o’ us join in,” one of the gang suggested. “Then come along.” They rushed away cown the steam like a pack of hounds on the scert of game. They were hardly ou of hearing when Arizona Alf recovered from bis faint, and raising upon his elbow, took in his surroundings. ‘+m not wounded to the death, it seems,” he muttered. ‘‘If I can wslk, [ must get away from here. There’s old Morse lying there like a log, but Vi not kill him now because the girl was merciful to me. Hello! the kid is here-tco! The roughs must have been here, and gene in pursuit of Denver Doll. I must get away before -
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ee .—- they return, or it will be all up with me, I allow.” x He found, upon experimenting, that he could stand upon his feet, although he felt weak from the loss of blood, the flow of which had in a measure subsided, which convinced him that his wound was not exactly dangerous. After arising and gaining his equilibrium fully, he found himself able to walk slowly, and thus managed to get away from the vicinity of the old tree, where he had nearly received the fate he came there to accomplish for an- other. Shortly after his departure, Little Bill recov- ered, and scooted away toward the camp. ’ “ Reckon I’m in luck that they didn’t chuck me into the creek!” he muttered. ‘* Guess I bet- ter lie low till La Force muzz'es his temper.” He had hardly gone, when Reuben awakened from his faint and gazed wonderingly around him. ‘Can it have been a horrid dream?” he asked. ‘‘No! yonder are the lights of the camp. Ob! where are they? What has become of my child? Can the Avenger have murdered her, and cast her in thestream? No! something tells me she has escaped. I will go back to the camp, and if she is not there, I shall be satisfied that she is safe, And he, too, hobbled away from the vicinity of the tree, When La Force and bis gang came back from their fruitless search, accordingly, they found no one, ‘uss me ef the gal hasn’t got more lives than a cat!” the gambler exclaimed. ‘‘ But never mind! Ill trap her yet!” And the unsuccessful party went back to the Satanello to liquor up, at the expense of the owner of the Drift, and spend the balance of the night at cards, CHAPTER XIV. A ROGUE’S END. As Uncle Reuben did not find Arizona Alf, he felt assured of Doll’s safety, and put up at the hotel for the night. On the following morning he went forth upon the street, and almost the first man he met was Sunflower Sam, and the two shook hands familiarly, ‘You see I came, an’ hev been waitin’ fer ye. Writ ye at Mottsville, but got no ans’er,” the giant explained. *'Ca’se I started soon arter you. Lost my horse back a piece, and had to hoof it. Any news?” Samuel winked. “Call me a cross-eyed Oscar, ef thar ain’t!” he affirmed, softly. ‘As I told ye, ther game arriv’. It’s heer, an’ all that remains is to cor- ral it, extort a confession, an’ then bag it. D’ye ae ” orse nodded. “‘T see, I see. You are sure?” ‘“‘Asasermon. See that roost?’ and he indi- cated the Blob residence. “ Yes. ” ‘* Well, it’s there. Housed, now, I dare say. Have you made up your mind to extort the con- fession?” “res.” ‘Tf he refuses?” . “T’ll kill him by inches!” The old man spoke with a vim that was indis- putable. ‘“‘T have suffered enough through that man,” be went on, ‘‘and I mean to put the matter to the test, since, through you, I have learned the truth.” “Have you seen your child” ‘‘] met ber in the mountains, and again last night.” -- “Then you know that she is an outlaw?” “Great Heaven! no!” f Sunflower Sam went on and explained the case as well as he knew how. \ “My poor child,” Reuben Morse groaned, when he was done. “I am the innocent cause of all this. But there may be a brighter lining yet to liven up these clouds. What would you advise?” “That you visit Blob at once, and come down to business. About the time I think all’s ready, Tl drop in and arrest him.” They talked for a while longer, and then the msthete made his way toward the hotel, while Reuben Morse sought the office of the Jew. Blob wasin, engaged in counting some money, and looked up in surprise at the bareheaded old man, whom it was plain he did not recognize. “Vel, vot you vant?” he demanded, as Reuben helped himself to a seat. ‘I haff no monish to gif to beggars to-day.” IR EE — ————————————— ee rst “No one has asked you for alms, Nathan Blob,” was the stern answer, as the old man pulled a pair of revolvers from his boot-legs and cocked them. ‘‘ We’ve business more important to transact. Do you recognize me?” ‘‘T tink I do!” was the reply. Reuben Morse, don’d it?” ‘*T am Reuben Morse. Do you remember, a number of months ago—nearly two years now —an event that happened?” J “Oh, yesh—I understant now. ‘Your girl, she go to get married, und some von sboots her husband!’ ‘Exactly. lowed?” “Shimminy, yes! Your daughter she acguse you off doin’ der business, und clear oud. Dot vas bad.” ‘“Yes; a happy home was broken up, and father and child went adrift on the world, Do you know who committed the raurderf’ ‘* No; L know noddinks apout dot.” __. ‘‘ Well, you see, this man who was killed was adoved by another, and he had once been be- trothed to her. The girl was a Jewish maiden, and when Walraven’s engagement to my daughter became known, the Jewish family were furious, and swore he should regret the disgrace his change of choice had reflected upon the Jew’s daughter. The girl’s father, there- fore, with his plenty of gold, hired a worthless vagabond to assassinate Walraven at the altar. You, Nathan Blob, are the man who hired the deed done!” The Jew uttered a curse, and seemed inclined to rush upon his accuser, but Morse’s weapous held him in check. “Stand, or Pll put a bullet through you. This tool died, oe left a confession later of what otherwise might have been a life mys- tery!” “You lie! you lie!—id vas all a lie!” “No, it is not! The man who received the secret isin this camp—a detective at that! I do not propose to let you escape. Sit down to that table. Fail to obey me, and 1 will put a bullet through you as sure as |, am a desperate man! ‘““You are Do you remember what fol- Nathan Blob knew better than to disobey, so he sat do vn at the table again, where he had been seated on Morse’s entrance, “Vot you want?” be snarled. ‘If you don’d put avay dot pistols, I haff you arrested for carrying concealed weapons!” Morse laughed. “T have no fear of what yowll do,” he replied, “‘and I guess you are pretty fully aware that these beauties are not concealed.” ““Vot you vants?” the Jew roared, ‘‘T haff no time to fool mit you. You vas a grazy lunatic, und I don’t vant you here.” “I dare say not. You'll find out how crazy Iam. Get a piece of paper, and write out 6 confession.” “A vot?” ‘©A confession. Mind, no trifling! I need but little provocation to shoot you. Write out the confession, stating that Reuben Morse is innocent of any conspiracy or attempt to mur- der one Walter Walraven, and that the murder was committed by you, through an accomplice, for sake of revenge.” “You dinksI gif mineself avay like dot?” the Jew howled. ‘Vel, I guess you must dink I vas a fool!” “So you are, to think I will tolerate any more trifling. One! two—” ““Stop! stop! Ido yoost vot you say, oof you don’t shoot.” ‘Then go abead!”. Ab Seizing a pen, the Israelite began writing slowly, and at the end of twenty minutes handed the confession to Reuben Morse. It was penned in a scrawling hand, and read as follows, in very crude English as to ortho- graphy, but explicit enough in meaning: “Frusuet Fats, Sept. —. ‘This shall certify that I, the subscriber, wish to vindicate one Reuben Morse from all blame about the death of one Walter Walraven, because he didn’t do the deed. It was done by another man, who was hired by me. I got my revenge on that son-of-a- gun, bet your life. NaTHAN Bios.” “That will answer,” Morse assented. ‘‘ It will heal the breach between my daughter and myself, and perhaps there may be some happi- ness yet for our lives. I will bid you good- day!’ At this juncture the door opened, and Sun- flower Sam entered, jingling a pair of hand- cuffs in his grap. **Nattie, old boy, you’re my meat!” he said, with an awful smile. “Sorry to have to act a nn ee Nn ET neal against so generous a friend, but you see the fact is, 'm an officer of the law—me an' my dorg, Jurisprudence—an’ it becomes my duty to in- form you tuat I have a warrant for your arrest for being party to a rourder!” . aie ‘Ish dot so! Vel, youst tell mine Christie 1 leave all to her, if Idie!” And with a sudden and unexpected movement, he sprung over the table and out of the door, Up the gulch he ran with wonderful speed fur a man of his avoirdupois, and behind him sp. 4 the giant, ss “Stop, durn ye, in the name of the law!” Sant thundered, ‘‘or Ill put a bullet through you quicker’n a cat can say catechism!” __ } But Blob paused not. He was making a life run of it; but it was to his sorrow. : Sam stopped for a moment and his pistol gleamed in the sunlight—then there was a sbarp report, and the Jew dropped like a log, never te rise again. The detective’s unerring shot had done the work for the old rogue. : The tragedy created considerable excitement for an hour or so, but when Supflower Sam ex- jlained, and showed the badge of his profession, lob’s death was regarded as little more than an everyday occurrence, and bis big body was planted ” by the side of that of his own vic: tim, Apollo Snap. CHAPTER XV. LITTLE BILLS BIG LOSS. ; Sincm the escape,ot Denver Doll Little Bill had kept himself pretty closely in i for he knew that, should he expose himself, he be seized for abetting the girl road-agent’s escape, To-day, however, be ventured forth upon the street, and almost the first man he encountered was Jean La Force, who was unusually savage, over dissipation and gambling losses the pre- vious night, ‘* Oho! so I’ve got you, you young rascal, have I?” he cried, clutching the urchin by the sboul- der. ‘' You’re the very rooster I want, D’ye know what ’m goin’ to dof” : And he cbanged his hold and caught Bill Ly one of his rather barge ears, “Ouch! Let up, now!” the boy yelled. “kf you don’t I’ll be your last sickness,” Ata wink from La Foree one of his cronies. came up and seized Bill’s bands from behind, ‘*See here! that ain’t no fair!” the boy tested. ‘You fellers ain’t afeard of a chap like me, I hope?” ‘Course not; but thar’s nothin’ like makin’ sure of an eel afore ye skin him!” the gambler assumed, as he drew his knife and felt of its edge. e Now, younker, I'll tell you jest what's what. You tell me where the gal, Denver Doll, has got her stronghold, or off comes one o’ yer ears: Little Bill shuddered. He doubted not that: the brute would do as he had threatened, for: there was certainly evil enongh in his depraved heart to commit any crime. “‘T don’t know, sir. She don’t let me know where she hangs out. That’s honest Injun!” ““Giteout! Tell me, I say.” **} don’t know!” ‘‘D’ye hear? No hangin’ back, Spill out, or- off comes yer souse!” “ve told ye I didn’t know, You'd better: not hurt me, Jean La Force.” ** And why not?” “ Because you'll get paid back, two ter one!”’ The gambler uttered a hoarse, evil laugh, that betrayed all the rnffian instincts of his nature, wnt / le ‘* Then ye won’t tell where Denver Doll can be- found?” he repeated. “No!” Bill replied, with heroiepluck. ‘‘ Har. you, I wouldn’t if I knew!” The next instant there was a shrill scream : [ pain, and the boy darted toward the hovel, while La Force stood holding the severed ear. Blood flowed freely from Little Bill’s head, and he fell in a faint upon the hotel steps. _He was picked up and carried in, and an ex- cited crowd gathered, while a doctor tenderly bandaged up the cut. ‘““Who did this devilish deed?” went from porate to mouth, even among La Force’s own pals. ‘Jean La Force did,” Little Bill cried, open- ing his eyes suddenly, whisky, so I can get strength to kill him.” Stimulant was administered and he soon felt © his strength return. No effort was made to apprehend La Force~ indeed, few in Freshet Flats would have dared tackle him. And he seemed sullenly guilty over bis brutal ° crime, for he skulked about, here and there, and , would, “Give me a drink o’ ° ‘
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abouts of his enemy, and “he crept over to the ‘1e0, only to perceive that the gambler was ly- ' thousand dollars, which she accepted in good — a > 14 victorious. into his horse and das —— edieion @rank bes\i'y, so that by noon he was fairly stupefied with liquor, and staggered away to- ward his usual napping place under the shade of the tree, by the creek, where he lay down and was soon oblivious of everything. Little Bill did not remain quiet long, but was soon out on the Street again, his mind fully made up to huve revenge. It did tivt take him long to learn the where- i g there, in the shade, sleeping off the effects of the liquor he had drank, ing back to the camp, the youthful aven- ger procured a lasso and some cords, after which he returned to the tree. Setting to work with the caution of a fox, he gucceeded in binding the gambler’s hands and feet, without arousing him. He next got the noose of the lasso about his neck, under the chin, and threw the other end up over a limb of the bandy tree, Seizing hold of it, he braced himself against {4.9 tree, and pulling with all his might, succeed- ed in raising La Force to an upright posture, The strain of the rope about his gullet pretty effectually sobered that person, and he glared at his tormentor, ferociously. “*Curse you!” he ae ‘‘ Same to you!” Bill retorted, with a diaboli- eal grin, which was a mixture of pain and satisfaction. ‘‘ How d’ye like yer change o’ base, Jeany? Cut off my ears will ye, you mis- erable skunk, thief and murderer? et you won’t never cut off another one’s ears. Tm jest goin’ to make you hump. I’m goin’ to pull ye up on yer tip-toes, an’ let ye see ef ye can stan’ on yer toes like a ballet gal,” and he suited action to the word, by pulling the gam- bler up, so that only just the tips of bis toes touched the ground. A more painful position could hardly have been chosen, for it was a direct muscular strain, and unless he maintained bis balance, the noose about his throat would tighten, and strangle m. As soon as he had got the lariat fastened, Littlo Bill stood off and squinted at his victim, spec- ulatively. “Thar! I reckon you'll do, fer the present. Ef ye git tired, ye might try standin’ first on one foot, and then on t’other. I’m goin’ over to the howtel, now, to lay down. Ef ye want me, afore I come back, jest whistle. Da! da! cuc- koo! tra! Ja! le!” And with a provoking laugh, the young avenger strutted away, apparently forgetting his own injuries in bis triumph over his enemy. As La Force could not make himself heard, Bill went to the hotel, and lay down for awhile, with the intention of returning later; but that was made unvecessary. La Force had not been long in bis torturing dilemma, when a woman came dewn the bank of the stream, and released him, by cutting bis bonds, and the lasso. ' She was none otber than Christine Blob, the Jew’s daughter, but she was a sorry-looking ob- ject, Her face was haggard and scratched and her clothing torn and soiled. She looke as if she had had a week’s tramp through the mountains. “Thank thunder you came!” La Force growled. “I should a’ given out, soon. So “ Yes.” eh?” ‘To betray the gang?” “ When I seethecash, I’ve been lost for over twenty-four hours. But Pm ready, when the money is.” They conversed for a while—then went into the camp. La Foree told her of her father’s fate, butshe @ emed very little concerned about the matter. A keen judge of human character, it did not take long for La Force to arrive at the conclu- sion that she was losing her reason. The gang who were off to-day were men whsm the gambler most counted on as his faith- ful followers, and he therefore hurriedly armed and equipped them for the raid upon Denver Doil’s s:ronghold, knowing that he could depend upon them to fight for his interests. He paid over to Christie the sum of two faith, little suspecting that it was counterfeit. Then, well mounted, the party rode out of the camp, doubting not that they would come back On they rode until, right ahead of them, a stern voice cried: ‘Halt! Live men advance no further!” ' “Charge!” La Force yelled, setting his spurs g forward. One rifle cracked, and the gambler bent for a RRS Denver Doll’s Drift. ward in his saddle, with the wailing cry of ** Charge!” The one shot was all that was fired, no fur- ther opposition being raised, ; The invaders reached the pocket only to make an unexpected discovery. Jean La Force lay forward upon his horse’s neck—dead, He had been shot through the temple by the unseen guard. Nor was this all the discovery. A charge down into the camp developed the fact that there was no one to charge upon. The lodges were empty, and the road-agents were gone! Taking their dead leader with them, the un- successful party turned back for Freshet Flats, bitterly cursing Christine for leading them on a wild-goose chase. But the now half-demented girl scarcely no- ticed it; her gaze wandered constantly about her, as if in search of some one, lt was Arizona Alf she was looking for! CHAPTER XVI. THE DRIFT OWNS ITS QUEEN AGAIN, THAT morning the day-gang had gone to their work in the mine as usual, As soon as they reached the chamber a torch was ignited, and then each miner’s lamp was lighted thereby. They were all thus busied in procuring their lights when they heard an ominous click! click] as of the cocking of weapons, and gazing around them in surpriso, it needed but one glance to satisfy them that they were prisoners. A score and a half of armed men surrounded them, and held them covered at the muzzles of as many repeating rifles. : They were all masked except one, that one being the dauntless Denver Doll, who stood with a triumphant smile, watching the astonishment of the miners, “Gentlemen,” she said, ‘‘ you are my _pris- oners. Make an attempt to esca and my men will riddle you with bullets. me for- ward, one by one, and lay your weapons at my feet.” She spoke pleasantly, yet sternly. The men exchanged glances; then Doll’s for- mer superintendent said: ‘* We mightas well come to Limerick at first as last, fellers, There’s no disputin’ powder an’ lead, when they’ve got the drop. Here goes my barkers.” And he threw down his weapons, The other miners followed his example. ‘You area sensible set,” Doll decided, look- ing them over, ‘“‘and I see you are nearly all my old employees. Iam glad of that because henceforth, Iam going to boss this mine, and Jean La Force’s power in Freshet Flats is at an end, D’ye see these men?” ‘‘Yas!” Banker answered, acting as spokes- man for the others. ‘‘ Well, they are all honest, hard-workin miners from the upper country, who are goin to stand by me and help me get back my rights, We've got the mine, and are going to keep it; Tallow you won’t hinder us. Then there will be no opposition from any one but La Force, and what few roughs he can collect. And if they get the mine away from us, they’re wel- come to it.” “« What do you propose to do with us?” Bank- er asked. “That rests with yourselves to decide, If you swear allegiance to me, you will still con- tinue to work here, under pay from me, If you refuse to back me, something else will have to be done.” . “ Well, for my part, ’'d rather work for you than for Jean La Force!” Banker declared. ‘““The others can do as they please.” ' The miners held a low cousultation among themselves which lasted for several minutes— then, one of them said: “T allow, miss, that we’re all the same way ©’ thinkin’ as Banker, an’ we’ll stick by ye as long as ye try to hold the mine, Some 0’ the boys—the new *uns—lost money through you, though.” ‘“‘ Everything shall be made right—every dol- lar returned as I promised in my proclamation; and, too, your wages increased. ou can go to work, now, while I go up into camp, and see how the land lays.” After carefully disguising herself, so that she closely resembled one of the miners, she as- cended the incline, passed the guards, who had previously been brought over to her side, and entered the town. Here she lounged about during tho better part of the day, and bad the satisfaction of seeing eel La Force and his pals start off for her deserted mountain stronghold. 4 ‘* Now then, is my chance!” she said; “ when La Force returns, he’ll be surprised.” She burried back to the mine, and half au hour later had marsbaled her fifty armed men out upon the Flats at the mouth of the mine, where they began cheering lustily. “Hurrah! hurrah for Denver Doll! Long may she live!” was the cry that went up, and it had the effect to startle what citizens remained in the camp. They collected in a huddle near the Satanello, but did not offer to approach the mouth of the Drift, probably fearing that they would be fired upon. T coordiaabr, Doll gave Joe Banker instruc- tions, and he went forward, carrying a flag of truce, Several of the business-men advanced a few steps to meet him. “Well, what’s to pay now?” one of them asked. ‘*The price of order brought out of chaos,” Banker replied. ‘‘ Denver Doll and ter men surprised us in the mine, and has recaptured it. She declares her intention of holding her rights, no matter what objections any one may have, and we, her former employees, believe it right that she shall have back the mine, and therefore have volunteered to support her cause. She de- sires to know in what light she is to consider the citizens—as enemies or as friends. If they ac- cept of heras a citizen, as before, all well and good. If not, she will defend her mine to the bitter end.” _ “On the part of what citizens are in camp just now, I am of the opinion that Ican bespea for her a welcome, if she has ceased her unlaw- ful raids, What she can expect from La Force and his gang, she must be the judge. If you will wait, I will secure the sentiment of the crowd,” said Jim Fisk, the grocery-man. He came back a few moments Jaterand announced: “The majority is in favor of receiving her back, but there’s some balky ones and possibly will be more. Ben Blye, La Force’s partner, is offering a hundred dollars per man who will stand up for the gambler, and_ it’s likely to have some effect. When La Force returns there will be an attack, and then, if you are ready, the matter can soon be settled as to who will hold the mine, and who won’t.” Banker returned to the mine and informed the girl-chief of the result of his parley. “Tt’s all right!” she said. ‘* You see that the boys are ready to fight at an instant’s notice.” uring the remainder of the afternoon, several reinforcements came in from the camp, among whom were Reuben Morse, Sunflower Sam, and Little Bill. The matter of the mystery concerning Walter Walraven’s murder was then cleared up to Doll’s entire satisfaction, and she welcomed ber aged father with a great warmth of affection. “‘ Lookee, hyer, Dollbaby!” Little Bill inter- posed. ‘*Don’t be too kerfectionate ou the old gent, or ye won’t bey any left fer my daddy duke, over the briny puddle.” “You keep still, or Pl cut your other ear off!” Doll warned, laughingly. y early moonlight, the party whom La Force had led so valiantly from the camp, re- turned, bearing their dead leader. ‘(Now look out fer it!” Doll cried. ‘Some one’s a gone case, an’. reckon it’s La Force.” Half an hour later a messenger was sent out from camp, with the news that no attack would be made, Blye could not prevail upon his pals to run the risk of their lives. Little more remains to be told. The death of La Force and restoration of Denver Doll, literally put an end to rufflanism at Freshet Flats and it became a peaceable town as long as Doll remained there. Accord- ing to ber proclamation every man who had been vebtaake was repaid to his entire satisfac- tion and there was no stigma attaching to the Red Stars who had helped Denver Doll regain her property and her good name. Arizona Alf, and Christie, were found, in the mountains, lying side by side—dead! The latter bad evidently killed the Avenger, and then killed herself, Reuben Morse died, soon after being restored to his child; and now, rich in purse and str ng in purpose, she arranged to leave ber mine under the management of Sanflower Sam and Banker, while she set out in pursuit of her too long deserted calling of detective, and in fresh scenes of adventure we may renew her acquain- tance, anon. “ THE END.
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hood. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 2 The Ocean Hunters; or. The Chase of the Leviathan, By | Captain Mayne Reid. [G3 An evtra large number. :3)) 3 Adventures of Wild Bill, the Pistol Prince. Remarkable _career of J. B, Hikok. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 4 The Prairie Ranch; or, The Young Cattle Herders, By Jos, EK. Badger, Jr. Texas Jack, the Mustang King. 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. or Scenes from the Life of Joseph E. Badger, Jr. By A. EL Post, The Flyaway Afloat; or, Yankee Boys "Round the World. | By ©. Dunning Clark. Bruin Adams, Old Grizzly Adams’ Boy Pard. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 10 The Snow Trail; or, The Boy Hunters of Fur-Land. A Narra- tive of Sport and Life around Lake Winnipeg. By T. C., Harbaugh. | 11 Old Grizzly Adams, the Bear Tamer; or, The Monarch of | the Mountain. By Dr. Frank Powell | 12 Woods and Waters; or, The Exploits of the Littleton Gun | Club. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker, 13 A Rolling Stone: Incidents in the Career on Sea and Land as Boy and Man, of Col. Prentiss Ingraham. By Prof.Wm. R. Eyster, 14 Adrift on the Prairie, and Amateur Hunters on the | Buffalo Range. By Oll Coomes. 165 Kit Carson, King of Guides; or, Mountain Paths and Prairie Trails. By aves W. Aiken. 16 Red River Rovers; or, Life and Adventures in the Northwest. By C. Dunning Clark, 17 Plaza and Plain; or, Wild Adventures of ‘ Buckskin Sam,” (Major Sam 8. Hall.) By Col, Prentiss. Ingraham. 18 Rifle and Revolver; or, The Littleton Gun Club on the Buftalo Range. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 19 Wide-Awake George, the Boy Pioneer. By Ed. Willett. 20 The Dashing Dragoon; or, The Story of General George A. Custer, from West Point to the Big Horn. By Capt. F. Whittaker. 21 Deadwood Dick as a Boy; or, Why Wild Ned Harris, the New England Farm-lad, became the Western Prince of the Road. By Edward L. Wheeler, 22 The Boy Exiles of Siberia. By T. C. Harbaugh. 23 Paul De Lacy, the French Beast Charmer; or, New York Boysin the Jungles. By C. Dunning Ciark. 24 The Sword Prince: The Romantic Life of Colonel Monstery, (American Champion-at-arms.) By Captain Fred. Whittaker. 25 Round the Camp Fire ; or, Snow-Bound at “Freeze-out Camp.” A Tale of Roving Joe and his Hunter Pards, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 26 Snow-Shoe Tom; or, New York Boys in the Wilderness. A Narrative of Sport and Peril in Maina. By T. C. Harbaugh. 27 Yellow Hair, the Boy Chief of the Pawnees. The Ad- venturous Career of Radicr Burgess of Nebraska. By Col. Ingraham. ' 28 The Chase of the Great White Stag and Camp and Canoe. By C. Dunnin;, Clark. 29 The Fortune-Hunter ; 3 or, Roving Joe as Miner, Cow-Boy, Trapper and Hunter. By A. H. Post. 30 Walt Ferguson’s Cruise. A Tale of the Antarctic Sea. By ©. Dunning Clar 31 The Boy Crusader; or, How a Page and a Fool Saved a King, By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 32 White Beaver, the Indian Medicine Chief: or, The Ro- mantic and Adventurous Life of Dr. D. Frank Powell, known on the Border as “ Fancy Frank,” “‘ Iron Face,” ete. By Col. P. Ingrabam. 33 Captain Ralph, the Young Explorer; or, The Centipede Among the Floes. By C. Dunning Clark. 34 The Young Bear Hunters. A Story of the Haps and Mishaps of a Party of Boys in the Wilds of Michigan. By Morris Redwing. 35 ag Lost Boy Whalers; or, In the Shadow of the North Pole, y T. C, Harbangh. 36 aaah Sim, the Lad with a Level Head, By Ka. Willett, 37 Ola Knuckle and His Boy Chums; or, The Monsters of ote alma Border, By Roger Starbuck." ce © & & 38 The Settler’s Son; or, Adventures in Wilderness aud Clear- ing. By Edward 8, Ellis. 39 Night-Hawk George, and His Daring Deeds ard Adventures in the Wilds of the South and West. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 40 The Ice Elephant; or, The Castaways of the Lone Coast, By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 41 The Pampas Hunters; or, New York Boys in Buenos Ayres, By T. C. Harbaugh. 42 The Young Land-Lubber. By C. Dunning Clark, 43 Bronco Billy, the Saddle Prince. By Col P. Irs: 44 The Snow Hunters; or, Winter in the Woods, De Forrest. alam, by Barry Roving Joe: The History of a Young “ Border Ruffian.” Brief | 45 Jack, Harry and Tom, the Three Champion Brothers; or, Adventures of Three Brave Boys with the Tattooed Pirate. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 6 The Condor Killers; or, Wild Adventures at the Equator, By T. C. Harbaugh. | 94 The Boy Coral Fishers; or, The Sea-Cavern Scourge. By Roger Starbuck. 48 Dick, the Stowaway; or, A Yankee Boy’s Strange Cruise By Charles Morris. 49 Tip Tressell, the Floater; or, Fortunes and Misfortunes oa the Mississippi. By Edward Willett. 50 The Adventurous Life of Nebraska Charlie, (Chas Burgess.) By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 51 The Colorado Boys; or, Life on an Indigo Plantation. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 52 Honest Harry; or, The Country Boy aay y Charles Morris. 4 wa b 53 The Boy Detectives; or, The Young Californians in Shanghai. By T. C. Harbaugh. 54 California Joe, the Mysterious Plainsman. By Col. Ingraham, / 55 Harry Somers, the Sailor-Boy Magician. By 8. W. Pearce. 56 Nobody’s Boys; or, Life Among the Gipsies, By J. M. Hoff man, 57 The Menagerie Hunter; or, Fanny Hobart, the Animal Queen. By Major H. Grenville, “Sea Gull.” 58 Lame Tim, the Mule Boy of the Mines, By Charles Morris, 69 Lud Lionheels, the Young Tiger Fighter. By Roger’ Starbuck, 60 The Young Trail Hunters; or, New York Boys in Grimly Land, By T. C. Harbaugh. 61 The Young Mustangers, By C. Dunning Clark. 62 The Tiger Hunters; or, The Colorado Boys in Tiger-Land, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 63 The Adventurous Life of Captain Jack, the Border Boy. (John W. Crawford, the Poet Scout} By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 64 The Yourg Moose-Hunters; or, Trail and Camp-fire in the New Brunswick Woods. By Wm, H. Manning. 65 Black Horse Bill, the Bandit Wrecker; on Two Brave Boys to the Rescue. By Roger Starbuck. 66 Little Dan Rocks; or, Tho Yeieitedie Kid’s Mission, By Morris Redwing. 67 aes ore Lije; or, How a Rough Boy Won His Way. By unning Clark. 68 icles Fred; Edward Willett. 69 The Deer-Hunters; or, Life in the Ottawa Country, By Jobn J. Marshall. 70 Kentucky Ben, the Long Rifle of the Plains; or, The Boy Trappers of Oregon. By Roger Starbuck. A New Issue Every ‘Week. Brapie’s Boy’s Lisrary is for sale by all Newsdealers, Ave cents per cepy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. or, The Voyage of the “Experiment.” By BEADLE AND ADAMS, PusiisHErs, aS 98 William Street, New York. —
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y Pornordrencrsroroo pee eoeseoeotsesca cone SEOs oikh we CP WGO GAG Op Oo ab ab aFakagaFohad 1 Decdwood Dick, run PRuxce or THE Roap - Edward L. Wheeler, ellowstone Jack, Kanaas King. by Buffalo Bill. 4 The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Captain Mayne Reid and Captain I'rederick Whittaker, § Vagabond Joe, THE YounG WANDERING JEW. By Ol Coomes. Dovlle Number, Wets: , 6 Bill Biddon, Trapper. by E. 8. Ellis. 7 The Flying Yankee. By Col. P. Ingraham, 8 Seth Jones. By Edward 8. Ellis. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen, Nat Todd. By E.5. Ellis. The Two Detectives, By A.W. Aiken. Gulliver’s Travels, By Dean Swift. The Dumb Spy. By Olf Coomes. Aladdin; or, THe Wonperrv. Lamp. Mhe Sea-Cat. By Captain Fred. Whittaker. Robinson Crusoe, (27 Llustrations.) Ralph Roy. ‘By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Sindbad the Sailor, His Seven Voyages. The Phantom Spy. By Buffalo Bill. The Double Daggers. By E. L. Wheeler. The Frontier Angel. By Edward 5. Ellis, The Sea Serpent. Ly Juan Lewis. Nick 0° the Night. by T. C, Harbaugh. Diamond Dirk. By Colonel P. Ingraham. The =p Pe »taim. By Roger Starbuck, 6 Cloven Hoot, By Edward L. Wheeler. 7 Antelope Abe,tue Boy Going, Oll Coomes,. 8 Buffalo Ben, By Edward L. Wheeler. 9 The Dumb Page. By Capt. F. Whittaker. 0 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, THE Reck- Less Ranakr. By Harry St. George. 1 Keen-Knife. By Oil Coomes. 2 Bob Woolf, By Edward L. Wheeler. 3 The Ocean Bloodhound. §&. W. Pierce. 4 Oregon Sol, By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 5 Wild Ivan. By Edward L. Wheeler. 6 The Boy Clown. By Frank §S. Finn. 7 The Hidden Lodge. By T. C. Harbaugh. 38 Ned ee: HE Boy ScoutsBy Texas Jack. 89 Death-Face, tHe Derective. By Wheeler. 40 Roving Ben. By J. J. Marshall. 4 s Jac y Oll Coomes. ab RED io Ba Mather. By E. L.: Wheeler. 43 Dick Darling. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. 44 Rattling Rube. By Harry St. George. £5 Old Avalanche. By Edward L. Wheeler. 46 Glass Eye. By Capt. J. F.C.Adams. — 47 Nightingale Nat. By T, C. Harbaugh. ‘ i a Ho’ GaNT. By Badger, - By oot tT Wheeler. Burt Bunker, THe Trapper. C. E. Lasalle. 1 The Boy RBitles. By Archie C. Irons, The White Buffalo. By C. EB. Lasalle. Jim HBiudsee, Jr. By Edward L. Wheeler, Ned Hazel. 5 A Meo . F. 0, Adams. Deadly-Eye. By Buffalo Bill. Nick hifiles’? Pet. Capt. J. F. C. Adams. Deadwood Dick’s Eagles. By Wheeler. The Border King, By Oll Coomes. Old a yt & By Harry St. George. The White Indian. Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 61 Buckhorn Bill. By Edward L. Wheeler. 62 The Shadow Ship. By Col. P. Ingraham. 63 The Red Brotherhood, W. J. Hamilton. 64 Dandy Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh. Us + et cane Bill. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr 66 Single Hand. By W. J. Hamilton. 67 Patent-leather Joe. By Philip 8. Warne. 68 rder Robin Hood. By Buffalo Bill. 69 Gold Bifle. By Edward L, Wheeler. 90 Old Zip’s Cabin. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams, 7% Delaware Dick. By Oll Coomes. 2 Mad Tom Western, By W. J. Hamilton. Deadwood Dick on Deck. By Wheeler. Hawk-eye Harry. By Oll Coomes, The Boy Duelist, By Col. P. Ingraham. Abe Colt, Taz Crow-Kiniter. By A, W. Aiken. Corduroy Charlie. By E. L. Wheeler. Blue Dick. By Captain Mayne Reid. Sol Ginger, Giant Trapper. By A.W. Aiken. Rosebud Rob, By Edward L. Wheeler. lightning Jo. Ey Covtain J. F.C. Adams. Kit Haretoot, By T. C. Harbaugh. Rollo, the Boy Ranger. By Oll Voomes. Idyl, the Girl Miner. By E. L. Wheeler. Buck Buckram, By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. G6 Dandy Hock. By G. Waldo Browne. 87 Khe Land Pirates. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 88 poe my Phil. By E. L.Wheeler. J - By Bracebridge Hemyng. The Dread Rider. By G. Waldo Browne. 91 The Captain of the Club; or, THe Youna kita, ATHLETES, By Bracebridge Hemyng. 92 Caunda Chet. By Edward L, Wheeler. 93 The Boy Miners. By Edward 5S. Ellis. 94 Midnight Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh. 95 The RivalRovers. Lieut. Col. Hazeltine. 96 Watch-Eye, THE SHADow. By E. L. Wheeler. 97 Whe Outlaw Brcthers. By J. J. Marshall. GS Robin Hood, By Prof. Gildersleeve. 99 The Tiger of Taos. Py G. Waldo Browne. 200 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A > STRANGE Stroke FoR LIBERTY. By Wheeler. “01 Jack Markaway in New York. By Bracebridge Hemyng. 102 Dick Dead-Eye. By Col. Ingraham. 103 The Lion of the Sea. By Col. Delle Sara. 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device. By Wheeler. 205 Old Rube, TH: Hunter. Capt. H. Holmes. 106 Old Frosty, THe Guin. By T. 3107 One-Eyed Sim. By James L. Bowen. 108 Daring Devt; By Harry St. George. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. Cree ROM OSHS SONS DORR BORODN Pw bt a tb ts es Ti ihe ONO et SS DAE Grae CO By ward L. Wheeler. 4 10 ‘fhe Black Steed of the Prairies. A i 433 oe arin’ 8 of il. By OoL P. in By Bowen. se Sea-Devil, . j 2112 The Mad Hunter, $y Burton Saxe. ; By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. | C. Harbaugh. | 3 Jack Hoyle. By Edward L. Wheeler. The Black Schooner. Roger Starbuck, The Mad Miner. By G. Waldo Browne. The Hussar Captain. Col. P. Ingraham, Gilt-Edged Dick. By E. L. Wheeler. Will Somers, THe Boy Dergctive. Morns, Mustang Sam. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. } | j Cinnamon Chip. By dward L. Wheeler. Phil Mardy, Tuk Boss Boy. By C. Morris, Kiowa Charley. By T. C. Harbaugh. Tippy, THE Texan. By George Gleason. Bonanza Bill, Miner. By Ed. L. Wheeler. Picayune Pete. By Charles Morris, j Wild-WFire, BossortHe Roap, By Dumont. } The Young Privateer, By H. Ravendish Deadwood Dick’s Double. By Wheeler. Detective Dick, By Charles Morris. The Golden Hand. By Geo. W. Browne, The Hunted Hunter. By Ed. 8. Ellis. Boss Bob. By Ed. L. Wheeler. Sure Shot Seth. By Oll Coomes. Captain Paul. By (C. Dunning Clark. Night-Hawk Kit. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. The Helpless Hand, Capt. Mayne Reid. Blonde Bill. By Edward L. Wheeler. Judge Lynch, Jr. By T. C. Harbaugh. Blue Blazes. By Frank Dumont. Solid Sam. By Edward L Wheeler. Handsome Ha eS By Char'es Morris. Scar-Face Saul. By Oll Coomes. Dainty Lance, THe Boy Spor. By Badger. Captain Ferret. By Edward L. Wheeler. Silver Star;’rnr Boy Kyicur. By Coomes, Will Wildfire. By Charles Morris. Sharp Sam. By J. Alexander Patten. A Game of Gold, By Ed. L. Wheeler. Lance and Lasso. By Capt. F.Whittaker. Panther Paul. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Black Bess, Wr Wivprire’s Racer; or, WinxninG AGAtNst Opps. By Charles Morris. 3 Eagle Kit, THe Boy Demon. By Oll Coomes. 54 ‘The Swerd Hunters, 5 Gold Trigger, THe Sport. Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, THE PicKeD PARTY. BY Edward L, Wheeler. Mike Merry. By Charles Morris. Fanc Khe Lost Captain. By Whittaker. Khe Black Giant. By J. E. Badger, Jr. New York Nell. By E. L. Wheeler. 2 Will Wildfire in the Woods. Morris. Little Fexas, By Oll Coomes. 4 Dandy Rock's Pledge, By G.W. Browne. 5 Billy Baggage. By Charlies Morris. Wickory Marry. By Harry 8t. George. Asa Seott, Tae Steampoat Boy. By Willett. Deadly Dash. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Tornado Tom. By T. C. Harbaugh. A Trump Card, By Charles Morris. Ebony Dan. By Frank Dumont. -Thunderbolt'fom, By Harry St. George. Dandy HRock’s Rival. By G.W. Browne. Rob Rockett, THe Boy DopGer. By Morris. Captain Arizona. By Philip 5.Warne. Whe Boy Runaway. By Lieut. Perry. Nobby Nick of Nevada, E. L. Wheeler. Old Solitary. By Ol! Coomes. Bob Rockett, THe BANK Runner. Morris. The Sea Trailer. By Lieut. H. D. Perry. Wild Frank. By Edward L. Wheeler, Little WMurricane. By Oll Coomes, The Hidden Hand. By Chas. Morris. The Boy Trailers. By Badger, Jr. Evil Eye. By Frank Dumont. Cool Desmond, By Col. Delle Sara. Fred HMalyard. By Charles Morris. Ned Temple, THr Borper Boy. Harbaugh. Bob Rockett, THe CracksmMan. By Morris, Dandy Darke. By Wm. R. Eyster. Buffalo Billy, By Caovt. Taylor, U. 5. A. Captain Kit. By Lieut. H. D, Perry,U.S.N. Captain Mask. By Philip 5. Warne. Buffalo Bill’s Bet. By Captain Taylor. Deadwood Dick’s Dream. By Wheeler. Shadowed, By Charles Morris. Little Grit, tHe Wiip River. By Ingraham. Arkansaw. By T.C. pale 199 Featherweicht. By Edward Willett, 200 The Boy Bedouins, By Whittaker. | | 201 The Black Hills Jezebel. By Wheeler. 202 Prospect Pete. By Oll Coomes. | 203 The Boy Pards, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 204 Gold Plume, THe Boy Banvrr. Ingraham. | 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom, By Wheeler | 206 Dark Paul, vue Ticer Kina. By C. Morris 207 Navajo Nick. ByT. ©. Harbaugh. | 208 Whe Boy Hercules, By Oll Coomes. 209 Fritz, THe Bounp-Boy Detective. Wheeler. 210 Faro Frank of High Pine. By Eyster. 211 Crooked Cale. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 212 Dashing Dave. By Charles Morris. | 213 Fritz to the Front. By E. L. Wheeler, | 214 Wolfgang, THE Ropser OF THE Rare. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 215 Captain Bullet. By T. C. Harbaugh. 216 Bison Bill. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. | 217 Captain Crack-Shot, By E. L. Wheeler, | 218 Tiger Tom, Tae Texan Terror. Coomes, | 219 Despard, the Duelist. By P. 8. Warne, | 220 Tom Tanner. By Charlies Morris SGT a ae ae sh anh in i ii iin CA GD GAO DD AD GID DRS RO RS RO RD RS AS NS NS at ft te BOS SAE a re DD SOE te NS = SD DED ON OC Met R orm Vine Orr ora on « mAOwIHOC Ost & vt —— eee AAXABADAAAPAAAAN CUODID me Whe WDSOOSS SS SSCMMBMME OGM HM HM Hes aheobadahahasadadad DED WNW SODA ANW HOS Hater 221 Sugar Coated Sam, By E. L. Wheeler. 222 Grit, the Bravo Spork. By Ingraham, By F. Whittaker, | .C Harbaugh. | Frank of Colorado. Buffalo Bill. ! ‘ ! | 229 | 230 { / ; | ' | | { \ | { | | / The Branded Hand, By Frank Dumont. | eae | 298 The Beach Pirates. 223 Ozark Alf, Krxe or Edward Willett. le 224 Dashing Dick. By Oll Coomes. 225 Sam Charcoal, By Charies Morris. | 226 Snoozer, THe Boy Swarr. By E. L. Wheeler. Dusky Darrell, Trapper. By E. Emerson Litthe Wildtire. By Oll Coomes. Crimson Kate. By Col. P. Ingrabara. The Yankee Rajah. By C.D. Chur. Plucky Phil. By T. C. Harbaugh. Gold-Dust Dick. By E. L. Wheeler Joe Buck, of Angels. By. A W. Aiken Old Rocky’s * Boyees.’ Buckskin Sem Shadow Sam, _ By Charles Morris, Apollo Bill. By Edward L, Wheeler, Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain ¢ or, TsE MysTrrious Rancuero. By P. Ingraham, The Parson Detcetiv>, By Oll Coomes 239 The Gold-seeker Guide; or, Tur Lost Mocuntary. 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 Ol! Coomes, 244 Sierra Sam, Ly Edward L. Wheeler, 245 Merle, the Middy. By Col. P. ngrabam. 246 GiantGeorge. By Buckskin Sam. 247 Old Grizzly and His Pets. By Captain “ Bruin” Adams, Sierra Sam's Secret. By E. L. Wheeler. Milo Komer. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker, 228 231 232 233 234 235 236. 237 238 250 Midshipman Mutineer, By Ingrabam. 251 Light-house Lige, By J, F. C. Adams. 252 Dick Dashaway. By Chas. Morris.” 253 Sierra Sam’s Pard. By E. L. Wheeler. 254 The Half Blood, By Edward 8. Flic. 255 Captain Apollo. By T. C. Harbaugh. 256 Young Kentuck. By Capt. Mark Wilton, 257 The Lost Hunters, By Capt Adams. ‘258 Sierra Sam’s Seven, By HE. L. Wheeler, 259 The Golden Harpoon. By R. Starbuck 260 Dare-Devil Dan. By Oll Coomes, 261 Fergus Fearnaught, By Geo. L. Aiken, 262 Khe Young Sleuths, By Charles Morris. 263 Deadwood Dick’s Divide, By Wheeler, 264 The Floating Feather. By Ingraham, 265 Whe Viger Tamer. By Capt. Whittaker, 266 Killb*’ar, the Guide, By Ensign Warren. 267 The Buckskin Detective. By T. Cc. Harbaugh, 268 Deadwood Dick's Death Trail. Edward L. Wheeler. 269 The Gold Ship. 270 Blizzard Ben. By Captain Mark Wilton. 271 The Huge Hunter. By Edward §., Evia. 272 Minkskin Mike. By Ol] Coomes, 273 Jumbo Joe. By Edward L, Wheeles 274 Jolly Jim. By Charlies Morris, 275 Arizona Jack. By Buckskin Sam. 276 Merle Mont-’s Cruise. By Ingraham. 277 Denver Doll, By Edward L, Wheeler. 278 The Three Trappers. By Major Carson. 279 Old Winch, vax Rirte ine, By 7. C Harbaugh. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate, Py Col. Ingraham. 281 Denver Dol)’s Victory. By Wheeser, 282 The Typo Detective. By Edward Willeth 283 Indian Joe, By Major L. W. Carson. 284 The Sea Marauder. By. Col Ingraham, 285 Denver Do'I’s Decoy. By k, L. Wheeler. 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoyt; or, Try Wu» Men or Buzzarp Bar. By Mark Wiltc 287 Billy Blue-Eyes. By Col. k, Ingraham 288 The Scalp King. By Capt. J, F. C. Adams. 289 Jolly Jim’s Job.YBy Charlvs Morris, 290 Little Foxfire. By Ol] Coomes. 291 Turk, the Ferret, By E. L. Wheeler, 292 Sancho Pedro, THE Boy Banprr, By Major E. L. St. Vrain. 293 Red Claw, tur Onse-Eyep Trapper, By Captain Comstock, 294 Pynamite Dan. By T. C. Harbaugh. 295 Fearless Phil: or, Tae Kino or QuArt® vite. By Edward Willett, 296 Denver Doll's Drift. 297 yd Tarantula of Taos, Alb, by By Col. P. Ingraham, By E. L. Wheeler, Ry Buckskin -7 GQ arics Morris A ner issue every week. The Half-Dime Library is tof scale hy ab | Newsdealers, five cents per copy, or Seat by mailon receipt of six cents each. EADLE & ADAMS. Publishers, 98 William Street, New York,