Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 299) (1883 04 17)
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lalla | elaloielela| = bivne = < Ee ~ 2 4 hy (pm {pm |p |p || | | pm | pr NS RN QRAIW (it | Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mall Rates. Copyright, 1883, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, April 17, 1883, ry oh Stage PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS ‘Price, -f Vol XII. Wemben. No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 3 5 Cents. No. 299. T A TOLL" R: A No. 1, T= DASHING TOLL-TAKER Or, The Schoolmarm 0’ Sassafras. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF “‘ DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, “ ROSEBUD ROB” NOVELS, ‘‘ DENVER DOLL” NOVELS, ETC,, ETC. ‘5 ae eel mI - ~~ / —— Was oo TIGER TOOTH FAIRLY HOWLED WITH PAIN, MUCH TO THE DELIGHT OF ALL THE OTHER ‘‘ SCHOLARS.”
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—_— No. 1, The Dashing Toll-Taker. OR, The Schoolmarm o’ Sassafras. BY ED. L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ** DENVER DOLL,” AND ‘‘ DEADWOOD * DICK” NOVELS. CHAPTER I. A NO. 1, * ’Melican man muchee love bag aA SKY} ee, Muchee make ’Melica all bell Chinee man honest, nebber Get knock around, nebber muchee squealee.” THE singer possessed a cracked, wheezy voice, and was a burly, ill-looking specimen of the rough frontiersman, who stood holding a greasy- looking Chinaman by his queue with one hand, while with the other he held bs eed a danger- ous-looking knife above the Celestial’s head. The scene was in the bar-room of the Leonard House, at Sassafras City, and was made up of a rough, unplastered room, containing a rude bar, or counter, several deal tables and chairs. The weather being that of the rainy season, a ruddy fire was buroing in the fire-place; and near this, and intent in gazing at the bull- whacker and his victim, lounged half a score of typical men of the mines, coarse in attire, and not exactly polished in manner. The bullwhacker was a man in whose counte- nance was expressed much that was evil and brutal, and he bore striking evidence of belong- ing to that class of bordermen who, from their unexampled braggadocio and bullying proclivi- ties, earn the distinction of being a terror to mankind in general. Such was old Tiger Tooth, - There were plenty of men in the bustling lit- tlecamp of Sassafras who had a by-no-means saintly reputation, but theirs was comparative- ly an insignificant record ascompared with that of Tiger Tooth, who bore the scars of over three-score of desperate battles, and was want- ed for more heinous crimes than perhaps any other man in the West. Yet no sheriff or marshal seemed desirous of attempting his arrest, in consequence of which he Sy constantly bolder and more ruffianly, and made it a point never to locate in a camp withont at once setting hi uself up as ‘* boss,” The Celestial whom he held by the hair in the bar-room was known in Sassafras as Rats, al- though he claimed John Lee as his real name. He owned a prosperous laundry, and, aside from being reputed very wealthy, was supposed to hold the secret of a hidden mine, which he | and bis yellow confederates worked at night. ged of ~ oy of me Bed were down on him, so to speak, because of his et , and with a view of ~ ~aomgt 4 frora fim nA cret, it was, that old Tiger Tooth, who had re- cently arrived in camp, had assaulted him in the manner mentioned, ‘* Kerwhoop!” he roared, giving the unoffend- ing pig tal a rude jerk. ** Don’t know who’s got hold o’ ye, do ye? ’m Old ee Tooth, the meanest two-geared goslin’ in the West, barrin’ Bill Nye o’ Cheyenne, who runs the Boomerang. Yas yeou bet yer eye- teeth, thar ain’t a meaner man than me, ’ceptin” Nye, who kin lie the settin’ sun inter shame ’ahind the horizon, and pull the pin-feathers frum the tail of a buzzard ter give away fer toothpicks. What’s yer name, you saffron-col- ored imp? Speak out, or Vii ‘slit yer bugle, quicker'n a mule kin shake bands!” “Chinaman nameée Rats!” was the answer. ‘“’Melican man lettee Rats go!” ‘* Yas I will, like blazes. Rats, eh? Well, durn my boots ef ye won’t find me the kitten what thar’s a pile o’ funin. Why, I’m jest chock-full an’ sloppin’ over_wi’ OB hs unmitigated * quin- tessence uv unalloyed fun. Now, Ratsy, old gal, jest let me heer what thar is about this secret mine business. They tell me you’ve got a hoel, somewhar, from which you dig out. big nuggets when the rest o’ us mortals aire wras’- lin’ wi’ Morpheus, Now yer ’umble sarvent desireth to know whar she am, an’ the hull bizness about her!” ‘*"Melican man mistakee. Rats, him velly honest, allee samce like preachee. Know not- ting ’bout mine—washee ’Melican man shirtee allee time!” : And he looked the picture of truthful- ness, “Git eout, ye infernal skunk! D’ye know what I’m goin’ to do, ef ye ae out? I'll break yer neck, besides cuttin’ yer switch, hyer. Jest yeou tell us where that secret bonanza o’.yourn is, or off comes yer hair, an’ her head, in the bargain.” ‘* Rats nottee bit skeered,” was the Celestial’s answer, delivered with remarkable coolness. ‘*Melican man velly muchee wrong. China- man don’t know anything about mine. Know only aboutee washee business. Cuttee Rat’s head off, ae hung. Cuttee off queue, Rats | grow ’nudder allee samee like this one!” “‘ Better let the flat-mug go, I reckon,” one of the bystanders said, whose appearance was considera bly less rough than that of his compan- ions, and whose modest deportment proclaimed that he was yet a tenderfoot, so far as mining life was concerned. ‘‘I don’t see anything to warrant his being abused.” ** Oh! eee Tiger Tooth growled, wheel- ing and facing the young man savagely. ‘‘ Who told you to lip in, ye aR, ROK ?” ‘*T spoke without an y’s direction, sir, whatever,” was the reply, and the handsome face of the tenderfoot flushed, somewhat, and his eves sparkled with the light of indignation. ‘Yo did lip in, wi’out any outside advice, did ye?” Tiger Tooth roared, releasing Rats, and stepping toward this stranger, whose name was Ned Temple, and who was a recent arrival in Sassafras City. “Waal, neow, you’re my mutton, I'll swear ef ye ain’t. D’ye know what it means to lip in, in any o’ my bizness trans- actions, young feller?” “‘T neither know nor care, more than that every man has a right to express his sentiments, if he chooses.” ‘‘ Waal, let me tell ye, then, that it means death. I’m aoeet Tooth the Terrible, an’ I allow ’'m a walkin’ illustration o’ death, right out an’ out. [never allow no back chin, ner I don’t tolerate no interference from any one. You’re a green ’un, I perceive, or I’d bore a hole thru yer noddle, wi’out ceremony, an’ don’t ye ferget it. What’s yername?” “Edward Temple!” Oh! you're the nephew of old Simon Shields, aire ye? “Exactly !” ‘“‘Humph! you're jest the lamb I wanter see, then, They tell me you’re heer arter old Simon’s purty gal, what’s goin’ to inherit the Bullion mine, arter Simon pegs.” } _ “ Your knowledge on that subject evidently is your own; nobody else has it.” Oh! ye can’t fool me! That’s the nest-egg you're arter, An’ as I obsess to havin’ enny sech purceedin’s, you’ve either got ter pack u yer duds and skin out 0’ camp, or fight. Thar’s ei one mortal man kin evyer hev Jessie Shields, an’ that’s my offspring, Claudie. Come forth, Claudie, and show yerself!” ' The call was responded to by a disgusting and otesque-looking dwarf, with a hideous coun- Beance, who waddled forth, and stood along- side his burly nt, in stature but a trifle above Tiger Tooth’s belt. His legs were short and clumsy, surmounting which was a fat trunk or body, with a painful hump wu the back, and long arms and large hands, that gave him a strange appearance, His head was many sizes too large for his un- -painly body, and covered with a shock of bristly . pala hair, while his hee get pe ogra and % ng eyes expressed little e cunning {we aracterized the visage of old Tiger ‘00 That the two could be father and son, seemed hardly cred@ible, : “That's my Claudie!” the bullwhacker said, with manifest Feb, “an he’s to be Simon Shields’s daughter’s future husband, an’ don’t ye fergit it!” A faint giggle from the men om room, in- dicated how much stock they took in the gentle Claudie’s chances of wins, the charming and ogo pet of the camp, Jessie Shields, who, by e way, was the only representative of her sex in the camp. “‘'Yas, Claudie’s a smart feller, an’ when he its ter handlin’ old Simon’s shekels, thar’ll be igh old times in Sassafras. An’ as fer yeou, young feller, I ain’t pots ter let any one git a chance to step in ahead o’ Claudie; so you’ve got ten minutes ter make yerself minus around these parts, or dead you are!” “You are not so stupid as to imagine that I can be scared by you, I hope?” Temple said dryly. “I never yet saw the man that could frighten me out of a town.” “Oh! ye didn’t!” the bully roared, working himself suddenly into a rage. ‘‘ Waal, I'll show ye how easy it is to mop the floor with a young monkey like you!” A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. He slipped his knife into its sheath, and leaped toward young Temple, with the evident inten- tion of clinching with him, but failed in that calculation, for Ned’s fist caught him square, ea the left eye, and sent him spinning dizzily backward. The crowd cheered lustily, for it was Tiger Tooth’s first set back in Sassafras. Ib was several seconds ere the bully could sufficiently recover his equilibrium to make a second charge, and when he did, the two men clinched. Weapons were drawn upon every hand, and it was evident the spectators were disposed to see fair = Physically, the bully had a decided advantage over his omens for, although of good form, Ned Temple had plainly never been subjected to many hardships, ‘nor experienced sufficient rough handling to harden him to compete with a man of iron, like Tiger Tootb. ' Yet he clinched with him firmly, and the writhed, twisted and squirmed about, unt finally they tripped and went to the floor, the bully on top. “Now I’ve got: you!” he cried hoarsely, as_he released his hand, and endeavored to draw his knife. ‘‘If I don’t cut your heart out, you can call me a burro!” ‘‘ Not when I’m around, old. cactus!” a ringing voice cried, as the door was flung open, and a man stepped into the room, from thé wild, rainy day without, ‘Just you let up, or Pil put a bead in your skull that will tickle you immensely!” And the speaker leveled a gioanting revolver at the bullwhacker’s frowsy head. | Sassafras City was not noted particularly for its handsome men, but had it been, they would have wilted at a comparison with the stranger. In stature, he was of medium hight, and trimly built—so trimly, in fact that he looked a trifle slender; yet bis clothing fitted him, fault- lessly, and his grace of motion was proof that he was built for strength and endurance. . In feature he was strikingly well cast, with magnetic brown eyes, a high forehead, roofed with curling bair which was worn in frontier style, back over his shoulders; a pleasant yet firm mouth, shaded by a graceful mustache, and the square chin that indicated an indomit- able will. He was attired in finely tanned and fringed buckskin breeches, met below by knee boots and at the belt by a red woolen shirt, partly open at the throat, c An oil-skin cloak was thrown, about his shoulders, and upon his head he wore a plumed slouch hat, which gave bim the appearance of a free ranger of the West. His belt contained a brace of weapons, be- sides the one he held in his grasp, and y ie were of the latest make and finish, Old Tiger Tooth uttered a savage growl wwhen he perceived that he was covered, d readily seeing that the advantage was against him he naturally made no attempt to execute his threat against young Temple. _ “ What the devil d’ye want?” he roared. “I'll Yarn ye better than to interfere in my matters, ef I get up to ye. Who aire ye, you skunk?” af . No. 1, t a re th make Ly cata te of a dozen toughs of your diagram!” the spor replied, with an obsequious bow, and a smile. “Gentlemen, I will have the honor of your pocket-books, please!” se t?” gasped r Tooth, “What?” echoed the other bystanders, in con taactly. that, and nothin ” was th ’ , and n g more,” was the reply.“ Y broke my bank, a few nights ago, up at Pine Cone, and I want money. If you gentlemen can help me to about fifty dollars, it will save considerable spilled crimson, to say nothing of funeral expenses. So pan out!” e words were uttered in the a of a rewptory order, and as he a A No. 1, as he had styled himself, leisurely drew another revolver, and leveled it toward the crowd. So astonished had these men of Sassafras been, at the sudden action of the dasbing sport, that they had entirely neglected to watch for an opportunity to lift a weapon, in self defense. “Ye can jest bet you’ve struck the wron trail, captain,” Tiger Tooth growled. ‘* Durne little stuff ye’ll git in this shebang.” * Tt’s little I want, then, but I want it bad!” the road-agent sport answered, good-naturedly, “ Just pan out now, without any further parley, or some one wil! get took sick all of a sudden, Mind you! my eyesare watching you, and the man who attempts to pull a pop, dies! You Tiger Tooth, let that feller up, and go’roun and take up a collection in your hat. If you
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A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. don't raise fifty dollars, I'll salivate you. Come! move !” . The bully hesitated a moment, as if about to disobey, but the deadly aspect of the pistol pointed straight at him, brought him to his feet, and, taking off his battered plug hat, he passed it from man to man. ‘+ Boyees, 1 reckon it’s policy to save a funeral, ef ye can!” he snarled, ‘‘soshell out yer shekels, right permise’ous, ”Tain’tevery day we hev the honor o’ a visit frum a fust-class road-agent, an’ I allow we orter appreciate ther ’casion!” The others seemed loth to coincide with this view, nevertheless handed over their share of *‘dust,” which A No. 1 stowed away in a hunt- ing sack, strapped at his side. “Thank you, gentlemen—thank you, heart- ily! Your magnanimous liberality I shall not soon forget. A portion of this money I shall devote to epee | an asylum for broken-down gamblers and road-agents, and if you ever need a home, I will give you a recommend to the Governor, who will welcome you. Da! da! now, and don’t forget that there is rest for the weary pockets, when A No, 1 is around!” The next moment he was gone! CHAPTER II. ‘“ RUSINESS ” OF SEVERAL KINDS. Tuk Shieldses were the aristocrats of Sassa- fras, if any of that peculiar element did, indeed, exist in the camp, ’ Moreover, Simon Shields, with his hoary white hair and beard, was the first inhabitant, for he and his pretty daughter Jessie had set- tled down where now stood the scattering of shanties, more than a year before our story, when there had been no vestige of a town any any where in that gulch. t had been he who had found gold there and taken up valuable territory, which ha since increased in value, until it brought him an almost princely revenue, to say nothing of the wealth each day mined at his own mine, the Bullion, which was the principal one in Sassafras City. Sassafras was yet comparatively a small camp, but boasted of the usual number of sa- loons, stores and a ae and its streets were usually crowded with strangers. But for a week the rain had poured down al- most incessantly, accompanied by a raw cold wind, which made it a pleasure for most people to keep under shelter. About the time that the bold but suave road- agent, A No, 1 was in the midst of his operations at the Leonard House, Simon Shields sat in the front parlor of his comfortable abode, toasting his feet before the ruddy fire, upon the grate, while Jessie ead aloud from a newspaper. Aman of over sixty years, with snow-white hair and beard, be was still well preserved in feature and form, and seemed in a fair way to live on to the allotted three score and ten, ere he lost his strength and vigor. His daughter was petite, and bewitchingly retty. er eyes were brown and rkling, or cheeks tinted with a healthful glow, and her mouth habitually wore a winning expres- sion. Her hair was of a sunny color, and ever worn with becoming taste of arrangement. She dressed quietly and inexpensively, and yet at- tractively, an , in fact there was notbing about er in e@ way of haughtiness or self conceit, that is often seen in th positions, A perfect lady at home, and a jolly sparkling elf when rambling about the mines, there were few of the men of afras who would not literally risk breaking their necks for one of her smiles of approval. There was an uneasy expression upon Simon Shields’s face, as his daughter read the news, and it seemed evident that he paid little atten- tion to anything she said. Until, finally, Jessie laid aside the paper, and crossed over to bis side. “ What is it, papa—why are you 80 quiet, to- day?” she asked, stroking his hair. ‘Is it the horrid weather that depresses you so?” “No, child. It matters little to me about the weather, although I’ll acknowledge it is rather disagreeable outside, No, I do not feel exactly punkum this morning, to tell the truth. I sup- ose it is nothing more than laziness, however. Rs Edward in the house?” “No, papa. He went out awhile ago, saying he was going to the post-office,” ‘“Humph! He goes to the post-office nearly a dozen times a day, does he not?—and there is but one mail. He must have urgent business. ose occupying similar How do you fancy him, child?” **Oh, I suppose he'll pass—so far as young men go. He seems a little out of place here in the mines, though,” ‘Oh, that is because he was born and bred in an eastern city. Iam pleased tosee that he is so refined, Do Pt know why I had him pay us a visit, dear?” ‘*Because you wished to see him, I suppose, I don’t know of any other reason,” “I thought you might have suspected. You see, my child, itisthis way, I am _ getting so old now that it is not unlikely that I may drop away at any time, and I must make necessary provisions for the future. Youare young yet— a girl of eighteen merely—and incapacitated for the transaction of business, so I have con- sidered it the best to provide you a manager!” “Provide me a manager?” Jessie exclaimed, “Why, what in the world do you mean, papa?’ ‘‘Exactly whatIsaid. You need some one to look out for your future welfare; and who would be more likely to 1ake a warm interest in you than your cousin? I bave already spoken with him in regard to the matter, and he con- fessed to a strong admiration for you.” Why, papa Shields! I am astonished at ou! I marry my own cousin! Why, I never eard of such a thing!” “Then you have much to learn, dear. Mar- riages of cousins are of frequent occurrence, where the wealth of two families is necessary to be united, Look at the Rothschilds, for in- stance. Nearly all of this great family has in- termarried. Your union with Ned could but be attended with happy results, I am sure,” ‘‘Unfortunately for your project, I do not look at it in the same Jight, Papa. Thave all due respect for cousin, as a cousin, but there it all ends. I would never, never consent to mar- ry him!” “ Not if your father commanded you, child?” ‘No! not if a dozen fathers commanded me!” Jessie replied, with spirit. ** I propose to choose my own husband, if I ever marry at all, and that settles that at once!” “Oh, well, we won’t quarrel about it, Per- haps, after you have time for mature delibera- tion, you will reconsider.” “ Perhaps not!” Jessie retorted, Seaphericelys as she arose to leave the room, ‘‘ WhenI geta man he must be spirited, dashing, handsome and—a hero, Whata health -looking hero N ed would make, now, wouldn’t he? Ill bet if you were to stick him with a pin you couldn’t arouse his sluggish nature. Ha, ha, ha! No Edward Temple on my plate, if you please.” And she flitted away out of the room hum- ming the air, ‘Not for Joe.” The bold raid made by A No, 1 upon the habitues of the Leonard House bar-room soon became known throughout the camp, and cre- ated intense excitement, although no effort had been mace to capture the dashing outlaw after he dodged from the saloon, It was the first case of the kind ever known around Sassafras, and it created not a little con- sternation among all classes, for the act had been the bight of boldness, and indicated what a reckless sort of character Mr. A No, 1 was, The Gringo “hang out” in Sassafras was the Melodeon, which was run by a thorough- bred sporting man of the mines, named Oregon Bill. It was a large two-story shanty, the up- per part being rented out for various occupa- tions, such as offices and lodging apartments, while the ground floor served the several pur- poses of concert-hall saloon apd gambling-room. Its extreme size made it a favorite lounging- place for all classes of the citizens, as, especially at night, some sort of entertainment was given wer the little stage or platform, the cbaracter ot it depending altogether on what sort of talent the proprietor could scrape together. The robbery caused more than the regular patrons to seek the Melodeon in hopes of learn- ing what action was to be taken in regard to the matter, and it was a heterogeneous assem- blage that collected there. ext to Simon Shields, Oregon Bill was the most important property-holder in the camp, and had, perhaps, the most influence, as he was respected by many, mainly through fear. As a ususl thing he was not what would be called exactly dangerous, but when he got on a spree—which was two or more times a week— ooze an ugly customer to have anything todo with. When the news of A No, 1’s visit reached his ears, he was just taking the initial start toward one of his periodical ‘‘ tears.” ** Road-agents, hey?’ he roared. ‘‘ Who sed there were road-agents about?” ““That’s jest ther state o’ ther case!” Tiger | Tooth assured. “A feller wal zed into the bar- room, down at the Leonard House, an’ made a lot o’ us galoots shell out our hard-earned shek- els. Now we, the aforesaid, want ter know what's ter be did?” * Kill the cuss, to be sure. Show him to me! I’U wind up bis ball o yarn!” Oregon Bill fumed. ‘But he’s gono—he’s skipped!” the bull- whacker declared, ‘He jest clim’ out 0’ the bar-room like a umpin’ eae an’ jumped out o’ sight quicker ’n he jumped in,” “You're a purty set o’ babies,” Oregon sneer- ed, ‘‘ to let a single man get away irom you like that. The hull caboodle o’ you ain’t wuth a cent a pound fer soap-grease, an’ 1 can lick the galoot as sez I ain’t right.” “ Yera durned liar! I’m ther bigh cockolo- rum 0’ this pee town—I, Tiger Tooth the Ter- ror o’ Taos. Ef ye wanter d oo it, now’s ver time!” the bullwhacker yelled, throwing bim- self into a defensive attitude. Oregon Bill glared at him a moment grimly, ateguitimntlé curving his mustache-shaded mouth —then he said; “ You’re right; we might as well settle the matter o’ mastership right here to-night, you big-mouthed loafer. We'll fight with knives at fifteen paces!” m A murmur escaped from the swarm of specta- ors. Oregon Bill and Tiger Tooth had, since their coming to Sassafras, been declared enemies, but bad never offered to fight it out until now. Both were known to be knife-throwers of nO mean ability, and the duel promised to afford a deal of sport for those of the rough audience who enjoyed bloodthirsty Sh a **Knives it is, then!” Tiger Tooth growled. “Td as lief fight ye wi’ them as wi’ any other Cl’ar away the gang, an’ chalk outa The crowd were ordered back to the right and left sides of the room, and thus the center of the floor was left clear, joes After a consultation, it was agreed that eac man should be provided with ten knives, and they did not suffice to do the work, the battle should be called a draw. When all was in readiness, they took their laces, fifteen paces apart; but that teing vote! oo far, the distance was shortened to ten ces, PeThe hand of each man clutched a long gleam- ing knife, and eight more of the deadly blades held positions in each belt. ee With, hats off, sleeves rolled up, and faces stern and fierce in expression, stood these two human tigers facing each other. “ Are you ready, gents?” a miner cried, hold- ing up a pistol, leveled ceilingward. ‘Ready !” Oregon Bill assented, “ Hyer, too!” came from the Terrible. The pistol was fired cff asa signal for the duel to begin, which it did in earnest, Oregon Bill hurled the first knife, and it struck the bullwbacker upon the side of the hexd, but glanced off, inflicting no wound, — In return he sent one flying at the proprietor of the Melodeon, which cut an ugly gash across his cheek. ’ Then the weapons flew thick and fast, until the last one had been burled, Neither of the combatants had fallen, but both were badly ee y Tiger Tooth had lost the tip of his nose and one eye, while Oregng Bill a knife sticking in his breast, and his face was lacerated in sev- eral oe ‘ y “The battle’s a draw!” the referee cried. ‘‘The conte tants are no longer fit to fight.” **Kerwhoop! I’m ther victor!’ Tiger Tooth roared. ‘‘ Barrin’ the loss of an eye an’ a tooth, Tm as solid as a clam, save the tip of my nose, which allers was too Jong. Is thar any one else as is achin’ fer a scrimmage?” There evidently was not, for no one replied, not even Oregon Bill himself, The following morning there was a sensation in Sassafras City, which was discovered by the early risers, in the shape of a number of pla- cards posted up in conspicuous places, which. contained the following message; “ NOTICE. “rye Hunprep DotiArs Rewarp! * To whom tt may concern 3— “The sum of five hundred dollars will be cheer fully paid to any presuming pilgrim who will ca ture the Fr. flea of the mountains, the Right Honorable A No. 1, gentleman road-agent. I make this offer to get in ahead of competitors in the field, believing that as I am so lively [ can’t half of the time find myself, it will be impossible for any of
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4 my well-wish admirers to get a grip on me, When 3 Sassaf s : you. lin down in. ras again I'll and see “* With poganda, sours uly: One The early morning: stage came rolling into the camp about the time of the discovery of the above, and brought the news that it had been halted a few miles back, and all the passengers and the treasure-box had been robbed. A single man had accomplished the job, stated the passéngers, and their description of him was identical with that of A No. 1. This, of course, added to the excitement, and the camp during the forenoon was literally in boiling commotion, Oregon Bill, Simon Shields, and a number of others of the moneyed men clubbed together and raised a large purse of money, following which placards were got out and posted in inent places offering a large reward for he capture of the outlaw hailing to the name of A Number One. r The excitement of the day did not culminate here. The morning stage had brought to Sas- safras City another sensation in the shape of a real live woman. Jessie Shields was believed the perfection of all that was pretty in womankind, but no sooner had the new-comer arrived than it be- came evident that the rich mine-owner’s daugh- ter had a dangerous rival in point of beauty, f new beauty was about seventeen or eighteen years of age, well dressed, and had evidently come to stay, for she brought a couple of trunks with her, which it required two men to get to her room, at the Leonard House. ha the register of that hostelry she in- scribed the somewhat singular autograph: ‘‘Miss Brssiz BizNngss, * Gunnison, Col,” - She took her breakfast in her room, and then sought the hotel office. “Can you direct me to the school commis- ‘*The school director, sir, or in fact any town officer who has to do with the educational mat- ters of this town.” “Thunder’n lightning, mum, thar ain’t noth- in’ o’ the sort in Sassafras.” No schools?” ‘Nor officers, or form of government?” ~ *“Reckon not, "less ye mought call Oregon Bill an officer. He ginerally runs_the camp much to his own notion, What d’ye **Ob! I want to teach!” . ‘Ter teach? What? Who?’ “Why, to educate the children—that is, in pi words, to instruct the young idea how to 8 “Yer cl’ar off track, then, gal. Ther’ ain’t a chick ner child in camp, an’ ther’s durned few 0’ the cron il what can’t put six out o’ seven bullets in the same mark!” : ‘iJ ; CHAPTER III. | _ | | "THE SCHOOLMARM’S ENTERPRIS Miss Bessie ‘“ Bizness” laughed, old Leonard’s mistake, » ‘You don’t understand, I see,” she said. **My name is Business, or Bizness, whichever you please. I am a schoolmarm, and I’ve come ‘to start @ school. Where can I find Citizen Oregon Bill?” “‘Down'the street, at the Melodeon. He runs that shebang.” . Business bowed her thanks, and tripped away up the stairs. She was graceful and agile as a fawn, and moreover, she was an almost perfect counterpart of Miss Jessie Shields, Placing the two girls side by side, it would have been diffi- cult to determine wherein they were unlike, except that Business was possibly a trifle heavier. ; She. looked like ‘‘ business,” too, when she came down-stairs, She was dressed the same, excepting that she now wore a plumed slouch rairie hat, turned up at one side, and a short But pretty buckskin jacket, belted around her waist, the belt, holding a pair of revolvers, for few persons in Sassafras ever went unarmed. Leaving the tavern, she made her way to the Melodeon, which was comparatively deserted of its customary crowd, the majority of whom were at work in the mines. Oregon sat in an arm-chair, grim and gloomy, as he nursed his wounds, and a few others E. diy, at _A No, 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. lounging about made up the occupants of the big saloon. : ‘Ts there a man here n-med Oregon Bill?” hep Business demanded, pausing near the fire- ace, ‘ Yas, that’s me,” Ore ing her with a stare of admiration. d’ye want?’ ‘* Excuse me, sir; but I will introduce myself. I am Bessie Business, sir, and have come here to start a school, Understanding that you are the only officer of the town, I came to you, hoping to get a permit from you, and an appropriation toward establishing an educational institution,” Oregon Bill attempted to give vent to a whistle of surprise, but his hacked-up face pe: vented the necessary puckering of his mout *“ Who d’ye pur ter eddicate?” he asked, “Thar ain’t no kids around this camp.” “That don’t matter. There’s liable to be, *most any day; but then, ef thar don’t any come, there’s plenty of grown-up pilgrims as need some learning. *““Humph! You must be crazy, Find a man in Sassafras as don’t allow he knows more’n forty school-teachers, an’ ye can call me a griz- zly. Why, gal, thar’d be a riot in less’n a day, an’ youd 1 gt yer purty throat cut!” “Would I? Well that remains to be told. I wn-up boobies, up ain’t afraid to try your permission to responded, survey- Ftion. ’“ What handled a rough school of in Gunnison, and I opine my hand here, Have I try?” Wgartin. Tve no objections, I'll be trustee an’ look an’ see what fer sort o’ circus you'll create. As fer the funds, my barkeeper will give ye the requisite, on conditions.” “Then I don’t want’em, I never accept con- ditions. Good-day, sir.” ane with a nod, the schoolmarm left the Me- eon, ‘Tl have to nerve myself for trouble, and run the school on my own hook,” she muttered oy she made her way back to the Leonard ouse, During the gay. she succeeded in leasing a shanty in the vicinity of the Melodeon, and get- ting the first floor fitted up, in a rough way, for school purposes, reserving the upper rooms for her own accommodation, Her next move was to procure a couple of large sheets of paper and convert them into a poster, and paste it up on the front door. Next she atayt bg a marking-brush and some suitable ink, and set to work to print her announcement, It required some time for her to do this, and in the mean time she was watched eagerly, by a curious crowd. Great astonishment wes expressed, on their rough and in many instances, evil counte- nances, but none of them seemed inclined to offer Miss Business any insult, or molestation, When the notice was finally completed, it read as follows: “SCHOOL! “ Take Notice! ‘Miss Bessie Business, of Gunnison, will to-mor- row morning at nine o'clock, open in this building, a select school, for the accommodation of those who may desire to a better education than they now Terms $1 per lesson, ‘scholar, Strict disci will be observed, and punishment meted out to bad pupils, regardless of age or - Over and over the motley assemblage read this, or at least, such of them as were able to read; then, one pilgrim stepped forward and doffed his hat, respectfully to Business, as we shall henceforth call her. He wasa men of medium build, but wore a tremendous shock of glossy black hair, which, combined with his huge beard, of the same hue, left very little of his countenance visible, except a handsome pair of eyes. He was dressed in corduroy, with knee-boots, slouch hat, and a bristling belt of weapons, and although not what one would term evil-looking, was not just such a man as one would care to meet, after dark, in a lonely place. ‘* Excuse me, miss,” he said, in a voice rather pleasant, considering his brigandish appearance, ‘but lL allow ye kin count on one scholar, ter one’t. I know an inkling ’bout readin’ an’ spel- lin’, ye see, but nary a thing ’bout ’rithmetick, and I allow as how it would be a benefit to me to know a few about that, too.” “ Certainly,” Business said, smiling and show- ing ber pretty teeth. ‘‘ Be kind enough to step inside, and I'll enroll you.” Step inside the bewhiskered gent did, and a number of the crowd followed, also. . Business stepped behind her desk, and took up er pen. ‘« What’s your name?” she asked, Ma Sloan, from Tombstone,” the man re- ‘“Very good. Mr. Sloan, you will report at nine to- morrow, not forgetting to bring a dollar with you.” “Correct. Here’s a half-eagle, now, on ACs count,” Sloan said, tossing her a gold coin. “ will be on hind.” Among the gaping assembly of curious onest was Old Tiger Tooth, Beside him, ever his inseparable companion, was the ugly dwarf, Claudie, There was a malicious gleam in the bull- whacker’s eye, and his bandaged countenance was not exactly pleasant to look upon, “See hyer,” he said, addressing Business, “JT reckon mebbe you’ve no objections tew ans’erin’ a few questions, hey?” “Certainly not, if they are worthy of an answer,” Business replied, promptly. ‘‘ What do you want?” “Waal, I kinder opine I might chip in an’ come to school, too, pervidin’ yer not too sassy, an’ bossy. I allow, 0° course, thet ye don’t keer ef a feller chaws an’ smokes, an’ when he wants ter go out fer three fingers 0’ bug juice or ter play poker, it’s all squar’ wi’ you.” _ “By no manner of means. During school hours each pupil will keep his seat, and study— or get thrashed, you bet! No whispering will be allowed, no swearing, no chewing, smokin or drinking, and the lessons must be learned an ted perfectly, or scholars kept in until they are perfect.” Tiger Tooth chuckled, villainously. “ Wull, you'll see how it ’ll work!” he growled. “T'll bet thar’ll be oe on the school’us door, mighty quick. It’s a March wind as blows in a woman as kin boss the boys o’ Sassafras.” Business did not answer, but the snap of her eyes proved that the threat implied in the bull- ban, er’s words did not frighten her, in the east. Seeing that she was not going to argue with him, Tiger Tooth and his diminutive offspring took their departure, as did the others, leaving but one pupil enrolled upon the fair instruct- ress’s remiaker, CHAPTER IV. UNWELCOME VISITANTS. Duriné that day, as Simon Shields sat in his parlor, looking rather grim and restless, & woman was ushered into his presence, by the Chinese servant, Ah Ling, after which the lat- ter took his departure. The visitor was clad in somber black, and wore a thick vail of the same hue tied down over her face, so that her features were quite invisible. Her visit was evidently not unexpected, for Simon Shields looked up with a startled ** On!” his face assuming an ashen pallor, while he briefly motioned ber to a seat. A momentary silence ensued; then, the wo- man spoke, in a har:h voice: “This is nasty weather, Simon!” ‘*It is!” the mine owner sullenly answered. “T didn’t expect hat “*No? Oh! well, you see storms do not con- cern me much, when there’s important business to attend to. How are money matters, to-day?” “You can judge for yourself!” handing her an opened letter, which lay in bis lap. She took it, and held it close to her face, so that she could decipher the chirography. It was dated a week before, att hicago, and read thus: “Dear SHIELDS:—Ruin stares you in the face, un- less you can raise a hundred thousand dollars, be- fore two weeks expire, I jumped the whole amount into stocks, and the Werth down a-booming, in less than aday. More: ve your individual note for ten thousand, and chat was swept, too. Although I suffer severely, I can but pity you on account of our loss. I see a corner in , a few days off, and YF you have confidence in me, again, by sending on the cash, I am certain I can at least make you whole all around, “Yours truly, etc., “J.P. LovEu.” Tbe woman in black gave an exclamation of dissatisfaction. ‘* What does it mean?” she demanded. “Tt means that lam ruined!” Simon Shields groaned. ‘Every cent of money I had in the world, besides some thousands I borrowed, bas been swept away, through my accursed con- fidence in this man, Lovell.” * Lovell?” “Yes, Jack Lovell, hitherto one of Chicago’s luckiest stock-gamblers. I have been trusting him, and he has been winning for me off and on,
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A No, 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 5 these two years, until at last he induced me to risk all, on a‘sure thing,’ as he expressed it. Behold the result!” ** Poor fool! It’s a pity so keen a villain as you should be victimized by one of your own clique. I gave you credit for more shrewdness, You might as safely bave trusted the whole amount to me,” the vailed woman said, sarcasti- cally. | ‘** Perhaps,” he murmured, vacantly, ‘* Well, youw’re not so bad off, anyhow,” she went on, rather unfeelingly. ‘‘ You have the mine left. It won’t be much of a job to raise money on that. So let’s get down to business.” ‘**Woman, have you no mercy?” the mine-pro- prietor gasped, appealingly. ‘1 have always met you squarely, heretofore; give me respite, now?” ‘* Well, I rather guess not,” sine chuckled. ‘‘ It isn’t in my line of business to be merciful. What I want is the cash, and that I must have, with- out delay.” “Thave not got it—God knows 1 have not. More, I cannot get it. I know of no place in the world where I could raise so much money !” “ Pshaw! Whatis five thousand dollars? Why the Bullion’s daily income is nearly that.” ‘You are mistaken, My revenues are vastly overrated.” “That matters not to me, It’s the stuff I want, and right here I sit until I get it. You must not blame me if your own delay brings on exposure!” And she laughed wickedly. Simon Shields arose from his easy-chair and paced the floor, his face the scene of many con- tending emotions. Thoroughly in this nameless woman’s power he seemed to be, and the very knowledge of fact appeared'to be gall and wormwood to im, “yea strong notion to do nothing more about the matter,” he cried, passionately, paus- ing fora moment in front of her. “Then Vd - be out of this accursed worriment, [ know.” “Do you really think so?” she sneered. ‘* Do you really believe you’d have it as nice as you bave it now?” ‘Curse you, would you still hound me?” “ Assuredly, only in a different way and with greater force, There are ouly two sides to the ease, Simon—one side is money ; the other side is exposure and—” “Stop!” he cried. ‘Say no more. I will go out and try toraise the mosey. You can go, now, and return to-night at nine.” “Ah! I thought you’d finally become sen- sible. Shall L register at the tavern at your ex- pense?” “Go! It's enough to have you out of my presence.” She laughed, with quiet triumph, and arose and left the room. i She had not been gone ten minutes when Oregon Bill was ushered into the mine-owner’s presence, “ Hello, old man!” he cried, familiarly, as be helped himself to a chair. ‘S’pose yera leetle surprised to receivea wisit from me, not?” **T am, indeed,” Shields replied, uneasily, for although there was no open breach between him aad the ruffian, it was well known in Sassafras that the two cordially disliked each other. “Yas, I allowed ye would be, ye see, an’ I didn’t keer. We never hey been wery neigh- borly. You never so much as drap inter my place to punish aglass 0’ bug-juice.” ‘“‘T do not drink.” : “Waal, mebbe not. But, then, T hearn tell as re didn’t like it ’ca’se I try occasionally ter pick Vesuilier acquaintance wi’ yer gal, an’ also that you sets ber up ter snub me.” ‘Lam not afraid to admit that Tam exceed- ingly choice of whom my daughter associates with. Moreover, she has a positive repugnance for you, sir.” “She has, eb? Wull, V’ll Yarn her to adore me yet, pervidin’ I don’t make a mash on ther school-teacher. By the way, Simon, ye gave a note ter Jim Peters, fer a couple tbousan’ bor- ried money. Jim turned it over to me, an’ ’m hyer to collect it!” s “You will have to go away disappointed then. I haven’t any enlis cash available.” ‘Yer check will do.” ‘“‘Afardly. I have no longer a bank account.” “Git out. Ye can’t lie ter me!” ‘« It’s the truth; I’m broke for a few days!” Oregon Bill whipped out a six-shooter, and cocked it. “Pyve met jest sech fellers afore,” he an- nounced, grimly. ‘“‘ Now, do you pan out the swag afore the second hand on yonder clock gee once around, or by the dust of old Socrates, 1 salivate you six times right thr’v’ your old white noddle!” And it looked decidedly as if Simon Shields was doomed. The next minute there was a flash, and the report of a pistol reverberated through tke room. CHAPTER V. JESSIE’'S REMARKABLE RESOLVE. It was not the pistol held by Oregon Bill that had exploded, but that grasped by a dashing- looking stranger who had just stepped into the room. This stranger was none other than the hand- some road-agent, A No. 1, and the firing of his weapon had sent a _pistol-ball through the right wrist of Oregon Bill, causing the revolver to fall from bis hand, while he uttered a how: of pain and rage. ‘*You’ll excuse me, my friend, for wounding ou!” A No, 1 said, as he advanced, manifestly eeping his weapon ready for emergency, “ but you see, I couldn’t allow you to murder a defenseless old man for the sake of a few paltry dollars!” ‘A thousand devils seize you! Vl have your life for this!” Oregon Bill bellowed, although he did not attempt to leave his chair. ‘*T don’t doubt it, in the least!” A No. 1 re- sponded, smilingly. ‘* You look like a person capable of taking lives whenever you are granted a favorable opportunity, Unfortunately for you now, I happen to hold the drop.” ‘Who are you?” Simon Shields demanded; ‘for want to thank you for your timely inter- vention.” The road-agent laughed. “Don’t waste any thanks on me, I beg of you,” he responded, ‘for they are not required As to who Iam, my many sterling qualities of cheek and gall have won me the ib Sol sobriquet of A No. 1, I have been appointed to collect toll from such parties as travel over the main trails leading to this camp. In vulgar parlance, I presume [ am what most At would call a road-agent. For my own liking, ee ee sounds more high-toned and business- ike. “Callin the boys, Simon—call in the fellers, an’ arrest the cuss!” Oregon Bill cried. ‘ D’ye hear?” ‘*f am not so ungrateful as that,” the mine- owner declared. ‘* What is your business here, Sir Toll-taker?” ‘Oh, nothing much. I sawa party come in here that struck me as having a familiar appearance, and I came expecting to meet her. By the way, I chanced to overhear a part of the conversation between you and this chap, Oregon Bill, from which I infer that you are in his debt.” : ‘‘T am, if he holds my note, as he claims,” * And you haven’t the ready cash to redeem the note with?” ** T have not!” “Then would you accept a loan from me sufficient for present needs?” “Sir, lam astonished. Why, I do not even know you!” ; ‘* What does that matter? Sufficient be it, that I know you, quite well, and am not afraid to trust you with any amount of money at my command,” “You know me? You? In Heaven’s name who are you, and what are you driving at?” ‘‘T have no further answer to make, than my previous declaration, sir. If you want money, we can arrange it satisfactorily, I doubt not.” “Then, I must respectfully decline, sir. You would not be so accommodating without an ob- ject. You have my grateful thanks, so far as you deserve them, but no further. Good-day.” ** You needn’t have dismissed me—I was about going, anyhow!” the toll-taker said, with a light laugh. ‘ Look out that Oregon Bill don’t get the best of you again!” And bowing, he walked nonchalantly out of the room. Shields had picked up Oregon Bill’s revolver, and now leveled it at him. “You can go also!” hecried. ‘ It is past my fe hours, and I do not pay any bills to-day. 0! ‘*T reckon!” the ruffian gritted, as he finished bandaging up bis shattered wrist. ‘But ye ain’t heerd ther last from me—not muchly, Simon Shields. Ef 1 can’t git squar’ wi’ you, thar’s yer baby-faced girl—I’ll cut her purty throat, or [’m a liar!” < ‘“ You wretch! If you dare to harm one bair of her head, I'll have you killed by inches. Go, now, and never dare to darken my door again!” “ We'll see!” Oregon Bill retorted, with grim significance, ‘‘ You’ve pot the grip now, but you won’t have it long!” , oy He arose, and left the house, Simon Shields keeping him covered until he was in the street. he old man then returned to the ‘Jor, and sat for some time in a deep reverie, his face wearing a worried expression, His reverie was finally interrupted by the entrance of Jessie, who uttered.a startled cry as she beheld the blood from Oregon Bill's wound upon the carpet. ‘“Oh! papa! papa! what is the matter? Are you hurt? Speak, quick!” : “Not physically, my child, although T came near losing my lite,” he replied gravely, fol- lowing with a brief narration of what had oc- curred, ‘‘ And now, my child, there is some- thing else of importance I have to say.” ‘Yes, papa.” ‘“‘Tt is something that will startle Pa child. I am not worth a cent in the wide world!” “ Papa 1? or “It is God’s own truth! Iam ruined. Every penny, nearly, that I have in the.world, has been swept away in a disastrous speculation!” “But you have your real estate left—the mine, atid the revenues from the leased claims,” “You are wrong—just as everybody else has been. I cannot tell you all, but neither the mine nor landed property is mine, and never rightfully was. Besides, all this, it is pledged for every cent it is worth!” Poor Jessie. - She sat staring at him like one dumfounded. lt was indeed a revelation to her—something she had never dreamed of, ‘‘I cannot explain all to you,” the oldman went on, ‘‘for it is a deep, dangerous secret known to but few. As I said before, I to-day am a ruined man, unless I can immediately raise a large sum of money, I must have it— do you hear? .1 must have it, or death stares me in the face, and cannot be averted!” | ‘Poor papa! You know I deeply sympathize with you in your trouble, and if there is a thing in the world that I can do to help you, you know I will gladly doit,” : ‘‘T know, my child, I know, but I can see no way out of the dark,” “Who owns the mine, papa—that is, who holds the mortgage?” Simon Shields groaned. * The most dangerous friend-foe I have in the world—the Chinese Jew, Rats, alias John Lee. He has the Bowie to foreclose It any day, but I have succeeded in staving him cff until now, because he hes a vague idea that there is a pos- sible chance of his winning your favor.” ‘Merciful saints! Why, that horrid wretch is disgusting to tt sight!” " io ‘Nevertheless he thinks, because he is rich, he must be handsome and a desirable catch.” “Then you cannot get money from him?” _ ‘*No, indeed!” wy ty “ How much do you need?” ‘“‘T could possibly get along with ten thousand dollars. I must have five thousand for certain inside of twenty-four hours, or it’s all up with m Nags ‘ e. “Do you know of no one who would loan you the amount on the mine, not knowing of the mortgage? In desperate cases almost any rem- edy is a virtue.” Sp ‘No, I do not know of any one. Among those who have money it is ew ably lly epee that I am virtually insolvent, What to do I do not know. I am almost sorr tI didn’t accept a loan from the outlaw,” “ Oh, papa! that would bave been hye wrong! Let me put my wits to work and see if I cannot figure a way cut of the dilemma.” ‘God bless you, my child! I have faith that you can,” tees With a thoughtful ek it of countenance Jessie arose and paced the floor, her brows knit- ted and her eyes balf closed, as if she were dreaming over the solution of the problem. For nearly balf an bour she walked thus to and fro, and Simon Shields watched her eager- ly, nervously. To him her conclusion meant life or death— for he could form no idea how he might be able to raise the five thousand dollars for the Vailed Woman. At last Jessie reseated herself, with a sort of despairing sigh. Her face was pale, but bore an expression of firm resolution, “Af have thought of every reasonable plan, papa, and can see no hope except in one direc- tion. ] And what is that, my child?” “It is this—you must sacrifice me!”
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6 ‘“*What? Great God! are you mad?” ‘*No, Lam perfectly sane. It is a desperate thing to do, but to save you I am willing to do it. You must put me up at auction sell me to the highest bidder!” Simon Shields looked thunderstruck, and for the moment was speechless. “Tt is the only remedy,” Jessie went on, bravely. ‘‘ You know the sensation and rivalry such a sale would create. And considering the matter from a sensible stand-point, no harm can come tO me, There is no law that would bind me to my purchaser, and once you get the money I can manage the rest. The man does not live who can make me abide the terms and conditions of such a sale, if he was distaste- ful to me personally.” The old man bowed his head and groaned. ‘This is terrible!” he declared. ‘I could never countenance such a thing. I will die first myself.” ‘* No, you will not! You are my father—I will never allow harm to come to you, under any circumstances. Ihave fully made up my mind on the venture. It shall come off to-mor- row night at sunset. Once the money is paid into your hands, mark my word, I’ll look out for myself, and escape to Lone Pine vam.” “My child, I know not what tosay! Itisa most extraordinary and rash undertaking.” ‘Nevertheless, I am going through with it; so set your heart at rest and trust for the best. I will find cousin Ned now, and we will put our heads together and pee the arrange- ments. Now, don’t have the least fear, for it will all come out right in the end,” Once more was Sassafras thrown into a state of commotion the following morning, on ac- count of the notice which a placard on the post- office door containgd. Things marvelcus were reallv not of unex- occurrence in a town of Sassafras City’s feverish nature, but the contents of the notice in question, as a matter of course, created un- bounded excitement, It read thus: * PUBLIC SALE, ‘* Everysopy Take Notice. “ By virtue of a lawful claim, T have hereby levied upon, and will expose at public sale to-morrow ‘ht, at sunset, in front of the post-office, at Sassa- fras. the following described property, to wit: ** One attractive young woman, aged seventeen and one-half years, named Jessie Shields, and guaranteed to be one of the most worthy and respectable girls in the Territory, Said sale to be conducted with the full consent of said Jessie Shields, and the above y to be knocked down to the highest cash r, above five thousand dollars. ‘**EpwaRD TEMPLE.” A p7blic sale of a poune. and beautitul girl, and too, to be sold outright! No wonder Sassafras waxed warm, What diditmean? _ What right had Ned cig to thus auction off a human being, and that pretty Jessie ¢ Old pilgrims nodded knowingly, and allowed there was something crooked about the matter, while the more youthful element counted their dollars and dust, to see if there was any ug. 08 shale poning ina pi. re © populace of the p there were a Sumber of se to-do erecta Who could raise a deal of money at short notice, so that the out- look was favorable for an exciting auction. Anything as sensational as this was too much for quietness of the pulse in ras, and numbers of the miners quit work to make a holiday of the occasion—the moneyed miners sprucing up in becoming style, and the unfortu- ray ee es ” class spending their earnings or drink. And, although by a bold move, Miss Jessie Shields had broughi herself to the very fore, in the line of sensational notoriety, she was not destined to be exclusively the magnet of attrac- tion that day. It was the day for the opening of the new school, and this fact was by no means forgot- ten, despite the counter sensation. At least, not by a considerable number. At about half-past eight o’clock the door of the schoolroom was thrown open, and Business took her stand in the cing ' She was now dressed in a full suit of stylish male attire, and looked decidedly piquant and ae. Her belt was peney supplied with weap- ons, and it looked as if she did indeed mean “business,” The first pupil to come along was the man of the tremendous beard, Sol Sloan, from Tombstone, Business welcomed him with a pleasant smile, and bade him go in and take a seat. Daring the next ten minutes several rough and dirty miners put in an appearance, paid over their dollar, and entered, and it struck Business that one or two of them did it more the sake of seeing the fun than anything else. The last to come were esr Tooth and his grotesque son, Claudie, but the graceful figure of Business blocked the doorway. ‘*Hillo! ain’t yer goin’ ter let us in?’ the bull- whacker demanded, ‘ Guess me an’ my cherub wants ter graduate frum this hyer instertution, as well as any one else—don’t we, Claudius Ap- ‘*T should snicker!” was Claudie’s response. ‘*T don’t care much fer takin’ you in,” Busi- ness said, “‘ for if you come in here, you’ve got to mind!” ‘*On course, mum! We'll be jest as meek as a couple o’ kittens. Ef we ain’t, you can tan us!” ‘Then fork over your cash!’ The money was 7 and with a huge grin o’ delight Tiger Tooth strode into the school, in the middle of which he executed a clumsy hand- spring, and gave a roar like a mountain lion. There was, literally, music in the air, now, and no mistake! a CHAPTER VI. THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. ‘“‘KeRwHOOP!” roared the bullwhacker, as he finished his terpsichorean effort, ‘‘I tell yer thar’s nothin’ common about us graduates, now. Prime old sophs, aire we, right from Harvard, an’ don’t you fergit it.” ‘Mr. Tiger Tooth, I command you to be seat- ed!” Business cried, her eyes flashing with in- dignation, ‘“‘ Bizness, old gal, I won’t do nothin’ o’ the sort!” the ruffian Jeered. ‘‘I kim hyar on pur- pose ter dedicate this hyar instertution, and ye can singe my skin ef I don’t doit. Go ahead wi’ yer school, me beauty! Claudie an’ I will act as chairmen.” _ Business eyed the bullwhacker a moment, as if estimating his strength; then, quick as a flash, she drew one of her revolvers, and cocked it. She next reached behind her desk, and drew forth a bull-whip of the black-snake order, the vo of which was ornamented with golden ands. Tiger Tooth eyed her, grimly. Sane ye goin’ to do?” be demanded, un- eas . “fam going to give you your first lesson!” Business cried, sternly. ‘If you attempt to resist the punishment I am about to inflict, Pl coe 8 bullet through you, and don’t you forget tha And, without further warning, she pecgeened to ply the whip to his shins, with emphasis. “Dance, you fool—dance!” cried Claudie, as Tiger Tooth writhed and twisted, with eacb blow. ‘If you dance, ’twon’t hurt so bad!” ‘‘Oh! oh! oh!” bellowed the bullwhacker. “Stop! stop! d’ye hear?” ef hi neon ye dance!” Business cried, with vim, “If youcome to my school, I'll learn you manners!” And she laid on the blows thick and fast, and with all her might, until Tiger Tooth fairly howled with pain, much to the delight of all the other “scholars.” “Stop! thunderation! quit” he roared. “I'll do jest what’s right; I cave! I beg!” “Do you promise to behave yourself, and obey my orders, then?’ Business demanded, “On course I do—on course I do!” Tiger Tooth whined. ‘I cave, like a major!” “Then take your seat, and watch out that you do behave!’ He obeyed, and Claudie followed his example. Business then proceeded with her work. The forenoon was devoted to examining her scholars, and the best of order prevailed, pro- bably owing to the fact that Business kept her revolver ready for instant use, all the while. Literally, as meek as a lamb, was the bull- whacker, and his deformed son copied the actions of the parent. Nevertheless, the eyes of Tiger Tooth emitted an occasional venomous gleam, which signified as well as words could have done that he was bent on having his racket out, no matter what conse quences might ensue, After school was dismissed for noon, he and Claudie left the shanty and made for the bandi- est saloon, where they spent the midday recess A No, 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. in filling up with old “‘ forty-rod,” also arming themselves with a couple of quart-bottles of the same poisonous beverage. So that by school-time they were in e fighting order, so to speak, and marched into the school-room with an aspect of bull-dog ferocity. Business watched them narrowly, her mind fully made up to conquer them, even if she had to shoot them. She felt confident of an impending row, and something seemed to tell her that there was but one of her pupils she could depend upon to lend her a helping hand, and that man was Sol Sloan, the man of the black beard. His little black eyes that peered out from under the shaggy brows seemed to lend her a glance of reassurance, inasmuch ashe closely watched Ti- ‘| ger Tooth, The afternoon session had hardly been called to order when the bullwbacker momentarily caught Business off her guard, and whipping out a revolver, leveled it full at her. , ‘‘ Whoa! thar!” he roared, leaping upon bis bench. ‘Whar aire ye now, ye durned baby- faced skulemarm? Guess ye’l] git down on yer knees an’ ax my parding now, won’t ye?” ‘“*Put up that weapon, sir!” Business cried, sternly. ‘‘If you don’t you'll regret it. If you create another fuss, you'll not get off as cheaply as you did this morning.” te Who won’t—l?—I, ther great snortin’, golden-fanged rhinoserious 0’ the West? D'ye mean ter tell me I hain’t got everything my own way, when I hold the drap? Waal, we'll jest see about thet aire, an’ don’t id it. Claudie, my bloomin’ cherub, jest you pull yer pop an’ cover her royal highness, while I invite ther boys to liquor up!” ; ; Claudie obeyed this injunction, leaving Busi- ness no chance for drawing a weapon. Tiger Tooth then, with his own weapon ready for use, drew forth his bottle and began passing it to the crowd. “Drink!” he cautioned, menacing with his weapon, “or I’ll put a buzzer in yer noddle. Thar sha’n’t be no temp’rince in this hyer skule!” Most of the men were absolutely afraid of the bullwhacker, and all complied with his request, in order to prevent bloodshed, except one, The last man the bottle was handed to was Sol Sloan, who took it with a profound bow and arose to his feet. Instead of placing the muzzle of the bottle to his lips, however, he executed a lightning move- ment and dashed it into atoms against Tiger Tooth’s face, at the same time seizing his revol- ver and wrenching it from his grasp. The glass ca a number of ugly gashes in the bullwhacker’s face, and the flery liquor Se ting into these, and into bis nny caused him excruciating agony, and for the time being made bim wholly unable to see. But the work of Sol Sloan did not end here, for he gave Tiger Tooth a tremendous slap be- side the head that sent him spinning to the floor, and then leaped toward the terrified Claudie, a auticipating annihilation, made for the oor, He managed to escape through it, but the toe pf —- No. 7 lent a deal of impetus to his ight, e man from Tombstone then returned to the insensible bullwhacker, and, seizing him by the heels, also dragged him out of. doors, and then returned to the school-room, closing the door after him. “There! I guess school can go on now with- out interruption!” be said, with a grim chuckle. “IT am very much obliged for your g+ntle- manly interference,” Business acknowledged gratefully. Sloan was right; there was no more disturb- ance that afternoon, in regard to school. hen he recovered, Tiger Tooth was helped away to his shanty by his dutiful offspring, and spent the remainder of the day, nearly, in patching up bis lacerated visage, and swabbing out his inflamed eyes. When school was finally dismissed, Sol Sloan lingered a moment in the school-room after the others had gone. ‘“‘ Bessie!” he said, approaching the plucky schoolmarm’s desk, ‘‘ it cannot be possible you do not recognize me?” _ She Jooked up at him in a startled way. ‘“Why, Iam sure 1 do not,” she replied with evident candor. “But you do. I am A No. 1, the Toll- taker!” She startled still more. “And, pray, how should I know you? My acquaintance is not extensive among people of that class.” ‘Perhaps not. But can you recall no one
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whom your cruelty toon have brought to such a wild and reckless life?” Business grew pale, and looked even more startled than before. ‘* Fred—” she gasped. ‘*Yes, Fred Brayton, Bessie—I am he. I have been haunting your trail ever since we met, two years ago, swearing never to give up, no matter what might happen. Have you no welcome?” ‘‘None, Mr. Brayton. Did my mother not her” fing that 1 could never be anything to you, sir “Then your mother still manages your per- sonal affairs?” He spoke with a bitterness born of keen dis- appointment. ‘She does, sir. I would not have you speak of her disrespectfully. Remember, that, al- though she may have unfounded objections to you, she is still my mother, and I obey her.” ‘You are right. I have all respect for her; but I cannot fathom her apparent antipathy for me, ‘Nor I—nor does it matter. and I am bound to obey it!” ““Nobly spoken, and I admire you for it. But, will you not give me the encouragement of suspecting, that were it not for your mother’s dislike for me, matters might be different?” Her eyes met his in an unwavering glance, and there was something wildly passionate in the expression that dawned over her face, as he nota ‘*Did 1 love you with all the strength of my heart and soul, would you consider me wise in dooming my future life to an uncertain state of misery and peril, by placing it in the keeping of a man on whom the law has set the seal of out- lawry?”’ she asked calmly, but not harshly. ‘$ Considering me aroad-agent, perhaps you are right; yet, I know I am as free a man as exists on American soil—that is, after I accom- plish a certain object.” ‘‘ Which is all an unriddled problem to me; but, you had better go, Yourdelay here might attract attention.” “Forgive my thoughtlessness. You have no word to eee I go?” “Yes. Listen to me, Fred Brayton. I met you and learned to admire you—that is a suffi- ciently strong term for the feeling I had; but fate willed that our ways should go in different directions. We have met again; and ought now to understand each other. y life is enshroud- ed in a secret, of which my mother will not even give me an inkling. Henceforth we are strang- ers until you pease solve that mystery to me, and obtain my mother’s approval of you. Is it necessary to say more?” “‘More I do not require!” he cried passionate- ly, izing her fair hand and raising it to his lips. ‘I have had my answer, and my work pointed out, Au revoir !” He turned, and left the shanty. She watched him until he reached the hotel; then, with a sigh, turned back to her desk. CHAPTER VII. THE TOLL-TAKER TAKEN, As the evening hour arrived, the main street of Sassafras became more and more lively with ee hurrying excitedly to and fro, for soon he public auction of Jessie Shields would take place, and certain it was that no one in Sassa- fras cared to miss this treat. Those who were fortunate enough to have a liberal amount of funds were naturally the most interested, and ’twas said that several pllviens. of only limited means, had “‘ gone in snucks,” and would give their more wealthy competitors a tight race for the beauty. There was another interested class, whose pile averaged from a hundred dollars do.vn; and as they had no business to bid, they had to be con- tent with gambling on the general result. Two men had the preference among the ma- jority of the bettors, and they were Oregon Bill and the Chinese nabob, Rats, who were both rigged out in their best attire. } For the convenience of those who desired to take a hand in the bidding, a platform had been erected just opposite the post-office steps, where the auction was to take place, while the non- bidders were politely informed that the street would amply answer all purposes for them, Before the sun had yet touched the horizon, the neighborhood of the proposed sale was black with tators, while there was a goodly num- ber of bidders upon the platform, over whom Oregon Bill had ery set himself as master of ceremonies, for he took pains to allow no one upon the stand who was not a bidder. Just before the sale was to begin, Sol Sloan Her will is law, Al No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 7 pushed his way through the crowd, and endeay- ored to climb upon the platform, Bill saw him, and motioned him back say- **'You bet I do that!” was the unabashed an- swer. ‘‘And more than that, I know that I don’t care who you are.” Beneath the fearless glance of the Tombstone- ite the ruffian quailed somewhat. “Ye say ye cum here to bet?’ he de- manded. ‘* Exactly—providing I see fit to!” ‘* Waal, neow, I don’t believe in no such non- sense as that, I don’t; so you’ve jest got ter show up yer swag or git off o’ hyer!” Sloan, as we shall still know him in his dis- guise, flushed angrily. ‘Were these other parties required to do this?” he asked. “c No. ” ‘‘Then I will do nothing of the sort.” You won't?” ‘* Not if Sol Sloan knows himself.” “Then git off ther platform,” “T refuse,” ‘*Cuss ye, git off, or I'll put ye off!” “Try it! I dare you!” With a yell, and the fury of a panther ex- pressed in his face, the bully leaped at his oppo- nent, But he calculated wrongly, for Sloan grappled with him in a way he had not expected; instead, he made a sudden dodge aside, and allowed Bill to rush head-foremost off the platform. A derisive yell arose from the crowd, and se- veral of those over whom the bully had tumbled and hurt, fell upon him, and proceeded to give him a good seesheer ey This was enough for the whisky-soaked ele- ment in the street, and in short order, the whole crowd were fighting among themselves, like a pack of wolves. For nearly half an hour the riot raged, and — and knives were used freely, and more han one pilgrim bit the dust. _ Finally, Jessie Shields and her handsome cou- sin came dashing up, on horseback, and that put an end to the fight. The wounded were ruthlessly dragged aside, and the populace wedged themselves in a mass near the post-office steps. ae) ae Bill was assisted to the platform, more dead than alive, with all the fight taken out of m. He had received the worst pounding of his life, and his face was literally a pumice; yet he aguered to the front of the platform, and 8 elled: : “Kerwhoop! I ain’t half dead, yit. Illstart thet aire piece 0’ caliker, at five hundred dol- lars, spot cash!” The words of the bullwhacker next followed the declaration of the bully. ‘‘ Jest ye hold yer hosses, thar, Mr. Oregon Willum. Ef ther court knows herself, I calky- late as how I’m ther auctioneer, at this funeral, au’ I don’t want no.bids, nor lip-in, till I git ey ter pronounce the prize ready ter sold! And, mounted upon bis stout but stumpy son’s shoulders, or more properly sitting astride his son’s hump, the Tiger Tooth of Taos seldom if ever looked more fierce and ugly than now. Claudie bore up under the weight of his 2 rent, with mule-like docility, evidently proud of his really great strength. “Yes, sir-ee, bob-tail hoss! I hev bin ap- pointed to do ther screechin’ fer this hyer occa- sion,” Tiger Tooth went on, ‘fan’ am proud 0’ the honor. Ther property ’bout ter be sold, fel- ler-galoots, ye all perceive is fully what she’s ge pe to be, an’ she goes to ther highest bidder, I don’t keer a darned who he is. ““*She’s gentle, kind an’ bright; So bid higher’n a kite. Or thar’ll sartin be a fight.’ “What did ye say, Oregon Bilyus—how much cash did ye offer?” ‘** Pil start her at five hundred dollars!” Ore- ‘on howled, mopping off his bloody face. ‘‘ Five undred for the gal.” ‘*Six hundred, here!” cried a miner, who had several wives up at Salt Lake City. Chinaman muchee “Thousing! thousing! bidee high allee samee "Melican man!” the voice of Rats piped out. “ A thousan’! a thousan’! going at a thousan’. Who'll make ’er two? Who wants some ’un ter darn his socks, bad enuff, ter make ’er two?” shouted Tiger Tooth. “Twelve hundred!” came from one, ‘*Thirteen hundred!” from another, ‘This is madness, gents!” spoke up Ned Tem- ple. ‘I'll give five thousand dollars, myself!” A Y arena of surprise ran through the cro . Even Jessie cast a surprised side glance at her —s and her cheeks grew a trifle more ushed. In her right hand, which was thrust in her jacket pocket, she held a revolver ready for in- stant use; for she was resolved to make a strong effort to escape, as soon as the money was safely paid over into young Temple’s hands. “Tl give six thousand, cuss ye!”howled Ore- on Bill, pennies “Lookee hyer, ye fools, ’m goin’ to hev that gal, at any price, I am, an’ I'll contract fer a coffin fer any galoot as sez nay ! u That’s a matter of dollars and cents, my worthy friend!” Sol Sloan suggested, pushing forward. ‘‘1am not so certain whom the young lady belongs to yet. For myself, in her father’s bebalf, I will bid fifteen thousand dollars for her!” ‘‘Sold!” yelled Tiger Tooth, at a nudge from Temple. ‘Ther gal b’longs ter Sol Sloan as soon as he pans out the swag 1 “Stop! This is fraud! I protest! Go on wi’ the sale!” shrieked Oregon Bill, frantic with age. A The sale is over!” Sloan declared, ‘‘ Temple, take the young woman home; I'll see you a few moments hence.” Temple nodded and hurriedly quitted the vicinity in charge of Jessie. Oregon Bill orn after them a moment, then, with the yell of an infuriated wild beast, leaped upon the disguised Toll- taker. “The gul is yourn, is she?” he gritted, clutch- ing Sloan about the throat. ‘Yes, mine!” the other retorted, fiercely clinching with him. ‘It would seem you haven’t got sufficiently mauled, yet, Oregon, If you want to die with your boots on, I'm your sickness!” Then came, with lightning quickness, two re- sounding whacks, sa ype rom the contact of the Toll-taker’s fist with his adversary’s face, and once more Oregon Bill reeled from the platform. In doing so, however, he carried with him the connecting wig and beard the sport had worn and consequently A No. 1 stood undis- guised before his many grim-faced enemies, A cry went up that was full of significance, Revolvers by the score flashed in the dying sunlight, and told full as well as the succeeding we that the dashing Toll-taker was recog- n ‘‘A No. 1!” a hundred voices chorused, as in one voice, The daring claimant of the name did not instantly reply, but stood overlooking the crowd, a faint smile hovering under the corners of his handsome mustache, and a gleam of de- flance in his eyes. He saw that an attempt to esca ow would be equally as foolish as to try to stem a prairie fire in autumn. These grim men of Sassafras had as good as a the drop on him ere he could recover from he momentary chagrin at being unmasked be- fore them, Out on the borders of the crowd, he saw a erson On whose face was a startled, anxious ook of rey. It was Business, The sight of her seemed to lend him renewed strength, and ‘he turned his glance once more over the crowd. “Yes, gents, A No. 1, at your service!” he said, in a clear, ringing voice. ‘‘ What can I do for you?” ‘You can surrender, and make yer acquaint- ance wi’ Judge Lynch’s noose, or take your death diploma where you are!” one of the moneyed men of Sassafras cried, menacingly. ‘“‘Since we have the honor of a visit from so distinguished a personage, I propose we cele- brate the event without delay.” “Then you calculate you have me, for sure?” A No. 1 asked. “On course we hev, ye cussed scoundrel!” roared Oregon Bill, as he regained the platform. “Jest ye throw up yer hands, or, by thunder, ye die right whar ye stand, wi’ yer boots on!” ‘* Well, in that case, it would be somewhat to
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i A my interest to surrender, I take it!” A No. 1 returned. ‘‘If I surrender, I prefer to be taken in charge by these several prominent citizens, Messrs. Blake, Danfield, Moore and Allen, who, to my knowledge, have no cause to cherish personal malice toward me.” ‘“Ye’re skeart to surrender to me, then!” Oregon Bill leered. “As a prisoner, I would prefer a hungry wolf for a custodian!” the Toll-taker replied, dryly. ‘Oh! ye would? Waal, neow, I want ye to know that ’m the boss o’ this hyer town, root an’ branch, an’ ef yer any one’s prisoner, yer mine. My word’s law!” ‘*In this case, it may not be,’ Mr. Danfield interposed, calmly. ‘‘ This isn’t a case for bully- ism, sir. This man has chosen us as his captors, knowing we will allow no personal spite to be inflicted upon him, and we refer to the ma- jority of the people if it is not a fair request. All in favor that we shall take charge of bim, until some measure can be taken for his trial, wiJl make manifest by saying ‘I’ and putting up the right hand.” Hands shot upward in something the preci- sion of bayonets in a military drill, and a shout of approval that was almost universal, rent the air. “The majority generally wins,” Danfield said, with a spice of triumph in his tones. ‘* We will take charge of the outlaw, until some- thing is arranged, definitely, in regard to what disposal is to be made of him!” “Then, my say eround hyer, don’t amount ter shucks, bey?” Oregon Bill growled, his fin- gers working uneasily. “Not at present, so far as the custody of this road-agent is concerned,” Danfield responded, firmly, backed by approving nods from Blake, Moore and Allen. ‘Waal, mebbe not,” was the threatening an- swer. ‘‘ But, /’m not so sure about it, myself.” With which words, he left the platform, and made his way out of the crowd, with a string of fierce oaths. .Vhen he was gone, Mr. Danfield turned to A. No. 1, who bad stood thus far with folded runs, ‘* Well, sir, I suppose you are now prepared to surrender?” he eked vin +) Wea vr the poor chances for es- cape, I can say am,” the Toll-taker an- swered, ‘‘I would have spilled some blood however, before Oregon Bill should have had me, ‘‘ You need not fret about him. Allow us to bind your arms.” With a faint smile of defiance, A» No, 1, sub- mitted to have bis wrists bound together, be- hind his back. Satisfied in averting immediate death, he was ful that he could yet ta assafras City had its’ bank, like any other mining-camp of mediovre importance, and this one in question was by all odds the finest struc- ture in the camp, being built of block stone, and its windows grated with iron bars, The ponderous and invulnerable door was capable of resisting a mighty atiack, and was equipped with a huge time-lock, This bank, therefore, offered about as secure a prison as could be desired, for dashing A, No. 1, and thither he was conducted, as in Sassafras the bank did not close until about dark, and it was now still open. The four citizens whom the Toll-taker had selected as his keepers, conducted him to the bank, and entered with him, but the crowd that dogged their footsteps, were kept on the out- side, Within doors, the bank was furnished not un- like all similar institutions, and besides the Toll-taker and his captors, the single apart. ment contained but one person, who had charge of all the business affairs—a little, cadaverous individual, with ferreteyes and a hooked nose, which blossomed on the end, like a blushing rose. The four citizens, who were directors as well as stockholders in the bank, soon made known to Stein, the cashier, the condition of matters, and explained that be was to take charge of the festive prisoner, until further notice. They then left the building. As A No. 1 at first concluded, Stein was not a man of the most bland and amiable qualities. **So you are a road-agent?” he queried, shut- ting up his books, and helping himself to a seat on the counter, with a revolver beside him, handy of reach. ** That's what the general supposition is,” the sport answered, blandly. “‘You get strung up. Serve you right!” ‘Think so?” “Certamly. ‘You are an outlaw.” “That hasm’t been proved yet. more outlaws than one in Sassafras.” Stein shru sRed his shoulders, as he said; “ Oregon B 1 is a bad man.” The sport laughed. **T didn’t refer to ruffians exactly, but more directly to rogues. But then all machinery has to have tools, to keen it in working order. The cashier started perceptibly. ‘* What do you mean?” he demanded. “‘Not a great deal. I fancy you fathomed what I was driving at,” ‘No, upon my soul.” ‘* Well, let it. drop, then.” ‘*T won’t. Iam no fool. Iam a too}.” ‘* Yes; or to come Gown to plainer facts, you area shover of the queer for others,” A No. 1 responded, with a smile. Stein’s eyes glittered, and his teeth snapped together. “You are a detective. It is lucky I found you out!” he hissed, with malicious satisfac- tion. ‘*The mob won’t get a chance to lynch you.” “Why not?” ‘‘Because there’s good reasons why you should never see the light of day again.” ‘“‘Ah! then I have tripped over somebody’s secret, eh?” ‘No. It is no accident: You came not to Sassafras of your own accord.” “Why not?” ‘‘Because the Governor sent you, by orders from Washington. We knew some one was coming, but did not know wo.” ‘* Who am I?” Stein laughed. ‘A funny question to ask. I rather think every counterfeiter west of the Mississippi has your name indelibly engraven on his memory, Fred Brayton.” ‘ A No. 1 started. He had indeed stumbled into a hornets’ nest, and that, toc, the very one he had come to Sas- safras expecting to find. And bere, when his mind was upon other matters, he had received a warning sting from one of the hornets! Two objects had broug»t him to the vicinity of Sassafras, but at present one is enough to name, For some months it had been known to the Territorial government, and bad also been re- rted to the United States authorities at Wasb- ington, that a very expert and dangerous band of counterfeiters were located in the mining- regions, supposedly near Powder Gulch, who had perfected, and were dexterously shoving a counterfeit ten-dollar note, the equal of which in its dangerous resemblance to a genuine United States note of the same denomination had: never been known, ua fact which added to the difficulty in tracing it to its source of issue. Several detectives had been put on the scent, and while some had returned unsuccessful, others had not returned at all, The best detective in the Territory was at the time under a sentence of imprisonment for life, having, on false evidence, been convicted on a charge of murdering a cattle-king. A dying man, however, opportunely left a confession clearing him, and he was released, and sent to nose out the counterfeiters. An un- believing populace had pursued and overtaken him, however, and he was threatened with pepcning. In order that Brayton might proceed against the counterfeiters, he was released at the dead of night, given instructions, which ho was re- quired to make oath to fulfill, and then was al- lowed to escare from the town. He went forth temporarily, as an outlaw, and none other than himself and his rescuer knew by whose aid he escaped Judge Lynch’s noose. But to resume: There are You insinuate that ‘So you know me!” A No.1 finally said, aloud. ‘Well, ’m glad l’ye penetrated your nest. I was inclined to believe it was not in Sassafras, but in Powder Gulch!” ‘“Hal ba! We had to leave there. Matters got too hot for us. We've been doing nicely, and propose continuing to do so, since, you be- ing the only one baving the least knowledge of our whereabouts, we shall not have much trou- ble to quiet. I will send for some of the gang, and we’/l put you out of the way, before day- break.” He stepped to a desk and wrote a few words ona slip of paper; then from a cage, he took a pretty carrier pigeon, and attach the missive to one of its wings. shortl the cellar. A No, 1 was alone, CHAPTER VIII. IN THE HOLD UNDER GROUND. Nep TrempLe lost no time in burrying Jessie Shields back to the residence, where they were joined by the anxious father, who bad already beard the result of the auction. From the parlor-window they heard and saw the commotion following the arrest of A No. 1, and a little later saw him locked up in the bank, after which the crowd dispersed. “Tis the same daring fellow who rescued me from the clutches of Oregon Bill,” Simon Shields cried. ‘Strange, it is, why the fellow should apparently take such an interest in my affairs!” “Very likely it is not without a reason,” young Temple replied, significantly. “You should not speak so, cousin,” Jessie spoke up, feelingly. ‘Iam sure ke don’t look like a bad man. And no one could believe him so, when be bid on me, simply for papa’s sake.” ‘“You are to ready to believe all you hear, child, No sensible man would care enough for another, especially in these modern times, to put up so much money for bim without he saw a chance to get it back, with double interest. The road agent is egeeegriryet a designing scoundrel, at the best, and the less we have to do with bim, the better.” “But the money, papa?) That is not forth- coming, and you said you positively must have it, to-night, or—” She gave him a deprecating look. Simon Shields groaned, aloud: ‘You are right. We huve failed to get the money, my noble-hearted girl, aud I am lost!” “ Hush! say not so, uncle, when I am about,” Ned Temple spoke up. ‘‘1 know not what you need money for, nor do I know what amount would put you on your feet again, but 1 do know that I have a little wealth, myself, which I made in an eastern oil investment, and it is ‘yours, on conditions.” *‘ Name them,nephew—name them. Adrown- ing man will catch at any straw, they say.” “That is hardly necessary, for you know thet your invitation brought me here. I bave be- come very much enamored of my fair cousin, and would willingly attempt to make her a worthy husband. If sbe will promise to marry me within one month, I will place tu enty thor- sand dollars in your hands, to be returned by you when you feel able!” ; Jessie stood with a pale, averted face, ber lips compressed, and eyes ane Simon Shields fair y trembled with joyful anticipation of being released from bis pecuni- ary strait. **My boy, 1 leave my daughter to decide the matter. Icould never force ber to do anything against her will, and yet I know ef no one but you that I would like tosee ber marry. But, tell me, Edward, bow came you by 0 much money # I was not aware that you were more than a poor banker’s clerk.” ) “T have been saving and eminently successful - in speculation, sir,” was the answer. | “‘ A care- ful young man, nowadays, need not forever be poor. * Right you are! I am proud of your success, as, indeed, my child ought to be. Jessie, dear, it is all with you to decide, now. You proposed one sacrifice, to-night—will you make another for your poor old father’s sake?” The pretty girl stood half irresolute for a moment, a trifle of moisture in her eyes, which was not perceptible to her father and cousin, . Finally, however, she turned and gave a hand to each, b ‘ “Tam but a child; I will yield to your supe- rior judgment, papa,” she said, in a husky voice. ‘‘Mr. Temple, you can pay the money to papa, and consider the matter settled.” She turned then and went up to ber own room, while a gleam of quiet satisfaction enter- ed Ned Temple’s eyes, as he and Simon Shields seat-d themselves at the table. The young Easterner then took a long pocket- book from an inner pocket and counted out the amount he was to pay, in crisp notes, whose de- nominations were from one hundred to one thousand dollars each,
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‘* By receipt of this I am saved!” he chuckled. **T am much obliged to you, Ned, my boy, and ou are welcome to the dowel Ihave given you, y the saints prosper you both! IT’ll excuse you, now, while I arrange some private mat- ters. And considering himself dismissed, youn Temple betook himself out about town to see i there was anything new on foot. It was dark now, and shortly after Ned’s de- parture, Simon Shields answered a rap at the door and admitted the Vailed Woman, whohad previously paid him a visit, and ushered her into | the parlor. She walked with a light, elastic step, as if in anticipation of victory. “Well,” she said, opening the conversation as soon as they were seated, “ft see you had enough fear of me to resort to important measures for protection?” “Tt might appear so.” “ Ah! yes. It was too bad, really, that the outlaw should be arrested before he could pay over the money. It places you in an unenviable sition, “ Why so?” * Because it will now be impossible for you to get it from him, at present, and I have de- cided to give you no further extension of time,” **You will not betray me for a matter of a few days?” “Ha! ha! are you a fool that you do not know me yet? [I will betray you this very night unless my fingers feel the grateful touch of five thou- sand dollars within an hour.” ‘*Then I suppose I shall haye to gratify you this time,” the old_mine-owner said, taking the exact sum from his pocket and handing it to her, “but Heaven only knows where the next is to come from, if you ever again ask for money.” The Vailed Woman counted over the money to see that it was right; then shoved it into her pocket, with a chuckle, ‘*{ dare say you'll find it, before you'll sub- mit to exposure,” she said, exultantly. ‘* Where did you make a raise of this?” ‘**T do not consider that any of your business,” Shields replied. ‘‘I have complied with your demand—now begone.” “Not till I getready. You dare not put me eh you going to surrender the girl to A 0. ss BY no means. What do you know of him?’ “ Nothing.” ‘*¢ You are lying!” **No, 1am not. Hark!” They both listened. The sound of many feet were. nearing the Shields residence. The vailed woman reached the window first, and peered ont. “As I thought,” she said, with something like a laugh. ‘‘ Oregon Bill is coming with his ng, and they’re a legion. He was second ghest bidder on the girl, you know. Ill escape by the rear.” And she was gone ere he could reply. Knowing that gee. action was the only reasonable way of getting through the matter, Mr. Shields threw open the door, and took his stand m the threshold, with a pair of revol- vers in hand, ready for use. He was not a moment too soon, for Oregon Bill, backed by three-score of men of his own rude type, came rushing up like a charging regiment. * Halt!” Simon Shields ordered, when the were near at hand. in your tracks, just slack up a bit!” “Slack she am!’ Oregon Bill cried. dye waat, old man?” “The very thing I want to know of you,” Simon replied, promptly. ‘6 en answered !” the age roared. ‘T r e reckon I cum hyer my gal, Jessie, I bid highest next tew the road-agent, an’ he bein’ an outlaw, on course his bid don’t count. So no one’s got a better right to her nor me.” “You are wrong, sir. My daughter has been sold, and legally transferred to her cousin, Edward Temple. So you can return whence you came!” “Oh! I can, hey! But, ye see, I won't. Ef ye don’t surrender the gal to me, me an’ my crowd will lynch you fust, an’ take her after- ward. So decide quick!” Something unseen touched the mine-owner’s arm then, and a voice nearly inaudible, hissed in his ear: : “Sh! Nota word or look. You are in deadly peril! Only I can provide you with a place of safety. Swear by your hope of wmeriting “What “If yeu don’t want to die abo then heaven, that you wiil never reveal, what you see ” Py ‘[ swear!” Simon. Shields said, not knowing what other reply to make, and realizing that he had little mercy to expect from Oregon Bill, “ Then turn, and follow me quickly!” Raising one of his weapons, and firing at Oregon Bill, the mine-owner turned and fol- lowed his unknown guide, who led the way from the house by the rear, and dodged away through the bushy gulch. The yells of the baffled roughs broke the still- ness of the night, but by using his utmost efforts, Shields managed to keep at bis guide’s heels, and soon discovered that by making a wide circuit, they had arrived at a closely- shuttered cabin near, and in the rear of the bank. The guide was pretty well muffled and dis- guised, wearing a la: ge cloak and a sombrero slouched over his eyes. At the cabin door he paused. Unlocking the door, he pushed Shields in aio then entered himself, and locked it behind m. Applying a lighted match to a torch, he had the room soon brightly iluminated. It was furnished only with a table and stool, and did not look as though it was often used, The guide now turned his back to Simon Shields, and when. be turned around again bis face was wholly hidden from view by a full mask. “You bad a narrow escape!” he said, in a hoarse voice. ‘* But Jessie—my child!” It had only just occurred to him that he had, like.a coward, run away and left her in the house at the mercy of Oregon Bill and bis gang. **She is safe. looked out for her welfare before I did for yours. Come! follow me, and say nothing.” 6 lifted a trap-door in the floor, and de- seended a steep flight of stairs, into a dimly- lighted cellar. ere another trap was raised, and another flight of stairs descended, into a larger and deeper cellar, the ceiling of which was planked up, and supported by stone pillars. The scene here presented was truly startling to Simon Shields, who bad never dreamed of such villainy in Sassafras. The apartment was brilliantly lit with oil lamps, and the place was supplied with air by means of a hand- pump and pipe, manipulated by a greasy-look- ng hinaman. he vault was supplied with what appeared to bea portable printing press, near which were tables containing dies, tools, engraved stones, and so forth. The press was not at present in operation, In another portion of the vault was a long ta- ble, around which four men were seated, en- gaged in counting new, crisp bills of the de- nomination of ten dollars, and putting them in packages. All four were clothed in long, somber gowns, with hoods combined, and grotesque full masks upon their faces. They instantly arose upon the arrival of Simon Shields and his guide, and advanced a few paces, “] bring with me a man whom I rescued from the jaws of death. Have you any mercy to offer. him?’ the guide asked, addressing the others. ‘You speak wrongly,” one man said. ‘ This is the very jaws of death to which you bave brought bim. Simon Shields, do you know where you are?” “‘T should infer that I am in a counterfeiter’s den,” the mine-owner said, grimly. f “You are not mistaken,” the other replied. **Do you recognize me?” ; it Only by your voice. You are Ira Danfield, udge.’ ‘Right again. Then here are Blake, Moore and Allen, three more out of the eight that con- stitute the band. As I said, you bave entered the jaws of death. No man enters here ever to go forth into the world again until he bas be- come a full-fledged member by swearing our oath of eternal loyalty, seerecy, and brotherly love. The captain is not present just now, but being his lieutenant, I can swear you in, or if yon prefer not to become a member, Temple will lock you in a dungeon, which we have prepared for such cases.” ‘Temple?’ Simon gasped. ; * Yes, uncle, your dutiful nephew!” the guide answered, with a laugh. ? “Then the money was counterfeit?” ‘Of course. But no one will ever be the wiser, Come, be sensible, and take the oath of allegiance.” ‘‘ Who is the captain?” “ John Lee— Rats.” ** And the other members?” ‘Stein the cashier, and old Tiger Tooth.” The mine owner was silont a moment, and appeared to be in deep meditation. “ Well, as it seems 1 have fallen into a trap, and cannot easily esc:pe, I may as well make the most of my situation. suppose I get a share in the spoils.” ‘Jobn Lee receives one-half of all the good money realized from the exchange of the bogus, We siveny share what is left,” “s aoe ! the Celestial has got a monopoly, eh? Well, ’m ready.” Temple surrendered him to the other four then, who led him to one end of the vault, and uncovered an object, which proved to be a cof- D. In it, with a dagger plunged in his heart, were the ghastly remains of a man who had not long been murdered, evidently, being in the first stages of decomposition. Shields was forced to stoop and kiss the ca- daver’s face, and then repeat an oath that would have made the blood of an anchorite run cold, He was then pronounced a member, and warned that the least slip of his tongue, or any act.on tending to betray the league, would be the signal of his death. } He was now chown the workings of the coun- terfeiters’ system in all its details, and after- ward a bottle of wine was cracked over bis new membership. They were in the midst of these festivities when a cry of rage was heurd, and there leaped into their presence no less a personage than the wealthy Chinaman, Rats! His face was flaming with rage, and he was evidently in a condition of fury. ‘“’Melican man comee to Chinerawe palace. Rats no likee. Rats killee ’Melican man, an’ den hab ’Melican girl.” He seized a revolver that hung on his po and cocking it, advanced toward—not Simon Shields, but his nephew, Ned Temple. ‘*Melican traitor steallee deal on Rats,” he hissed, his =r evidently growing greater. ‘*He stealee "Melican girl away, likee a stealee horse. Come, Chinaman fightee—ki lee Temple—den havee ’Melican Jessie allee samee, No fightee, me killee allee samee.” “Yas, yer in fer it, Ned,” Danfield said, ‘*You might as well take your chances as to die where you sit.” But Rats was a dead shot, and it looked du- bious for young Temple. CHAPTER IX, A LIFE FOR A LIFE. We left A No. 1 in the bank alone, the cashier Stein having gone below. a) Where he had gone the detective was not positive, but concluded that, maybap, into a vault where money or gold was stored; but, as the moments passed by and no Stein returned, a thoughtful expression overcame the Toll-tak- er’s face, ““T’ve balf a notion to believe that trap is the entrerce to the den of the pang of counter- teiters, ve mused; ‘ and ifsuch is the case, why Stein bes gone down to fetch them upon me. Wish I.were free of these bonds?” Wishing was one thing, however, and gettin rid of them another. His wrists were secure behind his back, and his feet as firmly bound, with a strong lariat, Without outside aid, it would take him a long while to get free, Hark! Outside the bank, and evidently at some little distance, he heard loud yells and revenge- ful shouts, **T wonder if it isn’t Oregon Bill and his gong attacking the Shieles’s place?’ be thought, without knowing for a certainty that bis sur- mise was correct, “If so, I may reasonably expect that they will try to visit me while on their rampage.” He listened eagerly, and soon became satisfied that he was not wrong. The hooting and bowling in the vicinity of the Shields residence died out directly, and soon afterward the imp: isoned Toll-taker could hear stealthy footsteps and the murmur of a number of voices on the outside of the bank, ‘They're after me,” he mused; “ buf P’m of the opinion that the door cf the bank wi!] stand a deal of battering before it will give in.” A rap presentiy sounded upon the door, and the hoarse voice of Oregon Bill cried out:
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= “Open up, thar, or we'll bu’st the door in, cuss ye!” ‘* Sorry I can’t accommodate you, Bill,” A No. 1 cried. ‘‘They’ve got me penned up in here, and I can’t move. How’s things out- side?” ** Blamed unhealthy fer you, ef we git our books on ye!” was the savage response. ‘I sold man Shields an’ his gal in thar? “No, I’m alone.” The ruffian band appeared to hold a consulta- tion then, and although it was patent that some were left to keep a watch over the jail, A No. 1 heard a number move away. They had probably gone in quest of Shields ‘and Jessie. ‘‘There’s going to be trouble in Sassafras be- fore my case is settled,” the prisoner inferred. “T'm between two fires, as it were. The ruf- fians will not yield me to the citizens without a bitter struggle, and the aforesaid citizens, if I mistake not, are connected with the counter- feiters’ gang, and they will prefer _to attend to my proper disposal themselves, Hello Y” This exclamation was occasioned by the rais. ing of the trap once more, and the ascent of two persons into the room, One was Sassafras City’s new schoolmistress, and the other was an illy-clad, vinegar-faced woman, with sharp black eyes, a red nose, and thin mouth—a personage whom Business did not favor in the least, so far as resemblance was concerned. Yet there was a shrewd cunning in the wom- an’s countenance, that evidenced an iron will and a wily nature. The pretty face of Bessie was pale and anx- ious, as she saw her imprisoned lover, while the face of the elder woman wore an expression of malicious triumph. “So you are at last conquered, eh?” she be- gan, as she paused before A No. 1, with a sort of grating chuckle. ‘*Do I look conquered, because I am a pris- oner?” was the retort. ‘I fancy I have no rea- son to confess defeat at this early stage of the drama.” His calm demeanor evidently nettled the woman, for her face flamed with anger. “1 fancy Pr will get your deserts here,” she replied. ‘* Didn’t 1 warn you once never to fol- low us, or seek to renew acquaintance with my daughter?” “T havea faint recollection of something of the kind,” was the quiet vg be “ And yet you dared to disregard my wishes, you ru ’ 18 i refer to me, madam, I did, most ‘*Humph! you had an interview with her, in the school-room, and according to agreement, she is to become Mrs. Jail Bird as soon as you clear up the mystery that overhangs her life!” the woman sneered. A. No. 1 flushed and shot a glance at Business, who was deadly pale. ‘Oh! she didn’t tell me!” the woman went on. ‘lL overheard all. Leave it to Marie Ber- trand to find out these things.” ‘You needn’t have exonerated her!” the de- tective flashed back. ‘ My trust is too strong in her to doubt her, for a moment.” “ Well!” “* Well! you have the floor—go on!” “Thank you; I will. Are you aware that you have undertaken something too heavy for ou?” me Certainly not. I seldom enter into con- tracts that I am unable to fulfill.” “You are a fool. You know absolutely “nothing.” “Many thanks for your flattering opinion. If the adage is true, that it’s never too late to wiearn, I must have profited largely then, since your arrival.” : His sarcasm seemed to infuriate the woman, but her strong will helped her to keep much of her anger back. ““ What do you know?” she demanded. “« Nothing—absolutely nothing!” he answered, provokingly. “You lie. Tell me!” she hissed. ‘“‘T do not care to startle you!” he smiled. “ But why prolong this interview? I did not dog you here, as you seem to infer. I came on business and met Bessie by chance. I have nothing _— you as you seem to have against me, and I will not wrangle with you.” * But yon will have Bessie?” “a Yes! ? He said it with sufficient emphasis to let her know that he meant it. ‘“« And there is just where you err!” Marie de- clared, ‘‘I will, myseif, place her in her coffin A No.-1, the Dashing ‘Toll-Taker. ere you shall ever have her. Understand that now, and for good. I came here to offer you your liberty, on conditions!” “You need not name them. I will never give Bessie up!” ‘‘Oh! well, you are the chooser and the loser. Swear to forswear all claim upon her and I will set ra free. Otherwise, Oregon Bill will settle with you.” ‘Oh, well, I’d as lieve settle with a tiger asa tigress.” ‘You will not come to terms, then?” ** Positively, no!” Well, the murder of her”—with a nod to- ward Business—* will be u;on your shoulders, then. ‘You have looked upon her face for the last time.” A No. 1 uttered a dry laugh, at which Marie Bertrand started. ‘Why do ta laugh? Do you doubt me?” she demanded, fiercely. ‘Not in the least!” the Toll-taker confessed. ‘‘ But did you ever see a practical miner throw away a solid nugget of gold and take up a worthless cobblestone in place of it?” “‘The furies seize you!” was the only answer she made, as she motioned for Business to de- scend into the ceJlar through the trap. Instead, however, the girl sprung to the Toll- taker’s side, threw her arms around him and whispered something in his ear. Marie uttered a cry of rage, and would have attempted to drag her away, only that Business eluded her and escaped down the steps. * Curse her!” Marie hissed. ‘Did she kiss ou? ‘““No; but she £3 ahead of you!” A No. 1 laughed. ‘““You’d better reconsider your dis- like of me, Marie, for love laughs at jailers.” “But not at lynch law!” was the savage response, as the woman descended through the i and pulled the door down after her. hen Business threw her arms about the Toll-taker and whispered in his ear, her words had been— ‘“* For me—strike for liberty!” Tn the same action she had dexterously bef a a serviceable knife into his hands, still bound be- hind his back. When they were gone it took him but a moment to release his hands, and then his feet, when he stood once more erect, with the old defiant glit- ter in his eyes. ‘*T am not helpless now, if I am a prisoner,” he muttered, A hasty examination of the door proved that there was little hope of his making good his es- cape by that avenue, so he turned his attention in other directions. A igiemig 3: exploration of the bank resulted in his finding two pairs of loaded revolvers, which he Sppro riated without hesitation. “Now, then, | must make or break at once,” he muttered, ‘‘and the only way out of here ap- pears to be by the cellar route. I can’t more than fall into another difficulty at the worst, and I’m pretty well ‘heeled’ in the bargain. If they take me again it won’t be until some one bites the dust.’ Siv:on Shields felt immensely relieved when he saw that the Celestial’s challenge was not meant for him. “Yes, Ned, you’ve got to fight,” was his ea- ger advice. ‘If you can’t give the pigtail as good as he gives you, why, it’s funny.” Temple looked ill at ease. For himself, he knew literally nothing about pital practice, and doubted not that Rats would nish him at the first shot. ‘“‘T am not afraid to fight,” he declared, ‘‘ but being the challenged party, I ougtt to have it to say what weapons shall be used.” All eyes were turned inquiringly upon the Chinaman. ** John Lee no Mt muchee coward,” the Ce- lestial growled. ‘‘ Allee samee how fightee— killee "Melican man.” “Then we will make the weapons knuckles,” Temple declared. ‘I know nothing about fight- ing in any shape, and you will have the advan- tage of me anyhow.” ts hesitated a moment, as if tempted to ob- ject, but the taunting grunt from his band caused him finally to put up his weapons and double up his fists. rtp is to be a fight for victory!” Temple cried. ““Muchee allee samee like debbil!” was the Sn reply. ‘’Melican gal belong to g, “Let the struggle be for life and death!” Si- mon Shields cried, eagerly. ‘I will then meet the victor, to decide who is boss here.” There was a murmur of surprise from the other counterfeiters at this. The two illy-matched antagonists then took their positions. ? \ ‘‘ After the first knock-down, it’s pile on top and finish with the knife!” Ned Temple cried, an evil light in his eyes. ‘‘ Velly well,” Rats answered. Then the battle began. " hee had lied in declaring he knew nothing about fighting, for it took but a few moments to show he was well versed in the science of pugil- ism, But evidently the most surprised man of the two was himself, for he soon found that the Ce- lestial knew a few points about the manly art as well as about shooting. \ Temple got in the first blow with blood-telling effect upon John Lee’s flat nose; but that was not worth mentioning, for within the next two minutes the Celestial rained a perfect shower of stinging taps upon the American’s face, that caused it to have a decidedly mottled appear- ance, Temple retaliated with an occasional ‘teller ;” but, do the best he could, he failed to knock Mr. Washee-Washee out of time, which was his only hope for victory, as he was ready to knife him, once he got him floored. ¢ Rats evidently knew this quite as well as his opponent, and seemed for a time to take enjoy- ment in pummeling away at his rival’s face. Finally, however, Temple grew furious at his defeat, and made an extra effort, in which he got in two blows on the side of Rats’ head, which bad a staggering effect, and seemed to warn the victim that it was necessary to wind up matters without delay. He therefore ‘struck out.from the shoulder,” and gave the Easterner a blow upon the fore- head, between the eyes, that laid him as emphat- ically upon his back as a sledge-hammer blow would have done, An instant later the wiry heathen was upon his rival’s breast, and clutched a gleaming knife in his hand. Simon Shields darted forward to take his nephew’s part, but the other counterfeiters pulled him back. “Tet up! Danfield hissed, ‘The fool pro- paved the knife finish, and all’s got to be fair ereabouts.” Edward Temple was as white as a sheet. ‘Mercy! mercy!” he begged, in abject terror. Rats did not strike, but e was exultance upon his face. “Why not killeef”? he grinned. ‘’Melican man dead—den ’Melican gal b’long to Rats, allee velly nicee.” ae n’t oh ee I beg. I was fooling about the ife part!” Temple gasped. ee Lie likee devil, Where ’Melican girl!” ‘“‘T have her secreted where she is safe.” “Tell Chinaman where, or killee muchee quickeej” ‘‘ Never!” Ned gritted. He did not believe the | Celestial would put the threat into execution, But the next instant, when he felt the cold, merciless steel penetrating his vitals, it was too late to retract. One swift, strong blow it was that drove the blade to the hilt—and when Rats arose his vic- ‘Melican girl b’longee to Chinaman!” he cried with a grio, Velly muchee hate to killee, but ling to get out of his captors’ clutches. “ Re- ase me, say. We'll fight, now, to see who is captain here!” e broke loose, finally, and rushed upon the Chinaman, firing at him with a revolver four times in rapid succession. Although Rats had anticipated the attack, he was unprepared to cope with bullets on so short notice, and the second shot pierced his brain, killing him instantly. Simon Shields then wheeled upon the masked counterfeiters, the smoking weapon still in his 4, oF I mache here, ae not?” he roared, fierce- ly, his eyes f: azing. TWe Pa ine SoH cree Danfield assented in some trepidation, “And do you all swear to stand to your former ae: in accepting me as chief of the organization ? ‘We do.” “Tt is well. That heathen’s wealth reverts to me, and all profit henceforth shall be equally divided. To-night, while we have victory in our blood, let us also secure control of the town, and wipe out of existence all those who will not stand under our flag, knowing us to be standard,
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A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 11 Pome 5 6 and law-abiding citizens of Sassa- Tas ‘Wisely spoken!” a voice cried, and Stein, the cashier, suddenly appeared, ‘‘for, ere an- other day, it will be known that we are coun- terfeiters, and if we don’t secure a foothold, now, we never will!” “What? Explain yourself, man!” “Certainly. A No. 1 is in reality Fred Bray- ton, detective, sent here to smell us out. e has escaped from the bank, while I was out, about town!” CHAPTER X. A NEW ROGUE TO THE FRONT. Let us follow the fortunes of A No, 1. When all was in readiness, and he was thor- oughly equipped, including a dark lantern which he found in the bank, be turned up the trap-door, and peered down into the cellar. All was dark and silent, and becoming satis- fied no peril was lurking there, be cautiously descended the steps, closing the trap after him. Once on the cellar bottom, be again paused, and listened, intently, but only the ticking of his watch could be heard. Fully believing himself to be the only occu- pant of the place, he then made no hesitation in turning on the light of his lantern, and making an exploration, The cellar ran in under the whole length and breadth of the building, and was unused, evi- dently, except for the storage of a number of acking-boxes, at the further end, which were Peamed up, ceiling high. Seeing no outlet in any other direction, A No, 1 made bis way toward these boxes, and on reaching them, discovered that there was a narrow passage between them and the rear wall, barely wide enough for a human figure to squeeze through. _ He was considering the feasibility of entering it, when he fancied he heard a footstep, in the distance, Quickly shutting the slide of his lantern, he noiselessly gained concealment behind one of the larger boxes. A few minutes later a person entered the cel- lar, by way of the pussage, and groped his way toward the stairs. ‘‘That’s Stein,” the Toll-taker muttered, ‘‘and it behooves me to get out of here, before he discovers my escape.” Leaving his hiding-place, he noiselessly glided into the space behind the boxes, and directly found himself, half-crawling up a sort of flue or tunnel, which, in the course of a few minutes, brought him out into a dense chaparral, in the rear of the bank. To force his way between the closely matted underbrush, required some little maneuvering, but he finally succeeded, and found himself once more a free man, After a moment of meditation, he decided to seek his stronghold in the mountains, and ob- tain some much-needed rest, before entering further into the business, which had brought nit oopin ops k portion of the gulch, wh eeping in a dar on of the gulch, where he was not likely to encounter friend or foe, he strode swiftly along, his mind dwelling upon the discovery he had made, and upon pretty Business, the schoolmarm o’ Sassafras. So absorbed was he in thought, that he took no notice of where he was going, until he sud- denly felt himself in the firm grasp of a half- dozen men, who made short order of binding bis hands behind his back, and gagging him. He was not so surprised but what he had time to notice that his captors were uniformed as U. 8. cavalry, and it did not require anything further in the way of discovery to make him comprehend his situation. He was quickly hurried forward, around a bend in the gulch, to a sheltered nook, where a camp-fire was wines? Y Here were more blue-coats, as well as a mix- ture of citizens from the town he had escaped 4 ome. before taking up the trail of the counter- eiters, In vain he looked for a friendly face among the crowd; not one was to be found. The entire band wus corposed of the mob who hat pursued and recaptured bim after he had been pardoned by the Governor; and they were headed by an ex-lieutenant of raat vb who had long a sworn enemy of the dash- ing detective; and it was noti that only a a? detachment of the soldiers were regu- rs. The lieutenant, Jim Lacy, uttered an exult- ant yell as his men led the T camp, -taker into the ‘So we have got you at last have we, Fred Brayton?” he sneered, melding up to the pris- oner and glaring at him furiously. ‘‘ You thought we would give you uP, after you so mysteriously esca from jail, but you see the people wouldn’t have it. They say you’re going to end your days like any murderer—by hang- ing! No. 1 could not answer in words, but his gleaming eyes flashed their defiance. “It bas always puzzled us how you broke jail!” Lacy went on. ‘‘There was something queer about it, and if we were to take you back to jail, ten to one an interested party would help you get free again.” ‘Take care, Lacy,” one of the band cautioned. “It’s best not to cast opinions too freely.” ‘I don’t care a curse!” Lacy declared, “I have permission from the Gov’nor to make this chase, and I don’t care who kicks,” _ “No one is sure that you have got the permis- sion,” the other speaker persisted. ‘* You’ve never shown your authority, and if we wanier have things all square, we’ve got to take the feller back wi’ us, and give him a new trial.” A murmur of dissent ran through the crowd, and Lacy fairly danced with rage. ‘‘ You're a fool!” he vociferated. ‘‘I tell you what it is, fellows—a hundred trials wouldn’t do any good, so far as this chap is concerned. He stands in solid with the Governor, and you know the Governor thumbs the law!” Although it was a bold declaration for one man to make, it was apparently not without its effect upon the motley assemblage. The eyes of A No. 1 blazed with anger, but otherwise he refrained from expressing his feelings. ‘**1 reckon the thing is plain enough,” the ex- lieutenant went on. ‘‘ Jim Finch was my cousin, and I feel as much like avenging bim as any- body does. Public opinion don’t allow that Fred Brayton killed Jimmy; but you fellows were the jury, and you saw how it was, and sent Brayton up for life. Who pardoned him? The Governor! He didn’t even ask whether it was right or not. We retook the scamp, and would have lynched him, only some one helped him out re Jail. Who did that? Does any one smell ara Again was there a pause, which was unan- swered. ‘You say I didn’t git a permit from the Gov- ernor to fetch these soldiers along? What of it, if I didn’t? They’re going to desert the army anyhow, and after we lynch this scoundrel Brayton, we’re going to try and make our money easier than by serving Uncle Sam. You’ve got the long and short of it, then, If ou don’t want to join us you can foot it back ome. We'll keep the horses and ammunition, you bet!” ’ It was apparently dawning upon the citizens of the party that they had made a foolish move in following the lead of the treacherous lieuten- ant, and they involuntarily drew apart by them- selves and consulted ther, They were, most of them, honorable fellows, and but for the excitement caused by the mur- der of James Finch, could hardly have been tempted from their homes; and when Lacy bad taken a vengeful stand against Fred Brayton, it bad been meey through the influence of liquor that they had joined in the movement. e soldiers numbered two to one of the citi- zens, and were in all respects better armed and equipped, so that in a struggle, they would in- evitably come out the winners. After epectading: he remarks to the citizens, Lacy turned to A No. 1. ‘t’As for you, Brayton, I'll end your career at sun-up. You're too dangerous a man to be loose about the country, and I'll have revenge on you for killing Jimmy Finch, no matter whether you killed him or not.” He then turned away. The party had evidently only recently ar- ahh iy or preparations were now made for the night, fait a dozen of the men were posted outside the camp for picket duty, and the horses were corraled. The camp-fire was then replenished, after which Brayton was fastened to a tree in the firelight, and the party proceeded to roll them- selves in their blankets, one man remainin awake, ‘“‘to keep an eye open,” as camp-guard, A No. 1 concluded it was not so much on his account, that this man was left on guard, as because Lacy feared a mutiny on the part of the citizens who had accompanied the deserters, and, in so doing, had made themselves liable for inciting to desertion. The short remainder of the night passed all but too papiily to suit the Toll-taker, who had no particular anxiety for the sunrise hour to come. The first faint streak of dawn was just ap- pearing, when he made the discovery that the maken was dozing by the smoldering camp- e. As soon as he discovered this fact, he also be- came cognizant of another, One of the citizens had arisen, and was steal- ing stealthily toward the tree where the Toll- taker was confined. He was a large-built man, with a tremendous reddish beard and bushy hair to match, and was roughly dressed—in fact, a typical rough, in appearance, He carried a dangerous-looking knife in his rasp, and A No. 1 felta little nervous, to say he least, for bis personal safety. Witbout a word, the man appronsie him, and cut the bonds that confined him, and then slipped a revolver into the inner pocket of the -Toll-taker’s jacket. Next, he arranged the severed bonds, so that they had no appearance of having been tam- pered witb. ’ , ‘Be quiet and patient now,” he said, in a voice that was unfamiliar to A No.1. ‘“ We're in a bad mess, and there will be trouble before the matter is ended. Remain where you are, until an attempt is made to lynch you; then, strike for your liberty.” A No, 1 nodded. 4 The man then crept back, and rolled himself up in his blanket. He was none too soon in doing so; for the following moment the sharp challenge of one of the pickets rung out, and the camp was aroused, and by force of habit, sprung to their weapons. One of the pickets presently entered the camp, accompanied by a man, whom Brayton at once recognized as Stein, the cashier and counterfeiter. Lieutenant Lacy and the cashier went apart, and held a long and earnest consultation, which several of the deserting soldiers were directly invited to participate in. Frequent glances were cast toward A No. 1, which warned him that he was the subject of the confab. Some conclusion was finally arrived at, evi- dently, for Stein and the picket took their de- parture. . Shortly afterward, Lacy approached the pris- oner, and removed the gag from his mouth, without discovering that bis other bonds were cut. ‘Well?’ he sneered, ‘‘how do you feel, by this time, Mr. Fred Brayton?” ‘Quite comfortable, thank you!” A No. 1 re- plied, coolly. ‘*Oh! you do? Well, maybe you won't feel so nice, when the rope tightens around your neck. As soon as my reinforcement arrives, from the mining-camp, we will proceed to lynch you without delay. Did you know the man who was just here ‘I’ve seen him!” “Well, he let me have an insight into a little snap, and the boys and I are going to take sides with him and his party, who propose to clean out and take possession of the camp. There is only a handful of men to clean out; then the town is ours, and we'll salivate all strangers who come into it, you bet!” “The counterfeiter’s cause is a good one to re- praeonh I presume, providing you can keep the nited States at bay!” A No. 1 said, with sar- casm. ‘You'll find out so!” was the retort, About balf an hour after sunrise, a body of twenty-five men entered the camp, headed ty Simon Shields, and including Danfield, Stein and the other counterfeiters, the majority of which was composed of miners, who were evidently ignorant of the class of men they were associating with. Another consultation was then held, for sev- eral moments. ‘ No. 1 could catch only now and then a word, but from what he did hear, he arrived at the conclusion that so far as the parp of Sassa- fras was concerned, Oregon Bill held his own, and was pretty well backed, both with ammuni- tion and provision. When the consultation was over, Lieutenant Lacy turned to the citizens, who had accompan- ied him upon his expedition. ‘‘ Well, pilgrims!” he said, gruffly, ‘‘ we want to know what you’re goin’ to do? We’re goin’ to sail in and capture a town, ahead, if we have to wade through blood to get it. If our style don’t suit you, you can take the back trail, on foot. Those who are willing to back me, can
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12 A’No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. consider themselves welcome, and on the road to fortune.” ‘*T gness you can excuse me,” the red-whisk- ered man said, picking up his rifle. ‘I’ve gone as fur asI care to.” / “Then get up and git, and don’t show your- self around here again, or you'll lose your life. When you get home give the Governor Mr. Lacy’s respects.” The man made no reply, but strode away u 1 e gulch, evidently glad to get out of such bad * mpany. ’ On being interrogated, the other men signified their intention of standing by Lacy. Everything now being apparently to the schemer’s satisfaction, a guard was sent out to reconnoiter. He was gone about an hour, when he returned with the intelligence that there was great activ- ity noticeable in Sassafras and that Oregon Bill had thrown out pickets, so that it was difficult to get close to the town, ‘That means that there will soon be an at- tack,” Lacy said to Shields, as they stood near where rn was confined. ‘‘I am not leased at that, for I would prefer to make the initial attack. At any rate, it is necessary that we shall get this fellow out of the way.” Without trial?” ‘Of course! Why bother with formality?’ “ But, might he not be a valuable addition to our force?” **He would not join!” “Not if his life was threatened?” ““Try him and see.” Simon Shields accordingly approached the prisoner, gravely. ‘““Young man!” he said, “‘ [suppose you are aware that it bas been Lieutenant Lacy’s pur- ei to lynch you, for the crime of murdering is cousin?” “T reckon I heard him mention something of the kind,” A No, 1 answered, indifferently. ‘Exactly. Well I have been talking with him, in your behalf, and have finally got him to promise to spare vour life, sir.” ‘You don’t say?” _ “Ido. Bu’ there are conditions. You must join our forces, and endeavor to help us to win a victory |’ ‘*Then, I most emphatically decline.” ‘““What! will you throw your life away, when you can save it?’ * By no means.” * But, if you do not join, you will be strung up without mercy !” Oh, no! I'll live to hand you over to your greatest enemy, yet!” Shields grew white. For a moment he seemed staggered; the next, however, he turned to Lacy, the fire of a tiger in his eyes. ‘*Bring the ropel” he cried. ‘I, too, want to See this devil lynched. All hands to the front, to assist in swinging A No, 1, the detec- tive road-agent, into eternity!” i the call was answered with a vengeful ye ; CHAPTER XI. THE FIRST STRUGGLE FOR SASSAFRAS, A No. 1 had been waiting for something of the kind to happen, fully nerved to makea Bold stroke for liberty, let the result be what it might. Accordingly, when the soldiers made a rush to the nearest saddle-bow, for a lariat, with an exultant shout, the Toll-taker, casting off the bonds that appeared to hold him to the tree, pass ig away with the agility of a fox up the gulch. He was around the bend in the trail, before she astonishment of his captors admitted of ’ eir making a move, in,pursuit, and before one ' them had appeared und the bend, the aring nran was far up the mountain-side, in the triendly shelter of a wilderness of scrub pines. Here he paused, and waited. Presently he saw the gang dash around the bend, and after running a short distance to- ward Sassafras. come to a halt, evidently hesi- tating to go further, for fear of gettin a volley from the weapons of Oregon Bill’s pickets. They appeared to hold a parley, after which they turned, and disappeared once more be- hind the bend. Satisfied they had given him up, as out of their reach, A No, 1 gradually picked his way along the precipitous mountain-side, taking good care to keep himself as much under cover as ble, lest some lurking picket should see and fire upon bim. In this way, he continued, until he came op- the camry of Sassafras, with its scatter- ang of outlying shanties and cabins, Here to his joy, he found a little opening in the mountain, which had sometime answered the purpose of a bear’s cave, and from the mouth of which he could command on uninter- rupted view of the gulch and camp below. “T reckon I'll stop here, awhile!” he said, peering into the cave, to ascertain if any dan- er lurked there. ‘There will be a conflict own there, directly, and I would like to see which party gets the worst of it.” The camp, below, presented a lively appear- ance. The street was filled with men, all armed with guns, and it was perceptib!e that all neces- sary arrangements were being made, in antici- pation of an attack. As near as A No. 1 could judge, Lacy party numbered the most men, but in a rough and tumble battle, the men of Sassafras were lit- erally a legion. With no weapons except a revolver, the Toll- taker did not deem it safe to venture nearer tho town, and, yet, he was not alittle anxious con- ‘cerning Bessie. That Marie Bertrand would harm her, he had no fear, because he had good reason to believe that would interfere with a‘scheme she was working out. His anxiety was that she was in the camp, and would fall into’the bands of old Simon Shields and Lacy, who were now practically outlaws, and at heart veritable ruffiens. Among the men in the street below the watcher saw the commanding figure of Oregon Bill, who was striding about and giving orders to the men, over whom he presided as captain, “ Tnough a typical border ruffian, that fellow is clear grit to the backbone, and I believe if he were brought to believe that he could be a gen- tleman, a great change would be wrought in him,” A No. 1 mused. ‘If eitber party needs assistance, it will be Bill’s gang, and Pll lend them a belping hand, maybap,” He was not wrong in bis opinion that Lacy’s ang would make an attack during the forenoon, or the sun was not three hours high when A No. 1 saw them steal around the bend, four abreast, and move down upon the camp, their march be- ing that cf a drilled company, and their rifles gleaming in the sunlight The s idiers were in the lead, and the re- mainder of the party brought up the rear. ‘From all appearances it was their intention to make the attack as much of a surprise as pos- sible, and it looked to the watcher in the cave as if they would, in a measure, succeed, for the men in the camp were consideraby scattered, and could not well mass together ata sudden call. Realizing the necessity of apprising them of the impending danger, A No, 1 drew bis re- volver, and holding it behind a bush at the mouth of the cave, so that ue flash might be seen, he fired. The report reached the camp, and had the effect to draw the men somewhat closer together, but it also had the effect to start the assailants off in a double-quick movement, and they were past the pickets and rushing down the stage 10ad into the camp, ere the men under Oregon Bill had any chance to form into anything like battle array. Such of them as were together, however, stood their ground ‘bravely, and when the on- slaught came, raised their rifles, and poured a destructive volley into the enemy’s ranks. It was answered, however, with terrific ef- fect, and for the space of five minutes the roar of the battle was loud and strong, and A No. 1 could make out but one mass of struggling bu- manity, owing to the smoke that rose from the scene of battle. The bang! bang! bang of weapons, the venge- ful yells of the living, and agonized screeches of the dying, made it a literal pandemonium. ‘Pm afraid Oregon Bills side is getting the worst of it!” A No. 1 mused, as be watched and listened. “Ha! they are ceasing to fire.” It was even so; the firing had suddenly ceased, and the smoke slowly lifted. A thrilling sight was then exposed to the eye of the Toll-taker. The invaders had fared best in the battle, evi- dently, for the remnant of Oregon Bill’s party had retreated to the further side of the camp, where they were visible, huddled together be- bind the shanties. ; The soldiers bad also taken a like shelter, at the north end of the camp, so that in fact the town was not yet fully in the possession of either pa . of the defenders, there remained but about twenty-five or thirty. The rest lay stretched out, stiff and lifeless, upon the ee The Joss to the renegade party was large, but not to be compared with that of their oppo- nents. Their side—that is, Lacy’s—numbe something likesixty men, and very few of them, apparently, were actually slain. rom what he could see, A No, 1 concluded that there would be no renewal of the conflict, until night; but, in the mean time, either side were keeping a sharp outlook, in order to pick off aman whenever opportunity afforded a chance. A man lost, now, meant much, especially to Oregon Bili’s side. Between the two parties, there intervened about three hundred yards of space, and the ground was occupied by several shanties, which, however, were rather too far apart to admit of either band getting nearer to the other without being discovered. Both bands bad a picket-spy posted upon the roof of ashanty, to watch and guard against a surprise. oting all these points, A No. 1 left the cave, and stole cautiously along the mountainside, to the southward. It was bis purpose, if possible, to gain Oregon Bill’s camp, in disguise, which he could arrange very well, as be had some paraphernalia secreted below the town. In neither camp, norin any part of the village had he seen anything of either Bessie or Jessie Shields, and he was anxious, if possible, to learn their whereabouts. It was imperative for him to move with ut- most caution, and accordingly it took him a couple of hours to gain the guleb, where his dis- guises were stored. . ‘ Here he proceeded to array himself, and in a short time the job was finished, and he was as rough avd at the same time, as green looking a pilgrim as ever struck his pick into Western seil, in search of gold. Satisfied that his make-up would pass the sharpest scrutiny, he made his way leisurely me toward Oregon Bill’s camp, equipped with an old shot-gun and rifle, combined. As soon as he was in the immediate vicinity of the camp he began whistling merrily, and in accordance with his expectation, it was not long before he was challenged by a rough-look- ing customer, who shoved the muzzle of a pis- tol into his face. ‘Slow up thar, pardner! Whar ye goin’?” be saluted, savagely. “Durn yer skin, to Sassafras, 0’ course,” was the answer in the strong vernacular of the bor- der. ‘‘ What’s the matter wi’ you‘—what in thunder is it yer bizness whar I’m goin’?” ‘Dll show you if you give meany o’ yer lip, ros loot,” the picket declared. ‘' We’ve rouble in camp, an’ we don’t allow no one to enter it unless he kin give a satisfactory ex- plenation.” ‘+ Well, [ll tell ye, ef ye wanter know. I’m Si Jones, from Wolf Run, an’ I kim down heer to lick thunder outen an old cusscalled Sime Shields, ’eause he sold me a claim ’twa’n’t wu’th a burro’s blankit.” ‘Well, as Shields happens to be wi’ a gang 0’ roughs who. is fightin’ ag’in’ us, Lreckon ye hed better go in, an’ ax the boss ef ye can a tbru’ to t’other side o’ town,” the picket said. Having been prepared for somet os this, A No. 1 made haste to comply with the invita- tion, and was soon in the midst of the men, who were, for the most part, clustered behind one shanty. } : They regarded bim ay ct we and might bave done worse, but that the Toll-taker got in the first say. “Hello, pards! How d’y’ do? Reckon ye don’t know me, do ye? Si Jones, from Wolf Run. Guess ye hev bin bavin’ a purty tough time, ’cordin’ to the guard back yinder. Whar’s Oregon Bill—be didn’t get plugged, did he? Bill an’ I uster be prime favorites in a scrimmage?” “Yas, Bill's salivated, an’ I opine he’s fit fer the last time,” one of the men growled. * He’s in thar,” and he indicated a shanty close by. “Spose ye’ve no "jections ter a feller takin’ a squint at him, eh? Sutbin’o’a doctor myself, @ see,” ‘Go ahead, then.” Without further delay, A No. 1 entered the shanty, closing the door behind him. There was but one room, and this was mea- gerly furnished. Upon a sort of cot bea the wounded bully was stretched, and though he made no aucible comp!aint, it was evident that he was suffering great pain. A young lady, neatly dressed, sat by the bed- side, and was bathing his forehead. She looked up and bowed as the Toll-taker ‘approached, and then dropped her gaze.
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Oregon Bill’s eyes were closed. ** He seems to be in great pain, Miss Shields,” Brayton said, ‘‘ Where is he wounded?” ‘*We don’t know, except it is somewhere in the breast. He fiercely objects to any one’s making an examination. I do not believe he can live long.” Brayton stepped closer to the bed. ‘* Bill’ he said, in his natural tone of voice. The bully opened his eyes with a start and looked up. ‘““What?’ he demanded. ‘‘Who are you— what do you want?” “Pm your friend, Bill, and I am sorry to see you on your back. Are you badly hurt?” “Kinder hit,” was the answer, with a faint attempt to smile, that nearly ended in a groan. “Got a lung shot, 1 guess. It don’t matter, anyhow. Id jest as leave peg out now as any time. But who are you? on’t ssem to reck- ernise ye, an’ as fer a friend, it’s bin many a long year senve I had one, till this little gal came in to nuss me.” “‘ Well, Bill, 'm your friend, too, when you're down. I’m here to help your boysclean out the gang of cut-throats and counterfeiters at the onan: end.” ot regon’s eyes lighted up with pleasure. “* Bully fer. ay he said, ‘“T reckon we fel- lers is as good as’em rascals, ef we hev bin rough cusses in the past. What’s yer name?” “fy am Fred Brayton, detective, but better known to you as A No. 1!” ; Oregon Bill uttered a gasp, and Jessie could not repress a little cry, as the sport took off his wig and false beard. Bill was silent a moment. “You know about the battle?” he said, grim- ly. Vi Yes, I saw it.” “Then that’s why ye’r’ here. You intend to betray my handful of men into the trap o’ them other skunks!” ‘You do me an injustice, Bill. I came here to help you, not toinjure you. You look upon meas anenemy. I cherish no such feeling to- ward you, I will give up my life before the renegades shall triumph.” _ ‘Dash me ef I don’t believe you mean it, Cap!” ‘I do indeed!” ‘* Well, you can bet I’m with you, then, Bray- ton, lain’t o’ much account any way ye can fix it, an’ I wouldn’t fetch haff a cent a pound fer soap-grease, but let me tell ye, I know what ye come to Sassafras for, an’ I know suthin’ that you'd dance to know.” And the fellow’s eyes flashed toward Jessie for an instant, Brayton looked surprised and excited. “Go on!” he encouraged. “Not now,” Bill said. ‘I wanter see ye clean out that crowd w'at salivated us—then ye shall know that which'll make yecry Eureka! y: ma puree to this?” *“No. I’m near enough over the dam Wb 3h lie - fei . 2 a ‘* Very well, it’s agreed, There will likel an attack to-night.” _ ‘*Sart’in. ou ain’t got much of a crowd in numbers, pard, but they’re thunderin’ gritty.” ‘Never fear. We won't be defeated to-night. oe. you better let me dress your wound, ill? ‘Nary!” be said, with a grimace. ‘It don’t bleed—outside. I'll last till to-morrow sunrise, That'll about wind up my career.” From his words Brayton understood that his wound was internal, and that he was gradually filling up inside, ’ There followed a little desultory conversation, when Jessie asked: ‘““Mr. Brayton, do you know where my father “I bappen to have the honor of knowing where Simon Shields is, miss—if you count him your father,” the sport answered, in bis dry way. ‘‘A few hours ago he was in the coun- terfeiters’ party, which, with a gang of desert- ing soldiers to help them, propose to take this town. Shields seems to be the chief of the gang. At any rate, he was going to help lynch e “Ob, sir! this seems incredible!” “Very likely; but it is nevertheless true. Shields is a consummate villain, and you need have no respect for him.” “‘ What, sir? No respect for my father?” “ Certainly—for—but never mind now. “JT don’t understand, sir!” ““Then understand this much. It is my busi- ness here to prove Simon Shields a murderer, a thief, a kidnapper, and a villain of the deepest dye, You are not his daughter. All in good time you will know more. Oregon, will you call the men in and explain to them? ‘Yas. Gal, will ye jest go out an’ say half a dozen o’ ’em is wanted{” Jessie obeyed, her face full of wonderment at what she bad just heard. The men filed into the shanty with grim and silent visages, but looked startled when they saw Brayton. ‘‘ Boyees!” Oregon Bill said, raising on his el- bow with an effort, ‘this hyer feller's A No. 1, alias Fred Brayton, detective, an’ Pve ie found out that he’s as square asa cube. I ain’t wi’ ye, an’ ye wanta reg’lar streak o’ lightnin’ ter pull ye thr’u’ what’s comin’ arter dark. I opine ye’ve got ter fite like wild-cats, an’ hyer’s a eT cuss as wull lead ye right thr’u’, Eb, o. 1? ‘* We'll take the camp or die in the attempt!” Brayton answered, firmly. A cheer rose from the men, and Oregon Bill seemed greatly pleased. ‘** Waal, you'll take him instead o’ me, eh?— fer I can’t navigate.” “* You bet!” was the answer. ‘Waal, I’m sartin ye’ll pull thr’u’—not all o’ ye, mebbe, but some o’ ye—an’ ef any 0’ ye draps, fellers, I opine I'll jine over the river ter- morrer sunrise. Go, now, an’ in yer hearts say a little prayer for Oregon Bill. May God for- give us all!” The men tearfully departed. The day was well advanced. The night was coming on. The heavens were growing dark and forbid- ding, and a dark, terrible night seemed to be impending. : CHAPTER XII, THE NIGHT STRUGGLE. BRAYTON soon joined the men, outside, and they appeared to welcome him heartily. Indeed, with the dubious prospect of a wild nocturnal storm, and a deadly battle, in the bar- in, they evidently did not feel disposed to get nsulted at the offer of aid from any one. After ‘sizing them all up,” to the best of his ability, Brayton was agreeably surprised that they were really not such a bad lot of fellows, a might be, and were brave and resolute, to a ault, “D’ye think Bill’s goin’ over the shute?” one of the crowd asked of the detective—a stalwart Nebraska giant, named Spotted Seth, from the fact of his being small-pox marked. Brayton nodded, his gaze fixed upon the dark, threatening clouds, that were creeping over the heavens, as if as an omen of coming trouble, ** Yes, I guess he’s upon his last trail, boys. He reckons morning will about use him up, and I shouldn’t wonder if he is right. By the way, I judge we better remove him to the last shanty to the south, so that in event we get driven back, he won’t get left in the power of the enemy.” The. proposition was hailed with favor, by the men, and several of the more influential visited Oregon Bill, and laid the matter before him, at which he pein consented to be removed. Ac’ordingly, he and Jessie were soon secure in the last house, in the lower end of the camp. In order that they might not be molested, a guard was stationed on the outside of the shanty. During the balance of the afternoon, A No. 1 busied himself in getting ready for the sullen night, that was hovering nigh. e doubled the watch on the shanty top, and took their reports every little while, by which means he was well posted on the move- ments of the enemy, whom, the reports seemed to indicate, were getting ready for a siege. Examination proved to Brayton that their stock of ammunition and provision was ade- quate to supply their needs, for a protracted struggle, and the better share of these commo- dities he had removed to the shanty where Ore- gon Bill was domiciled, for cde ses The weapons of the defenders were all in good order, and many of the rifles being of the Win- chester repeating style, there seemed no reason why a disastrons loss should occur, especially with gallant A No, 1 as the leader. About sunset hour, when it was slready be- ginning to get dusky, one of the watches came from the roof, and stated that from some cause which he could not understand, there was a deal of excitement in the enemy’s camp Ascending to the roof, Brayton took obser- vation, as best be could, 3 A large camp-fire had been built in the other camp, and near it a stake was being driven. This job was soon completed; then a man was led forward, and bound to the stake, 13 Brayton could not see his face, but it did not take him long to recognize him by his gar- ments. It was the same big man who had previously cut his bonds in the renegades’ camp, and who had afterward refused to join in their move- te and had turned to retrace his steps home- ward. He had been recaptured. While on the roof, Breyton also made another discovery. Business, the pretty school-teacher, was also, a prisoner, being confined to a tree which grew near the fire. Of her mother, Marie Bertrand, however, nothing could be discovered by the eagle gaze of the watcher. After the new prisoner was secured, the ex- citement seemed to subside, and this satisfied Brayton that nothing would be done with either captive until after the night attack. e therefore Jeft the roof. The gloom had now deepened, and the heavens grown blacker with ominous clouds, The atmosphere possessed that heavy pres- sure which precedes the outburst of a rain- storm, the very smell proclaiming what was impending. bunder was beginning to mutter along the horizon, as if to warn wayfarers to seek shelter. “‘ Boys,” Brayton said, looking into the faces of his followers, ‘it's going to bea tough night, and dark as Erebus. That’s bad for us, because a shot wasted isa notch on the stick in their favor. I’ve a plan by which I think we can spring a trap on them.” ON let’s have it!” called out Spotted th. “ Well, when they come fer us, we want some light on the subject. Yonder, ’twixt us an’ the be pie , is Johnson’s grocery, an’ ye know what's n . Ar-significant grunt was the answer. Johnson was never without several kegs of gun and blasting-powder. “There’s powder enough to blow the shebang, to the divil!” Spotted Seth declared, ** And oilf” ‘*-Yas—a hull bar’l o’ kar’seen.” “Very well. You remain here and ke p up an active watch. Fire a pistol if anything ex- traordinary occurs, I’m going to fix the grocery for to-night.” ‘* Better look shy, Cap; it’s purty cluss to the enemy!” ‘*Bah! I fear them not!” A moment later he was gliding away toward the grocery, which was but a couple of build- ings from the renegades’ camp. Owing to the increasing gloom, and the glare of the enemy’s own camp fire, they were unable to see the To!]-taker’s movement, Consequently, be reached the grocery with- out discovery, and found to his satisfaction that the door was unlocked. As he opened it, and entered, he fancied he heard a noise in one part of the room, and this fact caused him to close the door quickly, and step away from before it. e was not a moment too soon either, for the following instant there wasa wh g sound, and a hatchet blade was buried deeply in the door. “Ha, hal So there’s two tigers in this cage, eh?’ Brayton mused, stealing away from the vicinity of the door with the stealth of a cat. ‘If I mistake not, some one will get burt be- fore I leave bere.” The darkness was Stygia itself, but it was. not so dark that an instant later the Toll-taker could not see a strange object, with glaring eyes, rushing through the air toward him, like a projectile hurled from a mortar. A lightning leap to one side saved him from being struck y it, and it went crashing upon the r with force enough to kill a person. As it did not attempt to rise, Brayton quick- ly struck a match, and bending forward, made the discovery that the dark object was Marie Bertrand! In falling, the knife in her grasp had become imbedded in her side to the hilt. . She was still alive, and recognized the Tol)- aker. ‘Tt’s all up!” she gasped; ‘I’ve played to win, but I’ve lost.” ‘Speak, quick! is Bessie your child?” Bray- ton cried, excitedly. ‘‘No, no! You'll find papers in my pocket, clearing up everything. Take her, and be good to her! I—l—” A hemorrhage checked what she would have a. when Brayton partly raised her, she. was dead.
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14 Picking up her inanimate form, he bore, it from the shanty to a place where it was not likely to be disturbed. — then hurried back to the grocery, and lit a lam Finding the oil-barrel he knocked in the head, and taking a pail, proceeded to saturate every part of the store with the fluid. He next knocked in the bungs of five kegs of giant powder, and emptied their contents upon tie floor. There was one more keg of gunpowder left, and with this he made a heavy train from the interior of the grocery back to the immediate vicinity of where his companions were sta- tioned, ‘* We'll have light to fight by now, when tho time comes,” he muttered, grimly. ‘‘ About all we can do now is watch and wait for the attack.” It was now densely dark; the wind was stiff- ening, blowing from the south, and bringing with it a dismal sort of moan. The thunder, too, growled angrily overhead, ~ ramen a large raindrop fell upon Brayton’s —— ‘*Rain!” he said, sententiously. ‘‘ They’ll take advantage of it, no doubt.” — powder will get wet,” Spotted Seth sai ‘* Prue enough. Tear some boards from the shanty and lay on top.” This was done. The work, however, occupied several minutes. A consultation was then held, and it was de- cided to turn the shanty, behind which they were quartered, into a fort. Accordingly all hands entered, and loop-holes were cut in all sides of the building, in close proximity to each other; and thus, while out of the range of bullets, the defenders were able to pour a destructive volley into the ranks of the enemy when the attack was made. ‘* We'll stick here, boys, till we see that the devils are likely to get past us into our rear— then we must skin out and give ’em blazes, Every man let his revolvers alone, for the last emergency.” The rain soon began to come down, thick and fast, and the darkness was intense. The guards on the roof were called into the shanty, but Brayton remained outside, to be ready to fire the pbyedep as soon as the first sound of the enemy’s approach was heard, He knew they would not fail to make the at- tack during the storm. The darkness they calculated would enable them to creep up far enough to engage in a hand- to-hand conflict. As soon as the rain began to fall their camp- fire was kicked out, and this satisfied Brayton that they would soon be heard from. He bad stolen forward to the vicinity of the grocery, when he heard voices near at hand, and evidently approaching. Like a shadow he retreated, and shouted in at the shanty door: ‘* Ready, boys! Remember we are fighting for Sassafras!” The next instant he had fired the train and was within the shanty. Two score and five pairs of eyes watched the serpentine line of fire as it crept with flash and splutter toward the doomed grocery. A yell announced that the enemy had s-en it, but too late. The next instant there was a blinding flash, and a terrific explosion, and the ery flew toward the heavens in a thousand purning pieces, making a most thrilling and brilliant spectacle. The same glare of light revealed a mass of jnumanity hurled back from the vicinity of the grocery, in terrible consternation, Fire!” aes voice; stern and resolute, gave the order, Every rifle within the shanty seemed to speak simultaneously, and every shot seemed to tell, for the renegades went down like hail. With yells of defiance, those who were not hit began an indiscriminate retreat. Again the repeaters of the defenders spoke, and a number of the fleeing wretches fell. Before another volley could be fired they were out of range. ‘* Hip! hip! hurrah!” Brayton yelled. _‘* Well done, my hearties!” “We've thinned ‘em out equal to our own numbers, anybow!” Spotted Seth chuckled. + Let's out and after ’em.” No! no! Just keep quiet. If they show up again to- night it’s better to be right here, all a pared fer ’em, rather than to run at ’em, and A No. 1, the A No. I, the Dashing Toll- Toll- Taker. | gritty, and Sassafras don’t belong to either party yet.” This argument was not without its effect, and tbe men gave assent, The debris of the grocery, being saturated with oi], was now burning brightly, in spite of the pouring rain, and by the light it threw out, the remnant of the renegade band coula be seen huddled together, just out of good rifle range. “We've got the best of ’em, except fer one thing!” Spotted Seth growled, a ‘little dubiously. ‘* Ef they think o’ that, they can give us pur- tickler fits.” ‘To what do you allude?” “Ye see old Giles Sparks, what kept the blacksmith shop, he’s got a Gattler thar what kin puke out suthin’ like a thousand shots a minnit, Ef they should get hold o’ that they’d be liable to give us fits.” ‘Ts Sparks with ’em?”’ “No. He war to-day, but Cock-eyed Jim keeled him over in the furst scrimmage.” At this instant the door was burst open, and Oregon Bill tumbled head-foremost into the sbanty. He was a horrible sight. Blood was stream- ing from his mouth, nose, and a dozen places oes ts face, and bis clothes were saturated with i “In God’s name what is the matter?—who’s been doin’ this?’ Brayton gasped, raising the poor fellow to a sitting posture, ‘*The two on ’em war too much fer me!” Bill hoarsely cried, spitting the blood from. his mouth, Ye They got the gales Teas Tooth an’ the cub. After ’em, No. 1 Brayton comprehended. He seized a rifle, and turned to Spotted Seth. “Tend to Bill, and look out for yourself and the boys, Pil recover the girl, or die in the attempt!” rg next instant he was out in the pouring rain, The storm was about at the hight of its fury. The lightning flashed in and about the mountain crags, and the thunder’s terrible crashes seemed to shake the earth to its foundation. Already large rivulets of water were beginning to run down the gulch. Without delay Brayton hastened to the shanty, from which Jessie had been abducted, and here took his observations, The sandy bottom of the gulch, soaked with the rain, yielded readily toa footstep, and by bending close to the ground he was not long in picking up the trail taken by Tiger Tooth and Claudie on leaving the shanty. It led toward the chaparral, where the secret entrance to the bank was located, Like a bloodhound Brayton followed it up. He knew that the captors of noor Jessie were little less than human wolves, and he shuddered to think of the girl being in their power. On the way he stumbled over a whitish object, and stooped t4 to ezauine it, It proved to be the carrier-pigeon Stein had sent forth from the bank. _ It was alive, and the message was still tied to it, It had evidently been wandering astray, and was now beaten down by the storm, “Poor thing!” Brayton said, “You didn’t betray me, and I won’t leave you to perish,” He placed it tenderly in his capacious jacket- Porno. trail did not enter the chaparral. It turned aside, and directly ended at the door of the shanty, beneath which the cotintertatters had had their retreat. The door was locked, and there was no sound or sign of light within, A close examination proved that the captors of Jessie must have entered the place, for there 7a. no trail leading away from the shanty- as think I savy!” Brayton muttered after a moment of reflection. *‘ It’s more than likely. this is the counterfeiters’ den, and there is an underground apartment to it. I'll find out.” He tried the only window the place afforded. It yielded, and he soon had it raised. A moment more and he had leaped through it and was on the inside. Simultaneously with his homcuing the floor he was seized on either side, and ere he could help himself, was forced backward to the floor. CHAPTER XIII. BUSINESS TO THE RESCUE. TuatT he was in the grasp of two men of pro- digious strength Brayton was well aware, and oe of course expected to feel a knife entering his reast, He knew it was life or death, now, and never ose three or four men, Remember they’re' in all probability did a man struggle barder | than did he, as he felt himself being forced backward. They got him on his back, but he was up on one knee, almost as quick, with their combined weights bearing down upon his head and shoulders. Having ove hand free, while the other one ve rted him from pitching forward, he quick- rew his knife, and used it with several swift eee at the human vampires upon him. And not without effect, for one of them rolled off, with a wild shriek. The other, then, with a master effort, raised Brayton bodil k and dashed him to the floor with terrible force, firing at him the next in- stant, with a pistol. The bullet tore a hole in Brayton’s coat, but did no further damage. The sport quickly regained his feet, and his knife whizzed through the air. Another piercing shriek followed—then, a heavy fall. Hearing no further noise, for it was so dark he could not see, he then struck a match. By its light he saw sg Tooth lying on the floor, with the knife buried in bis eye; Claudie was also lying there, with blood oozing from his short, thick neck, and both father and son were dead, Jessie lay in one corner, bound hand and foot, and in a swoon. Then the match went ut. “Victory once more!” escaped the brave de- tective’s lips. ‘‘ But, 1 must not tarry to thirk of that!” He unlocked the door, and bore Jessie out into the storm, where he allowed the rain to beat down upon her face. This had the effect to speedil Pn ea and she opened i" be Don’t be alarmed, I am Brayton,” he said, in restore ber to er eyes with a nk Heaven!” she gasped. “Where are my captors?” ‘*T have no means of telling hae where their spirits have migrated to!” he answered, significantly. ‘*Come, we will get back to camp.” They were not long making the shanty. The fire where the grocery had stood, was gradually burning out, and darkness would soon overhang the spot. At the shanty, the defenders were huddled together in the arkness, but gave a murmur of approval when Brayton entered with Jessie. ‘Is Bill gone up?” was the first question Bray- ton asked. “Not by a durned sight!” was the hoarse an- swer from one corner. ‘‘ The boyees gave me a spongan off, an’ Pm better ’n two ‘goners’ yet. PAY ng the gal?” here I am,” and the rescued girl glided forward and knelt’ by his side, ‘Oh, sir, lam so sorry you got hurt so!” ‘Never mind that. I’d git all dissected, j’int fer Set fer one like you. I say, Bray ton?” “Did ye do it up fer them skunks?” “To a perfect brown, Bill.” “Bully! I wish I had the strength—I’d gr yer hand inter jelly: I'll be up fer the Sext scrimmage, tho’, Brayton turned to Spotted Seth. “ Have you heard anything from the foe?” “No; they’re still as a mice.” “Which is not particularly a good omen. There's a couple in that camp who must be res- out Who?” ‘¢ One’s Business, the schoolmarm.” * And the other?” “The Governor of this Territory!” An exclamation of astonishment burst from the lips of the audience, “The Guv’nor?” Spotted Seth cried. “The Guv’nor?” Oregon Bill gasped. here, and a pris’ner?” “Yes. Do you know him?’ **T once did. Ob! things are working right. Get a-goin’, No. 1; rescue the both on ’em—you know w by. The’ boys ’ll look out fer things here, an’ if it comes to fighting, I'll fight fer the al, ek Al right. I will not be far away if there’s to be SaObEr attack, rest assured of that.” Then, after giving a few directions, the sport took his departure, Outside there seemed to be no abatement of the storm, for the rain seemed to pour down, if anvthing, harder than before. Taking a route along the edge of the gulch, he was not long in reaching the northern end of the village, where he calculated he would find the renegades quartered, ** He
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—_——s ’ the cli A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 15 Remembering where he had last seen the de- feated party: he branched out from the base of s and stealthily made his way into the heart of the gulch, As he approached the last shanty, at that end of the guleh, he saw a chink of light, and at once concluded that the renegades had taken refuge there from the storm. Nearer approach discovered that a sentinel was pacing to and fro in front of the shanty. the prisoners are evidently on the inside,” Brayton muttered. ‘‘I don’t see any way of rescuing them yet. I’ll have some fun in rous- ing the hornet’s nest into action, anyhow. In this way I may gain the point I want. Vl try it.’ Getting at a safe distance, he picked up a piece of rock, and hurled it toward the shanty. It struck the door, and made it clatter noisily. The sentinel uttered an oath, the door was opened, and the gang began to pour out. Two more stones the sport burled, and each one evidently hit some one, for there were two dull thuds, each one answered by a howl of com- mingled pain and rage, Turning, then, when he saw them running toward him, A No. 1 skurried by a circuitous route across the gulch, and was soon close to the shanty in its rear. To his joy, on reconnoitering he found that the whole party of renegades, except the single sentinel, had left in search of the stone-thrower., Like a flash Brayton was around the corner of the shanty, and with a club he felled the sen- tinel senseless to the ground. - Rushing into the shanty, he quickly cut the bonds of Business and the man who had pre- viously performed the same service for him. “Quick, now! follow me{ We shall have a desperate run forit. Listen! they are return- ! ing!’ ie leaped from the shanty, and they followed im. The returning renegades saw them, and ut- tered a yell of rage, following it with a volley from their revolvers, one bullet grazing Bray- ton’s temple. Pushing Business. and the Governor ahead of him. he said: “Run! run for your lives! never mind me!” And they did run.,. The renegades were giving a determined chase, firing as they ran. The air seemed full of whizzing bullets, but their aim was wild enough, and no harm was done. Brayton would run a short distance, then patie to fire, and thus lead the pursuers after im and away from the two others. Suddenly, taking no notice of where he was going, he fell end over end into a pit, which had some time been dug in hopes of finding gold. It was six feet deep, and the sides perpen- dicular. Although not much hurt by his unceremo- nious tumble, he knew it was a fatal accident for him, because he could not climb out in time to escape the pursuers, and he doubted not they would discover him. He heard several of the renegades halt above him, a moment later, and saw them peering down at him. “ You’re there, are you!” the exultant voice of Simon Shields cried. ‘* Will you come up, or shall we bury you there.” ‘IT reckon Pll come up!” Brayton replied, coolly. ‘‘ Just toss me a rope!” “You bet!” was the grim answer. ‘“ You'll get more rope than you want before we get through with you!” The end of a lasso was thrown down to him, and he was not long in climbing up out of the it, when he was at once sei and his hands und behind his back. The pursuit of Business and the Governor hav- ing been abandoned, they had escaped. “We lost two, but we gained one of enough seine to more than make up for the loss,” Shields crieqa, ‘* Are you sure?” Brayton sneered. ‘‘ Do you know whom you let escape you?’ ‘* Who? What do you mean?” ; ‘‘T mean that you have lost your grip on your deadliest enemy.” “What?” ‘‘ The Governor.” Shields uttered a terrible oath. ‘Tis false!” he cried. ‘«Tt’s true as that it rains to-night.” « And you came here as his agent?” “Think whatever Pare please.” ‘There is no need for thinking—I know it, you see. Lookhere, We are going to kill you this time. But deliver that man again to me and you shall go scot free.” “Much obliged to you, but I am not in that line of business,” “* You’ll wish you was. Back to the shanty, on i? i os was obeyed, Brayton being closely arded. uo the whole band, except a sentinel, took refuge in the shanty again, it looked to Brayton as though there was no probability of a further attack that night. He was bound also about his feet, and burled into one corner, where he was left to himself. Simon Shields and the renegade, Lacy, were seated not far from where Brayton lay, and he could overhear their conversation. . “Ym for another attack to-night!” Lacy growled. ‘ My boys are used tonight attacks.” ‘But unfortunately your boys are not in the the majority now,” Shields replied, glancing about the room where but a scattering of blue coats were to be seen, “I don’t want to run aay igs of men we have got into another rap. “You may be right enough there, but if you wait till to-morrow the stage will be pouncing down on us,” ‘Let it come. We can easily capture that, and do away with the prisoners. ““T say,” one of the townsmen said, coming er “T’ve just thought of something. ‘Where’s old Sparks’s pte 3 gun?” ‘‘Heavens! I hadn’t thought of that,” Simon Shields exclaimed. ‘“ He usually kept it at the blacksmith shop.” “Tf the enemy should get hold of it they would make short work of this shanty.” ¥ “Right you are! Go at once and see if it is there, and the ammunition also. It will come in play tous!” The man obeyed, but soon returned. ‘It is not there!” he announced. The words were scarcely out of his mouth when a bullet came whizzing through the thin siding of the shanty, and neatly took off a small piece of Shields’s nose. ** Down flat on your faces!” yelled Lacy. The order was obeyed, but it was not neces- sary. No other shot was fired, nor was any attempt at an attack made during the rest of the night. Tt was not iong ere the storm began to abate, and gradually ceased altogether, although the heavens remained sullenly overcast. In due time the first gray streaks of day- dawn were seen, after which came the welcome daylight. acy, as soon as it was sufficientl ay stepped out of the shanty to reconnoiter, ut soon came back and reported everything quiet in the vicinity of the part of Sassafras occupied by Oregon Bill and his party. ‘‘Well, then, I guess about the first thing we had better do is lynch the road-agent detective!” Simon Shields said. ‘With him out of the way, our victory over the enemy will be easier.” “Don’t be too sure of that,” Brayton re- torted. ‘If harm comes to me, there will not aman of you escape from the camp alive.” ‘Bah! that is brag! I fancy we are able to take care of ourselves. So you don’t want to die, my chicken?” “Pve no intention of doing anything of the kind!” Brayton said, coolly, but, alas! the words belied his belief, for he could see no way of escape. } . “We'll show ye!” Shields cried. “ We will give detective business at Sassafras a nip in the bud. Hurrah, boys! there’s some lumber in front of the shanty, and we'll fix him up a scaffold in no time.’ an And Brayton’s heart sunk within him, as he noted with what eagerness each man rushed from the shanty. But, ha! What is this? ; A bar of the early morning light streams down upon him from overhead. He looks up. 3 Directly overhead he had noticed that there was a man-trap in the roof, or, in plainer words, a square hole, covered by a trap-door, his slide was now open, and he saw a face looking down at him, and a pair of hands lowering a noosed lariat. : It was Business whom he saw—it was the daring girl who had come to save him. Heavens! what a moment it was! An age it seemed to Brayton. Should one of the renegades re-enter, it would end all chances of escape. Slowly but surely the rope descended, and the noose dropped over his head and tightened just below his shoulders. Then he saw Business brace herself and her lips became compressed, as she began to pull him upward. He had been afraid that her strength would not be adequate to the task, for he was a very solidly built man. ; But he saw his mistake, when a faint smile curved her lips, and he felt, himself ascending, The job was accomplished in almost less time than it takes to tell it, and Brayton was upon the roof beside the onl girl he had ever loved. She quickly cut his bonds, and being on the opposite side of the roof from where the rene- gades were at work they lightly dropped to the ground. ‘*For our lives now!” Business whispered, bounding lightly away, and A No, 1 was in no wise loth to follow her example. They were within a few rods of the shanty where their own party were quartered ere the renegades discovered their ot a In answer to their vengeful yell, Brayton sent back one in ‘defiance, to let them know that their scaffold was without its victim. He and Business reached the shanty without further accident, and were eter 2 welcomed by the defenders, Bessie and Jessie becoming instant friends, while the Governor took Bray- ton’s hand and shook it heartily. ‘God bless you, my boy!” he said; proudly. ‘You are one of Nature’s noblemen!’ “* Not quite so bad as that,” Brayton respond- ed, with a laugh. : ‘ But I say you are, every inch of it. I guess yon did not recognize me in this disguise at st? “Right you are, for I least expected to find you in these surroundings. But when I saw you back in that camp, a prisoner, I jumped at the conclusion who you were.” The Governor turned his eyes gis to- gue the two girls, and then upon the detec- ve. s oped are the ones,” Brayton assured; ‘* but which is which I do not know, yet, although I have the unread confession of Marie Bertrand in my pocket. You see the girl I have res- cued.” ‘*Yes—although there is scarcely a bit of difference in them, except as regards attire.” “You are right. The one I refer to has been in charge of the woman Bertrand, and I have known her some time. If no one has any ob- jections, we propose to bring our affection to a more serious result, in which a knot will figure.” “T am glad to hear it, 7 man, no matter what may be the result of the identification.” “Great horned ace of Hatteras!” squealed Spotted Seth at this juncture, CHAPTER XIV. THE CLIMAX COMPLETE, “What's the row?’ Brayton demanded, quickly turning to the miner. ** Jess look thar!” indicating a loop-hole that looked up the gulch. Brayton obeyed, and saw that the renegades were holding confab with a small party of In- dians, who had recently come down the gulch. They numbered a dozen, and were evidently a hunting-party. “Tf the renegades effect a consolidation, we may naturally expect an attack soon,” Bray- ae said, stepping back to give the governor a ew. ** Let ’em come!” Spotted Seth grinned, point- ing to the Gatling gun in one corner, which he had secured from the smithy during the night, it having been he who had fired the shot into renegades’ shanty. ‘‘Thar’s the masheen what will fetch’em to Limerick!” ; ‘*You had best mount it on the roof, from where you can, with the aid of the boys, do some good work,” This advice was put into execution, and then there was nothing to do but to wait for the attack, Suddenly, on looking in one corner of the room, Brayton uttered an exclamation, ‘** Where is Oregon Bill?” he asked. Every one looked surprised. : The bully was gone, and no one appeared to know of it until now. : ‘He war thar a bit ago, a-bathin’ his face,” a miner declared. _ wit esr A reconnoissance in the vicinity of the shanty was hastily made, but Oregon Bill was non est. How or when he had escaped from the shanty without being noticed was a puzzler indeed, ‘‘Tt’s sunrise, an’ he’s gone off somewheres to lay down and die,” was Spotted Seth’s opinion’ ‘Not he!” another man averred, — * Bill’s game to the last, bet high on that; and I heerd
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16 him remark this morning that he’d have a hand in the scrimmage yet.” ‘It’s my behef that he is somewhere about the Gulch,” Brayton said. ‘1:1 wager he is alive yet, for he is literally a cast-iron map, or he couldn’t have gone through what he has,” About no:n an attack was made, but a couple of volleys from the Gatling gun caused the renegades and their red allies to beat a hasty retreat. ‘‘Pm hanged if there’s much sand in that party, boys!” Brayton declared. ‘‘{f you’re with me, we'll be the attacking party to-night.” A yell of approval greeted this proposition. The rough spirits of the border longed for such a scrimmage, The day passed slowly, but no stage arrived, and the shades of another dark night began to gather; but there was to be no storm. During the afternoon Brayton had achat with co and told her of Marie Bertrand’s tragic eath, “‘ But there is no need for you to mourn, for she was nothing to you.” _‘*Then you have solved the mystery of my life?” she asked eagerly, her eyes like stars and her cheeks coloring prettily. “‘T have; and I mean to claim my prize as soon as this struggle for Sassafras is ever.” ‘‘But no one has ever mentioned a word of encouragement. to you, I believe,” she said, at- tempting to keep a sober face. She failed, however, and added: ‘‘Nor, perbaps, is such a word called for be- tween us,” And Fred Brayton turned away directly, feeling that his life was as nearly complete as it well could be. He had won a prize that neither gold nor greenbacks could may Just before dark Jessie took occasion to speak with him. ‘‘Excuse me,” she said, coloring, ‘‘ but, if I am not too presuming, I would like to ask you if you have seen anything of Mr, Oregon yet?” ‘‘No—not a sign of him yet, You seem a trifle interested in him, 1 fancy.” “Vl not deny it. He has a good heart—if ou know how to reach it. Then, ‘too, I pity im because he suffers so.” ‘* Yes, there’s a man to be made out of him yet, if he pulls through. You, I presume, could do it, if you were to try right hard.” At which Jessie flusbed, and turned away. Darkness soon settled down in blank intensity. Tbe defenders made good their preparations for an attack, which Brayton ordered to take place about midnight. As soon as it was dark, it was discovered that the renegades had built a large camp-fire near their shanty, and were engaged in roasting meat and steeping coffee, for supper, each man being seated on the ground. An hour passed and they still maintained this position, Another hour, and there was no change, ex- cept that a figure was seen moving around, among those seated at the fire. “There’s something mighty funny about that!” Brayton decided, after an occasional glance that way. ‘It appears as if the galoots are all asleep over there!” As he , the figure left the vicinity of the cam , and strode toward the defenders’ shanty. “Thunder! It’s an Injun! Let me plug him,” Seth cried. ‘*No! no! that’s Oregon Bill,” Brayton cried. And so it proved. It was Bill, and he took the defenders to the renegade Barer where all hands sat prop;ed upright—dead No questions were asked. It was enough for the spectators of the ghastly scene to draw inferences, The villainous gang were dead, and there were no signs of violence upon their bodies. Bill made no explanat on, but walked away, leaving them there When the defenders got back to the shanty, they found him lying in bis corner, snoring, as if his life depended upon the noise. At Brayton’s suggestion no mention was made to the girls, that the strange fellow was in any way connected with the deaths of the rene- gades. Little remains to be told. The next morning the defenders turned out, and gave each man who lost his life a decent burial, and when the work was completed Sas- safras had a well-stocked cemetery of her own. During the forenoon the Governor made an explanation to the girls, ‘The name which the public knows me by, is not my real name,” he said, ‘‘for that is Dres- den. I dropped this name years ago. Then | there were two brothers of us—Pavul and Wil- liam—and a foster-brotber, named Simon, and we were aged only about two years apart, and grew up together the same as own brothers. My father owned an immeuse property, and had a good deal of money, besides. On his death when I, the youngest of the two brothers, was twenty-one, he willed his property equally to me and Paul, and wholly ignored Simon, who, being cf a naturally bad temperament, swore to wreak revenge on us as satisfaction for the slight he had suffered, ‘“] married, as likewise did Paul. We wed two young ladies, sisters, and were blessed with two little girls, greatly resembling each other. My wife, however, died shortly afterward, ‘(In the mean time Simon bad become dissi- pated, and bad in more ways than one, and had allied himself to a woman named Bertrand, who secured a place as nurse in my brother’s house, until one day both she, Paul’s child and mine turned up missing. “We on plover! detectives; but all to no pur- pose, We to give them up as Jost, as no clew could be found—nor could the where- abouts of Simon, or the woman Bertrand be discovered. ‘‘Paul’s wife died through the blow, and five years ago Paul was found murdered in Texas, with a knife in his heart, on the handle of which was inscribed the letters 8. 8. ““T immediately regained hope, and I and Brayton have been working since. Thanks to him, the end of the trail is reached. Simon Shields and Marie Bertrand were buried here to-day. You girls are daughter and niece to me! We will pass over the scene that followed, for both the girls and the Governor exchanged warm greetings, and laughed and cried over the strange denouement, ‘‘But which of us is which?’ Jessie asked, after a moment. “T have examined Marie Bertrand’s confes- sion,” said Brayton: ‘‘and she states that when she and Shields separated, in order that she could maks money out of him, by threats of the law, she took William Dresden’s child, and Shies kept Paul’s.” “That is right. I traveled with ’em for awhile!” Oregon Bill interposed, ‘‘and I learned that the gal what belonged to the Governor, had a mole on her left wrist, Years ago, I uster saw wood fer both the Dresdens!” The Governor gave the man a searching look, and then: sprung forward, and seized bis hand. ““T know you at last!” he said. ‘‘ And now that we are all reunited, let us leave this piace forever, and let the past as far as. possible be forgiven and forgotten.” The Governor, Bessie, Jessie and A No, 1 left Sassafras that very afternoon, ; Bessie and Brayton were soon after married, and are happy, together, wich the ex Governor to brighten their home. Oregon Bill did not PeR, out; but lived to accu- mulate a competency in Sassafras. . Then, a changed and far more desirable man, he sought Jessie, found her single, and the re- sult was a happy marriage. Perhaps the only man of our romance now to be found at the little worn-out camp of fras, is Spotted Seth, who rejoices at the finding of Rats’s buried treasure. The otbers have passed away along the high- ways and byways of an eventful life. THE END. BEADLE’S HALF-DiME LIBRARY. 180 THe Sea Trarter. Lieut. H. D. Perry, U.S. N. 5c 181 Witp Frank or Montana. By E. L: Wheeler. 5¢ 182 LirrLe Hurricane. By Oll (et ee pOraae 5c 183 Tue Hippen HAnp. By Chas. Morris........ 5e 184 Tur Boy Trarters. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr... 5c 18 Evm Eve. By Frank Dumont ............ 5e 186 Coot Desmonp. By Col. Dele Sara .. ....... 5e 187 Frep Hatyarp. By Chas. Morris .. ..... » 5e 188 Nep Tempte. By T. C. Harbaugh 5c 189 Bos Rockett, THE CrACKSMAN. By C. Morris 5e 190 Danny Darke. By Wm. R, Eyster.... AMP 191 BurraLo Briy. By Capt. A. B. Taylor,U.S.A. 5¢ 192 Carram Krr. By Lieut. H. D. Perry, U.S.N. 5c 193 THe Lapy Roap-AGENT. By rye S. Warne. be 194 BurraLo Brnu’s Ber. Capt. A. B. Taylor,U.8.A S a 195 Drapwoop Dick’s Dream. By E. L. Wheeler, 196 SHADOWED. By Charles Morris . apis 00 197 Lrrrie Grit. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham.... 5¢ 198 ARKANSAW. By T. C. Harbaugh.............. 5¢ 199 FEATHERWEIGHT. By Edward Willett vi Be 200 Tae Boy Bepourns. By Capt. F. Whittaker 5e 201 Tee Biack Hiwus Jezeprn. K. L. Wheeler 5¢ A No, 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 204 GoLp PLUME. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham 205 Deapwoop Dick § Doom. 207 Navayo Nick. By T. C, Harbaugh........... 5e 208 Tue Boy Hercutes. By Oll Coomes..... .. 5c 209 Frrrz, tHE Beunp-Boy Detective. Wheeler. 5c 210 Faro Fraxx or HIGH Prin pt R. Eyster.., 5¢ 211 Crookep Cae. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr....... 5e 212 DAsHING Dave. By Charles Morris . 5c 218 Fritz To THE Front. By E. L. Wheeler..... 5e 214 Worraana. By i Frederick Whittaker... 5c 215 Caprain Butier. By T. C. Harbaugh 216 Bison Bruu, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham...... 5c 217 Caprain Crack-Suot. By E. L. Wheeler... 5c 218 Tiger Tom. By Oll Coomcs 219 DesparD, THE Durst. By Philip 5. Warne. 220 Tom Tanner. By Charles Morris, 221 Su@ar-CoaTED Sam, By Edward L, Wheeler 222 Grit, THE Bravo Sport, .By Col. Ingraham. 223 Ozark ALF, By Edward Willett ..,....... ; 224 Dasuina Dick. By Oll Coomes 7 225 Sam CHARCOAL, THE Premrom Darky. By Charles Morris pA A 1 Ga. Don 226 SnoozeR, THE BoySuarr. By E. L. Wheeler. 227 Dusky Darre., Trapper. By E. Emerson... 228 Lirrun Wire. By Oil Coomes, . 229 Crimson Kart. By Col, Prentiss I 230 Tum Yanker Rasan.. By C, D. Clar 231 Procxy Puru. By T. C. Harbaugh ..,.. ..... 232 Goxup-}usT Dick. By E. L. Wheeler.. We 233 Jom Buck of ANGELS. By Albert W. Aiken... 234 Benrro, THe Youna Horse-BREAKER, By 2% Apotto Brut, By Edward L. Wheeler... By Col. 239 Tue Goup-skEKER Guripe. By Mayne Reid... 20 Cyctong Kit.. By Edward L. W 1S deine 241 Bint Bravo aND His Bear Parps. By T. ©. By Ed- ward L, Whéeler . tia pel si 245 Merie, THE Mippy._ By Prentiss Ingraham, 246. Grant Grorce. By Buckskin Sam ..... .. 247 Oup Grizzty AND His Pets. By Captain ay 1D danas... 1 eee eee mee ya 248 Srerra Sam's SECRET. By , 249 Mito Romer. By Captain Fred. Whittaker... 250 MapsuremMan MuTinerr. By Col. P. Ingraham. 251 Licgut-Hnovuse Licr. By J. F.C. Adams, ..,... 252 Dick Dasuawax.: By Charles Morris. ....... 253 Srerra Sam's Parp. By E. L, Wheeler...... 254 Tue Haury Bioop.. By Edward B. Ellis. ..... 255 Caprain APotuo. By T.C. Harbaugh... . 256 Youne Kentuck. By Captain Mark Wilton.. 257 Tar Lost Honrrers. By J. F.C. Adams.. 258 Sierra Sam's Seven, By E, L. Wheeler. . 259 Taz GotpEN Harpoon. y Roger Starbuck. 260 Darn-Drvm Dan. . By Oll Coomes.,...... ... 261 Feraus Frarnavent. By George L, Aiken.. 262 Tue Youne Stevrns. By Charles Morris... 263 Drapwoop Dick's Divipg, By E. L, Wheeler. 24 Tae Fuoatinec Fratruer.: By Col. Ingraham. 265 Tae Tiger Tamer. By Capt. F. Whittaker... 266 Kruup’ THe Guipr. By Ensign Charles Dudley Warren, (of the Engineer’s Corps.). .. 267 THe Buckskin Detrective.. By Harbaugh... 268 DEApwoop Dick's DeatH Tram. By Ed- SIITTTSF -¥-) 271 Tue Hues Hunter. By Edward 8. Hillis... 272 Minxskin Mike. By Oil Coomes... ......-- 273 JumBo Jorn. By Edward L, Wheeiér... e 274 Jotty Jum. By Charles Morris Pee ee eee SESESSSS SS SHSSSSSESS 275 ARIzoNa JACK. Buckskin Sam __........ 276 Merrie Monrer's. Cruise. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham ... 00.2 2-. sabe ren See 38 277 Denver Dotti By Edward. L. Wheeler... .. bee ter conti, 5 ve eee Ok, Vlan & a: 280 Mani MoxTx's Fate. By Prentiss Ingraham 281 DENVER Dotw’s Victory. eeler. EL. 262 Tau TyPo i ward Willett. .. 283 InprAN Jog. By Major L. W. Carson. ..: +. 284 Tue Sea MARAvpDER. By Prentiss Ingraban.. 285 Denver Dou’s Decoy. By Ed. L. eeler. 286 Joan, THE Boy TENDERFOOT. By Capt. Mark Mets Bee ea as te kine © oe te eee 287 Bruty Brior-Eyves. 288 Tae Scape Kina. 289 Jotixy Jim's Jon. ~ By Charles Morris 200 LirrLe Foxrtre., By Oll Coomes... .... .: 201 Turk, THE Ferret. By Edward L, Wheeler. 202 SancHo Pepro. By Major E. L, St. Vrain.,.. 293 Rep Ciaw. By Captain Comstock 294 Dynamrre Dan. By T. C. Harbaugh.......... 295 RearLess Pum, By Edward Willett...... e5 296 Denver Dot's Drirt. gens L. Wheeler. . 207 Tar TARANTULA oF Taos, Ey Buckskin Sam. 298 Tue Water-Hoonp. . By Charles Morris.. 209 A No; 1, THE DasHine Tout-Taker, By E. era 3. Capt. J. F. C, Adams. S S8F SITSEITTSTSTTSTITS FTETTTTS e838 A new issue every werk, The Half-D m* Library is for sale by all Newsdealers, five cents per co or sent vy mail. on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William street, New York.