Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 317) (1883 08 21)
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: ) { t ' ; / j t =" SECOND EDITION. ie SN \ rt al ih re § ea? OF oS NN Dy [ee ae, "Entered at the Pest-OMloc 7 anew York, x. Y., at eben’ Class Mall Rates. [Ponrest> 1883, by BEADLE aND ADAMS, — Val. XIII. Single PUBLISHED WEEKLY PY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, Nam ° No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from a BY LIZUT. ALFRED THORNE, AUTHOR ‘OF THE GOLDEN CHIEF,” ‘‘ THE BLACK BAND OF ROBIDEAU,” ETOC., ETC, “ KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED NOW—ONE, TWO, THREE! WALTZ IN, YOU CRIPPLES!” YELLED THD JUDGE,
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7) Peaco —— The Lively Lad from Leadville. A Romance of the Mining Camp of © Five Mile Crossing. ; BY LIFUE, ALFRED THORNE, BAND EPTIBAU,” BAO, ETO. GHAPTER I. REDMOND HAWK'S LAY-OUT. **THE man that dan and I care not if he pe my own brother!” Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville. Of course there are fools everywhere, and on the verge of civilization there are plenty of those me ga idiots who delight to kick up a disturbance in any place of public resort, par- ticularly one where they imagine the lines are not strictly drawn. For the first two months that McMulligan carried on his hops, he had had considerable | trouble, for some of these fools had imagined that because the hops took place in a mining- | camp on the frontier they could do about as AUTHOR OF *‘ THE GOLDEN CHIEF,” “ THE BLACK | they pleased. | ‘*Poat do yees take this for?’ he was wont toexclaim. ‘Yer murthering blaggards! do yees think that you’re in a Leadville shindig or a Pueblo dance-house break-down? This is a with you to night dies, | respectable ball-room and I’ll beafther breaking the nose of the fust man that dares to misbehave Fuil of passion was the voice of the man as he | himself!” hisses out the words, and the beautiful girl to whom the speech .was addressed, could not but believe that he meant every word he said. It was a strange speech, a strange scene and in a strange country. It was in the bonanza land—in the “‘ marvel- country” so rich in its stores of precious metals, of which the city of Leadville is the center. Colorado, the modern Elderado, where the mining scenes so common to California in the days of ’49 are being repeated. e write of a little mining-camp, not over a hundred souls all told, situated up in the moun- tains almost due west of Leadville, on the little stream known as the Roaring Fork of the Grand river. Five Mile Crossing was the name of the camp, It was a new place, had not been in existence over six months, but as the adjacent country was extremely rich in precious metals it was thriv- ing wonderfully. : ady it boasted a good-sized inn, known as the Black Bear Hotel, from the circumstance that while the workmen were engaged in erect- ing it, a large black bear came down one night and endeavored to make a meal out of one of the men, who had sampled too much fire-water during the day and had foolishly lain down un- der a bush to sleep it off. Bruin espied the sleeping man, and if some of his comrades had not chanced to pass that way at that particular moment, no doubt the moun- tain lord would have made aspeedy end of the intruder upon his domain. But as it happened, the bear’s design was frustrated, and in the battle which ensued, the ri Sei of the workmen made a finish of the rute, The owner of the hotel, an enterprising mid- dle-aged Irishman, who bad graduated as a whisky-seller in the big Eastern cities, but had been forced to emigrate to the land of the set- fing sun on account of numerous difficulties he had got into, from his summary method of forcing his delinquent customers to settle their bills by punching their heads, and who was called Patrick McMulligan, bad been in a quan- dary in — to the name of the hotel. ‘He wan a new and novel title, for like about all the rest of the settlers, he bad an idea that in two or three years, Five Mile Crossing would be the metropolis of the region, com- pletely distancing Leadville: and all other would-be rivals. j ; The Black Bear Hotel had struck him as being a Malti name for his hostelry. gan was originally from Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, where such titles are commonly applied to houses of entertain- ment for man and beast. ; The hotel, like all its class in the mining-re- gion, comprised also a restaurant and bar-room. The town had started a little differently from the usual ran of mining-camps, there being uite a number of the softer and fairer sex from the beginning, and so in order to make things pleasant, every Saturday night a hop was given in the dining room, the a ent being cleared for that purpose. igan was a jolly, sociable sort of a fellow anyway, and liked to see fun going on, and then in a business point of view the hop brought custom to the house, for it made it the general rendezvous for everybody in the camp and the outlying districts tributary to it, an of course the bar trade profited by this. The hops were nicely conducted, for McMul- ligan was a man of powerful build, very quick- tempered and not at all particular what kind of a weapon he got bold of, when excited, to make an attack upon a foe; so it was really as much a3 any one’s life was worth to attend one of the Sa urday night hops at the Bleck Bear and at- tempt to kick up a disturbance. ; j | SS And he was as good as his word. The Trishman was as strong as an ox, toler- oy, scientific, and, being on his own ground, had little difficulty in preserving order; there- fore, in a very short time, indeed, it became generally understood that the man who waltzed into the Black Bear Hotel on a “hop night” with the idea of proclaiming that bs was a& chief and capable of running the town, really took bis life in his hands, for the citizens present were always ready to lend a helping hand in assisting MeMulligan to preserve order. So it was that the best people in the camp at- tended the hops and bad characters were strictly forbidden entrance. The man who uttered the words with which our Lay tol begins was a good-looking fellow of about thirty-five, tall, muscularly-built, with dark eyes and hair and a short, brown beard. He was dressed after the usual fashion com- mon to the frontier, excepting that the flannel shirt which he wore was a rather elaborate affair with a rolling collar under which a black silk neck-tie was passed. He was called Redmond Hawk and he was superintendent of the Gothic mine, the leading concern in the valley. : Hawk was one of the prominent men of the town—one of the active citizens who are always up and doing. Socially, too, he was considered to be a fine fellow; he being quite a ladies’ man and about the best poker-player in the neighborhood. The girl to whom he addressed the menacing words was a tall, queenly, brunette beauty, al- most perfect both in face and figure, a modern Cleopatra, a second siren destined to fascinate about every man fortunate enough to cast eyes upon her, p She was a new-comer in the camp, having ouly resided there a couple of weeks. er name was Evangeline Hopkins. Her father, Clinton Hopkins, or Clint Hop- kins as he was generally termed, was a portly, middle-aged gentleman, with gfay hair and a full gray beard, who bad opened a general store in the camp about six months before and had prospered exceedingly well. He had a smooth, easy, plausible way with him that impressed the average miner greatly. The fellow who dropped in to buy a pint of whisky, a dollar’s worth of powder, or an other small article was waited upon with as muc poreences as though the store-keeper expected corral a thousand dollars in the trade; and, without exactly saying so in words, a be ve the customer to understand that he felt mmensely honored because ‘the other chose to trade with him. ‘Old Sofi-soap,” was the irreverent nick-name that some of the prejudiced men of the camp had bestowed upon Hopkins. “He was too durned soft and sweet,” they averred; but thisis always the way with the world, the tongue of censure is never idle, and oe te shining the mark the oftener comes the sha ; From the first day of her arrival in the camp when the superintendent of the Gotbic mine had been introduced to the queenly Evangeline, he bad acted like a man fascinated. Hawk and Hopkins were quite intimate, and so it happened that the superintendent had been lucky enough to secure the first introduc- tion to the lady, thereby rendering himself the envy of the bes But from the beginning the 1 seemed to take a dislike to Hawk, altho h the latter tried by all means in his power make himself agreeable. On the previous Saturday night, her first pg Be the hop, Miss — had danced with ond three times, but on the evening of which we write she had positively declin to | an indifferent way. engage herself to him even fora single dance. | give any; uo more, Hawk was net a patient man, and Lis blood was in a flame in an instant. ‘Ts it possible that you are engaged for all of the evening?” he had asked, both face and voice betraying the anger he felt, ) “You have no right to ask such a question . that,” the beauty had replied, in cold dis- in. : yi E “Possibly not,” he said, striving with all his wer to restrain bis anger. “I do uot assume that I have any such right, but I'think it is only natural under the circumstanees that T should ask the question. If you are ergaged for the entire evening, then, of course, it is not possible that you can dance with me; but if you are not engaged—” ‘I am not—I am not engaged for a single dance,” she interrupted, haughtily; ‘but that has nothing to do with you.” ‘* Excuse me, it has, as I will show you.” CHAPTER II. HAWK EXPLAINS. Tux lady tapped her taper foot upon the floor in an uneasy, petulant way. ‘“‘T suppose you will think that I am very pre- suming?’ Hawk continued. “‘T do, most decidedly.” ‘‘ And yet, if you will look at the matter care- fully, [do not believe that you will think 80; you cannot, if you have any sense of justice. ) ‘* Indeed!” and the lady’s lip curled. “You have declined to dance with me, yet I am not a stranger, but have been favored with the pleasure of your acquaintanceship. If your band is engaged for the entire evening, that is an ample reason for the refusal, and as a gentle- man I must bow to it, although I should deeply regret being sounfortunate, Butif you are not engaged, then I consider that I should not be doing justice to myself if I did not ask, wh should you refuse to dance with me? What is the reason? Havel offended you in any way? I am not conscious of it, and am ready to make amends in any possible way.” — “In the school of politeness in which I was educated, a lady was not required to give her reasons for declining to accept the society of a gentleman,” Miss Hopkins answered, ‘It was a very poor school, then, and such an education is not at all fitted for this region,” he retorted. ‘Here we live openly and speak frankly. The hollow shams of the East are swept away as mere cobwebs that obscure civil- ization.” : ‘*T see that you are determined to force me to explain myself whether I wish to or not!” Evangeline exclaimed, a little hectic spot of red beginning to burn in her cheeks and her dark eyes flashing. ; j *T think that an explanation is most certain- ly due,” he replied, ‘* You danced with me last Batarday night, and as I bave not given you any cause to. become offended with me, it cer- tainly seems’ very strange that you should de- c.ine to do me the honor to be my partner this evening.” , “You must have a strange code of Sen in this région, if a lady can be forced to give her reasons for so simplea thing as declining an invitation to dance.” — Evangeline was plainly annoyed—there could be no mistaking the fact—but Hawk was per- sistent. ‘ He, too, was angry, for he had taken a fancy to the girl upon first sight, and had made up his mind to win her, and as he was by far the most eligible man in the camp—in_ own ng ae did ma ne ete would be much difficuly in accomplisbing*bis pu e **You must soaes me for fol ing a different opinion, but I think I am entitled to an explan- ation,” he said. 4 “Tt will be unpleasant, possibly,” sbe return- ed, coldly. “T cannot help that, and I must ask you to explain why you # not dance with me to- night.” h ey ot like you, sir, and I do not wish to dance with you,” the girl replied firmly. She was no coward, ane fe latee i‘ baad a0 efege hen danger is ace always ota in to meet it boldly—-io take the bull b the horns SHawk was terribly angered by the bold avowal. «“< ¥on do not like me?” * No, sir.” **T do not understand what reason you can possibly have to dislike me,” he ed, slow ly. No reason at all, “ rbaps,” hve replied, in Ry ar ce think I could at all events, than the
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- reason generally ascribed to women—* because.’ I do not like you because | do not like you, and that is ell there is to it; and as for dancing with ou, | would far rather prefer to sit here quiet- y all the evening and take no part in the pro- ceedings,” ‘* You would prefer todo that?” he questioned, a sneer curling bis lip, and a fearful light shin- ing in his eyes, Pelt | rena most decidedly.” ‘** Then you shall, if I can ibly arrange it in that way; for the man that dances with you to-night dies, and I care not if he be my own brother,” The lady gazed at the speaker in angry indig- nation, ** You forget yourself, sir!” she exclaimed. * You are not talking toachild! Such a threat is utterly ridiculous,’ “Is it?’ he retorted, scornfully. ‘‘ Wait and a may have reason to change your opinion. fou are not in the effeminate East now, where laws press so harshly upon an impulsive spirit, but out here in the wilds of the West where each man is, in a great measure, a law unto himself. ‘In the East if two men quarrel, resort to weapons, and one falls by the band of tae other, the law calls it murder, and with either jail or gibbet punishes the victor. ‘* Here, in this section, untrammeled by the restraining devices of civilization, we deem it a fair fight, an easy way of settling personal dit- ferences, and we respect the victor, instead of attempting to punish him, ** Believe me, I am not boasting when I say I have had a fair share of such encounters siuce it has fallen to my lot to dwell in this marvelous country, and I have not been b:ckward in tak- ing up a quarre) when I saw that it could not honorably be avoided, and 1 have always had the Juck to prove the victor. “Therefore, understand that it is no idle vaunt when I say that the man who dances with you to-night does so at the risk of his life. ‘*And you will be doing great injustice to anv one who asks you to dance if you do not w: rn him of the threat that [ have made.” Taen, with a polite bow, Hawk sauntered away. Hopkins, at a distance, bad noted the conver- sation, and had guessed from the expressions upon the faces of the speakers that it had not been an amicable one. He hurried at once to his daughter. “What's the matter, Eva?” he asked, ‘‘ Have you and Mr, Hawk been having any trouble?” ** Yes, a little,” responded the girl, whose face was in a flame. ‘* What on earth is the matter?’ cried the old gentleman impatiently, for Hawk was about the last man in the town whom he desired to offend, : The girl briefly explained, “He asked me to dance with him, and I. de- clined; he became angry, pressed me to give my reasons, and { told him frankly that I did not like bim.” Oh!” and old Hopkins groaned; ‘‘ what in tbe name of all that is wonderful possessed you to do that?” “It was the truth, He said be would not be satisfied until [ explained my reasons, and so, of course, I spoke freely.” ‘‘ But it was perfectly awful; and Hawk isa dangerous man to offend, too,” and the old gen- tleman suook his head gravely, He was greatly avnoyed at the unexpected and unfortunate affair, ‘* Of course, Ido not know much about the man; but from what little I have ascertained, I was satisfied he was not an acquaintance to be d sired.” ** My dear child, you don’t know what you are talking about!” Hopkins exclaimed, much annoyed, and plainly betraying it. “‘ You must not fall into the error of jadging men in a wil- ’ donpege like this by the same standard 4s in the ast. ‘A gentleman, father, it seems to me, must bea gentleman always, nomatter where he may be found,” the girl replied, evidently astonishe:| that her father should be so affected about the matter. “ Hawk isa gentleman—a perfect gentleman; one of the best men in the town, too. Ob, I teil wou, this notion of yours is absolutely absurd. ' wish to Heaven that you had said something to me before you compromised yourself so fear- fully, and you'll get me into a ser’pe, too.” ‘“But I do not see how that can be!” Evan- geline exclaimed, still more amazed. ‘Surely T am at liberty to, decline any 8 uaintance I choose without bringing you into the matter?” \ ' * Of course uot. 1 am your fatoeryuud it is only natural that any one daving Cause oF Coi- plaiut against vou should in a measure hold me responsivle, Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville. You see, my dear child, you are | just fresh from. boarding-school, anw.no matter | how complete your education may be, you are sadly lacking in worldly knowledge, or else you have been guilty of to-night. ‘Mr. Hawk, my dear, isa perfect gentleman, and there isn’t a man in the camp whose good will I more earnestly desire,” ‘A perfect gentleman!” cried Evangeline amazed, ‘* Yes, my dear, that is whatI said and it is quite true too,” ‘* But father is he not a gambler and a man who has stained his hands in blood a dozen times at least?” ‘* Nonsense! he’s superintendent of the largest mine for miles around, and although Ll presume he does play cards once in a while, it is only tor pastime—just for amusement, you know, and as to his having any blood upon his hands, I presume that he has been wixed up in some affrays, but you must understand, as [ said be- fore, you cannot judge men and matters in such $ gu to the West in order to commence a new li‘e, avd furthermore she was, informed that as her father had not made any provision for ber oe pork it would be impossible for, them to provide for her. mil But the father had not deserted his daughter as. the worldly-minded relatives coarsely sug- would never have miade such a blunder as you | a country as this by the same rules that would | apply in the Kast, “This isa new country with new men, and new customs and must be gauged by new rules. There are no regular officers of the law in such a place as this, and if disputes arise between men here, they cannot be settled as they would be settled in the Kast, ‘‘Tf two men here quarrel and agree to go out and settle the matter with deadly weapons, if one is killed in the encounter we hold the other fellow blameless of all harm, * Self-defense, you know—werely protected | his own life, that is all, I presume it is to some affairs of this kind to which you allude.” **T do not know, but I was told be was an in- veterate gambier and that a dozen men had fal- len beneath his unerring aim. He is no gentle- man, father, but a bravo, for he has threatened to kill any man that dances with me to-night.” CHAPTER III, WHY SHE REFUSED, THe old gentleman gave utterance to a low whistle of astonishment. ‘* Well, upon my word!” he exclaimed, ‘‘ you have got yourself intoa nice scrape! Why, my dear child, I wouldn’t have had this happen for a thousand dollars, but luckily it is not too late for me to repair the mischief, I will go to him immediately and explain that there has been a misunderstanding;—but by the way, who took the trouble to tell you about Mr, Hawk? Who said he was a gambler and had killed half a dozen men?’ “‘ Nearly all the ladies who have visited me,” the girl replied. “The infernal old cats!” Hopkins muttered under his breath in indignation, ‘* Of course, as I was a stranger and wanted to learn all I could of the place which was to be my future home, I listened with interest to the gossip of the town, and I was amazed to find the opinion which prevailed in regard to Mr. Hawk.” ** No, no, my dear Eva, you must not put itas strongly as that!’ Hopkins hastened to observe, ‘*'You must not, believe all you hear. ‘*A man like Redmond Hawk naturally has a great many enemies, and these foolish old women ought to have better sense than to re- peat toa stranger such idle, foolish talk!” the old gentleman observed, testily. ‘But, as I was going to say, can go to Mr. Hawk and explain that it is alla mistake; you can give him, the first dance and as many others as you choose and everything will be all right.” Tbe girl was amazed. She was not half as well acquainted with ber parent as a girl of her age ought to be, but having the misfortune to jose ber mother at an early age, she, had been reared by some of her father’s. relatives in the country and then when old enough had been sent toa boarding-school. She had never known anything of ber father’s offairs except that he was a merchant in New York, doing business on a large scale, and was | only favored by a visit from him three or four times a year, and on these occasions he only re- | mained for a few hours. | When she left school, which was immediately _ after graduation, she bad returned to her for- | tuee homein the country, expecting to meet her father there, but she did not, and the welcome she received was cold in the extreme. Then it was revealed to her that her father go gested, ; On the very next day. a letter arrived contain- ing a check drawn to Evangeline’s order, with instructions to join ber father at oncein his new home which was given as St Louis, Hy When she arrived at St. Louis though and went to the hotel to which she had been directed, instead of meeting her father as she expected, she found another letter which directed her to come to Denver. At Denver another letter gave her instructions how to reach the mining-camp of Five Mile Crossing, where he stated he was permanently located. All this seemed very odd to the girl, but in her ignorance of the world she did not trouble her bead much about the matter, although she wondered why sbe had not been directed to come to Five Mile Crossing in the first place, particularly when from the gossiping neighbors she learned that her father had been doing busi- ness there for some six months, Upon mentioning the subject to him though, he immediately assigned a plausible reason, . ‘‘Lexpected to be able to meet you in St Louis,” he said, ‘‘and then when | d that event me my business py sepa would from so doing, I was sure I be able to come to Denver, but unfortunatdy events made it impossible.” The explanation was perfectly reasonable to the girl, and she was satisfied, but if Hop- kins had been a man who had fled from tho East and was afraid that some one might trace him by following his daughter, be eould not have devised a better plan of blinding the trail. So the reader will see eb coger parent _— almost the same as an utter stranger fo er, The amazement which took possession of the girl as she listened to her father’s words, was wonderful, ‘Oh, no, no, I could not think of such a th for an instant!” she exclaimed, ‘Of courso, | cannot with justice pretend to have much knowledge of the worl yet, if lam _ by my womanly instinct, T do not think I will go far BrONG I cannot bear thesight of this man; instead of a gentleman, | think he is a ae desperado, and I would not dance with him if never danced another step in my life.” Hopkins had no idea that bis daughter pos- sessed such a spirit, and being a @ irreso- lute man, be naturally quailed before it. * Well, I suppose you will have to go home, then, and this affair shut you out from all such - innocent recreation as this while you stay in the camp,” the old gentleman remarked * ** And do you suppose fora sin will ferent this ruffian to drive me from a roused to action.” “Is he a king then, this contemptible bully, that every one should fear him?’ thé exclaimed in supreme contempt. her proud li curling and her dark eyes flas ing. hai *‘He’s a sort of chief an.ong the rest, there's no mistake ee ai al jest ine re ‘He’s a regular fire-eater—just as lie t as. eat—and that is the reason why men whe have had failed in business and had been obliged to | any regard for their lives are a little
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~ / state of mind. a about offending him. If I were you | would smooth the matter over or else go home.” “Father, | am not willing todo either. lem not dis d to bow the knee to this vile crea- ire all the rest of the camp is afraid of “Ah, you’re like your moter. When you once get your temper up, there’s no use in wast- ing words upon you.” When I am in the right I should be ashamed to play the coward’s part!” Evangeline replied roud dignity. “Well, well; pes, oomgey that it will cost us all dearly, but I wilfsee McMulligan; perhaps he can ar the matter in some way,” and then Hopkins, terribly put out by bis unfortu- nate accident, hurried away to find the land- ord, Briefly the store-keeper explained to McMul- ligan what had occurred. ‘' Bedad! it’s an ugly affair,” the landlord re- marke. ‘Yes, and I am afraid it will breed trouble.” “Sorra a bit of trouble.” “Don’t you think Hawk will live up to his word?” **Oh, be’l) do that same. He’s on the fight from the worud go. No man iver axed him to ron to the een office and settle without finding Mister Hawk to the fore ivery time.” ‘* What is to be done?” asked the old man in dismay. “Paix! I dunno, I tell yees phat it is, Hop- kins, women are the divil for kicking up a bo bery. Hadn’t you better be after taking the gurl home and see if ye can’t talk her out of this tantrum?” ‘She declares she won’t go,” replied the per- lexed father. ‘‘Sbe thinks she has been terri- ly insulted, you know, by this threat of Hawk’s, ree looks upon going home in the light of a re- reat.” — “Shure! the gurl’s head is level enough as far as that is concerned, That is sein phat it is. Let her stick it out thin and face the music. She might as well do it now as any other time.” “Yes, but won’t that raise a row? Hawk, you know, swears that be will kill any man that dances with her,” Hopkins remarked in great agitation. ‘There’ isn’t the laste taste of a doubt that he’ll thry to be as good as bis worud, for he’s a broth of a b’ye entirely whin he gets started,” McMulligan replied. ‘‘But he knows me too well to raise any row here, besides that ain’t the kind of ab’ye that he is at all, at all! He'll quietly invite the gintleman to walk outside and then be’ll pop him over nate and aisy as you pl’ase,” Oh, it’s a most unfortunate affair!” the old gentleman exclaimed, deeply affected. “Vis, but it’s wan of those things that a man can’t help, you know, Afther your gurl sees phat a foine fellow Mister Hawk is, mebbe she’ll change ber mind and dance wid him. Shure! phat more can any famale ax than a bold buck willing and able to murther ivery fellow that comes along for hersake? But there’s the music and I must attind to the dancing.” McM ee hurried away and Hopkins re- turned to Evangeline in a decidedly unhappy | CHAPTER IV. THE STRANGER. ' ve spoken to the landlord, but he says he cannot interfere in the matter,” the old gentle- man said, ina helpless sort of way, “ He evi- dently thinks that you are acting queerly for he hasa opinion of Mr. Hawk.” ‘Oh, P've no doubt, for he and the man are probab y friends.” “Don’t you think you had better go home take time to reflect upon the matter?” a sang angie in a persuasive way. ‘Perhaps me you will come to see cause to change the opinion that you now hold.” Evangeline shook her bead decidedly. This ad a will of her own and she was not beaut - at all inclined to give way. y *“ Father, L reflected carefully upou the matter before taking the step I did,” she replied, ‘* And Tam ah sure I shall not change the opinion I have formed.” “But if you stay here some one will be sure to ask you to dance and then there will be trou- “Oh, no, that does not follow. I shall tell all who accost me how the matter stands. No gentleman is obliged to risk bis life by danc- ing with me unless he chooses soto do. There isn’t the least bit of compulsion about the mat-. é, ““ But surely you wouldn't allow any man to { | put his life in peril by dancing with | Ing the threat that Hawk has made the father in amazement, “Why not, if the gentleman chooses to dare the peril a knowing all the particulars? Father, I cannot understand how you ean look at the matter in the light that you do!” she cried, impulsively. ‘‘ Mf from the way you speak one would think that this man was a very king and that everybody in the town stood in awe of him.” “My dear, he is a resolute, determined man and I assure you there are not many in the town who care to encounter him, for in all the personal encounters in which he has been en- gaged he bas been wonderfully successful in getting the best of the struggle and therefore men who know him are careful to keep from a him in any way.” “e h, girl curled in scorn. about him was strictly true; he isa desperado although he assumes to be a gentleman, and relies upon his murderous exploits to secure reer exclaimed must not expect to find things here as they are there,” the old gentleman replied in despair, At this moment the first note of the music sounded through the apartment, and McMaulli- gan opened the festivities by exclaiming : “Now, gentlernen, select your partners for the first dance, if you please!” The music was of the primitive order, con- | sisting only of a single violin in the hands of an aged negro; but he was an extra good player of the simple melodies required, and no one had ever yet been so fastidious as to complain that they couldn’t dance to Black Jake’s music. Three or four of the gentlemen present had had their eyes upon the stylish Eastern girl, who was by long odds the prettiest woman in the room; there was only about a dozen of the fair sex present, Tie first one to reach her side was a tall, raw- boned youth, one John Michaels, a miner with valley. And as the girl looked at him, the conclusion a rote claim a short distance up the | | ‘* Kirst, the dance, and then a settlement with Peacock Fete, the Lively Lad from Leadville. y dear child, this is not the East, and you | join in one of these commo | | i was quickly reached in her mind that he was , not the man to brave Redmond Hawk. With his best bow he asked for the honor of the lady’s hand for the next dance. Evangeline politely begged to be excused; but as the youth persisted, she said: “There is a reason why I should not dance | with any one this evening. Mr. Hawk asked me to dance, and I refused. Angered by my refusal, he threatened that he would kill the man that dared to dance with me to-night.” The under jaw of the youth dropped at once, and the girl saw that she was peed“ right in coming to the conclusion that he would not dare to brave Hawk. “I guess there must be some mistake,” he stammered. “Ill see Mister Hawk —he’s a friend of mine and—” “If you have to obtain Mr. Hawk’s permis- sion to dance with me, you may be sure I will not be willing to accept you as a partner under such conditions!” Evangeline cried, quickly. The youth stammered out a few words, hardly knowing what he said, and then re- treated. , Three followed him in rapid succession, and the same thing happened with every one. | looked amazed, glanced at Hawk and then backed out, ; By this time the nature of the situation had become bruited about the room and the girl found herself the center of all eyes. Her position was an extremely painful one. “The cowards!” she murmured under her breath, ‘‘is it possible that a single bravo can lord it in this manner over a whole town?” Hardly had the words escaped her lips when a stranger made his ap nce in the room who was so oddly dressed that he attracted general attention. He was @ or , well-built fellow, with light yellow hair that curled in little crispy ringlets all over his head; a slight mus- tache and a small imperial of the same hue decked his lip and chin. His features were regular and clearly-cut; his eyes, a blue-gray, were large and full, with a clear, honest expression—that sort of thing that wins friends ! lumecetey. He was dressed in buckskin, but the are garment was cut like a coat instead of the usual pattern of a bunting-sbirt, and the lower articles were more like pantaloons than leg- gings. tog riding-boots of untanned leather came ou, know- | up high on the legs, and a bigh-crown soft hat, white as the driven snow, protected his head: and in the hat-band was stuck a cluster of pea- cock feathers. He was fully armed and the weapons he wore were far superior to those usually carried by the men of the region. The new-comer was evidently a stranger and, after he had surveyed the scene fora moment, had inquired what was going on. As it bappened, the landlord, MeMulligan, was the y to whom he put the question. * Tt’sa slight taste of a dance,” responded the Irishman, after surveying the other witb a critical glance, as if to make sure he was a proper person to be present, “if you would be pat shaking a leg, pick out yer gurl and hop in!’ Now this was easier said than done, for the understand!” and the proud lip of the | only lady in the room not engaged was Evan- “Every word I heard | geline. “But, Jove! she’s a beauty!” the young man exclaimed, when he caught sight of her match- less face, ‘‘and she’s a cut too above the rest. Maybe she’s a little proud and don’s care to shindigs. There must be some such reason or else such a girl would be snapped up right at the beginni: g. Avyhow, she can only say no and it will not do any harm to ask.” So, without Joss of time, be walked to where Evangeline sat, made her a polite bow and asked that he might be favored with ber hand for the next dance. Every eye in the room was upon the couple, and Redmond Hawk, who stood «part with his arms folded, glowered with gloumy eyes as he looked upon the scene. The young man rigged out so jaantily was a stranger. Would he dare to dance with the girl despite the threat that had been made? This was the question that the angry man put to himself, and he could not help admitting that it was more than likely the stranger would brave the risk, for he looked like a resolute fel- low and one not easily scared, “Let him, if he dares!” Hawk muttered. me, which will not be so pleasant.” The girl surveyed the epplicant with searcb- ing eyes, Here was a man who looked able to hold his own with any one whom she had ever seen. His face, too, was a good one, and despite the roughness of his picturesque dress, which seem- ed to proclaim him tobe as much hunter and trapper as miner, she felt sure he was a gentle- man, {t was an awkward explanation for a girl to make to an utter stranger, and she was con- scious, too, that every one in the room was azing at them, eager to see what would be one, But Evangeline was equal to the occasion, for her spirits rose to meet the emergency. “1 am not engaged, and I snould be pleased to dance with you, sir,” she said; “‘ but there is a cireumstance which you must kaow. “Soon after I came bere this evening, a gen- tleman asked me to dance with him, and I re- fused because I did not like him. He became offended, and declared if I did not take him for a partner I should not have any one else, for he would kill any man who dared to dance with me this evening. Evangeline then paused, and the new-comer laughed outright, much to the wonder of the oe standers who were watching the progress of the interview. None of them, of course, were near enough to hear what was said, and therefore could not understand why the stranger Jaughbed. “This fellow must be a regular meat-ax, just hungry for blood,” he observed, ‘ But, seri- ously, the man who would sey such a thing as that to a lady is a scamp, and ought to be thrashed.” “His name is Redmond Hewk. He stands onder with his arms folded, and bears the repu- tion of being a desperate man.” “Desperate with bis mouth, no doubt,” the other remarked with a slight sneer. ‘* Well, my name is Peter Peacock, but after the fashion of this country, folks generally call me Peacock Pete, and ‘they say I’m the liveliest lad that ever came for Ly-adville; ond if you'll take my arm, I'll be your partner and settle with this gentleman afterward.” CHAPTER V. THE RIVALS. EVANGELINE rose and placed her band upon the offered arm. Somebow she did not feel that she was expos-
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ee eran een onee mess 20s ing this man to any danger by ar ae iy | him for a partner, despite the threat that Hawk had made, He seemed so fully capable of taking care of himself that she felt sure he would prove more than a match for the desperado who had at- ‘.mpted to control ber actions. Perhaps if she had taken time to refleeé upon the matter, she would have hesitated before she allowed the strange young man to enter upon this quarrel, but she was mortally offend- ed; n ver before in all her life had any one pre- sumed to dictate to her, and the idea that this Hawk, a man whom she utterly despised, now that she knew his true character, should at- tempt to force her to accept bis company by | depriving her of the society of all cther gentle- men was perfectly monstrous. It was only natural under the circumstances that when a champion appeared, ready and willing to do battle for her, she should accept him. He knew the conditions and if he was willing to accept them she ought to be glad of the chance, Hawk glanced savagely at the girl as she rose and took the arm of the young stranger and then, as they moved to take their place with the rest, asif unable to bear the sight, he turned abruptly and left the room. Nearly every one in the apartment by this time understood what had transpired and was on the lookout for new developments, Therefore when they saw the girl accept the stranger as a partner and watched Hawk re- treat in anger they understood that there was likely to be bloody work, and they shook their heads, significantly. They guessed what would come after the dance, Hawk was well known and his reputation as a fighter stood high, and not without reason for in all the affrays in whieh ‘he had been con- cerned he had in every case succeeded in get- ting the best of his antagonist. The angry man had retreated to the saioon, and the whisper went around the room, ‘* He’s gone to have a look at his we’pons and brace up with a cocktail for the fight, ’cos he sees that this hyer young cuss is well-heeled.” The supposition was correct. Hawk was too keen a fellow not totakea careful survey of his man, and he bad come to ‘the conclusion, from the stranger’s peculiar get- up, that be was a cowboy, who, tired of his prairie work, had concluded to try mining for a spell. a RoW: from the nature of their bnsiness, the cowboys are ‘‘no slouches,” to use the Western expression, in the use of weapons, and as a gen- eral rule the members of that class are bold and desperate fizhters. All this Hawk understood, and he did not at all underrate the mau whom he proposed to “Jock horns” with at the first convenient op- postuniey, He hadn’t the slightest doubt, though, that he would be able to lay the stranger out, for he was amuch larger man in every way and prided himself upon bis skil!) in the use of all weapons; and then, too, he was rather inclined to look upon the young man as a conceited chap, who thought more of a fancy dress and of his person- al a hprcacs than anything else. “T'll spoil his beauty for him!” Hawk mut- tered, grimly, to himself, as, after dispatching a couple of cocktails, he sat down by the bar iu such a position that through the open door he could see into the room where the dancing was taking place. , Hawk bad decided upon bis programme. It was the custom when the dance was ended for the gentlemen to partake of liquid refresh- ments at the bar, light wines and lemonades be- ing carried in to the ladies who remained in the ball-room. S For the general entree into the saloon Hawk waited; he proposed to accost the young man and call bim to an account the moment he made his appearance, He did not intend to take any unfair advan- tage, for he believed in always keeping the right on bis side, so as to stund well with the citizens, who were prompt to frown upon any underhand measures, - Hawk’s position had not been unnoticed by the men in the dancing apartment, and if was easy tor them to guess what was about to take place, They understood that Hawk was “lying low” for the young stranger, Tbere were some men in the room who did not bear Redmond Hawk any good will, and vde of these tovk it upon himself to post the stranger as to what was likely to happen, when ‘ an (he course of the dance he got a chance to ex- -- Peacock Pete, | | change a few words with him without attracting | notice, ‘Say, do you see that galoot a-sitting in thar, ‘Jong side of the bar, like a durned big spider?” , said the miner, who was a young, elongated fellow with a hatchet-like face. **Oh, yes, I see him,” Pete answered; he was too wide awake not to bave kept his eye upon | the man who bad made such a threat. ** Fe’s jist old p'ison, thateu sis! His name's Redmond Hawk, and he kinder thinks be isa boss ’round this town, He don’t like it ’cos that gal you air dancing with didn’t dance with Lim, | and he has sw’ared that he’s going to make it warm for the man that takes her for a parduer to-night; so keep your eye peeled for him; he'll be apt to do you a mischief if he kin.” | Pete thanked the well-meaning miner for his caution, and said he would be on bis guard, When the dance was ended he conducted his partner to a seat, thanked ber for the pleasure she had afforded him, and then followed the rest of the gentlemen into the bar-room, It was the stranger’s idea that if there was going to be trouble it might as well come first as last. As Pete came into the saloon, Hawk rose and accosted him. “See byer, young man, [’ve got two or three words to say to you?” he exclaimed, grufily. ‘All right, spit’em out; that’s what I’m here for,” Pete repli d. “My name is Redmond Hawk, and lm an old citizen of this town, while you, I believe, are a stranger hyer.” “That is my misfortune;yand not my fault you know, and it is something that is soon got over.” “What Iwas going to say was that it isn’t possible for you to know exactly how the land lies, but you’ve got yourself in trouble by danc- ing with that lady,” Hawk continued, * Didn’t she warn you that if you danced with her you woula oe called to account?” ‘Oh, yes; but I never pay any attention to fool-talk of that kind,” Pete answered in the most careless and indifferent way. * You'll find this is no fool-talk, you young cock-sparrow !” Hawk hissed, his anger roused by the careless speech. ‘You don’t really mean tosay that you are | going to quarrel with me about such a little thing as that?’ Pcte demanded, as if utterly astounded. “Yes, 1 do; Tl have your heart’s blood to pay for the offense)” “Why, what a bloodthirsty cuss you are! Thunder! you wouldn’t kill a man without giv- ing him a chance for his life?” The speech seenjed to indicate that the stran- ger was getting a litile afraid, and Hawk was quick to improve the opportunity. If the stranger was SO weak in the backbone that he could be run out of town without a fight, so much the better. **No, Pll give you fair warning to git up and | dust, but after that time if I meet you in the | town Pl kill you on sight.” “Th won’t be pleasant for the lady to be mixed | up in a matter of this kind,” Pete, suggested. ‘““What dol care for her? She has insulted me, and must take the consequences!” “Yes, but I say, can’t we leave her out, and fight about something else?’ Pete asked. ‘I will say something ugly to you, and you can | slap my face, and that will be a good cause for a fight.” **T don’t care how you fix ib,” Hawk respond- ed, somewhat astonished by this novel proposal, ** Well, then, hyer goes: you'rea tarnel, mean, pesky skunk!” cried the young man, in tones so loud that they could be heard all over the room, Hawk was puzzled by this strange method of | procedure, but as every eye in the room was | fixed upon them, attracted by the sound of the altercation, be saw that the best thing to be done was to begin operations immediately, so he raised his hand and gave the other a sound- ing slap in the face. Then, bis purpose was to draw his revolver and make a finish of the ec- centric young man as soon as possible, But his antagonist was not to be caught nap- | ping in this primitive way. a Hardly had the hand of Hawk touched his | cheek when out shot the rigbt fist of Pete with | terrible foree, and the blow catching Hawk be- | tween the eyes, knocked him squarely off bis | pins, and he went over like a log. | Wild with rage he recovered himself as soon | as he was able, and rose to bis feet, drawing | one of his revolvers as be did so. But his antagonist had been quicker by far, and Hawk, when he regained his feet, found the Lively Lad from Leadville. a rn | himself covered by a cocked and leveled re- volver in the band of the other. ‘“* Hold on, hold on, go slow!” Pete continued, [ve got the drop on you in the worst kind of a way. i should hate like thunder todrive a bullet right through you, but | shall have to do it if you don’t quit fooling with that popgun of yours, ‘If you attempt to cock it I shall plug you so bad that you'll never know what hurt you, and that’s the kind of manI am. Peacook Pete is my handle, and I’m the Lively Lad from Leadville, just come down in these parts to give you critters a taste of the quality of the | men that we turn out from the biggest eamp in Coristendom !” By this time MeMulligan was in the room, “Ye can’t fight byer, gintlemen!” he cried. **Go out of dures and fight where ye like, but not on my premises!” CHAPTER VI, THE DUEL, On, I ain't particular where [ fight,” Pete remarked, ‘‘ It’s all the same to me, only ss. according to all rules, baving obtained ad advantage, I ought not to be required to give it up. ** This man struck me first—you all saw that. He’s a perfect stranger to me and | to him. : There’s no earthly reason why he should seek ' to quarre! with me, except out of pure ugliness. ‘Now, pards, I’m not the kind of a man that goes round knocking chips off of any man’s shoulder, but if Iam assaulted I’m going to lay out the man that does it, if I can. ‘*T take it that this trick is mine! I’ve got my man foul, and is it the square thing to ask me to let up on him?” This was putting the case pretty strongly, and the bystanders shook their heads; they didn’t see exactly how they could interfere, but the Irishman, after the bull-beaded fashion of his race, was determined to interfere and rescue Hawk, who was a particular friend of bis, from the ve into which he bad thrust himseif, ** See hyer, young man,” Mr, Mulligan cried, ‘Dm the owner of this p ce, and, be the pi | that played before Moses! I do be afther ‘eillog yees that I'll have no fighting’ in this : bat is it to me whether yees have the drop on the man or not?” , ‘‘This isa kind of a side pard of yours, an you want to help him out, eh?’ queried Pete, who immediately jumped; to a correct conelu- sion. ‘* You're too fresh!” responded the Irishman, angry to think bis motives bad been guessed so easily, ‘and if you’re afther staying ’round these parts long you'll have to be salied, or else ye'll not keep, do ye mind?” **Ob, I reckon Ill manage to worry along, and anyway, I’m not asking advice from you — on the subject,” ** Tm the man that kin give it to ye.” | ** Not much you ain’t!” tad McMulligan had been indulging in this ta simply to enable Hawk to neutralize the advan- tage gained by the other. i ut Peacock Pete was too lively a lad to be caught napping. fi He still kept Hawk *‘ covered,” and did not give him a chance to draw a weapon. He did not have the least idea of letting the Lrisbinan, with a litle cheap talk, deprive him of the advan- tage which he bad gained, ; ‘Upon me sowl ye sha’n’t fight hyer!” Mec- — Mulligan declared. ‘‘ Drop ye we’pon or V’ll be afther laying ye head open wid this club!” _ And seizing a club which he kept bebind the bar in readiness for just such emergencies, he advanced toward Pete. : But our hero had expected some such move- ment as this from the beginning, and therefore he was fully prepared. Hardly had McMulligan taken two steps when with his left band Peacock Pete drew a cocked derringer from a side-pocket im his coat and leveled it full at the breast of the landlord, ‘Stop jest where youare, my friend, or else I shall be under the disagreeable necessity of lugging you in a manner that yqu will, de- spise!” Pete exclaimed. MeMulligan’s face was a picture as he found himself so suddenly halted, his purpose thus un- expectedly defeated. ; “Take care what ye’r’ about!” the landlord cried, *‘ be aisy wid that popgun!”. iy ‘*Oh, I'll be aisy,” Pete replied, mimic manner of the other, “orif I can’t be ‘ V’ll be as aisy as I can.” MeMulligan was no coward, yet he was not at all ready to die, and most certainly he wae the *
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' were about as near to death now as a man could well come, for he felt sure from what he had seen of | the young stranger that if he advanced Pete | would not hesitate to drive a ball through him. Some of the bystanders now felt called upon to say something. “Say!” cried an old and weather-beaten miner, “ McMulligan, this hyer ain’t exactly the square thing. If this hyer man is a stranger, that ain't any reason for the hull town to want to climb him. “T ain’s no enemy to you, Hawk,” he con- tinued, ‘‘but seeing as how you commenced this little racket, I reckon that it’s only the square thing for you to stand up and take your gruel like a man. * Pair play is a jewel, and [ reckon this hyer camp ain’t a-going back on fair play nary time, = the court knows itself, and she thinks she oes. “This hyer gintleman has got the drop on you—got it by fair means, and as far as | kin | see, all that you kin do is to gi’n in whipped, or give bim a chance to wipe you out.” ‘Yes, yes,” exclaimed three or four of the rest, not sorry to see Hawk getting the worst of the affair, for by his peculiar ways, ho had | made himself anything but a favorite with his fellow-townsmen. ‘ That’s the squar’ thing and | no mistake, < ‘‘Own up whipped?” cried Hawk, white with rage; ‘not much. What do you take me for? | Because this fellow took the first trick is no sign that the game is his! Blaze away! but if you don’t disable me the first shot, I wouldn’t give two pins for your life!” “Oh, that ain’t the kind of man I am,” Pea- cock Pete replied. ‘“‘If I had been going to g0 for you, I wouldn’t have wasted all this time in talking. ‘“* Although I’ve got the right to plug you ac- eran rs the rules of the game, yet l’m not o it. Hf Tcas down youin a fair fight, and not half try, either, and as the boss of this bug-juice ranch don’t like figuting inside of his doors, we can go outside. “There’s a good moon, plenty of light out- side, and I’m willing to give you the fairest | ind of a show. “You can just march out of that door and down the street a hundred feet, then the mo- ment I show my nose outside you can go for me as “rs as you please. “Gentlemen, what do you say? Isn’t this a e deal that I’m offering?” e bystanders were unanimously of the opin- ion that it was the squarest kind of a game, and even MeMulligan was obliged to admit that no fault could be found with the proposition, The quarrel had put an end to the dancing, and all the ladies were peeping into the room with anxious faces. The tide of sympathy ran strongly in favor of the stranger, for Hawk was not any more popu- lar with the ladies than with the menof the camp. Then too the cause of the difficulty had been whispered around, for Hawk, upon being joked by some one who had moticed that the lady bad erred anotker partner had bluntly declared at he was going to kill the ‘*fresh young rooster ” the moment the dance ended. Therefore when Hawk marched out into the moonlit street and took up a position some hun- dred feet off, his revolver cocked and ready for the fray, all the doors and windows of the hotel led with anxious faces, — With bis cool, jaunty, devil-may-care air, Peacock Pete walked out into the middle of the street after his antagonist had selected his posi- tion. Every eye was strained in breathless atten- on. The duelists walked slowly toward each other, each, apparently, having determined upon re- serving his fire until he could make a sure thing of “By the way, I never thought to ask you, but is there any — place where you would prefer to be hit?” asked Pete, evidently not able to restrain his propensity for chaffing. For answer, Hawk halted, raised his revolver and took deliberate aim at thespeaker, but be- fore he could fire, Pete’s revolver spoke, and yet the Lively Lad had not apparently taken the trouble to aim. It was one of those rapid, snap-shots, which only the must experienced marksman can render dangerous. * Despite his Spartav-like bardibood, a ery of in escaped from Hawk's lips, and his revolver fei trom his hand to the ground, the coneussion | eausing a disctucte; but the bullet whistled | Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad | harmlessly. up through the air, as if bent on a trip to the moon. eacock Pete had put a bullet paceige the fleshy under-part of Hawk’s right hand, just grazing the butt of the revolver, and coming | out at the wrist. A trifling wound, not at all dangerous, and yet for the moment very painful, and utterly disabling the hand. “Are ye hit, Mister Hawk?” asked McMulli- gan, who could hardly believe that any result | could proceed from a shot fired so carelessly. ‘*My hand is gone for the present,” replied Hawk, with a bi:ter oath; “‘ but thank fortune, I can shoot almost as well with my left hand as with the right.” And as he spoke, he stooped, picked up the revolver, and recocked it, “Youre a hard man to satisfy,” Pete re- marked, ‘I reckon I'll have to quit fooling, and _ you in earnest,” “That was an accident; you couldn’t do it again,” Hawk retorted, trying to draw a per- fectly accurate “* bead” on his opponent. “Oh, was it? Ill give you another touch!” Again a rapid discharge; again a cry of pain from Hawk’s lips, and the pistol dropped from his left hand, Pete had put a ball through the left hand, in exactly the same place as in the right one. The duel was over, for Hawk was unable to hold a weapon. He departed, swearin returned to the ball, the b vengeance, and Pete ero of the hour. CHAPTER VII. HAWK’S SCHEME, THERE was a stormy scene that night between old Hopkins and his daughter when they reach- ed their home. ‘“‘T do not see what possessed you to act so foolishly this evening,” the old man exclaimed, testily. ‘‘Mr. Hawk is one of the best men in the camp, a man possessed of a great deal of in- fluence, and there isn’t one in the place whom I would not sooner offend than Hawk. ‘‘ And now all the fat is in the fire. That young rufflan has succeeded in disabling him and as you were the cause of all the trouble of course he will blame you.” ‘Father, I cannot understand why you should act so mean-spiritedly in this matter!” the girl exclaimed, in indignation. ‘‘Mr. Hawk has no one to blame but himself, and if any one has played the ruffian most surely itis he. As for this young man the quarrel was forced upon him and he ought not to be blamed because he defended himself when attacked.” “Oh, it’s all very well to talk that way but you are looking at the affair in the wrong light entirely,” Hopkins replied. ‘This fellow is a nobody—a nameless rufflan not worth two cents, The woods are full of just such fellows, while Mr. Hawk is a man of standing in the community; he amounts to something; his friendship is worth having.” “Father, I do not understand you at all when you speak in this way!” the girl ex- claimed, impatiently, ‘I am satisfied from what I have seen to-night that every word I have heard in regard to the badness of Mr. Hawk's character is true, and why you should be ignore eae I should be on friendly terms with such a man is a mystery that I cannot fathom.” ‘My dear child, you do not seem to under- stand my pesition at all,” the father replied. “T am just getting along—just getting my head above water, but am still in that critical state when even a single blow would do much damage. Mr. Hawk has been very friendly— has helped me materially, and now you have repaid his kindness by treating him badly and through you he became embroiled in this quar- “Oh, no, father! How can you say so? Evangeline exclaimed, annoyed at the accusa- tion. ‘Even admitting that I was in the wrong in declining to permit the acquaintance- ship to continue, there wasn’t any necessity for all this trouble. ; “J have always understood that it was a lady’s privilege to terminate her acquaintance with a gentleman at her pleasure, and in this case when he pressed me for a reason, I gave it to him fully and frankly, I do not like the man, and I told him so, and then, like a ruffian, he vowed he would kill the man who dared to dance with me.” “And he will kill him, too, before he is through with him!” the old man declared. The lip of the girl curled in scorn. “Judging by what took place to-night, the omy Leadxd | lle. stranger is amply able to take care of him- self. “Ob, you haven’t any idea of what kind of a man Redmond Hawk is,” Hopkins asserted. “He has along purse and a longarm, and he will not rest content until he has had ample measure of revenge. If he, personally, is nota mateh for this stranger, it will be an easy mat- ter for him to call upon his friends, and with their assistance he will be able to accomplish his object. ‘But, Eva, my dear, I want you to patch up this breach with Mr, Hawk.” ‘Oh, father, it is impossible!” ‘*No, it’s not; what utter foolishness to talk in that way!” Hopkins exclaimed, with more anger in his face and voice than the girl had ever before seen him display. ‘‘'You don’t seem to understand. I want Mr. Hawk’s aid, and I must haveit. Icannot allow any little foolish girlish whims of yours to in- terfere with my business,” ‘‘ Father, what you ask isimpossible,” the gir) replied, greatly troubled, yet quite firm. ‘‘ Af- ter what has occurred I cannot bring myself to ever again associate with this man on friendly terms.” Hopkins stared blankly at the wall for a few minutes, and it was peo he was greatly per- plexed by this decided announcement, ‘Well, well,” be said at last, after a lon pause, ‘‘I guess you had better go to bed aad sleep on the matter. Perbaps in the morning you may think differently. ‘Oh, no, father; I have fully decided in re- gard to the matter, and I feel sure I shall not change.” A few more unimportant words passed be- oa the two, and then they parted for the night, t was a long time before the old man closed his eyes in slumber, He bad very little a of his daughter, for since she was a child she had spent all her life, with the exception of a few holiday visits, at the boarding-school where she had been placed at her mother’s death. Hopkins’s idea bad been that she was only a child who could be easily molded to his will, and this stubbornness of hers astounded bim. Hopkins was not a man who believed in bold measures; bis policy was always to gain the end he sought by indirect and devious means, and so when he found the girl so determined about the matter he forbore to press her, She bad expected, from what he had said, that when the morning came be would renew the discussion; but Hopkins, baving taken time to reflect upon the matter, had determined to adopt another policy. All he said about the affair was a few words, when breakfast was over and he arose to de- pert, in regard to the necessity of calling upon awk as soon as possible in order to see how he was getting along. ‘“‘T judged, from what the people said last night, that he is not severely wounded,” Evan- geline remarked, perceiving that her father ex- pected her to say something. ‘ “The wound from a pistol-shot is one of those things which no one can tell much about, I have known a man to die from the infliction of much less severe injuries than Hawk has re- ceived,” Hopkins replied, with a grave shake of the head. - It was his game to magnify the hurts that his friend had received, “ Although I do not like the man I sincerely hope that he will speedily recover from his in- juries,” the girl replied. Her father’s words did not produce the im- pression upon her that he desired, for all the people the mien before hed made light of the injuries that the assailant had received. After the morning trade was ov r, in the noon lull, Hopkins left the store in charge of the shock-headed boy, who acted as his assist- ant, and went up to the Gothic mine to see how Hawk was getting along. , Hawk nocunies a cabin on the mine premises’ and was reclining upon his bunk when the store-keeper entered. He Inaked gloomy and ferocious and bare] took the trouble to nod when Hopkins entered. Both his hands were swathed in bandages and he looked like a man who had been pretty bad- ly used. “ Well, how do you find yourself this morn- ing?” the store-keeper asked, helping himself te a chair and assuming a sympathetic ‘‘Deuced badly,” Hawk replied, ‘Dear me! how distressing!’ ‘Yes, I do not find it at ail agreeable!” ““T bad an idea that as neither of tie vounds
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were serious ones they would not trouble you much,” ‘‘They are not as deep asa well nor as wide as a church door, as the fellow says in the play, but they are quite painful enough to give me all the trouble that I care to have at one time, and it is all the fault of that infernal daughter of yours too!” Hawk exclaimed, savagely. “Yes, yes, I know, and I am distressed be- ond measure at the unfortunate occurrence, talked with her about the matter last night and tried to make ber understand how repre- hensible her conduct had been.” “ T reckon from what I have seen of her that you might about as well have talked to the wind for all the good it did,” Hawk observed, with a searcuing glance at the old man. “Well, I must admit that my words did not seem to produce much impression upon ber.” Hopkins admitted, ** Oh, she’s a stubborn jade, I tell you!” Hawk exclaimed. ‘‘She is one of the kind whose will is like iron, it will not bend, and therefore harsh measures must be used, Her stubborn spirit must be broken.” ““I don’t hardly think, Hawk, that itis as bad as that,” Hopkins replied, trying to smooth the matter over. ‘She is willful, [ know, but then you must take into consideration the fact that she is only a child, just fresh from boarding- schoo], you know, with all sorts of foolish, ro- mantic ideas in her head. It will take time, of course, to get ber out of ber silly notions, but I baven’t the least doubt buc what I can do it.” “Well, I have a great deal of doubt about it, unless you use harsh measures and make her un- derstand right at the beginning that you don’t intend to bave any nonsense,” ‘*Ob, Pll be firm with her, but I'll doit gent- ly, you know; the hand of iron in the glove of silk, But, I say, who is this young sport? Have you found out anything about him?’ ‘*-Yes, my friends fave not been idle if I am laid up for repairs,” Hawk replied, significantly. ** He’s been a cowboy, but has tired of punching steers and so has come out here to try bis hand at mining. *He’s a marvelous shot, as my wounds can testify, but Til be even with him yet; I have commenced to pull the wires already. Mister Peacock Pete, of Leadville, will be interviewed some time to-day by a boss rustler, and if he don’t take water, will be beaten to a jelly.” ‘Capital, capital!” cried Hopkins. And be- fore he quitted the cabin he was in possession of all the details of the scheme. CHAPTER VIII. GRIZZLY JAKE. NATURALLY all the particulars of the encoun- ter between Hawk and the young stranger had been the talk of the town and the easy victory that Peacock Pete had achieved excited univer- sal wonder. . Hawk had always been so successful in his encounters that the camp had come to look upon bim as an invincible fighter, and for this young chap with his dandy ways, to win such an easy victory was an eye-opener to all. But the wise men of the camp who knew what kind of a man the vanquished foeman was, shook their heads gravely and to their immedi- ate associates predicted that the end of the mat- ter had not come, As one old fellow remarked: “This young cuss is amazing quick, and reg’lar chain tray on the shoot, but thar’s other ways to kill a cat ’sides putting a bullet through the animile, and you kin jest bet yer bottom dollar that Hawk, jest as*soon as ‘his hands git well, will find a way to salivate this cuss; he'll never be satisfied to let things rest as they air now. Thar’s too much of the game- cock ’bout him for that.” |, This was the prevailing. opinion of the camp and so much talk was created by the affair that the sporting sharps of the town got to bes- eting about it. 5 It’s an old saying that talk is cheap and it takes money to buy land and in this instance the way the betting ranged was a better indi- cation of the sentiment of the town than any- thing else. ' Hawk's friends were numerous and loud in their talk, declaring that as soon as the van- quished man recovered from his burts he would make it lively for the conquering stranger. | But when the sporting men, who were guided by cool and close calculation and did not allow friendship or sentiment to interfere with busi- ness, offered to bet two to one that Hawk could not be able to get the best of the daring young stranger, the loud-spoken advocates of Five Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville, Mile Crossingite, did not dare to accept the | seemed likely to dispute Hawk’s wager to any extent. A few had faith enough in the powers of their man to put up their money in alimited amount, but the great majority preferred to talk rather than bet, Now Peacock Pete, although abundantly able to take his own part, as he bad amply proven to the camp, was by no means of a quarrelsome or vindictive nature, and when he was warned that he must be on his guard against Hawk’s -malice, be smiled at the idea. “©Oh, [ guess that is all right,” he replied. “He was anxious to see what kind of a man I was, so he took a crack at me, and now that he has found out, I don’t believe he will be likely to trouble me again,” ** But Hawk is an old citizen hyer, you know, with lots of friends,” said the miner who had been kind ae, to go out of his way to advise tbe stranger. It was John Michaels. He felt sure over the fact that Hawk’s threat to shoot the man who dared to dance with Eva Hopkins had frightened him off, and being full of admiration for Peacock Pete, therefore had taken it upon himself to post him as to how the land lay. ** Lots of friends,” the young miner repeated. “¢ tood many of them are desperate fellows. too. ‘Hungry for blood and slaughter, I sup- pose?” Pete remarked, not at all disconcerted by the intelligence. ‘* Oh, yes, a terrible gang. You see, Hawk runs the biggest mine in this neighborhood and he has an opportunity to throw a dollar or two in the way of these scamps once in a while, and so a good many of them swear by him. And, between me and you and the bed post, I believe nine out vf ten of the cusses would be willing to cutany mau’s tLroat for a ten-dollar bill.” You think then that Hawk will try to get square wita ne by meansof some of these fel- lows?’ Pete remarked, ‘*T reckon that will be about the size of it, for I heered a good deal of talk round town this morning among a certain gang, and though they didn’t say it right out, yet they as good as hinted you would be fixed afore long.” ‘*Sometimes such talk don’t amount to any- thing,” Pete suggested. ‘It is very natural, of course, that Hawk and his friends should be sore over his defeat, and should let their tongues wag pretty freely in regard to it, but talk isn’t action, you know,” “Yes, 1 know that; but I feel pretty sure that this gang mean business this time, so jest be sure and keep your eyes peeled.” “Oh, Pl be on the look-out! you can depend upon that,” Peacock Petereplied, ‘‘I’m not the kind of a fellow to be caught napping. The man that takes me asleep will have to get up retty early in the morning} but I thank you for the warning all the same,” ‘‘Don’t mention it; | hated to see a stranger imposed upon,” the young miner responded. *‘T, know Hawk of old; he has trodden on my toes two or three times since I’ve been in the town; but I knew I wouldn’t bave any show against such a man as he is, so I’ve bad to grin and bear it. The case is different with you now; you’re able to hold your own against him, and [ll be hanged if I want to see you jumped upon with- out warning by any of hisgang. So long!” And then John Michaels went on his way. sat- isfied that be had put a considerable spoke in Redmond Hawk’s wheel. ‘Now that be knows what to expect, T reckon he’ll be able to flax,any of Hawl.’s pards out of their boots, if too many of them don’t pile onto bim all to once,” the miner remarked to bimself as he went on about his business, Pete had brought guite a little capital with him, and was looking for a good chance to in- vest in some payivg mine, so had arranged to meet a party who had a claim to sell that morn- ing at the Black Bear Hotel. ben he arrived at that point he found quite a number of people congregated in the shade of the hotel, engaged in discussing matters and things in general. Pete soon engaged in the conversation, and three or four of the throng improved the oppor- tunity to give him a gentle hint that be would be wise to keep bis eyes open after what had _transpired between himself and Hawk. The leading spirit of the Gothic mine did not ave as many friends in the town as he im- agined, for a great many of the quiet citizens, who did not wish to become involved in any quarrel, did not like the overbearing way In which Hawk indulged, yet refrained from openly expressing their displeasure. But now that a champion had appeared, who Z retensions, they were ready to range themselves oo bis side, “Oh, well, gentlemen, I calculate to keep my- self prepared for danger; that is the way I was raised, and the man who takes me at a dis- advantage will have to pe on his thinking ca and hustle about, right lively,” Pete responded. Just at this point the attention of the group was attracted to a man advancing up the sirect whose appearance was decidedly peculiar. He was a big fellow, a regular giant, standing about six feet high, and muscular in propor- tion. He was dressed in the usual fashion common to the far West, big boots into which his panta- loons were tucked, a dirty flannel shirt and a huge, broad-brimmed slouch bat. A couple of revolvers and a ten-inch bowie- knife were belted to his waist. Around his neck though, be wore a strange ornament, and this instantly attracted the at tention of the crowd. It was a necklace composed of the teeth and claws of the grizzly bear, such as is sometimes worn by a savage chieftain. And in the case of the red-man it is a tropby of victory, and signifies that in single fig''t, the dusky warrior has vanquished the muuntuin lord and despoiled him of bis weapons, ‘“ Who is he?” asked one of the crowd. ‘ ‘“‘Some mighty bard case, I'll bet a bat!” ex- claimed another. : And the majority of the gathering nodded assent to this. pei: In truth, the face of the man was anything but prepossessing, for his features were gross and brutal, and the short, wiry black beard that covered his chin gave him a decidedly sinis- ter expression. “I reckon from the looks of the critter that he’s the chap I heern tell on yesterday,” one of the miners remarked. ‘ He’s a new man that was taken on at the Gothic mine two or three days ago; a reg’lar rustler, so f understand some of the boys up thar to say. One of the kind of desperate galoots w’ot is on a fight, bigger’n a wolf—basa man for breakfast, you know, two or three times a week.” “If be goes in on that game in this town, I reckon hell bave to start a private vey ard of his own,” Peacock Pete remarked; “for he won't be able to fiud accommodations for his stiffs in that little God’s acre up the valley.” The bystanders looked at each other signifi- cantly, as the young man spoke. e From the particularly bostile and defiantman- . ner in which the stranger was approaching, oe got the idea that he was on the * war- path,” and as he was connected with the Gothic mine, at the head of which was Redmond Hawk, it was only natural to suppose the chances were about ten to one that Peacock Pete was the man of whom the big fellow was in search, ‘“Wal, pardners, how do you all find your- selves this morning?” the stranger inquired, as he halted opposite to the group, and surveyed them with an insolent leer. : “T reckon you fellers ain’t ever had the jleasure of making my acquaintance, and so Pn have to introduce myself. “‘ My name is Grizzly Jake, and I’m the great — b’ar-eater from the Rockies!” CHAPTER IX. A LIVELY CONTEST. . “Ou, I mean it, every word ov it, pardners!” the big fellow continued. ‘ I’m the old orig’nal b’ar-eater and no mistake, } “T reckon some of you critters must have heered ov me, if so be as how that I ain’t bee’ long in these hyer parts. ‘“|’'m jest the toughest galoot that ever struck this town and you kin bet all yer wealth on it too! ‘Pm as hard as a pine-knot, as spry as a cat and as savage as a Rocky Mountain lion, And if you don’t believe it, jest some of you critters waltz up to the animile’s den, pull his tail and ax if he’s to bum!” And then sboving his well-worn hat down over his eyes in a rakish manner, he placed his hands on his hips and surveyed the crowd in in- solent defiance. There was a moment’s silence. yi No one of the miners seemed anxious to take. up the banter. ; “Wal, it strikes me that I’ve kinder run inter a quaker meeting hyer!’ the new-comer ex- claimed, bis face and voice both fully expressing the disgust he felt. ’ ; “Say!ain’t you got any men inter this durned old bole of a town? Are you all children w'ot 4 =
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Seine TS See awe t= a eX = SSS * has got to run home and ax their mammies for they kin dare to look a gen’leman in the at oo? ‘* Thar’s a reg’lar gang of you galoots hyer. Ain’t thar a man in the crowd w’ot has got the least bit of fun into bim, hey? “ W'ot sort of a graveyard do you call this, anyhow? You cuss don’t go for to Hatter your- self that this hyer is a CAD do ye? “If you do, you’re the biggest set of Jacks that I’ve struck in a long time. **T thought you had some fighting men in the town—some men with sand and plenty of it too, *©Who's this pesky galoot w’ot calls him- golf Peacock Pete? He’s the man that I’m a- hunting!” And the speaker fixed his sinister eyes full on the young stranger. Peacock Pete was so different both in dress and personal appearance to the rest, that it was not a difficult matter for any one to recognize him after being furnished with a description. The bystanders were not astonished at the declaration, for from the beginning they had felt sure that the desperado had been egged on by Hawk to attack the young man. “Stranger, I reckon you are barking up the right tree,” Pete remarked, returning the other’s stare with interest. ‘‘If you are look- ing for Peacock Pete, you can bet all your wealth that I am the man.” ‘*Man!” exclaimed the’ big ruffian, with a ce! page snort, ‘‘ you don’t mean to call yourself a man, do you?” ‘Well, I reckon I pass for one in a crowd.” “Tt would have to be a mighty big crowd, and a mighty poor one, too!” retorted the other. “* What do you know about it? Who set hee up as a judge?” Pete demanded, ‘‘ What do you know about men, anyway? You don’t call eaten’ aman, do you? you great overgrown, op-sided ape!” *“W’ot’s that?” cried Grizzly Jake, fairly gasping in amazement and rage at being thus rudely accosted, ‘*‘ Why, you whipper-snapper|! do you dare fer to go and call a gen’leman like I am an ape?” “So you are an ape, and the biggest one that I ever run across,” Peacock Pete answered. ** You bad just better keep your eyes peeled, and look out where you go, or else the first thing you know some showman will get hold of you, and then you will be toted ’round the country ina cage as the great American ape, captured in the wilds of Colorado, the only + asian ever taken alive, admittance twenty- ve cents, visitors must not poke the animal with canes or umbrellas, and children are re- quested to refrain from giving bim candy or gingerbread for fear of making him sick.” Despite the fear which the man had inspired with bis savage and insolent ways, there was a pare snicker by the crowd at this speech of ete’s. But Jake became red with rage. He shook his brawny fist defiantly at the young man. : ‘If it wasn’t kinder cutting it too fat for a man like me to waste powder on sich a whip- per-snapper as you air, smash me into hash for # Digger Injun, if I wouldn’t jest pound yer till I took all that sass out of vou!” * Ob, you would?” and Peacock Pete assumed an air of amazement. * Yes, [ would, bu’st me if I wouldn’t!” ‘* Just because I said you were an ape?” “That's it exactly. I reckon arter I got through with you if I should keer to take the trouble to tackle you, that you wouldn’t be so durned free with your names.” ** But you are an ape, you know. Of course it’s no fault of yours, you can’t help it, because you were born that way,” Peacock Pete re- marked in the most innocent manner possible, You cussed galoot! [ll smash you into pan- cakes!” the bully cried in a rage, and he made a rush at Pete. Hawk, when he had bought the services of the ruffilan—for Grizzly Jake bad come to the : -e mp for the express purpose of picking a quar- : rel with the young stranger—bad been careful to warn him that Pete was a wonderful pistol- shot, and that it would not be wise to allow him a chance to nse his revolvers. _ So Jake bad made up his mind to bring on a conflict with nature’s weapon, and as he had griosly remarked to bis employer: | . “Til bammer him so that he won’t be worth anything to himself or anybody else for a month of Sundays!” ) And tt was with the intention of carrying out bhis threat that be rushed upoa the youth. - i] Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville. Really the odds did seem to be most decidedly upou the side of the big tellow, for he looked to be nearly twice the size of his antagonist. But in all encounters of this kind it is not the mere weight of bone and flesh that counts. Grizzly Jake was a flabby, over-grown mon- ster, x 4 wasaman that weighed over two hun- red, He could easily have spared fifty pounds of fat and been decidedly the better for it, while Peacock Pete was in the best possible condition,* not an ounce of useless flesh upon him. He knew too how to use his fists, being expert both as a boxer and wrestler, while Jake was a clumsy, awkward animal who trusted simply to brute force. The bully’s idea was to bear his opponent down by the mere weight of his rush. And when he galloped at Peacock Pete it did not really seem to the bystanders, who were watching the scene with eager eyes, asif the young man stood any chance, for they thought he most surely would be borne to the earth, so uneven appeared the contest. But it was not the first time that Peacock Pete had faced a foe who looked to be big enough to eat him. He did not attempt to stop the rusb of his an- tagonist, bull-like in its character, but gave ground, and then, when Grizzly Jake, encour- aged by the thought that his opponent did not dare to stand up to the rack, renewed his efforts to bear down his nimble adversary, Peacock Pete, with the ease and grace of a dancing-mas- ter, slipped under his antagonist’s arm and as the other turned in a clumsy attempt to follow him, he dealt Grizzly Jake a blow under the ear, so well delivered and with such stunning force that it brought the giant to a halt immediately. It was an ugly liek, and Grizzly Jake was as- tounded. He would not have believed that it could be possible for such a slimly-built man as his opponent to deliver such a blow, The bystanders were fully as amoezed at the stroke as the man that had received it, for they all believed the contest to be a frightfully un- even one, thinking that in the end the giant would most surely succeed in getting the best of his lighter antagonist. But the vicious blow dealt by Peacock Pete, coupled with the peculiar manner in which it had been delivered, as well as the decided effect it bad produced upon Grizzly Jake, caused them to open their eyes. ‘*Gosh!” cried one of the miners in amaze- ment to his neighbor, “did you see that air lick?. Durn me if it didn’t fetch the big feller up all a-standing, as a sailor would say.” “It was as pretty alick as I ever see’d struck,” the other remarked. ‘‘ [ tell you what itis, boss, 1 reckon that this big galoot has run foul of the wrong man. Right at the beginuing I didn’t think the little cuss had any chance at all, but Vm beginning to reckon that if I had money to bet on this fight, I should be apt for to put it on the dandy chap.” “You bet!” responded his companion with decided emphasis, Grizzly Jake had been enraged at Peacock Pete for daring to ‘‘save” him, but now that he had felt the weight of his knuckles, and found them decidedly harder than be had an- ticipated bis wrath was unbounded. “You durned jumping-jack!” he cried, facing Peacock Pete, and panting for breath, the result of bis violent exertions, ‘‘why don’t ou stand up to the rack and take your fodder ike a man!” CHAPTER X. THE CONFESSION, ‘On, you want me to stand up to the rack, do you?” Peacock Pete asked, approaching his an- tagonist slowly, his hand down at abcut the level of his waist. ‘* Yes, sir-ee, hoss-fly Bob! that’s the kind of man | am,” Feunonded | Grizzly Jake, still puffing from the effects of his severe exertions, ‘‘W’ot kind of fighting do you call it a-skipping and a-jumping ’round like a pea in a hot skillet? ‘¢ The way for to fight is to stand up and take a hammering like a man!” ‘* But you’re almost twice as big as I am, and that gives you a most decided advantage,” Pete urged. **Tn course it does; any fool knows that,” the big fellow replied, ‘‘ and that’s the reason why you hain’t got any business to fool ’round any sich man as I am, You ought to take a back- seat when you see a cuss bout my size come up the street.” ** And if I don’t choose to take a back seat?” the other queried. i nn nD ‘*Then you ain’t got no call to grosvl if you git hammered into a jelly.” ‘You want me to stand up and face you?” ‘Now you’re shouting! That’s the kind of horn that I’m a-blowin’!’ * Are you ready?” Peacock Pete was quite near to the bully as he put the question, but Just beyond arm’s length, and with a great flourish Grizzly Jake raised his hands into position and cried; ‘*T’m the cuss that’s always ready! Come for me as soon as you are able!” Hardly had the taunt left his lips when his antagonist did ‘‘come for him” in a way that he despised, With the most wonderful quickness Peacock Pete advanced upon the other. “* Crack! crack!” It was like the report of a black-snake whip cutting into the hide of a refractory mule, but it was only the iron-like knuckles of Peacock Pete marking the putty face of his opponent. Never in all his life had Grizzly Jake received two such terrible blows, and yet he had taken part in many a brisk fight, where bard knocks were freely given and received. Straight from the shoulder came the two strokes, one landing on the misshapen nose of Grizzly Jake, and the other just under the left eye, cutting a fearful gasb. Backward staggered the rufflan, almost blinded and demoralized by the two tremen- dous blows. For a moment, like a man dazed, he stood and panted, as if unable to comprehend what had happened. The spectators watched the scene with breath- less interest. Never since Five Mile Crossing had had a local habitation and a name had the camp witnessed such a struggle. And then, recovering a,little from the effects of the blows, and with a determination to ‘‘do or die,” realizing at last that when he bad en- gaged to face Peacock Pete he bad picked out a man fit to stand before any of the trained gladi- ators of the ring that had ever tossed their caps into the magic circle, with a hoarse growl of rage he rushed upon his foe, Not a single inch of ground did Peacock Pete yield this time. But as firmly as a rock he stood, and as Griz- zly Jake rushed upon him he measured the dis- tance with his eyes as coolly as though he was in a sparring school, engaged in a friendly bout with the gloves, and when his antagonist came within ‘‘ distance,” delivered a couple of blows, straight asa die, which most effectually put a stop to the other’s advance and brought him to a stand-still. Wildly Grizzly Jake struck at his skillful opponent, but Peacock Pete parried the blows with the utmost ease; and then, as if determined to show the bully that he was his master at all points, he brushed the feeble guard of the other aside and closed in with him. A grunt of satisfaction escaped from Rien. ake’s lips, as he grappled with his nimble 0e \ ‘‘Now, then, I’ve got yer!” he he grabbed Peacock Pete with a strength. : He made the mistake common to ignorant men, who think there is nothing but brute strength in the wrestler’s art, ‘Oh, you’ve got me, have you?” quoth Pete, as he grappled with the bully. “Well, I reckon it remains to be seen whether you have fot me or I have got you!” Exerting all his strength, Grizzly Jake en- deavored to crush the life out of Pete; but the other was like an eel, and seemed to slip out of the giant’s grip with the greatest possible ease. A dozen times Grizzly Jake fancied he bad secured a hold which the other could neither evade or break, but each time Pete escaped with perfect ease. Jake felt that his strength was failing. Big* drops of perspiration stood upon his brow, and his breath came bard and fast. This was the moment for which Peacock Pete had been waiti. g, for hitherto in the terrible wrestle he had not attempted to throw his oppo- nent, but bad remained strictly on the defen- sive; but-now, perceiving that Grizzly Jake was completely winded, he cbanged his tactics, secured an ‘‘under-grip” upon his man, and in a twinkling the heels of the giant went up in the air, and be was pitcbed upon the flat of bis broad back with a force that seemed to knock every bit of breath out of his body. Never before had the bystanders witnessed such a sight. a rowled, as his vast =<*F
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a tr ree ne nn eee The giant was as thoroughly a whipped man as ever the camp had seen, One and all made up their minds that the young stranger was head and shoulders above any pilgrim that had ever struck the town, eacock Pete considering the amount of work which he had done showed little sign of the strain which he had undergone, He folded his arms across his chest and wailt- ed for his opponent to rise. The giant was in no hurry to get up. It was fully five minutes before he recovered from the effects of the violent shock which the fall had given him and then he only rose to a sitting posture and looked about him in a dubi- ous manuer as if he didn’t exactly know what hed happened. But when his eyes fell upon his antagonist the clouds passed from his brain and he rightly comprehended what had occurred, A look of amazement crept over his dull face and he carefully surveyed Pete from head to heel, as if asking himself by what magical means he had been defeated by a man apparent- ly, so far as all outward seeming went, not able te stand up for five minutes against such a bruiser as he was. * Time!” ejaculated one of the crowd, anxious for more “ fun.” A look of utter disgust appeared upon the face of Grizzly Jake, gf * “Treckon if some of you galoots had been through w’ot I have, you wouldn’t be so durned eager to yell out time,” he remarked, rising slowly to his feet as he spoke. Peacock Pete unfolded his arms and put him- self into position to assume offensive measures. But Grizzly Jake bad got all he wanted and made haste to proclaim the faet. ** Hol’ on, w’ot air ye bout?” be cried, ** None ofthat! no more of it in mine, if you please! Tain’ta hog! I’ve got enuff. I’m a wripped ae snd I know it, so you kin jest count me out, sf o you are satisfied then?’ Peacock Pete aske * You kin jest bet all the wealth thet thar is in Colorado on that!” Grizzly Jake declared em- phatically. ‘* Suppose I am not satisfied?” the conqueror queried, ‘*S’pose you ain’t satisfied!” cried the big fellow repeating the words in utter amaze- ment, ‘*That is what I said.” **T reckoned so; but what in thunder do you mean?” ** Who began this affair?’ Pete demanded. ** Wal, [reckon that it was a critter bout my size, who came slashing ’round anxious for a fight,” Grizzly Jake replied. ‘‘ And I got it, too, stranger. Tllown right up to that. I got all I wanted and a heap more, too; you can bet your chips on that and you'll beat the game every time!” “And I was the man you were looking for, too,” Pete cried sternly. ‘‘ I was the man you wanted to pick a quarrel with and now I want to know who set you on—who paid you to as- sault me,” ‘*No one,” replied the giant in a sulky way, Oyu are not telling the truth, but you must own up or take another hammering!” and Pea- cock Pete took a step forward, his manner threatening. “ Hol’ on, Mi_spit out the hull thing!” ex- claimed Grizzly Jake, retreating in alarm. ‘ No- body hired me, Il ain’t a-doing that sort of work, but a party told me that you could flax me and bet me a hundred dollars to five on it. I reck- oned it would be an easy matter to lay you out and so I went for the bet thar and then. “The man that made the bet was Redmond Hawk, the superintendent of the Gothic mine!” eacock Pete cried. J “Now you're shouting! he’s the man. So long! I'll ‘see you later mebbe,” and the giant retreated, anxious to get away. The battle was over, . CHAPTER XI. ANOTHER PLOT. To say that Hawk was astounded when he learned of the result of Grizzly Jake’s attempt to conquer the young stranger, would be too mildly characterize the state of mind into whic the knowledge threw him, Grizzly Jake had gone straight from the saloon to the shanty of the superintendent. And when, in answer to his knock, Hawk had fneaies who it was—for prudent mon im tbe wild western miving region do not open their doors until they have ascertained whether the ‘ nh Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville. applicant for admission be friend or foe—Jake had answered: ** It’s me, boss—all thar is left of me.” ** And who is me?” asked the superintendent, * Your old side-pardner, Grizzly Jake; but for the love of goodness! let me in and give me some whisky, ’cos I’m ’bout dying with thirsi; my, throat’s as dry as a sage-brush prairie!” y this time Hawk had recognized the voice and satisfied himself in regard to the identity of his visitor, so, throwing open the door, he bade him enter, and placing a bottle of whisky and a glass upon the table, told him to help bim- self and not spare the liquor, ** You kin jest bet all the wealth that ever was hoved out of the ground in Colorado that I won't!” the giant declared, and ne immediately proceeded to attack the potent fluid in a manner that plainly indicated he was guing to do his level best to be as good as his word, Hawk helped himself to a chair, and by the dim light of the solitary window that only par- tially illuminated the apartment, anxiously ex- amined the person of his visitor. Grizzly Jake did not present a pleasant pic- ture to gaze upon, To use the old saying, he looked as if he had been run through a thrashing-machine, But from his appearance the arch plotter gatbered hope. He had evidently been engaged in a fierce encounter, and from the fact that Jake was not disabled he came to the conclusion that he had probably finished his opponent. ** Aha! you look as if you had succeeded in finding Peacock Pete,” Hawk observed, after the bully had disposed of two big drinks of saieky and was engaged in helping himself toa third, **Oh, yes, I found him, you better believe I did,” the giant. remarked, as he swallowed the third glass of whisky, winked knowingly at bis employer and then sunk into a convenient chair with a grunt of satisfaction. , ‘*You found him, you say?’ cried the superin- tendent, anxious for the particulars, ** Oh, yes, I found him and Ae found me,” and Jake grinned in what he intended to be a bumor- cus way, but the injuries his face had received made the grimace a fiendish one. **Did you have a hard time of it?” ** You bet!” “*T warnea you that for a medium-sized man you wuuld find him to be a tough customer.” ‘* Medium-sized!” cried Grizzly Jake, as if much amazed, ‘‘W’otin thunder do you call medium-sized? Arter he hit me a couple of cracks I would bave taken my oath that be was tbe biggest man that ever walked on two legs!” ‘* Well, you look asif you had been somewhat damaged,” Hawk observed, after a critical in- spection of the other, **Damaged! well I should smile! See byer! do you know I don’t believe that Pll ever be a good-looking cuss a’gin! Durned if [ don’t think that be has sp’ilt my beauty, I don’t know bow the blamed thing looks, but my nose feels as big as a meeting-house!” ‘‘But he — Peacock Pete!” superintendent. ‘Is he dead?” ‘*Not much! Ireckon if you were to tackle him you’d be apt to reckon he was the liveliest dead man that you had ever struck,” Grizzly Jake responded, with another one of his prodi- gious grins. Hawk was disappointed. ‘*T_wasin hopes that you would be able to make an end of him.” *¢ Yes, that’s just tbe racket that I was tryiug to play.” “ Well, [suppose you have laid him up, any- way?” the superintendent remarked, anxiously, for a suspicion had crept into his mind that ihe ruffian had not succeeded in bis atvempt. ‘* Nov much I baven’t!” “You don’t mean to say that he got the best of the fight?” ; ay Ve ,You never spit out a truer word in your life,” returned the bully, arene ya “IT wouldn’t have believed that such a thing could be possible! Why, you look as if you possessed twice the fellow’s weight and strength.” , “That's jest w’ot I thought, but inside of five minutes arter I tackled him I came to the con- clusion that he weighted "bout a ton, and had an arm that could hit as powerful a lick as the hind leg of ary mule that ever bawed, hawed! h, I tell yer, I opened my eyes until they struck out like two blamed sorcers!” responded izzly Jake, perfectly serious. : Hawk did not disguise the disgust which in- spired him as he listened to this recital. ‘In plain English then you went for wool aud returned shorn.” ' exclaimed the ” tod 9 te cere eames —_— “In plain English, I got the worst pounding that [ ever bail to take in my life, and you kin jest bet that I'll never ferget it either)” Hawk sunk back im his chair, utterly dis- gusted, and Grizzly Jake improved the oppor- tunity to help himself to another big rink ¢ ft whisky. ‘‘ The idea that a man of your inches should not be able to hold your own with this dandy !” Hawk exclaimed at last. ** Wal, boss, it’s a sure-enuff fact, and thar’s no gitting out of it.” Griazly Jake, admitted. ** And the cuss may look like a dandy, with his peacock feathers, but I’m satisfied that he’s as yood a man as ever put up bis hands, I tried im on two or three p’inte and he was right thar and more too every time.” ‘* But thar’s no need of my saying much ’bout that, you’ve been thar, and know how it is, yourself, I reckon,” and Griazly Jake cast a sly glance at the wounded bands of the othor, “See here, Grizzly, 1 must find some way to beat this fellow. It is no use mincing the mat- ter; both of us can’t live in this camp, the town ain’t big enough to bold us!” cried Hawk in a voice full of passion, The giant scratched his head re flectively, “*T tell you w’ot it is, boss,” he observed after quite a long pause, ‘self-praise I despise but ef I couldn’t best the galoot, durn me if i know any critter ’round these diggings wh kin. W’ei’s more, arter w’ot happened to mo i reckon that you’ll find it a hard matter to git any of the rest of the boys to try the riffle, “The cuss knocked me out lair and squar’, *fore a hull crowd too, and when the thing cits talked ’round town it will be apt to scare an of the big chiefs who think themselves some pumpkins on the war-path,” “Could not men got from some other camp?’ Hawk suggested. ‘Men who have never seen this Peacock Pete nor heard anything about bim?”’ ‘** That’s the idee!” cried Grizzly Jake full of entbusiasm at the happy thought. ‘TI think that can be worked.” *‘ T know it can, sure as shooting!” ‘*Do you think you can put your hands on the men?” ‘*T should blush to murmur!” cried the giant facetiously,. “And Vll make the same terms with them that I did with you. Il bet them a hundred to five that they can’t lay out Peacock Pete!” ** A hundred to five with each of ’em?” ‘* Yes, at that rate! That ought to be an in- ducement to good men, ** You're right thar, it ought to be, particu- larly if they don’t know the cuss,” observed Grizzly Jake, thoughtfully. ‘But to a man like myself w’ot has been introduced to the galoot and felt the weight of his fist, I reckon that a thousand to &fty-five wouldn’t be such a heap of a temptation.” “Tt’s plain that Peacock Pete bas taken all the steel out of you,” Hawk remarked, with a snegr, es ay reckon you air bout right thar. I ain’t so big a fool as I look. When I hamm within an ineh o’ my life, my legs bave been too well brought up fer to see my body sp’iled ferever.” “ ‘* How scon can you get at these fellows?” asked Hawk, abruptly, taking no heed of the other's musings, but pressing rigbt onward toward his revenge, ‘* Lemme see! two or three days, I reckon,” ‘* Where are the men, and how mavy do you think you can seare up—how many will be needed for the job?’ * Wal, from the way I feel to-night, I should - sey that somewhar’s "bout fifty would be enough,” “ Bal! you are talking like a lunatic!” ‘“‘Thumder and lightning! I ought not to talk that way, for if ever a man had sense hammered into bim by the wholesale, then I’m the critter! Dm only talking ’bout the thing from the way I feel, you know. Why, I’m as sore asa bile, all over me,” F : “*Twe or three men ought to be enough,” ob- served Hawk, reflectively. ‘Three men will be better than two; don’t £0 to weakening the outfit, or he’ll be sartin to clean out the hull business,” ‘* But are they good men?” ** No better ones in Colorado,” ** How soon can you get at them?” ‘Wal, say thi ee days at the outside,” “All right; go to work and bunt them up immediately; here’s fifty for your trouble,” And Hawk placed the money in the eager palm of the bruiser. “Much obleeged! and now Pll be traveling?"
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a ee a - =" ~ 10 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from. Leadville. So oe eo ny eer er rn nee enn Grizzly Jake arose with considerable diff- culty, for his hurts made him sore, ** Be as quiek as you can!” “You bet; so long!” The giant departed, leaving Hawk to his own reflections, which were anything but pleasant. CHAPTER XIL THREE PRETTY MEN. Tne plotter felt decidedly better after the de- rture of bis visitor. At last there seemed to a chance for him to get even with the man who had defeated him so easily. “The scoundrel will do his best to hunt up the proper men,” he murmured, communing with himsolf, ‘ for not only has he the motive of revongo to urge him forward; but he knows that I will pay liberally for the service. “That fifty dollars was a clincher. That convinced him that I meant business from the re ‘* What are a few dollars in a case like this when I am hungering for revenge? “The Jack-a-dandy, despite his looks, is tho best man that ever struck this town: I am satis- tled in regard to that. ‘He got away with me easily enough, and though I thought Grizzly Jake would be able to Lest him, for he is reputed to be a terrible fizhter, it is evident that he recoived morc s vere treatment than I. He is right about the three men. It will take three men at least to cope with this rascal; and if three men are not enough, I will get six. eS rs thing is sure: from this time forth it is war to the death, and if Ican’t wipe him out by an open attack, then I will lay in wait for him some dark night, and see if he is proof against a revolver-ball. “T will shoot him down like a dog, without givin; ‘im a chance for his life.” Yiawk had wrought himself up to a perfect a1 about the matter. y day and night he thought ond dreamed only of one thing, revenge upon the man whom he Lad provoked intoa conflict, and who had triuriphed over him so completely. Then, too, the beautiful Evangeline was con- stautly in his thoughts. brom the moment that he had first beheld the £"} be had been impressed by her beauty, and ad made up his tniud that she was exactly the woman for him. He had a certain hold upon the old man, her father, so be could surely count, not only that Hopkins would not oppose the match, but would push it forward in every way in his wer. i the girl did not seem to be aig A disposed toward him, but Hawk did not thi her likes or dislikes amounted to anything. “There isn’t a doubt the does prefer this impu- dent :coundrel to me; but I don’t care twocents for that,” be murmured. “When I come to put the screws upon the old man, it will be mighty apt to make her change ber tune. ‘*Bhe will be glad to do almost anything then to keep the matter quiet, for an exposure would pe a terrible blow to her pride, “Tf she only knew what I know, I reckon she wouldn’t hold her head quite so high, or put on as many frills as she does now. “My course is all plain sailing after I run this fellow out of the tewn, and I will either do that or else put him where the dogs can’t bite In such gloomy meditations as these the wounded man passed his time, anxiously count- ing the hours as they passed slowly away, Old Father Time being seemingly shod with lead. Three days came and vanished, yet the big fellow returned not with his hired bravos, The plotter began to get impatient. “Can it be ible that the scoundrel has ‘“‘That’s nat’ral, of course, but [ tell_you, Pm the squarest kind of a cuss and wher I say to a | man that he kin depend on me, you'll find me right thar every time.” “Glad to hear it; but help yourselves to chairs, gentlemen.” Then Hawk brought out a bottle of whisky and some glasses, a proceeding which caused the eyes of all the ruffians to sparkle with delight, placed them upon the table, and in the most hospitable manner invited his visitors to help themselves and not to spare the liquor, as there | was plenty more where that came from. This injunction the four obeyed to the letter. And after they had taken three drinks apiece, for it required three good horns to satisfy the thirst of these ever thirsty-for-whisky men, Grizzly Jake proceeded to introduce his com- panions. “Pard, I’ve picked you out the three best | men that ever trod in shoe-leather in these hyer mountains,” he began, and his companions grinned at tho compliment. **Yes, sir, you can’t make no mistake ’bout these three galoots when you are looking round | for throe good men fo tie to. “his hyer lanky cuss is Gunnison Johnny, the best man that ever came out of that town.” And Gunnison Johnny, who was a tall, raw- boned fellow, with a swarthy, evil-looking face, rose and ducked his head in acknowledgment of the introduction. ‘As good a man at either pistol or rifle as | ever pulled a trigger. They sey down whar he come from that he never went out yet that he didn’t lay out the galoot that dared to stand up ag’in’ him.” ‘That’s a fine reputation,” the superintendent observed. “« And he kin live uj) to it too, every time.” The man from Gunnison sat down and Jake , motioned for number two to rise. He was also a six-footer and muscular in pro- | m | portion. “This gen’leman is from olo Kentuck, the State whar they raise the best men on this hyer footstool.” ‘* Kentucky is a fine State,” H..wk observed. “You kin bet high on that and you’ win every time!” the giant asserted. “Wal, it took this gen’leman so long to git from Kentucky out hyer that he lost his name | on the way and so for short he calls himself Bill Kentuck.” “That is as good a name to take a drink with as I have ever heard,” the superintendent observed, “You bet! Wal, this gen’leman kin handle all sorts of weapons, don’t matter what they are, from harpoons down to penknives, and he’s just as good with one as he is with t’other, and when you come to take him with fists, he’s a reg’lar bruiser and don’t you forgit it!” Bill Kentuck sat down and the third man got up. He was a short, thick-set fellow, wilb a bull- like appearance, having a short, thick neck set upon a massive body, tremendous in its girth. “Bowie-knife Sam,” said Grizzly J.k- in in- troduction. “The best man that ever took an Arkansaw toothpick in bis hand,” continued Jake, ‘‘and the best wrestler that ever took en under-grip onto a man and heaved him off his pins. ‘They do say that Sam byer ounce run foul of an old he b’ar and hugged the critter to death, and that’s the kind of a hair-pin he is!” *““Ton’t pile it on too thick, pard,” observed the man of muscle as he resumed his seat, grin- ning from ear bo ear. “Why, I ain’t said half enough ‘bout you! Thunder in lightning! if I was to go on I could spit out enuff for to make a brick-house block.” ‘Gentlemen, I guess we'll have to take an- other drink after that,” the superintendent re- Kentuck asd Bowie knife Sam nodded to Ur n- uison Johnny to gu ahead and act as spo. es- man, “Yes he sort of give us a look at ‘° ny out,” observed the iuffian. ‘“* As we und-_r- stand it, thar’s a sharp come to town who is putting on a heap of irills end kinder allows that he kin rnn tie plece.” ‘““He’s a good man, mind, too, boys,” inter- posed Grizzly Jake. *‘ Don’t you fool yourself bout that! ““ He’s no flunk, and so far he bas got ae with every man w’ot has dared tackle him. e’s a rustler and no mistake!” ‘‘ Jake is right about it,” the superintendent coincided. ‘ It will not do for you to start in | with the idea that he’s no good, tecause he is one of the best men that ever struck this country, and he isn’t a big fellow either. ‘To look at him no one would take bim to be a fighter.” ‘Sure.as you’re born! I picked bim up fora | duffer myself and got whaled like bluzes,” ob- served Grizzly Jake with a wry face. ‘¢ The way to work th’ trick is for all three of you to jump on him at ones, fust ering into la quarrel, It will not be a difficulf matcer, for he don’t take any slack from anybody,” ‘¢ We kin do it, easy as rolling off a log, if » | don’t take water when we go to chinning him,” | Gunnison Johnny remarked. | “ Well, you'll find bim at about this time at | the Black Bear saloon and as there’s no time like the present, go for him st once.” The ruffians assented, took another drink and then departed on their bluody mission. CHAPTER XIII. THREE TO ONE. “ Say, you fellows want to be keerful,” Griz- | gly Jake remarked to his companions as they walked toward the hotel. ‘‘Keerful ‘bout wot?” asked the Gunnison an. * Wal, this is the squarest kind of a camp, | you know, and if the three ov you go for to jump on the man at once, the fellows standing | by will be mighty apt to take a hand in the | game, and if you succeed in wiping Peacock | Pete out, the town will probably provide a | hempen neck-tie for every mother’s son of you, | free, gratis, for nothing!” ‘ The bullies did not receive this information | with a good grace, “Durned particular camp this is, I reckon,” growled Gunnison Johnny, “if eae going = ay up a fuss "bout a leetle thing of that i “Cuss me if I would live in sich a place!” Bill Kentuck asserted. ** Mighty low-down town now, and you kin bet on it!” cried Bowie- knife Sam. ‘¢ Wal, it’s a sure enuff fact, pards, and I’m giving it to you as straight asa string. That's the lay-out that you’ve got to play at.” “‘T reckon it would take some good men to run that job through!” the Gunnison sharp ex- claimed defiantly. “ They’ve got ’em, pard, they’ve got a heap of them in this town, and thar ain’t a mite of use of your getting the idee into your head that you kin run this burg, ’cos it can’t be did. “Thar was five good men came in one night and calculated to make the camp howl, but the boys went for ’em, jist like so many bees when a strangex comes fooling around the hive, and the result was the bull band got laid out inside ef five minutes. It was a pooty fight while it lasted but it didn’t last long.” ‘‘ How kin we work the riffle then?” asked Bill Kentuck. ‘I’m durned anxious to finger the hundred dollars, ’eos I’m flat-broke, but I ain’t willing to fight a hull camp for it, particu- larly if it’s a camp of good men like you say this hyer one is.” a Se eS as **T ‘reckon that is bout the size of it,” Bowie- knife Sam remarked. With all their bravado the task of attempt- ing to brow-beat the entire camp was not one that they cared to undertake. ‘Wal, pards, I bave been a-cogitating "bout marked. The attack this time emptied the bottle, for these heroes had cast-iron throats, and swallowed the most fiery liquor with as little trouble as though it was so much water. All four looked sad as they saw the Inet of the L ; whisky disappear, but Hawk immediately put | the matter, and I think the trick kin be worked new life into them by produeing another bottle. | in this way,” Grizzly Jake remarked afier re- “ Thunder and lightning!” exclaimed Grizzly | flecting for a moment. Jake, “I yeckon you mu+t run a private dis- | ‘Go into the saloon separately, jest as if tillery.” ' vou didn’t know each other. You'll know this “Ob, no, but I always contrive to have a | Peacock Pete the momet you set eyes on him, little bengine on band to accommodate my | ‘cos he wears a leetle bunch of peacock feathers. gone back on me?” Hawk asked, “Has he taken my fifty dollars and made him- self scarce? . “ Curse me if it don’t look like it!” But he wronged Grizzly Jake, for on the even- ing of the fourth day, just after nightfall, the bully mie his appearance, ‘accompanied by three of the hardest-looking rufftans that the superintendent had ever set eyes upon. I'm a leetle ahind time,” Jake remarked as he entered. ‘ But it took longer than I expected to hunt the boys up, and I reckon the old saying will fit right in byer, ‘iv’s better late than never!” “Tha‘’s true,” responded Hawk, ‘‘and I’m lad to see Bi I looked for you all day yes- ferd ay, an ——— -** ae ~* friends,” Hawk replied. in his hat. " “ And it’s as fine bug-juice as I ever tasted, “Then oneon you must rate a row with bim. too,” the giant affirmed. The best way to fm that thing will be for ono a when you didn’t put inanappear-| ‘I suppose, gentlemen, that Jake bas already | of yow to git up close to him, avd stand with ance if began to think that something was | explained to you how things are!” your back to the galoot, then turn round all -f | wrong.” | he three looked at each other and then Bill | @ sudden and bump ayn’ bim. . wie Pn a OE Se EE Clea Ta AL tdi ue \ x nae ne ? Pa a
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——. ee ee ‘That will give you a first-rate chance for to pick a fuss with him, ‘You kin git mad as thunder, you know, | and ax bim w’ot he means by bumping ag’in’ a | gen’leman in that ornery way. ‘“*He won't take a bit of chia, you bet, and he'll give it to you back a5 ,vvd As he knows how. “Then rush in and grab bim, and, pards, you want to put in the best kind of work at this ‘int, or if you don’t, the cuss will have your eeis in the eir and your head on the floor, and you a-spivning round like a durned top afore you know it, for he’s the heftiest man on a wrastle that l ever see’d, “The game is for the feller to ketch hold on him, and bold on so he can’t use his we’pons, then the rest must rush in for to separate Pea- cock Fete and our man, pretending to take the galoot’s part, “You must sing out, you know, ‘Let him alone! Why don’t you take a man of your own size? so that the gang won’t have any idee that you are pards of the man that picked the fuss, s¢ Then, when you're all mixed up in a beap, a-pulling and a-hawling, one on you must have > Sigua andy, and give the cuss a good solid j g. ** It will be easy enuff for to do it, for thar’ll be a heap of coufusion; and arter Peacock Pete finds that he has been cut he won't be able to tell who did the job, for the cuss that tackles him must be keerful not to have a knife, so they can’t lay the blame of the thing onto him.” he three immediately expressed their warm approval of this plan, for it seemed to them so extremely simple that it could not possibly fail. ““Which one of us will do the jamming?” Gun- nison Johnny asked. * Wal, I reckon Bowie-knife Sam will be the best one to work that) trick,” Grizzly Jake replied. ‘‘He’s the best wrestler and the strongest man in the gang. “But the pears mind vou, pards, is not to attempt’ to throw Peacock Pete, but only to hold on to bim so as to give the other two a chance to come the knife Lusiness in a way that he will despise.” “T understand, and I kin do it, I reckon. Arter I once get my grip onto him, if he gits away it will be ’cos he’s a man able to hug a b’ar to death, and don’t you forget it!’ exclaimed Bowie-knife Sam. “*T reckon the trick will work as slick as can _ be,” Grizzly Jake observed. The plan of operations being settled, Bowie- knife Sam gave his knife to Jake, who stuck it iato his belt to keep his own ngly-looking | weapon company, e others loosened their knives in the sheaths in readiness for the conftict, | Then, one by one, they sauntered into the | Black Besr’s saloon, where a goodly company | had already assembled. The saloon was the common lounging-plaee for nll the men ia the camp when the toils of the day were over, for there all the current news was tio be had, ‘The stories of the rich strikes in the neighbor- heod—tke sad record of discouraging failures— the new errivals, and the departures from the one. wer~ all retailed at length. In fact, 2 man eouldn’t keep well-posted in what was going on if he didn’t @rap into the saloon once in awhile of an evening, “The boss place for swapping lies!” an irrev- erent joker had declared, Peacock Pete was leaning against one end of the bar, the end nearest to the door, busily en- gaged in conversation with three anxious men who had *‘ pooled their issues” with the idea of buying a share in the Eva mine, But Peacock Pete firmly aud most decidedly declined to sell, ““ What is the use, gentlemen?” he said, “ We have got all the money We want to run the thing; we are not at all hampered for lack of funds, and as we are sure that itis a good thing, what's the use of letting anybody else in to share it with us? “It’s a big strike, gentlemen, and the deeper we get into it the better it seems to be. : “We would be a set of fools to sell an inter. est, unless we were compelled so to do; but if you wanted to buy the whole thing, out and out, now, why, then there might be Some use in talking.” The three jumped at the idea. _ = ‘“‘Mebbe we might arrange it in that way, remarked one, thoughtfully. a ‘To be shure! why not?’ cried the second, who was no other than McMulligan, the keeper of the saloon. The irishman was a wily fellow, and whe be | Some. Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadvill saw that Peacock Pete promised to become a man of considerable importance in the town, he hastened to range himself under his banner. In fact he had taken considerable pains to na- sure our hero that there wasn’t a man in tke town for whom he had a high: r respect, ‘We was afther having a little misunder- standing at our first mecting, do ye mind,” he said, in the oily, insinuating wav that he could assume when he so desired. ‘* Bat ye see I was not afther knowing you thin,” “It will take big money to buy the Eva mine,” Peacock Pete declared. * How much, my b’ye?”’ asked McMulligan, *€ About a hundred thousand dollars!” A Jow whistle of astonishment came from the | lips of all three, “Ob, no more than that trifle? Bagob! I thought you would be aftber wanting a million for it! take a dhrink furst.” And it was just at this point of the conversa- tion that Bowie-knife Sam bumped against Peacock Pete. “Say, young fellow, can’t you see whar you go?’ he cried, Now Peacock Pete was one of those keen-eyed men who saw everything without appearing to see anything. He had noticed the three ruffians enter the sa- loon, and then after ashort interval, saw Grizzly Jake come lounging in behind them, and from the expression upon the face of the ruffian, as be glanced carelessly around with a studied endeavor to nppear ind)fferent, he guessed that the bully bad entered tbe saloon for no good purpose, Ten too, he fancied that he detected glances of intelligence passing between Grizzly Jake and the three strangers. So, the moment that Bowie-knife Sam stum- bled against him, he was satisfied that the man bad done it on purpose, and suspected a plot. ‘Tt was your own fault, partner,” he replied, “You're a liar!” cried the other, attempting to seize him, but Peacock Pete was on the alert, and springing back he dealt the man a terrible blow between the eyes that sent him reeling backward. In their rage at seeing their pard thus roughly handled, the other two drew their knives and rushed upon the young man, But his trustv revolvers were out in an in- stant, cccked and fired as if by magic. Both men fell badly wounded, and Bowie- knife Sam, essaying to draw his pistol, was also | served in the same way. ‘Hold on, don’t kill the cusses, they’re friends of mine,” cried Jake, comprehending that the Lattle was over almost before it had begun, “And tools of Redmond Hawk, of course!” cried the victor with 2 sneer, ‘‘ Well, let him send a few more along.” Again a cunning scheme had miscarried. CHAPTER XIV. NAMING THE MINE As was only natural,under the circum@te:nces, on the next day the heroic conduct of Pea- cack Pete was the talk of the town, and ese and all agreed that for real true cour the new- comer could not be excelled, if eqsaled, all along the border, For five or six days his gallant acts were the common subject of conversation in all public ylaces, and then, as nothing new accarred to ceep his name hefore the public, the recital of his bold deeds was forced to give way to a | newer sensation, a rich strike having been made by some lucky souls right on (he outskirts of the town. ’ Peacock Pete was one of the first to invest in the new mines, after he became satisfled that the new discoveries were likely to prove profit- able, for our bero was no greenhorn to be swindled out of his hard-earned money by a ‘*stlted mine.” It isa common thing in the mining regions for sharpers to bury rich bits of ore in worthless mines and then dig them up with a great flour- ish, and on the strength of tne “ discovery ” sell the property ata handsome figure, then go else- | where and repeat the operation in some other locality, and thus manage to make a good thing by ‘‘bleeding” unsuspecting greenborns. here were two otbere interested with Pea- cock Pete, John Michaels, whose acquaintance the reader has already made, and 41 honest, fore-handed Irishman, Dennis Murphy by uame, universally acknowledged to be one of the squarest men in the camp. ‘ Be eee Oh, we'll take it, of course, but we'll | ii | It was the eommon opinion that Peacock Pete | had had the luck fo get in with two of the best | men that could possibly be selected, When the three me! to arrange matters,almost | the first question thot came up was the name of | the mine, and as Peaccck Pete possessed a half- | interest, while his tsseclates only boasted a quarter sliare each, it was agreed to allow him to name the Claim, “Wel, gei tlemen, 1 strikes me that the Eva /mine would be ecout as good a name as we could pick our,” Peacock Pete observed, after | revolving the m«tter in his mind for a few mo- ments, The Irishman Lurst into a loud laugh and hit Jobn Michacls a’ violent slap on the back, for with his native shrewdness Murphy had sur- mised that Peacock Pete bad named the mine /out of compliment to old Hopkins’s daughter Evangeline, antl it was no secret in the town that the young miner bad been diligent in his attentions to the lady ever since she had ar- rived at Five Mile Crossing, although since the night when Redmond Hawk had thrown down. the gauntlet of defiance to the whole town by | duclaring that be would kill the man bold enough to dance with the store-keeper’s daugh- ter against his will, Michaels’s lack of inclina- | tion to take up the bully’s dare was thought to have put him cut of the race for the lady’s af- fectious, “ Aha, me laddybuck! there’s a name that will be afther suiting you, I’ll go bail!” the joy Irishman cricd. Michaels got red in the face, for he was rather a modest, bashful fellow, not really lacking in courage, yet with not enough of the dare-devil about him to make him anxious to face such @ man as Redmond Hawk, - ‘‘T think it is a good name,” he said, in con- siderable confusion, “It’s an iNigant name, and mebbe that spal- peen of a Hawk won’t be mad as hops whin he Lears of it!” Murphy exclaimed, ““T don’t suppose the lady will object,” | Michaels observed, ‘Oh, no, Lsbould say not. If she looks at it | | the right way she will consider that it is a com- pliment,” Peacock Pete replied. ‘*T s’pose Hawk wil be kinder riled when he hears about it,” Michaels remarked, ‘*Let him be mad, and be hanged to him, the murtherin’ blaggard!” Murphy cried, “ Phat do we care for bim? Wot two wags of a goat's tail, do ye moind?” “Oh, | reckon be will be inclined to cut up nasty when he hears about it,” Peacock Pete observed, ‘But he don’t own the whole of this camp yet, andif he has ever been of that way of thinking, the events of the last week or so vught to have convinced him that the supposi- tion was not correct.”: 4 “T understand that he was out today,” Michaels said, “Oh, yes, [saw him meself and he gave me wan of his ugly looks whin somebody spoke 1 his hearing of our eh ae kiag re- marked, ‘ Put to the devil I’d pitch the blag- gard. hure I wouldn’t give a five cent piece for either his friendship or his enemity.” “IT reckon we'll Lave another tussle one of these days,” Peaceck Pete observed reflectively, ‘Cand I tell you what it is, gentlemen, the next time I ren foul of bi I don’t intend that there shall be any foeling in tee matter, I let him off the first time when I could just as easiiy have killed bim «as mot. “T bebt bis Mfe at my mercy, and it would not have been any more trouble for me to have wiped him out like a man snuffs out a candle as to merely wound kim as I did,” Peacock Pete’s manner was serious and it wes | plain to his companions that he had fully made up bis mind about the matter. ‘*T am getting sick of being required to fight all the bullies that this scoundrel hires to attack me,” Pete continued. “The fellow is a mean, miserable rascal anyway; no one but an utterly contemptible scoundrel would attempt to do business in that way. “If there was anything of the man about him, he would be content to wait until bis wounds healed and then go in to get square,” “Oho, he’s not that kind of a gintleman at all, at all!” Murphy exclaimed. ‘You can | take yer oath that it’s a mighty long bead | Mister Redmond Hawk bas on his shon)ders, | ‘He has had a taste of your qty and he’s | not anxiowsx fer a second trial, unless be can | have iverything his own way, bad ’cess to him, the bumble-baeked thief of the woruld!” Aud this was how the claim belonging to the three partners came to be called the Eva mine, and the Irishman was righvin bis surmise whey
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12 a ne it he said that Redmond Hawk would be enraged when the fact came to his knowledge. ‘The infernal scoundrel has done it expressly to aggravate me!” Hawk exclaimed to his boon com ons, ‘‘ but 1 will be even with him one of these days. I will strike him a blow when he least expects it.” {| The listeners took in the words but said i naught. Ree In their own minds there was considerable goabt in regard to the sueeessful carrying out af this scheme, for Peaeock Pete had been so uni- 1 | tormly victoriousin his battles that the impres- iH sion had become general that ke was invincible —his ‘‘ medicine ” was good, *o use the jargon of red-men, and it must be a mighty chief indeed able to take his scalp. There was another angry and disgusted man fo the camp too when the fact became generally known that the three partaers had named their elaim, the Eva mine, and that was the father of the beautiful Evangeline, Clinton Hopkins. It was the general impression that the old man was rather more inclined to favor Hawk than tho new-comer, and so when the namo of the mive became noised around town, a couple of the wags of the camp dropped into Hopkins’s store to chaff the old man about it. And they had their fun too, for Hopkins by his manner showed that he was seriously an- noyed the moment the news was made known | to bim, although he strove to conceal it, ty “Tt’s a very good name, I should think,” he f answered when one of the wags asked his opin- Ay ion in regard toit. ‘‘I’m not much of a judge of such things, of course, and as far asI can see, it doesn’t matter much what the mine is called, he so long asit turns out pay-dirt in large quan- tities.” **] s’pose you'll kinder celebrate the thing, : eh?’ said the second joker following his com- (fe panion’s lead. i “Celebrate!” exclaimed Hopkins, pretending to be astonished, “why should I celebrate? What interest do I take in the matter? It isn’t i} auything to me,” iH | ‘Oh, come, Hopkins, don’t try for to play the it nnocent dodge!” cried the first joker, “you HI _ can’t pull the wool over our eyes, you know. a We understand—we're fly—up to snuff, you bet! The mine is named arter your gal, and I say, [ s’pose she'll be getting spliced to Pete ’fore long. You'll gi’o ’em a bang-up wedding of course?” * No, sir!” replied Hopkins, angrily, ‘it’s no iH such thing... There’ll be no wedding! It is ut- . terly ridiculous. The man may be fool enough to name the mine after my daughter; that fact is neither improbable nor impossible, but ie i: is a matter which neither one of us can con- “oe trol; but when you speak of the man as being a 4 suitor for my daughter’s hand, it is almost too i absurd for me to take the trouble to deny it. ir is no such thing, gentlemen, I deny it in toto!” The jokers expressed their sorrow at having been misled by the false report, and then with- Mh drew chupeog. over the fact that they bad suc- t ceeded in making the generally genial store- va keeper lose his temper. As « result of the interview Hepkins went at oce to his daughter and told ber all about it. ‘Well, father, 1 should consider that the gentlemen have paid me a compliment if it is a i valuable sEPODEEYs as I understand it is,” the girl replied. * But you don’t seem to comprehend, child, this will enrage Hawk terribly. He is bitter it euough now as matters are, but when he hears { of this he will not leave any means untried to \ live revenge upon this young man. “If Peacock Pete desires to meet with a speedy death he could not have gone to work du a better way. “ Hawk will spend his money now like water to get satisfaction, : _ “T should not be Sorpriiet if the rash young ‘ _man met bis death within a week.” “T do not think that is likely,” the girl re- sponded in a very quiet way,’much to Hopkins’s \ sorprise. lainly she did not care for her champion as touch as he had thought. CHAPTER XV. | A BRAVE RESOLVE. Curmton Hopxrys, leading store-keeper of } Tive Mile Crossing, late of—no one knew where, for the old man was as dumb as an oyster in regard to his old abiding-places—rather prided himself upon his skill and cunning, but with all I bis shrewdness he was no match for the appar- ently simple girl whom he called daughter. | Heit told her the story about the naming are eee eee EE NSS eee of the mine and Hawk’s threats, thinking that if she did have any sneaking regard for Pete, fear for the safety of her lover would be apt to make her speak plainly and be would be able to get a eorrect idea of what she thought about the matter. The girl by her silence, however, completely baffled this design, and when the interview was over the store-keeper was as much in the dark as ever. If she cared anything for the young stranger she was not disposed to allow any one to know i But Hopkins did not take this view of the matter. He was more disposed to believe that the girl was indifferent as to what befell or became of Peacock Pete. “If she would only get over her dislike for Hawk,” he murmured, as be returned to the store. The old man bad apparently urgent reasons why his daughter shou.d favor the suit of the superintendent of the Gothic mine, yet it would have puzzled any one to ruess them, for though Hawk was a prosperous man, yet this new ven- ture that Peacock Pete had entered into seemed likely to make him a far wealthier man in the long. rua than bis rival. The girl, too, followed her father’s example and uttered words to the empty air, as if invisi- ble spirits were hovering near, willing to render aid and counsel. **Heaven help me!” she cried with a despair- ing accent, ‘“‘for I am utterly friendless. What a terrible thing it is that I cannot trust my father in this dire extremity and must depend upon myself alone, ‘Why does he press the suit of this dark and dangerous ruffian with so much firmness? ‘* Why should he care aught about the matter? Why does he think this man, above all others, to be a fit mate for me?” {t was a weighty question, and one over which she pondered for a long time. But the more she thought about the matter, the greater became her perplexity, until at last she gave up the attempt to unravel the mystery in despair. Her father’s words, though, had made her determined to take an active part in the matter. She was satisfied from what her sire bad said that Hawk had determined to attack Peacock Pete, and she guessed the mischief would be wrought by hired bravos, who would not give their victim any chance for his life. ‘* At all risks he must be warned!” she ex- claimed, ‘‘and as I cannot trust any one to give the warning, for the person whom I might select would be far more apt to prove a foe than a friend, I must contrive in some way to see my gallant champion myself.” The darkness came on that night thick and muggy, for storm-clouds were in the air, anda deluge of rain seemed probable. It was an easy matter for the girl to wra herself in her waterproof cloak, draw a dark vail over hor face, and make her exit from ib» house by the back way. She trusted to be able to speedily find the man she sought, so as to return to the house before ber absence was noticed. A very favorable time had she chosen for the execution of ber scheme, for from seven to ten her father was always extremely busy in bis store, for nine-tenths of the trade of the day was concentrated in those few hours, the miners not being able to leave their employment until the shades of night had descended upon the town. Evangeline had set forth with a well-defined purpose, She had penned a brief note, writing it on a palt-pege of foolscap, in a large, round, school- boy hand, and inclosed it in a common yellow envelope, so that it looked as unlike a lady’s missive as possible, It was her idea to find some boy to carry the note to Peacock Pete, for the irrepressible small boy made things lively in the little camp of Five Mile Crossing, as well as in the towns and villages within the confines of civilization. The small boy was easily found. ; He kvew Peacock Pete, and the gift of a silver quarter induced him to gladly undertake the delivery of the note, Pete was at the hotel, as Evangeline had ex- ted, and the note was safely given into his ands. . And when he bad perused the missive, he as- sumed a careless air, so that it would have been a sheer impossibility for any of the by- standers to suspect that there was any message éf importance im the note, bade the bey follow Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from L ee ee a eee ee eee E—————— Ee ps gonbenoct him, and when he got into the street, made the heart of the urchin leap with delight by the present of another quarter, when be pointed ous where the lady was standing in the shade of a building, a little removed from the main street, and the lights from the gayly-illuminated saloons cutting into the darkmess. ‘Run along, sonny, you’re a good boy,” said Peacock Pete, after the lad had informed him as to the whereabouts of the lady. The boy ebeyed tho injunction, eager to dis- play to his companions the prize that he had gained, ‘““T have something important to say to you, sir,” Evangeline said, just a little nervous as Peacock Pete approached, ‘‘and so I took this method of meeting you, for I could not think of any better way.” “*T am very much obliged to you, I am sure,” responded the yewmg man, doffimg his hat as respectfully as though he was addressing a queen, “| have only a few words to say, and I sup- pos? we can talk here without danger of inter- ruption,” Evangeline remarked, with an inquir- ing glance around her. * We had better walk along slowly,” Peacock Pete replied, ‘‘ for we would be apt to attract attention if we remain stationary here.” The girl perceived the wisdom of this ad- vice and so the two strolled slowly along. “7 felt it my duty to warn you that you have a powerful and waserupulous foe who will not stop at anything calculated to injure you,” she said, coming at once to the point for she felt strangely embarrassed by the novelty of the situation. \ “T can guess to whom yeu refer. This Red- mond Hawk is the ememy who is so anxious to do me barm,” ‘Yes, he is a bold, bad man.” “There isn’t the least doubt about that. It was my fortune to run foul of him when I first came into this camp, and I suppose the war will be kept up until one of us is either killed or driven from the town, “The fellow is something of a coward too, for all of his pretensions; he bas been around town for a day or two now, amply well enough to renew the quarre! if he se desired, but he has not made a move, although I have been ex- pecting it and have been on my guard, ready tor war.” ** Ab, but I do not think that he intends to at- tack you openly!” Evangeline exclaimed, quick- ly. ‘He has learned better than that. He dose not intend to trust to his own powers now, but will bire desperate, blood stained men to fight his battles,” ‘““Why, Miss Evangeline, that has been his game right from the beginning,” Peacock Pete replied. ‘‘ Ever since the night of our encoun- ter, when I succeeded in whipping him so easi- ly, he has scoured the country all around in search of champions to carry on bis quarrel, “But I think it is about time that that game should come to an end. “T am not a professional fighter; I do not pose as a bully before the town. “Of course when a quarrel is forced upon me I always try to do alll can to come cut abead,.” ‘¢ Oh, I feel sure that you do not desire trou- ble,’ the girl exclaimed, earnestly, *‘Some- times, when I reflect upon the matter, I feel so sorry that I was the cause of this man’s batred toward you. ‘¢ Perhaps it would have been better on that dreadful night if I bad left the dance and re- tired tomy home, but then I was not ured to this strange country, and the man angered me so that I forgot the dictates of prudence and de- termined that his menace should not drive ma home.” ** You acted exactly right!” Peacogk Pete de- clared warmly, ‘Noone can blame ypu. It was your privilege to refuse to dance wth the man if you did not like tim, and he showed that he was nothing but a low-bred ruffian by act- ing as he did.” “ But Ihave been the csuse of your being involved in a quarrel with this man. If it had not been for that unfortunate affair you would not have been drawn into this difficulty,” she said, earnestly. ‘Pm not so sure about that,” he answered. ‘It is more than probable that we would have had trouble about something else, for Le is in- clined to play the bully and I am one of the kind who will not.submit tamely toanything of that sort.” * Thad a brief conversation with my father this evening and he told me that Hawk was de- termined to have your life and tbat he intended to bire ruffians to attack you, and so I cculd
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ee not rest until I got an AA: to warn you of the danger that threatened.” ‘Miss Evangeline, believe me it will be 6& long timo before I sball forget this service!” of it; think of the danger that you so free y risked for my «ake! “ There’s one thing puzzles wm. Evangeline, but perhaps you can explain it.” Peacock Pete observed, thoughtfully. ** Why does your father 6eem to favor this man?” * T cannot expluin it.” oy » they old acquaintances?” a “ Yet lam told | that he looks upon him as his future son-in-law.” “Oh, no; that will never be!” cried the girl in jostans denial, and she felt she was blushing oh er enline I am almost a stranger to you, t I have the presumption to ask if I may enter the lists as a suitor for your hand!” “Why not, if such am= as this ruffian dares to Gaon for favor?” answered the girl lowly and shyl % } will see your father then and speak freely to him, although I imagine my suit will not meet with much favor in his eyes.” “Time will tell; but it is I who am to be married, not he,” “You are wiling that I should speak to him— it is not disagreeable to you?” he asked, passing his arm caressingly around the slender waist of the girl, for by her actions he believed he had discovered she was well disposed to him. ‘‘Yes,” she murmured, in almost inaudible tones, and her shapely head sunk down upon his manly shouider, Then he drew her closer to him, and, lifting her vail, imprinted upon her ripe, red lips, so rich in their dewy sweetness, the first lover’s kiss that they had ever received. But for a moment she nestled against his broad breast, and then, as if alarmed by her own weakness, shook hands with him and bur- ried away. Her home was only some fifty feet away, and 2000 she disappeared within it, CHAPTER XVI. THE COYOTE FROM BUENA VISTA. Pracock Perr, after watching his lady-love until the door, closing behind her, hid her al- most perfect form from sight, took his way slowly back to the hotel. “*Tt’s a deuced queer thing,” he murmured, as he walked along, ‘‘ that a man like myself, who bas been a rolli ing stone for years, a regular foot-ball for fortune, should, in this wild moun- oid camp, meet with such a perfect angel of a r “Upon my life, she is the sweetest piece of womanhood that my eyes have ever looked upon. ‘¢ And the idea of this Redmond Hawk, bully, gambler and desperado as he is, daring to lift his eves to such a maiden. ee son bt is perfectly ridiculous. awk must be brought toa reckon- ‘ge with me pretty soon, too, I am getting tired of fighting his bullies, ‘He must come ® to the scratch in person and face the music like a man. “There bas been o uite enough of this beating about the bush. ® must meet me in single tight, and stop this second-hand business. He must either fight me or leave the town. “The camp isn’t big enough to hold both of us. I will push the matter toa conclusion to-mor- row, and Redmond Hawk must either knuekle or ‘ git ye By this time Peacock Pete had reached the hotel, and he went into the saloon, the tm lounging- -place for the town. Eighteen or twenty men were in the p and as he found himself the object of the gens of all eyes when he entered, he concluded that he had interrupted some conversation regarding himself. A stranger—« regular giant of a fellow, bi even than the renowned Grizzly Jake, w om Pete had conquered with so little trouble, was leaning by the bar with his back against ty, ch He was dressed in the usual roug mgings ti ike ion, was well-armed, and altogether Kore ike a man who would prove to be an ugly customer The fellow hed a lion-like head, long, : a yellow hair came out in tangled masses raw undex his weather-beaten hat, and a long yeuo beard’ swept down low on his breast. Pee Hie face had a sinister expression, and | Feacock: Pe' Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville. | cock Pete, as he toek a mental survey of the fellow, came to the conclusion that in the event of a difficulty he would be a tough pilgrim to handle, The stranger had evidently been addressin the group, for bis mouth was open as Peacoc. Pete entered, and he paused fora moment to take a look at him. Then, when Peacock Pete closed the door, he went on: ‘*T tell you wo't it is, open I’m jest a- hungry to see this man!” be cried, in a rough, hoarse voice, like the beJlowing of a ‘bull, “W y; he must be a little tin son-of-a-gun on wheels! “I'm a hefty man, myself! Oh, pards, you had jest better believe that! ou might look far and see long afore you could run across sich a rip-staving, raving, snorting cuss as I am! ‘““You kin believe that, ’cos I’m the critter w’ot is a-telling on it to ou! ‘“My name is sudden death, or else a long fit of sickness! ‘‘[T’'m the Howlin and I have come al Coyote from Buena Vista, the way to this hyer camp of Five Mile Crossing expressly to see the dog- goned galoot that calls himself Peacock Pete!” Now our hero understood why all within the room had surveyed him with such curious eyes when he had entered. The stranger had come into the camp for the express od gay of trying conclusions with him, and been bragging about it in the Tice. ‘““He’s a dandified chap, too, I heard,” the man continued; ‘rigs himself out. in g clothes, puts ile on his ha’r, and washes himself once a week, ‘* Bah!” and the stranger, by this emphatic exclamation, endeavored to show the disgust which filled his breast when he thought of any such reprehensible practices. ‘‘T hain’t got no use for no sich galoots!’ ‘\e cried, loftily. “And sich a chap as this hyer milk-sop I havo heered held up as a fighter!” and he shook his huge fists in the air. ‘* Hyer’s the shop whar he ought to come if he wants mutton!” and then he »ounded his chest with bis brawny hands. “Say, some of you, for the lovo of goodness! jest run out into the town and scare this critter up! Tell bim that the finest gen’leman in the country is a-waiting at the shebang, jest a-dying for to make his acquaintance. ** Peacock Pete! Ob, my!” and the man gave vent to a snort of contempt. “'Won'* [ make a peacock out of him when I git my two hands onto him? Ob, no; not much! but you kin bet your bottom dollar, you high-howling sinners, that arter I git through with the critter thar won’t be enuff of him left for ico makea sized grease-spot out of! That’s the kind of man Iam, and don’t you forget it!” eacock Pete comprehended at once how the land lay. Here was another bully who had been set on to attack him by his unscrupulous foe. It was not pleasant and he determined this time to make such an example of the man that it would py any one else from trying the same gam “Pm Poatick Pete!” he exclaimed stepping forward and confronting the stranger, ‘‘and if you mean business I’m ready to accommodate ou. The Coyote from Buena Vista had guessed as oung much, for the peacock feathers that the - is- man wore in his bat, were quite enough tinguish bim from the common run of men. nd this was the reason why he had been so profuse in bis taunts. He was not impressed by Peacock Pete’s looks for he was one of those ignorant fellows, who believe only in brute force, totally ignoring all science, and as Peacock Pete was not six feet tall and built in proportion, he did not think he stood the wh bray chance in a contest with a man like himself. “You don’t mean to say that you’re Peacock Pete, the galoot that P’'ve hearn so much ’bout?” the coyote cried in the most contemptuous man- ner possible. ** That’s my name.” *““Why, you don’t amount to a clump of sage- brush!” the other exclaimed, ‘Thunder and lightning! ’tain’t hardly worth while to smack way face of sich a rat-like chap as you are any- ogee you're oin * smack my face.” -€6, oss : fly! that’s at the identical leetle Sob t that I Besta to tackle.” . bios t are ing to do that for—wha' Mave am oe y tot oO yonr” ore 13 we en = ne re n+ ere eee ‘Nothing at al), ray festive rooster. I’m jest a-doing it for fun.” ‘‘ No. you mean you aro doing it for mone Ys and I know the man that put you upto it! Peacock Pete retorted, sharply, ‘‘Oh, you talk too much with your mouth!” cried the other, ‘‘ and that’s one reason why you ought to be smacked, anyway, jest to puta leetle sense into you, sort of teach you to hold your tongue when the boss is hans Ki ‘* Your boss is mond Hewk.” “You’rea liar!” replied the big fellow, taking a ste toward Pete. ou have been hired to pick a quarrel with me; but I a you fair warning that I am getting tired of this sort of thing, and if you sever me into a fight I’ll kill you as sure as you're rn!” “Hey! you're crowing pretty loud for sich & bantam! I reckon I’ll bave to wade in and take some of the nonsense out of you!” ““Come out into the center of the saloon then, where there'll be room for the circus!” ‘You don’t say that you really mean to toe the mark and face the music?” the Coyote asked. “Try me and see,” Peacock Pete replied, The bestenders drew back out of the way, 8¢ as to afford a clear field for the encounter. They had an idea that inside a minute the stranger would be about as amazed a man as the camp of Five Mile Crossing had ever seen. Most of them in the room had been witnesses of Peacock Pete’s vies on the oceasion whem be had so easily polished off his opponents. They remembered how, with bis iron like fists, he had hammered Grizzly Jake until the nearost and dearest friend of the bully would never have been able to recognize him, And, although this fellow seemed to be a bet- ter man than Jake, yet it was the general opinion that he would not succeed in making a much better show than that worthy. «Yow, then, are you ready for to be smashe& right up ‘into pan-cakes?” the Coyote queried, as he acsumed a fighting position, Oh, yes, ’m all ready; but if you don’t eat; anythiny until that operation is performed you'll be mighty apt to die of starvation,” Pea- cock Pete replied. a CHAPTER XVIL A SINGULAR PROPOSITION, As the two faced each other it really seemed as if it was a most unequal contest, for the rough-and-ready personage, who termed himself the Coyote from Buena Vista, appeared to be near ae twice as big as Peacock Pete, so great was the confidence of the by- sdandece | in the young champion’s ability to co with the stranger, thanks to the easy manner in which he bad overcome Grizzly Jake, that there was hardly a man in the crowd who would not have been willing to bet odds upon Peacock . ete. ‘Look out for yourself now, for the ’airth- quake is a-coming,” the big fellow exclaimed, and then be rushed upon antagonist. There wasn’t any dodging this time on the part of Peacock Pete as there had been when he: encountered Grizzly Jake, But he stood like a rock, and as the Coyote attempted to close in upon him he met the giant: with a blow between the eyes that made him, see more stars than he had ever distinguished in: the heavens. His advance was checked upon the instant, and no wonder, for when the report of the blow rung lagen 5 the ens it sounded as: though a bullock had been felled by a club. ; It was a terrible stroke. Aud Peacock Pete was quick to inprove tho — advantage he had gained. As the giant reeled under the force of the stroke, before he had time to recover himself, Peacock Pete dealt him a blow in the stomach ust over the “mark,” that took the wind owt of im in an instant, and then, as the stroke had brought the big fellow’s head forward, the scientific boxer took him square in the throat with another tremendous right- Mpg Fh Na had the effect of lifting the Coyote off his and caused bim to measure his length upon gd floor, going down with a crash that shook the whole building. The Coyote from Buena Vista had been “knocked out” in the first round, It was a fact; the terrible blows had stunned _ man so that it was fully five minutes Lefore he recovered green to know what was go- "Thoa around him. one of the bystebdere hastened to his assist- ance for there wasn’t a man in the room who
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tae in ban seen ! ‘wasn’t glad to see the bully receive so terrible a Jesson. ' When he recovered from the effects of tie shock he sat uf and looked, around him, a look of utter amazement upon his face, And as be glanced at the man who had handled fat rougbly, the expression in his eyes seemed say: “1s this possible or is it alla dream?” Peacock Pete’s blood was up though and he was anxious to bring the matter to a conclu- sion. “Come, ‘rise up, William Reilly’ and toe the scratch!” he exclaimed. ‘‘ You set out to smash me into pan-cakes, you know, and you can’t do it sitting down there on tbe floor.” “Wal, I reckon you're a bruiser, you air!” the fellow growled, rising slowly to his feet. “Oh, I can do a little hammering once ina while, particularly when I can run across such a first-class chopping-block as you are to operate upon,” Peacock Pete rejoined. “Cuss me! if you ain’t the hardest hitter of apy man | ever struck,” the Coyote from Buena Vista observed, examining the young man in the most careful wanner as if seeking to discover from whence he derived his wonderful power. ‘Ob, 1 can’t hit at all to speak of; the fact is you're such a soft, pasty, putty-like man that almost anybody could lay you out without any trouble,” Peacock Pete replied, to the great de- light of the crowd who ‘“ haw-hawed!” outright at the idea. “ But come, we’re wastiug time,” the young man continued. ‘‘You’re to smash me into -cakes, you know, and as you was mighty anxious to wade in a few minutes ago, suppose you eo up your loins and try it on again,” “Not if the court knows herself!” cried the Coyote immediately, ‘‘ and she reckons she do, No, sir, you can’t play that racket a second time me, “Tm the keenest man that ever struck this town and don’t you forget it. “T know when I’ve got enuff and that’s the kind of a keno wheel I am!” ** What?” cried Peacock Pete in astonishment, “are you going to crawfish—going to take water at this early stage of the game? ewhy, the fun basn’t begun et.” ‘* Wal, you may callit fun for to be hammered ‘into a jelly but I’m blessed if I do!” the other growled. ‘‘ Why, you big booby!” Peacock Pete ex- claimed in contempt. ‘‘ You came into this camp for the express purpose of laying me out and now you back out of the job, right at the beginning.” * Nary back out, no sir-ee; that ain’t the kind of a mud-scow that I am,” the Coyote replied, promptly. “Iam going todown you—I'll lay you out afore I get through with you, but not ~ivb fists. No, pard, I pass on fists!” _ * Aha, you’ve got enough at that game!” Pea- - eock exclaimed in coutempt. ' ** You bet, and nuw L want blood—I want sour scalp and I’m going to have it. You don’t r’ to fight. me with revolvers!” **Oh, don’t I? Why you overgrown lunk- Seed I can wipe you out anyway you take me ** Mebbe 72 kin and mebbe you can’t!” the ant retorted. ‘‘ I héered that you was a dead- ‘ t and I reckon you don’t dar’ togive achance to git squar’ with you!” “Dil five you apy fair chance.” “ Will you fight a duel with revolvers?” rer | will.” “Two revolvers to each man?” “ac eed ” * Distance, twenty paces apart.” “ Allright.” “We to stand with our backs to each other and fire over the tops of our beads—fire first wae the revolver in our right hand and then with the Bp i in left hand. A judge to be app’inted th liberty to shoot down the cuss _ w’ot attempts to turn ’round.” A bum of astonishment went through the room at this novel ppreponel Peacock Pete understood the game instantly. His adversary bad probably practiced this novel le of shooting, and felt satisfied that he could it his man. . , But as Peacock Pete was really wonderfully skilled with the pistol, and had often, with his companions, in the lazy hours of a cowboy’s life, tried bis banc at all sorts of queer shooting, these backward shots not being neglected, al- wnough the marksman was generally aided by a i vwwking-glass held in the other band, he had lit- .uedoubt that he would be able to hold his own . & st the G ¢ was a trap, of course. Tue man who bad set the stranger on tw at- tack bim knew that he was an expert revolver- shot, and so bad devised the odd conditions of this duc] on purpose ‘o neutralize his skill. ‘It suits me first-rate, pardner; you have hit me where I live, every time,” Peacock Pete de- clared. ‘*And now, who will you have as judge?” ‘Let the crowd dec*de that!” cried one of the miners, determined that the stranger should not gain any unfair advantage. ‘* Wal, I s’pose that will be fair,” the Coyote observed, slowly, although from the expression upon his face it was plain that he would have preferred some other arrangement, but a glance at the faces of the bystanders had revealed to him that they would not be apt to stand any nonsense, and that if he proposed Redmond Hawk, as he bad originally intended, there would be instant objection made. ‘All I want is a fair shake,” be continued. ‘¢ I’m tho squarest kind of a man, and all I want is a squar’ deal.” ‘‘ That’s jest what you will get in this camp!” exclaimed the miner who had before spoken, ‘* We're all squar’ men hyer, and we don’t pro- pose to take nary bit of advantage of anybody, nor allow anybody to come any rigs on us if we know it. Inominate Tom Coffin byer for judge, and you kin jest bet your bottom dollar that he is ithe man w’ot will see that everybody gits a squam’ show, and no mistake,” and as he finished be bit a veteran, gray-headed miner who stood by his side a hearty slap on the shoulder. Tom Coffin was one of the original prospectors who had located the camp, and his nomination w sreceived with decided signs of approval by the rest. ‘“* Yes, yes, Tom Coffin!” cried a half a dozen iv a breath, ‘+ Coffin is a first-class name for the judge in apch an affair as this,” Peacock Pete observed “and as far asI am concerned Mr. Coffin will answer as well as any man that you could pick up in the wide world.” “ Well, how does it suit your royal highness?” asked the spokesman of the Buena Vista Coyote, who was looking askance at Coffin as if unde- cided in regard to him, **Oh, 1 reckon he’ll do,” the giant replied. “‘ Anybody will do, I reckon, so long as [ git a squar’ deal; that’s w’ot I’m arter.” ‘‘Me, too, all the time,” Peacock Pete re- marked. “Tecan lay you out in a square fight, and so I ain’t anxious for any funny business. “Pye got tired of this sort of ag me. I don’t set up for the boss fighting-man of the camp, ready to be climbed by every worthless galoot that bappens to stray into it. “Hawk had better step up to the captain’s office in person, if he is so dreadfully eager to have me scalped, ‘‘But I can tell you and him, and all the town as well, that from this time out I fight to ill. “Tf such fellows as you are anxious to risk your life for money, I intend to make you earn the ducats. “So look out for yourself now, for I give you fair warning I’m going to kill you if I can, The Coyote grunted a defiance, and then the whole party adjourned to the street. ae CHAPTER XVIL THE STREET FIGHT, By this time the storm-cloud which had threatened to burst upon the town had passed away, and the moon was shining brightly, so the duelists had plenty of light for their con- The sudden irruption from the saloon of such acrowd attracted immediate attention, and everybody within eyesight burried to the spot, anxious to see what was going On. , It did not take many minutes. for a crowd of thirty or forty people to assemble. The contestants examined their revolvers, and Tom Coffin, as judge, rehearsed the terms of the fight, so that there should not be any mis- understanding. “Now, gen’lemen,” be said, “I reckon that both on you are anxious for a squay’ fight—a fair field, no favor, and may the best man win, “That's me, every time!” Peacock Pete re- marked. “T reckon that’s all I want, though mebbe I won’t git it, seeing as how that I am a stranger in this ,” the Buena Vista Coyote observod with a dou glance at the faces of the by- standers. “Stranger, you're going to git the squarest kind of a deal!” Tom Coffin cried, impressively, “and I don’t want you to forget it either. ‘* This is a squar’ camp—squar’ as a Cie every time, and that’s the sort of reputation we travel n. “No man ever struck the camp of Five Mile Crossing yit aud went out of it complaining that he didn’t git a fair show for his money.” ‘Wal, a fair show is all Ll axes,” the giant replied doggedly. ‘‘But I’m a stranger hyer, while this galoot—” “Ts a stranger, too!” Tom Coffin hastened to exclaim. ‘He hain’t been byer but a mighty few days, but that bain’t really got anytbing to do with it. “The pilgrim sharp w’ot hasn’t got a friend to back him up stands jest as good a chance for a fair show in this byer town as the oldest citi- zen in the place. “This town ought to be called Fair Play Camp, fer we’re jest as squar’ as squar’ kin be in sich things. “* Now poo re to stand twenty paces apart— John Michaels, you’ve got a g pair of long legs, suppose you paces off the distance.” * All right, I’m agreeable; anything to oblige,” responded the miner. e Then, starting from a line which he made with the heel of one of his boots in the dirt in the middle of the street, John Michaels paced off the distance, and at the other end made a similar mark. “Thar you are, right as ninepence ! Tom Coffin exclaimed. ‘‘One man stands On one line, and the other man on t’other. ‘Each man to have two revolvers, one held in each hand. “You are to stand with your backs to each other and fire over the topof your heads, and no other way. “After ona revolver is empty you are at liberty to use the other. “Pil act as umpire, with my cocked pistol, and I give you fair warning that I’m the biggest old dead-shot that you kin scare up in a thousand miles, and the first man that attempts to break the terms of the agreement, or to take any un- fair advantage I’ll plug quicker’n a wink,” ‘‘That’s it! that’s the talk!” the bystanders re- marked, And it is worthy of note that although the sympathy of. the crowd was most entirely with Peacock Pete, and they firmly believed that in this novel contest he would be successful in whipping his antagonist there wasn’t a man of » them who would not rather have seen Peacock Pete defeated than to win by unfair means, “Spose we use up all our shots and neither one on us goes under?” the Coyote asked, “Oh, you’re both of you too good men for that to happen I reckon,” Tom Coffin replied, i. But s’pose it does?” the big fellow per- sisted. ; “ Well, wait until it does, and then it will be easy to arrange something else; that’s fair and square for both on you, I reckon.” As there was no gainsaying the truth of this the Coyote held his peace, ‘‘ Now, gen’lemen, if you will have the kind- ness to toe the scratch, I’!l give the signa! to be- gin the fun,” Tom Coffin remarked, drawin one of the heavy six-shooters buckled to his waist and deliberately cocking it. The duelists took their positions, “Put your heels onto the mary, if you please,” said the prise. The two obeyed. “Now out with your we’pess and git ready.” Each man drew bis revolver and eccked it. * Hands over your heads!” sung out Coffin, Up went their hands, ss Bra Loe all ready for the fandango?” ‘‘ Ready!” both answered in a Lreath. ‘‘ Now Ill count one, two, three, and after three you kin fire. You underscand that all right?’ ‘ **- Yes,” responded the two in chorus. ‘ Keep your eyes peeled now—one, two, three? Waltz iu, you.cripples!” yelled the judge. As Peacock Pete bad surmised, the big fellow had practiced at this difficult back ward shooting. Tt was Redmond Hawk who had dev.sed the scheme, He knew that no one but an extraordinary shot would stand any chance at all agaist Pea- cock Pete’s wonderful skill at a regular shoot- ing-match, and so he had pugzled out this odd backward shot, thinking by the novelty of the thing to take Peacock Pete at a disadvantage. The Buena Vista Coyote was a good shot, but hardly a match for such a master hand at tar get practice as Peacock Pete. —v"
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ad He wasan old acquaintance of Hawk’s and the arch-plotter bad sent for him and after he had arrived, for three days he bad kept bimself secluded, practicing diligently at the backward shot, and when he had got the thing ‘‘down fine” as he expressed it, he had set out to try the game upon the man whom Hawk hated so bitterly, But hh this matter the conspirators had reck- oned ‘* without the host,” for tbe backward shot was an old trick with Peacock Pete. He had experimented at it in all sorts of ways, first holding a mirror in the left hand and shooting over his shoulder with his right, tak- ing aim at the target by the aid of the reflection in the mirror, and then had tried it without the glass, the trick being to get the target in a direct line with some object in front of the marksman. This wasthe dodge that the Coyote intendéd to work; but accident on this occasion favored Peacock Pete most decidedly, for right in front of him was a tree which seemed to guide his aim, while the other had nothing better than = end of a house, which was some distance off, And then too Peacock Pete had nerves of iron and was just as cool when shooting at a human target, with bis own life put up as a forfeit for a miscalculation, as when practicing at a mark. The Coyote on the contrary was nervous, and then too the hammering which he had received was not calculated to steady his nerves, Consequently he hesitated in aiming while Peacock Pete fired almost immediately after the word was given. And with so true an aim that the report of the pistol was answered by a howl of pain coming from the lips of the Buena Vista Coyote. He staggered for a moment and then went down upon his face, the revolver dropping trom bis nerveless band, Peacock Pete’s unerring aim sent a ball through his right shoulder, making a wound which although not mortal was sufficient to keep the bully from being able to do damage to any one for many a long day. “I reckon the picnic is over,” the judge re- marked; but poschy 8 had the words left his lips, aud just as Peacock Pete turned to look at his f len foe, when there was a sharp pistol-crack, und the champion went down, The pistol-shot came from a horseman who was partially concealed behind a house about a hundred feet away. And the moment the shot was fired, and he saw that it had taken effect, he put spurs to his horse and fled. He would have escaped, too, had there not been a hunter in the crowd with a repeating rifle, who had just come in from a hunt. And it was not a difficult job for this expert rifle-shot to draw a ‘‘ bead” on the fleeing man, and put a ball right through him, The rider threw up his hands and fell from his horse, stone dead, upon the instant. The well-aimed ball had cleft the heart of the assassin in twain. And when they came to examine him they discovered that it was Redmond Hawk. He had laid in ambush, determined to com- pass the death of his foe by foul means, if bis hired bully failed, Justice bad quickly overtaken him, though, and called bim to a stern account. And Peacock Pete, too, escaped with but a slight. wound, for the ball had been discharged at such a distance that it had lost its power to do mortal barm when it reached bim, Reader, our story is told; for, with the death of Hawk, Peacock Pete’s persecution came to an end, And now that Hawk was gone, the’ store- keeper, old Hopkins, made no objection to the ‘ young man when he came as a suitor for his daughter, Hawk held a rod over him, having discovered fhat the old man had been engaged in crooked transactions in the East, and Hopkins feared And so, basking in the sunshine of prosperity, we leave our hero, but at some future time we may again follow the fortunes of the Lively Lad from Leadville, Peacock Pete. THE END. —— $$ + —- ~<tpnt —Senotine Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville. 15 =a Se | aan a a Beatles Weekly STANDARD DIME PUBLICATIONS. ‘The Best Weekly of Popular, Entertuin- ing and Useful Literature Pub- lished in Amerliea! 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Prentiaa Ingraham, 18 Sindbad the Sailor, From the Arabian Nights, 19 The Phantom Spy. By Buffalo Bill. 20 The Double Daggers. By Edward L. Wheeler, 21 The Frontier Angel. By Edward S. Ellis, 22 The Sen -erpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe. By J. Lewls. 28 Nicko’ the ight; or, The Boy Spy of 76. By T. C, Harbaugh. 24 IhMamond Dirk. y Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 25 The ay ? Oaptain, By Roger Starbuck. 26 Cloven Moof, the Buffalo Demon. By Edward L, Wheeler, 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. By Oll Coomes. 25 Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. By E.L. Wheeler, 29 The Dumb Page. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 80 Koaring Balp Rockwood. By Harry St. George. 81 Keen-Knultfe, Prince of the Prairies.” By O)l Coomes. 82 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian. By Edward L, Wheeler. 88 The Ocean Bloodhound, By 8. W. Pierce. 84 Oregon Sol. By Captain J. F.C. Adams. bo Pid Lom, the Boy ene Duval, By E. L, Wheeler, 86 The Hoy Ctown, ‘By Frank 8. Finn. 87 The Midden Lodge, By T. C. Harbaugh, 88 Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 89 Death-Face, the Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler, 40 Koving Ben. By John J. Marshall. 41 Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. By Ol] Coomes. 42 The Phantom Miner. By Edward L, Wheeler. 48 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. By Capt, Whittaker. 44 Rattling Rube. By Harry St. George. 45 Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator. By E, L. Wheeler. 46 Glass Eye, the Great Shot of the West. By J. F.C. Adams, 47 Nightingale Nat; or, The Forest Captains, By Harbaugh, 48 Black John, the Road-Agent. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, 49 Omaha OL, the Masked Terror. By Edward L. Wheeler 50 Burt Bunke , the Trapper, By C. E. Lasalle. &1 The Boy iiltleas or, The Underground Camp. 52 The White Buffalo. By C. E. Lasalle. 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. Ky EL. Wheeler. 4 Ned Mazel, the Boy Trapper, By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 55 Deadly-Eye, ithe Unknown Scout, By Buffalo Bill, 56 Nick Whiltles’ Pet. By Captain J. F.C, Adams, 57 Deadwood Dick's Eugles. By Edward L. Wheeler. 65 The Border Kings; or, The Secret Foe. By Ol] Coomes, 69 O14 Micke>ys: or, Vandy Eliis’s Scalp, By Harry St. George. 60 The White Inilan. By Captain J, F.C, Adarvs. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Term, By E, L. Wheeler, 62 The Shadow Ship. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 68 The Red Brotherhood. By W. J, Hamilton. 6+ Dandy Jack, By T, 6. Harbaugh. 65 Vurricane Bill. By Joseph KE. Badger, Jr. 66 Single Handy or, A Life fora Life. By W. J. Hamilton. 67 Patent-Leather Joe. By Philip S. Warne. 68 The Border Robin Hood, By Buffalo Bill. 69 Gold Rifle the Sharpelwoter, By Edward L. Wheeler. TO Old ip’» Cabin. By Captain J. F.C, Adame. TL Delaware Dicks the Young Ranger Spy. By Oll Coomes, Mad ‘Tom W extern, the Texan Ranger. By W.J. Hamilton. deadwood Dick on Deck. By Edward L, Wheeler. law k-eye Marry. By O}l Coomes. he Boy Duelist. By Colone! Prentiss Ing-ubam, be Colt, the Crow-Killer. By Albert W.:Atken, orduroy Churlle, the Boy Bravo. By E. L, Wheeler. Ine Dick. By Captain Mayne Reid, ol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. By Albert W, Aiken. foxebud Rob. By Edward L. Wheeler. ightning Jo, By Cyptain J, F.C. Adame. (it HMarefoot the Wood-Hawk. By T. C. Harbaugh. ollo, the Boy Ranger. By Oll Coomes. dyl, the Girl Miner, By Edward L. Wheeler. BS Buck Buekram, By Captuin J, F.C. Adama. 86 Dandy Rock, the Man from Texas. By G, Waldo Brown. 87 The Land Pirates, By Captaiu Mayne Reid. 88 Photograph Phil, the Boy Sleuth. By E. L. Wheeler. 89 Island Jim. By the author of “ Jack Harkaway.” 90 The Dread Rider. By George Waldo Browne. 91 The Captain of the Club, By Bracebridge Hemyng. Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief, By E. L. Wheeler. 98 The Boy Miners. By Edward S. Ellis. 94 Midnight ack, the Road-Agent. By T)C. Harbaugh, 95 The Rival Rovers. By Lieut. Col. Hazeltine. 06 Watch-Eye, the Shadow. By Edward L. Wheeler. 97 The Outlaw Brothers, By John J, Marshall. 98 Robin Hood, the Outlawed Earl. By Prof. Gildersleeve, 99 The Tiger of Tuos, By George Waldo Browne, 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville, By E. L. Wheeler, 101 Jack Harkaway in New York, Bracebridge Hemyng. 102 Dick Dead-Eye. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 108 The Lion of the Sen. By Colonel Delle Sara. 104 Deadwood Dick’s Deyice. By Edward L. Wheeler, 105 Old Rube, the Hunter. By Captain H, Holmes, 106 Old Froaty, the Guide. By T. C, Harbaugh. 7 dme-Eyed Sim, By James L. Bowen, During Davy, the Young Bear-Killer. By H. St, George, Deadwood Dick as Detective. By E. L. Wheeler, he Black Steed of the Prairles. By J. L, Bowen. he Sea-Devlil. » By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, he Mad Hunter. By Burton Saxe. By A. C, Iron, eet “~ SK sScEiauere Psat i) PEP wer cwreryorwieis = a — -~_ e354 J a us -= - 2 -— ® : : = i 2 — * h he Mad Miner, By George Waldo Browne. he Hussar Oaptain. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Q444 MOTENATHAE“STSE > = & e e = eat ptt pl fp th eae 126 Picayune Pete. By Charles Morris 127 Wild-Fire, the Boss of the Road. By Frank Dumont. 128 The Young Privateer. By H. Cavendish. 129 Deadwood Dick's Double. By Edward L. Wheeler, 480 Detective Dick. By Charles Morris. 181 The Golden Hand, By George Waldo Browne, 182 The Hunted Hunter. By Edward §, Ellis. 188 Boss Bob the King of the Bootbiaeks. By E,L. Wheeler. 184 Sure Shot Seth. By O!! Covmes, 18% Captain Paul. Ry C. Dunning Clark. 186 Night-Hawk Kits By Joseph E, Badger, Jr. 187 The salptose Hand, By Captain Mayne Reid. 188 Blonde Bill. By Edward L. Wheeler. ‘189 Judge Lynch, Jr. By T. C. Harbaugh. 110 Blue Blazes, By Frank Dumont. 141 SUdld Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. By Ed. L, Wheeler. ‘142 Handsome Harry. By Charles Morris. 148 Scar-Face Saul. By,01l Coomes. ae Seno Lgnces the Boy Sport. By Joseph E. Badger, Ju ‘146 Captain: h erret, the New York Detective. By Wheeler. BEADLE’S | HALF-DIME | LIBRARY. 146 &ilver &tar, the Boy Knight. By 0!) Coomes, 147 Will Wildfi the Thorovghbred, By Charles Morris. 148 Sharp Sam _ By J. Alexander Patten, 149 A Game of Gold. By Edward L, Wheeler. 150 Lance and Lasso. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 151 Panther Paul, the Prairie Pirate. By Jos. E, Badger, Jr. 152 Black Beas, Will Wildfire’s Racer. By Charles Morria 158 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. By Ol! Coomes. 154 The Sword Hunters. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker, 155 Gold Trigger, the Sport. By T. C. Harbaugh, 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood, By E. L. Wheeler, 157 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. By Charles Morris. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado, By Buffalo Bill, 159 The Lost Captain. By Captain Frederick Whittaker, 160 The Black Giant. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 161 New York Nell. By Edward L. Whelep 262 Will Wildfire in the Woods, By Charles Morris, 168 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. By O!! Coomes, 164 Dandy Rock’s Pledge. By George Waldo Browne, 165 Billy Baggage, the Railroad Boy. By Charles Morris, 166 Hickory Harry. By Harry St. George. 167 Axa Scott, the Steamboat Boy. By Edward Willett 168 Deadly Dash. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, 169 Tornado Tom, By T. C. Harbaugh. 170 A Trump Card. By Charles Morrie 171 Ebony Dan. By Frank Dumont. 172 Thunderbolt Tom. By Harry St. George. 178 Dandy Rock's Rival. By George Waldo Browne 174 Bob Rockett, the Boy Dodger. By Charles Morris. 175 Cuptain Arizona, By Philip 5, Warne, 176 The Boy Runaway. By Lieutenant H. D. Perry, U.S.N, 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada. By Edward L. Wheeler, 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. By Ol] Coomes, 179 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner, By Charles Morris, 180 The Sea Trailer. By Lieutenant H. D. Perry, U.S.N, 181 Wild Frank of Montana, By Edward L. Wheeler. 182 Little Murricane, the Boy Captain, By Ol] Coomes, 188 The Uidden Hand, By Charles Morris. 184 The Boy Trailers, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, 185 Evil Eye, King of the Cattle Thieves, By Frank Dumont, 186 Cool Desmond, By Colone! Delle Sara. 187 Fred HMalyard, the Life Boat Boy. By Charles Morris. 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. By T. C. Harbaugh. 1868 Bob Rockett, the Cracksman, By Charles Morris, 190 Dandy Darke. By William R. Eyster. 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. By Capt. A. B, Taylor. 192 Captain Kit, the Wiil-o’-the-Wisp, By Lieut. Perry. 198 The Lady Road-Agent. By Philip 8. Warne. 104 Buffalo Bili’s Bet, By Captain Taylor. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream, By Edward L, Wheeler. 196 Shadowed, By Charles Morris. 197 Little Grit, the Wild Rider, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 198 Arkansaaw, the Man with the Knife. By T. C. Harbaugh. 199 Featherweight, By Edward Willett. 200 The Boy Bedouina, By Capt. Frederick Whittaker, 201 The Black Hills Jezebel. By Edward L. Wheeler. 202 Prospect Pete, of tue Boy Brigade. By Ol] Coomce 208 The Boy Parda. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 204 Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom, By Edward L. Wheeler, 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. By Charles Morris. 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. By T. C. Harbaugh, L08 The Boy Hercules. By Ol! Coomes, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective, By Edward L. Wheeler, 210 Faro Frank of High Pine, By William R. Eyster. 211 Crooked Cale. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 12 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. By Charles Morris. 218 Fritz to the Front. By Edward L. Wheeler. 214 Wolfgang, tho Robber of the Rhine. By Capt. Whittaker. 215 Captain Bullet, the Raider King. By T, C, Harbaugh. 21% Bison Bill, the Prince of the Reins. By Col. P. Ingraham, 217 Captain Crack-Shot. By Edward L. Wheeler, 218 Tiger Tom, the Texan Terror. By Oll Coomes. 219 Despard, the Duelist. By Philip S. Warne. 220 Tom Tanner, Seslawag and Scapegrace. By Chas. Morris, 221 Sugar-Coated Sam, By Edward L. Wheeler, 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 228 Ozark Alf, King ofthe Mountain. By Edward Willett. 224 Dashing Dick. By ll Coomes, 225 Sam Charcoal, the Premlum Darky. By Charles Morris, 226 Snoozer, the Boy Sharp. By Edward L. Wheeler. 227% Dusky Darrell, Trapper. By E. Emerson. 228 Little Wildfire. By Ol! Coomes. 229 Crimson Kate. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 280 The Yankee Rajah. By C. Dunning Clark. 281 Plucky Phil, of the Mountain Trail. By T. C. Harbaugh, 282 Gold-Dust Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler. 288 Joe Buck of Angels. By Albert W. Alken. 284 Old Rocky's ** Boyees.” By Buckskin Sam. 285 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. By Charlee Morris. 286 Apollo Bill, By Edward L. Wheeler. 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain, By Col. Ingraham, 288 The Parson Detective. By 0!) Coomes. 289 The Gold-seeker Guide, By Captain Mayne Reid. 240 Cyclone Kit. By Edward L. Wheeler, 241 Bill Bravo and His Bear Pards. By T. C. Harbangh. 242 The Two * Bloods.” By Charles Morris. 248 The Disguised Guide, By Ol Coomes, 244 Sierra Sam. By Edward L. Wheeler. 245 Merle, the Middy. Bs Colonel Prenties Ingrabem 246 Giant George. By Buckskiy Sam, 247 Old Grizzly and Miia Pets. By Capt.“ Brvin” Adams. 248 Sierra Sam’s Secret. By Edward L. Wheeler. 249 Milo Romer, the Animal King. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. 250 The Midshipman Mutineer. By Col. P. Ingraham, 251 Light-house Lige. By Captain J. F.C. Adame. 252 Dick Dashaway. By Charles Morris. 258 Sierra Sam’s Pard. By Edward L. Wheeler, 254 The Half-Blood, By Edward S. Ellis, 255 Captain Apollo, By T. C. Harbaugh. 256 Young Kentuck. By Captain Mark Wilton. 257 The Lost Hunters. By Capt. J. F.C, Adams, 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven. By Edward L. Wheeler. 259 The Golden Harpoon, By Roger Starbock. 260 Dare-Devil Dan. By 01) Coomes, 261 Fergus Fearnaught. By George L. Alken. 262 The Young Sleuths. By Charles Morris, 268 Deadwood Dick's Divide, By Edward L. Wheele. 264 The Floating Feather. By Col. P. Ingraham, 265 The Tiger Tamer, By Captain Fred, Whittaker, 266 Kilib’ar, the Guide, By Ensign Warren. 267 The Buckskin Detective. By T. C. Harbargk, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail. By FE. L. Wheeler. 269 The Gold Ship. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 270 Blizzard Ben. By Captain Mark Wilton. 271 The Huge Hunter. By Edward S. Ellis. 272 Minkakin Mike, By Oll Coomes. 278 Jumbo Joe. By Edward L. Wheeler, 274 Jolly Jim. By Charles Morris. 275 Arizona Jack. By Buckskin Sam. 276 Merle Monte’s Cruise, By Colonel Prentice, Ingraham, 277 Denver Doll. By Edward L. Wheeler. 278 The Three Trappers. By Major Lewis W. Carson, 279 Old Winch, the Rifle King. By T. C. Harbangh. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate. 281 Denver Doll's Victory. By Edward L. Wheeler. 282 The Typo Detective. By Edward Willett. 288 Indian Joe, By Major Lewis W, Carson, 284 The Sea Marauder. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 285 Denver Doll's Decoy. By Edward L. Wheeler. 246 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. By Capt. Mark Wiltos, 287 Kilby Blue-Eyea. 288 The Scalp King. By Captain J, F.C. Adame. 2H9 Jolly Jim’s Job. By Charles Morris 290 Little Foxfire, By Oll Coomes. 291 Turk, the Ferret. By Edward L, Wheeler. 292 Sancho Pedro. By Major E. L. St. Vrain. 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper. By Captain Comster’, 294 Dynamite Dan, By T. C. Harbangh. 295 Fearless Phil. By Edward Willett. 296 Denver Doll's Drift. By Edward L. Wheeler. 297 The Tarantula of Taos, By Buekskin Sam, 298 The Water-Hound, By Charles Morris, 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker, By Edward L. Wheelex 800 The Sky Demon. By 0)! Coomes. 801 Leadville Nick. By Major E. L, St. Vrain. 802 The Mountain Detective, By T. C. Harbangh, 808 ’Liza Jane, the Girl Miner. By E. L, Wheeler, 804 The Dead Shot Dandy. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham 805 Dashaway, of Dakota, By Charles Morris, 8066 Neck-Tle Ned. by Major H. B. Stoddard. 807 The Strange Pard, By Buckskin Sam. 808 Keno Kit, the Boy Bugler’s Pard. By Col, P. Ingraham 80% Deadwood Dick's Big Deal. By E. L, Wheeler. 810 The Barranca Wolf. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 811 The Roving Sport. By Edward Willett. $12 Redtop Rube, thie Vigilante Prince. By Maj. E. L, St, Vrain. 818 Cimarron Jack, By Frederick Dewey. 814 The Mysterious Marauder. By Col. P. Ingraham. 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. By Jack Farragut. 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, By T. C, Harbangh, 817 Peacock Pete. By Lieutenant Alfred Thorne, 818 Ker-whoop, Ker-whoo! By Buckskin Sam, 819 The Black Rider, By Joreph E. Badger, Je. 820 The Sen Sorceress, By Jack Farragut 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen. By Edward L, Wheeler. 822 Nemo, the Detective. By Edward Willett, 828 Arkansaaw Jack. By Harry Hazard. 824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. By tne Morris, 825 Kelley, Hickey & Company, the Sleuths of Philadelphia. By Edward L. Wheeler. 826 The Ten Pards; or, The Terror of Take-Netice, By T. © Harbaugh. 827 Creeping Cat, the Caddo. By Buckskin Sam, 828 The Sky Detectives. By Major Mickey Free. 829 Red-Skin Tom. By Harry Hazard, B80 Little Quick-Shot. By Edward L. Wheeler. 881 Black Nick, the Demon Rider, By Capt, Fred, Whittaker. 882 Frio Fred. By Buckskin Sam. 888 Brimatqne Hob, and His« Lightning Horse Quar.. tette. By By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. Major E. L. St, Vrain. 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. By E. L. Wheeler, 885 @ld Double Fist. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 886 Big Benson, By T. C. Harbaugh. 887 Ben Bird, the Cave King. By W. J. Hamilton, 888 A Tough Boy. By Phihp 5S. Warne. 889 Kangaroo Kit’« Racket. By Edward L. Wheeler, 840 Clip, the Contortioniat, By Edward Willett 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective, By Charles Moria. 842 The Mountain Devil. By Harry Hazard, 848 Manhattan Mike. By Edward L. Wheeler, 844 The Fighting Trio. By Buckskin Sam, 845 Pitiless Matt. By T. C. Harbaugh, 846 Rapier Raphael. By Major H. B. Stoddard, 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducatsa. By Edward L. Wheeler. 848 Fire-Heelas or, Old Skinflint the Desth-Shadow. By- Roger Starbuck. 849 Wild Wolf, the Waco. By Buckskin Sam, 850 Reé Ralph, the River Rover. By Ned Buntline. A New Iasue Every Tuesday. The Half-IMme Library is for sale by all newsdenlers, Ove. conta per copy, or sent by mai? on receipt of six cents each. BEAPLE AND ADAMS, Publishers. 98 William Street, New York,