Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 321) (1883 09 18)
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balla tlallall alii Bie, Ee ~ = | =~ | , tel aly | WY WAL WAH” mAs September 18, i848, AT, ye Ai |e et: ea | “ Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Se.und Class Mail Rates. Copyright, 1883, by BEADLE 4ND ADAMS, Single PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, 20 Vol. XTTT. Number. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK! 5 Cents. No. 321, F 2 TN, AR O S T S S > ee _- —— _—-- DEADWOOD DICK’S DOZEN; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR or '' DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, “‘ ROSEBUD ROB” NOVELS, “ DENVER DOLL” NOVELS, ETC., ETO a AW ii HH WY) © VMN “LH, , “THERE! NOTHING IS BETTER THAN TO HAVE LITTLE CHILDREN MIND, WHEN THEY ARE YOUNG, GHNTS!” NEVADA NELL SAID, WITH A LAUGH.
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2 —_-——-.--—__— - Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; oR, The Fakir of Phantom Flats. BY ED. L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK ” NOVELS, “‘ ROSE- BUD ROB” NOVELS, ETC., ETC. CHAPTER I. BLACK BOB’S RETREAT. It was a dark, stormy night in the month of May, when a drizzling rain swept down over the mountain and through the gulch. Intense darkness made the landscape one great blank, and the occasional rumble of thunder added to the wildness of the night. Struggling with this storm and darkness, two persons on horseback. rode through a rugged mountain defile, in charge of a third person, who rode behind them, and kept them covered with a repeating-rifle. The two captives were plainly not residents of that section, for both were ladies, and their ay indicated that they were fresh from the st. One was a young lady of some seventeen or eighteen years, who, though muffled up in a waterproof, was plainly of graceful figure, and whose partly exposed face showed her to be vey, pretty. . * Her companion was an elderly spinster of angular form and vinegar features, and every jolt of the horse she rode, as it stumbled along hrough the night, elicited from her a groan, The man who rode in the rear was a ruffianly- looking fellow, who preserved a grim silence, not even condescending to answer any of the quéstions now and then propounded by the spinster. ‘*Oh, ye needn’t be so cluss-mouthed, ye bi overgrown wretch!” she snapped, after one o her failures to elicit a response from the captor. ‘‘ You're nothin’ but a mean, nasty brute, an’ ye orter be horsewhipped and tar-an’-feather- ed, ““There! there! aunty; don’t say anythin more. There is no use,” the young woman said. We are coves, and there is nothing left for us to do but make the best of it. As soon as paps, gets to Phantom Flats, he will get the igilantes out and hunt forus. Don’t fear but what papa and Mr. Gerald will find us.” ‘But the ugly brute said we would be held for ransom,” : “True, but there can be no doubt. but what we will be rescued.” “Oh! dear, dear! I wish I had never come to this terriblecountry. No civilization, nochurch- 48, no nothing bere but ruffianism.” And Miss a Spilkins relapsed into silence. A word of explauation, just here, might not be amiss. ' Miss Spilkins’s companion was Miss Agnes Blye, to whom she was in no way related, how- ever, having for years been a member of the Blye family, first as Agnes’s nurse, then as her attendant. Agnes was the only child of Ne gre Boston Bive,a prominent Western s speculator, and their home had, until recently, been in Vir- ginia City, since when they had resolved to move to the new mining-camp which had sprung up among the gold-bills of Arizona under the ominous name of Phantom Flats, Phantom Flats, a dull camp, had existed several but it wasonly within a few months that developments of a profitable char- acter had given to the place a decided ‘‘ boom.” It was while en route for the Flats, by stage, that the capture of Agnes and her maiden com- panion had occurred. A dozen mountain roughs had pounced down upon the stage and secured the ladies, without offering to take bee Blye or Miss Blye’s lover, George Gerald, into custody. They had been notified, however, that a ran- som would be fixed upon the ladies, and that they would never be seen again until the ransom was paid. ° The captain of the y not being present, Captain Blye was informed that he would be duly notified of the ransom required to secure his daughter’s release. The stage had then been ordered to continue on its way to Phantom Flats, and after its de- re, es and Miss Spilkins had been ed Over to the charge of their present ey who was to conduct them to the strong- hold of Black Bob, the brigand, the main party remaining behind to look after the Hastern- bound stages. . tive of bis coming to Phantom Fiats. x Deadwood Dick’s Dozen. Such was the situation of affairs, as we open our narrative; and although brave Agnes 7° had many misgivings for her future safety, she tried to keep up as brave a spirit as possible. For hours they rode on, under the direction of their brigand guard, who rejoiced in the title of Coyote; then, sbout midnight, they sud- denly debouched upon a high mountain plateau, which overlooked a large area of the rugged, mountainous and timbered country below. A hedge of pines fringed the edge of this mountain fastness on its front, and from the plateau a cave opened back into the overhang- ing mountain. As Coyote and his captives rode up on the plateau, a brawny Indian darted to the mouth of the cave, and lit a heap of dry sticks and ine-cones, and a bright glare almost imme- iately illumined the scene with great distinct- ness, The ladies were assisted to dismount, and Coyote led them forward into the cave, where another fire burned, while the Indian took charge of the horses. Within the cavern the furnishings were after the rude style usual to the mountaineer’s home —a few stools, tables, piles of skins, a barrel of whisky, cooking utensils, and weapons, A man was seated near one of the tables, en- gaged in smoking a long-stemmed pipe. He was of large, powerful frame, and his garments weep jetty black, even to black gloves upon his hands, His hair was of a like hue, and a full mask upon his face effectually concealed the features from view. A keen pair of eyes surveyed the prisoners, as they were ushered into his presence. ‘Hyer they are, boss!” Coyote saluted with a grin, as he shoved the ladies forward into the light. ‘‘ We captered ’em without any trouble an’ hyer they am. One’s young and purty, an the t’other she’s a wilted cabbage-leaf.” “Oh, you wretch! Wait till I get a good chance toscratch your eyes out!” Spilkins ts) oo tck Bob gave an una ey oy runt. “ What aid. ye tell Blye?’? he demanded, fly. or I sed to him as how the ladies would be held for ransom, an eee let him know the figgers,” Coyote answered. “Correct! The captain can afford to pan out right handsome, e girl is worth—let me see. Take off yer wraps, young woman, so one can get a fair look at you. Come, belively. I don’t stand no squeamisbness. I'm a bad man when I’m crossed.” “You are no gentleman, to use a woman as a means of extorting money!” Agnes retorted, taking off tbe h of her waterproof, and re- vealing a face of exceeding beauty. ‘You are wrong, I am a thoroughbred gen- tleman in my way. By Jove! I had no idea ou had grown to be so beautiful. No wonder lye is proud of you! Then, you're valuable, too. I think, on the whole, that I shall have to put a valuation on you of ten thousand dollars, my dear! “Sir, you will find out your great mistake when my father brings the Vigilantes down upon you!” , ¢ ‘* Bab! there is*no living pe outside my own band, that suspects the location of my re- treat. If your father don’t come to terms— But, pshaw! you’re cheap to bim, he believes, at any price ag Oo are you, sir, that seems to know of my father?” Agnes demanded, her curiosity aroused, , ‘Hal ha! that’s rather a conundrum, m dear! I’m generally known as Black Bob, bu what other name I might own, is a mat r of conjecture. Sufficient for you that I know both you and your father, and the prime mo- Ihad no idea of your being so pretty, however, and it is quite possible I may conclude not to accept a ransem for you, but to keep you here and make you my wife!” : d “T become your wife? Never, sir—I akbor the vegy fight of you. If you don’t restore me* to my father at once, you will be severely punished.” “Never fear. Black Bob is a man that few persons care to oppose. Coyote, I will keep the girl here, You go to the Flats and see how much ransom can Sar er from Blye. Mind ou don’t get caught. we What are you going to do with the old woman, boss?” “Oh! take her and give her to Red Deer. He can either scalp ber or make her bis squaw.” Without ado, Coyote seized Miss Spi and forced her, screaming, from the cave— Black Bob in the mean time keeping a pistol leveled at Agnes. “ You sit still, my dear!” he cautioned in a way that showed he meantit. ‘‘ The old woman will be all right in Red Deer’s custody, unless she goes to shooting off her mouth, when, ten to one, he'll raise her bair. As for you, beatity, He did not finish the sentence but broke off into.a reverie, his masked face being turned toward the fire for some moments. Poor Agnes!. With a white face and sinking heart she watched him until he should be ready to speak, wondering if he were not in a measure going to relent. « He final! M looked up, but s he were deli “Yes, yes; it’s a nice little game, and why shouldn’t I have a band in it, too? Money is an object to me as much as it is to Boston Blye, no matter if it is dishonestly gotten, Godse! I hardly expected I was striking so rich a bonanza when I ordered"the stage stopped!” “ Didn’t you?” Black Bob looked up, with a cry of surprise, to behold a man standing im his presence, ‘Great God! Deadwood Dick!” the brigand yelled, leaping to his feet, while his hands dropped to the weapons in his belt, But the gentleman who had so suddenly ap- peared upon the scene, held him covered with a gleaming revolver. Deadwood Dick! Agnes Blye’s heart gave a bound. She bad heard much of the daring Apollo of the West; of his escapades, stage-coach exploits and other reckless deeds; then too, she had heard many a miner eulogize him as being as square a man and as thorough a gentleman as the West could produce, when not crowded upon or wronged, The comrarison between him and Black Bob was so striking, it was little wonder that Agnes felt a degree of relief at the Sport’s coming, Handsome as ever, in his resolute, manly fashion, his dark eyes burning brightly, and that natural oo expression upon his face, aderfed with its graceful mustache and clean- cut features, Deadwood Dick looked no alder than when during the feverish days of he bad made his name a terror in the Black Hills cvuntry. He was attired in knee-boots, light colored pants, a white flannel shirt, open at the throat, a dark jacket and a jaunty sombrero turned up at one side. Besijes the revolver in his grasp, his belt con- tained two more of the same pattern, and a knife, the handle of which was brilliant witb sparkling stones, Around bis neck and attached to his watch in a small poeket at the top of his pants wasa massive chain of solid gold—a regular “log- chain” an Easterner would bave termed it. At the furious recognition and cry of Black Bob a smile of triumph broke over the counte- nance of Deadwood Dick, while Agnes arose and stood with pale, t face awaiting the issue. . . “Yes, Deadwood Dick, Bobby?!” the Sport re- torted. ‘‘I.fancy that in your little nook u here you felt so secure as tc have lost all recol- lection that a sleuth was on your track.” “Curse you! What brings you here? You have run yourself into my trap at last, you ‘But broke the spring, Robert, ere I entered. We are all alone here with no one to botker us. We can hold one of the most interesting of con- ferences without any trouble; in fact, can come to a settlement, Take care! don’t for the world be so rash as to attempt to draw a pop, as over oes your load of hay atonce. You know me, bby—you know just what an eccentric indi- vidual I am, for, although the pralmist forgot to mention me, and I never ran for President, my name is quite known in the “The devi] take your name and you, too! What do ae want here? Speak up, before I mangle you!” “Well, Bobby, to be plain ont and out, I have come for you. You're wanted at Yuba ne where. you 5 qa ge Paleo aughter end a mother, expectation o getting a big haul of gold.” : “Tt’s a Me! I didn’t do nothin’ o’ the sort. It war Jim Lacey—I sw’ar it was!” “Oh, no! James was accessory, but he only did outside duty, and you killed him afterward. He lived long why T give you away, how- ke more as though berately consulting with himself. ever, and that’s why I swore to bh you down to the death. You're too bad a man te
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yA * —~ breathe the pure air o this mountain wilderness, Bob; the very foliage where you go will become hlighted. I swore to avengs the murder of tho Laveriil family, and i will do it.. Tam going to kill yout Not yet, though. Who is this young lady?” ‘* None of your business,” the ruffian sullenly growled, watching a chance to draw a weapon uod gain an advantage, — . , : , “Miss, your name, please?” Dick said, briefly. ' * Agnes Blye, sir.’ ‘ Where from?” , “ “Virginia City.” “Where bound?’ “We were bound for Phaniom Wnts, aly. My father has gone on for help,” ‘Homph! 1. this man any thing # you or your father?” “T do not know him, sir, out!” Too late! Black Bob ‘ad, with lightning snatched. a x:volver from his belt an the mountain cleuth, His haste, however, had spoiled his aim, for the bullet ua only grazed his intended vietim’s shoulder, _ *A tooth Yor a tooth!” eseaped Deadwood Dick's lips, ‘The law can’t have you, Blaek Bob!” The samo instant the sport fired. With a groan the bandit staggered back a few paces, reeled and fell heavily, when he lay like a dead, man. : f ‘Como, miss,” the Sport said, ‘I will see you safely to the Flats.” ‘But, my companion—” “She escaped the red-skin and fled into the gulch below. There’s no use trying to find her now. Yourown safety must be looked for.” In ‘Sex sctnutes they were far on their jour- mey. Oh! Heaven! ‘ook uickness, fired at —_——— CHAPTER Ii. BOSTON BLYE MEETS SHRIMP. Drapwoop Dick had mounted his protegee upon one of the outlaw’s fastest horses, and after reaching the canyon they were able to male good progress, Miss Blye proving to be a good rider, The storm, too, had abated, and the night had grown lighter, y After an hour’s ride, during which not a word wg spoken, Deadwood Dick drew rein and sig- nalecl Agnes to do likewise, ‘Miss Blye,” he said, ‘‘I have a word to say ‘oO you, before going further, Have you lived (one in the West?” ome time, yes, oat Tangy fr shen you perhaps. know some C) » pute of Deadwood Dick?” " “I have often heard of you, sir—stories both rood and bad.” ‘Your frankness I like. It’s a fact I am pos- sessed of a rather Gant reputation, and haye led ©, rough-and-tumble life; hence, until I fight myself into favor ina town, I generally am in not water, and most infallibly find some old anemy in each new locality, who takes pleasure in introducing me to the citizens, who as invari- oly consider it an honor to try and assiet me to 3 rave of per: Oe POP i parent, usrm will come to you. ‘If you deem best, sir, you can rest assured I vill wait your return, You have already done a9 2 great service in rescuing m*.” * Don’b mention it, Come!” ' They soon reached the caye, a small but com-, _ortable place, where Dick kindled a little fire 14 lett her bis blanket to lie upon. * vill nob set any certain hour for my re- arn,’ besaid, when ready to depart, ‘‘ but, will gocaretully at work in your behalf” and brin rou your father as soon as I can, without, por % us both, I'll now bid you good-by,” The stage containing the Blye party had been ee oo Pee Ce ee stopped in the latter part of the aiternoon some six miles from ®hantom Fiats; consequently it was not dark when the captain and his prospec- tive son-in-law, George Gerald, arrived in the new mining-camp. ‘* Say nothing of our loss?’ Blye had cautioned both Gerald and the Jehu, “1 mean to goat the matter cautiously and secretly, and so can do better work,” Of course Gerald assented, and a ten-dollar note—for the passengers had not been robbed of money—secured the silence of the driver. Captain Boston Blye was a man of five-and- forty years, thick-set and short in stature, with a full face, dark eyes, and jetty hair and mus- tache, whiéh gave him something of a stern as- pect; then, too, the habitual expression of his countenance was more disagreeable than pleas- ant, by far. George Gerald was a well-bnilt, handsome- looking fellow of four-and-twenty, with light complexion, hair and mustache; he was an easy- going, habitually-lazy New Yorker, of good family, but alone in the world, rich as a prince, and on a tour of travel and adventure. He had met Agnes, the two had fallen in love, and, altnough there was no engagement, it was as good as understood that they would soon wed. After finding who Gerald was, and the state of bis finances, Captain Blye bad helped along the matter to the t of his ability, and never missed a chance to, privately, urge bis daughter to hasten matters to a climax. Blye had been a heavy speculator ia stocks, and was @ very silent man as to his business successes and reverses, but up in his own dis- trict, those who ought to have been able to form a fair opinion, were wont to doubt that Blye was very well * heeled.” x few weeks before Blye’s departure from Virginia City, a large robbery had taken place, a broker being the chisf victim, although several who had left moneys with him for safe keeping hed alse suffered, Blye losing a thousand dol- lars while Gerald had lost five thousand. The same night, a city rowe, named Leon Shrimp, had disappeared, and the crime was charged upon him. A reward was offered for his capture, and detectives were set to work up the case, Shrimp had onée been a clerk for Blye, and a suitor for the hand of Agnes; but, after Gerald’s arrival, he suddenly ceased to move in society and became low spirited and dissipated, After tbis much necessary explanation, we will proceed with our story. As soon as they arrived at the Flats, the captain at ones secured a room for himself and Gerald, at the barn-like hotel, and ordered sup- per brought up to them. While it was in waiting, the captain, slipped out to find the post-office, and get a drink. Phantom Flats was not a large settlement, elouds its increase in population was daily noticeable; so that Biye soon found the post- office, phi hagethen with the telegraph office was situated within the then only slogan and gaming-resort in the camp—a one-story affair, that floored over half an acre, and was supplied with a bar, lunecb-counter, ch»irs, and tables, a big orchestrion, and the many different devices for gambling. ; This place was run by aman named Picard, and was known as the ‘ Fort, Tt was well filled, considering its size, when Blye entered, but paying .no attention to the crowd, ho hurried direct to the postal window. A woman attended behind the delivery,—a woman dressed in costly silk, with diamonds liberally displayed upon her person—a woman with fair hands, but strangely enough, her face was securely hidden behind a vail, and no trace of it could be seen, not even the eyes. ‘“‘Ts there mail bere for Captain Blye?” the speculator asked, after a surprised stare at her, ‘\No_ letters—no PAD EES Et telegram,” her muffled voice replied, as she shoved it toward him, ‘‘ Twenty-five cents extra, please.” Blye paid the charge, and sat down at a vacant table near by, andordered liquor, after which, he slowly tore open the envelope, bis face the scene of some emotion. Itgrew whiter, however, when he read the message. __ It ran thus, and was from Virginia City: “B. B.:—Watch sharp and catch a ‘fish.’ He’s well built, handsome, a dare-devil; has long, flow- ing hair, a mustache, both dark; is @ dead-shot, has a aliases, but is the noted outlaw, Dead- wood Dick. There are several rewards for him; "s to. interest to t . Gene in Black hore by mal 'U. Kxow. Captain Boston Blye did not seem highly pleased at what he had read. 8 “Whoue ta2 devil can it neeliae en. He an ogc drivking his liquor, ‘“ it that— : ‘* You bet it can, captain!” A low, significant voice sounded these word« in Blye’s ear, and he teuped to bis feet with c curse, and wheeled about, He then sunk back, white as death, tea It was not a bona Jide ghost that he saw ; obs the human who caused his surprise, evidently could not have increased the ! ars eee oe? other — ‘Leon Shrimp!” the captain gasped. God! I thought you dead.” “So I presume,” the other replied, he being « young man, With: a full beard, sbrewd, dari eyes, and a general expression of cunning abou’ ‘Great: ion, ; His beard was evidently false; but that was of little moment, as there were a dozen others in the place whose hirsute adornment was not oy their own growth, “So L presume,” Shrimp repeated, with sneer; ‘‘ but you see yourmisteke, I’m as lively asa cricket, Where shall we adjourn t0, cap- tain, to) have a little private conversation? Ai} yonder’s a quiet corner., Come along.” Pale and nervous, the speculator beyelll Shrimp led the way to a table ina then vu- tenanted corner of the room, and corderec », bottle of liquer. When it came, he + for it, and said; | ‘Help yourself, Blye. Bless:your heart, y look like a stiff. I hope my appearance hasn’* frightened tke wits out o’ you!” nd he laughed, in a steely wey : “ Probabiy not,” Blye growled. “ What «. you want?” I fe Why, you ain’t inclined to be .. “A chat, bit sociable.” “ Not with you, sir. Your palaver don’t de- ceive me atall. What you have to say; ne A in a few words, You think you have me foul, let’s know sour prograibme,” > f _ “ Well, there’s no sensible use of hurrying into a perapluanies. Tall the truth now, & we're two shrewd men, whom church people anc t e like might call) villains—but tell the truth, you’re rather ashamed of yourself, ain’t you! ‘‘ What for? I don’t see it,” “You don’t? I thought you’d own up. Was have I always been to you. on Blye—a tool? Exactly, or worse still, a dashed fool, Admit it,” ' s “*Go on. IT hope you'll wind out soon.” “Tm not easily winded. I served you, did your villainous work, and helped to fatten your coffers, until the cussed Easterner came, ¥ : not only shoved me then, but told me I cout never have your Agnes, whom you had faith- fully promised to me.” : hoa ‘Bah! I nevef promised her to you.” ‘“You lie! But it matters not. Let it pass now. I knew my time would come—that couldn’t get aleng without me, Ha! ha! was.: wrong? No! Your finances got in a bad Your cheek was bard; but’ you borrowe ‘f Gerald until you couldn’t try again. Mone you must have, You on me, ae to be seen. I told you to write, You did so—~ wanted to hire me. Letter by letter | drew out of you, until before me lay pound, Sigee® and wmpe for robbing ig ¥ == ers” ins oe or God’s sal ush!” Blye gasped, gianc- ing around. ‘“ Wa is have ante t at ms ** Bah! not saloon walls of one thickness «ft boards. Tor g9.,0ms gio hired me to help you. I was to get one-third, and_do nothing but: pick the safe lock, I did it. You then picked me, with a loaded cane, and left me outside, to die, while you got the funds. “I didn’t die. Oh! no. Tough cocoa, mine! I gathered your letters, folded my tent and stole away, bavin vi- ously caught a report that you proposed: hie this way TOW ; et We Wy ; ; , +: mt Blye seemed too used up to speak, more than in brief words, | ey ' oe He knew he was in the hands of is own tool, whom pe had given just cause i‘. ‘x aig bitterest enem . : . Le pn useless to deny the facts he could but await the man’s own time and purpose, . ‘* Well,” Shrimp went oa. ey see you are expecting a friend from Virginia City—a mer- maid—a fish, for you to catch it you a to get nibbled at yourself, you know wood Dick?” » bare neat of of igh api aps 8 asi detective, by nature. I'd r have a bloodbound on my scent. How, do you suppose, am honorable citizen like you sb have been suspicioued, Blye?” ect, if he had. , # -
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A Deadwood Dick’s Dozen. ‘* How am I to know? You are at the bottom of it, of course.” ‘No! honor bright. It wouldn’t avail me to an you up to the law until I work you awhile. ee And he grinned Sephantie: “* Curses seize you!” Blye gasped. “Thank you; but they never take — to me! I’m too much for’em. And now, as it is, you see what there is to do.” “* What?” ** Firstly, take me candidly into partnership, and whack up even, Secondly, marry me tothe “* She is not here!” ** You are lying.” ‘No. She is in the power of Black Bob, the bandit.” ‘Furies! This is bad. But she can be re- covered. You have my proposal. I await your answer.” ‘* What do you want?” “ Half of the haul—six thousand dollars. That will do, for the first. Next I want half out of’ what you make by coming here to this camp!” * What do you mean?” ** ‘You know—so dol. Sufficient be that, for now. Next, I want the girl.” “Then, what?’ “You can depend that your secrets are for- ever buried, so far as I am concerned!” “ And if I refuse?” A faint smile lit up Sbrimp’s face. ‘If you refuse, eh? Well, you see the burly chap over yonder, who looks like a prairie pi- ri es, 4 “Pll hand you over to him, You'll get’a free ride back to Vv.Cc.” . nts Well, Vll think the matter over, by morn- Swi um? You are kind. You have five minutes,, by 2 eta clock, A word will fetch . the deputy !” A desperate gleam was in the speculator’s eyes, but he knew to his ‘despair there was no hope—at least none until another time. “Give me the letters, and b2re’s the money,” ‘“You’ve got the grip, and [ll he said. en.” “Tl take the mone now; you'll get the pa- rs, after the ty mine. By the way, are weto | g in issues in ding your snobby New York- | er?” ’ “Yes, if you must have a hand in,” “+ How is it to be done?” Sf he eye — a oe ae a recover Agnes, and you must keep in the back- round—that is. lake no interference—until we leece him well.” * Right. Umno fool. Ill not push my suit, _ and we are strangers in his presence—see? It will work better. If you use Ine square, Boston Blye, I will you, and ye shall have the papers. If you make a trickish move, Ill hand the papers to the sleuth that is coming here to see 7 “Til be cane Here’s the money.” ibe hee been dividing the,contents of a large ie) 8. - Shrimp seized his share eagerly, and counted notes. Correct!” he said, arising. ‘About that ee matter [ hinted at—when you get it under bole why, we'll'talk it over. See about the girl . _Good-night!” aaa although forced to yield to this self- rogue, Captain Blye felt relieved when he was gone, 1 He then left CHAPTER IIL A STORY OF THE PAST—THE DUMB DOZEN. Nor more than a mile below Phantom Flats, dn the gulch, was an old tumble-down hut or lodge, built tly of skins, ly of sticks, stones, thatchings of and bits of bark. In fact, it that at the time it was built, anything and everything was in its construction which could help to make it & com- fortable place of habitation. the saloon and returned to the It stood pretty securely hidden under the | fire shade of a\clump of balsams, and not every passer-by would have noticed it. To reach Phantom Flats, Deadwood Dick had to pass this place; but he was riding musingly along, and paying little attention to his sur- roundings, when his horse was suddenly stopped, each one of whom held a goodly sized pistol lev: each one of whom a y ev- eled toward bim. It was a genuine surprise; but he had no one * to blame but himself, and made up his mind to get out of his aang 7 as best he could. ‘Hello, boys, how are you?’ he saluted. ‘Glad to see you. How’s all the folks, and what d’ye want?” One of the number stepped closer to.Dick’s side, and went through a series of motions of the mute lan e ** Hello! _ So you're not gifted with that great accomplishment—gab!” Dick said. ‘ Let one o’ yer gang speak.” The leader motioned to indicate that the re- maining eleven were also mutes., Dick then took a closer look at them, and the result was astonishment. Twelve there were, and each man dressed from top to toe in black; all were of a hight, nearly of a weight, and the same wight be as- sumed of their ages. Here the strange likeness did not end. They were men probably forty years of age, and while their dress was alike, so was their facial appearance. Twelve closer counterparts would indeed have been the work of a lifetime to find. Each man had a dusky, rather wildly-hand- some face, dark eyes, long jetty hair, falling over broad shoulders, and graceful mustaches waxed out to a straight point from the lips. Their slouched broad-brims sported plumes, and altogether, a more fantastic party it had never been Dick’s fortune to encounter. ‘* Well, by guns, here’s a go!” he mused. “A dozen brothers, evidently, and not a vocabula- tor among them. Shouldn’t wonder if they’d like me to pan out my looseshekels, Unfortun- ately I haven’t but a single gold eagle. Hello, Cap! Just sing out, what’s the diffikilty?” The leader went through another series of motions, and pointed toward the hut. “Want me to go thar, do ye?’ Dick said. ‘¢ Well I reckon I’ll have to oblige, since you are inclined to be persuasive.” He slid from the saddle, and seizing him, arm in arm, the leader led him toward the but, whose only door was a curtain of tanned skins. The remainder of the party did not follow, Within the but, which contained but one apartment, was considerable space, A fire of wood burned near the center. Seated by this, was a man in rags, for his arments were nothing else. He looked to be very old, for his long hair and huge beard were as white as snow, and what little of his face was exposed from under the beard was deeply wrinkled. He trembled in every joint, from long shat- tered nerves, probably, and his eyes had lost the fire of their youth. Yet he looked up quickly, as the damb guide pushed Dick into the hut, and nodded, motion- ing. Dick to a seat near the fire. he guide then retired. Dick did not become seated, but stood with hat in band, awaiting the issue. “Do 5 want me, sir?’ he demanded; ‘for if not, I have business elsewhere.” ‘J want you, of course, or should not have sent for you. You were not long on your jour- ney here.” , *« How do you know, pray?” “ once. I knew when you left Vir- ginia City, toa moment. Do you see that?” He pointed to a small table in one corner. A wire came into the hut through a crevice, and was attached to a telegraph instrument upon the table. ‘‘ That brings me news,” the old man chuckled. ‘‘ Whatever news comes to the Flats, comes to me.” ‘Then it is known at the Flats that I am com- there?” ‘ Yes.” “By whom?” “Captain Boston Blye, for one; Poker Kate for par of “Who is Poker Kate?” “ Postmistress and operator, at the Flats.” “Who sent the news from Virginia City?” ‘¢Some confederate of Bl - “ ea. “T fancy Ido! That is, I int to.” And the old man looked menacingly at the “Tm old Jewel, the hermit,” he went on, “and for years I’ve been so. Ilived in this gulch Pipe no one xn of it, long before = old ‘gers came, e gee me as an oO. enon of the Evil One, and tell about the heaps of gold I’ve got bid away, where no one can find it. Hel! he! that’s what they say about old Jewel, Maybe they are right—maybe I have ot gold nuggets enough to ballast a railroad. 's mine, it?” —E———————————E —— eT ‘So | should suppose,” Dick answe~ed quietly, although he was beginning to grow curious. ‘“Of course. Pipo! Pipo!” the hermit fainly sbrieked. In answer to the call, from a box in under « bench in one corner, there emerged a large and exceedingly ugly-looking baboon, who whiske: forward, eying Dick suspiciously. “The nugget, Pipo—the nugget!” old Jewe) cried, sharply, and away went the animal out of the hut, like a streak. Dick was wondering where he was gone, wben he came back and laid a huge vugget of gold at Dick’s feet. Huge, because it was solid gold, and larger than a goose egg! “That’s a specimen,” the hermit chuckled— ‘jest a sample. Don’t wonder they’re envious of me, hey, at the Flats! No wonder they send assassins to kill me; meats and goodies to p’izen me, Ho! ho! Pipo isa judge! It’sa ecemmon remark in the camp, ‘Jewel is getting weaker and weaker; he can’t last long; then we'll get a whack of bis millions.’” ‘But you have your singular dozen of pro- tectors?” ‘‘Tf I were to call upon them, perbaps. Do you know, they’re queer ‘uns: you an’ J are the ovly ones that ever saw ’em, though the other settlers bave heard rumors of their existence. No one sees them by day—not even I. They hover over these parts, by night. But of them, later, Would you like to hear how to make a fortune?” ““T don’t know. Possibly.” “Then listen. Perhaps you may be aware of the fact that Boston Blye is a rascal?” ‘* Well?” ‘‘He comes here to Phantom Flats to drive me to the wall. He i; a bad wan, He means ie extort from me the secret of the hiding: place of m F ‘“‘TIndeed! You surely would not allow him to do that ?” ‘‘T cannot help myself. He has a lever upon me by which he can twist me at will, unless I have help. I want you to help medefeat this arch-villain. I am an old man, nearing the grave—au old man in trouble, but not old in years, Will you help me out, and do what you can to baffle the schemes of Boston Blyef” “Tf I find him to be the man you intimate ou can relyonme. Itisa part of my business b work against such rascals.” “J amso aware, I have heard of many of your deeds, and your spirit is a counterpart of my own. Pil convince you as to what sort of a man Boston Blye is. Tl tell you a little story. ‘* ‘Years ago Boston Blye and I were brothers and elerks in a large banking-house in Boston, of which he takes his name. ‘From early boyhood I had been a faithfu servant, and at the age of twenty-two had ained the position of cashier, and had secured for Blye a position as bookkeeper. We were bosom: chums, and an iy 1 wedded the gn for whom we were rivals, be never appesred to be less than a warm friend to me, until the blow came. : ‘“‘T received a fair salary, and lived in good circumstances, but of course was a little wild and gambled a little, drank a little and belonged to a club. Boston Blyé was my inseparable companion. Least of all men did I think he would ever turnon me, But it came at last. My father, the president of the bank, lay at the point of death, and a great deal of conjecture was made as to bow he would leave bis large wealth—Boston and I being the only direct heirs. The banking affairs were left almost wholly to my charge at that particular time, and a great robbery occurred. 1 was arrested, but Boston bailed’ me oat; then I hid away from society until my trial should come. My father died and cut me off. Boston came regu- larly to see me; once he stayed away for whtbe: then be came and told me that my wife had secured a divorce and had married an old enemy of mine, William Roberts. It infuriated me when he told me Roberts abused my two- year-old child; he guided me to my residence, where I bad not been for months, Through an open window I saw the devil seated in the par- lor reading, and without thinking of tbe conse- quences I shot him dead. Boston then smuggled meaway. The city was made to bowl in the search for me, I was told, for I kept too closely bid to learn anything myself, Finally, Boston showed his fangs, He said he was of bm neg in the robbery, and that I was in his ; if I refused to write a full confession hat I alone had robbed the bank and killed Roberts, and also was guilty of several other ee a =~.
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crimes, be would hand me over to thelaw. If I obeyed bim he would smuggle me out of Boston onto a vessel beund for California, What could I do? To stay and stand my trial in Boston was a thing abhorrent. I made the poonfession, which he promised never to use ex- cept in self-protection; then I fled.” ‘** Did be ever use it?” “T think not, I bought a year’s number of each Boston daily in Frisco, I saw notices of my being missing and the supposition that I had suicided, but that was all,” ** How about the murder?” — “It was stated that, after being shot by some person unknown, Roberts fled toward the wharves, disappeared, and was supposed to have staggered into the water, and thus ended the ob.” ** What became of your wife and child?” “T donot know. I never heard of them after my flight.” ** Are you sure your wife was divorced?” ‘*Yes, Saved a clipping of the notice, the charge preferred being abandonment and crime. I believe Boston worked the whole thing to ruin me and get the family estate. He afterward sold off everything, and I never heard of him antil in Virginia City.” ** Does be Know you are here?” “*T believe so. am satisfied he comes ex- pressly to persecute me.” ‘Perhaps. I will study up the case.” ‘+ hank you. I will guarantee that you shall not go unrewarded for any assistance you do me. And, now, there’s another thing.” « Whac is ite? ** 1 have spoken of you to the Silent Tongues. They have elected you their chief; Come!” He arose and led the way from the hut, by a rear curtainway, and thence through a thicket of chaparral into a mountain cavern of consid- erable size, with roughly arched ceiling and level, rocky floor, A fire in the center gave ample.light, yet a neaashen of torches burned from niches in the wall, The cavern showed numerous evidences of be- ing the abode of the “‘ Silent Tongues,” such as skin beds, cooking arrangements, weapons, etc., and there were a number of tables strewn with papers. About these were seated the Dumb Dozen, studiously, poring over the rade maps, for such the papers were. They all arose, however, avd bowed low, as Dick and the hermit entered; and the twelve looked toward old Jewel as if expecting him to explain to Deadwood Dick. “They want me to speak, Deadwood Dick, and I'l) tell you what I know of, these fellows, who, thc ugh one could scarcely believe it, are not in the least related, except as firm friends. They are Frenchmen of good birth, but seven years ago, being charged with communism, were convicted, and escaped to this country, In France, on account of their resemblance, they had always aimed to dress alike and increase the resemblance as much as possible, The same rule bas been kept up here. “On their arrival, they came into the wilds |’ of this territory and located a subterranean mine--that is, they discovered a great cavern, rich in gold. A fortune for a world lay before them, and for fear the temptation of telling others of their great fiud would be too great, they destroyed the natural entrance and built an intricate and secret one to the deposit—then -wore an oath to work faithfully together, but to never open their lips to speak for a period of five years. Ss Xt the expiration of that time they were to divide profits, separate for @ year’s tour of pleasure, and then return to work until the mine ceased to Well, they did so; for five years they mined, silent but contented, the pen- alty of a word being death. They amassed a mighty fortune, but only a small part ever left the cave. On reaching civilized parts and try- ing to speak, to their horror they bad no voices! Medical aid failed to help them, and aftera year ef no pleasure, they met again, all dumb, and their condition was made known to each other, Comparing notes on paper, they decided to spend their future lives in theirmine, “Since then they have sought for it diligent- ly, but in vain. Maps have been made, and every one points to the location as being ia the zulch,” 4 one But, they fail to find the exact entrance. Was it a shaft?’ “Yes, covered by a patent, board spring-trap, such as is used in theaters. To step upon it was to drop harmlessly through intoa strong net- ting, from which a ladder descended. The trap Deadwood Dick’s Dozen. was covered with moss, and no one could sus- pect its existence until he stumbled upon it.” ‘« Have they no idea where it is?” ‘*But one, and that % that some house in Phantom Flats covers it, and the owner has their secret mine. “* Now the Silent Tongues wish you to repre- sent them es captain, in their search for the mine, they in turn swearing to stand by and pre you from the attacks of your enemies, this so, Silent Tongues?” The unfortunate men bowed. “Then consider yourselves Deadwood Dick’s Dozen, in future, while I will guarantee that if the mine is under the town, it shall be found.” The new chief and his men then had a hearty elon after which Dick set out tor the ats. It had been an eventful night, CHAPTER IV. SWILLTUB, THE SLUGGER, Drapwoop Dick did not arrive at the Flats until the forenoon, purposely waiting on the outskirts, from where, by overlooking the camp, he could form a fair idea of what was going on. Seeing no signs of unusual excitement he finally boldly entered the place and joined the crowd of new-comers that swarmed in the street. He was ready and watchful, in case he should be recognized and pounced upon, to defend himself; but he was bopeful that no trouble would occur immediately. It was his purpose to test the matter, by bold- ly mingling with the crowds, when, if no one knew him, he should feel safer, Seeking the hovel first, he found that the cap- tain and George Gerald were registered, but neither were about, so be sought out the huge gaming saloon to see what was going on there, After a stroll through the pieen, and a sharp look around him, Dick failed to discover an povee answering to Blye’s description, althonug e observed a decidedly Eastern-looking man, whom he inferred might be Gerald, seated by a table, engaged in smoking. “Pll take the liberty of quizzing him,” Dick instantly resolved, ‘‘ An ounce of points from him is not to be sneezed at, Perbaps I can save him something, too?” Sauntering up to where Gerald was seated, Dick bowed, and said: ‘* Excuse me, but bave I the bonor of address- ing Mr. George Gerald, of New York?” “Tam Reongs Gerald, yes, sir,” was the reply. “What can [ do for you, and by what name may I know you?” “Ned Harris is my handle. You, I presume, eame here with Captain Blye?” “T did.” ‘‘So IL supposed. I have been looking for the captain, but haven’t found bim yet. Do you know where I would be likely to find him?” “No. He went out to get together a wey of scouts for a trip into the mountains, in searc his daughter, who is in the power of the out- aws, ‘‘He will return for you, then, before he leaves the camp?’ ‘** Certainly.’ 4 Then I will wait for him, and save him the * What! how do you mean?” ‘““T mean that Miss Blye was rescued from Black Bob by me,/and is now under my care and protection, outside of town, until I can see her father,” “Heaven bless you for those words!” young Gerald said, putting forth his hand. ‘Since her capture, I bave been sadly in fear that harm would come to her, ere. we could effect her rescue. You have but to name your price of reward, sir, and I will willingly pay it.” Deadwood Dick took a seat at the table and glanced about the room, Then he said: “Tm afraid my terms might be too ex- acting.” “ You can name them, at least, sir.” “T will do so; but, understand me, itis as a friend, with an eye to your interests. You are a tenderfoot and not used to Western ways. Now, will you answer me a few questions?” *T willtry to.” “‘ Very good. You and Miss Blye are lovers, and it’s probable will marry.” Peg on!” And the New Yorker flushed with p e, “ 4, “The captain is in your debt?” ‘** How the deuce do ¥en know?” 4 WS nog, found out, How much is he in your C) pe 5 ‘I don’t see what our private affairs can mat-. ter to you, sir.” . ‘*Only so much, sir, as I apags = a fancy, eR ote ype to see a eaten op by ion. How much does Mr. re repre- sent himself to you as being worth?” ‘« Fifty thousand in gold-mines.” ‘ ‘‘Humph! And be has pretended to be shor’ of cash, and has borrowed from you on the: strength of his mines and his knowledge of your fancy for his daughter?” aé He as.” ‘Well, all the mines he has you eam stick in your eye, and the more you advance him the more you’ll be out of pocket. I tell you this, sir, not from any personal spite toward Blye, but because I want you to look out for yourself; and in no way get yourself entangled in coming events.” do Gerald looked the great surprise he felt. “Are you a detective?” be asked, eying the sleuth studiously. ‘* Well, yes—something of the sort, yes— this privately to you, however.” ‘* And you want me to understand that Blye is not all the honest man he generally seems? “ Yes. Developments may arise in which he may prove to be a great rascal and endeavor to implicate you, or at least turn out to be your enemy. evelopments may occur, too, Lf which Miss Blye will be thrown upon the world and need a protector.” Y ‘I'll qualify for that position,” Gerald said, eagerly. ‘‘ Mr. Harris, | am much surpr and impressed by what you bave told me, an will not forget your wane Consider me your friend henceforth, and while I shall keep your confidence sacred, I shall by no means de spise your eg per sp , ** You have it. Hello! who is this?” Li The words fell from Dick's lips rather flercely. While conversing with Gerald, the e of Deadwood Dick had not been idle, had been covertly watching two men in another part of the room, who had plainly been talking about himself and Gerald. The one was the same Leon Shrimp, whom — we have met before; the other was a burly six-footer, of brawny frame, bhily attired and disgusting t bis y Pee = may Dissipation had bloated his face eyes, and the fact that bis beard was very sparse, ex- posx.d many ugly scars on his visage. : A typicel bullwbacker and ‘‘ bum” was he, in every sense, and it was tohim that Dick re- ferred, for he saw him leave Shrimp’s ee x, and swagger over toward where they sitting. j ‘* What’s the matter?” Gerald asked, . a “The fellow’s comisg over here to piel a “3 He was sent by that fellow over yonder. $ my soul, Gerald, 1 believe there’s a fob put up. to get you into trouble,” ; The deuce ** Nothing. v's What shall I do?’ beret ** on Leave this galoot te me, I’ve nee characters before,” _ dd off 6 bummer came swa ring with | a] bands resting on his huge tips, peg hd his bloated face. his “ Hillo! feller flunks!” be said, as he used near the table. ‘ Allow me ter in- erdooce ter yer notice-ther redoubtable 7 liam Salamander Swilltub, | ye proud o’ formin’ ther 'quaintance o’ ther bad | man fram Bulidorg Gulch—ther sarecohin’ eper-.. demic 0’. ther Norwest? ther knock-’em stiff frum ther tropics? Aire ye right proud, I say, » ter bask in ther awe inspirin’ presence of sich a . powerful keeracter?” wn “No, I can’t say that we are, and if choose, you can tell the man who sent you, we gre not alarmed at the maneuvers of either him or his deputy,” Dick said, coolly, oi “Oh! ye ain’t, hey? Ye don’t hey ao river ence fer ther old terrier, Swilltub, from Scroggsville. Why, my leetle pair o’ bsbes-in- - ther-wood, Tm a reg’lar old thoroughbred — rounder—a knock-em-stiff frum Grave's — light—the baddest bad man, w’ot ever griped @ + tooth-pick!” , “No doubt you're a John Morrissey swell - head,” Dick replied. “What do you wanti— . uae did your employer send you over here or ~ ‘No one didn’t send me. I jes! kim of my 5 own accord. I war teld ‘hat this » bite-livered galoot war makin’ fee»s a' me, abind my back, | and I kim over ter chaw «ff his cer, D'vetear, tenderfut? Hyaram J—Sw'lirnb tie orful, fer . ter receive yer petition fer pardon, or to mop | up ther fleor with yer. Now. ve ae 4 right peart an’ dramatic live. t'1 | use ye a doormat afore ail ther assemblu ge!” |
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G | 6 ws Soot nothing about you, sir, nor will T pol for something I have not done!” Ger- d replied, with a calmness that somewhat sur- /Dick. ‘If that fellow, over yonder, set you on, he has done so without first informing me to whom I am indebted, and if he has any ge against me, he can settle it by applying me in person.” ““ But yer see, m mtle zephyr, he won’t do nothin’ of ther kind, at all. I’m ther cha w'ot’s cravin’ fer gore, an’ I want it bad, tell yer, it’s my main livin’, is gore, an’ I can’t git along ’thout it. Iam hyer to castigate ye, an’ I’m goin’ ter do it, or cast up a lung!” “See here, you bi loater, if there’s any fight- ng to be done, Vil answer for Mr. Gerald!” iz interposed, speeng te his feet and push- ing the rufflan back as he was about to lay hands upon the Easterner. “If you want to ick a fuss with any one, pick it with me. I’ve elped to plant several such specimens as you, you whisky-tub.” “Oh! ye hev!” Swilltub roared, with a glare at his comparatively puny offender. ‘‘ Now, d’ye jest lookee hyer, young feller, ef et warn’t fer ver cheeky audacity in darin’ ter address me, I should be tempted ter take yer across my , and spank ye till ye’can’t sit down fer a week, Why, ther ijee of ary younker aspirin’ ter stan’ up afore old Swilltub, the royal striped hyena from Honduras—the snortin’ smasher o’ Sonora! Why cully, me chip, I’m a slugger uv ther furst degree, an’ I can with ease chaw, swaller an’ digest a couple sich as you, without missin’ my breakfast hour. Now oi move aside an’ let me git a chaw at ther Yankee, thar, afore. make yer think ther ’arth has fer- e “Tam not in the moviug business, but I'd ad- vise you to move!” Dick retorted, squaring off. “If you are a slugger os you claim, slug away atme. I’m not a bad target!” “Tl spile yer purty face!” Swilltub growled doubling up his huge fists, until they looked like great balls of skin and bone. ; In another minute, the two men had con- fronted each other. A crowd at once gathered, for Swilltub was known in the Flats as a ‘holy terror,” and it was expected that he would knock the stranger out, at one clip. “Now, then, look out!” the giant howled, shaking out-his huge arms, as if to get the kinks out of them. “Ther first act on ther pro- . amme will be to knock your teeth duwn your cra He struck out, with a well-aimed blow, which Dick, however easily parried; then they sparred for several minutes. As Dick had imagined, the giant was no easy adversary to vanquish, for he was gifted wit at brute strength, as well as with consider- I } of the pugilists science of defense and at- but, even with these acquirements, it di- rectly became evident that he had before him ao ‘‘tenderfoot,” for Dick’got in a stinger on the “ orful’s ” neck, that staggered him. He then followed with a left-hander between his eyes, after which his right caught Swilltub under the jaw, raising bim clear off the floor = ing him out on his back. é wild cheer came from the crowd, thing like this sort-of pugilism ever had witnessed at the Flats, and nothing was augveleurprisia than that Swilltub, who had lways reigned as supreme bully, should so t floored. onthe te fall the giant lay for a moment, as if partly stunned, though bis eyes were open, while he la ‘thas Deadwood Dick bent for- “ward and stared at him sorry He tlxn turned to Gerald with a quiet “'Phere, my friend, I don’t thirk his terror- ship will trouble you any more, If he does, why, just serve him as I do,” Dick advised. *T am afraid that would not be for me to do,” Gerald responded. “Iam not much on the fight, But, come, here is the captain.” And he led Dick to one side, where a man had just paused, to iook over the assemblage. “ Well, captain, how goes it?” Gerald asied. “Did you succeed in forming @ party for the “Not as yet,” Blye replied rather sourly. it pageste, from what I can learn, that this Black Bob is a greatly-feared scoundrel, and no one appears anxious to join inaraid against ‘him.”. ‘“Yet here isa gentleman, captain, who has not only dared to encounter the brigand, but has dared to shoot him and rescue our Miss mes. Mr. Harris this is Captain Blye.” two men bcwed, rather formally, it ap- um a Deadwood Dick's Dozen, top| as if neither of them were anxious to orm a friendship for the other. ‘‘ Indeed!’ Where is my daughter, Mr. Har- ris?’ the captain asked. “T left her outside of town, sir, there to wait until I should be able to find you.” “Oh! I see! You want a little reward for your work!” Blye said,’ with a significant sneer. Dick flushed. “T had not thought of such a thing, but now, since you speak of it, I don’t know but I might as well take hard cash, as I would not be likely to be overloaded with gratitude from you!” was his retort. ‘ : ‘Name your price, sir, and conduct me to my daughter, Since you have taken the trou- ble to come all the way bere from your strong- hold ro collect the ransom, you deserve it.” ‘Thank you for the thrust, sir, but allow me to inform you thatIam in no way connected with any person in rescuing your daughter, nor with Black Bob’s gang, as you hinted,” Dick re- torted, with flashing eyes. ‘*Bah! don’t think I am foolish enough to be- lieve that. It matters not, however, who or what you are. I wi!l order my horse, and we can doubtless arrange a satisfactory price while en route.” “ Very probably,” Dick replied. Blye then quicted the saloon, while Dick turned to Gerald with a faint smile. ‘‘That’s Captain Blye,” be said. ‘‘He’s as grateful as a primrose, and since he is so I shall make terms with him or not yet relinquish the eustody of Miss Blye, Something seems to whisper to me that Blye isn’t the father of the young lady, anyhow. Has it ever occurred to you? Gerald Jooked startled. “ Whatever made you imagine such a thing, sir?” he asked, ““T scarcely know—nothing more than a4 sus- picion, perhaps.” ' “Ab! here comes the captain now. der who that is with him?” 3 Dick’s hand dropped to his revolver, by a foree of habit, and he looked in the direction of the door. Blye bad re-entered and was accompanied by a man dressed in citizen’s clothes. As neither appeared prepared to precipitate an attack, Dick did not draw his weapon, but let his hand remain conveniently near it, for he was not yet satisfied but that Blye meant him evil. The two men approached rather slowly. Blye wa; looking sullen. ‘‘ Mr. Harris,” he said, as they drew near, ‘‘T am informed by this gentleman eputy-Marshal Farren, that it is unlawful to yield the de- mands of one person who holds another person in custody for ransom. Therefore you must surrender my daughter without ransom, or sub- mit to arrest as being an agent of Black Bob, the bandit. It is toask which you will do that we are now here!” “‘T will do neither, sir!” Dick replied coolly. “‘T do not propose to yield that young om as I do not, on more mature consideration, deem ou worthy of having charge of her, As for ing a member of Black Bob’s gang, I deny the charge emphatically !” ‘* Denials will not avail you, sir!” the deputy said, pompously, “I know you and enough of your past to warrant mein arresting you. You are Deadwood Dick, and you are my prisoner!” CHAPTER V. : JAILED, Tue sensation created by the declaration of Dick’s identity was great. Many a miner present had heard of him and his deeds of daring, and at mention of his name bes pressed forward to get a good look at him. ‘wo revolvers had the Sport quickly drawn, and with a resolute expression upon his face, he placed his back to the wall and faced his ene- mes in defiance, ‘‘T am not your prisoner yet!” he cried, “nor do I intend to surrender, Deadwood Dick Iam, but there are no causes for my arrest in this territory at present, nor do I know of any re- wards offered for my arrest, nor, may I add, do I think there is any man in the room who can take me single-handed. If you resort to con- solidating forces you might effect your purpose; but, remember, I warn you off, and acting in self-defense, I cannot be held responsible for what loss of life may occur!” “Tf you make any resistance you'll be strung up without mercy!” Farren declared, sternly. “T am not a man to be trifled with, and you'll find i mean business every time. Will you sur- render or not?” I won- “T will not. If you want me, why, you've got to take me! And mind, if [ am attacked, ptain Boston Blye, it will be the losing to you of no hg | woman, and aléo your death-war- ran ‘Bah! I'll take all the risks!” ay growled. *‘ Because you believe that, once I am out of the way, a dangerous obstacle will be removed from your path!” Dick smiled. “ Right you would be in such a case, but I am not yet out of the way. I have advised Mr. Gerald what kind of a rascal you are, and your proposed victim Mr. Jewel, alias your own brother, is repared for your coming. As for the Virginia City mat- ter— “Seize that man—kill him!” roared the cap- tain, growing livid with rage. ‘‘ Five hundred dollars for his capture, dead or alive!” The offer seemed to be an incentive, for ful half a dozen men, including the deputy, leaped toward the Sport. Bang! bang! Two revolvers spoke—one belonging to Dead- wood Dick and the other to George Gerald—and the deputy and a miner fell, never to rise again. he whole assemblage now sprang forward with vengeful yells, and although the two de- fenders fought like mad, and dropped a number of their assailants, they were finally overpow- ered and bound hand and foot. “Out with ‘em! Lynch’em without parley!” was the cry that then went up; but be it said to their credit, the people of Phantom Flats were not all inbuman roughs, and a major number of voices shouted back: ‘‘No! no! take them to jail. They’re goin’ to nev a fair trial!” And the two prisopers were borne off to the It was a newly built structure, designed for the accommodation of offenders of the law, and its massive stone walls and iron-barred windows offered little apparent possible hope of a man’s making escape, without outside assistance, When they were locked within the one main room of the prison, and left alone, with only a lone guard outside, Dick rolled over on bis side and looked at young Gerald. . ‘You did wrong, my friend,” be said. ‘* You should bave kept yourself out of trouble by let- ting me fight my own battles.” ‘“Not much! You showeda friendly front to me, and you can bet I never go back on © friend.” ‘* Well spoken! But your case was different You are a man of unruffled reputation, and this will be apt to do your name no good, even if aroreee ucky enough to get off with your @ ‘*However matters turn, I cannot regret standing up for you, sir. Do you expect they will try us?” ‘Oh! we'll perchance get a sham hearing to- morrow, if we here, I don’t, as a usual thing, take any stock in trials, and generally hie myself away before it is time for a trial.” “Indeed! How do youmanage to do this?” “Ob! in various ways. I've been in a nam- ber of these freezers in my time! Sometimes I break out myself—at others I have received outside assistance,” “Such you would have to have now, if you were to ggake your escape.” “So ff looks. But let us not despair, I have a dozen fellows not far away, who, sbould they hear of my capture, woul contrive to get us out: If it comes to the trial, 1 doubt not my guiding-star will be in the ascendant, and we will not get entirely left,” “T hope so. Miss Blye may become anxious and try to reach the camp, and get lost.” Dick looked sober. “1 hope not,” he said. ‘*I trust that she will remaia in the cave until [ seek her. I do not want her to fall into the hands of Boston Blye, for I do not believe she is his daughter, and, then, too, I might as well tell you that he and a man named Sbrimp, are the identical ones who came here to a arrest for robbing tbe broker at Virginia City!” ‘Great Heaven! It isn’t true!” “As the gospel. I should have gobbled up the captain to-day, only that I wanted to cap- ture his confederate too, whom I believe to be here in disguise.” ‘ “Well! well! This is all a great surprise to ” : “Undoubtedly: and, now that I come to think of it, 1 believe the chap who set on the giant rough, is Shrimp in disguise, If such is the case, ou can bet be and Blye are working against you, although Blye may appear to be friendly.” jail.
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“ Like enough, mat I believe, was a for- mer suitor for the hand ot Miss Blye.” ‘“‘T have learned that, and that is why I be- Meve he and Bize are confederates.” The day slowly dragged by to the two pris- oners, who, despite Dick’s efforts to give their situation a cheerful aspect, could but feel om there were strong chances of ‘‘ border justice in the shape of a hangman’s noose, Boston Blye and Leon Shrimp encountered one another, toward sunset, and the latter individ- ual looked quite savage. ‘See here! you’ve put your foot nicely into it, haven’t you?” he growled. ‘don’t know that Ihave. Whatis it your business anyhow, pray?” “Don’t get too sassy, or I'll show you. In the first place, by arresting that fellow so soon, you’ve lost the girl. Igave youcredit for being a cleverer scoundrel than that.” “ Hang the girl! Ill attend to finding her when I get ready.” ‘That don’t suit me, Them tell-tale letters are getting heavy, and if matters don’t quickly come to & focus, there’s no telling what I may ds." What does it matter, anyhow?” ‘*Several years behind iron bars, to you!” “Bah! [defy you. You have not the letters, and if you had, I can readily turn popular in- terest in my behalf to defend me.” “IT bave the papers, and you know it, and more, that I can use them against you. Only say the word and your brother, here known as Oid Jewel, shall not only have these papers, but also—” ‘‘Hush! Curse you, say no more, All is working well. The girl will be in our posses+ sion inside of two days.” * But how ’bout the Yorker? You’ve cooked his goose, so fur as workin’ him is concerned. It the outlaw swings, so will the Yorker. “Tl try to secure his release, You keep mum concerning Old Jewel, Im off to see bim at first opportunity.” ‘* Well, Pll keep my valve shet as long as pos- sible; but ef ye’r’ too tardy, thar’s no tellin’ what may happen.” The two men separated, Blye going to the hotel, in the office of which a man approached him, Sh} Not a word, till we are in private,” this rough-looking individual cautioned. ‘‘ lve been watching for a chance to see you, but have failed until now. Take me to your room.” The captain eyed the fellow a moment, and then obeyed, evidently resolved to see what he liad to say, ‘Once in the speculator’s room, he said: “Be brief now with what you bave to say, for I have no time to waste.” ‘‘Correct, yer honor. Do you know me?” ‘‘No, Never met you before.” “Thought not. I am ee | known as Coyote, and am the right bower of Black Bob, the bandit. It was I whocaptured your daugh- ter and her companion.” “You infernal rascal! How dare you come here and tell me that. I-just jailed one man _ telling me that he had rescued my daugh- “But you'll not jail me. We will cook our terms right here, and if you attempt to come it crooked over me, 1’ll put a knife through your liver. This feller, Deadwood Dick, told you he had the girl, did he?” “Yes, and I believe him,” ‘‘ Well, in one sense, he didn’t lie, He did have her for awhile—nigh about killed Black Bob, rescued the gal, and left her in a cave, while I slid along and ‘rescued her, and trans- ported her to a safer place. Thar she am now, and I am hyer to make terms fer her transfer ter you. This aire my own deal at present, an’ et’s a durned shame ef I don’t take the trick w’ot’s profitable.” * Yon are lying tome, You haven’t the girl at all,” the captain growled. ‘“ You have heard of Deadwood Dick baving possession of her, and formed this thin plan to extort money from me, Begone, sir! Til have nothing whatever to do with you. “Oh! yes, you will, I know,” Coyote de- clared, and two revolvers arose above the table-top in his steady grasp. “I’m here for business, not for play, capt’in, and ‘No’ don’t go no further for an answer with me than a int of bug-juice would with a Colorado cow- ve D’ye want the girl or not?” ‘ ‘When I do, I'll undertake to find her, with- out any desperado assistance, I assure you.” ' “Very well, Dll keep ber safely until you her, ebarging storage from date. At Deadwood Dick’s Dozen. present my needs can be supplied by ten thou- sand dollars.” “ You are mad, man.” ‘Ob! no; but heavens help rea ef I git riled. I’m worse than sixty thousan’ bornetson a jam- boree, Ten thousan’I want now, an’ want ’er bad, an’ ef I don’t see ’er forthcomin’ inside o’ two minnits, I’ll see how close I can come ter hittin’ the pupil of yer lefteye. Mind, thar’ll be no postponin’ uv ther show, rain or shine!” The captain was livid and pale with rage by turns. Tbat he was in a bad’ fix, Captain Boston Blye was not slow to comprehend, “You've got me foul!” he said, “‘and I'm no fool to resist, where pistols are trumps, But as your demand is far above the capacity of my purse, you'll have to lower your notes to the ey of V, that being the entire amount ot my earthly possessions. ‘Five thousand dollars?” ac Yes.” ‘Well, fork ’er over. That’s better than none, Tallow.” ‘“‘When I see my daughter, you see your cash,” ‘Oh, no! I’m not takin’ any risks, you bet. When I get the twaddlededum, I skips out, an’ byme-bye you sees yer gal sailin’ inter camp, axin’ fer yer.” Do you think Td trust you?” ‘* 1 don’t think nuthin’ ’bout it. I know ef ye don’t come ter my terms, I'll salivate ye in yer noddle, quicker’n greased lightnin’!” Blye took a roll of bills from his pocket and counted them slowly, a look of desperation upon his face. } There was an even five thousand, and it was the last ready cash he had in the world. a flung the pile at Coyote, with an angry snarl. ‘“Take the money and begone, curse you!” he cried. ‘* You have robbed me of my last cent, and Il ama pauper. Begone, I say!” ‘‘Keerect, boss; jest as yesay. I'll send the gal ter once. Men like you don’t keep down in the gutter long at a time, and when you get heeled again, I'l) call around for the other five thousand,” And with a mocking laugh he left the room. Boston Blye sat for some moments in deep meditation, bis face wearing an ugly expres- sion. ‘There is but one thing todo. I must see my delectable brother and extort money from him, as it has been-extorted from me, Without money J’ll be in deeper trouble than I have yet seen, 80 I must visit Jewel.” : —— CHAPTER VI. A BAFFLED VILLAIN, “Fre! fire! fire!” ; Loud rung this ery, at about dusk, that night when everybody and everybody’s neighbor was either abroad on the street, or, perhaps, wast- ing their time and money at the big gaming- saloon, But.when the cry rung out, all habitations or resorts poured forth their humanity into the street, making the populace one excited mass, A fire in a mining-town like Phantom Flats was something of a novelty in its way; then, too, the average buildings of a camp are dry as tinder, if of any age, and once a fire gets started it is liable to do a great deal of damage before it can be checked. To-night a stiff mountain breeze was blowing down the gulch, and tbe fire being at the upper end of the town, it looked as if a serious confla- gration might ensue. As soon as the location was settled, a great rush was made up the street, many carrying buckets of water, so that ina few minutes the business portion of the camp was entirely de- serted, - Thus it was that the jail where Deadwood Dick and George Gerald were confined, and which was located at the lower edge of the camp, was left unguarded, except one old man, who was too infirm to run to the ‘ sarcus.” When matters had assumed this ate a dozen figures, black-clad and masked, stealthily approached the jail. - Every man was armed, and had Deadwood Dick seen their approach, he would have known that they were bis dozen of dumb defenders, and he would have felt a thrill of exultance. But he knew not who, a few minutes later, began a fierce attack upon the heavy dx 8, without uttering a sound of the buman voice, “Hello! what is the matter?” Gerald asked, starting up, out of adoze. ‘ Who’s attacking the door??? “Regulators, I reckon,” Dick returned, “ There wus a cry of fire, a bit and the pee le rushed to ‘it? and now odens these fellows o break into the jail. It looks decidedly to mie as if the fire was t-up job to give a party of roughs under Boston Blye a chance to take us out and lynch us!” ‘ ‘« Heaven help us if that be true!” An intense silence then ensued. The battering upon the door continued witb unabated violence and the stout barrier finally began to weaken— so much that the prisoners momentarily ex- pected it to burst open, _ . They had not long to wait. There was a sharp crash, and the barrier fell inward, while the as- sailants poured over the threshold, Deadwood Dick uttered a glad cry, as he recognized his Dumb Dozen! ‘They are my men, Gerald,” he said. ‘“ We are once more free!” Their feet were released in a twinkling; then they were hurried from the jail, and out of the camp, long ere their escape was discovered. Captain Boston Blye left Phantom Flats about: sunset, on his visit to his deeply wronged brother, whom we will continue call Old Jewel, the hermit—for he had long ago re- nounced his former name, partly as a guard against arrest and partly because he hated it Not knowing the exact location of the her- mit’s abode, Blye had secured the services of a miner, as guide, and, well mounted, they were not long in making the journey, arriving at the lone cabin about an hour after dark, Dismounting a short distance from the lodge of the hermit, Blye left his horse in charge of his guide, and approached the hut, where, some- what to his surprise, he found Old Jewel seated upon @ camp-stool in the doorway. The hermit made no motiom to rise or wel- come bis visitor, and so Boston paused, at afew paces from him. . ‘“‘ Good-evening, Mr. Jewel!” he said, doffin his hat, ‘ I am lucky to find you so easily. suppose you do not recognize me?” ‘On the contrary, 1 do,” was the cold re- sponse. ‘‘ Your coming is not at all unknown, or unexpected.” Blye looked incredulous, ** Who am I, then?” he demanded. “A wretch—a villain—a traitor; Heaven knows how much more!” was the stinging re- tort. ve “Yet Iam your estimable brother,” Blye sneered, with a chuckle. ‘ One can hardly go back on their own relations.” d “ Can’t they? Why did you do eo, vears when your devilish schemes branded me a cran inal and outcast, and forced me to kkave my home?” “Ob! you know I never harmed you, brotbér —I could not do that, Your own villainy got you into trouble, and you have me to thank that you were ever able to escape the vengeunce “ Liar! coward! devil in man’s form! Away with you—I would not have you further A oy jure your soul, Why do you come here? Iam no brothegof yours, Begone, ere I set my de- fenders upon you!” “Defenders!” And Blye laughed evilly. “That is a big word to ra use, Who would defend you, = y, there’s not a person in Phantom Flats bat what is down on ou,” \ ; a Keep on believing that!” Jewel retorted, with decision, ‘* There is at least one man who will not go back on me whom all the men of Pbantom and all the ‘mps of Satan cannot cope with, Friends? Yer, 1 bave them yet, but not of my kitbh and kin.” ‘Bah! what care I? Neither do*I fear, no matter what bold outlaw you may have for an ~ ally or friend. I bave come here to see you as a brother and a friend, and as such I expect to be treated.” “Then your expectations are destined to sus- tain a severe shock, sir. In flesh you may be a brother of mine, but there the relationship ends. Friends we can never be, and so there is no use of prolonging this interview.” ! “Ha! ha! How anxious you are to get rid of me! My gentle brother, are you not aware that you are addressing one who can make you more real trouble than you have yet experi- enced?” ““T well know you have come here to anno: and threaten me, and for the ae ree > extorting money from me. I also Lat hink to torture me, and which you tareedans to sign.” hae have a lying document, with which “Exactly. Ha! ba! You are an excellent
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q \ { ' esser. Yes, brother, [ have you emphatically in my power, and since you have received me so ind hm I propose to twist you without mercy. You have money; [ havenone. Being my brotber, it is certainly yeur duty to divide with me. You will refuse, but I know a twist of the thumb-screws will make you shell out liberally and cheerfully.” “We shall see, Do your worst, yield to you a point, you villain!” ** Not when | expose you to the authorities,» and you see a gallows in the future?” “Nol a thousand times no! Idefy you, An outcast you have made me, and I defy the law also. I now have men to defend me, who are not afraid ofanarmy. If you think you have Tl never me so far in your power, go on with your vile schemes, Il] quickly show you where the ad- vantage lies!” . ‘Bah! Your chief dependence is the hunted outlaw, Deadwood Dick; but [ have the pleas- ant task of informing you that the lion Richard now languishes in the jail at Phantom Flats, so there’s nothing that remains but for you to come to my terms. I want money, and you have plenty of it. a arp say you are better fixed even than a millionaire. Give me one hundred thousand dollars, spot cash, and I will not only deliver up to you the tell-tale confes- sion, but will put you in possession of some- thing which will forever after gladden your life! ‘You cannot approach me in that manner. If [T am broken down and white-haired, Boston Blye, I am yet wise enough to shun any trap your cunning brain can lay. Happiness for me is out of the question; I buried the thing years ago, “You are-mistaken. Listen to me. When you left Boston, you deemed that there was no one in all the world who could be dear to vou? True; there was not one who cared for me!" : ‘*You believed my lie that your wife was fai-h'e-s to you?’ “Had I not sufficient evidence?” “No; it was all but a part of my scheme to ruin you. A truer wife never lived than Celia Blye was to you.” ‘Man! dare you stand there and tell me of ‘your foul work? I will kill you!” “Oh, no you won't!” and the captain quickly drew bis revolver and cocked it. ‘‘ When it — down to killing, l am athome. Yes, I up your home the same way I broke you 7 Your wife was never divorced from you. t night, when you saw Bill Roberts, I sent him there in order to bring about the result.” ** Monster!” was all the hermit could gasp, “Oh, certainly!” Blye assented, with a laugh. *“ AsI wassaying, your vife was never divorced, Shortly after your flight I enticed her to a lonely spot on Long Island, under pretense of taking ber to you. I there tried to force her to romise me her hand in marriage, but she scorn- nly refused, and in my frenzy at her taunts [ stabbed her through the heart and fled, taking your child, Agnes, with me’ 3 - Old Jewel did not answer, for his gaze was fixed upon his villainous brother in an awful & . “T lay in noe a few months, and then hearing no sensation about the matter, an finding that no trace of a murder bad been made public, I end closed up business in Boston, and fled West. The child is still with me—now a beautiful, refined young lady—and . all that it costs to get ber is one bandred thousand dollars, and lil throw in the confes- sion,’ «Yon haven’t got the child!” _“T have, Sue is where [ can get her in a half- Gay. *Then go and get her, hand both her and the confession over to me, and the money is Blye burst into a loud laugh, “ Well, you're liberal, ain’t you?” he sneered. * Why, man, | wouldn’t take less than half a million for the girl! I have merely been draw- ing you on, to see if there was thing human about . Half a million, and no less, will secure the confession and the girl!” “You are mad, man. As much as I could desire pene of either, or both, I could never think of gratifying you by yielding to ioaneeue. ve me, Boston Blye, and never it me see our face again.” ' “Will I leaye you, though?’ the scbemer sneered.. ‘‘ Well, I rather fancy not. You are too rich a bonanza to discard. You say you will not come to my terms, but I know you wilh You see this revolver? Well, I'll give Deadwood Dick’s Dozen. ~~~ ----- you, just five counts to swear that you will pay me my price within five minutes, and you know me well enough to believe that Pil not hesitate to put a bullet through your heart. Remember, now, ’m in dead earnest. One!” Up came the revolver to a level with the her- mit’s heart; and the diabolical expression upon Blye’s face spoke better than words of his fiendish determination. If it were possible, the pallor increased upon Jewel’s face, and a frightened, hunted expres- sion crept from his eyes, He did not speak—his tongue seemed palsied, while a nervous tremor shook his frame, “Two!” Boston Blye cried, sternly and unpityingly. ‘Speak up! It is your last chance!” Jewel made no answer, but an appealing ‘expression came over his visage, an unspoken prayer for mercy, as it were. A faint chuckle of triumph escaped Blye. He pulled back the hammer of his weapon, the click sounding like the knell of doom to the sad hermit. Still he spoke not. ‘*Three!” called out the captain. “Stop!” a voice cried sharply, and at the same time a pistol was pressed against the side of his head, ‘If there is to be any murdering done here, allow me to take a hand in it.” Blye wheeled and dropped bis pistol, with a startled oath, to behold the postmistress of Phantom Flats, who rejoiced in the cognomen of Poker Kate! She was, as usual, richly attired, and wore the vail over ber face, so her features were cleverly disguised. The gleaming weapon in ber hand showed that she was in no wise loth to lend a helping -hand to the weak and defenseless. ‘“What the devil do you mean?’ Blye growled savagely. ‘Is this your business, you hussy?” ‘Precisely, you foul-mouthed scoundrel. don’t allow such vipers as you to abuse old men like Jewel!” was the stinging retort. ‘‘ You are a detestable wretch, Boston Blye, as I well know by hearing your conversation with the. hermit here, and none too good to hang, and hang you will, or I miss my guess.” ‘* You lie, curse you.” “Do I? Well, Lrather fancy not. Now, then, face about, and strike for the Flats, at a two- forty gait, before I blow the bead off from you. When you reach the Flats, do you buy your- self a horse, or steal one—which latter would be the most natural to you—and vamose for parts unknown. If I see a button of you, when I get back to the camp, I'll drop you as I would a coyote. D’yehear? Git!” ** Furies seize you!” the captain gritted. “ Pll get even with you.” “You'll never live to get the opportunity, unless you trot out lively, before I count ten. One! two! three!” Blye waited to hear no more, He was satisfied that Poker Kate meant busi- ness, and that the best thing for bim was to get back as far as Phantom Flats, anyhow. So he turned and stalked away toward Phan- tom Flats. Without a word to the hermit, Poker Kate followed in the villain’s wake, keeping her wea- pon in readiness for an emergency. She evidently meant that Blye should not get another chance to molest the hermit, that night, at least. eing a walker, Blye soon distanced the post- mistress; in fact he was not aware that she was : following him; but, half-way between the her- mitage and the Flats, he suddenly became con- scious that for the second time that evening, a pistol muzzle was pressed to his temple, while a gruff voice cried out:— ‘Whoa up thar, Boss Blye! Hope ye ain’t goin’ ter slight me, while yer out wisitin’. Kinder strikes me that ain’t fair. Jest come up this hyer fissure. Thar’s a little boel hyer, which constertutes my new head-quarters. No hesitatin’ now, ef ye don’t wanter git slugged wi’a chunk o’ lead.” > “Who are you? What d’ye want?’ Blye de- manded savagely. “I don’t know you; you're mistaken in the person.” ‘‘ Not ef ther jury aire any podge!” the other |.po v retorted, seizing the schemer the arm, ‘“‘ Ef you don’t know me, I happen to know you, my dear; so waltz right along without a whimper. I’ve somethin’ ter tell ye that will in- terest you, and I don’t mean you no barm unless you alt peevish and balky—then I'll scatter your brains to the four winds of the earth. il you peer as suppose so,” Blye reluctantly as ; “Then get in before me, Satan, and march!” the brigata ordered, for'we may as well ad@ right here that Boston Blye’s captor was none other than Black Bob, outlaw, who had onptewed Miss Agnes, e faced the schemer abows, they entered a which was narrow, deep, and dark sy pt. The footway was extremely rough and un- even, and one would scarcely bave looked for a human abode. Yet the ravine soon ended at the mouth of a shallow little cave, near the opening of which a fire of pine-cones was burn- ing. K couple of logs lay near the fire, and bid- ding Blye be seated om one, the brigand occupied the other. ** Now, then,” he “we are ready for business. Take a good look at me, Boston, and see if you don’t remember me.” ‘‘No, I don’t,” Blye declared, irritably. ‘I see in you nothing but a common ruffian.” ‘Thank you for your flattery. I am nota common rufflan, however, asIam chief in the Order of Rogues. Iwas lurking about the hermitage, to-night, and saw and heard all that took place.” ** Well?” ; “Well, I saw that Poker Kate rather baffled you, and thinks I, Blye is in bard luck, and maybe I can help him out! See?” iti Go on,” . ‘*Well, [dropped in here ahead of you, and here we are, after a long separation, with noth- in’ to hinder ovr joining issues, and making an alliance, What d’ye say, Boston—shall it be so or not?” **T don’t understand you. Who are you— what do you know?” ‘1 am Bill Roberts, once upon a time your go-between in the matter of separating a man and wife.” ‘The devil you say! I thought you dead long ago.” ‘*Then you thought wrong. I’m Bill Roberts, alias Black Bob. The aspirant for your charm- ing niece’s band, who holds you to some extent in his power, is my son.” ‘*What! Leon Shrimp?” “The same! Now, then, to business. Ail can be told in a jiffy. In Phantom Flats, somewhere, is a lost mine of immense wealth. There is, I believe, but one person who knows of its whereabouts, although there are twelve dumb men ever searching for it. Deadwood Dick is the captain of these men, and’ the defender of Old Jewel, whose heir he expects to become. He intends to drive you to the dogs, and as soon as he finds 1 am alive, he will w: war. He will yet ingratiate himself into the favor of the people, until he gets ae tions to his Dosen to run the town and the secret mine, See?” “Yes; but it must not be.” “Of course not. We must stopit. Let five of us form a league, and work to the one end of ending the career of Deadwood Dick, securing Jewel’s wealth, and capturing the secret mine, all to share equally in the profits!” CHAPTER VII. A HEINOUS SCHEME—THE FAIR FAKIR. A Frew nights leter, four men met in a lonely spot, outside Phantom Flats, and stood facing each other, with grim expression of counte- nance. : They were Boston Blye, Leon Shrimp, Black Bob, and the ludicrous giant, old Swilltub. The appearance of each pointed to the fact that the were there upon a mission of importance, as a were well armed, and the eyes of three were leveled inquiringly upon the fourth, who was none other than the mountain neigany whom Deadwood Dick supposed he bad killed. After a short silence, Black Bob spoke: “Well, my pards, I see that all are here ex- cept one, and that one I have just learnéd, bas succeeded to the captaincy of my old band, so it will be out of the question to think of 5 -bim into our schemes; but four of us are that are needed, so let us proceed.” ‘‘Qne little matter needs explanation, beyond what we so far know,” Captain Blye inter- sed. Lh What is it, sir?” 4 “At-a previous meeting, you stated to me that you were sure tbat but one person in Phan- tom Flats knew the lecation of the Dumb Dozen’s lost mine. Who is that person?” “1 know not; I have only a strong suspt- zion! “Out with it then. I thought there was to be no secrets between us.” ‘Neither is there. 1 believe that Poker Kate — +r
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—> i od knows of the existence of the mine, and is pur 2S working it. You notice that at her gam g saloon—for 1 presume you all con- clude that she is the backer of it — there is always a gang of fellows hanging about, who neither work, play, nor drink, Whenever sbe passes they bow low with respect. It stands to reason that they are in her service, and for whatever purpose could it be, except as miners? For two days pastI have been sizing up, and feeding with money, such characters as I thought I could depend on. And a liberal posting of copies of these papers will fetch many citizens and roughs over to my side,” As he spoke, he unfolded two sheets of paper, and held them up for inspection. Each con- tained an important message, in pen print, and each message had its bearing upon the other, The one ran as follows:— “PROCLAMATION, “ To the Peopie of Phantom Flats:~— * Be it known, that [. Deadwood Dick, who have een branded an outlaw, and publicly dishonored by being incarcerated in jail, when there was no just eause for such treatment, have this day sworn to be reven Warning is hereby d upon my ORR rere ae given to all citizens, that I shall begin my revenge at once, by making funerals for such of them as have turned against me. The first day one shall die, the second day, two, and so forth in proportion, as the days pass nf No use will there be of trying to capture me, asl am amply protected by Deadwood Dick’s Dozen. Defiance, hatred and destruction to my enemies, shall henceforth be my motto, * (Signed) Deapwoop Dior.” The other was evidently intended as an an- swer to the first, and ran thus: “NOTICE TO THE PEOPLE. “The infamous outlaw and criminal, Deadwood Dick, having declared his defiance to all law and order, therefore be it— * Resolved, that some» prompt measure be adopt- ed, whereby this dangerous character be summarily put out of the way. Therefore, several prominent citizens have organized themselves into a league the object of which is to secure the annihilation o Deadwood Dick, and of all characters of his class, and to yay ee out of chaos for the benefit of the people of Phantom Flats. ei 9 persons of known good repute, and reliability, will be admitted io the Jeague. Wiii1aAmM Roperts, Capfain,.” Black Bob read both proclamations aloud. ‘But, what does this mean? Did Deadwood Dick issue the notice bearing his signature?” Biye asked. “Of course not. I did it myself. If objec- tionable people of Phantom Flats turn up their toes in the order named, it is plain to see that Dick will get the credit for the act, while we shall be constantly gaining in power, ** But, who is going to do this wholesoia slaughtering? Pll have nothing to do with mar- dering.’ ms Nor I!” chimed in Shrimp, “ You’re a precious pair of rascals, I'll sweax, and blood-s hing won’t be a novelty to either of you! But then, Pil manage that. fHees’s old Swilitub, who has taken ther contract vf raakin’ at Tec gts Ber head and ap a? ona “ary a time!” the giant growled. “it’s ten dollars 2a nothin’,” Panne yore at shall be then," Biya, said. 0 do your w re howuven® your work secretly and sure, “You bet I'll be keerful!” was the reply. “ Ef ie wull only start an undertakin’ establishment, x. furnish ye ther stiffs, an’ make it profitable er ye. The four rascals separated, and took different courses back to Phantom Fiats, The next day the notice purporting to be Deadwood Dick's manifesto, was foun posted in a prominent place, and was read and re-read by the excited populace, and many were the Do ag heaped upon the head of the terrible CK, Men who seldom manifested avy spirit of re- venge, were loud in their denunciations of the dashiog Sport. " When the excitement was fairly ablaze, the proclamations of Roberts was posted, and as no one knew him as being Black Bob, he at once became extremely popular, and his plan was received with much approval. All day long the schemers were working out the connecting links of their mercenary plot, Black Bob being the leading spirit to whom the others looked for orders. He had plenty of money, and it was used without stint in convert- ing strictly reliable roughs to the interest of bis diabolical scheme, and by the latter part of the day ie had a force of backers that must have made even Deadwood Dick hesitate in confront- ing them, — —_——— | ‘plicated nature, en. _Readmond Rieke ® During the day, a bard-fisted old miser, nam- ed Randolph, was found murdered at the out- skirts of the town, and robbed of his personal effects, The blow that had killed him had been in- flicted by a club or some other blunt instrument, which had crusied in his skuil, This only served to increase the excitement, and to add to Black Bob’s list of reeruits, Late in the afternoon the stage arrived, and brought with it, as usual, a load of strangers, most of whom were miners. There was one, however, who evidently came not to Phantom Flats to toil with pick and shovel—a lady clad in deepest black and closely vailed, and yet apparently young and passably pretty. With her came a large number of trunks sachels and bundles, which were transported to the hotel, whither the lady at once repaired, and engaged accommodations, Upon the register she indited her name and business with a few artistic strokes of the pen: “NEVADA NELL, Agent for Doctor Delano’s Magic Oil, Free Concerts in Front of Hotel, AFTERNOON AND EVENINGS!” She hired the best room in the hotel, and paid or her accommodations a week in advance, after which she was not seen until about dusk. In the meantime her agent, a dapper little in- dividual, had circulated handbills treely about, announcing an open-air concert at eight, A rough platform of boards on several dry-goods boxes served for astage. This was erected op- pore the great gambling saloon which many elieved to belong to Poker Kate, About dusk the Female Fakir (as she was called) made her appearance upon the stand, and her coming was the signal for the gathering of | a crowd, In apparel her appearance had undergone a great change, although her face was still closely vailed, Her costume was that of a boy, and was com- posed of pink and blue satin of neat fit. Small | patent-leather slippers and silk-woven stockings adorned her lower extremities: a lavish display of jewelry and diamonds, and a jaunty snow- white sombrero upon her head completed her = unless we mention the revolvers in her belt. Her appearance was dasbing, to say the least, and the crowd that surged around her stand were alive with curiosity, , She gave a sweeping glance over the crowd through her vail, and then began arranging her furniture and stock in trade, which consisted of a small stand filled with small bottles, and a couple of chairs, When everything was fixed apparently to her suiting she advanced Closer to the edge of the platform and spoke; * Fellow-citizens, gentle guzzlers, and glorious ¢gxloots! Behold standing before you the great- est doctress and wonder-worker in the world! Iam Nevada Nell, I want ye to know, and I take the whole bakery, let alone the cake, in the matter of curing diseases and ailments of a com- Tam a wizard and a seer; by the aid of Dr. Delano’s Magic Oil, and the mys- tic power I possess, I can peciserely cure any disease instantly, with which the human race is afflicted, Show maa man : cannot relieve, and 1 will give the tester a bundred dollars for each case I fail to fetch to time. Ah! a man with a stiffarm. That’s the checker!” A middle-aged man was pushed forward and ascended the platform, His left and right hand were terribly drawn and distorted by rbeuma- tism, so that they were of no use to him. “ Are you able to cure me?” he asked. with something like a sneer. ‘‘ Ef ye be I'll give you fifty dollars, spot cash. Thar’s a_beap 0’ doctors as hev tried me, but all agreed I war a case,” ** Judging by the blossoms on your nose, you must be a copper distillery-vat!” Nevada Nell retorted. ‘‘ Nevertheless, I fancy I can cure you quicker than the jerk of a lamb’s tail. Take & seat on that chair.” The cripple obeyed. Nevada Nell then so adjusted her vail that the lower part of her faee was covered while the eyes and forehead were exposed to view. he then advanced toward tbe patient with a peculiar, stealthy tread, her eyes fixedly resting upon his, until his gaze responded to hers, when a slight shudder thrilled his frame. She waved her hand a couple of times above hip tent then turned to the audience and miled; oR | 9 eed ee ‘* Now, gentle galoots, you perceive the mir- acle I hayes accompliabed. A moment ago this man could not straighten out his arms; now he can do it without the least trouble. Biossom- nose, you will oblige by exercising your bread- wielders!” F She made asudden quick motion at him and, as if by magic, a violent shiver or quaking came. over the man and he could use arms¢ and hands as freely as any person in the crowd, He arose with an exultant yell, and struck out into air right and left in true pugilistic style, to illustrate that ne was cured, A merry twinkle came into Nevada Nell’s eyes as she noted the pilgrim’s huge satisfac- tion. “Hurrah! hurrah!” he yelled, dancing abont the platform, ‘‘ I’m cured of the cussed crit- ter an’ ’tain’t cost mea cent, Walk up, Fee an’ git cured fer nothin’ like old Sam kis jest now has done!” ‘You forget!” Nevada Nell said, tapping him on the shoulder. ‘‘ You promised to give me fifty dollars if Icured you, did you not?” “Git out, xn silly gal! .D’ye s’pose I am sich a fool?’ Bet yer life I never let a woman et the best of me /” ** Then, if you're that sort of a rooster, may- be your arms better get stiff again,” Nell re- marked, with a wave of ber band, Instantly his hands closed shut, his arms drew up in their old rigid state, while a moan of pain was wrung from his lips at the shock of the onan. ‘* Stop! Let up! for heaven’s sake don’t!” he yelled in terror. ‘‘ Take me out of ma'am! Pleasedo! Ill pay you like a little manif you do! Isw’ar to that—deed and God knows I will!” ** Fork over your cash then, my man, Cas’) talks with me every day ina week, you be: | Just, roll out your ducats, and I'll fetch you. arms out 0’ tangle,” “ T hain’t got it to-night, but will have it to- morrow, ma’am,” ‘* That settles it. My golden rule is positively no trust to any one.” : ‘“‘ See hyer, gal, you're too flip, altogether!” a coarse, blatant voice cried, avd old Swilltub, the giant, came forward, ‘‘ Dll jest bet ye a cool hundred dollars against a cent that ye can’t do vcs ye claim—limber up thet felles's arms again. “Taken! Put up, or sbut up!” Nevada Nell cried, drawing a cent from her pocket. ‘1 am always taking such snaps as that,” The overgrown bullwhacker fished out two fifty-dollar bills and placed them in the hands of a bystander, in whose hands Nevada Nell also placed the cent. ‘Now, then, go ahead,” the bullwhacker ordered. ‘‘ Ef ye win my money, I'll give ye another test. I know yer scoop, daisy—you're. a mesmerist,” ‘ A faint chuckle escaped Nevada Nell’s lips; then she bent her piercing gaze upon old. H tub, and for several minutes seemed to m rigidly mehonne.. . ies » alge dt ie down! e commanded sternly, a — momeut later, 4 There was no reply from the giant. ay he Lipa ate, wie i e shuddered slightly, and obeyed, s!retching’ himself out at full length. ona The-oar of laughter that escaped the crowd seemed to pass his hearing, for he made ne show of penontinaats, te. that is , ‘You perceive, gents, that even a giant in. size coisa ere succumb to the Loins the mind!” the fair Fakir said, triumphantly. . ** Stand on yous bead, sir!” CHAPTER VIII. ; one FAKIR AT WORK. SNORT of disgust escaped the giant bho shook bis head in defiance to ont, anoive order. . “ Obey me!” she cried, sternly, ‘Stand on your head, sir! ' ‘ 08 gol-durned ef I dot” Swilltub cried, “Ye ain’t so smart as ye thort, me galt I'm up to yer little racket, an’ ye can’t make no laughing stock out of me, by a Jong shot.” A glitter came into Nevada Nell’s eyes, and the forefinger of her right hand pointed at bim, threateningly, ** Will you obey me?” she cried again, ; He stared at her vacantly for a moment; then another shudder seemed to creep over bim, and a sort of gasp escaped bis li ped ‘*Yus! yas! let up! Til do est y purty,” oe se dat iereeis) 7 And the overgrown bullwhacker did get dow
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‘tthe coins were old coppers po 10 Bee his hands and knees, and then stand upon his head, supporting himself by the strength of his buge arms, “There! Nothing is better than to have little children mind, when they are young, gents!” Nevada Nell said, with a musical laugh, ‘‘ Chil- | dren that are brought up to obey, are always | shining marks in society—that is, ’most always. | I will now leave my pupil to his own amuse- ment fora few minutes, while I sell you some of Delano’s Magic Oil. And, stranger, just pass me over the sum of my wager with Mr. Swill- tub. There, that’s right—thank you. Now, tben, who wants a bottle of the oil? [t isa remedy infallible for the majority of complaints, and will cure, every time. It will /imber up stiffened joints, it will cure rheumatism, con- sumption, enlargement of the gall, fevers, cramps, and a thousand and one other ail- ments which the human flesh is heir to. All it costs is five dollars a bottle, and I throw money in, and something else, too,” The Fakir’s valet then stepped forward, and handed her a half-peck measure, filled with gold | ge ab yeaa gold rings, and so forth, which she held im such a way as to be seen, and there were no few expressions of “ Ob!” and “ Ah!” The valet then handed her a package of strong envelopes, and taking one, she opened it wide; then turned to the crowd. “Now, then, Iam first going to place you a bottle of Doctor Delano’s Magic Oil in this package,” she said, ‘“‘and I want you all to watch me close, to see that there is no cheating. Next I take a five dollar gold-piece, and toss it up, thusly, into the air, and presto! you hear and see it fallinto the envelope. Next comes a gold watch and chain, six more five dollars in gold, and a superb diamond ring — all d into the envelope, you see, “Now, then, how much will you give me for the lot—bhow much cash do I hear for the hum- bug bees have all seen? Of course it’s a genuine humbug. ‘You don’t suppose Vd go to work and throw any cash like that all for nothing. You bet your life I’m a cheat, and yet I do it right in front of your eyes, and I'll wager there’s not a man in the crowd who will not swear that he saw tho coins, watch and ring go into the envelope, which I will now proceed to seal—and now, how much do I hear for it? Who has got liberality enough in his heart to offer me a hundred dollars for the Jot, or fifty, or forty, thirty or twenty-five?” — “Gol-darn it, I'll give you twenty-five for the Jot,” one man cried. “T)] raise it to thirty,” came from a second, “Good! Sold at thirty dollars, clean cash. Here you go, pardner. Now I'll fill bp another oe a nd want you to watch out sharp that don’t cheat you, for { am up to such tricks every day in the week. Without such people as I this honest world could never get along.’ With nimble fingers she fixed up another ge in the same manner, apparently. as she the first. “Who wants another dose of Doctor Delano’s Magic Oil, trimmings and et ceteras throwed in? Who wants it, l say?” The eaves who bad purchased the first dose had made an examination of the contents of the envelope and found everything as Nevada Nell had’ represented, and at once be- came loud in his claim that it was a ‘‘ clean out-an’-out se Sg racket.” Consequently Nevada Nell bad disposed of some thirty or forty of the packages before the ry was made that instead of being gold, lished up, and the LE SS } watches were but “pinch-back,” and 4 galvanized at that. © A bowl of chagrin and disgust then carried | _the crowd by storm, and the Female Fakir was the target for many an evil glance, “See hyer! I'll sw’ar this ain’t no fair deal, and I kick,” one of the victims cried. “I want my money back, I do!” You bet we do,” joined in another, ‘Ther eritter is ~. cheat and a fraud, an’ ef she don’t pony over our shekels, she gits ther bounce, you “Gents, you know not to whom you are talk- ing,” Nevada Nell responded. “I warned you if your eyes were not quicker than my fingers, ’d cheat you. So you have only yourselves to blame. Besides, I want you to understand one important thing. I can prevent you from do- ing me injury. I can force the best of you to obey my will.” “Git out! ye can’t do nothin’ ot the sort,” Dandy Dan, from Red Trail, roared. ‘’Ca’se er made §-villtub stand on bis head ’tain’t say- » everybody’sa fool, Yer better stan’ Swill- Deadwood Dick's Dozen. tub on his feet or ther blood will rush to his | I came here to mind my own business, and if 1 head.” “That's so—I'd nearly forgotten him,” Nevada Nell chuckled, with a glance toward the giavt, who still remained rigidly in the strange posi- tion she had transfixed him. ‘ Hello! Swilltub, how do you like it in your reversed perpendicu- larity?” “ Bully without the least show of hesitation. I rather like the change.” ‘You see what power over mind will do,” Nevada Nell smiled, turning to the rough and grizzled audience. ‘That poor fellow is wholly under my control and will do whatever I say, no matter its nature.” ‘‘Well, ye can’t do nuthin’ to me, you bet!” Dandy Dan snorted, in supreme disgust. “Swilltub must have a weak spot in his big pate to let a gal triumph over him that Mag # “Dye really think so, my friend? ell, now, you might possibly be mistaken. Suppos- ing you get down on all-fours and see if you can’t bark like a dog. 1 fancy you would make a real tart-looking terrier.” All eyes were riveted upon Dandy Dan’s countenance to behold a tremor pass over it, followed by a ghostly sort of expression. “In fact, An instant later he uttered a dog-like growl,. dropped on all-fours, and began to bark, furi- ously, and as naturally as a good-sized caniue could have done. Some of the crowd laughed, and others looked serious, while not a few took care to get off at a safe distance, so great was their distrust of the remarkable woman. **Now then, Swilltub, you can turn right side up with care,” she said, whereupon the giant did so, with alacrity. - “Great howlin’ garter snakes!” he roared. ‘* It’s Dandy Dan as hes got the trimmings, for sure! What ye barkin’ at, ye galoot? Whar’d 6 get ther rams?” “Ata big tom-cat, which gouged me in the eye, bow-wow!” the ruffian growled. ‘““Meow! meow!” screeched the giant also dropping on all-fours, and bumping up his back likeacat. “Meow! Vllchaw your eyes out, you snoozer!” “Bow-wow! bow-wow! Tll chaw off your ears!” Dandy growled—then the two made for each other, as if their lives depended upon the spur of the moment. They met and clinched, and rolled over upon the ground, fighting and clawing like mad. + See here!” Boston Blye interposed, authori- tatively, as he pusbed forward. ‘* There shall be no witchery going on when I am about. Young woman, I command you to unmesmerize these parties, at once, under penalty of death ta “You do, eh?’ Nevada Nell! retorted. ‘“‘ Maybe you'd like to be mesmerized yourself?” «You may be smart but not sufficiently so to mesmerize me, Again, I order you to release these fools from the spell you have put upon them. Disobey me, if you dare!” There was an underiying meaning fo the cap- tain’s speech, and Nevada Nell saw by the fierceness of the major part of the visages be- fore ber, that ber little game was likely to bring her into trouble, did she proceed further with it. Accordingly she said: “Very well, Mr. Blye; it shall be as you say. sie those fellows are no longer dogs and ca She gave a wave of her hand, and released Swilltub and Dandy Dan from their mesmeric subordination; then said a few words in an un- dertone to ber valet, after which she once more turned to Boston Blye. ‘There! does that satisfy you, sir? If so, I am highly elated,” with evident sarcasm in tone and manner, 1 ‘So far as it goes!” Blye cried, angrily. “That does not settle the matter, however. You will be kind enough to return to the vic- tims, the money you swindled them out of.” “] will do nothing of the kind, sir. If you think to bulldoze Nevada Nell, you'll find you’ve got the wrong pig by the ear. can stand some things but not everything. They were warned that | would cheat them before their eyes, and need not complain. If you think to scare me, you'll miss it, asI am game as they make ’em, and can put a bullet right home, beautifully,” and the next instant she held her pair of revolvers leveled toward the crowd. ““Put up those weapons, or it will be the worse for you!” Blye commanded, hardl knowing what course to take. ‘ We don’t al- low any outlaw proceedings in this camp. i ‘“‘T am glad to hear it, and shall be sorry to have you force me to drop a dozen or so of you. Isaac!” the bullwhacker grunted, | ! | ! | | am allowed to do 80, no harm will come to you, If not, there will be some warm old times in Phantom Flats.” ‘‘ What are you going to do, here? We want no magicians or agents of the devil in the camp!” Blye wl noting that her speech had created a favorable impression. ‘*I am going to sell Magic Oil, cure deformi- ties, play cards, tell fortunes, and make money as squarely as ary other person, sir. If an one steps on my toes, I will return the compli- ment. If I am let alone, I shall barm no one, There you bave it. Put it in your pipe/and smoke it, one and all of you.” A scowl of rage mantied Boston Blye’s face, but on the otber band a grunt of approval was unanimous from the crowd. ‘‘Thet’s fair, by Jinks!” called out one of the miners, who had been deceived by the packa racket. ‘‘"Long’s the gal minds her P’s and Os it’s none of our bizness, an’ ef we’re fools enough to let her gouge us before our Own eyes, we bain’t got no cause to kick,” ‘¢That’s so!” echoed several others. ‘The gal shall be given a square deal, or I’m a liar!” _ “Thank you, boys; | thought you weren’t all as black as Boston Blye. I have one more act to perform, and tben will adjourn business un- til to-morrow evening, when you'll find me giv- ing a whole show at the Fort. This man Barkis bas not yet gained the use of hisarms. A little Magic Oil will fix him.” She opened one of the bottles, and then push- ing up bis sleeves, bathed the distorted arms and wrists. In a few seconds, at her command, he was enabled to use his arms as freely as any person. Nevada Nell then waved her hand, and, leay- ing the stand, went to her room in the hotel, to be seen no more that night. After being released from jail, George Gerald accompanied Deadwood Dick and his Dozen to their hidden retreat, and remained there unti} morning, when he and Dick repaired to the cave where the latter had left Agnes Blye. To the disappointment of both, she was no- where to be found. Not even a trace had been left bebind to enable them to form a reasonable conclusion as to what bad become of ber. ‘“‘This is a bitter disappointment,” Gerald said, gloomily. ‘‘I hoped to find her here, and take ber under my personal charge.” . “Well, it’s evident you_can’t do it just yet awhile,” Dick replied. ‘She bas been spirited away, and our only thing to do is find her,” “She may possibly have wandered away and ot lost.” “No, [ think not. She promised to stay here until my return, and would havedone so. I be- lieve that, at this moment, she is in Phantom Flats.” ; ‘‘Pshaw! who could have possession of her?” “‘T am not prepared to say, but will keep up a terrible thinking. Are you afraid to return to Phantom Flats?” “ By no means. It is my intention to return there at once and keep a vigilant outlook, in hopes of discovering some trace of Agnes.” “Very well. Go, but take good care of your- self, and don’t allow any one to bluff you prem Whenever I want to communicate with you I will make my ean day ence to you, as P shall have to peregrinate about in dis ise,” George Gerald’ set out for Phantom Flats, leaving Dick toreturn by another route to the rendezvous, © On bis arrival in the camp, Gerald mae him- self free to walk up and down the street, which he did to see whether he would be offered any molestation or not; but, though many inquiring glances were leveled at him, no one spoke to bim or offered to create a disturbance on account of his interference in Deadwood Dick’s behalf. Feeling somewhat reassured, he spent the most of his time in wandering about town, in hopes of dropping accidentally upon some clew to Agnes’s whereabouts, but up the hour of Nevada Nell’s little street “ circus” nothing but dismal failure bad greeted his efforts, He was sitting in the Fort the same evening at a later hour, when he was approached by the ruffian who bore the sobriquet of Dandy Dan. Daniel scrutinized the Easterner rather suspi- ciously as he approached, as if he were uncertain whether to address him or not. Finally he alted. ‘Be you ther chap w’ot come heer wi’ Blye, the feller from ’Ginia City?” be demanded. *¢ J came here with Boston Blye, yes.” “Well, ye’r’ the chap I wants, then. Poker Kate wants ter see you, ter onc’t.” “Who is Poker Kate?’
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e postmistress,” here is she?” “Back door. Go out front, and round the building.” ‘‘ Are you. lying to me?” “Nary; givin’ it to you straight.” “Tt will cost you dearly if you are not.” Gerald then left the saloon and walked through a dark side-alley toward the rear of the building. - He had gone but a short distance when a heavy cloak was thrown over his face, and he was seized by many pairs of strong hands and bodily spirited away. “ “Ww CHAPTER IX, DEADWOOD DICK MAKES A CALL, THE night was well advanced toward morn- ing, and Phantom Flats lay sleeping in a swath of ghostly moonlight. Not a person was abroad, even the Fort having long before closed its doors to the thirsty gs From under the rear door of the post-office, however, came a narrow chink of light, and a dark-clad, masked man, in top-boots and som- brero, who was lurking in the vicinity, took notice of it, and drew stealthily near the door. *¢ Poker Kate still lingers at ber post,” he mused, pausing on the threshold, ‘‘ Mayhap she has fallen aslecp.” gt He applied bis ear to the key-bole, and Jisten- ed intently, Nota sound was heard, nor did a glance through the narrow aperture give him a view of any one within, This did not deceive the prowler, who was none other than Deadwood Dick. He was satis- fied Poker Kate had not left the office, and, as it was his purpose to gain an interview with her, there was no more fitting time than now. Drawing one of his revolvers and cocking it, ready for use, he next gave a couple of soft raps upon the door, Almost immediately he heard a stir inside. and getting himself in readiness, Dick popped inside the moment Puker Kate opened the door, ‘She gave a startled, exasperated cry, but his weapon covered her before she couic. draw her own, ‘* Silence!” he ordered, sternly. ‘*I mean you no harm, Close and lock the door.” ; She evidently believed it best to humor bim, for she obeyed, and then turned upon him in- quiringly. Well, sir, who are you, and what do you want?” she demanded, haughtily. 7 “Tam Deadwood Dick, at your service—de- tective, ex-desperado, dare devil, and so-forth. I came to see you on business, so pray be seated and we will understand one another.” “T fail to understand what business you can have with me,” she returned, coldly, as she be- came seated. “I have never before had the doubtful honor of your acquaintance.” “Maybe not. It matters not, though. Stranger though you ray be, I bave penetrated your thin disguise, and know who you are.” She uttered a sarcastic laugh. . _“ You must be a wizard and second sight seer, then, for Lam confident that no one knows aught of my name or my past.” *‘Kven in one’s most fancied security the are not positive of their safety,” Dick smiled. Perbaps I am one out of ‘a thousand who could tell you your name, Celia Blye!” The startled cry she gave was evidence enough that he bad not guessed wrongly Seeing that she was not about to speak, Dick lit a cigar, drew a few whiffs at it. and said: JT gee you are not inclined to be dishonest, by denying the truth. [ am proud to know this. The stigma put upon your fair name by the villain, Boston Blye, will yet bo wiped out by a confession I shall make it a point to extort from him, Iamaman, Mrs. Blye, whom the barbed arrows of the world have pricked, until Imay be in a degree calloused; yet Tam still a man, with a kindly regard and appreciation for the honest oppressed.” nr Ad ‘* You are an enigma to me, §'r. “Perhaps, The solution I trust will secure happiness to you and your wronged husband,” ** My husband, sir? : “ Bxactly—Old Jewel. the hermit. Tt can not be possible that you do not; know him to be your husband who fled from Boston so many years ago?” “T never suspected it until I baffled Boston Blye’s little game at the hermitage.” “Tikely not. And now that you what do you Pr Gor to do?” “ What can 1 dof” “The simplest thing in the world. Go to him, betray your identity, and stand by him know tft, Deauw. 000, Dick’s Dozen, a ee eee Se eS A Sone — edge be pe ren eee Se, like a true ana noble we, e comfort and bless- | also learned that the terms by which Poi: ing in his declining years!” ‘T cannot! oh ir, I cannot!” “Would it e -esuming too niuch to aes yor why?” and tho slenth’s eyes watched hor veiled face keenly. “7 cannot te: ‘~>3, sir, although coulu X tel anybody, I woul! wo.ivov, since you seem so in- clined to reunite *3 .ud baffle our cnemy, For many long years my ausban? and [I have been separated, and it is n> improbable that we are likely to remain so during the rest of our lives. Circumstances will not warrant otherwise for the present, at least,” “Do you consider when you say this? Do you consider that you are leaving a lovely and accomplished daughter motherless, and a kind heartbroken busband to end his life in solitude, unloved and uncomforted?” ‘“« T consider everything.” Dick was silent for several moments, while he studied odd and fanciful figures among the puffs of smoke that arose from his cigar. Life’s ups and downs had not left him without keen experience, and one with trouble’s educa- tion can draw many conclusions, that others would never dream of, , ‘*T think I know the reason why you will not consent to a reunion,” he said, at length. “If Yam right, and I feel very positive that I am, you are, at the best, of a very mercenary na- ture, ‘You are growing impudent, sir. The sooner this interview is terminated the better.” “Then no persuasion can tempt you to go back to your husband?” ** At present—no! When TI feel inclined to do so, I will do it without the solicitation of a third ati ‘‘ Which is to the effect that you decline my friendship and co-operation?” ‘* Consider it in that light if you choose,” “Very well. Iam working faithfully in the interests of an injured and wronged husband and father, as well asa lovely daughter, Also it shall be my aim to baffle those who are un- friendly to him and her. I fancy I know your secret, and am surprised that it should stand between oa and the one you swore to love, honor and obey.” . And with these words Dick arose, bowed low i quitted the room, closing the door behind im, The next few days passed without incident worthy of mention. Boston Blye and Black Bob were quietly working their scheme into proper condition to develop. George Gerald appeared no more about town; and the strange Girl Fakir, Nevada Nell, wasnot to be seen, although the hotel proprietor de- clared to the inquiring ones that she was indis- posed and confined to her room, How many believed this is not for us to say, but there were not a few of the opinion that she had taken time by the forelock and skipped the camp. \ The threat made in the false proclamation of Deadwood Dick was surely being put into ef- fect. The first day one man ha en killed; the second day, two; the third day, three, and thus in pegportign with the number of passing days since the manifesto had been posted. It was little wonder, then, that the honestly- disposed citizens were in a state of terror, and believing that Deadwood Dick was the author of the crimes, they would have put him to the most horrible death that the buman mind could devise had they caught him, But the festive Richard realized the foul stain that was being por upon his character, and was careful not to betray his identity, although he was daily in the camp, in some one of his many disguises. e was not idle, however; that was not natural for him. He was constantly on the alert, watchful and penetrating, and trying to solve the enigma of Agnes Blye’s where- abouts. A dozen theories entered bis mind, but he could not bring himself into a cor viction in re- gard to any of them. So far as the present was concerned, it appeared evident’ that the fate of poor Agnes was likely to remain a mys- tery. t Other matters divided his attention. By dili- gent figuring and research he learned that the Fort, with tue ground it covered, was owned by Jose Picard, an inveterate gambler, and a brother to the man in whose name it was run. The brothers were by no means friends; for whils Psblo Picard was coining money, Jose was rapidly losing what he bad at cards. Dick used the Fort, were that he wis to have’ f.. se much per (in, ond vacave tio premises at his brothe:’s will. "ronan ber) sc seers 7 much. Rus sleuth set orga sidering how he was nm possession of the ort, for in his own mind he believed that the secret mine of the Dumb Dozen was located beneath the structure, and was by Pablo Picard and Poker Kate, such a fact constituting the prime reason why the post- mistress did not care to reunite with her hus- band. | If he could gain the ownership of the Fort, | Dick knew that he could eject, or at least si- | Jence the present tenants, and perbaps arrange | things more satisfactorily to all concerned. Report said that Jose Picard was one of the squarest of square men; that he rarely left his own cabin, and only played with one man ata time, and had no witnesses to any game beyond his contestant. In order to gain the honor of playing with him, it was necessary to write a note, asking for an open date, and naming the limit. Dick considered all he had heard carefully before acting. He had plenty of money at his command, and if by risking it might he not be able to win the Fort, and after once gainin possession honorably, give Picard back a fair price for it? It was a piece of strategy to be sure, and yet could be conducted as any other business ar- rangement. So he sat down and penned the followin note, and sent it to the Spaniard, who occupi a lone cabin at the upper end of the camp: “Prantom Friars, Aug. 20, 18—. - “Jose Picarp, Esq,—Sir:—A gentleman of un- limited means, with a passion for cards, would like to meet 7 in a contest for any sum desired. Name date, and send answer back, H. Ricuarp." Tbe answer came within the hour. “To-night, at ten. Fifteen raps on the door—two every other thirty seconds, Prcanp.” Short and sweet, so to speak, and yew Dick knew it meant business, and that he had an op- ~ ponent to meet who was no amateur. “Tt won’t take long tosettle it,” he gh?» “Ti’s make or break, and big money in the pot. Vl meet Mr, Picard well heeled, how- ever. a “cn That same afternoon a marquee tent went up just across the street from the hotel, and a ban- ner in front of it bore this inscription: “ NEVADA NELL, FORTUNE-TELLER; BUT ONE VISITOR AT A TIME. Terms, Ten DoLLars, GoOLp,” The two huge trunks of the fair Fakir were removed to the tent, together with a table and_ several chairs, from the hotel, and toward even- ing the strange young woman was ready for business, her valet, Lascar, standing guard at the door. The sight of the tent drew many curious ones to the vicinity, and several miners with more gold than good-sense, paid their cash and got the worth of their momey in bright prophe- cies of future luck, if their oe faces when they came forth were any criterion. One after another tried their luck, with ap- parently the same success. This aroused the curiosity of old William Sala- mander Swilltub, who had been quietly and with a speculative eye watchin bas Was be still under the spell of the wizard queen? , Whether s0 or not, he finally took off bis tered plug hat, gave it a fling in the air, and uttered a yell that would have startled a Co- manche, 7 : “Kerwhoop! DPve dreampt a dream thet I war ter strike it rich, an’ I'm goin’ ter see what ther gal sez. Ef she don’t coincide wi’ me, I’) spile her purty picter, Hello, thar, younker, what’s ther damage?” “Ten dollars!’ Lascar answered. “ Coffins for unruly visitors cost a hundred extra.” ** Gentle hint, sweet as the twinkle of a cow- bell,” murmured the giant, forking over the casb and sta!king inside, Upon a little platform, Nevada Nell occupied achair, Another was placed near at band, An omincus black gown which entirely cov- ered her person except the eye-holes and am syeners to breathe through, formed her at- ire. + “Lord Jerusha! what the—” began the giant, pausing abruptly.
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12 -_ manded, ve no fear, for I already see that your future has many lines of pleasure per- meating it.” *Snortin’ snappin’-turtles! Ye ain’t comin’ no limburger-c me?’ “* By no means!” ‘ “Then I reckon Dll anchor right alongside ‘ver. Go on,” ‘* Your life has been fitful and stormy, at- ‘tended by very little pleasantry and few streaks of good-fortune. No one ever loved b gens and one reason you have been so rough and unruly is because you had no woman’s hand to guide you. In your early future a kind and loving wite awaits you, nor is that all, You are on the eve of discovering a gold mine, which will Dut yon out of want for many a year. How do you like the prospectus, Mr. Swilltub?”’ The giant made no answer. His eyes had a rigid, glassy look, and rested fixedly upon the Fakir. No better evidence was meeded to tell that he was in a mesmeric trance, A faint chuckle escaped from the fortune- Lorn lips as the giant failed to answer ye don’t say? eese taffy on er, - “ William,” she said, pinching him on the arm, *“* William Salamander Swilltub!” * Yes, ma’am!” he responded, with school- voy docility. | * William, I have some questions to ask you. You know I am the devil and bave got my grip fastened firmly on you. Therefore, it will be ' ruinous for you to tell me anything but the truth. You hear?” ‘Yes, ma’am.” ‘Of course you do. William, there is a plot under ste which Boston Blye is interested in, and in which you are acting as a tool. This plot has for its ultimate object two distinct pur- poses. Is this not so?” “Yes, ma’am!” ; “One of these is to gain possession of the lost mine of the Dumb Dozen?” “Yos, ma’am,” F Where does Blye believe this mine is locat- ec ‘Under the Fort,” ig How does he calculate to get possession of ‘*1t hain’t been decided yet,” ‘Has any one become coadjutor with Blye in this scheme?” ; “Yas. Thar’s now five of us—Blye, Bill Rob- erts, otherwise Black Bob, Leon Shrimp, Dandy Dan, and myself. Ido the dirty work.” Nevada Nell was silent a moment while she pressed her band to ber head. It was evident that it was a hard mental task for her to keep the giant under mesmeric con- trol. . CHAPTER X, THE GAME OF CARDS, Sux finally regained the mastery, however, and went on: ‘* William, you are av obedient servant. You are also a man of good sense, You know who is your master, and are wise enough to obey, Now, there are a few more points I would get out of you, and you dare not refuse to give them to me, George Gerald has disappeared from the camp, Where is he? Out with the whole of it!” Swilltub was silent—hesitated to answer, as ieerne away the thing was hard against his ‘* What d’ye want?” he finally growled. “TI want to know what has become of George Gerald, and that right quick, or down into the pit yn gol” uf ye and Black Bob have him, but I hope to die if I know where, They’re goin’ to make him play cards to-night at the revolver’s muzzle, an’ make bim sign checks fer all he’s worth, or , notes, or whatever; then, they’re goin’ to hold * him until everything is square consarnin’ the eashin’ of ’em, when he kin go to blazes. After they get through with him to-nigbt, they’re go- in’ for old man Jewel, and either collar his pile or plant him, providing they can do it ~ s they think Deadwood Dick ain’t around.” “Jewel will never give up.” : “Len he'll get planted. When the bottoms of bis feet begin to burn to acrisp, I reckon mer 8 won’t be no object to him!” *Oho! So they intend to resort to that inhu- tan method, eh?” the Fakir mused. ‘“‘ Weil, that is in aceordance with their beastly natures, Another thing I want to know, Mr. Swilltub: Where is Agnes ae ‘ ** Bon's know nothin’ bout it.” * Be ‘aay a firm but pleasant voice com- ‘Does Boston Blye or any of the rest of his confederates know?” ** Reckon nal-rleesiwaye ner all pear anx- ious ’bout her, ’cept Dan + | an’ I.” The information she had gained appeared to satisfy Nevada Nell for she waved her hand over his head and he was out of his trance, ‘Hurrah! I’m goin’ ter git married an’ strike it rich!” he yelled, as soon as he was out of bis trance. ‘ An’ dash yer picter, gal, ef ye’r’ de- ceivin’ me, I'll break up ther hull shebang, sure 7 POR You can bet that it will be all right,” Nell assured, “ Patience on your part is aM that’s required to prove that my prophecy is sure. You can go, now.” And Swilltub did go, which was something he would not have done had be known what he had said while in the trance. Nevada Nell chuckled softly to herself after he was gone, apparently highly elated at what she had learned, As that evening drew on apace, Deadwood Dick, in a rough, bearded miner’s disguise was lounging about the camp, and little did any one | suspect that he was the noted ex-outlaw instead of the common laborer he appeared, _ He was waiting for the bour to arrive when it should be time for him to visit Jose Picard, and win or lose a small fortune. That he would win he felt confident; for, al- though Picard might be a “ fleecer” at cards, Dick had the confidence that no man lived who could long play with him and remain successful. As it came natural for the mechanic to handle his tools, or the author his pen, so it came “‘ nat- ural” for Deadwood Dick to manipulate the cards or handle the revolver. Until it came time for him to visit Picard’s cabin he alternated between the Fort and the street, in order to keep an eye on the movements of Poker Kate and Boston Blye. He was not quite positive but that the post- mistress suspected he knew about the mine being located beneath the Fort, and if so, he knew she would likely make some move toward protect- ing her interests. e also kept an eye open, hoping to see Bos- ton Blye; but that individual was not abroad. At the appointed hour, therefore, Dick set out for Jose Picard’s cabin. On his arrival there, and after delivering the raps, as he had been instructed, the door was opened, and he was admitted into a small, roughly-furnisbed and dimly-lighted room, ee sat at a table shuffling a pack of cards, By whom the door had been opened was not apparent to Dick, as Picard could hardly have reached the table and become seated in the time which elapsed between the opening and Dick’s entrance, phy “ Good-evening!” Picard greeted, giving his visitor a keen glance, ‘“ You are Richard, [ suppose ‘The same, I heard of your fame as a play- er, and having the conceit that I can play, I thought I'd come down and let you take the conceit out of me.” ‘Well, I can probably accommodate you. What's your pile, sir?” ‘ , “ Anything from a dollar up to half a million will answer me.” Picard whistled. ‘If you're as flush as that you don’t look it!” he said, with something of a covert sneer. ‘‘T make it a rule to say nothing but what I can back!” Dick responded, as he took a seat. ‘I have given you my figures; suppose you let us hear as to your quality?” } ar opened a drawer at his side of the e. ‘“‘T am none too well fixed at present, sir,” he said, rather regretfully. ‘I’ve had a reverse of luck lately, and am at low ebb. Still, I can raise a thousand dollars, That will buy you a breakfast, if I lose, I intended to sell the Fort ats but could not find a casb buyer.” ‘* What’s your price?” ** Seven thousand dollars,” “* Pretty steep, isn’t it?” ““That’s my price.” ‘‘ Well, draw me up a receipt for the amount, and give your deed, and I can oblige you.” Picard looked at Dick studiously. ‘“‘Did you come here to win the Fort?” he fin- ally asked, ‘I came to pley cards,” **Do you know my brother?” oN, bh “Or Poker Kate?” **T have met ber.” *Humph! You arenot a man to want the = eee place for what the place is. You have anothee object. [am too old a world’s man not to be a judge of character. Did you ever hear that ose Picard was aught but a square man?” “T heard you was square, else I should not be here now.” ‘‘Then tell me why you want the Fort?’ **One reason: I want to eject Poker Kate and Pablo Picard.” “The other reason?” ‘* Perhaps I may tell you, after we play cards.” ‘‘Well, give me the cash. It’s either make or break.” He drew up a receipt and a guaranty for a deed, ap them to Dick, who, after a careful perusal, banded him the money. “There’s little use of playing long for so small a consideration,” Picard said. ‘ Put up eight thousand dollars, and let one game settle ** As you like, What shall it be?” ‘*Seven-up, as well as any other game. You will doubtless win, anyhow. I’ve an idea thet you are not all you look, or rather a little more.” ‘“You may be wrong.” The money was staked. \ _ fresh pack of cards was then cut and ealt, Scarcely a sound could have been heard during the game except the flip! flip! of the cards, Eleven points were played, and when Dick pee made bis eleventh Picard only had scored our, “ AsT told you,” he said. ‘“‘The moment you sent me the challenge I was pretty well satisfied that [had met my fate. Now, then, I want to know who you are?” ‘Who I am?” in feigned surprise. ‘Yes, That you are not what you claim I'll take my oath!” ‘* And if I declare my identity?” ‘*That’s all there is of it. No one will ever be the wiser for it.” a I ballers oar ye have ene the honor of aying with that distinguished personage Deadwood Dick!” " ris “The devil you say!” ‘* No—tbe Dick-ens.” ““That accounts for the peculiar sensation I bad when you entered, I felt positive I had no ordinary personage in front of me.” *“Perbaps not. _Maybe fe felt a tightening on your purse-strings. ell, as you hinted, my main object in coming here was to win the Fort, having done which, here is your money back, and the Fort is vot for sale,” ey arranged, I must say. And now will you tell me what you want with the Fort? Your desire to eject Poker Kate is not worth seven thousand dollars.” “Certainly not. Poker Kate bas a busband living, which I know to be true, but as long as she remains with Pablo Picard at the Fort she will not return to bim,” ‘““What attraction bas the Fort? She surely does not get so much salary that it would make it an object?” , ‘Hardly, | fancy. Jose Picard, I think you are a man whom I can trust.” ‘‘You can stake your life on it, sir,” “Then, come what will, ll tell you why I bought tbe Fort. You bave doubtlees heard mention, some time, concerning a certain Dumb Dozen, mythical or otherwise, wi.o were search- ing for a lost mine of fabulous value?” ‘I think I bave heard of such a party.” “Well, I'll assure you that they are no myth as I have lately become their captain an backer in their search. As to the lost mine, J believe it to be located beneath the Fort, and Poker Kate and Pablo Picard are working it!” “T believe you are right. They bave repeat edly tried to purchase the property of me, but 1 have each time refused to sell it, as my brother and I are not on good terms. If it is as you have said, you have strcck a bargain.” “Not for myself; my only object is to return to the real owners their property.” “A laudable purpose, if they are really speechless, as you say, and I shall not regret that my loss bas been their gain. 1 will give my brother orders to vacate the premises in the morning.” ‘Very well. You shall not lose anything by your honorable action.” After a little further conversation Dick took his departur6, Picard promising to_arrange for the ejection of his brother and Poker Kate from the Fort as early as convenlent on the. morrow. Swilltub bad not lied when he said that George Gerald was in the power of Boston Blye.:
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——e —— Seated about a table, in a gloomy cave a mile south of Phantom Flats, were three of Blye’s evil league, composed of himself, Leon oe ign Pala Black Beb. A tallow candle burned dimly on the table, and a fire of pine-cones blazed in the’ rudely constructed fire-place. iat Upon Blye’s face rested an expression of un- easiness, ‘Don’t fret yourself,” Black Bob said. “If the game results either way it amounts to the same thing, We have got him, and before he shall escape he must sign over to us, in checks or mortgage, every cent he has, or pass in his ebhecks?!’ Blye was silent. Some deep emotion seemed to possess him. Did he, as a father for years, have any love for the child he had stolen away from his brother? His present conduct would seem to indicate that much. But aftera few moments a vengeful expression swept over his tace, and he brought-down his clinched fist upon the table, with emphasis, ‘* Bring out Gerald!” he ordered. Sbrimp arose and entered a narrow fissure, which led into an inner cavern. . : Soortly he returned, and accompanying him was Dandy Dan, Between them walked George (iefald, with his hands firmly bound behind bis ack and a gag in his mouth. : : He was led to the table where the flickering light fell upon his face, but even that failed to reveal anything but its expression of deflance. The gag was removed. Boston Blye regarded him for a moment in- tently, an evil glitter in his snaky orbs. ‘*Gerald!” he said, finally, ‘‘do you know why you are beref” ‘*How am I to know when I have not been in- formed?” the EKasterner demanded. ‘*Well, that’s so, boy. You see how it is, Gerald. I’ve become short of cash, through spending so much in my efforts to find Agnes, and knowing you to be well fixed in this world’s goods, I had you brought here to try to induce you to make me a loan of what you are worth.” ‘*Indeed! Isn’t that what you might term re- markably cheeky ?” } ‘“Toink of it as you like. I naturally con- cluded that you would not accede to my de- inands unless forced to do so, and being in des- perate circumstances, I was compelled to adopt 2 little strategy.” ** And supposed, by kidnapping me and bring- ing me here, you could frighten me into coming to your terms.” “IT suppose notbing about it, We do not deal in suppositious here. You have two choices— life or death, If life is to your liking, you will be treated as squarely as in any gaming-place in America. If you prefer death, you have but ta say the word.” “Then you propose to gamble for my money.” “Bxactly. You must play cards, or die. "If ow win, you will be set at liberty, If you ose, you lose all, and will be kept in custody until your checks are drawn and we bave the cash, and are safely out of the way.” v Well, if that is the case, I can but accept the terms of the pack of wolves into whose at a have Me ae yb Aah hr your cards. ow much cash have you “One dollar. mee “ pA pasollar ¥ *Qne dollar, Xou must stake your all against that amount. Since T have known you Ihave learned that you have seventy-five thousand dollars on book deposit Park National Ban amount, payable to deposited as a wager su — for the Pent far 4: neeaine Swilltub was not present, ' tin,
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* Well, my jewel, we have you at last, eh?’ | * Qelia! Celia! My God! can this ee wue Deadwood Dick's Dozen the arch schemer said, leering malignantly into | is it only a mocking delusion?” tne captive’s face. 72s jafe when you refused my terms the other wight, Weare here after the wealth you have bonded up, and we intend to have it before we weave. As time is pressing, we must make the present interview brief. I would like to tarry longer with wor; but circumstances will not an rmnit. So over your lucre and we will epart, UNevert Not a dollar—not a grain shall you ever touch!” His voice was firm and decisive. An evil gleam shot from the eyes of Boston Blye. % We shall see!” he gritted. ‘‘ Dandy, gather gome fagots and kindlea fire. Be sure to make it as hot as possible. Roberts, hold a pistol to the jewel’s head until we are ready to warm his feet. Jewel, old boy, I'll make you acquainted with Roberts, the man you once endeavored to murder in Boston.” “Tt is a pity I didn’t murder both of you,” the hermit retorted. ‘‘The world would have been spared a deal of sin and sorrow.” Boston made no answer, but watched Dandy Dan prepare the fire, the malevolent expression upon his face making it alniost flendish. In a few minutes Dandy Dan had gathered a considerable pile of pinecones and light wood, aod the application of a match caused it to blaze up brightly. “You see the fire, brotherf’ Boston Blye de- manded significantly. ‘‘To you it means the foretaste of roast, unless you tell us where to lay bands on your gold.” ‘Roast itis, then. I shall never give you the «nformation you crave.” ““Then we will warm the soles of vour feet, so that you will never be troubled with chilblains. Dan Me get to work!” Without delay Black Bob threw the hermit ov vis back, and Dandy Dan removed the moc- vasins from bis feet, The two wretches then bore Jewel toward the fire, and placed his feet uncomfortably near the blaze. **Now, boys, you needn’t hurry yourselves about toasting his feet brown all at once. Take your time and do,them up rare, at first. He will relish the sport all the more.’ Jewel could scarcely repress a shudder, even though his face expressed nothing but defiance. That his own brother could be so unspeakably heartless, was beyond his understanding. Yet he was. tesolved not to yield, no matter what torture they might inflict. * Now, Jewel, old boy, how do you feel? Do you think you can bear the racket without wilt- *t have said all that was necessary, I be- lieve,” Jewel answéred. ‘‘ You have it in your power co torture me, but not to conquer me— no! never!” “Then, after you’re sufficiently singed, we'll erect a slab over your tomb—‘ Died, a martyr to money.’ Dandy, shove his feet into the fire.” Dandy hesitated a moment, and then, ap- parently nerved for the task stooped to obey, His hands had scarcely touched Jewel’s however, before there was the sharp report of a rifle, and ay wef Dan tumbled to the ground, never tosin in this world again, The next instant two figures, roughly clad in miner’s. garb, dashed in upon the scene with drawn revolvers. “Fly for your life!” Blye yelled to Black Bob, and he suited action to the word by making off down the gulch at the top of his speed, Black Bob following at his heels. Two shots whizzed after them, but did not arrest their flight. The r *scuers drawing old Jewel away from the fire, >ut bis bonds, “You aad a narrow escape!” one of them said. ‘‘ It was lucky we happened near, or you would hardly have felt like jig-dancing for some days to come,” “Probably not,” Jewel replied, “and [ thank you gratefully for coming to my aid,” “You are welcome, surely. Do you know who I am, Jewel?” “You are a stranger to me; therefore I can- not say what is your name,” “Yes, lam a stranger to you, these man years. But it is through no fault of mine, Jewe do von'‘know me now?” The speaker removed a sombrero and a false beard from the and the handsome, undis- guised features w Celia Blys, atias Poker Kate, were revealed! The hermit .orang forward and seized her oe in his, wile a¢ gazed searchingly into “You presumed that you | “Tt is no delusion, my dear busband; 1 1m Celia Blye. “fwas only lately that { learned who you were,” “God be praised, for he has blessed me in my last days,” the hermit said fervently, after em- bracing her. ‘* And to think you should be my rescuer!” **To mic the credit is not all due,” the post- mistress said. ‘‘Our daughter, here, deserves as much as I, Agnes, come forward.” Once more there was a proceeding of remov- ing false beard, and Agnes Blye stood before her father, with tears of joy in her sweet eyes. We will pass over the scene that followed, and the Aber Sebgehy that were spoken. Suffice it to say that blessings were offered to the Al- mighty, for his mercy. “You must now accompany me back to Phantom Flats,” Poker Kate—as we will con- tinue to call her—said. ‘‘There you will have both safety and comfort, until we can make arrangements to seek another and pleasanter home, far from here.” “No, I cannot leave the hermitage until Deadwood Dick and the Dumb Boys return. will then get them to transport my gold to some secret cache, where it will be safe until I want it,” “Dare you trust that fellow? You may not have heard of the reputation be bears.” g “TY would trust him with a dozen fortunes, if needs be. He has acted the part of a gentleman toward me, and if I leave this vicinity, I shall richly reward bim. I fear we will have trouble, before we get away.” ‘Who from?” “ Who else but my evil brother, who has al- ig made my life so miserable. * Then you fear him?” “(No; not so far as my courage goes, I an- ticipate, however, that be will try to rob me whenever I attempt to leave this vicinity.” ‘* Let’s make arrangements, then, for you to go at once, I will join you a few days hence,” ‘No; T do not intend to leave until I see Dick properly rewarded, and until he succeeds in recovering for the brave Dumb Dozen their lost mine!” ‘* He shall never do that!” Poker Kate replied flercely. ‘‘ Tell me—does he suspect where the mine is?” ** He fancies that he knows,” “Where did he say it was?” ‘* Beneath the Fort.” Something like a groan escaped the lips of Poker Kate. “ Curse the fellow! It shall bea bitter strug- le before he shall have the mine, It belongs to me, by right of possession, and there shall be a bitter war before I give it up!” “ Celia, my wife, listen to reason. The lost mine belongs to those who cannot speak for their own interests, Give up the mine to them, for I have ample wealth to gratify all our wants,” ‘« Dictate not to me, sir! I say no one shall own a penuy in the mine tut myself. You have nothing to say in the matter whatever, and if you interfere it will be the worse for you.” “This is strange language to use to your newly-found husband, Celia. “Husband or no husband, IT am my own master, and will fight before I will yield up the lost mine. If you do not choose to join in my cause you can do without a wife for the remain- der of your life.” ‘*So be it, thent "Even for your sake I could not be induced to enter into so dishonor- able action as to defraud the unfortunate Dumb Dozen.” “Then we are enemies henceforth. If you meet your death through your absurd allegiance to Deadwood Dick and his gang, it is your own fault. Agnes, come with me.” TI prefer to remain here,” Agnes. replied, quietly. “Father must need me, and if there is another rupture between my parents I shall remain with papa.” “We shall see how long you will remain with him. If forced to it, 1 can raise a war inand about these parts that never was dreamed of. I go back to the Phaatom Flats now; whenT ge again, you will both come over to my side. And shaking her finger at them threaten- ingly, she turned and hurried away. d Jewel gazed after her with a sigh. “I can scarcely believe the evidence of my senses. What will not the iasane passion for money do?” “A great deal of harm, father; but do not SE ut | despair or worry Younavye just seen it provew a dhe eae corerenest: nedineecy eas: thas my mother is put worthy of your nobdie self, and 30 .@t us Pury our sorrows, and try © make each other bappy. When Desdwond Dick returns we shall have a brave and fearless protector.” “True, my child, And until then we must guard oye another surprise, for the enemy may still be lurking in the neighborbsod. Dick and bis Dozen rode away to & quiet copse in the gulch within view of Phantom Flats, and leaving the Dezen there for a time, Harris dige | guised himself, and he and Gerald entered the ' young city. Arriving there, they found a scene of great excitement at the Fort. A bonfire had been kindled, and the street was filled with an ex- cited popwacs- Dick and Gerald pushed forward to investi- ate. e The door of the Fort was closed, and the windows sbuttered. Jose Picard alone paced the veranda, his eve constantly roving over the crowd, while his hands clutched a formicable pair of revolvers, “Gentlemen!” he cried, ‘‘ there is no cause for all this excitement, ‘You all know that I owned the shebang, and if I’ve chosen to eject the tenants, after selling it to another party, I want to know whose business it is but my own? When the owner comes he shall have possessior, which same I propose to hold until he does ar- After rescuing George Gerald, Deadwood rive.” ‘We shall see about that, curse you!” Pablo Picard howled from the street. ‘‘ You are a cheat and a thief. Jest wait till Poker Kate returns; then, ef she says take the ‘ Fort,’ you bet thar ar’ boys enough as will help us take it.” “There are not enough of your sort in Phan- tom Flats, Pablo Picard, to do that _dittle job. Are there any gentlemen in the crowd who pro- pose to aid me in retaining my own property —in holding the Fort?” “T for one!” one of the prominent mine- owners of the camp said, mounting the steps. “Hurrah, boys, you that want to see a square man have his rightful and lawful protection.” A dozen leading citizens followed. “Thet don’t signify,” Pablo Picard sneered. “Ther genuine fightin’-stock of the town ye will perceive don’t budge an inch ter yer racket—da ye, boys?” A hoarse wl was the answer, Dick nudged Gerald, and called him aside for a moment, “Go to Jose Picard—mention the name of Richard—and tell him to admit everybody te the Fort, and whoever comes afterward to join bis party, except Boston Blye, Roberts, and their confederates. I will take a reconnoisancc, and see you later.” Gerald nodded, and walked away. Reaching the steps, be ascended to the veranda, and spoke for several moments to Jose Picardo, The latter hesitated a few moments; then gave Gerald che keys, with which be unlocked the door, “Step inside, out of bullet range, gentlemen,’ be said. ‘There bids fair to be trouble in this matter, and we might as well prepare for it, and if possible, crush out the ruffian element vf this camp.” . Every man near him.seemed to think bis advice timely, for all hastened to enter. Gerald locked the door after them, he and Picard, how- ever, remaining on the outside. “ There's going to be a terrible fight over this affair!” Picard said, in a low tone. “Tl hold the place for Deadwood Dick, however, if possible.” One. after another the citizens came upon the veranda, and were admitted to the building, until there were at least half a burdred within —then they suddenly.ceased to come,.and there was a noticeable thinning out of the crowd in the streets—even Pablo Picard disappearing. Jose Picard was puzzled, and directed Gerald z make a reconnoissance through the rear of the ort. He did so; but saw no alarming signs. Just as he returned to the veranda, Deadwood Dick came running up: for the street was now deserted, ays “Qlear the building as quickly as ble!” he cried. ‘‘The entrance to the mine is in another place, as well asin under the Fort, and in five minutes the fort will be blown to atoms!” Gerald immediately notified those inside, and in less time, perhaps, than it takes to write it, the ‘“‘ Fort” was evacuated, and its late inmates were ata safe distance, They were none too soon. There was sad
Page 15
denlya*flash, preceded by a puff of smoke— then a terrific report that made the very earth tremtle. Mingled with the report was the crashing sound of rended timbers, asthe Fort was blown into fragments, Huge volumes of splintered timbers and boards rose heavenward, even the heaviest beams being carried high into the air.. , : The Fort was not the only thing disturbed. The rocky bottom beneath it was upheaved, as by an earthquake, to the hight of a dozen feet or more, J Nothing was seen of Poker Kate, Pablo Pi- eard, or their allies that night, but the next day, when the long-lost mine was explored by Deadwood Dick and the Dumb Dozen, Poker Kate, Boston Blye and Bill Roberts were found in it—dead ! Their bodies were literally riddled with bul- lets; and it was the belief of everybody that Pablo Picard was the author of the work, for everything of value had been removed from the mine, and Picard and a large percentage of the ruffian element were missing, and were never —— seen in the neighborhood of Phantom a That they made a haul of a immense fortune in gold is not to be doubted—the secreted pro- duct of years of labor. A meeting of the citizens was called, and Deadwood Dick, undisguising, himself, related all he knew concerning the Dumb Dozen, and it was decided that they were entitled to possession of their mine. At Dick’s motion—for, dear reader, Nevada Nellthe Fakir and mesmerist and Deadwood Dick were one and the same person—old Swill- tub came to the fore and related what he knaw of the villainous schemes of Boston Blye; enough, anyhow, to exonerate the redoubtable Dick, whereupon he was heartily honored by ' the citizens of Phantom Flats for his success in boffling villainy. Later he. was tendered the position of mayor, but respectfully declined the honor, A few weeks later Agnes Blye became the bride of verge Gerald, and the happy couple departed for the East, accompanied by Jewel who, before leaving, did not forget to reward Dick—nor did the Dumb Dozen, Accompanied by old Swilltub, who declared his intention to follow Dick through thick and thin, the restless wanderer soon after left for the silver districts of Idaho, where, some time, we may meet him again. THE END, DIME DIALOGUES AND SPEAKERS FOR SCHOOL PXHIBITIONS AND HOME ENTERTAINMENTS. 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Fellowstone Jack. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. o Bill, (Hon. W. F. Cody.) The W ild- e Hunters, By Captain Mayne Reid and Captain Frederick Whittaker, 5 Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. By Oll Coomes, Double number, 10 cents. $ Bill Biddon, Trapper. By Edward 8. Ellis 8 i Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. By E,L. Wheeler. anens King, By Buffs Horse. The Flying Yankee, By Colonel Prentiss eBoy Seth Jones; or, Thu Captives of the Frontier. By E. 8S. Ellis, 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen. 10 Nat y Scala or, The Fate of the Sioux Captives, By KZ, 8. Ellis, 11 The Two Detectives. By Albert W. Aiken. 12 Gulliver’s Travels. A Voyage to Liliput, and a Voyage to Brobdingnag, By Dean Swif:: 18 The Dumb Spy: By Oll Coomes, 14 Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp. 15 The Sea-Cat. By Captain Frederick Whittaker, 16 Robinson Crusoe. (27 Illustrations) By Defoe. 17 Ralph Koy, the Boy Buccaneer. By Col, Prentiss 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 Sea -erpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe, By J. Lewis. 28 Nicko’the N ight or, The Boy Spy of 16, By T. C. Harbaugh. 24 Diamond Dirt. By Colone! Prentiss Ingraham, 25 The wer Captain, By Roger Starbuck. 26 Cloven Moof, tie tu*«*lo Demon. By Edward L. Wheeler, 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Cuide, By O)i Coomes, 28 Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. By E, L. Wheeler, 29 The Dumb Page. By Captain Frederick Whittaker, 80 Roaring Ralph Rockwood. By Harry St. George, 81 Keen-iv nite, Prince of the Prairies.” By Oll 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, 85 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. By E. L. Wheeler 86 The Koy Clown, By Frank S. Finn. 87 The Midden Lodge. By T. C. Harbaugh, 88 Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 89 Denath-Face, the Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler 40 Rovi Ben, By John J, Marshall. 41 Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. By O)] 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 Annibilator, By E, L. Wheeler. 46 Glass Eye, the Great Shot of the West. By J. F.C. Adama Nightingale Naty; or, The Forest Captains. By Harbaugh, 48 Black Jolin, 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. 51 The Boy Killeas or, The Underground Camp. By A. C.Tron, 52 The White Butfalo. By C. E. Lasalle. 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. By E.L, Wheeler, 54 Ned Mazel, the Boy Trapper. By Capt. J. F.C. Adame. 55 Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scout, By Buffalo Bill, 56 Nick Whiffles’ Pet. By Captain J. F.C, Adams, 57 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles, By Edward L, Wheeler, 68 The Rorder King} or, The Secret Foe. By Ol] Coomes, 69 Old Miekory; or, Dandy Ellia’s Scalp. By Harry St. George. 60 The White Indian. By Captain J. F.C. Adarian 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team, By E. L.. Wheeler. 62 The Shadow Ship. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham 68 The Red Brotherhood, By W.J. Hamilton, 64 Dandy Jack, By T. C. Harbaugh. 65 Hurricane Bill. By Joseph B. Badger, Jr. 66 Single Mani; or, A Life fora Life. By W. J. Hamilton, 6 Patent-Leather Joe. By Philip S. Warne. 68 The Berder Robin Mood, By Buffalo Bill, 69 Gold Rifle the Sharpshooter. By Edward L, Wheeler. 70 Old Zip’s Cabin, By Captain J. F.C. Adams. 71 Delaware Dicks the Young Ranger Spy. By Oll Coomes. 72 Mad ‘Tom Western, the Texan Ranger. By W.J. Hamilton. 78 Deadwood Dick on Deck. by Edward L. Wheeler. 74 Hawk-eye Marry. By O}l Coomes. 75 The Boy Duelind. By Colonel Prentiss Ing-~aham, 3$ Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. By Albert W. Aiken. Corduroy Churlle, the Boy Bravo. By E. L, Wheeler, 78 Blne Dick, Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. Rosebud Rob. By Edward L. Wheeler. $1 Lightning Jo, By Captain J. F, C. Adama, $2 Kit Marefoot the Wood-Hawk. By T. C. Harbaugh, Rollo, the Boy Ranger. By Oli Coomes. Idyl, the Girl Miner, By Edwsrd L. Wheeler, $5 Buck Buckram. By Captnin J, F.C. Adams. 86 Dandy Roek, the Man from Texas. By G. Waldo Brown. 87 The Land Pirates, By Captain Mayne Reid, 88 Photograph Phil, the Boy Sleuth. By E. L. Wheeler, 89 Island Jim. By the author of “ Jack Harkaway.” 90 The Drend Rider. By George Waldo Browne. 91 The Captain of the Club. By Bracebridge Cao 92 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief. By E. L. Wheeler, 98 The a Miners. By EdwardS. Ellis, 94 Midnight ack, the Road-Agent. By T.C. Harbaugh, 95 The Rival Rovers, By Lieut. Col. Hazeltine. 96 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 Tuoa, By George Waldo Browne, 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville, By E. L. Wheeler. 101 Jack Warkaway in New York. Bracebridge Homyng, 102 Dick Dead-Eye. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 108 The Lion of the Sea.’ By Colonel Delle Sara. 104 Dendwood Dick’d Device. By Edward L. Wheeler, 105 Old Rube, the Hunter, d Captain H, Holmes, 106 Old Froaty, the Guide. By T. ©, Harbaugh. 107 One-Eyed Sim, By James L. Bowen. 108 Daring Davy, the Young Bear-Killer. By H. St. George 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By E. L. Wheeler, © The Black Steed of the Prairies, By J. L, Bowen. The Sea-Devil. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, The Mad Hunter. By Burton Saxe. Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator. By E. L, Wheeler, The Black Schooner. By Roger Starbuck. The Mad Miner. By Georze Waldo Browne, The Hussar Captain. By Col. Prentiss Ingrabam, Gilt-Edged Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler. Will Somers, the Boy D-tective. By Charles Morris. Mustang Sam ¢ or, The King of the Plains, By J, E. Badger. The Branded Hand. By Frank Dumont. Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport. By E. L. Wheeler, 22 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. By Charles Morris. 8 Kiowa Charley, the White Mustanger. By’'T.C. Harbaugh. 4 Tippy, the Texan, By George Gleason. & Bonanza Bill, Miner. By Edward L. Wheeler. 6 Picayune Pete. By Charles Morris ~Fire, the Boss of the Road. By Frank Dumont yr Privateer. By H. Cavendish. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double. By Edward L. Wheeler 180 Detective Dick. By Charles Morris, Bi The Golden Hand, By George Waldo Browne, 182 The Hunted Hunter. By Edward §. Ellis, 188 Boss Bob the King of the Bootblacks. By E, L. Wheeler. 184 Sure Shot Seth. By 0}! Coomes. 185 Captain Paul. By C. Dunning Clark. 186 Night-Hawk Kit. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 187 The Helpless Hand. By Captain Mayne Reid. 188 Blonde Bail. By Edward L. Wheeler. 189 Judge Lynch, Jr. By T. C. Harbaugh. 140 Blue Blazes, By Frank Dumont. 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 142 Handsome Harry. By Charles Morris. } Sear-Face Saul, By Oll Coomes. Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. By Joseph BR. Badger, 22, 145 Captain Ferret, tha Now York Detective. By Wheeler. By Captain Mayne Reid, By Albert W. Alken. Lond lhl eh eal eel apie tod SoC Enranree= ee ee BEADLE’S | HALF-DIME | LIBRARY. 146 Rilver Star, the Boy Knight. By O11 Coomes, 147 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. 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, dr. 152 Black Bessa, Wi!) Wildfire’s Racer. By Charles Morria, 158 Eagle Kit, the boy Demon, By Oll Coomes, 154 The Sword Hunters, By Capt. Frederick Whittaker, 155 Gold Trigger, tie Sport. ‘By T. C. Harbaugh. 6 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood, By E. L. Wheeler, >¢ Mike Merry, tbe Harbor Police Boy. By Charles Morris, 98 Fancy Frank of Colorado. By Boffalo Bill. 59 The Lost teen By Captain Frederick Whittaker, 160 The Black Giant, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 161 New York Nell, By Edward L. Whecler, 162 Will Wildtire in the Woods, By Charles Morris, 168 Little Texaa, the Young Mustanger, By Oll Coomes, 164 Dandy Rock’s Pledge. By George Waldo Browne, 165 Biily Baggage, the Railroad Boy. By Charles Morria, 166 Hickory Marry. By Harry St. George. 167 Asa 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 Morria 171 Ebony Dan. By Frank Domont. 172 Thunderbolt Tom, By Harry St. George. 178 Dandy Rock’s Rival. By George Waldo Browne, 17% Bob Rockett, the Boy Dodger. By Charles Morris, 175 Captain Arizona, By Philip 8. Warne, 176 The Boy Runaway. By Lieutenant H. D. Perry, U.S, 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada, By Edward L. Wheeler, 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit T.spper. By Oll Coomes. 179 Beb Rockett, the Bank Runner, By Charles Morria, 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 Oil Coomes, 188 The Hidden Hand, By Charles Morris. 184 The Boy Trailers. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 185 Evil Eye, King of the Cattle Thieves. By Frank Damont, 186 Cool Desmond, By Colonel Delle Sara, 187 Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy. By Charles Morris, 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. By T. C, Harbaugh. 189 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 Wi!l-0’-the-Wisp. By Lieut. Perry. 198 The Lady Road-Agent. By Philip S. Warne, 194 Buffalo Bill’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 Arkansaw, th» Man with the Knife. By T. C, Harbangh, 199 Featherweight, By Edward Willett. 200 The Boy Bedouins, By Capt. Frederick Whittaker, 201 The Black Hills Jezebel. By Edward L. Wheeler, 202 Prospect Pete, of tne Boy Brigade. By Ol) Coomes, 208 The Boy Pards, By Joseph FE. 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, 208 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. 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. By Charles Morris, 218 Fritz to the Front. By Edward L. Wheeler. 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine, By Capt. Whittaker. 215 Captain Bullet, the Raider King. By T, C. Harbaugh, 216 Bison Bill, the Prince of the Reina. By Col. P. Ingraham, 217 Captain Crack-Shot. By Edward L. Whecler 218 Tiger Tom, the Texan Terror. By Oll Coomes, 219 Despard, the Duelist. By Philip S. Warne, 220 Tom Tanner, Scalawag and Scapegrace, By Chas, Morris, 221 Sugar-Coated Sam, By Edward L. Wheeler, 222 Grit, the Brayo Sport. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 228 Ozark Alf, King of the Mountain. By Edward Willett, 224 Dashing Dick. By Oll 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 Oll Coomes. 229 Crimson Kate. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 280 The Yankee Rajah, By C. Dunning Clark, 281 Plucky Phil, of the Mountain Trall, By T.C. Harbaugh, 282 Gold-Dust. Dick, By Edward L. Wheeler, 288 Joe Buck of Angela. By Albert W. Aiken. 284 Old Rocky’s “‘Boyees.” By Buckskin Sam, 285 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. By Charles Morrla, 286 Apollo Bill, By Edward L. Wheeler. 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain, By Col. Ingraham. 288 The Parson Detective. By 0}1 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. Harbaugh, 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. By Colonel Prentiss Ingrabam 246 Giant George. By Buckskin Sam, 247 Old Grizzly and His Pets. By Capt.“ Brain” 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, Adams. 252 Dick Dashawnay. By Charles Morris, 258 Sierra Sam’s Pard. By Edward L. Wheeler. 254 The Half-Blood. By E:dward S, Ellis, 255 Captain Apollo. By T. C. Harbaugh, or eee ago 256 Young Kentuck. By Captain Mark Wilton, 257 The Lost Hunters. By Capt. J. F. C. Adama, 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven, By Edward L. Wheelen. 259 The Golden Harpoon, By Roger Starbuck. 260 Dare-Devil Dan. By Oll Coomes, 261 Fergus Fearnaught. By George L, Aiken. 262 The Young Sleuths. By Charles Morria 268 Deadwood Dick's Divide, By Edward L. Wheeler. 264 The Floating Feather. By Col. P. Ingraham, 265 The Tiger Famer. By Captain Fred, Whittaker. 266 Killb’ar, the Guide. By Ensign Warren. 267 The Buckskin Detective. By T. C. Harbaugh, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail. By E, L. Wheeem 269 ~ 9 =.o1d Ship. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. * 270 Blizzard Ben. By Captain Mark Wilton. 271 'Che Huge Munter, By Edward §, Ellie. 272 Minkskin 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 Prentiss Ingraham. 27? Denver Doll, By Edward L. Wheeler, 278 The Three Trappers. By Major Lewis W. Carson. 279 Old Winch, the Rifle King. By T. C. Harbaugh. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 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 Sen Marauder. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham 285 Denver Doll’s Decoy. By Edward L. Wheeler. 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfvot, By Capt, Mark Witten 287 Billy Blue-Eyes. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 288 The Scalp King. By Captain J. F, C. Adams. 289 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 Qne-Eyed Trapper. By Captatn Comstock, 294 Dynamite Dan, By T. C. Harbaugh. 295 Fearless Phil. By Edward Willett. 296 Denver Doll’s Drift. By Edward L. Wheeler. 297 The Tarantula of Taos, By Bockskin Sam, 298 The Water-Hound, By Charles Morria 299 A No, 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker, By Edward L, Wheelen. 800 The Sky Demon, By 01! Coomes, 801 Leadville Nick, By Major E, L. St. Vrain, 802 The Mountain Detective, By T. C. Harbaugh, 808 ’Liza Jane, the Girl Miner. By i, L, Wheeler. 804 The Dead Shot Dandy, By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham 805 Dashaway, of Dakota, By Charles Morris 806 Neck-Tie 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, 809 Deadwood Dick’s Big Deal, By E. L. Wheeler. 810 The Barranca Wolf. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. $11 The Roving Sport. By Edward Willett. 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. By Maj. E. L. St, Vrata, 818 Cimarron Jack, By Frederick Dewoy. 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, Harbangly 817 Peacock Pete. By Licutenant sited TH 818 Ker-whoop, Ker-whoo} By Buckskin Sam 819 The Black Rider, By Joseph E. Badger, Jn 820 The Sea Sorceress, By Jack Farragut, 621 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen. By Edward L. Wheeler. 822 Nemo, the Detective. By Edward Willett, 828 Arkansaw Jack. By Harry Hazard. 824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. By Una Morrld, 825 Kelley, Hickey & Company, the Sleuths of Philadelphia, By Edward L. Wheeler. 826 The Ten Pards; or, The Terror of Take-Notice, By T. G. Harbaugh, 827 Creeping Cat, the Caddo, By Buckskin Sam, 828 The Sky Detectives, By Major Mickey Free, 829 Red-Skin Tom. By Harry Hazard, 880 Little Quick-Shot. By Edward L. Wheeler, 881 Black Nick, the Demon Rider, By Capt, Fred. Whittaker. 882 Frio Fred, By Buckskin Sam, 888 Brimstone Bob, and Hi tette, By Major E. 1. St, His Lightning Horse Quar 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. By E. L. Wheelen. 885 Old Double Fist. By Joseph E. Badger; Ja 886 Big Benson. By T. C. Harbaugh. 887 Ben Bird, the Cave King. By W. J. Hamilton. 888 A Tough Boy. By Philip S. "Warne. 889 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket. By Edward L. Wheeler, 840 Clip, the Contortionist. By Edward Willett. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. By Charles Merria, 842 The Mountain Devil. By Harry Hazard, $48 Manhattan Mike. By Edward L. Wheeler, 844 The Fighting Trio. By Buckskin Sam, 845 “Vous Matt. By T. C. Harbaugh, 846 ttopler Raphael. By Major H. B. Stod 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducats, By Edward L. Wheeler 848 Fire-Heelas or, Old Skinflint the Death-Shadow. Roger Starbuck. 849 Wild Wolf, the Waco, By Buckskin Sam, 850 Red Ralph, the River Rover, By Ned Buntline, 851 Deadwood Dick Sentenced, By Edward L. Wheeler 852 Tombstone Tom, By Maj. E, L. St. Vrain. 858 The Reporter-Detective, By Charles Morris, 854 Big Horn Ike, the Hill Tramp. By Roger Starbuek, A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library is Tor sale by all newsdealers, Oye cents per copy, or sent by mai? on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York, | Ry