Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 323) (1883 10 02)
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I tte De me em Ik VERSE WOOD é NN a NY Sa - wp y W Ee ote “eo ~ <wK- : ‘\ Ww Poet I i rin Le | a ANS $2.50 a year. ; Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mail Rates, Copyright, 1883, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, October 2, 1883. ‘ 7 Single PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, Vol. TTT. Number, No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. No. 323. ARKANSAW JACK, OF THE MAN-HUNTERS; °°""" tres Tae SeS < ‘“THAR THEY IS, AN EF YOU FANCY ANY ON 'EM, JUST SAY THE WORD, AN’ HE'S YOURN FOR LIFE.
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——— 2 Arkansaw Jack, Of the Man- Hunters; OR, The Scourge of the Mines. BY HARRY HAZARD. CHAPTER I. THE MAN HUNTERS. Ir was nearly sunset of a warm, sultry day in July, a man was slowly toiling along through a narrow valley. The mountains towered high on either hand, their bare, rock-crowned crests reaching far up toward the Sap ae 6 clouds of fleecy vapor, while down in the valley. it was rapidly becom- ing a dull gray twilight. The surrounding scenery was grand—almost inspiring—and at any other time, or under different circumstances, would have enchained the attention of the way- farer. As he paused for a moment; to gaze curiously, or mayhap anxiously, around him, pushing back the stained felt hat from his high bold fore- head to brush the beads of perspiration from his brow, we can see that he is a white man, young and evidently handsome, although a thick coat of dust and sweat somewhat obscured all beauty of face and feature, In form tall and symmetrically built, the young man was dressed in a rough and not over- clean garb;#heavy duck trowsers, and flannel shirt, thrown open at the breast, and a battered, slouched felt hat. A broad leather belt clasped his waist and supported a brace of ‘“ Colt’s Navys,” and a heavy-bladed knife, Strapped upon his shoulders were a rough- looking knapsack, a small pick and several smaller tools. Considering the time, the section of country, the accouterments and dress, it was not difficult to divine that the pedestrian was a miner out upon a prospecting tour. “*Tt is curious where the boys can have gone to,” muttered the miner, seating himself upon a bowlder and slowly filling a well-stained pipe. ‘“*T don’t believe that I have missed the road, but one of us have, that’s plain, for there has been no person along here before me, to-day, I would swear,” and he cast his eyes keenly over the open space before him, ' Just then there came an interruption that caused him to spring to his feet in well-founded alarm, while his right hand drew a revolver with an adroitness that told how familiar he was with the weapon. This interruption came in the shape of a pistol- shot, and, as it sounded in his ears, it was min- gled with the peculiar hissing of a bullet that passed close above his head. The young miner cast a keen, searching glance around him, half-crouching in readiness for in- stant action, should it prove necessary. But still he could see nothing. ; Then there came a loud, hoarse laugh, and following the unexpected sound with his gaze. the prospector beheld a herculean form, dressed in a rough, nondescript haa ep the hillside before him, carelessly toying with a large revol- ver, from which had evidently been discharged the alarming missile. © nome as thought the young man raised his cocked weapon and cove the form of the stranger. But, although his eye was glancing along the — tube, in direct line with the stranger’s left breast, there was no evidence of alarm upon that personage’s part, and not a lit- tle surprised at his nonchalance, the young man hesitated for a moment, and finally lowered his bi oe | without its being discharged. “Hellow thar, young feller!” called out the man upon the hillside in a rough, hoarse, but withal not unpleasing voice, ** Halloo yourself!” retorted the first comer. ‘* What the deuce do you mean by shooting at me, porbor “Didn't skeer you, did it? You's on the jump, stranger, anyhow, Kkil to a jack-rabbit, ou is; haw-haw-ho!” laughed the queer cus- mer. ‘Never mind now, whether I was ‘scared or not,” angrily returned the miner, nervously fingering his weapon. ‘* What did you shoot.at me for? that’s the question!” - “You're new to the mines, I reckon?” ‘Look here, my grizzly bear friend; I have asked you a plain question, and you had better give me a plain answer, or you may find that I can aim a pen quite as handy as you can; and I never pul! twice upon the same mark.” ‘Slu “‘ Now don’t b’ile over, youngster, nor ruffle uP your feathers, for I’m a rooster what don’t eer wuth a cent, and my spurs is full-growed, they is,” coolly returned the other, rising from his seat and approaching the prospector, at the same time replacing his pistol in its scabbard. ‘‘ Nuther do I when I burn powder in dead irnest. “Then what did you mean?” ‘. ‘ Hore a backdown or crawfish in the gang, but all cl’ar grit to the backbone. Ef Joaquin bucks aginst us now, we’ll rake the persimmings, shore!” Ina few moments the two men bad gained the camp, and the burly leader was greeted beisterously by his comrades, with whom he ey- idently was a favorite. They eyed the young stranger curiously, but did not address him, evidently awaiting for Arkansaw Jack to ex- lain, : ar Look hvar, fellers, do you see this ’ere oungster? Wal, he’s my friend, an’ so, natu’ly, he’s yourn, too. He’s called Georgia Ned,” quoth Arkancaw. The mountainecrs, ono and all, pressed around and cordially shoo’: hands with the new-comer, each mo~ greetir him with characteristic ex- pressions, and : ..rociucing themselves by either their real ~~mes or tho fancy ones they had re- ceived. And if their personnel was strange, thoir titles were none the less so. There was Pet Pete, John Chinaman, Lazy Sam, Slippery Jeems, Hoosier Tom, Old Rye, Corn Cracker, and others ae ouphonious, while one freckled h»2ro sported the name of “Turkey Egg.” Georgia Ned was warmly welcomed and made to fee] at home at once, for if the men were rough and uncouth, they were warm-hearted and generous; quick to anger,and then fero- cious, but who would stand bya friend or a ‘‘pardner” to the last, and make his cause their own. ’ There may have been criminals among them, but, strange and contradictory as it may seem, and ‘old stagers” will beer me out in the as- sertion, the class denominated as “‘roughs and jail-birds,” here in the “‘ States,” were generally the more respectable, and more to be trusted than many of those who were considered honor- able and of the highest standing at home. In a short time the party were all busily en- gaged in discussing their evening m: consist- ng mostly of fresh meat, moistened with ‘‘ corn- juice” or old rye. Payson was not so preoccu- pied but that he found time toclosel tinize each one of his new companions, beginning with Arkansaw Jack, or Gabriel, whose name was then upon everybody's tongue, consequent upon his desperate adventure with Joaquin Murieta’s band, and his present enterprise—that of hunt- ing down the outlaw gang. Or a tall, herculean build, and ‘orm of almost matchless symmetry and muscular strength, he was yet good-looking, despite the tangled mass of hair and beard that almost concealed his fea- tures. A large, keen gray Be ba a hooked nose ppea your name. So you concluded to try and massive jaw, he a a fit champion to be arco against the dreaded and far-famed outlaw chief, Joaquin Murieta. He was dressed in ‘‘ Kentucky jean” trowsers with heavy red-flannel shirt, and huge slouched = a“ Pi bottom of the pyar ed Seng seen e © tops of a pair of heavy borsebide ts. All in all, he looked the very beau fdeal of a hardy miner or mountaineer. The others were generally of the same class, with few exceptions, and formed a body of men that. would be hard to surpass for strength, dex- terity and courage. _ Payson felt that with such a band, the fate of Joaquin was but a question of time. After the meal was over, the man-hunters ig- nited their eines and ranged around the cheer- ful fire, for although the days might be uncom- fortably warm, the nights were ever cool and bracing. Payson joined them and listened cu- riously to their conversation, interesting from more causes than one, They each had a peculiar style of language and expression, and paring, more or Jess adventurous lives, were nothing loth to comply when pressed for yarns; for, as the young pros- pector had gleaned, they were awaiting the
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_ Nice a Arkans return of a couple of scouts who had been'sent out in search of information, before deciding what course to pursue next, _Whether to en- camp where they were for the night, or to travel further, At perhaps an hour after dark, the shrill sound of a peculiar whistle rung down the val- ley, causing the group around the camp-fire to pause in their mirih and listenintently. It was repeated, when Arlansaw Jack said: “Tt’s Whistlin’ Dick... Now we'll know what we've got afore us for to-night.” The porsonage callod Whistling Dick soon made his appearance, accompanicd ‘y one o% the sentinels. and was warmly groeted by his comrades, ‘“ Whar’s the grub, bors?’ “:e exclaimed snuffing the air in a lidic*oi + seanncr. “ Ret yer life I feel wok e afcard;: |) don’t want your po- sish; I wouldn't be cap’n ef you’d ax me to, ef I be the smarte:; ‘oad in the puddle!” **Giuevous, you be; but the boys has all bin, tryin’ thar hands at big lyin’ an’ it’s’ your turn now. So goon an’ tell what you know.” “Tve a sind to not, but _I won’t please ye so \vell, Mister Arkansaw Jack, uire, ‘You'd like to go an’ find it out, an’ then take all the credit yourself, wouldn’t ye?” “The cvecit is all yourn ef you want it, an’ we'll s sks you a presont o’ a tin hat an’ a pa’r ©” glass britches, when you’ve done. But go on,” **Weo!, for the others I will, but you kin close your errs, Ye see, boys, I was prospectin’ aroun’ sorter loose an’ kcérless like, when I hunkored down on top 0” » ridge to rest my trot ers an’ take a ccmf’.ble smoke, when purty soon I sir hted a grist o’ “ellers down the valley, a-critterbac’:. Iwas wide awake in a minnit, oe I sm lled a mice e’ena’most as big as a year- in’. “{ was nigh enough to make ’em out as Greasers, Or at lecst they war ‘so togged, an’ then rg A st-ked Out cluss to the branch, in the open. see’d thar wor a couple o’ petticoats with ‘em, an’ thet, as you may guess, made me open my eyes, for them sich is powerful sca’ce in these diggin’:, like angels’ visits, few an’ mighty fur between. [I was bound to find out who they war,— whether willin’ captyves, or not, so i turned snake an’ crawled around the bill an’ down into the valley, I knowed my only show was to take to the water, as the bed 0’ the crick was tbe only kiver cluss enuff to do any good, I retched it at last, an’ boldin’ pistils ready in my hands, for it would be fight ef J ‘vas diskivered, shore, I slid in, ‘Ah, Susanner! mebbe "twasn’t cold! but thar was the fa’r sects ahead, an’ I’d never crawfish when I could git a squint at one o’ them. So onI trapsed, I managed to get right beside them, an’ peekin’ out through a b’anch o’ sage, 1 could see the whole show. “They war Greasers as I ’spected, an’ a more o’nery; Villingous set I'never sot eyes onto, jest fourteen in number. They had bin in a scrim- mage’o’ some'sort, for more’n one 0’ them was tied up with bloody rags. Then I tuck a long look at the wimmen critters; | “Talk about angels! Ef the younger one o’ them thar petticoats don’t jest knock spots outen any oné thet ever 7 hearn tell on, then Pll cave!” ‘*“Never mind that now, but tell us. about Joaquin,” impatiently interrupted Arkansaw. ‘*He was thar, a gre’t tall, ugly-lookin’ dar’- devil—” ‘Bah! you’re looney, Whistlin’ Dick,” an- grily said the leader of the man-hunters, ** Joa- quin is not bigger’n Georgia Ned, thar, slim- built an’ with as good a lookin’ mug onto him as ever war made.” ‘**T don’t _keer; he’s thar, anyhow,” muttered Whistling Dick, somewhat disconcerted. ‘Wal, we'll soon find out. Boys, I'll go—” ** Hold on, Cap, I forgot, Them wimmen- folks is in limbo,” hastily added the spy. “ What?’ . They is pris’ners, or else why war the a-seftin’ down onto the ground, with thar ankils tied up?” “You .ollers!” exclaimed Arkansaw Jack in an excited tone, **what’re you goin’ to do? ‘Youve heard what Dick says, an’ now shell we let them en Greaser:, as he says they be, troat them splendiferou: female critters, as he Ys ’em thot-a-way ! or shell we jest walk into the ra:kils an’ sot others free? Mebbe one o’ ‘}em *3icht want a husband, an’ take a shine to ono of us; just’ think 0” thet /” There was but ‘one answer, and the voice of ‘Georgia Ned” was prominent among the rest. They would free the women at any risk, and the majority of the man-hunters were only too eager for a brush with the hated and despised | Mexicans, not to seize with avidity upon any protext to satisfy their animosity, “Whistler, do you lead the way, an’ quick, too, for there’s no tellin’ what devilment thim catamounts "Il be up to, an’ we mustn’t -bé too late.” Take a hunk o” meat an’ eat it as you show us the way to whar you fust sighted the varmints,” ordered Arkavsaw Jack, and then the fire was extinguished and the little ‘party were soon proceeding at a steady trot under guidance of the scout, Payson was. mounted behind oné of the men, and felt a nervous impatience as he puzzled his brain in trying to solve the mystery of the two women’s appearance in that wild and remote rtion of the country, where, as Whistling ick had said, such sights' were of very rare occurrence, But his fancies were abruptly dis- persed as the guide announced their arrival at the hill from whence he had first observed the party of Mexicans. **You wail here then, boys, while we id up an’ see which ar’ the best way to strike. Do stir, or speak above a cat’s whisper. Come, Whistler,” and then the two men cautiously scaled the precipitous hill, and lay prone upon its summit. ‘Look! Thar they be,” muttered Dick, as the bright light of a camp-fire below them met their gaze. “Yas, an’ I kin see the wimmen critters, too,” rejoined Arkansaw, in the same tone, “‘ We must try the crick, T reckon.” “It’s the only show, for the moon is too bright to cross the open.” “Come, then, le’s travel,” and then they re- turned to the anxiously-awaiting men and in- formed them how the case stood. “But we must take to the water, boys, as we must be close enough to make a rush, of any o’ the rip- tyles is left alive, for they mought do the females a hurt when they see how they’re fooled. But you kin stand a leetle o’ thet, specially as it’s only outside, an’ then jest think 0’ the thanks from bright lips an’ sweet eyes,” added Arkansaw, enthusiastically, ‘* Bet yer life we kin!” Without any further remarks the little party proceeded, and were soon cautiously proceeding along the bed of the creek, whose icy-cold water reached nearly to their waists. “They were forced to proceed in a crouching posture, in order to keep below the level of the valley, for fear lest the bright light of the full moon might betray them to some watchful eye in the Mexican camp, and thus frustrate their hopes of a surprise, fter perhaps a Wirth of an hour spent in this manner, the desired tion was gained, and then each man stealthily raised his eyes to the level of the bank, and curiously upon the scene that lay before them. It was one en- tirely devoid of romantic interest. The ground was smooth and leyel until the rocky hills towered up high in the rear, and the scene was fully lighted up by the cheerful blaze of a large fire. Around it were grouped over ‘a dozen men, clad for the most part in the pictur- aw Jack, 'of the Man-Hunters. 83 esque garb of the native Californian, or Mexi- can, busily éngaged in playing cards: A little to one side,'and shrinking’ elosé to- gether, as if for mutual protection, were ‘tha two captive women, Their hands and feet were bound, and their garments were soiled and tat- tered as if they had been forced to ‘endure a long and toilsome journey. Their faces were thrown ‘into deep shadow by their position, but still Georgia Ned fancied that one of them was young and of more than ordinary attractions. Then’ Arkansaw mut- tered, in a subducd tone of intense disgust: “They’s playin’ monte for the captyves, the unmanly pups! Spot the men afore you, an’ when T bolier, just drap ’em an’make a rush, Don’t let one git away.” Noiselessly the deadly revolvers were cocked and leveled at the group of unsuspecting gam- blers, who, deeply absorbed in their game, uy on which such novel stakes depended, little dream- ed of the fearful retribution that was so soon to overtake them. Then came a wild yell frem Arkansaw, a deafening report, a blinding flesh; then the man-hunters scrambled as best they — from their uncomfortable posiiion, anit dashed toward the fire through clouds of smoke. But there was little work for them to do. Sev- eral forms were seen darting away into the shadows, and a few stray shots were discharged in thé direction taken, but without success, and no one offered to start in pursuit; for they well knew how useless would be such a course among the rocky defiles, at night, Nine bodies lay around the -firé as they had fallen, who would never more do mortal injury. But the mountaineers did not notice) them for the present; they were more deeply interested in the two terrified wonien. They had not uttered a sound, and were now gazing in bewildered wonder and eo upon the rough-looking persons. who had £0 sud- denly appeared, accompanied with so terrible a salute. Ned Payson approached them and said, in reassuring tones? : “Don’t be alarmed, ladies, for'you are safe now. These men aré all your friends,” “* Who are you, and they, then?’ Do youwcome from my husband, or—” ‘No, we are strangers, but seeing you a cap- tive, it was but natural that we should try io effect your deliverance, However, if you will tell us how, we will see that you are restored io your friends,” “This way, you Georgia Ned,” called out ‘the loud voice of Arkansaw, “ Take 'your- place in the line an’ give us all fa’r play.” Somewhat astonished at this address, Payson turned and beheld the man-bunters all drawn up in a line, where the glow of the firelight révealed their forms and features to the best advantage. Mechanically‘he took bis place in the line, and then the leader a to the front, and with a low bow, addressed the women, who appeared to be greatly surprised, as well they’ Asin ** Ladies, your humble servant to command. Jest take a good squint at them fellers as stands afore you. Look at each one on ’em and take in thar good p’ints, ef so be ye kin see ’em through the dirt,” and he paused for a moment as if to allow them time to obey his request, “Do you see’em? They are all good strong men, sound in wind and limb, an’ thar hearts is a heap sight cleaner’n thar hands, an’ as big es a yearlin’ calf, They is all of em bachelors, «+ ef married once, is now grass-widders, an’ | / ¢ enough an’ brave enough to take good keer oa wife an’ family, an’ love ’em tell the cows conie | home. Thar they is, an’ ef ‘you fancy any on’ em, jest say the word, an’ he’s yourn for life, or tell death comes along an’ takes in his checks. An’ I am likewise, 80 to speak, also, ef you like mé, Six foot fourin the clear, without knot, wind-crack or woodpecker-bole; them’s me.” The women looked perplexed and not a little alarmed at this strange and confusing offer, and Ned Payson could not restrain a laugh of vexa- tion as he stepped forward and said: “There, that will do, friend Arkansaw. You don’t understand the ladies, nor they you, so let the matter drop. Besides,” he added, in a whisper, seeing that Jack looked undecided, “one of them is already married and the other does not want to choose just yet.” ‘Oh, well, ef that’s the lay, I backs down an’ axes pardin, but ef ever théy changes thar minds, why you jest tell em that Jack Gabriel, from the Washita flats, is'in the market.” The man-hunters had already dispérsed, and were examining the dead bodies; and.while Ar- kansaw joined them, Ned turned to reassure the women. He soon gleaned their history, which a few words will comprise. They belonged to a party of emigrants who
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4 Arkansaw J ack, of the Man-Hunters. ———_ were on their way to Oregon, and that evening had been attacked by a band of robbers, who, although finally driven off, had contrived to ab- duct the two women, Mrs, H.ll and her daugh- ter Emma. Although hotly pursued, they had succeeded in either distancing or misleading their pursuers, and had halted where Whistling Dick found them for the night. They had a wordy dispute about the captives, but had finally decided to leave it to a game of monte, the winner to take his choice. But their brutal plans were suddenly and terribly frus- trated, as already detailed. With native elicacy, Arkansaw Jack pro- posed to build a sort of hut from pine boughs for the shelter of the mother and daughter, at a spot somewhat removed from the scene of the massacre; and when this work was completed, the dead consigned to the water, and sen- tinels stationed, the silence of night settled over the little encampment, CHAPTER II. CARRIE LER, Axsovut mid-afternoon a richly-dressed young man, of probably twenty-seven or eight years of age, was walking through one of the streets ‘‘ngp-town,” in San Francisco, He was rather above the mean hight, and strikingly handsome, of the brunette type. His garments were fashionably cut and of rich materials, but there was a faint shade of flashiness, still further hightened by the rakish manner in which he wore his glossy silk tile, in his appearance. His hands were white and sha t , but were studded a little too thickl with rings to be exactly in good taste, while b shirt-front glittered with a magnificent cluster piv and diamond studs, He at length paused before a small, spece- tending house, and after a moment’s hesitation, rung the bell. As the door opened he doffed his hat with a deep bow and smile, ‘‘Good-afternoon, Miss Carrie.” . “Why, Mr. Dupuy, I thought you had left the city!” and one would have fancied that the lady was not extremely overjoyed at the sight of her visitor. ““T did intend to have left to-day, but I could not go without calling once more.” ‘‘ My father is not at home just now, but—” hesitated the lady. “It is you that I wish to see, Miss Carrie, if you will pardon me,” and as he bowed again, it was more to conceal his deeply flushed cheek and glittering eye than aught else. “Excuse m politeness, Mr. Dupuy; please walk in,” and so saying, the lady led the way into the parlor, followed by her unwelcome visitor. Motioning him to a seat, Carrie sunk down into the depths of an easy-chair, and awaited ee + gs with a composure that was chilling indeed, If one judged from the furnishing of the room, the occupants of the unpretending little house must be in comfortable circumstances, if not yich. Everything was of the richest descrip- tion, although always neat and elegant. That rara avis—a gran plage ae the time and place, stood at one en of the room, and against it Carrie half leaned, while waiting for her caller to speak. She appeared to be about one-and-twenty years of age, with the beautiful oval face, and with that soft, mingled olive-and-white complexion which is peculiar to the daughters of asunny clime. Her large dark eyes seemed, with their long, vail-like lashes, to fill half her face, the coral lips, slightly parted, faintly re- vealing a tantalizing glimpse of twin rows of peasy teeth, milk-white and even, like new corn in.the ear; hands exquisitely formed, with the faintly blue veins showing through the deli- cate, transparent skin; with a figure all. grace and enchantment, combined to render ber one of the most attractive of women, Her form, gracefully rounded and of perfect symmetry, was ro in. a light fleecy dress of some white material, confined to the waist with a cord of scarlet silk. * Miss Lee—Carrie—I had ought to be far from here before now, and I e ted I should have been, when I saw you last,” at length said the young man, in a deep, mellow voice. ‘‘ But i could not go witbout again seeing you.” “Indeed!” was the cold response, and the lady slightly drew erect ber form, ‘Ab, you did not speak so coldly to me once, tterly added Dupuy. a I thought you toss a friend then. If I have changed, it is your fault, not mine.” ‘“‘ And am I not a friend now?” 4. “dare you!” Carrie, a ‘*Carrie, you will drive me mad with your cold, chilling words and looks! Am Ia friend? If eer | the deepest respect, almost venera- tion; if feeling thet for one kind word, one smile from you, I would die a thousand deaths, then I am a friend!” passionately exclaimed the young man. ‘And yet you refuse, completely ignore the only request, almost, that I ever made you.” ‘* Because you ask an impossibility! Because you bid me not love you, to never think of you other than the simplest friend. I could die easier! But I cannot command my heart’s feeling te that measure,” ‘““Mr, Dupuy, I have ever regarded you asa friend and an esteemed uaintance, and [ should be happy to do so still, if you will only permit me, ut unless you can accept the answer I gave you at our last interview must. consider you as a perfect stranger here- 20 al firmly replied Carrie, rising from ber seat. ‘Carrie, take time—do not throw me off thus,” he pleaded, also rising. “Think how I love you—how long and deoply and think what a dreadful blow it will be if I must crush my heart’s dearest, hopes down as you bid me! Let me hope a little—hope that you may some time change your mind. I am rich, and no man can say aught against me. I can shower every comfort, every luxury upon you. Not the slightest wish that you may express but will be gratified as soon as uttered, and I will make you happy as the day is long!” ‘‘Mr. Dupuy, this is worse than uséless; it is insulting after what I have told you.” “Then you—” “T can but repeat what I told youthen. I do not love you, and I never can; so your offers are but humiliating to yourself, and 7, ete tome. My answer is, and will be—no ‘‘Take care, Carrie Lee, take care how you add insult to the rest. My spirit is hot, and can’t bear everything.” “Now I can comprehend you! You threaten a woman who is alone and not strong enough to chastise you as you deserve! But I have a father, sir, and he shall hear of your words and conduct. Perhaps he will know how to answer you ina manner that you can understand and accept as final,” “And besides your father, you have a lover, also; but I care no more for one than I do for the other. You think I am blind? Do not I remember how oy. encouraged me with words and looks, until he came? I was very well, even after that, as a second string, but now that you have secured him, I am to be given the cold shoulder—to be cast adrift as useless!” cried the enraged suitor, his dark cheek flushed and his eyes burning like twin coals, while his voice sounded husky and discordant. ‘“Mr. Dupuy, you have said enough, and more than enough. There is the door; will you leave we, or must I raise the window and call for assistance from strangers?” “Thank you, I will go. I would not think of tting you to so much trouble on my account, ut one word before we part. 1 know who has supplanted me, and I know where he is now. I hall leave town, but it will only be to visit him, and when next we meet it will be after he is put forever out of the pe H ‘Even admitting that what you say is true, you would not dare to face him; he is a man!” ‘*T would dare more than you ARAB, per- haps; but. never mind that now. I leave you with one sweet thought to console you durin my absence—only temporary, recollect, for will return—and that is, that your words of to- day have sealed the fate of ward Payson,” and then witb a low bow and mocking smile the young man left the apartment and the house. But, this smileleft bis face when he gained the street, and there was a deadly, repulsive look upon his otherwise handsome countenance that might well have caused the young lady to reflect seriously upon Daring made such an enemy. He did not seem a man then to pause at any crime, however black and heinous, Dupuy stepped into a saloon and called for a glass of brandy. While drinking. this, he noticed that a man habited in Mexican garb was eying him very closely, and turning to ob- serve him more fully, he fancied that the stran- ger made a peculiar, though furtive, signal. Supposing that the man had mistaken him for some other person, Dupuy walked out without ying him any further attention, and resumed bis course toward the hotel. But the stranger followed him, and as they entered a compara- tively deserted street, overtook the young map, and spoke, in Spanish: “ How goes it, captain? Isn’t it rather risky your walking here in broad daylighs, and in your own face, too?” ‘““What do you meanf Who are you!” de manded Dupuy, in a surprised tone, “‘ Come, captain don’t make a stranger of an old friend, like that; there’s no persor. near are to hear us.” “ An old friend? I don’t know you--never saw you before in a ‘‘fe.” * Don’t know me—tn.. tis ~rawtya! who has known you ever since you burned out?” * Look here, Senor Dun Luis Guerra, as you call yourself, who de you take me for?” angrily demanded Dapuy, tureing upon the astonished Mexican and pec renaly Bngering his pistol. “ Way yourself, to sure; who else?” and then advancing closer, he uttered, in a low tone: “ You are Joaquin!” * Indeed! and out of the ten thousand rascals that claim the name, which one may I chance to be?” sneered the young man. ‘+ The Joaquin—there is but one; Joaquin Mv- RIETA!” ‘‘ Are you crazy, man, or in earnest? I am not the devil, but an American gentleman, as almost any one will tell you,” “Not Joaquin! it is bis voice, his form, his face; then if not he, you must be the devi Y? ex- claimed the astounded Mexican, staring in be- wildered amazement at Dupuy. “Well, don’t you bother me again about Joaquin, or es may get. yourself into trouble, for if I should but whisper what you told me, you’d never live to make another mistake,” and with a short laugh the young man ieft the crestfallen Mexican, : His mind was so full of the scene with Carrie Lee, that Dupuy had entirely turgotten the inci- dent before he reached? nis Rael but it was to work strange changes @” ‘is career, and at bo very distant time. It .as the germ of a mys- oy poet has never been entirely cleared up to this ° Reaching his room at the hotel, Dupuy rung for u bottle of brandy and some cigars, an then settled himself down as if for the night. For some time he brewed his drink, .with the aid of hot water from the spirit-lamp, and smoked in silence. That his thoughts were not the most pleasin was plainly evinced by bis frowning brow an the frequent oaths that were hissed between his teeth in a bitterly vindictive manner. But leaving him to his ruminations, we will state ‘briefly a few facts that bear upon this portion of our story. Louis Dupuy was a vative of Louisiana, and French, upon his father’s side. Nearly two years previous to the date of our story, he came out West to San Francisco, and bein ssessed of a considerable fortune, left him by his father, had lived a rather fast and dissipated life as a “man about town,” and although it was more than hinted that he, at times, played a promi- nent part at plucking sundry returned miners, still thab was so common an occurrence, and, withal, so fashionable, that bis name was clear and unstained. ” He made the acquaintance of Miss Carrie Lee in “the usual way,” daughter and only child of Archibaid Lee, gold-proger, and was soon deep- ly infatuated with her. She liked him yv well, as a friend, and appeared to welewen ae visits, as she did many others of ber acquaint- ances. One evening, just before dusk, some nine months before we first: met her, Carrie was re turning from down-town, when a comple of in- toxica brutes assaulted her. fut she was uickly freed from them by a young man, who then escorted her home, giving his name as Ka- ward Payson, Her father sought him out, at her request, and it finally ended by his becoming a frequent visitor at the house. In two months more, Ned had confessed his love, won her consent, and then asked her hand in marriage of Archibald Mr. Lee was a somewhat cold and stern > pearing man, although beneath the mask concealed a warm heart, and questioned Ned closely as to his circumstances. The reply was that although he had very little of the filthy lucre, he d a willing heart end a strong pair of arms. But those alone would not pro- vide food and lodging for two, The old gentleman bade him drop the matter for the present, and that whenever he was able to show that he could a, oe a wife com- fortably, be might return, The lover sighed and mourned, as usual, for a time, and then Ned declared that he would go to the mines and. make his fortune, after which he would return to enjoy the fruits of his industry. at! at an Be eee
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Mr. Lee would consent to no formal en- gagement, and so they parted. The father was Only putting the young man to a test, while he set about confirming the truth or falsity of Payson’s story, by writing back to | Georgia, intending, if nothing should be proven against him, to recall his prohibition, as he had | plenty and to spare, for both himself and the young couple. 4 Then Louis Dupuy proposed, was rejected, and then, not content with one trial, repeated | his offer, as seen. This last interview occurred in the latter part of May, or a little overa month previous to the events detailed in our first chapter. Probably the tongue of Louis Dupuy was loosed by the strong potations he had imbibed | 30 nat and he began to utter his thoughts aloud. There was an ugly, set look of vindic- Arkansaw Jack, of the | be seen, tive hatred upon his dark features that afforded | | scription, heavily plated with silver and flakes “But he shall never have her—never! if I | a very clear index to the nature of his thoughts. bave to hunt the whole country to put him out of the way! I told her (’d do if, and although I was only blowing, why shouldn’t 1? _I want to see the country, anyhow; then with him out of the way, I believe that I'd be cock of the walk, { was once, before he came, and I know she liked me best. The old codger, too, is on my side, for he as good as told me so,” and as he spoke, Dupuy emptied bis tumbler. | “T know just about the place be is, for Brun- son saw him and learned where the party were bound. He is somewhere near Mount Shasta, I reckon. Besides, I could inquire. But that other business—bah! that can wait; and besides, Sue is getting troublesome. If I go away for a month «\ so, that will all blow over. Curse the womon, anvhow; they’re always more bother than ‘hey’re worth!” and after this beautiful expression, Dupuy sat for some time in silence, smoking vehemently. ‘Pd let her slide, but I am fast gettin ‘shoal on the bar,’and the old hunks woul come down with something handsome, I know. A hundred thousand anyhow; perhaps more, for | know he can afford it, And then I don’t like to own up beat, and that, too, by a Georgia mud-eater} nor will I, by Jupiter!” The expletive that lent emphasis to this reso- lution was of a far more forcible charactcr than the substitute we use, but it was of too inflam- mable a nature to be trusted upon paper. “Let me see, 1 can start to-morrow, or any- how the day after, and none of my /riends need be any the wiser,” he chuckled. ‘* But that Mexican—can it be that [ am so perfect an image of that fellow Joaquin? If it ts so, thon I must beware, or I may get into trouble cn the ‘road! Hung, or shot for anotherman! Sounds nice, don’t it? Nicer than the reality, any- how. And he was in earnest, too; no fooling there, or he’d never have coramitted himself. “Wonder who he is—what he is, is easily guessed. Wish I'd thought to have asked him to callon me here; he might be useful. Let’s see, his name is—is—confound the brandy, it’s made my brain a perfect muddle!” growled Dupuy, draining another glass, to counteract the other ones, probably. ‘Oh, yes, now Dve got it—Luis Guerra! [ll put it down before I forget it again,” and the name was duly entered in his private memorandum-book. “Shall 1 got—that’s the question,” he con- tinued, taking a double-eagle from his pocket. ‘¢'This shall decide it for m>. Heads—I go, and then beware! Mr. Edward Payson. Tails—I leave for home instead. Up she goes—and— heads, by all that’s holy!” he cried, as he {il- liped the coin and then examined it. “Good! that’s settled, and I'll start day aftcr | tomorrow. Shall I go down town, or shail I make a night of it here?” No, Pll have a 1 ice quiet time all by myself, and settle my plans,” Acting upon this resolution, Dapuy rung the bell, and when the waiter appeared, ordered a fresh bottle of brandy; and then divesting him- self of his outer garments, proceeded systemati- cally to ‘‘make a night of it,” by getting “ gen- teelly drank ” in a quiet way. He managed to empty the bottle, and then gently sunk under the table, clasping one of its legs Jovingly, and presently sent up a voluminous series of explo- sive snorts and snores, CHAPTER III. JOAQUIN AT HOME. THe valley through which ran the Arroyo ‘Cantura presented a picturesque and pleasing seene, upon that day. This truly lovely spot had been for some time past the chosen retreat ef Joaquin Murieta, where he retired whenever kis daring deeds had made the country too hot for safety, or when he wished for repose from active life. The bright, sparkling stream flowed through a valley, upon either side of which towered high the gloomy rock-crowned mountains among whose deeper recesses an army might find concealment. The valley was studded here and there by underbrush and small clumps of trees, But other objects attract the gaze. There are men and women, handsome and lovely, gay and talkative, who recline upon the soft green sward in attitudes of carelessness. While, shaded by several towering trees, there stands a cluster of pretty little tents, forming quite a village. There are horses roaming at will through this modern “ valley of ease,” and several dogs may To the trees around hung saddles and bridles, spears and weapons, of the richest de- of virgin gold. There are two persons, somewhat apart from the remainder, conversing earnestly. One, the man, is lying at full length, with his hand rest- ing upon the other’s lap, while her plump brown fingers caressingly thread his long black hair. This man is Joaquin Murieta, the most fa- mous and greatly dreaded, the most relentless and desperate highwayman that modern times has produced, and at the same time, one who had suffered greater and more terrible wrongs than often falls to the lot of man. Those who execrate his crimes do not remember this por- tion of bis life. We will give a brief outline, not as an excuse for his deeds, but showing what led to them, and the circumstances that so perverted the whole tenor of his life. In 1848 he married a young Sonorian girl, named Carmela Felix. Nearly two years later, accompanied by his wife, he started for San Francisco to join his brother, who was then in trouble about a grant of land in Mexico, of four square leagues, which some adventurers bad taken from him, owing to a pretended flaw in his title. They were going to the mines to hunt up an yl ayaty witness, and Carlos, Joaquin’s brother, knowing well the rough lawlessness of camp-life, where all were men, prevailed upon him to leave Carmela at Dolores Mission in care of one Manuel Sepulveda, an old friend. Thé next day they went to Sacramento, bought horses and proceeded up to Hangtown, They found the witness there that Carlos was after, a young native Californian called Flores, who had just returned from the miners’ cam some little distance off, in order to sell his gold- dusb, After supper Flores borrowed Joaquin’s horse and, accompanied by Carlos, set out for a stroll, while the other'stayed at the “ hotel,” not feeling well. Suddenly Joaquin was aroused by a loud and constantly increasing tumult without, and could distinguish such words as— ‘Hang ’em—string em up! No Judge Lynch for Greasers caught in the act!” He rusbed out of the cabin only in time to be- hold two bodies caning from the same bough of a tree. They were his brother Carlos, and Flores. It appears that a couple of ragged rascals who had followed the two brothers from Sac- ramento, had claimed the horses they had been riding, aided by trumped-up receipts, swearing that the animals had been stolen from them. Such was the fury of the mob—for law was unknown there—that the victims had no chance to clear themselyes. They were pulled from the saddle, a couple of riatas flung over their heads; then they were placed upon barrels which were kicked from under their feet. An thre they died. That was the first item in the list of wrongs, for which Joaquin was afterward to reap such a bloody harvest. Tt was a terrible blow for the brother, but he managed to conceal his emotion, which, if vent- ed, would doubtless have procured him a posi- tion alongside of the ill-fated men, and then returned to tell the awful story to his wife. He vowed bitter revenge, but with the loving heart of a woman, Carmela persuaded him to restrain himself, and finally succeeded in gaining his promise to that effect. ‘Then he proceeded to Stanislaus river, with his wife, and began “ wet diggings.” One da a gang of wretches, who disguised themselves under the name of Americans, came across him and ordered him to decamp, meaning that no man of his race should scrape gold in their vi- cinity. He showed his papers, but without avail, and then, firing up, he vowed he’d die before a pick Man-Hunters. = 5 or spade should break ground upon his claim, except his own, Weapons wese flashed, out, and there was a scuffle. Joaquin was left for dead, but he finally awoke to consciousness, only .o find that his mela was dead—and worse than deac—aishonored! That was the second item, In 1850 he was riding a Lorse that bad been lent him by a friend, and was arrested at ‘““Murphy’s diggings” as a borse-thief. His protestations of innocence were not, listened to, although a party set off for Velenzuela’s ranch, the person he mentioned as the owner, He was strung up and terribly flogged, and then allowed to depart, Fortunately for bim that he left immediately, for soon after the crowd returned, having hung the other Mexi- can, who bad been unable to satisfy them as to how he bad got possession of the horse, and had hastened back to sei ve his supposed accomplice the same. This was the third item. , ‘ Soon after, he met the Englishman who bad wielded the lash, and stabbed him to the heart. Then, one by one, bis enemies fell beneath his unerring pistol or keen knife. Not satiated with this, he swore deadly enmity to all Ameri- cans, and most terribly did be fulfill bis yow. Tbus it was that Joaquin gained the names that he now bears. The Murderer of the Mines King of Cut-ibroats, Pirate of the Placers, an the Miners’ Scourge. We have been thus prolix, because he is a char- acter of history, whose name and memory will live for ages, in the minds of all miners; because, although thousands remember bis crimes, they know nothing of the wrongs that drove him to commit them; that changed bim from a quiet, honest person into a fiend—a demon incarnate. The woman who supported the outlaw chief's head was beautiful, of the true Spanish type. Fine and delicate features ~f an olive tinge magnificent black bair, but not as silky as i might bave been, for the sun had robbed it of its gloss; large, lustrous, liquid-looking eyes; and juicy lips, with even, pearly teeth; a form as lithe and lissome as that of a ther, with hands and feet almost like a child’s, Such was Clarissa Vallera, the daughter of an im- poverished grandee of Spain, now Joaquin’s second wife, and also the successor of Carmela in his beart. “Joaquin,” murmured the girl—for she was not more—tenderly Cag bis hair, “you have been gone so long, that I could not help feeling very sad and lonely. It was terrible to be ever thinking and dreaming that I would never again behold you!” ‘‘Lonely! and with so many glad and glee- some ones around you?” and the outlaw chief waved bis hand toward the merry groups. , “That but added to PAY SORE b, Joa- uin, this life is terrible! hen will you keep the promise you made me so long ago, and. go back to our land, where we « ive peace and happiness?” “Soon, Clarissa, soon, I hope, But not just yet. I have not enough gold to justify me in doing so now. But you will not have to wait long; one more g strike, and then I will leave my men to shift for themselves, and they shall never know where we have gone.” ‘‘T wish it were now, husband, for I cannot oe, but think that something terrible is about to befall us—you or l—and soon. before me in my dreams, and by day, as I awake, I try to banish the fear, and be bappy like the rest, but I cannot. Oh, Joaquin, let us go now! “Tt is impossible, Clarissa,” replied the chief, somewhat in pean hy, ‘*But in one month, or two, then I will go, 1 promise you,” Their conference was interrupted. at this point by the signal of one of the sentinels, who soon after appeared, conducting two men. All eyes were turned curiously upon them, and it was plainly evident that one, at least, was re- cognized, for the outlaws gathered ‘ greeting him cordially. ; , But Clarissa suddenly uttered an exclamation that aroused a fresh interest. “ Holy mother, Joaquin, look at the stranger —he is a perfect picture of yourself!” “ Carrai !” cried one, a tall, ferocious-loo! outlaw, being no other than the, celebra Three-fingered Jack, or Manuel Garcia, which was his real name, ‘I did not think the world big enough for two Joaquins to live in at one time, but I was wrong!”.. 7 “Who are you?” demanded the outlaw chief, turning to the person whose appearance elicited these remarks. “A friend and fellow-countryman,” was the reply, in pure accented Spanish,
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& m ene name—and what is your business » here “Luis Cardoza, and I come to join your band.” “Sup ing I will not receive you? How do I know but what you are a spy of these cursed Americans?’ “Your friend, Guerra, here, can vouch for ‘me. He can tell you that we have stopped some half a dozen miners, cleaned them out, and also, if he chooses, when one of them resisted, my pistol closed his mouth,” firmly replied Car- doza, or Louis Dupuy, for he it was in reality. “Tt is true, captain,” added Guerra, in answer to the glance of the outlaw chief. ‘ We met on the road, and I mistook him for you, but I soon learned my mistake. However, I will answer for his honesty and courage, with my own life, if necessary.’ ‘* And I present this as my entrance fee,” said Du uy, removing a heavy money-belt from his waist, ‘‘to be divided among my future cem- rades,” This ch was greeted with most vociferous applause, and the outlaws pressed around to eet their new ally. Meantime Joaquin and larissa consulted earnestly, and when this ceremony was over, they drew aside with Dupuy to consult more freely. “Then you really wish to join us?” asked ** For a time, yes.” “ And why only for a time?” “Because [have other— But listen and I will speak freely and this fair lady will plead for me, I know. Well, then, I adore a lady, only less lovely than the one whom I see now, and she loved me also, But I had an enemy, and he whispered false tales in her father’s ear, until he ined a promise that sbe should become his ride. Not that my Carrie consented; no, she loathed and detested him, but her father vowed that she should marry this enemy of mine, and bade her think no more of me, “This man fled before me and came to the ‘mines, while my angel’s father endeavored to have me put out of the way, soas to leave the coast clear for the coward. But I escaped the snares and set off to hunt out my enemy, for if * ‘he is once out of the way, I will have no further trouble in gaining the father’s consent, for he is a miserly wretch, and I am rich, although not 60 wealthy as this other. “ | knew your great hatred of all Americans, and that youlove your countrymen. Iam one, he is the other. So I come to find you and ask your assistance,” glibly lied Dupay. * Assistance against one enemy?’ sneered Tonauin. : **Not so; I only mean to assist me in finding him. ‘The rest [ will do with my own right hand. And in part payment for this service, all ‘I may chance to make during that time is ours, and when he is once in my power I will you to accept, as a little present, a thousand er two of dollars.” “Senor Cordoza,” said Clarissa, ‘‘I believe F bit Ss think I may promise you my hus- ‘aid, “Be it so, then; we are friends,” and the outlaw chief clasped hands with the renegade American. “‘ Captain,” interrupted Three-fingered Jack, coming up at this point, ‘Guerra has important news for you.” ‘Ts it so? then tell him tocome here. Well?” ae added, as the Mexican approached, “‘ what is “You remember that devil of an American who led the band when all were killed but bim- self, not far from here?” ‘That Arkansaw?”? ‘“Yes. Well, he has gathered another crowd, some forty or so, more, and they have sworn never to cease hunting until you are killed. They must be somewhere near here now,” “¢@ood! he shall not escape as easy as he did that time,” and the eyes of the outlaw chief glittered ominously. ‘“* But that is not all, Capea Harry Love is on the trail, too, with twenty men, picked from the old company of that dare-devil, Jack Hays who did us so much damage during the war,” added Guerra. = ou sure?’ asked Joaquin, and there -@ shade of anxie pon his face, for he 5 w w the daring and determined racter of the man last mentioned. ~ “*Tsaw them when they started. . bin are paid by the Government, one hundred and ollars a month.” Very well, we know now what to-look for. Bevalio, you will take half a dozen men and gcout around through the hills until you find Arkansaw Jack of the Man-Hunters. some trace of this Arkansaw and his men, but take care and not be discovered yourself. Then hasten back with the report at once.” The Mexican addressed quickly selected his men and rode out of the valley at a rapid pace. And leaving the rest, we will follow them fora time. They scoured the surrounding country until the shades of night settled down over the earth, but without success as regarded their mission, and not meeting with any adventure worthy of note. Then they encamped, preferring to eat a cold supper and sleep chillily, rather than run the risk of lighting a fire where the blaze might betray their presence to the enemy. At early dawn they again started, and scout- ed around through the bills and defiles, the val- leys and level stretches of plain, antil noon, when they halted and kindled a fire to cook some of their beef. They were in a sort of valley, and two of them kept up a good watch while the remainder eat, Suddenly one of the sentinels uttered an ex- clamation, and called the attention of his com- rades to something moving npoH the hillside not very far distant. They could distinguish the forms of men and horses. “By the Virgin of Atocha!” exclaimed Se- valio, when they had mounted, ready for instant flight, if necessary, ‘‘there’s game yonder for us, comrades! I can see the dress of women!” This fact now became evident to all, as the rty observed began to retreat further up the Pillstde, havin spparently just cought sight of the outlaws. They had dismounted and were leading their horses, as the ground was difficult and dangerous for riding. : “‘That’s true, and there are only four in all; two men and two women,” cried another. ‘* What shall we do?’ ‘‘T, for one, say let’s overhaul them. The captain need never know of it. And we can stay out two or three days,” added Sevalio, the leader. “But they are armed, and may make it hot for us.” ‘Bah! we are almost two to one, even count- ing in the’ women,” retorted the other, scorn- fully. “But if you are afraid you need not te) This jeer silenced all opposition, and the out- laws began advancing toward the bill, upon which could still be seen the little party, who had now halted, evidently to note the proceed- ings of the men below. These latter separated into couples and began advancing up the hills, from three different ait oe at the same time, securing their horses at the bas>. CHAPTER IV, A PERILOUS JOURNEY, Ir was after sunrise when the two women awoke, so sound had been the slumber induced by great fatigue, despite the care and anxiety with which their hearts were filled. When they emerged from their snug, leafy retreat, a busy, bustling scene met their gaze. The man hunters were attending to their arms and horse equipage, as if in anticipation of a speedy start. When the ladies were ob- ae Georgia Ned and Arkansaw approached them, ‘“‘Good-morning, ladies,” cheerily cried Pay- son. ‘I trust you slept well?” ‘‘Wasn’t pestered with no bugs nor nothin’, ee aot interjected Arkansaw, bobbing his ea “We slept very well, thank you. But have you seen or hear anything of our friends—my husband?” anxiously added Hall. ‘*Mom,” quoth Arkansaw, “any one o’ them fellers thet you see around byar is your hus- band ef so be you jest say the word; but we hain’t seen no strangers,” “They may be along at any moment, Mrs. Hall, but meantime, perbaps you had best eat some breakfast, as you fasted last night. I have kept some steak warm for you.” “We will, gladly; but first, we_will feel the better for a for wash, Come, Emma, it will not be the first time that we have used the stream for a wash-bowl, and our hands for sponges,” added the mother, with an affectation of gayety. a short time they were partaking heartily of the food prepared by Payson and Arkansaw. ‘“‘ How far were you from here, do 70 think, when the train was attacked?” asked Ned, ““Not over twenty miles, I am sure, if so much. We e by a very circuitous route, I su to elude pursuit.” ‘Then do you think that you could show the road back now to us?” , “T think I could, tor | took close notice of the a <a landmarks, not knowing but what th: »ewl- edge might be useful to us,” thoughtfully re plied Mrs. Hall. ‘Your friends must have been misled then, or they would have found you before now,” ‘*T fear so!” ‘But that need not concern you much, now, for we will see that you are restored to them safe. Will we not, friend Arkansaw” ‘“Ya-as,” hesitated that worthy, smoking vigorously. ‘In course we will, only 1 wish it had bin one day earlier or Jater, It’s jist this way with me. I’vo promised solemnly to meet another gang o’ fellers what is on the same lay- out as me, at noon this day, some ten or a dozen miles south from byar, If I ain’t thar, then most probably they’ll make a break on thar own hook, an’ another squad on us is strong enough to ban’le Joaquin ef so be we chaince to fall in with him, an’ we’re liable to do that at any moment now.” “Well, Arkansaw, I'll tell you,” slowly re- joined Ned. ‘ There is not likely to be much dan- ger in rejoining these ladies’ friends, and 1 will try it alone, or, if you will, let one of yourmen come with us. Hecan easily meet you after- ward, if he wishes to do so.” “You kin hev him, or two, or helf e dozer, fer thet matter, an’ I only wish it was so 1 could go along. But you see how I am fixed,” eagerly exclaimed the leader ef the man-hun- rs. ‘*T think that one will be plenty, if the ladies can trust us.” “ Anything, so that we can rejoin our friends once more. But I am sorry to trouble you so greatly,” added Mrs. Hall, “On the contrary, itis a pleasure. Besides, I am a rambler apybow, and it matters but lit- tle which direction I take, I can easily find my partners afterward. We were out prospecting, and I became separated from them by some mis e. “Wal, Georgia, ef you ig want one man, take your ch’ice. I know that a’most any of them *!] jump at the chajnce o’ doin’ a sarvice to the wimmin critters,” said Arkansaw, ““Well, then, ask that one they call ‘ Pet Pete’ to step this way. I choose him,” “ An’ you couldn’t ’a’ did better ef you'd tried a week! He’s agentleman an’ a scholar, ef not a good jedge o’ whisky, an’ kin whip his weight in I don’t keer what!” warmly cried Arkansaw. The man indicated was notified of the pro- ject, and gladly consented to accompany them, e wes handsome, of polished and gentlemanly address, quiet and somewhat reserved, but wit a cool, self-reliant demeanor that told he was a man to be trusted in almost any emergency, There were plenty of spare horses, thanks to the victory of the preceding night, and a couple of these were equip for the ladies as com- are as possible, although there were none ut men’s saddles. "With one for Payson, also, the little party were in readiness for the jour- ney. Arkansaw drew near, and in a somewhat em- barrassed tone, said: ‘Hope you won’t take no ’fense, ladies, but the boys want to come an’ sheke hands an’ say good-by. "Lain’t of’en’et they get to see a white woman out byar, an’ it sorter kerries ’em home ag’in to thar own folks,” The request was gladly granted, and with many a heartfelt wish for their welfare and safety, the two parties separated, the man- bunters gazing after the quartette until the last one had disappeared around an abrupt turn in the valley. For a time the little party rode along in si- lence, feeling some affected by the leave-taking. They followed the plain trail left upon the moist earth, and then, when it became lost upon a stony tract, Mrs. Hall directed them, Then. came a sudden interruption, that at one time bade fair to end fatally. They were journeying through a narrow de- file, on either hand of which the rocky cliffs towered high and almost aot ag aie A Turning an abrupt curve, Payson halted ab- ruptly and uttered an exclamation of alarm, while bis horse shied violently, casting its unpre- pared rider from the saddle. “ Back—back!” cried Ned, drawing bis revol- ver. ‘For God’s sake, Pete, lead the ladies back out of the pass! It is a grizzly bear!” ‘‘Turn and ride back to the open, quick—we will keep him back until you are safe,” hasti- ly directed Pet Pete, and then urged his snort- ing horse up alongside of Ned, ‘‘ Jump a here, man, and we will run for it,” hea ded, but it was now too late. The buge monster appeared at the turn, and rose erect, growling flercely and displaying his
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Arkansaw Jack, of the Man-Hunters. gleaming white fangs, while the muscular fore- paws sawed the air, revealing the long yellow claws of a finger’s length. The two women could not control their horses, and then, with the loose one of Ned, they became jammed to- gether in the narrow passage, thus rendering a conflict inevitable. One glance convinced the men of this, and they prepared their weapons. But they had only revolvers and knives, and what could these avail against the almost invulnerable monster. For one moment the antagonists stood con- fronting each other, The adventurers did not wish to make the first demonstration, hoping faintly that the brute might retreat without at- tacking them. But the horse snorted wildly, and then Bruin dropped upon all-fours and slow- ly advanced, appearing to think that he only had to feast at leisure. ‘‘Look out for yourself, Ned,” shouted Pete, and then their revolvers cracked loudly and continuously. The bear paused as if bewildered, but then the stinging pain of his wounds wrought bis fury tothe highest pitch, and he rushed for- ward with a horrible roar. Payson adroitly avoided his blind assault, by leaping aside, and fired twice, so closely that the hair of the animal’s side was singed, und he staggered; but only fora moment, Then there came a horrible shriek of mortal agony, and terror, followed by a heavy fall and confused scuffle. Ned, thinking only of the danger of his friend, rushed madly into the cloud of smoke and dust and fired his last charge with the muz- zle of his pistol touching the left side of the grizzly monster. Then he drew his other wea- pon. As he fired again, another report sounded just before him. With a savage how] the beast ae down, and with a convulsive quiver, died. “ Pete, Pete, are you dead?” cried Ned, anx- iously. ‘*No, nor hurt, much,” came the welcome reply, and as the cloud arose he saw Peter half- erect, resting upon one hand, while the other still clasped the pistol that had fired the fatal shot. The bear, infuriated by his wounds, had rush- ed upon the horse and bore it to the ground killing it outright, while the rider was fastenec by one leg to the ground, Then he bad fired, the bullet piercing the bear’s brain, through an eye. Quickly releasing his comrade, Ned thought of the women, but they were gone. Leaving the scene of the struggle, the two men soon found their companions, who had finally mas- tered their horses and were anxiously awaiting the result, the other horse having fled madly as soon as extricated from the jam. Heartfelt and sincere were their rejoicings over the almost miraculous escape, although two of their num- ber were now dismounted. “Well. it comes in good time, anyhow,” laughed Payson, ‘for now we will not.need to dine upon cold victuals.” ** But will it be prudent to build a fire?” anxi- ously queried Mrs, Hall. ‘‘ You know what Mr. Arkansaw said about Joaquin.” _ “TI don’t believe he is near here, and besides, it may be the means of our meeting with your friends. If they notice the smoke they will come to it, hoping to find your abductors.” Acting upon-this reasoning, a fire was quick- ly kindled and in a short time steaks from the grizzly monster that had caused them so much trouble, were sputtering. before tho coals. There was no water near, but enough remained in their canteens to suffice; and while partak- ing heartily of the rude though’ wholesome cookery, the two men prepared a quantity of the meat to take with them, In Case of an emer- gency, although they sincerely trusted that they would not be so situated as to need it, Then their journey was renewed, and Mrs. Hall was soon compelled to admit that she had lost all remembrance of the route they should tke, And unfortunately both of the men were comparatively new to the country, and her description of the place where the wagon-train had been left, was useless. i ‘Never mind, we will keep straight ahead ; we must come out somewhere, sometime,’ laughed Ned Payson, but/be was far from being 7 fully at ease as he wished the women to be- ieve, He knew that the foothills were infested with predatory bodies of Indians, and no less savage white-skinned outlaws, and if they chanced to fall into the power of either, their doom was easily divined. Their only hope was in finding some trace of the emigrant-party, or stumbling upon some penates miner, who might be sible to set them aright. ‘‘Hallo!” exclaimed Pet Pete—whose name, by the by, we have omitted to state was Peter Finley—who was in advance, ‘‘we are blocked in this direction, at any rate. The valley runs out and is ended by that high cliff.” “Then we must climb one of these hills; it would be too great a loss of time to turn back now,’ The women dismounted, and then the ascent was begun, the men leading the horses, and b proceeding in a winding course around the bill, they soon caught sight of another valley and closely scrutinized it, but without discovering aught, ‘Now that we are so far up, let’s go clear to the summit,” said Payson, ‘‘and take a good view. We may see friends.” After they had advanced some little distance, Peter glanced behind and below them, exclaim- ing in a dubious tone: “ There are some horsemen down there, Ned, sure as you live.” “ What—where?” ‘Close behind that clump of trees. have hidden them from us before. you think—are they friends, or—” “What do you say, Mrs. Hall; do you think they are your husband’s party” ““Tdon’'t— No! I am sure not, for I know there was not a single white horse in our com- pany, and there are two,” she exclaimed, after a moment’s scrutiny. “ And I can make out their dress, now,” add- ed Finley, slowly. ‘There is too much glitter and ornaments upon them for honest folks— that is, for any unless Mexicans, [ fear we’re in a bad box, Ned.” ‘¢ Not unless there are more of them concealed yonder. They are only seven, and if really exicans, [ bold myself good for six. ‘Well, then, I guess I can manage the other one,” laughed Peter. ‘‘But look, there is a good spot for a stand, if I mistake not, on the hill-top. It looks like a regular fort.” “We will try it, anyhow, as, if they mean mischief, we must meet them, for they could ride all around us, as it is. Come on, Peter; help Miss Emma,” and once more the little party renewed the ascent. The designated spot was quickly gained, and to their delight they found that it was so ar- ranged, that the two men with their revolvers could hold at bay a far stronger force than that which threatened them now. A few bowlders were rolled to strengthen the weaker points, and then all eyes were directed toward the lee g < for that such the new-comers were, they had no doubt. The Mexicans—for it was Sevalio and his men—had secured their horses at the foot of the hill, and were now advancing from three directions, so as to in @ manner surround the crest of the hill. They paused as if for consul- tation, when they beheld the fugitives watch- ing their movements, and then Sevalio ad- vanced closer, waving his sombrero upon the muzzle of a pistol. ‘‘Halloo, strangers!” he called out, in indiffer- ent English, when just without pistol-shot, “‘ Halloo, yourself, and see how you like it,” retorted Payson, standing upon the rocky breastwork. ‘* What, do you want?’ “We are friends, and we want to join you.” “Are you sure? Well, then, you may come up, but it must be alone. Tell your men to stand back, if they value their lives.” ‘You would not shoot a friend?” “‘ Not if we knew they aresuch. But you are a Mexican, and no miner; then what do you do out bere?” “JT might ask you that: who are you ?” re- torted Sevalio. ‘¢ Miners, and honest men.” “And the women—are they honest miners also?” ‘Don’t be saucy. If you want to come up and see us, you may, alone. If you are honest yourself there is no danger.” ‘‘-You won't let my men come with me?” ie No.” “Then we will without your permission. But give us up the women and you may go froe yourself.” “Bab! we are wen, not Mexicans!” and Pay- son stepped down from his perch just in time to escape a pistol-bullet, fired by one of the out- laws who had approached within range unseen, under cover of the parley. : But Finley bad marked the spot, and as Se- valio ordered a charge, and the outlaw exposed himself, a bullet met. him and stopped his career of crime forever. Tbe others only uttered a It must What do @ ES EE RS yell of rage at the fate of their comrade, and advanced rapidly, although at the same time keeping their persons well screened bebind the numerous bowlders with which the hillside was strewn. Twice the defenders fired, but without suc- cess, as the outlaws were cunning and well skilled in this sort of warfare. And they were gradually drawing nearer, having spread around so as to oocapleay encircle the little fort, thus requiring the defenders to be doubly active and vigilant. A ball slightly tore Finley’s cheek as he en- deavored to get a shot at his man, but the re- volver of the miner took ample revenge, and the second death was chronicled by a shrill yell of agony, answered by a shout from the assail- ants, and then a general rush was made. Now the reports became quick and frequent, but ow- ing to the excitement, very little damage was one. Slight wounds were given and received upon either side, although none were disabled; and then, as if discouraged, the outlaws sunk down and concealed themselves behind such cover as they could find, evidently in the hope of picking off the miners without any great damage to themselves, or else to await the fall of night, Suddenly Mrs, Hall approached Payson, and said ina low and anxious tone: — ‘Look down yonder—near where we first saw these demons—there are horsemen and I cannot make them out, but it seems as though they were not friendly.” Following the direction indicated, Ned saw that what she said was true, and called Pet Pete to his side, bidding him look carefully, as his eyes were the keenest, It was a boay of horsemen, numbering about a score, WhO were repay approaching, baving no doubt becn at- tracted by the report of fire-arms. ‘‘ Ned, we’re trapped, now, for certain,” said Finley, in a low, serious voice. ‘ Those are In- dians!” ‘* Are you sure?—it isso far you may be mis- taken,” urged Ned. ‘‘ No; L wish I were, but my eyes are good for twice that distance, They are Indians, and al- though there is a chance that they are friend- ly, yet it is ninety-nine to one that they are not. “Then we must not stay here. Let the Jacies mount and we may escape them by flight over the other side.” ‘‘ You forget the Mexicans, Ned; they would have a word to say about that. No, we must face it out here, for on foot we would stand no show of escape, and might be corraledin a far worse place,” “Then let the women go and we will cover their retreat. They can escape, at any rate.” “At your expense/—never!” firmly cried Emma, ‘My daughter is right, friends,” said Mrs. Hall. ‘ It was for us that you got into this danger, and we will never leave you to meet it alone.” ‘* But, madam, you can do no good here; if we must fall it would only be two. more lives lost, and besides, your presence would only serve to embarrass us,” expostulated Payson. ‘* No, it is useless, my dear friend, We would only be lost in the mountains, alone, and have to meet a far more fearful death—by starvation. You mean kindly, and we thenk you from the bottom of our hearts, but we will stay with you till the last,” earnestly added the mother, ‘‘ Hark!” cried Pet Pete, as a loud ery of dis- may met their ears, ‘* The Mexicans have just found it out, and the trappers are trapped!” They cautiously peered over the breastworks and beheld the terrified outlaws rushing ut head- loug speed down the hillside toward the enemy. But it was only in the desperate bope of gainin their horses in time to flee from the sudien an unexpected danger, for they had no intention of resistance. They reached their animals and mounted, but as they turned to flee, a volley was fired by the red-skins that emptied all but two saddles, and while a number hotly pursued the survivors, the main body halted at the foot of the hill to plunder the dead. : ‘‘ Where are you going, Pete?’ demanded Ned, as bis comrade stepped over the barricade upon that side furthest from the enemy. 4 “That fellow I shot has a good brace of re- volvers and they may come handy, 4 know how many we are, and if the women will shoot once ina while, it may fool them,” hur- riedly explained Finley. and then ina a few, mo- ments more he had succeeded in his object and returned with a fresh lot of ammunition, y One of the brace of pistols was given to either
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of the women, who declared their readiness to do what was required of them, and as both of the miners essed a pair, their armory amounted tothirty-six shots, without reloading. But still, they knew that did the Indians make a determined rush, they must be speedily over- powered. “What do you think, Pete; do they know we're up here? ‘*They know that some one is here, and it won't be long before they find out just who.” ‘** Then we stand a poor show, for they must number twoscore, since the last ones came up.” ‘* All of that, but we’re not gone yet. You see an Indian is not a white man, and won’t fight like one, either, unless he is cornered; then he goes in for all thatis out, Now we can make them believe that we number at least half a doz- en, and if we can pick off one or two, why they’! fall back to consult, Then they’) wait for night, hoping to take us unawares, You see that it is clouding up.” ‘*Then even if it be as you say, we have but a few hours more, at the best; it can end in but one way,” gloomily responded Ned. **Hush, man, don't Tet them hear you,” con- tinued Finley, indicating the two women by @ slight gesture. ‘‘ They feel it enough now, and we must encourage them a little, or they’ll break down, and then we’re gone sure enough. I tell you that we will fool them yet, and those clouds are just the very thing we need.” “How so? If they hide us, so will they the Indians, and then a sudden rush and we are —what?” ‘‘Assoon asit gets dark we will leave the horses and try to pass through their lines. Then we can easily hide ourselves until they have aban- doned the search. We have food enough, thanks to the bear, to last several days, and be- fore that time we will be safe.” ** Safe or—dead!” “Just so, but I hae my view of the mat- ter,” quietly replied Pet Pete. Their attention now became fixed upon their new enemy, who had as yet given no indication cf haviug suspected the presence of the little pues 4 upon the hill, at least so far as the latter could see. The main body were gathered around the bodies of the d outlaws, and the captured horses, while those who had departed in pursuit of Sevalio and his comrades, were now out of sight. Then Emma Hall uttered a half-stifled cry and glided tu the side of the miners, touching Payson upon the arm. ‘*There is an Indian almost up to us over here —t — a glimpse of him as he darted from one rock to another!” ‘““Where—quick, show me! He mustn’t be allowed a glimpse at our number inside here.” ‘Look! he is bebind that black rock—the loose one,” whispered the maiden, indicating the covert. Payson now beheld the shaven crest of a sav- age ote! project from behind the bowlder, and from his position, aiming through a sort of loop-hole, the young miner fired his weapon with a cool and deliberate aim. Like an echo there came the shrill, horrible death-yell that, like a wild beast, an Indian invariably utters when mortally stricken, and the spy bounded high from his covert and fell to the ground, shot through the brain. His comrades yee forth their war-cry and darted up the hill, eager to avenge their broth- er’s death. Hastily requesting Emma to watch through the loop-hole, where she would be in comparative safety, and upon the first sign of an enemy in that direction to notify him, Ned rushed to assist Finley, whose pistol was already speaking. - The two men fired rapidly with both hands, as soon as the. enemy were within range, and with such good effect, although constantl changing their position so as to apparently mul- tiply their number, that the Indians, after dis- charging one harmless volley, retreated in dis- may, bearing with them their dead and dis- abled, evidently thinking that the three marksmen—for Hall nobly performed her were treble the number, “Good!” exclaimed Finley. ‘It couldn’t be better, and now they’ll be more cautious, They did not expect this or they’d have surrounded us, Now they’ll wait until dark, when it will be easy to approach us, without being seen,” “T should call that bad, instead of good,” anxiously remarked Mrs. Hall. In reply Pet Pete quickly detailed his plan, and then when the pistols were all reloaded, ~ they began their preparations for the venture ‘ gs soon as it became dark enough. That it ‘would be so, and at an early hour, the intensely black and heavy masses of clouds plainly evi- denced. One of the furious mountain storms was brewing, but just now it was hailed with genuine delight, instead of the usual alarm. The heavy boots of the miners were muffled by being wrapped in pieces of cloth, so that the nails might not betray them to the keen ears of the enemy when the trail was made. Then they waited and watched with anxious hearts until Finley said it would be dangerous to delay the attempt any longer. The women were directed to follow close after the two men, and in case of any collision, they were to flee down the bill and do the best they could, trusting in Providence to direct their footsteps to a place of safety. Then they crossed the breastworks and began the perilous descent. Their course had been laid before dark, and unless they should stumble upon some of the enemy, Finley felt confident that he could gain the low valley beyond in safety. He was slightly in advance; then came Payson and the two women, last, almost touching each other. Pet Pete was slowly gro’ ing along in the in- tense darkness when suddenly his left hand came in contact with the warm, smooth skin of a human being, who uttered a low grunt of sur- prise. As if by instinct the sinewy hands of the miner grasped the otber’s throat and bore him backward: to the ground before he had time to cry aloud. In the fall the head of the savage came in contact with a jagged piece of rock, thus ren- dering him caenaea. Then the knife did its work, and then all was over, almost ere the other fugitives comprehended what had oc- curred. “Follow me—it’s all right now,” whispered Finley, arising and touching Ned. Feeling cordtidens that the line of the enemy had been passed, the fugitives proceeded more Be ang knowing how precious every moment ined now was, and were speedily nearing the oot of the hill when the guide suddenly uttered a low cry as his foot stumbled and he fell. Then came a sliding noise and a heavy fall, followed bya muffled groan. Payson felt for his comrade, but he was gone! had disappeared as effectually as though the earth had opened and swallowed him up! CHAPTER V. ARKANSAW MEETS HIS MATCH. ARKANSAW allowed the two women, guarded and guided by Ned and Pet Pete, to depart u on the journey that was destined to be so peril- ous and eventful, with visible reluctance, and every eye followed them until they had disap- red with a mute salute. Then he said in a oud, rough tone, assumed to hide his real emo- tion. “Quit your gawpin’, thar, you fellers! Didn’t you ever see a female critter afore? Come on; we must ride like a house afire, or we'll miss the boys after all,” and as he spoke he mounted bis horse and dashed re ahead. ‘Say, Arkansaw,” called out one of the men, riding alongside, *‘ with Joaquin?” ‘‘Look hyar, Hoosier Tom, none o’ your tricks on travelers; prorac = ain’t in jest the best o’ humors, an’ ef my fist tuck you a swipe, ou’d go to sleep for a month, So don’t rub me he wrong way o’ the fur,” growled tbe leader of the man-hunters. ‘Now, don’t git your back up about nothin’, boss, for I don’t usually shoot off my mouth without sayin’ somethin’.” ‘‘No more you dou’t, Hoosier, and I take it all back. What did you say anyhow? Them dratted wimmen critters hey mixed up my brain-pan so thet I won’t be able to think cl’ar for a month.” : ‘Nothin’, only you know it’s pritty sartin thet our game is in this neighborhood, an’ as you know, they’re no fools. The way you was goin’ they’d hear us a mile off, an’ hev plenty roy time to hide or to ambush us,” vot] “You're right, Tom. I think I’m gittin’ to be a borned fool; but we'll fix that now. You know the road—will you go ahead as a sort 0’ en ladly,” th t repl es, gladly,” was the prompt reply. “hens Turks Egg, oul 0 to the /left, at about half a mile away, an’ Slippery Jeems ’ll take tother side. Ef you see anything suspi- cious, smell it out ef you kin, but don’t git into trouble, Ef it’s "portant, jine us instanter ef you ain’t seen; but ef you are, give them the best you’ve got, an’ hold out till we come, Don’t fire, onless it’s to save your life, for we'll follow the sound, an’ we hain’t got no time to lose on- necessarily. D’y’ understand?” you goin’ to take dinner 3 . Arkansaw Jack, of the Man-Hunters. The three scouts selected signified their ap- proval, and without more words, set off upon their mission, while the main body slowly ad- vanced upon the direct route to the rendezvous. And without any event of particular impor- tance the man hunters joined their comrades at about an hour afier noon, tkeir united band thus numbering iey fi save one, all daring, de- termined men, who had vowed never to ceaso hunting until they bad found Joaquin, and ex- terminated his band of ravagers. Upon consultation with the leader of the other band, Arkansaw, now elected chief by a unanimous vote, learned enough to satisfy him- self that their game was somewhere near Lake Mono, about fifty miles to the southeast of their ie geal position. And as soon as their horses ad rested, and they themselves had taken a bite, the man-hunters mounted and set off at a rapid pace toward this point, sending their scouts slightly ahead, as before. That night when they halted they had traversed over one-half of the distance, and morning came without any adventure, Hoosier Tom and Old Rye took the advance position when they again started. They had passed probably half a dozen miles when the two scouts came out in sight of half a dozen horsemen, who apparently observed them at the same moment, for they both halted and keenly scrutinized the other, although at nearly a mile distance, The scouts held their ground, but did not advance, awaiting the ap- proach of their comrades. When the head of the party appeared, the pk ha set spurs to their horses, and dashed swiftly away, while the man-bunters set off in hot pursuit. Both parties were well mounted, the fugitives if anything the best, and for some miles they kept in occasional view of each other, although Arkansaw’s party were slowly being distanced. The Americans were well assured that the staangers were members of Murieta’s gang, and even after they had vanished from sight, ressed eagerly onward, hoping to come upon the outlaw band before they had time to flee, or to ambush themselves in a secure position. The thought that their game was so near them, for they had hunted so long and endured so much, fired the pursuers to madness, and they dashed recklessly forward, taking no precau- Soe whatever against being led into an ambus- cade, whic ten Bong for the moment we will return to the outlaw band at the valley of the Arroyo Cantura. Soon after the departure of Sevalio’s scouts, Joaquin had sent out another band, being none other than the half-dozen men we have seen pursued by Arkansaw. Late on the night succeeding his disastrous attack upon the two miners and their charges, Sevalio returned to the rendezvous with one man only, avd he badly wounded. pv their ride this precious scoundrel had concocte a plausible story to account for his disobeying the chief’s orders, for he knew that did he avow the real truth, Joaquin’s anger would know no bounds, in which case, the only answer he himself would receive, mos Maagyted would arrive in the shape of a pistol-ba ; ‘¢ How is it that you come back alone, or with only one man when you left with six, Sevalio?” asked the chief, bis eyes glittering. ‘Tt was all my fault, captain; But I hope pan will hear my story first, before you judge. You see, we didn’t find any traces the first day, but this morning we saw a mule-train, and followed it until they halted at noon. Then I crept up, — managed to get near enough to hear their talk. ‘They were laden with gold, partially of miners from Shasta, and somehow had become separated from their guard. They were only eight men in all, and those we were good for, so I thought we could do no better than rake in the stakes for ourselves. We crawled up near enough, and each picked bis man; when we fired, it left only one, who somehow ran against my knife-blade, and laid down to sleep. ‘We rifled the packs, and started for home with our fifteen pounds weight to each man, a nice little pile. But as the devil would have it, we ran into the guard, some twenty in number, each with three or four pistols, a rifle, and knives as big as a machete, “They fired, and two of us fell. We fired and five of their number dropped. Then they chased us, and picked off one by one until only I and Valenzuela were left, and we only man- aged to give them the slip by dropping our trea- sure, when Valenzuela was wounded. They did not chase us any further or we would not be
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Saal here now,” concluded Sevalio, furtively eying ‘the chieftain, whose brow was dark and gloomy. “ Well, seeing that you were working for the interests of the band, I will let your disobedience pass, but it is fortunate for you, my man, as I bad made up my mind to serve you the saine as I did Floresco for going against my orders,” ‘But won’t you send out men for the train?” “No. If itis as you say they have reached Mariposa before this, and it would be useless, ‘Besides, we must not divide our force now.” The next day—destined to prove an eventful one—dawned, and the second band of scouts had not yet returned, and the outlaws felt com- pletely at ease, although Joaquin had ordered them all toremain at the camp until Antonio returned with his report. All at ease excepting Louis Dupuy, The women had all repaired to a secluded spot among the willows to take their usual morning’s bath in the clear limpid stream, and Dupuy finally arose and sauntered idly in that direction. He heard the sound of merry voices, and this, with the splashing of water, guided his footsteps. ‘ He paused upon the edge of the willows, and parting them with his hands, cautiously peered forth. The spot set apart for this purpose was where the stream was shallow and almost dead, with little or no current, and upon either shore the smooth, sandy bank spread out bard and firm for perbaps a dozen yards, up to the densé screen of bushes and vines. In this little lake-like spot, the women, some half a score, were merrily disporting them- selves, but owing to the proximity to the camp, and knowing that the men bat a chance along at any time, they were clothed in dresses kept for the p e. Upon the shore, the same where stood Dupuy, sat Clarissa, the wife of Joaquin. Suddenly a loud, crashing noise was heard among the bushes, and as the startled bathers glanced hurriedly around, a huge bear broke from the covert and sprung half-way across the strand. Dupuy saw that it was a full-grown grizzly, and seeing it glare at Clarissa in a | bloodthirsty manner, he uttered a loud cry of alarm, and drawing his pistol sprung boldly be- tween the beast and its anticipated prey. The brute half-turned, and then as if sur- rised at the sudden appearance of an armed oe, arose upon his hams and began pawing the air clumsily with his arms. Dupuy shouted again for help and then fired twice at the bear’s big i throat. e heard the beast’s fierce how! of rage and n, and saw it plunge forward through the cloud of smoke. Nimb y avoiding its rush, he fired again. Quickly turning, the brute knock- ed the leveled weapon from Dupuy’s hand, the force causing the young man to slip and fall, Seeing bis danger as the bear fell upon all- fours almost directly over his body, Dupuy rolled swiftly over twice, at the same time drawing his knife. But be could not have aris- en in time to have saved himself bad he been alone, and as it was, one of the enormous paws was raised to deal the death-blow, when a score of shots were fired, and the bear rolled over up- on bis side without a groan, killed by the out- laws who had been alarmed by the cries and the shots, arriving just in the nick of time. ** Are you wounded, Senor Cardoza; are you burt?” cried Clarissa, rushing forward and kneeling beside the man who Sau so bravely risked his life in defense of hers. ‘No, not at all, lady,” he returned, and as he strove to arise, their faces came in contact, though by no means violently, and the magnifi- cent masses of her hair effectually concealed this fact from the spectators; but her cheek was flushed and her great eyes glowed with a bright light as she arose, - - “What means all this, Clarissa?” asked Joa- quin, agitatedly, coming up at this juncture. “You see—this bear attacked us, and Senor Cardoza came to the rescue. Thank him, Joa- quin, for had he not been a brave man, you would hava had no Clarissa now!” “] do thank you, sir, and you are my friend —my brother now,” warmly said the outlaw chief, clasping Dupuy’s band. ‘And if I can serve you, evin with my life, it is at your will. Any thing you ask, it shall be yours. I can deny nothing to the one who saved my wife,” “Then do not mention this again,” rejoined Dupuy, brushing the sand from his garments, “I did nothing more than any man would bave done, and there was no danger.” “T see that you are truly brave, Senor Car- doza,” said Clarissa, pressing his hand, “‘and I will not thank you in words, But the time will come—and I pray it may speedily—when I can express my gratitude in deeds. Icould deny you nothing, now.” ‘*Whew!” whistled Three-fingered Jack, as the party slowly dispersed, ‘‘ wonder how Joa- quin likes that? If I were hel would keep a close watch upon this admirable Senor Cardoza, and for that matter, upon her, as well!” But the excitement attendant upon this adven- ture was destined to be speedly eclipsed by one far more thrilling and momentous. It was scarcely noon, when the shrill whistle of one of the sentinels rung down through the valley, and was quickly followed by its author, who rushed at headlong speed up the pass, accompanied by Antonio and two men, “Well, what is it— quick!” exclaimed Joaquin, as they approached, “The enemy—that Yankee, Arkansaw, is coming!” gasped the Mexican, reeling from the saddle of his foam-covered horse, rather than dismounting. ‘©What—where—how far?” **Not more than two miles—they are on my track.” ‘¢ Where are the rest of your men?” ‘“Dead! we were hard pressed, and had to ride along the precipices, At the ‘ Devil’s Gulch ”— you know we had to leapit. We three cleared it—the others—they lie at the bottom!” ** How many are they—do you know?” “« A bout forty or fifty—not more.” “And we are seventy; it is enough!” cried Murieta, and his eyes glittered with the fire of a deadly joy. ‘‘Sevalio,” he continued hastily, “take thirty or forty of the men and station them among the rocks commanding the right side of the pass, Be careful and keep well con- cealed. WhenI fire from the left, take good aim and do not let one of these fools escape to tell the tale! Cardoza, you come with me.” In one minute’s time the bandits had reached their respective positions, and not a man was to be seen, The women had retreated back among the trees of the valley. The only way by which horsemen could gain the encampment was by a narrow pass or defile, commanded upon both sides by the towerin cliffs, among whose crevices were now conceal the outlaw band. From there, they would hold any foe completely at their mercy, who might enter the ae We left the man-hunters chasing the little band of scouts, under Antonio, Finding them- selves hard prenees the fugitives left the valle and took to the hills, hoping thus to elude their pursuers, by their superior knowledge of the county - But in this they were mistaken. There were those upon their track as desperate as they, and equally as much at home in the saddle, And thus, along the hillside, along the verge of pre- cipices where a misstep or a single tremor would lead to a frightful death, the chase swept. -In their haste the outlaws had taken the ht | turn, and suddenly found themselves confronte by the “ Devil’s Gulch.” A crevice of fifteen feet divided them from the opposite side, which was considerably higher than the one upon which they were now, while the abyss yawned far below them, where the gray rocks reared their jagged crests as if yearning for the libation of blood that was about to be shed upon them. There was only the alternative of certain death if they turned back, while this was a chance for life, and the fugitives did not falter. They rushed their affrighted animals to the leap. The foremost one stumbled and struck the verge, and then fell down—down to death! One fearful shriek and then a dull, far-distant thud! Still the others pressed on, They could hear the click of steel-shod hoofs behind them. Only three made the leap in safety. The pursuers came in sight just as the Jast one made the leap, and undaunted, followed Arkan- saw’s lead across the abyss, What mortal man dared, they would not shrink from imitating. When the last man was across they swept on after the outlaws, Their number was four less, but what of that? Their blood was up, and they would wait to mourn over the sad fate of their comrades when they had more time, When they bad time! Ah, that time was fated never to come! F In balf an hour more they could see the faint smoke curling up from the deserted camp- round of the outlaws. Their prey was at d, and without thought of the fate they were rushing blindly upon, the man-bunters dashed along the narrow defile. All they thought of now was that their hated enemy— he for whom they had sought so long and dared so much—Joaquin, was close at hand, They neared the inner mouth of the defile, SSS SSS Arkansaw J ack, of the Man-Hunters. 9 and could gee the little cluster of trees and the riderless horses, but where were the foe? Ah, where were they? the answer came full soon. Suddenly the miners paused, A. dark form rose up among ‘the rocks, and a clear voice shouted out; ‘Fire, men—fire!” and his tones were blended with a single shot. Then came a tremendous, deadly, withering volley from both sides of the pass, that shook the hills to their very foundation, as it seemed. Full thirty of the man-hunters fell dead or dying from their saddles. The hat of their leader, Arkansaw, was rid- dled with a dozen balls, and blown from his head; still he was unhurt, although his horse was killed. Ho glared around him with a hew! like that of a famished tiger. ‘‘Up the rocks—at ’em, boys. It’s our only chance!” and he set the example, clearing bim- self from the dead and dying and drawing him- self up by bis powerful arms. The survivors, undaunted at the fearful slaughter, imitated Arkansaw’s example; but those that climbed the higbest had the furthest to fall. Again the voice of the chief rung out, and again did the walls of the narrow pass shake with the combined report of three score revolvers. Arkansaw and one other alone clung to the rocks. The rest of his men were killed, tut he did not know that, nor did he pause to see if he was followed, but yelled out: “Follow me, boys! Up—up the rocks— hands and teeth! It’s the only chance—clo:e in, boys!” “Cardoza!” hastily said Murieta to Dupuy, “vou see these two men? Take the smaller one prisoner, but do not kill him as yet.” As be spoke the outlaw chief leaped with a true aim from his covert, alighting witb feortul force full upon the bent back of Arkansaw, dashing bim senseless to the ground, Dupuy uickly followed his example, and Whistling ick was laid alongside bis commander, Several of the outlaws obeyed Joaquin’s order to take the prisoners to the buts, and there, after securely binding them, to keep good guard over them, nor to allow any person to ap ch without his orders. He knew how titeosaly Three-fingered Jack hated Arkansaw, and that he would be raging like a demon for his heart's blood did he know that his old antag was alive and in their power, This demon was, perhaps, the most blood- thirsty that ever disgra the shape of man. He murdered from the mere love of blood, and when oneaged, if permitted to work his will, would hack his victim into fragments, It is calculated’ that during his three forria he slaughtered over eight sons with bis own band, He, then, and Sevalio were ranging the field of the massacre, Where one of the man-bunters gave symptoms of life, a quick ogee nerpse settled the matter, and they were plundered of nae valuables attracted the victors’ atten- tion. ‘Curse the luck!” growled Garcia; “he is not here!” ‘* Who?” asked Sevalio. “The leader—that Arkansaw; the man who escaped me before, you know.” **T do not see bim.” “Tf he escapes me now, I'll sell out cheap! But he sha’n’t, Ill hunt a year but what Ill have his heart’s blood!” snarled Three-fingered Jack, churning his dagger viciously in one of the dead men’s breast from pure fiendishness, “Whom do you mean, Senor Garcia?” asked. Antonio, soprch “That Arkansaw.” “The captain bas him up at the camp.” ‘¢‘What! dead?” ‘* No, alive, and ke bas sent me for you. 1 believe he wants bim put out of the way.” Garcia rushed at headlong s toward the spot where he saw Murieta awaiting him, and brandisbing his gory. wexpon with horrible glee as he felt that bis long-deferred revenge was close at hand, * Where is he, captain—where is he? quick, my knife is itching for his blood!” ‘Where is who?” ‘*The prisoner.” “T have two, but cea mean Arkansaw. Well, I have got a job for you to do; one that will just suit you. it is to cut the throat of one of those men.’ we ‘111 do it—both, if you'll let me!” “No, I wish to keep the leader for a day or so, for I believe that he has got a secret will be valuable to me.” } “ Joaquin, I never asked a favor of you in my ears in Cali- undred per-
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\ ~ ‘ma Arkansaw Jack, of the Man-Hunters. life before, but I do now. Let me have this fellow, and you'll see more fun— **T tell you no. Antonio, bring them out here and call up all the men.”, The bruised and bleeding forms of Arkansaw and Whistling Dick were brought forth from the tent and cast rudely upon the green sward. They had recovered their consciousness, and now glared defiantly arouod upon the scowling faces of the outlaws. “Do you know me?” snarled Garcia, bending low down and slapping the cheek of Arkansaw. ‘Bah! you one-eyed ape, if a body’d see’d you once, an’ the sight didn’t turn his senses, he could never take you for anybody or anythin’ else, An’ thar’s my mark, too!” The deep scar upon his flushed face showed hastly white at this taunt, and had he not en restrained by those near him,the American would have died upon the spot. “‘That’s right! I’m down an’ tied like a pig, now, an’ you can blow an’ threaten big, ’cause I can’t teach you better manners, But, jest on- tie my hands an’ give me a knife—or ef you’re afeard to do thet, I'll use claws, teeth an’ toe- nails, an’ whip any three—ay! or any five 0’ your picked men!” hissed Arkansaw, striving to burst his bonds asunder. “‘Back, Garcia! back, I_tell you?’ shouted Joaquin, as Three-fingered Jack crouched for a leap, while the black muzzle of a revolver cov- ered his brain. “But he may escape us again, captain. I as well drive the nail in his heart now,” and he shook his long dagger viciously. *“"No—I say no!” thundered Joaquin. ‘I mean to keep him for a few days, but you may work your will with the other.’ “Bah! you dirty yaller-bellies—you Greasers o’ Satan’s kitchen, ef you know what fa’r play is, show a feller a bit,” sneered Whistling Dick as Jack approached. ‘I’m Whistlin’ Dick, an’ kin— Ah!” The unfortunate ngan uttered a deep gasping groan as the knife of the murderer did its ghastly work. Whistling Dick was beyond in. “Now, men, take and drag all this carrion away, and put it where it will not trouble us again. Guerra, do you guard this man, and shoot down any one who attempts to injure him. I will be your security,” and then turn- ing to no who stood near at band, he added: i e with me, Senor Cardoza; I wish to speak with you.” 4 —_ CHAPTER VI. THE TREASURE CAVE. Per Pere bad disappeared as though the earth had opened and swallowed him up. Payson groped cautiously around, but did not find any traces of his companion. Just then came a bright and protracted flash of lightning that revealed Pe objects with almost the distinctness of noonday, and the young miner shrunk back with a shudder. Just before him, at his very feet, lay a dark, cavernous opening in the hillside. Then all was darkness, all the more intense from contrast. At this moment there came a long-drawn, quavering yell, that reverberated with a thousand echoes among the rocky hills, and caused the three fugitives to shudder with apprehension, fearing that they had been dis- covered by the momentary flash. But Payson qolekly divined that such was not the case, but that the body of the savage slain by Pete had been found. Still he knew that the crisis was close at hand, for, fired with revenge, and to solve the mystery of their comrade’s death as well, the savages would not hesitate long before trying to surprise the supposed in- mates of the little fort. When their escape was discovered, there would be little difficulty in divining which di- rection they had taken, and this, too, would solve the cause of the sentinel’s death. Then would come the pursuit, and— Just at this portion of his thoughts, Payson thought be heard the sound of Finley’s voice calling to him from almost directly beneath his feet. He listened eagerly, and it came again, —— won unmistakably in tones of their missing riend, “ Payson—Ned, are you there” a cs, what is it? are you hurt+—quick!” the young miner replied, bending over the opening in the hillside, “No, only a little shaken and a good deal frightened,” said ees | ee! time seeming to be nearer the’ surface. ‘‘But comein. This place is the safest now, until those devils have aban- doned the search,” “ But how can we get down?” 4 ‘“T slid down like I used to on the cellar door, at home, but it is rather rough, and goes against the cain. so you had best try to walk down.” Hark! From the little fort upon the hillside there now arose a series of terrible yells of wondering rage, that but too plainly told their own tale. The fact of their escape had been discovered by tbe Indians. ‘Quick! there is no time to losenow! They will be down all around here ina moment. Pass the women to me, Ned,” hurriedly exclaimed Pet Pete. * But is it—” faltered Emma. ‘Yes, safe, but haste—for your life, hasten!” The renewed yells from the highland above silenced all scruples, and the two women were hastily thrust into the crevice and followed by Payson. Then Finley advanced first, leading Emma, and Ned followed, guiding the mother down the steep but uneven plane, to what seemed the bottom of the cave. ‘*You must wait here, ladies, while we go back to the entrance, so if there are any of the Indians who know of this retreat, we may be able to hold them at bay. Keep perfectly still, and I do not think there is anything to fear. Come, Ned.” The two miners quickly reached the entrance and crouched down upon either side, with their weapons drawn for instant use. They could hear the savages approaching, evidently in great wonder and rage at the strange disappear- ance of their anticipated prey, stumbling against the rocks and bowlders in the darkness, now and then pa he one in motion that thun- dered swiftly down the steep hillside. Suddenly there came an awful shock to the young miners that nearly deprived them of their senses, and covered them from head to foot with gravel and dust. One of the bowlders set in motion the Indians had fallen upon the entrance of the cave, and the fugitives were walled in! After their first stupor had passed, the two adventurers felt that this accident was a most providential one, at which they should rejoice, rather than otherwise, for as they extended their hands, they could tell that the entrance was completely closed, save a few small cracks that would serve to admit the fresh, cool air. This. would effectually baffle a search by the Indians, if their suspicions should be aroused as to the real cause of their enemies’ disappearance. But then a horrible fear assailed them at the same moment. What if the bowlder was too heavy for them to remove, when they desired to emerge? The sides of the entrance were of solid rock, and as they braeed their shoulders against the bowlder they could uot move it an atom! In whispers they decided not to inform their companions of this new danger, and as soon as it was deemed safe, they would explore their retreat and endeavor to find another mode of egress. Then they descended and rejoined the women, who were sitting clasped in each others’ arms, in an agony of apprehension. “‘ Have they gone?” whispered Mrs. Hall. “T trust so, but it will not be safe for us to venture forth before day at any rate, and per- haps not then, for the savages will range around here until satisfied that we have really escaped them. They will not abandon the search while the faintest hope remains of avenging the death of their fellows.” ‘‘ But what will become of us? And my poor husband!” sobbed the elder woman, striving in vain to suppress her tears. “ We have enough food, thanks to the fore- sight of Ned here in bringing along the bear’s meat, to last us a week with economy, and I’m sure | hear the noise of a running spring close at hand. And your friends will not give up the search until you are found. You should know that,” reasoned Finley. “T do know it, but I cannot command my fcelings.” : “And no wonder,” added Ned. compassion- ately, “ you bave passed through trials enough of late to break down any spirit, however strong. Do not try to check them, for it will do no harm and you will feel all the better for a good cry. After some time the weary and exhausted women fell asleep in each otber’s arms, and, at Finley’s request, Ned also sought repose. The floor was covered with a fine dry sand that felt warm and comfortable to their jaded frames, and then all was silence save the faint, far-off roar of the storm without, that was now raging with terrific fury. From hearing this rumbling noise, Pet Pete surmised that the cave must be near the surface ; of the hillside, or else with lofty ceiling. Then, feeling a consciousness of gates and with a vague sensation of pleasure that their vindictive enemies were exposed to the fury of the war- ring elements, Finley gradually sunk into a doze that the subdued murmuring of the storm without soon lulled into a deep pea 9 This lasted for some hours, and when they awoke it was broad day, as could be told from the faint rays of light streaming through the crevices around the blocked-up entrance. Fin- ley cautiously stole up the dimly-lighted ‘‘ stair- way ” and applied his eye to one of the cracks. But he suddenly shrunk back, for he bad seen the stalwart, half-nude form of an Indian at only a few feet distance, apparently staring him full in the eye. The hastily-drawn weapon was thrust back into his belt, however, for he saw his mistake. Although he could plainly distinguish things without, Finley knew that it would be impos- sible for the savage to do likewise, owing to the gloom within. And then he heard a low, gut- tural voice speaking just above his head. ‘There was an Indian sitting upon the very bowlder that covered the cave entrance! The accident that be and Payson had so deeply regretted was thus the means of pre- serving their freedom, if not their very lives. The heavy rain had washed the debris from the rock, as well as obliterated all traces of their footprints, so that unless accident should reveal their retreat, the fugitives were safe, at least from their red-skinned foes, eae But would they ever escape from their living grave? Finley shuddered at the thought as he noiselessly stole down the rocks and rejoined his companions in misfortune. He quickly told them of his discovery and regretted his igno- rance of the Indian dialect, as otherwise he could doubtless have gained some important information regarding the plans of their ene- mies. ‘“Come,” he added, in a cautious whisper, ‘‘let’s go and see what we can learn concerning the secrets of our home. We can find some- thing to make torches I dare say, and any thing is better than remaining here.” Following bis cautious lead, the prisoners crept away from the vicinity of the entrance, and advanced deeper into the shadows, collect- ing such sticks and fragments of wood as they stumbled against. Rounding a corner that completely sbut off a view of their starting- place, the little party paused while Peter tied a small bundle of the punk-like wood together to form a torch, ‘* Make haste, Pete,” said Payson, laughing, somewhat nervously, ‘‘l am anxious to proceed, Who knows but what we may find a gold- mine?” ‘Many a true word is spoken in jest, Ned,” excitedly added Pete, who had ignited a lucifer- match. ‘‘See this!” and he held up a small piece of quartz that shone and glittered in the dull red glare. “ Gold! by all that’s good!” cried Ned, in a tone louder than was prudent, snatching at the fragment, and thus putting out the light. ‘Luckily I have a good supply of matches, Ned, or I should have to tie your hands, And for that matter, your.tongue also, unless you are a little more prudent. We wust not speak above a whisper here, for there is no knowing what may happen, The roof appears thin, and the Indians are all about us.” ‘You're right, Pete, as you always are, and I will be more wary, but the sight of this com- letely drove all such thoughts out of my head. Do you know that I really believe we are ina vast gold-mine?” 7 ‘Tt Jooks like it, I must say,” replied Finley, holding the blazing torch aloft and gazing ea- gerly upon the roofs and sides of the cave, which flashed back the light with a thousand scintillations. : And even the sands beneath their feet were thickly impregnated with flakes of the precious metal, forming the richest kind of ‘ pay-dirt.” As the little party slowly proceeded, their de- ligbt and wonder increased until they could with difficulty restrain their ebullitions of joy. Around and above them they saw sufficient of the auriferous deposit to enrich an entire com- munity. But then as they reflected upon the dangers that still environed them, their joy was some- what clouded. Of what use all this wealth in their present position? It would not procure them a mouthful of food or a drop of cold wa- ter, or lead them to safety. They proceeded slowly along and found that there were numerous smaller galleries branch- ing off from the main one in ‘which they stood,
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and at each of these divisions they left some plain trace, so that they might not become be- wildered upon their return, and thus take the wrong . To their excited imaginations it seemed as though they had traversed miles, and that the mine, as it really appeared to be, was a gigantic labyrinth in whose meshes one might wander for ages if the clew to the en- trance was lost. Suddenly Emma uttered a_half-suppressed shriek, an l her eyes with both hands as if to shut out some fearful sight. ‘‘“What is it, Emma, child?” asked her mo- ther. “* Oh, look—look!”’ and she indicated a remote nook, where the rays of the torch but faintly penetrated, with her hand. They glanced in that direction, and the shud- der that the sight of death almost invariably brings, crept over the forms of all. For there, propped up by the glistening wall in a sitting posente, was the gleaming white skeleton of a uman being! Its grinning frontlet was turned full toward them, and it seemed as though there was a diabolical sneer upon the ghastly visage as if anticipating the time when they would be like unto it. The hair still adhered to its skull, and had partially fallen over the face. : “Stay you with the women, Ned, while I go and examine it. We may find something that will tell who the poor devil was,” muttered Finley, advancing toward the remains with the gleaming torch held high above his head, Close beside it lay a spade and a broken pick, with a bottomless pan. <A rusty knife and re- volver appeared to have fallen from the mol- dered belt, and lay beside the skeleton. In one of its fleshless hands was a discolored tin or copper box, of an ob!ong shape, and so firmly clasped by the gristly fingers, that ere he could loosen it, Finley was forced to break one of the bones. He could not repress a shud- der, but still persisted, for he knew not but that by this box some light would be shed upon the sad fate of the unknown. Then he retreated to where stood his pale companions. He motioned for them to follow, and quickly led the way back out of sight of the skeleton, and then exhibited the box. ‘© Will you open it?” “Of course; it is our duty, for we may by its means learn who the poor fellow was, and how he came here, all alone. It may tell who his family was, and if so, we can send them Lv 4 of how he met his fate,” solemnly replied inley. The box resisted all the efforts to open it for some time, but then with the aid of a knife the corroded cover pried off, and the quartette ut- tered a faint cry. A stained and soiled paper lay uppermost, upon which were traced rude letters in what appeared to be blood! Removing this, Finley lifted up a morocco case, evidently a miniature, and upon touching the spring the case opened and a face was revealed. ‘The face of one who was evidently young and of more than common beauty; the face of a woman smiling with an arch look of tenderness that caused a still deeper sensation of sadness to fall upon their spirits. : Beneath this again were two soiled and well- worn letters, the direction of which was illegi- ble. Opening them, they were written in a delicate running hand, beginning with, ‘‘ My dear husband,” and signed Coralie, but without date or address. Finley then unfolded the strange manuscript, and slowly read as follows: “My name is John Allison, and my home is in Springfield, Ills. I accidentally shot myself, last ght, and Tam dy. This may never be discov- ered, but someth’ ids me write it that I cannot resist. Icame to California in ‘49—the fall of last year—to better my fortune, I left a young wife to whom fi had not been married a year, but we were poor, and thought it was forthe best. i lost my com- anions in the mountains, and being followed by In- aiand: took refuge in this cave. | saw that there was countless wealth upon every hand, and I deter- mined to remain here, little thinking that it was des- tined me mytomb,. I have collected over two hundred and fifty pounds’ weight of gold, which is concealed at the entrance of the third passage to the ht of where I now lie, I pray whoever may find this paper to seek out and give one-half of this gold to my wife Coralie Allison, keeping the remainder for their trouble. As you hope for peace hereafter, do not d the widow of her right! I will place this in a box, with her letters and picture, and pray God that it may befound by some honest man. * Joun ALLISON.”’ | This was the strange message from the dead, and then i.e paper was refolded and almost re- shrunk back shudderingly, covering, verentially restored to its position in the faith- ful tin box. Then Payson spoke. ‘Let us solemnly swear that if we live, to perform this duty, if the wife is still alive!” and they one and all took the oath. They then, as if eager to divert their minds from the sad reflections caused by the incident, set about the task of finding the buried trea- sure. They paused before the gallery, counting third from the right hand of the dead man, but could see no traces of the deposit. ‘*This must be the place, but I can see no signs of it,” said Finley. ‘Remember the lapse of time since then. Over two years at any rate, We must hunt for it,” added Payson. Then they began removing the soft, dry sand from before the entrance, with their knives and hands. For some time they searched in vain, then Mrs. Hall uttered a low exclamation. She had laid bare one end of a skin bag, that had resisted decay, with the hair side out. Un- der the nimble fingers of the men, twelve long, heavy bags were quickly unearthed, and the strings that secured them untied, revealing the glittering dust and scales of gold. At a rough computation there was about seventy thousand dollars’ worth of the yellow metal before them. And one owner of this was dead—was the other still living? Almost unconsciously this reflection shot through the minds of all, but it was quickly banished with a feeling almost of dread. Then they glanced at each otber, inquiringly. ‘“What bad we best do with this?’ at length asked Finley. “Wedo not know what fate may befall us at any moment, or even if we may ever escape from this cavern alive,” said Payson. ‘ And besides, we cannot be incumbered with it, for we may have to flee for our own lives. It will be safe here, as it has for so long a time; then let us bury it again, marking the spot so that we will not forget it. hen we are once safe, we can return for it.” “T believe you are right, Ned, and we will do it. If we live, we will return for it, for we can easily make our fortunes here, even without this, although it does not matter much to me,” and there was a sad cadence to his tone as he spoke, ‘It does to me!” cried Payson, exultantly. ‘* For here I see the means of life-long happiness —love—everything! With what one month’s labor here will bring me, I can return and claim the hand of my darling—of my promised bride!” ‘And I—I am alone! There is no one for me to love or to love me—except myself,” gloomily added Finley. Emma glanced timidly at her mother, and halt-unconsciously drew closer to the youn man. He observed the movement and glaficec keenly up into her face. The maiden trembled, her cheek flushed hotly, and she drew back; but neither spoke, although there came an instan- taneous change in the demeanor of the young miner, The treasure was once more restored to its resting-place, and the sand carefully smoothed over, so as to leave notrace of its removai, after which the four friends sat down close to- gether and conversed in low tones upon the past, the present, and the future, allowing the torch to die out. fT pursue their explorations further, at least, just then, and there they remained for hours. By some legerdemain, best known to them- selves, the little hand of Emma Hall soon found itself tightly clasped within the strong, hard- ened one of Pet Pete, and the understanding was as complete between them as though it had been expressed in words. They had known each other but a very short time, but it seemed as though each hour composed a year, so event- ful bad been their acquaintance, CHAPTER VII. THREE-FINGERED JACK IS SATISFIED. Tae conversation between Joaquin, Clarissa and Dupuy, alias Cardoza, was of long duration and evi- dently of importance, judging from the earnestness with which it was conducted. And when they re- turned once more to the camp, it was night. The slaughtered bodies had been removed, and all traces of the horrible massacre obliterated, and no one would have suspected from the demeanor of the outlaws that such an event had transpired so lately. The only difference was that they were more than usually boisterous and merry, while the liquor passed rapidly around. he outlaw chief and Dupuy joined in the carousal, and among the entire community, there was but one clouded face to be seen, if we except the prisoner, Arkansaw. That face belonged to Three-fingered Jack, who sat with a deep scowl upon his hideous They felt no inclination to | Arkansaw Jack, of the Man-Hunters, 7 1 features. Naturally ugly, the loss of one eye, and the broad scar across his face, added to the ravages of dissipation and excesses, rendered him absolutely demoniacal. The undaunted Arkansaw, who had feigned sleep so well as to deceive his guard, who then joined the orgies, is awake and desperately striving for liberty. His hands and feet, nay, his entire body, is swathed in tightly-drawn cord’ of rawhide, and it seems a useless endeavor on the prisoner's part. Still he persists. hands, and he had strained un soaked with blood from his lacerated flesh. And it began to gradually give way before the powerful strain, . The intense pain caused him to grit his teeth fiercely, but he did not desist for a moment, He knew if he remained a captive that his doom was inevitably sealed, for he had proved by far too dangerous an enemy to Joaquin for the outlaw chief to allow him to be at large. He only wondered that he had not been killed ere this. His plans, in case of escape, were all arranged. He would secure himself a horse and weapons, and lace the former in readiness for instant flight. hen he would return, Arkansaw resolved not to miss this opportunity of putting the Scourge of the Mines out of the way, if only out of revenge for the murder of his com- rades. He would kill the chief, and then with his head for proof of his exploit, would make the best of his way to the settlements. He had seen Joaquin and Clarissa retire to their tent among the trees, where it was standing alone and aectaded: Then his hand slipped from the noore, and it was with the utmost difficulty that he repressed the shout of exultation that arose to hislips. After this beginning the remainder was comparatively % and one by one the coils were loosened, and another haif-hour his limbs were entirely freed. Then Arkansaw arose and stretched his herculeam frame to its full hight. But it was arowin late and there was no time to be lost. So he glided along through the shadows toward where he could hear the horses browsing, securing a bridle from one of the trees, He felt so secure that he did not once glance be- hind him, and even had he done so, Arkansaw would have suspected nothing, for the dark form that dogged his footsteps seemed to partake of the serpent’s nature, so silent, stealthy and unobtrusive was its progress, But it was none other than Manuel Garcia, Three-fingered Jack! This worthy had firmly resolved to have revenge upon that man who had so well-nigh defeated him at. his own game--knife-play--some time previously, and who had given him the ghastly-looking wound upon his face, that had not as yet entirely healed. He kuew how fearful was Joaquin’s rage when crossed or disobeyed, but all this he resolved to dare. e | felt that to kill this hated enemy he would almost be satisfied to die himself. He had taken up a position near the prisoner with- in the gloom, and was only awaiting a favorable op- portunity to strike. This he thought had arrived when the last one of the revelers fell asleep, and he slowly advanced with a drawn knife—the deadly weapon that had ended scores of lives, But then he Rented. He saw the struggles of Ar- kansaw, and divined that he was about to escape. With the same feeling that induces a cat to toy with the captured mouse, Garcia resolved to await the result, of Arkansaw’s trials, and then, did he suc~- ceed in freeing himself, to strike the fatal blow just when he was beginning to taste the sweets of re- gained freedom. , Arkansaw finally succeeded in securing a horse, and bridling it without noise, led it up to where the saddle hung against a tree, appropria this to his ' own use, also. Then, with the ominous shadow still | | following him, he led the animal down the valley to the entrance to the pass, taking a circuitous course so as to avoid rousing Sy of the peony. Here Garcia drew himself up in readiness to spring upon his foe, but a low chuckle and muttered sen- tence caused him to sink back behind a rock, Ar- kansaw had uttered aloud his resolve concerning Joaquin Murieta, For a moment Jack hesitated, as if in doubt whe- ther or no to allow this project to be carried out. By its means he would stand a fair show of succe: d- ing the dead chief, for he was popular among his comrades, being both feared and respected, But then his love of blood resumed its full sway, and as the unsuspecting borderer brushed past him, Three-fingered Jack sprung up and buried his long knife to the hilt between Arkansaw’s shoulders. With a bitter groan the stricken man fell forward, grasping at the rocks and the sand in his agony. Then Garcia rudely Pushed him over upon his back with one foot, and thrust his grinning face close to that of the dying man, hissing: “Ah, ha! you thought to escape me, did you, “Three-fingered Jack!” * Yes, and I have kept my oath! I swore that you should not escape me again, and now I have k ou,” ; “ For answer, with his last dying, effort, Arkansaw raised his head' and spat contemptuo in mur- derer’s face. Then he fell , dead, without a roan. . But we care not to detail the horrible atrocities of ihe infuriated demon, and will draw the curtain over e scene. The sun had some time risen before the Ww camp was astir, and as yet the disa) of the had not been Roted. All reme of seemed obliterated by the debauch of the pre- Being a very large-boned man, , his wrists were nearly as large as his compressed | the hard rawhide was |
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12 Arkansaw Jack, of the Man-Hunters. $$$ ceding night, and only when Joaquin approached work; hunt every portion of the valley, and do not segrohing 2ese around him, Ned started dcwn the and spoke, did they marvel at his disappearance, si tonio, bring the American here, I wish to question him.” The outlaw addressed at once proceeded toward the spot where the prisoner had been left, but he was no longer there. sb pees a ery of wonder, An- tonio stooped and seg, hi up the blood-stained thong that had bound Arkansaw, still knotted and intact. ‘What is the matter, man, and why don’t you do as I bid you?"’ impatiently added the leader, ‘He must have escaped, captain !”’ ‘* What! escaped?” / “Yes; here are the cords that bound him, still whole. He must have dropped them over his hands,” said Antonio. “Bring them here. Who was it that I gave the ae of the prisoner to last night?” “Tt was I, captain,” tremblingly cried Luis Guer- ra, advancing 8 gid ‘Where is the prisoner, then?” “T know not, He seemed to sleep sound, and I was tired and thirst. » so I—”’ ' “So you. got drunk and Regiocten your duties, dis- ber berg my orders. Do you know what the agen A of that is?” coldly returned the outlaw chief, draw- ing his revolver and pthc cocking it, while the de- linquent shuddered at each ominous click. “Pardon, senor—mercy for the love of God!” pleaded the outlaw, sinking upon his knees before the stern chief. “ You know the laws of the bind—if we allow one to break them unpunished, there would be an end to all order and we should be ruined,” and the weapon was slowly leveled, while the hard, pitiless eve of the outlaw chief glanced along the dark be. “fold, captain!” cried Three-fingered Jack, springing between the two men. *‘ Wait until you hear me before you shoot this cowardly devil, and 13% may have a more worthy mark for your bul- e Te “ What do you mean?” “T killed the stranger. You would not let me do it in the daylight, so I was forced to keep all the fun to myself, and I assure you ‘twas glorious!” ‘Why did you not speak before?” * Because I had made up my mind to let you think he had escaped, until | saw that you meant to shoot this poor devil for what I had done myself,”’ boldly returned Garcia. “T ordered you not to touch him.” “T know you did,’’ was the cool reply. “ And you disobeyed me?” “ It really seems so,”’ “ You know what the laws of the band say?” ! “Yes: that if one acts as I have done they are to be Punished by death.” “ T have peroose you more than once, Jack; and more than I would have for any one of the rest, be- cause you are a valuable friend and true comrade. But thisis too much, A line must be drawn some- where, and—do you understand me?” * Bah! have you changed so greatly, captain, that you can’t 5 out your mind? Doyou think I am afraid? See! hereis a good mark—shoot!’’ defiantly cried Garcia, tearing open his embroidered shirt and baring his breast, boldly facing Joaquin. The ready revolver slowly rose to a level with the heart of the delinquent, and then paused, motionless asarock. The outlaws stood around, in breathless silence, awaiting the end; but Garcia did not flinch or waver in the t. He gazed firmly and calmly into the eyes of his chief. Then a low murmur ran around the assem- bly, and as if in obedience to it, the weapon was lowered and uncocked, * No, Jack, you are too brave a man to lose, and I n you,’’ cried Joaquin, and a series of wild, ex- ultant yells arose from the outlaws that told how gladly the decision was received. “T thank you, Joaquin, and now I will tell you the whole truth,” said Jack, warmly reuse J the ex- tended hand, “This Arkansaw made his escape himself, last night, and secured him a hors> and weapons. I followed him, for I saw it all. Iwas about to strike him, when I heard him mutter to himself, ‘ Now for Joaquin; he shall not escape me this time!’ He intended to kill you and then escape. But I killed him as he turned toward your tent.” “Why did you not tell me so before, Jack, and rey toutes me this struggle?” asked Joaquin, agi- tatedly. * Because, it would have seemed as though I was wsking for mercy, and I beg a favor of no man.” “ You are wrong, Garcia; but I will not soon for- yret this service. nd you, Guerra, le’ this be a les- ‘son to you not to again allow your appetite to over- ride your duty. But have any of you seen Clarissa, this morning?” A general reply in the negative was given. “She was not beside me when I awoke, but I sup- pose she has gone to the arroyo with some of the others. Sevalio, see if you can find her; I wish to speak to her at once,” The outlaw chief strode rapidly to and fro upon tho smooth turf, as if uneasy in his mind, while a strange light burned in his eyes and a dark shadow restcd upon his handsome face, Was it a premoni- ‘tion of the blow about to fall upon him? After a considerable time Sevalio returned with an ook, and stood before Joaquin. “TI find her, captain, and—"’ : what? why don’t you speak out, man?” ardon me, captain, but I was about to say that none of the women have seen the mistress, and—and the st , Senor is also missing.”’ “What! can it be— ! I'm dreaming! She would never leave— Go, and set all the men at return until you have found some trace of them,” and then he strode swiftly off to where stood the little white tent. Entering this, almost the first thing that his eyes rested upon was a small slip of paper pinned upon the wall. Snatching this away, he opened’it, and scanned the contents ata glance, It contained the following words: “ JOAQUIN MURIETA:— “When you find this note I will be far from here with the choice of my heart. It will be useless for on to follow me, for | would die a thousand deaths fore I would return to you. i don’t love you, and Ido love him. Adios, CLARISSA.” He did not speak, but crushing the paper in his nervous hand. rushed from the tent. Tons he met Antonio, who said, in a constrained tone: * Captain, they are nowhere to be found, but your Soy and that of the mistress is no longer with the res a ‘*She is mistress no longer, for she has fled with that traitor Cardoza! But go, get the men ready for a ride, and saddle me a horse.”’ “Do you intend to follow them?’ persisted Antonio, “ Yes, if it be to the ends of the earth. I will have revenge + ym them both if it takes a lifetime.”’ In another half-hour all was in readiness for a start. The men were in the saddle, and the outlaw chief separated them into half a dozen parties, a each in which direction to ride, and then ed: ‘* Men, you all know how I have been betrayed—I will give a thousand dollars to the man who brings me their heads!” “Do you mean that cf the lady Clarissa also, cap- tain?”’ asked Three-fingered Jack. ** Yes, her more than the other!"’ and then the outlaw chief dashed down the valley at full speed, followed by the men he bad selected for his own command. CHAPTER VIII. NED AS A SCOUT. Tue four prisoners—for such they were in reality —sat in almost happy quietness for hours. It seemed as though the message from the dead, that they had so strangely received, had exercised a calming influ- ence upon them, rendering all averse to further exertions, Then after partaking of a frugal meal, Oey. once more sought repose in slumber. ey had decided that upon the morrow it would be comparatively safe for them to venture forth, and inca laid their plans. One of the men was to try and find the body of the emigrants, while the other three remained at the cave, as the women would be only a hindrance upon such a scout. At first waking they again started to complete their explorations, and see if there was no other mode of exit than that which they had entered. With a plentiful supply of water they advanced along the main passage. But this came to an abrupt termination, ina Gace it or abyss, far down in the depths of which coulc be heard the sullen roaring of water, so greatly below their level that when Finley held his ietech over the verge, naught could be observed save a sort of steam arising from the troubled waters. They drew back with a shudder of horror and dread. “ There is no chance in this direction, at any rate,” observed Finley. * Let us try this side , then. Look at this hand; it points in that direction,” said Payson, indicating a LS Riga hand upon the rocky wall. fine 4 entered the passage, that was barely high enough to allow their walk erect, and so narrow that only two could proceed abreast. This graduall became still more contracted, until Ned paused wit the women while Pet Pete crept along upon his hands and knees to explore as far as he dared on to the ending. In a short time he returned, and the glad, trium- phant look u his face proclaimed his success even before his lips did, He had found the road to freedom! * Are you sure?” “Yes, Isaw daylight beyond and crawled along until [ could see out. It emexges in the bottom of a valley, and as far as I could tell, the coast is clear.”’ “ How late is it?” “Not much after sunrise, so you will have a good start. By which way will you return? It is difficult passing this way.” * By the other, then, so you can be near there. But, unless you hear me signal, or call you by name, don’t show yourself, There is no knowing who or how many are aware of the cave’s existence. ButI will not be gone long; that is, longer than I can “God bless me Mr, Payson, and poe you from all harm!” fervently said Mrs. Hall. “ Ask for Charles Hall.” * All right,” and then with the hand-clasps of his friends still warm upon his fingers, the young miner departed upon his mission. ey all knew right well that it was one ater wed with danger, and that he ht never return, but such thoughts they strove to dispel whenever they obtruded, not, however, with complete success. Leaving them for the present, we will follow Ned upon his scout. He found that the mouth of the narrow tunnel was choked up with vines and undergrowth, and after he emerged, these were carefully replaced as as possible, and then with one long, valley. e ouly proceeded for a short distance ia this direction, and then began to ascend the hill, hoping from its summit either to discover the emi- | grants or his own friends, from whom he had be- come separated, and who he knew would beat around the neighborhood while there remained a hope of finding him, Ned fully realized the danger of his a oe and exercised the utmost caution, for although seemed peaceful and deserted around him, he had but too fately roved that there were more inhabi- -tants among the hill-haunts than consisted with pere fect safety. Thus, slowly yroceeding, keeping shielded by such cover as would answer his purpcse and frequently pausing to scrutinize the hills an ver the young miner finally gained the top of the ill. Lying flat upon the ground he Aha his eyes around without seeing the object of his search. Then he carefully drank in every detail of the sur- rounding country, so far as his position allowed. Arranging the course he was to pursue, Ned he- gan the descent upon the opposite side of the hill, using the same precautions as before. The valley was quickly reached, and for some time Ned hastened along with a dull, heavy feeling of anxiety resting upon h*~ heart. Somehow he could not banish the fancy that the mission upon which he wu. bound was destined to end fatally; the thought would return despite is resolutions to the contrary, He entered a narrow and deop pass from the val- ley, and had proceeded nearly half a mile, when a suspicious sound cause . him to pause and listen in- tently. He was not mistaken; > e could distinguish the faint, far-off clink 2 steel upon the flinty rocks, one knew that a body of horsemen were approach- &- ; A gleam of pleasure lit up his face as he fancied that they might prove to be those for whom he was searching, but then he resolved to run no unneces- sary risks, and glanced keenly around for a hiding- lace. He left the bottom of the defile and clam- red up the rocks, that here arose like a series of gigantic steps, and concealed hin self among the crags, but in such a position as would afford him a fair view of those passing below. If they should prove to be emigrants, then there would be no harm done, and if upon the other hand they were enemies, he could lie there until they had eS ape Then the head of the party rode in sight. Payson gave a quick, convulsive start and half arose, as the face of the leader became visible, but then he sunk down again, muttering lowly to him- self. His first impulse of hailing the y was checked by one glance of their habilimen He saw that they were dressed in Mexican b, even to the leader. And to make his suspicions doubly strong, Ned recognized the features of Se- valio as those of the man who had led the attack against him and his companions. ‘““ What is he doing here, and leading such a gang of cut-throats?’’ muttered Ned, peering curiously after them as they rode by. He felt assured that in the leader he had recog- nized the one-time suitor of Carrie Lee, Lo Dupuy. It was the outlaw chief leading the search for the fugitives, Clarissa and her lover, In his eagerness Payson had arisen erect, to gaze after the outlaws, when he was suddenly made aware of the folly he had been guilty of. One of the rearmost robbers abruptly turned around and be- held Ned’s bright red shirt against the somber rocks, and then called out eagerly: 4 “Joaquin! there is a spy among the rocks yon- er)’ As Payson heard these words, knowing mena of Spanish to understand their import. he turned and began scaling the rocks with marvelous celerity, for he knew that, his liberty, perhaps his life, was a stake. ‘after him, men—after! Do not let him esca —he may have news of importance!”’ ordered the outlaw chief, excitedly, A half-dozen men threw themselves from the sad- dle and dashed toward the spot easiest of ascent among the rocks. Only pausing to fire a hasty vol- ley, they continued the pursuit. ‘ Although more than one of the leaden missiles whistled unpleasantly close to his ears, Ned did not pause either in obedience to the hint thus seh nor to return the compliment. He knew full we that he could not disable all his pursuers, and even did he contrive to lessen their number by one or two, it would only exasperate the remainder the more and render his capture equivalent to death, Glancing over lis shoulder Ned saw that most of the horsemen were riding maneey off, evidently with the intention of skirting the hill and thus inter- cepting him as he descend Then he gained the summit, while the nearest of the horsemen had not yet reached the half-way, point. Rendered desperate, Payson took a quick but accurate aim at the foremost outlaw, and thea without pausing to asce: the result, he crossed the ridge and ran swiftly along the side of the bill, with the wild ery of agony ringing in his ears. He saw that a short distance a of bis present course there was an abrupt descent of a few rods, and then beyond this the hill rose to its former level. Trusting that the outlaws would think be had con- tinued his seer the easiest course—down the hill —Payson strained every nerve to round the corner before they sateen the summit and thus discovered his ruse. Just as he darted around the curve, the foremost of the outlaws appeared upon the ridge, and with a loud shout dashed nendinns down the slope, perhaps fancying that he beheld the fugi-
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Arkansaw Jack, of the Man-Hu tive among the huge bowlders that studded the hill- side, or else feeling confident that such would be his course. Ned heard the cry, and believing he had been dis- covered, slackened. his pace and half turned with drawn pistols, in the desperation lent by despair; | but then knowing that if such indeed was the case, it would be certain death to remain, he once more resumed his headlong flight. His clear brain and steady nerve, aided by great agility, now saved him from certain destruction, for he was under such Berks that to stumble or make a misstep would 2 fatal. As he reached a turn in the pass an exclamation broke from his lips, for just before him were the he was surrounded, But a second glance showed him the real state of affairs, and he nimbly dodged back, The outlaws were the same as he had at first seen, who had remained behind to hold the horses of those who had followed him up the hill. He had be- come bewildered and taken the wrong turn. Mentally cursing his stupidity, Ned retraced his footsteps in a sort of dog-trot, intent only upon put- ting the een pee distance between himself and his foes. e did not consider it prudent to eep in the defile, as it now afforded but little hope of eluding any enemy, were any such before him; and he reall gan to believe that every rock and bush concealed one, But the walls now towered high above him upon either hand, almost perpendicularly, so that a cat could scarcely have scaled them. And so, accept- ing the inevitable, though not with the best of grace, the young miner proceeded rapidly upon his a way. He discovered, presently, that the pass came to an end, opening into a pleasant valley through which he could catch an occasional gl‘mpse of a stream of water running amid green trees and bright flowers, His arduous exertions had produced a violent thirst, and a glad cry broke from his parched throat as he quickened his pace to a run. But fate seemed against him then, as before, and be paused at the mouth of the pass with a bitter curse. Before him and in full view Ned could dis- tin the forms of men, women and horses. And the =, Tra of th with the little cluster of gleaming white tents and curls of smoke, told the young miner that he had stumbled upon a camp of the outlaws, perhaps the head-quarters of Joaquin Murieta himself. Payson drew back and scanned the cliffs “ped either hand. They seemed difficult of ascent, but still they could be scaled. It was the same point where the outlaws had ambushed and exterminated the band of man-hunters under lead of Arkansaw, though he little dreamed of that then. Drawing a long breath, the you miner boldly began the ascent of the cliff, altho being careful to screen his movements from the inhabitants of the valley as much as possible, for he felt little inclined for another race such as the one he had so lately taken part in. As he proceeded, Ned fixed the spot as completely in his memory as possible, inwardly , vowing to lead Arkansaw to it when next they met, After considerable labor he gained the ridge of the hill and sunk down a a rock panting and breathless, and gazed with anxious curiosity in every direction. Down in the valley behind him he could see the outlaws and a number of women, moving to and fro, in apparent peace and security. .Upon one hand he could just discern a body of horsemen, apparently receding, and fancied that they were those who had come so well-nigh to Cap- turing him. Then again, almost directly before him at the end of a long, level, valley, he could distin- guish a second troop, and jumped to the conclusion that they were the men of whom he was in quest. nters. 13 The gesees weapons in his antagonist’s hands showed what was the fate in store for Aim if dis- covered, and that it was either his life or the other. So the trigger was touched and the ill-fated man fell forward without a groan, motionless in death. With a half-suppressed shudder Ned ees, the hi pou ne his victim, and rapidly descended | toward the body of horsemen, whom he could now » quite plainly, and who had evidently heard the pisto -shot. Feeling confident that if not the men or whom he was searching, they were at least friends, Payson boldly advanced to within speaking | distance of the troop. forms of half adozen horsemen, and Payson thought | “Who are you, my man?’ asked the foremost, a | tall, handsome man of middle age, although dressed roughly, and with sadly begrimed hands and face; a common complaint, by the way, with the entire party, Ned included. ‘\ A friend, I trust, and if I mistake not, one that you will be glad to see; that is, if any one of you answers to the name of Charles Hall.’ ‘** That ismy name!" eagerly cried the tall leader. “What do you mean?” ‘*That Ihave been hunting you since early day. Your wife and daughter wish you to call upon them if you can spare the time,’ laughed Ned, his usual spirits fully restored by the success of his enter- rise. “Where are they—quick! And what do you know about them? For God’s sake, man, don’t keep me in suspense!" almost gasped Hall. “They are safe and well, and at no very great dis- tance from here, and I will lead you to them if one of you will lend me a horse for a few minutes. I've had a rough time of it to-day, and am nearly played out.” *Here—take mine,"’ and Hall sprung from his saddle and almost lifted Ned into it. ‘* Now lead on, and you can oo it all to us as we go.” And then as they proceeded Ned gave a hasty out- line of the events of were few days, not omitting to mention the essent service performed by the two women, although he suppressed all mention of the treasure that the hill retreat contained, for the prone nt. He was a little permened upon that point, or twenty-odd men might make short work with what would amply enrich two—and then the dead man’s treasure. It was nearly night when they reached the hill within whose m was con ed the gold-mine, for unfortunately Ned had to pursue a roundabout course, from having become a little confused by the windings he had been forced to take since leaving the cave. Then leaving several men to guard the horses, Ned led the way up the hillside toward where he supposed the entrance to be. For some time they searched for the bowlder that had blocked up the aperture, without success, and then one of the men called out that he had almost stumbied into a hole. Rushing to the spot, the young miner found that the entrance had really been discovered, but it was now open and unobstructed! How had it become thus? Surely Finley had not been able to remove the heavy bowlder that had resisted their united strength, and besides, he would not have done so, even had he been able. Suddenly they started in alarm and gazed at each other with pale faces. From the depths below them came a strange sound. A peculiar, subdued rum- like that of distant thunder. a i at could be the meaning of it? Let us go back an This alps grew stronger every moment, and at | 8 length, as limbs were somewhat rested, Ned arose and once more started upon: his mission. He | thought that fortune had sported with him enough, and that a he would now be allowed to pro- ceed without further delay or difficulties, but he soon learned that such was not to be the case. He had descended perhaps one-third of the bill when, as he wound around a huge bowlder, he al- most ran against a man who was coming from the ° ypostte direction. Fe was & Mexican and heavily armed, and most | likely belonged to the party encamped over the ridge. Perhaps even then he was gaining a spot whence he could dispatch the death-shot, and this idea probably quickened Ned’s motions, Giving a noiseless leap, he darted around the corner where the stranger had half- ready for an instant bee mhen aque ame of cross-purposes was Se on at youd ve toga 9 an uninterested observer to smile audibly. ‘ First came the Mexican, with knife and pistol ready for use, stealthily gliding in & crouching posture around the h bowlder upon one side, while almost directly opposite was the form of the young miner, engaged in precisely the same tactics, hus they each made one circuit of the rock with- out seeing the other. Then, as if by one impulse, they turned and stole silently around upon their’ own tracks. In_ this manner a second circuit was made without either catching a glimpse of the other, and fancying mr their foe had escaped by flight, they left the roc and keenly scrutinizing the hillside, above and below, slowly moving about. ; Suddenly Ned L paused, and his pistol-hand quickly ros toa level. He had caught sight of the Mexican, whose back was turned toward him, It seemed al- passed, with pistol | Then a queer see, 8 66 5 CHAPTER IX, UNEARTHED, For some time after the departure of Ned upon his mission, the trio—Mrs. Hall, Emma and Finley— remained in that portion of the treasure-cave, half- hoping, half-fearing, they scarcely knew what. But then with an effort they left the entrance of the nar- row tunnel, and proceeded slowly toward the other extremity, as it was by this entrance that Ned was to return. , The hours crept stony and drearily by, and their hearts were racked with suspense. They little im- agined the real danger their messenger was braving, but they imagined a thousand difficulties that might detain him. Their anxiety Beep all conversation, and they sat in silence. ifty times they glanced upward at the bowlder-closed entrance to see if it was not yet nightfall. tone of these glances Pet Pete uttered an ex- clamation in alow tone, and arose as if about to spring forward. He had caught signs of a shadow moving over one of the narrow crevices, and fancied that he recognized the leg of a man, Thinking that it was Ned returned, Finley's first impulse was to rush forward and call him aloud by name, but upon second thoughts he paused. Providence had aided them wonderfully so far, and he would not run the risk of marring all by recipitate action now. And crouching forward . listened with painful intentness; but all was silence, Had Ned failed in his quest, and returned alone? That was by no means likely, as he was not a man to be daunted so easily, and besides, were it indeed him, he would have given the agreed-upon signal. Ma it could not be him! otioning the women to maintain a perfect silence and their position, Finley stole cautiously up the fen slope and gained a perch close to the bowlder, ee assured that he could not be seen, although objects without were plainly visible to him. Peer- ing through one of the pam f Finley, to his alarm and intense d t, distinguished the copper-hued forms of several Indians, and likewise found that there was one of them seated upon the bowlder beneath which he was crouching; and that it was of his leg that he had caught a glimpse. This was a startling discovery, and one as well that threatened co disconcert their plans seriously. Finley did not doubt but what they were the same party that had been the indirect cause of their dis- covering the treasure-cave, and if so, they must en- tertain a suspicion that the fugitives were concealed. somewhere in this vicinity, and had resolved to have vengeance for the death of their comrades, As Finley was deliberating upon what was the . best course to pursue, the savage seated upon the bowlder immediately above him, commenced tap-.. ping lightly upon it with his hatchet, while con- versing with his comrades. Then, by one of those strange freaks of fortune, the weapon slipped from his hand and fell down through the largest crevice, narrowly missing Finley, and then sliding with a clattering ring down the inclined plane, paused almost at the feet of the two women. Finley heard the savage utter a grunt of wonder and vexation, and hastily shrunk back into the loom as the Indian’s face was placed to the aper- ure, and his keen black eyes peered into the cave. As quick as the face was withdrawn, and he could hear the Indians conversing with his fellows, Pet Pete noiselessly ran down and recovered the weapon, and then placed it where the light from without shone in upon it. He felt assured that the owner of it would not suffer the loss without an effort at recovery, and that he would try to remove the bowlder. Did he succeed in caee cave secret, it was not likely refrain from cxplonne s in the hope of discovering their lost prey; but the weapon was found at once, they might not think of searching further. It was with this vain hope that Finley acted as he did, and then rejoining his pale and trembling Sone he quickly explained the disaster to them. They drew back to the first turn, ready for flight if such a course should prove pogemaneyy and awaited the progress of events. With their thor- ough knowledge of the cave they hoped to be able to 6 their enemy without coming into conflict —_ them; at least until the longed-for return of ‘ayson, They could feintiy hear the efforts of the savages to remove the bowlder, and as minute after minute passed by without the enemy’s succeeding, hope revived within their breasts, But it was doomed to “1 : nas all large d the bowld e crac u grew r, an e bowlder was suddenly turned over and went thundering down the hillside. But the fugitives heeded not that, for with a loud yell one of the savages tumbled headlong into the hole and rolled swiftly down the rocky e, heels over head, landing finally upon the soft, dry und, unharmed save a few bruises, but terribly armed. So sudden was this acrobatic performance that Emma uttered a loud shriek of terror, As if in answer to this there arose a series of wild, exultant yells from without, but hoping that these were only called forth by the discovery of the cave, and that the cries of the fallen Indian had drowned the unfortunate shriek, Finley hastily retreated further into the depths of the cave. Knowing every foot of the way he paused not until oe were safe within the entrance of the tun- nel by which Payson had emerged, and then cau- Canine, his companions not to move until he came back, Pet Pete a retraced his footsteps to spy further the proceed ngs of the enemy. Keep- ing bis weapon drawn and ready for instant use, he ained the turn in safety, and now aided by the road light of day shining In at the hole beyond, he beheld nearly a score of Indians standing together and aaerly consulting. In a few moments several of the red-skins left the cave, while the others drew to one side and care- fully examined their weapons. Shortly the others reap dd bearing armfuls of pine-knots which were distributed among the crowd and shortly ig- so and thus reveal the that the savages would nited Finley could doubt no longer that their presence was either known or else strongly suspected, when the torch-bearers bent over the soft sand-covered floor, as if searching for footprints. Then with ex- ultant grunts the trail of the fugitives was taken up, and the party advanced, a number of them hold- ing their weapons in readiness for use, while the others led the way upon the tell-tale footprints. The young miner, rendered desperate by the turn affairs had taken, leveled his revolver and took a! quick aim at the foremost red-skin, but reason re- turning, he paused. The death of one or even of half a dozen of the savages would avail nothing so long as the others remained, and would only render the fate of the fugitives all the more certain in case of capture, as he could not hope to cope successfully with them all. His only hope now was that the savages might become bewildered by the various trails that had been made by the fugitives during their explora- tions, as there was no perceptible difference in them, thanks to the yieldin sand, and thus the search be protracted until the return of Payson with assistance. Acting upon this hope, Finley rapidly retreated, and when he was near the tunnel endeavored to obliterate his trail, as well as those made previously, and rejoined his companions, They crawled along the narrow passage with the women in front—that is furthest from the interior of the cave—until the entrance was nearly reached, inten: in case of close pursuit to emerge and trust to flight among the hills. Finley did not dare attempt this other than as a final resort, for he felt
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Arkansaw Jack, of the Man-Hunters. A ST ae confident that most of the savages were on guard without, as their number was considerably less than when they had been seen upon the hill. Meantime the savages had kept slowly advancing, and as if by instinct had kept the main p e, avoiding the side galleries for the present. The numerous footprints baffled them considerably, as they could not distinguish the last made from the older ones, owing to the sands having fallen down toward the center. The pale-faces could hear the sounds gradually drawing nearer, and could at length distinguish the faint rays of the torches carried by the savages, Thus the hope that they had faintly cherished of the trai-hunters being led astray in some of the numerous and intricate side-passages, was banished. It would be the hight of folly to remain any longer where they were, as the er ending of the main passage would naturally divert attention to the side- tuanels, of which the one occupied by the fugitives ‘vas the very first. And nothing seemed to remain for them but instant flight. ‘*Mrs. Hall,”” whispered Finley to the elder wo- man who was at the end closest to the outer world, ‘please creep along until you reach the outside, wd then without showing yourself through the bushes more than absolutely necessary, try to dis- cover whether there are any of the enemy within ihe vailey, in sight, 1 would go, but can not pass you. The brave woman crept stealthily along the tun- nel, andin afew moments returned, saying that so far as she could tell the valley and the hills were free from occupation. There was no time to lose as the savages had already reached the abyss termin- ating the cavern, and were earnestly conversing as if in doubt what course to pursue next. py ly the two women, Finley brought up the rear noiselessly, and in a few moments reached 6 narrow mouth of the tunnel, that was surrounded by & dense screen of bushes and vines. Cautiously peering forth from these, Finley beheld nothing to arouse his suspicions, at first glance. Almost direetly opposite this point, he saw that the face of the hillside was covered with a thick, tangled growth of vines and underbrush, extending for some distance in every direction. Then as he turned his gaze down the valley, he started with a shock of mingled hope and fear. What occasioned this was the sight of a con- siderable body of horsemen who had just entered the valley, headed apparently directly toward the spot where the three fugitives were concealed. ‘But the faney that these were the men sought for by Ned, was quickly and rudely dispelled, for Finley could tell by their dress and equipage that the new- comers ‘were of the same class that had already caused them so mueh trouble. He turned to re-enter the tunnel, but again paused in dismay. He could hear the sound of footsteps approaching from that direction, and knew that the bloodthirsty Indians were following close upon his trail! Between two fires, he knew not what to do. One glance without decided him. The Mexicans had turned a slight bend and were almost entirely out of sight, although still approaching. Bidding the women to follow him closely and as noiselessly as possible, Pet Pete led the way through the bushes across the narrow valley and darted into the mass of undergrowth, already referred to, where he laced his companions behind him in a spot par- ially sheltered by a huge bowlder, and drew his weapons with a stern despair expressed upon his pale, set features. A few words may be necessary to account for what follows, as also how it happened that three such considerable bodies of men could be in such close proximity without suspecting the presence of each other. The hill that contained this treasure-cave formed an elbow, as it were, in a long chain of similar ones, or much like the base of a broad letter V. From the inner angle of this the four travelers had begun their ascent, and in the valley upon the left-hand side (and the right), they had first discovered the outlaws, led by Sevalio, and afterward, the red- skins. Near the lower right-hand corner was the second entrance of the cave, called ‘the tunnel,” for distinction. The men led by Payson were ee by one valley, o to his dtour, and the new-comers, sighted by Finley, along another, with an interven- ing ridge. From this point the entrance upon the hillside was not visible, and all of the savages re- maining in the immediate neighborhood had entered the cave, as already detailed. The body of Mexicans were those under the out- law chief—he who had been mistaken by Ned for Louis Dupuy, until he had heard him addressed as Joaquin—who had chased Payson in vain, and who was pow searching the country for the runaway Clarissa and her lover. Just as they rounded the curve and came in full view of the bushes that con- cealed the tunnel, several of the Indians bearing torches broke out into the open air, with cries of disappointment. The two parties observed each other at the same moment, and the savages retreated to their covert. One of the outlaws called his leader's attention to this fact, but the momentary glimpse had not told them who or what the figures really were, only that they were human, “Give them a shot, men, and then run in. We'll soon see who they are,” cried the outlaw leader, ye forward as he fired into the shrubbery. Leaving a couple of men to mind the horses, tho outlaws hed ‘ough the power tes and seeing the tumult and hea the coi scramblin within, pressed recklessly onward, burning wi curlosity and excitement, They could see the van- ishing rays of torches, and picked up one that still burned upon the ground, where it had been dropped by one of the wounded savages, as the fresh blood upon the knot proclaimed. he Mexicans suddenly emerged into a large apartment and paused in wonder. There was no hu- man being to be seen, but there were several blazing torches thrust into the soft sand floor, that cast a bright, ruddy light upon their forms and over the glittering walls of the treasure-cave. Then as if by magic a thundering roar, accom- panied by a dazzling line of flame, burst from the gloom beyond, and a volley of rifie-bullets tore through their closely-crowded ranks. It was this discharge that had met the ears of Payson and his comrades at the hillside entrance, and that had filled them with such great alarm for the fate of their friends. The outlaw leader shouted: “Forward, men, and give the cowards blazes!” and leading the assault in person, dashed into the dark- ness aiter their unseen enemy. CHAPTER X. HAND TO HAND. Aw expression of horror overspread Payson’s face as he heard the significant sound, and for a moment he stood as if stupefied. But only for a moment, and then he shouted: “Come on, men—follow me! Our friends are in trouble and need our help—God grant that it may not be too late!”’ Without a word the hardy emigrants followed his hasty lead down the steep ascent, into the bowels of the earth; without pausing to calculate the odds they might be called upon to meet, or vouchsafing one thought of the dangers that threatened_them- selves. They only remembered that those who had been their companions, and for whom they had searched so long and laboriously, were in trouble; and that was enough. Keeping close upon Ned’s footsteps, who knew every inch of the way, they rushed forward with drawn and ready weapons. pe te they heard the tramp of rapidly approaching footsteps, and pausing, Ned called out in a loud tone: “ Who goes there—Pete, is it you?” The several yells of dismay that followed this summons but too plainly revealed the identity of the strangers, and a quick volley was fired in the direction of their voices. That it was not altogether powder burned in vain, the loud, shrill shrieks of mortal agony evidenced, and through the strong glare the dusky forms of half a score of savages were faintly revealed, and with loud cheers the emi- grants rushed forward. The Indians appeared stupefied by the appearance of this new foe, and while some turned and fled in the direc ion from whence er had come, others enon desperately with their white foes. Ned nurled one of the enemy violently aside, and rushed onward, calling aloud upon the name of Finley, of Emma, and of Mrs, Hall, but the echo of his own voice was the only answer. He feared the worst and was rendered almost frantic, as was the agonized father and husband, who kept close to the young miner’s side. Now they heard the sound of renewed ner before them, and could distinguish the bright tlash of fire- arms. Then the confused struggling of a number of men was revealed, at the further extremity of the cave, by the broad glare of several pine knots. Despite the smoke and dust that enveloped the combatants, the emigrants could plainly see that they were Mexicans and Indians, and knowing that they could be no others than ‘hei; enemies as well, poured a deadly volley of pistol-balls into the densely crowded mass. Asif by mutual consent the two parties closed their struggles and turned in dismay. Allowing them no time for thought, however, Payson led his men on ic a rush, firing rapidly the while with loud hur- rahs! More than one of the affrighted enemy, either ig- norant or forgetful of the yawning gulf so close be- hind them, turned and rushed headlong inte its frightful depths, their cries of horror dying — in the far distance. Then asif with one accord the all, Mexicans and savages, crowded against eac other in their affright as they plunged into the re tunnel, still followed by the death-dealing ots. Their yells and curses were frightful as they be- came jammed together in the contracted ene el and it seemed as though their herculean struggles would carry the sides of the hill before them bodily. But ees in a dreadful state, they emerged into the open air. Begrimed with powder, smoke and dust, bleeding from bullet or knife wounds, or the cruel rents from the sharp, jagged rocks in the passage, they were miserable-looking objects indeed! But where were the horses they had left in the valley? A wild ery of despair broke from the lips of the outlaws, as they saw that they were gone—that they had all vanished! And’on the spot where they had been left, were now only the ghastly forms of the two guards, dead! How did all this occur? It is easil explained. When Finley saw how narrowly they had escaped being caught between two fires. he was nearly over- ecou.e, and sunk back from his loophole, pale and ‘vemb.ing. He heard the volley and the shouts of Le outlaw leader, but as these jast were in Spanish, he did not understand their import. But hearing the confused rush, Pete rallied and peered once more from his leafy observatory. The outlaws had disappeared, but the still agitated bush- | earnestly into the dark eyes of Emma. “ es told him that they had entered into the tunnel, and then the neigh of a horse called his attention down the defile. He saw that the animals were left in charge of only two men, and.a glow of desperate resolve lighted up his face. Pet Pete slowly and eee” began gliding pe a the underbrush toward the unsuspecting outlaws. What little noise he made was effectually drowned by the horses’ trampling, and then he paused with- in adozen yards of the twomen,. With a quick but accurate aim Finley fired, and then the nearest man reeled in his saddle and fell heavily to the ground. Darting swiftly forward, Peter served ‘the second outlawin the same way, before he had recovered sufficiently from his astonishment to either defend himself or raise the alarm, The horses did not ap- pear to be greatly frightened, evidently being well accustomed to the smell of burnt powder, and the young miner had but little difficulty in sqournng three of their number, whose appearance he fanciec the most, Calling in low tones to the mother and daughter, Finley speedily assisted them to mount, and then, driving the entire cavalcade before them, the fugi- tives fled at headlong speed down the valley, fleeing alike from friends and foes. Alas! had they only comprehended what the real facts of the case were, how differently would they have acted! As we have said, the Mexicans were terribly sur- prised at finding their animals had vanished. A gen- eral ery of terror and despair broke from their lips as they realized the full force of this calamity. ; How large a force was that which had surprised them, whether white or red, they had no means of knowing, but certainly it was numerous enough to cause their destruction if met hand-to-hand, As if to dispirit them still further, upon glancing hurriedly around, their leader was not to be seen. Was Joa- quin dead, wounded, or only a prisoner? As for the savages, they had had no such expecta- tion, and did not Fesltate the moiety of an instant, but fled at topmost speed over the rocky hills or by the easier route down the valley. And close upon their footsteps came the Mexican outlaws, and be- hind them; again pressed the emigrants, flushed with victory and wee with vengeance for such of their comrades as had fallen within the cave. Payson and Hall both called upon them to stop and abandon the chase, lest they should become separated and either lost, or else be drawn into some ambush. And besides, where were Finley and his two companions? The young miner, with heart throbbing painfully; hastened into the depths of the cavern, snatching up a lighted torch, and made the innermost reces- ses echo with the sound of his voice, calling upon those who were even then far away, and momen- tarily increasing the distance between themselves and those whom they would have given almost any thing to have met. He had traversed the entire length of the subter- ranean passage, it is needless to say, without success, and was slowly returning, still continuing his shouts, when he was met by Hall, who appea to be in a state ae the greatest excitement. He called out eagerly: “They are not here, so come—quick!” ‘What! have you found them? ‘“Yes, no; but the men saw three figures rpon horseback not long since, riding out from the valley below, and are almost certain that two of them were women,”’ “Tt must have been they, then—but come! we have no time to lose. They do not know the dan that threatens them, and may run direct into the encampment of these outlaws. It is not far from here,” and as Ned spoke the two men rapidly re- traced their steps toward the tunnel. All of asudden a bright flash shot out from one side of the gloomy passage, a loud report accom- nying it, and with a cry of ny Edward Payson ell heavily forward, extin hing the torch and enveloping all in intense darkness, CHAPTER XI. _ REUNITED. Perer Finury, riding between his two com- panions, dashed at full speed down the deep, nar- row valley, driving the snorting and terrified horses before them in a confused clump, and soon emerged into the level plain. They were intensely excited and thought only of putting the —— possible dis- tance between themselves and their two-fold ene- mies, never thinking of glancing behind them until the golden opportunity was : For several miles they onward, keeping close in the rear of the riderless horses, who seemed to choose the easiest course and dash ahead as if to- ward some certain point. This idea at length oc- curred to Finley, and he “Nag ly drew rein. “What is the matter, Mr. Finley?” anxiously ae Mrs. Hall, as the two women followed his ex- ample. ‘You see how well these horses keep together? You know Arkansaw said that Joaquin probably had his rendezvous near here, and I believe that it is so— that these very men belonged to his band, if indeed he was not with them in person. Then what more likely than that these horses would make the best of their way back to their quarters?” “You may be right—nay, I believe that you are so. And we were riding directly upon captivity, if not certain death! We owe our lives to you once more, dear friend,” agitatedly replied Mrs. Hall, bendiug over with outstretched band. “Tt is nothing—nothing at all; only I should have thought of it sooner than I did,” said Finley, gazing t we =~
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must..not hesitate here; every moment is fraught with danger.” ‘But where shall we go? You know that your triend will look for us at the cave; ought we to abandon the vicinity altogether? We are lost, as it ae may ride into danger rather than away from Right again, Mrs. Hall, as you always are. It is you who save us all, not me, e will ride over yon- der to the left and climb that high bill. We can. conceal ourselves and still see around us, Then if Ned does sueceed in finding your friends, we will be apt to observe him as they pass by.” Acting upon this hint the three wanderers turned their horses’ heads toward the designated point, and proceeded at a more moderate pace. When they xlanced around, the riderless horses were just disap- pearing into the dark depths of a defile, and the sus- picion entertained was still further strengthened. The base of the hill was finally reached, and while the women concealed themselves among a clump of trees, Finley dismounted and advanced upon foot to reconnoiter, He advanced cautiously and with anxious heart, for he had seen so many enemies of late that it seemed as though they were to be met with at every turn. The better to take advantage of the cover, the young miner advanced up the hill in a circuitous route, keenly scrutinizing every feature of the hill, and the plain and valley below as well, so far as the last-gathering twilight would admit. And then he paused with a feeling of despair; for he knew that the hill was occupied. He could distinguish a tall, dark form standing amid the bushes, with out- stretched arms, and then came the challenge before a determined whether it was a white man or a red. ‘““Who are you, stranger, and what do you want, sneaking around here in this way?" , It was a strong, hearty voice, but unmistakably American, and the young miner’s heart beat wildly for joy. They were fellow-countrymen, and, of course, friends. “Tam a friend, if you are honest men; but if not, fire!” **Good! you talk bold enough, so come out and let’s see. if your looks correspond,” laughed the sen- tinel, lowering his revolver. Finley knew that it would not be wise to neglect this hint, as the strangers were in amply sufficient numbers to enforce it as a command, if needful, and so he nimbly scaled the bench, and with an undaunt- ed air of conscious self-respect, stood before them. The strangers, some half a dozen in number, all crowded around the young miner, who returned their looks with interest. He Saw that they were mostly young men, who had the appearance of being gentlemen, despite their soiled and tattered garments, That they were miners, he saw at a glance, and this fact still further reassured him. , “Well,” at length said Pet Pete, with a smile, ** what do you think of me?” “That you are not exactly the sort of man we ex- ected to see, but you are all the more welcome for hat. What is your lay—prospecting?"’ “No. Iam a fugitive from the Indians and from Joaquin’s band of cut-throats; and I have with me two women who arein thesame box. We have been hunting for their friends for nearly a week now.”’ “Their names—the women, I mean?” eagerly asked one of the men. ‘*Mrs. Hall and her daughter, who were—”’ **Who were stolen from an emigrant-train! Just so, and now give me your hand, old fellow, and pardon our suspicions. We know that you are all right, after all.’ ** What do you mean?” asked Pete, as the strangers pressed around, and rene greet him. “That we have met Mr. Hall, who is searching for these women, and he told us how they were lost.”’ uh ae did you see him? Was Ned with them?— quick!’ ** Ned—Ned who?” ““Ned Payson; he—” ‘Do you know anything of him? Is he alive and well?—thunder and blazes man, can’t you speak?” almost yelled the miner leader, “What! are you friends of his, who—”’ “Exactly—he became separated from us, and we have been hunting for him ever since,” “Well, I know that he was alive this morning. But what an idiotI am! HereI have heen gone a good hour, and they must be terribly alarmed. Do you think it will be safe for them up here?” ‘Not oe of us Dak woaey com pe oh pen came to the or crea y cr’ ohn Morford, as he had introduced hirase 8? But come, I will go with you, and help them up the hill.” This was quickly carried out, and the great sus- pense of the two women was dispelled at once when they realized that they were once more with friends, Food—rude but palatable—was furn them, and gratefully partaken of, after their fatigue and anxiety, and then their plans for the future were discussed. ‘ How af of them were there altogether?” asked Morford. ‘* Not over twenty each, if so ne ‘And you think that they had a fight?” ‘| know it, for we heard the shots.” “ Then they are less, as a matter of course, and I think we are good for the lot. Now Ned will as- suredly return, either alone or with assistance, and he must find us there. So I move we return to a short distance from. the place, and conceal the ladies, while two of us go ahead and reconnoiter.”’ “Aftersome little discussion this plan was finally agreed upon, and the descent was begun. The Women were once more placed on horseback, and Arkansaw J ack, of the Man- —e ee — +--+ 4 the little party proceeded as noiselessly as possible toward the treasure-cave, under lead of Finley. The hill entrance was chosen, for several reasons, and although the night was dark and cloudy, they experienced but little difficulty in reaching the desired spot. Leaving one man with the women, in charge of the horses, and with directions to flee directly for the spot where the two parties had met, in case of danger, the remainder, six in all, cau- tiously advanced and quickly gained the mouth of the subterranean cavity. They scouted actin | some little time, and then, satisfied that there were no enemies concealed near, bent over the hole, and listened intently for some moments. Then with quickly-beating hearts, they descended the steep plane, and stood upon the soft, sandy floor. Knowing the folly of bearing a lighted torch, and feeling confident of his ability to guide them through the darkness, Finley advanced first, closely followed by his new comrades with drawn weapons. At length there became faintly visible in the hazy distance the rays of a light, and advancing with increased caution, Finley soon perceived that it came from a couple of torches. Just at the euter line of light, the miners could distinguish the shapes of several ghastly-looking bodies, and the garments Sore were flung over their faces, told that they were ead. A little to one side crouched several men, one of them bending over a form clad in a bright-red shirt, and asthe torches flickered up more brightly, Pet Pete saw that it was that of his friend and comrade, Ned Payson. A low cry of horror broke from his tiga that attracted the attention of the watchers, who instantaneously glided out into the thick, murky darkness. “Who comes there?” uttered a strong, deep voice, yee by several clicks as of weapons being cocked. ‘Don’t flre—we are friends!’’ called out Finley. “Stop, or I fire! Who are you that claim to be friends?” “We are friends of that man lying yonder—Ned Payson, and also of Charles Hall.” “Then come forward where the light shines on you, but remember that a dozen pistole are ready if you mean treachery,’’ added the concealed yoice. The miners advanced as directed, and then, as if satisfied, the watchers came forward and met them. “Tg he dead?’ said Finley, crouching beside the motionless form of the young miner. “Thank God, he lives!’ and then his feelings overcame him and he wept aloud. “Where is Hall?’ asked Morford... ‘His wife and daughter are out yonder with one of our men,” “He has gone to search for them; but are they safe and well? How did it happen,and where did you find them?” eagerly queried the emigrant. The desired information was quickly given. and then one of the men was dispatched in quest of the father, while another undertook to bring up the two women. Peter found to his great joy that Ned had only been seriously stunned by the treacherous skot of his unseen foe, and that the bullet had only lanced from the side of his head, tearing the scalp earfully, but that there was no serious danger to be apprehended, hen Payson fell as if dead, Hall had called aloud for help, and rushed to procure another light. He felt some person dash past him and flee down the main passage of the cave, but he did not dare follow in pursuit, not knowing who or how many he would have to encounter, aud so the would-be assassin had effected his escape. For a few moments it was thought that the youn man had received his death-blow, and the emlerant leader was sorely puzzled as to what course to pur- sue. He disliked to abandon the man who had been of so much service to him and his, but then when he thought of the dangers that might still be threaten- ing those most dear to his heart, he left several of his men as guard, and set off with the remainder in the direction that the fugitives had been noticed to take, The hard, flinty ground gave out no indication as to whether the fugitives had taken that direction or no, but as it was the easiest and most free from obsta- cles, it would seem the course most likely to be chosen, And then it led into a deep, narrow defile, along which they unhesitatingly dashed. This was none other than the one alluded to so frequently, heretofore; the one where the little army of Arkansaw liad been annihilated, where Ned Pay- son had so narrowly escaped death, and the one leading directly upon the outlaw rendezvous. Then the sturdy emigrants emerged into the valley. Their approach caused not the slightest appear- ance of alarm, however, and although the white tents were still visible, and the fires still burned, there was not a living soul to be seen. The horses driven by Finley and his companions had indeed re- turned home, and alarmed at the occurrence, that was still further deepened by the sight of blood- stains upon two of the saddles, the remaining out- laws, with the women, hastily fled from the vicinity of the pass, further up the valley, where the could see any enemy who might chance to penetrate thus far in search of them, long enough before comin into contact with them to flee out of the way o danger. Hall and his men dashed through the encamp- ment and made a careful but hurried search, fin no trace, however, of those whom snes sought. Then they turned and slowly rode out of the pass back the way they had come, feeling heart-sick with SO many disappointments. Not very long after leaving the narrow defile, | Hall’s party was met by a single horseman, who | breathlessly announced the glad tidings, of the lost | women being found; that they were alive and well, 15 and -doubtless-at that very moment within. the treasure-cave, awaiting the return of their husband —father. ‘Ana then ensued a headlo 6, to see which one should be the first to grock tw for whom they had mourned as if for the dead. The entrance of the tunnel was quickly reached, and leaping from his horse Hall hed into the cave, and with a loud ery of poy was locked in the arms of his wife and daughter. It was a meeting that could not be described, because their rapturous emotion did not find vent in words. They embraced in silence and their tears of mutual joy fell mingled together. CHAPTER XII. CONCLUSION. WE cannot dwell at length upon the subsequent adventures of our friends, though they were by no means devoid of interest; but enough has been de- tailed to convey an idea of what life was at the gold mines of California, when the excitement had ained its hight, and when Joaquin pursued his loody work of retaliation and revenge. We have alluded to the conversation between Joaquin and his wife, Clarissa, and also one in which Luis Cardoza (or Dupuy) took a Mets And the service that Dupuy had rendered the outlaw mistress had emboldened her to broach a project. It was that he should assume Joaquin’s rank and name, while they should flee from the band and ful- fill their intention of abandoning their perilous life to live in their own country under assumed names. For reasons of his own, Dupuy consented, and thus it was the rea/ Joaquin that had fled with Clarissa, not Dupuy, as supposed. Their flight was successful, for Dupuy directed his men to search in every direction but the right one according to his understanding with Murieta, and the fugitives succeeded in reaching Sonora, where they settled down as peaceful stock-growers, and where they were yet living two years after his sup- posed death, in 1862. And may be yet alive, so far as the writer of this knows. It was Dupuy that led the outlaws at the cave, and when his men fled, had secreted himself within one of the side-passages, from whence he had = charged the murderous shot at his hated rival, Edward Payson, and then fled, returning to the eg where he almost met the party under all, ‘ f Thinking that his successful rival was dead, he started for San Francisco, but falling in with one of the sections of his band, could not shake them off without exciting suspicion, and once svuha peed the name and vole of Joaquin Murieta. me time about the first of August, 1852, his party fell in with the Rangers of Captain Harry Love, and Dupuy (J oaduin) and most of his men wereekilled. Dupuy’s head and the celebrated band of ‘‘ Three- d Jack ’’ (Manuel Garcia) were put upon exhibition at San Francisco. ‘ Sh a Among others who flocked to see the sight was Marquita Felix, the sister of ye first wife, Carmela, who closely scrutinized the me- mento, and then turned away with a scornful h, ing: " Bah ! ‘tis an impostor! JOAQUIN 18 NOT DEAD yer!” When Mr. Hall and his companions came to real- ize the vast extent of the treasure-cave’s ae number of them resolved to stay and work the. mine, instead of continuing their journey to Oregon. As Ned was one of the first discoverers, and unable to work, they set aside a portion for him, and at the commencement of cold weather all found them- selves rich, even beyond their utmost expectations. The Hall family, together with “Pet Pete and Georgia Ned,” then set out for San Francisco, where they arrived in safety, and not after- ward there was a grand double wedding, at which the two latter, Emma Hall and Carrie Lee were the princi parties. All their endeavors to find the wife of the ill-fated miner, John Allison, were ended by hearing of her death, and as she left no relations, either upon her own or her husband’s side, the golden treasure was divided between the two young ae As for Louis Dupuy, t me never knew what fate THE END. THE Sunnyside Library 1 LaLa Rooxu. By Thomas Moore............ 10¢ 2 Don Juan. By Lord Byron .. .... Seadds 2 +.. 20e 8 Parapise Lost. By John Milton ........ vores. 106 4 Tue Lavy or tHe Lake. Sir Walter Scott.... 10¢ 5 Lucite. By Owen Meredith... ............... 10¢ 6 UNDINE; oR, THN Warer-Sprrit. From German of Friederich De La Motte Fouque,... 10¢ For sale by all newsdealers, or sent, postage paid, on receipt of twelve cents for single numbers, double numbers twenty-four cents. ADAMS, VICTOR & CO., Publishers, 98 William street, N. Y.
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a Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. By E.L, Wheeler. b Yellowstone Sek! By Joneph E. Badger, Jr. 8 Keanaaa nee By Buffalo Bill, (Hon. W. F. Cody.) 4 The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Cuptain Mayne Reid and Captain Frederick Whittaker, & Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew, By Oll Coomes, Doable number, 10 cents. 6 BIN Biddon, Trapper, By Edward 8. Ellis. he Fly frankee. By Colone) Prentias Ingres, Seth Jones 3 or, The Captives of thr Frontier. By E, S, Ellis, Adventures of Baron Munchausen. Nat moras or, The Fate of the Sioux Captives. By E. 8. Ellis, The Two Detectives. By Albert W. Aiken, Gulliver's Travels. Brobdingnag., By Dean Swift. The Dumb Spy. By Oll Coomes. Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp. ‘The Sea-Oat. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. Robinson Orusoe. (21 aig: og? By Defoe. Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccaneer. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, Sindbad the Sailor. From the Arabian Nights, The Phantom Spy. By Butfalo Bill, The Double Daggers. By Kdwurd L. Wheeler, 1 The Frontier Angel. By Edward §, Ellis. 22 The Sen ~erpents or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe. By J. Lewis, 28 Nick o’ the Ni mes or, The Boy Spy of 16. By T. C. Harbaugh. 24 Diamond Dirk. y Colonel Prentisa Ingraham, 25 The ns | Captain, By Royer Starbuck. loof, the Buffalo Demon. By Edward L. Wheeler, 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. By Ol! Coomes. 28 Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol, By E. L. Wheeler, 29 The Dumb Page, By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 50 Roaring nalp Rockwood. By Harry St. George, 61 Keen-Knilfe, Prince of the Prairies.” By O)l Coomes. 82 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian, By Edward L. Wheeles 88 The Ocean Bloodhound, By 8S. W. Pierce. 84 Oregon Sol, By Captain J. F.C. Adama, 85 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval, By E, L, Wheelen 86 The Boy Clown, By Frank S. Finn. 87 The Hidden Ledge. By T. C, Harbaugh. 88 Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 89 Death-Face, the Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler, 40 Roving Ben. By John J. Marshall. 1 J By O}) Coomes, =] A Voyage to Lillput, and a Voyage to Soman ne mee SENAUhe KSC ween we 41 Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger, 42 The Phantom Miner. By Edward L, Wheeler. 48 Dick Darfing, the Pony Express Rider, By Capt, Whittaker, 44 Rattlin oie. By Harry St. Georgé. 45 Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator, 46 Glas« Eye, the Great Shot of the West. luck John, the Road-Agent. By Joseph E, Bade r, Jr. ‘ error. B ; ar rhe y Edware 50 Burt By C. E. Lasalle, 51 The Bo bee | or, 52 ite Bu 564 Ned It 1, the Boy Trapper, 5S “Eye, the Unknown Scout. By Buffalo Bill, Mea’ Pet. By Captain J. F.C. Adams. wood Dick’s Eagles. By Edward L. Wheeler, order King; or, The Secret Foe. By Oll Coomes, 59 Ola Micko ii E55 agi < 69 Gold Rifle the gg ome By Edward L. Wheeler, ZO Old Zip’s Cabin. z eptae JD F.C. Adains. 71 Delaware Dick, 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 0!) Coomes. 75 The Boy Duelist. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. By Albert W. Aiken. 77 Corduroy Ohurlie, the Boy Bravo. By E. L, Wheeler, 78 Ciue Diek. By Captain Mayne Reid, ¢ (2:01 Ginger, the Giant Trapper. By Albert W, Alken, 80 [Lonebud Rob. By Edward L, Wheeler. $1 }dghtning Jo, By Captain J. F. C, Adams. S82 Kit Harefoot, the Wood-Hawk, By T. C. Harbaugh, 88 Rollo, the Boy Ranger. By 01! Coomes. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner, By Edward L. Wheeler. 85 Buck Buckram. By Captain J, F. C. Adams. 6 Dandy Rock, the Mav from Texas. By G. Waldo Brown. 8ST The Land Pirates, By Captaiu Mayne Retd. 88 Photograph Phil, the Boy Sleuth. By E. Li Wheeler. 89 Island Jim. By the author of “ Jack Harkaway,” 90 The Dread Rider. By George Waldo Browne. 91 The Oaptain of the Club. By Bracebridge Hemyng. 92 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief. By E, L. Wheeler. 98 The Roy Miners, By Edward S. Ellis. 94 Midnight Jack, 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 Tuos. By George Waldo Browne. 100 Deadwood Dick In Leadvifle. By E. L. Wheeler. 101 Jack ~arkaway in New York. Bracebridge Hemyng. 102 Dick Dead-Eye. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 108 The Lion of the Sea. By Colonel Delle Sara 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device. By Edward L. Wheeler. 105 Old Rube, thesfiunter. By Captain H. Holmes, 106 Old Frosty, the Guide. By T. C, Harbaugh. 107 One-Eyed Sim. By James L. Bowen. 108 Daring Dayy, the Young Buar-KilJer. By H, St. George. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By E. L. Wheeler, 110 The Black Steed of the Prairies, By J. L, Bowen. 111 The Sea-Devil. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 112 The Mad Hunter. By Burton Saxe. 3118 Jack Moyle, the Young Speculator. By KE, .L. Wheeler, 114 The Black Schooner. By Roger Starbuek. 115 The Mad Miner, By George Waldo Browne, 116 The Mussar Captain. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 117 Gilt-Edged Dick. by Edward L. Wheeler. 118 Will Somers, the Bow D wetive. By Charles Morris, 119 Mustang Sam 4 or, The King of the Plains, By J, E. Badger. 120 The Branded Hand, By Frank Dumont. 181 Cinnamon Chip; the Girl Sport. By FE, L. Wheeler. 122 Phil Hardy, the B&Bs. Ry Charlee Morris. 128 Kiown Charley, the Wolte Mostinger. By T. C. Harbaugh. A69 Tornado Tom, 124 Tippy, the Texan. By George Gleason. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner. By Edward L, Wheeler. 126 Picayune Pete. By Charles Morris, 127 Wild-Fire, the Boos of the Road, By Frank Dumont, 128 The Young Privateer. By H. Cavendish, 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double. By Edward L. Wheeler 180 Detective Dick. By Charles Morrie. 181 The Golden Hand. By George Waldo Browne, 182 The Hunted Hunter. By Edward S$. Ellis. 188 Boss Bob, the King of the Bootblacka, By E,L, Wheeler, 184 Sure Shot Seth, By Ol! Coumes, 185 Captain Paul. By C. Dunning Clark. 186 Night-Hawk Kit. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 187 The Helpless Hund, By Captain Mayne Reid, 188 Blonde Bill. 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. 148 Sear-Face Saul, By Oll Coomes. 144 Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective. By Wheeler. 146 Silver Star, the Boy Knight. By 01] Coomes. 147 WIll Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. By Charlee Morris. 148 Sharp Sam. By J. Alexander Patten. 149 A Game of Gold. By Edward L. Wheeler. 150 Lance und Lasso. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 151 Panther Paul, the Prairie Pirate. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 152 Black Beas, Wi!) Wildfire’s Racer. By Charles Morris. 158 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. By Ol! Coomes, 154 The Sword Hunters, By Capt. Frederick Whittaker, 155 Gold Trigger, the Sport. By T. C. Harbaugh, 156 Deadwood Dick o Deadwood, By E. L. Wheeler, 157 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. By Charles Morris, 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado. By Buffalo Bil). 159 The Lost Captain. By Captain Frederick Whittaker, 160 The Black Giant. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 161 New York Nell. By Edward L. Wheeler, 162 Will Wildfire in the Woods, By Charles Morris, 168 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. By Oll Coomes. 164 Dandy Rock’s Pledge. By George Waldo Browne. 165 Billy Baggage, the Railroad Boy. By Charles Morris, 166 Hickory Marry. By Harry St. George. 167 Asa Scott, the Steamboat Boy. By Edward Willett, 168 Deadly Dash, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. By T. C. Harbaugh. 170 A Trump Card. By Charles Morris, 171 Ebony Dan. By Frank Dumont. 172 Thunderbolt Tom. By Harry St. George, 178 Dandy Rock’s Rival, By George Waldo Browne 174 Bob Rockett, the Boy Dodger. By Charles Morris, 175 Captain Arizona. By Philip 8. Warne. 176 The Boy Runaway. By Lieutenant H. D. Perry, U.S.N. 17? Nobby Nick of Nevada. By Edward L. Wheeler. 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. By Ol) Coomes. 179 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runwer, By Charles Morris. 180 The Sea Trailer, By Lieutenant H. D, Perry, U.S.N. 181 Wild Frank of Montana, By Edward L. Wheeler. 182 Little Hurricane, thy Boy Captain. By Ol] 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 Dumont. 186 Cool Deamond. By Colone) 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-o’-the-Wisp. By Lieut. Perry. 198 The Lady Rond-Agent. By Philip 8. 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. Harbaugh. 199 Featherweight. By Edward Willett. 200 The Boy Bedouins, By Capt. Frederick Whitaker. 201 The Black Hills Jezebel. By Edward L. Whedler. 202 Prospect Pete, of the Boy Brigade. By 01] Coomes. 208 The Boy Parda, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 204 Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit.. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom. By Edward L. Wheeler. 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. By Charles Morris, 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. By T. C. Harbangh, 208 The Boy Hercules. By O01] Coomes, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. 210 Puro Frank of High Pine, By William R. Eyster. 211 Crooked Oule. 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 Reins, By Col. P. Ingraham. 217 Captain Orack-Shot. By Edward L, Wheeler. 218 Tiger Tom, the Texan Terror. By Oll Coomes. 219 Despard, the Duelist. By Philip 8. Warne. 220 Tom Tanner, Scalawag and Scapegrace. By Chas. Morris, 221 Sugar-Coated Sam. By Edward L. Wheeler, 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 223 Ozark Alf, King of the Mountain. By Edward Willett. 224 Dashing Dick, By Oll Coomes. 225 Sam Oharcoal, the Premium Darky. By Charles Morris, 226 Snoozer, the Boy Sharp. By Edward L. Wheeler. 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper. By E. Emerson. 228 Little Wildfire. By Ol] Soomes, ee eee ee ee ee A. Be wi INS bate SE. Be ee + EE 229 Crimson Kate. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 280 The Yankee Rajah, By C. Dunning Clark. 281 Plucky Phil, of the Mountain Trail. By T. C. Harbaugh. 282 Gold-Dust Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler. 288 Joe Buck of Angels. By Albert W. Aiken. 284 Old Rocky’s * Boyees.” By Buckskin Sam. 235 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. By Charlee Morris. 286 Apollo Bil. By Edward L. Wheeler. 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain, By Col. Ingraham. 238 The Parson Detective, By Ol Coomes. 289 The Gold-seeker Guide, By Captain Mayne Rela, 240 Cyclone Kit. By Edward L. Wheeler, 241 Bill Bravo and His Bear Pards. By T. C. Harbaugn. 242 The Two * Bloods.” By Charles Morris, 248 The Disguised Guide. By Ol) Coomes, 244 Slerra Sam, By Edward L. Wheeler, 245 Merle, the Middy. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 246 Giant George. By Buckskin Sam. 247 Old Grizzly and His Peta. 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. Adama 252 Dick Dashaway. By Charles Morris, 258 Sierra Sam’s Pard. By Edward L. Wheeler. 254 The Half-Blood, By Edward §, Ellis. 255 Captain Apolle. By T. C. Harbaugh. 256 Young Kentuck. By Captuin Mark Wilton. £57 The Lost Hunters. By Capt, J, F. C. Adams. 255 Sierra Sam’s Seyen. By Edward L, Wheeler. 259 The Golden Harpoon, By Roger Starbuck. 260 Dare-Devil Dan. By Ol! Coomes. 261 Fergus Fearnaught. By George L. Aiken. 262 The Young Sleuths, By Charles Morrie, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Divide. By Edward L. Wheeler, 264 The Floating Feather. By Col. P. Ingraham, 265 The Tiger Tamer. 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. Wheeler. 269 The Gold Ship, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 270 Blizzard Ben. By Captain Mark Wilton. 271 The Huge Hunter. By Edward S. Ellis, R72 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. 277 Denver Doll. By Edward L. Wheeler, 278 The Three Trappers. By Major Lewis W. Carson. 279 Old Winch, the Rifle King. By T. C, Harbaugh. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 251 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 Colovel Prentiss Ingraham 285 Denver Doll's Decoy. By Edward L. Wheeler. 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfvot. By Capt. Mark Wilton. 287 Billy Blue-Eyes, By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 288 The Scalp King. By Cuptain J. F.C. Adama 289 Jolly Jim’s Job. By Charles Morris, 290 Little Foxfire, By Ol! Coomes. 291 Turk, the Ferret.’ By Edward L, Wheeler. 292 Sancho Pedro. By Major E. L, St, Vrain. 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper. By Captain Comatock. 294 Dynamite Dan, By T.C. Harbaugh. 295 Fearless Phil, By Edward Willett. 296 Denver Doll's Drift, By Edward L. Wheele.. 297 The Taruntula of Taos. By Bockskin Sam. 298 The Water-Hound, By Charles Morrie 292 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker, By Edward L. Wheeler, 800 The Sky Demon. By 0}! Coomes, $01 Li adville Nick. By Major E.'L. St. Vrain, 802 The Mountain Detettive, By T: 0, Harbaugh, 808 ’Liza Jane, the Girl Miner, By BE. L. Wheeler, 804 The Dead Shot Dandy. By Colonel Prentias Ingrabam. 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, Jn 811 The Roving Sport. By Edward Willett. 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prinee. By Maj. E. L. St. Vratn, 818 Cimarron Jack, By Frederick Dewey. 814 The Mysterious Marauder. By Col. P. Ingraham, 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy, | By Jack Farragut 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, By T. C. Harbaugh, 817 Peacock Pete. By Lieutenant Alfred Thorne, 818 Ker-whoop, Ker-whoo! » By Buckskin Sam, 819 The Black Rider. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, 820 The Sea Sorceress. By Jack Farragut. 821 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 Chas. Morris, 825 Kelley, Hickey & © Philadelphia, By Edward L. w eeler. OPE ATs, te Clonee of, q 826 Bill Blake, the Slayer. By T.C. Harbaugh. A New Issue Every Week. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all newsdealers, five cente per *opy, or sent by mai! on receipt of alx cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York.