Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 326) (1883 10 23)
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BECOND EDITION. ~~ peatatt lalallala ts! oe qs x A " Z E i} Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mail Rates, DLE AWD ADAMA OS MS SN TE SS TS AL TE © PS eR a ; = A A SES SS SE NN TS EET Sh em J s T PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price, Vol. XITI. ingle band aedideae No. 326. Number. No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. ERTS os Oe ; Fahy EV a Cr Ee AUTHOR OF ‘PLUCKY PHIL,” “ ARKANSAW,” “BILL BRAVO,” ‘‘CAPTAIN APOLLO,” “ CAPTAIN BULLET,” “(OLD FROSTY,” ETC., ETC, ° ~~. >. = == + “NO MAN;-COUNTS MY MONEY FOR ME!” CREED »LAKEK, DROPPING THE CARDS, BACKS UPWARD. ‘CAPTAIN QUARTZ. I AM HERE TO PLAY ANY GAME YOU WISH!”
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the warni 2 —_ The Ten Pards: The Terror of Take-Notice. A Tale of Northwest Colorado, BY T. C. HARBAUGH, AUTHOR OF “MOUNTAIN DETECTIVE,” “ OAP- TAIN BULLET,” ‘* BILL BRAVO,” ‘*‘ BUCKSKIN DETECTIVE,” ‘‘ ARKANSAW.” * OLD “WINCH,” “PLUCKY PHIL,” ~* “DANDY JACK,” ‘‘CAP- TAIN APOLLO,” , ETC., ETC. CHAPTER I, THE MAN FROM LEADVILLE. «Trem’s the elect I imagine, an’ a purty set ar’, too. Don’t I know ’em all as well as r mothers do? I wonder which one writ’ het notice? Daisy Doll I expect, ez he’s the hee td pard ov the bull lot, an’ the only one feel like treatin’ fairly. So this kentry b’longs to thom, eh? Wal, I’ve seen men badly fooled in my time, an’ I hevn’t lived very long, either. Jes’ look at thet notice, Ironclad! Doesn’t it stir yer ipnards with disgust?” a The sun was going down behind one of the many rough mountain peaks to be found in the ‘Northwestern corner of Colorado, and the man who had just spoken the words above faced a giant tree to which was fastened a piece of pa- per covered with poor writing and a variety of names, He spoke the truth when he said he had not lived many years. _ He was still on the sunny side of thirty, his face was tanned, his eyes were dark as mid- night’s gloom, and he had straight black hair an Indian. He did not wear garments that distinguished him from the men who pmarety frequent the mountain mines of the Great New West; they were principally buckskin without ornamenta- tion, and fitted his well-developed figure to a His. sole visible weapon was a rifle which he carried across the saddle, It was a fire-arm which had seen a grest deal of service, for it boasted of no polish, and in several places there ‘signs of rust, _ His horse was not the handsomest representa- tive of the equine family west of the Mississippi; he was gaunt of limb and somewhat Bb saaped, ‘ one looking at bim would have decided that the name Ironclad had not been misap- -**Them’s the saints ov this region!” exclaimed the man again, after a moment’s silence, ‘* T'Il ct _ the roll ag’in fer yer amusement, Iron- d roceeded to read alofid the following nd he C eo, which had been affixed to the tree before ik j = * “WALT, AN’ READ! } « truders, re an’ white, male an’ femal Pa aa kao away from. Take-Notice, ot , «are able to run things hyer with- pain 0. . ea h! on od *; help, an’ we've got ropes, bowies, an’ millets .." ail that disobeys t paper, We mean, ieneoets 6 ads thi woe to the fool that ur names ought ery body. Daisy Dott, ‘COLORADO PRINCE, sy —— cae, AWNEE Pere, ** Devi Heart, “Trump CARD, “Bowre B: irs AN, APTAIN QUARTZ, “Rocky Rupes.” Tt was an array of formidable names, and seemed, indeed, to suggest bowies, ropes, and bullets; but there was a twinkle of merriment in the eyesof the long-haired man while he read “_ ~~ it’s got more mean men in it to the squar’ foot than any town west ov the Missouri,". Wit ) g look of contemptat the warn- any one could ees. ma ; past the tree, and jose names pet ak The Ten Pards, | There wasao turning back in him, Three miles further on he came upon six littie log huts. Thoy stood in the shadows of the lofty moun- tains, for the sun had set by this time, and as he looked, there was suddenly borne to his ears the sound of boisterous laughter. He drew rein. and listened. “The Ten Pards ar’ enjoyin’ thémselves,” be said, ‘‘Ef we move along, Ironclad, we'll get thar in time to laugh at the story.” He urged his horse forward again, and when near the first shanty he heard an exclamafion of discovery, and the next instant he found himself in the midst of ten men. . Dark-f:ced and rougbly-dressed fellows they were, without a single exception, giants in stature, and ferocious-looking: enough to cow the bravest. : They seemed amazed at the mppearance of the person who had ridden so quietly into camp. sok hyer, stranger, didn’t you see the notice down the trail?” suddenly asked one. ‘*We are the daisies thet signed it. Ain’t we the purtiest mountain bouquet you ever sot eyes on?” The man in the saddle did not quail. If he had ridden into the jaws of death be had not done so unwarned, For a moment he seemed to study the faces beneath his; he returned the fierce looks with one of calm demeanor, and that when ten hands clutched the butts of as many revolvers. ‘* You saw the notice, but you wouldn’t turn back,” continued the spokesman of tbe Ten. ‘¢ Yer curiosity hez brought you to Take- Notice. By Jove! you've got the kind that sometimes kills the possessor.” There was a latent threat in the desperado’s language, and the man on the horse fixed bis eyes upon bim. ‘‘T read the warnin’, but I am here,” he said. ‘*1’m ready to play any game you propose, but my specialty is poker. How are you off for dust? His nonchalance disconcerted the Ten Pards of Take-Notice. They exchanged astonished glances, and a hurried whisper ran through the crowd. “Strap him first, jest to see how he kin play. He kin carry out the notice afterward,” they whispered. The suggestion seemed to take, much to the satisfaction of the man in the saddle, “We'll play you, pard,” said one. ‘“ Jes’ git down an’ open up yer dust shop. Since you've come to Take-Notice, we'll accommodate ye. Climb down an’ Jet’s at it.” The stranger’s eyes lit up with a gleam of joy, and he sprung to the ground with an ex- elamation of satisfaction. “| hevn’t hed a squar’ game for a month,” he declared. ‘I want you to pick yer best players, pards, fer l’m no slouch at poker, nor at unything else!” ‘ , He spoke the last words with a significance that might have attracted the attention of suddenly te | the suspicious; but they seemed to pass un- noticed. When he stood on the ground he was a person slightly above medium bight, but not the peer physically of one of the Ten Pards who watched hi ; m,. ““Whar’s yer ground?” he asked, ‘Produce the pasteboards an’ let us try our bands,” “Come this ee yer name?” ‘*Blake—Bill Blake,” was the reply. “ Whar you from?’ asked several, ‘‘ Late'ov Leadville.” : ** What’s become ov—” The man hesitated and then stopped alto- gant as if the glance of the leader of the Ten ad struck him dumb. j “T don’t know whar he is,” smi'ed Blake. “Thar’s a lot of people in Leadville I dun’t know anything about, an’ you fellers ar’ apt to be acquainted with more thar than I am.” There was no response to this, and a minute afterward the crowd reached a but across the threshold of whose open door the leader ne te * The night was warm and nota breath of air was stirring. There were myriads of stars overhead, but not the sign of a moon. “* We'll try it out byer,” said the rough, reap- pearing at the door of the but with a rough table about five feet long which he thrust for- ward hy ** It’s too hot in thar fer all ov us, an’ we kin play better hyer.” The table was placed on the ground and sev- eral torches were lighted and their ends stuck ‘ ys which had doubtless been tbat purpose before. eG -« MED 4 CR a ee ws Pards of Take-Notice gathered round the e. * Who's to play me?” asked Blake, * Bowie Bill and Captain Quartz, Show yer dust, pard, ef ye’ve gui any. 1t takes a pile to buck the tiger in Take-Notice.” Bill Blake turned to the horse which had fol- lowed him to the spot, and throwing up one of the skirts of the saddle, took from beneath it a wel!-filled leather wallet which contained not dust, out coin, It was but a stride from the horse to the table and he dropped the wallet npou the board with an air of triumph. ‘Cut fer deal—you an’ me fer it,” said Cap- tain Quartz shoving toward Blake a pack of cards which bad seen bard service. Blake did so and turned up the ace of spades. ‘*It war aces once before,” murmured Cap- tain Quartz tones that seemed to reach Blake’s ears for he started slightly. ‘ The highest always deals in Take-Notice; go on an’ fling the kerds.” The visitor picked up the pack and began to shuffle with a rapidity that arrested the Pards’ attention. Stopping suddenly, he handed them to Cap- tain Quartz to cut and then dealt them with the rapidity ot a monte sharp. ‘* What's the stakes to start with?’ he asked en.” Blake produced an eagle from the leather wallet and laid it on the table. Captain Quarts and Bowie Bill instantly covered it and the game proceeded. Directly behind Blake stood the horse that had brought him to the place, and the torches that burned with a steady flame lighted up the scene. Blake soon showed that he was no vovice , with cards; he played and bet with the cool- ness of an old blackleg and the men by whom he was almost compleiely surrounded discov- ered that their champions bad met their match. For an hour the game went on with varying fortunes, but Blake had the advantage. At last the excitement ran bigh. Captain pba with an oath which was a dare to lake, threw upon the table a bag of dust which he thought oversized his adversary’s pile. ‘*I go you a thousand beter,” observed Blake calmly. ‘‘Come here, Ironclad!” _ The horse moved forward and Blake turned quietly around and took from beneath the other saddle-skirt a wallet not unlike the one first produced. © ‘‘ Thar’s a bundred ’Frisco eagles in thet bag,” he said throwing it upon the stakes, ‘“‘ Raise me ef vou kin.” ie Captain Quartz’s eyes fairly flashed fire. Bowie Bill glided to his side,” ‘Bluff *im, cap’n!” be said in low whis With his eyes still fixed on Blake, Captain Quartz moved his tawny band across tLe table. ‘* We'll count it an’ see,” be said. 5 Instantly lightning seemed to dart from the visitor’s eyes. “i?” ‘* You count my money? ‘‘T’ve counted it myself—” ‘* We'll count it ag’in.” vet ; The hand of Captain Quartz fell upon the stakes as he finished, but, ce as the lightning’s tae and the Fead he. a I guess not!” be said. ° flash, it was knocked a $ C) oo aaetehe ch the ta Be -_ “No man courts my money for me!” cried Blake, dropping the cards, backs upward. ‘ Cap- bie } artz, 1am here to play any gume you w 8 ow - The dark eyes of Blake glowed madly, and he leaned far across the rough table flasbing their lightning glare into the des ado’s face without gercapas in bis hand nor the sign of one about $ person. All at once he* straightened and laid his left hand on his gold. “This ig mine until it bas been won from me,” he announced. ‘‘The man who attempts to count my eagles dies where be stands!” Captain ’g eyes seemed about to fly from his bead, and all eyes were upon him. “We'll play 'er through,” he said, biting bis nether li Euder his heavy mustache. “Show the hand you’ve been bettin’ on ef you dare.” Blake quietly turned up his hand and displayed four kings; Captain Quartz did the same reveal- ing a pair of aces and trays. The visitor with his eyes fixed on the despe- rado quietly raked in the stakes. ~ Pye won wy first viet "he said to himself. ‘‘I’ve cowed head lion in his deo. There are braver men here than Captain mpi but he’s got todie like the rest of them, en against one! I accept the odds.”
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CHAPTER II. ELUDING THE LIONS, MARVELOUS to relate, not a hand was raised against the man from Leadville as he stepped back to his horse, He seemed totally wWoarmed, yet the Ten Pards of Take-Notice could not believe that he had entered their midst in this manner. Seemingly regardless of danger he coolly re- turned the leathern wallets to their accustomed places under the saddle, he baving already transferred to his kets much of the dust won from Captain Quartz and Bowie Bill, and then mounted the horse, ‘* Goin’ off, eh?’ cried the captain, springing madly forward like a mastiff that had broken his chain, ‘‘ You’ve won more money in Take- Notice to-night than any other mun ever did. Have you forgotten what the warnin’ on the tree said?” Bill Blake must bave seen the cocked revol- ver clutched by the rough’s tawny hand. ‘Yes, I’m goin’ away,” he answered, almost defiantly. ‘‘1 didn’t agree to play all night.” “Why did you come hyer?—to fleece us?” ‘No. I play a fair game generally.” “Ginerally! Thet means thet you cheat sometimes,” growled Captain Quartz. **] play as fair as those who pit themselves ag’in’ me.” ‘‘Thet’s a lie! Thar war six kings in thet deck, but you had four ov ’em in yer last hand an’ |—” oo you had the other two up yer sleeve, ‘‘No, I hed three thar—four an’ three ar’ seven, they say.” Blake’s eyes twinkled half mischievously. ‘* Wal, cap’n,” he said, ‘‘ seven kings and six aces in one pack beats all I ever heard of!” “Six aces?” ‘*No more, no less, See here! thet war what I'd call a cold deck,” Captain Quartz’s friends were inclined to laugh at his discomfiture; but not so the captain himself. “By heavens! you don’t leave Take-Notice till I say go,” he hissed, covering the distance between himself and Blake by a single stride. ** You’ve cheated me out ov—” ‘‘How much?’ interposed the man from Leadville. ‘A thousand, at least. Make it all right, er by thunder I'll chaw you up!” “‘Whar’s yer list ov victims?” asked Blake, a down into the face of the irate desper- 0. “ll show you if you don’t make things even. I’m Captain Quartz, an’ I’ve killed more men than you've got fingers an’ toes. Shell out my thousand! I never stand on ceremony. This fe akeotor, my man, an’ don’t you forget t!” There was no reply. ; All present saw that a crisis was at hand. Captain Quartz stood at the saddle, the pic- tiire of rage, and ready to bring events to an encounter. ““Want your money back, eh?’ queried Blake. “I’m always willin’ to accommodate a uealer, an’. I’m afraid I wouldn’t sleep well to- night if I kept yours. A thousand you said it was ‘‘ About that,” snapped the captain, The man from Leadville bent over and lifted one of the saddle-skirts. A moment later he saeientoned up, holding one of the leathern wallets in his hands, “ About a thousand, you say?” he said, echo- ing Captain Quartz’s words, “This money came from the Leadville banks, an’ [ guess it’s right; but you shall count it yourself,’ With the last word, be suddenly lifted the wallet, and leaning forward as he completed the action, he delivered a lightning stroke which landed the thousand in gold squarely in Cap- tain Quartz’s face! The chief of the Ten Pards reeled away with blog een from a wound inflicted by the wallet. “There’s your thousand!” grated Blake, straightening himself again. ‘Now, gentle- men of Take-Notice, it that mean coward hasn’t got what he deserves, I’m here to give him ore. The crowd stood speechless, although several revolvers were drawn. Blake touched his horse’s flanks, but kept his eyes turned upon the hard lot while the animal bore him off. A sudden inp carried the crowd forward. The Pards of Take-Notice seemed to realize, suddenly, that a dangerous man was going to et away unscathed. The Ten Pards. “Keep off!” he warned, ‘I’m not as barm- less as J look. I don’t care a snap for the warn- in’ on the tree, an’ less than that for the men thet putit thar. Go an’’tend thet fellow yon- der. I think he couldn’t scent a mountain dais just now. But if you will fight, ’'m yer man.” He drew up his feet as he concluded, and in a flash the pards of Take-Notice were looking into the muzzles of two revolvers. The man from Leadville had drawn them from his boots! “ve got more right to yer lives, yer worth- less skunks, than any man livin’!” he continued, this time sending bis words at them between the revolvers, ‘Did you hear Cap’n Quartz say that it war aces once afore, when I turned the aces to-night? Idid. Have you men for- gotten when that time was? J have not!” The nine Pards looked amazed. “Forgotten it, eh? I thought so. I'll bet all my dust thet Cap’n Quartz will think of it when he recovers! I’m not the man to quit Take-No- tice because the skunks thet hung my brother want me te go !”* A startling exclamation burst from the crowd, ‘““War that chap yer brother?” asked a voice, ‘‘ My only brother at that. He was younger than me by ten years, I came too late to the fatal spot. You were the Pards ov Gold-leaf Valley then; now you have givem a new handle to a town in Colorado, an’ say death to red or white who invades it. I am byer—I, Bill Blake, the brother of the boy you hanged because he held four aces. I’m tempted to let loose on ye with my pistols. I’ve got you at my mercy, men of Take-Notice! One of ye stirer lift a hand, and I'll send ye to jine the pards gone before.” Covered as they were by the outstretched re- volvers of the avenging brother, the nine des- peradoes recoiled instead of advancing. ‘*T didn’t come b¥er to kill to-night, I want- ed to muke certain of you first; I wanted to see that you war all hyer, fer I wouldn’t take the life of. an innocent man for the world. You're all hyer. Justice hez spared ye all fer me! You may post a thousand warnings; they can’t frighten Bill Blake. Good-night, men, Hant me, 1 wish you would, for I swear in the sight of Heaven that I am here to kill the Ten Pards of Take-Notice!” A cry of madness and defiance was the reply. “Now, Ironclad!” said Blake to his horse as he touched him with the spur, and when the roughs reached the spot where they expected to meet the intruder, they saw him not, and heard only the galloping of bis horse, In a second, as it were, he had passed beyond the light of the torches sticking in the logs of the cabin. A set of madder men than the desperadoes of Take-Notice never listened to the sound of hoofs before. “Gone! slipped through our fingers like an el!” hissed Bowie Bill. ‘* What does the warn- in’ amount to if we fail to’tend to the first man who has disobeyed it? Thet man, the youn booby’s brother we hanged last year? He’ give us trouble if we don’t bunt ’im down at once,” By this time Captain Quartz had recovered sufficiently to gain his feet, He came forward with blood-shot eyes, swol- len face, and almost bursting from madness. “Whar is he? Show me the man what gave me back my thousand dollars with the interest of blood.” ‘* He’s gone, cap’n.” Carpaie Quartz stood stock-still, ‘‘Did he say who he war afore he went off?” he finally demanded. “Yes, He’s the brother ov the lad thet held the aces on you last summer.” ‘* He is?” ‘¢Thet’s what he said,” * He’s huntin’ vengeance, then?” “That's about the size of it!” “ This is a boss field fer it,” ground the cap- tain. “There ar’ ten ov us an’ we all heda bend, in the boy’s takin’ off. Hello! Daisy 0 to it ez ye did to the other notice. Make it strong—strong enough to hurt. By the dternal 3 stars! Take-Notice is goin’ to win in this game ov human hearts.” Daisy Doll promised to draw up the document requested. “Do it to-night—now!” ordered Captain Quartz. “Til give you my veins fer an Ink- bottle ef ye say so. Go to yer sbanty an’ fix it up right away. I want to post it under the warnin’ before daylight.” Daisy Doll did not reply but walked away, and entered one of the half a dozen log buts that constituted Take-Notice. He was the handsomest as well as the youn- gest of the ten big men of the mountain den, “Another document,” he ejaculated. ‘‘I could surprise my pards with a revelation that would almost lift them off their feet, but let it go. It would be worth my life to let the secret out at this stage of the game, I have kept it for a year, an’ I will keep it until I see what is likely to be the teome of Bill Blake’s blood- hunt. Yea, Li ito the notice, captain, but it will not scare ¢..y bods,” He at once botook *!=self to the task to which he bad been assigned, and a few minutes later roduced a paper cahichy Captain Quartz would ave pronounced “ strong.” Daisy Doll read it aloud to see how it would sound, ‘‘ Who is that expected to scare?” said a voice that startled him. The young giant of Take-Notice sprung to the door that stood open and rushed out, ‘* Who asked me that questinest he queried while he stood in the starlight with his hand on his revolver, ‘ You needn’t be afraii ov me. V’ll answer ye squarely. ef ye’ll show yerself,” ‘1'll trust you for once,” came the reply and the next moment there stepped to the giant’s side a girlish figure at which he stared like a man in a maze. “Do I frighten you?’ asked a silver-toned voice. ‘* Why, I’m not half as big as you are.” Daisy Doll found his tongue at last. ‘**] know that, but, my God! where did you spring from?” ‘Bee here! I’m asking questions, not answer- ing them,” was the quick reply. ‘‘ You said ou would tell me who you wrote that notice or. Now keep your word like a man,” iE ee grt borne ae yy more orang =e map, perbaps, but especia or a chap who calls bimself Bill Blake.” : . ‘« Bill Blake?” echoed the girl. “Did you ever bear of bis brother Ned?” Daisy Doll caught the girl’s arm. ‘What do you know about Ned Blake?” he cried, ‘‘ Why he’s the boy—” The young giant paused abruptly as though on the verge of disclosing a secret. ‘‘Hol you needn’t stop,” laughed the girl, “‘Ned’s the one you hanged last summer, thought you knew him. Daisy Doll, I advise you and your pards to look out for Ned Blake's ghost,” and breaking from the giant's grip the strange girl disappeared in the darkness, CHAPTER II, LASSOED AND LOST, Daisy DOLL stood amazed and speechless for a minute on the — where the girl left him. ‘“Who is she? hat does she want byer, an’ whar did she come from?” he suddenly exclaim- ed. ‘I’ve lived byer fer a year an’ I never heard ov her afore to-night. Ned Blake’s ghost, eh? We've got to look out for it, she says, The one thet just left Take-Notice called himself Bill Blake. He war no ghost, but flesh an’ blood. But thet gal? She puzzles me, an’ I’m goin’ to diskiver swam he hy her ef I can.” The youngest of the Pards re-entered the cabin and bid under bis buckskin jacket the second warning he hed written at Captain Quartzlgrequest, then, ee an additional re- volver t6 his equipment, be left the place and moved away in the direction taken by the girl. ‘That gal struck me favorably,” he mutter- ed. ‘“She’s been hyer some time, fer didn’t she osu ~~ Daisy Doll ez though we had met afore Five minutes later the man from Take-Notice had the cabins at his back, and he stood among the gloomy shadows of the mountains, but he had not found the one he sougbt. l at once a noise likea buman foo sounded on his ears and he instinctively laid h hand on his revolver. “‘Somebody’s out yonder,” he muttered to himself, ‘I’ve lived lon onoage to tell a bar’s step from a man’s. Mebbe Bill Blake’s prowlin’ around yet, not satisfied with what he did at Take-Notice cues, sen Daisy Doll perfectly still for five min
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4 utes, at the end of which time he strode impa- tiently forward. ‘* Might ez well settle it one way er the other,” he growled, ‘Ei the prowler ar’ out thar I'll stir’im up. [ve stirrcd man an’ beast afore.” Daisy Doll thought he knew the precise spot from whence the noise had emanated; two lengthy strides carried him almost to it. “That’s far enough, Daisy,” was said, and a sia, = dropped upon the giant’s shoulders, he desperado started back, but the lasso in- stantly tightened, and he was almost jerked off his feet. .- “ Remember last summer’s work!” was hissed in his ears. “‘Daisy Doll, the doom of the Pards of Take-Notice bas been spoken. Now, Rainbow, do your duty!” ' Before the giant could wonder who Rainbow wag, be was thrown violently to the ground and the next instant was being dragged over: it without the least show of ceremony. “My God! I am to be dragged to death at the heels of a horse!” passed through his mind as he clutched the hairy azo with both hands and tried to prevent it from choking bim to death, ~ The lassoer had not spoken since his words to Rainbow, which was undoubtedly the name of the dumb executioner, and Daisy Doll of Take- Notice found himself pulled over the mountain trail which was by no means a marvel of smoothness, He clung for life to’ the rope which he could not break; his only hope was to keep it from choking bim, and retain his senses until the oe hat whoever he was, should reveal him- Daisy Doil knew the trail over which he was being dragged. It led toward the summit of the mountain, but far below the treeless peak itself it reached its highest level from which point it descended toward the valley on the other side of the mountain. In several places the trail ran along the very edge of precipices that overlooked deep abysses, pen nto Doll shuddered as he thought that he might fall over the verge, and the lasso cut by the rocks burst in twain, sending bim down toa most horrible doom, ‘The giant kept the terrible cord from choking him to death, and harbored as best be could bis energies for an encounter with his merciless captor when it should please him to draw rein va look at a victim. ; ee , 00 up the mountain went the horse, drag- ging Daisy Doll at his heels, and tearing the young giant’s garments to shreds. ' * By beavens! my time will come,” grated the desperado, ‘‘I will come out of this tussle on top an’ the stars shall shiue on Daisy Doll’s v afore dawn, not on yours, Bill Blake.” f _ The man who had lassoed Daisy Doll was Bill Blake, then—the cool fellow who bad played a e of cards with Captain Quartz in Take- otice, and then knocked him senseless with a “—— golden eagles. is what the giant Pitts ‘‘ Hyer’s the edge ov the cliff,” muttered the captive. “JT wish Bill Blake would stop hyer el. Ae me a chance. Thar ’d be fun ef he oblige me in this.” _ At that instant to Daisy Doll's surprise the horse stopped for the first time since his cap- be giant Jay on his back sore in every joint d with bis flogers clutching the rope he had from his throat. | He heard somebody alight on the ground as if he had sprung from a saddle, and a figure came toward him. _ “My time will come now,” murmured Daisy Doll. ‘ He will see if it kills a mam to lasso him and drag him over the mountain. I’m worth a dozen deadmen yet, lam. Hat byer you ar’.” 1e Doll saw the figure of a man stoop over him, and holding bis breath he sbut bis eyes. A hand in fingering the rope touched bis throat and the eager desperado al:nost betrayed ‘uimself by starting. ~ » “This is the first one,” said the lassoer, as he the noose over the giant’s head. * The other nine will follow him in rapid succession. ‘The oath Ihave recorded in heaven I will keep ‘to the letter. Take-Notice, as they call their Pe. shall become the abode of mountain owls. ‘not mistaken. This one is Daisy Doll, . st guilty one of the Ten, but I had to be- tery 1d dt might as well be him.” | - and was slipped beneath the front of the giant’s age now edal | “3 * fer heart, eh? It will betray me. in a second. I must work!” ve |-world. ov gold: 90. not fer— The searching hand was on the point o covering that life still remained in Daisy Doll’s breast, when the giant’s arms flew upward and in oe twinkling of an eye encirled the lassoer’s neck! ‘‘Ym no corpse!” grated. the giant, as he struggled to his feet despite the lassoer’s efforts to break loose. ‘I bold the trump cards just now, my mountain snake, How do you hke yer prospects just at this minute? Goin’ to ex- terminate the Ten Pards ov. Lake-Notice, eb? Thet’s what you said, I b’lieve.. It’s ruther un- fortunate thet ye begun on me—don’t you think sof If the journey over the mountain.trail at the end of a lasso bad bruised Daisy Doll, revenge made him forget his svreness and gave him strength. He bad succeeded in finding his enemy’s throat in the uncertain light, and it was not his intention to spare. ‘* I don’t look much like the first victim now, do If’ continued the Colorado giant, seeing that the other did not’speak. ‘‘I hold all the aces in the deck, an’ you might as well toss up yer hand, You needn't talk. I.don’t want words, fer I mean bizness, You have just called me the Jeast guilty ovall the Ten. .Mebbe I am, because I went back a/terward an’ did you a good turn. Still, [am to die with the rest ov em. Wal, we'll see.” Daisy Doll forced bis caplive to the very edge of the trail, Below it was an abyss of darkness which no eye could penetrate. ‘Jump!’ said the giant suddenly releasing the Jassoer’s throat and stepping back a few inches. ‘ T’ll count five for you, my snake. If you stand thar when I finish I'll throw you ez far from the trail ez 1 kin!” -Bilence followed Daisy Doll's last words. He could see bis enemy’s slight, boyish figure, a great contrast to his ow, and marked that no more than two feet separated it from the edge of the precipice. “« You'll never git to settle with Take-Notice, I’m thinkin’,” suddenly blurted Daisy Doll. ‘The other one war thar to-night, but we'll git the drop on him afore long... It doesn’t pay to buck ag’in’ the pards ov Tuke-Notice. We kin eucher the devil out ov his own. Now, Pve said my say; hyer goes fer the countin’, One—” ; Daisy Doll paused suddenly for the person on the edge of the cliff bad raised his band, “Say yer say,” said the giant; ‘“‘but be quick about it,” ‘‘T bave buta word. I hate you all!” ““T know that,” ‘I have sworn to rid the world of the Ten Pards of Take- Notice.” “ But you don’t expect to now, do youf” “The oath will be fulfilled!” ‘You're a fool!” cried the giant. ‘‘ Why ouw’re standin’ now on the edge ov a trai that overlooks what we call the Valley ov Death, You’re goin’ to leap into the dark when I give the order. Mebbe you don’t ex- pect to fulfill the oath yerself.” ‘| will keep it to the letter!” A cold, derisive laugh broke from Daisy Doll’s throat, “Pye seen fools afore, but. you take the cake!” he exclaimed, *‘ You talk likea lunatic, too, Thar’ll be buzzards to-morrer whar you strike to-night, an’ in the Valley ov Death you end yer trail with the Ten Pards ov Take- Notice all safe an’ sound. I won’t listen to any move ov yer palaver. Grit yer teeth an’ jun) before I count five. One—two—three—four— Daisy Doll held in bis breath and started to- ward bis oath-bound enemy. . He was going to keep his word. and hurl him from the cliff if be did not jump of bis own ac cord at sound of the fifth numeral. ‘¢ Five!—jump! er be thrown off!” suddenly thundered the giant. The avenger retreated.a step and then disap- peared from Daisy Doll's sight so suddenly that the giant recoiled with an exclamation of hor- ror. “T paid ‘im back fer lassoin’? me!” he said. “The gal told..me to look out fer Ned Blake’s ghost.. Mebbe I’ll hev to hereafter,” and the speaker Jaugbed, “re . Then he leaned over the cliff and listened, with every sense on the alert, _ “He went cl’ar down; I can’t hear a sound,” _hejsaid, “I wouldn’t hey thet,tumble for a y God! am I i f eape, Nearaba words ring from ry ~, 3 Ss. 4 , The edge bf the cliff had given way beneath i goi aS) rig oN DM ten rhe — - ates —t his chest, and with horror at his heart, he wae trying to save his life by clinging to the fickle ground, It was a moment of horror! The giant did not speak again. More than half of bis bcedy bung over the dark abyss, and be was struggling with all his might to draw bimself up again, No man in a similar situation ever worked so hard before, ., ¥ , The young giant of Take-Notice did not want to follow the person he. bad just forced over the brink. ‘‘Who’s doin’ all this tusslin’f? suddenly called out a voice above him, and Daisy Doi) saw a figure between him and the stars. “Lam. Give me a lift, pard, an’ J’ return the compliment some day.” ‘¢T can’t. till I know you.” ‘¢ I’m Daisy Doll, of Take-Notice camp.” ‘‘'You ar’? You one of the Ten Pards down ” “Then, by, heavens! I'll belp you to the bot- tom of the Valley of Death!” s The next instant a clinched hand struck the desperado in the face; but be clung to the cliff. Again and again tliat hand smote as madly as it could, until, with an outlaw’s curse, the mountain giant. broke bis grip, and fell! CHAPTER IV. THE HUNT FOR DAISY DOLL, “(War's Dui-y? Thet’s what puzzies me,” ‘* Ait he in the shanty ¢’ ‘He's gone, revolvers an’ all, fer yerself, Bowie.” “T’ ] take yer word fer it, cap’n.” “No. { want you to be saticfied: Foller me,” Bowie Bill strode after the burly form of his friend and companion, Captain Quartz, and did not halt until he stood beyond tbe threshold ey the sbanty that partly belonged to Daisy oll. * He’s not byer, cap’r—that’s cl’ar ez day. Look at that couch; he didn’t touch it last bight.” “¢Thet’s what I thought when I looked in byer ten minutes ago. I sent him byer to draw uj: a notice to be posted under the one be wrote afore, an’ thet’s the last I’ve seen ov Daisy. Mebbe he went off to post the notice, an’ stag- ered ag'in’ the +kunk what came to Take- otice last night. I never thought of thet afore,” Captain Quartz left the cabin and started off at a rapid gait. “Tl go with you, cap’n,” ssid Bowie Bill. “It strikes me thet we men ov Take Notice hev got to stick close together from now on.” Neither of the men stopped until both stood in front of the tree that beld the warning pub- lished in our first chapter. It was alone. “I'm stumped!” ejaculated Captain Quarts, “Daisy never took such a shoot afore, How does it strike you, Bowie!” Bowie Bill, a man of few words, did not re Go an’ look Ye . Ply, Give me an opinion ov some kind, I want it!” snid the captain. ““Tve got none.” ** You hevn’t, eh?” “T hevn’t.” “T hev, an’ it’s to the effect thet Bill Blake ot the drop on Daisy Doll. Back to Take- otice! ell rouse the boys an’ play the bloodiest band thet warever played in this ken- try. Don’t I owe him one fer last night’s work? lt isn’t every man thet kin get knocked down with a thousand in gold; but I don’t boast ov a fact, Bowie, We go back to camp from yer. ‘ : Captain Quartz whirled on his be] with the last word and led Bowie Billa mad race back to the mountain camp. ‘No playin’ now!” be cried, burstirg in upon a number of men who were gambling in one of the six huts. ‘Bill Blake bas got the drop on Daisy Doll.” : The gemblers were on their feet in a moment. “Whar is he?’ asked the men in cborus. ‘¢ Show us Bill Blake the card sharp’s brother.” “‘ We've got to find him, but we’ll doit an- swered the captain. ‘“ We war fools fer lettin’ him git away last night, but. mebbe we couldn't belp it—I don’t Know. The snake hez crept in- to Take- Notice, an’ we’ve got to crush it. It’s n ag’in’ one, an’ we kin. Boi Seog You're countin’ Daisy Doll, JP “Ten, cap’n? ain’t our 7 ; “No. I’m two men now.” * In the early dawn of another rare summer
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* ee day the wire men stood in front of the cabin armed to the teeth and eager to begin the work of revenge, They ail believed that the missing man had fallen into Blake’s hands, and they mentally s‘vore that the avenger should not ‘boast of his v.ctory isng. ‘** Srike the trail while it’s fresh—that’s what IT -ay.” said Captain Quartz, and leaving no one \-a camp, away they went toward the moun- ey, Dil fate guide them to the trail over’ which w+ bave seen Daisy Doil dragged at a Lorse’s heels, ‘Lassoed, by thunder!” exclaimed the vronz-d leader of the nive. ‘‘ Look! hyer ar’ pieces ov his'clcthes—torn off by the rocks an’ roots, I didn’t think Bill Blake would take that turn on ’im, but it’s ez plain ez day to me, boys. Poor Daisy! but we'll make it hot fer the white- livered dog.” The trail was easily followed and the Pards of Take-Notice pushed rapidly on with weapons ready for any emergency it fingers itching to work the triggers. * Halt! we're byer!” said Captain Quartz, and the company at his back stopped on the spot of the parting of Daisy Doll an’ his las- soer. “Hyer’s whar the gams war played out.” And the speaker pointed to the broken ledge of cliff which silently told a story ter- rible enough to make them shudder, . Captain Quartz knelt and looked down the almost perpendicular wall. The Valley of Death lay beneath’ him, with the sunlight upon its rich grasses and little spots of greeu Here and there. ‘“ [| see'su’tbin’ away down yonder,” he said over his shoulder to his anxious companions, **{t looks like aman, an’ I can’t see it move, either.” **Mebbe it’s Daisy.” “By my soul! [ hope not. go down an’ see,” Captuin Quartz rose and hurried up the trail, The plac? was not new to him, and he found a narrow trail that seemed to lead down to the valle a “Te it ar’ Daisy, be’s wiped ‘clean out,” he murmured as he picked his wav down, ** Woe to Bill Blake! We'll make this kentry too hot to bold him... We—” ‘*Hait, Captain Quartz!” At sound of the command, the chief of the men of Take-Notice drew back with his hand at bis revolver, and'stared at the person who had ujtered it, it was a young girlnot more than seventeen, vith a sylph-like fizure, oval face, and the blockest eyes imaginable, : ‘ She wore a braided’ buckskin frock that res ched to below her knees, and ber leggings.of the same*material touched @ pair of dainty moccasins, ) There was. something romantic and striking in the girl’s appearance, but Captain Quartz did not note ber beauty, so astonished he was. ** Halt, must I?” he-said. ‘ Who are you, an’ why mast Cap'n Quarts obey you?” A smile wreathed the 5 at lips. ‘There are two men down yonder,” she said, sending'a rapid glance down the trail. ‘‘ You wight not fare very well if you went all the waydown, “Whoam If lf I told you, you: would not know, Captain Quartz. Cali me White Leaf, if youmustname me, That is my Indian name.” ; “But you're a white girl.” ‘You enn see that, then?” Ov course I kin. The other day I found a bouquet in the mountains, and I wondered who put the flowers together. It was you?” “Maybe so, Captain, I don’t want your life, bat you might lose it by keeping on. Go back! . Your comrades are up yonder. I say there are = men where you saw but one from the cite.” ; ‘1 don't care ef thar’s a thousand. I’m Cap’n Quartz, girh” And Captain Quartz can be a fool,” was the answer, «‘*Go back!” ‘\ Never!” ’ ‘ The girl stepped resolutely into the captain’s” th. me You shall not go down yonder,” she de- clared.- ‘tI may have an interest in one of the two men in the Valley of Death. If you wil) o back I promise you that Daisy Doll, as you Stay byery I'll all him, will see Take Notice again.” “Hal you don’t want me to see the other party—that’s) it, White Leaf? Don’t I know thut it’s Bill Blake? They tumbled off the cliff \ | shotva look of dark dis He took a step forward with bis mad eyes fixed on the girl. “Il do it if you make me!” she said sternly, | and the captain found bimself covered by a revolver. ‘'You hold your life in your own hands, I don’t want it. It is not mine to take, but by the heaven above us! if you advance another step toward the valley I’ll send a bullet through your brain!” ; The tone in which White Leaf’s words were spoken checked the captain’s onward move- ment. He ground his teeth behind bis bloodless ips. Re I kin go’ up to the boys an’ fetch 'em down hyér in less than ‘ten minutes,” be said, ‘er I kin signal ’em to come down.” ‘ ' “You may go back and tell them, but a signal will make me press the trigger. Go back!” “By Jovet I will!” flashed) the man from Take-Notice, ‘* We'll all be down hyer shortly, an’ we'll find the two men you talk about, Is Daisy Doll dead?” “You shall see!” ‘Pll go back an‘ get the boys.” Captain Quartz turned bis back on the re- volver that menaced him, and returned up the | trail. | **She’s a dandy, au’ thar war ‘shoot’ in her eye,” he said to himself. ‘Things ar’ gittin’ interestin’. Two men down yonder? tts pst bard to guess ‘who they ar’, One’s Daisy an’ t..e other is Bill Blake.” Captain Quartz soon disappeared from the | girl in the trail, and a few minutes later he ap- | peared suddenly to the eight’ bronzed men on | the trail above. **Come! I’ve found Daisy an’ Bill Blake, too!” | he exclaimed. Tne nine went down the narrow path pell- | mell together, and burst like a cyclone into the | Valley of Death. **Hyer’s Daisy!” exclaimed Bowie Bill, balt- ing — a man who lay in the grass, *‘ Whav’s i Daisy Do)\’s eyes flashed. “Tm sorry to sey youre five minutes too late, boys,” he said, ‘ ’ ‘**'Toolate? no!” cried Captain Quartz. * But you ar’. The gal holds the best hand thus far!” The retort was a score of curses, CHAPTER V. ' AN INTERRUPTED DUEL. Captain Quartz and bis pards looked sorely disappointed notwithstanding the fact that they had found Daisy Doll alive, White Leaf. the girl, had removed the other tenant of the Vatlev of Death before they could finish bim with their revolvers, “ Hang me if 1 know how I got down hyer alive,” said the young giant, ‘‘1,war lookin’ over the trail up thar last night tryin’ to hear suthin’ ov the chap I bad sent before me when all at-once ‘the»ground begun to give way an’ partly over I went. But I got a grip on the earth thet war. pretty firm, an’ might bev. crawled up ef I bedn’t been knocked loose by a | mean skunk what come along just then.” ‘*Who war he?” ‘*Who but the hound thet hit, Cap’n Quartz. | last nigot!” - Not Bill Blake?” exclaimed the captain him- | self. | ‘© Then who did you send-over the cliff?’ Daisy Dolbsmiled knowingly. . ““Thet’s a secret I'd like to keep fer the pre- sent,” he said. The nine Pards exchanged looks of amaze- ment. ‘*f don’t like secrets among us,” said Bowie | Bal “What one ov us knows ther rest hev a claim to.” : ‘‘Mebhe so,” said Daisy Doll, balf-defiantly. “Tl eallit my secret .any how, an’ keep it fer awhile.” “ Thet’s not frir.” “ Fair er not, | keep it—thar!” Daisy Doll’s lips sbut firmly behind his deci- sion, and from under Bowie Bill’s black loshes easure, — The two Pards had never been the best of | friends, probably because their natures were — ; Move. “Tt warn’t nobody else,” | s 5 ‘“{ never knowed what saved me till day- me up at the cliff far above the little valley, ‘‘When thet bound broke my hold last night, I shut my eyes an’ gave the bull thing up. Why not? Ail at once I struck suthin’ thet seemed to bend with me, an’ then I knowed nothin’ more till I opened my eyes byer in the grass, her Sig 3 yonder ’s a tree growin’ aut from the ban struck its top an’ it bent with me enough to let me,off thar whar the wall slopes; then I must belies to the grasshyer. Thar war noother wav fer me.” But the fellow you pushed off?” “IT didn’t push him; be jum ov his own accord,” answered’ Daisy Doll, with a grim smile. ‘‘I guess the tree helped him the same way, fer when I got to lookin’ around | saw ’im lyin’ in the grass about forty yards eff, with his eyes upturned toward the trail ez ef he expected to see some One up thar.” ‘* An? the gal took him off?” “ Yes=-on a boss,” Captain Quartz ground his teeth, : ‘‘Sbe got ther drop on me when T didn’t hev any idea thar war a gal like ’er within fifty mile ov me,” be grated. ‘But just wait. Men ov Take-Notice, we’re in fer a tussle with some- body besides Bill Blake, fer Daisy “hyer ac- knowledges thet thar ar’? two men in the trouble, an’ one ov ‘em be won’tname,” —— B wie Bill) thrust Lis lead toward the sp: aker's right shoulder, » “nity a'sil od » We'll make bim talk ef you give the wink, cp’n” be said in low whispers. ‘Say the v ord, an’ Daisy will tell the tuth atore we Gaptain Quartz made no reply. * an Ai’ you afraid, cap’n?” continued Bill. » At tbat moment Daisy Doll caugbt the whis- perer’s eye, and noted his position. “y * Hyer, Pawnee, help me up,” he said to one cf the nine. *‘ Thar! now hold mea minute- thet’s the way.” , t He bad not taken his eyes from Bowie Bill for a second. nw as rc de Quartz, toss up a dollar ef you hev one,” e said. ‘Tails fer Bowie; heads fer Tne desperadoes looked astonished, and Cap- tain Quartz besitated. : ‘Toss ter up! It’s bound to come some time, a tussle twixt Bowie an’ me, an’ what’s the usé ov ote we time?” dered. Bowie Bi re Yes!’ almost thunde owie Bill, ad- vancing a stride, ‘Toss up the oa ‘Sy heaven! I'm ready to bunt for the heart be Pard thet keeps a secret from the men ov e- Neon Throw the silver toward the sky. ails, I choose weapons; heads, he doer,” 9 - The two Pards stocd face to face, reareely ten feet apart. : pollo Althougb Daisy Doll bad not reeqvered from his wild adventure of the previous night, and his face wes.white, he no longer rayne Li port from Pawnee Pete’s wr alee frame; (but stood erect with a look that was a chal to his rival. mot? tl BOGS ‘Ef you will fight, Pll toss the dollar up,” said Captain Quartz. ny oaths gs ‘ Fight it is!” was the response, ‘Up with the htgh ib ‘ e, Captain Quartz stepped back a pace with a bright, new American silver dollar in bis band, ‘ Puir play, cep'p,” said one of the bronzed sy: clators. * Give it the spin when you Tet it * rath dg me.’ LO ., The next moment the piece was sent spin- vi g into the air and quickly dropped) he trempled grass before the ncuntain Lpeds = The whole crowd bent forward to weg del sult. ‘tg “You've won, Bowie,” said Daisy Doll, rising and catching Bowie Bill's flashing and: trinm- phant eyes. ‘“ Wheat is ity” (eviie pr ‘“This!” and there leeped from tbe sheath that rested on the speeker’s hip a bowie” mighty length of blade bad given the owner his name—Bowie Bill, ? Never was the choice of weapons accepted with more alacrity than at that time. | “J am with you!” shot Daisy Doll from be-. tween clinched teeth, and a second later the toes of the roughs almost touched as they stood face to face armed with the steel blades of the mountain frontier. (* orca They looked like medern gladiators, each man a giant in stature, broad-chested and un- couth, but not unhandsome, for nature bad given them magnificent physiques and clear, lack eyes. de ee
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6 The lookers-on stepped back and formed a ring around the men. ‘‘T'll give you one chance, Daisy,” suddenly said Bowie Bill, “I don’t ag A want yer blood. We ar’ citizens ov Take-Notice, an’, to tell ther truth, we oughtn’t to be byer with bowies drawn ag’in’ one another. Tell us who the other fellar war an’ I'll put up my knife.” A gleam. of disdain lighted up Daisy Doll’s ayes. ‘Tell it to keep you from fightin’ mef” he hissed. ‘‘ We've been togetber fer ten ye an’ gu don’é know me yet. I didn’t thin t, wie,- Cap'n, I’m ready fer the signa Pp yer hat,” Captain Quartz stepped toward the duelists with his hat in his hand. “Pll count two an’ then drop the hat,” he d, As he spoke he held the hat up to the gaze of ~ non e two men braced themselves for the ue A moment’s silence followed and then— It was not broken by Captain Quartz’s words, but by the sharp, sbrill crack of a rifle and Bowie Bill reeled back through the grass like a man shot through the head. As the desperado struck the earth the nine men left tnstinctively wheeled and looked up as though they knew that the startling shot come from the cliff above. “Thar he is!" exclaimed several as the figure of 4 Man was seen on the elevated trail out- lined agaiust the cloudless morning sky. ‘‘ Meb- be he’s goin’ to repeat ther dose.” No: man on the cliff was seen to lean for- ward as if utterly fearless of his position, and his two hands moved toward his face. ‘*T'll always be on hand when you don’t want me, men ov Take-Notice!” were the words that came down to the breathless group through the man’s hands. “I’ve marked every devil of ye fer vengeance, an’ this mornin’s work is only a beginnin’. Ef ye don’t recognize me from the Valley ov Death let me inform you thet I’m Bill Blake, the man what gave back Cap’n Quartz’s thousand last night. One at a time! thet’s the way I’m goin’ to git even with you all fer last summer's work. never heard ov it till thirty days since, er I would hev found you afore this. Pardon me fer not comin’ sooner, but I'll make ap fer lost time.” The voice ceased and the man on the cliff straightened again. He was beyond the reach of the desperadoes’ revolvers, and evidently knew it, for his figure stood in full view of all. All at once Captain —— a from the p and shook his at the enemy over- “We accept the challenge, Bill Blake!” he shouted at the top of his voice. ‘‘ You lie when say ag ar’ goin’ ter depopulate Take- otice. One ata time, eh? thet’s the blackest lie ever thrown from a villainous tongue. swear, Cap’n Quarts ov Colorado, an’ the boys back me in it, thet you’ve killed yer last man. Do you hear met—yer last man, Bill Blake!” he avenger evidently caught the purport of Captain Quarte’s words if be did not hear them all, for he jerked off bis bat and sent down to the bronze men of Take-Noticea ringing eheer of defiance, and then one ‘* Let ’im go. We'll find him. Now let’s look after Bowie.” Captain Quartz and his follewers my ee where the mountain outlaw lay, his blood] bowie clutched in his right han A glance told them that the duel so terribly interrupted by Bill Blake's rifle would never be fought out. © avenger on the cliff had accomplished his a mee for Bowie Bill was dead, and would ght no more, ‘It wasn’t his duel an’ he had no business to interfere,” said Daisy Doll. ‘‘I don’t know wh he should take Bill instead ov me. But I will know when I meet him, an’ meet him I will fer thet shot!” to eas CHAPTER VI. INTERFERED WITH. “T wap my choice ov two men an’ I took Bowie Bill,” remarked the slayer in audible tones as he turned from the spot from which he had stricken the Colorado duelist with death. It was Bill Blake, a man whose courage we have already seen tested. There was triumph in his eyes, and he strode from the cliff like a man who had struck one blow for vengeance. He did not Jook back to see whether or not he was followed; be did not seem to care. If Captain Quartz and his pards had ascended The Ten Pards. to the elevated trail they would not have found him, for he walked fast and soon was far away. He carried his rifle with the ease of an old hunter across his shoulder. It was not the same weapon he had taken to Take Notice the night before, but an elegant repeater which looked very. deadly in the hands of a man who had eyes as keen as his. The mountain fastnesses swallowed him up, but he kept on. Bill. Blake the avenger bad no confidant; no body waited to hear the result of his life-hunt; there was nobody to whom he could relate the tragic death of Bowie Bill. e did not plunge deeper into the mountains with the air of a man fleeing from a crime; but he seemed to be pushing toward a_certain goal which he was anxious to reach. The sun was far above the eastern horizon when he parted a lot of vines that covered a part of the perpendicular wall of one side of the trail he was traversing, and revealed an open- a enough to admit a man on all-fours. ntering, he moved forward until he was able to stand erect in midnight gloom. ‘* Back safe from my first bunt!” he exclaimed, striking a lucifer against a wall at his right. ‘*Oh, you sha’n’t escape Bill Blake the avenger, my u.ies. I am on yer track till Take- Notice cannot claim one of you fer a habitant, If I bad heard ov yer work sooner, death might claim ye all to-day,” He kindled a fire with the match he had struck, and the light leaping up illumined the interior of the cavern, and showed it to be bare of even the roughest furniture. “I must keep the record,” continued Blake moving toward one of the walls with a torch, and when he halted it was before ten names written in black on the whitened wall. ‘* You drew the prize to-night, Bowie Bill!” he ejaculated, drawing across the name of his victim a pieceof keil which produced a dark- red mark. ‘I will keepon until I have marked every name thus. You shall be the last one Daisy Doll, though I'd give my rifle if you di not belong to the league ov Take-Notice. You went back after the bangin’, they say—went back to save the boy, but you didn’t do it, an’ you must die with the rest.’ The torch showed plainly the names of the Ten Pards which had been traced in large and legible characters on the wall of the cave. hey began with Captain Quarts and ended with Daisy Doll. Having drawn the death record across Bowie Bill’s name, Blake went back to the fire into which he threw the torch again, and threw him- self on the ground at the edge of the light. 4 one could have seen that vengeance ee rought that man to the wild Colorado hills, He looked like a hunter whoee prey was mar, for more than once while his mind was busy be- fore the fire, he would shut his hands bard and his glance would steal toward the rifle that rested in the hollow of his arm. All at once he sprung up like the dozing panther at the sound a young deer’sstep. “De they want mef” he cried. “ Ar’ they hyer already? By heavens! I am glad they have come.” Rifle in hand he moved toward the mouth of the cavern where he stopped and listened while he seemed to hold his breath. ‘‘T am byer to face’em; why stand back?” He entered the corridor and moved toward the trail where it ended, but with the vines be- tween him and daylight he stopped again and listened, Had bis practiced ear deceived him after al]? “Tl settle it,” he said, parting the creepers, and out he went. A moment later he involuntarily started back for as he touched the trail there alighted upon it from some bushes overhead a dozen Indian braves, and they stood not more than ten yards away. For a minute the surprise was mutual and complete. — ‘* White-face no look for red braves,” said the foremost of the twelve, “Thet’a a fact. I didn’t know you war around, but hyer you ar’, an’ 1’l) make the best ov it. The Indians moved forward, but the rifle that leaped against Blake’s shoulder warned them to be cautious. “ Peace or war—which is it?’ he s-nt over the barrel, ‘I’m ready fer either one, so take yer choice.” With one accord the twelve braves elevated their right hands. ‘* Peace is it, eh?” smiled the avenger, lower- ing the rifle. ‘‘ Now, keep yer word like men, fer at the first sign ov treachery I'll open on you with my magazine of death,” A stride carried the red-skins forward, and for a moment they scrutinized Blake from head to foot. ‘Him no b’long to the white men in the wooden wigwams,” said the leader of the In- dians, addressing his followers. ‘‘We make peace with him, but the scalps ov the white wolves shall hang from our lodge-poles.” Blake started. ‘* Beware!” he said. ‘‘ Don’t stake any claims on my ground. You must not touch the.men ov Take-Notice. They b’long to me.” The Indians looked amazed. ‘* Will white-face listen to Dead Eye?” asked the chief, ‘‘Ig that yer name? Yes, I’ll listen to you. Now, drive ahead.” ‘¢ White Leaf bas left the lodge where she has lived many moons. She has fied from the red warriors who laid the scalps of her enemies at her feet, and whose hands ave brought down for her the fawns of the meuntains. She has fled to the ten white wolves of this ROOT: and the braves of her adopted people want take her back.” ‘* Is she white?” asked Blake, ‘Her skin is like my brother's.” ‘Where ar’ her parents?” ‘They are dead, white face.” ‘* Sbe was your captive, then?” ‘*She was a Sioux, if her skin was white.” ‘*T see through the hull thing. She hes given ee red foxes the slip, an’ you think she is at ‘ake-Notice now.” “Sbe has taken refuge among the stron lodges of the white men. They have protecte her, and their scalps shall hang in the lodges of the Sioux. We areon the trail now.” ‘*Remember that I stand between you an’ the men ov Take-Notice,” said Blake boldly. ‘*T hev no partic’lar objection to your taking ther gal back ef yer kin take her; but when it comes to scalpin’ Cap’n Quartz and his Pards, ¥ guess I will say suthin’ thar. The gal isn’t with them men. ‘* Aha!” exclaimed Dead Eye. ‘‘ White-face would keep White Leaf hid from the braves; but he cannot hide her. The red-men are goin’ to the wooden lodges, They will carry off the scalps of the ten wolves that live there.” ‘‘T say you shall not!” flashed Blake. ‘‘ But go and get the ten scalps ef you can. Yonder’s the trail. But I say hyer that somebody will be hurt before you touch one ov the: scalps you want. You have heardme. We might as well rt hyer, fer, ef you go on to Take-Notice, by ove! we'll meet ag’in!” He stopped aside and with outstretched arm pointed down the trail. “To your work! I will to mine!” he con- tinued. ‘‘Ef the bull Sioux nation enters the me I will play it to ther end just ther same! ie along, I don’t want another word with er. We understand each other well énough. oe to the man who lifts hatchet er rifle agin’ the men I hev marked fer killin’!” The astonished Sioux glared at Blake with eyes filled with mingled rage and astonishment. His hand continued to point toward the mountain cabins far from the spot, and his look told them that they had ‘‘ crossed” a map who would prove a relentless foe. Suddenly Dead Eye waved his braves down the trail, and did not move until the last one had passed him. ‘The white-face can talk mad,” he suddenly exclaimed whirling upon Blake; ‘* but the Sioux will not turn from the trail they have struck. Whether they find the White Leaf with the pale faces or not, they will strike the wolves and destroy their mountain den. And if ho puts out his arm to stop them, they will turn on him and kill.” Blake’s eyes seemed coals of fire. “‘Leave me an’ do yer worst!” he cried throwing his rifle against his shoulder and covering the defiant red-skin. ‘‘Take yer red snakes to the trail. The sooner I prove re 4 words, the worse it will be fer the muster-ro ov Sittin’ Bull’s redarmy. Go! er by my life! [’ll bullet-bore yer infernal head!” For another moment Dead Eye glared at the avenger, and then turned to his braves. “To the treil,” Blake heard him say. “The captive shall be found, and the white men shall die when their cabins burn!” The eyes of the avenger followed the Indian raves, “Thet’s what I call a new deal,’”’ he said, w
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Tt’s bard to tell who holds the best hand now; but Vil know between this an’ morvin’!” bee back vate the cave, but soon reap- pear ront of the opening. Tbe Indian band bad paanbd out of sight, and after gazing in the direction taken by it fora minute he sprung away with his rifle at a trail. On, on he wen The trail winding in and out among the mountains led him in devious ways, but he stuck to it with the pertinacity of the blood- hound that always wins in the end. He did not stop until he reached the summit ef a cliff from which he bad a beautiful view of the country underneath. Far away he saw what appeared a little col- lection of buts or wigwams, ‘*Yonder’s the place!” he exclaimed aloud. “ We'll soon see who holds the best hand!” CHAPTER VII. THE BOOTLESS INVASION. * Don’? I wish he would come back hyer like he did Jast night?’ remarked Captain Quartz while he stood in front of his cabin in Take- Notice and looked defiantly toward the moun- tains that hemmed in the Valley of Death. “It’s gettin’ night ag’in, an’ ef be comes at all it will be under its cover. He said we should die one by one till thar warn’t a soul ov us left; but it’s a lie ex black es his own beart!” The ieader of the Pards of Take-Notice had —— ceased when something dropped at his t. It might have fallen from the sky, for no- body was in sight, and despite the shades of night which were gathering, be saw that an In- dian arrow was sticking in the ground before him and that a piece of paper adhered to the feathered end. ‘A warnin’ from somewhar,” ejaculated the captain, as he stooped to secure the mysterious document, The next moment he held it in bis band. “Ef I could read writin’ I’d make the thing out myself, but Daisy Doll’s the scholar ov the camp, an’ he'll bev 10 perform thet sarvice,” Captain Quariz had unfolded the arrow’s message and seen that it contained a few hastily traced words, then he turned and walked rapidly toward Daisy Doll’s cabin. ‘Read thet,” he said, banding arrow and a, to the man whom he encountered be- wn the threshold. ‘‘ Thet’s ther way it came Take-Notice a minute ago—on thet arrow.” Mystifled, but eager to read the message, Daisy Doll took the proffered shaft and leaned toward the rude lamp that lighted up the cabin from the rude pine table. “Read it aloud, Daisy. Comin’ e& it did, it consarns all ov us, Thar’s no secrets on thet . a papers isy Doll’s eyes seemed to snap as he mas- ‘tered the contents of the paper. Then he read: “Mew oF Taku-Norice:— ~ **A& dozen Sioux braves t youto-night. . Be prepared. They mean See 4 “a “Ts it ed?’ asked Captain Quartz, when Daisy Doll paused. ; . isabsemess stumps"'me,” was the reply. ‘ Injuns comin’ to Take-Notice? We never had A beak rel with a red since we came byer. Do you b’lieve thet story, Daisy?’ “T believe it. We we t as well get ready.” “To-nigbt, is it? Wal, let ’em come! Yl rouse the boys.” And a moment later the young giant was alone, “1 know who sends this messave,” he said. ‘It’s a way he’s taken ter git the drop on all ov us an’ not miss ove. By Jove! Bill Blake, you must have taxen a big oath at one time, “I'd sooner see you hyer than the red-skins, fer | want ter settle with you fer thet shot from ther cliff, even ef it did kill Bowie Bill, my foe, Come instead ov the dozen Sioux, an’ I'll fight you hand to hand, er any way you want.” Captain Quartz kept bis word. He roused the men of the mountain camp and weapons were made ready for the expected visit. ye shadows deepened and night came at st. . To all appearances Take-Notice was entirely deserted, but its denizens were on their guard. as be the feller what sent the message will come with the —_ muttered Captain Quartz, “To wish he would. Daisy Doi) is right, that man is Bill an’ he would save us fer him- self. Wal, he'll fod himself the worst The Ten Pards. The worthy captain paused for one of the men who were his companions in the shanty said he & lieved somebody was coming. ‘*Injuns, think you, Pawnee#’ whispered the captain. ** Mebbe so.” It was an anxious moment for the inhabitants of Take-Notice, but all at once several dark figures were seen advancing in a stooping pos- ture like the wily savages of the wild West. ‘*Count ’em,” said Captain Quartz in low tones. Several men did so, for, aided by the brilliant starlight that fell upcn the town the despera- does could see the crawling fizures of their foes. **Ready, boys. No shootin’ till I give the word. We'll find out first what brought the red skunks byer. Let each man cover his foe. Come!” Captain Quartz stepped across the threshold with eight men at his heels, “Hands up!” he shouted sternly as twelve figures sprung erect, ‘‘We’ve got the dead drop on ye, reddies, so offer to fight ef you dare |” Taken by surprise, the Indians were dum- founded, **Warn’t-lookin’ fer us just yet, eb?’ laughed Captain Quartz, ‘‘ We got a message from the clouds thet ye war comi:’, Ef we hedn’t, blamed ef we wouldn’t hev been the softest snaps you ever struck. Whar’s yer chief?” “Dead Eye is here!” exclaimed a red-skin advancing a stride ip the menacing revol- vers of the nine. ‘‘ Where is the White Leaf who belongs to the Sioux nation?” “The what? I don’t get a fair grip on what you say,” said Captain Quariz “The bull pulation ov Take-Notice stand before you. har war another this mornin’ but he’s over ther hill to night. State yer bizness.” ‘*Dead Eye and his braves want the white girl who bas left her lodge.” “Oho! the gal, eht—the same one thet hed the drop on me this mornin’, I expect. Wal, she ain’t byer an’ ef she war, Dead Eye, it’s a question whether you would git her.” ; The eyes of the Sioux seemed to flash. ‘*Dead Eye an’ his braves will search the white men’s camp,” he said. ‘The White Leaf must go back to her people.” “You will serch Take-Notice, will youf” hissed Captain Quartz. “The city biz never been s’arched, an’ it never stall be! Take yer man, boys—fire!” Nine revolvers seemed to speak at once, and nine Indians reeled from the deadly flashes. “S’arch Take-Notice, will yer? repeated Captain Quartz. “Thar doesn’t live the red- skin thet’ll ever do thet. You three red skunks go back to yer tribe an’ tell Sittin’ Bull thet it’s mighty onhealtby in this locality, Go!” The three Sioux spared by the pistols of the mountain roughs stood like men dazed by some awful calamity; they bad not moved since the me = their comrades, neither had they lifted a hand. ‘“We'll plant Dead Eye an’ his braves er leave em to the buzzards, just ez we like,” con- tinued the captain. ‘‘ You may find the run- away gal somewhar; but she’s not hyer. Sneak around an hour an’ we'll kill yer on sight. Toer men ov Take Notice ar’ pisen when they’re stirred up. Boys, I give these skunks one min- ute to vamose ther ranch. At the end ov thet time pour it into ’em!” The three Sioux saw themselves covered by the revolvers of the men by whom they were confronted. There were merciless fingers at the triggers— fingers that itched to repeat the death doses al- ready administered. Witb one accord the warriors turned. “'Thet’s sensible; now make yerselves ecarce,” said Captain Quartz. “Bythe Brernal! you go away by the grace ov ther men ov Take- Notice.” Did the three Sioux throw vengeful glances upon the nine bodies that lay at their feet? If fire flashed in the depths of their eyés, Cap- tain Quartz and his companions saw it not; they only saw the red-skinned trio that turned away. Without a word or a gesture the three Indians walked to one end of the mountain wn. There they stopped end wheeled as if by pre- se de ae signal, and joined hands above their eads, ‘The pale-faces have killed the braves of the Sioux nation,” said one. “ They have driven Little Fox, Crow Foot and Deep Thunder away ae they might avenge Dead Tye and his war- ors. e will not go back to Sitting Bull’s 7 camp, bat we will stay here till we bave paid the white killers back.” peat ' Not another word was s spoken, and as the brave ceased all three wal away. ‘So they left three, did they?” said a voice at the side of the trail, while a pair of mi eyes watched the moving figures, “I though they'd finish the bull twelve; but no matter. You three reddies will never accomplish any- thing. The men of Take-Notice belong to me, I tell you!” The figures of the Sioux oad disa by bet $5 nary and the Jast speaker was alone ih the trail. Need we inform the reader that it was Bill Blake, the avenger? He bad accomplished his purpose—he had saved the men of Take-Notice from an Indian surprise, in order that he might carry out his own oath of vengearce. ~s ‘*I guess the bes: band still belongs to me,” hé murmured, triumphantly; but a time was et hand when be would not appear so sanguine, CHAPTER VIII THE MATCH IN TAKE-NOTICH. | its Daisy DoLL was one of the inbabitants of Take-Notice who believed that the ne, car- aay be the arrow bad come from Bill Blake's ands, ‘* What's the use ov waitin’ byer till he takes a notion to come?” the young giant asked him- self, ‘Since be bas sworn to kill all ov us, one by one, I want to be the first man to meet him to prove bim a liar, If the young chap gets well what the girl rescued in Death Valley, we will hev another enemy to contend with; but Bill Blake is the worst ov the two. I’m goin’ to find him—that’s what I’m goin’ ter do,” Daisy Doll, who bad gone to _ his cabin after the death of the nine Indians, emerged into the in starlight as the last word fell from his ps. He was armed with a repeating-rifle beside the revolvers, which he carried where he could lay his hands on th«m in an instant, and there was a gleam of vengeance in his eyes, vy He started immediately toward one end of the mountain turn. Psa “Pm not goin’ ter set foot in Take-Notice ag’in till ’'ve met an’ settled with that ven- . geance-hunter,” he said. ‘I never knowed that Ned Blake had a brother, but it seems thar war two ov ’em, an’ we didn’t bang the whole family when we pulled ‘the young card sharp u ” Daisy Doll was be the buts behind when & basty fvotstep struck bis ear, and he halted and turned in the direction from which he had come. ; The next moment two men ‘stood face to face. J 1 Bl alee ‘Which way, Daisy?” asked the person who came up. oO ae “Thet’s hard to tell, cap'n,” was the reply, "NB Blaker” queried Ceptain Quarta ¥ ef” queried Captain Quarta “No one else.” -s a Ph ‘Goin’ alone, eh?” ee eee “ Yes—alone.” Aaa The leader of the Pards of Take-Notice did not speak for a moment, ney ‘It’s rather risky seein’ how thet cuss kin eT fer ixteapyl t you,” was the re. ‘1 take therrisk, cap’n, not you,” was the re- sentful retort. ‘Ef of want OF a ‘Ta hey asked leave ter quit camp; but I guess Daisy Doll’s bis own master.” F Under bis mustache Captain Quartz bit his lip. ; Ri I hope you'll find him—I do indeed,” he said. ‘‘ From what I know ov him already en not hide ef be knows you want him, y stoppe? you to say thet we're all goin’ ter hunt bim ez a jepee, “I don’t object ter thet, but while ye’r’ hunt- in? Bill, mind ye thet you don’t find other one, Captain Quartz started. ““Do you mean the chap you sent over ther cliff ter be saved by the gal them red-sking wanted?” ad Fi “Mebbe I do; but you will find out afore long.” re Thet’s yer secret, then, ther oné you would- n’t tell us when we found you in the valley.” — Daisy Doll was silent. “Keep it—we don’t want it,” shot uartz throuch clinched teeth. “ Goan 1 Blake. We'll bunt ‘im, too,” ‘** An’ leave Take-Notice unguarded?” back. a - please,” he said, and the next
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og moment Captain Quartz stood alone on the spot gazing after the = whose figure was fast _ aT ee + : ae & he too whirled on bis. beel and ’ the opposite direction. mS isy’s gone—off on a trail ov his own Blake,” he said, halting before a group of bis followers. ‘‘He said thet we had better look ont lest we run ag’in’ the feller he pushed from ther cliff.. I’m freezin’ to run ag in’ some- body—I don't care who it is, Ef thar war a thousand Bili Bakes in ther kentry I wouldn't stay in Take Notice another hour. We're goin’ ter find ’im—Daisy sha’n’t! I’ve got my dander up, an’.I sw’ar thet we,will settle with the devil what shot Bowie Bill.” Need we say that Captain Quartz’s words found quick responses in the hearts of the men he addrvesed? It was evident from the feeling displayed that they were more friendly to Bowie Bill than to Daixy Doll, who had further estranged him- self by bis refusal to disclose what he termed a secre} about the young person saved by the ers captive from the pistols of the Pards in eath Valley, _ “Come!” cried Captain paris. ‘¢ Ther sooner we find him the better, You kin write, Silver Fist, ef you ain’t exactly aschool-teucher, Put up & notice on the door ov my sbanty to the ef- fect. thet we ain’t at bome.. Say what you ease on it, We don’t come back hyer till we've settled with all our foes,” Ten mivutes later a brovuzed .man more than six feet tall affix-d to the thick door of one of the shanties a dirty piece of paper on which, in rude characters, were the words: “ctl “Nor at Hons. “ Woe to the hand that touches anything hyer.” _ “ Thet'll do,” said Captain Quartz; ‘now let’s be off, er Daisy Doll may get ther start ov _ Take-Notice was forthwith deserted, but half an hour later it had a tenant, The visitor came from tae west, and glided down the one street of the mountain-town to halt before the paper nailed to the door, which was barely visible in the starlight. They lett that for somebody to read,” said a girlish voice, ‘Ti just see what it means.” _A match flashed in the speaker’s face a mo- Sh ph later and while it revexled Siiver Fist’s 1icouth. chirograpby, it also sowed the fea- tutes of White Leaf, the late girl-captive of the oux, Sve read the notice, despite the numerous scrawls that composed t. : _ “Off on a blood-bunt!” she exclaimed. ‘I know it jast as well as if you had said so on this Captain Quartz. oe te the hand that Brcnte tn ore, eb? I will first see what @ something worth living for. You led your BavsiP ar gph of tigers, Dead Eye. The rds ef Take-Notice kill, when they shoot. ey don’t stand on ceremony, Ah! if my riend were here, what would be say?” tha match flickered and went out, and the arose, _*T will let the dead guard the tigers’ den,” she continued, *‘ till tha beasts come back. They hunt for one I trust they will not find; but if they find him—” _ fhe paused and finished the sentence with an jou of surprise, for a figuré had leaped upon her with the agility of a mountain pan- ther, and she, was in tue arms of an Indian . _ “ White Leaf found at last.” was hissed in ber cars in ibm hant tones, ‘‘She made her trail lead to Dead Eve and his, braves, but Little ’s ears heard her_step an’ him an’ his broth- ‘eep after her, We are here, White Lesf— sep Thuader, Crow Foot and Little Fox The a wolves spared them that they might re- cdver the eaptive of the tribe, an’ pay ’em for killing Dead Bye an’ bis warriors.” .. oe FDO gl captive seemed speechless. _ gp aS The Ten Pards. wer of three Indians whose n spoken by her main cap- She was in the names bad just ~ She knew them well. Many a time bad she witnessed their daring feats in the land of the Sioux, and in Sitting Bull’s camp. She knew. that she was the object of their viait to the Colorado country, that she was to be dragged back to the tribe whose captive she had been for years. Her eyes fiashed deflantly while her captor spoke, and she seemed to see all the hardships that another captivity would impose upon her, ‘*The trail was long, White Leaf, but Little ¥ox an’ his brothers live to find it,” continued the Indian. ‘‘Dead Eye an’ his braves will never look upon White Leaf again. Wewill stay here till we pay the white wolves for their shots. White Leaf got another light?” Before the girl could reply, a red hand dived into the pocket of ber fantastic hunting-frock and produced her only remaining match. “Tt will burn the wolf’s den!” be exclaimed with flendish glee, ‘‘ Deep Thunder will make the fire,” Away bounded the red incendiary, leaving the girl in the bands of the remaining Indians. ‘*] must escape,” passed rapidly through her mind. ‘Never will I go back to the tribe alive.” All at once she started back, and to her joy wrenched herself from Little Fox’s grip. “Free! You forgot to disarm me, red-skin!” she exclaimed. The two Indians sprung after her with ex- clamations of rage on their Jips, but were in- stantly confronted by a revolver which White Leaf had jerked from beneath ber frock, “Girl no shoot!” cried Little Fox, ‘* Liar!” was the response, The girl cou!d not see the figures of her foes with any degree of distinctness, but they were near enough to give her a general aim. Raising the weapon on the nearest one she pressed the trigger, and at the flash Little Fox threw up his hands and staggered back. “You, tuo, Crow. Foot!” sue cried, drawing on the other, who dropped at the second shot across Dead E ye and his braves. Lowering the revolver almost before Crow Foot struck, the young girl turned away. She knew that the shots had roused Deep Thunder, and she expected to see him rush upon | swun her; but sbe resolved to avoid any further en- counter by flight. Griping the weapon hard, the Sioux captive turned and ran for life. She did not glance over her shoulder to see ee ‘** You will shoot, then?” smiled the youth, admiringly. ** When I am cornered, may be.” . “By heavens! 1 wish I bad my revelver at the head of that Indian when he was striking the match,” hissed the youngster. ‘*I am the erson who is to take vengeance on Captain | Quartz and his pards. They belong to me and to noone else, I have told you what they did to me last summer. Haven’t I a right to pay them back with the interest of blood?” ‘*T don’t know but that you have, but—” “You would say that ause they did ‘not accomplish their purpose. I should not be so hard on them! Curse them! they meant to do it all the same. Last night I lassoed the only | one among the lot for whom I should entertain any mercy; but be got the better of me xt the outcome, Is wasa’ narrow escape. I shudder when [ think bow I might have fallen from the cliff into the Valley of Death. The tree that broke my fall belped. bim I suppose. Then, if you had not come with daylight I would have fallen into the hands of Quartz and his devils. Woat a surprise there would have been! Girl —White Leaf—if you do not want me to shed blood, you should have. left mein the valley. | Vengeance has marked the path which I tread. Already the mountain lengne has been broken. One of the ten has been killed—I wish 1 knew by whom! Look how the old place beams! If the men of Take-Notice see the light won’t they turn back?” a | ‘They must see it.” . ‘Then we go forward to wait for them!” ex- claimed the youth. ‘‘ You cannot keep me ' back, White Leaf, [am Ned Blake, and I can- | not forget what those men did lastsummer.” He broke from the bard. that had been laid | restrainingly on bis arm, and the next moment | be was flying toward the burnivg cabins. | White Leaf the late captive did not hesitate, but sprung after bim at the top of her speed. She managed to keep bim in sight, although be got rapidly over the ground and when near the blazing huts he halted and sought the shade of a rock. | “Now, let them come!” he exclaimed. _ ‘* What! have you followed me, girl!” | {‘I.am here,” said White Leaf resolutely. | * You cannot drive me back.” “FEF do not want to although y: u must not in- terfere with my work. I’ve bad a rope my neck, and the men whose blood I want me off between sky and sed. Thatis why lam here. That is why Ned Blak deadly foe of the mountain Pards!” Turning from. the girl, the youth looked te- ward the buts which were burning down. The leaping flames blotted out the stars, as it whether sbe was pursued, but kept on until | were, and darkened the sky overhead while Take-Notice was far in her rear, , they threw a lurid light around the thrilling When she did stop and look back she saw a | scene, sharp flame that grew larger while she gazed and all at once there came to her ears a yell so fiendish and clear that she involuntarily started. Deep Thunder had not allowed the death of his comrades to interfere with his designs, for with the one match be had inaugurated the | of a man who | destruction of Take-Notice! The fire had a strange fascination for the girl, and she was looking at it oblivious to everything else, when a kuman band fell upon her shoulder from behind and she turned with a startled cry. * Did you do that!” asked a voice, at that in- stant. ‘‘Did you go so far as to burn the homes of my foes?” . CHAPTER IX. THE CARD SHARP’S ‘‘ GHOST.” “TIT pm not do it,” said White Leaf, looking White Leaf watcbed the young avenger, She saw how eagerly be waited for the com- ing of the men be wanted, hew tightly he clutched the repeating rifle already at full cock, = how bis -_ blazed as Air gt fb 1 at once there ng into view the re ooked monstrously large in the glowing light. nie Leaf ooon gine ares en , “Captain Quartz ro from her ‘““My God! he has come eh a - ‘: Hush!” whist ered the youth: ) “I see him. Ab! I will pay bim back for last summer’s work. He is not alone. Ssel they erevall with bim but the one killed by some one,” -It_ was true thet Captain Quartz who had suddenly reappeared was not ajones is He was backed by eightor nine men clad like himself, and arn ed to the:teeth The Indian’s. work bad brougbt ‘the part into the flashing axes of the speaker, a fine- | back to Take Notice; it bad turned’ them, ba 0) looking youth eigbteen or thereabouts. ‘Those huts were fired by an Indian from whose companions I bad _— escaped.” ‘‘ An Indian, eb} ; ‘“Yes—a Sioux. They are looking for me, They want to take me back to the old camp, but,” fiercely, ‘‘ they shall never do that!” | The youth was silent for a minute, during which time be watched the flames that were fast devouring the shanties of Take Notice. ‘Do you think I could find the red burner?” he suddenly asked. ; ‘‘I think not. He must begone by this time,” answered White Leaf. ‘‘Out of twelve braves who came from the North to find me he is the only one Jeft,” j ‘* Where are the others?” , “Tae men of Take-Notice slew nine to-night, and I was compelled to shoot two in order to escape.” — ae 4 on the trail, but they bad arrived’ too late to pav Deep Thunder for bis deed They were not more thenfifty yards from the young couple sheltered by the rock. “Gods! what a target!” White Leaf heard | the youth say as though totelly unaware cf her resenee, “I-could senda bullet through’ bis Pend and settle the old debt. They’re the same bounds that.gave me aces instead of kings. Here they come! If they bad in their power | the man that fired the camp, he wouldn’t fare very well” Captain Quartz led bis maddened men straight | toward the rock that hid the youthful pair. | Not aneye saw the rifle that covered them, nor the gleaming eyes that looked down the barrel at their breasts. a 17 The cabins continued to burn on the dexpera- does right. 10 but Hed it “ Halt!” thundered Captain Quartz, ‘Wal,
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s, we’re back afore we fe DAR anripe wa YadeieNee ObRin’| Hemeetmuss ov comin’. What do ye tiink ov Take Not.ce now? Isn't worth a cuss, ei? Whar's the man what did it? He’s the meanest coward what ever struck a match! I am hyer to brand him the dirtiest skunk in Colorado—meaner than the miner that would steal bis brother’s dust. Show yerself of ye dare!” The captain elevated his voice, I'm sp’ilin’ ter meet yer. Ther boys shall stan’ back an’ give ye fair play. You shall fight nobody but Cap’n Quartz, an’ in any man- ner ye like! Come on, er be ther coward thet ye ar?” The giant outlaw ceased and looked defiantly on every side, The cracking flames seemed to mock his chal- lenge, and the mountain winds threw back the eoho of his words, “Just ezI expected, pards,” he said after a minute’s silence. “The mountains hide tho coward? Wiil nobody accept my challenge? I want to fight somebody—I don’t care who! Til cross knives wih the devil if he isn’t afraid to meet Captiin Quartz.” At that moment the youth, closely watched all the time by White Leaf, dropped bis rifle and stepped forward with close-shut lips. * Don’t face those men wild-cats,” said the girl, clutching at his arm. ‘IT will—I’m here for that!” was the reply, as he shook loose from ber hand. The next instant he was beyond the rock, and in another he had passed into the vivid glare of the flames. “T am here, men of Take-Notice!” be said in clear tones. For a moment the mountain Pards did not seem to see him, and when they did they gazed as if they did not see him aright. “My God! the card sharp’s ghost!” rang snd- denly from Captain Quartz’s lips, as he started back with frightened countenance, “Look at it, pards! By my soul, Take Notice has been destroyed by the dead pr The words fell in startling accents from the outlaw’s tongue. He had retreated to his men who were staring over his outstretched arm at the figure that had so suddenly presented itself. The youth continued to ‘advance with his flashing eyes fastened upon the ayers deni- zs sof the mountain lair. His rifle rested carelessly as it were in the hollow of bis Jeft arm, as if he relied on his resence accomplishing one-half of the wo:k he bad in view. Captain Quartz, giant though he was, was the ver Stel of fright. pZed face was now almost dearbly white, and hig eyes seemed ready to leap from beneath their long, black lashes. “Tt’s a ghost, not flesh an’ blood, boys. We hanged thet boy last summer because he beld ther winnin’ hand,” gasped Captain Quartz. **No use ter fi ght sech a thing ez thet. I'd sooner fight ther devil. Stop it? You can’t. It kin hev Take-Notice fer all I care!” The s er was On the eve of breaking away and fleeing terrified from the scene; and it would be safe to say that he would have been followed by the men at bis back. ‘*Ghost or not, you belong to me!” suddenly eried the youth, “ You have not forgotten last summer’s work—neither have I. Iam here for revenge, i bave doomed you all with an oath recorded beyond the stars!’ With the last word the rifle left the hollow of the speaker’s arm, and instantly. covered the lea ler of the mountain Pards, “]T begin the work of vengeance in the light of your monnuta un den!” continued "the youth gnsiiys ‘Captain Quartz, I commenee wich ut” The cheek of the speaker touched the stock of his leveled weapon, and his finger wag pressing the trigger when the sharp crack of a rifle some distance away changed the thrilling scene, and the yeuth fell back with a ery of mingled sur- ! prise and pain, *The Pards ov Take-Notice belong to me /” cried a loud voice, and quickly followed two shots which sent two men staggering back from Captain Quartz’s side. ‘J 2m the man to pay thom for Jastsummer’s work.” A strange ery: pegled from White Leaf’s roa t.- * Merciful Heaven! there are two avi ngers on the same trail to-night!” she cricd. As fer the roy he wheeled im the’ direction from whieh the three swift shets had core, and sont a mad look after'the slayer, (pegs men are mine--mive|? he exclaimed. a You have no righ{ toan ounces of their Llood! Ewil brook no interference in my mouutain i nS ae eee Ten Pards. heart-hunt. You have already killed men who belonged tome. Stand where you are or meet me half-way! I will settle with you before I touch a man ef Take Notice camp.” White Leaf saw the enraged speaker turn to- ward her, but his eyes did not see her at all. ‘You broke my arm to save Captain Quartz for yourself,” continued Ned Blake, addressing the unseen. ‘‘I am a match for you yet. 1 will pay hg ou for your interference; then I will settle with the men you have left.” He reached ‘he girl’s side and she caught his arm, but he madly broke away. “The interferer first, girl!” he boarsely hissed. ‘‘ Then the mountain Pards!” The next moment be was gone. CHAPTER X. SPOILING SOME PLANS, « Wurrs Lxar, the Sioux captive, the youth in a dazed manner unt peared, When she turned to regard the roughs of Take-Notice she saw that they were recovering from the consternation caused by the thrilling scenes of the last few moments. Color was coming béck to Captain Quartz2’s face, and the old flashes of maduess Jit up his eyes once more. The two Pards felled by the deadly rifle-shots lay motionless on the ground. Between the eyes of each was a dark-red spot, telling that they bad" gone to join Bowie ill, the Pard shot on the eve of tho duel in Death Valley. ‘Forward, Pards!” suddenly cried Captain Quartz’s voice, ‘The skunk what shot the boys shall pay fer his triggér-play.” The speaker ies toward the white girl be- fore be ceased to spea Ready to follow bien ‘to death, the dark- faced avengers were at his heels. White Leaf turned to fly. “Halt thar, girl!” ered Captain Quartz, catching sight of her at that moment. **To be insulted by you—never!” said White Leaf, as she kept on. Once more the summons was repeated; this time in sterner tones than before, but iv only served to quicken the girl’s steps. ‘Dil stop her!” grated the captain. * A moment later the re of a revolver cut the air, and a mad cry of exultation broke over the Pard’s lips as the girl threw up her hands and reeled from the mountain trail A few bounds brought Captain Quartz to the spot. Jos’ ex I thought—the girl thet got the dead-drop on me in the valley,” he said, look- ing up into the faces of his rouzh comrades, who were regarding the beautiful ‘victim of the revolver. ‘She ain’t dead, pards, but it’s no fault ov \Cap’n Quartz, fer I shot ter kill. Look! isn’t she a daisy? She’s the eaptive Dead Eye an’ his red Greasers war lookin’ fer when aah came to Take Notice. By Jove! what do you say to drawin’ cu's fer her if she rekivers?’ ‘* We'll draw er fight fer her, cap’n,” was the y, followed by a coarse inca. “But ar’ goin’ ter stop hyer? The ghost an’ the man what dropped Trump Card and Dead Drop ar’ at large.” ‘© Thet’s a fact,” said Captain Quartz. * The have got ter be looked arter, an’ so hez this mountain daisy. I] stay by her, boys. Go on an’ bunt the others.” Tbe mountain Pards hesitated and exchanged significant glances. ‘Had White Leaf's wild beauty already cap- tured the ‘heart of Captain Quartz? fas 3 pay fair, boys,” he said a moment later. Avenge the dead Pards to-night ef you kin; then we'll play fer the girl.” “Whar will you be, cap’n?” “Nigh byer.” Tino men started cff, but not in the best of spirits. ET bey seemed to believe that the man who had been their leader so long had fourd his fate in the eyes that had first oa wa to stare at his unhandsome face. Still, that should not dest troy. their desire for revenge. The mowitain vendetta had to be fought out. When Captain Quarts found bimself alone with the girl woo had been brought down by bis revolver, he bore her back toward the fire that was still at work om the mountain buts, ‘and for the ta time saw how narrow ber es- azed after he disap- cape had The be ball be had ieut away a lode of her dark bair and vibereasa slight furrow aloug ber bead, pro- Seen aaa —ee—E | | ducing, fortunately, nothing more than uncon. sciousness, “Tm glad ther Injuns didn't git vou—hang me ef 4 ain't!” began the captain. * You're too urty to go back ter Sitting’ Bull's camp whar five eard you hev been. hat’s yer name!” White Leaf.” ““T mean what's yer civilized name?’ persisted Captain Quartz. “I think I never bad one,” was the answer. “T have been called White Leat so —— I can recall no other name.” re ‘It’s a purty handle, but it’s Tnjun, pew I ha‘e everything red,” almost his‘ed the moun- tain Pard. “You see what somébod y did to- night!” and the bronzed band of the rough was waved toward the ruins of Take-Notiee, **Thet somebody, whoever he is, will hev to pay nmal this work.” “‘Then you will have to revenge yourself: on an Indian.” Captain Quartz started. ‘*T thought Bill Blake did it,” he said; “bat ef it war a red-skin’s work, I kin guess whose, Thet’s what we get fer sparin’ three out ov twelve!” the speaker und through bis teeth, “They didn’t go ofan then; they came back an’ fired Take-Notice, curse their 01 nery pictaapet Did you see ’em do it?” ‘Not exactly, It was» Deep Thunder's work.” “You know ’im then?” i's “T ought to,” and White Leat smiled, é Twenty times he “bas laid scalps at- =—7 eet.’ _v ‘“Which he’ll never do agi’n!” flashed the captain. ‘Look hyer, girl» You've fallen into white hands at last—into hands ‘thet will cut an’ slash fer ye ef necessary all over Colo- rado, ‘Thar wer’ ten ov us awhile back, but thar ar’ seven row, ef Daisy Doll hean’t been wiped out. How did you come to run acrors ther ghost thet hed ther —_ on me to-night when Bill Blake checked ’im Thas “The ghost?’ echoed White’ Leaf. boy was flesh and blood.” “Ov course, I didn’t think so at first, but I know it now. He's the young card-sbarp we pulled up last summer fer amusement.” - ** Yos, the same person,” said the girl ‘An’ be wants vengeance?” 1eyen ‘That is why he is bere.” “T thought so. He bez taken an oath ver ex- pap mcs ther Pards ov Take- Notice?” 4 7) es. & 2 ‘* He’s makin’ mighty poor headway, ” and Captain Quartz showed bis geeth in a grin, “The other chap’s doin’ the deadliest wo What made bim take bis oatht—do you know ‘“Yes. He believes bis brother dead. Re member that they have not met are ry hanged the one.” “Oho! I see pow!” exclaimed Quartz, and be thought for a me Ve wonder who cut the youngster down?” White Leaf did not speak. although her loot told that she could answer the question, ‘** Did you hear mef’ said the mountain Pard suddenly catebing her eye. ‘I'd like to kn who cut ther boy down arter the job an to set bim on ther track ov’ vengeance, I b’lieve you know, gal.” barat wean ov White Leaf could not avoid the ‘eeptatihe, look. “I do know,” she said; “that is, I know what he told me.” ** Wal, that's the truth. Now who was ber" “Ove of vour men—Daisy Dol.” ow Captein Quartz did not start nor ‘maanitost any surprise. “T recollect that we missed Daisy short rly arter the hangin’,” Fe said, ‘ snd when he jined ‘us he said he bad been beck to see thet ther card sharp war rightly wong: He wouter shoot Daisy, then?” ‘¢ He will not spare one of you, ¥ was the te Ply He’ s got blamed little gratitude then=-thet’s all.’ He Inssced Daisy Doll last night,and they hoth went over the cliff and alighted in Deat Valley. Does ‘that Jook like sparing the oan that-cut him down?’ ‘Not mueh. Is a queer but for ther two brothers,” eaie Captain Quartz, pot more { half aloud, **'f bey’re bound to meet soon ef ther boys don’t make meetin’? impossible with their six shooters. They ll pceol their’ issues then, I s’pose, and unite their trails, Betwixt the two, thar’s likely'to be some lot work in these diggin’s, One hunts us because we didn’t hangbien, an’ the other because he thinkk we times, got in our work, Curse vou a thousand Daisy Doll! Ef I bad been sure of what you did “ 3 t ’
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10 thet day, thar’d be a skeleton somewhar among ther mountains, an’ not a walkin’ giant ov flesh an’ blood! Girl, is thet young chap anything to ? oer deep flush stole over White Leaf’s face. It made Captain Quartz grind his teeth. “Don’t answer wy question—I know,” he said. ‘‘ You belong to the Pards ov Take-No- tice from now on, an’ I may say thet Cap’n Quartz se se pee more ov your eyes than ov anything else on earth,” White Leaf iustinctively shrunk away, but the hand of the outlaw grew tighter on her arm. “The best hand ov trumps ever held in Colo- rado b’longs to me to-night,” he continued, in unmistakable tones of triumph. ‘I needn’t stay kyer an’ let the Blake boys get in their work on this carkiss. Thar ar’ other places fer Cap’n Quarta besides Colorado, The six Pards kin take care ov themselves. You need a per- tecter, White Leaf.” ‘*T am able to take care of myself,” was the ere retort. ‘‘I have been the Indian’s cap- tive; I do not want to be a white man’s.” memuite Captain Quartz’s grip, the girl tore herself loose as the last sentence rung from her lips. She was ten feet away before the head Pard of Take-Notice seemed to realize his losa. “Not so fast, my daisy,” be said, darting after her. ‘You forget that I am Cap’n Quarts, the boss devil ov Colorado, who never lost a game! Halt, thar! You are not free a Ah! I have you again, my beauty! This LL fre ht, not yours.’ ite f found herselfin the power of the outlaw again. His eyes fairly blazed with triumph, ‘*’m not bound to the boys,” he said; “I kin eut loose from them at any time—an’ I’ll do it this night. We'll never play fer yer eyes, -1’ll rake in the stake myself afore a card is thrown. I1’ll make you Mrs. Cap’n Quartz, an’ queen ov a camp a4 thousand miles from this.” ** Thet’s a lie, cap’n!” The stern voice that spoke these words was followed by the dropping of a heavy hand upon Captain Quartz’s shoulder, and the next instant he was whirled balf-way around and almost separated from his prisoner. ‘Daisy Doll!” he exclaimed, glaring at the giant who had interfered with his plans, *Curse you! I know all, You cut the card sharp down, arter the hangin’ last summer; ‘ou— : “J did!” wag the interruption. ‘But it didn’t make him my friend. Cap'n, let thet girlgo. I give you five seconds—no more!” The leader of the mountain Pards found the muzzle of a cocked revolver almost in his face, and behind it were the tigerish eyes of the young giant. “Loosen yer grip, I say!” continued Daisy a a Pard though you ar’ I'l) kill you ef you i) ‘ CHAPTER XI. CLEARING HIS WAY. Ler us go back a little while and follow the oung avenger, White Leaf’s young companion, , In his hunt for the man who bad prevented him from ery the life of Captain Quartz, and perhaps the lives of several of his comrades, Little did he dream that the person who had baffled him was his brother. He did not care for the wound which he now knew had been inflicted on the fleshy part of his ce ,» and had not fortunately broken any nes, “I will not be interfered with,” fell madly from his lips. ‘The vengeance of no man shall baffle me. The men who threw a noose over my head belong to me, and to me alone!” He soon reached the mountain trail, and knew that he must be near the spot from whence the three shots had proceeded, but the figure of the slayer was not to be seen. ne youth halted perplexed in the trail. ‘Is he going to escape me?” he exclaimed. “He has killed tnree of the Ten. Are the others to fall by his rifle? Heaven! I bope not. Bhow me his trail, justice! Guide me to him. I will settle with him forever. I will be the sole avenger, or I will die at his feet.” To these words there was no response, Tbe rough country that surrounded him threw back the echoes and instead of calming his spirits only increased his ire. He did not think bow futile might be an at- tempt to find a man among the mountains in the uncertain light of the stars; but he seemed to feel that justice and vengeance must surely bring them together. The Ten Pards. Take-Notice and his foes were behind him— why not go back and take the lives he sought? Suddenly he started forward again. ‘*T will find the man who is baffling me!” be cried. ‘While he lives to press a trigger | cannot hope to end the feud the Ten Pards began.” Half an hour later he was far from the moun- tain town, His rage had carried him thus far withuui one cooling thought. He leaned against a tree,at the edge of the trail, and let the winds cool his forebead, ‘‘Heavens! I left the girl behind,” he sud- denly exclaimed. ‘‘ What a fool I have been. I owe her my life, and yet I abandoned ber to the mercy of the fiends whose blood I want. Hadn’t I better go back and rescue her? Ned Blake, you’ve played the fool to-night, and played it well, too. He left the tree, and started down. the trail toward the ruins of the mountain ‘lm followed!” he said to himself, halting before he had gone twenty paces. ‘‘Canit be that ‘be very man 1 want to meet is on my track? I hope he is.” And he turned wit ready rifle and looked in the direction from which certain sounds came, The eyes of the young avenger fairly glowed as he waited for the person still unscen, He was being approached by a cat-like tread, which now and then broke a twig that lay on tho trail. The seconds seemed minutes to Ned Blake. Slowly at last there appeared the figure of a human being on the trail, and the youth’s rifle went to bis shoulder. “The man I want!” be said. ‘I will pay him for interfering with Ned Blake’s revenge.” The next moment the boy’s ‘ halt!” run sternly out, and the figure stopped as if a ban bad dropped upon its sboulder. ‘‘Up with your bands{ Ive got the drop on you,” continued the youth. ‘I allow no man te interfere with my affairs, and you have done so. The menof Take-Notice belong to me,. I want the world to understand this. You have shot three of them already, and you want the otberseven, _Whatdo youmean? Whydo you want the blood of the white wolvesof the moun- tain lair? Answer me before I drive a bullet through your head!” A moment’s silence followed the boy’s Jast words, ‘*Who talks to Deep Thunder?” said a voice. ‘* He is the only Sioux left out of the twelve that came from Sitticrg Bull’s camp to find’ the white captive.” ‘An Indian!” exclaimed Ned Blake, in tones of disappointment, ‘I cannot believe that the killer is a red-skin, I bave stopped the wrong person.” He went forward a step, and then he saw the naked outlines of the person he had halted, A young Indian stood before him. ‘‘Deep Thunder has not toucbed the white wolves, but he gave their strong wigwams to the fire,” said the Sioux. _‘‘ His hand is against them, though, for Dead Eye and his braves fell when their pistols flashed. Who talks to Deep Thunder?” “The man who hates Captain Quartz more than any other man on earth!” was the reply. ‘* You fired the shanties, but you did not slay? Who did?” ‘‘Deep Thunder knows.” “You do?” and the youth sprung to the In- dian’s side. ‘‘Tell me where he is.” ‘‘ Deep Thunder struck his trail a while ago, an’ followed him to tell bim bow glad he was that he had killed the white-faces, is face is white, too—” ‘*T know that.” ‘‘His eye is as keen as an eagle’s, an’ when bis hand touches the trigger some one dies.” “That is true. But the man bhimeelf, Deep Thunder; I want to see bim. Lead me to bim.” ‘‘What young man want to see bim for?” ‘“You shall know when we meet,” was the equivocal reply. ‘‘Show me this killer! You must, I say!” Deep Thunder looked for a moment into Ned Blake’s face. ‘t Him look like you, boy,” he said. “T don’t care for that, I want to see him!” ** Hate him, eh?” The patience of the young avenger was al- most exhausted. ‘‘ What are clutching the Indian’s arm, ‘J to parley here till morning. Make up your mind in an instant. Agree to show me theman you have just left, or I will deprive Sitting Bull of the future services of another brave.” ou going to dof” he said madly, am not going The sternness of the avenger’s voice was not lost upon the Indian, ‘* Deep Thunder will show the yourg hunter, but be must not harm the white man wi bas avenged the blood of Dead Eye and his braves,” “IT make no promises,” said Ned Blake. ‘‘ Show me the trail.” The young Sioux turned, and with a motion bade the youth follow bim, J The twain proceeded over the trail in.a rapid walk, and kept on uptil the youth began to lieve that after ail the red-skin was deceiving m. Not until the stars began to pale before the approach of another day did Deep Thunder ebeck bis steady gait. “We bave passed over miles of mountain trails,” said the youth, whirling open his guide. “See! daylight has come again. Whither have: you led me, Indian?” ‘‘The white killer walk fast, too,” said Deep Thunder. ‘‘ Mebbe we no near him yet.” “Not near him after that long tramp?” cried young Blake, ‘‘If I thought you had deceived e-- neat ‘‘ Look yonder, white face!” - The avenger turned and his eye glanced over the Indian’s outstretcbed arm, ‘‘ Him found at last, eb?” A cry of exultation burst from the youth’s heart. Standing within rifle-sbotand outlined against the morning sky was the handsome figure of a pen clad in buckskin and wholly unconscious of anger. “Tt is he—the man who bas killed my foes!” cried Blake. ‘ A thousand thanks, Deep Thun- der. Ill settle with him now!” The young avenger’s rifle leaped against his shoulder, anda moment later at the clear report that cleaved the balmy air, the figure of the man in buckskin fell back and disappeared! CHAPTER XII. BACK INTO THE LION’S JAWS. ‘' Pye cleared my trail of all interlopers!” ex- claimed the youth fiercely as he lowered the smoking rifle. ‘I can go back now and setile with the Seven Pards of Take-Notice.” He turned away with the eyes of the Indian fixed upon him. ‘Deep Thunder no, go. back, then, White face can find the way,” he said, ‘*No, you need not follow me. I want to be alone.” And with the last word the young avenger left the Sioux alone on the mountain trail. ‘‘ White wolves soon, eat him up,” ejaculated the red-skin in a contemptuous manner, ‘‘ Him go back an’ find ’em, mebbe; then they will end bis trail. Deep Thunder burn their strong wig- wams, an’ their scajps will yet hang in the ais of the Sioux,” If Ned Blake had heard these words he might have turned upon the speaker who seemed dis- posed to interfere with bis vengeance-hunt; but e bad d beyond bearing and a minute later was out of sight, He walked rapidly over the back trail with the eagerness of one who was anxious to reacl a certain goal within a certain time, As for the young Sioux, be stood for several minutes on the spot where he bad been so ab- ruptly deserted, and then sprung suddenly to the de and in an instant was lost to view. Ned Blake hurried on, keeping bis face toward Take-Notice, or what was now left of it, and ting at times like a hound of chase. ‘* Mine at last!” he said more than once show- ing where bis thoughts continually were. “‘If I bad found that interloper sooner, I could have d the whole ten for last rummer’s work.. ou shall be the first one, Captain Quarts, and Daisy Doll the last.” The morning brightened around the young avenger as the sun mounted bigher, saw him pursuing his way slong the narrow moun- tain trails. : He did not balt until from a certain place in the trail he looked down upon the blackened ruins of the mountain den. “That infernal Indian made no mistake,” he said in audible tones. ‘‘He bas forced the wolves to another lair which I will find. Noth- ing standing but a few logs that rise like negro giants from the ruins, Ha! somebody has been there since the fire. There’s a piece of paper fluttering from one of the logs.” He descended to a level with the burned town and walked among the ruins. When he mepend it was before a black log that stood upright likea pillar, and saw a paper pinned to it with a bowle,
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His eyes were filled with int ni as he | e reached up and tore it down so that he could read the writing thereon. The next moment a laugh broke over bis lips. he exclaimed. mel accept the challenge; if not, I bunt you none the less. Seven of you left with the cap- tain, eh? [ wish there were ten, but I will at- tend to the seven.” He looked at the paper, and. for the third time read aloud the writiig that almost cov- ered it: “Blood for blood! Thar ar’ seven ov us left with the cap’n, but we'll make things howl. “THE SEVEN PArps,”’ Defiance seemed to devour the youth's eyes, and stepping to the post again, he j:rked the bowie from the wood, and folded the p per un- til it was no larger than his hand. Then holding it against the upright log with one band, with the other he drove the blade through it, pinning it securely to the wood. “That’s Ned Blake’s answer!” he hissed, step- ping back to survey his work. ‘‘A bowie for your paper threat; bullets for your hearts!” An instant later the crack of a rifle cut the air, and with a dull thud a bullet buried itself in the log, piercing the paper he had just piuned to it with a single blow, Ned Blake wheeled in a second, with his fin- ger at the trigger of the rifle he had just clutched anew. ‘“Who did that?—the seven cowards, I sup- pose!” he cried. ‘* Not thea seven cowards, but five ov the fools ye've jes’ been talkin’ about.” Ned Blake saw the speaker a moment before he spoke; be saw, too, that he was one of five men who stood about thirty yards away, with Winchester rifles at_ their shoulders, and bronze cheeks at rest on the polished stocks, ‘You're not the man we started to find Jast night, but you’!l do. Hands up!” said the same stern voice, ‘ You ar’ flesh an’ blood, an’ not .the ghost the cap'n thought ye war, Yer neck didn’t lengthen worth a cuss last summer it seems; but we'll not fail this time. Hands up, boy hd The command was too s‘ern not to be obeyed in some manner, although Ned Blake seemed on the eve of defying the meu who held his life at the mercy of their triggers. ‘‘No foolin’, my young card sharp. Do what year’ goin’ ter do now!” ; Grating bis teeth, Ned Bake let his rifle slide to the ground, and elevated bis bands, What else could he do? “Forward, boys. Keep ’im kivered, an’ ai ther first move, operate the triggers!” were the commands that assailed bis ears as the five ad- vanced with military precision, He glared madly at the mountain Pards as they approached, scanning the face of each with a look that told how deep-seated was the hatred he bad cherished against them so long. . When they halted he stood within reach of their arms and all at once the band of the leader tell upon his shoulder, “An introduction is onnecessary, fer you know us all, boy,” said Pawnee Pete. ‘ We're not all hyer, thougb thar ar’ two more livin’ ones somewhar—Daisy Doll an’ ther_cap'n. You’re a fool fer comin’ back ter Take-Notice— don’t you think so now?” For a moment there was no reply. “TJ know my business!” suddenly flashed the outh, ‘Lam hereand in your hands. You | ae now that you didn’t finish the hanging job last summer.” “] reckon we didn’t,” said Pawnee Pete with alaugh. ‘‘I don't care who cut you down, neither do ther buys byer. Ez Isaid awhile re we're not goin’ to bungle the job this time.” **Do as you please! I expect no mercy at your bands.” . “Thet’s right, an’ you'll not be disapp’inted. Hold the victim, Rocky Rube.” | The giant who answered to this name stepped to the youth’s side, and his hand closed on his left arm. The other four stepped back a few paces, Ned Blake faced them with unblanched face, * ]t’s bullets this time, not a rope,” said Paw- nee Pete. ‘* Nobody shall cus you down in Take-Notice, fer we hold the band thet never pt ‘+ Heaven, is my trail to end thusf” thought the young avenger. ‘‘Shal] the men who once sped me into a apne! Of: cnrids and oii anged me because | he e winnin n riddle me witb balls?” i i | nee Pete, *You’re a set of fools, men of Take-Notice!” | ‘Tf this paper was intended for | The Ten Pards. the grip of a vise, and knew that from bim. there was no escape, : ‘“‘We give ye two minutes, pard,” suid Paw- *Ivs long enough fer anybody to get in a word with the Juage. Two minutes! ow, go to work!” Tbe cold words and the brief time allotted did not make Ned Blake’s head sink upon his breast. With the eye of a young eagie be looked into the rifles of the men who thirsted for bis blood. ‘‘Time up!” suddenly called out tie leader of the Pards. ‘ Ef you bevn’t saida word fer yer- self it ain't our fawt. Many a chap we've dealt with didn’t get two seconds. Ready, Pards ov the mountains, Aim at his heart an’ don’t wiss center!” Rocky Rube s:emed to glide an inch further from the boy’s side, although his grip did not relax. . lt was a thrilling moment. “Hold on, thar! Dll take a band in thet game!” rung out a voice that startled all on whose ears it fell, and Ned Blake saw advanc- ing from his rigbt a man who was the equal of any of his would-be executioners in stature, “*Iv’s Daisy Doll!” said Pawnee Pete, recog- nizing the new-comer. ‘I’ve an idea thet he saved ther card sharp last summer; but he can’t do it ag’in!” All eyes were fastened on the mountain Pard who came forward with flashing orbs and a cocked revolver in his hand, He walked dys past the leveled rifles and fearlessly down the line, nor stopped until) he stood before Ned Blake. ‘*Let the youngster go, Rocky,” he said, gently, yet in tones of command, to the rough who had been holding the youth for execution. Rocky Rube hesitated, “You don’t mean, Daisy—” ‘Let him go!” Daisy Doll's hand touched Rocky Rube’s arm, and it fell back from the almost victim. ‘See hyer, Daisy,” suddenly thundered Paw- nee Pete, striding forward. ‘‘ We're playin’ this game!” " = Daisy Doll wheeled upon the speaker like a ash, ‘I've taken a hand in it ef ye ar’!” he said, and a huge revolver was thrust into Pawnee’s face. ‘ Another step, Pawnee—nanother: curse an’ thar'll be a funeral in buried Take-Notice!” Pawnee Pete stood still. CHAPTER XIII, EXIT CAPTAIN QUARTZ. It was evident from his look that the youn- est of all the giafits of Take-Notice was not to ‘trifled with. . When Pawnee Pete halted be was not more than four feet from the menacin x revolver. He might have thrown up bis band and dashed Daisy Doll’s arm aside; but it would be danger- ous to attempt the experiment. The young giant s between the roughs and the young avesger who was almost hid by the interferer’s burly form. ‘“Ye war-goin’ ter try cold Jead this time, war ye?” ejaculated Daisy Doll. “It strikes me thet I got hyer jes’ in time, You won't touch the youngster now.” Pawnee Pete’s black eyes snapped again. ‘Hang me ef I ain’t stumped!” be exclaimed, trespassing upon nesta Yd ground, ‘ Yow’re the last man, Daisy, I thought 'd interfere fer ther card sharp. You must hev a reason—” “T hev!” was the quick interruption. ‘‘-You helped ter hang ’im last summer.” “] did, an’ I cut ‘in: down afterward, too.” ** We all know thet now.” ‘He wants my blood in spite ov what I did,” continued Daisy with a quick glance at Ned Blake. ‘1 guess he’ll get ther dead drop on me at ther first opportunity. He’s the feller thet lassoed me ther other night, an’ the Fpiag 4 I forced over ther clit inter Death Valley. But no matter; I stand between him an’ yer pistols, lsay thet he must go free!” The dark-skinned auditors seemed too amazed to respond. “Move off toward ther rock yonder,” said Daisy Doll, addressing the youth in a lower tone. ‘Don’t stop byer any longer than ye kin help fer it’s an unhealthy climate hyer- abouts,’ . Ned Blake looked at the interferer, and then glanced into the faces of Pawnee Pete and his pards. Daisy Doll’s glance was a command, and be turned toward the buge bowlder plainly seen He glanced at the man who held him with ' from the spot he occupied. ‘ os “T kiver the boy’s retreat,” said Daisy to Pawnee Pete. ‘‘He’s my deadly enemy | tell ye, but I bev helped him all ther same. Paw- nee, you an’ the boys kin foller me et ye want ter,” The young giant moved after the svenger, but with his eyes fastened on the meu-tigers be left behind. Pawnee Pete bit his lips and ground his teeth. ‘Ther mean skunk!” he fairly hissed... * He's no pard ov mine fer that act. What do you wef boys?” e turned and strode toward his companions with the question, ¥; ‘““Tbar’s suthin’ in the wind,” growled Rocky Rube. «** Daisy an’ the card sharp hev pooled their issues, It means a conspiracy ag’in’ Take- Notice.” Curses fell from the lips of all who listened to these words. “No rest for me till Ive settled with Daisy an’ his oer pard!” cried Pawnee Pete. ‘He hed ther drop on me an’ didn’t use it, ther fool! I’m in fer makin’ this ther bloodiest game Daisy ever + em You'll stand by me, pards?#” ” Ferever, Pawnee!” was the re se. **] thought so, We'll let ’em think thet we've let ’em go, but, like eagles, we'll fall w em an’ trump their bands with death’s best kerds,” Meanwhile oe Doll and his companion bad passed out of sigh They bad not met since the separation on the elevated trail where one forced the other over the ledge, to full himself a few moments later into the valley. Not a word passed between them until Da Doll halted, deep in the mountains, and whir! upon the boy. ‘‘Hyer we ar’, pard,” he said. ‘‘ You've looked xt me a thousand times since we left ae Notice. Now, what do you think of Daisy OL! Ned Blake stared into the giant’s face, but did not reply. He seemed to think it in'possible that the very man whose life he bad sworn to. take sheuld, at the risk of his own, save bis, “You hevn’t lost tie tongue, hev ye?” re- sumed the giant, with a laugh. ‘I’m Daisy Doll, I tell ye—one ov ther Ten Pards ov Take- Notice. Ge back to ther time we pulled you up to ther limb. What did you swear to do arter you got ovt ov thet pickle? Come, pard, bea man. Don’t ferget thet oath.” 7 “T cannot,” exclaimed the avenger; ‘ bu how can I avenge myself on you after wi at hes just happened? Daisy Doll, you make me break my oath; but there, are left, thank Heaven! Those six lives will be vengeance my fr for me,” n ‘‘Lost grit, eh?’ smiled the giant. ‘‘ Wal, I didn’t belp you to-day to save my own head. Bf I thought I war that kind ov man, Colorado wouldn’t bold me another day, I didn’t belp ye because | freeze ter ye in any way; but cause a gal laid her bana on my arm, night an’ said: ‘Help im, Daisy, fermy sake.’ “ Thet’s Ms hy J stepped between you an’ Pawnee "ete , Ned Blake started witha low cry, “Where is White Leaf?’ he asked, anx- iously. “ Poller me an’ we'll see.” 10e Daisy Doi) started cff epein, closely followed and watched by the wondering boy. " The pair soon traversed a mile and Daisy Doll balted at what the youth knew ata glance must be the mouth of a cave. Tl] show you ther boss girl ov this kentry,” he said, smiling upon bis companions. ‘ The Injuns thet came from old Sittin’ Bull’s camp for ber will never go back ter report,” The twain entered the mouniain cavern and found themeelves in a place of spacious dimen- sions with a lofty ceilirg and a dusty floor. “She's not byer!” suddenly exclaimed Daisy Doll. ‘She said she would stay till I cume back. I made her promise thet. It can’t be thet ther cap’n hez got loose—” anita captaint—captain who?’ interrupted ed, “My cap’n—old Quertz, You see I came across him an’ White Lesf at Take Notice last night. The cap’n war mistreating the gal—- war bound ter make her Mrs. Quartz, an’ all thet. Wal, I came up an’ spcilt bis gam fetched ’im byer, tied his hands on bis back an turned him loose. White Leaf kivered him with my revolver while I fixed bis hands, Gods! but ther old feller did grow]; but I told © im thet it war dangerous to let bim run at. large with bis bends at liberty. pards fer ten year, Cap’n Quarie# an’ I bev, We've beem ©
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said in low tones.. ‘‘ You shall 12 but somehow er other we’ve been driftin’ apart since last summer. We must find the gal, my WA Ned was anxious to. be assured of White Leaf’s safety and the cave was searched, but without finding a single trace of her. * Suthin’s bappen I know it!” said Daisy Doll, starting toward the mouth of the cave. ‘Ef Cap’n Quartz got his hands loose, I’ll cuss myself fer a week.” e led the way to the outside and once more stood in the mountain trail. “Stay hyer a minute,” he said to Ned, and before the you’h could speak, he darted away. Ned Biake scrutinized minutely the wild land- scapa by whicb he was surrounded. All at once he started and barely suppressed an exclamation. He saw the figure of a man scarcely fifty yards distant. The back was turned toward him, and closer ins;ection showed that the person’s hands were tied upon it. 5 “Great heavens! it is Captain Quartz!” he The young avenger watched him aw longer, t he did not move. ° * “Can I do it?’ he asked himself. ‘ He is one of the accursed Ten. The experiment is worth trying. I will one A minute later Ned Blake was crawling like a snake toward the unsuspecting man. He did not lose sight of him for a second, and the nearer he ap the stronger grew his desire for revenge. f “* Pl not strike you in the back, captain,” he face me when you die for the inhuman deed committed last 7 7) summer.” ’ Ned Blake’s craw] was being accomplished ‘without the slightest noise. - His eyes glittered as he advanced, and one of his hands held the hilt ofa knife which was half wn, Captain Quartz, bound as Daisy Doll had left him, seemed to be watching the movements of ‘some party ahead, and was not listening for a foe in bis rear. ' The youth halted at last. was not three feet from Captain Quartz, — eyes were fixed on the mountain out- law 3. All at once the knife, now fully drawn, darted at the cords that bound the captain, and the next instant they fell apart, cut through by a single stroke! ) @ mountain Pard whirled with a startling ery, and recoiled when he found himself face to face with the young blood-trailer. “Ha! ha! captain, [’ve set you free!” ex- claimed the youth smiling at the giant’s amaze- ment. ‘ You called me a ghost last night. Dol Ie Sie hc tecae yas aopdotoce i ouikan a you, now you ar the c Gowrenes goin’ ter te tar orks ain, “Why should I, captain! Did I have it when d with me?” _ & frown was the reply. » Captain Quartz was lookin of a revolver which the yout into the muzzle had exchanged ima flash for a knife. 3 "e A “Tm Ned Blake, and I am here for revenge!” continued the avenger. ‘I have sworn to ex- terminate the league of Take Notice. Another man who hol a grudge against you has cut the band down to seven, but I have brushed him from my path. He will interfere no more, Captain Quartz, I shall keepmy oath from now on. I shall have the, blood of the men who banged me because fortune or fate gave me the best hand, I begin with you!” The youth’s eye seemed to glance along the ‘barrel of the weapon which moved downward the breadth of a hair, and then— A sbarp shot rung out among the mountain foliage and Captain Quartz reeled away, shot through the brain! : ‘ Baffled again!” exclaimed Ned Blake, well . knowing that his mes had not fallen by his - revolver. ‘Must I kill another man beiore [ find myself the Pards’ only foe?’ He started in the direction from which the messenger of death had come, but stopped sud denly fifty feet away. “The men of Take-Notice belong to me!” cried aloud voice. ‘‘I shall not stop until tbe last One bas paid the debt ov blood!” All color:deserted the young avenger’s face. “My God! it is the manI shot at daplight from Deep Thunder’s side!” fell from his lips. ae - to know jmaby 7 be noes lo mountain en. They never him, I know, Then he lifted up his voice: | they follered ug right away. The Ten Pards. “Tell me why you bunt the Pards,” he said. ‘* Let us meet, and—” ‘*Beware! the men of the mountain league belong to me/” and the slayer disappeared as if the earth had opened at his feet. Ned Blake, mystified, went back to the stal- wart captain lying across the trail. He was dead! ‘*Whoever that avenger is,” the youth mut- tered, ‘‘ he kills when be shoots!” ——— CHAPTER XIV. THREE MORE! THERE still lived but six of the mountain Pards of Colorado—Pawnee Pete and his com- panions, and Daisy Doll, Four, as we have seen, had fallen before Bill Blake’s deadly rifle, and he had renewed his oath to ex erminate the entire league. “Who fired that shot?’ asked Daisy Doll, making his appearance to the young avenger sbortly after the slayer’s withdrawal, “The man I thought I had brushed from my path,” answered Ned Blake. _ ** Did he hit anything this time?” ‘* Look yonder.” Daisy Doll walked toward the corpse lying across the trail, and gazed at it for a moment, ‘Blamed ef it ain’t ther captain! An’ his hands ar’ loose, too!” he exclaimed. The youth smiled. , “I did that part of it,” he said; ‘‘ but [ did not get to carry out my purpose. That man stepped in and avenged bis*wrongs, if he has any to avenge.” : " ‘Havyen’t you an idea who that killer is?” asked Daisy Doll, curiously. . ‘Not the slightest. Tell me, if you know.” ““Tve got a good idea, but the girl knows,” he said. ‘* White Leaf?” “ »4 ” “Then let.us find her at once!” cried young Blake eagerly. “ He shall not baffle me again; lam besay to swear he shall not. Think of it! Four of the ten bave fallen before his rifle!—I have not got to slay one.” ‘* Hyer’s yer chance, pard!” and Daisy Doll drew his handsome figure to its true hight in front of the avenger. ‘‘ You'll never git a bet ter chance ter begin than ye hev now. I b’long to ther hangin’ squad!” ‘‘No, no; you will make me break my oath! I owe you life instead of death. I will neither begin nor end with you.” ; nd the youth put forth his hand as if be would keep back the man who had bared his breast for the avenger’s bullet. “Thet’s more than the ther one will do,” smiled Daisy Doll. ‘Ef be gits a chance he’ll sarve me like he sarved ther cap’n back yonder, Life’s a lottery in Colorado, Ned, an’ the men what don’t die with their boots on desarve monuments taller ner them sky-kissin’ trees. But the gal! Let the killer go for the present.” Ned Blake did not object. He was now doubly anxious to find White Leaf since Daisy Doll bad informed him that she knew the name of the mysterious killer. He bad made up bis mind that-he would look out for the deadly marksman and settle with him at the first opportunity. The shot.at daylight from Deep Thunder's side he knew had not killed the living target, else Dapten. Quartz had not fallen by other hands than his. In all probability the bullet had merely stun- ned the man-hunter, rendering him unconscious for a time. Ned Blake and Daisy Doll turned from the spot, but not until the latter had dragged the body of his old leader from the trail and given it a burial better than any he had ever granted to bis victims. During the interment the avenger stood out- side with his head turned away and waited for the rough to rejoin bim. . 2 “Tt’s good-by, Cap’n Quartz,” suddenly said a voice. ‘‘He war a man among men ov his kind, but the prize he drawed in life’s lottery warabuHlet.” - : . Ned turned to find Daisy Doll at his side, “The game gits hot from this point,” con- tinued the mountain Pard, ‘‘ Pawnee Pete an’ this boys ar’ on ther war-path now. They’ve hed time ter reach this part ov the kentry ef The reason why'I left ye so sudden a while ago war because I thought I saw suthin’ suspicious down yender. There it isag’in!” ; . Ned Blake looked over the young giant's out- stretched arm, and thought he saw something moving through some bushes some distance away. 8 it may be my rival!” be exclaimed. “ Ther dead-shot!—I think not,” said Daisy Doll. *‘ rg Gabe we'll find out who it is, When he gits to the point whar ther bushes ar’ lowest, Pil halt bim.” The rifle of the mountain Pard had alread struck his shoulder, and Ned Blake held h breath while he waited for the creeper to reach the spot indicated. A minute elapsed. ‘Halt thar!” shouted Daisy Doll, and forth- with the figure of the creeper sought the ground, ‘‘He acts like an Injun!” murmured the outlaw. “Git up thar, er stop a_bullet— Quick!” The tones in which these words were spoken were enough to awe the bravest, and to the outh’s astonishment, a form rose above the ushes., Daisy Doll was right; it was an Indian. ‘‘No foolin’, reddy! March this way!” said Daisy over his rifle. The red-skin obeyed, and Ned Blake all at once recognized Deep Thunder, the last of the band of twelve Sioux. “White Face again!” exclaimed the young brave, recognizing the avenger, “Him no kill man. in buckskin this mornin’.” ‘“T know that now,” said Ned. “Him pass Deep Thunder back yonder ’while ago.. His eye was full of fire, as if he had scalped a foe.” : The youth bit his lip. ; ‘Triumph over one he did,” he said, and then Dajay Dol} spoke. ‘‘Let me git a word in edgewise, pards,” he said, ‘‘Look hyer, Injun; whar’s White Leaf?” ‘The young Sioux started at mention of the name. ‘*T want no lie,” continued the mountain Pard, as sternly as before, “ You warn’t sneakin’ through them bushes fer nothin’, an’T kin read an Injun’s look about ez well ez a white man’s. Look inter this rifle bar’l, an’ say ye don’t know whar White Leaf is, if you dare,” Deep Thunder did not stand more than three feet from the weapon that covered his head. ““T don’t like you, anybow, fer you’re ther hound what gave Take-Notice the match,” re- sumed Daisy Doll. ‘* Whar’s White Leaf? “The white-faces will not let ber go back to the red warriors’ camp,” said the Sioux. “She shall go ef she wants ter,” smiled the iant. ‘‘ You’re a sly Injun, Deep Thunder. e would hev found her in ther cave awhile ago if it hed not been fer you.” The Indian did not reply. “If you know where White Leaf is, tell me,” said Ned Blake, ‘‘You and I need not be enemies, You hate the mountain Pards; 60 do I,” “‘ Deep Thunder will lead White Face to the girl," said the young brave. ‘He took her m the cave, but she is not far away. Come, white-faces.” “Thet’s a sensible Injun,” said Daisy Dell, lowering the rifle. r The Sioux turned away, and led the two whites toward the bushes from which Daisy Doll’s leveled rifle had brought him a few pene before, and there revealed a narrow ail. “Trail leads to White Leaf,” he said, glane- igs his followers, or several minutes the little party pushed along .in single file over the narrow path, or un il Deep Thunder suddenly halted, and then drew back with an expression of alarm on his face. ‘What's up now?” asked Daisy Doll. “The white wolves are in the mountains.” “Thet means Pawnee an’ bis Pards,” said the giant. ‘‘ It’s war to the knife jest ez I expected, Ned.” Speaking still, the mountain Pard advanced and after a look downward for the nirrow trail was elevated above much of the locality he beckoned the avenger to his side. “Thar they ar’, the bull five,” be said, de- scribing with outstretched arm a group of five men witbin rifle-shot, but below their position, “It’s a council-oy-war, boy. Look at ’em., Thar never came together in Colorado five big- er ner better pards than Pawnee Pete an’ his boys. I say thet fer’em, ef they do want my life. : Ned Blake gazed breathlessly at the men, and felt his temples throb, and the blood start like molten lead through his veins.
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Each one of those desperadoes had bad a share in hanging him a tew montbs before, and he had sworn to have the blood of all. Daisy Doll watched the young avenger’s emo- tions with an amused smile. -He seemed to know what was passing through his mind. ‘I see them all, Daisy Doll,” Blake suddenly exclaimed, and the click of his revolver’s lock followed the words, ‘*Tbe other avenger is not near now, Let me get in my work, [ must settle with the men of Take-Notice while I have a chance,” f He started forward, escaping Daisy Doll’s hand and heedless of Deep Thunder’s remon- strance. “TI may never get a better chance!” he sent back over his shoulder. ‘“ By Heaven! I will cancel the debt I owe!” He had thrown himself from the trail and with eyes of fire was springing toward the council of-war among the mountains. ‘Men of Take- Notice, I am here!” rung from his lips in accents that ‘made the desperadoes wheel. “This time the tables are turned, and nobody outshoots me as was done awhile ago.” Nobody? “That’s a mountain lie! The last five moun- tain Pards belong to my rifle!” Ned Blake stopped and uttered a wild cry which’ was drowned by the report of three swift shots. ? ‘Gentlemen of the rope, this is Bill Blake’s revenge!” continued the same stern voice, and when Ned glanced toward Pawnee Pete he saw three figures on the ground, andtwo men flying down the trail. “Run for yer lives an’ save yerselves fer ther next shootin’-match!” followed the fugitives. “The decrees of Heaven can’t save ye from Bill Blake ov Gila Ranch.” The young avenger stood spell-bound, with the undiscbarged revolver in bis hand, He saw the buckskin-clad figure of the killer as he stood in full view not far away, and even noted the lightning flashes of his eyes, All at once the burly figure of Daisy Doll landed at his side. “You know ’im now, pard?” the rough ex- claimed. Ned started like a person suddenly roused from slumber. ‘‘Know him? My God! that man is my brother!” And as the buckskin slayer disap- peared the revolver drdpped from the young avenger’s hand, CHAPTER XV. CORRALED. “Haut! what’s ther use ov runnin’? and Pawnee Pete, the speaker, seized his big com- panion by the shoulder and balted him without ceremony. They were some distance from the spot where Bill Blake had broken up the council-of-war ' with those deadly shots, Pawnee’s companion was Rocky Rube. ‘“Thar’s only three ov us left, Pawnee—three out ov the Ten! In fact, thar’s but two, fer I don’t count Daisy Doll ez one ov us ep He's taken up with-thet boy, an’ we’ve lost him for- on BL - sae Se ou an’ I fer it now, ag’in’ i ake, all we stay an’ iher game through?” y play 8 “Yes!” almost thundered Pawnee Pete, and his eyes flashed as he spoke. With seven dead Pards bebind us, we're goin’ terstay! By heaven! it is you an’ me, Rocky, sure enough,’ Tbe two men had recovered their breath and were ready to meet the slayer from whom they had just fled. : They knew that Captain Quartz had fallen, for they had discovered the lone grave made by Daisy Doll’s bands, and a brief inspection had told them who it contained. “Thar’s no use to record an oath, Rocky, We kin kill just ez well without one,” sald Pawnee after a short silence. “‘Lef’s go down to the big cave an’ rest thar an’ fix up our plans. evn’t been thar fer a year, but I guess I kin find it,” The two men started off, Pawnee Pete in the lead, and after following the mountain-trail for an hour, they drew aside some vines and eorered corre : diem ‘* Hello! somebody’s been keepin’ house Byer: “ejaculated Pawnee, ‘in tones that startled his ‘companion, whose face and form the lighted ‘match revealed. “‘ Hyer ar’ our names om ther wal an’ across three ov ’em is a dark-red pas “Rocky Bube sprung forward’ and stared at ‘the naieed ‘aiecoves siete ‘*We're in Bill Blake’s yetreat!” he exX- claimed. ‘‘He crosses a name out when he kills its owner. See! Bowie Bill war his first victim—tbar’s a mark across bis name.” ‘* It’s a solid fact, Rocky.” “ He'll come back ter mark out the others mebhbe.” ‘** Ov course be will!’ and as.if a footstep bad assailed his ears at that moment Pawnee !ete put out the Jight and clutched his pard’s wrist in the darkness. ‘We'll wait fer ’im hyer!” he said in whis- rs. ‘' Fortune hez shuffled the cards an’ we've got ther best bund. .[ didn’t expect it this ‘soon, Recky; but no difference! We'll play it just ez well.” -The two mountain Pards felt their way along the wall until they reached a corner of the cavern. It was partly filled with large bowlders be- hind which the Pards did not hesitate to creep, and make themselves as comfortable as possi- ble. “Now fer the man we want, Rocky. It’s only a question ov time. He’s bound ter come!” Yes, Bill Blake the slayer was at that mo- ment approaching the trap which had been set for him; he was going back to the cave to re- cord the last deadly work of his unerring aim. ‘‘ Three more—only three!” he said to him- self. ‘‘I’m goin’ to leave Daisy Doll for the last, as L said I would when started out. More than once have I baffled that boy who wants the blood ov thé Pards ov Take Notice almost as bad as I do myself. I wonder who he is? They did not hang his brother as they hanged mine; they never struck him as bard as they struck me, Three more, Bill Blake— then away from the scene of your revenge!” The slayer traversed the trail with eager and elastic step. He was wildly handsome in his close fitting buckskin suit, but there was a frenzied glare in his eyes which would have riveted the atten- tion of the most casual. His blood-hunt had driven him to the verge of lunacy; for days and nights he had thought of nothing else, and all bis plans were for the extermination of the mountain Pards, Men had told him that the ten roughs bad hanged his brother, little more than a boy, but not for months after the event. This news had reached him on a ranch néar the banks of the Gila. **Tll bave ten lives for that boy’s,” was al] he said, and that very night the Gila Ranch missed Bill Blake and his rifle. ‘We know how he entered Take Notice in order to mark {he men he wanted, how he won Captain Qaariz’s dust, and then knocked him senseless with a thousand in gold; we have seen the workings of his revenge throughout our romance, and now we find him, madly triumph- ant, near the end of his trail. Eager to draw the oe. names of his last victims Bill til the cave was reached, He pushed the vines aside and entered. “Hyer he is, Rocky,” whispered one of the Colorado tigers whe had waited for him with patience along hour. ‘‘ He doesn’t dream thet we're hyer, ’s seo what he’s goin’ ter do first.” The sound of footsteps in the gloom told the secreted Pards that their foe was coming on; then all at once they saw a flash of fire and the match showed bim to their gleaming eyes. Bill Blake stepped to one side and took from a stone shelf a prepared torch which burned free- ly after awhile, and with it in his band he ap- proached the wall. ‘*T cross ’em all out but three an’ they’ll soon follow,” he said halting before the ten names. “ Thar they ar’ !~all marked out but ther names of Pawnee Pete, Rocky Rube an’ Daisy Doll. mark across the lake kept on un- an’ the other avenger kin stay byer ef he wishes to. Blood fer blood! Ef I don’t hold the winnin’ hand in this game, I hev never lived an hour.” As the last words left his lips Pawnee Pete’s shoulder touched his companion. ‘“Now!” he whispered. “Get ther drop on him. [Pl bring him'to time.” he next moment the figure of Pawnee Pete Tose i naee Lig bowlder. : a Eo ‘Hello, pard!” rung out his coarse “We've bet up a cold deck on ye, an’ all ther trumps ar’ in our hands.” ean Bla ce recoiled at the first words as if a ; t had dropped at his feet. 14 He saw ‘ rte an ‘but his eyes ‘di Then aart's oe instant, ; aba id not “ ANl but three eee eee ee a ee ee ee eee a = aE ee ————————— — T'll go back to Gila Ranch afore long satisfied,- vado. oe ‘eh? continued Pawnee Pete 13 —— | in tantalizing tones. “ It strikes me thet you're goin’ ter git .o the end ov yer trail sooner than you expected. Drop thet toreh if you dare, It shows us the head we’re goin’ ter bore through an’ through!” At the mercy of the mountain Pards the | slayer of Colorado stood for a minute like a | Statue, | ‘The light of the torch showed him the situa- tion of each and enabled them in turn to cover his head, The band which had leaped to his revolver af the first alarm still rested there, for the weapon had not been drawn, as if be knew that the | drawing of it would seal his own doom, “Three itis!” be said. ‘| am, Bijl Blake as | you know. Seven out ov ten is not bad work, A little more time an’ [ll complete the list.” ‘*No doubt ov thet!” said Pawnee Pete, ‘That we’re not fools enough ter grant you more time, You sha’n’t bev another minute!” The shutting of the rough’s lips bard behind the last word told that the S ritia ed arrived. | Not more than twenty feet separated the mountain foes. There seemed no escape for the slayer. All at once the torch came down like a falling meteor; it flashed blindingly in the faces of the two Pards, and so suddenly that the fingers at the triggers could not work! 99:3 The next instant it shot straight into their faces, hurled by a madman’s band, and passing between them like a rocket, was dashed against the wallin their rear! ‘ At the same moment Bill Blake vanished! All this was the work of a second, as it seemed. ‘ sy Blinded by the flash, and staggered by the torch itself, the two Pards went to the wall be- hind the bowlders, The flambeau burned fitfully at thetr feet, for the wall had deprived it of much of its fire, and where the slayer had stood was dur impenetrable. “Hal bal when you cover a man after this, drop him witbout ceremony !” suddenly laughed a voice that made the Colorado Pards grind their teeth. ‘' We'll see who wins in the end, Pawnee. Don’t forget ez ye go along, thet thar ar’ three more names ter be crossed out yet,” The voice died away just as Rocky Rube was about to fire in the direction from whence it had proceeded, and at that moment the torch went out. Half an hour of silence followed. The Pards knew that Bill Blake had not qnitted the cavern, but as they could not see their bands before their faces, they could not define his position. aes ‘‘ Suthin’s got ter be done,” wl ispered Paw Pete at last. ‘‘ I’d sooner face a den ov rattlers than stay hyer. We might ez well bring things toa head. We war fools fer not droppin’ —_ without a word. Now we've got ter it in ther dark.” “I’m with yer, Pawnee,” ’ “Put up yer revolver, then, an’ grip yer bowie,” ; ’ Rocky Rube obeyed, and with the ness of two serpents the last survivors of Tal Notice crept forward on the most d venture of their lives. Pawnee Pete pow, as always, had the lead. - Ten feet beyond the stones they halved and listened. Not a sound assailed their ears, The silence was enough to betray them by the beating of their hearts, : ‘* Listen!” whispered Rocky Rube, as a very slight noise was beard, “ He’s movin’ on our right. Bill Blake—” The sentence was never finished, for a hand dropped upon Recky Rube’s shoulder from out the darkness, and something cold touched bis cheek. ‘ , “This leaves but two!” said a stern voice, which was succeeded by a flash and a dull report. Socmadn Pete sprung to his feet, ith “Tm left yet—tber wors',pill.in, ther box!” he grated, as a bound carried bim forward. | But in the gloom he missed bis man, and the descending bowie cut only the close atmosphere of the dark place, . Ten feet from the spot Pawnee picked himself up, and after a while crept back, j init Suddenly he felt a mangled face, and he knew that but two of the Ten were left, n m —e-tt P| j as CHAPTER XVI. aeyen . ; THE LAST MAN, ‘ttinind rado clutched. bis e with the | Ronn growl to firmer ~ ” 8
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i4 “Pm byer, braced fer ye, Bill Blake!” he cried madly. “Idare ye to fight me, knife to knife, in the darkness!” There was no response. Had the slayer glided from the cavern after killiog Rocky Rabe? Pawnee Pete’s senses were on the alert, but no pistol-flash cut the gloom again and no enemy leaped upon bim. ‘*A sneakin’ coward just ez I expected!” rowled the mountain Pard, ‘‘ Sneak back to e Gila Rauch, an’ tell yer cowboys thet Paw- nee Pete backed ye out.” Finding that be could not elicit a response of any kind, the rough crept forward and down the corridor which led to the mouth of the cave. Nobody interrupted his progress, and he found himself, at last, in the bright light of day. Bill Blake had undoubtedly taken his depart- ure, and no doubt was already far down the mountain trail. “Til get ’im yet,” said Pawnee, going back into the cavern, ‘‘It’s only a question ov time.” This time he struck a match, and found his last pard dead where the avenger’s revolver had left him. With one look he turned away. Out into the daylight again passed the burly re of the Colorado ruffian. There were lightniig flashes in his eyes. . “‘Pm worse tian the Ten put together!” — over his lips. ‘‘By Jove! Bill Blake, 11 make ye curse the day you begun yer man- bunt in Colorado!” : The mountains swallowed him up, as it were, but his great shadow fell athwart the trail as he burried along. A few hours later the figure of this same man ps eb have keen seen eb from bush to bush with his gleaming eyes fixed on a certain object some dis'ance ahead. His movements were noiseless and assassin- like, and the band that carried a revolver kept one bronzed finger at the trigger. All at once the creeper stopped and let slip an oath of disappointment, * Pshaw! it’s an Injun!” he exclaimed. ‘ But it is the red skunk thet gave Take Notice the match. When you can’t find a b’ar mebbe you kiu kill a snake.” He leaned forward and watched the young Indian, who appeared to be resting, for he leaned een a tree about twenty yards away, and wholly unconscious of Pawnee’s nearness. ** Hello, reddy!” suddenly cried the mountain rote e Sioux turned with a start and found him- self covered by the giant. ' &J’'m goin’ ter settle with yer fer the burnin’ ov Take-Notice,” grated Pawnee Pete. ‘ Take yer medicine like a man, [njun—no flinchin’.” There was a sharp crack at the end of the last word, and the young red-skin leaped into the air to fall back, shot through the brain. ‘‘ Thet’s bizness!” said Pawnee, going forward hh a smile of triumph on bis dark face, ‘Tl ttle with Bill Blake just ez quick when I git the drop on him.” ‘sMebbe ye'll never get thet drop,” said a voice, — Pawnee, who was stooping over the dead In- dian, straightened at the first sound. « Throw down yer six-shooter, Pawnee; I’m ‘goin’ ter give you a chance,” continued the same voice. / “With the bowie, Bill?” With the bowie.” ‘Down goes the shooter, then!” and as the Pard’s revolver struck the ground he drew his bowie and braced himself for the fight. The man who had startled him was the slayer, and as he stepped forward he exchanged bis revolver for a knife similar in constriction ‘to Pawnee’s. The giant towered a head above his antagonist; ‘but Blake was well built, and, from appear- ances, as agile as a cat. He took lengthy strides, as if eager to come in contact with Pawnee, who awaited him with savage ea ess. ‘ gern At last they stood face to face like two gladi- ; , the left foot of one almost touching the ators Tight of the other. This is to be a duel to the death!” said Paw- nee, “if I kin make it so it shall!” was the re- RE lg a SE LAS mas ye te the fret lick who | Ls ee a ———————— : Sees “ Thet suits me.” | A moment had not succeeded the last word | ere the bowie of the mountain Pard sbot upward | and then swooped at the slayer’s heart. “To avoid the stroke it seemed nex to impos- sible, but the hand of the trailer met the de- | scending arm half-way, and although at the | risk of losing bis balance, he checked the hu- man thunderbolt. The two men fell apart the next moment, and glared at one another like tigers. Blake’s eyes taunted Pawnee Pete at his fail- ure and the look was madly returned. “Ef thet’s yer game I'll try another card,” said Pawnee under his breath, and all at once he dashed at his foe with the bowie lifted no higher than his thigh. Quick as the new charge was, the slayer tried to meet it. He struck not at Pawnee’s body, but at the arm that guided the knife, and the whole length of his blade seemed to pass through the rough’s wrist. ry do thet charge on the Gila some- times!” he said derisively, and as Pawnee Pete fell back painfully wounded he leaped at him with the ferocity of a mountain lion. Pawnee Pete attempted to keep him off, but in vain, They came together in an instant, and the giant found his knife-arm pinioved to his side by the arm of his foe. “T gave yea chance, Pawnee,” was hissed in his ear. “‘ I swore never to do thet for one ov yer crowd; but I’ve broken my oath in thet respect. Thar’ll only be one ov the Pards left in a minute—Daisy Doll.” Pawnee Pete tried to get the advantage of his enemy; he attempted to trip bim but in vain, “This fer ther boy you helped ter bang!” accompanied the blow that swiftly followed and the burly man who staggered back Snepped a bowie whose point stuck in the ground as he fell heavily! , ‘““Who says thet I left Gila Ranch fer pothin’?’ said Blake. ‘‘Only one more left— an’ he the one I promised ter save til] the last. Thar’s no grave fer you at my hands, Pawnee. By to-morrow night I’ll cross out all the names on the wall of the ceve.” The slayer walked away leaving his last victim where he had fallen. The mountain vendetta was at an end; there remained alive only one more member of the league of Take-Notice. The wild gleam which had lighted up Blake’s eyes was wilder than ever now, The man seemed to be growing mad as if vengeance had turned bis brain, . He went straight to the cave in which Pawnee Pete and Rocky Rube had lately confronted him. Torch in hand, he step form of the latter, and every name but one. This action seemed to give him a fiendish pleasure, for he laughed as he performed it | until the dark recesses of the place threw back the echoes. Night was throwing her ~ over mountain and valley again when Blake left the cave. Eager to complete the wildest scheme of re- | venge man bad ever conceived, be knew no rest. , Down the mountain again toward the ruins of Take-Notice! Did he expect to find the last man there— among the old haunts like a restless spirit? The stars saw him flit from ruin to ruin, and the winds heard the Mcoherent sentences that continually left bis lips. All at once he stopped and hugged the black- ened timbers of one of the captis. ‘* Will you ever build Takv-Notice again?” | asked a voice. ““T ruther guess not,” was the reply. ‘“ Hyer | several ov ther boys war wiped out, an’ byer, | too, we hed flush times. I'll leave it fer the owl an’ ther buzzard. Pawnee Pete an’ Rocky may | want to live byer, but ez fer me, boy, I beg ter be excused. bar’s three ov us left now— ‘“‘ Thet’s a liel—thar’s only one, Daisy!” The figure that shot forward landed at the side of one of the parties who had just come up. ' Daisy Doll involuntarily recoiled a foot, but a hand dropped on his arm all the same. “* Ye’r’ the last one, Daisy! I’ve left ye till A last!” continued t e same stern voice, “I’m My brother!” conteed Daisy Dell’s com + ” ex "3 com- bag er darting forward. ‘‘ You shall not fin- 2 vee I ue my liter” and the youth d over the stiffened rew a mark across | slayer’s hand and causing bim to utter a cry of consternation, Bill Blake seemed dazed by the revelation ho had just heard, ‘*My brother alive? It cannot be!” he said. ‘7 had a protber once, but the Ten Pards swung him twixt heaven an’ earth an’I hey terribly avenged him.” ‘*ButIam that brother. Iam Ned Blake!” persisted the youth, “You. Let me see yer face.” Daisy Doli struck a match and held it before his young companion’s countenance, _The slayer leaned forward and tried to fasten his eyes on the features thus revealed. ‘It is a lie! You look like Ned, but they hanged him, I say,” be cried. ‘‘ Ab! you have nok got a scar on your shoulder like my brother ad, The youth turned to Daisy Doll. ‘* Here, Daisy, open wy jacket, quick!” he price ‘There! hold the light near my shoul- er. The next moment a wild cry rung out on the air and the slayer sprung back and quivered like an aepen. ‘‘It is Ned! I have killed for nothing!” they heard him say. ‘ For a moment he stood erect like a man, then striking his forehead with his clinched hand he stag ered back, and sunk to the ground. “He is dead!” cried Ned Blake, rushing for- ward followed by Daisy Doll. ‘Dead? no! be’s worse than thet,” said the mountain Pard. ‘* He’s mad!” And so it was. Bill Blake’s trail had ended in madness! CHAPTER XVIL. GILA RANCH AGAIN. We last left Ned Blake and Daisy Doll among the mountains looking for White Leaf, the Sioux captive, with Deep Thunder for a guide. We know that the Indian brave fell by Paw- nee Pete’s aim just before his fatal duel with Bill Blake, and now. we find the last of the mountain Pards and Ned in Take-Notice, but without the girl. Deep Thunder, true to his treacherous nature, had given them the slip, and was probably on bis way to the place whither he had taken White Leaf when Pawnee’s weapon put an end to his existence. ; The sight now exhibited among the ruins of Take-Notice was a pitiable one indeed. Bill Blake, the slayer, was mad, and Ned turned bis head away when he encountered the mad stare of his eyes. ‘We can go back to Gila Ranch now,” said Daisy Doll, addressing the madman, He started at sound of the name, ‘* Are they all dead?” he asked, ay All {” ‘‘ Daisy Doll among them?” The giant nodded. ** Then we will go back. The mountain Pards | will never PAPE TAY brother again!” “Now for White Leaf!” whispered Daisy Doli to Ned. “ Then we*will turn our faces toward the old ranch, an’ this poor man will find rest at last.” Half an hour later the little party was deep in the mountains. Bill Blake offered no resistance, but moved alovg with the rest, There seemed to be some hope for him, and Ned thought that the old ranch on the Gila would exert over him a beneficial influence. “Look yonder!” suddenly exclaimed Dais Doll, pointing forward. ‘‘Ef my eyes don’t deceive me, thar stands the very girl we're buntin’!” tiny young avenger could not suppress a cry of joy. “You are right, Daisy. It is White Leaf!” he said. The next moment the figure which the giant’s keen eyes had descried vanished from view, and the hunters darted forward. ‘‘ Hyer we ar’!” exclaimed Daisy, catching a glimpse of a flitting figure before they had pro- ceeded far. The young girl turned and uttered an ex- clamation of surprise, and a minute later she stood before the trio, relating the story of her abduction from the cave by Deep Thunder and * late escape from the place to which he bad en her. Bill Blake listened to the narrative in a dazed sort of manner; his eyes had lost their old fire, and were now as soft and mild as a child’s,
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* Vengeance has been had and yet there is no human gore on your hands,” said White Leaf to Ned, to whose side she had stolen at the first opportunity, ‘Let us hope that the future will give him back his mind. The mountain Pards deserved death anyhow, and the twelve Sioux whose hatchets I know have killed our peo le.” ed did not reply for a moment. “I came hither to kill,” he said when he did speak. ‘I thought { had a right to pay the men of Take-Notive back for their treatment of me, but I never dreamed that my brother had been told that I was dead, and was also on the trailof vengeance, If he regains his reason the last of the mountain Pards must keep his dis- tance.” And Ned glanced at Daisy Doll who stood near by. Several months later thre> persons seated on a porch in front of a well to-do ranchman’s house in Texas were approached by a man on horseback, The sbades of night were falling and behind the rider the landscape was growing dark. ‘* The crisis has come,” whispered one of the trioon the porch to a beautiful young girl. “Our visitor is Daisy Doll, and Bill is about to meet him,” The next minute the horseman drew rein in front of the porch with a jovial ‘‘ Hello!” tothe three, and got ready to dismount as if he were certain of a cordial welcome. Bill Blake started at sound of the voice and rushed forward, while Ned and White Leaf held their breath. “‘ Hello, William, I’m back ag’in!” cried Daisy Doli, putting down his bronzed hand to the man who had halted beside the horse, For a moment Biil Blake stared into the horseman’s face and then almost crunched the hand in his palm. “It’s all right now, Daisy!" he exclaimed. ‘* May you long be the last ov ther Ten fer what ye did fer Ned!” A loud shout pealed from Daisy Doll’s throat as he looked toward the interested spectators on the porch. ** Blamed ef he isn’t all right once more!” he exclaimed. ‘‘ Hyer Iam, Bill. ‘ Accordin’ to yer oath I war to hev been the last ov ther boys ter be wiped out, They’re all gone but Daisy. 1 won’t lift a hand ter stop yer.” ‘‘T’ve killed enough!” said the slayer. ‘“‘T am glad that my wild oath shall forever remain un- fulfilled.” Need we say that there was joy on Gila Ranch that night? Reason had come back to the mad man-hunt- er of the Colorado mountains, deep in whose re- cesses lay dead the men whose wicked’ deeds merited the fate that had overtaken them.” Not long after the incident just related a mis- tress was formally installed over the ranch, and - one same time Ned Blake took unto himself a wife. Thus Sitting Bull’s camp lost the most beauti- ful prisoner it ever contained, as well as twelve of the bravest warriors of the Sioux nation. For Dead Eye and his braves had failed in their mission, and, instead of conveying, White Leaf back to her prison, they helped to make her Néd Blake’s wife. Take-Notice remains as we last left it; but the memory of Captain Quartz and bis moun- tain Pards will cling to the blackened ruins for- ever. Daisy Doll, the survivor of the league, is a native of Texas, and frequently visits Gila Ranch, where he is Ft A welcomed by the man who once wanted his life, THE END, Sunnyside Library. 1 Latts Rooks. 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By Captain J. F.C, Adana, 1 Buekhern Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team. By E. L. Wheeler. The Shadow Ship. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 68 The Red Brotherhood. Hy W. J, Hamilton 64 Dandy Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh. 65 Hurricane BULL By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 66 Single Mandy or, A Life for aLife. By W. J. Hamilton. $5 x. tent-Leather Joe. By Philip S. Warne, e Border Robin Hood, By Buffalo Bill, @old Rifle the Sharpshooter. By Edward L. Wheeler, 0 Old Vip’* Cabin. ve J. F.C. Adams, 71 Delaware Dicks the Young Ranger Spy» By Oll Coomes. ad Tom Western, the Texan Ranger. By W.J, Hamilton, 8 Deadwood Dick on Deck. By Edward L. Wheeler. 4 Wawk-eye Murry, By Ol! Coomes. 75 The ime Duelist. By Colonel Prentiss Ing-wham, $ Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. By Albert W. Aiken. ? Dordarey Chariton the Boy Bravo. By E. L, Wheelon 8 Blue Dick. By Captuin Mayne Reid. 9 Bol Ginger the Giant Trapper. By Albert W. Aiken. Rosebud tob. By Edward L. Wheeler. Yightaine Jo, By Cuptain J. F. C. Adams. Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hawk. By T. C. Harbaugh, Rollo, the Boy Ranger. By Ol Coomes. Idyl, the Girl Miner, By Edward L. Wheeler, Buel Buekram, By Captain J, F.C. Adama, n 1 Lasso By Ol] Coomes. By Edward L, Wheeler. By Olli Coomes, n Rock, the Man from Texas. By G. Waldo Brown, The Land Pirates be Pn Mayne Reid. Pho aph Phil, the Boy Sleuth. By FE. L. Wheeler, Island Jim. By the author of “ Jack Harkaway.”’ ‘the Dread Rider. By George Waldo Browne. he Captain of the Club. By Bracebridge Horoyne. nnnada Chet, the Gounterfolter Chief. By FE. L, Wheeler, 98 The ~ ¢ Minera. By EdwardS. Ellie. 94 Midnight ack, the Road-Agent. By T.C. Harbaugh. 95 The Rival Rovers. By Lieut. Col. Haseltine. 96 Watch-Eye, the Shadow. By Edward L. Wheeler. os The Outlaw Brothers, By John J, Marshall. 9 10 SLESENSELEERE obin Hood, the Outlawed Earl. By Prof. Gildersleeve, he Tiger of Tuos. By Georze Waldo Browne. Lacy Se eas oe ne arkaway in New York, Bracebr' 102 Dick Dend-Eve. 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, the Hunter. By Captain H. Holmes, 106 Old Froaty,s the Guide. By T, C. Harbaugh, O07 One-Eyed Sim, By James L, Bowen. O8 Daring Davy, the Young Bear-Killer. By H. St, George, Deadwood Dick as Detective. By E. L. Wheeler, Black Steed of the Prairies. By J. L, Bowen, e Sea-Devil. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham? e Mad Hunter. By Burton Saxe. ack Moyle the Young Speculator. By E. L. Wheeler. The Biack Schooner. by Roger Starbuck, The Mad Miner. By George Waldo Browne, The Hussar Reptain. By Col. Prentiss Ilograhame Gtit-Edged Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler. Will Somers, the Bov D tective. By Charles Morris, Mustang Sam nosmae King of the Plains, By J. E. Badger, the Branded Mand. By Frank Dumont. Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport. By E. L. Wheeler. 128 Phil Mardy, the Biss Boy. By Charles Morris. 1 Kiown Charley, the White Mustanger. By T. C, Harbaugh, 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 Boss of the Road. By Frank Dumont. as The Young Privateer. By H. Cavendish, Deadwood Dick’s Double. By Edward L. Wheeler. 180 Detective Dick. By Charles Morris. B81 The Golden Hand, By George Waldo Browne, 2 The Hunted Hunter. By Edward S. Ellis. 8 Boss Bob the King of the Bootblacks, By E. L, Wheeler. 84 Sure Shot Seth. By Ol! Covmes. > Captain Paul. . By C, Dunning Clark. Sige rat tm ¢ Heipiess Hand, apt ayne 89 Btende fei 5 Eaerd Whose udge Lyne rs. . Ls Blue Blazes, By Frank Dumont. 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. By Ed. L, Wheeler. 448 Handsome Harry. Charles Morris, rd mre Saul. By Oll Coomes. Mee Care P ee she the hee vork Bocclne. By Whealen By E. L. Wheeler. ee 2 7s ld -derlerlerlenlatartartertert lilt SENAARSO Li kd _ Poh ak Seah pk sk ph pl PRARRRE ENON $ 46 Silver Star, the Boy Knight. By Ol] Coomes, Wildil the Thoroughbr By Charles Morris. J. Alexander Patten, la. By Edward L, Wheeler. Panther Paul, the Prairie Pirate. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. By Charles Morria pine nee -ce ty = = = = : : 156 Déadwood Dick of Deadwood, By E. L. Wheeler. 157 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy, By Charles Morris, 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado, By Buffalo Bill, 159 The Lost Captain. By Captain Frederick Whittaker, 160 The Black Giant. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 161 New York Nell. By Edward L. 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 Harry. By Harry St. George. 167 Asa Scott, the Steambont Boy. By Edward Willett, 168 Deadly Dash. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, 169 Tornado Tom, By T. C. Harbaugh. 170 A Trump Card. By Charles 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 Charlee Morris, 175 Captain Arizona, By Philip S. 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 Oll Coomes, 179 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner, By Charles Morris, 180 The Sea Trailer. By Lieutenant H, D, Perry, U.S.N, 181 Wild Frank of Montana. By Edward L, Wheeler. 182 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain. By Oll 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 Desmond, By Colonel Delle Sara. 187% Pred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy. By Charles Morris, 188 Ned Temple, tho Border Boy. By T. C, Harbaugh, 18% Bob Rockett, the Crackeman, 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 W1\l-0’-the-Wisp. By Lieut. Perry. 198 The Lady Road-Agent. By Philip 8S, Warne. 164 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, tho Man with the Knife. By T. C. Harbaugh. 199 Featherweight, By Edward Willett. 200 The Boy Bedouins. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 201 The Black Hills Jezebel. By Edward L. Wheeler. 202 Prospect Pete, of tne Boy Brigade, By O01) Coomes, 208 The Boy Pards. By Joseph FE. Badger, Jr. 204 Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit, By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom. By Edward L. Wheeler. 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. By Charles Morris, 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. By T. C. Harbaugh, 208 The Boy Hercules. By Oi! Coomes. 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective, By Edward L. Wheeler. 210 Foro Frank of High Pine. By William R, Eyster. 211 Crooked Cale, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 12 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. By Charles Morris, 218 Fritz to the Front, By Edward L. Wheeler. 214 Wolfgang, tho Robber of the Rhine, By Capt. Whittaker. 215 Captain Bullet, tho 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, tho Toxan Terror. By Ol Coomes, 219 Deapard, the Duelist. By Philip 8. Warne. 220 Tom Tanner, Scalawnag and Scapegrace. By Chas, Morris, 221 Sugar-Coated Som. By Edward L. Wheeler, 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, 228 Ozark Alf, King o! the Mountain. By Edward Willett. 224 Dashing Dick. By 11 Coomes. 225 Sam Charcoal, the Premium Darky. By Charles Morris. 226 Snoorzer, the Boy Sharp. By Edward L. Wheeler, 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper. By E. Emerson, 228 Little Wildfire, By Oll Coomes. 229 Crimson Kate. | By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 280 The Yankee Rajah. By C, Dunning Clark. 281 Plucky Phil, of the Mountain Trail. By T. C. Harbangh. 282 Gold-Dust Dick, By Edward L. Wheeler. 288 Joe Buck of Angels. By Albert W. Alken. 284 Old Rocky’s “‘Boyees.” By Buckskin Sam. 285 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. By Charles Morris, 286 Apollo Bill. By Edward L. Wheeler. 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain, By Col. Ingraham. 288 The Parson Detective. By Ol] Coomes. 289 The Gold-seceker Guide, By Captain Mayne Reid. 240 Oyclone Kit. By Edward L. Wheeler, 241 Bill Bravo and His Bear Pards. By T. C. Harbaugh. 242 The Two “ Bloods.” By Charles Morris. 248 The Disguised Guide, By Oll Coomes. 244 Sierra Sam. By Edward L. Wheeler. 245 Merle, the Middy. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham 246 Giant George. By Buckskiy Sam. 247 Old Grizzly and Iiis Pets. By Capt. Bruin” Adams 248 Sicrra Sam’s Secret, By Edward L. Wheeler. 249 Milo Romer, the Animal King. By Caps, 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 8. Ellis, 255 Captain Apolle, By T. C. Harbaugh. 256 Young Kentuck. By Captain Mark Wilton, 257 The Lost Hunters. By Capt. J. F. C. Adama 258 Sierra Sain’s Seven, By Edward L. Wheeler. 259 The Golden Harpoon, By Roger Starbuck. 260 Dare-Devil Dan, By Oll Coomes. 261 Fergus Fearnaught. By George L. Alken, 262 The Young Sleuths, By Charles Morris, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Divide. By Edward L. Wheeled. 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. Harbangk, 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 &. Ellis, 272 Minkekin Mike. By Ol! 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. Careon. 279 Old Winch, the Rifle King. By T. C, Harbaugh. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 281 Denver Doll's Victory. By Edward L. Wheeler. 282 The Typo Detective. By Edward Willett. 288 Indian Joe. By Major Lewis W, Carson. 284 The Sen Marauder. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 285 Denver Doll’s Decoy. By Edward L. Wheeler, RSE Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. By Capt. Mark Wiltcn. 287 Bilby Blue-Eyes. By Colone! Prentiss Ingraham. 288 The Scalp King. By Captain J. F.C. Adams. : 289 Jolly Jim’s Job. By Charles Morris, as 2090 Little Foxfire, By Ol! Coomes, 201 Turk, the Ferret, By Edward L. Wheeler. 202 Sancho Pedro. By Major E. L. St. Vrain, 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper. By Captain Comstock, 294 Dynamite Dan. By T. C. Harbaugh, 295 Fearless Phil. By Edward Willett. 296 Denver Doll’s Drift. By Edward L. Wheeler, 297 The Tarantula of Taos. By Buckskin Sam, 298 The Water-Hound. By Charles Morria 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. By Edward L, Wheeles. 800 The Sky Demon, By 01! Coomes. 8Q1 Leadville Nick. By Major E. L. St. Vrain. 802 The Mountain Detective, By T. C Harbaugh, 808 ’Liza Jane, the Girl Miner, By BE. L. Wheeler. 804 The Dead Shot Dandy. By Colonel Prenties Ingraham 805 Dashaway, of Dakota. By Charles Morris, 806 Neck-Tie Ned. By Major H, B. Stoddard, 807 The Strange Pard. By Buckekin Sam. 808 Keno Kit, the Boy Bugler's Pard, By Col, P. Ingraham, 809 Deadwood Dick’s Big Deal, By E. L. Wheeler, 810 The Barranca Wolf. By Joseph E, Badger, Jr. 811 The Roving Sport, By Edward Willett. 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. By Maj, E. L. St Vrate 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, Tromp Curd of Arizona, By T. C. Harbeugh, 817 Peacock Pete. By Lieutenant Alfred Thorne. 818 Ker-whoop, Ker-whoo! By Bockskin Sam. 819 The Black Rider. By Joseph E. Badger, Je, 820 The Sea Sorceress. By Jack Farragut. 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen, By Edward L, Wheeler, 822 Nemo, the Deteetive. By Edward Willett, 828 Arkansaw Jack. By Harry Hazard, 824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy*Detective. By Uma Morris, Ney, Hickey & Oo the Slouths Ore Eacne L, Wickes ret) rear eve 826 The Ten Pards; or, The Terror of Take-Notice, By T. G Harbaugh. 827 Creeping Ont, the Caddo. By Buckskin Sam. 828 The Sky Detectives, By Major Mickey Free, 829 Red-Skin Tom. By Harry Hazard, 880 Little Quick-Shot.. By Edward L. Wheeler. 881 Black Nick, the Demon Rider. By Capt. Fred, Whittaker, 882 Frio Fred. By Buckskin Sam, 888 Brimstone Bob d His Lightning Horse ar tette, By Major TS. Vrain. a - 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. By E. L. Wheeler, 885. 0ld Double Fiat. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 886 Big Benson. By T. C. Harbaugh. 887 Ben Bird, the Cave Kings By W. J, Hamiltom. 888.A Tough Boy. By Philp S. Warne. 889 Kangaroo Kit’ Racket. By Edward L. Wheeler, 840 Clip, the Contortionist. By Edward Willett. $41 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective.. By Charles Morria 842 The Mountain Devil, By Harry Hazard. 848 Manhattan Mike. By Edward L, Wheeler, 844 The Fighting ‘Trio. By Buckskin Sam, 845 Pitiless Matt. By T. C. Harbaugh, 846 Rapier Raphael. By Major H. B. Stoddard, 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducats. By Edward L. Wheeler. 848 Fire-Heels; or, Old Skinflint the Death-Shadew. By Roger Starbuck. 849 Wild Wolf, the Waco. By Buckskin Sam. 850 Rea Ralph, the River Rover. _ By Ned Buntline, A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all newsdealers, five ceuts per copy, or sent by mai? on receipt of six conte each: ° BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York,