Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 330) (1883 11 20)
The text was read from the page scans by machine (OCR), so it has mistakes and its columns may run together. See the pages · About this title · At the Internet Archive
Page 1
yiotaLataT LaLa Lal Oe ca el ae f hy Men Malls lle lene len en WF (Te \ eG YUN mont KUO WINE \\ it i! it! nt nt a ni! GS i il NS fi $2.50 a year, “Entered at the Post Office at Maw Yor + Mela at Second Class Mall Rates. ute Copyright, 1883, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, he November 20, 1883, > BLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price, Vol. XIII. Sige PU VEEKLY BY ; ce No. 380. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. LITTLE QUIGK-SHOT, THE SCARLET ScOUT; °> 2222240 "40H o DAGGERSVILLE. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, ‘‘ ROSEBUD ROB” NOVELS, ‘‘ DENVER DOLL” NOVELS, ETC., ETC. ia Phi aan ame OF 1/4 “igs ~ 2 : fore > we HS Lan CU: OE SEER CR ———S CELA pres HSA <a a ew a - SSS AWAY! AWAY! THE TERRIFIED ANIMAL PLUNGED, LEAVING A SHEET OF WEIRD LIGHT BEHIND—A SIGNAL-LIGHT TO QUICK SHOT'’S AND GRIT GLEASON’S HORRIBLE DOOM.
Page 2
- 2 Little Quick-Shot. a - Little Quick-Shot, THE SCARLET SCOUT: oR, ' . The Dead Face of Daggersville, BY E. L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, ‘* ROSE- BUD ROB” NOVELS, ETC,, ETC, CHAPTER I. THE INSULT, i PEDRO {” “Yes, general!” “ Whois this fellow, who rescued Lenore from the cowboys, a week since?” “IT know not, general, except that he is a wandering ranger, and is known, at the camp as Little ck-Shot, the Scarlet Scout.” **Fyom what does he derive so strange a title?” ‘*T believe he is counted the most unerring shot on the range, sir, either with rifle or revol- ver; then, too, he has a peculiarity of wearing a magnificent buckskin suit which is dyed the brightest-scarlet color.” ‘Undoubtedly some good-for-nothing vaga- bond, with a penchant for notoriety; and chea whisky!” the general said angrily,.as he bit savagely at the end of a half-smoked cheroot. “What is more, Pedro, I hear that Lenore has been twice to tg ee me this week, ostensibly to do shopping, but in reality to meet this tramp.” Pedro smiled, at the expression of disgust upon his master’s face. ‘Hearsay has given you the truth for once, sir,” he said, ‘Of course, Ihave no desire to meddle in your family affairs, but I have seen Little Quick-Shot and Lenore have a clandestine meeting!” ‘Ten thousand devils! when—where? Speak up, man!” The general was fearfully excited. “Tt was last night, sir, in the arbor at the lower end of the lawn,” Pedro replied. ‘Curse myself for a fool if this isn’t interest- ing. My daughter, a descendant from one of the finest families in old Kentuck, playing the loverly with a nameless mongrel cur of the prairies! Go, 5 ag Pedro, and send the girl to me. I'll put ber on bread and water for a week!” ; ‘‘ Beg pardon, sir. The carriage departed an hour ago, taking Miss Lenore over to the Cot- ton woods,” ‘“‘ Ab! yes; [had forgotten. There’s to be a sort of reception fete there, in honor of Old Man Ronald’s son coming back from graduation at Yale. Well, let the girl go. I'll see to this matter of the scout, later, You can go,” And the general leaned back in bis easy-chair, to finish his cigar, while Pedro left the room, General Gleason was an ex-Confederate offi- cer, and one of the richest of the “ cattle-kings,” in southern Colorado, at the time of which we write, His magnificent prairie island, of many thou- sand acres of superb grazing land, was a half- mile from the quiet, thriving town of Daggers- ville, whose rude habitations were pitched down among the tte Gane of the hoary moun- tain range, ct y (rap. ane Daggersville we will speak more fully here- ter, From the town, a private road ran down over a half-mile of rolling prairie to Villa Vo- selle, the magnificent home of the general—a large modern residence, surrounded by spacious grounds, with abundant shade, flowers, serpen- tine drives, and costly statuary—a home fit for a prince, the interior furnished in the most ele- gant manner, dE General Gleason, bis daughter Lenore, and half a dozen servants—Pedro among them— were the only occupants of this sumptuous oo except when troqubnsly honored with sitors. pas ‘ To be sure, there was a full half-hundred cow- boys and berdsmen in the general’s employ, but they had a special “settlement,” or habitation, known as the Barracks, ten miles to the south, on the cattle-range, and seldom showed up at Villa Voselle except on pay-day. _ The foregoing conversation occurred in the general’s well-stocked , where the gen- eral was seated at an open window, looking out upon a cool veranda toward the mining-town, upon which the dying sunlight of a hot August vy ge just waning. ; was not a homely man—this fiery, hot- blooded Southerner, who had fought through the entire four years of the great struggle in the Confederate service. He was tall and of commanding build, with broad chest and shoulders, and a haughty, sol- dierly bearing. ’ His face was more stern than kindl pression, and was well covered wit a , iron-gray beard, while his bair was still more silvery. His eyes were gray and eagle-like in their glance, and a high, well-shaped forehead denoted that he was a man of prc- nounced intellectual strength. : His face still wore an angry expression after Pedro departed, for it galled his proud spirit— this rumor that his daughter, the queenly Le- pore, at whose shrine the best men of Washing- ton had bowed but a season before, should even notice a common rover of the mountain and prairie. Ambitious views had the general for the dis- posal of his duugbter. . in Daggersville, temporarily stopping at tbe Cinnamon Bear Hotel, was an old friend of the general’s—Colonel McIntosh by name—a relic of the Confederacy, as it were, sixty years old, gray-baired, pinch-faced, red-nosed, and the possessor of but one eye and one leg; yet of highly-aristocratic lineage, with a bank account of a quarter of a million, and one of tbe most extensive and profitable cotton-plantations on the Red river. Hence the colonel bad been decided upon for Lenore, by her business-like and practical parent. And Colonel Zack McIntosh had come to Daggersville for the purpose of taking the fair Lenore back with him as bis wife. But Miss Glea-on had obstinately refused to assent to the arrangement, and where the colo- nel had only expected to stay a week after bis arrival, a month bad already passed, and still ee was no likelihood of his securing ‘bis bride. About eight days before the day tbat opens our romance, Lenore bad been found missing, and it was at once suspected that she had been captured by a couple of discharged cowboys, nat had sworn to wreak vengeance on the gen- eral. An armed party was organized and sent out in search of the border beauty, and during their absence Lenore was returned safely to Daggers- ville by the new-comer, Little Quick-Shot, to- gether with the two cowboys who bad abducted her. Quick-Shot naturally became the hero of the hour, but respectfully declined Lenore’s invita- tion to call upon her fatber at Villa Voselle. The cowboys were jailed; and this about ex- plains all now necessary before proceeding with in ex- short- our story, save that the general, to the surprise of every one, had neglected to see the Scarlet Scout and tender him the large reward be had offered for the rescue of bis daughter. ‘“‘ This is a pretty state of affairs,” the general fumed, atter Pedro left the library. ‘* McIntosh is growing impatient over the irl’s confounded stubbornness, and first we oe he'll become entirely disgusted and go back to his plantation, and all my plans to suc- ceed to his estate and money will be knocked into a cocked bat. He must not be allowed to slip away—that is settled. Lenore must marry him, But, how is it to be accompa The girl has the spirit and temper of her father. When she gets an obstinate notion into ber head, thunder and lightning would not drive or scare her out of it, She despises McIntosh, and he perfectly idolizes ber. a success is to be made of my ambitious scheme, it evidently must be through him,” j He then relapsed into a sort of reverie, which lasted sever] minutes, when he arose, glanced at bis watch, and put on his hat. . “Pye a curiosity to see this young scout!” he said, seizing his formidable go d-headed cane— one of those convenient affairs for gentlemen, holding a deadly bullet in one end a nar- row flask of liquor in the other. ‘‘ Pcredited Lenore with extraordinary good taste, therefore I should naturally expect to find this fellow a ver nee gon among men.” : ‘He eft the house end walked briskly away toward Daggersville—something unusual for him, as he generally galloped up to the camp on his spirited roan, Kentuck, than which no better or fleeter horse existed had often been his boast. ; Daggersville was a little collection of cabins and shanties, situated on either side of a rugged stage-trail at the mouth of Grizzly Gap which, t this point, split the towering mountain-range asunder. There were not over a couple ot hundred in- habitants, mostly knights of the pick and shovel, the remainder being gamblers or shop- keepers, barring a small sprinkling of women and children. Excepting a few private ‘‘ patches,” which yielded but a meager profit, two quartz mines formed the main support of the miners who populated eee e, and both of these mines were owned a company, the chief stock- holder of which was a wealthy ranchero, Old Man Roland, as he was called, he being presi- dent of the company, and owning 4 controlling interest, Besides the private shanties, were a couple of stores, a laundry, smithy, and a well-kept hotel, known as the Cinnamon Bear, to which was annexed a well-patronized bar, and card-room. The proprietor of this place was a ponderous specimen of humanity, Major Garibaldi Greer by name, whose boast was that he could tip the beam at three hundred pounds. And when the Cinnamon Bear was built, a special width of doorway had been provided for the major, in order to admit his enormous cor- porosity. The major was a bachelor, jolly as he was fat, and his hotel was known as the best along the range. One apoplectic German, Peter Schmidt, handled the managerial reins—for, once the major got seated at a card-table, it was too great an effort for bim to arise for any- thing less than something unusually important. hep General Gleason reached the camp, he made his way direct to the office of the tavern, where be found Schmidt presiding. “Good afternoon, Peter!” he aainted: “ How do you find yourself?’ ‘* Prok eadt proke,” Peter answered, dole- fully, bis face, as usual, getting as red as a blood beet. ‘‘I vas blay ein time mit der game off poker, und he skinned me oud.” ‘* Ha! ha! Who did you play with?” “Dot vone-eyed son-of-a-gun, vot haff no more ash vone leg, vot you pring here from der Red river.” ‘* Indeed! So the colonel skinned you, with one eye, eh? Well, I hope better luck for you, the next time. Where is the major?” “Tn the saloon.” Without tarrying, the general entered the bar and gaming saloon, which was spacious, and handsome—for the major would have no half- wey things done about his place. he major and Colonel McIntosh were seat- ed at a table, engaged in a game of poker, which ended an instant after Gleason’s en- trance, and the fat man’s full-tnoon face became radiant with satisfaction as he raked in a large sum of money. MelIntosh’s jaw fell somewhat as he saw the general appear and the money disappear. ‘‘ Why, how are you, general?” Greer saluted, extending his fat band. ‘‘If I wasn’t so pon- derous; I'd have the courtesy to rise. ust been learning our Southern senator, how uncer- tain is the life—of poker. How is the general?” ‘‘ 1 am quite hearty, thank you. I need not ask after your health, Isuppose?” ‘Not at all. Appearances are not deceitful ‘in my case. Sit down, and lose a hundred with us?” “Ob, no! You veterans would make quick work out of me. We will have a drop of the best, and then I'd like a private word with ou. To please the cattle-king, the major could af- ford to get out of his chair, and the trio ad- journed the bar, where the general threw down a gold-piece, and called up the drinks for the house. After the drinks, the major and Gleason wi ai to one side, out of earshot. ‘““T came here to learn what I could about this young Quick-Shot, who rescued my daugh- ter,” the general said, his eyes gleaming. ‘*Knowing you to be on the square, I thought you would he as likely to tell what you know of bim, as any one else.” : “ Certainly, general—certainly,” ‘¢ Well, bave you seen this fellow who ealls himself Quick-Shot?” **T have.” ; ‘‘ What sort of a looking fellow is he?” ‘“ Handsome.” : ‘‘ Such as a susceptible young lady of educa- tion and refined tastes would be apt to fancy?" ‘‘ Well, I dunno, general. I know’d a nabob lady ter marry a half-breed once.” ‘’ Where is this fellow?” “He went off for a ride awhile ago; be back for supper, be said,” ‘Ob, Tl wait for him, then. They say he és a quick shot?”
Page 3
— ‘Such is the case, I hear. I should judge, from what experience Ive had at a ea the: peculiarities o’ human character, general, thet he’d be a purty safe character to let alone, speakin’ rampageously.” ‘* Has he bravado?” ‘*No; he ain’t no blusterin’ tough, but has every appearance of bein’ a quiet gentleman, Ef ary pilgrim were to tweak his nose, how- ever, [ opine thar’d be another earthquake needin’ to open Up, ter swaller ther corpuses, Not going to fight him?’ ** Oh, no! I merely want to see him on busi- ness, Dll wait.” And the general sauntered away and tooka seat on the veranda in front of the hotel. He had to wait but half an hour, when a horseman came galloping leisurely down the trail and soon drew rein before the door, where he slid lightly to the axound and gave his hand- some steed to the stable-hand, He was a man of medium stature, with a wiry, muscular form, which, in its evident strength and suppleness, spoke of active life and exercise, both on foot and horseback. His age apparently was between twenty- three and twenty-five years; his face was frank, open and handsome, with a firm but pleasant mouth, partly shaded by a brown mustache; deep brown eyes of sparkling ex- pression, and hair of like shade, as wavy as the billows of the ocean and worn long over his shoulders. Beginning at his feet, he wore a fine pair of top-boots, light woolen pants, a belt containing a pair of revolvers, a white flannel shirt open at the throat, and a finely-tanned buckskin jacket of scarlet color and most elaborate finish in the way of embroidery and golden bead-work, A jaunty white prairie hat was worn upon his head, and he looked indeed a prince of the plains. He ran lightly up the steps after dismount- ing, but paused after reaching the veranda on seeing the general arise as if to speak, ‘‘Are you Mr. Quick-Shot?’ Gleason de- manded in a by-no-means pleasant tone, “That's the title I bear, sir, among those whe know me,” the scout answered, bowing. ‘* You are the party, then, who, ’tis said, res- cued my daughter?” ‘*T rescued a Miss Gleason, sir.” ‘“Why did you not come to me, then, and claim the offered reward, sir, lik. a man?” ‘Excuse me, but I hardly understand you. I had no desire to accept t. reward for a mere act of common kindness,” ‘*Oh; no—of course not. I understand your motive. You wish to ingratiete yourself into good society. You took that way of doing it, expecting to be received with open arms, You have even planned and maneuvered so well as tc secure clandestine meetings with my daughter. Sir-rh! you are a low mongrel of a prairie cur —a dastard and a sneak.” _ “General Gleason!” Quick-Shot cried, draw- ing himself up proudly, his face flushed at the insult—‘‘ General Gleason, of Villa Voselle—le* there be no mistake as to whom { mean—you are a liar and a coward!” CHAPTER II. THE DUEL AND THE WARNING. THERE were several bystanders upon the ve- randa at the moment of the sudden outbreak, and had a bomb ae in their midst it would have produ no more consternation than did the angry words of the two men. In a town, even as apie as was Deggersville, no greater insult was believed possible than to call a man a liar and coward, and yet this very thing bad Quick-Shot doue, and stood fac- ing the cattle-king witb stern face and flashing eyes. : General Gleason was truly sta Rored at the words hurled back by the Scarlet Scout. It was the first time he had been called a liar or coward to his face in many 4 long year. “What is this, sir?’ be gasped. ‘‘ You call me a liar to my face?” “I do, and repeat it. I never call a man an pet names behind his back. That is emphati- cally against my rules. You called me a das- tard and a sneak, and I say you arealiar. I am a gentleman.” “Pye a mind to strike you down where you stand, sir. Dll have you know that I’m not the man to be insulted by a common srayeling, ci back your words, sir, or you shall rue it early. ‘*T am not the man, sir, to take back a word I utter until it is proven I am in the wrong. When I find I am in the wrong, sir, I am alway. willing to make proper retraction.” Little Quick-Shot, “See here, what’s the trouble?” Major Greer demanded, waddling from within doors. ‘TI, maybe, can make peace between you two gents. What's up?” ‘‘This aristocrat, who imagines, because he is reputed to be rich, that be can insult people |. bl at will, called me a mongrel cur, a dastard, and a sneak, and I called bim a liar and a coward. Now he demands that I shall submit to bis insolence and take back my assertion!” Quick- Shot cried, hotly. “Tf you don’t it will be a sorry job for you!” Gleason gritted, “Pll take my chances on that!” was the firm reply. ‘You provoked this quarrel, and if you want to push it you'll find I’ll not run from ou because you are, perhaps, financially, a gger man than I.” “What caused this unfortunate affair, gen- eralf” the major asked, anxiously; for, while it was profitable for him to in a measure court the cattle-king’s favor, he also had an eyc to keeping on good terms with the patrons of hi establishment, Quick-Shot being a guest, ‘*The cause is this!” Gleason replied, with an effort to check hisrage. ‘‘This highly-pictur- esque individual, whoever he may be, has taken unwarrantable liberty in pushing an acquaint- ance with my daughter, on the strength of the fact that he rescued her, a few days since. It has even gone 60 far that he has induced her to meet him clandestinely, The dastard took the sneak’s way of making his advances, kaowing full well that I would order him from my house did he come there!” A considerable crowd bad gathered, and looked on wonderingly. Quick-Shot listened with stony calmness, his face now grown white with deep passion, and his eyes burning with u wild light. When the general had finished Greer turned inquirin ly to the scout. “ Well, Quick-Shot, what have you to say?” the major asked. ‘Tt is useless to say anything fcr the ears of that ill-bred hotspur!” was the amswer, con- temptuously, ‘The breach was opened by him, and ths current of words has mada the channel too wide to easily bridge. I have no more to say than that if the assumed gentleman wants to settle the matter it can be done witb- out any further tongue-lashing!” **Do you give that as a challenge?” the gen- eral demanded savagely. “ T do—decidedly,’ ‘‘Then I accept it. We will settle our differ- ences with swords, as Southern gentlemen do; not with pistols, as Western desperadoes do, Major, oblige me by sending your man to Villa Voselle for mv two best swords. Direct bim to Pedro, my valet!” ““Unless you need two for your personal use, you need send for but one!” Quick-Shot suid, with perceptible sarcasm. ‘‘I believe I bave a blade in my room,” and be walked away with a smile so aggravating as to cause th») general to eee the floor in his rage and mortified pride, The crowd had by this time swelled to the dimensions of about a hundred persons, and ex- citement was increasing momentarily, A real out-and-out duel bad never occurred in the camp, although free fights were of frequent oc- currence, and the major had donated a plot of ground for free cemetery purposes which did not lack for ‘‘ planting seed.” The last words of the general, regarding gen- tlemen using swords and desperadoes pistols, did not seem to create a very favorable impres- sion, for there was many an exchange of dar’ and inquiring glances among the bystanders, The general and pay ene one side and had a long talk while the hostler was gone for the weapons: but none of the villagers knew what passed between them, By th- time the hostler bad got back Quick- Shot made bis appearance, bearing a long, thin blade, with mountings of gold ana settings of pure diamonds. : The general’s was but a very ordinary affair as compared with it. Without parley, the two men took to the middle of the street, prepared for business. “Who is to act as referee?’ the general asked, grimly. ‘* None is necessary for my part!” Quick-Shot replied. ‘It’s you kill me, or I’ll kill you; so stand on your guard!” The crowd waited and watched, breathlessly. The antagonists advanced, eye meeting eye, firmly; each face stern, each expression un- yielding. The coupmerien n between the two men was striking. e old general was much taller aad 3 broader, and heavier by a hundred pounds, than Quick-Shot, and as he seized his biade, with soldierly pate: fy an audience would have made their bets in his favor, as he looked emi- nently able to cut down his adversary, with a ow. But, though the cattle-king towered above him—the fact did not seem to diminish Quick- Shot’s courage in the least. He handled his blade with the skill and science of a professional swordsman, and every thrust made by the gen- eral, was neatly met and parried. j By choosing his favorite among weapons, it was evident the general bad calculated to make quick and easy work of his opponest, having apparent pbysical as well as scientific advan- tage, on his side, Hence, it was Nttle wonder he vey more enraged, as the advance of the duel proved that be had met fully his match, in the wiry and active Scarlet Scout, Thrust, feint, parry, lunge! ; The steel blades clashed together, swiftly, making strange music, upon the evening air, Neither man spoke, but from the impressions upon their faces, it was easy to tell that it was no cbild’s play they were in ulging in, For full ten minutes the pedly blades flashed through the air, and the ring of steel re- sounded, and though the general at last began to show signs of fatigue, Quick Shot was evident- ly as fresh as at the start. Full well notin the general uttered a vindictive oath, and made a master effort torun hisadversary through, but Quick-Shot had been expecting that very thing, and with remarkable quickness made a ph dag ful parry which burled the sword from the cat- tle-king’s grasp, and sent it spinning a dozen feet away. With almost, the same breath, the f carlet Scout raised his sword again, and sm: te the general beavily upon the cheek with tke flat of the blade, knocking bim to the ground, “ Mercy!” be cried, raising bimselt upon bis elbow, ‘Mercy, I beg of you, Sir Scarlet Scout!” “You need not to ask for it!” Quick-Shot answered. ‘‘I have your life in my bands, but would not bave the stain of the blood of such a man as you upon my sword. Arise, sir, and take a stranger’s advice—be 4 little more con- siderate in the future.” Thoroughly chagrined, the general arose to his feet, and received bis blade, from Major Greer, ‘You have won, sir, and against odds,” he said, bis voice trembling with bitter passion, which he tried to hold in check; ‘‘hence, I ac- cept my life, from you, as a gift, This need not make any difference in our antagonistic re- lations, however. We are total strangers to each otber, and I would warn you to keep your distance, both from me and mine, You are no fit person to court the acquaintances of my daughter, and if you have any common-sense or judgment, you will be only too glad to get out of this section of the country, at once!” “T cannot sent sir; L1eve,’ was known to back out ofa field, for any ore. For you I bave only what respect you deterve, For your daughter I bave a respectful admiration, and as long as 1 bave th. least reason ‘to believe that she reciprocates the feeling, I shall nox hesitate to pay ber any gentlemanly attentions that are honorable and acceptable to her, regardless of what your feelings may be on the matter. It may be improper to make such a statement in ublic, but as I have the pleasure of ag ae hat I dii not begin the quarrel, I trust I wi be excused for making your daughter's affairs the Rossip of the camp, ( Then, do I understand, sir, that you openly defy me?” O36 far as yeu would intrude on my liberties as a citizen, yes!” Quick-Shot replied, with emphasis, and turning, be strode into the hotel. neral Gleason and the mejor directly fol- lowed hi. example. and repaired to the bar- room, where they becam. seated, and drinks were ordered, ‘*General, this is a most unfortunate affair!” the a, said. ‘‘The duel of a few minutes ago, will do neither of you any particular credit Bars ce you!” “Why not me?” the Cattle King demanded, fiercely, his Southern blood boiling in an in- stant. ; ‘* Because, from the first, ycu made a con- summate ass of yourself,” the major declared, with a good natured, bantering laugh. “Sir?” Gleason cried.. ‘‘Have a care how ou speak, I have regarded you as a friend, eretofore.” = ; “ And rightly, too!” that he was losing ground, , Y
Page 4
4 “Then, why do you side with this cowardly prairie pup?” ““Do you really think, giving your conscience its own rein, that the Scarlet Scout is a coward, general?” **Of course I do. He is a low-bred ruffian!” “*T don’t see rouge, the same spectacles you do, then. From all Ihave gleaned, you, gen- eral, have shown the most unmistakable signs of ill. breeding of the two.” “Curse it if you are not getting insulting, too!” the general stormed. “ Nota bit of it. I’m telling you truth that *most any other man in the camp would fear to tell you. I don’t fear to teil you, though, and you know it,” ‘Maybe not; yet you hadn’t better go beyond the length of your rope, or even you may find yourself mistaken.” “Ob! I'm not afraid of it.” “Well, let’s not argue on that point. You know we!l enough that the fellow is no person to essociate with my daughter, and I would be an idiot to allow such a thing to take place, He worsted me at sword-play, but, curse him, Ill make this part of the country too hot for him yet, or ’m mistaken!” “Be careful how you war with him, general. He isn’t a boy.” “Nor am I a doll. Money is a powerful agent, here, even if common-sense can’t be beaten into a person,” ‘Perhaps. But, would you, General Gleason, a man of chivalry, use money as an agent tu de: troy a person, who not only did you an in- valuable service, but also never barmed you and spared your life, when he could as well have taken it?” “Did I say so?” ** You binted as much,” “Maybe so. At any rate, I'll break up this intimacy, or I'll know the reason why. No common border ruffian can ever link himself with the proud old Gleasons.” “So you think, But, don’t be too sure, gen- eral, There is no law to prevent the marriage of two single adult persons, in this State.” “There is a law—that of force!” “ Force is not a safe tool, always,” “Bah! Nonsense! Since you have broached the subject—what can money not buy, here?” “Me!” the major declared, with emphasis. “And when I pee’ for myself, I speak for several others, I fancy.” ‘Oh! Indeed! Then, you put your power in comparison with mine? ** Were it to come to another rebellion, in our quiet little sphere, I fancy I might stand a smal! snow,” “You are foolish. It is an open fact that I control this town, its inhabitants, and the coun- try for miles around.” “ Do you?” “Ido, Ihave but to call, and a small army awaits my orders!” “So you think. Doubt, however, is open to everybody. You may count your wealth, sir— and feel proud of it, by the hundred thou- sands of dollars, but, even your money cannot buy the honest strong arm of many a sturdy. Westerner,” “Oh, think so, if you choose. You, I am aware, are interested in the Ronald syndicate, but I can crush the whole of you under my feet.” “If you possessed such power, you would ve tka advantage of it, long ago, As for your being so perfectly a monarch of all you survey, please read this. It came addressed to me, as the envelope will show.” He then handed the general an envelope, torn = at one end, from which the cattle-king rae extracted a letter, written in a scrawling a The folowing were the dinkeate: “Orrice or Cap. Meuron, Cattle- Thief. t “Aug. —, 18—. “To GENERAL Grpron Girason:— “Sin:—I write you this little note to let you know that I have heard of the capture of two of my men, who I sent to capture your daughter, whom it was my intention to hold, subject to ransom. -I am also informed from private sources, that you have of- fered a reward of one thousand dollars for the cap- ture of myself and followers, which, with that of- fered by the State, counties, and vate parties, t h your political influence, makes a round sum: ath remy I wish to the heartfel - ‘ou, express the he elt. thanks of mapeet and my Rowdy Rangers, for your interest in our welfare; and wish, furthermore, to assure you that we shall improve the first safe op- y to visit destruction on Villa Voselle, and all that appertains thereto. “Yours to the death “ Cap. Metron, “ Chief of the Colorado Cattle Confiscators, * Limited,” Little Quick-Shot. _ CHAPTER III. GRIT. Arter entering the hotel, the Scarlet Scout made his way directly to his room, and tooka good bath, and rub-down, . Then, feeling greatly refreshed, he sallied forth upon the street once more. © WAS oDx- ious to learn how the tide of public sentiment was drifting, for he was sanguine that his trcuble with the cattle-king would make him enemies as well as friends. He was a stranger in the town of Daggersyille, and realized that a moneyed power as an agent against a stranger, was an enemy not to be wholly despised. That General Gleason would work to drive him from the town, he had not a doubt, no mat- ter what cost it might entail. The man was arrogant and sternly set in his way, and he was plainly not a person to yield a point, when there was a ghost of a chance for him to win; hence, Little Quick Shot needed no more to tell bim that he was treading upon uncertain ground, and that it behooved him to keep wide awake to his own interests, as long as he remained in Daggersville. Several respectable Americans were reported to have met their death in the camp, in an un- accountable manner; and what little investi- gation had been made, elicited no explanation of their fate. ’Twas said by the credulous that an Invisible Avenger haunted the town—a red-handed as- sassin, as it were, who possessed a ghostly face as white and sepulchral as that of a real corpse, and yet who possessed no body or underpinning whatever, as far as had ever been discovered. The Dead Fuce was wont to peer in at shant windows, of lonely nights, or be seen protrud- ing from clumps of bushes, or over the tops of bowlders; but all attempts to capture the owner had thus far proved unavailing. One peculiar circumstance connected with this specter, or whatever it was, was that, as an invariable rul:, after it had been seen in and about the camp, a dead man was soon after discovered, with a bullet-hole through his heart, and bis head turned to the north. t Thus it was that prairie and mountain-men grew into the opinion that Daggersville was uncanny and dangerous, wherefore it behooved a new-comer to “keep his eye peeled” when on a visit to the camp. As Quick-Shot sauntered along the rugged street he was a target for many curious glances and it was partly to get from under the fire o eyes that be stepped into a newly-built store or shanty, in front of which was a sign; “GRIT GLEASON, | TOBACCO AND CIGARS.” He took no time to recollect that there was a resemblance in the name of the cigar-dealer and the cattle-king just then; but he thought of it afterward. , On entering the store, he found it to be a little pigeon-hole of a place, with a counter and show-case, and shelving, the latter two rece tacles containing the rather limited stock of tobacco, cigars and smoker’s articles. Behind the counter presided a young woman, or more properly a girl, for her age could not have been Over eighteen, if, indeed, she was that. She possessed a petite but well-rounded figure, which was Plainly attired in a neat gingham dress, She owned one of the prettiest faces Quick-Sbot had seen in a long time. It was youthful, small, fine-featured, and merry. The mouth was of tempting, roguish, sweet expres- sion, and the black eyes were like dancing dia- monds in their brilliancy, ; Her hair, like her eyes in color, was tossed back from her forehead in great abundance and charming ccnfusion, Her hands were small and white. If Quick-Shot stared at her, it was no more than she did at him, for ew men of his striking appearance ever Visited Daggersville, ‘A cigar, if you please,” he said, throwing @ coin down on the show-case—“ one of the best you have,” “These Havanas are very good, I believe, for half a dollar each. I only bought a few of them, asI seldom have call for a bigh-priced cigar.” ey dare say not. The pipe, I believe. gen- erally suits the average miner better, These are right good—I'll take half a dozen, please.” This liberal purchase appeared to fill the pretty store-keeper with del'ght, and she took extra pains to put the cigars up in a neat pack- age. . “This is nice weather we are having, sir,” she remarked. ‘‘I do like pleasant weath.r, even if it is warm,” ‘Yes, It will not be long before the rainy season sets in. You are newly started in yci business here, are oy not?’ ‘*Oh! yes, sir—but a few days. I was suc denly thrown upon my own resources, an having nothing to do, Mr. Tabor thought J might make a nice little living at this business, I haven’t sold myself rich yet, however.” And she laughed merrily. “Riches do not always come in a day,” Quick- Shot said, philosophically. “To be sure they don’t. A few good cus- tomers like you and Mr. Tabcr, however, oul’ make ne believe I was getting rich.” ‘* Your appearance would indicate that you have known better times,’’ *You bet we have, sir! You see, we came from the East a few years ago, and papa bought a big ranch and started into the stock-raistrg business. We were making out nicely, so far as 1 knew—there was only papa and I—+xcept that papa drank pretty bard, until about a month sgo—then came the crash.” ** Indeed?’ p “Yes. You see, pape ceme home one night, and said he was not feeling well, and believed he was coming dow with the small-pox, to which he bad been exposed over a week befc re. up in the mountains at an Indian camp. I was awful scared, so | locked papa in the cabin we lived in, and mounting My pony, rode over to General Gleason’s—he’s My uncie—and told him about it. He had me seized and taken to one of his prairie cabins, an shut up there for ten days to see if I was go'ng to come down with the small-pox.” **The brute!” ‘‘T didn’t like it, of course, Lut couldn’t help myself. At the end of ten auys an Indian doctor visited me, and on finding me ell right, released me and took me back to uncle’s. Ob! sir, then came the terrible blow,” “What was it? I bave become very much interes'ed!” Quick-Shot said, : ‘©Oh! sir, they told me my father had been dead and buried a week. For fear the disease would spread, cur bumble cabin and all our effects had been burned, and pe a had been buried where no one would be likely to find his: grave, Not even me would they tell where he was buried.” : ‘*] dare say they could be forced to tell!” Quick-Shot suggested. ** There could be no pos. sible harm in your knowing your father’s last, resting-place.’ ‘ “Certainly not. This has not been all my’ trouble, sir. Since I have told you so much, | you may as well know all. When I asked corn- cerning my father’s ranch my uncle stated that everything belonged to him—that he held a mortgage on the ranch for double its value, and had foreclosed it; that he held judgment notes against the stock and other personal property, and had confiscated it, according to law. said I was left upon the world penniless, but being young and strong, could undoubtedly take care of myself. He them advised me to Jeave this part of the country, and suggested that my pcsition in life now would shake tt im- perative that my acquaintance with the Glea- sons of Villa Voselle should abruptly terminate; also that it would be prudent for me to -hange my name, did I remain in these parts, so that there could be no danger of my being regarded as one of his family,” “T presume you agreed to the suggestion!” _ the young inquisitor said, with a dry laugh, ‘‘T presume I did not!” Miss Gleason respon- ded “I told him to go to blazes, and left the house. Lenore gave me fifty dollars out of ber own gscras and that helped me to start this place. believe you are acquainted with Lenoref Bhe is such a nice gir].” ‘I have met her several times since I rescued her. It was owing to this fact that the gen- eral precipitated the street quarrel aw hil. ago, } with me.’ ‘So I learned. You rather worsted him.” “*T placed him at my mercy, and gave him his life. I presume he will try to take mino as a return compliment.” “T should not be surprised if he did. A!-' though he is a relative of mine, I am sorry to say | believe him capable of almost any mean action.” ; ‘*Your opinion coincides with my_ own. From what I h»ve seen of the general, I must say he has a raseally and selfish disposition. It‘ would not surprise me to Jearn that you have been deliberately swindled out of your father’s estate by your uncle,” ‘*Ob, sir! do you really think so?” i
Page 5
' «T do, fora beoreg fo _ “That is what Mr. Tabor believes, too.” “* «Indeed? Who is this Mr. Tabor?” . ‘*A gentleman who heard of my distress and ‘Axindly assisted me.” ~ “Ts hea resident of Daggersville?” “Ohl nosir, Hoeis a ‘ghee = of leisure, who comes and goes at will, spending much of his time at hunting and prospecting. [ like him very much, for be took pity on me when the world turned a cold shoulder.” “T trust he did so, young lady, with good and honorable intentions. An unprotected ‘oung lady, nowadays, cannot be too careful ‘rom whom she accepts attentions, for many a wolf is lurking under sheep’s clothing.” “Tam very much obliged for your kind ad- vice, but, don’t fear but what Grit Gleason can take care of herself.” ‘*Havn’t a doubt of it. as I bave a ride to take.” ** You are nct going to the Cottonwoods?” ** How did you guess it?” ‘Because Lenore has gone there. Be care- ful, sir! General Gleason is not to be trusted too far, and there are plenty of tools in this camp whom he could bire to work you evil.” “You are right, I shall be on my guard, however, and will defy the general and the whole kit of his hired assassins. I shall see Lenore, to night, just the same as though noih- ing had occurred.” ** Well, call again, stock of gocd cigars. ‘“*Y will do so,” and Quick-Shot took his leave. I must ba going now, when you want another General Gleason’s face wore an anxious cx- pression, as he read the letter of Cap. Melton. This Melton was one of the most cunning and dangerous desperadoes, in Southe:n Colorado, and bad rallied around him a band of cut- throats, second only to himself, known as the Rowdy Rangers, and also as the Cattle Clique. No crime was said to be too horrible for them to commit, and their frequent raids into New Mexico seemed to ie this, for they ever left behind them a trail of murder, arson and pil- lage, Phe band was extensive and well organized, and Melton made them a successful leader, be- ing feared, ’t~as said, as much by his own fol- lowers, as by those whom he waged war against. Report had it tbat he had once graduated ‘rom West Point; at any rate, scouts and ‘others who were in a position to know, claimed that his band were drilled as well as soldiers, and could fight like tigers. Again, it was rumored that privata citizens in different parts of various adjoining States, were in collusion with Melton, and had a lively interest in the successes of the Cattle Clique. A very Apollo among men, in point of manly beauty, this Melton was said to be,and a man of gt disguises, many intrigues, and great wealth, Tt was well known that he and General Glea- son were bitter enemies; but the cause of this was assigned to the fact that it was through the Cattle-king’s extensive and powerful political influence, that Jarge rewards had been offered for the captures or breaking up of the gang. If any private reasons for,the enmity existed, it was not known to the Daggervillians. The major watebed the general’s face, as he read the letter, something like a triumphant expression upon his own countenance, “ Weil, what d’ye think of it?? he asked finally. ‘Looks as if every person for miles arouad, wasn’t on your side, does is not?” “Curse the fellow! He is bold, Ill admit, but he bas run pretty nearly to the end of his race, It won’s be long, before he will be in limbo,” ; “Possibly. But he may give you a dig be- ‘ore he passes in his checks. You bring him to oay, and he'll spare nothing in his efforts to de- feat vou.” “Well, let him do his worst; I'll be prepared for him!” 3 The general then nrose, and left the Cinna- mon Bear, his face sct and s.ern and a wicked glitter in his eyes, Not far from the Cinnamon Bear, was a saloon, fre cae by tbe ‘‘bad” men of Dag- gersville. It was run by a brawny ruffian, oamed Buck Brady, a leading spirit among his patrons, and feared as a desperate character, who would rather shoot than eat. Brady and half adozen of his customers, were drinking at the bar, asthe general entered, and gave him a surprised stare, for the Slo Bucket, as Brady’s place was christened, rarely had so distinguished a visitor as the general. ae EE EE Ee————— Little Quick-Shot. word with you, in private.” A round of drinks were disposed of, and then Brady and the cattle-king entered a back room, where the ruffian usually slept. ‘Now, sail in, gineral!” he ordered. ‘I know thar’s sumthin’ o’ importance on the tap, or ye wouldn’: condescend to honor my den wi’ a visit.” “There is something important, Brady— something of the utmost importance to me, wanta job done, and didn’t know of a safer intelligence agency than yours.” “Right ye be. Buck Brady air the ha’rpin to apply to, when ye want a job done, an’ don’t ye fergit that! What sorter job d’ye want done, gineral—a man put out of the way?’ ** You have bit it.” ‘*Thet air Scarlet Scout?” “The very man,” “Thort so, Ireckoned you’d want revenge, ye know, arter he humiliated ye at yer own game. Bin Jayin’ fer yer gal, eh?” ‘He has dared to intrude into her society. He isa man I don’t care to have about, and so the best way to do is to get rid of him before be does any greater mischief.” “Exactly. When d’ye want it did?” ““To-night. I believe the fellow will lurk about the Cottonwoods, to-night, on purpose to get an interview with my daughter. Your authority as deputy-sheriff will empower you to shoot him down at sight, if youcatch him prow- lipg aboyt the premises. However, do not shoot him, if you can arrest him on any charge that would bear a trial, for I'd much rather ruin him than have his life to answer for.” * Allright. Just as you say; it shall be, and don’t you forget it. The job will cost you a hundred-dollar-William.” ‘‘Cheap enough. Here’s your money. understand, make no botch of it.” ‘““Nary time, general, nary time, We'll fix the Scarlet Scout, to-night, sure,” Now, CHAPTER IV, WHO KILLED RALPH RONALD? Next to Villa Voselle, the Cottonwoods was the most valuable estate anywhere within many miles of Daggersville. It was owned by the wide-awake business man, Mr, Ronald, better. known as Old Man Ronald—a crisp, curt and yet not unkindly Englishman, who had made and lost several fortunes, yet could boast of a thousand acres of prairie, stocked with as many cattle, and a controlling interest in the two principal quartz mines at Daggersville, The Cottonwoods was a large, rambling struc- ture of mixed stone and adobe, early Spanish in to and antique in finish, and fitted up with splendor that surpassed even the furnishings of illa Voselle. It was set down in a beautiful motte of cot- tonwoods, and the whole surrounded by 4 high adobe wall, that gave the place the appearance of a fortress. It had once been the property of a rich Mexi- can, who had failed, and had been forced to sell it to Old Man Ronald. The grounds were laid out quite as pictur- esquely as those at Villa Voselle, and it had for years been a mat‘er of rivalry, between the yee and the Old Man, as to which should ave the most attractive home, : Of the Ronalds there were four—father, mother, son and daughter. Ralph Ronald, the son, had been kept at school, from almost infaney, and had recently graduated at Harvard, with the highest bonors. It was in honor of his return that a reception had been planned at the Cottonwoods, to wel- come him, after an absence of three yeurs. Ruth Ronald, aged seventeen—where Ralph was twenty-four—had graduated, a year be- fore our story. She wasa plain little body of quiet ways, and yet sparkling, intelligent and pretty. She and Tenore Gleason were the firmest of frien'is; and until Colonel McIntosh had been imported from the South, it had been a matter of quiet supposition between the two families, that Lenore and Ralph would eventually marry ; and link the two estates together. It was a dark tempestuous night, that was to- witness Ralph Ronald’s return home; neverthe- less, the Cottonwoods was literally a blaze of light. Not only the bandsome dwelling, but even the shaded grounds were lif up, and within the mansion the inspiring strains of music lent 5 joy to the occasion. The grand parlors were lied with richly attired guests, and with those of rougher exterior but of kindly | pvatures. Old Man Ronald always made it a boast, that the poor were just as welcome to bis home as were the rich; consequently, he counted his friends by scores upon scores, And #itiough the Cottonwoods was filled with guests, and the tables loaded with the ele- sneets of a princely feast, there was something acking. Ralph Ronald had not come! He should have arrived at sunset, as he had written that be would leave the nearest railway station, that morning, on borseback, and. sure- l eek the Cottonwoods by dusk, at the fur- thest. But, dusk had come; darkness had followed; yet no Ralph Ronald. It was already nine o'clock. Old Man Ronald, a fat, flurid little gentleman, paced to and with knitted brows, speaking to no one, excep to occasionally send some one to learn if Ra)ph had arrived; and anxiety was expressed upon the faces of all present. Lenore and Ruth kept closely in each other’s company, and the general and the jll looking colonel chatted soberly together, upon a sofa, in a retired corner. What could detain Ralph? This was the question on every side! Had he been waylaid. on the prairie, and murdered or captured? Or, had some unfore- seen accident prevented bis arriving at the rail- way station, at the time named? ; The question was answered, an hour later when Mr. Ronald was contemplating dismiss- ing his guests: Heavy footsteps were heard in the hall, and a moment later Little Quick-Shot entered the parlor, bearing in his strong arms the limp, bleeding form of a well-dressed young man of about his own age, and laid him upon the floor. ss A horrified cry went up from every side, and Old Man Ronald sprung forward, with a moan of an “a te ‘My ! it is my boy!” he cried. ‘‘ He dead. Ob! my boy! my boy!” ‘Stand: back, please!” Quick-Shot ordered, addressing the guests who crowded about, “Give the young gentleman air, I think be is alive yet,” He knelt and made an examination of the wound, which had been inflicted upon the fore- head, by some sharp-edged instrument. “The skull is not fractured!” he said, a mo~ ment later, ‘and 1 reckon he is only stunned, for bis heart still beats. Fetch me some water, and a glass of liquor,” ; ““My God! my poor son is dead, I fear,” Mr, a groaned. ‘ Where did you find him, sir ‘‘T was riding this way, sir, over the prairie, when my horse shied so suddenly, as to nearly pitch me from the saddle,” Quick-Shot ex- lained. ‘ Knowing something must be wrong, dismounted, made a search, and as a result, found this young man lying on the grass. Yours being the nearest habitation, I brought him here, without suspecting that he was your son,” ; ‘You have placed us under life-lon obliga- tions t>» you. Ls the mine-owner said. “If you can only bring him back to life, so that he can expla'n who. did this act, I'll have the whole country aroused but what I'll find the wretch!” | 3 ‘““T reckon thet ain’t necessary, boss!” a hoarse, triumphant voice cried, and Buck Brady strode into the room, followed by half a dozen of bis pals, all of whom grasped cocked revolvers, ready for use. ‘ Boys, cover your man!” In a twinkling each weapon was leveled at Little Quick-Shot,, who had turned pale with rage, on perceiving the turn that had been called upon him, A murmur of surprise and doubt escaped the lips of the guests. * What! Do you charge this young man with being the one who committed the assault upon my son?’ Old Man Ronald demanded, sternly. ‘ “You bet yer boots I do!” Brady declared, ‘Ef ye wanter know, I kin tell.ye jest how we know,” ** Proceed, sir.” “Waal, ye see, we were directed ter keep a watch on this Scarlet Scout, as he were a sus- Sine keracter, So we follered him, and s-e’d im meet yer son, an’ slug bim wi’ suthin’ or other, Arter yer son fell, we heerd him say, ‘Thar, you won't stand twixt me an’ Lenore Gleason, Ralph Ronald, Tl tote ye bum, an’ get a fvoting wi’ yer porents fer doin’ so,”
Page 6
® Then he fetched yer son here, and we follered ter arrest him.” “This is an atrocious lie—a conspiracy to injure me!” Quick-Sbot cried, fiercely. ‘‘ [know novhing of how this young man was burt. I found him, as I stated to "a and brought him here. This lying rufflan s been employed to do me this evil turn, and I am not afraid to name bis employer. There he sits, like the villain he is, rejoicing at the apparently success- ful attempt he bas made to ruin me—General Gideon Gleason !” “You lie! you lie!” the cattle-king roared, leaping to his feet, in a rage. ** He don’t lie!” cried a second voice, and into the room stepped Grit Gleason, the pretty shop- keeper. ‘There is a diabolical conspiracy bere, and you, Gideon Gleason, are at the bottom of it! [saw you visit Buck Brady’s den to-night, and knowing of your batred for the Scarlet Scout, 1 suspected your motive. When Brady and his men left the town, I dogged their foot- steps, and I am here to swear that they came direct to this place, and secreted themselves in the ert and remained there until they saw Quick-Shot entering this house with the man in his arms! You see what a lie has been told, in hopes of criminating the Scarlet Scout!” ‘Seize that girl! She, too, is in league with the assassin!” General Gleason roared. “‘ Jus- + a pe be done here, though the heavens Yall! A couple of Brady’s pals rushed upon the brave girl, and secured her, in spite of her frantic struggles. The house was now in dire confusion, and every one was greatly excited. “Silence to this clatter!” Old Man Ronald ordered. “ We'll have order in my house. There’s something that needs investigation. If this scout is not the guilty man, a villainous attempt has undoubtedly been made to injure him. Be he criminal, or not, he shall have fair ay. He shall remain my prisoner until some ight can be thrown upon the matter.” “T jest reckon I’ve got a smell of a say "bout that, boss!” Buck Brady cried. ‘‘ I’m deputy- “sheriff, ye know, an’ I takes charge 0’ all offenders, every time! We cotched that Scarlet Scout a-committin’ the act, an’ that’s all we need ter ‘rest him.” * Villain! monster! you shall never take bim from this house!” Lenore cried. ‘J will stand by hiw, if no one else will!” And she swept across the room, and took her plac beside Quick-Shot, looking like an angered queen, as she clutched a pistol in her hand. ‘Lenore! girl! for God’s sake, what are you about!” the general raved, frautic with rage, and yet afraid to attempt tearing her away from Quick-Shot’s side. ‘What am I doing?’ Lenore retorted. ‘“T’ll tell you! I am standing here, ready to shoot down the dogs whom you set on to destroy my rver, “« And 7’m with you, Lenore!” Grit exclaimed. “ There'll be a dead Brady here, if an attempt is made to barm the brave scout.’ ea Let me say : aoe — Ma = Greer — rposed, stepping forward. ‘This man bas been seal m : by an officer of the law, and if Mr. Ronald desires to hold bim, be must give bail, in the sum of ten thousand dollars.” « Which I stand ready to do—all bear witness, Farther evidence is not necessary. Brady, re- ‘lease these two people. I'll be responsiole for them “I object to this!” General Gleason cried o sly. “Your objection is overruled, sir. Every- body knows that Mr. Ronald’s word as bail is mrs 4 for many times the amount,” the major replied, “But enough of this. The young man must be revived.” Willing hands procured water and liquor, and every effort was made to resuscitate the stricken son. { Bit all to no avail. At half-past ten o'clock he was taken with convulsions and apparently expired witbin half and hour afterward. There were but few dry oyes in the room as his life ebbed out, but among those who were unaffected bey oes be named General Gleason end Brady and bis gang. _ Mr. Ronald’s grief was silent. He knelt a few minutes by the inanimate form of his son, then arose turned to Quick- Shot, who was much affected. “Sir, my boy is dead!” Ronald said, “‘and ro - be his Se Fone te * eve in your guilt. mean tter. The trial Mee, SA investigate the ma will take place to-morrow at ten, and until ! i Little Quick Shot. then I have gone your bail. Will you do as much—appear and stand your trial like a man?” ‘*God permitting, I will.” ‘Then you are at liberty to go.” Quick-Shot bowed and turned to depart, but | Lenore pulled him to one side and uttered a few words in a low tone. They were: ‘Sh! listen! Come for me at two to-night. Listen again and help me. I will bid you never enter my presence again; as a blind, you see! She then stepped back haughtily, her face as cold and white as marble, ‘‘Sirl” she cried, angrily, ‘‘ you mistake your position altogether. You have no right to talk thus to me! Begone, sir, and never dare to en- ter my presence again. I can never be aught to one like you. r ‘* Lenore!” Quick-Shot said, entreatingly. ‘Go!” she fairly screamed, stamping her foot ar eee He bowed his head, and turning, quitted the parlor like one dealt a sudden blow. His footsteps had scarce died out when Buck Brady uttered a frightful oath and pointed to one of the parlor windows. “The Dead Face!” was his startling ery. CHAPTER V. LOVE LAUGHS AT LOCKSMITHS. NorsinG more startling than the cry of the border ruffian could have tended to electrify the already excited guests at the Cottonwoods, for the apparition of the Dead Face had been seen by nearly all of those present, and they knew it was an omen of evil. The trembling finger of Buck Brady pointed toward the large pane of a bay window, against which the face was cone It was along, gaunt face belonging to a man of advanced years, theskin being drawn tightly over the bones, the lips sufficiently parted to #xpose to view two gleaming rows of teeth, the eyes tightly closed, and the whole beardless face wearing a ghastly whiteness, peculiar only to the face of a corpse. The head was covered with bristly gray hair, which stood in all directions, A more frightful spectacle to behold would be bard to conceive, and it was little wonder that exclamations of horror escaped the guests, For only a few seconds was the dead face pressed against the pane—then, there was a wild shriek of laughter, and the apparition, or what- ever it was, vanished. “Quick! capture it, boys!” Buck Brady yelled, -, wh ng through an open window, upon the lawn, “A hundred dollars to the man that does!” Gcneral Gleason cried. But the search was in vain. Half an hour of it failed to discover the owner of the Dead Face, or any trace of him. Whoever the cadaverous se was, he had taken good care, evi- ently, to put distance between himself and the Cottonwoods, ere Brady and his gang could act. As soon as the result of the search was made known, Mr. Ronald dismissed tbe guests, with a pathetic little speech, aud after tendering their sympathy and regrets, they departed for their respective bomes, “Tam proud to see that you have come to your senses, Lenore,” the general said, as, ac companied by Colonel McIntosh, he and his daughter galloped toward Villa Vorelle. ‘TI could never imagine how one of your refined tastes, could take a notion to a border ruffian like the fellow Quick 8 :ot.” “I thought I fancied him, at first. But, papa, dear, don’t you think he is better-looking than your scarecrow friend, the colonel?” ‘‘Lenore! for shame! How dare you speak so insultingly of Mr. McIntosh. He is a gentle- man—a man whe can provide well for your happiness. The loss of an eye and a limb never depreciates the merits of the man, you know !’ ‘Of course not! of course not!” the co'onel coughed. ‘ Why, to tell the truth, Miss Glea- son, | feel jnst as young, as I did when a boy.” “You look decidedly giddy !” Lenore oe her eyes snapping. ‘That cherry-tinted nose | of yours, will save ns the expense of light, after weare married. Ob, but won’t I bleed your pocketbook though! Worth shall keep a ial envoy in this country, to supply me with cos- tumes.” “You shall have your heart’s every desire anted, dear Lenore!” the old suitor said, gal- ge ‘But, tell me, beautiful lady, when am I to be made happy? Business demands my attention at home, and I would like to basten matters, as much as possible.” ‘“ You better hasten right along home, then, as it will take me a month, at least to get way =! ‘*But, Lenore, you must be considerate, and try to oblige the colonel. You can be married right away, so as to make sure of the thing; then the colonel can return home, and you can rejoin him, later. “Oh! well, V'll think about it till to-morrow. The tragic death of young Mr. Ronald has really unnerved me so much that I cannot con- sider anything, to-night.” ‘Then you shall have till to-morrow. If you do not come toa decision then, I fear I shall have to give up all hopes of winning you. I do not like to be toyed with!” the colonel said. ‘* Very well. You sball have my final deci- sion, in the morning, sir!” Lenore replied, wearily. The remainder of the journey was completed in silence. The general’s mind was busily oc- cupied in thought, and the others evidently had no desire to speak. On reaching Villa Voselle, the colonel bade the general and Lenore good-night, and rode on toward Daggersville. After entering the house, the general was about to seek his own apartments, when Lenore bade him enter the parlor. amy then turned on the light and confronted m: “TI want to understand one thing!” she said, her face white and cold in its expression, ‘*What are you going to do toward helping clear Little Quick-Shot?” “Toward helping clear him!” he ejaculated. ‘‘ Why, you silly, I intend to spend money and time for the purpose for seeing him hung!” ‘You do—and you claim to bea father of mine?” ‘‘I do: and I believe I have ever been a father to you. That low-lived cur has insulted me beyond pardon, and I shall see that he gets the justice he deserves.” ‘* He did not kill Ralph Ronald!” “ He did.” ‘‘Ttis faise, and you know it! You trumped up that accusation to injure bim. Promise me that you will clear bim of that foul charge, or you are no longer a father of mine!” “ Bah! I'll promise nothing of the kind; and I'll learn you I’m your father, and master, too} Go to your room, and if I ever hear you speak of that puppy again, I'll break your neck!” “Wi ou?’ Lenore said, baugbtily, and, turning, she swept out of tbe parlor. Shoe went to her room, which overlooked the lawn, and wrapped up a little bundle of cloth- ing, together with her money and jewelry, and a few trinkets, Sbe then took her seat at the open window, after dimming the light, and peered down upon the lawn. The tempest had only fairly begun, evident- ly, for the wind blew witb increased force, and the rain came down in fitful gusts. It was a wild night, and so dark tbat Lenore could bare- ly distinguish the ond below, An hour passed, then she heard a low whistle, and saw a form standing below ber window. ‘‘ Is that you, Quick-Shot?” she asked in a low tone, “It is I, and no one else! How are you com- ing down?’ ‘By the front way. Wait.” She cautiously dropped her bundle to him; then left her room, and glided down the car- peted stairway. é Pedro was snoring upon a sofa in the lower hall, it being bis usual noctural po-t. To get past him, and unbolt the ponderous front-door, ps pene great caution; but she finally succeed- ed in doing so, and in five minutes or less, was with the young Knight of the Pistol. ‘‘ Free at last!” she murmured. “I have left that home forever; and, as you asked me to be your wife, I now seek your love and protec- ion.’ “ And, my angel, you sball have both to the fullest extent!” he said, taking her fondly in his embrace. ‘You bave given up wealth, home and position, for a rough diamond; but God grant our path through life be so smooth that you will never have cause to regret this night's move!” ‘* Did I not have the fullest confidence in you, I should not be with you now, Don.” “‘T believe you. But come; it is dangerous for us to tarry here.” ‘‘ Where are you going to take me?” “To a shanty on the outskirts of Daggers- ville. I purchased it for a trifle from a dis gusted miner to-day.”
Page 7
* But had we not better go far away?’ “Tt is impossiblenow. I must wait and stand my trial, at ten, to-morrow. I would not go away, for double the amount of bail, that has secured me my present liberty. No, we will go to this shanty, and I dare say will be safe there, for a day or so, as no one knows I purchased the place, the miner decamping immediately after he got his money.” “ But, Don, are you not afraid to stand your trial? My father has sworn to work his best to convict you, and I fear that you will stand a poor show of justice.” “IT do not. Ive every confidence of my ac- quittal. Your cousin’s statement alone breaks down that of Buck Brady, who is known to be an inveterate liar.” ‘Perhaps. LIonly hopeso. be waiting us,” “Yes, He will be there.” They left the spacious grounds, and just with- out, found waiting Little Quick-Shot’s handsome steed, which was mounted, and they went fly- ing aprey toward Daggersville. voiding the heart of the town, they passed through the outskirts, and into the gap, and in a short time, came to a clump of firs, in the gap, in among which was a snug board shanty. en out of a dozen passers of the locality, prob- ably, would not have noticed the structure, un- less something directed their attention par- ticularly to the clump of trees. After Quick-Shot had lariated out bis horse, he and Lenore entered the dwelling, which con- sisted of one fair-sized room, and a smaller sleeping apartment. A cheery fire was burning, a candle furnished the light, and two persons were seated upon stools, which, with a table and rude lounge, comprised the furniture. One of the persons was Miss Grit Gleason, and the other, the only clergyman of Daggers- ville, where he plied the pick instead of prac- ticing bis profession. Lenore had removed her outer wraps, the twain took their places before the minister, who soon had the nuptial knot lawfully tied, and pronounced them man and wife. After extending their beartiest congratula- tions, Grit and the minister departed for Dag- rsville, the former promising to keep a wate or the newly-married couple, and inform them, should any danger threaten them. Will the minister CHAPTER VI. GLEASON’S UNWELCOME VISITANT, EARLY the next morning, Pedro, who was a devoted servant to his master, walked into his master’s presence, as be sat in his library, and handed him a letter. “T don’t know what it is, sir, but I found it on the stand in Lenore’s room, and she is not there!” ; ‘Ten thousand devils seize thegirl! Ibetieve she has outwitted me, at last. d, Pedro— quiok !” Pedro tore away the envelope, and obeyed with alacrity. , The conteuts were short, and to the point: “Faruer:—-When this reaches you, I shall be | away from here, and the wife of Donald Wav- - erly, better known as Little Quick-Shot, It will be useless for you to bunt for us, as we shall be out of your reach, never to return, until you welcome us as a son and daughter, ‘* LENORE.” Pedro paused. ; Gideon Gleason was staring at the floor, a savage expression upon bis face. ‘‘ Balked!” he said, at last, without raising his eyes, ‘‘ All is now lost!’ ' ‘“So am I balked; but all is not lost!” a tri- umphant voice exclaimed, and, wheeling about, ear ots and the General found a pair of revolvers leveled at them from the grasp of a tall, Apollo- like knight of the plains. : A man, be was of commanding aspect, an eagle eye, and a handsome face; it was evident he would make a formidable antagonist ina per- sonal encounter. General Gleason's face grew somewhat whiter at sight of this man, whom he knew but too well. ‘Cap. Melton!” he gasped. ‘‘ You dare tocome here?” ‘(To be sure!” the other answered, with a sen- tentious sort of laugh. ‘‘ I dare to go any where, you know—that’s why I am so amazingly free and easy in my movements. Business in my line being ratber dull, I thought I'd ride over for my intended bride, the fair Lenore. It * Little Quick-Shot. seems, however, by the letter your servant bas just read, that she bas given us both the shake!” ‘“‘Tt matters not. ou couldn’t have her, were she here!” the general cried, noting with chagrin that the cattle-catcher’s weapons never wavered from their aim. ‘‘T doubt that. I shouldn’t have stood on any eeremony about inviting her to accompany me, As it is now, I'll give you till to-night, midnight, to hand her over to me, as my lawful property. If you fail, ldo you harm. I’ve got my plans all arranged, and I mean to push them to the bitter end, you bet! Deliver the girl to me, and 1 withdraw all hostilities!” “Bah! what care I for your hostilities ? Not so much, I’Jl swear, that [I could for a moment think of yielding up my beautiful daughtor as prey to one of your stamp!” “Then you defy me, do you?” ‘“'To the bitter end!” “Very well. You have till midnight to accept my terms; after that I wouldn’t like to stand in the shoes of the owner of Villa Voselle, Good-morning!” . And, ge ig a mocking laugh, the bandsome chief of the Cattle Clique backed out of the room and was gone. Gleason made no motion to institute a pursuit, but sat for several moments in deep thought; then he arose and sought his own room. Here he remained for awhile, when he ordered his horse, and mounting, rode away toward Daggersville, On arrival there he found that a large crowd had collected in front of the Cinnamon Bear Hotel to witness the trial of Little Quick-Shot. As the town afforded no suitable place for a public trial, a temporary platform had been erected in the street for the accommodation of those taking an active part in the proceedings. Upon it were already seated Old Man Ronald and his daughter Ruth, several of the male sea of the previous night, Major Greer, uck Brady, his five pals, and a couple of townsmen. Little Quick-Shot and Grit Gleason were neither of them present. . There was a scowl upon the general's face as he rode up to the platform and drew rein. ‘Are you gentlemen waiting here to try the ruffian, Quick-Shot?’ he demanded grimly. “We are waiting to try Quick-Shot,” the major declared, blandly. “Then you are spending time uselessly,” Gleason announced, a spice of triumph in bis tones, ‘‘ for my daugh‘er, | am ashamed to say, bas eloped with the rascal, and they’ve had at least nine hours’ time, I calculate, to get out of town, Old Man Ronald consequently forfeits ten thousand dollars, which goes to the real estate owners of the town!” “Oh no! It goes into the treasury, and officers will have to be appointed to receive it for town expenses—that is, if I lose it, for it Jacks twenty minutes of ten o’clock yet, and I have every confidence Little Quick Shot will be here!” Ronald declared, “We will see. You needn't hope to creep out of the bail. If you do, Ill spend twice the amount, but what you shall pay it!” “‘’m not noted tor making an ass out of my- self!” Mr. Ronald retorted hotly, “Do you mean to insinuate that J have?” the general roared, growing apoplectic. * You bave, sir, [Jl agree, and so will every one else.” ‘You are a liar and, a puppy ! as soon as you are doné, bere!’ ‘Very well, sir, you shall be accommodated!” The crowd was electrified, Here were two men of great power, literally at war; what would be the result? There could be but one,- They would fight it out to the bitter end, for, atthougt they bad never bad avgry words before, it was known that they were not particularly fond of each other, politically or socially, and should a rup- ture occur, neither would give up, until the other was dead or out of the country. The fuse had now been kindled; the explosion was to follow. _ Either man, if it came to an open figbt, could muster a formidable force of the ‘ tigers” of mountain, mines and prairie, and it looked as if Tll see you a bloody strife might now ,reasonably be ex — pected, The spectators and listeners conversed in low tones, but neither of the cattle-kings spoke again soon. Grit Gleason now made her appearance upon the platform, looking as bright and cheery as a rose. Somehow, she was a favorite in Daggers- ville, because she was good-natured, shrewd and capable of taking pod care of herself, 7 I > ‘Have you seen Quick-Shot, Miss Gleason?” Major Greer asked, making room for her beside his corpulent person. ‘Not this morning, sir.” “The general tells us he has eloped with his daughter, and will not appear.” “That is both true and false, Heand Lenore Gleason did elope, but Quick-Shot will be here. He is not the man to run from an enemy.” A faint cheer went up from the ¢rowd, but General Gleason uttered an oath. ‘So you were a party to the plot, were you?” he cried, in a fury. “No, but yon bet I took in the weddin’ tho’, Hello! yonder comes Quick-Shot, now!” General Gleason made a move toward an in- ner pocket, with his hand, but at the same time saw the major cover him, with a revolver, ‘Let up!” the fat man cried. ‘‘?m watch- ing you, so don’t come none of that sort of busi~- ness, or you’ll be sorry for it!” At that instant Little Quick-Shot galloped up to the stand, CHAPTER VII. THE RIDER'S MESSAGE. A FAINT cheer broke from the li crowd, as the Scarlet Scout rode up, looking as handsome and manly as before the cloud of guilt hovered over him, Quick-Shot nodded pleasantly—then leaped from bis saddle to the platform, and stood with folded arms, awaiting proceedings—nota tremor of fear upon his face, ‘*You can take a seat!” the major said. “IT have undertaken the responsibility of yeur de- fense, sir, while Mr. Renttrew, one of our towns- men, will act for the people. Mr. Laverty bas been appointed judge. Now, then, we will get to work. Buck Brady is the first witness for the prosecution.” Brady arose and was sworn. His testimony can be summed up as follows: ‘Your honor, all I know of the case is this. General Gleason come to me an’ said as how he regarded this chap, Quick-Shot, as a ’spicious character, and adwised that it war my duty ter watch him. I see’d him leave town about dusk, an’ calculatin’ be were up to some mischief, me an’ five o’ ther boys follered him. Wecome ba ter him jest in time ter see him steal up bebiv the young feller, an’ whack him over the head, One blow did the job, an’ the young man tum-~- bled out o’ the saddle. The prisoner then bent over bim, and sed, aloud: ‘Ha! ba! You won't stand between me and Lenore Gleason, Ralph Ronald. I'll tote ye home, and get a footin’ wi’ yer parents fer’ doin’ so.’ He then shouldered the body, an’ fetched it to the Cottonwoods, We follered, an’ I guy bim away, as yer know. That’s aj] | know or keer. It war a plain out nie! out murder, an’ the scarlet coat orter stretch emp!” . Brady told this with apparent perfect candor, but his testimony did not seem to impress the crowd, Their sympathies were evidently with the Scarlet Seout. ° One by one Brady’s pals were sworn, and their testimony taken, lt corresponded with that of the greater ruffian in all respects, As no furtber evidence of importance was to be had on the part of the prosecution, the de- fense was taken up, by putting Grit Gleason upon the stand. Her statement was clear and concise: ‘‘ All I know of the case is this,” she said, “Donald Waverly, alias Little Quick-Sbot, is a Government detective. 1 should not know this only by the accidental discovery of his badge, while he was purchasing cigars at my store, Many of you witnessed a duel between the young gentleman and Gideon Gleason, and un- derstood that it was because Donald had paid loverly attentions to Lenore Gleason. ell, it was after this I first met the prisoner, and learned that be was a detective. I warned him to look out, as the general would try to barm or ruin him. It was after the due] that I saw the general visit Buck Brady's den, I felt sure he would not go to that vile hole except for soroe evil purpose, for, as you all well know, Brady has a hard reputation, and more than one sad crime has been traced to bis door. Money, however, bas always saved bis neck from the halter; but let ushope thatsome dey money will fail to shield him.” Brady’s face grew livid with rage, but he did not speak, ; ‘“‘ Believing the general was plotting Little Quick-Shot some dire barm, and kno that the latter was to meet Lenore at the Cotton- woods, I kept watch. Half an hour before dusk, Donald rode awav from the town. Just at dusk, Buck Brady and bis five cut-throat pals of the
Page 8
8 Little Quick-Shot. set out on foot for the Cottonwoods. ThenI knew for certain that they were bent on some devil’s work, and susp: eting that Donald was to be harmed, I do ged their footsteps. They got into the Ronald grounds, by scaling the wall onthe northern side, and secreted themselves in an old unused arbor. I was close at hand. They watched the mansion, and when Quick-Shot eatered it, bearing Ralph Ronald in his arms, [ distinctly heard Buck Brady say, with an cath, ‘ Boys, there’s our cbance,;’ and they rushed into the bouse. I followed in time to hear Brady’s base, lying charge, and I pronounced it en utter falsehood, as I do now! Isay heisa liar, and in this matter is coing some other Villain’s work.” ‘Ts there any other testimony to offer?’ Judge Laverty asked, drumming on his hastily impro- vised desk. “There is,” Major Greer answered, arising. “Tt looks to me as though there was a scneme afoot to ruin the prisoner. I had a talk with the general, yesterday, and he swore he’d spena a fortune to drive Quick-Shot from the country, or see him hung.” ‘That is a lie!” General Gleasonroared. “I never said anything of the kind.” ‘*Can you prove your assertion, major?” the judge asked, * Unfortunately no. We were alone, when the general uttered the threat.” “It cannot be accepted as evidence, then. Mr. Ronald, do you know of any reason whatever why Donald Waverly should murder your son?” “No, sir, I do not. I never saw the young man before, and am positive my son had ™»t, as when not away at college he was always closely at home.” ‘Yet it is not impossible that he did do it, As I view it, the evidence is strongly against him, Here are five men, who have solemnly sworn that they saw the crime committed. The defense bears but one witness, and she a young wowan of a susceptible age. Women are tender- hearted, and, naturally, to save a man’s life, would do many things they could not do, under other circum:stances—or at least, would not do!” “Do you mean to say I lie?” Grit cried, with blazing eyes, “ Why, Pu—Di—” “Silence!” the major commanded, ‘“ Pro- ceed judge. “Y ‘have little to add,” the judge resumed.” “As no jury has been impanneled, I believe | am expected to act to the best of ay judgment, in rendering a just and conscientious verdict. It therefore remains for me to say, that I find the prisoner at the bar—” ‘*Btop!” Mr. Ronald cried, jumping up. ‘‘ Here comes one of my herders, on horseback, at breakneck speed. Perhaps he brings news!” **Go ahead, auiaer ae"? your verdict,” Gaen- eral Gleason roared, ‘‘ By no means,” Laverty cried. ‘‘If there’s a hops or the prisoner, he shall have it!” 1 eyes were directed prairieward, where, coming toward tha town, at a run, was a horse and rider, thé latter waving his hat in the air, to attract attention. It was an exciting moment! It was a moment of hope, for Little Quick- Shot, at least. In five minutes the horsemen, a sun-browned Texan, drew rein beside the trial stand. ‘* Speak!” the major cried. ‘“‘T have a letter for the judge, in this ’ere case,” the man panted, ‘‘It wasgiven tome bya handsome horseman, who gave me fifty dollars to fetch it here, as quick as boss-flesh could do ir!” Judge Laverty received the letter, glanced it over, and then said: “Tt is from the man who murdered Ralph Ronald, Donald Waverly, you are a free man!” A cheer arose from the lips of the muttitude, that made the welkino ring! ** Hurrah! hip! bip! burrah for Little Quick- Sact!” “Silence!” shouted the major, ‘ Judge, be kind enough to read the letter!” Laverty obeyed, and this is what he read: *“To WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:— “Having learned that one person, called Little Quick-Shot, or the Scarlet Scout, has been arrested, fand is likely to be convicted) for the murder of ph Ronald, I wish to correct the mistake, and do the man justice, although I believe him to be a de- tective, whose mission to these parts is to arrest me and my Cattle Clique. / killed Ralph Ronald, but by mistake. I chased him ten miles, believ him to be one of my men who had deserted. .As have since found my man. the man I toppled over last night must have been Ralph Ronald, as I over- took him not far to the south of the Cottonwoods. “ Yours to command, “Cap. MELTON,”” — The judge then turned to Mr. Ronald, “Ts this |, peg convincing to you, sir, that Donald Waverly is guiltless of the murder of your son?” “ Perfectly, sir.” ‘“Then, this precious gang of perjurers— Hello! they’re gone!” It was even so! While the judge was reading Cap. Melton’s letter, every one was so intent in lis-ening to bim, that Brady and his pals slipped from the platform without attracting attention, and were now gone, ‘¢' Those scoundrels shall be made to pay dear- ly for their collusion with General Gleason!” Quick-Shot said. ‘‘ Leave that part of it to me!” “You are, then, a detective?’ the judge asked. ‘‘T am. My business in these pars is to break up that organization known as the Cattle Clique, provided I am not too busily occupied in defending myself from the attacks of private citizens.” ‘As Buck Brady will necessarily have to keep shady, and at best bas forfeited his rights, as deputy-sheriff, I propose that we appoint Quick-Shot to fill Brady’s office,” Mr. Roneld said, ‘‘ Allin favor, make manifest.” . A rousing cheer went up. That was enough! Donald Waverly was depu‘y-sberiff of Dag- gersville; and Gideon Gleason realized that, after all, he was not a man of so much power and importance as he had been, Biting his lip with chagrin, he wheeled his horse about to ride away. CHAPTER VIII. WAR TO THE END! But the general was not destined to depart et, a Old Man Ronald called him back. ‘Hold up, general! You have forgotten something, favent you?” Gleason gave him a scowl, and then drew rein. ‘“T believe I have!” he growled. ‘* Come into the Cinnamon Bear, and we will settle our differ- ences in private.” ** As you like, sir,” In five minutes the two foes and the major were closeted in a private parlor. Outside, the topic of excitement had under- gone a change—the quarrel between the two men of means, and its probable result, being upon the lips of every «ne. Inside the parlor, the two men faced each otber, stern and angry. The major stood at one side, grasping a pair of revolvers, “Tf there’s to be any blood shed here, phe I’ take a hand,” he warned. “Order is the rule of my house.” “There's no necessity of bloodshed at pre- sent!” Mr. Ronald replied. ‘* Henceforth, un- less the general apologizes, we are bitter enemies, and this portion of tbe country is not big enough to hold the two of us.” ‘*You never spoke a truer truth!” Gleason cried. ‘‘My hatred for you can never abate until you are overwhelmed with ruin and dis- grace, or are dead.” ‘Gentlemen! gentlemen! no good can come of such a state of affairs!” protested Greer, “T give the general an hour to pack his things, and leave for parts unknown. If he don’t, he will regret it!” threatened Ronald, ‘You cannot intimidate me, you English rascal!” was the genemal’s defiance. “ll spend every cent I'm worth, but what Ill bring you to the level of the lowest of the class of wretches with whom you consort,” avowed Ronald, “ And Vl fight you on sight. Is this understood?’ * As far as I am concerned it is.” ‘ Then so be it!” ‘‘The word is given. Open the door, major. The matter is settled.” The major Obeyed, and the two men passed out, - The general mounted his horse, and rode to- ward Villa Voselle. . Old Man Ronald remained about the camp awhile, making some arrangements for his son’s burial. ; For co 8 Greer to keep a secret was equally as hard for bim as to make himself thin in flesh in a day; consequently news of the de- clared war between the two moneyed factions, was spread all over the town, within an bour, and groups of people conversed in awed tones, here and there about the street. About the time Ronald was ready to proceed homeward, he was suddenly hemmed in by a crowd of miners and others, who were captained by no leas a personage than Little Quick-Shot. A SES I SS a “You will excuse us, Mr. Rona'd,” the de- tective said, ‘‘but I have been prevailed upon by those who now surround you, to address you, ou a, to them, important subject.” “Relatixe to the quarrel between General Gleason and myself, I presume?” “Exactly. These people believe that a des- os struggle for the mastery is on the tapis, tween you. Is this so?” ** Without doubt. War has been declared between us, and I know the old soldier too weil to believe that he will allow it to be a civil or peaceable one. He will, I calculate, mass all his men around him, and endeavor to drive me off my estate and to destroy it, asa first act. What will follow, I do not yet know.” ‘* Have you any idea, sir, what number of men he can call tohis aid, in case of such an at- tempt?” ‘Hardly. He has something like balf a bun- dred men in his employ, and they can perhaps influence as many more.” *- How about your forces?” “T have but fifty cowboys, but they are as true as steel!” The fifty ‘You are wrong in your count, odd men at my back si aity their readiness to see you through. Am I right, boys?” ‘Ay! ay!” came the hearty response in a chorus. “T am grateful for your proffered support, gentlemen!” Mr, Ronald said, *‘ for as you form a majority in the camp, I believe we can hold it and the Cottonwoods.” “ Right you be!” Quick Shot assented. “ With ou in command at the Cottonwoods, and Ma- he Greer, here, it will be better than though the whole force were condensed in one position, eb, major?’ But, hadn’t you better take ‘ Certainly. command, sir?” “Oh, no. You are too old a soldier for me to cut out; then, too, I can be of more service as a scout and Poe “ Heis right,” Old Man Ronald decided. “ Get your men togetber, major, swear them in, plant your flag where it can be seen, and throw out trusty men for picket duty—in fact, take all warlike precautions, for Gleason woa’t be idle. lll go to the Cottonwcods, and do likewise. Drive every person of over ten years of age from the town, who refuses to swear loyalty to our use.” ‘Will you bury your son, at onee, sir?’ ‘¢ Yes—it is better I should, under the circum- stances.” “T think so, too. Hello! yonder comes a horseman from the Cottonwoods. It is he who brought the letter awhile ago. He rides like mad!” the major cried. ““My God! what can be tbe matter now?” M’. Ronald gasped, staggering, his face ceathly white, “This time I feel sure he brings bad news. ‘‘Hope for the best, and don’t give way, 4 i at tbe worst,” Donuld said, supporting im. Antonio, the herder, soon drew rein in their midst, flushed and excited, “‘ Speak!” Ronald gasped, it what it may!” — ‘* It’s bad news, sir, The body of1,our son is not to be found. Jt has been stolen !” The speculator uttered a groan cf anguish, and fell into Quick-Shot’s arms, in a faint, CHAPTER IX, MAKING READY. “By HEAVEN! This is bad!” the major “Out with it, be cried. ‘“ What devilment is this? Are you sure, Antonio? Have you made a@ thorough search?” “We have, sir, but not the Jeast trace of the body can be found about the premises, nor even a clew to the strange disappearance. The body lay inthe parlor, and was visited every few minutes by Miss Ruth, and a servant, who kept a wet cloth over the face. It was on one of these visits a few minutes ago, that the dis- covery was made that the corpse was gore.” “Strange! strange! What do you think about the matter, Quick-Shot?” “To tell the trutb, major, I am ratber puz- zled. myself,” the Scarlet Scvut replied. ‘There can be but two ways about the mat- ter: either the young man wasn’t dead and has recovered and skipped out, cr else his remains have been stelen, for a porpons. The best thing we can do, is to arouse Mr, Ronald, and let bim andthe judge and Rentfrew go down to tke Cottion woods, and personally investigate, while vou attend to matters here, I will bop ou get things in shape, for awhile; then bite a little business to attend to elsewhere.”
Page 9
Mr. Ronald was soon restored to conscious- ness,and shortly afterward, he, Rentfrew and the judge set out for the Cottonwoods, Autonio having preceded them. After they were gone, the major once more brought the trial stand into use. He and Quick-Shot mounted it, and the major made a brief address, stating the resolve of the larger part of the populace to stand by the owner of the Cottonwoods, and warning those who were averse to being sworn into Ronald’s service to at once quit the town, under the pen- alty of imprisonment, The work of swearing in then commenced in earnest, and continued the remainder of the forenoon, during which time seventy able- bodied men were secured, together with their families, This left only about a dozen who refused to join tbe Ronald movement, among them being uck Brady and his five pals. ‘*You’ve got to either swear loyalty to our cause, and stick to your oath under penalty of death, or you’ve got to quit the town!” the fat »major declared, ‘‘Tharcan’t be no split in our | side of the ticket!” **S’posin’ we won’t do nothin’ o’ the kind!” Buck Brady growled, with an ugly leer, “I mies you hain’t got no right to boss us around,” ‘““You have heard what I said!” Greer re- turned calmly. ‘' I'll give ye an hour to make up your minds,” be work of preparing for the struggle went rapidly on. A tall pole was planted, in plain view of Villa Voselle, and a large American flag run up. Almost immediately afterward a tattered Confederate flig floated to the breeza from the staff,on the cupola cf VillaVoselle! “Hooray!” the major cried, executing a clumsy jig. ‘‘This puts me in mind of old times! on’t we make these new rebels scat- ter, though! ; Ten men were detailed for picket duty, on the various approaches to the town, Twenty more set to work throwing upa breastwork on the eastern slope, looking toward Vilda Voselle. O.hers were detailed to get together and inven- tory all the ammunition in the camp, and it was found that there was enough to last for a pro- tracted siege, together with a sufficient quantity of weapons. When everything was very nearly in readiness up the gulca. He found a cheery scene there, that made his heart beat with pride and gladness. Lenore had exchanged her costly attire for a neat but more inexpensive suit, and was busied in putting her new home to rights, singing the whilo like an unfettered bird released from its prison, Already she had transformed the miners rude and bumble place into the semblance of a bome, by many littleimprovements and touches uliar to 2 woman’s hand. ““Oh! Don, how you startled me!” she cried, joyfully, flying to his embrace, as he crossed the thresbold. ‘What do you think of our home, as compared with last night?” ‘You have the art of making a lowly hut a charming home, my darling,” and he kissed her fondly. ‘But I fear it will not be our lot to remain here long.” ‘Why, Don? oh! please tell me what has gone wrong—for I see by your face it is some- thing not connected with your arrest. I have had forebodings of trouble, all the forenoon. berg too, after you tell me, I’ve something to tell you. He led her to a seat and placed her upon his knee. “There is trouble brewing, Lenore—bitter trouble, born of sudden-born hatred, which can only end in bloodsbed. Your father and Old Man Ronald have quarreled, and are even now planning the preliminaries of war against one _ another, with a view of driving each other from the happy home he owns, down the grade to ruin, disgrace, and death!” “Oh! Donald!” “Tt is true, dear, and not to be helped.” ‘‘ But, who caused this feud?” “ As far as the past is concerned, I know not. As far as the present, and what I have seen of it, your father has been grossly in error, and in- sulting in the highest degree—not only to me, but to Mr. Ronald, the major, and others, To cap the climax, be has outlawed himself in the eyes of every 200d citizen, by unfurling the re- bel flag, over Villa Voselle!” Lenore bowed her head a moment; then a strange hardness of expression crept over her beautiful face. Little Quick-Shot. ‘* Well, the die is cast. I have often chided him for his terrible temper, only. to receive un- warranted abuse for my pains. He has been a father to me only in name, and as be has made his bed, so must he abide by it. I have nothing to regret in the choice I have made!” ** Bless you, Lenore—nor may you ever have cause for regret. Now, dear, tell me what you promised,” ‘Oh! yes. An hour ago, I was startled near out of my wits. On chancing to look toward the door, I saw an Indian girl standing there, richly attired, and very beautiful, so far as In- dian beauty goes!” The face of Little Quick-Shot suddenly as- sumed a peculiar pallor, which fact did not es- cape Lenore’s sharp eyes, and she involuntarily drew away from him, “Don’t,” Le entreated. ‘‘Goon, then. I will explain all.” ** Can you?” ‘* Truthfully, as God bears me witness.” ** Well, she asked me for a glass of water, and then demanded to know if this was the home of the Scarlet Scout. Isaid that it was, but that you were not at home, Sbe regarded me piteously for a moment, then asked me if I was your wife. LIreplied that I was, and then she said: ‘Silver Dove is also the wife of Scarlet Scout, but he no longer loves her. Tell him, when he comes, that Flat Nose and his warriors are on bis trail. Silver Dove has news for him.’ She then turned and fled.” ( ‘Lanore, the girl is crazy. Even her father, Flat Nose, will tell youso, Once I visited their camp, on a fur trade, and she insisted that I was her husband. She has followed me ever since, and I believe bas influenced her father to five credence to her claim, That explains all, I have no love for red-skins, of either sex.” ‘““T believe you, Don, and that I am the only one you love, How long are we to remain here?” “You can safely stay here until develop- ments as to your father’s plans are more’ plain; then I will come and take you to the Cotton- woods,” ‘Then you are going away again?” “Yes; it is necessary that I should get back to Daggersville, as.my services may be needed at any minute, You are not afraid to remein here?’ ‘*Ob! no, I will keep the door closed, and I _ He kissed her, and took his depar ure, CHAPTER X. THE DARKEST DEED OF ALL, Night drew on apace, bringing with it unmis- takable evidences of another nocturnal tempest. At the mining-town, preparations for a siege were nearly perfected, and it but remained_for those who had sworn to fight for Old Man Ronald to stand ready for orders, Buck Brady, refusing to take the acquired oath, bad quitted the camp and gone down to Villa Voselle, as had his five pals. Their de- parture left the camp without an untrustworthy recruit. About an hour before sunset, the discovery was made that a large band of cowboys and herders had come in, and were campad out around Villa Voselle, and that they numbered nearly all of Gleason’s forces, A few, perhaps, had been left upon the range to keep the cattle from stampeding. “It begins to look like war in earnest,” the major remarked, as he called Little Quick Shot’s attention to the collecting forces. ‘I don’t see why Ronald don’t call in his herders.” ‘“Maybe he prefers to wait until night to do that, so that Gleason won’t know the exact number of his force. Do you contemplate an attack during the night?” ‘*T do not; but if I am not mistaken, Gleason will make an initial charge before morning. He is a hot-headed old fighter, and as revengeful as you often find ’em.” ** Til try to slip into the enemy’s camp as soon as if comes dark,” Quick-Shot said, ‘and see what their plans are.” Shortly afterward, he sauntered down to Grit Gleason’s cigar store, and entered. As he did sO, a man was standing by the counter con- versing with the pretty proprietress—a tall, atbletic personage, well dressed, a free and easy manner, and as handsome as an Apollo. _A strange cry escaped Little Quick-Shot at sight of him, and, drawing his revolver, he covered the man with deadly aim. . ‘‘At last!” he cried, sternly, causing Grit and her companion to wheel about in startled sur- prise. “Oh! Mr. Waverly! What do you mean?” Quick-Shot paid a visit to the little lone “ak think any one will disturb me.” 9 — oo — —— ——— the girl cried in alarm, while a tinge of grayish pallor swept over the Apollo’s face. ‘‘T mean that good fortune has found me the man | am here to capture.” ‘You bave made a mistake, sir. Tois ismy friend, Mr. Tabor, whom I was speaking to you about, and I am sure you can have nothing against him!” ‘Indeed, ‘Tabor is a very good name, Miss Gleason, where a man wants to screen bis own identity, but you see | happen to know your obliging friend, a little better than you do, He is most popularly known as Cap, Melton, chief of the Cattle Clique, of which you may have heard,” “Tis false, my name is Tabor!” the outlaw growled, watching for a chance to draw a wea- pon. “Your name, so far as I am concerned, is Cap. Melton,” Quick-Shot replied. ‘‘ You know I have been after you for a year, but until now, you have cunningly eluded my grasp.” ‘* Well, what are you going to do about it, if all you claim is true?” Bulidog ferocity was in the expression that had settled over his face, ‘“1¢ depends somewhat on circamstanages,” Quick-Shot replied. ‘‘ You are aware that were yourpresence here made known, your life would not be worth the air you breatie,” ** Perhaps not.” “Then, why do you venture here—te spy upon us, for the benefit of the enemy, or te plan a raid on your own account?” ‘*Neither. Perhaps I was bold to veuture my neck into jzopardy, but allow meto say that I did it with an bonorable motive, to see this estimable young om whom it bas been a pleasure to me to slightly befriend. So far as hostility isconcerned, I came for no such pur- ‘Be it so, then. Murderer eorees you are, and thief, too, I think you are telling me the truth. 1 suppose, however, you know what my duty is.” ‘IT am not dumb. If ycur duty is to arrest me, go ahead and do it.” * But it is not my intention to do any thing of the kind. Were I to capture you as being Cap. Melton, the a would cut you to pieces before you c.uld even beg for merey. You saved my life on the murder case; I now offer you an opportunitv to put wiles between you and this camp. Then we bre the same us be- fore, and the next time 1 capture you I shall not let you go!” ; “The next time you do catch me you need not let me go,” Melton replied, with a hard laugh. He then turned to Grit; ‘**You have heard all—ycu know I deceived ou in name, but it was only because I feared o make known my real name, lest moe should spurn me. You know me now, as I am, and t — are all in all tome. Will you go with me ‘No! Once deceived is often enough. 1 can never be cugbht to you—indeed, never thought of such a thing!” Grit replied. “You lie!” the outlaw cried, fiercely. ‘*Un- til this detective devil came you thought well of me. Now your fickle mind has taken a farcy to him, But, ob! wait! Il dispel any*such dream as that. I bave yet to get even with the both of you, and I’Jl do it or die in the attempt!” And, sbaking his fist at them, be turned and strode from the siore. Quick-Sbot watcbed him from the door until he was cu’ of sight beyond the camp; then he turned to Grit: ‘“* Well, you see what a nice fellow Mr. Tabor is?’ he smiled. ‘‘] see that you have removed a snake from my path, and lam wry L ep aci a to you for the act,” she replied. ‘I did, indeed, believe bim to be a nice gentleman until now, for he talked so nicely and acted so refined.” * He isa — rascal—a dargerons devil, and you wi ] need to kiep your eyes open lesi he nabs you when you least think.” ? Darkness fell like a shroud over the earth, blotting out all objects from buman gaze. The heavens were overcast with ominous clouds. _ and a mist fell over everything. ‘ No report bad reached the village from the Cottonwoods, where all was somber and silent. The same might be said of Villa Voselle, in which direetion not a light was to be seen, ‘There is mischief brewing!” Quick-Shot de- clared, ashe and Greer by a camp fire, near the Cinnamon Bear. “I feel it in my bones, as the saying is.” ‘* Hark!” the major rejoined, +
Page 10
10 A heart-rending scream pierced the air. A woman in tattered dress, and with hair dis- heveled, rushed into the camp, tottered, and fell at Little Quick-Shot’s feet. They raised her, saw the blood gushing from a anseer wound in her breast—-saw that she was dead—saw that it was Lenore! Then, as if to mock their borrified anguish, came to them, borne on the chill night air, a wild, exultant laugh—a laugh demoniac! “My God! that was the general!” Major Greer gasped. ‘‘He has murdered bis own child!” CHAPTER X. QUICK-SHOT’S RIGHT PARD. PEN could but illy picture the emotion of Don Waverly, as he knelt beside bis murdered bride, and gazed into the beautiful face, already setting in the rigid whiteness of death. He spoke not, nor did a sob escape him, or a tear dim his eye, but his breast heaved heavily, and there came over his face an expression of one whose emotion could not find vent in tears —an awful look, embodying the bitterest inten- sity of two passions—anguish and anger. ‘ Are you sure it was the general’s voice?” with a calmness that caused the mujor to shud- er. ry sounded wonderfully like his!” Greer re- * “Then, attend to her, till I make sure. She is dead—I shali go crazy if I stay here!” and before the major could check him, the Scarlet Scout bad leaped off into the darkness, The scream bad attracted general attention, ‘and it was but a few minutes ere the whole camp knew of Lenore’s sad fate. She wns tenderly raised, aod borne into the parlor of the Cinnamon Bear; where left in eharge of Grit, and a couple of miners’ wives, «who volunteered to remain with the dead. Altbough fat and fifty, Major Greer was by no means inactive in a time of ye and be- lieving he would see no more of Little Quick- Shot, for the night, he strengthened the guards, and sent out a couple of spies, to reconnoiter in the immediate vicinity of the camp. Their reports, however, were that they saw nothing to indicate trouble. In half an hour Quick-Shot returned. His face still wore that awful expression, and every one sbuddered when they saw hiseyes. They were those of a madman, rather than of a sane person; they burned like coals of fire, in their stern, piercing glance. Oa being told where Lenore had been laid, he entered the parlor, and asked to be left alone with tbe beautiful dead for an hour. When be ence more appeared upon the street, there was no noticeable change in his appear- ance, except that if anything his face had wn sterner. ‘What did you learn?’ the major demanded, anxiously. “ gh!” was the answer, ‘‘I arrived at Villa Voselle about two minutes before the general. It was he who laughed. His fate is sealed. Henceforth my life shall know no rest, my mind no peace, until I have avenged Le- nore, Get your force in readiness, for 1 antici- pate an attack, about midnight.” He went, then, and threw himself upon the Daye by one of the camp-fires, and gazed into fire, as if oblivious of all else than that which he searched for in its depths. Yet that he wason the alert no one had a doubt ; many believed be had become partly insane over bis sudden and terrible loss. Sufficiently sane was be, however, to catch the utterance of bis name, and he sprung nim- biy to his feet as hesawa pretty Indian girl standing near him, in company with the * She insisted on seeing you, ing that she had news!” the major BR ac 5 .Do you know her?” ' “T bave seen her. She belongs toa band of pemegnde reds, whose chief is called Flat ‘ose |” He then turned to the girl, who was regard- ing bim wistfully. What does Silver Dove want in the camp of the pale-face?’ he demanded, rather sternly. “Silver Dove has news for the Scarlet Scout,” was the answer, in the Sioux tongue. “Is the Scarlet Scout angry because Silver Dove brings him news!” “No. Speak out what you have to say1” ‘It is not news Silver Dove brings. Flat Nose and his warriors are in the neighbor- hood, and have allied themselves to another band of pale-faces, who will attack this camp. Little Quick-Shot. Silver Dove comes to warn the Scarlet Scout to fly to a place of safety.” ** The Silver Dove does not know the Scarlet Scout. He never takesa back trail, nor retreats before the advance of an enemy.” ‘Scarlet Scout is a great brave, but he knows not of the odds against him, Flat Nose, alone, has a hundred warriors, and has sworn to have the scalp of the Scarlet Scout.” ‘*Bah! be hasn’t got it yet. Wait!” Quick-Shot then called the majcr aside, and related what he bad just learned. “It looks devilish bad,” the major muttered. “ They've oe over two to our one, [ reckon, and we'll have to do some big fightin’ to lick ‘em, 'specially as they're part Injuns.” “T think wecan fetch ’em. [ shall take the Silver Dove a captive and secrete her where a hundred years’ search might not findher. I will then go and make terms with Flat Nose.” ‘‘Are you not afraid to enter the enemy’s iat; ‘*No: I fear not the whole Rang, so far as my own safety is concerned, hey sball under- stand that harm to me, means death to the Bil- ver Dove!” He then turned to the Indian girl, his hand | captive of the grasping a revolver. ‘The Scarlet Scout is grateful to the Silver Dove, for ber warning, but he must use strategy, to baffle the enemy. Silver Dove is Scarlet Scout’s prisoner, until Flat Nose leaves the enemy, and comes over to our side. Come! you must go with me!” ‘*Silver Dove is not afraid to follow where the Scarlet Scout leads. Her heart is already with bim, and she fears not to become his cap- tive,” the girl oy joe humbly. “Tt is well, Come!” He procured his rifle, and led the way out of the camp, into the pass, Witbin an hour he was back again, but the Indian girl was not with him, * Any news?” he asked, meeting the major on the street. ‘*None, except that camp-fires bave been built, at the villa, and the movements of the men seem to indicate that preparations are be- ing made for an attack.” ‘* Well, look out for yourselves, as best you can, until 1 return. I may return immediate- ly, but cannot say for a certainty. Ifan attack is made, I will not be far away.” Just as he was about to start for Villa Voselle, he met Grit Gleason. She was dressed in boy’s clothing, wore a jaunty sombrero, and was well armed with revolvers, knife and rifle. ‘* Where are you going?” Little Quick-Shot de- manded, in surprise. ‘¢ With you!” she replied, confidently. ‘* With me?”: ‘¢ Youbet! You are going into danger, and I am going to share it wi bh you. Until Lenore’s death is avenged, consider me your pard, through thick and thin!” **- You surprise me, Miss Gleason, You arein no wise fitted to rough about as [ do.: I beg of ou to consider, You are foolishly risking your fe—and, what for?’ “If LT risk my life, I may be able to save yours—for Lenore’s sake,” she replied. ‘Go ahead. Iam going with you.” Qick-Shot hesitated a moment, and then led the way from the camp in silence. The girl’s strange resolve was a puzzler to bim, yet be began to see into her motive, and it caused him the keenest pain to make the dis- covery. She had, in that very act, betrayed her love for him! They were not long in reaching the immediate vicinity of the Gleason residence. The house was not lit up, but camp-fires burned bere and there, about the lawn, and cowboys, armed to the teeth, were gathered around them. Outside of the grounds, on the rear of the mansion, was ano' her encampment, and it was here the Indians and half breeds of Flat Nese’s gang were located, Ascertaining this, Quick-Shot crept cautious- * that way, Grit following close at bis heels, bey soon gained a position where they could overlook the whole red-skin camp. There were three fires, and about these were collected a hundred cr more wild, villainous-looking red- skins and balf-breeds, the majority of whom wore war-paint, and were attired in filthy and ragged citizen’s garb, and bats of all conceiv- able shapes and styles. They were well armed, however, and looked precisely what they were, a band of bardened cut-throats, Pacing to and fro about the camp, was a stalwart savage, whom Little Quick Shot re- | _ in the air, and send your men Ss — cognized as Flat Nose, the chief of the maraad- ing gang. He was a majestic-looking Indian, and the only one of bis party who was attired in bis native costume. ‘‘T hardly know just how to get speech with him, without venturing into the camp!” Little Quick-Shot said, ‘‘and I have a wish to retain my scalp for awhile longer, at least, If good fortune would only send him this way, I should be greatly obliged, indeed.” But, good fortune did not seem to have her machine in motion, just then, for Flat Nose made no move to accommodate the scout-de- tective, by presenting bimself for an interview. ‘*T have an idea!” Grit said, after they had watched the camp-fires for awhile. ‘‘Sup I go into camp, claim to be the general's daugh- ter, and tell Fiat Nose that the general wants to see him, here, alone.” ** You'd not catch tbe old red rascal on such baitas that, Your proposal, however, suggests a plan that may work, so that two heads are better than one.” He took a memorandum-book from his pocket, and wrote upon it the following message: ‘“Poar Nose:—Your daughter, Silver Dove, is a e-faces, at Daggersville, and ig you attempt to attack the town she will be killed and scalped. If you and your band come over to our side, your daughter will be restored to you, Take your choice, If you will join our party, a pistol Hemember,"ony treachery. on four part will camp. member, an e seal Phe doom of the Silver Dovef % “Lirritz Quick-SxorT.” After writing this message, the sccut searched about until be found a fair-sized pebble, around which he securely wrapped the paper. ‘* Flat Nose can read English perfectly well, and this will do as well as an interview!” he said. ‘* After I hurl it into the camp, however, we shall bave to run for it to get eut of easy reach!” He then measured the distance with his eagle eye, and hurled the missile toward where Flat. ose was standing. It struck the grim old savage in the stomach, and dropped at his feet. Without waiting to watch the effect, Quick- Shot and Grit ran swiftly back into the dark- ness for several hundred yards before they aused, Then they heard an indistinct hubbub of voices, and knew that the message had been discovered, and was creating a sensation. For a few minutes all suddenly became silent. Quick-Shot’s keen geze never once left the direction of the encampment, and Grit hovered near bim, equally anxious and interested. ‘“What do you think they are doing?’ Grit asked, ‘1 don’t know. The knoll yonder hides them from our view. You remain bere, and I will reconnoiter a bit. Don’t move from here lest I lose you.” Slinging his rifle to his back, he crept away through the gress, and was soon Jost to view. Ten minutes fled, and Grit grew anxions. ‘Can ib be that they have captured bim?’ she murmured. ‘It seems to me something must bave happened.” Ten minutes more passed; still the Scarlet Scout did not return, Grit now was deeply alarmed, The camp-fires were dying out, and glocm was ns the places where they had urred. ‘*T cannot stand this suspense,” the girl mut- tered. ‘‘I must try to find out what bas be- come of Donald.” Drawing a revolver, she crept in thé direc- tion that Little Quick-Sbot bad gone. . In a few minutes she came in sight of the spot where the Indian encampment had been, The smoldering embers of the camp-fires alone remained. Nor was there much light beyond the villa, where the cowboys bad been encamped. What did it all mean” Were the united forces in the villa, or had they crept toward the Cottonwoods to make an attack? The latter was the most likely theory; yet Grit was not content to believe anything she was not sure of, mater A on such a critical night as this; so sbe stole like a shadow toward the villa, and made a reconnoissance entirely around it, without discovering a sign of human presence. Both the camps were deserted. The blackest of gloom reigned supreme in the direction of the Ohitoasronn Up at the mining-camp only, a star-like light was visible here and there, fied Gene
Page 11
epee: “It must be that Quick-Shot bas gone to warn the people at our camp, or at the Cottonwoods!” she said, aloud. ‘I don’t believe he has been captured or I should bave heard more confusion. I think I had better go to camp at all events, as it seems strangely lonesome here.” “Phen, may be you'd like a bit of company!” a mocking voice cried, and in an instant her arms were seized and beld in a firm grasp, Simultaneously there was a chorus of boarse yells in the distance, a roar of rifle-shots, and a royriad of quick flasbes both in the direction of the Oottonwoods and Daggersville, Both places had been attacked at once. CHAPTER XII. A FIEND’S REVENGE. Let us follow the adventures of the Scarlet Scout for a few moments, After leaving Grit Gleason, he glided stealth- ily toward the Indian camp, his every sense on the alert, his eye gleaming po es The excitement of his desire to prevent an attack upon Daggersville had banished some- thing of the vengeful expressfon from his face, but enough still lingered to tell of the shock he had sustained. - As soon as he once more came within view of the fires he saw the old chief reading the mes- sage, while his dusky warriors were huddled near, awaiting bis edict. The chief finished the perusal of the docu- ment, and then saying something to his war- riors, which Quick-Shot could not understand, hurried away toward the villa, “I wonder what he’s up to now?’ our hero mused, grimly. ' He left his position, made a circuit around the camp-fires and came to a halt near a rear door of the villa, which was open. Near by was a thick hedge of syringa bushes and among these he lost no time in taking concealment. He was none too soon. Flat Nose and the general soon made their appearance in the doorway, where they halted. “ Your es is a good one!” the general said, aloud. ‘I will give instructions to the boys at once to move upon the Cot‘onwoods. You and your reds can easily carry the mining-camp!” “ Fiat Nose great chief. His warriors heap big fizhters, The White Whiskers must keep his promise, though!” “My word is good. When you have served me as I havesaid, you can go away luaded with junder, Let not any threats or persuasions Brat ou over to the other side for V’jl do thrice etter by you than they will,” “ Flat Nose bas heard. He will act accord- ingly!” the old cut-throat answered, with a dig- -d air, as he descended the steps and strode away. ; The general also descended the steps, and walked around to the front part of the grounds to order bis men to the attack. ; * “Now is my time!” Quick-Shot muttered. Vengeance for Lenore, first; then I'll do what I can for the others!” He grasped a revolver in either hand, and glided from his place of concealment into the house like a shadow. The door opened into a sort of rear store- room, then came a kitchen and a dining-room, from off of which opened a large’ hall leading to other portions of the dwelling, : Little Quick-Shot had gone as far as the dining-room, when he fancied he heard some one in the inky darkness, abead of him. He naturally paused and endeavored to pene- trate the gloom with his eagle eyes, but it was a fatal acticn. An unseen object, as hard as rock, whizzed through the air, and struck him with stunning Tt upon the head, causing bh m to drop like a hen all was blank to him, except that an awful buzzing sensation held him captive, pre- cluding all possibility of simplest thought. When he regained consciousness and slowly opened bis eyes, he found the situation altogeth- er different. ; As far as he could make out, he was lying up- on the prairie, a sbort distance from the villa— lying on his back, so completely wound up with lariats as to be nearly unable to move a muscle, a person similarly fixed was lying by side, Near their feet was a powerful horse, about which three men were busied. Up at Daggersville, and in the direction of the Cottonwoods, the sounds of a deadly conflict were to be heard, accompanied by an almost in- cessant flash of weapons, that lit up the dark- ness like so many hisses of lightning. The rain was falling steadily. A shudder ran through the frame of the scout- detective as hé comprenended his situation. He was to be ‘‘railroaded”—dragged furiously over prairie and through rocky gorges at the mercy of an animal furious to escape from its human freight. It was sure death in nine cases out of ten, as he well knew—a punishment that more than one or fellow has had to suffer on the Western rders. Who was his compagnon du voyrge? He managed to twist his bead so as to get a partial view of the party. ‘‘Great God! Is it yon, Miss Gleason?’ he gasped, You bet!” Grit responded. ‘Bat, how came you in this sad predica- ment?” ‘‘They nabbed me, Iwas lookingafter you.” ‘“You should not have done it, Are you aware what is in store for us, my poor childY’ “Yes. The general condescended so far as to explain tome. Itis evident we will gét what some of cur friends are even now getting, only in a different way.” “ Death!” ay Yes.” ‘“‘Tam afraid you are right. I am not so much concerned for myself, as for you; as Ican stand more hard asage. JI went through this ordeal oncs before.” ‘‘ Don’t worry about me, I am not a coward, by any mea: s, aud if you bave to face the music I am with you, and we will meet it as best we can, ‘*-You are brave, Miss Gleason, but I would to God you were well out of this scrape!” Just then, the men evidently completed their arrangements about the borse, for two of them came and bent over the captives. They were General Gleason and the ruffian, Buck Brady, and their faces, gloating with ex- ultation, were not pleasant to contemplate. ‘*So you have recovered, eh?’ the general said, addressing Little Quick-Sbot, ‘I am glad of that. I was afraiu Brady had killed you, and you wouldn’t be able to enjoy the treat that is in store for you.” “Thank you, murderer; I am quite alive yet. If I were free, ’d not delay in making the fact forcibly known to you.” ‘* But you see you haven't as much Jiberty as you might baye. Your natural freshness, makes it imperative that you should seek other fields of sport and adventure, and so we are go- ing to give you free transportation. If you have time, while being torn along over roek and turf, for sober thought, you will see what it costs to trifle with a man of my stamp!” ‘‘Murderer though you are, I fear you not. Do your worst—l still defy you, Gideon Glea- son, and will live to see the day that I can avenge Lenore’s death!” ‘What! Lenore’s death! Speak up, man! For God's sake what do you mean?” “T mean, you vile hypocrite and assassin, that I will yet have your heart’s blood for kill- ing my bride!” Quick-Shot uttered, with ringing sternness, ‘ abead! do your work. My turn will come next!” ‘Do you dare to tell me that Lenore is dead, you young devil?” “I have already said so, and know that for spite’s satisfaction, against me, you murdered her—you, her own father!” ** You lie—you lie!” fairly shrieked the man. “T donot. Youare a cowardly assassin, and, God helping me, if Lever get free, ll have your life in exchange forthe murder of your own dangbter—you inhuman fiend!” Gleason uttered a snarling oath. ‘‘ You are countiug your chickens before they are hatched!” he declared triamphuntly. ‘So far as your ever getting free is concerned, I'll guarantee that we shal! néver have the pleasure of looking on either of your faces again. As for you, Miss Gertrade, 1')1 tell che truth by ad- mitting that | would rest a little easier, were you out of the way; hence I concluded to let ou keep the company of the Scarlet Scout on is voyage!” **T understand why you fear me!” Grit replied. ‘Tt is because o~ bave robbed me of my pro- perty—ay! I believe you murdered my hye father. Is is fear of being proven guilty of the crime, that you send me to destruction. May ye SS a a the curse of every honest man rest upon you, you detestable wretch !” The general winced under the accusation, and turned impatiently to Buck Brady. ‘*Evough of this!” be cried. ‘‘ Apply the match!” The borse which the third man was holding by the bit, was already becoming nearly un- manageable, and when Brady applied a lighted match to his glossy coat be gave a terrified snort, and broke away, dragging the helpless buman freight. behind him. : For, on application of the match, he had burst. out into a sheet of flame from head to foot. He had been saturated with kerosene oil, by — inhuman general and his equally inhuman aids! Away! away! the terrified animal plunged, leaving a sheet of weird light behind—a signal- . nen to Quick-Shot’s and Grit Gleason’s horrible oom. On! on! until a swell in the prairie bid from view both horse and its victims; then the gen- eral turned to Brady and nodded his approval. $f Cea By gone beyond return!” he said, ‘* No human being could survive being dragged at the beels of that animal, 1’ll guarantee!’ CHAPTER XIII. SATAN CLAIMS HIS OWN. Tue terrible battle—or more properly, the massacre—at Daggersville, was over. It bad been brief, but of sickening import. The double at- tack had thrown the forces under Major Greer and Old Man Ronald, respectively, into a terri- ble state of confusion, and the assailants had poured in an avalanche of molten death upon the defenders, which must have demoralized a small army. Nevertheless, either band of defenders had made a desperate struggle to attain one and had, almost to a man, fallen while still fighting. What bad not been completely mowed down, bad taken to flight, with few exceptions, Old Man Ronald and the major, together with two others, of the Ronald mining syndi- date, named Lewis and Locke, had been rum- bered among the missing, when a list of the dead and wounded was taken. Yet, there were those who knew that the quartette of capitalists had been captured, ard smuggled off to Villa Voselle, where they were secret held as prisoners of the victoricus: general, What was to be done with them, was a mat- ter of conjecture with those who were in the secret, they being Buck Brady, Flat Nose and Pedro, the general’s valet. It was believed, however, that they were to be held for ransom, or some other arrangement by which the general would come into actual possession of Daggersville, the Cottonwoods and tbe surrounding territory. The loss on the general’s side had been beavy, many of his best herders having been dropped, never to rise again, Flat Nose’s band, however, had come ff near- ly whole, The morning after the battle, the dead were collected, by the general’s orders, and given a rough but respectable burial, near the Cotton- woods, and the general sent divisions «f bis: party to take charge of the Cottonwoods and Daggersville. For safety’s sake, he kept Buck Brady and Flat Nose’s gang at camp, on the lawn of Villa Voselle, for as soon as a report of the massacre ot abroad, he was sanguine that there would be Government interference, in which case, were it imperative, he might have to beat are~ treat into the interior, until the affair could be arranged—as he believed it could readily be— ~ by the agency of money anc perjury. Lenore’s remains were removed from the @innamon Bear Hotel, and buried at Villa Vo- selle, and although the general manifested some grief, it was apparent that he had become too hardened and calloused at heart to long grieve. over her loss. A week passed, and no interference was of- fered from Government sources, although it was believed that the massacre was known at head- quarters, and plenty of time had elapsed in which an investigation could have been made, This caused the general and his confederates to feel more at ease, and things once more began to shape about in their usual way. Work was resumed in the mines, which were now considered Gleason’s property, as was. everything else in Daggerevil . He was virtually king, and the le were his minions, and as be paid them with lavish liberality and promptness, there seemed no oc-~
Page 12
AS casion for belief but what they would serve him, faithfully. The two immense ranches were turned into one, as it wero, and the valuable herds of cattle united into one vast herd, and placed in the care of Flat Nose and his ganz, the former remnant of cowboys having been set to work in the min-s. And as trouble was expected from the Cattle Clique, the droves were kept in as close prox- imity to the Cottonwoods and Villa Voselle, as 4 pasturage would permit. Buck Brady and Pedro were now retained at the villa, the former as a sort of confidential ee and the latter as a confidential ser- vant. As we have said, the general was daily grow- ing more at ease, as no signs of trouble loomed up on the horizon of his bopes, and he was be- gluing to congratulate himself that bis scheme or supremacy was to be successful, when, one evening, as be was sitting in his parlor, Buck Brady entered, bearing a letter which he had just obtained at the post-office. There was a post-mark upon it that was not particularly reassuring in its effects upon a ner- vous mind, It was round, as post-marks usually are, and ‘the lettering was as follows: HELL'S Ava. 20 10 aA. M. Post-OFFIck, It was directed in a broad, handsome style of -chirography, and on tearing away the envelo the general’s eyes ran over the appended mis- sive: . “ Hetu’s Post-Orrice “ (One Mile from the Entrance ae A es), A it 2t “Gen. GIDEON Grxisow:— ‘The time for calling you in from active service has drawn s0 near ex- iration that I have deputized several of your vic- tind to wait on you preparatory to guiding you through the dark passages and over the fee wots 1 to my peren summer resort, ping hes will net put my envoys to ory unnecessary de- remiu (as I have to a large m for fuel now, and have aieady had the Bred kindled for your’ especial benefit remain, sir. “Yours forever, TAN “ King of the kealms Infernal!" Brady watched the general vith an inquiring expression during the perusal, for the usually ‘flushed face had grown come 4 white. “By Heaven! what does it mean, Brady?” the astonished villain demanded, as he handed over the document to the border ruffian. ‘One would suppose b that, that we were living on the borders of Inferno. Brady réceived the letter, gazed at it, and then at the general, l ” ruther curious!” he |grunted. ‘‘ The feller what sent it must have fergot to write what be wanted to say.” “What! Can’t you read?” “Depends, guv’nor! I kin allus cipher out ‘common English, but when ye gav me nothin’ ter read I ain’t thar.” s Nothing ! Why, certainly you can’t be get- ‘ting blind. “Show me a fifty-dollar gold piece and see how quick I'll gobble onto it. If you say thar’s any writin’ on thet bit o’ paper ye’ve ei*ber bin drinkin’ an’ got the jams or hev gone crazy, or bev got to tellin’ whoppin’ big lies.” And be thrust the missive back into the gen- eral’s band. That personage gazed at it ia utter dismay— his surprise genuine. san God! there is no writing there!” he asped, ‘*Nary a bit!” Brady re-echoed. _ “ Yet Pll take my dying oath that I saw writ- ing—a letter purporting to be signed by Satan, which warned me that he had sent out envoys to guide me to Hades!” **General, let me smell yer breath.” “ Away, you fool! J have not taken a dro to-day! ‘There’s something certainly devilish about this matter.” Str messagé had been written upon half a sheet. The general examined both sides of the paper thoroughly and then banded it back to Brady. The moment he gazed at it steadily he-uttered a hoarse yell of terror and dropped it to the floor, as though it had been a piece of hot iron, . What is the matter?” Gleason demanded, his pallor nearly equaling that of the ruffian. Little Quick-Shot. ‘‘Oh! cuss the thing! I sae’d a skeleton, so I did, what war grinnin’ an’ snappin’ its teeth at me! The general made a dive for the paper and seized it before it had floated to the floor. ‘* Nothing!” he gasped, as be gazeu at it on either side, And then, he held it before Buck Brady’s terrified gaze. 8 “ Do you see it, now?” he fairly yelled. “* Mary!” was Brady’s gasping reply. ** Did you see it?” **On courseI did!” doggedly. “Then, do you believe that I saw what 1 claimed to see?” ‘‘T hain’t a doubt ’bout it.” The two men glared at each other as savagely as two tigers might have done. ‘* Well!” Brady growled. “It is not well,” the general replied. “ It must be more than a humap occurrence that could unnerve ay bat Iam not afraid to tell you that I believe we are doomed.” ‘Git out! You mean the Old Nick aire grab- b’o’ fer us!” “TI am satisfied of it. [am as wide-awake and my faculties are just as keen as ever; and i know I saw that warning on the same paper = saw the skeleton, and yet neither of us saw he same things. Don’t it look asif a power infernal surrounded us?” Brady scratched his head, and cast a terrified glance about the room, The words of his master in crime, certainly had no quieting effect on his strong superstition. ‘‘Pve heerd,” he said, fiaally, in a low, busky tone, “Ive heerd it said, thet ef one could break the charm of the devil, bis power were gone. Mebbeif ye war to burn thet paper, et would hev the same effect on the old cus:.” ‘Bah! that is old woman’s gabble.” Still, he too, gazed nervously about the room. The lamp seemed to burn very dimly. The fire on the grate flickered uneasily. A strong wind moaned about the villa, making weird sounds that were at the best, disquieting. “Try it!” Brady said, sepulchrally. The general hesitated, then advanced to the | fire-place, and held his hand a few feet above the blaze. As if eager for the prey, the flames suddenly ae high enough to singe the man’s trembling ands. A howl of surprise and pain escaped him; he relinquished the paper, and it wavered down into the fire. Instantaneously there seemed to grow up out of the fire-place, a fleshless skeleton, surrounded by a weird bluish light, that gave it a decidedly unearthly appearance. Where should have been eyeless sockets, were bulging balls of firé, that in expression were not unlike human eyes. sTiterally paralyzed with horror, the two villains stared at the spectacle, too dumfound- ed to stir or speak. Toen, as suddenly asit had appeared, the bony spectre melted down into the flames, and was gone. For some time after it had disappeared, the two men stood staring at the fire. Brady was the first to arouse, “It’s gone, gineral, an’ I reckow I’ve hed my fill o’ thet sort of thing, fer one night. Ef ye want avy more interviews wi’ his Satanic Majesty, ye kin stay hyer and enjoy it. I'm nowhere’s of a notion ter have my wits fright- ened out of me.” * Hold, for God’s sake!” the general cried. “Tf you leave me, I'll never again employ you.” ‘ By thunder, I don’t keer ef ye door pot. I kin stand some thiags but [ can’t stand évery- thing. I’m goin’ right off ter Denver to jine a church, an’ see ef [ can’t ring in a deal wi’ pious folks. Then, you sinners can go to the devil, w’at aire reachin’ fer ye.” H- made a move toward the window as he saw the general making a move to bar bim off, but suddenly he paused, an unmistekable ex- pression of borror coming over bis bard face. The reason was very plain. Buck Brady saw it! The general saw it! Both stood transfixed, unable to move or utter a word. It wes the awful Dead Face, that had ap- peared last upon the night of the reception at the Cottonwoods, unchanged in any part of its ghastly appearance. ; It was staring direct at Brady, although the eyes were closed, and as it was thus directed, a hollow, unearthly laugh seemed to peal from between the unparted lips. An instant—then tais spectacle, too, had gone! SS SSeS It was the termination of that evening’s event- ful occurrences, and the two terror-stricken men were not sorry when they found that n> more visitations were forthcoming. CHAPTER XIV. UNMASKING THE VILLAIN. SeverAL days passed, but no more of the super- natural order of ee took place at Villa Voselle, so that Brady and the general became somewhat more reassured, and satisfied that ser were vic- tims of a practical trick rpetrated by some enemy—most likely Cap. Melton. J The genera) had not been idle. Believing that trouble might eventually occur out of the massacre, he had been secretly trying to make negotiation for the sale of all the miving and other property for whatever actual cash he could get out of it. The whole consolidation of properties, at the lowest, ought to = at least a million or more of dollars, and if he could get hold of this amount, the general was quite content to skip; he therefo > wrote prominent agents in the East, making knov i his desire to close out and retire from business. Then he set to work to forge deeds to the entire real estate and bills of sale for all pers prop- erty, so that it looked all right; for, having once occupied official and legal positions, he had the tools to work with. A couple of days after the supernatural yisitations he received a letter from Denver, at that time by no means as large a city as now. The letter was as follows: “GENERAL GIDEON GLEASON:— ; * Dear Str:—The undersigned, a wealthy English capitalist, having Jearned of your desire to d of your ranch, cattle and mjning interests, in company with his daughter, call upon you within a day or so prepared to make you a cash offer. * Very truly “ee CHALFONT, ’.| The next day came another: ft ‘s ‘Gun’, Gipron GLEASON:— ‘Dear Srtr:—Do not sell your estate until I hay time to reach you. i) SN ‘ . A. Scorr, ‘Tn interests of Mackey.’ Another communication ran thus: ‘Gen’, GipEon GuEAson:— “Dear Srr:—Will call on Pho shortly with a view to purchasing your estate, : money can buy it. ‘ > * Yours reepys The latter two communications had been mailed from a mining-camp not over thirty miles from Daggersville, and both arrived the same day. * Everything works well. It could hardly be bet- ter!’ the general congratulated himself, ‘1! et what money I can out of the business, and then hie myself to some spot where I shall not constantly feel as - a noose were to be suddenly shirred about my neck,” The first to arrive was Mr. Chalfont and daughter, who were ushered into the general's presence, One stormy evening. The Englishman was a person of medium build, with a huge silvery beard that covered the better part of his face, and eyes that were in keen and penetrating, in their glance. He was richly attired. His daughter, Helena, as he introduced her, was closely envelo in a waterproof, and vailed so carefully that her face could not be seen. After a little preliminary conversation the visitor said: “Well, sir, having learned of your desire tg dis- pose of your large property, I concluded to eome this way, and learn your terms.” “Exactly. I dare Say you are aware of the value of the property? “Tam. I made inquiries,on my way here, aid am surprised to find so much under one man's co - “Very likely. I have been most successful 4 § ation, and am proud to point out my estate. s the fruits of my enterprise.” “Everything is clear, of course?” “To a dollar.” “Then, what is your object in selling out?” “T recently losé my daughter, an only child, a d having no ties to bind me to any cular place. I desire to return Eastward to spend the remainder of my days.” ‘Yes? Well, Isuppose you would find more con- genial surroundings, there. What value do you place upon your ranch, its stock and equipments. and the mine?” A ‘* Five million of dollars, at least. “ Five million? Would they fetch half that amount at a forced sale?” “Perhaps. I did not name you my selling price.” “Do so then!” ‘*T wili take one million down. now, and a half mil- lion more as soon as the deeds are registered. [have them already prepared, for signing. so that after our business is done here, nothing remains but take them to a register, »nd get him to fix he having the old deeds, and their records.” ra “Indeed! Then you have an idea that I wo 431 trust a million of dollars in your hands, for evel, ten minutes?’ was the sneering answer. “I do not see why not, sir. Iam a man of m, word, sir!’’ il “Oh! you are!” ity I am bd The general was beginning to grow somewhat them. ugiy °
Page 13
nD [enmneass ajarmed, the tone of his visitor was so cool and significant. * How long have you owned this magnificent do- mainyY’’ Chalfont went on, stroking his beard gently, end never once allowing his gaze to leave the gen- eral's face, ‘For several years—three, nearly.” “Were you ever married, more than once?’’ “Certainly not.” “You are sure?”’ The general sprung to his feet, growing livid with Yr -% “Why do you question my veracity?” he cried. “Tf you come here to insult me, I will excuse your presence, and request you to leave my house.” He was /n the act of drawing a revolver, when he noticed that Chalfont already held one, in his grasp. ' : iy Dalked, there!”’ his caller said, with a chuckle. “You should know better than to try any crooked ames on me, Gleason. You are too hot-headed, ut I do question your veracity about not having been bessed with two wives, as I know you were legally married once, and illegally married a second time.” + Tis false !"’ the general roared. ylt is true!" was the stern cry. Cassie, and remove your vail.”’ The woman obeyed, and turned a careworn but stil] pretty face to Gideon Gleason's view—the face of a woman over forty years, mayhap, from which ok had failed to erase an expression of matronly -auty. ‘* By heavens!" was all the general could utter, as h» staggered back aghast, his gaze riveted upon the woman's face, Then he suddenly turned upon his tormentor. ‘* And you—who are you?” he roared, savagely. ,. “Ty? the man chuckled, renioving his false beard, ‘why, I am Cap. Melton, chief of the Cattle Clique, and your dutiful son |” “Stand up, CHAPTER XIV. A FEARFUL RIDE, becomes our duty to follow the adventures of L »«.e Quick-Shot and Grit Gleason from the time tl, ¢ they were so rudely dispatched at the heels of th, maddened, burning horse. ‘he lariats that connected them to the animal were securely fastened to their ankles, and the length of the lariat was such that they were not in cameos of being harmed by the horse's heels. Tor journey they were unable to control themselves in the least, the jerk! jerk! occasioned by the animal's frantic bounds nearly taking their senses away, but the horse kept on his course over the prairie, and as there was much grass and no stones, they experi- enced no severe bruises. The horse plunged madly on, its agonized screams making the night ring. That he would ever stop until forced to drop from sheer exhaustion did not seem probable. If he could only get his hands free, so as to draw the clasp-knife which he still had in his pocket, the Scarlet Scout could cut the two lariats; but to get his hands loose was no easy feat, and there was no immediate probability of his accomplishing such relbase from their frightful position. Not a word nor groan escaped Grit, she was pass- ing through the ordeal nearly as bravely as himself. They were well away from Villa Voselle, when tha frantic horse came suddenly to a deep and abrupt arryo,and unable to check itself, was forced to plunge headlong into the depths, dragging Donald and Grit with him. Down, down they went—then all became blank, Litue Quick-Shot was the first to recover con- sciousness, ani, with Lis returning senses, came a knowl dge tliat he had a severe headache, and was ba pe igen A cae e several minutes, motionless, until he was satisfied. that he was in active ‘ondeusion of his right mind; then, with an effort, he raised himself upon his elbow and gazed about him. pS f a daylight, es he was still at the bot- 1 ‘oya, ch was r 2 ky. His bonds | had been severed, vend t oneteoaes , was but a narrow seam or fissure, the bottom nile thirty feet below the level of the prairie, An ob#=rver would have imagined that some mighty water-spout might have washed it out; yet the sides were nearly perpendicular, and ovérgrown with shrubs and clinging vines, there being but one plage at the ‘* wash-out,"’ where an easy ascent to the Pp could be made, Qnuick-Shot could not help contemplating what an admirable buffalo-trap it could be turned into! But where was Jrit? The horse, with every hair singed from it, lay dead a few yards away, a sickening mass to gaze at —but Grit was nowhere to be seen. Ha! what discovery was this? The horse had, before the fatal plunge, worn a rie, Now, that article was not to be seen. and it was certain that the fire could not have consumed the bits, even if it bad burned the leather. There remained, then, but one reasonable theory: some one had entered the arroyo, carried away the bridle, aod likewise Grit Gleason. ‘ with an effort that cost him great pain, Little Qi 2k-Shot arose from his recumbent position, and ho bied toward the low place where egress from the pi. ll was easiest-a sort of natural trail that w.uvand up the side to the prairie. . ‘tere he found the plain imprints of a horse’s fede. and the indications were that the animal had recently galloped up the trail. Little Quick-Shot. the first five minutes of their frightful. ‘By Heaven! that brave girl shall not remain lost very long,’’ the Scarlet Scout gritted. ‘She imperiled her own safety for her love for me, and I'll never rest until I set her at liberty. I don’t feel very active after that tough ride and tumble, but I can still follow a trail.” Without delay, he ascended the path to the prairie above, and found that the trail did not lead toward Daggersville or the Cottonwoods, as he had expected, but on the contrary, pointed off to the extreme eastward. ‘*T owe more to her than to them, there!’ he mut- tered, his gaze wandering in the direction of Dag- gersville. ‘I reckon they're all through fighting, anyhow, by this time, no matter who came out vic- torious; so I'll take this trail and follow it until I lose it or find Grit. Strange! Her relation to Le- ncre causes me now to take a deeper interest in her than I at first supposed I could.” Weapons he had none, except a clasp-knife in his pocket; but nothing daunted, he set out as rapidly over the trail as the bruised condition of his limbs would permit. He traveled until nightfall with scarcely a pause, me being a sturdy walker, covered « good many miles, Being hun by this time, he corraled a fish in a small prairie stream, and building afire of such ma- terial as he could find, he seon had a palatable sup- per ready. After eating it, be remembered that, the sky being clear, there would be a nearly-full moon to light the prairie, so concluded to continue on his journey a while longer, as the trail was plainly visible and easy to follow. The prospect ahead, however, was not cheering. One vast ocean of slightly undulating prairie, for miles and miles, with not a tree or bush in sight, not to mention a human residence. Yet Quick-Shot knew that there were numerous little valleys between him and the horizon, wherein might exist a place of abode, even unknown to the ordinary prairie herder, c So he continued on his way, as soon as the moon was fairly up, and did not pause until near mid- night, when he felt too fatigued to proceed further, and threw himself upon the ground. It did not trouble him to get asleep, and he slept for several hours—at least, the moon had disap- din a bank of clouds near the horizon, and a grayish gloom overhung the prairie. Something had aroused the Scarlet Scout from his slumber. He was sensible of the fact, but, for the life of him, could not tell what it was. He raised himself on his elbow, and looked around him, keenly, but could see nothing that should have startled him from his slumber, He lay down again, but an uneasy feeling caused him to partly raise once more, and make another survey. This time he uttered a startled cry! He saw something that elicited it, and would have startled any strong-minded personage, A trifle above the level of the ground, not a dozen yards away, he beheld. the Dead Face looking toward him, white and unearthly, and apparently attached to no body. “Well, I'll be banged,” was the Scarlet Scout's mental ejaculation, “if here isn’t a go, in earnest! Wonder what I’ve done, that I should be haunted by a cadaver, or whatever the thing is?’ The specter, if such it was, remained motionless in the one ition, The eyes were closed, as though sealed by the hand of death, and the face retained its corpse-like expression, Little Quick-Shot watched the thing for several minutes, ere he made up his mind what to do. “Tf that ain’t human, it’s certainly inhuman,” he muttered, “If it’s the latter, I reckon I'd have hard work to capture it. If human, I'm dashed if I wouldn’t like to know what the individual wants. If I can't more than hail him, I may be able to make out what fer thing be is. Hello, there!” Clear and distinct the scout-detective's voice sounded on the night air. Instantly the Dead Face arose higher, anda man’s form became outlined, as it fled from the spet—-a man’s form clad in deepest black, from chin to toe. “Very ghostly!” Quick-Shot gritted. ‘So tha's the thing that’s ben frightening the Daggers- villaine! Wonder if I hadn’t better give him a chase?” He leaped to his feet. and bounded away in pr- suit. but was soon surprised, to think that he should ever have laid claims to being a runner, for in a very few minutes the Dead Faced individual had vanished, beyond the rance of his vision. ‘Rlame it! further. “T shall have to wait no use to proce ore I can readily pick up that till daybreak, trail again,” He sat down, in an ill-humor, and waited, Ten minutes had scarcely nassed, when, hearing * rustling behind bim he wheeled around, and beheld | the Dead Face a few yards away, and in the same position as when he first discovered ft. With a yell of anger, he sprung to his feet, and | rushed toward the ghostly tormentor, only to see | that personage also gain his footing, and glide away into nothingness. “Oh! had I only a revolver or rifle!” Quick-Shot growled, when forced to pause again, more pro- | voked than was his wont to get. ‘That dough-faced galoot evidently knows how I am fixed, and is having a little fun to himself, at my expense. One thing appears certain—there’s no use of my spending my breath in chasing him.” Nor was he likely to, as he full well comprehended, the next moment, when he was seized from behind I've lost both the man and the | trail!” he growled, pausing when he saw that tt was | 1 - by a number of rs of hands, which made quick work of seourely binding and blindfolding him. Who his captors were he could not form an idea, as a saw none of them, and not a word was en, That the Dead Face was concerned in the proceed- ing, however, he did not have a doubt, He was bound across a saddle, face downward. and carried away, the horse apparently being led, by one of the captors, It seemed, to Quick-Shot, an age befpre they stopped, and he was taken from the horse’s back, and placed upon his feet. He was not unbound, however, nor was the thick cloth removed from over his eyes. He felt a pistol-muzzle pressed to his temple, and knew something important was about to happer— perhaps death, to him. There was a moment of a suspense; then a harsh, stentorian voice cried: “Donald Waverly, do you know where you are?” There not that pleasure!’’ Quick-Shot retorted, coolly. “Then, I will grant you the information!” the speaker said, in an impressive tone. * You are in the presence of a band of avengers—persons who have suffered terrible wrongs, and failing to get - justice in any other way, have taken the law into - their own hands.” ‘*Go ahead!” Quick-Shot called out, indifferently. “There are five of us, at present!” the speaker went on, “‘and I, the ‘Dead Face,’ as 1 am best known, am the chief of the band. Of my wronge I need not speak, for they are known only to myself, and to my God, The others, with one exception, have suffered through the agency of one, Cap. Mel- ton, a chief of cattle-thieves. ‘*T understand.” : ‘Well, we want one more member to cur omer, before we proceed to business. We know you have suffered a grievous wrong, and haveswern a vow of vengeance, against one whom it is our business to bat hs to the doom he richly merits.” “You speak of General Gleason.” “Ido. He has wronged, not only all of but has massacred many a good man at the Cotton- woods and Daggersville, of which places he now holds undisput possession. He stands a tyrant king, in a civilizd povernment, and it is a reproach on ajl honorable humanity that the accursed out- law is not swept from the earth. We have agreed among ourselves to do the job, and want your co- es ion in helping us to restore right from wrong, at Daggersville, and breaking up the Cattle Clique!’ ‘*Supposing you inform me whom I would be as- sociated with. I could best answer you then!” “That is out of the question. I know it is better for the present that you should not. I have named the other four, Norman, Warren, Gorman and Flor- ren, You are well known ard respected by two of them; the others have detts to cancel with Cap. Melton, but are sworn to help us thre ughout,” % naacor? But I would be excused.’ “ y ? ‘Because I have another misgion!"” “s bn search for Gertrude Gleascn?"" “ fes,”’ ‘Have you go soon fcrgotten Lenore?” ‘By no means! Miss Gertrude rashly imperiled Ler life through a desire to accompany me, and she Laving get into trouble it is my culy es a man to rescue her.” “Then set your heart at rest in that respect, for Gertrude Gleason is in the stronghold of cap. Melton, a prisoner, and the first act on our framme will be to rescue her, and acd her to our league." “If I don’t join MA “You will be held a prisoner until our vengeance is ore be it a day or ten years!” 1ick-Shot reflected. The incidents of the past few days arose vividly before him. The sufferings not alone of himee'?, but many—the oath of vengeance he had silcnily taken. over Lenore’s body—all, came like a phun- tom before his vision. “T will join you on conditions!"’ he said finally, ‘Name them, eir.”’ “They are that 1 will not be request d to take part in any affair, cther than the one I bave to avenge, more than to a 2 to run the others to bay.” “ Accepted! sten to the oath. Repeat it word for word. after me!” The Dead Face then said over a vow of alleriance, and the Scarlet Scout repeated it after him, rea the oath with a draught of somethin held toh lips, in a cup, which nearly sickened him, for it was like unto blood! eee... CHAPTER XV, TEE ok was aouaiileraeer Cie DAie As soon as the oath was admin e » age was removed from Little Quick-Shot’s eyes and his bonds were cnt He found himself in the preecncg of five persons in full flowing black rowns, belted at the waist, while , each wore a p-pier-movhe head-covering designed to renresent his Satanic Majesty, with horns and all. ick-Shot surveyed them with a grim : | “Well, you have left nothing undone, in the wa of self-adornment, I see!” he said. of glimpse you ought to be punishment enough for any ordi- narv sinner.” “Perhaps!” the tallest of the five said, with a ; chuckle, his voice unmistakably that of Dead-Face. “We mean to make our appearance an omen of doom to those we are to chase down. Here ig a bundle of apparel to match ours, and weapong of defense, Please equip yourself, and then we will get down to business, as fast as is Judicious,””
Page 14
~ —_—. In a short time Little Quick-Shot was arrayed in the new costume, and armed with weapons enough to lay out a score of men, had he the ds to use Thro a ee “Now, then, “A finer looking six avengers, would be hard to pick up on these prairies. You are an ex- rienced frontiersman, Donald Waverly. Can you ll us where we are nowY”’ _ Little Quick-Shot looked about him, with a discern- ing eye. were, apparently, still in mid-prairie, the han grass, in view, being them- selves and a half-dozen saddle ho: near by. “T reckon you have got me, as lam literally a stranger in these parts, and not familiar with any particular typegraniice! landmark!" Quick-Shot confessed. ‘I should judge, however, from what I can remember of my trip, that Daggersville lies some- where about thirty-five miles to the northwest.” “You could not well have guessed with accuracy. But come! let us mount and be off. We have a number of miles to ride, yet.” The mount was made, and they struck off ata gallop, in a northerly direction, never drawing rein, until the sun set, and dense shadows were set- tling like a pall over the ore en they paused at the brink of a narrow wind- ing arroyo, or prairie water y, the bottom of which lay fully enty feet. bottom, singularly enough, was almost choked with a forest of pines wn 80 closely together that it resembled a jungle. eee bridle-path led down into the depths of wood, A column of smokecurling up through the tree- tops was the only sign to indicate that the grove was bited, < bey hong the Cattle Clique <a Beals yo uarters |” Face explained, pointing down into the arroyo. ‘*They’ve got abig shanty in among the trees, and there's a nest full of the cusses in it, ‘**Do you know how many?" Quick-Shot asked. “No. It depends altogether whether any of the gang are away on a raid, If the ful! force is at head- quarters, there are nigh about fifty of them.’’ “Then, what business have we got trying to at- tack them? They'd soon makeshort work of us!" ‘That all depends on how we get at them, sir, I will leave you here, and go down for a reconnois- sance. If I make any discoveries worth reporting, I will be back shortly. not, you had better make a careful search for me.” “Allright. We will allow you half an hour to get back in!’’ Quick-Shot remarked. , The chief then dismounted and leaving his horse with the others, descended the bridle-path on foot, soon =e himself from view among the trees. uick-Shot and the others waited. en, fifteen, twenty minutes passed, and darkness had once more settled upon the prairie, Then Dead Face came up out of the valley, carrying an Indian youth on his shoulders, who was securely bound. “Well, where did you catch on to that?” oe. Shot demanded, as the chief deposited the prisoner upon the ground. “Down yonder, He's your mutton!" “ Why so?” “For the simple reason that he is a go-between for the League, and knows all the ringleaders. He just brought news to the stronghold that an entire party, numbering all but four of the Clique, were yesterday captured by soldiers who are advancing upon Daggersville.”” “Then we shall have an anny viatey below?" ‘*No!” Dead Face said, ‘ reis nothing more to do down there. I spared the red-skin because he to turn State’s evidence against the _ Others.” Bt Miss Gleason—where is she?" Quick-Shot “Coming up the path behind me. Ah! here she comes, now. Look! yonder gree the stronghold of the Cattle Clique. with everything in it, except what He Dolnted ‘oe to th ve with a laugh of own in 6 a laugh o} ae kon just as Grit Gleason wacked the top of the ht a horse. ht could be seen below, that increased momentarily, until forked tongues of fire lea up tree-tops, with a crackling sound. Without speaking, the watched the flames for some time, then, at ‘ace's order, they all mounted, and rode away. The declaration of Cap. Melton, that he was Gideon Gleason’s son, as narrated in a previous used the general to turn whiter than chapter, ca ever, while a furious curse esca: his lips. You li ‘ou lie!”’ he gasped. “I do not,” Melton replied, triumphantly. “I can “We do know. You adopted her from an lum, after 7 had dese 9 and us pea workd to look after ourselves. Not long since, you through that scalawag McIntosh, that Le- , and was shortly to ne in the South. You possession gZ a marriage between a. uckily for the poor girl, she was spared such a fate,” ““Ay! and accursed be he who murdered her!" the general cried, bitterly. Littlo Quick-Shot. “Why heap curses upon peasant It will not drive away the phantom that ever haunts you. But, enough of that. We could make you suffer on more than one charge, but don’t propose to do that, if we can arrange terms.”’ ‘*Terms!"’ “Exactly. Listen, and I will explain. My little business of cattle-thief has gone up. The cavalry has struck me hard by capturing my men and burn- ing my stronghold. They are likewise now after me. I therefore Paapene to retire from business in such a way as to not be obliged to bother my brains about lucre, henceforth. I mean that you shall help me to do it. I have, here, one hundred thou- sand dollars in cash, and the marriage-certificate. You put up an equal sum of money, and we will play a game of cards. If I lose, I am broke, and wil Se up my life against another purse of money.”’ ole you win?” ‘You still have a chance to gamble as long as your cash holds out, and even to putting up your other property. You see in that respect you have au immense advantage over us; you can gamble for hours, while we can only play until we lose both money and life.” ‘‘ Supposing I refuse to do anything of the kind?” ‘Then, before we leave this house, you are a dead man, as sure as I am your son!” ‘‘T will play. If you lose, you shall pay the for- felts: depend upon it. The world cannot hold us oth,’ ‘*T am perfectly sages doso.”’ The general went to his safe, and returned with several large rolls of money, and a deck of cards. The game was to be eucher. ‘*Out for deal!” Gleason said, as they seated themselves at a table. ‘If you please, gents, I'll take a hand in that game, too!’’ a strange voice said. The startled trio gazed toward the door in alarm, What strange transformation was this? Was it retribution? . Eleven naa stood in a row, just within the room, ea asping a revolver in his right hand. Seven of them were attired as the demon aven- gers. The remaining four were Old Man Ronald, Major Greer, and the two other men who had been held as Gleason’s prisoners. ’ Gideon Gleason trembled like an aspen at sight of the ominous line—each one of whom, he doubted not, had some deadly account to settle with him. Cap. Melton uttered a savage oath, but made no motion to fight or escape. He saw that the odds were too largely against him, and he could but tremble, when he caught the stern, menacing gaze of Old Man Ronald. It had been Dead Face, who had spoken. “ My og 4 is good as any one’s!’’ he continued, draw forth a roll of bills, and advancing to the table. ‘‘So be kind enough to deal me out a hand. I know the terms of the game, and am satisfied to abide by them.” The general and his wicked son exchanged glances, and the game began. Four hands were played, and the Dead Face went out, Be step J the game between Melton, and the general. They played the hand out quickly, and the gen- eneral, , went out! Melton grew pale, but dealt the cards, with appar- ent determination to win, ‘My life or forty thousand this time!"' he gritted. The Dead Face raked in forty thousand, and left twenty on the board, The general made his stake, and the game began the table surrounded by the avengers, who watch with breathless interest. The Dead Face went out on the fourth hand again, leaving Melton to play off with his father, ain. SRoth handled the cards nervously; both were pale and trembling. There was an audible murmur in the room when the resis made a eucher, and won by two points, For instant there was a deathlike silence— then Melton’s mother suddenly placed a revolver to’ her son’s head, and fired. ** You shall never kill him!” she hissed, addressing the general. ‘He was ason to me, and we will die together!” Before she could be prevented, she placed the pis- tol to her own temple and fired. The two fell to the floor almost simultaneously. The bullet did not produce death for Melton, for several minutes, and he gazed about him, “It’s all up with me!" he said. “I ask the for- giveness of them I’ve wronged. You've won, old man, but I reckon we'll meet, at head-quarters. My last request—bury mother.” e t shall be done!’ Dead Face said, “and to re- lieve your mind of one sin, sir, I will tell you that you did not kill Ralph Ronald. 1 brought him back to life, and he is present, now!”’ Ata motion, one of the party removed his mask, and, sure enough, Ralph Ronald stood revealed! A look of relief passed over Melton’s face, and his lamp of hfe went out, even as Old Man Ronald and his son embraced each other. : General Gleason still sat at the table, like one ina as he nervously fingered the cards, The Dead Face once more turned to him. “Gideon Gleason!" he said, sternly, ** Your un- fortunate wife and son have paid the penalty of their crimes. You are even a greater criminal were they, and vou too must answer. We willgoon with the game!” ‘*{ have but fifty thousand dollars left,” the gen- eral said, doggedly. * Maybe not, but you have the deeds to your own ranch, and you have your cattle. We will gamble for all! You need not produce the fraudulent deeds of your brother's estate, for they are no account!”’ * Then, we will gamble for my own, eh? Very well. If I lose it, I will still have the other.” “We will gamble for yours alone. By investiga- tion, it has been proven that your brother's estate was not incumbe:ed a cent’s worth, and you have no legal claim to it; therefore, it reve to his daughter. When you have lost all, you must stake your life against the whole, which, if you win, you shall have undisputed ssion of. ou of course your life pays the forfeit. We will play t for fifty thousand dollars a side; secondly for your real estate against my hundred thousand ; thirdly, your personal estate against my hundred t sand, and lastly your life against the whole results of our games.’ ] ‘You evidently calculate to win every game!” the general sneered. **T shall try to,” “Tf I refuse to play?” *T will then leave it to my companion avengers, to devise the most excruciating plan for putting you out of this world.”’ **Ourse you! be you man or devil, I'll chance you on the cards, since I see no other way of escape,”’ “Tama man in some th —a devil in others, I warned you of my coming. ou should have heed- ed my chemically prepared letier!"’ and the stran being laughed, strangely. ‘‘ But, let’s get down to business. I would be through with it as soon as possible! Have you a fresh pack of cards?"' The cards were produced, shuffled, dealt, and the game of seven-up—for it was mutually agreed to play that game—began. The bodies of Melton and his mother had been re- moved, and those most interested of the party crowded about the table, eagerly. It was to be a game for life or death—or, more pay the first of a series of games. ; The general was a fine player, or had been in his day, and still prided himself that he could beat the ordinary run of players. That the Dead Face could play, one did not want better evidence than to watch him. His movements and whole demeanor were those of a cool and easy- going man of the world. The cards of either —— came down upon the table with force, the thumping of the men’s fists making the table fairly dance upon the floor. Not a word was uttered—every one was too much interested in the game to speak. Point after point was made on either side until the game stood three and three. In the next hand the general made two points and Dead Face one. The next hand would decide it. It was played, and Dead Face won, and hauled in _ + ames 8 pile to add to his own, with a quict chuckle. ‘* Produce your title deeds,” he said. Strangely compaged for one of his flery tempera ment, the general obeyed. Dead Face examined the documents, and wrote out an order of transfer to Gertrude Gleason, which the general signed. Both papers were then The cards were shuffle game began. Gleason bad regained something of his old color, and appeared to play as if not particular whether he lost or won, “You play a very strong game!’ he remarked. “I do not happen to know yer. but, whoever you are, I fancy I have played with you before now,’ “Undoubtedly! the Dead Face replied, ‘At least, I reckon you will be convinced by the time you are through with me.” “Tf youintend that as a menace, let me tell you I am not afraid of you.” ** Oh! perhaps not!” The game went on, | Finally they stood tie at two points. e next hand Dead Face went out. laced on the money. and dealt, and the second one, and the general signed it cheerfully, The third game began. The result was the same. Gideon Gleason had lost everything but his life. He still was calm. ‘“Go ahead. We have the fifth game to play yet," he said, lighting a cigar, and blowing a cloud of smoke into the air. “If Llose my life may Ihave the honor of know- ing who is to take it?"’ : “That will be decided by cards between the six of us who have masks. Six cards will be dealt, and the one who receives the ace will be required to pro- nounce your doom and execute the sentence,”” “Very well. My only request is that I may be buried in a coffin as becomes & gentleman. Pro- Again the cards were dealt and the game com- menced. With bated breath the watchers awaited the re- sult, It was evident that each man played bis best. The game came down to close points—one toone! But fate’ did not grant that the general should have a winning hand, and he threw down the cards with a bitter oath. , “T have lost!" he said, arising and folding his arms across his breast. ‘ Devil that you represent, devil you are. You have, however, won honorably and my life is at your Do your work and keep me not in suspense.” Dead Face re-shuffled the cards and called ai) of
Page 15
—_—— ne aap his ‘Satan “-hooded companions to the table, young Ronald having re-donned his mask. . ‘7 will now deal you cards!” the Dead Face said, **You all know the enormity of this man’s crimes. The majority of you very likely are ready to give him the nastioe he deserves. Be that as it may, the one who draws an ace shall have the power to dis- pose of the general according to agreement, and we, the remainder of the avengers, are to abide by the decision and abet the one that makes it in what- soever way the decider may wish. Do you all un- derstand?” ‘Ay! ay!’ came the response. “Very good. I will now deal you each a card, with faces up, until one of you receives an ace,” The Dead Face dealt himself the first card, it be- ing the king of hearts. To the next one to him he dealt the jack of rp to the next the eight of clubs; to the next the ace of spades. 7 ‘Remove your mask and pronounce your victim’s fate!” the Face commanded, evident disap- pointment in his voice. The mask was removed. . A cry of surprise escaped nearly every lip. There stood Lenore! " * Silence!” Dead Face ordered. ‘‘I will explain: first, Lenore was not dead when she was buried. I dug her up and brought her to life precisely as I did Ralph. Being a skilled physician I did what the world would pronounce impossible. Before you Stands the proof of my skill, Lenore, p od, General Gleason stood leaning against the mantle, a picture of shame, misery, and death—for there was not a tinge of color in cheeks; his eyes had 40 awful stare. ‘Hold! Dead Face added. ‘ Before you, allow me tospeak, and let no one under any circumstances interrupt me. Gideon Gleason, on are looking at me, I think you know me. I will remove my mask. There! I am now the Dead Face of Daggersyille. See! I remove a thin filmy skin—now, I am your wronged brother. Gideon, you robbed me of a home. That is naught. You took me froma small- pox bed, and buried me alive, all except my head, where the buzzards could pick my eyes out. I es- caped, and when you found, in after months, a grin- ning skull, where I was planted, you considered yourself safe. Of those who helped i in your hein- ous crime, there were & dozen. They are all dead. You alone remain, Lenore, [have done, You can now tell the general his fate!” ‘* I do not think it isnecessary!”” Lenore returned, with a quivering lip. ‘I believe a greater avenger than we, has relieved us of the io ick!’ Several sprung forward and caught the sinful man, as he would have pitched to the floor. When they laid him upon the sofa, his last spark of life bad ebbed out. The trio—father, mother and son were buried, raided par- ticipated in the massacre. Fiat Nose was captured, but_on promising to do better, was sent to an agency, along with his daugh- ter, whom = ps Pa restored to him. Old Man Ronald took possession of his estate; the general’s brother divided the consolidated Gleason estate between himself and Lenore, and nig 7 Greer returned to his Cinnamon Bear, where he for years remained mine host—and would you believe it, Grit Gleason became “ mine hostess! Donald Waverly, our Little Quick-Shot (which latter name he had inherited from his fathead Lenore, so startlingly reunited, lived at Villa Voselle, until a few years since. Ralph Ronald returned to the East, where he is now, a rich man, Buck Brady had disappeared as if the earth had swallowed him, but it is probable that under a new name the hardened scoundrel pursued his hardened career to its end in other regions. Daggersville is no more, but in its place stands a thriving town of another name. THE END. Waverley Library. 1 Tax Masxkep Bripz. By Mrs. Mary R. Crowell, Was Ir Love? By Wm. Mason Turner. ge Girt Wire. By Bartley T. Campbell, Brave Heart. By Arabella Southworth. essre RAynor. By Wm. Mason Turner, M. D, Tse Secret Marriage. By Sara Claxton. DaveuTrrer oF Eve. By Mrs. Crowell. to Heart. By Arabella Southworth. NE IN THE WORLD, RE author of “ Clifton.” Parr or Gray Eyes. By Rose Kennedy. ANGLED. By Henrietta Thackeray. His Lawrvun Whe, By Mrs. Stephens. Mapcap. By Corinne Cushman. uy I Marrrep Him. By Sara Claxton, A Farr Face. By Bartley T. Campbell. Trost Her Nor, By Margaret Leicester. A Loyat Lover. Arabella Southworth. . Mary Reed Crowell. E BRoKEN BerrotHaL. By Mary G. Halpine. RPHAN NELL. By Agile Penne. By H. Thackeray. THe Brive OF AN Acror. By the author of “ Alone in the World,” etc., etc. Sara n ors fas E 3 z F if BERSERSoRERK Scone ZO : 130 Homeuxss; or, The Two Orphan Girls in New York. By Albert W. Aiken. 131 SisTeR AGAINST SISTER: oF Hearts. By Mrs. M Reed well. 182 Soup ror GoLp; or, ost Lost. By Mrs. M V. Victor. 138 Lorp Rorn's Sin; or, Betrothed at the Cradle, By Mrs. Georgiana Dickens. 15 134 Dip He Love Her? Bartley T. Campbell. 135 SINNED AGAINST; or, ost in His Power. By sonra 1386 Was Sue His Wire? By M 137 THe VILLAGE ON THE CLIF9. bp Thackeray. 138 Poor VALERA. By Margaret’ 139 Margaret GranaM. By G. P, R. James. 140 Wrrnovur Mercy. By Bartley T. Campbell. 141 Honor Bounp. By Lovejoy. 142 FLreme From Love. Mrs, Harriet Irving, 143 Aspuctrp. By Rett Winwood. 144 A SrrancGk MARRIAGE, By Lillian Lovejoy. 145 Two Grrus’ Lives, By Mrs. Mary Reed Crowell. 146 A Desperate Venture. By Arabella Southworth 147 Toe War or Hearts. By Corinne Cushman. 148 Warch Was THe Woman! By Sara Claxton. 149 An Amarrious Girt. By Frances H. Davenport. 150 Love Lorp or Ati. By Alice May Fleming, 151 A Wimp Grr. By Corinne Cushman, 152 A Man's Sacrurice. By Harriet Irving. 153 Dip Sar Sun? By Mrs. Mary Reed Crowell. 154 He Loves Me Nor. By Lillian Lovejoy. 155 Wiynina Ways. By Margaret Blount. 156 Waar Sux Cost Him. By Arabella Southworth. 157 A Grru’s Heart. By Rett Winwood. 158 A Brrrer Mistake. By Agnes Mary Shelton. 159 Lapy Heven’s Vow. rine late Mrs, E. I’, Elet. 160 Buyrne A Heart. B jan ore 161 Peart of Pears. By A, P. Morris, Jr. 362 A Farrrun Gane. By Sara Claxton. 163 Tur Croce Cousmys. By Philip 8, Warne. 164 AS a nina O pear, By Geo Dickens, 165 A Srranar Giru. By Al . Aiken, 166 A Man's Sry. By Rett Winwood. 167 Tae Hanp or Fate. By Arabella Southwort 168 Two Farr Women. By Wm. Mason Turner. | 169 Temprep THrovGH Love. By Lillian Lovejoy. 170 Bund BARBARA'S SECRET. a G. Halpine. 171 A Woman's Wironrry. B a Claxton. 172 Buack Eyres AND BuiuvrE. y Corinne Cushman. 173 Tax Cost or A Foury. B Georgiana Dickens, 174 Tue Prerry Portran. By A Parson’s Daughter, 175 Is Love a Mockery? By Arabella Southworth 176 ADRIA, THE ADOPTED. 7, Davis és 177 For tHe Woman He Shelton. . 178 Tur Lockxep Heart. By Corinne Cushman 179 Parreo spy TreacueRY. By Harriet Irving. 180 Was. Suze A Wire? By Rett Winwood. 181 UnperR A CLoup. By Sara Claxton. 182 AN AMERICAN QuEEN. By Grace Mortimer. 188 A Pornt or Honor. By Lillian Lovejoy. 184 PursveD TO THE ALTAR. By Corinne Puishnaain, 185 Pur To a Test. By Georgiana Dickens. 186 Tue TrrRipLe TrutH. By Jennie Davis Burton. 187 Ovrwirrep BY HerseuF, By Arabella South- worth. 188 FLorerre. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 189 Her GuarpIANn's Sacririce, By Sara Claxton. 190 Pretry aND Provup, By Corinne Cushman, 191 A Woman’s Maneuver. By Lillian Lovejoy. 192 THe Brrrer Fevp. By Jennie Davis burton. 193 BREAKING THE FreTTERS. By Georgiana Dickens, 194 THe Mysterious Guarpran, By Corinne Cush- man, 195 IN rHe BALANCE. By Arabella Southworth, 196 June, rar Jewress. By Dr. Noel Dunbar, 197 A Sister's Crime. By Agnes Mary Shelton. 198 Witma Wipe, By Jennie Davis Burton. 199 Tax Beautrro. Demon. By Francis Helen Da- venport, 200 Morey Bescurs. By Corinne Cushman. 201 A Youne Giru's OrpEaL. By Sara Claxton. 202 Her Evi. Gentus. By Harriet Irving. 2083 Passion’s ReprisaL. By Lillian Lovejoy. 204 ELeaant Eaperr. By Philip 8. Warne, 205 A Mrnisrerina Anagt. By Georgiana Dickens. 206 Ovrpa's Love. By Henriette E. De Conde. 207 A Hasty Marriage. By Mrs, M. L, Fordham. 208 Bowrk, THe Kniaur or Catvatry. By Philip §, Warne 20v Cuzrry. By Arabella Southworth, 210 Cartyon’s Year, By James Payn. 211 AN Ipo. or Cuay, By Harriet Irving. 212 Tue Lapper oF Lirs. By Amelia B, Edwards. A new issue every week, For sale by all Newsdealers, price five cents each, or sent, postage paid, on receipt of six cents. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William street, x. Y. ——— Sunnyside Library. 1 Latta Rooxg. By Thomas Moore.... ........ 1c 2 Don Juan By Lord Byron..................., 2c 3 Panavise Lost. By John Milton,..... ....... We 4 Tue Lapy or roe Laker. By Sir Walter Scott.. We 5 Lucite. By Owen Meredith..................5 We 6 UnDINE; or, THE Warter-Sprair. From the ~ German of Friederich De La Motte Fouque . We For sale by all newsdealers, or sent, postage paid on receipt of twelve ceuts for single numbers, double numbers twenty fourcents. ADAMS, VICTOR AND CO., 9% William street, New Yori, . veD. By Agnes Mary
Page 16
Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. By E. L, Wheelor. ellowstone Jack. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. anras King. By Buffalo Bill, (Hon. W. F.'Cody.) : W ild-Ho Hunters, By Captain Mayne Reld and Cuptain Frederick Whittaker. a@bond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. By Oll Coomes. ble number, 10 centa. yy By Edward S. Ellis, 111 Biddon, Trapper. % The Flying Yankee. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. By E. 8. Ellie, Johes ; or, The Captives of the Frontier, Adventures of Baron Munchausen. Nat y rtena or, The Fate of the Sioux Captives. By E, 8, Ellis, he Two Detectives. By Albert W. Aiken, ulltver’s Travels. A Voyage w Liliput, and a Voyage to Lrobdingnags By Dean Swift. he Dumb Spy. By Oll Coomes, Jaddin ; or, The Wonderfal Lamp. he Sea-Cat. By Captain Frederick Whittaber, obinson Orusoe, (27 Hitnatcations > By Defoe. pe Roy, the Boy Buccaneer, By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, Indbad the Ballor, From the Arabian Night, he Phantom Spy. By Buffalo Bill. me uble Daggers. By Edward L Wheeler. The Frontier Angel. By Edward S. Ellis. The Sea erpents or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe, By J. Lewis. 28 Nick o’ the Ni mth or, The Boy Spy of 76. By T.C, Harbaugh. 24 Diamond birt. y Colonel rentise Ingraliam, 25 The oe Oaptain, By Roger Starbuck. 26 Cloven Moof, the Buttulo Demon. Ky Edward L, Wheeler, 7 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. By Oll Coomes, 25 Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol, By EL. Wheeler, H Rohe OF BNAaVeoe EMS 2 ee ee | =| a=-o> = 29 The Dumb Page. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 80 Roaring Ralph Rockwood. By Harry St. George rince of the Prairies. By Ol! Cooines. $1 ag 82 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian. By Edward L. Wheeler, The Ocean Bloodhound, By S. W. Pierce. 84 0 n Bol, By Captain J. F. © Adams, 85 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. By E. L, Wheel-s, 86 The Hoy Clown, By Frank S. Finn. 87 The Ii idden fredge. By T. C, Harbaugh, +s Ww qico, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 4 ath-Face, the Dewetive. By Edward L. Wheeler, 4 oving Ben, By John J, Marshall. 41 Laseo Jack, the Y ung Mustanger. By Ol] Coomes, 42 By Edward L, Whoeler. item Miner, Pick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. Rattling Kube. by Harry St. George. Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator. Great Shot of the West. By J. F.C. Adams, By Capt. Whittaker. 44 or, te Kuffale, im Fiadeoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. od Hazel, the Boy Trapper. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams, 55 peed ip the Unknown Scout, By Buffalo Bill, 5 feck Whittier’ Pet. Hy Captain J. F.C. Adams. By Oll Coomes. { or, ny Ellis’s Scalp, By Harry St. George. $ The White Indian. fy Captain J. F.C. Ada~'a, 1 Buekborn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team. By E. L. Wheeler. 33 The Shadow Ship. By Colouel Prentiss Ingrah-m, The Red Brotherhood. By W. J. Hamilton. 64 pone Jack, By T. C, Harbaugh. & Murricane BIL By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 6 Single Mans or; A Life for, Life. “y W. J. Hamilton. 67 Patent-Leather Joe. By Philip §. Warne. 68 The Border Robin H . By Buffalo Bill. Gold Rifle the Sharpshooter. By Edward L. Wheeler. 70 Old Zip’s Cabin, ¢ Captain J. F.C, Adama. 1 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. By Oll Coomes. Mad Tom Western, the Texan Ranger. By W. J. Hamilton. Deck, Hy Edward L, Wheeler, By Ol! Cooma. By Colonel Prentiss Ing-aham, ty the Crow-Kilfer, By Albert W. Aiken. Ch: rile, the Boy Rlue Dick, Sol Gin * Buckram. /}y 86 Da Rock, the Man from Texans. By G. Waldo Brown 87 The d Pirates, ie talu Mayne Reid. 88 Photegraph Phil, the Boy Sleuth. By EZ. L. Wheeler, 89 Ieland Jim, By the author of “ Jack Harkaway.” 90 The Dread Rider, By George Waldo Browne. 91 The Oaptain of the Club, By Bracebridge Hemyng. 92 Canada Chet, the Connterfeiter Chief. By L; Wheeler, 98 The Ray Spaces. Sw pve S. Elia, 94 ret ‘ack, the Road-Agent. By T. C. Harbaugh, 95 The Rival Rovers. By Liewt. Col. Haseltine. 96 Watch-Eye, the Shadow. By Edward L. Wheeler. 97 The Outlaw Brothers, By John J. Marshall. 98 ‘Hebin Head, the Outlawed Earl. By Prof. Gildersleeve, 99 The Tiger of Taos. By George Waldo Browne, 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville, By E. L. Wheeler. 101 Jnck Harkaway in New York, Bracebridge Homyng. 102 Diek Dead-Eye. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 108 The Lion ofthe Sea. By Colonel Delle Sara, 104 Deadwood Dick's Devieo, By Edward L. Wheeler 105 Old Rube, the Hunter.. By Captain H. Holmes, 106 Old Froaty, the Guide, By T. C. Harbaugh. 107 One-Fyed Sim. By James L. Bowen, 108 Durtng Davy, the Young Bear-Killer, By H. St. George, 109 Deadwood Dick aa Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. 110 The Black Steed of the Prairies, By J. L, Bowen. 111 The Bea-Devil, By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 112 ‘The Mad Hunter. By Burton Saxe. 118 Jack Hoyle, the Young Speepiator. By E. L. Wheeler. 114, The Black Schooner. By Roger Starbuck. 115. The Mad Miner. By George Walio Browne, 116 The Hussar Captain, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, By Edward L. Wheeler, 118 Will Somers, the Boy Detective, By Charles Morris, 119 Mustang Sam } or, The King of the Plains. By J. E. Badger. 120, The Branded Hand. By Frank Dumont. 121 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Spert. By E. L. Wheeler. 122 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. By Charles Morris. 128 Kiowa Charley, the White Mustanger. By T.C. Harbaugh. 124 Tippy, the Texan, By George Gleason. 125 Bonaaza Bill, Miner. By Edward L. Wheeler, 126 Pteayune Pete. By Charice Morris 127 Wild-Fire, the Boss of the Road. By Frank Dumont 128 The Young Privateer. By H. Cavendish. 129 Deadwood Mick's Double. By Edward L, Wheeler. 180 Detective Bick. By Charles Morris, CL — 181 The Golden Hand. By George Waldo Browne, 182 The Hunted Hunter. By Edward S. Ellis. 188 Boss Bob, the King of the Bootblacka, By E,L, Wheeler 184 Sure Shot Seth. By Ol] Cocmes 185 Captain Paul By C. Dunning Clark. 186 Night-Hawk Kit. By Joseph £. Badger, Jr. 187 The Helpless Hand, By Captain Mayne Reid, 188 Blonde Bill, By Edward L. Wheeler, 189 Judge Lynch, Jr. By T. C. Harbaugh. 140 Blue Blazes, By Fronk Dumont, 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 142 Handsome Harry. . By Charles Morris. 148 Scar-Face Saul By Oll Coomes. 144 Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. By Joseph E. Badger, Jn, 145 Captain Ferret, ‘the New York Detective. By Wheeler. 146 Silver Star, the Boy Knight.. By O11 Coomes, 147 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred, By Charles Morris. 148 Sharp Sam. By J. Alexauder Patten, 149 A Game of Gold, By Edward L. Wheeler. 150 Lance und Lasso, By Captain Frederick Whittaker, 151 Panther Paul, the Prairie Pirnte. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 152 Black Besa, Will Wildfire’s Racer. By Charles Morria, 158 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. By Ol] Coomes. 154 The Sword Hunters, By Capt. Frederick Whittaker, 155 Gold Trigger, the Sport. By T. C. Harbaugh. 156 Deadwood Dick o 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 Captuin 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 Texan, the Youny Mustanger. By Ol] Coomes, 164 Dandy Rock’s Pledge. By George Waldo Browne, 165 Billy Baggage, tho Railroad Boy, By Charles Morris, 166 Hickory Marry. By Harry St. George. 167 Asa Scott, the Steamboat Boy. By Edward Willett 168 Deadly Dash, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, 169 Tornado Tom, By T. GC: 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 Geoige Waldo Browne, 174 Bob Rockett, the Boy Dodger. By Charles Morris, 175 Captain Arizona. By Philip S. Warne. 176 The Boy Runaway. By Lieutenant H. D., Perry, U.S.N, 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada. By Edward L. Wheeler, 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. By Ol] Coomes. 179 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner, By Charles Morria, 180 The Sea Trailer, By Lieutenant H, D. Perry, U.S.N. 181 Wild Frank of Montana, By Edward L. Wheeler, 182 Little Hurricane, ths Boy Captain. By Oll Coomea, 188 The Hidden Hand, By Charles Morris, 184 The Boy Traflers., By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, 185 Evil Eye, King of the Cattle Thieves. By Frank Dumont 186 Cool Desmond, « By Colonel Delle Sara, 187 Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy. By Cliarlee Morris, 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. By T. C, Harbaugh. 189 Bob Rockett, the Cracksman. By Charles Morris. 190 Dandy Darke, By Willlam R. Eyater. 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. B. Capt. A. J. Taylor. 192 Captain Kit, the Wil-o’-the-Wisp. By Lieut. Perry. ‘198 The Lady Road-Agent. By Philip S. Warne. 194 Buffalo BUl’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, the Man with the Knife. By T. C. Harbaugh, 199 Featherweight. By E:dward Willett. 200 The Boy Bedouins, By Capt. Frederick Whittaker, 201 The Black Hills Jenebel. By Edward L, Wheeler. 202 Prospect Pete, of the Boy Brigade. By Ol) Coomes, 208 The Boy Pards, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 204 Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom, By Edward L. Wheeler, 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. By Charles Morris, 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. By T. C. Harbaugh, 208 The Boy Hereules, By Oll Coomes, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. By Edward L. Wheelers 210 Faro Frank of High Pine, By William R, Eyster. 211 Crooked Cule. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective, By Charles Morris, 218 Fritz tothe Front. By Edward L. Whee'er. 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine. By Capt. Whittaker. 215 Captain Bullet, the Raider King. By T, C. Harbaugh. 216 Bison Bill, the Prince of the Reins. By Col. P. Ingraham, 217 Captain Crack-Shot. By Edward L. Whevler. 218 Tiger Tom, the Texan Terror. By Oll Coomes. 219 Despard, the Duellat. By Philip S. Warne. 220 Tom Tanner, Scalawag and Scapegrace. By Chas. Morris, 221 Sugar-Coated Sam. By Edward L. Wheeler, 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport. By Co) Prentiss Ingraham. 228 Ozark Alf, King of the Mountain. By Edward Willett. 224 Dashing Dick. By Oll Co:mes. 225 Sam Charcoal, tho Premium Darky. By Charles Morris, 226 Snoozer, the Boy Sharp, By Edward L. Wheeler. 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper. By E. Emerson. 228 Little Wildfire. By Ol! Coomes. 229 Crimson Kate. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 280 The Yankee Rajah. By C. Dunning Clark 281 Plucky Phil, of the Mountain Trall. By T.'C. Harbaugh. 282 Gold-Dust Dick, By Edward L. Wheeler. 288 Joo Buck of Angels. By Albert W. Aiken. 284 Old Rocky’s “ Boyees.” By Buckskin Sam. 285 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. By Charles Mortis. 286 Apollo Bill. By Edward L. Wheeler. 287 Lone Star; the Cowboy Captain, By Col, Ingraham. 288 The Parson Detective. By Oi] Coomes. 289 The Gold-seeker Guide, By Cuptain Mayne Reld, 240 Cyclone Kit. By Edward L. Wheeler, 241 Bill Bravo and His Bear Parda. By T. C. Harbaugh 242 The Two “ Bloods.” By Charles Morns, 248 The Disguised Guide, By Oll Coomesn, 244 Slerra Sam. By Edward L. Wheeler. 245 Merle, the Middy. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 246 Giant George. By Buckskin Sam, 247 Old Grizzly and His Pets, By Capt.“ Bruin’? Adana, 248 Sierra Sam’s Secret. By Edward L. Wheeler. 249 Milo Romer, the Animal King, By Capt. Pred. Whittaker. 250 The Midshipman. Mutineer. By Col. P, Ingraham. 251 Light-house Lige, By Captain J. F.C. Adams. 252 Dick Dashaway. By Charles Morris, 258 Sierra Sam’s Pard. By Edward L. Wheeler. 254 The Half-Blood, By Edward S. Ellis, 255 Captain Apollo, By T. C. Harboush, 256 Young Kentuck. By Captain Mark Wilton, 257 The Lost Hunters, By Capt. J. F. C, Adama, 254 Sierra Sam’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. Aiken. 262 The Young Sleuths, By Charles Morris, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Divide. By Edward L., Wheeler, | 264 The Floating Feather. By Col. P. Ingraham, 265 The Tiger Tamer. By Captain Fred, Whittaker, 266 Kill’ar, the Guide, By Ensign Warren, 267 The Buckskin Detective, By T. C. Harbaugh, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail, By E. L. Wheeler, 269 The Gold Ship. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 270 Blizzard Ben, By Captain Mark Wilton, 271 The Huge Hunter. By Edward §, Ellis, 272 Minkekin Mike. By Oll Coomes, 278 Jumbo Joe. By Edward L, Wheeler.» 274 Jolly Jim. By Charles Morris. 275 Arizona Jack. By Buckskin Sam, 276 Merle Monte’s Crulse, By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 277 Denver Doll. By Edward L, Wheeler, 278 The Three Trappers, By Major Lewis W. Carson. 279 Old Winch, the Rifle King. By T. ©. 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 Joc. By Major Lewis W. Carson. 284 The Sea Marauder, By Colone) Prentiss Ingraham, 255 Denver Doll's Decoy, By E:ward L. Wheeler, 256 Joh, the Boy’ Tenderfoot.~ By Capt, Mark Wiltees 287 Billy Blue-Eyes. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 288 The Scalp King. By Captain J. F.C. Adame 289 Jolly Jim’s Job. By Charles Morria, 290 Little Foxfire, By 01) Coomes, 291 Turk, the Ferret. By Edward L, Wheoley, 202 Sancho Pedro, By Mnjor EL. 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-HMound, By Charles; Morris, 299 A No, 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. By Edward L, Wheeler. 800 The Sky Demon, By 03) Coomes. 801 L adville Nick. By Major E L. St. Vrain, 802 The Mountain Detective, By T. C. Harbaugh, 808 ’Liza_Jane, the Girl Miner. By E. L. Wheeler, 804 The Dead Shot Dandy. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham 805 Dashaway, of Dakota, By Charles Morrin 806 Neck-Tie Ned. By Major H. B. Stoddard, 807 The Strange Pard, By Buckskin Sam. 808 Keno Kit, the Boy Bugler's Pard, By Col P. Ingrabam, 809; Deadwood Dick’s Big Deal, By E. L: Wheelen 810 The Barranca Wolf, By Joseph E. Badger, Jy. 811 The Roving Sport, .By Edward Willett. 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Princes By Maj. E. L. St. Vralne 818 Cimarron Jack, By Frederick Dewey. 814 The Mysterious Marauder. By Col. P. Ingraham.» 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy, By Jack Farragut 816 Old Ecltpse, Tramp Curd of Arizona, By. C. Harbaugh. 817 Peacock Pete, By Lieutenant Alfred Thorne. £18 Ker-whoop, Ker-whoo! By Buckskin Sam, 819 The Black Rider, By Joseph E Badger, Jn 820 The Sea Sorceress, By Jack Farragut 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen, By Edward L, Wheeler B22 Nemo, the Detective. By Edward Willett, 828 Arkansaw Jack. By Harry Harard. 824 Ralph Ready, the Hote! Boy Detective. By Loa, Morris, B25 Botley, Mickey. & Company, the Sleuths of Philadelphia, weoler, 826 The Ten Pardsy or, The Terror of Take-Notice, By T.G Harbangh. 827 Creeping Cat, the Caddo. By Buckskin Sam 828 The Sky Detectives. By Major Mickey Fre. 829 Red-Skin Tom, By Harry Hazard, 880 Little Qui-k-Shet. By Edward L. Wheeler, 881 Black Nick, the Demon Rider, By Capt, Fred, Whittaker. 882 Frio Fred. By Bockskin Sam, A New Isane Every Week, The Half-Dime Library \s for sale by all newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mal! on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York,