Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 358) (1884 06 03)
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Salalaltaltalalfallell \\ , _ coil meer A. OBRR= CoH uD i i a i , a Lt ft! SSO mS. 28 $2.50 a year. a ' Copyright, 1884, by BEADLE AnD ADAMS,» Single Vol. XIV. —_--— = PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, ‘. Number. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents, First-Class Fred, raz cent rrom 66 Raw sy" fer BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, -. ¥. My AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, ‘ROSEBUD ROB” NOVELS, “ D OLL “MLS, ETC., ETO, i hy KZ “THE DEADLY DROP!” BIJE BUZZARD CRIED, STAGGERING BACK
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{ .;.* 7 « fee - for it won’t work. ee oe First-Class Fred, THE GENT FROM GOPHER; ; i The Deadly Drop of Brimstone Bar. ; BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF “DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, ‘* ROSEBUD ROB” NOVELS, ETC., 2TC. © CHAPTER I. ‘*J WILL DIE FIRST!” +.“T Winn die first!” ' It was a dramatic scene in which figured the speaker. The locale was Brimstone Bar, a young min- ing-camp of {daho, and the scene was within the chief place of resort in the camp, known as the Eldorado. The saloon consisted of one large room, and “was equally a drinking place, dance-ball and gaming den, rudely furnished, and in all re- spects characteristic: of the tastes and wants of the new ‘‘ burg,” and its inhabitants. ‘A group of men stood near a table, and each man. clutched a cocked six-shooter, while each rough, sun-burnt, bewhiskered face, bore an ex- pression of undoubted determination, At the table two persons were seated. One was a man of some four-and-twenty years, whose whole appearance indicated the “ East- erner,” or in Western vernacular, a ‘‘ tender- foot.” The person seated opposite him, and with whom be bad evidently been playing cards, was a young woman, whose age migbt be guessed to be between eighteen and twenty years—at any rate, not over the latter age. She was possessed of a trim figure and pretty face. Her features were finely chiseled, her at Sa clear, and eyes and hair of jetty attired in a plain, but neat-fitting s no ornaments or jewelry ith this woman sport of uld have been surprised a girl as she at the aturally have wondered the crowd were leveled at ‘the weapons of was she, who, with flashing eyes, had ut- tered the words: “*T will die first!” ‘Before her, on the table, lay a pile of bills and gold pieces, which she had evidently won from the Eastern man, ** Yes, I'll die first!” she repeated, in a-tone of defiance, as the stern-visaged miners exchanged lances. ’ ‘*Tf you think you can scare me you are mis- taken, and the sooner you find it out the bet- r ‘We hain’t come here to try ter skeer ye!” the spokesman of the party declared, “ but we’ve come on bizness, an’ that aire bizness has got to be settled to night. You know somethin’ “we want ter know, Goldie Gienn, an’ you’ve got totellus!”- . “T will tell you nothing!” the girl cried, ber temper rising. ‘‘I came here, Jack Homer, to attend to my own business, and have done so, _ and intend to continue doing so. I know noth- ing that concerns you to Know, and therefore can tell you nothing.” “Git out!” Homer retorted contemptuously. ** Don’t try to pull no wool over my eyes, Goldie, We aire men, we aire, and it’s ag’in’ our will ter do ye any harm, ef ye do ther squar’ deal by us, but we hev got our plint to make, an’ we're goin’ to make it ef we have to bu’st Brimstun’ Bar all ter blazes. Eh, boys?” The miners growled out asort of assent, The young Easterner, who bad been playing ' with Goldie Glenn, now looked up at Homer meditatively. : “What is the trouble, my friend?” he asked quickly, ‘ What has the young lady done, to warrant you in making so befty a threat?” 1 don’t Know thet it’s any o’ yer bizness, young feller!’ Homer retorted, insolently, ‘Spect like enuff ye wanter take the gal’s part, “I should not hesitate to do so if I saw fit to md her any assistance!” the stranger ans "ered quiet firmness, that caused the miners to again exchange glances. “That's because ye’r’ a darned fool!” Homer SUE First-Class Fred. cried, admonishingly. ‘‘I see ye’r’ a fresh mackerel, as ain’t onter ther life in the West, or I'd not be long in soakin’ ye one fer yer smart- ness, Guess mebbe ye don’t know that you’re tarryin’in the toughest o’ the tough towns in Idaho” ‘*If you are a specimen of the population, I should say I might safely infer something of the sort!” the stranger smiled, blandly, at which Homer looked both savage, pleased and puzzled, , “** See heer!” he cried, taking a step forward, as if tempted to annihilate the Easterner on the spot; “‘did ye mean thet aire as a compliment or a slur?” ‘Oh, as a compliment, without a doubt,” was the dry retort. ‘*You look like a thorough- bred !”’ “I am a thoroughbred, you bet!” Homer roared, executing an impromptu leap into the air. “I’m a screamer, 1 am, from way up Yreka Gulcb, I kin out fight, out-talk, out- run or out-wrestle ary man as ever sot fut in this hyer town o’ Brimstun’ Bar!” ‘You may be all right in thinking so, my friend, but in one of your specialties I am seri- ously afraid you overrate your prowess!” Homer pricked up bis ears, so to speak, in an instant, ‘Oho! is that so?” he ejaculated, ‘* An’ which one is that?” ‘** Wrestling, sir. You may be abead of the field as a slugger, as a talker, runner or jumper, but ve an idea I could throw you.” * You throw me ?”’ and Homer burst into a boist-rous guffaw, while his comrades and the vuuer bystanders looked amused, “Yes, 1 can throw you!” the Easterner re- peated pleasantly; ‘‘ that is, T think I can.” ‘* Who aire ye, anyhow!” ‘“My name is Joe Chapman, from the little Eastern town of pork and beans, know as Bos- ton. “Ha! ha! Wal, now, Joseph, I suppose you are content to let your joke drop, providing I give ye off this time; for I’)] be darned ef I’d like to break the hack of sech a good-lookin’ greeny like you. Jest set’emup for the boys, an’ we’ll excuse you this time. A joke the likes o’ yourn generally co8ts a man bis life, hyer in camp!” “Ah! I see, You are willing to admit that you are no wrestler?’ Chapman said, good- naturedly. “Me? Why, man alive, thar’s nothin’ west 0’ the Miss‘ssip’ w’ot kin throw one side o’ me!” **For how much?” ‘Hey? Dye want to bet ?” ‘fam willing to believe that I can floor you, and am equally willing to back my pre- sumption with what little money I have with me! ‘ ** For how much?” ** A thousand dollars.” .“‘Kerwhoop! Ye durned fool, I'll jest hev to go ye on thet aire. Git up an’ yank yer shirt off, an’ Vl break yer ribs an’ toss ye over ther moon.” ‘“Very well! All hands step up to the bar and drink at my expense, then we’ll perfect ar- rangements,” The crowd hastened to obey, and Chapman got a chance to speak to Goldie Glenn, who was regarding bim keenly as she toyed with the cards, ‘*T have given you a chance to escape these fellows, although t trom not what they bave against you,” he said. ‘‘You sre an utter stranger to me, and have a cool thousand of my money, but I would not see you come to barm.,” . ‘*Thank you,” she said, quietly. ‘I see that you are a gentleman, and I respect you accord- vogly. But there is no need of their trying to scare me, forlam not afraid of them. Bab! no, they dare not harm me!” *T fear you are imprudent. They are a law- less set, and are in dead earnest.” ° “Tt is you, who are wrong, sir. I know them better than you, and again assure you they dare not harm me. Another time, you may learn why. You, however, had best look out for yourself. The town of Brimstone Bar is in- deed a rough place, and its inbabitants are not one of them to be trusted, especially by a stranger.” ** You include yourself?” “Of course! That would be but fair, for I am by no means an angel, nor will you find wy of the angelic persuasion in the camp. When gentlemen sit at this table, I generally make it a point to warn them to look out for themselves. I believe, however, I neglected to warn you.” “Tt would seem so!” Chapman said, arising, , with a shrug of his shoulders. ‘I thought my- self fairly lucky with the pasteboards, but the absence of the weight of a thousand dollars in my pocket, convinces me that I bave no chance with you!” ‘“*You cannot blame me. You insisted on playing, when you saw luck was against you!” ‘Ob! certainly, Ido not blame you. <A reck- less indifference as to whether I lost, or won blended with the fact’ that I rather enjoyed watcbing you, as you played, was what caused me to tarry at your table. Excuse me, now, pray, until I see what I can do for Mr. Homer, Or, will you drink with me?” ‘Not now. » WereI seen to drink anything, here, it would but give the crowd a chance to press me to do the same, with them, a refusal of which wou'd cause trouble, Are you not’ fearful that you bave undertaken a ratber dif- ficul: job?” ‘Not in the least, I will play with the fool, awhile, and then, when bis conceit and ambi- tion get fully aroused, Il] dump bim.” “Do so. IL willgamble on you, expecting of course that you will try to win the money for me, since I see that I have made an impression upon you,” ‘You are rather previous, are you not—or have I unwittingly made a confession, of any- thing so serious?” . “Op! no. But, you see, I can read men, even as I can read cards. I warned you, awbile ago that I am a dangerous person, and hope you willremember it. For, you see, were you to get spooney J should have to to tell you then, as now, that I wouldn’t have the best man living, if every hair in his head was bung with diamonds, 1 hate men, except for what money I can fleece them out of. Go ahead, now! You are forewarned, cons: quently forearmed !” “You are at least candid!” Chapman re- turned, with an odd laugh, as he walked to- ward the bar, wondering rot a little at the peculiarity of her remarks, and at what bad caused her to abide insuch a camp as Brin- stone Bar, when, clearly, she was fitted for a much more exalted station in life, if, indeed, sbe had not formerly occupied such a station. Little versed in the personal characteristics of far Western women, Chapman was not aware that many a virtuous womar .sat avy” gaming-tables of mining-towns, outwardly gay and apparently free from trouble; while locked within their hearts, some secret or sorrow gnawed and tbrobbed, until at times those women sports could have ended their own lives with as little compunction, as tbey used in raking in the miner’s hard won and easily lost money, CHAPTER II. THE DEADLY DROP. THE crowd bad already disposed of the drinks when Chapman reached the bar, which was at the further side of the room. Jack Homer bad also thrown off his coat, shirt and boots, and stood among a throng of ex- cited admirers. Homer stood five feet ten inches, in his bare feet, and weighed about a hundred and eighty pounds, with scarcely a pound of superfluous flesh upon his brawny frame. He indeed Jooked a Hercules, as he stood in waiting, apparently nothing but sinew and bone. In face, there was little about him to attract, for his features were coarse and marked with numerous scars. His mouth, large and of sen- sual expression, was shaded by a heavy, inky mustache, and his eyes and hair were of the same bue. ** Ruffian ” was a upon the man, and could not well be erased. Joe Chapman was not quite so tall as his ad- versary, and did not look so ponderous of frame; nevertheless, he plainly was a man of no mean muscular prowess, He wasa good-looking fellow, with a care- lessly-reposed sort of countenance, a pleasant mouth, brown eyes, and a well-shaped head. His hair and beard were Lght- brown in color. . In citizen garb, he had little of the appear- ance of being a dangerous man, yet it was no- ticeable that Jack Homer, blatant and boastful as he was, did not manifest so much noisy con- fidence when he saw his adversary stripped to the shirt. ‘“‘ Will we wrestle here, or in the street?’ Chapman asked, when he was ready. ‘“* Here, of course!” Homer age sneeringly —‘‘as it is hardly worth wh le to take the ie —
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trouble to walk to the street. I calculate to kil! you in one fall.” **You do, eh?’ Joe replied. ‘‘ Well, that is your privilege, if youcan do it, Put up your stakes with the proprietor of this place, and I will do likewise, and then we will amuse each other.” The money was promptly put up. There was vigorous betting among the crowd that now swarmed within the Eldorado, for each athlete had his admirers, who were ready to risk winning or losing money on the result. Geldie Glenn, the mysterious girl gambler, also entered into the spirit of the occasion, and wagered various sums of money that Chapman would be the victor, The match was to be catch-as-catch-can, best three out of five falls, and when a suitable ring bad been secured in the center of the saloon, the two men stepped into it, ready for busi- ness, For a moment they eyed each other keenly. Then, all of a sudden, they rushed forward and clinched. lt was then that Homer's superior size became more noticeable, and Chapman’s backers began to feel a little doubtful of their choice, At the end of ten minutes, however, when neither man had gained a point, their enthusi- asm increased, At the end of twenty minutes it was plain to be seen that Chapman had taken the aggressive and was giving his mana hard job to defend bimself. : The iron of the two men then gradually be- gan to manifest itself, Homer was beginning to perspire freely, while Chapman had not sweat a hair, Ah! The crowd suddenly gave a yell as the Boston boy caught his adversary at an unguarded mo- ment, raised him bodily in the air, and burled him to the floor, entirely breaking his hold and scoring a fall, Amid the confusion that followed Homer lay quietly where he had fallen, catching bis breath, which had been pretty nearly knocked out of him. He finally arose, with a bitter oath, and the two men rusbed at each other again. This time the struggle was inaugurated with a vengeance, : It took but five minutes, however, for Chap- man to score another fall on his antagonist, which brought him hearty applause. ‘*Ye’d better guv it up as a bad job, Jack,” a sympathizing miner advised. ‘Ther galoot aire too much fer ye!” ““Cuss him, no! I'll break bis neck this bout!” the infuriated athlete declared, ve- hemently. “Ym ther best man an’ I'll prove it!’ Once more he rushed at the Bostonian with the aspect of an infuriated tiger, but it was only to be snatched instantly off his feet by his adversary and sent spinning through the air over the heads of the nearest bystanders. When he struck the floor it was with such force as to render him temporarily unconscious, ‘*Ther stranger aire entitled to ther stakes,” «rfed the referee, ‘‘ for he won it fairly.” The announcement elicited a cheer from those who had won money by Chapman’s vic- tory; but those who were the losers looked dark and savage, and were not careful in mani- festing their disapproval of the stranger. ‘It’s a danged shame,” one fellow asserted, who belonged to Jack Homer’s particular se **ter let an outsider come hyer to Brimstun Bar an’ soak in our cash in thet style ’thout givin’ us his pedigree beforeband.” ‘*On course it is,” agreed another, ‘An’ as ther’ is a remedy fer sech complaints, I propose that we adoptit to suit this hyer circumstance!” They held a sullen sort of consultation, and then Buzzard, Jack Homer’s “ right bower,” advanced toward the dashing Bostonian, fol- lowed by his pals. “See hyer, me larkie,” he said, gruffly, ‘“‘ we dou’t tumble kindly to this leetle racket 0’ yourn nohow. You've soaked in a lot o’ our stuff an’ we want it back, you bet!” “ve none of your money, sir!” Chapman cried, his eyes flashing, for he saw that there was a disposition on the part of the men to kick upafuss. “I made my wager with the man | whom I vanquished, and have nothing to do with your outside bets.” ‘Ye bain’t hey? Waal, now, we see fit to argy different. You were the cause o’ our losin’ our hard earnin’s, an’ you’ve got ter make us whole. D’ye hear?” ‘ “Tf I bear you will be surprised to learn that I do not beed,” Chapman returned, ‘Don’t J , First-Class Fred. think you can convert me into a toy for your personal amusement, gentlemeny because you cannot!” ‘* An’ don’t think we’re a pack o’ coyotes as will let a tenderfut soak us nuther,” Buzzard growled savagely. ‘‘ Ef ye want ter know it, we’re the Rope an’ Limb Boys o’ this hyer burg, an’ we adjudicates all defickulties, so, ef ye don’t want ter git yerself inter a elervated sityuation you’ve got ter make us fellers bull, you bet,” **When I do, you'll know it!” Chapman re- sponded, his cheeks flushing. ‘I did not come here to Quarrel with you, gents, but you'll find you cannot impose upon me. If you want your money back, get it of those who won it, The stake J won,I certainly propose to keep, and don’t you forget that, Soif you have or- dinary good sense you'll use it. If you have not, the inevitable results will fall upon your- selves,” *“Oho! Ye mean fight, do ye?” “T shall stand up for my rights, yes, though there were a thousand to one against me!” was the stern reply. ‘* Waal, ye shall have a tankful of it, cuss ye. T'll give ye jest five minutes ter decide which you'll do—give up the swag or swing. So work yer thinkers, lively!” ¢ “T give you my decision, now!” Chapman answered, quickly. ‘‘ Neither will I give up the money, por swing. The one of you who at- tempts a hostile move, ll drop, and all others shall follow!” Buzzard did not reply, but fixed his eyes on the clock, upon the wall. His comrades stood ready to rush upon the Boston boy, at a momest’s notice. The other occupants of the Eldorado had drawn to one side, lt was evident that they intended to have no hand in the prospective melee, but were inclined to let Chapman defend himself. As for the Bostonian, he stood erect, facing his enemies, his face perfectly at repose, and his eyes stern in their piercing glance, His arms were folded across bis chest, and it was evident that he had no idea of resorting to other weapons of defense than those with which nature had endowed him, Yet, what could he expect to do thus, when a dozen strong men were pitted against him? A suggestive silence prevailed, broken only by the regular ticking of the clock. Chapmay partly turned his head, once, to look at Goldie Glenn, She was seated at the table, and as he looked, he caught a glitter of something in one of her hands, but could not tell what it, was, Their gaze did not meet, however, for she was looking toward the clock, At last a click warned them that the five minutes was up, as did a movement on the part of Bije Buzzard. ‘Time's up, pilgrim!” he growled. ‘‘Do we git the swag, or do we not? Speak up!” ““You do not!” Chapman answered, calmly. “But I warn you not to touch me!” **Oho! Is ihat so? Boys, when I say ‘ one, two, three, d’ye gofer him. First, Jim Hoon, ye git a noosed rope ready. We'll l’arn Bosting a few things she aren’t familiar with.” Hoon started to obey the order, but had taken scarcely half a dozen steps, when he suddenly uttered a piercing yell, threw up his arms, and fell backward to the floor. Then, a tiny spot of blood was seen oozing from the center of his forehead! He had been wounded, yet there had been no report, either of rifle or pistol! “The Deadly Drop!” Bije Buzzard cried, staggering back. “Quick, boys—search the neighborhood !” With enraged cries, the Rope and Limb Gang rushed from the Eldorado, with drawn wea- pons, some of the bystanders joining in the stampede. Jim, Hoon lay outstretched upon the floor, motionless and limp—dead, _ The bullet had pierced his skull, and lodging in the brain, caused almost instant death. His countenance expressing his unbounded astonishment, Joe Chapman took advantage of the absence of the Regulators to don the gar- ments be had divested himself of, prior to the wrestling match. Who was the Deadlv Drop, and what was the mystery concerning Hoon’s tragic fate? CHAPTER III. BOOTH BARRON, : THE young town, or, more properly, the young “camp,” of Brimstone Bar, was a wild place, ‘‘ planted” amid rugged surroundings, ———S > The camp was not yet two menths old, and there was no prospect that there would ever develop a ‘‘city” of importance, for, barring . the fact that it was on the line of the popular route to the 7old-placers of the Coeur d’Alene mountains, there was nothing to give promise of permanent existence. - But little gold or.silver had been discovered in the vicinity; nor was there any reason why so undesirable a site should have been selected for a town—except one, of which we will speak later. Yet the town was there, nestled down in the heart of a forks-gap, and its surroundings were gigantic mountains with sparsely-timbered sides. In three directions from the Bar branch- ed off deep mountain defiles, through fwo of which rushed a furious creek, while the third was the route of entry into the Cour d’Alene bills. Thirty odd habitations comprised the town— a mixture of mud-buts, shanties and tents, and as for the inhabitants, they were of the typical class indigenous to nearly every mining: town— the representatives of many races aud many natures. The Bar had no single main street, as in many other mining-towns, but the abodes were built in a cirel., facing toward a level plaza, or public ground. In reality, Brimstone Bar bad been located there for the sole purpose of cffering a stop-off, for the winter, of such sanguine pilgrims as had started for the Coeur d’Alene hills, and found the terrible mountain snows too much to battle with, The inbabitants, accordingly, were chiefly adventurers who were waiting for the opening which the Spring suns alone would bring; then would follow the stampede into the now snow- locked gold hills; for, although the snow had already disappeared about Brimstone Bar, few were eager to venture on into the wilderness until “ome of the more adventurous had gone ahead and broken the way, On the night of the trouble in the Eldorado saloon, when the full April moon flooded the little town and its rugged surroundings, a girl- ish figure stood in the doorv ay of one of the cabins which faced upon the plaza—a petite yet © strikingly pretty little maiden, who, though her attire was plain, was the personification of a'l that was sweet and lovelv. Finely chiseled features, a tempting meuth,. blue eyes and a Wealth of brown bair were hers. Probably not more than seventeen years had passed over her head; but she was a Lud that promised to blossom into a glorious women- bood, The eager, expectant expression upon her face, as it was kissed by the mellow moonlight, proved beyond a doubt that she was awsitirs some 9ne’s arrival, and to it was added a look of anxiety as the minutes passed and no one came, The night air was still chill, and few people were upon the plaza; yet she eyed those that were tbere rather suspiciously. At length, however, a footstep sounded, an* she uttered a glad cry as a man skulked around the corner of the cabin and pushed past. her into the interior. ‘Oh! Booth! How you did startle me!” she said, following bim and closing the door behind er. The man did rot reply, but striking a metch, lit the lamp upon the table, and the light re- , vealed a person otf striking appearance. : He was tall, and of powerful build, and attir- ed in black, with top-boots, slouch hat anda - | scarlet-lined cloak, A belt about his waist con a tained weapons, and his face was hidden be- bind a full black mask. : A dangerous-looking customer he was to meet ona dark night, in a lonely place; yet the girl appeared to bave no fear of him. “Booth, bas anything gone wrong?” she asked, laving her band on his arm. ‘*-Yes, curse it!” he replied, snappisbly, “Has | not everything gone wrong? Does it not always go wrong? Where’s the old man?” ‘Over at the Eldorado, I presume!” and the girl heaved a sigh. ‘‘What is he doing there?’ the man demand- “*T don’t know, I am sure, but I fear, Booth, that be is falling into the habit of gambling!” “Bah! An old igno—” “Stop, Booth! My father is not an igno | ramus. You forget that heisa gentleman of — education and intelligence.” F a ‘‘ Of course he is, Cherrv. Isometimes speak = what I don’t mean. ‘Your father is so con- t founded odd sometimes, that 1 get provoked at ye : 2% ie eh
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him. Has he said how long he intends to stay in this place?” “No! But I hear that he has leased this “place for a month longer. The week we have stayed here has seemed an age to me,” oth grated his teeth. *‘And to me, too!” he muttered. ‘‘ Has the old man any suspicion that [ am following?’ ‘*None. He docs not even suspect that I know anything about you. Ob! Booth, if he did, I don’t know what he would do, He would arouse the whole country but what he would find you.” ‘“‘ No need to tell me that, Cherry. Iam well aware of it. He has already made me the hunted outcast lam. Do you know if he has gained any tidings of Edna?” “T think not. If be bad, I should certainly know something about it.” Booth Barron, for that was the name he bore seated himself, with a long-drawn sigh, and buried his face in his hands, and after a silence of several minutes, Cherry went and knelt be- side him. ‘*Oh! Booth, pray do not be so downcast,” she said, her voice betraying deep feeling. ‘Has the experience not been bitter enough that you should still continue to think of ber? Do not be despondent, You have yet a long life before you, and there is no dark cloud with- out its silver hning, Cheer up, Booth—for my sake ” Her tone caused him to remove his hands from before bis eyes, and guze down into her upturned face, “Ror your sake, eh?” he articulated, in sur- prise, “ Why—but, sure enough! Why not for Your sake as much as for any one else’s, my little bird? I have not forgotten that you have always been a bright little friend to me, Cherry, Bless you, I dare say you are the only one I have left.” ' “T am glad you believe me your friend, Booth. You know we were even playmates and—” ‘* And rustic lovers, as it were—unti]—until— But, curse it, why recall the past. The die is cast, and soit must remain, still live, but I live only for vengeance!” “Oh! don’t talk that way, Booth, You ‘should not be so revengeful, Ic is very wicked.” . ‘ “Hal ha! Wicked to be revengeful! You do not know, Cherry. You are not worldly ~4 Wise, yet. What matters it how wicked I ani? Mine ‘s a ruined life, and the hereafter has no bright prospects in store for me, Damnation ___ atares me in the face, and it cannot matter what I do—it will be the same. Do you think the ’ eircumstances warrant my being a saint? Do — suppose if you were a murderer, hunted by he bloodhounds of the law, you would feel meek, passive and saintly? Do you suppose, if you had been bitterly wronged by one whom you held dearest on earth, you would not feel revengeful/ Bah! do not talk to me! I get fu- rious when I think of the past.” ‘‘It is very wrong of you to be thus desper- ate, Booth. You are out of danger, here, and _ should be brave and good, and try to atone for the past!” | He arose, with a harsh, impatient laugh, and paced to and fro, agross the room. Safe?” he said, buskily. ‘Ob! no; IT am - safe nowhere. Iam no fool, Cherry. Conse- quently, I keep myself posted. You said your _ father had no suspicion of my being in this vicinity; but you are wrong. I have learned from good authority that detectives are already en route for this place, and no doubt, ere two 84 radia reward papers will be posted in _ Brimstone Bar, for my capture. But, curse . %em, I will fight ’em, to the bitter end!” Cherry heaved a deep sigh. te if Booth Barron did not understand its mean- Hy ing. she did. : be loved this outcast, with all the strength of her young, innocent nature, but he did not _ know it; or, if he did know it, be did not appre- ciate the fact in all its fullness, , It was a singular story, which ran in connec- tion with the two young people’s acquaint- ance, _ Jackson Chambers, a year before, bad been a _ prosperous money lender, in an Hustern town and was as popular as he had been reputed wealthy. . _ At the time mentioned, he was a widower. He had been married, when young, and a son baa been the result of that union. His wife, owever, died shortly after the birth. — A few years later, a second marriage oc- curred, anda daughter was the result of this nion.. The second wife also died, leaving bim we Cee a ee ee eee eee ee Sa SSS First-Class Fred. mucb of the wealth that afterward formed the basis of his heayy speculations. He did not marry again, and his two children grew up together. When they were aged respectively ten and fourteen years, another member was added to the family in the person of a bright eleven year- old daughter, of a particular friend of Mr. Chambers, who, having lost his wife, had con- cluded to try and better bis fortunes in the min- ing country of the far West. Chambers had kindly consented to become temporary guardian of his friend’s child, until such time as Mr. Leeds sbould return. Edna Leeds was a beautiful child, of winning disposition, and, as the years passed over her head, advancing her toward a glorious wo- manhood, she became the object of universal admiration. Even pretty Cherry Chambers was less a favorite than her companion, although the girls were fast friends, and no rivalry appeared to exist between them. From the time E‘ina reached her sixteenth birthday, she was literally besieged by lovers, and, child though she was, bad many eligible offers for her band. Among the throng of would-be suitors for her hand were Jackson Chambers himself—who appeared anxious to again assume the matri- monial yoke—and his son, Charles. Father and son now were in business together, but no sooner did it become apparent that they were rivals in love than their feelings toward one another underwent a change, and they of- ten had violent quarrels, which resulted in Charles Chambers’s eventually withdrawing from the business, Pretty Edna also bad another suitor, in Booth Barron, the son of respectable parents, and a very handsome and accomplished young gen- tleman he was; and of all her suitors, Barron was the most favored. Matters ran on until Edna was past seven- teen, without any one having gained the vic- tory; then it became whispered about that Barron would shortly lead Edna to the altar. Tbe report resulted in several bitter quarrels between the Chamberses, and Barron, in which, however, the latter always seemed to come out best. The culmination of the matter was a tragedy. Edna Leeds suddenly and mysteriously dis- appeared, and, on the same evening, Charles Chambers discovered Booth Barron in the act of robbing the village bank, and was shot dead. Barron was arrested and jailed, and madea confession, stating that he and Edna were to have been married within a week, and not having the requisite funds, necessity bad tempt- ed bim to burglarize the bank, and borrow a small sum, to see him through his honey- m oon. Self-defense was his alleged cause for shooting young Chambers. The news of Edna’s strange disappearance excited mach comment, and it was not until several days had elapsed, that any cause could be assigned for it; then the photograph of a bandsome Western frontiersman, was found among the effects she had left behind, and it was generally believed that sbe had been in cor- respondence with him, and had fled to the West, to link her fate with him. In the mean time, after but a few hours im- prisonment, Booth Barron bad, in some inex- plicable manner, effected bis €scape and was not recaptured. Believing he had fled in the wake of Edna Leeds, and swearing vengeance for the murder of his son, Jackson Chambers, shortly after the tragedy, closed up his business in the East, and set out for the far West. In the course of bis roaming, eccompanied by Cherry, he had come to Brimstone Bar. ~ Such is a brief outline of the case, and as the reader has seen, Booth Barron was also there, and in communication with aetty ‘Yes, Iam bunted!” he said, glancing at his watch, “ but they shall not barm me, J’Il out- wit them, sharp es they are, All I live for is vengeance on her whom I loved so—she who gave me encouragement, only to prove false to me, Curse her! Curse her!” ** Don’t, Booth—don’t! She did not, least of all, encourage you to do robbery or murder. I am sorry for you, Booth, but you did very wrong!” ‘*Maybe I did—but so did she—so did she. My time will come for triumpb ere long, bow- ever, Ill crush her as I woulda worm, But of course you do not like to hear me talk thus, Cherry. You are good and I’m bad. I must be going now. It would not do for the old man : 7 ee Leet AR pnt | eid cs and I to meet. There’d be trouble, Of course he naturally feels tough toward me, but | can’t helpit. The deed’s done, and can’t be undone.” e ‘drew Cherry toward him for a moment, and pressed her head against his breast. “You are a good, true little friend to me. Cherry!” he said in a boarse, choked voice, “and may God reward you! There, now, | must be off!” He took a stride toward the door, but stopped short, as theré resounded a heavy rap upon the outside. “Lost!” he gasped, turning to Cherry. “Quick, hide me, or 1 may have to answer for another murder.” ; CHAPTER IV. THE SCHEMERS. AFTER he had finished donning bis clothes, Joe Chapman approached the card-table where Goldie Glenn sat, as unconcernedly as if no human life had been teken within the room, Her face betrayed no emotion, but ber eyes were more lustrously beautiful and expressive than before. She looked up with a bewitching smile as. Clapman paused beside the table. ‘What! Are you going to try your luck with the pasteboards again?” she pleasant)y in- rye her gaze resting so searchingly upon his. ace, that he felt uneasy. “ Hardly, after what has just happened,” he replied, dryly. ‘‘ Who killed that fellow” ‘Deadly Drop, I suppose. He does all that. sort of thing, you know.” ‘More correctly, I don’t know. Who is Deadly Drop?” ‘‘That is more than I. or any one else in this. camp, can tell you. He is an unknown, in- visible messenger of death, who visits vengeance upon the lawless of this camp.” ‘Ab! Then this is not the first murder?” ‘‘By no means. Many have fallen since my advent here, in the same manner as yonder ruf- fian, and the name Deadly Drop has become a terror to evil-doers.” “Indeed! Might I ask, what brings you into such a place, then?” ; ‘‘TIt is nobody’s business but my Own, sir. That’s plain, but I mean it.” ‘I think I could point out the person who killed the man,” Chapman said, drumming idly on the table. “ Ab! do you? Who?” “es You ” ‘Heavens! You astonish me! Do [look like a person capable of such a crime?” ‘*You warned me that you were not to be trusted, I believe. Then, too,1 saw something giitter in your band just before the man fell.” ‘*Ha, ha! it was this,” and sbe exposed to view a small revolver. ‘‘This would make more noise than the instrument with which Deadly Drop performs his work.” ; **What were you about to do with it, then, when I detected the glitter of it in your band?” ‘You have no right to question me, sir!” ‘‘But I take the right just asfreely. Iff were to hint, for other hearing, that my con- victions were that you are Deadly Drop, what do you suppose would be the result?” “Bah! do not think to alarm me. They would not believe you. If you are anxious to know—l bad the weapon ready for use, with @ view of defending you should the Rope Boys rush upon you in a body.” ; ‘* Are you sure?” * Positive!” “Then, allow me to apologize, and at the sam time thank you. Do you tbink they will capture the assassin?” ‘No. Wooever or whatever he is, be is not one to be easily taken. His presence is the sure sign of death, but no man bas yet been spry enough to detect bim.” Chapmen did not immediately answer, but glanced at bis watch, and appeared ready to depart, ‘Are you off?’ Goldie asked, ruffling the cards idly. “Yes, I think I willturn in for the night, it is already late.” ‘Indeed? If you call eleven o’clock late, you must be an early bird. Do you propose to tarry long in Brimstone Bar?’ “Until the snow melts in the Cour d’Alere country, perhaps. Thatis my objective point.” Then bowing gallantly, he left the Eldoraco and its heart-winning queen of the cards, Brimstone Bar was, for a wonder, not the happy owner of a palatial Jee conse quent ly those who were not permanently located had. aay’ ' 2 <t es we me Chis ¥ o i=. thal meee rs meee hE ir
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_ oe | 4 ye { § , into +4 rf} ’ to abide with such accommodations as they could get. Chapman, however, was not unprovided for, since he made his way to the little tent at the southern side of the plaza and entered with- out ceremony. The interior was but scan‘ily furnished, and dimly lighted by a smoking lantern suspended trom the ridge. bole. A man was seated upon a three-legged stool, in an attitude of waiting. He was commonly attired, and wore a long well kept beard. His appearance, as a whole, was rather prepossess- ing and he looked to be a person of about five- and forty years. His countenance lighted up with’ expectancy Chapman entered, and he relit his pipe, as if anticipating news. ‘ The wrestler threw himself upon an apology of a bed, of blankets, in a balt reclining posi- tion. and lit a cigar. ‘* Well?” the man on the stool said, interroga- tively. ‘‘ Did you see her?” ‘Yes, and had a chat with her, too.” “What did you make out?” “Nothing. She attends emphatically to her own business, and don’t permit any one to mind it for ber.” “Did you put the inquiries I suggested?” “Some of them, sir, but got no satisfactory answer,” “She assigned no cause for being here, in so strange a siluation?” ‘None, in particular. In fact, Mr. Cham- bers, I am satisfied she is not the one you seek.” ‘*Bah! Lam no fool. I'd know the girl were I to meet her a hundred years hence, much less @ year.” ‘But, sir, faces often deceive one. I have studied the girl. I am satisfied she is not the one. ‘*Give me your reasons.” ‘*Well, in the first place, the card queen is in my estimation, an A 1 adyenturess. She is sbarper than a steel-trap, and bas evidently been schooled by experience for the position she now occupies. Ste handles the pasteboards with marvelous skill, and is, in more senses than one, a woman of the world, She warned meto ‘trust no one in this camp, not even herself, ad- mitting that she was a dangerous character, TP’ve not a doubt but what she’d skin a man of his boodle, without a solitary pang of compunc- tion. ‘ “Indeed! Did she skin you?” “She raked in the better share of my cash, at cards.” Jackson Chambers frowned. “T had no idea that a man of your stamp would be thus taken in,” he growled. ‘*‘ Neither bad I!” Chapman frankly acknowl- edged, ‘‘but she did. From what dealings I have bad with the tender sex, [ should decide ‘that the one who picks this girl up for a fool will be sadly mistaken.” Jackson Chambers was silent for several min- utes, during which time his gaze fel] upon the ground, and his face was the scene of changing expressions. *‘Cbhapman,” he said, finally, *‘ you were rec- ommended to me asa shrewd detective, and I place every confidence in you as such—other- wise, | would not employ you. I have already given you one cause for my following the girl— my lovefor tier. Iam satisfied heyond a doubt that the girl at the Eldorado is Edna Leeds, I am so positive of it that 1 would risk ten thou- sand dollars on it.” ‘And lose. She would swear she was some one else, and whack-up with the man who bet you. But go on.” ‘Believing as I do, and trusting that I can be confidential with you, I have something to communicate which will give you even more work.” , “Go ahead, sir. You have my ettention.” “ Well, you see, when this girl fled from my home, in the East, it was a matter of surprise tou every ons except myself.” “Ab” * Yes. It was a matter of wonder to every- body but me.” “And why not to you” “1 will explain. “You see, I loved the girl devotedly, as I have told you, and as she had several suitors, there was naturally a spirited rivalry and a deal of jealousy among the rivals. Resolved not to be thwarted, I adopted tactics, which, if not exactly honorable, were fair in the war of love.” \ ty What?” : “Well, you see. as all the family mail came my possession first, I found it convenient . to examine the letters addressed to my protegee, te, ; ! Senne ee ee ee eee ee ee : First-Class Fred. It was, in fact, my duty to do this, as the child was young aud much in need of a governing band,” ‘* Rather a questionable proceeding on your | part, [ should say.” “You may think so; I do not, Well, as a result, I finally became the recipient of a com- munication from a Western correspondent, who wrote the girl that, upon hearing from her, he bad most important news to send her.” “ Ah .? “Yes. My curiosity was aroused, for I at once suspected that my old friend, Leeds, had died and left bebind a goodly fortune. Hoping to learn more, I allowed the letter to pass into the girl’s possession, and bided my time. But no more letters from that source came to ber. This satisfied me that she suspected me of tam- pering with her mail, and had changed her ad- dress. When she suddenly decamped, there- tore, I became satisfied that she bad gone West to meet ber correspondent, and that, too, in re- gard to property matters. So I followed in pursuit.” ‘Who was the man with whom she corres- ponded?” ‘* He signed himself ‘ First-Class Fred,’ from which i infer that be is one of the sporting characters peculiar to this country.” Chapman started a trifle. “Very likely. Well, now, what else?” he said. “This. I feel positive that the girl has in- herited a fortune, even if she has not come into possession of it. I mean to have both her and the fortune. Do you see? It will be your work to ferret out the case, in all its points, and keep me posted. Once I find that the card queen at the Eldorado is Edna Leeds beyond the shadow of a doubt, I can easily force her to marry me, Then, all will be well, and you will be liberally rewarded,” “How liberally?” “That shall be for you to say.” “Very well. I presume you will lie low?” “Yes, or if I move about, it will be in dis- guise. I have not been to the Eldorado since I discovered the girl there, and then she did not see me.” “It is well. For her to know of your presence here would spoil all. I will work up your case, and if you do not see me again you may be assured that [ am not far off.” And as the wrestler threw away his cigar, and stretched himself out on the blankets, Jack- son Chambers took the bint that the interview was at an end, and arose and stalked from the tent. CHAPTER V. FIRST CLASS FRED. Tar knock upon the door of the cabin, oc- cupied asx toe temporary home of the Cham- berses, was peremptory, and caused both Cherry and Booth Barron to visibly pale. “Tvs not father!” the girl whispered; “‘ it is not his knock. Quick, bide here!” At one side of the room was a table, the cloth of which reached to the floor. Without delay, Barron crawled under it, and was thus concealed from view. Cherry awaited until there came another rap, then called out: ** Who is there?” : ‘* A visitor. Open the door!” was the answer, in a pleasant voice, which, however, did not sound familiar to the trembling girl. ‘* Your answer is not satisfactory. first know who you are,” she called out. **Ob! well, I am called First-Class Fred. I wish to see your father, on business.” ‘“* My father is not bome, yet, sir.” "Not? Ob! well, with your permission, I will come in, and wait for him.” Cherry hesitated, not knowing what to do, lf it should, indeed, be an scquaintance of her father’s, and she should refuse him ad- mission, she had no doubt but what ber parent would be very angry; and if it should torn out to be some designing villain, was Booth Barron not present, to protect her? At this thought, she stepped forward, un- barred the door, and opened it. Before her stood a man of commanding figurg, and prepossessing appearance, His at- tire, of faultless cut, was of rich brown cloth; he wore a broad-rim felt and patent-leather knee boots; a huge diamond sparkled in his white shirt front, while a ponderous gold chain was looped from pocket to pocket, across his vest. I must In face he was what many would call a band-. some man, for bis features were full, round, and good-natured of expression, and his eyes * keen, brilliant and magnetic. His bair was of a decided blonde tint, and worn in a flossy pro- fusion down over his shoulders, and his mus- tache, a shade darker, was well trained and luxuriant. Plainly, too, he was a man of no mean mus cular power and physical endurance, and was one to attract attentioo in any throng. His appearance struck Cherry so torcibly, at a glance, that ske stood staring point-blank at him, fora moment; then, recoilecting herself, she stepped to one side, “If you are a friend of my father’s, sir, yow are welcome to come in—although I do not know as I am doing right in admitting a total stranger.” ‘You need have no compunctions about ad- mitting me, I assure you, dear young lady. I have some business to transact with your father, and I dare say he will soon errive.” ‘It is past time for him, already. Pray be seated, sir!” and, closing the door, Cherry placed bim a stool where he would not com- mand a ready view of the table, under which Booth Barron was cowering. First-Class Fred seated himself, and opened a pleasant chat, proving himself not only an in- teresting conversationalist but a man of superior education; and, though the free and easy style of the frontier was to be detected in his words and ways, all was devoid of courseness or vul- garism. Ere ten minutes bad passed, Cherry found herself score interested in him than she would have cared to confess. His address was such as men would be bound to respect, and women admire, “You are a stranger here, are you not” Cherry asked. “Well, not exactly—tbat is, I am familiar with the vicinity, although few, here, know me, ifany. Iam a sort of ranger—omnipres- ent, you know—liable to turn up at ’most any place, at any time.” ‘“Indeed? And such a funny name you have —so odd!” ‘‘ Yet, suiting my personal tastes. I like everything to move off first-class, you see. J argue that there are but few reasons why a person should not live and be first-class instead of dropping to a lower level. A muv with honor and integrity need pot nec ssarily go cown bill if be besa cent’s worth of ambition and perseverance in him. I always make it a rule to surmount difficulties and come out first- class, on top of the beap, so to speak.” There was a rap upon the door just then and Cherry arose. ‘“That’s papa now,” she said. knock.” She cpened the door with alacrity and ad- mitted Jackson Chambers, about whose’ step there was a trifling unsteadiness, that might have caused a close observer to suspect be had been drinking. ‘* Papa, here isa gentleman who called to see you on business. Sir, this is my father,” Cherry said. First-Class Fred arose and bowed, while as for Jackson Chambers he simply stood still and stared. He was evidently not a little surprised. **T know his ‘*Ha! I think I have seen that face before!” he excleimed, excitedly. are vou!” ‘+ First-Class Fred, sir, at your service,” was the unbesitating answer. ‘‘ You, I presume, from your daughkter’s introduction, are Mr, Jackson Chambers, of Rhode Island?’ : “Then, you are the.very individual I want to see!” Chambers declared with emphasis. ‘*Speak, man—who * And likewise you are the apple vpon which ~ I came here to set my eye,” Firs! Class Fred responded, sppsrently not in the least discom- posed by the ex-broker’s tone or manner, ‘So, as weare mutually satisfied, I see no cause why you sbouldn’t be seated and join me ina cigar —that is, of course, with your danghter’s per- mission. I always carry a first-class brand of smokers,” ‘*We will edjourn to the outside,” Jackson Chambers decided, promptly. ‘*My business with you is private.” He led the way from the cabin, and First- Class Fred bad no choice but to follow bim. Instead of choosing the plaza, the ex-brcker | led the way up the gulch trail to the Cqur d@” Alene’s for a short distance, and they faced about. confronting the handsome stranger. ‘* Well, now, sir,” he began, his tone not ex- actly civil, ‘*T suppose we may as well under- stand each other.” “There is not the least reason a we shouldn't,” Fred replied. ‘I presume, ju
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by what I have seen, that you have seen me be- fore, though I’ll agree 1 don’t remember of ever having met you,” “Very likely. We never met. before to- night.” , “Ah! Then how came you to say you had seen rny phiz before?” ‘** Because I have—on a photograph.” “ Ah \” “Yes, ah! Does the announcement surprise ou? Or had you forgotten that you were ever he owner of a photograph?” ** Not at all, sir. And, since you appear to bave such a volume of venom on board, might i bey to inquire how you came into possession of one of my pictures, sir?” ‘*It matters not, 1 saw the face and swore to see the owner of it, and herelam. Now, then, what have you to say for yourself?” It was avident that Mr. Chambers. was not only angry, but growing vengeful. First-Class Fred eyed him a moment curi- ously and then took a step closer. » “See here!” he said, sternly, ‘‘ what do ycu want? Out with it, and use more civility in your manner of speech or [Jl mop the ground with you despite your age!” **You will, eh?’ **You can bet high on it. If you want to talk to me as a gentleman, you will find me always on deck. If you do not, I give you a tip that I am first-class in all respects and do not asarule take back talk from any loafer that lives.” “Sir-rh! Dare you call me a loafer?” “Tf your actions warrant the calling, yes. But, go on, sir; I want to know what you want of me.” **] want my child.” » “Your child?’ *Bxactly—she whom you enticed away from her Eastern home.” **-You talk like a crazy man, sir. I know ab- solutely nothing about your child, except what I have just seen of ber at this cabin.” ““T donot mean Cherry—I mean the other, whom you wrote to, from Eagle City.” a _“ Oh! you mean Edna Leeds?” “She that was known as Edna Leeds, yes.” ** Why, you surprise me. It was for the pur- pose of finding out about her that I desired to see you! learned you bad broken up your Eastern home, and were coming this way, and supposed, of course, that Miss Leeds was with you. “You lie, sir—you lie! You know where she is, and cannot deceive me!” Jackson Chambers cried, hotly. A gleam of fire leaped instantly into the bril- liant orbs of Firs:-Class Fred. ‘Look here, sir; [I shall expect you to retract those words. Iam not an aggressive person but I will take the lie from no man!” he cried. “You can take itor let it alone, so faras I am concerned, I retract nothing I say.” “Then, if you are not gentleman enough to do that, you sball have the opportunity of fighting me, or by declining, prove yourself a coward, You hear?” “T will neither retract what I said, nor will J fight you. But, I'll make you tell me where she is—Edna Leeds, 1 mean—or I'll kill you where you stand!” A cocked six-shooter suddenly appeared in the ex-broker’s hand, leveled full at the breast of the first-class man, who had not deemed it worth while, evidently, to be on his guard, “Move a muscle, and ll drop you!” Cham- bers hissed, venomously. ‘You may style ourself first-class, but you will find I'd as lief Rin you as look at you, and if you don’t want me to double you up try to escape or draw a weapon.” ‘Indeed? You think I am afraid of that ‘little pop-gun? Why, I assure you [am not. And your attempt to terrify me is really too amusing for anything.” **-You shall see. You shall tell me what I de- . sire to know, or by the power of Him who rules ‘above, I’) kill you. Iam dead in earnest, as any hesitation on Your part will prove. Now, » then, you wro;e to Edna Leeds, didn’t you?” “ “ce Yes,” **You advised her to open communication % : with you, as you had something of utmost im- portance to communicate to her?” Fact,” ** Well, what did you write her, afterward?” -**That does not concern you,” “(It does, The girl was betrothed to me— ea was to become my wife, and whatever you wrote her caused her to decamp.” . “Impossible, I wrote nothing that should _ have caused an estrangement.” D ae n . - Pf Tae Se x en First-Class Fred. “Do not lie to me, for it will avail yon noth- ing. If you do not answer me truthfully, when I leave this spot, you will be a dead man.” “Pshaw! I am not afraid of that, although Tam telling you the truth. The first letter I wrote her you appear to be cognizant of, Its auswer advised me to send any further com- munications to a different address. I sent but one, and that as requested. I sent her simply a sealed package, which was intrusted to me to deliver to her!” ‘*You did not know the contents?” ‘“*T did not, although I should presume it was made up of papers and a small amount of money.” ‘*Who gave it to you?” ‘*That I cannot tell you.” You shall, curse you!” *T insist that I cannot, sir!” “Do you dare refuse, nan, with death star- ing you in the face?” _‘“ Yes, a hundred times, yes!” Fred cried, in a ringing voice. ““Then, your fate be on your own hands!” Jackson Chambers gritted, savagely. He raised bis revolver, and covered the Sport’s heart, and— Did not fire! ——_— CHAPTER VI. THE SINGULAR MESSAGE. THE result of the rush from the Eldorado saloon, in quest of the mysterious slayer of Jim Hoon, was, as Goldie Glenn had predicted— fruitless. And the miners and ruffians came straggling back minus their prey. Hoon’s body was removed, and Jack Hom 1, whose back bad been badly sprained by his last fall, was taken away by his pals. Order once more restored, the games were resumed, and Goldie found herself busy until a late hour, for she was a favorite among the more respectable of the crowd, and they patron- ized her table liberally, When the busivess of the night began to wane, however, she flung a cloak about her shoulders, and putting on her bat, left the place, a number of hundred dollars richer than when she had entered it at dusk. Making her way across the plaza, she entered ove of the numerous tented habitations, before which a burly negro, armed to the teeth, kept unceasing vigil. . “Do not go to sleep to-night, Sam,” she said in passing him, “‘and awaken me at the slightest suspicious sound, A few more nights of the sort of luck I have had to-night, and I will be ready to quit this place for good,” ‘Deed an’ dis yar nigger will be dog-goned glad of it, Miss Goldie,’ the darky mumbled, Once within the tent, Goldie threw off her wraps and sat down at a rude sort of table, which, with a stool and couch of blankets, was the only furniture. Taking a little hand-sachel from her waist, where it was fastened by a cord, she opened it and poured the contents upon the table. There were greenbacks, gold coin, and now and then a little pouch of cust or a small golden nugget—in all a large sum of wealth for one night’s winning. There was no expression of satisfaction upon her face, however, as she counted, but rather a sober, wearied look. ‘‘Not enough yet,’ she murmured, as sbe finally restored it to the sachel and fastened it once more about her waist. ‘It may take many nights yet ere I have the required sum. Then how glad I will be!” She gave a sigh asif in anxious anticipation of the time to come, ‘IT wonder who he is?’ she mused, her thoughts reverting to Joe Chapman, the wres- tler. ‘‘I am certain that he took a strong interest in me, or be would not have allowed me to win from him as I did, and would not have espoused my cause by Guarralive with Homer, Oh! if I could but penetrate the mys- tery, what would I not vive. Something seems to tell me that Iam destined to have trouble soon, though I do not know from what source it can come unless—” She compressed her lips, as if disliking to utter the name that arose to them; then drew an official-looking envelope from fer bosom and extracted a document from it. This she spread out upon the table and exa.n- ined carefully, as if to catch the full intent of its meaning. It was a singular communication at best, and ran as follows: ee ee eee eee eae aaa En Sn nnn ann nnn SERRE —. ‘Brimstone Bar, —— 18, 188-. “To THE ONLY HEIR OF JOHN RAPHAEL LEEDS: ‘*GREETING:—The reception of this document wilf warn you that the writer came to this country, soli- tary and unknown, several years ago as a prospect- or. The locality was a forbidding wi'derness—and I grew to love it—the wildness and isolation. Day by day I delved away. prospecting inch by inch of the ground, in hopes of finding the anuch-coveted strike, for which humanity often barters its very soul. One, two, three years rolled by, but the prospector tired not, although his heart often yearned for the child he had left far away in the East. “At last, however, I ‘struck it rich.’ A chance accident placed me in possession of a great secret— the secret of a vast gold mine, wherein was imbed- ded the riches of a world, all to be had for the working. With alight heart I set industriously to work, and each day turned out a handsome sum of old, in nuggets and dust, which, as fast as accumu- ated, | consigned to the safe-keeping of a cache, where there was no danger of its being found. “Thus the days, weeks and months rolled on, and then the lone miner, for the first time, beeame awere that he was in bad company—was possessed of the devil. His Satanic majesty came daily to the mine, seated himself upon a rock, and watched me Jabor in grim silence, never interposing, objecting nor speaking. Of course I was alarmed at first, but the regularity of the demon’s visits soon caused a cessa- tion of fear, to be superseded by a feeling of resig- nation to the inevitable. “Finally, when [had amassed and cached a for- tune of a number of hundred thousand dollais, the devil spoke and said unto me: *** John Leeds, you have Jabored faithfully for the interest of your child, and have, by enriching her, — her eventually in my toils, Iam Satan, You 1ave entered my domains and delved from my para-: dise for her sake, and have provided for her hand- somely. You must now Ccelve for me. For every ounce of goid you have extracted for her you must produce one forme. Until you have done so you are my prisoner, Therefore. write to your daughter to come hence. On her arrival, she shall stay here until she has earneé tcn thousand dollars, That shall be the price of your ransom. for, for that sum you shall aguin be free. When your daughter comes will send her the choice of two busbands, well worthy of her, I will also send a messenger as guard, that no harm comes to her. She shall have suitors. in numbers. but between two she shall de- cide. If she chooses the right one, and pays me the named ransom, you shall go free, for the man she should elect possesses a mystic charm which even I am bound to respect. If she chooses the wrong one, you cease to dig for gold and become forever mine, and your child shall never see you nor the gold you have cavhe/ for her. It shall be searched for and found by those who serve me better.’ “Thus spoke Satan unto me, your informant, and at his command I went forth, wrote these lines, and, with blinded eyes, gave them to one, ordering him to send it to you. By which presents you knoweth my condition, and that which is required of you, ** (Signed,) JoHN RAPHAEL LEEDS.” Goldie Glenn read. and re-read the strange communication, ber face pale, her eyes luminous. with wonder. ~ ‘So strange—so very strange!” she murmur- ed. ‘“Itseems like the warning of some one unearthly; still it is the chirography of my father, Can such things be—that he is really alive, and still in the power of the Evil One? Ob! that I could solve this awful mystery!” ‘*P rhaps, if you were to employ me, | might. be of assistance to you!” were the words that sounded in Golvie’s ear. She looked around with a nervous cry. What sbe saw caused her to utter another cry, this time of alarm. A man stood within a few feet of her, hold- ing a dangerous-looking ‘‘ bulldog” revolver ip his right hand, He was attired in black, and wore a black mask before his face. It was Booth Barron, the outlaw. j ‘* Who are you?” Goldie cried, rising quickly, “ Sir, this intrusion is unpardonable! How did you gain entrance here?” ‘**One question at a time, please,” Barron re- sponded coolly. ‘‘Iam not a walking encyclo pedia of answers. As to bow I got in here, j chloroformed the African, and my feet brough; mein, [should think you would provide your- self with a stronger body-guard, Miss Goldie Glenn Edna Leeds!” “Sir, 1command you to Jeave my presence at. once, or [ will scream for help!” the gir] cried, greatly excited. ‘Tf you do, it will be your last trumpet-note upon this earth!” was the significant warning, ‘You've no cause to make a fool of yourss whatever. If I am not mistaken, I fancy 4 have some little right to call upon you.” And as he finished speaking, the outcast re- movel his mask. A darkly handsome face was revealed, witn eyes like stars, so bright and scintillating they were: a pleasant mouth, shaded by a slight jet- ty mustache, and hair black and closely crop- ped.
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ge A 7 al a3 Py §6Goldie uttered an exclamation of surprise, and a tint of pallor crept into ber cheeks. “You, Booth Barron?” she faintly articulated her bands clutching the document, which she quickly restored to her pocket. * Yes, I, Booth Barron,” he responded, calmly. “Is there anything extraordinary in the fact?” ‘In Heaven’s name, what brings you here? ” “You thought I was in jail, eh, where you left me, and cruelly deserted me. Ah! Edna Leeds, I never thoughS you would prove so false.” “Tknew nothing of your crime, until long after I had left the Chambers home, therefore ou cannot accuse me of that. As for desert- ing you, at all, [ did not, sir, for you had no claim upon me!” “T did! I did! than any of the others, and wien I asked you to have me, you—” **T told you I was not prepared to give you a definite answer—and neither was I; knowing it would be a negative, 1 dreaded to burt your feelings and feared your vengeful spirit.’ ‘How very sensitive, indeed! Onoe would almost imagine you a woman witua hear! If you knew your answer was to be ‘no’ why did you encourage me?” “T did not encourage you. If you miscon- strued my kindly reception of you asa sign of affection, I am very sorry.” ‘*Oh! yes—not a doubt of it. You were a hair-brained, stone-hearted coquette and you drove me to do what I did, and are as much re- sponsible for Charlie Chambers’s death as Lam,” You encouraged me more | First-Class Fred. CHAPTER VII. THE GOPHER GENT TO THE RESCUE. JACKSON CHAMBERS did not fire; for the re- volver was wrested from bis grasp! With a cryof rage he wheeled to confront his adversary, but to his unbounded astonish- ment, discovered no one! Not asingle living buman being was witbin the range of his vision, “By all the plagues! who seized that pistol?” he cried, both furious and mystified. A low laugh from First Class Fred cansed him to wheel again with un oath, to find that the sport now beld the drop himself. “At your service, sir—First-Class Fred, the Gent from Gopher!” was the salutation. ‘ Pon my word, friend Cnamobers it looks a tit as if i was on top of the beep after all, does it not? Very much obliged to that invisible somebody wuo relieved you of your blooming ‘six.’ How d’ye like the situation at the present time?” “Curse vou! Pat down that weapon—it might go off.” * Jusias likely to as not, for -it has a hair- trigger, and my nerves ®re not of the steadiest ey most rehable, I assure you. Still, you did nob consider the danger I was in just a bit ago! Chambers saw that the tables were fairly turv «dl, and naturally felt il at ease. ‘““You see!” Fred went on complacently, ‘© that the old poultry adage, ‘that it’s not pol- icy to count your cbickens before they're hatch- | ed,’ comes in with beautiful aptness just now. ‘*You reason without sense, and [ cannot sve | what satisfaction you can der ve from comiug here and annoying ine.” ’ “Ha! I annoy you, do I? Well, let me then suggest that if you do not act a little more sensible, the chances are, that I will annoy vou to some effect before I’ve done with you. dna, 1 am a bunted ovteast!” ‘‘Tt is not my fault, Booth. I would be the last one to counsel you to do what you did or to uphold you in your evil course.” “Yet, you were the prime cause of my doing what I did. I loved you—fairly idolized you, and believing vou were to be mine, was tempted to do what I did—rob the bank—for your sake, Oh! Edna, do not go back on me, now, when all the world has deserted me, because of my unfortunate act!” He dropped on his knees, before her, and clasped his hands, imploringly. Tears were in his eyes; penitence in the ex- pression of bis face. Any one at first questioning his love for her, would have now been satisfied that he was in earnest. She looked down at him, pityingly, but with ~ an expression of decision in ker manner. “Don’t, Booth!’ she said, kindly. ‘“* You not only make me but yourself unbappy. I do not love you—I will be honest and frank with you —and can never be aught to you, but a friend, and that 1 will always be if I see you try to do hat is right.” He bowed his face in bis hands, and heard the verdict; then, after a moment, be arose, bis face pale and stern, and a gleam in bis eyes that was not pleasant to encourter. “T rather expected this of you!” he said, ina hoarse whisper, as he bent toward her—‘ [ rather expected it of you, and therefore, my disappointment is not so keen as it might other- wise have been. If my love is not dead, it will gradually change to batred and a thirst ‘for vengeance. Do you bear—vengeance! If you refuse to marry me, there are plenty of ways to geteven with you!” ‘* Doubtless, sir. You are now showing the evil of your nature. Do you suppose I would link my lot with a man like you? No! a thou- nd times, no! Beaman, Booth Barron, and at least compel my respect; or be a roffian, and forfeit it—as you choose, sir. I trust you will not prolong this interview, but take your de- parture, at once.” ‘* Not quite yet, my girl. I want you to under- stand me, I now pref r your batred to your re- spect without your Jove. IL read that document over your shoulder, and see that you would still seek an Opportunity to break others’ hearts, as you bave mine, I might have sweeter ven- Veance by causing you to live in torture, but - 8ball not. She who would not be mine shall never belong to another—I swear it!” He throst the revolver into its holster, and crew a keen-bladed knife instead, " An instant later he was towering over her Tike an exultant demon, bis upraised hand clutching the vengeful knife, i teh ¥ ; Se | ae Se OES. a bw a tye" at ey ae 3 ce > x a x” Pte ‘Yoh ee et ‘ / ' yh ‘ a> Mane a ‘ » e ta tian” 1% Os Hae eae a i tls: i : a ao Sy Mase ie i PR 5 RT A moment or so ago you bad me booked, and uwiy baggage checked for a trip up Salt river, but a bubble in the boiler of your nautical craft burst, and I am still here—in fact, very muchly bere, And now, in regard to business matters, let me tell you that | bave tumbled gracefully to your little racket, You have come West in search of your former ward, because you have an ide» that she is beiress to a foriuse, and you can get a slice of it!” ‘‘ It?s false! She is my betrothed wife, and I mean to make her marry me,” ‘Indeed! What proceedings do you pro- pow to bring about this singular consumma- lout” ‘*That’s none of your business!” “Ah! Isw’t itt Now, really, I thought it was. Supposing you diverge from useless for- mality, now, and be confidential!” and the ham- mer of the sport’s revolver came back to a full cock, with a suggestive «lick. “Stop! If you shoot you'll be hung!” the ex- broker cried, nervously. “And Vil be hanged if I don’t shoot if you don’t answer me straight. Answer my ques- tion, or I’!] shoot your boots fuli of air-holes!” ‘Furies se ze you!” “Go on—out with it. How do you propose to make the girl marry you?” “She was the eccomplice to the murder of my son, and if she refuses to mariy me, Pll giva ber up to the law!” Chambers declared, vindictively. ‘*You will?” ‘By all the plagues, yes. Her neck shall fill a hangman’s noose.” ‘* What will I be doing all this time?’ ‘“*Humph! You'll not dare to hinder or in- terfere.” ‘You will see. Now, then, let me give you a little bit of fyiendly advice. You pack up your effects and get out of this camp as fast as you know how, Vil let you go, now, ou! of piteous contempt for you, but if suorise finds you in Brimstone Bar, just so sure as deer- meat is good eating, that sure will you hear from me—an’ I’m from Gopber. Go!” Jackson Chambers did not hesitate. nor did he make any response to this threat of the dashing sport, Lucky in escaping so easily, he made haste toward bis cabin without pausing to look back. The would-be assassin of Edna Leeds was spared the awful crime which the uplifted hand was to consummate, Goldie,as we shall still con- tinue to call ber was untouched, for the descend- ing blade was buried in Barron’s own leg, above the knee, inflicting a painful wound. At the sime instant, he was raised bodily and thrown upon the ground witb a foree that seem- ingly must have broken every bone in his Ov. “There! lie there you cowardly cur!” a voice cried, ‘‘ and move a muscle at the peril of your life!” and a man’s foot was planted tpon the vicious lover’s breast. It was First-Class Fred who bad opportuvely interrupted the act, and his face flushed with i Z see LT ee indignation, as his gaze roved from Golcie te. her assailant. . ‘*Who is this chap?” the Gent from Gopber demanded, drawicg a revolver and coeking it. ‘* Who is he, that would attempt to kill one like you?’ “Ou! sir, do not harm bim!” Edna cried, imploriugly. ‘He is a friend of mine, and kuew not what he was about, sir—oh! indeed he did not!” ‘Ob! he didn’t hnow what he was about, eh? Well! well! that strikes me as being rather singular. It don’t often occur that a man tries his band at carving anatomy, unless he bas some faint idea what he’s upto. Whois this tellow?”?” ‘*Oh! sir, he is a friend of mine, and he got angry at me, and he’s not very much to blame. Please let him up, sir!” ‘‘ Let bim up, to get another chance at you?” ** He will not try it again—indeed, be will not. You won’t, will you, Booth?’ “Nol” was the gruff auswer. The knife’s sticking in my leg.” “It ought to be sticking in your heart, in- stead!” First-Class Fred said, removing his foot from the villain’s chest. ‘‘ Now, look here, my incipent murderer, before you get up beg this young lady’s pardon.” ‘ “J beg it, of course,” Barron said, ungra~ ciousiy. ‘‘Sbe made me mad,and I didn’t stop to consider the consequences of what I was doing.” “A pretty nice way of get’ing out of it. I ain’t sure but what I ought tosboot you, as it is. But, since the young lady is so foud of giving © you another chance at ber throat, you shell have | three minutes to get out of ibe comp. Gxt up, now, and scoot!” ‘*With pleasure, my lord! Your kindness shall ne’er be forgotten!” the outlaw declared, as he arose and limped from the tent, First-Class Fred followed him outside, and watched him until he was out of sigbt, then, he turned, to find Goldie standing near him. ‘Oh! sir, ] have to thank you, +o wuch, for rescuing me,” she said, frankly putting forth her band, ‘I think be would have killed me, but for your opportune arrival.” *There’s not the shadow of a doubt about the matter,” the Gent from Gopher declared, dryly. ‘Stil you seemed nothing loth that be sbould bave another opportunity at you.” * Ob! no—but I do not wish tuat harm should come to him. He loves me, and becatse I can- not encourage bis bepes, he is jealous, and not responsibje for what be says, or does,” “Indeed! By the way, | see a mask there on the floor, From that I should infer tbat the fellow is an oullaw.” Goldie’s face flushed, and for a moment, she knew not what to say. ‘He is an outlaw, in name » she finally said, “but not at beart, A hastily periormed act caused his banishment from among honest peo- ple, and he is now a wandering outcast, with ne one to love or pity him.” “Tt is sad; but that does not excuse lim ¥or. attempting to murder you. Excuse me. young lady, tut may I ask your van? Something seems to give me the impression that 1 know you better than a stranger.” ** And, I, too, fancy I have seen your face. You are the one who wrote to me in the Eas:— you ere First Class Fred.” ; * Correct you are! And naturally, I may know you, as Miss Edna Leeds.” “That is my name, although-I am known here, as Goldie Glepn.”. ‘Why the change of title, may I ask?” ‘‘T made the change because I expected to be pursued by enemies. and thought a cifferent name would aid me, somewhat, in concealing mv identity.” ‘What enemies did you bave, who would be apt to pursue you?” : ‘*] found, just previous to my flight, that the man with whom | bad been left, by my f ther, was a scheming villain, and was bent on becom- ing my busband. Satisfied that my only safety lay iu flight, J ran away, and came bere,” | ‘* And this man’s name?’ ‘*Was Jackson Chambers.” “As J thought. Your opinion of bim was not without good found-tion, He is a villain of the firs, water, and bis purpose is to marry you, in hopes that be can thus get boid of a for- tune he suspects you of inheriting.” x “Ab! Do you know bim, then?” ‘*By slight acquaintance, yes, 1 intend to know more of him, too, if be tries any fanny games. I suppose you are aware thai he isin this camp!” ‘*No! no! Jackson Chambers Bar? Impossible!” ‘*Let me up. in Brimstone
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matt ' And Edna’s face blanched with terror. ‘It is quite possible, young lacy, and a fact, I assure you!” First-Class Fred said ‘* Not over an hour ago I had an interview with him, and warned him to get up and get out of the tovn. I bave no doubt, however, but what he will stay.” “Then, if he does, there will be no remedy “ for me but to again peck up my few effects and persecution,” a “Fear him not, young lady. While First- ‘ Class Fred is around yu need bave no un- x easiness or alarm. If the man annoys you, you can rest assured I will attend to his case,” F *T thank you, very much, L am sure, but I y could not think of asking a total stranger to “§ fight my battles, for me. I see no better way ‘vel than for me to leave this place, and locate in 4 some strange town, where hz will not so easily y find me.” i * Pooh! Nonsense! You remain right where ou are, and consider me your protector. If ackson Chambers shows his cloven foot, l/l : agree to make it so uncomfortable for him, that ° he will be glad to leave these parts, with all haste. You need not bave a fear that he will ever again trouble you,” ‘““You are very kind, sir; but still I cannot bring myself to believe tbat Lam doing right by depanding on you for protection.” “Rest easy on that score, Miss Leeds. “ deed, I believe I am entitled to the privilege of befriending you, if any one is!” “Tam sure | shall appreciate your friend- ship, sir. But tell me. How came you to write me and send me the sealed package?” somewhat of a mystery tome, You see, I was prospecting upin the mountains one day, and becoming wearied, lay down for a noonday nap. When I awoke, it was to find the sealed package upon my person, and also a note, re- questing me to communicate with you, and . then send you the sealed package, together with my photograph. I did so, and that was the last Lheard from you. I wrote you afcerward, but getting po answer, came to the conclusion that you either had no occasion for further cor- respondence with me, or was en route for this art of the country. And it turned out that he latter was the case.” be “Yes, “The nature of the communication I received in the sealed package was instrumental in my coming here. After you read it, per- haps you can assist in throwing some light upon the matter, which now remains a iwnystery to me! CHAPTER VIII. AN OPINION. ; -_AND so saying, she banded him the docnment to read, which she had berself been examining _ a short time before, when interrupted by Booth ra. F irst-Class Fred seated himself, and gave it a ae perusal, digesting the contents as he r ‘Well, this is rather a singular thing,” he said finally. ‘Is this your father’s chirog- raphy, Miss Leeds? ‘It is, beyond a doubt, handwriting anywhere.” ** What do you think of the nature of this ex- _ traordinary communication?’ ~~ * T do not know what to think, sir. It was - mainly in hopes of being able to throw some light on this matter that I came here.” f ‘Exactly. You pursued the right course, mo doubt. Have you gained any additional pews since you came here?” ‘“‘Not to speak of. That my father was in this vicinity, sum? months ago, there can be no doubt. It seems, also, to be known to some of the miners that be buried a fortune in gold in oe the vicinity, for a quiet but energetic search is ~ daily in progress for it,” + Ah! Whois at the head of the movement?” _ - Fred demanded, eagerly. ’ ‘local rouzb named Jack Homer. He car- ' vies the idea that I know where the gold is _ secreted, as do many of the other miners, and - they have made attempts to force me to tell -' them that which I do not know. , Their at- ‘tempts, however, are fruitless, and I brave _ | them, believing they dare not offer me_ vio- lence, from the fact that a strange, invisible friend, known as the Deadly Drop, seems to ' ever watch over me.” ark _ She then related all that Was known con- cerning the unseen and mysterious avenger, which the Gent from Gopher listened atten- I would know his fly, for I could not remain bere, to endure bis | In- tively. _ “Well,” he said, when she had done, “ it looks ' “That { will explain, so far as I can, for it is | First-Class Fred. probable that your father bas a valuablé cache of gold somewhere in the vicinity, as he states; but this story about bis being claimed and im- prisoned by Satan, is of course ajl nonsense.” ‘* But, sir, where is my father, and what was his object in sending me the strange letter?” “T am sorry I am not able to answer you. | The only thing we have to base an explanation on is that your father is crazy !” **Oh, sir—that would be awful!” ‘‘Very true, Miss Leeds, very true. But that is the only prectic:] solution of this problem. I look at the matter in this light. Having amassed a considerable foriune, your parent’s mind has become turned, from fear of losing it, and by a strange freak of mind imagines bim- self iff the power of the Evil One, and by bim held a prisoner.” “Tf this be s9, it would be better if I never found bim.” ‘‘ Quite true, unless the sight of you might have the effect to restore bis reason.” “That is not probabie,” ‘No, 1 guess you are right. thing about the case, however, that is not plain tome, Tbis Deadly Drop—who or what is he, or she, whichever it may be?” ‘“T bave no idea. If my father is indeed not possessed of bis right senses, might it not be he who has assumed the role ?” ‘“*There are large cbances that it may be. However, this unseen avenger must be a most accurate marksman, as you have told me that each one of bis victims is invariably shot in the center of the forebead, Was your father so good a shot.” ‘¢That would be impossible for me to say, as I was but a small child when he came West. He has had ample chance to become a good shot, in the time he has been absent.” ‘‘No doubt. Now, Miss Leeds, I shall take pleasure in being of assistance to you all that I possibly can, and I trust that we can, by work- ing together, do much toward clearing up this mystery, and perhaps obtain for you, the buried treasure.” ‘You are very kind, sir, 1 am sure. I place greater confidence in you than I would other- wise do, owing to the fact that you were select- éd to deliver the message to me,” ‘* And your confidence shall not be misplaced, Iassure you. What business are you engaged in, here?” Goldie’s cheeks flushed almost scarlet. She had been expecting be would ask this, with a nervous sort of dread and horror. How was she to teil him ber calling, and ever look him in the face, again? , Yet he-must certainly find it out, sooner or ater. ' ‘‘T am almost ashamed to tell you,” she said, averting her face to conceal her embarraas- ment, as much as possible. ** When I first ar- rived here, I was out of money, and not know- ing what else to turn my bands to, I began playing cards, at the Eldorado, for money, As a result, having been very lucky, | am still there.” “Thera is nothing surprising to me, in this fact, I assure you. I have met and known sev- eral respectable women, who flipped the paste- bourds for a living—not exactly from_a choice, but because they had no other vocation. And, now, since you are located as you re, 1 advise you to goright along with your. business, and we will await developments. I will see that you are not troubled, or, in case of my absence, that you have ample protection, I must be go- ing now, and trust that you will not be further molested, after restoring your colored com- panion to consciousness,” And tipping bis bat, the Gent from Gopher sauntered away. : CHAPTER fX. THE POOLING OF ISSUES. SATISFIED that Edna Leeds could easily be found at the Eidorado, Jackson Chambers did not make any extra exertions to see her, at once, for he wanted time to consider just what moves he was to make, in the game he intended to play. He arose, bright and early, the next morn- ing. and leaving Brimstone Bar behind, took a walk up the Coeur d’ Alene trail. It was a bright morning, with an invigorating breeze blowing down from the distant snow- capped mountain peaks—just the sort of a morning for a thoughtful stroll, “ By shrewd maneuvering, only, can I hope to win my point!” he mused, as he walked, “T have got to play for all, or nothing, and the present state of my finances demands that I should win. To do this is to fight a battle such There is some- . ee / oa as few men ever before fought, single-handed. — I have a man to contend against who is danger- ous in more ways than one, Shrewd, sharp and daring, this First-Class Fred isin my path and I both hate and fear bim! Curse him!” he ex- claimed aloud, in bis “if he thwarts me he is a dead man * Then, since you bave so much at stake, why not pool our issues and divide the profits? The astonished schemer paused, for there in his path stood Booti Barron, blockading bis excitement, ” ‘ | passage, a formidable pair of revolvers in his DY | gresp. ‘‘ You, Booth Barron!” he cried, ‘‘Curses on you, chance has once more thrown you in my way!” * Ou! no!” Barron coolly replied. ‘‘ Chanec had nary a thing to do with it. I purposely threw myself in your way, knowing that you were searching for me.” *“T bave not been searching for you. you were in Hades, long ago.” “Ah! did you really wish to let me cff as cheap as that? You are kind. But, you see, I happen to know that you have a paid detective on my track;.so bere I am!” “You are mistaken, Booth Barron. I never expected nor wished to set eyes on you again.” “Sorry, Jackson, old fellow, that my confi- dence in your veracity is not sufficient to war- rant mein believing your pleasantry. I have already sized your man and am satisfied that Joe Chapman is not only a detective, but a very keen one, I congratulate you on your selection, but, just tell Joseph, while you are tendering him my respects, that I defy a dozen like bim, and he will never lay a hand on me.” “ Boast not, you cowardly assassin, for retri- bution will sooner or later overtake you, even though you hold the advantage of the drop at the present time. Your neck will yet fit in the bangman’s noose for the murder of my boy!’ “Tf I did assassinate bim, it was at the insti- gation of another. If I committed murder, an- other piotted the crime and tempted me by money and great promises to do the deed.” “What? Do you mean to tell me that you, whom everybody once thought to be an honor- able man, was bired to do that dastard crime?” ‘Just what I do declare. But, though I sinned, I was terribly tempted—more so than you ran even imagine. I did not come bere to palliate my crime. I have regretted it most truly and the thought of it has made me a very desperate man. I have sought you at this time to say that I can be of immense service to you, You are about to get yourself into serious trouble, and I know that by letting bygones be bygones, we could mutually reap a great bar- vest—one of a lifetime.” Chambers eyed the outlaw, however, with doubtful, gleaming eyes, ‘You say you did not willingly murder Charlie?” he said, slowly—‘‘that you was hired to do it? Tell me, who, in God’s name, would hire you to do such a thing? Perbaps I shall he more ready and willing to consider what further you have to say if you can prove What you have confessed.” ‘ Barron laughed good -naturedly. ““ Well. one whom you would least suspect,” he said, keeping a close watch upon the ex- broker. ‘* You may or may not be aware that while Charlie was fickle in bis attachments, there was one who favored him more than she did other suitors, and yet at that very time she was desperateiy in love with me, and I with her, I finally discovered, however, that she was fish- ing for Charlie because she knew you bad made a will bequeathing all 2o him. See?” “1 comprebend. You have reference to Edna Leeds.” ‘Yes, As soon as she knew you bad changed your’ mind—tad destroyed the first will and made a new one, she came to me and let the cat-of-her-intentions out of the bag, and invited me into the conecction of several first-class schemes. One of them was for me to kill you, and she would tben claim to bave been your wife, and obtain con‘rol of vour estate by de- stroying the second will, This 1 utterly re- fused to consider, even with the promise of her hand in marriage, and a life of ease and luxury to follow. I hoped ‘The next thing proposed was thatI rob the bank. get morried. As you know, I got so far as tackling a part of my mission when I was nabbed. Fearing I would make known her share in the enterprise, the girl lit out.” Jackson Chambers listened with so much com- posure that the narrator was piqued. ‘ ‘s Barron, are you willing to take your oath We would then run away together and’
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_ that Edna Leeds was your evil génius in your _ eriminal proceedings?” . “Jam willing to swear a hundred times that she was my evil genius—that she bad me so ir- retrievably in her power that she could literally twist} me around her finger at will.” “T think, then, 1 can understand how you became responsibie for my son’s death,” Cham- bers said bitterly. ‘“‘At one time that girl could work me to her will, so infatuated was I with her—and therefore I hold you less to blame than 1 would otherwise do.” ‘*] was so sure you would when you came to Sh; understand matters,” Barron declared, ‘ that it ‘ gave me hope of your forgiveness, and that to- ‘as gether we might successfully work against the ek evil genius of us both.” ‘*You have taken a sensible view of the mat- ter, and while it would be unnatural for me to forgive the great wrong you have done me, if there is anything to be gained by it, the mem- ory of the crime can be dropped, and no allu- sion be made to it hereafter.” ‘*Then, the next thing is for us to under- ral -stand one another, You came here in search of Edna Leeds?” ae did.” “You believe her to be here?” "R07 “What cause have you for believing this?” “ My agent—” “You mean Chapman, your detective!” “‘ Well yes, if you choose to dub him so. He came here in advance of me and began a search P which resulted in his setting his eye on a female +) gambler at the Eldorado, calling herself Goldie : Glenn. He believes her to be my fugitive ward,” “ And you?” “T haven’t the slightest doubt about the matter.” “ You haven’t? Well, I bave seen her, too. I paid her a visit, but got coolly. received, and was dumped on the ground by a sport who is the perfect picture of Joe Chapman,” ‘*The deuce you say!” ‘*Yes, Hebalances all to the name of First- Class Fred!” - “Ts it possible? It was of First-Class Fred I was speaking when you interrupted me,” a! suspected as much, You evidently have __, met him?” ~~ *-.**Yes, He called to see me, and we went up the Coeur d’Alene trail to havea confab. I got the drop on him, but my pistol was suddenly and mysteriously snatched away, by some in- visible hand, and the fellow turned the tables on me and ordered me out of the town.” “*T suppose you'll go?” “When I get ready, of course,” “That’s tue talk! Don’ Jet him bluff you, but let’s pool our issues, and fight him together. One important thing ismoney. Report has it that there is an immense treasure of gold, “ae ? buried in or about this‘camp, and there are a : several parties eager to find it. A movement is be on foot for a combined effort to prosecute the S48 search and to keep others off the premises, Say te Here is the call.” - He handed Chambers a written notice, which’ ~ Olen, ran as follows: : 4 “TO WHOM CONCERNED: “This notice is submitted to a select few, that may be by it interested and benefited. “A meeting will be held to-night for the purpose of dr fting rules and regulations of an organization, and for the purpose of deciding upon the most feasible plan for finding and securing to our mutual benefit, the immense cached treasure, of one John R. Leeds, reasonably supposed to be concealed close to the town of Brimstone Bar. Publicity of this movement is not desirable, se it is suggested that every visitor be properly diszuised, and that one member shall not be personally known to another, Further particulars at the meetin, which will take lace on Cosur d’Alene trail, at the mouth of Dark un, at nine o’clock, to-night, ‘ * By order of “Bi Caprain.” Who is he?” Chambers asked. It matters not. Come, and we may learn much that will be the means of furthering our own plans.” “Very well. I will b> there!” aes ie eer ee as THE HAT-THROWER. _ CHAMBERS returned to the Bar, and seeking _ the general store, and the proprietor’s confi- dence, was able to procure such articles, and make such alterations, that when be emerged from the store he was so well disgnised that his own daughter would not have known him, had _ ghe met him on the street, _ He was thus able to wander about town dur- ing the day, incognito, and visited the Eldorado vs t > ia —— ne ———— Wii ee Td ate ar - First-Class Fred. saloon several times, remaining an hour or two. Goldie Glenn presided at her table, as usual, and was well patronized, for more reasons than one, Now, she had a professional card-sharp to deal with, whose object was to fleece her it he could, which was not often accomplished. Then came a miner, very flush, who could not stand prosperity, and was not heart-broken if be won or lost at a social game of draw; next, an impecunious tenderfoot, not entirely ‘ broke,” but hopeful of bettering bis financial condition, Goldie treated one and all, with equal cour- tesy, and as she won oftener tuan lost, the day’s play added sensibly to her hoard. First-Class Fred was seen about the Eldorado, but Chambers noticed that be seidom approach- ed Goldie’s table. Whether this was by agree ment or not, be was unable to decide. The more the ex broker gazed npon the pretty face of the card queen, the firmer became his belief, that, without the shadow of a doubt, she was the real Edna Leeds, who had been his ward, Yet, one thing puzzled him: to his certain knowledge the girl inever had any experience with cards or card-playing, and if she had be- come an expert, in the few months she had been absent from his Eastern home, ber case was without a parallel. Her mannerisms at the card-table, too, some- what differed from those of the Edna who had graced his home aud was the belle of the village. Nevertheless, no moderate argument could have dissuaded bim from the belief that she was other than his runaway ward, and be was several times on the point of going forward, and speaking to her, but remembered Booth Barron’s advice, and refrained from doing s0. Just toward evening, a little breeze was stir- red up, to break the monotony that had pre- vailed during the better part of the day. It was caused by the appearance within the saloon, of two characters, who both seemed out of place in a camp like Brimstone Bar. The one was a youth of perhaps fifteen years, of remarkably handsome figure, which was shown off to good advantage, for his attire was a suit of cotton, flesh-colored tights, such as is usually worn in the circus ring. His feet were incased in tight slippers, and upon his head was a clown’s hat, His face, too, was painted up, ludicrously, in elown-fashion, and its contortions elicited roars of Jaughter from the rough crowd,” His companion was attired in a short gauzy costume similar to those worn by girl bare back riders of the arena, only, in this instance, the tinseled skirt reacbed below the knees, and the dress was not cut lowin the neck. She wore a jaunty fur turban upon her head, from beneath which her wealth of brown bair rip- pled almost to her waist, Her feet were incased in slippers, with flesh- colored hose; her arms were bare, white, end shapely, and her hands glittered with cosily rings. In face—but stay! Let us note the expres- sions upon other faces, . Jackson Chambers half rises from his seat, with an incredulous gasp, his gaze riveted upon tbe new comer, in the eagerness of doubt. First Class Fred, over there, leaning against the bar, straightens up, a flush growing upon either cheek, and gives the new-comers bis strict attention. Several otber bystanders glance first from the face of the girl in short at- tire, to Goldie Glenn, the card quéen, and tben back again, in astonishment. The faces of the two girls are as alike as two photographs, taken from one negative! In every respect is the resembiance complete —ecast of features, expressions of face, eyes, and mouth; hair—all. Just at this noint, a wiry little third party glides into the Eldorado, and into position, be- tween the two “ sarcus” folks. He is a Frenchman. His nose—his darting, little, shrewd eyes—indeed, his very presence, betrays his nationality; yet he speaks most ad- mirable English. **Ladies and gentlemen, I have the honor of introducing to your notice the young Monsieur La Rode and the charming Mile. Estelle from Le Grand Cirque, Paris, both of whom have heen engaged by me, at enormous expense, to exhibit in this country. where true talent never | lacks for hearty appreciation—especially among the critival sudiences of the far West. (Ap- plaus). As we bave arrived too late in the day for any formal exbibition, [ would respectfully say that my great aggresation of wonders, known as Varleri’s Continental Congress of Co- ! lossal Novelties will give two exhibitions, to- morrow afternoon and evening, upon the plaza, and that all who patronize will get their money’s worth, Asa smali advertisement of what is in store for my patrons, | will intro- duce the Monsieur and Mademoiseljs in a few of their specialties, with your kind indulgence,” No need to say that a rousing cheer ensued, There was an instantaneous buzz of excite- ment ane the habitues of the Eldorado felt like yelling out their joy at the glad tidings. A cireus coming tc town! A big boliday—and a big drunk—in store, What more could the buman pulse of that wild town wish for to set it ’way up in G, First-Class Fred still stood at the bar. He had glanced but once or twice at Goldie Glenn to discover that she had recognized Estelle; the tell tale color that suffused either cheek of the queen betrayed that. But hers was a face that was hard to read, even when she was excited or confused. Jackson Chambers, in bis disguise of a moun- taineer, bad resumed bis seat once more, and his gaze, like that of the Gent from Gopher, dwelt alternately upon the faces of the two girls, ‘‘Now, ladies and gentlemen,” called out Varleri, ‘‘I will leave my stars to amuse you for a few minutes while I attend to some out- side business.” He then skurried away, while Master La Rode and his beautiful companion begaao their performance. Estelle first assisted the boy to do some clever gymnastic feats, Then, after she had placed herself against the wall, backward, he borrowed ascore of bowie-knives and hurled them with such precision that they became imbedded close around her until she was literally pinned to the wall, and yet unharmed by as much as a scratch. The next act was for twenty long-necked whisky bottles to be procured from the bar and placea upon the floor in an upright position in a circle end several inches apart. La Rode then procured a spade, and standing upon the ears of it, danced around among the bottles without touching or overturning one of them. It was a clever act, end received merited applause from the enthusiastic audi- ence, The culminating act was for Estelle to pro- duce six clown hats, similar to the one worn by her companion, La Rode. She then positioned herself about ten feet away and sent bat after hat spinning tbrough the sir, all of which descended in rotation upon the boy’s head. Ri Rode then retreated ten feet further, and the act was repeated with extra dexterity. “Gude enuff fer a gal, but et takes an ole lantern jawed galoot from Smokestack ter beet it,” a burly, disgusting looking bull- whacker cried who had witnessed the feat. “‘ Go to the end of the ball, La Rode,” Estelle said to the boy, paying no attention to the speaker, La Rode returned the hats to her and then sought the further end of the apartment. lt was a distance of full thirty feet, and as the reader can well imagine a Jong distance for a person to burl a hat with anything like pre- cision. A murmur of wonderment escaped the crowd for they believed it impossible for the beautiful Estelle to accomplish the feat at that distance, The bullwhscker turned up bis nose in infinite disgust. ‘*Ker-whoop! That aire a snortin’ old reach, but while 1, ther old Howlin’ Hatcaet from Cherry-tree kin do it every time, I’ve got golden ducats ter allow you can’t do il, me charmer!” he remarked, swaggering nearer to the girl. Sbe turned a flashing glance upon bim, meas- uring him from head to foot. ‘* Who are yuu addressing your remarks to?” she demanded, haughtily. ‘‘ Why, to ycu, ter be sure,” he replied. Withcut another word she turned her atten- tion to La Rode, and giving a cry of “ bip!” sent the hats whizzing through the air, ! One after another they gracefully settled upon the youtb’s head, one on top of another, until they had all reached tbeir goal, and were stacked in a pyramid, A yell of admiration and cries of “ Bravo!” went up on all sides. Howlin’ Hatchet danced closer to MiJe. Ese telle. a sort of leering grin upon bis ugly face. “Ye did it, me gal—ye did it like a leetle man: but I kin_ beat it, by ther Eye-toothed Ezekiel, I kin! Jest ye stan’ yer boy out on ther plaza, an’ I’ll stan’ sixty feet frum bim an’ do yer same act, or eat-my brogans, That's
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me, the Howlin’ Hatchet, an’ I live on chicken- brains to boot!” ‘There is no use to argue with you, sir—you could not doit, It is an impossibility.” “I’m bettin’ a bundred ter one I kin do it!” the bullwhacker declared. _ ‘Very well, Pil bet you. I'll reverse the order, however, so you will not be a heavy loser. Pll bet you a hundred dollars against one taat you cannot do it,” ‘Taken. Fetch your pard.” ‘*Come, La Rode,” And with sparkling eyes, the fair hat-thrower ted the way from the Eldorado out upon the plaza. Did the crowd follow? Nothing short of a free fight would have kept them inside the saloon, Unless be was a more remarkalle being by far than he looked, tue butiwhucker wonld be beaten, and every one was uctuully eager to witness such « result. Stukes were driven six*y feet apart, and La Rode took his position at the further one, while Howlin’ Hatchet stood by tre otuer. “Now give me the bats!’ be yelled. ‘Lot me illustrate tow easy 1 kin clip ther sarcus gal’s conerit!” The hats were handed him, and after giving them a trifling examination, he sent them flying through the nir, one afer ano! ber. Instead of going sixty feet every one of them fell to the ground at a distance of not over teu feet trom toe starting-place. A seri’s of groans anc cat-wauls rent the air. “Oh, scree naway, galoots!” Howlin’ Hatchet sung out, ‘I kin stand it!” ** Yu have lost. I will take the dollar, if you please,” Estelle said, stepping forward, ‘No, ye won’t!” the bullwhacker declared. “T hain’t got nary red cent ter my name!” “You miserable skunk!” cried First Class Fred, striding forward. ‘Is that the way you treat ladies? [f so, you’ve struck the wrong camp to operate it. Deliver up the dollar the lady won of you, or I'll break every bone in your body!” And by his tone, the Gent from Gopher was evidently dead in earnest. Howlin’ Hatchet gazed at him a moment with an angry scowl, “See hyer!” he growled. what do you want?” “Tam First-Class Fred, and I want you to fork over the dollar she won of yon!” **T bain’t got nary a dollar to my name, I'll sw’ar, stranger!” ‘‘Then why did you seek to place her in so awkward a position by betting when you knew you had no money?” ‘“°Ca’se 1 wanted ter git a free interdooce tew ther public in gineral!” ¢ “Then, oy Jupiter, I'll see that you get it, you cur!” the sport cried sternly. In a twiokling he pounced upon the bull- whacker, and, Pet, him as-though he were but a child, raised him bodily in the air and dashed him heavily to the ground. As Howlin’ Hatchet struck terra firma with a thud and a grunt, a hand tapped First- Class Fred upon the arm, while a cool voice cried: “That will do, Hadn’t you better turn your attention to a more worthy subject?” The speaker was Joe Chapman, the wrestler- detective. : \ CHAPTER XI. THE APOLLOS MEET. First CLAss FRED wheeled around and con- fronted bis accoster, without an exclamation to denote the surprise he must have felt, His face, however, grew hard in its expres- sion, and the flashes of his eyes had batred in them. Joe Chapman’s face was likewise sternly set, and the bystanders came to the immediate con- clusion that the men were enemies, The wrestler’s words, too, were as good as a challenge. What was impending? Were these two specimens of well-developed manhood to settle some feud of tbe past, now and here? If so, the Brimstone Bar folk were nothing loth te be present at a *‘ funeral,” But, what was this? A discovery is suddenly made, These two Apollos are literal counterparts, in int of general resemblance, except that the opher Gent’s hair is lighter in bue and more luxuriant than that of bis companion. What strange coincidence this, that two pairs ‘Who aire you an’ ‘ _ of people should meet in a little camp like Brim- ee — daisy, tho’? You bet; but ’tain’t every First-Class Fred. stone Bar, all in one afternoon, whose resem- blances were so marvelously marked? That First-Class Fred and Chapman might be brothers, seemed possible, but the Bar-ites had little time to refle+t upon this fact, now. “Well, sir, 1 am as your service. What do you want?” was Fred’s composed answer, * That is a foolish question to ask!’ Cuapman responded, cold.y. ‘Is it not understood be- tween us, that the pair of us cannot live in the same camp?” “That has hitherto been the understanding, sir, and, it has been obeyed to the letter. Iam alsO aware that, at our last meeting prior to this rather than kill you until the day set for our final duel, I evacuated the town. Do I un- derstand that you would have me repeat that action now?’ “You could not have guessed straighter,” Chapman confidently rejoined. ‘‘I happen to have been first in Brimstone Bar, and do not propose to vamose. You are the Jast comer, and as one small camp, like this, is not large enough to hold us both, it devolves upon you to play Arab—‘ fold your tent, and silently steal away.’” ‘““Which I unhesitatingly refuse to do. I am here to stay, and if either goes it shall be you! “Never!” Chapman cried, determinedly. ‘‘I, too, am here to stay!” The faces of the two men were now dark with passion, and their eyes emitted gleams of deadly hatred, They thus stood eying each other, neither offering to precipitate an assault. ‘“Well, what is to be done about it?” First- Class Fred demanded, finally. ‘‘Yousay you will not quit Brimstone Bar—neither will I. Accoiding to our agreement you are breaking your word. Do I understand, then, that our difficulty shall be forever settled to-day, instead of waiting until the fourth of May?” Chapman did not answer immediately, but seemed to be cogitating. His brows were knit- ted, and appare Dtly he was at loss what answer to give. “Tsee no other way than that we shall have to come to a final settlement now, sir!” he at length, answered, ‘‘As neither of us will go the death-duel set apart for May 4h must take poe to-day. What shall it be—knives or pis- tols? It was now the turn of the Gent from Govher to deloy answering for a moment, during which time his gaze roved quickly over the sea of faces that surrounded the plaza. ** Neither knives or pistols will do,” he said. ‘* We are both expert with them, and probably would kill each other, which the feud does not demand. Therefore I suggest that we take a recess of twenty minutes to half an hour to originate some better form of duel, The one suggesting the most ingenious and at the same time the fairest plan for both shall win the choice. How do you like it?” ‘*Tam satisfied, Three disinterested parties shall be chosen to decide hetween our proposed methods, as regards which is the fairest, aud at the same time the most novel.” ‘* Agreea!” Without another word the two foes separated and walked away. First Class Fred went to the Eldorado; Chap- man toward the supply-store, which also con- tained the post-office. As for the denizens oi that wild camp, they were in a feverish state of curiosity and excite- ment. Not only were they nonplused to know why these twostrange men were such implacable enemies, but they were also curious to know which would be the Jucky inventor of the most original plan for settling their quarrel. In the mean time, the crowd did not leave their places about the plaza, and Howlin’ Hatchet, the terror, having partly recovered from the shock of his fall, arose, and shook himself, as a great shaggy dog might have done ‘* Whar's ther galoot w’ot swiped me?” he bel- lowed, glaring ferociously around. ‘‘ Where is he, I say?” “Oh! he'll be out here, in a jiffy, ‘a by- stander assured, ‘an’ ef you want ter git off with a whole back, you'd better git up and puckachee!” ‘*What! me puckachee—me, the French- freckled Howlin’ Hatchet frum Cherry-tree? Oh, no! Narya time, frum now ter twenty- seven o'clock! I’m a staver. | am, and heer I wait ontil he returns. By ther way, feller. galoots, I ain’t no slouch, ef I do look it, an’ hyarI am, fer ye all ter gaze at. Ain'tla one as hy “oe a = appreciates the wholesome fack. I’ma snorter, ™% I am, an’ I’ve got whiskers on my eye-teeth. Don’t some anymile wanter come trim ’em? Hev ye all had a fair look at me? Do I look like a darned fool? No sir-ee! Nor J ain’t. I hold ther key-note ter ther biggest secret in these hills, I do, an’ I am hyer ter be seabaned off ter the galoot what has got the most fun or money in him. Did any one say drink?” No one did. All were evidently suspicious of the Honor- able Mr. Howlin’ Hatchet. “No one even sighed, hey? Ob! well, gents, ef ye don’t can afford ter giv’ us a treat, fer sake o’ l’arnin’ a secret worth millions’ 0’ dol- lars, why I’m thet build I kin go it dry, as long as er Kansas perarie in fly-time. Good-day, gents, Whenary oneo’ ye wants ter spend five thousan’ on me fer ashampain supper, l’ve got ther purtiest little secret ter impart that ye’ll find outside o’ a Presbyterian primmer. Day- day! I’m goin’ ter drink wi’ Howlin’ Hatchet ther Hilarious High-Horned Hummer, from Humpback!” and “the Hummer” swaggered away toward the Eldorado, with a siguificant grin upon his ugly visage. At any other time, his words might have at- tracted more attention; but just now, the minds of the populace were literally carried away with excitement over the prospective duel. At the expiration of twenty minutes, the ent from Gopher promptly appeared upon the plaza with no alteration in his appearance, ex- cept that be was, if anything, calmer than b:- fore, No one ventured to question him, for the crowd seemed to stand in awe of bim, after witnessing the unceremonious manner in which he had handled the How!ing Hatchet. Ten, fifteen, twenty minutes elapsed. Then a boy approached the Sport, from the direction of Che mbers's cabin, and said: ‘“ Mister, a feller told me to come, and say as how he was called away on important bizness, but would see you later!” A smile of contempt lit up the Sport's face, as he turned toward tbe hotel. “The coward!” was his only comment, and that was inaudible. CHAPTER XII. TWO LETTERS. THE miners and hangers-on of the camp of cour-e were mystified as much as before, and thoroughly disgusted because the duel did not come off, and unanimously voted Joe Chapman a cowaid, It did look rather suspicious, this strange absence, considering the fact that he had been the aygressor. ‘ As for First-Class Fred, he sought the Eldo- rado, and taking a cigar, he sauntered Over to Goldie Glenn’s table. ** Business is not brisk!” he remarked. “Not just at present. Won’t you sit down?’ “Thank you. 1 will, fora moment.” And he took a seat facing her, “Tam so glad Mr. Chapman did not return,” she said, looking up at bim earnestly. ‘I should have so disliked to see you two gentlemen hurt one another,” “Tn all probability but one of us would have been hurt,” he replied, dryly, ‘By the way, I see you are interested in Mr, Chapman, as he dubs himself.” ~ ‘Oh! nc—not more than a chance acquaint- ance. but is not bis name Chapman?” ; * Not that Iam aware of. But then he is the owrer of so many aliases that it is bard to telk what his true name is.” ‘ “Indeed? Itook him to be a gentleman, in every sense of the word. Do you know, when I first met him I believed him ‘to be you, who sent me the picture? Then, too; from the way he quizzed me, | felt more assured, as I saw that he suspected me of being who I am.” “Not impossible. Since finding Jackson Chambers here, I bave little doubt but what Chapman and he are together in the conspiracy against you.” “Oh! how cruel!” “Well, [am not prepared to say as to that. Do you know, some one is playing it very fine in this matter, or, eventually, will try to play it fine? Then, too, considering the message of your father, who knows but what, without our knowledge, Chapman and myself may be the very two parties selected for Edna Leeds. to choose between?” # “That had not occurred to me. It might be so, however.” eae ot ‘Certainly. Have you the message with nd ov?” ee. me No. For fear I would lose it, Ileftitina — ae, af ~ meee See ee -
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y Pipe. 4 3. Se #5) 3 af Nel) cae ‘safe place in my tent, which Sam occupies dur- ing the day and guards at night.” “Ab! well, it don’t matter. What do you think of the rew-comer—the circus-giri?” **T do not know what to think of her, lam sure. It seemsso very strange that two of us should happen to meet who bear such a striking resemblance to one another.” “Very true. Yet, nvt half an hour after- ward, Chapman and [—two of the bitterest of foes—encountered. This world is made up of startling events, But the strangest question now agitating my mind is—which young lady is the real Edna Leeds?” ‘Why, I am, to be sure!” ‘You say so, of course, but pardon me if [ attach some little significance to Ma’m’selle Estelle’s coming to Brimstone Bar at this pgr- ticular time.” “Pooh! Allowing that we look alike, in every periicular, [ fail tosee why you should have any reason to believe but what [ am the real Ejua Leeds. The other girl knows nothing about the case.” ‘That remains yet to be ascertained.” ** Even so, it is not probable that a home-bred girl, who has been absent from home the short time Edna Leeds has, would, in that time, become an expert hat-tbrower and circus char- acter,” ‘I might say the same in regard to flipping the pasteboards!” Fred laughed. “ However, let the conparisons drop. There's a scheme on foot here to counterfeit the real dna Leeds, but who is at the push-end of it I aven’t definitely decided. If you are the real Edna, that other girl bas been run in here, to fit into the scheme. If you are not the real Edna, and that other girl is, you are playing a cunning, a bold, and a desperate game, which I shall make it my business to expose and baffle. Do we rightly understand each other now?” “*T believe we do.” Her face was not pale, but rather flushed, while her hand trembled a trifle, as she toyed with the cards, She did not allow her gaze to meet his as frankly as she had done before, and he hardly knew whether to regard this as a sign of modesty or of guilt. ‘*T have no hesitancy in asserting my identity if it becomes necessary to distinguish me from this other girl,” she continued, after a pause. ** Although I have but few of my former effects with me, I could easily have them proven as be- longing to the true Edna,” As a couple of men sauntered up just then to try their bands at a game with the Card Queen, Fred arose, and bowed himself out of her presence. ‘ . “A woman is an enigma, at best,” he mut- tered, as he left the Eldorado, and walked off toward the post-office. *‘I admire that girl. yet something seems to tell me that she is not Edna Leeds. However, I did not take a deciied fancy to the circus girl. She did not thank me for interfering with the ruffian in her behalf, I wonder where she is?” He glanced upon the plaza, and saw that lively preparations were being made for the circus. Five or six wagons had been drawn upon the plot and were being unloaded. The main tent was not yet up, but several smaller tents had already been put up, probably for azcommodation of the performers and horses, The venturesome showman had pushed thus far, at great risk, so as to be the first show, and reap the first harvest in the Coeur d’Alene re- gion, when spring should fully open, and the stampede of ** gold lunatics” should occur. Signor Varleri was busy superintending the work, with bis coat off, and silk hat crammed back on his head, and he danced about and yelled like a Comanche, Seeing nothing of Estelle or La Rode any- where, First-Class Fred continued on toward the post-office. Not that he expected any mail, as it was seldom he recsived any. His surprise, therefore, was great when, on inquiring. he was handed out two letters—the first he had received since corresponding with Edna Leeds. One of these was a large envelope, buff-col- ored, on which was scrawled his name in pale ink. / The other one was a delicate envelope, direct- ed by a pretty, feminine hand, He started as he gazed at the chirography. _ It was like to that employed by Edna Leeds in ber letters. ‘What does this mean?” he muttered. ‘Can it he—” the sentence, but ee curbing his curiosity, he opened the larger en- First-Class Fred. There was butascrap of paper within, upon which was scribbled the following: “Frrst-CLass Frep:—Beware, lest you get en- tangled. Quagmires all around you. ** DEADLY Diop.” ‘*Phew! Worse, and more of it!” Fred mut- tered. ‘‘ Now, who is this Deadly Drop, and what interest has he got in the matter? By my soul, I’ve a notion to believe John Leeds’s story, and come to the conclusion that the Old Nick really bas broken loose. I don’t know of a better view to take of it.” He next opened the other missive. “JT. Frrst-Ciass Frep,” it began; “you will be surprised to receive this, but, having arrived in Brimstone Bar, I would like to see you privately, in regard to the matters of my father, touching wich you sent me astrange document when 1 was living with Mr. Jackson Chambers, in N——. Call to-night at two A. M. Very Respectfully, **Epna LEEDS, **( Hstelle.)”” “P.S. Please excuse me, for inviting you at such an unseemly hour, but I do not want Varleri to know of it. La Rode will be with me. He doesn’t uncder- stand a word of English, you know.” “Or, rather, T don’t know a blamed thing about it,” First Ciass Pred muttered. ‘The devil is to pay, and where’s the funds to come from, figuratively speaking, to pay him with? Ab! Lhave it! Goldie Glenn is raising ’em, at the card table, Ha! ha! Happy thought! Happy situation, too, I'll be shot if it ain’t! Wonder how—which—where—when—blame it —what—obh bosh!” And entirely out of patience, the Gopber Gent strode away, provoked at bimself, and the most bothered man in Brimstone Bar. CHAPTER XII. THE MEETING AT DARK RUN. AsovT dusk, that evening, Booth Barron was prowling along Coeur d’ Alene trail, near Brim- stone Bar, waiting unti] it was dark enough to venture into the camp witbout being recognized, when he suddenly found himself face to face with Joe Chapman, the wrestler. Tbe two appeared to know one another, for they shook hands, familiarly. ‘*Well, how goes it?” Barron demanded, in his gruff manner. ‘Things working all right?” “Tean’t complain. Now that I’ve got all the points, | am satisfied [ can make a case of it.” “Tam not sorry to hear that. J’m in “es we can raise some greenbacks before long. y waliet is as thinas a wassup’s stinger, aftera bard winter.” “ We, you say?” “Certainly! Ain’t that right?” Chapman laughed, grimly. ** Well, I should decline negatively!” he de- elared. ‘‘What is to be made I can take care of without the least inconvenience,” ‘* But, look here! What’llY get if you pro- pose to gobble all?” “Why, you'll get left!” ““T don’t believe thet you'll play crooked with me, Joe Chapman, You promised to whack up the spoils with me?” ‘Nothing more natural, sir. A man will do a great deal nowadays to gain a point, you know!” “Then you did not intend to keep the prom- ise when you made it?” “*T was uncertain about it.” “You are a black-hearted scoundrel, Joe Chapmen!” Booth Berron cried hotly. **Hasy—ensy!” Chapman returned, with pro voking coolness. ‘*I don’t mind being called bad names; and besides, you must have been as great a scoundrel as myself. or you would not bave associated with me, Now, look here, Barron, you are a murderer, and I have the the power to arrest youif I choose. I'd bea fool to share any spoils with vou. and I give you a chance to get out of the Bar.” “Curse you, no! I ain’t the man to beso cheated—oh, no, not I. I'll stay here, an’ if you don’t do the fair shake by me, I’ll expose your whole game!” ; . “You will not!” o, ** And, how will vou help yourself?” “Pll tell you. You see, having worked you for what’s in you, I have come to the conclusion that vou are in my way, and I must have you ontofit. If you will not take the opportunity I have given you, to get out of this part of the country, I'll kill you.” : “ You'll kill me?” “That is what I said.” | _ “Tt will be a cold day when you kill me, I’m every inch as good as you are, as you'll find.” Csapman did not reply. = 11 His hands had been in his coat pockets, all flong. Suddenly, as Barron ceased to speak, there was a sudden report, and Barron staggered, and fell. At the same instant a hand fell upon Chap- man’s shoulder, and an awed voice cried: ‘* George Chapman, you too, are a murderer?” It was Cherry Chambers who spoke, With a bitter curse, Chapman wrenched bim- self away, and fled. That evening, the little camp was literally flooded with handbills, announcing that Mile. Estelle, would, at midnight, walk a slack-rope. without aid of balance-pole or other artificial means, the rope to be stretched from the top of tae roof-peak of the Eldorado saloon, at an angle of forty-fivé degrees, to the plaza, below. Es- telle was to light her dangerous path, by carry- ing a blazing torch in either hand. The same bills announced that Varleri’s great show would be open, the following afternoon, presenting a carnival of wonders. The evening passed quietly. -Tuere were no fights, and everybody seemed to bold aloof from the usual bacchanal sports, so as to be in proper “fighting trim” for the morrow. About eight o’clock, it might have been no- ticeable that a pumber of the prominent roughs of the camp were absent from their usual haunts, but few of the populace noticed the fact. An hour later, a group of men were assem- bled on the Coeur d’Alene trail, at the mouth of Dark Run—-a forbidding place, well fitted for the transaction of almost any crime. Tower- ing mountains, arcse on either hand, and the_ Run, which branched off the trail, was a seam penetrating, seemingly, into the bowels of the range. The men thns congregated were fifteen in number, roughly dressed, and mostly masked— those who were not masked being disguised by . clever wigs and false beards. They appeared to be waiting for new drri- vals, and in the course of five minutes five more men, similarly disguised, put in an ap- pearance. Then, at the motion of one, who appeared to be captain, the gang squatted upon the ground, the leader alone remaining in a stand- ing position. ‘“Well, boys,” he said, glancing over the party, searchingly. ‘‘Iam pleased to see here present all I have summoned, Though none of you know who I am,I am in a measure ac- quainted with you all, and am satisfied that you are men who can be trusted, and who are willing to undertake the job we have before us, and push it through, to success, even though we have to go through fire and blood to achieve our end!” There was an instant murmur of approval, and El] Captain went on: “In me you have one who will lead you without fear, and if we fail, it shell not be my fault. Now,to business. There is a general un- derstanding that one John Raphael Leeds, some years ago cached an immense fortune in gold, in or about the present town of Brimstone Bar. On what is this understanding based?” ‘““Dunno as fer that,” exclaimed one of the men, ‘*’cept that a pard o’ mine, named Melk- ton, once found a paper, stating as how John Leeds had that day buried his fortune in gold. It appeared like the leaf o’ a memorandum. From Job, the story spread to others, an’ ye know a story never loses for the tellin’.” “Was the memorandum anything like this?” the captain asked, and taking from his pocket a document, he read the contents aloud, It was, word for word, the same message as Goldie Glenn had shown First-Class Fred—the singular tale John Rapbeel Leeds had left be- hind, to mystify those wh® stiould read it. “That's about the same thing,” the men as- sented; “ anybow, thar was a gal mixed up in it. and so forth, an’ I presume ef Job war alive he’d said this war like what he had.” “Well!” El Captain resumed, “you'll all agree that this is a rather extraordinary docu- ment, and possibly is the creation of ‘a disor- dered brain; but it still is reasonable, to believe, that the buried fortune does exist. The old fel- low no doubt struck it rich, and cached it; then, his good fortune and fear commingled, knocked him off bis base, and be feared to unearth bis treasure, lest he be robbed of it, and wrote this document with an idea of using lunatic strategy as the motif of placing his child in possession of the fortune.” ‘ : e ) =
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: “sy _ ber 12 ** He must be a smart crazy man!” one of the band observed. “Of course. There are plenty of instances where men and women are really crazy, and are yet so rational and cunning that their de- meptia is not discovered forsometime, Lt may be so with Leeds. But, now, before we proceed further, it may be weli to perfect our organiza- tion. Do you all solemnly sweas, by all the sacred ties of earth and Heaven, te follow and obey me, as your ruler and captain, until such time as we shall find Jobn Leeds’s buried trea- sure, performiog whatsoever acts your lead er shall deem necessary, and clinging to one an- other like brothers, to the very death? Rise, with uplifted hands, and swear!” The nineteen men obeyed, and there, in the grim shadows of Dark Ruu, the oath was taken. . “The penalty of treachery or deception, in any form, is death!’ El Captain avnounced. “Now, commencing at the right, as you stand, you will be known as.Z, Y, X, W, and so on, in rotation, until the wineteenth man is reached, who will be H. You may now sit down.” They did so, when El Captain produc d a jug from a clump of bushes, and passed it around, When all bands had taken a formidable swig, he went on: “Now, be it known to you or not, there are two persons in this town who claim to he Edna Leeds, the daughter of John Leeds, and con- sequently the heir to his gold. One of these is the female gambler of the Eldorado, Goldie Glenn, The other is the newly-arrived circus girl, Estelle. As you may have noticed, they are perfect counterparts, in point of personal resemblance, and it is hard to tell which is which. I do not know myself, nor am I able to give an opinion in favor of either. It will, I ‘think, be a hard matter to decide which is the genuine, and which is the bogus Edna. Both claim to be the true heir; both are armed with documents similar to that I possess; both claim to have run away from their guardian, one Jackson Chambers, in the East; and old Cham- bers, who is here after the right one, is puzzled to know which is which. The girl, Glenn, I never met until I came to Brimstone Bar. The circus girl I met several weeks ayo, further East, but at that time [ knew nothing of, the strange documents, nor that she claimed to be other than whom she was represented to be, on the show bills.” “How came these two girls to documents so exactly alike?’ Jietter H asked. “That is an enigma, in one sense. It ap- pears, from all I can learn, that the fellow, First-Class Fred, was the person to whom Jobn Leeds assigned the original message, to be transmitted to his daughter in the East. Both girls claim that they received correspondence, and a document, from bim. So you see, the matter is as much mixed asever It, however, places the Sport in rather a peculiar light, does it not?” There was a decided grunt of assent from the listeners. ‘**Now, you remember,” El Captain went on, “*the clause I read vou in the message, where Satan, speaking to Leeds, mentioned that two suitors should be sent, for the choice of the girl. It looks as if First-Class Fred were the one, he being originaliy intrusted with the mes- sage. Does it not stand to reason that, not being certain whether he will be the chosen one of the two, he means to win, hit or miss, and has therefore put forward the second claimant, in mee of winning through her—whichever the false one may be?” “You're right,” Letter X eried, ‘‘it does look decidedly that way. The fellow is a scaly cus- tomer, at best.” ] ‘**Correct! It looks very likely that he knows which girl is which, and intends to play to win, between them. He is, as a consequence, in our way, and the sogner he is got ou: of it the better it wilk be to ouf interests.” ‘* D’ye think he knows where the treasure is?” “No. ,But if ne is left to roam about locse, he is liable to find it in advance of us.” ‘You're right, First-Class Fred must die!” The words were uttered simultaneously by a chorus of rough voices. -* There is another thing to mention,” El Cap- tain added, “in connection with the strange message. I bave been turning the matter over in my mind, and have about come to the con- clusion that the unknown terror, Deadly Drop, who haunts the vicivity of Brimstone Bar, is the same thing or being that the message promises shall guard over Leeds’s daughter.” “Not at all impossible,” Letter H assumed, ee the accursed thing will give us a wide ossess two -_ _- “—-™mOweew — 09000 999 9 933999 es First-Class Fred. ‘*Which it will, if we work together and in secret, as we must needs do if we hope to suc- ceed with our plans. One more proposal I have to make: We are now united as a brotherhood and our object is plunder. Should we be dis- covered we would be branded as outlaws, Why not, then, take advantage of it—take time by the forelock, as it were, and make an honest penny while we are awaiting possession of the | fortune? To-morrow evening, between eight and nine, the first stage from Eagle City to Brimstone will come down this trail freighted with Coeur d’ Alene gold. Shall we permit it to reach Brimstone, or do we need some of the auriferous ourselves# That is the question now before the house.” “I opine we do want some o’ that same,” Letter I declared. ¥ Ss I second the motion,” chimed in Let- ter H. The others readily accorded their assent, not a man hesitating. ‘““Then the matter is settled!” El Captain de- cided, ‘‘ All hands will meet bere to-morrow night at eight o'clock, armed aid ready for business. In the mean time, if anything occurs in Brimstone Bar necéssitating the rallying of our forces for immediate action, a rocket sent up from tbe rear of the Eldorado will be the signa’. I will now dismiss you and we will all quietly uwait our chance at John Leeds’s for- tune. I feel satisfied that something will, ere long, turn up to give us a clew.” The band then broke up the caucus and dis- persed. CHAPTER XIV. THE MIDNIGHT ROPE-WALK. BRIMSTONE BAR was up late that night, or at least its people were; for, as the soaring moon cast its brilliant shower of light down upon the wild young town at twelve o’clock, it disclosed the fact that a large crowd thronged the plaza— a mixture of many kinds of folk, such as went to make up the populace. No need to ask why the commotion. Estelle, the circus beauty, was to disport her- self upon the slack-rope for the edification of the denizens of the camp and as an advertise- ment for Varleri’s Tented Congress of Novel- ties, which, on the morrow, would be happy to welcome tlie Bar-ites and their shekels, The plaza had been scmewhat monopolized by. the spread of canvas: still there was room for the sight-seers, a large percentage of whom appeared to ‘‘ feel their oats,” su to speak, judg- ing by the noise they made. Old Howlin’ Hatchet was there, full up to the neck, and cutting up so many drunken capers that he was ratber an attraction in himself. Twice did he essay to walk up the rope, which was fastened from a stake in the pliza to the roof-peak of the Eldorado, but in each instance did be tumble off and go sprawling to the ground. " ‘On, I ain’t no hog—I know when the swill’s exhausted!” be lugubriously snorted, after the last attempt. “1 kan’t walk er rope, per i! can’t fling a hat, but I tell ye I can jest git up an’ git, and kerry ther biggest secret as ever did exist. I do—I, ther great and only Howlin’ Hatchet, o’ Cherry-tree, Washington county, Georgia. And, reckomember, gentle galoots, that ther secret is fer sale, ter ther highest bid- der. Ah! what—did I heer some one cry ten million dollars? Whar is he? Show him to me, Ten million an’ not a cent less will J listen to, asastarter. Ten I’ve got! ten I’ve got! Who says twenty?’ ‘ But no “ galoot” even bresthed “ twenty,” and so, with a sickly grin, the bullwhacker turned a clumsy handspriug, for diversion. When twelve o’clock came. the muliitude_be- gan to grow impatient, and anxious for Ma- demoiselle Estelle to make herself manifest. If they hadn’t spent an admission fee to see the show, it bad cost a round sum for their indul- gence in ‘\rust killer,” and they wanted some return for their money, First-Class Fred stood leaning against a brace of the ¢givcus tent, idly engaged in smoking a cigar, and watching the different faces and poases around him, He had come to see Estelle walk the rope. By watching her, he hoped to be able to satisfv himself, whether she was tie trne Edna Leeds, or the false, a thing be had not yet been able to decide. The handsome Gent from Gopher was oc- cupied in b's cogitations, when he felt a touch unon his arm, and was surprised to see Goldie Glenn standing by his side. She had a fur dol- man flung about her and a saucy little sealskin cap upon her head, and looked irrepressibly pretty and captivating. ae #7, > ‘“‘ Excuse me, pray,” she said, smiling, “ but I~ did so want to get a good view of the—the sen- sation;” with a roguish twist of the pretty lips . —‘ and I wanted to ask you if I might consider myself uuder your protection, for a few min utes.” ‘“Why certainly. I shall be delighted to be- come your chaperon, Miss Glenn. 1] was just puzzling my brain with a little enigma!” ‘Oh! what is it? I love cnigmas.” “You must adore yourself, then—eh? But the enigma I was pondering on—-how is the fair Estelle ever going to walk up that rope, -with- out falling off, and breaking her neck?” ‘On! dear. I hate to think of such things, What if she should fall and break her neck?” “Why, I should then think there was a chance of ber being the rea] Edna!” ** And if she gained the top in safety?” ‘“T should not take so many chances on it.” ‘*Then, not wishing her neck any ill Iuek, I hope she won’t be able to perform the feat!” Goldie said, with a pouting laugh. ** Ab! bere she comes now!” The crowd parted, and Mademoiselle Estelle was seen approaching, on her way to the rope, carrying two ublighted torches ie her hand. _ As she was passing where Fred and Goldie were standing, she raised ber eyes and flashed the Gopher Gent a quick, pleasavt glance, at the same time accompanying it with a graceful inclination of the head, He doffed his bat, but whether she saw the action or not be could not tell. Goldie’s hand fairly pinching his arm, re- called bim to his senses. ; “Do you know her! Have you spoken with her?” she demanded in a quick, low, passionate voice. f He tried to conceal a sense of annoyance he felt, as he looked down on her. ‘*What! you are not jealous of your counter- part. are you?” he replied evasively. ‘* Yes, T am!” she said impetuously. ‘But you have not answered my questions.” ** Well, to be truthful, I sball bave to answer ‘no’ to both of them,” he smiled. ‘‘I have not as yet had the honor of aninterview with made- moiselle. She bas uotified me, bowever, of ber presence here.” ‘* Ah! she pretends to know you, then?” ‘Tt would appear so.” 3 Goldie was silent a moment. ‘Well, Lhave told you who I am,” she said, after a pause; ‘and you must be your own judge whether I have been falsifying to you or not, Ah!” There was a sudden glare of light. Estelle’s torcbes were ignited, and she had stepped upon the rope with one of the burning brands in either hand, held above her head on either side. The illy-stretched rope swayed dangerously beneath her feet. i A strange, awed bush pervaded the throng of spectators. Even the boosiest bummer in the assemblage felt constrained to silence until the girl’s perilous feat should have been accom- lished. . Fred and the Card Queen watched with breathless interest. ; Signor Var'leri stood at. the foot of the rope, as did La Rode, while several others of the circus people were near, ‘ Three steps upon the swaying rope—then Es- telle balanced herself upon one foot, and waved the torches at the audience. Then facing about, she slowly but) steadily began the ascent, the swaying rope threatening every instant to precipitate ber to the ground. She retained her equilibrium, however, with graceful ease, and sfeadily advanced until final- ly-amid thundering cheers, sh¢ stepped from the rope to the solid roof, and throwing down her torches, kissed ber band to the audience. She then moved along the rocf to the scuttle, ont of view, but scon reappeared upon the plaza from within the Eldorado. Here she was greeted with another ovation o applause, and If was with difficulty Varlert could open the passage through tbe assemblage to her tent. : “What do you think of her?’ First Class Fred asked, as be conducted Goldie toward th Eldorado. ; ; ; ‘‘T do not like her,” was the quick response, “She is wily, scheming—/alse /” ‘ ** Perhaps! How late does the open?” “Tt, will be daybreak ere it closes now.” ‘Good. I willsee you again between now and morning. I will put you to a test to sat- Eldorado keep isfy me which of you two girlsis the true Edna Leeds.”
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whether I could reach you at after reading papa’s strange message, ar **T am ready to meet it now; I may not be Pat the Eldorado when you come.” ' _ JT will run the chances; I prefer to have time for thought. Ah! here we are, Au revoir!” And with a courteous bow, he left ber at the door. _ As he turned away, he fancied he heard a stifled sob, and looked quickly around, but she had disappeared. CHAPTER XV. ' THE TESTS.- First-CLass FRED was resolved to settle in his mind before be slept that night, the one oe that was agitating him—was Goldie lenn tbe real Edna Leeds, or was she a shrewd, wily, accomplished schemer, and an impostor? It yet lacked an hour and a balf, when he turned away from the Eldorado, ere he could see Mademoiselle Estelle, and so he wandered out of the camp and along the Coeur d’Alene trail. He had no thought or fear of being followed, and therefore guarded his movements witi no particular caution. When he had gone what he believed to be about a mile, he turned and retraced his foot- steps, his mind busy with thoughts of Goldie, whom he had grown to regard with a some- what stronger feeling than mere fancy. Suddenly, and without any warning, three masked men leaped upon him from behind a bowlder, and attacked bim with beavy clubs, Leaping back, he drew a revolver and fired twice upon them, dropping two of the party instantly; but ere he could fire tbe third shot the revolver was clubbed from his grasp, and a second blow alongside the bead brought him to his knees. Then the assailant dropped the club, and fell upon bim, forcing bim back to the ground. Resolved to give him a hard struggle, the sport threw his powerful arms about the fel- low’s body and drew him into a bear-like hug. An instant later he was astonished to find that the Man did not move a muscle toward continuing the attack. Rolling bim off without any trouble, he pro- _ ceeded to make an examination, and was elec- trified to find that blood was oozing from a small bullet-hole in the center of the dead man’s forehead. “The Deadly Drop!” escaped Fred’s lips, **T must be a favored one, for, if I mistake not, _fyis is the second time I have been delivered by this unseen avenger.” He arose and looked carefully around him, but even by aid of the brilliant moonlight fail- ed to discover any trace of the mysterious Deadly Drop. “By the gods! there is something infernally strange about the happenings in and about Brimstone Bar!” he muttered; ‘and I fancy I won’t be sorry when my mission in these parts is ended.” Removing the mask from the face of the dead man, he made the discovery that it was noe other than the local desperado,Jack Homer. A similar examination of the other two as- sailants resulted in the finding of Bije Buzzard, chief of the Rope and Limb Boys, and another bard-looking character whom Fred did not rec- ognize, The latter two rvffians were simply badly wounded, but not knowing what else to do, Fred left them lying where they had fallen. He then continued on his way to Brimstone Bar, and reached the vicinity of Estelle’s tent at the appointed bour, Except across the plaza, in the immediate vicinity of the Eldorado, the camp was wrapped in quiet. f ‘be tent designated by Estelle in her letter contained a dimly-burning light, and as First- Class Fred approached the entrance she stepped - forth to meet him. i soork I have rae ears for you, and am so glad you came, she said, putting forth her vet “Walkin. La Rodeis a ny the cot.” Not witkout some doubts as to whether he was doing altogether right or not, Fred obey- ed, and was given a stool to sit upon, while the fair counterpart of Goldie Glenn occupied* a similar seat. ‘* Do you know, I have feared we would never reach this town, and I have been so anxious, too!” she said. ‘‘I did not write you when I left the Chambers place because [ did not know Eagle City or not. Thad no money, and at first did not know how I should get bere—but to get here I was bound, I man- ‘aged to reach New York, and there saw an nd- vertisement for young ladies to learn the circus business. Iepplied, was accepted, and by care- ul and conscientious efforts succeeded so well, eee EEE eee ee ai - — 7 t-Class Fred. Ti ai a Firs that Mr. Varleri saw me, and offered me a chance to come with his ‘snap’ show to this wild country. And here I am!” ‘*T received a note to the effect that you were here,” Fred observed, ‘‘ And, allow me to add thav lam somewhat surprised to see you so far advanced in your profession for the short time you have been at it.” “« There is little rtd aims about it when you come to consider that I was placed under an ex- cellent turor, and then, too, I proved to have an aptitude for the business. What has turned up tbat is of interest to me since I last heard from you?’ “Oh! very little of importance. Your former guardian, Jackson Chambers, has ar- rived here in search of you.” ‘“*The monster! On! mercy, what shall I do? I would not meet him for worlds!” “You need do nothing. I fancy he will not attempt to molest you.” ‘*) bope not. Lloathe and despise him. Is dear, sweet-tempered Cherry with him? She is such a nice gir)!” ‘*His daughter is here. By the way, Miss Leeds, I suppose you have your father’s message with you?’ ‘*Ob! yes, indeed! Such a strange, incom- prebensible es it is too,” and sbe drew a document from her pocket and gave it to him. “Has anything new been learned about my poor demented papa, or the treasure be purports to have buried?” “Nothing in particular,” Fred answered, as he drew nearer the light. His face was perfectly composed as he close- ly scrutinized the message. He at last folded it up, satisfied that it was in every respect a counterpart of the one he bad seen in the possession of Goldie Glenn! ‘‘ Nothing in particular, except that there are various parties endeavoring to find the treasure, and appropriate it to their own use. There is also another young lady in this camp who claims to be E }na Leeds!” “What nonsense! You mean the young lady who stood with you to-night?” “Yes; and she is the very image of you.” ‘“Merely a chance resemblance,” ‘“‘That may be, but it also happens that she has a document lik this and that [sent it to ber’ when she was in the East.” ‘Indeed! How very strange! Why, I don’t know what to make of it. I never expected any one would try to cheat me out of my very name,” “Well, an attempt is being made to cheat one of you two, out of a name. The fact of it is, young lady, one of you two is a most dangerous impostor, and believing that I am one of the two favored ones designated in the message as suitors for the hand of Eina Leeds, Ihave an interest in detecting which one is the impostor.” “Ob! I'm so glad of that, From what I hav seen of you, my confidence is already so great in you that 1 feel easier, because I know you will bave no trouble in proving me to be the genuine Edna,” Never once did the keen, searching gaze of the Geut from Gopher leave the girl’s earnest, pretty face, and, skilled student of human nature that he was, he was secretly forced to confess that he was puzzled. For the life of bim, be could not have made a positive decision, whether he was facing the genuine or the im- postor, so artlessly earnest did this girl seem. ‘*{ shall try to deal fairly!” he declared, ris- ing and buttoning his coat. ‘ After due medi- tation, I have arrived at two tests—one for you, one for the other girl. As they shall determine I shall work out the exposure,” ‘Good. Isee you area natural born detec- tive. C “Ob! no. By the way, what do you think of the marriage part of your father’s message?” Just this: money nor any other considera- tion, could tempt me to Wed a man whom Lcid not love. I would forfeit a dozen such fortunes, as my father ee to have left, ratber than marry bis choice for my husband, did I not like him.” ‘Well, I must say I_ admire your frankness, and womanly spirit!’ Fred confessed, candidly, ‘IT must be going, now. I will see you again, at another time,’ ‘But, your test?” i “IT will give you the easiest one, reserving the hardest one for the other rival. Have you the first letter I wrote you?” .“T have not. I destroyed all I received from ou, ae your photograph, which is in the ttom of my trunk yonder. Do you wish to see it to-night?” aie x) gee: jas ee aa on “Oh, no! I will not put you to that trouble. I can see it to morrow as well, I will now bid you good evening,” and with a bow, First class Fred left the tent. ‘*Oh, beaven!”’ he tnused, as he left ber pres- ence, ‘‘must I, after all, believe Goldie false, just when I have begun te—” He shut his lips tightly together, and moved rapidly away. The sky bad become overcast, and gloom pervaded the plaza, Suddenly Fred saw a shadow moving ahead of bim, and some impulse caused him to leap forward. His hand fell upon the shoulder of Goldie Glenn, and he wheeled her around, facing him. ‘* Goldie!” be ejaculated, reproachfully. ‘* Yow were listening!” With a gasp, she attempted to release herself: but he held her firmly. “ Please let me go,” she stammered. ‘ I—I— couldn’t help it!” “There, now, don’t say a word, I do not blame you. Perbaps you had aright to spy. Goldie, listen: You heard me give her the test. Are you ready to receive yours?” She was silent a moment, then responded in & choked way: a Yes,” “Well, don’t tremble, It is not bard if you are the true Edna, Have you the first letter E “ es,” ‘Once more: What was the name of the post- office at which you received the message ?” “Tt was at Elkland.” ‘Thank God!” Fred ejaculated. ‘ Edna, you are Edna, beyond dispute, and I love you. I should have told you this to-night, bad your answer been what it might. Here and now, as an honorable man, and regardless of any future developments, I ask you, will you be my wife?” His arm was about bat webs and he knew that she was trembling violently. ‘You surprise me,” she said, finally, in a faint voice. **I cannot answer younow. Come to me to-morrow, at nine, and I will give you your answer.” She then released herself, and darted away toward her tent. CHAPTER XVI. ARCH PLOTTING. AFTER leaving the presence of the Gent from Gopher, Goldie Glenn burried directly toward ber own tent, where h-r servant, Sam, stood faithfully af bis post of guard duty. Her cheeks were burning, and ber bosom heaved rapidly; but otherwise she betrayed none of the excite- ment she felt, ‘““ Well, Sam, bave you seen any one prowling about since I’ve been gone?” ‘““*Deed an’ I babn’t, missy. Eberyt’ing done be quiet about de tent.” ‘“That is good. Keepa vigilant watch until daybreak, Sam.” And so saying, the Card ueen passed into her tent, and lit the lantern. Then she sat down, as on the previous nights, and counted up ber little store of money, which the cards had won her, A surprised cry escaped her when she summed all up, for she had exactly ten thousand dollars —tbe price of her father’s ransom. “Oh! how glad I am!” she murmured, “TI had no idea I had so much! Ten thousand dol- lars! What shall I ever do with it to keep it safe?” ‘* Be kind enough to hand it over to me, and I will deliver it to the one to whom it belongs !” Goldie’s blood nearly froze in her veins, as sbe heard the words uttered, as they were, in a deep, senulchral whisper. She scarcely dared look up, so great was ber terror; but when she gained the courage to do so, she felt somewhat reassured by discovering the ugly bullwhacker, Howling Hatchet, stand- ing near her, with folded arms. She had expected to see some hideously horn- ed envoy of Satan confronting her. ‘Sh! not a word, aloud, at the peril o’ yer life!” the Howling Hatchet bissed. ‘* Ye need- n’t be afeard o’ me, fer I’m as harmless as a ’skeeter in winter, Iam sent to wait upon ye, for John Leeds’s ransom money. I am the agent of the man who holds John Leeds a pris- oner, That man’s name is Satan!” Goldie gazed at bim, in mute astonishment, not unmingled with disgust. “You are an impostor and a ruffian!” she fiercely breathed, laying her hand upon the money. ‘ ‘“*Don’t ye believe it, gal. I have the power to set your fatber free, or forever lose him to this outer world, Look at me—I am the living representative of the ruler of the infernal re~ 13
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bs ions, and I have come for your money. Shall have it or not?” The character of his speech was visibly cbanged, and bis tones, though he spoke but in a whisper, were stern and authoritative, Goldie’s face was pale, but by a great effort she retained her courage. ‘You shall not have tbe money until I have satisfactory: proof that my father will be releas- ei, and restored to me!” sbe cried, firmly. “The proof is forthcoming!’ ’ Howling Hatchet replied, advancing to the table, and laying down a piece of paper. ‘‘ Read that, and satisfy ycurself that it is correct.” Goldie did so. The contents of the paper were as follows: ‘ BrrMsTONE Bar, April —, 188—. ** Received of Edna Leeds, known as Goldie Glenn, carat gambler, the sum of ten thousand dollars, then Johe for the release from captivity of her fat r, John Raphael Leeds. (Signed) Satan, Kine or THE INFERNO. “ Per his authorized Ag’t, ‘Howling Hatchet.” “P.S. I hereby testify to the correctness of the above. JoHun R. LeEps.”’ “The last is certainly my father’s chirozra- phy,” Goldie cried, excitedly. ‘Thank God, then, he still lives!” “ Are you now satisfied?’ Howling Hatchet demanded, grufily. “Yes! yes! Take the money, and go set my father free. You are more than welcome to it.” “It is well! Preserve this receipt. Lose it under no circumstance or condition or you will regret it!” So saying, the Howling Hatchet scooped the money from the table into a canvas sack, and disappeared under the back side of the tent, as quietly as he had come, leaving Goldie dazed and bewildered, as she stared at the receipt. About an hour before the time First-Class Fred visited Estelle’s tet, Joe Chapman entered the Eldorado, and took a ‘sharp look around the apartment, as if searching for some one, Not finding the person he wanted, among the noisy fhabitues, he took his departure as unceremoni- ously as he had entered. As he left the saloon. a rough-looking cus- tomer, evidently a miner, approached and, seized him by the arm. ‘Sh! not a word!” the man warned. “TI am Jackson Chambers, and I want you. Come!” The detective gave bim a doubtful glance, but accompanied him without a word. They walked rapidly, and were soon in one of the gaps, east of tle camp, where the moon- light did not penetrate, but the waters roared. ‘Now, then, what do you want?’ Chapman demanded, pausing, and evidently not of an in- elination to go any further. ‘*Want!” Chambers repeated, facing him. “<P ll tell you what I want: I want to kuow what in the deuce you are up to?” Chapman laughed, oddly. ‘*So you ain’t onto the racket, eh?’ he said, good-naturedly. “No, I am not, and if I thought you were playing mé false you'd not live an hour.’ 2! Ont I don’t know about that. But, don’t fret yourself. I have never once thought of playing you false. I’m working the.game in our mutual interests, and you aught to be con- tent to la bys and look on,” * But, not. I want an insight into the matter. Who i is this new-comer?” ‘ Estelle, you mean?” “Yes.” y, she is Edna Leeds, of course.” ‘* Bah! I do not believe it.” **You’d be a fool if you did, Nevertheless, she is Edna Leeds. You understand?” “ Well! yp? ‘Well, I have fitted her out with all requi- sites,and ‘learnt her ber little lesson,and you can bet she is as quick as lightning to catch on. I’ve sized up the other girl, and have made up my mind we can’t do much with her, backed as she is by First-Class Fred. Our only gripe, is through Estelle.” ‘* Who is she?” “That matters not. When Isent for her, I knew the sort of a bonanza [was laying hold of.” “Likely. What is the difficulty between you and First-Class Fred?’ i ‘That i is emphatically none of your business, rT. “Oh! you needn’t bristle up. I know you are brothers, and suppose you’ve had a row over some love affair. But, as you say, it is none of my business, jot course. Go on with what you have to say,” ‘Well, you see, as I before remarked, our only hope ies in this girl Estelle. She is bold, rer, and capable of facing a aten, necessary.” ___ First-Class Fred. ‘‘ But how are you going to utilize her?” “Leave that to me. In the first place, [have | posted her on the circumstances of the case, in all particulars up to the present day. ‘Secondly, I bave armed her, and myself, | her to be the real Edna Leeds, with an exact copy of the message Leeds sent | to his daughter.” ‘See here! You, then, are El Captain?” “eh am. And, accordingly, you must be Letter—” ‘*T am Letter H.” “Very well. We now understand each other still better.” ‘But, hold. from another, whom I would be captain?” How is it.I received my notice naturally supposed “So did I, You refer to Booth Barron!” “e Yes. ” ‘* Well, I concluded the fellow was unsafe, and after working him for all there was in him, I concluded I was more fit to head the move- | ment than he,” * Ah! you—” ‘‘ Was forced, in self-defense, to kill him.” Jackson Chambers shuddered. Rank villain though he was, he bad never. yet stooped to do murder, “You need not care,” Chapman went on. “Tt was retribution on ‘him, for killing your son.” “Perbap:. How did you work the matter of the duplicate messages?’ ‘ Rasily. I secretly visited the Glenn girl’s tent, yesterday, borrowed the message from among her effects, made two exact copies of it, aud escaped—all while the nigger slept.” “*'You are a trump.” “You do me proud,” with a dry laugh. ‘* Now, there are two points we must yet make. First, we must place in Estelle’s possession the photo of First-Class Fred.” ‘* Easy enough, ‘J have that. bebind.” * ‘*Good! Next, we must secure the two letters written to her by the sport.” ‘*That will not be so easy.” ‘“‘T fear not. But, come; let’s go back to my Fred is to have an interview witir | Edna left it uarters, Jstelle, and then she will report to me. may be news to work on.’ ‘*But, look here; I cannot see my way clear | yet. In case we succeed in establishing this ad- venturess as the real Edna, what profit is to be | derived from the faci?” **That remaivs to be seen. In some manner or o‘her the real Edna must be put out of the way. Estelle shall then be provided witb cap- ital to free her pretended father. We will he in wait, in the background, and as soon as the gold is brought to light we will hel p ourselves, _with Estelle’s connivance, and skip!’ “Then why this organized band?” | “A dodge to keep ’em together. and from blundering into our case or upon the cache. If worst comes to worst, and they unearth the gold, we stand in fora share of if, you know!” Chambers stared at the arch villain incredu- lous ve think I see clearly, now,” he said, ‘‘all but one point: Where’s this ten thousand dol- lars to come from with which old Leeds is to be ransomed?” Chapman shrugged his shoulders. “You ougbt to be retired to the home for incurables!” be returned. ‘* Do you suppose I’ve been in the detective service for years without now and then collecting little budgets of the ‘queer’ from ‘crooks’ who were not anxious for prison honors, as well as some solid collat. ? Oh, no! I have some very fine specimens of the art—more than enough, in amount, to straighten out any contingent difficulties. So you ses we are all fixed, and if we don’t win we ought to go with those of our fraternity whom Justice has given free passage to other parts.” They retraced their footsteps toward Brim- stone Bar, both rather congratulating them- selves that they held the ‘‘ bulge” side of the game and were bound to win. CHAPTER XVII. CHAMBERS REPENTS. PROBABLY neither First-Class Fred nor Edna Leeds, otherwise Goldie Glenn, had any idea that their interview on the plaza had been over- heard; but such was a fact. No sooner had they parted than a light figure darted away, and directly entered the larger of the small tents. It was Mademoiselle Estelle. Her face was flushed with passion, her eyes Spankin’ dangerously, and ber bands were inched, “So he loves ber, eh, when I tried so hard and thought I nearly had him in my pore & she hissed, pacing to and fro. 1 am not He believes Let him keep declare his love for her! But. stop! beaten yet. I will not be beaten. on thinking so. What alucky thing I heard the ~ name of that post-office. Let me think! let me think!” Ste paced to and fro likea chained tigress. Her brows were knitted, and ber whole being seemed set to the work of concocting some subtle scheme. Her breath came quick and fast, and red spots dotted either cheek ‘like roses. By and by the cloud cleared from her brow, and she clasped ber bands in « ecstasy. ‘1 said I would win, and I will! I have the very plan, and it will succeed, But work must be done.” She put on her hat, and leaving the tent hastened toward that ‘oceupied by Chapman, She found the detective and Jackson Chambers in conference. ‘* Well?” Chapman interrogated, quickly noticing her excited appearance, ‘*‘ What's the word?” ‘Good, if used at once. First-Class Fred came to see me, and IJ played my part well. He. gave mea test. He asked meif I had his first letter. I told him no; but stated that I had bis picture in my trunk, and would get it for him, if he liked. He said be would not put me to that trouble, He eft. On the plaza be met the other woman. She had been spying on him, and hetold herso. Hethen gave bera test, asking ber at what post-cflice she received his letter containing the message. She an- swered him ‘ at Elkland,’ and he said that was correct, and that be no longer had a doubt but what she was the genuine Edna Leeds. He then told her that he loved her, and asked her to be his wife.” “ Aha! And what was the answer?” “She told him to come to-morrow—fhat is, I suppose, to-day—at nine o’clock, and she would give him ananswer.’ .Joe Chapman smote the table with his fist, and uttered an oath, ‘Yes, curse the luck, and she will accept him, Something must he done.” “You never said a truer thing in your life Joe Chapman, Something must be done, an that, too, right quick,” and what?” ‘+ Listen and you shall know. I must change places with that girl, or rather, occupy her position!” replied Estelle, decisively, ee Ah! ? ‘‘Exactly. Edna Leeds must be taken in cus- tody at once, and smuggled away. I will ex- change my effects for hers, and when First- Class Fred comes to the Eldorado, at nine to- morrow, I will be there, dressed in her gar- ments, to receive him. Estelle, the circus girl, will be among the missing!” ‘* But the circus—how about that?” ‘“‘T will leave a confession behind, statin that I, having been playing a bold game, an becoming satisfied that Iwas the Joser, had taken French leave, to escape the penalty of the law.” ‘Estelle, you area But, what about the marriage business?’ “*T will accept First-Class Fred's offer on con- ditions of immediate marriage. You pr obably bave surmised that Fred is the one to whom Edna’s marriage will be goodluck! Well, when we are married, the old man will resppear, we will get the gold, and the husband aud daddy can suck their thumbs, and lament over the un- trustworthiness of mankind.” Chapman glanced at Chambers. * You see clearer now, don’t you?” he smiled, ‘It’s a clear case. The first thing is to get the girl, The next thing is, what are we going to do with her. It is too near daybreak to attempt to carry her off.” “Drug her, and take her to my cabin, She will be safe there!” Chambers growled. ‘But your daughter—” “Dare not say her soul’s her own when I set my foot down. Til guarantee for the girl’s safety.” ‘“‘So far, so good, But, now—how about the capture? The negro will first have to be killed or chloroformed, and then the gixl uieted.” “T have plenty of chloroform,” Estelle said. ‘‘ T sometimes inbale it to produce sleep,” ‘Then get it, while I reconnoiter,” Chapman ordered, “ Chambers, you remain here.” A visit to Edra’s tent resulted in the dis- covery that the negro Sam was snoring away at a great rate on the outside, and everything being quiet on the inside, seemed to argue tbat Edna was also asleep, jew el. ““Oh! how it* roused the fire in my heart when 1 beard him: — Seo). poe ef:
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“ f= a arty $n ante + ' ae ¥ wi . 4‘ > * a tet «ps Pattee When the detective got back to the tent, Es- telie bad also arrived there, with a bottle of _ebloroform and a sponge. After a sbort consultation, the trio crept away toward Edna's tented habitation. Saturating the sponge, Chapman succeeded in creeping cluse enough to the negro to hold the sponge near his nose. When he saw that partial stupefaction had ensued, he clapped the sponge bard down over the black nose, and held it there for fully a minute; then he arose with a chuckle, ‘So far, so good!” he mused. They went around to the back of the tent and listened. Heavy breathing warned that Edna was asleep. Posting Chambers and Estehe at that point, Chapman returned to the tent entrance, care- fully pulled aside the canvas lap, and thus had a view of the interior. A lantern was dimly burning on the table. Edna lay upon the couch of blankets, that served her as a bed, and her face was turned to- ward the further side of the tent. Fastening the i by a string to a slender stick, the villain liberally chloroformed it, and creeping into the tent, held the sponge in such a way that Edna must at every breath inhale the pungent odor of the drug, In less time almost than it takes to tell it she was under the influence of the anesthetic. “‘The job’s done!” he whispered. ‘‘ Now, Estelle, we will retire, until you exchange clothing with her. When you are in readiness we will convey her to Chambers’s cabin.” ’ They tben retired, leaving the one beauty in charge of the other. In fifteen minutes Estelle notified them that all was in readiness. _ Entering the tent they found that the girl had effected an exchange of dresses, and had taken possession of Edna’s other apparel and trinkets. Raising the form of the insensible girl, the two men bore it from the tent, while Estelle re- mained bebind to prepare for the task before her. On their arrival at the Chambers cabin with their burden, the two villains found it deserted. Laying Edna upon the bed, Cnambers quickly struck a light, and was rewarded by finding a note upon the table, written in Cherry’s hand, It was as follows: “ FarHeR:—It has come to my knowledge, the vil- lainous work you are engaged in. I am shocked and mortified beyond expression. I cannot remain here to share the degradation and dishonor that must inevitably result from your badness. Booth Barron was not killed—only stunned—by the bullet of your confederate, Joe Chapman, and he has told me all. He has promised to lead a better life, if I marry him, and, murderer though he is. lam going to do it, and redeem him from the fallen life. Good- by; and that you may turn aside from the path of wickedness is the wish of your daughter ‘* CHERRY.” Jackson Chambers’s hand trembled, and he was visibly affected by the note, “This is tough,” he said, hoarsely. ‘ You can go, Chapman; I want to be alone. T’ll at- tend to her—” with a nod toward the bed. “ All right,” answered Chapman as he took his departure. When he was gone, Chambers spread the note out on the table, and sat staring blankly at it, as though bereft of his senses, At last, he arose with a deep sigh, and went over to the bedside, where Edna lay. His fea- tures softened as be gazed down at her. Procuring a basin of water, be bathed her forebead, and poured a few drops of water be- tween her parched lips. A Chancing to glance toward the window, he saw a human face pressed against the pane—a wild-looking, bairy face, with deep burning eyes. Uttering a yell, half of rage, half of horror, he sprung to the door, and out into the early gloaming; but when he got outside the man of the wild face was nowhere in sight! Chambers did not search for him. He stag- ered back to the doorstep, and sitting down, Eowed his bead in bis hands. When he arose, %t was sun-up, and people were bustling about on the other side of the plaza, Opening the door, he entered the cabin care- fully, but there was no need for caution, for Edna was sitting up on the bed, staring won- deringly about. She uttered a startled cry, at sight of bim. “Don’t!” be said, deprecatingly. ‘‘I wish to talk to you, and you to listen, Will you?” ** Proceed,” she said, coldly. ‘I suppose I am your prisoner?” ‘You were, but I confess, now, and proud] too, that I am a conscience-stricken man. have beer tting and scheming against you, EE EEEEEEEEEEEEERREEERR aS eee SSS———8.».».0—GC Ss > ————————— Use, eR. SS et eae First-Class Fred. © until I have lost my own child, and now, alas, when it is too late 1 am repentant!” He went on, earnestly and deliberately, and made a clean breast of it, explaining to Edna | all which is already known to the reader, but of much of which she was ignorant. He told of the latest and boldest scheme of all, and its probable result, if there was no intervention. Edna listened attentively, and became satis- fied of his honest intentions; then, they spent some time in arranging plans, to baffle Chap- man and his adventuress-accomplice CHAPTER XVIII. CONCLUSION. Tue clouds of tie latter part of the night cleared away, and thé day dawned bright and warm. The people were up and stirring early, for this was “ circus-day,” and not to be missed, for a mint of money. ' When Varleri went to Estelle’s tent, and found a note there, stating that she had ‘ skip- ped,” he raved, swore and tore his hair: but when he became more rational, be decided to announce assoon as his afternoon audience should be seated, that Mile, Estelle had suddenly been taken very ill and could not appear. Happily, he had several other good perform- ers witb him. First-Class Fred was up and about, bright and early, and looked as dashing. and handsome as ever, and was jn unusual good spirits, for he felt sure that the arrival of nine o’clock would secure him a favorable answer from Edna, After breakfast, he lit a cigar walked down to the post-office, and asked for his mail. A buff-colored envelope was handed bim. “From Deadly Drop!” -be muttered glanting at the rambling superscription. He tore away the envelope and glanced over the contents of the note. This was vhat was written: “First Ciass Frep:—Go ahead!” ‘** DEADLY Drop.” That was all, “Well, Pll be banged,” was the sport’s muttered ejaculation. ‘‘That beats the cats. It would seem that the fellow knows more about my own business than I do.” He pondered over the strange advice for some time, but the more he pondered the less satis- faction he got, so he finally tore the letter into shreds. As soon as the hour of nine arrived he repair- ed to the Eldorado and found Edna, as he sup- posed, seated at ber table as usual. She smiled him welcome as he approached and motioned to him to be seated. “*T have been expecting you,” she said, drop- ping her gaze, ‘‘and—and I wish to thank you for making me so very, very happy last even- ing. **Then am I to be made happy in return?” “I—I don’t know. J will marry you, on con- ditions,” ‘**Oa conditions?” he echoed. “Yes,” laughingly. ‘You put to test my identity, last night. and I will test your pro- fessed love, now. Marry me here, in this room and at once, and I will become your wife, an quit the Eldorado forever.” Something like a chill passed through Fred’s veins, and he gazed at her, in surprise. * And why here ?” he asked. ‘For the simple reason that [ wish it so. I will be leaving an undesirable life, then, for one that is desirable.” ‘*Very well. It shall be as you wish. Where wili I find some one to marry us?” ‘*Over yonder is a lawyer, Mr, Lewis. He has the legal right to perform the ceremony, You can speak with him, and I will return, in five minutes.” Fred secured the services of the lawyer, but in spite of bis caution it leaked out that the mar- riage was to take place, and the room rapidly filled with an eager, excited crowd. Estelle soon reappeared, and as the crowd was by this time dense, it was necessary for Fred, and her, and the lawyer, to stand upon chairs, The lawyer bad barely begun the prelimi- naries of the marriage, when there was a cry: ‘Stop! stop! Make way! This marriage must not take place!” And a moment later Jackson Chambers and Edna stood before the lawyer. ‘* First-Class Fred,” the ex-broker cried, “ that woman by your side is not Edna Leeds, nor is she the Goldie Glenn known to this place! She is Estelle, the circus girl. An infamous swindle has been imposed upon you. I was a party to it, but repented before it was too late, and am here tosave you. Here is Goldie Glenn, other- ee a wise the real Edna Leeds. She was drugged and kidnapped last night, and yonder impostor was substituted in her place. I swear it, by high Heaven!” Dazed and bewild«red, Fred stood staring at the speaker, while Estelle uttered a piercin shriek ana fell back in a swoon. Before another word could be uttered by Coambers, the form of Joe Chapman arose above the crowd, across the room, and either hand clutched a revolver. ‘The game is up, Fred Freeman!” be cried, “but you sball not triumph. For you the fourth of May bas come, curses upon you!” His weapons came up with two clicks, and in an instant more the Gent from Gopher would have received their contents, but Chapman did not fire, His hands dropped to his side as quickly as they had been raised, and a tiny red spot ap- peared in the center of his forehead, as he stag- g red and fell backward among the crowd. “The Deadly Drop!” resounded the ery. ‘* Clear the room of this crowd!” commanded Fred, instentorian tones. ‘* The marriege will not take place at present!” What remains to be told can be briefly sum- med up. When the crowd was thinned out and order restored, the Gent from Gopber ordered the body ©f Chapman to be removed to bis tent, and Estelle was placed in charge of the circus manager, Vorleri. Fred and Edna then accompanied Jackson Chambers back to his cabin, where a long con- sultation and a series of explanations was beld, For Chambers’s personal safety, it was deemed best that be get quietly out of the town, and believing him sincerely repentant, Fred and Edna both freely forgave bim, and he took bis departure, Not knowing what perils might beset them, Fred and Edna also took their departure by the noon stage, going to the next eastern town, where they stepped off, expecting to hear from the mysterious Deadly Drop. They were not disappointed. By the first mail they were the recipients of the following: “LAST MESSAGE OF JOHN LEEDS. “FREDERICK FREEMAN, ‘“*Epna LEEDS. ‘*By these presents do you know that this is the last you will ever hear ot John R. Leeds. “Years ago he came to these parts, struck it rich, bevond his most sanguine expectation, and over his good fortune became a lunatic. At times he was violent, and again cunningly rational; but always insane. He was possessed of a strange belief that he was in the power of the devil, and penned a singu- lar document, with which you are well acquainted. It appears he intrusted this to you, First-class Fred, and it has ever since been his desire that, were you an honorable man, you should wed his daughter. I having been his companion and attendant, through ing et know whereof I speak. * He was never at rest, and even I could not con- trol his actions. He was in all respects a wonderful man. I grew to respect him. But he was wily, cun- ning and agile. e was here one minute—there another. He had the quickest faculty of making himself invisible of any man I ever knew. He has watched the plotting and scheming in regard to his daughter with interest—rational interest, I might say,and has known and overheard nearly every p and plot. He has been within a few feet of you, un- known to you. With his marvelous air-gun and his skill as a marksman, he has played his role of the Deadly Drop whenever in a humor for that sort of work. **T scarcely need recount all of those who have fallen by his aim. He was in the Eldorado when he killed Chapman. ‘Had he not, in some manner unknown to me, become convinced that Chambers was to stop the marriage, he would have killed Estelle, I never knew where his gold was until to-day. When he came back from Brimstone Bar, he lay down with his head in my lap, and breathed his last. before he died he gave me directions to gre to you. The gold is buried twenty miles cast of the vr, at the side of a fall in a li'tle stream called the Sentinel, The inclosed map will direct you to the spot, ‘“At his dying request I have laid him tenderly away atrest, and though you and I may never meet, I shall, as long as 1 live, ever keep green the grave of the wonderful man to whom I was as faithful as@ brother. ‘Yours very ow B, i , . * CCLANE, ‘*The Howlin’ Hatchet from Cherry-tree.” The gold was found, just as stated, and trans- ferred to a place of safety, where it will keep the husband and wife, Fred and Edna, in luxury during the remainder of their lives. Thus ends one of the strangest romances con- sequent upon the opening up of the wonderful Coeur d’Alene mining-country. THE END. ee a Sates. a —
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BEADLE'S+ H ALF-})IME* LABRARY, Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at tne Uniform Price of Five Cents: No Double Numbers. BY ZDWARD L. WHEELER. . > eandwood Dick Novels, Se Dasdweedi Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20D uble D tigers + or, Deadwood Dick’s Defiance, B talgigibens or, Deadwood Dick in Disguise. BW la ft, ‘the Boy Claude Duval. 42 Phantom Emad or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza, ae Guana or, Deadwood Dick in Danger. dw #1 pickers Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 78 D adwovd Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane, the Heroine, (a4 CUrduroy Charlie 3 or, Ve sadwood Dick's Last Act, 100 Deddwoed Dick in Leadville. 104 Dead woed Dick's Device; or, the Double Cross Sign. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. 129 Boadwted Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s Gulch . 188 Bhunde Bills or, Peadwood Dick’s Home Base. . is A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick's Big Strike. Me in. Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party. 4 + 195 Deadwood Dick’« Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road. y 201 Phe Black Hilla Jezebel; or, Deadwood Dick's Ward. f 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Ad- ies venture. ; 217 Captatn Crack-Shot, the Girl Brigand. 221 Sugar-Coated Sam; or, The Black Gown, ‘t «» 282. Gold-Duat Dick. A Romance of Rough. and Toughs, ee 263 Deadwood Dick's Divides or, The Spir.t of Swamp Lake. “", 265.Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail. a 809 Deadwood, Dick’s Big Deal; or, The Gold Brick of » Oregon, bie 821 Deadwood Dick's Dozen ¢ or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats. 4 847 Deadwood Mick's Ducats; or, Rainy Days in the Dig- Py F Jats, §. 405 Denlwood Dick tit Dead Clty. 410 og ood Dick's Diamenic; or, The Mystery oNJoan 14 ‘orter 421 Dendwood Dick in New Vork; or, A “Cute Care.” 480 Deadwood Dic¢k’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand. 448 Deadwood Dick, dr. 448 Nickel-Platée Nedjcor, Deadwood Dick Jr's De fiance. 458 | ome aed er Sam, olp'Shasta; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’a Full an 459 Flash Fan, tif Ferret; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Big Ronnd- 465 Phi Fly, of Pheni x; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Racket at Claim 10, 471 Bozeman Bill; or, Deditwous Dick Jr's Corral. 476 Humboldt Marry, the Hurricane; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Dog Detective. 481 Moll Myatery; or, Deadwood Dick Jr. in Deadwood. 491 Prince Pistol, the King of the West; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Compact. 496 Monte Cristo, Jr.: or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Inheritance. 500 Deadwood Dick’ '#* Diggings ; or, Dr. Death-Grip’s Swoop. 608 Deadwood Dick’s Delly erance, 515 Deadwood Dick’s Protegee. 522 Deadwood Dick's Three. Deadwood Dick's Danger Ducks, Deadwood Dick’s Death Hunt, Deadwood 46 J Jr, in Texas, Deadwood Dick, JIr., the Wild West Vidocq. Deadwood Dick on iis Mettle. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham, Deadwoed Dick in Boston, Deadwood Dick, dr., in Philadetphia, Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago, Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. Dloven Hoof, the Buffulo Demon. Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot, Weath-F ace, Detective; or, Life in New York, Old Avalanche; or, Wild’Edoa, the Girl Brigand, 58 Jim Biudsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team. 69 Gold Rifle, the Skar shooter; or, The Boy Detective. 80 Rosebud Hob § or Nuyget Ned, the Knight. 84 Idyl, i “ finer; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand. 88 Pheto PhAL; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reap spenrance, 92 Canada + het; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull's Camp. 96 Watch-Eye ; or, Arabs and Angels of a Great City. Jack Moyle the Young Speculator. 2 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sp rt Detective 1 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport, % Bonanza BILL, Miner. $ Bows Bob the King of Bootblacks, 1 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. Sop erret, the New York Detective; or, Boss Bob’s Boss New York Nell Paenn~ “ & 1 the Boy-Girl Detective. 7 Nobby Nick of Nevaday or, The Sierras Scamps, 1 Wild ¥ ‘rank, the Buckskin Bravo, ”» Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter, 226 Snoozer, the Boy Sharp: or, The Arab Detective. 286 Apollo Ball, the Trail Tornado. 240 2 clone Kit, the Young Gladiator, 244 Sierra Sam, th. Frovtier Ferret. 248 Sierra Sam’s Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints. 258 Sierra Sam’s Pardy or, The Angel o! Big Vista. 2558 Sierra Sam’s Seven; or, The Stolen Bride 278 Jumbo Joe, the boy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs, 277 Denyer Do th, the Detective Queen, 2S1 Denver Doll's V letory. 255 Denver Doll's De vom 291 Turk, the Boy Ferre 296 Denver Doll's Dritt; ri The Road Queen. No, 1, the Dashing Toll -Taker, Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport, Kelley, Hickey & Co,, the Detectives of Philadelphia. Little Qu!ck-Shot; or, The Dead Fuce of Daggersville. Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. 889 Kangaroo Kit’« Racket, Mankatend Mike, the Bowery Blood, Firat-Class Fred, ‘he Gent trom Gopher. RD rh eh ake peak ek rh hk ek ed SENS or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 8658 ' aaa dim, the Gold-Gatherer 3 or, The Lottery of Afe. 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize. BTS Nabob Ned; or, The Secret of Slab City, BS2 Cool Kit, the King ef Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, Ps B85 Yreka Jim’s Joker; or, The Rivals of Red Nose, 889 Bicycle Ben; or. The Lion of Lighting Lode. 94 Yreka Jhn of Yuba Dam, 400 Wrinkies, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High lat Marry, the Base Ball Detective. 6 Sam Slabsides, the Beggar-Boy Detective. 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 488 Santa 'c¢ ‘inl, the Slasher. 456 Seulskini Sam, the Sparkter. BY BUFFALO BILL (Ion. Wm. F. Cody). 8 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand, 19 The Phantom Spy t or, The Pilot of the Prairie, 55 peaeie-i ye. me nknown Secut. 68 Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust. inys, sl . 861 Pendwood IMek Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta. | B62 Deadwood Dick's Claim; or, The Fairy Face of Faro BY CHARLES MORRIS, 118 WII! Somers, the Bo. D. teetive. 122 Vhil Mardy, the Boss Boy. 126 Picayune Petes or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective, 180 Detective Dick ; or, The Hero in Rags. 142 Handsome Harry, the Boothlack Detective, 147 WHI Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. 152 Black Beas, Will Wildfires Racer. 157 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. 162 Will Wildfire in the Woods, 165 ay Baggage. the Railroad Boy. 170 A’ p Card or, Will Wik itire- Wins and Loses, 174 Rob. itoc tow 3 or, Mysteries of New York, 179 Bob Rockett, the Bank Ronner. 188 The Hidden Mand; or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge. 187 Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy; cr, The Smugglers, 189 Bob Rockett; or, Driven to thé Wail. 196 Shadowed ; or, Bob Rockett’s Fight for Life. 206 Dark san the Tiger King. 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. 220 ‘I Ta ar 3 or, The Black Sheep of the Flock. 25 8 Chareoal the Premium Darky. 235 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. 242 The Two * Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang. 252 tg Dashaw ay 3 or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago. 262 The Young Sharps: or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail. | 274 Jolly dim, the Detective Apprentice 289 Jolly Jim’« Jobs or, The Young Detective. 208 The W ater-Hound: or, The Young Thoroughbred. B05 Dashaway, of Dakotas or, A Western Lad in the Quaker sity. 824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. | 858 The Reporter-Detective ; or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard, 867 Wide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of the Times. 879 Larry, the Lev eler; or, The Bloods of the Boulevard, 408 Firelly Jack, the River- Rat Detective. 423 The Lost Fin rer 5 or, The Entrapped Cashier. 428 Fred Flyer, t e Reporte r Detective, 482 Invincible } Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret. 456 Billy Brick, Jolly Vagabond. 466 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or, Entombed Alive. 479 Detective Dodge ; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty. 488 Wild Dick Rac tte 501 Boots, the Boy Fireman: or, Teo Sharp for the Sharper 566 The Secret service Boy Detective. 5 Vv exabend yess the Young Wandering Jew. pe the Boy Guide. * BL Keen- 1 Relawane Dick, the Pung Ranger Spy. 18 The I hy Peer Pek: the Pringe of Ne aisles. « 4 law ip be Cvounarenper® weer. r. Ilo ot nett. . te tt PI £ " “ BY OLL COOMES. 27 Ante nek, the’ Yo M er. >5 The B + et King These si Foe. ot Seth » tt Sit, the Boy Tex ny i t! q 290 Little Foxfire, the Ra y Spy. 800 'The Sky Demon ¢ or, Ruinbolt, the Ranger. 884 Whip-hkling Joe, the Bov Ranchero. 409 Hercules; or, Dick, the Boy Ranyer, 417 Webtoot Mose, the Trip Detertive. 422 Baby Sam, the BeyeGtant of the Yellowstone. Little Buckskin, tne Young Prattie Centaur. Vingedfoot Fred; or. Old PalarSaul. . tlie Big Trap per Boy. ttler, the Red River Epidemic. tonewail Bob, the Koy Trojan. Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper. HNARBAUGIL 2 Nick o’ the Night; or, Th Boy Spy of '76. 7 The Hidden Lodge ; or The Littl Hunter, ie Nightingale Naty ‘Tne Forest Captains, 64 Dandy Jack ¢ or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Trait. 82 Kit Warefoot die W ood-Hawk. 94 Midnight Jack 3 or, The Boy Trapper, 106 O!d Frosty, the Guide; or, The White Queen, 128 Kiowa Charley the White Mostunger. 189 Judge Lynch, drat or, The Bey Viviiante. 155 Gold Trigg the Sport; or, The Girl Avenger, 169 Tornado T 3 or, Injun Jack From Red Core. 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy, 198 Arkansaw 3 or, The Que n of Fate’s Revenge, 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. 215 Captain Bullets or, Little Tovknot’s Crusade, 251 Plucky Phil; or, Rosa, the Re! Jezebel. 241 BI Bravos or, Tie Roughs of the Rockies. 255 Captain Noll » the King-Pin of Bowie. 267 The Buckskin Detective, 279 Old Winehs or, The Buckskin Desperadoes. 204 Dynamite faut or, The Bowle Blade of Cochetopa. 802 The Mountain Detective; or, The Trigger Bar Buily. 816 Old Eelipasae, Trump Card of Arizona, $26 The Ten Pards;: or. The Terror of Take-Notice, 886 Bie Benson: wr, ye Queen of the La 80. 845 Pitilesa Matt; rR od Thunderboli’s Secret. Bie vol Sane sore e at ‘go The Terrible Six. 866 Velvet Foot, the Indis an Detective, 856 Captain Cutlass or, ! he B ceuncer’s Girl Foe. 896 Rough Robs or, The !win Champions of Blue Blazes, 411 The Silken Lasso: or, The Rose of Rane! Robin, 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. 425 Texas Trump, the Border Rattler. 486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox. 445 The City Vampires; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pigeon. 461 One Against Fifty; or, the Last Man of Keno Bar, 470 The Boy Shadow; or, Felix Fox's Hunt. 477 The Excelsior Sport; or, The Washington Spotter. 499 Single Sight, the One-Ryved Sport. 502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. 512 Dodger Dick, the WhurfSpy Detective. 521 Dodger Dick’s Best Dodge, 528 Fox and Falcon, the Bowery Shadows. 588 Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret. 548 Dodger Dick’s Double; or, The Rival Boy Detectives, 558 Dodger Dick’« Desperate Case. 568 Dodger Dick, the Boy Vidoeg. 578 The Two Shadows. BY T. C. BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAINAM. 7 The Fly Yenkont Or, The Ocean Outcast. 17 Ralph Ke m Boy L egry er; or The guptive Yacht. 24 Dinmnondll rk, or, The Mystery Of the Yellowstone. 62 The Shadow Be or. The Rival Lieutenants, 75 The Boy relia or, The Crate Of the Sea-Wolf, 102 Dick Dead Bye, the Dov Smugzier. 111 The Sen-Devil; or, The Mids hip vman’s Legacy, 116 The Hussar Ca ‘iP or, The Hermit ot Hell Gate. 197 Little Grit; or, Bessie, the Stock-Teuder’s Daughter. 204 Gold Plume ; or, The Kid-Glove Sport. 216 Bison Bill, the Prince of the Reins, 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman Trailer. 229 Crimson Kate 3 or, The Cowboy’s Triumph. 287 Lone Star, the Cow boy Captain. 245 Merle, the Middy 3 or, The Freelance Heir, 250 The Midahipman \ utineer 3 or, Brandt, the Buccaneer, 264 ze Floating Feather; or, Merle Monte’s Treasure alana. 269 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, the Condemned, 276 Merle Monte’s Crule; or, The Chase of “The Gold S ip. 280 Merle Monte’s« Fate; or. Pearl, the Pirate's Bride, 284 The Sea Marauder; or, Merle Monte’s P ledge, 27 Billy Blue-Eyes, the Boy Rover «f the Rio Grande. 804 The Dead Shot Dandy ; or, Bemto. the Boy Bugler, SOS Keno Kit; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. 814 Ebay Mysterloux Marauder}; or, The Boy Bugler’s Long ral 877 Bonodel, the Boy Rover} or, The Flagless Schooner, f 888 The Indian Pilots «r, The Search for Pirate Island. 88ST Warpath WII, the Boy Phantom, 898 Seawall, the Boy Lieutenant. 402 Isxodor, the Young Conxptrator ; or, The Fatal League, 407 The Boy Insurgent or, The Cuban Vendetta. 412 The Wild Vachtaman; or, The War-Cleuu’s Cruise. 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 A Cabin Boy’s Luck; or, The Corsair. 487 The Sea Raider. 441 The Ocean Firefly ; or, A Middy’s Ver geance. 446 Haphazard Harry ; or, The Seapegrace of the Sea. 450 Wizard Will: or. The Boy Ferre. of New York. 454 Wizard WIL’ Street Scouts, 462 The Born Gulde; or, The Salior Boy Wanderer, 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Conster. 474 Florays or, Wizard Will's Vagabond Pard, 488 Ferrets Afloats or, Wizard Wih’s Last Case, AST Nevada Ned, the Revolver Kanger. 495 Arizona Joe the Boy Pard of Texas Jack. 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 508 The Royal Middy ; or, The Shark and the Sea Cat. 507 The Hunted Midshipman. 511 The Outlawed Middy. 520 Buckskin BIII, the Comanche Shadow. 525 Brothers in Buckskin. 530 The Buckskin Bowers, 585 The Bue skin Rovers. 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marander of the Rien 545 Lieutenant Leo, thé Son of Lafitte. 550 Lafitte’s Legacy: or. The Avenging Son. 555 The Creole Corsair. 560 Pawnee BIIl, the Prairie Shadower. 565 Kent Kingdon, the Card King. 570 Camille, the Card Queen. 575 The Surgeon-Scout Detective, LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. Pavement Pete, the Secret Sifter, By Jo Pierce. Deadwood Dick, Jr., Afloat. By Edward L, Wheeler. The ¢ ‘himney Spy; or, Broadway Billy’s Surprise-Party- By J. C. Cowdrick. The Sane Cadet; or, The Prentiss Iugrabam. Pouble-Curve Dan, the Pitcher Detective. Jenks, Dodger Dick’s Drop. By T. C. Harbaugh. Saffron Sol, the Man With « Shadow, By Lieut. A. K. Sims. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denyer, By Ed. L, Wheeler. 585 Will Waters, the Bov Ferret. By H. Enton. 586 The Buckskin Avenger. By Col. Prentise Ingraham. 587 Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. By Wm. G. Patten. 588 Jack-o’-Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector. By Jo Pierce. 589 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City. By Lieut. A, K. Sims Deadwood Dick, Jr’s,, Decree, By E. L. Wheeler. Delmonte. the Young Sea Rover. By Col. P Ingraham. The Boy Pinkerton. Py J. GC, Cowdrick. Keen Clem, the Ranch Imp. By P. 8, Warne. Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective, By T. C. Harbaugh. S Deadwood Dick Jr. in Beelzebub’s Basin. By E- L. Wheeler Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves. Morris. The Young Texan Detective, By Col. P. Ingraham, Flute, the Singer Detective. By Geo. C. Jenks. Jim Dandy, the No-Name Sport. By P. S. Warne, Deadwood Dick Jr. at Coneyy Island. By Edward L. Wheeler. Ready January 29, Happy Mans, the Dutch Vidoeg; or, Red-Hot Times at pet Up. By Lieut. A. K. Shins, Ready January 29, The Vagabond of the Mines, By Col. P. Ingraham, Ready February 6. Wide-Awake Bert, the Street-Steerer. Ready February 14 Iron Fern, the Man of Fire, U.S. A. Ready February 2, A New Issue Every Tuesday: The Walf-Dime Library | for sale by all newsdealers, five centa per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of slx cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 WilHam Street, New York. 577 578 579 580 Detective. False By Col. 581 By George C, 582 585 584 By Chas. \ 608 By Jo. Pieree. 604 By Lieut. Royal A. Swift,