Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 374) (1884 09 23)
The text was read from the page scans by machine (OCR), so it has mistakes and its columns may run together. See the pages · About this title · At the Internet Archive
Page 1
’ al \ WWW ttl a nn et ot nl ll at a al Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mail Rates. Copyright, 1884, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, September 23, 1864. ‘ Single PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS Price Vol. XV. Number. No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. No. 374. GOLD DUST TOM; or, AMBERGRIS BEN'S DOUBLE MATCH. BY GEORGE HENRY MORSE. ‘ / J ; zt 4 Gf, Lj Ly Yy 448 yj f, ei f / beng) Hs Mp LMA Gi i) AA, AS NY LLIN, t 4 tp, Hy fis Y Se SSS = SSS See aS VANS oS SS. —= a ae = SS Law =<s Wits | : ‘‘ OPEN THAT DOOR AND SHOUT AS I DIRECT YOU, VILLAIN!” CAME ANGRILY FROM TOM’S LIPS,
Page 2
Gold Dust Tom; Ambergris Ben’s Double Match. BY GEORGE CLENRY MORSE, AUTHOR OF “ THE TELEGRaPH DETECTIVE,” ETC, CHAPTIR I. A FRIEND IN NEED. ‘‘OnkE thousand dollars on tbe ace! Ef it wins, it’s double the stakes; lose, an’ 1 drap it along with the other four thousand, an’ Amper- gris Bev bids you good-night!” The speaker was a rotund, hearty-voiced man about fifty years of age, and his short, bristling beard, little watchful eyes and white, glistening teeth made up a combination of features rather a study than a striking oddity. His hands were podgy and small, his face of almost even roundness, with a suggestion of the sbrevd and cautious in his glance, Good-nature seemed a prevailing characteristic, but when ary suspicious move on the part of the dealer of the curds, in the game of faro at which he was engaged, attracted Ambergris Ben’s attention, he su ldenly became transformed into a far dif- ferent being. “Pm on a lark, my friends,” he would say softly, ‘but no tricks. Don’t call on the old man to show his teeth,” And, suiting the action to the word as the white ivories projected over the steady lower lip, the speaker betrayed a fighting expression that was menacing. Tbe seene was a gambling-den in the lower end of San Francisco; the hour, midnight; the actors in the Jittle drama, in which Ambergris Ben was the star for the time, being the dealer, a tall, bearded man by his side, and the usual attendance of hangers-on and players. There was one other member of the little coterie with whom our story has much to do, but he was practically in the background at the present time, and had been scarcely noticed by his com- proions. He had entered tie place a few mo- nts before Ambergris Ben’s last speech, and had seated himself at the elbow of the latter, watching his playing with a steady glance from his keen, searching eyes, almost concealed by a full, bushy beard and a well-drewn som- brero, The dealer looked a little uneasy as Ben, who had been rattling on volubly since the com- mencement of the game, suddenly ceased talking and looked straight at the cards falling from the box. He dealt more slowly, and then, as if ask- ing some casual question, turned to the well- dressed man at bis side: “T say, Ellis, just order me a brandy-sour, will you? I’m feeling somewhat unsteady.” The man designated as Ellis nodded signifi- cantly, advanced to the sideboard, and gave the required order to the man in charge, Then, as if the dealer’s words had conveyed a pre- arranged hint of action, he addressed himself to the player. « ‘*That’s a singular name of yours,” he re- marked, . Ambergris Ben looked up quickly, fixed a knowing glance on the speaker, and then re- sumed his attention to the cards, If it was the scbeme of the dealer and his accomplice to dis- tract the old man’s attention from the game they were destined to fail, for his eyes never wandered from the dealing-box, although he carried on a quiet convers tion. ‘*What name, stranger?’ he asked. ** Ambergris Ben.” ** Ain’t it good enough for all purposes? It represents exactly fifty of those thousand-dollar notes, an’ it’s got a history too. Aha! luck for once! I’ve won.” The ace had turned on the winning. side. Ellis scowled darkly and the dealer looked somewhat annoyed. ; “Put the hull amount on the deuce,” coolly remarked Ben; and resuming the broken con- versation, he continued: ‘‘ I’m no Border Bill, or Road-agent Hank nor Coonskin Jack, Loud names never caught me. But, a rover by land T became a rover of the sea, an’ Ambergris Ben is as well known in the North Pacific as Buffalo Bill on the plains.” The bearded stranger at the old man’s side sitting silent as a statue, started as the dealer shuffled the cards and deseribed a rapid sleight- of-band motion. But he restrained himself, and seemed to listen to the conversation be- tween Ben and Ellis, Gold Dust Tom. “Indeed,” remarked the latter; ‘‘a sea-faring man, eh?” ; “Yes and no, T kin hunt, fish and trap. I’ve killed my man ina fair duei, and tracked down many a treacherous red-skin. I’m f.t, but I kin run, an’ good-natured, but I kino’ figbt. But, of late yetrs mind ye, ’ve tuken a taney to the sea. They used to call me Pug-nosed Ben. Let ’em laugh; they don’t sneer at my snort nose now, sence it made my fortune,” A token of interest was manifest among the hangers-on at the last significant declaration, ‘Your nose made your fortune?” repeated Ellis, in evident surprise. * Prezactly.” Ambergris Ben smiled all over his face as he noted the mystified crowd about bim, ‘*T see ye’re interested,” he said somewhat ex- citedly, and gratified at the curiosity he had evoked; ‘‘ wal, l’ll explain the mystery in one word—Ambergris, I shipped ona whaler. No whales, Finally we found a dead one, Tne b'yees wouldn’t tech the carcass, but my nose was true to its old teachings in a cologne factory in the East where they used ambergris as the basis of perfume, I bought that carcass an’ found—” ‘What? ‘Two hundred and fifty pounds of ambergris —worth forty dollars a pound; put it in a bar- rel.and shipped it to New York, an’ sold it for spotcash. Then I went hunting dead whales. I found two in the next year; a dozen sence. Thet’s how I come to be ealled Ambergris Ben, an’ I reckon I’m disarvin’ of the name and about as cute, honest and generous as they make ’em,” . ** Lost!” The dealer swept-the money from the card as he turned the deuce on the losing side. Amber- gris Ben made a mock grimace of disappoint- me.t and arose coolly to bis feet. ; Ellis had turned to leave the spot, his share in facilitating the play evidently accomplished, He paused, as the stranger who had not spoken a word addressed the old man, ‘* You may be cute enough to find amber- gris,” he said. quietly, but half-sarcastically, ‘** but you are not cute enough to know when the land-sharks are fleecing you, Mr. Amber- gris Ben,” Eilis turned, quick as a flash, sprung forward rape a the stranger face to face, with an oath, “What do you mean?” he demanded, his hand seeking his pocket. The stranger never flinched. His eyes fixed steadily on the face of the gambler, outlaw and thief, he said, in an aggressive tone of voice: ‘“*T mean exactly what Isay, Horace Ellis— gambler, adventurer and renegade; you’ve robbed this stranger of five thousand dollars by crooked dealing, and I’m not te man to stand by and see it done.” : ; an don’t mean that, stranger? Robbed me : Ambergris Ben’s face had grown dark with suspicion, doubt and uncertainty. ‘*T mean every word of it.” ** You lie!” hissed Ellis. ** And you lie—there !” The stranger raised his fist—with a thud it crashed into the face of the gambler who fell backward as if struck by a cannon ball. Half a dozen men joined the dealer as the lat- ter arose excitedly from his seat, Threats, oaths,” echoed on the air, A knife flashed into view dangerously near the stranger. He sent it whirl- ing from the owner’s hand with a deft blow. ‘One word,” he cried, as be whipped out a revolver and held it tightly by his side. ‘‘ This man has been robbed of five thousand dollars. If that money is not paid back to him before another minute there'll be the liveliest fight in this room you ever saw.” ‘“*Who is he? Down him! Some cursed de- tective,” mingled with the shuffling of the feet of the huddled throng. ‘‘ No,” broke fiercely from the stranger’s lips, “You all know me, and you all bate me, but you are cowards, blacklegs, thieves. every one of you, and you are afraid of me. The money, I may or I'll make it warm for you!” e had thrown up the brim of his sombrero. Every man fell back, awed tosilence. Only a gasping murmur from the dealer announced the truth of the stranger’s words. “Gold Dust Tom!” *‘That’s my name, and you know my reputa- tion for fighting. and the truth, The money? One! Two!— You are wise, Take your cash and get out of this, old man!” The dealer with a crestfallen, rage-crossed them into his pocket. His face had grown lurid.“ His little bead-like eyes darted out a violent flame. His hancs worked toand fro with a nervous rest ess: ess that caused the dealer to become wildly alarmed Then, with a sudden growl, Ambergris Ben sprung forward. of the dealer. Raising bim from the floor, he flung him bodily against the men standing back of the table. ‘Take thet, ye sneaking cur]” be cried. ‘As ef the cbances of yer thieving game wasn’t enough ag’in’ me, thet ye’d try to make an bour’s play at cards a crime. Come on, ye thieves an’ blacklegs! Tl bangle the last one of ye at fists.” He was a monument of rage and courage. In his excitement be began to roll up his sleeves shaking his fists at the gambler's associates until the stranger drew him back, “Get out of this!” commended the latter, **'We’ve done with them for this time.” ‘*Pm sharpening my teeth. I’m sp’iling for a fight.” Ben’s speech was suddenly checked. Gold Dust Tom had forcibly pushed him back toward a door,. just in time to evade a bullet sent whiz- zing from a revolver of S0me one in the tear portion of the room, Slowly retreating, his eyes blazed a deadly menace until he reached the door, which he sent crashing open with a backward blow of his st, ‘You'll pay for this.” Eliis spoke the words. He*had arisen to his feet, his blanched face scowling a baffled hate at the retreating men, ‘*Not this time, Horace Ellis, and never in fair fizbt. I’m going to Jeave the place with tois man. If one of your sneaking curs so much as winks after us, I)1 come back and cle -n out the ranch ina way that will surprise TOUS? He turned coolly, as if a dozen murderous shots were not in reserve for him. Following Ambergris Ben down the stairs, he reached the strect, took bis arm, and Jed him from the spot. Tom spoke not a word as the old man raved, threatening in an insane rage to return and fight it out. 2 He forced him silently along until a large straggling structure was reached. Then he spoke, “Mr. Ambergris Ben,” he sail quietly. ‘‘ this is your hotel. Go in and go to bed. You've had enough of city life for one evening,” The old man turned a surprised face on him . after surveying the building before them, ‘“*How did you know this was my hotel?” he demanded. ~ ‘Never mind, for the present, 1 know more than you think, as I will inform you when I see you again. You are getting-old enough to iknow better than to throw your money away as you do.” Ben resented this reproach half-angrily. “Its my own money, I reckon,” A stern look came iuto Goid Dust Tom’s face ‘*Yes,? he replied impressively, ‘‘it’s your own money, but you have a charge in this hotel — t Pee to risk by exposing yourself to peri 00 » perhaps death among desperate villains,” A quick ery of alarm sprung to tbe old man’s lips. He tried to detain the speaker. The lat- ter with a wave of his hand turned and walked rapidly down the street. Ambergris Ben, with a mystified face, disappeared within the door- way of the hotel. — “Who is he?” he muttered. ‘‘He knows my secrets. He’s right. Gold Dust Tom? I’ve heard the name afore an’ as thet of a brave man, a terror to villains. He'll see me ag’in. He was right, be was right; Iam a fool to risk. my life, when I bave a sacred trust to a friend to perform.” . : If he had remained at the door a minute longer, be would have seen two stealthy forms glide from a shadowed doorway and follow directly in the steps of Gola Dust Tom. But, he would have feared vainly for the safety of his newly-found ‘friend, for, as the latter cast a quick glance behind him, he murmured: ‘‘Horace Ellis is as good as his werd. He’s started a pair of his emissaries on my trail. TU give them a lesson they won’t forget.” The two men had reached bis side as he was : One sprung sud- passing a dark cellar-way. denly forward and directed a quick blow at the young man, witb a slung-sbot. B Tbe latter wheeled. One movement of his foot sent his assailant reeling to the sidewalk. Then, with a spring, he caught the throat of the second ruffian. ; He had both down on the pavement. With a face, had handed five bills to Ben, who thrust | powerful twist he clutched the throats of both, ‘ ‘ ‘ His fingers grasped the throat . 6 j
Page 3
ig 7 . . © a. knocking their heads togetner with a resonant crack, * You miserable whelps!” be cried; “T’ll give | you a headache that Horace Ellis’s brandy wou’t cure for a month,” Lhe vindictiveness of rage was mingled with the consciousness of superior strength. The men were growing purple in the face. They struggled ‘ike mice in the grasp cf a cat. * Murder]? . Goid Dust Tom relaxed his bold, springing to nis feet, Tae word borne upon the air rung out in civar accents, ** Murder !” It was repeated fainter but more intense than befcre. He paid no further attention to his prostrate foes, but started on a keen run toward the hotel. A pistol-shot, two, three of them followed in rapid succession, startling the echoes of the si- lent night. ‘‘ A ery for belp!’ Gold Dust Tom murmured anxiously as he dashed toward the hotel, ‘‘and the voice was that of Ambergris Ben.” CHAPTER. IT. VILLAINS AT WOxK. A FINER specimen of perfect humanity never trod the streets of the Goiden City than the man who bad just disposed of two murderous ruffi- ans, and was bent on a new venture of peril, without’so much as a tremor of excitement or tear. When Ambergris Ben had repeated the name of Gold Dust Tom, with a dim recollection of hearing it before, connected with deeds of dar- ing, he had echoed a memory which time Lad but partly effaced. For ten years Gold Dust Tom had been a character of the Pacific slope, a miner, a stage-driver aud a scout by turns, and in each avocation the young man had ac- quitted himself in a remarkable manner, No delver for ore ever drove the pick or handled the shovel with deeper energy than himself. No bandit ever guided bis mettled steed over the mountain roads with surer poise, and, in trei!- ing the dusky denizen of the woods, he had ex- hibited a skill and caution that had made hima terror to the warrior tribes of the inland, ,Pos- sessed of a clear, kindly eye, a calm, generous aature, and a noble face, he had ever been the champion of the poor and weak, and had sup- planted the bully and braggart on many occa- sions. In the present case, from his mysterious ap- pearance at the gambling-den to his strange revelation to Ambergris Ben, a deep motive aside from natural chivalry had inspired him, A mighty secret was locked within his breast, which was destined to be brought to light sooner than he had anticipated, by the fast-oceurring incidents of the night. ‘* Murder !” ’ _The cry bad already reached other ears than his own, and the echo of the word had acceler- ated his run toward the hotel. He dashed through tbe doorway like a flash, toppling over a terrified servant; and, by intuition or from some eb os knowledge of the place, be found himself at the very door of the apartment oc- cupied by Ambergris Ben. A glance indicated to Tom that his recogni- tion of the voice of the old man was not a mis- take, A lamp burned in a bracket, and its rays showed a scene of excitement and confusion, Upon the floor, bleeding from a slight wound in the head, was Ambergris Ben slowly struggling to his feet. Near him was a trunk, its contents scattered over the floor, while the lower part of the window ese to the side yard of the ho- tel, had been torn from its place, the splintered glass covering the sill and the floor. “What has happened? quick! man; you were assaulted? Which way have they gone?” . Old Ben with a glance of recognition at Gold Dast Tom pointed to the window. “Two of them,” he gasped out. ‘One the man Ellis, I could swear to it, My money! a slung shot.” His last words did not reach the young man’s aars. He had sprung to the window nimbly. When he returned, five minutes later, a score of men filled the room listening to Ben’s story of the robbery. A shade of dismay and concern came into Tom’s face. “There is no trace of the villains,” he said calmly. ‘Gentlemen, please leave the room. I wish to question my friend about this affair.” The throng dispersed at his words. Gold Dust Tom closed the doory and turned to Ben with an anxious look. The latter bad been lifted toa chair, and the blood washed from his wound. _ * Are you seriously burt?” inquired Tom. ‘*No, only a stunning blow. But, the money! vel ae ' ' : re ee nS. Gold Dust Tom. They toreitfrom me before I could resist or shoot, although I fired through the wincow at them, My heavens, man! am Icrazy? Juani- ta! Tbis commotion will alarm her terribly. I forgot all about her.” At the mention of the name Juanita, Gold Dust Tom started. The first trace of excited emotion he had yet shown, crossed bis brown, handsome face. He paled slightly, his eyes became anxious and he seemed about to speak. But be repressed the impulse, still betraying, however, a deep concern, A woman’s name had stirred his being more powerfully than the menace of death itself. Ben arose to his feet and advanced to a door connecting with an adjoining room. He opened it, and repeated the name he had before spoken: *¢ Juanita!” There was no response. He peered into the dark apartment and called the name again. Still silence was bis only answer and he grew wildly alarmed, “Quick! if anything should have happened to her! But no, no!—she is asleep. The lamp,” he said, hurriedly. Almost as much excited as his companion, Gold Dust Tom took down the Jamp from its bracket and hastened to the next room. Its rays illuminated the interior, showing an apart- ment so disordered that Ben uttered a frantic cry. “Gone!” he ejaculated. ‘See! yonder win- dow also is open, her clock and hat are on the floor, It isas I feared; oh! fool that I was to give way to aspirit of gaming, when I should hev guarded her with my life,” Exhaustion and excitement made him totter like a child. Gold Dust Tom did not speak. His face showed the most poignant emotion, and then, suddenly, a new lightcame into his eyes. *‘ Ay, gone!” be cried. ‘‘ Abducted by the same hand that stole your money. It is all some part of a deep. plot of that villain, Ellis. There is no time to lose; he shall be traced and punished, Ob! I will not spare him this time.” ‘“‘The trunk! the papers!” gasped Ben, ab ruptly, as he hurried to the other room, ‘ The villains, again! Gone, girl and documents, both. Iam ruined, lost!” : He had examined tho scattered contents of the trunk with feverish haste. He fell back, as if struck. a sudden blow, as he came to a large envelope heavily sealed. Its inclosure, evi- dently the prized document to which he re- ferred, seemed to have been taken away by the thieves, A deep shadow crossed the young man’s face, He seemed lost in a puzzling reverie. His com- panion, utterly overcome, sat staring blankly . at the scattered papers before him. He appear- ed to slowly realize it all. His money had been wrested from him; a young girl—his charge, abducted; a valuable paper stolen, “You said a plot,” be breathed, finally. ‘Who could get up a plot to do all this unless they knew—” ‘All your secrets,” interrupted Tom, ‘“ The did. Are you blind, Ambergris Ben, to thin your money only was what they sought—that they would carry away 2 young girl in the heart of San Francisco because she had a pretty face? No; adeep game of fraud and crime has begun, It commenced when you, an hour since, unwittingly walked into Horace E)lis’s gam- bling-den and placed yourself under the power of fpa3 deadliest foe and that of Juanita.’ mbergris Ben sat transfixed at the words of his companion. Slowly he appeared to compre- hend their meaning. He listened like one turned to stone as Gold Dust Tom went on: “There is no use of my deceiving you, I know you, I know Juanita, I know your secret. ‘ive years since your old friend, Arnold Leslie, died, leaving bis daughter to your care. He eared enemies, he feared for his child, for bis wife was the daughter of Ayal Trujillo, the last living descendant of the royal line of Montezu- mas. You knew what that meant. The mystic Secret of his life centered about the child, Juanita, for she was the heiress to vast wealth. Yhen she was eighteen years of age you were directed to come. to San Francisco to apply to Marston, the banker, to receive a certain paper explaining your future course in regard to her, You did so, That paper contained the secret of her life; scarcely an hour in your possession, it has fallen into the hands of a merciless enemy, and you and berself are in ignorance ofits pre- cious contents.” 4 A deep groan broke from old Ben’s lips. ‘*Pile it onto me! Curse me, boy! I desarve it all for my recklessness,” ‘*‘No,” returned Tom, ‘‘for you have been a 7 Pre! » bale Se) faithful guardian to Juanita. When, three years since, you found ber hunted duwn by an old enemy of her father, Bryce Williaid, you escaped fron him and placed ber at school at Matamoras. She was safe there; vou went to see ber, returning a month since, ‘and you brought her here to get the papers.” ‘“*How do you know all this?” ** Because I am the affianced husband of your ward,” “ You ?” The old man shouted the word incredu- lously. : ‘Yes; I met her; I loved her. When you returned we determined to keep it a secret for a time at loast. When I followed you to-night to Horace Ellis’s gambling-den, it was by Juanita’s earnest desire.” The accumulating surprises of the evening seemed to overcome the old man. He did not speak, “You were followed, traced. The enemy you once feared is again on your trail. That paper stolen to-nigbt undoubtedly tells of treas- ure, or a great fortune held by some fanatic devotee of the Aztecs. You know the story of the mysterious heritage of Caldeiras, the moun- tain hermit—that be holds uncounted wealth, saved from the pillage when Montezumas died to be given to some lineal descendant of the old kingly race, who will restore the glories of the Aztec empire, What if Juanita’s claim was something like this? Ambergris Ben, arouse yourself! The game has begun, the trail is fresh, Bryce Williard must be followed!” “ Bryce Willard?” ‘* Ay! for be is the man who bas wrought all this trouble to-night. Bryce Williard and Hor- ace Ellis are one.” * Ye don’t mean it?” Old Ben’s vernacular was inadequate to ex- press bis amazement, bout a moment later bis rage broke forth unrestrainedly. * T see it all, stranger!” he cried. ‘The plot, the villain. the game—I see ver interest in this affair, I jine bands with ye. A nobler man I never met, fer ye show yer mettle in yer face an’ deeds. We'll hunt this man cown; we'll save the gal an’ punish him, or my name ain’t Ambergris Ben,” He gathered up the papers and placed them in the trunk. For over an hour he was busy arranging things to bis satisfaction. Then the two men scoured the city and its vicinity all through tbe night for some trace of Juanita’s abductor. Tireless as sleuth hounds on a scent, cautious and sbrewd us «expert de- tectives, they haunted the lowest and most pub- lic places of the city, Not a trace of the girl or ber abductor could be found, Juanita had disappeared; but in the early morning, just as they were ces; airing of tracing the gambler, a discovery was made that set them both at fever-beat, A clew had been found, not to the villain Bryce Williard, or to his prisoner, but to a com- anion of the former, with whom they believed 1e would communicate within the next few hours, 2 : They ascertained that Bryce Williard, aside from bis’ gambling schemes and the abduction of Juanita, bad formed a contederation of crime in the Golden City which he woyld in- fluence tu aid bis designs, and that this band of desperadoes was no less a formidable association than the notorious opium-smugglers of the coast. —_—— CHAPTER III. AT THE COAST TAVERN, ‘“‘T'vE sarved my time, an’! owe the State a grudge. . Howlin’ Sahara, but I’m sp’ilin’ for a fight!” a Easy, stranger. This is a public house, and I’m a peaceable man. Don’t!” Tho last word was a frightened spore) on the part of the landlord of the Coast Tavern, and he raled and trembled as he spoke, For the first speaker—the man he had ad- dressed--had drawn a knife from its sheath and sent it hilt deepthrough tbe thin board partition behind the bar, with an echoing war- bac : “Ye ain’t used to catomarans, are ye That's me, Catamaran Bill, Well, I’m full of good whisky and in fer a lark, Set the liquor out ag’in—the best, mind ye, or [ll make the bot- tles dance to the tune ofa pistol-shot.” ; The scene was a common one. A rough, in- solent bully had entered the Coast and since then had kept its frightened on the qui vive of terror and excitement with bis reckless threats and actions. To the latter, ’ J tO Biel ae feu ps an ie , : ME EOS ee tee a, ) m| Wit Iie dk fr va * Na pelt tar ek Rll be Br py Aa a PIER ey arp te eo ‘ , j 7 ; f 7 (wales Tas. of pn al 4 4, ia Ons oh oF i tel ses he : tai, Tavern half an bour before the opening of this a ae ost igs
Page 4
"ence ee ES Ae Se ee ey he was some desperado or convict bent on mis- chief, each moment inspired to renewed devil- try by fresh libations of liquor, Toa careful observer, however, the shrewd glitter in hiseye indicated a deeper motive in his maneuvers than that of the braggart, fHvidently his performance was not intended for the landlord, for that individual was al- ready under the influence of fear. Tne atten- tion of the ruffian was divided between the two other occupants of the place, and his purpose seemed to be to frighten or drive them away from the saloon. Something, however, in the manner and ap- pearance of the youngest of these two prevent- ed his acting on the open aggressive toward them. Twice he had staggered past the youn- gest of the twain, who was seated in a chair smoking a cigar placidly, indifferent to the drunken antics of the bully. To all sppear- ances he was a Spaniard, his dress and hair be- tokening a peninsular ranchero, or petty official. But, although inferior in size tothe man who had announced himself as Catamaran Bil’, the |, dead stop as a form AEesered in the doorway steady glance of his eye from beneath the drawn sombrero showed a defiance and con- tempt for the bully that cowed him. The other occupant of the place was a man of full habit, with a face shaven perfectly smooth and brown as that ofa Malay. He wore a pair of dark spectacles, useless at present, however, for his eyes were closed, and his attitude was one of drunken slumber. Toward him Cata- maran Bill directed bis attention at last. ‘*Git up, hyar!” he ordered, as he gave the sleeper a vicious digin theribs. ‘‘It’s time for old men to be at hum and asleep.” The speaker gave utterance to a grunt, and sunk lower and more helpless in his chair, His evident inebriation seemed to make him un- worthy of further attention from the bully, for the latter returned to the bar, drained a glass of liquor, and then strolled to the open door of the tavern. The silent smoker changed bis position as the bully’s back was turned, and tilted his chair against the wall, The movement brought him nearer to the sleeping man—so near, in fact, that he almost touched him. A single sentence, murmured cautiously, swept his lips as he lita fresh cigar. It was addressed to the inebriate: ‘* Admirable, Ben! ‘You’re a star actor.” The pretended inebriate smiled. Then he re- sumed his drunken pose, only a gleam in the corner of his drooping eyelids telling that he was watching the man at the door. Silence fell over the scene, and the landlord glanced at Catamaran Bill with a sigh of relief as the former moved toward the door. The bully evidently had no intention of leay- ing just then, however, for he lolled against the door-post, bis eyes fixed on the black expanse of water—a little bay lying beyond the road in front of the hotel, rovedtay he started, and strained his vision to pierce the gloom-laden air of the night. The silent smoker leaned forward eagerly, and glancing past the figure blocking the doorway, saw the cause of Catamaran Bill’s excitement. Flashed once, twice, across the bay, a mere speck in the distance, was alight. So unmis- takably was it the cause of Catamaran Bill’s interest, so eparonsed was the stranger in observ- ing it, that the former turned quick enough to detect the other staring fixedly at the now sta- tionary light. An angry oath issued from Catamaran Bill’s lips. For the first time he ventured to approach the stranger. “What are ye spying at?” he ground out, ‘It ‘pears to me ye’re oncommon curious about affairs in here.” ; Not a word was ventured in response. The calm eyes were fixed on the face of the bully, but their owner continued smoking carelessly, his lips Lara only to puff the curling smoke directly in the face of the snarling braggart who confronted him. ! **Mebbe you think it’s a signal? Mebbe ye’re some cussed revenue, pokin’ your nose in other le’s affairs?” **T do think it’s a signal, What of it?” * Pipin’ geysers! ef I thought a man couldn’t meet a friend at a quiet hotel without bein’ spotted by some pesky copper, I’d cl’ar ther ranch, An’ mebbe, stranger, ye think this a signal, too.” e had sprung to the wall and seized a lamp. Raising it, be waved it twice before the open window, replaced it, and glared menacingly at the smoker. “T know it is.” “Ye impudent Greaser! I'll settle yer case for all. Take thet!” ,got tne signal. Gold Dust Tom. Catamaran Bill had thrown himself forward with a lunge of his big, sprawling arms, Their sweep met nothing. sspry as an atblete the smoker dodged aside, gained his feet with a dexterous movement, and directed a single blow of his powerful fist at the forehead of his burly antagouist. With a thud the desperado sunk to the floor, and then with an oath he struggled to his feet again. : ‘““Whar is he? Ill hev his lif ! Tl erush him ter dust, I sw’ar I will! Whar hez he gone?” He stared around him with utter amazement, As if swallowed up by the earth, his antagonist had disappeared. : Raving, threatening, cursing, the burly des- perado scoured the room and its vicinity, re- connoiterivg the outside and gazing under tables, the bar, and into adjoining apartments, Tt was useless. His assailant was nowhere to be found, and the lanc lord shook his head when questioned as to his flight. Still raving wildly, Catamaran Bill came toa enveloped in a long cloak. Stepping quietly into the room, the new-comer concealed his face as he glanced sharply about the place, and glided to the side of the bully. Quick!” he SS in a hoarse whisper, ‘‘I s the room ready? Are you mad to raise a row at a time like this? Are there any suspicious characters around?” The bully’s manner changed to abject ser- vility. **Tt’s all right, captain. room. We'll be safe hyar.” He led the way to a door, and they both dis- appeared from view. he landlord muttered disconsolately to bim- self, deeply annoyed at the suspicious and troublesome guests of the evening. He failed to observe the sleeping stranger leave his seat my glide stealthily through the open front oor, There was no trace of inebriation in this man now. His voice was clear, his eyes gleamed like two coals of fire as he gained the outer air. ‘*Catamaran Bill and his captain, Bryce Williard!” he muttered between his teeth. ‘“Gold Dust Tom gave the bully a blow that will be followed by a wuss one afore the night is through ef we don’t collar his boss and find the gal. Whar hez the lad gone to; to watch ’em? Then I'll take up my position under yon- der tree. Bryce Williard, ye’re ina trap, with two determined men on yer trail, an yer don’t leave byar to-night till yer give me back my money, the galan’ the paper ye stole, or my name ain’t Ambergris Ben!” I’ve engaged the CHAPTER IV. A NIGHT OF ADVENTURES. ALL the elements of a deep plot were present in the little roadside tavern at which Amber- gris Ben, disguised, had appeared on the trail of the man he hated most of all human beings. The old whals-bunter had been induced by Gold Dust Tom to act contrary to the hot im- pulses of his reckless nature. He had been con- vineed that precipitate haste, while it might bring Bryce Williard to grief, would not be like- ly to cover all the long trail of gailt and fraud the villain and bis confederates had made. They must meet caution with caution, shrewdness with a matchless deftness; and the result of a confab after discovering a clew to the haunts of Williard’s associates, was to disguise themselves successfully, and repair to the spot where they believed Williard would soon appear. < The result has been shown. Jt was Gold Dust Tom who laid the burly Catamaran Bill pros- trate on the floor of the bar-room, but his flight had not been one of cowardice. He had simply taken advantage of the downfall of his foe to escape to an absence which, later on, would en- able them to entrap their foes, It would be folly at the present state of the game to meet in open conflict. And while old Ben grimly watched the building conta‘ning bis foe from the shndow of a tree, Gold Dust Tom bad penetrated to the upper portion of the structure through a conve- nient doorway and was now traversing the gloomy attic endeavoring to locate the position of the new-comer and his confederate. Cantamaran Bill was silent as he Jed the wa to a room back of the bar. As the door clo-ed, his guest threw aside bis cloak and flung it into a chair. “Sit down,” he said, ‘‘ You say we are safe here?” ‘* As safe as if on the coast at Glorietta.” ‘‘No names, Bill. You had a row just now.” ‘*Curse the meddling stranger! yes. I tried to get the coast clear for you. But ye needn’t fear, be’s run off. He was the only one I thought looked as if he might be on the watch.” ‘*Have you looked out for the old man and that infernal Gold Dust Tom?” ‘Yes, but I can’t find ’em. MThey’ve mysteri- ously disappeared. Safe enough yu are now, if they get the whole police force after ye,” Bryce Williard looked uneasily about the apartment. ‘Not if I have to come this near the town very often. But to business, You know the new lay?” , “Opium.” ‘*Ex:ctly. The coast has been watched for a month past, and two poste es dropped by the steamer were gobbled by tbe revenues, But we're bulking a fortune ona bigrun. It came in to-night.” Catamaran Bill started. ‘‘Inter the city?” . ‘* Exactly.” . ‘“‘You amaze me, captain.” Williard smiled pe Pager “Tt was a clever dodge. All you’ve got to do is to hire a horse and wagon, and bring the stuff down to the ranch.” “The opium?—ye don’t mean—?” “That it has passed inspection and will be de- livered to you all right! Ha! what was that?” A little dust had fallen on the table between them. Williard looked up quickly. ‘*Some rat in the ceiling,” reassuringly re- plied Bull, ‘‘Go on with om orders, captain.” ‘‘The package is at the Government ware- house, ere is the receipt,” and Williard took a piece of paper from his pocket. ‘ ey No, 2824, That ends any necessity of being in town again very soon.” ** And the gal?” Wiiliard’s eyes sparkled. ‘*A clear million when the game is ripe,” he replied. ‘‘ You won’t repent fair service to me this time, I’ll warrant you.” He had arisen to his feet, as if, his business ac- pad ger he was bent on leaving the place. At that moment there was acrash. The star- tled men sprung aside as a cloud of dust, morter and broken lathes covered the table, followed by a heavy body. It was Gold Dust Tom. In his curiosity to overhear them, he had bored a small hole through the plastering. In peering through, bis balance became overburdened and the frail par- tition gave way. Both men had drawn their knives. Cata- maran Bill sprung forward as he discerned the intruder, “‘Tt?s my man, he that floored me!” he cried. “*Tt?s Gold Dust Tom!” ejaculated the exci‘ed | Williard. ‘Finish bim, or we're lost! He's overheard a’l, Not that!” Bill bad drawn a revolver, and sprung toward the prostrate body of Gold Dust Tom. As he spoke, Williard raised his revolver and dealt om a heavy blow with its end. The young man fell back apparently insensible. ‘* Finished !” ejaculated Williard. ‘‘ He’s off our trail at last. ‘No, only stupefied. Quick, the door! Some one is coming!” and Bill ran to the door and locked it. Williard hastened to the window as he spoke. ‘*The very thing!” he muttered, as he re- turned and seized Tom. ‘‘ When I whistle, fo!- low me.” He dragged the body through the window, His signal rung out a minute later. ‘‘What be you goin’ to do?” inquired Bill, as he gained his side, “Lift the body.” ‘* Ye ain’t goin’ to carry it off?” ‘* No,” ‘What then?” “The well. See, it’s ten feetaway. Quick! I see a form coming toward us.” Together they lifted the inanimate Tom and hurried toward the open well. A cry of alarm from Williard’s lips was mingled with the re- port of a revolver as the body slipped from their grasp and disappeared with an echoing plunge into the well! They did not delay, to face their new foe. A man had darted toward them, firing twice after them, and then, with a wild ejaculation of hor- ror be sprung to the well-curb and gazed down into the darkness. **Tom! Tom! are you there?—alive or dead!” shouted Ambergris Ben excitedly—for he it was. 3 A faint murmur reached his ears. It grew to an ejaculation, a minute later, for the means
Page 5
Gold Dust Tom. employed to kill Williard’s foe, bad resulted in his restoration to consciousness, Contact wita the water had revived Tom, “The rope!” he called back, as he heard Ben’s voice, With prodigious strength Ben began turning tne windlass, and he dragged the form of Tom over the curb a minute later. “* Are ye hurt?’ he asked solicitously. ‘‘Not seriously, but badly shaken up.” ‘-Tuen I'm off, fer ye can’t j'ine me, weak as yeare, Williard hez given me the slip, but Pll trace him down this night if I search the ocean for him,” Leaving bis half-drowned companion, lying on the ground exhausted, Ambergris Ben dash- ed off in the gloom of the night. CHAPTER V. THE SMUGGLED OPIUM. Goutp Dust Tom lay perfectly still as he saw Ambrgris Ben disappear in pursuit of his ene- mies. The landlord, attracted by the commo- tion, bad come hurriedly to the outside of the tavern, Then, fearing some new incursion of the desperadoes, he hastily closed and barred the doors and windows, and the place became enveloped in darkness, Twice Tom essayed to arise, but/found his strength failed him, and for half an hour he was compelled to remain where he was. Re- stored vitality came at last. He struggled to his feet, glanced searchingly over the deserted landscape, and: then with an anxious solicitude for the brave and rash Ben, turned thougnt- fully toward the distant lights of the city. is first move was torepair to a hotel and secure dry garments; his next to seek a few hours’ rest. He was utterly in the dark as to the coast haunt of Williard’s men, and as mvs- tified regarding the result of the probable pur- suit of Ben. His mind acknowledged a leading motive in his plans—the rescue of Juanita, but tne discovery of the evening made him realiz> that its developments were of an importance to the Government not to be undervalued. Day- light found bim still awake and thoughtful; sunrise discovered him making his way to the residence of a well-known Government official, and he routed the officer from his bed, uncere- mouiously. j “You are Colonel Clowry, Chief of the Pa- cific coast Revenue Service?” be asked the of- ficer, as the Jatter entered the room where Tom was seated, with evidences of a hasty toilet. His host bowed affirmatively, but with some little annoyance iu his manner. Evidently, he disliked having his morning nap disturbed, but the message Tom had sent was imperative. ‘I have called on a matter which, incident- ally discovered by myself last night, will, I am certain, startle you.” : “Tn reference to—” * The opium-smugglers.” The officer’s eyes brightened. ‘Tt is current gossip,” went on Tom, ‘ that within the past ten years the opium smuggled into the city bas defrauded the Government of over six millions of dollars, and. that so deftly and successfully dc these smugglers cover their tracks as to utterly defeat the efforts of your officers to bring them to justice. Am I cor- rect?” “T regret to state that you are.” ‘‘ While several seizures have been made, the mysterious operations of some well-organized confederation engaged in this illicit trade have been kept from official and public view. Acci- dent has revealed the identity of the league to myself. Self-interest, combined with duty, brings me to you to announce my discovery. I know the chief of this band. I even know where a large consignment of opium is now lying in a package, passed by the custom-house as non-dutiable,” “You ameze me!” : ‘‘T have learned that a certain package num- bered 2824, now in the Government warehouse, and landed yesterday from a China steamer, has, in some mysterious manner, passed official inspection. This package, I am positive, con- tains opium.” ‘It seems incredible! The revenue officers have been unusually vigilant and careful f late.” “ A visit to the warehouse—” ; ‘‘T was about to suggest the same thing. Your information is cf a character most im- portant, if it turns out to be true. Will you excuse me fora few moments? I will join you ” _ §00Dn When Colonel Clowry reappeared, he led the way from the house and down the street toward the wharf. The massive edifice used as a Gov- ernment warehouse was soon reached. Its closely-shuttered windows and _iron-barred doors made it resemble a tenantless structure, but in reply to hard knocking, a man appeared at the door. He was the custodian of the place, and as be recognized the chief of the secret service, he admitted bim and his companion. A search was at once instituted for the package referred to by Gold Dust Tom, Among a beterogeneous mass of boxes, casks and pack- ages, a large oblong chest was at last drawn forth, Jt bore the number of 2824, and was so heavy that Tom and the cvlonel were com- pélled to aid the custodian in dragging it out, ‘* Arrived yesterday on the China steamer,” murmured the officer, somewbat excitedly, ‘and the number corresponds, So far you are correct. Singular, though, it is branded as ex- amined and passed upon, and has evidently been opened and investigated. My man, are the memorandum-books available?” ‘* Yes, sir; they are in the bookcase, I will get the book in which we note down the first inspection,” **Do so.” . The man disappeared and returned shortly with a book over the pages of which the colonel looked rapidly, ‘* Here we are,” he said. ‘‘ Consignment, one box containing embalmed body of J.cques Roquet, died at Hong Kong, and shipped to William Ball, Sacramento City. There must be some mistake.” ‘* Will you open the box and see?” The colonel hesitate’. Evidently he was in- clined to believe Gold Dust Tom the victim of a eae, but, after a few minutes’ thought, he said: ‘* Yes, to satisfy you, 1 will. and chisel.” The man produced the tools. The box was made of rough, close-fitting boards, It was an easy task prying it open. The colonel looked eagerly into the box, It contained a metallic casket, To all appear- ance tbhecontents of the same was an embalmed body, for in the upper portion wes a glass, and beneath it, plainly visible, the face of a man. The closed eyes, the white features, the dark hair could be seen. The glass seemed slightly dimmed, but the colonel’s face showed tiat he was satisfied that Tom bad fallen into an - rror, “You see it is a body,” he said. ‘Jt isa common thing to ship foreigners here, even as we send the Chinamen home when they die, You have been purposely or innocently de- ceived, sir. That package is straight.” ‘‘T don’t believe it!” Gold Dust Tom spoke in a firm, earnest tone. ** May I ask why?” ‘Because that glass,” and Tom touched it, ‘*igs obscured as if purposely on tbe inner sur- face if I had the official right, I would do what the officers evidently have not done.” “ And that is?” ‘To open the casket.” The cokomit frowned. He apparently believed he was right. With another ejaculation, he said finally: “Very well,” and he proceeded to unscrew the top of the casket. eo A cry of utter amazement rent his lips as he removed the top. The disk glass taken off, the features of the occupant of the casket were more plainly visible. Flesh and blood never looked thus. A single word told of a deft fraud as Colonel Clowry gasped out: “ Wax had ‘*Exactly, a dummy!” cried Tom triumphant- ly. ‘‘See!” and lifting the wax face he showed that it was indeed so. In a moment the lower portion of the casket was unscrewed. A dull taint began to fill the air. They found a dozen packages neatly ar- ranged in the casket, which filled the space not taken up by the wax head, Colonel Clowry was amazed. His. face be- trayed the most intense astonishment. He wearers. heard Gold Dust Tom as the latter said: : “A man will call for this package in the morning.” ‘*Then we will arrest him.” **No, Colonel Clowry. I have brought you valuable information, I have a deep motive in tracing the box, but should detectives be set on its trail they will be eluded. Iam no revenue detective, but I have a motive in following the man to whom this bex will be eventually de- livered—a motive sufficiently strong to enable me to act also in good faith with you in hunting him down.” ‘* What are you driving at?” The bammer “Simply this:—I have a plan for tracing the smugglers to their haunt. Remove the coffin end the opium, bore half a dozen breathing holes in the box and deliver it to the man who calls for it. ‘e Em t ?” ve No : ‘* What do you mean, then?” “That you allow me to take: the place of the casket—-that you place me in the box, and de- liver me to this emissary of the Opium Smug- glers of the Coast!” CHAPTER VI, AMBERGIS BEN ON THE TRAIL, ‘“WE'vE settled bim, but there’s another one after us,” muttered Bryce Williard ns he dashed away from the Cosst Tavern followed by Cat- amaran Bill. ‘Don’t delay, 1 can’t affurd to get irto trouble just now.” ‘* Which way, captain?” ‘‘Down the shore, and keep near the bay. I’ve a horse over near the road.” Tbe two men skirted the water’s edge sta running gait, but lessened their speed as a back- ward glance revealed no pursuers in sight. As they reached the side of the little indentation of land opposite the tavern, Bryce Williard pro- ceedea to a clump of trees and came out on the beach a minute Jater with a bridled horse. ‘He's tired from the run from the old den,”* he said, ‘‘ but be’ll carry me back as far as the boat. Remember, Bill, use caution with the box and don’t let any one follow you.” “Trust me for that, captain,” and as they parted, Catamaran Bill made his way across the sand-hills in the direction of the distant city, while Williard mounted his horse snd started southward down the beach, All fear of pursuit seemed to have left the mind of the latter. He believed he had ¢ff-e- tually disposed of Gold Dust Tom, and he ed- juiged the second mysterious arrival at the tavern to be some passing pedestrian or officer who would sot be likely to discover Ton’s flight. His head dropped thoughtfully on his breast as he pursued his way, and, unconscious of any lurking peril, be allowed the steed to jog along at a lazy canter, A dozen rods bebind him, on the beach, a man’s form had dogged his course ever since he had parted with Catamaran Bill. The threat of Ambergis Ben that he would not lose sight of his foe was pot an idle one, and, running at times, then walking, he kept his enemy in view. Thus, for nearly ten miles, and far up the beach, pursuer and pursued continued their way. It was only when the latter halted at a little old building, that Ben secreted himself in the timber and watched bis man cautiously, He beard Williard give utterance to a shrill, peculiar whistle. A minute later a man came out from the house and took the reins from bis bands. Then the latter, with a few low-spoken words to the man, darted down-the road as if bent on continuing his journey on foot, Ambergis Ben, c ose on bis trail, was some- what puzzled as Williard reached a stream with a swift current, and from nmong some busbes drew out a skiff and boarded it, ‘*He means to cross the river,” Ben decided. ‘‘There’s no use to trifle longer. It’s a bold ren but ef he diskivers me, it’s fight, thet’s a Just as the boat Jeft the water’s edge, to the undisguised amez-ment of its occupant, Amber- gris Ben appeared in view, and, springing into its stern, coo!ly uttered the single word: “ How dy ? Bryce Williard stayed the oars and stared fixedly at the intruder. ‘What does this mean?” he demanded, in a suspicious tone. ‘‘Who are you! Get out of this boat!” ‘‘Not much, Stranger, I’ve bin chased for twenty minutes or more by some friends as don’t over-like me, an’ ye’ve got to give me a lift down the river.” To Ben’s surprise, Williard did not resent his — proposition, Instead he said, in a light, careless tone: “Oh, some refugee from the police or the revenues? All right, my friend, I'll take you as far asI go,” and forthwith he began to pro- pel the craft toward mid-stream, As Williard did so, he looked suspiciously toward Ben, but be did not break the silence which ensued. Quietly the boat preceeded down the stream, o’d Ben in the stern, end for over an hour it floated rapidly on its course, _ Twice, in the distance, Ben had noticed a . light gleaming which seemed to enchain the ‘7 ust
Page 6
~ sorter iliww& t f r t + s ri I € t ‘ £ c t { i es and its surroundings was afforded. The hunter attention of Williard, but he could make out no outline in the darkness. He Fad begun to flat- ter himself that his enemy did not recognize or even suspect bim, when an incident occurred which startled him. The current was running fast, the light in the distance had grown nearer, when suddenly Williard arose in the boat. Before Ben could rise to avert the blow, the gambler brought the oar with tremendous force down over bis head, sprung into the water, swam to the shore and disappeared in the darkness, So startled and confused was Ben that he did not realize his peril tilla minute later. He ob- served that the boat was being rapidly whirled down the river toward some rapids. It was with difficulty that he managed to swim ashore. Wet and exhausted he lay on the bank, grim'y comprehending the unpleasant denouement of his sail with the man he intended to trace to cover, and then compel to disclose the where- abouts of the abducted Juanita. ‘* He’s given me the slip, thet’s sartain,” mut- tered Old Ben, disconsolately, as be struggled to his feet. ‘ But it’s equally sartain he was near bome or he wouldn’t have clipped me so soon. Whar’s the lights I saw? Ef I kin trace them, I’m mortal sure to locate this coyote.” Ben wrung out his water-soaked garments, paced the banks of the stream slowly, and scanned his surroundings. The spot was a strange one tu him, but as he finally came toa rocky break in the sbore and saw outlined against the sky a large rambling frame struc- ture, he uttered a satisfied ejaculation, end drew back in the screening shadow of scme bushes, For over an hour the old man viewed tke lace and all its surroundiags that were visible in the darkness. It seemed to bean old deserted mill, and approachable only by a narrow wagon- road on the upland. The rapids were located a few rods above the mill, and it was impossible to gain access to the place from Ben’s present spot of espionage. “Thar’'s lights thar,an’ men. Suthin’ is goin’ on, an’ Bryce Williard’s in the swim,” solilo- quized the veteran. ‘‘ Welland good. I believe he’s housed yonder, probably with friends, and Till be cautious how I move! Vil think the thing over.” Ben solaced his disturbed mood with a quiet smoke for overan hour. At daylight he awoke from an involuntary slumber, and pursued bis investizations. He learned considerable concerning the old mill during the morning. To all appearances, in broad daylight, the p ace was deserted. He did not see a trace of occupancy during the en- tire morning’s scout in the vicinity; but, about noon, he ran across some casual discoveries that interested him. In bis wanderings in the neighborhood he found, about a mile from the mill, a little old but, and applying for food he was met at its door by a grizzly, uncouth specimen of humani- ty, who he afterward learned was a fisherman and hunter. His application for food and payment for the same led toa brief conversation; although the old bunter was loth to talk at first. “‘T don’t keer to set a spy on my neighbors,” the close-mouthed pioneer had said. ‘Not at all, not at all,” interrupted Ben glib- ly, ‘‘ I’m only cur’us. ‘Thar’s people in thet old mill yonder, an’ I was sorter speculatin’ on thar means of livin’, thet’s all.” ** An’ ye hain’t no revenue?’ “Do I look it, my friend? I don’t bardly know what a revenue is,” “* Them doés!” remarked the cld hunter with ae oe nudge of his shoulder toward the m1 Ben’s eyes snapped eagerly. “They do, eh?” he replied. ‘‘ Sort o’ lay-low- in-the-day-time an’ operate-at-night-people, eh? Ob, you're asly old fox! [lH guarantee, you’ve got ’em down fine.” The old hunter, gratified at Ben’s tribute to his shrewdness, winked slyly. **'You see it’s none o’ my business,” he went on, “They buy game of me and pay me well, to say nothin’ of a boat they bought of me fer ten times its value. Atween you and J, how- somever, I sort 0’ imagine thet the twenty odd men thet come and go yonder air road-agents or ee, “Ye don’t say so?” **T do, an’ yonder is ther hoss and wagon cam fer the bridge over the stream, I de- ar’! _ They had been standing in the doorway of the t, from whence a perfect view of the river Gold Dust Tom. had indicated a point in the landscape a sport distance down and across the stream. Old Ben did not wait to question his bost fur- ther. A single glance had revealed to him a fa- miliar form seated on the box of the wagon. He did not linger to apologize for bis abrupt departure. Skirting the path leading to the river, be gained the frail log bridge spanning the narrowest portion of the stream, and stood, half concealed by a tree, awaiticg the arrival of the wagon, which was slowly ruu.bling over the irregular river road, His revolver ready for use in his pocket, a shrewd plan outlined to at last gain access to the old mill from which the bridge was just vis- ible, Ben sprung suddenly forward as the horse’s feet touched the first timber of the bridge. With a bound he reached the side of the astonished driver, and pres-ing the cold muzzle of the revolver directly under his nose, he said, in a quick, earnest tone: ‘*Stop yer team, Mr. Catamaran Bill. I’ve got the drop an’ I intend to have a little private conversation with you.” CHAPTER VII. IN THE LIONS LAIR, BEN’s sudden appearance had’ taken Catama- ran Bill completely aback. The latter involun- tarily tightened the reins, and then as the borse came to a dead stop he sat stock-still, bis eyes shrinking from the deadly menace of the leveled. revolver only to seek the determined face of the disguised Ben, Tae ruffian's first words indicated that he re- cognized the old mon. ‘* What do yer want,” he demanded sharply. “You are the drunken man of the Coast Tavern,” “*T wasn’t any drunker then than I am now, my friend. Catamaran Bill, when your pre- cious partner who calls himself Horace Illis asks you agsin abou" Ambergris Ben, tell bim you’ve seen him, for I’m that varmint,” revouu? It was all Bill could say. His eyes filled with speculative amazement, he sat staring blankly at Benasif at a specter. ‘‘Now, then, no foolin’; yer pals hev got a gal an’ some of my money I intend to hev, or I shall kill them off one by one, beginnin’ with ou.” Bill’s eyes began to grow crafty. His free hand crept suspiciously near his belt. He sud- denly whisked a knife into sight. **No ye dou’t, Be keerful, my friend. Don’t ye rile me, if ye’r’ wise.” Cantamaran Bill uttered a sullen oath. As he drew the knife, Ben had struck his wrist a blow with the revolver that sent the weapon flying over the edge of the frail bridge and into the water below. Ben’s eyes wandering over the wagon rested on a heavy, oblong box. He directed a quick question to: his companion, who, disarmed, ‘sat glowering at him wrathfully. ‘What's in thet box?” “You find out.” ‘Ob, I kin guess. Some plunder from yer maraudin’ expioits, Isuppose. Now, then, Mr. Bill, I jest give ye five minutes to peel cff yer clothes and git ready to be gagged an’ bound fer a few hours.” But for the Jeveled revolver it is doubtful if Bill would not have sprung boldly on bis cap- tor. As it was a defiant dare-devil expression came into his swarthy face. ‘*T see yer game,” he hissed out, “ but it won’t go, even if I was fool enough to help ye. Tap your shootin’-iron, I won’t doas ye bid me. **Ye won't?” ‘*No,” * ‘*Be keerful,” and a dangerous gleam came into Ambergris Ben’s eyes. ‘*Tn yonder old ranch thar’s a gal I intend to find, an’ I'll do it or scalp the last one of yer in- fernal gang.” / ‘ Will yer?” Catamaran Biil’s words were a half-triumph- ant sneer, He made a quick moveas he uttered them. On the square fight Ambergris Ben might Lave been his equa], but he was no match in the crafty arts at the desperado’s command, For Catemaran Bi}] had executed a little maneuver that so suddenly upset all the old veteran’s plans that Ben could searcely real z its operation. Before he could recover himself, the front part of the wagon shot back, flinging bim hodily through the air, the box slid down the incline to the bridge, and then with a,crash went whirling into the eddying waters below. ‘Tricked, by gum!” was jolted from Ben’s capacious mouth as he landed with a thud on the boards of the bridge. ‘‘Spermaceti! but he worked it well.” Catamaran Bill’s little trick bad indeed been a clever one. The wagon was cone of that kind which upsets to unload by means of a pin at the front. Realizing his peril, witb the odds against him, the wily scounore] with his foot had worked the bolt loose bolding the bottom in place until the catastrophe just re ated bad overtaken bis enemy. Had Catamaran Bill after making a spring forward in time to avert a backward somer set have fird precipitately, he could bave eluded furtber conflict with his foe. As he saw a denouement that be had not counted on, however, he became wildly excited and alarm- ed, The box bad fallen into the river, and Cat- amaran Bil knowing or imagining be knew the value of ifs contents, had reason to be con- cerned, For bis load had come clear from San Fran- cisco, and was no Jess than the box passed origi- nally at the custom-house as the remains of fa certain French alien in Hong Kong named Jac- ques Roguet, Tue first move of the opium-smuggler was to ut into execution a maneuver agreed upon generally between himself and bis associates in times of peril. He had drawiia peculiar whistle from his pocket. Ina momenta shrill, echoing signal rent the silence of the valley. This delay had given Ambergris Ben time to recover himself. The desperado, believing his opponent stunned or killed by the fall, started on a keen run toward the shore across the bridge as the old whaleman’s form came around the dismantled cart. “Stand, or ye’r’ a goner!” the fugitive except to increase his rate of speed. The issues of the moment were portertous to the excited mariner. He raised the revolver and fired, Catamaran Bill uttered acry cf pain, stum- bled and fell;—fell so suddenly from sight, that Ben’s eyes opened to their widest as he reached the spot where he had gone cown. Before the whaleman’s glance was revealed a deep pit, cr well, or mining excavation, so dark bevond the surface that the honest old fellow fairly skur- dered as be theorized that not only had he mor- tally wounded the desperado, but thet the vic- tim of his sure aim had saved his friends the necessity of employing an undertaker, by leap- ing into his own grave, Ben’s face became serious as he recalled his thinking faculties to the exigencies of the pre- sent moment. As he glanced down the river he saw the box wh'ch had slid from the wagon shooting down the vortex of rushirg weters, and beyond, ata window in the old mill, the . forms of several men just come into view, - “Catamaran Bill’s_ settled,” be muttered imly, ‘“‘but those fellows yonder prchabl heard his signal and myshot. I won’t back out. Tll resk it, by gum, I will! Here goes.” ‘Ben’s rotund face became determined. as he rearranged the cart, sprung to the seat, and whipped up the horse. His busy brain had for- med a wild plan of penetrating to the den of smugglers. He believed bis disguise would de- ceive Bryce Williard if he saw him, and le stool the chance of being received at the old moll by some one else, The wagon jogged along and reached the up- land, crossing the narrow roadway toward the mill. as Catamaran Bill would have proceeded, and through. A a gate rolled back as he reached the front of the old mill. It closed os quickly as old Ben drove into an immense apartment on the ground floor of the structure. : Half a dozen men surrounded bim as he pre- ared to dismount. One of them, evidently a eader in a way, brushed the others aside, ard, with every manifestation of ¢«xcitement, reach- ed old Ben. ‘“What was the row, Bill? You signaled— Why, it ain’t Bill! Who are you, anyway?” The critical moment had come. In the ob- scurity of the place, the men bad not discerned that the driver was a stranger. Now, a mena- cing murmur went up, and their hands sought their weapons, Ben was equal to the occasion. He bad expect- ed to be questioned, and be bad prepered bim- self to answer boldly. *“*Give a fellow a breathing-spell, will yer?” he jerked out half-angrily. ‘‘Whew! I'vehada run of it! Some of you loafers bring me a drink, I’m nearly choking with the row l’ve~ had,” Ben’s stentorian mandate had no effect upon | : Old Ben was trusting to luck to guide bim | he felt that his boldness might carry him>
Page 7
UE _ the boat, last night?” Ben had counted on this. He feigned the Gold Dust Tom < The leader followed Ben as he cooily sat down on a cask. “See here, my man,” he said, in a suspicious tone of voice, ‘‘ who are you?” Ben looked up with every affectation of amaze- ment, “Who am I?’ he repeated with a derisive lauch. ‘Well, thet’s good! Who should I be but the driver that took Catamaran Bill’s place. Mebbe some of you want to spare me the job next time. I don’t want it.” ‘** But the signal?” ““The signal! Wouldn't ye signal if you was jumped on by some ’tarnal revenue?” “The revenues, boys! We're spotted!” cried the man who had been questioning Ben. ‘‘Set the lookout! Get your guns ready, and tell the gp) afte about it, quick!” he men separated at the man’s orders, As for the leader, he listened silently to Ben’s gar- rulous talk. It was the role the cld sea-dog had adopted to help him through—talk. ‘‘ Tbe more I talk, the less they’ll question,” he theorized, and he went over the assault at the bridge just as it bad hap- pened, only that he transposed the circum- stances in their recital. ** How did you come to drive the wagon, any- way?’ demanded his companion. “Bill gave it up to me. He knows me, I'm to be trusted, captain, an’ no questions asked, don’t fear, although I’ve bad a hard experience in these quarters. Why! would you believe it, I got clean knocked out of a boat in these diggings last night, by a mean coyote of a fellow from the city.” Ambergris Bes had a motive in view in his eandid admission of his renconter with Bryce Williard, Sooner or later bere, his visit must lead toa meeting if Williard was in the place; sooner or later, too—and the sooner the better, Ben told himself, he would locate the missing Juanita, He chuckled serenely as every vestige of sus- icion seemed to fade from the man’s face, and e turned to listen to one of the returning men. As they left the room, Ben sauntered coolly after them, and stood at a landing they finally reached surveying curiously a scene in progress in the room beyond. Several men bad just dragged from tbe stream the very box that bad slid from the wagon over the bridge, A man was directing their operations, and bidding them convey it to the next apartment. Despite himself, Amber- gris Ben thrilled wildly, for that man he in- stantly recognized as Bryce Williard. “T's mortal heavy, captain,” one of the men was saying. “It’s lucky if the stuff ain’t spoiled,” replied Williard, with a frown. ‘This way, boys, and send the driver to me. I don’t understand why Bill did not make the run.” Ben dodged aside. Ha was not quite pre- pared to meet his foe face to face yet. He was aware that some new commotion was going on in the next apartment, for he heard the sound of prying open the box suddenly suspended, and a startled exclamation echo from Bryce Williard’s lips. Suddenly the door of the apartment, into which Williard had the box conveyed, was opened, Williard himself, excited and pale, turned to the men. ‘¢ Where’s the man who drove the stuff here?” he demanded. } Ambergris Ben could evade him no longer. He moved forward with a rough obeisance, “ Hyar I am, captain, at yer orders.” A sinister light shone in Williard’s eyes. Ben fancied he heard him grate his teeth. At all events, he was certaim that he detected an un- mistakable menace in Williard’s voice as he said, hoarsely: **You come with me!” “‘Suthin’s happened. T.e game’s blocked— but how?” Ben whispered to himself. He grasped his\ revolver in his pocket, and swept the room into which Williard led him with a searching glance. On the floor, the cover unscrewed but unremoved, was the box taken from the river, and behind a door, partly closed and leading into some other apartment, a sound - emanated, as if a listener was posted there. Bryce Williard wheeled so suddenly that Ben involuntarily recoiled. . T have a few questions to ask you,” he said, hoarsely. ‘Fire away,” calmly replied Ben. **You drove that box here?” “7 did,” was the response, ** And you are also the man I knocked out of utmost surprise, and stared blankly at Wil- liard, ‘‘ Waal, bless my eyes, ef you ain’t the man thet clubbed me! I owe you one for thet.” He had thrown a half-threatening, balf-jucular intonation into his voice, but Wiiliard’s somber face never relaxed, “My man” he said slowly, his burning orbs | never leaving Ben’s face, ‘*1 believe you are lying.” ‘*Me lyin’? Oh, come, captain, I did my mission!” ‘You are no wandering nobody; you are a man I know well, and your name is—” Williard paused impressively. ‘* Waal, captain, out with it, ef you know,” interrupted Ben. ‘Your name is Ambergris Ben.” Old Ben retreated a step or two. His dissem- bling manner gave place to his natural pose of face. His little, twinkling eyes grew deter- mined as he tightened, his grasp on his revolver, ‘“ Who sez so?” he demanded. sc I do.” From the half-open door a form came sudden- ly into view, a figure covered with dirt and blood. Catamaran Bill, escaped in some mys- terious manner from the pit, and on hand to unmask his pretended messenger at a critical moment, confronted the amazed Ben. Ambergris Ben’s hand shot out, He was on his mettle ina time of peril; but the revolver flashed into view too late. As both Williard and Catamaran Bill sprung ferward, he was held a struggling prisoner in their grasp, while the former shouted for help. Two of the smugglers burst into the room and seized the struggling Ben ata lock from Williard. “Take him below—you know where,” com- manded Williard. ‘‘We’il shut his meddling mouth for good, this time,” ‘Let meat him! Oh! if P’d only fixed you when [ kad the chance,” raved Ben, giving way to his rage. Catamaren Bill turned to follow the men from the apartment. As he reached the door Williard spoke to him, ‘‘See that they take that man to the water- room, and make no mistake in silencing him for ever. You understand me, Bill?’ ‘* Perfectly.” Bryce Williard turned as his ally left the ae aa. Then every vestige of blood desert- ed his face as he staggered back, asif dealt a sudden blow, For, sitting bolt upright in the box he had betieved held smuggled opium, was a man hold- i: ga leveled revolver in each hand. Upon Bryce Williard’s amazed hearing fell the startling words: : ‘¢ Countermand that order, or you are a dead man!” And the speaker he recogniz-d in a flash as his old-time enemy, Gold Dust Tom! CHAPTER VIITII. DOOMED! Ir Ambergris Ben had startied Catamaran Bill wnen be climbed into the wagon, the unex- pected appearance of his deadliest foe, com- bined with the remarkable fact of his being ia the opium box, fairiy stupefied Bryce Williard, With fallen jaws, the leader of the smuggling league viewed the calm but threatening face of Gold Dust Tom, and his craven heart thrilled with terror as an ominous click followed the scout’s threat. The denouement to Tom’s proposition to Col- onel Clowry to get into the bex had been at- tained only through a series of the most un- pleasant episodes, Tom had induced the chief of the revenue service to follow out his desires, and when Catamaran Bill appeared to claim the box, supposedly containing the corpse of the mythical Jacques Roguet, to all appearances the deception of the boldly conspiring league of criminals had not been discovered, S-veral holes had been bored in the box as Tom had requested, the opium and wax face removed, and the crafty Catamaran Bill never suspected that he was carting into the very heart of the enemy’s stronghold the worst foe the unscrupulous league he represented knew. The reader may consider the attempted fraud on the revenue service a deft one, yet the cun- ning of this class a short time since was actual- ly successful in filling an embalmed body with opium and smuggling it from China to San Francisco! All went well with Gold Dust Tom except a slight suffocating feeling and numerous painful jolts along the rough road until the rencontre on the bridge hen the box slid off, up- ee a ee turned, and went crasbing into the water, the adventurous Tom realized what bad transpired, and became seriously alarmec. For'upately, however, the water trickled slo-ly through the air-holes, and the box was craggea from the stream by the smugglers within a very few minutes after its descent. When the top was pried loose, through the interstices Tom could see what was going oo in the apartment where he bad been removed, and was a witness to the interview between Ambergris Ben and Bryce Williard, but he did not manifest bis presence then. It was only while Williard was giving bis final orders to his accomplice, Bill, that the im- prisoned ‘Tom tbrust the cover to One side and, when Williard turned, confronted him with a surprise that fairly startled him ouv of his senses, . Tom did not risk giving bis adversary an ad- vantage by lowering his weapons, but remained seated in the box. The flash of intelligence that came to Williard’s mind as he saw the box otherwise empty, told the young scout that be comprehended all. Ina tone that brooked no cavil, Tom repeated his command, Bryce Williard trembled, but did not move, Then Le essayed to speak, but his vuice qua- vered, “To couvtermand the order,” he muttered, “how can I{” ‘-Open that door and shout as I direct you villain!” came angrily From Tom's lips. ‘ Re- member, if you stir one inch over the tLreslold, I fill your carcass with lead.” - Bryce Williard sulleniy moved toward the door. He well knew his adversary, and con- sidered discretion the better part of valor in the present instance. His hand on the kiob, be started, Tom watching his every movement as a cat watcbes a mouse Gescried a bopeful expression on bis face, He could only imagine its cause from the direction of Williard’s glance. The desperaco had looked back of the mun in the box, and then stcod perfectly still.» Before Tom could turn, he learned the cause of Williard’s emotion. One of the smugglers had appeared on the threshold of the recom in which Catamaran Bill bad been secreted. He had heard Tom's words and bad discerned bis leader’s peril. With the agility of a cat, he bad crept toward the unsuspecting Tom, and, with a rough, strong grasp, clutcbea the arms of the young adventurer, drawing his hands back- ward and rendering bim belplets. The room was filled with men while Tom vainly endeavored to free himself. Bryce Wil- liard’s evil face gleamed balefully as be bissed his triumph to toe discomfited Tom, “Cornered!” be said, tauntingly, “both you and your friend, Ambergris Ben. Doy ou know what we are going to do with you, m) friend?” ‘No, and don’t care.” “We're going to clip your wings fcr good, Bill,” to his ally, who had crowded in'o the room with the others, ‘‘ we’ll ligbt out of this at once,” “ Wh ”? ‘** Because it’s getting too bot to hold us. This bold envoy of the revenue came directly from them, and they may be watebing tbe old niill even now. Bind that man and leave us alcne,” ordered Williard to the smugglers who beld Tom a prisoner, His orders obeyed, Bryce Williard bestowed a tantalizing look on bis captive and sat down, motioning Catamaran Bill to a seat. ‘“We are going to leave here,” he continued, evidently intending that his words should reach Tom’s hearing; ‘‘ycuand I, half a dczn cf the best of the boys, and the girl, Juanita.” “ And desert the old place for good?’ “No, jet the lieutenant and the remainder stay and wetch, If it looks suspicious, they can Jeave. We've lost the opium, tut yonder fledgling skall pay for his work. Get the boat ready and we'll slip down the river end cross over to Marcy Canyon.” Gold Dust Tom started at the scund of that familiar name, “And when I have married the girl and got hee fortune,” pursued Williard, slowly, “we'll retire from business,” Tom ground his teeth. tut was silent, He realized with torturing chagrin that the game was completely in his enemy’s hands, ‘““You see the fortune is no bagatelle,” went on Williard with a malignant side-glance of satisfaction at bis helpless foe. ‘The papers I got from that noisy old shark, Ambergris Ben, and the girl in my possession, settles tle matter, There is a wan named Caldeiras, an old, crezy fanatic who lives in Marcy Canyon, to fiud, sud =
Page 8
=, “at — Y a] Arn eae pe rs aiy * = a = — - a Sik a 2 the matter’s settled. You see us off safe, Bill, and come after us down the road on horseback to see if we're followed.” “* All right, captain.” Bryce illiard arose and strode to where Tom lay. ‘**As to you,” he hissed out between his set teeth, ‘Vl settle a long score of hate I owe you. You spoiled my game twice, and gave me a scar 1 will carry to my grave.” Bryce Williard exhibited a deep abrasion on his wrist with a vengeful look. ““T prevented you robbing a poor old miner. I'd do it again,” remarked Tom. ** You'll doit no more. Hello, there!” Williard shouted the words through the open door, and two of the smugglers again answered his call. He gave them some low-voiced orders and they cut the bonds securmg Tom and forced bim through the doorway. Leading him down a dark, narrow passage, they finally halted at aroom in the center of which a huge frame door stood open. Tom was watching bis chance to attempt a corflict with his captors, but they held bim with an iron grip, and finally forced him to the edge of the opening. “* Jump or fall, as you like,” remarked one of the men with a coarse laugh as he gave Tom a forward push. ‘It’s a cl’ar drop of twenty feet, and ye’r’ likely to end yer misery ef yer break yer neck,” Tom had nochoice as he fell precipitutely through space, He landed abruptly against a hard stone floor badly shaken up, and in com- plete darkness except for the dim light entering the Sais from the opening above. ‘Ye ’tarnal catamounts! give me ons round in squar’ figbt an’ I’ll settle all of ye.” Tom started. The voice sounded near him, and he recognized the tones of the irrepressible Ambergris Ben, a prisoner like himself in the mysterious dark pit of the smugglers’ haunt. “* Hear the bully crow!” laughed one of the men overhead, Bang! One of the men fell back with a yell of pain asan unexpected bullet from Ben’s revolver pierced his arm. i ‘‘ ve winged one of ye,’ cried Ben in wild delight, ‘“ Aha! ye’d better.” The trap was slammed down violently, and the ed captives were left in entire darkness. ‘* Ben! The old whaleman moved nearer to the sound of Tom’s voice. “ Waal, old boy, we're ir for it,” he remarked somewhat seriou ly. ** It looks so.” “Whatever this hole is, Tom, thar’s no climb- in’ up, or diggin’ down.” ‘ What’s their idea in putting us here?” ‘We'll soon know. Hark!” A slight, rasping sound broke on their hear- ing as Ben spoke. It was followed by a roaring, gurgting rush, “Water!” ejaculated Tom. “I see their game. Ben, and I guess we’re settled, this time.” ‘* What do ye mean, lad?” “They’ve opened some water-gate, and they intend to drown us. Stand firm, old boy. Can you swim?” “Like a water-rat, an’ cl’ar grit to the last, yer bet!” CHAPTER IX. ON THK TRAIL, INKY blackness prevailed in the underground apartment into which Gold Dust Tom and his friend Ambergris Ben had been thrust by the smugglers, yet, in a very few moments, the —e scout comprehended their situation y. ‘*This place is surrounded by stone on all sides,” he explained to his companion, ‘The water comes in from the river through an open- ed trap near the top.” ‘* Let’s reach it, and crawl through.” “Youwre wild, Ben. We couldn’t scale that steep wall, and the aperture is not very large, judging from the way tbe water comes in. ou'see, it’s beginuing to fill in here,” * An’ mean time, those critters air gettin’ away witb the gal!” ground out the old man. ** Courage, Ben!—we ain’t done for yet.” Inch by inch, the water began to raise. It fell in a little stream, or trickled down the stone sides of the aperture, and then, increasing in volume soon covered the boot-tops of the two men standing grimly awaiting the worst. They did not speak now. Both, experienced men of nerve, were thinking over their unpleas- ant predicament and formulating a plan of action when the fina: crisis arrived, Within AS 5 TOE IE RST OT ne tae Gold Dust Tom. SSSI SORENESS ITY PEA ETT PORES REE DTT SEITE OS PORE VISES ERT SE ER ~ pe half an hour after their incarceration, their expertness as Swimmers was Called into requisi- tion; ten minutes later, aud they were flounde r- ing about in a dozen feet of water. Ben puffed like a porpoise, and was compelled to clutch at the projections on the sides of the place to keep above water, ‘‘If we can bold on an. hour longer we are saved,” spoke Tom confidently. ‘* What do you mean, lad? “ The rising water will lift us to the level of the floor overhead.” “That'll shut out even breathing space,” re- marked Ben. ‘* Wait, and see.” Toe imperiled captives arose foot by foot un- til at last their bands touched the floor above | them. Gold Dust Lom floating in the water and feeling around toucbed the under side of the trap-door. He pressed vigorously against it. ; P ‘*T guess we’re caged,” remarked Ben rue- ually. ‘*Not yet. This trap-door is bolted on the other side,” ‘Then thar’s no use trying to force it—we hain’t got tools nor purchase,” ‘* Hand me your shooting-iron, Ben,” The next moment there was an explosion tbat shocked the two men. ** Yell rouse the smugglers,” muttered Ben. “Then we must fight for it. Aba! I thought that shot against the bolt rasp would fetch it.” As Tom spoke he pushed the trap-door back with aslam and climbed through the aperture to the floor above, ‘Your hand, Ben, some one is coming.” Completely drench:d and chilled, the two men stood within the apartment. The report of the pistol seemed to have alarmed the denizens ot the place, for tte door suddenly opened and a man rushed upon the scene, Gold Dust Tom had heard bim coming and was prepared for him. The smuggler measured his length completely stunned on the fluor, as Tom’s fist-welcomed bis appearance. ‘*We won’t dally bere,” spoke Tom quickly. “This way, Ben!” ‘* Ye mean to leave the ranch?” ow Yes.” : 4 * But the gal?” ‘ Williard has undoubtedly gone by this time,” replied Tom as he advanced to a window and looked out. ‘‘ We must be on the trail, dnd at once. See, Ben—by leaping from here tothe ledge of rocks below, we can reach the river.” **Go on; I’m with ye.” Tom descended from the window to the bed of the stream with slowness and ¢ ution, fol- lowed by the old whaleman, The former seemed to understand, from what he had over- heard Bryce Williard say, the direction the smugglers had probably taken. They were forced to ford the river to evade swimming through a narrow gorge, and soon reached the upland. They could see the old mill in the distance, and they paused to consider their situation and future m:vements, ** What’s yer intentions?” Ben asked fi:ally. “To follow B.yce Williard, of course, I happen to know tbhat_he is making for Marcy Canyon with the girl, Juanita, your money, the papers he stole from you, and half a dozen picked men.” “Ts uhat far from byar?” ‘* A matter of fifty miles,” ‘* An’ ye know the place, Tom?” Gold Dust Tom smiled significantly. ‘*Know it?’ he repeated. ‘‘I know every foot-of the old valley ~s well as the streets of San Francisco. I lived there for years, and at last I begin to understand the game our ene- mies intend to play. More precious than the fortune these men hope to secure, however, is your charge—Juanita. Sbe must be rescued, and the sooner we overtake Bryce Williard the better.” “Then Jes us hurry on, Yonder trail, along the ravine, is probanly the way he has gone.” Tom was though!ful for a moment. ‘“*There’s no certainty of that,” be remarked. ‘“‘They may have diverged to the timber yon- der. Ben, you make a detour that way and come back to the ravine again, and I'll try aud . find some trace of their course along the edge of the gully bere.” ‘Allright, Tom; an’ signal me ef ye fall into any danger.” Tom saw Ben disappear, and proceeded along the edge of the ravine, his eyes bent on the ground, seeking some trace of the party he be- Neved had gone that way. So engrossed was he ! in his task that he did not look behind bim un- 7 til the sound of a horse’s hocfs echoed on bis ear, He turned quickly. Rounding a rock on horseback. and evidently intent on overtaking anes Williard and bis party, was Catamaran ill, The surprise of both men was mutual. Tom, disarmed in the haunt of the smugglers, was at a disadvantage, but he now started for an open- band conflict with his foe. Catamaran Bill’s horse shied aside, and Bill himself lifted his bead suddenly. The man must have been an expert at the course of tac- tics he immediately adopted, for suddenly a Jasso sbot out from the saddle, encircling the form of Gold Dust Tom, and ere the latter could make a move to dodge aside, had pinned his arms be)plessly to bis side, A boistercus, gleeful laugh rung from Cata- maran Bill’s lips, “Ah. !” he cried, triumphantly, “I thought the o!d trick would fetch you. Escaped. eh? Weal, ye’r’ caugbt in time, it appears, and ye won’t slip my clutches so easily again.” He gave the lasso an exira jerk, tightening its cutting folds as he spoke. Tom, chagrined, be- wildered at. bis sndden capture, was jerked clear off bis feet as Bill’s horse started up. The smuggler seemed to enjoy his enemy’s discomfiture with hilarious glee. He turned himself sideways on the saddle, allowing his borse to proceed ata leisurely gait, and tying the other end of the lariat around his waist, he sat regarding bis helpless captive with diabol- ical satisfection, Tom had struggled to his feet and was com- pelled to walk the distance of the Jasso’s length after his captor. The little roadway leading along the edge of the ravine was beginning to derken with the oncoming shadows of evening, and Tom realized as he discerred tbat the lasso had ceught him in a tight slip-knot around bis bodv that he was indeed in a box. ‘* We'll soon overtake yer especial friend, Mr. Bryce Williard,” sreered Bill, ‘‘ Ye’l] see ver gal, too; a last partir g, ef I can jedge from Wil- liard’s temper this afternoon, a! The Jast ejxculation was a token of mingled alarm and dismay. The borse bad slipped sud- denly and had gone down a rut in the road, So abrupt and unexpected was the movement that it resulted in asingular catastrophe for both the desperado and his prisoner, The lure! sent Catamaran Bill from the sad- die ard gave Tom a jerk several feet abead. Tie lasso wes tied tigbtly around Catamaran. Bill’s wz.ist, and as be fel) it swung with bis body. Tobis horror Gold Dust Tom saw the desperado fall to the ground, gain a sudden im- petus trom anincline leading toward the edge of the ravine, ard the next moment the form cf Catemaren Bill disappeared over the edge of the gully. Gold Dus’ Tom attempted to brace bimself to resist being drawn after the smuggler, but his cffort was a vain one, He was pulled beadlong. to the ground, the. Jasso grew taut as a ship’s line in play, and then, with a whirl, be was driven to the edge and over the rocky verge of the precipice. The fall to the bottom of the gully would have killed both, but the apparent fate that threatened them was averted. Both bad gone over the abyss—both were whirled with terrific. velocity through space, but a singular episode had transpired. At the spot where the descent bad occurred, a lerge tree grew at the very edge of the gully, The lo: g lesso bad caugbt around this, and Cat- smaran Biil had fullen on one side, Gold Dust T. m on the other, With a violent jerk, ten feet from the top, the two men came together suspended over the yawning gulf below by the frail lasso, their Gangling bodies meeting with a shock in that critical moment of mutual peril. CBRAPTER X. A LUCKY ESCAPE. A WILDER episode could not well be conceived amid tre wild scenery of that mountain gully. The peril now staring bim in the face seemed momentarily to stun Catamaran Bill. His ad- versary hung silent and helpless, while his own body swayed unsteudily. Then he grasped the lasso, and glared around him. He had nothing to fear from his foe, for that foe was securely bound. His only thought seemed of self-preservation, and as he discerned belt, * With one hand the desperado grasped the rope over Tom’s head, The equipoise, owing to his = } iy
Page 9
superior weight, was on his side, and he lower- ered his helpless enemy, and lifted himself sev- eral feet at a single movement. ‘*Look down,” he hissed out vengefully, ‘‘ef ye kin. Ye’ve given us lots of trouble, but I’ settle ye with a hundred-feet drap this time.” He placed the edge of the keen-bladed knife across the lasso, His intention was a diabolical one, for he meant to cut the lariat below bis grasp, and send Tom whirling to the rocky bot- tom of the canyon below, and then ascending hand over hand, painter fashion, to terra jirma. ** Drap that!” A stentorian voico sounded the dire com- mand, thrilling the renegade’s heart to sudden terror as he recognized the tones. The knife fell back and he glanced up. An excited face looked down from the edge of the precipice overhead. A murmur of the deepest amazement and aiarm parted Cata- maran Bill’s lips. “Ambergris Ben!” he muttered, hoarsely. “ Curse the fates! I am beaten—lost!” It was indeed the old whaleman, and his little twinkling eyes announced a terrible determina- tion while his strong hands reached the rope. With one jerk he lifted Gold Dust Tom out of nee lowering the desperado several feet as he ragged the rope across the tree. The craven nature of Catamaran Bill asserted itself. He uttered a frantic yell of terror as he began to descend. ** Would you murder me?” he cried. “No, my friend; jest keep cool till I help the friend ye hed at yer mercy a minute sence, 2n’ Tl attend ter yer case,” replied Ben, coolly. Dangling in mid-air, Catamaran Bill, looking up, saw Ben lift his friend to the ground, re- lease him and double the rope around the tree. Ben seemed to pay no further attention to him, but after releasing Tom, began volubly to de- tail his good fortune in reaching the place in time to save his partner’s life. Darkness grew over the lonely scene while the two friends were talking and deciding how best they could use their prisoner to further their plans. As Ben advanced to the edge of the ravine again, Tom heard him utter a dis- mayed ejaculation. e hastenzd to Ben’s side with a hurried uery. Bice What's up?” ‘Look fer yerself,” Ambergris Ben, with a blank face lifted the limp lasso as he spoke, As the dangling end came into view, both understood what had oc- curred, “He has escaped!” ejaculated Tom. Escaped or dropped to the bottom; it’s one an’ the same, he’s gone,” repiied Ben, senten- tiously. ‘‘ He’s a cute one, this same Catamaran Bill is, an’ we’re losin’ valuable time in discus- sin’ the critter,” Catamaran Bill had certainly again escaped his enemies. Either he had cut the lasso and climbed by overhanging shrubbery to some other part of the upland, or had lifted himself by the rope to terra firma, and escaped while the two friends were unsuspiciously conversing, The horse Bill had rode was browsing some distance away. Ben started toward the animal to secure it, when a distinct, peculiar whistle echoed through the bere 5 At the same moment the horse pricked up his ears, listened, and started on a keen gallop _away from the scene. “Thet settles it,” remarked Ben as the horse disappeared, ‘Settles what?” demanded Tom. ‘‘Thet our friend Catamaran Bill hez escaped, He'll hurry after Williard, an’ our chances of stealing in on ’em will be mighty unsartain.” Tom thoughtfully considered Ben’s words, and was silently reflective for some time. “*T reckon you're about right,” he remarked finally. ‘* We won't try to trail the men, Ben.” “What then?” **Cut around to Marcy Canyon, and be ready for them when they arrive.” ‘Tm agreeable,” The tramp they took up was a cautious one at first, for having decided that Catamaran Bill would be likely to set a watch for them, the two friends now sought to evade a useless and unequal contest with their adversaries. They again crossed the stream, struck off in a dif- ferent direction, and the next evening at dusk entered a canyon surrounded by the grandest and wildest scenery the State afforded, * An’ this is Murcy Canyon?’ queried Ben, as the fading beauty of the place became dim- med by the growing twilight, “This is Marey Canyon, Ben,” replied Tom, Gold Dust Tom. ‘Cand Inever come to this grand old spot without feeling a thrill of enthusiasm. It’s wild as nature produces, but dangerous, Ben, for the red-skins contend for the possession of the valley with the white men.” ‘What is Williard’s business hyar, then.” ‘“‘That you sball soon know. We're bere in advance of him, and need rest, Look yonder.” Gold Dust Tom pointed down the canyon. Old Ben strained his eyes surprisedly as he saw a few rods distant and apparently suspended by some mysterious meaus between heaven and earth, the outline of a rude hut, ‘‘ Ambergris and spermaceti! what’s thet?” he ejaculated in open-mouthed wonder, Tom smiled placidly. ** A house in the air, Ben, and its mys’ erious perch on nothing will soon be explained to you. Go careful, old boy; a few steps further and we reach a cave leading to my mountain home.” ‘* Ha! the warnin’s needed badly.” Ben had suddenly drawn back. Gold Dust Tom, too, came to a dead halt, and drew back among some heavy brush. Both peered forth, watching intently some moving objects a few rods distant. Old Ben drew his only weapon, a revolver, and glanced searchingly forward awaiting Gold Dust Tom’s orders, his low-breathed aspiration announcing the possible peril that threatened them, as he whispered ominously— **Tnjuns!” CHAPTER XI. IN MARCY CANYON. Tue spot of espionage of the two friends was poner: one, and even in the deepening dusk owed an interesting view of Marcy Canyon. On either side, extending apparently for miles, the great mountain sides shut in a scene of rare, rugged beauty. A little rushing rivulet dashed down a rocky roadway, while the re- maining area of the canyon was clothed ia rich verdure. At the point where Tom and Ben stood, bow- ever, nature had made a curicus formation. Two almost perpendicular rocks of enormous size arose to the hight of nearly one hundred feet, At the base they were half an acre in ex- tent, gradually narrowing to the top, and seem- ed at the summit to be broken off abruptly. They were of a peculiar, chalky formation and stood Jike grim sentinels guarding the val- ley beyond, At the top, where the two rocks diverged about twenty feet, a singular spectacle was af- forded. This was what had fixed and startled Ambergris Ben’s attention, now distracted by the lurking savages. As if built between tho two rocks, and held in place by them, a log cabin was held firmly between the two pillars of stone in a half-slanting position, It could never have been built originally in that way, and its singular location was what had amazed Ben. 2 The mystery of this apparently inaccessible house in mid-air was soon to be explained by Tom, who, as the gliding forms of the savages disappeared from sight, beckoned silence to Ben and led the way directly toward one of these high pillars of rock. 1s base was covered with an undergrowth of shrubs and vines, and as Tom led Ben into a perfect tangle of bushes, he pulled aside what seemed to be a portion of the earth itself, but what was in reality a moss- covered bowlder, and uttered the single word: ** Follow!” He had himself crawled through an aperture into 4 dark underground passage, and, Ben fol- lowing him, he repiaced the stone, Taking bis companion’s hand, Tom led the way as if fa- miliar with the place, over stones and logs up- ward and sideways until the old man’s laborious breathing well-nigh gave out, He paused at last, drew aside the branches of a stunted wil- low, and both stood in the fresh air. A half-repressed exclamation of the utmost surprise parted Ben’s lips as he looked down and around him, They stood on the very summit of one of the lime-stone rocks, the valley repos- ing a bundred feet down, He viewed his com- panion with questioning surprise, but the latter advanced a step or two and pushed open a door, sbowing the interior of the house set between the two rocks, and said, smilingly: ‘* Come in, this is my home.” Ben’s curiosity was too great to admit of his accepting the offered hospitality without ques- tion. hen Tom had gone to a shuttered win- dow and examined it to see that no stray gleam of light would penetrate to the outer air and had lit a lamp and seated himself, Ben followed his example, but with a slap on his knee ejacu- lated forcibly: a al “This bangs Banagher!” Gold Dusit ''om’s face wore a gratified expres- sion at Ben’s homely compliment to his rude home, ‘Tt is certainly a curiosity,” he remarked, quietly, ‘Yes, Ben, this is the home I knew for years, hunting, fishing and _ scouting in yonder valley. 1 have not visited it for a long time, and I only do so now temporarily.” ‘¢Yo guv it up, then?’ **T had to.” “Ye bad tu? Scared away, Tom?’ “‘T don’t scare, Ben; but on my last scout against the thieving red-skins 1 won their bitterest enmity. They found out my hor and haunted it, My life was not safe, and I could do no good staying here,” ‘‘ But they couldn’t reach ye?” ‘No, the secret of the means of access to this place is as great as the mystery of how it came here.” ‘* How did it?” Old Ben’s eyes were like saucers as he asked the question, “Simply enough,” replied Tom. ‘Ten years ago this big rock was neither perpendicular nor divided. It was a hill, and on its apex an old hermit built his rude home commanding a view of allthe valley. Timeworeon. Piece by pieco the rock wore away, and split down as you see into two pieces. The two sides holding the cabin in place seemed firm, Anyway, I dis- covered it, and accidentally found ont that the inside of one of the rocks was hollow. I de- signed a way to reach it, and lived here in soli- tude and safety, as you know.” ‘But the danger—” “Ay, Ben, some day one of the rocks may crumble and there will be a crash, but probably nat during our short stay.” ‘“-Ye leave in the mornin’?” ‘Yes, on Williard’s trai]. These Iudians will probably pass on, and unless they are my old enemies will prove friendly enough. Now, then, Ben, something to eat and a sleep, and then a tramp in search of Williard and bis party and the secret mission they are engaged on in this place,” ‘Ye know what it is?” “T can imagine. A mile distant from here lives a man who for twenty years has existed in a solitude mysterious and silent as death itself. He is a Mexican, and his name is Caldeirgs.” “ Ha!” remarked Ben, with astart, “it ‘pears to me I once heard Juanita’s father mention that name.” “Very likely. From what I have gleaned from Williard’s lips, that man has something to co with the fortune supposed to be referred to by the papers Williard stole from you,” ‘Did you ever see him?” ‘‘Caldeiras? Yes; but never to speak to him. He is a gloomy recluse, a fanatic of some extinct Aztec race, who hasa cave-like home in the valley, respected alike by whites and red-skins,” ‘“Why don’t ye seek him out?” ‘* No, it is better to trail Williard and learn all the truth, for I could not probably gein access to Caldeiras’s home. Come! Ben, to rest, and with the morning a final effort to rescue the woman I love, and defeat the evil designs of Bryce Williard, gambler, smuggler and thief.” Gold Du:t Tom flung himself on a rude frame couch as be spoke, and old Ben followed bis ex- ample. The latter could not enjoy the ready repose that came to bis tired companion, how- ever, for the newness and strangeness of the place interested and attracted bim. His eye wandered cvrious!y over the interior of the old but, and, thinking over all the marvelous story Tom had told, old Ben arose to asitting pos- ture, “‘T can’t sleep!” he muttered restlessly, ‘The idea of being mountain bigh in a little hut, perched above human babitation! It beats the Dutch, I declar’ it do! I'll take a look outside. It’s ww’th the trouble, an’ the opportunity may not come ag’in.” Ol‘ Ben’s seafaring experience had possessed no parallel to guide him and warn him that un- der certain circumstances caution was necessary in opening a window with lurking foes outside. The wheleman unfastened the tight- bound blind and flung it open, and then drinking in deep in- vigorating draughts of the balmy, evening air, stood gazing entranced at the sleeping valley below. ‘*What a picter!” he ejaculated ardently. “TI don’t wonder Tom likes the gal; he’s used to beauty fer next to her pretty face Marcy Can- yon equals anything ever saw on land or sea— Bang! thud! ' With a start old Ben dodged asido. A report
Page 10
10 had come from below, a bullet sent with uner- ring aim had penetrated the window-sill. *Spermaceti! am I gettin’ ter be an ijiot?” gasped Ben as he dodged to where the lamp was, and hastily extinguished it, ‘* Wha: did I do thet piece of foolin’ fer, leavin’ the light burnin’, showin’ myself at the winder, and as much as invitin’ the red-skins to pepper me?” A perfect fusilade beat against the open shut- ter as Ben started to reach it. ‘* It’s no use!” groaned the oldman. ‘*Tom'll cuss me for my pesky folly. Tom! Tom! I say, Tom!” His host sprung from the bed at his cali. ‘ What’s the row?the window open! Shots! Ben, what have you done?” In a deprecatory tone the whaleman recited his act of folly. ‘You've sounded the alarm, sure enough,” muttered Tom, ‘but it can’t be helped now, Let them fire, they can’t hurt us. The old cabin has stood many a leaden hail.” An arrow darted through the open aperture as Tom mapvaged to close theshutter. The inci- dent seemed to trouble him for be murmured audibly: ‘* My old enemies and new ones mixed, They can’t reach us, and if they surround the rocks and stay there, we’ll have to steal away some way.” The firiag subsided, and all was quiet for some time. Tom did not relight the lamp nor seek rest again, but sat thinking anxiously over this new complication which might engage Bryce Williard in unexpected trouble, and ne- cessarily imperil Juanita should the smugglers’ party come in contact with the Indians, Ben started quickly forward as after a series of dull thuds as of some objects striking the floor beneath, he fancied he detected a slight smell of smoke, **They’re atit, lad. It’s fire!” **Tt seems so,” “Tt is so, They’re shootin’ their pesky fire- arrers inter the floor. 1 kin see a little spot of fire below an’ smell the smoke.” Gold Dust Tom started anxiously to his feet. “The wood won’t burn probably,” he said. ** An’ ef it does?” ‘¢ We are still safe inside the rock.” ““T’ve got ye in a nice box, haven't I?” “‘Don’t worry, Ben; you didn’t mean it. floor is burning.” They could hear the logs crackle, and Tom realized that the cabin might be doomed. Both he and Ben stood undecided in the center of the room. ‘Shall we leave the old ranch?’ inquired the former. **Not yet. Ha! we'll have to move quickly. Ben, to the door)!” Gold Dust Tom had spoken none too soon. A tearing, crackling sound mingled with the swaying of the floor, One end of its support had evidently burnt through, and just as Ben reached the door the floor began to move down- ward, Too late to follow his companion, Tom sprung to the side of the cabin. His: action saved him from certain death, for the next second, as he clung to the log-side of the dismantled hut, the entire floor, weakened by the fire, dropped through space and went crashing, a lurid mass of cinders, to the valley sheer one hundred feet below. CHAPTER XII. THE HOUSE IN THE ATR. Srncr leaving San Francisco, the undaunted Tom and bis quaiut old friend had met with a series of startling adventures. This last one in the house in mid-air, however, had capped the climax, and Gold Dust Tom felt all bis powers of endurance and deftness called into requisi- tion as he clung to the side of the ruined hut, The burning floor of the cabin falling through mid-air, scattered the score of arky forms haunting the landscape below only momentarily, for as Tom began to ascend rapidly as possible, climbing around the wall to the door, he was greeted with a volley of random shots, “Phew! that was a close shave,” ejaculated the excited Ben as his friend finally gained his side on the rock, Here, safe from the shots of their enemies, they were enabled to obtain a complete view of the valley below. The savages were yelling with discomfiture and rage as they realized the deft escape of their foes. The floor bad carried the fire with it, and the ruined cabin was now dark and desolate. While the two friends were discussing their situation, a sudden stampede was niade by their massed foes, Its cause puzzled Tom for some The Gold Dust Tom. | time, but finally as the sounds of a new fusilade some distance away greeted his hearing, he directed Ben to follow him. ‘What’s up, now?” inquired the latter. * The savages have engaged in some new con- flict. **P’raps with another hostile band?” “It?s not likely,” replied Tom, ‘They are remnants of tribes generally leagued together. I have an idea that Williard’s party have been | met by them.” Ben uttered an alarmed ejaculation. * An’ the galin peril? By gum! Tom, we’re badly needed ef ’tis so.” They descended as they bad gained the emi- neuce, and cautiously crept from the rock. None of their foes were in sigut, but constant reports half a mile down the valley told thata conflict was in progress, Gold Dust Tom dashed down the ravine. He was unarmed, and Ben’s sole armament con- sisted of an empty revolver. Anxiety for Juanita impelled both to rash procedure, how- ever, and they did not relax a yunning gait un- til at a slight turn in the valley they confronted a picture of savage warfare. Ihe scout’s worst fears were confirmed. A party on horseback was plainly outlired among crouching savages, and thet party was under the leadership of the man Tom counted his worst foe, Bryce Williard. Z Step by step, the smugglers were contending with the red-skins, As Tom seized a riflo lying by the side of a dead warrior, be shouted to Ben: ** Arm yourself, and try and reach the girl.” “Every man for himself!” cried the whale- man, and the men were lost amid the confusion of the melee, Tom had sought to make a detour, and get to the spot where Juanita ‘if she was with the smuggler’s party would be placed for safety, but a dozen difficulties confronted him. Twice he had a hand-to-hand conflict with a savage, and twice he was siightly wounded by a bullet from the other party. The fight grew hot and furious, he saw the smugglers turn to fly, and recognized with a wildly beating heart, a woman’s form in their midst. Then, as the savages seemed to reach the smugglers, the figure was torn from ber defenders, and a blur of vision mingled with a woman’s sbriek of alarm as Gold Dust Tom felt a heavy blow on his head, and he sunk insensible to the earth. He had eyes alone for the imperiled Juanita in the conflict, else he would have perceived the crafty savage who brought his uplified rifle down over bis defenseless head. For an hour Jife was a blank to the brave young scout, and when he returned to conscious- ness, he could with difficulty estimate his sur- roundings, He finally made them out, however. He had been borns ashort distance down the valley, and a savage sat on the ground at his feet apparent- ly guarding him. The sounds of battle had ceased. Thesavage, as if awaiting the arrival of his fe!lows, sat with his back to bis prisoner. Gold Dust Tom arose cautiously to a sitting posture, croucbed for a spring, and then with sudden agility land- ed on the Indian’s shoulders. His sinewy hands met around the throat of the dusky warrior, and forced him to the ground, not in time, however, to prevent a muf- fled yell escaping the Indian’s lips. As the sav- age fell back insensible, and Gold Dust Tom saw several forms approaching the spot, he sprung to his feet and darted away in the darkness with the fleetness of a deer, pursued by a dozen ran- dom shots. He hed climbed a little ledge of rocks and was proceeding along them when he drew back suddenly. The valley seemed haunted with strange ap- pearances that eventful night. Several men, whom he recognized as the smugglers, were pa- trolling the spot. Gold Dust Tom, as he drew back, was sur- prised to find that the rock heshrunk behind led to a sort of defile. He pursued it for a few steps, came to an opening in the solid hillside, and then paused, At a turn in the defile a singular sight had been revealed to him. Before bim was a spec- tacle most remarkable in that out-of-the-way locality. He could see a large cave-like apartment, richly furnished with skins and ornaments on the wall. Ina large rustic chair sat an aged man with white, flowing beard and sunken, but piercing eyes. But it was upon the other occupant of that apartment that Gold Dust Tom’s interest was centered, The latter stood in an attitude of half-obeisance before the strange old man, and was unmistakably Bryce Williard. “T come directly from San Francisco, as I have told you,” Williard was saying, ‘and if you are Caldeiras, you are the man Arnold Les- lie directed me to find.” Gold Dust Tom started, and peered more searchingly into the apartment, The old man spoke slowly, impressively: ‘“‘Tf you are indeed a messenger from the man you name, you bave the proof that you speak the truth,” Bryce Williard’s hand went into his pocket. He hreugh* to light a psckage of papers—the precious documents siokn from Ambergris Ben! “The proofs are here,” he said, sententiously. Gold Dust Tom prepared for some interesting disclosures, ‘** At last,” he murmured, “TI shall know the secret surrounding the woman I love—Juanita Leslie,” CHAPTER XIII. A DASTARDLY CRIME, BRYCE WILLIARD had handed the package of papers to the old man he had designated as Caldeiras, and as Gold Dust Tom gazed fixedly at the hermit and his long, flowing robes, he recognized the cg da chan denizen of the valley, with whom he had never spoken, but whose strange isolation be had often heard discussed. The eyes of thé hermit were like two coals of fire as he carefully, almost eagerly, scanned the paper which he unfolded. His bosom heaved, and he seemed deeply affected over the memo- ries they evidently evoked. ‘The same!” he declared, as he glanced over them; “they are the papers given to Arnold Leslie fifteen years ago, Do ycu understand. what these documents contain?’ he demanded, fixing his eyes on Bryce Williard. Whatever the game of the latter, however much changed from its origina) design by the evident abduction or death of Juanita Leslie among the savages, Williard maintained a bold front, He shook his hand negatively, and in an indifferent tone of voice replied simply: ‘* How should I?” “Then how came they in your possession?” “How? Ah! I should bave told you, You know that Arnold Leslie is dead.” A sorrowful expression crossed the hermit’s ace, ‘“Dead!” he repeated—‘‘the husband of Zelda, the last of the Montezumas, dead!—and she, too, gone ‘these many years! But the child—the last descendant of the royal line with Aztec blood in her veins. little Juanite ?” “Ts safe in San Francisco, Of course, Tcould not bring her amid these dangers to see you.” ‘Tt is unnecessary,” the old man bastened to reply to Williard’s bold lie, ‘‘My duty,to her must overlook an affectionate desire to see her. You were sent hither by her?” “No, by her father. When he died, he in- trusted those papers to my care, and told.me to come to you when Juanita was eighteen years of age.” The old man was plunged in a deep fit of ab- straction for some time. Finally he aroused himself, , ** Look!” cried Caldeiras, with sudden energy as his band swept the rich hangings and quaint furnishment of the place, ‘‘ For a quarter of a century I have been here in voluntary exile from Mexico, surrounded only by. the sacred emblems of the Aztec faith, and yonder warden of the mysterious secrets of my race, Al- querque.” As he svoke the name Williard started vio- lently. From a skadowed alcove in tke rock two piercing eyes gleamed, ard a hoary eagle, immense in size, croaked gloomily, and flapped its wings, as if in answer to its n: me, “TI was,” continued the old man, ‘‘ the war- den of a vast fortune rescued from pillage among our race, and banded down through the years in the bope that some day a valid de- scendant of the Montezumas might appear to claim it, and, with mighty valor, employ it to regain the lost empire of our fading people.” Gold Dust Tom thrilled at the mystifying realism the old man employed in his speech. Even Williard was somewhat impressed, but he listened silently. ““T had hoped,” continued Caldeiras in a@ dreamy, broken tone, ‘‘ that the old kings might arouse from their graves at a mighty trumpet- blast and proclaim the glory and faith of the race they led to victory in the years agone. It was but a dream. They have passed awa until only one lineal descendant of the old wihend
Page 11
Miy line lives, and she is far removed by inter- " marriage with the Americans. I mean Juanita Leslie, the daughter of the peerless Zelda.” Bs ** And sbe is the heiress?” iM * Of all this hidden wealth, yes,” interrupted _ Caldeiras, with solemn dignity. ‘‘I told Zelda 1% when the child was born, that when it grew iy to be eighteen years of age a demand for tbe } sacredly-guarded wealth would be honored. You come to me as her father’s messenger, your . roofs are furnished me. The wealtu shall be ers. ory! The gloomy tones of Caldeiras contrasted strangely with the gleaming avarice in Wil- liard’s eyes, ‘Then my task ends in disappointment, for |! the wealth will not revive the old glory of our race, alas! a vanished dream for me. Then I ___ die and pass away, and the grave shuts in the | last hope of Az:ec empire.” _ 4 Caldeiras arose and proceeded to a quaint: old _. eabinet and unlocked it. Evidently Bryce | Wilitiard expected that he would reveal the Es coveted wealth at once, Instead, the old man drew forth writing materials, seated himself at >» the table again, and was busily engaged for some moments in inditing a missive of some a kind, ae He looked up at last, and tendered the scroll } to Williard, “This letter, taken to Roderiguez, a banker of San Francisco, and presented by the girl, Juanita herself, will entitle her to the for- tune.” > Bryce Williard’s face fell visibly. “Then that fortune—” athe “Ts not here. Think youl would tempt the cupidity of any strolling vagabond by keeping the wealth in this unguarded place?” Williard perused the scroll curiously, almost 17 disappointedly. % “Read it,” commanded Caldeiras, ‘read it oe. aloud:” —s Williard obeyed him and Gold Dust ‘Tom lis- is tened intently. ie. _ “To Juanita Leslie and to her alone, presenting my Lf certain documents in the possession of her guardian, -_- Roderiguez will deliver over the fortune left him by -s- Caldeiras fifteen years since,’ read Williard. Mh ‘But there is a Jine below I cannot make A ¥ out,” he added. , ee A deep, expressive Jook crossed Caldeiras’s face, but he said quietly: “Tt is only a line in the Aztec that Roderi- a, guez will understand.” 4 an Bryce Williard arose, His face was clouded swith disappointment at not receiving the covet- ___ ed fortune at once, but the watchful scout read in his crafty eyes an ability to cope with this _.-—s contingency, y) Ai Tom had no idea of allowing Williard to leave He realized that with it and the other papers in his possession even if Juanita was not avail- able, Williard would readily secure some girl to _--——s represent her, The scout acted ona quick im- he: _ pulse, and sprung suddenly forward. Bryce Willierd fell back with an ejaculation —sof, amazement. Caldeiras turned and viewed . ~ Tom with suspicious alarm. “Ha! an eavesdropper and intruder,” he as cried. « “No,” returned Tom quickly. ‘A friend to ‘Juanita. This man is an impostor.” ‘ _ ‘An impostor!” repeated Caldeiras, excited- ly. ‘‘Then he is not Arnold Leslie’s messen- sear ec “ He is not; he stole those papers from Juanita _ Leslie’s real guardian.” ; -__ Caldeiras sprung forward to wrest the papers illiard’s hands. The latter drew from Bryce _. aknife quickly. To Tom’s horror, ere he could * } prevent it, the knife sunk deep into the old ber- - mit’s breast, and Caldeiras bathed in blood sunk with a moan of anguish to the rocky floor Of the cave, : Monster!” he gasped out. “ You have killed me, but it will not avail you, The line in Aztec », wi prevent imposture,” _ Williard did not heed the last dying utterance of the hermit, for Gold Dust Tom with a cry of _ mingled indignation and rage sprung toward si pen The young scout’s hands met around _ Williard’s throat, and, unarmed, as he was, Tom held the struggling craven at his mercy. dered that defenseless old_man, you have rob- bed me of my bride. I will kill you!” «He would bave choked the life from the mis- ereant’s body in his rising anger, but that an mforeseen contingency defeated his rageful pur- : The eagle witnessed the assault on its master. and amid the corfusing conflict, with vengefu Nee thes Lae Ba: . ~ Ns RS a a AS SE i gee cea. the place with the precious order, however. . Wiend! assassin!” he cried, ‘ you have mur- [{ Gold Dust Tom. instincts of fidelity, with a wild scream flut- tered down over the heads of the swaying com- batants. Its talons met in Gold Dust Tom’s hair, its wings blinded his eyes, its beak tore at his bands. He was forced to relinquish his grasp on Wil- liard’s throat. As the latter staggered back he uttered a cry for help. When at last Gold Dust Tom fought off the eagle’s vicious assault, tbe cave was filled with Williard’s waiting as- sociaves from the outside. “Tie and gag that infernal meddler with a dozen ropes,” he yelled forth, pointing at Tom, “We have succeeded, boys, but we’ll settle bim, Pile this stuff around the middle of the cave and set fire to it. Fling Gold Dust Tom into the pile, and block up the cave with rocks, We'll settle him, and remove all evidence of yonder old dotard’s death at the same time.” Gold Dust Tom, pale but resolute, was silent as he found bisaath cand and gagged securely, The men stripped the costly ant.que hangings trom the cave, piled them together as ordered and set fire to them, flinging the body of the bound scout upon them and applying a match, A lurid flame lit up the place as the smug- glers.retreated. The dense smoke permeated the cave, and then with a groan of dismay and defeat Gold Dust Tom felt life and sense desert- ing bim amid the terrible peril of the moment, CHAPTER XIV. CAPTURED BY SAVAGES, ‘Tom! Tom! where are ye?” Ambergris Ben’s frantic tones echoed through the cave in which Gold Dust Tc m Jay insensible on the burning heap ten minutes after the das- tardly act of Bryce Williard and his associates, How the old whaleman lad managed to reach the spot at that opportune moment, the reader will soon know. Ben, blinded with the Jurid flames, and half choked by the dense smoke filling the place, could not for a moment distinguish the form he sought among the blurred outlines of the cave. He finally, bowever, made out the true status of the case. He saw the bleeding, rigid figure of the old hermit with the dead eagle by his side, and discerned the bound form of his friend, : The old veteran staggered under his load and the difficulties of the situation as he seized Gold Dust Tom bodily in his arms. He sunk exhaust- ed to the ground as he reached the outer air, but reviving finally under its influence, hast- ened to the brook and securing some water in his bat returned and dashed it in the face ef his unconscious friend. Gold Dust Tom soon revived and, released of his bonds, shuddered as Ben excitedly related how narrow had been his escape from death, “The old hermit Caldeiras?” cried Tom, sud- denly. ‘* He's dead, I could see that,” replied Ben. Tom uttered an ejaculation of sorrow and rage, R That inhuman fiend, Wiliard!” he cried, wildly. ‘‘He shall suffer fcr kis crime, Bus how came you here?—how did you learn I was in that cave?” “Simply enough,” replied Ben. ‘‘ When we left re other in the tussle with the red-skins, I Sp ma a party of ’em as hed carried off the yal, “Then she lives?” “ Ay, partner, but in bad hands, I couldn’t help ber, and I wandered around kind 0’ loose, keepin’ ’em in sight an’ Jookin’ fer ye, when I ran across a little covey of men outside hyar.” “The smugglers.” **Prezackly. I hadn’t liid low long when thar wasarumpus. They ran into the cave at a yell from Williard an’ out ag’in, an’ from their talk I jedged that ye were in danger—” ee And you rescued me at the risk of your own ife. “IT did my duty, old partner, an’ glad of the chance,” ** And Williard and his party?” “Tuk the horses and scooted down the valley fer San Francisco.” “‘ Carrying the precious order for the fortune with them!” cried Tom, ‘ Come, Ben, there is no time to lose. The trail must be followed and that man defeated.” ‘* Arter the gal Tom, yes,” Gold Dust Tom started. “True,” he replied, ‘She has fallen in bad bands, The Indians—they are still in the val- ley, Ben?’ “T reckon not.” “Then they will carry Juanita with them. Once on the way to their camps, and she will be lost to us or consigned to some cruel fate,” nae we - re? VE Ps oes <aag para ee Se by Tom arose agitatedly to bis feet and with & sorrowful look at the cave where Caldeiras bad met his death, started from the spot. ‘* Ben,” he said suddenly. ‘*We have our choice of two slternatives,” ‘What ore they, partner?” ‘*The girl or the fortune,” ** An’ ye hesitate atween ’em?” ‘No. Ratber let the fortune fall into Bryce Williarda’s vands a hundred times than Juanita be threatened with peril and death.” **Then tackle the red-kins, Tom,” ‘*Yes, alone. You must not accompany me, I will tell you a)l that is necessary to know to defeat Bryce Williard’s evil plans.” ‘For what purpose?” ‘To prevent bis succeeding in his scheme to secure the wealth belonging to your charge. You and I must part.” Ben stared ruefully. ‘Ye don’t mean it, Tom?” ’ “1 do. We will hasten to the first settlement beyond here. There | will secure a horse and arms, and you will return to San Francisco at once.” y " Ben demurred to hiscompanion’s programme, but Tom was decided, and he informed Ben what he must do in hastening to Roderiguez, the banker in the golden city, It was daylight when, without meeting any trace of the party of savages, they reached a lictle settlement beyond the canyon. Here, at the tavern of the place, Tom secure? a horse and arms, and seeing Ben mounted and ready to start, gave bis final instructions, ‘*Good-by, old boy,” said Ambergris Ben soberly as their hands metin parting. ‘I don’t like ter leave ye alone to foller the gal.” ‘‘ Never fear, Ben, she shall be rescurd. You see that Bryce Williard is found, apprehended . for Caldeiras’s murder, and his plans defeated, and I will either save the woman I Jove or die in the attempt!” With a last wave of his hand Gold Dust Tom started his horse down the valleY, and Ben with a rueful sigh turned toward the distant city, At noon our hero found the trail of the say- ages. They had several hours’ start of him and were proceeding south;an hour later be wes closely pursuing them, and be knew he would soon reach their camping-place for the night. He had stopped to water his borse end teke a. survey of the situation beyond a little wooded stretch of valley, when he drew the steed into the thicket and peered searchingly down the stream. A canoe was coming with the current and it contained a dusky form. A glance at the approaching figure told Tom that the man was one of the party he was: trailing. He tied bis horse securely, advanced to the river-bank, and, sheltered by the over- hanging willows, awaited the arrival of the canoe, CHAPTER XV. SAVED, THE cenoe containing the solitary savage came nearer and nearer, and Gold Dust Tom sheltered by the copse could make out the atti-: tude of the boatman to be one of listless inat- tention to bis surroundings. Evidently, the In- dian bad been sent for the canoe, and was doubtlessly conveying it to the camp of his fellows, Tom soon decided on his course. Amid tho crooked and numerous windings of the stream he might lose sight of the man, and he had no knowledge of the probable extent of his journey. The Indian was looking abead and idly keeping the boat in the mid-stream current with his paddle. He did not, therefore, notice an almost noiseless maneuver cn the part of Tom as the latter entered the water, The moment the boat had passed him Tom dived down under the water, He was an ex- pert in that line, and he seized the end of the boat gently, and kept his head well out of view, The unsuspecting savage allowed the boat to. proceed probably a quarter of a mile, when he turned it eatavols ashore. In the darkness, he did not notice Tom, and the latter saw bim secure the boat, leap ashore, and give utterance to a signal whistle. A minute later four savages came from the woods beyond the shore, and a Jong confab en- sued, Tom, familiar with their dialect, made out that they comprised a section of the attack- iog party in the canyon, and that they were to proceed down the river with their captive, while the main p»rty on horseback made a foray further east, Our hero managed to glide ashore, and secrete himself among some bushes. He saw tue four ae ee RS } @ y ; 2 * Deu, ee a , a
Page 12
Wee ee Re ae See ee er men poipt to the interior, and the boatman left them. The others prep red at once to disrobe. ‘¢ They are going to take a bath,” murmured Tom. ‘Good! I1]l soon make my presence felt here.” The savages laid arms and clothing aside, and were soon sporting like school-boys in the river, It was an opportune moment for Tom. He cutiously crept toward the pile of discarded rvparel, seizing the entire outfit, and dashing i to the woods witbout being discovered by the bathers, He paused long enough to secrete the stuff and select a rifle and brace of revolvers. Then, asa gleam of light from the timber enchained his attention, he started toward it. A wild joy pervaded his being as he neared the place. He had not expected to find the main body of war- riors gone, but to his surprise and delight he found, piling wood on a camp-fire, the single savage he had followed in the boat. The man was guarding the cause of all Tom’s emotion and anxiety. Secured by a light lasso to a tree, and seated in an attitude of tearful despair, was the fair captive of the savages. ‘* Juanita!” murmured Tom. ‘At last Ihave found her, at last her release has come,’ He did not wait to exereise caution. With a rush he reached the spot, with one vigorous sweep of the club-end of his rifle he laid the savage prostrate and stunned on the ground,” ** Juanita!” He uttered the fond name tremblingly, she ling the maid as he approached her. Her low, delighted words greeted his ear as he cut the bonds securing her, aud her tear-filled eyes beamed with joy as she she arose to her feet. “ark!” She uttered the word with a sudden shiver of fear, as, amid the rapture of their reunion, a series of yells sounded on the sileut night air. “The Indians from the stream—they have discovered my trick; they are coming this way,” cried Tom, ‘* Ab! they have dashed into view,” Sure enough, ftom the belt of timber a quar- tette of half-naked savages were coming toward the spot, Tom spoke a few forcible words into the agi- tated Juanita’s ear, ‘‘Obey me implicitly,” he uttered rapidly. “Glide toward tbe river north, and follow. it closely.” “And you?” **T will join you shortly. You will find a horse tied half a mile distant, If I do not come, mount the animal and hasten away.” With a tremulous sigh, Juanita obeyed him, and Tom turned to meet and rout his oncoming enemies, The savages’ shots told that they had discov- ered and recognized himas a foe. Our bero lifted his rifle. The trigger came down, but there was no report. Unloaded!” he uttered, in a tone of deep |. chagrin. ‘‘ Foolish that I was, not to examine it first. ‘The revolvers both empty !” and as he = down the barrels and discovered the fact, e flung the useless weapons away. The savages discerned his predicament, and dashed toward him. The foremost of the uar- tette, bolder than the others, reached Tom’s side, and witha yell announced hisreadiness for a hand-to-hand conflict. Tom ‘was prepared for the onslaught. He dodged down as the swinging sledge-hammer fists of the red-skin grazed his face. Witha dexterous move, he lifted tbe astonished Indian bodily from his feet, and sent him hurtling through the fire directly i in the faces of bis com- unions, Then following up his advantage, he jumped to the vicinity of the fire, and seizing a long, flaming stick darted it toward the savages, As the burning wood came in contact with their bodies, the Indians retreated with yells of pain and discomfiture. Tom gave the fire a kick that sent the blinding cinders in all directions, and then dashed off toward the river. Juanita had apparently followed his instrue- tions implicitly for he did not come up with ber. He was growing anxious, when, as he reached the spot where he bad left the horse, he saw the animal plunging wildly forward a few feet dis- tant. Juanita sot in the saddle, but a glance told Tom that her unpracticed hand was worrying the horse into a fever of terror and flight. As the steed was dashing wildiy from the scene, our hero made a running jump. “Juanita! safe at last, and now a wild ride for love and liberty !” He breathed the words fervently in her ear, _ as he gained the saddle behind her and seized the reins from her trembling hands. ee eee Dust Tom. co ik tk dca Ae decile as Naa WeniaslartoOaly laa anak tao micah Gee alttihcbes tale Keak and on through the night, her fair head iiowed against bis manly breast, Guld Dust Tom urged the mettled steed, The woman he loved had been rescued. Now to reech San Francisco in time to outwit tbe evil scaeme of their mutual enemy—Bryce Williard! CHAPTER XVI. BRYCE WILLIARD'S PLOTS. Forty-EIGHT hours ufter the timely rescue cof Juanita Lesiie from the hands of the savages by Gold Dust Tom, a scene of rare interest and ex- citement—to at least one character of our story, was transpiring in a little restaurant in the city of San Francisco. That day had witnessed a series of events bearing vitally upon the issues involved in tie game for the Caldeiras fortune. At daybreak a band of dusty travel-worn men had reached the confines of the golden city from the south and separated. They were the party of smugzlers, and their leader, Bryce Williard, as he left them bade Catamaran Biil accompany the others to a well-known bauni, and report to him that afternoon at a certain retired restaurant on points he mentioned as they separated, Later on in the day, the faithful emissary of Gold Dust Tom, Ambergris Ben, entered the city from the same direction, proceeding to a hotel where he perfected an elaborate disguise, and before an hour had passed was on the trail of the man he had determined to bunt to his doom—Bryce Williard. And later still in the day, there entered the city from the self-same direction Gold Dust Tom and Juanita Leslie, in time to baffle the evil scheme of the man wbo be!ld the order for the Caldeiras fortune from tke dead hermit of Marcy Canyon. In the restaurant to which reference has been made, aman sit in a little compartment toward the close of the afternoon, impatiently thrum- ming on the table before him and watching frora the half-parted curtain every person who entered the shes It was no other than Bryce Williard, and bis face grew gratified and his tones were relieved as he said to a man who finally entered the place and hastened to the little compartment: “ At last, Bill! What news?” Catamaran Bill sat down and drew a folded paper from bis pocket which he handed to his pores nion, rom the boys, eh?’ muttered Williard. “They exnect us to join them in going from Starlight Rock to meet a ship with « consign- ment on? Well, let them think we are still with them, but we won’t go, Bill.” ; ‘“-Ye won't?” ‘Not if we manage to get the banker Roder- iguez to disgorge. The woman, Blanche. did you get her?” ‘*L aid,” ** And she will do?” ‘She is here.” ‘* Where?” ‘Tn the outer room.” * And can be trusted?” Kt I'll bring her in and you can see for your- se be Do s9.” Catamaran Bill left the compartment. There was a suspicious sound behind the board parti- tion of the piace, but Bryce Williard was ob- livious to all save the issues of the present mo- ment. He looked up quickly as Catamaran Bill entered Jeading a woman radiartly beautiful, but with dark, scheming eyes, who met Willi- ard’s glance boldly. Williard eved her critically for some mo- ments, Themhe said; “You understand what you are to do?” “To represent a certain Juanita Leslie.” ‘Ab! Bill bas posted you?” On every point.” “And I can rely on your fidelity and secrecy?” ‘* For money, yes.” “It shall be yours—a cool thousand dollars if you succeed, There is no need of delay. I have sent a letter to the banker, Roderiguez, telling him I will call at five o'clock. Come, Bill, will you order a carriage?” Catamaran Bill bowed assent, ana left the compartment. In a few moments Bryce Wil- liard and the woman followed, They had not got clear of the door of the res- taurant before a form glided after them from the compartment adjoining the one in which the mysterious conversation had transpired. The apparert spy on their trail was well dis- guised, but Ambergris Ben’s honest tones were et aia as he muttered: ““Thev’re putting their scheme into sine ebx Wal, I can cuil the police at any time, As itis Vl foller them. R dviguez, the banker!—good esough, and, Mr. Bryce Williard, Vl be on band to nip yer litle game at ‘the Troper moment,” The schemers had entered a carriage that proceeded some distance and finally paused in a second class street in the lower portion of the city. The building before which they alighted was a gloomy edifice of stone, and was well known at thaf time to the denizens of the city as the home of a private banker of great repute named Roderiguez, Bryce Williard, the woman on his arm, bade Catamaran Bill remain in the vicivity, dismiss- ed the carriage, and entered the house boldly, At the open portals a servant stopped bim, but as Williard mentioned bis name the man bowed politely and said: “This way, sir; my master is expecting you.” A minute later Williard and bis companion were ushered into an apartment fitted up with desks and a safe, Its sole occupant was a dark, sbrewd-looking Spaniard, who viewed his visi- tors searchingly, and beckoned them to a seat, **T have received a note signed Bryce Willisrd to-day,” the banker said, abruptly. ‘‘ It inform- ed me that you would "call on important busi- ness. Will you explain?” For reply, Williard drew from his pocket the note Caldeiras had indited. Tbe banker started, and perused the missive eagerly. Then he looked up. “ And this is the lady, Juanita Leslie?” he in- quired, with a glance at Williard’s female com- panion. ‘* Yes, the heiress—” “To the wealth I have held in trust so long. You desire it sent to you?” ¥ No, I will take it.” A ‘half-suspicious light was visible in the banker’s eyes at Williard’s eagerness, but he said as he advanced toward the safe in one corner of the apartment: ‘Ag you like. It isa royal fortune, and all I require are the papers—” “Ab! the documents are here,” interrupted Williard, producing the papers stolen rom Anvbergris Ben, ‘* And the remaining evidence that this is indeed Juanita Leslie?’ concluded the banker. Bryce Williard started. “The remaining evidence?’ he stammered, vaguely. “Exactly. Caldeiras has attached a postscript in Aztec to, his letter, bidding me to be sure on that point,” ‘*T do not understand you.” ‘The mark, the brand.” “The mark—the brand!” quavered Williard. “Is not his order sufficient?” ‘No; this lady, if the real Juanita, stil] bears on her wrist an indelible brand. a mysterious symbol of the Montezumas, imprinted there by Ca deiras’s request in her infancy.” ‘“Curses! we are foiled!” Amid bis terrible dismay, Bryce Williara hissed out the words, and sprung to bis feet es his companion uttered a ery of chagrin. “Hal” cried Roderiguez, suspiciously, “Anu impostor! The mark is not there, Then she is not Juanita Leslie!” “She is!” cried Williard. ‘* The fortune, o!d man, it belongs to her. The,papers are proofs; you think to defraud us,” He had advanced threateningly toward the banker. ‘‘Ha! you threaten!” cried the latter. ‘‘ Back, villain! would you rob me?” “Ay! of Juanita Leslie’s rightful fortune. Give it up, I say!’ Oi. “Stand back, Mr. Bryce Williard, or you’re a dead man!” The words came unexpectedly. Williard turned, to utter a frantic cry of rage and dis- — comfiture. For, filling the doorway. a leveled revolver __ in his hend and vengeance in his eye, was Am- bergris Ben! ; CHAPTER XVII. OUTWITTED. AMBERGRIS BEN was recognized by the diss ecomfited Bryce Williard as the latter showed © in his paling face when he heard the old a man’s stentorian voice. i st The banker, Roderiguez, recoiled and stared in wonder at this new appearance on the scene, __ while Wilhard’s accomplice, the woman, start toward the door. ; “The game’s with a wicked laugh, ended, it seems,” she remark 7 “IT won’t burn my
Page 13
reckless attempt at escape. Gold Dust Tom. Pirs wit) itany longer. Will youallow me to “ Ye-,” be replied, *‘ ye kin go; my business is with yonder sneakin’ coyote.” The woman passed through the door, and Williard began to edge his way toward the open window. “Mr. Bryce Williard, alias Horace E.lis, the gambler, yer goose is cooked!” came impres- sively from Ben’slips. ‘It'll be the jail fer ye to-night.” “Who is this man—an impostor?” demanded Roderiguez, his eyes resting on Williard, ‘*Prezackly, Mr. Banker! I am the real guardian of Juanita Leslie, an’ he stoie the pa- pers from me he presented to you.” ‘‘ But the order from Caldeiras?” i] tated sheer twenty feet below into a stone- paved area, whence a few miuvutes later he was removed, his skull crushed—dead! _ ina few words Gold Dust Tom explained his identity and the meaning of the exciting scene tbat nad just occurred tu the banker. He had arrived witn Juanita, and, a minute later, be led the young giri into the apartment. He had no aifficulty in convincing Roderiguez of the validity of ber claim, Tbe mysterious brand was found upon ber wrist, and the bank- er was ready to deliver the Caldeiras fortune at any time she desired it. ‘*Not yet,” spoke Tom solemnly. ‘There is more work yet todo. I ask you to shelter my poor Juanita, worn out by travel and excite- ment until I return.” “You are going away again?” inquired Jua- ‘‘He obtained by fraud and deception and | nita anxiously, then murdered the poor old man he had delud- ‘¢ Yes, to avenge the murder of Caldeiras—to find the man who bas caused all our trouble and ‘‘Murdered him?’ echoed Roderiguez, in 9 | ics escaped—Bryce Williard.” tone of anguish and horror, ‘‘ my old friend, Cxi- deiras, dead ?” ‘‘ Tt is false!’ asseverated Williard. ‘‘This man is some blackmailer who hopes to benefit by a cunningly devised lie.” ' ‘“T warn re to keep quiet,” remarked Ben, a menacing glitter in his eye; ‘‘ye’re workin’ yer way to thet winder, Mr. Bryce Williard, but I advise ye not to try ter light out or ye’re a gone coon,’ Williard stood stock-sti.l as Ben’s revolver clicked ominously. ‘Now, then, Mr. Banker,” spoke the latter, “jest see thet a policeman is called till L give this coyote inter custody.” : “On what charge*” demanded Williard. “ Murder! Thekilling of Caldeiras the her- mit!” A spasm of alarm and fear crossed Williard’s bloodless face. ‘¢There are no witnesses!” he cried. *‘Ob! ye confess it, then?” interrupted Ben. ‘* We'll settle the matter when Gold Dust Tom appears, Ha! ye varmint, what new trick is this?” “ Foiled!” cried Bryce Williard suddenly, as he sprung to the window. An episode quite favorable to his plans had occurred. Evidently his female accomplice, in departing from the house, had informed the lurking Catamaran Bill of the peril of bis ally, for the door had suddenly opened and the lev- eled revolver was knocked from Ben’s hand. ‘Light out, Williard!” cried Bill, as he grap- led with Ben. ‘I’m afraid we're spotted on he outside, too.” With a glance of chagrin end hate at the banker, Bryce disappeared through the open window. The banker uttered acry of alarm, and then stood gazing aghast as Ben and Bill went down with a crash, tightly clinched, on the floor. In the fall, Ambergris Ben had struck achair, splintering it to pieces. Half-stunned, he lay at the mercy of his enemy, who arose to his feet and drew a murderous-looking knife, “‘ Yow ll stand still and give no alarm, ef ye’r’ wise!” growled Bill, as he waved the knife threateningly in the face of the terrified banker, “I'm goin’ to kill this maa, au’ I’m goin’ to kill ou too, ef ye don’t deliver over the fortune as longs to Juanita Leslie.” ‘‘ Never, assassin—thief! Help! help! help!” He uttered the cry wildly, for Catamaran “id had sprung toward him with uplifted snife, “Tl settle ye, or hev the fortune!” he cried, desperately; ‘‘an’ I’ll settle the only man who *pears to know how Caldeiras died!” “There is another, and he is here!” Catamaran Bill wheeled like a tiger at bay. He dropped his knite and drew a revolver. A long, desperate experience had hardened him to surprises, and while he was staring at the new appearance on the scene, be acted in accordance with the villainous instincts of his nature, ‘‘Ha! Gold Dust Tom, and not dead, eh? Take thet!” He had fired point-blank at Gold Dust Tom, for it was the young scout’s figure that filled the doorway. The shot was returned; and as Bill, seeing the game lost, sprung to the win- dow, he staggered back against the sash, his arm shattered by a bullet from Tom’s weapon. “Stop, and surrender, or I will fire again!” Bill heeded not the command, Wounded as he was,he lifted himself over the sash. Gold Dust Tom heard him utter a cry of pain as he fell headlong from view. 7 Catamaran Bill had met his fate in that last He was precipi- ‘Ai’ Lkin direct ye to him.” 3 by Toui’s delight Ambergris Ben arose to bis ect, The scout grasped the whaleman’s hand in glad welcome. ‘* Not hurt!” he cried. “ Not seriously, Tom.” “ And you know where Williard has gone?” “T kin surmise, When trailin’ him I heard him tell about a meetin’ with the Smuggler’s Leagu» at a certain point.” ‘* Where?” “ Starlight Rock.” “IT know the plece well, gling venture.” ** | reckon so.” ‘“* But he may bave abandoned his purpose?” ““ Not likely, seein’ as bis game here is spoiled. Justice demands his capture, Tom, and Cal- deiras’s murder must be avenged.” An hour later Gold Dust Tom, with an affec- tionate adieu to Juanita, whom he consigned to the care of the banker, started forth with Ben to track to cover their deadly enemy Bryce Williard the leader of the Opium Smugglers of the Coast, Some opium-smug- CHAPTER XVIII. AFTER THE SMUGGLERS, Down the coast from the city several miles at an hour aieey, approaching midnigbt, a scene of considerable mystery and excitement was transpiring the same night Gold Dust Tom and Ambergris Ben had started forth on their mis- sion. The beach was rock-lined, and, in a little inlet sheltered by an overhanging cliff, a party of men huddled close to the rocks stood silent and grim, while ten feet distant a coterie of three seemed scanning the ocean and tbe vicinity with searching glance. “Tbar’s no sign yit of the varmints, it seems,” remarked one of the trio, in a low, guarded tone of voice, “We don’t know that, Ben,” replied Gold Dust Tom. ‘The colonel here bas bad longer experience with these coast bandits than we, and he believes these lights mean something, Ha! there they are again,” About half a mile down the coust the three Jeaders of the revenue party which Tom had im- pressed into his service saw a series of lights flash forth suddenly in tbe darkness, and then some distance out nt sea, a reply seemed to be made to these signals. “We must put off the boats,” said Colonel Clowry, after a pause of reflection, ‘I think I understand this affair.” “You do, colonel?” inquired Ben, “Yes. Some vessel that has stolen down the coast is making a night journey to San Francis- ‘Waal, what of it?” ‘*They have some opium on board, and they intend dropping it at sea into the hands of their en issaries ashore, Look there!” In the dim night a boat could be discerned leaving the shore, Colonel Clowry at once hastened to his men, and their shadowy forms were soon stealing down the beach. “A moment later, and almost noiselessly, they launched a long boat. Ben and Tom were hastening after them, when the latter paused. 4 f “Goon, Ben,” he said. ‘I will join you ina minute.” ‘‘ What hey yer discovered, lad?” “Never mind, Go ahead.” The cause of Tom’s half was what he im- agined to be the visible outline of a form skulk- ing in and out among the rocks, At the same 18 moment a dull whisile sounded from its Viciai:y. P icy reached the boat just as it was pushed off. ‘* Jump in,” ordered Colonel Clowry. ‘*Wait a minute, colonel. My partner will be along soon,” But us the moments went by no Tom ap- peared, ‘*We must not delay., He may be engaged on some new trail. Push off, lads.” Despite Ben’s anxiety, the boat left the shore, His interest now centered on the operations © their enemies, however, the old whaleman con- soled himself with the thought that Tom was able to care for himself. The boat cut the water like a knife. The galonal informed Ben of bis theories and inten- ions, “The boat that just left the shore belongs to the smugglers,” he exclaimed to Ben, ‘An’ ye intend to follow it?” ‘*No, to keep it in view. Out where that ves- sel stands, a package will be thrown to these men. That we must intercept, provided they do not see us and take the alarm, Half an hour’s row brought them fairly with- in sight of a brig sailing very slowly in a due- northerly course. At that moment the man on watch in the bow sung out: ““ They’ve spotted us, colonel,” ‘Who, the brig?” “No, the small boat, and they’ve changed their course,” The colonel surveyed the situation. “Tt looks so, sure enough. Very well, lads, row fast and reach the brig.” Whatever Colonel Clowry’s plen, be did not ay further attention to the small boat. With- in bailing distance of the brig, he made out several forms on the stern, As he ordered the men to slow the oars, be caught a hail from the shi ‘Hello, there! All rea In a deep, gruff tone, out: * All ready !” The next moment a large, dark object was dropped over the stern of the brig, ‘“A rubber balloon,” whispered the colonel, to Ben. “¢ What's it fer, anyway?!” “Tt contains the o ium, see. Row toward it, lads,’ Almost within reaching distance, a sudden cry came from the brig. Distinctly on the hearing of Ben rung out the words: ‘“T see the uniform buttons cf the men! We've been tricked! they’re revenues!’ ‘Sink the balloon!” A flash and a sbot came from the brig. A bullet struck the rubber air balloon, and it collapsed just as Ben seized it. The brig put about as if anxious to evade being overhauled. Colonel Clowry ordered his men to return to the shore, “ We've captured the prize,” he remarked as he dragged the collapsed balloon containing the opium into the boat, ‘‘ Bur missed the smugglers,” replied old Ben ruefully. ‘Perhaps not. watch.” ‘‘ Thet’s so; but thar’s no sign of him.” Sure enough, when they reached the beach they could discern no trace of either Tom or the smugglers. Ben was anxious about his friend. He paced the beach seeking some sign of him, and only paused when he came across a knife lying on the rocks. Evidences of a struggle were visible around. Ben turned to Colonel Clowry. ‘*Colonel,” be said ominously, ‘my friend’s got in trouble with those ’tarnal smugglers, I fear, an 1 can’t rest till I find him.” ; “Tm with you in that, friend Ben,” replied the revenue Officer, ‘‘Gold Dust Tom has done too much for the Government for us to desert him in an hour of danger.” CHAPTER XIX, CONCLUSION, AMBERGRIS BEN was somewhat anxious when he failed to discover any trace of Gold Dust Tom. Had he known the situation of his friend at that moment, he woul) have been doubly distressed, for the young scout was in a most bpploarany and dangerous position, en Tom bad seen the skulking form on te beach, and had told Ambergris Ben to repr'r to the revenue boat, he had glided among tio Colonel Clowry sung and will float, you Gold Dust Tom will be on the
Page 14
14 Gold Lust Tom. rocks and immediately started in pursuit of a igure a few moments later recognized by bim as the person he sought, Bryce Wiliiard. The latter, either arriving late at the place of meeting, or left on shore to signal danger, had evidently seen the revenue party, for he acceler- ented his pace, and the positions of the two men r*pidly changed to pursued and pursuer. Once reaching the beach, Williard started on a keen run, and Tom, finding that he was rec- cgnized, kept in close pursuit, Finally Williard di cp theses | around a ledge of rocks, finding time, ere Tom appeared, to flash a lantern lying in a little nook toward the ocean. This had caused the smugglers’ boat to put back to land. His mission effected, the desperado turned at bay and backed against a bowlder on the inlet, as Tom dashed into view. The latter had the drop on his foe, and his leveled revolver caused Witliard to stand mo- tionless and pale, awaiting his first words, “At last, Bryce Williard!” spoke the scout, in deep, ominous tones, ‘‘ we are alone, man to man, and you are my prisoner!” - “Since when have you constituted yourself un officer of the law?’ sneered Williard. “Since the murder of Caldeiras, the hermit,” was the stern, accusing reply. ‘Throw down your weapons, or—” “You'll murder me? Is that it? Come, you boast of your prowess and chivalry. You can never convict me with the crime youcharge. It is a personal issue between us two,” The bot blood of indignation and rage mount- ed to Tom’s bronzed cheeks. ‘So be it!” he cried; ‘between us two the issue lies, as you say. ‘For your dastardly treachery toward the woman I love, I demand the apology of blood; for the murder of Caldei- ras, vengeance!” “And you will fight me, man to man, knife to knife?” * Yes,” *“Tnen lower your revolver,” ‘* No; first fling yours’into the surf, and I will follow suit.” Whatever the wily schemer’s plan, he saw fit to ohey. ‘*One of us will never need the shooters again,” he remarked, grimly, as Gold Dust Tom ‘hurled bis weapon in the water, and both drew their knives. The night was not starless, and the knives gleemed as they were raised. It was light enough to fight; light enough to killa craven, cowardly wretch, Gold Dust Tom decided, and he circled around his enemy, whose policy seem- ed to consist in evading his assault, rather than inviting and attempting to cope with it. Twice the flashing blades clashed. Twice, by a clever feint, Williard evaded a hand-to-hand conflict. He parried and retreated until Tom grew suspicious and impatient, ‘Tm giving you every chance,” he remarked between his set teeth, “and you bave some crafty plan in putting on the time. To the scratch, Bryce Williard, or I will force the fighting.” He sprung forward once more, Williard sud- denly wheeled. Gold Dust Tom anticipating his flight, dashed forward to intercept the craven. At that moment a dozen men rounded the rock, The smugglers had returned, and for their re- turn the cunning scoundrel, Williard, had been waiting. In a moment the scout was surround- ed and a prisoner. ; He cast a oc of withering contempt on the triumphant Williard. “You sneakin’ coyote!” he uttered forcibly. “You are too cowardly to live, too treacherous to deserve the friendship of a living being.” ““Pve got you, close enough,” came the chuck- ling reply. “ll carry my point yet, and Juan- ita shall be my bride—ber fortune, mine!” Tom was silent, and as the smugglers after a brief confab started for the inland, he allowed them to force him along their way. They halted at last. It was at a point where two somber-looking structures faced each other across a little stream. They seemed to be the familiar haunt of the smugglers, for Tom was led into one of the structures, bis hands bound, and he was thrust into a darkened room, An hour went by, during which he could hear in various parts of the structure sounds of great commotion, which was explained as, in the cor- ridor without the room in which he was con- fined a prisoner, he heard Bryce Williard’s voice. He was addressing one of the smugglers, and he asked: . ‘The stuff is all ready to take up-stream and ‘dispose of?” “Yes, captain,” was the response, “Then we will soon desert this old ranch BEADLE AND ADAMS’ dispose of our booty and blow the buildings up.’ hy not stay “eye revenues | STANDARD DIME PUBLICATIONS. **No,” interrupted Williard, are upon our trail. This infernal Gold Dust Tom has ruined our plans. We must disband,” ** And your prisoner?” “Wait for half an hour. Then leave yonder building at a signal from the window across the stream. I will end all traces of our past career, and settle our enemy, Tom, at the same time,” ** All right.” A minute later Bryce Williard bearing a lamp in his hand entered the room. He glanced malignantly at his bound captive. *‘Tbave come here to offer you your liberty,” he said bluntly, ‘I want no trifling, and I give you ten minutes to agree to write a letter to Juanita Leslie, insisting on her delivering her fortune to me to save your life.” Gold Dust Tom laughed derisively. ‘You are modest in your demands.” “Just think it over,” repeated Williard cool- ly. ‘‘ Hither that or death. “So am I.” Williard left the room. He was gone soma time. When he returned he was pale and ex- cited, and as he hastened to the window his eyes gleamed with alarm, “The revenues are here,” Gold Dust Tom Speakers, Each volume contains 100 large pages, printed from clear, open type, comprising the best collec- tion of Dialogues, Dramas and Recitations. The Dime Speakers embrace twenty-four volumes, viz.: . American Speaker, | . National Speaker. . Patriotic Speaker. . Comic Speaker. . Elocutionist. —_ 3. School Speaker. 4, Tudicrous Speaker, Be Komikal Speaker. ) 7 ~] . Youth’s Speaker. - Eloquent Speaker. 8. Hail Columbia Speak- Sore cod . Humorous Speaker. . Standard Speaker. 8. Stump Speaker. 9, Juvenile Speaker. 10, Spread-Eagle Speaker 11. Dime Debater. 22. Jolly Speaker, 12, Exhibition Speaker. 23, Dialect Speaker, 24, Dime Book of Recitations and Readings, These books are replete with choice pieces for the School-room, the Exhibition, for Homes, ete. 75 to 100 Declamations and Recitations in each book. = er. 19. Serio-Comie Speaker, 20. Select Speaker, 21. Funny Speaker. I’m in earnest.” Dialogues. The Dime Dialogues, each volume 100 pages, em- brace thirty-one books, viz.: heard him mutter. ‘ The boys are to leave the Dialogues No. One. Dialogues No. Sixteen. place. Ha! the signal! They are leaving, and Dialogues No. Two. _| Dialogues No. Seventeen. the revenues will enter the building. They are | Dialogues No, Three. | Dialogues No. Kighteen. doomed! Now, Gold Dust Tom, your answer’| Dialogues No. Four. | Dialogues No. Nineteen. to mv demands.” Dialogues No. Fiv e. Dialogues No. Twenty. ig ae! Pe Dialogues No. Six, |Dialogues No. Twenty-one. You have had it already. . | Dialogues No. Seven. | Dialogues No. Twenty-two, Wiliiard sprung to a cornerof theroom. His Dialogues No. Eight. | Dialogues No. Twenty-three, hand touched a knob in the wall. Dialogues No. Nine. |Dialogues No. Twenty-four, “ An electric wire connects with a concussion- | Dialogues No. Ten, Dialogues No. Twenty-five, fuse in the building across the river,” be said, | Dialogues No. Eleven. er pe ancoet il Twenty-six, ‘A powerful explosion will blow your friends Dialogues No. Twelve. |DialoguesNo. Twenty-seven. Dialogues No. Thirteen. | Dialogues No. Twenty-eight, Dialogues No. Fourteen |Dialogues No. Twenty-nine, Dialogues No. Fifteen. ‘Dialogues No. Thirty. Dialogues No. Thirty-one. 15 to 25 Dialogues and Dramas in each hook. to atoms.” He touched the button—an explosion that shook the place sounded upon the still night air. Gold Dust Tom uttered a groan of horror. He had not believed Bryce Williard’s murder- ous threat, As he witnessed its consummation, he gathered himself for an assault, bound as he was, His hands were tied behind him, but spring- ing from the floor he flung his body forward. His foot struck Bryce Williard in the chest just as the latter was getting ready to end his life with a revolver-shot, [ The desperado sunk back, stunned and bleed- ing. There was a wild commotion in the cor- ridor without; the door was suddenly burst open. Ambergris Ben, followed by half a dozen revenue officers burst into the apartment, “The explosion!” gasped Tom; ‘you were not hurt?’ “No,” replied Ben. ‘‘ We traced you hyar, an’ drivin’ the smugglers inter the building yon- der, we started ter investigate this place when the one over the river blewup, Ha! ye coyote, stand still thar!” Williard, recovering from his: insensibilit; ; had sprung to his feet. As he realized that He had doomed all his confederates by a terrible mistake, he jumped wildly toward the win- dow. A dozen shots from the revolvers of the revenue men pierced his body. He fell to the ground outside, dead. “That ends the smugglers,” remarked Ben, grimly, as he peered down at the prostrate form of the desperado, ? ““And avenges the death of Caldeiras, the hermit,” added Gold Dust Tom, solemnly. Dramas and Readings. 164 12m Pages, 20 Cents. For Schools, Parlo:s, Entertainments and the Am. ateur Stage, cbmprising Original Minor Dramas, Comedy. Farce, D'ess Pieces, Humorous Dialogué and Burlesque, by nected writers; and Recitations and Readings, new nd standart, of the greatest celebrity and interest. Edited by Prof. A. M. ussell, DIME HAND-BOOKS. Young People’s Series. BEADLE’s Dime Hanp-Booxs For Youna@ PEOPLE cover a wide range of subjects, and are especially adaptea to their end. Ladies’ Letter-Writer. Gents’ Letter-Writer. Book of Etiquette. Book of Verses. Book of Dreams. Book of Games. Fortune-Teller. Lovers’ Casket. Ball-room Companion. Book of Beauty. Hand-Books of Games. Handbook ef Summer Sports, Book of Crequet. Yachting and Rowing. Chess Instructor. Riding and Driving. Cricket and Football. Book of Pedestrianism. Guide to Swimming. Handbook of Winter Sports—Skating, ete Manuals for Housewives. 1, Cook Book, 4, Family Physician. 2. Recipe Book. 8. Housekeeper’s Guide. linery A few hours later, in the early dawn, Juanita Leslie welcomed her lover to her arms again, and before nightfall they were wedded, and the Lives of Great Americans I,—George Washington. | VI.—Daniel Boone. If.--John Paul Jones. VIII.—Israel Putnam. fortune turned over to the rightful heiress, yi aiad Anthony Wayne Me egy Ambergris Ben recovered his stolen money, | V.—Marquis de Lafay- | XII.—Pontiac, ‘ for it was found secreted on the dead smuggler. > ee XII.—Ulysses §. Grant. Bryce Williard’s untimely death, and that of his confederates, filled the public interest for many days, and Goid Dust Tom was a hero, in Song Books. BEADLE’s DimE Sone Booxs, Nos. 1 to 84, con the only popular collection cf copyright songs. people’s estimation, for his part in routing out Melodist this formidable confederation of criminals. In School Melodist, } Music and Words, his last courageous fight against the league he. had effected a great public benefit, for he bad Joke Books. effectually broken up one of the greatest pests | Pocket Joke Book. im Crow Joke Book. J Paddy Whack Joke Book. the Golden City ever knew; the Opium Smug- The above publications for sale by all newsdealers glers or the Coast, gents each by BEADLE AND ADAMS; PHS ce each, THE END. Street, N, or hig ue } a a ee Oe f canes ecinia . J So - ee " — a 5. Dressmaking and Mil- Sg IE OT BE ee aca
Page 15
1 28 N 101 Jack Harkaway in New Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price BEADLE’S* HALF-DIME*LIBRARY. ——- BY PHILIP 8S. WARNE. 67 Patent-Leather Joe: or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmer. Little Singos or, the Queer Pard. S Little Oh-my zr; Caught in His Own Trap. 401 Little Shoo-F ly 3 or, A Race for n Ranch. 4068 Little Leather-Breeches 3 or, Old Jumbo’s Curse, 48; Little Ah Sin; or, The Curse of Blood. 451 Colorado Kate. A Tale of the lines. 480 Three Jolly Parda. 5it Jim Gladden’s Deputy. ~ 527 'The Jolly Pards to the Rescue. BY CAPTAIN FRED. WOITTAKER, 15 The Sea-Cat; or, The Witch of Darien, 29 The Dumb Page; or, The Doge’s Daughter. 48 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. 150 Lance and Lasse; or, The Children of the Chaco. The Sword Hunters; or, The Land of the Elephant Riders, 1 159 The Lost Captain; or, Skipper Jabez Coffin’s Cruise to the Open Polar Sea. ‘ 200 The Boy Bedoutns; or, The Brothel’ of the Plumed Lance. 234 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine. 24° Milo Romer, the Animal King; or, The Round the World Wanderer. 265 The Tiger Tamer; or, The League of the Jungle. 881 Black Nick, the Demon Rider. 295 California Joe’s War Trail. BY BUCKSKIN SAM (Major Sam. 8, Hall.) R84 Old Rocky’s **‘ Boyees3” or, Benito, the Young Horse- Breaker. 246 Glant George; or, The Ang’! of the Range. 275 Arizona Jack ¢ or, Giant George’s Pard. 297 The Tarantula of Taos; or, Giant George's Revenge, S07 The Strange Pard; or, Little Ben’s Death Hunt. 818 Ker-whoop, Ker-whoo; or, The Tarantula of Taos. B2T Creeping Cat, the Caddo; or, The Red and White Pards, S82 Frio Fredy or, The Tonkaway’s Trust. $44 The Fighting Trio; or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway B49 Wild Wolf or, Big-Foot Wallace to the Front. $57 The Ranch Raiders; or, The Siege of Fort Purgatory. , 864 Snap-Shot, the Boy Ranger. “75 Chiota, the Creek; or, The Three Thunderbolts. 8S1 Bandera Bill; or. Frio Frank to the Front. #92 Romeo and the Reds; or, The Beleaguered Ranch. 4°4 Little Lariat; or, Pecan Pete’s Big Rampage. 414 The Daisy from Denver, 427 The Three Tratlera; or, Old Rocky on the Rampage 442 Bluff Bill; or, The Lynx of the Leona. 455 Little Lone Star}; or, The Belle of the Cibolo, BY EDWARD WILLETT. 15 ae peat, spetresahent Boy. Veatherweights the Boy Champion of the Muskingum, 228 Ozark Alf; or, Featherweight Maco the Oulewat. 2S2 The Typo Detective; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp. 295 Fearless Phil; or, The King of Quarizville, 811 The pag tog, Sport; or, The Pride of Chuckaluck Camp. £22 Nemo, the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon’s Vendetta. 840 Clip, the Contortlonist; or, The Montana Vigilantes. BY J, ©. COWDRICK. 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery. Bey Shastn, the Gold King 3 or, For Seven Yeara Dead. 420 ne. Detective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without a 424 Cibuta Johny; or, Red-Hot Time. 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout, ponte See sey lone an ay y Dude, roadway ¥. the Bootblack Bravo. 506 Redlight Ral hy the Prince of the Roads 514 Broadway Billy’« Boodle. 524 The Engineer Detectives 586 Broadway Billy’s ‘ Difikilty.” BY JO PIERCE, B97 Bob o’ the Bowery 3; or, The Prince of Mulberry Str 415 The Vagabond Detective; or, Bowery Bob's Baan” 452 Hotspur Bob, the Street-Boy Detective. 460 The Lawyer's ahacos 3 or, Luke’s Legacy, A472 Jaunty Joe, the Young Horse-King. : 494 Surly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective, 504 Five Pointa Phil. 509 Jack Jagger, the Butcher Boy Detective, 516 Tartar Tim; or, Five Points Phil’s Menagerie, 526 North River Nat, the Pier Detective. 583 Wrestling Rex, the Pride ofthe Sixth Ward, 541 Jeff Flicker, the Stable Boy Deteetive. BY CAPT. MARK WILTON, 256 Young Kentuck; or, The Red Lasso. 270 Blizzard Ben; or, The Riot at Keno Camp, 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. , “BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. 7S Blue Dick: or, The Yellow Chief's V " $F The Land Pirates ri The League of Devil's Island, e Helpless Handy or, Backwoods Retribution. 9 The Gold-seeker Guide ; or, The Lost Mountain. BY MAJOR WENRY B. STODDARD, Ex-Scout. _ B06 Neck-Tie Ned; or, The Dug-Out Pards, , $46 Rapler Raphael; or, The S tecas ol Kid-Glove Cit, the Dandy of | the Beckienc 898 Kid-Glove Kit and Pard; or, The Gold King. 6 The Mad Man-Hunter; or, The Mystery of Golden de, =; . Gulch. 605 Powell's Pard; or, The One-Armed Giant, BY BRACEBRIDGE HEMYNG. 89 Island Jim; or, The Pet of the Family. 91 Tee sis, of the Club sor The iva Athletes. ork, WA Set 2 Bal, See FS “ BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, 11 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes ofa Bowery Girl. 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer, 79 Sol Ginge be Giant Trapper. 258 Joe Bu. Sh Angels and His Buy Pard. 447 New York Nat. A Tale of Tricks and Traps in Gotham. 458 New England Nick; or, ‘The Fortunes of a Foundling. 464 Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince. 498 Taos Ted, toe Arizona Sport. 510 Cool Colorado, the Hal/-Breed Detective. 515 Cool Colorado in New York. BY GEORGE WALDO BROWNE, 86 a Rocks the Man from Texas. 90 The Drend Kider; or, The ‘Texan Duelist. 99 The Tiger of Taos: or, Dandy Kock’s Angel. 115 The Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rock’s Doom, 181 The Golden Handy; or, Dandy Rock to the Rescue, 164 Dandy Rock’s Pledge; or, Hunted to Death. 178 Dandy Rock’s Rival; or, The | aunted Maid of Taos, BY CAPT. J. F. C. ADAMS. 84 Oregean Sol; or, Nick Whiffles’s Boy Spy. 46 Glass-Eye, the Great Shot of the West. 54 Ned Hazel, the Boy Trapper. 56 Nick Whilfles’s Pets or, Ir The Valley of Death. 60 The White Indian; or, The Scout of the Yellowstone, 70 Old Zip’s Cabing or, The Greenhorn inthe Woods. S81 Lightning Jo, the Terror of the Prairie. 85 Buck Bueckram 3 or, Bess, the Female Trapner, 247 Old Grizzly and Hia Peta: or, The Wild Huntress, 251 Light-house Liges or, Osceola, the Firebrand, 257 The Lost Hunters; or, The Underground Camp, 288 The Sealp King 3; or, The Human Thundervolt, BY ROGER STARBUCK. 25 The Boy Captain; or, The Pirate’s Daughter. 114 The Black Schooner; or, Jib Junk, the Old Tar. 259 The Golden Harpoon: or, Loat Among the Floes. 848 Fire-Heela; or, Old Skinflint, the Death-Shadow. 854 Rig Horn Ike, the Will Tramp; or, The Odd Pards, 861 The Phantom Licht-house, 870 Breaker Ben, the Reef-Runner, BY WILLIAM R, EYSTER, 190 Dandy Darke; or, The Tivers of High Pine. 210 Faro Frank; or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pards BY COLONEL DELLE SARA, 108 The Lion of the Sean; or, The Vailed Lady. 186 Cool Desmond; or, The Gambler’s Big Game, BY HARRY ST, GEORGE. 80 Roartng Ralph Rockwood, the Ranger. 44 Rattling Rube; or, The Nighthawks of Kentucky, 59 Old Hickory 3 or, Pandy Ellis’s Scalp. 108 Daring Davy; or, The Trail of the Border Wolf, 166 Hickory Warry; or, The Trepnes, PSeaaey Spy. 172 Thunderbolt Tom; or, the Wolf-Herder. BY JAMES L. BOWEN 107 One-Eyed Sim: or, The Abandoned Forest Home. 110 The Black Steed of the Prairies, A Story of Texas. BY C. DUNNING CLARK. 185 Captain Panl; or, The Boy Spy of the Montane. 280 The Yankee Rajah; or, The Fate of the Black Shereef, BY GEORGE C. JENKS, 485 Git Thar Owney, the Unknown. 492 Git Thar Owney’s Pledge. 518 The Demon Doctor. BY CAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR, U. 8. A, 191 Batiale Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker; or, The Doomed rteen. § 194 Buffalo Bill’s Bet; or, The Gambler Guide, BY CHARLES E. LASALLE, 50 Burt Bunker, the Trapper. 52 The White Buffalo. A Tale of the Northwest. BY JOHN J. MARSHALL, 40 Roving Ben. A Story of a Young American. 97 The Outlaw Brothers; or, The Captive of the Harpes, BY WM. G,. PATTEN, 489 The Diamond Sport; or, The Double Face of Ro 519 Captain Myster . or, Five in One. f ae inset me 581 Daisy Dare, the Sport from Denver, BY MAJOR E. L, 8ST. VRAIN, 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit. 801 Leadville Nick, the ewe 8 Redtop oe the Statlente Prince, i stone Bob, and His Lightning Hi 852 Tombstone Tom, the Atizova Bor of «Sante Ppa kina Chvie the Vogue Saee n \ peat tor, ngrbo ris, the Young Hard-Shell D 880 Avalanche Alf. the Foothills ‘Guide. rt aguar Joe, of the Mountain Mall-Line, BY EDWARD §, ELLIS. § Bill Biddon, Trapper. * 10 Nat T x Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island, unter . 254 The Half-Blood; or, The Pat nao 271 The Huge Hunter}; or, The Steam Prairie Man. BY MAJOR LEWIS W. CARSON. 278 The Three Trappers; or, The Monntt '. 288 Indian Joe; or, Hf ne White Spirit of tbe lie ‘ _ he j a Fy hat 3 7 " > - > rt \ we 9 eae Pt i ATS Ce yt Fates’ et @ of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. a BY W. J. HAMILTON, 68 The Red Brotherhood; or, The Twelve Avengers, 66 Single Handy or, A Life for a Life, 72 Mad Tom Western, the Texan Ranger, 887 Ben Bird, the Cave King; or, Big Pete’s Scoop BY JACK FARRAGUT. 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. $280 Phe Bea Borceress; or, Tho Boy Shipp, BY FRANK DUMONT. 120 The Branded Hand or, The Man of Mya. 127 Wild-Fire, the Boss of the Road. 140 Blue Blazes; or, The Break 0’ Day Boys of Rosky Bag, 171 Ebony Dan; or, The Rival Leagues. 185 Evil Eve; or, The Vultures of the Rio Grande, BY LIEUT. H. D. PERRY, U. 8. N. 176 The Boy Runaway; or, The Buccaneer of the Bay, 180 The Sea Trailer; or, A Vow Well Kept. 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Point, BY HARRY HAZARD. 828 Arkansaw Jack; or, The Scourge of the Mines, 829 Red-Skin Tom; or, The Demon’s Tral., ‘ 842 The Mountain Devil; or, Yellow Jack, the Outlaw, BY COL. A. F. TOLT, 899 Black Buekakin: or, The Masked Men of Death Canyon, 419 Kenneth, the Knife-King. 485 Little Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods, BY ¢. W. OSBON, 469 The Rival Giants of Nowhar’. 498 Cactus Burr, the Man from Hard Luck, 587 Old Buckeye, the Sierra Shadow. BY FREDERICK DEWEY. $18 Cimarron Jack, the King-Pin of Rifle-Shota. 478 Tangemund, the Desert Detective. 542 The Canyon Parda, MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS, 4 The Wild-Horse Munters. By Capt Mayne Reld and Frederick Whittaker. ; 9 Adventures of Baron’ Munchausen, 12 Gulliver’s Travels, By Dean swift, 14 Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp. 16 Robinson Crusoe, (27 Tlustrations.) 18 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven Voyages, 22 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe, By Juan Lewis. 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the Carribees, By S, W. Pierce. 86 the Boy Olown; or, The Queen ofthe Arena, By . vk 8. Finn, B8 Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 51 The Boy Rifles; or, The Underground Camp. By Archie C, Irons. 95 The Rival Rovers; or, The Freebooters of the Mississippl. By Lieut.-Col. Hazeltine. 98 Robin Mood, the Outlawed Earl; or, The Merry Men of Greene wood, By Prof. Gildersleeve, 105 Old Rube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive, By Captain Hamilton Holmes. 412 The Mad Hunter; or, The Cave of Death, By Burton Saxe, 124 Tippy, the Texan; or, The Young Champion, By George Gleeson. 128 The Young Privateer; or, The Pirate’s Stronghold, By Harry Cavendish, 148 Sharp Sam; or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy. By J, Alexander Patten. 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper; or, The Green Ranger of the Yel- lowstone. By Edward Emerson, 261 Terane Fearnaught, the New York Boy. By George L, en. ‘ 266 Killb’ar, the Guide; or, Davy Crocketi's Crooked Trail. By Ensign C, D. Warren, 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Muid of the Cliff, By Captain Comstock. 817 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Laadviile. By Liens tenant Alfred Thorne. 828 The Sky Ie‘ective; or, A Boy’s Fight &r Life and Hono, By Major Mickey Free. 850 Red Ralph, the River Rover; or,""** Brother's Re- venge. By Ned Buntline. / 865 Baltimore Ben, the Bootblack Detective. ®¥ 4- P Morris, 874 Gold-Dust Tom; or, Ben’s Double Match. By George H, Aborse, 876 Callfornia Joe’s First Trail, By Colonel Thonas Hoyer \onstery. 418 Billy Bombshell, the Cliff Climber. By F,S. Winthrop. 440 Little Poxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid, By Arthur C, Gnasom, 475 The Black Ship. By John 8. Warner. 484 Comanche Dick and His Three Invinciblea, By » Henry J. Thomas. D 528 Wizard-Arm, the Dandy Sport. Ry Arthur F. Holt, 582 The Cowboy Duke. By Edwin Brooke Forrest, A New Issue Every Tuesaday. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of alx cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York
Page 16
BY EDWARD L,. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels, 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick's Defiance, 28 Buffalo Ben; or, Deadwood Dick in Disguise. 85 Wila Ivan, tie Boy Claude Duval. 42 Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick's bonanza, 49 Omaha ons or, Deadwood Dick in Danger 5i Deadwood Dick's Eaglea; or, The Pards of Flood Bar, 78 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity June, the Heroine, 77 Corduroy Charlie; or, Deadwood Dick’s Last Act, 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville, 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, ‘the Double Cross Sign, 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s Gulch. 188 Blonde Billy or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base. 149 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood}; or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dreamy; or, The Riv Is of the Road, 201 The Black Hills Jezebel; or, Dexdwood Dick’s Ward. 205 Deadwood Dick’s loom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Ad- venture. 217 Captain Orack-Shot, the Girl Brigand. 221 Sugar-Coated Sam; or, The Black Gown. 282 Gold-Dust Dick. A Romance of Rough. and Toughs, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Divides or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail. 809 Deadwood Dick’s Big Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats. 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducats; or, Rainy Days in the Dig- ngs. 851 Hendwoed Dick Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta, 862 peeaweed Dick’s Claim; or, The Fairy Face of Faro ata. 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Peadweed Dick’s Diamonds ; or, The Mystery of Joan orter. 421 Deadwood Dick in New York; or, A “ Cute Case,” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand, 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 448 Nickel-Plate Neds or, Deadwood Dick Jr's Defiance, 458 Sunflower Sam, of Shasta; or, Deadwood Diek Jr’s Full Hand. 459 Flush Fan, the Ferret; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Big Ronnd- 465 Phitto Fly, of Phenix; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Racket at laim 10, 471 Bozeman Bill; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Corral. 476 Humboldt Harry, the Hurricane;- or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s etective, 481 Moll Mystery; 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’s Dig¢ings 3 or, Dr. Death-Grip’s Swoop, 5608 Deadwood Dick’s Deliverance, 515 Deadwood Dick's Protegee. 522 Deadwood Dick’s Three. 529 Deadwood Dick’s Danger Ducka, 584 Deadwood Dick’s Death Hunt. 589 Deadwood Dick Jr., in Texas. 644 Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidoog, Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon. 82 Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot. 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York, 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bills or, The Red Kifle Team, 69 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter; or, The Boy Detective, 80 Rosebud Tob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand, 88 Pheto rare Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance, 92 Cunada Chet 3 or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 96 Watch-Eye 3 or, Arabs und Angels of a Great City. 18 Jack Moyle the Young Speculator. 17 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 21 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport. 25 Bonanza Bill, Miner. 88 Boss Bob the King of Bootblacks, 41 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. 45 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective; or, Boss Bob’s Boas Job. 6 Zz 1 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. ? Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scamps, 181 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo, 209. Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. 218 Fritz to thé Fronts or, The Ventriloquist Hunter, 226 Snoozer, the Boy Sharp; or, The Arab Detective, 286 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator. 244 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret. 248 Sierra Sam’s Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Sam’s Pard; or, The Angel of Big Vista, 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven; or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs, 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen. 281 Denver Doll’s Victory. ' 255 Denver Doll’s Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza, 291 Turk, the Boy Ferret. 296 Denver Doll’s Drift; or, The Road Queen, 299 A No, 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 808 ’Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport, 825 Kelley, Hickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, 880 Little Qu!ck-Shot; or, The Dead Face of Daggersville, 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner, 889 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood. 858 First-Class Fred, the Gent from Gopher. 868 YP apy Jim, the Gold-Gatherer; or, The Lottery of le. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize. 878 Nabob Neds or, The Secret of Slab City. 882 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 885 Yreka Jim’s Jokers or, The Rivals of Red Nose, 889 Bicycle Ben; or, The Lion of Lightning Lode, 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Hat Harry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabsaides, the Beggar-Boy Detective, 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. 486 Sealskin Sam, the Sparkler. BEADLE’S« H ALF- DIME* LIBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAMAM, 7 The Flying Yankee; or, The Ocean Outcast, 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Bucean er; or Thy Fagitive Yacht. 24 Diamond Dirk hen The Mystery of the P&jowstone. 62 The Shadow Ship; or, The Riva] Lieutenants, 75 The Boy Dnellsat; or, The Cruise of the Sea- Wolf, 102 Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smuggier. 111 The Sen-Devil; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. 116 The IMussar Captains or, ‘lhe Hermit of Hell Gate, 197 Little Grit; or, Bessie, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter. 264 Gold Plume; or, The Kid-Glove Sport, 216 Bison Bll, the Prince of the Reins. 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman Trailer. 229 Crimson mates or, The Cowboy’s Triumph, 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Cental, 245 Merle, the Middy ;¢ or, The Freelance Heir. 250 The Midshipman Mutineer 3 or, Brandt, the Buccaneer, 264 ee Floating Feather; ,or, Merle Monte’s Treasure Siand, 269 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, the Condemned. 276 ot yg Monte’s Crulse; or, The Chase of “The Gold n Pp 280 Merle Monte’s Fate; or, Pearl, the Pirate’s Bride, 284 The Sea Marauder; or, Merle Monte’s Pledge. 287 Billy Blue-Eyes, the Boy Rover of the Rio Grande. 804 The Dead Shot Dandy ; or, Benito, the Boy Bugler. BOS Keno Kit; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. 814 zee Mysterious Marauder}; or, The Boy Bugler’s Long rail. B77 Bonodel, the Boy Rover} or, The Flagless Schooner, B88 The Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Island. 887 Warpath WIII, the Boy Phantom, 898 Seawalf, the Boy Lieutenant. 402 Invdor, the Young Conspirater s or, The Fatal League, 407 The Hey, Insurgent; or, The Cuban Vendetta. 412 The Wild Yachtaman; or, The War-Clouae’s Cruise, 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 A Cabin Boy’s Luck; or, The Corsair. 487 The Sea Raider. 441 The Ocean Firefiy; or, A Middy’s Vengeance, 446 Haphazard Hussy s or, The Scapegrace of the Sea. 450 Wizard Win; or, The Boy Ferre: of New York. 454 Wizard Will's Street Scouts, 462 The Born Guide}; or, The Sailor Boy Wanderer, 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Conster. 474 Flora; or, Wizard Will’s Vagabond Pard. 488 Ferrets Afloat; or, Wizard Will’s Last Case, 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger. 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 BIL, the Comanche Shadow. 525 Brothers in Buckskin, 580 The Buckskin Bowers. 585 The Buc skin Rovers. 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder of the Rie, 545 Lieutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. BY OCMARLES MORRIS, 118 Will Somers, the Boy Detective, 122 Phil eens the Boss Boy. 126 Picayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. 180 Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Rags, 142 Haudsome Harry, the Bootblack Detestive, is Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred, 52 Black Keaa, Will Wildfire’s Racer. 157 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy, 162 WH Wildfire in the Woods, 165 Billy Baggage, the Railroad Boy, 170 A Trump Card 3 or, Will Wildfire Wins and Loses, 174 Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York, 179 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner, 188 The Hidden Hands cr, Will Wildfire’s Revenge. 187 Fred HMalyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers, 189 Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. 196 Shadowed ; or, Bob Rockett’s Fight for Life, 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective, 220 Tom Tanner}; or, The Black Sheep of the Flock, 225 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky. 235 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. ‘242 The Two “* Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang, 252 Dick Dashaway ¢ or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago. 262 The Young Sharps? or, Rollicking Mike’s ios Trail. 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 289 Jolly Jim’s Job; or, The Seung Detective. 298 The Water-Hound; or, The Young Thoroughbred. 805 Rashaway, of Dakotas or, A Western Lad in the Quaker re » y. 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 Levelers or, The Bloods of the Boulevard, 408 Firelly Jack, the River-Rat Detective, 428 The Loat hg et or, The Entrapped Cashier, 428 Fred Fiver, the Reporter Detective. 482 Invincible Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret, 456 Billy Brick, the Jolly Vagabond. 466 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or, Entombed Alive, 479 Detective Dodge} or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty, 488 Wild Dick Racket, 601 Boots, the Boy Fireman}; or, Too Sharp for the Sharper. BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR. 2 Yellowstone Jack; or, The Trapper. 48 Black John, the Road-Agent; or, The Outlaw’s Retreat, 65 Hurrieane Bill; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard. 119 Mustang Sam ¢ or, The King of the Plains. 186 Night-lNawk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch, 144 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. 151 Panther Paul; or, Dainty Lance to the Rescye. 160 The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. 168 Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. 184 The Boy Tratlers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path. 208 The Boy Pards; or, Dainty Lance Unmasks, 211 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City. 810 The Barranca Wolf; or, The Beautiful Decoy. 819 The Black Rider; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League, 885 Old Double Fist; or, The Strange Guide. 855 The King of the Woodx: or. Daniel Boone’s Last Trail, 449 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective. No Double Numbers. BY BUFFALO BILL (fon. Wm, F, Cody) 8 Kansas Kings or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom Spy r or, The Pilot of the Prairie, 565 Deadly-Eye, the acaces Sccut. 68 Border Robin Hood ; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust BY OLL COOMES. 5 Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandeting Jew. 18 The Dumb Spy. 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. 81 Keen-Knuife, the Prince of the Prairies. 41 Laaso Jack, the Young Mustanger. 58 The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. Zl Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. 74 Hewkere Harry the Young Trapper Ranger. 88 Rollo, the Roy Ranger. 184 Sure Shot Seth, the boy Rifleman, 148 Scar-Favce Saul, the Silent Hunter, 146 Silver Star, the Boy Knight. 158 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. 168 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger, 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. 182 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain. 202 ppeepoet Pete; or, The Young Outlaw Hunters. 208 The Boy Hercules: or, The Prairie Tramps. 218 Tiger Tom, the Texas Terror. 224 Dashing Dicks or, Tripper Tom’s Castle. 228 Little Wildfire, the Y: ung Prairie Nomad, 288 The Parson Detective; or, The Little Ranger. 248 The Diaguised Guide ; or, Wild Raven, the Ranger. 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger. 272 Minkakin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter, 290 Little Foxfire, the Bey Spy. 800 The Sky Demon 3 or, Ruinbolt, the Ranger. 884 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. 409 Hercules; or, Dick, the Boy Ranger. 417 Webfoot Mose, the Tramp Detective, 422 Baby Sam, the Boy Giant of the Yellvwatone. 444 Little Buckakin, tne Young Prairie Centaur. 457 Wingedtfoot Fred} or, Old Polar Saul, : 468 Tamarac ‘Tom, the Big Trapper Boy. i 473 Old Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemic, 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan, BY T. 0. HARBAUGH, 28 Nick o? the Night; or, The Boy Spy of ’76. 87 The Hidden Lodge; or The Littl: Hunter, 47 Rightingete N ats or, Tne Forest Captuins, 64 Dand ack; or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Trak, 82 Kit Hnarefoot the Wood-Hawk. 94 Midnight sack} or, The Boy Trapper. 106 Old Froaty, the Guide; or, The White Queen, 28 Kiown Charley the White Mustanger. 89 Judge Lynch, Jr.3 or, The Buy Vivilante. 55 Gold Trigger, the Sport; or, The Girl Avenger. 59 Tornado Tomy or, Injun Jack From Red Core. S88 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. 98 Arkansaw ; or, The Que n of Fate’s Revenge, 0? Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. 15 Captain Bullet; or, Little Topknot’s Crusade, 31 Plucky Phil; or, Ross, the Re! Jezebel. 241 Bill Bravo; or, The Roughs of the Rockies, 255 Captain Apoll«, the King-Pin of Bowie. 267 The Buckskin Detective. 279 Old batten or, The Buckskin Desperadoea, 294 Dynamite Dan; or, The Bowle Blaie of Cochetopa, 802 The Mountain Detective; or, The Trigger Bar Bally 816 Old Eclipse, Tramp Card of Arizona, ; 826 The Ten Parday; or, The Terror of Take-Notice. 886 Big Benson; or, The Queen of the La-so. 845 Pitiless Matt; or, Red Thunderbolt’s Secret, 856 Cool Sam and Par’; or The Terrible Six. 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective, 886 Captain Cutlass; or, The B:ccaneer’s Girl Foe, 896 Rough Rob; or, The Twin Champions of Blue Blazes, 411 The Silken Lasso; or, The Rose of Ranch Robin. 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. 425 Texas Trump, the Border Rattler, 486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox, 445 The City Vamptres; 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, A?7? The Excelaior Sport; or, The Washington Spotter, 499, Single Sight, the One-Eyed Sport. 502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. 612 Dodger Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective, 521 Dodger Dick’s Beat Dodge. 528 Fox and Faleon, the Bowery Shadows, 588 Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret. 5648 Dodger Dick’s Double; or, The Rival Boy Detectives, LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock, By Lieut. A. K- Sima 547 Sandy Andy; or, A Good Man Down. By P. S. Warne, 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. By J. C. Cowdrick, 549 Deadwood Dick on His Mettle. By E. L. Wheeler. 550 Lafitte’s Legacy; or. The Avenging Son. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 551 Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow. By Jo Pierce. Ready February 14, 552 Artel, the Athlete, By David Druld. Ready February 9. 558 Dodger Dick’s Desperate Case. By T. C. Harbangh Ready February 28, 5654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham, By E. L. Wheeler lel teal ele -~ twee Ready March 6. 555 The Creole Corsair. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Ready March 13. 556 Lariat Lil; or, the Cast fora Life. By Philip S. Warne. } Ready March 20 557 Breedway Billy’s Death Racket. By J. C. Cowdriek, Ready March 27, A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library 1s for sale by atl newsdealers, five eents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAME, Publishers, 98 William Sireet, New York,