Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 378) (1884 10 21)
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PIFTA EDITION a omens old, GNA Mall ell ell ell allel ll ellen i 5 . De a) N » “o/s. . \ WRN Te SS ul wae : aw) a < | (mt it 22S AW ae TN lL ; $2.50 a year. Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mail Rates. i Copyright, 1884, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, Single PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS Price, Vol. a's Num er. 2 ; rice No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. No. 378. (4 ‘s October 21, 1884. NABOB NED; or, The Secret of Slab City. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, ‘‘ ROSEBUD ROB” NOVELS, ‘‘ DENVER DOLL” NOVELS, ETC., ETC, . ty py /! be yi ' Os i Fig / é: ibe \ 4 mityat /' i 4 1) ws } tet ont ‘ iG NW, SQ AN —\ ANNES ww ‘ sf “ SN Cy AR ¢ \<e rs, wh “PLL CUT YOUR HEART OUT!” AND THE BLADE WAS DESCENDING WHEN SPERRA’S ARM WAS CAUGHT BY ONE MAN’S RIGHT-HAND GRASP.
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Nabob Ned; OR, THE SECRET OF SLAB CITY. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK,” NOVELS, ‘‘ DEN- VER DOLL,” NOVELS, *‘ SIERRA sAM,” ‘““YREKA JIM,” ETC., ETC, CHAPTER I. A PLACE FOR RENT, “TOR RENT! “These premises will be rented cheap to a good, responsible tenant, who has the courage of a lion, the gall of aside-show fakir, and the strength of a Hercules, No other than one answering to the above description need apply. ~ ‘*Nasos Neb, “ Slab City, ‘** Mon,” A characteristic sign it was, considering all circumstances, Twenty miles from Heron station, on the Northern Pacific R. R., which is considered tha nearest point of ingress to the Coeur d’Alene mining region from Montana Territory—lo- cated deep down in a gulch with lofty pine- crowned walls towering above, is Slab City. Geological surveys never did anything for the place—never will. A wild-cat enthusiast from ‘up-country,” with more saw-mill than geographical knowl- edge, awoke one morning in the full belief that the place was on the line of the direct route to E igie City and there was a little fortune there, gaping for some one to gobble up. Phis man, fur the sake of reverence we have for the elephant he had on bis hands, we will call John Smith; be had a barrel of money, a hogshead of conceit, and a little experience; with these he started out to build Slab City. He moved his tools down from Plainville—the tools consisting of the only split saw, boiler and engine in that immediate portion of the Terri- tory, five mill hands, a dog anda burro-load of sleeping material—and began work, The one redeeming quality of Smith was that be was chock-full of ambition, and as a resulf of bis combined ambition and enthusiasm, the tall pines began to ‘* drop,” and in a short space of time both cabins and shanties began to loom up, and Slab City had its start, W hen the accommodations for population had shaped up to something like a couple of score or more of abodes—it occurred to Smith that he had better begin to boom the place, in order to attract some “summer boarders,” before the next fall of snow came—those eternal snows, for which the Cosur d’Alene region is noted. So Smith opened his heart, and likewise his “‘bar’l,” and the result of an ingenious amount of “‘ flushing,” was a stampede, The people came—of the wild, feverish sort, that make up the population of every mush- room mining-city, which is enough to say of them, at present. Mr. Smith occupied a cabin, that was both residence and office. Here, be had on exhibition specimens of gold, in the way of nuggets and du t, which he claimed to have taken out of the gulch, in various places—and Mr, Smith had both claims to sell, and houses to rent, In fact, for awhile, he did a flourishing busi- ness, and coined money, Many disgusted mortals putting out of Eagle City, wandered over to Slab City, while part of the influx to the first-named place, unfortunate- ly green as to the “‘ white elephant camp,” were induced to try Slab City first. For a couple of weeks, Slab City filled up ina way that should have made its founder feel proud but for the fact that he had a guilty con- science, and, maybe, a foreboding of coming trouble. Had he been possessed of the average sense of a burro, be would have folded his tent and stolen away. But he didn’t. Day by day, be sat in his office and listened to the rattle of cash, as Nabob Ned took it in. Nabob Ned was a “scholar,” from the East,’ wbom Mr. Jobn Smith had hired to handle bis cash, and keep the kinks out of his accounts. Day by day sanguine miners delved and pros- d throughout Slab City gulch, and nightly heir ressions of dissatisfaction grew louder and louder. ; Finally, one of Jobn Smith’s mill-hands, who bad been with Smith from the time of his arri- val, was visited in the dead of night by a dele- De eee — 7 WNabob Ned. gation of indignant miners, and requested, at the point of the pistol, to divulge any little stray facts he might possess. He was not one of the most stubbornly heroic men in the world, and the persuasive induce- ments offered him, to be confidential, had the desired effect, He narrated how Smith had really dug the auriferous specimens which he bad exhibited from differeut parts of the gulch, but be bad first planted them there. To insure the success of his town, he had flushed it, at several tuou- sand dollars expense, and recaptured a part of the “plant,” .leaving the rest to be found by the sanguine fortune bunters. It was a very cute, although not original scheme, on the part of Smith; but, owing to the lack of proper early training, this delega- tion of miners failed to appreciate Smith’s cleverness, and they waited upon kim in short order, and bung him to a Iimb of the sighing pine, some of whose branches swept the roof of bis cabin, Nabob Ned wss then persuaded to hand over Smish’s cash, and then was apprised that he anil Slab City could go to the Antipodes, ae which proceedings the delegation ‘‘ am- ed. A This wasa part of the early history of Slab City; but not all, for there remains much, yet, to be told. Nabob Ned, with an eye to business, closed the Smith cabin, and nailed the pe sign of ‘For Rent” to the door, Assisted by some of the more humane citizens, he cut down Smith’s body before it was yet cold, and plant- ed it, at the side of the cabin, which, by the way, stood on the outskirts of thecamp. Full three feet of earth did they put over Smith’s remains, with the evident intention of making him ‘‘stay thar,” But, Smith, prectically speaking, “ didn’t stay worth a cent ”—at least, so it was asserted, he circumstances warranting this assertion, were somewhat after the following order: Nabob Ned having removed to the Bung-Eye Hotel, kept by Bung-Eye Jake, was waited on by a party, who introduced himself as Scotty Shannon, of ’Shian, Scotty was a ponderous, broad-chested indi- vidual, who looked equal to annihilating an iced-dozen of dapper little fellows like Nabob Ned, but, instead of being of the blustering order of humans Scotty appeared to have been reared in the lap of good-nature, if not luxury, “You have a shebang to let, up byer, I see,” he said to Ned, tackling business at once. ‘A sheb.ng we have,” Ned hastened to as- sent, taking out a form of blank leases. ‘‘ It is a little palace in its way, and the former pre- prietor, baving just passed in his coupons, the place is to let, Would you helieve it, sir, have already bad numerous applications for the house?” ‘“Why haven’t ye let ’er then?” Scotty de- manded, regarding the agent, in the light of a confi-med liar, ‘‘Oh! because they were not responsible par- ties. Whoever takes the place, must take it for a year, and come down with spot cash, in ad- vance?” ‘* And, why, thusly?” ‘¢ Because I am so pressed with business, that I cannot be bothered with the palace.” ‘‘Of what did the former proprietor shuffle, may I inquire?” “Oh, cert’?! He died of a throat affection, brought oa by wearing too tight a collar, made of hemp.” “Ah! Did he kick, ter wander back ag’in? ‘©Oh, no; not a kick or threat.” ‘““-You yourself planted him?” “Ob, you bet!—planted bim in Prayer Book order, right near the shebang.” “How deep?” ‘Three feet, at least, and well ballasted, with stone.” ‘* What's the taxation?” “ Well, I'll tell you; you seem like a pretty straight sort of hairpin—I’ll put you up and label you, at two hundred, for the whole year, which is dirt cheap!” “Taken!” Mr. Scotty Sbanvon agreed, de- positing the required sum in Ned’s bands, ** Just give me the key, and I'll take a look at the ranch, before I take possession wi’ my wife an’ darter!” The key was only too sate handed over, and ‘‘ the lucre” corraled by af Scotty took his departure. Within half ap hour, he returned. _ He laid the key upon the table over which he had recently paid the money, and beside the particular! y, or threaten mt 1 ~ i. raf ee he Vem ee » a Pye tee hE edie ey Se OD ples beim Cs Sale yd ceed See ana! ay Ve PRE Se LSE ee a ee EN OEE NE aE SO key a “‘six,” which had the appearance of look- ing for something to do. ** Well, sir, did the place suit your” Ned ven- tured to inquire, secretly wonderirg how Mr. Shannon came by a fresh bruise alongside his nose. “Yas, et suits me—to let alone,” was the re- ply. ‘‘ Young man, yer early trainin’ has been sadly neglected; ye’r’ a liar, a thief and a fraud, and fer six cents’ worth of soap-grease I'll swal- ler ye whole ” ‘Great Heaven! what’s the matter?” the agent demanded, fearing instant annibilation. ‘*What’s gone wrong?” ‘“ Wrong?’ echoed Scotty, tragically — ‘“‘wrong? Did you not declare ter me thet ye planted him three fut deep, an’ put stun on him in the bargain?” ‘ll swear to it, and can furvish ample proof, sir!” ‘¢Then ye’d better go an’ do ther job over. As a high kicker he aire great, as you kin see by ther bruise on my cheek-bone. Young man, I don’t hanker after thet aire shebang, but I do want back my money. So the quicker you fork it over, the more years you will bey ter live. Come down!” Nabob Ned did not hesitate. There was cardinal red in Mr. Sbannon’s eye, and the two hundred dollars were returned with a promptness that seemed to establish Mr. Ned’s business’capacity. ei) Mr. Shannon then departed. He did not even take one lingering, regretful, backward look at John Smith’s executor, but marched with the air of a man who was bighly content. After he was gone, Nabob Ned. summoned those citizens who hae assisted iv planting Mr. Smith, and related Mr. Scotty Shannon’s aver- red experience, Asa result, a visit and investigation were de- cided upon, and the party set out for the cabin at the early edge of evening. When they arrived within a few yards of it, the door was discovered to be standing wide open, while in the doorway stood the cadaver of John Smith, erect and without support, other than that furnished by the rigid limbs. Fastened to his breast was the sign which bad been nailed to the door: “FOR RENT.” Smith’s corpse was re-buried, and then a new sign was put up—that mentioned at the begin- ning of our narrative. CHAPTER II. A TIMELY RESCUER. THE sign was allowed to remain upon the door of John Smith's former abode; nor did bis remains again wander from their proper place of repose. But the odor of mystery clung about the cabin, and it was declared haunted. . This fact did not deter others than Scotty Shannon from trying at tenancy. Repeated tests were made by bold dare- devils, who sought notoriety; but in each case, the tester gave up the job, saticfied that the supernatural possessed the cabin. n the mean time, within a couple of weeks after the first manifestations, it was discovered that gold in paying quantities really did exist in the gulch, and that, after all, Slab City’s success was not likely to prove a delusion, Stock went booming, and the fever broke out anew, brightening many countenances that had before been clouded and fierce, and tripling the receipts of the drinking-bars within a day’s time. ae. Now that the prospects of the camp were again ‘‘’way up in G,” the town was a buzz of excitement and hilarity, and general good fel- lowship reigned among the rough crowd, The miners got-their tools in working order; the gamblers rubbed their bands in expectation | of replenishing their crushed pocket-books. The saw-mill resu>ed work, and new dwell- ings began to short up, ir anticipation of a Te- need rush, ond Nehob Ned once more reigned as one of the mos" important individuals in the camp, frou: the fact t at be ciaimed the late — Jobn Smith property, by right of being former- _ ly Smith’s right-hor man, end no one stood ready to dispute his right. Fo A dapper little individual was Nabob Ned, witb spindling legs, and shoulders not remark. able for their promise of strength. From allap- Nature must have designed bim for pearances, a dry-goods clerk, or some other light vocation, — since he was not musc and imposing of ap- voli nor had he as yet shown any ¢X- — bitions of belligerancy and grit, * A ue Og eee w o<. +, » (fg : r 4 < é 4 ~ “ iY
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He was what a lady might call pretty—a precty dude—and with his graceful mustache, center-shot hair, and ever careful regard to the arrangement of bis attire, won the appellation of *‘ Nabob ”—making bim Nabob Nea. The Bung-Eye Hotel was Nabob Ned’s head- quarters, and when Le was not otberwise occu- pied be could generally be found at the faro or oker-tables, where he was considered pretty ucky. ‘“*Stud-horse poker” reigned as the favorite game, and his bonor, Mr. Ned—his other name, he claimed, was Rsevelt—was an adept at the game, and consequently seldom lost. One wild, wet evening, when the rain pour- ed down caaselessly, and the thunder fairly made the dwellings of Slab City dance upon their foundations, Nabob Ned sat at one of the numerous tables in the Bung-Eye, opposite a wiry, dark-visaged individual, with black curl- ing hair and mustache, who looked as if he might be of Mexican descent, This Mexican, Pedro Sperra, had a considera- ble pila of gold and greenbacks before him, while Nabob Ned had none, “Play again, senor!” he said, in a soft voice. ** Never get discouraged at soslight a loss.” **Discouraged?” and Ned u tered a sareastic laugh. ‘ Well, I hardly believe I’m the one to get discouraged. But, you see, [’m not exactly the fool you take me ‘o be, I might play here ‘with you all uight without winning a pot; or if I won a pot, it would be because you choose to let me do so, in order to draw me on.” **Ha! Whyso# You do not mean to east any insinuations, I trust,” and Sperra’s eyes flashed. “You can take it that way, if you choose,” Ned replied. ‘‘I have said lL sib iay you no more, because, no matter how good a player I mizbt be, I would stand no show with you!” ‘But. hold on, sir. You mistake the sort of gentleman you are talking to. A man bad better say out to me just what he means in plain words, rather than to dodge about in hints —it will be far better for him!’ “Toat matters not to me, If you feel dis- osed to take exceptions to what I said, do so. t matters very little to me whether you do, or do not.” Sperra uttered a snarl of impatience, ‘““[f you retract, all right, I accept your silence as an apology for your cowardice!” he said, pointedly, and in a way that elicited a broad smile from the several bystanders, whom the little bout of words had brought to the spot. , ; The smile, perhaps, more than the open in- sult, caused an angry flush to suffuse young Rosev-lt’s face. ss “See here, confound your impudence!” he cried fiercely. ‘* You want to pick a fuss, don’t you?” ‘Yes, sir, I am perfectly willing to accom- modate you,” Sprrae replied, calmly, ‘* You insinuated that I had won your money by un- fair manipulation of the cards. I retaliated by suggesting that you were a coward, I[ repeat the epithet; you are a coward among cow- ards!” Probably Pedro Sperra became forcible in his speerb because he believed that Nabob Ned was acoward and would submit to insult without fighting. y A Then, too, the wily Mexican who was evident- ly a man of education, wanted to make an im- pression upon the Slab Citvites from the start, which would give him further prestige as a “solid” man, } But it so happened that be missed his calcula- tions, for Nabob Ned leaped lightly upon the table, and with his right foot administered a kick upon the gambler's jaw, which elicited a how! of pain and rage from him. In leaping backward from the table, Nabob stumbled over a chair and went crashing to the floor. Ere he could arise, Pedro Sperra had left the table, a glittering knife in bis grasp, and was upon his fallen partner-at-cards. ‘You accursed Yank!” he hissed, clutching _ Ned by the throat with one hand and raising the knife witb the other; “I'll cut your beart out!” and the blade was descending when Sper- ra’s arm was caught by one man’s right-hand grasp. f - _ The same grasp raised the Mexican off of Nabob Ned, and stood bim squarely on his feet —the whole operation being performed without @ word spoken, And who wa: this timely rescuer? It was a question no one could answer. _ He was not a giant—indeed, was about a half- head taller than the Mexican, and there were a score of bigger men in the room than he, there was good-looking, as the faces of men go his appear- nothing particularly striking about ance, He bad a cecidedly firm cast of countenance, an eagle-gray eye, and a pleasant mouth, orna- mented with two rows of pearly teeth. His hair be wore in a wavy mass, tbat rippled back over bis shoulders; a mustache, brown, like his hair, and a sligbt imperial, added to bis good looks; but, bis garments were ragged, and lit- erally covered with mud. Consisting of stogy boots, breeches, woolen sbirt and corduroy jacket, they had not originally cost a fortune, but now Jooked as if they bad seen hard ser- vice; while the slouch sombrero upon his head had been beautifully riddled with buckshot, In lieu of a weapon-belt, a leather bridle-strap was fastened around his waist, but no weapons were there to set it off. And this was the man—not over twenty-five years of age—who had picked Pedro Sperra un, and stood him on bis feet, with as much appar- ent ease as though the Mexican had been a mere boy. “Thar! stood!” the new-comer admonished, “What war ye tryin’ to git thru’ yerselr, Greaser?? “Caramba! TVllshow you! Til have your life for this!” Sperra hissed, not deigning, how- ever, to raise the knife, for, indeed he was pow- erless to move the hand in which it was clutched, ‘‘1’ll eut your accursed heart out!” “Tm bettin’ ye’r’ wrong!” the stranger re- torted, good-naturedly. “ You're the most harmless. Greaser I ever saw. Git up, young feller! Woaat’s the matter of you!” Nabob Ned had raised himself to a sitting position, and was taking in the scene, his face depicting bis surprise. ‘Oh! there is not much the matter with me,” he replied, ‘except tlint we had a little dispute about ecards and the M:xican called me a cow ard, Ikieked him on the jaw, and stumbled, in getting off the table. He mounted me then, and wag near knifing me, J reclson!” ** Not so near as he would have liked to be!” and the young rescuer eyed Sperra sharply. “‘T hain’t no purtickler love fer Greasers, my- self, an’ especially this byer bud, Pedro Sperra!” “How do you know me?’ the Mexican growled, suspiciously, * Jest ther same’s a hoss knows vats—only, a leetle different. Ive got a claim ag’in’ yer life, me chrome-yaller snoozer, but, jest at present, I’ll not makealevy. There,now! Seo thet ye don’t come no more monkey bizness around byer, ag’in,” He released his iron grasp upon the gambler’s arm, at the same time speaking a few quick words in the Spanish language, which were un- intelligible to any of the bystanders, Sperra glared back at him, a moment, de- fiantly, the venom of rancorous hatred in his glance; then, turning abruptly, he pusbed his way through the crowd, and disappeared, It became plain to all, then, that the stran- ger of the iron arm had some power over the Mexican, wl.ich Sperra dared not resist—a fact that excited a new element of curiosity among the citizens of Slab City. CHAPTER IIL. EAGLE CITY ED—THE CHALLENGE, THE stranger at once became a favorite, Those sunburnt veterans of the mines, were pretty accurate critics, in their way, and they at once ‘‘ sized” the stranger as “every inch a man, and sharp as a steel-trap,” It was not until an bour or two after his ap- pearance within the precincts of the Bung-Eye that his name became known. Then, too, it might have remained unknown but for the fact that, an inquisitive mule-driver, from Mariposa broached the subject, by slap- ping bim on the shoulder and facing him around to the bar, ‘‘Nominate ver p’izen, stranger, an’ tip us ver handle. [('m Big Boots, ther terror from Eagle City, an’ chock-full o’ narve an’ electri- city, an’ et strikes me on the temple thai I've gazed upon yer alabaster visage afore!’ A ponderous fellow, this mule-driver, im- mense of girth, and as dirty and seedy as you aften meet ’em, out in the mountains, is whiskers had once been dark, but had been bleached, by sun and rain, and the same might be said of his bair; while, as for his mouth, it might easily have answered the purpose of two. The end of his nose was one mass of seed warts. His feet were incased in a pair of boots larger than the largest stogies in the room, and it seemed evident that he must have derived his title from their size. 4) * % The young stranger eyed him a monmert, curiously; then, laughed: . * Well, now, I allow your got cueek!” he declared. ‘‘ Asif a good-lookin’ feller like me, could ever be known by a high-minded inder- vidual like you. By the way, however, faint and dim in my recollekshun aire a shadow—a mere ordinary sbadder, w’ot luks like you. I’m frum Eagle City, myself, an’ when they try ter catch me wi’ good squar’ bait, they ginerall allow they’re fishin’ fer Eagle City Ed—which aire my name. Now, we’ll obliterate our sor- rows,” The drink was bad, and Eagle City Ed turned around, facing the crowd, and with bis elbows leaning on the bar, looked the assemblage over with a curious scrutiny. “Yas, pilgrims,” he finelly said, ‘I’m frum Eagle City. Mebbe ye hev judged thet same, by the broad-cloth I wear, i have Jeft Eagle City with many sad regrets—thet I hed never seen et—an’ ef thar’s any 0’ ycu wanter go in- side distemper paintin’ a 7a Doctor Tanner there's vacancies thar for one or two more, I tell ye, I wentin like er lion an’ slid out on me lamb-like uppers. An’ now, as I behold yer smilin’ visages, I reslize more fullsomely what chances in life I’ve lost—chances fer bread an’ bacon, You will excuse me, gents, ef my auburn-haired remarks approach ther ragged edge o’ sarcasm, but, ye see, I’m broke wuss’n ther egg w’ot ther elyphant stepped on, Thet bydra-headed orthinological beast, hunger, has consumed the entire machinery of my in- terior man, an’ I kin even now feel him tryin’ ter gnaw off my suspender buttons, Ef some galoot, or galoots, wi’ more lucre than sense, will march up ter ther manger, and contributo a few sovereigns toward buying me a monr- ment—of grub—ye shall ever hev ther musculor thanks of yer fla:-futted friend, Eagle City Ed- ward,” With the ease of a side show blower, did the strange combination of muscle and waggish- ness Celiver himself of this barangue; then tak- ing off his bullet-riddled hat, he held it out for the reception of alms, For a full minute the aia ig stared at bim, as if deliberating whether they should open their hearts or not; then, a man stepped forward, and in passing the sport without look- : g _ zie dropped a five-dollar gold-piece into he bat, Ard this man was—Pedro Sperra. Eaple City Ed’s face manifested no surprise further than a sort cf humorous contraction abeut bis mouth, The crowd Icoked even mere puzzled than he, ‘“*Boyees, der ye see?’ broke in Big Boots, “Aire ye goin’ ter let er durned Greaser git abead o’ ye? Not fcr Sarah Jane! Hyer’s a gold V, wot come to me, while on a spree, an’ cuss’d be we, ef | don’t give et to hee!” and the gold-piece was flipped dexterously into the air, 20 dropped alongside the other one, in the at, Big Boots’s action was a signal for others cf the bystanders to show their liberality, and the coins, large and small in denomination, flowed freely into the hat, until nearly every man in the room, except Nabob Ned, bad contributed something. “Come, Nabob, ain’t xe goin’ ter do some- thing?” a miner cried, ‘ Ycu orter, fer you’re better able ter do it than ary man of us!” Nabob Ned stood leaning against the bar, regarding his late rescuer with an uninterpret- P able stare. He started at being asked foralms, and thrust his hand down into bis pocket. “Sorry, gents, but I just lost my Jart red to the ’cursed Mexican,” be said, slowly end celib- erately. ‘What other money I possess dors not belong to me, but to the estate of John Smith. Heirs may come along, some day, to claim it,” “ Bab ed ‘* Nonsense,” ‘*Tbhat’s a nice way ter squeeze out o’ et!” “Too thin!” ‘Ye orter go soak yer head!” “ Nabob Ned fer gratitude, every time!” Such and other expressions of disgust escaped the lips of the miners, causing a vivid flush to come over the agent’s face, j He saw that the arrival of Eagle City Ed was more than likely to swamp bis own prestige unless he did something to keep his footing among them. “You are unjust, gentlemen!” he said, bow- ing. “I om very grateful to the gentleman from Eagle Cit y for saving my life, and you may rest assured he shall not go unrewarded, Being out of casb, Ill do the next thing.” { ‘ Sa « rig Pit pre is ‘ Ag i PEER et Pee Re
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om Mm «a “What's that? weat’s that?’ a dozen voices interrogated, eagerly. “This. Eagle City Ed appears to be a man of nerve. If be will remain over one night in John Smith’s haunted cabin, in the morning V’ll deed the property to him as his own.” A murmur of surprise escaped the lips of the bystanders, What was the ob}ct of this strange proposal? Was it to test the courage of the man from Eagle City? as it with a hope that the mystery would be cleared up?—or— Was it done because Nabob Ned was a little jealous of this new arrival? The crowd wondered. Nabob Ned looked a trifle triumphant. Eagle City Ed emptied his hat of the dona- cion that bad been given him. “T am werry much oblige to all who have résponded so sgekgen d to my appeal!” he said, bowing; ‘‘an’ now, ef you’ve got any ghost rackets hyer in Slab iy an’I kin rope in a roof, by sittin’ up an’ talkin’ politics wi’ ther hosts, that hits me a crack right whar I live. as, sir, me noble bud, ef ye hev a cabin as won’t hold me till mornin’, why ther quicker we get down ter bizness the better. 1 hain't hed a good scrap wi’ a thoroughbred ghost since Mary come home!” “Verv well, sir; I am as good as my word,” Nabob Ned said, a twinkle in hiseye. ‘‘Come along!” And the entire crowd were soon on their way toward John Smith’s cabin. CHAPTER IV. THE ARCH PLOTTER. Ir was not such a night as ghost-hunters migbt be expected to favor, The wind blew fiercely through the gulch, the lightning flasbed spitefully from crag to crag, and the thunder pounded away at the gates of heaven with sul- en roar. As for the rain, it fell in volumes, the wind whirling and twisting it into fury, as it beat against all obstacles. If there were any ghosts in Slab City, such a night they might choose for their revels. The crowd that left the Bung-Eve for John Smith’s cabin, numbered fully two-score. with Eagle City Ed, Big Boots, and Nabob Ned in the lead. The former seemed to pay little attention to the warring of the elements, but strode along with a quick step. “Ugh! Darn my bosiery ef this hyer ain’t a blizzardous night!” Big Boots grunted. ‘It beats ther Dutch how she do pour,” “It’s such nights as this that supernatural visitants hold their fandangoes, I reckon!” Na- bob Ned suggested, with a shrug of his sboul- ders. “You bet!” the young man from Eagle City replied. ‘‘It was such a night as this thet I got locked in a house down in Mexico and had the opportunity of seeing a ghost-dance, Thar were thirty on ’em, and every one bed evident- ly been a young senorita in her time. Talk about ther artistic dancin’ o’ yer Saratogy gals —why et waran’tacircumstance. Ther ghost- esses war gliders, you bet, wi’? now and then a high-kicker, who would kindly kick my hat off wi’ the toe of her golden slipper. E: war a hot night, but them floaters kept waltzin’ around till et war cooler’n an automatic fan could make it.” ‘“'Spect ye must hev hed a tech of the bug, eh?” Big Boots suggested. / ““Nary! Hadn’t touched a drap fer a month. Ob! they were ther genywine article, Arter they war done dancin’, ye orter seen ’em., set out ther lunch, We had quail on toast, oysters an’ champagne—an’ ye jest orter see em open champagne! Every durn cork tuk me plum on ther end o’ my proboscis, ontil et got us red as a blushin’ lob—” ‘Look! look!” Nabob Ned fairly screamed, pointing ahead, There was a vivid glare of lightning, that seemed to last for several seconds—long enough at any rate for the crowd to behold a sight that startled them, and caused them to stop in their tracks. _ It was a sight, too, calculated to startle those even of the strongest nerves, Just ahead of them, not over a dozen yards, stood the cabin of the late lamented John Smith. ‘The door was wide open, and standing u right and erect in the doorway, without visible support, was the ghastly-faced corpse of Smith himself, with the sign ‘‘ For Rent,” affixed to his breast. ‘ * ia) e . _ of ph a rs a a ais ag) | Nabob Wed. This much the crowd saw in that vivid glare of heaven’s pyrotechnics; then, all was blank, intense darkness. Motionless and speechless the miners waited for a repetition of the lightning-flash, and after a lapse of several minutes they were rewarded. Toey plainly saw the cabin; but the door was closed as usual, and the sign nailed upon it. A dry laugh burst from the lips of Eagle City Ei, as the flash expired, leaving naught but blankness again, ‘* What are you Jaughing at?” Nabob Ned de- manded, fiercely. ‘“Why, at you galoots gettin’ skeered at sight o’ an ordinary good-natured lookin’ cabin!” Ed replied, dryly. ‘** Cabin?’ Nubob echoed, ‘‘ D’ye mean to tell us you didn’t see old Smitb’s corpse standin’ in ther doorway, at ther first flash o’ lightnin’?” ‘*Nothin’ o’ the sort. You fellers must bave been optically deluded, or else bad whisky is gittin’ in its work on you!” ‘““You’re a liar if you say ye didn’t see ther cadaver in ther doorway!” a miner boldly as- serted, and the others of the crowd gave audi- ble approval to bis declaration, But, Eagle City Ed only laugbed again. ‘‘Say what you like, gents. This ere felier ye call Nabob Ned seemed desirous of testing my nerve, and I accepted his proposal. If he will kindly give me the key to the cabin, I'l] go over and turn in for the night, for I am slight- ly subject to malaria, and this rain ain’t wery pleasant!” Nobby Ned sneered. “Talk is cheap!” be declared. ‘‘ You know money couldn’t bire you to sleep in the place,” ‘“‘Not? Why, I am surprised at yer opine about me. Silas you would be afeard to, from what you say.” Nabob bit bis lip, and remained silent, ‘*Ob! of course I understand eee failing,” Ed said, dryly. ‘‘ But, you see, | was built of different timber. I’m goin’ ter rest my weary shanks in thet aire pw peel you bet—not only fer ter-night but fer gud, Give us ther key!” “The door is not locked,” Nabob growled, “ Go ahead wi’ yer ark, an’ ye can bet we’ll see thet ye stay in thar till morning, too, If you attempt to sneak out you’ll get filled with five pounds of cold lead.” ‘ All right. Hot lead would kinder work in better sech a wet night as this, but suit yerself. Won't I laugh at vou guys out byer in ther raic, while I, like a king in my castle, am bein’ entertained by white winged cherubs! By-by! See you later!” And the man from Eagle City strode toward the cabin, over which bung a pall of supersti- tious dread, Eagerly the men of Slab City craned their heads, and endeavored to follow the outlines of his figure, with their gaze; but the darkness was so intense that when but a few feet away they entirely lost sight of him. For only a moment, however. A flash of lightning again lit up the scene. Eagle City Ed was within five feet of the cabin, the door of which stood wide open, and the cadaver of John Smith occupied the aper- ture as before! A second flash, almost immediately afterward, revealed the cadaver as having disappeared, and Eagle City Ed standing in the doorway, tri- umpbantly waving bis bat. Althongh a man seldom given to profanity, Nabob Ned now uttered a fierce malediction. ‘Curse the fellow!” he gritted; ‘‘ he’s got the nerve of a boa-constrictor!” ‘An’, by ther cavortin’ cats o’ Charleston, yer’ out a cabin!” declared the mule-driver from Mariposa. ‘‘I ked hev told ye the chap war no slouch fer ter bluff. You bet he re- mains in thet rench all night, an’ ef thar’s any disembodied stiffs cuttin’ up monkey-shines he’ll join in the racket!” , Nabob uttered something that sounded suspi- ciously like a chuckle. ‘*Maybe!” he said. “If you men want to stay here and keep watch till mornin’, I’}l give you five dollars apiece when you come off duty. | ’m goin’ back to the Bung-Eye, where it is dryer.” About a dozen of the crowd accepted the offer—roughs, who realized with satisfaction just how much “ bug-juice,” or chance at tha taro-bank, the little five would give them. The remainder accompanied Nabob Ned back to the saloon. Nabob was plainly in a bad humor. Usually gay and full of spirit, he now appeared surly and ill-tempered. Before going to the hotel, he disappeared in the darkness; but when he seated bimself in gf Meee the brilliantly-lighted saloon, and counted over a roll of bills, he had several thousand dollars. ‘Tam not broke in my own right y:!,” he muttered; ‘‘and if I don’t make Slab City too hot for this Eagle City Ed, it will be a wonder to me.” ‘ ‘He sat for some moments in sullen silence; then spying Pedro Sperra across the room, hic beckoned to him. After a moment's hesitation the Mexican ap- proached, his face bearing none too good natur- ed an expression, ‘* Well,” he demanded, pausing by the table, “what do you want?” ‘Sit down!” Nabob ordered. talk with you.” * What about?” *Tnat you will learn as we proceed. Sit down!’ The Mexican obeyed, watching the young man as thcugh suspicious of mischief. ‘* Now, then,” Nabob said, ‘to begin with, we wiil draw a vail over what happened this evering, and talk business of a different char-. ed You know this new chap, Hagle City as ‘What of it?” ‘*Much, perbaps. You know him, and while- you cordially bate him, you also fear him?” Sperra scowled but made no answer. “T want to ‘* You see I have observed that much,” Nabob- went on, ‘‘and have deduced therefrom the fact that you would feel more at ease if this. gent from Eagle City were not so numerous,” The Mexican showed bis white teeth in a. significant smile. ‘* Perhaps you are right,” he assented; ‘ but no barm must come to bim. I would pro- ee from harm, at the peril of my own ife. The other looked puzzled. The Mexican hated the stranger, and yet stood ready to espouse bis cause! What did it mean? ‘* Indeed!” ejaculated the Nabob, ‘‘ Why is. it thus? You are enemies, are you not?” “If so, it can matter but iittle to you. If enemies, we will not fight.” ‘Excuse me, but 1 think you are a crank. Eagle City Ed is a hard customer, and would think no more of cutting your throat than he would that of a bullock, I hate the fellow more than I ever bated any other person in my life. He is a thorn invmy path, and must be removed,. regardless of cost.” : ‘* Why don’t you remove him, then?” Ana the Mexican smiled, sneeringly. ‘* Because | don’t want to bave anything to- do with him,” ‘- Because, like myself, you are afraid of him!” Sperra declared, with a diabolical grin. ‘No! no! Let Eagle City Ed alone, as long as. he does not molest you. eis a python; if you. arouse bim be will crush you!” ‘*Bab! there are better men than he, and even I do not fear him. AsIsaid before, he is. in my way, and must be removed. The sooner the better. Do you think he will remain in the haunted cabin all night?” ‘*Witbout a doubt. He fears neither man nor spirit. You see, I know of him, while to you he is a stranger,” ‘* Perbaps be is a stranger!” Nabob Ned re~ turned, significantly; ‘and perbaps not, Sper- ra, you are a rascal, Don’t feel insulted be- cause I compliment you, for your very looks: give you away, and you ought to feel proud to be so easily distinguished from the common herd, You are bere in Slab City to make, not to brenk. Am I not right?” ‘“¢-You are.” ‘¢Of course; the more you make the better it will suit you. If you can earn a thousand dol- lars as easy as by turning over your hand, do you suppose for an instant you will allow the oeparwane to pass you by?” he Mexican’s eyes glistened for a minute. then, he laughed, lightly. ‘‘Why, I can sit down at a gambling-table: and make more than that in a single night!” be declared. ‘‘Hardly!” Nabob Ned replied, compressing bis lips, when he realized only too keenly that he had lost twelve hundred dollars but a short time before. ‘‘ All players are not so tame as | was. Come now, I’|l strike a bargain with you. At daylight, to-morrow morning, this Eagle. City Ed will leave the cabin. e will be one of the triumphant, and one of the popular, men of Slab City. That must not be—I swear it: shall not be! When he leaves tbat cabin, a man concealed in the bushes, some distance away, can drop him, with a rifle, and no one- will be the wiser as to who'did the job, See”
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- two different things.” **Pooh! pshaw! What is the use of wasting Vl tell you just You secrete yourself and put a bullet through Eagle City Ed’s heart to-morrow morning, and I'll give you two thousand dollars immediately after satisfying myself that he is breath on. ‘ifs’ and ‘ands’, what [ll do: -deaill” “No!” Sperra said, coolly. have been wasting breath, to do your bloody work, senor!” And bowing obsequiously, turned away, leaving rage over the defeat of his evil purpose, CHAPTER V. IN THE CABIN, THE last the awed and wondering miners had seen of Eagle City Ed, was by the aid of the lightning flush which had revealed him standing in the doorway of the cabin waving his hat at them, The next flash the door was closed and the adventurer had vanished. Let us follow, now, the adventures of the cool head from Eagle City. He had seen the cadaver in the doorway and the succeeding events had been a matter of no little wonderment to him; but that only in- spired him to further investigation, so he strode resolutely toward the cabin-door, and when the apparition once more confronted him he was within a few feet of it. He saw that there was nothing earthly about it, because, from his close proximity, he could jook directly through and beyond the body. It ‘was nothing more or less than—what? Evidently it was a shadow that filled the ‘doorway, but it bore the shape and features of a corpse, said corpse being, as declared by tha miners, what John Smith had been, in life. Determined to explode the mystery, he step- ‘ped quickly forward, but the apparition van- ished as mysteriously as it had appeared, and he found himself the undisputed occupant of the doorway, while the door remained wide open. Waving his hat to the crowd, he disappeared within the cabin, To close and bar the door, was but the work of a moment, and he found himself in Stygian darkness, Overhead, the rain poured down on the roof, which, ina measure, was welcome music, con- ‘sidering the situation. The first, and most important thing, was a little light on the subject, but a careful search through his clothes, failed to produce any matches, “Naryamatch! I orter tho’t o’ that, when I was up at thersaloon. 1l’m bound to remain in tuis ghost shebang without any glim, that’s certain. ‘Tain’t ther most comfortable thing to do, but Edward will try it a whirl,” The cabin was of good size, and the interior as well as Engle City Ed could judge, was in one large epirtment, Tho only winaows were, like the door, on the front side, and these were guarded by close shutters, so that, even in daytime, little light strugyled into the cabin, Finding himself wittout means of striking a light, the sport was nonplused, He might go blundering blindly about the cabin, with the result of stirring up something immensely to his disadvantage; so concluded to remain where he was for the present. “This is a wuss fix than I anticipated!” he ‘muttered, growing uneasy. ‘‘Durn my skin, ef ’twasn’t fer the rain, I’d mosey!” A peculiar, scratching noise in a distant corner just then caused him to listen with eagerness and anxiety. Drawing a weapon, and crouching upon foot _ and knee, he waited further developments, The scratching sound continued but a mo- ment; then some hervy object struck the door cand fell to tae s!2 floor, Ed levelod h's revelver in the direction whence had come the scratching noise and fired two shots in quick succession; but there was no ‘answer to the reportsef the weapon. Five minutes passed, but there were no fur- ther ‘‘ manifestations.” *Reckon mebbe I must have dropped the brick-bat thrower,” was Eagle City Ed’s com- ‘ment, as the silence continued, ‘It’s a wintry ‘day when I get left by ghosts!” “I should say !” Clearly and distinctly the words camo, from across the roum, in a voice that was feminine, “You map it out plain enough so far as talk is concerned; but, planning and executing, are “Tt is you who **T told you before no harm should come to Eagle City Ed, throvgh my agency. You will have to get some one else the Mexican abob Ned in a fearful Nabob Ned. and musically pleasant. The sound came from directly opposite the sport, across the room. For a moment, he did not speak or move, That there was another person in the eabin, besides himself was certain, ‘* Hello there!” he finally cried, ‘‘ Who are you?” ‘* Polly wants a cracker,” came in the unmis- takable tones of a poll-parrot. “You'll get one, if I don’t get an answer from your owner, pretty soon!” Ed declared, “Tf there’s any one in this cabin besides myself, I want to see that person. I’m Eagle City Ed, and I’m here on business—you bet!’ ‘*f Don’t shoot, please!” the musical voice cried, anxiously. ‘If you will take tbe trouble to strike a light you will see that I am not a ghost!” ‘*T have no matches, or I would have had a light, long ago,” Ed responded. ‘Wait, Ihave some matches, sir.” There was a brief silence; then the crack of a parlor-match, and a little gleam of light fol- lowed, ‘‘ Wait, now I have some papers, which will burn, until we can find something better,” Eigle City Ed said, dropping his illiterate style of speech, and using the language of a person of good education. He crossed over to where a girlish figure was crouching, her white right hand holding the burning match, In a moment he had ignited a newspaper which he happened to possess, and began a bur- ried search for something with which to pro- duce a more permanent light, Upon the hearth were two pine-knots, which he fired; a lantern was also found, containing a good-sized piece of candle, so that he soon had the apartment lit in every part. He then turned his attention to her who had furnished the welcome: light, He beheld, now standing erect, a girl, prob- ably eighteen years of age, of a lithe, prettily- molded figure, and a fair, round, most winnin face, partly set in a wreath of golden bair, an eyes of magnetic brilliancy—a “ perfect little beauty,” as Eagle City Ed had to admit and s0 agreeably surprise1 was he that he stood star- ing at her in undisguise:l amazement, Her attire was plain, coarse and serviceable, but neat fitting. A belt about ber waist con- tained a single pistol, and her hat, which lay upon the floor, was a jaunty sombrero, The only furniture the cabin now boasted, was an old three-legged stool, and, leaning against this was a guitar, while perched upon the stool, was a huge red and green parrot, who was taking a ‘‘size-up” squint at the sport, As he gazed upon the girl she laughed, musi- cally. ‘““There, now, am I a ghost?” she exclaimed; ‘fam [a phantom?” ‘ ‘“* Hardly, I fancy,” the sport replied. ‘ But, how in the world did you come here?” On foot, of course—all the way from Spo- kane Falls, Idaho, My name is Polly Smith,” “Smith, eh?” “Yes, sir. What is your name?” ‘* Well, latterly, when I am called anything, it is Eugle City Ed. I may once have possessed another name, but, if so, it was so long ago that I might be excused if it had passed entirely out <i ey l suppose the rain drove you in ere?’ “Yes, sir. It rained so fiercely that 1 was glad to take refuge under almost apy shelter,” ‘*Tt was you, then, who threw the brickbat at me, a few minutes ago?” “No, sir. I threw nothing whatever at you, and you nearly frightened my wits out of me when you fired the shots,” ‘You are sure—positive—that you threw noting at me?” **Oh! yes, sir. I heard some missile strike the door, but indeed I did not throw it, nor dol know who did.” **Then there may be something in the report about the cabin being haunted after all,” Dd commented, ‘If you were in here, prior to my arrival, you ought to be able to throw some light on the matter. This cabin is said to be hau: ted, While approaching the place, a shoré time ago, a flash of lightning revealed the door to be wide open, and the corpse of the former proprietor was standing in the doorway. A second flash revealed the door as being closed and the corpse gone, <A tbird flash, when I was within three yards of the door, showed me the same appari- tion as the first had done, I sprung forward, and in an instant found myself in the open door- way, but not a vestige of a corpse did I encoun- ter. Did you see anything of all of this?” | | “1 saw the door open and shut, but saw no REpaee such as you describe,” Polly de- clared, looking both puzzled and frightened, “*T laid the opening and shutting of the door to the wind. Dear me! If I had bad any idea that this place was haunted I’d never bave en- tered it,” Eagle City Ed laughed. ‘“*Tt was because the place had the reputation of being haunted that I came here,” be said, ** but [ assure you that you are a different style of ghost from what I expected to encounter. [I rather expected to feel cold clammy bands lay bold of me, and so be forced to dance a qua- drille with a bona fide ghost.” “T must acknowledge that I am awful glad you came,” Polly was forced to admit, “ for [ was getting nervous, it thundered and light- ened so hard. So you really believe there is such a thing as ghosts, eh?” : ‘*T am rather inclined to believe I do,” Ed assented, picking up the stone which the invisi- ble hand bad hurled through the darkness, against the door. ‘If you didn’: sling this stone at me, some one did, whether animate or inanimate.” ‘ Well, then, there must be ghosts in this lace,” Polly agreed, ‘‘ for I do not believe that Polly Number 2 had a hand in it.” “*You bet!” articulated the parrot, making a vicious pick at the strings of the guitar. Eagle City Ed gazed inquiringly about the room, but failed to find any Indications that the place was tenanted by any one else than him- self and Miss Polly Smith, ‘Well, for the present we shall have to give it up as a mystery,” he said. ‘' And, failing to solve it you might relieve my mind of a great deal of curiosity if you were to explain your mission, up in this wild region.” ‘*Indeed. I suppose it is a matter of surprise to you that I should be a wanderer in this wild- erness, I am sometimes surprised myself, to tell the truth, and yet, so far in my travels, I bave encountered no trouble; on the contrary I have been treated nicely and respectfully, *Tleft my home, in Spokane Falls, nearly a year ago, fetching with me my only possessions, the guitar and my namesake, yonder—all that was left me out of the wreck of a once bappy home,” ‘‘T infer then that your home was sold out,” “Tt was, My father left the Falls, to go prospecting, in hopes of being able to better bis fortune, When he left bome there were some debdts standing against bim, and as he did not return, our things were levied upon, and sold, and I was turned out of doors. then set out , on what has been, so far, @ fruitless search for my father.” ** His name—” ‘*Was Jobn Smith!” CHAPTER VI. POLLY, EaGue Crry Ep was not surprised at the an- swer, for from the moment of learning her owe name, it had struck him that, possibly, she might be in some way related to the unfortu: nate Smith who had given Slab City its start, Should he make known to her the fact that she was at the very moment in dead John Smith’s cabin? ‘Did you ever know or hear of a manty that name?” she asked, looking him searchingly in the face, * Plenty of them,” he replied, with a smile— “allthe way from the time of the original Pocahontas Jobn down to the present day. In fact, the former owner of this cabin was named Jobn Smith, soT am told,” “Tbe former owner you say? Where is he, now, and who is the present owner?” Polly de- manded. Well, if one is ger to believe all he hears, the John Smith I made reference to was lynebed by a mob of indignant miners for salt- ing the territory around here, to attract the crowd. His little game was found out, and he formed ong of the principals of a little neck-tie party. His affairs were taken in charge by an individual known as Nabob Ned, who, owing to arumr that the cabin is haunted by John Smith’s restless spirit, offered to give me tho shebang if I would remain in it, all of to-night. So I came, and here I am,” “Can it be possible that this person, who was lynched, was my father? Ob! sir, B cannot believe it. Papa was a good man, and no one but a wretch, would think of harming him,” ** Well, I don’t know about that, | am sure. This man Smith was accused of having planted — gold hereabouts, fcr the sake of getting up a. ‘UNA
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2 hee ins og om, ue ¢ ee ae 6 *y US ee et Fas FTW Po boom, and when he was found out, he was treated according to the code of border justice. Whether it was your father or not I do not know. For your sake I hope not!” “Ob! if it should turn out that it was my apa, I don’t know what I should do. He is all he relative [ tave in the wide world, and to lose him would be sad indeed.” “Very true. Perhaps, after all, it was not your father, but some one of a like name.” “‘T am very much afraid it is my poor papa. It is over a year and a half since he left home, and in all that time 1 have never heard from him. This is what causes me to fear that he and the man who was lynched are one and the same person, You say you saw an apparition when approaching thiscabin. Will you please describe it to me?” “Certainly. It was like a man standing in the doorway. The miners who saw it declared it to be the corpse of John Smith, or else his phantom. It couldn’t have been bis corpse, for when I sprung into the doorway where but @n instant before I had seen the apparition, no- body was there but myself, There is, of course, some infernal mystery about the matter and I mean to find out what it is if possible,” “* Was the apparition that of a Jarge man?” “* Well, no—not exactly, but of a person about five feet six, I should say, and not very heavily built. As near as I could judge, aided by the flashes of lightning, his beard, which was worn full, was of a rather sandy hue, and I should nave placed him as being about forty-five years of age, Tears sprung into Miss Polly Smith’s eyes, and she hid her face in her hands and wept: the description evidently was that of her missing parent. ““Itis my father they have killed—oh! sir, it is my poor father, and [ am left all alone in the world,” she sobbed, “Don’t cry, Polly, don’t cry!” cried the par- rot. ‘Poor Polly—pretty Polly. Polly wants a cracker!” but seeing that its appeal was likely to pass unheeded, the bird began to cry and snivel as if its heart was broken. “Do not take it so bard, Miss Smith, I beg of you,” Eagle City Ed said, laying his hahd upon her head. ‘‘Even though it proves true that your father is dead, it is not true that you are alone and friendless, There are many hearts that go out in sympathy for an orphan, and Eagle City Ei is not one of the least of these sympathizers. Our chance meeting has caused me to take an interest in you and your case, and inasmuch as you are alone, liks myself, in strange surroundings, I shculd consider it an bonor to ba permitted to extend you any pro- tection or assistance that lies within my power. There seams to exist a mystery concerning the cabin and your father’s case, and I propose to. ferret it out, let the cost be whatever it miy. You may be of a great deal of assistance to me, and if you will accept my friendship, [ will do all in my power to make it worth your while to do so.” He gazed at Miss Polly so earnestly as to cause her to give him a quick, earnest glance from her tearful eyes; then she dropped her gaze, and a vivid blush suffused her cheek. “*T should be very glad to possess your friend- ship, sir—very glad. I have no acquaintances here—no one in the world except my parrot, propose to sing here in Slab City, so that I shall ey ably not need any pecuniary assistance, w I will be received and treated by the miners I of course do not know.” “Tfear none too kindly, and should, as a friend, advise you not to sing. The men of Slab City, ac vrule, are a bad set, and none too likely to treay a young woman like you with civility. You had better give up your inten- tion of appearing, for, although I should make it my point to protect you, it might involv us both in a serious unpleasantness, If you are in need of pecuniary assistance, I shall be only too glad to assist you.” “T could not for a moment think of accept- ing your proffered assistance, sir, while L have it in my power to earn the money. I hope this will not give you offense, but that, on the con- ‘trary, yon will think the better of me because of mv independence, I have sung in various mining-towns quite successfully, and prefer to adopt that as my profession, util it is proven to me beyond the shadow of a doubt that my ‘poor father is really dead. Then, I shall plan for the future as best I can.” ‘*But, Miss Smith, where will you sing, here, in Slab City? There is no fit place for you to appear in!’ ‘There are saloons, are there not? Although distasteful to me, Iam not afraid to appear in a a nn ee : Nabob Ned. them, as I have done so before. I came to this town te sing, and shall do so.” Bright, clever, and possessed of a will of her own was Miss Polly Smith—a fact which did not fail to impress Eagle City Ed. ‘ ‘Very well. Seeing that your resolution is so formed, Miss Smith, I will not seek to change it, but rather, with your permission, will try to assist you. If you appear, it must be for a pecuniary object, and the matter so ar- ranged that your success from the start shall be substantia). Iwill contrive to bill the town for you, and transact any little important items of business for you; and thus I, acting as your agent, you will be less likely to be exposed to insult, as the people of Slab City will begia to realize by morning that Eagle City Ed is not particularly on the ‘skeer.’” ‘Ob! sir, that will be just capital, and I have so much to thank you for, in the way of kind- ness! I have been wondering whom I would get to put up some notices forme. And now, if you can but aid me in this way, I shall be nicely fixed for my stay in Slab City, after se- curing hotel accommodations. Or, do you think [ had better put up bere?” ‘‘Tam not determined about that matter yet, but will hold it subject to further deliberation. One thing is sure: if John Smith proves to have been your father, and we can successfully es- tablish the fact, you will have no need to sing for a livelihood, as the better share of Slab City will rightfully belong to you, and that will comprise a fortune of no mean extent.” CHAPTER VII. MANUFACTURING GHOSTS. Tuus Miss Smith and her new-found advo- cate chatt d,and the hours passed more quickly than eitber surmised. After about au hour’s time the rain somewhat abated, — Curious to know if the watchers were still keeping their vigil, Eagle City Ed concluded to make observations, Above the strong door was an opening, guard- ed by an iron grating, which ventilated the cabin when the door was closed, Mounting the stool, the only piece of furni- ture in the place, Ed was barely able to look through the hole by standing on tiptoes, As he did so, a flash of lightning revealed to him some half a dozen men standing where he bad left them, Like heroes they had stood the nelting rain, partly out of curiosity, but mostly through a desire to earn the reward Nabob Ned had offered. ‘“Are they still watching?” Polly asked, he ie informed her of the circumstances be- ore. ‘You bet!” Ed laughed, good-naturedly. “They don’t intend to let me out of here before morning; and, more than that, Iam not in the least inclined to vamose while I have such un- ghostly society as your lovely self. I mean, however, to have some fun on my own hook.” ‘What are you going to do?” “This, The ghostly manifestations around this shebang having suddenly ceased, since we got light on the subj: ct, I propose to reorganize epee ghostly on my own hook, if possi- e. ““Wemay get some bona-jide ones ere long, as T see that the torches are burning low.” **The light will last till nearly morning, I guess, We have been here quite a number of hours already. Now, then, lew’s seo what I can do to create a circus.” Although the cabin lacked for furniture, various other articles were there, among which he found a keg half-filled with gunpowder, Hoe also made examinations of the floor and walls of the cabin, but could find no part or portion wherein ghosts or bodies could possibly be secreted. Years before, ere circumstances caused him to become a rover throughout the wild West, he had learned his trade in the employ of a prominent Metropolitan manufacturer of pyro- technics, and had not yet forgotten it by any means, Fireworks of ingenious shapes and action he could manufacture out of a little paper and powder, and some of these he now set to work to pnt into shape. _ An ample supply of waste paper was found in the cabin, and as the roof leaked in a num- ber of places, he bad no difficulty in dampening his powder when occasion required. Polly watched him curiously, both puzzled and interested, In half an hour’s time, Eagle City Ed haa resid a dozen varieties of fireworks manufac- tured, He then cast about him as to the best method of giving his exbibition. The chimney was a huge affair, built of mor- tar and stone, and so constructed, probably with a view to the defensive in case of an at- tack as to allow a person to climb up within the chimney to its top. On making this discovery Ed felt jubilant, for it gave him the means of working without leav- ing the cabin. Securing several of the articles he had manu- factured, he ascended the chimney, and set off the pieces in rapid succession, with a result somewhat startling. The pieces bad been manufactured to display as snakes, and the way they went squirming down the roof and side of the cabin from that cbimney was a sight which must have caused the miners and roughs a shock of surprise, At any rate they gave yells of astonishment, and several shots were fired, The effect was so near what he had expected that Eagle City Ed concluded to forego the set- ting off of the other pieces and to reconvert them: into more powerful snakes, This he lost no time in doing, and out of the powder left succeeded in forming six extra. strong serpents. Then placing the empty keg on the stool, he fixed it so that Polly could lovk out of the ven- tilating window. Ascending the chimney, a flash of lightning gave bim the location of the watcbers. They had approached several yards closer to the cabin, as if impelied by curiosity and doubt. in regard to the fiery serpents. At which Eagle City Ed laughed. “Oh! TlH make you scoot!” he muttered.. “T’ll make vou mosey. in short meter or my name is not Eagle City Ed.” Poising one of the snakes, be first emptied six chambers of one of his revolvers. into the air above him; then, igniting the fuse to the snake he hurled it out upon the roof of the cabin— then a second, a third, and so on in rapid suc- cession, until the whole six snakes were writh- ing down the walls and shooting away toward the watching miners, whom Polly, on E:l’s de- scending into the cabin, reported to be skurry- ‘ing away, at the best of their speed, with fran- tic vells of terror. ‘Oh! how they did run!” Polly cried, glee— fully, as she sprung lightly down from the perch, ‘They were frightened out of their wits, and 1 guess they won’t get so near to the cabin, again.” T am not so sure of that,” Ed replied, taking advantage of the perch she had vacated, Reconnoissance through the grated window resulted in no new discovery. The lightning bad abated, and all now was gloom, The watchers might either be speeding away to- ward the town, or creeping back toward the cabin. Ed replenished the fire with what little fue? remained, and throwing his coat upon the floor, bade Polly obtain what rest she c. uld, untik morning. Which she declined to do, but insisted upon remaining up and keeping bim company, until they could seek better quarters. Accordingly she tuned up tive guitar, and ram her fingers over the strings in a manner that proved her to be no mere novice, Then, in a clear rich voice, she sung several popular ballads. I Ei had a keen appreciation of music, and now listened to Polly’s voadly artistic execution in delighted surprise, and when Polly st length laid aside the instrument, be complimented her highly and earnestly. é Again reconnoitering, Ed discovered the gray streaks of dawnin the East. It was, bowever,. still densely dark, in the gulch, ' “Tye been thinking,” Ed said, addressing bis pretty protegee, “that it will be better for yow to leave the cabin before daylight, as some of . the townspeople may come to see if I am alive, and finding you bere, in my company, might give rise to remarks, distasteful to you.” ‘¢T have also been thinking of the matter my- self,” Polly assented, ‘‘ and if there is a chance of my leaving, without being seen, I presume it would be better to do so, and for me to ap~ proach the town during the forenoon.” ‘*Bixactly. eabin by the chimney. If you soon hear six quick knocks on the door, unbar it and let me in. your leaving the cabin.” : ; “ Very well. I hope that you will run ints I will recounoiter, leaving the That will be a signal that all is safe for — 5
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e i ie + [i : } fs _ fives, an’ tell ther juice-wrassler ter treat us no danger, sir, on my account. Iam not worth ‘*TIndeed!” Hd laughed as he reloaded his re- volvers. Then he disappeared up the chimney. It wasan easy matter to get out upon the roof, and thencs to the ground, at the side of the cabin, which was still enveloped in the deepest shadow, It would not be so easy a matter to get back to the roof, however, in case he could not gain access to the cabin by the front door, without exposing himself as a target. eaping to the ground, he made a detour, and soon arrived at a point where the watchers should be if still keeping their vigil. The ligbt had now materially increased— enough so, that he was able ina short time, to satisfy himself that the miners and roughs had all sought the main part of the mining-camp, either for rest or for drink. The sport therefore hastened to the cabin, and was at once admitited, Polly had her few effects in readiness, and leaving the place, was a goodly distance away, and out of sight, ere the full light of day broke over the City of Slabs, CHAPTER VIII. MADE TO ‘‘ PONY UP,” Nasosp NeEp's night bad been rather illy spent, at the Bung-Eye saloon, After failing to score his scheme, so that it should implicate Pedro Sperra, the apparently treacherous Mexican, he was left in a moody and sullen state, and, something new for him to do, drank deeply. He had considerable money—somewhere in the neighborhood of five thousand dollars, and before two o’clock in the morning, what he had not spent at the bar, he had ‘‘ blowed in,” at the faro table, without making a win, This served to further sour his humor and he paced to and fro across the gaming room, in tip-top order, as one miner suggested, to * spit up blood and swaller it.” A short time before daybreak, the watchers reappeared at. the Bung-Eye, rain-soaked, and as disconsolate a looking set of humans as ever ut their red flannel shirt-fronts toa Western ar. ‘We takes bug-juice, we do!” Big Boots bellowed, in a tone that was nove the mildest, ‘““We drink’s tarant’ler, wi’ a rattlesnake or two throwed inter it, ter warm up on, an’ Nabob Ned hs pays forit.” The Slab City conveyancer heard the declara- tion, and strode forward, with a fierce oath, and @ savage scowl, He evidently didn’t ‘‘ tumble.” “Who said I was going to pay for the drinks here?” he cried, savagely. ‘‘I reckon the party that said so made a slight mistake.” “Waal, I should blush!” Big Boots roared, putting his arms akimbo, and glaring at Nabob as if it would be a pleasure to him to make a meal off of him. ‘* My cognomen air Big Boots, and I’m a hustler from Hell Hollow, you bet! I did asseverate that yeow war goin’ to pay fer ther drinks, an’ I’m here to back up what I said, or masticate something.” ‘You'll have to go to masticating at once, then!” Nabob retorted, ‘*for I'll swear I don’t pay for any drinks that go over that bar, with- out I order ’em personally. I’m in no wise in- debted to any of you. Had you remained on duty till morning, you would each have been eutitled to five dollars. As it is not morning yet, vou have forfeited all claim on me,” * Et aire mornin’!” Big Boois declared, ‘an’ we watched thet Eagle City Ed didn’t leave the cabin. We ’arnt our money, an’ yer kin bet yer duckets thet we gits it.” Eh! boyees?” “On course we do!” iS ges iy Big Boots!” ® gits the cash or we spills a bar’l o’ bleed!” j 2 ; Such and kindred shouts filled the air, in re- sponse to Big Boots. Revolvers were drawn, and Nabob Ned found himself covered, , “Ob! you've got ter come ter time!” Big Boots howled. ‘Ye war licked by one leetle svake-eyed Mexican. ’cept thet ye war picked out by Eagle City Ed, an’ then ye got onter ard ear an’ went ter pickin’ onter him. Now, "ll disseck my ole boots, and chaw ther pegs fer dinner, ef ye kin play any o’ yer slim games on yer uncle—oh! no, not a durned smidger of it! I’ve eat up grizzly b’ars alive on toast, I hev, an’ swallered molten lead, an’ when ye git my mad up, I’m wuss’n a elerpbant w’ot’s bin fed. on terbac. So yerst you flicker out our i Nabob Ned. ” white, or yer funeral percession will form in line at tew P. M.!” Back to full cock did Big Boots draw the hammer of his revolver, and Nabob Ned clearly saw that the men meant business, and he turned a shade paler, for he now had not a cent at his immediate command. ‘Come! d’ye hear my zephyr voice?” Big Boots roared, flourisbing his persuader. ‘‘ Aire ye goin’ ter come down, or aire you not?” “This is unfair!’ Nabob declared, his eyes glittering angrily. ‘Ye’r’ a liar!” Boots bawled, fiercely. “We stayed out thar in ther dew, like leetle ducks, an’ never whimpered, till ther stripes o’ Aurory beginned tew sbow in ther east—then, we calky- lated thet Eagle City Ed hed bin game enough, an’ we levanted. We see’d ther devil’s é6wn fiery serpents a come pourin’ out o’ ther chim- hey, an’ the cussed things chased us half-way ter camp. Now, ef we ’arnt ther cash, we gits it—thavt’s all. Ef we didn’t, you git it— cold lead, right from ther muzzle!” Nabod Ned was silent a moment, before he made any response, ‘Lam sorry, gents,” he finally said, ‘that I haven’t a cent of money about my person, at the present moment, having just b'owed it all in at the bank, yonder, as the dealer can tell you. What I propose is this: You all go down to the cabin, and order Eagle City Ed to open up, or burst in the door if you get no answer. If you find him there, dead or alive, come back vo me, and you shall have your money. If he is gone, you get none.” Some of the men gave a grunt of assent, Big Boots, however, and one or two others, immediately objected. ‘*Thet won’t work!” the giant declared, ‘“ Ye want a chances ter play ther skin game on us, yeou do, Et won’t work fer a cent. We’ll go down ter ther cabin all rigbt, an’ find Eagle City Ed thar all right, you bet. But afore we 40, we'll jest sit a leetle watch onter Mr, Nabob Neddy, so be ean’t slide off out o’ our vision like duck down on top of a Montana zephyr.” ‘‘T refuse to be dictated to in this manner, sir! Lam no’ a suspicious character, to be dog- ged by spies, and shall do asI please, If you don’t choose to do as I proposed, why I have nothing more to say.” ‘*What are ye afeard ter let one o’ us watch ye fer?’ Big Boots demanded. ‘‘ Ye must hev some cat ye’r’ afeard o’ lettin’ out o’ the bag, or else a treasure cache, or suthin’ 0’ the kind!” ‘*L will not argue with you, I have said my say.” “Then, durn yer pictur’, we’ll hev ou say, you bet! We'llgive yer jest five minnits ter fork over the cash, or do as we tell ye!” The barroom cf the Bung-Eye afforded a clock, and the hands pointed to within five min- utes of the hour. Big Boots fixed one eye on the dial and the other upon Nabob Ned, while his fingers worked around the trigger in a restless manner, that was dangerously suggestive to the man at whom the weapon was leveled, What Nabob would have said or done, under the circumstances, can only be surmised, for, at this juncture, a man stepped forward, say- ing: , ‘‘There is no use of having any disturbance about this matter, gentlemen, I assure you. Nubob Ned, as you call him, is undoubtedly re- sponsible for all he says he will do; but, if his word won’t answer, 1 will loan him what money he needs, How much will it be, sir?” Nabob Ned’s face betrayed great surprise, but he made no hesitation in accepting this way out of a dilemma, ‘*There were twelve men; accordingly, it will require sixty dollars.” he said. ** An’ ther cost o’ the whisky fer ther house!” Big Boots added, with an ugly grin, Without a word the man, who was a stranger in the town, counted out sixty dollars, which be placed in Nabob’s hands, and also threw a twenty-dollar note upon the bar, with the brief remark: > “There, gents—drink that out!” This stranger then retired to a seat at a card- table. - Nabob Ned paid off the men, who really seemed loth to take the money, as they had got their ire up fora rumpus; then he quietly a proached the stranger who had so voluntarily come to his aid, and put out his white hand, “Sir, although you area stranger to me, ac- cept my sincere thanks for your opportune act,” he said; ‘‘and rest assured, if it ever comes within my power to be of any service to you, you can command me.” “T may take advantage of your offer, sir, sooner than you think,” the stranger replied, puffing away leisurely at a cigar, He was a man about whose appearance there was nothing gg egy a thing quite sin- gular, too, for a town like Slab City; for the gold and silver region population is so largely made up of singular persons, This person in question was of some five-or- six-and-forty years of age, well built, and just an ordivary-looking mau, with brown eyes and beard, He evideutly had spent some vears in the West, but as evidently was not Western rn. His attire was a serviceable blue suit, and heavy walking-shoes, and a straw hat, a rather odd-looking head-gear if was, too, for a country where snow-capped peaks hovered above the town the year round, He wore no weapons exposed to view, if in- deed he carried any at all about his person. Nabob Ned drew a chair to the table and sat down, Tbe reply of the stranger bad given him the impression that a further acquaintance was wanted, ° ‘*Might I make so bold as to inquire your name?” he asked, “Ob! certainly,” was the reply, in a calm yet magnetic tone—for, dear reader, you must admit that there is magnetism in voices. ‘ My name is Harold Henshaw; I presume you bave heard of the name before,” Nabob sbook his head in the negative, Only aslight twitch about his mouth betrayed that ke had heard the name before, ‘“‘T de not think I have met or beard of you before this meeting,” Nabob answered, ‘ Hen- shaw—Henshaw! Let mesee, No, lam surel have never known a person of that name.” Mr. Henshaw lavghed again—a_ peculiar laugh it was, expressing to some extent a feel- ing of sarcasm. . “Biward Landis, you do know the name even as well as you know your own, and it is uite useless now to, deny that you know me, id you ever bear of a little town in Colorado, called Silver Cliff?’ Nabob Ned’s face flushed, the gleam that nestled in his eyes grew stronger in iis inten- sity. ewe what of Silver Cliff?’ he demanded. “What of Silver Cliff”? The words of Harold Henshaw evidently bad aroused the sleeping tiger of the little sport's nature, . Henshaw eyed him a moment, curiously, ‘*Do you want me to.repeat all I know about you and Silver Cliff?’ he demanded. The sport did not answer at once, but regard- ed Henshaw much after the manner a caged tiger regards the people who are peering in at him from without the grates, ‘*T do not think it necessary,” he replied, at lergth. ‘‘You are surely mistaken in your man for once, I think you made the drive at me for the ee ae of finding out if there was rot a possilility that I might be your man. What is your business? Are you a detective?” ‘‘Tam not, although I havea mis-ion some- thiny of the nature of detective work,” ‘ ‘Well, then, I will confide in you. you know this Edward Landis?” “JT bave seen bim!” ‘Ah! Where?” “Go on with your confidence, after you are through.” —__ Henshaw frowned at this, deal with. “ Well, I will go on!” he said, watching Na- bob as if he was suspicious of him. “Tam a gentleman worth considerable money, and until recently a resident of Silver Cliff, where my family reside. My extensive mining-interests You say I can answer He had no boy to have kept me away from my bome more than I . could desire. This fact has brought me dire trouble. During one of my absences, my eighteen-year old daughter Helen met and be-
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: j 3 came intimately acquainted with a person of fascinating presence, whose name, it appears, was Edward Landis. From her description of him I picked you out as the man.” ** Unfortunately for you, you made a wrong selection, sir.” ‘* Possibly.” “Positively instead of possibly. Edward Landis and myself do not resemble each other in the least. But, go on.” ‘Well, this acquaintance between Landis and my daughter ripened into admiration such as affect young people—for one can scarcely call it love—and they were engaged. My daughter informed me of this by mail, and [ hastened home, if possible to prevent more seri- ous consequences. On arrival I found that there bad been a private ceremony, ond then, a few days later, Landis had started forth to make his fortune, ostensibly by gold-mining. Investigation, however, proved to my satisfac- tion that the marriage was a sham, of which Helen had become an unsuspecting victim. So { registered a vow to hunt him down, and force him to re-marry my daugbter or give his life as the forfeit.” ‘Your feeling in the matter is certainly com- mendable,” Nabob Ned declared, quietly. ‘I would do the same, were I in your tracks. And, as Edward Landis is in this very camp, it will not trouble you to perfect your arrange- ments.” ‘Ha! he is here, then?” “Yes. Come to me, during to-day, and I will point him out to you.” “Thanks; I willdoso. As my daughter has accompanied me here, it will be no trouble to bring our man totime. I will present you to Helen, during the day.” Nabob Ned shook his head, negatively at that suggestion, ‘*Spare me!” he said, putting up his hands. . “T am a natural woman-hater and always make it a point to avoid their society, as much as possible. To-morrow, I will show you Ed- ward Landis, but do not care, any further to enter into your case.” “Very well, sir. Iam much obliged to you, [am sure. If we succeed in finding this Landis, you shall not go unrewardea.” “Thank you. I sball ask no compensation for doing you so slight a favor.” The conveyancer of Slab City then took leave of the busband-hunter, musing as he did so: “No! I don’t want any pay, Mr. Henshaw, I wouldn’t take it for the world.” CHAPTER IX. IN DEFENSE OF POLLY. WHEN daylight had fully flooded Slab City a party, made up of Big Boots, Pedro Sperra and a dozen miners, made their way to the haunted cabin, where, to their surprise, they found the door open and Eagle City Ed sitting on the threshold, enjoying a morning cigar, ““Good-morning, gents!” be saluted, as they came up regarding him with curious glances, “Had a pretty tough time of it outside, didn’t ye? Why in blazes didn’t ye come and join me? I was as dry and snug as a bug in a rug in here,” *“Durn me ef you luk like you’d bin knocked out wi’ ghosts, ’cept yer all covered wi’ black!” Big Boots grunted. “Trouble? Knocked out by ghosts?’ and Edward laughed boisterously. ‘*Why, I had the he-hossiest pick-nick of my life. Furst along the durned spirits did not take kindly ter me, but went ter sluggin’ me with pavin’ stones, After I kindled a fire, tho’, things went diffrent. Old Smithy riz up thro’ the flcor an’ welcomed me, an’ fetched along a passel of other friends of his, an’sech a racket we did hey! Smithy sed I war jest ther man to take his cabin, fer he’s in other biz now!” The miners looked incredulous, while a few of them laughed. “Come, neow, git out! Ye can’t seal us wi’ sech sort o’ stickin’-wex as that!’ Big Boots asseverated, ‘‘Weain’t so orful flip, but ther ghost-racket won’t work.” “Won't it? Bet yea hundred there is nota man of ve dare stay in the ranch to-night an’ see the fun!” , Eagle City Ed seemed so dead in earnest that the gang exchanged glances, “Oh! Smithy hes got it in fer you fellers, all *eause ye choked off his wind. He hes got ye down fine, an’ soon’s he gits thro’ with his pres- ent job, he’s goin’ to make it sulph’rous for ye,” the sport informed the astonished crowd. ‘What job?” sneered Sperra. “Oh! he’s trainin’ a den of snakes fer ther Irish Government. St. Pat aire goin’ ter use -- Nabob Ned. ’em ag’in’ the English. Several of ’em got away an’ run up the chimney, an’ I chased ’em, but couldu’t ketch ’em, But the best snap was ther dancin’, We did jest hoe it down great. Hed a gal w’ot played the guitar an’ sung opery. Phew, but she was a daisy!” The crowd looked evén more mystified than before, and, while some ventured forward to peer into the cabin, others held aloof, appar- ently not anxious to get any closer to the house than they already were, “Waal, durn my boots cf ye can’t live in the den fer all o’ my interferin’,” Big Boots answer- ed with a shrug of his shoulders, ‘‘ Ef the place is ha’nted, ve got no time around it," a de- cision that was received with approval by bis companions. Even Sperra did not appear to be particular- ly assured, After a little further conversation, Eagle City Ei locked the cabin door, and returned with the crowd, to the camp. As Nabob Ned could not be found about the Bung-Eye, the Eagle City man engaged a room and retired toit. The rooms of the Bung-Eve were all on the second floor, ani partitioned off with heavy muslin, the furniture consisting of a *‘ slammed- up” bed, a stool, tin wash-basin, and bucket of water. Taking a wash, Eagle City Ed descended to the street, and bunting up a Jew clothing shop—one of the first business features of the shanty town—soon hrd bimself ‘‘togged” out in a way that eltered his appearance greatly. He then went back to the kotel. just in time to witness a scene that caused bis temper to arise like the mercury in a thermometer, on a red-hot August day. In the office of the Bung E: 6 establishment, surrounded and hemmec in by a curious mob, comprising principally the roughest element of the camp, stood Miss Polly Smith, guitar in hand, and with the parrot percbed upon ber shoulder, Her face was flushed, and tears were on the point of springing into her eyes. Witbout waiting Eagle City Ed bounded for- ward, and by main force, hurled several of the crowd aside, ‘*‘Stand away here, you boors!” he cried, sharply. ‘‘Is this all the manners you have? Out of the way!” at the same time exhibiting a pair of cocked revolvers, ‘I’Jl learn you to in- sult a lady while I’m around this camp.” “We warn’t insultin’ ber, Mule-Ears,” a ruffian cried. ‘‘We wanted her ter play, an’ she’s got ter play—tbat’s all.” **No, that’s not all!” Ed cried. ‘Git up and git out o’ here, you hounds, or I'll salivate you! This young lady is under my protection, I'll have you koow, and the man who raises a finger to barm her, or a voice to insult her, dies with his boots on. What were they saying or doing, Miss Polly?’ “Oh! nothing, sir, only they stopped me here and insisted on my playing.” ‘““The impudent brutes! I’ve a mind to kill half a dozen on the half-shell, just for the ex- periment. Here, sir,”—to the proprietor, who had just come up—‘‘show tbis young lady, Ma’m’selle Pauline Smith, to the best apart- ment your house affords, and if a repetition of this act ever occurs you'll need to organize a bucket brigade to dip up the gore I[’ll spill for “The lady shall have the best attention!” the proprietor declarec; for, although Bung- Eye Jake was a tough customer, a woman stood higher in his regard than twenty pounds of gold, Accordingly, at Ed’s nod, Polly Smith accom- panied the Chinese waiter of the establishment to the room assigned her, while Ed turned his attention to those he had lately repulsed, among them being Big Boots and Sperra, The general expression of the different faces was that of anger and resentment. ‘*Now, then, my posies,” the sport said, cool- ly, ‘‘as you seem a bit on the edge of your esr over my taking that young lady’s part, I want you to allow me the privilege of informing you that your little thunder-clap looks don’t scare me worth a pint of hard cider. That’ young lady is traveling under my management, and I am amply able to take care of ber and her in- terests, so far as protection and managing her business are concerned. Lam aware that many of you imagine yourselves to be walking terrors, from whom even an African lion would ran in alarm. To me you arenothing of the kind, 7m neither afraid of one nor a dozen of you. ard if you're ripe for baving a funeral, the cutest caper order that the preacher kin git bis fee quien er! Standing there, handsome, resclute and ée- fiant, the man from Eagle City uttered the c! el- lenge, bis eyes looking over every face in the crowd with a deadly glitter. f Not a murmur escaped the crowd, but their faces grew harder in expression. A moment Eagle City Ed glared at them; then, seeing no defense, he went on: ‘*That young lady is Pauline Smith, a fatber- less girl, who depends upon her musical abilities to gain support—or rather, has done so, until now, when it will soon be unnecessary for her to do so, for, in her own natura) right, sbe will be well enough cff not to be forced to appear before you as a vocalist. To-night, however, she will appear in her professional capacity, and I believe there are enough men in Slab City, counting myself out, to hang the man who dares to insult or offend her in the slightest!” For an instant another dead silence reigned— then, simultaneously, the major portion of the crowd broke into a yell of applause!” ‘Rab! hip! yoop’rah fer Purty Poll!” howl- ed Big Boots, executing a caper. ‘Ther ger- loot w’ot durst luk cross-eyed at ber «ull hev ther top o’ his pericranium cut open, an doused wi’ p'izened salt an’ bug-juice. Rah fer Purty Poll an’ Eagle City Ed! The cheers were given with boisterous en- thusiasm by all except a few. Eagle City Ed next ordered the gang up to take something, after which be prepared a huge poster, announcing the following for the benefit of all who could read: ‘GRAND VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL ENTERTAINMENT! THE CHARMING CANTATRICE AND GUITARIST, MLLE. PAULINE, WILL Sine at Buna-Eys, To NIGHT. Pan Ovr FoR HER! Eagle City Ed, Manager.” Hear HER! In the mean time, following the disturbance, Pedro Sperra had hunted up Nabob Ned, and fouod' bim in the gulch, pacing to and fro, not far from the haunted cabin, A scowl came over his face as the Mexican approached, ‘Well, what do you want?’ he demanded, crustily. ‘*To see you, of course,” was the answer, in the Greaser’s most amiable tone. ‘ Here isa bowlder. Let’s sit down, and have a ecbat on business,” ‘* Well, be brief. I’ve some business to attend to myself, pretty soon,” / ‘Yes, and if I don’t lose my guess, you will have more than you can attend to ere long!” Nabob eyed the other with a keen glance. ‘Why do you think so?” he demanded. ‘For a very simple reason, The town is be- ginning to refill with people again, and it is but natural your business should increase.” “True!” “Certainly. This Smith estate, not to men tion what has been disposed of, will yet be a bonanza to its owner.” The conveyancer’s face brightened percep- tibly. ‘You are right,” he assented; ‘‘and I'll be closer with the money. hereafter than I have hitherto been,” é “Of course you ought to; it will be but a short time before you will have to vacate,” “ What ?” ‘* Exactly. You'll soon have to give up to the next of kin toJohn Smith, who already has arrived in town.” The conveyancer uttered a fierce oath. ‘“You lie!’ he growled, ‘The old cuss had no known relatives living, and it was voted that what was his belonged to me.” ‘That don’t make a particle of difference, sir,” Sperra replied, with composure, ‘* Listen.” He then went on to relate the circumstances of Miss Smith’s arrival at the Bung-Eye, not inissing a point, even to the acclamation with which she and Eagle City Ed had been receivy- ed, after his daring the crowd, Nabob’s fece derkened, but he made an at- tempt to sccff at the idea of his prospects being in any danger. : ‘Pooh! nonsense, Because the girl’s name is Smith, thet signifies nothing, and even if it did, what of it? We are not supposed to take the word of every straggler or adventurer that will be to let the funeral commence at once, in | comes along, that they are so-and-so, The girl wel be y - w
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a ey £ , 7 a rs, . ” , sa fraud, without a doubt, and if she goes to trying any funny business around here, she’ll wake up some morning with her throat cut.” ‘*Good! Don’t you let ’em bamboozle you. If you want any help, I’m the man for schem- ing and working.” ** How do you mean?” “As I said. This Eagle City Ed is manag- ing the girl’s business, and if | do say it, there’s but one man in Slab City able to cope with him, by power of possessing a knowledge of bim that no one else possesses or even surmises,” “Do I understand that you would hire out to me, to serve my interests, for a stipulated sum of money?’ ‘*No, I would not work for money, but for revenge!” ‘Ah! bow is that, when you told me that you would protect, rather than harm, this agle City Ed?” **T was wild then, because I hated you, But time brought back my reason. I have a mis- sion of vengeance to perform, and it must be performed soon.” ““T don’t know of any employment for you. You Mexicans are as treacherous as adders, anyhow,” “T am not treacherous, except to enemies. You have employment for me, and it will re- quire but the telling of a single fact to convince you. ‘Well, out with it!” “Tt is this: Tho girl whom Eagle City Ed has in his charge is the true and genuine daugh- ter of the John Smith, who was bung here, in Slab City!” ‘““Bah! Don’t try to lie to me!” “Nor do I, for I saw her in Spokane Falls be- fore ever I came here, or her father either. She has come here, undoubtedly, to claim her ow 1” Vor several minutes Nabob Ned gave ventila- tion to his rage, through the medium of curses and wishes for vengeance; then turning fiercely upon the Mexican he demanded: ‘*How much money do you want to become my SPY; assistaut schemer and aid in this mat- ter? ‘“No money. Counsel with me, before each and every act, and I will give you such advice as will be prudent, and will help you to win.” ‘* Upon your honor, as a Mexican?” ‘Upon the sacred honor of a Mexican,” “Then listen: As you say, there may be a fight, but the two of us united, and with such material as I can collect, we ought to win, without a doubt. If we do win, [ll make ou my half-partner in all there is belong- ing to the John Smith estate. And, ’sh! mind you, not that alone: there are secrets lurking in Slab City. Serve me faithfully, and you shall not miss them.” “Tassent. Hereismy hand. Now we must lie in wait and watch the very first develop- ments. They are liable to come, at any time,” Just then, Eagle City Ed was seen coming to- ward them. ‘‘He’s coming for the deed to the haunted cabin!” Sperra explained. ‘* You'll bave to give it to him. He’s too much at the fighting business for us. We must at present do the best we can and not get hurt,” CHAPTER X, PLOTTING, ““Goop-pay, gentlemen!” Eagle City Ed sa- luted, inclining bis head particularly to Nabob ashecame up, ‘Have you been down to the cabin to see if I bad slaughtered any ghosts, sir?” “No,” Nabob replied, coldly. ‘* There areno such a thing as ghosts, else you would not have remained in that cabin all night.” “I would have remained in that place all night if there bad been ten thousand full-fledged members of Satan’s cabinet there!’ ‘‘ Large words, but nothing more. This gen- tleman and { were having a little private con- versation. If you will be brief in stating your business we will excuse you.” “That I can do without much trouble. I came for the transfer of the cabin property to my name and possession,” *““You came to no purpose, then. No amount of money could buy that property!” Nakob sul- lenly declared. : “Yet you bargained with me for it.” “Bah! I was only fooling.” “Twasnot, You made mea fair and square offer, which I accepted and carried out. [ ex- pect you to hold good to yous promise.” “‘T won't doit! Isball bold the cabin by all means, for nothing goes in this camp except it is put down on paper in black and white.” ee ; ‘ en ee a Nabob Ned. “Then you positively refuse to give me the cabin?” ‘* You bet [ do!” “Then, not only will I take the place without your leave, but I’ll teach you a lesson!” He bounded forward and struck Ned a ter- rific blow in the face, which knocked the Nabob senseless; then turning, without deigning the Mexican a glance, he strode toward the camp. Fifteen minutes later, Nabob Ned and Sperra Sivas have been seen going in the same direc- ion, The conveyuncer’s face was swollen from the effects of the blow, one eye being nearly closed, There was an expression on his face which boded no good to his assailant and enemy. When the hotel was reached tbe twain sepa- rated, Nabob alone entering. Eagle City Ed was nowhere to be seen, but it was not for bim, in particular, that Ned was searching, but for Harold Henshaw, whom be soon found seated at a poker-table, with a pile of chips before him, having just made a haul. He soon cleaned the board on a big sweep, and then arose. ‘Did you wish to see me, sir?’ he asked, ad- dressing Nabob. ‘“Yes,” the latter replied, leading the way to a quiet corner of the room, ‘I have something important to say to you.” They were soon seated at a table, with a bottle of wine and glasses between them. Then, Henshaw said: ‘Now, fam ready to hear what that matter of importance is.” The conveyancer forthwith narrated the his- tory of John Smith, so far as Stab City was concerned in it. ‘But, what interest is ail this to me?’ the Silver Cliff man demanded, finaily, somewhat impatiently, ‘* A great deal, if you listen!” He then proceeded to tell of the arrival of Miss Polly Smith, and the probability that she would lay claim to the estate. Henshaw still looked blank. ‘‘[am not particularly brilliant as to what you're driving at!” he declared. *T will try to enlighten your comprehen- sions,” Nabob went on, with blandness, ‘‘ Now, you will see that l’d be a most consummate fool to allow myself to be ousted from an estate that will be—is now—worth a fine fortune. No! sir-ee, I won’t have nothing like that, you can bet your prettiest. To begin with, I'll tell you something that will surprise you. My real name is De Wolf; nevertheless, | never use it, for reasons best known to mysslf. Iam, how- ever, the man you first took me for—Edward Landis, but I will remarry your daughter only under certain conditions, You need not get furi- ous or hasty, as my band bere, in my left coat pocket, clutches a cocked revolver, which is aimed toward your heart, So, if you are sensi- ble enough to believe that I have the bulge on you, we will begin to talk business!” Henshaw glared at the good-looking knave, savagely, as if tempted to fly at him, and rend him limb from limb. “So you are the villain who deserted my daughter, are you?” he cried, hoarsely, ‘* Curses rest upon you! l’ve a mind to kill you where you sit!” ‘** You couldn’t do it; besides, even if you did, you would gain nothing, as you would be strung up within an hour, So, the most sensible thing for both is to hold our tempers, and see if we cannot come to some satisfactory terms.” “Terms! Make terms with a man of your stamp?” ‘Certainly. In order to retain my grip on this property, I have conceived a plan some- thing like the following; This Eagle City Ei is trying to get abead of mein public popularity, and if be succeeds, so many more chances will there be of success for this new claimant,” “Very likely!” ‘* Well, I must manenver to beat them both. Now, sir, since you have been in Slab City have you given your name out, publicly, to any ex- tent?” “No, On the contrary [registered as John W. Smith and niece. I did this for fear that you might be leagued with some desperate ang, and find me, before I could find you. ou, alone know me as Harold Henshaw!” Nabob uttered an exclamation of delight, ‘‘By Jove! It couldn’t have been better!” he declared. ‘ The matter will be twice as easy.” ‘What matter?” “That of establishing your as the real heiress. See, now?” * Ah! but that—” daughter Helen, er eee ee =] There are no buts about it. I marry Helen. Will she welcome me back?” ‘‘T cannot say, as for that. I fancy she is not entirely weaned of ber affection for you yet,” ‘*Well, as soon as I mature my plans, I'll spring the scheme, and declare her to be tho daughter of John Smith deceased, and by a will he left in my possession she becomes his sole legatee. You are her uncle with whom she had been living, during her father’s absence in the Coeur d’Alenes, See?” “Yes. It is a bold plan!” ‘* But bound to be successful. It makes Helen an heiress, and the property sure of not being snatched away from us. After she is snug in her position, so that there is no danger of sus- picion being aroused, I will have her sign over the property to me, and then marry her.” Henshaw burst into a sarcastic little laugh, ‘*That would be quite cute, too, now, would- n’tit? You're a very neat schemer, Nabob Ned, as you are called, here, but your cuteness don’t pay. You remarry Helen first, or neither of us will have aught to doin abetting youin your lot. ‘*That is impossible. Why, you could force me to marry her under penalty of exposing my fraud, were I inclined not to keep my promise.” ‘*Perhaps. Well her, and see what she says.’ “Do so, and use your influence as much as possible. It would a shame to lose such a fortune, merely because of personal scruples,” After a few more words, Henshaw sought his apartment, while Nabob Ned, in a cheerful humor hunted up Pedro Sperra, and revealed bis plans, even going so far as to trust the Mexi- can with the secret of his previous sham mar- riage with Helen Henshaw. Sperra listened with rapt attention and signi- fied his approval by frequent head-nods, CHAPTER XT. POLLY’S DEBUT. NiGHT came on, and with it a violent rain- storm,so that by an early hour in the evening,the Bung-Eye saloon was packed as full as it could be—the majority of the crowd being those who were eager to hear the beauteous Mlle, Pauline sing. To those who had not yet seen her, strange stories had gone out, of her wondrous beauty, and the very fact that she ** played on a fiddle,’ as the miners put it, was sufficient to set the town in a state of eager expectancy, There being no stage, a couple of faro tables had been arranged together, at the further end of the faro room, A dozen rows of pass seats had been also put in for the benefit of those who wished to pay a dollar for the privilege of sitting down, These seats were quickly filled, parting Polly a profit of nearly a hundred dollars, thanks to Eagle City Ed’s good arrangements, The remainder of the audience was forced to accept accommodations in the rear, and see the best they could, It suited many of the roughs, as they were adjacont to the bar, where they could both hear and drink. Eight o’clock came. It was the Lour fixed for the arrival of Mlle. Pauline, upon the stage, and promptiv at the appointed time, she and Eagle City Ed made their bow, ‘* Allow me, gentlemen,” Ed said, before seat- ing his fair protegee, to introduce to you, Mlle, Pauline Smith, the daughter of your former citizen, Jobn Smith, With your kind attention she ‘vill favor you with some instrumental and vocal music, The first will be a selection from that charming opera, ‘ The Bohemian Gir),’” He ani Polly then became seated amid a storm of applause, and when it bad subsided somewhat, Polly touched the strings in an ex- temporized prelude, bringing forth an exquisite strain that instantly caused an intense and ap- preciative silence on the part of the audience, The player then struck into the melody of the opera, giving it in a most exquisitely artistic manner, the music penetrating to every part of the room then dying softly away to a faint, weirdly-beautiful tone that seemed to die in the distance. At the conclusion of the solo the applause was so tumultuous that a repetition of the latter measure of the piece was necessary to secure anything like order, Men, old and young, stamped their heavy- booted feet, yelled and waved their hats high & the air, while gold coin and little pouches of © dust rained upon the stage in a shower! It was a reception such as Polly had never ex-, ** Nonsense! I will talk it over, with
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iY bY 4 10 f perienced or dreamed of and she felt only too pleased to respond to the encore, She then sung a plaintive home ballad which was listened to with rapt attention, bringing moisture to the eyes of more than one veteran and tenderfoot, as the words brought back to them recollections of the past. Among the spectators nearest the stage was Nabob Ned, attired in the highest of fashion, and appearing at bisease. His garments were of the best material and fit, and a big diamond glittered upon his spotless shirt-front, while a huge cable gold-chain was worn about his neck, and attached to his watch. From the moment of Polly’s first appearance, hiseyes hardly once left her face, and by intui- tion, she was forced to glance at him several ane only to find his steadfast gaze fixed upon er. She scarcely knew whether to feel pleased or offended, but made up her mind to call Higle City Ed’s attention to the matter after the per- formance. At the end of the second ballad the Chinese waiter presented Polly with a handsomely- arranged basket of wiid flowers, which had been formed in colors to represent a star. Altbough Polly felt almost certain that Nabob Ned was the donor, she gave him no Jook to in- dicate that she thought so; but, on receiving the flowers, courtesied, placed them upon a stand between her and Ed, and immediately sung the third number of her programme, Ed then arose and announced that there would be an intermission of ten minutes, to give the audience an opportunity to ‘‘oil up,” and he and Polly retired bebind a curtained space that had been provided as a retiring room—Polly taking along the basket. ‘Oh! haven’t I had a nice reception!” she said, inhaling the fragrant odor of the flowers. “T am so delighted, and [ am so much indebted Pig sir, for you have been the direct cause of t. ‘*By no means, You have done splendidly, I willadmit. What with the seat rent and volun- wt donations, I have over a hundred and eighty dollars, and a few more songs will, no doubt swell the amount to over two bundred dollars.” * And oh! look here, Mr. Ed—a hundred dol- lar bill hidden among these flowers!” It was, true enough—a new crisp hundred dollar note that had hitherto received but little, if any usage. She handed it to Ed, who without a word, gave it a minute examination. While he was thus engaged, Polly slyly ex- tracted a written note, from among the flowers, and slipped it into her pocket. Looking toward Eagle City Ed, she found him regarding her, amusedly. “@h! you need not besosly. I have no de- sire to see that note,” he flaughed. ‘‘I’d advise you to avoid the man who sent it, as much as possible.” ‘Thank you. I do not yet know the contents, and so cannot say what I willdo. Who was the gentleman, who sent the flowers?” ‘The swell who attracted your attention. If you had looked sharp, you might have noticed a little discoloration under his left eye, aithough he had it well painted over. I had occasion to do, to-day, what I may do again, if he gets too fresh!” He then turned his attention to counting the money over again. She had a woman’s intuitive shrewdness, and quickness of perception; so stepped to his side, and laid one hand upon his shoulder. ‘*Now, Mr. Ed, you are not jealous, are you? I don’t want you to be, I am sure.” ‘¢ Jealous?” and he looked up at her in sur- prise. ‘‘ Why, believe me, that is‘a thing fur- thest from my thoughts, Here is the money, Now, excuse me a moment, please. I will be back before you go on again.” y And he stepped out among the audience, leav- ing a little unpleasant feeling tugging at her heart. It wasn’t exactly a/ pain, but a sort of nawing sensation, that caused her to wonder if it would not be herself who would be jealous, had she any cause to be, If so, she must like bim very mucb! During his absence, she read the note, it oc- curring to her that he had absented himself, in order to give her the opportunity to peruse it. It was as follows: “ Miss Surra:— “Dear Lapy:—Learning, by chance, that you claim to be the daughter of John Smith, <i e de- ceased, whose appointed representative I am, I take the liberty of bestowing upon you a token of my esteem for you, from the fact of having been Mr. ne ery ‘ hy yesh OS Ad ekren WY ee ee ey ee shel a Bid Wee a a Oe oa hy Oe ae ne kee A TSAR tae z % Nabob Ned. | Smith’s friend. I would also respectfully request youscee upon me at my new office, opposite the otel, at ten, to-morrow, as there are matters of business awaiting the attention of Mr. Smith’s heir- ess, “T also considerit my duty, to advise you to have very little confidence in the man who publicly an- nounces himself as your manager, as, in reality, he is unworthy of your slightest no\ice—is a very dis- reputable character. **The charges against him are numerous, to say nothing about his being a moral leper. "Tis said he has two wives living; but, however this may be, I have reasons to believe that one of them is ¢n route for Slab City now, insearch of him. A word to the wise is sufficient, Most respectfully yours, ** NaBos NED, ‘*Conveyancer, Counselor, etc.” Polly’s cheeks grew red and white by turns, asshe read the missive, and she was extremely nervous, when Eagle City Ed returned. At first, she was tempted to thrust the letter before his gaze; but. on second thought, she concluded that the denouement resulting from such an act, might detract from the pleasant success of her first appearance; so she picked up her guitar, with a smile. ‘* Well, is it time, yet?” she asked. “Yes. Give ’em something serio-comic, this time, to wake ’em up!” They then went upon the stage, and Polly sung serio-comic songs of the day, to hilarious applause, and more showers of gold, On encore, she sung from ‘‘The Barber of Seville” and, to her own surprise, Eagle City Ed joined her, in a rich powerful barytone voice, Tie execution was exceptionally fine, the sport proving, beyond a doubt, tbat bis musical train- ing, at some timein the misty past, bad not been neglected, while Polly found it a keen pleasure, to sing with bim. At the conclusion they both bowed them- selves off the stage, amid the most deafening applause, after which Ed reappeared, and an- nounced that Mile. Pauline would reappear the next evening. When he returned to the primitive green- room Polly seized his hands in hers impulsively. “Ob! wasn’t it glorious!” she asked, looking up into his face with her starry eyes. ‘‘I could have sung right along all night with you, you sing so nicelv, I see you have been educated in music. Were you ever abroad?” “Oh, no! What smattering of music I have is all self-lenrned. I am glad my effort pleased you. If you desire to retire to your room, there is a back stairway that will lead you to it. Here also isa revolver. In these rough towns a lady should never be without one, nor hesitate to shoot whenever occasion requires, Good- night!” **Good-night!” She threw her arms about his neck and im- printed a kiss upon his cheek. Then she was gone, It was done so quickly that it really took him several moments to comprehend what had oc- curred—by which time Polly was up-stairs and in her apartment, ‘“* Stuck!” was the first comment the aston- ished sport made. ‘‘ Heres a case—a clear trans- lucent case. She’s clear gone on me, and Nabob Ned can send her all, the flowers he wants, for all the good it does ham /” As for Nabob Ned, be left the saloon imme- diately after the performance, gnashing his teeth with rage, The last act on the programme, and the fact that Polly had failed to look at bim at all, after receiving the bouquet, was like gall and wormwood to him, and he left the Bung-Eye in a furious passion, ‘Curse the girl! Curse Eagle City Ed! Curse everybody! Id like to kill every mother’s son of ’em! The girl's a beauty. Hgad! I would give a mint to possess ber, and possess her I will, though Satan and his imps may stand in my way! I wonderif she got my letter? Ifso,she disdained to pay any, attention to it. Ha, curse her! That tut fires me with greater de- termination to possess her, She may be stuck on him because the devil can sing. I can’t sing, but I can outwit ’em all in scheming. Ah! my brain! It is in a whirl. I must compose my- self, or 1 shall not be able to do the work ahead of me.’ ; ‘Then you had better take a little liquor as a tonic!” a voice exclaimed, and, like an omen of evil, Sperra, the Mexican, stepped alongside the arch-plotter. “ Ah! you ?” Nabob hissed, his tone not indi- cating whether he was pleased or not, ‘Give me the whisky, if you bave any.” Sperra produced a flask, which his newly- acquired master nearly drained of its contents. j ScimAraL ted oie Ciay | aj Pikeg tie f ; Perea arr ine Se wee It was then returned to the owner, and the Nabob said: ‘“*ITam glad you have come. for you. “* You bet!” ‘*What did you think of her?” “A rare flower, blooming among cactus- thorns.” ‘She is the same you saw in Spokane?” ‘Without a doubt.” “She is a beauty, as you intimated, Pedro Sperra, and I dote on beauty. She shall be mine!” Sperta smiled a-purely Mexican smile—half- satanic, half-derisive. ‘“Bravely spoken, senor! But I fear that another may have something to say about that.” “Bah! Cursehim! I shall meet him in duel, and take his life, to-morrow at ten o’clock. I am a dead-shot with the revolver. I also meet the girl to-morrow, and propose to give her the estate if she will marry me. If she accepts, all well and done. If she refuses, you are to kidnap her to-morrow night.” ‘“*T kidnap her?” “Exactly. You can do it easily by following plans I shall arrange.” ‘““Where will I take her?” ‘To a place I will show you, all in good time, Mum’s the word, now, and await the issues of my plots and plans. I’ve much to do before I sleep this night, you can bet!” ; T have business CHAPTER XII. THE ACCUSATION. THE next day dawned bright and auspicious. The storm of the night before had frechened up everything, and the warm, bright sunshine seemed to rest on every one and everything with a sense of cheerfulness, The forenoon was one destined to be marked down in the calendar as eyentful—at least for Slab City. As early as eight o’clock it was asserted that aman named Cranston bad struck it ‘‘ terrific rich,” having located an immense ledge of gold- bearing rock on a claim he had lately purcbased of Nabob Ned, not far in the rear of the *‘ Bung- Eye,” on the mountain-side. This set the town wild, and a rush was made for a look at the ‘‘ find,” The report was then confirmed. Part of an. extensive ledge had been unearthed, and proved to be richly impregnated with gold. The yirld would be fifteen hundred dollars, if a cent, said old and experienced miners, - The future of Slab City was now assured beyond a doubt, and, wild with enthusiasm over his luck, Cranston invited the denizens to drink his success over the Bung-Eye bar. Did they? They did, and without a murmur of dissent, and Cranston’s bill was big enough to make him wince. But what the difference, as long as the future of Slab City as the boss camp of the Coeur d’Alene country was assured? Just opposite the Bung-Eye Nabob Ned had erected a ;one-story shanty office, provided with a desk and safe, and when he took possession, early in the morning, he found plenty of busi- ness on his hands, Not exactly because of the boom created by the new discovery, but from the fact thata card in his window bore the following announcement: ‘““GOLD EXCHANGE ! “ To-day :—$110 in Paper for $100 in Gold.” As paper money was a commodity largely un- known in the young metropolis, those who had a hundred dollars worth of the glittering “ root” hastened to convertit into greenbacks, receiving in each instance a bundred-dollar and a ten- dollar note, At about half-past nine, however, Nabob Ned closed the office, and went out upon the rugged street, where he met Harold Henshaw, as if by appointment, and grasped his hand warmly. ‘My dear Mr. Henshaw, I am delighted to see you, this morning, I suppose you have heard of the new discovery of gold, and the great excitement that prevails? Why, bless you, sir, Slab City will have ten thousand popu- lation inside of a year. And, just think of the money that goes jingling into our pockets! I dare say you made arrangements with Helen, satisfactorily ?” “So far, yes. But what is this I hear ahout sending the rival claimant a basket of flow- ers? Nabob laughed merrily. ‘‘How gossip does carry the news! To be I / ; ax oe 3 ere you at the Bung-Eye to-night?” *
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> fe aod w sure I sant the flowers, together with a note to Miss Smith, requesting an interview with her. I intend to get into her favor sufficiently, so that it wil] be an easy matter to abduct her if she attempts to interfere.” “Ah! I see. A good plan. I am afraid we shall have trouble in the matter, that would im- licate us all. However, I have talked with Helen, and she is willing to become a party to the scheme, depending upon it that you will re- marry her, when it succeeds. If you then re- fuse, she will humiliate herself to become avenged upon you, by a full exposure—and you may guess what that would mean for you, in a town like this—the rope.” “She, nor you, need entertain the least fear that I will be inconstant to my promise. And, now, what work is done must be done quickly. If we get our iron in the fire first, we are sure to win the first heat, don’t you see? One of my main objects is to hurt the character of this Eagle City Ed, in order to decrease his fast- growing popularity. Once he is out of favor with the people, it will be smoother sailing.” “What do you propose to do?” “This: Within an hour, [ shall challenge him, to meet me at thirty paces, with pistols. Just before we are to fight Helen is to rush from the hotel, throw her arms around his neck, and call him her truant husband, and yell and scream, and beseech him to take her back, and so forth. See? It will create a big sensa- tion, and as he will naturally deny the allega- tion, the crowd will sympathize with her, and it will hart him more than anything I can con- ceive.” é Henshaw shook his head. “T don’t believe she will consent to this thing,” he said. ‘‘It places her in a bad light.” ‘““Pshaw, no! It will do more to establish her in favor here than anything else that could be done. Go talk with her, and have her ready twenty minutes hence, If she refuses, 1 drop her.” ‘*T will see what can be done,” Henshaw said, grimly, and turned away. “Oh! he’ll come to time,” the daring young schemer mused, gazing after him, ‘‘ Now, for the other part of the programme.” Spying Big Boots, the giant, he motioned to him, and the ponderous mass of bone and flesh approached. **Good-morning!’ Nabob accosted. ‘‘ You, I believe, are a sort of friend of Eagle City Ed, are you not?” ‘‘A durned sight ’nuff more bis friend than I am yours,” was the gruff response. ‘Ob! I presume so. I could not think of doubting that. I have, however, a challenge, here, for your friend, which I want you to con- vey to him.” He handed the giant a note which he had written, before leaving bis office. It read: “Bacuer Crry Ep:—You are a coward and a cra- ven, 1 hereby challenge you to meet me, fifteen minutes later, in front of the Bung-Eye Hotel, at thirty paces with pistols—the best man to live. ** Nasos NEp.” ‘Ye want me to take th's tohim?” Big Boots demanded, after taking the liberty to read the note, “Certainly I do.” t “Then, jest take a fool’s advice, and go git ‘fitted fer yer wooden overcoat, thet’s all.” And away strode the Hercules. Eagle City Ed was sitting in the gaming- room of the Bung-Eye, when the note was handed him, smoking acigar, — He had as yet moved about, little, that morn- ing, and was at the time cogitating over the subject of a note he had received a short time before from Polly, which ran as follows: “Mr. Eacur Crry Ep:— : ‘‘Srr:—It is with cheeks burning with shame that I wish to apologize for what I did last night—an act for which I cannot account myseif responsible, as I certainly could not have been in possession of my senses when I did a thing so unbecoming and un- ladylike. Itrust you will accept this explanation, and avoid all allusion to the occurrence in the fu- ture. Miss Surru.”’ After receiving that passionful kiss, Ed bad certainly passed a sleepless night and arose at daybreak, in the full belief that he was full as much “gone” on the pretty Miss Smith as she was on him; but when he received the note. he got considerably mixed up in his conclusions. And he was in this condition of mind when Big Boots banded bim the challenge, and stood grimly waiting for an answer, Eagle City Ed leisurely opened the note and scanned the few lines, his face scarcely chang- ing expression. > er Th oe] Nabob Ned. ‘* Tell the sender that I will be there,” he said, and resumed smoking his cigar. Big Boots looked his surprise, as he moved away to deliver the message. ‘*Durn my Sund’y boots ef thet aire Eagle Ed ain’t as game as they muke ’em!” he mut- tered. ‘‘He received thet note ther same like et was an invertation ter a ice cream festervel, His jaw never drapped once.” He returned the answer to Nabob Ned, who was pacing to and fro outside the botel, and in three minutes afterward half the town knew that Eagle City Ed and Nabob Ned were to fight a duel, and a crowd quickly collected at either side of the street. Working himself into a passion, simply through trying to keep cool, the Nabob paced up and down the street, awaiting his intended victim. That singular gentleman did not make bis ap- yearance until time wes up, when he sauntered eisurely into the street. Ao audible murmur of applause ran along eitber line of spectators, and caused Ned to grate his teeth savagely. ' “Gents,” Eagle City Ed said, smilingly, “ I have been challenged to fight yonder individual with pistols, and as I knew your appreciation of fun, [ could not do less than accept. You wish to practice with pistols, I believe, Mr. Nabob?” **T do!” was the curt reply. ‘‘ We will stand thirty paces apart, and at a signal—one, two, three—begin firing, and continue until one or the other falls. You may select a man to give the word, for no seconds are required. Phat suits me if it does you.” “Very well; I'm agreeable to almost any- thing that’s fair,” Ed replied. “Go ahead and measure off. Your legs are as good as compasses.” A smile was visible on the spectators’ faces, Ned’s peculiar point was the length and thin- ness of bis Jower limbs. He failed to take a meaning out of Exugle City Ed’s remark, but measured off thirty paces froma given point. ‘* Who will you select for starter?” he de- manded flercely. ‘Pll eet!” Pedro Sperra cried, stepping for ward. ‘It won’t be the first duel I have offici- ated at. Get ready, gents!” Neitber men objected, but drew their revol- vers, and put their left foot forward, with wea- pons leveled, “One!” counted Sperra, in a ringing tone, “Two J? Hark! A woman’s scream! And a woman. She darted from among the crowd in front of the Bung-Eye, and threw herself upon Eagle City Ed, knocking the weapon from his grasp, and then throwing her arms around his neck. ““Ob! my husband—my long-lost truant hus- band!” she cried, piteously, ‘I have found you at last—ob! at last. Long and patiently I have hunted you, and thank God, I bave at last found you!” In spite of his struggles she rained kisses upon his cheek, and it was a couple of minutes ere he could free himself, and put her away at arm’s length. ‘* Woman!” he gasped, ‘‘are you mad? [’m no husband of yours!” “You are—you are! and it is useless for you to attempt to deny it. You are my husband, and no power on earth shall ever part us again!” Eagle City Ed was not only astounded, but horrified beyond measure, He gazed at the woman, utterly dumfounded. She was young, well dressed, and pretty of form and face, She was a decided brurette, and her features were those of a person of re- finement. ‘*My dear lady, you have surely made a mis- take,” Ed once more assured, ‘It is some other person you are looking for, I was never married in my life!” “Aa, ha! eannot. Do you suppose I have forgotten you? No, never!” At this juncture Harold Henshaw rushed for- ward and.caugbt ber by the arm, “Helen! Helen!” he cried, reprovingly, ‘“‘what do you mean? Haven’t I sworn you should never live with him again as his wife? Come, you foolish child!” ; mY he balf dragged her back into the otel. And Polly Smith, standing on the veranda, attired to call on Nabob Ned, heard and saw all, —e a sickening sensation gnawing at her heart. You would deceive me, but you ee i ee ms CHAPTER XIII. POLLY'S ‘ POINTER,” WueEn Helen Henshaw was gone Eagle City Ed turned to the crowd nearest him with pallor in bis face, ¢ “Gentlemen!” be said, clearly and distinctly, **you have all been witness to the scene just now, and of course are welcome to your Ow:: opinions. But asGod is my judge, I never saw that young woman before, There are but two ways about it, She is either insane or else a job has been put up to injure me. I presume I can point out the instigator!” He turned his angry gaze toward where Na bob Ned bad stood a few minutes before; but tbat worthy was nowhere to be seen, and on iu- . quiry, no one appeared to know where he had gone. A smile of contempt curled the sport’s lips, when he learned the truth, and he turned to the crowd, “You see, gentlemen, The so-styled nabob of your camp bas moseyed. He evidently knew I would accuse him of putting up the job on me and was afraid of encountering my vengeance, Well, let the coward go, He is not worthy of the time of bunting up and killing tim. Let’s all take something.” Some of the bystanders gave assent, but not all of those present, for many shook their heads significantly, as much as to say—‘' We don’t care to drink with a man as would desert bis, wife,’ Ed was not slow to notice this, He raised bis hat courteously to Miss Polly, as he ascended the steps to the veranda, but she turned her head aside and refused to acknow- ledge the compliment, This cut the sport like a knife, and be knew, too, that she was justified in doing as she had done, if, indeed, she had witnessed the street. scene. Half an hour later another of Cupid's wicked shafts pierced his heart, when he became the recipient of the following worded note: ‘Mr. Eaatr Crry Ep, :— “ Srmr:—Your services as my manager will not be required any longer during my stay im Slab City. Thanking you for past favors, I am, sir, ** Respectfully, ete., * PauLine SMirH,”’ Ed was writing ina pocket memoranda at the time he received the note, and after be re- ceived the missive, he deliberated full an hour and then sent back the following answer: “ Miss Pautine:—I accept my discharge, without a, word of protest, knowing of course that you are weak-minded enough to believe true what you saw to-day, when it was one of the most infamous con- spiracies to ruin me, and I have no doubt but what your flower-gift lover was at the bottom of it. Yow can accept this at its par value. and believe me, ‘Resp'y yours, “ Eaaie Crry Ep.” During the afternoon Polly visited the ¢ffice of Nabob Ned, and found that genius of schem- ers alone, He received her with the greatest courtesy, and after she was seated, said: ‘Miss Smith, you have bonored me greatly, by calling, and I trust we shall be able to ar- range matters so satisfactorily that you will not be forced to sing before the class of audiences that frequent the Bung-Eye Hotel.” “How do you kuow [ am forced to do so?” Polly retorted. ‘For all you know I may do it as a preference,” ‘“ Ab! yes, but then, you know, T drew the in- ference that the occupation was not congenial to one with your refined tastes.” Polly simply smiled, : ‘‘ Perhaps not,” she answered. “ But I did not come here to discuss my likes or dislikes, You wrote me you wished to see me on business concerning my deceased father’s estate.” . “ Bxactly, providing we can establish it that you are the daugbter of my late lamented em- ployer. To do that, you know, we must bave strong proofs—very strong proofs—of your ideutity.” , “As long as you get proofs, why require that they should be so extremely strong?!” Polly de- manded, sharply. “For the simple reason that there is another claimant in the field, who has proofs that will be difficult to gainsay.” ; * Anotber claimant?” Polly echoed, ‘‘ Who, pray?” ‘Miss Helen Smith, who bas documents that would stand fire in any court, to the effect that. she is the daughter and only cirect heir of John Smith, deceased.” This was startling news to Polly, and she lookea dismayed. 2 a ae eh as eo GP RO Tee ee te “ta
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7 _ **T am sure I don’t understand how this can ‘be,” she remarked, ‘‘Is this other claimant in Slab City?’ ‘*She is, and stopping at the hotel. If you were a witness to the street episode this fore- noon, you saw your rival!” “What! that woman?” “Exactly.” ‘*Then surely there is a mistake, or else a base imposition is on foot. You say you were my father’s clerk?” ‘**T was John Smith’s confidential clerk.” ‘*Did be ever tell you where he had lived be- fore coming here?” “Yes; at Spokane Falls.” ‘* Ab! that is my home, and the home of my father, as can be easily proven; and, more than that, but one John Smith ever lived at Spokane Falls.” * Just what the rival party says; and, more- over, she has letters from Smith, and other roofs to show that she is the rightful claimant. n fact, I have not the shadow of a doubt but what she is the daughter of my late friend.” ‘If so, why invite me here?” ‘*For reasons I will make plain to you; then, too, I wanted to hear what you had to say on the subject. Now, I have served the interests of Jobn Smith faithfully, since bis death, with but slight compensation. It was understood between him and me that I should eventually ‘be better rewarded. That reward I naturally expect. The estate, as it stands to-day, is worth a fortune, and I can, in a measure, be thanked that it is so, for I have held back from making many sales until a boom should start, ‘which has at last come. To-day the estate will sell for a hundred thousand dollars cash—to- morrow maybe double as much, Therefore, you will see that I have no little responsibility on my hands, ‘In regard to this other claimant, she is a person in whom I have not the slightest confi- dence, and I believe, were she to come into this princely property, she would wholly forget that Iam entitled to any compensation for my services, Therefore, Iam averse to seeing her rolling in this wealth, whether or no she is the right heiress. There is just one kink—one small opening by which [can prevent her from tak- ing —. of the property, and that is all!” *'W bat is it?” “Tt is a secret that I am justified in using to protect my own interests, and therefore I can- not give it away.” ‘“‘TIndeed? Well, sir, from what you have said am [ to infer that you have power to make me beiress to this property, whether | was the rightful one or not?’ ‘Exactly. I have it in my power to put you ‘in the place, or tha other one. It is therefore a matter of choice and circumstances. Iam not a worldly or a mercenary man, but I mean to have some reward for my services.” Polly gazed at bim, keenly. At times he was really a tine and honest-look- ing fellow, and just at this particular moment, one of the aforesaid times was upon him. And Polly wondered if there was really treacherv, deceit and villainy under that mask of such blandness. “What sum of money do you propose to de- mand?” she asked, ‘‘as anissue of your interest- ing ame?” ‘To make Helen Smith the heiress, I shall demand the sum of twenty-five thousand dol- Jars, and one-third interest in the property.” ‘* And, in my case? “Your band and heart, in marriage, and a hhusband’s equal interest with a wife, in the estate—a peaceful, quiet and pleasant life, such is even more precious than all the world’s gold and diamonds.” “Sir! I did not come here to make terms of that order,” ‘“‘Oh! [’m aware you didn’t. ,But from the moment I first saw you, I loved you.” Polly laughed, outright. ‘*Such protestations sound well enough when ‘you read them in story books,” she said, “* but they hardly stand test in this life we lead,” ‘* Mine will. I love you truly and devotedly, and it is only since I have become aware of the fact that Ihave formed the idea of working you in as the heiress. You may be the real one, but, were I to express ny candid opinion, T should feel in duty bound to give it in favor of the other claimant. Become my bride, and I will not only make you the heiress, but be one of the most devoted of husbands to you.” ‘* And, if I refuse, you will go over to the «other party?’ ** Certainly!” . ““Then, let me settle the matter right here, Nabob Ned. sir. I am perfectly well satisfied that I can furnisb sufficient proof to the people, of who and what | am, to gainsay all your boasted power and authority in the matter, So let me tell you, now, and for good, that I wouldn’t wed a man of your unscrupulous character under any circumstances whatever. I defy your power the same as | scorn your protesta- tion of love. Good day, sir!’ and with the hauteur of a queen, she swept from the office, leaving Nabob Ned in a rage bordering on in- sanity. The day passed without further incident— Nabob Ned keeping closely to his office, part- ly through his exchange business, and part- ly through fear to make himself conspicuous, for he felt sure he would have trouble with Eagle City Ed. Just at the edge of evening, be sent for Pedro Sperra, and the Mexican promptly made his appearance at the office, te saw by Nabob’s face that something had gone wrong, and suspicioned what it was, hav- ing seen Polly leave the office. ““T want you!” the plotter announced, open- ing the conversation. ‘‘The work I spoke of must be done to-night!” ‘““What! kidnapping the girl? She didn’t come to time, eh?” “No, She is unmanageable. Immediately after the concert, or, whenever is safest, you are to secure her, and take her to a place [ will show you.” **Can’t do it alone!” ‘ ‘* Nonsense.” ‘ Nothing of the kind. You'll have to help me. ‘‘Tmpossible. My hand must be silent.” “Then, I can arrange it. There’s a tried and true Mexican pard of mine, just arrived here, broke, and a ten-dollar note will buy him, soul and body, and he can be depended on, His name i3 Daglos.” ' “ Are you positive he can be trusted?” “Tl stake my life on it. You know I am working for balf of this fortune, and I can’t af- ford to do otherwise than what’s to our mutual interests.” “True, Well, get this fellow, and come here, an hour later. J’ll then show you where to fetch the girl, Mind, in doing this I am go- ing to let you into some important secrets, and die you will if you breathe a word of them!” “Rest easy. You can depend upon me and Daglos, Mexicans are treacherous only when starved.” ‘“ Well, be off. It will be dark, in an hour— then, pass by here, toward Smith’s cabin and I wiil directly join you. Here is fifty dollars for you!” Sperra accepted it, and was off. “The plant is developing rapidly,” Nabob muttered, to himself, ‘‘ After the girl is out of the way, and old Henshaw and his daughter too, I shall be monarcb of all I survey!” CHAPTER XIV. THE SECRET EXPLODED. AN bour later, Pedro Sperra and another man passed the office. This companion was also a Mexican, to all intents, for he was attired in Mexican garb, in a greasy and ragged condi- tion, and bis features were swartby, such parts as were not covered with a heavy jet beard. He was a villainous-looking chap, as, indeed, most_ vagabond Mexicans are, and evidently was fitted for transactions of a dark nature, The twain had nearly reached the Smith cabin ere they were overtaken by Nabob Ned. The schemer gave Daglos a single sbarp glance, and was evidently satisfied witb Sperra’s selection. ‘* Vil show you the place, now,” he said, “Follow me, and say nothing, and I will make all the explanations necessary.” The Smith cabin did not stand out in the gulch, like the other structures of Slab City, but was built about one foot and a half, from the rocky wall of the mountain-side. The space between the outer log wall of the cabin and the rock was not over the above-mentioned width: hence, no one wouid have thought of crowding into the contracted fissure. The face of rock, along the passage was sin- guiarly smooth. When near the cabin door, Nabob Ned said: **T suppose you, like all the others, have been mystified by the ghost business. I will explain it to you, because old Smith reposes quietly in his grave. The door-sil! of that cabin is a piece of ingenious mechanical work,that produces the ghost. Beneath the cabin is a shallow cellar, reaching to the door-sill. ‘* A close examination of the door-sill will re- > N > > veal that there is a crack in it half an inch wide, % or more properly speaking, there are two strips of board tbat form the sill, the slit being be- tween them. A match dropped through the slit, will descend into the cellar. Well, when it is desirous to have old Smith’s spirit appear, a man with a mechanical invention embodying some of the principles of the sterotypticon lan- tern, turns light on his machine, which is in the cellar, and the ghost quickly appears, and can be made to disappear, by turning off the slide light. The ghost rarely appears except when some one contemplates laying for it all night, and is designed to frighten people away from the vi- civity, I originated it.” With alaugh of satisfaction at his own un- scrupulous cunning, the scamp then led the way around to the rear narrow passage, “Tt is tight squeezing, but you can make it,” he said. ‘* Follow me,” They did so, and when half-way along the cabin wall, suddenly came to an opening in the rock, sufficiently large to admit the trio abreast. Here a halt was made, and Nabob Ned lita pocket lantern, Sperra and his companion were then able to see that the passage ran back some distance into the mountain. Human bands bad not hewn it out, it was a piece of nature’s own handiwork, Nabob now led the way, his two tools follow- ing. ’ For fifty or more feet they proceeded, and then turned abruptly and entered a huge cir- cular cavern, with high vaulted ceiling, from which pended grotesque drippings of rock, In the center of the cavern was a. greenish ool of water, while at one side was a brilliant igbt—a vein of natural gas from a fissure in the wall, supplying it!. Near this light were tables and desk-like ar- rangements, which contained tools of various descriptions, and upon one of the tables was a peculiar design of portable printing press, Two men, well dressed, and wearing half- masks, were at work at the tables, apparently engaged in engraving upon stone. ““Here is where you are to bring the girl, Nabob announced. ‘‘ Those two men are coun- terfeiters, in my employ, and execute work that few persons can tell from the genuine. Perbaps you can now understand why I can givo $1.10 in greenbacks, for a dollar in gold.” *“You are certainly a deeper rascal than I gave you credit for being,” Sperra declared, At this juncture, one of the counterfeiters ap- proached where they had balted. ‘* Jack!” the plotter said; ‘‘ these two fellows are to bring a girl here, to-night. I will prob- ably be here when they arrive, but, should I not, they will guard her. tillI come. They’re all right.” “Correct, captain. How about the stuff? Did it go?” ‘* Like hot cakes! I changed a thousand for gold, to-day. Will make a shipment to-morrow. That's all.” The man bowed and went back to his bench. “We'll go, now. Secure the girl as soon after the performance as possible, and bring her bere and await me, if I am not already here.” ‘All right! You can depend that the girl’s ours this night!” They left the cavern, and Nabob entered the camp in advance of Sperra and Daglos. In fact, they did not enter the camp proper, but halted on the outskirts, and stood gazing at each other. Daglos was the first to speak. ‘Pedro Sperra!” be said, in a tone that one would have regarded as stern, “to-night you and I balance accounts.” Sperra started and a look of terror entered his eyes. fs Why, have I—” “Stop!” the other commanded, “Tam doing the talking for this occasion, A year ago to- night I foiled you in an attempt to rob and mur- der me for what money I had on my person. You plead for mercy, on the ground of starva- tion, and I gave you a year’s lease of life, pro- viding you served me faithfully. Have you done so?” The Mexican drew himself up proudly. * That is not for me to say!” he replied, calm- ly. **Dozens of times could I have driven a dagger into your heart while you slept during this year of sleuth-hound business you have led ~ me tbhrough—dozens of times, the devil has tempted me to co so, but yet I am not guilty, You are the judge!” The band of Daglos went out, warmly, “Sperra, you have served me better than I could ever have hoped. Expecially in this trail for Ned De Wolf have you served me faithfully wy xm Se x att 7, BR PY & ale ui A % " Hl - if . a oe fi “t * ne ‘on - * b Pug _ a s weer, Sy ecveereuce +. <3. Se wer ~ a sae tae
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¥ s } rab . is u! mabe z c } i oa i ’ . es 4 , + he hs bes m4 ‘ , “G Nabob Ned. and shrewdly. No professional detective could | have a divorce from you. Do not utter a word have filled your place better. Shake!” The Mexican seemed overjoyed, and the two shook bands, heartily. ‘The matter ends to-night. Thetrapis ready for springing, thanks to Nabob Ned’s confidence in you.” * Have the Secret Service agents arrived?” “Yes, They came on to-nigbt’s stage, and I have only to make the arrest, Now, let’s go back and find Big Boots, and then scoop in the two counterfeiters.” Of course the counterfeiters got ‘* scooped!” CHAPTER XV. CONCLUSION, FEELING jubilant over the prospective suc- cess of his plans, Nabob Ned sought the Bung- Eye, and approached a table where two well- dressed, decidedly Eastern-looking gentlemen were playing a social game of poker. “Do you object to a third party, gentlemen?” he asked, when the band was over, ‘I have a few minutes and a few dollars to throw away.” ‘‘Cortainly not,” the elder of the two an- swered. ‘‘ Anything to make it interesting; although, in poker, we don’t usually play to any particular limit.” ‘On, I’m not particular. erate bluff.” The first game was dull; the stake of thirty dollars was raised ten. and taken in by the younger gent from the East. The next deal, each man discarded two and took two, Their hands now appeared to give them satis- faction. ‘*T think I see a hundred dollars in this hand!” Nabob Ned said triumphantly. ‘*Do you?” replied the younger Easterner, whom his companion called Johnson, * Well, I'll have to see you and go you a hun- dred better!” Both stakes went bang down upon the table, ‘*Now, Packard,” said Jobnson, ‘‘we will hear from you.” “T drop out!” Packard answered, throwing down his hand. ‘* You gents can fight it out.” There was now, altogether, three hundred and chigey Gores in the pot. Nabob Ned laid his cards, face down, upon the table, and drew from bis vest pocket, a roil of crisp new one-bundred-dollar bills. While he was engaged in counting the amount the two Easterners exchanged significant glances, “T have bere twenty-two bundred dollars upon the pot,” he said, tossing the bi.ls upon the table. ‘‘ Do you raise it?” No! but I cover it,’ Johnson said, throwing down a wad of notes, the outer one being a five- hundred dollar-note. ‘Now, sir, what have you got?” “Four kings!” Nabob cried, triumphantly turning up his hand, and reaching for the stakes, ‘But, hold!” Johnson cried, thrusting a re- volver before the villain’s eves. ‘I bappen to hold four little one-spots, you know,” and he laid down four aces sure enough! Nabob arose from the table with a growl. “Then, you’ve won,” he said. ‘The devil al- ways favors his own.” ? And he stalked off. ‘*The devil has been favoring that rascal a long time,” Packard remarked, *‘but he won’t favor him, after to-night, I judge.” At eight o’clock, the saloon was well filled, and Mile, Pauline made her appearance, Eagle City Ed was not with her, and mur- murs of disappointment were beard on either I can stand a mod- Nor did the little songstress look vivacious, as on the previous night. She was pale, and there was noticeably not the same spirit in her mene, abob Ned occupied the same position, as on he previous night, but Polly did not look at 1m, Her gaze roved over the sea of faces, in quest of the face of Eagle City Ed. ul he was not present. Immediately atter Pauline had retired from the stage, there was a surging of the crowd, and almost before he was aware of it Nabob Ned found bimself confronted by Harold Hen- shaw and his daughter. Henshaw, too, grasped a cocked revolver. «+ Edward Landis!” the man from Silver Cliff cried, ‘‘I have come to you to force you to make reparation for the wrong you did my daughter. Helen bas refused to act out the lie shé attempted to-day, and as soon as she is law- fully married, even though vou be a criminal, we are going back to Silver Cliff and she shall of protest. Instead of being Eagle City Ed’s wife, as you plotted to have ber represent her- self, she shall become your wife. You married her falsely once!” “'This is false! This is an outrage!” Nabob Ned protested. ‘‘ You tried to foist this woman off on one man and failed, and now you think to make me your victim? Never!” *Toen, you die!” Henshaw declared, with emphasis, ‘* Hither you marry my daughter whom you wronged or you die where you stand.” ‘** Listen, gentlemen!’' Helen Henshaw cried, turning appealinzly to the crowd, ‘ This is no attempt at blackmail. A year ago, this man, Ed ward Landis, won my affection, and we were, as I believed, married, during my father’s ab- sence, The marriage, bowever, turned out to be asham, but Landis had fled and deserted me, We pursued him here, when he promised to marry me if I would become a party to his vile sechem- ing, At first 1 was weak enough to consent; but now that L have got my senses, I refuse to do bis will. The girl who sings here is the real heiress of John Smith, yet this man proposed to defraud her by substituting me in her place, He also caused me to perpetrate the falsehood, this morniny, of declaring Eagle City Ed to be my husbard. I swear to you I never saw the man before,” At this a ringing cheer of ‘t bravo!” went up, and Polly, bebind the curtain, trembled with joy as she heard the calumny raised from the eport’s name and character. ‘‘Now, gentlemen, all that we want is that this man be forced to remarry me, and lift dis- honor from my name. Then he can go whither he pleases,” ‘*Hurra! Boyees, et’s a go!” a miner cried. “Form a big ring, and trot the Nabob inter it, He hes got ter do ther squar’ thing, or we'll skin him alive,” The ring was formed, and the villain, seeing taat sentiment was strong against him, dared not refuse to enter it and take his place beside Helen, His face was very pale; but his inward rage was terrible, ‘ Slab City happened to boast of a lawyer, and this worthy was called upon and the legal knot was tied. Tben Harold Henshaw said: ‘“Now, sir, you are at liberty to go whither you please. e return to Silver Cliff by next stage.” Then he and Helen left the ring. As they did so, four other persons stepped into it, and three pairs of revolvers, were level- ed at the schemer and scamp. The party were, respectively, Eagle City Ed, op Sperra, and Messrs, Johnson and Pack- ard. ‘*Edward de Wolf, alias Landis, alias Hea- ven only knows how many other names, I ar- rest you by authority of the law of this Terri- tory, coupled with that of the United States,” the sport cried. ‘'Do not attempt to resist, or yon will be shot down like a dog, for we are ere to take you, dead or alive!” The villain uttered a fearful curse, and stag- ered back against the wall, white as death. a saw that retribution had overtaken him at ast. ‘‘On what charge, and by what power do you arrest me?” he gasped, seeing no avenue of ers “On the charge of counterfriting money in half a dozen States and Territories. Sperra and myself have beev on your trail for a year, and at lash we have got you. I arrest you on the authority of being a detective in the employ of the Government. Throw down your weapons an? surrender peaceably!” There was nothing else to do and the crest- fallen Nabob permitted himself to be made a prisoner, then was taken in charge by Messrs. Packerd and Johnson, and removed from the Bung-Eye. Mile. Pauline did not reappear that night, re- alizing by the noise that Eagle City Ed was quite the hero of the hour, The next day, at her request, they had a pri- vate interview, and Ed was prevailed upon to remain in Slab City long enough to arrange her business affairs, This he succeeded in doing in a week’s time, ' and Polly found herself a rich and much ad- mired heiress instead of a saloon-singer. Every one liked her and not one ohjection was raised to her taking possession of John Smith’s prosperous estate, which was daily increasing in value, When she was securely installed, Eagle City Ed announced his intention of going South. As yet, no word of love had passed betweem them; but when he bad made known his pur- pose to depart, womanu-like she was the weaker of the two, and begged of him to stay; and he did so. This marriage, too, was one of the events of Slab Ci'y life, and there was a big demonstra- tion in honor of it. Nubob Ned and his two coufederates received long and severe sentences, The Hensbaws returned to Silver C.iff, and were heard of no more, As for Sperra, he and Big Boots are now full- fledged detectives, and doing some good work. Meanwhile, Ed and Polly live in Slab City, as. happy as the day is long! THE END, The Best Weekly of Popular, Entertain= ing and Useful Literature Pub- lished in America! Its Unrivaled Corps of Contributors, almost a! of whom write ewclusinely for its publishers —-embraccs the following authors of world wide repute— Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, Albert W. Aiken, Capt. Fred. Whittaker, Capt. Mark Wilton, Joseph E. Badger, Jr.. Edward L. Wheeler, Charles Morris, Oll Coomes, ©. Dunning Clark, Buffalo Bill, White Beaver, Buckskin Sam, Major Dangerfield Burr, T. C. Harbaugh, Philip 8. Warne, Willian R. Ryster, Anthony P. Morris, Launce Poyntz, Each and all of whom give to BraDLe’s WEEKLY their very best productions in all the varied fielcs of" Border and Wild West R mance— Adventure Exploration and Sport— City Life Character, Courts and Ways— Detective and ‘Shadow’ Revelations— Stories of the Great Deep, etc., etc.. So that each and every number is overflowing with reading of the most interesting and exciting nature; while in its Special Departments, covering all the needs, and adding to the general interest and usefulness of the popular journai, BeapLe's WEEKLY is tre paper of all others for your weekly reading and entertainment, Beadle’s Weekly is Published at the Following Rates: For Four Months...) decwsees<.s ewe sees owes 1,06 Wor Ome YGRY ois cscs eco nie em My amare s's oats 3.90 Two Copies for One Year. .....-25 sceeees sense 5.00 Singre Copies ...... ..ev.ccces Hasse pe crevice 6 cents Supplied by all Newsdealers. BEADLE AND ADAMS, PusBLisHers, 98 William street, New York, DIME DIALOGUES AND SPEAKERS FOR SCHOOL BXHIBITIONS . AND HOME ENTERTAINMENTS. Dialogues, Nos. 1 to 31 inclusive, 15 to 2% popu- lar dialogues and dramas in each book, Each vol- 100 pages 12mo. , Mgpeakers, Nos. 1 to 24 inclusive. Each speaker 100 pages 12mo, containing from 50 to 75 pieces. 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_Naboh Ned © i tal a Pe en ye ETS ep errr er nee eee «AT ER eaten eee a ee —~— eet eg i a 6 at wo tt an, a eat Oe 6 i Cre ll Nt tl tt etl tl tl el tl atl tll lll lt glace alll cl alll el lll tll lll we OO OOS SO O° OS, OS" SS 4059" 9" GS-9 So" OO. So Oi. 19 Se ule eae | Always Pure! The Best Weekly ——gwst" sew as ee eae ina yiser Published in America! Always Original t == Its Corps of Contributors Unrivaled! = Almost all of whom write exclusively for its publishers—embrace the following popular authors: Col, Prentiss Ingraham, Col, BK, Z. C. Judson (Ned Buntline), O11] Coomes, Albert W. Aiken, Hon, Wm, F. Cody (Buffalo Bill), Ckarles Morris, Joseph E. Badger, Jr., Major Dangerfield Burr, Philip S. Warne, Capt. Fred Whittaker, Major Sam 8, Hall (Buckskin Sam), Edward L. Wheeler, J. ©. Cowdrick, Edward Willett, Wm. R. Eyster, T.C. Harbaugh, Eben E, Rexford, Wm, H. Manning, Frank Triplett, A. F. Holt, H. H. Johnson, Wm. S. Gidley, K. F. Hill, Henri Montcalm, Al. W. Crowell, Jo Pierce, Hi. S. Keller, Weldon J. Cobb s Awe to s © . “d A\\® rss) oS etc., etc., INTERESTING AND ATTRACTIVE FIELDS OF Border, Interior, and Wild West Romance— Adventure, Exploration, and Sport— Life on the Great Plains— Life on the Ranches— Life in the Mines— Life in the Wilderness City Life Character, Courts and Ways— Detective and ‘Shadow’ Revelations Stories of the Great Deep, ete. = Published ab the Following ates : Hence, each and every number overflows with the most interesting and exciting matter, while in its several APECIAy, For Four Months, OR : DEPARTMENTS answering all the needs, and adding to the Lb Vor Ouse Year. = + = . general interest and usefulness of, the strictly. popular “by, Two Copies for One Year journal, Taz BANNER WEEKLY is the paper: AE, GS FF En go others for good reading and entertainment. SOLD BY ALL NEWSDEALERS, it a GO HG A NG OG OTS Oh eG . OO LORI
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ao 3 * "4 ‘ ¥ : 4 H if x , 4 | » Jj4 a 2 I ns 2h ‘ a ae ic ~ Published Every Tuesday. oo n = a — ba Oe Ak ie ad eX ab we eee BEADLE’S* H ALF- DIME* LIBRARY. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. BY PHILIP 8. WARNE, 6T Patent-Leather Joe; or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmer. 175 Gapram Arizona; or, Patent-Leather Joe's Big Game, 198 Captain Masks or, Pa tent-Leather Joe’s Defeat. 219 Despard, the Duecliat; or, The Mountain Vompires, 888 A Tough Boy 3 or, The Dwart’s Revenge. 868 Little Tornado}; or, The Outcaste of the Glen. 878 Little Jingo; or, the Queer Pard. $85 Little Oh-iny 4 or, Caught in His Own Trap, 401 Little Shoo-F ly 3 or, A Race for a Ranch, 408 Little Leather-Breeches ; or, Old Jumbo’s Curse. 431 Little Ah Sing or, The Curse of Blood. 451 Colorado Kate, A Tale of the alines. 480 Three Jolly Parda. 517 Jim Gladden’s Deputy. 527 The Jolly Parda to the Rescue. 647 Sandy Andy; or, A Good Man Down, 556 Larlat Lil; or, The Cast for a Life. BY CAPTAIN FRED. WHITTAKER. 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 Lasso; or, The Children of the Chaco, 154 The Sword Hunters; or, The Land of the Elephant Riders, 159 ae Lost Captains or, Skipper Jabez Coffin’s Cruise to the pen Coir sen, 200 The Boy \sedoutna; or, The Brothers of the Plumed Lance, 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine, 249 mule Romer, the Animal King; or, The Round the World anderer, 265 ‘The Tiger Tamer; or, The League of the Jungle, 881 Black Nick, the Demon Rider. 895 California Joe's War Trall. BY BUCKSKIN SAM (Major Sam. 8, Hall.) 284 Old Rocky’s **Boyeen;” or, Benito, the Young Horse- Breaker. 246 Giant 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, 807 The Strange Pard; or, Little Ben’s Death Hunt, 818 Rer-whoop, Ker-whoo; or, The Tarantula of Taos, 827 Oreoping Jat, the Cuddos or, The Red and White Pardes. 882 Frio Fred or, The Tonkaway’s Trust. 844 The F ighting Trio; or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway. 849 Wild Wolf’; or, Biz-Foot Wallace to the Front. 857 The Ranch Raiders; or, The Siege of Fort Purgatory. 864 Snap-Shot, the Boy Ranger. 875 Chiota, the Creek’ or, The Three Thunderbolts. B81 Bandera Bill; or. Frio Frank to the Front. BYR Romeo and the Reds; or, The Beleaguered Ranch. 404 Little Lurlat3; or, Pecan Pete’s Big Rampage. 427 The Three Tratlera; or, Old Rocky on the Rampage, 442 Bluff Billy or, The ya of the pace ~ BY EDWARD WILLETT, 16% Asn Scott, the Steambont Boy. 199 Featherweight the Boy,Champlon of the Muskingum, 228 Ozark Alf’; or, Featherweight Among the Outlaws. 22 The Typo Petective ; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp, 295 Feurless Phil; or, The King of Quarteville, $11 The Roving Sport; or, The Pride of Chuckaluck Camp. 822 Nemo, the Detective; or, Kit’ Kenyon’s Vendetta. 840 Clip, the Contortionist; or, The Montana Vigilantes. BY J, ©. COWDRICK. 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery. 8369 Shasta, the Gold Wing} tr, For Seven Years Dead. 420 The Detective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without a ame. 424 Oibuta Johny or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar. ASY Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude. A490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo, 506 Redlight Ralph the Prince of the Road, 514 Broadway Billy’s Boodle. 524 The Engineer Detective 586 Broadway Billy’s § Dittikilty.” BAS Meart, the Night Express Detective, 567 Broadway Billy’s Death Racket. BY JO PIERCE, B97 Bob o’ the Bowery or, The Prince of Mulbe: AlS The Vagabond Detective; or, Bowery Bob's 452 Wotapur Bob, the Street-Boy Detective. 4 awyer’s Shadow; or, Luke’s Legacy. 4 Street HH f Bap aunty Joe, the Young Horse-King. 4 Surly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective, 304 Five Points Phil. 509 Jack Jaggers, the Butcher Boy Detective. 516 Tartar Tim; or, Five Points Phil’s Menagerie, 526 North River Nat, the Pier Detective. 588 Wrestling Rex, the Pride of the Sixth Ward. B41 Jeff Flicker. the Stable Boy Detective, ‘51 Nik Nettle, the Boy Shadow, 559 Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective. BY CAPT. MARK WILTON, ‘256 Yeung Kentuck; or, The Red Lasso, 270 Blizzard Ben ; on Tie Riot at Keno Camp. ‘286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfvot. BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. 7& Blue Dick: or, The Yellow Chief's V: " 87% The Land Pirates +] or, The Taegns ol Devil's Island. 187 The Helpless Hand; or, Backwoods Retribution. ‘289 The Gold-seeker Guide; or, The Lost Mountain. BY MAJOR NWENRY RB. STODDARD, Ex-S8cout. 806 Neck-Tie Neds or, The Dug-Out Pards, 846 R Raphael; or, The Swords tecas Ser Seer een the Dance of heiress a 8 Kid-Glove Kit and Pard; or, The Gold King. The Mad Man-Hunter; or, The Mystery” of Golden , Gulch. ‘505 Powell's Pard; or, The One-Armed Giant. BY BRACEBRIDGE NEMYNG. ee The Gh Jim; or, The Pet of the Family. ie 9 fhe Club; or. The Rival (401 Jack at satetey New Work. 7 BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, 11 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes ofa Bowery Gir). %6 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. 7 Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. 248 Joe Buck of Angels and Hla Soy 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 ‘I'noa Ted, toe Arizona Sport, 510 Cool Colorado, the Hal!-Breed Detective, 515 Cool Colorado in New York, BY GEORGE WALDO BROWNE, 86 Dandy Rock the Man from Texas. 90 ‘The Drend Rider; or, The Texan Duelist. 99 The Tiger of Taos; or, Dandy Rock’s Angel. 115 The Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rock's Doom, 181 The Golden Hand 3 or, Dandy Rock to the Resoue, 164 Dandy Rock’s Pledge; or, Hunted to Death, 178 Dandy Rock’s Rival; or, The | aunted Maid of Taos, BY CAP’. J. F. C. ADAMS, 84 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Whiffles’s Boy Spy, 46 Glasa-Eye, the Great Shot of the West, 54 Ned Hazel, the Boy Trapper. 56 Nick Whitiles’s Pets or, Ir The Valley of Death. 60 The White Indian; or, The Scout of the Yellowstone, 7% Old Zip’« Cabin; or, The Greenhorn in the Woods. 81 Lightning Jo, the Terror of the Prairie, 85 Buck Buekramy or, Bess, the Female Trapper, 247 Old Grizzly and His Pets; or, The Wild Huntress. 251 Light-house Lige; or, Osceola, the Firebrand, 257 The Lost Hunters; or, The Underground Camp, 288 The Scalp King: or, The Human Thunderpolt, BY ROGER STARBUCK, 25 The Roy Captain; or, The Pirate’s Daughter. 114 The Black Schooner; or, Jib Junk, the Old Tar. 259 The Golden Harpoon; or, Lost Among the Floes. 848 Fire-Heela: or, Old Skinflint, the Death-Shadow. 854 Rig Horn Ike, the Hl Tramp; or, The Odd Pards, 861 The Phantom Light-hounse, 870 Breaker Ben, the Reef-Runner, BY WILLIAM 8. EYSTER, 190 Pandy Darke} or, The Tigers of High Pine, 210 Faro Frank}; or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Parda, BY COLONEL DELLE SARA, 108 The Lion of the Seay or, The Vatled Lady, 186 Cool Deamond; or, The Gambler's Big Game BY NARRY 8ST. GEORGE, 80 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, the Ranger. 44 Rattling Rube; or, The Nichthawks o Kentucky, 5Y Old Hiekory ; or, Pandy Ellis’s Scalp, 108 Daring Davy ; or, The Trail of the Horder Wolf. 166 Hickory Marry ; or, The Trapper-Brigade’s Spy, 172 Thunderbolt Toms or, the Woll-Herder. BY JAMES i. BOWEN 107 One-Eyed Sim; or, The Abandoned Forest 110 The Black Steed of the Prairies, A Story of Texas. BY ©. DUNNING CLARK, 185 Captain Panl; or, The Boy Spy of the Mount, 280 The Yankee Tajah; or, The Fate of the Blac "Shereet. BY GEORGE C, JENKS, 485 Git Thar Owney the Unknown. 492 Git Thar Owney’s Pledge. 518 The Demon Doctor. . BY OAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR, ©. 8. A. 191 Huivle Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker; or, The Doomed hirteen. 194 Buffalo BIW'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 JONUN J. MARSHALL, 40 Roving Ben. A Story of» Young American, OT The Outlaw Brothers; or, The Captive of the Harpes, BY WM. G. PATTEN, 489 The Diamond Sport; or, The Doubl 19 Garten Myater Le or, hive in Gna. able Wace of Bed Rock 881 Daisy Dare, the Sport from Denver, BY MAJOR E. L, 8ST. VRAIN, 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Banilit. 801 Leadville Nick, the Boy Sport. 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince, 888 Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Qu 852 Tombstone Tom, the Arizona Boy of “Sand,” B59 Dornure tiove, the Young She oom Wrestler, 871 Kingbolt Chria, the Young Hard-Shell Detecsive. B80 Avalanche Alf, the Foothills Guide, 890 Jaguar Joe, of the Mountiin Mail-Line, BY EDWARD 8. ELLIS, 6 Bill Biddon, Trapper. 8 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of tne Frontler, 10 Nat Todd3 or, The Fate of the Sloux Captive. 21 The Frontier Angel. 98 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island, 182 The Hunted Hunter; or, The Strange Horseman, 254 The Half-Blood; or, The Panther of the Plains, 271 The Huge Hunter; or, The Steam Prairle Man, BY MAJOR LEWIS W. CARSON, 278 The Three Trappers; or, The Mountsin Monster. 288 Indian Joe; or, ARs White Spirit of the Hills, BY W. J. HAMILTON, 68 The Red Brotherhood ; or, The Twelve Avengers. 66 mingle Handy or, A Life Pa a Life. 72 Mad Tom W eatern, the Texan Ranger, 887 Ben Bird, the Cave King; or, Big Pete’s Scoop. BY JACK FARRAGOUT. 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. 820 The Sea Sorceress; or, The Boy Skipper. BY FRANK DUMONT. 120 The Rranded Wand: or, The Man of Mystery. Hs We ire: the recht ~ Road, I ue azes; or, The Break o’ Day Boys of Rosky Bag 171 Ebony Dany; or, The Rival Tectia. hs 4 185 Evil Eve; or, The Vultures of the Rio Grande. BY LIEUT. H. D. PERRY, U. 8, N. 176 The Boy Runaway; or, The Boorancer of the Bay, 180 The Sea Trailer; or, A°Vow Welt Kept. 192 Captain Kit; or, The Myster) of Montauk Point. BY NWARRY HAZARD. 828 Arkananaw Jack; or, The Scourge of the Mines, 829 Red-Skin Tomy or,’ The Demon’s Trail. 842 The Mountain Devil; or, Yellow Jack, the Outlaws BY COL. A. F. HOLT. 899 Black Buckakiny or, The Masked Men of Death Canyon. 419 Kenneth, the Knife-King. 485Little Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods, BY J. W. OSBON. 469 The Riyal Glants of Nowhar’. A498 Cactus Burr, the Man from Hard Luck, HST Old Ruckeye, the Sierra Shadow, 564 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner, BY FREDERICK DEWEY. 818 Cimarron Jack, the King-Pin of Rifle-Shots. 478 Tangemund, the Desert Detective. 542 The Canyon Pards. BY ARTHUR C. GRISSOM. 440 Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowle Kid, 558 The Sure-Shot Parda, BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMA, 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock. 56S The Dandy of ney 569 Broeklyn Ben, the On-His-Own-Hook Detectives MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS, 4 The Wild-Horae Munters, By Capt. Mayne Reid and Frederick Whittaker. ® Adventures of Baron Munchausen, 12 Gulliver’s Travels, By Dean swift, 14 Aladding or, The Wonderful Lamp. 16 Robinson Crusoe. (27 Illustrations.) 18 Sindbad the Satlor., 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 8S, W. Pierce. 86 The Boy Clown; or, The Queen ofthe Arenas, By Frank » nn, B8 Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 61 the Boy Rifles; or, Tho Undergroand Camp. By Archie . rons. 95 The Rival Roveras or, The Freebooters of the Mississippi By Lieut.-Col. Hazeltine, ; 98 Robin Hood, the Vatlawed Ear); or, The Merry Men of Green. wood. By Prof, GNderaleeve, 105 Old Rube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain Hamilton Holmes. 112 The Mad Wunter; or, The Cave of Death. By Burton Saxe. 124 Tippy. the Texan; or, The Young Champion. By George er son. ys 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, Syegper or, The Green Ranger of the Yel- lowatone. By Edward Emerson. 261 Fergus Fearnaught the New Ysrk Boy. By George L. on, t 266 Killb’ar, the Guide; or, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trail. By Ensign C. D. Warren. 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid of the Clim By Captain Comstock, 8*T Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville, By Liew tenant Alfred Thorne. 828 The Sky Ietective; or, A Boy’s Fight for Life and Honos, By Major Mickey Free. : 850 Red Ralph, the River Rover} or, The Brother's Re- venge, By Ned Bun tline, 865 Baltimore Ben the Bootblack Detective, By A. P Morris, 8t4 5 ae aad Tom} or, Ben’s Double Match, By George H. ore, 876 California Joe’s First Trail. By Colonel Thomas Hoyer Monstery. 418 Billy Bombshell, the Cliff Climber. By F. 8. Winthrop, 475 The Black Ship. By John 8. Warner, 484 Comanche Dick and His Three Invinelbles, By BE Wizard \rm, the Dandy Sport. By Arthur F. Holt, B82 The Cowtioy Duke. By Etiwin Brooke Forrest, B52 Ariel, the Athlete. By David Druid, ‘ A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library 1» for sale by ati newsdeakers Sigg eents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cente each, : BEADLE AND ADAMA, Publishers, 98 William Street, New Yoe@,
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 Butfale Benj or, Deadwood Dick in Disguise. BS Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. 42 Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza, 49 Omaha Ol; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger. Bi Deadwood Dick's Eagles; or, The Pards of Fleod Bar, 7B Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity June, the Heroine, @7 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 Raadweod Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s Gulch. 188 Blonde BIL; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base. 149 A Game of Goldy or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike. } 166 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivuls of the Road, 201 The Black Hills Jezebel; or, Deadwood Dick’s Ward. | 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Ad- | venture, 217 Captain Crack-Shot, the Girl Brigand 221 Sugar-Coated Sam} or, The Biaek Gown. 282 Gold-Dust Dick. A Remance of Rough: and Toughs, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Divide 3 or, The Spir.t of Swamp Lake. 268% Deadwood Dick’s Death Trall. B09 Deadwood Dick’s Big Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Jregon. 821 Dendwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats. $47 Deadwood Dick’s Pucats; or, Rainy Days in the Dig- gings, 851 Dendwood Dick Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta, B6R aaenrees Dick’s Claim; or, The Fairy Face of Faro | als. 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds; or, The Mystery of Joan Porter. 421 Deadwood Dick {In New York; or, A “ Cute Care,” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand. 445 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 418 Nickel-Plate Ned; or, Deadwood Dick Jr's Defiance. 453 Baniow cr Sam, of Shasta; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Full and, 459 Flush Fan, the Ferret; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Big Ronud- | Up. 465 Phitto Fly, of Phenix; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Racket at Jiaim 1, 471 Bozeman Bill; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Corral. 476 Hamboldt Harry, the Hurricane; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Dog Detective. 481 Moll Mystery; or, Deadwood Dick Jr. in Deadwood. 491 Prince Pistol, the King of the West; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Compact. 49@ Monte Cristo, Jr.: or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Inheritance. 500 Deadwood Dick’s Diggings ; or, Dr. Death-Grip’s Swoop. 508 Deadwood Dick’s Deliverance, 515 Deadwood Dick’s Protegee. 522 Deadwood Dick’s Three. 629 Deadwood Dick's Danger Ducks, 584 Deadwood Dick’s Death Hunt. 589 Deadwood Dick Jr., in Texas. 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidoog. 549 Deadwood Dick on Mis Mettle. 654 Dendwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham, 561 Deadwood Dick in Boston, 667 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadeiphia. Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 26 Cleven 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, 53 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 1 Buckhorn BUI; or, The Red Rifle Team. 69 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter; or, The Boy Detective. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand, 88 Phetograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance, 92 Canada Chet ; or, Ol Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 96 Watch-Eye 3 or, Arn)s und Angels of 4 Great City, 18 Jack Moyle the Young Speculator. 7 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sp rt Detective 1 Cinnamon @hi;, the Girl Sport, 5% Bonanza Bill, Miner. 8 Bossa Bob the King of Boothlacks, 1 Solid Sam, the Boy Rond-Agent. 45 hse erret, the New York Detective; or, Boss Bob’s 088 Job, 1 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 7 Nobby Nick of Nevada}; or, The Sierras Scamps. 1 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloqnist Hunter, 226 Snoozer, the Boy Sharp; or, The Arnab Detective. 286 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado. 240 Cyclone hit, 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 Saim’s Seven}; or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Koy Patrol}; or, The Rival Heirs, 277 Denver Poll, the Detective Queen, 281 Denver Doll’« Victory. 285 Denver Doll's Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 291 Turk, the Boy Ferret. 296 Denver Doll’« 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, Hiekey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia. B8O Little Quick-Shot; or, The Dead Face of Daggersville, 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. B89 Kangaroo Kit’« Racket. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood. 858 First-Class Fred, the Gent from Gopher 868 tA ga dim, the Gold-Gatherer 3 or, The Lottery of Life 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize. 878 Nabob Neds or, The Secret of Slab City. BRS Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance. B85 Yreka Jim’s Jokers or, The Rivals of Red Nose, 889 Bicycle Ben; or. The Lion of Lightning Lode, 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Pam, 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective, 416 High Hat Harry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabaides, the Beggar-Boy Detective. 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 4538 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. 456 Seulskin Sam, the Sparkter. BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon, Wm. F Cody). 8 Kansas King; of, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom Spy : or, The Pilot of the Prairie. 55 Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scout, 68 Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust, ed a ee Dek met rr reek et fr ee pe et ZENNMAG HS BEADLE'’S+H ALF- [J)IME* LIBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. BY CHARLES MORRIS, 118 WII! Somers, the Boy D-tective. 122 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. 126 Picay tine Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. 180 Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Rags. 142 Mandsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, 147 WL Wildfire, the Thoroughbred, § Black Bess, Will Wildfire’s Racer. Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. Will W ildtire in the Woods, Billy Baggage, the Railroad Boy. A‘irump Cards or, Will Wil itire Wins and Loses, Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner, The Hidden Hand or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge. SOR CUE 4% Fred Malyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers. 189 Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. 96 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 ‘rhe Young Sharps: or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail. 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 289 Jolly dJim’s Job; or, The Young Detective. 298 The Water-Hound; or, The Young Thoroughbred. 805 Dashaway, of Dakota; or, A Western Lad in the Quaker City. 824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. 858 The Reporter-Detective 3 or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard, 867 Wide-Awake Joe; or, 4 Boy of the Times, 879 Larry, the Leveler; or, The Bloods of the Boulevard. 405 Fireily Jack, the River-Rat Detective. 428 The Lost Finger}; or, The Entrapped Cashier. 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective. A482 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. 501 Boots, the Boy Fireman} or, Too Sharp for the Sharper, 566 The Secret Service Boy Detective. BY OLL COOMES. 5 Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. 18 The Dumb Spy. 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. 81 Keen-Knilfe, the Prince of the Prairies. 41 Laaso Juck, the Young Mustanger. 6S 'The Border Ktng; or, The Secret Foe. 71 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. 74 HWawk-eye Harry the Young Trapper Ringer. 88 Rollo, the Boy Ranger. 184 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman, 148 Secar-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter, 146 Silver Star, the Koy Knight. 158 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. 168 Little Texaa, the Young Mustanger. 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit ‘Trapper. 182 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain, 202 Prospect Pete ; or, The Young Outlaw Hunters, 208 The Boy Hercules: or, The Prairie Tramps, 218 Tier Tom, the Texas Terror. 224 Dashing Dicks er, ‘Trapper Tom’s Caatle. 228 Little Wildfire, the Young Prairie Nomad. 288 The Parson Detective; or, The Little Ranger. 248 The Disguised Guide; or, Wild Raven, the Ranger, 260 Dare-DeviLDan, the Young Prairie Ranger, 272 Minkakin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy. 809 The Sky Demon ; or, Kuinbolt, the Ranger. B84 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. 409 Hercules; or, Pick, the Boy Ranger. 417 Webtoot Mose, the Tramp Detective. 422 Baby Sam, the Boy Giant of the Yellowstone. 444 Little Buckskin, tne Young Prairie Centaur, 457 Wingedtoot Fred or, Old Polar Saul. 468 Tamarac Vom, the Big Trapper Boy. 478 G1d Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemic, 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan. 5662 Blundering Basil, te Herm)t Boy Trapper. BY T. C. HARBAUGH, 2B Nick o’ the Nights or, Th» Boy Spy of ’76. 87 The Hidden Lodge; or The Littl Hunter. AT Nightingale Nat; 1, Toe Forest Captains, 64 Dandy Jack; or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Trail. 82 Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hawk. 94 Midnight | ack 5 or, The Boy Trapper, 306 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, The White Queen. 128 Kiowa Charley the White Mustanger. 189 Judge Lynch, Jr: or, The Boy Vielante, 155 Gold Trigger, the Sport; or, The Girl Avenger. 169 Tornndo ‘Tomy; or, Injun Jack From Red Core. 188 Ned Vemple, the Border Boy, IPR Arkansaw ¢ or, The Que n of Fate’s Revenge. 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. 215 Captain Rullets or, Little Tovknot’s Crusade, 231 Plucky Phil; or. Rosa, the Re! Jezebel. 241 BA Bravo; or, The Roughs of the Rockies. 255 Captain Apoli , the King-Pin of Bowie. 267 The Buckskin Detective. 79 Old Winch; or, The Buckskin Deaperadogs. 294 Dynamite Dany; or, The Bowle Blade of Cochetopa, 802 The Mountain Detective; or, The Trigger Bar Buily, $16 O14 Eclipse, Tromp Card of Arizona, 826 The Ten Pards: or. The Terror of Take-Notice. 886 Big Benson: or, The Queen of the La-so, 845 Pitiless Matt; or, Red Thunderholt’s Secret. BSG Ceot sam ore Parts o° The Terrible Six. 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. 886 Captain Cutlass; or, ' he B-ccaneer’s Girl Foe. 896 Rough Rob; or, The !'win Champions of Bloe Blazes. 411 The Silken Lasso: or, The Rose of Ranch Robin. 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. 425 Texas Trump, the order Rattler. 486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox. 445 The City Vampires; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pizeon. 461 One Against Fifty 3 or, The Last Man of Keno Bar. 470 The Roy Shadow ; or, Felix Fox’s Hunt. A?? The Excelsior Sport; or, The Washington Spotter. 499 Single Sight, the One-fyed Sport. 502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. 512 Dodger Dick, the Whuarf-Spy Detective. 521 Dodger Dick’s Best Dodge. B28 Fox and Falcon, the Bowery Shadows, BRS Dodger Pick, the Dock Ferret. 548 Dodger Dick’s Double; or, The Rival Boy Detectives. B58 Dodger Pick’« Desperate Case. 568 Dodger Dick, the Boy Vidorq. BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 7 The Flying YVankee3; or, The Ocean Outoast, 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccan. er; or, The Fugitive Yacht, 24 Diamond Dirk: or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone, 62 The Shadow Ship; or. The Rival Lieutenants, 75 Vhe Boy Duelist; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wollf, 102 Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smugyier. 11k The Sen-Devils or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. 116 The Hussar Captain or, ‘he Hermit ot Hell Gate, 197 Little Grits; or, Bessie, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter, 204 Goid Plume; or, The Kid-Glove Sport, 216 Bison BULL, the Prince of the Reins, 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman Trailer. 229 Crimson Kate 3 or, The Cowboy’s Triuniph. 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. 245 Merle, the Middy 3; or, The F 250 The Midshipman Mi utine 264 ape Vloating Feather; or, siand. 269 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, the Condemned. 276 merle Monte’s Cruises; or, The Chase of “The Gol Ship.” 280 Merle Monte’s Fate; or, Pearl, the Pirate's Bride, 84 The Sea Marauder; or, Merle Monte’s Pledge, Billy Blue-Eyes, the Boy Rover of the Rio Grande. 804 The Dead Shot Dandy ; or, Benito, the Buy Bugler. 808 Keno Kit; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double, 814 ihe Mysterious Marauder; or, The Boy Bugier’s Long rail, 877 Bonodel, the Boy Rover} or, The Flagless Schooner. 888 The Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Island. BST Warpath WIL, the Boy Phantom. 898 Seawalf, the Boy Lieutenant. AU2 Iavdor, the Young Conspirator; or, The Fatal League: 407 The Boy Insurgent; or, The Cuban Vendetta, : 412 The Wild Vachtsman; or, The War-Clouu’s Cruise, 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee, ? 488 A Cabin Boy’s Luck; or, The Corsair. 487 The Sea Raider. 441 The Ocean Firefly ; or, A Middy’s Vengeanee. 446 Haphazard Marry; or, The Seapegrace of the Sea. 450 Wizard Will: 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 Coaster. 474 Flora; or, Wizard Will’s Vagabond Pard. 488 Ferrets Afloat; or, Wizard Wil)’s Last Case, AST Nevada Ned, the Revolver Kanger. 495 Arizona Joe the Boy Pard of Texas Jack, 497 Buck Taylor, King of th: Cowboys. 508 The Royal Middy ; on, The Shark and the Sea Cat. 507 The Hunted Midshipman, 611 The Outlawed Middy. 520 Buckskin BIlLl, the Comanche Shadow, 525 Brothers in Buckskin, 580 The Buckskin Bowers. 585 The Bue skin Rovers. 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder of the Rie, 545 Lieutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. 550 Lafitte’s Legacy: or. The Avenging Son. 556 The Creole Corsair. 560 Pawnee BIII, the Prairie Shadower. 565 Kent Kingdon, the Card King. lance Heir, or, Brandt, the Buccaneer. Merle Monte’s Treasur BY JOSEPH E, BADGER, JR. 2 Vellowstone Jack; or, The Trapper. 48 Black John, the Road-Agent; or, The Ontlaw’s Retreat. 65 Hurricane Bill; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard. 119 Mustang Sam ; or. The King of the Plains. 186 Night-Hawk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch, 144 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. 151 Panther Paul; or, Dainty Lance to the Rescue, 160 The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. 168 Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. 184 The Boy Trallers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path- 208 The Boy Parda; or, Dainty Lance Unmasks, 211 Orooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City. 810 The Rarranca Wolf’; or, The Beautiful Decoy. 819 The Black Rider; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League. B85 Old Double Fist or, The Strange Guide. 855 The King of the Woods: or Danie! Huone’s Last Tral? 4419 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective. LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. B70 Camille, the Card Queen. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 671 Air-Line Luke, the Young Engineer. By J. C. Cowdrick, 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. By E. L. Wheeler. 578 The Two Shadows. By T. C. Harbaugh. wy B74 Old Weaxsel-top, the Man with the Dogs. By P. S. Warns) 575 Hei Surgeon-Scout Detective. By Colonel Prentist = nerabaiwn. 576 The Silver Sport. By Lieut. A. K. Sims. 577 Pavement Pete, the Secret Sifter, By Jo Pierce. i 578 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Aflont. By Edward L. Wheeler) 579 The Ohimney Spy; or, Broadway Billy’s Surprise-Party, By J. C. Cowdrick. ‘ 580 The Outcast Cadets or, The False Detective. By Col) Prentis# Ingraham. \ 581 Deuhieaarve Dan, the Pitcher Detective. By George C Jenks. 5&2 Dodger Dick’s Drop, By T. C. Harbaugh, AS BS8 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow. By Lieut. A. K. Sims BS4 Dendwood Dick, Jr., In Denver. By Ed. L. Wheeler” BSS Will Waters, the Boy Ferret. By H. Enton, ‘Lesa BS6 The Buckekin Avenger. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 7 BS? Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. By Wm. G. Patten’ sity) BS8 Jack-o-Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector. By Jo Pierce saan 589 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City. By) Lieut. A. K. Sims 2 a B90 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s., Decree. By E. L. Wheeler. 591 Delmonte. the Young Sea-Rover, By Col. P Ingraham. 592 The Boy Pinkerton. By J. C, Cowrrick. 5938 Keen Clem, the Ranch Imp. By P. S. Warne: Ma 594 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective. By T. C, Harbaugh © 595 Deadwood Dick Jr. in Beelzebub’s Basin. By E.” L. Wheeler. Ready December 18, + 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves. Morris. . Rendy December 25. b9? The Young Texan Detective. Keady January 1 59S Flute, the Sinver Detective, By Geo. C. Jenks. By P. S. Warne. By Chas By Col. P. Ingraham. © Ready. Jnanvary 8. 599 Jim Dandy, the No-Name Sport. ff Ready January (5. :y 600 Deadwood Dick Jr. at Coney Island. By Edward L.~ Wheeler. Ready January 22 PP iene A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Walf-Dime Library is for sale by all newsdealers, fv cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND APAMS, Publishers, ; 98 William Street, New Yerk.