Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 394) (1885 02 10)
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a FOURTH EDITION. sm a oat 1m jalalal lay) Te eer eT i da | $2.50 a year. Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Seco ze Class Mail Rates. Copyright, 1885, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, Februrary 10, 1886. Single PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE A ND ADAMS Price, Vol. Mk, 5 , : ° 5 Cents. No. 394, Number. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. z CHAPTER I. «Hm MAN WHO MEANDERED IN OUT OF TH MOIST.” fr was a wild, stormy night in the mountain —a night when no person would care to be abroad, even had he business which must needs be attended to under cover of night. The nor’west wind blew with great velocity ® through mountain and gulch, bringing upor ifs wings not only a cold, autumnal sleet, that was cutting in the extreme, but showers of debris, caught up and hurled from point to point by th eddyin sts. There pars no thunder, but the heavy groan WH E ing of the wind, the occasional crashing of a — Bee falling tree, the shrieking of the gale throng» 1 E DYVY . crags and forest branches, all were sounds as awe-inspiring as would have been the boom o! heaven's artillery. SHE SPORT CALMLY FOLDED HIS ARMS, AND FLASHED HIS GAZF SWEEPINGLY OVER THE 7 Upon one side of. a rugged mc umtain-side ARRAY OF MEN, WHO HAD FACED ABOUT TO RECEIVE Hil.
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stage road, however, far—far above the level of / . stood the blasts of the tempest, which edaied | the sea, a large, strongly-built log tavern with- and roared around its several gables. It was the only habitation, perhaps, for fifty | miles around, and to a belate. traveler would | have undoubtedly presented « pleasing specta- cle, for lights shone out fro. its windows upon the night, and the swing-sigu over the door creaked invitingly. This was Hencoop City, 1. midway stop for stages between the two ends of a tortuous mountain-trail. Although as a metropolis Hencoop City could not boast of an extensive permanent population, two sunset stages daily—one from either direc- tion—brought to the hotel enough people to apaaabe. fill it, and sometimes to overcrowd it. One end of the route was a far Western rail- way connection; at the opposite end was the en -developed mining-city called Death- ttle. Eencoop by name, had foreseen the necessity of an inturmcdste stopping-placo for the daily coachos, and the ‘* howtel” was up and ready for business in Jess time than an Englishman would be muiiuy up bis mind about a Szotch- Pi2rD. Tho result was most gratifying—not only to Hencoor, but to the passengers of the tiresome ecucte.. ‘Twelve continuous hours from either end of the route made tho voyagers heartily glad w seek a night of rest and repose at Hotel | thrown Hencoop, when it should be their ood fortune | neck an to reach that grim wayside hostelry. And on this wild autumnal night, of which we write, the Hotel Hencoop was as comfortabiy filled as was its usual wont. Both stages had arrived by sunset, and the ests made ‘‘at hum” by the tall, raw-boned . | ‘reka Jim of Yuba Dam. It was buta few minutes after this trifling dis- turbance had occurred, thai the ponderous door of the bar-room swung open, aid a horseman ' rode unconcernedly into the hosvelry. | Sunded by a graceful Such an action, theugh oi/fiequent oceur- renve in many pats o. the West, was rather an unknown apu surprising occurreuce at Hencoop City, and, as a consequonce, the startled guests all arose and inaceu the intruder with revolvers ' drawn, for wie.2udacious horseman looked as if he might bo * some on his muscle,” ‘an ugly customer,” “a mounted cyclone,” He was Apolio-like in Luild and development, with a handsome countenance; the mouth, brown mustache, was pleasuat, but tum as acamaut, and giaccd by two rows ot peariy teeth; eyes dark, keenly pen- etrating and magnetic; hair of same coior as ; usta he, and woin in luxuriant profusion over his shoulders. His striking appearance was enhanced by the garb he wore—a costume that must have made ai : } | him an object of attention anywhere. Hence, an enterprising Californian, Hugenot | ’ Jalifornian, who made his boast that he run the | shebang” to suit not only his guests but his own convenience, Tha passengers of the two coaches, were some- what contrasiive—if Webster or Worcester will admit of such an expression. The stage from Glendon had brought in a score of travelers of the well-dressed class— men, evidently, “fresh,” so far as hard work in the mines was concerned, but who were quite prepared to obtain a livelihood by their wits. e arrivals from Death-Rattle were of a different sort—men who had handled the pick and pan, “rocked” the “‘ cradle,” and “‘ blasted” everything they 1ana :0s3 that had any “stuf?” in it—men who had made their little ‘* pile,” by strictrindustry, and were now off to sce an ** elephant.” And while the bleak, sleet-loaded winds howl- ed about the gables of ‘Hotel Hencoop, the scene within was convivial, genial and indicative of general good-fellowship. Contrary to the usual rules of the far West, Hencoop’s “bitters” wero not warranted to produce manipocha, at sight; shrewd as any Yankee, the Californian did not believe in rush- ing matters, for, argued he— If one lightning-stroke will ‘paralyze’ a pilgrim, whar’s the distiller going to ever own a brown-stone front?” And, therefore, the silvery rill that gurgled across the trail, near the hostelry, was made to do its share in allaying the thirst of the hos- telry’s guests and made a ‘“‘ bar’l” of bug-juice o a good ways and thus the patrons of the Genccop bar were obliged to consume several younds of ‘‘ nose-paint” before they got warmed up to fighting humor. As a whole, the scene within the spacious bar- room was not unpleasant, for, whilc§the ‘* boys” of Death-Rattle were liberal, and perfectly will- ing to fire away their dust, tho recent arrivals from Glendon were in no wise loth to be freely treated,” Sharpers were there among the Glendon party ——men who would have been dead, years ago, ybut for the readiness of their wits and nimble- ness of their fingers; hence but little wonder that ‘ard-tables were in requisition during the even- ing, and the prospect became gradually plain that the morning stage on to Death-Rattle would carry with it some o lett the broke! As the evening advanced, the scene grew livelier. The doctored liquor flowed faster, the tongue grew noisier, the bravado became more prominent, and, at last, one poor galoot tried to steal a try ace, and immediately died with his boots on, and was dr out into, the shed, where Huge Hencoop kindly stored all ‘ stiffs, patil an opportunity afforded to plant them. 4 those who had so recently mining-camp—carrying them back dead | jacket, a white Commencing at his feet, the top-boots were of the finest leather and make, and the top of the leggings were looped by silver links, to two bands of polished gold. Trimly-fitting pants of broad- clovh, side-seamed with gold gilt, came next—the legs tucked gracefully into the boot-tops. At the waist, a belt—a chain-link band of pac pro- vided with pistol-holsters and knife-sheath. Then came to notice an embroidered shirt of finest white flannel, the front liberally studded with diamonds, and the human hair fringed collar n at the throat, exposing a fair, white npper breast; a plain, red corduroy broad-rim sombrero, with a golden, diamond-set: star pinning up one side; an enveloping gossamer, now thrown back, carelessly, gracefully over the shoulder; a pair of furred bridle-gloves upon the shapely hands— that was the cestume of the rider. y Tho horse was trim-limbed; high-spirited, fiery-eyed, and deep bay in color; his back bore a richly-trimme 1 saddle, with gilt-embroidered | man’s countenance, it was upon that of the lank ry lap-blanket; the bridle was of the Spanish style, gold-plated and glittering. Such was the appari‘ion thet suddenly pre- sented itself to the gaze of the revelers within the Hotel Hencoop, and caused them to rise ea masse, with hostile mien. Don't be disturbed, chick-a~lecs!” said the new-comer, in a tranquilly reassuring voice, as he drew rein, and shifted his elegant loft limb to the right-hand side of the sa:!dle. “ Don’é be the least bit ciscomfudded, for there is no cause fora single twitter. Seeing indications of comfort here, my equine—‘ If you find te latch-string out, go said to F Ph:rioui Cnum—that’s | . iis NS ae ere . ole pee! i é re / ees " w vias Ba) ree : B44 is 4 us your name, an’ then a specimen o’ yer ; Now, we like cheek, an’ lip, an’ tongue—th | aire Sunday breakfast dishes at this house—b | we don’t allow no braggarts around this ‘hi | —an’ this aire Hencoop City! Aire I right, | boys? and the Californian turned his an; fave toward the’ crowd. ** Right you are !” “ And youare right!” assented the man on horse- ‘ ‘back, ‘I have not the least right to impose upon ! your good humor and good sense without givit ’ . 4 « | you sume show for your money. And now, with your ears in my embrace, I will proceed. | at once observe that Iam good-looking, a tu: i of some brains, more nerve, and most gall. How - | ever, the subject of this discourse will be Lu..-— ness, and so, in order to enlighten you as to the name, I will call your attention to the tronti:- piece of my ceive any particular peculiarity about the j biz |of my .pard, E Pluribus? | and be sure you're right, before you go aheac— any scar, blemish or defect, not belongi | one and a hundred others,of the horse race? 'a fair test—human or brute—and the gates are now open!” All were mystified and therefore silent, until the Californian at length spoke: ‘See here, what you givin’ us?” he ‘““My name, sir. Do you not see it?” ~ “No, blame you!” “Step nearer to E Pluribus, and look him squarely in the left eye!” ene hesitated a moment, and then obeyed. Steadily and unwaveringly he looked the horse in the left eye! Then, he stepped back with an ejaculation of genuine astonishment! CHAPTER II. THE ARIZONA COCKTAIL. Ir surprise was ever manifested upon cne Californian. “Well!” the horseback sport said, senten- | ticusly. ‘‘D’ye know my handle, now?’ | ‘“*Do I? echoed Hencoop. “Waal I should pickle my pork! Say, that ain’t bad—I say it aivt, and 1 mean it. | spo" 5 prasped, and there and then was cemented | an wunuttercd sign-token of friendshi ¥ ; And the crowd looked on in further amaze- ment, | ‘* VFe'll water our stock!” the Californian seid sulling the sport from the saddle, and march- | ing him up to the bar. ou will “When a real origine] | uine, and ask you—do you por- — Look sharp, now, ~~ bs tori Ugo. growled. — ; q : {sf wes. *% al ® < ek Cee = » » it er thar!” and advare. — y | tug, he put forth his prodigious hend, which the “fe ‘ +t for it;’ hence we meandered in cut o the moist. | euss like you comes along, I allow I lay ersido — Has ary individual gotan objecticn?” and throw- | ollidea o’ margin, an’ the future looks bright. ing the reins upon the animal’s neck, the sport calmly folded his arms, and flashed his gaze rabee god over the array of men, who had faced about to receive him. But one man ventured to step forward, cud that was the ‘‘ boss” of the “‘ shebang.” Hencoop was not what would be called a **bad” man on the borders. Long, lank and gawky, and slouchily attired, he seemed to pos- sess more of a Wagyish spirit than the heart of a ruffian, yet old callers at the ‘‘ City” were ready to affirm that when Hugenot “set down his fut "—and it was no smaller than a number twelve size—things had to “ go.” ‘Waal, pardner, maybe [ might chime in a plaintive echo!” the Californian remarked, stroking hislong-pointed,tow-colored chin-piece. ““S’pose ther guests of my palatial grub-mill don’t like ter hev their patents infringed upon, ner their nerves shocked, Tharfore, we do consider yer abrupt advent ruther audacious!” **'Youcdo? Blessme; I supposed the rarefied at- mosphere up here strengthening to the nerves. If it isn’t, however, it is most fortunate I came for, behold in me’ the great Electric Healer of the Age. Gifted with a power granted to but few ot God’s created, itis my fa , pilgrim, to perform most wonderful cures coming within the scope of the various afflictions of mankind. Show me a man with a bent form, distorted limbs, or inactive nerves, and I will cure him, or— Now, see here; Pll tell you what I'll do: If I can’t make him ail O. K., in five minutes, I'l] put up my head as a pistol-target for the crowd! An’ it’s that kind of a man I am!” All stared amazedly at the handsome man of ‘‘gall,” who sat his saddle with the conscious superiority of a king upon his throne. ‘ That’s purty good!” Hencoop acknowl . surveying the sport with a dry but doubting smile, ‘‘Et do a man good they say, to hear another man shoot off w. But, Doctor Devil-may-care-who-you-are, suppose you give Boyees, come up and take a royal ‘nest-cgg’, | right at the expense of the Hencoop.” ” Of course the crowd did. In their own estimation, they would hzve de. served to be shot had they rciused. aan ‘** Boyees!” Hencoop said, when the glasses were filled, and elevated—‘ boyees, heer’s a toasi: ‘Ere’s to a man both as an’ fly. iz Whoss name aire found in a hoss’s eye; Eie’s to the stranger, rum an’ gin, A tarant’ier toast ter Yreka Jim!’ Down went the beverage, at a general after which the crowd returned to staring a dashing sport. “Yreka Jim!” The name passed from lip to lip; then party stepped up and tapped Hugenot Hep on the shoulder—a man rather under ave hight, but broad-shouldered and portly, thick bow-legs, a regular full-mcon sort of. unbearded, and red, the blood in the veins ing even redcer; small peering eyes, whos color cne could only ascertain by study; a by nose, large mouth, sensual and cruel pression, and—a plug hat! Tho hat was one of the characteristics man, because it fitted him a trifle too mu looked as if, but for the pair of protrudin, but otherwise, the elegance of his attiy lavish display of jewelry, tended to i that the individual was a “nabcb,” On‘ being “ shouldered,” the California ed around, none too mildly. “ Well?’ he demanded, his tone softer than . his looks, ‘* what do you want, pardner?” rat “Excuse me!” and the fat man rubbed end of his nose, as if it annoyed him—* ey; me, sir, but how do you know this man’s neg is Yreka Jim?” “ How do I know!” runted Hencoep, |“ Wa Rigs Wash it might take a notion to cover the whol sir, because I know !” tho
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_ You claim that by looking in the horse’s eye you ed the knowledge?” _ ‘You bet yer hat!” A sniff of the nabob’s right-hand nostril ex- pressed his thorough disgust. “Phat may ‘ go,’ with many,” he said, ‘‘ but you don’t fool me with any nonsense of that sort!” ““You don’t believe it, eh?’ '4* No, I don’t!” ; - “And, now, that you come to speak of it, has any one specially asked you to believe it?” Yreka Jim spoke up, eying the man, sharply. _ ** Your doubts in the matter are all self-imposed, and if you don’t choose to believe the evidences of your senses, what are you chinning in, for, anyhow?” _ “And, therefore, it would ap _, don’t look u ** And so you are from the East, eh?” he de- 7 ded. “Tam from the East, sir!” “A gentleman from the East?” _ **Exactly!” ho S* And in might your name be?” “Tf it concerns you to know, sir, I am Girard . Gambetta, of Chicago.” "Bel Ah! and nace you have the agetaager of ‘belonging to the Western metropolis, you_pre- : Haime to ioe out here with a canful ‘of bom- bast, and allow that I am not e gentleman, eh?” the sport cried, his tones growing sterner. .“T did not say that!” betta declared, ap- pearing a trifle uneasy. ‘‘ Your sudden advent into our presence, coupled with your unintelli- gible gab created in my mind the suspicion, sir that ou were a fraud, if indeed not worse, and aS fished to warn the good _ people, here, against trusting you, too far. If I made an erroneous inventory of you, I beg pardon, sir, a thousand _ times as any true gentleman would!” ' ‘Jf you made an erroneous inventory of me?” Yiteka Jim retorted. ‘Then, I may infer that you are not entirely satisfied but what your in- » ventory was correct.” Oh! well, we won’t have any more words about it—let the matter drop,” the nabob said, _ evasively. “Oh! no! not so easy as that, my boy!” Yreka Potunned. ny dons believe in that sort © vhing, you know. , Put your corporosity u Paoithat. bar!” and click! chick! tecot the revol- ver in the sport’s grasp. “Oh! yes! yes!—certainly I'll drink with you!” Gambetta hastened to say, marching up to the counter. ; : - “Oh! you bet you willl” Yreka Jim rejoined; - —“leastwise, there'll be a dead ‘gentleman’ nd this floor if you refuse. Barkeeper, one please!” : _ hongh the crowd stared at this order—an ‘tdirect, on most occasions—they made no *) vent. barkeeper set out an empty glass. yw, atin it a teaspoonful of salt!” bitros Ve ve an Arizona cocktail. He a. =. . Add a little water, now, Gumboil;— hat’s a plenty. Now, then, add a tea- 1 of r oil, and if you’ve got any -\l put thatin. Ah! you have,eh? You \: most elegantly-appointed bar I’ve en- %din a dog’s age. Now, then, I suppose bt be able to hunt up a couple of anti- -eggs—not withered ones, but real ripe ‘es, in the present hight of their useful- Jiyve ’em, you bet!” the Adonis of the § Aieclared, with an understanding grin. @Girard Gambetta began to look decid- - omfortable. “See here!” he began. ‘Silence!” Yreka ordered, Seen the muz- his elegant ‘‘six,” against betta’s _* When you Sal a upon yo Coste Vl speak. y r is pressing upon trigger, and the least movement of your jaw es teea by thin tins ienbieale viole ana was by me olent- : ihe. new but too well that his forward- nad placed him in a humiliating situation. i% Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam. The barkeeper was equal to the emergency, for, diving down behind his counter he brought to light a couple of eggs, that, from their ap- pearance glass with the other mixture, the perfume that their noses in disgust. ready,” Yreka Jim announced. brains out.” in horror. ‘That filthy mess! J drin at? No! never! Ill die first!” “Suit yourself!” was the reply. ‘‘ Choose whichever you think is the easiest—either you drink the cocktail, or you die in your tracks. This is my only code, where an Eastern gentle- man insults a Western civilian. I will count five. One!” White, and sick with horror, Gambetta turn- ed an appealing look to Hugenot Hencoop. “Yer needn’t ax me!” the Californian de- clared grimly. ‘‘ Ye run yer nose into a hor- nets’ nest, and hev only ter abide by the sting- in’. Ef ye don’t ‘down’ the dose, [ll not in- terfere if ye git carved up inter mutton-chops!” And the general eagerness manifested by the crowd showed that his verdict suited them. ‘““Twol!l” cried Yreka Jim. With the cold muzzle of the revolver now ressing against his forehead, the Gentleman rom Chicago realized that his only choice was the disgusting dose or death. ‘* Three!” Yreka cried decisively. ‘‘ You die, at five!” With a gagging gasp Gambetta reached for- ward, and his quivering fingers laid hold of the glass. Then the thought of swallowing that awful dose caused him to shudder violently. “Four!” There was vicious emphasis now in Yreka’s tones: his eyes showed that he had not the slightest idea of relenting. ith another spasmodic shudder, that ap- ared to rack his very frame, Gambetta totter- ingly raised his arm, and opening wide the ca- pacious orifice that served him as a mouth, he emptied the sickening mixture into it, and eulped it down. ith eagerness born of curiosity the spectators had watched for this denouement ; but, the sym- pathetic reaction that followed was startling, in the extreme. With hands clasped convulsively over their stomachs, and expressions unutterable upon their faces, they made, one after another, for the street—something like a flock of sheep break- ing over a country fence. tambetta, short and fat as he was, must have been at least third in the race, and when the room was emptied of all but the sport, the Cali- fornian and a few other ‘‘ strong stomached ” in- dividuals, the wild night without resounded with one awful intermingled cry of ‘‘aigs-ugh!” “ aige-ugh!” ‘ aigs-ug dy ‘“Yréka Jim, you're a brick!” the Californian exclaimed, as he and Yreka stood leaning against the bar. ‘‘ Et ain’t often I do take a ‘put’ or a ‘call,’ but when I do, I furst ‘ calls’ my man, and then ‘ puts’ out my hand. Shake! An’, now, d’ye know this Gambetta?” ‘“ Never saw him before in my life!” ““Tho’t mebbe you might know him. What d’ye think of him?" ‘Not much, He is not only an overbearing man, because he may have or may have had, some wealth; but he is deep.” , The relieved men began to re-enter, then, one y one. _ “About this horse’s eye?” Hencoop remarked, interrogatively. ‘‘An explanation may save you some trouble from the crowd, who are not now the most even tempered.” ‘Of that, sufficient anon,” Yreka answered, briefly, “‘ Little danger of trouble, to-night I guess. And if you will give me permission, I'd like to illustrate some of my electric healing qualities. I will guarantee not only to perform some astonishing cures, if there are any to be rformed, but will put a penny in your ket. tvery man I cure of any ailment I'll make treat!” “ All right!” the Californian assented, enthusi- astically, for albeit he had an eye to business, he had also formed an unusual admiration for the prt, “Tt’s a bargain, Dunno, tho’, as you'll d any one to doctor, among this gang.” “ Without canvassing, you cannot understand the wants of a crowd like this,” Yreka smiled. The ‘‘sick’’ men were soon re-congregated within the room—a white-faced, woebegone lot. Gambetta, however, looked as if, literally, he | ! lin tty pi gS i had coughed oy an earthquake, not to mention a volcano. haggard were of no recent production, and ful. Indeed, the proverbial lamb could not b when he broke their yellowish contents into the : been mecker. years, and possessed a rare, almost perfect forng, —— a e@ was deathly pale, wilc-eyed, and trembling; but he was not 1cscni ‘* Gents, the best antidote on this occasion for arose caused the crowd to back off, and hold | p'izen, is p’izeu itself,” Yreka staid good-hun.o;- edly, as he tossed .a twenty-dollar gold-piece cut “There, Girard Gambetta, the cocktail is | upon the bar. ‘‘Take it, and | to put a nail in your coilin if you think it will be drink it without a murmur, or Ill blow your | of any good to the counti ** Anyhow, you’re all welcome . ” That the country fener suffer through their “* My God, man, I can’t!” the nabob d, | backwardness the guests did not intend, and all k th fronted and faced with clock-like tb When the ‘“‘shock” was administer Jim was seen mounted upon a card-table, hat off and hair brushed back. » Yreka ‘‘Gents,” he called out, ‘‘now that but one man has been satisfied, will you all be convinced? If so, step up and gaze into the left’eye of my horse, steadily!” They did. One by one, single file, aw 4 in front of the horse and did as Jim had directed, until the last man had looked, when the sport demanded: ‘‘ Well, what name did you see blazing in E Pluribus Unum’s eye?” ‘* Yreka Jim!” came the reply, unanimously. “ Right you are,” the sport declared, smiling- ly. ‘‘ And now, gentlemen, that you are satis- fled as to my name, I want to show you what i can do. Remember, if my questions fit none of your cases, do not say so, but remain silent. 16 saves working the muscles of the jaw, which may be valuable to you some day. Now, is there any man in this crowd who has rhcu- matism?” No answer. ‘‘Or heavy action of the heart?” No answer. ‘Ts there any man who has bent limbs, con- torted joints, flesh swellings, lumbago, tooth- ache or—” ‘* See hyar, friend; I think I’ve got a case for you,” Hugenot Hencoop cried out. And he pointed to a person who, at this mo- ment, entered the bar-room—a imen of humanity who could only be seen to be pitied. Whereby hangs the remainder of our tale. CHAPTER III. THE DETECTIVE. OF the town—no, we should say city, for it considered itself by large odds the biggest and foremost of its kind, in that particular region— Death-Rattle was just a characteristic, lively and go-ahead gathering of huts and humans. It was young, thriving, and ‘‘ blcoded.” Of the “blood,” there was the usual amount flowing, peculiar to every “ tough” town. Some few nights previous to the eventful one which opened our romance—a night when stars twinkled allover the heaven’s azure dome, and the young moon threw down an effulgence of pure mellow light upon the camp, a certain resi- dence within its by no means extended berders, and more pretentious than its neighbors, was brilliant in its front illumination. This particular house was but a one-story-and, attic; therefore the light must have hailed from the parlor windows, which were guilty of being curtained by finest lace. Within, a scene of elegance was presented to the man who looked in, from the outside—pro- - viding, of course, such a man did look in, It was not a scene of Eastern opulence, but a scene of far, far Western elegance, the definition of which, is, comfort. The front apartment was the parlor of the establishment, and showed not only the taste of a woman’s hand in arrangement, but the test upon a man’s pocket-book, in the furnishing. Furniture, carpets, pictures, curtains, piano, vases—many and many modern thi added, showed that either an indulgent parent, or may- hap husband, had thought well, and not parsi- moniously, in selecting what might please the one who dwelt within. And, upon this night of which we write, lights set off the quiet beauties of the apartment, bril- liantly, and reflected upon two persons seated 6.6 opposite sides of the room. entionable first, the lady—for her companion. . was of the opposite sex. She was richly attired, silk, and lace charm- ingly intermingled in her costume; jewelry too, such jewelry as would make the bells of New York and London, open their eyes in wonder and envy. 3 for herself, she was not a beauty, such as the enraptured noveli ronounced loves to picture. ; She was aged between eighteen and nineteen mE L Ty | all caencag = Fela = ox *
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In face she was just ordinarily pretty—not as pretty goes in our “best” Eastern society, — bul with a sweetly expressive face, plainly, not even artistically chiseled, yet indicative of great strength of character as well as of «uc Woman- hood. The man opposite her was plainly attired—not as that word goes in the far West, but as the Bast uses it. His garments were in no wise those of wealth, yet were respectably neat and substantial. Well formed, with a well-shaped head, upon which was a stylish hat, dark, lustrous eyes, such asa woman could like—a graceful mustache, like his hair, of a brown color—all in all, a nice-look- ing fellow, and, if one might judge, not a bad match for the young woman. ‘Mr, Senal, I am so glad you have come,” the lady was saying, betraying but the slightest most delightful Spanish accent. ‘*I am so glac you have como. Ever since you saved “g’ life in the mountains, when my frightened horse threatened to plunge me over the precipice, [ have waited to see you once more. Oh! sir, I am so glad to meet you. You were so brave— so handsome—so—but, sir, I told papa of your hercie conduct, and he is more grateful than [ ever knew him to be before. I—l—” ' Miss Romeriqua,” interposed the man, ** you are too flattering, for I have done nothing de- serving such praise. I chanced to stop your horse—pah! for that! A hundred men would _ have done the same, if an opportunity had pre- sented. You entreated me to visit you, and I have come; but, do you remember, ‘ promis- / ed that my call this evening should be unknown to your father?” “Nor is it known. You and I are alone to- { night, Don Senal, and I am glad of i%.” “Why glad?” and the visitor regarded her { thoughtfully, if not searchingly. ; ‘*Glad!” And a light—a light of love’s purest worship— j entered the senorita’s dusky, passionful eyo". , ‘*Glad, Don Senal? And why should T not be glad? Oh! did you not bring me gladness—not , Sumply by your bravery—oh! no. Your smile, / your very touch—it was gladness then, for | renlized that you were—” ( She aroso falteringly, and faced him, her head | slightly bowed, her eyes downcast, her whole | form tremulous with emotion. ) No man, anchorite or woman-hater, could » have resisted the influence of such worship. Senal arose, and she sprung into his embrace, 50 irresistibly that it was only with a strong cf- | fort he could put her off at arm’s length. '. “Why are you thus agitated, Miss Ro- | meriqua?” he asked. ‘‘ Iam sure—” | Don’t!” she replied—‘‘I must tell you. I am @ Spanish woman, and not afraid to speak. ! T love you |” | 4 Love me?” Senal ejaculated, surprised, while at the same time, he had not been unprepared for the avowal. ‘¢- Yes, love you,” she reiterated, passionately —‘‘love you as a woman can love but once. Ever since our eyes first met I have realized that {you were my heart’s idol, and to possess your j love in return would be the culmination of my fondest desire.” Senal listened, scarcely daring to look into her burning orbs. 1 ‘This is certainly a great surprise to me, senorita,” he said; ‘‘such a surprise as I little 4‘ anticipated, or, in all probability, I should not ‘have accepted your invitatiou to call.” | You wouldn t?—and why not? Is there any dishonor in the confession I made to you? No! Then, why should you not have come? I love you—I, Inez Romeriqua, and am not ashamed to | own it! Lam Miguel Romeriqua’s daughter; I don’t know what it is to want for anything. 4 Shall I want for your affection, when I can win , itt Lam rich, you are poor, and I can forever ' place you above the possibility of want. Would | Tok then be entitled to a return of your affec- i tion?” ‘“‘ Perhaps, senorita, were I inclined to become | the party to a love affair,” Senal replied, ‘* but ‘TL afi not. I can but feel grateful to you for yout good opinion of me, but there I must draw , aline. You will forget your foolish admiration ‘of me when I am gone!” “ Never! You shall not go!” Inez cried, pas- sionately. ‘‘ You are mine, and you shall belong to no one else. Who is this other woman who Pea to have a claim upon you? I'll strangle her!” Suddenly fired with jealousy, she stood there, _ erect, with flushed face and blazing eyes, a pic- - ture of incarnate indignation, You are alarmed without cause, senorita,” _ Senal replied. ‘Be seated, I beg of you, and y s calm yourself. Were I inclined to wed any one, it could not be you, despite the fact that I am now heart and tancy free.” ‘“ Why not?’ she demanded, fiercely. “Oh! for several reasons!” ae them—I will know them! Speak, sir —speak! “Well, one reason is thatI do not care to marry—should not, I fancy, even were I to fall in love, for a man’s freedom is a treasure im- measurably superior to anything he ‘could pos- sess. Another reason is, I could never marry a person who lives a lie!” He was sitting in the velvety arm-chair, across the room, as he said this, and looking di- rectly at Miss Romeriqua. She started violently, and turned white as she heard the words, but conquered her agitation, by a mighty effort, and returned his gaze calmly, ‘*T do not understand why you should speak so strangely, Don Senal. You owe me an ex- planation.” * Certainly, if, indeed, you really need one— if it will any further enlighten you. You told me, on our first meeting, that you were of Spanish-Mexican descent, and that your father Miguel Romeriqua, owned millions’ worth o ai p in and about the city of Mexico.” “ 3+ 999 4 did tell you so, sir. Do you not believe it “ Well, hardly,” and Senal smiled, showing his pearly teeth, ‘‘ when I know that it is utter- ly false—your statement.” ‘Sir! This to me?” ‘Ay! that to you! Don’t let it startle or alarm you, however, until you are satisfied that Iam untrustworthy.” Miss Romeriqua was whiter than before, and her gaze wandered toward the bell-pull. ‘Oh! you need not trouble yourself to ring for your father,” Senal went on, his voice slight- ly sarcastic, “It’s not worth while, for, were he to come, he would not-alarm me, You see senorita, [know much more than you think I know—much more than you could wish f knew. Your name is, ostensibly, Romeriqua—a good name, too, showing en artistic choice in the choosing. The plain name of Banks is by no means as pretty, or romantic!” Inez uttered a strange cry, and put up her lily hands, imploringly. ** Dowt !” she gasped. ‘‘ How did you find—” ‘*T will tell you all,” Senal interrupted, “ and, then, you will know why our respective paths in lifé must be wide apart. I am a detective. My name is not Seguin Senal—but, then, that’s nothing. Detectives are allowed a multitude of names, ‘‘ At the time iS was my fortune to save your life, I had undertaken a detective job, and was looking for a man named Bayard Banks, of Chicago, who was wanted for the several charges of forgery, jembezzlement and fraud. How the case fell into my hands, it can- not matter for you to know; but, fall into my hands it did, and I was in search of Banks, with small prospect of finding him, when you and I first met. Little did I expect then, that our chance meeting could have eny- thing to do with my work—but it did. You no doubt wonder how, and I will try to inform you; you remember, that, lacking one of your own cards, you wrote your name on the back of a business card and gave it tome. When T left you, lexamined the card, andTI found upon the other side of it, the address,/or rather the busi- ness advertisement of Breman, Banks & Co., Chicago, with the ‘Banks’ crossed over with red ink. I at once knew that I had struck a clew, and was not long in deycloptng the fact that Miguel Romeriqua, the self-styled Spanish- Mexican mine-owner of Death-Rattle, was Bayard Banks, forger and defaulter, of eg a Consequently, it but remains that you, his daughter, ins of being Senorita Inez Rom- eriqua, are Beulah Banks.” e look of unutterable horror and helpless- ness, that had gradually settled upon the face of the girl, now resolved into an expression of defiance. “Well, what de you propose to do?” she de- manded, fiercely. “Oh! I have not made up my mind, as-re- gards that. I shall have time to deliberate.” Yes, you will need time to deliberate,” Inez said, with iar emphasis. “By which you mean a threat, I presume,” Senal remarked, without appearing to be much rburbed. “Tt don’t matter. father harmed—not I!” I shall never see my “Oh! I suppose it would be but natural for | you to cling to him. You need not fear that I shall trouble him, at present, providing he » escape, I shall be compelled to put the nipperson him, maybe!” tenet He arose then, and stood silently gazing at — her, as if awaiting her verdict. Pie, She bowed her aze, When it met his, end. seemed deep, in meditation. At length, she arose, and looked at him. ‘‘Mr. Senal,” she said, ‘‘I,a weak woman, and perhaps a sinful cne, since you ereawate that I try to shield my father, have confessed my love for you—I canstill honestly and honor- ably do thesame. You are at liberty to go, sir, but, if you knew of the intensity with which |” love you, you would never seek tostabthe hcait I have, unwomanlike, laid at your feet—throug my father!” a Senal was deeply moved. 2 He saw how earnest she was—how truthful, eyen under the enforced ban of falsehood, and _ knew that it would he a cruelty among cruck | things to wound that heart—that soul heart, not 5 afraid to speak its message. ‘Yes, duty demands that I £0, Miss Romeri- — qua,” he said, after a moment. ‘ I would I had never met you—for then I could have gone om and done my duty to the law, of whichlamai — resent a servant. And now, before we part, . et me tell you something: I am not aharsh man, nor a cruel man, but I am a just man. © You say you love me. Will you not truthfully answer me one question?” “Go on,” Inez said, covering her face with her hands. ‘TI anticipate what you are going ~ to ask?” ae “Perhaps; but, dear lady, I hope you are not in the least to blame,” Senal said, kindly, ccm- assionately. ‘‘ There is a passage in the Bible, tf intimating that the sins of the parent are visit- ed on the offspring; but we will hepe that it’ does not apply to your cas®@. And now, a ues- tion: Your father came to this séction of the ae country for an object—that is, he did not fice from civilization to this remote part simply for _ the surety of safety from the grasp of the law. He had an object !” ire ‘*Yes—yes!” Inez assented, falteringly, ‘I’ ~ will not lie to you, Mr. Senal; he had an object, and I, being a party knowing to it,am guilty, | # and despicable to you. Oh, God! why didInct . § die ere I had to suffer this?” 9. ae , ‘Be calm,” Senal said, as stoically calm him-)>/ self as a man well could be. ‘‘Self-condemna- tion is not, in my estimation, a virtue, Wait — till you are condemned, then acknowledge what is the truth. But Iam moralizing. Your father came here for an ol ject, more than to escape the — law, which he may have thought he had clever- 5 ly evaded. In leaving,Chicago—or before that time, rather—he embezzled a sum of money be~ _ longing to a Western orphan child. This child ~ J also had a life insurance placed upon her life to— an extraordinary figure; and in case she should _ die her guardian is the beneficiary. ‘‘But”— — glancing at his watch—‘‘I am encroaching upon my own time. I will talk more anon, Now, mind! If Miguel Romeriqua desires to dwell placidly in Death-Rattle, warn him te have no schemes against the orphan iy Then Senal was gone! CHAPTER IV. HI HATCH’S LEFT BOOT. To return to the Hotel Hencoop. ee Alleyes followed the direction, indicated by — the Californian’s finger, and saw an old manen- tering the saloon, who indeed looked as if he were in need of some powerful remedy for ills that he was heir to. Bae? . ty His legs were distorted, and stiffened in the pointe ’ Hy, his left arm was drawn half-behind is back. as He hobbled along, with the aid of a cane, rather / ibe than walked, and bis face indicated thatevery | __ exertion was positive torture. - His attire was coarse, ragged and greasy, hat being shot full of holes. In face he waz not a bad-looking man, had hi beard been trizamed, and an application of soap and water brought into play. His hair, beard and eyes were dark brown ‘in color, the latter peering out from in under a shaggy overhanging pair of eyebrows. His features however gaunt and haggard; that he had seen hard tim was apparent. wt \ — stepped forward, as the stranger hobbled cn to thebar. 5 ; aL ta e he Litany d Pi al
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fe. © » ger, yer don’t presume been thus crippled for any considerable length Then, Yreka Jim turned to Hiram Hatch. ® “You!” the cripple ejaculated, surveying the sport, from bead to foot. ‘Waal, neow, stran- to allow thet ye’r’ able to straighten out stiffened j’ints, o’ years standin’?” | “ Perhaps I may be able to do it. Have you of time?” “Yas, I hev, an’ tried everything in ther doc- tor book, but nary a bit o’ use. I got wuss, in- stead o’ better, an’ so, finally guv it up, asa bad job. A feller told me ter keep meself soaked in bug-juice, an’ it would limber my joints, an’ I unno but it works bout as well as ary other remedy.” “Tt can ndvised, *‘ and is ease. But, don’t go any further in that direc- | tion for I have the presumption tosay that I can take the kinks out of you, and you'll be as lively | « and frisky as a young colt!” “Git eout! *“Lain’t possible, possible, nohow!” ‘On the contrary small sum, I'll make you!” ‘** How much ‘ll ye charge “ Oh! it ought tobe worth about twenty dol- tars, I reckon.” “Twenty dollars? Jerusalem! Why, d’ye know I hain’t felt o’ that much cash in six months, stranger! Guess these shanks will hev to go the way they are—they will, for all my payin’ twenty dollars!” “ Look here, my man, will you be kind enough to tell me your name?” It was Girard Gambetta, who spoke, and he addressed the cripple. “Myname? Why it’s Jim Jones, John Smith, or anything to suit,” was the reply. “Nonsense. ‘Tell me your true name, and Wl pay for your treatment, if this man can do ‘you any good.” : This offer seemed to strike the cripple favor- ably, for, regarding the Chicagoan sharply, for a moment, he said: “Waal, my name is Hiram Hatch, tho’ I don’t know why you should desire to know.” ‘Oh! merely out of curiosity—merely out of curiosity,” Gambetta hastened to say. ‘‘ And now, sir—” turning to Yreka Jim, ‘‘ go ahead, end let’s see some of your wonderfnl curative _power. Tll bet youa hundred dollars you can- not help this man.” “That's a go!” Yreka promptly accepted, taking a roll of bills from his pocket, and select- ing two fifties from it, and placing them in the Californian’s hands. ‘‘Put up yer dust, my friend, and I'll have the pleasure of owning it, almost before you are aware of the fact.” Gambetta put up his hundred, although not «vithout some hesitation. hardly have the desired effect,” Yreka stranger—’tain’t literall y a new man out of ” “J will first look at your left hand, which I see is somewhat twisted out of shape.” He took the crip le’s left hand in his own, and an instant later Hatch uttered a cry of pain and surprise, and attempted to break away. “Stand still!? Jim ordered. ‘The current passing from my hands to yours, is what you need,” and he held the crippled hand fast in his «own for fully five minutes—during which Hatch twisted and twitched and moaned from very pain. Atlength Yreka spoke: “There, my afflicted friend, the joints of your hand, and arm, are limber, now, and I think you can use your left, equally as well as you ean your right.” «By Jimminy, yer’ right!” Hatch replied, swinging his arm freely, and opening and shut- ting his hand. “You've limbered that fluke, fer sartain! An’ now, ef you kin fix my under- pinnin’ in a like manner, Til feel like jumpin’ -ed if Gambetta shot him; but, in another ir- tant he had faintly denied it, if his words were his speech? ‘ould he have admitted of having shot him- self? This was the all-important question, and the spectators, who had crowded into the room, ex- changed glances and looked at Yreka Jim, as if expecting him to speak, “ Hatch is dead!” the sport said, gravely, “and the question is, gentlemen—did he kil himself, or is Girard Gambetta the-eauthor of the crime? He nodded affirmatively when T askec’ him if Gambetta shot h'm, but_the w ords utter - ed afterward appeared intended to clear the Chicagoan of such a crime. Where is the man? ‘Bah! no. Weare safe, so far as the present is concerned. When I find Banks, Pl make | ourselves safe, in earnest.” In this strain the two men conversed for some time, until Morrell at length announced his in- | tention of seeking his bed for the night, and left the saloon. In the mean time, order had been thoroughly | restored, and Yreka Jim was playing poker, in company with Hencoop, and three others. Hiram Hatch had recovered from the first dg es of delight, at the magic cure Yreka im had performed, and had tipped back, in a chair, and was fast asleep. After Morrell retired, Girard Gambetta arose, | and sauntered leisurely about the room, pausing now, to overlook a game, or mayhap procuring a ‘“‘smile” at the bar. Finally, to his satisfaction, he saw Hatch ‘of the moon. Sum feller who's lot’s 0’ luere, jest treat ther hull crowd, at my expense, an’ "Il settle wi’ him when I strike it rich!” And the wa7 the man cavorted around was certainly proof that Yreka Jinvs wonder-work- ing had been no simple brag, Lut a certainty. arise, and enter the waiting-room for ladies, which immediately adjoined the saloon, and was also the way to the sleen‘ng apartments. Wiihout a weed the Chicagoan followed him None seve Yreka Jim, had particularly no- ticed their } departere from the bar-room: ue, —has he been found yet?” “Yes,” Hencoop said, lows with him now.” At this juncture Gambetta was led into the room minus his shoes, and coat and vest. “ We found him in bed,” said one of the cap- tors. ‘¢ What does thismean?” Gambetta demanded, angrily. ‘‘ Why am I thus hauled out of bed, I want to know?” “You followed Hiram Hatch into this room, sir, and only a few minutes later, a pistol-shot was heard and Hatch was found to be mortally wounded!” Yreka said, eying the gentleman from Chicago, sternly. ‘‘Ferhaps you can throw some light on the matter, sir!” “T know nothing about the affair!” Gam- betta declared, haughtily. ‘On entering this “here comes two fel- room, I passed directly on to the sleeping Biers ments. Hatch was standing over yonder, look- ing in the glass.” “ Tid you not hear the pistol report?” , se WY. 2 aD. ‘“T asked Hatch if you shot him, sir, and he nodded aZirmatively. a F \ jy yo |
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6 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam. ‘He lied, infamously. I did not know the | man, nor had I any thought or cause to murder | _‘‘ You're lucky, then. him.” | ally speaking, wi’ nails in me_ boots. Yreka Jim turned to the crowd: “Gents, it’s a grave affair, at best. What do | you think about it? Is the suspicion strong enough against this Gambetta to hold him, or | not? All in favor of letting him off, on the | strength of the doubt, please make known the | **'No; I believe not.” to chaw off. Think Id suit you?” shed cay not !” fact by uplifting the right hand.” again smote the table so that the ink-stands All ds but four were raised. rattled. “The majority rules,” Yreka decided, ‘and ““Hey? You should say not, eh, my Chris- you are free, sir. Butif I were/to express my candid views, ’'d almost bet my life that the deceased didn’t commit suicide.” ‘** Which is as much as to openly charge that I did the crime!” Gambetta cried, fiercely, “Well, it amounts to about the same thing, I suppose,” Yreka retorted, sin ‘The fact is, you may count yourself lucky that you have got off so well, and you’d better muffle your notes, lest we take you yet, and run you up to the limb of a tree!” Muttering some unintelligible threat, Gam- betta turned away, and resought his sleeping apartment, while Hencoop ordered the parlor cleared of the crowd until morning. Later, in his room—the sleeping rooms of the hotel were but partitioned by curtains—Yreka Jim examined the letter Hatch had given him. A ery of surprise escaped him when he read | what was scrawled upon the piece of paper, viz: get a good square lool: at the fellow. *“Might I trouble you to explain why—and, also, who you are?” The rough uttered an oath, and glared at Yreka. “Tl show ye who I am!” he cried, savage- ly. ‘*Tll chaw ye up, I will, in a holy sec-ont!” *“Pooh! you overrate yer chawing propen- sities, my friend, greatly. Do I look lize a piece of meat and muscle as would be so readily mas- ticated? Don’t get too fast, or you may secure a chance to give us an exhibition of what you cavt do. What I asked of you was, who are you, and how do you know that I won’t make an A No. 1 mine boss?” ‘“This man’s name is Gid Grinder, and he has been my chief mine boss ever since mining was opened in Death-Rattle!” Miguel Romeriqua | interrupted. ‘‘ The men have demanded an in- crease of wages, at Grinder’s instance, and hence [I advertised for a new boss. However, I pre- sume matters will be amicably settled. Is that all, sir?” “Oh no!” and Yreka seated himself upon a chair, and tipping back, lit a cigar. ‘‘Go on with your business with Grinder—Im in no hurry.” ‘If you will be kind enough to state your business, we will settle that first,” Romeriqua said, decisively. ‘*Oh! well, then, if you prefer, we will do so, I learn that you have offered a reward for in- formation leading to the discovery of the where- abouts of one Seguin Senal, who rescued your daughter, Senorita Inez, from her runaway horse, up in the mountains?” ‘*T did offer such a reward, sir,” and a change of expression came over the bonanza king’s face—a more softening expression, it struck the sport. ‘Do te know aught of this gentle- man’s whereabouts?” ‘*T might be able to put you on track of him, providing the reward is satisfactory.” ‘* Very well.” The mine-owner then turned to Grinder. ‘* T will hold your demands under consideration until to-night, Mr. Grinder!” he said, ‘* when my decision will be reported to you. ‘You will be excused now.” Grinder and his companion arose, the former looking dark and savage. ‘* Waal, we'll wait on ye, ’til then,” he growl- ed, ‘‘ tho’ ye might as well come ter time, fu’st “Find Ruth Reynard, and protect her from ene- mies, who seek to destroy her. In orderto find her, take the left boot from my foot, and wearit. There isa gold star fastened to the sole. That boot will guide you not only to Ruth Reynard, but to one of the richest secret gold mines iu the country. “Arram Haro.” That was all, but it caused Yreka Jim much excitement. Hastily seeking the Californian, he obtained | entrance into the room where the corpse lay. But the boots Hatch had worn were gone! And it was subsequently revealed, upon search- ing, that the Gambettas had also taken a stealthy departure. they taken the boots of the murdered man with them? CHAPTER V. YREKA AND ROMERIQUA. ‘*GENTLEMEN, Yreka Jim, of Yuba Dam, at your service!” Several days subsequent to the events last nar- rated, three men sat in the cosily-appointed office of Miguel Romeriqua, the bonanza king of Death-Ratitle, engaged in conversation, when the above salutation broke upon their hearing, and caused them to gaze around in surprise, if not, indeed, with a spice of alarm. The trio consisted of Romeriqua, a well-built man with jetty-black eyes, hair and full beard; of a rough, brawny-limbed fellow of about thir- ty years, wearing a miner’s habiliments, and possessed of a red, scarred face, brutal of ex- pression, and a black, sweeping fhustache of re- | as last, fer one thing aire sartain—yer present markable size, the third person was a tall, long- | men won’t work longer’n to-day, ’thout bigger legged, pas ge cou rior te individual, with a gaunt visage and a nervousness of demeanor that made him appear rather ludicrous at times. The trio were engaged in some spirited discus- sion, which caused the man of the brigandish mustache to smite the office-table with his huge fist when the salutation was uttered. Turning, they beheld Yreka Jim’s handsome figure in the doorway, his oy handsome face smiling, his eyes keen and watchful without ap- pearing to be so. His personal appearance had undergone no change since he was at Hencoop City. He was the same dashing, elegant sport, with the con- scious ease and grace of bearing that caused others to regard him with both admiration and fear. “Yes, gentlemen; Yreka Jim, of Yuba Dam, at your service,” he repeated, advancing into the office. ‘‘ Suppose, however, you’ve not the honor of knowing me.” ‘*T presume we have not,” Miguel Romeriqua replied coldly, ‘‘nor do we care to, sir. Why have you intruded here?” “ Intruded ? Why, I wasn’t aware that a business call had come to be regarded as an in- trusion.” “Tf you have called on business, sir, I am ready to wait on you. What is the nature of your business, may I inquire?” ‘Well, I saw a notice to the effect that you were in want of a mine boss, and it struck me I might fill the bill.” “You are called Yreka Jim, you say?” “ ” aia nad Yuba Dam. Ever heard of me wages, an’ ef ye war ter pick up another gang, et won’t be healthy fer ’em ter try ter fill our places. Ill person’ly guarantee ter kill ary zaloot ’s durst try ter fill my position—an’ yer snow when I warble et’s allers true notes!” With this threatening assurance the mine boss strode from the office, followed by his superan- nuated companion. Miguel Romeriqua stepped to the door, to satisfy himself that they did not linger on the outside, and then returned, and seated himself facing the sport. ‘*Now, sir, we will come to an understand- ing,” he said. ‘You say that you know of the whereabouts of this fellow, Senal?” ‘“*T do; but before betraying them, for any consideration, I must know why you offer the reward—what you propose to do to this Senal, when you discover him? You certainly must have some grudge against—” ‘* Pooh! certainly not. You entirely miscon- strue my motive. This Senal did an act most brave, according to my daughter’s report, in risking his own life to save hers, and I wish to offer him a substantial token of my gratitude.” ‘** He would not accept it!” ** How do you know?” ** Because I know—that’s all. He isn’t made of that sort of metal.” ** Well, anyhow, he could not refuse to accept my thanks. He must bea me cern sort of fel- low to keep so aloof. My daughter believes him to be in or about this camp.” ‘* So he is.” ‘* And you know where he can be found?” **T do, for a cercainty.” I’m a bad man, gener- ive on lack, pluck an’ a when I can’t get an ear ‘*“ Waal, ef we war allowed ter surmise, we This came from the man with the big mus- tache in tones most emphatic, while his fist : “oat Sa tian friend?’ and Yreka stepped around so as to a a NNN “Then, show him to me and I will pay you your price, providing, of course, it is not out of the bounds of reason.” ‘**Romeriqua, you don’t want to see Senal for a good purpose!” ‘reka Jim spoke so candidly that the mine- owner looked discomfited. ‘*T do—” ‘‘ Nonsense, What is the use of lying?’ Yreka interrupted, sharply. ‘‘ You can’t deceive me, try as hard as you may. I can read you like a book. Senal possesses some damaging know]- edge about you, and were you to get on track of him you'd set a trap to insnare him!” Romeriqua had grown pale, and gazed at the sport angrily. ‘*This is strong language for you to address to me, sir,” he cried—‘‘ you a perfect stranger.” ‘Yet, none the less truthful!” Yreka replied, coolly. ‘‘ You see the fact is, I have you down, pat, sir, without any trouble. You would seek to remedy one difficulty—conceal one crime, by taking upon your shoulders another. Don't start, or look embarrassed, my dear, sir. The fellow, Senal, was a myth; / am the person whe wore that name.” A half-tigerish cry escaped Romeriqua’s lips, and he made a move as if to reach toward a drawer in the table. He desisted however. A glistening revolver warned him to stop. The weapon had apparently dropped into the sport’s rrasp, from his coat-sleeve. “Oh! don’t trouble yourself to do anything rash!” Yreka warned. ‘‘ I’m always as wide- awake as a terrier flea, where my personal wel- fare is concerned. Don’t you think so?” ** Curse you!” Romeriqua breathed, ‘I coulk murder you!” “Oh! Ihaven’t a doubt about that. It bugs right out of your eyes, and I am sincerely sorry that I can’t permit you to vent your passion on me, ltr wuld have been too bad, you know, for ou to have harmed a poor myth of a fellow, ike Senal, and so I took pity on him and step- ped into his boots. And now, I presume you are willing to confess that your intentions toward the gallant rescuer of your daughter were not so chivalrous and grateful as you would have had me believe.” ‘“You area detective?’ Romeriqua said, with i out noticing the other’s speech. / “Lam!” ‘You have come here, to make me trouble, too?” **'W ell—perhaps.” ‘Then, do you wonder I should feel like kill- ing acl ‘Why, I don’t know. In fact, I should sup- pose you’d count on it as a compliment, to be arrested by a good-looking young fellow like me. Why, some men would be so tickled that they'd trot right off and surrender themselves, without putting me to the trouble, even, to handcuff them.” “You're a fool!” Romeriqua growled. “If hig came here with any idea that I would tame- y surrender, you certainly made an erroneous calculation.” ‘“* Did I? Well, maybe so. But we are getting considerably ahead of matters. I have not even attempted to arrest you yet, have I?” ‘Well, youmight as well, seeing that such is your intention.” ‘‘ There you are, now, off on a surmising tcur —blundering into what you know nothing about. From recent developments bearing upon your past career, I expected to meet a stoically calm, and sensible villain!” * Sir! I will not stand insult, no matter—” “Tut! tut! Don’t you get foxy, now; it won't pay. Youarea villain as you know, and you ought to be proud of it, as it is not likely you’a have cultivated the qualification if you hadn’t counted it as being quite the cute caper!” ‘*Tamno villain. The force of circumstances brought me to do what is charged against me. Tell me, who are you employed by—who set you to work, searching for me?’ reka Jim drummed idly on the table a mo- ment, as if undecided whether to answer the ; questions or not. : ‘The Government has tendered me a testimo~ nial of recognition, for my servicesas a Western man-hunter,” he said, finally, “ but did not specially employ me, on your case.” ‘* Ah!” and Romeriqua drew a breath of relief, Yreka fancied. ‘ Then, your interest in hunt- ing me down is private, is it?” ‘Rather. Some months ago I had a mountain encounter with a wounded bear, and would have: been a ‘goner,’ but for the timely intervention of a hunter, who chanced to see my predicament. and came to my rescue. Afterward, we became
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i ; | E { 3 j } > — ee J ance upon his daug ter’s ree me Sytem ees —— ome —— friends, and I learned that h's nance was Regin- ald Reynard, aud he was a miuc:—at that time he was prospecting, ncar this town. As our acquaintance ripened, he sesmed to take a strong liking to me, and told me that, several year's before, he had taken his only chile, of fourteen years—a promising girl—to Chica: o, to finish her education, and had placed her under the temporary guardianship of his cousin, one Bayard Banks, a brolzer and grain speculator. He had also deposited in Banks’s care, ten thou- sand dollars; out of which such sums as necessary were to be deducted, from time to time, to pro- vide for the girl’s education. Also, as he, Rey- nard, had no certainty of how soon he might die, owing to his roving life and habits, he had made a singular bargain. ‘*Perhaps another such a compact was never placed on record—anyhow. I never heard of one. Reynard caused you to put an insurance _of ten thousand dollars upon your life, to uncon- ditionally be made payable, at your death, to his, Reynard’s daughter, Ruth, or, in event of her being dead, to her husband, if one survived her; or incase none did, to your daughter, Beulah. Then, Reynard placed’a similar insur- life, to be uncondition- ally paid to you or your direct heirs, in case of her death. ‘The dues on these policies were then prepaid, for a term of five years, and Reynard returned to the West.” “Well?” Romeriqua, for we shall still give him that name, had listened attentively, although his face was somewhat expressionless. “ Well, at the time of my meeting with Rey- nard, his daughter had been in your charge some three years, and during this lapse of time he had heard from her butonce. This wasabout six months ago. Reynard explained to me that he entertained a great deal of anxiety about his daughter, and intuitively feared that all was not right—that you were not treating her square- ly; and when he learned that I wasa detective, he rsuaded me to act as his agent, and go and ook into the matter—ascertain if she was all right and his suspicions unfounded. ‘ After much coaxing, I consented, and I set out on my Jong journey. It now appears that, after I had been gone a week, Reynard came to his death, by being injured while blasting rock, and that he sent another courier, to represent him. As I stopped over in Denver two weeks, this man got a start on me, and when I reached Chicago, Ruth Reynard had disappeared at least ten days before, and it was supposed that she had gone West, to her father, of whcse death I did not know. “On my arrival, I learned that you, also, had come up missing, within a couple of days, and ex- amination into your business affairs proved that you had not only embezzled Reynard’s money a year before, and frightened his daughter into silence, through threats and abuse, but you had also forged notes and checks to the tune of many thousand dollars, and before your de- parture, had stolen of the funds of the firm of which you were a member.” “a Well?” Dry and rasping, Romeriqua uttered the in- terrogative, his face white, his eyes gleaming. ‘Well, I had taken such an interest in Rey- nard, that the news of how you had ill-treated his daughter and abused your trust, set my blood to boiling, and I swore I’d hunt you to the ends of the earth, if need be, and force you to make reparation and restitution. And lam here for that purpose!” “You are?” “T am, most emphatically.” ‘Well, what do you propose to do about it?” “Well, you'll find out, before long. In the first place, you’ve got to make good the money you embezzled which belonged to the girl.” “What then?” “Then you’ve got to tell me where you have the girl confined!” ‘ What?” and the speculator leaped to his feet in astonishment. “Just what my angelic voice twittered,” Yreka Jim responded. “It is known to me that Reginald Reynard had a secret mine of t valu2, The girl, Ruth, is now concealed a that mine, And, furthermore, if I mistake not greatly, you’re the only man who now knows where the secret mine is located—and you murdered Hiram Hatch, at Hencoop Tav- ern, four nights ago!” It was a startling accusation, indeed CHAPTER VI. THE SPORT'S WARNING. Wren Yreka Jim entered the office, ke had ed no idea whatever of making the charge of Yreka Jim of Yuba Lam, murder; indeed, it had not occurred to him that | Romeriqua might have been Hiram Hatch’s as- sassin until a moment before ,he uttered the | words. So that, in reality, the eccucation was Lut a ““feeler,” to see what effect it would have upon | the mine-owner. It plainly staggered him, for he crew , whitc, ond reeled back a pace, clutching the | take-.o: ner for support. ‘“‘h.v Gad!" he gasped, his tone expressing | horror, ‘‘this is terrible! J commit a murder? Never! Be. i may have been, I could never | harden myself to do such a thing as that!” It occurred to veka that he spoke the truth in this respect, yet it was against his detective sagacity to admit as much, * That will do to tell, friend Banks,” he said, dryly; ‘‘ but you can’t expect one of my profes- sion to take any stock in such an assertion from you. The very fact that you contemplated giv- ing me, alias Senal, a ticket-o’-leave from this fair earth, condemns you!” “It is not so. I have never committed the crime of murder. The charge is outrageous!” Romeriqua declared fiercely. ) dcathly “The alleged murder you accuse ie of I know nothing about —nothing whatever. Iswear it, as God is my judge, and by my hope of forgiveness in the coming hereafter !” ‘‘Oh! that’s not necessary. I'd believe you just as quick without the oath as with it—every vit. Deny the murder, if you like, but you can- not deny that Ruth Reynard is a prisoner, and in your power.” “T do deny it, most emphatically. I know nothing of ker whereabouts, although I have ared no pains in my attempt to find her. I | sp } y have heard it rumored that owned a secret mine at the time of his death and it is the current belief that it is locatec somewhere in the vicinity of Death-Rattle; but, further than this I do not know.” Yreka Jim was silent a moment, during which time he softly stroked his mustache. “Tf I was sure of this,” he finally said, **there would be nothing to hinder me starting at once for Chicago with you, and claiming the fat reward that is offered for your capture. But I don’t believe you. I believe you know where Reginald Reynard’s daughter is; mayhap, you have already murdered her, with a view to ob- taining the insurance on her life as soon as the affair blows over. And until the mystery is cleared up,I shall not act as I would, other- wise.” ‘Do you mean that you will not arrest me?” “Tve not concluded to do so yet, although I certainly shall, if you do not conduct yourself quietly and civilly.” ‘‘ After you become convinced that I am in no way conspiring against Ruth Reynard, and know nothing about her whereabouts, perhaps I can buy you off?” Romeriqua suggest } keenly. ‘*T would of course pay many times the amount the Chicago authorities offer.” ‘“Humph! Youare not choice of your com- pliments! DoI look like a man who would ac- cept a bribe ?” ‘That’s neither here nor there. You'd be a fool to fish for a minnow when you might as easily catch a whalc.” “Oh! well; time will best speak as.for that. I believe you to be an arrant knave—even a more wretched villain than you have already been proven, You are virtually my prisoner already, and any attempt of yours to get away from this camp will be balked in the outset.. Do you understand?” “That on my good behavior will largely de- pend the length of my stay in Death-Rattle?” ‘* xactly..” ‘‘ Very well. I shall not be likely to forget.” ‘* And, another thing:—bear in mind that I shall be alive to any attempt you may make or cause to be made against my life, and any such action will bring down summary vengeance upon your head,” ‘*T have no intention of turning a hand against you. On the contrary, if you want as- sistance, do not hesitate to apply to me, or my daughter.” ‘*Ah! your daughter?” Yreka echoed. “Yes, If it is true that you and Senal are one and the same person, my daughter has fallen dead in love with you, and, impetuous by nature, she cannot do too much for any one she loves,” “It is very likely that I shall not give her | much opportunity to lavish tokens of her affec- tion on me,” Yreka declared. ‘‘ By the way, one more question—then, I must tear myself away from your august presence, Do you know a man namea Girard Gambetta?” Romeriqua had resumed his seat a moment or . eginald Reynard | so before, but now sprung up again, in great e7- citement. “Girard Gambetta!” he gasped, whitenin; — “Girard Gambetta! What do you know ct him?” “Not much—very little, indeed. But then, I intend to know more eventually, you see. What do you kaow of him?” ‘Fie is the most relentless foe I have on earth, and pursues me with the tireless perserverance of a demon, Twice in my lifetime he has forced me into ruin, and it is he, more than myself, who is answerable for the state of my affairs in Chicago!” ‘““Ah! Then he holds a sert of spell over you —some power you cannot resist?’ Yreka de- manded. “Yes! yes! He is a demon—a very human vampire, ind I would to Ged he were dead. Tell me—wheroe cid you see him last? Was he com- ing here?” “T presume likely, although I lost track of him. When I saw him, he and his son—or at least, I suppose it was his son, judging by the strong resemblance—were at Fenscog City!” Romeriqua uttered an audible groan. ‘“*Then they are in search of me,” he uttered, more to himself than to Yreka; indeed, it seem- ed, for the moment, that the erring man was wholly unconscious of the sport’s presence— ‘‘coming to renew their persecutions, that have made me the wretched being that Iam. But, they shall not drive me a step further—I swear it!” Then, seeming to recollect himself, he looked at Yreka, confusedly. ‘*- You will excuse me,” he said. ‘' These ene- mies of mine sometimes drive me distracted, and I commune with myself aloud, without being aware of the fact, until afterward.” ‘*So it appears. I must be going now! Yreka Jim took his departure. “Tf I’m not off my reckoning, the beginning of the end has not begun yet!” he muttered, as he betook himself to the single hotel the camp afforded. ” and CHAPTER VII. GRINDER WAXES WRATHY! . As Yreka Jim has already explained, con- cerning his search for Ruth Reynard, it is scarcely worth while to add that his errand in Death-Rattle, was, if ere to gain informa- tion concerning her whereabouts. That it was not likely he would frd her in the camp he felt satisfied; but, at any tate. by his interview with Romeriqua, alias Vayard Banks, he had formed seme new opinicns, if he had learned nothing not known to him betcre. ‘“‘Banks is a shrewd sccundrel, that’s flat,” was his conclusion, ashe sat in the office of the hotel, smoking a cigar, and Iccking over the singular scrap of paper he had received from Hiram Hatch. ‘His fear cf the Gambettas, no doubt, is genuine, and if they ccme here to Death Rattle, new developments may arise. It is my belief that they, too, are in search of Ruth Reynard. The question of the girl's whereabouts seems ro nearer solution than ke- fore. If Banks dees 1] now where she is he is a bare-faced liar, ard I'm nct just prepared to conclude whether Le «ces know of her where- abouts, or ro*. But, Vil find cut. I premised Reynard 1d look cut for her welfaie, and Tl do it. Then there’s the questicn of the murder of Hatch!—for I haven’t a doubt Fut v bat he was murdered, end the piste] placed in his bend, after he fell. Did Gambetta shcot him? or did Banks, or Remeriqua, es ke is kncyn here? Here is a mystery elcre, left for me to ferret out, I am inclined to the cpinicn—” His reverie was interrupted at this point by the entrance of the brevny mine ters, Gid Grinder, who pleinly ted been drinking hard, and appreachcd the spcrt-detective with en im- portant stride, kis eyes blecdshot, and face ugly of expression “Waal, d ye git my jcb? he cemenerd, hoarsely, resting his bands upen his hips end glaring at the sport as if he wculd like to enni- hilate h'm. “JT dd not,” Yreka reepended. want it in the first place!” ‘*QOho! ye didn’t, hey? What ’d ye ccme nos- in’ around fer it for, then?” “*T don’t consider thet any of your business!” “Don’t ye? Then I'll show ye the difference, cuss ye! When er galoot tries ter root in under my shanty and undermine it, I allow ter rrc- sume I’ye got suthin’ ter say erbout ct. I’ve heer my angel voice?” “T hear your silly twitter!” Yreka replied, “T Gd not
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man, wi’ hair on my teeth!” Grinder boastfully Yreka Jim of Yub a Dam. got to trot right out into the street, and “What! me tryin’ ter crawfish—me ? Waal, promptly. “‘ And now, Mr. Bloodeye, what do | you’ve you want?” fight it out. “T want yer ter understand that I’m a bad | shock I am!” declared, smiting the palm of his hand with his fist by way of emphasis; ‘‘an’ more’n that, Pm a holy horror in this town, feared by man, dorg an' beast. That’s ther identercal sort of a ore- crusher J am, an’ don’t yer fergit it!” “Indeed! You don’t look it!” and the sport | smiled blandly, as he saw that bystanders were beginning to collect, and there was a prospect of a “jubilee,” there and then. ‘Why, Mr. Blood-in-your-eye, I’ve seen pilgrims ten per cent. more ferocious-looking than you, who . would run at the sight of a prairie wolf.” ‘*Hev ye? Waal, yer kin jest bet yer buckles J ain’t o’ thet sort. I run this burg, I do, an’ tho’ ’m noted fer bein’ a big horse on ther stab an’ shoot, an’ kin p’int with pride ter six graves i’ve filled hyer in Death-Rattle, I’m also noted fer hevin’ a streak o’ mercy now and then, an’ that’s why I’m heer!” “Ah! Is that a blessed fact?” ‘““You bet! I don’t make no bones thet you an’ I can’t breathe ther same atmosphere o’ this camp!” “ Noo What a pity—for the atmosphere!” ‘One o’ the other o’ us hes either got ter git ip an’ mosy or else die wi’ his boots on!” “Horrible! How do you figure this out?” “CParer than bug-juice. I’ve tuk pity on ye an’ cum ter give ye a chance ter skip out o’ town 'twixt now an’ sunset. Ef ye don’t take ther chance, so generously offered you, ye’r’ a dead man!” “Sho!” and Yreka gave vent to a whistle of mock surprise. ‘A dead, dead man, eh?” ‘* Deader than a chawed herrin’!” “This is astonishing news to me, my dear Grinder. I had no idea I was so near my finis. Of what disease—what orthodox ailment, will I amble off this mortal coil, may I inquire?” “You'll get yer cussed carcass filled full of cold lead—that’s ther kinder disease yell die of!" Grinder growled, with an oath, ‘‘ an’ so ye can suit yerself.. Ef ye wanter live, you'll need ter be lukin’ fer another locality afore sunset, which ain’t fer away.” “Indeed?” and Yreka Jim slowly arose from his chair, and stretched himself, with a yawn. * And, to sum the whole decimal fraction up to an equivalent, if I don’t leave this camp you pro- pose to fit me for a sepulcher!” ‘You bet yer bottom dollar!” ** Well, now, Grinder, it 'ooks to me as if you roposed a job very difficult to cariy out, for I a the slightest idea of leaving this camp, to-night, nor do I propose to keep warm the sev- eral gross of bullets you intend to bury in my anatomy—nary a time. If you have got any particular grudge against me, that you want to wipe out, we'll mazourka right out upon the boulevard, and both take.a hand in the settle- ment!” There were ringing sarcasm and fearlessness in the sport’s challenge, and he stood before the ru‘fian, his fine figure fully erect, and whole ap- yearance imposing. Like a gladiator of old, looked he. For an instant, Gid Grinder loosed as though jis breath had been entire’y knocked out. He iad fancied that his ferociou; mien had badly frightened the sport, but now ho began to realize his mistake. Yreka Jim, to use a well-known vulgarism, ** didn’t scare worth a cent.” ‘*'Yer—yer don’t mean ter say thet yer durst dare an’ defy me?” Grinder gasped, incredu- lously—“ yer don’t want me ter chaw ye up an’ ‘spit ye out, ’thout givin’ ye a chance to escape froin town?” ‘“That’s tho precise, identical end particular thing {do want you to do!” Yreka responded. **{! there’s one thing more than enother that J like to do, it is to take the brag and conceit out ent of a gander, like you. So mazourky right out into the street and we'll get down to biz!” “Get out! I’m purty mean, I am, an’ thar’s plenty as will vouch for that!” Grinder replied, ‘but I'll be cussed ef I’m mean enuff ter take thetadyantage 0’ ye. Why, I'd lick ye so quick e’d swaller yer suspender buttons, me man. Pooh! dont be so foolish when ye’ve got ’er chance to ’scape death!” The spectators chuckled, audibly, at this, Plainly, Grinder was growing more alarmed, each minute. “‘ There’s no use of your trying to skin around the bush, Grinder!” Yreka said, good-natured- ty. ‘‘Everybody sees that you're a first-water coward, and trying your best to crawfish. So if you will get down on your knees and beg m pardon, I'l let you off this time. If you don’t, } I should smile! Me git down on me knees, an’ ax ther pardon o’ the likes 0’ you—me ? W aal, I should snort up a snappin’-turtle! Ef it’s fight ye want, I’m yer huckleberry, right off ther } limb, Iam! Ill wind up yer little bobbin so quick ye’il ferget when yer swallered pizen last!” “Then move ahead! Let’s open the ball with a grand march—into the street. Don't you see the crowd’s impatiently waiting on us? They expect a treat, an’ it’s our duty not to keep | them in suspense!” Grinder glared savagely at the eager-faced bystanders, and uttered an oath. ‘How d’ye want ter fight?’ he demanded, turning fiercely upon Yreka Jim—‘‘ wi’ what weapons?” Jim laughed. *“Oh! you can have your choice, so far as that is concerned. It doesn’t make a particle of difference to me! Pistols, knives, rifles, bow- and-arrow, clubs, dynamite, or fists—in fact, anything, any way, so that you are suited.” “Then, we'll fight with fists ter a finish!” Grinder declared, grimly, evidently having no confidence in his own skill as a pistol-shot, and at the same time realizing that the sport was liable to be an expert. ‘All I want aire one blow ter knock yer head clean off’n ye!” And judging by the sledge-hammer propor- tions of his fists, it looked probable he could strike a terrific blow. Out into the street.the two men then proceed- ed, the crowd of course following to witness the set-to. The opponents stripped to the waist without ado, sone faced each other—both fine specimens of well-developed manhood. They stood eying each other sternly, for a mcment, and were about to begin the battle, when there was a tremendous yell, and a horse- man rode into view, from behind a neighboring cabin. And such a horseman was he. CHAPTER VIIL. THE STREET FIGHT. THE stentorian yell of the new-comer, caused the two enemies to temporarily postpone the pugilistic performance, to gaze at the owner of the blatant voice, who rode up, and drew rein, with a drawling— ‘Whoa! thar, Durocks! Beheeve thyself, onruly beast!” and the owner gazed around at the crowd, which lined either side of the street, with a complacent grin, that once seen would not be soon forgotten. Yreka Jim was perhaps the only one who re- cognized the man, who wasastranger in Death- Rattle. It was none other than the irrepressible vaga- bond Colossus of the mines, Mambrinus Mac- caw—the bullwhacker, whose acquaintance the reader has made in the previous ‘‘ Yreka Jim” novels, But now if anything he was bigger, dirtier, | and more absurdly comical than ever, Indeed, the seed wart upon the end of his huge nose seemed to have grown larger; his mouth had by no means decreased in size; and the clothes he wore had come to a state of general demoraliza- tion. What was most startling, however, to the public: eye, was not Maccaw, himself, but the arimal he bestrode, Now, be it remembered, the bullwhacker was not even a moderate giant in size, for he meas- ured considerably over six fect, and was broad- shouldered, and of ponderous build, yet the great and only Maccaw, was but a pigmy, as compared with the equine he bestrode. Never, in all their lives, had the spectators be- held a horse of such gigantic size. Tho first im- pression a sight of it created was that it rust 9 a relic of the bygone era of mastodonic monstrosities, Indeed, so huge was it of frame, that an ordinary horse would have looked asa half-grown colt, beside it. And the frame and hide were about all there was of the animal, for it was literally a skeleton —a gaunt, distressing spectacle, composed of skin and bones—bob-tailed, and minus one eye, Its back somewhat resembled the ridge of a steop-roofed house, and yet Maccaw disdained | to use a saddle. The only caparison the animal boasted was a halter around its neck, one end of which the bullwhacker held. It will be remembered by the readers of these novels, that Yreka Jim and Maccaw were, ina certain sense, rards, who frequently lost track That's the kind of an electric blatant, and, withal, good-natured | of one another, and yet, elways menaged to meet again. They had been thus separated, for severcl weeks, up to this moment when the giant put in an appearance at Death-Rattle—and, that, tce, greatly to the surprise of Yreka, ‘* Whoa !” Maccaw repeated, as his monstrous steed opened its mouth, in a tremendous yawn, and stretched one long hind leg on a line with his body. ‘* None o’ yer funny bigness, now, | Durocks, or cuss my character ef I don’t cut short yer oats ’til ye’ll git as thin as a shadder!” Then, smiling again, at the crowd, he dofed his bullet-riddled plug hat, with Chesterficlé’ca grace, ‘Afternoon ter ye, pilgrims!” ho o blanes **Most happy ter seo yer c7] ; bright an’ bloomin’. My name’s Macc. - ‘Mambrinus Maccaw. Ther great he-up-an’-haw- ' from East Saginaw. This hyer’s my Shetierd pouy—imported d’rect from Shetlaund—an’ gees two-ten around the curve, to ther name o’ Dy- rocks. An’ now, gentlemen o’ ther jury, as I ther great hydra-hecaded hummin’-bird hev ar- riv’ jest in time ter be in at ther funeral, whet der yer say ter my actin’ as referee fer this hyer cadaverous occasion?” “T’ve no objections!” Yteka Jim answered. ‘““Ner I, pervidin’ ye’ll agree ter fight the ; winner!” Gid Grinder growled, witha melicicus grin; for, confident that he would win, he bcd in view the fact that it would add co ruch more to his notoriety to also knock out the gien‘, which he had the unpardonable conceit to sup- pose he would do, with comparative case, “Great silver-sand jigs uv old St. Vitus!—me fight ther winner? Waal, I should snort up a snake, pardner! Ye couldn’t tech me in a more sensertive lokality. Fight ther winner will I, ef I hev to wade thr’w’ a Mississipp uy blud. I'm not afeard—no sir-ee, bob-tail burro, in fly time. I’m ther great howlin’ hydra-headed he- up-an’-haw, frum Hydrophobia Gulch—ther zephyr-like, mid-summer-night’s-dream, frum Mud Creek, an’ I kin jest equilibrate upon me uppers, an’ lick ther lungs off’m ary man thet ever see’d er a sucker. So, git ready; thar, an’ [ll umpire ther game, an’ salivate the sarpint as don’t fight ’cordin’ ter ther rules o’ the Mar- kis o’ Huckleberry.” And as he completed the harangue, the giant slid from his steed, as a rain-drop might roll down the steep incline of a roof. ‘““Now, Durocks, ye symmetrical Dianner, d’ye go over yonder, an’ squat yerself, an’ wait, like ther docile Shetland ye aire, *til yer master offishewates at this hyer fimeral!” Maccaw ccm- manded, giving the beast a punch in the ribs that caused it to lay back its ears and show its teeth, ‘Git, now, an’ none o’ yer sassin’ back, me merry maid uv Athens!” Durocks had evidently been taught to obey, for she stalked away to one side ef the street, | and squatted upon her haunches, dog-fashion, greatly to the amusement of the crowd—for tho spectacle was ludicrous in the extreme. ‘‘ Thar!” Maccaw said, with a satisfied ned. ‘*'Ye behold ther vartue o’ fetchin’ children up tew niind, An’, now, we'll ‘tend ter ther sluz- gin’. Aire ye ready, gents?” ** Ready!” Yreka promptly responded. “* Ready!” Grinder echoed. _ “'That’s the ticket! Advance an’ let er fiick- er; an’ remember, ther fu’st man as tries ter use | & weepon gits salivated, slap-dab, wi’ ther con- tents of my Long Thomas!” and drawing a large horse-pistol, the ‘ great-he-up-an’-haw ” flour- ished it in the air. Without delay Yreka Jim and Grinder ad- vanced quickly toward each other, and began to spar for an opening, And one could see at a glance that Yreka Jim understood his business; he was light, agile and cautious, while, at the same time, he did not hesitate when an opportunity offered to do any effective work. ; Grinder had evidently practiced the “ manly art,” too, for he maneuvered cleverly, and when he struck out, it was with force enough to have felled an ox. ‘ But Yreka was not intercepting any of his blows, except in the way of parrying them. Try his best, Grinder could not get in a stroke upon the sport—a fact that enraged him so much that he gradually became less cautious, and fre- quently left openings which Yreka Jim could easily have taken good advantage of, but did not, Evidently he wanted to play with his en- tagonist a while, as a cat does with a mouse, be- fore getting down to business. So he warded off the rufcnr’s blows, witheut becoming in the least ‘‘ winced,” while Grinder
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hy his savage exertions, was getting all out of breath. ‘+ Great skippin’-rope dance uv ole St. Vitus!” «ried the big bullwhacker, ‘‘ why don’t yous fel- Jers do some business? Lor’ Harry! aire ye afeard o’ him, Yreka? on ther promontory, or yell hev ther durned galoot tired out. Murra! thar, ye got one your- ‘self, an’ serves yo right, fer monieyin’!” Tt was true enough. In an unguarded mo- ment Yreka had received a terrible blow upon the. side of the face ! from Grinder’s sledze- hammer right fist, and it came within en ace of ** downing ” him. But he quickly recovered his equilibrium, and ‘was as cornposed and smiling as bel there was a dangerous light in his eyes. “Got kicked on the cheek by an ’arthquake, an’ et never swelled!” ejaculated Maccaw, danc- ing aboutin high glee. ‘Great hoppin’ horn- pipes ov old St. Vitus! but thet war a sockdola- ger, tho’! Look, Yreka! The dewdrop is wak- in’ up now, an’ his royal slithers wi’ ther hoss’s mane on his upper lip aire goin’ ter get licked so bad, he'll allow he never knowed what er pum- melin’ war before.” Warming up to his work, the sport certainly appeared to be, for repeatedly he knocked down Grinder’s guards, and hit the bully a tap in the face, thereby increasing his rage tenfold, if such a thing were possible. “Hurreh! Great silver sand-jigs of old St. Vitus! thet’s ther way ter send in ther reports «’ ther returnin’-board. I tell yer Yreka Jim aoan’t take a soaker in the jaw as meekly as ye all may suppose. He'll clean out ther thumper wi’ ths hoss-tail mustache, jest like chawin’ chese.” ‘““Tf ho does, yer got ter stand up afore him,” a iminer reminded. ‘Yh! yer kin bet I will!” Maccaw declared, but ina way that carried with it the impression Hi he had no idea of doing anything of the Sollee yeefsteak, and his eyes were swelling shut. Suddenty there was a rifle report audible, not far away, and Yrel:a experienced a stinging seusatfion ia his left arm—knew the cause. He had een shot! Withox' uttering a sound, however, to betray the fact to the crowd, he set his teeth hard to- gether, 2:11 leaping forward, gave Grinder a terrific right-hand ‘blow, that carried the ruf- fian off his feet, and landed him upon his back, He was clean knocked out! Yreka had scarce struck the ending blow of the bat’!:, when there was another rifle report, and he wa3 conscious that he was shot a second time. Tn vain he essayed to keep upon his feet long enough to reach the hotel. A terrible faintness caine over him, and ere he had taken a dozen steps, he staggered and fell. ‘He's bin shot! Some cowardly coyote hes plugged him!” roared the giant leaping forward, and glaring wildly around him. ‘ Keep off, ye skunks, or ['ll salivate ye! This aire me pard, aire Yreka Jim, an’ ef he aire ticketed for Salt river ther street o’ this hyer town shall be painted red wi’ gore—by ther donkey-dance uv old St. Vitus, yes!” and looking the picture of incarnate savageness, he waved the crowd back, not a man daring to disobey him. Then he raised Yreka tenderly in his arms, .and bore him into the bar-room of the hotel. De}oriting him upon a settee, the giant hastily tore open his shirt front, and a tiny bullet-hole was revealed in the left breast just above the nipple. It did not bleed much externally, a fact that caused the giant to look more seri- ous. * Too bad!” he growled, ‘If this pard o’ mine swims up ther flume, this town gits decorated red, or my name ain’t Mambrinus Maccaw. Whisky—some one git some o’ ther best whisky in ther camp!” ‘‘ Here, sir; if you will allow me, I have an article of old rye, far superior to anything to be found in the camp,” a stranger said, stepping forward and extending a half-filled pint pocket- a, ‘* There’s guaranteed to be no poison in is. Tho man was Girard Gambetta! before, although | Let him have a soaker | ———S—— Yreka Jim of ;uba Dam. Chica B | J 2 I sacra rd Maccaw locked up and regard k through and through. ‘T reckon ye'd better keep yer whisky, me man,” he said at length, the gruffmess of his tone indicating that he was none too iavorably impressed with’ Gamibetta’s appearance, “‘ Ef there ain’t no p'isen in ct, ‘twon't do, *ca’se ct might make Yreka sick ter his stomach. ra one fetch some bottled lightnin’ frum ther bar, I say!” ‘T must insist on your giving the gentleman some of this,’ Gambetta persisted. “It is a rticle, and will do him much more good pure al than the rov-¢ ** Lookee h: Easterner savagely. ‘‘’Pears ter me ye’r’ pokin’ yer proboskis inter somethin’ thet’s none o’ yer igness, me chickadee. Give me thet stuff, an’ I'll try et cn a dorg after I’m done wi’ Yreka. Thar’s no tellin’ but ifs p’izen!” t stuff you get here.” !” and Maccaw turned upon the groan | cecnly for a moment, as if trying to read him | And he snatched the flask from Gambetta’s | hands, and stuffed it down into one of his own po ‘kets, The Chicagoan turned away with a smothered | oath, and walked out of the saloon. Maccaw took note of the action, andsethis| | 2 | with a grin. teeth hard together but said nothing. The wound in Yreka’s breast needed no dress- ing in particular, for it was a clean cut, round puncture, made bya twenty-two caliber bullet. As soon as the whisky came, the giant poured a liberal quantity of it down the sport’s throat, bathed his forehead with it, and allowed a few drops of it to enter the wound. This had the effect. to cause Yreka to shudder violently and me his eyes. His face, slig he saw the bullwhacker standing beside him. “-Yo'r’ shot—plugged right thr’u’ yer pulsom- eter,” Maccaw announced, sententiously; ‘* so jest ye lay still, or you'll croak!” “ Oh, ? guess not!” Yreka replied, with a “The bullet didn’t hit me very It ain't faint smile. deep. It struck a bone and stopped. more’n a half-inch deep.” “Wait! Ill sce ef *tain’t!” the gient said, grimly, and stooping over, he applied his lips to the wound. There was a convulsive movement of his lips and cheeks, and a moment later, when ‘he raised his head, he held the small bullet between his teeth. “ That’s right!” Yreka said. ‘‘ Nowpourona little more bug-juice, put on a patch, and I’m all right, ‘cept a slight scratch on my left arm.” faccaw obeyed the instructions, whereupon Yreka arose to his feet, as if nothmg had hap- | ened, But that he overestimeted his strength be- came quickly apparent, for he had taken only & few steps when he fell suddenly forward on his | face. “This is no place for him,” a miner said to Maccaw. ‘etch him to my cabin, an’ I an’ my old woman "il help to nuss him.” he offer was so candidly tendered, that the giant nodded assent, and the two raised Yreka’s limp figure, and bore him out of the hotel to the humble cabin of the miner, not far distant. Here he was laid upon a couch, and the miner, who was something of a surgeon, set to work | and fixed up the wounds as best he could, and | succeeded in bringing the sport back to conscious- ness. Yreka was very weak, however, and soon fell | asleep. ‘Let him sleep!” the miner said. “It will strengthen him, and he'll be apt to need strength afore the night’s over.” ‘‘ What dye mean?” Maccaw demanded. “What I'say, As we cum along I noticed that Miguel Romeriqua had pet out a notice re- fusin’ ter pay ther advance in wages demanded by the minors.” ‘‘ What has that to do with my pard?” “A good deal. Gid Grinder allows thet this tly pale, iit = with pleasure as | | feller has been tryin’ to cut him ont as mine | boss, an’ he’s bin pumpin’ the miners full o° stui¥ to ther effect that it’s thru’ Yreka Jim’s inter- ference that Romeriqua won't give better wages. Ther boys don’t like it a bit, an’ I’ve heerd it | hinted that there was a notion among ’em ter give Yreka his shroud ter-night.” “Then why did you propose to fetch ‘im hyer?” the giant demanded, quickly. ** Because ef et comes ter a case 0 ‘necessity he can be hid!” the miner answered, significantly. ‘That's all I kin tell you just now.” “Tt’ll answer,” the giant asserted, only too glad, now, that Yreka had been brought to the cabin, for this rough, illiterate mountain of flesh and bone had grown to love the dashing sport with a brotherly afect:on. CHAPTER IX. MAKING Wuen Girard Gambetta left the hotel, he was met on the outside by his son, Morreil, and ike two walked toward the office of Miguel Rcm- eriqua in silence. .” The face of neither wore avery satisfied look— that of the elder being dark and gloomy of ex- pres:ion. \When they reached the mine-owner’s cff-ce, they found ihe door locked, and Icoking in, a% the window, saw that no one was inside. “ We will try his house!” Gambetta decided. “Tden’t believe he has scented our arrival 2!- reacy. ‘Tf he has, he will be prepared, ch?” Morrci) asked. ‘Bah! His preparations emcunt to nothing He dare rot defy me!” The Chicagcan spoke positively, end his eyes glittered with conscious trizmph. On their arrival at the residence of the mine. owner Cambette’s kneck was answered by 2 Chinee, flat-faced ard a'mond-eyed, who was the sole specimen cf his kind in the camp. ‘“‘Mistler ’Romerika not to homee!” he saic, TERMS. “Get out, you idiot!” the elder Gambette grunted, pushing the servant aside, and gaining entrance. ‘Out of the way with you, or Vil wring your infernal neck! Ccme on, Morrell— we'll see who’s at home!” The Chinaman shrunk back in alarm, ercd the Gambettas entered the parlor of the dweii- ing. There, seated et a writing-table, looking pale and nervous, was Miguel Romeriqua. Two large caliber revolvers lay in front cf him, on the table, and he grasped these as the Gambettas unceremoniously walked in. Girard Gambetta’s keen eyes saw the acticn, and he laughed sarcastically. “Oh! don’t try to make a show of yoursclf, Bayard!” he said, helping himself to aseat. * I wouldn't, if I were you, because, what will it avail you? True, you might shoot ef us—possi- bly hit us—but that wouldn’t help your fortunes any!” *% Wouldn't it?’ Reracriqua sneered. “TI am not so sure about thet. It would rid me of— you!” and he spoke with intense bitterness. “That wouldn't better the matter any,” Gem- betta assured, ‘‘but would tend toward brize- ing you to the justice that has such a yearning for you. Ineventcf my Ceath, matters aro £0 fixed that you wouldn’t remain one night out of 303) 7? “Oh! scoff at tho icea, if you like—so much the keener will be your rcrmerse, and the greater my triumph. I'd be a {fccl to fellow you, and run the risk of being murdered, without having matters so arranged that my death would le summarily avenged. So, row, I'd advise ycu to ecol yourself down, and we'll talk business.” “T have no business with you to talk about, you blocdsucker!” Remeriqra ericd, hotly. ‘ Your power over me is at en er Girard Gambetta. You shall never grind anci! cr penny out of me!” “ Not? Well, maybe you ere right; then, in, may be you ere wreng. It all depends mn yourself, and your course of treatment cf lus, I have always been moderate with you, a nd you ought not to kick at this late stage of ihe game. By the way, 1 forgot—this is my son, whom’ you have not seen since he was a mere boy.” Bayard Banks gave the sallow young man a single disdainful glance, and taking a bottle and glass from a closct in the writing table, poured outa glass of wine, tossed it off at a gulp, and then restored the ho ttle to the receptacle. “Humph! thet’s « col!” Girard Gambetta ejaculated. “ Ycw're not at all entertaining, friend Bayard—or, perhaps I should call you, Romeriqua!” “No, I am not!” the mine-owner ret: rted. “Tf you want a rink, thero’s poison sold at the hotel bar.” ** Thank you. deprive myself of ycur society to seek a crin! “Well, what do you want here? Why have you invaded my privacy, when you know your- eelf to be a thousand times unwelcome?” Re- meriqua demanded, nervously, fingering his re- volvers. “ Now, you're talking more like it,” Gambetta said, complacently. ‘ There’s nothing like get- ting down to business. In the first place, I pre- sume you are of the opinion that we have come here with the intention of extorting moremoney from you?” T am not so thirsty that I would 9
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10 “It is but natural that I should suppose so!” Romeriqua.s «01 ter, vich a scowl. * Well, pers) i are right, when we come to review iho ju. But, det that.ail drop. I come here or @ \00...1euu purpose.” ee W ell ¢? . “*T come not as a foe, but as a friend, unless, of course, you preier my enmity to my iriend- ship—then, the gallows awaits you. I can all be easily arranged so that the book cf iho past ean be torever and hermetically ccah..! The scow! did not lift in the leurs a: mine-owner’s brow. ‘*T presume very likely,” be enswered, ‘‘ that our overture Wili be met with a promptiecfusal. Jowever, I will. cndeavor to beid lay patience | in check long enough to hear you through. So go ahead.” ‘* With pleasure,”. Gambetta assented, bland- ly. ‘‘ Mine, as you know, has been an unfortu- nate life, All the speculations I have under- taken have been blank failures, and my capital accordingly Icst, Several times I’ve been com- pelled trom sheer necessity, to solicit aid from ou—’ ‘* Bah! you should say ‘ extort ‘Oh! well, it, all amounts to tho same thing. his money might have been the basis of a for- tune to sume men, but it was not so to me. You see me before you, to-day, with but a very few dollars in my possession.” ‘“AHumph! Llexpected as much. Why does it cost you so many words to make your demand for money, and have it refused?” “Gently! gently! now. As I said before, to- day finds me with but a very few dollars in my possession. The future has no bright prospects in store, except through you. Now, you well know what a man gets if caught, for murdering his wife in cold blood merely for the insurance money upon her life. His punishment is death on the gallows, and the fate is none too harsh!” Romeriqua’s face had turned a greenish pale, as he listened, and his fingers worked more ner- vously than before about the ttiggers of the re- volvers. ‘‘ Curse you!” he gritted. ‘‘Can you think of nothing else to arouse my temper? <A bullet crashing through Aid brain may suddenly ap- prise you that you have been too funny!” ‘Bah! You dare not shoot me, Romeriqua. Murderer that you already are, you have too great a dread of the gallows to killme. But why prolong our interview with quarreling? if have come here to make a proposal that you should hail with delight and enthusiasm, “You are rich. You own the major part of the mining interests in this camp. You, no doubt, have money, besides. And last, but not least, you havea daughter. Now, what I have to propose, is this: Let’s unite our fortunes and destinies, and thus forever seal the book of the past. Make Morrell and I equal partners with you in your mines, and give my son your _ daughter’s hand in marriage, and the matter _ is settled—the book of the past forever sealed, and a load lifted, no doubt, from your mind. Do this, and I swear that no word {rcm me or Morrell shall ever betray you, and that, instead, it shall be our honest aim to shield you from any trouble that may arise from the Chicago complications.” Gambetta arose from his chair as he spoke, and looked the picture of carnesiness, while his voice had an honest ring. rn i Romeriqua eyed him sternly. | b' t isa very remarkable propocition!” he remarked, coldly. money from me for years, by threats, you now ao to havo me take the serpent to my som and warm) it, that it may have another opportunity to arin me,” ‘You are entirely wrong. I have no such evil intention. I wish to settle down into a | quiet, lucrative position, see my son well mar- | ried, and live on friendly terms with you. I don’t see anything to hinder our burying the past, and being partners and friends. It will save me the trouble of playing the villainous role any longer, and will be a positive safety- buoy, to you, from exposure, and an ignomini- ous fate.” is “Why do you pecpcen that our children shall lam satisfied my daughter would re- posal with derision.” crm ihe 99 glad to consent. My object in the consummation of this marriage is simply because I believe it will tend to cement our interests and make mat- ters more pleasant, and then there will be no likelihood of our fortunes going out of the fami- ly. anything to do with your scheme?” * Then you need not expect any mercy from me. I shall not demand money cf ycu, but shall seck revenge! You ought to know what that signifies.” Romeriqua was silent several minutes cre he made any answer, plunged in deep meditation, evidently. The Gambettas waited patiently. Well could they afford to wait, for they were satisfied that Romeriqua would feel constrained to come to their terms. ‘*There’s another matter,” Girard Gambetta now added, ‘‘ that may accelerate your decision. T refer to one of your own pet schemes by which you hope to make a raise of a cool ten thousand !— the Ruth Reynard case.” ; ‘“ What of her?” Romeriqua demanded fierce- 7. Oh, considerable! You would like to find her, pretty bad, and then if she should shufile off this mortal coil you’d be entitled to ten thousand dollars from a Chicago insurance com- pany.” “Well ” ‘* But, as ill-fortune would have it, you could not then conveniently obtain the money because you dare not go to Chicago.” ‘* Pooh! That matters not. An insurance in- heritance is transferable.” ‘*So it is, and were you and I partners, the matter could be so arranged that there would be no trouble in getting the policy principal. Then, too, if we affiliate, as I have suggested, there will be no trouble in finding the girl.” ** Ah! how do you know that? “Té matters not. I have a clew that, when set at work, will find her and Reginald Rey- nard’s secret mine as well.” — “Pah! I don’t believe it.” ‘‘- You will when you see the proof. The girl was spirited away from Chicago by a man named Hiram Hatch.” ‘*T don’t know anything about that.” ‘*T do, however. A few nichts ago, at Hen- coop City, this man, Hatch, was shot and killed by an unknown assassin.” “Well?” ‘* Well, before he died, ho sport, who called himself Yre “ Ah !” ‘Exactly. I suspected that the paper relat- ed to the whereabouts of Ruth Reynard, and made up my mind to know its contents. When Yreka Jim went to his room, and spread the document out before him, I stood behind his chair and read all’ that was written thereon.” “Ha! You did?’ and Romeriqua’s face ex- pressed great interest. ‘* What did you read?” ‘¢ This!” and Gambetta handed the mine-own- er a verbatim copy of the document Yreka Jim had received from Hiram Hatch. tomeriqua perused it eagerly, his face betray- ing considerable surprise. ‘And these boots?” he demanded, at length looking up. _“ Arve in my possession. On reading the mes- sage over Yreka Jim’s shoulder, I stole down- stairs, secured the boots and fled.* ‘* And have you any faith that the boots will goxe a paper toa a Jim, ‘“After you have extorted | have anything to do with discovering the hid- ing-place of Ruth Reynard? To me, the idea seems preposterous,” ‘*T have the greatest faith. have left this message except there was some- thing in it.” ‘* Perhaps not.” ‘Of course not!” Gambetta assured. ‘ By the way, did you know this Hatch?” “*T have seen him, but, until you told me, never suspected that he was in any way con- nected with Ruth Reynard’s escape from Chi- cago. I did, however, suspect, when I saw him here in Death-Rattle, that he was a detec- tive—” ** And followed him to Hencoop City and shot him!” Gambetta finished, triumphantly. ‘ You might as well out with it, for you know "tis said that confession is good for the soul.” “Curse you! would you brand me with yet another crime?’ Romeriqua cried. ‘‘ Beware! Tl not stand too much! _I know nothing about Hatch’s death, nor was I in any way concerned Oh, welll we'll quarre “Oh, well! we'll not quarrel about it. Of course, you know that I know you are none too de btenc a! mie) teas tid vd ae ih Oat is ae ; ait Bite eS ial J i : ‘* And suppose I peremptorily refuse to have |} Hatch would not | good to doit. And now, what decision do you make relative to my picjc.al?” ‘““T don’t know. While I might clude to do as you have suggested, know what my daughter will say. posed to the concession—” | * Bah! don’t allow any ifs norends about it,” | Gambetia expostulated, | ‘If she refuses, shut her up, and'keep her on | bread-and-watcr till she ccnsents, In the mean | time we will find this Ruth Reynard, and dis~ pose of her case, according to mutual agree- ment.” “ But this sport, Yreka Jim. He isa detec- | tive; he is hcre in Death-Rutile, ena has thicat- ened to give me up to the law!” ‘Ah! he has? Was he sent by your Chicago creditors?” ‘““No! He is working in the interest of Regi- nald Reynard and his daughter.” ‘Have you talked with him?” “Yes, “He called upon me, a short time be- fore the street fight, and literally bearded me is my own den.” , ** How much does he know?” “All about my Chicago matters, and also of | my intentions toward Ruth Reynard!” ‘‘Humph! He is more dangerous, then, than coe supposed. You know that he has been shot? ‘‘T ought to!” and Romeriqua smiled signifi- cantly. ‘‘Is he badly wounded?” ; ‘**T don’t know.” ‘Well, it matters not. If he don’t die of his wounds, he is not long for this town. Did you notice the card tacked up on the door of my office, refusing to grant an advance in wages?” ‘ey igs.” ‘Well, that will settle the sport. If the miners don’t skin him alive to-night, I shall be disappointed, Grinder will lay it all to the sport, that I did not come to the terms demand- ed, and he’s a desperate devil, and wiil no doubt raise a riot against Yreka. Jim.” ‘Good! And now, is 1t settled that we are to affiliate; and work together as brothers and partners?” ‘* Do you swear, then, never to betray mc‘{” “T do, by all I hold sacred; and in speaking: for myself, I also represent my son!” “Very well. Then it is settled. From this day you are my partners, so long as you stick te your promise. I will now call my daughter and approach her on the subject!” “That is not necessary!” a feminine voice cried, and out from behind one of the heavy curtains, at the rear of the parlor, stepped Beu- lah Banks, otherwise known to the reader as Inez Romeriqua. Her figure was drawn proudly erect; her ite face was pale, and her eyes flashed with spirit. She had been an‘ eavesdropper, and had heard. ~~” all! - ey, bet, ion, tho ossibly con- do Lot yet If she is op- a- bs CHAPTER X. INEZ’S DECEPTION. ‘ So accusing was the glauce of Inez Romeriqua, a: _ che confronted the schemers. that they looked de2©d. cidedly ill at ease. 1 up “Ha! is it you?” the mine-owner gasred, aud nclug- knowing «xectly what to say, or do, * Why, Inez,/ never thought you would be guilty of playing tl sp¥ ! } ; Didn't your” the young woman replied Wes ™ sarcasm. * Wcll. you know it, now. J consider tee- fortunate that T di play the spy.’ Ob, to think tr? Use I should have so long clung to you, a murder 1! _Ccon- | is terrible!” ; large rf Stop!” Romeriqua cricd, springing to his fect four- rage. “Do not dare to address me iu this w. girl!” beat “I do dare!" Inez retorted, fearlessly, “end 1 de ~~ vou! Ihave overbeard all your villainy and ec} (CS20 ing,and you are no longer a parent of mine. / _ shall be the aim of my life to thwart you in al) ya Jim villainous Coings. in the future.” - eand ‘** We shall see!” Rome riqua cried. * You are d not - child, and in duty bound to cbey me ” fo any * Of course yon are,” Gambetia chimedin, , y rests with you, girl, whether your father lives peace and plenty, or goes to the gallows, Unbanly you act sensibly. and come to our terms, which when that you marry my fon, I shall haveyour father have — rested, and his‘punishment will be death, hy h: ing!” of his | 1 | “ All of which he richly deserves!’ was | ne q |
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ees ecto emerzency, like this, it was necessary to adopt harsh measures, ‘This is very extraordinary and very dramatic talk to come from you, girl,” he said, angrily, ‘‘and your spirit needs to be curbed. Therefore, until you conclude to do as I want, I shall shut youup, on a diet of bread and water!” * You--you will shut me up?” Inez cried, her eyes concerned,’’ Gambetta declared. 3 Yreka Jim cf Yuba Dam. “T owe him a | grudge, and have a plan that will insure his dis- posal,”’ ‘““ What?”* “Why, simply this. Gid Grinder, that you stand in fear of Yreka Jim, |; and d renot raise ti e wages, on his account—that glowing witb the fury of a woman’s righteous anger. | “ Yes, T! the mine-owner replied. *‘ You will find that I am master here, and if you attempt to leave | this room, or resist my will, 1’'ll add another crime to my calendar, by shooting you down, as I would a | dog. Understand me, Iam now desperate, and will , Ss I brook no resistance! * Quite correct!’’ encouraged Gambetta—‘‘ quite | The girl needs breaking in, dear Bayard, ! correct. Shut her up, to be sure, until she concludes to be gensible and marry my son. Give her Lread and water, and don’t forget to dose the water plentifully with salt. That will fetch her to her senses!” Inez gazed at the trio of conspirators with a shud- cer, her indignation not unmingled with horror. That her own father could be the monster he now appeared to her, had never occurred to her as | possible; consequently the shock upon her nerves was stunning. ‘ She saw, only too plainly, that her parent was | enemy to their evil designs, to the bitter end. | snail reeret that they did not kill me. desperate i: his villainous gene and, a etted as | he was by the equally evil Gambettas, how could she hone to hold out in warfare against their wishes? She knew if they locked he prospect that she would _be released, until she con- sented to marry Morrell Gamb«tta. Such a union would be a mockery and a sin, and she could never for a moment favorably entertain it —no! she would die before she would marry him! But one man did she care for, and he was the sport, Yreka Jim. Ever since their interview, she up, there was no | had planned and plotted how to win him, for win | him she would, if it were a possible thing. avert being locked up? was the question that flashcd throuzh her mind as she stood there, haughty and speechless, before the conspirators, whom. she might well regard as her most dangerous enemies. “You'd better act sensible now, and not meke a fool of yourself,” Romeriqua suvgested. .‘‘Gam- betta and T have concluded to affiliate, and by so ding, I will be able to keep my enemies at bay. and for the future cur lives will run smoothly. Your marriage wi | cement all our interests, and eventual- ly, you and Morrell will, by our deaths, be left the | h.ppy possessors of a handsome fortune. Morrell, you are willing to marry my daughter?” “If it will cancel the feud so long existing be- tween yourself and my father, I am, sir!’ was the prompt response. *So you see,’ Romeriqua went on, turning to his daughter, “there is but for bate to consent to make matters right. Just think how much trouble for me, and gene al unhappiness, your refusal will | cause. Then, too, it is nothing so terrible that is required of you, Morrell is an honorable, well- | educated and attraciive young gentleman, worthy | of any young woman in the land. He is possessed of just and sterling principles, and there ean be no ljoubt but what your union with him would be | ‘raught with happiness.” “T presume you will admit that 7 am better pre- ared to judge about that,’’ Inez replied. 1an ought to be a better judge of her own destiny lan a man. However, we will not discuss that. I consent to become a party to this villainous ansaction, it must be with one distinct understand- iy—nay, two.” ‘Ah! and whatisit you want understood?” Ro- riqua demanded, while the Gambettas looked ea- t: q First, that I am to be granted a week's time to tjbare for this marriage. Secondly, that you are “to seek or in any way harm the poor fatherless, herless, deeply-wronged gir!, Ruth Reynard!” enfo which I agree, withou the least hesitation!” caveriqua declared, with apparent heartiness, st« too!” Girard Gambetta said. ‘‘What I most ‘eis to settle down to a peaceful, sinless life, sut@ke use of the future in doing good, to atone P™isdeeds of the past.” 20) all three of you swear to offer Ruth Reynard skurm?” aire do,” Romeriqua and the Gambettas de- | rivid, in a voice, paiery well. It is not necessary to discuss the ola? any further, then. ot prsent I will take .t your word, and marry Morreil Gambetta, one MCerom to-day.’ not Inez swept from the apartment, with the Tty earriyge of a queen. -and trio remained silent, until they heard her | —. the stairs, to her own room; then Miguel tore!qua spoke: was works well. nip} word. She is a sensible girl when she Liat wo- } | ly be a “jamboree” to | rough had sustained. @ nec ssity of being so. She will be as good | factd expect us to be as good as curs!” Gambetta | ous. ‘oh! for that!” responded Romeriqua, snap- swirS fingers, contemptuously. ‘‘ What we may were Yreka Jim pu out of the way. you would grant the advance \.ithout hesitation. Ha! ha! 1 fancy that would sufiics, eh?” “Heavens! yes. ‘I!:c whole camp would rise in arms against the spurt!” Romeriqua averred, look- ing diabolically exul at. While in her own ajxurtment, Inez paced the floor, her face white, ber lips conipressed, her eyes flash- ing. “ What! I marry tat man!” she murmured, with | a shiver of disgust—‘‘no, nerer! They think they have got me for a dupe, but they shall, ere long. find their mistale. Though I am a murderer’s daugh- ter, thank God I am untainted with crime; and it shall be no fault of mine, it Justice does not obtain its recompense. They imagined I believed them, when they promised not to harm Ruth Reynard. Rah! I’d as soon believe Satan, in all bis blackness, Though but » weak woman, they shall find me an They mean harm to the sport, Yreka Jim, but it shall not come tohim if Ican preventit. An opportunity now lies befo:e me, whereby I may be able to win his re- spect. at least, and | shall not hesitate to take advan- tage of it. By assisting him tv fird and befriend Ruth Reynard, [can perhaps interest him in me,so ‘hat, eventually, he will come to regard me with favor, Then, how happy I should be! Oh! Yreka, Yreka, I would willingly give up my iife to win your love!” Her face gained color, her eyes glowed with the warmth of tender, yearning passion; there could be no doubt but what her professed infatuation for the | dashing sport-detective was genuine. But, how get out of the present difficulty, and | & 8} g A girlof warm, impulsive oature was the daugh- ter of the mine-owner, but she despised that which was in any way wrong or wicked, and with a will | as firm as adamant. it looked decidedly as if the con- spirators bad aroused a mnost dangerous enemy, CHAPTER X. ** BUSINESS,” Nient drew on apace over the rugged mining- | town. There was no moon. and the somber pall of clouds that had covered the heavens, the letter | part of the day now deepened into a black, threaten- ing mass. The employes of the mines quit work soon after Gid Grinder’s encounter with Yreka Jim, and when it became generally known to them that Miguel Romeriqua had refused to grant the advance in wages, they gathered in knots in the street, and at the hotel saloon, to discuss the situation. Grinder, by the way, had been badly knocked oui, and did not recover consciousness until fully an | hour after he received the tellirg blow. His eyes were then swollen nearly shut, his face bruised and distorted, and his walk very grogey. As soon as he recovered his scuses he called for whisky, and gulped down a large glassful of the fiery s‘uff. A crowd of grim-faced mincrs and roughs of the camp, watchod him inquiringly, for he was a sort of lord among them, and they knew there must certain- ay up for the defeat the hat Grinder would permit the affair to pass without revenge, everybody knew was highly improbable, for even in his mildest mo- ments he was surly, ill-tempered and vicious. ‘Whar is he?’ he demanded. in a hoarse whisper, | as he glare’ about him. ‘ Whar's the feller thet slugged me?” An explanation was made at which Grinder gave a grunt of disapproval. “Shot. hey?” greasin’ my bugle. some o’ you fellers go an’ hang crape on the door-knob uv ther town!”’ That was all he said just then, but it was signifi- cant enough to those who heard it! It meant that there was murder in the man’s heart, He got up and staggered to the bar and procured another drink. Then he paced unsteadily up and down the room, his gaze riveted upon the floor, his countenance fierce of aspect, and terrible to look upon, battered and blood-stained as it was. For some time he continued to stride to and fro, then he drank another bumper of whisky, and ap- peared considerably more straightened up. ‘‘Hes Romeriqua put out ary notis, yet?’ he de- manded, “Yes. He refuses to increase ther wages,” a miner said, ‘He does. hey?” and Grinder gnashed his teeth, ‘* Yes, and I can teil you why,” Girard Gambetta remarked, he having come for that very purpose. “ You can?” Grinder growled, glaring hard at the Chicagoan. ‘ Waal, now. who and what be you ?” “T am a gentleman, and a friend of your em- | rloyer—will be a partner of his in the course of a red, * in regard to Reynard’s girl, can easily be | white’ and we can work without her knowl- in th.aps your daughter is playing with us?” Lor fear. Her word isunimpeachable, What artic: she will do she will d/o, and you can de- foune® it. No, everything bids fair to work forwiitm, and if the miners can be urged on to | flask of Yreka Jim, to-night, we shall have fair this.” clar waters, with much promise ahead.” Th .Tll sottle matters, so faras the sport is he few days,” The devil ye will! What's ther reason we don’t git ther advance, ef ye know so much?” “T don’t know that Lourht to tell, for Romeriqua | is chary about his failure b betta said, with pretended |! ¢ ° “ Ye'd better spit it ont, ef tronble,” Grinder snarled, savagely. ‘‘My temper ain’t as sweet as new clover honey, just at present.” “Well, you see, Romeriqua and this Yreka Jim are enemies. and the former is afraid of the latter— so much afraid that he scarcely dare sav his life is his own. Therefore, as it is against Yreka Jim's ing known,” Gam- I will hint to your mine boss, | They | he said, ‘‘an’ at Jim Fletcher's | cabin? Hope he don't croak, An’ now, while [I’m | rn y: don’t want more | il wishes. he d r: not raise the wages urtil Yreka Jirm is out of the wav. That’s the truth of the mi tter, and if it «asn’t for Yreka Jim, your wags would be increased at once.”’ A murmur of surprise and indignation folk wed the Chicagoan’s bare-raced lie, and the face> of the miners darkened ominously. In truth, their wages were considerably lees than were paid in other mining localities, and that a total stranger should be thy canse of their not receivilg what they were justly entitled to occurred to thim as being an outrage. | Gambetta’s ceclart.tion was received by Grinder with an oath, ‘*So ther sport aire ther cause, hey, an’ not Ri meriqua hisself?” he demanded, ** Exactly.”’ Gambetta assured. ‘ Yreka Jim is the sole cause of your nct getting honest wages. He's scaly ¢vstomer at best. They had him arrested it Rocky Run for stage robbery, but cowd net co iu ~ thing with him owing to lack of evidence.”’ This was another lit; but lying was a pastime for Gambetta, whose whole life was a lie. ‘* Waal, one thing's settled He won't git cff this | time soeasy. Boyees, ye heer what this man tells us?”’ ““We do!’’ was the answer of the crowd. “Of course ve do, an’ ye’ll all agree thet ther sport hes ger et mean cn ther bull ov us, not ter sveak o’ ther way he’s painted me red!” There was a grunt of assent, and likewise a smile. becsuse of Grinder’s reference to his recent pum- meling. * You bet he hes!” Grinder continued. “He cum hyer ter Death-Rattle, fixed up. an’ fantastic, an” meddled wi’ what war nore o’ his bizness, an’ inter fered wi’ our bread an’ butter. Et’s a durned insult an’ outrage, an’ hyer’s one, w’ot sez we ain’t er goin’ ter stand it: I’m fer hevin’ a squar’ deal. allus, but I’m fer revenge now. Walk up hyer ter ther bar. an’ pour out his p‘izen, every man thc t’sia favor o’ yankin’ Yreka Jim up ter ther limb uva | tree, Set out ther arsenic, barkeep’, an’ ‘her glasses, an’ I'll fut ther bill when the boyees hev got th: ir tanks full.” There was a general shout cf approval, and ful? three-score of men crowded up to the long bar two thick, to manifest their desire to wrenk vengeance upon Yreka Jim, as well as to take advantage uf Grinder’s unusual liberality. And as drinks innumerable were partaken of it the next half-hour, and the dormant spirits of the stolid miners warmed to a fighting pitch. the pros- pect in store for the man from Yuba Dam, was not exactly pleasant to contemplate These men of Death-Rattle meant business! CHAPTER XI THE MYSTERIOUS VISITOR. | Irwas growing dark when Yreka Jim awakened | from his sleep, and opened his eyes. At first he was very much bewildered, and couibi form no idea where he was. He saw, ata gicnce, that he was not at the hotel, and so lay afew mo- ments, trying to regain command of his mind suffi ciently to locate himself, The room where he was lying was some twelve feet long by ten wide, and its only furniture, as re- vealed by the dim lhght that struggled in at the window, was the cushioned Jounge upon wrich he lay. a common table, and « couple of chairs. | Hewas the sole occupant of the room, and the two doors, which evidently communicated wit!» other rooms, were closed. | When his thoughis were collected enough to re- | member that he had been shot, he made an attempt to arise, and succeeded in doing so, but the effort cost lim considerable pain. “| wonder where 1 am?” he muttered, sitting | down upon the lounge, now conscious of his exceesi- ing weakness. ‘This is not the hotel, that is cer- tain. Most likely I've been taken in by some miner's: family.” | At this juncture he heard a door close, and voices, evidently those of two men. in an edjoining room. ** Well, what’s the music?” was asked. “Music!"? was the response. “Great fandango flip-flops of old St. Vitus! The music aire sech as. aire played at funerals—a dirge, I reckon ye call i¢,*° ‘Ah! then the miners are up in arms?” “You kin bet yer best bar’l 0’ bug-juice on’t. Sun» one hes bin tellin’ ’em an’ ther feller Grinder, thet et’s all Yreka’s fault thet Romeriqua won’t pay the advance o’ wages, and | tc" ver they’re jest as mad as ther Lizness end uv a how lin’ hornet, an’ hev got et all cut and dried ter come Lyer, bymeby, an’ take Yreka out an* lynch him.” **AgI feared Grinder is a mean devil, and he holds a power o° influence over the majority o’ ther min- ers. What he proposes they feel in duty bound to carry out.”” ‘But, they sha’n’t tech my pard Yreka!” was the | grim declaration—“ floating gezelles an’ fightin” furies, no/ Thet Yreka aire ther squarest feller thet ever shook a hoof, an’ no one ain’t goin’ ter tanterlize his trumpet while this hydra-headed he-- up-an’-haw kin howl.” ‘We will try to prevent harm coming to him,” the miner said. * at time does the mob intend coming here?”’ | “Not. afore dark, I reckon. They’re down thar at the hotel, swimmin’ in bug-juice, an’ *tain’t likely they'll leave the bar ’til they’ve got their tanks fill-- ed, an’ they’re in fightin’ trim!” **Most cao f not. We shall have to tell tiem that our partner is not here, and if they insist upon it, | let them search the shebang.” “But, they will find Yreko!" “No they won't. I'll hide him, and tei! ‘om. he = eriago?
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+ E ‘ _ tion, f 12 Rut, you mustn't be here, or they'll You had best go, and remain out of sight, until after their visit. if they don't see you, they'll think you and Yreka have gone away sure.” “Durned ef thet ain’t a good idea, so Ireckon I betcer slope, now. Yreka ain't woke up yet?” “No, He may not awake till I'm ready to secrete him.” ‘Kin ye do et, so they won’t getat him?” “ThatI can.” “Then, do et, an’ I'll drap around ag’in’, after ther coast aire clear. Minu! doan’t ye let any harm come ter Yreka, or down goes yer shanty.” “ Don’t fear but what I'll look cut for his welfare, as sharply as you would, yourself, sir,’” was the as- surance. Then, Yreka Jim heard a door open, and shut, and knew that his giant pard had left the shanty. By this time, he became so weak, that he was forced to lay back upon tie pillows. ‘Jt seems I am to be treated to a visit of mob law'” he mused. ‘ Wish I were as strong as I was defore I received these cowardly bullet wounds. I'd defy the crowd of ’em, then, But, as it is, I yrouldn’t be able to make much of a defense. I won ice who Maccaw was conversing with?” 4icu ueagain heard voices—one that of the man who Lad talked with Maccaw—the other that of a women; So be concluded that he was the gu_st of some miner and his family. But a few words low oken were exchanged. Yreka was listening and gazing about the room, when he saw something that startled him. There was a door at each end of the room, the one openi g into the room where he had heard the vcices being at his head; the other was opposite the end of the lounge. This door he saw open, and upon the threshold stood a young woman. As he lay in the dark corner of the room, he knew she could not see him as plainly as he could her. To close his eyes and feign sleep was his way of avert- ing attention, n a@ moment more he was conscious of her ap- roach, Ther she paused, and he felt her breath an his cheek—knew that her face was near to his, and that she was gazing at him, steadfastly. For a moment she stood thus, and then he heard her glide softly to the door, at his head, on reaching which, she crouched down and listened. What was she listening for? Did she not belong to the house? or, was she a spy? Tf so, for what purpose? Yreka was asking himself these questions, when the voices in the next room were hoard. ** Molly,” Fletcher said, ** d’ye know I’m in a quan- dary?” *A quandary?” echoed the woman’s voice. “Yes, a quandary. I’m not satisfied!” “ Not satisfied? And why not?” **Oh! because. You see, is strikes me we ain't gittin’ paid enough. Here we are, guardin’ an im- portant secret for a bundred dollars a month, when we or.cr be gettin’ rich,” *Pshaw! you're too greedy. We're doin’ well enough, I think.” * Well, J don't. D'ye know, I’m allowin’ I've rot a plan by which we can git rich, aillat once. Then, all we’ve got to do is pack up our traps and po | ack East, Wouldn’t ye like to go back East, Molly?” “To be sure 1 would, dear. But, then, you know that’s out of the question, at present.” “No sechathing. l'lljestt-llye why: My ears wasn’t made fcr nothin’, an’ I've been usin’ ’em a good deal, in the last twenty-four hours, an’ hev picked up some points I’ve a notion to take advant- age of,” “What are they, Silas?” “ Well, in the first place, Romeriqua would give a handsome pile o’ money ter know where the gal is, and the mine. I’m allowin’ he’d give enourh ter make us fee! comfortable rich, for the remainder of our lives.” y: ~went away. know better. ives. ** Why, Silas Fletcher! would you be so dishonor- able, and unfaith that poor girl, to & man Jik» Miguel Romeriqua “T hain’t said I would,” Fle cicr replicd, in a dogged tone; *“* | was only yen supposin’ the case. °Tain't sayin’ I’d d» ct, only «f we could make a raise of five or six thousand dollars, it would be a powerful help to us in our old age.” * Nonsense! Don’t let me hear any more of this, from you, Silas—not a word of it! We're doin lenty well «cnough where we are, and I'm sure that ‘d rather be poor and bonest, than rich and dishon- orable. Hew do you know but what our patient is awake, and listening?’ *Nousense. He’d be up and stirring if he was awake. He Ain't ove o’ ther scrt thet kin Jay still. D’ye know, Mo'ly, there could be a Lit o’ money amnade through him, too?” “ How?” “Well, you see, he is huntin’ for the gal. Roy- mard sent him erter ker, afore Hi Hatch went. bu somehow. Hate! got the time on him, an’ fetened ‘the gal away. Yreka Jim has bin searchin’ for the gal, eversnec, Migu 1 Romeriqua knows this, an’ et nettles im Ef ther sport war ter wake up a corpse, in his ct 1D, per agreement betwixt me an’ Romeriqu: 3°! get a bulgin’ wad o’ money.” “Well, Silas Fletcher! I’m astonished—horror- struck! Would you, who have always borne such a spotless reputation, commita murder, in cold blood? ob Silas!” and the voice wes full of distress, “T gain’t said I would—I was jest s'pesin’ the easel’? was the reply. - Then silence ensued. Yreka Jim uad heard every word of the conversa- 9. rf ’ i | {fil to your promise. as to give up | el Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam. So had the girl, crouching at the door. He beard her arise, a moment later, and presumed that she was about to retire from ti.e room, No longer able to contain his curiosity, he sat up, on the jounge, just as she came near him, He saw her face—saw that it was a most attrac- tive one; that cf a girl of some svventeen er eigh- teen years, lit up by a brilliant pair of eyes, and beautified by a mouth of tempting sweetness. “Stop!” he wuisp_red, eagerly, putting out his uninjured hand, and trying to detain her. ‘“*‘Speak, before you go, Are you--are you Ruth Reynard?” She stared at him, with unutterable surprise, for a moment, evidently greatly startled at his unex- pected arousal; then still refusing to speak, she swept quickly past, and vanished from view, closing the door noiselessly bebind ner. “1 frightened her!” Yreka muttered. “I'll bet my lite, however, that she is Ruth Reynard, And this Silas Fletcher knows who she is, and where she is concealed!” Just then. a wild, awful yell arose from out upon the night—the chorus-yell of many brazen throa's. . on pouaes from the direction of the Death Rattle otel, What did it signify? Was the mob preparing to make its dcscent upon the cabin? CHAPTER Xil. LOVE’S TREACHERY. Tue thought was far from a comforting one to Yreka Jim, for he knew. that, do his * level best” he could not stand up and fight, owing to his weak- ness—a singular weakness, considering that he had not lost much blood. And, after what insight he had gained cf Flet<h- er’s character, it would not be fair to say that he cared to trust himself in that individual’s charge. What then. was he to do? He was turning the all-important matter over in his mind, when he heard the door at the lower end of the room again open, and gazing quickly in that direction, saw that a woman again stood upon the threshold, It was not the same one who had previously visi- ted the apartment, Yreka perceived at a glance, and he fancied there was something familiar about the figure, An instant later, the w man glided forward, and he then saw who it was—Inez! She came close to his side. *Yreka!’’ she said, anxiously, “ are you badly burt?” **No not so very badly,’’ he replied. ‘‘ The wounds are of no account, hut 1’m very weak.” “It is too bad. You must get out cfhere. The whole camp is up in arms against you, and are com- ing here to Jyneh you.” **So I have understood,’ he replied, trying to ap- pear calm and unconcerned. ‘*Yes, and there is no time tolose, You must let me assist you to escape from here, to a place of safety.” ** You?” Yreka echoed, “Cotainly, If every one else tur: s against you, I will not. !Yaving abandoned my father and my home, I, too, must seek safety elsewhere. So sure- ly, you will not refuse to let me assist you when you an in imminent peril, and unable to protect your- silf. She spoke with such such evident feeling, that the sport detective was mo\ ed. * No, I will not refuse to accept of such assistance as you may be able to afford me, Miss Barks,”’ Yr-ka answered, promp'ly; ‘‘ond am grateful for your kindness in remembering me. Are the roughs ar proaching the cabin yet?” “No, but I fear they will, within a very few min- utes. They are all congre ated ot the hotel. end are being harangued by Gid Grinder and Girard Gambetta; so we had better go at once.” * Where?” “T know cf a place, rot far away, where you will be safa uutil }ou are fully recovered. Can you walk?” _ “With a little assistance I guess Ieon make a go cf it. We must leavo quietly; 1 havo no confidence in ths man Fletcher.” “Nor I, Give me your arm, and I'll help you.”’ Yreka arose with ancffort, and partly supporied by Beulah, crossed the room, and entered tle next one, which provcd to be small and uufurvished. From this a door opered out: into the gulch, and the two were speedily beneath the cloud-cast heavens. No roin was falling, but a raw wind was blowing fiercely, heralding a stcrm. Once out of doors, Yreka felt atrifle more refresh- ed, and was ab'e to walk wi hout much assistance from his fair companion. Jn th» direction of the Death-Rattle Hotel, the sound «fa hubbub of voices could be heard, enliv- ened occa ionally, by the lord yell of some boozy rough, who had got more than his share of bug- juice. ‘When you are s fs beyond their reach. I shail be so glad,”’ Beulah declared, 2s she led the waj to- | “These Ce- ward the lower cutski: ts of the camp. if they testabl : wretches would tear you to pieces were to get hold of you.” “Tonly wish I wos not so weak'” Yreka replied. “They'd wake up the wrong man then ” ‘TL have no couhs von are brave enough to face and defy them all!” Beulah a sented, “but. discre- tiou, Hise at present, happens to be the better part of valor. I hope for your speedy recovery. and shall co all in mv power t+ be of s-rvice to “Did I.unversfand you tat you you,” had left your i with unmistakable firmness. ——- ee , father’s roof, for good, Miss Banks?” Yreka astzed, as they walked along. ‘Yes, sir, I have!” was the quick response. “Mr, Yreka, I have c ung to my fatuer, through cil his sinful career, until now, when. after Leing an eayesdropp.r to an interview of bis, with Girard tambettu, [ have abandoned him,” An! Then, it was not without a strong cause,” “No. His rascality of the past, | was, daughtcr- like, inclined to oveilook, But, to day, a new page of his life was opened to me. God only knows, is was a blow cruel enough, to have killed me. 1 need not tell you what it was I beard, but 1 can admit that I found my fathcr to be a hardened villain, with murdcr in his teart. He evcn forced by die threats a promise from me that I would mezrry Morrell Gambetta. I had t» promise, to save being locked up. Aftcr due celibcration. I dressed my- self, took what money I kad, and kft. If I die by the wayside, I will nevcr go back to become a party to my father’s evil designs. I am satisfied that he is irretrievably a cesperate villain, and Ido not want to live within the shadow of his sinfulness. Do you blame me, sir, for my resolve?” “Certainly not,” Yreka replied. heartily. “ You are, rather, to b2 commen ed, I should say, I pre- sume your father has « vil intentions. toward me?” “He has. Itis the plan between him and Girard Gambetta, that you never escape from Death-Rattle alive. To insure that you co not. Gambetta has told the miners that you are the sole cause of their not getting an advance in wages, and that, as scon as you are put out of the way, the wages will be raised. Consequently the miners are not very much in love with you, just at present, and tne fact ef your whip- ping Gid Grinder will cause him to goad the men on to desperate action.” ; ‘*Perhaps they wi!l lynch Fletcher, if they can’t find me?” * Pooh! Fletcher and Grinder know one another, and if you had remained at the cabin I haven't a doubt but what the former would have given youup to the mob.” “Twas none too confidentof him. I hope tke mcb won’t hurt bim, however.” Why?” ‘* Because, when I get well, I want to use him.” ‘“* How do you mean?” “Oh! no way, in particular, more than that | think I can use him to good advantage.” **Or, in other words, utilize him as a pump,” Deu- lah suggested. “Well, not exactly.” “Oh! yee, exactly. Why, I know what you sus- ect—that Fletcher knows where to lay hands upon uth Reynard. Perhaps you are right, for I fancy he always has more money about bim than other miners who get the same wages.” “You are right, Fletcher does know where Ruth Reynard is, and as soon as I recover my strength I menn to make him tell me.” “T doubt if you succeed. He is a stubborn man, and would die before he’d give ina point, Why is it you are so anxious to find Ruth Reynard? She is nothing to you. She does not know ycu, nor love you. asIdo. Ob! Yreka, you are cruel!” ‘And you are foolish to entertain asingle par- tiele of affection for me,” he retorted, kindly, yet “As for Miss Rey- nard, i errtainly do not know her pleura: but I promised her father I'd find her and Jock to her selfare, and I shelitry to doit. As for loving her. or she loving mc, the irea is absurd. Love is some- thing I do not care to talk abou!—a kind of stock I am rot ct present ive ined to Cabble in.” , “Very well. Vl not intrude my weakness upon vou azain. I shall always try to he werthy of your hivthest respect and esteem, however, and hope that yon will rot rerard me as utterly irsane, ue you want to find Ruth Reynard, I can hctp you,” “You do net meen to tell me that you can con, duct me to Miss Reynard ?”’ “No, but I have that which will reveal her hiding. lace?” * What! you heve not. Hiram Hatch’s boots?” “T have—or. that ie, 1 can easily cet them, as 7 know where they ere.” “Tf this be true itis gocd news, while you go fer them.” The mine-owner’s daughter lauched, the least bit sarcas‘ically. “) haven’t a doubt but what you would,” she pes ed, Lut then, you sec, I am nut going for the oots |’ * Ah! You are not inclined to have me find Miss Reynard?” “No more than you are inclined to dabble in love stocks, sir. On concitions, I will produce the boots, end if there is any virtue in the claim thet the star Oo. the left boot will guide you to the secret mine, then yeu con find Ruth Reynard.” *On conditions, eh?” “ Exacily.”’ Yreka was silent a moment, It cost him no effort to guess what tho conditions were, ‘“‘Did you ever sce this Ruth Reyrard?” he finally demanded, ‘‘ when your father was guardian cver ner?” “Tsaw her, but not freqnen'ly, because she vas viaccd in a young ladies’ seminary, and kept there, by my father's orders, very seldom being allowed to leave the premises, I never took a strong liking to her, however, por she to me, I farecy.” : By this time, they were some little distance cut of Death-Rittle, and ascending the mountain-side, te- ward a ; atch of rsunt, si hine pines, ay *“What sre these conditions ¢f revre?" Yreka | asred, nansing, pnd | onine oesivet’ s bowler pe © gain breath and siren,tu, “Pcr. ope Tt py Leable — Pie ; ba I will await here < (0 ke hea - 0. — = aes! . wy «fin
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et a re en ee ee to take advantage of them, since you seem pre- pared to enter into a business contract.” * The conditions are these: that, if i furnish you with the boots, and you find Ruth Reynard, you will never court or marry her, or teil her you love her, and if you marry at all, you will marry me!” She spoke unbesitatingly, candidly. She meant what she said, too. She could be dealt with, so far as the boots were concerned, only on her own terms. Yreka understood this, and kuew that they might as well come to an understanding at once. Well enough satisfied that she could never be anything to him, Yreka knew that it were better that she should understand the fact at once and fer good, ‘* Your conditions are very extraordinary and un- reasonable, Miss Banks,” he said, **and 1 can make no hesitation in saving that I cannot accept them.” | 1 “Then you shail never see Ruth Reynard!” she declared, passionately. hands of my father, and the Gam bettas, filst!” “If so, 1 cannot help it. is concerned, it is not probable that, even if her, 1 shall fall in love with her. meet Did I do so, how- *T will b tray her into the | ‘ | was after ber, ever, and conclude to woo her, I should get her in | spite of any person’s objections or opposition. And, as for yourself, I cannot promise you that which rou seem to desire. Indeed, it is my duty to frank- @ tell you that there is not the least prospect of my ever marrying you.” She came nearer to him, and he saw that her face was very white, her eyes fairly blazing with passion. * Very well!’ she hissed, her breatn fanning his cheek—“ be it so! You have pronounced my doom, but not alone! You have pronounced your own. If 4 cannot win you, no other wotnan ever shall!’ And as she finished speaking. a stiletto flashed swiftly through the air; then, and uttering a wild, unnatural cry, she hurried away into the darkness of the night. CHAPTER XIiL RUTH. Yreka Jm™m had been standing in an unguarded attitude, never once res the mine-owner’s daughter of being capable of the treacherous act of stabbing him, until he felt the stiletto piercing him, and saw Beulah hasten away. He sunk upon the ground, a feeling of deathly faintness coming over him. He did not entirely faint, however, for he had sense enough to pull the stiletto from the wound, from which the blood flowed, hot and fast. The blow had been badly aimed. ¢ Althouch intended for his heart, it had touched him at one side. the weapon striking one of his ribs, and glancing off into the flesh part under the arm. Although the wound bled freely, ic was not danger- ous, nor did it promise to inconvenience him much, it b-icg the concussion of bone and steel that caus- ed bi » to feel faint. | person, and am known as Yreka Jim. Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam. i3 piece, I saw her fleeing t ward the camp, as if Satan so I hastened on, mistrusting that something had- happened. Did she stab you. sir?’ * Yes; but the wound is of no account. Ruth Reynard, are you not?” “Jam, sir. And from wiat I have learned, I take you to be the gentiemau whom papa sent after me, In advance of Hiram Hatch?” “Your supposition is quite correct. I am that I am very giad to meet you.” “Tt is equally a geome 4 to me to meet you, sir, for since Mr. Hatch went away,I have not practi- cally had a friend in all this wild country. But we , must not tarry to converse here. The prospects are | that ic will rain hard ere long, and we must seek shelter. Can you walk?” “Treckon J can make a‘ go’ of it, although Iam very weak. Where do you live?” ‘In asecret mine, The entrance to itis not far | off, Allow me to assist you.” As far as Miss Reynard || She helped him to his feet. and as they left the | spot she kept hold of him, supportivgly, to prevent his falling. They walked along the mountain-side until they | | came to where a small stream of water flowed over | é |b | ruffian started for Fletcher’s cabin, the crowu fol- | a ledge of rock. On either sice of the fall grew | dense thickets of saplings, and bushes which were The feeling gradually passed away, and he toro | open his shirt and bathed the wound with water | from a rill near at hand until the flow of blood was stopped, : ‘ia é then lay still a few minutes, woncering if he were too weak to walk. r “Td like to own a treacherous woman like that for a wife—maybe!” Yreka mused, his brow darken- ing. ‘She is even worse than I could have believed her, She no doubt thinks she has killed me by that cowardly blow; but 1 allow I ain’t quite dead yet.” : ‘*T wonder if she will goand kill herself, as tragi- cally jealous maidens sometimes do? I fancy not; it requires a good bit of nerve to take one’s own life, and Miss Beulah is too s:nsible for that, She evidently inherits some of her father’s bad 5 sa and no doubt will visit vengeance on Ruth Reynard, if she can find her. Therefore, it is imporiant | get upon my pegs as soon as possible, and make a more active search for tbe girl than I have been doing. Beulah says she knows where the boots of Hiram Hatch are concealed. As the Gambettas are in Death-Rattle, it is morally sure the boots are in their possession. The chances now are that the girl will go and affiliate with the Gambettas, and participate in the scheme to put Ruth Reynard out of the way, and get possession of the insurance money upon her life,”’ He was thus communing with himself when he heard a footfall only a few yards from where he was sitting. — : Peering rg’ in the direction indicated, he fan- cied he could faintly discern the outlines of a wom- an’s re, ‘“Who comes there?” he demanded, drawing and cocking a revolver. ‘peak, or 1'll fire!” ' “A friend!’ came back the answer, in unfamiliar tones. ‘‘ Are you Yreka Jim?” “Yon bet your dollars and cents Iam. Advance, and let’s have a look at you. : The woman—or, more properly, the girl. for shoe was yet in her teens—came hesitatingly forward, and paused a few paces from the recumbent sport. He then perceived that she was the same mysteri- ous maiden who had visited the Fletcher cabin, prior to Beulah Banks's call. For a moment she and Yreka gazed at each other without speaking, then she evidently discovered the blood upon the ground, for she took a step forward. ‘“You are hurt?’ she eaid, interrogatively, her voice soft and pleasing. sr apes wt acing Yreka resronded, ‘‘T got shot acouple of times, down in Death-Rattle.” Rin f *T know; but haven’t you been wounded again? ; “Oh! just a bit of a cut with this,” and he held up ri the stiletto. so ; “T thought so. I saw you leaving the cabin with Leoush Banks. 1 followed, and when back here a ie thape,* | apparently impenetrable. uth, however, parted the shrubbery, and it then | became revealed that once inside tae thicket a clear path was opened, which led into a 1 rge, damp, slimv cave beneath the falls. ** You don’t live here, I trust?” Yreka said, as she paused. ‘Oh! no!” and unswinging a little da*k lantern from her belt, she turned on a full fluod of brilliant lizht; ‘‘the mine is further on.’”’ You are | And the rough mine boss shcok fis fist in the air, fiercely. fa The grim-faced miners mace no icsperse—toeir silence suflicicutiy expressed their i 1 feqing ic\aid the sport. Grinder went on. “Yas, felier-citizens, ther skunk fot bis work in on us all, alike. Aire we goin’ ter stand it?—.u0. goin’ ter Jet one ¢. ntemptible whiffet uv a incon “No!” | cheat us?” “No!” ‘*No!” came a loud chorus of | apswels. * On course we ain’.," Grinder roared, ‘* We aire | goin’ ter hev satisfaction, we aire goiu’ ter hev re- venge. We’re goin’ ter gobble up this Yreka Jim, an’ send bim ter Kingdom Come on ther tight rope. | Hurra!”? From three-score of throats the yell of approval pealed forth, and awoke the echoes of the nigi.t. “Yas! yer’ a-shoutin’. we’re goin’ ter put ther choker on Yreka Jim’s cussed gullet!” Grinder con - tinued, ‘an’ thar ain’t no sort o’ use 0’ monkeyin” about it, or losi:x’ time, - Ther galoot aire Cown thar at Si Fletcher's. an’ he’sovrx! Come! Villead ther way, et I hev ter wade thru blood!” and leaping from the barrel on which he had been standing, the lowing close behind him. : The distance to the cabin was shcrt, and they soon arrived before it. Fletcher had evidently heard them coming, for he was standing in the doorway. **Hello! thar!’? Grinder saluted, as he and the gang came toahalt. ‘ We’re heer, Si Fletcher, an’ T reckons mebbe ye know what we're heer fur?” “Dunno’s | do!’ was the response, ‘*’less et’s fer Yreka Jim!” They went fcrward then, and socn entered a nar- | row passige hewn out of the friable rock. | ther sport, an’ we want bim. For a few yards they traversed this, and then de- | bouched into an inner cavern, larger considerably with a high-vaulted ceiling. Here all was dry an comforts ble. The bottom of this cavern was rough and irregu- Jar, and scattered about it were large ond sma bowld rs. There was but one clear and level spot, which was in the center of the chamber. To this Ruth conducted the sport, and gave him a seat upon a couch of skins. She then set fire to a bunch of fagots, and soon had an agreeable fire, the light smoke rolling up aud ‘disappearing in the crevices in the ceiling fifty feet above. ‘We are safe here for the present,’’ Ruth said, | bustling about and preparing a 1 ot of coffee, as well as roasting a savory chunk of bear-meat; ‘‘b tthere is no telling how long, as I pit no confidence in Silas Fletcher. You overheard his conversation with his wife? Well, I’ve scarcely a doubt but that he will turn traitor,” “Is he the only one, aside from ourselves, who knows of the location of this plece?”’ “He and his wife, now that Mr. Hatch is dead, are ) i the only ores,” “How about Hate’’s lef: bcot being a means of guiding a person here?” Ruth laughed merrily. “The idea is preposterous,” she said, pausing to turn the meat. ‘It seems that when father lived here, Hatch was a scout in the mountains. Deing ‘Ye hit ther spike slam onthe top-’not, then. Si, wi’ yer usual good judgment. We aire heer crter So yank him ont, cr we'll boost you to a branch, same’s we intend kr boost him,”’ “ Ther feller ain’t hyer.”’ Fletcher announced. “Ain't heer?” roared Grinder, with an cath. “*Nene o’ yer lyin’! Yenk him cut.” ‘** He ain’t heer I say!’’ the miner protested. gone.”’ * Whar? whar?”’ “I don’t know. Last I see’d 0° him, he were layin’ heer, in ther middle room. A bit ago, when i v cnt ter look fer him, he wargone, Slid out by ther back door, I recken.”’ With a fierce malediction, Grincer pushed past Fletcher, into the cabin, the crowd following. } Fletcher, who was an arrant coward, trembled in his boots. “ Ef we doan’t find thersport, we'll hang Fletch: r, kill Romeriqua, an’ paint ther town red wi? bax. ri he heard Grinder roar. This was enoug? for Fletcher. Watching anu opportunitv. he slipped awcey and walt HOW, | ran swiftly toward the Romeriqua ¢welling. He found the two Gambeitas and Remeriqna standing on the doorsteps. ‘Hello! what's the matter?” the latter demanded as the miner drew up, brea bless end panting. “Matter!” Fletcher echoed—‘‘ matter? Wy. the devil’s to pay. Yreka Jim has escaped. en’ th: mob are ferocious mad. They swear they wo.” be | cheated of their revenge an’ are goin’ to murer ' you. out cf luck, he tacked a golden star to his left boot | for good-luck. Sure encuch, he blundered into this place shortly afterward, and he and my father came to an agreement, by which they were partners. | Hatch, however, always held that the star was a sure guide to the mine, and would part with it for no money.” The supper ready, Yreka did full justice to it; then he and Ruth conversed for a number of hours, consulting and arranging as to the latter’s¥uture. Yreka was inexpressibly charmed with her. was well educated, high-minded, pretty, and pcs- si ssed a frank, sunny nature. She was of the type of women whom he could appreciate. The hours were advancing toward morning, and Ruth had suggested the expediency of getting some sleep, when a large black cat, which bad been her sole companion and which was lying near the fire, suddenly arose and darted toward the entrance to the mine. * Danger!” Ruth said. quickly seizing a rifle. ‘‘ We are going to have visitors.” CHAPTER XIV, HOW FLETCHER SOLD OUT. Girarp GAMBETTA lost no opportunity to ply the miners with liquor. at the Death-Ratile Hotel, and, as a consequence, he got them in a good fighting humor, by the time it was fairly dark. She | They then assembled outside of the bar-room, and | Gid Grinder delivered a speech. “ Feller-citizens o’ Death-Rattle,” he cried; ** be- hold! Tam chock-full 0’ benzine. but full r o’ fight. Need T tell ye ther cause? Hy: raire we, a prosperus | people, who works hard, takes our whisky straight | an’ minés cur own bizness. Along comes a galoot wi’ ther gall uv an elerfunt, an’ paints yer ‘umble se int gory red an’ somber black. Luk at me, fel- lei-citizens, an’ behold a picter of injured innercence | —f martyr ter anuther skunk’s monkey bizness. “Toet ain't ther worst of it, feller-citizens, Yer know my neture. T don’t feel fer meself, but fer you, ther people. It ain’t me w’ot hes suffered, but you, ther people, When ye war strugelin’ fer a raise 0’ wages, what did this Yreka Jim do? Why. be meddled wi’ ver bizness, an’ prevented ye from gettin’ that which ye orter have—he tuk thcr bread an’ bacon right out o’ yer mouths!” Sere ae | | | } jf you wish to save your lives, fly to a place of safety without delay.” The words caused the conspira‘ors tu iol | alarmed. ‘*Pooh! you're wrong!” Gambetta demurr «. ‘“They wouldn’t dare attack us!” “ Woulan’t they? Well you can just stay lerc, and test the matter, if you want to. J’ going lo # place of safety, an’ ye can go along, if ye want, an™ ll pay me my price!” “Where do you intend going—what do you mean?” Romeriqua demanded. ‘“‘Tmean that 1 know where the Reynard secret mine is located, and I’m goin’ there, till matt: rs. blows over. Then, I’m goin’ East. So if ye wert e to show ye where tke mine is, an’ where Ruth ynard is, just pen out ten thousend ‘ doliars in greenbacks, right quick, an’ I'll show ye.” : Miguel Romeriqua and Girard Gambetta stepped one side. and held a bricf consultation. When tuty returned, the former said; “We don't believe you know where the mine is?” “Yedon't? Waal, I ain’t goin’ ter stand] ere fcr no palaver, you kin bet. If you fork over my pricc, ye can goalorg. Otherwise, Y eka Jim will gct the gal, an’ I'll be glad ov it, you can bet.” Romeriqua uttered an oath, Does demanded, “ Shouldn’t wonder a bit ef he was there wi’ ther girl, now!” Just then a wild yeil was heard in the directicn ¢f Fletcher’s cabin, aud flames were seen burstir;: through the roof. The mcb had fired the miner’s home, and rs tle flames lit up the scene, the mob were seen com | toward Romeriqua’s house i ; “Here they come!’’ Fletcher cried. io slice out bi fore it is too Jate,” “Wait! wait!’ Romeriqua exclaimed, dashinr into bis house, ‘* Wait til 1 get my money!” He soon re{urned, with a bundle of bernk notes ir one hand, and a 1in safe in the other. handed to Fletcher. ‘‘There’s your price. parley!” Fletcher gave a grunt of satisfaction as he the notes into his pocket, and led off. He was rich, new—and happy. To be sure he had left bis wife behind, but he , i s “Tm ¢ci Yreka Jim know where the mine is?” Le - r Se irae Ses ; > The notes le | Now, lead away, without — .
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- g ven her the word to “scoot,” and presumed she also had escaped. “lf not -if the mob had killed her—it mattered little to this dishonest busband, in whose eyes ten thousand dollars were of more vaiue than a whole Karem of wives. CHAPTER XV. THE CAVE TRAGEDY. Yreka Jim also arose at Ruth’s alarm, for intui- liveiy he decided that the *‘ visitors,’ as Ruth termed them, were the Gambettas and Miguel Romeriqua. “Have you another rifle, Miss Reynard?” he asked. “Yes—yonder are several repeating-rifles, already hoaded. Wait, [ will get you one.” She cid so, and then closed the slide of the lantern. All then was inky darkness. ‘*Was the cat’s flight sure indication that some one was entering the cave?’ Yreka asked in an | andertone. “Yes. never leaves my little camp here except his sharp ears detect a suspicious sound. If everything is all right he wiil come back directly.”’ **You suspect who is eoming?”’ “Yes. I've no doubt but what Fletcher has sold ont to Bayard Hanks, as he threatened to do, »nd they are now coming here to-secure me and take pssession of the miue.” “What will you do -surrender?” Ruth laughed oJdly, “Well, uo not it Ll can help i. villain, and if he attacksme TI Il shoot him without any compuuctions, lieve he would kilt me, co as to get possession of the jusurance upon my life.” * You are, undoubtedly right, in that surmise. Af any rat«, they shall not gain possession uf you while { can fire ashot,”’ Yreka said, decidedly. They listened, intently. Tie deepestsilence reign- ed for several minutes, “Maybe it’s a false alarm,’’ Yrekasaid, finally. “The cat probably heard the movement of some animal, in the passage or outsi ‘e.” *“T’m not sure about that. Something tells me that there are enemies coming,” Ruth replied. * Ah! there—did you see that?” It was a twinkle of light, over in the direction of the entrance to the passage, such as a lighted match might have produced. ness reigned again. “They're coming,’” Ruth said, impressively. * That light was in the passage, It won't do for us to stay here. We must get to a point where we stall have the protection of the bowlders.” ‘Have you any valuables, here?"’ “None. During what time I have been here I have secured all the gold that could be got at, with- cut using powder, and, at night, transported it to a place of safety. Now let us move. Follow clos: in my footsteps, and look out you don’t fall. You take the lantern, and I will carry the rifles.” They cautiously threaded their way through the jabyrinth of bowlders, until they reached a bigh point on the side of the cavern opposite the passage entrance, Here they had the advantage of a breastwerk of rocks. *bebind which they could crouch and see through the crevices without being seen. **We can hold thm at bay, here, I guess,”” Ruth said. ‘* We have got about sixty shots, all told, and that ought to keep off the enemy for awhile.” “You are right. I reckon there’s not many of them. Romeriqua wouldn't be apt to bring the mob with him.” ‘Certainly not. You remain here now, and being familiar with the cavern, ll do a little scouting to see how strong a force we shall have to face,” and so saying. she set off through the iaky darkness with the steal hiness of a cat. Not without a deal of anxiety Yreka Jim awaited eeresney. : Slowly the minutes dragged by—on leaden wings, it seemed to Yreka... Silence and darkness most im- Toby is as good as an electric signal. Ho | _ Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam. voice of G rard Gambetta cried, sternly. ‘ You are covered by four six-shooters, and your only chance for life is to surrender, unconditionally !"’ Having no doubts but what they were ‘‘ covered,” neither Yreka or Ruth made an attempt to use a weapon. As their eyes became accustomed to the light, they were abie to understand the situation. Tne little gallery where they were stationed, ran down two ways, into the main cavern. Both outlets were now blockaded. In th» left one stood Romeriqua and Morr ll Gam- betta. The first namcd held tue revelvers and the latter a lautern The left outlet contained Girard Gambetta and Silas Fletcher, the Chicagoan holding the weapons, and the miner the lantern. “Oh! we've got you!” Romeriqua cried. “ We have got the bulge on you, this time, and no mis- | take, Throw up your handsinstanter, or we'll riddle you!” There was nothi: g else to do, and so Yreka and Ruth obeyed ““Yon've got the bulge now, but it may not last long!’ Yreka warned. » reply was msde, but setting their Janterns upon a rock, young Gambetta and Fletcher od- | vanced, and beivg provided with lariats, proceeded to bind the prisoner’s hands and feet, When this operation was completed, the elder Gambetta and Romeriqua put up their weapons * Carry the prisoners down to the level,’ the lat- | ter ordered, Bayard Barks isa | {f he were to capture me I be- | And it was done, When they resched Ruth’s camp, the prisoners were bound against big bowlders, in a standing posi- tion, and a fire was kindled, which soon lit up the cavern, brilliantly. The four villains then withdrew, out of hearing distance of the priscners, and held a consultation, which lasted several minutes. When they returned to the fire, Girard Gambetta confronted t’e prisoners, with folded arms and im- pressive micn. * Yreka Jim, and Ruth Reyvard,” he said, in a deep, sonorous tone, * IT have becn commissioned to make a.serious announcement to you, concerning your doum. When we came to this secret mine, confident of ——t you, it was intended by us to spare your lives, but hold you in captivity, so long as we worked the mine. Upon more mature delib- eration, however, we have ecme to the conclusion | that it will be dangerous, and foolish to deal with you It lasted but an instant, however, and then dark- | fulness, you might escape. what we’ The chanc-sare. that, despite our watcb- Therefore, considering ove at stake, we’ve made up our minds to do the thin. up brown, and make matters sure. by kiliing you. It may seem hard usage. but your doom is sevled, and you might as well make the best of it, and improv; the few minutes you have to live, in prayer—that is, if you believe in it. “The four of us will now play a game of seve n-up to decide who is to be your executioner. The last man out, will act in that expacity, by shooting each of you twice through the heart! If you survive, after that, you shall have your Eberty,” and with a barsh laugh the inbuman wretch turued away, to join the other three, who were seated about a square-tonpped bowlder. ‘r-ka Jim made no reply to Gambetta’s speech, but turned to Ruth, who was very pale. “Take courage!”’ he said, in a low tone. so lightly. ‘Have | no fear that we'll be murdered.” * Why?” she asked, quickly. ‘Sh! nothing; only 1 just saw something to con- vine me that help is close at hand,” “Thank God!” she breathed fervently, The men had begun the game, and the two pris- oners watched them with strange fascination. At length, the elder Gambetta dropped out of the game, Satan seeming to be with him in luck. NextySiias Fletcher dropped out, and finally the | game ended, with Morrell Gambetta the winner. Bayard Fanks arose with a pallid countenance, | and mechanically picked up a rifle. her return, firmly grasping his rifle, ready for an | penetrable, reigued in the vicinity of the entrance | to the mine, finally, was on the point of going in search of Ruth, when she suddc nly loomed up before him. “Ah! back, are you? he exclaimed, joyfully. “T was going in searcu or you. Did you discover the enemy ?”* ‘““No, I made a thorough search of this and the outer cavern and am satisfied we are the only occu- ponts, Jf the enemy came here at all, they have departed.” “This does not seem reasonable!” **I know it does not, and I was loth to believe it, un‘il I convinced myself by a thorough search.” * But, might not they have been s:ulking around Yreka grew nervous and fidgety, and | in one part of the cavern, while you were in an- | oth r?"” “It is barely possible.” “ What shall we do, then? ‘‘I know of no better plan than to remain where we are, until morning. By that time, it is likely **Count three!"’ he said, hoarsely, addressing the elder Gambetta, at the same time raising and cock- ing the weapon. **One!”” Gambetta counted— ee T oO Vida “Three!” Bang! A flame burst from the rifle, and the bullet sped on its deadly errand. But it did not harm Yreka Jim. The instant Banks fired, a woman, with a shrill scream, rushed in upon the scene, aud between the weapon and Yreka Jim. It was Beulah Banks. and the bullet intended for Yreka, pierced her breast, and she fell prostrate, with a moan. Even as quickly as she had fallen, her father threw up his arms and fell before her, 2.8 brain pierced by a bullet. At the same instant there was a wild, awful yell, ' and a gigantic figure leaped frem the da rkness, there will be some new developments, if there are ; to be any, at all.” But the developments came sooner than expected —so suddenly. indeed, as to be a startling surprice. Yreka and Ruth were seated near each other, | conversing in an undertone, when, all of a sudden, a flood of brilliant light was turned upon them, from opposite directions, which for the moment so daz- ed their eyes that they could not see. _ “Move an inch, at the peril of your lives!" the It was the bullwhacker, Mambrinus Maccaw! And as he came. flash after flash. and report after report, emanated from the pair of revolvers in his grasp, And every shot told, ; First, Girard Gambetta, then his son, and then Silas Fletcher, received a bullet in some vital part, and tottered and fell. no more to rise in this life. And although the scene was (ra iz, sickening and awful, their untimely deaths was but a just retribu- tion for the four miscreants. “Great hop-an’-go-skip uv old St, Vitus!" the ant roare — ‘hyer lam. ther tiferous saliva- in’ he-up-an'-baw, frum Hydrofoby Gulch, | i “ Mambrinus Maccaw, From East Saginaw, A dis, ens_ro’ justice, Regardless 0° law! * An’ Yreka Jim, ye durne’ mealy-mouthed mon- strosity, efit hedn® a’ bin fer me, yer’u Lin Ceader’n a corpse two year buried!” “You are no doubt right, Meecaw!"’ the sport re- plied, ‘and you have our warmes pretitude fur this cimely rescue, Are they all dead?” ‘Dead as Dutch cheese ona strike. Ye arnt me how ter shut» straight, an’ I j st socked them bullets where they’d do ther most good fer the cou1.- try! But little more remains to relate. Yreka and Ruth w re released, and Maccaw was praised and thanked, until he begged of them to “give him arest.’’ The article—praise—didn't ay: v with him, The bodies were then laid away, where, in t!\* solitude of the silent cave, they were likelytorems until the resurrection dav. A few days later saw Yreka and Ruth far fren Death-Rattle, and Maccaw and his gigantic equi: ' accompanied them. As soon as they arrived a! a railway point Ruth bade her friends adieu a: «| started for the East, There was a promise exacted’ and given that within a twelvemonth Yreka should also journcy eastward in quest of a bride, incase he found no oan, ie the mean time, whom he liked better than uth, And after her departure Yreka Jim and Maccaw ina ge back into the inner recesses of the wild Vest. 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‘'BEADLE’S | HALF-DIME | LIBRARY. 621 Cinaamon Chip, the Girl Sport; or. The ‘ EL W 180 The Sea Trailer; or, A Vow Well Kept. | 238 The Parson Detective ; or, Little Shocky, Golden Idol of Mt. Rosa. B heeler. By Lieut. H. D. Perry, U. S. N. the Ranger of Raven Roost. By O]! Coomea. £22 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy; or. The Mys- | 181 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo; or, | 239 the Gold«seeker Guide}; or, The Lost tery of the Strongbow. By Charles Morris Lady Lily’s Love. By Edward L. Wheeler, Mountain. By Captain Mayne Reid. 123 Kiowa Charley, the White Mustanzer. By T. ©. Harbaugh. 182 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain. By | 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator; or, The 124 ‘Rippy, the Texans; or, The Young Cham- Oll Coomes, Locked Valley. By Edward L Wheeler. 183 The Hidden Hand; or, Will Wildfire’s | 241 Bill Bravo ‘ and His Bear Pards; or, The ion. By George Gleason. Revenge. By Charles Morris, _ Roughs of the Rockies, By T. C. Harbaugh. {25 Bonanza Bill, Miner; or, Madam Mys- | 184 'fhe Boy Prailers; or, Dainty Lance on | 242 The Two ‘ Bloods 9; or, Shenandoah Bill tery, the Female Furzer. By E, L. Wheeler. the War-Path. By Joseph EB. Badger, Jr. and His Gang. By Charles Morris. 126 Picayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog | 185 Evil Kye, King of Cattle Thieves; or, The | 243 The Diseuised Guide; or. Wild Raven. Detective. By Clniles Morris. Vultures of the Rio Grande. By F. Dumont. the Ranger of the North. By Ol] Coomes. i127 Wild-Fire, the Boss of the Road; or, The | 186 Cool Desmond; cr, The Gambler's Big | 244 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret; or, & Wolves of Satan’s Gap. By Frank Dumont, Game, = Col. Delle Sara, Sister’s Devotion. By Edwayv L. Wheeler, 428 The Young Privzeteer 3 or, The Pirate’s | 187 Fred Ha yard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The | 245 Merle, the Midday; oi. The Heir of an Strorchold, By Horry Cavendish, Smugglers of the Inlet. By Charles Morris. Ocean Freelance. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 129 Deadwood Dick*s Double; or, The | 188 Ned ‘Kemple, the Border Noy; or, The Mad | 246 Giant George 3 or, The Ang’l of the Range, Ghost of Gorgon’s Guleh. By E, L. Wheeler. Hunter of Powder River. By T. C. Harbaugh, By Major Sam 8. Hall—« Buckskin Sam. £30 Metective Dicks or, The Hero in Rags. | 189 Bob Rockett, the Cracksman; or, Driven | 247 Old Grizzly and His Pets. By Capt. Bie! By Charles Morris. to the Wall, By Charles Morris, ‘Bruin *’ Adams, aa i31 The Golden Hamnd3 or, Dan’y Rock to | 190 Dandy Darke}; or, The Tigers of High | 248 Sierra Sam‘s Secret; or, The Bloody oe...” ° the Rescue. By George Waldo Browne. Pine. By Wm. R. Fyster. Footprints. By Edward L. Wheeler. ie 132 The Hunted Hunter; or, The Stronge | 191 [?uffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker; or, | 249 Milo Romer the Animal King; or. The Bae Horseman of t: e Prairie. By Edward §S. Ellis, The Doomed Thirteen. By Capt. A. B. Taylor. Round the World Wanderer. By Capt. Fred. iy 433 Boss Boh, the Kinz of Bootblacks: or, The | 192 | aptein Kit, the Will-o’ the-Wisp; or, The Whittaker. atk? Pawnbroker’s Plot. By Edward L. Wheeler. Mystery of Montauk Point. By Lieut. H. D. | 250 The Midshipman Mutimeer; or. mee 434 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman; cr, The Perry, U.S. N. Brandt, the Buccaneer. By Col. P. Ingraham. ae: Young Patriots of the North, Bz Ol Coomes, | 193 - aptain Mask, the Lady Road-Agent; or, | 251 Light-House Lige 3 or. Osceo'a, the Fire- ae 135 Captain Paul, the Kentneky Moonshiner: Patent Leather Joe’s Defeat, By P. S. Warne. brand of the Everglades, By Captain J. F. C. Bri or, The Boy Spy of the Mountains. Ly ©, | 194 itudalo Whili’s Wet s or, The Gambler Adams. ; ,_ ae Dunning Clark, Guide. By Capt. Alfr dB, Taylor, U.S, A. 252 Dick Dashaway; or, A Dakota Boy in rn may, 436 Night-Hawk Kits; or. The Deughter of | 195 Deadwood Di. k°s Dream: or, The Ri- Chicago, By Charles Morris. oh the Ranch. My Joseph E. Padger, Jr, v Js of the Road. Dy Edwerd L. Wheeler, 253 Sierra Sam’s Pard3; or, The Angel of Beet: 4137 The Helpless Mand; cr. BLackwoods | 196 Shadow ed 3 or. Bob Rockett's Fight for Big Vista. By Edward L, Wheeler. re Retribution. By Captain Mayne Reid. Life. By Charics Morris. } 254 The Half-Blood ; or, The Panther of the “aS 138 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick's Home | 197 s.ittle Grit, the Wild Rider: or, Bessie, the Plains, By Edward S. Ellis. et Base. By Edward L. \\ hee'er. Stock-Tender’s laughter, _ By Col. Ingraham, | 255 Captain A oOllo, the King-Pin of Bowie. e 139 Judee Lynch, Jr.; or, The Boy Vigilante, | 198 Arkannaw, the Man with the Knife; or, by T. C. Harbaugh. #1 nt - By T. C. Harbaugh. The Queen of Fate’s Revenge. By Harbaugh, | 256 Young Kentuck 3 or, The Red Lasso. By ie 140 Blue Blazes; or, The Break o' Day Boys | 199 Veatherweight, the Boy Champion of the Captain Mark Wilton. ot, of Rocky Bar. By Frank Dumont. Muskingum 3 or, On his Muscle, Wits and 257 The Lost Hunters 3 or, The Underground \ ‘mae 441 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent; or, The Honor. By ‘edward Willett. Camp. By Captain J. F. C. Adams Branced Brows. By Edward L. Wheeler. 200 Th” Boy Bedouinss; or, The Brothers of | 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven; or, The Stolen } 142 HMan?some Harry, the Bootblack Detec- the Plumed Lance, By Capt F. Whittaker, Bride. By Edward L. Wheeler. ‘ tive. By Charles Morris, 201 The Black Hills Jezebel; or, Dead | 25) The Golden Harpoon: or, Lost Ameng f B43 ScxreFace Saul, the Silent Hunter; or, wood Dick’s Ward. By Ed. L. Wheeler, the Floes. By Roger Starbuck. a Th» Mystery of Fort Rane. By Oil Coomes. 202 Prospect Pete, of the Boy Brigade; or, The | 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ran- 444 Painty Lance, the Boy Sport. By Joseph Young Outlaw Hinters, By Oli Coomes, ger, By Oll Coomes. a E. Badger, Jr. ys 445 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective; 203 'The Boy Pards3 or, Dainty Lance Un- | 261 Fergus Fearnaught, the New York Boy. masks. Py Jos. E, Badger, Jr, By George L. Aiken. or, Boss Bob’s Boss Job. By E. L. Wheeler. 204 Gold P:um*, the Boy Bandit; or, The Kid- | 262 ‘Whe Wou ng Sleuths; or, Rollicking | 146 Silver Star, the Boy Knight. By Oll Coomes. Glove Sport. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Mike’s Hot Trail. By Charles Morris, 2 447 Will Wildfire, the Thorouchbred; or, The | 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity | 263 Deadwood Dicks Divide; or, The 4 _ Winning Hand. By Charles Morris. : Jane’s Last Adventure, By Ed. L, Wheeler. Spirit of Swamp Lake. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 448 Sharp Sam} _ or, The Adventures of a | 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King: or, Caughtin| 264 ‘She Floating Feather; or, Merle : 4%, r Friendless Boy, By J. Alexander Patten. His Own Trap. By Charles Morris. Monte’s Treasure Island. By Colonel Prentiss . i49 A Game of Gold3 or, Deadwood Dick’s | 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter, By Ingraham, Big Strike. By Edward L. Wheeler. T. C. Harbaugh. 265 The Tiger Tamers or,” he League of the 150 Lance and Lasso; or, The Children of | 208 The Boy Merenles; or, The Prairie Jungle. By Captain Fred. Wh ttaker. bi the Chaco. By i ee Fred. Whittaker. Tramps. By O!1 Coomes, 266 Killb’ar, the Guide; or, Davy Crockett’s a Dy 15) Panther Paul, the Prairie Pirate; or, | 209 Fritz, the Nound-Boy Detective; or, Dot Crooked Trail. By Ensign (, D. Warren. te oa: Dainty Lance to the Rescue. By Joseph E. Leetle Game Mit Rebecca, By E. L. Wheeler, | 267 The Buckskin Detective; or, Claude = Badger, Jr. ( 210 Faro Frank of High Pine; or, Dandy Crecy, King of American Road-Agents, By . 452 Black Bessa, Will Wildfire’s Racer; or, Win- Darke's Go-Dewn Pards, By Wm. R. Eyster. T. C. Harbaugh, ~ . ning Against Olds. By Charles Morris. 211 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City. | 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trall; or, vi ‘ 153 Eagle Kit, the Poy Demon; or, The Out- By Joseph E_ Badger. Jr. From Ocean to Ocean, By Ed. L. Wheeler, i 4 laws of the Gold Hills. By Oll Coomes. 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective, By | 269 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, the Con: , _ 454 The Sword Hunters}; or, The Land of Sharl-s Morris, ~ demned. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 270 Blizzard Sen, the Arizona Cyclone; or, The Riot at Keno Camp. By Capt. M. Wilton. 271 The Huge Hunter}; or. The Steam Man 7 of the Prairies. By Edward §, Ellis, os 272 Minkskin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. , By Oll Coomes. 273 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs. By Edward L Wheeler. i 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice; or, ee Harry Keen's Big * Lay.” By Caries Morris. 275 Arizona Jack ; or, Giant George's Tender the Elephant Riders. By Capt. F. Whittaker 455 Gold Trigger, the Sport; or, The Girl Avenger, By T (C. Harbaugh. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party, By Ed, L. Wheeler. 15% Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. By , Charles Morris. ye 158 Fancy Frank, of Colorado; or, The Trap- Pe per’s Trust. By Buffalo Bill. ‘ 459 The Lost Captain: or, Skipper Jahez ; Coffin’s Cruise to the Open Polar Sea. By apt. Fred. Whittaker. Th 213 Fritz to the Fronts or, The Ventriloquist Scamp-Hunter. By Edward L. Wheeler. 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker, 2.58 ad, Pets Bnet, tho Raider King; or, Little Topknot’s Crusade, By T. C. Harbaugh. 216 Bixon Bill. the Prince of the Reins. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, 217 Captain Crack-Shot, the Girl Brigand. By Edward L. Wheeler, 218 ‘Niger ‘fom, the Texan Terror. By Ol! Coomes. eens A foot Pard. By Buckskin Sam. Phe 166 e Black Giants or, Dainty Lance in | 219 Despa d, the Duelist; or, The Mountain | 276 Merle Montes Cr atse § or, The Chase of ““ Ep Jeopardy. By Jos. EK. Bedger Jr. Vampires. By Philip 8. Warne. “The Gold Ship.” By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. ee 161 New Vork Nell, the Boy Girl Detective; or, | 220 Tom Tanner, Scalawag and Scapegrace; | 277 Denver Woll, the Vetective Queen. By ; Old Blakesly’s Money. By Ed. L. Wheeler. or, The Black Si.eep of the Flock, By Philip Edward L. Wheeler. ioe £62 Will Wildfire in the Woods; or, Camp 8. Warne. 278 The Three pienpern’ or, The Mountain Ca Life in the Alleghanies. By Chas. Mortis. 221 Sugar-Conated Sam 3 or. The Black Gowns Monster. ri, W. G3 Little Wexas, the Young Mustanger. By of Grim Gulch, Ey Ea, ‘ Wheeler. 279 Old Winch, the Rifle King; or, The Buck ; Coomes, 222 Grit, the Brav) Sport; or, The Woman skin Desweradoes. By T. C. rbaugh. 1G4 Dandy Reck’s Pledges or, Hunted to Trailer By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 280 Merj ‘ By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. tective. By Edward L. Wheeler. Pledge. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. i169 Tornado Tom; or, Injun Jack From Red 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper; or. The Green 285 Denver Doll's Deco; or, Little Bill’s Ranger of the Yellowstone. By Edwir. Emer- 9 Bonanza. By Edward L. Wheeler. Cor, By T. C. Harbauch. Sa ? -} 8170 °° A Trump Card; or, Will Wildfire Wins son, 286 Josh The Boy Tendertoots or. The i: a4 e-d Loses, By Charles Morris. 228 Little Wi'dfire, the Yourg Prwrie Nomad; Wild Men of Buzzard Bar. By Capt. M. Wilton. pak 171 Hbony Dan; or, The Rival Leagues of or, The Idyl of Echo Canyon, by OllCoomes. | 287 Billy Blue-Kyes. the Boy ver of the , Silver Circle. By Frank Dumont. 229 Crimson Kate, t>e Gir ‘frailer; or, The Rio Grande. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Me _ 472 Thanderbolt Tom; or, The Wolf-Herder Cowboy's Triumph. By Co’. P. Ingraham. 288 "Whe Scalp King; or. The Human Thun 1s of tne Rockies. By Harry St. George. 230 The Yankee Rajah, or, The Fate of the derbolt. By Captain J. F. C. Adams. i 173 Dandy Rock’s Rival; or, The Hunted Black Shereef, By G. Running Clark. 289 Jolly Jim Jo >: or The Young Detec- Pag : Maid of Taos. By George Waldo Browne. 231 Plucky Phil, of <ne Mountain Trail; or, tive’s Triumph. By Charles Morris. “a «174 Bob Rockett, the Boy Dodger; or, Mys- 4 7 Rosa, the Red Jezebel. By T, C. Harbaugh. 290 Lit-le Foxfire, the Boy Spy. By Ol 23° Gold-Dust Dick. By Ed. L. Wheeler. ; : F Cocmes. 233 Joe Buck of Angels and His Boy Pard ; 291 ‘Turk, the Boy Ferret. By E. L. Wheeler. ents; or, Patent-Leather Joe’s Big Game. Paul Powdernorn, By Albert W. Aiken. 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit. By Maj, re Poo. 3) IBY: Philip 8. Warne, 234 Old Rocky's “ Boyees 3’ or. Benito, E. L. St. Vrain. j d 176 The Boy Kunawav; or, The Buzcaneer the Young Horse-Breaker. By Maj Sam 8. of the Bay. By Lieut. H.'D. Perry. U. S. N. all * Buckskin Sam. A New Issue Every Tursday. 235 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy; or, The 1f-Dime Library is for sale by all Turning the Tabl.s. By Charles Morris, Pete de am five cents per meal sent by toa on say Rave trom Hit Boner By Bark. Whesiee” | S080" of sx cont each ; e from st Bower, By Ed. L. er. 237 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain; or, The BEADLE AND ADAMS. Pustisuers, Mysterious Ranchero By Col. P. Ingrahsin, : 98 Williarm Street, New York. ' r +, : : i ; Et Pion: Rie te eee sale ian i «478 Old Soltsary, the Hermit Trapper; or, The ‘Kotte Lid Renvon of Sivas Lake, By Oli Coomes. 719 ka Rockert, the Ban nner; or, The _ Road to Ruin, By Charles Morris, ys tt ts is ee Lie
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293 294 295 296 297 298 299 300 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 w wa ~ & ho oe] toe wo @ ww ee] woe 335 336 337 338 339 340 341 342 343 344 345 346 $47 348 349 350 351 352 353 354 the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Red Claw ‘irr, By Captain Comstock. Maid of the C Dynamite Dan; or, The Bowie Blade of | Cochetopa. By T. C. Harbaugh. Fearless Phil; or, The King of Quartz- ville. By Edward Willett. Denver Dolls Drift; or, The pquoes.s Big Campaign. By E. L. Wheeler. he Tarantula of ‘Taos; or, Giant George’s Revenge. By Buckskin Sam. The Water-Houna; or, The Thoroughbred. By Charles Morris, A No, 1, the Dashing ‘Toll-Taker; or, The Schoolmarm o’ Sassafras. By E, L. Wheeler. Demon; or, Rainbolt, the Ran- ger. By Oll Coomes. Leadville Nick, the Boy Sport By Major. E. L, St. Vrain. The Wountain Detective; or, The Bul- ly of Trigger Bar. By T C, Harbaugh. 9Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, The Iron- Nerved Sport. By Edward L, Wheeler. The Dead Shot Dandy; or. Benito, the Boy Bugler. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Dashaway of Dakotaj or, A Western Lad in the Quaker City. By Chas. Morris. Neck-Tie Ned, the Lariat-Thrower; or, The Dug-Out Pards By Maj. Henry B. Stoddard. The Strange Pard; or, Little Ben’s Death Hunt. By Buckskin Sam. Keno Kit, the Boy Bugler’s Pard; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. By Col. P. Ingraham, Deadwood Dick’s Big Dealt; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. By Ed. L. Wheeler. Whe Barranca Wolf; or, The Beautiful Decoy.. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. Whe Roving Sport; or, The Pride of Chuckaluck Camp. By Edward Willett, Kedtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. By Major E L., St. Vrain. Cimarron Jack, the King Pin of Rifle- Shots. By Frederick Dewey. The Mysterious Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler's Long Trail. By Col. P. fograham. Ned, the Cabin Boy; or. The Witch of the Haunted Fort, By Jack Farragut. Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, T. C Harbaugh, Young By Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Lead- ville. By Lieut. Alfred Thorne. Ker-Whoop, Ker-Whoo! By Buckskin Sam. Whe Black Rider; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League. By Jos. E Badger, Jr. The Sea Sorceress; or, Licutenant Ned, the Boy Skipper. By Jack Farragut. Deadwoo Dick’s Dozens or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats. By Ed. L. Wheeler. Nem», the Detective. By Ed. Willett. Arkansaw Jack, of the Man Hunters; or, The Scourge of the Mines. By Harry Hazard. *talph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective; or, Tracking the Foxes to Earth. By Chas. Morris. Keltfey, Hickey & s.,, P jiladelphia. By Edward L, Wheeler. The Ten Pards, By T. C. Harbaugh. Road | the Sleuths of | Creeping Cat, the Caddo; or, The Red and | White Pards. The Sky Detective; for Life and Honor. BY Major Mickey Free. tked-sSkin Lom. By Harry Hazard. Little Quick-Shot. By E. L. Wheeler. tlnack Niek, the Demon Rider. By Capt. F, Whittaker. Wrio Fredy; or, The Tonkaway’s Trust, By Buckskin Sam, Wrimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette. By Major E. L. St, Vrain. Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner, By Edward L, Wheeler. Old Double Fist; or, The Strange Guide. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. iz Benson, the Brazos Bombshell; or, The Queen of the Lasso. By T. C. Harbaugh. Ben Bird, the Cave King; or, Lig Pete's Scoop. By W. J. Hamilton. A Tough Boy. By Philip 8. Warne. Kangaroo Kit’s Racket; or, Tne Pride of Played-Out. By Edward L, Wheeler. By Buckskin Sam, Montana, By Edward Willett. Running Down a Rogue. By Charles Morris. The Mountain Devil; or. Yellow Jack, the Outlaw Captain. By Harry Hazard. Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood, By EdwariL. Wheeler. The Fighting Trio; or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway. . By Buckskia Sam. Pitiless Mat, the White Slayer; or. Red Thunderbolt’s Secret. By T. C. Harbaugh. Rapter Raphael; or, The Swordsmen of Zacatecas, By Maj. ft. B. Stoddard, Ex-Scout. Dendwood Dick’s« Ducats; or, Rainy Days in the Diggings. By Edward t. Wheeler. Fireheels; or, Old Skinflint, the Death- Shadow. By Roger Starbuck. Wild Wolf, the Waco; or, Big-Foot Wal- lace to the Front. By Buckskin Sam. Red Ralph, the River Rover; or, The Brother’s Revenre. By Ned Buntline, Deadwood Dick Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta. By Edward L. Wheeler. Tombstore “Sand”. By Major E. L. St. Vrain. The Reporter-Betectives or, Fred Fly- er’s Blizzard. "Hy Charies Morris. or, A Boy's Fight | Wow, the Arizona Boy of | Bie Morn tke, the Hill Tramp; or, The | Odd Pards: By Roger Starbuck. 355 The Wire oc the Woods; or, Daniel Boone’s Last Trall. By Jos, E. Badger. Jr. 356 Cool Sam and why & 357 358 359 360 361 362 363 364 365 366 367 368 369 370 371 372 373 374 375 376 377 378 379 380 381 382 | 383 384 385 386 387 383 389 390 391 392 393 394 395 396 397 398 399 400 401 402 403 404 Clip, the Contortionist; or, The Vigilantes of 405 Tony Thorn, the Vagabond Detective; or, | 408 407 408 409 410 411 412 413 414 415 416 417 418 419 420 421 422 423 or, The Terrible Six From Texas, By T. C. Harbaugh. The Ranch Raiders; or, The Siege of Fort Purgatory. By Buckskin Sam. First-Class Fred, the Gent from Gopher. By Edward L, Wheeler, Durango Dave, the Young Champion Wrestler. By Major E. L. St. Vrain. Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery; or. The Cross of the Golden Keys. By J. C. Cowdrick. The Phantom ight- House, By Roger Starbuck, Deadwood Dicks Claim; or, The Fairy Face of Faro Flats. By Edward L. Wheeler. Little Tornado 3; or, The Outcasts of the Glen. By Philip 8. Warne. Snap-Shot, the Boy Ranger; or The Srake and the Dove. By Buckskin Sam. Baltimore Ben, the Bootblack Detective. By Anthony P. Morris. Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective; or, The Taos Tiger. By T. C. Harbaugh. Wide-Awake Joe, By Charlies Morris, Wreka Jim, the Golé-Gatherer; or The Lottery of Life By Edward L. Wheeler. Stinsta, the Gold King, By J. C. Cowdrick. Breaker Sen, the Reef-Runner; or, The Telltale Hand. By Roger Starbuck. Kingbelt Chris, the Young Hard-Shell Detectiv. By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain. Yreka Jim’s Prize. By E. L. Wheeler. Little Bimnges or, The Queer Pard. By Philip S. Warne. Gold Dust Tomy; or, Ambergris Ben’s Double Match. By George Henry Morse. Chiota, the Creek 3; or, The Three Thun- derbolts. By Buckskin Sam. California Joe's First Trail. By Col. Thomas Hoyer Monstery. Bonodel, the Boy Rover; or, The Flagless Schooner. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Nabob Nedj3 or, The Secret of Slab City. By Edward L. Wheeler. Larry, the Leveler; or. Tae Bloods of the Boulevard. By Charles Morris. Avalanche Alf, the Foothills Guide, By Major E. L, St. Vrain. Bandera Bill; or, Frio Frank to the Front. By Buckskin Sam, Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance. By Edward L. Wheeler. The Indian Pilot. By Col. P. Ingraham. Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero; or, The Border Schoolmaster. By Ol! Coomes. Yreka Jim’s Jokers or, The Rivals of R.-d Nose. By E. L. Wheeler Captain Cutioss, the Ocean Spider; or, The Buccaneer’s Gir] Foe. Py T. C. Harbaugh. Warpath Will, the ov Phantom; or, The Traitor Guide. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Little Oh-mys; or, Caught in His Own Trap. By Philip S. Warne. Eicyele Ben. By Edward I. Wheeler. Jaguar Joe, of the Mountain Mail-Line. By Maj E. L. St. Vrain. Kid-ti! we Kit, the Dandy of the Rockies. By Maj. H. |}. Stoddard, Ex-Scout. Kiomeo and the Keds, By BuckskinSam. Seawatif, the Boy Lieutenant. By Colonel Preutiss Ingraham. Wreka Jim ot Yuba Dam, By Edward L. Wheeler. Catitornia Joe’s War Trail, F, Whittaker. Rough Rob, of Dynamite; or, The Twin Champions of ue Blazes. By T. C. Harbaugh, Bob o° the Bowery. By Jo Pierce. Kid-Glove Kit and Pards; or, The Gold King of Weird Ng Bs By Maj. H. B. Steddard. Black Buckskin. By Col. A. F. Holt. Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. Little Shoo-Fly. By Philip S. Warne. tsodor, the Young Conspirator 5 or The Fatal League. By Col. P. Ingraha™. Firefly Jack, the River-Rat Detective, By Charles Morris. Little Lariat, By Buckskin Sam. P-adwood Dick in Dead City. By Edward L. Wheeler. The Mad Man-Hunter. By Maj. H. B. Stoddard, Ex-Scout. The Boy Insurgent. By Col. Ingr-ham. Little Leather-Breeche:. By P.S. Warne. Hercules, the Dumb Destroyer; or, Dick, the Boy Ranger. Bv O'l Coomes, Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds, By Ed- werd L, Wheeler. The Silken Lasso. By T. C. Harbanch. The Wild VYachtsman; cr, The Cru'se of the War-Cioud. By Ool. Prentiss Inerahem. Rilly Bombshell, the Cliff Climber. By Frank 8. Winthrop. ; Whe Daisy trom Denver. By Buckskin Sam. TheVagcabond Detective. By Jo Pierce. High Hat Harry, the Base Ball Detec- tive. By E. L, Wheeler. / Webfoot Mose, the Tramp Detective, . By Oll Coomes. Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. By T, C. Har- baugh. By Capt. Kenneth, the Knife King. By A. F. Holt. The Detective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy WitboutaName. Bv J. C. Cowdrick. Deadwood Dick in New York. By E. L. Wheeler. Raby Sam. the Boy Giant of the Yellow- stone. By O}] Coomes. The Lost Finge:. R-- Char'es Morris. \ * ORR ree kip — 7 Relais acai ro BEADLES A2Q4 425 426 427 428 429 430 436 437 438 439 440 Groat Or = ie alll aleelsaleaea! om = se ~- oro ae Grover So S®3 On 475 476 ATT 478 479 480 481 482 483 484 = a J. C. Cowdrick y T. C. Harbaugh. Sam Slabsides, the Beggar-Boy Detective. by E. L. Wheeler. The Three Trailers. By Buckskin Sam, Wred Flyer, the Reporter Detictives By Charles Morris, Cibuta John. ‘Texas Trump. Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand. By Edward L, Wheeler. Little Ah Sin. By Philip 5. Warne. Invincible Logan, the Pinkerion Ferret, By Charles Morris. A Cabin Boy’s Luck, By Ool. Ingraham. Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. By E. L. Wheeler. 5 Littie * ightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods. By A. F. Holt, Phil Wlash, the New York Fox. Harbaugh. The sea Raider. By Col, P. Ingraham. Santa Fe Sal, By E. L. Wheeler. Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. By J. C. Cowdrick. Litt e Foxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid, By Arthur C, Grissom. By T. O. 1 he Ocean Firefly. By Col. P. Ingraham. Bluff Bill; or, The Lynx uf the Leona. By Buckskin Sam. Deadwood Dick, Jr. By E. L. Wheeler. Little Buckskiw. By Ol] Coomes. Whe (ity Sleuths. By T. C, Harbaugh. Haphazard Harry. By Col. Ingraham. New York Nat. By Albert W. Aiken. Nickel-Plate Neds or. Deadwood Dick Jr’s Defiance. By Edward L. Wheeler. Kit Fox, the Porder Boy Detective; or, The Brand Burner’s Daughter, By J. E Badger, Jr. Wizard Willi, the Wonder-™ ors er; or. The Boy Ferret of New York. By Col. P. Ingraham. Colorado Kate. By P.8 Warne. Hotspur Bob, the Street Boy Detective. By Jo Pierce. Sunflower Sam, of Shasta; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Full Hand. By Edward L, Wheeler. Wizard Wills Street Scouts, ly Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Little Lone Star. By Buckskin Sam. Billy Brick, the Jolly Vagabond. By Chas. Morris. Wingedfoot Fred. By Oll Coomes. New England Nick. By A. W. Aiken. Flush Fan, the Ferret; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Big Round-up. By Edward L. Wheeler The Lawyer's Shadow. By Jo Pierce. One Against Fifty. By T. C. Harbauch. Whe Born Guide. By Col. P. ngrahbam. Tamarac Tom, the Lig Trapper Boy. by Oll Coomes. Nimble Nick. By Albert W. Aiken. Philo Fly, of Phenix; or, Desdwood Dick Jr’s Racket at Claim No. 10. By Edward L. Wheelen, Wide-AwWwake Jerry, Detective; or, En- tombed Alive. By C. Morris. Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude. By J. 0, Cow- drick. Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, The Rival Giants of Nowhar’. W. Osbon. The Boy Shadow ; or, Felix Fox’s Hunt for the Nabob. By T. C. Harbaugh. Bozeman “ill of Big Brace; or, Dead- wood Dick Jr’s Corral. By E. L. Wheeler. By J.. Jannty Joe, the Young Horse-King. By Jo Pierce. O14 Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemic. By Oll Coomes. Flora, the Flower Girl; or, Wizard Will’s Vagabond Pard. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. The Black Ship. By John 8, Warner. Humboldt Marry, the Hurricane; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Dog Detective, By Edward L. Wheeler. The Exce!sior Sports or, the Washington Spotter. By T. C. Harbaugh. Tangemund, the Desert Detective. Frederick Dewey. Detective Dodge; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty. By Charles Morris. Three Jolly Pards; or, The Pets of Paddy’s Flat, By P. 8, Warne. Moll Mystery; or. Deadwood Dick Jr, in Deadwood, By E. L. Wheeler, Ready Oct. 12. Stonewall Boh, the Boy Trojan of the Great Range. By Oll Coomes. Ready Oct. 19, Ferre’s Afloat; or, Wizard Will’s Last Case. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, Ready Oct. 26. Comanche Dick an” His Four In~- vineibles, By Henry J. Thomas, Ready Nov, 2. A New Issue Eoery Tuesday. By The Malf-Dime Library is for sale by all néwsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail om receipt of six cents each. \ BEADLE AND ADAMS, PusLisHers, 98 William Street, New York. :