Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 396) (1885 02 24)

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kurTH EDITION | et il nal é i ee La } oS) ae PINS __ 8.50 a@ year. uy Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. b at Second Class Mail Rates, Copyright, 1885, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, February 2%, 1885. . Single PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, Vol. XVI. Number. No. 98 WILLIAM STREBT, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. No. 396, — meer ays Ua x8 WY sai MA Cm 86S Sy Seer SS = By T. C. HARBAUGH, AUTHOR OF “BILL BRAVO,” ‘‘ BUCKSKIN DEe TECTIVE,” “OLD FROSTY,” “‘ ARKANSAW,” ‘* CAPTAIN CUTLASS,” ETC., ETC. CHAPTER I. A COOL PAIR, Ir ever two men looked precisely alike in every particular of dress and person, they were the pair who an have been seen riding slowly over a rock-walled trail of the Rockies toward the evening of a day only a few months ago. Not only were the men alike, but their horses also—powerful black steeds, with keen eyes, fox-like ears, and limbs that denoted swiftness and strength. The riders were as dark as Mexicans, but more powerfully built than the average repre- sentatives of that race. To describe one would be to describe the other. 4 MOMENT AFTER HE HAD CROSSED THE THRESHOLD AND CLOSED THE DOOR, HE HEARD A LOUD RAP AS IF FROM THE BUTT OF A REVOLVER. pee :

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nie 80 let us say that, parcel. they were perfect specimens of manhood, lessed with broad shoulders, ample chests, and the limbs of ath- letes; black-eyed, like the Indian, mustached like the bandit, and with masses of shining black hair that hid the lace-fringed collars of their jackets. These jackets had evidently been made for a market nearer Santa Fe than the Salmon river ripe of Idaho; they were dark-green in col- or, with silver braid at the ends of the sleeves, and down the front. They terminated where the dark-brown panta- loons of the two riders began, and at ‘the union of the two garments was a parti-colored but well-worn sash-belt, in which were stuck the Westerner’s trusted companions, the bowie and revolver, Close-fitting boots that almost touched the knees, and gray sombreros, with wide, flexible brims, completed an attire which would have commanded attention anywhere. If these two men were not brothers, nature in one had duplicated the other, and fate or for- tune had brought them together. The sun was yet two hours high and there was Plenty of light in the mountain trail. ‘**Thar’s thirty miles ’twixt us an’ the city,” said one of the withasmile. “ ov the place.” ‘*Er never throw another kerd on the poker- tables ov Blue Blazes!” was the answer. The dark orbs of the first speaker suddenly grew bright. ‘* Thet’s talk without gloves!” hesaid. ‘‘ We're nearin’ the new fightin’-ground. They may not be lookin’ for us, but by Jupiter! what do we care fer thet?” ‘Nothin’, Dan. We've come up hyer for the honor ov Blue Blazes—a city what sha’n’t be in- sulted with impunity.” ‘*Nary an insult, Dick!” Dan’s lips closed madly behind the last word, and he pricked his steed with the spur as if eager to reach his destination. Several miles further on the two champions of Blue Blazes drew rein, and the swarthy hand of one pointed down the mountain. “Thar she lies, our battle-ground, mebbe,” said Dick. ‘‘Men hev told me often about Camp Dynamite, but I look down upon it for the first time. It’s the home ov Rough Rob, the boss Regulator ov this part ov Uncle Sam’s domain. He’sa brass-cheeked daisy an’ no mis- take, ef half men say about him’s true. No or- dinary man would fling at Blue Blazes the insult he has. I wonder if we'll find the big hangman at home?” For several minutes the two men surveyed from the backs of their horses the pretentious cluster of cabins that lay several hundred feet beneath them, and in a picturesque spot among the mountains, Although Blue Blazes was Camp Dynamite’s nearest neighbor and rival, the mountain Dro- mios now saw it for the first time. “It’s bigger than Blue Blazes,” said Dan at “But not grittier,” was the quick response spoken bi gr pride. ““Thet’s to be tested, pard,” laughed Dan, ‘an’ before the sun seeks his blanket. Come! That infernal insult sets my blood a-b’ilin’. Ly be music in Dynamite Camp when we ar. The twain were about to begin the descent of the trail that led to the mountain “city” be- low, when an exclamation nearly startled both. ‘Jupiter! what's thot?’ and the click of Dick’s revolver supplemented the question. ** Hyer, you owner of thet bit ov calico; come out frem behind that bush!” The command had no sooner been spoken than it was obeyed to the rise of the champions, a girl not more than n, stepped into the ant iants, glancing at the other e’ve got ter sustain the honor ail. Her deep-blue eyes were filled with curiosity and timidity, the former predominating. Never in her history had she seen two men so near alike. **Come up hyer,” said Dick, leaning forward as he add the girl. ‘‘Don’t you b’long to the gopher den down thar?” Before the little beauty spoke, she made three quick strides carry her to Dick’s horse, at whose sida she paused and looked up into his face. *T belong to Camp D ite,” she said, ‘I sn Danger Doll’s daughter; my name is Ruby ose. se The men glanced at one another and smiled as if the names were burlesques on mankind. eee *t you a good ways from home?” asked ¢c » tras te * ari 4 eS. A ~~ in t+ oe 3 + A Rough Rob, of Dynamite, e Perhaps; but I’m safe here, safer than you are. ‘Ho! what's thet, daisy?” The girl did not move. 7 ‘* Don’t you men belong to Blue Blazes?” she asked. ** Bet yer blue eyes, Ruby; we’re the boss cy- clones ov the Rockies,” and Dick winked pA i at his companion as he threw him a lightning glance. “‘ We kin chaw more men up in a given space ov time than the champion grizzlies oy ee region. So they’re lookin’ for us, e “If you are really from Blue Blazes, yes,” was the answer. ‘**Rough Rob, eh?” ** All of Dynamite; he no more than the rest.” “The more, the bigger the_pistol-picnic,” smiled the big rough coolly. ‘‘ What’s the ex- tent ov the lay-out down thar?” ‘‘ Fifty men—men-tigers all of them.” ** Are all like Rough ob?” ** Some are worse. ** Ain’t thar a single redeemin’ feature in the pepnieton besides yerself, Ruby?” he keen eyes of the mountain sports saw a flush suffuse the girl’s temples. ‘* There is one,” she said. ** Yer mother?” ¥¢ My friend, Idaho Will, but he isn’t there just now. ‘“Why don’t you include yer mother in the catalogue of Camp Dynamite’s saints?’ asked the mountaineer, quickly. ‘* Because I can’t and tell the truth,” was the honest answer. ‘* You got the letter they made up for you, did you?” ** Yes, an’ thet’s why we’re hyer!” ‘**T was afraid you or somebody would come from what I’ve heard of Blue Blazes.” ‘* Thought we'd take up the gauntlet, eh? Well, we're the boys ter take up anything, when the honor ov the camp’s been called inter question. Ef the camp down thar bristled with revolvers, we'd be hyer all the same.” “You may hit it at a good time after all. Rough Rob isn’t there now—” ‘** Thet’s bad!” exclaimed both men at once in tones of disappointment. “Unless he came in since I left,” finished the girl. ‘* We'll hope he has. He wrote the challenge, didn’t he?” ‘* Coined it and wrote it.” ‘“Every word stung like the tongue ov an adder,” grated Dick. ‘‘I never saw so much meanness compressed inter such a little ee before. It war b’iled-down cussedness, an’ they tossed it inter the right,den!” ** Are you alone?” ‘* Bet yer eyes.” “Two against pa “Ef thar war a thousand men down yonder, thar’d be but two ov us hyer just the same.” Ruby Rose put her hand on Dick’s leg. ‘You can’t get the satisfaction you want out of that nest of men-tigers,” she wail ‘““Can’t, eh? us!” “T will not, That insult, that challenge came from a lot of half-drunken men.” ‘* Tt struck just as deep as if it had come from sober judges. We resent itallthesame. When you insult Blue Blazes you draw and cock our revolvers, We swear by thet town,” _ The girl was silent for a moment, studying the fearless faces of the two Champions. “To tell the truth,” she said, ‘I’ve been watching for somebody from your town. I thought that message would stir you up, and I don’t want anybody to go blindfolded into Camp ite ” “Thanks; but just you stay hyer an’ warn some one else,” was the answer she got. ‘‘ We are goin’ down ter sample the goods on exhibi- tion in Dynamite Camp.” ‘* Before dark?” “Right away! Whar will we find the dandy strappers ov this Idaho paradise?’ . The young girl hesitated, but only for a mo- ment, She saw that no words of hers could keep the desperate Champions back. ‘* This trail strikes the town midway between the east and west ends,” she said. ‘‘ At the main street, which you know when you strike it, you will turn to the right. It will lead you to the men of Camp Dynamite.” “Will ves go with us?” ‘*T? Heavens, no!” exclaimed the girl, draw- ing back. ‘It would be death almost for me to be found where I am!” ** You will wait for the outcome hyer, eh?” “ Yes.” ** Mebbe the galoots won’t fight?” “Don’t feast yourselves on that notion. There isn’t a coward in camp.” _ “ Then we'll try’em. Come, Dan, forewarned is forearmed, they say; we armed ourselves for the skunks ov Dynamite the minute we read thet meanest of letters. I’ve got it hyer, Ruby,” and ver speaker patted his jacket pocket as he A moment later Ruby Rose of Camp Dyna- mite was the sole occupant of the spot, for the Champions of Blue Blazes were riding down the trail and had nearly disappeared. “They did come, the men I thought fortune would keep back,” she said to herself. ‘* My mother’s description of them doesn’t do them justice. They are mountain Apollos, and too big and handsome to become food for the deadl pistols of Rough Rob and his pards. I did all could to keep them back. If even tried to steal the insulting letter before it was sent off, but failed. I gave them fair warning, but they would go on. Two against fifty. The cat at- tacks the tiger!” CHAPTER II. A PROPHET IN DYNAMITE. WHILE foolhardiness seemed to be the crown- ing feature of the Champions’ ride, there was also something heroic about it. The two mountain rivals, Blue Blazes and Camp Dynamite, were not more than thirty miles apart, but their citizens had never from the first been on very friendly terms. Both places were in the wild silver region and had prospered from the first. Camp Dynamite was the larger of the two settlements, but its rival possessed better nat- ural advantages, and also boasted of a better class of citizens. It was distinctly a settlement of men; the refining influence of woman had never penetrated to Blue Blazes;.it was even said that a silvery voice had never been heard among its cabins. Be this as it may, the mountain camp—it was nothing less—contained men, veritable despera- does, who were willing, at the a of the hat, asthe saying goes, to shed their blood for the fair sex. Camp Dynamite had always looked with a jealous eye upon its near rival and quiet neigh- or. From time to time slurs had been direc at it by wandering Dynamiters, but the men of Blue Blazes had pocketed them all and held their peace. “Wait till a direct insult comes,” said the famous Champions of the camp. ‘ Wait till we ot? straight from head-quarters; then, some- y will hev ter swallow suthin’ or some- body ’ll get hurt.” It was a boast, but cooler men never uttered one, and so Blue Blazes, chafing under the slurs, waited on. At last the provocation came. On the same morning of the day that wit- nesses the opening of our romance, the earliest risers of Blue Blazes found tacked to the door of the Cold Deck Hotel a piece of paper which darkened every brow in camp, and drew light- ning flashes from every eye. is was what had Theos written in a rough hand across the discolored sheet: “ NOTICE! “The pards ov Blue Blazes are cowards and galoots ov the first water! They’ve been slapped so often that their cheeks hev no feelin’. t ‘em come up ter Camp Dynamite an’ look for the first time on men/ Idaho is ashamed ov their gopher nest. Fight, slink or travel! ‘*Camp DyNAMITE.”’ This was decidedly what might be termed “ direct.” We will not attempt to picture the scene that followed the discovery of the challenge found fluttering on the hotel door. It had been put there quietly, and in the night, when Blue Blazes was asleep with nobody on guard, for an insult of that kind was the last thing looked for from the rival camp. The Twin Champions happened not to be at home when the discovery was made, but shortly after sun-up they rode into the mountain town, to have the obnoxious document thrust into their faces. One reading was enough, and the paper found a aS , ta pigment in Dick’s capacious pocket. be word-eatin’ or blood-lettin’ for “this!” he said calmly, but with terrible em- hasis. “The dogs ov Dynamite forget that Blue Blazes has two pards who hey sworn ter sustain her honor.” Of course the whole camp swore at once te ( | | | y

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| f. f ; ' em ae i. ee i; d if) i) yee Se sass alia ena ‘fit BS ee Rough Rob, of Dynamite. 3 : he carry the war inte the very core of the enemy’s country, but the two Champions objected. They would go alone; they would show Rough Rob and his pards that the little camp among the Rockies could not be insulted with impunity ; if they failed, or died with their boots on, then, and not until then, Blue Blazes could take up the quarrel. The Champions had never entered Camp Dy- namite, but they knew its location, and some- thing about its prominent citizens. They knew that it contained fifty men who had acquired a terrible name for desperateness throughout the wild West, that the camp was resided over by a character known as Rough Lob, the Regulator, a man who had helped to cleanse the gold camps of California of their thieving vagabonds, and who had turned out the prince cf villains himself. Strange as it may seem, the’Champions had never heard of Ruby Rose, the girl they en- eountered among the mountains above Camp Dynamite, nor of the woman whom she call Danger Doll, and her mother. The deeds of Rough Rob and his comrades had completely overshadowed the existence of mother and daughter. They had noticed the wonderful child-like beauty of the girl who had warned them, and wondered if she had inherited it from the parent who dwelt among the men-tigers of that moun- ~ tain den. **T can’t get that girl out of my head,” de- clared Dick as the twain rode down the moun- tain after leaving Ruby Rose. ‘* Wasn’t it said that Agnes, our sister, had a baby when she died?” ‘It was, by Jove!” asserted Dan, with a start; “but that girl’s mother lives in Camp Dynamite. Danger Doll, Ruby calls her, an’ I’ stake my hat thet she’s a daisy.” ** An’ Rough Rob’s pard no doubt,” was the answer. ‘If Agnes an’ her kid was livin’ meb- be we wouldn’t be on this expedition, Dan.” ‘‘Thet’s a fact! We'd hev stayed with Agnes, but hyer we ay’ without an aim in life more than ter sustain the honor-uv the camp we founded among the silver hills.” There was no reply and the brothers kept on, the only noise heard being that made by their horses’ hoofs as now and then they struck the stones that cropped out here and there along the trail. At last they drew rein within a stone’s throw of the cabins that comprised Camp Dynamite; the last shadows of the autumn twilight were lingering on the spot, and they could still dis- tinguish the objects by which they were sur- rounded. The mountain brothers sat like statues in their saddles at the very edge of the town, wherein they had quietly sworn to avenge the insult offered to Blue Blazes. ‘“‘ Listen! what’s up?” suddenly spoke Dick in whispers as he leaned forward. The horses, ever on the alert like their sun- browned masters, pricked up their ears and listened also. The night was clear and promised to be star- lit ere long, and the Champions listened with strange emotions to the voice that rung out with the distinctness of the notes of a silver bell: “The time is near at hand, oh, men of Dyna- mite, when these mighty mountains will trem- ble and fall, and when every one of you who re- pents not will cry for mercy when there will be none! Within forty days, perhaps, the thun- derbolts of Heaven will ho agee | i all in your wickedness, even as Sodqm an omorrah were eut off in their sins! I come to you with a mes- sage from thé Great Destroyer. I warn men to flee from the wrath to come, from the doom that will overtake the wicked in their guilt. For five years I’ve been in this business, and thousands have hearkened unto my yoice and joined the elect!” ‘““Bive years, eh?’ laughed a coarse voice. ‘“‘By Jupiter! the time has been a long while gettin’ hyer.” At this retort there was a boisterous outburst of laughter which seemed to have silenced the Idaho Jonah. Dick laid his bronzed hand on Dan’s arm. “Til bet my hat that war Rough Rob’s voice,” he said. ‘‘ Let’s get a look at the lay-out —at the preacher an’ his congregation.” Champion Dan nodded, and the two men ad- ‘vanced down the darkening street of the moun- tain camp. It might have been noticed that in the right hand of each was a cocked revolver. When they drew rein again it was within sight of the border pressiict and his hearers, the entire population of Camp Dynamite, The keen eyes of the Champions saw them all. | « I wish the galoots of Blue Blazes would To their surprise they saw a young man with smooth face and long hair standing on a rough deal-table, which had probably been carried to the center of the square for his accommodation. The table stood in the midst ef the crowd which was composed of well built men in their shirt-sleeves, but armed to the teeth, as if they expected an invasion at any moment. tt was, perhaps, the most singular scene the two brothers had ever witnessed. ‘‘Of course it’s been a long time coming,” cried the young preacher in response to the re- tort that had caused the laugh just spoken of. ‘¢ All must hear of the coming destruction before the blow falls. None shall say that he was not warned, Oh men of Dynamite, will you stand and laugh at the message that comes direct from the place where the thunderbolts of vengeance arestored? Nothing shall escape; the hardened, the young and the beautiful shall perish if they repent not. Men call me Parson Paul, but Iam the messenger of warning; I come among you to preaeh repentance and death!” “Wal, we’ve heard enough ov it,” said the same voice that had put in before, and this time the Champions saw the speaker. He was a giant in stature and, like Chesaualves, broad- shouldered and long-haired; he stood almost on the outside of the crowd, overtopping many of his companions by a head. ‘““See hyer! thar’s a camp south o’ hyer thet needs preachin’,” continued this worthy. ‘‘ Just keep yer best sarmon for the gophers ov Blue Blazes; you'll hev em on their knees cryin’ for mercy before you've exhorted five minutes!” How the eyes of the two Champions flashed at these flings at their camp. “Thet’s Rough Rob,” said Dick between clinched teeth. ‘‘Cowards in Blue Blazes, eh? Let the sun answer when he glares down on this tiger den ag’in!” The young parson was not inclined to accept Rough Rob’s suggestion and started off again in the same strain as before. ** Oh, shut him off!” grated the bully of Dyna- mite. ‘‘ The sarmon’s ceased to befunny. Turn the table on the gospel-slinger.” ‘The next moment the crowd before Rough Rob surged forward, and a second later the table was kicked over and Parson Paul landed unceremoniously in the dirt. A loud laugh greeted this sudden interruption, but the two silent spectators received it with looks of resentment. ‘“Thet’s in keepin’ with the kyracter ov the galoots ov Dynamite,” grated Champion Daf. *¢T’m in for showin’ ’em thet we ar’ present.” “Not yet. Look yonder. What did Ruby Rose say about thet en ov femininity?” As Dick spoke, he called his companion’s at- tention to a woman who had just emerged from the crowd. She was above medium hight, well formed, and, from what the Champions could see of her in the poor light, strikingly handsome. ‘““T would have let him go on to the end; he wasn’t hurting anybody,” they heard her say to the stalwart man who rom to her side. ‘*Mebbe he wasn’t, Doll, but we want no gospel-slingers in Dynamite,” was the reply. - Mebbe he’s a spy.” ‘“ Whose spy?” asked the woman, darting a quick look into the man’s face. ‘‘ Who'd send a cracked-brained boy like that on the most dan- rom mission in the world to camp D ite? © you actually accuse Parson Paul of being a spy?” and Danger Doll seemed about to go back to where the young prophet was receiving the jeers of the crowd. ‘* Wal, not exactly that, but something more than preachin’ fetched him hyer,” was the reply snapped out syllable by syllable as the eyes of Rough Rob, who was the speaker, flashed ac- companiment. 4 an risk him in Dynamite,” said the woman. ‘‘ He may have an eye on Ruby Rose.” “ That crack-skull?”? And Danger Doll laugh- ed. ‘‘She’s bothered enough with Idaho Will, the boy you don’t like, Rob.” *“‘ No,” fairly hissed the Regulator. “TI don’t like him, an’ I guess he knows it.” re Well, haven’t I told you that she shall never be his wife?” “Why don’t you make her shake him, then?” “7 will: she wants company.” “Company?” growled Rough Rob, giving the woman a fierce look. ‘‘ Keep them together till nothin’ but the pistol can part ’em! ou must do one of two dings now—make Ruby shake that young rabbit, or I shake you forever!” The woman’s eyes flashed. “Do you mean that?” > **T do, by heavens!” Atnd he turned away. come.” Champion Dick’s teeth fairly cracked. ‘‘ The galoots ar’ hyer!” he thundered. CHAPTER III. . THE CHAMPION LIAR. LIKE a clap of thunder from a clear sky, the startling announcement went full upon the ears of all. Both Rough Rob and Danger Doll started back, the former with a hand at the butt ofa silver-mounted revolver. He saw at once the figures of the two men who had been brought to camp by his studied insult. They appeared to have risen out of the solid earth, and instead of finding himself confronted by the entire population of the rival camp, Rough Rob saw himself face to face with only two men. The whole gang also heard Champion Dick’s words, Danger Doll could not suppress an exclama tion when she caught sight of the Twin Cham pions. She seemed to know them. The stalwart Regulator was the first person to recover. ‘¢-Yes, I see you ar’ hyer!” he exclaimed giv- ing the brothers look for look. ‘‘I told the boys thet ef the notice didn’t r’ile the ranch, nothin’ could. You're not alone, I guess.” “ Alone we ar’!” answered Champion Dick, as he looked down his revolver into the faces that confronted him, for the crowd had left off teas- ing Parson Paul and had surged forward to the scene. ‘*We ar’ the backers ov Blue Blazes. We don’t particularly want blood, but we're hyer to defend the honor ov thet camp whar in- sults hev been pocketed till it has become cow- ardice ter put up with any more.” There was no reply. The desperate crowd looked at Rough Rob as if all depended on his action. He had invitéd the Champions to Camp Dyna- mite through the medium of a low flung in- sult. With the pards of Blue jBlazes, forbearance had ceased to be a virtue, and they sat-on their steeds before the fifty men-tigers of the Rockies. prepared to defend with their lives “* the honor * of their camp. ‘‘ Think we hev’n’t got the cause ov ourcomin’, eh?” continued Dick, and the next moment his left hand whipped a piece of paper from his pocket. ‘‘Hyer’s the insult thet we found fas tened to the door ov the Cold Deck Hotel at day- break. We ar’ hyer ter say boldly, men ov Dy- namite, thet the man who says with thet paper thet cowards only inhabit Blue Blazes, lies Tile a Comanche thief!” Every eye was fastened on Rough Rob. Danger Doll’s eyes seemed to twinkle with de- light, as if Dick’s challenge was paying her for the threat made by the Regulator just before the Champions were discovered. Rough Rob saw that he was completely cover- ed by the revolvers of the twin brothers. He saw, too, that to back that paper with defiance, even with assembled and desperate Dynamite at his back, would seal his own doom in the twink- ling of an eye. “All right! We'll get acquainted by means ov thet Se -co he said, but not until he had matured his plans. The Champions looked disappointed. “Ts that what it meant?” asked Dick. ‘““Why not? What’s ther use ov two camps existin’ within thirty miles ov each other as though thar war an iceberg between ’em?” Champion Dick looked at the crowd. “Ts that what that paper means?” he demand- ed, shaking the document in their faces. “‘ Then, in the name of Heaven, baig in abe you break the ice in a milder manner? is i t’s but an excuse ter get Dynamite an’ Blue Blazes ac- quainted? I don’t believe it!” ‘Tt means thet an’ nothin’ else,” and up went Rough Rob’s bronzed hand in solemn emphasis. “Tt may hev been a harsh way ov crackin’ the ice, but I thought I'd make it effective while I war at it.” For the first time during the sharp colloquy the two Champions exchanged glances. “Wal,” said Dick, “‘ef thar’s no fight in ye —ef ye intend ter sneak out ov the hull matter in this way—we'll go back an’ report. Thet’s what I call eatin’ words without seasonin’. You needn’t be backward, pards of Dynamite. The representatives ov Blue Blazes ar’ before you, ready for any kind ov picnic you may choose. It’s two — but thet’s our lookout.” Rough Rob backed down, but it was no

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r & bay Ks doubt because his life hung by a thread as deli- cate as that of the spider’s spinning. It was not so dark but that he could see the fingers of the brothers press the triggers of their revolvers. The men,who backed him hell their own ‘weapons seeey. to open fire, but he knew the first shot would signal their leader's Avs th, So Rough Rob was playing policy now. H was bound to lie it through to u certain spo where he could get the upper hand; then let the Twin Champions of Blue Blazes ‘look out!” To Champion Dick’s last word, which was a fair invitation {or the men of Dynamite to sail in, or in other words, to open the battle, he again reiterated his deliberate falsehood that the document had been intended to secure an acquaintsnceship between the two camps, noth~ ag nre, here was ‘no fight” in tho desperate Regu- Jator under the circumstances, but deep in his dark eyes there danced « light ‘vhich would have told the brothers of Blue Blazes, [if the had scen it, that the affair \vas not yet endec. The woman spoke not, but glanced from Rough Rob to the Champions, .nc back » gain. “Come, Dan; the > icnic’s over,” growled Dick, disgusted, and in +ones intended for *he crowd, as well as for his brother’s ears, “It’s the completest caso oy word-eatin’ I ever saw e don’t associate with cowards an’ galoots, Blue Blazes is above thet!” A slight novement of the bridle-reins turned ' the steeds’ heads from the crowd, but the two Champions continued to faco the D agniters. ‘“‘ Repent, and fly from the wrath to come!” rung out a voice in the crowd. ‘‘ When the trees tremble and the mountains fall, the thun- derbolts of tho Great Destroyer will burs* upol the heads of tho wicked!” “Shut yer Gospel-trap!” thundered Rougl Rob, and a moment later he rushed through the crowd, and lifted Parson Paul from tho ground almost before the echoes of his last warning had died away. ‘See hyer! We give you threegninutes to git out ovcamp. By Jupiter! if you're found hyer at the end oy thet time, we'll burn ye alive. Take yer doctrine an’ vamose this mountain pene 9 No room fer falso prophets an spies yer! In a moment, as it were, Rough Rob seemed to have forgotten the visit of the Champion peste who, at the pistol’s muzzle, had forced im to play the coward before the assembled cam p. er shook the young preacher until his teeth chattered, and would havo supplemented his threat with greater violence, if a d had not fallen on his arm. “That'll do!” said a voice so calm and stern that the Regulator was forced to recognize it, and when he turned he confronted Danger Doll. ‘Let the youth go about his business,” she wenton. “If he wants to «tay here, he shall. The Veerpios from Blue Blazes have cowed you; yous ll not vent your spite on this young Even before the woman had finished, Parson Paul was loose, for Rough Rob had dropped him, and stepped back, eying Danger Doll say- agely. e boy could Lut stare at the interferer, for her flashing eyes rendered her ereeey more con- spicuous n before, and her jet-black hair, which had become disarranged, fell over her shoulders in wild disorder. “She’s a res when they stir her up,” he could not resist saying to himself. “I hardly expected to meet such an enemy, but I’m in for it now, and I’m going to play my game through if it ccs every Crop of blood in my veins. I see occa of the young one; but she will show up presently.” din;; that the woman could outface and outtalk bim, Rough Rob retreated from the spot with ill grace, but not until he had shot arson Paul a look which told him thet, al- though Danger Doll had interfered, he had not relinquished his threat. He went back to his pards like a baffled mad- dog. is Wal, they came; they interviewed us, an’ ther’ isn’t a dead man on either side,” ventured one of the toughs as Rough Rob came up in sag fy ho a good humor. ‘No; but thar will be before mornin’!” he _ hissed, strai ae before his pards. ‘The had me foul had the dead drop on the hull nD. What could I do?” - “Only what ye did do, Rob—lie the thing Y h for potiey. Thar war ‘shoot’ in the or ov both, y’re trim chicks from the same ee Ro —_— — - it; ares fi Pt NSD > vot Wc gel wr é > «(whee wet Hae RT Peale ‘4 a; " ugh Rob, of Dynamite. ‘*Wolves from the same litter!” flashed the Regulator, ‘‘I thought our insult ’d fetch half ov Blue Blazes up hyer an’ give us a picnic.” “Only two come an’ thar war no picnic, either.” : Rough Rob did not note the sarcasm illy con- | cealed by the speaker’s tones, j ‘The next time the dead drop’ll be on our side,” he growled. ‘‘ Thar’ll be rejoicin’ in Blue Blazes when them tn galoots get back. Idaho won’t hold the lot. ‘hey came ter Dynamite; now, we're goin’ ‘ce: voturn the visit!” The crowd responded with a loud shout of eagerness and revenge, We'll draw up another document an’ I'll nail it to the doc’ ov the Cold Deck in the teeth ov Blue Blazes!” continued Rough Rob. “I’ve pulled * f toomany galoots among the camps ov the Gold Range ter be turned down by two men from Coward’s Camp. At the end ov an hour from this time meet me hyer ready ter carry the war inter Africa. Two men came to Dyna- mite ; fifty mounted wildcats go to Blue Blazes!” Rough Rob did not tarry on the spot, but walked away in the darknes, “No good fetched thet young prophet hyer,” he said to himself. ‘‘ We don’t want him, an’ by George! he sha’n’t stay. We've got one rab- bit attached to this camp already, an’ we won't put up with another. lied it through neatly with the twin pards, didn’t I? If they hadn't caught the drop on me, Blue Blazes would hev been deprived ov two ov her ornaments.” He did not stop until he found himself in the darkened interior of a cabin near one end of the camp. A moment after he had crossed the threshold and closed the door he heard a step that made him turn; then came a loud rap as if from the butt of a revolver, while a voice called out: ** Rough Rob, ye’r’ wanted!” Cocking his revolver the big rough went to the door, and as he opened it, he was pounced upon by a man as stalwart as himself, and before he could use his pistol a piece of paperj;was crowded into his mouth, “Thar! Swallow yer insult to Blue Blazes, an’ when you've digested it, come an’ see us!” The speaker relinquished Rough Rob and walked away in the dark. It was Champion Dick! CHAPTER IV. PARSON PAUL GETS TWO BLACK EYES. A BOY was leading a horse that walked lame by the bridle-rein over a rough and winding mountain trail. A boy, we have said, for ho could not have reached his eighteenth year, a boy well built, with a frank, ar countenance, and clear blue eyes that bespoke jolly good nature, His face was turned toward Camp Dynamite, and the hour at which we introduce him to the reader is the one that witnessed the events of the fc ee ae . That boy was not a stranger in the silver camp of the desperadoes, For five years he had been one of its tenants, not very well liked by its ruling spirit, Rough Rob, but he had never exhibited a particle of fear in the Regulator’s presence, The boy’s absence from Camp Dynamite dur- ing the visit of the Twin Champions had been occasioned by the horse he was now leading — him because he was too lame to ride, e animal had wandered from the camp cor- ral, and horses like him were too scarce among the Rockies to be permitted to stray about at their leisure. Idaho Will had spent five days in the search which proved successful at last, and he was now nearing Camp Dynamite again with the valuable steed which hed: lamed itself in some manner among the mountains. He knew nothing of what had happened dur- ing his hunt, only he knew that Ruby Rose would greet him with a smile, and that Rough ‘Rob would bestow upon him those sinister looks of hate for which he was famous. é The young horse-hunter entered camp with a sparkle of pride in his eyes, and, although the hour was not late, he found it unusually quiet, In fact at a first glance he was inclined to pro- nounce it entirely deserted. : Not a human being rewarded his until, having restored the Nat horse to his old quar- ters, he rapped at the door of a cabin near the scene of Parson Paul’s effort. again. Ah! you've come too late to share in the man-hunt. Idaho Will turned quickly at the sound of th ene then started toward the person with an exc tion of joy. Sa holding out both hands to the young gi1l wha confronted him with satisfaction in her eyes. “What I. ~e 1 come back too late for?—what man-huni “*T forrot that you do not, can not know, since it all happ..ucd since you left,” was the answer, and before Idaho Will could question her again Ruby Rose proceeded to narrate the story of the Champions’ visit, and of all that had occurred in camp since his departure. : The boy listened with unabated interest to the close; there was a charm in the girl’s voice, and, besides, the daring of the Twin Champions was. ahead of any feat of bravery he had ever heard of. “T should have liked to see those fellows!” he exclaimed. ‘‘ They must have looked like heroes, Ruby.” : = Paia not see them face Rough Rob and his pards, but I can imagine how they did it. My warning before they got to camp, had no effect on them.” “Does Rough Rob know that you encountered the Champions in the mountains?’ asked the youth with anxiety and eagerness. “No; but, what if he did?” the girl answered, her eyes kindling with a fearless light. ‘‘ When I fear the bully of the silver region may I for- get my best friends!” Idaho Will bestowed a look of pride on the girl who, in the midst of Camp Dynamite, was. not afraid to talk thus. ; She seemed to increase an inch in stature while: the defiance fell from her tongue. 3 “He hates me, too,” Idaho Will said with a quiet smile of determination. ‘‘Do you know why Ruby?” “Yes; because we are friends,” was the prompt reply. ** And I long to tell this mountain giant to his teeth that he can’t separate us! He has gone out of his way twenty times of late to exhibit his hate in various ways; I more than half be- lieve that he turned my horse loose. Let me obtain certain evidence to this effect, and Rough Rob shall know that there is one person in Cam Dynamite he can’t bully. And so they’ve al gone to pay Blue Blazes a visit?” ‘* All but mother and I, and Parson Paul.” ‘Where is this young preacher?” asked the ae quickly, “T have a curiosity to see him, uby.’ ‘“‘ Loitering somewhere about camp,” Ruby Rose replied in a manner which indicated that. her estimation of Parson Paul was quite limited, and that little not in his favor. ‘Very well, we'll find him, then, accidental- he? eo Hy e girl made no reply as if she wished to dis- courage conversation about the young vy ures of impending destruction, and five minu ter the young couple had separated with inter- changes of friendship, and Idaho Will was dis- cussing a night meal within the walls of his own shanty. The interior of the cabin was lighted by a candle which afforded more than an ordinary wn and the youth had just finished his repast when the unlocked door was gently pushed open and there stood before him the very person he had expressed a desire to see—Parson Paul. For the first time the two youths stcod face to face, for at sight of the prophet, Idaho Wilk jum i three-legged stool and ad- vanced a stride toward the door. A moment of embarrassing silence ensued an@ then Parson Paul spoke: ‘So you’re back with the missing horse, eh?’” he said, ‘* Did he Jead ¥ou a long chase?” Idaho Will almost smiled at the abruptness and novelty of these questions. ‘A pretty long ti it was, but I got there,” he forlled a glow of pride giving animation his eyes. ‘‘ Are you interested in that horse?” Not at all, but I’m glad you found him. Maybe you don’t know me. I’m Parson Paul, and my duty is to warn men to turn from their wickedness before the final and impending de- struction comes,” “It’s a thankless mission in these parts, isn’t it?” laughed Idaho Will. ‘‘I mean, you haven't made many converts in Camp Dynamite.” “ Not a soul, but ere long they will wish they had stage solemnly ariswered the bo rophet. ‘‘When these mountains reel like Sconkards, and the trees are be sda ve when the sky becomes like a sheet of molten brass— There! I don’t want any sermon,” interrupt- ed Idaho Will. f ; welcome doesn’t “ No !” With the utterance of the monosyllable the PPR he ed See gd rag ou ‘amp Dynamite. h Rob e well to your preaching, I hear.” ‘“‘T am back and with the horse, too!” bo said,

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eyes of the speaker seemed to emit sparks of Lre, He had no ee corner in his heart for the es. “Then that ought to make us friends, for he hates me too.” ‘** And so do I!” Idaho Will looked as if a thunderbolt had anpred at his feet. e recoiled several inches and stared at the speaker who had spoken the four words in tones not to be mistaken. ‘* Yes,” continued Parson Paul, as he came forward with flashing eyes fixed on the young Dynamiter, ‘‘yes, I hate you, too. I didn’t know until wes that you were here, but the moment I found it out I began to hate you. We never met before to-night; but that makes no difference. By heavens! Idaho Will, as they call you, I could scatter your brains over your shanty walls!” The Dynamiter was too astonished to articu- late a single word in reply. As Parson Paul finished, his hand flew to a belt beneath his coat, and the next instant Idaho Will was looking down the muzzle of a revolver that covered his head. ‘*- You’re in my road!” ~~ the boy prophet. ** By the blazing stars! I ought to settle it all there so far as you’re concerned. Look into this instrument of death, and swear to leave Camp Dynamite, never to come back without my per- mission.” Idaho Will’s eyes flashed defiance before his lips parted to reply. ee ve Dynamite at your command?” he eried. ‘‘ Well, I guess not, prophet of evil!” ‘Ts that your final answer?” ** It is!” The next second Idaho Will darted straight at Parson Paul despite the menace of the cocked revolver, and, quicker than a flash, knocked up the arm that leveled it, and threw its owner headlong toward the door! ‘Tt’s best to shoot the minute you get the drop,” he said as he leaped after the falling youth. **T guess ve got some rights in Dyna- mite that a chatterin Pool is bound to respect. Well, 'm glad you hate me, seeing what you are. I don’t want your friendship. I am able to take care of myself!” Parson Paul would have gained .his feet in a minute if the enraged young Dynamiter had not thrown himself upon him, and proceeded to be- stow a severe chastisement with his fists. “*Tll give you something to hate me for!” he cried as he delivered blow upon blow in rapid succession. **J ought to kick you out of camp, to say the Jeast, but“you’ve got something to remember me by, the blackest pair of eyes in Dynamite!” Idaho Will desisted, and helping the discom- fited youth onto his feet, hustled him with no ceremony at all frona the shanty, and, without waiting for threats or epithets, slammed the heavy door in his face. The unexpected assault, the merited whipping and the ejection did not occupy three minutes. ‘That seals your doom, Idaho William!” hissed the individual who faced the shanty in the starlight and shook his fist at the door. ‘I haven’t crossed mountains and rivers for noth- ing—not I; and I’m not going to be baffled by you. I’ve got a foothold in this camp, and the hate of Rough Rob and yours cannot break it loose. What brought me to Idaho? Ha! ha! let my actions tell. or every blow you dealt awhile ago I'll have an ounce of blood. They call me Parson Paul; but I’m more devil than prophet!” Idaho Will might ha've heard these words if he had listened intently at his door, but he did not, and when Paul had given vent to his spite in emphatic language, he walked away mutter- ing still maledictions against the youth whose fists had punished him. “You're getting along too rapidly,” said a voice near by, and Parson Paul wheeled to find himself face to face with Danger Doll, Rough Rob’s female pard, and the Chidets of Camp Dynamite, ‘‘T told you to go easy and not pro- voke him, but you had to seek him out, get up a quarrel, and get whipped. This is bad policy if you want to remain in Dynamite.” The boy prophet looked at the beautiful syoman for a moment and made no reply. ‘““Why your face is getting dark in several places,” went on Danger Doll coming up closer and leaning forward. “*Tt ought to, beat up asit has been.” EES ee EELS ct AS a eS SITES aT nS aE eS a Rough Rob, of Dynamite. 5 “With what?” “With that young devil’s fists!” growled Paul. ‘‘ Never mind! When my time comes, and it shall come soon, it shall be an ounce of blood for each blow! ‘He and I can’t live here at the same time.” ‘“*T expect not,” smiled the woman. ‘‘ One of you must leave camp. He won’t go.” ‘* Neither will I! By heavens! I'll stay here and fight it out if it takes a lifetime! I’m no spy, and no coward. I am here on business.” CHAPTER V. THE CHAMPIONS CATCH A TIGRESS. DANGER DOL. looked into the speaker’s eyes, but made no reply. They were burning like two coals of fire. ‘* Well,” he suddenly snapped, ‘‘ the girl has come back, but I’m in no condition to be intro- duced,” ‘** To-morrow—” ‘* When my eyes will probably be closed?—not much!” was the quick interruption. ‘‘ Maybe I had better leave Camp Dynamite till I get pre- sentable again. Mind you, it shall not be for good. I am coming back! I am not going away for good till I’ve settled with that bo and accomplished my mission. Where ptt, | 0?” ‘* Not two miles from here is an excellent re- treat,” answered Danger Doll, pleased at the young prophet’s suggestion to leave camp. “I am willi 6 for you to come back, and when you do come, I hope you'll find things in better shape than they are just now.” ‘Tf they are not, I'll put them in shape,” he hissed, shutting his hands and sending a fierce look toward Idaho Will’s shanty. ‘‘ Direct me to this hiding- lace.” “T will guide you to it,” said the woman. ‘TI know these mountains as the Comanche knows the plains.” . ‘‘ How long have you been here?” “Five years, or ever since Camp Dynamite was founded.” ‘Did you know Rough Rob before that?” Danger Doll hesitated for a moment, and then said: “ Yes.” “Have you ever been in Sacramento?” was the next question, which made the woman start, though the questioner perceived it not. ‘‘T was never there,” was the reply; in tones which seemed to impress Parson Paul that the words covered a secret of some kind, ‘I came up here from Santa Fe.” ‘‘ With the men who planted this camp here?” After another slight hesitation, another ‘‘ yes.” The boy prophet seemed satisfied with the an- swers he had received, for he did not continue them, but turned the subject back to his pro- sed retirement from the mountain town. Danger Doll’s offer to guide him to the retreat indicated was accepted, and a few moments later the pair thus strangely thrown together were walking over a trail which led them from Camp Dynamite. It was plainly apparent now that something besides preaching the end of all created things had brought Parson Paul to the camp, and what seemed stranger still, Danger Doll had taken a fancy to him. To be more explicit, he had told her an adroit story, which had excited her attention from the very first. He pretended to be the possessor of a secret of the most valuable nature, and he almost admit- ted to the woman, in so many words, that his prophesying was but a cover for his real mis- sion. There was buried somewhere in the moun- tains not a vein of silver, but one of gold whose richness was almost fabulous. He professed to havé a chart, which he took good care not to let the camp Delilah see, which would eventually guide him to the exact spot where the vein crop out, With this adroit story, whether true or not, it is not for us to say here, he beguiled the Queen of Camp Dynamite, and found in her from the first, both a friend and a dupe. Danger Doll did not regret that she had saved Parson Paul from Rough Rob’s clutches. ~The vay mores would probably have shaken the boy to death, and then she would never have heard of this wonderful vein of gold. So she guided Parson Paul to a cavern among the mountains, and about two miles from Camp Dynamite. He was safe there, she told him, and could re- main secure until his face had resumed its wonted color, and he was in a presentable condi- tion. “Tl play my part of the game with an adroit- pa g ness that will surprise you,” thought Danger Doll to herself as she hurried back over the trail toward camp. ‘‘I will get to the gold vein about the same time you make it, Parson Paul. It wouldn’t have done to let you stay in camp, for the first thing I knew you and Idaho would be together again. Tl see that Will doesn’t jeopardize the existence of the gold secret. aybe you don’t want me to possess it. Well, I haven’t showed you what I’ve got to trade for it!” and Danger Doll laughed. There was a world of subtle meaning in her last sentence, and it made her dark eyes glow like living coals. “By Jove! you’re a laugher from Hilarity!” suddenly rung out a voice, at the first sound ef which Danger Doll stopped and looked forward. “The Champions of Blue Blazes!” sr en from her tongue at the first glance. ‘‘ Your place is at home if you want to see the men- tigers of Camp Dynamite.” “What's that, my Dynamite pink?’ cried Champion Dick, leaning forward in his saddle and scrutinizing the woman’s face. ‘‘Hev the seraphs ov the mountains marched down on Blue Blazes?” ‘** They’ve all gone, a to the teeth.” ‘Headed by the boss wikicat ov all?” ‘* Led by Rough Rob, the Regulator.” “Then,” laughed Dick, with a quick glance at his brother, ‘‘ then, thar will be a picnic.” “They went down to kill,” said the woman. ‘Ov course! It’s not likely that they took any olive branches asa. of The Champions laughed fearlessly and in concert. ‘*Come up closer,” Dick said to the woman, who advanced with her piercing eyes fixed upon him until she reached his horse’s side. ‘Well, I am here,” she said. In the silence that followed her announce- ment, the mountain brothers studied her face in a manner suspicious and irritating, to Danger Doll at least. Had they ever met her before? “Tm not the beauty I used to be,” she said suddenly, bursting into a derisive laugh, but the men saw that, despite her eight and thirty years, she was beautiful still, and in stature pare with the figure of a princess of royal ‘““Hang me! if you ain’t a living chromo yet,” averred Chate ion Dan, the first of the brothers to put an end to the inspection. ‘‘I can’t sa that yer daughter resembles you, although she’s no slouch in good looks.” They both saw the start that the woman gave at this allusion to Ruby Rose. ‘‘ When did you see her?” she exclaimed. “Oh, do you suppose we've lived at Blue Blazes all these years without knowin’ thet such a lovely flower were bloomin’ only thirty miles away?” laughed Dick. ‘‘ What do you take us for, Danger Doll?” ‘For two mountain gentlemen.” ‘‘Thet’s good! By Jupiter, woman, you're a me’ card! Ar’ you goin’ back to Dynamite?” a“ Tes “We'll go along.” Danger Doll could not repress an exclamation - of aversion. What! those two dread brothers going back to Camp Dynamite,deserted and unprotected—back to the place where Ruby Rose was? The bare thought of it sent a shudder to the woman’s heart. If they went there, what would they not do to pay Rough Rob before- hand for what he was likely to do at Blue Blazes? ‘*Won’t you ride?” asked Dick, leaning over to assist Danger Doll to a seat before him. ‘*No,” she answered, shrinking away. ‘‘We all thought you had gone home.” ‘So also Rough Rob and his pards thought, no doubt. I got the turn on the Regulator in front of his cabin, and had the pleasure of crammin’ his written insult down his throat. Ho! ho! how he spluttered and fought, but it wouldn’t do. I had the game-cock of Dynamite foul!” And Champion Dick laughed at the recollection of the trick he had served Rough Rob He concluded abruptly: “Tf you will not ride to Dynamite, you may walk beside us. Come, Dan, we'll go an’ i the nest while the rat’s nin Of ‘‘'You’d better go an’ help the pards of Blue Blazes,” flashed the woman. ‘* We’H be thar when Rough Rob presents his card,” was the answer, as Champion Dick patted the flank of his well-limbed horse, ‘' Off we ar’ for camp. Come along, Danger Doll. Mebbe we'll show our hand among the shanties,” Danger Doll found herself walking between Ji\' Ee od

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ye me “ee : t Dp 3 | ae Ly ion Bes A ey By 7. eg Rough R f aes test & ’ A ol hen * , ma, the steeds of the mountain brothers when they started on once more. They had placed her in that position suddenly, as if afraid she would attempt to desert them, and whenever she glanced up she saw that they were slyly watching her. It did not take the fast-walking horses long to reach the silent and almost deserted camp. The two Champions cocked their revolvers in the outskirts, and kept on with every sense on the alert. What had they to fear if Rough Rob and all his pards had gone to Blue Blazes? Perhaps they doubted the woman’s statement to this effect. The ride down the street toward Danger Doll’s cabin was uninteresting. Nobody appeared in the star-lit street. ‘“‘ Nary a rat in the nest!” Champion Dick ex- . claimed, and then he leaned toward his pard, and added in a whisper: ‘“ Let’s burn the place.” But Dan shook his head: ‘¢ Don’t burn the daisy out,” he said. “ Ah! I had forgotten the girl!” and then he looked down at the woman who had just spoken: ‘‘ Here’s where I live,” she said, pointing to a cabin, a little more elegant than the rest. “ If you'll wait a moment I'll show you something.” Before either of the twin pards could frame a reply, Danger Doll darted out from between the horses and sprung into the cabin. 5 ““Mebbe she intends to present the girl,” said an. . The girl? No! Half a minute later the queen of Camp Dyna- mite reappeared at the open door, and the Champions of Blue Blazes recoiled at sight of her. ‘“‘ Hands up!” rung from her lips, and over the leaming revolvers which she thrust forward. ‘You came here for blood, and by the stars above us! you are liable to cause some to be spilled, but it will be your own! Iwas never suckled at the breast of Mercy. Hands up, or - Jt was a terrible summons, and the voice and looks of the woman who had planted herself in the doorway must have appeared to the twomen the emphasis of death. . “J don’t wait a moment,” continued Danger Doll. ‘I saw you hold the drop on Rough Rob since sundown, but, fool-like, you didn’t shoot. I have a mortal right to hate you two men. What are you going to do?” Instead of throwing up his hands, in surren- der, Champion Dick, cool as coolness itself, leaned forward until his face was almost between the leveled revolvers. “Sprinkle our brains on the ground, Danger Doll, an’ Blue Blazes, not me, will avenge the theft of flesh an’ blood!” he hissed through clinched teeth. A strange cry burst from the woman’s a she dropped the weapons and staggered Cc CHAPTER VI. THE BACK TRAIL, “‘Wrat did you mean by the words that made Danger Doll drop her shooters an’ stagger into the shanty when she had the drop on us?” asked Champion Dan as he looked into Dick’s face five miles out of Camp Dynamite and on the moun- tain trail that led to Blue Blazes. “Tt war anarrer I shot somewhat atrandom,” was the evasive answer. ‘¢ But it hit the bull's eye.” «‘ Seemed ter,” and Dick looked away to avoid his brother’s eyes. “She looked as if a ghost had handed her his card,” continued Dan. «Tt unnerved her so thet she couldn’t hev held a pistol steady ter save her life. We got out ov thet dilemma mighty slick, Dick. I saw ‘shoot’ in her eyes the moment she appeared in the door with the big droppers.” Champion Dick did not speak, but rode on like a man wrestling with a mental problem. All at once, ten minutes later, he turned sud- denly upon his pard and his hand dropped upon his arm. ‘« Will you do what I say?” he asked. The response was prompt and brief. ““ Yes.” “Go on to Blue Blazes an’ help the boys meet Rough Rob an’ his pards when they 2ome.” “ An’ you?” cried Dan astonished. “Tm not goin’ thar.” ‘Why not?” ‘‘ Because I’m needed elsewhar.” * At Camp Dynamite?” “T can’t exactly say; only, I know that Pm not goin’ on.” The Twin Champions had halted in the moun- tain trail, and Dick was holding out his hand to his pard. ‘To-morrow night at eight or tharabouts we will meet at the rock-tree,” he wenton. ‘* Every- body knows whar that is.” ‘An’ you will then tell me why you turned back?” aa sy Dan did not look satisfied with the reply, yet he did not murmur, but laid his hand in the one stretched toward him and grasped it warmly. A minute later the two pards had separated and were riding in contrary directions, Dan to- ward Blue Blazes, and Dick back over the trail they had ee covered, We will follow Dick. Thoughtful as his countenance showed, and with a look of resolution in his eyes, he rode to- ward Camp Dynamite. Back to the home of the most dangerous woman among the silver mountains! Some of the brightest stars had set since he left the place but a short time before, but enough were in the sky to show the rider the dark shanties that made up the camp. “At the edge of the town he slipped from the saddle and crept away, leaving his horse to decom his return in the shadow of one of the uts. Champion Dick was now a man with a mo- tive, but what was it? He made his way down the street inspecting the different buildings as he passed until he halted at the door of one which he seemed to re- cognize. “Tf left her hyer,” he said, speaking to him- self for the first time since parting withyhis bro- ther. ‘That word-arrer oy mine went so swift to the mark thet I thought I’d shoot an- other from the same bow.” The last words brought a smile to Champion Dick’s lips and a twinkle of delight to his eyes. He glided to the threshold of the hut and put his ear at the door. Not a sound came from the inside. ‘“‘T hate ter disturb ye, Queen Doll,” he said; “cc but—” At that instant the door was opened without revious warning, and the stalwart figure of the hampion of Blue Blazes straightened with an ejaculation of astonishment. “You back again?’ said the persom who sud- denly confronted Dick, a woman with eyes that seemed ready to fly from their sockets from amazement. ‘“* What do you want?” The mountain pard could hardly repress a laugh at the speaker’s fright. ‘“T'm back hyer arter the truth,” he said, and uick asa flash his hand struck her wrist and closed there like the talons of a hawk. “Not so loud: you'll rouse Ruby.” **Ts she here?” ‘““ Why not? Isn’t she my—” “No lies, Danger Doll!” and Dick dragged the woman over the threshold. ‘‘ Don’t lie to a man who wants the truth as bad as I do. Come away from the shanty if yer don’t want Ruby ter open her eyes an’ see me hyer.” The fingers of the man from Blue Blazes seemed to sink to the woman’s bone as he led her down the street toward the spot where he had left his horse. ‘ She regarded him with eyes that scintillated like the orbs of the robbed pantheress, but not a word passed her lips until they reached the trusty animal standing where the Champion had left him, ‘So Ruby is your child?’ said he, whirling upon her. “Yes, Haven't I told you so before?” was the quick retort. ‘¢ Whar war she born?” “Tn Camp Dangerous in the San Juan moun- tains.” “When?” ‘* A little more than sixteen years ago.” ‘‘ Whar’s her father?” Danger Doll glued her lips together resolutely, and gave Dick a ing look. ae er me!” he said madly. ‘“« Am I on the witness stand?” “ Yes, an’ I am judge an’ jury. Whar’s Ruby’s father?” m “Quite likely; the Vigilantes hung him by mistake, didn’t they?” ‘No; he died in Sacramento.” ““ His name?” é “‘ Major Catlin of the army, and a better man 4 ever drew a sword.” ahs hoe | ob, of Dynamite. ‘i got a chance. ago I had a sister, Agnes by name. She died in said. I lay no claim to perfection. You have insulted me with the infamous declaration that Major Catlin was not my husband. I am now Danger went on. ‘You'll have to elsewhere than here. names in my lifetime—Dora Catlin and Danger Doll. My lines didn’t fall in pleasant places after the death of my husband. men and wild scenes. tory of my career? A gleam of incredibility brightened in Dick’s oom eyes. “You tell a pretty story,” he said to the woman who backed her assertions with a brazen look; ‘‘ but unfortunately it sticks in your throat every now an’ then.” “What! do you accuse me of lying?” » ‘¢ Kinder so,” laughed Champion Dick. “Don’t you believe that I am Ruby’s mother?” “No.” ‘Why not?” ‘Because she doesn’t look like you, an’! be- cause I know that Major Catlin was never your husband.” oy 4 well,” snapped Danger Doll. expec “Tf you falsehoods, why did you question me?” ‘To see how much string aly take if.you Now, let me talk. A few years Sacramento City, leavin’, I am reliably in- formed, a girl baby a few days old. She was nursed through her brief illness by a woman who was known there as Monte Mauc my sister’s death the nurse and the child disap- peared.” and after Dick paused, and saw the Queen of Dynamite regarding him with her defiant look. ‘I got on the track of Monte Maud a few months afterward,” he continued; ‘‘ but lost it in the gold mountains in the upper part of the State. an’ doin’ well. Now, woman, ar’ you goin’ ter stand thar an’ tell me that you ar’ not Monte Maud, an’ that Ruby Rose is not the child born in California sixteen yeat's ago?” The child was still in her charge, Not a muscle of the woman's face quivered; she did not start back at the Champion’s words, but stood her ground unflinchingly and glared at. him like a tigress. “T have already told bag who I am,” she ““T see no reason to he. I am not a saint. Doll, of Dynamite. I have never been Monte. Maud. Ruby Rose is my child. Do you want me to swear it in the presence of Heaven?” and. the woman threw one hand aloft and drew her faultless figure to its true hight. Champion Dick looked nonplused at Danger Doll’s retort, and the woman’s quick eyes caught his situation. ** Accusation is one thing, Bese another,” she: unt Monte ‘Maud. I have borne but two drifted among wila But why give you a his- You don’t want to listen to: it. Monte Maud? Not I, Champion Dick.” “But you said that you had cause to hate Dam an’ I when you had us kivered by yer droppers,” persisted Dick, calmly. ‘So I did, and so I have!” was the quick an- swer. “ You came to Dynamite to shoot Rough Rob. He is my friend.” ‘Husband number two?’ grinned the man from Blue Blazes. ‘‘ He isn’t as handsome as the major war; but he’s a bigger devil.” ‘’-You size him well. Now, if you think Ruby Rose is your sister’s child, go to camp an’ take her; but woe to the man who robs me of my own offspring!” . There was a hard, cold threat in the last sen- tence. Champion Dick made no reply; he took no step toward Camp Dynamite. Had the woman bluffed him with her brazep face, glittering eyes and broad assertions?” ” Was he willing to say that he had waked up the wrong person, that he was on the wrong trail? Certain it was that Danger Doll had shaken. Champion Dick’s confidence. ~~ What made you hit on me for Monte Maud?” she suddenly exclaimed, breaking in upon his cogitations. ‘‘Do I look like the child-stealer? Is there a resemblance between me and ‘the wo- man who robbed your sister after death—robbed. her of her babe?” : : ‘“T never saw Monte Maud,” admitted Dick. “ And yet you come to me and red that I am a woman you have never seen!” flashed Danger Doll. ‘After fifteen years you pounce upon me and say: ‘Here; give up my sister’s child,’ and. command me to put into your hands my own daughter. I thought the Champions of Blue Blazes were men—not robbers.” Champion Dick no longer clutched the wrist. he had held. ‘All of a sudden Danger Doll had jerked herself loose, and now stood, the very picture of fury a a re | | t | h 4 H {

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ea “SRT a eA St WA yA rf u Rough Rob, of Dynamite. 7 eee OSS SSSaaa=avaaawuss and indignation in the soft morning starlight, entirely free! “Go elsewhere and hunt for Monte Maud,” she hissed. ‘* My trail is not her trail; nay child is not the one she stole from the dead mother’s arms. If you remain in these parts I may turn hunter. Go back to Blue. Blazes and meet the men who have gone to burn it down. I hate the rround that bears you up. I, Monte Maud? A lacker lie than that never dropped from human = Iam scarcely woman now; lam nearly all tigress!” Tings disconcerted giant could readily believe this. He stepped back looking at her still and point- ed toward the mountain camp. ‘Go back and keep guard whar I found you,” he said laying his hand on the steed’s rein. “Yon don’t apologize, then?” Danger Doll ex- claimed. “Wal, hardly,” was the answer and Champion Dick sprung to saddle. ‘Then take what comes from my hands here- after! I will show you that I can make trails, and red ones, too, as well as the boastful Champ- ion of the coward’s roost! You’ve waked up the wrong person, Chante ym Dick.” “ A}l right!” flung back the mountaineer, ‘ A lie well stuck to is better than a loose grip on the truth.” And the Champion touched his horse’s flanks with the spur and left Danger Doll, a statue of madness in the starlight. “A lie well stuck to, eh?’ echoed the woman, as horse and man vanished. ‘ May I furnish the mountain vultures with a meal if 1 don’t have the Champion’s blood!” Danger Doll stood a moment longer on the spot; then went back to Dynamite. If Champion Dick had crept at her heels he would have seen her bend over a sleeping girl and heard her whisper: “You're worth your weight in gold, my Sac- ramento rose!” Ss tt CHAPTER VII. DYNAMITE MEETS BLUE BLAZES. ‘““HELLO! Blue Blazes?” Rough Rob, the big regulator, turned to the men at his back and pointed forward. All at once the mountain town, the home of the Twin Champions, had burst into view, and the fifty men wolves of Camp Dynamite, look- ing over their captain’s outstretched arm, saw the numerous shanties that lay in the last beams of the setting sun. ‘‘We're goin’ ter nail ter the door ov ther Cold Deck Hotel suthin’ more terrible than “the document the galoots flaunted in our faces last night!” grated the Regulator. ‘‘Thet’s what we're hyer for?” The pards of Dynamite had not tramped the thirty miles that lay between the rival camps for nothing. They had come to Blue Blazes for a fight, to pit themselves against the two Champions and their pards, and to settle forever the question of superiority. They had Tbcided: on the march, not to open the ball in the broad light of day, and had man- aged to reach the vicinity of the town when the shadows had grown long once more. ‘““T hope we'll find the twin galoots at home!” Rough Rob continued, and his eyes, burning with eagerness, attested the genuineness of the wish. ‘By Jupiter! the shrinkin’ from the dropper will be on t’other side now. Just wait, my twin daisies, till we git ther drop; then we'll show you what it costs ter cram a paper inter Rough Rob's mouth!” The sun disappeared behind the mountain whose huge shadow covered the whole camp, and the fifty vengeance-seekers crept forward, each with a revolver in his right hand. Down pt Blue Blazes they swooped, like so many eagles, or like a pack of wolves nearing a sheep-fold. ‘‘What’s the matter?’ exclaimed the giant Regulator, halting at the first shanties and send- ing a glance of astonishment among his follow- ers. ‘* Blamed ef we hevn’t frightened the mountain buzzards from their nest. Not a man at home, boys. The town’s empty!” Deserted? _ not Rob think of an ambush at that mo- ment? Could he believe that a lot_of men, led by Champion Dick and Champion Dan, had desert- ed their silver town to the mercy of him and his Dynamiters without a show of. resistance, with- out even waiting till they came in sight? The very silence that brooded over the place at the foot of the mountain that shadowed it seemed to mean more than desertion. “Come on! We'll show the cowards when they sneak back that we’ve been hyer!” cried Rough Rob, and he led his bronzed followers straight toward the hotel, which was the most conspicuous building in the camp. Before leaving Dynamite he leit prepared a manifesto with which it was intended to adorn | the door of the structure, a warning and a chal- | lenge to all who had the temerity to cross the | will of the pards of the northern camp. There was something imposing in the crowd that went down the narrow street of Blue Blazes in dark shirts, slouch hats, and armed to the teeth. Their eyes seemed to emit flashes of rage; they were as eager as their leader to wipe out in blood the ‘‘ insult” to which they had been sub- jected. Not a human face rewarded their looks as they advanced; not a command startled them. They were to have a bloodless victory, to march back discomfited, and disappointed. So they thought. The Cold Deck Hotel was the most conspicu- ous building in Blue Blazes because it stood at the end of the street down which the bronzed vengeance-hunters tramped with Rough Rob at their heat. It was a two-story shanty with six or seven little rooms, the largest one being the reception- room on the first floor, and not infrequently used for a gambling-room, for when times were flush in Blue Blazes, as they often were, the wild citizens took pleasure in fleecing one an- other. There never had been much regular hotel business in the camp, for the transient custom was small, and the Cold Deck had no regular boarders; still, out of courtesy, and to keep abreast of the times, the two-story shanty was known as a public house. In front of the hotel and the full length of it ran a porch wide enough to contain a chair, if such a useful piece of furniture had found its way to Blue Blazes, and just beyond the porch was the door that opened into the interior of the building. “Tf the birds hev taken flight mebbe they left a few squar’ drinks in the nest!” Rough Rob ai as his heavy boot struck the porch floor. The next moment he reached the door and lifting one foot bestowed upon it a kick heavy enough to hur] it from its hinges. As it was, the door flew open with a noise a.- most loud enough to disturb the occupants of the bush-fenced cemetery on the mountain-side, and the following second the air rung with re- volver-shots! Behind the broad-shouldered Regulator men reeled and tumbled in every direction! He felt the wind of bullets on his cheeks, he felt them clip his jacket, yet not one inflicted a wound! ‘“‘ Great Jerusalem!” ejaculated the Dynamiter as he staggered back from the deadly flashes that cast the interior of the Cold Deck in flame. He had found the pards of Blue Blazes at home, he had marched straight into a terrible ambush! Why was he not riddled? Rough Rob could not account for his escape. The bullets of the ambushers whistled all around him, and he soon found himself the only living occupant of the porch. Scarcely a minute had intervened between the pag of the door and the death of the roughs who had followed him from their moun- tain ranch. In the storm of lead and death, Rough Rob seemed to have forgotten that his hands clutch- ed cocked revolvers. The terrible volley had come like the falling of a thunderbolt from a cloudless sky. ‘“‘ Nobody but fools come to Blue Blazes with droppers cocked in their paws!” said a voice which halted Rough Rob among the ten pros- trate forms. ‘‘Galoots oy Dynamite, you'd bet- ter go back to your dens!” There was a familiar tone to the voice that made Rough Rob grind his teeth. “Come out an’ show yerselves!” he cried de- fiantly. ‘‘Ten men from fifty leaves forty still an’ in this instance forty of the biggest devils thet ever raised a mountain shooter. Come out an’ face the party what came hyer ter clean out this buzzard nest, er die!” The answer was a coarse laugh and there step- ped from the building and upon the porch two men whose shoulders touched as they came for- ward with leveled revolvers. “The twin galoots!” spoke twenty men in concert. “Galoots ef you wan’t it so; we’re not par- tic’lar,” smiled Champion Dick with a glance from Rough Rob to the crowd at his ba:k. ‘‘ Rix our names ter suit yerselves. The honor ov Blue Blazes is ter be maintained at all haz- ards. What's b opinion on the coward biz- ness just now, Rough Rob?” Under his heavy mustache the bully of Camp Dynamite bit his lip, and behind his midnight lashes his fierce orbs blazed. “You got the call on us when we warn’t lookin’ for it,” he said like a man who finds him- self expected to say something. “‘It’s no fair shake—an ambush like this.” ‘‘Not when two men meet fifty?” laughed the Champion. ‘“Two men!” echoed Rough Rob mechani- cally. Had all that rapid firing, that merciless slaughter, been carried on by the two men who now faced him and his mountain meb? Such was the assertion, and he could not con- tradict it. “We're ther batteries thet opened on yer,” continued Champion Dick. ‘‘ Ef two men kin spread such a lay-out on the ground ez thet one, what might ther hull camp do?” There was no answer. ‘¢ You'll about face an’ go back ter Dynamite wiser an’ sadder men,” Dick went on, a tinge of merriment in his voice. ‘‘ Hyerafter when you get up a written insult please don’t fetch it ter this saints’ rest ter be posted. We're all cow- ards hyer an’ we’re afraid ov such documents! Go back to Dynamite!” The mad men at Rough Rob’s back heard his teeth crack as he whirled upon them. ‘Back to camp, they say!” he hissed in tones that reached the Champion’s ears. ‘‘ Shall we ro?” The men glanced from their infuriated ca tain to the two cool men who stood side by side on the blood-sprinkled porch with leveled re- volvers. It was a striking tableau, and one which a look or a word might dissipate in a terrible manner, The seconds that flew by were momentous ones. ‘Curse yer picters! we go back,” said Rough Rob, turning to the Champions of the silver camp. ‘‘Hyerafter we'll settle fer this am- bush.” ‘‘ Whenever you please,” was the ‘© Will you take yer pards along Q” ‘No! let °em stay whar they died.” ** All right.” The big Regulator stepped back. “Face about!” he said to his men, and as they turned sullenly and without a word, he threw a mad look at the brothers. “Be this the beginnin’!” he shouted. ‘“‘B Jerusalem! the end shall beat the start all hol- ler! Big as Idaho is, it’s too little for both Dy- namite an’ Blue Blazes. One must go under.” ‘An’ one come out on top, eh, Rough Reb?” laughed Champion Dick. ‘‘ Hurrah for the up- per dog in this fight!” The sole reply was the grating of teeth and looks of undying hatred, and the next moment the discomfited and defeated pards of Dynamite had turned their backs on the occupants of the porch. , Sullen and with curses on their lips they marched back over the ground they had lately trod with eager feet. It was the Champions’ day; but Dynamite’s might be near at hand. All at once the air behind the mountain roughs rung with cheers. Rough Rob stopped and looked back. The street near the Cold Deck swarmed with men who threw their hats toward the sky as they cheered the Champions’ victory. The Dynamiters looked surprised. “Heavens! we must hev been kivered b their revolvers all the time,” growled Roug Rob. “Come on. Let us think ov to-morrow !” reply. CHAPTER VIII. REVOLVER SUASION, Boop having been spilled, henceforth it was to be war to the knife between the rival camps. Rough Rob’s ‘‘ to-morrow” did not mean the suc ing day, for when it broke, instead of resuming the attack the Dynamite bully and his pards were almost within sight of their old ren- dezvous. As they had turned their backs upon the Champion brothers, so they kept them thus turned until, breathing maledictions on their heads, they stalked into Camp Dynamite like beaten but revengeful lions. “Back b. toe an’ whipped!” hissed Rough Rob, as, tired and hungry, he crossed the - :

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— > bn A Lae" . oe 8 Sager aa tal ~ eae the shanty and made a charge on the rr. “Whi did you say?” said a voice at the Pts y door. ‘ ught you were going to annihilate Blue Blazes? eit There seemed to be an accent of triumph in the speaker’s tones; anyhow, Rough Rob’s brows darkened and his eyes kindled. He took one mad stride toward the speaker, but seeing who it was, he stopped short and looked into her face. “Oh, it’s you, is it?” he said. ‘‘ Wal, we didn’t exactly annihilate Blue Blazes, but thet’s no sign thet it'll not be done before long. We Yan ag’in a snag an’ had ter retreat, which we did in good order.” ‘With ten men less than when you went away.” * Who told you?” **T counted those who came back.” F e Ae you counted forty, didn’t you?” es “‘Thet’s right. We left ten Dynamiters dead before the best pistols in the galoots’ camp.” “Don’t those pistols belong to the two brothers?” “ Yes. »” “T thought so. You didn’t fight, then?” ‘What little blood-lettin’ thar war, war all on one side. Come in an’ talk to me while I wipe out my meat magazine, What’s happened hyer since we went away?” If Rough Rob had been looking eds he might have seen Danger Doll start slightly at the senerh question. Nevertheless, she came in and stood at the table, at which he had seated himself on a three- legged stool, and was ravenously attacking a chunk of meat. “Nothing of note has occurred,” she said, avoiding his gaze. ** Whar’s thet P aia ov evil?” ‘* Parson Paul “ Yes.” ‘Gone away.” ‘* He’d better seep his distance. I lay half ov our bad success at Blue Blazes tohim. Curse his rophecies, anyhow! Is Idaho Will back?” es “ With his runaway hoss?” “ Yes. ” This seemed unwelcome intelligence to Rough Rob, and for several minutes he was silent. All at once he left the bone he was picking and, straightening suddenly, looked Danger Doll squarely in the face. *¢ You know what I told you the other night?” he said. * About the boy?” ‘Yes. You've got to make Ruby shake him, or I shake you forever. You haven’t forgotten that I said this?” ‘“ Well, what have you done about it since I left?” ‘* Nothing yet—” ‘“Which means that you're not disposed to h the matter up, eh?” ‘*Give me time.” ‘‘Time?” almost thundered Rough Rob. ‘‘ Do ou want a year? See hyer! That boy has nm a curse to Camp Dynamite ever since he set foot in it. I don’t like a hair ov him, never did, an’ by heavens! this night settles it forever %wixt us. You won’t make Ruby shake him, tharfore, Danger Doll, our trails separate from this spot.” One would have thought that at this announce- ment the woman would have remonstrated and begged the bully of Dynamite to reconsider his re ve, but she was made of sterner stuff than that. Instead of cringing at his feet, she seemed to increase in stature, and her answer was an un- expected laugh. : ‘Very well,” she said. ‘‘Suit yourself about it. I'm quite content. If our paths diverge here let them do so at once. Never ask Danger Doll to stand longer by the man whose life she once saved at the risk of her own. Come to me in the day of danger and trouble, Rough Rob, and get spurned, if nothing more, for your pains. The boy you hate is quite able to take eare of himself, even in Camp ynamite. One of these days he’ll be your equal.’ “Thet young whelp?” “Yes, Idaho Will. “‘T can crush him as I’d crush an egg-shell,” laughed the Dynamiter brutally. “You'll make him your par now, I sg mel “Never! I don’t like hi I actually hate the boy you fetched into camp one night an’ for all the wealth hidden in these hills. told me that you found him freezing at a camp- fire that had nearly burned down. There’s no danger of me taking up with him now. So we part? ‘“You won’t get Ruby Rose to give him the bounce?” ‘““What’s the use? or times that she should never become his wife? ‘*But you let them go on makin’ love in spite of yer promise,” snapped the Regulator. anger Doll did not speak, but step across the sill and reached the cool air outside, “*Good-by, Rough Rob,” she said. ‘*Good-by, Monte Maud! I give you back the name I found you with.” The name made the woman’s eyes sparkel with rage, and for a moment she seemed about to go back to the desperado with the mien of an insulted tigress. ** Thank you,” she said, with savage sarcasm. “‘T ll take my old name back, and in the future ive my enemies cause to remember it. ‘‘ Good- y, Monte Maud, eh? Until we meet again, farewell, hangman of the gold placers!” She stepped further from the door and van- ished, leaving Rough Rob alone and considera- ble nonplused. ‘* Tf she leaves Dynamite she will take the girl with her,” he suddenly exclaimed. ‘‘ That must never be! ‘ Monte Maud’ stung her to the quick, didn’t it? She well knows that there are a thousand men in Idaho who hevyn’t forgot the handbills which fifteen years ago offered a bi reward for her. She sha’n’t leave camp wit. the girl. Ruby Rose is worth her weight in op to some, but I wouldn’t let her slip _ e’s too pretty for all that.” Five minutes later the Regulator of Cam Dynamite halted in front of Danger Doll's shanty, and tried the door gently with his bronzed hand. Much to his astonishment it yielded and he listened there with his head -inside the cabin. Nota sound rewarded him, nothing to indi- cate in the slightest degree that the place was inhabited. Had Danger Doll alread iecomn ** What! am I toolate?” heejaculated. ‘‘ Have both birds, the fledglin’ especially, flown?” He answered the question by stepping fear- lessly into the cabin. Dark as it was inside, it did not take Rough Rob long to discover the true state of affairs, ‘* Now for the other nest,” he said, reappear- ing at the door. ‘‘ This one doesn’t contain a single bird; if the other’s in the same fix, it will look like a conspiracy. Then, woe to you, Monte Maud!” He started down the street of the mountain camp the picture of rage. Nobody seemed to see him, and he did not halt until he reached a certain cabin the door of which he kicked open without ceremony. ‘“Whar’s the bird that occupied this nest?” he exclaimed. ‘‘ Show yerself, my chirper. I’m hyar on business.” “Then, Pll talk to you,” said a voice that made the bully start. ‘‘ Stand where you are, Rough Rob. I’ve got you between me and the stars, and my revolver covers your head. What business fetches you here?” “* Business of importance, Idaho,” said the rough mellowing down somewhat, as he caught sight of the youth’s outlines, an rhaps detected a gleam of the weapon leveled at his head. “I want ter know if you ever think ov capturin’ Ruby Rose.” ‘‘ That is my business,” was the.prompt an- swer. ‘‘ Now, Rough Rob, say to me, truthfully if you can, that my horse got out of the corral without the help of hands, ‘‘Thet’s the animile’s business!” laughed the Regulator. * And mine, too. For months you’ve shown your hatred of me in many mean ways, Rough Rob. I've stood it all meekly and swallowed all your insults. I have sworn not to put up with another one. Physically you are my superior; but in other ways I’m your equal.” “Td like ter know in what way, baby,” sneer- ed the rough. ‘“‘ With the weapon that I hold in my hand,” was the answer. ‘‘ You kicked my door in with mischief in your heart; you thought I had_fled the camp because you came back from Blue Blazes fuming like a baffled lion. No, Rough Rob, I stand my ground. When I am wanted Tl be found here. This shall be my fighting- ground. Despite the difference in our Sizes, you'll not find me the coward you expected to see in the Champions of the Silver Camp. Now, -| as it were, an ; m flashes of rage; but he did not resist the com- Haven't I told you a F Steed sir, step across my threshold within two | utes, or Pll drive a bullet through your head?" Rough Rob ground his teeth till they cracked, _ A his eyes darted forth lightning mand. Covered by the weapon of the resolute boy, he backed toward the door, and did not pause until he was on the outside once more. CHAPTER IX. WHEN THE HAT DROPS. ‘* Any time that ruffian wants me, he will find me here,” said Idaho Will, as Rough Rob walked off with clinched fists and swearing ven- geance dire under his breath. ‘‘ He came here to do some meanness, but, contrary to his expec- tations, he found me prepared for him. had an evil eye on bot uby and I this long while, and now he’s showing himself. Keep distance, villain, or there'll be war to the ife between us.” These were brave words for the boy to give utterance to in the heart of Camp Dynamite after what had just happened. He meant to stand by each one with a tenacity which might cost him a great deal before the mountain drama was played through to its close. He had the open hatred of the Regulator bull against him; he already knew that Danger Do bore-him no good-will, and he had to keep an eye on Parson Paul, the youth he had severely and deservedly whipped. a Thus situated, Idaho Will was in a very un pleasant predicament. He remained in his cabin after the Regulator ; departure until the first quarter of the night had nearly waned. Once more Camp Dynamite seemed at pe.ce with the world. The roughs who had tram: back frov Blue Blazes tired and discomfi » Were recupe ating their wasted strength by refreshing slumber, and the quiet of the tomb had fallen upon the town. Idaho Will stood at the half-open dr of his little cabin half an hour before he ventured out. ** Something er t» irritate dough Rob before he came here,” he said. ‘Maybe he found Parson Paul, and failed to g ¢ the of him. Ill go and see.” He left the shanty, well armed and full of quiet determination. He did not know that the boy prophet had been taken to a cave by Danger Doll, there to remain until his swollen face healed, but be- lieved that he still lurked somewhere in the camp. He got a few yards from the cabin when he stop and instinctively laid his hand on his revolver. ‘None 0’ thet, boy,” said a voice and a noise- less stride carried to his side the figure that had risen in his path. Idado Will almost uttered an ejaculation of amazement. Champion Dick or somebody who answered the description given by Rub se of the most daring of the two brothers had come back to bi ace : daho Will felt the giant’s hand on his arm and found himself looking up into his face. ‘“*Whar’s Ruby?” was the question that struck the boy’s ears. ‘Tn her cabin, isn’t she?” he said. “No; I’ve been thar; it’s empty. Even Dan- ger Doll isn’t thar.” , A strange fear took sudden possession of the boy’s hear Z “ Don’t you know whar she is?” continued the Champion. ‘ You're the pard she told us about —you're Idahe Will, ain’t you?” ronze faba, “ An’ you don’t know whar Ruby is?” ““T do not.” A moment's silence followed the reply. “Then, whar’s the boss wildcat ov this camp?” * Rough Rob?” ** Yes,” “Tf you stir him up to-night you'll have all against you,” said Idaho Will remonstratively, ‘“‘Thet much bigger will be the picnic,” was the.quick answer 1n cent and fearless tones. “Tf T can’t find Danger Doll or Ruby, I kin find ther Regulator, mebbe.” Idaho Will Korey 4 speaker over from head to foot, before he eagain. _ He would like ” see Rough Rob meet his match physically, and_in Champion Dick the boy believed that the Regulator would find his’ equal. a; Sk

9 a ae ae = pres roku, . “> YY r

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“Ti show you his shanty, if you are bound to see him,” he said. ‘¢Thet’s what I’m hyer for.” * Are you alone?” “Why not?’ and Champion Dick laughed, “Must a man be afraid to come alone to Dyna- mite when he comes on business?” The boy had already turned away, and there- fore did not reply. ** Hold!” sadaanty said the Champion, layin his hand on Idaho’s arm. ‘Has Parma ‘a come back to camp?” “T do not know—did he leave it?” ‘Yes, Thet boy came hyer on other business than ter prophesy. He came all ther way from es 719g Idaho Will showed his astonishment in his look. ** What fetched him here?” ‘*T don’t exactly know, but it warn’t ter pro- phesy. Did you ever hear that Danger Doll had anot. er name ” * All right,” said Champion Dick, in a myste- rious manner. ‘‘ Ain’t we pretty close to Rough Rob’s sanctum?” ** We are here now.” The soft and brilliant-starlight fell upon the cabin to which Idaho Will pointed as he finish- ed, and the well-oiled lock of the Champion’s re- volver clicked as he raised it from his side. “Maybe he’s tired from his tramp back, but no difference. What I couldn’t get out ov the woman I may be able to worm out ov him.” What did the man from Blue Blazes mean? He stepped to the door of the shanty, or cab- in, and without hesitating “a moment struck it several raps with his clinched left hand. Idaho Will stepped back where the shadows were deepest, and waited, holding his breath. . He could not but admire the man who, alone and without fear, had come back to Camp Dy- namite, where he knew the hands of forty wid men were against him, There was something heroically daring in Champion Dick’s return, and the boy wenreced what could be at the bottom of it all. The raps died away without response, the door of Rough Rob’s cabin did not open. **Not at home, or sound asleep,” murmured Dick, as he stepped back toward the boy. ‘* Wide awake, devilfrom Blue Blazes! Throw up DP bie hands, or I'll bore yer skull!” ese words fell like a thunderbolt on the ears of the twain in the shadow of Rough Rob’s cabin. . They came from the tongue of a man who stood at a corner of the hut, but only a few feet away, and with two revolvers covered Cham- pion Dick! ‘ Idaho Will recognized the voice before he caught sight of its owner. “It is Sou xh Rob himself!” he whispered at Dick’s side. ‘*‘ Mercy never knew that man!” A second’s silence followed the boy’s words. “What is it to be, Champion Dick?—hands up, er death?” continued the Dynamite bully. ‘Wanted ter see me, eh?” ‘Yes, I want ter see you,” said the Champion Megs ‘*But not with yer hands whar they ar’ just now,” was the prompt reply. ‘‘ Up they go above yer head, er they stiffen at yer sides at sunrise! Hands up er die, cherub ov the cow- ards’ camp!” . What would the Champion do? Idaho Will watched him with increasing cu- riosity. He heard his teeth grate after the command and the epithet. All at once up went the bronze hands of Champion Dick, and Rough Rob took a stride forward. “What you hey ter say ter me you'll say be- fore ther hull camp,” he said maliciously. ** You're a fool ter come back hyer under the sar- eumstances. Ten men good an’ true ter Dyna- mite died when we went down ter Blue Blazes. Forty men ar’ hyer ready ter take vengeance. T'll call the pards out,” and there rose from the Regulator’s throat a yell loud enough to waken the soundest sleeper in camp. Champion Dic , still holding his hands above his head, looked into Rough Rob’s triumphant visage just behind the heavy revolvers and waited for the ruffians of Dynamite. Idaho Will stepped back without noise and un- perceived, and watching his opportunity, as he thought, slipped away, and was gone in an in- stant! The rulator’s rousing ery had the desired effect, for it had hardly ceased to echo amon the cabins when doors were dashed open, se | dark-shirted men armed in a moment, leaped into the starlight. ee a Ee re HY See ‘ Rough Rob, of Dynamite. ‘This way,” cried the king of the cainp. ‘I’ve caught a prize worth ter us his weight in dust!” Guided by their leader’s voice the men of Dynamite came forward, and found the two men face to face, Champion Dick still covered by the deadly revolvers of the Regulator. The scene almost took their breath. “Drop yer hands now,” said the Regulator to his prisoner, when more than twenty revolvers besides his had been leveled at him. ‘‘ Boys, this is one ov the batteries thet opened on us when we went ter Blue Blazes,” he continued addressing his pards, How the eyes of the Dynamiters flashed. “Say the word, cap’n, an’ we'll make a sieve out ov him!” was the response. ‘‘ Death to the galoot thet represents Blue Blazes!” By this time this striking tableau had been fully and vividly revealed by several torches. The roughs of the mountain den saw the stal- wart figure and handsome features of Champion Dick as he looked into their revolvers without a sign of fear in the depths of his eyes. Six feet tall in his boots, and built like a giant, he looked the very essence of courage and of western manhood, “We don’t mince matters hyer,” suddenly said Rough Bob, looking the prisoner sternly in the eye, which did not quail. ‘‘ You came ter Dynamite ter talk business with me, you say. Begin! We're all pards hyer; one man’s affairs b’long ter all.” And the Regulator waved his hand toward the men who flanked him. Champion Dick swept with a glance the dark faces and glittering eyes behind the leveled six- shooters, ‘* Tl postpone my business,” he said coolly. ‘* Forever?” ** No; until we ar’ alone, Rough Rob.” The Regulator and half of his men burst into a derisive laugh. ** Fool!” Sangh Rob exclaimed. ‘Do you think that time will ever come? Do you expect to walk unharmed from Dynamite as you’ve done afore? We ar’ still sprinkled with the blood ov the pards thet dropped at yer droppers’ muzzles, The end ov yer trail, Champion Dick, has been reached. Wildcats ov Dynamite, look at that man. When I drop my hat bore him through an’ through!” Rough Rob held up his sombrero, It was'a thrilling moment. CHAPTER X. CHAMPION DAN ON DECK. STANDING with folded arms on a spot not twenty yards from the scene just described, and with a pair of flashing eyes fastened on Cham- pion Dick and his bronzed executioners, was a woman. “Tl let °em go on, as they’ll take vengeance out of my hands,” she said in half audible tones. **Champion Dick, in coming back to Camp Dy- namite, you’ve fallen into the trap that never spares a victim. Rough Rob means to have you shot to pieces as certain as fate. When he drops his sombrero, the trail of one of the mountain brothers will end, and you will never more hunt me for Monte Maud.” Need we name this woman now? If Danger Doll had taken Ruby Rose beyond the Regulator’s clutches, she had returned to camp and in time to see Champion Dick in the tightest snap of his life. And she did not care; she would not lift a hand to save the man from Blue Blazes. Not she! ** Shoot him down!” she went on impatiently as the seconds flitted by. ‘‘ Why don’t you drop your hat, Rough Rob? Are you waiting fora rescue? Well, I sha’n’t save him.” Dick’s back was turned toward the woman, therefore she could see the countenances of the bones of Dynamite, but not his. The torches burning in her face and with no light ahead of the executioners, she could not see the object which had suddenly lighted the |, Champion’s eyes with a singular gleam. He saw something no one else saw, and he was counting the seconds with the same eagerness that characterized the woman behind him. Suddenly the sharp crack of a repeating rifle broke the stillness in which the Dynamiters were waiting for the death signal, and Rough Rob’s sombrero leaped from his hand! ‘“‘ Heavens! who did that?’ vociferated the desperado whirling about with more than half his men. ‘‘ Whose weapon speaks for the cow- ard of Blue Blazes?” ‘‘ Mine does!” came the prompt answer from a spot a fewfeet away. ‘‘ The bestrifle in Idaho kivers the captain ov the Dynamite roughs! 9 Drop yer revolvers, galoots of the Rockies, or I'll bore yer leader through!” From more than one tongue and in concert, too, fell the name of the speaker: ‘* Champion Dan!” Yes, erect in the torchlight, with the deadly rifle at his shoulder and his keen eye flashing along the polished barrel, stood the second bro- ther of Blue Blazes, the counterpart in stature and looks of the one lately covered by forty re- volvers! ee Rob seemed to recoil a foot at sight of m, ‘No words, no excuses!” continued Champion Dan in the same stern tones. ‘‘That man goes free this moment, or the work begun at Blue Blazes will go om hyer. Walk out ov the trap, Dick, an’ the first hand thet goes upfor ye, sea the captain’s doom!” This was the man suddenly caught sight of by the menaced Champion behind the rank that confronted him, and it was for him he waited while the hat hung between Rough Rob’s fin- ers. a Let ‘im be blamed quick about it!” growled the Regulator. ‘‘ This can’t happen more than once in Dynamite.” ‘‘Once may be enough,” was thereply. ‘“‘ Rough Rob, you held yer hat too long.” The Regulator made no woe, but bit his lips, and glanced at his cowed pards. ‘‘Good-night, captain,” said Champion Dick. “‘Thet question I wanted ter ask ye I’ll postpone for awhile. *Pon honor, I wasn’t lookin’ for Dan, but he’s ther blamedest galoot ter turn up when he’s wanted Ieversaw. Good-night, daisy pards ov Dynamite. Whatever happens, re- member thet ther honor ov Blue Blazes hes ter be maintained at all hazards.” The furious pards of the mountain camp had to see the Champion depart without lifting a re- volver against him, Champion Dan never stirred an inch, but kept his rifle leveled on Rough Rob who formed a magnificent target in the glare of the torches, Dick whirled on his heel with his last word and walked toword the spot where Danger Doll had lately stood. If she had kept her station she could have touched him as he came forward, but she had disappeared, and was not there to greet him. He seemed to know where to join his brethert for he walked rapidly away after leaving the light and turned suddenly between two shan- ties. “Just as I expected, Dan’s found my horse,” he exclaimed as he came abruptly upon two horses saddled and bridled, horses as near alike as the brothers themselves. ‘‘ You came on the ground in the nick of time to-night, pard. I thought I had slipped out_oy Blue Blazes with- out you knowin’ it, but I didn’t play it slick enough for you, Dan.” He went up to one of the horses which recog- nized him and then turned his face toward a glare of light some distance ahead and waited. Three minutes later he heard a footstep at sound of which he lifted his revolver and leaned forward half shielded by the body of the horse. ‘*Tt’s Dan!” he exclaimed as a figure came in sight and the following moment the Twin Cham- pions had grasped hands. “T did what I oughtn’t ter hev done. I spared Rough Rob,” said Dan regretfully. “Thanks,” was the reply. ‘‘I want some in- formation he has, an’ dead he couldn’t let me hev it. It war the eleventh hour, Dan, but you got thar.” ‘** When did I ever fail?” “ Never!” The eyes of Champion Dick beamed proudly as he spoke; he was prohd of his giant brother. ““Did you see Ruby Rose to-night?” asked Dan quickly. ‘**'No; the nest is empty.” « Tdaho Wilk the gis!’s pard.” daho Will, the girl’s 2 ‘“ An’ ther woman?” oe “T didn’t meet her this trip. If the girl is gone, it proves one thing—that I hit her hard when I called her Monte Maud. Look hyer, Dan. We've stirred up the tigers ag’in an’ in the home den at that. ave you a watch?” Champion Dan cought the full meaning of the interrogative in a flash. ig No,” he said laying his hand on Dick’s arm. “Tt won’t do now.” ‘*Ruby is gone; it won’t burn her out, She shall never come back to Dynamite. Give me the watch!” But Champion Dan shook bis head. “We'll light this camp lntcr,” he said. “I haven't forgotten that it’s war to the knife "twixt Dynamite an’ Blue Blazes; but we’ve got more

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ter do than ter burn shanties. If we're on the right trail, as you think we ar’, we can’t stop ter burn mountain camps.” “Right you ar’, Dan!” cried Dick. “Tl leave Dynamite for another time, but one ov these times I'll paint heaven red with its burnin’. Blue Blazes ag’in’ all creation! Come!” He turned to his horse as he finished, and with his brother sprung to saddle. ‘* Now for Ruby’s trail,” he exclaimed. ‘** Not while J can prevent!” was the hissed re- sponse from a spot a short distance to the right. ‘“Here J succeed where Rough Rob and his fierce pards failed!” The succeeding second was broken by a flash and a report, and if Dan had not thrown one arm about Champion Dick, he would have fallen from his horse. ‘* Well, Champions of Blue Blazes, you’ve found me atlast. Now go and find Ruby Rose!” shouted the shooter. ** Danger Doll!” ejaculated Dan. **No; Monte Maud!” grated Dick. ** Ride out of this nest of mountaineagles. Tl live to clip the wings of all!” Dan swore and urged the horses forward. ‘*T'll help you do it, Dick!” he flashed. As for Danger Doll, she watched the two men vanish which they did ina moment, and then turned away holding the revolver in her hand. “One of them only, but I'll get the other one in time,” she murmured. ‘Yes, I am_ Monte Maud, and the prize I got in California I’m not going to relinquish in Idaho!” She had not advanced far when she was halted by the flash of a torch, and from the corner of the nearest shanty she saw the captain of the Dynamite toughs and twenty of his pards, ‘There ’s a bloody trail down yonder, Rough Rob,” she went on, glancing toward the spot she had just vacated. ‘‘ Go and follow it with your human tigers, or turn and hunt me—I care not which! I’m willing to play the game through with the hand you see dt to give me. Noman ever yet got the best of Monte Maud!” CHAPTER XI. CAUGHT AT THE THROAT. Tue shot fired by the Queen of Dynamite mystified the brawny Regulator and his fol- lowers. They finally came to the conclusion that it had been delivered in a spirit of defiance by the two brothers previous to riding from the spot, where, but for Champion Dan’s timely interfer- ence, Dick would have lost his life, Rough Rob, therefore, led his men back in no enviable frame of mind. He had much to grow] over. He had been driven from Idaho Will’s cabin at the muzzle of a deadly weapon, Danger Doll had broken with him, and Ruby Rose was not to be found. To say the least, the Regulator was furious. He said nothing as he marched back toward the scene of Champion Dick’s rescue, but every ee of his followers saw that his brain was usy. At the first opportunity he left his pards and skip ed off to his own cabin. i 7 Gonfound it! let the twin pards go for the present,” he growled, still in thessame unenvi- able mood. ‘‘ Dynamite will come out on top in the end anyhow. I want ter know what’s be- come ov the girl. Somewhar along the line that infernal young prophet has got his hand in the matter. e didn’t come all ther way from California just ter tell Dynamite thet lie about its impendin’ destruction. An’ what made Dan- ger Doll take up with him ther moment she sot eyes on ther youngster? I'll get at the bottom ov this mystery ef I hev ter choke it out ov somebody !” Five minutes after the conclusion of this speech Rough Rob might have been seen listen- ing at the door of Idaho Will’s cabin. is manner was determined, and he had changed his tactics since, on his previous visit. he had kicked the door in to find the occupant of the shanty ready for him. Now he held his ear at the door, and was lis- tening intently. But Rough Rob was not rewarded by the breaths of a sleeper, and he straightened up somewhat ge gett ‘*He’s a hard sleeper, but he isn’t thar,” he said in audible tones as he walked away. ‘‘ Wal, Tl see him later.” And he thrust into his belt the revolver he carried in his hand. At that moment Idaho Will was not in Camp Pe gre and if Rough Rob had been blessed th superior vision, he might have seen him ; eure ps: Oe Pee, Aor sal ame St ete ee SR _ ERR NIG 2 Cin y Oetat whe nt ya er Oe eta en aw Ci ae ot alo Sent ~ ¥ 1 at of Dyn » amite. moving over a mountain-trail not very far be- hind a female ig that glided on unconscious of the person on her trail. To be brief and at yr ses’ Idaho Will had followed Danger Doll from Dynamite, and he was hoping that he was approaching the spot where Ruby was. While he thought at times that blood ties did not really bind the twain together, he had been forced to drop investigation at the very start- ing-point, for even Ruby told him that she had never known any parent but Rough Rob’s female pard, and he knew nothing about the woman dying in Sacramento City fifteen years prior to the opening of our story, and nothing about Danger Doll’s previous career. The Queen of Dynamite, a title which Doll had given herself, led the boy two miles from camp, and suddenly disappeared in an opening which at once proc arriad itself the mouth of a cave, “Aha! I am in luck!” fell from his tongue as he hastened forward. ‘‘Danger Doll didn’t lead me such a long chase after all.” And in he went, but not until he had prepared himself for an emergency by cocking a revolver. Idaho Wil expected to find the young girl in the cavern, but he was suddenly disappointed, for the voice he heard and the figure he saw greatly startled him. In the light of a torch which partly illumined a chamber of rather pretentious dimensions, he saw Parson Paul, the youth he had lately chastised for his insolence in Camp Dynamite. The greeting between Danger Doll and the boy prophet was cordial, and Idaho Will saw that the latter had recovered from his hurts and looked himself again. Ruby was nowhere to be seen. ‘“‘T’m ready to go back now!” exclaimed Par- son Paul as he faced the woman and looked into her face with eagerness. ‘‘I’m ready to meet Ruby Rose, and to pay that young galoot back for the work of his fists.” The young listener could not repress a smile. “All right!” he murmured. ‘‘ Whenever you want to meet me, Parson Paul, you will find me ready.” “Why not go back now?” Paul continued, as Danger Doll made no reply to his hot words. ‘**'You said I should meet Ruby Rose when my bruises had healed. They’re all well now. Why ar 8 the introduction?” ‘* Have I intimated that I am going to?” she asked. **No; but—” ‘Then wait till I try to put you off,” was the interruption in no good voice. ‘‘I came here to talk business with you. You tell me that you have a key to a vein of gold that exists some- where among the mountains.” “*T have.” ss the prettiest prize ever found among the Rockies.” “TTl admit that. Go on.” ‘*Now promise me that the key shall be ex- acon to me, and I will turn over to you the iamond of Idaho—Ruby Rose, my daughter.” Idaho Will was prepared for almost anything, but hardly for this piece of infamy. He was on the eve of throwing himself into the presence of the pair, and telling Danger Doll that to her proposition he said “ No.” It was with superhuman effort that he held himself back. Parson Paul’s eyes glittered strangely at the woman’s blunt proposition. He took a step forward, and exclaimed: “Do you mean that?” “Try me,” answered Danger Doll, quickly. ‘*Ah! you do not know me, Parson Peal. I have broken forever with Rough Rob; we are two from this night, I have other ambitions than to be his pard, and to reign Queen of Dyna- mite, when with gold I can regain my old posi- tion in California. I must have a yellow vein, and a good one, too, at my command to do this. Of course I love Ruby Rose, but I know she will fare well in your hands, I am in a position that takes me often from her. Show me the vein of gold, or explain the key, and the most beautiful creature west of the Missouri is yours.” From where he stood hugging the dark wall of the stony corridor that ecaned at the underground chamber, Idaho Will saw the expression of Par- son Paul’s face. The boy prophet seemed to have scored a great triumph, but all at once it underwent a change, and he said: “In California, eh? You want to go back there and reinstate yourself?” “ Yes. ” “In Sacramento?” } eae S shaft had struck home. vr ‘““What is it to you where I go to reinstate myself?” she cried. ‘A good deal,” answered Parson Paul, with a “ro Page his eye. ‘‘ Yes, a good deal, Monte: aud, Danger Doll recoiled with an exclamation which she could not suppress. She could not deny the appellation; by her action she had already condemned herself. ‘*Do you call me that?” she hissed as she went. forward and halted within arm’s reach of the boy prophet. ‘**T do, and I see that I hit the bull’s eye, too,” was the prompt response. ‘‘I don’t see why I must give you the gold key for that which is not, yours. Ruby Rose isn’t your daughter, and you dare not stand there in the face of my accusation and say that she is.” Idaho Will startled by this revelation looked at the Queen of Dynamite. What would she say? “Very well,” she said; “if you think you can et the girl by any other method, drive ahead. Vhoever I am, and whatever I have been, she is mine to dispose of and woe to the man or boy who attempts to dispossess me without my con- sent.” The aspect of the mountain Jezebel was _some-~ thing terrible while she uttered these words, ith hand uplifted she stood before the un- cowed youth, and hurled upon his head the lightnings of her threats. ‘All right,” said Parson Paul coolly. ‘We understand each other thoroughly, I guess. You are Monte Maud beyond doubt, and you are not Ruby’s mother. We can yet make a trade if you listen to reason. I admit that Ruby belongs to you as much as to any other person.” “Certainly she does. You came from Cali- fornia not to prophesy, but to find her?” Parson Paul’s eyes gave Danger Doll an affirmative reply, even before his lips spoke. “‘ Well, I have found her, haven’t I?’ he laughed in a triumphant manner. ‘* And your preaching was all sham.” ‘¢ Perhaps.” ‘* You've played it well,” said the woman. ‘No better than I expected to when I started out. Look here. Say that you will not stand. between me and Ruby, and I will give you a chance to get back to the position left behind when they hunted you out of the golden State.” “T can’t trust you now,” said the Queen of Dynamite. may be like your preaching—an infamous sham.” The youth’s eyes flasheds madly. “Then, go back to California and fight for your old place,” he exclaimed. ‘‘ I’m quite able to take care of myself.” “Which means that you are determined to win the Sacramento Rose despite me, does it? ‘**T shouldn’t be surprised.” Parson Paul’s look was defiance now, “Then, my young fool, we'll open the battle a here.” daho Will was pees for something start- = and he was not disappointed. ll at once, with a tigerish spring which could not be resisted, Danger Doll, of Dynamite, threw herself upon the boy prophet and had him at the throat before he could lift a hand in self- defense, or before the single spectator could in- terfere. , It was the work of a second, sudden, swift, re- sistless. y “You will play a bold hand against me, will ou?” cried the infuriated woman, as she bore im back, almost lifting him from the ground, ‘You will find yourself pitted against the gen- uine Monte Maud if you do, my false on. You mustn’t forget that while I have the best prize in Idaho to dispose of, I will either make my own terms or listen to none. Did you come all the way from California to be choked to death by my hands?” The strength of Danger Doll seemed prodi- gious, and the boy, unable to resist, was already growing blac’ in the face. He could io. ery aloud, for the fingers of the human tigress ‘seemed to have met behind his windpipe. aiaee a nee da a Will stood spell- und at the thrilling sight. “God above! she Shall not kill him!” he sud- denly exclaimed. ‘‘ lowe Parson Paul one for unmasking her to-night, and_ showing her up to me in her true character. Though that boy is my enemy and would take my life, I will render im a service,” ‘“Your story about the gold vein,

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Rough Rob, of Dynamite. 11 He darted suddenly from his position, and with three bounds covered the distance between him and the Dynamite enchantress. “ That’s enough of such work!” he thundered at her side as his hand fell heavily upon her arm, giving her thus startliugly the first intima- tion of his presence. ‘‘ Unhand Parson Paul and let him get his breath!” “For you?” cried the woman, wheeling upon the interferer and recognizing him in an instant. * Release this young meddler at your command? Yes, I'll do it; but (ll transfer my clutch to your windpipe!” Parson Paul dropped limp from her hands, and the next second she was rushing upon Idaho Will, her eyes two globes of flame, as it seemed, and her fingers ready for his throat. But the youth sprung nimbly aside, and when the furious Jezebel turned to charge again, she found a revolver thrust into her face. And back of the weapon Idaho Will laughed maliciously. _ CHAPTER XII. BURNED OUT. Ir was the night after the occurrence of the events just narrated that two men, one of whom had a red bandage about his head, drew rein among the mountains not far from Camp Dy- namite, and turning half-way around in their sgddles; listened intently. ** Nothin’ behind us; let’s see what’s ahead,” said one of the riders significantly. ‘All right, Dan; this time hev matches ov my own,” was the reply, and the twain rode on. These two men were exactly alike, and if a Dynamiter had seen them at that moment he would have known them for the two Cham- pions of Blue Blazes. Despite the ugly wound inflicted by Danger Doll’s revolver, Dick, was himself again, and his eye possessed a cruel gleam while he replied to his brother’s words. If nothing was behind them there was some- thing ahead—Dynamite, and the forty men- tigers who lived there, “They shed my blood in Dynamite,” hissed Dick, leaning toward his brother when the found themselves near the camp. ‘‘ When ride out of the nest the mountain buzzards will have cause to hate me. We're goin’ ter paint things red before mornin’.” “We'll hev ter hurry up, Dick; it doesn’t want more’n an hour till day. 4 “ Wal, we'll git thar.” Champion Dan was right when he said that morning was not more than an hour away. The two brothers found the camp as quiet as a nest of sleeping doves, and their approach gave forth no sounds. They rode almost to the very center of the camp where their lives would be forfeited in an instant if they were discovered, “Tt looks kinder rough ter burn without warnin’,” said his brother ‘““No it don’t!” was the merciless answer. “Tt’s dog eat dog, an’ we’ve got the bone now. Set this lot ov galoots down in Blue Blazes with matches in their pockets an’ see what they’d do. I know thet Monte Maud shot me, but she b’longs ter this nest. Let’em match Blue Blazes ef they kin!” Champion Dick slid from his horse and walk- ed straight toward a cabin. He knew it for Danger Doll’s; he had seen it before. Dan saw him listen at the door a moment, and then push it open, as if certain that it had no tenants. Into the shanty went Dick and disappeared. Dan with a revolver in each baat mounted guard ready to shoot the first living thing that appeared. strong wind from the west fanned the Champion’s cheeks and played with his long black hair. He waited five minutes for his brother’s return. At the end of that time Dick came out with a smile at the corners of his mouth. ““As they’d sarve Blue Blazes, so I sarve Camp Dynamite!” he said, halting beside his horse. ‘*In less than twenty minutes this place will be doomed. I struck a match in Monte Maud’s shanty. Ah! don’t you hear the fire already ?”’ Dan did not reply, but wheeled suddenly and thrust his revolvers forward as if covering some one. “Tve got you,” he said in a hiss to some person who had halted ten feet away. ‘‘Come ; em out an with a glance at forward or I'll scatter yer brains to the winds. Forward! er die in yer tracks!” The individual thus suddenly diseovered advanced toward the champion’s weapons. ‘“Heavens! Roarin’ Rube from Blue Blazes,” ejaculated Dan, lowering the revolvers the instant he made the discovery. Report. What's happened ter the city?” “We've got no city,” was the answer, at which the two champions started. “*What?” ‘Thar ain’t no Blue Blazes,” said Rube. ‘* When war it done?” ‘* Just afore day, yesterday.” ** Who did it?” ‘“* Two devils from Dynamite.” “Did you git ’em?” rT; Yes.” “Wal?” ‘We threw ’em inter the fire!” ‘“War one Rough Rob?” ee No.” “Good! We'll settle with him. his consent, though?” “Ther galoots said it war.” Champion Dick threw a quick glance at the cabin in which he had kindled the fire of ven- geance. He seemed to see that his match was not going to fail him. ‘* Ar’ you alone?” he asked the messenger. ‘*No. All the pards ar’ back thar, just outside the camp.” ‘What made ’em all come?” ‘** Vengeance!” “Just as ef Dan an’ me warn’t equal to the occasion,” smiled Champion Dick. ‘‘ We'll let Dynamite know that vengeance is as swift as an eagle, an’ as terrible as Tartarus! Thank heaven! the wind is for Blue Blazes to-night. Look! the fire is leapin’ out o’ the roof. Come! we will hear the buzzards from the outskirts ov their nest.” The long tongues of flame that were shooting through the iohis roof here and there were beginning the work of destruction. he three men eyed them for several minutes longer with unfeigned delight, and, headed by Champion Dick, turned away. They went back over the same path that had witnessed the advance, and the two brothers drew rein at the foot of the mountain, and just beyond the camp. n less than ten minutes the lurid light that shot heavenward proclaimed the brensed incen- diary’s work. Brighter and brighter it grew until the sky above got dark, and the flames cracked and roared as the wind twisted them like so many fiery serpents. ‘“Why don’t the mountain buzzards stir? Their nest is burnin’ up,” said Dick impatient- ly. , It was time that the burning cabin had roused the roughs of Dynamite, for the men who lis- tened on the outskirts of the camp heard pistol- shots and loud cries of danger. Champion Dick’s dark face lit up with enthu- It war with siasm, and his eyes glowed as he looked and lis- | tened. It was an exciting moment even for the cool men of the mountain border, The fire increased as cabin after cabin, dry as tinder, caught, and the winds that seemed to fight for Blue Blazes swept the fiery scourge along. The toughs of the burning camp could not arrest the flames; a glance must have told them that the whole place was doomed. Champion Dick and his comrades could not see the group of mad men who stood in the fire- light and with flaming eyes and clinched hands watched the onward rush of the destroying demon. “Started in her cabin, eh?’ cried Rough Rob to his pards. ‘‘ Thet settles it. She broke with me the other night an’ her eyes said she’d do suthin’ desperate. Wal, I’m glad she’s showed her colors. We know what fo do now. With my hand at her throat, she’ll wish she ’d_ never rk her name from Monte Maud to Danger oll. The men from Blue Blazes did not hear these words, but thirty-seven mountain athletes did. “‘Then you think it ’s her work, cap’n?”’ asked one of the men at the Regulator’s back. “Think? No! I knowit! She gave herself away when she put the match to her own shanty. This fire makes us homeless, but what ov thet? It also makes us tigers, an’ woe to the woman an’ the men from the south! Hyer, swear with me to make ’em all suffer.” Up went more than a score of hands, when Champion Dick exclaimed: SS a = “T heard a voice then, an’ I'll see what ’s goin” on down thar!” Away he went alone and a minute later drew rein in the firelit street, and in full view of the group about to swear eternal enmity against the foes of Dynamite. ‘Gods! look yonder!” exclaimed the Dyna- miter who whirled Rough Rob about and point- ed toward the Champion. ‘‘ Do you tell us now thet this is Danger Doll’s work? Champion Dick could not but laugh at the surprise and consternation caused by his sudden: appearance. e saw the Regulator recoil at sight of him. ‘* Honor to whom honor is due, as they say!” he cried in ringing tones. ‘‘ Put the credit ov this fire whar it belongs. I struck the match thet doomed yer buzzard nest. Blue Blazes ag’in’ Dynamite an’ the world!” Twenty revolvers clicked as the desperadec. finished. Rough Rob himself started forward. “You, Champion Dick?” he yelled. ‘‘ Then take the compliments ov Rough Rob an’ death!” A sharp report followed, but not from the Regulator’s weapon. Champion Dick had fired first, and the giant who staggered back among hismen had a broken arm. CHAPTER XIII. PARSON PAUL SHOOTS. “TLxtyim go! Illsee him later!” grated Rough. Rob as he glared at the representative of Blue: Blazes who had got the best of him and fired. first. Champion Dick had already turned away, and with his two companions, his brother and Roar- ing Rube the messenger, had disappeared. All at once he came face to face with a crowd of dark-faced fellows who demanded, in no gen- tle language, to be led upon the burning camp. But Champion Dick resolutely shook his head. “oTwould be givin’ the Dynamiter wildcats an advantage thet might prove disastrous te you. all,” he said. ‘‘ They’d fight in the light ov their shanties an’ desperately, too. No. We must. get away from hyer. e time will come when we'll fight it out an’ settle forever all our scores. Come!” The disappointed = followed him dogged- ly, and in very bad humor. They had come up from destroyed Blue Blazes: for vengeance; they had sworn to clean Dyna~- mite out, and to give no quarter; but here they were marching from their intended battle ground without having struck a single blow. Morning came and showed more than one mar the pall a back smoke that hung over the spot where — Dynamite had stood. Had stood, we have written, for not one cabim had escaped the fury of the wind-swept flames,, and smoking ruins marked the site of the ruf- fians’ retreat. From a certain spot a few miles from the scene a number of men watched this smoky can- opy from their saddles. ey were the pards of Blue Blazes, men whe knew what it was to be burned out by their ene- mies. We need not inform the reader that many an eye glittered with delight while they looked. Neither Champion Dick nor Champion Dan were in this group of mountain-men. The two brothers had ridden off just before the day burst over crag and valley, and while their comrades watched the smoke, they were some distance from the spot leading their steeds over arough and narrow trail that seemed to grow worse as a path as they proceeded. Nearly one hundred feet above their heads ran in the same direction a similar trail, and if the keen eyes of the Twin Champions had glanced up they might have noticed the person who glided along this path with his eyes riveted upon them. **’You seek the same prize I want,” murmured this individual while he watched the Cham- pions. ‘‘ You may know where she is, there- ore, I'll keep you in sight; but you shall not et the prize even if you find it. TI hate that she evil who almost choked the life out of me! IL feel her fingers at my threat even now, though the boy called Idaho Will tore them loose. At the first opportunity I will rid the world of Monte Maud and Danger Doll, both at the same time! I came from the land of gold for the woman’s ward, and the moment I heard of Dan- er Doll and Ruby Rose, I felt that I had found he Eee. The boy is my enemy, if he did save my life. But I can outwit him. Parson Paul’ against the world—Parson Paul! ha! ha!” and the speaker laughed heartily at the sound of the name. The boy prophet continued to watch the ~~ 5 4 ‘ Rh oF +2 Res

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12 Champion brothers with the eye of the hawk, and when they stopped at last and cocked their revolvers, he instinctively threw an inquisitive glance ahead. ‘** Monte Maud!” fell from his lips. ‘‘ Now I will see a circus, and when the time comes I'll show my hand.” Coming straight toward the Champions and entirely unconscious of their proximity, was the Jezebel of Camp Dynamite. She was afoot, but walked erect over the trail rough as it was, and approached the two men quite rapidly. There happened to be a natural alcove in the mountain wall at the very spot from which Champion Dick first espied the woman, and the so) rag lost no time in availing themselves of it. Parson Paul looked down on ‘this scene with watchful eye. “* Oh, for a lasso with one hundred feet behind ‘the noose!” he exclaimed. ‘I’d jerk Monte Maud out of the Champions’ clutches when they thought they had her safe. I’d show them that Ican do more than Pevpneey of evil to come. Ha! I didn’t miss it far. here is Dynamite ‘to-day?’ Nearer and nearer to the twin pards came Danger Doll. as she going back to Camp Dynamite? Suddenly Champion Dick sprung into the trail from the niche and as his “halt!” rung out clear and distinct, the Idaho enchantress re- coiled with a startling cry. ‘Some people will run ag’in’ a revolver!” ejaculated the bronzed Champion, a twinkle of wough humor in his eyes, Fook hyer, Monte Maud: war yer shanty insured?” ‘* What do you mean?” was the reply, and the ‘woman threw a quick look over the man’s shoul- ‘ders, “What I’ve just said. Thar’s no Dynamite ‘ter speak ov just now.” - Ahi that is the meaning of the dark smoke war Na the mountain down yonder?” es. **Did you men do it?” ° ‘*T hev thet begs Prarsap honor; but the joke “ov it is thet they laid it to you.” ‘* Who did?” flashed Danger Doll. ‘* Thet chromo pard ov yourn—Rough Rob.” The woman’s eyes suddenly blazed. ‘* Never mind; I corrected the impression,” Jaughed the Champion. ‘I told him who war ter be credited for the burnin’ afore I gave him my compliments in lead.” ‘Did you kill Rough Rob?” cried the woman, quickly. “Only winged he is—shot in the arm.” ** And they let you get away?” “ Yes. ” ** That’s more than I would have done!” ““It warn’t your fault that I got off so well avhen you fired the other night,” said Dick, as his brow darkened. The woman did not reply, but looked at the speaker defiance and eternal hatred. **Goin’ back to Dynamite from whar ye’ve atowed the girl away, I suppose?” continued Dick, leaning forward with eagerness as he spoke. ‘ You will oblige us, Monte Maud, if yell just turn about an’ go back over yer trail to Ruby Rose.” Still the lips of the scheming woman did not move. She stood in front of the two men like an in- sulted queen, more than comely with her fine figure, flashing eyes and mass of unconfined tresses—a tigress in human mold. Her eyes said: ‘‘Me go back for you men? You mistake me!” Her very attitude told the two brothers that they had caught her on the trail that led from Ruby’s hiding-place, and it might have told them, as well, had “_ interpreted it correctly, that she had resolved to keep the secret of its Rocation. ** Won't you act with some sense?” suddenly cried Champion Dan. ‘“ We are goin’ ter hey thet girl ef it takes ther best blood in Idaho. We happen ter know who she is.” “Very well,” said Danger Doll, takin, tice of the last sentence. ‘If you find can have her.” There was a challenge illy concealed among the last words. ‘Come! you know what's good for you!” cried Dick, advancing toward the woman, and seeing not the revolver which suddenly covered him from the trail overhead. ‘‘Dan told the truth when he spoke a minute ago. Conduct us to the ‘trail, or— “Or what?” interrupted the woman. ‘‘ What will yo1 co if I refuse to obey you?” no no- er, you Rough Rob, of Dynamite, “By Heavens! we'll leave you here, with a lasso for company !” ‘*And by that, lose the girl forever!” laughed Danger Doll, ‘ All right, pards of Blue Blazes. Monte Maud turns back for no living man.” The two brothers exchanged swift glances. ‘*Ts thet final?” asked Dick. iad Yes. ” “Then we'll hunt Ruby, without you to fol- low like a hyena. We ar’ more than the Cham- 360m ov Blue Blazes; we’ve been huntin’ the abe stolen from its dead mother’s arms fifteen years , 880, in Sacramento, by Monte Maud—by you !” ‘Well, what if I did?” was the defiant re- t rt. ** You don’t deny it now?” exclaimed Dan. ‘No; what’s the use? Danger Doll of Dyna- mite is Monte Maud of Sacramento. The child is your niece, men of Blue Blazes; but where is she? Ah! it may bea never-ending trail ‘twixt this and her.” There was triumph in the woman’s voice, vic- tory in her blazing eyes! ‘* Never-endin’?* echoed Champion Dick. “* By the etarnal, no!” A sudden bound carried him to where the Jezebel of the Rockies had firmly planted herself and his hand clutched her arm before she could move. ‘** About face!” he shouted. ‘Back to the ee where you hey hidden our sister’s child! ack! or keep a lasso company where we stand!” ‘* But I have said never /” was the retort. ‘Allright! The lasso; quick, Dan!” Champion Dan turned back toward his steed, from whose saddle hung a black lasso. “Pll take a handin the game at this junc- ture: it’s getting interesting,” said the youth, lying over the trail above with a revolver in each hand. ‘That woman nearly choked me to death once; but the pards of Blue Blazes sha’n’t keep me from Ruby by hanging her!” Dan had reached the horse and was uncoiling the lasso. ‘* Drop arm and lasso!” suddenly rung out the voice of Parson Paul from his elevated vantage ground. “I’ve taken a hand in this game.” The bronze pards looked up and Dan was the first to speak. “*T drop nothin’!” he thundered, and jerking the lasso loose he turned toward his brother with its coils dangling from his hand. ‘*Then die as the fool dies!” preceded the re- volver-shot that started the echoes of the rough- ened pass, and Champion Dan dropped the lasso to reel against the wall with blood streaming over his lips! Champion Dick sprung back with a thunder- ous oath, and straightening in the middle of the trail looked madly up at the boy prophet. There was no second shot, and when he turned toward Monte Maud she was gone! “*T didn’t think that boy would give me this in return for the choking I administered the other night,” said the woman who halted a few rods from the scene of Parson Paul’s sudden inter- ference. ‘‘ He is in terrible earnest, and bound to win Ruby at all hazards. If we could patch up a peace now I'd help him, for if he had not interfered, those devil-brothers would have car- ried out their threat; they would have hanged me with the lasso.” She moved still further away, and thirty minutes later came almost suddenly upon Par- om Paul where she least expected to encounter im. ** Be there peace between us!” said Danger Doll as she went forward, ‘I owe you much for your timely shot. We will not be enemies now. You've paid in full for the prize you seek.” The boy eyed her closely. CHAPTER XIV. FROM PERIL TO PERIL. ParRsON PAvL had a i yg to eye the moun- tain enchantress suspiciously. He had not forgotten the terrible choking re- ceived at her hands in the cavern where Idaho Will interfered in time to save his life. It is true that he had just done her a service but, for all that, knowing her ambitious and as meta nature, she needed watching by im. ‘Very well,” he said toher. ‘Show me the girl, we will not be enemies unless you say So. “Come along, then. Ruby is not so far away that we cannot reach her in a short time.” A few minutes later Parson Paul had some of ————s—amaooaso™e owe eee Oe. | his suspicions disarmed by being ushered into a | cavern whose mouth was admirably concealed | by a lot of vines and introduced to a beautiful | young girl who came forward to meet him. | He saw that the fair creature’s countenance fell as they met; she glanced at Danger Doll disappointedly. ‘*T see,” said the boy prophet to himself. “She thought at first sight that I was Idaho Will. Have I yet to vanquish that youngster before I win this game?” ‘“* This young man just saved my life,” the en- chantress said to Ruby. ‘* ‘Who menaced it?’ “Who but the ruffian pards of Blue Blazes,” answered Danger Doll her eyes flashing sudden- ly again. ‘His revolver spoke in the nick of time.” The girl uttered a startling cry. ‘** Who fell when he shot?” she asked. ‘*One of the pards.” “Dick?” ‘*T don’t know which one; they’re exactly alike to me.” ‘Do you know?’ Ruby said turning to the youth, “ec No. ” “What difference does it make?’ cried Dan- ger Doll. ‘“‘They are my enemies, and yours too, Ruby.” The girl made no reply to these words, but walked away. q ‘* Never mind her manner,” said the mountain Jezebel to Parson Paul a short time later. “Somehow or other, she’s taken strangely to those two men from Blue Blazes, and yet she doesn’t dream of the relationship that exists be- tween them. Time will tame her and get her over that foolish bog “T didn’t expect get along smoothly at oe. She’s prettier than I expected to find er, ‘Her mother was a beauty,” said Danger Doll, with a glance toward that portion of the underground retreat to which Ruby Rose had retired. ‘‘She doesn’t resemble her big uncles in the least. I wonder which one you did kill, Paul?” *‘Tcannot say. Stand them together and I could not tell them apart,” answered the youth with a smile. ‘‘ The other one will turn up be- fore we’ve re ese the game through and then we'll settle with him.” The day wore slowly away, and its close found Parson Paul still an occupant of the cave in which he had met Ruby. The fair girl had fought shy of him from the first moment of their meeting. She seemed to know that ye had come from California for her, that he had laid his plans to entrap her; but what surprised her was the sin- lar partnership that existed between Danger oll and the youth. The Queen of Dynamite had taken her from | SS the village under the plea that, as she had “broken” with Rough Rob, the Regulator might do her harm. This was plausible. Rough Rob was revengeful and a man with few scruples; he was willing to stcep to anything. Ruby Rose looked*upon Parson Paul as an evil genius who had crossed her path, and she secretly resolved that she would not abandon Idaho Will who had been her friend through thick and thin for him; in other words, she would not desert one who loved her for one whom she could not love. If she did not know that the two big pards of Blue Blazes were her uncles, she respected them just the same. Their bearing and bravery had won her ad- miration, and a pang shot through her heart when Danger Dol told her that Parson Paul’s revolver had laid one low in death. If this should turn out to be correct, woe to the young Californian if he should fall into the clutches of the surviving brother! ““T do not help matters by remaining here,” she said to herself after daylight had faded again. “‘T see plainly that Danger Doll and the boy have become friends. From the persecutions of the one I cannot fly to the other. They tell me that Camp Dynamite is in ashes and that Rough Rob is badly wounded. I have friends thoug two at least—Idaho Will, and the unshot pard of Blue Blazes. But where are a itd This was a question that puzzled and per- plexed the beautiful girl. ‘Why might I not find them?” she continued. “T am not wholly unacquainted with the moun- tain trails of this country. The brother will not | be driven from this region by the death of his ard; he will stay here forrevenge. And Idaho Vill will naturally drift to him, for Rough Rob

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— {is against him, and at his command all Dyna- mite will raise their hands to smite him. I am menaced here; the woman whom I have been taught to call mother is against me. Heaven help me; I must leave this place.” here seemed nothing else for the rose of Camp Dynamite to do. She had resolved to fly from the clutches of Danger Doll and Parson Paul to the trails and their perils that lay beyond the underground cavern. Hour after hour she watched her opportunity. She feigned sleep so well that even the keen eyes and sharp ears of Danger Doll were com- pletely deceived. Parson Paul, dreaming of better success on the morrow with his wild courtship, had already thrown himself on the ground. Ruby watched the woman furtively until sleep sealed her lids and then crept toward the corridor leading to the trail without. She did not take new breath until once more under the stars she felt the winds of night on her cheeks. Danger Doll had been unmasked there was no motherly affection in her bosom. For one brief moment Ruby Rose stood in front of the cave and gathered strength for the adventures before her. “The bird you have let escape will not go back to the eof her own accord,” she said with a smile and a glance toward the cavern. ‘‘Tf you are my mother, Danger Doll, I owe nothing but unhappiness to you. As for you, Parson Paul, as they call you, if I am the prize for which you are playing, let me tell you here that by you I will never be won!” Ruby started off determined and prepared— determined to reach the friends she knew she had, and prepared for an emergency with a re- volver which had long been her individual af ** When I am missed I will be hunted,” she said. ‘Heaven put off that hour as long as possible.” An hour after Ruby’s flight from the moun- tain cave, she found herself a long distance from the spot, and among mountains which even in the starlight bore familiar shapes. She pushed on as fast as she could under the circumstances, for the trail was rough, and many times she stopped to listen, as if the fear ef pursuit harassed her continually. as Ruby going back to Dynamite as though she expected to find friends among the blackened. ruins of the famous camp? “Ho! ho! youre right, Arizony! Let me get my fingers on any one ov ther four parties you’ve mentioned an’ I'll show you some tall squirmin’! I’m winged, but I’m far from bein’ ess!” ‘‘Which one would you sooner find first, cap’n?” ‘Champion Dick, mebbe; but I don’t know that I'd turn my hand for first choice. Oh, they'll rue the hour they begun the battle ov life!’ These words sounded suddenly on the very trail Ruby was traversing, and seemingly from a spot not twenty feet ahead, She stopped and drew back, as if a rattlesnake had sommarted his warning at her feet. * In another moment the speaker would be upon er. ‘Great heavens! have I rushed from one dan- er into the presence of another?” she ejacu- fated. ‘‘What unlucky fate has thrown me into Rough Rob’s path? And he is backed by the pards of Dynamite at that!” Realizing her danger in an instant, the moun- — beauty hugged the darkened wall at her eft. Her garments harmonized well with the stones, and — held her breath as the men came for- ward. Her life seemed to hang by a slender thread. “Merciful Father, preserve me from the clutches of these men!” she mentally exclaimed. ““They are not the friends I seek. Into the hands of Rough Rob may I never fall again!” The following moment she saw the stalwart figure of the Hogulator of the Rockies, at the of more men than she could count at the first a. t if they should see her? The trail was not wide, and the men were likely to elbow her as they pressed on. ¢ What will you do with The girl—with Ruby, r Doll, ho! ho!— Rob?” asked one of the men. ‘““What I did with Dan make her Queen oy re ter we the new one, ov course!” out the rous answer. Ruby could not suppress a wild cry. It bub- bled to her lips without effort, wis ° | Rough Rob, of Dynamite. Rough Rob halted in a second. “* Jerusalem! who hey we hyer?” he exclaimed, bounding toward the girl who had given herself awa a 5 The one you will never make Queen of the new Dynamite!” cried Ruby, springing out from the wall and raising the nobis arb as she landed in the middle of the trail. ‘* Ruby Rose herself!” parted the lips of twen- ty roughs. “Hang me ef it isn’t!” and the left arm of the Regulator went upward as he threw himself forward. He was too quick for the fugitive girl, for, be- fore she could cover him, the revolver had been knocked from her hand, and she found herself clutched by Rough Rob and surrounded by the men who backed him. ** Not Queen ov Dynamite, number two, eh?” he exclaimed. ‘‘We will see, my rose oy the Rockies! I always win when if play—always!” CHAPTER XV. GREEK AND GREEK, “Wat, what success?” ‘* None ter speak ov.” “Try ag’in. ‘¢T’m goin’ ter.” It was five days after Ruby’s capture by the Regulator and his pards, and the speakers were no less important individuals than the twin brothers of Blue Blazes, One lay on a number of blankets, and the other stood over him, with brotherly solicitude and disappointment strangely commingled in his eyes. Above both was the dark, gray ceiling of a cavern, and the light that revealed it emanated from a torch burning near the recumbent man. “‘T’ve run Danger Doll an’ thet boy prophet down, but they don’t know any more about Ruby than { do,” continued Champion Dick, who was the one standing erect. Dan’s eyes flashed at mention of the boy. “You found thet young demon, you say, Dick?” he asked. “ce Yes. ” ‘* An’ forgot that he shot me?” ““No; I didn’t forget thet he gave you a bul- let,” was the quick reply. ‘‘I hoped he an’ his female pard would guide me to the girl. I thought ov you all ther time, Dan; but they shag me the slip. The next time I'll settle wit him, for I’m confident now that they’re huntin’ Rane like myself. I’m goin’ ter try it ag’in.” “ Ow ?” Right off.” Champion Dick stooped and took the hand that his brother raised with an effort. ‘“‘Mebbe the boys’ll git hyer afore I come back,” Dick went on in a hopeful strain. ‘‘If anybody else comes you'll not be a baby, Dan,” and he glanced at the two revolvers that lay at the edge of the blankets. The eyes of Champion Dan followed the form of his stalwart brother untll it disappeared, and the sound of his footsteps had died away. ‘*Suthin’s got ter come this time, or break,” said Dick, in audible tones to himself, as he stepped into the soft evening light beyond the cavern. ‘‘Monte Maud an’ Parson Paul don’t know where Ruby is, that’s sartain. Then she is with one ov two other persons—Rough Rob or Idaho Will.” He disappeared from the trail for a minute and came out upon it again, mounted on the horse which, besides his brother, was the truest friend and ally he ever had possessed. Champion Dick sought the trail once more. There was something grand in his hunt for the child of that sister who had died years and years ago, friendless and penniless, in Sacramento; for the babe stolen from her breast by a woman who, with the little one, had disappeared as ef- fectually as if the earth had opened and swal- lowed her. : He was confident that in the gta of Danger Doll he had found Monte Maud, the child-steal- er, but the girl had also disappeared, and when the brothers found themselves near the end of their Idaho trail, they were suddenly disap- pointed. If Parson Paul had not rescued Danger Doll from the two Champions, Ruby’s gut nM might have been revealed, for it is not probable ty banal Senge ae Bae pase i death ore ing her secret, ‘This aed had prolonged the hunt, it had stretched Dan on the blankets with a severe wound, and had thrown Ruby into the clutches of Rough Rob. 1 The lone trailer, as he went down the moun-— tain, saw the day wane about him, His steed’s head was turned toward Dynamite, but it was miles away, and he knew that where the shanties had stood was now only a heap of ruins. ‘““Wouldn’t I like ter meet Idaho or Rough Rob?” he suddenly ejaculated. ‘I wouldn't turn my hand over for the choice ov individuals. Oh! I’ve got ter settle with the boss of Dynamite one oy these days an’ I don’t keer how soon it comes. Hark!” Champion Dick drew rein at his own warning and leaned forward. ‘* Which one ov ’em’s comin’, Bluestreak?” he said in low tones to his horse, and then turned aside into a little brake at his right and waited. Night had not quite come. The man from Blue Blazes could still see ob- jects with distinctness, and he could also hear the hoof-beats of the horse which was coming from the direction toward which he had beer: riding. He held at his right side while he waited a cocked revolver of the most formidable pattern, and there was eagerness in his eye. Nearer and nearer came the horse. Suddenly it came in sight and in an instant. the eyes of Champion Dick fell upon the rider. ‘‘ Jerusalem!” he murmured. ‘‘ Think ov the devil, an’ he’ll show up in state.” The horse which was moving in a walk like an animal somewhat fatigued had reached & spot almost opposite that occupied by Dick. He saw the rider plainly, saw too that a lariat bound his legs to the animal’s sides and that ix ee to this his hands were bound to his pack. It was a singular predicament for the man to in. ; **Ho!” exclaimed Dick vom w and the horse- stopped instantly. ‘‘ What kind ov a trap caught you, Rough Robert?” The Champion asked the question as he urged his horse into the trail, and drew rein beside the man addressed. The bound man gave a quick start and uttered a cry of astonishment. It was Rough Rob, the Regulator, sure enough. And bound to his saddle! ‘They turned ag’in’ me, the infernal galoots!” he hissed, his eyes flashing fire, not at Dick, but. over the recollection of the treatment he had ney received, ‘* Not the Dynamiters?” cried the Champion. “ Yes.” ‘* What for?” ‘‘ Fer thet girl’s pretty face!” was the growl— ing answer. ‘‘The man I’ve always trusted, Arizony Alf, ce smitten, or suthin’ ov thet sort. He set up a lyin’ job on me—told the pards he saw me set fire ter D ite, an’ three other skunks swore me inter this fix. ‘*T would hev shot yer out ov it if I hed been thar,” laughed Champion Dick, glancing at the desperado s bonds. ‘* Whar’s Ruby now?” “Whar Arizony is.” ‘* When did this oe “aan ‘** Yesterday at dusk.” ‘* All this time without feed?” exclaimed Dick. ‘** Who'd feed me?” grated Rough Rob. “‘ Thar’s no ravens round hyer ter look arter this moun- tain chick. They thought they war sendin’ me inter the clutches ov some enemy when they tied me an’ give this hoss a cut.” ‘Wal, hevn’t they, cap’n?” Champion Dick leaned forward almost into the Regulator’s face as he spoke. ‘*T expect they hev,” was the reply. ‘‘ Thar’s war ter the knife twixt Dynamite an’ Blue Blazes.” ‘Yes, an’ they left you yours, I see.” Rough Rob glanced at the bowie sticking im his belt, a weapon which had been useless during his ride. He saw the glance of his enemy fall upon it, too. “Tl just put you on an equality with me,” continued the man from the south, and the next. moment he leaned toward the Regulator with a bowie in his clutch. Rough Rob waited resolutely for the blow wilioh hve knew would come. All at once Champion Dick’s blade darted at the bonds that held the ruffian’s hands in thrall and a second later they were free! “Yer leg cords, too, eh? Wal, hyer we ar’, cap’n!” and the Champion straightened in his dle and looked at his work. The bully of Dynamite looked astonished al- though he expected freedom from Dick’s words. “What ar’ ye lookin’ at?” suddenly laughed theChampion. “I’ve put ye on an equality with

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' gaid this ame, Rough Robert, ov Dynamite. Thar’s a knife in yer belt, an’ ye’ve just remarked thet it’s ‘~war ter the blade twixt the two camps. Draw van’ defend yerself!” The Regulator saw that the man who faced him meant desperate business, He had but a moment in which to decide what he would do. “To the knife be it, then!” he flung into his enemy’s teéth as his hand darted at his bowie which he whipped out with a movement of eagerness and revenge. ‘Let this fight twixt pete te an’ Blue Blazes be to the death, ‘Champion—which ov the twin pards is it?” “Dick!” was the response. ‘‘ Dick, the man thet dropped yer arm at yer side t’other night!” An oath of madness shot over Rough Rob’s lips, and he sprung erect in the stirrups with the flashing bowie in his left hand. Champion Dick leaped eagerly to the com- bat, and the next moment in that lonely moun- tain pass and among the shades of evening, the two Champions of the rival camps were fight- ing like gladiators! CHAPTER XVI. LASSOED AND SHOT. Tn minutes later one man rode away, leav- ‘ing behind him on the battle-ground a horse at whose front feet lay a human body. ‘*One point for Blue Blazes ef it isin ashes,” individual glancing back over his shoulder at the foe left behind. will the hand thet nailed the insult to the door ov the Cold Deck Hotel lift a bowie ag’in’ the silver camp!” The speaker, Champion Dick, rode on, watched though he knew it not by a youth who had appeared on the trail at a point not far from the bowie duel. “Tf I was certain about his identity I'd catch up with him,” the boyish watcher said to himself. ‘‘He looks like one of the men from Blue Blazes. He—there! he has halted. Has he heard me?” Champion Dick had suddenly drawn rein, the youth saw him come toward him, back to- ward the dueling Se ag ‘¢ Now I'll see who he is,” continued the Cham- Ppion's trailer. ‘‘ Ah! itis one of the big broth- ers! The following moment Champion Dick was startled by a voice at his right, and he saw a figure spring nimbly forward. ‘*Tdaho Will!” he exclaimed. ‘Yes, and you are—” ‘“‘ Blue Blazes Dick.” * Thank heaven! then I have not found a ‘“‘ Wal, I should reckon not, boy,” laughed the man on horseback. ‘‘ Not an hour agoI war wishin’ I might strike one ov two persons an’ by Jerusalem! I’ve found’em both. You ar’ one ov %em, Idaho; the other you must hev seen back on this trail.” “ce No.” ‘‘ Wal, he’s thar just the same.” ss Rough Rob?” cried Idaho Will. “*Thet'’s what they called ’im.” “Was he alone?” ‘““-Yes, an’ tied to his horse.” ‘¢Then he was the man who dashed past me fast night,” said the boy, ‘I saw him but for a moment, but long pen to see that he was tied to the saddle. I could not follow, for I was afoot. My horse was too lame to carry me when I left Camp coke ye for the last time. So you met ie Ib?” ‘Yes, an’ left him whar we parted,” said Dick a pe of triumph giving spirit_to his eyes. ‘ He handled a bowie like a saint, Idaho, but what could he do ag’in’ a galoot who fought ter vindicate the honor ov Blue Blazes?” “Nothing, I should think.” ““Ov course’ nothin’. Now, Idaho, whar’s Ruby?” The at started. ‘* Would to heaven I knew!” he exclaimed. «* Where was she the last you heard of her?” <n Fin co hands of Arizona Alf an’ the pards ov “Not there!—not in their clutches!” cried Tdaho Will, shuddering. ‘‘Thet’s what Rough Rob said: they took her from him.” This revelation seemed to force the youth into silence. Ruby Rose the prisoner of such a man as Ari- gona He knew the ruffian well, knew him for a man wmore fiendish than Rough Rob. ‘‘ Never more | 1S os rs 0 baits Pred. WN 25 “ Rough Rob, of Dynamite. He did not speak until Champion Dick’s fin- ger alighted on his shoulder. ‘“* Don’t let my information knock yer dumb!” said the stalwart Champion. ‘ Pick up courage an’ look misfortune squar’ly in the eye. Ive. looked her out ov countenance a thousand times. Ef Ruby war in perdition, I'd get to the end ov my trail just the same.” “ And Id reach it with you!” exclaimed the boy. ‘Together we'll follow it to the end. Let the men of ite look out! The prize they nae ag from Rough Rob they shall not ree !’ ‘Bet yer boots on thet, Idaho!” ‘** But [ want a horse.” ‘Take the one I left whar Cap’n Rob lies.” “Ts it far down yonder?” ‘Not over half a mile.” ‘Wait for me here, then,” and the youth bounded away before Champion Dick could reply. Imhe man from Blue Blazes had hit the dis- tance, for it was exactly half a mile to the spot where he left Rough Rob at his horse’s feet, cut to the heart with the bowie that fought for the honor of the silver camp. As Idaho Will was active and nimble, youth favoring him in this respect, he was not long in reaching his destination. Night had fallen over the mountains, but the unclouded Fagen | Mo heaven was sown with stars, whose brilliant light rendered objects roe distinct. e first caught sight of the outlines of the horse, and then saw the human figure that lay across the trail. “Champion Dick fetched his man, sure enough,” = said, going forward. ‘The trails of this man, who persecuted me in Camp Dyna- mite, have reached an end. Hello! Dick’s left something pinned to his bosom. I wonder what it is.’ The boy stooped and took hold of the piece of r that was fastened to the blood-stained shirt-front of the mountain desperado, and tried to read its inscription by the light of the stars. “T haven’t got light a he said, desist- ing and seas for a match. “I’m going to know what Blue Blazes left on Dynamite’s breast. A warning, I expect.” The next moment he struck a match and bent eagerly over the paper while its light burst into me a flame. What did he read? This: “This man was once my friend, and I will avenge him! I hate two persons more than all others— wate Dick, and the baby of Dynamite, Idaho The boy read the sentences with his eyes, all but the last word, his name. That he spoke aloud as he leaped _to his feet. “Only one person in the world could have written cape he cried. ‘It rage on for you to sign your name to the paper, Vanger Doll. You have been here since Chaatnton Dick went away. You cannot be far off now.” “ Well, I should my not, my young viper!” In a second Idaho Will whirled upon the person over whose lips these words were issed. His hand flew instantly to the revolver tha filled one of the kets of his belt, but the click of a pistol-lock, and the same voice, check- ed him. “Draw that ‘se and lose your brains!” fell on his ear. ‘I didn’t expect to meet you so soon, but the ont is welcome to me just the same, I don’t ask where you came from, for I don’t care. Come forward, parson, and this young wildcat. Ah! Idaho, do you recog- nize my friend here?” Idaho Will who turned half-way around at the sound of a footstep found himself face to face with a youth of his own size. A lasso dangled from his hand, and he was recognized the moment he threw noose over his head for a cast. : “Parson Paul! what a fool I was for saving him from the clutches of the vixen who is now in league with him,” he said to himself; then he looked at Danger Doll. “You dare not let that boy and me fight on an equal footing,” he cried. ‘He'd sooner lasso you,” laughed the moun- tain Jezebel. ‘‘ Ask him if he wouldn’t.” “A thousand times sooner!” flashed Parson Paul. “Coward!” grated Idaho Will. The well deserved epithet had hardly ceased to sound ere the Jasso spun eely through the air, and in the flash of an e ,as it were, 7 pte upon the young Dynamiter’s shoul- ers In another instant he was jerked almost off his feet, and the terrible coil, tightening at the same moment about his neck him of consciousness. “That arm of rock above you will make an excellent beam,” he heard Danger Doll say. ‘ Ah! we'll leave Idaho Will, the young viper, to keep Rough Rob company!” He saw Parson Paul come forward and heard a loud report. Danger Doll turned with a cry of alarm, and bp prophet tumbled against his victim— ! — CHAPTER XVII. BLUE BLAZES WINS. Out of the smoke that rose above therevolver - which had finished the career of the boy prophet of the land of gold, there advanced a man, at sight of whom the enchantress recoiled with a cry of amazement. : ‘Champion Dick!” the man said looking at her. ‘Thet’s who Iam, serpent. Stand where you ar’, or by Heaven! Pil let you keep the boy company whar he lies.” She was on the point of breaking away when ar stern voice and the leveled revolver arrested er. The Champion of Blue Blazes did not stop un- til he had reached a spot within arm’s reach of her. “T don’t think you know whar Ruby is, thar- fore, I’ll not ask you,” he went on. ‘*T don’t know,” e “wit you knew you wouldn’t tell me, eh, Monte Maud?” The woman did not speak, but her black eyes said: ‘‘I would not.” ‘‘ By George!” suddenly cried Champion Dick. ‘“‘T can’t kill a woman, though I’d swear you de- serve a dozen deaths. You won’t deny to me now that you stole my sister’s child from her while she lay oo in ramento?” “J did it, Champion Dick,” said the woman promptly, but with no show of penitence. “You carried her off an’ a your name from Monte Maud to Danger Doll?” “cc Yes. ” ‘An’ you would have kept Ruby forever from Dan an’ I ef you could? r ““Why not? She grew up too beautiful to give up.” “ Cike her mother! Now, about face! Your sex saves you. After you shot Dan I swore to get even with you, an’ I will; but I will never shed a drop of your blood. How willI do it? Wherever you go, you will be branded a child- stealer; men an’ women shall hate you till you die. I wouldn’t give a bullet for your chances ef Dan had the drop on you. About face, an’ move on!” ° t The parting look that the mountain Jezebel shot at the stalwart tough was full of unquench- able hate, her eyes seemed to burst into flame, she clinched her hands till the palms bled. ‘Follow me to the new fields of operations and I will more than show my teeth!” she sent back fiercely at the Champion. ‘“‘ Interfere in my affairs, and I will make you wish, Champion Dick, that the sun had never gladdened your eyes. You spare a fiend when you grant me mercy.” Cham ion Dick leaped toward the but checked himself suddenly and laughed: | ‘‘ She’s showin’ her teeth now, the tigress is, that’s all!” and he let her move off unharmed. ‘A few moments later he turned toward Idaho Will who had removed the almost fatal noose from his throat and stood ready to thank him for his timely interference. . Champion Dick had reached the spot in the nick of time. “T thought you stayed longer than was neces- sary,” he said in an explanatory manner to the ‘An’ so I thought I'd see what war ‘Hello! I smell burnt powder!” rung out a voice behind the Champion and he whirled in- stantly with cocked pistol. “Draw yer drop- rs, pards; thar’s no tellin’ who’s in the neigh- ” rhood. Idaho Will’s hand dropped on the mountain trailer’s arm. “And get your revolver ready, too,” he whispered. _“‘T'd know that voice among a thousand. It belongs to Arizona Alf.” Champion Dick had already turned toward the direction from which the voice had come. “The very hound I want to meet!” he exclaim- | ed. - He did not have to wait more than a minute — , hearly deprived tee ij et a

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% ea a i Ay fm - . * oe it _ low at whose side walked a vee 2 5 fr. J e there appeared in view the of a num- r of men, headed by a broad-shouldered fel- “Ruby!” ejaculated Idaho seeing not the ae but his companion. “ Halt!” cried Champion Dick till that mo- ment unseen by the roughs who halted at sound of his voice, and recoiled a foot with their bronzed hands at the butts of their revolvers. *‘ Gentlemen tigers ov Dynamite, [ll taxe the lamb in yer midst,” continued Champion Dick with aggravating coolness behind the heavy six- shooters which he had thrust into the ruffians’ faces. ‘‘The man who attempts to keep her ‘whar she is, gets cold lead in his brain. Come hyer, Ruby!’ Without a moment’s hesitation the beautiful girl whose face had flushed with joy at the first word sterted toward the Champion, but a hand shot after her and closed upon her arm. ‘* Don’t you know better than that, Arizony?” exclaimed Dick, and the right hand revolver spoke the doom of the man who had lately rob- bed the big Regnier of his fair captive! The death of Arizona Alf released the girl and with a bound or two she made herself secure under the leveled pistols of the man from Blue Blazes. ** About face an’ make yerselves scarce!” cried Champion Dick to the bewildered toughs upon whom the sudden death of their leader fallen with the force of a thunderbolt. ‘*Pour jnto’em before they go!” rung outa loud voice from behind Champion Dick. ‘ Thar kin be no peace with Dynamite while one ov the galoots lives. Thar they ar’ boyees! Death to ther varmints ov silverdom!” The answer was a number of exasperated cries and a succession of shots. The roughs of the Rockies fell in every direc- tion, or took to their heels and tried to get be- yond range. “We hev’n’t forgotten thet Blue Blazes war burnt by a Dynamite match!” cried the man who halted before Champion Dick with a smok- ing weapon in his hand. *‘ We’ve been on the trail ov thet bad lot ever since sundown, an’ re- venge hez given us night eyes. Not while one ov ’em lives shall we put one log on another whar Blue Blazes once stood. It’s war ter the knife, Dick, an’ the bowie to the hilt!” The speaker was Roaring Rube, one of the best men of the burnt camp, and he left the Champion to pursue the roughs who had got awa, Ot last!” cried Dick, as he turned to Ruby and took her up in his strong arms, ‘I’m not goin’ ter say another word I kin lay you in ther arms ov the best man in Idaho, Come, Idaho Will. By Jehosaphat! This hour is worth fightin’ for. An’ ef Dynamite an’ Blue ee hadn’t quarreled, it might never hev got yer. "he hour later Champion Dick looked. “Pve got er,” said Dick with a triumphant expression. he wounded pard almost sprung from his cot. ‘‘Got who?” he shouted. ‘“ Ruby.” . Up went the arms of Champion Dick, and Ruby suddenly found her face pressed close to the bronzed cheeks of the mountain giant. “* After sixteen years! Thank Heaven!” ejac- u'ated the wounded brother. ‘‘ Now let all the Fong ten ty ov Idaho try ter take Ruby from us, eh, Dick?” 2 Champion Dick’s eyes glowed like two coals of aloud as his fine figure fire, and he shou straightened: ‘* Yes, let all the fiends from perdition try it, an’ fail!” It was never tried. Notwithstanding the incidents of our moun- tain romance occ a few months ago, a new Blue Blazes has already risen out of the ruins of j the old one, and the men who fought for and avenged the destruction of the one are ready to perform a like service for the other. Dynamite never rose from its ashes, for the few a who escaped the revolvers of the pards of Blue Blazes were hunted from the nt and found life more congenial else- where. As for sign Doll, or Monte Maud, a recent paper from the great West informs me that a certain faro queen answering her description, was recently caught and publicly whipped in a mountain camp for a case of child-stealing in which she participated in Sacramento city near- ly seventeen years —_ The vengeance of the twin brothers still pur- _ gues her, and from ¢amp to camp, always in ad- y Rough Rob, of Dynamite. vance of her, flies the story of her infamous crime—a crime which the big bronzed men of the silver range detest. Blue Blazes is in a prosperous condition, for Rough Rob nails no more insults to the door of the Cold Deck Hotel, and its citizens are not re- quired to hunt from trail to trail the slanderers of their honor. Parson Paul, the boy prophet, who invaded Idaho for the sole purpose of finding can € of whom he had heard somewhere, possessed no key to a gold mine. e much-talked-of vein of auriferous ore was a myth—a mere story invented to tempt Danger Dollinto an alliance, and with pretty good suc- cess, too. Unless all signs fail, there will be a wedding at Blue Blazes before the snows are very deep, and the bride is to be presented with the hand- somest home among the silver hills. I need not name the parties to be made happy for life by the ceremony, when I have said that the pretty bride is to be given away by the twin ards of Blue Blazes—Champion Dick and hampion Dan. THE END. Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. BY HARRY HAZARD. 828 Arkamsaw Jack; or, The Scourge of the Mines. 829 Red-Skin Tom; or, The Demon’s Trail, 842 The Mountain Devil ; or, Yellow Jack, the Outlaw. BY WILLIAM !. EYSTER, 190 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. 210 Faro Frank; or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pards, BY W. J. HAMILTON, 68 The Red Brotherhood; or, The Twelve Avengers, 66 Single Hand; or, A Life fora Life. 72 Mad Tom Western, the Texan Ranger. 887 Ben Bird, the Cave King; or, Big Pete’s Scoop. BY FREDERICK DEWEY. 818 Cimarron Jack, the King-Pin of Rifle-Shots. 478 Tangemund, the Desert Detective. 542 The Canyon Pards. BY LIEUT. H. D. PERRY, U. 8. N. 176 The Boy Runaway; or, The Buccaneer of the Bay. 180 The Sea Trailer: or, A Vow Well Kept. 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Point. BY GEORGE ©, JENKS. 485 Git Thar Owney, the Unknown. 492 Git Thar Owney’s Pledge. 518 The Demon Doctor. BY CAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR, U. 8. A. 191 Bafele Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker; or, The Doomed rteen. 194 Buffalo Bill’s Bet; or, The Gambler Guide. BY COLONEL DELLE SARA, 108 The Lion of the Sea; or, The Vailed Lady. 186 Cool Desmond; or, The Gambler's Big Game.' BY JOHN J. MARSHALL. 40 Roving Ben, A Story of a Young American. 97 The Outlaw Brothers; or, The Captive of the Harpes. BY BRACEBRIDGE HEMYNG. 89 Ialand Jim; or, The Pet of the Family. 91 The Captain of the Club; or. The Rival Athletes. 101 Jack Harkaway in New York. BY FRANK DUMONT. 120 The Branded Hand; or, The Man of Mystery. 127 Wild-Fire, the Boss of the Road. 140 Blue Blazes; or, The Break o’ Day Boys of Rotky Bar 171 Ebony Dan; or, The Rival Leagues. 185 Evil Eve; or, The Vultures of the Rio Grande. BY MAJOR LEWIS W. CARSON. 278 The Three Trapperes or, The Mountain Monster. 288 Indian Joe; or, The White Spirit of the Hills. BY CAPT. J. F. ©. ADAMS. 84 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Whiffles’s Boy Spy. 46 Glaaa-Eye, the Great Shot of the West, 54 Ned Hazel, the Boy Trapper. 56 Nick Whiiiles’s Pet; or, Ir The Valley of Death. 60 The White Indian; or, The Scout of the Yellowstone, 70 Old Zip’s Cabing or, The Greenhorn in the Woods. 81 Lightning Jo, the Terror of the Prairie. 85 Buck Buckram} or, Bess, the Female Trapper, 247 Old Grizzly and His Peta; or, The Wild Huntress. 51 Light-house Lige; or, Osceola, the Firebrand. 57 The Lost Munters; or, The Underground Camp. 288 The Scalp King; or, The Human Thundervolt. BY JACK FARRAGUT. 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. 820 The Sea Sorceress; or, The Boy Skipper. BY MAJOR NWENRY B. STODDARD, Ex-Scout. £06 Neck-Tle Ned; or, The Dug-Out Pards. 846 Rapler Raphael; or, The Swordsmen of Zacatecas. B91 Kid-Glove Kit. the Dandy of the Rockies. BOS Kid-Glove Kit and Pard; or, The Gold King. 406 The Mad Man-Hunter; or, The Mystery of Golden : Guich. 505 Powell’s Pards or, The One-Armed Giant. 15 BY JAMES L. BOWEN 107 One-Eyed Sim: or, The Abandoned Forest Home. 110 The Black Steed of the Prairies. A Story of Texas. BY CAPT. MARK WILTON, 256 Young Kentuck; or, The Red Lasso. 270 Blizzard Ben; or, The Riot at Keno Camp. 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. BY J. W. OSBON. 469 The Rival Giants of Nowhar’. 498 Cactus Burr, the Man from Hard Luck. 587 Old Buckeye, the Sierra Shadow. BY GEORGE WALDO BROWNE. 86 Dandy Rock the Man from Texas. 90 The Srond Rider 3 or, The Texan Duelist. 99 The Tiger of Taos; or, Dandy Rock’s Angel. 115 The Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rock’s Doom. 181 The Golden Hand; or, Dandy Rock to the Rescue, 164 Dandy Rock’s Pledge; or, Hunted to Death. 178 Dandy Rock’s Rival; or, The tiaunted Maid of Taos. BY ©. DUNNING CLARE. 185 Captain Paul; or, The Boy Spy of the Mountains. 280 The Yankee Rajah; or, The Fate of the Black Shereef. BY CHARLES E. LASALLE. 50 Burt Bunker, the Trapper. 52 The White Buffalo. A Tale of the Northwest. IBY CAPTAIN FRED. WHITTAKER. 15 The Sea-Cat; or, The Witch of Darien. 29 The Dumb Page; or, The Doge’s Daughter. 48 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. 150 Lance and Lasso; or, The Children of the Chaco. 154 The Sword Hunters; or, The Land of the Elephant Riders. 159 The Lost Captain; or, Skipper Jabez Coffin’s Cruise to the Open Polar Sea. 200 The Boy Bedoutns; or, The Brothers of the Plumed Lance. 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine. 249 Milo Romer, the Animal King; or, The Round the World Wanderer. 265 The Tiger Tamer}; or, The League of the Jungle. 881 Black Nick, the Demon Rider. 895 California Joe’s War Trail. BY MAJOR E. L. 8T. VRAIN. 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit. 801 Leadville Nick, the Boy Sport. 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. 838 Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette. 852 Tombstone Tom, the Arizona Boy of “ Sand.” BY Durausro beave, the Y ung Vnanason Wrestler. 871 Kingbolt Chris, the Young Hard-Shell Detective. B80 Avalanche ALf, the Foothills Guide. 890 Jaguar Joe, of the Mountsin Mail-aine, BY J, C. COWDRICK. 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery. 869 Shasta, the Gold King; or, For Seven Years Dead. 420 The Detective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without ® Name. 424 Cibuta Johny; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude. 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 506 Redlight Ralph, the Prince of the Road. 514 Broadway Billy’« Boodle. 524 The Engineer Detective 686 Broadway Billy’s ‘ Diftikilty.”, MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS. 4 The Wild-Horse Munters. By Capt. Mayne Reid and Frederick Whittaker. ° 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen, 12 Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean Swift. 14 Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp. 16 Robinson Crusoe, (27 I!lustrations.) 18 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven soem 22 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe. By Juan Lewis. 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the Carribees. By S. W. Pierce. 86 The Boy Clown; or, The Queen ofthe Arena, By Frank nn BS Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 51 —e Boy Rifles; or, The Underground Camp. By Archie . irons. 95 The Rival Rovers; or, The Freebooters of the Mississippi. By Lieut.-Col. Hazeltine. 98 Robin Hood, the Vutlawed Earl; or, The Merry Men of Green- wood. By Prof. Gildersleeve. 105 Old Rube. the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain Hamilton Holmes. ’ 112 The Mad Hunter; or, The Cave of Death. By Burton Saxe. 124 Tippy, the Texan; or, The Young Champion. By George erson. 128 The Young Privateer; or, The Pirate’s Stronghold. By Harry Cavendish. 148 Sharp Sam; or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy. By J. Alexander Patten, 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper: or, The Green Ranger of the Yel- lowstone. By Edward Emerson. 261 Fergus Fearnaught the New York Boy. By George L. Aiken. 266 Killb’ar, the Guide; or, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trail. By Ensign C. D. Warren. 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid of the Cliff. By Captain Comstock. 817 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville. By Lien- tenant Alfred Thorne. 828 The Sky Metective; or, A Boy’s Fight for Life and Honot. By Maior Mickey Free. 850 Red Ralph, the River Rover; or, The Brother’s Re- venge. By Ned Buntline. 865 Baltimore Ben the Bootblack Detective. By A. P. Morris. 874 Gold-Dust Tom; or, Ben’s Double Match. By George H. Morse. 876 California Joe’s First Trail. By Colonel Thomas Hoyer Monstery. 418 Bliily Bombshell, the Cliff Climber. By F. S. Winthrop. 440 Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid. By Arthur C. Grissom, 475 The Black Ship. By John S. Warner, 484 Comanche Dick and His Three Invinctbles. By Henrv J. Thomas. 528 Wizard-Arm, the Dandy Sport. By Arthur F. Holt. 582 The Cowboy Duke. By Edwin Brooke Forrest. A new issue every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all Newsdealers, five cents per copy. or sent by mail, on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE & ADAMS . Publishers, 98 William street, New York.

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he, pat isaeeee ‘a Natasa BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road, 20 Double Daggers + or, Deadwood Dick’s Defiance, 28 Buffalo Ben; or, Deadwood Dick in Disguise. 85 Wila Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. 42 Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza, 49 Omaha Ol; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger. 57 Deadwood Dick’« Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 78 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane, the Heroine, 77 Corduroy Charlie; or, Deadwood Dick’s Last Act, 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville, 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Double Cross Sign, 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s Guleb. 188 Blonde BIlL; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base. 149 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivuls of the Road. 201 The Black Hills Jezebel; or, Deadwood Dick’s Ward, 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Ad- venture. 217 Captain Crack-Shot, the Girl Brigand. 221 Sugar-Coated Sam; or, The Black Gown, 282 Gold-Dust Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Divide; or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail. 809 Deadwoed Dick’s Big Deal; or, The Gold Brick of regon, 821 Deadwood Dick's Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats. 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducats; or, Rainy Days in the Dig- ings. B51 Deadwood Dick Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta. 862 Deadwood Dick’s Claim; or, The Fairy Face of Faro late. 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds ; or, The Mystery of Joan orter, 421 Deadwood Dick In New York; or, A “ Cute Case,” 480 Deadweod Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand, 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 448 Nickel-Plate Neds or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Defiance, 458 Sunflower Sam, of Shasta; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Full Hand, 459 Flush Fan, the Ferret; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Big Ronnd- Up. 465 Phitte Fly, of Phenix; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Racket at Claim 10. 471 Bozeman Bill; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Corral. 476 Humboldt Harry, the Hurricane; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Dog Detective. 481 Moll Myatery; or, Deadwood Dick Jr. in Deadwood. 491 Prince Pistol, the King of the West; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Compact. 496 Monte Cristo, Jr.: or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Inheritance. 500 Deadwood Dick’s Digplngs 3 or, Dr. Death-Grip’s Swoop. 508 Deadwood Dick’s Deliverance, 515 Deadwood Dick’s Protegee. 522 Deadwood Dick’s Three. 529 Deadwood Dick’s Danger Ducka, 544 Deadwood Dick’s Death Hunt. 589 Deadwood Dick Jr, in Texas. 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr. the Wild West Vidocq. 549 Deadwood Dick on His Mettle. 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr. tn Gotham, 561 Deadwood Dick in Boston, 567 Deadweod Dick, Jr. in Philadeiphia, 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Chicago, 578 Deadwood Dick, Jr. Afloat. 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Denver, 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr's, Decree. 595 Deadwood Dick Jr. in Beelzebub’s Basin. 600 Deadwood Dick Jr. at Coney Island. 606 Deadwood Dick Jr’s Leadville Lay; or, Bristol and Bucket’s »oom, Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon. 82 Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot. 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, | 5B Jim Bludasoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team. ! 69 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter; or, The Boy Detective, 80 Rosebud Rob or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. ! 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand. ! 88 Phetograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance, 92 Canada Chet ; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 96 Watch-Eye; or, Arabs and Angels of a Great City, 118 Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 121 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner. 188 Boss Bob the King of Bootblacks, 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detecthye; or, Boss Bob’s jas Job. 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 177 Nobby Nick of Nevadas or, The Sierras Scamps. 181 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventril 226 Snoozer, the Boy Sharp; or, The Arab 286 Apollo BAll, the Trail Tornado. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young G)adiator, 244 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret. 248 Sierra Sam’« Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Sam’s Pards or, The Angel ot Big Vista, © 258 Sierra Sam's Seven; or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Koy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs. 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen. 281 Denver Doll's Victory. 2X5 Denver Doll's Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza, 291 Turk, the Boy Ferret. 296 Denver Doll’s Drift; or, The Road Queen. 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker, 808 ’Liza Jane, the Sir! Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. 825 Kelley, Hickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, B80 Little Quick-Shot; or, The Dead Face of Daggersville, 884 Kanguroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner, 889 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket. 845 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood, 858 First-Class Fred, the Gent trom Gopher. 865 7 couse Jim, the Gold-Gatherer 3 or, Tho Lottery of Life 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize. B78 Nabob Ned; or, The Secret of Slab City. BAZ Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 885 Yreka Jim’s Joker; or, The Rivals of Red Nose, B89 Bleyele Remy or. The Lion of Lightning Lode, 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Hat Harry, the Base Ball Detective, Sam oe agen | the Beppe Dey Detective, 4 Jim Bok and Pal, Private Detectives, 8 e Sal, the Slasher. im Sam, the Sparkler. uist Hunter, etective, i - BEADLE’S* H ALF-DIME* | IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at tne Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. BY CHARLES MORRIS, 118 WII! Somers, the Boy Detective. 22 Vhil Mardy, the Boss Boy. 126 180 142 147 -_ Picayune Pete or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective, Detective Diek; or, The Here in Rags. Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, Will Wildtire, the Thoroughbred. Black Beas, Will Wildtire’s Racer. Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. Will Wildfire in the Wooda. Billy Baggage, the Railroad Boy. A Trump Card or, Wil! Wildfire Wins and Lores, Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner, The Hidden Wand; or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge. Fred Malyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers, Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. Shadowed ; or, Bob Rockett’s Fight for Life. Dark Paul, the Tiger King. Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. Tom Tanner; or, The Black Sheep of the Flock. 25 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky. 235 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. 242 The Two ** Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang. 252 Dick Dashaway ; or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago. 262 The Young Sharps; or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail, 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 289 Jolly Jim’s Job; or, The Young Detective. 298 The Water-Hound; or, The Young Thoroughbred. 805 Dashaway, of Dakota; or, A Western Lad in the Quaker ity. 824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. 855 The Reporter-Detective; or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard. 867 Wide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of the Times. 879 Larry, the Levelery or, The Bloods of the Boulevard, 408 Firelly Jack, the River-Rat Detective. 428 The Lost Finger; or, The Entrapped Cashier, 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective. 482 Invincible Lo: an, the Pinkerton Ferret. 456 Billy Brick, the Jolly Vagabond. 466 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or, Entombed Alive, 479 Detective Dodge; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty. 488 Wild Dick Racket. 501 Boots, the Boy Fireman 3 or, Too Sharp for the Sharper, 566 The Secret service Boy Detective. 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves. BY OLL COOMES. 5 Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. 18 The Dumb Spy. 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. 81 Keen-Knuife, the Prince of the Prairies. 41 Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. 58 The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. 71 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. 74 Hawk-eye Marry the Young Trapper Runger. 88 Rollo, the Boy Ranger. 184 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman. 148 Sear-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter 146 Silver Star, the Boy Knight. 158 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. 168 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger, 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. 182 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain, 202 Prospect Pete ; or, The Young Outlaw Hunters. 208 The Boy Hercules: or, The Prairie Tramps. 218 Tiger Tom, the Texas Terror. 224 Dashing Dick; or, 'lrepper Tom’s Castle. 228 Little Wildfire, the Young Prairie Nomad. 288 The Parson Detective; or, The Little Ranger. 248 The Disgulsed Guide; or, Wild Raven, the Ranger, 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger, 272 Minkskin Mike, tlhe Boy Sharpshooter. 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy. 800 The Sky Demon ; or, Ruinbolt, the Ranger. 884 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. 409 Hereules; or, Dick, the Boy Ranger. 417 Webfoot Moxe, the Tramp Detective. 422 Baby Sam, the Boy Giant of the Yellowstone. 444 Little Buckakin, tne Young Prairie Centaur. 457 Wingedfoot Fredy er, Old Polar Saul. 468 Tamarac Tom, the Big Trapper Boy. 478 Old Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemie, 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan. 562 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper. BY T. C. HARBAUGH. 28 Nick o’ the Night; or, Th~ Boy Spy of ’76. 87 The Hidden Lodge; or The Little Hunter, 47 Nightingale Rats or, Tne Forest Captains, 64 Dand Jock 3 ur, The Outlaws of the Cups Trai. 82 Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hawk. 94 Midnight Jack; or, The Boy Trapper. 106 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, The White Queen, 128 Kiowa Charley tht White Mustanger. 189 Judge Lynch, dr.i or, The Boy Viviiante. 155 Gold Tr er, the Sport; or, The Girl Avenger, 169 Tornado Tomy; or, Injun Jack From Red Core, 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. 198 Arkansaw ;¢ or, The Quwwn of Fate’s Revenge. 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. 215 Captain Bullet; or, Little Tooknot’s Crusade, 231 Plucky Phil; or. Rosa, the Rei Jezebel. 241 Bill Bravo; or, The Roughs of the Rockles, 255 Captain Apel » the King-Pin of Bowie. 267 The Buckskin Detective. 279 Old bees ee or, The Buckskin Desperadoes. 294 Dynamite Dan; or, The Bowie Blade of Cochetopa. 802 The Meuntain Detective; or, The Trigger Bar Buily. 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, 826 The Teun Parda; or. The Terror of Take-Notice. 886 Big Benson; or, The Queen of the Lasso. 845 Pitiless Matt; or, Red Thunderbolt’s Secret. BSE Cool Sam und Pars or The Terrible Six. 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. 886 Captain Cutlass; or, | he Brecaneer’s Girl Foe. 896 Rough Rob; or, The [win Champions of Blue Blazes, 411 The Silken Lasso; or, The Rose of Ranch Robin. 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. 425 Texas Trump, the Border Rattler. 486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox. 445 The City Vampires; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pigeon. A461 One Against Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keno Bar. 470 The Hoy Shadow; or, Felix Fox’s Hunt. A477 The Excelsior Sport; or, The Washington Spotter. 499 Single Sight, the One-Eyed Sport. 502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. 512 Dodger Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective. 521 Dodger Dick’s Best Dodge. 528 Fox and Faleon, the Kowery Shadows. 588 Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret. 548 Dodger Dick’s Double; or, The Rival Boy Detectives, 558 Dodger Dick’s Deaperate Case. 568 Dodger Dick, the Boy Vidoeq. 578 The Two Shad Bae f° Dick’s Drop. 594 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detertive. BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 7 The Flying Yankee}; or, The Ocean Outcast. 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccancer; or The Fugitive Yacht, 24 Diamond Dirk: or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone, 62 The Shadow Ships or, The Rival Lieutenante, %5 The Boy Duelist; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wolf, 102 Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smugyier. 111 The Sen-Devil; or, The Midshipman’s 1 cy. 116 The Hussar Captain ; or, ‘The Hermit ot Hell Gate, 197 Little Grit; or, Betsle. the Stock-Tender’s Daughter, 204 Gold Plume; or, The Kid-Glove Sport. 216 Rison BIL, the Prince of the Reins. 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman Trailer, 229 Crimson Kate; or, The Cowboy's Triumph, 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. 245 Merle, the Middy 3; or, The Freelance Heir. 250 The Midshipman Mutineer ; or, Brandt, the Buccaneer, 264 ne Floating Feather; or, Merle Monte’s Treasure slana. 269 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, the Condemned. 276 Berio Monte’s Cruise; or, The Chase of “The Gold Ship.’ 280 Merle Monte’s Fate; or. Pearl, the Pirate’s Bride. 284 The Sea Marauder; or, Merle Monte’s Pledge. 287 Hilly Blue-Eyes, the Boy Rover of the Rio Grande. 804 The Dead Shot Dandy ; or, Benito. the Boy Bugler. 808 keno Kit; or, Dend Shot Dandy’s Double. 814 The Mysterious Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler’s Long Trail. 877 Bonodel, the Buy Rover} or, The Fingless Schooner. 888 The Indian Pilot ; or, The Search for Pirate Island, 887 Warpath WIII, the Boy Phantom. 898 BSeawalf, the Boy Lieutenant. 402 Inodor, the Young Conspirator; or, The Fatal League. 407 The Boy Inaurgent; or, The Cuban Vendetta. 412 The Wild Vachtamany; or, The War-Clouu's Cruise, 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee, 488 A Cabin Boy's Luck; or, Tow Corsair. 487 The Sea Raider. 441 The Ocean Firefly ; or, A Middy’s Vengeance. 446 Haphazard Marry; or, The Scapegrace of the Sea, 450 Wizard Will: or, Tie Boy Ferret of New York. 454 Wizard WIIl’s Street Scouts. 462 The Born Guide; or, The Sailor Boy Wanderer, 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster, 474 Flora; or, Wizard*Will’s Vagabond Pard. 488 Ferrets Afloats or, Wizard Will's Last Case. 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Kanger. 495 Arizona doe the Boy Pard of Texas Jack. 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 508 The Royal Middy ¢; or, The Shark and the Sea Cat. 507 The Hunted Midshipman, 5611 The Outlawed Middy. 520 Buckskin BIL, the Comanche Shadow. 525 Brothers in Buckskin, 580 The Buckskin Bowers. 535 The Bue skin Rovers, 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder ot the Rie. 545 Licutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. 550 Latitte’s Legacy; or. The Avenging Son. 555 The Creole Corsair. 560 Pawnee BIII, the Prairie Shadower. 565 Kent Kingdon, the Card King. 570 Camille, the Card Queen. 575 The Surgeon-Scout Detective. 580 The Outcast Cadet; or, The False Detective. 6586 The Buckskin Avenger. 591 Delmonte, the Young Sea Rover. 597 The Young Texan Detective. 602 The Vagabond of the Mines, 607 The Rover Detective; or, Keno Kit’s Champions, BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon. Wm. F. Cody). 8 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom Spy: or, The Pilot of the Prairie, 55 Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scout. 68 Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Faney Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust, LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 608 The Pitcher Detective’s Foil; er, Double Curve Dan’s Double Play. By Geo. C, Jenks. 609 Bolly Dorrit, the Veteran Detective; or, Little Lightning’s Invinciles. By John W. Osbon. 610 Old Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sharp on Guard. By T. C. Harbaugh, 611 Bildad Barnacle, the Detective Hereules; or, The Tussle at Tible Mountain. By Lieut. A. K. Sims, 612 Deadwood Dick Jr. in Detroit; or, Turning the Tables on Satan. By Edward L. Wheeler, 618 Billy Blazes; or, The Skeleton’s Legacy. By P.S. Warne. 614 Whistling Jacob, the Detective’s Aid; or, The Queer Com- bination. By Jo Pierce, 615 Fighting Harry, the Chief of Chained Cyclone; or, The Heathen Chinee’s Mission. By J.C, Cowdrick. 616 The Ocean Detective; or, The Last Cruise of the Black Bear By Geo. ©. Jenks. 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scouts or, The Raiders and the Red Riders of the Kio. ‘By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Cincinnati; or, The Clineher Campaign. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 619 The Boy Tramp Detective; or, The Double Grip Witness. By Win. G, Patten 620 Little Lightning’s League; or, The Mystery of the Island. By John W. Osbon. 621 Truthful James, the “Pecooliar” Man; or, The Spoiler Dispoiled. By A. C, Grissom, 622 Texas Tom-Cat’s Triad; or, The Queer Affair at Tomb- stone. Bv Lieut. A, K. Siwis. 628 Buck Bumblebee, the Harlem Wummer; or, The Old Captain’s Moving Miracle. By Jo Pierce. 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Nevada; or, The Preacher of Pokerville. Bw E. L. Wheeler. 625 Chincapin Dan, the Boy Trailer; or, The Hero of the Crater. By Jos, E. Badger, Jr. 626 The Champion Pards; or, The Lucifer of Silver Bar, By T. C. Wartaamh. Keady July 23. ‘ 627 Tom Bruce of Arkanana; or, The Wolfin the Fold. By Charles Morris. Ready July 30. 628 B flly’s Dead Act; or, The League of the ? preedway mt Mc Cowdrick. Ready August 6. 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport; or, The Jubilee of Jacktown. ym. G. Patten. Ready August 13. Jr. in No Man’s Land; or, Golconda, By Wm. k err fay strand — Ed, L. Wheeler. Ready August 20. A New Iasue Every Tuesday. The Half- Dime Library 's for sale by all newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mal! on receipt of six centa each. F BEADLE AND APAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street New York,