Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 406) (1885 05 05)
The text was read from the page scans by machine (OCR), so it has mistakes and its columns may run together. See the pages · About this title · At the Internet Archive
Page 1
THIRD EDITION, alll aHlalll ~ SS Gi! z a \———_ zz — a roms so lh ayecs ware ar SERS 0/738 = @ 7 Fail . S cll 5 a Toe ee pet? ig TTS) eee) inl ies & Yyoar, Entered et the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mail Rates. Copyright, 1895, by BEADLE AND ‘ADAMS, May 5, 1885. _ Vol. = Va. wen ao PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BRADTE AND ADAMS, Price, No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. No. 406, Wie s. iio? ws r \ we cayvenuaeny ‘} Y\ - Niwarens - caus Sc: . ee ba NX ANA N AA NS Sayy anna nttt NANT ER M's CHAPTER I. GOLDEN GULCH EXCITED, Tue town of Golden Gulch was wild with excitement and the streets were crowded with rough miners, who were all talking : and gesticulating at once. } Such a row had not been heard in Golder A Gulch since Tom Bayliss had driven int the town, some months before, his leader- reeking with foam, his wheelers neal ly dead ‘ with fatigue. For Tom had been stopped by road-agents and although he and the messenger had stood them off and saved the treasure-box, it had been a narrow squeak, and nothing tos : The residents of the place, which, at that , time, before the wonderful discoveries hact been made in the vicinity, had been called oa simply ‘* The Gulch,” when the yellow metal % Sar =a \ x — > \) edie 2 began to povr in had come to the conclusion
Page 2
that the name was not worthy of the reputation of the proud young town. So with much ceremony the new appellation was bestowed and champagne—warranted pure —cider—flowed like water. And as the festivities had occurred only the night before the attack on the stage-coach, the sponsors had thought that the attempt to rob j ‘** OP man Bayliss” was a slur on the place. So they had quickly organized and ridden off ‘ after the ban coming unexpectedly on them, had left cn eth s winging to several conven- ient trees, a warning to all evil-doers. But the excitement of that night, memorable even in that lawless town, was as nothing com- pared to the the present tumult. One of the crowd, a tall, fine- looking fellow who had at one time been the leading gambler of the place, and wasthen known as Faro Frank, had mounted a huge box and begun to har- angue to the crowd. Gentlemen:” he said, ‘‘ I am in favor of ied tling this business right now. One of our lead- ing men has been found on the main road, not a e from town, lying in the agonies of ‘death, ae Cea cut. and a cross gashed on his fore- ea ‘* When such a deed as this can be committed so near to this place and in broad daylight, who dare say that his own life is safe? ‘* Who among you but will regard his neigh- bor with suspicion? ‘For this suspicion rests upon all of us alike: Zam not free from it, you are not, you are not, nor you nor you!” And as the words rung out, he pointed in every direction, not designating any particular persons, but including all in the, gesture made by his accusing finger. ‘“And itis due to ourselves that we be free from this suspicion, and I now propose to you ' that we immediately ae. ourselves into a committee, with regularl pointed officers, whose duty it, shall be to Dirt pes his duty to eve man enrolled. hat do you say?” A tumult of voices arose in answer to this question, but as they were all in the, affirmative quiet was soon restored. In fact it would have been as much as a vari life would have been worth to have raised a dis senting voice. Then Frank continued: ‘There is nc necessity of our holding a re- gular meeting; with your permission I will act as temporary chairman, ** Who shall be your leader?” ~ A tall, brawny miner, a perfect giant, with a voice like a fog-horn, elbowed his way to near Frank’s rostrum and shouted: ‘* Boys, I p’upose Mr. Frank Francis for cap- tain. ’ot does yer say?” Again the roar broke out in the affirmative and when silence had been partially restored, the first speaker thanked the crowd for the honor, and then added: “With your permission, gentlemen, I will ap- point sistants.” * An’ no two better could be chosen!” yelled the giant. ‘‘ Three cheers fur ther three pards! Tip: hooray!” and three mighty shouts “awiliot into volume and echoed far among the surrounding mountains. ‘t Now, boys,” continued Frank, ‘‘this meet- is adjourned. ES We—Charley, Dan and I wit consult, and whatever is decided on will be our secret. Such men as we select to do our bidding will receive their instructions in person, and orders issued must be kept quiet. ot one among you wilt know what his neighbor is do- ing, for their work must be silent, swift and sure. Now scatter!” And scatter the crowd did, while the two brothers and Dan ea waiting until the wainers had dispersed, walked up the street to- ether until they came to the stable where their erses stood, already saddled, and then galloped off up the road, 4 A short ride brought them to a snug little cot- tage, built on a sloping hili and facing sous, and here they dismounted, giving their to an aged pegros who was ostler, chain servant and. cook, Then — the house, they seated them- selves in their little parlor when each one light- eda huge pipe and proceeded _to surround him- self witb a dense cloud of smoke. * Well, Frank, or rather captain, as 1 suppose you will "insist op all the titles and dignities of your new office, what is your suneme?” “When a council of war is held,” returned Frank witb dignity, ignorin Dan's sarcasm “the suberdinates express their opinions and > interchange hei ard the commander-in-chief me es x" my brother and Diamond Dan as my as- nay es + as “Kae oni dain el ta sn me Sees ree pce Mad Man-Hunter. decides on the best course to pursue. What do my subordinates suggest?” Charley and Dan gazed at each other in amazement at this retort, and then burst out in an uncontrollable fit of laughter, in which av were quickly joined by Frank. I see it won't do, boys; no ‘frills’ for you.” “Nary frill.” ““ Well, let's get down to business. “This is really a very serious matter. Men have died with their boots on in Golden Gulch, before this, but, as far as I know, this is the first cold blooded murder that has ever been commit- ted in the neighborhood. *‘ And then, the mutilation of the body; that lends additional horror to this mystery. It de- volves on us to ferret out the perpetrator, and until that is done a stain will rest on all of us. ‘‘T am willing to devote as much of time as I can spare to this end, and think Tam justified in | believing that you will aid me.’ ‘*'You are indeed, Frank,” eoplied his brother, while Dan chimed’ in with an affirmative an- swer. But before Frank could add another word, a low, hoarse murmur swelled up the road, hy soon a crowd came around the , and threatening. And in the center of the crowd was something, covered with a blanket, and lying stark and stiff on a door, carried by four miners. end, muttering CHAPTER II, A SECOND. VICTIM. FRANK and his companions leaped to their feet and hurried to the front of the house, just as the crowd arrived, the four men who carried the door de positing it carefully on the ground. ‘* Well, boys,” asked Frank, ‘‘ what is the mat- ter now?” ‘* Another murder, capt’in,” replied one of the miners stepping to the front. ** Another?” cried Frank. ‘‘Who has been killed and who did the deed?” ‘¢Thet’s w’ot we don’ know. Ther man w’ot wuz killed ’s Jake Yerka, ther pardner of Mort Watson, ther man w’ot we found this mornin’. An’ Jake hez been killed in percisely ther same way ez Mort.” ‘*Two of our best miners struck down within a few hours of each other!” muttered Frank, and then turning to the crowd he asked: “Where did you find the body?” “Down in ther Weird Canyon, a-lyin’ right alongside 0’ ther pool. An’ his throab war cut, an’ on his forehead war slashed a cross, eggzack- ly like Mort’s.” ** And there was no trace of the assassin?” “ Nary si “ Let me see the man!” and stepping out on the lawn, he advanced to the side of the gt eee bier, ‘and threw back the blanket from the pallid face of the etl A cite stared at him with wide-open; glas It was a ghastly aight that presented itself. The gaping wound in the throat, the red slashes across the brow, the waxen features, all made up a F stipe not likely to be soon for, rotten, and familiar as they were with scenes of loodshed, many of the’on-lookers staggered back with ex- clamations' of horror. Disguising his feelings as much as possible, Dan, who had accompanied’ Frank, raised the yhead of this last victim and began to examine it carefully, feeling through the matted hair with his fingers, for he thought it improbable that a stout man, such as the dead miner, could have been murdered unless first felled with a blow from behind, and then, being defenseless and in- sensible, had been killed. And soon his suspicions became certainties, for at the back of the head he founda place where the skull had been crushed in, apparently by a tremendous blow from some blunt: instru- ment, which had shattered the bone, and was in itself 'a death-wound. Calling Frank’s attention to this fact, he then addressed the miners: ‘Tt is evident,” said he, “‘ that this is the work of an assassin, inspired by motives of hate, or by a desire for revenge. oever has done the deed has begun with our manager, Mort Wat- son, and followed with his assistant, Jake Vorka. ‘© Who will be the next victim? Judging from the way he has commenced, I should say that the murderer is taking his victims in rotation, and that the next obsoct of his attack be the next in rank; so I would warn the foreman— you, Amos Baldwin—that you are probably marked as the next victim, and that you had best_be continually on your guard.” ‘Unless, indeed, having disposed of the sub- ordinates,” broke in Charley, ‘this unknown person’ next turns his attention to the principals. Jp 5 ae a § I think that we three had better keep our eyes : ie open or we may find that our turn may come next!” r ‘‘ Yes; that is more than probable,” added Frank. ‘But this second discovery discloscs one fact—that we need not look for the assassin among our own numbers; for I know of no one who is absent from this "assembly who belongs in Golden Gulch. ‘Foreman, if you have your time-book, call over the names of your men and see if any of them are absent.” Baldwin then stepped out of the crowd and began to call over the list, each man, as his name was read, stepping out and responding, until all had answered and none were found to be absent, “That clears the employes of the Dainty mine,” continued Frank, ‘for, as I judge from the appearance of the body, it is not long since he was struck. Where was it found‘ ” “That is the peculiar part of it, sir,” return- ed the foreman, a fine looking, ‘well-educated young fellow, ~ Mg having been a little wild in his youth, had gone West, and after various ex- periences, succeeded in obtaining his present position. ‘‘ Every man you see here was gather- ed in the old Broadway, when I happened to look out of the door, an ‘saw poor Farka there, Prog ped up against a post. Hier the body came there was a mystery, for Jake had gone down to the mine early, after his pipe, which he had forgotten last night, I having met him hardly an hour before in fr cnt of the Gold Dust Saloon,” “ Boys,” called Frank, when the other had finished, Xe you all travel in pairs, I know, and each man has his partner. Step out twoat ao time and let us see if any one is missing. Should any of you remember any of your friends who are not here, say so, and we will hunt them up. Come on!” And immediately the men began to come for- ward in pairs, announcing their names, which Dan wrote rapidly down as they passed. The whole population of Golden Gulch wes there; miners, saloon and bar-keepers, botel — men and hostlers, gamblers and hangers-on of every description, ‘hot one was miss sing. e test was complete; the mystery ee i ag ever. “A sad Fourth of July,” muttered Frank, den fe the count was finished; and then aloud: **Tn addition to this holiday, men, take tom morrow. Your. pay goes on as usual, and you can devote the day to bury ing your late com: rades. We will be in town by ten o’clock in the morning, and will assist you. rs ‘‘Now return, and, remember, although thi ie suspicion does not rest any longer on one of y oul particularly as I am sure that neither W atic a nor Yerka had an enemy in Golden Gulch, yc owe it to the dead, aswell as to the living, h. We keep yourselves free from any taint, and al te must watch that a like fate does not befali ax 2 one of your number.” ag 4 And as the crowd withdrew silently, carryir their silent burden with them, he turned to « e ter the house, followed by Chat ley. ee But Dan stood there for scme time, los deep though , finally shaking his head as the he was nonplused, and turning to follow friends; but as he glanc ed mechanically arc he saw, on the opposite bank of a canyon wi lay to the west of where be was stand? a human figure apparently executing 4 dance, lea high in the air, and waving, arms wildly abou Hur then into the house he seized a powe field-glass that hung on the wall, and ruse out on the porch, he adjusted the focus and] BG ed in the direction of the figure. ie And as he caught sight a it he uttered a cry, and called loudly to Frank and to Cha to come out, ” -_-—_— CHAPTER II. AN ARRIVAL, One after the other, the three friends the glass, and gazed with ever-increasing a ishment at the startling antics of the figure, which continued to leap and dance throw its arms above its head wildly. Clad in rags, that Larely hung tegether, uncovered head, bare feet and long, ae beard and hair that were matted and being of a dirty white, the man presen| weird picture and one that seemed out of, in this scene of majestic beauty. ‘““What on earth can this mean asked Dan, as with a final leap and a iy of a white club it held in its ai oe turned and fled, bounding rl on ve swiftness, until it disappeared
Page 3
The Mad Man-Hunter. “More than I can say. If it were night, -when witches prowl, I should think of some rest- Jess spirit from the lower regions, sent here to frighten us; but in broad daylight! I give it - ’ ‘“‘T think I know who it is, Frank,” said Char- ley, quietly. ; ** Well, who is your friend?” “No friend of mine; it is the hermit of the Faithful mine.” ‘‘What, that old lunatic? Not likely. He never gets himself up in that outrageous man- ner.” “T saw him once, while riding through the valley, or at least some one [ thought was he— for no one ever got withina mile of him. He was standing on the very verge of the cliff, high above me, and was prancing around in the same way as that man just now.’ ** And his clothes?” “* His clothes, if such you can call them, were simply rags and he had what appeared to bea white club in his hand.” ‘Well, you may be right, but I should like to know what brings him to the place where we just saw him. He is 4 harmless old codger, and it is a wonder how he lives.” “Oh, the boys see that he doesn’t suffer. There is scarcely one of them who doesn’t leave food, at one time or the other, during the week, where he can find it.” ‘* Let me see: when was he first noticed?” “Tt was some time after Kid-Glove Kit left; four or five months, I think. You remember, just after the young sport went away, we had a tremendous fall of snow that stopped all opera- tions in the canyon, and that it was the middle of April before the snow disappeared?” “Precisely.” “Well, it was the day before we commenced work that we first heard of him, Don’t you know we sent some of the boys to the Faithful mine to get the windlass to use temporarily, and that they reported seeing the figure on the cliff?” ** On,. yes, and .when they tried to approach him he fied,” ‘* Bxactly; and since that time only occasional glimpses have been had of him. The men took pity on him, and at last he learned that by visit- ‘ing the svot where Mr; Danford’s house stood, he could always obtain provisions, and since then has not suffered.” ‘‘T think I will call on him, some time,” said Frank, musingly, ‘‘ and try and learn something from him; and I would like to.see if his condi- ‘tion could not be improved.” “You'd better. give up that idea, Frank,” Jaughed Charley; as the three entered the house, “for it’s big odds that you won't get within a half a mile of him.” “‘ Oh, I'll go there at night when he’s asleep,” said Frank, throwing himself on a lounge. “The old duffer never sleeps, I believe.” ‘*Then I'll chase him when awake.” “* And never catch him.” “ Quit your jangling, boys,” interrupted Dan, ** and let us see what we are going to do about discovering this mysterious assassin.” Drawing their chairs close to where Frank was lying, the three were soon earnestly dis- cussing the situation. For an hour or more they sat thus, viewing the late occurrences from every side, but una- ble to penetrate the mystery that impenetrably surrounded the two murders, when, for the sec- ond time that day, they were interrupted. A clattering of hoofs, a cracking of whips and the rattling of wheels sounded in the distance, drew nearer and nearer, until finally the vehi- cle stopped in the road in front of the house, at the foot of the sloping lawn, “That isn’t the coach,” said Frank, lazily, and assuming an easier position on the lounge, while he yawned vigorously, “ Judging from tie row the driver makes, it must be some per- ‘son of importance. Probably an embassy from the Sultan of Turkey, Dan, come to make you mmarated. pasha. Just look out and see who it is.’ But as Charley, who had risen and gone to the window, caught sight of the occupant of the carriage, who was just getting out, he uttered a loud yell, and dashed out of the room, shout- ing: “It is Kit, sure’s you’re a live man!” And tumbled h ong out of the front door followed, no less impetuously, by Dan an , Who kicked chairs and tables right and left, in their anxiety to meet and greet the jeg to mae Be Charley was first at the carriage, and seizing Kit’s hand he nearly shook it off. 3 end . —<s “Why, Kit, my boy, how glad I am to see you!” ** And I!” ** And I!” And the three clustered about Kit, welcoming him warmly, and doffing their hats and bowing to Mrs. Barton, who extended her slim hands to each in turn, and seemed delighted to meet the trio again. ‘“Room for you?” cried Frank, in response to a question from Kit. ‘‘ The whole house is yours! Of course we have a room for you /— the whole of the second story is known as the ‘ Barton Flat.’ ” And Mrs. Barton, accompanied by her maid, went to her rooms, while Kit followed his friends into the parlor, after sending his four- in-hand, which he had purchased in Denver, to the stables. CHAPTER IV. A STRUGGLE WITH A MADMAN, Ir was a weird-looking figure that was seated under the spreading bough of a huge tree, near the Faithful mine—the same figure, in fact, that had attracted the attention of Dan, the day be- fore, as it leaped and danced at the edge of the mo e was tearing ravenously at some meat and bread he held in his hands, and the wolfish glare in his eyes betokened the more dangerous forms of insanity. If it were possible that he had worn the rags he had on during the winter, it was a wonder he had not perished from the cold and exposure, for his clothes—if such a term can be applied to his dress—were so tattered and torn that it seemed a miracle that they held together; while his bare feet, bruised and scratched, and his head with no covering but his matted locks, added to the wildness of his appearance. He was sitting on a stone that lay half-buried in the grass, while not far away was a stone house, which evidently was his home. Down the valley some little distance could be seen the shed that covered the shaft of the Faithful mine, now abandoned on account of the absence of its owner, Craig Colton, who had, it was said in Golden Gulch, gone to Europe the year before, leaving directions with parties in ‘New York that it should be sold. But, although an extremely valuable property, no purchasers had appeared since the preceding fall, when a man named Worthington had come to Golden Gulch, then called simply The Gulch, with thé expressed determination of buying it. Worthington had, however, lost his life in some mysterious manner, and so the Faithful was gradually going to ruin. | he sun was shining high in the heavens and the air was intensely hot, for not a breath of wind was stirring and the heat fairly shimmered from the ground. - The man, who was still tearing at his bits of bread and meat, had his back turned to the path that Jed into the valley from the road, and was looking off with no expression in his eyes, which stared straight before him without appar- ently seeing a single object. Against one knee rested a long, white object. which at first seemed to be a stout stick, colore¢ white, or of a grayish color; but on closer in- spection it proved to be a human thigh-bone, and was of immense length, being over twenty- two inches long! It had evidently belonged to a giant, and to one who had not been long dead, for the bone was white and polished and not scarred and cracked as it would have been after a burial of a few months, While he was thus looking steadily down the valley, a head appeared at the top of the path and peered cautiously at the strange creature. Seeing that he was not noticed, the spy cau- tiously approached—his rifle at a ‘ ready.” Stealthily he worked his way to the spot where the Mad Man-Hunter was seated at his ravenous repast, the hideous thigh-bone club scarcely re- leased from his grasp. When at length the man had, with exceeding caution, reached the nearest cover, he laid his rifle down, and stepping quickly forward, he ke: “You seem hungry, my man!” The madman _ started as though by a serpent, and as he beheld the spent, furiously flung bread and meat right and left, and grasp- ing the thigh-bone swung it high in the air, and brought it down with a force that would have crushed the other’s head like an egg-shell; but with no less rapid movement the new-comer sprung aside, and the murderous blow whistled harmlessly through the air. With a snarl like a baffled beast, the madman leaped forward to again try and crush out the life from the man before him, but his adversary was too quick for him, again. Stooping and dodging, he avoided the swing- ing stroke, and slipping like an eel under the maniac’s arm, he gras him about the waist with both arms and tried to throw him to the ground; but, powerful as he was, his strength was as nothing against the mad frenzy of ihe lunatic. Scratching and tearing and clutching at the interlocked hands, and bending over to try ard make his foam-flecked teeth meet in his bon: «, he struggled and writhed and tugged until the other could resist the strain no longer, and wis compelled to release him. And as the madman broke away, he raised his deadly weapon with both of his hands and, all of his fierce frenzy gathered into one crush- ing blow he brought it down, trying to end the contest then and there. But again the other’s re ged saved him, and falling prone to the ground, allowed the hidecus club to swing over his head; then, half-rising, he struck out, straight from the shoulder. The blow was a fair one and caught the fren- zied man clean under the chin, his jaws snap- ping together with a crash, while he was lifted igh in the air and landed a half-dozen yards off, flat on his back. But he bounded from the turf like a rubber ball, apparently entirely unharmed by the fear- ful blow he had received, and evidently com- pletely cowed and_ frightened, he turned and fled with a speed that defied pursuit and soon disappeared down the valley, never faltering or hesitating during the entire three-miles’ run! His antagonist, congratulating himself that he had escaped without serious injury, seated himself on the stone lately occupied by the mad- man, to rest, and while he waited, high up on the cliff on the east, which sprung precipitously and abruptly from the valley, he saw, plainly outlined against the blue sky, a wild figure, leaping and dancing, and at times menacing him with the white club, which glittered in the sunlight! The figure was too far off for its voice to be heard, yet the seated man could well imagine that the maniac was hurtling fearful threats and execrations down upon him, and he shud- dered to think what might have been the result, if the madman had found opportunity to uce the long, cruel-looking knife thrust’ into the twisted rag that served as a belt. When at last, somewhat rested, he arose, secured his rifle and walked toward the path that led to the road where he had left his horse, the madman followed him, leaping along the edge of the cliff and continuing his. menaccs, and when he came to a turn in the road and looked back, he could still see the figure, stanc- ing there like some baffled demon, raging and threatening, and seeming never to tire of his violent efforts. As he walked his horse slowly along, he en- deavored in vain to pierce the vail which seem- ed to hang over hismemory and tried, without re- sult, to remember what well-known face the pas- sion-distorted countenance of the miner recalled; yet, although the lmeaments seemed familiar, it was but a fugitive recollection, and he finally abandoned the attempt, and endeavored to dis- miss the vision from his mind. In vain! and in his dreams that night the im- age was always before him, the hideous face grinned and grimaced at him all through his slumber, until he started up from his wakeful couch, trembling with nervousness and unnerved with indefinable apprehensions. For a thousand times was his late encounter re-enacted, and his troubled brain refused to remain quiet an in- stant. CHAPTER V. THE HERALD “ PERSONAL.” Tur ‘Fresh Clam,” gin-mill and fifteenth class restaurant, on the Harlem river, was doing no business to speak of during the latter part of the month of June, 1884, and the prc- prietor of the place, known to his regular cus- tomers as Ted, seemed to have plenty of leisure. He had been left in charge of the saloon by its former proprietor, James Jordan, when the lat- ter had accompanied Mr. Craig Colton to Col- orado, and as the former had never reappeared, he had appropriated the profits to his own use. These profits were not anything very great, but were sufficient to support him comfortabl and to enable him to keep his place well stocked with all that he required to carry on a satisfac- tory business. the day in question he was lolling back “1 Vis One =
Page 4
te ae ey his comfortable seat behind the counter reading a well-thumbed novel and yawning from time to time asif he decidedly needed sleep. At length he flung his book to one side and rose, saying: “T believe [ll shet up ther shop, an’ go down ter ther island. “But Pl jest take a look at ther Hur’ld, an’ see 'f any hairess is a-lookin’ fur a young an’ hansum husband. ‘““Snorkey Bill, he married a hairess, an’ she owned two pigs an’a goat up ter Yonkers an’ he is now livin’ in lugsury an’ ease. ‘‘A nenterprisin’ young man like me hadn’t orter ter hev ter work, an’ struggle an’ toil fur his daily bread. e “Where is that Hurld? Oh, here!” j And picking up the paper, which looked as : though it had formed the base of a icularly easy soup so stained and marked was it, he es n to look over the ‘‘ Personal” column. othing of importance attracted his attention until he had gotten nearly to the bottom of the notices when suddenly he started, and looking » again, read the following. ‘To any one able and willing to give information regarding the movements of Craig Colton, also known by various aliases, a liberal reward will be paid. Apply toC. B., room 29, Hotel Balmoral, city.” “‘Ph-e-e-w!” whistled the boy, as he again read _the notice, ‘‘Here’s a chance! Craig Colton’s wanted, is he? Well, I’m jest ther huckléberry , #8 can give ther information; so I'll jest 1g up ,@ little, shet up ther shop, an’ give Mister ''C. B.’ 4a@call. Don’ know where ther Hotel ‘Balmoral is, but I kin git a D’reckt’ry somewhere an’ find | out. And locking the front door, he went sptteirs to a back room, where, hanging against the wall | were numerous suits of clothes which he exam- | "Selecting e light it, which fitted him ec ali suit, whic i ¥ fling ‘on a Derb hat, after washing his face and ;hands, combing his hair — g his collar and cuffs, he presented - " . erent appearance, and in no manner ; resembled the somewhat disreputable lad who an ran the ‘‘ Fresh Clam.” Z. He was an intelligent, shrewd-looking yo & ‘ \fellow, ‘and with his dress ‘changed. his manner, , |deportment and that he could easily aged in some: ctable business, , pate she taeda walked over to Third avenue, and entered the nearest store, where obtaining permission to it ‘ ing it in the avon 4 without any culty. { ,dhen taking ‘the *L,” he rode down-town to 4 Twenty-t street and there lea the ‘train, 7 Struck across town, and soon reached his destin- ation, ente without hesitation. Addressing the clerk he said Lane 42 | “TL have called, sir, in'reference to this notice,” and he pointed to the personal in a Herald he {had bought just before entering. 4 The clerk glanced at the pes ord and then at Ted, and, a rechepen satisfied with his scrutiny, called a bell-boy, and directed him to show the 4 visitor to room 29. In answer to his knock, a voice cried ‘‘ Come in,” and opening, he entered the room, which was furnished as a parlor. | Seated in an easy-chair by the window was a |} gentleman who was so pale, so thin, that it was evident that he was just recovering from a seri- ‘hae ‘in that paper?” si ye oe Ves: aun.” fy ! “Then you know this man, Colton?” a |. “Very well, sir, having seen him many times, ig both as himself and disguised as some one else.’ “ae | ‘ And do you know where he is now?” . | “T am not sure about that; but I do know 4 ‘where he went when he left New York a few months ago.” ‘* Where did he gor” eis. “To Colorado,’ ie ~ Atone?” ‘‘No, sir; @ man named Jordan went with be: ‘him, at least as far as Chicago; whether he went f bevond that 1 cannot say.” \: ‘* Jordan, Jordan,” muttered the other, as if trying to recall the man bearing that name, but 5 wg without success. ‘‘ I do not know him. “ But never mind; tell me something more re- "ta Carding Colton. a ¥ he go disguised, or was he himself?’ The Mad Man-Hunter. “Tl tell you all about it, sir, which will be the shortest way of getting at the matter. “‘ Four or. five months ago, Craig Colton, com- ing to the place where I was worki g, disguised himself and then having given directions to Jor- dan, went to the Windsor Hotel and called on a me Barton, who was stopping there with his wife. ‘* Barton?” interrupted the other. $F OS, Siz.” ‘*Did you see him?” “‘Not then, sir. I waited for Colton while he went up-stairs to Mr. Barton’s rooms, and what 7% rag there I cannot aes but that evening Colton, who was called Mr. Worthington by his friends—I went to the depot and watched them —Jordan and a gentleman and lady took the train for Chicago, the twostrangers being yo , he maybe twenty-five, his wife, who looked al- sei exactly like him, being eighteen or nine- n. ‘Since that time I have heard nothing of them.” “Nor of Jordan?” “No, sir, He was disguised as a preacher and acted the part so well that if I had not known him intimately, I should never have re- co, him in the world. hanging the subject somewhat hurriedly, the invalid asked Ted if he had plenty of time to spare, and receiving an affirmative answer, re- quested the boy to ring the bell. en the summons was answered, he handed a note he had scribbled to the servant, and ask- ed him to have it sent by messenger immedi- ately, and then requested Ted to wait until he received an answer, to which the boy, his curi- osity now thoroughly aroused, gladly agreed. CHAPTER VI. and ‘deep thought, soon fell asleep, while Ted, pa- the end, sat motionless for an train of ee at t had occupied We t haye you. against inst this man?” «Against Colton: Wo, yea, meant” ‘“‘ Yes. ‘There be some reason for your heing willing:jahe him,” “TI do not see how the word ‘ ? Can ap- ply to this case. We are not in any sense Of the word, and Iam under no cath to him or to any one else to keep his movements secret.” ‘““Then you are after the reward.” “J do not know of any reason that causes you to talk to me that way, and if this is all you have to say I may as well be going.” And Ted arose, took his hat from the table, and started for the door. ‘** Hold on, my boy,” cried the other; ‘‘ I was only trying you. But tell me, if you will not feel. hurt at the question, what makes you so bitter against Colton?” ‘He bullied and struck me, and I have, ever since that time, been waiting for an opportunity to get even with him.” ‘* But if he had robbed you, stabbed you, tried to murder you?” “Then, a8 soon as I was able, I would trail him to the end of creation and hunt him down, even if it took a lifetime!” ‘* He nose a that to me!” Under the of friendship he came to see me at my office, and there tried to murder me, and thinking that he had succeed- ed, robbed me of certain valuables, ‘Tam not free from blame, as I had enga in a conspiracy with him to rob a defenseless old man and his daughter, but I have repented it bitterly, and believe my punishment was just. ‘*For months I hovered between life and death, and am even now scarcely convalescent, but am rapidly recovering. “*T tell you this frankly, in proof of how I re- gret having spoken to youas I did a few mo- ments ago. More than satisfied, sir. " “Well, then, let us be friends. Your griev- ance against this man is, compared to mine, as a puff of air from the nozzle of a bellows to the howling hurricane! ‘* But it is a grievance, an insult—and a er we will track him, together we will find and when you have wiped out your insult, I . Are you satisfied with the apology?” —s will so avenge the wrong that he has done me, that it were better that he had never beer born!” And exhausted by his frenzy, he fell back against his cushions, gasping for breath, his eyes glaring with the latent fury that was con- suming his life. But as Ted, alarmed, hurried to his side, of- fering him a i of the cooling drink that stood on a table near at hand, the invalid waved him aside, saying: ‘“‘T am foolish to thus give way to my tem- per, but when I think of his craven act, of the —— I have suffered, I lose ali control of my- self, “But you can come with me?” ‘‘ There is nothing here to keep me,” “Then consider it settled. believe that I can trust you, although I have no proof that you are not an emissary of Colton’s, and you will not object if 1 request that you do not leave my rooms, or endeavor to consult with any one alone, until we leave New York?” “ Certain! not, sir, for I can readily under- stand your doubts. “But I must ask you to send for some things I have at home,” ; ‘“‘I expect a man here, every moment, wha will attend to everything; he is a detective, and I shall ask him to accompany us to Colorado. ‘We will go to Chicago, first, and see if we can discover any trace of Colton there.” . “‘T can stay here then until you are ready ta start for the West?” ‘Certainly. I have three bedrooms, one of which you can occupy. ‘ ** When Mr. Fox comes, you can tell him your story, while I rest, for I am a little tired and. must lie down for a time.” **Can I help you, sir?” “Yes you. Letmelean on your shoul- der, and help me off with my coat; my wound still pains me somewhat, and I can hardly wait on myself yet.” And Ted, carefully assisting him, walked inte the next room, where the wounded man laid down, being made comfortable by the boy, and. then. him again said: “gy can depend on you, then? You will not: ors --y => nail : ? ot until you give me permission. ‘t Then close the door and wait in the sitting~ ee ae, Fox comes, and cali me in an our. Ted had been seated in the adjoining room but a short time, when there came a discreet tap on the door, and in answer to the response, the handle was gently turned, the door quietly ‘ and a mani | into the room so softly t he made no sound. That he was the expected detective, Ted had no doubt, for his every movement was furtive and his glance quick and distrustful, as if he knew in every one he met, a possible criminal — whose wrists he would take the greatest. pleasure in slipping the darbies, Glancing around and seeing that the room was untenanted save by the lad, he walked stealthily across the room, and whispered: ‘* Where is Mr. B.?” ‘* Tf you mean the sick t gentleman, he has gone into the other room to @ a nap, and left me here to meet you; for you are, I sup ) Mr. Fox.” “A. Fox, private detective. All investiga- tions secretly made, Antecedents, habits and associates ascertained, thefts, fraud and alt classes of confidential business transacted in any section,” rattled off the other, as fluently as if he had been reading from a card. “Exactly, I am instructed to tell you what I know of Mr. Colton. You know kim I sup- pose?” ‘Know him! Do I? and seating himself on the very edge of a chair he looked as wise as an owl, and winked and blinked at Ted as if to ask > ‘Is there anything I don’t know?” * Well, then, I will tell you what I know about him,” continued Ted, wondering all the time. where the invalid had picked up this man, who looked and acted like a fool. When he had finished what he had to say, the: detective, who had apparently been thinking how long this was going to last and did not seem to be paying any attention to what Ted w sa suddenly ed to him. ‘Where do you live?” he asked, “In Harlem.” ‘* Just so; at the Fresh Clam.” ‘* How do you know that?” Without replying, Mr. Fox laid his finger along the side of his nose, and winked slowly and solemnly, while Ted began to think that maybe he was not such a fool as he looked.
Page 5
——————————————————————————————— CHAPTER VII. A DISGUISE, **So Mr. B. intends going to Chicago as soon as he is able to travel, does he, and then on to Colorado, if it is necessary?” **So he said.” ** Well, he'll be able to leave in a week, from what his doctor told me.” ** He doesn’t look very strong,” “No; but the trip will do him good. What time are you going to waken him?” “Tn about half an hour.” ‘. “Til be back by that time. You will wait ere?” “I told him that I would not leave the house until he gave me permission.” “Very good; I'll be back in twenty minutes or les,” and the detective, gliding from the room closed the door carefully after him, leaving Tec convinced that there was more in the man than appeared at first glance. Fifteen minutes had scarcely elapsed when there came another tap at the door, and Ted, opening it, saw standing before him, a portly gentleman, dressed in black broadcloth, with Snowy-white vest, silk hat and immense fob dangling trom his watch-pocket. He carried a gold-headed cane and wore a short, full beard, that was almost as white as his linen, and from his whole person exhaled the name ‘* Doctor.” Saluting Ted gravely, he walked in, removing his hat as he cid so, and then in a rich, oily voice, asked after his patient. “Lying down, is he?” he said, in answer to Ted’s explanation; ‘‘ then, my lad, I will not dis- turb him, but will write a prescription to be given him when he awakens, and you can take it to the nearest drug-store.” “You will have to excuse me, doctor. I ies Mr.—Mr.—1 don’t know his name, but mean the sick gentleman, that I would not leave the house without his permission.” ‘‘ But this is an errand for him,” persisted the ‘physician. Well, if he requests me to go, I will do so gladly; otherwise no,” returned ‘led, firmly. ‘** Well then, run down-stairs and tell them to send me a messenger.” **I cannot leave the room, sir; ised.” “This is too much,” stuttered the doctor, rowing purple in the face with rage; ‘you are disrespectful, and—and I'll cane you severely and teach you a lesson.” “Your caning will do no good, cannot make me change my mind.” ** You must be unusually- faithful.” *“ When I say anything, sir, I always mean it,” *“ Well said, my lad, well said. only wish there were more like you here in this city; but ‘what is your name?” “Ted, sir, they all call me.” “‘Humph! Short for Edward, I suppose, But Edward what?” ** T have never known any other name,” ‘* But your parents?” “‘T never knew them.” F ** But you are educated; can read, write?” “Oh! yes, sir; but I owe that to the teachers in the orphan asylum where I was brought up.” ‘* And they taught you to speak the truth? ‘ Always, sir.” “Then, Teddy, my lad, I believe you will always succeed, and that you will be faithful to Mr. Bentley, as the gentleman in there is named.” : The voice had changed completely and a dif- ferent expression appeared on the face of the doctor, who, removing his wig and beard, dis- closed to Ted’s astonished gaze the features of A. Fox, detective and confidential agent, Laughing at the lad’s puzzled expression, Mr. Fox explained: ‘Mr. Bentley wrote me to come prepared for a journey, and when I noticed that YOu were in- <lined to criticise me, and being anxious to put your fidelity to the test, I hurried down-stairs where I had left my sachel, secured a room, and jumped into these clothes. ‘It is best, young man, never to draw con- clusions from first a ypearances.” And of this Ted was now thoroughly con- ‘vinced, for he saw how quickly the detective thad read his thoughts and had deceived him iby his perfect disguise, while he realized what aa valuable auxiliary this man would be when at came to tracing Colton, Completely trapped, he had nothing left to do but to acknowledge it and to ask Mr. Fox to forgive him, which apology the good-natured életective pooh-poohed aside, shaking hands with tim heartily, and telling him that he was not I have prom- sir, for you The Mad Man-lIunter. at the first person his assumed manner had de- ceived, and would not be the last. And the hour now being passed Ted rapped on Mr. Bentley’s, door and being told to enter btn in and assisted that gentleman to rise and ress, “That everything may be considered satisfac- tory, you can, if you will, assume the part of my servant while we are traveling; so that no suspicions may be aroused, said Mr. Bentley. **T shall always callyou Henry, and, of course shall expect no menial duties from you.” ‘Oh, I will do anything to make myself use- ful sir,” replied Ted, gladly, for he had taken a great fancy to this fine-mannered gentleman, who had suffered, and was still suffering so much from his wound. ‘Then that is settled. Ah, Fox, glad to see you,” he continued as he entered the sitting- room, ‘‘Has our young friend here told you what he knows Py gute Colton?” ** Yes, sir, and I believe him thoroughly.” ‘‘How is that? Youare generally inclined to be suspicious.” “But I put Ted here to the test and found him everything that was faithful.” “e Yes?” “Yes, sir.” And Fox told Mr. Bentley how he had tested the boy, and how the latter had refused to leave the hotel or even the room. “Thank you, my boy,” said Bentley, as the detective concluded, “‘ but it is only what I ex- pected from you. “But, Fox,” he added, turning to the other as he seated himself in his easy-chair, ‘‘ Ted is hereafter to be known as Henry, and a slight disguise will not hurt him.” ** All right, sir, I'll attend to that. “And now, if you will excuse me, I will go down-stairs and write a few letters, for I sup- pose that we will soon go away and will not re- turn for some time.” ** Not until we know something definite con- cerning Colton. But of course I will excuse you, Will I see you again this evening?” **T will drop in about eight. My room is num- ber 12, if you should want to see me and my hame is—W atson.” “Very well, Mr. Watson; but will you not dine with us?? ‘‘ Not this evening, thank you, sir. “But when do you think of leaving for Chi- cago and the West?” ‘Not before Monday. I will let you know in ample time.” ‘Thank you, sir! Good-afternoon.” “Good-afternoon,” and the detective with- drew, leaving Bentley and Ted alone, CHAPTER VIII. A DINNER-PARTY. THEY conversed for some time on different topics, Bentley telling Ted that for a long time after receiving his wound he had hovered be- tween life and death, finally, owing to an excel- lent constitution and careful treatment, pulling a but unable for many weeks to leave his d But now he was much better and his doctor advised him to travel and thought that a change of scene would be of inestimable benefit to him. So he had decided to go West, even before he had seen Ted, and only that morning had thought of putting an advertisement in the pa- per, in the faint hope that some one might see it who knew of Colton’s whereabouts. But he felt the effects of his excitement of the afternoon, and decided to retire early, it being of the first importance that he should regain his strength as rapidly as possible. z _, But you, my boy,” need not remain in-doors if you do not want to, for I havo the utmost confidence in you, and do not for & moment be- lieve that you would desert or betray me. ‘Would you not like to go to one of the theaters, or out for a walk?” ‘“T prefer to remain here, sir, for a might need something, and I am sure that I could be of more service to you than any of the servants about the house.” ‘* Well, then, if you really do not care to go out, I will be very glad to know that you are near. ‘But you must have some dinner.” ‘Thank you, sir, I believe I would like some- thing to eat, for I am getting very hungry,” “Then ring the bell and order what you want, to be served here.” And you, sir, will you not eat something?” ‘* Nothing at all, noon, for it interferes with my rest, so, for to- day at least, you will have to dine alone. the bell now, and then please help me to my room. “You will find books, papers, magazines, in abundance over there on the table, and when you are sleepy, go into that room and you will find a nice bed. ‘Sleep as late as you want to, and if you are up at nine, rap on my door. If I need any- thing I will manage to make myself heard.” te you will let me, sir, I will arrange some- thing by which you can call me.” ** But how?” ‘I will fasten a string to my pillow, and the other end to the head of your bed, and if any- thing is needed, all that you will have to do will be to pull the cord and Iwill be awakened.” “A very good idea, my boy, and very simply managed. When I am fixed you can make your arrangements.” So Ted—or Henry, as he may now be called —aided Mr. Bentley to disrobe and to get to bed, and then returning to the sitting-room rung the bell for the boy. When he came, Ted requested him to send a waiter up, and to bring a ball of stout twine that he might arrange the signal-cord, and in a few moments both arrived, and having ordered anice dinner, he fixed the cord by passing it through the key-hole of Bentley’s door, fasten- ing the end to the head of the Bed, and leaving the ball of twine lying on the floor of the sitting- room for the present. Ina short time his dinner arrived, being brought up by a negro who, Henry thought, was the blackest man he had ever seen; but he said nothing, and soon the table was spread, and with a napkin over his arm, the negro waited. Henry, ravenously hrngry, seated himself, and the cover of the soup-tureen being lifted off with a flourish, he helped himself. But he found tkat it was a little Ge1k, end asked the negro to light the gas, when, much to his astonishment the nan answered him: “White folks is mighty pertick’ler "bout how they eats. Us yo’ niggers don’ make no sech fuss *bout light.” But he lit the gas nevertheless, and then tock up his station behind Henry’s chair, “Why don’t you clese the blinds and draw down the windows frcm the top? You can’t have been long in the hotel business,” ** Feard ©’ havin’ folks see how much yer eat, ain’t yer?” In amazement the lad dropped his speon ard looked at the negro, who, however, paid nc at- tention to him, but walked off to the windows and did as Henry had suggested. The boy, marveling what such conduct might mean, thought seriously of ringing and sending a complaint to the cffice, Lut the fear of dis- turbing Mr. EFentley deterred him, so he re- frained, and kegan his dinner. But the soup was tasteless, and turning to the waiter, he said: “Give me the salt”—for there was none on the table, and he thought that the negro had left it on the tray with the rest of the dinner. ‘‘ What fur?” grumbled the negro. Restraining himself with an effort, he replied: ‘For my soup, of course.” ‘‘ Soup’s done been salted.” “That is possible but I wish more; do as I tell you instantly!” But the negro, instead of obeying, leaned over his shoulder, coolly took the stoon frcm the plate, and lifting it to bis yor tasted the soup! This was too much, and Henry, forgetting all else but the insult, leaped to his feet and grasped his chair to swing it high aloft and dash the negro to the floor. bes ut the latter fined back and raising his hand, snatched off the woolly wig that covered his head and in a mocking voice cried: ‘‘ A, Fox, detective, etc., etc.,” while he laugh- ed Jong Lut silently. To say that Henry was amazed would but feebly express his feelings, for he had not bad the slightest idea that the negro was anything but whet he appeared to be and recognizing the voice cf the detective, felt like punching himself to see if he was awake or dreaming. But the detective came forward saying: ‘*] know youare a Pretty shrewd sort of a lad, Ted, my boy, and I wanted to try a new disguise which I have never before worn and which, now that it has proven a good one, will assume with confidence whenever it may be necessary. ‘‘T know the proprietor of the botel well, and I cannot eat anything after | had no difficulty in obtaining permission to bring you your dinner. ‘* But now that it is brought, what do you fay “Mind! order exactly what you want, Ring to our carrying the table into the next room, se JNA
Page 6
6 PIAS SRE SCs ST ee Een as not to disturb Mr. Bentley, when, after I have washed up a little, we wili dine together.” “With much pleasure,” and these arrange- ments having been completed, the two sat down and ate a hearty meal, Fox having been careful to provide enough for both, and entertaining Henry with a hundred stories of his detective ex- periences. And when the meal was finished and Fox had smoked his cigar, it was growing late, so, set- ting the tray outside the door, he bade the boy good-night and left the room, And, Henry, having arranged the cord by drawing it tight and fastening it to his pillow, leaving his door open, undressed, put out the light and jumped into bed, where he was soon fast asleep. CHAPTER IX. A DANGEROUS LEAP. Tux boy slept on for some time, undisturbed, when suddenly there came a sensation as if his head was dropping off of his shoulders, and in an instant he was wide awake, trying to realize what had happened. In a moment he recalled the cord leading to his pillow from Mr. Bentley’s room, and leaping to the floor he hurried into the sitting-room, where he had left one of the gas-jets burning low and then to the door of Bentley’s sleeping- room. He noticed that the room seemed intensely hot and that there was a slight smell of something burning in the air, but not it Gti to think what it might mean he openec the door, and then, as a cloud of smoke swept into his faceand nearly choked him, he staggered back. Haif-strangled as he was, and nearly blinded by the thick vapor, he recovered himself, how- ever, in a moment, and dashed into the room, groping his way to the bed, and, as tenderly and as gently as he could, lifted the inanimate body in his arms, and slowly made his way back to the sitting-room, his lungs nearly bursting with the pressure, and closed the door behind him. In a moment more he had deposited his bur- den on the easy-chair by the window, and had thrown the blinds wide open, letting the fresh air pour in, and then rushed to the door leading into the hall, unlocked and opened it, and looke out. A fearful sight greeted his gaze! The whole building, save the corner in which was situated their rooms, seemed a mass of flame and the yellow tongues leaped high in the hall and hungrily licked the ceiling above. A crowd had gathered in the street, and en- ine after engine was arriving, the whole street Beings as light as day in the lurid glare that glowed from wee windows. Seeing that all escape was cut off though the hall and stairway being on fire, Henry hurried back to the window and leaning far over the sill, looked out, and seeing him, the people below sent up a shout of encouragement and urged the firemen to hurry and raise their ladders. But this, owing to a network of telegraph wires that stretched just below the window they were unable to do, and it seemed as if the two must perish before the eyes of the assembled multitude below, and who were powerless to aid them. The boy was in a desperate strait, but his coolness did not desert him an instant, and turning, he glanced hastily around in search of something that would be of service. Suddenly he leaped across the room and seized the ball of cord that lay on the table, hurried back to tho window and unwinding the twine held one end and tossed the other to the ground. j In a moment the cord was seized below and fastened to a stout rope, which Hentty drew ery: taking the end into his room and attaching it to the leg of his bed. And then he fastened the other end of the rope about the body of the yet insensible man, raised him carefully to the window and low- ered him gently to the ground just as a burst of flame leaped from the window below which burned the rope in two in a twinkling leaving the lad without any means of escape. And by this time the fire had eaten through the door that led into the sitting-room from Bentley’s sleeping apartment and the heat and smoke were becoming unberable as the yellow tongues licked their way slowly but s ily to- ward him. Better instant death, he thought, than the lingering torture that must follow should he remain where he was, 80 standing on the sill, he looked down to the pavement low, while tho crowd hushed its tumult and awaited the The Mad Man-Hunter, i pe tragedy which it seemed, must surely follow in | ing from his fierce attack on you and his wild a few moments. actions, I should not be surprised to discover And some of the men of the insurance patrol, | that he is the murderer, for everything points hurriedly taking a from their wagon, {| in that direction; the blow on the head, the statione themselves neath the window and brutal slash across the throat, the gash on the stretching the tarpaulin tight, shouted to him to forehead—all seem to be the work of a raving’ se into it. maniac; surely no sane man would do so hor- ut the roar of the flames prevented his hear- rible a deed!” ing the calls and drowned all the voices, while “Suppose, boys,” said Charley, who had the dense clouds of smoke that rolled from below | been an attentive listener to these remarks,” that obstructed the view and did not admit of hissee- | we four ride over to the Faithful mine and cap-, ing the precautions that had been taken for his | ture this man. . safety. “Tf it be true that he has committed these And with an intuition that seemed marvelous, crimes, he should be placed in safe keeping, and he rushed to his room, tore a thick comfort from if he be innocent, then it would be charity te the foot of the bed, where it lay folded, ready for | place him in confinement, where he could be use should the weather turn suddenly cold, bur- | well taken care of and possibly cured.” ried back to the window and flung the covering “A good suggestion, Charley,” acquiesced far out on to the wires, where it spread out and | Kit, “and we will act upon it at once. There lay hanging. will be no danger in leaving Dainty here alone, ‘And then, stepping back to the center of the I suppose?” room, he leaped forward onto the window-sill, | “Not the slightest. Old Pete is about, and is stooping as he did so, and hurled himself out, | as brave as he is faithful; you can depend on lighting on the comfort and lying there, for the | it that no harm will come to ‘young Missy” present in safety, the net-work of telegraph wires | as he calls her while he is here.” supporting him without breaking. “Well, then in that case we might as welk And there he hung, suspended, the thick com- start at once; ll join you in a moment,” and, fort preventing the wires cutting him, while a | stepping into the ‘hall, he called to his wife who loud ery of admiration arose from the crowd be- | came down-stairs, when he told her of his inten- low at this feat of daring. tion and asked her not to leave the house until And then, slowly and cautiously, he worked | he returned, which would be in two or three his way along the wires until he reached the post, | hours. and there, grasping the cross-pieces, swung seme tejoining his friends, they mounted, the horses self down and slid to the ground in safety, just | having been brought around by Pete, and rode as the flames burst from the window whence he | away, Kit calling back to the old negro: had leaped. “Don’t let anything happen to Mrs. Barton, A dozen hands grasped him as he reached the Pete.” street and a thousand voices greeted his heroic ‘Oh, no, sah,” answered the man, grinning: feat, but, after thanking them for their kindness | and showing his white teeth. ‘Ili look after the lad asked the men who surrounded him where her.” Mr. Bentley had been carried to and if he was The four friends rode on’through the town, safe. Kit stopping a hundred times to shake hands “Safe and sound, my boy!” cried a well-known with his numerous friends, on past the ruins of voice, as Fox, the detective, elbowed his way to | Dainty’s former home, until they came to the where he was standing and grasping his hand | path at the side of the road, up which their with a grip that made it crack, congratulated | horses scrambled until they neared the valley, him warmly. when Kit called a halt. “Mr, Bentley is in the next street, has recov- We will ride on slowly, boys, until we get ered consciousness and been told how he was | to the top of the slope and then we will gallop saved. He is very anxious to see you and wants | down the valley at full speed, so as_ to ceried ou to come around at once.” the madman before he can reach the rocks; for So the boy, looking once more at the burning | once there he will defy pursuit, and he runs like building which had so nearly been his icra the wind.” pile, followed his friend, the crowd parting right So they proceeded cautiously until they near- and left to let him pass, and greeting him with | ed the top of the slope, when they spurred their hundreds of complimentary remarks, to which | horses and dashed into the valley at full speed,, he replied not a word, simply lifting his hat from thundered up to the stone house and too up time to time as a louder cheer than usual broke their stations around it, so that no one, whe from the admiring throng. might be inside, could escape. In a few moments they reached the house to They sat there for a few moments, awaiting which Bentley had been taken, and found him developments; but as nothing happened, Frank, installed in a large bed-room on the second floor, dismounting, walked to the door and, find- where everything possible had been done to make ing jt unfastened, opened it and walked inside,, him comfortable, and at sight of Henry, he half- | being on his guard that he might not be taker raised himself, and extending both hands, cried: | by surprise. ‘My boy, you have saved my life, and hence- But, having searched the house thoroughly, forth you are my brother!” he was unable to find any trace of the missing man, so rejoined his companions and reported. CHAPTER X, Look as they would up and down the valley, A TERRIBLE SHOCK! they could see no one, although they rode im Ir was the day after the burial of the mur- | ¢vety direction and consumed an hour or more dered miners when, at their cottage, Frank in the hunt. and Charley Francis, Dan Burton and Kit were At length, convinced that the man they were seated on the porch, talking over past events. looking for was not in the vicinity, they turned Kit, on his return, the previous evening, ha on ft , their horses’ heads homeward and rode slowly told his friends of his adventure with the ma- | along, agreeing to come back that night and the niac and now the conversation had reverted to : next day, and the next, if necessary, until they that subject. , had captured the maniac, “Have you any idea who this man is?” he | When they reached Golden Gulch they stopped asked Frank, a short time to see some of the men about the “Not the slightest,” returned the other. town and ask if anything had been seen by any ‘Where he came from and when, no one seems | of them, of the lunatic; Sut could learn nothing to be able to say. His favorite haunt seems so rode away toward the cottage, which they to be the neighborhood of the Faithful mine, shortly reached. and he is rarely seen clsewhere.” * As they approached, Kit expected to see his “YT think,” said Kit, musingly, ‘‘ that Ibave wife on the porch or at one of the windows, seen that face before, and wish that I could | waiting to greet him, but no one a ypeared and. get a good chance to examine him closely; but the house seemed silent and Reserted, but think- yesterday afternoon he kept me so busy that ing that she was upstairs he did not worry it was all I could do to avoid his attack. about the matter, following his friends to the. ‘What a desperate insanity seems to have | stable to put up his horse, while Frank ex- taken possession of him.” claimed: ‘‘T should think so!” broke in Dan. “¢ Judg- “ T wonder where that lazy nigger is? Asleep ing from the war-dance he executed on the | in the hay-loft, 1" obably, with his mouth wice cliff yonder, when I looked at him through the | open, cate ing flies. : glass, he is about as crazy as they make ’em.” “T¢ T catch him he will catch something else, “Frank,” interrupted Kit, earnestly, not | I'll warrant!” heeding Dan’s remark, ‘‘has it struck you that | And as he ceased speaking he opened the this madman may be at the bottom of these | stable door and walked in, but instantly started mysterious murders that have so startled Golden | back with a cry of terror, calling to the others: Gulch?” ‘Good heavens, boys, look at this!” ‘By heavens, Kit!” exclaimed Frank, start- And as his frien hurried in, they, teo, ing up, ‘I believe that you are right, although | started back in horror and vented their rare Im the idea had not occurred to me before. Judg- ejaculations loud and deep, for lying on the
Page 7
floor, was the body of old Pete, stretched on its back, the head lying on one side and the face turned toward the door so that the light fell upon it, showing only too plainly the red marks where the knife had slashed the fatal cross and the deep gash in the throat. With skull crushed in, the faithful old negro had met his death in precisely the same manner that the two miners had encountered theirs, and there was no room for doubt that the same hand had wrought the three deeds. One glance was enough for Kit, and he turned and dashed toward the house, calling to his wife and hoping, almost against hope, that she would hear and answer him. But nothing but the echoes replied, and leap- ing up the stairs, he hurried to her sitting-room, trusting to find her there; but the room was un- tenanted save by a motionless figure lying in one corner, which he recognized as that of Dainty’s maid. He endeavored to,arouse her, lifting her head, his blood chilling “at the thought of what he might see, but with a gladness beyond words, he found that she was not harmed, but had fainted from fright probably, and was now completely insensible and oblivious to all her surroundings. | So, calling his friends, he set about resusci- tating her, that he might, if she could furnish it, obtain a clew to this terrible mystery. CHAPTER XI. A CLEW. Tr Monday following Bentley’s and the lad’s narrow escape from the burning hotel, the in- jured man was not well enough to leave the city and, by his doctor’s orders, deferred his depar- ture until the next week. But at that time he was so far recovered that he felt perfectly able to travel, so that the three, Bentley, Detective Fox and Henry took the ex- press for Chicago, leaving Jersey City at nine o'clock in the morning, and reaching their des- tination on Tuesday, and going direct to the hotel, where they secured rooms Bentley lying down immediately, being attended by Henry, while the indefatigable Mr. Fox, once more In his element, now that he was ‘‘on the trail,” started out to see if he could obtain any news of Kit and Craig Colton. And in his search he was unusually successful, for going to the hotel where Kit and his wife bad stopped during their stay in Chicago, he intro- duced himself to the clerk, who immediately Pea the register at his disposal; but as he anded it to him asked him what parties he was looking for. “*T, of course, do not know where these per- sons stopped during their visit here, and must isit all of the hotels in succession, trusting Sruch to luck to find them. “T am looking "—consulting his note-book— «fora Mr. Christopher Barton and wife, Mr.—” “ Hold on!” interrupted the clerk, ‘* Ican help you. The parties you refer to were here some months ago; I recall them perfectly. “Mr, Barton, while in the city, had a ver narrow escape from being killed or drowned, through his horse running away, or rather the horse harnessed to the coupe m which he was being driven at the time. F “He was here— Let mesee. Jim!” calling to the cashier, ‘‘ when was it that Mr. Barton had the narrow escape at the Madison street bridge?” “Last winter, or fall, I think. Look back to November, and on through.” “Thanks.” And then turning to the detec- tive, he continued: “Tf you will step inside and take a chair, I will get you the register for that time, and you can look them up for yourself, I am so busy that I must ask you to excuse me.” Thanking the clerk for his offer, Fox stepped inside, and turning the leaves of the register over slowly, suddenly found these names: “ CurisTopHER BARTON AND Wire, Colorado.” “ EpwaRp WoRTHINGTON, New York.” “Rev. Mr. Exxnart, New York,” “So,” exclaimed tne detective, with intense satisfaction, ‘‘I have you S°0 far! And now to see how long they remained here, and where they went when they left this house. “But who can the Reverend Mr. Elkhart be? I must ask the boy about that; but it must be Jim Jordan, for’ he has disap neared from his usual haunts; and come to think of it, the boy did say that he had come West with the others, and probably had disguised himself as a min- ister.” “ Well,” interrupted the clerk, who had found a momen’”’s leisure, ‘do you find what you want to know?” eee The Mad Man-Hunter. “Yes, Here are the three names that I was in search of; but that is not all. ‘Can you tell me where “they went, and how long they remained in the house?” “They were only here a day or two, and then went to Colorado, where Mr. Barton has, I un- derstand, large interests.” “ And the other two gentlemen?” “They went West, also, Mr.—I forget his name —yes, Worthington, having told me that he thought of buying property out there, and ask- ing the preacher, in my hearing, to go witb him.” ‘¢ And he consented?” Yes, and they all went together.” “Well, sir, Iam very much obliged to you.” “Not at all. Anything else [ can do for you?” “ Nothing, thanks. When I come back ths way I may have something to tell you that will prove decidedly startling. “Tf Tam not very much mistaken, that * acci- dent’ you speak of was but the first act of a drama which may have become & tragedy by this time.” “Ts it possible?” ‘More than possible; it is probable. But, again, many thanks, and good-morning.” “Gdod-morning. Don’t fail to drop in if you come back this way, and let me hear your story, for I am decidedly interested.” “Don’t fear; Pll drop in on you when you least expect it.” And leaving the office, Mr. Fox walked jauntily out of the hotel, his hat tipped over a little more toward the side of his head than usual. Reaching his hotel shortly after, he went straight to Mr. Bentley’s room and found that gentleman sitting up and looking much better than when*he first saw him ten days before. The table in the center of the room was laid for three and as Fox entered Bentley called out: ‘ Just in time! We are about to have a little lunch, and you are invited to join us.” ‘‘T am surprised, sir,” said the detective, with assumed dignity, ‘‘to see that you would so de- mean yourself as to eat at the same table with your body-servant.” “ Body-servant!” exclaimed Bentley, surprised and then, as the detective waved his hand toward the lad who did not exactly understand he laughed and added: ‘Oh, I understand; but Henry has been pro- moted; he is no “uae my body-servant.” “Indeed! And what position does he occupy now, may I ask?” ‘‘He is my adopted brother.” “Ah, then, Mr. Bentley, junior, allow me to congratulate you upon your rise in life. Now that this matter is settled, I can no longer de- cline your kind invitation, Mr. Bentley, senior, and will accept with pleasure.” ‘Well, then, sit down, and stop your non- sense, if you can. But it strikes me that you are in unusually high pee what has happened? Have you discoverec any ” ‘‘T have learned,” replied Mr, Fox as well as he was able, his mouth being full of some excel- lent chicken salad at the moment, ‘‘ that Messrs. Barton, Worthington and Elkhart—the latter being a D. D., Doctor of Divinity you know, were in Chicago last fall.” ‘Barton and Worthington we can identify; but who in the world is Mr. Elkhart?” ‘‘ His name in private life I believe to be James Jordan.” “ And who is James Jordan?” “Ted can tell you.” And in a few words the lad explained the re- lation Jordan had borne to him, and added that he had come West with Colton. ‘Then so far we are right, and this is only another proof, if we needed it, that Henry here —and you, Mr. Fox must call him Henry here- after, not Ted—has told us the truth.” “ And I believe,” continued the detective, ‘‘that those two men, Colton and Jordan, accompanied Mr. Barton on his journey, with the intention of murdering him and his young wife at the first favorable opportunity. “And I only hope that we have not started out on their trail too late.” And so do I, most fervently,” added Bentley, “for I was once Colton’s aoe 2 ere and feel that I would be partly responsible if anything happened to those two. “'To-night we will start for Denver, and thence go to The Gulch; for, if Colton is in Colorado, we Will find him in that town.” EELS SRR. CHAPTER XII. AN ARRIVAL. Arrer half an hour’s work, the four friends succeeded in restoring the fainting girl to con- sciousness, when scarce had she opened her eyes —————— SSS and looked about, than memory seemed to return to her all at once and with a scream she fainted dead away again. Not ceasing his efforts to bring her back to sensibility, Kit said to his friends: ‘The poor girl has doubtless received some terrible shock, and has, in all probability been the witness of some fearful scene, possibly of the , killing of poor Old Pete. ‘‘ When she is herself again, she can probably tell us many things that we will be glad to know and may be able to explain Dainty’s disappear- ance.” “T hope, for your wife’s sake, for yours and ours, that she may, Kit,” answered Frank, for himself and his two friends, ‘‘and I swear that. I will not rest until Mrs. Barton is safe among us again, while if aught has happened to her, no mercy shall be shown the wretch who wrought this deed.” ‘‘ Sleep shall not visit my eyelids, nor food nor drink pass my lips until she is found,” added Dan, lifting his hat solemnly in proot of the strength of his oath, while Charley broke out, impetuously. “And if I rest until Mrs. Barton is restored to her husband may I be dealt with accord- ingly!” “Thank you, boys, thank you,” re plied Kit, much affected, while the tears rose to his eyes at this proof of the devotion of his friends. ‘¢} do not dare hope that she is unharmed, yet who would harm her?” “The madman! the madman!” Andas if in answer tohis question the girl, who had recovered consciousness again, wailed out the words, while the four friends shrunk back in superstitious horror at the mournful reply. Be calm, Jenny,” whispered Kit, bending over the maid, and nerving himself with a tre- mendous effort, ‘* there are none but your f riends here, and you have nothing to fear.” And as intelligence dawned fully on the girl’s dazed brain, she opened her eyes and looking around, recognized the four men, when her loo became more quiet and the ,terror gradually faded from her face. But she was yet very hysterical, and half- raising herself, she sobbed: “Oh, my poor mistress, what has happened to her! and poor Old Pete! Ah!” with a wild scream, ‘1 can hear the crash yet that I heard when the blow fell on his head, and can see the red blood spurting from his throat! “Oh, my God! what a picture!” It was with much difficulty that Kit suc- ceeded in quieting her and prevented her again fainting, but finally she grew calm and was able to swallow a glass of wine that Charley had rovided for her, and, sitting up, was sufficient- y restored to tell what she knew. But as she was about to commence, a noise outside attracted the attention of the four friends, and looking from the front windows they saw a buggy drawn up in the road, in which were sea two persons, while a man, who had evidently been riding a saddled horse that stood near, was walking up the path that led to the house. “Who is that, Frank?” asked Kit. ‘‘Never saw them before in my life, that I know of, did you Uharley, or you Van ” Both of them having replied in the negative, Kit continued: ‘J will soon find out. Wait here, please, un- til I return,” and hurrying down-stairs, he opened the front door just as the stranger set foot on the porch. ‘‘ Good-afternoon, sir,” said the latter, courte~ ously lifting his hat; ‘“I was told in the town that I could find Mr. Barton here; can 1 see him?” “That is my name, sir, what can I do for ou?” “There isa gentleman in the buggy, there, who has come all the way from New York to find you.” fo find me?” “Yes, sir.” “Strange, I did not know—but what is the gentleman’s name?” ‘ Bentley, Curtis Bentley.” “Not at all familiar; but of course I will go and speak to him; but he is not alone.” ‘No, sir; in fact there are three of us.” ** And you are?” “A. Fox, detective, of New York.” “S64, And this, I suppose,” he continued, as thev reached the buggy, ‘is Mr. Bertley.” “Yes. sir,” ceplied cne of the oceupants of the buggy, ‘‘and this is my brother, Mr. Henry Bentley.” “Glad to see you, gentlemen, although you arrive at a sad moment. Seales
Page 8
‘vice to you?’ “Yes, sir,” answered Bentley’s stern tones, the reply coming on Kit like a thunderbolt; **You can probabl Colton, who stabb purchasing a mine, but as wethink with the object of murdering you and your wife, that he might obtain possession of her fortune!” “Colton! Worthington! my wife! me!” stam- mered Kit; ‘‘ gentlemen, this is a serious matter and must be looked into. ‘Charley !” and as tho other appeared in re- Sponse to his call, he continued; “ please see to these horses; gentlemen, walk into the house.” And without demur the new arrivals followed him into the sitting-room, when Kit, excusing himself, hurried up-stairs for a moment, where he found the girl so excited on account of this in- Lig oa that he saw that it would not be pos- sible for her to be coherent a minute at a time, So he advised her tolie down for a while, pemoiing that none of them would leave the ouse, and saying to Frank: ¢ ** Precious as every moment is, there is noth- ing to be gained by urging this poor girl, for un- til she is less nervous she can not possibly relate to us what she knows. “So come down-stairs, and you, Jenny, lie down and try to sleep; it will do you good and you need fear nothing.” And the girl consenting Kit led the way down stairs, followed by Frank and Dan, while the frightened girl bolted and locked the door and closed the windows before she dared try to sleep SO nervous was she. And, the three entering the parlor, where they were at that moment joined by Charley, requested their visitors to be seated, and then prepared themselves to listen to what they might have to say. CHAPTER XIIL MR. FOX ADVISES. BENTLEY naturally constituted himself spokes- man, and told his story from beginning to end, not sparing himself nor seeking to palliate his criminal intentions. ‘‘T was dazed,” said he, “‘ by the glowing pic- tures that Colton painted, and dazzled by the prcepecs of securing, at one stroke, the wealth C) promised me if I would follow his counsels, *“He had been here and made Mr. Danford’s acquaintance, Peery his confidence to a cer- tain extent, so that when your wife’s father ”— addressing Kit—‘‘ came to New York, he asked Colton to recommend him to some lawyer, and that was the way we met. ‘I betrayed him, and am partially responsible for his death; but, after Colton had attempted to assassinate me, and I lay for long weeks in re! bed with nothing to do but think, I realized fully to what depths of degradation I had fallen, aad how fearfully criminal I had been in allying myself with such a man as my accomplice ha proven himself to be “A liar, a thief, a murderer, an assassin; had I not become the same through countenancing, aiding and eta J ays in his evil designs? it bit ** And I repente terly then, and bitterly do I repent it now. . “If I deserve the penitentiary or worse, send me to prison or to death; but first let me track this man to earth, that a | at least have the thought to console me that I have rid society of one scoundrel, and sent him to the punish- ment he so justly merits; then do with me as you will. : ' And as he ceased speaking, he buried his face in his hands, while his whole frame trembled and shook with the pangs of remorse. : ‘* It is not for me to judge you,” replied Kit, “and your conscience is its own punishment. And now that you have, I believe, sincerely re- pented, and are endeavoring to your utmost to right the wrong you did my wife and me, for rans and for myself I pardon you freely and ally.’ “God bless you for that, Mr. Barton—God bless you for that! Such words as those from your lips are more dear to me than a thousand such fortunes as I plotted to gain!” And grasping Kit’s outstretched hand he shook | it warmly, while Frank and Charley and Dan in turn clasped his fingers in warm approval of his actions. i Then, when they had all settled down again after this little display of feeling, Bentley asked Kit what had happened at the cottage that he had referred to, SIT oR : : > ' aid me in finding Craig me, as I thought, and he also, to death, and then fled to Colorado, dis- Zuised as one Edward Worthington. ' “ He came, he claimed, with the intention of The Mad Man-Hunter. “That you may understand,” answered Kit, *“*T must tell you what has occurred since I re- turned yesterday morning, and, indeed, it is best you should be familiar with the events of the ant two days, that you may fully under- ta stan ‘*Tn the first place, I must inform you of one thing: Colton—if he and Worthington were really one and the same, and there seems to be no doubt of that—Colton is—dead!” ** Dead!” exclaimed the three new arrivals in chorus. ° “ee Dead. ” ** And how and when?” asked Bentley. “Some months ago, he was killed b being washed over a cliff by a stream into which he had fallen accidentally.” ‘* But you are sure?” ‘* Certain, beyond a doubt.” “Then I come too late for revenge; but, at least he is now harmless to injure you. ‘‘ Excuse me, howeyer, for interrupting you, and let us know what-has happened here.” And in as few words as he could, Kit told them of the occurrences of the past three days beginning with the discovery of the murder man’s body and ending with the events that had taken place during the past few hours. ‘‘ And do you suspect no one?” asked Fox, who had been an attentive listener. ‘From what Jenny cried when she recovered from her first fainting-fit, I am almost positive that the madman with whom 1 had the encoun- ter at the Faithful mine is at the bottom of this last murder and. this abduction. ‘** And I have sworn not to rest until 1 have found my wife and punished the man who car- ried her off.” ‘* And I!” said the three friends, Frank, Char- ley and Dan, as with one voice. ‘“Now look here, gentlemen,” said Fox, so earnestly that all were impressed by his tone: ** you are now coming to something in which I have had many years’ experience, and I am go- ing to tell you something. “ ‘You are all young and hot-headed, and un- der the influence of the moment have made rash vows which it would be the hight of foolishness to keep. ** You would, not one of you, starve a horse you were about to enter in a race for a purse, yet in this race for life you weaken yourselves at the outset. “No, gentlemen, No/ Eat ahearty meal to- night, sleep soundly afterward, and to-morrow aie it is now too late to do anything,” point- ing to the setting sun as he spoke—“‘ we will set out, and, my word as a detective who has never sailed, we will find the young lady and bring her ck, ‘Sensibly spoken by a sensible man!” cried Kit, “‘ and it would be the hight of foolishness to do otherwise than as you suggest, and I for one, will take your advice, although it seems hard to lag, when my poor Dainty is in distress, and I am sure that my friends will agree with me and act as I do.” “Whatever you decide, Kit, we will abide by: won't we boys?” asked Frank. And Charley and Dan having answered in the affirmative, they again settled down to the im- portant business of the hour. ‘Now, gentlemen, that that little matter is settled, suppose you secure me for a time, and I will take a look around.” “Certainly, Mr. Fox: would you like to have one of us to go with you and show you about the house and grounds?” “Thank you, sir, yes, Suppose that you come with me, Mr. Charley, and we will first go out to the stable and see the dead negro,” ‘Yes, and, Charley, please lay his body on his cot; we will b him to-morrow; the dead must not be entirely neglected for the living.” “ All right, Kit,* and Charley, rising, left the room, followed by the detective, and led the way to the stable. ; The body of Old Pete still lay in the place where they had first found it, and Fox, throw- ing the doors of the stable wide open, that he might have plenty of light, began to examine the corpse with all the care of a surgeon about to begin a post-mortem. Having finished his scrutiny, he then request- ed Charley to aid him when they carried the r fellow’s body into the room he had occupied uring life, and which formed part of the stable, laid it on the cot and, covering the corpse with a blanket, silently withdrew, locking the door after them. ** Now, young fellow, sup that you feed rd day’s work be- the horses, they may have a fore them, to-morrow. “Pll take a stroll by myself and come back ) 8S SSS “Is there any way in which I can be of ser- soon; but don’t wait for me; I may be gone _ some time.” And Mr. Fox, walking off as unconcernedly as if on Broadway, soon disappeared over the brow of the hill, while Charley, having fed and bedded the horses, returned to the house, CHAPTER XIV. HOW THE MANIAC CAME. THE evening wore away, and darkness came on yet Fox had not returned, so at Bentley's ma suggestion they decided not to wait for him any Rs longer, and after eating a hearty meal, retired Rane for the night, Kit, however, insisting on sleep- ing in the sitting-room, so that he might let the detective in should he come back during the night. ‘Don’t worry about Fox,” said Bentley; “he is one of the shrewdest men that ever New You k saw, and will get into no trouble from which Le ' cannot escape. ‘I have no doubt that he bas discovered some clew and that he is following it up, and really do not see the necessity of waiting for him.” ‘* Well, it will do no harm, and in case any- a thing turns up, I will be on hand. ** And, besides, should he return to-night, he will want some lunch, for you say that he has eaten nothing since this morning.’ “That is true; but you can depend on it, that if Fox needs anything, he will procure it by some means or the other,” “Tam glad to hear you speak thus of him, for he doubtless will be of inestimable service to us in our search, although I have no doubt that we will find some trace of Dainty, my wife, in the morning.” ** And what are your plans, if I may ask?’ “We will first see what Jenny has to say and if my theory is correct, and the madman has had something to do with this affair, we will go , at once to the Faithful mine and search that f. neighborhood thoroughly. ‘If we are not successful there, I confess that I will be at a loss what to do.” ‘‘ Well, let us hope for the best. Good-night.” ““Good-night, Mr. Bentley, Charley will show you and your brother to your room, “‘T will have to ask you to be satisfied with one room between you, as the house is not very derge; but you will find two comfortable beds ere nf dina > é _ « P. dl ip item Loe SR gee lit in ‘a cool « ‘Which is one more than we need. I only hope we are not turning any one else out?” ‘Not at all. There are three bedrooms left —one for Frank and Charley, one for Dan, and another for Mr. Fox when he returns, “ Good-night, all.” And in a short time the household sunk to “ip slumber, and nothing occurred to disturb them | See during the entire night. ~ie With the first break of day Kit was up and | Cae stirring, and stepped outside to see if there were Be a any signs of the detective, but there was no one in sight; so he re-entered, went to the kitchen, and was actively engaged in prepar- ing breakfast when the others came down- stairs, : a “ Charley,” said Kit, raising his voice so as to os 4 be heard above the sizzling and the spluttering i. ea of the frying-pan, ‘‘go up and knock at the door of my wife’s room, and ask Jenny if she is well enough to dress and come down-stairs, “She must be hungry, poor child, and if she does not feel like leaving the room, we can send ie ie something wp to her.” Peg al So Charley went to the door end knocked, Be Te when it was instantly opened by Jenny, who was ‘oe. completely dressed and looked much rested, al- ‘a though she was decidedly pale, “ee ‘* How do you feel this morning, Jenny?” ask- a Charley, eg : Sf | ‘Oh, much better, sir, thank you, for I slept . 4% very well indeed, although at first my dreams is ie were something terrible.” : i “Well, you had better come down-stairs and Bt have some breakfast, for you must feel faint, .. and a cup of coffee will do you good.” — met “Why, sir, I was just going to the kitchen to ls get breakfast ready when you knocked.” er ; “Well, you are too late to do that. Mr, ee Barton has acted cook, and everything is pre- eo Ve ared, a: “Oh, that is too bad; but I can serve it, at Le any rate,” and she hurried down to the kitchen, of where she apologized a thousand times for her eK tardiness, But Kit soon put a stop to that, and in a few minutes the table was ready, when they seated +i themselves, all joining Kit in requesting pretty le Jenny to pour out the coffee and to take her seat 3 at the table with them, to which, after scmede #3 mur, she consented, : a , a When all had been served Kit asked Jenry to no it 4 ¥ ; * 7x" ee faint Test am 7 =e S = sone iia! ‘ an —_ = eh ual eh 6% VRS 438) Sy Sahota HA . 5 ; a44h e tt ow gn a wat eb eee + Daxt aE ai aa ee oar ea r 7 Doers sae
Page 9
- ‘tell them what had happened, so that they might lose no time, but start immediately after breakfast in search of Dainty. “I was seated in Mrs, Barton’s room, doing some sewing, when she asked me to go down- stairs and make her a cup of tea, for it was about noon, and she wished some lunch. : “So going to the kitchen, I proceeded to light the fire, when I found that there was no wood in the box, and stepped to the back door to call Old Pete and ask him to bring some in. ‘But, as I looked out, the blood seemed to freeze in my veins, and I was paralyzed with terror so that my feet seemed fastened to the ground and my tongue felt as if glued to the roof of my mouth; I could neither call out nor escape and stood there like one dazed, while the terrible scene before me burnt itself into my bra n and into my memory. * Pete was standing just inside the open door of the stable, washing a set of harness, whis- tling gleefully, and his back turned toward me, while just behind him and crawling stealthily Seward the unsuspecting negro was a horrible- jooking figure that I thought the wildest and the fiercest that I had ever seen.” “You could not see his face, I suppose,” said Kit, interrupting the girl intentionally, that she might have time to recover from her ever-in- creasing excitement. ** No, sir; his back was toward me and I could only see his matted white hair, the rags in which he was clothed, his bare feet and his long, bony fingers as they clutched a murderous-looking white club, with a large knot on the end of it, and raised.it high above his head. ** And in an instant the blow descended and poor Pete crashed face downward to the floc wr, when his assassin leaped upon him, turned him on his back and drawing a knife, slashed him across the face and throat and then began a series of wild leaps and jumps, that convinced me that he was mad, ‘And then realizing, it seemed for the first time, that my own life was in danger, I turned and with a loud cry, fled into the house, looking over my shoulder as I ran, when, to my horror, I saw that he was pursuing me. “Rushing up-stairs to Mrs, Barton’s room to warn her, and hurrying inside, I turned to close and lock the door; but it caught on the mat and would not close, and at that moment the rapid feet that were following me leaped up the stairs a dozen at a time it seemed to me, and the wild figure bounded into the room just as I slipped behind the half-open doocr and concealed m yself, And as the maniac dashed into the room he raised his murderous club on high, while Mrs. Barton, folding her arms, stood confronting him, with a look of quiet scorn on her face.” CHAPTER XV. MR. FOX RETURNS. , FoR a moment the girl ceased speaking, while Kit murmured a few words to himself, and then said aloud: ‘I know how my wife’s bravery would sus- tain her in such an emergency; but what hap- pened then?” ‘‘ For a few minutes they gazed at each other,” ‘continued Jenny, ‘the shifting eyes of the mad- man wavering beneath Mrs. Barton’s steady look, until, finally, he leaped forward, grasped her about the waist and swung her on his shoulder as if she had been a feather, and then turned geile Sec and left the room, shouting and howling with an insane delight. “At that moment the tension became too reat, for I thought that he intended to murder rs. Barton and then return and do away with me, and a mist spread before my eyes, I reeled and fell, and knew nothing more until I came to my senses and saw you bending over me.” ‘And did the madman say nothing; utter no words?” “No sentence that I could catch, although I distinctly heard him mutter something about revenge and Danford and murder,” “The vaporings of a disordered brain, no doubt,” added Frank, as he rose from the table. “ And now, Kit, what do you suggest?” “Mr. Bentley,” said the young fellow, nod- ding to Frank to wait a moment, “a few days of our bracing Colorado air will make you a new man, but let me advise you not to Over-exert yourself. A person who is not acclimated easi} exhausts himself in this light air, so I would ad- vise you to remain about the house for a few days, and rest. I will see that you and your brother are well-armed, and need not request you to shoot that maniac down, should he re- turn, as you would a mad-dog, ‘‘ By remaining here you can protect the house and see that no harm comes to Jenny, for, poor The Mad Man-Hunter. child, I would not agree to her remaining here alone. ‘In a few days you can begin to take regu- lar exercise, but just now we four will go in search of my wife. What do you say?” I will ee to anything that ypu may sug- gest, Mr. Barton, and of course Henry will do whatever I ask.” ‘* Then that matter is settled. ““And now, Frank, as to your question: We will start out, you, Charley, Dan and I, and will scour the country in every direction, returning here every night to report and can- sult, for we will each take a different direc- tion, you going into the canyon, Dan and Charley taking the road east and west, respec- tively, while [ will again visit the locality of the Faithful mine, and see if { can find any trace of the madman.” And the three friends, having seen that Bentley and his supposed brother were thor- oughly armed and able to resist any violence that might be attempted, left the house, went to the stable and there constructed a coffin as well as they could with the materials and tools at their disposal, placed the body of Old Pete therein, and, digging a grave down near the banks of the stream that flowed along back of the house, buried him, silently and sorrowfully. For Pete had been a faithful servant and | they mourned his loss as sincerely as if he had | been a companion instead of a domestic. And then, saddling their horses, they were about to ride off, when their attention was at- tracted by a figure which appeared in the dis- tance, walking slowly toad them, and as it drew near they saw that it was Fox, who came along slowly, whistling as unconcernedly as if he had been strolling up his favorite Broad- | way, and switching right and left with a light cane he had cut from some neighboring bush. ‘““Good-morning, gentlemen,” he cried, as he came within speaking distance, greeting them as | coolly as if he had not been absent all night, but had occupied a bed in the cottaze, if Good-morning, Mr. Fox,” replied the three, one after the other, when Kit continued: “You have had an extensive walk, Mr. Fox, or atleast it seems so from the looks of your shoes,” “Yes, I’ve had quite a stroll,” returned the other, indifferently, eying with much apparent intetwn an eagle that was soaring far above their reads, ** Any news?” “* News?” “ Yes, ” ** About what?” “Why, about my wiie; about the maniac!” answered Kit, impatiently, somewhat vexed by the other’s seeming indifference. “Oh! About Mrs. Barton I know nothing, but as to the maniac, he is treed.” ‘“*'Treed?” ““Treed; or rather trapped. I have him se- curely fixed where he won't suffer from too much | exercise, and where he will await until I return even if I should be absent fer a year or so.” ‘But, for Heaven’s sake, Fox,” cried Kit, “tell us what has happened, or—” “Now, Mr. Barton, be kind enough to listen to me a moment,” replied the detective, earnest- ly, and droppitig his indifferent manner as if it were a Mask, ‘Of the safety of your wife I am positive; how! by that intuition which becomes a second nature with men in my calling and I promise you that she shal] be returned to you, safe and sound before the sun sets, or I will forfeit my reputation and turn cow-puncher. ‘ We are dealing with a man who is naturally shrewd, or I am much mistaken, and his natural shrewdness is hightened by his insane cunning, so that we must fight him with his own wea- pons and oppose cunning by cunning, shrewd- ness by shrewdness, “Your wife has doubtless been hidden away in some secret place where we Would never find her, unless we can compel the madman to dis- | close this hiding-place, and it is to attain this end that I am now striving. “But,” and his tone here became that of a person accustomed to order and be obeyed, “I must not be interfered with, or I cannot answer for the result. ** Please remember, gentlemen, that I am now engaged on something that a life experience and training have fitted me for, and that one false step may ruin all. “May I ask, then, that you leave me to act as I think best and that vou, for the time being, doasI ask? I will gladly relinquish the direc- tion of matters if you think that any one of you can manage this affair better than I,” 9 “Go ahead, Fox,” cried Kit, heartily; “we have every confidence in you and will not inter- fere with your arrangements. ** What shall we do?” “Stable your horses, go into the sitting-rocm and do not leave the premises until I instruct you todoso. ‘You will hear from me soon.” And waiting until they were ready, he ac- companied them into the house, where they went into the sitting-room, while he proceeded up- shat Informing Bentley of the reason of their re- turn, they sat there chatting for some time, when suddenly Dan, whe was facing the door, leaped to his feet with staring eyes, and pointed toward the hall, fairly shrieking: “ Look id And then staggered back into the corner, while the others, turning, gazed in terror at the apparition that stood in the open doorway. CHAPTER XVI, JUST IN TIME. WHEN the maniac bounded into the room where Dainty was standing, she, brave girl that she was, did not attempt to escape, but stood her ground steadily and looked at him, with a slight sneer curling her delicate lips. er look cowed him for a moment, and then, with the fire of insanity glaring in his eyes with redoubled brightness, he sprung upon and seized her, lifted her from the floor with sur- passing ease and strength, and hurried from the room. He leaped down the stairs and out through the open door with incredible swiftness, the frail girl powerless in that iron clasp, and half- palsied by terror, and realizing that any effort to escape might result in a renewed frenzy and excess of passion on his part, did not en- deavor to free herself, but lay quiescent in his arms. Across the lawn, past the stable, through the open door of which she could see the body of | Old Pete lying on the floor, and down to the bank of the creek he hurried, and reac hing the stream turned up to the west and ran rapidly along for a couple of miles, never hesitating, never faltering, but pressing up the steep slope | with undiminished speed. Finally he stopped and laid the girl gently on the turf, and, taking his belt from his waist, tied her wrists together and fastened the other end of the rag to a tree, so high up that she was left in a sitting position. Then picking up bis knife, which had fallen from his belt, and leaving the thigh-bone he car- ried against the tree, he turned and plunged into the wood at the left, soon disappearing from sight, while the girl, raising er tugged and pulled and tore at her bonds until she had al- most succeeded in freeing herself. But as she gave one final wrench, the mad- man reappeared and again seized her, end y ick- ing up a club, he carried her on his shoulder deep into the recesses of the wood to a place where he had constructed a sort of roof by lay- ing thickly leaved branches across two cut- stretching limbs of a tree, the roof being at out six feet from the ground. Dainty could not imagine what fate he had in store for her, but was not allowed much time for reflection, as he placed her against the trunk of the tree, and fastening her elbows behind her back tied her securely, and then, gathering her braided hair, attached a stout cord to the ends of it, and drawing the cord over one of the limbs above, tied it tightly, so that, even if she should succeed in freeing her hands, it would be almost impossible for her to release herself, so cunningly and skillfully was the twine twisted and knotted into her hair. Then, having performed a sort of fantastic dance on the turf before her, brandishing his club and swinging it in such fearful circles about her unprotected head that she thought he intended striking her, he suddenly gave a wild yell and started off in the direction whence he had come, leaving her bound and entirely helpless. The afternoon wore cn and the shades of even- ing came down, until darkness settled down and night covered the scene; and Dainty stood there, having found that, struggle as she might, she could not release herself, and reserving her strength that she might be able to resist the fatigue that was slowly but surely assailing her. The maniac, after reaching the stream, fol- lowed it down its course until he came to a point where it disappeared through an opening in the ground, below which what had evidently been the former bed of the stream lay dry and bare, its rocky surface showing no sign that the stream had flowed there in months.
Page 10
10 | The Mad Man-Hunter. Proceeding on down the bed he came to a “ Are you Pete’s twin brother or are you his | himself there that they might give pursuit if point where it had worn a hole through the op- | ghost?” the detective’s theory proved correct. eat posing mass of rock, and to enter which he was For the man who had thus suddenly appeared Then as the detective, from his hiding-place eta compelled to creep on hands and knees until the | before them was as like Pete as one pea is to es a low whistle Kit, taking the key, and Dee YN opening widened and grew higher and he was | another and was dressed in a complete suit of | having removed the maniac’s knife and club to ; able to walk upright. the dead negro’s clothes, so that the resemblance | a safe distance, stoo and unlocked the man- ah: Through this species of tunnel he walked si- | was almost perfect. acles from feet and hands, when with a leap, ir lently and cautiously, until he came to an open- ‘‘ Neither one nor the other,” answered a voice | the madman sprung to his feet and glared ; ing in the side of the wall of rock, Ly + that was decidedly familiar to all of them, be- | wildly about. ; which came a bright glare, and stopping, he | ing none other than that of A. Fox, esquire, de- And at that moment, the bushes near him a peered cautiously in. tective. ; parted, and the figure of Pete stepped in full Inside was a large, vaulted cavern, the walls “Your disguise is perfect, although, of course, | view, a ghastly gash across his throat and, of which seemed to be one mass of gold-bearing | the clothes add much to the illusion.” two crimson slashes on his forehead, and ad- quartz, and so rich was the rock in the precious ‘‘ Well, I am satisfied with the test,” replied | vanced toward the lunatic menacingly. metal that, in the light of a dozen lamps swun the detective, “‘and think that it will work toa For a moment the maniac stood as if stricken. about, the sides and roof of the cavern glowed | charm when I try it on the lunatic, for I de- | to stone, and then, with a wild.yell, he turncd yellow and bright. ceived you all, excepting the boy there, who has | and fled up the creek, casting fearful glances. A dozen or twenty miners were at work in | seen me in this disguise before.” over his shoulder and leaping away in a burst ; the cavern, picking out the ore with sturdy “‘ Nevertheless,” answered Henry, “if I had | of tremendous speed that soon left Frank, Kit ; 4’ strokes, while others shoveled it into barrows, | not known that poor Old Pete was under the | and Charley far ehind. i in which it was wheeled away to a shaft pierced’| sod, I would not have been able to recognize But sturdy long-legged Dan kept up the chase i into a pangs: leading from the cavern. you, and was for a moment, decidedly startled.” | and followed the maniac at a speed that equaled This was Kit Barton’s mine, and so wonder- “And you propose to test the lunatic with this | that of the fleeing man, ran close behind him up. ; fully productive was it that his wealth could disguise?” asked Frank. the hill, plunged into the woods after him, and Re only be estimated by millions, and was ever Yes.” replied the detective, entering the | seizing him in his owerful arms flung him far increasing, as the ore grew richer and richer as | room and taking a chair in response to an invi- | to one side, just as he was about to leap forward ' they penetrated deeper into the bowels of the | tation from Charley, while Dan, the supersti- | and strangle the fainting girl, whose strength i : earth. tious, walked outside, a little ashamed of his re- | was exhausted and would have fallen to the As if fascinated, the maniac crouched there | cent exhibition of fear. ground had it not been for the bonds that held . for several hours, watching the men hewing the ‘“‘T believe that I can frighten him into lead- | her with such diabolical ingenuity. riches from the mountain fastnesses, until one | ing us to the place where he left your wife.” And as Dan released her, Kit and his two by one the miners quit work, and all the lamps “Do you think that you can affect lunatics | friends came dashing up, followed by the detec- save one were extinguished, the cavern being | in that way?” tive, and aided her rescuer in restoring Dainty deserted save by the two watchmen, who seated “Well, if can dono harm, and if my plan fails | to consciousness. : themselves at the opposite end of the corridor | I am very much mistaken. The maniac had disappeared. e and began to eat their evening meal. ‘‘ But before we leave I must tell you how it ’ ’ x ye > mai ay ig \ Then the madman, taking a heavy parcel he happe ned that I remained away all night. CHAPTER XVIII, After securing the madman—I will tell you ee some other time how I captured him—I followed HENRY 'S LOCEET. on down the trail or rather bed of the creek, for Mr. Fox, in his excitement, had forgottem some distance. all about his appearance and now stood, wip- ‘“T had seen my man coming from that direc- | ing the rspiration from his brow with his tion and thought that I might possibly discover | sleeve, the result being that his face was soon some trace of Mrs. Barton by following up this | streaked with stripes of red black and white, slight clew. where the paint rubbed off, until he looked as if "So I walked on, crawled through the narrow | he had been blacked-up for a minstrel show and passage, reached a sort of cleftin the rock along | then had assumed the part of a clown ina panto- which I could walk upright and went on to the | mime. end, noticing as I went, an opening in the rock But he was suddenly recalled to a sense of his through which a light shone.’ condition by Charley, who, happening to look at. “My mine,” explained Kit, “which I will | him, instantly burst into a fit of laughter, which take pleasure in showing you at some future | however, he quickly checked, and then said to time.’ the detective: ‘Well, to make a long story short, I will say ‘For goodness’ sake, Fox, go and wash your that I reached the end of this subterranean pas- | face in the brook. If Mrs. Barton catches sight. sage and looked out into an unknown depth, | of your face after what she has gone through nearly stepping off in the darkness and breaking | with, it will certainly drive her crazy.” my neck.’ And the detective, realizing what a looking ‘Yes, it is a dangerous place, and we must | object he must he, left the party, and could soon. have it closed up.” rs be heard, puffing and blowing and splashing ‘“‘ Well, I groped about until I found that there | like a porpoise down by the creek. ; was a ladder—an iron ladder—which led to the | Ina short time Dainty was feeling somewhat = foot of the cliff, and descending it I walked off restored, and Kit, sending Charley off to the = into the wood, got lost and had to wait until | house for a horse, led his wife to the streamand = daylight to find my way back,” gave her a cooling draught of water, seat- ‘ And you had nothing to eat?” ing her in the saddle when the horse appeared, ‘Oh, yes. I found something in a cabin in and ane, her tenderly to the cottage, — the center of a clearing and also a good bed, so | where pretty Jenny had Er ared an appetiz — did not suffer any privation.” my ee of chicken mit or her. a ae ps 3 found hidden under a heap of rubbish just un- derneath the hole which opened into the cavern scrambled up the rock and dropped lightly and unseen inside, and placed the parcel he carried in one corner of the deserted cavern, Then unrolling a long red cord he again climbed through the hole, and unwinding the ball of cord he carried, which was aepeny Sars or less than a rapid fuse, he walked up the dry m1 bed of the creek, crawled through the narrow Ns passage that led to the air, and laid the end of : he fuse on the dry rock. ns Then pears | he took from some hidden re- a ceptacle about his clothes a box of matches and tried to light one, but they were damp or spoiled _ in some manner, and he scratched one after the ny other without result. So flinging the box far away from him, he tore a strip from his ragged garments and picked it apart, thread by thread, until he had a little - bunch of lint lying in his hand, which would serve admirably as tinder, and then hunted Di about until he found a piece of flint rock, which Ap holding in one hand, he struck with the back of ae the blade of his knife. re The first two or three efforts were ineffectual ya but at the third stroke aspark flew from the wie stone, but did not fall on the tinder, so, stoopin yet lower he raised his knife to strike a secon (es pee Faint gO wath 5 Spe Wie Bl spark. ts ; But at that moment a figure leaped from the « eS bank above him, landing on his shoulders and hurl- ; ing him to the ground, while a pair of muscular ‘“‘ But you learned nothing of Dainty—of my d after she had partaken of some nourish- ae hands grasped his wrists and held them immov- | wife?” ment, she retired to her room, and feeling se- et ably fast, while the knife flew in one direction, | _‘‘ Not a thing; but now we must start, and | cure and safe, as she knew that her husband = | Dent the flint in another. ere begins the time when you can aid me.” and his friends were watching over her, she i And Fox, with a seregl 5 that showed long| ‘And how?” soon fell into a deep sleep, which lasted until = er practice, slipped a pair of handcuffs on the ‘¢ Tt will not do for me to unloose my pris.er, | far into the next morning. i 4 is maniac’s wrists, and manacles on his ankles, and | so one of you will have to perform that task for And during that day Kit and his three com~ | me. panions remained in the house, keeping Bentley = “When you release him, step back out of the | and his brother company, while the restless Fox, way and I will appear before him, and if my wandered about the neighborhood ina vain — idea is a correct one, the madman will flee in | search for the madman, of whom he could, how- the direction whence he last came, and will thus | ever, find no trace. ; ie lead us to Mrs. Barton.” And toward evening he rode into Golder _ “Then we, that is Frank, Charley, Dan, and I Gulch, where the miners had congregated ir will go with you and when he tries to escape we | force, and calling them together he told then, | will follow him,” of the events of the past two or three days, firs’ “Exactly, while I return to the house and | introducing himself to them. ? fix myself up, as I do not want to frighten | _“‘ And now,” he said, in conclusion, “you cer — Mrs. Barton oP appearing before her in this | all see what a viper you have been cherishinf : shape.” , in aiding this madman. ; | ee “Very considerate indeed; and now let us be “The happiness of Mr. Barton, his life may _ off: we have wasted too much time already.” be, on one hand, the safety of this maniac So, calling Dan, they all started off, leaving the other. I need not ask which you wi the house and Jenny in charge of Mr. Bentley | choose. ; er and Henry, who promised to guard both care-| | “And for the protection of your employer, fully. interests, I ask you, should you be able to rat It did not take very long for the four friends | ture this lunatic, who now has three murde, — to reach the spot where the madman lay bound, | on his hands that we know of, I hope and | and although he was pitching and tossing about | lieve that you will spare no effort todoso, , | and wrenching at the steel gyves, yet they were “Tt is not safe that he should be abrov proof and did not give in the least. and I willleave no stone unturned to placek At asignal from Kit, Dan walked up the creek | in safe keeping. ; | i a couple of hundred yards and hid in the trees, ‘‘He is undoubtedly not responsible for, — Charley doing the same half that distance | actions, so does not deserve punishment; ye away, while Frank went below and stationed | he does deserve being placed in a lunatic® fe *% ‘then, dragging him to the top of the bank sli a chain through manacle and cuff and park ocked the ends about a tree near by. ‘‘ There, my candidate for the insane asylum,” he muttered, ‘‘I think you will not escape be- fore I return.” And then, unaware of the fuse lying there which he had not seen in the darkness, he walked on down the bed of the creek and plunged into the tunnel to investigate the premises. CHAPTER XVII ‘ DAN TO THE RESCUE, ; For a moment Kit and his companions were \- gtruek speechless and could only gaze at the open doorway in which stood the apparition which had so startled them. But had there been one of them who was not so much occupied that he could notice anything but that central figure, he would have remark- ed that the boy Henry did not seem at all startled, but on the contrary appeared to be de- cidedly amused, i At length Kit recovering himself somewhat, rose and advanced toward fhe door, saying, as he drew near the figure that had caused so much consternation: Pe > + « ‘ f a x ‘ nn = ay I . >) : 7s sealed “= eee bas 2 aid high . { oe: 7 Tae ore ; - 5 —8 27 | a SER) 7A ae mene ae at = a Ol Senge pe oat
Page 11
MRL Se 2h ting — bre it was.a p anc, “No, sir i it was accidentally Jum, where he will be powerless to do injury _ vo any one. “Do any of you know his name or anything about him?” ‘The boys call him the Mad Miner,” answer- ed a voice from the crowd; ‘“‘ but no one knows anything about him. “He used to be around the Faithful mine, and would sometimes hammer out a little dust if he could get hold of a piece of quartz, and sometimes made a little stake out of the tailings, for which the boys would always give him more aoe the stuff was worth, wishing to help him a ittle. “Well, if you can get hold of the Mad Miner, let me know, and I will see him safely placed in the hands of the authorities; but promise me not to inflict any injury on him, for I am an of- ficer of the law, and will see that law respected, whether I am in Colorado or New York.” ‘‘Oh, we won’t hurt him, if Mr. Barton re- quests it, although if the boys did as they want- ed to after this last act of his against Mrs. Bar- ton, they’d string the lunatic up to the first tree; am I right, fellows?” 3 “You bet you are!” cried a score of voices, while one of the miners added: ‘ but w’ot Mis- ter Barton sez goes, ev'ry time, an’ we'll not harm ther cuss.” “ Thank you, men, all of you, and now I must tell you that Mr. Barton wishes you not to work to-morrow, but to devote yourselves to scouring | the country in search of the madman. ‘*- Your pay goes on as usual.” “Thank you, sir, and thank Mr. Barton for us,” replied the spokesman, Amos Baldwin, ‘* and if the man is to be found we'll find him.” ** Well, good-night.” “‘Good-night, sir,” and then turning to the crowd Baldwin sung out: ** Three cheers for Mr. Fox!” And amid the thundering of the hoarse voices, the detective doffed his his hat and rode off to- ward the cottage. riving there he stabled his horse and then entered the house, where he found the party at the table, all beiag present but Dainty, who was asleep and Jenny, who was watching her mis- tress, having taken a cup of tea when she had prepared the evening meal... oy ox reported the result of his visit to Kit and then seated himself at the table and ate a hearty meal, and when they had smoked and chatted a little they dropped out, one at a time and went to their rooms, Kit being the last and seein that the house was locked up and that all the doors and windows on the first floor were locked and fastened. The four friends and Fox were pretty well tired out and were soon sound asleep, while Bentley and Henry sat for some time, talking about various things. ~ _ “But your restaurant, Henry,” said Bentle in reply to a remark by the boy that he would willingly remain in Colorado all summer, if it were necessary and Mergen! wished him to do so. “Oh, the restaurant will take care of itself; most of my business is done in winter and even then I hardly make enough to keep the wolf from the door. “But as long as I have a place to sleep and coal to keep me warm, I can manage to worry ag Toys ow.” * Why don’t you sell out?” A good joke; no one would buy the old shanty, and besides, it isn’t mine. Some of Jor- relatives may turn up any day and claim ‘Then what will you do?” ‘J don’t know; I'll have to hustle around and get work of some sort.” “ Well, don’t worry, Spee it; I'll see that you thing, and will take you into my office and make a lawyer out of you; how never want for any ‘would that suit!” “Just my ambition; but I do not see how I ort myself and study at the _ can manage to supp same time.” Tll manage that.” “ Much obliged, sir, but I'd rather— Pshaw!” dhe cried ed, as he sto suddenly. * What is the Peer?” : Why, I’ve broken the chain of my locket.” I never knew you wore a locket.’ “Yes, I have had it ever since I can remem- ve always worn it under my vest. asylum told me that aren icture of my mother, judging from a Y' note she said she had found in one of my pock- . ber, and” The matron at the orphan sewed tightly inside,” 4. ets, ; ~ * And did you see the note?” oyed.” “Can I ture?” y destroy ; ook at your locket, and at the pic- The Mad Man-iiunter. » ene ee ee ee ee | “Certainly, sir!” And unfastening the clasp, Henry handed the locket to Bentley. As he looked at it he clasped his hand to his forehead, gazed alternately at the picture and at the boy, and then cried: ‘Great heavens! can it be possible?” And gazing closer to the light, he studied the picture intently. CHAPTER XIX. A REMINISCENCE. THE boy sat on the edge of his bed, looking at his friend in amazement, while the latter, deeply ; absorbed in the study of the miniature, seemed entirely oblivious of his surroundings. At length he turned to the boy; and still hold- ing the locket before his eyes, he said: “ But this note that you referred to—did you not learn its contents?” ‘‘The matron told me of them and repeated eo words to me as nearly as she could remem- T. ** And they were?” “These: “**My only legacy to my: boy, who will soon I se his mother, is the locket containing her picture, that | { hang about his neck, and which I hope he will never part with, z t ‘“**T will not tell him his father’s name—my hus- band shall never know his son if I can prevent it; | Iny son shall never know his father. ‘*Bor that father has abandoned his lawful wife and child, and shall not disgrace my boy by claim- ing him as his son. ***¢Dishonorable in every sense of the word—a gambler, a thief, a forger, a mr/erer—my eyes were never opened to his true character until after my boy was born. “*He was baptized Henry for no other reason | than that it is not his father’s name.’ “ And now, sir, you know all,” added the boy, his voice trembling with emotion. ‘And you have never tried to discover who your father was?” . ‘“‘Never, sir. I have no desire to know the man who drove my mother to her grave.” ‘“* But should that man be dead?” ‘*T would learn the fact with pleasure.” ‘“‘ Then listen: Twenty years ago, or eighteen, maybe, I was living in Philadelphia, and was ust beginning to practice my profession, and aving been successful in one or two minor cases, thought that I was destined té™become one of the hints lights of the legal fraternity. ‘“‘ Near where I boarded lived a widow lady and her daughter, the latter a fair young thing, who seemed to make her home one continual carol of joy and mirth. ‘‘ They were in straitened circumstances, and Eleanor Vaughn had sought end obtained a position in a music store, for she was a perfect mistress of the piano and possessed a magnifi- — voice which had been thoroughly cultiva- “T was returning home from my office one night, it being nearly eleven o'clock, having been detained until that hour bY some pressing. business, when, as I neared my boarding-house, T heard a scream down the street and, not think- ing of what the consequences might be, ran as rapidly as I could to the corner, where I found Miss Vaughn struggling with a villainous-look- ing scoun el who was trying to steal her purse. ‘ She had been singing at a concert, that night and returned on the cars with some friends, leaving them at the corner, having but a few steps to walk and declining any further escort; this I learned afterward. “A blow was enough to stop the disturbance and to send the ruffian sprawling in the gutter, and then offering my arm to the lady, and men- tioning my name and where I lived, I walked with her to her home and saw her safely in the house. ‘And blessing my stars for this fortunate chance—for I had seen her often before, and be- lieve that I loved her then—I walked to my own door and was stooping to insert my lateh-ker. when I received a tremendous blow on the head, that sent me senseless to the pavement; the ruf- fian had stolen up behind me and struck me with a slung-shot, being instantly arrested by a policeman who saw the occurrence from the other side of the street. “Tt is needless to say that I was unable to leave my bed for a long time, but I must add that every day during my convalescence_ the daintiest jellies and broths were sent in by Mrs. or Miss Vaughn, while a pretty bunch of flowers often enlivened the monotony of my sick-room and cheered my eye by their beauty. “This was the beginning of our acquaintance and it flowed on moyen until I was about to venture to ask for her hand and heart when the serpent entered my Eden. ; “There came to board in the house where I was living, a young fellow who was the per- fection of manly beauty and who possessed uil the magnetism ‘and attractién of a Mephisto- pheles, and, well—he met Miss Vaughn and she: became infatuated with him, “There is no need of going into particulars; after they were married I moved to New York and soon they came to the same city, where we three became the closest friends and I buried my love deep down in my heart and no one has ever known of it until to-night. ‘“‘ For I had never whispered a word of love to Eleanor and she, poor girl, never suspected the truth. “They suddenly disappeared, and when I next met him, several years afterward, he told. me of being suddenly called_abroad and of hav- ing written to me, and as I had been absent in the West about the time mentioned, I believed him: but have since learned that he was com- pelled to flee the country on account of supposed. complicity in some famous bank robbery. “And when I asked after his wife he told me that she had died in Paris, and that her bab boy had died the next day, and that they bot occupied the same grave in the Protestant cem- etery in Paris.” And as he ceased speaking Bentley buried his face in his hands, and struggled with the emo- tions that almost overpowered him. But quickly recovering himself, he continued: “On account of former associations, we socn became fast friends, and it was through his in- fluence and silky ways that I was led into the plot against Mr. Danford and his daughter, and which I have so deeply repented. “ And from the time that I met him, when he told me that he had been out of the country un- til now, I have never doubted the truth of his story regarding his wife and child.” The boy had become deeply interested, and with parted lips hung on every word that Bent- ley uttered, but when the latter spoke of being led into the plot against Mr. Danford and his daughter, of which the lad had heard, he began. to tremble violently and grew paren | pale. “And now, my boy, my adopted brother,” proceeded Bentley, ‘‘ dear to me before, dearer to me now that Tene you to be the son of ny dead love, be strong, for I must tell you the name of the man who, after ruining your Io- ' ther’s happiness, has left you as a legacy noth- ing but a name which you must scorn. “The man who stole away my love, who de- serted her and you—was Craig Colton! be CHAPTER XX. “rep'’s” FRIENDS. BrentTLEY had turned as he spoke those last words, and stood buried in thought, with his. back toward Henry Colton, as he must now te called, but hearing no sound, he turned and glanced toward the boy. And lying there, as white as the sheets that covered the bed, he saw the lad, as moticnless as if a merciful Providence had stricken him to his death. Hastening to his side he tried in vain to arouse him, and finally, becoming frightened lest the boy might die, he hurried to Kit’s room, and tapping gently on the door, succeeded in arous- ing him without disturbing any of the rest of the household. : «“ What is it?” cried Kit, anxiously, as he saw the white, scared face of Bentley at the half- opened door. . 2 : ‘“My brother is seriously ill, and I want your — assistance.” “Wait a moment and I'll be with you,” re- plied Kit, and in a short time he came out, half- dressed and ready to accompany Bentley. ‘““ What is the matter?” he asked, as they hur- ried through the hall. 5 “A severe mental shock has rendered him in- sensible, and I cannot arouse him.” “A mental shock?” “c Yes.” “You have not seen anything of the maniac?” “Oh, no; I will explain later.” “You are rigbt;” and hurrying into the rocm found the boy still lying insensible, but after a long-continued effort, during which ammcra and brandy were freely used, they aroused bin only to find that his brain was unbalanced ard ecm he was tossing in all the delirium of a brain | ever. The matter was too serious to be trifled with and Kit, going to Dan’s room, wakened him and requested him to ride off to Goléen Gulch in search of a physician who had recently settled there and whose practice, up to this time, had been confined to gun-shot wounds, fractures and »
Page 12
-~ _ «the thing w y—draw twice the amount needed 12 an occasional stab or cut by way of changing ‘the monotony of the thing. And then returning to Bentley’s room he seat- ed himself by the tossing lad, whose only utter- -ance was a constant repetition of the words: ‘*Oh, my mother! my poor mother!” while his head rocked unceasingly from side to side. And Bentley told Kit the story the boy had just heard and which had been such a terrible blow to him, while Kit, when the sad tale was ended, could only murmur: ‘** Poor boy! r boy! asad legacy he has in- herited just as Tite seemed so bright to him!” Silence fell on the twain. ‘in the room but the moaning of the sick boy and Jhis constantly recurring moan: ‘*Oh, my mother! my poor mother!” Dr. Gordon arrived, and in his cheery presence “the two watchers seemed to gain new hope and increased courage. ** A mental shock, hey?” said the doctor, as he held Henry’s wrist and counted the pulse-beats while he looked at his watch, ‘“ Frightened, I suppose. Do not think me inquisitive, Mr. Bar- ton, but between doctor and patient, as with lawyer and client, there should be no secrets, you know. Does this arise from fright or—” ‘He has just learned, doctor, that his father ‘was one of the greatest villains unhung, that he -drove his mother to the grave by his cruelty and that the man whom he had come to Colorado to track to the gallows, but who is now dead, was his own father whom he had never known.” ‘Poor lad! Enough, coming all at one time, to unhinge an older brain than his; but we will pull him through; youth, an excellent constitu- tion, and careful nursing will do as much for him as my poor treatment. I must ask one of you gentlemen to ride back to the town with me and bring some medicine for him; I'll be back early in the morning.” And the kind-bearted physician, shaking hands all round, bowed himself out, followed by Dan and Charley, the latter having risen and come into the room, accompanied by Frank. And soon the detective lounged into the sick- chamber when, to him and Frank, Bentley re- peated what he had already told Kit. ‘* But are you sure that you are not mistaken?” ‘insisted the detective, suspicious by nature and training, and in the habit of probing all things to the bottom, ‘* Would you recognize the portrait of the girl you once loved, even though fifty, instead of a little more than fifteen, years had elapsed since you last saw her?” “I must say that I undoubtedly would,” the -détective was compelled to confess. ‘But if you want any stronger proof,” added Bentley, “‘ take this locket and pry out the ivory miniature. It was painted a short time before Miss Vaughn’s marriage and should have her name on it, written in her own hand.” So, taking the case, the detective inserted the ‘point of hisknife gently behind the ivory leaf ~and removed it from its frame without difficulty, and turning it over so that the reverse side was ‘turned voward him, he read, while the others ecraned forward to see: . “ELEANOR VAUGHN, June 16, 1866.” ‘**The proof is complete, Mr. Bentley,” said the “detective, after a moment’s silence, “and you must pardon my incredulity.” “You were perfectly justified in being skepti- cal, Mr. Fox,” returned Bentley, ‘‘ for the whole story sounds like a romance.” ‘“‘ Well,” said Frank, ‘‘if Harry, there, is the son of Craig Colton, all I have to say is that he is one of the richest boys in Colorado,” “What do you mean?” cried Kit. ‘*Simply that he ownsthe Faithful mine.” ** The Faithful?” ‘“* Exactly.” ‘*By Jove, you are right, Colton did own that -«> when he died. “Yes, if he isdead. Asa lawyer, Mr. Bent- ley, you can answer this question better than , any one else here, ** Does not the fact of a person’s death have to , be legally established before the heir can come into possession of the property?” ** Most certainly.” “Then Harry there will have to prove his father’s death, and it will take money to carry “the case through the courts, “Now, as a friend of the boy, I will ask to be appointed Po mapengrm Kit here will go on my bond for a million or two and I will put the case ‘in your hands. ‘“ Whenever you want a few thousands to push ee Nothing was heard The Mad Man-Hunter, ————eeeseSSs ee —T'll give you blank checks enough—and push | my orders, and in that vessel we can have a tiem twice as fast as you ordinarily would.” ‘* By George, Frank, you’rea brick,” cried Kit, shaking his friend warmly by the hand. ‘* You are indeed,” added Bentley, ‘‘ but there will be no question of money, Colton and I were joint partners in the Faithful mine, as my pa- pers will show, andI am going to make a will to-night, that you.can witness, leaving every- thing I own to Harry, there.” “Mr. Bentley,” said Frank, ‘‘ I withdraw my proposition, and resign in your favor. ** But here come the medicines; now let us go to work and see how soon we can get this poor boy into a condition to enjoy his new fortune.” CHAPTER XXI. THE MAD MINER’S TRIUMPH. As soon as the opiates that were freely admin- istered to Henry began to take effect, the doc- tor’s directions being carefully followed, he be- | came much easier, and the friends, after witness- ing Mr. Bentley’s will retired, leaving him and the detective to watch the patient, Kit and Frank, who seemed much attached to the boy, insisting on relieving them at four o’clock, So, the next morning, when the doctor ar- rived, he found his patient much improved and he that the boy would soon be up and wel, And in the afternoon, when Dainty had heard the story, she insisted on doing her share of the nursing and, her warm woman’s heart going out to the poor boy, she cared for him as tenderly as if he had been a brother. And as he seemed to be rapidly improving, Kit proposed to Fox that they should take a stroll, and that he would show him his mine, to which the detective readily consented, while Frank, Dan and Charley agreed to go with them, Bentley being left in charge of the house, while Kit advised his wife to close and fasten all the doors and windows on'the first floor that she might not run any risk from a second visit of the maniac. And the five men, leaving the house, walked down to the road and thence toa gully which was washed in the bluff on the north bank of the road, and from which the undergrowth thet had once choked it had been cleared away, hav- ing pevompnce to an inclined plane, down which the loaded cars, filled with ore, ran, their weight | pulling the empty cars to the top. Half-way up the gully was the shaft leading | to the mine and here stood an engine used for raising and lowering the buckets of ore, but which now stood silent, as the engineer and fire- man had joined the miners in their hunt for the madman. But there was a small cage that could be worked by hand and in this they safely descend- ed to the bottom, finding the mine deserted, as every one in the neighborhood had joined in the search for the lunatic. So, walking along the passage that led to the cavern, Kit called the d stective’s attention to the masses of almost virgin gold that were in sight and told him how the mine had been be- queathed to him by an old friend of his father, irk he had accidentally encountered in New ork. Fox_was dazzled by this enormous wealth, and when Kit told him that in the canyon, in which Fox had passed a night, his wife Owned a mine which was equally as valuable as this one, the face of the man was a study. ‘“‘T have read and dreamed of such wealth as this,” said he, “‘ but never was face to face with it before, and can scarcely comprehend it, “But what surprises me more than anything else, is, that you and Mrs. Barton, possessing these enormous riches, should be content to re- main here, while there is nothing on earth that you could not command, no country that you could not visit and be royally welcomed.” “We do intend to make a trip around the world, and will start in the fall for San Francis- co, but we are here to try and induce our friends to Join us, and hope that they will, ‘Tam anxious that Bentley and Henry should join us, and now extend an invitation to you to a guest,” ‘You are very kind, but—” and here Fox a gesture that spoke slapped his pocket wit louder than words, “Such trips are not for poor men like my- self,” he added, “‘ much as I would enjoy it.” —_ | ““ Now do not think twice about that.” Should I ask you to become my guest for a month’s trip on my yacht you would not hesitate, I am sure. Consider the invitation as being for a couple of years, and say ‘ Yes,’ | ‘‘T have a nice little craft—the steam yacht ‘Dainty ’—lying in the Golden Gate, awaiting PEER pip hey , Wisi» Nemirar i re ¥ “ very nro cruise. “What do you say; you are not detained by any family ties?” ‘*“ No; I have no relative on earth that I know of, and nothing of that sort prevents.” ** Well, then, consider it a bargain.” **T will, since you are so kind; but are these gentlemen going with you?” ‘They have not yet decided; boys, you had better settle the question now i is it a go.” “T don’t want to say no and I dislike to say yes, Kit, for I am afraid that we would crowd you,” answered Frank, *“** Crowd!’ that isa goodone! My yacht can easily accommodate twenty guests and we will be but ten or a dozen.” “Then, in that case I say yes, and am much obliged for the invitation.” ** Then I'll go too, Kit,” said Dan. ‘““And you, Charley,” persisted Kit, as his friend remained unaccountably silent. ** Tl see about it later.” “Later nonsense, Decide. now; you have nothing to detain you; no one to consult.” ‘Don't be too sure about that,” said Frank, undeterred oy, a “shut up!” from his brother. ‘** Hello! what’s up now?” “Why, Charley is thinking of getting mar- ried.” ‘Married! Charley!” burst out Kit, decidecly astonished. ‘Yes, he has tired of bachelor life and thirks of taking to himself a wife and settling down, that is if the young lady agrees, for he lias nut asked her yet.” ** And who is the object of his adoration?” ** Now hold on, fellows,” interrupted Charley, ‘this isn’t fair. Wait until the matter is s¢- tled and then I'll tell you all about it. 1 ccn- fided in Frank, thinking he would respect my secret, but I see that I was wrong.” ( “TU bet, let me see,” said Kit, musingly, ‘* P'l | bet this mine against a kiss for your future wife, Charley, that I name the girl.” ‘* An easy bet to lose, Kit,” said Dan, cruelly, ‘for, to win it, Charley might shift his affcc- tions.” ‘**'That’s so, and I withdraw my proposition.” ‘But, listen, Charley, and I'll whisper my guess to you.” So, Charley bending over, Kit put his lips to his ear and whispered two syllables, to which his friend nodded an affirmative answer. “Then I congratulate you, my boy,” cried Kit, heartily, extending his hand. But at that instant a flash of fizzing flame leaped through the air from the opening that was broken in one side of the cavern, a red blaze flashed from the corner and at the same moment a roar as if from a thousand cannon burst on their ears, the shock throwing them flat on their faces, while the air was {ull of fly- ing fragments of rock and timber and their nostrils were filled with the clouds of sulphurcus smoke that enveloped them. And the walls of the cavern seemed to crum- ble away, while the roof and supporting timbers fell in with a crash, burying the quintette many feet deep beneath the debris. The mountain rocked as if it would topple from its base, and then as the roar died away they could hear, echoing through the bowels of the earth, a wild ery of discordant laughter that rung ‘like a knell in their ears, and they realized that they were the victims of the Mad Miner’s machinations. CHAPTER XXII. SAFE AND SOUND. JENNY CROSBY was sitting in a pleasant little room singing to herself, and with a bright, pleasant glow on her face, as if her thoughts were of the happiest, while now. and then she blushed rosy-red as some secret wish made itself manifest. ng She nominally occupied the position of Mrs. Barton’s maid, but there was nothing menial about her work, her duties being mostly con: fined to light sewing and such tasks, although in a case like the present, she was willing and ready to attend to preparing the meals, She was more of a companion than a servant, and was of excellent family and education, her father, who had been a clergyman, having died and left her in straitened circumstances, she having lost her mother some time before. Dainty Barton had heard of her through an acquaintance in New York, and had immediate- ly gone to see her and offered her a home, which offer the girl gladly accepted, only too happy to escape the drudgery of her position. ' oe . ‘ oe | . 4 wl * s INES Ope ean), omy! hoe ANS Fa fovea ta) ip esate 4 4% . ely a % oe ae ee wre ‘ 4 ya ae a Nah Ree Se ‘e “* 4 i -, « So now pretty Jenny was as happy as the day
Page 13
| | was long, and had made instant friends of Kit’s comrades, all of whom treated her with the utmost deference and respect and were ever on the watch to aid her by performing such little offices as bringing in wood, carrying water, and making the fire, that they might lessen her labors. But as Jenny sat there sewing, there suddenly came a muffled roar that sounded like some dis- tant explosion, while the house trembled, the windows shook, and the sashes rattled as though they would fal) from their frames. She had watched the party when they left the house and knew they were going to the mine, and instantly the thought of sible danger to one or all of them flashed through her mind, blanched her cheek and caused her heart to stop beating for an instant. But at that moment she heard the voice of Mrs. Barton calling to her, and going to the foot of the stairs she answered the summons. ** What was that terrible noise, Jenny?” asked Mrs. Barton, anxiously. “T do not know, I am sure; but ityseemed to proceed from the direction of the mine, and—” ** And what?’ cried Dainty, as the girl hesi- tated “ I feared some accident might have happened to Mr. Francis, or to some of them. “What accident could happen?” inquired Dainty, her voice beginning to tremble. ‘‘T have heard Mr. Barton say that they used powder, or dynamite, or something, in blasting, and I was afraid—” “That it had accidentally exploded!” fairly shrieked the other. ““Oh, my poor husband, are you injured?” she moaned, and then recovering herself, she again called out: ** As soon as I can put my shoes on, I will join ou, and we will hasten to the mine and learn e worst,” “* You had better let me go,” interposed Bent- ley’s voice, who now joined her. “ And do you think that I could remain quies- cent here while my husband probably lies maim- ed and bleeding, if not dead, in the mine, eyery second of suspense a century of agony to him? “No, a thousand times no!” and hastening to her room, Dainty soon reappeared, wraps 8 handkerchief about her fasd ond hurried da ennie. But before leaving the house she turned and called to Bentley: ; ia “Please remain and guard the house, Mr. Bentley; that is a man’s work, os Where pain and suffering are, there is a wo- man’s dut ” And a the door, she hurried out, fol- lowed by Jenny, and -ran, half-walked in the direction of the shaft. It was a tedious and painful path they follow- ed, for instead of going to the road and takin the course Kit and his companions had follow she struck straight across the hill and scrambled along over the rocks and stones, which cut and bruised her tender feet, yet never faltering, never hesitating, she hurried on until at length they reached the mouth of the shaft, up which a few faint streaks of smoke were still curling. And here the dismantled shed, the wrecked and twisted windlass, the timbers scattered about showed how terrible the force of the explosion had been, and for a moment her heart failed her, But she quickly recovered, and leaning as far over the mouth of the pit as she dared, she cried in anguish-stricken accents: “Kit! Kit! answer me you are not hurt!” But the only answer the shaft gave back was the echo of her tones, and call as she would, she could get no other response, The night was rapidly coming down and there was no one in sight, while she realized that even if the miners had heard the explosion they would pay no attention to it, thinking, as they doubt- ess would, that it was caused by some one blast- ing in the neighborhood, and would not come to investigate the matter. For a moment she thought of going to Golden Gulch for aid, but she could not bear to leave the spot, which might, for aught she knew, be her husband’s tomb, so, haggard and worn, turned to Jenny and whispered: ‘* What shall we do! Oh, what can we do!” But the girl could only shake her head in de- eg and look down into the mass of timbers that blocked the shaft. And while she leaned far over, her emotions mastered her, and forgetting all else but the fact that the man she now knew she loved was down in that black darkness, she shrieked with a voice compared to which that of Dainty had been but @ faint cry: me, my darling, and tell | _ Important as it was that they sho The Mad Man-Hunter. 13 | “Charley! Charley! Are you alive? Oh! do tell me!” And from far under the earth, and sounding | to her like the rustling of an angel’s wing, so happy did the response make her, came the an- swering call: “The live-est man in America, Jenny, but in rather close quarters. Can you help us?” ** And are the rest unhurt?” *‘Not a scratch on one of us. The rock has just stopped falling, but it made such a noise that we could hear ‘nothing. “Try and get us out, for we are nottvery com- fortable.” And then Jenny, rising, seized both of Mrs, Barton’s hands, and then threw her arms about her neck, while she burst into tears at eS d hurry, Dainty could not refrain from whispering: ‘Why, Jenny, I did not know that you cared so much for Charley!” ‘Neither did 1,” returned the happy, blush- ing girl, ‘‘ until just now.” And then they had to kiss each other effusive- nty, stepping tothe edge of the shaft, cried: Kit, do you hear me?” * Perfectly, my darling.” “‘T am going to Golden Gulch for aid. Be of good courage, for you will soon be released.” ‘* Allright,” answered the young fellow, cheer- ily; welll wait.” And at the grim jest his companions laughed heartily, the passage and shaft forming a sort of speaking trumpet that made their snickers distinetly audible. CHAPTER XXII. SAVED. OE then cry a little, womanlike, when ai “ce So Dainty and Jenny started off toward Golden Gulch, and ‘hurried as'fast as they could along the , being mueh relieved, on nearing the town, to meet Amos Baldwin, the young foreman, who was on his way to the cottage, he explained, to report to Mr. Barton that their all-day search for the Mad Miner had been un- successful, and that no trace of ‘him could be found anywhere. ‘Never mind that now, Mr. Baldwin,” inter- rupted Dainty h , for.she knew all the men who were employed y her husband by name. “Phere has ‘been, dn explosion at ‘the mine, and and four others are buried in “Mistake or not, they are in'the mine, and cannot othe ‘“Hasten to the town and collect as many of the men as Nn can, end hurry to the mine. I am fearful lest some new cave may occur and injure them.” ‘I will be there almost a3 soon as you are, Mrs. Barton, and with a hundred as willi hearts and sturdy hands as ean be found in the State!” And turning, he darted off at full speed, while the two girls retraced their steps to the shaft and sat there, cheering the impris- oned men by assuring them that help would soon arrive. And soon a murmur of voices down the road and a glare of light announced that the relief was Pm. and soon the d of miners, headed by Baldwin and many of them carry- ing flaming and smoking torches, came around the Bend and walked up the hill to the shaft, each one, as he came in sight of the two wo- men, removing his hat and greeting them roughly but kindly, For Kit was idolized by his men and much of their affection extended to Dainty, who always had a pleasant word for them and had gy than once visited them when injured or ill. The men were quickly divided into two bands | by Amos Baldwin, and he, heading one, started down the hill-side to attack the cavern from the opening through which the detective had looked into Kit’s mine, while the other party proceeded to remove the piled-up timbers from the mouth of the shaft. ‘Never fear, leddies,” said one of these huge men, as he tossed the heavy beams right and left, “‘ we'll save Mister Barton, an’ his freen’s an’ thet ’ithout harm, too! ‘You can heer ’em callin’ to us, an’ they’re no ways hurt, fer ther props hez made a roof over ’em, an’ nothin’ hain’t fallen onter ’em.” na so with many checeing words the miners worked away, gradually clearing a passage down the shaft, being Telieved by their com- rades when they became fatigued. But a short time after Baldwin had disap- —— oF. = into the darkness he returned followedi y the men who had accompanied him, and. seemed to press closely about something carried. - the center of the crowd by four of their num- r. Approaching Mrs. Barton, Baldwin spoke to her, first asking her to step to one side and ak- ing Jenny to join them, while the men who fol- lowed him stopped some little distance off. “The whole mountain seems to have caved in on the other side, and it is useless to endeavcr to pierce an entrance in that direction, so we have abandoned the attempt and returned here to lend such assistance as we can. ‘But we have made an important capture, for in the hole which leads from the bed of the creek to the underground passage, we found the Mad Miner. ‘* He was lying on his back, haying been struck down by a huge rock which had rolled ficm above and struck him just as he was about to- craw] out.” “He is not dead!” whispered Dainty, awe- stricken by this punishment which had been so suddenly inflicted on the maniac. “No, only severely hurt, for the stone struck him on the back of the head, inflicting a deep. scalp-wound, but which, I think will not result seriously although he is now insensible.” ‘“And it was to tell this that you called us to one side?” ‘Yes, Mrs. Barton, for I do not want the men to know that the hk murderer of Morton Watson and Jake Yerka is in theiz power, for there are some rough customers among them and the result might be serious ‘““My own men I made proniise not to harm him, and I can contro} them, but I wished to get. permission from you to have the madman car- ried to your stable where he can be eared for in Old Pete’s room, and where he can be watched.” ‘Why, ce y, direct your men to carry him there at once: 1 eannot leave this:place un- til Isee my husband once more safe and sound.” So Baldwin, returning tothe little group that: was still standing awaiting his erders some dis- tance away, directed them to carry the mad- man to Kit’s stable, and ‘to there watch him. carefully, ‘first, however, asking «the doctor— Gordon—to examine the man's wound. After a careful scrutiny which lasted severa} minutes the doctor said: ‘ Nothing dangerous, the-skull not being even. — a pretty thick head that man has got, am sure. ‘But, ‘boys, when ‘he recovers ‘his senses, be: very ¢ ; either he will bea raving maniac a hundred times more so than before he receive this blow, or he will be completely restored to his senses. ‘* In the former case, look out for yourselves; in the latter, send for me; I cannot go with you, as I may be needed here. And then the blanket being lifted, the half- dozen men who carried it started off slowly to- ward the cottage, while the doctor and Baldwin gained the rest of the men at the mouth of the shaft, which had by this time been nearly eleared of the debris which choked it. But many hands make light work and soon the miners were able to in to hew a path through the passage that led to the cavern, and they quickly approached the spot, where the five men were imprisoned and at length drew them out, one by one. Charley was the only one injured, his left arm tee 3 broken in two places and his foot badly crushed, for the timbers had fallen toward the center of the mine in such a manner that they had formed a roof and sheltered them from the falling masses of rock that otherwise would have crushed them. And then they were hoisted up to the surface, Charley being the first and as Jenny caught sight of the brave young fellow who would not tell her that he was hurt, and saw hisarm hang: ing uselessly by his side, his bleeding foot and his face drawn with pain, she rushed forward and grasping his sound hand cried: so You are not dangerously hurt?” ‘‘No, there isnoseriousdamage— Darling!" It was a very faint whisper and a very smell word but the girl blushed as if the whole world’ had heard it, looking meantime intensely happy and perfectly ready to cry. But then, she was a woman, which explains this apparent infelicity. CHAPTER XXIV. IDENTIFIED, Kir was the last one to leave the mine, and after kissing his wife and stil] holding her hand in his, he turned to the men, and said: “ Boys, I cannot tell you how grateful I am te
Page 14
14 : you for so promptly com to my assistance, ‘and I will try and thank you to-morrow, for now it is late and I suppose that you are tired. “But before you go, I want to ask if any -of you have any idea how this accident hap- pened?” There was a dead silence for a few moments, a2d then Baldwin weerpee forward and said: “Mr, Barton, we have captured the Mad Miner.” ‘‘ Indeed, and where?” And having learned the facts and that he had been taken to the cottage, Kit asked: ‘While you were working about there—for you say it took some little time to di him out— did you notice anything that ai furnish a -clew to this explosion?” a Coan) 0 “Had you been using any powder, dynamite, or any other explosive about the mine within ™ the past few days?” ‘* None at all.” | “Then what could have caused this?” i “Tf yer please, sir,” said one of Kit’s miners, ‘ stepping out and looking much abashed at w speaking before so many auditors, ‘* w’en I pick- pkey -ed up ther Mad Miner, I seen somethin’ in his hand, an’ took hol’ of it ter see w’ot it war, an’ : it war this!” and he handed a _half-a-dozen =f] matches to Kit, one of which was half-burnt. ‘*An’ then I found this,” continued the speaker, opening his other hand, and disclosing a piece of fuse an inch or two long, which had , evidently been cut or broken off the end of a BS: longer strand, for it was the sealed end which = had to be removed before the fuse could be lighted. “This yer war lyin’ near whar we foun’ the ‘Mad Miner, and when, arter we had dug him out, I found ther powder marks along ther bed ‘ o’ ther creek whar ther fuse had burnt.” e “So,” said Kit, musingly, ‘‘the Mad Miner had watched us into the cave, and having his infernal machine already prepared, has tried to blow us all m4 together; but, thank Heaven! he _ has failed in his plans,” “Not quite,” growled Charley, ‘‘and I think , you had better put a stopper on your tongue and ‘ ‘let the doctor come and fix my arm; it’s begin- ning to hurt fearfully.” “°\ thousand pardons, Charley,” cried Kit. “‘[ forgot all about you. We'll hurry home at once; good-night, boys.” “ Good-night, sir; good-night, leddies,” replied a hundred voices; and as the miners started to- ward Golden Gulch, the others proceeded in the direction of the cottage, Frank, Dan, Kit and ee ‘tthe detective carrying Charley, who. insisted ae that Jenny should walk close beside him. pit “T say, Charley,” cried Kit, as they were nearing the house, ‘‘I would have won my bet in the mine if you had taken it, wouldn’t I?” ““You would indeed, Kit, and if you insist, I will have to ask Jenny to pay the wager.” ‘What was the wager?” asked the young girl, innocently. e ‘* When it is time to Ray, T'll remind you of it ‘soon enough,” laughed Kit, and they having by this time reached the cottage, Charley was care- fully laid on the sofa in the parlor, where Doctor ‘ Gordon attended to his fractures and bound up mek. his foot, while Jenny brought water, soap, ban- id dages and towels, and played the part of evoted nurse to perfection. Meantime the others walked out to the stable, where the Mad Miner lay, being accompanied by Bentley, who had descended. on hearing them return, and congratulated them upon their “escape. Henry, he said, was still irrational and unable ‘to recognize any one, although much better, his delirium not being so great and he giving indi- -eations of soon recovering. Reaching the stable Rit rewarded the men who had carried the miner thither and bade them good-night, telling them that their ser- vices were no longer needed and thanking: them Vfor their assistance, and then, they having gone, he approached the cot and looked down on the unconscious man. The eyes were closed, the look of fierce wild- pons ‘ness being hidden and the lurid glare no longer a ‘shining from those glowing orbs. Fei {k And as Kit looked, again there came to him bie ‘the same a that had once before assailed him, that this face was not unknown to him, ‘but so covered was it with a year’s growth of bushy hair, and matted beard, so stained and ‘tanned and weather-beaten, that it would have been almost impossible to recognize his nearest friend under that disguise. | And as he stood there, the man opened his eyes and looked at him, the steady light of rea- | and how the Mad Miner had proven to be Craig The Mad Man-Hunter. 7 1 : i . son pres we and bright, showing that what the doctor had prophesied had come to pass and that he was perfectly sane once more. He glanced around with a puzzled expression, and then, happening to lift his arm and seeing the rags that half-covered it he asked: ‘¢ What does this mean? Who has clothed me in these tattered garments? And my beard,” raising it with his thin fingers, ‘‘ how comes it to be bleached? ‘“‘ And where am I?—and who are you? and you? andgyou?” angrily. “Tam Kit Barton—” “What, you Kit Barton? Why, Kit Barton is dead, dead I say; I know a ‘“‘ Well if he is, he is, so cy 3 as you are cer- tain of it,” said Kit to humor him, * but how do you feel? Is there anything I can do for you?” ‘Yes, you can tell me who that man is,” cried the ex-maniac, now for the first time catching sight, of Bentley. . ‘That, sir, is Mr, Curtis Bentley, of—” “Tt isa lie! alie!” shrieked the man, his in- sanity returning more violently than ever. ** I saw him myself, bathed in blood! blood! tossing in his agony and the red fluid spurting from the wound in his side. ‘+ And he died then and there, and now I know where I am; with the spirits of the lost and doomed to writhe forever in eternal fire. “But you shall go with me before his Satanic Majesty and tell him that I did not murder you, for I will not be punished a | ” And before they could seize and restrain him, he had leaped on Bentley and_ hurled him to the floor, when, throwing himself on the prostrate man, he tore and gashed his throat so with his teeth that it seemed as if a wild beast had been’ chawing it. And then, as he howled and shriecked in his maniadéal rage, he burst a blood-vessel in his chest, a red and frothy stream gushed from his lips and he turned over on his side and lay dyin beside his last victim. Like a flash Kit reccitinol him and cried: “ Great Heavens! it is Craig Colton!” ——e CHAPTER XXV. CONCLUSION. AnD s0 it proved to be, for when the Maniac Miner was raised up and his face having been clean-shaven and his hair cut, thus making him look less like an outcast, the features of Colton were plainly distinguishable and there could be no doubt that it was he who had so long masque- raded as the Mad Miner. Bentley was stone dead, for his j ar-vein had been cut by the gnawing teeth of the maniac and he had choked to death a moment after the: tearing fangs had met in his throat. So the two bodies were laid out side by side in the stable and, the door being locked, the party all returned to the house, where they ound Charley resting much easier. Having carried him to his room and put him in bed, his friends told:him of their discovery Colton. k “Then, as there is no doubt about his death, Henry will have no trouble in securing posses- sion of the Faithful mine,” said Frank, *‘ and he now owns all of it, for Bentley, poor fellow! left him his undivided half by the will he made and signed in our presence, last gt § ‘That is true,” acquiesced Kit, ‘‘ and a nice little piece of property it is, too, You fellows clear out now and go to bed; I will look after Harry, and you, Frank, can take care of Char- ley; but before we break up let me caution you never to mention to the boy that we found his father alive, or that he killed Bentley. Better lead him to believe that it was an accident that caused the latter’s death and that it happened in the mine, ; “Bentley will be buried before the boy re- covers his reason and he need not have this additional shame added to what he already knows.” “You are right, and I am sure that we will be careful to spare Harry any additional humil- iation. To this Fox, Dr. Gordon and Dan readily | agreeing, the matter was settled and they separated, going their different ways, the doctor dropping in for a moment to see Henry. sy n all were asleep and nothing occurred to disturb the quiet of the night, so when morning came, Kit had to tell Dainty and Jenny of the manner in which Bentley had met his death; then, all going out, for the ed ig sleeping quietly. the two bodies were placed in coffins that Dan and Frank had made and lowered into their graves, his side lay the man he had so cruelly wronged and then led into the path of crime; and when they returned to the house, they all sat silentfor | a time thinking of all they had passed through heer together, when Kit broke the silence: vo surrounding the Mad Miner,” said he, easy to understand all these plots against us. Baffled, while sane, in all he attempted, the one he considered his vengeance, and, with the cun- ning of a madman he tried to get rid of all who a thwarted him in his efforts to obtain possessicn i of Dainty’s fortune.” ia out doubt,” added Frank, ‘“‘and we can feel , safer now that he is no more.” Gr bounded up-stairs. ‘i It was at least two hours afterward when she 4 returned and, going up to Kit, she said: _ “Charley says I owe you something.” ect ‘ny told them that Charley would be only too ae - Jesitingg f Silage ‘ty \ ot i : af “> a is Mn wt HN bhi Ge 2A Ro ES RD Oar The career of the Mad Miner was run and by 7m “Now that we have discovered the mystery ‘it is fixed idea his brain bore was to carry out what ‘That is the explanation of the matter, with- “Kit,” interrupted Dainty, ‘all these scenes a of horror have disgusted me with this place. Can we not go away fora time until the memory { of past events is a little less vivid?” ov _ “You Pa only anticipated what I was go- et ing to suggest, my darling, for I would not have oa you remain here a day longer than is necessary. Boy ‘As soon as Harry is able to travel we will go to | Pe OB Denver and have Bentley’s will probated and ; put the boy in possession of his property, and then start for San Francisco and thence sail on our pop cruise. < ‘‘T will oceupy the few days that remain in er, oe seeing to the clearing out of my mine and will a | put Baldwin in entire charge; and when Harry Ne recovers I will suggest to him that he gives Amos the management of the Faithful mine too, for I know of no one who is more faithful and honest. es “Only one thing is now unsettled,” and turn- mS ing to Jenny he asked: *‘ Well, little one, are } you going with us?” And she, with face like fire, murmured: ‘* It depends on what Charley says.” ‘Well, suppose you just run up-stairs and asic him; I know that you are dying for some ex- cuse to get away.” She evidently was, for she did not wait to be told twice, but fairly flew out of the room and ‘‘Owe me? What?” replied Kit feigning as- tonishment. “This,” and stooping quickly she kissed him before he could realize her intention. “Oh, ho!” cried Frank, “that is the way the wind sets, is it? Then come here, my pretty sister and make friends with your brother.” When they had quieted down somewhat, Jen- §0, SP phrige his arm was well enough, e lad to but that id not want to detain them. ‘ Nonsense!” cried Kit. ‘‘ Asif we would go without you! I’m master’of that stanch craft, | the ‘ Dainty,’ and I’d like to see her set sail without my orders! ‘No, indeed! Instead of making mere ~ leasure cruise of it, we'll make our veyage a ridal tour, and you and Charley can enact the roles of bride Pav groom.” _ “Then, sir,” replied Jenny saucily,and sweep- ing him a pretty courtesy, ‘we willaccept your invitation, and I will goand tell him thatevery- thing is settled.” "t Again she disappeared, and was seen no more until dinner-time. “iy Frank insisted that there was no necessity of Kit’s remaining to oversee the work of restoring | the mine, as he himself could attend to it with- out assistance; and, as Dainty was evidently anxious to leave, he assented, and departed the next day for Denver and San Francisco, accom- ’ panied by Dainty and Jenny, while the others remained behind to settle up matters and nurse Charley and Harry Colton into convalescence, = Baldwin meanwhile moving into the cottage and taking up his quarters permanently. +s The two—Harr Charley—rapidly grety friends, settled up for San Francisco, where they found Mr, and Mrs, Barton and Jenny awaiting them. =| | The marriage between Charley and _his Loken having been solemnized, all boarded the yacht, — the anchor was weighed, and before many hours only a thin | of smoke on the horizon showed where the ‘‘ Dainty ” had disappeared. THE END. co % i : Mi ‘“ if : Tidger } dig ay Ww Sah \ ae ee aa a= Pk ATS
Page 15
a te ae NTL ae ‘way 4 ere : LP = PA ED PM FID SN RL EAS AOE NA eee) aap = pe Pa Ome Sas OF Te Coe SO OO 0 SOW OO. O BOS 9 81S, 0:99 SS 80 Te RATA ORION IN DG ON PCN ROR Ay > AO Na a re Ae fe So Di ILE LR OEE. AI HE ——— eee ways Pure! E } The Best Weekly | OQ, etc., eters, ) a v 7 Mp “ly ya eee eee ‘4 £ ct » . v = a a ee Border, Interior, and Wild West Romance— Adventure, Exploration, and Sport~- Life on the Great Plains— Life on the Ranches— Life in the Mines— Gif & ihe Wildernese-- City Life Character, Sourts and Ways— Detective and ‘Shadow’ Revelations— Stories of the Great Deep, etc. Hence, each and every number overflows with the most interesting and exciting matter, while in its several SPECIAL For Four Months, - - - - "~." * $1.00 DEPARTMENTS answering all the needs, and adding to tae = or oad pages we Bestar? Soe ie general interest and usefulness of, the strictly popular wo Copies a .00 journal, Taz BANNER WEEKLY is the paper of all - - 6 cents, Single Copies, SOLD DY ALL NEWSDEALERS. others for good reading and entertainment.
Page 16
BEADLE’S | HALF-DIME | LIBRARY. Dolaware Dick, the Wettig Ronger Spy. By Oll Coomes, 221 Sugar-Coated Sam. By Edward L. Wheeler, 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. By I. C. Harbaugiy. Mad Tom Western, the Texan Ranger. By W.J.Hamiltoa. | 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 867 Wide-Awake Joe. By Charles Morris. Deadwooa Dick en Deck, By Edward L. Wheeler. 228 Ozark Alf, King of the Mountain. By Edward Willett. 868 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Giaiherer. By E. L. Wheeler, 4 Wawk-eye Marry. By Ol! Coomes. 224 Dashing Dick, By Ol! Co mes. 869 Shasta, the Gold King. By J. C. Cowdrick. & The Boy Duelist. By Colonel) Prentiss Ing-aham. 25 Sam Charcoal, the Premium Darky, By Charles Morria, £70 Rreaker Ben, the Recf-Runner. Ry Recor Starbudie. 6 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer, By Albert W. Aiken. 226 Snoozer, the Boy Sharp. By Edward L. Wheeler. 871 Kingbolt Chri, the Young Hard-Shell Detectives 7 Corduroy Ohurlie, the Boy Bravo. By E. L, Wheeles 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper. By EZ Emerson. By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain. 8 Blue Dic By Captain Mayne Reid, 228 Little Wildfire, By Oll Coomes. 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize, By Edward L. Wheeler. 9 Bol Sinase the Giant Trapper. By Albert W. Alken, 229 Crimson Kate. By Colone! Prentiss Ingraham, 878 Little Jingo} or, the Queer Pard. By Philip & Warne © Rosebud Rob. By Edward L. Wheeler. 280 The Yankee Rajah. By C. Dunning Clark. 874 Gold-Dust Tom. By George H. Morse. 1 Lightoing Jo, By Captain J. F. C. Adams, 231 Plucky Phil, of the Mountain Trail. By T. C, Harbaugh, 875 Chiota, the Creek. By Buckskin Sam. % Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hawk. By T. C. Harbaugh, 282 Gold-Dust Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler. 876 Callfornia Joe’s Firat Trail. By Capt. F. Whittaker, 88 Kollo, the Boy Ranger. By Ol! Coomes. 288 Soe Buck of Angela, By Albert W. Aiken. 877 Bonodel, the Boy Rover. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 84 ldyl, the Girl Miner, By Edward L. Wheeler, 234 Old Rocky’s “iho ees.” By Buckskin Sam. 878 Nabob Ned. By Edward L, Wheeler. 85 Buck Backram, By Captain J, F.C. Adams. 235 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. By Charles Morris, 879 Larry. the Leveler. By Charles Morria, 6 Dandy Rock, the Man from Texas, By G. Waldo Brown. 28¢€ Apollo Bill. By Edward L. Wheeler. $80 Avalanche Alf, By Major E. L. St. Vrain. Z The Land Pirates. Captaiu Mayne Reid. 287 Lone Star, the Cowbey Captain, By Col. Ingraham, 881 Randera Bill. By Buckskin Sam. 8 Photograph Phil, the Boy Sleuth. By E. L. Wheeler. 2538 The Parson Detective, By O!l Coomes. B82 Cool Kit, the King of Kids. By Edward L. Wheeler, 89 Island Jim. By the author of “ Jack Harkaway.” 289 The Gold-seeker Guide, By Captain Mayne Reid, 888 The Indian Pilot. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 90 The esac Rider. By George Waldo Browne. 240 Cyclone Kit. Ky Edward L. Wheeler, 884 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero, By 01) Coomes. 91 The Oaptain ofthe Club. By Bracebridge He . 241 Bill Bravo and His Bear Pards, By T.C. Harbangh. | 885 Yreka Jim’s Joker. By Edward L, Wheeler. 92 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief. By E. L. Wheeler. 242 The Two “ Bloods.” By Charles Morris, 886 Captain Cutlass, the Ocean Spider. By T. C. Harbaugh. 98 The Boy Miners. By Edward 8S, Ehis, 248 The Dianguised Guide, By Ol! Coomes. 887 Warpath Will, the Boy Phantom, By Col. P. Ingraham. 94 Midnight jack, the Road-Agent. By T.C. Harbaugh, 244 Sierra Sam. By Edward L. Wheeler. 888 Little OQh-my, By Philip 8. Warne- 95 The Rival Rovers. By Lieut. Col. Hazeltine. 245 Merle, the Middy. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham 889 Bicyele Ben. By Edwari L. Wheeler, 96 Watch-Eye, the Shadow. By Edward L. Wheeler. 246 Giant George. By Buckskin Sam, 890 Jaguar Jee. By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain. 87 The Outlaw Brothers, By John J. Marshall. 247 Old Grizzly and Wiis Pets. By Capt.“ Brain” Adams, 891 Kid-Glove Kit. By Maj. H. B. Stoddard, Ex-Scont, 98 Kobin Hood, the Outlawed Earl. By Prof. Gilderaleeve, 24% Sicrra Sam’s Secret. By Edward L. Wheeler. 892 Romeo and the Reds, By Buckskin Sam. 09 The Tiger of Taos, By George Waldo Browne. ‘| 249 Milo Romer, the Anime} King. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker, 898 Seawalf, the Boy Lieutenant. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville, By E. L. Wheeler. 250 The Midshipman Mutineer. By Col. P. Ingraham. 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, By E. L. Wheeler, 101 Jack Harkaway in New York, Bracebridge Homyng, | 251 Light-house Lige. By Captain J. F.C. Adams, 895 California Joe’s War Trail. Ry Capt. Whittaker, 102 Dick Dead-Eye. By Colone! Prentiss Ingraham, 252 Dick Dashaway. By Charles Morris. 896 Rough Rob, of Dynamite. By T. C. Harbaugh. 108 The Lion of the Sca. By Colonel Delle Sara. 258 Slerrn Sam’s Pard. oy eiwass L. Wheeler. 897 Bob o’ the Rower + By Jo Pierce. 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device. By Edward L. Wheeler, 254 The Half-Blood, By Edward S. Ellis. 898 Kid-Glove Kit and Pard. By Maj. H. B. Stoddard, 105 Old Rube, the Hunter. By Captain H. Holmes. 255 Captain Apoll»., x T. C. Harbaugh. 899 Black Buckskin. By Col. A. F. Holt, 106 Old Frosty, the Guide. By T. C. Harbaugh. 256 Young Kentuck, By Captain Mark Wilton. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. By E. L. Wheelew. 107 One-Eyed Sim. By James L. Bowen. 257 The Loat Hunters. ~ Japt. J. F. C. Adams, 401 Little Shoo-Fly. By Philip S. Warne. 108 Daring Davy, the Young Bear-Killer, By H. 8t. George. 258 Sliorra Sam’s Seven. By Edward L. Wheeler, 462 Inodor, the Young Consrpirator. By Col. P. mgraham 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By E. L. Wheeler, 259 The Golden Harpoon, By Roger Starouck, 408 Firefly Jack. Wy Charles Morris. 110 The Black Steed of the Prairies, By J. L. Bowen. 260 Dare-Devil Dan. By Ol! Coomes. 404 Little Lariat. ¥y Buckakin Sam, ¥11 The Sea-Devil. By Colone! Prentiss Ingraham. 261 Fergus Fearnaught. By George L. Aiken, 495 Deadwood Dick in Dead City, By Ed. L. Wheeler, 112 The Mad ftuntes. By Burton Saxe 262 The Young Sleuths. By Charles Morne. 406 The Mad Man-lunter. By Maj. H. B. Stoddard, 118 Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator. By E. L. Wheeler. 268 Deadwood Dick’s Divide. By Edward L. Wheele. 407 The Boy Ineurgent. By Col. Prentiss Ingrabam. 114 The Black Svhoomer. By Starbuck. 264 The Floating Feather. By Col. P. Ingraham, 408 Little Leather-Breeches, By Philip 8. Warne. 115 The Mad Miner. By George Walio Browne, 265 The Tiger Tamer. By Captain Fred, Whittaker, 409 Hercules, the Dumb Destroyer, By Oll Coomes. 116 The Hussar Captain. By Co). Prentiss lograbam. 266 Killb’ar, the Guide. By Ensign Warren. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds, By Edward L. Wheelen. 117 Gdt-Edged Dick. By Edward L, ler. 267 The Buckskin Detective. By T. C. em 411 The Silken_Lanso. By T. C. Harbaugh. 118 Will Somers the Bor Detective. B les Morris. 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Tratl. By E. L. Wheels, 412 The Wild Yachtaman. By Co). Prentiss Ingraham. 119 Mustang Sam 5 or, The King of the By J. K. Badger. | 269 The Gold Rhip. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 418 Billy Bom bahell, the Cliff Climber. By F. S. Winthrep. 120 The Branded Hand. 5B ony my 270 Blizzard Ben, By Coptein Mark Wiltom, 414 The Daisy from Denver. By Buckskin Sem, 121 Cinnamen Chip, the Giri Sport. L. Wheeler. 271 The Nuge Hunter. By Edward 8, Ellis, 415 The Vagabond Detective. By Jo Pierce, 129 Phil Hardy, the Boss oer ny Char Wome 272 Minkakin Mike, By Oll Coomes, 416 High Wat Harry, the Base Ball Detective. By E. L. Wheeden 338 Riows Chartey the 4 zh my By T. C. Herbangh. K pimbe Jee. ee aif Webfoat Mose, Se teey ys Py Ol Coomes. exan, y e 2. 2 im. y Charles Morris. elix Fox, the Boy § . . C. Harbaugh. 125 Sevotue Bau, Miner. By Biward L. Wheeler, Ay a Jack. By Buckskin Sam. 419 Kenneth, the Knifa-King By i F. Holt. 4 126 Picayune Pete, By Charles Morris. Monte’s Cruise. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 420 The Detective’s Apprentice. By J. C. Cowdrick. 127 WildFire, the Boss of the Road. By Frank Dumont j ver Doll. By Edward L. Wheeler. 421 Deadwood Dick tn New Work, By E. L. Wheeler. 128 The Young Privateer. By H. ish. e Three Tragpors. By Major Lewis W. Carson. 422 Baby Sam, the Boy Giant of the Yellowstone, By ODD 129 Deadwood Dtek’s Double. By Edward L. Wheeler. 279. Ol Winch, the Rifle King. By T. C. Harbaugh. Coon “7 180 Detective Dick, By Charles Morris. 2hO Merle Monte’s Fate. By Col. Prentiss oe 428 The Lost Finger. Charles Morris. 181 The Golden Mund. By George Waldo Browne, 281 Venver Doll's Victory, By Edward L eoler. 424 Cibuta John, By J.C. Cowdrick. 182 The Hunted Hunter. By Edward 8. Ellis. 2s2 The Typo Betective, By Edward Willett. 425 Texas Trump, the Border Rattler. By T. C. Harbaugh. 188 Bose Hob the King of the Bootblacks. By K. L, Wheeler. ks Foe. By Major Lewis W. Carson. 426 Sam Slabaiden, the Beggar-Boy Detective. E. L. Wheeler 84 Bure Shot Seth. Oll Coomes. Phe. ar er. By Colonel Prentiss I 427 The Three Trailers. By Kockekin Sam. 85 Captain Paul. By ©. Dunning Clark. Doll's . By Kdward L. Wheeler. 428 Fred Fixer, the Reporter Detective. By Charles Morrie, 186 Night-Hawk Kit. By h EB. Badger, Jr. rfoot. By Capt. Mark Wiltea, 429 Duncan re, the Roy Refugee. By Col. P. Ingraham. 187 The Helpless Hand. tain Mayne Reid. i By Colonel! Prentiss Ingrabam, 480 Deadw Dick’s Duat. By Edward L, Wheeler. 188 Blonde Bait, By Kdé L. ler. . By Captain J. F.C. Adama 481 Little A By Philip 8. Warne. 189 Judge Lynch Je. By T. C, Harbaugh. By Charles Morria. 482 Invincible m, the Pinkerton Ferret. By Chas. Morrins. 140 Blue Blazes. By Frank Dumont. By O11) Coomes, 488 A Cabin Boy ack. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Reed-Agut, By B4. 1, Wheele. erret. Y 484 Jim Beak and |, Private Detectives, By E. L. Wheelem 442 Handsome Harry. BY aries Morris. f By Maj 485 Little tfeot, Pilot of the Woods. By A. F. Holt, 148 &ear-Face Saul. By 0'l Coomes. { inw, the One-Eved T: By Captata 486 Phil FI the New York Fox. By T. C. Harbaugh. 144 Dainty Lance, the Hoy Sport. ! Joseph KB an Dan. By T. C.) 48T The fea er. By Col. Prentipe Ingraham. 145 Captain Forres, the New York tive. By HH. By Edward 488 Santa Fe Sal. By E. L. Wheeler. 146 Silver tar, the Bey Knight. By O}1 Coomes. 208 Drift. By 489 Randy Som, tee tirest Scout. By J. C. Cowdrick. 147 Will Wildfire, the oroughbred. By, Charles Morris, 297 The Tarantula of Taos, 440 JAttle Fo the Gold Bowle Kid. BY Arthur C, Grissom. 148 Sharp Sun v J. Alexander Patten. ater-Hound. 1 The Ocean Firefly. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 149 A Game of Gold. » Edward L. Why No. 1, the Dashing Tol! Bluff Bill; or, The Lynx of the Leona. no Buckskin Same. 150 Lance and Lanso. By n Frederick * he Demon. ag Pa Deadwood Dick, Ir.4 er, The Sign of the Crimson Cresson. 151 Panther Paul, the Prairie By Jos. E. Badger, 3s Nick. By Ma Ed. L. Wheeler. 152 Black Bess, Will Wildfire’s Racer. By Charles Morris, 802 The Mountain Detec 444 Little Buckskin, By Ol Coomes. 158 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. By (il Coomes. the Girl Miner. he City Sleuths, i! 3c edie ou 154 The Sword Hunters, B: Oye. Frederick Whittaker, Pet Dandy. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham 6 Haphazard Horry. y Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 155 Gold Trigger, the Ee . ©. Harbaugh. 805 Dashaway, of Dakota. Charles Mortis, 447 New York Nat. By Albert W. Aiken. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwoed, By EL. Wheeler. 806 Neck-Tie N By Major H. B. Stoddard, 448 Nickel-Piate Ned; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Defignes. Byr 157 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. Charles Morris. 807 The Strange y Sam. E. L. Wheeler, 15* Fancy Frank of Colorado. By Baffalo Bill. 808 Keno Kit, the Boy ’ 3 y 449 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective. Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 159 The fost Captain. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 809 Deadwo eoler. 450 Wizard Will, the Wonder-Worker. Col. P. Ingrabamte 180 The Black Giant, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 810 The Barranca Wolf. E. Badger, 451 Colorade Kate. By Philip 8. Warne. 161 New York Nell. By Edward L. Wheelee, sii The Roving & ". By Edward Willett, 452 Hotapur Bob, the Street-Boy Detective. By Jo Pierce, 142 Will Wildfire in the Woods, By Charles Morris, 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigtiante Prince. By Maj. K. L. 84 Vrain. | 458 Sunflower Sam, of Shasta. By Fdward Ll. Wheeler. 188 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. By Ol Coomes, 818 Cimarron Jack, By Frederick 5 454 Wizard Will's Street Scoute. By Col. P. 164 Dandy Rock's Piletee. By George Waldo Browne. 814 The Mysterious Marauder. 4 P. Ingraham. 455 Little Lone Star. By Ruckskin Sam. 105 Billy Ba eure. the Rail a. By Charles Morris. 815 Ned, the Cabin Roy. By Jack Farragut, 456 Billy Brick, the Jolly Vagabond. By Chas. Morris, id Hickory fi arry. By Harry St. George. 816 Old Eclipse, Tramp Card of Arizona, By T. C, Harbaugh. 457 W Ingedfoot Fred. By O01! Coomes. 167 Ana Reott, the Steamboat Bez By Edward Willetts. 817 Peacock Pete. By Lieutenant Alfred Thorne. 458 New England Nick. By Albert W. Alken. 16% Deadly Dash. By Joseph E- Badger, Jr. 818 Ker-whoop, Ker-whoo! By Buckskin Sam, 459 Flush Fan, the Ferret. By Edward L, Wheeler, 169 Tornado Tom, By T. C. Harbaugh. 819 The Black Rider, By Joseph E Badger, Jr, 460 The Lawyer’s Shadow. By Jo Pierce. 170 A Trump Oard, By Charles Morris, 820 The Sea Sorceress. by Jack Farragut. 461 One Againta Fifty. By T. C. Harbaugh. 171 Ebony Dan, By Frank Dumont. 821 Deadwood Dick’a Dozen. By Edward L. Wheeler. 462 The Born Guide. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 4172 Thunderbolt Tom. By Harry St. a 822 Nemo, the Detective. By Edward Willett, 468 Tamarac Tom, the Big be Boy. By O!) Coomes, 17% Dandy Rock’s Kival._ By George Waldo Browne, 828 Arkansaw Jack. By Harry Hazara. 464 Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince. By Albert W. Aiken 174 Kob Rockett, the Boy Dodger. . By Charles Morris, 824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. By (ne Morrls. | 465 Philo Fly of Phenix. By Edward L. Wheeler. 175 Captain Arizona. By Philip 8. Warne. 825 Kelley, Wickey & Company, the Sleuths of Philadelphia. | 466 W ide-Awake Jerry, Detective By Charles Merrep 176 The Roy Runaway. By Lieutenant H. D. Perry, U.N, By Edward «.. Wheeler. 467 Dixco Dan, the Daisy Pade, By J.C. Cowdrick, 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada. By Edward L. Wheeler, 826 The Ten Pards, By T. C. Harbaugh. 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster. By Col. P. Ingraham. 17% Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. By Ol) Coomes, 827 Creeping Cat, the Oaddo. By Buckskin Sam, 469 The Rival Giants of Nowhar’. By J. W, Osbon. 17” Rob Rockett, the Bank Runner, Charles Morris, R2R The Sky Detectives. By Maor Mickey Free. 470 The Boy Shadow; ot, Felix Fox's Hunt fer the Nabeb.. 180 The Sea Trailer. By Lieutenant H. D. Perry, U.3.N, 829 Rea-Skin Tom, By Harry Hazard, By T. C, Harbaugh. 181 Wild Frank of Montana. By Edward L. Wheeler. 880 Little Quick-Shot. By Edward L. Wheeler. 471 Boreman Bill of Big Brace; or, Deadwood Dick Jru 182 Little egrreene, — Captain, By Oll Coomes, BRI Binck Nick, the Demon Rider. By Capt Fred. Whittaker. Corral By E. L. Wheeler. 188 The Hidden Han By Charles Morris. 882 Frio Fred. By Buckskin Sam. . 472 Jaunty See, the Young Horse-King. By Jo Pierce. 184 The Boy Trailers, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 888 Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quar- | 478 01d Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemic. By Oll Coomeas 185 Evil Eye, King of the Cattle Thieves. By Frank Dumont, tette. By Major EZ. L. St. Vrain. 474 Flora, the Flower Girl. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, 186 Cool Deamond, By Colonel Delle Sara. 884 Kangaroo Kits or, The Mysterious Miner, By E. L, Wheeler. | 475 The Black Ship. By John 8. Warner. 187 Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy. By Charles Morris. 885 Old Double Fist, By Joseph E. Badger, Jy, 476 Wumboldt Marry, the Hurricane, Py Edward L. Wheelen,, 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. By T, C, Harbaugh. 886 Big Benson. By T. C. Harbauch. 477 The Excelator Sport. By T. CG. Harbaugh. 189 Bob Rockett, the Crackeman. By Charles Morris. 887 Ren Bird, the Cave King. Bv W. J. Hamiltom. 478 Tangemund, the Desert Netective, By Frederick Dewey 190 Dandy Darke. By William R. Eyster. 888 A Tough Boy. By Philip 8. Warne. 479 Detective Dodge, By Charles Morris. 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker, Bv Capt. A.B. Taylor. | 889 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket. By Edward L. Wheeler. 480 Three Jolly Parda. By Philip 8. Warne. 192 Captain Kit, the WI india Wt S By Lieut. Perry- 840 Clip, the Contortionist. By Edward Willett. 481 Moll yg Al or, Deadwood Dick Je. in Deadwood, By, 198 The Lady Road-Agent. By Philip 8. Warne. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. By Charles Morris, Edward L. Wheeler, 194 Buffalo Bill's Bet. By Captain Taylor. 842 The Mountain Devil, By Harry Hazard. 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan of the Great Range, By 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream. By Edward L. Wheeler. 848 peemaattan Mike, By Edward L. Wheeler. Oll Coomes, 196 Shadowed. By Charles Morris. 844 The Fighting Trio. By Buckskin Sam. 488 Ferrets Afloat; or, Wisard Will's Last Case. By Coloneti 197 Little Grit, the Wild Rider. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 845 Pitiless Matt. By T. C, Harbaugh. Prentiss Ingraham. 198 Arkansaw, the Man with the Knife. By T. C, Harbaugh. 846 Rapier Raphael. By Major H. B. Stoddard. 484 Comanche Dick and His Three Invincthles, By 199 Featherweight. By Edward Willett. 847 Deadwood Dick's Ducata. By Edward L. Wheeler, Henrv J. Thomas, 800 The Roy Bedoutns. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker, 848 Fire-Heels; or, Old Skinfiint the Death-Shadow. By | 485 Git Thar Owney, the Unknown. By George C. Jenks. 201 The Black Hills Jezebel, By Edward L. Wheeler. Roger Starbuck. 486 Sealakin Sam, the Sparkler. By Edward L. Wheeler. 202 Frespect Pete, of tne Boy Brigade. By Ol) Coomes, 849 Wild Wolf, the Wace. By Buckskin Sam. 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger. By Col, P, Ingraham. 208 The Boy Parda. By Joseph EK. ey B50 Red Ralph, the River Rover. Ned Buntline, 488 Wild Dick Racket, By Charles Morris 204 Gold Plame, the Boy Bandit, By Col. Prentiss In 851 Deadwood Bick Sentenced. ~ ward L. Wheeles, 489 The Diamond Sport. By Wm. G. Patten, 205 Dendwood Dick's Doom, By Edward L. Wheeler, 52 Tombstone Tom. By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain. 490 Brondway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo, By J.C, Cow 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. By Charles Morris. 58 The Reporter.Detective. By Charles Morris. 491 Prince Pistol, the King of the West; or, Deadweod 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter, By T. C. Harbangh, 854 Big Horn Ike the Hill Tramp. By Roger Starbuck. Jr’s Compact. By Edward L. Wheeler, 208 The Boy Hercules, By Ol! Coomes. 855 Thr King of the Woods; or, Daniel Boone’s Last Trail. | 49% Git Thar Owney’s Pledge. By Geo, C. Jenks. 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler, By doneph EF. Badger, Jr. 498 Taos Ted, the Afisona 8poit, Albert W. Aiken, 210 Faro Frank of High Pine, By Wiliam R. Eyster, 856 Cool Sam and Pard, Ry T. ©. Harbaugh, A9A Surly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective, By Jo Pieres. 211 Crooked Cale. By ooaee E. Badger, Jr. 34 § The Ranch Ratders. By Bockskin Sam, 495 Arizona Joe, the Boy Pard of Texas Jack. Cel. BIS Pitta ce tke Sront. By deena’: Wine. | See Duramee Daves the Young Wrestet Champion, by Mal: ear tz to the Fron iy Edwar onler. 5 ra. ay Y Vrestier Champion. 214 } sera the Lage! a Rhine, By Ca .* aire Hae “a. r * a , = A New Irsue Every Tuesday. 215 Captain Bullet, the Raider King. By T, C, Harbaugh, 860 Bilver-Mask, the Man of Mystery. By J. C. Cowdrick. 216 Rison BIll, the Prince of the Reins, By Col. P. Ingraham. 861 The Phantom Lighthouse. By Roger Starbuck. The Half-Dime Library ‘s tor sale by ai! newsdealers, Suey 217 Captain Crack-Shot. By Edward L. Wheeler. 862 Deadwood Dick’s Claim. By Edward L, Wheeler. conte per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. 218% Tiger T the Texan Terror. By Oll Coomes, see Little Tornado. By Philip 8. Warne. BEADLE AND ADAMA, Publish 219 861 Snap-Shot, the Boy Ranger. By Buckskin Sam. wnEeRere, 865 Baltimore Bem. By A. F Marra 98 William Street, New Yorks