Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 410) (1885 06 02)
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Hmm = we N ‘ | a 33 <P jalelboletalelalal | |] D : eae el WE 1 WM ak es er Tage al A Qa to ht el a al ct st a al a il a a Tl a ~ ail eS $2.50 a year. Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mail Rates. Eire . ____ Copyright, 1885, by BEADLE AND ADAMs, June 2, i885. Single °-UBLISUED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AN AMS i Vol. 5 7.3 W ais, al PUBLISUEI Ix EADLE AND ADAMS, Price, No. 41 O, No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds; , OF, The Mystery of Joan Porter BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. AUTHOR OF “DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, ‘“‘ ROSEBUD ROB” NOVELS, ETC., ETC, .
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2 Deadwood Lick’s Tamonds: R, The Mystery of Joan Porter. 4 Story of the Latest Detective Triumph of Dead- wood Dick and Calamity Jane. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF “DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, ‘ROSEBUD BOB” NOVELS, BTC. CHAPTER L AN UNLUCKY GAMBLER. AppLesAoK Crty had one saloon, with which at the time of our story was combined a faro bank, a general supply store, a pawnbroker’s and money exchange, a few tent habitations, and a bed of paying placer dirt, Hotels were not needed, as there was no likeli- hood that the camp would ever boom. One stage a week was another 1 The town took its name from the fac first man who located there brought with him a jug of neha le This same man afterward ¢ up the “ High Jack” saloon, and imported # Barre of applejack from Denver. Small though the cluster of cabins and tents, Applejack Ci thing li that the boasted of a tion of some- e a hundred and fifty souls—allowing, of course, that every one of its rough citizens eer souls—and as the claim ned out airly, gold-dust was in free circulation, and the faro bank at the High Jack reaped a nightly harvest. One dark, rainy night, at an hour borderin upon midnight, the faro table was surround bya prep of roughly-clad but stalwart knights of the pick and pan, who were eager spectators of a game of more than ordi interest. The bar, too, was liberally patronized, but the chief interest appeared to be centered about the board of the green cloth. Of the spectators, none call for special notice. It is of those at the board we write. In all, six men engaged in the 6, counting the dealer, who was a shrewd-looking, dark- eomplexioned fellow of thirty-five, with a black mustache, waxed out at the ends, an ea le eye and a white rn ray of shirt-front, emblazon with a diamond pin of unusual size. Next to him sat a man whose appearance and attire suggested that he might recently have come from the for he was well-dressed, and this features but littletanned. He was about the game age as the dealer, well-pro oned, and round-featured, His eyes were pg brown, and scintillating. His hair and verged upon the sandy, Though at aglance not a bad-appearing man, there was somethin, about 4 curve of his mouth that was peice wr and forbi : euit of jet-black cloth, his figure indicating sup- and musc power, after a half-wild type of ‘beauty, pe- -culiar to frontier. He was an American, plainly enough, but the devil-may-care expression of eyes and mouth in- dicated to the close observer the man ready for any emergency. eyes were dark, keen, observant, magnet- fc. He wore his hair cut short, and a graceful dark-brown mustache adorned his lip. This man was kno or had dro into the ites ae Wager ATdot—a. haw rival i AD ple City. fifth member of the party was a burly, evil-looking customer, of aspect and man- aes, toate be qnarre and known as The sixth was also a new-comer in the camp—Bill by name, he said. He had Se Er at ete pon, poh @ was twenty-five of on had a Comoe : me . No man at the Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds. That was a rule which all who played at High Jack were forced to observe. Bill Bird had arrived that very day, and had announced that he had the “ spondulicks,” and agg See to gamble the strength of his pile—that e intended to go away from Applejack with his resources largely augmented, or leave his en- tire stakes behind. As may be supposed he had no difficulty in getting a 6 started. Edgar ott and ’Frisco Bill had not takena hand until evening. The others had been play- ing since noon. ust how much money Bill Bird carried, he did not announce; but, as the stakes were large and he had lost steadily from the first, it was evident that he had been well ‘“‘ heeled.” The bank had caught on to a good percentage of his money until Edgar Arnott dropped in, when he appeared to be the most fortunate of the winners, The game at the High Jack was considered to be on the square, as Fen Franklin had a reputa- tion for honesty belonging to but few gamblers; et it seemed wonderful how bad luck should fol- ow Bill Bird so fatefully, and more than once, Halsey and Arnott suspiciously watched every movement of Franklin’s nimble fingers, as he dealt from the box. “‘No man ever had such infernal luck as this!” Bird declared, as he lost once more, and a hum of surprise escaped the spectators. ‘““ That’s over eight thousand dollars I’m out!” “T think if I were in your Ee I'd quit be- fore I was teetotally broke!” Edgar Arnott ad- vised. “Broke?” Bird echoed. ‘‘Humph! I ain’t broke, yet.” ‘“‘Nor do I think it is one player’s place to give another player advice in this game!” Halsey de- clared, irritably. ‘‘Oh! that’s altogether a matter of individual opinion!” Arnott calmly retorted. Bird lost again—and again, and again! Then, paler than was his usual wont, he arose from the table. The others eyed him tantly. More than one player had been known to blow his brains out in tv room, ‘‘ Are you donef’ Fen Franklin asked, his hand carelessly resting near his hip pocket, “No, Iam notdone, I placed my last money on the queen, then, gents, but lost. Will you oe game ten minutes, until I get more cas Oh! Sole ere Ans to accommodate you, Mr. Bird!” the dealer suavely replied. “Thank you. Mr. Arnott, may I havea word with you in private?” “Certainly, sir!” And , Arnott fol- lowed the gaunt bler from saloon; but not without surprise, £6F he had never seen him P*Quiside, inthe deep gloom of the pouring 6, e dee oom of the : faced each other. night, the two paused : ‘ Arnott!” the consumptive said, huskily, ‘ hi and I are com tively strangers, but that don’t matter. You have seen what infernal luck I’ve-been having, and had the heart to advise me to quit. That’sall right. Ilike you. The rest of em are sharks in there. But I’m game. It’s die dog and eat the hatchet with me. Have you t ten thousand dollars to lend me for an our?” It was oy, a startling request, but Ar- y unprepared for it. nott was not who “Bird!” he said, ‘‘ that’s far beyond my pile. I haven’t got over a thousand with me.” “Tf you could spare me the sum I would you do sof’ ‘Tf I thought it would better your fortunes— ” *** Thank You. I see you're the man I thought ou can go inside now. Tell’em I'll back ina jiffy.” “Where are you going?” Arnott demanded, guickty, his suspicions aroused that the queer ellow had intended suicide. “Yonder!” and Bird pointed toward the pawn- ays a few rods away, where a light still burned "Then with’ dry laugh he strode Ar- th a awa at Phi in him until he had- disappeared language and habits, and soon found favor with the denizens of Applejack Camp. Ostensibly his place was a pawn-shop, on the plan of those conducted in larger cities, but im reality the main object was for brokerage om gold, a great majority of miners preferring to exchange their dust for greenbacks, at a large discount. Although Abraham’s business was principally that of exchange, he not infrequently loaned money on pledges of watches, jewelry, fire-arms and other marketable goods—loans usually so- cope hf ghee who hed been gambling, over at the High Jack, and had lost all, or to some mountain tramp perennially “* bu’sted,” who was craving for three fingers of bug-juice. No pawn-brokin w affected the out-of-the way city of Applejack; hence, Abraham never gave more than a fraction of the value of an article, and charged a tremendous interest to the occasional individual who redeemed his goods, Pledges not redeemed (according to a self-manufactured code) were forfeited,and liable to be sold to the first applicant who wished to purchase the article. Abraham as stated, was past twenty-five, graceful, and at the same time athletic of build, rather dsome of face, with close-curli black hair and mustache, and brilliant eyes the same color. He dressed nicely, and everybody in Apple- jack presumed that he was perfectly satisfied with the business he did, as it was & rare thi to find him in ill-humor, or in any ways dis- courteous. It was late—yet, applicants for loans usually came in late—and the young money-lender sat in his office, dozing in a comfortable arm-chair, when there came a brisk rap at the door. Never a sound sleeper, Abraham was awake in an instant, and upon his feet. He turned up the light, first; then took a six- shooter from pocket, and advanced to the door sarre 4 the weapon, as he went. “ Who is ere, and what is wanted?” he de- manded, before unlocking the door. ‘‘Dead Broke, Esquire—and want a loan!” was the significant response. On what?” * Diamonds!” Levi hesitated a moment, then he opened the door, admitting Bill Bird, the unfortunate loser we Ay? : t up th ” th ye can up the pop e yo a plicant said, Giokin at the cawnbscker'a Te - ge bullets, but am on the uare, allee samee. I judge by the three balls outside that bt advance money on security.” “*T do!” Abraham replied, closing and locking the door, and still maintaining a firm grip on his weapon. ‘How much money do you want?” ‘* Enough to go over and clean out that den of sharps across the street!” Abraham smiled. ‘Pm afraid I couldn't accommodate you to that extent, unless you are a Incky player!” he declared. “ Lucky! I'm the unluckiest devil in ten States, That’s no business of yours, though. Howmuch money have you got?” ‘How much do you want?” evasively. “Oh! you’re a careful cuss, ain’t youf But, that’s right. I wish I was as care Why, T'll try to make ten thousand dollars do me.” ** Ten thousand dollars?” ‘You heard me?” “But you're crazy. What security have eat for so much money as ten thousand t Boot Bill Bird = ting ¢ ity?” Bi re thrus gaunt hand into an inner eet why, them, mister!” and he brought i fairly dazzled the pawnbroker’s eyes. “ t are the ty?’ Bill Bird de manded, in trium 4 a
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“time on you!” Abraham said. et A man could well have paid seventy-five | thousand and considered himself in great luck. , Abraham was no amateur in his business. Indeed, it well may be said that smart men | only are fitted for the peculiar calling of pawn- | broker—ment skilled in trade and values, and | who also are accomplished readers of faces and | human character. Abraham had served his apprenticeship under a stern master, and consequently knew that he now beheld a tempting fortune in those queens | of valued gems, and the dazzling sight nearly took his breath away. He took the case trom Bill Bird’s hands, and ®xamined it and the diamonds, minutely, the gambler remaining mute, but observant. “Where did you get these?’ the Jew finally asked, without looking up. **That’s none of your business,” was promptly | replied. ‘“‘They’re mine, and that’s enough. Will you give me the ten?” 2°: No; can not!” . “* Why, fool, they’re worth seventy-five!” ** Maybe. I haye not so much money.” ** What will you do, then?” “You must have money?” “© You bet!” ‘© What for?” “* Didn't I tell you I wanted to clean the High Jack crowd out?” ‘“You better keep the jewels, and let the cards alone?’ Abraham suggested. ‘You ’tend to your business!” he growled. **T know what I’m doing!” “‘ Well, then, [ll tell you what I'll do, Those aare valuable jewels, worth fifty-thousand at the Jeast. Have they been seen here? No? Well, they’re dangerous things to have about. If it ‘were known, in Applejack, about them, I’d not ‘take a dollar for my chances to live a week, you see, I run a great risk!” “Bah! no one knows anything about those diamonds but you. You're safg!” “Well, then, I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll iive you five thousand on them, for ten days. Vithin that time you can redeem them by pay- ving me ten thousand dollars. After ten days ‘they are mine. These are my only terms, and iI don’t want the jewels at that!” Bill Bird stood a moment, his face a puzzle. ‘Only five thousand dollars! : Should he pawn those valuable gems for so in- ‘significant a sum? aa ; Coming from across the way, some evil voice ‘seemed to whisper in bis ear, “‘ yes.” You can have ’em. Give methe money!” he said, at last, hoarsely. : Abraham disappeared behind a partition, with the jewels. Soon he returned, laying in Bill Bird’s hands, ten five-hundred-dollar notes, and a loan ticket. ! ‘‘T had not the conscience to exact so short a : _ “The ticket «ives you six months’ time in which to redeem he jewels, at the same figures!” Without a word, Bird pocketed the money sand left the store. ‘ Outside, he gazed toward the skurrying clouds, and lifting one hand on high, muttered, ‘‘ Now, help me, Heaven! It is victory or—death!” hen he hastened toward the High Jack saloon. CHAPTER III. BIRD PASSES IN HIS CHECKS IN TWO WAYS. Wuen Edgar Arnott entered the High Jack saloon, after Bill Bird had disappeared, he was regarded inquiringly by those seated at the faro- table. “Where is your friend?” Franklin demanded, in a tone rather insinuating, “To whom do you refer? Arnott haughtily retorted. i “Why, Bill Bird, of course.” —_, *“T am not aware that he is Parbionlarly my friend—no more, at any rate, than any chance ain ny ’ : Bah!” and the dealer smiled superciliously. “Tf Tam not off my guess, you two travel to- gether.” 2 *““Indeed! Then you are ae your guess. I never saw the gentleman before my arrival in your camp.” k’s Diamonds. > ~~ “You see I’m at home,” Arnott said, coolly, and this is my reception-hour. Do you under- stand?” ‘Curse you!” Fen Franklin gritted. ‘‘ Pil—” ** What will you do?” ‘* Kill you for your impudence!” “Tf you get the chance.” } & Franklin set his teeth hard together but made | no reply. A moment later the door of the saloon opened and Bill Bird re-entered, in one hand grasping the money just received from Abraham Leyi. “* Here [ am!” he cried, flourishing the money so all could see it. ‘‘ Pll either retrieve my losses now, or bu’st something!” He took his former seat at the table, but Ar- nott did not resume his. ‘“*T do not care to play any longer,” he said, in answer to an inquiring glance from: Bird. ‘* Tf you choose to throw your money away I do not propose.to have a hand in ruining you. go ahead without me,” and turning, he strode from the vicinity of the table. The men at the board gave vent toa grunt that indicated some little surprise; then the game was resumed. The betting was heavier than in the preceding game, but it made no difference with bird’s for- tunes—at least, no favorable difference; luck was plainly and inevitably against him, and he lost continually. He uttered no murmur of vexation or regret, however, but played on with a reckless air, by which one might have judged that he re- garded the whole affair in the light of an amuse- ment, Franklin was the heaviest winner, leaving Halsey the honor of second; but his winnings did not appear to make the gambler as jubilant as usual, for the scowl on his face betokened slumbering rage at Edgar Arnott’s insult. Although the crowd still watched the game with feverish interest, those at the table re- mained silent—even Bird himself having noth- ing to say, as dollar after dollar slipped through his fingers, To have watched him toward the last, one might have inferred that he apparently took no more interest in the game than to play it out until his means were exhausted, for luck was so against him that there was little use of his ex- pecting to win anything. And so heavy were the stakes that soon he must drop out from lack of funds. And the time came, shortly after one o’clock. _ The wind was wailing dismally through the camp, and the rain gray OF weird tattoo against the windows of the High Jack, when Bill Bird arose from the table after losing his last five hundred dollars on the queen—arose, pale but apparently nonchalant. “That settles my playing!” he said, grimly. ‘“‘Tve nary a cent more, and you gents have my boodle, sure enough. But, it don’t matter much, Every dog has his, day, and I’ve had mine.” He sauntered leisurely to the opposite end of the rocm, and sat down at a table, opposite Edgar Arnott, who was enjoying a quiet smoke. “Well, I did it!” he remarked with a smile. “TI thought I would, and I did.” ** What?” ‘““Lost—blowed every cent in; over fourteen thousand, all told!” You are foolish—very foolish!” ‘Yes, so I suppose. But, what does it mat- ter? I was bound to leave Joan a fortune, or else nothing at all—so, it’s nothing at all!” ‘* Joan, who is that?” “* Joan—why that is—well, you'll know some day. I want you to find her.” ‘I don’t understand you.” ‘‘ T’]l try and make it plainer, then. You see, T and Joan were lovers, and grow’d to like each other, tho’ she was but a child in years. Her family were high-toners, and I was nothing bet- ter than a stockman, and they allowed Joan was wo good for me, and forbid me ever to speak to er “That didn’t amount to much, though, for Joan and I used to meet, on the sly, and finally we made it all uptorun away, and get mar- ried, but the day, or ruther, the night before we were to elope, I was knocked senseless, and oe d he want of you?’ borne away into the mountains, and there held ‘That, sir, is practically none of your busi-| a prisoner, for nearly a year, in an outlaw ness.” rendezvous, occupied by Lem Leech and his - Franklin’s face flushed angrily, and his hand gang. ; , - once more ht the vicinity of his hip pocket, | ‘‘ Finally, however, I made my escape, and Arnott anticipated him, however, for a revol- | returned to Carson City, bent on finding Joan, ver dropped out of his coat-sleeve into the grasp | ani the f ent of our vows. On of his Seadaseps- olan 0 apa my wipes re that I had fallen a There suggestive click, as wi twen usan lars in money, an i gusane to ull GOUk aan ie eatin us to donion monds to the value of seventy-five thousand 4 ' ; rn i [ "5 ) : sass A ult sles dda mz iL ay iba ate y ‘ So | trary.” | | more, all coming’ from a rich uncle, who had | died, six months before, in the East. | **Of course I now felt on equal footing with | Joan’s people, and I hastened to call, to see my | affianced. Arriving at her home, I was greet- | ed effusively, by the old folks, and after some | delay, was, presented to a young lady, who they said, was Joan.” “ Was it not Joan?” “It was not! Although I had been absent nearly a year, they could not tell me that it was Joan, and make me believe it. To be sure, I could see much in the girl that belong- ed to Joan, as I had last known her, but it was not her, all their protestations to the con- “This is singular, indeed. Both the parents | insisted that it was their daughter, whom you had formerly known?” ele gy ‘* And what did the girl say?” ‘* She corroborated their statement, and tried to impress upon me that she was my Joan but failed. She tried to relate incidents of our former acquaintance, and courtship, and made a botch of it, proving beyond a doubt to my mind, that she was an impostor!” “ This is certainly remarkable. In what way do you account for the change of girls?” “*T can account for it inno igia? & Iam positive that my Joan, and the girl who occupies her lace, are two distinct and different persons, ut how, or why, this change has been made 1 do not know. To me, it is an unfathomable mystery.” ‘*Do you think the parents are cognizant of the change, if one has been made?” ““Why, how could it be otherwise? Would not their parental instinct tell them the dif- ference between the two girls, providing they were not aware that an exchange had been made? Of course it would! There is some deep mystery about the case, and I want you to undertake its solution!” “ Me 7 ‘** Exactly.” “ And why, pray, do you want me to attempt such a thing?” “Because I know you to be quick and shrewd, and just the man forthe job. I’ve been trying to find you, fora week. You are well known to me, by reputation, although you pro- bably never heard of me before.” ‘*Tndeed! Who do you take me to be?” “T don’t take you to be any one, for I know that you are Deadwood Dick!’ Arnott’s face betrayed considerable surprise. ‘‘ Whatever caused such a thought as that to hit you?” he asked, taking the cigar from his mouth. ‘*Oh! no matter. know it.” ‘‘ Well, may be not. But 1 was not aware that my identity was known here. Whydo you wish me to take hold of this case? It is of no particular interest to me.” * But you must make it so. Youare as shrewd a detective as there is in the West, and I want you to take up the trail, and never lay it down until you find the real Joan, and learn why she was ousted from her home, and another girl put in her place.” “Why do he not try this, yourself?” ‘* Because l’ve made an unsuccessful attempt, already. Then, too, I’ve heartily tired of West- ern life, and am going heme. Before I go, I want your promise that you will leave no, stone unturned to find the real Joan, and restore her to her rights.” ‘“ Her rights?” f “Yes!” and here Bird took a large sealed package from his pocket. ‘‘ After you have found her, open ‘this and you will find all neces- sary instructions about what to do with her. Here, too, is a pectograns of her, as she was when I saw her last, over a year ago.” Deadwood Dick, as we shall know Arnott henceforth, took the package, and also the photo. which was the likeness of a Preny maidea. some sixteen years—a girl of most attractive features, brilliant brown eyes, and sunny hair, and one whose face reflected her warm impulsive ma She tty!” Dick said, observinghy e is very pretty!” Dick said, o i ° ‘* Does the ae Joan look like this?” pM dae =: , though she is not nearly so pret- ” Deadwood Dick was silent a moment. ““T can’t bring myself to exactly understand this case,” he said, y. “You want me to I am not mistaken, and I undertake it, and y are not inclined to take hold of it . You were a lover of this girl, you tater Seana bay rg te would be eager to solve the mystery of her disappearance,”
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2 : no Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds. ‘*So Iam!” Bird replied, with a hafd-drawn breath, ‘* but I can make no further personal ef- fort to discover her! I am too ill!” ‘** Indeed?” * Exactly; but I am not barred from hiring some one to work out the mystery.” “T see. Well, how much do you prenose to pay for the detective services that wil! sc ve- uired to carry out the matter you hav: » + lined?” “I will tell you. To-night I left at the pawn- shop over yonder seventy-five thousand dollars’ worth of diamonds on which I received a six- months’ loan of five thousand, ‘It went with the rest at the faro-table. Here is.the pawn-ticket by which with ten thousand dollars, they can be | redeemed. Take the ticket—then, swear that you will leave no stone unturned :to find the real oan Porter, and on finding her. will execute the orders contained in tbe scared package I gave you, and the ticket is yours, You can easily raise the ten thousand, I dare say, to redeem the diamonds with, and then they are yours, and you are worth sixty-five thousand, at the least calculation—all for carrying out nry request, which may prove but an easy job.” ‘* These Porters live in Carson City?” ** Yes, or did, at last accounts, The old man was a speculator and money-lender.” * How long ago was this?” ** Four ri >“hs ago.” “How m ny -n the family:” “Only t. e o i man, his wife, and the girl they now declare vv be Joan.” * You were shut up in the mountains for near- ly a bh ” ‘For about nine months.” ““Your captors were—?” **Lem Leech and his outlaw gang.” ““How far are they located from Carson City?” ‘* Fifteen or sixteen hours’ ride—not far from the new mining-town of Beelzebub.” ** What was the object of keeping you in cap- tivity?” ** | have no definite idea. I was treated well by the outlaws, ’cept they wouldn't let me out of the camp.” **Did you suspect that any other parties were eoncerned in the matter?” ‘*T suspicioned that Philander Porter had had a hand in it, in order that I should not associate with Joan. .Of course, however, I lacked posi- tive proof.” ‘Had you any rival for the first Joan’s affec- tions before your capture?” ‘** Not that I am aware of.” ** And yet her people objected to your associ- ating together!” “Yes, They were bitterly opposed to it, and threatened violence to me if I did not go accord- ing to their wishes.” ‘And, yet, when i came back, and was worth upward of a hundred thousand dollars, they were more sagenig 3 to receive you?” ** Yes. As soon as they learned that I was in Carson City, they sent for me to call. As soon as I saw, the one they presented as their daugh- ter, I told them it was not the Joan I had known, They declared that it was, and the girl insisted that she was the same Joan I had court- ed. But, I wouldn’t be convinced, and caught and confused her, by several tests. Finally the old man got mad, and said that if his word was to be doubted, in his own house, I had better get out. I got, and never went back again.” ““Did you express yuar doubts, to any of the neighbors?” *“No—only to one lawyer, named Darby, and he laughed at me, and said such a thing as an exchange of girls was too absurd for belief.” “*Pardon me, but that’s somewhat the way the matter appears to me. Unless the girls were ex- act counterparts, in eyery respect, the neighbors would surely detect a change.” “Maybe. But, it matters not: Iam positive- ly sure that my Joan has become the victim of some mysterious adventure or abduction, and the girl Number Two is substituted.” “You say old man Porter is rich?” “*Tt’s said he can lay his hand on half a mil- tion in ready cash. He don’t deal in real estate, but speculates so as to turn all his profits into the ready lucre.” “* How long has he lived in Carson City?” ‘Two years or thereabouts.” Dick had been jotting down notes, in a small memorandum-book which he now placed in his pocket. “Well, Mr, Bird, the case as it stands before me contains many .elements of mystery,” he seid, “and has, no dot plenty, f work in it; however, as yeu have seen fit gaye so lib- eral-an offer, I will promise you to ferret out. / the matter, to the best of my ability. It will require some cunning, however, to keep my eye on the pawnbroker, who holds the diamonds, and the case in Carson City. Perhaps I can ar- range it.” ‘“Very well. Do your best—more can’t be asked of you!” Bird assented. He then arose, and crossed over to the bar, where he evidently asked the bartender for a free drink, for the bottle was not set out, with- out considerable hesitation, Bird poured out a brimming glass, and gulped down the fiery liquor, at a draught. Then, waving his hand at Deadwood Dick, in | & way evidently intended to imply good-night, he left the saloon. A moment later was a loud pistol report, out- of-doors. Quickly springing to the door, Deadwood Dick threw it open, and saw that his worst sus- picions were confirmed. Lying in front of the saloon, with a bullet- hole in his temple, was Bill Bird. Ere he coud be raised, and borne into the High Jack, life had become extinct, CHAPTER IV. PLEASANT AND PROFITABLE POKER. As may be supposed, the suicide caused con- siderable excitement, for the time being, but it did not last as long as one might have expected. This, perhaps, was owing to the fact that Bird was not the first man who had blown his brains out, in Applejack City, because of losing his last copper at the gaming-board, Several other discouraged tempters of Dame Fortune, had made a claim on the cemetery, by “ passing in their checks at the great. Cashier’s office;” hence, Bird’s death was viewed as little more than a passing event, by the frequenters of the High Jack. To Deadwood Dick, however, his suicide but added to the mystery of the case the daring de- tective had promised to unravel. ; Had Bird deliberately made his preparations with a full intention to end his existence, or ha he shot himself under the impulse of a sudden realization that he was out upon the world, penniless? Dick favored the first-named theory. The singular fellow had said he ‘was going home! Perhaps he had meant a home beyond the cares and troubles of this eventful life—~a home far more extensive, than any upon this earth. He had undoubtedly committed suicide, for a revolver was found clutched in his grasp, which was minus one bullet. After he was viewed by the inmates of the sa- loon, the saloon-keeper volunteered to take charge of the remains, and give them a respect- able burial, on the morrow. The body accordingly, was laid out in another room, and within half an hour afterward, the majority of the High Jack habietus, had for- gotten the suicide, in the excitement consequent upon the games, and the flow of “‘ booze.” The High Jack kept open all night, and the most of its poteres had no thought of retiring, until a couple of hours before sunrise, two hours’ sleep being recognized as a plenty, for any wide- awake man. About an hour after the death of Bill Bird, a horse was ridden up to the door, some person dismounted, and entered the saloon, All eyes were turned inquiringly upon the new-comer, for it was an unusual thing for an arrival in Applejack, at that hour of night. A look of surprise flitted over the faces of the observers, for they beheld not a man, as they had expected, but, on the contrary, a woman, young and dashingly handsome. She had probably passed her first maidenhood ; but her appearance was still youthful, her eyes brilliant, her features round and health-tinted, and her hair charmingly arranged, while her head was ornamented with a jaunty sombrero, and her well-contoured figure, was elad in a full suit of spotless gray cloth, including patent-lea- ther top-boots on her feet, all serving to give her a dashing appearance. Jewels glittered upon her fingers, and at her throat, a long gossamer coat had protected her from the rain, as she rode. Weapons she wore none, to outward view, The readers of the former ‘* Deadwood Dick” novels, will have no difficulty in recognizing her as Deadwood Dick's ever-present side-partner, Calamity Jane. And, to-night, she looked but little older, than pee a ag ta ae up in the c i uring the sti of 1876-77. ; As she entered the High Jack saloon, her eagle eyes gave one sweeping glance about the apartment, missing not a face; then, she ad- vanced to the bar, and ordered a glass of wine, which she paid for, and drank. If she had recognized Deadwood Dick, her face betrayed no token of the fact. Leaving the bar, she sauntered over to a poker table, where Fen Franklin and Halsey were playing poker, the faro game having “ petered out,” for the night. ‘“Howdy, gents? How’s luck running, to- night?” she said, taking a cigarette from her pocket, and lighting it. “All to the bank!” Franklin replied, with a chuckle. ‘‘ The bankisgetting rich. D’ye think you can make a run on it?” “Yes, for Heaven’s sake, if you’ve got any luck, drop in!” Halsey spoke up. ‘ Maybe there'll be a change. I’m tired of losing all the time. Haven’t won a jack-pot, in an hour, of any size.” ‘Perhaps you were afraid to bluff!” the gir} a said, with a smile, as she drew a chair to the table. ‘‘ How about limit?” ‘* We will start a game with nolimit!” Frank- lin said, dryly. ‘Chips are five dollars apiece, for blues, which we ’most always use, for it’s a shame to abuse one’s privilege to lose,” “Eh? Well, that 7s news; but it’s twenty I choose!” and she laid down a hundred-dollar note, and received the equivalent in two stacks of checks. Herbert Halsey also invested a like sum, in ivories, and then the game began. The betting started in two chips, and all hands. passed and ‘* came up” three times, until it was Calamity’s say. ** Do you open it? Franklin demanded, look- ing slyly at his hand. ‘I might!” was the reply. ‘‘ Give me two cards.” The deal was made. The betting then commenced, cautiously, om small raises, until there were eighty dollars on the pot. Calamity now dove down into her pocket, bringing forth several gold pieces, and a roll of bank notes, among which fondred-dollar bills: were not wanting. “I don’t think it possible you can have four,” she said, ‘‘so Pll see you, and go five hundred better.” ‘‘Tm out!” Halsey said, tabling his paste- boards. ‘‘ You people can fight it out!” “Tm not going to weaken!” Fen Franklim growled, ‘I’ve played poker too long to be: bluffed, on a two pair, See you, and a thousand better!” ; “Thank you!” and while scratching her head Calamity glanced toward Deadwood Dick, and received a nod of approval. No one else noticed the nod, however. The crowd about the table now began to evince great interest, for this was no baby pla ft, and it was Target that each bettor was o the gamest kind. ‘See you,” Calamity responded, covering the bet; and now, let me sée what I can do for ou !” t She counted over her money, drew another wad from her pocket and added that—them pushed the entire sum into the pot! ‘* Five thousand!” she said, sententiously, Franklin smothered an oath, and coed at: his hand, “What the deunce*have you got, anyhow?” he growled. , ‘I’m cussed if I don’t find out,” and he counted out five thousand into the pot. “Now then, show up!» Calamity laid down her hand—three aces and a pair of jacks. 5 . ‘I presume that will give me a glimpse at your hand,” she smiled. “You can take the pot!” the gambler said with a fierce oath, as he seized the cards an shuffled them. _‘*Cut for deal. I'll break you, or quit the business broke myself.” alamity smiled. The deal fell to her. ‘‘One card!” Franklin chuckled, discarding one at a glance at his hand. ‘¢ Ditto here;” The betting again opened and waxed hot and heavy until the whole of Calamity’s money, and what she had won, were on the board, The excitement now was at a high pitch, and both players were visibly nervous, Frankl n had opened the pot, and it was his say. Hie examined the last bet, and then counted money. : A | por just see you and that’s all, making twenty thousand and fifty on the board. I ho tivek tacks and a pair of queens!” Franklin sai@ |
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Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds. triumphantly, exposing his hand after putting hhis last money on the board. “Four aces and a king!” Calamity returned, laying down her hand. ‘* The pot is mine.” ‘*Take it!” the gambler growled, staggering from his seat. ‘*‘ Henceforth, some one else can run this table; I’m broke!” The stakes being somewhat bulky made it no | easy matter for Calamity to stow somuch money away about her trim eee m; but she succeeded, and then ordered the bartender to ‘‘ set em out” for the crowd. While the rough audience were drinking, the zi 1 sport passed near enough to Deadwood Dick to say in an undertone: ‘**Ts it safe here with so much money?” ** Afraid not. Watch your chance and slip outside, and wait for the hoot of an owl at the lower end of the camp.” Calamity moved on, and j-‘ned the crowd at the bar. One man had watched her movements closely, and that was Herbert Halsey; and he soon ap- proached the sport, his hands thrust carelessly in his pockets. ‘Ah! resting after the game?” he saluted. ‘** Rather,” Dick replied, ‘* Unfortunately, the hotel accommodations are not extensive.” ‘That's true. I fancy I shall pull out of this camp in the morning. Are you going to re- main here?” “7 have uo: vet decided.” “You _ | out, or you are dead mén!” Dick: ordered, his “Well, sir!” he said, grimly, ‘supposing 1 | yes blazing dangerously. ‘ Get, I say, or Tl ‘dle you." He had th. drop as the guards, to their dis- may, discoverea. °0, With a grunt, they stepped to one side. : Before they cou.’ ara” a weapon, Deadwood Dick had thrown ope» the door, and leaped out into the black, stormy night, wick a cry of de- fiance that pealed back into tne saiven chorus- ing with the howl of rage from the iijs o. Fer Franklin, “*Ten thousand curses! Stop him! stop him!” the gambler roared. ‘‘That man is Deadwood Dick, the road-agent, and five hundred dollars is offered for his arrest! After him—take him, dead or alive!” Spurred by these words and offer, several men sprung from the saloon, with hoarse yells. But if they expected to find Deadwood Dick awaiting for them to walk up and capture him, they were grievously mistaken, for the ex-Prince of the Road was nowhere in sight, A hasty search was made throughout the camp, but no trace of him was obtained, and owing to the fury of the storm, all hopes of find- ing him had to be given up, much to the disgust 1¢ Eastern-appearing Herbert Halsey, Meanwhile, let us follow Deadwood Dick. Jmerging from the saloon, he took to the mid- | le of the single street, and ran as fast as his feet would carry him. The mud of the street muffled his footfalls, and this, with the intensity of the darkness, made it easy for him to escape. At a point where he had appointed to meet Calamity, he found her awaiting, and they has- tened on until overa mile from Applejack City, when a halt was made in under the shelter of a friendly ledge. . As little fear of pursuit was entertained, Ca- lamity dismounted, produced a bull’s-eye lantern from her saddle-bags, and they soon had a well- shielded light, _ A consultation was at once held, Dick appris- ing Calamity Jane of all the circumstances con- nected with what had happened later. ‘It’s a mysterious case!” he added, in conclu- sion of narration, ‘ but I reckon youand I ought eee his meeting with Bill Bird, and & to be able to brig something out of it, Ca~ lamity.” ‘“* Tf we can’t it will be funny!” the girl sport declared. ‘‘If we win the case, the diamonds are ours you say?” ““Yes; or, for that matter, they’re ours now, Bird being dead. However, I promised him 1d look into the case, and so I will. You brought all the money with you?” ‘Yes. We're worth over twenty thousend dollars now, Dick!” “Thanks to,your luck to-night, Jennie. Tex of this sum must go to redeem the jewels, as soon as the Jew opens up shop,” ‘“True. And the balance, with the epee De of a couple of thousand, we had better cach2 ig some safe place in the mountains.” ‘Exactly. There’s time enough for that be tween here and Carson City, however.” ‘*Do you think we will be pursued as soon az it comes daybreak?” ‘*Very probable, Halsey wants the papers. and I’ve no doubt but he and Franklin, the gam bler, will affiliate and give chase.” ‘* Then we had better not linger here,” **On the contrary, we are in a safe place, for the present. The route toward Carson leaves Apieieck in an opposite direction from which we have come, and if HaJsey knows any thing | about this Joan Porter case, as seems probable, he will naturally expect us to be en route for Carson and take that trail. The rain will have | washed away all tracks, so that even an expe. rienced trailer could not tell which way we went.” , “TIT hope so. And, now, about the jewels You will hardly dare to venture back into the ar to get them?” ** Did you bring my disguises with you?” ‘**One- side of the saddle-bags is stuffed with them.” ‘Then, I can fix it all right.” ‘But have you no fears that the Jew may slide off during the darkness on his own hook? So valuable a collection of diamonds is a big temptation, worth; as they are, more than he could make at pawnbroking in a dozen years.” ‘““T have been thinking of that. ‘The Jew | hasn’t much of value, about his place, except money, and he could well afford to sacrifice hig few pawn. pledges, to get away with the dia- i You remain here, and Ill hasten back, and see that he does not escape, providing he hag not already done so.” ‘“*T had better go with you. Something might happen, that you would get into trouble!” ** Oh, Tl look out for Dick, every time. With so much money in your possession, you are bet- ter off here,” ‘* Supposing you fail to return?” “Then, secrete the money in a safe place, and cautiously investigate the cause of my delay.” He looked to his weapons; then, Siiinc Ca- lamity, took his departure, down the ch. The night were slowly away, and the girl sport awaited anxiously for Dick’s return. The storm continued to rage, furiously, nor did it abate in any particular degree; when the day began to dawn. The heavens were clouded and dark, and there was fair prospect of a con- tinuous all-day’s rain Just as day was breaking, Deadweed Dick re- appeared, His face was gloomy and troubled, and he was visibly excited. | Calamity Jane did not need inquire the cause; then, too, he spoke before she had an opportunity to ask. | he has taken with him everything of value. | The diamonds, of course,-went with him, and are lost to us, for the present, at least!” CHAPTER VI. DEADWOOD DICK ON‘ THE SCENT. OnE month later, was a. night fully as wild as the one that witnessed the events we have chroni- cled of Applejack City, and the storm that passed | over Carson City, Nevada, caused eyen the stoutest buildings to tremble on their founda- tions, for the wind blew a very hurricane, driv- ing the rain in torrents, and filling the air with varied missiles, % The-hour was past midnight, and the streete issued from a respectable-looking: house, om “The Jew has rg eet he announced, “ and , of the young city were deserted, when a open Pacific street, and gazed cautiously from side te side, as he descended the steps, He was clad in a gossamer, that reach to his feet, and wore a hat of the same material, that was pulled down to his eyes. What could be seen of his face was covered with a heavy black beard, which the wind tossed about, irreverent . : ly. JNA = > . ’ x» 3 - : by ced Hu plaid .™ 4 Pa aa eon a nas! —.
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“f Ashe reached the bottom step, the man paused, and coughed, loud enough to be heard above the roar of the storm, Instantly a man stepped from behind a tree box, a few yards away, and advanced—a dark, sinister-looking fellow, attired like the first man. In place of a full beard, however, he wore a fierce black mustache. ‘* Ah! is that you, Jacquett?’ the man on the step saluted. ‘‘ You are punctual!” “Tam always punctual, doctor,” was the an- ewer. ‘' Thisis a rough night!” ‘Tt is, iadeed. I scarcely expected you would eome, under the circumstances.” “Bah! Rain and wind have no terrors for ne, sir, especially when there is money in the #ind.” This, with a dry laugh. ‘Oh! [ suppose not!” the doctor returned, with ashrug. ‘‘ Well, what is the latest, from Beelzebub?” *¢ Bad news, sir. You'd better take me inside if you want to hear it,” “ Not in there!” the doctor demurred, with a deprecuting glance toward the house he had just left. ‘‘Come down here, with me.” They went down the street, together; nor did they stop, until they were in one of the lowest uarters of the city, characterized by a rough elass of shanties, rum-mills, and gaming-dens, some of which were still open. One of the most pretentious of the whisky shops they entered, and seated themselves in a stall, a number of which were partitioned off, at one side of the roon. ““No danger of our being heard, h>re!” the doctor said, after they had been served with drinks. ‘‘ So, fire ahead, When did you leave Beelzebub City?’ “(Twenty-four hours ago. I brought an extra horse, so as to save one day’s time.” ““Good! And, now, for the news!” “Well, to begin with: Bird has passed in his checks—dropped out of the game, entirely.” The doctor started, and stroked his beard. “The deuce you say!” he ejaculated. :. Jest asI tell you. He committed suicide.” ) © Suicide?” ‘You bet!. Plugged himself through the tem- le with a half-ounce of lead, und never wiggled is toes, afterward!” ‘¢ Where and when did this happen?” ‘¢Over in Applejack Camp, a month ago.” ‘‘ How did you come to hear of it?” fF *‘ Halsey was there, at the time,” The doctor bit his lip, and smcthered an oath. t ‘“* What was Halsey doing there?” ' ¢That’s more than I know, ‘You ought to be ble to suspect.” ‘* Curse him! * Just that!” “Then he is on the scent?” “T know that. He told meas good. -said that before Bird shot himself he placed his papers in a stranger’s hands!” ; \ “In a stranger’s hands?’ and a string of curses burst from the doctor’s lips. ‘ Did Hal- sey say who the fellow was?” t%¢ Yes, He’s known all over the West as Deadwood Dick. He was a road-agent, former- ly, but is now a detective, with as many dis- guises as a Vidocq.” “Worse and worse! What became of the diamonds?” “ Bird pawned them to a Jew, for five thou- sand dollars, and gave the pawn check to Dead- wood Dick, together with the documents. The next morning the Jew and all his valuables had disappeared, and so had Deadwood Dick, but it is not known whether the Jew took the dia- monds, or whether Dick robbed and murdered him, concealed his body, and then made his es- cape.” BS How did Halsey come to tell you all this?” “J heard him mention being in Aovitiers and knowing that Bird had Be there, ked concerning . Thus we drifted into conver- sation, and I worked the pump as far as I deemed judicious.” The doctor was silent a couple of minutes, during which he appeared to be in deep reflec- **There’s but little doubt in my mind,” he eaid, finally, ‘‘ but what Halsey has got a clew to the matter and is playing a hand, on his own ‘hook. But, where did he get the clew?” You'll have to ask me something easier than that, doctor.” t Paes is Halsey’s business? I never saw him : ' Is he in Beelzebub, now?” put once, and know no about him.” +8 aware tet hots as gee re ‘a rule, spends m } ‘time a e ard-tables.’ _. After another pause, during which time the Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds. — — doctor knit his brows in a scowl, he changed the subject. ‘* How is old Porter getting on?” “Very slowly. He thinks he is getting bet- ter, but I’m of a different opinion. His step grows more and more feeble, each day, itstrikes | me, and his eye more dim. He'll never see winter.” ‘*So much the better. Is he making money?” ** Hand over fist. He loans, at a big profit, and, besides that, he purchased the Red Knife mine, a few days ago, for a mere song, and the day following set a force of blasters to work, and the mine turns out to be a regular bonanza, He could sell it, to-day, for a cool hundred thousand.” “Tam glad to hear of his Is there any other news?” ‘None in particular, except that Joan is be- sieged with a plenitude of suitors, among whom is a titled young Britisher—a Lord Lind- say, I believe he is called. He appears to have lots of rocks, too.” ‘““To blazes with his rocks! But, let that pass. I will drop over, soon. In the mean time, I'll give you a letter to déliver to Mart Murdock, and you can be off as soon as suits your convenience,” He took a blank sheet of paper from his pocket, and wrote upon it for several minutes, with pencil. Then he inclosed the note in an en- velope, and gave it to Jacquett, after address- ing it to ‘‘ Mart Murdock, Beelzebub, Nev,” ‘There! now; give that to Murdock, as soon as you arrive, and keep your eye open, Should this Deadwood Dick come there, instead of here, let me know in the quickest time possible. He may be a dangerous obstacle, so look sharp for him. | And now, how much am I indebted to rou?’ ‘*Oh! the trip ought to be worth fifty dollars, especially on such a night as this.” he doctor evidertly did not demur. There was a jingling of coin—then, the two men arose, and left the saloon, going out into the furious night. ; A moment after their departure, a man emerged from a stall adjoining that which they had occupied. He approached the bar, called for a drink, and invited the bartender to have one himself, which that professional unhesitat- ingly concluded to do—for the anti-treating law, was not yet in force, at the time, in Nevada. Over the glasses, the man who had emerged from the stall took occasion to inquire: ‘‘ By the way, was that Doctor Norton who was just in here? His voice sounded familiar, but I didn’t get a glimpse of him.” ‘*No; that was Doc Darkley,” the dispenser of bug-juice said, carelessly—‘‘ a sort 0° quack, who’s got more dust than patronage. Killed a man ’bout a year ago, but somehow managed to get clear.” The inquirer’s curiosity was. evidently ap- peased, for, lighting a cigar, he sauntered out of the saloon and betook his way toward a more respectable portion of the town. his man’ was the very person Darkley and Jacquett had talked about—Deadwood Dick! He had, in disguise, arrived in Carson City a couple of days before, for the purpose of work- ing up the case of the mystery of Joan Porter, About the first thing he learned was that Philander Porter had moved to the new mining- camp, called Beelzebub, nearly a month before, where the old gentleman had opened a banking business. He had left no interests behind him, in partic- ular, and it was likely he would remain in Beel- zebub as long as the camp held out. And it was believed in Carson City that Beel- zebub had come to stay. Further, Dick learned that the Porters had ip ge ed come from Chicago, where the head of the family had been a grain broker. In response to his inquiries concerning Joan Porter, he elicited little or no information. The neighbors had nearly all known Joan, and put her down as a pleasant and pretty girl, and the life and sunshine of her parents’ home. Had she been absent during their residence od agin: City? Oh, no! she was a great home- y. Did she resemble this yes i oa (Here Dick would show the photograph he had re- ceived from Bill Bird.) : Oh, yes! that was Joan’s picture—evidently taken a couple of years ago, for she had changed a trifle in the year. She had finished her good fortune. education, and that made her somewhat more | wensay she was at sixteen, Yes, William Bird had once been her com- y, but he was net considered eligible society or her, and had been turned off. The neigh- bors knew nothing of his having been in Carson City for about a year past. So much, and no more, had Deadwood Dick learned up to this night, when, by the merest: chance, he had been in the saloon and overheard the conversation between Doctor Darkley and | his companion. Of Abraham Levi and the diamonds, he nor Calamity had thus far been able to find any | trace, CHAPTER VII. DEADWOOD DICK STRIKES A JOB. BEELZEBUB, or, More correctly, Red Knife, was three days distant from Carson City, om horseback—that is to say, it took about three days of riding to traverse the distance between the two places. The new mining-camp had first got the name of Red Knife from the fact that an Indian chief of that name had once been burned there at the stake. Later, a delegation. of miners had met anc concluded to call the place Beelzebub, as, to use their own expression, ‘‘ the devil was always to pay about the camp”—some one always quar- reling, and getting carved or shot, or some sort of thievery going on. The town was located in a pleasant little val- ley between two ranges of mountains, and had plenty of water from-a mountain stream, and other natural resources, such as adjacent timber and pasturage, to make up a fair prospect of its. being a permanent camp. There were already about a hundred build- ings, not counting numerous tented habitations, and the population was well up toward a thou- sand, asia increasing daily. The main street constantly presented a bus- tling scene, no matter whether night or day, and since the ‘‘ boom” of the Red Knife mine, now owned by Philander Porter, everybody ap- peared to be in the best of spirits. Beelzebub was not a placer camp. What placer “‘ lay-out” there was, Was scarce- ly worth mining for; indeed, it was now consid- ered too insignificant for consideration; two dollars’ worth of gold per day was ’way below par. It was deep down under the beautiful; grassy, and flower-decked surface of the valley, that lay the rich deposits of gold and silver quartz, which it was believed, would make the town a fame unequaled in the annals of mining. The Red Knife and Owl mines were the only ones that had yet been opened, but preparations were being made to sink other shafts, and there was plenty of employ for all who were disposed to work. Already the young ‘“‘city” had all the pecu~ liarities of its older and more successful prede-: cessors, in the way of business establishments, and “ fakes,” Saloons were encountered at almost every step, in connection with which, in nearly every . instance, was either a gambling lay-out, or a. dance-house, from which issued strains of music, night and day. Then, there were general stores shooting-galleries, a big barn-like hetel called the Elephant, street fakirs, magicians, and other puppet shows—in fact the place seemed as lively as though some mammoth circus had pitched its tents there. among other business Segoe was the “Na- tional” Bank, established by Philander Porter? and the Beelzebub Bull’s-Eye, a semi-weekl paper, issued by Yank Yowler, a six-foot indi- vidual, who had in former days been a “chaw-- ’em-up” and faro dealer, but had become im- bued with the idea that he was a literary genius and to get his hand in, had started the Bull’s-Rye- with an opening editorial to the effect that he “stood six feet in his socks, weighed one hun- dred and ninety pounds, was handy with the: ‘ pop,’ and was able and willing to back up any- thing that 4 oe in his paper!” Tins was business, in its tersest form, and the readers of the Bull’s-Hye, realizing the fact, were ready to agree that, say what he would against them, Yank Yowler knew how to run his own shebang, About a week after the occurrence of the . events chronicled in our last chapter, the mid- week issue of the Bulls’-Pye, made its a mi ance on the street of Beelzebub, and sold ike bot cakes, for fifty cents per copy. It was a single sheet paper, three pages con-- taining patent medicine advertisements, and the- fourth was made up of local items, in brevier’ Re with a of spaces between paragraphs. mong other the paper contained, was an adve ment, Viz:—
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Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds. 7 ‘“ WANTED. "A young man, as general clerk in my bank. Must be athorough accountant, an expert judge of money, of pleasing manners and address, and come @rell recommended, Good salary to capable party. “ Apply at once to ** PHILANDER PoRTER.”’ A young man, sitting on the piazza of the Ele- phant Hotel, perused the advertisement, several times. He had arrived but an hour before the paper was seen upon the street, and had registered as “John L, Sullivan.” ‘That name is as good as any,” he added to the office clerk, ‘‘and a still tongue sustains a brain of wisdom.” The clerk nodded, and smiled. He had cut his eye-teeth in New York’s world, famous Bowery, and flattered himself he could read a countenance, as soon as he saw it. When Mr. John L. Sullivan read the adver- tisement in the Beelzebub Bull’s-Hye, several times, he arose, entered the hotel, and viewed himself in the large mirror behind the bar, as he drank a Rocky Mountain punch—the mirror by the way, being, thus far, the only one in the camp—a luxury always appreciated and taken advantage of, by that class of citizens, who ** wanted to see how they looked.” As he “ looked,” in the glass, he was a stylish- ly attiréd young man of twenty-six or eight, with a rather attractive cast of features, bril- liant eyes, and a tawny, well-trained mustache. Tn figure he was of medium hight, yet muscu- larly proportioned, and firm footed, He carried a gold-headed cane, wore a magni- ficent diamond scarf-pin, and, as a whole, looked the least like a man who was financially embar- rassed. The reader, however, will recognize him as an old acquaintance, and none other than the redoubtable Deadwood Dick. After surveying himself in the mirror, he put on a eed of green goggles, which materially altered his appearance, and then made his way out of doors. ; He had already learned the location of Phil- ander Porter’s residence, and it being after banking hours, he naturally concluded that the old gentleman could be found at his house, which was the most pretentious edifice in Beelzebub. On his arrival there, Dick rapped upon the door, and the summons was answered by a col- ored man, the only one of his race, by the way, in the young city. : iy ‘Ts Mr. Porter in?” asked Dick, bowing. ‘*-Yes, sah!” “Go tell him, then, that a gentleman has called in answer to his advertisement.” “ Walk right in, sah, De boss is inde parlor, sah.” So Dick was ushered into the front apartment of the house, where he found a comfortable ar- ray of furniture and ornaments, and an elderly man seated in an arm-chair. Philander Porter was sixty or over, and cor- pulent of figure. His face,” however; looked rather thin and haggard, and his eyes sunken, as if some disease was gnawing at his vitals. His head was bald, and his mustache was frost- ed with gray. o stud his face, he did not look like a man who would be guilty of any intentional villainy ; at least so it occurred to our hero. “You are Mr. Porter, I believe!” Dick said, advancing and helping himself to a chair. “Tam, sir; and you—?” «My ‘handle’ is Paul Primrose. I am newly arrived in your city, and seeing your advertise- ment, make haste to call in answer to it.” Philander Porter looked over his gold-rimmed tacles at his visitor, inquiringly: “ Primrose, eh?” he echoed. EWhere from?” “Dakota, originally, though for several years I have been drifting about with the various mining excitements.” *“Humph! Got any recommends?” “Wone that are local. If, however, you will take the trouble to write to the Governor of Nevada, he will only be too glad to vouch for me every time.” “Tndecd? Have you ever clerked in a bank before?” “No. But I feel- confident that I can fill all your requirements and give satisfaction,” ** Have you defective sight?” “Oh! no, Iwear the goggles to protect my eyes from dust and sun.” Philander Porter touched aall bell on a small table at his left and a moment later a young lady entered from an adjoining room. | dwood Dick had Joan’s picture indelibly gg ha upon his mind, and he started slightly as he beheld the vision of loveliness the banker d } mo fe on * ‘ ¢- er A hdl — ' Phy ny haiepees i i Ak a fs | 4 * ‘4 ioe cee hb | She was very much like the picture Dick car- ried in his pocket, except that she looked older, and wore a hair arranged somewhat differ- ently. She was a strikingly beautiful girl, both in face and form, and Dick found it hard to be- lieve that she was not the original of his picture. “Mr. Primrose, this is my daughter, Joan!” the banker introduced—‘ Joan, Mr. Primrose, my new clerk.” Dick arose and bowed as he touched the wax- like hand Joan frankly extended, ‘*T am pleased to meet you, Mr. Primrose!” she said, in a musical voice. Then, to the bank- er, ‘‘ Did you, wish anything, papa?’ ‘Yes, dear. Where is Lord Lindsay?” | | He paid little or no attention to the bank clerk, a fact that Dick was heartily glad of, for it gave him a better opportunity to study his lordship, for whom he had acquired a pos itive and suspicious dislike. Dick watched Joan, too, very keenly, but could discover nothing to disprove the idéa that she was Porter’s own child, She appear- ed perfectly at home, and self-possessed, and, more than all, appeared to love the old folks with all a daughter’s tender devotion. Hence Dick could come to but one conclusion. If she | was playing’a part, she was playing it with un- | equalled skill, and care. ‘He is not in, papa. He went out for a stroll, | I believe.’ ‘* Ah! I wished to make him and Mr. Prim- rose acquainted. That’s all, dear. You can 1ave an extra plate set for Mr. Primrose at sup- | } t late set for Mr. P r t st per, dear.” Joan bowed, smiled at Dick, and flitted out of the room like some fairy. The banker then turned to the new clerk. “You can begin your new duties to-morrow, Primrose. Of course you will not find them ar- duous, but you will need to keep your eyes open, for there’s all kind of roguery going on nowa- days.” ** You can depend upon it that I shall be wide awake to your interests, sir,” Dick replied. “ That’s all I want. not rushing, but I am a sufferer from great bodily debility and find it tedious to attend to the duties myself. So Iam forced to employ a clerk, and I trust you are the man I want Your salary will be fifty dollars a week, and you are welcome to the hospitality of my home, free of expense. And now, I guess that is all until banking hours to-morrow.” ‘Very well, sir. I will improve the re- mainder of the day in looking over the camp. By the way, I presume you have proper medi- cal attendance?” “Well, yes—that is, as good as can be got here. I had my Carson City doctor send one of his advanced students here to attend to me, His name is Dr, Jacquett. You may possibly meet him,” : After a few more words, Dick took his depar- ure, ‘The solution is no nearer at hand than be- fore, as I can see,” he muttered, ‘‘T have at least. gained one point by getting into Porter’s employ !” ete aie CHAPTER VIII. THE INTERVIEW. SEVERAL days passed by. Deadwood Dick, in his alias of Paul Primrose, became duly installed as clerk, at the Porter Bank, and, after the first day, took full charge of the business as though he had been identified with the banking and exchange, all his life. By a persistent practice of wearing the gog- gles he effectually disguised his identity. He saw Herbert Halsey several times, and also Jerry June, both of whom he had met at Apple- jack City,.but neither of the twain aionared to recognize him. At Porter’s request he made his home at the Porter residence, and, accordingly, was thrown into the society of the family, which consisted of the banker, Joan, and her lover, Lord Lind- say. His first week in town was characterized by but a few discoveries, although Dick was con- stantly on the lookout for points, Among things that he did learn, were the fol- lowing. That Herbert Halsey and Jerry June were yartners and bosom friends, in the gaming usiness, Which appeared to be their only oc- cupation, and that Halsey was an admirer of Joan Porter, although not apparently a favored one, That the Porters were originally from Sur- rey, England, and that, through claiming to a scion of a noble British family, Lord Lindsay had introduced himself to them, but recently, and won a familiarity that resulted in his becoming their guest. @ was a well-built young man, with rather a darkly good-looking face, a curling mustache, sharp black eyes, and close curling hair. It struck Dick that his nose was ‘most too prominent for the Anglo-Saxon race; but Lind- say had, the peculiar drawl, and the occasional h” added sat his speech, that identified him with the native products of British soil. He dressed ‘e} tly, his manners were pol- ished aie iefis A, and he appeared to have in- gratia’ mInself firmly into the graces of the Porter family, yr og | The banking business is | ( | but remembering that Bird‘ had expressly en- a Dick had made an gai to find the man, Mart Murdock, whom Dr. Darkley had men- tioned, but without success. So far as he could | ascertain, there was no such a man in the camp as Mart Murdock. Jean Jacquett, however, the disguised clerk easily spotted, and he was not long in forming the conclusion that Jacquett, who was Fhilander Porter’s medical aitendant, was the very man who had conversed with Darkley, in the Carson City saloon. And so it stood that Dick had lived a week in Beelzebub without toiming any definite plan of action. The case was £0 posating to him, that really he did not know what further course to pursue. Several times he was tempted to open the sealed package he had received from Bill Bird, joined that the package should not be opened until the real Joan Porter was found, he heft it intact. Finally, one evening, he decided upon a plan of action. He would, in disguise, have an inter- view with the banker, and see what more he could learn. He left the camp about dusk, but in an hour eturned, perfectly disguised, in every respect. He wore a full but carefully trimmed beard and appeared as a person of some forty years of age. ‘He went direct to the Porter residence, and sent in a card, by the servant, upon which, in a disguised hand, was written: “CO, Gray, “ PINKERTON’S Detectives, ** Chicago,”* After some delay, the darky came back, and ordered the caller to follow him, and he was shown into the parlor, where the banker was seated, at a table, engaged in reading. He arose, however, with a bow, and handed the visitor a seat, which the detective accepted, with thanks, . “Did you wish to see me, Mr. Gray?” the banker inquired, as he turned the light a little higher, ind reseated himself. ** Yes, sir!” Dick responded, promptly, but in a disguised voice. ‘‘I came to institute a few inquiries relative to a case that has been placed in my hands!” “Ah! Well, what is it you wish to know?” ‘“‘T will endeavor to explain, as I interro- ate. Did you ever knowa man named William rd?” ‘“*T did.” ‘““Where did tee acquaintance first begin?” “In Carson City. I, however, once knew his father, in England.” ‘“* What sort of a fellow was this Bird?” “William Bird, the son?” ‘* Exactly!” ‘** A worthless sort of a man, who pretended t be a scout, but seldom did anything in that ine, ‘* Did he court your daughter?” ‘‘He made an attempt to, but I nipped that little game in the bud, by clearing him out!” ‘* He then disappeared?” “ee Yes. ” ‘““What became of him?” ‘¢T do not know.” ‘‘ After an absence of nine months, he re turned?” ‘“‘He did.” ‘“T believe he found a fortune awaiting him™ ‘*So Ihave heard, although I am in no wise sitive about it!” ** Did he call on you?” ‘“‘T sent for him, News had it that he was bragging that he’d marry my daughter in spite of me, and I wished to disabuse him of his idea.” ‘* He called?” ** He did.” ‘‘ What came of the interview?” i Novi When he saw my daughter. he at once made the insane declaration that she was not my daughter—not the same one he had known. He that the Joan he had known had been spirited away, and another gir) in- iat ia on “y \ Aone mt i e, Fis
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Deadwood Dick’ Ss Diamonds. ———$—$—$——< stalled in her place—all of which was done, said he, to prevent him from marrying her,” ** Well?” ** We tried to disabuse him of the idea—all of us—but he would listen to nothing we could say, and finally became so violently angry and made his way to the Elephant Hotel, where the | mail was distributed. In the rear of the hotel he removed all of his disguise, and then, after the crowd dad to some | extent dispersed, made inquiry at the hotel-office i, abusive, that I ordered him out of the house. Y We have never seen him, since.” { The detective was silent a moment. t ** Did Bird put any questions to your daugh- ee ter that confused her, and she could not an- _ swer?” he finally asked. H : ‘He did not.” i. ‘* This daughter—has she been absent from | home, in the past two years?” : ** Not a day.” } ‘Then, naturally, you must be positive that \ she is the same one whom Bird was engaged to.” ‘*The same, most assuredly. Why, the idea of achange is preposterous! Besides all the at, the two were not engaged.” “Ah! They were not, eh? to elope?” j ‘** Certainly not.” **T am informed that they were to elope, on a certain night, but when that night came, Bird ; was assaulted, knocked insensible, and taken to an outlaw camp, where he was held a close pris- oner for nine months, when he made his escape.” Was no plan made ‘*T don’t believe a word of it—not a word, sir. | In my opinion, the fellow was crazy. Were you employed by him?” “*T was.” ** What for?” ‘To find the real Joan Porter.” ** Well, sir, then allow me to inform you that you are on a fool’s errand.” ‘*Maybe. JI am not sure of it, however. I . fancy, with Bird, that a change of girls was made. Whether you were cognizant of the ab- | duction and substitution, or not, I cannot say. But, I do know that there is in existence a package of sealed instructions that will make a revelation when a real Joan is found, and that one or more persons are anxious to secure these papers.” “Who? who?’ the banker demanded. ‘* For one, a Mr. Herbert Halsey!” / The deuce!” “No, Herbert, Halsey. For another, one Doc- tor Darkley, of (Carson City.” ** Darkley?” ‘Yes, Do you know him?” “Never heard of such a man.” “Who is your physician?” ** Doctor Bardwell.” ‘*Have you any near relatwes living, Mr. Porter?” ss ** Possibly one.” { ** A brother?” i ‘*Yes—but I have no idea that he is living, ‘ yet. Heran away, when I was young, and be- came a Caribbean pirate. I haven’t heard of him in twenty years, and no doubt he is dead,” “You came from England, I believe?” it Yes. ” ‘* Have you any interests there, now?” The banker slammed his boek shut, and looked at his interrogator sharply. ‘*What matters that to you?” he demanded, surilily. “Not much, sir, except this: I am a detec- : tive, and as such have become interested in what I consider a very mysterious case, There’s a villainous bottom somewhere, and I propose to keep on sounding until I find it. I am aware that one man at least is antic ipating your early death,” “* What!” The banker looked astounded. “Exactly as I tell you. A man is anticipat- in your death, and ‘it can’t occur too soon to suit him. Indeed, I am of the belief that! he is . causing it to be hastened.” j “In God’s name, who is he?” ** Doctor Darkley, of Carson City. conclusions are not wrong, he knows P you call your daughter.” The banker remained silenta moment, his gaze bent upon the floor. * This is all a mystery to me. meé time to ponder. I know not what it means. Come! you must go, now—go, and come here two nights hence. i must have time to pon- der!” He buried his face in his hands, and remained silent. Considering himself dismissed, Dick arose and took his departure. Bo CHAPTER IX. pes THE HUMAN RAFFLE. 4 THE even tae eee tage had just arrived in Beel rebub, when Dick left the Porter dwelling, and If my the girl ; case we | son for | available, for a letter. Sure enough he got one, and a glance at the superscription told him that it was from Ca- lamity Jane. It came from a little mining-camp ten miles from Beelzebub, known as Goldburg, and the contents were as follows: ** DEAR HvusBAND:— “I write this in haste to let you know that some- thing has happened, and something more is going to happen, whicn I think will have a bearing on the ‘have in hand, viz: “Larrived here yesterday from Carson City. just two hours behind Doc Darkley, whom I have spotted vigilantly, since you left. T.e doctor has quit Car- good. I reckon, and is liable to hang, oxt here for the present. This afternoon he bad a con- sultation with a dark Spanish-lookiag fellow who came from Beelzebub, and returned there on horse- back, Ireckon he’s the Jacquett you wrote about. “ A little while ago a biz, f-rocious-looking ruffian whom they call Fang-T< vob Jim, came into town, from up the mountain, and posted a noiice in the Miner’s Rest, a copy of whic R iinclose. The notice hadn’t been up five minutes when Darkley came in, saw it, and made an attempt to pull it down. Fang- Tooth Jim pitched onto him then, and they had a rough-and-tumble fight. “It was a tough one, and both men ‘peared to know each other. Fang-Tooth finally got the upper hand, and pitched Darkle y clear into the street Phe fall nearly broke the doctor’s neck, but he got up, mounted a horse, and rode out o’ town like a streak I heard a miner allow there’d be more out of it. Fang-Tooth has just gone up the mountain as I write. He promises to be back, as per notice. Come as soon as you get this, if you have to ride a streak of lightning. Ife el impressed that the girl may be the one we want. * Your Wife-Detective-Pard, “ CALAMITY JANE.”’ The notice which she had inclosed had been copied from the original by her, and was as fol- lows: “BIG BANG-UP TIME! ** To-NIGHT! TosniGuT! * Atthe Miner’s Rest, Fanz-Tooth Jim, the howlin’ hero frum Heil’s Delight, will raffle of a pritty gal, aged eightee n. at $50 a chance. ter pay him fer ex- area o’ board an’ storage. This gal is geutle as a an’ willin’ ter be raffled fer. Who wins her gits a bill o’ sale, an’ she’s his property. $50 a chance wins a gal fer ther lucky man, ‘her rafiie will begin at ten o'clock, sharp. ** Come one! Come all! ‘* Fanc-Toota Jim, ‘** Perprieter.” Deadwood Dick could scarcely control his ex- citement, as he read the notice. ‘ There’s an impending break in the cloud’ of mystery at last!” he muttered, grimly. ‘‘ This girl may or may not be the real Joan, but that she’s in some way connected with tho mystery that surrounds the case, seems plain enough to me. If not, why should Darkley attempt to tear down the notice, as Calamity writes? Humph! I shouldn’t wonder if I would go to Goldburg.” It was already after eight o’clock. Ten miles was the distance to Goldburg, and the stage- road was none of the best. So the prince of Western detectives lost no time in hiring as fleet-footed a horse as was and was soon in the saddle, and en route, at breakneck speed. Once out of the town, he donned that part of the disguise which he had removed, after leay- ing Porter’ s house, and was thus in no danger of being recognized ‘at Goldburg, except by Ca- lamity. On! on! on! he ddshed, the trees and rocks seeming to fly past him as though running a race W ith a loc motive. The horse he bestrode was one of good wind and thorough mettle, and he rode in to Gold- burg about half-past nine, having heen but little more than an hour on the road, Goldburg was but a quiet, humdrum sort, of mining- camp, & good share of whose original | population had stampeded into Beelzebub. You must give | Dick rode . to the Miner’s Rest, and when he "here appeared to be no visible commotion as entered the big bar-room, he found but few peo- ple present, Tange Tooth Jim's proclamation was nailed to the wall, but etcited no attention. In one corner of the room, was a small stage. Tt had been erected in former days, when it was expected that Goldburg would grow tobe a city, and had not since been removed. Occupying a chair on the stage, was the girl who was to be raffled for. Deadwood Dick could scarcely suppress a ery of astonishment, at sight of her, for she was the still very counterpart of the Joan Porter he had met in Beelzebub! He gazed at her studiously, for several min- utes, fsa could detect no feature or particular about the one, that was not an exact counter- part of the other—exc epting attire. The girl on the stage was plainly clad; despite this fact, however, her hair was bec omingly ar- ranged, she wore a bunch of wild flowers at her throat, and was charmingly pretty. Her custodian, Fang-Tooth Jim, was notin the room, and so, after some deliberation, Dick ap- proached her, raising his hat politely. ** You will please excuse my presumption, young lady,” he said, his tone low enough so as not to reach other ears, ‘‘ but, may I ask if you are to be raffled off , by your own free will?” ‘“*T am!” was the calm reply. ‘Fe ang-Tooth wants money, and I want liberation from his custody. No matter into whose power I fall. I could not be in worse hands than I am, now.” ** What is your name?” If she answered, Deadwood Dick did not hear her—for he was suddenly seized by a powerful grasp from behind, and hurled half-way across the stage. He did not lose his footing nor fall, however, and instantly turned to see who his as- sailant w as, and found himselt confronted by an individual who he concluded, was Fang-Tooth Jim—a ‘seven-footer,” of ponderous develop- ment, roughly clad, armed to the tée th, and the possessor of the ugliest, most repulsive and brutal face that Deadwood Dick had seen for many a cde ay. “Ho! ho! So I eatched ye at et, did I?” the ruffian roared, glaring at Dick ferocio usly, ‘Yer tho’t ye hed a.mash on me gal, did yer?’ “You are mistaken!” Dick replied, trying hard to restrain his rising anger. ‘‘I simply asked the young lady her name,” “Vas, TI know yer did—I heered ye. Aw now, ye leetle p’izen plum, afore I knock yer head off jest spit out what bizness you hed to speak to the gal!” “ Because I took a notion to, you overgrown Jac k-rabbit!” was the hot re tort. “ Jack-rabbit, am I, cuss yer? Jack-rab—” He didn’t finish the sentence, but leaped to- ward the detective with a vengeful oath, as if it was his intention to annihilate him, But Dick was not being annihilated, then. He grappled with the giant, caught him by # back hold, and whopped the huge form dexter- ously over his head, causing Fang-Tooth to saan heavily on the broad of his back, on the oor, Dick’s boot was pressing heavily upon the giant’s throat, in another instant, and a pair of cocked five-shooters were in his grasp—a deadly gle am in his eye. ‘Lay there!” he ordered, sternly, “ or I'll fill your carcass so full of holes that it would an- swer for a sieve. So you're sp'ilin’ for a fight, and took me for your victim, did you? W ell, I’m sor ry to inform you that you got left. I’m fond o’ pettin’ sech tigers as you, and if you don’t cave and beg, I'll add you to Goldburg’s Ce lg y Impr ovement Company. Out with it —d’ye cave, or shall I perforate ye?’ ke Save I cave! Let me up!” Fang-Tooth ae as Dick’s boot pressed harder upon his throat and began to shut off his wind. ‘ Call et squar’—let up on me thru’t!” Dick removed his foot and the giant scram- bled up hastily, but made no effort to renew hostilities. He simply glanced Dick over from head to foot, then turned on his heel and walked toward the front of the platform where he sta- tioned himself, as if to prevent’ any ,one else from speaking to the girl. : Didk sauntered about the room, the object of many curious glances—for, tr uly a man who could so easily conquer a savage and gigantic ruffian like Fang-Tooth Jim, was worth notic- ing. Ther: @ was only one person in the room whom he recognized, and that was Herbert Halsey, He was imbibing freely of bug-juice at the bar, and if he saw Dick, or knew him, did not indicate it, Search where he would Dick could not find Calamity Jane. If she were present at all, she was too cleverly disguised for detection, After looking over the crowd which had now assembled, narrowly, Dick became satisfied that she was not presente thing, too, he wondered at greatly. At promptteno Fcloc k, Fang-Tooth Jimmount- ed the stage, and began to address those pres- ent. ‘* Feller-citizens!” he said, ‘ye behold before er Fang-Tooth Jim, ther howlin’ hero o’ Hell’s elight, F orhio hes ‘licked an’ killed more two- just
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4 Deadwecod Dick’s Diamonds. ; aS ees eee a ee futted galoots then ary other man in America. This hyer gal’s my ’dopted darter, an me an’ et alone. So, as I’m wantin’ money-fer ter lay notion she’d like ter gallop alongside o’ some colt thet’s younger an’ purtier than me, I’ve conclud- ed to raffle her off, fer fifty dollars a chance, an’ whoever wins her gits her. gents, an’ buy your tickets at fifty each. a bony-fide affair, and every holder of a ticket hes a chance!” Fifty-dollar notes were not floating around Goldburg with the promiscuous freedom of autumn leaves; consequently but few of those present invested in tickets. | 5 When all had bought who were apparently going to buy, Herbert Halsey stepped up and pur- chased four chances, an act that caused Fang- Tooth Jim to grin with approbation. ‘*Hurra! that’s right!’ That’s ther way, buy four or five in a lump an’ you'll have a better chance to win!” he cried, pocketing the cash. ** Who wants another lot?” ‘“You may give me twenty!” Deadwood Dick { said, stepping forward and laying down a thou sand dollars. | | } { : { And he received the tickets amid a murmur of astonishment from the crowd. Halsey scowled but purchased no more. As there appeared to be no one else who wish- ed to run the risk of losing fifty dollars, the raffle, or throwing was begun. Deadwood Dick’s turn did not come till last, and so he paid but little attention to the first throwers, presuming that the storekeeper, who was propriefor of the place and am honest-look- ing fellow, would keep a straight account of the throwing. So the detective sauntered about the room smoking a cigar and wondéring, should he win the gal, what would he do with her. A touch upon the arm arrested his attention, and turning he beheld a sprucely-dressed person, with fair skin, short curly hair and a black f mustache. It was Calamity, although he would not have recognized her but for her beaming eyes—eyes into whose depth he never gazed without experi- encing a thrill, ** Have you seen her?” she asked, with a nod toward the stage, ‘Yes. She is the very picture of Joan Porter of Beelzebub!” “Ah! then I was right in sending for you?” And Calamity Jane’s face lit up with a pleasant look. “Certainly. I would not have missed being here for a deal of money.” ** Have you learned her name?” ‘* Not yet.” } ‘Do you think she is the real Joan Porter, and the other an impostor?” “T am not prepared to make as strong an | . «pinion as that just yet. The girl at Beelzebub Me is a perfect little lady and though I have obsery- her closely, I have yet to detect the first thing about her actions to prove that she is not what is claimed for her. Her father believes Bill Bird was crazy.” “And you? **T don’t know what to think. But, for this girl, I should be inclined to the same opinion myself.” a) Are you in the raffle?” 5 Yes, 1 come in last with twenty chances, which is sixteen more than any of the rest have ot. rs “Then you expect to win?” _ “Tf my old luck don’t desert me—yes,” and Dick smiled confidently. “J hope you will,” Calamity said, earnestly. “We have got so far on the trail that we ought not to give up until we solve the «mystery. Have you fd, through the brilliant moonlight. “Oh! we'll get away from ’em crsy enough!” Dick assured, as he saw his protegee look back, anxiously. ‘Two more miles will ‘ring us to our destination.” ‘“‘T hope so,” was the reply, ‘but I was not looking at that, but at the man who ceme with us!” Dick looked back, and saw, much to ?is sur- prise, that Halsey had turned his horse ®bou and was riding toward the on-coming pur, uers “The traitor!” burst frem Dick’s lips, ‘He sees he will be overtaken, and means to side with
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pene ene D the enemy, if. he can. t ime yet come, when I can get square with him!” He then turned suddenly to his girl compan- ion: ““ What is your name?” he asked. “ Joan Porter, sir. My parents live in Car- son City, from where I was kidnappe:|, talzen to the mountains, and placed in the hands of Mang- Tooth Jim!” She spoke candidly, and did not flinch beneath ais searching scrutiny. He compressed his lips, and urged on) the horses. He was no nearer a solution of the mystery, apparently, than when he had first taken hold of the case. On! on! he urged the now foam-flecked steeds, They were fast losing wind, and were not gaining ground. But, the same could be said of the pursuers. Dick knew if he could keep his steeds at a run for two miles more they would be safe in the young mining city; but could he? Halsey had been met by the pursuers, and had disappeared from view, in their midst. Seeing that Beelzebub was not far away, the pursuers were urging their horses to their ut- most speed, and their vengeful yells grew more and more distinct. ‘Yell on, blame you, till you burst your throats, for all the good it will do you!” Dick cried. ‘I'll reach Beelzebub, or—” He did not finish the sentence, but a cry of ex~ asperation burst from his lips. Tive hundred yards ane a line of horsemen had suddenly wheeled out across the road—half a score of them, all told, armed with rifles, which were leveled at Dick and Joan! The enemy were in front—the enemy were be- hind, and Dick at once saw that he could nei- ther advance or retreat, without running a risk of being shot down; so, with a growl of vexa- tion, he reined in his horse and that of Joan, and awaited developments. The outlook was hardly what could be termed appetizing. , ? ** Merciful Heaven! what will become of us, now? Joan asked, in alarm. ' ‘Keep mum, and we will see!”: was the detec- tive’s reply. CHAPTER XI. CALAMITY TO THE RESCUE. As soon as Dick drew rein, the horsemen in front advanced, slowly, until they were but a few yards away, when they came to ahalt, evidently awtiting for the other party to come up, in the rear. Every man was roughly clad, armed to the teeth, and wore a full cloth mask. Deadwood Dick surveyed them, coolly, his eyes scintillating like diamonds. ‘Well, pilgrims, what appears to be the difficulty?” he demanded in a ringing voice. “Ts this a division of the United States army, I behold, or are you galoots going to a masque- ade ball?” , *T reckon you'll find out we're goin’ to at- tend a lynch pic-nic—a neck-tie soiree, when the capt’in comes!” one of the gang responded, with a brutal laugh. “Then, the captain is not with you?” “ No—he’s with the rear gang.” In a few minutes more, the pursuing party came dashing up, and Deadwood Dick wheeled his horse around, facing them. **Ha! ha!” cried one of the men, who was in the lead, and was evidently the captain. ‘So ou had all your ride for nothing, didn’t you, tr, Deadwood Richard?” j “T allow you rode about the same distance I did, Doctor Darkley!” Dick retorted, coolly. e captain sta , and uttered an oath. *“ That’s not my name!” he growled. % Ain't it? Oh! I thought it was!” and Dick smiled, sarcastically. : * But it ain’t, I’m Cap Cowboy, the outlaw, if you want to know it, and ’'m the boss 0’ these lere boys who foller me. I owe you a grudge, oin’ to hev it out. You've slipped shrough udge Lynch’s noose 2 good many , but you ain’t goin’ to doitagain. We'll fit a collar avound your neck, this time, that’ll make ye look like a high water dude when ye’r’ ) air wi’ yer feet!” “You don’t say so!” “‘But we do tho’! We're goin’ ter hey ther honor 0’ extinguishin’ yer eternal candle, you bet! We're goin’ ter head-quarters, now, and ou an’ the gal aire ter foller, *twixt the two Taress Ef ye try to escape, the boys in yer rear will riddle ye!” m5 ae The order was then given to face about, and jhose who had been pursuers, rode back in the and I’m But wait! the time will eadwood Dick’s Diamonds. en direction of Goldburg. Nothing was left for Dick and Joan to do, but to follow suit, and the ten outlaws who had blocked the way, brought | up the rear, close after them. The route lay along the Goldburg trail, until they were within four miles of that camp, then | branched off through a transverse canyon, to the northward, and gradually wound around and ascended the mountains, until an altitude | of several hundred feet above Goldburg, had | been attained. Here, in a wood-surrounded zlen, was cluster- ed half a dozen rude log cabins, built, in a semicircle, at the edge of a level plaza, upon which a general dismount was made, it evidently being the rendezvous of Cap Cowboy’s gang. Deadwood Dick was forced to dismount, and was bound hand and foot. He was then car- ried to one of the cabins, which had but one door, and no windows, and here he was locked in. What would be Joan’s fate he had no means of knowing, for she had not yet dismounted when he wasshut up in the cabin. Whether she would be kept in the brigand camp or not was hard to surmise, Dick’s weapons had been seized by the outlaws who bound him, but the contents of his pockets had not been disturbed, which he considered a very fortunate occurrence, for the papers he had received from Bill Bird were in an inside pocket of his vest, and also the photograph. Dick had been roughly pitched into the cabin, and the door slammed shut and locked, with- out any regard as to whether his neck had been broken in his fall or not. He had sustained no injury, however, al- though he struck the ground with considerable force—there was no other flooring to the cabin —and when he gained a sitting posture, he found, to his joy, that the thongs about his wrists had become loosened. By a little working, he succeeded in getting his hands free, after which it cost him but a little time to remove the lariat that bound his feet, and he was free, so far as the interior of the cabin was concerned. Listening, he concluded that the outlaws had ai from the immediate vicinity of the aoor, Satisfied on this point, he produced some matches from his pocket, and. lighting them one by one explored his quarters. He had not much to learn. The cabin was a one-roomed affair, stoutly mut together, the roof being fully six feet above Jick’s head. There were no windows and the door was far too stout tobreak down. The only floor, as before stated, was the earth itself, which was of a sandy nature. There was no furniture whatever in the place. “Well, I am shot if this is a very comfortable jail,” Dick muttered, ‘but, matters might be worse, Ivefree use of both hands and feet, and it is quite possible I may not become the victim of Cap Cowboy’s neck-tie party, after all. Ha! ha! that’s a pretty good name for Doctor Dark- ley, but he didn’t deceive me; I knew his voice the moment he spoke.” As there was nothing he could do but await developments, he threw himself once more upon the ground, in a half-reclining position, and gave himself up to reflection. As a natural consequence, his thoughts revert- ed to the girl whom he had won at. the raffle, and who had unhesitatingly announced herself as Joan Porter. “Ts she Joan Porter, or is she an impostor? That’s the question,” he mused. ‘‘ There’s more crooked work than mystery about this matter, I fancy. This Joan appears genuinely candid in her assertion, yet the other one fits the position of daughter to the Porters as perfectly as though she had occupied it all her life. So, which is which? “This Doctor Darkley is a villain, and Her- bert Halsey is another, and both seem to have a finger in the pie. Of course they have an object, but what the dickens is it? Monetary gain or revenge? “Then, there’s old Porter himself. He’s a smooth-tongued old rooster, and I’m satisfied he is keeping something back, Perhaps at our next interview—but hold on! I seem to forget that I am a prisoner in Cap Cowboy’s stronghold, and have .been promicod the privilege of doing a tight-rope act to-morrow—r, for that matter, at ‘most any minute.” To-morrow, however, was evidently likely to be the time, for within an hour after the outlaws arrived at the rendezvous all became quiet, and Dick concluded that he had nothing more to ex- or fear, until daybreak. aay It was not his intention to go to sleep, but his ree ° : day and night exercise had fatigued him, and he finally dropped off fast asleep. His next sensation was of some one gently shaking him. He instantly aroused and sat up, but the dark- ness was too intense to see a foot before his face. ‘Who's there?” he demanded. “Sh! Pll show you,” was the cautious reply- The next moment the slide of a dark-lantern shot aside and a stream of light illuminated the cabin. Dick uttered an ejaculation of surprise as his gaze rested upon Calamity Jane, the same as he had seen her in Goldburg, except that she was covered with dirt. ‘* How in the world did you get in here?” he cried, in an undertone, She smiled, oddly. ‘“Why, I was here every minute as soon as you were,” she declared. ** How so?” ‘*‘Easy enough. I was a member of the gang that pursued you. I knew you was to be given a chase, and at a good deal of risk, I managed to make myself one of the pursuing party, without any one but myself being the wiser for it.” ** Calamity, you’re a trump! I see now why you did not want to accompany me to Beelze- bub.” ‘*Exactly. I doubted not but what you would be captured, and concluded I could serve you best by putting myself in a position to liberate you.” ‘*But how did you get in here?” ‘*T dug in under the wall. The soil is light and sandy, and it did not take me long. Come? we have no time to lose, for it is near daylight, and it is planned to hang you at sunrise.” ‘Ts the camp asleep?” ‘* Yes, or was a few minutes ago,” ‘** And the girl—Joan!” ‘She is not here. She didn’t even dismount,, but went away with the captain!” ‘*'Where?” ‘“To Beelzebub, I suspect. of it.” ‘Then we must away, and follow the trail!” Dick said, grimly. Another hour saw them miles from the ruf- fians’ stronghold. In fact, 1am sure CHAPTER XII. DICK AND JOAN GO WALKING. ON the day following, Dick, in >is character of Paul Primrose, was once more seen behind the counter of the bank. True, he did not feek much like work, but ccnsidered it necessary to be still on duty. Philander Porter came down ‘te the hank shortly after it opened, but made no reference. of course, to the interview between himself and Detective Gray, from the fact that he had not the slightest idea that Gray and his trusted clerk were one and the same person. He was looking even more haggard than usual, and his step was unsteady, as if from great bodily weakness. He did not remain long at the bank, and om leaving, said he should not be in again until the morrow. Dick was not sorry, for. he had much on his mind, and did not care to be disturbed by super- fluous talk. Of course, during banking hours, he was pow- erless to do anything toward finding Doc Dark- ley or his captive; but, Calamity was in the camp, in disguise, and he knew she would kee a close watch, and no doubt accomplish as muc as he couid himself. » The day wore away, however, without any report from her, and he began to fear that, after all, Darkley had not brought the girl to Beelzebub, | j About half an hour before the usual time for closing, Joan Porter came tripping into the room, looking aS piquant and pretty as a May- blossom. The moment he saw her, Dick formed a reso- lution, which he had been considering all day long. He would seek an interview with her, ““T dropped in to see if you would be kind enough to change a ten-dollar note for me, Mr, Primrose?” she said, with a coquettish smile. ‘* With the greatest of pleasure, Miss Porter,” and he handed her out the desired change: “This is a very pleasant day.” ng Delightful! F do 80 love these bright, breezy days! I’m off, now, for a ramble near the Rain- bow Cascade. I hear there’s such a magnificent: lot of flowers up there.” “Indeed! I am a great admirer of flowers: mnyself. I suppose you will have his lordship
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Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds. 11 along, to assist in bringing back the precious harvest?” ‘No, indeed! and I’m almost afraid to go alone, there’s so many wicked-looking men in the neighborhood, of late. Lord Lindsay is very much engaged, [ believe, and—ha! ha! Such aa odd-looking man it was that called to see him!” ** Indeed?” ‘“Yes, There was a rap on the door, and I answered it, and there stood a hook-nosed old Jew, with little peering eyes, and awfully shab- bily dressed. He asked for Lindsay; I wanted to know his name, and he said Isaac Levi, or Levi Isaac, I forget which. So I called Lorne, and he and the Jew went over to the hotel to- gether. I suppose I shall have to go flower- gathering alone.” “Not if you will accept of my pr tection and company, Miss Porter,” Dick hastened to say. “Tt is nearly time to close the bank, and if I can be of service to you, command me,” “‘ Why, I shall be delighted to have your com- ny, to be sure!” Joan replied, with a pleased foals “T have a bit of shopping to do, and by ‘« the time I return, you will be ready to go.” ; “Exactly. Iwi close up at three, precisely.” ; With a smile of assent she took her departure. And Dick? ; He paced the floor excitedly. | “T am going to speak to her about this mat- | ter,” he muttered; ‘I am going to satisfy my- self whether she is false or genuine. The more IT see of her the more I become convinced that she really is the old man’s daughter, and that some infernal plot is afoot to oust her from her rightful position. ‘And this Lindsay, and the Jew? By Hea- ven, I believe Lindsay is an impostor—that he is the ad | pawnbroker of Applejack to whom Bill Bird ‘pledged the diamonds! I wonder where Calamity is?” The old adage that ‘‘ the devil’s always around when you are talking about him,” did not failin this case, for a few moments later Calamity en- tered the bank disguised as a miner, and so ’ ia! that even Dick did not recognize her until she spoke. ‘Nothing new,” she said, leaning against the counter. ‘If Darkley is in the camp he is under a new disguise, and as for the girl, [ can find no trace of her, whatever.” ‘Well, keep your eyes peeled; and, in the mean time, there’s something demanding your 5 immediate attention. Isaac Levi—the one of Goldburg, I presume—has arrived in town, and sought an interview with the fellow I spoke to \ iy about—Lord Lindsay. They are over at he Elephant now. Look after them sharp, ' and learn what you can without arousing suspi- . cion. I believe we have a clew to the paces, at last!” Diese “TI see!” and Calamity immediately took ‘her departure. j F ) It now being three o'clock, Dick closed the | bank, and locked the massive door, when Joan ; came along, carrying a pretty hand-basket she evidently had just purchased. : a “ Just in time, am I not?” she said, merrily, fl “ Now, we will go and gather the flowers. fe They sauntered leisurely out of the camp, to the southward, chatting as they went, and in the course of half an hour reached a point where a silvery sheet of water leaped down the moun- { tain-side in cascades, and finally flowed over a ledge, far above them, and fell in a foaming { basin at their feet, thence continuing down the guich, in a gurgling stream. The natural caldron, into which the water fell, was surrounded by a bed of flowers, of various species and hues—a sight most beautiful to look upon; while the air was redolent with It did not take long to fill Joan’s basket with the choicest of the blooms; then, while she sat upon the mossy bank, weaving a garland of brilliant hues, Dick was near at hand, leaning against a huge gray bowlder, and knew his time had come to speak, if he spoke at all—to learn, if he learned, at all what he most desired to ul : “* Migs Porter,” he said, “ were you ever ac- with a man named Bill Bram curiously, as if the question had surprised her. ‘ she asked—‘‘are you Detective ve It was Dick’s turn to be astonished now, es _ He knew denial would be useless, for she seemed to be reading his face, with her search- ir a8 $ (it Ap si ‘ Nate am,” he after a moment, “and I a: infer that Fired ag hy overheard my inter- view with your father.” tn 4s “T did. I was in the next room. papa told me all about it, afterward!” “Ah! Well, then, I am the detective, and I have come to Beelzebub to ferret out the mys- tery of Joan Porter,” Besides, Deadwood Dick felt like smiling just then— but he didn’t. “Tf old Porter hain’t been taken in for a suck- er, I’m a catfish!” was, however, the thought | that flashed across his mind. “You have, eh?’ and she laughed, lightly. | ‘¢So you think there is a mystery about me, do you?” “Yes, But, you haven’t answered me about this man, Bird.” ‘Yes, I knew him.” ‘‘ He was your lover?” ‘‘Well, after a fashion. He let on he liked | me, and I was more susceptible to flattery, then, than I am now.” ‘‘-You were to elope, I believe?” “Yes, that, however.” They conversed but a little while longer, changing the subject altogether; then, they set out on their return to Beelzebub. Dick was tempted to communicate his sus- picions to Joan, that her father was being poison- ed to death by degrees, by the fellow Jacquett, but something caused his tongue to remain si- lent, on the subject. As they were passing along the street, on their | arrival back in the camp, they met L rd Lind- | say, who frowned when he saw Dick doing the Papa didn’t know anything about, | ‘“T suppose you are not aware that Bird is dead?” “ Nossir!” ‘Well, he is. He killed himself, in Apple- jack City, and left me to find the real- Joan Por- | ter!” ‘‘T believe, with papa, that the poor fellow | must have been crazy.” ** What questions did he put to you, that con- | fused you, when he visited you and declared thet you were not the real Joan?” ‘Only one or two. He asked me if I could name the places of our clandestine meetings, and where we were to goto, when we eloped. This was before papa and mamma, who knew nothing about all that, and I felt very much embarrassed, and declined to answer him. Un- doubtedly that strengthened his belief that I was not the real Joan.” Dick listened, and watched her, searchingly, even the every expression of her lips, as the words left them. If ever an angel looked innocent and truthful, she certainly did. “111 doubt her no longer,” the detective mused, ‘‘She isthe real Joan, and the other one is an impostor, whom Doc Darkley pro- poses to use for monetary gain.” Aloud, he said, after a few minutes of silence and deliberation: ‘Miss Porter, I can find room to doubt you no longer, nor that you are not what you claim to be. But, this fact does not materially lighten the mystery that hangs over my detectivecase,” | ‘¢ Indeed! Iam sorry to hear that. If there is anything I can do to assist you, pray tell me.” “You might be able to give me some points, that would help me along, for I am b« ned to get at the bottom of this matter, if it takes me all winter and next summerincluded. If you over- heard the interview between myself and your father, you will remember my asking if he had | interests remaining, in England,” a Yes.” ‘‘He gave me no answer to the query. haps you can.” ‘“T cannot. Indeed, I prefer not to speak on the subject.” *‘ Ah! well, then, I will not press you. “Your father is keeping something back, ‘and until I know what itis, I cannot solve the enigma in all its phases. But, I'll tell you what I doknow: There’s a plot ahead, against your father, and another girl—the very_image of yourself, who genie to also be Joan Porter—is connected with i “Mr, Primrose, you astonish me!” ‘Maybe so, but what I say is true. I saw the girl, only last night.” “You did? . Where is she now, then? What can all this mean?” “That remains to be found out. Where the girl is, at present, I have nO means of knowing.” He then told her of his experience of the last night, adding, in conclusion: 0 is this man, Herbert Halsey?” J oan wassilent a moment, looking thoughtful. € is a man,” she said, atlength, ‘for whom I have but little respect. He comes from the old country, and his parents were once intimate with mine, Since he came to this country, and found my folks in good circumstances, he has endeavored to thrust his attentions upon me, but I have rejected them, as I had no liking for the man,” ‘You favor Lord Lindsay, then?” “Not particularly. He is another bore, though papa likes him because he came from the old country, and of a noble family.” “ Are you sure that he came from E that he is not a fortune-hunting pretender?!” Joan looked up, quickly. ) ' “No, Iam not,” she replied. ‘ Papa says the ‘Lindsays area great family, and feels highly honored that his lordship should hunt him up, and become his guest,” Per- land?— | | ing very tight-fitting clothes, even gallant to fair Joan. CHAPTER XIII. DICK VENTRILOQUIZES—THE LETTER. Dick conducted Joan as feras the door of her father’s house, and there left her. He now bad the remainder of the day and evening to bimself, so he sauntered about town. without ap-~ pearing to have any particular object in view, but, all the same, his eyes were busy, and nothing that was going on escaped him. After awhile he sauntered into the Bronze Tiger gaming saloon, and there encountered Calamity, still in the guise of a miner. “Well. what news?’ he asked, when they could get an opportunity to speak together without being too closely observed. “Not much. The old Jew is the same one I saw in Goldburg, and he and Lindsay bad their interview ina room up-stairs. When they came down the old man treated at the bar, and shook hands with Lind-- say, after which he mounted a horse and rode away toward Goldburg.” ‘“Humph! What do you think of Lindsay?” “He's no lord. T’li bet my boots he’s a Jew, and the old man’s son at that!” ‘* And consequently the same Abrabam Levi who vamosed the Applejack pawn-shop with the dia-- monds?”’ ** Yes, that is my conclusion.” “Tm pretty much of that opinion, myself,’ Dick agreed, ‘But the question is, where are the jewels? Do you think old Isaac took them away with him?’ “No. The old rabbit has got a penchant of wear- p if they are shabby, and I looked him over perite, 4 § If he had had a jewel-box about him, I should have dis: covered it.” ‘Then perhaps the old Jew brought the diamonds» to Lindsay, having previously had them in bis cus- tody.” '*T should quicker think that way.” “Well, all that is left for us to dois to try and find out. If Lindsay has the diamonds he won't carry them around in his pocket.” **No, of course not, Maybe he will deposit them in the bank for safe-keeping.” “T only wish he would!”* Dick said, with a chuckle. “Tt would be a wintry day when he got them again.” While they were sehr, aman entered the room and strode toward the faro-table. which was sur- rounded by e crowd of players, and lookers-on. Deadwood Dick ard Calamity both gave a start at sight of him, for it was Fen Franklin, who had dealt the faro game in Applejack City. ‘Ha! what brings Aum here?” Dick ejaculated, im an undertone. “Hard to tell; may be he is looking for ts!" Ca- lamity replied. ‘‘ We'd better separate at any rate, to avoid suspicion.”’ They did so, Dick keeping himself as much out of sight as possible. Franklin advanced to the faro-table, tapped one of the players on the shoulder, and then, turning, stalked from the room, ‘ The man who was wanted drew out of the geme as soon as he could, and also left the rocm. ‘alamity had gone out just abead of him, and she- saw him and Franklin meet at the unper end of the street, where they stood several m‘nutes in conver~ sation. Calamity watched them until the called man came: back toward the saloon, and Franklin strode away toward Goldburg; then she enterrd the gaming- room and communicated what she had seen. The man who had consult-” with Franklin. was: well proportioned, but slouchily dressed, and wore- a yellowish beard, which was faded, in places, mat~ ted and tangled, and covered his face nearly to the. eyes, His hair was of a like eclor. Dick and Calamity observed him closely, when he: re-entered the saloon, and resumed his seat at the faro-table. “Well, what’s your opinion %’ Dick asked. ‘I’ve just formed one!’” Calamity replied. “If T am not greatly mistaken that man is Doc Darkle: Peep “T was wondering if it. might not be him. i is. Fen Franklin is one of his pals,” st the I’m going to know whether it is Darkley,, or not.”’ “How are you going to find out, my wife pard?™ ‘Rasy enough! Have you stil) control of the ven-. triloquial power you u to exercise?” “] don’t know. I might manage to throw my voice a little.” “Well, now, Ill leave you, and saunter awry, The moment some unsavory-looking man cnte's the door yonder, you throw your voice inte bis mouth, and shout; ‘Is there a man na Doe Darkley.. at a
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Spee 12 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds. | there?’ I'll be watching the yeller-whiskers, yonder, | “By Jove! this discovery nearly unnerves me!” | he muttered, as he made his way toward the Bronze | an’ can tell in an instant, if he’s our man. you can bet the earth ag’im’ the moon Calamity Jane don’t lose track of him, until she finds where the girl Joan is.”’ **Good!” Dick smiled, approvingly. Dick was not positive whether he could ventrilo- quize or not, for he had not attempted it, in many months, and, as a rule, ventriloquists have to keep in active training to be successful. There could be no harm in trying, however, and 59 Dick watched his opportunity, It came soon, andin a manner Aifferent from what he had expected. The door of the saloon was thrown open with a bang, and into the place staggered the mountain giant, Fang-Tooth Jim. He was evidently full-up-to-the-neck, of bug-juice, and sp’iling for a fight, for he paused, braced him- self, and glared around, belligerently. It was Dick’s chance, and he so threw his voice that his words appeared to issue from the giant’s lips, in a hoarse. brazen tone: “ 'Heigh! hillo! Aire ther a gerloot ’bout this she- bang, named Doc Darkley?” The yellow-whiskered man at the table. who had evidently not noticed the giant before. yave a per- ceptibly violent start, darted one swift glance of alarm at the supposed speaker, and then, wen on playing. without again raising his eyes. The manifestation was sufficient to convince both Dick and Calamity that he was Doc Darkley, in dis- guise. lf he is, | As for Fang-Tooth Jim, he glared around, in great | amazement. He'was not so drunk but what he was aware tliat he had not uttered a word, and yet the yoice had sounded so much like his very own, and had spoken the very words he was just on the point of uttering, that it was little wonder he did not know what to make of it. “Waal, I'll be smashed inter jelly!” he cried, “*ef thet don’t corral the conkie! Did ary one o’ you gerloots heer the fluctuations of my ginitle voice, jist then? Did any one of you see er erup- tive an’ ’arthquakick wiggle of my jaw, or flip-flop mv my upper an’ lower kisser? Do { luk like a big bellerin’ bull calf, as would stan’ still wi? my hands in me pockets, an’ me vittle-smotherer tight shet, an’ spit out sech an’ inquirendo as ye all heerd, ~whenl entered this room? No sir-ee, harmonious hoss-fly; nary time. I jest walked inter this ranch, gents, wi’ vary an annerconda or python in me boots, an’ were goin' ter ask ye in gentle an’ per- suasive tones;ef there war sech a purson eround here, as Doctor Darkley, when some mean, dirty *rang-’tang of a loafer up an’ snatches the words off'm the eend o’ my talkin’ protuberance, an_ut- tered them. hisself, even stealin’ my natteral falset- ter voice, to do et wi’. Now, pilgrims, that’s what I call: mean—dirty, low-lived mean, I do! An’ ef ary gerloot willshow me the persimmons as pinch- ved onter my prattle, lll guarantee he'll be reward- ed in the heeratter. An’ I'll mop up this hyer ter- baccer-stained floor wi’ ther gerloot as infringed on my copyright. as sure as my name is Fang-Tooth Jim, the Howlin’ Hero of Heil’s Delignt!” The crowd listened. but no one vouchsafed an an- swer, and a(ter glaring about, inquiringly, for sev- eral minutes, the giant suddeuly seemed to remem- ber that he was dry, and cantered off in the direc- tion of the bar, where he proceeded to put down glass after glass of bug-jhice. Deadwood Dick and Calamity met, outside, a few minutes later, and the girl detective was jubilant. “Tt couldn’t have happened better!’ she said. “The giant’s coming just capped the climax. Yal- Jer-beard ix Doce Darkiey, fast enough, and you can eter a shadif I don’t dog him, until I find the r . “ That’s the stuff! But go careful. If he thought ‘we were on his trail he would be very cautious.” “Tl look out tor that. As for you, you hadn't better be around, too ‘much, for fear Halsey may ‘turn up and recognize you.” “Tittle danger of that. IfI mistake not he’s in the outlaws’ camp yet.” They soon separated, Dick going toward the Por- ter residence, and Calamity re-entering the saloon. Just before he reached the house, Dick met Pete, the colored servant. ‘Where are you going, Pete?”’ he asked, halting, “To de post-office, sah!” *‘ Why, who's sending a letter, Pete?’’ “De young missus. §2h!"' “Ahtis that so? Tell you what I'll, do, Pete—I’ll give you a five-dollar gold’ piece, if\ you will let me glance at the direction on the envelope.” * Darsen’t, Marse Paul—’deed I darsen’t !”’ “Oh! Go’long! What harm will (:a¢do? Here! T'll give youten! What say?” “Deed l’se ‘fraid youh go tell de missy, sah.” “No I won’t; Pll give you my word of honor on that score.” With some hesitation the negro exposed the let- ter, but he made no hesitation in pocketing the ten- dollar note. The address upon the envelope, was: “Mr. Kart Dey, “ Belzebub.” “That will do!’ Dick said, and passed on, and en- tered the Porter\home, ‘*Mr. Karl Dey, eh? I won- der who izis. Some new flame of Joan’s?”’ It was not until he sat at the supper-table, that a gr yh nae d into his head, “By Jove! I’ve gotit!” he mused. ‘ D-a-r-k- ‘l-e-y—that also spells Karl Dey!" e did not linger at the table, foran after-supper chat, as was his usual wont. He ate little, and that dittle, rapidly, and was soon upon the street, again. | | isthe man, Tiger.” He entered the Bronze Tiger, and procured a | cigar, at the same time taking note of everything about him with one swift, sweeping glance. The yellow-whbiskered man was still at the faro- table, and judging by his several stacks of ivorics, was in good luck. The room was pretty well filled with miners and adventurers, and Dick got an opportunity to speak to Calamity, without being particularly observed. **Go to the Elephant!”’ he directed, ““and ask for a letter for Karl Dey. If you get it, bring it to me.” * All right,”’ She left the saloon, and was gone but a few min- utes when she returned, and slipped a letter into his hand. **Let’s sol a place where we will be less ob- served,’’ Dick said. ‘* Whiskers is fast at faro, for hours yet.” They left the Tiger, and entered a cigar store, where Dick opened and perused the letter, Calamity looking over his suoulder. The following was whav chev read: ‘* Karu:—I haven't had an opportunity to see you, and so will let you know by mail, Everything is working right. andI am now satisfied that Lindsay Don't fear—l’m not gone on him. I promised you I'd do the right thing, and J will Papa is not so well, to-night. Isn’t it stvaagy what ever can ail him? Poor indulgt nt papa. * As for Lindsay, he proposed, last night, and is to get his answer to-night. He is clear gone on me, poor fool! Of course I shall promise to marry him, for he says if I will do so, he will, in a few days makemea present of some of the rarest jewels I ever laid eyeson. So, of course, that ecitice that. Can't write any more. Assoon asI can get to see you, I’ve something to tell you. Bye-bye!” “ A ig | That was all; and Dick put the letter in his pocket, as he and Calamity left the store. “That settles ¢#./2/" he said. ‘ Lindsay, or Levi, is stuck onthe girl, and she is working him for all he’s worth, so as to get possession of Bill Bird’s diamonds. She and Darkley are evidently in the scheme, together.”’ “Certainly, and if I read you_right, your faith in | the home girlis considerably shaken!’’ Calamity said dryly. “Yes, I don’t deny it, She won me over, com- | pletely. this afternoon, but this letter changes my mind, I don’t believe, now, that she is any more Philander Porter’s daughter than you are, We must find the other girl. So you'd better go and watch Darkley. I’ve got'something else in mind.” And they separated. CHAPTER XIV. “poRT AT LAST. As flourishing a “city *’ as was Beelzebub, but one roth ig had yet ventured to ‘‘ hang out his shingle” there. In fact, in some of the rough mining-camps of the West, it takes a plucky man to announce that he is a lawyer, as the roughs who have no regard for law or order often single out the enterprising disciple of Blackstone ag a target for pistol practice. Jobn Fitz John, however, was& man of agreat deal of personal assurance, and bragged that were light- ning to strike him on the cheek it would glance off, without doing bim the slightest injury. Titz John had opened an office over one of the saloons, put up his sign, and thus far had donea brisk business. ' This evening we find him sitting in his room, smoking a ¢c gar, with the air of a man who owned the world, when there came a rap at the door, fol- lowed by the entrance of a man. The man was cloaked to his feet, in a black gos- samer, wore & slouch hat, a black mask over his face, and carried a cocked “six” in his right grasp. Fitz John’s legs had been elevated at an angle of forty-five degrees, his heels resting upon the desk, but that did not prevent him gaining a standing position in an instant, ” “Oh! sit still~ don’t disturb vourself, my friend!” | see it, or I'll spatter your few brains up against the wall behind you. I mean business, aad soe will find it out to your cost if you don’t hurry up!” Fitz John, thus admonished, lost no time in pro- ducing the document and placing it on the table. The visitor took it and glanced it over eagerly. The will made the following bequest: With the exception of an annual dowry of five thousand dollars to his widow, Philandér Porter left all his fortune to his daughter, Joan Porter—the fortune consisting of the Red Knife mine, his house and bank build ng in Beelzebub; all of his money, amounting to one hundred thousand dollars or thereabouts; and an old baronial estate in Surrey, England, known as the Léeches, valued at half a million dollars, The masked visitor threw the will back upon the | table with a‘'Humph!” and arose and drew his the man in the mask said, coolly helping himself to | achair. ‘Sit down!” ‘ “T.. [—who--who are you?” Fitz John gasped. | “Mh! Um onlv a robber and cut-throat. I ain’t dang rous, cept when I’m riled.” “Wh-w' iat d’you w-w-want?” ** Just droppéd in on biz. \Sit down I say!” Fitz obéyed, though his inclination was to make for the door. ‘* Yer name's Fitz John?” the visitor said. “ Yes, sir.” “You're a lawyer?” “Yes, sir.” ** You draw ap wills, sometimes?” : ‘Of course; that is a lawyer’s business. “You drew one up for Philander Porter, quite regently?”’ *T No, sir.” **Take care !’’ “T_T mean yes, sir!’’ ‘“What did you liefor?”’ “T wasn’t to tell.” ‘Oh, you wasn’t, eh? Well, now, see here—you’d better not try any more of that sort of shenanigan with me, or I'll put a leaden leech in yer cabeza. When did ye draw up Porter’s will?” ** About Lwo weeks ago.” en ; ¥ hat disposition did he make of his property? “Now. no more ‘I--I’s’ about it!’ said the mask, ee ee gossamer cleser around him, “Tt’s ail right, I reckon.” he said. grimly; ‘' but mind you, Fitzy, if I find out that you’ve mentioned this interview to any one, I'll be responsible for your wantin’ a pine box.’ A word to the wise is sufficient,” “You may be assured IT shail keep the secret!” the lawyer shiveringly replied; and the masked vis- itor took his departure. As he emerged from the dark stairway upon the street, |e was considerably changed. He wore neither the gossamer nor the mask: and, as the reader may have inferred, he was Deadwocd Dick, er, more properly; Paul Primrose, for the goggles ence more hid bis eyes, ie had found out that which both Philander Por. ter an his alleged daughter were so reticent about— their interests in the old country. After leaving the lawyer's office, Dick once more visited the Bronze Tiger, but nit finding Calamity there, he hung around the various res« rts until! ay & night. As Calamity did not put in an appearance then, he sought the Porter residence and retired for the night He awoke bright and carly, and after snatching a basty breakfast, mounted his horse—a fine animal he bad purchased since coming to Beelzebub, but only used when he took a morning canter—and rode out of the camp. For some reason, which he could hardly have ex: plained, he did nor take the Goldburg trail, but rode away to the southward, Dick had proce: ded about three miles down the gulch, when his horse suddenly shied and nearly threw him. He quickly drew rein and gazed about, and was not long in finding out’ what was the matter. An old man lay beside the trail, bis head resting upon a little bundle done up in ticking. His eyes were closed, and an occasional moan escaped his lips He wore a sailor’s suit and cap, which had growm rusty with age, and the boots upon his feet were worn away nearly to the uppers. Dick at once dismounted, and, approaching him, knelt by his side ‘*Hello, old pard!’’ he said, gently shaking bim. fie Be you, and what appears to be the diffi- culty?’ “T’m Dolphin Dave, the pirate, an’ the ship’s a-sinkin’, Let me be!” was the faint i Ne “The ia all gone, an’ there’s nothin’ but bilge-water eft. The eyes did not open, and a shudder passed over the man’s form. Dick produced a small flask of brandy. He poured a small quantity of the liquor between his parched lips. The effect was electric. The lips smacked together with a gusto, and these words burst forth: “Thank Heaven! Port at last!’ The eyes opened, and gazed’ wildly around. At first they appeared to dweil on vacancy, but finally they became fixed upon the face of Dead- wood Dick, who, for the time being, had removed his glasses, and then the old tar raised his trem- pins hand, and passed it over his furrowed fore- ead, “Ah! that was good grog!” he faintly articulated. ‘It infuses new life in me, an’ sets my blood mmov- ing. Give me more!” Dick saw that the old fellow had been a hard drinker, as most sailors are, and that probably he had been for days without stimulant, and was near ly famished and distracted, for the want of it. So he allowed him to take a moderate pull at the flask, after which he restored it to his pocket. ‘ The liquor had the effect to brace the sailor up wonderfully, for he soon managed to sit up. “You've saved my life, mate!’ he said, grate- fully, ‘‘I’d ‘a’ cied soon, ef it hadn't been for the rog.”’ Z * Who are you, and what are you doing away out in this wild country?” Dick asked. ‘Your home ig plainly ob the water,” ‘Yes, the water has been my home for many a year, but I want to die where the sharks won't get me. The old Caribbean—aha! many an exciting ad- venture I've had on those waters!’ “The Caribbean?” Dick's mind went back to his interview with Phil- ander Porter, who had said his brother was a Carib- bean pirate, Could it be possible this old salt was the banker’s brother? ; “Yes, the Caribbean,” the sailor replied. ‘ What do you know about the Caribbean?” i Mig: much, I'llassure you. You are very weak, e it.’ * Yes, legs won't never get used to this Pineted land. Then, too, I've had nothing to eat tor ree 8. savagely. ‘* Just you produce that will, and let mej, ‘No wonder you are broke up, Now,see here ® » Ee
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: eee Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds. ftnow of a snug little cave, not faraway. You'd better let me take you there till you get stronyer. Vil see that yoa are supplied with food, and a ae allowance of liquor, and you'll soon be all ws “You are very kind, mate—very kind, and I fear I won't never be able to repay you.” ‘Oh, yes you will. All I want is the stery of your life, and thas will rep: y me for everything I can do for you.” “Then you shall have it, in welcome, sir.” Dick glanced .t his watch. _He still had two good heurs before it would be time to return to Beelz-bub and open the bank, Stooping, he lified the old sailor in his stout ars, and lifting him to the horse’s back piloted the horse back on the trail to a little hole in te wall of a cave Wherein he fixed up a couch of pine boughs, and had the old man feeling quite comfortable. “ Now, theu,’’ he said, aiter administering another taste of the brandy, ‘‘I’ll hear your siory, and will £0 and hunt you up some food,” “All right, mate; I'll spin the varn as best I can. | It isn’t no fairy-tale, nor Sunday-school story, but I | don’t suppose you expect that. “To begin with, I'l have to take you back to old England, over thirty years agu. Iwas then a wild young fellow, of good family, just out of college. be old folks wanted me to study for the ministry, but I ran away and joined the qe “T soon tired of the monotony of that sort of life. and when we were in the Caribbean sea, I deserted, and joined a piratecraft. My reckless daring quick- ly raised me.to the position of mate, and eventually I became cummander, and made myself famous as Dolphin Dave, the pirate. ‘Ten years later I xave up the sea, and went to Paris. There I married an actress. We lived to- gether till all my money was gone, a matter of four years; then she gave me my walking-papers, auG returned te the stage. Ireturned to the sea. She kept our infant child. “The next five years of my life I spent in piracy, and then gave up that sort of life, and under an- | I fol- | other name. shippéd as a common seaman, lowed that forecastle life uncil two years ago, when I returned to Paris to seek my child. “T found that Eloore, my wife, and our child, had last beep heard of in a London theater six years be fore. I went to London; thence I traced them to Cacdiff, Wales. There I learned that Elnore was dead, and that Editha, my child, had beea adopted bya man named Bertrand, who was a mere boy when I left old England. He and Editha had gone to America two years before. My younger brother and his family, were also in America. Bound to see them, and if possible, mv child, before I died, I set o't for this country. Chicago being my destination—for it was there I was told [ would find my brother, Philander; but, on my arri- val there, I found that my brother had removed to Carson City, Nevada. My money was pretty near exhausted, but, hoping my brother ‘might know something of my daughter, I set out on my long journey. I walked all the way, reserving what money I had for a scanty supply of food and liquor. I had always been subject. to the free use of liquor, and hy te or: do Pie it. ‘* My heart sunk when, on arriving at Carson City, I learned that my brother had moved to aplace call- ed Beelzebub. I expended my last money at Carson and divided it equally between supplies oF lquor and food. and once more set out. rée days ago both go no longer, and last night fell unconscious by the wayside, where you found me. That’s all,” * A-most strange and interesting narrative,” Dick commented, “And it is my lot to give you some cheer. Beelzebub is less than three miles distant and as soo: as you are recruited in strength, I wil ace that you get there. Your name is Porter, is it not? “ Yes, yes—David Porter!” J “Then your brother Philander lives in Beelzebub, He is a banker, and I am his clerk.” *‘Heaven be praised! When can I see him?” “When | have made a few arrangements that are | imperative. You must be patient and remain here,” | I will do just as you wish, only fetch me food and liquor, so I can get braced up.” *You svall have both. ~ And, now, about this girl of yours Is there any way you could identify her if you were to find hery” “Yes, there is. Sbe has a blood-red birth-mark upon her right arm near the elbow—just below it— in the shape of a crescent. or half-moon. and has a slightly deformed little finger of the left hand.” “Thanks for that information. It is quite possible T may be able to present you to your daughter when I take you to Beelzebub. And now] crash eb I will leave this bottle with you. Us= the stuff only light- ly. Iwillsend you food as soon as possible. Keep Up good spirits, and perhaps by to-night or to-mor- row night. I can take you to your brother’s,”’ you, mate; I will do just as you say.” Dick then took his departure, and rodé thought- full back toward the town. ® game is mine!’ he muttered. ‘Slowly but surely the ball of mystery is unwinding for me, and piety See the on Jight of auocens, not far It did really seem so. The sudden appearance of wcivitan Porter made matters look wonderfully im- Ip was not yet time to open the bank, and so he ett nia from espled a e Beelzebub h J Jacquett coming toward him on ae his Deadwood Dick's mand was made up in an iastant, He would force a confession from man, CHAPTER XV. JACQUETT’S CONFESSION, | “You found the girl, then?’ “Yes, or at least, where she is kept. JACQUETT, as he came along, was looking from one | ley left the Bronze Tiger. I did, too. He didn’t | leave camp right away, but dodged around, here and there. as if he was suspicious that some one side of the trail to the other, and oceasionally would stoop and pull upsome weed. He also carried a bunch of weeds in one band, AS they neared one another, Dick drew rein and at the same time pointed a cocked revolver at the agent-doctor. ‘““Jacquett!” he cried, sternly. “halt where you are and drop your hands to your sides!"’ The order was promptly obeyed, and Jacquett looked very much alarmed. * What's the matter?—what have I been doing?’ he asked, in an unsteady ‘tone, **Vou've been doing too muech—you’ve been over- working yourself and overtaxing your vast intel- lect!’* Dick said, significantly; as he slid from the saddle. ‘In fact, history has lost a gem in not en- compassing you within its pages, and I desire to wri € you up—or, rather, you must write yourself up! x I don’t understand you, sir.”’ * Done you? Then Ill be plainer. make a confession, or die, one of the two. be the chooser!” * A confession of what, sir?’ “Of your villainous work at the Porter residence, Bah! don’t think I don’t know all about it. Ber- trand, alivs Doctor Darkley may think he has a trusty tool, but he will be foiled. has had quite all the poison he wants for one while.” Sans pag turned deathly whi e, and trembled per- ceptibly. You can ” he began, but an imperious wave of Deadwood Dick’s hand stopped him, ‘No ‘I—I’s’ about it,’’ Dick warned, fiercely. “IT know that you have been poisoning Mr, Porter, and that Doc Darkley put you up to it. Now, the only thing for you to do is make a full confess‘on on paper, implicating Darkley. Refuse to do so andI willleave you lying here beside the trail. a corpee. I mean business. Will you write the full truth or will you die—which? Speak quick, for I've no time to waste!”’ * Supposing I make the confession—what then?” “Then, you can keep right on tramping toward the rising sun, with toe penalty of death awaiting you if you turn back, and are ever seen in or around Beelzebub, again!” A look of relief passed over Jacquett’s face, “Do you mean it?’ he demanded. ‘** My promise is never violated, and, you have it!” “Very well; I will do as you wish.” He sat down upon a rock, and took a pencil and memorandum-book, from his pocket. He tore out what leaves had been written on, and then wrote rapidly. ick waited, leaning against his horse. In ten minutes Jacquett arose, and hanged him the book, ‘* That's the best I can do!”’ he said. Dick read the confession over, carefully. It was as follows: ; ** CONFESSION ! “This is to certify that I, Jean Jacquett, have been prevailed upon to make a confession of mr guilt, and I make it freely, in hopes that God and those I have injured, may forgive me. “Thave, for a couple of years, been a medical student under Doctor Bardwell, of Carson City. One of Dr. Bardwell’s patients, a Mr. Philander Porter, supplies gave out; still I kept bravely on, till I could | suffering’ slightly from general debility, removed to the town of Beelzebub, and being a liberal customer I was detailed to accompany him and administer to his wants. “ At this juncture, a villain named Dr. Darley ap- proached me. and said if I would administer a slow You've got to | Philander Porter | poison which he supplied, instead of Bardwéll’s | | medicine, be would give me three thousand dollars spot cash, and when Porrer died, as he eventually would, I should receive seven thousand dollars more —ten, all told. “Satan tempted me and I accepted. Darkley in- structed me how to prepare the Hacostion of local hegieaeg herbs. aud I did so, Once in the mire, I But now, being assured of my liberty. I :ive this confession, and also an antidote that will counteract the effects of the poison, and eventually restore the victim to his usual health. ** Signed, JEAN JACQUETT.” Appended was a prescription recommended todo | what he had promised—to restore the patient to | 5 : | prove to your utmost satisfaction that there was health again. ‘ R “That will fill the bill!’ Dick said, putting the book in his pocket. ‘“ You may go, now, acting up- on my previous warning, and T hope you will never get into another such a scrape.’ ou can bet 1 won't ” Jacquett averred. crush- ing the fois weeds beneath his feet. “There is nothing in grace.” Dick at once remounted his horse. and continued on toward Beelzebub, while Jacquett hurried away down the gulch, evidently only too glad to get off so easily. When Dick arrtyed in the mining-camp, it was near time to open the bank, 50 he was soon at his duty behind the counter. the more so, perhaps, The day passed d 1 because Diek ached to ap WA to pursue his now hot trail. Just before noon Calamity entered the bank, still in her disguise of the miner. and Dick saw at one by the expression of her face, that she had sook nell, what's the facket?" he asked, eager e et?’ he asked, eagerly. Ps First-olass, you bet!” was the reply. villainy, anyhow, but final defeat and dis- | : 9 id not back out, for fear of exposure and arrest. | l¢y’s tool was watching him. It didn’t make any difference, though; I was jest as sharp at dodging as he, and bes es finally left camp, I was close after him.” “Well?” “Well, he went up the Goldburg trail, about a mile, and then turned off into a densely wooded gorge, which he followed for another mile. Then he came to the deserted cabin of an abandoned claim that is in good condition, it’sin this cabin that the girl is held a prisoner.” “Ah! Then, you saw her?’’ “Yes. After Darkley entered the roost, I got @ peep. inside.”’ ** Whom did you see?” “The girl, Darkley, and Fen Franklin. The girf was lying upon some skits. bound hand and foot,” * Did you overhear any of the conversation?” ‘““Not much. They talked too low. However, I heard Halsey’s nam+ mentioned, and heard Darkley ask: ‘Did you plant Lim? By that, 1 inferred that Franklin had recently ccme from the outlaw camp, and that Halsey had been killed.” ‘Not improbable. What show is there for res- cuing the gir 7” * Well, I bung around until morning. and then the men came cut of the cabin. Before Darkley started for here, I heard him say: ‘ You'd beiter hang” around here till dark, and then go to camp. Don’t be gone long, as some one might blunder up thig: vay and find the girl, and be sure you ikave her well tied, when you go!’” ** Ah! then it’s all right. She can then be rescued: as soon as Franklin leaves?” ** Yes.”* They conversed awhile longer. Dick narrating his experience of that morning. He then ordered Ca- lamity to visit the cave, and take David Porter a supply of food. to tide him over until the time ar- rived to bring him to Beelzetub. Calamity was not long in making ready to act the good Samaritan and took a large parcel of tempt- ing things, not forgetting to add a quart bottle of the best whisky obtainable. CHAPTER XVI. THE CASE CLOSING IN—VICTORY WITEIN REACH. Dick closed up the bank, and went to dinner, as soon as Calamity had kft him. Mr, Porter was at. the table, but not looking so well as nsual. Joan was also present, in a mest charming toilet, and seemed to exert herself to make herself as pleasant as possible to the boarder. Lord Lindsay was not at the table. When dinner was over, Dick arose, and said: “If it will not trouble you too mucb, Mr. Porter, I'd like you to come down to the bank, this-alter- noon, There are some matters there that demand your personal attention.” * Very well, sir. I will come down.” It was two o’clock, when he reported, and as theres was a lull in business, they had a chance for a long private talk. “Mr. Porter,” Dick said, ‘‘I suppose you are not aware, that your declining health is principally owing to poison?” **Poison!”’ the banker gasped. “cc Ay! potson!”’ “Why, certainly not. What do you mean sir?’ ‘* Just whatI say. You have, for some time past, been dying of slow poison!” ‘*Bosh! nonsense! You talk crazy, man.” ‘*You don’t believe me, then?” “Certainly not Your assertion is preposterous!" “You may think so, but I know hetter. If you won't believe me, perhaps you'll believe this!’ And he handed him Jacquett's confession, The banker read it over, slowly, and as be read his face grew pale, and he drew a long breath, as he looked up. ‘Where did you get this?” he gasped. ‘Of Jacquett. I suspected he was Doctor Dark- and I forced a confession out of him. “Ah! then you—” “Am the person who interviewed you under the alias of Detective Gray. Yes, Mr. Porter, 1 have | not only exposed the scheme fo poison you, but J have found your real daughter!” “My real daughter!” ‘Your real daughter. . If you will permit me to do so, I will te-night bring her to your house; I a change of girls, and that the girl I have found is your daughter, that the girl you are foster- ing, és not ,our daughtr, but the daughter of your brother, David Porter the ex-pirate!” © The banker looked astounded. He gasped, and made an attempt to speak, but it was ineffectual. “This may all seem strange to you, but there has | been a most dastardly and daring attempt to swindle | you. and it bas fallen to my lot ‘*o frustrate it. | | Your oes ort Joan, was kidnapped, and your brother’s child, Editha, a most clever actress, was substituted in her place, and as the two girls were won alike, you never knew the difference!” * This is incredible, sir.”’ “Tt is nevertheless true, sir. I assure you.” “Then, Bill Bird was right?” ‘He was. “ Where is this girl, whom you claim as my daugh- ter?” “ She is at present & prisoner in the power of this. man Doctor ‘Darkley, but she ve. s soon as it becomes dark, to-night, and with your permission, brought te your house, there to cen. When Dark-- 7
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14 front the fair and skillful schemer, who is usurping her place. I shall also arrange to have Darkley present.” ; ‘“Who in God's name is this Darkley? I never heard of him, before you mentioned him.” “ His real name is Bertrand. He once lived in England, near your home.” “Ah! i remember him. He was a lawyer, and once tried|to get my patronage, in the old country, but, after trying bim, I found him to be a rogue, and dismissed him from my employ. That was just be- fore I carpe to America, ut, how do you know that the usurper, as you term her, is my brother's child?” ‘* Because I learned as much from your brother’s lips!’ “What?” “Just as I tell you. Your brother is not three miles from this town, and you will see him to-night!” ‘* Wonder of wonders! Gai this be true? It seems like a fairy tale.” “Truth is ofttimes stranger than fiction, you know. Eighteen years ago, or thereabouts, your brother, David, left the sea, and married an actress, in Paris. They lived together a few years, and then ‘separated, his wife retaining possession of their child, and David going back to sea, Tyo years ago, he bade a final adieu to the water, and set out to find his child. A Jong search followed, and he found that his wife, Elnore, had died, in Cardiff, Wales, and Eiditha, the daughter, a clever young vactress inheriting the mother’s gift, had been adopted, and brought to America. He is now in search of her. and yourself. I found him, this morning, dying by the roadside, for the want of food and drink, I picked him up, nursed him back ‘to life, and be will be in condition to’ see you, to- night.” * Primrose. you are a great man! if all this be true, you have placed me under everlasting obliga- “tions to you.” “Don't mention it. I shall be amply rewarded, by inheriting Bill Bird's aiamonds. And now, do you agree to my bringing this matter to a focus with a grand denouement, resulting in the exposure “of those who have been parties to this infamous «@cheme ?”’ “Certainly! certainly! I leave it all to you.” “Then, in the first place, say nothing to any one, -of what has passed between us, and be careful not to betray any éxcitement, or do anything that will ig Editha an inkling that you are suspicious of ‘the cheat. Make arrangements to have Pete let us ‘in by the back way; at nine o’clock. You and Mrs, Porter pretend to retire at eight, but be ready to come: down when summoned. The rest can be ar- ranged, nicely. I will write Editha to await me, in the parlor, at ten o’clock. I think she is mashed on me, slightly. I will also cause Bertrand to call ‘at the house, at that hour. Then, we will confront them, and a wholesale exposure will take place.” “Good! Excellent! You have a great head, sir!” tthe banker said. ‘All shall be done as you have directed, to-night.” He then took his departure. ; After he was gone, Dick penned the following let- ders. ‘Miss Porter:—If iu will be alone, in the parlor, ‘at ten o'clock to-night, I have something to tell you that may interest you. “Your obedient servant, ‘*PauLt Primrose.” This letter a boy delivered to the false Joan, Another letter he wrote in exact imitation of her schirography (having her letter to Darkley, to copy from) and directed it to Karl Dey, at the post-office, tin the Elephant Hotel. It ran as follows: “KARL:—I shall be alone, to-night, at ten o'clock. *Come to the house, and walk right in without knock- ing, for I want tosee you. Have no fear, for yee oN body will be abed, but myself and our servant. e issafe.. Don’t fail to come. Something ig toe OAN.”’ to tell you, This letter he also dispatched. By this time it was pretty near closing hour for ‘the bank and he was fixing up the books prepara- tory, when a man entered. At first.glanee he appeared to bea miner, for as ‘such he was dressed, and a shaggy beard covered the most of his face; but Dick's keen eyes, hidden behind those odious green goggles, quickly detected that the beard and the hair to match was false. * Hillo, pardner!” the man said, leaning upon the scounter; ‘do you run this ranch?” “T do!” Dick replied. “Waal, that’s what I tho’t. 0’ money heer?” * Some!” **Waal, that’s what I tho’t. Banks ginerally do have sim money. §’pose burglars never tr'ubble yer—thet is, yer collat is always safe from gittin’ stole?’ “Oh! yes. Our safes are burglar-proof,”’ “That’s what I tho’t. §’posen I war ter fetch a package 0’ wallybles, an’ put ‘em in yer hands fer afe-keepin’.”’ “We would charge you a dollar per day storage, and your valuables would be safe until you want ‘them, sir!” * Cheap: enuff, b’ gosh! I'll go fetch ’em!”’ He left the bank, crossed the street, and entered the Elephant Hotel, while Dick indulged in a broad, met nD econ ib but 14 7h ed. never .rains urs!’? he commus “That chap does right well at Western vernacular ‘for a Jew, but I meepen, to know him just as hard, Bring on the diamonds, Mr. Miner, alias Lord Lind: say, alias Abraham Levi! [’ll take care of them for S’pose ye keep a pile ~ Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds. ai hai ‘ nn you, and I'll bet the sun against the moon that | scheming Miss Editha Porter never wears them.” The man came back directly and presented a pack- | age as large as an ordinary bound book, neatly done up in newspaper. He gave his name as Jake Green, and said he would call for the ‘‘ wallybles”’ inside of a week. When he was gone, Dick examined the deposit, and found the diamonds, sure enough. Putting the case in his pocket, he closed the bank, and going over to the hotel, took a room, and—a | snooze. Night was before him, and he knew there was | work ahead for him to do, Consequently he must | be prepared. It would not do to be weak, when victory was within his grasp, CHAPTER XVII. DICK CORRALS THE DIAMONDS FOR GOOD, Nieut was coming rapidly on when Deadwood Dick awoke, and went down-stairs, and what was to be done toward consummating the events of his great detective case must be done without delay. However, he had his plans pretty well formed and did not think that he would experience much trouble | in putting them into execution, As he pass d through the hotel office, he saw Doctor Darkley in his yellow disguise, seated in one corner, reading a letter, which Dick had no doubt was the very one he had penned. Going to the Bronze Tiger faro-room he found Ca- lamity in her miner’s disguise. “Well, did you go to the cave?”’ ‘*Yes. I took the old man a boss feast, and he went for it like fish for frosh bait. I let bim sand- wich in a nip of whisky every few mouthfuls, and didn’t let him have too much to eat at atime, and } you just ought to have seen the effect. Why, the old salt got up on his feet after eating and actually danced a Sailor’s hornpipe. He wanted to come to Beelzebub, but I got him quieted down, and came away. I guess he will he all right until he is wanted,” Dick then related all his arrangements to Ca- lamity, and sent her after the old seaman, whom, under the cover of darkness, she was to take to the rear door of the bank, which was to be his | shelter until he was wanted further, There was nothing now in particular to do until Calamity returned to guide the way to where Joan was held a prisoner, and so Dick went to his supper. The banker, his wife, the false Joan, and Lindsay were all at the table, and seemed to have little to Say, but devoted their energies to the silent paponal | of food, a fact that Dick was heartily glad of, for he did not feel like being too closely Vy ae eager or in- spected. Joan gave him one bg smile, when he entered, as much as to say that she had received his letter; after that, she scarcely looked at him. An hour later, as Dick sat on the steps of the bank, sméking a cigar, he was once more approach- ed by Jake Green, the individual who had deposited the diamonds. “Say, you-h!” he began, “be you the feller I left the package wi’, this afternoon?”’ ; * Bo T look like him?”’ “ Durned ef ye don’t!”’ ‘* Well, I’m the man!”’ “ That’s what Itho’t. Ye see, I want the pack- age. I’ve tuk a notion ter loca’e in ther East, an’ am goin’ to start right away.” be Why, what’s your hurry?” ‘Oh! nothing in partic’ler, only I allus acts on short notis. So ef you'll give me the package, 11] mount me muel, an’ mosy. Dick arose, un'ocked the door of the bank, and they entered. Dick then entered the little room, where the safes were located, and was absent, sev- eral minutes. When he reappeared, he laid a bunch of bank-notes on the counter, and beside them a pawn-ticket. “ There! I believe that is correct!” he said, coolly, at which a torrent of oaths burst from the disguised pawnbroker's lips. “Curses seize you! What do you mean?” he | eried area forgetting his vernacular, and drop- pin his haud toward his hip-pocket. ‘But, Dick’s gleaming ‘six’? peeped over the top of the counter, at the same instant. warningly, “T mean!’ Dick said, grimly, ‘‘that your disguise is too transparent for use, Lord Lindsay, alias Abra- ham Levi, and that, according to the last words of William Bird before he died, the diamnonds are mine, You loaned Bird five thousand on jowsks worth seventy-five, with the understanding that he was to pay you ten thousand, as redemption money. There § your ten thousand, and_the pawn-ticket. Take it, and make yourself searce!”’ ‘Curse you! curse you! The diamonds are mine! Give them to me!” “Nary a give, Levi! You may count yourself lucky that so much money is placed at your dis- mosal. And, another thing let me tell you, my mas- onrasiag Hebrew dude—the fair banker’s daughter on't care any more for you than a cow does for carpet-tacks, and has been drawing you on, in an- ticipation that you would give her the jewels, which she knows all cbout, the same as she knows that you are not Lord Lindsay, If you don’t believe me, go | tell her you have no jewels. at all, and see how quick she will bounce you. So, all things consider- ed, if I were you, Abraham, I ddo the purty—take time by the bangs, or forelock, as the case may be, and fold my tent, and steal silently away, like the otthodox Arab; go to some land, for instance, | where, once you hook a sucker he won’t flop over the bank into the stream again.” For a me ie of minutes Levi glaped at the cause | of his defeat, wildly; then, seizing the money, he hurriedly left the bank. Half an hour later, Deadwood Dick saw him rid- ing away, out of town, on the Goldburg trail. Shortly after dark, Calamity arrived with, Devid Porter, and the old man was induced to remain in | the bank for a couple of hours, being given to un- | derstand that a surprise was to be arranged. tor his brother. It was now time to visit the wild-wood cabin, and release Joan, and so Dick and Calamity | at once set out, They reached their destination in due time, but found the hut deserted! Joan was gone} For a moment they stared at each other at loss what to say, or how to act. ‘Furies take the luck!’ Dick finally burst. forth, “* Are we to be baffled thus, when.victory is awaiting us?’’ ““Nary time!’’ Calamity replied. ‘The girl is gone, but something tells me she is not far away.” “More likely Franklin has carried her off, with the purpose of taking a hand in the game.” Dick produced a lantern from his saddle-bags. and by its light, they closely examined the ground, in the vicinity of the lodge. ‘Lhere were plain evidences of a struggle, and as if some person had been partly dragged along. Dick could read a trail with the ease of an Indian, and he was not long in discovering thatsome person had recently gone up the gorge. “As I expected!” he declared. ‘Franklin hag taken the girl to some point further up the gulch. We must fcollow—you at one side of the gorge—I at the other.”’ They unslung their rifles from their sac dle-hol- sters, and skulked cautiously away through the somber forests, like grim phantoms. They had not gone half a mile, yet, when Dick heard a piercing scream, and that, too, only a little way ahead, Leaping forward, he quickly came to the edge of a moonlit dell, across which Franklin was trying to force his captive. h “Ye won't walk, eh?” the ruffian roared, as the ei strugglingly resisted. ‘‘ Waal, then, you die! ’m tired o’ monkeyin’ wi’ you. Now. either you walk, or I'll murder you, and have done witb it.” He drew a knife, as he spoke, and held it threaten- ingly above poor Joan’s head. At this instant, Deadwood Dick’s rifle spoke, and his unerring aim sent a bullet crashing through the gambler’s wrist, Then, Dick leaped out into the glade. Franklin saw him, and a fierce oath burst from his ae He hurled Joan flat upon the ground, and p aced one foot upon her; then, with his uninjured and, drew a revolver, and leveled it at her. “Back!” the ruffian cried, to Deadwood Dick. “Advance another step, and I'll blow the gal’s brains out, if I die for it, the next minute!" Dick halted, for he knew the man was a desperate wretch, and doubted not but what he would fulfill his threat. “You might just as well turn around, and take the back trail!” Franklin cried, hoarsely, ‘‘for you will never git this gal, alive—not, at least, until I’ve made my stake. I'll either make money out 0’ her, or I’m goin’ to kill her,”’ ; Evidently he believed Dick to be alone in the pur- suit, or he would not have been so insolent. He had great nerve, standing there at ba: , with the blood flowing freely from his right disabled hand; but, he “reck’ed without his host ’—there came two sharp reports, from the edge of the glade, in rapid succession. One bullet shattered the ruffian’s left hand; the other struck him in the breast, and, with a horrified cry, he staggered back, tottered like a falling tree, and fell to the ground. Calamity had sped the winning bullets! Dick at once ran forward, lifted Joan to her feet, rm released her of the bonds that confined her imbs. Calamity soon joined them, and Dick then made fe oeanation of the gambler’s wounds, for he had ainted. They are not serious, I'll send the deputy-sher- iff to take care of him!” Dick said. ‘“ When he finds he is a prisoner, he will likely turn on Darkley.” They at once set out on their return to Beelzebub, for it would be time for Dick’s denovement to take place by time they could reach the camp. On the way, Joan related so much of tee experi- ences, since her abduction, that there no longér ex- Bred a doubt but what she was the genuine Joan orter. And when she learned that her parents lived in Beelzebub, her joy knew no bounds, and she express- ed her gratitude to Dick and Calamity in warmest terms. Dick gave her an inkling of the plot that had bean worked to defraud her of her rights, and when she learned of the death of Bill Bird she was much afe fected. CHAPTER XVIII. EDITHA’s CONFESSION— CONCLUSION, Doctor Darkuey, aligs Byron bertrand, the arch schemer, had received the note penned by Deadwood Dick, but purporting to come from Joan, and perused it over and over again, “What can the wn want of me?” he muttered with a frown, ‘Like enough she has gone an made 1 mess of matters, and is liable to exposure, | I don’t much fancy going to that honse, for if old Porter should, happen to hear my voice he would know it.” 4] » BT kg he concluded to make the call and run the At ten o’clock he reached the Port ide attired the Sai as when Dick had duithaane tars
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a Snterview with Jacquett, in Carson City, except that he wore no gossamer. There was a light in the front room, but the cur- tains were down. Presuming that all was right, he softly opened the front door and entered the hall, ‘Closing the door, he stepped into the parlor and shut its door behind him. Editha, as we shall henceforth call her, was seated by the table. a look of expectancy upon her iace, which instantly changed to astonishment as she saw Bertrand. * Mr. Bertrand!” she gasped, arising. “Why, certainly, dear! Werg you— iS the matter?” * Matter! Why, sir, what in the world brings you here? Iam surprised!”’ Bertrand uttered an oath. " “What brings me here?’ he echoed. ‘ Why, ‘hat, to be sure! Did you not write it, inviting me here at this hour?’ ‘* Great Heaven!—no! caller.” “Ten thousand devils! ! hen we are trapped!” “Yes! came a stern voice; “you are trapped, and if you move a muscle or stir in your tracks, you'll be drapp:d!” 5 In horror and consternation, the two gazed in the direction whence came the voice. A door communicating with a rear apartment had opened, and several persons had filed noiseless! into the rlor, foremost among whom was Dead- wood Dick and Calamity Jane, each holding a pair of cocked rdvolvers leveled at the guilty pair. The others were Philander Porter, Mrs, Porter, Joan and David Porter. A torrent of oaths burst from Bertrand as Dick and Calamity advanced. ‘* Back, you devils!’ he gasped. mean?” *] mean that you are my prisoner!” Deadwood Dick sternly announced; ‘and if you do not peace- ably surrender, and submit to being bound, I will blow pour brains out with as little compunction as I would shoot a coyote. I mean business, and you give me any trouble and I'll prove it, to your sorrow!” Bertrand saw that, beyond a doubt, his game was ap, but the very thought of defeat drove him furious, ; teen did ee hinder the two detectives from ac- ecomplishing the 6. alamity thra es ons right before the doc- ‘tor’s eyes, while Di ced straps, with which he secured his hands and feet. Bertrand was then pushed into an arm-chair, and Dick turned to Editha. ind had sunk back upon the lounge, faint and white. ‘Miss Porter!” he said, ‘*Iam sorry to state that it becomes my duty to confine your bands.”’ ‘No! no!” she gasped—‘‘not yet! First let me Why, what I was waiting for another “What do you ‘speak. I will make a cléan breast of the whole mat- ig rt “Qurse you, don't you dare!” fairly shricked Ber- ‘trand from his chair. * You shut up!’ Dick commanded, sternly, Then, turning to Editha, he said: “Very well, Miss Porter. If you wish tospeak, go sahead. ° But remember, we are watching you, and shall prevent you from making any attempt upon your life.” ‘ Editha laughed, sarcastically. “Pray don’t take me for quite so big a fool as all ‘that!’ she said. ‘The game is up, I see, but I haven't the slightest idea of committing suicide, on that account. Life is far too sweet for that. Yes, the game is balked, and I’m not sorry. I've had an a hat along, that the bottom would fall out, and 80 ” *“ Well, go ahead, if you have anything to say,”’ bees ordered, impatiently ; “we've no time to waste.” ‘“*Don’t get in a hurry. I can’t go faster than a ‘walk, now. Do Rea, who appear to have brought about this interesting climax, know who Iam?” “Ido. You are the daughter of David Porter.” “Correct. Iam his daughter, although | don’tre- «member of ever having seen him, Mamma used to +fell me he was a pirate, and I suppose he was. “Well, he and mamma didn’t live together, long, after I was born, and when they separated, mamma went back to the stage—she was an actress, you see, “Of course she took me with her, and I grew up on the stage, playing child parts when I was but four ‘years of age. “J never had much schooling, except what I “picked up myself. I was apt, however, and learned pretty nearly as much on the stage as I could any- where else. i “Mamma continued to play in Paris, for years, ‘but finally changed to London, to give me more chance to study the English drama, I succeeded ‘fast, and when I was fourteen, made a favorable ¥ ga the stage. and removed to Cardiff, W — at the go’ Rcitstion of cu niary assistance, that he unfolded to us his scheme to get possession of the magnificent “ay estate, — ** At first mamma would not listen to such a thing, but so persistently did he urge, and such brilliant pictures did he paint of the bright future I would have, that he aroused my interest, and when mamma saw that I was taken up with the scheme, she gradu- ally yielded. “ Bertrand had an oily tongue, whose words were hard to resist. He said Philander Porter would not live long, and, as his whole affection was centered in his daughter, she would be the heiress not only to the Leeches, but to all his other wealth. Thus, if he, Bertrand, put me in cousin Joan’s place I would become heiress to all the fortune, half of which I would afterward of course transfer to Ber- trand. ‘** Well, mamma finally consented, and adopted me to Bertrand, after which he set to work to arrange his plans, Before he could accomplish anything, however, Philander Porter and family removed to America, and located in Chicago, leaving the English estate in charge of a bailiff. ‘*Ofscourse it was necessary that Bertrand and I should follow, and sol bade my mamma a long, last farewell ’—here tears glistened in the girl’s eyes —‘ and we came to America. “We, too, located in Chicago, and Bertrand sup- pores me comfortably while he was maturing his plans. “He frequently gave me an opportunity to see my cousin, and I studied her closely—marked her every move and motion. We were so wonderfully alike, in face and form, that I had no fear but what i could fill her place. ‘Finally, when you moved to Carson City ’—she now turned to Mr. and Mrs. Porter, ** you adver- tised for a hired girl—a maid of all work, Bertrand, now known as Doctor Darkley, suggested that I try the > and I jumped at the chance, * Thad not forgotten how to ‘make up,’ by a good deal, and when a buxom-lookiny, mod: st appearing Irish girl, applied for the situation, you forgave her myself competent to occupy Joan’s shoes; until I had her every peculiarity by heart, knew all her se- crets, her thoughts, her whims—everything, in fact, that she knew about herself. “You may bet it took a great deal of study. pry- ing and observation to accomplish this, but I was equal to the task. I was in for the races, as it were, and knew no such word as fail.”’ * Well, in due time Bill Bird turned up in Carson, claiming to be a scout, but Bertrand knew better. He had seen him in London and in Cardiff, and his suspicions were at once aroused. “So he negotiated with an outlaw, and Bird was gobbled up and taken to the mountains, where he was kept for nine months, when he escaped and re- turned to Carson, to fall into a fortune. ‘-In the mean time Bertrand, to get money, had organized a little outlaw party of his own, and it was at last decided to abduct Joan, and I was to step into her place. Do you remember one morning you awoke to find your Irish servant and a valuable lot of silverware missing? “Well, it was during the preceding night that Joan was chloroformed and kidnapped, and your Irish servant stepped complacently into her place, her wardrobe, and your affections!” Editha here paused long enough to give a pecu- liar, teimapnay Jaugh, while Bertrand uttered a savage oath. ; ‘Well, at first it tested all my powers as a cun- ning actress to fil the bill,” the fair schemer went on; “but, as weeks flew by, I gradually became more and more fitted to my 7ole, and it was to me like the part in @ play that 1 had sustained for a whole season. Sometimes I used to wonder if I-was not really Joan Porter. Such vagaries wi] attack le, you know. ime passed on and things ran smoothly, until Bill Bird made. his reappearance and greated a dis: turbance by denouncing me as an impostor and not the real Joan. \ **-You all know the sensation it created. Bertrand and I were secretly trembling with fear. However, as good Inck would have it, you did not give any credence to Bird’s claim. “ But Iam getting ahead of “ps story. After be- ing kidnapped, Joan was given into the custody of a mountain giant named Fangtooth, but otherwise known as Fang-Tooth Jim. Bertrand paid him ten dollars a week to keep the girl out of sigh'.”’ ‘“Who was Herbert Halsey?” Dick demanded. “He was from England; I met him in London, When he came to Carson City he reeogniaed me, and threatened to expose me if I did not marry him, However, I managed to put him off from time to time. But to continue: ‘After Bill Bird’s denouncement of me. Bertrand set about trying to find out more about the fellow. As a result, he discovered that Bird had come to America from Cardiff, Wales, and that he had been sent by my mother, who, upon her death-bed. had given him ‘a package of sealed instructions. What was the nature of these instructions we could but surmise; and so Bertrand set out to find Bird, who bad left Carson City. ‘After a long search he located him at Apple- ack City, and shot him in the forehead as he stood n front of the High Jack saloon one dark night. He quickly placed the discharged weapon in Bird’s hand, sO as to make it 9 aed that he commit- ” broad accent. big shoes, and red hair, and hired her. | * Well, I stayed in your employ, until I considered | Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds. ! 15 lowed Abraham Levi, who skipped out, the night of the murder. ** Levi came here and set himself up as Lord Lind- say, and at Bertrand’s order I ‘ corraled’ him, with the result that be was introduced to papa as a scion of the English house of Lindsay. 1 made the Jew as much in love with me as possible, hoping to get hold of the diamonds. But I failed.” “J have the diamonds.”’ Deadwood Dick said, “having redeemed them from the Jew. Bird’s last instructions were that I should have the jewels, pro- viding I found tne real Joan Porter and restored her to her rights. He also gave me the package of seal- ed instructions, to be opened when Joan was jound. So I will open them now.” He did so, and found two documents ‘**One of these,” he said. after glancing them over. ‘*is the death-bed confession of Elnore Porter, an touching upon this case, she says: ** And now.in conclusion, I must right one more wrong. My daughter, Editha, I adopted to one By- ron Bertrand, for a wicked purpose. I must have been insane when I did it. “+ Bertrand has a plot on foot to get possession of the wealth of my husband’s brother, Philander Porter, and proposes to substitute my daughter for | Philander’s, the two girls being exactly alike in point | of resemblance. The infamous plot must be balked and I have given William Bird full instructions in re- gard to the scheme, and send him to America, arm- ed with this document, to find my cCaughter and frustrate Bertrand’s scheme. ** * ELNORE PoRTER.’ ”’ “The other document,’ continued Deadwood Dick, “is by Bird himself, and its date is the same as the day on which Bird was killed at Applejack City. He says: “*Not knowing what may befall me. I will leave this statement behind: I have found Editha, the daughter of Elmore Perter. Joan, the daughter of Philander Porter, of Carson City, has been abducted and Editha put in her place. I feel my old malady —a month of insanity, when all is blank to me—! coming on, but I shall try to place this in some one’s hands who will hunt up ~? darling Joan, and ex- pose the unparalleled fraud that is being praeticed upon blind old Philander Porter. ‘** Brun Brrp.’” It is about useless for us to chronicle the conver- sation that followed, for the reader can surmise its nature, The game was certainly en and when they com- ared the two girls, Mr. and Mrs. Porter readily and nstinetively distinguished the difference between their own child, and Editha. When Editha was made aware that the old sailor was her father, she was very much affected, and their reunion was a touching one. Both had been erring and sinners; but they were of one accord, that there wes much yet to live for, and together they knelt before the banker, his wife and daughter, an velba Bc hie to be forgiven. Naturally. Philander Porter was expected to an- swer for his wife and Joan, as well as for himself, but he hesitated, with a stern «xpression of counte- nance, and would probably have refused to grant the craved-for boon, had not Calamity Jane stepped forward. She bad remeved the false beard from ler face, and the wig from her head, and all saw that she was a woman! ‘*Mr. Porter.” she said, ‘‘ land my husband, whom you know as Paul Primrcse, will consider our ser- vices rewarded, if you will grant the desired forgive- ness. Let bygones be t ygones, and let the warmth of affection arive away the haunting Phantcms of the past.” And the forgiveness was granted. ; Byron Bertrand was locked up, under guard, that night, to be taken to Carson City, on the morrow; but. somehow. Fen Franklin managed to craw to the camp, and gave his captein so dead away that a mob, organized before morning, tcok the conspirator from the jail, and lynched kim to a tree. Franklin died, before morning. The outlaw gang was broken up, but the fate of Herbert Halsey was never ascertained. He was doubtless killed by the outlaws. Fang-Tooth Jim died of the tremens, afew weeks later. te Having decided to return to England, Philander Porter gave David all his mining interests in Beelze- bub, and there you can find David and Editha, now, the latter the contented wife of a handsome young miner. a After forcing a rich reward upon Dick and Calam- ity, the banker and his family took their departure for England, to occupy the Leeches; but it is doubt- ful, if, in all their wealth and erandeur, they will forget to feel grateful toward the two wild spirits of the wild West, who restored them their most precious treasure, and solved the mystery of Joan orter. With a yearn tod see her adopted son, Re Calamity Bier > § to her ranch, when ek had purchased, several months before, in a picturesque ana romantic Wyoming valley, not many miles from eyenne. ‘And she took the diamonds with her, as a ;ift from her Western Prince of Detectives! Dick, yearning fora er tpice from the adventures that had so characterized his life, for over ten years, and longing for a visit to the scenes of his chilch: od grip-sack, ard his and set out foo tt tar ton 4 THE EXD. RR) ee me te - bys
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———— - aE ET hoe tinihinttiennrerpatantiorapnetnentndl = BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novela. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince ot the Road, 20 Deadwood Dick’s Defiance; or; Double Daggers. 28 Deadwood Dick in Disguise; or, Buffaly Ben 85 Deadwood Dick in His Castle. 42 Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; or, The Phantom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omana Oll. i 57 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pardes of Flood Bar. 7B Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity ¢ ne, the Heroine 77 Deadwood Dick’s Last Aets or, Corduroy Charlie. ; 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville. ; i 104 Deadwood Dick's Device; or, ‘he Double Cross Sign. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. 188 Deadwood Dick’s Ilome Base}; or, Blonde Bill. 149 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dreamy or, The Rivals of the Road. 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel, 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom: or, Calamity Jnne’s Adventure. 217 Deadwood Dick’s Dead Deal. 221 Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. 282 Gold-Duat Diek. A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Divide; or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. 268 Deadwood Dick’a Death Tratl, 809 Deadwood Dick’s Veal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. " 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducats; or, Days in the Diggings. Deadwood Diek Sentenced; or, the Terrible Vendetta. 262 Deadwood Dick's Claim, . 405 Deadwood Dick In Dead City, 410 Deadwood Dick’sa Diamonds, 421 Deadwood Pick In New York; or, A “Cute Case.” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand. 448 Deadwood Dick, dr.3 or, The Crimson Crescent Sign, 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Detlanee. 458 Deadwood Dick, dr4s Full Hand. 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Big Round-Up. 465 Deadwood Dick, dr.’s. Racket at Claim 10, ATL Deadwood Dick, dr.’s, Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. AT6 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Dog Detective. 451 Deadwood Dick. Jr., In Dendy ood. 491 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Compact. 496 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Inheritance, 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s Diggings. 508 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Deliverance, 515 Deadwood Dick, dros Protegee, 522 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s, Three. 529 Deadwood Dick, dr.’s, Danger Ducka 5t4 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’n, Death Hunt, 522 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas, 544 Deadwood Dick, dr., the Wild West Vidocg 549 Deadwooa Dick, Jr., on Ris Mettle, 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham, 561 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Bosten, 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadetphia, 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. 578 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Afloat. 5S4 Deadwooo Dick. wr.. in Denver. { 590 Deadwood Dick, Jro«, Decree, 595 Deadwood Dick Jr., tu Beelzebub’s Basin, 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney Island, 606 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’a, Leadville Lay. 612 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinnatl, 624 Dendwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada, 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In No Man’s Land. 686 Dendwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. 642 Deadwood Dick. Jr.. In Buffalo. 648 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Chase Acroasthe Continent 654 Dendwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smngglers. 660 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Inauranee Case. 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines. 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., (In Durango; or, “ Gathered In.” 678 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dixcovery; or, Found a Fortane, 684 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’+, Dazzle. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dollars. 695 Deadwood Dick. Jr., at Danger Divide, 700 Deadwood Dick, Jdr.’*, Drop. 704 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. 710 Deadwood Dick Jr., In San Franclaco, 716 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Still Hunt. 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Dominoes, r 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Disguise, 784 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’*, Double Deal, 740 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deathwatch, Z47 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Poublet. 752 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deathblow. THS Dendwood Dick, Jr.’«, Desperate Stralt, T64 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Lone Hand, 770 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deteat. : 776 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Resurrection, A TS2 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dark Days. f 7ST Deadwood Dick Jr.» Defied. TZ Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Device, THT Deadwood Dick, Jr’.s, Desperate Venture, 802 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diamond Dice, 807 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Royal Flush, 812 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Mend-off, $16 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Rival. $22 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Boom, 828 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Scoop. S84 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’*, Proxy. 840 Deadwood Dick, Jr’, Clutch. 845 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’*, High Horse. 852 Deadwood Dick Jr., at Devil's Guich. S58. Deadwood Dick, dr.’s, Neath-Hole Mustles$ 868 Deadwood Dick, Jr/’s Bombshell, S70 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Mexico. S76 Deadwood Dick, Jr's, Decoy Duck. S82 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Silver Pocket. S9L Deadwood, Dick. dr’, Dend. Sure Game. 898 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’4, Double Drive. 904 Deadwood Dick, Jr’, Trade-Mark. 910 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Tip-Top.} BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMs, 589 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 622 Tom-Cat’a Triad; or, The Affair at Tonbstone. 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task; or, The Cowboy Detective. 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumphs or, Black Dan's Great Combine. 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock; or, Josh’s Ten Strike 568 The Dandy of Hodge; or, Rustling for Millions, 576 The Silver Sports; or, Josh Peppermint’s Jubilee, 588 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow 601 Happy Mana, the Dutch Vidoods or, Hot Timesat Round-Up 611 Bildnd Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. 646 Gowke Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 War Hg William the Mountain Mountebank, dolly Jeremiaks the Plains Detective, 676 Signal Sam, the kout Scout. 689 Billy, the Gypsy Spy: or, The Mystery of Two Lives, 699 Savle Sim, the Broncho Buster: or, For Big Stakes. Z12 e¢ Meamertat Sports or, The Mystified Detective. 88 Toltee Tom, the Mad Prospector, 45 Kananas Jim, the Cross-Cut Detective. 761 Marmaduke, the Mustanger Detective, x34 The Rustler of Rolling Stone 85 Lone Hand Joe, the Committee of One. 801 Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Ki 882 The DP, r Detective in Texas, : 872 Two Showmen Detectives in Colorado, cx & x -_ 158 Faney Frank of Colora BEADLE’S« H ALF- DIME* 7 IBRARY. Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. {80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Rosebud Rob on Hand; or, Idy!, the Girl Miner. $8 Kosebud Rob's Reappearance; or, Photograph Phil. 121 Rosebud Rob's Chalteans: or, Cipnamon Chip, Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yankee’s Surround rer Doll's Victory; or, Skull and Crossbones, enver Doll’s Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza, 296 Denver Doll's Drift; or. The Road Queen, B68 Yreku Jim, the Gold-Guatherers or, The Life Lottery, 872 Yreka Jim's Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up, ¢ B85 Yreka Jim’s Joker; or, The Rivals of Red Nose, 889 Yreka Jim’s New Role; or, bicycle Ben. 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective; or, Dot Leetle Game, 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The \ entriloquist Hunter 244 Serra Sam, the Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister’s Devotion. 248 Slerra Sams Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 2558 Sierra Sam’s Pardys or, The Angel ot Big Vista. 258 Slerra Sam’s Seven3 or, The Stolen Bride. B84 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. Kangaroo Kit’« Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Out. 89 Death-Fuace, Detective; or, Life in New York. ~ 69 The Boy Detective; or, Guld Rifle, the Sharpehooter. 96 Watch-Eye, the Detective; or, Arabs and Angels, 117 Gilt-Kdged Dick, the Sport Detective 145 Captain Ferret, the Rew York Detective, 1614 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 226 The Arab Detective 3 or, Snovozer, the Boy Sharp. 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. B25 Kelley, Mickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High tat Marry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabsides, the Beggar-Boy Detective, 484 Jim Beak aud Pal, Private Detectives. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Bullalo Demon: or, The Border Vultures. $2 Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand. 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or. The Red Rifle Team 92 Canada Chet; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp, 18 Jaek Hoyle the Young Speculator. 25 Bonanza Bill, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger, 88 Boss Bob the King of Boothlacka 41 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent; or, The Branded Brows, 77 Nobby Nick of Nevaday or, The Sierras Scamps. $1 Wild Frank the Buckskin Bravo; or. Lady Lily’s Love, 86 Apollo BIll, the Trail Tornado; or,.Rowdy Kate. 40 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator, or, The Locked Valley, 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patro}: or, The Rival Heirs, , 209 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 808 ’Liza Jane, the Firl Miner: or. the Iron-Nerved Sport. 880 Little Qui ck-Shot; or, Nhe Dead Face of Daggetsville, B58 First-Class Fred, the Gent trom Gopher, 878 Nabob Ned; or, The Secret of Slab City. BS2 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 458 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher; or, A Son’s Vengeance. 486 Sealskin Sam, the Sparkler; or The Tribunal of Ten, BY J, ©. COWDRICK. Broadway Billy Novels. 490 Broadway Billy. the Bootblack Bravo. 514 Broadway Billy’« Boodle; or, Cleating a Strange Case 586 Broadway Billy’s ‘Difikilty.” 557 Broadway Billy’« Peath Kacket. 579 Broadway Billy’s Surprise Party. 605 Broadway Billy; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning, G28 Broadway Billy’s Dead Act: or, The League of Seven 669 Broadway Bill 675 Broadway Billy’s Beat; or, Beating San Francisco's Finest, 687 Broadway Billy in Clover. 696 Broadway Billy tn Texas; or, The River Rustlers, 708 Broadway Billy’s Brand, 711 Broadway Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Deal, 720 Broadway ae Full Wand: or, The Gamin Detective, 1 1 i 1 1 1 2 2 785 Broadway ly’s Business. 788 Rroadway Billy’s Curious Case. 758 Broadway Billy tn Denver. 762 Broadway Billy's Bargain; or, The Three Detectiy 769 Broadway Biily, the Retriever Detective. 77> Broadway Billy’s Shadow Chase. 788 Brondway Billy’s Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest. 786 Broadway Billy's Team; or, The Combine’s Big Pull. 790 Broadway Billy’s Brigade; or, The Dead Alive. 796 Broadway Billy’s Queer Bequest. 800 Broadway Billy Baffled. 805 Broadway Billy’s Signal Scoop. 810 Broadway Billy’ Wipe Out. S15 Broadway Billy’s Bank Racket. S21 Broadway Billy’s Bluff. 826 Brondway Billy Amon Jersey Thugs Broadway Billy’«» Raid. 839 Broadway Billy’s Big Boom, S44 Ruoadway Billy’s Big Bulge. Rfoadway Billy's * V0,000 Snap. Broadway Rilly’s Blind; or, The Bootblack Stowaway, 862 Broadway Billy In London. 868 Broadway Billy Shadows London Slums. ST4 Broadway Billy's French Game. 880 Broadway Billy and the Bomb-Throwers. 906 Satety Sam, the Cyele Sport. 900 Jumping Jack's Jubilee. SS? Battery Bob, the Dock Detective. 860 silver-Mask, the Man ot Mystery; or, The Golden Keys, 8469 Shasta, the Gold Kings or, For Seven Years Dead, 420 The Detective’aA pprentices or, A Boy Without a Name, 424 Cibuta John; or,! 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout, 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy 506 pectige’ Ralph_ the Prince of the Road 524 The E ‘ 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 571 Alr-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case 592 The Boy Pinkertony or, Running the Rascals Out. 615 Fighting Marry the Chief of Chained Cyclone. oe Bareback Beth ed-Hot Times at Ante Bar. Dude, ngineer Detective; or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve eth, the Centaur of the Cirele, ? Tynewrlter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgan. the ' Pizenest ”’ Man of Ante Bar. 894 Arizona Dick's Wipe-Out. RY WILLIAM hk. EYSTER, 190 Dandy Darke: or. The Tigers of High Pine. 210 Faro Frank? or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pard» 818 The Hustler Rogne-Catcher. 888 Poker Pete’» Doubl 851 The Tie-To Sport; S88 Monte Saul, the Sport. * 901 Diamond Dave, the Gilt-Edge Shooter, e Deda : r or, High Hustling at Sinners’ Flat, BY HAROLD PAYNE, 848 Dan, the River Sport; or, Foiling the Frisco Sharp. 892 Bowery Ben tn 911 Bowery Bob, the East-kide Detective, Chinatown, BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon. Wm. F. Cody). 8 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand, 19 The Phantom Spy: or, The Pilot of the Prairie, 55 Deadly-Fye. the Binown Secut, or, The Banded Brotherhood & Border Robin Hoods or, The Prairie Rover, dot or, The Trapper’s Trust, Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers., BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 908 New York Nat’s Double. | 902 New York Nat’s in Colorado. 896 New York Nat in Gold Nugget Camp. S89 New York Nat’s Deadly Deal. SS8 New York Nat's Crook-Chase. S77 New York Nat’s Trump rd, : York Nat and the Grave Ghouls. y York Nat’s Masked Mascot. 859 New York Nat, the Gamin Detective. S58 Dick Doom’s Kidnapper Knock-Out. S47 Dick Doom’s ‘Ten Strike, Dick Doom’s Flush Hand 2 Dick Doom'’s Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny, ZT Dick Doom’s Destiny; or, The River Blackleg’s Terror. 4 Dick Doom; or, the Sharps and Sharks of New York. S Dick Doom in Boston; or, A Man of Many Masks, 793 Dick I Hl n Chicago. 1 the Wild Weat. , m’s Clenn Sweep; or, Five Links in a Clue. 808 Dick Doom’s Death Clue. S13 Dick Doon’s Dinmond Deal. Dd ’a Girl Mascot, 855 Dick Doom’s Big Haul. TAY Dashing Charlie; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trail. T56 Dashing Charlie’s Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Captive, 760 Dashing Charlie’s Pawnee Pard, 766 Dashing Charlie, the Rescuer. 497 Buck Taylor, King ot the Cowboys. T8? Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. 748 Buck Taylors Boyay or, The Red Riders ot the Rio Grande, 560 Pawnee Bil, the Prairie Shadower. 718 Pawnee Bill; or, Carl, the Mad Cowboy. 719 Pawnee BUV« Pledge; or, ‘The Cowboy's Doom. 725 Pawnee BIll: or, Daring Dick. ‘ 692 Redfern’s Curtous, Case: 01, The Rival Sharps. 697 kedfern at Devil’ Raneh; or, The Sharp from Texas, FOR Redfern’s High Mandy; or, Blue Jacket. ZO? Redfern’s Last Trail; or, The Red Sombrero Rangers. 668 Red Ralph's Ruse; or, The Buccaneer Midshipman, 674 Red Ralph’s Bold Game; or, The Wizard Sailor. 679 Red Ralphy the Shadower; or, The Freebooter’s Legacy. 644 Butterfly Hilly’s Disguise, 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony Express Rider, 656 Butterfly Biliy’s Man iunt. 662 Lutterfly Billy’s Bonanza. 565 Kent Kingdon; or, ‘ihe Owls of the Overland, 570 Kent Kingdon’s Shadower 3 or. the Card Queen, 575 Kent Kingdon’s Duel; or, The Surgeon Scout. 556 Kent Kingdon’s Doom or, The Buckskin Avenger, 545 Lafitte Kun Down; or, The Puc oneers of Barrataria, 550 Lalitte’s Legacy; or. The Avenging Son. 5655 Lafitte’s Confecsions or, The Creole Corsair, And Fifty Others. : BY JU PIEROE, 89T Rob o’ the Bowery ; or, The Prince of Mulberry Street. 415 The Vagabond Detective; or, Bowery Bob’s Boom, 452 WMotapur Bob, the Street-Boy Detective. 460 The Lawyer’s Shadow; or Luke’s Legacy. 472 Jaunty Joe, the Young Horse-King. 494 Surly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective, 504 Five Pointa Phil, the Pavement Prince. i 509 Jack Jnggers, the Butcher Boy Detective, : 516 Tartar Tim; or, Five Points Phil’s Menagerie, 526 North River Nat, the Pier Detective. 538 Wrestling Rex, the Pride ofthe Sixth Ward. 541 Jeff Flicker. the Stable Boy Detective. 551 Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow; or, The Old Well Mystery, 5659 Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective. 569 Brooklyn Ben, the On. His-Own-Hook Detective. 577 Pavement Pete the Secret Sifter, 688 Jack-o’-Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector, O08 Wide-Awake Bert, the Street-Steerer. 614 Whistling Jacob, the Detective’s Aid, 628 Buck Bumblebee; the Harlem Hunimer. 689 Sunrise Saul, the Express-Train Ferret. 649 Gamin Bob, the Bowery Badger; or, Scooping a Slippery Set, 658 Sky-Rocket Rob, the Life-Saver. 688 Saltpeter Sol, the New York Navigator 694 Spley Jims, the Only One of His Kind. 706 Tom Thiatle, the Road-House Detective. 717 Moaquito. Jack, the Hostler Gamin, 726 Dennis Duff the Brown cenne Kid, 744 Dick of the Docka, the Night-W atch, 765 Flipper Flynn, the Street Patrol. 771 Foxy Fred’s Odd Pard; or, The Keener’s Huge Hustlo, TSI Cast-Off Cale, the Scapegoat Detective. 824 Bowery Billy, the Bunco Bouncer, S87 The Big Four of the Bowery. 846 Buck, the New Vork Sharper. 850 The Grand Street Arab. 855 The West Broadway Gamin, 3 860 The Boat-Club Mascot; or, Dan Decker’s Double Dea} 864 The Union Square Baggage Boy. STS The Street Arab’s Blind. S86 The Five Points Lodging Houre Janitor, 890 Ace High, the Tromp Card Detective. S95 Fifth Avenue Fred, the Valet Detective, 899 Basement Bert, the Boy Cobbler Detective, 908 Billy Blue- Blazes, the Dodger ofthe Docks, 907 Reddy Rusher, Bell-Boy 4-11.44, LATEST AND NEW ISSUES, 912 Train Boy Trist’s Hot Iustle; or, Bounciig the Broadway Crook. !'y J. C. Cowdrick, 918 Kit Keith, t ¢ Revenue Spotter; or, The Big Bag at Dark Run, By Ed. L, Wheeler. 914 New York Nat’s Three of a Kindy; or, Nick Norton’s Close Call, By Col. Prentivs Ingraham, 915 Flip Flasher, Ferret, of East Broadways or, Firing the Fire-bugs +Y Jo Pierce, 916 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Double Deckers ot, Center. Fire, the Self-Cocker. By Euward L. Wheeler. 917 Flash Lightning, the Mountain Mascot; or, Jerry Jncobs’ Doom. By Charles Morris, 918 The Trump Dock-Boys or, Too Sharp for the Jersey Sharpers. By J.C. Cowarick? 919 Crack-Shot Dalay’s Drop? or Bronco Billy’s Big ‘Brush, By Wm. R. Evster, 920 New ¥ ork Nat Trapped oF, The Texan Tenderfoot Crook-Tracker, By Col. P. Ingraham 921 The Boy from Denvers Fighting the Toughs of Dead- set. By T.C, Harpaugh. 922 Sol Sharpe, Detectives or, Hayseed Ramsey’s Double Find. By Pet ard L. Wheeler. " 928 Gold-Dust Dan's Snap-Shot; or. The Deadwood Specu- lator’s Blind, By John W. Osbon, A New lesue Every Tuesday. The rary is for sale newsdealers, five Gents hn Sorte mati on roceipt ot Sr can each. BEADLE AND ADAMA, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York: