Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 413) (1885 06 23)

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@CORTH SDITICN, SS %» en ix \ \ : \ | \) NESTE WER ae = ; meee ___ W. ORR=S oH » es. | (a i ham eer i nyonalt Lt Ul | | (nt! lo | | ml eles “Ir iriGey x < sd $2.50 &@ year, Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mail Rates. Copyright, 1885, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, June 23, 1885. Single PUBLISHED WEEK LY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, Vol. AVE Number. No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. No. 41 3. Billy Bombshell, the cit climber; or, A Hero in Spite of Fate HANA HULU La) ad WORK, FOR YOU, BILLY BOMBSHELL! EXCLAIMED THE HARDY Ae es i ee \ abe

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REBT ee ane Pe ECE, 2 > Billy Bombshell, the Clif Climber. Billy Bombshell, THE CLIFF-CLIMBER; OR, A HERO IN SPITE OF FATE. A Story of California. BY FRANK S. WINTHROP. CHAPTER I. BILLY BOMBSHELL HAS A BATTLE. “By Joe! what's that?” There was no one to answer thé question, for the speaker stood alone on a bleak cliff of south- ern California. The rock was lapped by the waters of the Pacific, and it was while looking oceanward that the object met the speaker’s raze. “Well, that gets me a few, jestafew! It’s a wooden box; that much is sarting; but ef I dis- kiver a man hangin’ on’t, it’s a kind of fruit don’t usually grow thusly. victim o’ a orptical confusion?” The question was humorously put, but the speaker was queer in every way. A mere boy, yet with an old, sort of dried-up face which ap- peared to belong to a man past the prime of life; while his eyes and mouth were as sober and thoughtful as those of a college professor, “ Seemingly I see a man, an’ he’s a-floatin’ on abox. He has a qu’ar taste, though it maybe a new-fangled bath-tub fur all I know. _ ’Pear- ances are s’prisingly deceptive. Still, ’m im- he idee that I behold a hooman bein’ garments a nautical eens and ran along the boy, exclaimed, and working his way with as- tonishing agility down the steep sea bastion he at length safely reac the surf-lap shore. walked out on a projecting reef, and from it leaped into the sea, and at once struck out with the easy ea of a fearless swimmer, heading for the x. He swam steadily until, nearing the box, he saw that there was indeed a human being u it, but the position and inaction of the man on it left grave doubts in Billy’s mind if there was life in the form. Nearer the young swimmer came until, rais- ing his head from the water for a good view Billy saw a man hanging well over the box, an a white face near his own. Stranger still, the unknown was hanging by the mechanical sup- port given by his hands, bound at the wrists which held him in place without any effort of his own. Billy whistled, but grew all the more interest- ed as he saw that the unknown was not so very much older than himself, being probably nine- teen years of age. The active lad swam up and examined him. He was insensible, but life yet remained in his a Bae could be kept there by good usage. “Jess let me push him ashore an’ Pil bring him around,” muttered Billy. “I ain’t goin tar hev no sech likely lookin’ chap as he is go inter the locker—“ not ef I knows it!” The work before the boy was not hard. The box moved obedient to his touch, and he headed it for the shore and swam on leisurely until land ‘was reached. Once there he proceeded to get the senseless young man away, and as his muscles were surprisingly good he had no trou- ble in doing so. ‘Tn a short time the work was done. * Hands tied mee as a hanger’s knot, by Joe! Wonder who did it? an’ what for?” Billy at once severed the cords, and began to chafe his companion, as he had seen old persons do in similar cases, “By Joe! he’s harnsome, though; he sar- tingly is, Wonder what devourin’ cyclone hit g : It was not strange for Billy to wonder, for he was full of it, but he worked as he wondered, and in due time was rewarded by seeing his patient open his eyes. “Take ft easy,” kindly advised the preserver. _ “Don’t gush with vigor night away. Git yer Wonder ef I’m the | breath, as *twere, afore ye let any off. Seem- ingly, that’s the best way.” ut the older boy arose abruptly to his elbow. ‘* Who are you?” he asked. ‘‘Them as should know say I’m Bombshell Billy or Billy Bombshell, or Billy the Cliff-Climber —jist as ye please; ye pays no money but takes yer choice.” What are you doing with me?” “Seemingly, I ain’t doin’ nothin’, it strike you?” The youth looked puzzled and his gaze wan- dered. It fell on the box, however, and he started. ‘*T remember!’ he exclaimed, “Twas in November,” rhymed Billy se- renely. ‘Did you take me from the water?” continued the unknown, eagerly. ** Yas, that’s about the size of it.” ‘*T knew I should lose consciousness and tied my hands together around the box, but I didn’t have much hope of hanging on.” ‘¢- You hung on like a barnacle,” said Billy, grimacing. . ““Where are we, anyway?” “Sence you've settled down ter business, I'll do ther same. We're two mild below Setback City. This here beamin’ town you may, or may not, know is on the coast of Californy, U.S. A.” ‘*T know,” said the youth, frowning. ‘‘ We were off the coast of California when they threw me overboard.” “Eh? Hullo! Threw you overboard, did ye say? ’ ¥Ves:” “That was sarcy. Who did it?” The youth hesitated for a moment. ‘*T like your face,” he then said, *‘and I'll tell you all, by and by, but, just at present, I do not feel like talking. I am ill and hungry. Can t me food?” yer life. I could feed a multitude, though it would be-ali fishes an’ precious few loaves. But never mind; foller me an’ Pll gush forth with vigor.” ‘ He gave his hand to the rescued man and they walked on together. The latter was somewhat the worse fur his bath, but no evil was likely to result from it. He surveyed the sharp face of his small companion as they went, and then spoke again. “Your name, I think you said, is Billy?’ he then observed. “Billy Bombshell, at your service. Don’t forget my title. They call me ‘Bombshell’ be- cause I am so tender I’m liable to bu’st.” The idea was so laughable, in view of the boy’s tough, compact figure, that his companion smiled, but he simply replied: “T}l remember. And now, my nameis Philip Alderson.” “Tl call a Petrel Phil,” promptly an- nounced the boy, ‘‘ because you dropped ’round in such a quar way. Seemingly, you’re a sort of salt-water bird, anyhow.” The speaker led the way along the coast at as fast a pace as Philip cared to imitate. They went along a low cliff where there was an abrupt descent to the narrow beach in most places. At high tide the great Pacific lapped the ed rocks. At the end of ten minutes a considerable area of extremely rocky land arose before them, a Billy suggested that they descend the cliff and utilize the beach. There seemed to be but one objection to this, which was the difficulty of de- scending; but the boy easily found a path, and they went down and resumed their way along the sand. Thus it was that, turning a point of rock, the saw a boat on the beach. It was near the cliff, and the receding tide bad left a wide strip of sand between it and the water. “‘Tt has been washed ashore,” said Philip. “*Reckon not,” said his companion, “Ef you'll obsarve them oars tucked inter a hole in ther cliff, you'll see = wrong. An’ hyer’s pip in ther sand, too.” Philip saw them himself then, but he did not ett : t interest 9 aration little sus- w an important epoch in his life was Phout begining. oat Billy Bombshell lingered and looked wish- fully. ‘“Tt’s a prime boat,” he said, “ an’ ole Gabe pox would pay me well for’t. Seem- in 4 stepped inside, glanced at aon. and seamed trying to decide whether he shou d take it. Before the question was settled in his mind, a gruff voice broke in on their solitude. How does ‘© Hullo, thar, you be thief! what in blazes be you a-doin’ with that boat?” Both Billy and Philip looked up hurriedly, the latter with some apprehension. Two burly, rough-looking men had rounded the point and advancing unheard in the sand, were ost be~ side them. “Get out o’ that boat, or I'll smash you ag’in’ ther cliff!” added the second man. “Seemingly, you won’t do nothin’ o’ ther kind!” retorted Billy, as cool as an old soldier. ‘“You can’t make out a case o’ trespass hyer, fur your darned old boat is on ther swellin’ sea, which is ther door-main o’ Neptune an’ common s’ile fur all!” This judicial opinion was delivered with the gravity of a judge. : ‘Hullo, Hop-o’-my-Thumb, you're a sarcy chap, I see. t don’t allow that; you must be took down. But, first— Tom, d’ye miss any. thing out o’ ther boat?” He winked at his companion who made a pres tense of searching. ** Yas, ther compass is gone,” he said. “Ther young reptyle hes took it. Come hyer, you blamed thief, an’ shake yer pockets. My name is Sami Tanner, an’ I’lltan youef you don't produce that compass.” “T hain’t got your ole compass, an’ I don’t b’lieve you ever had one,” said Billy, defiantly. ‘This here is ayput-up job ter insult a free-born American citizen.” ‘“‘T assure you, gentlemen,” said Philip, *‘ that we have not touched an article in the boat. My friend merely stepped in—” “Now, you dry up, or I'll tan you. Speak when you're spoken to; boys should be see’d, not heard, I’m addressin’ my remarks to this small snake, an’ I say now I’ll tanhim ef he don’t pro- duce ther compass!” Mr. Tanner rolied up his sleeves and scowled at Billy, butthat young man atonce imitated him and struck a most Indicrous position. He was laughable in all he did, but it was plain he was as courageous as he was quick-witted. “Come an’ see us; gush with vigor on!” he encouragingly said. ‘I’m a-waitin’ fur ye, Samivel, an’ if ye tackle me you will find what a free American citizen kin do. Come an’ see us, Samivel!” The big ruffian did not decline the invitation. As Bill had surmised, he had never owned, or possessed, a compass, but he was an evil, quar- relsome fellow, and he lacked the manliness to know it would be a cowardly act to touch a boy. With all his wrath aroused by Billy’s words he made a forward rush, intent on ‘tannin, % the boy. rush was all well enough, but he did not catch his game. The boy shot under bis arm like a flash, and was on the other side, laughing derisively, before Sam could turn. “Gush with vigor on, ef you want to see me, he said, ‘‘ but just tnink twice afore ye do it. I ain’t ter be chewed ap like a steak, I ain’t. Ef you come ag’in, you'll be sorry.” It was a fairy warning, but the brute did not ” need it. “Tl wring your neck, ie young hound!” he roared, @1s1 again he made the rush. By thiy time Bombshell Billy’s blood was up. He knew it was unfair to abuse him when he had done no harm, and ashe could not meet Tanner in equal fight, he meant to meet him as he could and do all the damage he could. He had whispered to Pkilip and was ready for the next act in the drama. Forward dashed the bully, preparing for an- other rush under his arm, but Billy had other plans. Coolly he waited until the fellow was al- most upon him; then up and forward went his arm, and a handful of sand struck squarely in Sam's face, filling his eyes completely. : “Gush with vigor on!” yelled Billy, and in a moment more he and Philip were going up the cliff like chamois hunters. iD) Philip, weary as he was, had caught the spirit of the moment, and made good time, but they were not immediately ued. Sam Tanner stood on the beach working at his eyes with both hands and howling his wrath, while Tom had sat down on the boat and was placidly smoking. _ Plainly, he did not_sym with his friend, but lip felt sure the baffled bully would not aecept his defeat as final, He could not help feelin follow for one or both of them. But, whatever mi ght be the result, there was no help for it now and they must meet the consequences as best they could. CHAPTER II. THE RUINED RANCH, Tue boys reached the top of the ascent indue pathize a great deal — that trouble would Mi a time and Philip would have continued the re-

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treat, but his young friend coolly stopped and looked down at the vully. “Oh! Julius C. Cesar, see him claw inter his | optics! vigor on? hev a rainbow in his eyes. Wonder how he likes gushing with When he gets thet sand out he will ” 1 **Wehad better get out of sight before then,” | repiied Philip, ** No; let’s stop an’ seo ther fun. mints ain’t in any degree dangerous. so bulky they can’t ketch us in a _go-as-you- please, anyway. We'll stay hyer. Ha! ha! seo him claw!” It was indeed comical to see Tanner operate, and as Billy Bombshell could not be moved Philip sat down and took it coolly. Them var- They’re | In course | of time the fellow cleared his eyes, and then he | stormed at his companion because he had not | caught the boys. “You tried that an’ got took in; J didn’t | want nothin’ o’ that kind myself,” Tom answer- | don’t know my grand-ancestor. earnestly than usual. ‘‘ Let me explain. She is the toughest critter along this coast. Her name is Hannah, but the neighbors call her the ‘ Witch of the Cliff.” They say she has killed sailors washed ashore in storms ter git their money. They say, too, she is in league with ther Evil One. iain respect, consider who she is.” Billy spoke with real feeling, showing himself pews rp of a good heart, and Philip gained a etter opinion of him. r And she is really your grandmother?” he said, shivering. ‘*So she says,” replied the Cliff-Climber, ‘‘ At any rate, she brung me up. Let’s change ther subject. Shall we go ter ther Ruined Ranch?” “Yes; if you would like to.” Philip was already a good deal interested in his boy friend. He was bright and sharp, quick | Consequence, nobody will associate with | her; she is a female outcast—so, ef I seem lack- | Billy Bombshell, the Cliff Climber. You | s ruins. Now, J don’t believe in ghosts, but last night I did see somebody in ther ruins, I could almost hev sw’ared it was a female, but when I got thar, an’ I run fast, thar was nobody thar. Now, these two galoots hey been ter ther place. Why? Wal, I allow thar is something wrong about these ruins.” The boy paused at the door of the house which retained its original shape, and looked earnestly at Philip. ‘* Somethin’ wrong,” he repeated. Philip Alderson had not expected to engage in any local undertakings when he landed on the California coast, but there was something in Billy’s manner which invited him on. He al- ready saw the case from Billy’s point of view, and felt a keen desire to know if the old ruin really had a mystery. He therefore said: ‘Go on; we'll investigate together.” “Seemingly!” quoth Billy, and then they en- ed. ‘That little snipe is a t’arer on aniron | in every way, and he had shown that, though his | tered the place. axle.” tongue was, perhaps, too ready, his heart was There was not much about it that was strange “Plt wring his neck!” said Sam. generocs and manly; so he followed him along | or of interest, so far as Philip could see. The ‘Do so—some other time. We can’t stop | the cliff, listening to his constant talk, for Billy | walls and roof were down, as a general thing, now. Ro>collect. we have. business elsowhere, | had regained his usual spirits and joked and | and had taken just about the same pcsition as is Tt De-iJes, our orders are not to_be seen loitering around the ruined ranch. suspect something was inside.” Sam Tanner quieted down, suddenly. “We must get out o’ this, sure enough,” he said. ‘‘Git ther boat afloat. Some day, though, I'll come back and tan that young scoundrel.” “‘Gush with vigor on!” said Billy, per. And then the men embarked and rowed away toward the south. The boys doubted if they would ever meet them again: they did not sus- pect what trcuble the evil pair were yet destined to maize for therm. “Now fur somethin’ ter chaw,” said Billy. *“*T give ye warnin’ in advance that you'll find my ’spectable grandmarm a tough owl from the ground up. She'll snap at us like a turtle, but you mus‘n’t mind that. 1 don’t; oh! Julius C. Ceesar, no!” Philip expressed fear that he would cause some inconvenience, but Billy laughed at the idea and led him along the cliff. At the end of ten minutes they came sudden- ly upon a cabin nestled cn the side of the cliff like an eagle’s nest. Billy led the way inside vithout hesitation. The cabin was unoccupied. ‘““My ’spectable grandmarm is out,” said Billy, i o’ which transpires lucky. Til set out ther cut feed an’ you kin gush with vigor on.” From a cupboard he produced bread, cold meat and 4 little wine, and Philip forgot every- thing but his hunger for awhile. He made a hearty meal before he finally pushed away the fragments. These, Billy promptly put back in the cupboard. “Ef you feel like it, I move we go fur a walk. Ez nigh as I kin figure it, them two critters hey been ter ther ruined ranch, an’ I wanter see what they hev did. It sticks in my crop that thar is something wrong about that place, an’ I want ter see. We'll go—” The boy stopped suddenly. They were near the door when some one entered and stood face to face with them. It wasan old woman, bent, wrinkled and toothless, ragged and ugly, with a hump between her shoulders; but if signs went for anything, she had a good deal of strength, and Philip shrunk from her evil-looking eyes. | *You imp of sin! what are you doing?” she cried, “How dare you bring any one to this cabin?” Philip was abashed, but Billy composedly cut a pige mn-wing. “* When ther cat’s away, ther mice will play,’” he coolly quoted. “*Spectable grand- marm, this hyeris Henry Clay Webster Jones, an’ him an’ mo make a buzzin’ team when wetie together.” he old woman made a stroke with her staff, which Billy dodged with ease, and poured out a stream of language which quite shocked Philip. “Madam,” he said, “I beg that you will over- look anything your grandson may have done—” “An’T beg, ’spectable grandmarm, that you'll look over ther mountain an’ see ther sun rise,” added Billy. 4 The woman hurled her staff at the impudent boy, but he dodged it without trouble, and the coast being clear, hurried Philip out of the door, Followed by angry cries, they went up the cliff to higher land. ve “J am very sorry for this,” said Phili Fae “ee . ly. ‘Your grandmother is angry, a0 have made trouble for you. I am afraid—” “Now, hole right on,” demurred Billy, more in a whis- Somebody might | capered around in his old exuberant fashion. They soon reached the Ruined Ranch. It was really but.a few rods from Hannah’s cabin, but Billy, fearing his grandmother would be watch- ing, had made a detour to reach it. Some years before aman from the East had started a ranch at this point, but he soon found there was no money in it, Matters went from bad to worse, the soil was too shallow and rock- bound to be fertile, he had illness in his family, and, one day, an earthquake shook down his house. This was enough for the settler, and he promptly packed his trunk and went hom rather than remain and grow up with the country in this way. From that time the house and other buildings | had been deserted, and the place was familiarly known as the ‘* Ruined Ranch.” Philip, looking on the remnants for the first time, saw a tumbled-down mass of adobes which was in some places shapeless, while in others | arose walls distinctly marked to the hight of twenty feet. His chief feeling in looking at it was that it was a curious old place, and for that reason he began to feel an interest in it. ““Let’s go down,” said Billy. ‘‘ You'll sec centipedes an’sech truck crawling over ther floor, but sech trifles ain’t much. Reckon thar ain’t no ghosts thar, fur I never see’d any.” ‘What can Sam Tanner and his friend have been here for?” Philip curiously asked. “That is jest what I want ter know. I don’t mind sayin’ [ hev see’d qu’ar things about ther ruins afore now. Ther place hes v’ices,” ‘What kind of vices.” ‘¢ Screeches by night, an’ ther like.” “Oh! Isee. What voices have you heard?” “Ther first was a month ago. You see I am an open-air gentleman. I ain’t slept in Hannah’s house fur a year. Instead, I crawl inter some hole in ther cliff, an’ sleep thar as sound asa baby in a cradle, with ther ocean ter sing my lullaby.” “T ‘shouldn’t like the music,” said Philip, shivering. “That's ‘cause you hev been drownded,” Bombshell Biily logically replied: “Now, I like it, an’ from my habit o’ clambering ‘round on ther rocks, people call me ‘ Ther Cliff-Clim- ber.’ But, ter resoom: One,night I was in my hole in ther cliff when I was awoked by some- thin’ curious. It had seemed mightily like a woman’s scream, but [ took counsel 0’ reason an’ decided it must ’a’ been ther squalls 0’ a sea- bird. SoT settled down fur another snooze, Wal, I was jest gittin’ sleepy when I heerd a rumpus on ther beach, I looked down an’ saw men on ther sand. They was talkin’, but I cculdn’t hear nothin’ they said. But they did not stay long. They went inter a boat an’ rowed away. Arter that, I went asleep an’ dreamed ther scene over ap’in, only that time thar was a pile o’ screamin’, an’ I waded in an’ rescued a daughter 0’ Queen Victoria from some buccaneers. But that was a dream, you see; sech things always is,” f Billy paused to look aggrieved and then went on: “Next day, bein’ at ther ruins, I found big footprints thar which showed_me some men had been in; very likely them as I see’d row away. remembered the scream that woke me up, an’ wondered if Sukey Brown or Molly Enright had been abducted, But they hadn’t, an’ I ‘lowed my princess was a camera o’ my brain.” “a eave You seen anything since?” ‘ Some 0’ ther people round here who believe in ghosts, hev twice reported seein’ sich at ther usual in such cases, Cnly one thing impressed Philip; the foundation of the house had been very firm, the owner evidently trying to found his house ona rock. At any rate, a good many heavy stones weres visible at the rear, many of them being flat and of artistic form. ‘* Let’s go down ter ther suller,” said Billy. He lit a pine knot he produced from a crevice, and they descended., Here, Philip was sur- prised at the size of the cellar. Built of a mix- ture of stone and adobes, it was divided into various compartments, which were in a good state of preservation, “Tt is a scurious ole hole,” said Billy, swing- ing his torch around his head. ‘‘ Some folks would rather sleep hyer. than in ther side of ther cliff, but I like fresh air. Quite a suller, ain’t it?” They wandered from room to room until their further progress was barred by an ircn door which seemed to be firmly fixed in the wall. “What is this?’ asked Philip. room which is closed?? “her evidence seems ter pint that way. I should say by ther looks o’ ther door that it was put thar ter stay, but ’twon’t do no harm ter try it, an’ see ef ther’s any right o’ way,” and he advanced toward the door. ** Hark!” suddenly exclaimed Philip. is some one inside.” The boy paused and listened, and then to their ears was borne the faint, muffled sound of a child’s voice, singing. As Philip listened to the sad song of the child, it seemed to recall a vision of his early childhood, when he had heard the refrain before. Suddenly the singer paused, and as Philip ad- vanced closer to the door he thought he could hear her sobbing. ‘* What does this mean?” he asked, turning to Billy, who stood holding the torch. ‘** My version is that thar’s a girl inside thar who is a prisoner, an’ she’s heen tryin’ ter re- lieve her feelings a bit by singing. ‘* But why is she kept a prisoner here?” “T give it up. P’r’aps ye’d better ask her that.” “T will.” Philip “sae up @ small stone and gave two or three sharp raps on the iron door. In a mo- ment they heard the voice again, this time nearer and more distinct than_before. ‘‘ Who is there?” it said. ‘‘If you are friends, I pray you help me.” ‘‘Who are you, and how came you here?” asked Philip. ‘““T am Sadie, and I ama captive here, kept by a bad woman. Ch! whoever you are, won't you help me to get away from this horrible lace?” ‘We will help youif we can. How long have you been here?’ ‘“* Nearly a month,” she replied. The thickness of the walls muffled the soand of their voices so much that it was not easy for our friends to converse with the young captive, and they soon took their leave, promising to de all in their power to release her ere long. “She said as how she’d been hyer about a month,” said Billy, as they returned to the out. side. ‘‘ I'll bet ‘twas her asI heard scream the night I heerd v’ices.” “Tt is very probable,” replied Philip. ‘Have you any idea how we can release her?” ‘Git a keg 0’ powder and blow up the ruins.” ‘* Are you sure that would do?” ‘‘The only trouble is, twould blow her up, 5] “Ts here a ‘* There

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-~, ze Rank Bi too. But I’ve got an idee. We'll go to Set- back ter-morrer an’ git a lot o’ keys, an’ when we come back we'll tackle the door.” “T like that, and we will try it, though we may not be successful.” ight was approaching, and Billy suggested that they go to his ‘‘ hole in the cliff,” for he could sce that his companion was in need of rest, and this retreat was the best he had to of- fer. Shey were walking toward the place, talking of the ruins and tlie captive, when, as they suddenly turned a point of rock, they came face- to-face with a man who was going in an oppo- site direction. The man started violently and then looked at Philip ina very peculiar manner. ** Bon soir, yer honor,” said Billy. The man gave the speaker a sharp glance, but said nothing. He then turned aside and walked rapidly away, but Billy’s sharp eyes had noted a sinister expression on his face as he again look- ed at Philip. **He ain’t over an’ above perlite Mebbe I'll waste my breath speakin’ ter him ther next time we meet, Did ye know him?” **No; I never saw him before.” ** Wal, he knows you, and it’s my opinion he don’t love ye any too well. Did yesee the way he looked at ye when he passed by?” “*Yes; I thought he did ndt look at me very amiably.” **Bet yer boots that man’s yer enemy, an’ will bear watchin’.” They continued their way, and soon came to Billy’s quarters, They disposed themselves as comfortably as pomiv, and it was not long be- fore Philip was fast asleep. CHAPTER III. ‘* AWAKE, BILLY, AND FLY!” Puiuie had been very weary, and he had scarcely lain himself down when he was fast locked in slumber. It was not so with his com- ion, for, though he lay quietly down so as not to disturb Phiiip, he did not immediately go tosleep. His mind was busy conning over the events of the day, particularly the strange man- ner in which he had made the acquaintance of the youag man who lay by his side. ““By Joe! I wonder who he is, an’ how he come ter be in ther water?” soliloquized Billy. ** He said as how he’d tell me all about it. That feller we jest met seemed ter know him, I wonder who he is? I never see’d him afore. An’ when we was up ter ther old lady’s palace, my ’spectable grandmarm looked at him as tho i ihe see’d suthin’ familiar. {wonder how Bae Gacness eyes are gittin’ along? He didn’t tan Billy so much ez he thort he would. I won- der who ther gal in ther ruins is, an’ how’d she come thar? [ll bet Petrel Phil an’ Ill get her out. I wonder—” Here Billy’s wondering ceased, and he slept. Well might he wonder. The day had been an eventful one’ but the near future was pregnant with events of a still more startling character. Philip had enemies in whose way he was a bar- rier, and in his death lay their only safety. More than once had attempts been made on his life, but up to this time he had almost miracu- lously escaped. On the last occasion Billy had been instrumental in saving his life, and in so doing had identified himself as a victim for the vengeance of Philip’s enemies, Billy, of course, knew peng of this, but even if he had, the brave-hearted boy would not have hesitated. Sleep on, Philip! Sleep on, Billy! Sleep while you may, for ‘‘ sufficient unto the day is the evil therecf,” and all too soon will you wake to the troubles which fate has in store for you. The place where the boys lay sleeping was nothing more than, as Billy had gt it, a ** hole in the cliff.” It was surrounded on three sides by the sclid walls of the cliff, while on the fourth side it was nearly closed in by an over- hanging rock. : The ‘bo s had slept quietly for some time, when dedaenly there was a patter of light feet on the outs'de, and a young girl made her ap- pearance, She knelt down near the aperture and peered within. All was dark inside and she could see nothing, but the heavy breathing of the sleep- ing boys assured her that the place was occu- ied. si ‘Billy! Billy!” she called. ‘‘ Billy, awake! ak are in danger here, and must wake and y” ii necad of her voice awakened Billy, who raised himself on his elbow and looked out. gs eee he said. ‘‘What’s wanted? Who’s thar j ly Bo ———_—_-.-- at ‘Di : ; : mbshell ty you. to kill your friend, and you, any resistance, too late!” too deal on us?” asked Billy. MA ‘My uncle, Ben Garrett. I heard them plot- | ting in our cabin, and I hurried away to warn rou. ide yourselves somewhere. I dare not remain here any longer, or they will be here and dis- cover me.” ‘“Much obleeged ter ye, Molly. We'll soon it out o’ this, Hullo! hyer, feller! we've got r climb!” and Billy hastily awoke Philip and told him what had occurred. toa & scrambled up and crept to the o Billy looked out, but suddenly drew back. ‘‘ We're an inch too late,” he whispered. ““There comes ther man who’s ter give us our dose. Keep quiet, now, an’ any time when yer it a chance jist slide out o’ this quicker’n scat. ebbe we might bamfoozle him when he crawls in hyer, but I guess ‘ discretion is ther best part 0’ ther value’ in this case.” It was as Billy suspected, Ben Garrett that he had seen migr cect and he was now near the opening. e stoo down and looked inside, but could see nothing. He hesitated a moment and then prepared to enter. The boys drew themselves as closely to the wall as possible, and quietly awaited the course of events. They had not long to wait, for Ben Garrett had already thrust himself half-way through the opening. He crawled carefully forward, feeling cau- tiously for the bodies of his intended victims. In a moment he had passed by the two boys, end then Billy touched Philip, and stoopin down, they darted from the place. He hac hardly gained the outside when his companion made his escape in the same manner, Ben Garrett heard them as they scrambled through the opening, apd realized that he bad been outwitted, but he hastily followed, peed to catch them ere they could fly and accomplis. his purpose. But when he gained the outer air ay were nowhere visible. e listened and heard their footsteps as they hurried away, and he started on a run in the di- rection from which the sound came, The boys knew they would be pursued, and that by put- ting forth strong efforts at first start they would save themselves a long race. They were much faster runners than their pursuers, and it was not long before they were so far away that he had not the sound of their footsteps to guide him, He kept on, however, for some time longer, until, at length, persuaded that they had escap- ed him, he stopped to take breath and vent his wrath in a torrent of profanity. ‘*They’ve got away this time, fur sure,” he said uffing, ‘‘ but thar’s another day comin’, an’ I'll ave "em yit. Is’pose I might ez well go home now. The boys had stopped to listen, and not hear- ing the sound of pursuing footsteps had conclud- ed that Garrett had given up the chase. They moderated their pace to a walk, and continued on their way. ** Where will we go now?” asked Philip. “ve got another place, better nor that ’un was,” replied Billy, ‘‘an’ one that they won't find so easy, nutHter. °Tain’t quite so handy ter git to, but when ye’re thar ye’re safe from all inroads 0’ ther enemy.” “*Ts it near here?” “Yas, *tain’t fur away; jest ’round ther pint.” They were now near the sea and were ap- proaching a high mass of rocks, the base of which was washed by its waters. Billy led the way, walking in the water and keeping close to the rocks. ‘Keep clus ter ther cliff,” he cautioned. ‘We're walking on a shelf o’ rock, an’ ef ye should step off ye’d go down, an’ she’s powerful deep out there. Kin ye climb? Thar, here we be; now we’ve got ter climb up these rocks a bit till we come ter a opening ter a cave. When we're once inside we'll be all right. S’pose ye kin do ther trapeze business up them rocks?” “Tf you will go up ahead and show me the way, I think I can make the ascent.” ‘Wal, then, hyer goes, but be car’ful, I’m used ter scaling cliffs, but sometimes it’s pooty scaly business,” The place where they had to climb was not a cliff, but an irregular mass of sharp, jagged rocks of every shape and size, and rising at an angle of about sixty degrecs to the hight of sev- enty or eighty feet. ning. “Tt is I, Molly Garrett. I have come to warn the Cliff Clim Even now an assassin is on his way here | the daytime, w | pregnable as that o’ Gibshalter. Do not stay here, but hurry away and | f es ee It was no easy matter to climb this place : made the task doubly difficult. But Bombshell pa went up like a squirrel, and essly followed, They soon reached the top, and entered what appeared to be the mouth of a cave, ** Now,” said Billy, ‘‘ we're in a fortress as im- I The Old Nick, isself couldn’t climb up them rocks ez long ez ther dornicks held out ter pelt him with.” . ‘*Ts this a cave, or is it an opening in the cliff like the other place?” “This is ther ginnywine article, all wool an’ a yard wide, warranted not to fade. I don't know how fur she sets hack, ’cause I hain’t never had time ter fully s’plore et, butez fur ez I hey gone et’s all cave, an’ always opens up her cav- ernous depths still beyond.” “Is there no way of reaching it only by climb- ing those rocks?” ““None as I knows of, unless ye come down from ther top of ther cliff, which is a n- diculous declension of thirty or forty feet. Ef anybody should try ter come that way they’d be likely ter light out here allina heap. But I ay ieee hedn’t we better lay down an’ court old Morkeous! I don’t like ter be broke o’ my rest this way.” “TI think we had,” said Philip. ‘‘I begin to feel the need of rest.” Without saying more they both lay: down upon the rocky floor, and were soon locked in slumbers, from which they did not arise for several hours. When they awoke the next morning the sun was high in the heavens, “This hyer is a pooty time ter be gettin’ up, ain’t it,” said Billy, as he sat up and rubbed his eyes. ‘We orter be on ther way ter Set- back by this time, instead 0’ snoozin’ hyer.” ‘“‘And so we will be presently,” replied Philip. ‘How far away is it?” **Bout two mild, ef we don’t meet nobody on ther way ter hinder us.” ** Whom do you expect will hinder us?” “Wal, I s’pect Ben Garrett will get in his work ez soon ez he gits a chance. An’ *twon’t. dono hurt ter keep yer optics well peeled fur’ that perlite feller we met last night, when we was returning from ther ruins, He don’t love ye fur a cent.” “We will try and keep on our guard against both Ben Garrett and the other men.” They descended by the way they had come the night before, and soon stood on the beach near the place. No one standing there, nor indeed at any point along the beach, would sus- pect that there was a cave at the top of that mass of rocks. ? They did not stop to look long, Lut set out immediately for Setback City. It was nearly noon when they arrived at tkat place. They got their dinner and made such pur- chases as they needed, and started to return. In the meanwhile Bombsheil’s sharp eyes had not been idle. There were two persons who had been furtively watching them almost from the very moment of their arrival in the town. One of these was the man they had enccunter- ed on their way from the ruins to their lodgings in the cliff the night before. His face to-day wore the same malignant expression, whenever his eyes rested upon Philip, that Billy had notic- ed when he passed them tke night before. He called Philip’s attention to him, and said: “That feller knows you, if you don’t know him, and he don’t dote on ye no great, nuther.’”” “The events of the last few de ys, as well as: those of the past, prove conclusively that I have enemies, and it may be that this man is one of them.” “Then thar’s another feller seems ter hey considerable interest in our movements, but he don’t look quite so ugly as t’other one.” They did not stop to bestow much attention on either of these men, for they had other busi- ness to attend to. They were soon en route for the ruins, For a while there was little conversation, each being busy with his own thoughts; Lut at length Philip broke the silence. “I told you yesterday,” he said, “that I would some time tell you my history, and now, — if you feel like listening, I will relate to you all that I know of m oe career.” “Fire ahead! Ther jury are swore in on a panel, an’ are waitin’ impatiently fur ther — facts,» i ‘‘ My name, as I told you yesterday, is Philip — Alderson. My earliest recollections are of d grand house near some large city, where I liv with my father and mother. here thiswas Il have no idea, though I think it must have Leen — 1 ena Pag ne could see how togo, if you make | but the darkness ma a Make haste and fly before it is | ae . , his companion fear “Who is it as is comin’ ter wring in a cold | ae

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§ : { : somewhere in the East, for at a very early age I was stolen away from my home; and my next recollections are of being in New York City, in the care of a horrible old man. “My life here | was very Citferent from what it had been pre- viously. I was subjected to cuffs, kicks, and | all kinds of abuse, and my cruel master forced me to go out, dressed in rags, to beg on the streets.” ** Fle must’a’ been a near relative o’ my ’spect- able grandmarm.” ‘* When about eight years old I ran away, and after wandering about and begging my food as | best I could, I ultimately found myself in one of the small towns on the coast of New Jersey.” “Right nuff! Yer did right ter puckachee, | But go on—go on; yer tale doth big with inter- est grow.” “There I fell in with an old fisherman, who cared for me kindly, and gave me every advan- tage which his limited means would allow. It ‘was while here that I acquired what little cdu- cation I possess. I remained with this man un- til I was thirteen years old, when I was kidnap- ped and put on board a vessel which immediate- y sailed on a whaling voyage. I accepted my fate, as I could not well do otherwise, and never | saw my native land again for nearly six years. ‘** A short time ago I took passage on a sailing ‘vessel from China, bound for San Francisco. While off this coast I was thrown overboard by men tome unknown. IF ate brought me in con- tact with the box to which you found me cling- ing.” f Ther evidence now bein’ in, ther joory will hear ther argument pro an’ cox,” “T think,” continued Philip, unheeding the interruption, “that I have some enemy who stole me from my parents when I was four years old, again when I wes thirteen; they made their third, and what they evidently in- tended for their or attack, whenI was thrown overboard. And there is no doubt but it would have been my finale, had you not seen me and brought me ashore.” ‘“Did ye notice any ’spicious characters on board the vessel ye tock passage in?” ““They were none of them very prepossessing in appearance, but I did not notice that any looked particularly bloodthirsty.” ‘“Wall it are ther opinion o’ ther joory that this are a case of shiduglery in ther second degree. We are all agreed, an’ we render a verdict o’ guilty agin’ scme party cr parties to us unknown. Ther jedge will re- serve ther sentence till we ketch ther perpe- trator, or ther agg’avator of these attacks. Ther court is also of ther pinion that that funny business o’ Ben Garrett’s last night may safely ‘sidered ter be attack number four. *%Cordin’ ter ther evidence o’ Molly, he was re- cited thereto by ther promise o’ a reward from a indiwidual to us unknown, who might, or might not be ther depredator of the former *tacks.” “T have no doubt that the affair of last night was only a continuaticn of my former persecutions.” ‘‘ An’ furthermore, it are the ’pinion o’ this court that ther old lad) we met, who scowled at ye so lovingly, isin some way connected with ther whole business. Hi! there ye be ag’in! No. 5!” This exclamation was caused by the whiz of a ullet asit cut the air close to Philip’s head, severing a lock of hair in its passage. CHAPTER IV. IN THE SEA AGAIN. “WHOEVER they are, my enemies are evi- dently very much in earnest,” said Philip, as he raised his hand to the side of his head, where the lock of hair had been cut away. “ But a miss is as gocd as a mile.” 3 ‘An’ better’n an ole maid,” said Billy. “But they’re comin’ thicker’n faster. This hain’t a very healthy locality, it pears ter me, an’ I vote we git.” “a “To the ruined ranch?” asked Philip. “Yas; ther leetle gal’!] think we ain’t gcein’ ter keep our ’p’intment, ef we don’t show up purty soon.” ; They increased their speed somewhat, and in a short time they made their way among the ruins to the door of the place where the captive was confined, The keys which they had procured at Setback were procuced and they proceeded with their task, but though there was a large assortment, there was not one among them that would fit the lock. ‘their journey to Setback City had ‘been fruitless, and ing were no nearer effect- ing the relcace of the little prisoner than they had been the day before, ! The girl had heard them at their work of fit- | ting the keys, and she came near the door hop- ing to see it open for deliverance. They as- sured her that, although their first plan had | | thus far failed, they would not give up, but | would do all in their power to effect her escape. + They then retired from the ruins to try and conceive some plan. ‘*T reckon we shall hev ter fall back on the | keg .o’ pow’er an’ blow up ther whole business, or git a cannon an’ ruin ther rest of it,” said | Billy. ‘Whoever her keeper is, he must visit her | to bring her food. She said her jailer was a horrible old woman, didn’t she? Why could we not watch near tke entrance, and, when she makes her appearance to bring her supper cr breakfast, overpower her, secure the key with which the door is locked, and then release the | prisoner.” | ‘That ain’t a bad idee. Prob'ly they don’t | pay a wisit to my ’Spectable grandmarm, an’ | | git suthin’ ter refresh ther inner man, Hi! hol on a minute. I’ve left my knife back thar. You jes’ wait here till I go back an’ git it. I laid it down when we was tinkering on that | door. I won't be gone more’n a minute.” Billy did not wait for his companion to reply, but darted off to recover his knife. After they left the ruins they had walked away toward old | Hannah’s cabin, and were now out of sight of | them, though not many rods awey. Philip sat | down upon a rock to await the boy’s return. Bombshell ran along the back-track to the place they had left but a moment before, and made his way toward the iron door where he ex- pected to find his knife. He found something he was not looking for. As he was hurrying along toward the spot | where he and Philip had tried the keys, he rush- ed into the arms of a man who, hearing his ap- proach, had turned to see what was coming. Billy had not time to turn or dodge, and was for once fairly captured, and in the hands of the man who now held him was powerless as a child. But his tongue was not paralyzed, even though his hands were helpless. é ‘* Let me go, ye big kuss! What ye doin’?’ “Who are you, and what are you prowling around here for?” asked his captor. “Who ke you, an’ what you prowlin’ ’round | here fur?” “Ha! Isee now who youare. I’ve seen you before, my fine lad. You are quite too free- and-easy in your ways, and altogether too nu- incrous.”’ ‘*Come ter think, I reckon I see’d you afore. *Scuse me fur not recignizin’ ye sooner. But of course ye’ll look over any sich trifle ez that when a feller makes the comende honerable. Ef ye'll case up yer grip on my collar, I'll be obliged ter » ) ~ “You will, will you?\ Well, we'll see about that. As I just said, you make too free with | business that don’t concern you; and I think I have a place in here that will just fit your case. ae there, you won’t trouble me again at pres- | ent, | So saying, he walked toward another part of the place, dragging Billy with him. He came presently to another iron door that Billy had not seen before, but which was similar in appear- | ance to the one he and Philip had been at work | upon. | Producing a key, the man unlocked the door, which then swung back of itself. Ee gave the | Cliff-Climber a toss inside, and shut the door be- fore he could pick himself up. “Tsay, you criitur, let me cut o’ this! Ye | don’t known who I ke, do ye? 1’°m Billy Bomb- | shell, J be, an’ cf ye don’t open that dccr an’ let me out, Til explode an’ blow this blarsted old tenement ter blue blazes.” The man made no reply, but left the place and walked rapidly away. He was the seme man the beys had met the night before, and whom Silly had seen scowling at them that day at Set- back City. For some reason he had entered this place enly | a moment after the boys kad left it, and Billy | had come rushing back just in time to be cap- tured, | “By Great Jones!” said the boy, 2s ke sat cn the rocky floor and surveyed his surroundings. ‘‘ This hyar are a nice {x fur Billy Bombshell, ther Clifl-Climber, ter be in. I guess ye’ve got a cliff hyer thet ye kein’t dimb. Holy smoke! but Pmmac! When I git cut o’ this Pll maze it warm fur kim. Put how aire we gin’ ter git out is ther question now befcre ther | court. Billy Bombsheil, I never ’spected ter see | ye behind priscn-bars, What'll yér ’spectable | grandmarm say? She'll be cisapp’inted, ‘cause | Billy Bombshell, the Cliff Climber. ) 5 sheallers said ye’s born ter be hung. Le’s see how ther thing looks.” He arose and examined his prison more critically. He was surrounded by four stron walls of adobe, all resting on a floor of soli | rock. In the floor above, which was of the same material as the walls, was some:sort of an aper- ture through which the light dimly shone. Opposite to the door through which he had come was another dcor in every way similar, except that there seemed to be no place for a lock. On examination Billy found this to be the case, but when he threw his weight against it, hoping it would open, he found it was as solid as the wallitself. it appeared to be set into the adobes in such a manner as to form a part of the wall. He tried the door through which he had been thrust, but it was firmly locked. He glanced overhead at the aperture through which came the light, but it appeared to be covered by iron wisit her only in the night. Guess we’d better P bars, and was so small that it was doubtful if he could squeeze even his small body through it were the bars not there; besides it was at least ten feet from the floor, and no way to reach it but to climb the smooth, perpendicular side of the cell. “By gum! I’m in a trap this time fur sure. An’ that ain’t ther wu’st of it; I don’t sce how I'm goin’ ter git cut. Wonder what Petrel Phil will think? Most like he'll git gobbled, now I ain’t’round ter look cut fer him. Wal, there hain’t no use blubberin’ over spilt milk.” With which bit of omy he 4 ke sat down on the floor, with his back to the wall, and gave himself up to refiecticn, In the mean time, what was Philip doing? When Billy left him to go back to the ruins for his knife, he sat down cn a rock to await his return, and was scon lost in thought. Could it be that these recent attacks cn his life had any connection with the persecutions which had attended him as a boy? Was this man he and Billy had noticed regarding him with such a vindictive look, the one who had caused him to be stolen from his homeywhen a child, and again still later in his career? With his mind fully occupied with these mec- itaticns he had taken no note of time, but at last he aroused himself and began to wender why his companion was gcne co long. At length he arose and walked back, thinking to meet Billy on the way, but when he had reached the ruins without seeing him, he began to feel scme apprehension for his safety. Te entered the place and searched it thorcugh- ly, but found no signs of his ccmpanicn. He found his knife where he had laid it down, near the iron coor, but Bombshell Billy was ncwhere to be seen. The fact that he had not regained peewee of his knife led Philip to believe that e had nct entered the ruins at all, although he had returned with the avowed purpose of doing So. ‘*He may have turned after leaving me,” he thought; ‘* but why shculd he do co withcut first apprising me of his intention?” aving assured himself that he was not cmong the ruins, Philip determined to seek him at the cabin of old Hannah, and he immediately kent his steps in that direction. Cn his arrival there he found the cabin untenanted; his knocks and calls remained unanswercd. At length he opened tke door and passed in- side, but no cne was there, and there was nothing to show him that Billy ked keen there that day. He lingered cnly a moment, fcr he feared the wrath of dame Hannah should she re- turn and find him there. He went outside, and was ekcut to stert for the cave by the sea wken he was startled Ly see- ing the old Witch cf the Cliff, as she was called, who suddenly ae almcst at his side. Philip greeted Ler respectfully and asked: **T am in quest of ycur grandson, Billy, who left me a short time ago, promising to return immediately. He did not do so, however, rrd I thought perhaps he might have ecme here. Have you seen him?” “No, I hain’t,” ske snarled, “‘nor do I wich to. Tis all a lic! What seek ye around old Hen- nah’s cabin? Get ye gone, ere I curse ye!” “T assure you, madam, I cnly come to seek Billy, who has mysteriously disappeared.” “Ay! allis mystery! all is mystery! What seek ye of the boy? Scme trouble to him, I war- rant. Get ye gone! get ye gone! And ccmeno ore to the old Witch’s cabin, cr dread her curse.” The cld woman glared at him in anger, and her words, together with the wey her eyes flash- ed, combined to make him decidedly uncomfort- able. He turned and walked rapidly away, fo.lowe™ _ JNA f 1

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by horrible threats of vengeance should he ever again approach her habitation. He felt sure he should never do so unless some urgent occasion demanded it; he dreaded to look upon her, for when her features were convulsed with anger she was a horrible sight to behold. A much pleasanter sight, and one quite in con- trast, met bis eyes, when, turning a point of rock, he suddenly came face-to-face with Molly Garrett Fora moment he was as much con- founded as when he had faced the old hag above, but from a very different cause. His confusion, however, was not shared by the young lady, who recognized him as the young man she had seen the previous day with her oung friend, Billy, and she at once addressed power of the person who had instigated so many attempts on his life already. His hands had been bound, and he was forced back along the beach until they came toa boat. The three men stepped inside, and Philip was obliged to follow. Two of the pe took their places at the oars and rowed silently out to sea, ‘* Where are you taking me?” asked Philip. **-You will learn soon enough,” was the reply. In a few minutes the men stopped rowing and the boat rocked silently on the water. One of them took a rope, to which a large stone was fastened, and tied it firmly around his body. It began to be.apparent what they intended to do, but all his questions failed to elicit a word from their lips. He had ere now recognized the leader, the man who sat at the helm, but his “Tam Lge to see you heeded my warning last | knowledge had come too late to avail him aught. night, an by it.” “Are you the young lady who gave us such timely notice of approaching danger, lastnight?” he asked. “Yes,” she replied. ‘‘ But where is Billy?” *T do not know; I am looking for him now,” Then Philip told her how Billy Bombshell had so quickly and mysteriously disappeared. He told her all the circumstances as far as he knew them, omitting only the reason for their being in the vicinity of the ruined ranch. “Did he not return to old Hannah’s cabin, wp ou the cliff?’ she asked. ‘* No, for [have been there in quest of him. There was no one inside when I arrived, but I met his grandmother as I came away, and sho told me, although very ungraciously, that she had not seen him.” ** He must have been detained somewhere by force, for Billy Bombshell is not one to desert a friend in this way.” “There is another place to which I have not as yet been,” said Philip, ‘‘ where he may have gone for some reason,” “Wherever you go, remember to keep well on your guard against my uncle, Ben Garrett,” said the girl, as she, ylanced around apprehensively. “There isa prve set on your aes he is a bad man and will not hesitate to earn it, even at the expense of your live.” “You told Billy ‘ast night that you overheard them plotting against our lives. Do you know who it was that hirea Ren Garrett to do the ceed?” “No, I did not see him. conversation plainly,” “Did you hear any reason given for his wish- ing me dead?” ‘No, only that you were in his way, and dangerous to him, and that you raust die.” “fF should very much like to krow who it is that is thus plotting my death, and in whose way I am.” “That I cannot tell you. I saw my uncle talking with a man, to-day, on the cliff, who I ee may have been the one whem I heard with him last night at our cabin, but I have no proof that he is the same.” “JT have reason to thank you for my life,” said Philip, warmly, ‘‘for we undoubiedly owe it to your warning that we are alive to-day.” Night was now near at hand, and the girl went on her way. Philip stood for a moment where she had left him, watching her fair form as it disappeared in the shadows, and then turn- ed and continued his way. He went immediately to the cave where he had spent the previous night, but Billy Bomb- shell was not to be seen. He called him loudly by name, thinking perh vps he prc have gone further back into the revesses of the cave, but there was no reply save the echoes of his own voice. He deposited the keys urd other packages which they had purchased that day, at Setback, upon a natural shelf on the rock, and prepared to descend again to the beach. He was now quite alarmed fur the safety of his young friend, and he started to return and search again among the ruins, Perhaps he had returned to the point where they had parted, — was waiting there for him. Perhaps he “There he is, now! Seize him!” Philip was suddenly startled from his conjec- tures by the above exclamation, and ere he could recover from his surprise he found him- self helpless in the hands of two men, who, even in the darkness, he recognized as the same that had been discomfited by Billy Bombshell the day before. “Bring him along, men!” said he who had before, ‘ He has as many lives as a ake But I heard their but I doubt if he gets away this time.” _ Philip understood by this that he was in the that it came in time for you to profit | One appeal for mercy, he made, as the two men raised him up and prepared to swing him over the side of the boat, but there was no mercy in that cold hard voice: “Swing him over!” One silent prayer to God, one last look at the moon, which for a moment pierced the black clouds above him, one last thought of the home of his infancy which he would never sce again, and the dark, merciless waves closed over him, rippled for a brief time, and then lay calm and still as though not hiding a crime so terrible. The assassins looked at the spot a moment and then seated themselves at their oars and rowed rapidly away. CHAPTER V. LOST IN THE CAVE, In the meanwhile how fared Billy Bombshell in his quarters at the ruins? He had sat down to try and devise some way to get out of his prison, For a long time he sat and thought, but the more he thought the more convinced he became that he was there to stay during the pleasure of his captor. A dozen times his eyes wandered over the blank wails of his prison, but each time with the same unsatisfactory result. “Great Caesar!” he exclaimed. “This hyer is gittin’ ter be monotonous, an’ moreover, it’s ther pinion ©’ this court that it ain’t constitu- tional,’ He arose end began pacing to and fro across the floor, still soliloquizing In an angry man- ner. He had several times tried the door through which he hed come, but it still remain- ed fast. At length he paused in his walk before the opposite once. “T wonder ef this are a door? If ’tain’t, what's et hyer fur? Wonder what's t’other side out? Open sesame! blarst ye!” and as he spoke he raised his arm and gave the door a thump with his hand, The result surprised him. He had accidentally touched a secret spring, and the door began to risg slowly in the grooves into which it was fitted. ‘It rose till it was en- tirely out of sight, leaving an open place in the wall through which one might pass. Then it began slowly to return to place. “Great Jones! she’s comin’ down eg’in. Bombshell Billy, on which side will ycu be found? Be ye goin’ ter stay hyer like a captive ca’f? Not much, ye ain't. Give me liberty or give me ther colic! I’m goin’ ter git out o’ this. Ti! hyer ye go! Seemingly.” He wes none too soon for, hardly had he dart- ed through the opening and regained an upright ree ye when the door closed with a sharp click, “*Ther die is cast!’ Cesar, you’ve passed ther Rubicorn. Kain’t say ef I’ve bettered my- self much,” he muttered, as he looked around trying to pierce the darkness. “‘ But variety is ther spice 0’ life. Wonder whar I be anyway? She’s darker ’round here than a procession of our colored brethren. Wish I had aglim. Won't old Scowler be s*prised when he opens that thar door an’ sez, ‘Come forth, Euripides!’ An’ Eu- ripides won’t come forth fur acent. Guess ll e a promenade an’ see what I kin diskiver.” Billy dropped on his hands and knees, and an feeling about him. The floor beneath him was evidently of rock. He crawled cau- tiously along, feeling his way as he went, until a dozen feet away from where he started his further progress in that direction was barred by a rocky rail. ‘Billy Bombshell, you’re a fool! It’s my *pinion that ye’ve jumped from ther fryin’-pan inter a blarsted sight hotter place. .Ye wanted ter see what was this side o’ that door, an’ now I reckon ye’ve seen all ye want ter.” He crawled along, keeping close to the wall, until he came to a place which seemed like a pean. He turned into it and, arising to his eet, went cautiously forward. After he had ae Billy Bombshell, the Cliff Climber. ae i walked for some distance in this manner, the passage suddenly terminated in what he at first = thought was an underground room. It was lighter here and, after he had locked about a moment, he came to the conclusion that he must be in a cellar, and seeing a flight of stairs leading upward he soon mounted them. At the top he found a trap-door which he had no difficulty in raising. He passed through and stood in a room which he at once recognized, “By tker great E pluribus, pluribus! Ef this don’t beat ther Dutch! HereI be right in my ’spectable grandmarm’s cabin. Seemingly! Wonder ef my maternal grandparent is aware of ther fact o’ ther’ bein’ a connecting link atween her suller an’ ther ruins. Most likely she are, but she never apprised me on’t. Guess ther old lady are out. onder what she’s got in ther way of consumables layin’ round? [I begin ter feel a sort 0’ a vaccum in my internal arrangements.” He went to the cupboard and helped himself a id to its contents, talking volubly the while, “Verily, when grimalkin leaveth the kitchen unguarded, then will the playful mice resume their gambols. Seemingly! Wonder whar m pets all this time? Guess I'll go an’ ’vesti- rate. Billy left the cabin and went directly to the ruins. Remembering his former experience, he approached the entrance more cautiously this time. But there was no necd of caution, for there was no one lying in wait for him. Neither was Philip anywhere to be seen. ‘Guess Lmight ez well git what T come after afore;”’ and he went to the door cf the rccm where the girl captive was, and there found his knife where he had dropped it. After he had satisfied himself that Philip was not there, he went outside and took bis way toward the beach. On his way hb was suddenly startled by hearing an exclamation only a short distance ahee.d of him. ‘There he is, now! Seize him!” He at cnce suspected who had been seized, and his first impulse was to dash forward to his as- sistance, but a second thought convinced him that it would be unwise todo so, for he could see there were three of the men, 2nd he knew that they were more than a match {cr two bcys like himself and Philip. He knew that, instead of being of any assistance to his friend he would himself be captured; while if he kept quiet and followed them, he migkt be able to help him later, though he fully realizcd that he could do nothing against them by force. The night was dark and they did not suspect his proximity, although he was only a few feet away. He hoped by keeping near them to hear their conversation, and thus gain some idea of what their intentions were. They said nothing, however, which gave him any light on the mat- ter, but when they all entered the boat takin Philip with them, he began to understand a: least that bis friend was in danger. How he could help him was a question that now agitated his mind, There was no other boat near with which he ceuld follow them. Then how could he keep near Philip? Hisactive mind soon suggested a plan and he hesitated not to put it in exeeution. ’ s soon as the boat was shoved off into deeper water, and during the slight confusion attending their getting seated in their be places, Billy slipped into the water and, diving below the surface, came up just in the rear of the boat. Then grasping a projection with one hand, he trailed along in their rear with his whole body submerged. Only one hand and his head were above the surface, and being out of sight of those in the boat, they were of course unaware of his presence, “It are gittin’ ter be a matter 0’ pressin’ im- Tabara to this hyer court,” muttered Billy to imeelf, “‘ whar this procession are headin’ fur,” Suddenly the boat stopped, and Billy, at im- minent risk of his own safety, drew himself up so that he could see what was ie Sag in the boat. One glance was sufficient. He saw that a rope was being tied around Philip’s body, and that to the other end of the rope was attached a stone, ane was prepared for what followed a mom ater. - Ho heard the order given to swing bim off, and the moment the body struck the water he dove, and so nicely did he calculate his distance that his outstretched hand caught the rope vA '* t i He comprehended the situation in an instant a Aj ° ¢ f aen : ig 5 se

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SES ae "tet ye elt ia te tten, * he had severed the rope. risen to the surface before he had also ut the cords which bound his hands. “Immediately after casting Philip overboard the assassins had resumed their oars and rowed away, so that when the boys reached the top of the water the small portion of their bodies that was above the surface would not have been vis- ible in the darkness eyen had they been looking for them. They were not a great distance from the shore, and they began to swim as noiselessly as possible in that direction. Philip did not know who his rescuer was, and they both maintained a strict silence for fear of being heard by the men in the boat, but when they emerged from the water and climbed the sandy beach, he re- cognized him. Kim on,” said Billy, as socn as they reached terra firma. ‘‘ We'll resarve all joodicial for- malities till we git ter some place where we ain't likely ter git gobbled.” They passed along the beach and up the rocks into the cave. Philip went to theshelf where he had deposited his purchases from Setback, and produced a package of candles, one of which was soon lighted. ‘ Then followed mutual explanations. Billy re- lated his adventures since the time he left his companion on the hill above the ruins, and told him of the passage which led from the room where he was confined to the cellar beneath his grandmother's cabin. ‘¢ May not this passage you speak cf connect also with the room where the girl is?’ asked Philip. se Shouldn't be *tall s’prised. An’, ‘nother thing, ther gal said as how she was kep’ by a horrible old woman. Now, o’ course, I don’t want ter be understood as speakin’ anyways dis- respectful towards my ’spectable grandmarm, nor callin’ of her .a horrible old woman nor nothin’ 0’ that kind, but *twouldn’t require a very lively ‘magination ter idenkify her with ther ’foresaid keeper.” “It is quite possiblo she is. If so it is not strange that she is anxious to keep strangers away from her cabin.” ‘* Now, then, what d’ye say about splorin’ this hyer cave? We've gota light now, an’ kin see whar we're goin’.” “That is just what I would like to do, and there is no time like the present.” ‘“¢Gi’e me ther loommary then, an’ kim on, an’ we'll penetrate our wey inter ther entrails o’ ther earth.” Billy led the way along the passage closely fol- lowed by his companion. The path was irregu- lar and uneven, and, but for the candle to light their way, they would have had a sorry time of it, clambering over the sharp rocks which in many places obstructed the passage. Sometimes the roof rose to a hight of :everal feet above their heads, and the sides expanded into a goodly-sized room; again, the passage be- came so contracted as to render it scarcely pos- sible for them to make their way, often obliging them to crawl for some distance on their hands and knees to avoid the low-hanging roof, At length they reached a point where several passages diverged in various directions. Onone side, however, was a wall of stone and adobes which Billy recognized as the cellar-wall of the They saw a door through which he had so strangely made his escape; also another which they conjectured must open to the room whero the Young girl was confined. This door, like the one by ich Billy had made his escape, had no knob, latch or lock, and the boy gave 1t as his opinion that it could be opened only by some trick known to those who were in the secret. ‘“* An’ it’s ther "pinion o’ ther court that my *spectable grandmarm is in ther secret all over. An’ Cap’n Scowler , he’s another. Now, ther question arises, an’ comes afore us, an’ troubles us. How aire we goin’ ter git ther aforesaid maiden outer durance vile? Ef we only knew ther Open Sesame ©’ this hyer business, we shed be all right, but ther way she stands now it don’t look very encouraging. ““Which one of these passages leads to your dmother’s cabin?” “Tl be demolished ef I know. There’s so y of ’em, an’ they all look pooty much alike, When I traveled this road afore, this arternoon, I wa’n't aware o’ there bein’ only one.” “Well, I propose that we explore them, one by one, until we find out. It is possible that if we succeed in rescuing the girl, that we shall do se from this point, and I think it will be well first to know our ground.” ‘*] reckon ye’r’ right. Mabbe we should want ter gain ther outer world through my *specta- They had | ble grandmarm’s suller, f handy fur a gal ter climb down over them | alert, taking note of eve extreme. the C df Climber. ur ‘twouldn’t be very | came to them, with his keen eyes ever on the thing. After he had rocks at the mouth of the cave, sides gittin’ | studied the character of the place for a few min- of her feet wet a-wadin’ through ther water | utes, and carefully observed the loungers and arter she got down.” They entered one of the corridors, which, as they proceeded, they found to be intersected by many others running in all directions and forming a perfect network. They were all ir- regular and uneven, like the one leading to- ward the sea, and the boys had no little diffi- culty in making their way in some places. uf don’t b’lieve this is the way I come this Pp. M.,” said Billy, ‘‘’cause where I went there wan't so many crooks an’ turnsfmor I didn’t notice no paths crossin’ one way an’ t’other.” ‘Then, if you are satisfied this is not the right way, perhaps we had better return and try an- other.” : They were about to turn and retrace their steps, when suddenly the candle which Billy carried was snatched from his hand and dashed to the floor, immediately extinguishing it. ‘‘ Hi! there, git out! By ther great Hebrew moralizer, that are a pooty flop! Who d’ye spose done that? Ghost er goblin, durn their pictur’s!” ‘¢ Hark!” said Philip, listening. They heard a discordant mixture of screech and laughter, which, echoing through the vaulted passes, sounded wild and. horrible in the ‘“Whew! that sounds kinder cheerful and sociable, don’t it?, Gosh all screw-driver! Ain’t this dark? How we goin’ ter gid out of this pesky hole?” CHAPTER VI. A COWARDLY ASSAULT. SETBACK City! Although so christened by its ambitious set- tlers, it was really a small and insignificant place compared to towns usually dignified by the name of city. y A small mining-town situated on the coast to the north of Mendocino, on the one side washed by the waters of the broad Pacific, and on the other overshadowed by the rocky peaks of the Coast Range. At the time of which we write Setback City was in the heyday of itsglory. Its mine, Golden Sheaves, owned and operated by residents of the place, was yielding up its yellow product right liberally. Its ever changing population consisted cf miners, hunters, laborers of every class, saloon-keepers, store-keepers, _ thieves, plunderers, gamblers end some few gentlemen (°) of leisure. Its stores, necessarily well patronized, its saloons, also considered a necessity in every mining-town, its dance-houses, and its hotel were in a thriving condition. Into this town rode a man, cn the day that Billy Bombshell had discovered Philip Alderson floating in the water, and, dismounting in front of the hotel, resigned his horse to the care of the waiting hostler. ‘Give him shelter. Give him water. Give him feed,” he said to that individual, as he led the horse away. Then entering the house he ap- proached the proprietor and inquired: ‘©Can JT have a room here?” «Yes, sir, I think I can accommodate you.” “Por an indefinite length of time?” ‘“‘ Yes, sir, as long es you wish.” ‘““T will pay in advance.” “Very well.” ** And board?” ‘Yes, sir; we can furnish you with board.” “When wish it. Do you know Barton Leonard? Is he stopping bere? Is he alone?” ‘‘-Ves; there is a gentleman of that name stop- ping here, and J think he is alone; at least I ave never seen any one with him, except men belonging in Setback.” The stranger asked no more questions, but went out and walked down the street, glancing about here and. there with the evident object of familiarizing himself with the location of the various stores, saloons and other public places. He was an ordinary-looking man, with noth- ing in his appearance to indicate that he was in any way different from a hundred others who visited the place, some to stay, and others. to float away again to seck other fields of excite- ment when life here became monotonous, or when driven forth by the angry miners for some unusually dark deed. He had registered his name as Lawrence Fel- ton, but that might or might not be his true name, for a man in this wild, out-of-the-way place might call himself what he pleased and none know the difference. He entered the saloons one after another, as he 1 players, he would quietly take his leave and pass on to some other. He had nearly completed the round of these places, when his keen eyes noted a man coming up the street. ‘Ah! there you are,” he said softly. “‘ Bar- ton Leonard. Soheishere. What is he doing in this place? But I willsoon know. He seems quite at home.” Leonard, as Felton had called him, passed on up the street, and the latter followed hima at a distance. He did not go to the hotel, but kept on up the street till he arrived at a small cabin on the outskirts of the town. While Felton had been visiting the various saloons night had been coming on, and now it was getting nearly dark, He saw Leonard en- ter the cabin, and he wished it was dark enough so he might creep up beside it and hear what was going on inside, But this was impossible; the only thing he could do was to wait for the reappearance of Barton Leonard, and then keep him in sight. While he was waiting he saw a girl come from the opposite side of the cabin and walk away to- ward the north at a rapid pace. Leonard soon appeared, followed by a man to whom he seemed to be giving scme direc- tions. The latter turned and went away in the same direction which the girl had pursued, though she was now nowhere in sight. Leonard now returned toward the center cf the town, followed by Felton, who took particu- lar care to conccal the fact that he was watching him. Night had now come on, but there ap- eared to be more life and activity than there ad been during the day. The miners had re- turned from their work and were collecting in the various saloons to drink and gamble away their day’s carnings, er some more fortunate than the rest to increase their pile by winning from their fellows, to be fleeced in turn, by oe professional gamblers and card-sharps of the place. To one of these saloons Leonard bent his steps, and, entering, took a seat at one of the tables. Here he was soon joined by two other men, and the three were presently engaged in earnest con- versation. ‘‘ How did you find things up at the ruins?” he inquired of one of the men. “ Everything snug and tidy, an’ ther old wo- man as sarsy as ever.” ‘‘Who is this young cub they call the Cliff- Climber?” ‘““My pard kin tell you more about him than I kin; he made his acquaintance this arternoon down on ther beach, eh, Sam?” “Confound ther brat!” replied Sam Tanner. - ru tan him fur that trick, one of these fine cays. «What happened?” inquired Leonard. Sam Tanner told the story of bis brush with Bombshell Billy, coloring it to suit his liking. ‘An’ ter end up with, ther cussed little bed- bug ketched up a fanatet cf sand an’ threw itin my eyes, an’ Tom Parsons cot there a-grinning all ther time. an’ let him git away.” This is not the first instance I ave heard of people having sand thrown in their eyes. You say there was ancther lad with him, What kind of a looking felicw was he?” Tom Parsons gave a descripticn of him, and when he had finished Leonard spoke again: ‘““T saw these boys a short time ago, as I was returning frem a trip up cn the mountains, and one of them Iknow. It would have been more to the purpese, fam Tanner, if you had pale your attention to the older Ind ard tossed him into the sea, after you had rung hisnxeck. Ido not know how it is he turns up here; I supposed that hiscase was settled. It will make but little difference, though, for I have sent Ben Garrett to fix him, and the otper one, too. If he fails in this to-night you ttvo must take the job into — own hands, and see to it that you fail not. ou understand, that boy must never leave this place alive.” “Tl tan him, fur sure, if I git after him,” said Sam. * Look out fur sand, though,” replied Tom. While they had been talking Felton had entered the place and taken a seat at a table near them. His attention seemed to be fully occupied in watching the motley crowd scattered about the room, but his keen eyes shotan occasional quick glance toward the table where the three plotters were seated. His object had been to hear their conversa- tion, but in this he was foiled, for they spoke im

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o— = Billy Bombshell, the Cliff Climber. his ears. In a short time the three separated. Leonard left the room, and the two men joined another group and commenced playing poker. Felton, too, soon went out and went to th® hotel, and, shortly afterward, to his room. He felt well satisfied with his work so far, He had found Barton Leonard, and, although hoe had as yet learned nothing of the latter’s object and | iatentions in visiting this place, he believed all that, with patience and perseverance, would core in good time. ‘Those men he was talking with in the saloon were hard-looking characters. They are his tools. Nodoubt. The man whose cabin he vis- ited is another. He sent him away cn some errand. hireling than watch the master. We shall see. In the morning I will renew my espial. I will learn the names of these men I saw with him in the saloon. I wil the errand of the other man.” Thus communing with himself, as he was wont to do, he fellasleep. But at an carly hour the following morning he was astir, and took a position at his window, which looked upon the street, and watched for the appearance of any one whom he knet His patience was rewarded at last; Leonard came out of the house, and at the same moment a man coming down the street approached him. They stopped near the house and almost under Yelton’s window, which he had partly opened when he first took up his position there. Leonard looked hastily around, and seeing no one was near them, addressed the new-comer: ““ Wel’, Ben, what luck? Did you dispose of the business as I directed?” “T found ’em all right, boss, in a hole in ther rocks where I knew ther little ’un usually lodged. I crawled in kinder car’ful like, thinkin’ they’d be asleep an’ not know nothin’ ’bout it; laut jest as ’d got snugly in an’ was feelin’ fur ’em, out they scooted quicker’n scat, an’ off they run like two dorgs with tin-cans tied to tkeir tails.” ‘* And so they got away from you?” Yas. Lout an’ chascd ’om for a spell, but they run Iuse wild-cats an’ was out o’ sight an’ hearin’ loss’n a minute. I went back an’ hung *round ther place for a spell, thinkin’ they might eome back, but they didn’t come fura cent. But don’t you worry, boss, but whatI shall claim ther money fur ther job yet. away this time, but through.” Felton was considerably interested conversation, and he leanod his head further cut of the window, than was, perhaps, under ihe circumstances, judicious. Leonard suddenly looked up and sawhim, The watcher at once withdrew his head, but he heard no more. The others moved away. “That was bad,” he muttered. “I did not dream of his looking up. Now he knows that I heard all that was said, It will not be so easy t0. watch him in the future. Very likely he will watch me. Sorry I was so rash, Very bad!” 'He went down-stairs and had his breakfast, and then he went outside, As he did so he saw Leonard and his companions of the previous night standing on the opposite side of the street, but if he had looked back he might have seen Leonard pointing him out to the two men who | were with him. “That is the man,” he said to them, as Felton walked away. ‘‘I don’t know how much he heard, but I have no doubt he heard altogether too much for our good and his own safety. You | khow what to do without my telling you, only ba sure and do it quietly. And it kad better be done quickly, ere he has time tospin a yarn to oth- er inguisitive fools like himself.” ** Never fear but he shall.be tended to. I see’d him in ther saloon last night while we was talk- in’, but he wa’n’t very near us, and didn’t ’pear ter be listenin’, so I didn’t mind nothin’ "bout him.” ‘* All the more reason whyvhe should have a uietus.” “ Will you fix him?” replied Tom. “ And when you have finished him meet me near the Ruined Ranch, Iam noon to see old Hannah. Ben Garrett failed in the job I set him atlast night. He promised to succeed better to-day, but if we can run across the boys we will make a sure thing of it. In the mean time Felton had walked on, and he saw Billy Bombshell and Philip when they came into the town. They passed quite near him and he looked keenly at the latter, and then be egy and retraced his steps, keeping them in sight. ** There is somothins familiar about that lad,” They’ve got | il fix ’em: afore I git | in this | oing there this after- | so low a tone that not a word was intelligible to he said, softly. ‘‘ Where can I have seen him before? I cannot place him. Surely I have seen him somewhere. Or perhaps some one like him. But where?” During the afternoon he was wandering aim- lessly about the place, having lost sight of both Leonard and his tools—as he felt sure they were— when he came near a cabin on the outside of the village, and somewhat isolated from all others, Suddenly, as he was passing, two men sprung out from behind the cabin where they had been concealed, and attacked him. One of them | struck him a heavy blow with a club which fell- ed him to the earth like a log; the second man gave him a thrust in the breast with a long knife | as he lay unconscious, and then both fled from Perhaps I had done better to follow the | also endeavor to ascertain | the spot, leaving him where he lay. CHAPTER VII. “y WILL FOIL HIM!” THE assassins had no idea, after such a blow and knife-thrust as they had given him, but that he was dead, and had the villain’s knife reached the point for which it was aimed Lawrence Fel- ton’s career would have been then and there checked forever. But the point of the knife struck a metal but- ton on an inside garment and glanced away so as to cause only a slight flesh wound, scarcely more than skin deep. The blow from the other man’s cudgel was a more serious affair, although not fatal, t rendered him immediately unconscious, in which state he remained ferhours. It was quite dark when he recovered so as to realize his con- dition, or what was going on around him. Some one was bending over himin a kindly attitude and bathing his head and face. ** Who is this?” he feebly inquired. ‘““A friend,” was the reply, ‘‘if you are an honest man. How came you here, and in this condition?” The voice was that of a girl, and kind and gentle. He felt that he had fallen in good hands, though he cid not at first fully understand how he came to be so situated, but the dull pain in his head soon caused him to remember, and ho said: “Thank you. I think I aman honest man, I was attacked by two villains, I remember that one of them had a heavy club. The other had a long knife in hishand, Thcre was a blow on my head. After that, I remember nothing.” ‘* How came you here? What is your name?” “Tfy name is Molly Garrett,” she said. ‘TI was returning from an errand up the coast when I heard you moan,” “Do you krow who it wasthat assaulted you?” **T do not know their names. I have seen them before. Isaw them with Bartcn Leonard. 1 see now. I see how it is,” and he made an effort tositup. ‘* Leonard wastalking under my win- dow. to knew I overheard what he said. So he set his toolscn me. .He was talking with these men whenI came from the hotel. The other man’s name was Ben—somethm¢:.” “ Was it Ben Garrett?” asked the girl, “T donot know. Iheard Leonard ca’) him Ben. What his other name was I don’t know.” ‘* Very likely it was Ben Garrett, my uncle, for I know they have been together a gocd deal lately, and I know he went to see him this morn- ing.” Felton now made an effort to get upon his feet, but he grew Cizzy and was obliged to lie down again. It was evident he could not return to the hotel without help, and it occurred to him that perhaps it would be just as well not to re- turn. The villains who had made the attack on his life supposed him to be dead; if he should re- turn to the hotel they would be undeceived. Then they might make a second attack, and Co their work more thoroughly. But what should be do in the mean time? He glanced around him, There was no habitation near him except the small cabin ncar which he lay. ‘* Who occupies this cabin?” he asked. ‘*There is no one lives here now,” replied Molly. ‘The miner who owned it was killed in a fight not long aro, and since then it has been unoccupied. Do you want me to help you to get in there?” ‘*T think I will try to get inside. I havo not strength enough to return to the hotel at present, And perhaps it is as well not to return now,” and he told her his reasons for wishing the par- ties who had made the attack to think they bad done their work well. When he had regained his strength it would not matter so much, for he was now forewarned and would then be better prepared to resist any further attempt. Vith Molly's assistance he gained the inside | of the cabin, where the girl made him as com- | fortable as possible. ‘““Do you know who the boys were that Leonard sent this Ben to attack last night?” he asked. ‘“Ffow did you know of that?” she asked, in | return. ‘*T heard Leonard and Ben talking. Garrett said the boys got away from him. “He said he would fix them to-day. Do you know who they are?’ **One is called Billy Bombshell. I have never seen the other till to-day, and I do not know his name, but I am sure he dces not live in Set- back.” Molly soon left the cabin to go to her own home, while Felton composed himself to sleep. He had no fear that the girl would betray him to his enemies, although she had acknowledged that she was the niece of a would-be assassin. She had been too kind to him to now provea traitor. He had notseen her face, for it was too dark to admit of that, but her voice was mild and gentle, and he had no fears for his safety as far as she was concerned. But he kad no desire to meet Barton Leonard, orany of his tools, until he was in a better condition to defend himself than at present. The blow uponthis head had been a heavy cne and whenever he attempted to rise it caused his senses to reel, but he hoped by the morrow to be cn his feet again and go about his business, He was on the point of dropping to sleep when he was aroused by the sound of approaching footsteps. They came nearer and nearer and at last'stopped just outside the cabin. .It was Barton Leonard and his two companions returning from their visit to the neighborhood of the ruins. They had left their boat at the upper end cf the town, and wero now en route to their usual lounging-places. Leonard was going to see Ben Garrett, and parted with his companions at this point. Before leaving them he gave them some directions as to where he might find them later, after he had seen Garrett. ‘‘Now that we have disposed of that cursed boy, there is nothing to hincer me from returr- ing East with the girl,” te said. ‘‘I have thet young viper caged where he will do no harm at preseat, and I will keep him there until I am ready to Jeave this cursed country.” ‘* Say, boss, when ye git reacy ter let him out give me ther. job,” said Sam Tanner. ‘I’ve fot an account to settle with the little brat. I'll tan his hide fur him fur fillin’ my eyes full o’ sand.” ‘Shall ye leave ther gal in ther ruins till ye git ready ter start?” asked Parsons. “Yes; I have no other place I can take her to, unless I should take her to the hotel; and if I should co that I should be efraid of something ocewTing to upset my plans.” “Wal, thar won’t no one suspect that she’s in ther ruins, an’ if they did they’d hev hard work ter git at her.” “Tm not so sure of that. Those boys have been fooling around there and, I presume, sus- pect, even if they co not potunlly know, that some one is confined there. Icut I have no more fear cf them; one is at the bottom cf the sea, and the other is where it will trouble him some to release himself, to sey nothiag cf the girl.” **'Was it because of lis pckin’ his ncse where he hedn’t orter, that ye throwed ther young chap ter ther fshes?” ‘That isnone cf your business. As long as you are well paid for your part ‘in the job, it won't pay you to be too inquisitive. He could- n’t have gotthe girl away, even if he had known she was there; but I had good rcasons for wish- ing him out of the way. I bad supposed the job done long before now, but this time it is a sure thing, Now, you two goon, and remember to be ready for business to-morrow morning. I shall rely on you to get things in readiness to start for Mendocino to-morrow night, Iem go- ing now to sce Garrett.” During this conversation Felton hed lain very quiet. [Ee feared to male the least noise, lest these men, hearing it, should enter the cabin and discover him, and it was with a feeling of relief that he heard their retreating footsteps. He expected every moment while they remained that they would remember the man ~ a had stricken down near there and look for his bedy, but their later crime seemed to occupy their minds, and ke was safe from them fcr the pres- e nt. But if they had Jooked for his body where he had fallen? Failing to find it there, would they not have searched the cabin? The conversation which he had overheard next occupied his thoughts. 1 a a ee eee ea aa et

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Ah! it is as I thought,” he muttered. ‘‘ He knows where the girl is. He probably knew when he left New York. No doubt she was | taken by his direction. He said she is at the | ruins. Whatruins? Where are they? That I | will find out to-morrow. I will foil him, Per- | haps Molly Garrett can tell me where the ruins are. I will ask her in the morning. And they have committed murder again since I saw them. That boy I saw this morning. They |, said he was at the bottom of the sea, The other little lad is confined at the ruins, Those ruins must be a famous place. That boy’s face was strangely familiar. What is Leonard’s reason for wishing him out of the way? Ah! can it be possible? Is this the boy that was lost fifteen years ago? Hus face was wonderfully like the Barton Leonard murder him? For I remember well. Will he succeed? family. what? Ay! I see it all. His purpose now is plain. Not if Liive. Iwill foil him, Why could I not | have thought of this in the morning? I could | then have saved the boy. But Sadie is alive. She shall be saved!” He was weary and exhausted, and he soon fell asleep. But his sleep was filled with dreams of the ideas that had so fately occupied his mind, | for, ever and anon, his lips would form the | words: “TJ will foil him!” CHAPTER VIII. THE PRISON EMPTY—THE CAPTIVE GONE. In the afternoon of the following day Barton | Leonard left the hotel and walked away to the north. His destination was the Ruined Ranch, which in due time hereached. His preparations sere nearly completed, and it was his intention to leave Setback that night. Sadie must think I have come to effect her rescue, which, indeed, is true, now that the time | has arrived for us to return. But she must not suspect that I am, or was, at all interested in keeping her captive, and to that end _ she must not see me in consultation with old Han- nah. Sheis too young to suspect, and she wi | | look upon me as her best friend. I will first seo how the young spitfire is getting along.” With this he went to the door of the room | where he had placed Billy Bombshell the night | before, and rapped upon it. There was no stir | within, and he repeated hisraps, Butthere was | no reply. ; ‘Perhaps the youngster is naleep,” he said and taking a key from his pocket he unlocked | the door which opened, as it had done the night before, without any effort on his part. "He Jooked within, but saw nothing of the boy. He | stepped inside and looked again, but Billy was | not there. | ‘How in the name of wonder can he have t out of this room? He must have had help Focen the outside, for old Hannah told me_he knew nothing of the secret of this room. She does not love him any too well, Pll warrant, and I am sure she would not assist him to ¢s- cape, and, besides, she cares too much for my money to set free a prisoner.” ; He left the room with a desp scowl on his face, and shut the door with a bang. He then | made his way to the other door, Before | opening it he cleared his face of the pete forcing himself to smile instead, for he wishe the child to be favorably impressed. He inserted the key in the lock and forced back the bolt. The door immediately swung open as the other had done. And this soon like the other—was empty! Leonard turned pale and stared. \Where was the girl whom he had expected would leap for- ward so joyously te meet him? “In the fiend’s name, what is the meaning | of this?” he ejaculated. ‘Is it pussible she has | escaped?” He had been angry before, when he had | found the boy gone, for when baffled in any | direction his wrath was sure to be stirred to | its depths, But now he was not only angry, but alarmed, for, if she had escaped, and he | could not regain possession of her, his long- cherished plans would come to naught. “Perhaps the old Witch, Hannah, has re- moved her to some other place, though she as- sured me that there was none safer than this | to be found. If the old hag plays me false, her life shail pay the forfeit. But it cannot | be; she dare not. She knows too well that [ | am not to be trifled with. Ah! Is there any connection between that little tiger’s escape from the other room and her strange disappear- | ance? No; for, rioral « as he is, he is not smart enough to open that door without the key, and I warrant there is not another like it in Setback.” He leaned against the side of the room and remained lost in thought for several minutes. Evidently his meditations were not of the most pleasant character, for his scowls deepened and his face grew dark with concentrated wrath. He did not remain long in this passive atti- | tude, but starting up with an oath, left the ruins and went toward the old Witch’s cabin. *“'Woe to the old crone if she has allowed the girl to escape!” he muttered. On Lis arrival at old Hannah’s cabin he was destined to be still further disappointed. The house was empty; the old Witch was not there! ‘*T will wait for her return,” he said, seating | ? >] > himself in a chair. Although now more quiet his anger was none the less deep, and his dark looks and gleaming eyes, fierce with wrath, boded ill to the old Witch when she returned. But she did not return, and he soon went out- side to look for her. How was it that Sadie was not in the prison- room? A short time before Leonard came to look for | her, old Hannah had taken her from the place, through the passage to her own cabin. Sadie, in her childish innocence, was over- joyed at her deliverance, but her gladness was soon to be changed to bitterness. An older and more experienced person would have noticed a change in the appearance of the old woman. Although at all times peculiar, her manner was now still more so, and her eyes and, indeed, her whole face, wore a wilder and more fierce expression than usual. Usually taciturn, she was now quite the re- verse, but her words and meaning were often unintelligible. Sometimes wild shricks of laughter would break from her lips, followed, perhaps, by a low moan, and then her face would assume a sad, subdued expression, and her gaze be lost in vacancy. Anon she went to the door of her cabin and looked out on the broad Pacific, muttering the while, with wild, grotesque gestures. ‘“Nay, rave not so ceaselessiy, Father Nep- _ tune,” she said; ‘‘ the sacrifice is ready—a sweet, pretty flower; surely, his wrath must be ap- peased by so fairan offering. Hence! leave me, | demons! Curse ye for a pack of howling vam- pires! Know ye not your mistress? She was the sweetest, fairest, loveliest of all ecarth’s flowers, and as she lay thus in her white shroud a horrible, icy chill crept over mo! Many a time have I heard the cock crow shrill at the darkest hour of night! A‘! and the owl hoot, | hoot, hoot, and have seen the blind bat play hide and seek with the dark shadows. a! what seek ye here? Get thee back to the devil, thy master, and say old Hannah sent thee! Ay! moan and groan, ye sons of men, under your heavy burdens of sin and toil! The time is not yet come!” , Sadie could not fail to notice, child though she was, that something was wrong and she shrunk away from the woman in alarm. “Nay! shrink not, my pretty flower! Old Neptune shall fold you in his arms and kiss your sweet face, and all may yet be well. Creep on, creep on, ye slow hours of time! Let the silver- tongued bells ring out their merry peals! To- morrow I'll be wed! ** Woe is me! woe, woe! the water in the pot did bubble, seethe and foam but yestere’en! The fire did crackle merrily, and I heard the spirit of the wood hiss and sputter in his anger! | Then the elfin shapes arose in the blaze, and shook their long arms and mocked me! Come out in the wildwood and weave a garland for your pretty tresses, sweet child! Old Neptune waits; the hour is nigh!” . ‘Where are we going, Hannah, tell me?” she cried, as the old dame grasped her by the arm and led her outside. i ‘¢ We go to seek our lovers in the leafy bowers of the joyous wood; the birdssing merrily. So, come quickly! The time is ripe! Ripe, I say!” She hurried toward the shore, dragging the helpless child with her. The tide was cut, but it was now beginning to flow in again, and was slowly but surely creeping up the beach. Han- nah had brought with her a light rope and a stout stake both evidently previously prepared. First she tied the shrinking and alarmed child’s feet and hands, Then throwing her down on the sands she proceeded to drive the stake deep into the yie ding sand—using a heavy stone asahammer. This done she placed little Sadie up against the stake and with the rope secured her to it, unheeding her cries for merey—her piteous pleading for life. The girl, of course, realized her danger, for, although the water had not yet reached her, she knew that when Billy Bombshell, the Cliff Climber. ——— ee ee eee 9. | the tide had risen to its full flood, its waves F would cover her completely. But, she might as well plead for mercy to the cliffs above her, old Hannah, in her insane | frenzy, had brought her here as an offering to the god of the wave, and she watched the water, as it rose nearer and nearer the helpless child, with a wild delight. She stretcked her hands toward the sea and her laughter rung out high and shrill. ; **Come on, come on, ye ocean spirits! The sacrifice is ready! The hour is nigh! the hour isnigh! Hark! hear the merry, merry singing! 1 come, I come!” She turned away and sped up the teach in the direction. of her cabin, leaving Sadie watch- ing the water creeping toward her, inch by inch, each wave, as the tide rose, coming nearer and nearer. An hour at most and the cruel waves would claim her as their prey. CHAPTER IX. PHILIP AND THE OLD WITCH. VE left Billy Bombshell and Fhilip in the cave. Their light was, of course, exiinguished when it was snatched from Billy’s hand, and thrown with such violence upon the floor, and they were left in utter darkness. The boy dropped upon his hands and knees and began searching for the candle. It was not long before he recovered it and rose to his feet. ““Got any match?” ke asked Philip, as he re- gained an upright peositicn. ‘‘I’ve got ther loominary, only it wants ter ke touched off "fore it'll shed a meller luster o’er ther scene.” “‘T have no matches,” replied Philip, ‘and my clothing is so wet that, even if I had, I em afraid they would not be in a very good ccn- dition.” “That settles it; then we sha’n’t have any meller luster. I wish J had a face like ther kar- tender up ter ther Salamander. His face shines so’s *twould light us out o’ this jest ez easy eza fish swims. Mortal Jeeswax! this are wuss n *twas this arternocn when I was a prisoner o’ war, ‘cause then I knew whar I was, an’ now I’m blessed ef I know anything about it.” “What do you think it was that did the Lusi- ness for our light?” ‘Wal, ef I was a believer in ghosts and gos- lings, an’ them things, I should hev my doubts; but ez long ez I don’t, my doubts are few. In view o’ ther evidence, I give it ez my "pinion that an aged female relative o’ mine was ther poser actor in that there tragedy. I’ve 1eern that melliflerous screech o’ hern too often ter be mistook.” ‘* But if it was she, what could kave been her object?” “I give it up, ‘less twas a nateral disposition fur deviltry. She’s an out-an’-cuter, she is, an’ up ter all kinds o’ games. But ther question which are now disturbing my yeace o’ mind, is what we're goin’ ter do next? D’ye s’pose ye kin find ther way back where we come? If we could git back ter whar the ircn ccor is, we'd be all right.” “Which way did we come?” asked Philip, quietly. “Which way did we come?” echoed Billy. ‘“*T’'m blessed if I know!” > _In moving about in the dark, since the loss of their candle, they had become so confused and bewildered that they knew not which course to take in order to retrace their steps. To add to their confusion they found that the were at the junction of two passages, but whic one of the two they had been following they were unable to tell. The only way for them to do was to select one of the paths at random, and that, so far from helping them out of their diffi- ee migkt lead them into still deeper laby- rinths. ‘*'Wal, I move we set down an’ hold a council- o’-war ter determine what’s ter be done.. Gosh all terbacker-juice! There’s no great loss ’ihout some small gain. I gather a good deal of com- fort from this fact, that ez long ez we're ccm- mured in this solitary place, old Scowler an’ his stalactites can’t git at us,” “IT think I should prefer to take my chances with the known dangers outside than the un- known here.” “Git out! ye make me think o’ what ther play-actor said, ‘’Tis thought by every cuss, past an’ future things seem best; ther present wuss.’ ” “Then you would rather stay here, would yeu? “Wal, I might ez well say so till I see some chance o’ gittin’ out. A contented mind is a jooel wu’th a good deal. But, I say, does a plan suggest itself ter ye ter git on ter ther high road ter ther outside world?”

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J - ’ ‘ , S Ot tea 4 tes we te ee ie] BPSrot tmene 10 Billy Bombshell, the Cliff Climber. ‘“T know of no other plan than to select one of these passages at random, and follow it. There are so many of them that we are likely to stray from one another, and may wander about for hours without being nearer the point we | started for than at the beginning, but it is our | only chance; we can certainly gain nothing by standing still.” “T reckon ye’re right., We’ve got to go it blind. Ther prospect now is that ther leetle gal at ther rooins will come an’ rescuo us, before | we shall her, Now, ther court has got an- | other proposition to make, an’ that is that we | squat right now an’ here an’ take a snooze. | Ther somsniferous inflooence hev been ter work on me fur some time. How does ther ijee strike ye” Philip was tired and sleepy as well as his companion, and although he would have much adic going to sleep in the outer cave over- ooking the sea, he said nothing, He was less light-hearted and careless than billy, and would rather have made an attempt to reach the open | air now and sleep atterwasd: But he knew that it was strongly probable that they would wander a long time, having no light and noth.ng to guide them, in the intrica- cies of the cave before they found themselves free, ‘© You must wake an’ call on me early, fur ’m ter be queen o’ May, or April fool, I dunno which,” quoth Billy, as he curled himself up. How long they slept they had no means of | knowing, but they awoke much refreshed. The | sun might be shining outside in all his bright- ness, but no ray of light penetrated here. The same inky darkness was around them as before they slept. Billy arose and shook himself very much as a shaggy dog will do on coming from the water. ‘“ Aire ye ready ter start, ordo ye want ter wait till after breakfast?’ he asked. “Tam afraid we should not start for some time if we waited for that,” was the reply. ‘“ Who is goin’ ter head ther procession?” “You, if you wish to, but be careful and not | get hurt. Go slowly and carefully, for we do not know what is before us.” ‘* Well, then, we will go this way fur a guess. Aire yeready? Eyesfront! Forward, march!” At first their progress was slow, for they were obliged to feel their way along, and in places the path was rough and uneven. Many times they narrowly escaped bumping their heads against rojecting rocks. But as they grew used to feel- ing their way in the darkness, they progressed more rapidly. Billy walked much faster than Philip cared to o, and the latter often found himself being left inthe rear, but a little extra exertion would soon bring him to his place by his companion’s side, only to find him lagging again afew min- | utes later. This was repeated several times, and at last as he aroused himself frem.a fit of abstraction into which he had fallen, he found himself so far be- hind that the sound of Billy’s footsteps was not | audible. He hurried forward with as much speed | as he dared, but he did not overtake him aseasily | as he had done before. After going some distance he stopped and listened, but he could hear no sound of Billy, or | anything to indicate that he was anywhere near | him. He called to him, but there was no reply. | Again he called, and louder, but his only answer was the echo of his own voice. He had unconsciously deviated from his path some distance back, and all the time he had been hurrying forward he had been going from, in- stead of toward, his companion. He had entered | a passage which deflected slightly to the left,and had followed it for some time without knowing be was not in the same course as that pursued by Billy. But for the last few minutes he knew he had been walking more rapidly than they had at any time since they started; siiil he had not overtaken him. Neither had his calls elicited a! reply. Where then could he be? t last the truth dawned upon him; that in the darkness they had become separated. What should he do? If he went back to look for his young friend it was probable he might search or hours without being any nearer him than he was now, and if he was left to himself, Billy was just A likely to reach the outer air as they were together. Philip determined to push on and do his best to get out of the cave. How long he wandered in and ont among the passages he knew not, nor had he any means of judging, but at length he saw a gleam of light just ahead of him. Hastening forward he saw that the light came from an aperture in the cliff, but it was so small that he had some doubts about being able to squeeze himself through it. He removed his coat and after working a few minutes he had the satisfaction of finding himself once more standing in a-full flood of bright sunshine. The ruins were but a few rods away on the small plateau above him, while in front, and not far away, lay the smiling sea, creeping slowly up the white, sand beach. After his long sojourn underground, it seemed good to him to gaze upon its smooth sur- face, although its treacherous waters had twice proved so nearly fatal to him. “T wish I felt sure that Billy would be as successful as I have been. It was mere chance that brought me here, and he may be wan- dering around among the intricate windings of those passages, perhaps searching for me, or, it may be, come to some harm among the many ose which doubtless lurk unseen in those lack places.” He could see that the afternoon was more than half gone, for the sun was well down in its western decline, and he started to put in exe- cution a plan which he had in his mind for as- sisting Billy Bombshell. He had gone but a few rods when he came face to face with old Man- nah, the Witch of the Cliff. Her appearance had changed since ke saw her the day before, and he instinctively shrunk away. “Saw ye those dark birds of omen circling above the cliff in the early morn, and heard ye their voices sounding abroad like a rising knell? | They told of the sacrifice, and the winds sung it among the forest leaves.” “Of what cacrifice do you speak, good mother?” asked Philip. ‘‘ What do ye here?” she cried, with sudden fury; and then sadly: ‘‘I remember ye long ago. Thou wert a fair child, Go back to thy mother, who is mourning fer her lost boy!” These words were fraught with interest to Philip. Might it not be possible that she knew something of his past which was beyond his recollection? Though her brain was shrouded in. darkness by insanity’s baleful cloud, there might be gleams of reason still. Perhaps she could direct him to his long-lost home. ‘‘ Where? where does she. wait? Tell me that I may return to her,” he said, ‘The winds sung a sad, weird song lastnight, and old Neptune cried out in his anger from tho sea-depths; but surely his wrath must be ap- peased! She was very fair! I watched her tul the waves came up and kissed her sweet face. She’ll sigh no more iy yonder prison! She’s free! free! Hush! I had a dream last night! Dost ever dream, fair boy? Mayhapthy dreams are pleasant—so was mince! ha! ha! "Twasof a burning lake! With demons dancing on its brink! Then came inning skeletons to me where I lay, and pointed their long, fleshless fingers at me till I grew afraid! They beckoned me to follow them, but I feared the shadows which lurked in the dark places! Why dost thou shrink and tremble so? Dost fear old Hannah of the Cliff? Thou hast never seen thy fair sister, Sadie, nor ever will! Yon birdsings her requiem! Back! back, ye demons, ye have not old Hannah yet!” With wild cries she sprung away with in- credible swiftness for ene so old, and mounted the rugged path which led to the plateau above, leaving Phili p to wonder at her strange words. “Can it be possible,” he asked himself, ‘‘ that, in her madness, she has thrown the little captive into the sea? She meant the little maiden of the ruins, for she called her Sadie. And she said she was my sister. Did she tell the truth, or was it the babbling of a maniac? But Imust not waste any time here if I would help Billy.” He turned And went down near the water to the rocks which led to the cave. Mounting these to the opening, he entered and soon had a candle lighted. He had resolved to return and search for Billy Bombshell. We will leave him to carry out this design, while we return to Lawrence Felton whom we left the night before asleep in the deserted cabin at Setback City. CHAPTER X. MOLLY TO THE RESCUE. FELron slept till quite late the following morning, and when he awoke Molly Garrett was standing near him. She had just entered, bring- ing him food and water, which she now placed before him. ‘* Good-morning, sir,” she saluted. “I hope you are feeling IT have brought you something to eat, for I thought you must be hungry by this time, as you had no supper last night.” ‘* Good-morning,” he replied. ‘‘ Thank you for your kindness. I think I feel better than I did jast night. I hope I shall be able tobe about to-day. There is much for me to do.” He then told her what he had heard after she had left him. ‘“‘Barton Leonard is a thorough villain. I suspect he is guilty of more crimes than the mur- der of that lad last night. He says he is now ready to return East. But he wil! find his course in the future to be less smooth than he thinks. His crimes shall not go unpunished. He shell be made to know that ‘ the way of the transgressor is hard.’ For years he has kept on his iniquitous course. Retribution will overtake him at last. Where are these ruins I heard them speaking of?” “They are up the coast, about two miles from here,” replied Melly. “That is the place where he kas been keeping little Sadie. Does any cne live in these ruins?” ‘¢ No one has lived there for a long time,” said the girl, who then gave him as much of their history as she knew. ‘¢ Does any one live near them?” ‘There is an old woman named Hannah, who is called the Witch of the Cliff, who lives in @ little cabin qmte near the place. She is Billy Bombshell’s grandmother.” “‘ Doubtless the child is in her care. She is called the Witch of the Cliff? The right kind of a person for such business. Perhaps the boy would know if there was a child kept a prisoner there. They said they had him in a safe place. He probably knew too much to ke allowed his liberty.” " ‘*T do not believe he knew that there was any one kept a prisoner at the ruins, urles: be learn- ed of it within a few days, or he would have told me. And even if old Hannah had the care of a child there, he weuld not be likely to know it, for he spends but little cf his time at her cabin.” “ Perha s they have this boy, Billy Bombshell, caged in the ruins? I fancy that must be an in- teresting place. I think I will visit it this after- noon,” “‘ Will you be able to walk so far?” “T think I will.. My head is feeling a great deal better than it did. Butit pains me scme now. Ishould not care to be struck like thet again. 1 think I will go down tothe hotel ky and by. I wish to know what Leonard end his two worthies are about.” ** Are you not afraid they will renew their at- tack upon you?” asked the girl. ‘‘Tam not afraid of them. I shall be cn the lookout for them now. Iam pretty handy with a pistol. If I see any further indication of foul play, I shall not hesitate to use one.” Mon > Garrett now left him, and he arose and walked about the cabin. His head whirled some as he paced back and forth, but he scon threw off the dizziness and walked with a firmer step. He had asked Molly before she went away to communicate with him at the hotel if she chanced to learn anything of interest concerning Leon- ard and his plans, or of those against whom he was working, and she had promised to do so, He went outside and walked slcwly toward the hotel, keeping a sharp lookout for the two men who had committed the assault cn him the pre- vious night. But he saw no one whem he knew, and, continuing his course, sccn errived at the hotel and went directly to his rocm. Here he remained till noon, watching furtively frem his window, meanwhile, for any signs of his ene- mies. He was about to leave his position and go down-stairs, when he saw Leonard coming up the street. He entered the hotel, and as Felton did not desire to meet him at that time, he concluded to remain where he was. If he kept out of sight his enemies would suppose that the club and knife had finished him, as they had intended, ‘* Leonard is probably after bis dinner and will not remain very long,” thought Felton, as he sat down again to wait. . But in this he was disappointed, for it was more than two hours before he saw him leave the house and walk away. | ; “Now, I think I'll feed,” he said, as he left his room. ‘“ Then D’llstart for the ruins. I should like to follow and watch him. I must have something to eat first. He soon left the hotel and started cff toward the north. He did not anticipate any troublein finding the place, for Molly had told him it was on the coast in this direction. It tcck him some + time to walk the two miles, for he was stillweak 5 and could not get over the ground very rapidly. | The sun was sinking low in the west when he i came in sight of an irregular mass of stones and ; adobes which he supposed to be the place he was ¢ Oe eee ee

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Fe ooking for. He paused a moment to rest and _ look around. “IT suppose Leonard is somewhere in this vicinity,” he thought. night he was coming here this afternoon to get things ready. Imay meet him IfI do, I will ask , where Philip Anderson is. I believe the lad he threw into the sea is none other than he.” He went forward again and soon reached the ruins, Billy Bombshell was an especial favorite of ‘olly Garrett’s, and since Felton told her what | n oly : | Did you take me away from the dreadful sea?” Leonard had said about him, she had feit wor- ried lest he should come to some ham. Per- haps, should he chance to be in their way, he would meet the same fate as his handsome, dark- eyed companion, Let it not be understood that she entertained any sentimental feeling toward Billy, for such was not the case; it was merely a sisterly inter- est. She admired the little lad for -his brave, fearless ways, and he had often done her trifling services which a girl like Molly Garrett always remembers. And now that he was in trouble | she would gladly aid bim if she could. Molly was a kind-hearted girl, and it grieved her to see any one in pain, or to know that they were in trouble. Feiton had told her of the little girl who was kept a prisoner at the ruins, and straightway her heart went ou to her in sympathy. Far away from her mother and home, with no friendly faces about her, what must be her feel- ings confined in that gloomy place? he more Molly thought of these two, the | more earnestly she wished she could assist them, and in the afternoon she determined to make a visit to the vicinity. Thus it was that, shortly after Philip’s interview with old Hannah, Molly came to be walking along the beach near this point. I * fr ; She was watching the in-coming tide and thinking of the fair young stranger she had met the previous evening not far from here, whose ife she believed had gone out in_those dark, treacherous waters, sacrificed by Barton Leon- ard and his men. . Suddenly her eyes became riveted upon an object upon the beach before her. it was the form of little Sadie! In a second of time her quick eyes took in the whole situation, and for a brief moment she stood still with horror at thought of such a cru- el, heartless and cowardly decd. ‘A helpless child, securely bound, tied to a stake driven in the sand, and left to the mercy of the tide! «Back! cruel water!” she cried, as she bound- ed forward toward the motionless form. The waves receded for an instant as if in obe- dience to her command, and then a heavier swell rolled up the sand and over the helpless irl. ‘ “ Molly reachod her, and drawing a knife from her pocket, severed the cords which bound her to the stake, but not until old Neptune, as though angry at the loss of his prize, had swept back another great wave to cover her. Lifting the child in her arms the girl bore her back up the beach out of the way of the tide, and then removed the bonds from her hands and feet. She knew not what the consequence would be should she be detected in undoing the work which had been done by other hands, nor did she give heed to the idea. Her mission then was to save, which she was doing, reckless of consequences, The child had become unconscious, doubtless through fright as she lay Lound, with so terrible a death staring her in the face. Molly did not wish to remain there, as she knew not how soon the author of the deed might return to learn the result of his cruel act—so, taking the child in her arms again, she climbed the hill to the pla- She did not know what course next to pursue, She did not doubt that this was the girl Sadie. of whom Felton had told. her, and she wished she might sce him aud deliver her up to his care. He had said that he intended o visit the vicini- d per aps ne was now some- Ks eteee cand but ts the burden in her arms she would have sought for him at the ruins. hile she was debating in her mind what she should do, she had been |necling on the ground at the top of the hill, trying to revive the child, and her efforts were soon rewarded by signs of returning consciousness, At last she opened her eyes and looked up at the face above her, wonderingly. “Where am I?’ she asked. “Oh! now I re- Billy Bombshell, “He told the men last | 7 ia Paige. PEASY Al a. a ey t { 2 1i member! Oh! you will not leave me to be drowned by the cruel sea, will you?” “No, my dear, you are safe now. No harm shall come to is your name? ** Sadie.” : “‘ How came you down on the beach?” ‘“‘ That terrible old woman took me there and left me for Neptune, she said,” replied the girl, shuddering. “You are not afraid of me, are you?” asked Molly. ‘ Will you go away with me?” ‘Yes, I will go with you. I know you are good; your face tells me you won't harm me. ‘*¥Yes, Now come, my dear, we must go.” Molly’s mind had been busy, while she had been talking, thinking what she should do with the little one while she was looking for Felton. She now had a plan, and she proceeded to exe- cute it. She did not wish to take Sadie with her for fear of meeting the old Witch, whom she sup- posed to be the old woman the child said had eft her on the beach, or Leonard, who, no doubt, was somewhere in the vicinity. She had thought «€ Billy’s ‘hole in the cliff,” and that would ke a safe place to leave the child | while she was looking about to see if Felton was near, and she led the girl in that direction. Arriving at the place, she took Sadie inside, and told her to remain till she returned, and on no account to expose herself so.as to be seen by any one on the outside. “Do not be afraid,” she said; ‘‘no one will harm you here, and I shall be gone but a short time. When I returnI wi!l take you hcme with me.” The child promised to do as Molly told her, though it was evident she feared to be left alone, The latter now went outside and walked away toward the ruins. Old Hannah’s cabin lay in her path, and as she approached it she saw Billy Bombshell inside, and she beckoned him to her, “Hullo! Molly, I'm tickled to 7ee ye.” “Where is your grandmother, Billy?” asked the girl. “fT dunno. The old lady are out jest now. Mebbe she’s gone a-sparkin’, Want ter see her?” ‘No: but I do want to ses Mr, Felton. Have youseen him?” and Molly described that person as well as she could. But Billy shook bis head. ‘‘T hain’t seen nobody but old Scowler. I’ve been in durance vile, Ihave. Mean’ Philip hev been explorin’ ther subterraneous depths, an’ we got ther wu’st of it.” ‘Ts your friend, then, alive?” « Well, he was ther last I seen on him.” “But they told me that Leonard threw him in the sea.” “Wal, I should weep. one of all. Put ther best laid plans 0’ mice and men sometimes don’t ‘mount tér nothin’, Billy Bombshell Was ‘round "bout that time, an’ he sailed right in on his muscle ter ther salva- tion o’ Petrel Phil.” Billy then gave her a detailed account of the events which had transpired since he had first discovered Philip floating in the sea, three days before. ‘¢ An’ ther ole vilyun is ‘round here som’ers now. Isecen him.” “Do you know anything about a little girl named Sadie, who has been a captive at the ruins?” 'Y ns, Thet was ther wu’st | Phil an’ me was goin’ ter git her out, iets see she ain’t thar now. Have you seen er? ‘Yes, she is with me, now, and if you see Mr. Felton you may tell him he will find her at our cabin. I must return to her nvuwv, or she will be afraid, being left alone so long.” ‘¢ An’ I must go down inter ther cave an’ bunt up Petrel Phil. Look out fur old Scowler, he’s a sinner!” CHAPTER XI. A TFRRIBLE SCREAM. Ler us now return and see how amy Bomb- shell had escaped from the cave, At about the seme time that Philip had made the discovery that he was alone, Billy had addressed some re- mark to his companion, whom he supposed to be close in his rear, Not receiving any reply he stopped to ascertain the reason. There was no sound of following footsteps, nor any indica- tions that Philip was anywhere near him. ‘Where aire ye?” he asked. ; At this time Philip was some distance away in another ge and, of course, did not hear the question, nor did he hear the shouts of Billy, whoa moment later began to call to him. the Cliff Climber. Billy shouted himself hoarse but received no that his companion had been left behind, he | answer, and when at last he made up his mind you while you are with me. What | turned about and returned to seek for him. ? ‘‘He can’t hev got ahead of me,” said Biily, to himself, ‘‘so he must be back hyer scme- wheres. l’ve been a-comin’ along pooty good jog, an’ probably he couldn’t keep up. But why the ’tarnal didn’t he say so? He continued ‘to retrace his steps until he thought he had gone far enough to have reached the point from which they started. He called Philip’s name at intervals as ke returned, but it was of no avail. ‘*Consarned pecoolier whar he has got to so sudden. I ain’t more’n two-thirds happy over this deal. I wa’n’t overly well satisfied before, | but she’s growing wuss an’ wuss, an’ Ill be | blessed ef IT know how it’s comin’ out, or, what’s more ter ther p’int, how I’m comin’ out. One thing is pooty evident: Petrel Phil an’ me has | dissolved partnership fur ther present, an’ I might ez well be climbin’ fur a purer atmos- yhere.” ; Once more he started, paying no attention te which passage he tock, for he knew not which was the right one, not even in which direction. lay the course which would take kim out of the cave. After what seemed to him an intermin- able length of time, his cutstretched hend tcuch- ed a wall which he knew by the feeling to be built of adobves. The thought flashed upcn his mind that he hed reached the ruins, and this was proven a moment later when his hand touched an iron doer. While his hands were wandering over it }to make sure he was right, his fingers unccn- sciously pressed a hidden spring, and the dcor began to slide upward as had the one from which he had escaped the day before. But one glance withm shcwed him that it was not the same room he had been in, and it sud- denly occurred to him that it must be the one in which Sadie was confined. While the door was slowly going up and back he had ample time to survey the inside of the recm, though he cautiously remained on the outside. “Cyrtain’s down. That’s ther end o° that scene,” said Bill as the door closed with a click. ‘“oPwa'n’t a particular’ brilliant tcene, nuther. Ther question now beforether joory am: whar’s ther leetle gal? That are ther rcom she oc- cupied, ’cordin’ ter ther latest bulletin, but she ain’t thar now. Thar’s keensome habeas corpus ee here, I guess. T'll rcominate on this ater.’ Bill had now no difficulty, for he knew the course he wished to take and there was but one passage in that direction. That was the one which led to the sea, and which he and Philip had followed when they came in. It was but a ‘hort time, therefore, before he found himself in the light and sunshine. Before he left the cave, however, be took one of the candles frem the place where Philip had deposited them. He intended to return and search for his friend, but he wished to reach the cave threugh the cellar of his grandmother’s cabin, and toward that point he now bent his steps. ‘*T wonder if ther old lady aire ter hum? If she is, there’ll prob’ly be music equal ter a hull brass band. I’m thankfnl I don’t inherit her disposition. Arter a clus observation o’ her character fur a ’siderable length o’ time, Pm hel ter ther conclusion that she ain’t amia- le.” He approached ‘the cabin, the door of which stood open, and, halting as he reached it, took a careful survey before trusting himself imside. As there was no one there he entered and pro- ceeded to make himself to home, first opening the trap-docr which led to the cellar. “Thar, we hev now secured a means of re treat in the rear should we be attacked in the front. Now, Billy Bombshell, what ye need most is a good squar’ meal. Thar’s a decided sense 0’ loneliness in ther inside 0’ me, which I don’t approve of. I wonder what ther bill 0’ fare is ter-day?” Billy Bombshell had just finished his repast when he heard steps just outside and the next moment Leonard entered the cabin. “ Ha! so you are here, are you? Where is the old Witch, Hannah?” ‘Echo answers, where” replied Bill. “I made that same inquiry myself a bit ago, but I didn’t git no satisfaccory answer. It's my ‘pin- ion she’s away, som’ers. Mabbe she are on joodicial business.” “What has become of the girl who was in the ruins?’ continued Leonard. “Most mysterious disappearance on record. Like enough, she’s gone up in a balloon. Folks call my ’spectable grandmarm a witch; mebbe re

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—"* ‘12 - Billy Bombshell, the Cliff Climber. she changed ther gal inter a bird, an’ she’s flewed | away.” ‘You had better answer my question, you little imp of Satan, if you mow anything con- cerning the girl.” ** Now, don’t go fur ter git mad. Ef my sug- estions ain’t valuable to ye don’t ask fur ’em. tow d’ye s’pose I know anything about any gal, cny way.” ** How did you eseape from the room where I placed you?” ** Ther court rules that question out. ‘Nother thing, ther court ‘lows that there sha’n’t be any bulldozin’; yer called ther witness hard names jest now.” ** You come with me, you young devil,” said | Leonard, as he made a lunge for the boy. “Tl fix your case,” ‘“*T hain’t got time,” said Bill, and he made a | spring for the trap-door and disappeared. ‘I always like ter oblige anybody when it’s a pos- sible thing, but under ther present circumstances IT hope ye'lls’cuse me. I’ve got a prossin’ ’gage- ment of ther utmost *portance, else I'd sarv’inly 7commodate ye.” Bill had stopped on the stairs and now popped his head above the floor, but he kept his keen eyes fixed on Leonard, watching his every move- ment so as to be prepared for anything he might do to injure him. The latter knew of the pass- age leading from the cellar, and also of the mani- fola passages leading from the main one near the ruins, and he realized the uselessness of pur- suing Bill among them, and, besides, he feared he might lose his way. ‘**Do ye know of anybody that is waitin’ fur ye arywhere?” continued the boy. ‘’Cause ef ye do, don’t let me detain ye a minute, but gush with vigor on.” Leonard glared at him angrily, but the boy returned his gaze unconcernedly. “Tl warm you for this, you little brat, if I ever get my hands on you. I would stay now and starve you out, were it not for my anxiety to find the old Witch, your grandmother, a3 socn as possible,” ** Well, good-by, oldsweet-ag roct. Call ag’in, sometime when yo can’t stay solong. Give my respects ter Sam Tanuer when ye sce him. Oh! Ye’ve gone, heveye? Allow meter bid ye a most respectful good-by ag’in. Ye might hev gone afore if ye ona said anything ’bout it.” Leonard had left the cabin, and the. boy now returned to the kitchen and watched him through the open door. He then prepared to return to the cave to search for ‘Philip. Before going down the cellar again, however, he went to the door to see where Leonard was. He was not in sight, but he saw Molly Garrettas related in the last chapter. ** Now,” said Dill, ashe came back into the cabin after his interview with Molly, ‘‘a relief committee o’ one is hereby appointed ter goin s’arch o’ ther lost exp'orer. There’s a match? My ’spectable grandmarin ain’t so pertic’ler "bout keepin’ things where they Lelong as I wish she was.” Iie lighted his candle and put several matches in his pocket, saying, as ke Cid so: ‘** Billy Bombshell cin’t a fool; he learns wis- dom by ’sperience. If we'd only had a match cr so in our pocket last night when the candle : } was put out, things would have keen differ- ent.” He now doscended to the cellar once more and entered the passage. As he went alcng ho observed that there were no side passages load- ing from it,and there was no danger of his locirg his way. He had been through itonce before, it will be remembered, but having no light he had not at that time an opportunity to notice the formation of it. He was obliged to go slowly, for, like the others he had becn in, the course of this crooked path and the sides and floor were irregular and uneven. When he reached the hase cf tho ruin; a surprise awaited him. He heard foct- steps, and lcoking in the direction ‘from which the sound came, he saw some one coming from the passage which led to the sea. Fe bore a | candle in his hand, the light of which showed the person to be Philip, who saw and_recor- nized Billy about the same time ke was himself discovered. “Hullo!” * Hullo!” ““ Whar he ye beund for?” asked Dill-. ‘**T was about to go in search of you,” was the reply. 5 ‘Wal, I'll be blessed if that wa’n’t jest what Iwas goin’ ter do fur you, Whar ye been nil summer, anyway? I reckoned ye’d got Jost in ther fog an’ couldn't diskiver yerself, I bumped *round thar a spell tryin ter find ye, but I wa’n’t over ’n above successful; an’ then I went ter | work tryin’ ter find myself.” ** Where did you finally get out of the cave?” asked Philip. “Ther same way we came in. Then I went up ter ther abode of my ’spectable grandmarm an’ foddered. I see’d old Scowler up thar an’ yassed ther time o’ day with him. He seems to 2eV a mighty pile o’ affection fur me; he wanted ter embrace me, but I respectfully declined that honor, an’ fin’ly he lit out. Now, give us ther *ticklers o’ your escape.” Philip told how he had escaped from the cave, and where he had found himself when he came out into daylight. He also told him of the in- terview he had had with his grandmother. The boy was visibly affected by the intelligence of her condition, but he said nothing. When Philip told him what she had done with Sadie the boy brightened up and said: * Thor old leis p'an didn’t werk jest’cordin’ ter ther programme in that case. I knew ther leetle gal was gone, ’cause when I kim by here I opened ther door an’ found she wa’n’t here. I wonder ef I can’t open ther old thing ag’in?” He stepped up and began fumbling around the door as he had before, and after awhile suc- ceeded in touching the spring. ‘“* Thar,” he said, as the iron plate rose slowly upward, ‘‘yo see how ther thing works. opened it ther same way this arternoon, though *twas ell accident, an’ I found ther gal wa’n’t ter home. I cidn’t know what had become of her till I sce Molly Garrett. She told me all about it. She found her down on ther beach with the tide comin’ inan’ all ready ter drown’d her. An’ she was tied up so's she couldn’t git away. Tlcly got her out of that quicker'n scat, an’ is goin’ ter take ther leetle gal home with hor ter Setback. She kmew akout you bein’ throwed inter ther sea, an’ she was mighty tickled when she found you wasn’t drownded.” ** Well, what shall we do now?” “ Tt’s gittin’ ‘long toward night ag’in. Molly told me ef I see a feller by ther name of Feltcn ter tell him whar ther leetle gal is. She said as how he was ’round here some’rs, but she'd left ther leetle gal a!one, an’ didn’t want ter stop ter hunt him up. [ev ye had anything ter eat? Cause ef ye Lain’t, we might as well go up by ther way 0’ my g-andmarm’s palace an’ refresh ther inner man. Ef ye kin eat as much ez I did, ther old Indy ‘Il think there’s becn a whole menagery in ther cupbu’d when she sees it.” ‘*T must confess that my appetite is in pretty | good condition,” replied Philip, as they started along the passage. When they arrived et the cabin Billy found everything as he had left it. ** This here eupbu’d don’t flow with milk an’ honey,” said Billy, as he placcd the remnants of his own meal on the table, ‘‘ but I reckon we kin scrape together enough ter keep ye frcm starvin.” Billy sat and watched his friend eat with as much delight as he had experienced while he was cating himself. After Philip had finished his repast, and while he was putting away such portions as still re- mained, thev heard from the direction of the ruins, a wild, piercing scream. So weird and blood-curdling was it, so awful in the intensity of the anguish which it expressed, that it seemed impossible that any human yoice could have uttered it. The boys shrunk back appalled, and covered their ears to shut cut the terrible sound. CHAPTER XII. FOUL MURDER, WueEn Leonard left the cabin ho only retired a short distance, and sat down beside a rock to await old Hannah’s return. From his position he could see when any one approached or left the place. He hadseen Molly Garrett when she appeared, and the interview between her and Billy, but his only wish now was to see the old Witch, and learn where Sadie was. known of the little charge whom Molly had left up at the “hole in the cliff,” he would have been more interested. But he did not know, and Molly returned end | took little Sadie home to Sethack, while Billy, as we have seen, went in search of Philip. “Tt is strange,” thought Leocrard, “‘ where the old hag can be, and more strange what she can have done with the girl, If she dares play me false, I will tear her limb from limb,” and his face grew dark as night at the mere thought of his long-cherished plans coming to naught through any neglect or betrayal through her, “But she dare not, and, besides, she covets the gold which I drop into her skinny palm. She will do as I bid her as long as fee her well with chining gold. Had he! ees ‘But where is she now, and where is the girl? Both gone, and even that brat of a boy, if he tells the truih, does not know where they are. Leonard sat by the rock for a long time, but at last his patience was rewarded, and he saw old Hannah approaching. Rising, he advanced to meet her, and as he came near her he noticed that her manncr was wild and strange, but he did not hesitate as he strode forward. “So you have come at last?” hesaid. ‘* Where have you been all the afternoon, and what have you cone with the girl?” “*The night cometh on, when no man can work, and the harvest is ready for reaping.’ And yet she had a sweet face.” “Answer me, you old beldam, what have you done with the girl, Sadie?” “What, my lord, art come sosoon? And yet not soon enough to see the pretty ofiering, which to old Neptune I have made, She wept piteously; but the waves came up and kisscd the tears off her face. Whence camest those dark, fearful clouds? This morning all was bright and fair, and Nature smiled. Hark! I tell thee Death is abroad this night! Canst thou not hear the sweep of his wings, as ho whirls in his dizzy flight through space? But she had a sweet face,” Leonard’s face had grown haggard with a ter- rible fear, gathered in part from the madwoman babbling that the child had come to harm. What was the meaning of those words ‘the pretty offering which g ta made to old Nep- tune?’ Perhaps it was only the senseless rav- ing of a maniac, and yet the child was gore. Where? The dread foreboding forced itself up- on him that the old Witch had taken the child in a mad freak and thrown her into the sca. If so, the returning tide had ere now carried her far beyond his reach, and all his plans must fail. The thought was maddening, and he sprung upon the weman and grasped her by the throat. “For the last time, will you tcll me?” he hissed.‘ Where is the child I placed in your care? She is not in the room at. the ruins; neither is she at your cabin. Where is she?” Old Hannah was possessed of wonderful strength for one so old as she seemed to ke, and she wrenched herself free frem his grasp and then turned on him like a tiger at bay. ‘“‘Ha! lay not a violent hand on old Farnah, the Witch of the Cliff!” ske said, ‘or else her curse will follow you. Seek ye the child. Dol not tell you that to-day 1 made a glorious sacri- ice to old Neptune? And ere now he bas borne her far hence to his cavern-Lome beneath tho rolling seca. Goseck her there i? you will, kut hell and its furies seize thee if thou com’st nigh me. Suddenly her isarrer changed, and, without appearing to notice Leonard, she scomed to be addressing a third perscn, cr a creature of her own imagination. “I knew thee, Philip! Ay! I knew thee! Often have I Candied theo cn my Imees in thy baby-days. Thou art finely grown, but I knew thee. And yet the child had a sweet face, Der yellow tresses made me think of old.” Leonard had now no @dcubt that the mac- weman had drowned the child, even as ske said, and his rage was terrible, “Gold, you old hag? I have lag ycu tco much gold to have you betray me like this!” “And yet she was a sweet child,” muttered the woman, without heeding her companion, “But you shall pay for the deed with your own blood, you viper!” and drawing a long keen knife, he sprung upon her and buried it to the haft in her bosom. ; She turned toward him, and for a moment the clouds that enveloped her reason were rent asunder, Her eyes flashed upon his face, end then from her lips came that terrible cry of an- guish which had picrced the cars of the boys at the cabin—a cry of such wild, awful agony as could not have been couced Ly mere physical ain, , Leonard flung her to (he ground, but she rar- tially raised herself on one bend and looked ct him with a wild earnest gaze. ‘Barton Leonard! oh! wicked, unnatural man! What kast thou done? What hast thou done? Carst name the crime thou hast ¢« m- mitted? May Heaven spare you the mInisery of ngwrtng whose blood you have shed ‘this night ! Again her eyes prt en that wild, unnaturel glare, as she continved: “Tis cld Hannah, the Witch of the Cliff, Ha! ha! the time is rine! so let it come! And yet she had a sweet face!” Barton Leonard turned and fled, with that | .

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fearful cry ringing in hisears. Ay! and so it will, you coward, as long as memory lasts Months and years may roll away, but your a. soul shall have no peace. By day will that shriek of anguish ring in your ears, and when you lie upon your couch at night, it shall awaken you, and you will see before you that face as it was upturned to you in the twilight. Old Hannah’s scream was heard by other ears than the boys’ at the cabin. Felton had just come from the ruins where he had spent the last | two hours in giving the premises a thorough ex- amination. He had no doubt but Sadie was be- hind one of those strong iron doors, but their locks had resisted his utmost efforts, and at last he was forced to turn away. ; Just as he left the place, that fearful shriek rent the air. For a moment it chilled his blood, and then he advanced hurriedly in that direc- tion. He came upon the scene in time to catch a glimpse of Leonard as he walked rapidly away toward Setback. He recognized the retreating villain, however, and as his gaze rested upon the rostrate woman, who Jay helpless where she had been stricken, a hard, bitter express on came in- to his eyes. ‘‘ More crime that Barton Leonard must one day answer for!” he muttered. ‘* Who is his victim now?” ‘ The woman started up again as he approached. “ Back! back! curses on ye! What would ye with the old Witch?” ' ‘‘T would help you,” he said, soothingly. ‘¢ Hark! hear ye the bell tolling the dread tid- ings? But noone knows where the gold is hid! I will bide my time! yea, wait and weep!” Felton saw that she was growing weak and he feared he shonid not learn anything of Sadie. In- deed, in the condition of her mind, he doubted if any information she would give him could be relied on, but he resolved to question her. “Do you know anything of the little girl, Sa- die?” he asked. “Sadie? She had a sweet face. Go ask the waves! goseek her in yon treacherous sea! know ye not—and yet—it seems that once I knew that face.” . Again her reason had reasserted itself, and she was gazing upon him with an earnest look. ‘* Lawrence Felton, I know you now, though it is years since I have seen you. Why are you here?” ‘¢T seek my sister’s child. Do you know where she is? Little Sadie?” An expression of horror crept over her face as she listened to the question. “Ay! Iremember. I led her to yonder beach —go back to the mother—the child is dead. I threw her in the sea. It seems like a dream. There was the boy, Philip, fifteen years ago, and where is he? What a fearful tale for a mother’s ears—the story you must tell when you go back! But her anguish cannot equal what I have suf- fered to-night. My time has come; my hours are few. I must make what reparation is pos- sible to that poor mother. Heaven grant she may forgive t oor creature who has wronged her so bitterly. Listen; come nearer!” The woman’s voice was faint and weak, and Felton bent lower over her. As he listened to the strange story she told him he was thrilled by the earnestness of her manner, and by her sorrow for the part she had taken. When she conclud- ed, and he realized all, his blood grew cold with horror at the awful crime Barton Leonard had committed. Her eyes had closed and Felton thought she Was unconscious, but in a moment she broke out again in a frenzy. . “Ha! she was a pretty child! Who says I threw her in the sea? The stars did not see it, and the sun has gone. See those demons therein the shadow! There, they are gone. They can- not tear my secret from me. Hear the wind moan—and moan—and moan. It was not he! It was not Barton that stabbed me to the heart! And yet she had a sweet face! No, no—” There was a gurgling sound and she fell back;" Hannah, the Witch of the Cliff was dead. For a moment Felton remained lost in thought, from which he was aroused by approaching foot- steps. Looking up - Ay Billy Bombshell and Philip coming toward him. P What's ther circus?” a Billy. ‘‘ What's er meaning 0’ that screech! p eg Sadao has murdered this woman,” said Felton, the boys saw the prostrate form. ‘It aremy ctable grandmarm,” said Billy. “ What'd he t ag’in’ her. He’s tried ‘it on Petrel PA ton Soe t times, an’ he’d ’a’ laid me cold this Saatnitent te could a’ got his flip- on me, but he wa’n't soon enough. Did ye hear ther row?” fd = ie Billy Bombshell, the Cliff Climber. ‘*T only arrived in time to catch a glimpse of Leonard as he filed. But from what she said after I came upon the scene, I learned the cause of the deed. It seems she has been insane, for how long I do not know, but to-day in her mad fury, she sacrificed the girl, Sadie, who had been left in her care by Leonard, as an offering to Neptune. In his anger at the loss of the child, he has shed the bl of this woman.” ‘* But ther gal are all safe enough,” said Billy. ‘*T see’d Molly Garrett a bit ago, an’ she said as how she found ther gal down on ther beach, tied up within reach o’ ther tide.” ‘* Where is she now?” asked Felton. ‘Molly told me ter tell ye that ye’d find her at their cabin, at Setback.” ‘Then I must go there at once. get her in his power again.” He turned to Philip and conversed with him earnestly for a few minutes. As they talked an expression of pleasuré gradually lighted up the young man’s features, and he clasped Felton’s proffered hand warmly. Billy Bombshell sat Gazing silently at all that remained mortal of old Hannah, She had called herself his grandmother, and, although he had sometimes doubted if there was such a relation- ship between them, she had been kind to him in a certain way. None could say what his thoughts were, but it was plain to be seen that he was deeply affected by her sudden and violent death. en Felton and Philip turned toward him he spoke. ‘She had her pecoolierartieis, an’ I reckon that most ov us can’t brag over her much on that pint, but in ther main she has used me squar’, In consekence 0’ a certain combatibil- ity of temper I deemed it proodent fur me ter lodge outside, but my board was always served promptly whenever [ made an application. She took car’ ov me when I war too little ter take car’ 0’ myself, an’ though sometimes we both oy us used unparli’mentary language, I don’t lay up nothin’ on that account, an’ I hope she won’t. She tried ter drown’d ther leetle gal, it’s true, but she didn’t do it, for Molly Garrett got ther al away, an’ ’sides, ’cordin’ ter ther evidence, she was laborin’ under a mental aberlation, an’ therefore warn’t ’sponsible. She has always said she was my grandmother, but I ain’t pre- papitan ter sw’ar that_I am _her grandson, hough all the same I consider it my juty ter see that she is decently buried, an’ that—” He stopped and looked away in the direction of Setback. Felton spoke to him: “She was not your grandmother, my boy; of that I am well assured, from what she told me; though she said nothing that would show who your parents were. I presume she would have done so, if she knew, had not her delirium again come on. She spoke of having gold concealed about her cabin which would now belong to you. There was a peculiar glitter in Bill’s eyesas he replied: “Tf she has left any shekles they shall be ap- plied to a good purpose.” ‘*We must now be on the way to Setback as soon as possible,” said Felton, “but, first, we have a duty to perform here,” The necessary implements were procured from the cabin, and in a short time all that remained mortal of old Hannah, the Witch of the Cliff, with all her faults and short-comings and some virtues, was covered from the uncharitable eyes of the world. ‘CHAPTER XIII. A FALL OVER THE CLIFF, “Rest ther old cat in peace!” said Billy as they finished their task. e said it reverently. “* Now let us prepare to go to Setback,” said Philip. ‘Tam anxious to be on my way.” He and Bill returned to the cabin with the tools they had been using, while Felton remained near the grave they had made, absorbed in thought. After the lapse of several minutes he was sud- denly aroused by the sound of a shot, followed by shouts of anger from Billy Bombshell. He hastened in the direction from which the sounds came and soon arrived upon the scene, but too Jate to be of any assistance to his friends, All was over when he reached them. They had returned to the cabin with the tools when they heard a moan, as of some one in dis- tress, a short distance further on. Not think- ing of any harm they burried in that direction, and soon came upon a man lying prostrate upon the ground, back was toward them, so they did not recognize » but as soon as they came near Leonard may he turned, and, partiall raisi himself. drew a pistol and fir hh > at Philip. The shot took effect and the young man fell to the ground, The man now sprung to his feet and made a grab for Billy Bombshell, but the lad was teo nimble for him. By this time he had recognized the man as his old enemy, Ben Garrett, who had tried to kill Philip and himself at the hole in the cliff a few nights before. “ Say, old Methus'ler, you'll have ter limber up them jints o’ yourn afore ye kin ketch ply Bombshell. ow old was ye yer last birthday? Better withdraw from ther arena, an’ give ther rising gineration a chance.” Garrett believed he could capture the boy and he had no intention of withdrawing until he had done so, But the sequel proved that it would have been better for him by far had he taken Billy’s advice. The latter was dodging the big ruffian at every turn, and seemed to experience no treuble. in ree ha ‘*Look here, my antedeluvian friend,” said Billy, ‘* you’re gittin’ yerself all out o’ breath fur nothin’. Ye couldn’t ketch me ina month o” Sundays, no more’n ye could ketch yer own shadder. I’ve got about sick o’ bein’ chased ’round hyer in this way, an’ I give ye fair warn- in’ ye may come ter some harm if ye don’t let up. I’ve got a temper as wellas other folks, though Tain’t so’tarnal cranky as some I know; an’ thar’s a limit ter my patience. Now you jest listen ter what ther law-giver is tellin’ ye, an’ ye may be saved. But if ye persist in ther iniker- pa ye’re now pursooing, ye’ll come tcr grief. ** Now I’ve got ye,” said Ben, as he made a grab at the boy. “Got ther bellyache jest asmuch,” said Billy, as he dipped under hisarm. ‘ Now, I tellyeter git out; my patience are about exhausted. Do ye want me ter git up an’drumonye? Ye'd think ther mountains was a-tumblin’ onter ye.” At this moment Ben made another rush at the boy. Billy was close to the edge of the cliff and he had played the dodging game till his hi 9 nent pretty well understood his tactics. Thelad waited until Ben was almost upon him and then, quick as a flash, he dropped flat upon the ground, The result was rather more dramatic than even Billy had anticipated. In Garrett’s head- long rush his fcot tripped against the boy’s — and he pitched, with a wild cry over the cliff. At this point it was a sheer Cescent cf rearly sixty feet to tho Leach, and near the base of the cliff was a macs cf sharp, jagged rocks, upon which a momerxt Icter Garrett’s body fell witha crash. Billy crept to the cCge and looked over with a white, scared face, lfe had not expected such a result when he dropped himself in the path of his infuriated pursuer. But if he had been caught, it was altogether likely that he would have been served the same way himself. It was too dark now for him to sce to the tottcm of the cliff, so he crept back to the side of his friend to learn the extent cf his irjurics. Felton appeared at this mcment, and at once began to look for the wound, which proved to be only a slight one, and when it had been dressed Philip expressed himself as being ready to continue their way to the town. ‘* How did it all happen?” asked Felton. Philip told him how they kad been decoyed to the spot by hearing moans, and as soon as they were near him the man turned and shot at them. ‘“‘ This is the same men who made the attack upon you a few nights since, is he not?’ asked Felton. ‘““Yes. He's thersame pilgrim,” replied Billy. “But he’ll never inake enocther. I wt a-teliin’ him ter let up or he'd find hisself up ther wrong tree, but he didn’t mind. Now, ye see, in con- sekence, he’s fallen from his high estate onter ther rocks below.” “You say Leonard saw you when he was here this afternoon?” “Yes; I had a few minutes’ friendly conver- sation with him. He swore he'd have my blood, but I'm willing ter bet ears with him, ‘two ter one, that he never will.” ““T think I see ther cause of this attack. Leonard knew Billy was in the vicuaity some- where, and might have seen him strike the cow- ardly blow which killed his grandmother. On his way to Setback he met this man Garrett, and sent him back to slay the boy. He proba- bly saw you as you returned to the cabin with the spade, and lying down here, uttered those moans to draw you toward him.”

Page 14

i. yo PE eee ee ee * a = rw | ee, me Ss are Tear .. “Heid better have let ther job out, an’ any one else that’s got any ijee of tacklin’ this tad- pole; but I didn’t s’pose he was goin’ over the cliff ther way he did.” “‘Can you lead us to the beach below by some course less dangerous than that pursued by Ben Garrett?” ‘¢ Wal, thar’s a path back here a bit whar wo kin git down quite comfortably. What ye want ter go down thar fur?” ‘‘ We must ascertain if his fall was fatal, and if not, although he was our enemy we must not leave him there to suffer.” “Fatal? Mortal Jeeswax! Jest you look over there a minute an’ see if you think it would be fatal!” Felton stepped toward the edge of the cliff, and as he did so he felt a portion of the rock give way under his feet. He had barely time to spring back when a rock which must have weighed several tons slid away and went crash- ing down upon the rocks below. ‘Holy smoke!” ejaculated Billy. ‘‘ That was a clus shave fur you. Ef that stun struck Ben Garrett, do you think ’twould be fatal?” Billy now led the way to the path he had oken of, and they all descended to the beach. They soon stood near the spot where the un- fortunate man had fallen over, and on ex- amination found that the rock which had be- come detached from the cliff had indeed fallen upon the body, completely covering it from sight. ‘’Tain’t goin’ ter cost much ter bury him,” said Billy, as be glanced toward the top of the cliff. ‘I hope there won’t any more pieces fall while I am here.” “There is nothing for us to do here,” said Felton, ‘‘and the sooner we are on the way to Setback the better I shall be pleased. We have already lost considerable valuable time, and I shall not rest easy till I have.little Sadie under my own protection,” ‘Wal, hyer we goes then. Foller me, an’ T'll lead ye to ther goal 0’ yer ambition by ther shortest route.” He started off at a rapid pace, closely followed by Felton and Philip, and it was not long before they saw the lights of the town just ahead of them. “Does Ye want ter proceed direct ter ther Garrett cabin, or have ye business som’ers else that ye want ter attend ter fu’st?” “We will go to the cabin atonce. Perhaps it will be well to proceed with caution, for our enemies may be here before us.” “Thar’s ther cabin,” said Bill, a moment later, ‘‘an’ I guess ye’re right bout thar bein’ somebody ahead on us, for thar’s some hosses hitched out thar, ye see. It’s lucky we hurried, or we'd ‘a’ been t6o late.” CHAPTER XIV. THE DENOUEMENT. Wren Molly took leave of Billy Bombshell she went directly to the place where she had left Sadie. ‘The little girl had remained quietly inside, as she had been told, for she was afraid she would be seen by the old Witch and be taken back to the beach again, or at least to her prisen-room, and when Molly made her appear- ance she was welcomed with many caresses, The two started at once for Setback, for Molly wished to get away from the vicinity of the ruins as soon as possible. She was afraid of being seen by old Hannah, or worse still, by Leonard, who, Billy had said, was lurking near the place. The little girl could not walk yor fast, and i¢ was some time before they reached the town. They had seen no one on the way, but as they approached her home Molly saw ‘rom Parsons and Sam Tanner slink away from the cabin where shoe had found Felton the evening before. They also saw her and Sadie, but they made no move to molest her, and she entered her own cabin and fastened the door. She prepared some food for the child, and then telling her she should be gone but a short time, she again left the cabin and went down the street to the hotel. She wished to see Felton, and she did not know but he might still be there, though he had said he should visit the ruins during the afternoon. She learned, however, that -he had left the house some time previous and had not yet re- turned. She left a message for him, when he should return, that she wished to see him at her father’s cabin. The proprietor, who knew Molly, promised to deliver the message as soon as Felton came in, and she then took her leave and returned at once to Sadie. The two men whom Molly had seen knew that the little girl who was with her was the one that |. As 2 the 4‘ > mbshell, Leonard had gone to the ruins after that after- noon, but they thought he might have changed his mind about starting from that point, as he had said the ae night, and sent the girl to Setback by Molly. : They had remembered their victim whom they had left lying by the lone cabin the day before, and had now come to see if the body had been discovered and removed. They searched in and about the cabim, but of course found nothing, and they comcluded that the body had been taken away. They did not for a moment imagine but that their work had been so well done as to deprive their v.ctim of life. the street and entered one of their numerous resorts to await Leonard’s return. It was some time after dark before he made his appearance, and when he did he looked hag- gard and worn. Hoe entered the saloon and, taking a seat at the table where they were, called for brandy. He seized the glass that was placed before him and drank the contents ab a gulp. He then turned to the men beside im ‘*“Ther game is up,” he said. ** What's ther riffle?” inquired Sam. ‘** The girl is dead!” “Since when?’ asked Tom Parsons, ‘‘We rid her not three hours ago, an’ she wa’n’t dead then. ‘* Where did you see her?” “She war with Ben Garrett’s gal, goin’ ter their cabin,” “Tt must have been some other girl. This girl, Sadie, is dead. The old woman turned crazy to-day, and threw her into the sea.” “How Fe know she did?” ‘The old hag told me so herself, and gloated over it. She bade me seek her in the caverns at the bottom of the sea where she had been borne by old Neptune. She'll never do any- thing of the kind again;” and he shuddered as though her terrible scream still rung in his ears. ‘Wal, this Garrett gal may have fished her out of the water. "Tennyrate, I’ve seen the gal afore an’ I know her, an’ { know I see’d ther same one late this arternoon, goin’ ter Garrett’s cabin with his gal.” ‘““Thar’s nary a dotbt but what ’twas ther same gal as you’ve had caged up at ther ruins,” added Tom. \ ““It may be possible that the Garrett girl found and rescued her. If so I am all right yet; we will go there and see. But wait! we may as well go prepared, for if it is she, we will start at once, Are tine horses in readiness?” ‘““Yas; we had them all rignt this arter- noon, and should have taken ’em ter ther ruins *cordin’ ter orders, but we see ther gal, an’ s’posed ye hed changed yer mind "bout startin’ from that p’int.” “ Well, I will go to the hotel and get some supper, and you might as well do the same there or at some other place, for you will need it before we get to Mendocino.” He left the saloon and was soon followed by his two tools. In the course of an hour they had finished their supper and got the horses in readiness, and all three took their way to the Garrett cabin. ** Ben is not at home,” said Leonard, “for I met him not far from the village, and sent him back to try his hand again on that boy, Billy Bombshell.” “T wish I could try my hand on him,” said Sam Tanner. They were soon close to the cabin, and they fastened their horses, while Leonard went at ence to the door which he tried to open. It was fastened, ‘** Who is there?” asked Molly. ‘‘ Berton Leonard. I have come for Sadie Alderson, whom you brought here this after- noon,” “‘Then you may go away again,” was the re- ply, “for I shall not let you in.” ‘Is not Sadie here?” ‘Tt makes no difference whether she is or not; you cannot have her if she is.” “Yes, I can, and will. ‘Open the door at once or I will break it down!” “T shall not open the door, and I will shoot the first man who enters!” Molly was a brave girl whenshe was aroused, and as she held a pistol in her band it was evident she intended to make good her threat. The other two men now came up, and Leonard ordered them to break down the door. They put their shoulders against it and it yielded at once, but Molly was as good as her word, for, a moment later, Sam Tanner dropped to the floor with a bullet in his breast. wn But Molly was helpless now, and the two re- Satisfied on this point, they went down | maining villains had everything their own way. She made an attempt to retreat to the room in the rear, but before she could close the door they followed her, and prevented it. At this moment Felton made his appearance in the open doorway, closely followed by the two boys. When Tom Parsons’s eyes rested upon Philip, and he recognized him as the young man whom he and Sam Tanner had thrown into tho sea, he was stricken with terror. His supersti- tious mind grasped only one idea: the dead Lad arisen and come to haunt him, With a wild cry of horror he turned and sprung through the low window and fled. Leonard was made of different material. Eo knew that Philip Alderson stood before him alive. How he had escaped his doom he knew not, but that he had escaped was apparent. But, although his mind was not troubled by any superstitious misgivings, he saw plainly that his game was up for the pen at least, and he would gladly have followed his companion through the window had he not been covered by Felton’s revolver. “Stop where you are, Barton Leonard,” said Felton. ‘Your plans have failed. Philip Al- derson, yonder stands the man who caused your abduc'ion fifteen years ago. Before her marri- age with your father he was a suitor for the hand of Alice Felton, your mother. She refused him, kindly but firmly, and afterward became the wife of Allan Alderson. Barton Leonard laid a plan for revenge. He became associated ‘with your father in business. Five years later, when you were four years old, your nurse very sud- denly disappeared, taking you with her, and all efforts to obtain any traces of yourself, or the nurse, were of no avail. ‘*There was no suspicion that Barton Leonard was in any way concerned in the abduction, though it has since transpired that he was the instigator and prime mover in the affair. Later, a daughter came to gladden the bereft hearts of your parents; Sadie, the little captive of the ruins. “Tn all these years he has seemed a devoted friend of the family, while in his secret heart he was nursing his revenge. Two years ago Allan Alderson died. He left a will in which the bulk of his property was bequeathed to his son Philip, should ie ever be found and his identity be established. In the course of time Leonard again became a suitor for the hand of Allan Alderson’s widow. At about this time Sadie also mysteriously disappeared. Leonard offered large rewards for the recovery of the irl, but all to no purpose; she could not be oun “ At last, overcome by his seeming kindness and his importunities, your mother consented to become his wife, on condition of his finding and returning to her, her lost daughter, Sadie. “<T will accomplish it,’ he said, ‘if T search the world over; and he departed. T suspected and followed him to this place where he had her concealed in the care of old Hannah. He had been instrumental in her abduction, as he had been in yours, ’ “You already know how he had attempted your life several times within the lastfew days. And you also know how he murdered old Han- nah in his anger because she had in her insanit thrown Sadie into the sea. Reason resumed its sway before she died, and she recognized me as I bent over her, thoughI should not have re- cognized her. : ** She was the nurse who disappeared fifteen qeats ago with the boy Philip. This wretch, am Tanner, is the man, who, in the service df Leonard, stole Sadie and brought her here to lace her in the care of the old Witch, who came hare shortly after leaving your parents with ou. mn You will not wonder et the dreadful ery she uttered, as she turned and saw who her assassin was, when I tell you that her murderer was her own son. She was Barton Leonard’s mother, and the cry which broke from her lips was more of mentalangvish than oo bpm ering.” During this recital Felton had allowed the re- volver which he beld to drop lower and lower until the hand in which it was clasped now hung by his side. chance for escape which he was not slow to im- prove. ' With one bound he ne ghey the open window by which Tom Parsons had made Ais exit, and disappeared in the darkness, shouting back ere he fled: ‘“‘Good-by, Lawrence Felton, for the present. B Sai will hear from me again. You have foiled 6 will you to the ends of the Leonard noticed this and caw a - lans I have cherished for a lifetime, but I ve my revenge, even if T have to follow ~

Page 15

“uphu® 7 ' ; , eRe, FP . , yi ae EN aad. Fh a same ana: a * 7? oN ® - aes ve pies i Vand a4 ; Billy Bombshell, the Cliff Climber lif 15 PAN #2 Srey eared. ran to the window. but he had disap- 35 Wirtp Ivan. By E ~ Molly n ; | 36'T x. By Edward L. Wheel cy anf = sl se the girl from the room in | 87 THE ohh ge by Frank 8. ~ Avanapene SY tarry Bt George. ..- Be SI gi Seana AEP. ag ag i 5 0 resses with sisterly | 47 Nicssyweuun Nat, By cig tmp a le Fn ee eee ae C. Morris, Be Melton now prepar | 47 NieutinGcaLe Nat. ES ae ae be | 164 DANDY sxA8. By Oll Coot SoS ee : : spare -etur | 48 B balge acsegpaniee Fae . C. Harbaug 4 Danpy Rocr’s PLEDGE mes... ... ‘ f with Philip antl Rode, eid ge a ae wore 49 Grae oe ; “BY palin ae J. E Sadaee Jr be 166 BIL Bagi oa, Sa ee veg oe Browne. Bc ti accompany them to care sked Molly to | 50 Bert BUNKER Edward L. Wheeler , Jr 5e | 166 Hickory Tamm, Sr Vakeey Glee Morris.. 5¢ } when Ve Vad tol are for the little girl ‘and 51 THe B aU NKER. By Charles E. Sakata seaeeeee BC | 167 Asa Scott. é B . By Harry St. George. be OC ' G old her the fate of her ee! vi ate os Rirtes. By Archie C. Iron... """ Se | 168 Deapiy DA y Edward Willett See arrett, she had no hesitation i er uncle, Ben | 5 THe Wuire Burra. By ie C. Iron........... 5e | 169 T tADLY Dasn. By Joseph E. I ae : He wished als page tion in doing so. 53 JIM BLuDSOB, JR. By y 3y Charles E. Lasalle... 5e ante stromiee Tom. By T.C. E +] Badger, Jr. . 5e boy voibinedt. lso to take Billy there, but the | os By HAZEL, By Onis ee te: heeler..... be os Pasig a By Pe He a neve Jo We 27a 5e J 2 em, but th : 68 THE 4EATUER Jor. By Philip 8. W Be | 184 THE Boy T AND. By Chas. Morris r not go P e boy would ¢ HE BorDER Rosin H ip 8. Warne... 5c 44 THE Boy TRAILERS. By Jos. E Bt dese Art te i 69 GouD RIFLE tOBIN, Hoop. By Buffalo Bill. . 5¢ | 185 Evi Eve. By Frank y Jos. E. Badger, Jr... be Phi should like ter go,” he said, “an’ s _, | 70 Onn. Sars 4 Edward L, Wheeler Fiae's) co Be | an Coon DESMOND. By Col Delo, Crernettecaes Be il safe ter his home, but I ee Petrel | 71 DELAWARE By J. F. C. Adams 187 Frep HaLyYARD ‘ Jele Sara .. 5 full team now, an’ Tvs. bot tit ye’ve got a | @ Map soy’, Heccwal By Oll Coomes. . . -; Le» Se | 183 Nep TEMPLE. af one Morris ........ Be has got ter, be *tended to ~ Dy usinoss hyer; thas 73 Drapwoop Drox ox By J. Hamilton... .-- Se | 190 Dan ROCKETT, THE ésicreainen set iae that Sk avenge ther death oP 1 eared a swear | arene andmarm, an’ ef ry my ’spectable 75 THE Boy DUELIs * baal P RE cates. a 91 BUFFALO BILLy, By Capt. A. B. er...) 4. Be ew peer 2 Ag Big erin pare Tm ie one 1 «6 — Cour, Lan ig! at ER ying a So | ol Sag Be Kr. BY Lent i B. sere ae Be an’ prob’ly Pier 1 a’ been my grandmarm 78 ORDUROY CHARLIE. By es y A. W. Aiken, 5c ol Peek “ADY Roap-AGENT. By Phi erry, U.S.N, 5e¢ J | 78 Biorw Dic . By Edward L, Wheeler 194 Burrato Brix’s r. By Philip 8. Warne. 5 P aateerinte Pri" out that don’t alter ther cas 9 leo g Ick. By Capt é . Wheeler... 5 o% DE iL’s Bet. Capt Tavle ie. oC ran 1 Ty ae case. 98 1 ») ptain Mayne Re c | 195 DEADWw a pt. A. B. Taylor, ") 2 oe feed an’ et aes gp ter her, | 80 2a ot Tae ae woe TRAPPER. AW ‘Athen 5e | rd SniDo WER. PS) Charles M By E. L. Wheeler. se at Leon: esi goin’ ter la | 81 LicnTnin 5s y Edward L. Whee ne 5c | 197 LitrLe G . mere orris i ids ~ Sette tise Loa ape ae ay fur | § Kor Hamgoor. By T.C. Harba jee wn Be | 108 Amuancaw.-By E.G. Harbaugh. O00 Be be seen’ this ell go. He ain’t nowhar te 83 ROLL. oy Stinaad arbaugh........... Be | 20 ?EATHERWEIGHT, BY 1. wssees oes. BC s mornin’, but I har ter | 84 Ipyt, THE ( oy RANGER. By Oll Coomes... | + | 200 Tue Boy Bepoun y Edward Willett he has left. Setb , but I shall find him. If DYL, THE GIRL Miner. By E Coomes.... 55 | 2 p Boy Bepouins. By C i +39, SS pe x *7, a 5 i 1” rs NE Ed. L. Whe 55 | 201 THE Biack H age y Capt. F. Whittak THe won't Setback, I shall likewise ior; | 8 Buck Buckram. By C S 4. Wheeler .. be | 202 Px ACK HILLS JEZEBEL , er . 5c rob’ly go Eas emigrate. | 86 Danpy Ro ‘ aptain J. F.C. Ad c | 202 Prospect PE : . H, L, Wheeler af one place 22 wi go East very soon, but thar’s | 87 cK. By G. Waldo Browne ams... 6c | 203" ETE. By Oll Coomes - 5e vi har’s | 87 TH . . o Browne 203 Tue B > ‘ reforms a pr owes or later, unless he 88 cml na eno ang By. Capt. Magne Reid. bc | 204 Gop fame By 0 2 Badger, Jr... z* Se ran It7ll be a sad day for hits ae drop on - any Jm™. pa bridge He L. Wheeler... 5¢ | 206 Dane P op Dick’s Doom as BE Whe le} ae pedo explodes. P’r’a ; when this tor- HE DREAD Riper. By G. W LeEMYNE.... * Se | 207 N AUL, THE TIGEE K “A ep eeler. 5c 54? % “ ° ‘ wa te o . bad | Nav. NIC oR ING. By C. M is an’ p'r’aps ye Mad $s you'll hear ov me ag” } 91 THE CAPTAIN OF aldo Browne. ee | cone avago Nick. By T. C. H y C. Morris. 5¢ ,, SJ , but whether gin, Hemyn THE CLUB. By Bracebridge Se | 208 Tue Boy Hercure -C, Harbaugh . . Be Sg make up yer minds I'm a- a ad or not, | 92 CaNnaDAa Sic ey Raward ee; ates CS | ee weno D Ol Coomes_. Be 1d Scowler fur all ’m worth. It’s rkin’ arter | 93 THE Boy MNmea. Bowers L. Wheeler...)... 5¢ | 210 Faro Frank or Hicu Pin’ By WE Wheeler, 5c ye ter gush with vigor Th now time fur | 94 Mipvicur tid y Edward S. Ellis... .... 5 211 CrooKEep CaLE. By Jos y W.R. Eyster,.. 5¢ ed!” goron. Ther court’sadjour 95 THE R ack. By T.C. Harbaugh ... . 5e | 212 DASHING Dave y Jos. E. Badger, Jr 5 Pe journ- | 9 cen Aaya Rovers. By Lieut. Got Hazettin: be | 213 Frerz To vida ie Charles Morris be shell to pang porn th to persuade Billy Bomb- 97 THE Gonaw Aa % Rhea a a be m5 batoophor ga By Capt Oo ew eicieke + Be on their way, and i nem, the party proceeded | ss Rostn Hoop. By Prof noua J. Marshall... 5c | 816 edie Butter. By T.C Harba temps tabi Eastern home d in due time arrived ded | 99 Tue TiceR or T . Stewart Galdersleeve... 5c | 216 Bison Brut. By Col. Pre ti ugh _.-. be : e, wher ae at their | 100 Dre sos. By George W. - sc | 217 CAPTAIN “ ntiss Ingraha + . comed by the ides wg Fagtdteces wel- | 101 9 ACR HLAREAWAY nN svat By Wheeler be ps a Tom. ‘By Oll Goo ae L. heeler.. be in vain for her son to or years bridge H Nw New YORK. B , 219 DESPARD, THE . a _by all, and especially so Len Bodiy | to Set eee eee EE mae es | oe SE ue ed L. Wheeler. be et life he had twice tend on Philip, | 105 OLD bie Dick’s Device. By Ed. L. Wheeler, Sc | 223 OzARK ALF save” sean By Col. Ingraham: ze estern coast. t wild, | 106 OLp Fro , THE Hunter. By Capt. H. Holt er. 5c | 224 DASHING Dick var ard Willett ....... ” Be THE EN 107 One Even rue Gurpg. By T.C. Harba a. Se | 225 Sam CuaRcosi By Oil Coomes. .. ... y 5e END. 108 Babee Bee By J. L. Bowen es ae ee. 5c Charles Morris” THe Premium Darky. By ace Dalian vy. By Harry St. George..... .... Se 226 Swoozer, stag MEP eae ETT Te te Be 110 Tue Buack Sex as Derective. By Wheeler ei ot ee DARREL, TRAPPER. Sy E. L. Wheeler. 5c BE ADLE’ 111 THE Saat Devine ce THE PRAIRIES. By Bowen fe | 928 LrrrLE WILDFIRE By Of By E. Emerson... 5¢ Ss 112 THe Map | Adel y 6 Col. Prentiss Ingraham Be | 220 CRIMSON Katr. By Col Resi nnii senses Be . . 113 Jack Hovte. By Ae L, Wheel senna Be | 281 Pu ae B OD dak BC i IE _By Edward L. Whee ¢ UCK . 7 e as PG: oud | Half-Dime Library Hi Tor Brack Scuooxem Oy Roger Starbuck.” 5 | 3p Geb ice” By Ete Wheeler” > ; 116 THe Hussar CAPTAIN : > Browne...... Sc | 9343 or BucK OF ANGELS. By ler... 25 435 be Q y USS. y PhO POW.» * f € af GELS \? ie aben 117 A Ae pick - Col. P. Ingraham. a hate seat it THE Youxa™ FS ogo W. Aiken.. 5e 1 Deapwoop Dick. By Eaward L, Wheeler... § 417 Gra-Evoxn Dior. , By etard L. Waseler.- 50 | = Speech pega ee ee id 3 Kansas Kino. wis Bu Rag E, Badger, Jr... Be | 120 i = Bad Sam. By Jos, E Mle Mores. Se} Charles Mi = THE Mzssencer Boy. By ee if 4T ILD-Ho! alo Bill... ny HE BRANDED Han ng on Nag Ra a a Sol Wt Lame Pana Me ‘ ns 5 a ee UNTERS. By Mayne Ri st he 5c / 121 CINNAMON egg nes Frank Dumont..... be 9 4 Apotlo Bin. By Edward L. Wheeler .. .._ be f Saree nono Jam. By Oll Coomes y eid.... 5¢ | 122 Pat, Harpy THE Mag! meng L. Wheeler...... 5¢ | 237 Lone Star, THE CowBo¥ Cart eeler .. .. be Mf 7 THE Fie tae er, By Edward 8. Ellis 7 | 123 Krowa Cuatzey. By T Cw y Chas. Morris. 5c | 238 To Ps 6 Ingraham... dehee wa 8 SETH JONES, By Kawa Col, Ingraham sare’ a | 125 Sty Bg TEXAN. by ‘Géotes Cebooh B's 7 | 290 THE Gath ecuxee GCI: By ‘Oll Coomes ~ . 9 THe ADVENTURES OF % RRR 7 Ti NZA BILL, MINER, By EL. Wheeler... c | 940 Cycrone K vipr. By Mayne Rei 10 Nar Topp, By BCE BARON MuncHAUBEN...... 5¢ | 9° he ee Chale. te | 30 Orcs its Saux Fame er a So 4 Hy Two DETECTIVES, By 5) "Be | 128 THE mare an, Frank Dumont......... .-.. 5c Harbaugh EAR Parps. By T Cc. “ a : ? x ht RA ,..,. Be | Va: or) eee es ° . 13 Guu vER Sr Bye Y Sega Aiken... 5c | 120 DEApwoop Dean's DOUR ZY aay Cavendish . Be a — Two ‘Broops.’ By Charles Morris." .. Be 14 ALADDIN . ByOl Comes, 2.2222). ee ist ond Go IvE Dick. By. hacked: Mord Wheeler. Be | 214 i rage sonal By Oll Coomes. aie DEN, --- ° toe gee * OO aaa 6) . & Gou +! a3 . oS" i Cee = at v SAM, THE \ “et tes 0+ oe 45 Tur Sea Cas. By Capt. Bredertok Whittaker. Be | 183 Bom cl aN Bg RP ptt Bo |. ward L. Whesler KONTIER Fenner, By Ed- be SRS ae RUSOE «6 -.... ser.. 5c | 133 Bos ; idee dward 8. Ellis... 5c | 246 ¢ aLE, THE M *Tay.5 pte “ATS Jette 4 Rar Roy. By Col Prentiss Ingra’ nd be | 134 aaa tome oY Edward L. Wheeler dicate: oc | 246 Grawt edade, By Bk on Ingraham. Be a RErRaD mer SAILOR. «+ 2.00... ham, .... 5¢ | 135 Caprain en 2 | og Coomes......0....5. Bo | 247 OLp Grizziy = fits Pere Sam... .... .. 5¢ : Be Hasso Srv, By Bua Bal Be | Um Tae Ht py Gy Cane 0001 Be | 206 grmuna Sus Rect, islopare 21 ¥ (BLE DAGGERS. y Ed, L. Wheeler... |” ¢ | 137 Toe He 7 8. E. Badger, Jr. .... | 949 J Am’s Secrrt. ByE.L. Wheeler ; 2 gS pg enemea By Barnes 8. mee + oc — meee ‘fo a wand ° ot, Maye Reid. be 250 tare “ nM De Captain Fred. Whittake es ‘ . ~r. By Col. Jua vebla seat 39 Jupe@E LyNcH 2 L. Wheeler.....+- mov SUDSHIPMAN : - Col, er... Bc : Nick 0° He Nor, By i ai oe Lew Brie 5e 1 40 At eae *- Pm 2. Mashengh Ae be a each Spe ier: By Son . ga 5e a ? > Col. Prenti +» «-- HO | 141 § 1 : MG N Svargs + m~ VICK DASHAWAY * 22 Nie RUBIG, 109 '9:0 » STs Box Cariare by Hower Searbuck "Bo 1 Sostpcom Hae By Chanies ors BS Ries Bie Pan rah ae 27 ANTELOP r, THE Demon. By E. 1. Wheeler. Scar-Face Savi. By OU C OTIS) «3. > vs Be | 255 ‘HE Hair Broop. By Eawara ler. ....+ 5c * Boene te eo Guipe. Oll €oomes .. de | 144 Darsry Lance, 1 oy pomied: tcc. $0 | 956 Caprain ApoLlo. By T. C a 8. Ellis. ..... 5 .. Be | 145 LANCE, THE Boy Sporr. B 256 Youn . . C. Harbangh 29 Tae Dump Pat By Edward L. Wheeler Be CAPTAIN FERRET. BY Bad ., y Badger. Be | 257 nq Kentuck. By Captain Ma 1S ee 5c 80 RoaRIna AcE. By Capt. F. Whittaker... 5: 146 Sttver Star. By oll Coates L. Wheeler..." 5e | 258 THE Losr HUMES. By J. F.C ite rsgieyteh = Rap: eres yriae Y * mos $ ’ v J. F.C. Ada 3 Roantne Raura Rockwoop. By H. 8% Geon S| 1 Wie eae ay Charles Morris.......-... be | 258 Sienna Sam's SEVEN. By sna +4 = By Oll ge. 5c | 148 SHarp re, By Charles Morris........ 259 Tae GotpeN Har . L, Wheeler.... 5c z° 33 ‘Tas Oona Buoo GB Coomes i sciec "7°" Be | 100 L Seed cel By Rawerd L. Whos eee cura Pte Starbuck. 5 rs 34 OREGON Sol. By Caper J, FG, ag ORE MET Gye Tixaso, ‘By Capt. dL. Wheeler... Sc | The eiseBtnes Libve ae x _J.F. ©, Adams........ 5¢ | 15% Buace i Pau. By Joseph E. Badger. 5 5c | Newsdealers, five cents ibrary is for sale by all Ess, By Charles Morris....... iSite $6) aaa RD Dre conte per Coy ore a, Dy mail ; : blishers, 98 William street, New to Ma, . } pe ih Se Viet eae free Se, RW z, Fr

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