Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 438) (1885 12 15)
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, Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. door, only to find the doorway blocked by Santa Fe Sal, whose revolvers were leveled straight at them. ** Back!” she cried, in unmistakable tones of warning. ‘‘ Back, you hounds, or I'll let day- light through every one of ye! For shame! to seek to run down a blind and crippled man! | Back! you hounds, or die!” The men halted, for there was no mistaking the girl’s purpose to shoot. “Let a man of you dare to draw a weapon, and he’s a dead man!” Sal continued, undaunted- ly. ‘“‘ I never fail when I pull trigger! Cowards! to hound down a man who cannot see. You de- serve to be shot, every one of you!”* The men exchanged glances, as they shrunk back. Their hesitation all the more enraged Rowdy Jack, and he fairly shrieked: “ Go on! go on! curses on you! I'll pay ye as much to capture the girl as the beggar!” Here was an extra incentive. A thousand dollars was not to be made every By) b nd Rowdy Jack was ‘as good as a bank, so far as pay was concerned. “Hurrah! boys, come on!” one of the gang cried, making the invitiatory move forward. But, it was to his death, for the right revolver of Santa Fe Sal spoke sharply, and a bullet land- ed in the rash man’s brain. With an unearthly yell he fellin the path of his comrades, and they again recoiled in real terror. “That man earned his fate!” Santa Fe Sal cried, ‘‘and if any of the rest of you want a funeral just notify me. Tl leave you, now, and you can hunt old Alvin Green, if you are so in- clined, but don’t come fooling around me, or down goes your shanty, for ’ma slasher who always gets the drop!” And keeping them covered with her revolvers, she backed out of the saloon and disappeared. The next instant, the miners rushed out after her, with vengeful cries, but she was gone. There were plenty of trees in the camp, and it was therefore an easy matter for her to quickly conceal herself. Then too, no street having been laid out, the houses were built without any conformity to line, so that one could dodge from one to the other without being detected. A general and exciting search was made for the daring girl, in which nearly all the citizens joined, But all to no use. Had the earth opened and swallowed her, Santa Fe Sal could not more effectually have vanished. At last, when it was nearly midnight, the miners were forced to give in, beaten and dis- comfited. The man killed had been athriffy miner—his name was John Hall—and the excited citizens all united in swearing vengeance on Santa Fe Sal, and resolutions were ordered drafted, offer- ing a reward of sufficient amount to secure her immediate capture. Neither had the search of the camp revealed the epeneabonte of old Alvin Green, the organ- inder. What had become of him? And what had become of Santa Fe Sal? We must leave that for later chapters to re- veal, while we take up another thread of our story. For, dear reader, not to be behind the times, Buckshot Camp boasted of a mystery. CHAPTER IIT, THE MASKED STRANGER. Some two months prior to the events of this eventful night, a little stranger made its ap- pearance in the mining-camp of Buckshot—a pretty, chubby, flaxen-haired boy, about two years and six months of age. He was found one morning, by an early-rising miner named Tyndale—found lying under a great oak tree, fastasleep. A remarkably preter. child, its features indi- cated that it had been born of refined parents, as did its tasty clothing. The clothing, however, was besmeared with blood-stains, that appeared to be several days if not weeks old, Here was a prime mystery, that created an unprecedented furor in Buckshot Camp. ow came the child where it was found? . Whose child was it? What did the blood-stains mean? Murder? It would seem so. ‘ Tyndale took the child home to his wife, and soon after, all Buckshot knew of the “ find,” and everybody flocked to get a glimpse at the new- comer, The little fellow seemed frightened at first, and inclined to cry, but gradually he brightened up, and appeared to be happy. He could speak afew words, but all questioning failed to elicit whether he had been taken from mother and father, or not. He did not seem to know the meaning of any of the usual parental pet names, nor to know his own name. Nor was there a clew as to his identity, all of which increased a mystery, which seemingly was destined to remain unsolved. A search of the surrounding country was made, but all to no purpose. (No trace of anything that would throw light on the matter, was to be found. The nearest settlement or habitation to Buck- shot Camp, was a good two days’ ride distant. The little stranger’s description was taken there, but nothing could be learned, in regard to the child. Everybody in Buckshot took a liking to the little stranger, and everybody PEPE RRS that its coming would bring luck to the camp. It would seem that it did, for the Big Bear mine soon after began to pan out better, Among others who appeared to take a decided fancy to the child was Gooca Sheldon, Stern man of the world though he was, the sight of the little fellow seemed to melt his cold, un- loving heart, and he offered to undertake its Buppor’ and education. So it was plifced in charge of a widow of the camp, whose husband had been killed in the Big Bear mine, by a premature explosion, and George Sheldon thereafter contributed liberally to Hannah Hayes, and the child, which was named Bertie Bright, on account of its sunny appearance. Vell, Bertie grew and thrived under Hannah Hayes’s care, and became the pet of every one. He grew to talk more plainly, but the secret of his past still remained a dead letter. George Sheldon was a wealthy man, and he spared neither money nor yains that the widow and her charge should have every comfort and luxury they could desire, Once a rumor got afloat that it was not alto- gether improbable the mine-owner and the widow would eventually marry, but those who knew of the former’s infatuation for Old Jack- pot’s daughter, Adele, smiled at the idea. Hannah Hayes treated little Bertie with all a mother’s care, and appeared to be entirely wrapped up in him, never having had a chic nor child of her own. She had often expressed a fear thut some one would yet come along, and lay claim to her pet but no one had come, and the chances increase daily that Bertie Bright’s past would never be revealed, On the night on which the jamboree had oc- curred at the Jackpot Saloon, Hannah and Bertie were up quite late, for the child was playful and happy, and did not want to go to bed. At last, however, his little eyes grew heavy, and Hannah tucked him away in his little bed, and he was soon sound asleep—so pretity and in- nocent, these slumbering babes, that it must be a heart of stone that wouldn’t melt to gaze upon them. Hannah then closed the bedroom door, and re- turned to the living apartment of the cabin, to pind to a few little duties ere she herself re- ved, She was thus busily engaged, when there came arap on the door—plainly a masculine rap it was, too, “That must be Mr. Sheldon,” she said, half- aloud, ‘*T wonder what he can want, at this hour?” She hastened to the door, unbarred it, and flung it wide open, naturally expecting to see the mine-owner, for she seldom had any other evening visitor, except when now and then, a miner’s wife would drop in, for a minute. As she opened the dor, a stranger stepped uickly within the cabin—a tall man, wearing a ull mask, and enveloped in a long cloak. As he did so, he pushed Hannah away from the door, end closed and barred it, “Silence!” he ordered, sternly. “ Utter a ery, and Tll blow your brains out! Sit down, per and calm yourself, for I mean you no rm. 5 “Oh! sir, who are you, and whatever brings you here?” **Do as I bid you, madam!” sternly. White and trembling, Hannah obeyed, her heart seeming to rise up, and choke her. : With his back against the door, the stranger ww a revolver from beneath his cloak, and toyed with it in a significant manner. a 3 ‘Tt matters not who I am, madam,” he an- swered, ‘‘I came here, on a matter of busi- ness.” ‘‘ Business, sir—what business:can you have with me?” ‘*T came to ask some questions, If you an— swer them correctly, all will be well for you, If not, all will not be well!” ‘*Oh! I will answer them, sir, if I can!” ** Quite sensible of you!” He was silent a moment, in thought. Then, he went on: ‘* About two months ago, a child was found in this. camp, was there not?” Yea; bint? ** A boy, or girl?” ** A little boy, sir.” ** About how old?” “Two and a half, sir.” ** Quite pretty ” “ Very.’ ‘* What kind of hair and eyes?” “ Quite light.” ** Who found the child?” “Mr. Tyndale.” ‘* How was the child dressed?” ‘*Tn an embroidered white dress,” ** Could the child talk?” ‘¢ Only a few words, sir.” ‘‘ Was there nothing on the child by which it juld be identified?” ‘* Nothing, sir.” ‘* You have the child in keeping?” Hannah hesitated. ““Why do you want to know?” she asked, anxiously. The stranger uttered a dry cough. ‘I’m asking the questions—you answer them,” he said, grufily. “IT have the child,” Hannah acknowledged, keeping an eye on the revolver. ** Did you adopt the child?” ‘No, sir; I am keeping it.” ‘*On your own means?” ** No, sir.” ‘** Who supplies the means, then?” ‘A kind gentleman, who took a liking to the little one, sir.” ‘* His name?” “ George Sheldon, sir.” ‘“‘Ahem! What has the child been named?” ‘“We named him Bertie Bright, sir, because he is so bright and pretty.” ‘* Who selected the name?” ‘* Mr, Sheldon.” * He is very much attached to the child?” Vee, Sith ‘“Was the child in any way injured when found?” ‘““No, sir. .His clothes were covered with blood, but he was uninjured.” ‘ ‘*Ts Mr. Sheldon a married man?” ** No, sir.” ‘* ver been married?” **T don’t know.” ‘Any scars or birth-marks on the child’s body?” ** No, sir.” ‘<7 wish:to see the child.” ‘Oh! sir, heisasleep.” ‘That don’t matter. I want to see him, and will see him.” “Oh! sir, you are not going to take him away from me?” Hannah cried, in distress. ‘Oh! please don’t, for T love him so dearly.” **T shall not disturb the child. _ Lead on,” Hannah took the light, and they entered the adjoining room, where Bertie was sleeping. The masked stranger knelt beside the cradle, and gazed for several minutes upon the angelic face. Once or twice Hannah fancied she saw a quiver pass over his stalwart frame; but if this were so, it was the only emotion he betrayed. At last he arose, and they left the room, where he once more took up his position against the door, ; *“T suppose you treat the child kindly?” he said, dryly. “Oh! yes, sir, it could not get any better treatment than I give it; I never have had an children of my own, sir, and I love this little aepnger as I would one of my own.” ; ‘*'Your husband is not living, I take it,” **No, sir. My husband was killed in the mine.” ‘* How long ago?” ** Nearly a year, sir.” “ Then, I suppose you will be getting married again soon, ‘Oh! my, no! What makes you ask that? Whom would I marry?” ‘* Sheldon!” “Indeed, no—I shall never marry Mr. Cc ~ demaeegsat sty TPs oF paar hD Lip _ a. SS St
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We —— Ss yet wae he has intentions in another direc- on. * Ah! how is that?” b r is talked that he is after Miss Adele Jack- i ? 5 ” ‘* Miss Adele Jackpot.” ‘* Jackpot?” “Yes, sir.” ‘*That’s a hot old name!” And the visitor gave a perceptible sneer of disgust. “TF niust be going!” he said. ‘I am deepl obliged to you for the information granted, madam, and am glad to see the child in such good hands. As long as you remain single he shall not be disturbed.” ‘**Ts the child yours, sir?” “No. And, now, before I go, I want you to swear before Almighty God that you will never mention my visit here, to-night, to a living soul. Swear as I have directed!” Hannah hesitated, then slowly obeyed. “Tt is well!” the stranger said. ‘‘ Your oath is registered. Break it,’ at your peril! One more question; Have you those blood-stained clothes?” “Yes. I washed them, butthe stains wouldn’t come out,” ‘*Good! Keep them! Underno circumstances, whatever, give them up to any one,” “Very well.” “* Good-night!” And without further ado the stranger left 7 cabin, and Hannah barred the door after m Out under the soaring moon, the stranger paused, and gazed steadily up into the blue vault of heaven. Gazed thus, for several minutes, as if trying to 2 napa beyond the skies. hen two words escaped his lips, in a sort of agonized whisper— ‘* Florence! Florence!” A moment more and he turned, and strode away among the gloomy pines, and became lost to view. ———s CHAPTER IV. A VILLAINOUS THREAT. Miss ADELE JACKPOT was counted the pret- tiest girl in Buckshot Camp, and was universally admired and respected. She was as charming {n manners as she was pretty of face and figure, and so hard at contrast with her hook-nosed, old skinflint of a father, that many doubted if a drop of his blood flowed in her veins. She was wont to rove about the camp of her own free will; was a good huntress, and often took ‘a pilgrimage up the mountain-side, not get- ting back until a late hour, And she seldom returned without a full game- bag. On the day which opens our story, she had set out on one of these trips, armed with her gun and plenty of ammunition, and finding ame scarce in the lower hills, had wandered far up the mountain-side—much further, indeed, than she had ret: until she fotind night coming rapidly or So, having secured only a few birds, and a ‘rabbit, she set out on her return to Buckshot. But, although she hurried along briskly, night overtook her some miles from the camp, and the moon came up and soared high in the starry vault of the heavens, ere she sighted the lights of the camp below her. She was yet a full mile distant from the camp, but now felt a comparative sense of meeps and, very much fatigued from her be she seated herself for a moment on a bowlder, to resf, As she did so, a man stepped from a clump of bushes, and confronted her, at which she gave a little scream of alarm. ou, ir Adele. I heard you were out Adel g sure papa will thank you for your interest in my behalf.” a ‘Papa, bah!” Sheldon said, snapping his fin- gers contemptuously. ‘Do you know, Adele, I lon’t believe a drop of ‘Old Jackpot’s blood runs M130, Vow can youmy.ay aetna be ‘Ob! how can you say so, am sure has been a very good parent tome.” “That be as it may, the contrast between you two is too strong for me to have any doubts about the matter. He’s of the brute species; “ Lt Ms m \ Ce 4 6 * < a Ryne y etn tM ees santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. Pe SUAS SNM as BUNS Stell tend Fo ND shai set pee ey RR ais hie ge : a if nee | a ee 2) PROM ie er an! Nt Ta re eae Rating oes ty you are an angel. Adele, do you ‘know I had more than one purpose in coming to meet you to-night?” “Mr. Sheldon?’ ' “Yes, Adele; I have something of the utmost importance to say to you—something, I fancy, that you already anticipate!” “Oh! no, sir. I do not know—I—I—do not understand you, sir!” ‘*Then, dearest Adele, I will make it plainer for you, so that you will understand. ou are aware that for some time past, I have been pay- ing you my addresses, and have made you pre- sents of several little trinkets, as tokens of my esteem. Have you not guessed why I, who am naturally so cold and distant, have warmed toward you? It was because I have grown to love you, and want you for my wife!” Bt me ese re i a : ay, do not feign to be surp for know you have antiempated this Lbs My and are in a measure prepared for it. You know I love you—passionately and devotedly; that no one else but your lovely self could ever find a place in my affections. Mine is not the mush- room love of callow youth, but the sincere affec- tion of mature years. And now, Adele, become my wife, and become the love-light of the hand- some home I will shortly provide for you!” Adele was silent for a moment, her gaze bent upon the ground, and it was evident that she was in deep contemplation. Finally she looked up, an expression of reso- lution upon her fair face. ‘No, Mr. Sheldon. I cannot marry you,” she said. “*Cannot?” he gasped, taking a step nearer to her—‘‘ cannot? y can you not?” vou have no right to ask such a question, sir. **T have the right! that you giye me the reasons why you cannot marry me!” he cried, passionately. “There are various reasons. In the first place, I do not love you, sir.” “Bah! a fig for that! You would learn to love me, once we were married. Besides, con- sider that you will be marrying wealth and station.” ~ “T care not for that. It would be no tempta- tion for me. And I could never learn to love ou. me Your second reason, girl?” “*T know nothing of your past record. You might have a dozen wives living, for all I’ know.” ‘““ Why, I was never married in my life!” “*T am not supposed to know about that.” ‘“‘Ha! that is equivalent to saying I am a falsifier!”’ **T said nofhing of the sort, sir.” ‘Your third reason?” “Ts that I could never consent to marry a man old enough to be my father. So let that settle it. I have no more to say, and must be were ‘“* Stop!” the mine-owner cried, turning purple with rage. ‘‘ You do not know whom you are dealing with, girl! Dare not'move an inch un- til you hear me out, or it will be the worse for you. I am not the man to brook. defeat—ah! no. I see how it all is, hat black-hearted rtp Rowdy Jack, has stolen you from me ‘That is false!” Adele cried, warmly. ‘‘I detest him as much as I do you!” ‘*Ha! You detest me, do you? Curse you, eirl! Dll make you crawl at my feet yet—min you that! You ought to be well aware that I am master in Buckshot Camp, and my word is law. Now, do you again re to marry me, Adele Jackpot? “*T do now most positively refuse!” was the prompt answer. ¢ “Then you are lost. My power in Buckshot Cam dis ; is such that my word is above question. You have scorned and rejected me, and I will have revenge. When I return to the camp, ev- ery one shall speciable and moral character, That is all—you may go : as . the wretch laughed in demoniac_ tri- wEph, oor Adele! White as death, she a away a few peces, and thep pausing. e@ looked back, and uttered but a single w ‘* Monster !” Then she fell to the ground in a deathlike swoon, ‘ At the same moment there sprung from be-. tit bel ws, ttl ant nite . I love you, and I demand. til he suddenly seemed to remem lying so white and silent, only a few feet away. | know that you are no longer a re- man, who, He was as fine a specimen of manhood as one. could wish to gaze ae ‘well-proportioned, and with the broad chest and swelling muscles of a Hercules. His face was clear-cut and classic of feature, yet dark and swarthy as a Spaniard’s. Hiseyes were black, his graceful mustache, goatee, and long, flowing hair of the same color. is attire consisted of top-boots, gold-fringed pantaloons, a pleated white shirt, with broad collar thrown open at the throat, a purple velvet jacket, and a Spanish sombrero, pinned up at the left side with a diamond-studded star, A handsome, dashing and picturesque-looking fellow, but the glitter in his midnight. eyes caused George Sheldon to quail. ** Cowardly villain!” the stranger hissed, ‘‘ you little suspected that your devili i overheard!” ‘‘ And care less!” Sheldon replied, trying to put on a bold front. ‘‘ What may be your name, my fantastic Greaser friend?” ‘T am a Spaniard, you cur, and you know what a Spaniard’s hate is! As for my name, it is Don Juan Carlos, and Iam a man in whose veins the princely blood of honor flows fast and with exceeding warmth. You, sir, are a mon~ grel cur and a ruffian!” : ‘* Take care, sir, how you talk to me!” Shekion cried, turning red with rage, although in his” heart of hearts he feared this dashing stranger, and wished himself well.out of his presence. You plainly do not know who you are talk- ing to.’ cays a contemptible wretch and monster!” was the quick retort. “I care not if you were a king, you low-lived scoundrel; I fear you not. : I overheard your conversation with yonder in- nocent maiden, and your villainous threat to ruin her fair name, out of revenge, because she refused to marry you. Oh, you coward— you demon! I’ve a notion to kill you where you stand, ° ; “ But no; it shall not be said that Don Carlos stained his hand with a coward’s blood, for he is wont to meet only brave men. ‘*Mind you, however, George Sheldon, or whoever you are, dare to asperse yonder girl’s fair name ever, either by word or insinuation, and I will put a dagger through your black heart if I have to follow you to the furthermost limits of the earth! “Go, now, and thank Don Juan Carlos that you still live!” ; The Spaniard’s right forefinger pointed com- papier, toward a word Sheldon stalked away, an down the mountain-side. . He was only too glad to accept the order to o, for the stranger had inspired him with real rror. CHAPTER V. SHELDON AND SANTA’ FE SAL. . AFTER Sheldon was out of sight, Don* Juan stood for the space of five minutes gazing down toward the twinkling lights of the mining-camp. His figure was drawn erect, as though he ex- ted some foeman to attack him; his hands, white and soft as a woman’s, were clinched un- — til the nails fairly cut the flesh. His face was dark with passion, while his eyes gleamed with a vengeful light, Thus he stood, without uttering a syllable, un- r poor Adele, He went quickly, and knelt by her re azed into her face, which was upturned to the ight of the moon. ; ‘* Beautiful!” was his comment, ‘“‘and yet, that wretch would have ruined her fair name, for the sake of revenge. Ah! George Sheldon, I'll watch you closely! You are fast nearing the end of your rope.” ; ; He at once set to work ness. ; sh threat was uickshot Camp, and without. d disappeared | at chafing Adele's _ hands, and trying to restore her to conscious- iy , with a shudder, run the risk of incurring does, he isadeadman!” © “Who are you, sir?” StAoy r in
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Don Juan Carlos, lady, and Iam a rover of the wide world.” ‘““Then, pray accept my heartfelt thanks, sir, for your timely interference. George Sheldon isa bad, bad nian. I never knew he was such a base villain, until he intercepted me to-night!” ‘ Ah! that’s it. A person never knows aman until the true test comes, but it is morally cer- tain that the badypoits in a person will come out, sooner or later. There’s not a shadow of a doubt but what Sheldon is a thoroughbred vil- Jain, but I don’t believe he will trouble you any more. If he does, ll not be far away, and Ill agree to dispose of his case, in short order, take my word for it.” ‘You are very kind, sir, and I wish I had some way of repaying you, but, unfortunately, I did not bring any money—” “Tut! tut! Pray do not insult me by offer- ing to pay me for protectmg a woman from the villainy of ahuman demon. Any man with a spark of honor in him would protect an insulted woman, Your name is—” ** Adele. My father keeps the only saloon in the camp.” ‘“* A poor place for a young lady like you, is it not?” “Oh! yes, sir. I have often tried to coax my father to go out of that low business, but he will not. But, you see I never enter the saloon. We have living rooms in the rear.” “Ah, I presume you have a number of beaux?” ‘Oh! no. I have no beaux. All the people treat me landly, bub there is none among them I would accept as company.” They conversed for some time longer; then the Don escorted her to the outskirts of the camp, where they bade each other adieu, the Don reiterating his/ promise to see to it that George Sheldon did not molest Adele, a second time. When Sheldon left Don Juan, he hurried rapidly toward the mining-camp, hoping to cool down the rancorous passion that burned within his breast; but rapid walking acted more as an excitant than a sedative, for by the time he reached the edge of the camp, he was in even a more furious state of rage than when he left » the dashing Don. “ Curses on the fellow! Who can he be?” was the question the excited mine-owner puzzled himself with. ‘‘Is he really some perambulat- ing Don, as heclaims? No, no! I don't believe it! He speaks English well, but has the appearance of aSpaniard. Yet Ido not believe he is what he represents. He made a threat against my life, unless I let up on Adele—curse her! I won- der if he would put it into execution. It won’t dome any good to run any risks—l’ve got too much at stake. Stil), the fellow may be aspy, and it won't do me any harnrto have him silenced. I wonder how [ll work it?” ; He meditated on the matter, as he walked along, but did not appear to arrive at any con- clusion. On reaching the camp he went direct to the Jackpot Saloon, where he learned of what had taken place there, earlier in the evening, The dead miner’s body had been removed, and Rowdy Jack was at the local doctor's, get- ting fixed up. f . After hearing the details of the affair, Sheldon went thoughtfully to his own cabin. It was not the largest in the camp, but was the most, comfortably furnished, and boasted of many liftle luxuries foreign to those far-away mining abodes. Unlocking the door, the mine-owner entered the habitation, and then closed and barred the door after him. Ashe did so, his nostrils were greeted with the ocor of tobacco smoke, He detected it more readily, because he did not use the weed, him- self. “ What the deuce does this ‘mean?” he ex- claimed, ‘‘ Hello! who isin this cabin?” No answer. , All was intensely dark, and silent. ‘‘T]] mighty soon see who is in here!” Sheldon growled, groping around. a He at last found a lamp, lit it, and turning the light on, glared about only to utter a start- Jed ejaculation of astonishment. Seated in an easy-chair, with her feet elevated on a Writing-table, and a cigar between her fingers, Was no less a person than Santa Fe Sal, apparently in full possession of solid enjoyment. She nodded nonchalantly at the mine-owner, and pointed to a chair, “Take a seat, guv’nor!” she said, “‘and make yourself at home. Nice evening out!” George Sheldon stared at her, as if he could not believe the evidence of his senses, a Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. ‘* Who in thunderation are you?” he demand- ed, sternly, ‘‘and what in the deuce are you do- ing in my cabin?” ‘Your’ areg’lar old hoss on expletives, ain’t ye?” Sal observed. ‘So this is your shebang, ist it?” ‘Yes, this is my shebang!” “Oh! so it is!) How absent-minded in me to forget it. Take a seat! take a seat!” ‘* Will you tell me who you are, and what you are doing here, or will you not?” thundered Sheldon. ‘“Why, cert, old socks—cert, I will! Down whar I cum from they call me Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher, ’cause when I git inter a soiree, an’ hev a six-inch bowie, I kin carve the hull crowd, in no time!” ‘* Ha! you’re the murderess!” “The what?” ‘¢ The murderess of —” ‘* Whoa! slow up there, now! A little of that goes a good ways, I’m not a murderess, nor anything o’ the sort. I put a pill in thet fel- ler’s cabeza, ’ca’se I'd told him if he come for me he was a dead man. He came, and you bet he went, quicker’n he came. I was justified in saltin’ him, ’cause they wanted to skin an old organ-grinder and me, too.” ‘* Nevertheless you are a murderess, and your n°ck will pay the penalty of your crime!” ‘They haven’t got me yet!” ‘*T can very easy give the alarm!” “But, come now, you wouldn’t do anythin so mean as that, would you?” and Santa Fe Sa smiled sweetly, while a cocked revolver came up within the scope of Sheldon’s vision. ‘* You'd better take a seat, George. You look awful tired and tuckered out. ‘Your nasal ap- pendage don’t indicate that you are addicted to the’ flowing bow], or I should recommend that you take a dose of invigorating essence, to brace youup. Sit down, George—sit right down, and make yourself at home. No hurry ’bout callin’ in yer finest police, just yet;—I’m in nv particu- lar hurry. When I fallin wi’ an old fagot like you, I like to have a pleasant chat. So sit right down! During this harangue Santa Fe Sal’s weapon had kept on a dead line with the mine-owner’s heart, and he was fully conscious of the fact; so, with a smothered oath, he sunk upon a chair. Santa Fe Sal then laid her revolver upon the table. within easy reach. ‘*‘ How did you get in here?” Sheldon growled. ‘‘Oh! just walked in, in the usual everyday style. JI found the door unlocked, and, as the night was rather warm without, at that particu- lar moment, I thought I'd come in, and cool off.” ; ‘* You lie!—the door was not'unlocked!” **Oh! well, maybe it wasn’t. You see Iam so absent-minded, sometimes, that I get the horse before the cart. Anyhow, I got in. Af- ter I found you lived here, I was glad I came.” ** How so?” ‘*Oh! because. Knowin’ you was a big-bug, I coneluded of course you’d be in need of a secretary, or a clerk, and ef any one can suit you, J can.” ’ ‘You'll get a clerkship in a hotter place than this camp, before the night’s over!” was the grim response. ‘¢‘Not a bit! I’m to be your clerk from now, on. I'ma person of great influence, especially in law matters, should your affairs get mixed up in court.” . George Sheldon winced. ** See here—you're a detective!” he declared, more positively than interrogatively. Santa Fe Sal laughed. ** Well, I don’t mind telling yo that I’ve read several stories about detectives,” she retorted, with a shrug of her shoulders, Sheldon shifted uneasily in his chair, ‘* You are here after me?” he said. **T was !” ** Then, why are you not now?” ‘* Because I want a Seema a ** To the deuce with that! hat do you want of that?” ‘* ‘Well, you see, I’ve got myself in a boat by that scrape at the saloon, and need powerful in- fluence. I heard before I came here that you ran the town, and make its people walk a chalk- line. You can take sides with me, make the people keep their hooks off from me, and Pll Dat for you.” Sheldon whistled. ‘Ah! I see,” he said. ‘‘ And for that, you throw up the charge ae have against me?” “* You've hit the bull’s-eye!” Sheldon reflected. ‘Well, now, see here,” he said. ‘‘I do con- trol the will of the big majority of the people 5 in one way or another, but this matter of es- pousing your cause is a ticklish one. It depends according to what sort of a charge you have got against me. Do you see?” Sal nodded. ‘*T have a bench warrant for your arrest for ° robbery, committed in Denver!” she answered. “ce Ah q” The mine-owner drew a'sigh of relief, as much as to say: **T am glad it’s no worse!” Aloud, he said: ‘* A bench warrant will take a man wherever found?” ‘Tt will—anywhere in the United States, or Territories,” ‘* Are there others on the case?” “Yes. But lam the only one who traced you here,” At this a strange gleam entered the mine- owner’s eyes, that Sal apparently did not notice. ‘** Then you swear that, if I free you from ail danger of disturbance by our people, you will throw up the job, become my clerk, and work to the end of screening me from that charge?” ‘*T swear it!” Santa Fe Sal declared, lifting her hand. “Very well! Pll fix it. You remain here, and I will go and see what Icando. Under no cir- cumstances leave the cabin, as there may be spies in the vicinity who would gobble you up, « and, once you got in the hands of the mob, I could do nothing for you.” ‘“Very well. When you return you will find me here.” So George Sheldon took his departure, a dia- bolical smile wreathing his countenance, once he was outside the cabin. That he meant mischief was evident! CHAPTER VI. DETECTIVES IN COUNCIL. Santa Fe Sau well enough knew, by Shel- don’s ready acceptance of her proposal, that he had an object in view, and that object was clear to ber mind, Having told him that she was the only one in the camp representing his Denver case, if he could set the mob on her} and thus secure her destruction, that would rid himself of his only immediate enemy. ‘*'You are the fool, Mr, George’Sheldon,” she muttered, after he had gone, ‘ You shouldn’t believe everything you hear. AS you propose to play the smart on me, aw revoir !” She arose, tiptoe to the door, and listened. All was silent without. The hour was so late, many of the miners and their families were in bed. Lifting the latch, she found that she could open the door, This, in some degree, was a surprise, for she had had an idea that Sheldon had secured it on the outside. Such, however, was not the case, and she was free to step out in the open air. She had little fear of spies being in the vicin- ity, as it was not probable that any one had known of her presence at the cabin prior to Sheldon’s leaving it. And so it proved. Most of the cabins in the immediate vicinity were dark, and she had no dificuy in stealing away and getting beyond the confines of the camp. Then she hastened along the mountain-side to the southward. She continued on, without pausing, until she had gone mayhap three miles. At this point her further progress was inter- fered with by a terrible abyss that crossed her path. It was, perbaps, a hundred feet from side to side, and its walls ran perpendicularly down- ward, to a considerable depth, while above the mountains towered far toward the sky. From the depths of this mountain seam came the faint roar and rush of water. Searching carefully around, Santa Fe Sal soon succeeded in finding a pine cone, which she ferited with a match, and soon had a bright light. She then bent over the ledge, and held this wee to get a view into the abyss for some dis- nce. On the side where she was, a thick net-work of heavy vines began at the edge of the ledge, and ran down the rocky wall until they could no longer be seen. ; “Yes, this is the point,” the girl said, “and now for the descent. It isn’t every one that would have the nerve to try it, but I guess I ve,” She flung the torch into the abyss, and watched. its downward descent, . Down, down, down it went, with great rapid-- A fi iN iN fie Ce! Pee
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ity, until the flame seemed but a spark, and then finally disappeared altogether. Then, securing her weapons properly, Santa Fe Sal caught hold of the top vines, and swun herself over the edge of the ee was certainly a daring, if not foolhardy under- taking. The vines creaked and swayed under her weight, and it seemed as if the slender strands that ran to the top of the chff must give way, and precipitate the venturesome girl into the depths of the yawning chasin; but, judging by the fearlessness and agility with which she went downward, she had tried the novel ladder before. Many minutes were consumed, before the bot- tom of the rift was reached. Here all was densest darkness. She stood still at the point where her feet touched the stone bottom, and putting her fin- gers to her lips, blew a shrill whistle. The effect was startling. The sound went detonating loud and distinct along the rocky ,walls, until, after several sec-~ onds, it died out in the distance. A few moments after the signal the light of a bull’s-eye lantern burst forth, only a few feet from her and a man approached. ‘Ts that you, Sally?” he asked. ** Yes, here I am,” ‘Then, follow me!” He turned and retraced his footsteps, Santa Fe Sal following. For a quarter of a mile, they proceeded, and then peg rt came upon a large camp-fire, in rounding a curve. The fire was located under an extensive ledge of outspreading rock, so that no reflection of it ceachen the top of the chasm, above. Seated around the fire, were three persons. One, and the most noticeable, wes the Spanish- looking individual whom we have before met— Don Juan Carlos. The second person was of about Don’s own age, but a true American in personal appear- ance. He was tall, well built, and had a handsome physiognomy, almost ere in Pu Ree lit up by a pair of brillfant darkeyes. His face was aon shaven, and his hair cut close to his head. His hair, however, was as white as driven snow, and there were care-lines upon his forehead, stamped there by some deep trouble. : Near him, on the rocks, lay along-haired wig, showing that he was wont to conceal his white hairs, when in public. The third person was old Alvin Green, the organ-grinder, and near at hand were his organ and pra Mey homely beast that had done such fearful havoc to Rowdy Jack’s good looks. The man who had conducted Santa Fe Sal to this scene, was a sharp-featured, ferret-eyed fel- low of diminutive stature, whose looks would not favorably impress a skeptic that he was any too honest. ‘The appearance of Santa Fe Sal caused the men about the camp-fire to rise, and give her words of welcome. - ‘““We were afraid some il) had befallen you, lady,” the man with the gray hair said, ‘‘and have been anxiously waiting for our coming.” ‘*T am rather late, that’s a fact,” the girl de- tective answered, ‘‘ but Isuppose Alvin has told you one of the causes.” “Yes, indeed, and that was one of the causes for our uneasiness, Tell us how you came out.” Santa Fe Sal complied, by giving in detail all that had occurred from the time of Alvin's flizht up to the time of her leaving Sheldon’s eabin, and setting out for the rift rendezvous. ‘‘The shooting of the miner is likely to prove detrimental to our interests,” the gray-haired man remarked. ‘It bars you from the freedom of the camp, at a time when so much depended upon you.” ‘* Not at all, Mr. Ball,” Sal replied, confident- ly. “In the morning, I shall in the camp again, as big as life, and twice as natural.” ‘“‘ But, in disguise, of course?” ; “Cert! I have a goodly assortment of dis- guises, concealed near the camp, and when it comes to ‘makin’ up’ I’m a reg’lar stage actor.” ‘So Sheldon is wary, and on his guard?” “You bet! He don’t mean to be taken from the camp, without a fight. He’s got big backin’, and a boodle to pay for it. How did you make out, Mr, Ball?” ‘*Good. There’s not the shadow of a doubt but what your original suspicion was correct. I am thoroughly satisfied.” “Then, that is all required, except the proofs. They will be hard to get, I fear, and it is con- * founded unlucky the crowd got on to Alvin, so A wt a, ee ee ahs ) bs Aba? eS oe 2 ey | ¢ Ded ee me hi A a : cS i 2 Fe Sal, the Slasher. hard, for it renders his ‘ fake,’ practically out of the race. I don’t reckon you’d like to try it over again, eh, Alvin?” : And Santa Fe Sal laughed heartily. ‘*“'No; one trial of that kind is enough!” the old man replied, his eyes wide open, and form erect, showing conclusively that he was neither blind, nor decrepit. ‘“* Did you see any one besides Sheldon, that a finger might be pointed at?” Ball asked. ‘*'No one, in particular. I had no time to ob- serve, in fact. I can dobetter, to-morrow. The idea I have is, to spot Sheldon’s most intimate ally, and he’s our man to work,” ‘“*How about Rowdy Jack, the man who pitched onto me?” queried Alvin, ““T haven’t formed an opinion, yet. There may be something in him, and there may not. About the only thing that’s troubling me, now, is how we are going to get Sheldon out of Buck- shot. He will be ready for us, and you can bet every man in the camp will swear by him!” ‘“*T see no other way than to let Mr. Bokus, here, fetch us the backing he claims he can get,” Ball responded, looking at the man with the fer- ret eyes and sharp features, Santa Fe Sal also took a keen look at the man, who withstood the scrutiny without flinch- in ey am not quite sure about Bokus,” Sally said, directly—‘‘ not quite sure. He may be solid meat, but it may also be indigestible and worthless.” “Tf you think I’d go back on you, after» what you’ve done by me, you are very much mis- taken,” Bokus spoke up, with spirit. ‘‘ Didn’t you find me starving and wounded, in the mountains, ajweek ago, and didn’t you take me in arfd care for me? Do you suppose I’d be in- grate enough, to go back on you?” ‘‘Maybe not. You say you were put on parole, for sleeping at your post—that is, ban- ished from the camp, with the privilege of re- turning in a week?” ‘*Yes. The week expired yesterday.” ““Discouraged at the reproof, you sought to seek civilized parts, but was shot and wounded by some unknown person?” ‘* Yes, ma’am.” “You claim that this Captain Clymer is an outlaw, and is your half-brother?” as He is. We are all outlawed, the whole fifty of us.” . You claim Clymer will do anything you re- quest him to do?” ‘*He will. He never has refused me a favor. But he is stern, as to discipline. I had been drinking, or else ’d have never neglected my duty.” ‘ Fou claim that Clymer and his men are working a secret mine, and are well armed, and horsed, and are desperate and daring fellows, always ready for fight?” *“You bet! They’re a wild set of fellows, and life in the mines is dull, and they would like no better sport than ride into a camp, and gobble all the bug-juice they could get holde@f. I know I could get them to back you just for the sport and whisky they could ¢orral, My step-brother is as big a devil as the rest.” ** But, it doesn’t look likely they would leave their secret mine, for fear some one would in- vade it,” ; ‘Oh! they do that, frequently, leaving one guard behind. When they do, they take a night’s ride through the mountains and raise such a pandemonium that they scare the wolves right into fits. If you want ’em, all you’ve got to do is to say the word, and I can get them for ou. ‘* How far from here is this secret mine?” ‘*That’s a secret I am bound by oath not to reveal. As long asI furnish you the assistance you need to accomplish your p , you ought not to ask me. If you want the men,I can have them in the vicinity of Buckshot camp on twenty-four hours’ notice.” ““Very well. I will give you notice when to start for them, And now, Alvin, that your PL axe racket is dished, what are you going oO “That's for you to say, Santa. You're the boss, and I am under your instructions.” “Well, Pll see if I can’t trump up some sort of a part for you in the morning, rs for your case, Don Carlos, I have not been able to do anything yet. But I hope to, to-morrow.” **T have already made one discovery myself,” the Don replied, whereupon he related his ad- venture upon the mountain-side. ‘tThe girl, Adele, reminds me of the one I seek, and she is living with the man who keeps the saloon in Buckshot.” ’ “That man is known as Old Jackpot!” — * bf i “T don’t know. You have the case, and £ will leave you to work it out.” “Very well. Alvin, you and I return te Buckshot in the morning. The others will re- main here, for a safer place does not exist im Arizona, If things work right to-morrow, you cen bet Santa Fe Sal won’t be long in winding up the case!” CHAPTER VII. THE MADAME FROM EUROPE, SANTA Fg SAL had not misjudged George Shel- don when she formed the opinion that he meant, her mischief, That was the very thing the villain- ous mine-owner did mean, in dead earnest, ‘Curse the girl!” he muttered, as he made his. way toward the Jackpot Saloon. ‘‘ She’s a de- tective, is she, and wants me for the Denver safe-robbery? Perhaps she wants me on other charges also? She’s a cute one, that’s flat, and as cool as a cucumber—too dangerous a person by half to be in my way. She’s got into trouble, and wants me to help her out on the promise of withdrawing the charge she has against me. That would be a fine thing for me to do now, wouldn’t it? Yes, Miss Santa Fe Sal, as you call yourself, I'll help you, but it will be mto the scrape, instead of out!” When he reached the Jackpot Saloon he found a matter of fifty people still gathered there, en- gaged in discussing the tragic death of John all, the miner. The appearance of Sheldon tended to check the confab, as all were anxious to know what he proposed. ae 2 ; “Come up, boys, and have something,” was the proposal, when he entered the bar-room. ‘*T see you all look thirsty.” And he tossed a ten-dollar eal to Old Jackpot, as a ‘‘ tip” to let the crowd have what they wanted. ~ Nor did they refuse to drink, as may be sup- osed. ¢ When the ‘‘ treat” had been imbibed, Sheldon looked the crowd over, and said: éf the shooting of John Hall, and have come to the conclusion that it was a foul and atrocious crime!” The crowd uttered a murmur of approval. “That’s jest our sentiment,” spoke up a miner. ‘¢ John was as squar’ a man as thar was in the camp, an’ ef he was a leetle hasty in venturin” for’a’d, contrary to the gal’s orders, she hadn’t no bizness to plug him.” “Of course not. It was a foul and a bare- faced murder, and lynching is the fate the of- fender shoud be treated to when she is caught. She is evidently a desperate character; the very fact that she sports around in men’s clothin is: against her, and casts a reproach on the fair reputation of your wives and daughters. I say the woman ought to be strung up without. mercy!” ‘*Hurray! hurray! Of course she had!” chorused the crowd. can’t be found—she’s sloped!” ‘‘Nothing of the sort. Now, look here. I know just where she can be found, but before I | tell you, you must promise me this—that you will follow me with the utmost stealth, or she may if ht you the slip.” “We promise! we promise!” cried the men, in — one voice. ‘‘ Lead ahead, boss!” r “Get your halter ready before you go, so there may be no delay!” Sheldon ordered. ‘There’s a tree right near where she will be found!” ; imself, Sheldon led the way from the Jackpot. ~ Out-of-doors the camp was quiet. Those who had not been at the saloon were at home and in their beds - night, the gang stole toward the Sheldon cabin, in the mellow light of the soaring moon. Then Sheldon opened the door and stepped Hh room, a smile of triumph playing over — s face. ond time, the gang ** Boys, I have been thinking over the matter - ‘‘ But where is she? She — No time was lost in procuring the lariat, an@ > making a noose of one end of it that would have = done credit to the mythological Judge Lynch », Peat ion Then cautioning his followers agate to’silence “it “pila ae Silently and like so evan | a shadows of the — With yells of rage at being defeated the sec- x f; At last the cabin was reached, and by the 3: mine-owner’s directions, the men filed to either _ side of the doorway. eee, \ V A * The next instant, however, he uttered a bit- — ter malediction, that brought the crowd to the — a > ae val
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“Ze ae a? nothing; and at last, a crestfallen crowd, they went back to Sheldon’s tabin and demanded an explanation. : he mine-owner gave the full particulars—of course screening himself as much as possible— and succeeded in lulling the sudden ill-feeling that seemed to have arisen. That ended the disturbances of the night, so far as Buckshot Camp was concerned. The next day dawned bright and clear, and the miners were, as usual, early astir, and went to their work, which left somewhat less than half of the population about town, Among tt er + f } a } ; ‘ be pe Sa cards, containing the following: * $500 REWARD! » “The citizens of Buckshot Camp will pay the ~ above reward for the capture, dead or alive, of the murderess of John Hall, who was shot and killed in the Jackpot Saloon by a woman calling herself Santa Fe Sal, on the evening of the 12.b instant. * By order of “ComMMITTEE OF CITIZENS.” A purse had already been raised for the pur- pose, Rowdy Jack and George Sheldon being two » of the largest contributors to the fund. One or two idle characters of the camp had set forth in search of the girl detective, but no one else seemed inclined to go tramping through the mountains on what would most likely be a wild-goose chase, even for the earning of so large a sum, Rowdy Jack was at his accustomed table in the Jackpot, but a sorrier-looking specimen of humanity would be hard to imagine, for his face was literally one mass of bandages, and his hair had all been shaved off, in order that his scalp might be ‘* doctored.” Although suffering acute pain, he was a man of ‘‘nerve,” and persisted in sitting at his table. The forenoon was about half-gone, when Buck- shot Camp. was treated to another surprise, in the shape of a horse and rider, who suddenly ap- peared in front of the Jackpot Saloon. The horse was raw-boned, knock-kneed, and skeleton poor. The woman was of medium hight, and corpu- lent in figure. Her face was so thickly Safled that not a feature could be distinguished. She was attired in a black silk riding-habit, which though it had seen use, wasin good con- dition. Her hat was a sort of straw turban, but wholly enveloped by the vail, and her hair was . worn in a long black coil down to her waist, Her hands were gloved in kid. Dismounting gracefully, she at once made in- quiry if there was a cabin or tent for rent in the camp. ‘ Old Jackpot, “allowed” that he *had a tent which he would put up for the small considera- tion of one hundred dollars per month in ad- vance, ete The woman gave her name as Madame Sam uels, said she was from Europe, was a clairvoy- ant and fortune-teller; and taking a large wad of notes from her pocket, she paid down the de- manded rent. Mt. In less than half an hour the tent was up, op- BS fe site the Jackpot Saloon, and the madame was ‘ts occupant. _ Shortly afterward a double-sheet poster, hand lettered, was pinned to one of the laps of the tent, announcing as follows: * MADAME EUGENIA SAMUELS, Marvelous Clairvoyant, and Fortune-Teller! _ From Evnort! THE WONDER OF THE WORLD! REVEALS THE PAST, PREesrent AND FUTURE! Tells the Present Whereabouts of Missing i Persons ! Sittings Hourly, Every Day! . Satisfaction Guaranteed, Or No Pay. , Fortunes Told, $1. Clairvoyant Sittings, $5. Call and Satisfy Yourselves!” As may be supposed, this notice caused a sen- satien created any amount of curiosity all day long. : Pi __ But aS arule, miners are a superstitious set, and gamblers are not easily hoodwinked, and it came to pass that no one visited the madame’s tent during the day. er; - Which made it look rather sick for her hun- -dollar investmenc. ust at dusk, when he thought he would be ee ene oe Sky r » x ~ 2 Bee SES Teese mt AS = +> . + EVRY IY ET INT NT Santa Fe fal, the Slas | em pr EN. 5 ie Rie seh ’ 7 least observed, Rowdy Jack crossed over from the Jackpot and entered the tent. The madame politely bade him be seated, and then asked: : “Do you want a clairvoyant sitting, or simply your fortune told?” ‘‘ The sitting, of course!” was the gruff reply. “Very well. I will throw myself into a trance, and see what I can learn of your past, present and future. Sit perfectly still, lest you frighten away the spirits, and break the spell.” Rowdy Jack’s lip curled with sarcasm, for he had no faith in this woman’s business whatever, ne noticeable things to be seen about He had simply come over to while away the ; the camp were several conspicuously-posted pla- ; time, as there was nothing doing at the Jackpot. “You were born of rich and influential pa- rents,” said Madame Samuels, after a silence of several minutes, ‘‘ but committed an offense, be- fore you were of age, that caused you to leave | home. You drifted about here and there, took | to gambling, and finally became the tool of an- | other, and committed a hideous crime,” | Rowdy Jack started at this, and uttered an oath. ‘© You are an accursed liar!” he cried, fiercely. “*Tll listen to no more such nonsense, and as for | your fee, you can whistle for that!” and rising, | he stalked out of the tent, evidently in high dudgeon. | Had the madame read his past correctly? It surely would appear so, else why his sudden , start and anger? - A little later in the evening George Sheldon came along, and paused to read the madame’s poster, Then he gave vent to a *‘ humph!” and entered | the Jackpot Saloon, As usual, he called the crowd up to “have | something % and while the drinking was going | on he took advantage of the opportunity to | ‘*size up” every man in the room, All were familiar faces, and he drew a breath of relief. There were care-lines upon the mine-owner’s | face to-night that were not there yesterday— lines that bespoke an uneasy frame of mind. In truth, George Sheldon was far from being as confident and free from worriment as he was before his encounter with Santa Fe Sal and Don Juan Carlos. He was now restless, suspicious, and fear- stricken. He expected to see a detective lurking every- where he went, crouching ready to spring upon him. Something unusual for him, he called for a glass, and drank with the crowd. Then he took a turn up and down the room, | and left the saloon. “‘Pve a great mind to try it,” he muttered, glancing over in the direction of Madame Sam- uels’s tent. ‘‘I’ve,often heard said that these clairvoyants could make some wonderful dis- closures and predictions, even if most of their business isa humbug, I-wonder if this woman an array of bibulous individuals, who sought to aa uench their thirst by gulping down potions of oe’ | the liquid fire dealt out as *‘ good” whisky, by | a | Old Jackpot, while the tables were all sur- ol rounded by devotees of the games of chance. 4 | | | got his personal injuries, as he raked in the | | ' "as personal appearance went. . | @ was not over medium hight; or very mas- W | alls, a dirty red shirt, and a bullet-riddled | ; | “Tye want to ask the gentlemen to drink?” ' side. i bi are not so bad as I feared. | And now, if can by any means get this Santa Fe woman put out of the way, my prospects of | being safe and secure are still good, And this accursed girl detective must be put out of the way, at allhazards. She’s game, and it won't be long before she will be back in camp, again, And Pll wateh and wait for her, with patience, , and if worst comes,to worst, they shall never | take me from this camp, without they have an army to back them. Ob! no!” And the villain chuckled, confidently, CHAPTER VIII. ‘ SANTE FE GETS PULLED. io In the mean time, something was going on at 4 the Jackpot Saloon, that commands attention. a ‘the crowd at the place, to-night, was much larger than on the, preceding night, and the Jackpot was doing a rattling business, _ The front of the-bar was continually lined by 4 Money changed hands like magic, brains grew thicker from the effects of strong drink, and everything was noisy and merry. ; Old Jackpot’s face was as smiling as a ray a of summer sunshine, as he gathered in the shekels, while Rowdy Jack in a measure for- spoils, at the card table. 7 About the middle of the evening, when things in general were going off, babes a charactez, new to the camp, sauntered in the saloon, and swaggering up to the bar, called for whisky. “3 He was what might be called a tough, so far eat sive of frame, and his attire was coarse and ill- fitting, consisting of heavy stogy boots, over- hat of the sombrero order, the rim turned , 4 down behind, and up, in front. A belt around — ne his waist contained a revolver, and a largekeen- — , edged bowie-knife. : A His face was almost entirely covered with a shaggy black beard, and the color of his nasal appendage indicated that ‘bug-juice’ and he were not stranger's. “Whisky!” he ordered, in a rather belliger- ent manner, ‘‘an’I want some wi thistles an’ cactus-burrs in et, so ye ken teel et tickle, as et oes down. None o’ yer common dish-water fer this hyer gerloot. ‘I’m Howlin’ Hayk from Hardpan. J am, on’ I’ve got ther rocks ter say I kin make everybody tremble when I holler, — | Who is all these yere pesky pilgrims? Can’tyer introduce a feller?” queried Old Jackpot, with a bland demeanor, — and likewise an eye to business. ‘Ef yer do, could touch my case?” He hesitated a few minutes, and then went over to the tent and entered, - “Can you tell me that which T want to know?” he demanded, tersely, ‘Bo seated, sir. I can tell you of your past, present, andfuture. But I must have my fee in advance, as one customer refused to pay me be- cause I told him the truth, not long since,” ** How much is your fee?” 4 “* Five dollars.” ‘‘Here are ten. Now go ahead.” The madame caught the gold coin he tossed to her, and stowed it away in her pocket. Then she remained silent for several minutes, when she said: “Ah, yes, I see. You have been married— twice, By your first marriage you had a son, who grew up to manhood, and also married.” ‘Yes! yes! Tell me of him—where is he?” “The father and son were in business to- ether!” the madame went on, without heeding im. “Let mesee. Ah! yes; there was a for- gery, upon another house. The son was arrest- ed and convicted, and sentenced to five years imprisonment,” ‘Is he in prison, now?” “The chief evidence against the son, was given by the father, who soon afterward traud- ulently closed up the business, and with the son’s wife, left for the West!” “Stop!” the mine-owner cried, “That’s quite sufficient, in that direction. oy want to know one more thing—is that son still in prison ?” — ; “ He is!” “Very well. Good-evening!” _ And rising, George Sheldon left the tent. ‘*One more relief!” he muttered, when out- angrily. / I / “Why, Pll fix you!” Rowdy Jack re why, undoubtedly, the gentlemen will have | great pleasure in forming your acquaintance,” | Drink? On course they kin drink. A big- er lot o’ swill-tossers I never see’d in my life. ‘ell em ter mazurky right up an’ blow in ther beverage wi’ Howlin’ Hank, the hard man from Hardpan. Hooray! Say, old hook-nose, aire | this arsenic, or corrosive sublimate? Under- stand I want nothin’ but ther genvine stuff. — Tm eons myself, an’ they say p’izen aire an anecdote fer pizen ” ; “Gentlemen, you’re invited to drink with — Howlin’ Hank from Hardpan!” Old Jackpot sung out. ‘If you have any regards for the feclings of your host you will not refuse to at least wet your lips.” f The crowd scrambled to the har in liv ly or- ' der, and it chanced that Rowdy Jack got along- | side of Howlin’ Hank from Hardpan. mie | Jack’s visege wes far from a handsome one, in its present patched-up state, and the man , from jiarapan survey it with an amused eee: | chuckle. UST pardner,” he observed, ‘yer kinder look as ef ye wer afflicted with er case 0’ mo» ther-in-law, you do, by gum!” LS ae ““T don’t know that it isany of your business!* Jack retorted, ‘“ Youbetter keep youreyesamd = | your mouth to yourself, or—” a) pak, “Or what?” ‘ ele Howling Hank spoke quite coolly, but evi+ eg! meant the question should be answ t “T say, nT t +. bike: tightly 7 amt showing his pearly teeth, which shut together. ‘* You'll fix me, eh?” " “Yes, I'll fir you, and I don’t want no more of your lip, neither!” ty Lees { 1 “Whoare you” ~* ea > i
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TO ra ase Te Py i “Tm Rowdy Jack, and I started the cemetery in this town, wi’ three stiffs!” Howling Jack gave vent to a grunting sort of laugh. **Guess you must ’a’ bin tacklin’ the fourth one, by ther looks o’ yer mug:!” he allowed, Rowdy Jack was by this time literally boiling over with rage, but seemed to have a little hesi- tation in tackling this stranger, despite his blus- ter. do?” he roared, stepping closer to the man from Hardpan, “What?” the latter inquired, looking the gambler straight in the eye, “Why, I’ve got a good notion to blow the whole top of your cussed head off!” The crowd were by this time inclined to be- come very much interested, for there was every indication that there would be ‘a muss.” “* So you’ve a notion to degapitate the cupola of my ball of intellect, have ye?” Howlin’ Hank serenely inquired. ‘‘ You’ve gota orthodox idea of blowin’ the whole top surface 0’ my head off, hey ye?” “Yes I have!” ** Don’t think ye could doit, friend. This hyer globe o’ mine have bin through many a ragin’ cyclone, an’ many a belligerent blizzard, an’ I | tell ye et takes more wind than you've got to | Come! goin’ to | blow an have suthin **- Yes, ’m goin’ to hev suthin’!” Rowdy Jack cried, grating his teeth together. ‘‘ I’m goin’ to portion of et off. 99”) thin out yer whiskers, so the wind will blow | through them?” And, quick as a wink, the gambler grasped Howlin’ Fink by the beard and gave it a fierce jerk. The result was most startling. The beard was false, and the jerk fetched it clean from Howlin’ Hank’s face, A wild cry went up. : “Santa Fe Sal!” cried a dozen voices, in a chorus. “Yes! Santa Fe Sal, gentlemen!” was the uick reply, as the girl detective stepped back from the bar; ‘‘ Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher, an’ don’t you fergit it. she drew her bowie-knife and ran her thumb over its keen edge—‘‘ I j st want to give yea: [ know you’re alldown on | p’inter on one thing. me, cause I stopped yer pardner from breathin’, but you know one thing—TI did it in self-defense. An’ that’s the way ’'m goin’ to fight now, pro- viding you tackle me. night to fight, but all the samee, I ain’t goin’ to take water, not for a cent’s worth! Ef yowre bound to crowd on me, all I ask is that you leave yer shootin’-irons alone, and draw yer carvin’ tools, an’ meet me more on terms of equality. Cdruther not have any scrimmage with you at all, fer some one’s bound to get dis- sected, but ef yer bound ter all pit yerselves ag’in’ one lone girl, youll be pretty apt to find Santa Fe Sal right to home, and the latch-string out!” In a ringing, fearless tone did the girl detec- tive utter her proclamation, and. stood facing the crowd, without a vestige of alarm perceptible upon her face, The crowd held back and glared at her fiercely. Revolvers were drawn in every hand, nearly, but were not made use of, Had the girl’s words put these rude denizens of the mines to shame? Even Rowdy Jack seemed to hesitate from ordering an attack, although the evil gleam in his eyes boded no good for the fair detective. ‘‘Curse you!” the gambler fiercely cried. “You needn’t expect you are goin’ to escape us this time, me daisy. Put up that knife and sur- render, or you’re a dead gosling in the wink of an eye.” ‘Pl put up the knife, when I am assured that hostilities toward me are withdrawn,” Santa Fe Sal replied, ‘‘and not until then. As I said be- fore, | didn’t return here for a fight, and so what’s the use of your all takin’ up arms against me. If youre for peacesoamlI, If yow’re for war, you bet I’m a reg’lar steel cruiser, an’ re fer the siege.” ‘¢ You won’t surrender, then?” “Nary a surrender!” “Then, boys, do yer duty. Yer know what Sheldon said—that the girl deserved death. An’ ye know ther reward that’s oifered for her, dead or alive. So up wi’ yer pops, an’ let her have, all at once!” : Not a weapon was raised, The men stood there, grim and immovable. **T reckon, boss,” said one fellow, who was a sort of ruling spirit among the miners—‘‘ I An’ now, lookee here!”—amn_ | I didn’t come here to- | ‘*See here—d’ye know what I’ve a mind to | RT 8 CR RRR oT RRR Ts” Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. reckon, boss, thet et wouldn’t be fair fer all us fellers ter blaze away at ther gal, even ef she did pop over our pard. She hez only ther knife in her’ flipper, an’ she’s game enough ter meet any of us, wi’ a like weepon; tharfore, et would look mighty cowardly uv us ter not give her a fair show fer her white alley. Eh! boyees?” There was a general murmur of assent from the crowd, several of whom restored their fire- arms to their belts. ‘*Ten thousand furies! the girl escape?” roared Rowdy Jack. ‘ Never! she must not escape. At her, I say! Pll make the reward a hundred better to the man who takes her, dead or alive!” But, even this magnanimity on the part of Jack, did not have the effect to accomplish his murderous designs. The men of one accord, held back, and seemed to look to Pete Painter, the miner before alluded to, for directions, Pete was brawny, and big-hearted, with some sterling points about him, and he shook his head grimly, in answer to Rowdy Jack’s offer, “T ain’t goin’ ter take thet kind o’ a hand ag’in’ the gal!” he declared. ‘* Ther boyees kin suit themselves, but I. drop out. Ef ye’r’ so anxious to do the galup, Rowdy Jack, why don’t ye sail in an’ tackle her, yourself?” ‘**T ain’t afeard to,” was the growling answer. “You fellers want the reward worse than I do!” “Ym not itchin’ for any of it!” chuckled Painter, seeing beyond doubt that the gambler was afraid of the girl from Santa Fe, ‘“*NorI!’ ‘* Nor I!” came a chorus of declara- ' tions from those, who a moment before, had been up in arms against the murderess of John Hall. Rowdy Jack swore roundly, and was furious with passion, for he could net conceive why the tide of public sentiment had taken such a sud- den turn. **- You are a cussed lot of coyotes!” he cried— ‘ve ain’t fit fer snakes ter feed on. I'll show ye that Rowdy Jack ain’t no coward, nor ain’t afraid o’ no man, woman, or wild beast, that | ever lived.” He took a step forward, drawing and cocking a revolver, as he did so, His arm raised until the barrel of the weapon came on a range with his uninjured eye. Then, there was a sharp report! But, it was not the gambler’s weapon that had spoken! Instead, a cry of pain escaped Rowdy Jack, and his weapon fell to the floor, from a nerve- less grasp. : He had been shot through the wrist, and that member was shattered, a stream of crimson trickling from it, to the floor. At the same instant, Don Juan Carlos entered the saloon! CHAPTER IX. A WONDERFUL STORY. Tue pain of the injured wrist caused Rowdy Jack to turn deathly pale; he reeled toward the bar, clutching at it for support, but missed it, and fell insensible to the floor. Man of nerve though he prided himself on be- ing, this last dose of pain had proven too much for him. Several miners picked him up, and he was borne into an adjoining room, which constituted one of the living apartments of old Jackpot and his daughter, This matter of looking after the injured wretch attracted so much attention from the crowd that scarcely any notice was taken of the entrance of Don Juan. Santa Fe Sal saw him, however, and beyond giving him a grateful glance, made no token that sheakknew him, The Spaniard walked up to the bar, laid down a gold-piece, and signified by a wave of his hand that the crowd were invited to drink. But Old Jackpot did not chance to be behind the bar just at that moment, and there was, consequently, a short delay in getting the de- sired liquor. “Skuse me, pardner,” Pete Painter said, tap- ping the dashing sport upon the shoulder, ‘* but ef ye hain’t got any objections ter tellin’, we galoots allers kind o’ likes ter know who we h’ists p’izen wi’, jest fer sociability’s sake.” ** Certainly, sir. You may call me Don Juan Carlos,” was the easy and graceful answer. ** Ye don’t say? al, my name is Pete Pain- ter, an’ occasionally, when I kiver too much benzeen, I paints the town red! But that ain’t often, tho’, an’ generally I’m a purty square sort o’ feller, jest. kept the gang from chawin’ up that gal yonder, ef I do say it— Hey! hello! she’s gone!” SRE UN SS Re net em = eee TE | \ | | | | | Are you going to let | | really, This was true; Santa Fe Sal was no longer in the saloon. 6 ‘* Yes, I saw her go out a moment ago,” the Don said. ‘' What was the trouble?” ‘*Oh, she came here in disguise, an’ she an’ Rowdy Jack got into an argyment, an’ Jack pulled her false whiskers off. Then the crowd see’d she was tle same hair-pin w’ot shot John Hall, and they were goin’ ter riddle her, but I put in a say, an’ kinder quieted’em down, Jack was goin’ ter shoot her then, only some one soaked him in the hand an’ he fainted. \Reckon you did it, didn’t ye, stranger?” The Don smiled quietly but made no answer, for just then Old Jackpot came behind the bar, | and the eyes of the two men met in an inquiring stare. The expression upon the face of the Doh was one of cool confidence, combined with triumph, but Old Jackpot started perceptibly, and his | yellowish, parchment-like skin seemed to grow a trifle whiter. He did not wholly lese his self-possession, however, but shifted his gaze to the gold eagle i the counter, smiled, and rubbed his hands blandly together. ** Ahem! entlemen, what can I do for you?” he asked, ‘Pleasant evening, sir!”—to Don Juan. “Quite!” the latter responded, dryly. ‘ Pll have a little of your best whisky, and I pre- sume the other gentlemen won’t take anything weaker.” “Of course not—of course not, sir! Every | one drinks whisky here in Buckshot Camry, and I flatter myself to say I keep the primes erti- cle on the range.” The long-necked black bottle and glasjes were produced, and the drinks poured out. There were less than a score of the miners who accepted the invitation to imbibe, some holding aloof, and others, still, looking after the welfare of Rowdy Jack. The drinks were gulped down, and che miners turned away from the bar. Not so with Don Juan. {He received his change, thrust it carelessly in- to his pocket, and then, leaning further over the bar, said, in a low rapid tone: ‘* Tt strikes me you and I have met before, old man!” Old Jackpot’s little, bead-like eyes sparkled with a econ cn Saget gleam. “Do you think so?” he demanded. think ye must be mistaken, remember that I ever saw you before.” ** You don’t?” ‘You bet. Indeed, I’m werry positive.” *So! so! Now, I was quite sure I recognized your mug, for it is by no means an ordinary one. Let me see—your name is—” “* Jeremiah Jackpot, at your service.” ‘Indeed! Rather a remarkable name, is it not?” ‘* A leetle odd, mebbe. But, then, the Jack- pots of Vermont date back many generations.” ‘Ah! But, by the way, Jeremiah, did you not once bear another name—a name sounding something like Simeon Slater, and were you not once a roustabout, on a Mississippi river steam- boat?” There was perceptible irony in the Don’s tone, as he put the query, and his keen gaze dwelt most searchingly upon the face of the hawkish seller of badrum., , Jackpot put up his hands, as if in righteous surprise. ‘*T a roustabout on a Mississippi steamboat?” he ejaculated, ‘‘ No! never! Believe me, I know nothin’ bout ther Mississippi, at all, ex- cept that I crossed it when I came West, some years ago,” ‘* How many years ago?” ‘Oh! it must be nigh about ten, I guess,” ‘*Or eleven, say, for instance!” and the Don smiled, in a provokingly cool manner. ‘So you never bore the name of Simeon Slater?” “‘ Never, so help me!” ‘¢ Jackpot, as you call yourself, you are a good liar, but you can’t fool me. Ob! no!” “A ee that? You dare to call me a liar, sir ; presume you heard the echo of my voice, sir ‘* An’ you call me a liar in my own place? You take that back, or I'll put you out doors,” “Wom Wie ii) ee an’ I kin git plenty of help to do it with. ‘“Now, you're talkin’! Just whistle for some of your help, an’ see ’em get on to my ge be- fore they tackle me. See ’em size me up before they proceed to swallow me! Why, Simeon, you don’t know your man, dash me if you do!” “Now, IT do not te
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————— ee ——$—— “se Old Jackpot glared at the dark sport, as if he would like to annihilate him. ‘“You are a fool! You arecrazy!” hesputter- ed, ‘* What do you come here for?” ** Just for fun, to get a look at you. You're such a handsome man, Simeon, that it’s a won- der people don’t come from miles around, to get a look at your hen-hawk countenance. ** Then, too, Simeon, I came for something else, and you ought to know what that something means?” *“My name is not Simeon, nor I don’t know what you mean!” was the sullen exclamation. ‘* You're mistaken in your man!” ‘Not a bit of it!” the Don assured, blandly. “‘Pve been on your trail for over a year, and with a little valuable detective assistance, have succeeded, at last, in locating both you and the irl!” What?” The old whisky-seller now began to look both surprised and anxious. ** Just as I tell you!” Don Juan went on, con- fidently. ‘‘ I met the girl to-day and recognized her, chanced along in time to rescue her from a wretch who was trying to force her into a promise that she would marry him!” ‘Who? Who?” ‘One George Sheldon, a mine-owner, and as black-hearted a villain as ever lived!” “Nol no! You are very much mistaken. George Sheldon is a great and good gentleman, and he would not try to frighten or force my child.” “Bah! You and he are two of a kind, Simeon Slater, and his rope, at least, is playing out al- most to the end!” Old Jackpot had in the past few minutes grown perceptibly nervous, owing to the fact | that the Don’s steady stare never for once left his face. : “Who the deuce are you ?” he finally man- aged to blurt out, the muscles of his face work- ing spasmodically. ‘‘Who are you, and what brings you here?” ‘¢ Put some one behind the bar, and come and sit down over ‘yonder, and you shall know all,” was the reply. Jackpot hesitated a few minutes, a scowl upon | his face; then, curiosity scomed to get the bet- | ter of him, and he got oxo ef the gamblers to temporarily look after the bar. Then, he and the Don went and took seats at a vacant table, in the back part of the room, - where they could converse without being over- heard, 5 The Don took time to light a cigar, before he opened the conversation. ‘*T suppose you are willing, by this time, to acknowledge that you are Simeon Slater,” he began, ‘‘ since denial is a waste of your breath!” “T acknowledge nothin’ 0’ the sort,” was the ruff answer. ‘© Oh! well; it matters not. Iam positive as to your identity. I have traced matters and so faithfully as to be sure of my man beyond per- adventure. / ** When I relate to you the story, you can but acknowledge that I speak facts. “To, begin: a number of years ago a poor young New Yorker came to the far West, but eventually drifted to the City of Mexico. His name was Leon McDonald, He had a fine education, which was his only valuable posses- sion, aside from good looks arid a robust constitu- tion; he could speak several languages, and had plenty business tact, so that he was not long in the City of Mexico ere he obtained a lucrative 0sition in a bank, the president of which was a panish gentleman of high caste and great wealth. @ was a Widower, and had but one child, then a beauteous creature, just budding into womanhood, “That banker, Carlo Valeria, took’ a great fancy to his new clerk on account of his quali- ties of head and heart, and introduced him into his home, , “The result was as might have been expected. McDonald fell head over heels in Jove with eharming Inez Valeria, and—well, there was a secret marriage. kit Carlo was a proud old aristocrat of Spain’s bluest blood, and would never have listened to such a thing as a marriage between his child and a man of McDonald’s plebeian birth, so it ‘was never known to him. ‘ About a year after it took place, Carlo Valeria paid a farewell visit to Spain, for he was getting old and in poor health, and did not expect to survive long. It was durin his protracted absence that Inez gave birth to a child. “ Here was a dilemma, What was to be done with it? It would not do to let the secret get to » } _ | TIL ee a Be perry ; Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher, AS ES EDR OP 7 her father’s ears. Finally, it was decided to take it East and place it out to nurse until Carlo should die, when the parents could re- claim it. ‘““This was done by McDonald, who had | amassed quite a little wealth. The child was placed in his own sister’s care, and he returned to Mexico, ‘** Well, time flew by, and Carlo Valeria lived on. He had adopted me into his family, but, of course, I was to get no shdre of his for- tune when he died. I was a Don in my own right, however, by inheritance of the title, ‘* At last, when little Mabel McDonald was seven years old, Carlo Valeria died, and Inez came into his grand fortune. In all these years Inez had never seen her child. Leon, however, had visited it each year. ‘** Carlo Valeria was scarcely cold in his grave when Leon, accompanied by myself, then a lad of twelve, started for the East to reclaim his child. The journey was unattended by inci- dent, and we finally set out on our return to the City of Mexico. We came to New Orleans by boat, as McDonald wished to stop there; then we took a trip up the Mississippi river, to a point where we were to connect with rail to take us across the West to Santa Fe, at which point it was also McDonald’s purpose to stop, before journeying south into Mexico, * Well, it was on board the Mississippi steam- boat that McDonald met you. You were a roustabout, but Leon found jn you an acquaint- ance of former years, named Simeon Slater, and in confidence told you the story of his life—how he had secretly married, how little Mabel had been concealed, and how he was now taking her home to enjoy a princely fortune. Do you re- member me now? I was present when he told that story!” A strange tremor passed over the figure of old Jackpot; his face had grown very white, and his eyes burned with an unnatural fire. **Go on!” he said, huskily. “* Well,” the Don proceeded, *‘ you were poor and hard-up, and so McDonald procured your release from service on the boat, fitted you out with a couple of suits of his own clothing, and gave you quite a sum of money—all out of pure friendship, born of your former acquaintance. What did you do in return? ‘‘The next morning it was found that little Mabel was missing, and so were you, and no one knew anything about either of you. It was a mystery, without a key of solution. “The boat had not made a landing since both of you had last been seen, and yet, you were not on the boat, nor were you anywhere to be found, P “That was just about eleven years ago, now, Simeon Slater, and yet you have not changed materially, except you have grown older, Your face has always been indelibly engraved upon my memory, and I have always been confident I should find you, and it has finally come to pass, _ “T will not dwell upon these, eleven interven- ing years, for they haye been marked only by one continuous agonizing search on the part of Leon McDonald and myself, “The shock caused by the loss of her child, brought poor Inez to her grave within one short year, and the immense Valeria fortune fell to feDonald. After Inez’s death we took the trailin dead earnest, and have never ceased to search—at least, I never have. When McDon- ald died, a year ago, he extorted from me an oath, that I would never give up the search as long as I lived, or until I found Mabel, and pony: at her disposal the fortune that awaits ier in Mexico, And, at last, the hour of my long-sought victory is at hand. “Simeon Slater, 1 want that girl, or your life! Refuse me but the slightest, and I'll have both!” Don Juan’s tones were stern, almost to savage- ness. Simeon Slater sat a moment, in blank silence, his burning gaze leveled at the floor; then he arose with a muttered malediction, ‘‘The game’s up, I suppose!” he said. ‘You shall have the girl!” CHAPTER X., ANOTHER SCHEME, Arter leaving the tent of Madame Samuels the clairvoyant, George Sheldon sauntered through the mining-camp—back and forward, from one end to the other, several times. He looked neither to the right, nor to the left, but seemed absorbed in deep thought. ‘‘-Yes, this female detective must be got rid of,” he mused, “ or Ishall be in peril. She may have lied to me after all, and may have a posse . ® PT Teg Natty 9 of confederates lurking about the neighborhood, who are on the watch for an opportunity to seize me, and spirit me away into is of justice. Should I be captured and put on trial in Denver, the papers would get a hold on me, and there can be no doubt but what more des- perate charges would leak out against me; so it is absolutely imperative that no time be lost in getting this Santa Fe Sal out of the way. But, how is it to be accomplished?” Here was a question which the scheming mine-owner found it difficult to answer. Long he pondered over it, until, in his back and forth tramp he found himself close in the vicinity of the cabin of Hannah Hayes. ‘** A light was burning within, and he paused, a strange expression coming over his face, ve | acl if it would work?’ he muttered, *““Women are weak, and easily influenced. The chances are that the devilish girl detective knows more than she lets on, and if so, she may seek to see the boy. Then—!” He turned away, walked off a short distance, wus then oy Maat and rapped upon the cabin qaoor. * Hannah opened it more carefully, this time, than she had on the previous night. “Ts that you, Mr. Sheldon?” “Yes, Hannah!” the mine-owner replied, as he stepped into the cabin. ‘ Why, weré you expecting other callers?” “Oh! no. Only you know, there are so many miners drinking hard, of late, that it makes me somewhat timid,” ‘*No one would think of harming you, Han- nah! Where is the boy?” ‘*Tn his bed and fast asleep, long ago, sir.” ‘Ah! That is good! You will make a model lad out of him, Hannah, ifwe can only manage to keep him.” ‘Oh! sir, you do not think he is going to be taken away, do you?” Hannah asked, anxiously, “Well, I couldn’t say, for a certainty, but Daag hy grave apprehensions that we may lose im.” ‘Oh! do not say so! It would break my heart to part.with him, I love him so much. Pray ex spe sir!" eWell, you see, I have bad a sort of fore- lieding, for several days past, that something wis going to happen that would rob us of our pet, but Pre tried to keep it off my mind as much as possible, and did not menticn it to you, tearing to give you needless anxiety. But, at last, I have discovered that there is a female de- tective in the town, who calls herself Santa Fe Sal, and she is here for a purpose!” ‘Oh! dear! dear!” “What she is here for, no cne knows,” Shel- don went on, ‘‘for she is as sharp as a steel- trap, and close-mouthed, as far as her business is concerned, But, I am of the opinion that she is here for some errand connected with our protege.” ‘*’Perhaps to kidnap him?” “Stranger things have occurred, Or, per- kaps when she has all her plans ready, she will Iny open claim to him, In case she shculd have rood proofs to back her, we should have to give nim up.” ‘Oh! that would be too bad, Mr. Sheldon!” ‘fOf course it would, Hannah, and I am not atall inclined to yield. the boy up, so easily. Like yourself, 1 have beccme greatly attached to him, and shall use power, combined with strategy, to prevent losing the little one, whom T intend to eventually make my heir.” “Yes. Oh! I doso hope you can do some- thing, Mr. Sheldon. I don’t know what Ishould do, were I to lose Bertie.” : ‘‘T think, Hannab, we can work it all right, if you will lend me a little assistance!” “Oh! I will eagerly do all I can, sir.” te Very well, Now, you see, this girl or Wo- man, Santa Fe Sal, has already proven herself a desperate character. She errived here, last night, and, as perbays veu bave heard, she had not been in the town }elf an hour, before she shot and killed Jehn Fell, at the Jackpot Sa- loon!” ; ‘‘ Merciful stars! ccmmittcd murder” “Just so. The chargestands against her, and if we can only catch the slippery sinner, there will be no danger of her taking little Bertie away from us, for she will get a dose of justice that will end her career of usefulness, See?” OR. GOON, ‘Well, you see, if, as I suspect, she is here with a view of getting possession of the boy, she is liable to call here, at almost any minute, to see him,” “Oh! dear, to let her in?” ‘““By no means, Admit her, and receive her What shall do? Shall I refuse ~ nee ey y
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De ed se pd ut Cea 4 in the most cordial manner you know how. If | she asks to see the boy, show him to her, but take cafe she don’t seize and make off with him. fter she has seen him, invite her to havea cup of tea with you. Be particular to have tea ready at all hours, as there is no telling at what instant she may put in an appearance!” ‘** But, I cannot understand all this, Mr. Shel- don?” ‘** You will. Here is a vial of tasteless liquid. It is narcotic, in its effects. I take it, often, to produce sleep, when I’m restive. Pour the con- tents into a cup, and keep it there in readiness. When you receive a call from her, fill the cup with tea, and give it to her. Be sure not to get your cup and hers mixed. She will drink the tea, as the drug cannot be detected, either by smell, or by taste. If she sips but a couple of tablespoontfuls of the tea, it will quite soon de- prive her of her senses.” **Oh! Mr, Sheldon, I could never do that. It would be murder!” Hannah cried, in astonish- ment and horror, ‘* Bosh! nonsense! There’s no murder about it. The liquid won't killa fly. All it d6es is to produce a stupor.” ‘But, after you get her drugged, you will have her lynched, and I will be responsible for her death?” .‘*No! Pll promise you, if you carry out my plan, no personal violence shall come to her. will have her kept in confinement, until an oath can be exacted from her, that she will leave this country!” ‘*Oh! I am afraid to attempt such a thing, sir!” ‘Bah! Nothing to be afraid of at all. Pll rantee all will be just as I have outlined. ow, promise me to carry out my plan, and in the morning I'll hand you a reward of five hun- dred dollars, in solid cash!” But, Hannah didn’t promise, rightaway. Tt took a great deal of urging and expostulat- ing, on the part of the mine-owner, before he finally succeeded in getting her to promise that she would carry out his scheme, in case Santa Fe Sal should call, The villain then took his departure, feeling certain that he had taken a sure step toward victory over his most dreaded enemy. CHAPTER XI. ? A VILLAIN’S TRAIL. Simeon Slater, alias Old Jackpot, spoke so positively, when he said, ‘‘ You shall have the girl,” that Don Juan Carlos had no thought but what the arrant rascal meant it, and so bother- ed himself no more about the matter, for the time being, as he saw Slater resume his position behind the bar. “ At last, ’'ve reached the end of my long trail, and I'm not sorry for it,” was the Don’s mental comment, as he lit a fresh cigar. ‘It was a lucky day when I fell in with Santa Fe Sal and her party, and now that I have got my game within reach, I'll wait and see how their case comes out. Were it not for Mr. Ball, I fancy I'd try to get into the better graces of the dashing girl detective, for she’s after my liking. But, Ball has the inside track in her esteem, though l’m doubtfulifheknowsit. Heisalways so gloomy and sad that he makes a monotonous companion. ‘* Thero’s a fire of vengeance burning within his veins, however, that will have to be quench- ed, before he is himself again. I know not his story, but his white hairs tell one—a tale of ex- treme mental anguish, or long suffering.” So busied was the Don, that he failed to take notice of Simeon Slater’s leaving the saloon by arear door, The rascally Jackpot glided around to the front of the building, and there met a dark ruf- fianly looking fellow, whose ragged attire seem- ed to indicate that he was out of work, and down at the heel, ‘“* Jack, you keep an eye on the back door, will ou, and see that no one leaves the shebang by that way?” Slater inquired, “ Anything in it, boss?” “Yes, You shall have what you want to drink, when I return.” ve Kerect, boss. I’m your man!” and the fel- low moved away toward the rear of the cabin. As for Slater, he hurried off in the direction of George Sheldon’s cabin. “If I can find Sheldon in,” he muttered, “ I'll outwit the Spaniard, yet. The Mexican fortune belongs to the gal, ad T’ve not been scheming all these years for nothing. Adele must marry Sheldon, aod then, I’m a made man, for he dare not go back on me, and at the same time, he having control of the wring as much of it away from choose.” ; as I i : iF sree? Mexican i go I can} Rowdy Jack! He has knifed Old Jackpo al, the Clasher. When he reached the Sheldon cabin, he found it dark and gloomy, and after waiting in the neighborhood for half an hour, he retraced his steps to the saloon with a muttered curse, Within the saloon, he found George Sheldon, in the act of treating the crowd. ‘* Come in here,” Slater said, after the round was had and ei for. ‘‘I want tosee you!” Sheldon followed, evincing some surprise. When they were in the adjoining room, Slater locked the door, after them. The only person in the room besides them- selves was Adele, who sat at a table, engaged | in sewing, and Rowdy Jack, who lay upon a settee still insensible. Adele gave an apprehensive start, when she saw the mine-owner in company with her father, and set her lips tightly together. She felt that their entrance boded no good to Rms and resolved to be as brave as pos- sible. **What’s the matter with him?’ the mine- owner demanded, pointing to Jack. Slater briefly explained. At which Sheldon uttered an oath. “That accursed girl here again?” he ejacula- ted, ‘Sand allowed to escape? Ten thousand furies!” “Yes, the boys let her escape, ’cause they was afraid to tackle her,” Slater declared. *‘ John Hall’s ‘fate learned them a lesson, I reckon. Then, too, thet Pete Painter ‘lowed et wa’n’t fair fer a hull crowd o’ men to pitch on toa single gal, an’ you know what Pete says carries weight wi’ the crowd, every time.” **Confound him, I'll discharge him, the first thing in the morning! Now, what do you want of me.” 6 ‘* Did you see that Spanish feller ont yonder?” “TI did!” ‘*'You’ve seen him before?” ** Yes. How do you know?” “He told me he found you tryin’ to force Adele into a promise to marry you!” ** He’s an accursed liar!” the mine-owner cried, furious with rage, at being exposed. ‘*He told the truth, papa!” Adele spoke up, quickly. ‘* George Sheldon did try to make me promise to marry him, and when I refused, he threatened to disgrace and ruin me, by scandal- ous reports!” : Simeon Slater pricked up his ears at this, and regarded the mine-owuér, anything but good naturedly. ‘* Ts this true?” he demanded. “Waal, yes, it’s true!” Sheldon replied, with a disagreeable leer, ‘‘ What have you got to say about it?” A flush of angen overspread Slater’s face, showing that he still had a spirit, with some good in it, at least. **)ve got this much to say, George Sheldon!” he cried, folding his arms, and gazing steadily ht the mine-owner—‘ that I thought you amore honorable man than to threaten such a coward- ly ravenge upon a pure and respectable girl. I brought you here, intending to try and arrange an immediate marriage between you two, but now, I will do nothing of the sort. “You won’t?” ** No, I won’t!” “Then, [ suppose, that signifies enmity?” — “Tam not particular. You know you stand in fear of me, while I do not fear you, in the least!” \ ‘Bah! Ill make you fear me, you cur! More than that, allow me to inform you that I would not lower and demean my social station by marrying a pauper’s daughter!” ** And, allow me to inform you, sir, that Adele is no pauper’s daughter, nor is she my daughter, but the daughter of wealth, and son standing, and to-day, there awaits her, in the city of Mexico, a fortune of colossal proportions, left her by the death of her father and mother. So, you see, sir, what you have lost!” ‘*Curses seize you! Why did you never tell me this before, you hound?’ George Sheldon cried, fiercely, “Pye a mind to choke the life out of you!” ; He sprung upon the keeper of the Jackpot Saloon, and seized him by the throat. Adele uttered a terrified sbriek, and simul- taneously Rowdy Jack sprung from the sofa, and was seen mingling with the struggling pair, Then, there was another shriek, and all three went crashing to the floor. George Sheldon quickly regained his feet, and burst open the door into the bar-room. ‘Quick! help, this way!” he cried. ‘“ a A crowd of miners instantly surged forward ) % | into the room, where, lying upon the floor in ’ 4 ae le, a, hie eer s 5 the throes of death, lay Simeon Slater, a dirk- knife thrust to the hilt in his bosom. Rowdy Jack had just extricated himself from under the dying saloon keeper, and gained his feet, when the crowd rushed into the room, ‘Seize him! seize him!” cried the mine-own- er. ‘* Do not let the murderer escape!” The men rushed bodily upon Jack, and as he had but one hand to fight them, he of ccurse had no show of defending himself, and was made a prisoner in a jiffy. ‘ ‘*T didn’t stab the saloon-keeper,” he Protest : ed, while being bound. ‘‘ it was George Sheldon who did it. He and Jackpot got into a quarrel, an’ [ sprung op and tried to separate them, Sheldon knifed Jackpot, and then we all went down together. Sheldon got up first and charg- ed the stabbin’ to me. I swear to God I had no- thin’ to do wi’ it!” ‘“Bah! yer kan’t work off no sech a tale on us!” cried a miner, who had no Jove for the gambler, from the fact that Jack had frequent- ly reliéved him of sums of money at poker. * We all know what sort o) a hair-pin you aire, Rowdy Jack! You an’ Old Jackpot didn’t love each other over-much, Al that y ackpot keered fer you was what money you fetched to his bar, an’ you'd ’a’ salivated him long ago, but for a hope ye might git his gal. So et’s a cl’ar case ag’in’ ye!” “To be sure it is,” broke in George Sheldon. ‘* ‘Why, I saw the rascal draw the knife from his hip-pocket, gentlemen. He aimed a blow at me first, but fell short of his mark, and then he watched his chance and drove the blade into Jackpot’s breast.” a me in is dead!” at this juncture announc- © ed one of the miners who had been kneeling be- side the wounded saloon-keeper. _ There was a scream at this, and Adele sunk back upon the floor in a swoon. , **Out\ with the murderer and string him up!” yelled George Sheldon, . ‘‘ Don’t give the cuss a show at all. He’s cheated every mother’s son of you at cards, but don’t give him another chance to do it.” This order was hailed with wild yells of a proval, and Rowdy Jack was dragged from the saloon, followed by the whole yelling mob with one exception. George Sheldon remained behind. As soon as.the crowd had cleared from the © kitchen, where the tragedy had taken place, he closed and barred the door communicating with — the bar-room. ** Jackpot is dead!” he hissed, as he gazed down at the murdered man, whose features were becoming cold and rigid; ‘‘ and those lips will never speak what they knew and wo have uttered but for the knife-thrust, Rowdy Jack too will be in Kingdom Come inside of ten minutes, and his tongue will be silenced. Verily luck has not deserted me yet. And, now—’ He knelt beside the corpse of Simeon > and made a hurried examination of his pockets. Finally from an inner pocket of his vest, he drew forth a crumpled document. Bearing it to the light, he gave it a hasty ex- amifiation, and a cry of exultation burst from his lips, as he finished the perusal. af re. did not lie to me!” he muttered. ‘This tells all about the girl, and she is mine now—my prize! Now is my time to secure her, while the crowd are stringing up Rowdy Jack!’ He flung open the rear door of the cabin, and peered out. A mellow flood of moonlight over the camp, and he could see distinctly. There was no one in sight in that vicinity. ; Turning, he approached where Adele was: ying. : A He drew a vial of liquid from his pocket, similar to that he had given Hannah Hayes. Kneeling beside the prostrate girl, he poured. a few drops of the liquid between her parted | lips. irhen, restoring the bottle to his pocket, he raised cabin, : Thence he worked along the mountain-side, keeping other cabins as a shield between him — and the crowd, whose yells he could hear, near ~ the front of the Jackpot Saloon. t ‘‘T know of a place to hide her,” he nba i with an evil chuckle, ‘where all the men o Buckshot Camp cannot find her, and there she — shall stay, till sbe consents to marry me. T Pll lose no time in closing up my matters here, and hieing myself to the City of Mexico, whereI — can laugh atdetectives and the law! Hi fancy your lucky star is still in the ascendant, — George Sheldon!” Sth the Villain laughed a laugh of vom es. ¥ fell ee her in his arms and bore her from the ~ 4A Ha!hba! I ot ‘ tr
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CHAPTER XII. ROWDY JACK’S CONFESSION, THE crowd which dragged Rowdy Jack from the saloon, making the night hideous with their discordant yells and screeches, was not one to show much mercy, and well he knew it. He had never been particularly noted for play-)| ing a square game, and most of the miners had been bled by him, time and again, of all their hard-earned cash; hence, where they had here- | totore stood in fear of him, they now saw a | chance to get even with him, and did not mean to let it pass unimproved. Pete Painter was one of the leaders of the mob. Merciful in some instances, there was no pity in his heart for Rowdy Jack, whom he knew * to be a black-hearted ruffian and villain. Jack had robbed the burly miner of over two thousand dollars, when he first struck the camp, and Painter had never forgotten the loss. A short distance from the Jackpot Saloon was a large tree, with strong limbs branching straight out from the trunk, and a better place | for a lynching-bee could not be found in all the camp. So" to this tree Rowdy Jack was marched. Several of the men had brought along lighted torches, but they were scarcely needed, for the soaring moon sent down a flood of illumination that fairly put the light of the torches to shame, The same lasso that had been prepared for use on Santa Fe Sal, the previous night, was now called into requisition and the noose was shirred about Rowdy Jack’s neck. The other end was then tossed over the stout | limb, and seized by a dozen’ pairs of willing hands, eager to launch the gambler into eternity. **Genilemen, I am innocent of killing Old Jackpot!” Rowdy Jack cried, in ringing tones, ‘* but I know you will not believe me. do not fear to die. 1 have lived a bold, fearless life, and so will I die. But, I beg of you, let me speak a few words, before you yank me up. It’s the last favor ye kin ever do me, and I feel sure you'll grant it!” The jabbering of the mob ceased, and the men remained in grim silence, all except/Pete Pain- | ter. “Go ahead!” he said gruffly. ‘I ain’t ther man as would deprive a dog of et’s last bark. But be mighty brief in your remarks. We ain’t got no time to monkey ’bout this matter.” “Tt won’t take me long to say my say!” | Rowdy Jack declared, ‘tan’ lll not keep ye out o yer fun’ any longer than I kin help. i know ver’ anxious to see me kickin’ at space, and be- ieve me, I appreciate your taste.” “Come! come! No superfluous remarks!” growled Pete Painter. “Kerect! What I’ve got to say, is this: I didn’t stab Old Jackpot. I swear to that before that God into whose presence I expect to be summoned on the judgment day. Ive been a hardened wretch for years, but I didn’t knife Jackpot. It was George Sheldon who did et. I never owned a dirk-knife. Mine’s a bowie. ‘*T was lym’ on the lounge when Sheldon and Jackpot entered the room. insensible yet, but I wasn’t. I wanted to hear what they had to say. “Well, they went to talkin’, and finally ’Pot he accused Sheldon of threatening to ruin Adele’s reputation by circulating bad stories. Sheldon didn’t deny it, but asked "Pot what he had to say aboutit. One word brought on an- other. “Finally Jackpot told Sheldon he couldn’t have A iele. Sheldon said he wouldn’t have a pauper gal. Jackpot got mad then, and sed Adele wasn’t his child, but the heiress to an im- mense fortune in the City 0 Mexico. ‘Then Shelion caught Jackpot by the throat, an’ began to choke him, [I sprung off the lounge an’ tried to separate them, one-handed as Iwas, We struggled a moment; then I saw Sheldon draw the dirk, and stab Jackpot. The next instant we tripped and all went down to- gether. Sheldon got up first, and rushed out an’ charged me with the murder he had com- mitted himself!” ‘ Here Rowdy Jack paused. He looked from face to face. ; _Every visage wore a grim, merciless expres- sion, On not a single face was there a look that, in- dicated that his story was believed. There was plainly no sympathy for him. ° er you done?” Pete Painter demanded, y: ‘‘No;—only a few more words. That little boy, at Hannah Hayes’s cabin is George Shel- don’s grandson, The boy’s father, Sheldon’s only son, is in an Eastern prison, where ’ IT let on to be ; WALaR » , ae a ‘Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. gS meen 11 Sheldon caused him to be put. Sheldon then eloped with his son’s wife, and came West. But, he soon tired of her, and cast her off, after robbing her of her money. Bent on vengeance, she gave chase. Sheldon found she was com- ing here,-and gave Jackpot and myself big money to intercept and murder her. He accom- panied us, to see that we did the work up right. Jackpot and I both fired at her, as she’an’ the kid were ridin’ through a gulch on horseback, but missed our mark, and I’ve never been sorry for it, you bet! ‘Sheldon then snatched the rifle from my hand, and sent the fatal bullet crashing through | her brain. He and Jackpot then returned here. IT remained behind, and gave the woman a de- cent burial. A couple of nights later, I fetched the kid to camp, el left it where it was found, That's all, If any one ever comes in search of the kid, tell °em what I’ve told you, for{it’s God’s honest truth. “So, now, go ahead—the quicker the better!” There was an instant of blank silence—then, clear and stern, rung out the cry, from the lips of Pete Painter: ‘* Heave, oh, heave |” Simultaneous with the cry, the miners laid back on the rope, and the body of Rowdy Jack | | close at hand, when George Sheldon and T shall hung suspended in mid-air, by the neck. At the same instant, there was a wild cry, the clatter of a horse’s hoofs, the rapid reports of a revolver, and, at a furious speed, a horse and rider were seen bearing down upon the scene, a stream of fire, literally, pouring from the rider’s leveled weapon, ‘ Involuntarily the mob fell back, and, like a flash, horse and rider passed through the lane thus formed. So sudden was the rush, that it was some seconds before the crowd could comprehend | what had happened. Then they discovered that the lasso which had suspended Rowdy Jack, had been cut, and the victim of lynch law was gone! While, lying flat upon their backs, were the men who had held the other end of the rope. And away, down the mountain-side, the clat- ter of a horse’s hoofs were dying out, in the dis- tance, ‘ CHAPTER XIII. _ WEAVING THE NET. On leaving Jackpot Saloon, after having been undisguised by Rowdy Jack, Santa Fe Sal lurked about the camp, for a few minutes, and then left it, and walked rapidly along the moun- tain-side, until she came to a small wooded bench, or level space, where the tall gaunt trees formed somber aisles, across which the moon- light played in golden bars, Following one of the aisles, she soon came to where a horse was tied—a clean-limbed, fine- looking animal, handsomely equipped. The horse gave a neigh of recognition, as the girl detective approached, and she patted him affectionately on the neck. “Don’t get impatient, Juno,” she said, “ for there’s no telling yet, what this night may bring forth.” She then seated herself on a rock over which the moonlight played, from down through the tree-tops, and burying her face in her hands, gave herself up to reflection. | What her thoughts were, is not for us to say, but she was so deeply engrossed that she did not hear the approach of aman, who paused beside her, and touched her on the shoulder—the same white-haired individual, whom the reader has previously met, in the chasm camp. Santa Fe Sal looked up, with a start. ‘“ Why, is it you, Mr. Ball?” she ejaculated. ‘“‘How you startled me. I must be getting deaf, not to have heard your approach,” ‘No, it is not Mr. Ball!” he said, taking a seat beside her, ‘‘ for, henceforth, I am Robert Sheldon, the Avenger! Have you been to the town, lately?’ ‘*T just came from there, sir,” * Ab! What luck?” “None, in particular. I went there in dis- guise, but it was torn from my face. I man- aged to escape, through the opportune entrance of Don Juan, who put a bullet through the wrist of the man who was goin’ to salivate me.” ‘Then, you have gained no actual proofs?” “None. But, I’ve made up my mind as to the man who can furnish them.” ‘¢ Who is he?” “The man who attempted to shoot me— Rowdy Jack. I am going to try and steal | sionately, yearningly, as a lover might have: him, anyhow. But, betwixt you and Mr. Shel- don, I don’t opme I shall wait any longer, on account of proofs. You are satisfied that | fore uttering them, an your former wife is dead, and that your he meant. | father, George Sheldon, killed her, or caused her to be killed. Am I not right?” ‘* You are!” Robert Sheldon replied. “So am I, And, now, what is the use of waiting any longer? The sooner we nab the old sinner, and run him off, the better.” ‘*T agree with you!” and a sterner expression. came upon Robert Sheldon’s face, “I have made up my mind to one thing, Sally, and once my mind is made up, it cannot be changed,” “ Well?” ‘ve made up my mind that my wretched arent shall never be taken before the courts. Tsticd: in those places, is but a mockery, at best. When we get him, he shall hear the story of his sinful career, and then, we will fight to the death, and may the best man win!” The wronged son spoke both fiercely and re- - solutely, and it was evident that his hatred for George Sheldon was entire and relentless. ‘Well, of course, you know your own busi- ness!” Santa Fe Sal observed, ‘ and I have no say in it. But, supposing the old man should do you up? What would become o’ yer little son?” ‘That's mainly what brought me to hunt you up. Iam strangely impressed that the hour is Then, we must come to a final settlement. It is true, I may fall, but T amin hopes not. In case I should, my child will be without a relative. The woman who has him in charge, now, might bring him up all right, but I do not want her to have him. I want you to take him, Sally, and be as a mother to him!” “7, Mr. Sheldon?” “Yes, you. I could trust him with you, Sally. You are the only one I could bear to leave him with.” “Why, sir, Iam very much surprised. I should be the last person in the world you ought to think of placing him with. You know my profession, and its perils, and constant changing activity. Indeed, sir, I could not think of dragging a mere child into such a life as mine,” ‘* All because you do not understand me, Listen, and I will explain, I was not a poor man when sent to prison. I had been econo- mical, and bad a private bank account, which speculation had swelled to a number of thou- sand dollars considerably excceding ten, Of this, neither my father nor wife were cogni- gant. After I was eye i by a bold invest- ment in stocks, I cleared a little fortune in less than a week, so that I am now, quite rich,” ** Indeed !” “Yes, Now, after you finish this case, which you have hunted up so faithfully, I wan you to leave off your profession, altogether— this, no matter whether I am dead or alive.” “W hy, you surprise me, sir!” ‘ ‘‘ You must not be surprised. This is no life for one to lead who is so beautiful and accom- plished as yourself. 1f I live, we will take lit- tle Bertie and go to my home in the East, where your sole business will be to actas his governess, Tf I am killed, you will find all my money, com- posed of large notes, concealed about my per- son. Take it, get possession of my child, and settle down and bea mother to him. You will have enough means to keep you ecmfortably as long as you live. Now, Sally, promise me you will do this?” “Mr, Sheldon, I do not know how to answer you. I had uever thought of giving up ay pro- fession; and your offer surprises me. ou do not know me, except by my connection with your case. I am not a proper person to assume the care of your son, were I inclined to accept your kind offer.” } ‘Nay! do not say that. You think I do not know of your,»ast, and how you were wrong but Ido, I inquired into that before I engaged . your services. Let that page of the ae: be un- read, for you were not to blame. I, too, have suffered, but when I am ae with this mat- ter 1 mean once more to look upon the bright side of life. That is what you shonld do, It is not probable that I sball ever marry again, but: if I should conclude to, and we found ourselves: of the same turn of mind, I am satisfied I should not care to look further than for you as my choice. So promise me, whatever the result of my meeting with my father may be; that you | will carry out the wishes T have ex . He spoke earnestly and kindly, bat not pas- stand face to face. spoken. Re evidently had weighed his words well, be- said nothing but what
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Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. He had scarcely glanced at her while speak- ‘ing, but had kept his gaze riveted upon the ground. Santa Fe Sal had heard him, the glow deep- ening on her cheeks, the light of joy increas- ing in her eyes. **T—I am very much surprised, Mr. Sheldon,” she said, after a brief silence; *‘ but none the Jess grateful for the kindly interest you seem to take in me. I beg, however, that you will give me a little time in which to consider. There is no probability that you and your wicked father will meet to-night, and to-morrow I will give you an answer.” ‘Thank you,” he said, raising one of her hands to his lips. ‘‘I will hope your answer will be favorable. And now, as to your plans. Have you any?” hie! hardly know, myself, more than that I shall try to capture George Sheldon to-morrow night, and get him away from Buckshat Camp.” ‘Then you will want the assistance of the outlaws Bokus promised to get?” ** Yes, but not to make a raid. I simply want them to cover our escape from Buckshot. Do you still have faith in Bokus, sir?” TT do.” ‘Then I want you to go back to camp, and ‘send him at once for this Captain Clymer and his gang. This grove isa good covert. I want the men here by dusk to-morrow night, here to wait until you receive orders from me. Do you understand?” 4 PO, J ‘Very well. If my luck does not fail me; you will here have a chance to see your parent, and your child to-morrow night.” ‘*Have you seen my child yet?” “T have not, but that does not matter. When I want him, bet high on it that I will get him!” “Ts your partner—Alvin—in the mining- camp?” Santa Fe Sal smiled. “Yes, Alvin is there, but I haven’t had a chance to have a word with him yet. Alvin is slow, but he is generally sure to score a point or two in a game.” * And the Don? on?” “T don’t know, but I reckon the girl he res- cued on the mountain is the game he is trap- jing for. I mean to find out to-night. j will be moving back toward the camp now, and you had better get back to the chasm, and send Bokus off after the reinforcemen s. If possible, all hands are to be here by dusk to- morrow night, but exceeding care must be taken to prevent discovery.” ‘© T wall look out for that.” They shook hands and separated, Robert Shel- don going in the direction of the abyss camp; and Santa Fe Sal, mounting her horse, rode cau- tiously toward Buckshot. ‘Such a strange proposition—that of Mr. Sheldon’s,” she mentally soliloquized. ‘* I won- der if 1 ought to take advantage of it, and ive up*this wild, roving existence? He is a rue gentleman, and offers me a home, and— and maybe-” The color came faster into her cheeks, and her eyes glowed bright as the stars that twin- kled in the blue dome above, across whose broad expanse gradually soared the midsummer moon. How is his case coming CHAPTER XIV. THE MADAME ENLISTS, GEORGE SHELDON bore the insensible form of Adele rapidly along the mountain-side, his course slightly descending below the level of the ‘town. Although she weighed considerably over a hundred pounds, the arch-s¢chemer appeared not to mind her weight, but carried her along as though she were a doll-baby. He had got well beyond the outskirts of the camp When he heard a number of pistol-shots in rapid succession. ‘*T wonder what can be the matter now?” he muttered. ‘'Just as like as not those bungling hounds back there have let Rowdy Jack escape. If they have, I’m cursed if I won’t blow some one’s brains out!” The reports soon geased, and were followed by wild yells. Still the mine-owner hurried on, his visage set and hard of expression. In the course of half an hour he reached a small opening, or rather a long, upright seam in the rocky mountain-side, about two feet in ‘width, and partly screened from casual obser- vation by growths of bushes, I think } Shifting Adele so that she partly rested over his shoulder, he entered this fissure. Then he advanced slowly for about twenty feet, when he paused, and deposited his burden upon the hard, rocky bottom. Next he struck a match on the heel of his boot, and ignited a pile of resinous fagots and knots near at hand. A. strong blaze soon leaped upward, giving forth a bright illumination, that showed the place to be a cave of considerable size—prob- oply ten feet wide by fifteen long and fifteen igh. The smoke escaped through a crevice in the rock ceiling. There seeming to be a draught at this point. The cave had no furniture whatever. At one side was a large flat stone, which, al- though not a part of the cave rock, had the ap- pearange of being so. After taking a survey of the place, George Sheldon once more partly raised Adele, and laid | her in a more comfortable position, with her head pillowed upon her right arm. ** There! Ill guarantee she'll sleep there until morning, what with fainting and the effects of the drug!” he said. that, or send some one to act as her jailer, I wonder if the boodle is all right?” He went to the flat stone, and by an extra- ordinary tug, pulled it to one side, revealing a cavity about two feet square. This cavity was nearly filled with buckskin pouches, and packages done up in yellow paper, and the mine-owner’s eyes glistened when he gazed down at them. ‘Ha! ha! this is my bank, and I’m both pre- sident and cashier!” he chuckled. and no liabilities in this case. Cash capital, a quarter of a million. Ha! ha! You're not a poor man, George Sheldon, but you'll be a rich- er one, when you get hold of that Mexican for- tune!” He then shoved the stone back, over the cav- ity. Xs Tl return to town now!” he muttered, ‘‘ and T fancy I know the party to keep guard over this girl, if she is paid a fat price. Money is what makes tho mare go nowadays!” Before leaving the cave, hu poared a few more drops of the drug into Adele’s mouth, to assure against her awakening, before his return, He then hastened back to Bucl’shot, to tind ‘the camp in a high ck Bee excitement, over the Oo. So ES ee eee eee ~~: Sa aS Sa ~+r Jace eS rescue of Rowdy Jack by Senta Fe Sal, for sev- eral of the riders had recognized the wild rider as being the fearless and dashing girl detective of the Southwest. One of the miners, also, took Sheldon to one side, and narrated to him the con. ession Rowdy Jack had made, before being strung up. This man’s name was Big Bloomer—at least that was the name he went by in Buckshot— and be was envious of Pete Painter—a rival as it were, for prestige among the miners, Some there were who looked up to him as a sort of leader; but Painter undoubtedly had the lion’s share of popularity as far as the two men. were concerned. , I tell you what it is, boss,” Bloomer said in conclusion, ‘‘Jack’s charges have lost you a heap of popularity with some of the boys, and I’ve sounded ’ein all, and find out a good many of ’em don’t think so well of ' you, as_ they used to, There's Pete Painter’s crew—l’ve heerd ' some broad hints thrown out by them that the matter orter be investigated; but the boys as follers me, they allus goes as I do,” George Sheldon smothered a curse. This bit of news gave him no little uneasiness. “So you think some of the boys are inclined to turn on me, eh?” he said, grating his teeth. **T wouldn’t be s’prised, sir.” ‘“Curse them! Look here, Bloomer, I’ve al- ways found you a close-mouthed fellow, where your own interests were concerned.” ** Waal, I should smile, boss. I ain’t no blab- snoot, nor never was, nor I ain’t no fool—you can het the Big Bear mine on that!” ‘* Exactly. Now, in regard to Rowdy Jack’s story, some parts of it might prove to be true, and some might not, Again, when the thing gets noised around, detectives may make an at- tempt to yank me out of the town. Don’t you see; ** On course I do,” ** And, in case such an attempt be made, then is the time Painter and his gang would be most likely to go against me, Eh?” ‘* You're a-shoutin’, boss.” “Now, I don’t intend to ever be taken out of Buckshot, if I have to fight till blood runs down the mountain-side.” “* Bully fer you! Bully fer you!” “ll be back here before, ** All assets | ' ** Are you with me, Bloomer?” ‘* Tooth, temper an’ toe-nail, boss.” ‘*Good. You will never have cause to regret it. If it conies to war, and we win, I'll make you boss foreman of the mine. Now, then, how many of the boys are there, who regularly fol- low you?” ‘* T can count on twenty-five.” ‘*Not enough, by a quarter. Now, look here, Bloomer. See how many men you can get to stand up for me and fight for me in case of trouble. Understand?” Yes.” ‘Tl pay every man who can be relied on, twenty-five dollars—the more, the better.” ** Kerect.” ‘¢ And for every man you get over, I'll give you, individually, ten dollars.” * “It’s a bargain.” ‘Very well. Now, don’t be hasty, but go careful, Work it up on the quiet, by ail means, and if possible don’t let Painter get the cue.” ** Depend on et, Pll fix it, boss, There’s a lot o’ the boys wants money bad, and they’ll bite. If I get fifty men?” ‘* All the better. You get fifty men you can rely on, and J’ll give you a hundred dollars be- side your commission.” ; They then separated, Sheldon going toward his cabin. ‘* The devil’s to pay, now!” he gritted. ‘‘ Why in thunder didn’t { put Rowdy Jack out of the way before he got an opportunity to open his mouth? Curse him! This is liable to make me a heap of trouble. This matter of Pairter and his gang turning against me, is bad, too, for when they discover that Adele is missing, by wil} naturally lay her disappearance tome, If Hannah only gets the girl, Santa Fe Sal, Pll take care she never does any one any harm again. This is a desperate case, and only des- perate remedies are to be used, now.” He remained at the cabin, until most of the crowd had gone into the Jackpot, then he made acareful approach to Madame Samuels’s tent. A light was burning inside, and he entered without ceremony. “*Good-evening,” the madame said, in a soft, oily voice. ‘‘What can I do for you to-night, Mr. Sheldon?” *¢ How do you know my name?” ‘¢ You were pointed out to me.” ** Do you know where I live?” S Eidouwmt The mine-owner hesitated a moment, “Tt won't pay me to spare mcney at this stage of the game!” he reasoned, so, aloud, he said: ‘** How is business ‘** Very poor.” ‘Town is no good, eh?” oe Ne ,? ‘¢ Suppose you will leave soon?” “*T expect to.” ‘Where for?” ‘“T have no place in view.” ‘‘ How wouid you like to stay here?” ‘* What to do?” ‘‘Guard a woman, who is to be kept hidden for a few days, to carry out a plan.” ‘“‘T am not particular what I do, sir, as long | as it fetches money.” “Then, ve a job for ycu. The price is one 909 thousand dollars, for not more than ten days,” ** Count me engaged, then. That suits me!” / ‘Very well. You can be relied upon?” “ Perfectly |” ‘Enough said! Rap at my cabin door, one hour from now, and be ready for bizness!” ‘*T will be there, sir!” Bowing, Sheldcn withdrew from the tent. “So far, good!” he chuckled. “If things | work this way, ’. win my game, yet!” CHAPTER XV. A LETTER FROM THE DEAD. Tuer miners who had claimed that it was | Santa Fe Sal who had rescued Rowdy Jack from a certain death, had not been mistaken; it was the daring girl detective, who rode like a light- ning flash down ouae® the i caught the swaying body of ‘the gambler, in her arms, and at the same time cut the lariat by which he was suspended—then dashed on, before the aston- ished Regulators could raise a hand or voice to check her. Straight out of the camp, and then slantwise down the mountain-side she rode, holding Rowdy Jack across the saddle-bow, in front of her. For half a mile she proceeded thus, then, ab- ruptly headed her steed back up the mountain, again, finally reaching the wooded bench, where she and Robert Sheldon had consulted, a few hours previous, a ican ee ry ey - / i i . ;
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Within one of the moonlit aisles, she drew rein, and dropped the form of Rowdy Jack to aril ground, after which she dismounted, her- se Jack had returned to his senses, but being bound, hand and foot, wus of course helpless, She dragged him to a tree, and leaned him up against it, in asitting position, so that the moon- light streamed down through an opening in the tree-tops, full mpcn him. He recognized her, as she stood before him, but did not offer to speak, until spoken to. “Well, sir, how do you feel by this time?” Santa Fe Sal demanded, surveying him keenly. ‘*T feel that my chances for life are somewhat better than they were a few minutes ago,” he replied, with a shrug of his shoulders. “I thought it was all up with me, then.” “Don’t be too sure but what it is now!” Sal said, in a way that implied a threat, “It’s a pretty certain fact that you deserve a fate worse than lynching.” “Maybe I do,” was the answer. ‘I knowm Past record ain’t as clear as it might be. But idn’t knife old Jackpot.” “‘T am satisfied of that. It was George Shel- don who did that.” l “You are right. [Tm a p hard cuss, oung woman, an’ mebbe it would ’a’ been the Dest thing if you had let ’em lynched me. But, bad as I’ve been, I argue that Sheldon knocks me clean oui o’ time fer downright meanness and villainy.” ; ‘Probably you are right. Do you know, Rowdy Jack, who and what I am?” “T allowed, the first I saw of you, that you were a detective,” ce I am.” ** And you’re after me?” “Not in particular, although, according to the story you told at the lynching-tree, I should ar- rest you.” 1 ‘¢ Did you overhear what I said?” se 7 did. and made up my mind to rescue you, and see if I could use you.” “In what way?” “* As evidence against George Sheldon.” Rowdy Jack’s eye sparkled vengefully. ‘You can bet I'll give him away, now,” he gritted, ‘‘ after his cowardly attempt to get rid of me and Old Jackpot.” * Do you swear that what you told the crowd is true? | “Tdo! AsGod is m witness, I uttered the truth, and nothing but the truth. ‘*Tt was George Sheldon who killed Florence, his son’s wife?” “Tt was.” “Did you ever see George Sheldon’s son?” “ No.’ ‘¢ Where did you meét George Sheldon first?” ‘STn Buckshot. We got acquainted at the card- table. I and Jackpot got acquainted with him about the same time.” ‘Sheldon hired you and Jackpot to intercept and kill Florence Sheldon?” “He did.” “ How did he come to do this?” ““T guess he sized us up, as bein’ on the make. Anyhow, he pum away at us until he found we were’n’t particular what we did, so long as we got the pay for it. Then he come out and told us what he wanted done, and we made a in, We Pumped him too, until we got his he gav confidence, e us the story asI told it tc ae : * ‘What terms did you make with him?” ** Oh! we bled him, and don’t you forget it! First we told him we would do the job for five hundred, cash down. Hé came to time, an’ afterward we told him we’d made up our mind we couldn’t do the job short o’ five thousand apiece. He kicked like a steer, at first, but it wasn’t no use. When we told him we'd give him dead away if he didn’t come to time, he Pjanked down the cash,” “'Then you set out to commit the crime?” “oe ” ““He accompanied you?!” “Yes, He's. afraid we'd play him for a sucker,” “Where did you find Florence Sheldon” » “ About fifteen miles south of Buckshot,” “You told the crowd that you and Jackpot both fired at her?” “We did. She was coming up the gulch, We three were crouching in the bushes, near the trail. Sheldon ordered us to fire, an’ we let drive. Our bullets ‘went wide of the mark, however.” “ ie w t to her h ‘The young woman her horse and tried to ride past te, ay? get around a bend in the gulch. Sheldon got mad, snatched my 1 “Well” “Sheldon ordered me to bury the woman, an’ fetch the kid to Buckshot in the dead o’ nig!5, and drop it. Then he an’ Jackpot started back for Buckshot.” ‘You buried the woman?” “Yes, I fixed her away in the best shape I could, for I felt mighty guilty, tho’ I didn’t harm wu hair of her head.” ‘How is it the child has not recognized either of you three in connection with the murder?’ ‘“ We were all masked. Then the kid was too young to talk then?” ‘‘How is it that Sheldon has supported the child?” ‘“Dunno, unless he got tackled by remorse, and felt in duty bound to do it.” Santa Fe Sal paced to and fro for several minutes, in meditation.’ Finally she paused, and asked: “Did Sheldon eB VE Mi “What did you find?” ‘Nothing but a paper and a few cents in mone ‘* What was the paper?” ** A confession.” ‘*Ah! What did you do with it?” Rowdy Jack hesitated a moment, ‘* Supposing I tell you—will you set me free?” C) ** You shall be set at liberty as soon as I can arrange to confront George Sheldon, and charge him with the murder,” Santa Fe Sal replied, sy ee rest I aes hold you a prisoner!” * Yes, and after you get all out of me you can shoot me?” nbibiies TORN? ; ch By no means. When I give my word, it is aw. Jack eyed her a moment, as if in doubt about her KpSDIns her word. Finally he said: ‘Very well. You have given me your word and I will trust you. In the inside pocket of my vest you will find the document.” Santa Fe Sal at once proceeded to unbutton his vest, and in a moment had possession of the coveted document, She unfolded it eagerly, and holding it in the moonlight, read it carefully over. It was written in a neat style of chirography, and ran as follows, having neither date nor place of writing attached: “Oh! God, I wish I were dead, and but for my poe, innocent child, I would not hesitate a moment kill myself, : Mine is a lost and ruined life, and I have naught to live for, except to protect little Bertie, and for ven, ance—ay! bitter vengeance, erhaps I may never live to get this vengeance, and so I will leave this behind, as a warning to others not to do as I have done, ee When I married Robert Sheldon, T was a belle of Chicago's fashionable society, and worth a hundred thousand dollars in cash. rt was a promising business man, and I loved him, After we were mar- ried, however, he would not go into society, and I felt constrained to stay at home, too, although it caused me many a sad and lonely’ hour. and shut out much of the happiness I had i ti. known. * Finally came that awful shock. Robert was ar- rested for forgery, and sent to prison for ten y-ars. “T had come of one of the first families, and will eeknowledge that I was both proud and vain, and when the disgrace of my husband’s crime became puplely known, I felt that I could not live through he mortification and shame. Oh! it was terrible, I could not go out, except everybody stared at me, and I fancied I could hear them say— ‘There goes the wife of Robert Sheldon, the forger!’ ** Mother came to me, and coaxed me to go home, but, when 1 went father turned me and my. boy out of doors, saying I should not inflict my disgrace on him. . I tried to kill myself and child, then, but was revented, and then—then came to me that demon n human guise, George Sheldon, my husband's ou search the clothing of Florence fore you buried her?” tather. “With his oily tongue, he essayed to hate my husband, and I thought l did; My sheen over the disgrace was so great, that I gréw reckless, and when George Sheldon put the devil into my head, I was too weak to battle with him, and ob! God. gave up my life and hope, forever, “He promised to arrange a quiet divorce, if I would afterward marry and elope with him. I con- sented. I knew nothing of law, and fell a willing’ victim to his villainy, “The so-called divorce was granted. and we were, married, apd left Chicago for the West. A few short weeks—then, I knew T hated the wretch, and loved only my ete) imprisoned husband, but alas! it was then too late to turn’ back: I had stepped in- to the treacherous quicksand of shame and disgrace. and there was 00 way of retreat.. “Then, I saw, that he was tiring of me, and I was not sorry. 1f I could only die—that was all IT asked. and prayed for. But death would not come, and’ was by this time too much of a coward to take my own miserable life. “At last came the worst of all. I awoke one morning, to find him gone, and with him, all my money except a couple of bundred dollars I happen- ed to have in a loeket, The wretch left behind him a statement that the divorce was a sham, and that I was cone of bigamy, and if [ attempted to follow him. he would have me put in jail for that crime. *“Oh! the monster, howl hate him! and how I earn to find him, and kill him! He has ruined a ife and all hopes of happiness forever, but I wilk have revenge. Poor Robert!. What must be his opinion of me, He would never forgive me, were I to wander back. Perhaps, however, I may meet him, on the day of ge peas and he will know how sincerely penitent [ am. May God guide me on- ward—onward to vengeance ‘“ FLORENCE SHELDON.” There was a penreetibig moisture in the eyes of Santa Fe Sal, as she folded the paper, and placed it in her pocket. ‘Poor wronged, misguided creature!” she murmured, ‘She never lived to get her ven- geance, but her sorrow-strickén husband will take it in her stead!” Aloud, she said, addressing Rowdy Jack: “T have no time to tarry longer here. I haye work to do yet before I sleep, and so I will tie you to the tree, and be off.” “For the love of God do not leave me here and defenseless. Some one will come along and murder me!” Jack cried, piteously. “Bah! no one will visit this grove, unless it is Robert Sheldon and party, and I will leave a note pinned to yout vest, so that they shall not harm you until I return.” She procured a lariat from her saddle-bag,. and bound him securely to the tree in a sitting position, after which she wrote a note and pin- ned it upon his vest. Then, lariating out her horse, near at hand. she set out on foot, on her return to Buckshot ers ‘*Now, there is one course more to pursue. The child of Florence and Robert Sheldon must: be ao beyond the reach of the murderous wretch who has ruined so much happiness. He is so great a villain that, did he think his chances of escape were slim, he would murder the child out of spite. Yes, I'll have the boy, or know the reason why. And, as for you George Sheldon, your coil of rope has unwoun nearly totheend!” CHAPTER XVI. SANTA FE SAL GOERS DOWN. Ir did not take long for Santa Fe Sal to reach the outskirts of the mining-camp, and by skulk- ing about, she was soon able to ascertain that the place had resumed a state of quiet. any cabins were dark, showing that the oc- cupants had retired for the night. light still shone from the window of the Jackpot Saloon, but there were no particular sounds of revelry within. There was not a person abroad, as far as the girl detective could ascertain, though the hour was not yet midnight. After making the reconnoissance, Santa Fe Sal glided toward the cabin of Hannah Hayes. ‘*T wonder if I will find the old gal up?” she soliloquized. ‘’Tain’t likely, but she'll get up, all the same, or I'll climb to the roof and do the Santa Claus act of going down the chim- ney. hen she arrived at the cabin, she found that a ray of light shone out through the crack in under the door, which seemed to indicate that the widow had not retired for the night. After listening at the door a moment, Santa Fe Sal rapped gently upon it. Directly nbd were heard within, the door was unbarred and opened, and a flood of light streamed out, ‘““What’s wanted?” Hannah Hayes demanded, from the threshold. ‘¢ Are you Mrs, Hayes?” Sally asked quietly, “Tam, Will you step inf” The girl detective entered, Hannah closed the door, and then handed her guest a seat, varying. her with curiosity, { “Yes, I am Mrs. Hayes,” she continued, ‘and you are also a woman, if I mistake not, despite your masculine attire, “Oh! yes,” was the reply. ‘Dm Santa Fe Sal, the 8 r, right up. from New Mex. Guess you never see’d a gal in man’s togs, be fore, eh?” “No, indeed. I should thi would, be ashamed to dress that wayne disks “Oh! It’ain’t nothin” when yo } used to it, you know. ‘ I'm bobbin’ arobad. affover and thé petticoats I'd have to buy, through gittin’ ‘em tore, would bankrupt me, 80! you're Mrz. yes, are you?”
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= Sa pes é . => . = a | Here ME eS cae ce I am,” **You look like sort of a first-class widder. S'pose you are a Christyun, eh?” ‘No, not exactly that, although I always try to live a straightforward life.” “That's right. No one makes anything in the long run, by doin’ bad, S’pose you never heard ot me, before?” Here was a poser, Hannan didn’t want to say “ no,” outright because that would be a falsehood, and falsehoods were contrary to her conscientous scruples. . : ‘* Why—why, it seems to me I have heard some one mention your name, but [ am sure I never saw or knew you,” ‘Oh! there’s not a bit of doubt but what owre right on that score, Hanner—not a bit. haven’t bloomed around this hyer camp, only afew days. I ama detective!” , Hannah put up her hands, with a well as- sumed look of horror. “*Mercy on me! a what ?” ‘* A detective, ma’am—a ferret—a sundowner of a sleuth, an’ T make it my biz to run crooked people into the prs. CS eect am not bad! I am not crook- ed! . ‘Dunno ’bout that. But, sit down. I’m in no special hurry.” Hannah first placed a tea-pot on the stove. “Well, well!” she said, ‘so you’re a detec- tive, eh? How strange! As soon’s the tea warms, we will have a cup of tea together, and ou must tell me all about yourself. But, sure- y, you haven’t anything against me? 1 have never committed any crime? “*Maybe not. But, you see, I have found out that you have a child in your possession, which is not your own,” ‘* You mean little Bertie?” “ee Yes.” ‘* So I have, and he has been lucky to have so kind a friend as I, if I do say it. I just wor- ship him. And Mr, Sheldon pays me well for keeping him.” ‘* He does, eh?” ‘*'Yes, indeed! Oh! I hope come to take him away from me? “That’s precisely what IT have come to do. The child has a father living, and must be re- stored to him,” ‘ “Oh! dear! oh! dear! What shall I do? How can I ever get along without him? Oh! miss, you won’t take him away, to-night? You ewill let. me keep him with me, until morning? Oh! please say you will!” and Hannah. burst into tears—genuine ones, too, for she really did love little Bertie, and the thought ‘of giving him up pained her, meen Se Santa Fe Sal saw that her grief was gen- uine, and so she answered: ? ‘*Oh! well, Mrs, Hayes, [ don’t pets the matter of a few short hours will maké eny epg difference, if you promise me I can ve the child, when I call in the morning.” ‘¢ To be sure I will promise, and I am so thank- ful to you, for not taking him away, to-night. When you call in the morning, I will be more ready to part with the dear little soul.” si ae well. You act like an honest person, and so! will grant your request. I must have a look at the child, to-night, however.” **Certainly, Step this way, please.” Hannah took the ere and led the way in- to the bedroom, and she allowed Santa Fe Sal to gaze down upon the little boy, who was sleeping sweetly in his cradle. After the girl détective had satisfied her curiosity, the two women went back to the main room again. “Now, you must have a cup of tea with me before you go,” Hannah said, ‘‘ Tea is a grea thing for the nerves, I think. Do you take sugar in it, miss?” “No. When I drink tea, which isn’t very often, I always take it straight.” Hannah bustled about, and got down a couple of cups from a shelf, and poured out the tea, the odor of which filled the room, She then gave one cupful to Santa Fe Sal, and kept the other, herself, and they became seated, across the table from each other. “*T suppose you don’t know whose child your. young protegee is?’ Sal observed, as she stirred er beverage to cool it sufficier tly so she could drink it. “No, I do not,” Hannah truthfully replied. * And I guess no one else does, except it be yourself.’ iM, ““ There’s Where you are mistaken. Sere Sheldon, who has been providing for the li fellow’s support, is—” e Santa Fe Sal raised her cup of tea to and took several swallows, ’ at's) splendid tea,” she said, as she set you have not A i ~ ta 7 " se ae pphols e re hea Sars < ty fe Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. the cup down on the table. me a match?” ** What do you want of a match?” “*T want to smoke,” and she took a cigar from her pocket, and bit the end off of it. Hannah arose, and went into the adjoinin room, her face so pale, that she was afrai the girl detective would notice it. She did not return to the main room, for several minutes, but stood in the darkness, trembling with apprehension. ‘“*My God! I hope I have not killed her!” she gasped. ‘‘I am almost afraid to venture out there again. Oh! why did I ever enter into the villainous compact with George Sheldon?” She waited a couple of minutes longer, list- ening intently, but could not hear the slightest sound, in the next room. Finally, summoning up courage, born of des- peration, she entered. A scream of horror immediately afterward burst from her lips, and, it was little wonder that there did, considering’ her guilty nervous- ness. ‘ Standing erect, but partly supported by one hand resting on the tab e, Was Santa Fe Sal. Her face was deathly white, and her eyes fair- ly protruded from their sockets, as they rested upon Hannah Hayes, with a wild, awful glare. ‘Hal you have poisoned me!” Sal gasped, her breath coming hard and spasmodically—‘* you have—ah—drugged—me—” She reeled, sentence, and went crashing to the floor, where, after a few slight struggles, she lay as still as though dead. Hannah stood gazing at her, transfixed with horror, until— There came a loud rap on the door, that aroused her, and she heard the unmistakable voice*of George Sheldon cry out: “Quick! let mein. It is me—Sheldon!” She staggered forward and unbarred. the door, and the mine-owner entered. A demoniac chuckle broke from his lips, as he saw the girl-detective lying before him, white and senseless. “Ha! ha! You’ye done your work nobly Hannah!” he cried. ‘‘I heard her. fall, an knew what it signified!” “Oh! Iam afraid she is dead!” Hannah re- plied, wringing her hands in anguish, _. ‘* Nonsense. She’s all right. but the devil’s to pay, in another direction!” ‘Oh! mercy—what is the matter?” “Matter enough. Pete Painter and two- thirds of the camp are up at my cabin clamor- ing for admission, There’s hot a minute to be wasted, or we are both lost. You must take the boy and fly. At the lower end of camp, you will finda horse. Mount it and ride for our life. Do not stop, until you aremiles from ere; then keep on, till you reach Prescott. Wait for me there. Here is a thousand dollars. Ask no questions, but do asI bid you. Your very soul depends on 1t!” é thrust a roll of notes into her hands, and ushed her away; then he hastily raised Santa Fe Sal, in his arms, and bounded from the cab- in, Wild with alarm, Hannah hastily thrust the money into her pocket, and put-on her shawl and bonnet, * Then, she darted into the bedroom, and snatched up little Bertie, and bundled a blanket around him, Hastening’ from the room, she left the cabin and ran toward the point where Sheldon had said she would find a horse. Up in the direction of Sheldon’s cabin, there were wild and vengeful yells. On ran Hannah. _ She reached the point where a horse was stand- “Will you get ing. She essayed to ee is seat in the gaddle, but a strong hand caught hold of her shaulder, and a stern, authoritative voice said: “Hold up, madam! Jl take charge of that child, if you’ve no objections!” CHAPTER XVIL + meek CONCLUSION. | ‘THE scene of our story changes once more to the cave in the meuntain-side, whither George Sheldon took Adele, after abducting her from the Jackpot Saloon, - ‘ ; ; It is nearly bigs pa hours since the occur- rences narrated in the preconre chapter. | A bright fire burns within the cave, illumin- ating every partofit,. =| ‘ ee Le onde ee oe of the cave, bound ‘hand and foot, are. ersons. One is Adele; the other, Santa Fe Sal. eae : fore she could utter another | keen-edge _) langh;, ‘why, 1 am Slvin Green, of | Both are now awake, but very nee from the effects of the part drug they have only re- cently slept off. : At the fire, engaged in roasting are of ven- ison, the reader beholds Madame Samuels, the clairvoyant, who is acting as jaileress over the two captives. ‘*Do you think there is any doubt but what George Sheldon will return?’ Santa Fe Sal de- manded. ‘* None whatever,” the madame replied, “‘ un- less the mob should get hold of him, and he will take good care they don’t, you bet!” ‘The mob?” “Yes. Nearly all Buckshot is up in arms against him for Lining Old Jackpot and stealing Adele, Oh, he will be back, sure enough. I’ve got his plans all down pat, you see.” ~ “What are they?” ‘* Well, when he comes, about the first thing he intends to do is to smother you, and thus pre- vent you ever after from following him. en he will also kill Adele, if she still refuses to marry him, and after that he will take his money, which I have found to be secreted under yonder stone, and leave for parts unknown. ‘hat is—maybe !” “« And you will permit him to escape?” The madame laughed dryly. ‘‘\Wait and see!” she said. ‘ Didn’tI tell you: I have got everything arranged for a grand finale! You never knew me to lie, I guess.” Just then heavy footsteps were heard, and George Sheldon entered the cave. His face and eyes wore expressions.of baffled rage, and his manner was extremely nervous. ithout a word to the madame, he advanced toward Santa Fe Sal, a devilish gleam in his eyes. Me So at last I have found you out!” he hissed, shaking his clinched fist at her. You lied to meé! ou said you came to Buckshot alone, you she fiend!” Ah! did I?” ‘*-Yes, you did, curses on you!” “ And what makes you think I didw’t?” ““T know you didn’t. You came here on the lead of a party, and as the chief detective in the employ of my deadliest foe, Robert Sheldon! You came here to secure me on the charge of murder!” ‘* Are you sure?” “*Of course I’m sure!” ‘‘ What makes you so sure? Any one is liable to be mistaken once in a while, you know!” ‘Bah! { make no mistakes. Robert Shel- don and the fellow Don Juan Carlos are both up at the camp, and my son has explained who he isand what his grievances are, and the whole camp has extended him a hearty welcome, and have volunteered to assist‘in the search for me. But they shall never take me alive—oh, no! They will find me smart enough to outwit: them et! t : es As he spoke he drew from his hip-pocket a ee knife, and examined it with a dia- bolical chuckle. ‘*No! they shall not outwit me!” he cried. , ‘‘Nor shall you live to gloat over the result of your detective work, young woman. To you 1 am indebted for bringing those hell-hounds after me; to youl am indebted that my crimes ever became exposed—so here and now you shall die for your pains. When you came nosing after me you struck the scent of the wrong man. You reckoned without your host, in the fulles. sense of the word. And now, as you die, so perien, all meddlers who call: themselves detec- ‘ives | He grasped the gleaming weapon firmly in his right hand, and took a step forward, murder gleaming from his flashing oyes; but a hand clutched him by the shoulder and hurled him back, and he found himself confronted by Madame uels, in whose grasp was a cocked six-shooter, leveled full at the mine-owner. ‘* Stand!” she cried, in ringing tones. ‘Dare to move a muscle, and I'll put the contents of this weapon through your vile carcass!” __ i At the same instant both Santa Fe Sal and _ Adele arose to their feet, the ropes that had a parently bound them falling to the-floor. “Yes, George Sheldon!” Sal cried, ‘‘ your, pane. is ups and your cards worn out. ou have played stro: players even’ oner !” George Sheldon y lose. You are my pris- had turned deathly white, ae the knife fell from his nerveless grasptothe = oor. ; oy f f fi rok ‘“‘ Traitress !” he hissed, glaring at Madame x Samuels, ‘‘ who are you?” “Who am I? echoed the madame, with al tt Neet “4 ki 8 ves ¥ and cute, but the strongest — Si. an
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nae Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. (15 ‘e5 tive firm of Santa Fe Sal & Green, at your ser- \vice!” : And, sure enough, as the vail was removed, } the sharp, smoothly-shaven face of Alvin Green ny) ‘was exposed to view. a Sheldon uttered a torrent of oaths, and cast a glance toward the cave entrance. “You dare!’ Alvin Green reminded, in a stern voice. ‘Tl riddle you if you try it.” ‘*Give me your hands!” Santa Fe Sal ordered, producing a pair of handcuffs. ‘* There’s noth- “a ing for you to do but surrender, and save your- } self the pain of being shot!” { _She had no difficulty in handcuffing him, and then ordered him to go and sit down in one cor- ner of the cave, which he did. All his spirit seemed crushed, and he was ee a weak and nerveless. rit ia Alvin Green proceeled to divest himself of his ie” te padded female attire, underneath which was his Rae proper clothing. aN. 9 e and Santa Fe Sal then’ held a low conver- sation together, after which Green left the cave. " Santa Fe Sal waited some twenty minutes; ae then. she drew a revolver, and ordered Sheldon i to rise. * He seemed to infer that some important event : was about to take place, for he became seized with a fit of trembling as he arose, Sine” « “My God! where are you going to take me? Aaee ES What are you going to do with me?” he gasp- +e ed, in piteous tones. , ‘Tam going to take you before the man you so terribly wronged!” Santa Ie Sal replied. ‘ I am going to take you to your son, Robert Sheldon, and place you at his mercy!” ; “Oh! for the love of God do not do that. He willkillme. Oh! have mercy on me, child—I beg of you have mercy, Youshall have all of my worldly: possessions if you will but permit me to escape,” : “ Nary an escape, me daisy! You've got to come to Limerick, this time, and take your retions same as other ruffians do. Right about face—march! Makean attempt to run, and Pll give ye a pain in the back. Come along, Miss Adele!” : ‘ In single file they left the cave and marched " i away toward the mining-camp, where a bril- liant reflection against the sky showed that large bonfires had been built. a i As they entered the Saray nei neared the Jackpot Saloop, they passed between, two lines J of men, drav up in grim array, each man ; ipped with a cocked revolver in hand. oathey came to a halt just in front of the Jack- 2 I pot, and as they did so the voice of Pete Painter ae out: Sale ace urrah, boys—hip! hip! hurrah for Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher!” OF i cee Instantaneously a mighty shoyt rent the air in er mie response to Painter’s request. ie he girl detective then wheeled George Shel- if don about, facing a knoll just opposite the Jack- ee i pot Saloon. : , -Fpon this knoll, firmly erect, with folded arms and uncovered head, stood Robert Sheldon. His face was slightly pale, but every featury Was composed and stern in expression, : = _ _ Beside him, on the ground, sat the little waif, -__. Bertie, in the charge of Don Juan Carlos, ‘The face of George Sheldon was ghastly in its allor, as he faced the son, whom he had so fear- ‘fully wronged. ‘George Sheldon!” It was the son’s voice that rung out clear and stern. ‘ ~ The mine-owner trembled, and his gaze drop- ped to the ground in front of him, ~ ¢ George Sheldon,” the son repeated, ‘‘ do you Je wh c know me?” A nod of the head was the only geply. «Who am 1?” Robert Sheldon!” was the almost-inaudible answer, _ Yes, I am Robert Sheldon, and you, i am sorry to say, are my own father. Gentlemen,” to the crowd, ‘‘most of you have heard m etd aE but for the benefit of those who have no ____ I will once more briefly narrate it. Kay | “A few years ago my father and I were in ___. the commission and brokerage business in Chi- cago, and were doing so well that we considered ours-lves getting rich. I married a young lady of wealth, and everything went well for was jealous of my business talents, for I made -. more money than he did by private speculations, into which he was too ull to enter. _Inever suspected, however, that he was a Villain, until I was arrested for forgery, and he testified against me, and was instrumental in sending me "to prison for ten years, | “After I was sent to Joliet, my father in- duced my wife to marry him, he having pro- cured a bogus divorce, and they went away together, taking with them not only my wife’s fortune, but all the money my father could raise, ‘They came West. my misguided and wretched wife and deserted her, stealing all her money, and leaving her and the child to starve among strangers. ‘** Less than a month after they left Chicago, My father soon tired of ,-| quently came into posession of her fortune and Eee a time. ; ; ©“ Gradually TI grew to believe that my father I was pardoned from prison, it having been dis- covered that my father, not I, was the author of the forgery. ‘*T then took the trail of vengeance, and never have left it, since. I swore to have revenge, — recover my child, and I lived for nothing else, “‘T chased the guilty couple, until I found out about the degertion. Then, I lost all track of them, but understood that Florence—she that was my wife—had gone in pursuit of George Sheldon, for the purpose of killing him. ‘*T never gained a clew of their whereabouts, until I employed Santa Fe Sal and Alvin Green. They have figured the whole case out. I have got my long-lost child, and before me stands the wretch who ruined my home, and murdered my wife. George Sheldon, what have you to say for yourself?” “Nothing!” was the reply. ‘Do you deny your guilt?” “ec No. ” ‘Then, what do you expect—mercy?” There was no reply. The mine-owner’s gaze was fixed upon. the ground, in a stony stare. “You need expect no mercy!” Robert Shel- don went on, ‘‘for youare a doomed man, It has been my intention to fight you, and kill you, but'I have changed my mind. You must die by one of two methods. You see yonder a noosed rope, suspended from the limb of a tree. Underneath is a box. By standing on the box, you can put your neck through the noose, draw it taut, and jump off the box, into eternity. You will thus have the satisfaction of bein your own executioner; or, if you do not like this method, say so, and you will be tied to a tree, and » committee of ten men will draw lots to see which one shall take a Winchester rifle, and ut two bullets through your heart—-one bullet or each murder you have committed. Take your choice, remembering you have only five minutes to live, in either case!” “My God! Have mercy, my son, have mer- c ‘Silence! Speak not to me of mercy! De- cide, and act upon your decision!” was the cold reps ith a shudder, the wretch glanced at the dangling noose a few yards distant, and then at the array of grim facés on either hand. Not a face expressed sympathy for him. A deep groar escaped him, and he walked un- steadily over to the knoll, and dropped upon his knees in front of his grandchild, Thus he remained, with bowed head, for a moment,*as if in prayer; then he kissed the child, and arose. With a firm step he walked forward to meet his doom. He reached the box, and was ass‘sted to get upon it. ‘ Without hesitation, he thrust his head through the noose, and by bearing down, drew it tight around his neck. : Then standing erect, he said; ry, ‘“‘T have no regrets, except that I cannot live to warn all men against the curse of Adieu!” , Then— . But, let us draw the curtain! Little needs to be said in conclusion, Not many days after the closing tragedy, Don Juan Carlos and Adele, otherwise Mabel MeDon- ald, started for Mexico, where the latter subse- was married to the Don. The services of Cap Clymer’s men, who had been brought to the vicinity of the town, were not needed, and they went back to their secret mine, of which we may some time write. It was Don Juan who had rescued little Bertie from Hannah Hayes, and then warned her to leave the country under penalty of death. . _. Rowdy Jack was released, and left for parts neem no doubt glad to escape with his (3) ‘ ; Robert Sheldon did not tarry 1 in Buck- shot, for, though the citizens Seattle to be his father’s heir, he refused even to enter tha mine, and returned East, 2 IT 8 & 1 And Santa Fe Sal (otherwise Sara Wilmot), came with him, and became his wife. While, at frequent mtervals, roaming from lace to place in the Far West, may be encoun- ered an odd-looking specimen of humanity, calling himself Alvin Green, who totes around a hand-organ, and who is accompanied by a monkey, THE END, Beadle’s Half-Dime Library BY WM. G, PATTEN, 489 The Diamond Sport: or, The Double Face of Bed Rock. 519 Captain Mystery 3 or, Five in One, 6581 Dalsy Dare, the Sport from Denver. BY ROGER STARBUCK. 5 The Boy Captain; or, The Pirate’s Daughter. 114 The Black Schooner; or, Jib Junk, the Old Tar, 259 The Golden Harpoon; or, Lost Among the Floea. 848 Fire-Meelss or, Old Skinflint, the Death-Shadow. 854 Big Horn Lke, the Hill Tramp}, or, The Odd Pards, 61 The Phantom Light-house, 70 Brenker Ben, the Reef-Runner, BY HARRY ST, GEORGE, 80 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, the Ranger. 44 Rattling Rube; or, The Nighthawks of Kentucky, bY Old Hickory; or, Pandy Ellie’s Scalp. LOS Daring Davy; or, The Trail of the enter Wolf, 166 Hickory tareg, 3 or, The Re. sgt Spy. 172 Thunderbolt Tom or, the Woll-Herder, aad BX JO PLIBROK, oF Bob o the Bowery ; or, The Prince of Mulberry Street. 415 Vhe Vagabond Detective; or, Bowery Bob’s Boom, 152 Helapur Bob, the Street-Buy Detective. 80 The awyors Shadow ; or, Luke’s Legacy. 2) Jaunty Joe, the Young Horse-King. 494 Surly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective, 504 Five Points Phil, HOO Jaek J arers, the Butcher Boy Detective. 516 Tartar Tim; or, Five Points Phil’s Menagerie, 526 North River Nat, the Pier Detective. 5338 Wrestling Rex, the Pride of the Sixth Ward, 541 Jeff Flicker, the Stable Boy Detective. BY EDWARD 8, ELLIS. 6 Bill Biddon, Trappers Seth Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier, 10 Nat Todd or, The Fate of the Sloux Captive. 21 The Frontier Angel. 98 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island, 182 The Munted Hunter; or, The Strange Horseman, 254 The Malt- Blood ; or, The Panther ot the P Jaina, 271 The Muge Hunters or, The Sten Prairie Man, BY BUCKSKIN SAM (Major Sam. 8, Hall.) ‘ 284 Old Rocky’a * Boyees;” or, Benito, the Young Horsoe Breaker. » ; 246 Giant George; or, The Ang’l of the Range. 275 Arizona Jack ¢ or, Ginnt George's Pard. 297 The Tarantulg of Tana} or, Giant George’s Revenge. 807 The Strange Pard; or, Little Ben’s Death Bunt , BIS Ker-whoop, Ker-whoo? or, The Tarantula of Taos, B27 Srpenine 862 Frio F ; Fighting Trio; or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway, Wolf: or, Big-Foot Wallace to the Front. BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, 11 The Two-Detectives; or, The Fortunes of a Bowery Girl, ‘9 abe Golt, the OL fea ol Ginger, the Giant Trapper, . 288 Joe Buck of Angels and His Boy Pard. S88 Little Ohemy § ors Caught in His Own Trap, 401 Little Shoo-Fly, rds, eputy. 527 The Jolly Pards to the Rescue. ; etective; or, Kit Kenyon's Vendetta. $10 pag hy ‘Contortloniat sor, The Montana Vigilantem i. New Issue Every Tuesda: ve . The Half-Dime Library ts for sale by ail nesentett tre cents por copy, or sent by mail on receipt of aix cents | BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, - 98 Willtam Street, New York Jat, the Caddo; or, The Red and White Pards. |
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BEADLE’S«H ALF- DIME« | IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Hach Issue Complete and BY EDWARD L, WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novela, 1 Deadwood Dick, the Pmace of the Road, + penewood Pee setansss or, poche Daggers ecadwoo cK in sguise: or, Bulfa), Ben 85 Deadwood Dick in Hin Onatle. rs 42 Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; or, The Phantom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger}; or, Omana Oll. 57 Deadweed Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 7B Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity 4 ine, the Heroine 190 peat weed Beet yr reat or, Corduroy Charlie. ead Ww Ooo ¢ n ady ee 104 Deadwood Dick's Device; or, The Double Cross Sign. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. 188 Deadwood Dick’s Home Base; or, Blonde Bill. 149 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold, 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream} or, The Rivals of the Road, 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill's Jezebel. pre peoadweed Dick's poem Oe os i Jane's Adventure, endwo ck’s Den eal. 221 Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. 282 Gold-Dust Dick, A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, acs Peadnese peers pivide oO a Spirit of Swamp Lake. éandw ck’s Dea rail. 809 Deadwood Dick’s Deal} or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. ¢ 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dezen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducats; or, Days in the Diggings. yo Pesdweed Pek Rantomces | or, The Terrible Vendetta, eadwo m. 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds.” 421 Deadwood Dick in New York} or, A “Cute Case,” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Duxaty; or, The Chained Hand. reed er bees | pie AR we be Crimson Crescent Sign, eadwoo¢ ek, Jr.’a, Deflance. 458 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s Full Hand, 459 Deadwoed Dick, Jr.’s, Big Round-Up. 465 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Racket at Claim 10, 415 Becdueeg Bice dr Sem ciee ck, Jr. ox Dete le 451 Deadwood Dicks Jr in Dendw ood. eandwoo ek, Jr.'s, Compact. 496 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s. Inheritance, 508 Deadwood Dick? Ince Deliveran eadwoo e r.’«, Deliverance, 515 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Protegee. 522 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Three. 529 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Danger Ducka, 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, peek Hunt, B44 ae aba ek? st thy wild wr t Vidoeg e. w U r 1 ee 549 Deadwood Dick, Jr. on Alls Mettle. > endwoo ¢ rey In Gotham 561 Dendwood Dick, Jr., if Boston. 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia, ath Bestrece Bee Soy ate endwoo eck. Jr. oat. 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr in Denver, 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Decree. 595 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin, +44 poadeyet 4 a 5h at pe ne ree endwoo ek, Jr.’n, Loadv % $12 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detrolt. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinvatl, Sas bended Bi: Se: fe Ac aes cana eadwoo ck, Jr., in No Man’s Lan G43 Deadwood Bick: 30: in Wutalost ead woo ck, Jdr., In_ Buffalo. 648 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Chase Across the Continent 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smugglers. $66 Deadwood Dick, Sez, Bock in the Mines, endwo ek, Jr., Back in the es, 672 Deadwood Dick, dry {tn Durango; or, “ Gathered In.” ee pesaweed be pF Gn posererss or, Found a Fortune, eadwo ek, Jr.’a. Dazzle. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dollars. 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide, $88 Pendured Bik, Sena Seth, po eadwoo c r., at Jack-Pot. 10 Deadwood Dick’ Jr., in San Francisco, 16 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Still Hunt. 722 Deadwood Dick, pg Dominoes, 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Disgulse, 784 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal, ii Beedreed Bee go peckice™ eadwoo ck, Jr.’s, Doublet. 752 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s. Deathblow. 75S Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Desperate Strait, 444 Besdvecd Bis: So Rormaeon cad woo e r,s, Defeat. 776 Deadwood Dick, Trin, Resurrection. 782 Deadwood Dick, 5 Aes Dark Daya. 787 Deadwood Dick, Jr.» Defled, 792 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Device, 97 Deadwood Dick, Jr’.«, Desperate Venture, 02 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Diamond Dice, 807 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Royal Flush, 812 Deadwood Dick,*Jr.’a, Head-off, 816 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Rival, te he! BY WM. G. PATTEN. 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport; or, The Jubilee of Jaektown, 668 Violet Vane’s Victory; or, The Jasper City Clean Out, 698 Violet and Datay, the ner Pards. 48 Violet Vane’s Vow; or, The Cratty Detective’s Cratt, 24 Violet Vane’sa Vengeance; or, The hap pot 780 Violet Vane’s Verdict; or, The Game at Coffin City. 741 Violet Vane, the Ventriloguist Vidocq; or, Sport vs. Sport, 750 Violet Vane, the Vanquished; or, The Life Strugg'e. 768 Violet Vane’s Vislonj or, The Fiery Hand of Fate. 489 The Diamond Sport}; or, The Double Face of Bed Rock, 519 Captain Mystery ; or, Five in One, 531 Da are the Sport from Denver. B87 Old genbaketl; the Ranger Detective, 604 Iron Ferny, the Man of Fire; or, Among the Vultures. 619 The Boy T vamp Detontives or, The Doubie Grip Witness 641 Dismal Dave’s Dandy Pard; or, The Clue to Capt, Claw 651 Bound Boy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective 682 Wild Vulcany the Lone-Range Rider, 714 Old Misery the Man from Missouri. 774 Clear-Grit Cal, the Never-Sny-Die Detective, 789 Sam Sheridan, the Secret Service Special, 806 Cowboy Steve, the Ranch Mascot. BY COL. A. F. HOLT. 811 Headlight Harry’s Flyer; or, Duke Derby. 678 Heediigns Horns Hacard, or, The Lightning Express etective. 6 dlight Harry’s Haul; or, The Railroad Pards, enane t' Harry’s Siren; or, Mad Madge. 59 Headlight Harry’s Heritage. 94 Headlight piowy’e Hunt or, The Cache of Gold, 899 Riac uckakin3; or, The Masked Men of Death Canyon, 419 Senne, the Knife-King, or, The Doomed Six, & Little htfoot, the Pilot of the Woods. S88 The Dandy Sport; or, The King Pin Conspirator, ae = fat! Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler, 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Rosebud Rob on Hand; or, Idy}, the Girl Miner. 88 Rosebud Rob's Reappearance} or, Photograph Phil. 121 Rosebud Rob’s Challenge; or, Cinnamon Chip. 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yankee’s Surround 281 Denver Doll’s Victory; or, Skul! and Crasbonaa! 255 Denver Doll's Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 896 Denver Doll’s Drift; or, The Road Queen, 868 Vreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherers or, The Life Lottery. 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up, y 885 Yreka Jim’s Joker; or, The Rivals of Red Nose. 889 Yreka Jim’s New Role; or, Bicycle Ben. 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective; or, Dot Leetle Game, 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter 244 Sierra Sam, tho Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister’s Devotion. 248 Slerra Sams Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Sam’as Parad; or, The Angel ot Big Vieta, 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven; or, The Stolen Bride. 884 Kangaroo Kits or, The Mysterious Miner. 9 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket; or, The Pride of Played.Out, 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York, 69 The Boy Detective; or, Guid Rifle, the Sharpehooter, 96 Watch-Eye, the Detective; or, Arabs and Angels. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective, 164 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 226 The Arab Detective ; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp. 291 Turk, the Boy Ferret. 825 Kelley, Miekey & Co.,, the Detectives of Philadelphia, 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 Wigh Nat Marry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabaides, the Beggar-Boy Detective, 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon: or, The Border Vultures, 82 Bob Woolf or, The Girl Dead-Shot. 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buekhorn Bills or, The Red Rifle Team. 92 Canada Chet; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 118 Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger. 188 Boss Bob the King of Bootblacks, 141 Sollfd Sam, the Boy Road-Agent; or, The Branded Brows, 177% hae Ribas of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scamps, 181 Wild Frank the Buckskin Bravo; or, Lady Lily’s Love, 286 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator; or, The Locked Valley. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patro}; or, The Rival Heirs. 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 808 ’Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. 880 Little Quick-Shot; or, The Dead Face of Daggersville, 858 Firat-Clasa Fred, the Gent from Gopher. 878 Nabob Ned 3 or, The Secret of Slab City. 888 Cool Kit, the Kirg of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher; or, A Son’s Vengeance. 486 Sealskin Sam, the Sparkler; or, The Tribunal of Ten. BY J. ©. COWDRICK, Broadway Billy Novels. 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 514 Broadway Billy’s Boodle; or, Clearing a Strange Case, 586 Broadway Billy’s ‘ Diflikilty.” 557 Broadway Billy’s Peath Racket. 579 Broadway Billy’s Surprise Party. 605 Broadway Billy; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning. 628 Broadway Billy’s Dead Act; or, The League of Seven 669 Broadway Billy Abroad; or, The Bootblack in Frisco, 675 Broadway Billy’s Best; or, Beating San Francisco's Finest, 687 Broadway Billy tn Clover. 696 Broadway Billy tn Texas; or, The River Rustlers, 708 Broadway Billy’s Brand, 711 Broadway Billy at Santa Fe; or, ThaClever Deal. 720 Broadway Billy’s Full Hand; or, The Gamin Detective. 785 Broadway Billy’s Buatness, 788 Broadway Bill;’a Curious Case. 758 Broadway Billy in Denver, 762 Broadway Billy’s Bargain; or, The Three Detectives, 769 Broadway Billy, the Retriever Detective, 775 Broadway Billy’s Shadow Chase. 788 Broadway Billy’s Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest. 786 Broadway Billy’s Team; or, The Combine’s Big Pull. 790 Broadway Billy’s Brigade; or, The Dead Alive, 796 Broadway Billy’s Queer Bequest. 800 Broadway Billy Baffled. 805 Broadway Billy’s Signal Scoop. 810 Broadway Billy’s Wipe Out. 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys, 869 Shasta, the Gold King} or, For Seven Years Dead, 420 The Delective’s Apprentices or, A Boy Without a Name. 424 Cibuia Jonny; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude, 506 Redlight Ralph the Prince of the Road. 524 The Engineer Detective; or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve. 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 571 Air-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case, 592 The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascals Out. 615 Fighting Harry the Chief of Chained Cyclone, 640 Bareback Beth, the Centaur of the Circle, 647 Typewriter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgan, the * Pizenest ’ Man of Ante Baz. BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMA. 589 Tom-Cat and Pards or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 622 Tom-Cat’s Triad; or, The Affair at Tombstone. 681 Tom Cat's Terrible Task; or, The Cowboy Detective, £98 Tom-Cat’s Trinmpb or, Black Dan’a Great Combine. 546 Captain Cactua, the Chaparral Cock; or, Josh’s Ten Strike. 568 The Dandy of Dodges or, Rustling for Millions. 576 The Silver Sport; or, Josh Peppermint’s Jubilee, BS Satter Sol, the Man With a Shadow a py Hans, the Dutch Vidoeq; or, Hot Times at Round-U: 611 Bildad B i x arnacle, the Detective Hercules. 6 689 Billy, the Gy pay Spy; or, The Myatery of Two Lives, r 712 The M ee Beets we ve Myutibed Deseo ameria i} ive. 788 Toltec Tom, the ined ea z ad Prospector, Kansas Jim, the Crosa-Cut Detective, 785 Lone Wand J 801 Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck, BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon. Wm, F, Cody) 19 The Regntem, Spy or, The Pilot of the Prairie. 55 Deadly-Fye, 68 Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust, wiry 5 ES Ae iy A i APT) | aye ity “ Bist ap? SS ee ae Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers.. BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 2 Dick Doom’s Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny. Z Dick Doom’s Destinys or, The River Blackleg’s Terror, 4 Dick Doom; or, ‘Ihe Sharps and Sharks of New York, 8 Dick Doom in Boston; or, A Man of Many Masks, 98 Dick Doom in Chicago. 798 Dick Doom in the Wild Weat. 808 Dick Doom’s Clean Sweep; or, Five Links in a Clue. 808 Dick Doom’s Death Clue, 818 Dick Deom’s Diamond Deal. 749 Dashing Charlie; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trail, 756 Dashing Charlie’« Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Captive, 760 Dashing Charlie’a Pawnee Pard, 766 Dashing Charlie, the Rescuer. 497 Back Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 7B? Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. 748 Buck Taylor’s Boys; or, The Red Riders of the Rio Granda, 560, Pawnee BIL, the Prairie Shadower. 718 Pawnee Bill; or Carl, the Mad Cowboy. 719 Pawnee BIL's Pledge; or, The Cowboy's Doom, 725 Pawnee Bill; or, Daring Dick, 692 Redfern’s Curlous Case; 01, The Rival Sharps. 697 Redfern at Devil’s Ranch; or, The Sharp from Texas, TO2Z Redfern’s High Hand; or, Blue Jacket. 707 Redfern’s Last Tratl; or, The Red Sombrero Rangers, 668 Red Ralph’s Ruse; or, The Buccaneer Midshipman, 674 Red Ralph’s Bold Game; or, The Wizard Sailor, 679 Red Ralph, the Shadower, or, The Freebooter’s Legacy. 644 Butterfly Billy’s Disguise. p 650 HutterBy Billy, the Pony Express Rider. 656 Butterfly Billy’s Man Hunt. 662 Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza. 565 Kent Kingdon or, The Ow)s of the Overland, 570 Kent Kingdon’s Shadower } or, the Card Queens 5% Kent Kingdon’s Duel; or, The Surgeon Scout. 686 Kent Kingdon’s Doom; or, The Buckskin Avenger, 545 Lafitte Run Downs; or, The Buccaneers of Barrataria, 550 Lafitte’a Legacy: or. The Avenging Son. 555 Lafitte’s Confesalou; or, The Creole Corsair, 520 Buckakin Bill, the Comanche Shadow, 625 The Buckskin Brothers in Texas, 580 The Buckskin Bowers; or. The Cowboy Pirates., 685 The Buckskin Rovers; or, The Prairie Fugitive, 540 The Buckskin Pards’ Quest; or, Captain Ku-Klug, 508 The Royal Middy ; or, The Shark and the Sea Cat. 507 The Royal Middy’« Luck; or, The Hunted Midshipman, 611 The Royal Middy’s Foe, 450 Wizard WIIl: or, The Boy Ferret ot New York. 454 Wizard Wills Street Scouts. 474 Wizard Will's Pard; or, Flora, the Flower Girl. 488 Wizard WIll’s Last Case; or, The Ferrets Afloat. 429 Duncan. Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 Duncan Dare’s« Plot; or, A Cabin Boy’s Luck. 487 Dancan Dare’s Prizes or, The Sea Raider. 441 Duncan Dare’s Secret; or, The Ocean Firefly. 402 Iaodor, the Young Conspirator; or, The Fatal League, 407 Isodor’s Double Chase; or, The Boy Insurgent. 412 Isodor’s War-Cloud Cruise; or, Th@Wild Yachteman, 216 Bison Bll, the Prince of the Reina. 222 Bison Bill’s Clue; or, Grit, the Bravo Sport, 804 Dead Shot Dandy’s Dilemma, 808 Dead Shot Dandy’s Double; or, Keno Kit. 814 Dead Shot Dandy’s Defiances or, The ae Bugler, 607 Dead Shot Dandy’s Chief; or, The River Detective, 245 Merle Monte’s Leap for Life. 250 Merle Monte’s Mutiny ¢ or, Brandt, the Buccaneer, 264 Merle Monte’#« Treasure Island, 269 Merle Monte the Condemned. 276 Merle Monte’s Orulse; or, * The Gold Ship ’’ Chase, 250 Merle Monte’s Fate; or, The Pirate's Pride. 284 Merle Monte’s Pledge; or, The Sea Marauder. 197 The Kld Glove Sports or, Little Grit, the Wild Rider. 2O4d The Kid Glove Sport’s Doom; or, Buffalo Bill, i Pony Express Rider, 784 Ruth Redmond, the Girl Shadower. iB Orlando, the Ocean Free Flag. 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scout. 602 The Vagabond ofthe Mines. 59? The Texan Detectives or, The Black Bravos. B91 Delmonte, the Young Sex Rover; or, The Avenging Sailor, 580 The Outcast Cadet; or, The False Detective, A95 Arizona Joe; br, The Boy Pard of Texas Jack, AS? Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger - 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Conater; or, Pirate in Spite. 462 The Sailor Boy Wanderer} or, The Born Guide, 446 Haphazard Harry; or, The Sea Scapegrace. 898 The Red Clasped Hands; or, The Boy Lieutenant. BS7 W h WILL, the Traitor Guide. BSS The Godtan Pitot or, The Search for Pirate Island, B77 Bonodel, the Boy Rover} or, The Flagless Schooner, 287 Billy Blue-Eye* of the Rio Grande. 287 L 8 the Cowboy Captain. + t§ Ft aderkang = rR the Girl railer; or, The Cowboy’s Triumph, ar Captain: or, The Hermit of Hell Gate. 4 ie The setbeetl Von The Midshipman’s Legacy. 102 Dick Dead-Eye, the Smuggier ; or, The Cruise of the Vixets. Boy Dnellat; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wolf, oe The Shadow Shin: or, The Rival Lieutenants, 24 Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowatone. 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccaneer; or, The Fugitive Yacht. % The Flying Yankee; or, The Ocean Outcast, LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 814 Ace High, the Frisco Detective. By C. E. Tripp. $15 Broadway Billy’s Bank Racket; or, The City Detec- tive’s Big Haul. By J. C. Cowdrick. 816 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Rival. By Edward L, Wheeler, 817 Wideawake, the Train-boy Detective. By Col, A. F, Holt, 818 The Hustler Rogue-Catcher. By Wm. R, Eysters 819 Dick Doom’s Girl Mascot. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 820 Nobby Ned, the Tenderfoot Detective. By Wm, G, Patten, Rote ‘April 11. 821 Broadway Billy’s Bluff. By J. C, Cowdrick. Ready April 18. IekeIegey EEriey ~~ A New Isane Every Tuesday. The Half- Dime Library '* for sale by all newsdealers, five cents per copy, oF sent by mail on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York. 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