Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 440) (1885 12 29)
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ae ~* aaa encaanaenel . ee Oe OO I Ee a Dh ee Oe 2 Perr enem oo 6 on 7 F de) ewe POURTH EDITION. a ™ ; BA DROME REA Ne S = 1% we ast gy * — a ANY N \N : SN \ \ \ AACS rote ae a st TIAN Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mail Rates, Copyright, 1885, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, December 29, 1885, $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, Vol, XVIL. a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK, 5 Cents. No. 440. SS TE ee ee SE eS ~ - aman Old Wilde's Treasure. BY ARTHUR C. GRISSOM. _ CHAPTER I, THE KNIFE-HUNTER, P One September day a horseman was riding at a rapid pace over one of the wildest aid rocki- est districts in the gold regions of Arizone, Rouzh looking he was, a typical Arizonian- His features were dark and swarthy and his fig- ure stalwart, and he bestrode his clean-limbe! animal with the easy pr ew a tomed to the saddle, Y grace of one Well accu oe eer —— = in Huge spurs adorned the high-to boots: — <= gh-topped boots : PU a ee ea that incased the bottcms of a pair of brown- THERE CAME A SHARP SWISH IN THE AIR, AND BEFORE THE GOLD BOWIE KID COULD colored pantaloons, which were met at the top THWART IT, A RAWHIDE LASSO SETTLED OVER HIS HEAD AND SHOULDERS. by a jacket which had once been gray, but ' — ae ee 7 al " "Se ne etl aedne | * “ aot
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i i. Tittle eet cheer nny enrenieennne: — ‘which was now greasy and dark. Beneath this garment was the red shirt peculiar to the miner, and at the union of jacket and breeches a wide Teathern belt encircled his waist, containing the inevitable bowie and revolvers, Long, dark hair that touched a pair of mas- sive shoulders was covered by a gray sombrero, of wide and flexible brim, and this completed the mountain rider’s attire. He wa: following in an easterly direction a rocky but well-defined trail, which led through a wild and rough portion of country. But this lat er fact did not seem to bother the Arizonian, for he never once looked behind and kept his horse in a steady pelle. ‘he sparks flew from the flinty trail as the ivon-shol hoofs beat a regular tattoo upon it. Suddenly the rider jerked his horse backward and brought him to a standstill, and for the fr: t timo he turned in his saddle and glanced back along the trail over which he had passed. ‘Wal, Pll bo cussed!” ho ejaculated, with a broad accent of disgust, glancing first ahead and then behind bim. ‘: Hyer I aim inside o’ two mile ov Ruby’s, an’ nover till this minit thought ov if! Didn’t Raby tell_ther boys thet he would hev biz’ness in ther Eurel:a kentry fer ther nox’ five days, so ov course he’s not ter home— But, lo’s see; ter-day’s ther fifth day sineo he said thet; it’s barely possible Bowie Point's king-pin ar’ back. It’s two hours past noon, an’ Bowie ar’ four mile in ther rear. Ruy Ralsh bad eayht ter know ov this pair oy visitors thet’s abou) ter step inter ther. burg. It’s strange nome o’ ther beys thouzht ov Ruby’s trip; they only thought ov his bein? wanted in Bowie Point, cn’ so [I war detailed tor notify 4m. Wal, I’m so necr now, ’m goin’ on; I kin at least leave ther sign thet’ll fetch ‘im ter Bowie when he gits back. Move on, hoss!” Down came the huge Mexican spurs, and the horse, with a snort of pain, plunged forward, Twenty minutes later the big rider drew rein in front of a larve log cabin, situated at tho cdo of a fertile valley. “Theis Rubv’s ranch,” said Bowie Point's messenger, ‘* Wo'll sec it ther dead-shot owner ar’ ter home.” He drew from his belt, as he guided bis horse within reach of the house, one of the heavy re- volvers ho carried there, and grasping the bar- rel, he loaned forward to rap upon the door, but before the upraisod weapon had time to descend, the heavy door swung open, and tho horseman straizhtened himself in his saddle with a startled oath. Jn the threshold of Ruby Ralph’s cabin stood es nearly a perfect y secrey of youthful hu- manity a3 it had ever been the fierce man’s lot to,see, What was more surprising, he extended into the rouzh’s face a revolver at full cock! “'Thunder!” ejaculated the visitor, all his fierceness gone for once, ‘‘yer gives a feller a rather startlin’ reception, seems ter me.” “Yes, and a warm one, if necessary,” was the response, with a threateniog glance. ‘‘ This is ‘Buby Ralph’s home, but J’m receivin’ visitors just at present. If yer have no git-edged eards about you, you m'ght hand in yer handle without troublin’ pasteboard.” Cool and erect stood the youth in the doorway, his slight figure and handsome face making uite a striking contrast to the burly giant on the horse but a few steps away. “I'm Fierce Frank,” said the disconcerted horseman, from ther flourishin’ burg ov Bowie Point, which, [ believe, my young persimmon, hez never hed the honor ov a visit from—who?” “ Foxfoot.” “ We 13” “ Hain’t yer thet kid, the ranchero, thet owns ther famous gold bowie?” _, “ When I’m ter home!” Fierce Frank’s eager eyes scanned the young ranchero’s belt... | “Oh, it’s net there, angel of Bowie Point! F Did I teil you thet I came liver to sce the mean- est sneak-thicf in Arizona—Ruby Ralph? I want to see him bad /” “iyez he got yer treasure?” asked the des- Trado. di Hez he? Two days ago in Gold Eagle City the skunk of Bowie’s Point got the drop, an’ forced me to deliver that knife to him. I made the Eureka country too hot for him after that, an’ I pene he had come back to his valley ranch. et’s why I’m hyer!” Fierce Frank’s eves twinkled, **T want ter see Ruby Ralph myself,” he said; “T s’pose, Foxfoot, that my biz’ness ar’ a little more pressin’ than yourn; you’d better go back os EN al 4 »' ; alla Ke Tos > > Bowie Kid. ter yer Eureka ranch—yer’ll never git any | thwart it, a rawhide lasso settled with the surety ; satisfaction out ov Ruby Ralph.” Foxfoot smiled, though his eyes flashed deter- | mination. ; | [ve come to try,” he assured the rough. “T]] win back the knife or lose my life in the attempt!” ; The revolver the boy ranchero held had not been lowered since the moment the door swung open. Fierce Frank was enraged at being so persis- tently covered and gnashcd his teeth a moment in ages Suddenly Le leaned forward and his- | sed: ‘*See hyer, my bloomin’ pink, if yer won’t take my advice, an’ go back ter yer southern ranch, I want ter extend yo an invite ter come | ter Lowie Point. We'll make it interestin’ for | yer, boy! You've raised yer weapon ag’in ther | nex’ best man thet ever entered Bowie Point, an? | don’t offer ter drop it er ’pologize; thet means | death, thar!” | Something like a smile overspread Littlo Fox- | foot’s features. | ‘¢ Who's the best man, Mister Fierce Frank?” fe aby Ralph!” ‘Well, it may be that [ll accept yer invite sometime soon. Just at present I want to seo the skunk you call Ruby Ralph, an’ wherever his trail leads there will I be found, rest assured | of that! If it takes me to Bowie, Til be there, | an’ I'll be prepared for any kind of a picnic you may wish to enjoy.” ‘ ‘Yor’ huntin’ fer yer gold bowie?” “Yes!” flashed the boy. ‘I’m a Knife-Hun- ter now; that’s my special biz, as yer gang will find out.” | “Wal, all I've got ter say,” said the des- perado, gathering up the reins, ‘f you’ve under- took ther biggest job ever tackled in this ken- try! Why, thar are fifty men who’d almost vive the'r right hand ter possess that treasure. | I’m cne ov thet fifty, Foxfoot, fer all ’ve never | seen it! If thet sticker’s ever brought ter Bowie itll never Jeave whilo Fierce Frank’s thar ter fight fer it!” Thore was no reply to this from the youth in the doorway, and a moment after Fierce Frank’s horse’s head was turned. ; ** Good by, Foxfoot!” he sent over hisstoulder. “You've covered mo ter-day, but, by blazes! Pil make yer pay fer it if yer ever come ter Lowio Point! Good-by, never-again-ter-be owner Ov ther gold-handled bowie!” Foxfoot heard the chucklo that followed this as the rough rode away. He made no attempt to stop him, although the revolver was still ready in Lis hand. ‘““Tf there were five hundred instead of fifty men in this country who want that knife, Td find it just the same!” said the resolute lad when Fierce Frank had disappeared on the back trail. * Anything that man can say would have no more effect on my purpose than a coyote bark. I came to this country to recover my stolen knife, and I shail secure it or lose my life in tho attempt. I’ve sworn it! The gold in that handle is every ounce that I werked out of the vein I | at first thought was so rich; and Ili not be cheated out of that hard-carned treasure. With the last words he stepped outside tho cabin, closing the door behind him. Half an hour before, when he had rapped upon the door and nobedy came to open it, he | | | had entered boldly to find the knife-thief; but the cage was empty, and he was just in time to receive the rough messenger from Bowie Point, which lay a half-dozen miles to the west. ‘Ruby Ralph has not_shown up here, I sup- se, since I saw him in Gold Eagle,” said Fox- oot, as he brought forward from the grove op- nosite the cabin a horse of superior qualities. **One thing sure—I’ll be near when he comes; though it won’t do to be caught napping here after Fierce Frank’s visit.” . A moment later a youth not over nineteen, handsome and supple, and clothed in a richly embroidered jacket and Mexicun pantaloons, was riding away across the volley, in which was situated the ranch owned ly ‘‘ the best man who had ever entered Bowie Point.” Further up the young Knife-Hunter could see | the corral, and near it half a hundred grazing | animals. Ruby Ralph, it seemed, nreferred to keep 4 ranch on a small scale in Danger Valley, as he called it, to living in the midst of his tough minions in Bowie Point. : Ten minutes’ ride across the grassy plain | brought the boy to where the ascent began and where the trail was winding and rocky. Not a dozen steps had the spirited horse taken | on this hard soil, when there came a sharpswish | in the air, and before the Gold Bowie Kid could * of fate over the head and shoulders of the young ranchero and pinioned his arms to his side. With a startled cry he recognized his danger end attempted to throw off the tightening cord, but the next instant he was roughly jerked from his seat to the ground! CHAPTER II. BOWIE POINT’S VISITORS. A TIME there was when Bowie Point was one of the most flourishing camps in the mining: dis- tricts of Arizona. Gold had been discovere? there by a wander- ing, half-witted mincr, who could not keep secret his discovery, gud scon the shanties begen springing up right and left near the find, until atleast a hundred could have teen ccunted scattered amid the rocks and gulches, There were no streets; no town bad been formally laid cut, and so the settlers erected their rougo cabins wherever their fancies indicated. To this new gold region flocked miners and desperate characters from all parts of the South- west, Of course, there was a saloon and a‘ hotel.” ‘“‘The Panther’s Paw ” was the most pretentious | building m the “‘ city,” and was regarded by the citizens as the most important. It served the combined purpeses of hotel, saloon and geming- Jen, and was run by one of the worst toughs in camp, Pepper Fete. Luny Jake, as the half-witted discoverer was called, never rcalized more than a dozen drinks ' of “tarant’lar juice” from his fnd, and with that was content to leave Powie Pcint to its fate or to its glory, wLicl ever it migbt be. Gold was found quite plentiful for a time, but like many of the n ountain cau ps which sprung up while the gceld-{cver ran Ligh, Eowie was destined to a cuitailed existence. The vein which bad been th vght so rich be- gan suddenly to fail, and when this fact became generally known, the better class of mimers tcok up their picks and shovels and decamped for other fields. But a goodly number rerainec—wild, cesper- ate fellows, who scon made for the town an un- enviat le-reputation, , There is no ‘ city ” of Rowie Foint row, noth- ing but the. ruins cf the deserted skanties and the unmarked graves or the mountain-side. But, Curing the latter perticn cf its existence wild scenes were ervacted there by its lawless citizens, more then cre of wlcm “fassed in their checks with tt eir kcots cn” end with their bands on their revelvers. During this pericd the events deyicted in the foregoing cheyter occurred, erd it was just an hour after lis recting with Fexfcct, the young Knife-Bruter, et Ruby Ralyh’s catin when Tierco Frank neared the eastern limits of the town, cn the 1¢turn f1cm his mission to the Donger Valley rench. There ves anceger plitter in Fis eyes as he urged his korse cn, thevgh he teck no note of how fast ke wes going; his riding was purely ieckanical. Fe lecked up suddenly and sew Powie Pcint’s cabins but a skort Cistance eheed. ‘¢Thar’s Few!” be exclaimed, as if ke had sighted it vnexyectecly after a terrible jour- ney. ‘‘*y Cecrge! wen’t thet be news ter ther boys? If I didn’t see Ruby, I heed what war letter, an’ what'll make every galcct’s eyes in ther carp twinkle. Oh, Fexfcot, ov Eureka ranch! we’ve heard. cv thet golden tcwie afore, We've got it now, an’ we don’t perpcse ter let it “Got what, Fierce Frank?” Fierce Frank gave a startled exclamation as he crew rein. ee “ Ruby!” : Ten steps away beside the trail, Bowie Point’s ‘“}est'man” sat crect in bis saddle, and smiled quizzingly into the mersenger’s face. Ds ee yes, Ruby. What’s thet you’ve got, ard ¥ Fierce Frank hesitated for a moment, while Ruby Ralph gazed steadily at him. ““Why, ther golden bowie,” he said, at_last; “vou've rot it, an’ ov course, that means Bowie Point, It} make ther car-p famous!” “No, but I hevyn’t got it!” gritted the rancher, a who was a giant in.stature and strength, ‘“Heyn't? Ther owner himself said yer had!” “Ther meanest skunk in ther Rockies war waitin’ on ther trail back thar, an’ seein’ it in my belt, he mace me keel under like a tender- hoof and fork it over. By Jehosapbat! thar’s vengeance waitin’ fer thet thief! comes ter Bowie Point an’ robs a citizen with impunity like thet!” Ps gx Fiano ‘ OR iy Sake ey i Pe: ad Wey: = ; a>: edn ee Ore ee ee No man } ¥
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‘“Who war it, Ruby?” madly. : Both seemed to forget that that very thing ‘was done in Gold Eagle “City” two days be- fore. ‘*Old Wildfire!” was the grated response, with aan oath. ‘* Heavens! Ruby, you must ’ave been covered by a perfect cyclone ov death! I’ve heard ov him. Yer came on ther east trail from Gold Eagle?” “Yes,” said the swarthy giant; ‘‘ but fer cer- tain reasons I switched cver onter ther north trail a piece back. I run from ther fryin’-pan inter ther fire,” “Thet accounts fer it!” vociferated Fierce Frank. ‘‘ By the ’tarual wildcats, Ruby! Ven- eance ar’ nearer ter hand than yer’d supposed. ld Wildfire’s dart r, thet piece ov humanity more famous than iwer golden bowie, is goin’ ter be in Bowio Point ter-night! She’s been off ter ther States somewhar, an’ Old Wildfire met her at Nugget City, an’s takin’ her home by way, of course, of Bowie Point. I’ve jest been ter Danger Valley ter tell yer, but instead ov seein’ you, I saw ther han’somest little cyclone thet ever struck this kentry! He wants ter seo yer, Ruby.” ‘“*T kin guess who ther visitor ar’, Fierce Frank. But, ther boy hed better go back; if he follers Ruby Ralph, hell meet with no mercy. ‘When ther gold bowic’s at stake, he don’t know what a desprit man ’d do,” “Thet’s a fact, Ruby; I told ’im thet, but he only laughed, an’ said probably he’d be in Bowie in a day er so.” ‘*Let’im come, but TP'll not guarantee ’im a safe return ter his Eureka ranch! He might find his gold bowie in a way he didn’t expect. Pye sworn thet thet bowie shall be my property! Hevn’t all ov us heard ov thet knife fer two year, Fierce Frank?’ The speaker’s eyes blazed. ‘*Bowie Camp hez wanted it thet long, a “Yes; I went ter ther Eureka kentry fer it, an’ by Jehosaphat! I got it! Old Wildfire’ll hev ter cave ef Ruby Ralph gits ther drop, which he will ef ther thief comes ter Bowie ter-night. Who said he war comin’?” ‘‘Desperate Dan,” replied the fierce man. ‘* He saw ’im in Nugget City two days ago, an’ Wildfire told’im that war his plan. owie Point ar’ nearly directly on ther trail, yer know, between Nugget City an’ Gold Eagle, an’ ther Panther’s Paw ar’a darned sight better than sleepin’ on ther ground. They must hev been on ther march fer Bowie when yer overtook ’em; did yer see ther Gold Eagle ang’l?” ** Nary,” said Ruby Ralph, ‘‘I supposed ther mean skunk hed jest come hyer ter rob me ov ther gold treasure. Thar’ll fun in Camp Bowie if they come thar _ter-night, Fierce Frank! Let’s move on ter Pepper Pete’s; my whistle hezn’t been wet since last night,” The spurs were plied, and the two dark-faced and bronzed Arizonians, two desperadoes who were fit companions for each other, who were dressed similarly, and armed to the teeth, rode forward, side by side, into the mountain camp, wherein dwelt half a hundred man-tigers, as wild and desperate as themsclves, An hour later, over the spot where the north and the east trails leading to Bowie Point united, another couple, a man and a girl, rode in from the north, and advanced toward tho main part of Bowie Point’s collection of cabins. When we say that from the belt of one the beautiful go!d handle of a ten-inch bowie pro- truded, the reader may guess who they are. Dark and muscular was the man who had forced Ruby Ralph to “keel under,” but his face bore a different expression from that which Sopmeenenized the roughs of whom Ruby was ing. } There was the unmistakable look of integrit which a life in the Arizonian mountains, wit its exposures and hardships and constant ac- tivity, could not efface. One would hardly guess that the fair being at his side was connected to him by relation- ship’s tie, so brown and rough was he, But, never was a daughter of the south- west hills more bequtiful than Old Wildfire’s only child, Rosa, who rode with him into the mining-town in the wake of Fierce Frank and Ruby Ralph. : “Thet’s Bowie Poi-t,” said Old Wildfire to his companion, for the second time since they had come in sight of it, ‘‘ That town sprung into existence soon after you left, two year ago. Probably you’re the first bit of female humanity thet ever penetrated this camp, Rosa.” “ [t’s a rough-looking place,” said the girl. | asked Fierce I'rank, Littio ozcvot, the Geld Bowie Kid. t — ‘* And thar’s rough characters in it,” replied her father. ‘‘ Ruby Ralph, the man I took this knife from on the trail back thar, holds | full sway hyer. I wouldn’t have made the bi rancher deliver had I known who he was, bu never havin’ seen him before, I didn’t know | im from Luny Jake, I don’t want to make any enemies, especially like Ruby Ralph, while you are with me, pet. I saw the gold bowie that belongs to the Eureka kentry in his belt an’ I know thet he had stolen it. saw ‘ kill” in his oc; es when he handed out the knife, an’ some- | thin’ about ‘Ruby Ralph’s revengo’ escaped his | ips.’ ‘*Ho won't attempt to harm you, papa?” “Why not? But if ho aie boil fnd ‘me ready to defend the richest treasure in Arizona with my life! You haven’t forgot how to shoot have you, litile girl? Two years ago Yaa could plant a bullet almost anywhere I could.” ‘*T haven’t forgotten; here’s the same little weapon you gave me and taught me with,” she answered; producing a beautiful silver-mounted revolver. “That's it! I thought thet you wouldn't lose yer grip on what is needed so much in this ken- try. Jest keep it handy, Rosa; you may need it—that is—well—there might be such a thing, ou know. We shouldn’t have come to Bowio oint at all, after our trouble with its ruling | bey ranchero’s face, spirit, but ov course you must have shelter. ugget City—northwest—is just two days’ jour- ney from Gold Eagle—east—an’ Bowie Point is half-way between them—off the direct trail somewhat, but a convenient place to stop at fer the night. You're not afraid, Rosa?” ‘** No,” she answered, as he looked lovingly into her face. The trail which struck Bowie Point from a northwesterly direction, but which the citizens generally termed the ‘‘ north trail,” lei straight to the door of the Panther’s Paw, for there was where the thirsty pilgrim generally made for rst. On into Ruby Ralph’s domain rode the strange- ly contrasted |.air, the cabins growing thicker and the trail wider as they advanced. All at once Old V/ildfire grasped tho bit of his companion’s horse and both animals wero brought to a halt, “We'll go to no Panther’s Paw this night, Rosa,” he said, firmly. ‘‘We would stand no show there against Ruby Ralph and his gang. I know the character ov the place. But I’ve a friend in camp an’ I’m sure fol let us occupy his cabin to-night. It’s Desperate Dan; he wasin Nugget City two days ago, and I haa occasion todo him a favor; we'll ride down to the Pen- ther’s Paw an’ ask ’im. Woe unto Ruby Ralph if he harms a hair ov your head this night!” The speaker’s teeth shut with a snep over the last word and his cyes flashed dangerously. The horses wero again urged forward and si- lence tell between the two travelers, Old Wildfire had avoided Bowie Point on his way to Nugget City a few days before, and this was his first visit to the notorious camp, but ho knew the character of the place and of the citi- zens in it. When they came in sight of a building where a dozen loafers stood in front of the door, in- stinct told him that was the Panther’s Paw. There was no hesitating now; the citizens had caught sight of them and eagerly watched their approach from Pepper Pete’s door. t last they drew rein not ten steps from the crowd and allowed their gaze to wander over the curious fares, A shout of delighted admiration went up from the roughs as they feasted their eves upon tho | fairest rose that had ever bloomed in the Ari- zonian mountains, re yee This brought to the door from the inside a rasp whom Old Wildfire just then didn't want 0 sen, There was a scowl on his dark face as ho CHAPTER III. surveyed the new arrivals. | It was Ruby Ralph. | CATAMOUNT S4M AND PARD., LittL® Foxroor had no sooner touched the ground than he leaped to his feet and straight toward the man who held the end of the un- erring lasso thirty feet away. | He had not been much injured by the fall from his horse, but there were rage and resent- ment in his eyes, and, although his arms, in spite of his endeavors to free himself, were still job helpless at his side, he was not one to quickly | he said, through his teath: submit to brute capture. Not ten feet of the aye Me 3 I distance had been passed, when a pair of roug hands caught 3 the young Knife-Hunter, and ho was tripped forward upon his face. “Thar, invader ov Danger Valley!" grated a hoarse voice above him, asa aang knee was planted upon his back. ‘' Ruby Iph’s men want ter see yer fer darin’ ter ‘penetrate ther rivate sanctum ov the boss rancher ov this dis- ric’, Take his weapons, Injun, an’ then cover ‘im when I let’im up. Take off ther rope, too; ! | we’ll mow ’im down if he makes a move The Indian who had s0 deftly lassoed the oung Knife-Hunter, quickly disarmed the cap- ive and removed the binding rawhide. Then the heaxy knee was removed from his back and the boy arose. His breath had been almost knocked out of him by the two falls, and he leaned up against his faithful her 6, which had halted a few steps aay when his rider had keen jerked from his ack, Foxfoot’s eyes flashed angrily when he turned to his two captors. Tho Indian held in his hand a ready revolver and his companion stood near him with folded arms. ** We're Ruby’s men, ez I said afore,” was the explanation, as the man glared into the ““We see’d yer comin’ from ther ranch down thar, an’ we ¢cncluded it war our biz ter see what war wanted.” You've taken a desperate mean an’ under- hand way to find out,” was the mad reply. ‘I could have told you what was wanted without the uso of that infernal lasso!” ‘*Thet may be, but ther Injun an’ me heza way ov doin’ things. Ruby Kalyh den’t leave us ter guard bis ranch for nothin’, you bet! Are yer a fricnd ov Ruby’s?”’ ‘*Wriend?—no!” flashed the boy. ‘My visit hyer means war to the knife!” ** Wo thought so; et’s like a lam’ fightin’ ther lion, When yer fight Ruby Ralph yer fight every man in this region. Ruby’s not hyer ter receive yer, but Catamount Sam an’ bis pard, Flash-Eye, are, We're ther daisies thet protect this ranch, en’ we ropes in all such ez you.” ““Catamount Sam, eh? Well, I have some advice fer you, Catamount, an’ Pll not charge ycua cent jorit. There’s goin’to be war be- tween Eagle City an’ Bowie Point, an’T advise you to leave Foxfoot, Gold Eagle’s representa- tive, alore; you’re liable to win a taste of the gold bowie when it’s found.” “Ther gold bowie?—what ov it?” exclaimed the desperado, and there was an eager light on his face that told the subject was not new to him. ‘Ts ther gold killer lost?” Yes; that’s why I’m hyer! I’m in search oe the prettiest man-killer that Arizona ever 1eld!” “Ruby got it, then?—from the boy owner vho, I’ve keard, knows so welt how ter handle blade.” “Yes, he got it—the boss thief! heard about ther owner(” ‘“Sccres of times. Ther gold bowie hez made ’im famous all over this kenutry. Td almost give my i band ter own thet Rnifer” Foxtcot’s eyes blazed fiercely, Was everybody he met, as Fierce Frank had said, willing to Le maimed for life to secure the gold-handled bowie? Had he to fight these men who would risk so much to regain possession of his own ar pep gd grote But he had said he would win or die, and one So you've | acquainted with his past record would not have doubted his word. Catamount Sam, unconsciously repeating Fierce Frank’s words, was the second man in the Jast half-hour who had cffered to exchange his right hand for the famous blade, but the fact did not lessen the boy’s determination in the least. It told him, however, that he had desperate men to deal with, and that eA ample meas- ures alone could win back for him his stolen rize. Pm Well, you'll never have it!” he vritted, furi- ously, to Catamount Sam, ‘That knife be- longs to me! I’m Foxfoot, its famous owner, an’ the man thet touches it is my deadly foe! Keep out of the struggle, is my advice. The whole Eureka country is roused over the theft, an’ if I don’t track down the Bowie in two days, the men of Gold Eagle are comin’ over to chaw Bowie Point but what it’s returned. It’s death to the man that holds the knife when they come!” Catamount Sam smiled grimly. “They'll hev a hefty chawin’ Bowie up,” ‘“Thar’s not a mam thar thet wouldn’t fight fer thet bowie. They’ve been speculatin’ on capturin’ it fer months, an’ now Ruby Ralph hez stepped inter ther den an’
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fh Swki< < 4 | ittle Foxfoot, swalked off with ther prize, it?l] be hand ter hand afore it goes back ter Gold Eagle. Yer knows Bowie’s reputation, Foxfoot—she never does mena by halvyes— What’s wrong, Flash- aye?” The Indian herder had been listening silently to the conversation, when all at once his cun- ning eyes detected a suspicious glitter at the lang on the saddle where Foxfoct rested his and, Without replying to Catamount Sam’s ques- tion he advanced upon the. boy, cocking the ‘weapon in his hand as he did so. ‘* Drop shooter, Foxfoot!” hehissed. ‘* Flash- Eye see—drop it!” He came to a halt suddenly before the words were hardly out of his mouth, He was looking into the threatening muzzle of the shvoter he wanted dropped! ‘* You'd best examine saddle-pockets the next time you attempt to disarm a man.from Gold Eagle!” the Knife-Hunter sent over the glisten- ing barrel to his surprised captors, ‘‘ The tables are turned clean over an’ T’ve got the drop on ou both! Throw down thet shooter in yer and, Flash-Eye, also my belt; and be very careful about yer movements; I stand behind. ‘one of the deadliest sixes in Arizona! There, thet’ll do, though Pipe fellers needn’t chaw me ‘up with those mad e7es o’ yourn, Hands above- _ board now! Pll plug the first one o’ you that at- tempts to draw a weapon! Face about, an’ , march fer yer den!” , Every word seemed a threat and the flash of , those dark eyes was not to be mistaken. | .Only too well did Catamount Sam and his red pard, Flash-Eye, know that it was to their interest to strictly obey the young moun- tain trailer. } Men had often told them of Foxfoot of Eureka ranch and of the wonderful manner in which he handled his justly famous weapons. With subdued oaths they turned abruptly, and side by side strode down the hill and into \ the valley. f ‘‘They know what’s expected of them,” the youth said, grimly, as he picked up his belt { where Flash-Eye dropped it. ‘‘ They know it means death to turn around while they’re in | range. They’recareful also to keep those hands elevated. They turned the wrong card when they picked up Foxfoot of Gold. Eagle.” He mounted his waiting animal, still keeping his hand upon his revolver and his eye upon the | stalwart twain, who at every step neared the ' rough eabin at the opposite side of Danger Val- ley. There was a smile of triumph on the youthful trailer’s face as he noted the outcome of the recent episode. ‘They tock me ata disadvantage,” he smiled to himself; ‘t but men will find that I’m liable ‘ to sng the wreng card on the board before the ' game’s played. They’ll also find. thet I came a on business bent and am. not to be trifled with. For a few minutes longer he watcbed from the back of his horse the receding pards, and then he turned and galloped up the mountain. Once he turned back and looked down at the men he had defeated. ’ Their faces were toward him now, and he was just in time to see Catamount Sam raise a revolver and send after him a ringing shot. Foxfoot did not flinch. He estimated that he was not out of range, } and = was correct; the bullet fell short.of its | mark, ‘* He wanted the satisfaction of having one shot,” he said, as Catamount, Sam, seeing that his shot took no effeet, turned on his heel and strode on by the side of Flash-Eye. ‘* He waited however, until it was entirely too late, contrary to his sweet will. Dll move on again.” After a little while he came to a grassy plateau on the mountain-side, and here, after a moment’s thought, he dismounted and _picketed his horse. From here he had a fair view of the beautiful valley, which lay several hundred feet beneath him 1n a picturesque spot among the mountains. ‘ Dl) remain here till nightfall,”was h's con- clusion from his elevated resting spot, ‘‘ and if : Ruby Ralph comes I’m bound to see him, If he has not-arrived in Danger Valley by that time, I’m goin’ to strike fer Bowie Point. I’ve never been there but I. know its location—likewise, its reputation, I’ve heard it’s a sort of owl’s nest—thet night’s the best time fer makin’ calls, I’mlikely to make a call there to-night!” CHAPTER IV. ‘ANOTHER COUNTRY HEARD FROM. Tat taking his beautiful child to spend the night in the midst of those rough men at Bowie 4 f , pw . one ree me kha Point was a dangerous proceeding, none knew better than Old Wildfire self. Rosa had been attending school in the East for two years, and cn her return home Wildfire had mether at Nugget City, as the overland stage came no further than that point. It had been a hard ride for the girl that day ove’ the rough trail, and now it wasimperative she should have shelter and rest. Ordinarily, Old Wildfire would have had no hesitatio:: in taking his daughter to Bowie Point, for, rough as were the men who made up the camp, a rude sense of honor made them, as a class, always respectful in the presence of a lady; but he had made a powerfuland revengeful enemy in Ruby Ralph—what might not Bowie Point’s King do to gain his revenge? Old Wildfire was not afraid for himself, but he did have misgivings for the absolute safe of that being at his .side dearer to him than his own life. ' However, it was too late to retreat now; they were in the very heart of Ruby Ralph’s do- main. ‘“Woe unto him if he harms a hair ov her head!” were the unspoken words that rose to the old man’s lips many times. From the back of his horse Wildfire gazed over the crowd in front of Pepper Pete’s, in search of the familiar face of Desperate Dan. Was he there? Yes, he sighted him in a moment, and when his name was spoken, the man stepped quickly forward and walked by the side of the strangers’ horses Gown the trail, and out of hearing of Pepper Pete’s door. ‘* We've concluded not to GeCRY. the Panther’s Paw to-night,” said Old Wildfire, as he drew rein twenty-five yards from the. place he men- tioned. Desperate Dan laid his hand on the Eureka man’s leg, and looked up into his face. ‘*Thet’ll displease ther boys,” he said, warn- ingly. ‘* They’ve been excited ’bout seein’ ther Mountain Rose all day,” ‘They knew we war comin’, then?” “Yes, I told ’em.” Old Wildfire’s face w dark as he glanced toward the crowd, which had increased to full a score. ‘*Oh, they’re a daisy lot!” he said between his teeth. ‘‘So they want to see Rosa, eh, Dan?” *“'Thet?s it.” ‘* Wal, she’s not hyer on exhibition.” “No, Wildfire, but sho’s ther first bit ov fe- male kaliker thet ever struck ther diggin’s, It’s natural they’d want a healthy peep at sech a flower.” ‘** But I’ve got a foe in taet crowd, an’ I want to put ther girl as near out o’ his reach as pos- sible.” ' aay Ralph? ‘“‘ He told ther boys ther result of his trip ter Gold Eagle, an’ about ther little fracas on ther north trail. Isee you’ve got ther famous blade.” Old Wildfire drew the knife from his belt, and handed it to Desperate Dan for his inspec- tion. It was a beautiful weapon, and certainly jus- tified the wildest reports concerning it. The handle was of solid gold, and of exquisite workmanship, while the blade was of the finest- tempered steel. ; Desperate Dan’s eyes glistened as he turned it over in his hand and admired the graceful flour- ishes engraved on both sides, “Tt’s a reg’lar jewel!” he exclaimed, enthu- siastically. ‘‘ It'sfiner than it war ever pictured, I’ve often heard ov Foxfoot’s treasure, but_this ar’ ther first time I ever set eyes on it. I don’t blame men fer wantin’ ter git possession ov sech a thing!” , “How did Ruby get possession ov it?” ‘“He went. ter ther Eureka kentry an’ got ther drop. He’s been gone fer five days.” ‘*He didn’t harm Foxfoot?” : ““No—sez he didn’t, but turned’im inter a reg’lar ragin’ cyclone, He’s somewhar in ther vicinity ov Bowie now.” Desperate Dan handed back the knife almost reluctantly, , Old Wildfire smiled proudly as he restored it to his belt. “Thet knife belongs to ther Eureka kentry,” he said, ‘‘ Every. ounce ov dust yielded by one vein is in the handle.” t ‘*T know; I’ve heard all that a score of times. Thar’s roin’ ter be trouble over ther thing yet. Ruby Ralph’s wild over his loss,” ‘Loss? He stole ther knife!” ‘* He'll hev revenge just ther same!” “Try it, you mean,” was the response, with Bee «Siar kg OPO R Re 4 =f ei ha om wee , ¥ 54% KBs! - the Gold Bowie Kid. a SS fierce emphasis. ‘‘He’s back thar now, I ex- pect, sw’arin’ his black oaths ov revenge. They- ll be choked down his lyin’ throat if he runs ag’in’ Wildfire ov Eureka!” ‘*He’s got forty men-tigers at his back.” ‘*Yes, ov course he means bizness, Thet’s: ther reason Rosa an’I have decided to rent a private cabin for the night. We'll keep out ov is road ez much ez possible. I know the repu- tation ov the Panther’s Paw; we'll net go thar, an’ I wanted to ask you fer the use ov your cal- in, Desperate Dan. What do you say?” “TH rure an hesitated only for a moment. **Ye'r’ welcome to it,” he replied. ther risk ov ther boys chawin’ me up fer doi.” it. But if thar’s any trouble *twixt you sn" Ruby, don’t look ter me fer help. Whrile l’ny yr friend, an’ ll not raise a weapon ag’in’ yy. ’m not quite ready ter turn up my toes by g: 1.” back on Ruby an’ bis gang. er done me a |i! = favor once, Wildfire; [ll not fergit it, Cor on,” As he finished speaking he led the vay straight on, away frcm the Panther’s Paw, «1° toward the outskirts of the camp, Without another word Old Wildfire and Re:ix followed him, and a few moments later the three stopped before a neat-looking little caLin, whose. door Desperate Dan threw open: “It’s yours fer ez long ez you want it,” be said, as Wildfire swung himself from his saddle and proceeded to help his daughter to dismount. “Ts not a palace, Rosa "—smilingly; “* but, ef I do say it, ez clean ez any ov its neighbors, tho’ thar’s not. many ov them close by.” i ‘“ We're deeply indebted te you fer your kind- ness,”. Rosa said, gratefully, and a moment after all three entered the door, Dan being im the rear. There was only one room, but the reugh fur- niture, though spare, was neatly arranged, and everything, as the owner had alleged, was o1der- ly and clean. If Old Wildfire had first a heh every cabiiy in Bowie Point and then taken bis choice, be would undoubtedly have chosen the one he was now in, For, be it said to Desperate Dan’s credit, he was not naturally as rough and idle as mcst cf his rot, le and essociates, and he tock pleas- ure in keepiag his little hcme in tidy order. Two large bear-skins were spread over the floor, and just opposite the door was a fire- place over which hones several culinary articles. In one corner was a clean little couch, rnd ust above it a neat row of shelves, upen v hich la several weapcns cnd scme articles of dress. Besides there the rocm ccntained an odd- fashioned chair, a tcrch lamp and a rude, but serviceable table. - Things were much better then either Rosa or her father had expected, ard, after noting fora moment after their entrance the features of the room, they turned to their friend to tell him sc.. Desperate Dan, however, ted not waited to hear an cpinion exyressed cf his domicile, tut silently and unobserved bed stepped eut the door and back toward Peyyer Pcte’s tar, leaving them to arrange themselves as ccmfortakly as possible alone. We will do the seme, kind reader, and precede Desperate Dan to Perper Pete's. The rcughs by this time bad given up all hopes of catching crother glimpse of the celebrated beauty of the Rockies for the time at least, and ail retired to the hcspitable bar, where they pro- ceeded to ‘‘ p’izen” themeelves in doses large and too numerous to menticn. The health ‘ ov ther first ang’l thet ever struck ther camp,” was drank simultaneously es every citizen present, Ruby Ralph proposing the toast and downing his liqucr with an extravagant flourish. It seemed that Old Wildfire had not angered him much after all by avoiding the Panther’s Paw and patronizing another establishment for the night. 7 He cast a piercing glance over the crowd as he 07 set his glass down cn the bar with a heavy | thump. : “Thar’s only thirty men hyer,” he declared ; ‘“‘ where are ther twenty missin’ cnes?” Pepper Pete voluntecred infermeticn. “‘Countin’ rut Desperate Dan, Flash-Eye an” Catamount Sam, they’re all down in ther Last Ounce mine. Do you want ’em?” “Not afore dark. Fierce’Frank can teJl’em then what I’m goin’ ter mention ter you all now.” The giant speaker leaned his hronze hand om the bar and looked at his rough listeners. Spit ’er out, cap’n:” exclaimed one, as Ruby Ralph hesitated. A . Bowie Point’s king-pin smiled. ‘Le’s hear yer idee.” - a ‘N & “
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“ Allright, Buzzard Ben,” he replied. ‘“‘ Yes, it’s an idee, gerloots—a most ge-lorious opin- yun! Ther two richest treasures in Arizona are now ter be found in this howlin’ little burg, an’ what says yer, can’t we keep ’em both hyer? Thar’s but one man ter oppose ther fifty scalp- lifters ov this buzzin’ precinct, an’ it’s now in our power ter make ther camp famous. Feller- «its, don’t yer see ther needle-p’int? When ert comes, nothin’ *°d be easier ’n waltzin’ down ther trail thar, an’ possessin’ ourselves ov | Malls —— = pat ine NTS og SC FE a Rec gees Spaaehinge, Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid. 4 se at : ro 4 oe Fa een But it was immediately apparent that all | tain camp was making his way toward the sided wifh Ruby Ralph, and that the ownership fe the ten-inch treasure would be disputed to the ast. When Fierce Frank told Foxfoot that every man m Bowie Point would fight for that knife he did not miss it far. Perhaps it dawned upon some that a mistake had been made im the man- ner the blude was secured, but a question of right and wrong never entered their minds. ‘The gold bowie was a very de irable piece of ther boss prize boxes ov ther Rockies—the gal property, and they considered the securing of it am ther ten-inch treasure. gents?” “But thar’s Old Wildfire. alynamite when touched off.” ‘*One ag’in’ fifty—-ther hare an the lion.” ‘“Yer perpose ter drop ’im?”’ “Yes—ter avenge ther theft ov ther gold bowie! I could ’ave covered ’im a few minutes ago, but it didn’t suit me ter; I preferred ter wait an’ rake in ther whole pot.” It was evident that Ruby Ralph was confi- dent of the success of bis plan if attempted, be- ing in the best of spirits. As ‘e finished speaking a figure darkened the door, and all recognized i ew Dan. He stopped on the threshold and held his hand up to warn silence, while he bent forward in a listening attitude. “ 'Thar’s a hoss comin’,” he told the roughs at the har as he straightened up. ‘* from where?” inquired Ruby Ralph. “Ther east, at a vallop.” A moment or two later every one in the room heard the rapid clatter of horse’s hoofs on the rock-bedded trail. Nearer and more distinct become the hoof- beats of the animal ridden by the man from the east, until, as Ruby Ralph strode to the door, the rider drew rein in the middle of the trail forty feet away. ‘* Masked, by Jehosaphat!” Ruby exclaimed. Sure enough the man’s swarthy features were -almost entirely concealed by a black mask, but his figure, it was seen, was broad and robust. As the horse halted the darkly bronzed hand «of the stranger went up with something bright in its clasp; the next instant a twelve-inch bowie was buried deeply in one of the logs at the right of the Panther Paw’s door, two feet from the spot where Ruby Ralph and Desperate Dan stood. Then without a word the masked rider wheeled ‘his horse and galloped rapidly back the trail he had just come, unheeding the ringing command to halt that overtook him from Pepper Pete’s ‘threshold. **Go on then, durn ye!” Ruby Ralph exclaim- ved. ‘* We'll see what thet bowie means ” , Se ag out the door and the crowd fol- owed. ‘A notice, by Jehosaphat!” he ejaculated, and then the toughs at his back held their breath while he read to them from the rough piece of oper pinned by the stranger's bowie to the Eo el door. What do yer say, He’s «¢* NOTICE.’ “*Warnin' is hereby given ther galoots ov Bowie ‘Point that uness Ruby Ralph roturns ther xold bowie to Foxfoot, the owner, in tivo da.s from date, the Eureka Kontry w'll take up ther fight an’ w ip the western g95y.hers out ov the'’r ens! Gold Engle haz. bee” insulted by a mean cow ‘rd an’ coyote, an’ «she means bizness! “**Gotp EAGLE Crrty.’” The first to break the silence that followed the reading of this direct threat was Ruby Ralph himself and he broke it with a mad oath. “A coward an’ coyote, eh? he grated. *¢Thar’ll be some blood-lettin’ fer thet! I'd like ter krow who’s insulted now—Gold Eagle er Bowie Point! Give up ther gold bowie?—never! Let the Eureka galoots come, Fifty wildcats with twice ez many men-killers in their hands will be ready ter receive em! Gold Eagle hez owned ther gal an’ ther gold bowie long enough, an’ now Bowie Point’s got them in her possess- ion an’ she’s goin’ ter_keep ’em. It’s war ter ther knife, Gold Eagle City!” __ + Se last sentence proved terribly true in the end. CHAPTER V. RUBY RALPH AND OLD WILDFIRE SHOOT, _ THE very plainly worded notice from Gold ‘Eagle took the Bowie Pointers somewhat by surprise. They had expected some trouble from the captain’s visit, but it was about to assume a form totolly unlooked for, . ; Ruby Ralph had committed a deed whith, nn- less righted at once, would subject the entire «camp to the vengeance of their indignant ecast- ern neighbors. worse’n ; | | | | Loc) a most remarkable feat. It was a thing of beauty and usefulness combined, and to those rough men something calculated to make any camp famous. True, they could not say they had it really in their possession; but it was right in town, under their very noses, and with but one man to contest their right of ownership. Bunt Gold Eagle’s notice was not the only sur- prise Bowie Point had that day, Shortly before dark two men rode into the camp who looked like they had just come out of a battle. Their clothes and faces were bloody, and one, who was darker than the other, was supported in his saddle by his companion. They came from the east, and rode slowly over the trail, for it seemed their wounds were pain- ul, When they drew rein in front of the Panther’s Paw a crowd rapidly collected around them, for it took but a short time for the citizens to recog- nize the new arrivals. Ruby Ralph and Fierce Frank had retired to the bar-room and they were quickly sumiunoned out. As his eyes fell on the men on the horses the ‘‘ captain” uttered a:tartled exclamation. ‘* Jehu! Catamount Sam an’ Flash-Eye!” ‘* Thet’s what, cap‘'n,” the big herder respond- ed with a mad oath, ‘‘er worse, we’re what’s left ov ther two just mentioned. We struck a ee cyclone just this side ov Danger Val- ley. ‘* Tell us about it, Catamount.” ‘* We want some whisk first—ther Injun an’ me. He got a worse dose ’n I did. See, he’s about gone from so much blood loss, an’ I'm ache sick, Bring us some drinks, Buzzard en. In two minutes the one addressed returned with two brimming glasses of the fiery stuff, which the wounded herders succeeded in soon putting out of sight. Then they were assisted from the backs of their horses and found comfortable seats in the bar-room, ‘oTwar a reg’lar cyclone, es I said afore,” Catamount Sam explained to his listening pards, ‘“‘an’ it war all overin a minit. He had on a black mask an’ was follerin’ ther east trail. ‘Plash-Eye used his lasso, but he missed his dis- tance, then, great Scott! he turned on ther In- jun like a flash! Then there war two shots at once; I shot at the masked devil an’ be shot at ther Injun. They both reeled in their saddles but ther stranger war game, an’ he up an’ give me a shot afore I could wink, an’ it sent me | down. When I got up only ther Injun war in | ee ™ ——————__. sight, an’ we come on ter Bowie after sometbin’ ter brace us up.” It was clear enough to the roughs who the man was who had defeated Catamount Sam and his pard. “That cussed rider from Gold Eagle!” Ruby Ralph gritted. ‘‘ By thunder! T long fer ther time when Bowie an’ Gold Eagle mect; thar’ll be some blood spilled in ther way ov vengeance!” ‘** Mebbe they can all fight like this one,” ‘* No—what if they can? You an’ ther Injun bungled ther job ” ‘Not much, Ruby,” was the quick reply. ** But he’s ther second one thet hez turned his weanon ag’in’ Flash-Eye an’ me ter-day.” ‘““Who war the other one?” “Foxfoot, an’ he war fully as bad_as ther masked, devil, We lassoed ’im and disarmed im, but forgot ter search his saddle-pockets.” * He didn’t shoot, though?” ‘“No, but we showed ’im our backs until out ov range. He wants his gold bowie,” “TI know all that, Catamount,” was the re- sponse with flashing eyes. ‘‘ When are you an’ ther Injun goin’ back ter ther ranch?” Ruby pales continued. ‘Thar must be somebody thar. ‘Ez soon ez we liquor up, eh, Flash-Eye? an’ git this blood wash off, cuss ther devil thet | with my own private property? door, and soon his stalwart figure passed out into the open air and away trom his pards. He could not forbear a glance at the paper which still fluttered trom the bowie at the right of the door, and his brow darkened. ‘‘T may hev ter send an answer ter that yet,” he muttered, as he turned to the right and walked down the trail, ‘‘ Mebbe they won’t come, and ll send ’em somethin’ thet’ll stir ’em up—set their blcod a-Wilin’! Iv] hasten ’em over ter meet ther deadliest men-killers in ther Rockies!” He laughed fearlessly as he made his way al.ng quite rapidly toward the southern limits of the town. ‘*My cabin is one ov ther few in range ov Dan’s,” he continued, halting ct last before a rude shanty and glancing across the twenty yards of space that intervened between Des- rate Dan’s cabin and his own. ‘Gosh! T wish dark ‘d come!. I’m anxious ter clap my hands on ther daisiest flower and ther prettiest weapon in ther gold regions!” - Dark was coming, the stars were }eginning to show their faces in the sky, and the air was moist with dew. Ruby Ralph paused but a moment before his door, and enteri g, closed it behind him. A moment after he heard a step outside and a loud rap that caused him to turn, with revol- ver in hand. ar As he cautiously opened the doo, a familiar name fell from bis lips. ‘¢Desnerate Dan!” ’ ‘Yes, cap’n,” was the reply of the man who stood five feet from the thresholc, and who in his next remark came right down to his busi- ness: ‘‘I’ve come ter ask a few questions con- cerning Bowie's visitors.” ** Well, shoot ahead.” ‘Ov course, yer know thet Old Wildfire an’ his kaliker pard are housed over thar in my shanty?” “c es.” ‘*Ye'r’ not kickin’ because Y done it?” Ez well thar ez uc ther Panther’s er don’t intend ter disturb them ter-night?” Dan said, after a .ooment’s silence. “Don’t? Well, ’'m goin’ ter possess myself ov ther two richest treasures ov ther Rockies —ther Mountain Rose an’ ther golden bowie— ter-night!” Desperate Dan had not been present when Ruby Ralph discussed his pians that day, and he looked blank for a moment ut these bold words. Finally he said, with outward coolness: ‘Rob ther nest, eh?” a“ Yes. ” * An’ Wildfire?” “Ts ter be paid back fer his work on ther north trail bah hl The giant in the doorway Ike the words sternly and in a manner that leit his hearer in no doubt of his intentions. ’ ** See hyer, Ruby,” Dan said, after a moment's silence, and his tones were threatening. ‘* Ye’r* welcome ter ther knife, Lut leave ther gal—ther Mountain Rose-——alone!” Almost before the words were out Desperate Dan realized thet he nad been teo hasty. He had spoken his thoughts almost unccnsciously, and they were not in the least calculated to car ry his point. : He saw Ruby Ralph regard him a minute with anger-kindling eyes. “Teave ther gal alone—at your commands: Ry Jehosaphat! you're gettin’ entirely too fresh, Desperate Dan! Cuss yer pictur’! how Care yer dictate ter me?” Desperate Dan saw that he had placed himself in e vad situation. But he determined to face it out. *‘ Easy, Ruby; I meant it fer yer own : an’ fer ther good oy thercamp. Don’t yer spose ther Eureka kentry would avenge ther theft of its purty citizen, an’ ther death ov cne ov ite leadin’ spirits, let alone ther gold bowie? Don’t yer think so, Ruby?” “-Yes—no! By thunder, Dan! I helieve ye’ve fallen in love with ther Eureka Rese yerself!” _. The captain saw the start the other gave, and immediately took it for an evidence of guilt, _ ‘« By the fiends! I, dcn‘t allow thet!” he hiss- ed, his eyes blazing with rage, and his revolver coming to a level with bis face, “ Blast ye, it seals yer doom! Makin’ love without my con- sent, eh, an’ dictatin’ ter me what I must da She’s mine, spilled it! Youll not go back ter ther ranch Desperate Dan, an’ its death ter make’ love ter-night, Ruby?” _ “No; I’ve got hizness hyer.” An instant later the king pin of the moun- Dan! My finge; t her without my consent! By heavens! Hyer ends your love-makin’! Not a word, Desperate n ther trigger!” JNA PELE ook eAN di } 7 ri a * y ss ee 7 = ae Be prt be et
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reach in the confines of the camp. - hin at the slightest move to escape. could he do, at the very mouth of a deadly re- | Was the heartless demon of the gold camp, in | his maddening jealousy, going to shoot his pard down betore he could utter a single word in de- | fense of himself? | “Hold hard thar, Ruby Ralph!” suddenly | rung across the trail, ‘* Shoot him an’ I shoot you! Desperate Dan sent a lightning glance toward | the speaker, Old Wildfire, who had suddenly | thrown open his cabin door, and now stood on | the threshold with leveled weapon. Ruby Ralph heard the words, but the Eureka man’s warning came too late, his ‘finger was on the trigger.” All at once a ringing shot awoke the moun- tain echoes, and Desperate Dan threw up his hands with a wild cry, and fell to the ground!” But the following second there was another ro- port from a certain doorway twenty yards | away, and Ruby Halob staggered back into ‘he | darkened interior of his cabin! CHAPTER VI. IN THE TOILS. ** DEAD, suro cnough,” said Old Wilfire three minu.es later, as he bent over the outstretched | form of Desperate Dan, in front of Ruby | Ralph’s door. ‘‘ I was a minit too late, an’ thet muuntain demon gotin bis work. Satan! Thar should be retribution, swift an’ terrible, fer thiz,,. I hope my shot laid out his slayer! I'll go in an’ sec.’ Tivo stops took kim to the door, which he en- tered fearlessly. . 7 He found it too dark inside to.see objects dis- tinctly, and fumbling in his pockets for a. mo- ment, he had the satisfaction of producing &@ match, Te struck it upon the wall, and almost the first th_ng he saw, as the blaze flared up, was | a tallow candle upon a rough table at one side | of the room. He lighted it, and then turned his ! gazo to the objects about him. Ho did not see at first the prostrate figure in the furthest corner of the cabin, but when he did a moment later he sprung to its side. ‘“* Not dead, ov course!” he ejaculated, with his hand on Ruby Ralph’s beating heart. “Ther ball has hit a rib an’ glanced out. He’s bound ter come around all right.” t At that instant a shadow fell across the floor and some one entered the door. Old Wildfire wheeled, and he could hardly forbear a start. He was faced by the frowning muzzle of a six-shooter! ‘*Pm I ierce Frank,” said the man who ex- tended tho weapon and who had entered almost noiselessly. ‘‘ By blazes! I hev a notion | ter shoot yer in yer tracks! Throw up yer hands afore I do!” A second’s silence followed the roughs words. “What is it ter be, Wildfire?—hand’s up, er ' death?” he continued. ‘I seen ther whole per- | formance *twixt you an’ ther cap’n, an’ I’ve got vengeance hyer in my hand. Up they go,erlI pull trigzer! The bronze hands of the old man went up but his eyes snapped wf Fierce Frank laughed maliciously, ‘‘Ov course it makes yer mad,” said he. ‘‘ But, thunder! you’ll bev ter stand worse things than that afore ye’r’ through with this. "You're a fool ter use ther cap’n thet way in Bowie Point; yer might know some pard’s revolver ’d | overtake yer.” Old Wildfire, still holding his hands above | his head, looked straight into Fierce Frank’s triumphant visage with eyes that did not quail. | ‘“T say,” the desperado suddenly went on, “we're goin’ ter ther pards at Pepper Pete's now! I'll send some ov ther boys back arter ther cap’n. Go ahead—yer know ther way, an’ remember, thar’s big chances ov my shootin’ when ther gold bowie an’ ther Mountain Rose are at stake:” Without a word, Wildfire stepped out of the door into the starlight, and Fierce Frank fol- lowed at his heels with menacing revolver, “Jehu!” the rough could not help saying to himself as his captive walked silently before him up the trail. ‘It'll be ther easiest thing in ther world ter carry out ther cap'n’s plans | now, Ther gal’s whar she can be found at | any minit, an’ I saw ther gold bowie in Wild- fire’s belt back thar.” : His eyes for a moment glittered like twin | stars as he thought of the two prizes Bowie Point coveted, and which were now within . Wildfire went fenient on, with his back +o the man who had implied that he wonld shoot What else wolver? Little Foxfoot, the Gold ‘* Walk right in,” Fierce Frank said, a few minutes later, as Gla Wildfire halted just at the edge of the lamp-light that streamed out of the open door of barrie Pete’s liquor paradise. ‘“Ther pards oy Camp Bowie "ll be glad ter see yer—every one. In we go, Wildfire.” Nearly tifty red-shirted roughs congregated in the saloon looked surprised when two men, one covered by the revolver of the other, marched in through the doorway and paused before the bar, in plain view of all, ‘“Thar be is, boys!” Fierce Frank exclaimed to his pards, pointing the fore-finger of his left hand at his prisoner,” ther boss treasure- owner ov ther Eureka kentry. Cover ‘1m, wildeats; he’s just finished Jayin’ ther cap’n out!” At this last intelligence a score of weapons were jerked from as many buckskin belts, and the ominous clicks of the locks could be beard in every part of the room. ‘*Drop yer hands now,” said the fierce man, and Wildiire leaned complacently against the bar and faced the men who were eager to avenge. ‘This is the man who stole ther gold bowie from Ruby Ralph on ther north trail ter- day.” he continued, addressing the roughs who flanked him, ‘an’ who has figgered in an affray with ther cap'n ter-night. er kin see part ov ther ten inch treasure in his belt thar now.” How the eyes of the Bowie Pointers sparkled when they saw! ** Nod yer head, Fierce Frank, an’ we’ll avenge all thet,” was the response. ‘*No; we'll save ’im fer Ruby Ralph. | Ten ov ou boys go down ter ther cap’n’s cabin an’ ring ’imhyer, Ef he ain’t dead he’s got ter bo *tended ter, an’ if he is, we’ll sw’ar ther biggest oath over im ever taken in Arizone. Buzzard Ben kin choose te: ov ther cherubs.” A few seconds later ten. ot Ruby Ralph's stanchest backers went down the rocky trai? side by side, and their walk soon brought them to the cabin in question. They did not pause before the door but ad- vanced with expectant eyes. Every brow grew black as they entered and saw the owner of the shanty outstretched in a dark pool of blood on the floor in one corner of he room. ‘‘Thar’s likely ter be blood-lettin’ on ther other side fer this!” Buzzard Ben grated as he bent over his captain and pard. ‘‘ Hyer, men, ather ’imu ; we'll carry bim up ter ther Pan- her’s Paw, an’ try an’ nurse ’im back ter life. Easy thar, now.” Carefully the rough hands lifted the body and bore it from the cabin, and on, under the light of the stars, until the hotel bar-room was reached. ‘-Thar’s Ruby,” said Buzzard Ben to the crowd, as the inanimate form was laid gently on one of the card-tables, ‘‘He’s a fit subject ter sw’ar vengeance over.” ‘* We'll do thet same, pard, ef he don’t take vengeance in his own hand,” was the reply, and mad glances were cast in the direction of the cool prisoner. The men did not hesitate, but set to work at once and did ail in their power to bring the cap- tain back to consciousness, His wound was washed and bandaged and his tawny brow bathed. Somewhere in the gold mountains some one had heard that whisky was good in a case of this kind, and they forced the handy remedy down his throat untiringly. At last their labors were rewarded. Ruby Ralph opened his eyes. @ seemed to take in the situation at a glance as his strength returned. \ He arose from the table and managed to make his way over to the bar, where another drink was taken, which seemed to brace him up and fire his nerves. There was a glare of vengeful fury in his eyes as he set down his glass and turned to the man who was still covered by a dozen revol- vers, “You kin rob Ruby Ralph on ther trail, an’ shoot ’im down in his own door, but it don’t win | ther game!” were the first mad words that fell from his tongue, ‘‘ Bv Jerusalem! those two acts'll cost ye yer life, Wildfire! You've come ter Bowie an’ played a game thet’]l make this | Roe yer buryin’-ground. I hold ther winnin’ and; I always win when I play—always! What chance hev you an’ ther Eureka Rose got when you've spilt ther best blood in ther camp?” Instead of turning pale when his daughter was mentioned, as the speaker anticipated, Wildfire leaned forward with fearless mien. ‘Kill me, an’ take her,” be said, with clinch- ed teeth, ‘‘an’ Eureka, not me, will avenge yer devilish work!” ‘ Bowie Kid. 9-8 Teme 6 ~— Pm tem) a ‘eee ered "oe ke alee bes f G = a bine —= mak The fierce words almost staggered the wounded bully, and he made no reply for a mo~ ment, ‘* We've heard ov sech things afore,” he ar- ticulated at last, with some of his former sav- ageness regained; ‘‘ but ther fifty men-pinthers. ov Bowie's Point ar’ never scared Ly threats! We've selected this mountain Eden ter be ther future owner ov knife an’ rose, an’ nothin’ but, eternal ’nihilation kin wipe out ther plan! If Gold Eagle comes she'll meet men who never crossed hands with mercy, an’ who don’t mince matters with six-shooters!” “She'll ask fer no mercy,” was the prompt response. ‘*‘ War to the death’ is her motto,” — ‘“ An’ ours, with ther gold bowie an’ Moun- tain Rose at stake. Thar! I saw a flash at yer belt, Wildfire: I want thcr ten-inch treasure!” Ruby Ralph took a forward step, and the next instant his fingers closed over the protruding, handle, and the beautiful blade was diawm forth. i The roughs, as if expecting the priscner to re- sist this act, drew kack the hammers of their- weapons threateningly, Lut Wildfire made no move. He stood calm and erect and with firm-set. lips, resentment and defiance shooting from his eyes in answer to the looks of commingled in- timidation and triumph bestowed upon him. The captain held up the glistening knile for a moment before the admiring glances of the crowd, the lamp-light strcan.ing with dazzling brightness upon handle and blade, ~~ we *“ Bowie Point’s property, an’ a daisy 1!” he ex— claimed, exultingly, and with-sjittering orbs. “If Foxfoot er Gold Eagis gits it now they've got ter fight fer it! yebosaphat! kow it shines!” Finally he shsved it into his-Lelt and turned toward th? door. ™*Iseep yer eyes an’ yer weapons on thet devil,” he raid to Fierce Frank and his: wild pards, meaning Wildfire. ‘‘I’ve got bizuess elsey. har fer a few minutes.” He waited for no reply, but left the bar and went to the door, and stepped out into the- shadows. ‘“Now fer ther rose blossum ov ther gold hills!” came eagerly from his coarse throat, es he glanced back to see if he was followed and then turned his steps towaid the south. ‘ Ther ae hez played right inter my Lands, an’ now *m goin’ ter ther last stake, ther fairest flower that ever bloomed in ther mounts ov Arizone!” He seemed to have forgotten his wound, and to fail to note that he reeled like a drunken man in his walk. Nothing but the one object now filled his: mind, and to this object he made his way as fast. as his weakened condition would allow. ‘I’m hyer!” he suddenly exclaimed, a short time later. ‘' For’ard inter ther dove’s nest!” The door of the shanty before him was not locked, and it yielded 1o the pressure of his arm, In he strode to the middle of the floor, and then looked around him. Somebody must have been there before him. A lamp was burning upen the table, but Rosa, the mountain girl, was gone! A mad oath from the six-footer announced this fact, CHAPTER VII. FOXFOOT ENTERS)! ; ‘‘ AyorE us lies ther six mile ov trail we've got ter travel, so hyer we go, Flash-Eye, ful} ter ther brim an’ with extra bottles in our pockets! Thet devil from Gold Eagle at least give us an excuse ter ccme ter Pepper Pete’s an’ sling rat p’izen, an’ now I feel uabcut ez good ez new, eh, pard?” Catamount Sam and his red pard, Flash-Eye, were riding trom Bowie Point in much better spirits than when they entered the place ap hour before, Their wounds, though deep, bad not proved serious, and under the bracing influcnce cf the vile liquor they bad, found at the Fanther’s Paw, and which ran down their hardened throats like water, they were, as Sam said, almost as good as new, The last cabin in the eastern extremity of the town had just been passed, when the Lig herder made his remarks, ‘* Whisky heap good!” Flash-Eye replied, with a shrug of his shoulders. ‘‘ Pep’ Pete kcep fine stuff—nice drink! Flasb-Eye weak an’ sick from wound, drink whisky, git strong again. Throw lasso now, sure!” He held up the rope that dangled from his: atamount Sam confident- saddle and looked at ly. 5 ae vu Ye’r’ not likely ter hev a chance ter try ter- Paes
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night, Injun,” the latter smiled. ‘ By George! ye’r'd better be sure next time. it off so well ez you did ter-day. ost faith in yer boasted skill.” ‘No, no, thet once in long time,” was the Indian’s quick response. ‘‘ Flash-Eye miss no more, Ah! my saddle-girt loose,” They drew their horses to a halt and the red herder dismounted and rearranyed the strap, All at once he bent his ear to the ground. “* Horse comin’! he exclaimed, a second later, as he straightened up and remounted his ani- mal, ‘‘Comin’ fast, not far off.” ‘“‘Then back inter ther bushes,” said Cata- mount Sam, and both riders drew their steeds back into the shadows at the right of the trail. ‘T's lucky yer stopped, Flash-Eye. Mebbo it’s an enemy.” Shortly after, both men heard distinctly the sound of iron-shod hoofs as they beat upon the hard trail, but a short distance ahead. ee Thunder, Flash Eye!” Catamount Sam ex- claimed, ‘I’m not so sure ez I was a moment ago thet yer won’t hev use fer yer lasso ter- night. What if it’s ther mask from Eagle City? If it’s him, he’s comin’ on ter a deadly surprise —a picnic we'll not charge him a cent for!” Eagerly the men waited in the shadows by the Arizonian trail, bending forward on their horses and straining their eyes to catch a glimpse of the approaching rider. On he came at a lively pace through the starlight, and at last the forms of horseman and horse came into view. Wildcat Sam could not identify the person for some time, but all at once he turned to his rol pard with a meaning face. “T's ther boy—Foxfoot ov Eureka,” he whispered, excitedly. ‘‘ Ho's comin’ ter Bowie in search ov his knife. Put up yer lasso, Injun, we've tried thet on him once. Tll see what vartuo thar is in ther kind ov a weapon he used on us ter-day !” “« The shooter?” Flash-Eya queried. **-Yes!” was the mad response. ‘t When ther young devil drove us down ther mountain ter- day he drew an’ cocked my weapon ag’in’ im fer all time. He's a fool fer comin’ ter Bowie Point. Thar’s death hyer!” Again the two waited in silence. The young Knife-Hunter was on the alert, but he did not suspicion the two foes who watched his approach from the shadows by the trail. Not until he was fairly into the trap did he realize his danger. “pigs Catamount Sam suddenly straightened in his saddle and extended his arm. In his hand was clasped a ready-cocked revolver and his finger was at the trigger. ‘Walt thar, baby!” he sung out, sternly. **Wfands above board, fer we’ve got ther drop, hev we—Flash-Eye an’ Catamount Samuel!” The powerful black horse the boy bestrode was reined in not over ten feet away, just as the two ambushers spurred out into the open trail. “No use kickin’, Foxfoot, we've got yer!” Catamount Sam went on with a coarse, trium- phart laugh. ‘We didn’t use ther lasso this. time, my avple blossum, an’ this shooter is a durned sight deadlier. Up with yer hands cr they remain down ferever!” “Just as you say, Catamount,” was the easy answer, as went the youth’s hands, hat was riding into Bowie Point—isn’t that Bowie Point yonder?” “a ible ‘Well, I came in oma little business of impor- tance, but if you an’ yer Injun pard there want to entertain me, banquet me, tender me a royal welcome, or anything of that kind for a few minutes, why, I guess I can spare the time.” Catamount Sam burst into a derisive laugh. ““Nary a festival ner picnic ter-night, unless yer call this, er ther neck-tie party about ter come off in Bowie Point, cne,” he replied, as, at the side of Flash-Eye, he faced the young trailer, with weapon leveled steadily, ‘“« What neck-tio party?” Foxfoot inquired. “Wal, yer seo,” Sam smiled, “Old Wildfire [ve nearly “hez cost Ruby Ralph some trouble, so ther boys roped ther Eureka cyclone in, an’ they do say bere cap’n’s goin’ ter hev a lynchin’-beo ter- t. he rouch watched the effect of his words keenly, and he saw tho youth start; but no re- ply was made, so he continued: ‘Goin’ ter Bowie on bizness, eb? ss Yes,” ‘« Who do yer want to see thar?” Foxfoot hesitated only a moment. — “Since you've made it yer business to in- uire into details, I will state that I went to see the boss man-eater of the camp.” 4 “t ; i ae Z tt nai D) os ahs - > , pera oo ‘ oN ‘ rsa ice; Ba os a 7 ; . y ee ats “ Ruby Ralph?” “Vas yy “ Yer’ huntin’ yer gold bowie?” ‘You bet lam! Do you think I would give up the hunt?” “Yer a fool fer comin’ ter Bowie Point fer satisfaction, is ther noblest truth I kin orate ter yer at present. Do yer know, thar’s liable ter be two neck-tie picnics in ther place afore mornin’. Ruby Ralph may want ter see you | are Then it will be a mutual pleasure!” was the cool response. ‘If you fellers have no objec- tions now, Dll lower my hands an’ move on. My business is pressin’.” Catamount es again laughed, while his stoical pard retained silence. ‘Ov course not,” he said, sarcastically. “ But —ez mé an’ Flash-Eye war travelin’ thot way, we'll jest go "long—behind yer, an’ yer’ll please keep yer paws up! See? Move aside, Injun, an’ go ahead, Foxfoot, an’ den’t fer an instant ferget thet I hold ther drop!” With apparent indifference the Knife-Hunter urged his horse on past his captors, and they followed close behind him, as he kept on toward the camp they had not been traveling to. Little Foxfoot thought a great deal in the fol- lowing few minutes. Ho knew that once sur- rounded by Ruby Ralph’s tough rang his life would be in the most imminent peril. Although he had never done Bowie Point any injury, he was aware that he had enemies there, chief among whom was Ruby Ralph, who exercised a powerful influence over his mimons, and who micht take it into his head that the young trailer had trailed his gold bowie long enough, and forever remove him from his path, But how to free himself from the deadly revolver that was thus foremg him into the new dangers was a question he had no means of deciding. He hardly knew whether or not to believe Catamount Sam’s story concerning Old Wild- fire. But ths intelligence troubled him. The Eureka ‘‘ cyclone” had been his most trusted friend ever since his advent into that country, a ear and a half before. He knew that Wildfire ad gone to meet his daughter at Nugget City, and that this was the night they were to have spent in Bowie on their way home to Gold Magle. And if Wildfire was in the toils, where was the lovely Rosa whom he had never seen, but of whom he had often heard so much? ‘By Jericho! there’s something goin’ to break retty suddenly!” he grated under his breath. ‘Cuss those devils behind there! I’ve got to get rid of them in some way!” ‘“‘Flash-Eye,” he heard Catamount Sam say all at once to his Indian pard, ‘‘ thar’s no need ov yer ridin’ on inter Bowie Point; I kin manage this young Gold Eagle flower, Turn back an’ make fer ther ranch. ‘Ther cap’n said somebody hed ter stay thar, an’ I’m likely ter be engaged fer some time. What do yer say” “ All right,” was the laconic reply that came to the boy’s ears, as Flash-Eye turned his horse and rode back toward the east. “That don’t better my condition,” growled Foxfoot to himself, Then he sent a quick glance over his shoulder, in hopes of catching Catamount Sam off his guard. But no, that same glistening tube was still turned bis way, and he could see that the herder was closely watching him. It was but a short distance from the spot where the pards ambushed their youthful foe, to the rough collection of catins that arose dark and seemingly stil: under the stars of the south- west sky. The horses walked fast, and they were soon entering the camp, and be aring di- rectly for the Panther’s Paw, the place of all others, Foxfoot had been told, where, night or day, Ruby Ralnh’s men could be found. Catamount Sam had relapsed into silence, but his revolver was held cocked and ready before him upon the saddle-horn, and his eye never wandered from the figure upen the horse in his front. ‘The boy, tired of holding his hands straight up, bad locked them end rested them unon his head, guiding his well-trained horse with a word. Thus they rode—nearer and nearer toward the center of the camp—toward Ruby Ralph and the roughs who would kill for the gold bowie. Shortly they could see the bright Jamplight that emanated from a certain Coorway not far ahead, and Catamount Sam Imew, if ihe boy did not, that that was their objective point— Pepper Pete's. / But nearly as the desperado had succeeded in his work, he was destined to be thwarted yet ere he reached the aimed-for goal. Foxfoot had been constantly alert fora chance Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid, eee a Eee ete ett eneenge aeee cin ee ee eens ete to turn the tables, but his captor’s guard hed never flagged for an instant, determimed as was to not be caught napping a second time. Finally the trailer had resigned himself to luck, and luck proved to turn in his favor, Suddenly from the shadow of one of the numerous shanties that lined the trail a light figure stepped forth and barred the path of the two riders, Both halted their horses before the command that was uttered the next minute reached their 4 , ears. ay “Stop, you two, and drop that revolver, be- if hind there!” The looks of astonishment on the faces of the j two “held up” men could not have been seen in a the dark, but they were there all the same, Y It was not sodark but what they could tee : that the figure before them was that of a beauti- fully formed girl, in a dress of some light ma- terial and with hair uncovered and unconfined, Didn’t they guess who she was? j At the first glance. , What other such creature could there be in b that country save Rosa, the pride of the Arize- iy na gold hills? There was a threat implied in her musical but ringing tones, and she extended a revolver that ' pointed directly at Catamount Sam! Weis As soon as the two had stopped she stepped te the right and forward, thus Lringing the herder é into position. at ‘Drop your weapon,” she repeated, the cltek a of her cwn supplementing her words. ‘ You’re Vs carrying this thing a little too far, whatever .: your nameis. Ruby Ralph’s roughs have already vas got one prisoner yonder, and they shall not have Fi another, if I can prevent it,” 5] Catamount Sam relaxed his vigilance for a 4 moment over his prisoner and leaned forward in eS his saddle. i ‘What if I don’t drop it?’ he asked, as if to | a test her. ‘‘ You wouldn’t shoot?” 3 ‘Don’t try me,” she warned, stern’y. ‘If WJ you don’t obey ne I will surely shoot—not to a kill, but to disable; I don’t want your life-Llo¢d on my hands,” ’ With a muttered excration the rough shoved his six-shooter into his belt, and at the same ir- fa stant he saw that he was covered by another a weapon. Little Foxfoot had taken advantage of the mo-. ment that he was unwatched! CHAPTER VIII. THE EUREKA ROSE. wat Tren minutes later the boy halted before the girl again. ‘*T sent him down the east trail without a ~ weapon,” be told her, referring to Catamount Sam. ‘The treacherous hound weuld have come back the minute my back was turned if I had left him his crms. Was he mad? Well yes, but it did him no good. Thanks to you, t am well rid of him now.” ; ‘‘No thanks,” the Eureka Rose smiled. '! Are-: n’t you Wiidfire’s friend—the owner of the gold bowie?” : “Yes, and ycu are his daughter, of whom [ have heard so often?” ‘I suppose. We bave never met before?” _. yng “Noy you have been away, it seems, ever, since | have beon your father’s friend.” ‘‘T have been in the Last since ry mothers: death, two years ago, Wildfire told you af. me?{ ‘“Of course. He thinks — some heautifal angel without wings, and, Ly Jove! he don’ miss it much!” : ; There was true admiration in the boy’s toneg, as he noted the fnely-molded figure and (Me strikingly beautiful face, which ccnutrasted’ go strangely with their rough surroundings, He had halted within a few fect cf the pix), and was leaning forward as he addressed sir She averted her eyes for a moment befcre his admiring gaze, aud then looked up into his fare with a smile. “There!” she said, ‘we'll talk about scm- thing else. You haven’t told me how you came to be entering Bowie Point covered by a revol- ver. For all I know you have com mitted seme crime, and was being arched to a just fate.” “Hardly that,” he laughed, sof ee * Cater — mount Sem might have told you that story, but I tell it differently. To begin with, 1 went te Danger Valley this afternoon after a certain. gold-handled knife I have lost, and this Wildcat Samuel and an Indian brother of his, Fhsh-Eye,. laid in waiting for me and made me ¢ prisoner with a lasso. I succeeded in turning ‘he tables, however, by the use of a revolver @ the right — moment, and went on my way repicing. As © the owner of Danger Valley, Ruby Ralph, the ~
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— =e man I want to see, did not come home, I got tired of waiting, and came on to Bowie Point, A. mile from town the two again ambushed me, | with what success you know, the Indian re- | turning to the valley after my capture. But you | told Catamount Sam that they had a prisoner | here, where?” ‘At the Panther’s Paw.” e Ww ho?’ ** Your friend and my—” ** Not Wilfire?” the trailer exclaimed. ** Yes,” Rosa answered, in a troubled voice; *‘the desperadoes of tho camp have him sur- rounded yonder where the light streams out across the trail.” Foxfoot was taken aback at this intelligence. ‘‘ What has he dono to make them his foes?” | he asked, as ho looked down into the anxious face upturned to bis. ‘‘ First, he made Ruby Ralph give up your gold ‘bowie, which he saw in his belt; then be wound- ed him because he shot Desperate Dan, the only friend we had in the town. I stole up to the hotel door awhile ago, but some one came out and I ran here to avoid discovery. It was Ruby Ralph, I think, He went off toward the cabin Wildfire and I occupied, to find me, per- haps. If so, he did not find me in, and it was | well, maybe, for I would have shot him, rather than have gone with him!” There was silence for a moment after she ceased speaking. Foxfoot was thinking rapidly, and there was a dark frown on his brow. He remembered Catamount Sam’s words re- gardinz the fate Old Wildfire would premenr. meet at the hands of his captors, and then he thouzht o/ the fair, unprotected girl at his side, even then being hunted for evil purposes by the | chief ruffian of the camp. ** She did more than she supposes,” the youth said to himself, ‘when she rescued mo from Catamount Sam’s clutchss, She brought to hersoli a friend and she certainly needs one now, All at once he dismounted from his horse and stood facing the girl. ** Rosa,” he said, quietly, “ this place is full af danger, and I want to befriend and advise | you. Her looks gave consent, and he continued, speaking rapidly: “You must get to some place until Old Wild- fire is free to go on with you to Gold Eagle City. Where to go, however, I do not know, for this is my first visit tothis vultures’ nest, and I haven’t a frien here to whom I could go for information. Wildfire is in peril, but might be saved by timely aid from a friend—from me, and I am ready to see what can bedone, But first, where will you go?” He hardly expected a reply, but she said: *T can go back to the cabin., Ruby Ralph has been there once and he will hardly look there for me again; but if he does I will defend my se!f.” ‘And I will bencar. Your plan is the only Til leave my horse here, plan we can follow. and go with you.” He tied the animal securely in the shadows, and then the pair so strangely met quitted the spot side by side. They left the trail to their right and made their way among the cabins, passing the Pan- ther’s Paw with but a glance in at the rough crowd that stood around the unseen prisoner. ** We must burry—you may be needed there!” the girl exclaimed, quickening her pace. ¢¢ Heavens! if they should—” She did not finish the sentence, and the young Knife-Hunter felt, rather than saw, the slight form quiver with apprehension, The next minute he seized her, almost rudely, by the arm, and drew her back against the logs of a shanty they were passing near. Some one, the figure of a man was approach- ing them. : Me had just stepned from the door of a cabin hal « pundred feet ahead, when the boy noted his pr ‘sence and mado the hasty move to avoid dis ‘“yery. ] Ta. stars were shining brilliantly and the light Iress worn by the girl would have be- trayou them at once, but fortune ha’ favored them. The leafy branches of a crooked old oak overbutg the house and the spot wherein the two shrtak, sbutting out the starlight and mak- ing it toc dark to discern objec's with any dis- finctness «ven at a close'scrutiny. : Foxfoot stood before his companion with re- volver haifdrawn, uncertain as to whether they had been dicovered, and with eyes that watch- ed every Mvement of the man, who seem to be taking : course toward the Panther’s Paw. Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid. The trailer noticed that he wavered in his walk at times, as though he was weak or light- headed. He saw also that he was powerfully built and roughly dressed—then he recognized Ruby Ralph! He half-raised his revolver as if to halt him in his tracks when this discovery was made, but he as quickly lowered it. The captain of the roughs did not suspect the nearness of the boy whose knife he carried with uncouth pride in his belt, and the girl whom he had but that moment been hunting. He walked quickly up the trail with his blood- shot eyes fixed savagely and thoughtfully on the ground, Foxfoot fancied the being who touched his shoulder held her breath while he passed by, and then gave something like a sigh of relief when he had goue. “That was Ruby Ralph,” said the trailer vindictively. ‘‘He’s returning empty-bande from his bunt. I thought I saw the glitter of my golden bowie in his belt, and I longed to force it from him at the weapon’s mouth! My time will come ere long!” Tbey had taken a roundabout course to avoid a near approach to the Panther’s Paw, and they now re-entered the trail which they had left at the start. A few moments’ walk brought them to the cabin they had seen Ruby Ralph leave, and pushing open the door, both stepped inside. A pencil and some paper lay on the table be- side the lamp that still burned. “IT have been wondering what Huby Ralph was doing here so long,” said Rosa, as she cross- ed the room to the table; ‘‘ ve found out now. He’s been writing on some of my paper that I left here; some of it is gone, and youcan see the impression of his rough letters on the top sheet.” ‘‘T see no note he has left us,” replied the boy, with a smile, ‘*No; he probably wasn’t expecting you and I to come here, and in company.” ‘** Tt was well for us that he left when he did, as we might bave run in on him. I didn’t waut to meet him then, but Ido now! You'll bo brave, Rosa? Don’t be afraid to shoot if neces- sary. Dll be back to report soon, and bring your father if there's a chance.” One look into her firm-set face was answer enough, and without another word he reopened the door and passed out. 5 Before going far ho examined his weapons, to make sure they were ready for instant use; then he continued his way, stealing forward like some prowling wild beast, toward the cabin which emitted the bright lamp-light. e — CHAPTER IX. WINNING AND LOSING. Foxroot advanced cautiously, for he had a feeling very far from desire to again fall into the hands of one of Ruby Ralph’s 14en; he might not come off so well next time. He paused when he reached a spot where he could look into the open door of Peprer Pete's notorious saloon, and leaning against the logs of a shanty which was situated just opposite the place, he surveyed the scene inside with in- terest. ‘* He’s there, I can see him now,” he muttered, “the only true friend I’ve had since coming to Arizona. tle looks mild as a lamb, but wait till he gets r‘iled—the Bowie Pointers’]l find him a regular blizzard! There seems no cutlet for him just at present; the room is full of red- shirted desperadoes, and each one seems to take a pride in displaying a weapon. There’s Ruby Ralvh.” His teeth snapped with hatred when his eyes fell upon the brawny thief. i * You could tell the bie ruffian in any crowd —he’s almost a head taller than his pards, ex- cept Catamount Sam, Once see him and you'll never forget him. lt seems my acquaintance of this afternoon is going to make a speech from the position he’s taken; he'll have one attentive listener, at least.” A small box had been placed in the center of the floor of the bar-room, and Fierce Frank had mounted it with the evident intention of placing himeelf in sieht and hearing. The hoy listened eagerly to hear every word that might be said. “Now go on with yer talk, Fierce Frank,” came to his ears in a voice which he recognized as Ruby Ralph’s. 6: . Fierce Frank straizhtened up with an air of importance, and gazed around at the men who stood about him in listening attitudes, : “ Feller-gerloots ov Bowie,” he began, in his coarse tone, “‘we’ve got a prisoner hyer ter | dispose ov, an’ ther question hez come up, what | will we do with ’im? Yer all know wkat ther ' charges are ag’in’ *im—how he shot thcr cap’n | down in cold blood in his own cabin, an’ how he laid im waitin’ on ther north trail t«r-day, an’ | made ther cap’n pass over, at ther weapon's mouth, ther gold bowie thet it tcck five days ter get. Them are ther charges, row we've got , ter decide his fate. Ez Le is «ne cv ther Gold | Eagle gophers, an’ ez it’s war ter tLer knife | *twixt them an’ us, Ly v cia im cut ivil cnly | be openin’ ther fight, an] make cne nan less ! fer us ter face, fone cv us ere kcund ter fall when Bowie Point an’ Gcld Kegle n eet, an’ we kin begin ther work cv vengeance now—with him. On ther cther band, ef ve turn ’im free. he’ll begin his lead-slingin’, en’ ycu’ve all heard | thet he knows Low ter co thet.” Numerous ee leirg advenced here by his audience, tLe speaker ] aused fcr a mcment, as if their talk cngcied him. ‘You fellers neccn’t Le so darned swift abcut chippin’ in ycr idees,” he griwled. ‘* Nckody axed yer fer em, an’ yer’ll j]ease hark ter me till I git {1 reugh. “ Ruby Ralh en’ re hev decided ter hev six men choosed ter settle cn his fate, an’ whatever they say will Le eg1ce’L le ter ther rest ovus, Buz- zard. Ben is ter <kcose five besides limself fer ther jury, en’ retire ter ther next rccm till ther thing’s cecided. So go ahead, Frzzard, cn’ do yer work in a hurry. We're not yertick’ler about ther result, jest so thar’s scme fun in it fer ther Leys.” Fierce Frank wirked slyly after bis last re- mark, and alloved his mcuth to lergthen into a bread grin, which did not in the least en- bance his pocd Iccks, His meenirg was proka- lly understcod ty FPuzzaid Fen, who at cnce proceeded to sclect five of his b« nzed pards for the jurors, and retire with thcm to en inner room, “T believe Ican guess what the verdict will be,” said the Loy spy, who watched the pro- ceedings frcm the corner of a certain cabin on the cpposite side of the trail. ‘* Tley’veall long since settled cn a picnic scrething like Cata- mount Sam mentioned. WkLat’s ther use of carrying cn this farce?” Fierce Fiank still rcmained standing on his happily improvised platform, jacing the dcor, roma to announce tke decisicn of the jury the mement they returned, : He did net lave to wait Icng for their ap- pearance, Five minutes after they leit the room the yartition ccer wes 1zccyencd, and the six red-shirted jucges, headed Ly Euzzard Ben, filed in. - Their verdict was ccrmvunicated to Fierce Frank, who in turn 1epeated it to the eager crowd: “Death by hangin’ at sunrise!” There was a subdued cheer, and all eyes turned to the prisoner. He still leened against the tar, his manner cool end cfi-bend, end seemingly the least interested cne in tke yccm. Cnly the rmolcering light in his ey:s told the youghs hew fearlessly ard ccrtcn ytucusly he regarded tlem end tke dire scntexce of death they had just persed upcn Lim, “Tts ret recessary ter stete that ther decision Ylke carried cut ter ther Jetter,” tle ferce ran added. ‘ With iker Eurcka FPese at stake we'll | Conecthin’ ly Lalves, Till meinir’ tler pris’ner | i] be keyt in tler cap’n’s cal in—his town resi- | cence. Rvty lez instructed ne ter ncminate Tuzzard Pen ez ther cap’n cv ther gvaid, with cz many yerds ter eid’im cz Lewants, How meny will yer vant, Puzzerd” “Ter stey with im cll night” “Yes, en’ lird im land an’ foot; ther law sez he mustn't cecrye.” “One er ty o shculd te encugh; keep cne an- other cemy’ny, yer Encw.” “Wal; ther pris’ner’s jurred over ter yer | now. See ef yer turn ‘im Lack in ther n ornin’,” | Old Wildfire ves seized, erd Lis werpons, | which his capters had evidently not thovght it essential to remove before, were ncw teken from | his belt and given in ckarge cf Fey per Pete, who found a refuge for them I cbird the Lar. ‘What if I should need them?” the Fureka man sent over his shoulder with en affected | smile as his guards started him towerd the door, | ave Popper Pete and others in the salocn laughed aloud. | ‘*¥You kin hev ’em when yer call fer cm, in . | person,” the whisky-dealer answered derisively- i The following moment Little Foxfoot saw his ' friend step out the door, guarded hy three men _ who bore cocked revolvers in their bands. . He drew back close to the shanty until they - had passed Ls down the trail, and then he crep ' noiselessly after them. a. ie : ge RONEN tL) tet eer Sey terres ke pe hn im re ROR IF EAE = pet
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ree ren te Tet ree ee ae ~~ > een ere ene Oe ~Ie~ es a So ee ~ From hut to hut be glided, now walking erect and now sneaking forward like a stealthy assas- sin. When he halted he was not far from the cabin before which he saw the men pause, securely t bind their prisoner and then hustie him over the , threshold into the dark apartment. ** Quick work, and doubtless good, but it’s got to be undone,” the boy murmured. ** Soon as they get those cocked weapons put up, so that a fellow’s got a chance to get the drop, their bread’s goin’ to be dough. I caie here for a aware but [ don’t shrink from a sport like this!’ Just then a figure came out of Ruby Ralph's “*town residence” and moved by toward the Panther’s Paw. “Since they've gt him helplessly bound, they’ve concluded two woull be enough to watch,” the spy smiled, ‘‘So much the better— Tl act now!’ Forward he crept once more with a ready six- shooter in each hand. Boy though he was, he was about to under- take a desperate game, a game in which failure | meant death, net only for himself, but for his | Eureka friend likewise. But that the yourg Knife-Hunter, cool-headed and steady-nerved, was fully capable of executing his hazardous plan, was clearly proven by the result. ' Buzzard Ben and‘his pard, after securing “their captive in a manner which made escape unassisted impossible, left him to his reflections -and went out of the cabin, to take up their po- sitions as sentinels, ‘¢ Never mind closing the door, but take notice that I’ve got the drop!” came a commanding voice, and the two started back at sight of the boyish figure that extended twococked and aim- ed revolvers ten foet away. ‘* Who says so?” Buzzard Ben growled, with a fierce oath. ‘* Foxfoot, Knife-Hunter from Gold Eagle!” was the prompt and steady reply over the level- ed barrels. “Up with hands, both of youl! You've had yer dirty farce for nothing, and you lied when yon said Old Wildfire would hang at sunrise! Hoe goes free this hour or there'll be two desperadoes less in Bowie when the sun shines! Hands up, I say! I’m here on business, and disobedience means death!” Two pairs of hands went slowly up, as if their owners were calculating the chances of clutch- ing a weapon. ‘It seals yer doom ter dosuch work in Bowie’s Point!” Buzzard Ben hissed. ‘ Thar’ll be two lynchin’ bees in place ov one!” ** There’s catching before hanging—always!” the boy retorted. ‘‘ You two march, and re- member, II] let starlight through yer brains at the first break! Forward!” _ Sullenly the two obeyed, without any idea of ‘where they were going, and the Knife-Hunter followed with unlowered weapons. He marched them straight up to the door of the cabin occupied by the Eureka Rose, aud there they halted, for they could go no further. : *“Now rap, Buzzard Ben, and then step aside - couple of paces,” he commanded in a low ne. The rough obeyed, and the following moment the door was opened, and the girl stood there with revolver in hand. ‘*Goand release yer father in Ruby Ralph’s cabin,” said the boy, without taking his eyes from his prisoners, and with a glad cry Rosa sped across the open to the shanty she knew to be the one mentioned, ; As sie darted in she heard her name called in a familiar voice at the further side of the room, and the next minute her quick fingers were set- ting her father free. ; Soon the ropes fell from his limbs, and spring- ing to his feet, he followed her as she led the way out. He was still on the threshold, when some one With a stalwart figure sprung around the corner of the cabin, and dealt him a blow in the face with the butt of a revolver that sent him reeling backward to the floor! ; The girl shrunk back against the sae end attempted to raise her weapon, but it was struck from her hand, a strong arm was thrown around her and she was lifted off her feet and borne swiftly down the trail. She would have screamed, but ber face was pressed close to the shoulder of her captor and she could scarcely gain her breath. | _ ‘And Foxfoot? He glanced up just in time to ssee Old Wildfire fall and the girl seized, ard had his captives not as much surprised as him- ‘self, they would have turned the tables then and there, for he was almost powerless to move for a _ smoment. | the floor, and after an unsuccessful search he Then like a flash his wits returned, and he realized the situation. But his bands were tied, so tospeak. He dared not fire at the dark form of the abductor for fear of shooting his beauti- ful burden; and he knew that he would be pounced upon by the two guards the moment his weapons were turned. ‘Ihus he was as un- able to save as if he were helplessly bound! Man and girl had disappeared among the cabius when he spoke to the two *‘ covered” roughs, ‘*Throw down yer droppers,” he said in a steely voice, his very tone a threat. ‘‘ Careful now, I’d as lieve shoot as not! There—face to the west! Shoulder to shoulder, march!” Buzzard Ben gave vent to a big oath as he obeyed the boy, and strode away at his com- panion’s side. The Knife-Hurter followed, nor did he pause until fiftv yards had been placed between him and Rosa’s cabin, ‘‘Keep right on—until you’re out of range,” he said to the two pards, and then, without waiting to see if his command was performed, he dodged behind a convenient shanty, and made tracks back to where Old Wildfire had fallen. ** To his aid first, then to the trail!” came be- tween his teeth. ‘' He went south—so do I!” As he neared the cabin he saw a horse gallop away from the Panther’s Paw toward the east, bearing a rider whom he did not recognize. He gave the horseman no thought, but quick- ened his pace, and soon sprung into the room, As he entered he could sce no dark form on 8 e———e—eeeeeEeEe——eEeeEeEeEeEe—eEeE—eEeE—e—eE—E—E——EEE—————EE—E—E———EEe ee struck a lucifer; its light only confirmed his suspicions— Wildfire was gone! CHAPTER X, GOLD EAGLE RECEIVES A NOTICE, Ruspy Raupu, the king-pin of Bowie Point, had written a return notico to Gold Eagle, which he calculated vould “ stir ’em up an’ set thew blood a-b’ilin’.” Not but that he had faith that the men of Golc Exgle would attempt to carry out the trust laid down in their message; but he want- ed to fling to them his defiance, and let_them know just what to expect from Bowie Point, should they pay it a visit. ; Although Bowic’s eastern neighbor outnum- bered it three to one, Ruby Ralph had no no- tion of acceding to their demand, and restoring the costly knife to the boy owner. The maxim that ‘all bullies are cowards,” did not apply in his case; rough, reckless, a veritablo desperado, carrying his life in his ready weapons, as it were, he did not know what fear or subjection meant. And backed by nearly fifty men of his own stamp, who would protect their camp and fight in its interest to the last breath, he darec defy the Gold Eugleites. He had not been successful in finding the Mountain Rose in the cabin, much to his cha- grin. But seeing the writing materials on the table where tho fair girl had left them, he set to work and performed what was a very difficult tas!: for him—writing the message. This Fierce Frank was selected to deliver, as he was better acquainted with the country than most of his associates; he it was the young Knife-Hunter saw ride away, and wkom in the darkness he did not recognize. It was well along toward the middle of the night and the nearly full moon was just appear- ing above the horizon as the fierce man rode out of the town, : 5 Ere learning how well he succeeded with his mission we will leave him to his ride and look in advance of him, perhaps thirty miles. At about the same hour that he rode from the Panther’s Paw, a man who wore amask over his face was entering a ‘picturesque little mining city situated in the heart of the fertile Eureka country of our story. ‘ He was roughly dressed and mounted upon a fleet horse, whose sides were sprinkled with foam, as if he had traveled a long distance, Rider and horse seemed to know the way perfectly as they advanced, and they were soon in the midst of the cabins. Numerous lights were shining, which told that the citizens, owl-like, were still awake. Finally the horseman dismounted before a house from which the lamplight issued unusual- ly bright, and in which a number of men were enraged in drinking and talking, While he was hitching his horse he could hear rts of their conversation, and “knife,” “ gola owie,” etc., were mentioned quite frequently. As he strode in the door exclamations droppe from several tongues: a Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid, ‘* Apache Steve!” The new-comer leaned back against the bar of the saloon and laughed almost triumphantly. He removed his black mask before speaking, re- vealing a face dark and rugged. The twenty men in the 1cem crowded round with eager questions, and Apache Steve seemed willing to answer them. ‘1 planted ther notice v here it’d do ther most good,” he said, ‘tin two feet ov ther king-pin ov sneaks himself?” There was a cry of delight at these words. ‘* And be read it?” “Oy course. I stuck it right at ther door ov ther Panther’s Paw.” s “Yor didn’t see Foxfoot er Wildfire?” “ Nary—” ‘Heavens, Steve! Yer side’s kivered with blood!” The messenger locked Cown at the dark stain on the right slde of his shirt and his eyes blazed. ‘Yes; it was two ter one.” Twenty brows grew black. ‘** Foul play, eh?’ was the savage demand, “It looked that yay; Ruby Ralph tried ter halt me when I presented him with ther notice, but it wouldn’t work. But five mile this side ov ther thief’s den, an’ Injun with a lesso an’ a big tough with a shooter Ro in this job on my side, I hed ter shoot ’em both!” ‘* Throw ’em cold?” **T can’t say fer certain. I thought I was a goner myself fer a few secon’s, an’ got out 0’ thar ez fast ez I could stand it ter ride. I soon come ter a stream, an’ I washed ther wound an’ fixed it up ther best I ceuld, But I’m all-fired weak. Give me some drink, bar- keep’.” The liquor cleared Apache Steve’s throat and brightened his eyes. ; “T tell ye, boys, thar’s likely ter be war *twixt Bowie Point an’ Gold Eagle!” he declar- ed. ‘Ihave an idea thet notice stirred em up like hornets. Ruby Ralph is ther p’izenest skunk in ther Rockies, an’ would stoop ter do anything. You fellers know thet.” es, they knew. They remembered bis visit to their camp two days before and bis cowardly theft of Little Foxfoot’s golden lLowie. After such an act as that they believed him capable of any crime. ¢ “ Ter-night is ther night, yer know, thet Wild fire an’ his lovely darter was ter stay in Bowie on their way here?” Steve went on. ‘* What if Ruby took a notion ter ther Rose thet belongs ter this kentry?”’ ? Nobody answered this question. It seemed to strike them dumb. ‘“-Yer remember her, ards? Two year ago we used ter love ther spot her Cark eyes rested on, Heavens! Ruby Ralph’s dirty life wouldn’t half pay ther debt he’d owe us if he tcok her; vengeance ’d be slighted if every coyote in ther cowards’ camp was killed!” ‘‘He wouldn’t dare, Steve!” suggested some one. Bras Steve thought a minute. **Maybe; yer can’t tell. But if Wildfire an’ her don’t git hyer ter-rcrrow, we mey know thar’s trouble. What then, yards ov Gold Lagile?” The answer was not hesitated cn an instant. “We go to Powie Pcint with men-killers in eal paws. Tf ther’s Larm Ccne, we shoot ter ill! ‘** An’ ther pdld towie?” “Do yer think they'll return it ter Foxfoot, Steve?” aa “T can’t tell sure,” was the doubtful reply. “Ruby Ralph's geng ar’ atout ez teugh ez they make ‘cm; I don’t think they'll return it.” “Then we kill two eagles with cne rock! Ther two cays we ellcwed ‘em mey not be up, but we'll fulfill our threat just ther same, Thet lnife’s got ter be returned at all bezards!” There wes ro hidden meaning concealed in these words; the men of Gold Eagle City were in deadly earnest. ht igs But there wes only a limited number present to announce their approval of what was being said, and Apache Steve remarked this fact. “Ther boys wer all hyer an hour ego,” was the reply. ‘“‘ but they give yer out, Steve, an’ went home.” “Although Gold Eagle, as before said. was at least three times os large as Bowie Point, it was much more quiet and orderly and there was none of the disturbing element there which characterized its western neighbcte The men were mostly honesty-lovirg mine who toiled through the day and ‘lept at night, but who, if their rights were encroached upon, as in the present case, were quite ready to lay z
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10 down pick and shovel and take up knife and re- volver for a aeadly settiement. But the Eureka country was not wholly a mining district; there were beautiful valleys of long and luxuriant grass which pastured vast herds of branded animals, and especially in the southern part were the ranches numerous aud well-stocked. Here was where Little Foxfoot and Old Wildfire owned lovely homes, almost in sight of each other, and which lay in one of the richest | regions in Arizona. In Gold Eagle the the two friends were well and favorably known, as the possessors of the fainous treasures which were the pride of the Eureka country. Gold Eagle had yet « further blessing of which it could boa..; Kowa of the south was not the only female inhabitaut; there were several On over the rough trail bore the swift-footed horse and Bowie Point was left far in the rear. “The girl first, the knife afterward,” the youu,* trailer resumed in determined tones, ** Wij dire has lost his grip, or something, and this trail is ieft for me. Vll not turn back un- til it's brought to a successful end—I swear that! Catamount Sam’s ahead just now, but he’d ’a’ better taken my advice and went on to the ranch where he belongs with his Indian pard; he'll lose more than a pair of six-shooters and a knife this trip!” And far ahead, far south of the Eureka Knife- Hunter, Catamount Sam, victorious and de- | fiant, plied the spurs mercilessly to his horse and was carried at a dangerous rate over the mountainous road, with his beautiful captive held before him in the saddle, Yes, the big herder had played a big game, of the fair sox in or near the city, and this fact | and won; it remained to be seen whether or not more than any other, perhaps, lod the citizens jto condu:t themselves quietly and orderly. But when Foxfoot told Catamount Sam that the whole Kureka country was aroused over tho theft of tho gol. bowie he had made no mis- take; it was even so. When the report had heen spread of how the big Bowie Puinter had got the advantage of the boy and forced away the knife, work was aban- doned and knots of mad-looking men could be seen every wherein Gold Eagle discussing the out- rage. Soon they sprung into action, and the en- tire rezion was ransacked for the thief. But af- ter a day’s unsuccessful search they desisted, and Little Foxfoot struck out alone on the trail of his old treasure, with the assurance that unless he ound itin two days, he would be assisted by men who would find the knife, and pay the thieves dearly for its keeping! Words to the same effect were sent to Bowie Point by Apache Steve, and by miunight he was back. An answer was not expected, yet when morning dawned a paper was found pinned to the saloon door, which when read made a hun- dred swarthy brows grow black and as many pairs of dark eyes flash. Apache Steve was not among the earliest ar- rivals on the scene, probably ow ng to the fa- tizus oczasioned by !:is long ride of the day be- fore, bus when he did appear he was led straight- way up to the notice, which was fastened with the same significant ornament that he himself had used to hang up his warning the evening before in Bowie Point. This is what he saw written in rough char- acters on the white shect: “NOTICE! * Bowie Point hoz both Enife an’ rose, an’ we give up nothin’!. Weinvite the coyotes ov Gold Engle ter come an’ see us, Don't shoot off yer lip so much, but cone! Only fools threat»n, men act! We'll treat yer ter ther biggess cold leid picnic yer ever drea ed ov, an’ pr ve thet yer lied like Piut» squaws when yer said thar was a co» ard belongin’ ter our camp! Rusy Rapa." Apache Steve whirled on his heel and faced the angry crowd. ‘ Thet sattles it!” he hissed. ‘‘ We take ther trail ter ther west at once, with drappers ready ter carry out our threat! Only fools threaten, eh? We war fools awhile back, but we’re men now, an’ we'll act! By Judas! we’ll attend thet pistol picnic, an’ we'll avenge ther cowardly insults long afore ther moon throws a ray ter- night! They’ve got both ov ther Eureka prizes, pards ov Gold Eagle, an’ thet means somethin’ more terrible fer Bowie than a threat! Come —sixty ov you fellers thet are not afraid ter chaw lead; we'll not lose a minute. My blood biles for vengeance!” ones not needless to add that they obeyed m -—— CHAPTER XI. CATAMOUNT SAM ATIEAD. Just cs the moon camo up, a youth well- bg rode out of Bowie Point’ toward the south. He urged on his horse rapidly, and his eyes were bent on the trail before him. “We're on the right trail. Star-face,” the rider spoke to his animal. ‘I heard the clatter of hoofs down this way three minutes after the abduction. And don’tI know who itis that’s ridin’ ahead of us with a girl in his clasp? Did- n’t I know the figure that ran down the street and disappeared in the dark? Cratamount Sam! The devil I sent toward Danger Valley without a@ weapon two hours azo. Ae came back in ite of my command tokeephis distance. He's ayed a big game, but there’s nothing but de- eat for him at the end of it!” | | | his success played him true to the end. He had gone back to Bowie Point after his banishment by the youth with no definite intent, except to try to again get his young foe at his dropper’s muzzle and finish the work he had be- gun. He had witnessed a scene in which a splendid chance had been offered him to take a hand, and he had accepted; lo! the result; the fair flower of the Arizona hills was in his pos- session, and he was placing miles between them and her friends. The girl did not straggle; she knew it would be utterly useless. She was forced to lean back on the broad breast of her captor and listen to his trium- phant speeches and almost feel his burning eyes upon her. **Ob, yer’ prettier than ther wildest dreams hev fancied yer!” he broke out as the gray horse under them dashed on. ‘ Ye’r’ wortn ther biggest bonanza in ther gold hills any day! Ruby Ralph wants yer, my blossom, an’ we're goin’ ter whar he’ll find yer now; ycr'll belong ter him—ter Bowie Point hyerafter, Rose; no more Eureka, no more Wildfire er Foxfoot. It’s good-by ter all!” She could not repress a shudder of aversion, and she closed her eyes as if to shut out the dread thoughts, “Tt was a neat trick yer played on me ter- night fer ther Gold Hagle trailer,” the despe- rado continued. ‘*Thet was ther first time I ever saw yer, an’ it was yer face more’n ther pistol in yer hand thet got ther drop. Ther boy sent me off ter ther east without knife er shooter, but great Tophet! I went back. It don’t matter if I shifted round ter ther south an’ entered ther saints’ camp from thet direc- tion, er if I had ter go through some galoot’s cabin ter re-arm myself; I went back, an’ hver I am with a brace ov men-killers in my belt an’ ther mountain rosebud in my arms! Ther flag oy victory’s perched on my brow, an’ ther band’s a-playin’ ‘ whoop-whoo-ra!’” Catamount Sam seemed on the point of throw- ing up his sombrero and shouting aloud his tri- umph; but he did not, He said no more for a time, contenting him- self with his thoughts and with pressing his long- winded steed to greater exertions. After a long while, during which their speed had not been perceptibly slackened, ihey came to : spot where the trail branched off to the east. The herder allowed the animal to decrease his gait somewhat here. ‘To ther east an’ then ter ther north!” he ex- claimed: ‘ whar then, my daisy? Danger Val- ley ranch! Thet’s my plan, yer see. If thar’s foes on our track they’ll never think ov turnin’ off hyer; theyll suppose thet cz we started south we kept on south. , Foes!—who knew thet we left Bowie Point in this direction? I dar’ say Wildfire an’ Foxfoot bev no idee whar we are! Ah, Catamount. Sam, there is a foe on your track whom you will not throw by your ertful trick. Something of which you do not know will send him on the right trail and the prize will be wrested from your grasp, though you will not live to see it, On—on went the gray horse, with his head turned now to the east, The rocks and trees, grotesque and specter-like in the moonlight, were passed for miles ere a halt was made. Ten minutes’ rest for the animal, then forward again he went seemingly as tireless as ever. The route which Catamount Sam had chosen must have been a very circuitous one, for hours elapsed before thev found themselves descending into the valley which the girl knew must be the one mentioned as their destination. During all the long ride Rosa hac borne up Little l‘oxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid. rene mye = rr bravely, hoping for the best; he had even per- formed an action which the big herder never saw or suspected, and which, it he hnew of it would cause him to curse roundly. As their horse had left the scuth trail and turned east she had managed to Jet ial] her hand- kerchief for a guiding mark for Wildfire or Fox- foot if either was on their track! And Catamount Sam, sullimely unconscious of the tell-tale piece of linen he wes leaving be- hind him, felt sure that bis little ruse would not be detected by any ,cssible ; ursuers—that they would not cnteriain fora mcnent the thought that he had taken this long, rcund-aLout way to reach Ruby Ralph’s home when there had beem a very much shorter one open to him at the start. Danger Valley, sure enough, was before them, in all its quiet Leauty. Sam spoke to his horse once more, and five minutes later be leaped {rom the animal with an exclamation of triumph in front of the cabin door. ‘““ We're hyer, my future Bowie Point Rose,” he said, as he caught ber arms and lifted her from the saddle. ‘*Come! ‘TLis is whar Ruby lives, except when le’s in Powie, an’ he'll be home ter see yer afore Jong.” He seized her wrist and advanced to the door. It opened before him. “tia, Flash-Eye! Them black eyes ov yern are al’ays open!” he cried, as the furm of his red pard appeared before him. ‘Stand aside! Ive got a treasure equal ter ther gold bowie hyer. We'll locker up til] ther cap’n ccmes.” She made no resistance as they led her into the moonlit room, but if they had locked clcsely they would have seen “defiance” as plain as words in her eyes, Only a few moments had passed when the two ot came out and closed the door behind them. ‘*She’s ez safe cz a bar kin make ’er.” said Catamount Sam, in a satisfied tone. ‘I wank yer ter keep ’er so, Flash-Eye.” “Watch close!” was the ready answer. ‘Yes, an’ at ther same time watch ther trail thar ter ther south. Thar may ve scme ene- mies come up thet way, an’ it’s Lest ter hev yer lasso ready. I brought ther gal from Bowie by thet route; it was a long ride, but I got thar!” *“You goin’ hack to Bowie row?” ‘*-Yes, but by a shorter trail; I want ter see Ruby Ralph.” The moon’s rays were beginning to pale, which denoted that morning was not far off, as the giant herder threw himself once more into the saddle, He rode away, leaving the Indian starding before the cabin. But he had not gone far when all at once he halted and turned in his seat. ‘*Come hyer, Injuv,” he said, and Flash-Eye followed until Le stood by his sice, He bent forward and gazed into the face of the red-skin with eyes that tlazed like ccals. “We've got a prize thar thet ther cap’r wants,” he said, with a meaning glance toward the building they bad just left. ‘ At ther same time he’s got a piece ov property that we want: do yer know what it is yard?” “The gold knife!” Flesh-Fye exclaimed, “Thar! Yer hit it square! Ycu en’ me want: thet prize, Injun. We'll trade ’im cne prize fer another!” The red herder comprehended bis meaning, and his expression told that the idea pleased “Tyre theught ov thet all aleng,” Sem con- tinued, ‘an? I'm goin’ ter fetch ‘im ter them, terms, which ere nothin’ Lut fair. I took big: risks ter git ther gal, hevin’ ter snatch ‘er right outer ther hands of Wildfire an’ Fox- foot, Now Ill trade ’im ther Mcuntain Rose fer ther ten-inch treesure, which’l pay us fer our risk en’ trouble. Good-nornin’, Flash- Eye—hyer I go! Yer’ll rot Jose ther dove in ther cage thar while I’m gcne?” * No!” said the Indian firmly, and again he was left standing alcne in the rocnlight, while Catamount fam spurred anay to the west. If Flash-Eye had said ‘ yes’ to bis pard’s last question he would have come nearer the trutht CHAPTER XII. THE MAD GIRL-HUNTER, Ir is useless to say that there was no lynching in Bowie Point when the sun rose, Buzzerd Ben and bis pard had made known the: facts of the prisoner’s rescue, and so when the: orb of day ascended the heavens there were few astir. and those few as usual at Pepper Pete’s, Ruby Ralph was among the number, and in &
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ee very bad humor, as was evinced by the frown on his ugly face. ‘ He seemed restless, drank several times, and | finally lett the saloon and sought his cabin to the | south, ‘“‘Thar’s a certain piece ov calikered property goin’ ter feel my hands afore midnight!” he said as he reached the door and flung it opcn, ‘I was baffled last night, but bet yer nuggets Pll | come out ahead in the end! Ther game played right inter my hands but thet cussed boy broke my grip! But I got ther gold bowie, now I want ter know whar ther gal is. Whar is she? Who was; it snatched er from ther door hycr an’ ran down ther trail with ’er in his arms! J’il | bet Foxfoot er Old Wi:dfre knows. I'll beta hoss they’ve found ther Rose afore this,” “T'll take thet bet, Ruby Ral, h!” The captain of the roughs recoiled a step as a man advanced from behind the door he had just entered and paused but_a few paces from him. _ | “I'l bet you a hoss Old Wilcfire ha: n’t found the Mountuin Rose!” the man went on. “TI | wouldn’t be huntin’ fer her now if I had.” ‘Huntin’? fer her—in my cabin, eh?’ Ruby | Ralph exclaimed. ‘‘Didn’t yer know she warn’t hyer? You was ther last one thet occu- pied this room.” ‘¢ Tg been hours since I was hyer,” the Eureka treasure-owncr replicd. ‘I’ve gone through every other cabin in Bowie Point, an’ I thought she might be hyer.” ‘But I know nothin’ about ther gal; I hevn’t | secn ’er.” ) There was that in the captain’s tone which told his hearcr that he spoke with truth, and | which seemed to allay certain suspicions that the irl-hunter had cherished. “Tf not you, who was it that knocked me back onto the floor hyer, makin’ me see morv stars fer about five minutes than I could count in ther | skyin five hours—who was it snatched the Rose outer my hands? I hedn’t time ter_see, only that he was a giant, about your size, Ruby.” “Not me, Wildfire!” ‘“Then it could be but one other—the only other man of your size in this ome ha A light broke over the features of the desper- ado, but he asked: ** Who is that!” “Catamount Sam, I heard him called last | night.” | “ Why didn’t yer follow ’im?” | ‘¢ Rollow um!” Wildfire exclaimed, ‘‘ I couldn’t move fer five minutes, an’ I had no idea which way he went, You've not seen ther big devil?” | ** No.” ‘*Then he’s left ther camp. Five minutes after I staggered from tho cabin last night I heard a horse go to the south at a gallop. It might ’ve been him, though I didn’t think so at the time.” The girl-hunter was lost in thought for a | minute, 5 | ‘In Catamount Sam’s possession—that means | yours!” ke said, suddenly. ‘‘ As you came to | the door I heard you say you was bound ter | hev her. I see by your face that you think you've got ’er.” P “What ef I hev?” Ruby Ralph ejaculated, accompanying his words with a triumphant | look. ‘* Ov course, ef Sam’s got ’er that means Bowie Point. We're ali pards ov ther fu’st water hyer.” ** You'll fail ter keep ’er ez you failed ter hev a lyncbin’ in Bowie when the sun rose!” The giant rough’s teeth snapped. “ Thar may be a lynchin’ yet!” he ground | out. ‘By Jehosaphat! ye’r’’ not out ov ther | toils by a long shot! Dve got two men-killers | hyer in my belt, an’ I see none in yours!” “Pye got one just the same!” was the quick | return, as & small but deadly weapon was brought into view. ‘I stumbled over this last night five minutes after I was knocked down. It belongs to ther Mountain Rose, but that (‘on't | hinder me from gettin’ ther drop an’ silin’ your | little game! I’ve been In your clutches fer the last time—thar’ll be no lynchin’ in Bowie Point ois day! I live ter hunt and find the Eureka ose |” ; Rapidly and with sharp distinctness Old Wild- fire uttered his words while his eyes blazed with an angry light. Ruby Ralph, with his hand on the handle of | his revolver, where it had dropped when he thought to cover his supposed unarmed foe, was compelled to look down the bright pistol- barrel which the mad girl-hunter aimed be- tween his eyes. : “Yer! never find ’er, I'll tell yer now, if Catamount Sam’s got er,” he said, with a poor show of calmness. ‘‘ He’s a catamount—a whole | Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid. dozen—when tackled. Besides, he’s backed by every man in Bowie,” ‘Pll find her if she’s on topo’ ground in Arizone, an’ backed by every man in the Ter- | ritory!” was the fierce reply. ‘‘She’s dearer to me than the air I breat_e, and death is ther pen- | alty ov the man thet defiles her with his touch! But, enough! I strike ther trail ov Catamount Sam hyer, an’ woe ter him if I lay bands on his | ruffian throat!” The mad girl trailer backed toward the door and paused cn the threshold. **Don't put a foot in the sunshine under ten minutes,” he warned the rough giant. who watched his retreat with unconcealed wrath. “You do so at yer peril, don’t fergit that. I commence right hyer to make this trail one of either success or blcod, I.’ll depend a good deal on you which it'll be, an’ you i penalty is,” These were his last words and the following in- | stant the doorway was vacant. He had soon placed several cabins between him and the one he had just left, but he did not slacken his pace for some minutes. He was thcroughly aroused; hoe was now in truth the Eureka Cyclone. The events of the pas few hours had deeply stirred the vengeful jlood in his veins and set his brain on fire, as it | were, Suddenly he halted in his tracks and ground his teeth together. ‘** Ceasar!” he ejaculated, ‘I forgot thet—ther gold bowie! It was in his belt, now I remember. Back I go fer the treasure.” He turned, and three minutes leter sprung into Ruby Ralph’s shanty, revolver in hand. ** Gone!” escaped his lips; ‘back to his pards at: Pepper Peta’s, I suppose. DPve let Foxicct’s prize slip through my fingers by amean piece ov thoughtlessness. What ef he'd let my prize get away like that? Cesar! Id feel like dissolvin’ friendship! Mebbe I can overtake ther big thief.” Back into the sunlight sprung the Eureka man, and quick walking took him almost to the door of the Panther’s Paw without overtaking Ruby Ralph. He had once more turned toward the south when he caught sight of a horseman entering the camp from the east. He stopped to gaze a moment, and a look of recognition swept over his features. ‘The trail ends almost at the place and time it begins,” he uttered yonder; I want to close a morgage on some property you hev, my mountain giant!” and he dodged among the cabins toward the advancing horseman, and halted at the west end of a deserted shanty, a pistol-shot from the Panthcr’s Paw. There he waited like a concealed tiger for the man approaching from the eest. He had not long to wait; all at once the head and neck of the horse became visible, and the irl-hunter leaped forward and grasped the ridle-bit, “Not so fast, Catamount; drinks always,” o desperado as the horse was jerked to a halt. Catamount Sam scemed not a bit surprised at being so unexpectedly interrupted in his pro- gress. He leaned forward complacently. ‘What bizness, Wildfire ov Eureka?” he queried, ‘* My biz’ness hyer’s with Ruby Ralph, at ther P. P. lay-out. I hev none thet 1 know ov afore reachin’ thar.” ‘You've biz’ncss with me, right hyer,” was the response. ‘‘ Ruby Ralph ‘ll hev tcr be put off. Thet’s secondary bigness, Whar’s the Mountain Rose ?” In furious and staggering tones the question was propounded, and this time Catamount Sam showed his surprise. For a moment his eyes failed to meet the sternly-accusing ones bent upon him; only for a moment. Then with nerves steady once more he gazed down into the mad face upturned to his. “Ther Mountain Rose?” he repeated. “* Thun- der! how do I know? Ye’ve barked up ther wrong cottonwood, Wildfire. I know nothin’ about ’er. She war hyer in Bowie ther last time I war hyer. Yer hevn’t lost er?” ‘¢-Ves—ter find again! You know nothin’ about ’er, Catamount Sam?” “ No—” “Ther! no denyin’, no lyin’, T won’t hev it! It’s the truth er death at this stage ov ther game!” E There was terrible menace in words and look. The giant herder was at a loss what to say for a moment. Suddenly he ground out an oth, ““See hyer, what does this mean?” he demand- oo. ‘‘ Do yer accuse me ov stealin’ ther Eureka a biz’ness afore snow what ther | ‘‘Thet’s Infernal Sam , ld Wildfire sent up to the big | as. | “Yes, an’ ye'r’ now afore the court: I’m wit-- ness an’ judge. Whar is ther gal, I say?” | “Taon’t know, an’ ther court lies hke a Pi- | ute—” | “Thar!” was the interruption, as the Eurcka man’s revolver hand went up with his weapon in its clasp. ‘1 said it was ther truth er death on this occasion! Fer the last time, which is ded choice? Yer biz’ness with Ruby Ralph may ev ter be put off forever!” CHAPTER XIU. A GRIP AND A BULLET, Nor for a moment could the meaning of Old Wildfire’s words be mistaken, and Catamount Sam had i: eard enough of the Eureka Cyclo.e to know that he never wasted words. , Lut the Lig hercer was not yet ready to give up the secret of lis captive’s whereabouts.” He rcvalized that his life hung at thet instant on the touch of a triz; er. and it rendered him desperate. | Not until the actual crisis came weuld he yi ld to» save his life, and inthe mean time he Leprd at am opportune moment to secure the upper hand and: cscape with bot! life and secr: t. He did not hesitate long with his reply, “ef y r please, IJ] take no choic:, my Satan's | own,” he ¢gaid with apy arent coomess in the face of the weapon down which he looked, ‘ “T1ft Bowie last nizht when ther stars begun ter appear an’ nobody was with me but tier Injune par’, Flash-Kye ” ‘“'fhen you e@ me back,” was the a reply. “Maybe you think 1 didnt know you when you sprung around ther cabin an’ made this lump byer on my heaa? Wal,’ didn't. Butl saw it wes one: ov the two giants ov this district, who l've heard reach the same hight. Jt wasn’t Ruby Ralph, for he ws ) untin' ther gal a few minutes ago, Now | don't Lknow it was you. Wildcat Samy" Flash-Eyve’s bie pard iaughed, ‘Ther witress in this court’s swearin’ ter big un- certainties. Yer eyes deceivea yer Wildfire, Be- sides thars more’n two men in Arizone thet go over six feet.” ‘T) ar’s not more’n two hyer, en’ my eyes never lie!” Old Wilcfire flashed. ‘This is a case whar thar’s nomistske. Tbe witness sw’arster the truth and tle judge hes pionounced se.tence—ther secret er death, you kin hev yer choice ” Catam: un! Sam made po answer, Suddiily he revolver into which he looked was lowered aid a hand closed like a vise over his arm, | “*] vee y:’r’ not dis} osed ter speak,” continued Wildfire. ““I'liseetothet, You speak yersecret er: | Imcke my thr: at good—but nm t hyer! led almost | forrot this was Bowie Point, ] hear men down thar Turn yerhoss. Catamount, We seek the mountains. to finish this game!” | <Atthe last sentence the desperade felt the | ody of the Eureka girl-hunter Jand behind him on the horse He also fel! the pressure of » revolver bar relat the bock of bis head, aid with an oath he wheeled his animal and leni him the spur. “Wel hev no interferin’ from the pards ov Fowie,” he heard from behind as the horse tped over the trail toward the ranch where the beautiiul Rose of the Rockies was hidden. ‘“‘Youan’neyla_ tl is game. with the winnin’ cards in my hand, Yeu'D find het | take no lies. Sam; you'd bert r make up yer nind ter save yer Lraius. an’ tell me whar I kin find the Rore blossom, er guide me te her, Yer }now-nothin’ racket won't work with the court, Y. u've fourd tha: out already. Her deac mother weuld rse in her grave en’ rebuke me ef 1 kt'er fall a victim to Ruby Ralph’s 1vfflans, ov which youre a good sample, This ’s a gi me ov death, Catamcunt, an’ ther cards on the board are bush tst Wo’ e beth playcd the game afore, an’) eld winnin™ hands. You know ¢z wellez I know that aholfa Cozen worcs er’ cheapcr'n & bullet in the brain!” | Still there was no answer from the “covered ’” herder, and for a time he heard 1.0 more, Tie used lis epurs as if eager to reach a spot wh re their '‘ bizness’ could be sc tth d without fear cf interruption, end Ruby Ralph and his pards were le*t fer in the reer, if the Eureka Cyclone could have seen the look thar had taken pee n of his prisoner’s eyes he would have read aright that the d: mon in the des- prado’s rrture bed been arcused and that some Gcesry erate work was in contemplation, But the look was not seen, for the rough did not turn | is freee fcr it spection. One mile—two niles had been passed when at Jact he drew rein at the side of the mountain trail, | The demon was plainer than ¢ver in his +yes and. his ample cl est by aved with subcued tury, No sooner bad the herse balted than with a spring Ol’ Wildfire lend d en the pround with the revolver of the Evreka treasure still in hand. The second he aligt ted le glanced up ar.d saw the expression of the herder's face and he raised his weapon instantly. B t he was too Jate. Like a flash the huge hand of the giant desperado- descended and fell on the 1¢ck and collar of the man who had come there to goin a sceret or to kill, | The next instant Old Wildfire was snatched from the ground with the strength of one powertul arm and thrown half-across the horee’s neck, and the f: lowing second the esuimal shot forward like am arrow sprung from a bow, On sped the horse down the rock-walled trail with: ' ademon on his back and a man who had a terriblee grip at his throat clinging to his mane, On for ax | mile was the wild run continued until the animal |
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cffee's of | that fearful grip, Catamount Sam’s victurious visage was almost adove hi 2. “Ruby Ralph’s pard som times turnson his foes,” were the first words hehe ru. ** You want asecerct an’I want a kuif., that’s ther only diff'rence ‘twixt us. 1 went ter lowie Point fer ‘her knife, an’ you | -came hyer fer ther secret. Trumps are not bullets, but th r grip ov % mou tain bull! Who said fruit?’ Tie desp rado burst into a laugh that fa.rly mad- «dened the man that heard him, Before the echo f his outburst had Cied away. he feaned forward, with the demon back in ! is cyes, Again that rouzh hand came Gown, and this time eclutched the choked m*n’s s»oulder, “A grip hez won ther gam,” he exclaimed. * nee plare la good hand and—lost! Go bick ter | Gold Eavle! Ther two treasures are beyond yer reach, en’ thar’s nothin’ but failure ter r sult from figh'in’ Ruby R Jph’s pards. Failure?—it’s worse’n thet, it’s death!” Saas ae look spoke defiance before his lips movyd, “Go back?—never, till (her Mountain Rose goes | qu ‘lities, and .he trappings 0 with me!” | “Then yer'll never go back. Yer kin hev yer «choice, ez y.rsail ter me’while ago; fo back ter- | -day without ther Ro e. erstay hyer forever! Yer’ve , got terdoone. Which’il it b3?’ | With his man pinne! agaist the rock; and totally | unarmed, Catamount Sa.n evidently thought that he | had him at his on pe But that was a dav of changes. The choking the big rough bad administered had | not in the least crushed the girl-hunter’s purpose, or -d- prived him ef his strength. He was on a bunt tha’ demanded no defeat—a hunt thet he had sworn never to turn from until successful; he coul. not His reply 10 Sam's wort's camein a manner totally unexpected by tat worthy. Sam was leaning forward, with his right hand gripp'ng his prisoner's left shoulder, and his jacket saps back, revealed a pair of huge six-shooters in Is t. t Like the dart of a serpent Ol Wildfire’s right arm , @ protruding hancle, Before the herder could realize and prevent the quick action, the weapon was in his fo ’s poss_ssion, and the barrel was star- | ing himin the fcc! Vith an amazed oath the desperado straightened in his saddle, ‘*Great Tophet!’’ he ejaculated. Ten the wits that had forsaken him for a moment seemed to re- | turn. Down came his heavy right once more, intending | to seize the spot weapon; bus tue d.scending | arm struck oaly air. The revolver had been jorked quickly back and | then sh v.d forward again with a vigor that was not to be misunv’erstoo!. “Bullets aro trumps this inning, Catamovnt,” “This truil’s liab!e ter be one Go back to Eureka at your bidding an’ without Rosa? Never! Ui find ’er whether you tell me yer scer.t er net, You’v : got "er, you've defiled ’. r with yer touch, an’ ‘that means death. You refuse ter tell me whar > she’s at, an’ that’s d ath ag’in. Besi es, don’t I still fe 1 those claws ov yourn on my throa’? Gr at Tartarus! what a grip you nev! You plov your game witha grip; 1 plav mine witha bullet!’ The tast words had hardly eseaned from the mad speaker's mouth when Catamount Sam j rked tine tae rg revolver from his belt and thrust it for- ward. A flash andasharp report followed, but not from the biz herder’s weapen. The Eureka Cyclone had fired first, and the giant | who sat five feet away threw up L.s arms and tell from his horse! CHAPTER XIV, WINNING AGAINST ODDS, | At the came time the incidents just narrated wera oceurring, an Indian lay outstretziied by the sido of _@ trail that ran south from Dang r Valley. Ile was a fine-lookmg specimen of Indian man. hood as he reclined on th> velvety car et of grass an alowed his ey:s to sean ibe trail that ran up- word through the mountaius, He was average in size and s‘rong looltine, and ‘was armed wi'h a black coil of rope and a Imife, Two huidred yards from where he lv s'ood evbin, and just beyenl # corral | which inclosed half a hundred head cf stock. Toe Indi.n appear?d t+ be watching for some one, f r, excep’ a qnick plane> now and then at the a in, he kept his eyes fixed on the mountain road, ' * Flash-Eye s°e any Eureka Rose's trackers,” the red-skin murmured. ‘The lasso never fail d but -once—never again. Catamount said ‘ Watch, Fiesh- Hin an’ Flash-Eye watch till Ruby an’ him come he Indian seemed born cf patience, for he had “Deen watching there since daylight, and he continu- | mies, | ah ad of him, aud be did not scan the bushes as he ed to watch for the best port of an hour after utter- ing the above words. t the eud of that time he started half erect **blash-Eye her!’ he exclaim d, |‘ Tracker comes at last, Lasso pever miss | his time!” Tue faint sounds of hoofs had come to his ears on the morning bre: ze, aud well did Catamount Sam's | red paid kuow what they meant. | Like a snake he craw:ed iuio th» shelrer of some | busues near at hand, and there waited with a look tant resemble the tiger’s. | Ib was vot long before his midnight eyes caught “sigh: of the fizure of a horseman outlined agaiust | & Mass 0” rocks, and moving toward him. From this pint he kept his gaze on the approach- ing rider constantly as he cescended the winuing , tiail into the vall_y. As he came cn Fiash Eye suddenly uttered an ex- clamation: “The K ife-Hurter!”’ It was an as‘tonishiog discovery to the Indian. | Catamount Sam has not toll him of the boy's es- cape the nicht before. and he supposed him a vic- tim ere this of Raby Rilph’s wrath. There was 4 look of cagerness displayed an a tight: ning of the grip on the black lasso at this dis- closure. Ten minutes more, and the trailer was quite near, Apparent’y he was-not on the lookout for ene- His eyes r sted on Ranchero Ralnh’s cabin 10 'e along. The horse he bestrode was Preaes of superior his saddls were rich ard beautiful. : The boy's embroidered jacket was thrown open, revealing his trusty companions, revolvers and—no knife. The broad sombrero was push: d back frem lis forehead, and the S ptember wind toyed with the dark locks that clustered there, H.indsome, a model of suppleness and bravery, he lo: ked the ur of dawning nr anbond, Why did he not approach cautiously? He was rid- ing, seemingly unconscious of the existence of dan- ger. into the reach of one of the most deadly lassoes ia Southern Arizona, ; And the owner of that Jasso? All at once he sprung erect, and the coil ef rope cut a circle about his neck; then, like a lergthenine serpent, it shot througb the air, and—Flash Eye uttered a wild cry of amazemen ! Searcely had the noose left bis fingers when, like a flash, the Knife-4unter threw! imself forward clong the opposite side of the neck of his horse, which at the same instant sprung forward. The rop+ tha the Indian had sworn should n2ver ' miss again barely touched the back of tbe animal that sped onward with only the boot and arm of his ri ‘er visible to the amazed red-skin, It was all done in Jess time than it has taken you to read it, and horse ard rider were a hundred yards away before TFlash-Eye moved after his bootless throw. He drew in his luckless cord completely baffled. He was full of rage and astonishment at the unex- pected trick, which had been played with such ease and rapidity. He had intended a surprise, but instead he had himself been surprised. Down across the valley he saw his youthful foe pb eli im his saddic and making for the ranch cabin. I> did not see the revolver in the youth’s hand, but there was one there. Neither could he see the | cautious looks that he cast about as ue approached the roug?) shanty, Littl Foxfoot had tracked the girl thief to h's den That this was the place where he would find his be utiful fri nd he bad for m‘les ba k felt sure. He could see through Caramount Sam’s vame io coming ths long, rou dabout way to Danger Valley with his prisoner, anda well-played gamei. was; but it had not foiled him He felt that suce*ss was in his grasp—that in th callie henore him he would find the object of Lis 5 arch, With ready revolver he dismounted from his horse and threw open the door. No outstretched weapon deterred his entrance and he bounded in, The room was empty, save some rough articles of furniture, which wera in o der, But there was another epartment; Little Foxfcot had visited the place once before and he knew the int rior perf ctly, Almost in the furthest corner was a barred door an without hesitation it was thrown open, The young trailer leaped forward usa delhghtel ery reached his cars, * Foxfoot!” * Rosa!” he exclaimed. Sc e:me ferward to meet him and he took her hon in his own. ; ““T have tound you, and unharmed, thank Hea- ven !* “Yes; andI amsoglnd you came!” she replied; “you followed us from, Bowi» Po'nt?” ““Yos, with but one halt; I soRP a to pick up a handkerelef back where the trail forks,” “Then my dropping it was not for nothing,” she smiled. “You dropped f'? I thought, so. It sent me on the right trail. Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid. “wk “Not in Ruby Ra}ph’s hands?” “T think not. One blow on the head would not disable him long, and Le is probably searching for you at this moment,” * He will not find me,” she smiled, “Why not?” **Tam airvady found! You lave preceded him.” * The,’s a fact, Rosa. IThopetobave he pleasure “ws sr Seamed you to Lis arms. Shall we go back to im?’’- * To Ruby Ralph’s stronghold?” *To Bowie Point.” She hesitated, ‘It's :uuning back to the fire, but—" “You will 1.0t need tor maiu long, only till Wild- fire is found, and I will not leeve\ourside. You c nnot stay herve, and a gold bowie dra vs me back t. ere.” ‘ Tben I will go with you. Catamount Sam had his l-ng rile for nothing. and when be comes back le will find the bird flown. He has kept me a short but miserable while a prisoner.” * We are even: ow,” Livtle Fe xfect said. “ Your revolver took me cut of his clutches l.st night, now T assist you from his cage ” ‘*And I thank you from my heart for your timely coming. Ve will go now?” ** At once.” He! dthe way to the cuter door and the youthful pair ster ped out side by side. “I don't ser t e red beathen with his infernal lasso,’’ the boy mused as he glanced atout. **But he’s not one to see this kind of a game go on. om show up again before we’re out of Danger \al- ey. “T must get an onimal from the e-rral yonder,” he continued to the girl at his elbow. ‘* Mount S‘arface an! come with me,”’ He brought forward the handsome horse and as- sisted her to the sadcle. The next instant she uttcred a warning cry, and as the Knife-Hunter wheeled he grabbed a weapon trom his helt. He was gd in time to see a black noose shooting through the air directly at his head, and he threw up both arms to ward eff the dreaced evil. Almost unconsciously and without aim the revel- ver in his hand was fired, and following the shot he hevrd a yell of prin. Tndistinctly he saw the red lassoer fall beckward with bis hand at his side, and the lasso, jerked a moment too soon, struck breast and arms and sent the by recling against the side of bis horse. Recovering, he sprung toward the Indian who had fallen at the correr of the cabin with the rope in his grasp. “Heavens! the luckiest. shot I ever made!’ he exc'aim d. “It sav d me from the red choker's clutches, which means much, and made ope bad man less in Ar’zona.” Flash-Hye did not move as the young trailer bent over him, but he gave the boy a tigvrish look. *“Tunderstand—this wasn’t in the programme,” Foxfoot smiled. ‘*You’ve got yer death wound, In- jun—yer passport to Tartarus. You and yer cevil- ish pard there, thes lasso, have played one trick too mony.” There was no reply except a compression of lips and another mad glance, *“ That means you'd like to try it again, eh?” the youth resumed. ‘* Ycu'd fail. as you have twice. I saw you from the mountain trail to-day. Flash- Eye, before yeu sa me, and noted your hiding- pleee Thut’s howI canie to show you but a foot and arm at a time that spoiled your plens. If Cata- mount Sam wants to settle for this send him to me. Neither the red or the white knew that at that moment Catamount Semwas beyond setiling the smallest recount with any }umen being. \ ith his last word t! e Knite-Hunter turned on Lis heel and went beck to tl e gi:l on Ue borse. “That man will nct follow us.’ he seid quietly. “Danger Valley is ncw clear of eremies, and we must get pway hefo emore ceme. Catamount Sam h s left t'e Indian hcre to guard, until he revurns; that inoy be secn,” Shekept the lerse et bis sice es be walked over the grass to the corral ficm vlich he selected an onimal of go. d rrepertions. He wede a sert of brite from a biteh-strap, and was secon mounted by his fa’r comp7nr n’s side, Th y threw _ro backward glerers at an Indian who lay at full lergth near a rough cabin as they r. de away Tney mizht have secn that bis tiger-like eyes fol- lowed their every mcevemen'—iyes Wwondrously: bright fora man deathly wounded. CHAPTER XV FIERCE FRANK'S RETURN “You have my etarnal thenks, Foxfoot. My little gall ez precious cz the tw lis ht. ard I bad sooner = than see herin Ruby Relph’s hands. Shake, my OV? Two wiles from Denger Valley rad fcur from Bowie’s Point. vo persons. a man abd a youth, ‘hook hands from their hcrses’ backs, watcbed by a girl! who had_ree-ntly been clasped in a pair of strone and fa'herly arms. - It was a most timely and he} py meeting, and the faces of the three beamed with ] leasure. “t Old Wildfire was overjoyed at seeing his young the being that then No, yer ropes, it was not for friend, and in company * ith nothin’. Where's Catamount Sam?” and there cut short bisirl-hunt, “He and t'e Indian shut me in here and left. | * You bear me on this trail, eh, Foxfooct?” the old Wil 'fire is not with you?” : man went.on good-naturedly; * you first found cut *No,”’ he responded; **T i-ft him in the wolves’ | Catamount Sam's secret.” ‘ camp from which you were snatched last night.” *Well—Rosa said I preceeded you,” the boy re- A look of foar swept over her face. plicd with asmile, ‘‘I struck the abductor's trail ee)! ; 7 Z| | yee a: es 3 ct) : at » 1 ¥ wae. ‘ ie - oh z ee’: 48 cs ; § 12a eat hi ave oun o.< 4. vn oe ns ey “ay ite * i ‘ ‘ a : aay P; ay ¢ bh at Br —- b
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- mounted frem a Spa Sen RNs ERENT ae ya 2 | i eee Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid. 13 oo . , fifteen minutes after the abduction, and trailed him to his dun.” is To—f? “ Danger Valley. “Judas! I thought so. I was on my way thar when | met you. I tried to gain ther secret ov her whereabouts from Catamount Sam, but failed,” “What ene then?” “Thar s no Catamount Sam any more.” There was a certain significance in Old Wildfire’s | tone that told Little Foxfoot everytning, and he asked no more questions on the subject. He said: “He is «one of the men who offcred to exchange his rizvht hand for the gold bowie. He has lost more than his hand an weapon,” ** Ruby Ralph has possession ov yer treasure ” “T know Ishall never turn back without it, an’ I only ask a fuir show at Bowie Point’s thief, 1 am oing back there under cover of darkness for the final settlement.”’ “You must be car'ful, boy. They’re desprit when they’re fightin’ fer ther gold knife,” Old \\ ild- fire warned contmuing: ‘ They've been fightin’ for Eureka's two treasures. Rosa they will never, sve again. By ther way. you hevn’t told me all tht happened at Danger Valley. Catamount Sam never left without leaving a guard. You must have found some trouble in carrying away the bird from the cage.’ Tke boy laughed carelessly. * Rosa will tell you about it,’’ said he, with a glance toward his fair acquaintance. Nothing loth, she proceeded and told her father all she knew of the incidents connected with the rescue, giving the Knife Hunter a full share of praise for his brave work, A few words sufficed and she had soon finished. A minute’s pause ensued. Wildfire sat on the gray horse that had belonged to Flasl-Eye's big pard, and looked thoughtfully, at the ground. 5 When he looked up he said: “What would you advise us ter do, Foxfoot? Last night was probably rhe wildest in the annals of Bowie Point, bt we all pulled safe throuzh— now what's to be done?”’ “* Take the trail there to Gold Eagle, at once,” was the reply. ‘‘ Tat’s ¢h2 thing to do. Don't think of remaining in this country any longer than it will take you to get our.”’ ¥: Yer’ rigut, Poxfoot, it’s the only course,”’ said the Cyclon». ‘‘it’d be rashness ter gp shack to Bowie. Rosa must be got out ov Ruby Raiph’s do- main ez tast ez hosstlesh'll tase ’er. An’ you?” “I stay 1igut hyer! It’s between Ruby Ralph en’ me uncil Oue proves eternal victor. If | fail, Apache Steve an’ pa.us are ready to back me an’ take up the figut. They’re bounJt to win back the golden treasure for Eureka at alt hazards.” “Wal, you apow what ye'r’ about,” was the re- turn. ‘“Thar’s no one better able to take care ov himself. Wd like ter stay by you, fer 1 hev no love for Fierce Franx au’ others 1 could name. I hev settled with one bad man to-day. He is the only one ov the Bowie l’uuters thet hez laid han’s on my Rose-bdlossom, excep.in’ the Injun lassoer. an’ you probably laid him out fer keeps. Thet settl s the score fer me; but I hev a request to mak:: Give Ruby Ralph one blow fer Desperate Dun! Yer'll not fei git iv?’ i “All right. Desperate Dan was grateful fer a favor I dove ’im in Nusget City, an’ ne got killed ferit. Tnev's why | waut a blow struck fer him.” * Ever’thing of that nature’il be settled, pard,” said the youth, with trm-set lips. “A certain young citizen of Kureka, tie whitest country in ‘Arizona, wiil come out ahead in this thief's game.” *]T believe it,” was the rejoinder, ‘ Now boy, Rosa an’ I turn our backs on you fer Gold Easle, She’s had an eventful trip ter the white ranch in soutoern Kure.a—to the home whar her mother a over two year ago; but we'll make it to-day, eh, ose?’ ** | hope so, papa,’’ she smiled, adding: ‘ We must change horses, you know.” “That's so,’ said Foxtoot. ‘‘ Wildfire, you’d bet- ter take the one I have ‘an’ let her take yours. Your animal is better equipped 4 Tae three vismounted and the change was effect- ed, as Foxfovt had eae “Wal, good-by, kid,” Old Wildfire said, egain horsed, as h: bent over and clasped the Knife-Hun- ter’s hand; ‘* we take up ther trai) at once, It don’t strike Danzer Valley, does it?” “No, not by 4 mile to the north.” “So I supposed. You'll be over to see us when you return to Eureka, ov course?’ “Yes.” avuswered the young trailer, as he took Rosa's hand and pressed it in farewell, and his feel- ings certainly prompted the r ply. SS ponient later father and dauchter rode away to the east, toward t..e home that she had not seen for two years. He watched them until they were out of sight, and then turned to Starfac ’s Lead. ; “1 think the danger for them is passed,’’ he mur- mured; “for me—darkness takes me to the despe- radoes’ camp, to Ruby Ralph. !’m not a fool to risk myself among them in daylight. He did not turn his horse toward Bowie Point, but away from the trail. The sun had crossed the meridian when a man who had a handkerchief tied around |is head, dis. aded hors* in tront of the Pan- ther’s Paw in Bowie Point and entered the door of Pepper Pete's notorious resort. He staggered in, rather than walked, and when he never got to touch the | Se ee ) | reached the bar he snatched up a bottle which ha~- pened to be sitting upon it and poured a quantity of the fiery contents down his throat. | At his entrance exclamations had fallen from sev- | eral tongues. | “Fierce Frank |" “Wierce Frasik it is,” was the hoarse response, ‘an’ with a bullet-plowed furrow in ther side ov his brain-basket. Whar’s Ruvy?” “Not hyer”’ said Buzzard Ben, coming forward | from among the score of men in the room, * He was waitin’ fer yer hyer, but he’s gone now ter his cabin. He said fer one ov us ter come after | ‘im when yer came,” ; © Wal, yer needn't go. ; I'll see.*im whar he’s at. “ But ye’r’ not able, Frank —” ; “Ain’t 1? Don’t fool yerself with thet idee, Buz- zard,”’ said the wounded tough as he walked un- steadily toward the door in spite of his efforts to hold nimself erect, ‘I've ridgen thirteen mile in this fix an’ I reckon I can hold out ter reach Ruby. Don't trouble yerselves ter :oliler me ”* The last woid was uttered just as he went out the door, leaving the m n behind somewhat astonished at his unnatural words. Fierce Frank soon covered the distance to his captain’s cabin, the threshold of which he crossed with the unsteady gait he was compelled to main- | | tain, Ruby Ralph was thers, sitting expectantly on a stool of three legs, with his right arm ona table at his side. “I’m back, cap’n,” said the visitor as he sunk down upon a tripod at the opposite side of the table from the giant rough and looked into his face. “What's left ov you, ez Catamount Sam °d say,” corrected Ruby R Iph. ‘‘ Hey you, too, run inter a masked cyclone from Gold Eagle?” “A cyclone, but not masked, Ruby,"’ was the grated reply. ‘‘ShellI tell yer ther story?” ‘Yes, yes—go on.” Thus urged, Fierce Frank leaned forward on the rough boards ani told the story of his trip to Gold Eagle with Bowie Point’s messige. “\t was near daylight when I reached ther squaws camp,” he began; “‘an’I had no time ter lay off afore stickin’ up ther notice an’ makin’ hoof-tracks back ther trail, I stuck up ther paper. accordion’ ter orders, in ther pop’lar place ov resort an’ with ther product ov our region—ther twelve-inch bowie. When ther sun come up l was some miles out ov ther town. A dozenor t irteen mile fr m hyer t met a pair thet should ’a’ been stopped. Guess who they war, Ruby.” ‘*No guessin’ fer me,” cried the stalwart captain. “Who war they?” * Wildfire an’ ther Mountain Rose!” OF ye? Ralph uttered an oath and started from S$ S-at. **Set down, cap’n, an’ wait till ' git through!” con- tinued Fier e Frank, and the big rough obeyed him almost mechanically, “{f thought thet they should be stopped thet he was abductin’ our property, and I he d out my dropper fer *em ter run inter, hen he saw it, great blazes! he fell for’ard on bis horse's neck, an’ in ther wink ov a cat’s eye give me a shot tnet tumbled me from my animal. I was li e one dead, but I heard ‘em ride past me wi'h triumphant words. Inafew minutes Twas able er tie up my scalp an’ drag myself onter my hoss. an’ hyer I am, \e’ve lost our grip on ther Eureka Rose, cap’n” *Y-s, curse it!’? Ruby Ralph snapped cut. ‘I ; , thought Catamount Sam hed ther girl. He sneak- ed ‘er from camp las’ night goin’ t’ ward ther south, an’ ’d swearhe wound up at Danger Valley. sat been ialendin’ ter go thar ez soon ez you got ack.’ “It'll do yer no good now.” said the weunded messeuger. ‘*Ca amount may hev hed her, but he'll never carry another point.” “ Vhy so?” ** He’s stark an’ stiff by a wall ov rock ‘twixt hyer an’ ther vallev, an’ ther gal rode a gray hoss thet was once his’n.”’ **Thet settles it then!” fl shed Ruby Ralph. ‘We kin give Wil'fire ther credit ov another shot—one thet did more’n shave ascalp. Yer hevn’t seen ther 9” MeN oxt vot" “Ther Knife-Hunter,” **N», [hevn’t seen im. Has he been hyer?” “* He was hyer las’ night.” “Then it was jt thet set Wildfire loose?” **Buzzird Ben, ther guar}, telis thet story, an I've po cause ter disbelieve ‘im. Ther boy will be afoolter come back ter this wil’cat’scamp. His knife’s in hands thet’ll never lose their grip on it till they grow stiff. But ther girl, by Jehosaphat! she’s gone fer ther time being. But thar’s a way ov gettin’ ’er ez ther, ten-inch treasure was heed know how, Fierce Frank _We must let ’er. er think few days, till after Gold Eagle comes. * thev'll come. eh?” * Come?—l’ve no doubt they’ll be byer afore ther two davs they allowed us are up. They’il probably hey more men than .towie kin turn our, Thet means—”"’ iN “Thet we must git ther first shot!” finished the king-pin. “I'll fix that. Thar'll be ther Ivelicest times in Bowie's record, an’ thar’s been lively games plaved hyer. Fer ther present. le’s go ter ther bovs at Pepper Pete’s, Come on. What! re tin’ weak? Hyer, I've got some licker byer,” and Ruby brought forward a blac< bottle of govdly siza ** Wash ther | dust from yer throat with some ov thet,’ which Fierce Frank lost no time in doing. Then the two left te cabin, both carrying wounds, } and one reeling at times in his walk. Ruby Ralph had recovered in a measure from the shot that ha. followed his shooting down Despei ate D_nand he walked up {he trai} with his former stride. He was still the undisputed leader of Bowie Point, mt every man of the town looked up to him as such, But Bowie Point was doomed! CHAPTER XVI. A PLAN INTERFERED WITH. Darkness had again evveloped the land of gold and revolvers, when a horse dashed into Bowle Point from the direction of Danger Valley, There was no checking hand at the swinging rein, although an Indian lay upon the animal’s tack and neck and clung desperately to the black mane. Toe boise made straight for the Panthcr’s Paw, nor did he slacken his speed as he neared the open door, at which he stopped so sucdenly tiat his red rider was sen! headjony ov: r his head and landed in the middle of the floor of the saloon in the mics! of” two-score shirt-sleeved men! Cries of amazement went up at the unexpected entronce, and Ruby Ralph sprung forward to the thrown man’s side. Flash-Eye!"’ ‘**Great Jehosaphat ! Flash-Eye it was. He had fallen upon bis arm and leg, and lay as if stunned. There were two dark spots of blood om his shirt, in which. were two holes that had been made by good-sized bullets. The Bowie Pointers gathered around him and litted him upon a rourh cea] table—the same that had supported Ruby Ralph’s form the night b« fore, ome whisky was poured down his throat, and soon the red Iessoer opened his eyes, which first of all fell upon the king-; in of t: e camp. He did not move from the position in which they had laid him, but his looks told that he had some--: thing to say, and that at once. Nor did keep his rough audience long in sus- nse, “Men of Gold Eagle coming!” he said, his black eyes growing bright. His listeners exchanged quick glances, “What's thet, Injun?’ Ruby R:Iph. exclaimed: “say thet over ag’in, will yer; mebbeI nisu.der- stood yer.” *Men of Gold Eagle coming!” Flash-Eve repeat- ed. “’Tween hyer an’ Valley. Belyer ‘fore long. Pards better git ready.” There was silence for a minute, while the re@ herder wretched the « ffect of his words It was the silence that precedes a stcrm, Ruby Ralph r garded tke informer with glowing eyes and all waited for bim to speak, ‘“*So they're comin’, are they, ther equaws from ther eastt” he exclaimed suddenly. * All r ght, In- jun; [don’t doubt yer word. Ther two days they allowed us are not up, bt thet notice Fierce Frank nailed ter ther liquor pa adise is wha' hez brought ‘em hy rt ter-nigbt. ly Jehcsapbat! we'll give ’em thet cold lead picnic we promised, an’ in ava they never dreamed ov! Yer saw ’em on ther trai Injun?” 9 * Fiash-Eye saw—an’ heard, He was shot this. ree by boy Knife Hunter, an’ lay in ranch all day; when sun went down he dragged limself on horse an’ started byer; «n trail he saw men comin’ from the east, an’ heard their mad talk "bout Bowie Point an’ gold knife. Th y heard horse and crder-: ed stop *n’ thin fired, but did nut hit, ouly scared hors’. Where’s Sam?” “Sam's. not hyer, Flash Eye,” was replied, ‘so don’t strain yer pcepers ter gita gaze at’im, Yer passed ‘im cn ther trail back apiece; mebbe yer kin guess why he didn’t step yer runaway hoss.”’ Flash-Eye could guess, ana Ruby Ralph went om to the men who surrounded bim. “Ther Injun ar’ no liar, boys; Gold Euple bez come ter preve which camp hez lied, an’ we've got ter show ther white caliker er fight. It’s all fer ther ten-inch treasure—yer kin see it in my belt. hyer; we've gct ter give it up er fight; it’s with you fellers which we shell do.” _ The speaker’s penetrating glance swept the crowd, i “ We fight, seven days out ov t' er week!" Pierce» Frank «xclaimed, and his woids were echoed by a. saruen fight it art—fer ther old “Then | ar-—trer ther old camp and t gold bowi'! Fight!—by Jerusalem! we'll Hp es ba'l! Vict’ry liesin our havin’ ther fu’gt si of an” ter git the! we’ve got ter shoot from whar we're not expected. Forewarned igs f.rearmed, eh? Thank: fer yer warnin’, Flash-Bye. with shco'ers thet nev r miss, an’ we’re goin’ ter sh ot from an unexpected point, Ter-nicht de- cides who s goin’ ter be th r ¢verlastin’ owner ov ra a treasures, an’ Bowie’s ther head candi- o “The boy Knife-Hunter took the Eureka flower from Val'ey ” said the Indian. ‘*So I tho't, Flash-Eye,’ Ruby Ralph responded. “ But we kin git ‘er again, ez ther gold bowie was: got, ef we git the fu'st shot ter-right, We've got ter git thet, vards—we ve got ter shoot on sight. If tbar’s any tolkin’ ter he done it’s got ter be done: afterwards. ‘Shoot fu’st an’ talk afterv ards’ ig: meet mers we want ter-night. Do yer all agree ter- thet?” * Thet's what we do" was the reply in. concert from a score of whisky-was ed throats, and the words were followea by subdued curses and whis-: pers ‘ i (rere was rot a traitor to Ruby Ralph's couse in the room, With one recor) they backed him as if he were lading them to a fight for their: wn lawful rights, anc not to hod possession of ® mere stolen knife, which might cost them their lives in the end, We're armed. f | | |
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! 14 “Then thar’ll be no word-slingin’ when ther cow zards an’ whisky-bums come,’’ the captain went on. “We'lldo a:l thet right now, in gittm’ ready fer ther com n’ pistol pic nic—fer ther shootin’ thet’s goin’ tercome from whar its not exvecteu! Ther fu’st thing, gatier up ther Injun thar, a coupleov you fellers, an’ carry ‘im ter my cabin. We ve got no more us: fer ’im hyer.” Before the wounded herder had time to say any further words had he so desired he was Jifted from the boards and borne swiftly out the door aad down the trail. In the cabin mentioned he was lowered upon the rude cot in the darkened corner, aud left to himseif. but a few moments after, the deor w.s opened and in sprung a stalwart and faniliar figure, which halted at the red-skin’s side, It was Ruby Rutpn, and as he bent over the cot he drew somet ins from his belt. “Hycr, Flash-Eye,’’ were the words that followed this act, “*hyer s somethin’ ter keep fer me till her men ov Gold Easle go back. It’s ther gold-handled treasure ov Arizonc! Wedon’c prrposa ter allow "em ter gt t is far. an’ it I) be safe iuyerred hands hhyer. What do yer say? I'm liable ter go under, er know, an’so may any ov ther _restov us. An’ het knife must never leave Bowie.” “FP ash-Eye k»ep!’’ exclaimed the Indian almost eagerly, and the el gant handle was shoved into his ri the dark logs of the shanty by which he stood. But he realized that he weuld be discovered un- less he moved, and men had not paused, but were coming almost di- rectly toward him, along the’trail that ran east from the saloon, They would elbow him as they passed, and he had sense enough to know that, in their present excited state, they would very likely kifl him if they laid hands on him there, with the gold bowie that had been intrusted to him in his belt, They would at once suspect the truth. and nothing that he could say would save his life from their vengeful fury. It was | uickly, for Ruby Raiph end bis | Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid. Without losing time, the red herder stole around the corner of the suanty, and with it between him and the men he had turned against for the ten-inch treasure, he went ahead as rapidly as he was able. He bad placed another shaniy behind him when he could tell from the sounds tliat the roughs had passed the place where he lad been 1. aning. He knew that they were coming on with long strides, and with their burning eyes fixed on the , | Stari ght trail before them. He must turn aside at the first opportunity, and allow them to pass him. Rut they were so close behind that without a convenient shanty be- pay them his figure would be seen and shot own, On he went to the next house that lined the trail, but he began to luso strength, This was more than the ra! traitor had bargained ior. Rounding this, he saw that the next one in the line was almos' twice the distance that the others had beca, Like a hunted wolf, he kept on with irregular | st ps, and with his hand clutcbing the gold bowie. His lips were drawn tightly over his tecth, and his eyes might bave been mistaken for coals of fi.e. The pluns that had been formed on Ruby Ralph’s couch had been interfered with; Ilash-Eye, the lassoer had lail his game, but he was d stinel never to live to play it throuch, By his own act he had turned the hands of his pards agsinst him, and they woull cause Lim to lose, and forever, at the very outset. With fast losing strength ke had almost reached the cabin, when behind him was a ringing shot, whick was followed by the cl.cking of two-score pis- tol-locks, With the death-rattle in his throat the Indian went forward upon his face. “We shoot on sight!’ came from the giant, who halted for a minute at the head of his men, with a smoking revolver in his han!. ‘* This is ther night when bullets. not words, does ther talkin’, bin ahead thar. Listen:”’ The men had s'orped ivstantly, and they bent for- ward in listening attitudes. “I'm glad I shot the red traitor!” came to their ears in coarse. mad tones, which more than one in the party recognized, “We thought he war back thar iv ther cabin with two bullets in his life-box, | but byer he was makin’ fer ther m untains with ther gold knife in his grip. 1 say I’m giad I shet ther red traitor! If he wasn’t already growin’ stiff I'd plant another hole in him just ter let ther star- light through! We war all pards hyer. but t' et skunk hez forfeited his claim ter a half-way burial, Wal, I can fight better with ther knife in my belt, an’ we're Out hyer ter fight—ter shoot from whar we're not expecied!”’ But | whatof thet? Thar’ll bea fight, an’ we'll allsee wio | They heard every word and when the voice ceased they impulsively went forward a step; but Apache Steve motioned them back. ‘* Wait—we’ll hear ther remainder ov this funeral, | Thar’s another voice ” They listened again, and what they heard brought oaths to their lips. * Mebbe ther bums from ther east heard yer shot, Ruby. What then?” | “ {hey’re not in two mile o’ hyer, Fierce Frank. ' Thet snot Il never reach their ears mere likely scare ther cowards back to their ens.”” * “But they may be nearer than yer think,” said Fierce F ank’s voice again, “Ov cou se,” was the reply, “but they’re far enough away ter give us plenty ov time ter arrange ther ambush, We must go furt) er cut cv canip fer thet- ther further out. ther pr. ater ther surprise. | Besides, it'll save us buryin’ ther carkisscs in Bowie, an’ we don’t want ‘em byer. We'll plant *m whar they fall, «f ther buzzards and wolves don’t get | ahead ov us.” A coarse laugh followed this, that made the teeth of the sixty dark eavesdropyers faiily crack with rage. “Sp ead out!’ ordered Apeche Steve. ** Wren they come around ther cabin, git ther drop cn every man, We'll see whar ther tuiprise comes in! If I'm nt mistaken, ther buzzards an’ v olves will hev a chance ter git ahead ov someboc y!" Noiselessly the men spiung into} csition on each side of the trail, facing the stan y thal stood fifty fies away between them and the men who tLought them two miles from the town, They bad not long to wait. ‘there was the — of heavy feet for a few sec- ondsind then around the corner of the cabin came the rough citizens in a Ledy. They continued edvanci: ¢ forseveral st« ts before they comprehended their position; then they recoiled with surprised oaths, ‘ - Heavens! Ther galoo's ov Gcld Eagle are yer! ‘Galoots, if yer want it, an' we're bycr!” was the retort. “Ther two days we alloweu yer nay not be up. but we’re hyer by specizl invitation! We've come ter attend ther cold-lead picnic. in ther inte rest ov Foxfoot an’ Eureka. You know what we want— what we're goin’ ter hev.”’ Well—did they know! They drew themselves up like baffled beasts, com- Pelled to face the 1 volvers which evely man ot the visitors held Cirect« c at them. They wire completely in a trap—there bed been a surprise, but it was allogether oifferent from what ti ey had anticipated. Their hands the first instant had fallen on the weapons in their belt , but they dare noi draw trem covercud as they were by six-shcct. rs, which they knew would speak death at the first aggressive move, * We've not got ther Eureka Rose,’ Ruby Ralph sent through Lis teeth, as if he misunderstood their mvaning. Hi: answer was a jeering Irugh, and: **Don’t we J] now thet? We n et Wildfire an’ ther little beauty safe on ther rcad home, no thanks ter you gophers! No, we’re not hyer fer her. but fer ther gold bowie you just took from ther red traitor back thar. Yer’l' please hand it «ver. «r tl ar’ll be ther bigg st buzzard fecst hyer when ther sun rises ther gold hills ever ecntai. ed! Tl et’sttraiglt talk, bh t it’s what cur notice said, an’ we'1e hyer ter back every word ov it.” Ruby Raph ceculd not doubt. this 'ast assertion. Should: r ‘o shou'der stood the men from Gold Eagle with curs tre teched weapons that did not waver, | They had come there for for a purpose and they wer procceding withit in a manner that should gunrantce svee: ss. But there was a bull dog otstinacy not on'y in Ruby Relph but in his minions generally that was uot by any means reedy to yield. | The big captain secmed ata lcss what to reply for | amoment, end then bis old: ecklessness retarncd, “Thar may be » buzzard feast, but when ther sun comes up ther pards cv Powie ’Il be elingin’ moun- | tain dew over Pepper Pete’s ber! Ycu've come | hyer, not fer ther . old knife, but ter die with yer boots on! | y Jehosephat! we're wildcats byer, an’ we don't secre inter nethm’! Draw yer weayons, boys; well net waste ay more words, ‘Sl oot fu’st an’ talk afterwards’ is our motto, We'll s! ow these cowards thet thar’s not a livr belongin’ ter this camp—thet ther pist.] pic-nic promised will be held in full!” : Apache Steve seemed on the point of leughing at the idea of their fighting against such ods, buta movement he detecte on the part of his foes to carry cut their le: der’s command caused him to go forward 2 step with his finger at the trig er, *: Draw an’ die!” beshctthrouch histeeth, ‘ You fellers came out hyer ter form an ambush, but thet failed an’ ye’r’ a our mercy. It’s ther gold knife we want, Throw thet at our feet an’ we're wilin' ter pocket yer insulrs an’ turn cur backs on Bowie, | You knew ther alvernative. Only fools thr aten, | men act; we've done our threaten’, now we’re go- in’ ter act.” There was no response in words tothis. but what followed was unexpected by the Gold Eagleites; they | ad in a measure mistaken their men. All st once the bands of the Bowie Pointers went up and the succeeding instant there was a score of revolver shots. £ | The shots were as sudden as they were erie, ' and a number of the Eureka men pitched forw | with cri s! Nor did the firing stop; shot followed shot ia It it did iv! -
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aa i ee ae) hie Hy ae et pre, oy ta a. r i Wed ig j 2h > ee ee ae staat! NOT > ee 4 . ; Re ered Bea ae RET: Tone | Nee dale . ‘ Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid. £ Piem* : ae ar: S ; quick suecession, and fora momert it seemed that the rapid work would rout the surprised knife- hunters. Then they remembered that they held revolvers in their hands, covked and leveled, and that they had but to press the triggers. To think was to act, and they began empvying their big six-shooters with the rapidity of exp:rts, and the Bowie Pointers reele back from the deadly flashes! For a minute thoro was a perfect rain of bullets on both sides. Den tumbled in every direction, and the sceuo bafiles dese”iption. Such a storm of lend had never before visited the cemp of the mountain roughs, Tie quick opening of the fight by the Bowie Pointe s :ad b* n effective only foramoment, Th: others had rallicd, and tueir shots were fast and deadly. T.eir bullots went trus to the marks, which were outlined qu te pltinly in thes arlighr. R ugh atter rough went down, wounded or never to rise again, The rapid firing on both sides lasted but a minute, and then the Lowie-i es began taking to their heels to get out of rango, But the shoo ing in their rear did not stop. and muny were shot down in their efforts to escapo. Bu anumber did escape, and amony them was the man who had tie gold knife, Ruby Ralph him- self, 1s was afterwar 1 proved by an examination of those who had fallen, ; It wis Guld Eagle’s victory. ‘They did not stop firiny uutil the lass one of the fleein; desperadoes had disappeared. Then the air rung with shouts of triumph! But they gave place to disappointed cries when the discovery wes made that Ruby Ra'ph, the very man they wanted was among the missiig, Suddenly the rapid clatter of hoofs came to their ears and put & stop to their exclamations of cha- Brin. se The soun’s told them there was but one rider and they waited intently for him to come up. Soon the dark fig tres of herse and ri ler came in‘o view, and more than one man recogaizod the boyish horseman, Shortly after tho galloping steed was brought to @ halt not many paces from were the men from Gold Egle stool, and Little Foxfoot the Kuife- Hunter leaned forward in his saddle. ** Apache Steve.” “T xfoot—l’m glad ter see yer, boy,’ and the thands of the two cr ssed. “You fellers ar: a day ahead o' time,” the youth went on. * You've got the gol! bowi2?’’ “Nol? Apache Steve returned; ‘tthe boss thief got away.” “J richo! I thought the hunt was ended. I cap- tured a man on the outs, irts who had a bullet in his shoulder, and who said every min but himself had gone und rv. I was coming into tha town when I 1card all tyat firing, and I thought the Old Boy him- self was turned loose. How many of our pards went down?’ *A dozen ov ours, an’ over twice thet many ov Buby Ralp'’s. Tacre w'r a perfect cyclone ov @eath ragin’ hyer f*r about a minuto! In ver hear. ov the like! Ther bull>ts would whistte by so clos? they would »lmost take a feller’s breath! But we ot thar, we whipped ther gophers out ov their ens W re goin’ ter burn ther d ‘ns now fer ven- geauce, an’ make ther vict‘ry complets!” CHAPTER XVII. YOR TH’ GOLD BOWIE, APACHE Steve kept his word; when the gray light o? morning came, Bowis Point’s cabins were a mass of smoldrri g rui_s. and bowie Poins was only aname and a thing of the past. The men of Goll Exgle had gon» after th ir ter- rible destruction of life and property, and to all ap- pearances the vicinity was entirel deserted. But on an eminence a couple of miles from the scene a cluster of mad-looking and diseomfited men watched th+ smoke that curled upward from the burned cabins, There were a dozen or fifteen of them—all that were ieft of the paras of Bowie Point. They were hea ied by Buzzard Ben, and more than one furious oath escaped t eir lips as they surveyed the result cf the stealing of Eureka’s golden treas- ure. Pepper Pete and Fierce Frank wera not among them, neitucr was Ruby Ralpa; but f r to the east- ward of t em the latter roe at a gallop over the trail that le | to Danger Valley from the south. The captains clothes were freely spotted with ‘blood, while his face was haggard and his eyes bloodshot. A Although his horso was well-blown he urged him forward unceasingly, as if something important peeved on his being at his destination in a certain ime, As the sun camo up he dashed down into the val- ley and up to the dour of Danger Valley ranch. Just then is eye fell on the corral, and he uttered Asurprised excl:mation. Not an animal was in the inclosure! II: looked up and down the grassy vale, but they were not in sight. . He had no more than made this discovery when the do :r,in front of which he bd drawn rein, was flung op-n and a yourh of familiar figure stood on th: thrrvshol | with 9 weapon extenaed into Ruby ‘Ralph's face! Fan big captain could not withhold a fierce oath of surprise. : ‘Home again, Ruby? I’ve been expectin’ you. * i waited here just to see you, 1 want my gold wie |” There wasthe light of triumph in Foxfoot’s eyes ——— ee ee . —— rT rrnllianikanEEEnERREE as they met those of the desperado and received a | night when Gold Eagle and Bowie Point met in that look that would have made the timid recoil. “I got to Bowie too late for the fight last night,” | he went on, not receiving any reply. ‘If I had been th re you wouldn't have escaped as you did, 1 almost knew you would come here so, while tre pards of Gold Eayle went back to Eureka with the spoils of their raid on your ranch, 1 remained here to w: leome you home,” There was a tinge of sarcasm in the youth’s tones as he ut: ered the last words “It looks like welcome, by heavens!” growled the desp rado. ‘ Ye'r’ a fool ter stav hyer, Foxfoot; what could a baby like you do with ther best inau tuet ever entered \’owie Point?” “Til show you before we part,” was the quick an- swer, ‘“IThaven's bunted you as I have to fail at such atime as this. You had better apply the name ‘fool’ to yourself for coming back to Danger Valley; you might ’ve known a foe would lvok for you hyer.” “T dil know it. but what ov thet? I come back prepared; I've got two droppers an’ ther gold bowie in my belt, an’ l’m ther wildeat ov Arizone! Lact night ! saw ther flames eat up Bowie Point; I raw a doz :toughs with Llood on their sleeves go strag- glin’ down ther trail but I didn’t let on thet I wasn't s! iff in ther midsé of ther fire with a Gold Eagie bul- let in my brain, I've turned ag’in’ ther pards ov Bowie; [swore thet in big caths las’ n ght iv sight ov ther fam s thet chewed up ther Panther’s Paw. I wish ther Enreka men‘d got in a dozen more shots! I’m thronch with ther whole crowd; I come back hyer fer whaw’s in thet cabin, an’ with thet an’ ther gold bowie i'm goin’ ter vamoose ther k ntry. Yer'll nev r git yer knife boy; put up yer siooter an’ go back ter Eureka, Yer mus’n’t try ter \siop me now; i’ma riled wildcat!” The mad captain glared down into Foxfoot’s face with the fer city o! the b ast he call-d himself, But the boy met his gaze fearlessly. ‘**I go back with te knif>, never before!’ he said. “T've got y u covered with a revolver that don’t go down until [T have my s‘olen property return d. Ther :’s death in tere, and--venge..nce for the kiil- ing of Desperate Dan!” ‘“Desperate Dan?’ echoed Ruby Ralph. “Yes; Wildfire toll me to strike one blow for Desperate Dan. You know what that means bettcr than I do myself. But the knif» is what I want, Two days ago Iierce Frank and Cratamount Sam told me they woul] ios: their right hands as would eviry man in the district, for the gold bowie. They’ve lost more than their right hands, and still never go; the bowie. Your c:se will be the same, unless that piece of property is re urned to its right- ful owner!” There was a menace in word and look that the des- parece dilnot fail to perceive. But the demon in 1is nature seemed roused. ‘No more palaver!”’ he hissed suddenly. ‘Stand back an’ let m:in thar! I’m hyer on cizness bent, an’I allow no babies ter interfere! Pat up yer dropper an’ stand aside! It’s death ter disob-y! Se, ie was no reply, except alook of defianes and latred. Vith a mad oath the desperado jerked a weapon from his bel’, and shoved it with tne quickness of lizht down into the Knife-Tlun'er’s face! He pr'ssedt oe trigger, but at that instant his arm wis knockel upward; but atthe flash andr port, onion staggered backward, and f ll behind the 00 ! Ruby RIph swung himself from his horse with zn exclamation of deigbt, and hounded into the room, with tne s voking revolver in his band, Th-n he uttered a smo'hered cry. The Kvif-Hunter leape | forwar | from behind the door with his weapow outstretched! His forehead and hair were scorched with powder, but triumph and revenge lit up his eycs. Raby Rilph had no time to use his re volver again; Foxfoot was upen him, * Por the gold bowis!"’ esenped the vouth’s lips, end with the words came th Rages ia of the trirgrr, a loud report, and Ruby Ralph reeled away and fell to the floor. The boy sent up a ringing shout of victory, as he sprung to the rough’s side and snatched the gold- handled bowie from his belt. it was regained at last, andthe thief had paid for the theft wit) his life. The king of ruffans had reached the end of his trail. and Desperate Dan and the insult to Eureka, all were avenre4. When the Knife-Finder (hunter now no_ longer) roie from Danger Valley ranch looks of triumph were cast over his shoulder. from under a powder- scorched forehead, which was covercd by a bullet- bored sombrero. , Ruby Ralph had been quick, but the boy had been quicker. Gol] Eagle was never again called upon to take up arms to fizht for the gold howie, Its ownership was never thereafter disputed. and it remains to- ay the priceless property of its origina! pos- sessor. Goll Eagly isa peaceful end thriving little city, an 1 Anachie Steve is its ruli~g spirit, Hut Bowie Point never arose ancwf om its ashes, and. as we wrote in the beginning, there is now no semblance whatever of the storied mounta'n camp. except perLapst'e ruins of the fews anties that escaped the flames on that wild night of conflict. Buzzard Ben and his prds were never aft: rward heard of in that region, they probably finding life more congenial in other parts, It is safe to say that Fierce Frank, Pepper Pete and the red lassoer, I"! ish-Rye, did not survive the desperate and bloody affray. Catamount Sam found a grave besi.e a rock- walled trail. As t» Ruby Ralph, his oath to be the cternal proprietor of Euresa’s treasure was never carried out, nor did he live to cesert his prrcs with the prize they had fought for at his sice, as was his stated intenticun. In southern Eureka are two beeutiful rarches almo.t in tight of each other. One iscwncd by Mr. Wilder Fireiy and the otler by Lis son-in law, Mr. El er Fox. Little Foxfoot. or Elbert Fi x, and the beautiful flower of the gold hills Rosa Firely, are man and wife, blessedin all their rele ticns cf life, anu still yourg. Fun Foxfoot, as their happy fo'her, Oid Wilcfire, is often wont to repeat to iis triends, cane cut ahead in the big game, and won for hin.se.f Loth of Tus Evurkka TREASURES. THE END. BEADLE AND ADAMS’ STANDARD DIME PUBLICATIONS Speakers. Each volume contains 100 large pee printed from clear, open type, comprising the best collee- tion of Dialogues, Dramas and Revitations. The Dime Speakers embrace twenty-four volumes, viz. : 1. American Speaker. 13. School Speaker, 2. National Speaker, 14, J udicrous Speaker, 3. Patriotic Speaker, 15. Komikal §) euker, 4, Comic Speaker. 16, Youth's &y eaker, 5, Elocutionist, 17. Eloquent Speaker. 6. Humorous Speaker. 18, Hail Colunibia Speake 7. Standard Speaker, er, 8. Stump Speaker. 19. Serio-Comic Speaker, 9, Juvenile Speaker. 20, Select a eaker. 10, Spread-Eagle Speaker | 21. Funny Speaker. 11, Dime Debater. 22. Jolly fyeaker. 12. Exhibition Speaker, 23. Dialect Speaker. 24, Dime Book of Recitations and Readings. 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| : ——— ee ——_- ee 61 Buckhorn BUI; or, The Red Rifle Team. By E. L. Wheeler. 62 The Shadow Ship. By Colonel Prentiss Ingrahsm, 68 The Red Brotherhood, Hy W, J, Hamilton. 64 ripe’ Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh. 65 Murricane BILL, by Joseph &, Gadger, Tr. 66 Single Hamil; or, A Life fora Life. By W. J. Hamilton. 67 Patent-Leather Joe. By Philip S. Warne. 68 The Border Kobla Hood. By Buffalo Bill. 69 Gold Rifle the Sharpshocter. By Edward L. Wheeler. ZO Old Zip’s Cabin, By Captain J. F.0. Adains, 71 Delaware Dicky the Young Ranger Spy. By Oll Coomes. 72 Mad ‘Tom Western, the lexan Ranger. By W. J, Tlamilton. 7B Dendwood Dick on Deck. bhy Edward L, Wheeler. 74 Mawk-eye Marry. By Oll Coomes. @5 The Boy Duelist. By Colonel Prentiss Inewham, %6 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. By Albert W. Aiken. TZ Corduroy Ch rile, the Boy Bravo. By E. L, Wheeler. 78 Blue Dick. By Captain Mayne Reid, 79 Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. By Albert W. Aiken. $0 Rosebud Kob. By Edward L. Wheeler. 81 Lichtning Jo, By Cuptain J. F.C. Adams. 82 Kit Mureivo.t the Wood-Huwk. By T. C. Harbaugh. 88 KRolloy the Roy Ranger. By Ol Coomes. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner, By kdwsrd L. Wheeler. 85 Buck Buckram. By Captain J, F.C, Adams. 86 Dandy Rock, the Man from Texas. By G, Waldo Brown. 87 The Land Pivates, By Captain Mayne Reid. 88 Photograph Phil, the Boy Sleuth. By FE, L. Wheeler, 89 Island Jim. By the auther of “Jack Harkaway.” 90 she Dread Rider, By George V.aldo Browne. 91 The Captain of the Club, By B acebr dge Hemyng. 92 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief. By E. L. Wheeler. 98 The pay Miners, By Edward S$. Ellis, 94 Midnight ack, the Read-Agent. By T.C. Harbangh, 95 The Rival Rovera, By Lieut. Col. (azeltine. 96 Watch-Kye, the Shadow. By Edward L. Wheeler, 97 The Out!ay Brothers, By Jobn J. Marshall. 98 Kobin Mood, the Outiawed Ea:l. By Vrof. Gildersleeve. 99 The Tiger of Tues, By Georro Waldo Browne, 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville, By E, L. Wheeler. 101 Jack Narkaway in New York, liracebriige Hemyng. 102 Dick Dead-Eve. By Colone) Preities Ingraham, 108 The Lion of the Scan. By Colonel Delle Sara. 104 Deadwood Dick's Device. ly Edward L. Wheeler, 105 O14 Rube, the Hunter, By Captain 1. Holmes. 106 Old Frosty, the Guide. By T.C. Harbaugh. 107 One-Eyed Sim, By James L. Rowen. 108 Diring Davy, the Young Bear-Killer. By H. St. George. 9 Dendwood Dick as Detective. By E. 1. Wheeler. » The Black t teed of the Prairies, I'v J. L. bowen. The Sen-Devi'. by Colonel Pre tiss Ingraham, The Mad Hunter. By Burton Saxe Jack Movle the Young Specular. By F. 1. Wheeler. The Black Schooner. By Roger Starbuck. The Mal Mixer. Wy George Wil lo Browne, The Husear Captain. By C |. Prentios 1 raham. Gilt-Kdged Dick, By Edward L. Wheeler, WII Somers the Bo D tective. By Charles Morris. Mustang Sam ¢ or. The King of the Plains, By J. &. Badger. The Bran‘ed ard. By Frank Dumont. Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport. By FE, 1. Wheeler. Phil Mardy, the B ssf} y. Ry Charles Morris, Kiowa Charley, the White Mustanger. By T. C. Harbaugh. Tiopy, the texan, By George Gl awn. 5S Bonanza Bill, Miner. By BE ward L. Wheeler. Vienynere lcte. By Charles Morris Wild-Fire, the Boss of the Rood. By Frank Dumont 8 "he Youn™ Privateer. By I. Cavendish, 9 Dendwood Dick’s Double. By Edward L. Wheeler. 0 Detective Dick. By Charles Morris. 1 The G Ken Mend. By Georgo Waldo Prowne, 2 The Hun.ed Henter, ( By Edward &. Fllis. 8 Tons Hod the King ot the Boothlacksa, By E,L, Wheeler. it Sure Shot Seth, Py O01! Co mes. 5 Cactain Parl. Ry C. Dunning Clark, 6 Night-lfawk Kit. By Joseph E, Badger, Jr, 7 The Hel less Hard, By Captain Mayne Reid. S Bl nde Hil. By Edwari L. Wheeler, 9 Judge Lynch Jr. By T.C. Harbaugh, ) Blue Plazes, By Fe wk Dumont. & lid Sant, the Boy Rond-Agent. Py Fl. L, Wheeler, Wandsome Harry. By Charles Morris. Rear-Face faul. By Oll Coomes. Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, f& Contain Ferret, the New York Detective. By Wheeler. Filver Star, tlhe Por Knight. By Oll Cocmes, Wl Wildfire, the Thoroughbred, By Charles Morris, Sharon Sum 1 J, Alexander Patten, A Game of Gold, By Edward L. Wheeler. T.ance und La«so. Hy Captain Frederick Whittaker. Panther Paul, the Prairie Pirate. By Jos. F. Balger, J. Black Beas, Will Wildfire’s Racer. By Charles Morris. Fagle kit, the Roy Demon. By Oll Coomes. 4 The Sw rd Hunters, By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. Goll Trigge™, the Sp rt. “By T. C. Harbauch. — Deadwood D.ck of Dea wood, By E. 1. Wheeler. Mike Merey, the Harber Police Bor. By Charles Morris. Faney Frank of Colorado. By Butlalo Pill. The Tot Cartain, _ By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 0 The Black Glant. By Joseph £. Madger, Jr. 1 New York Nell, By Edward L. Whe ler, 62 WI Wildfire tn the Woods, By Charles Morris. G8 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger, By U!! Coomes. 64 Dandy Rock’s Pledre. By George Walilo Browne, 65 Billy Baggage, the Railroad Boy. By Charles Morris, 66 Hickory Harry. By Harry St. Georce. 67 Asa Scott, the Steambont Boy, By Edward Willett, 68 Deadly Dash. By Joseph E- Badger, Jr. 69 Tornado Tom. © By T. C, Harhauch, 70 A Trumn Card, By Charles Morris. 1 Ebony Dan, By Frank D mont. 2 Thunderbolt Tom. By Harry St. Georre. 8 Dandy Rock's Rival. By Geoire Waldo Browne, 4 Rob Rockett, the Boy Dodver. By Charles Morris. 75 Captain Arizona. By Philip S. Warne. @ The Boy Runaway. By Lieutenant H. 1) Perry, U.S.N. ? Nobby Nick of Nevadn, By Edward 1. Wheeler. 8 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. By Ol] Coomes, 9 Rob Rockett. the Bank Runner, Ty Charles Morris. 0 The Sea Traller. By Lieutenant 11. D. Perry. U.S.N, 1 Wild Frank of Montana, Dy Edward 1. Wheeler, 2 Little MWurrieane, th Boy Captain. By Oll Coomes. 5 6 ENA eee ~ ~~ OD OS 0 ee rt et et et Bee Nae ReHsS ~ wwwe a 5 Sa on oe Wwe RRs ee et ee et Oe ee et ee LAAT SPSlw= = prihemd ke e ek hhc h h fh n l d a k h k. “ CHLNAWE SGD BAM MAS Moses wey (eh pf fh heh an The Hidden Hand, By Charles Morris. The Boy Trailers. By Joseph E Badeer, Jr. Evil Bye, King of the Cattle Thieves, By Frynk Dumont, Cool Desmond, By Colonel Delle Sara. 87 Fred Walyard, the Life Bont Bow. By Charles Morris. & Ned Temple, the Border Bor. By T.C, Harhanrh. 189 Bob Rockett, the Crockemon. Rv Charles Morris, 190 Dandy Darke. By Willlam R. Evater, 191 Buffalo Billy, the Row Ballwhacker. B Cant, A. B. Taylor. 192 Captain Kit, the Wi l.o’-the-Wier. By Lient. Perry: 198 The Lady Rond-Agent. Rv Philir S. Warne, 194 Ruffalo Bil'« Bet. By Captain Taylor. 195 Deadwood Dick's Prenm. By Edward L. Wheeler. 196 Shadowed, By Charles Morris. 197 Little Grit, the Wild Rider. Ry Col. Trenties Ineraham. JOR Arkansavw, the Man with the Knife, By I. C. Murbaugh. 199 Featherwelrht, By Edward Willett. 200 The Boy Redonins. Rv Capt, Frederick Whittalear, 201 The Black Willa Fezehel, By Edward 1. Wheeler, 202 Proanect Pete, of tre Rey Brigade. Ry Ol Coomen, 208 The Roy Parda, Ry Josenh E. Badger, Jr. 204 Gold Plume, the Rov Bandit, Ry Col, Prenties Treraham, 20% Deadwood Bick’« Doom, Ry Fward 1. Wheeler. 206 Dark Pant. the Ticer King. Be Chartes Morris, 207 Navaio Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter, By T. C. Harbaugh. 208 The Boy Hercules, By Oll Coomes, 202 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. 210 Faro Frank of Wigh Pine. By William R. Eyster. lie Mm = 2 = 211 Crooked Cale, By Joserh FE. Badger, Jr, * 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. By Charles Morris, 218 Fritz to the Front, By Edward L. Whee'er. 214 Wolfgang, the Rubber of the Rhine. By Capt, Whittaker. 215 Captain Bullet, the Raider King. By T, C. Harbangh. 216 Bison Bill, the Prince of the Reins. By Col. P. Ingraham, 217 Captain Crack-Shot. By Edward L. Whevler. 218 ‘Tiger ‘Tom, the Texan Terror. By Oll Goonies, 219 Despard, the Duelist. By Philip S. Warne. 220 Tom Tanner, Scalawag and Scapegrace, By Chas. Morris. 221 Sugar-Conted Sam. By Edward L. Wheeler, 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport. By Col Prentiss Ingraham, 228 Ozark ALf, King of the Mountain, By Edward Willett. 224 Dashing Dick. By O11 Co nws, 225 Sam Charcoal, the Premium Darky, By Charles Morris. 226 Snoozer, the B y Sharp. B Edward L. Wheeler, 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper. By E. Enerson, 228 Little Wildfire. By Oll Coomes. 229 Crimson Kate. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 280 The Yankee Rajah. By C. Donning Clark, 231 Plucky Phil, ot the Mountain Troil. By T. C, Harbaugh, 282 Gold-Dust Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler. 288 Joe Ruck of Augelsa, By Albert W. Alken. 284 Old Rocky's ** Boyees.” By Backskin Sam, 225 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. By Charles Morris, 2836 Apollo BIL By Edward L. Wheeler. 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain, By Col. Ingraham. 238 The Parson Detective. By 0}! Coomes. 239 The Gold-secker Guide, By Sanaa Mayne Reid. 240 Cyclone Kit. By Edward |. Wheeler, 241 Bill Bravo and His Bear Pards. By T. C, Harbangh. 242 The Two * Bloods.” By Charles Morris, 248 The Disgulsed Guide, By Ol) Coomes, 244 Sierra Sam. By Edward L. Wheeler. 245 Merle, the Middy. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham 246 Giant George. By Buckskin Sam, 247 Old Grizzly and Hila Pets, By Capt. Bruin’? Adams. 24% Sierra Sam’s Sceret. By Edward L. Wheeler, 249 Milo Romer, the Animal King. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. 250 The Midshipman Mutincer. By Col. P. Ingraham. 251 Ligcht-honse Lige. By ‘ aptain J. F.C. Adaua, 252 Dick Dashaway. By Charles Morris, 258 Sierra Sam’s Pard. By Edward L. Wheeler, 254 The Half-Blood, By Edward S. Ellis. 255 Captain Apoll . By T. C. Harbauh, 256 Young Kentuck. By Capes Mark Wilton, 257 The Lost Hunters. By Capt. J. F.C. Adama, 258 Sierra Saim’s Seven, By Edward L. Wheeler, 259 The Golden Harpoon, By Roger Starvuck, 260 Dare-Devil Dan. By Ol] Coomes, 261 Fergus Fearnaucht, By George L. Aiken, 262 The Young Sleuths, By Charles Morris, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Divide. By Edward L. Wheeler. 264 The Floating Feather, By Col. P. Ingraham, 65 The Tiger Tamer. By Captain Frei. Whittaker. “6 Killb’ar, the Guide, By Ensign Warren, 267 The Buckskin Detective. By T. C. Harhauch, 28 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trall. By E. L. Wheeler. 269 The Gold Ship. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, 270 Blizzard Ben, By Captain Mark Wilton, 271 The Huge Hunter. By Edward S. Ellis, 272 Minkeskin Mike. By O1l Coomes, “7B Jumbo Joe. By Edward L. Wiweler. 274 Jolly Jim. By Charles Morris. 275 Arizona Jack. By Buckskin Sam. 27E& Merle Monte’s Crulsc. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 277 Denver Doll, By Edward L. Wheeler. 278 The Three Tranpers, By Major Lewis W. Carson. 279 Cld Winch, the Ritle King. By T. C. Harbaugh. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate. By Col. Prentiss In¢eraham, 281 Denver Doll's Victory. By Edward L. Wheeler. 282 The Typo Detective. By Elward Willett. ZRZ Indian Joc. By Major Lewis W. Carson, 284 The Sean Marauder. By Colonel Prentiss Inerahem, 2°65 Denver Doll's Decoy. (By Edward 1. Wheeler. 226 Josh, the Boy Tenderf ot. By Capt. Mark Wilton, 2°7 Billy Bluc-Fyes., By Colonel Prentiss Incraham. 288 The Scalp King. By Captsin J. F. C. Adams, 289 Jolly Jim's Job. By Charles Morris, 20 Little Foxfire, By Ol! Coomes. 291 Turk, the Fe: set. By Edward L. Wheeler. 292 Sanche Pedro. By Majer F. L. St. Vrain. 298 Red Claw, the One-Eved Trapper. By Captain Comstock. 294 Dynamite Pan, By T. C. Harhungh. 295 Vearlesa Phil. By Edward Willett. 296 Denver Doll's Drift. By Edward L. Wheeler. 297 The Tarontula of Taos, By Barkskin Sam. 298 The Water-Hound, By Charles Morris. 299 A No, 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker By Edward L. Wheeler. 200 The Sky Demon, By 0!) Coomes. 861 L adville Nick, By Major E. L. St. Venin. 892 The Mountain Detective. By T. C_Harbangh. 808 *Tiza Jane, the Sirl Miner. Ry FE. L Wheeler. 804 The Dead 8! .¢ Dandy. By Coleone! Previtiss Ingrabam 805 Dashoway. of Dak ta. By Charl s Morris. ROG Neck-Tle Ned. By Moujor H. B, Stoddard, LOT The Strange Pard, By Buckskin Sam. ROR Keno Kit. the Boy Bugler’ Vard, By Col. P Ingraham, RO9 Deadwood Dick's Big Teal. By E. L. Wheeler, 810 The Rarranca Wolf. Pv Joseph F. Badger, Jr. R11 The Rovine Svort, By Edward Willett. 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince, By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain. 818 Cimarron Jack. _RBy Frede ick Dewey. 14 The Mystcrious Marander, Ry Col P. Ingraham. L4 Ned, the Cabin Boy. By Jack Farragut. 1 17 O14 Felinae, Tramp Cird of Arizona, By T. C, Harbangh. Peacock Pete. By Lientenant Alfred Thorne, 18 Ker-whoop, Ker-whoo! By Buckskin Sam. R19 The Binck Rider. By Joseph FE Badger, Jr. 820 The Sen Sorceress. By Jack Farrsgut R21 Pendwood Dick’s Dozen. By Edward 1. Wheeler. 822 Nemo, the Detective. By Edward Willett. 828 Arkananw Jack. Pv Horry Hazari. 824 Ralvh Ready, the Hotel Bov Detective. By Une Morris. 825 Kelley, Wickey & Company, the Sleuths of Philadelphia, By Edward 1. Wheeler. R26 The Ten Pards, Pv T. C. Harhangh. 827 Creenving Cat, the Caddo. By Ruckekin Sam, R22 The Rky Netectives. By Maior Mickey Free. 829 Red-Skin Tom. By Harry Hazara. RRO Little OQuick-Shot. By Edward L. Wheeler. 881 Riack Nick, the Denon Riler. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. £82 Frio Fred, Rv Buckskin Sam. 838 Brimstone Roh, and Wis Lightning Tlorse Quar- tette. By Mair F, T.. St. Vrain. 2RA Kanraroo Kt‘: or, The Mysterions Miner. By E. L. Wheeler. B85 Old Double Fist. Ry Joseph E. Badger, Jr. BRG Nie Renson, Ry T. C. Harbaneh, ¥ RRT Ben Bird, the Cave Kine. By W. J. Hamilton, 888 A Tough Boy. By PhilinS. Warne. 889 Kangaroo Kits Racket, By Edward T.. Wheeler. 840 Clin, the Contortioniat, Rv Edward Willett. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vaeabend Detective. By Charles Merris. 812 The Vountain Devil. Ry Harry Hazard, 848 Vankattan Mite, By Elward Lb. Wheeler, R414 The Fichtine Trio. “Ry Ruckskin Sam, RAG Pitiless Watt. By T. C. Harbwagh. R46 Ranvler Ravhaecl. By Major H. B. Stoddard, RAZ Deadwood Dick's Duenta. By Edward 1. Wheeler. 848 Fire-Weels: or, Old Skinfli t the Death-Shadow. By Poger Starbock, - R49 WHA Wolf, the W'nen. Ry Buckskin Sam. RO Red Ralnh, the River Rover. Rv Ned Runtline, 851 Dendwood Piek Sentenced, Py Edword L. Wheeler, REZ Tombatove Tom, Ry Mj. E. UL. St. Vrain. BRK The Renorter-Petecttye. Py Cnarles Morris. 854 Rig Worn Ike the Will Tramp, By Roger Starbue*, 855 The b fae of the Woods: or Limel “Kuone’s Last Arai), By Joseph F. Radver. Jr, ‘ 856 Cool Sam and Part, By T. % Harbaugh, 8 8 & 8 8 = =" ra ‘ 857% The Ranch Raiders, By Buckskin Sam. 8538 First-Class Fred, he Gent trom Gopher, By E. L. Wheeler, S659 Viuraae wave, te Yeu Wresie, coupe nd. by Muy, Ke L. St. Vran. 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery. By J. C. Cowdrick. 861 The Phantom Lighthouse, By Royer Starback. 862 Dendwood Dick’s Claim. By Edward i. , Wheeler. 868 Little Tornado, | By Philip S. Warne, 864 Snap-Shot, the Boy Ranger. By Buckskin San. sen caper poe Use. A. mS se ser ‘elyet Foot, the Indian Detective. By |. C. Harvangu. 867 Wide-Awake Joe, By Charles Morris. J f S368 Yreka vim, the Gold-ua terer. By FE, L. Wheeler. 860 Shasta, the Gold King, By J. C. Cowdrick, eOO Pregt ow Pen, be PMoef Re: vor, Py Rooer Starbuck, 871 Kineholt Chris, the Young Hard-Shell Detective. By Maj. EL, St. Vrain, 872 Vreka Jim’s Prize. By Edward L. Wheeler. 878 Little Jingos or, the Queer Pard. By Philip S. Warne, 874 Gold-Duat Tom. _ By Georve H, Morse. 875 Chiota, the Creek. By Buckskin Sam. 876 Callfornin Joe’s First Trail. By Capt. F. Whittaker. 877 Ronodel, the Boy Rover. By Co) Prentiss Ingrabam. BTR Nabob Ned, By Edward L. Wheeler, 879 Larry, the Leveler. By Charles M:rris, BRO Avalanche Alf. By Major E. L. St. Vrain, 881 Bandera Bill, By Buckssin Sam. 8-2 Cool Kit, the King of Kids. By Edward L. Wheeler. B88 The In¢lan Pilot. By C.). Prentiss Invraham, B84 Whip-King Joe, the Box Ranchers. By ON Coomes, Rb Yreka dim’ Joker. By Edward L, Wheeler, 8°6 Captain Cutlass, the Ocenn Spider. By T. C. Harbangh, B87 Warpath WILL, the Boy Phantom. By Col. P. Ingrabum, BRS Little Oh-my, Py Philip S. Warne- 889 Bicyele Ben. By Eilwar L. Wheel r. 890 Joguar Joe. By Maj E. 1. St. Vrain. BOI Kid-Glove Kit. By Maj. H. B Stoddard, Ex-Scout, 892 Romeo and the Reds, Hy Buckskin Sam. 898 Seawalf, the Boy Lieutenant, By Col, Prentise Ingraham, 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, By E. L. Wheeler. 895 California Joce’s War Trall, Ry Capt. Whittaker. 896 Rough Rob, of Dynamite, By T. C. Harbau,h, 897 Bob o’ the Bower y. By Jw Pierce. 898 Kid-Glove Kit and Pard. By Mnj. H. B. Stoddard, 899 Black Buckskin. By Col. A. F. Holt. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Witch Detective. By E, L. Wheeler, a Efttle hoor lz: es Philip S. Warne. : acdor, the Young Conspirator, By Cel. P. Ingraham 408 Firefly Jack. By Charles Morris. 7 404 Tittle Lariat. By Boekskin Som. 4°5 Dendwood Dick in Dead City, Ry Ed, L. Wheeler. 406 The Mad Man-Ifunter. By Maj. H. B. Steddard. 407 The Boy Insurgent. By Col. Prentice Ingriham. 408 Tittle Leather-Breeches, By Philip S. Warne. 499 Hercules, the Dunb Destroyer, By 01) Coomen, 410 Deadwood Pick’s Diamonda, By Edward L, Wheeler- 1 The Silken_Lasao, By T. C. Harbaugh, The Wild Yachtaman, By Col. Prev iss Ingraham, Rilly Bombshell, the Cliff Climber. By FS. Winthrop. The Dalay from Denver. By Buckskin Sam, The Varnbond Petective, By Jo Pierce. VWieh Wat Harry, the Pase Ball Detective. By E, L. Wheeler. Webfoot Mage, the Tramp Detective. By Ol Coonna, Felix Fox, the Roy Spotter. By T. C. Harbaugh, 4'*9 Kenneth, the Knife-Kine. Pv A, F. Holt. 420 The Detective’s Apprentice. By J.C. Cowdrick, 421 Deadwood Dick in New York. By E. &. Wheeler. A22 Baby Sam, the Boy Giant of the Yellowstone. By O19 ones, 42% The Loat Finger. By Charles Morris, 424 Cibuta Johm, ly J.C, Ci warick. 425 Texas Trump, the Porder Rattler. By T. C. Harhangh, A26 Sam Slabaldes, the Peggar-Poy Detective, EL. Whecler- A427 The Three Traflers, Py “ockskin Sam. 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective, By Charles Morris, 4°° Duncan Pare, the Poy Refuges. Py Col. P. Ingraham, 480 Deadwood Pick’s Dust, By Edward L. Wheeler, 481 Tittle Ah Fin. By Philip S. Warne. 482 Invincible Loren, the Pinkerton Ferret. Py Chas. Morris, 488 A Cabin Boy’s Luck. By Col. Prentis Ingraham. 484 Jim Renk and Pal, Private Detectives. By E. L. Wheeler, 486 Ti't'e Lirhtfoot, the Pilot. f the Woods. “Ry A. F. Holt, 486 Phil Flakh, the New York Fox. Py T. C Harbaugh. 487 The Sen Ratder, Py Ci). Prent ss Ingrahume 4° 8 Santa Fe Sal. By E. L. Wheeler. Pri ya Peer the Street Seont, Py J. C. Cowdrick, tile Foxfeot, the Gold Powie Kid, By Arthur C, Grisso 441 The Oveen Firefiy, By Col. Prentiss T_ereham. saey 442 Pluff Bills or, The Lynx ofthe Teona. By Puckskin Sam, 448 Peadwoed Dick, Ir.; cr, The Sign of the Crimsou Crescent, Py Fd, L. Wheeler. 444 Ti'tle Buckskin. By 01) Coomes. 445 The City Sleutha, By T. C. Harbaugh. 446 Warhazard Warry. Py Col, Prenviss Ingraham, 447 Now Verk Nat. By Albert W. Alken, 418 Nick opiate Neds or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Defiance. By- ve bee leeleT. 419 Vit Fox, the Rorder Poy Detective By Joan. EF Radger, Jr. 45° Wizard win, the Wander-Worker, By Col. P. Ingraham, 4™1 Colorado Kate. By Philip S. Warne. 452 VWotepur Feb, the Stre:t-Boy Detective, By Jo Pleree, 458 Sunflower Fam, o! Shista, By Fdward L: Wheeler, 45° Wivard Will’ Strect Scouts, By Col, P. Ingraham. 4 BS Tittle Tone Star. Fv Pucka in Sam. 456 Pilly Brick, the Jotly Vagabond. By Chas, Morris, 457 Wingedfoot Fred, By O11 Coomes. 458 New Freiand Nick. “By Albert W. Aitken. 450 Flush Fan, the Ferret. By Edward L. Wheeler, 4°0O The Lawyer's Shadow. By Jo Pierce, 461 One Arainta Fifty. By T.C. Herhough, 46? The Porn Guide, Rv Cl Prentiss Invroham, 468 Tamarac “om, the Big Trapper Boy. By 0!) Coomes, 484 Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince. By Albert W. Alken, 465 Philo Fly, of Phenix. Py Edward L. Wheeler. 446 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective By Charles Morrie, 467 Piaco Dan, the Dairy Onde Ry J.C. Cowdrick. 468 Neptnne Ned, the Pov Conster,” By Col, P. Ingraham, 469 The Rival Glonts of Nowhar’. Ry J. W, Oshen. 470 The Roy Shadow; or, Felis Fox’s Hunt ior the Nabob. Ry T. C, Harhench, A471 Tovemnn Fill of Pig Brace}; or, Deadwood Dick Jr'e Corral) Ry FE. L. Wheeler. A772 Jonrty doe, the Youne Horse-King, Rv Jo Peres, 4-8 O14 Tom Pattier, the Red River Fpidemic. Py Ol] Coomes, ATA Flora, the Flower Girl, Ry Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 47h The Plock Shin, By J hn 8, Werner. 476 Worboldt Worry, the Hurricane. Pv Edward L. Wheeler. 477 The Fxceletor Srart. By T.C. Herbanch, 47S Tancemund, the Desert Metective, Pv Frederick Dewey, 4°79 Petective Podre, By Charles Morris, A890 Three Jo'ly Pards, | Py Philin S. Warne. 481 Moll Myrteryv: or, Deadwood Dick Jr, in Deadwood, Py Faward L. Wheeler. x 482 Ftonewn'l Bob, the Boy Trojan of the Great Range, By Ol! Coomes. ‘. 488 Ferreta Afonts or, Wizard Will's Last Case, Ry Colone® Prentiss Incerahem. 484 Comarche Tick and His Three Invinetblea, Br- Henry J. Thomas. aks Ct Ther Owrer, the Unknown. Py George C. Jenks. 4%6 Sealakin Sam, the Sparkler. By Edward L. Wheeler. 487 Nevadn Ned, the Revolver Ranger. By Col. P. Ingraham. 458 Wild Dick Racket, By Charles Morris. A New leaue Every Tuesaday. The Half-Dime Library 1s tor sale vy a1! newsdealers, five: cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of aix conte each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York.