Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 465) (1886 06 22)
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(iin (a eds a Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Cl Vol XVIL ,*¥er.. ———— Deadwood Dick Junior’s Racket at Claim | No. 10. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK ” NOVELS, ‘*ROSEBUD ROB” NOVELS, ETC., ETC. CHAPTER I. A BAD SPOT. “ ArrE ye goin’ to stop off at Alta, stranger?” queried Jehu Josh, who drove the old iron-clad stage, that plied over one of Arizona’s rugged mountain routes, not far from the California border, ‘* fer ef you aire, I want ter tell ye thet ct aire a purty fly camp, an’a feller don’t wanter (ua ft tt ll i is” <a i NS PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. SLLO! Wy Wiss Bp \ | a a et nl | SY YY \ « MW. DQAR* Go oy \ A MN eres ___ Copyright, 1886, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, Come: No. 465. ——-——--------—- ~_June 2, 1886, a Cuntees < Zs ZE: Z} ZF SE} ZZ fi { . myn I}! WOOD DICK JUNIOR. ‘SO YOU'RE HERE, ARE YOU, MISTER PHILO FLY OF PHENIX?”’
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2 go to Fmice $ on no Eastern lugs, or he’s liable ter suddenly fergit where he left himself, ther last time he helda grip onto his memory!” The remark was addressed to one of two pas- sengers, who shared the elevated seat with the driver, as the stage tore away down a narrow ulch, drawn by a spirited quartette of strong- imbed horses. ' The party to whom the driver had spoken, was perhaps twenty-six years of age, possessed of a stalwart, graceful figure, and a handsome face. His complexion and hair and curling mustache belonged to the blonde type, and his eyes were dark blue in color, and very bright and expressive, j He was well-dressed, and plainly not long from the East—a fact that the keen-eyed Jehu had no difficulty in determining. Josh’s otber. passenger on the seat was a younger man by several years, with a round, pleasing boyish face, dark-brown eyes and hair, and the free and easy mannerisms that proclaimed him to be a son of the West, as did his dashing style of dress, a noticeable part of which were the top-boots and jaunty sombrero he wore. Although he did not look as if out of his teens in age, he was muscularly built, and evidently po: a full man’s store of strength and activity. The man to whom the driver’s words were addressed did not immediately answer, for he had, seemingly, been in a deep xeverie for several minutes before—a reverie that clouded his handsome face with an expression of trouble and regret. Finally, however, he turned his gaze toward Jehu Josh, half angrily: “No, I am ‘not going to stop at Alta!” he answered, ‘‘and if [ were, I should not need or heed your advice, for I- stand in fear of no man,” a retort that drew from the driver a whistle of astonishment, while the other passen- ger was not a little surprised. For in truth, the Easterner did not look like a combative or resentful man, ‘“Waal, ye needn’t be so sassy about et!” Josh hastened to -assure, ‘fer I only jest of- fered et to you as a bit o’ friendly advice.” ‘‘ Excuse me. old man—excuse me, Perhaps I did speak, too sharply, but when my mind is harassed by its troubles, I sometimes forget to be gentlemanly. No, I shall not stop at Alta, but this side of there.” : “What! not at Claim 10?” * Pxactly.” Jebu Josh gave his passenger a keenly in- quiring glance. “Waal, ye’r’a queer ’un, I'll swow!” he al- lowed, as he gave an extra crack to his long- lashed whip. ‘‘ Guess you don’t know what ye’r’ talkin’ "bout, stranger!” “On the contrary, that is just what I do!” was the terse assurance, * And ye’r’ goin’ to Claim 10?” “Tam, for a certainty!” ‘ Bver been there, before?” *‘ Never was there.” Josh glanced at the other passenger, with a peculiar smile, but did not resume his queries for several minutes, the stage in the mean time bowling along at full speed, creaking and careen- ing as it rushed along the uneven trail. Finally, Josh went on: ‘* Waal, mebbe you know yer biz, stranger, but ef I war a tenderfoot I’d wanter be stoppin’ at some healthier place than Claim 10, I kin tell ye. Course ’tain’t none o’ my mutton, though!” ‘“‘What’s the matter with Claim 10?” asked the eat ga passenger. - ‘“Thar’s a good deal the: matter!” Josh re- lied with a significant shake of his head, ‘ but of course it isn’t fer me to say just what!” a why not?” pal, ye see, I’ve driv’ ther stage over this r two year, now, ’thout gittin’ my head *off, and that’s more’n any other man kin ¥, ef. do say et. There’s Jack Penrose, Lew Roser’ Hi Sands an’ Jube Jackson, who every 0 7 em passed in their checks, while hand] n’ es bons, but I’ve pulled thrw’ ’cause I never yery much ‘bout ther goin’s on at ther ‘In fact, I never try ter know anything : but I can’t ’scape knowin’ et’s a bad »fer a stranger to anchor in, an’ don’t it et. That's why I told you; I felt it thing to do, But, my heart wouldn't a cent a pound for liver-worst if it was iad told ye!” | ee oh! What is there so peculiarly dan- gerous about Camp 10?” the blonde passenger demanded, seeming to gather increasing interest in the matter. “Is it a thieves’ nest, or what?” W : 4 7 P? 4 (~ a 10 , - ? » 9% OR] Philo Fly of Phenix. —— Jehu Josh shrugged his shoulders with an- other peculiar glance at the younger passen- ger. ‘** Waal, I don’t opine thet the folks who live there aire any too honest,” was his answer, “but that ain’t all. Sometimes folks stops off at the place an’ puts Bp at Black Mag’s, an’ that’s the last that’s ever heerd from ’em!” ** What is Black Mag’s?” ‘That is the only hotel in the place, or the only place where there’s any ’commodations of enny sort, ‘cept ye lay out o’ doors on ther terra- jirma, which ain’t werry nice this weather.” ““Can’t a traveler get ’commodations at any of the cabins?” ; ‘“No. Them as lives in what few cabins there are, hev been warned not to give food or shelter, under penalty of death, an’ you kin bet they’re all keerful to save their own bacon, Thar ain’t more’n a score 0 livin’ cabins, al] told, an’ they’re chock filled up wi’ ther respectable ele- ment of the camp. T’others, they all hang out at Black Mag’s.’ “She must have a Jarge place.” “You'll think so when you see it. It's a reg’- lar barn of a place, an’ I’ve hearn tell as how et has more crooks, pecooliarities, an’ sech, then ye kin shake a stick at.” ‘Who puts this extraordinary residents of the town?” ‘Red Ruthvén, the road-agent. He’s a holy terror among the people around and about Claim 10, and ef be, puts up a notis, makin’ an order. either they’ve got to do as it directs, or they'll be found dead wi’ their boots on.” | ‘“A very remarkable state of affairs, I should say,” the blonde declared. ‘‘Who owns this Claim 10?” / “Buck Brennan. He’s the richest man = these parts, except old Jim Shook, of ta ban upon the This information did not seem to particularly interest either passenger, and the conversation ceased. On rattled the coach, over a route that grew rougher and rougher, causing the ‘old hearse ” to pitch from side to side, until with difficulty the passengers could keep their seats. Just before sunset the stage halted for a few minutes at a little town called Henryville, and here what passengers had ridden inside the coach got out. ““T guess we might as well take their places,” the’ blonde man said to the pores passenger, and accordingly they left Jehu to the company of his horses and entered the coach, which, after a short delay, resumed its journey. “What do you think of the driver’s story about this Claim 10?” the blonde man asked, as he sat facing his younger companion. “Not a very good reference, [ should say!” was the reply. ‘I’ve heard before that it was a hard hole.” ‘Well, maybe it is, but it doesn’t matter; I am going there, pa the same,” ‘Ditto, here: that’s my drop-off.” ‘Well, that’s news. What takes you there?” ‘Oh! a matter of business,” ‘¢ What business?” ee “‘T do not choose to make it known, sir—not at pres anyhow.” sudden glare of suspicion entered the blonde man’s eyes, and he seized the younger man’s wrist in a vise-like grasp.” “Tf I thought you were sent to dog me, I’d kill you where you sit!” he hissed, seemingly in- spired with intense rage. “You needn’t put yourself to such trouble!” the other replied, apparently not much alarm- ed. ‘I have not been set to dog you, nor do I know or care who or what you are.” The blonde released his grip, still eying his re doubtfully. , “What's your name?” he demanded. “Well, sir,I am at present sailing my ship under the name of Philo Fly, of Phenix—Phil Fly, for short. I may have another name, or a half adozén of ‘em, but Philo or Phil will an- swer all demands for the present. And now, suppose you tell us your handle.” “My name is Bartley Brewster, to you. I, too, may have bad another name, but it is dead now. I rather like your style, friend Philo, and as we are both going to this bad caimp, | pro- pose we mate together for mutual pretection.” “Tm agreeable!” Phil returned. ‘I’ve no doubt but what we shall need our wits about us to keep out of trouble, and may have to fight for our lives. If it does come to that, I carry a couple of talkers, and know pretty well how to handle them, I fancy.” “Which is a good thing. I, too, am armed, and not afraid to fizht, if it is necessary. Isu pose, according to the driver, we shall have & x — accept of accommodations at Black Mag’s Hotel or else sleep out doors?” @ ‘*T don’t know, yet. We may get no chance tosleep at all. One thing, I’d advise you to take that diamond pin out of your scarf. Such costly trinkets as them ain’t safe to wear into such a place as Camp 10!” : Brewster followed the advice, and the stage ee on through the gathering gloom of the vight. s Brewster appeared to become absorbed in mee own thoughts, the conversation, of course, at once, however, a little cry of surprise” burst from Phil Fly’s lips, as he saw a man’s face, for an instant, appear at the window in the door of the coach,—a brutal-looking, be- whiskered face, of the most villainous type, peeping out from under the broad rim of a sloueh sombrero. oa It was quickly withdrawn, however, and t next instant there was a flash, and the sharp re- port of a revolver. =a Then, a groan of pain escaped Bartley Brews- ter, and he cried: ‘*My God! I have been shot!” +" CHAPTER II. eas “OPEN THIS HYER DOOR!” ee Yes, the blonde passenger. was shot! tas a There could be no doubt of that, for he sunk...2 backward upon his seat, and appeared to either “\ faint or expire, + Phil Fly could not really tell which, for the . gloom within the stage-coach was so dense. — ‘Hello! there! stop the coach,” Philo yelled to the driver. ‘‘ Mr. Brewster Hamibeenshott, But no attention was paid to the appeal, and the clumsy vehicle rattled on, as though nothing had happened ; * Again, Philo shouted, at the top of his voice, but to no use; the stage did not slacken in the © least, and was going at a speed that made it dangerous to attempt to get out of it. tm) ‘““Confound the driver! Either he’s deaf or this is a put-up job!” the boy muttered, in vexa- Mer “JT wonder if my friend is badly wound- He seized the stricken man by the,shoulder. ‘‘ Hey, Brewster, are ye burt bad?” he asked. ‘“‘ Where did the bullet ketch you?” The only answer was a faint - : As well as he could Philo made an examina- tion, to_ascertain where the shot had taken effect. He found the garments over Brewster’s left breast saturated with what he had a good reason to suppose was blood. ‘ eR In the darkness, however, hehad no means of offering the suffering man any relief, and was — wondering what to do w the stage rounded an abrupt curve and rolled down into a little mining-camp, whose twinkling lights Philo could see from the Window. ; “Claim 10!” reared Jehu Josh, from his box, as the vehicle came toa halt, ‘All passenjars’ out fer Claim 10!” Philo Fly of Phenix at once opened the door and clambered out of the coach, at the same time darting a quick glance to ascertain if pos- sible what were his immediate surroundings. The coach had halted in front of a large two- story-and-attic framé building, sided up with rough, unplaned boards, and batten with strips—a barn-like edifice, which, owing to its unusul size, was a noyelty to find in a little camp like Claim 10, which boasted of a perma- nent population of about two hundred souls, _An unroofed piazza extended along the front of this structure, and over the principal en- trance door, was a sign-board, bearing the in- scription: “ROARING BULL HOTEL, = Se ‘* BLACK Maa, Prop’r.” é f Several men were lounging upon this piazza, as Philo Fly got out of the stage—big, ruffianly- looking fellows, whose faces reflected their time- hardened natures. They regarded Philo with scrutinizing glances. f “*Toughs, of the first water!” Phil thought, “and as Brewster is badly hurt, I see no other way than what we shall have to take up with the accommodations of this den.” : a He them turned to Jehu Josh, : aa ‘*Come! climb down off your box, for I want you to give me a lift!” i f ‘Give ye a lift on what!” demanded Josh, | a «ae alte ‘On the other passenger!” replied Phil. “He's _ been shot, and may be dead, for all I know. . — ‘‘ Humph! Who shot him?” aa “‘T don’t know, more than that some one fred Oy in throngh the win“ow back herea piece,and the bullet hit Brew: ter.” _ ue. wh Xe . \
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“ Brewster?” ‘Yes, Brewster. That’s the other passenger’s name. Are you going to give mea lift or not?” Josh clambered down from his seat, and with his aid, Phil succeeded‘in getting Bartley Brew- ster out of the coach. He had not yet lost consciousness, but was so weak from the loss of blood, that he was unable to stand. So Phil and Josh assiste finally The Bere ae was all in one huge apartment, from old face d him to walk, and pot him into the hotel, singularly ower part of this structure, “ stub Fhilo Fly, of Phenix. SSSSSSSSSSSSsSssSsSsSsS903090@09090.SS quickly withdrawn, and before I c you, the shot was fired. Villainous one— The face was a most that of a man some forty years with bloodshot eyes and a couple weeks’ ble of iron-gray beard upon his furrowed Brewster appeared to reflect a moment. ‘**I do not recognize the desc ** but, there’s no doubt but w intended for me. I have an enemy who seeks my life, and that it was which brings me to laim 10,” ription,” he said, hat the bullet was ’ : ave you any objections to telling me his x which a rude stairway led to the upper rooms. name?” > The lower room was used as a bar-room,} ‘No, Itis Ezra Athol. A month ago I got > gaming-room and dance-hall, in addition to | an inkling that he had been seen here, but could ; ‘which there was a rifle-range, and a roped-off, | learn no more, SoI came on. lf you wish, I — platformed space for pugilistic encounters. will tell youmystory. But first, remove every- am The furniture was of rough description, and | thing from the pockets of my clothing, and let no doubt harmonized well with the characters | secrete it about your own person, where it will oes who were habitues of the den. | be the safest, until I recover!” © Noe Just such another peculiar place would be| This Philo proceeded to do, and had barely ee hard to find in all Arizona. For here men, wo- | finished, when he was startled by a loud knock, pe hs men and children mingled as freely and famil- | and a gruff voice cried: a” " iarly, as though they were at scme fair or festal ‘*Hello! in thar—open this hyer door!” gathering. Brewster was supported to a bench, at one side of the room, where he was assisted to lie ..down, a crowd of the habitues of the place _ gathering around in evident curiosity. _ “ What’s the matter of him?’ a chorus of ~ voices demanded, eagerly, ‘As we were coming in on the stage, some cuss fired in through the window, and salivated him,” Philo Fly replied. ‘Stand back! don't crowd so close around!” Phil added, with the air of one who had the authority to command. “Is there a doctor or surgeon in this camp?” “‘T reckon we're all our own doctors!” was the reply, with a chuckle, as a woman pushed forward, ‘* Where's the chap plugged?” Phil gave the speaker a keen scrutiny, before ans-vering her question. 5 He immediately formed the conclusion that this was Black Mag, the proprietress of the den. Her face, with the exception of her eyes, Was entirely covered by a thick black vail, through which no telling outline of her features was perceptible. » hen, too, she was dressed entirely in black, even to the jaunty hat upon her head, and the faultlessly-fitting gloves upon her hands. _ Judging by her voice she was yet a youn woman, although by her name, Phil had form the impression that she was some old and tooth- less hag. “The wound is in the left breast, I believe!” Phil said, in answer to her query. “If you can give us a room, I will try and get him to it, so we can make an examination, with more privacy.” “Very well. You can be accommodated. Here, Butch, assist the gentleman to carry the sick man up to the best room!” At Black Mag’s call, a burly individual, with a prize-fighter’s cast of countenance, came forward, and assisted Phil to lift Brewster, and carry him up the creaking stairs, where, after twisting abott through several dark ad narrow halls, they finally entered a fair-sized room, that looked out at the front of the building. If this was the best room, Phil wondered at what to expect of the others; for here there was no carpet, the floor beng coved with bear and wolf-skin rugs, while the only furniture con- sisted of a rickety table, an apology of a bed, a tin wash-basin and broken pitcher, and a couple of stools, With some difficulty Brewster was undressed, and put to bed; then sending Butch off for some liquor, Phil proceeded to examine the wound. e was not unskilled at such work, and always carried a pocket case of various little necessaries with him, which frequently came in handy for use. First stanching the flow of blood, and after some probing, he found and extracted the bullet, which he had traced along the strong upper rib. This gave him great satisfaction, for it assured him that the wound was not mortal. Brewster stood the painful ordeal with com- mendable grit, and after it wasover, and he had rtaken of a little stimulant, he announced that ane somewhat relieved cf his pain, __ ‘You bave been very kind to me, and if I re- cover from this cowardly attempt upon my life, you shall not go wnrewarded.” ; ‘Don’t mention it!” Phil replied. ‘ All I it “ be ¢ on Buck “cc CHAPTER III. “WE FOUND THE MAN DEAD WITH A DAGGER IN HIS HEART.” THE knock was so peremptory and heavy, and the voice so rough and authoritative, that it was little wonder both Phil Fl ster were startled. Were ie their arriva “Rats!” Phil said slipped Brewster a revolver, per lip, for it may be all right, after all,” Then, aloud, he called out: - ’ ‘Well, what do you want?” I want yer to open ther door, an’ don’t keep a feller standin’ all night. I’ve got a mes- sage for ye.” “ For who?” ‘* Fer you—ther young cuss,” y and Bartley Brew- to experience trouble so soon after in Camp 10} , in an undertone, as he ‘* Keep a stiff up- ho are you?” “I’m Butch, McTiger, ther toughest son-of-a- gun in ther town—so “Who is the messa “Buck Brennan—he’s the ‘ mayor’ o’ ther camp, an’ wants ter see ye about ther feller that shot your p monkeyin’, fer he’s waitin’ for ye, below. Don’t skeart; no one’s Phil exchanged glances with Brewster. “You'd better enaiy Se hawk. keep on the right side of these ye bevter hurry up!” 20 from?” ard. So come along, an’ no more goin’ to eat you?” go,” the latter said, ‘fer it ple. “Well, all right, but, look out for yourself, and don’t hesitate to use the pop, if any one bothers you!” Brewster nodded, and advancing to the door, Phil unlocked it. The towering figure of Butch stood in the hall, outside, ‘Come alon skeart at, I'd li »” he growled. ce e to know?” bas, hdd vm not frightened!” Phil replied. “ Lead He had a cocked nevertheless, instant’s noti They followed the course of the dark halls again, Phil fully on the alert, and finally de- scended into the lower apartment. Here the same crowd was collected as when he first entered, with added to the li . One of these leaned with his back against the bar, his elbows resting upo physique, about eight-and- and net so ‘ tough-looking audience, Indeed, his large, full-bearded countenance was rather prepossessing, except that the brows were habitually knit into a scowl, and his eyes were of a col their glance, He was dressed in a rough-and-ready business- suit, and Phil at once concluded that he was Brennan. A And this proved to be correct, for the man motioned Phil to app 1 ke: “ Well, young m trouble on your hands,” critically yo stranger from head to foot. revolver up his coat-sleeve, ready to drop into his grasp, at an ce, perbaps a few more roughs st. : it+a man of large forty years of age, ” as the rest of the » gray color, and rather stern in roach, as he spoke: an, I hear you have got some surveying the S ! nothing fatal, 1 hope,” Phil replied. have done is but_what any man should do to- | ‘‘ The wound is not so serious as I at first sup- ward another, ae ey idea who the man | posed, and I think the gentleman will be about } -~—s- Was, who fired the shot?” * shortly.” / = * Ab! did you see a man?” , _. “ What is his name?” es ‘“T'saw a man’s face appear at the window, a _ “Brewster, I believe.” moment before the shot was fired. It was . ‘i i ; im ia +o! : t 4 “You believe ? Do you not know ?” ould speak to 'out out even 3 ‘‘ Nothing more than that he gave the name on board the stage,” ‘* You never met him before?” “ No, sir.” ‘** Who are you?” **Philo Fly,” “ Fly ?” “That is what I said!” Phil was beginning to feel resentful at this cross-questioning. ‘Where are you from, Mr. Fly?” “* Phenix.” “ Are you acquainted there?” ** Somewhat.’ “You say Mr. Brewster received his wounds aes ete on the stage to-night?” ‘** He did. ‘ Please natrate the circumstances.” This Phil proceeded to do, giving a clear and concise statement of what had occurred, even oing so far as to explain how he had made utile efforts to hail the stage-driver, Buck Brennan listened, without comment, When Phil was through, he asked: ‘* How far from this camp did this shooting take place?” ‘* About a mile back, I should judge.” ‘Tt was dark then?” Tt was,” ““Would you recognize the face you saw at the window, if you were to see ita ?. \ ‘‘ 1 am not positive, but I think I would?” Buck Brennan turned to a bystander. ‘* Tell Josh to come here!”’ he said, Phil Fly of Phenix gave a little start, but no one appeared to notice it. ‘1 wonder what this means?’ was the thought that flashed across his mind. ‘The stage not gone on to Alta it appears!” At the moment, it was the least of his suspi- cions that there was a purpose to fasten the at- —e assassination upon him, Old Josh soon made his ap nce, somewhat unsteady on hislegs. That he had been imbib- ing ‘*Roaring Bull” poison was evident. * Josh, this young man was one of your pas- sengers, was he not?” queried Brennan, a as, =f ~ vat oe on ’em,” “ , ere did he your stage ** At Gregory’s.” ** Where did the other dg get on?” ‘This side of there, at the Gap!” ‘‘ These two passengers rode inside the stage?” ‘Ther latter part o’ the way !” ** Alone?” Vane *“See here!” cried Phil, a darting across his mind, questioning? My stairs than here!” ‘Don’t get impatient. We want to get all the facts of this case we can, for, if a willful murder has been attempted, as it undoubtedly has, the matter must be investigated, Josh, did you ar the oa tby of the pistol?” ‘I did not! ‘‘ That is strange, If such a weapon had been fired from the outside of the stage, you would likely have heard it, would you not!” ‘Waal, you.can bet ycur ace on that /” the veteran responded with a nod of his head and a rin. “Ive driven stage too long ter let my heerin’ machine git clogged. Ican heer ther chirp uv a cricket as fur as a crow kin smell nowaer!” ‘* And you heard no pistol report?” ‘*None.” | * Did you hear an within the stage?” ‘ Nix-ee!” Buck Brennan turned to Phil. ‘* Stir a hair, and you’re a dead chicken!” he said, ** for a pair of sixes are at the back of your head!” 2 Feeling something hard pressed against the rear of his cranium, Phil could but conclude that Brennan spoke the truth. ‘* What does this mean?” he demanded, indig- nantly. “Do you dare to intimate that [had @ hand in the shooting of Bartley Brewster?” ‘“* That’s just what I dare!” Brennan replied, with a cool smile. ‘‘ You see, my son, I’ve been on the detective force, in my vounger days, and when I heard the report of shooting it did not take me long to arrive at the conclusion that there was something crooked about the case, and th Fh might possibly be implicated in it. “You see, men are not generally cavorting along highways, and firing at strangers, whom they do not know!” : sudden suspicion ‘‘why all this cross attention is more needed up- y one shouting to you, from . Ps i zy Hi - ty © But—” “No buts at all, sir—they won't work, at all, Suspicion points clearly to you, with- questioning the injured party,.
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4 uilt bulging right out of your eyes. Boys, blow his brains out, if he stirs! Some one else get some ropes. We'll have the young lion in bondage!” ‘Youre an infernal rascal and a cut-throat!” Phil cried, his eyes flashing with rage. ‘For some reason unknown to me, you_have put this charge upon me, well knowing I am not guilty. t, wait, Buck Brennan! It’s your play, now, but I’ll play later in the game!” ‘““You never uttered a more forcible truth in your life!” the owner of Claim 10 smiled, com- lacently. ‘‘ You will play, later on, but it will upon a string of hemp!’ Phil made no reply. He was too enraged to express his feelings! e knew he had been drawn into a trap, and what the consequences would be, Brennan had sarcastically outlined. He dared not move, nor resist being made a prisoner, and so, practically, was in a bad fix! Some one brought ropes, and Phil’s hands were tied securely behind his back. By an oversight which the lad considered almost miraculous, the cocked revolver up his sleeve, was not discovered! This revolver was attached by its handle to a strip of rubber fastened on the inside of the sleeve. By a uliar jerk of his arm the weapon would drop down into his grasp. His feet were not bound, since there was little danger of his running raiyin' surrounded by a cordon of human beings who looked ugly and savage enough to rend him limb from limb. ‘“ Now!” Buck Brennan s id, when Phil had been disarmed of his belt weapons—‘‘ now, young man, we don’t Ue age to treat you in & one-sided manner, but judge and sentence you ona fair and square basis. If Brewster is posi- tive you had nothing to do with the shooting, ns mae have your liberty. Is that fair or not ; “You may think so!” was Phil’s —: Tf you go by what Brewster says, all right!” ‘Very well. Is the man able to speak?” ‘¢ He was, when I left him.” ‘Then, we'll soon settle it. Here are three representative and_honest citizens gf the place. They will go to Brewster’s room and get his verdict. If he clears you, you go free. If he accuses you, we sh hang you at sunrise, that being our regular lynching hour. Gentle- men, do your duty!” The three chosen men turned away, Phil saw them ascend the stairs. Eagerly he watched for their return. Brewster of course would clear him. At last the trio returned with grave faces. ‘“ Well, what verdict?” Buck Brennan de- manded, “We got no verdict!” replied one of the men, gery: “ We found the man dead with a agger in his heart !” CHAPTER IV. ° ACCUSED OF MURDER, THs announcement fell like a knell of doom upon the ear of Philo Fly of Phenix, and for a moment he could searcely believe that he had heard aright. Brewster dead? And with a dagger through his heart! What did it mean? Who had committed the terrible deed? What foul conspiracy was there on foot, by which he, Phil, had been decoyed from the room, so that some one else could enter and take Brewster's life? These and other questions flashed across the man’s mind, with Bhs rapidity, and w that Old Josh had not foretold wrong he said they were coming to a bad hole. ge announcement caused a murmur of sur- ‘e also to sweep through the assemblage, in big room, and Buck Brennan uttered an ad, you say!—stabbed through the * he cried. ‘Then, by heaven, the boy alread accomplished the bloody work he out to do! d he glared sternly at Phil. the young man from Phenix returned the defiantly. Tou’re off your base again!” he retorted. ‘hen you sent for me, Bartley Brewster was alive, and partly bolstered up, in bed!” ~ “Baht You can’t fool us, you murderin’ whelp! You killed him!” “You lie, like a thief. I did not, nor dol know who did. I can prove that I didn’t, by “the man you sent after me—Butch McTiger, ashe calls himself. He saw Brewster when I opened the door!” “Call McTiger,” ordered Brennan. ‘ He'll Why, I can _ see — — and - Philo Fly, of Phenix. ' tell us quick enough whether he saw the fellow alive, or not.” A search was made for MeTiger, and he was soon forthcoming. ‘You went to the best room, to summon this young man?” queried Brennan. ‘* You bet!” McTiger assented. ‘* When he opened the door, did you see the wounded man?” “No; Lonly see’d ther bed. I didn’t go in- side the room, yer see!” ‘ ‘Then you don’t know whether the man was alive or dead?” “T donot. But, I’ll be cussed ef I don’t think suthin’ were the matter!” “Why so?” ‘““*Cause I had a thunderin’ time gettin the young cuss to come down-stairs. had to an- swer about a dozen questions before he'd open the door. He wanted to know who I was, an’ what I wanted, an’ who you was an’ what you wanted, and the divil knows what all, before he opened the door.” “ Ah! that is evidence enough that the young villain had just done the bloody deed, and was afraid it would be discovered!” Buck Brennan declared, decisively. ‘“Tt’s a clear case against you, Mr. Philo Fly, and you die at sunrise, Ain’t I right, boys?” There was a loud shout of assent and ap- proval; people in the room evidently rt es alot aaeeal e’d better search the chap!” sug one of the crowd. ‘‘ Mebbe you'll find some furder evidence ag’in’ him.” “A capital idea. I'll do it myself,” Brennan declared. ‘*We may strike a treasure, if he is a high-handed bandit.” - Then he began. The first thing he found was a large wallet, well filled with money, and containing a dia- mond ring and pin and a gold watch and chain —the very things Phil Tea removed from Brewster’s garments at that gentleman’s solici- tation. ‘“‘ Ah! here is further proof of the young dev- il’s guilt, you see!” Brennan cried; “‘ for here’s Brewster’s wallet, with his name marked in it. It contains a sum of money and a diamond ring and pin.” ‘‘T came honestly by that wallet!” Phil spoke up, quickly. ‘‘ Brewster told me to take charge of it until he recovered.” ‘“‘Oh! without a doubt,” sneered Brennan, thrusting the wallet into his own pocket. Reig see what else you have got about your uds. All that was discovered was another roll of money, amounting to some four hundred dol- ars. “ Another fat boodle!” commented Brennan. “No doubt but what it cost some other good man his life. Tl take care of it until some one calls for it.” “'That’s my money!” cried Phil, “and you’re a thief if you take it.” ‘* Bah! even if itis your money, you will never need it, as you'll go where money aiu’t any good at sunrise, You're a bloody-handed murderer, and a cute cuss-in-general, no doubt, but you struck the wrong camp when you came to Claim 10.” “That remains to be told, Buck Brennan!” Phil cried, his voice Hi gy Ba 2 “Tm not dead yet, by along shot! And mark my word, Ill have a bitter revenge for this outrage!” ““Ye're not dead, eh?’ ‘*No, I am not!” “ And you'll have a bitter revenge?” “Yes, I will. I’m no baby, if not quite a man in years, and I’ve made more than one man — with fear in the past. So beware! If am not set at liberty at once, I will live to make every mother’s son of you hold in terror the name of Deadwood Dick, Junior!” “Of what?” cried Brennan, in surprise. “You heard what I said—Deadwood Dick, Junior! Did you ever hear of Deadwood Dick? —once an outlaw, later a detective, and always a dare-devil and avenger of the wrongs of those who were weak to strike for themselves! You have heard of him, eh?—I can read it in your face, “Then know that 1 am his namesake and bis counterpart! I neither fear you nor your ven- a ei nor do I fear death. I have faced it fore, and can face it again; but those who would have murdered me have paid the penal- ty with their own lives. So take warning! ‘““T was warned that I was venturing into a nest of thieves and murderers ere I came here. but was ready to meet you face to face, an fight you man to man: but T did not anticipate a conspiracy to entrap me, more especially when I brought into your midst a badly wounded man. “ But, now, I know that you are a set of hu- man vultures and cut-throats. Not satisfied with entrapping me into captivity, you have murdered my helpless friend, and then tried to lay the blame on my shoulders; but, by heavens, I ‘will live to bet you yet, and whether you know me as Philo Fly, or as Deadwood Dic’ Junior, I'll make you repent this night’s work “Bravo!” cried Buck Brennan, mockingly. “You made a mistake when you di n’t study for - the ministry, or else high tragedy, for ther’ ain’t much difference atwixt the two, hang me if there is, But, my dear Fly, we haven’t the least fear of being troubled in the future by your vengeance—no, not the least. As sure as the sun rises to-morrow, that sure will you have such a troublesome sensation in the region of Sie ae ee that you will forget all these idle The mine-owner then stepped aside, and held a low conversation with the three men whe had previously gone up-stairs to visit Brewster. These men were more respectably dressed than the rest of the “ a. Bull’s” patrons, ex- cept Buck Brennan, and did not have that ruf- oe stamp of features which nearly all the nan once more approached the prisoner. “Well, be no doubt about your Gage and so we shall have to carry out the rule that has prevailed here ever since this claim was settled—that is, age every murderer and horse thief caught. at sunrise you die. As you are rather a frisky individual, it won’t do to lock you up in any store-room in this camp, so I reckon the safest place we can put you for the night will be down in the Lieerted shaft. It’s sixty feet deep, and there’s no danger of your getting out before we want you.” Phil’s feet were then bound together, after which he was raised bodily between McTiger and another burly ruffian, and carried from the hotel. The night, by this time, was intensely dark, but the mob which followed the bearers of the prisoner were well equip with lanterns, so there was no difficulty in finding the abandoned shaft, which had never been worked as no pay- ing vein of ore had been struck. e windlass and sheet-iron bucket still occu- pied B pine over the shaft. . Phil was immediately placed into this bucket; then several roughs manned the crank, and he was lowered into the stygian gloom. Down! down! down! Then, after a while, the men reversed the mo- tion, and slowly hauled the bucket upward. When it reached the open air again, it was > . hil Fly, of Phenix, was far, far below, in bis cold rocky prison, with no hope of getting out, until he should be hauled up for execution. CHAPTER V. THE SHAFT SPRITE., Tue feeling of Phil Fly, as he was beifig lowered into the shaft, would be hard to de- scribe. To throw himself from the bucket meant death upon the rocky bottom of the pit. There was nothing to do but submit to being lowered down, down, into this prison from which there could be no escape, without as- sistance from the outer world. Phil naturally expected that the bucket would descend clear to the bottom, but he was disa- Agee disappointed, for when he calculated e could not be far from the bottom, the bucket suddenly upset, and tumbled him out. He fell a distance of some four or five feet, before landing, but, with the exception of a few bruises, he sustained no injuries. Being bound hand and foot, there was of course nothing for bim to do but sit there, in the bottom of the shaft, and reflect upon the unpleasant situation his coming to Claim 10 had got him into. % ‘ Here he was, a prisoner in the bowels of the earth, with no hope of getting out, and, look- ing forward to the forthcoming sunrise, what was in store for him? Nothing but the uncomforting promise that he would be lynched, in accordance with the custom of the camp, as Buck Brennan had ex- pressed it. “This, as may be supposed, was not an edi- fying outlook for the young detective. He had already seen enough of the people of Claim 10 to satisfy him that they were a flock st had. After a short consultation with them, Bren- — oung man!” he said, ‘*there seems to | | bal
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Philo Fly, of Phenix. of human vultures of the worst order, and, what was more—Buck Brennan the mine-owner appeared to be a ruling spirit among them. “Tt looks as if my jig is up for sure, this time!” he mused, gloomily. ‘‘ Brewster is dead they say, and who else in this camp would have compassion enough on me, to come to my rescue? But, then, I am not very well satisfied _that Brewster is dead! There’s some mystery ‘bout him, and this Claim 10, and—jingo! but wouldn't Like to get free, so I could solve it!” “ Wishing was one thing, but getting free was quite another, it occurred to him just then, and a feeling almost of despair came over him. _ Fally four hours must have passed when he * was startled by something that gave him a momentary ray of hope. It was a pebble, falling at his feet. The force with which it struck bottom con- yvineed the prisoner that it must have fallen from the shaft mouth. What did it mean? Was somebody up there who was going to at- tempt his rescue? He waited several minutes, in almost pain- ful suspense, but no more pebbles dropped, ‘““Pshaw!” he muttered, “it was foolish of me to in, that any one would come to my rescue! The stone dropped off of the side of the shaft, no doubt.” And so he ga’ve up hope, in that direction, and set about trying to stretch the cords that bound his wrists. But, it was a futile effort. The cords had been so tied that they were unyielding, and he finally had to give it up asa bad job. So, hitching along over the rough rocks, he at last found a wall to lean against, and pro- ceeded to make himself as comfortable as cir- cumstances would permit. He had hardly got thus fixed, however, when he felt something drop upon his outstretched feet, and it took him but a moment to make out what it was, “A rope!” hecried, joyously. ‘‘ Sure enough, some one is coming to my rescue!—or maybe it is to murder me!” But why should any one wish to take his life in the pit, when he was already sentenced to be lynched at sunrise? By catching the rope with his teeth he was enabled to tell whether any one was coming down it or not, : After a wait of several seconds, jerky move- ments, apprised him some one was sliding down it. Releasing his hold upon dt, he crawled to one side, so as not to be trodden on. _ At last, footsteps upon the bottom, announced that the unknown visitor had arrived safely at his destination. Phil remained perfectly quiet, curious to know what was the next thing on the pro- gramme, for he considered it judicious to let the new-comer break the silence. * A moment later, the oop of a bull’s-eye lan- tl removed, and a flood of light streamed forth. ‘A cry of astonishment escaped Phil. His visitor was nota man, as he naturally had reason to expect, but instead, was a girl! She was about sixteen years old, as well as Phil was able to judge, rather stout and plump of figure, but really good-lcoking, except that she was somewhat sun-tanned and freckled, and wore a shock of reddish hair, cut boy fashion. Her eyes were bright and roguish, and her mouth, a trifle large, but filled by two rows of pearly teeth, was fully as roguish of expression, as her eyes. Evidently she was the possessor of a joyous disposition, as well as of a stout heart, She was dressed in a simple calico skirt and bodice, the skirt short enough to expose a shape- ‘Ty pair of ankles, but wore no shoes or stockings, nor any bat or hood or bonnet upon her head. Here was truly a typical specimen of a rustic Wrostern girl, and Phil Fly of Phenix could but gaze at ber, in surprise and admiration, ‘¢ Hello! there!” she saluted, as she flashed the Jieht of her lantern upon Deadwood Dick Junior. “So youre here, are you, Mister Phil Fly of Phenix?” “T should presume to remark that I am!” Phil replied. ‘What's your name?” “Phil Fly. And yours?’ “Oh! my name’s Jim.” ‘© Jim 2” “Yes, That's what they call me, up in camp.” ‘“* But you have another name?” ‘“‘Not’s I knows on. Never had none that I ever peerd of, nor no one else, I reckon.” ‘* But, you have parents, or relatives?” ‘‘Nary! I was born of a blizzard.” What?” ‘¢T was snowed down, from up above. The say I come down in a blizzard, them as purtends to know. A shoutin’ Methodist preacher picked me up, as I was kickin’ bout an’ took me in out o’ the cold; he kinder ’dopted me, you see, an’ fetched me up ter walk in the way of the lamb as he used to say. But, the lamb an’ I could trot the same way as well as we might, an’ we uster make Pap Perkins lofts of trouble. Pap finally skipped up the golden stairs, about a year ago, and since then, I’ve been my own OSS. «So, there, you’ve got my hull hist’ry, in a nutshell. Supposin’ you give us yourn!” “*T haven’t any to give!” Phil replied,“ that would interest you. Did you come down here to rescue me?” ‘**T guess so. You look like a good sort of fel- ler, and I don’t like to see good fellers in trouble. I see’d ’em chuck you down here, and I thought mebbe you mighf want to get out. Sol slid down the rope to see.” ‘Well, you can bet I am glad you came,” Phil answered, heartily, ‘‘ for I’ve been feeling rather glum over the prospect of getting my neck stretched, in the morning. If you will cut these cords that bind me, I will be very thankful to Peles im set the lantern upon a rock, and taking a penknife from her pocket, freed the young de- tective of his bonds, in a jiffy, so that he was able to regain his feet. *“ Ah! free at last, by good fortune! I warned Buck Brennan that I would yet be free, and then he and the people of Claim 10 could expect my vengeance, dnd did not lie to him. I will make them feel my power, as they never felt that of any other man! “But tell me, little girl, why is it that Buck Brennan had me arrested on a false charge? What reason has he for being my enemy? for upon my word, I never saw or heard of bim be- fore!” Jim drew back, with flashing eyes. ‘Little girl!” she repeated. ‘‘Humph! I guess I am purty near as big as you are!” Phil laughed, heartily. “Sure ‘enough!’ 1 had forgotten that. I hope you will excuse me, Miss Jim!” “ Jim’s good enough for me, without any Miss hitched on, young feller.” * All right; Jim it is, then. answered my question, yet.” “ Well, I don’t know that Buck has got any more of a grudge ag’in’ you than he has ag’in’ every pilgrim that comes to this camp. Thar’s a notice put up that no strangers are wanted here, and them that don’t heed it generally turps up missing. Most who reads the notice don’t waste much time a-movin’ ov.” “Ah! The mystery deepens,” Phil said, more to himself than to the girl. “The what, did you say?” ‘The mystery that overhangs Claim 10!” Jim laughed oddly. ©You don’t know half about ther mystery as goes on’round here, and if you value yer ey you won’t go pryin’ around to find out! ‘“‘ But that’s the very thing what I propose to do, my little charmer, and I want you to put me onto ae points you can.” * Me But, you haven’t “Yes, you! I twig your shrewdness at a glance. You may be as close-mouthed as a clam, but there’s little goes on about this camp that you don’t know something about!” Jim looked pleased at this bit of flattery. “Are you a detective?” she asked, toying with a corner of her apron, and locking up at him curiously. “Tam. Why do you ask?” “Oh! because I allus thought Id like to get a look at one, to see what it looked like!” It was Philo’s turn to indulge in a hearty laugh. “Well, you see it before you,” hesaid; ‘‘ what do you think of it?” “Oh! you ain’t so bad, only I tho’t detectives had hook noses and hawk-eyes. You better not let the gang git onto it that you’re a detective, or they’ll hunt you clear out of Arizona.” ‘‘ They’re not partial to detectives, eh?” ‘Weil, I guess not! That’s why every feller’s snapped up, what persists in stoppin’ off heer. I see’d a young feller come here, sellin’ jewelry, about a week ago, but he suddenly turned up missing!” “This matter must surely be investigated!” Phil said, emphatically. “Tf wholesale murder is being carried on here, it is high time it was - on to get it by gambling, but they win their salt at that.” I do. just as you see her now.” 5 i hi a a IR ain What is the secret these human to be so zealously guarding es seem , ve lived “Go ask’em, I don’t know, and 1 here over two years.” ‘* Does the claim pan out well?” “Not very. Them as works it only makes a bare livin’, and I guess Buck Brennan ain’t get- tin’ rich, tho’ they say he’s got plenty 0’ rocks to fall buck on.” “Does he employ all the people here?” “Yes, them that works. There’s some as loaf around Mag’s, and never work.” ‘‘ How do they get their living?” “That’s more than I can tell Pc They let don’t believe “Do you visit the ‘Roaring Bull? ” “Not lately. Black Mag gives me the bounce.” ‘* Who is she?” ‘ . ‘Whois she? You knowas much about it as She was here when I struck Claim 10, “ And so, Buck Brennan, the mine-owner, is in collusion with this gang of toughs that hang out at Black Mag’s den?” “T don’t know. To-night is the first time I ever know’d him to show his hand in any sech a circus. Mag’s place, and stood in with the better lot o’ folks in the camp, who, say much, are bitter against Mag and her crowd!” é Heretofore he has allus fought shy of though they dassen’t “ Was it not Buck Brennan, then, who put out the notice you mentioned, warning strangers not to stop off here?” “ Nix-ee. That was Red Ruthven!” “Ah! The road-agent?” “Yes, How did you hear of him?” “ The stage-driver mentioned something about him. What do you do for a living?” “Oh! There’s a little placer dirt on the claim, and I work that, on shares, when I doanything.” “Indeed! I should think, young and un- protected by relatives, as you are, you would be afraid to remain in such a disreputable camp,” ‘Pooh! I’m not afraid. No one dares to lay a finger on me for fear of getting a through trip ticket to the next world!” ‘Why, surely, these burly ruffians do not stand in fear of a little body like you?” ‘“T wish you'd stop callin’ me little!” Jim said, petulantly. ‘If the galoots ain’t exactly scared of me, they are of my friend!” ‘* Who is he?” ‘Red Ruthven. He’s given’em all fair warn- ing that if harm comes to me he'll make it the last sickness fer the one as offended me. Ain’t he old lemons, though?” ‘“T should say so, and I shall take pleasure in echoing his sentiments, my young friend. don’t rat it’s any of my business, to inquire who this Red Ruthven is?” “No, nota bit, Come, it’s time we were get- ting out of here, before we are discovered, sides, I’ve got an engagernent to meet my high- toned beau, yet to-night!” ** Ah! you have a beau, then!” “You bet. He’s scrumptious, too—wears 4 plug hat, diamonds, a gold-headed cane, and kid gloves. Oh! he’s a real lord, from England, where he owns a castle, what you read about, He’s puttin’ up at the Brennan’s, an’ they say he’s goin’ to marry that stuck up Beatrice, but he ain’t if Ican help it. He’s sweet on me, an’ buys me candy, and I’m goin’ to set my cap for him!’ . “His name?” “Ts Lord Derby Dudley. But,come; we must get up out of here.” n ‘Twill climb up first, and then pull you up!” Philo said, quickly. “Allright. You'll find I’m not so little as ‘you think, when you come to pull me up!” Jim re- plied, with a laugh. 'T could pull up two like you!” Philodeclared, and in a moment more, he was climbing the rope, hand over hand, up through the dark sha a It was no easy job, to one unaccustomed s§ gerer rF a superabundance of muscle and grit will complish many almost incredible t ings, All due time he reached the top of the shaft, * — swung himself out upon the platform, =f He then turned, and groped toward the of the windlass, when he was seized by severat pairs of strong bands, and borne backward to the ground, where, in a jiffy, he was bound and helpless, with a gag thrust into his mouth, ¥ CHAPTER VI. A BRUTE’S WORK, te Ya Yes; Phil was a prisoner—there was no de nying that. ” Was e bo 4
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6 The tarry had been too long in the bottom of the pit, as Jim had hinted. Among the exultant faces which the youn detective saw ring down at him was that o the owner of Claim 10—Buck Brennan. “*Ho, ho;” he chuckled; ‘‘so you thought you wouldn’t stay down in the shaft, did you, my darling young desperado? You thought you’d pees 2 your oe punishment, and have the Jaugh on us, eh? But, you see we were too fly for you. It struck me that young minx, Jim, might make an attempt to rescue you, so we just laid around, so as to nab you when you came up!” : Philo made no attempt to answer. ’ He could not have uttered an: intelligible word had he tried, owing to the gag in his mouth His not making an effort to speak appeared to aggravate Brennan, for he immediately or- > the removal of the gag, which was one, : ** Now, then, what do you think we ought to do with you, for attempting to escape the custo- dy of the law?’ he demanded, sternly, by an ominous scowl, evilently trying to strike terror into the prisoner’s heart, Phil, however, only laughed defiantly. ** What law?’ he asked, ‘‘ You don’t pretend to say you have any law in this hell-hole?” ment for the misdemeanor. Now, then, sir, +h do you prefer? To be tied up by your isto the limb of a tree, from now till morn- take a flogging of fifty lashes. You’re ito get one or the other—so take your efore yoware hung you are entitled to pun- | “Supposing I don’t prefer to make any ice?” Phil said, still serie Then you'll get both punishments for your cOntrariness!” sneered Brennan. ‘ There's no ase of your imagining you can bluff us a bit, for we can cool down a young colt like you justi as easy as rolling off a log. You're in for it, and you'll get it, with a vengeance. So make up your mind which you'll have, as a choice!” ‘*T presume, you black-hearted wretch!” cried Phil, fiercely, ‘‘ that if I had any choice between the two evils, I should prefer to take the flog- ing. But remember, sir, and hear me swear it, that for every lash I receive I'll have a drop of our heart’s blood! ‘You'll find me less merci- 1 than a Joaquin Murieta!” ‘Bah! bosh! Don’t think I beed your baby- ish threats, for I don’t. Boys, seize him, and take him to the tree near the pool!” Several of the ruffians raised Phil between them and bore him to the edge of a sluggish pool of water, where a strong young sapling | grew upon the bank. t Here the clothing was stripped from his body, and he was securely lashed t» the tree, The hour was past midnight, and the business and dwelling part of the camp was wrapped in ! _“ Now, then, we'll hear the, young desperado %she cried; with a grim laugh. ‘ This |’ senly a foretaste of what he will get silence. ets to the place where we’re going to | nan. The others of the camp probably knew noth- ing what was going on, and had turned in, for the night. As soon as Phil was securely lashed to the tree, the men gathered around with lanterns, while a bull-whip was produced, and seized by Buck Brennan. Ph Only about a dozen roughs were with Bren- at sunrise. off, he laid on the lash again and awing a bloody welt all over Phil’s | th teeth set tightly, the victim made y; not even a groan escaped him, rennan paused a moment in his cruel face expressing much surprise. , Pll be cursed if the youn @ grit than I gave him credit } ¢ levil ' for!” he | p look at him, McTizer; maybe he’s ! * o! I have not fainted!” Phil cried, his joarse with passion. : a may as well go on with your work, / you hellion, and derive what satisfaction you : out of it, for if ever I get free, your life amswer for this outrage.” Yr OU Bt “Wie do pretend to say just that!” Brennan is Ae growled, ‘‘and you'll find we intend to enforce ee >the letter, too, You are convicted of sty a : er, and shall hang at sunrise. But that’s | fl ty a li, You have just attempted to escape the ‘ie be . ; . OEP eance of the law, which is a misdemeanor; | him!” Philo Fly, of Phenix. “Oh! I’m not done, yet!” Brennan replied, and again swung the lash. ** Halt!” Like a roll of thunder, so deep and sonorous the voice, came the challenge. Brennan had evidently heard that voice, be- fore, for he gazed around in a startled en ‘“Rnough of this inhuman work, Buck Bren- nan,” came in the same stern tones, again. ‘“ Strike that OY SDE blow at the deadly displeasure of Red Ruthven!” hen, @ horse’s footfalls, were heard slowly receding from the vicinity. Buck Brennan had turned pale, either with rage or fear, it was hard to tell which, and had at once dropped the whip to the ground. *“Unlash the boy,” he ordered; ‘we'll shut him up in Randal’s unoccupied shanty, and post a guard outside. He’ll be too weak to break out, and get away from an armed guard!” ‘“Yas, fer he’s fainted, already,” announced Butch McTiger, ‘ Begorra, an’ I don’t wonder at it myself, cuss my boots ef I do—eh? boys? I'm ther toughest son-of-a-gun in this hyer camp an’ ['d be kicked inter corn-cobs if I’d like to take that air dose!” Phil’s bonds were cut, and being to all appear- ances insensible, he fell backward to the ground. e was at once picked up, and his garments hurried onto him; then, he was carried to the Randal shanty, which had been completed only that very day, and was yet unoccupied, for sticks and shavings were yet strewn about the oor, Philo was deposited in one corner of the room, and then Snalberg, one of the ruffians, with a lantern beside him, and a cocked revolver in his hand, seated himself “pop a box, to keep vigil, | until morning, while Brennan and the rest of the gang took their departtire, to hunt up Jim, the. girl miner. a eS ee beens When the people of Claim 10 awoke, the next | morning, Randal’s cabin,had been reduced to a | smoking heap of ashes, scarcely an unconsumed. | timber remaining. \ Great was the excitement when the fact be- came known. Search was made among the ashes, and bones of a human skeleton were dis- covered. There were only a few of them, how- oer, the others having probably cremated into asnes, ' Snalberg was nowhere to be found. | So the question was—had both he and Philo | Fly of Phenix been incinerated? CHAPTER VII. BRENNAN’S SIREN, WE next look down upon the camp of Claim 10, abont two weeks after the events narrated fortably finished, inside, and comfortably fur- | nished, It was evening, and the mine-owner sat in an | easy-chair, in his parlor, and while smoking a cigar, he glanced over the columns of an Eastern paper, which ;that evening’s mail had brought im, ‘He wore a silk smoking-cap, and a handsome dressing gown, and all in all, looked little like | the vengeful man who had applied thirty lashes to the back of Philo Fly of Fo eal only a fort- in the preceding chapter. We will visit the residence of William Bren- nan, the mine-owner, better known in the camp as Buck Brennan. His house was about the only one in the camp that laid any claims to being a comfortable resi- dence, being two-stories in hight, and though rough of external appearance, was quite com- night before. As he perused the paper, he would occasion- ally pass his hand over his eyes, as if to shut out some horrible vision; then, after a moment, he would go on reading again, though it was ap- parent he scarcely knew what he was perusing. Finally, as if impatient at himself, be touched a bell upon the table at his right, ‘*Confound it, I must be out of sorts to-night!” he muttered, and must have something to stimu- late me. Some indescribable sense of danger seems weighing upon my mind. I must get rid of het by satisfying myself that everything is right. A Chinese servant entered—the only Chinese in the camp, by the way, and a typical specimen of his race, “John!” said the master, ‘‘ bring me the bot- tle of brandy, out of the closet; then tell your mistress I want to see her.” “ Allee rightee! allee‘rightee!” “And after that, tell McTiger I want to see ‘* Allee rightee. Some more wantee ” “No! Getout!” - ‘ Allee rightee. Allee samee quick—like ’Meli- can man!” the Celestial replied, and hurried — away, only to return in a few minutes with a bottle of brandy and glasses, at ee, He then disappeared again, and a few minutes later the door opened, and a young woman en- = tered—not a gir by any means, butafemale of == magnificent face and form, who was on the — ate shady side of thirty, and richly attired; a ravi ten ishing blonde, with soft creamy complexion, + brilliant dark eyes, and cherry lips—such a crea- ture as an old bachelor would go into ecstasies Japon Tt , a A, SY 5 > over, but a little too dignified to create an im- pression on a younger heart. pf fe 2 ) ‘* Ah! Beatrice, my child, you are rompt!? ve Sor, me | the mine-owner said, graciously, as she glided ~ forward, and knelt beside his chair, ‘‘ I’ve beer having the blues for over an hour, and was ob- liged to send for you, to cheer me up.” Nd ee” “You know I am always willing to do allim = = my power to make you cheerful, my dear,” Whe rh the reply, as she stroked his silken beard, ‘* What — is it that troubles you, my Willie?” yi ““T scarcely know, myself, pet, except it isa vague sense of coming trouble. Is everything , working well?” ry “So far as I know, itis. I’ve seen no cause for uneasiness or alarm, and you know I am al- ways on the alert!” > ‘“* Have you finished the last plate?” ie ees “Not quite, but shall do so to-morrow. I have also mastered the signature of Mr. —~ of — Sacramento, so that he could not deny it him- self. I shall have a check operated at once.” “Very good. I have feared that that ac- oi cursed young spy, Philo Fly of Phenix, might turn up again. have not been quite able to a ae + Za ¥ make myself believe that he perished in the flames.” : ““Pshaw! Have no doubts about that. If he ae escaped he would have made some stir, ere this. ; ‘“‘T am not so sure about that. He is a shrewd young customer, and has the grit of half a dozen ordinary men, I’ve been inquiring into his an-. tecedents, and find that there is a Deadwood Dick, Junior, who has been operating as a de- tective in other parts of the Territory, in the interests of the California authorities, and there’s no longer any doubt in my mind but , — what this Philo Fly was the same chap, just as he claimed.” iii : t ‘Oh! well, whether he was or not it don’t ~ matter much, for there’s no doubt but what he’s safely out of theway,now. If the check on—— — of Frisco works well, we shall not want to tarry Ng long in this vicinity, anyhow.” rg ‘*Very true. I see by my advertisement i» : this Frisco paper that Claim 10 is for sale at low figure!” =” n “‘Indeed! ‘You'd better destroy the paper at once, for if any of Mag’s gang were to get hol@ of it there would be trouble.” ha ““No danger of any one in this camp seeing the notice. Even if they did, I could tell them it.was a hoax, If any purchasers come along I shall be on the lookout for them. After the plate is finished and worked, and the check manipulated, and that other matter arranged, it would sbe high time for us to get out of the wilderness, as — the saying goes. But, let me ask, how is the i matter with his lordship, progressing?” 1 ‘‘As well as can be expected. Indeed ont « think he is on the eve of proposal, as I h ke: ~ a) drawn him on, well. To-night is justas likely 4 to settle the matter, as not.” ane eee | ‘* Well, play your cards skillfully. If he has. .- | rs , any considerable wealth about him, get all of it away from him you can, besides making him give you a negotiable draft on the bank of London, for twenty thousand pounds. If he is as wealthy as he pretends, he will not hesitate a . moment to do this, in order to get my charming =~ daughter, for his bride.” ; led ** Do you think he suspects?” . “Bah! no. Didn’t you successfully work Hood, of Denver, on the same racket, and he - was enough sight sharper a man, than this gawk of an English snob?” P ‘* Better not let him hear you call hima gawk,” Beatrice reminded, ‘‘or our fat will be in the fire. By the way, have you observed that Lord Derby has been making a good deal of that bare~ footed Jim?” ; ‘ “T have noticed it, but there’s no use of our interfering. He’s probably interested in her fe outlandish ways—that’s all.” ‘ eye ; ©. oc ‘“*T hate the little red-headed minx!” Beatrice _ declared snitefully. ‘‘I never hated any one o much in all my life as I do her.” * ‘** Because she makes faces at you?” smiled the mine-owner. : a ‘‘Not for that, alone. Somehow I seem take a natural dislike for her,”
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~ é we ES Ou Siky pnd Ais ta we 2 _ eS OT A ve =. if — a + att . =.) a ‘é Q Soe re ee Wer: Pikes | nd at ~ ‘Td give a deal to know who she is, and why Red Ruthven self-constitutes himself her pro- tector!” Brennan said, a dark scowl knitting his brows, at the mention of the road-agent’s name, “T presume you would rather know who Red Ruthven is himself, wouldn’t you?” Beatrice asked, “Tl know, ere long,” was the grim reply. “TN lay athep for him that he cannot help falling into. ou may go now, for I hear Lord Dudley entering the house, and you cannot afford tomiss drawing him into a game of cards, and making love to him, between times,” Beatrice bowed, and kissing him, arose and swept from the room, with the carriage of a queen, watched by the admiring gaze of the mine-owner—watched by a keen pair of eyes, that peered over the back of a sofa, directly in the mine-owner’s rear. ““ Where—ay! where could Lever get another such a prize!” Brennan muttered, aloud, when Beatrice had left the room. ‘“ At first I was sorry for making the alliance, but, that was because I did not know her worth, which I have since so practically and profitably tested. Ha! ha! she’s a jewel, and no mistake.” He touched the call bell, which brought the *” . Chinese servant into the room, ‘Send McTiger!” was Brennan’s brief order. ‘Allee rightee; me tellee he!” and Jobn scampered away. ) In the course of a couple of minutes, Butch McTiger entered the parlor. ** Waal, boss, heer I am!” he announced, as he near the mine-owner. ‘* What's “f “Oh! everything’s snug as a bug in a a i ““T presume so. How about the sorrel?” ‘“‘Improvin’ fast. If he war given the rein, ' I'd bet my pile he could go it in,two-forty.” ‘* Well, keep a close watch over them, and see that they are well fed. I'll take a look at ’em, to-morrow, maybe. You may go.” And so MeTiger also shuffled out of the room, The mine-owner then turned to his table, and took a wallet from his pocket. It was the same one, belonging to Bartley Brewster, that he had two weeks ago taken from Philo Fly of Phenix. arr, From it he extracted a document consisting of several closely written pages, and laid it on the table. He then restored the wallet to his pocket, and was about to examine the document, when the sound of a footstep upon the carpet, caused him to wheel quickly around. ‘“* Red Ruthven!” burst from his lips, followed by an oata “Just so!” was the cool reply of the intruder, in a deep, sonorous voice, ‘1 don’t see why you should be so apparently surprised. If I am not mistaken, I believe this is the date of the month when Red Ruthven goes around calling among his friends and acquaintances, To ne- gleci you would be an irreparable breach of courtesy, would it not?” CHAPTER VIII. RED RUTHVEN’S SQUEEZE, Ir was evident that Mr. Red Ruthven was a most unwelcome visitor, judging by the savage scowl upon Buck Brennan’s face, And, in appearance, Red Ruthven was not such an appearing gentleman as might be con- sidered a welcome guest in any person’s parlor. He was tall and brawny, ata glance, a manof - prodigious strength, and clad in a suit of scarlet with kn boots, slouch sombrero, and a full red mask of fine woven wire covering his features, His hat was worn slouched down upon his head in such a manner that it could not easily be told what color his short cut hair was. About his waist was a belt, containing no less than four revolvers and two, knives. Plainly, he - was well enough armed to resist a platoon of "enemies. He drew a chair around facing Buck Brennan, and seated himself with as much complacency as though he were not an outlaw, with a price upon his head, and ‘‘ wanted” for numerous stage __ robberies. “Yes, really, I should think you would be . glad to see me,” he repeated, smiling at Bren- 7 Philo Fly, of Phenix. 7 nan’s glare of hatred, ‘‘ considering how lenient I have been with you.” “Oh! I am, without doubt!” Buck replied, with withering sarcasm. ‘I don’t know of a man I would rather receive as a visitor, than you. Curse you, I’ve a mind to throttle you!” eyes! ‘Please don’t!” Red Ruthven pleaded mocking- ly. ‘*You know how fragile I am,and you should not think of harmin inferior!” ** Curses on you, what do you want?” “What do I always want when I call?” ‘Oh! money!” and Brennan grated his teeth, savagely, ‘ But, you'll not get it fhis time!” **Oh! yes'I will!” and there was a spice of sae ig in his tone. “I am positive will, Z—. * Stop!’ Brennan cried, quickly. ‘Dare to utter that and I'll murder you where you sit!” “Bah! what a baby’s threat! as [know your secret without your even knowing or suspecting who I am, what’s the use of making a fool of yourself? You’re in my power, and it’s no use for you to rant and rave about it. Money is what makes the mare go, and that’s what ['m after, as my mare won’t work without oats!" Buck Brennan again grated his teeth, and glared reflectively at the floor. ““T know what your thoughts are,” Red Ruth- ven went on, coolly. near done here, ia Claim 10, and you’ve a notion to defy me, thinking you can escape ere officers of the law can be put on your track. Now, let me tell you, don’t dream of such a thing! I don’t intend to allow any interference of that sort myself. As long as I get my monthly stipend, ’m O.K. When it ceases, look out for me! Vm not the only one you have to fear, I presume you know,” ‘* How so?” and Brennan looked startled. * Well, in the first place, there’s a detective in this town, lying shady, and waiting fora chance to nab you as soon as you get out of calling dis- tance of your ruffianly minions!” ‘You refer to that fellow—?” “Philo Fly, of Phenix—exactly. Mind, I don’t say he is a detective, or anything of the sort, but he’s got it infor you, and you have good and sufficient cause to tremble. I wouldn’t exactly crave his enmity myself!” ‘** Pshaw! heis dead!” ““T hope you'll sleep easy in that belief, If I were in your boots, I should feel easier, if I were sure!” Buck Brennan gnawed at his under lip, a moment, fiercely; then sprung suddenly to his feet_and confronted the outlaw. ‘Red Ruthven, I demand to know who you are!” he cried, almost furiously. ‘ There is no use of concealing your identity from me any longer. If I am in your power, now, I would be just as much in your power if T knew who you were,” ‘Exactly; but, you see, I don’ give you the desired information. withhold it until later. t ee e to —— all oubt, then, ‘* Look Iam growing daily more desperate, and [ cannot, will not stand “Yowre getting pretty g one so much your | ing to fear of him! want to know it, Philo Fly came here to serve it!” “Bah! It is preposterous to suppose that so important an affair would be intrusted to a mere boy. I do not believe a word of it!” ** Nevertheless, that boy, as you call him, has And fury incarnate blazed in the mine-owner’s already secured scoundrels as great as you, and. has the whole California detective force at bis beck and call.” ““What of that? He is dead, so I have noth- Dead detectives tell no tales.” “I miss my guess if he isn’t very much alive!” Ruthven declared, candidly, “Td not stake ten dollars to the contrary.’ ‘Oh! well, of course you would say so. Be it as it may, the young cuss will not dare show his face in Claim 10 again! As for what you may know or suspect about the San Diego affair, a fig for that! You are a robber, an outlaw, and your testimony would not be accepted any- where. You wouldn’t even dare appear against me, as you well know,” ‘“That’s where you fool yourself, Mr. Buck. Besides, I may know about more of your ras- cality than that San Diego matter.” “ What !” And the miner glared at his visitor with al- most savage malignity ! While Red Ruthven laughed coolly. ‘I may know of others of your transactions,” he went on, for your whole career has been one of villainous record. However, that is neither here nor there. As long as you pay my de- mands it is not likely I shall bother you, for, on a thousand a month I can live well, and lay by a penny for rainy weather, I am here for the. money, and I want it! Oh! by the way, how+ ever, how is Beatrice making out with his lord- ship? Why, the woman is old enough to be his mother nearly, and besides, what right has she to marry him?” Brennan snarled out another oath. ‘“That’s none of your business!” he gritted. “Td like to know how you come b all your pretended knowledge of my private affairs and those of my daughter, you accursed scoundrel!” “* Your daughter, you say!” and Red Ruthven laughed most provokingly. ‘Oh! well, get me the comfortable thousand and Til be going, and not be bothering you any more, for thirty days. You ought to feel pleased at the respite from my company.” : Bi. BS Y ich !” Brennan declared, rising hastily. ‘Come along into the next room, and you shail have the money.” : ‘‘With pleasure,” Red Ruthven responded, “but, take care you don’t try to play me into any trap, or ll shoot you so quick it will make your hair fall out.” Then, the two men passed into an adjoining room, the door of which was partly ajar. No sooner had they left the parlor than a young man climbed out from bebind the sofa, where he had lain in concealment, and stealing over to the table, seized the document that Buck Brennan had been about to examine, upon the arrival of Red Ruthven, A glance at the oiged seemed to satisfy the spy that it was what he wanted, for his eyes sparkled with pleasure. “The very thing!” he chuckled; “ as the trail is hot, [ can go to work, systemati- cally. .You laughed first, Mr. Brennan, and laughed pretty heartily, but my last and best laugh will knock yours all silly! By-by! I suppose when I am gdne, and the paper gone, you will accuse Red Ruthven of having taken it. I pity poor Red, that he should be so un- justly accused, but all the same, I can’t help it!” Then this daring individual softly opened the front door, and made good his escape. As the reader no doubt has guessed, he was none other and now, ‘| than, Philo Fly, of Phenix. CHAPTER IX, WHAT MR. FLY ‘‘ TUMBLED TO,” Yes, it was the redoubtable Philo Fly, off Phenix, who had gained entrance to the Brennan’ house, purloined the document, and made ‘good his escape. 5: ke ; As may be supposed, he did not linger long in the vicinity of the scene of his bold act, but hied himself out of the camp, through the darkness of the night, as fast as he could walk. : An hour later, he was seated in a snug little. mountain dug-out, before a ruddy fire, with the coveted document spread out before him. ge “Yes, I scored a big point when I took it into ° 4 Oe my head to make a quiet sneak into Buck Bren- - 7 nan’s house, and if the Honorable-Buck knew — a4 how much I learned by that visit I fancy a would feel more uneasy than he did in the pres- ence of Red Ruthven.” Hang me if I would not cs oe >
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acquaintance. well—” Here the young detective scratched his head, and read tho paper over for the third time: It ran as follows: *¢ This i: to certi?v that Iam Florian Flood, of the ety of New York, but am traveling at present under tho non de plum of Bartley Brewster, traveling the gvorld over in search of my bi terest enemy. “Tf [ come to an unnatural death, this will tell who I am, as I am well known and connected in New York, an lit may be,well to add that my mur- derer will mos: likely be Ezra Athol, as he is my foe and once made an attempt uvon my life, and woul do it again should we mec t. “My story is substantially as follows: “Two years ago I was a poor young man—a counter-jumper in a metropulitan dry-goods house, at a very smallsalary. with little hopes of seeing the time when riches shouid be mine, * Still I was fond of scciety, and managed to move in good company, and could. believe I had quite a number of warm personal friends. . ‘jt was while employed as aclerk that I met a most charming youvg lady, named Alma Athol, and she was every bit as pretty as was her name—one of the sweetest little bits of humanity, I thought, on the face of the earth. , * She was the daughter of Ezra Athol, a reputed wealthy stock speculator, and, as may be sunponed, f tho Atbols lived up-town ia fine style. * At first sight I fell in Jove with Alma, but never dared to show any evidence that she was any doar- | er to me than the thousand and one of the fair pa- trons of my counter, until I grew to b lieve that she had taken a fancy to me, from the fact that she be- came a daily visitor to the store, and whether mak- ing any purchases or not, never missed pausing at my counter for a chat. *; Well, our acquaintance ripened rapidly, and we becamo lovers, and finally were betrotaed. Then it was t went to Hzra Athcl, and asked him for his caughter’s hand in marriage. “]Te emphatically and scornfully refused to give his permission, and denounce. me as a fortune- | hunting vagabond, and ended by having me forcibly : ejected from his house. “The next day I was, of course through his in- strumentality, discharged from my job ai the stove, : Tno longer could see my Alma, though I watch- ed eacerly for an opportuni‘y, and finally what lit- tl) 1 had saved up dwindled down toward nothing, and I had to begin to cast around for anew job. * One night, late, while passing through M .lberry street, after a wearisome day’s unfruitful search, I was knocked senseless by some person who came up t behind me. Howl] ng I remained insensible I do : not know, but when I recovered consciousness I found myself in a damp, underzround apartment, where there was no lizht, and but very little air to breathe. “Here Iwas kept a prisoner for a week. Once a day atrap above me wasopered, and a loaf of bread and bottle of water were thrown down, One night, when I was asleep, I must have been ebloroformed and tuken from the place, fur when I awoke I found myself lying in a field, miles out in the coun- i, 22 Pees ‘Well, I finally worked my way back to New rn - York, intent upon ma.ing Ezra Athol smart dearly for what he had caused to b2 done. When I arriv- ed in the city I learned mueh to astound me—that Alma Athol had died and hal been buried in Green- wood Cemetery orly a few days before, and that, immediately afterward, Ezra Athol had failed in a large amount and fled to Canada, taking with him a fortune in money that had been intrusted to him for speculation! ‘The scoundrel had put him elf be- yond the reach of the law, and ruined many men, and brought poverty to many homes. You can see shat a villain he is. ” “But, 1 have nt told all, by any means, as the reader of this statement will agree, when I am through. *T had no suspicion that I had been misinformed about Alma’s death, but, mourning her loss, I re- s lve’ to visit her grave and cid so. Turough a for- mer friend I borrowed enough money to make a purchase of some flowers, and these I took to her grave with the intention of planting them uponit. '! While kneeling beside the freshly made moun4, me 7 sesmed to tell me that Alma’s remains L: ot lie belaw The longer I remained the firmer ame my conviction, and at last, crown nearly sp@ ate, I arose and left the cemetery. “But I could not shake off the belief, do what I would, and, as a result, a late hour of that same - Weicht found me and a friend in the cemetery, equip- péd with instruments for opening the grave. wi “We did open it, and the coffin, too, and found no corpse, nothing but a heavy log of wood, ~ Of course I then knew that Alma was not dead. We reburied the coffin, and I set to work. constitut- . “ine myslf a detective for myself, After very care- -. -ful and judicious ferreting. I finally learned from a former employee of the Athols that, a day previous fo Ezra’s flight, Alma had been smuggl d out of the city in a rugged condition, and taken to some place in the West. , _“'“ Here my trail ended, but I set out to pick it up again. Just before starting I came into a fortune, which nabled me to travel, I went to Canada, but could find no trace. I visited every State in tne ‘Union, crossed the ocean. went to Australia, all on false leads, but all to no purpose. “But now, at last, wuen my furtune is nearly tof > , thy a iar ' ‘ he 7 Philo Fly, of Phenix. all absorbed, I have heard of a man in Camp _ 10, Arizona, whom | have reason to believe is Ezra Athol. He goes under the name of Buck Brennan, and is said to have a lovely daughter. “So Lam going there to find out, and if I am mur- dered, you who tind this may come to the natural conclusion that.my assassin was my old foe, Ezra Athol. I beg that you will avenge me, and teil Alma I died for her sake! = * (Signed) BarTLEY BREWSTER, Otierut e, FLORIAN FLoop.” This was the contents of the document Philo Fly had robbed Brennan of, and the boy s eyes glistened with pleasure as he finished his last perusal, “It’s plain enough Bucky Brennan is Ezra Athol,” he*commented, ‘‘for Red Ruthven started to call him ‘Ez.’ But the next question is, where is this Alma, and is Brewster really dead? “T']1 bet my boots an’ go bare-focted that he ain’t! and that this Beatrice is not Alma, if I know myself! In the first place, that interview with Bucko was too suggestive, an’ after she went out he was askin’ where he’d ever find an- other sech a prize. Then, again, Red Ruthven said ‘your daughter? with an interrogation point in the speech, and laughed as sarcastically as a malaria mosquito in August. “Tt strikes me that Beatrice is Bucko’s better half or worse, as they’re tryin’ the confidence- love-and so-forth business on this foreigner to ‘get his boodle, same as they did on Hood of | horses—not he! Denver. “J wouldn’t mind communicating with Mr. Hood, if he wasn’t so far away. And you can bet D’il see the English snob, and sound him. “Now, let me see: What else? Ob! Yes. Bucko interviewed Butch, and asked how mat- ters were, and seemed very anxious. He made believe to inquire after two horses—the brown and the sorrel—but I closed my own one right eye, on that score. Bucko ain’t the man as would feel very much worried over two young If I read matters right, what is more natural than that he referred to people shut up somewhere? ‘¢T wasn’t burned up in the shanty, but was in the neighborhood for several days afterward, and didn’t see any signs of Brewster being buried. So, as Brewster, must be. sorrel, that accounts for one horse, I reckon. If so, mayn’t Alma be the other? I should say she might. Next question: where are they secreted? That remains not only to be found out, but it remains for Phil Fly to find it out. ** Now, let me see: ‘‘ Where am I to begin first? There are sev- eral persons it is important I should have an in- terview with, namely—Bucko, Red Ruthven, Lord Derby, Beatrice, Butch MeTiger, Black Margaret, Jehu Josh, perhaps, and last but not least, my little charmer, Jim. In all the cases but the latter, a steel persuader or two, carry- ing Number 32’s, might be necessary to induce free speech and open confidence, “T think his lordship might be induced to speak without any a 2 a for powder, and the others could be forced to talk some, except it be his royal redness, Mr. Ruthven, who, it strikes me forcibly would chaw lead and spit it out be- fore he’d tell any thing he didn’t want to. He talks like that sort of a hairpin, anyhow. ‘As for the robbery of the bank, in San Diego, the officer with the requisition will be here, in a few days and then we'll gobble onto Bucko, and make bim think his name is Dennis. “Tt seems that I’ve at last got onto the mys- tery, or part of it, about Claim 10, Beautiful Beatrice is finishing a plate. It can’t be a din- ner plate, for I haven’t seen a solitary crockery foundry in the town; and it can’t a coffin plate, for I judge they plant ’em here without even so much asa box. So what else can it be but a counterfeiting plate. ‘‘ Philo Fly of Phenix, there’s work ahead for you to wrestle with, and it behooves you to com- pose your anatomy for the trial of endurance!” And with this conclusion, the young detective began to make preparaticns for a good night’s rest. , There was indeed work ahead, for him! CHAPTER X. MR. JONES, OF YUCCA. Tun next day, Deadwocd Dick, Junior, other: wise Phil Fly of Phenix, arose from a refreshing slumber, feeling in good spirits, and well pre- ay to cope with the dangerous work béfore im. : After making his ablutions, he hastily cooked himself a repast of wild game, and partook of it with a relish He then set about disguising himself, prepara~ tory to visiting Claim 10. Since the fire at Randal’s shanty, the detec- tive kad not been idle, for he had brought ' to the mountain cave a couple of disguises, so as | to be ready for a change of appearance, at short |P notice. He now set to work, and in a short space of time, had transformed himself into a sedate and rather attractive-looking gentleman, in the ae of life, with a fine flowing beard, and neat attire. : He hnd a well developed. commanding figure, and so it was easy to ‘make up” to good advantage, and when he was made up, no one would have suspected that he was Philo Fly. When all was in readiness, and he was well armed, he set out for Claim 10, ena arrived there in the middle of the forenoon. The camp presented a somewhat less danger- ous appearance, than at nightfall, when lurking danger seemed to pervade the very atmesphere. But few persons were to be seen about the camp, when Phil arrived, anda dozen or more ruffians were lounging outside of Black Mag’s Roaring Bull Hotel. The other male denizens of the camp were probably working in the shaft. Phil made bold to saunter abcut tl reugh the place for some minutes, before venturing to ac- cost any one, and was ccnscious of being covertly watched by more than one pair of eyes—watched with curiosity, if not with actual enmity. Finally he approached the gang in_front of the Roaring Bull, and addressed Butch McTiger, Md was perhaps the most conspicuous of the Ov. ““T am looking, sir, for a Mr. Buck Bren- nan, owner of the mining interests of this camp!” Phil said, ‘‘Can you direct me to where I will find him?’ “What do you want of him?’ Butch de- manded, suspiciously. “T don’t know that that’s any of your busi- ness, sir!” Phil replied, promptly. “I simply asked you a gentlemanly question and expected a like answer.” : ‘Waal, didn’t you get it?’ McTiger dermand- ed, savagely. “1 did not. of giving me an answer,as you should have done!” “Ye'r a durned cussed liar, an’ I'll leave it to ther boys. Hey, chums, didn’t I give ther chap a gentlemanly answer?” ‘On course ye did!” assented his ccmpanions, in a chorus, “Thar, now!” growled Butch—* thet shows ye. Yetried ter make me cut no gentleman, did ye, ye cussed Easterner? I’ve a mird to get down off from this ere stoop, and crack yer jaws fer ye!” ** You'd best not try it!” Phil retcrted, “Oh! hadn't 1? Then, by thunder, I’! do it just fer fun, and take some o’ the starch cut 0” ve, ‘thout half trying. I'ma terror, I am, with hair on me teeth?” And with a snort of anger, intended to inti- midate Phil, he leaped off the piazza, with his huge fists doubled up and bis eyes glering. “But Phil did not scare worth a cent. He awaited the onslaught with perfect com- posure, not even assuming a defensive attitude at first. But, as Butch came rushing upon him, like an infuriated bull, bis right fist suddenly «truck out, and hit the ruffan between the eyes. The blow thcugh delivered with no ap arent force, as a spectator would view it, was hard enough to take McTiger ‘ off bis pins,” ard land him on his back. It was several seconds ere he attempted to arise, and when be cid he held cne hand upon his nose, from which the claret flowed copicusly, and groaned out: : “Thunder! but that was a soaker!” He then climbed up on the piazza, and en- tered the Roaring Bull, followed! by bis pals. — The rampant McTiger was, for the time being, undoubtedly conquered. Phil smiled ouietly, ard was about turning away, when a heavy hand was laid upon his shoulder, and he was wheeled abruptly arcund, facing—Buck Brennan! “Well, sir, who are you, end what is the meaning of this disgraceful street brawl] I saw,. while approaching?” the mine-owner demanded, eying Phil suspiciously. ; “My name is Jones of Yucea!” Phil replied, coolly. ‘I made an inquiry of a rough en the iazza as to where I could find a gentleman, whereupon he attempted en assault upon me, i fancy he got the werst of it, however, as one blow appeared to satisfy bim!” You asked mea question, instead —
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} ee ‘* What gentleman of this camp did you inquire for?’ Brennan demanded. “ On». Brennan, a mine-owner.” “Well, sir, lam that individual. What do you want of me?” ‘‘Ah! Glad to meet you,” and Phil put out his hand. ‘I received a dispatch from a friend in Frisco that there was a mine advertised for sale here on advantageous terms, and so I has- tened here from Yucca so as to be among the _ earliest on the ground.” ‘“Ah! Just so. Come along with me, Mr. Jones,” Brepnan said, evidently not a little pleased. ‘* Yes, I have a mine for sale, and ad- vertised the fact in a San ncisco paper, But, to tell the truth, I hardly expected an ‘answer so quick. Advertising is a great thing, eh, Mr. Jones?” ‘*‘A man who is too close-fisted to advertise does not deserve to succeed!” Phil smilingly replied, ‘‘What do you value your ‘mine at, Mr. Brennan?” ““ Well, you will have to look over the prem- ises and form something of an idea of its worth before I would feel like naming my price. You see, the mine cannot be bought separate from Claim 10, He who buys the mine also buys the entire claim, with all its buildings, implements, ‘machinery, etc., as well as its yet undeveloped mineral resources.” ; “So I presumed. How long has the mine been worked, sir?” “Three years.” ‘* About what has been the yield?” ** Well, you can form a modest idea, when I tell you that when I arrived here I had but ten dollars to cs name. Since then I have opened the mine, built all the habitations, put in all the machinery, paid my help, and cleared two hun- dred thousand dollars!” ‘Gulliver knocked out in one round; Mun- chausen double discounted!” thought Phil, but of course did not dare say so, aloud. “That is great prosperity, I should say, Mr. Brennan. I had no idea the mine was anywhere near so productive. And as your valuation upon it must be correspondingly large, I pre- sume it isnot worth while for us to talk business, as I am financially unable to shoulder such a hefty affair.” “Don’t be hasty. I have made enough to keep me well, as long as I live, and for this simple reason Tam willing to let the mine go at a great sacrifice on its real valuation. Do you Propose to pay down cash, when you purchase, jr? Aha ‘* Are you prepared to do so, now?” “Certainly not. I’d be a fool tocarry around large sums of money, in such a country as this. I should, after drawing up contracts, have to £0 aia and draw the money from the ank, Brennan looked rather disappointed at this Phil noticed. The wily villain evidently had expected that Mr. Jones had brought a fat boodle with him. “Well, that will do, if we can makea bargain,” Brennan finally said. ‘‘Do you wish to visit the mine?” “‘T must, of course, look over the entire property, carefully, as preliminary to purchas- ing,” Phil replied. . So they went to the mouth of the,shaft, and were lowered down many feet, finally reaching the drifts where the miners were at work. Brennan took great pains to explain every- thing that was worth explaining, and many _ things that were not. ‘Mr. Jones was next invited to visit the mine- --owner’s house, and examine it, and also have a glass of good whisky. | He was eager to accept the first offer, but not so sure about the second. The whisky might be “Saget _ Wide-awake, now, us ever, the young detec- tive was aware that Brennan was constantly regarding him, inquiringly. id he suspect the disguise? 7 _ Phil could not tell. - He was rather inclined to think that the mine- owner was “sizing bim up,” and trying to get out how much money he really was worth. Tf this was the case Phil felt quite reconciled, They went to the Brennan house, and Phil ' ‘was ushered into the parlor. The Englishman chanced to be seated there, at the time, and Phil was introduced to him as Mr, Jones, of Yucca. - His lordship didn’t appear to be much im- pressed wi with the name of Jones, and made only et very cold acknowledgment of the introduc- ion. Mr. Brennan then excused himself, for a few Philo Fly, of Phenix, minutes, and left the room; when Phil, leaning think the prospect of my taking the mine at over toward the Englishman, said, in a distinct | twenty five thousand rather allayed suspicion. whisper: ‘“You are in deadly peril, here! mile up the gulch, two hours hence, and I will explain all. Jama detective!” is lordship gazed at Phil searchingly, a moment, then nodded his head that he under- stood, and resumed reading his paper. CHAPTER XI. LORD DUDLEY’S STORY. Buck BRENNAN soon returned, carrying a sal- ver, containing a decanter and glasses, and de- posited it on the table, ‘*Help yourself, Mr. Jones and Lord Dudley,” he said, graciously. ‘* You'll find it better stuff than is generally found in these out-of-the-way Western towns, I had it sent here for my own use, you see,” Phil didn’t see, for any certainty. Lord Dudley helped himself freely to the al but the young spy touched it lightly, him- self. Then, Brennan showed him through the house, even to the cellar, but Phil failed todiscover the first evidence that either Brewster or Alma Ath- ol were prisoners, thereabouts. He was introduced to Beatrice, but did not seek to become particularly acquainted with er. Shortly afterward, he and Brennan left the house, and made a tour of the camp, even to vis- iting Black Mag’s and taking a drink; but Bren- nan objected to showing Phil through this latter place, saying the landlady did not have an idea that the property might change hands, and he did not care to apprise her until an actual sale took place, When once more out of doors, Brennan said: ‘* Now then, if you want to talk business, Iam ready. You have gone over the property pret- ty thoroughly, and ought to be able to estimate its value, pretty accurately.” ** Well, what is your very lowest price. Iam a man of few words, in making a bargain. I never banter. If a price don’t suit me, that’s all there is of it!” Brennan did not know what to say. He evidently did not understand his man. ** Well, as I said beforc, ’m willing to make a big sacrifice for ready cash. Ill take a hundred thousand!” the mine-owner offered. Too much for my pile!” Phil said, buttoning up his coat. ‘Too much entirely.” “Why, nonsense! The mine is worth two hundred thousand, if a cent.” “*Can’t help that, sir. It may be worth a million, but my pile wouldn't buy it.” ** How much have you got?” ‘** That is a question I don’t choose to answer.” ‘*T don’t believe you want to buy the mine at all!” Buck ietired, suspiciously. ‘‘Not at your figures, you can wager!” Phil retorted, rather sharply. “Well, will you give eighty?” “e No. ” “ oy ” . de i i “Twenty-five”? There was now a p-culiar savage gleam entering Brennan’s eyes—a gleam that betokened increasing distrust. , Tae stroked his flowing beard, looking thought- ul. ‘“ Twenty-five, eh?” he said, slowly. “Yes, twenty-five, cash, and not a cent low- ‘“* Well, that’s a little more reasonable. Still, I am not sure but what it’s too much. I should have to deliberate a little. How long will you give me to decide in?” ** How long do you want?” ‘* Two hours.” “Very well, P'll grant that time, knowing well that you will come to the conclusion you are getting a bargain.” “Then, I will take a walk up the trail, snd re- turn to your house with my answer at the ap- pointed hour, If TI conclude to take the mine, I will start to-night for Prescott for the money.” And so saying, Philo walked away. fle was aware that Brennan remained stand- ing in the street, where the interview took place, and watched him Capa he until he rounded the bend in the gulch, and was out of sight. Mr. Jones, of Yucca, did not hurry, but moved off at a leisurely and piovg! tful gait, His great wonder, though, was that an attempt was not made to shoot him in the back, and was heartily glad when he was out of sight, around the bend. : _‘ Tf Brennan had any suspicion of my bogus biz, why did he let me escape?” was the conun- drum that occurred to Phil, ‘On the whole, I Meet me a i He evidently wants to get rid of the mine and | skip at the earliest possible moment. Ill bavea word tosay about your skipping, my dear Bucko. As for your mine, and Claim 10, I wouldn’t give you twenty-five cents for it.” |" After rounding the turn in the gulch, Philo | hurried on at a stiff gait, for he had seen Lord Dudley leave the town while he wastalking with Brennan. Sure enough, a mile from Claim 10, he found the young Englishman awaiting him. A tall, willowy fellow was this Dudley—per- haps a trifle slender of build, i not at all | gawky. His face was smooth and rather sallow, yet not homely, his eyes blue, his hair very light colored. He dressed Spe eg aes and the jewelry he wore was of a decidedly imposing character. * I was just about returning to the camp!” he said, as Philo came up. ‘‘I did not think you were coming.” ‘*T came as soon as I could get away from Buck Brennan!” Philo assured, ‘ Let’s sit down here while we converse.” They became seated, as Lord Dudley remark- ed: ‘‘T shall be very much pleased to know what you want of me.” ‘One thing, I want to prevent youfrom mak- ing a bloomin’ ass of yourself. Excuse my plain- ness of speech, but, that’s my way. ow, see here: Your name is Lord Derby Dudley, of England, as I understand it?’ ** Exactly.” “Very well. Now, Dud, old boy, I’m a de- tective, but I’ve got nothing against you, and don’t expect to have, for 1 can see by your eye that you are white. I do propose, however, to save you from a snare set to ruin you; and asa reward for doing so, will you answer me a few YS wed You can trust me with implicit con- dence!” ** Well, what do you want to know?” Dudley. demanded, scrutinizing the detective sharply, and suspiciously, ‘* First, what brought you over from England, and most especially here to Claim 107” “*T came over from England in the interest of an old estate adjoining mine, and of which I am executor. I come in search of two heirs, who fled to this country some twelve years ago.” ‘Ah! Iaminterested. Goon,” Dudley smiled. ** Well,” he resumed, “in order for you to get any clear idea of the matter, I should have to tell you nearly all of the story!” ‘““Stave abead, then! Nothing would please me better than to hear the narrative, and, being a detective, it might be possible I could help you to straighten out the kinks, if there are any.” ‘** Would you, if you could?” ‘Bet your money on it, every time!” “Well, I'll tell you briefly: Twelve years ago a crusty old bachelor lived adjoining my un- cle’s estate—which is now mine—whose namo was Sir Roger Lonsvale, and he had in his custody two twin nieces, Maude and Barbara Lonsvale, ‘“* These girls, just budding into early woman- hood, were very wild, and, it seems, gave their uncle much trouble.” ‘* Did you ever see them*”’ ‘*No. I lived seme miles away, then, and was but ten years of age. Well, finally, the girls gree to be so 1eckless and harum-scarum that Sir Roger had to set his foot down, and be- came a mcst severe taskmaster, ‘The girls rebelled, and, ta money they could get hold of ; Almost immediately afterward Sir stricken down with paralysis only one interested in what nothing was done to recover ¢ ago, when he died, leaving the his fortune, and making me bh agent to attempt to find the m “Well, I set out on what was a mission not only of impor ly one of most uncertain rae ‘“T went direct to New York, wi were supposed to lave lande my search. After three m —persevering and unresting warded by a clew. which I fe inch, literally, until I found ¢ ‘*On reaching New York, 1 failing to find proper work, w beerium, in which they sé capacity of waiter girls. abilities gave them a place ¢ they remained for some time, “It was at Hill’s that Mand mei
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- : b, Coe / Philo Fly, of Phenix. New York widower, who became enamored of | that one of the important secrets of Claim 10, is her, and married her under the promise that, as | that the gang who hang out at Black Mag’s are long as he supported her in comfort, she would never make known the marriage. A promise she kept, so far as I can learn. Finally her husband went West, and while there, sent for her to join him, which she did, taking with her a little child which she had adopted. ‘“‘ Not long after, the husband returned to New York, but his wife and foster-child—never! The husband explained that they had perished in a blizzard, somewhere in Kansas, he alone, of the three, escaping. ; “Well, as near as I can learn, he began to make marriage overtures to the other sister, and some two or three years ago he broke up in business—failed for a fortune, and both he and Barbara disappeared!” “This man’s name?” Philo cried, eagerly. ‘¢ Was Ezra Athol!” CHAPTER XII. JIM’S WELCOME. Most detectives, young or old, who_had dropped upon a discovery like that which Philo Fly of Phenix had made, would have given token of their surprise. Philo, however, did nothing of the sort. He was silent until satisfied that he had mastered the excitement that raged within his bosom. He was conscious, however, that Lord Dudley was watching him inquiringly. “Tt strikes me you have heard that name be- fore;” Dudley said. ‘Does it?’ replied Philo. ‘t Maybe I have, and maybe I haven't. On the whole, I am pretty sure I never heard the name before you mentioned it.. But, go on with ‘age story.” Philo had emphasized heard, a little, but Dudley evidently did not notice the fact. “‘T haven't much more to relate,” he answered. “‘T came West, and have spent half a year in searching, but allin vain. I finally brought up in this camp—” ‘* Was introduced to Miss Beatrice Brennan, and have stayed here ever since!” finished Philo, with a quizzical smile that appeared to irritate his lordship, for he quickly responded: ‘“Well, yes, but that’s peculiarly my own business!” ‘‘Paculiarly your own business, it is!” re- peated Philo. “ Can’t say as I blame you. The young lady is decidedly a most charming crea- ture. **Do you think so?” “To be sure. What an ornament she'd make tothe home of a rich man, like you! She’s graceful, accomplished, and beautiful. What more do you want?” “By Jove you are right!” Dudley cried, en- thusiastically. ‘‘ She’s a creature most divine.” “Correct!” And I suppose you will marry her?” Philo asked, with sober face, but inwardly nearly bursting with laughter. ‘‘ Thaven’t said that yet, sir. I—I—” ‘You haven’t got the puckering string of your courage drawn tight enough to pop, yet, eh?” “Well, if you want it that way, have it so.” ‘Well, you needn’t spend any sleepless nights over the matter, She'll have you, fast enough.” ‘Eh? How’s that?” “‘T say she'll have you. In fact, sir, she’s bound to have you!” — . of! don’t understand. Pray explain what you ean! “ Well the matter is just this. Having found out who you are, Buck Brennan and Beatrice huve set about to get you intoa hole. This is how they propose to do it: Beatrice is to play the lover to you, and draw you on all she can until she gets you to t ropose. Then, she’s going to tell you that if you want her, you must give her a draft on the bank of London for a big amount, besides which she will bleed you of all your loose cash, to buy her wedding trousseau with. and—” _ & Stop! stop!” Dudley cried, angrily, leaping his feet. ‘‘ I will not hear any more—” 4‘ Sit down on that rock and sit there until ‘eet through, or I'll knock you down!” stern- * Philo cried, also arising. Dudley sat down again. ‘ » Philo then went on: meen. cA 7 ‘ q “*~ Can't, eh? ; can make you believe it when I tell you that _ Buck «When they have worked what they can out’ of you, you will mysteriously disappear, the same as many another poe man has done!” ‘Nonsense, nonsense! You cannot make me believe anything of the sort.” low, maybe I can. Perhaps I % uck Brennan is a villain, a thief, and a mur- r, and that the gallows awaits him; perhaps 1 will believe me when I tell you that Beatrice a r % ee at pes” \ here, 12 eee ’ ’ Ry not only thieves but murderers, and that Buck Brennan is secretly their chief, leaving it for Black Mag to stand the brunt of the blame for all the crime that occurs in the den.” “No, sir, I will not believe that. My opinion is that you are a blackmailer!” ‘‘Blackmailer be jiggered! What object could I have in blackmailing any one? There’s no money in it—not in this case, at least. I tell you, Dudley, I am giving you the truth in the matter, and it’s for your own benefit, If you don’t choose to believe it, that’s none of my look- out. Another thimg I can tell you, as a solid fact!” ** What is it?” “That you cannot have Beatrice, at any price!” ‘** Bah!” “Tt’s a fact!” ** How do you make it out?” *‘ Because she’s already Buck Brennan’s wife!” “That’s enough!” thundered a deep voice, hoarse with passion. ‘Stir an inch, at the peril of your lives!” The sound of the threatening voice, as well as the words, caused both Philo and Dudley a vio- lent start, and despite the injunction that they should not stir an inch, they did stir, by looking around. Just behind, and a trifle above them, standin on a rock, was no less a personage than Bue Brennan himself! ! He was the picture of rage incarnate, and in either hand he sd a revolver, the muzzles of which were leveled at the parties who had been surprised. “Ho, ho!” he roared, “but I have the bulge on ye now, me fine pair of ducks! A pretty little interview you've been havin’, at my ex- pense. But, I'll show ye that the man who gets ahead of Buck Brennan has to get vy Poe the morning before the first worm crawls! ove to defend yourselves and I'll fill your carcasses so full o’ bullets that you'll be dead weight!” With this admonition, the mine-owner de- scended from the rock, and came around so as to confront his prisoners. “So you aire a detectiye, Mr. Jones, and chock-full of lies about folks, the same as the rest o’ yer kit!” he snarled, as he glared at Phil savagely. “Tf you overheard our conversation, [ pre- sume there is no need of asking that question!” Philo retorted, watching his enemy narrowly, for a chance to draw his own weapons, ‘On course thar ain’t. I overheard every word that passed between you two, and I see a conspiracy is on foot to ruin the fair reputation of myself and daughter. But, ye can’t come any such game over Buck Brennan—not much! “Tn precisely ten minutes, by my watch, I shall blow the heads off the both of you.” ‘For heaven’s sake, don’t harm me!” cried Lord Dudley, apparently much alarmed, “I hadn’t anything to do with this man’s accusa- tions, and if you were a listener you will know I did not give credence to them.” “Then, you don’t believe the charges he made, against me and my daughter?” ‘Not a word, sir—not a word! I believe, as I told him, that he is a blackmailer!” ‘Very well, then; I'll let you off, but not so with him, the lying scoundrel!” “T haven't uttered a lie!” Phil retorted. “You know what I said was the truth. More than that, Buck Brennan, as you choose to call yourself, you have another name, which, were I to mention it, would cause much surprise to cer- tain people!” “Bah! your lies no one would believe! Take off that false beard. I want to see if my suspi- cions are correct!” “With the greatest of pleasure!” Phil re- plied knowing it would be useless for him to re- sist, and he suited action to the word. ‘‘ Philo Fly of Phenix, at your service, dear Bucko!” ‘Curse you!” the mine-owner gritted. ae suspected you were not dead, although my daughter tried to persuade me to the contrary!” - “Your daughter ! just as sure as there’s elec- tricity in the fur on a cat’s back, that sure am I that Beatrice is Mrs. Bucko Brennan!” The mine-owner uttering a fierce ‘‘ curse you!” foot deliberate aim at Phil’s breast, but did not re! Y There was a sharp rifle report, and a bullet shattered the villain’s wrist, the weapon falling to the ground while a clear voice called out: ‘* Drop that other shooter, Buck Brennan, or ye’r’ a dead man!” Brennan threw down his left-hand revolver, forger of checks, and a counterfeiter, and | with a bitter curse. \ ‘the flume. “Ye needn’t swear, Buck,” cried the musical voice again, ‘‘ for I wouldn’t ’a’ penneren you if you hadn’t been goin’ to salivate the Fly. You’re a pretty villain, ain’t you tho’?” And Jim, the Girl Miner, came tripping in upon the scene, holding a repeating-rifle in her grasp, ready for instant use. “You can just shuffle right away to Claim 10, Buck,” she continued, “ or I'll finish the job I be- gun. You know I’m wildcats an’ cattymounts, when my mad’s up, an’ it’s up now, higher’n a kite. So git! Englisher! You’re a skim-milk calf, you are, and I don’t want you never to speak to me ag’in. Git, both of ye, or ll shoot!” And, they “got!” CHAPTER XIII. THE NEW PARDS. BRENNAN and Lord Dudley, lost no time in hurrying away down the gulch toward Claim 10, Brennan bandaging his shattered wrist as he went. As for Jim, she watched them, until they rounded the bend, her pose graceful and defen- sive as she stood with rifle held ready for instant use; and Philo Fly of Phenix thought he had. never seen a prettier picture, for the little maid- en’s cheeks were flushed, and her eyes glowed With spirit and excitement. When she looked around, after the departing couple had rounded the bend, Phil was standin beside her and gazing down into her face, ad~- miringly. “You are a little heroine!” he said, laying one hand on her shoulder, ‘‘ and I have you to thank again for coming to my rescue. How shall I ever repay you!” “T don’t want any pay, and if you don’t stop calling me little, I won’t like you!” * All right! T had forgotten all about that. After this, I'll call you Big Jim. Now, won't that sound nice and romantic?” And Phil laughed heartily at the idea. Jim was forced to laugh, too. “ You're awful provoking,” she said, pouting her cherry red lips. ‘I neither want to be Big Jim nor Little Jim, but just plain Jim.” “ Allright. Now, Jim, I want you to tell me how you happened along so opportunely, It. seems to me I’m always lucky in being helped out of bad scrapes. I take after the originak Deadwood Dick on that score.” ‘*Tt’s a good thing to be lucky,” Jim declared. “You want to know how I came to be in the vicinity? Well, I'll tell you. I see’d a gentle- man talking with Buck Brennan, but I had no idea it was you, for I thought you had gone up ell, I see’d the stranger leave the camp, an’ I saw Buck Brennan sneak after him, and I s‘pected deviltry, and so I took a sneak after Buck. There you have it, all done up in a. prize package!” “Exactly! And again I repeat that you are a brave lit—I mean, a brave young lady, and you have my most sincere gratitude for what you have done for me, But, are you not aware that it will be dangerous for you to return to Claim 10?” ‘©T don’t intend to go back there. I’ve had my gold changed into greenbackers, an’ I’m goin’ to pull stakes fer some other point after awhile.” ‘“ Ah! after a while?” “Yes, For the present I’m going to hang ‘round these points, an’ see the fun when you scoop in Buck Brennan. I want to go and poke him in the ribs, when he’s bound so he can’t hurt me!” “Well. I opine that it won't be long before you will have that opportunity,” Phil answered, smiling. ‘I’m ready to clap the bracelets on him as soon as assistance arrives!” “So I should judge, by what I overheard you tell that chap Dudley. And is it so, that they're tryin’ to rope the Englisher in, and that Beatrice is Buck’s wife?” “You can bet bigh on it. There’s more de-~ velopments to come out besides as soon’s m plans are arranged, and I shall have to wor pretty cute to fetch everything around, But, I guess I’m equal to it!” “Tf I can be of any assistance to you, you kin count me in!” Jim said, eagerly. ‘I like adven- ture as well as the next one, and it takesa lot to scare me.” , » “No doubt you could be of immense service to me, in one way and another, Jim, but I could not think of running you into any danger, for, should any ill befall you, I could never forgive | vself. ” “Oh! don't fret about that. I kinder like you and I'd like to help you break up the devil- ump yourself! An’ you too, °-
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lane . — anaenr art try that’s been going on in Claim 10. Golly! would t.I like to see that stuck-up Beatrice git handeuffed, and marched off to jail? Id jest hoot, With joy!” “You will have a chance to hoot, if things workright As for your parding with me, Jim, you must use your own judgment about that, and remember that I have not sought to influ- ence you todoso. You may get hurt, and then you'll wish you had not run the risk.” “Not a bit. When I doa thing, and it kicks on me, f fever a hee myself because I got left. Pil look out for Jim.” ‘Very well; suit yourself. I am now going to my retreat, and you can tte re A me, if you like. Perhaps your friend, Red Ruthven won’t like your parding with me?” “Oh! he won’t care. Besides, it’s none of his business, anyhow. I know how to take care of ’ meee. - ? ey started off up the gulch, en route for Philo’s mountain retreat. Jim, now clad in shoes and stockings anda clean dress of pretty pattern, with her wealth of hair flowing in waves down her back, made a picture that Phil loved to feast his eyes upon. They chatted pleasantly as they walked along, Jim doing her full share of the conversation. Suddenly, to her great surprise and consterns- tion, she made the discovery that Phil was not walking by her side. She pau ed and gazed about her in all direc- tions, but he was nowhere to be seen! What could have become of him? At the time of his disappearance they had been passing along where a dense thicket bordered one side of the trail. . Phil was listening to his companion, who was vénting her opinion of Lord Dudley, to whom she had taken a sudden dislike, when he felt his arm seized in a vise-like grasp, and he was haul- ed quickly into the thicket, to find himself in the resenee of Red Ruthven, in whose eyes, as they ooked through the holes in his mask; there was a stern gleam. ; ** Young man!” he hissed, without relinquish- ing his grip, ‘‘ what are yonr intentions toward that girl?” “Most honorable, I assure you!” Phil replied looking him straight in theeye. “Iam proud tosay I never took an unfair advantage of any girl’s confilence ra “Jtis well. IfI thought you would harm her Td cut your heart out!” “You need have no fear. me of her own free will.” , “Very well. Go! Here, take this!” He handed Phil a large, plump rabbit, that had only-recently been killed. Phil took the cue at once—also the rabbit— and left the ticket. He found Jim looking around for him in every direction greatly surprised. “Oh! my! how your disappearance scared me!” she cried. ‘‘ Whata nice rabbit!” “ Aiwt it a daisy, though?” Phil replied. “ Do you know how to roast it?” ‘Well I guess so. I’ve roasted more than one of them. We'ilhave it for dinner,eh? That will seem just like we was married and gone to keeping house, won’t it?” * “Very much so!” Phil replied, rather absent- mindedly, at the same time wondering if there were any likelihood that he would ever marry again. ois thoughts went back to California Kit, ly- ing cold and silent ’neath the sod, and he was of the opinion not. Tn due time they reached the mountain cave, where Phil soon built a good fire which brightened it up wonderfully. Then, while Jim made preparations for roast- ing the rabbit, Philo sat down to lay out his plans and get Jim’s views. He narrated the circumstances of his first meeting with Bartley Brewster, and the subse- quent finding of the document, and all about its eontents. Jim listened, pgs ; “Now don’t it look asif both Florian Flood and Alma Athol were neither of them dead, but, instead, are held prisoners in Claim 10?” ' “Maybeso. But where would they be?” “That's for us to find out. Iam positive they are alive, and it must be our business to find and liberate them.” ‘They may be shut up in Black Mag’s?” That's what I think. Is there a cellar under the den?” ‘“T thimk sc. Once when I was there I no- ticed a trap door m the floor.” “You mevcr noticed any outside way of get- ting into ths cellar, if cno cxists?” ts No,’ “ She is going with oe aes ae = med \e 1 ‘ ie as ae q pi. 4 1A Philo Fly, of Phenix. LS A ‘* How comes it you are not allowed in the place any more?” ’ “Oh! I got snoopin’ around too much, an’ tryin’ to see what I could find out. Then Mag soured on me, and give me the G. B!” “Td like to get an interview with this Black Mag outside of the den!” Philo said, thought- ully. At which Jim laughed. ‘* You can keep right on liking,” she said. ‘Why so?” ‘* Because it’s said in the camp that she has Roe. been seen outside the place since it was uilt, ‘*‘That’s singular, by George! The more I think I’m getting on to the mystery the more I get tangled up. To-night we will go to the camp. It’s going to be darker than coal tar, and we can skulk about without trouble. I have a suit of youth’s attire that will just about fit you, if you’ve no objections to wearing it, and can disguise you so that no one will recog- nize you should they meet you face to face.” “Til wear ‘em. I'll smoke, chaw terbaccer, an’ swear, an’ do most anything so’s I play up boy all right!” Jim replied, with a laugh. CHAPTER XIV. RED RUTHVEN’S MANIFESTO, AND A WRATHFUL WOMAN, In Camp 10, the forenoon merged into after- noon, and the semi-tropical sun of Southern Arizona sent down more warmth to Mother Earth than it had done for many a day. The camp, literally, was in repose. The miners were at work far below the sur- face; the roughs and toughs of Black Mag’s den sought the shade upon the hotel piazza. Not a person was to be seen in locomotion about the camp, and everywhere was the Sab- bath-like appearance of a pious Eastern village. Until a man came running up to the piazza, in breathless haste, and shouted: ** Hi! boys; hi! b’ys—wake up an’ come along! ree suthin’ to show ye, what concerns you all! It was the signal for the clearing of the piazza and the crowd of roughs followed close at the heels of their fellow tough. He led them to a cabin at the extreme lower end of the camp, which was tenantless. The door had been torn from its hinges, and taken close to where the incoming and out- going stages passed, and there was propped up with poles, to a standing position. The side of the door facing the trail, had been pasted over with white paper, and the following message lettered upon it, neatly, with black ink: ““WARNING!! “Notice is again given to all strangers coming this way, not to stop at Claim 10, asif they do so, Tuey Do Ir Ar Tue Perit Or THEIR Lives! The camp is infested by a gang of _THIEVES AND MURDERERS! Their headquarters are at BuLack Maq’s Roaring Butt Horew! So take timely warning and beware! NOTICE NO. 2. “The before-mentioned thieves and murderers, 85 in number, sre hereby warned to pack up their traps and get out of thecamp of Claim 10, or they will be ruthlessly killed off, one by one, in rapid succession, Those who value their lives take heed. Those who don’t, will not be given any further notice, but will pass in their checks, one after another, until not one ofthe scoundrels remain, to sully the reputation of the town. “Black Mag and Buck Brennan are exempt from this list of thirty-five. They need not try to escape as they will be shot down if they do! ** Signed, Rep RurHyen.” This was the startling manifesto that stared in the faces of the ruffianly gang from the Roaring Bull Hotel. Some of the party couldn’t read, but to those who couldn’t the notice was read aloud, For a few moments the atmosphere around that billboard was burdened with curses and ex- ecrations, Many of the gang had never seen Red Ruth- ven, but that mattered not. He had a local reputation for being a des- perate man, and was feared by both the good and bad of the camp. He had heretofore issued several edicts to the citizens of the camp, with the warning that if his orders were disobeyed, the offender would be found ‘‘on his back with his toes turned up to the moon!” And when a case of disobedience had occasion~ ally occurred, the offender had invariably been: found dead. Thus it was that when the name of Red Ruth- ven was seen, or uttered, there was at once in- spired a feeling of dread. And this rough gang, who made Black Mag’s their rendezvous, knew that this manifesto. vs igi business,” in the strictest sense of the word. They realized it, from the fact that they had never before ‘been ordered to “ git up and git.’” In the mean time, while the gang were sur- rounding the bill-board, and discussing the situa- tion, another scene was occurring in an up-stairs. room of the hotel. Two persons were seated facing each other at a table. One was Butch McTiger, with a strip of court— plaster on his nose, and one eye swollen shut. The other was Black — She was dressed and masked the same as usual.. Her bead-like eyes gleamed through the holes: in her mask, brilliantly. Judging by her nervous movements, she was considerably excited. ‘*T don’t believe it!” she said, stamping her foot on the floor. ‘*“Ye kin do as ye please about that!” Butch declared, gruffly, ‘‘I jest give et to yer fer a straight pointer!” Black Mag smote the table with her fist. “Tf I thought this were true, I'd kill them both!” she cried, passionately. ‘‘I came here to seek an eventual revenge, but was not prepared for this. Where is Ruskin?” ** In Sacramento, I s’pose?” ** And has made returns?” ““Reckon so. The boss got a box from there last night on the stage. I kerried it to the house,, and the boss seemed glad to get it, and handed me a fiver to keep mum.” ““The wretch! And you say aman came to- buy the mine to-day?” “ Yes ” ‘* What became of him?” “Tuk a walk up the gulch. After a bit, Buck follered him.” ““Went out of the camp to complete their bar-- gain, I. suppose!” Black Mag said, grating her teeth—a peculiar habit she had when excited. “‘l'm much obliged to you for this news, Butch,, and will pay you well for it. But, Ezra Atho} shall find he isplaying treachery with the wrong person. Ha! how I hate the wretch! “Do you think they intend to fly at once?” ‘* No, unless across the border. They want to get their bands on all the boodle they can before they skip.” ‘* How are they making out with the dude?” Butch made a wry face. “*T don’t know,” he said. ‘‘ Things don’t seem to move very fast. I got kinder of an ideer ther Englisher knows more than they give him credit for. ‘*No doubt. Beatrice isa fool. Because she- succeeded once, she hadn’t ought to think she can do it twice.” ‘* Have you ever heard what brought Dudley to America?” ** No!” **Do you think they know?” “ No ” “ Have you ever heard Buck Brennan express a desire to know who I am?” e No ” Black Mag sat, then, for several minutes, ap- parently in deep meditation. Suddenly, she looked hard at Butch, with those small bead-like eyes of hers. ‘* Butch,” she said, impressively, “things ain’t going right, and I want to know if I can trust you’—if you can keep your mouth shut, from the rest of the gang?” “You kin, Isw’ar toet.” — - ‘Well, there’s danger ahead, Butch!” “T know it.” “Tf there wasn’t Buck would not skin ov’ - PY, He’s too fond of money.” “Right, ag’in.” eet “There are detectives on the scent _ was one of ’em to day, perhaps.” Phe ea ‘* Mebbe you're right.” ay “Tm sure Buck wants to get gut, 7 us in the lurch. That’s plain. No ack me: I came here, to Claim 10, fora purpose! +!1+% a purpose was to obtain vengeance. ‘* I met this man Brennan; he talked with me, and drew out of me that my scruples of ho , were not of finest silk, and offered me the job of superintendent of the biz. That was some before you came, ** Well, I saw a chance to make a concluded to forego my vengeance for a while. 2 Pe ee x ‘Abe spec, and
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12 & So I took charge of things, and you'll acknowl- edge that I’ve ruled right well!” ‘*Nary a man c’u’d hev done better!” com- plimented McTiger, wiping his mouth, and wish- ing he had a ‘‘ geyser.” = Maid ste see what the result is. You see what g my faithfulness hasdone. They pro- pose to sneak off, take everything they can with them, and leave us in the lurch.’ “Et looks like et, Mag, cuss my boots ef et don’t!” é ‘Butch, there is one whom I trusted im- plicitly !” ; ‘* Beatrice?” “Yes, But, she is proving false, too. Butch there is going to be a break-up, and you and it are alone in the secret, except them?” ‘* Guess we are, Mag!’ “Then, let’s not be left in the lurch. Let’s take all we can, and fly before the crash comes!” ‘There won't be much left to fly on, will there?’ Butch demanded, dubiously. “Don’t fear that, I have money. Besides, there’s murder in my heart, and Brennan and Beatrice pay the penalty of their faithlessness in the dead hours of to-night. Here!”—she hastily dashed off a note, on @ piece of paper. «Give that to Beatrice, and take care they don’t slide out on the sly. This night’s doings shall make Claim 10 notorious!” CHAPTER XV. MCTIGER ‘‘ CAVES.” Nicut drew on apace, and its mantle settled over the camp of Claim 10, like a funeral pall. By this time the news of Red Ruthven’s warn- ing had spread to every person in the place, and two-thirds of those who had been habitues of the Roarmg Bull Hotel had packed up their traps and vamosed. ; The other third were congregated within the hotel—grim, defiant men, who, it would seem by oe, savage aspects, feared neither God, man or devil. They had banded together, and sworn that they could not be scared from the camp by all the Red Ruthvens in the universe. They were armed to the teeth, and a more desperate looking set than one would care to see a photograph of, much less encounter. Black Mag presided behind her bar, but it was plain to see that she was restless and uneasy, and when her bartender came in, she willingly relinquished the bar to his custody. McTiger came in, after a while, and with a yawn, gave a glance at the clock, and went up- stairs. Some five minutes later, Black Mag followed his example, and found him in the same room, where they had held the previous interview. ‘Well, what’s the news?” she demanded, brenthlessly. MeTiger lit his grimy clay pipe, before he made any reply; then he said: ‘Plenty o’ news, but none you'll appreciate very much, nor any one else when they know ‘(Jo on! don’t keep me in suspense!” ‘You'll be lucky ef ye don’t git suspended by the neck,” was the grim reply. **Go on! go on!” ‘‘ Well, when I left the hotel I went to the house o’ me master ”—with a wink and a grin— ‘and I found him pacin’ the floor, an’ lookin’ as black as me hat. He didn’t say anything, an’ 3 can bet I was mighty glad he didn’t. Then hunted up Beatrice, and guv her yer note, and mee glanced at it, nodded, and threw it in the re. . “She will probably meet me, then,”, Black Mag said, absently. “‘ Did you see any signs to cause you to think that they are going to try to + get out, to-night?” se “No, I looked fer thet, but all seemed jest as ” usual, ’cept the boss ‘peared sorter flurried!” »... “How about Beatrice?” his Gunne *peared all right. She was settin’ ‘long- Ustt tas fpe dude, a-huggin’ up to him like et was SS Act tht y ppter’s night, an’ she wer’ tryin’ to keep . ‘, r4 4, a Ay gan eisevingt aE 2. iY It would have been better if those _.. «down-stairs, had ’a’ went, too, and me in the _ abargain,” re How. do you make that out?” 5a ie “Well, just before’ I came here, I took a ~~ : i ; : 7 learn. and d strun well head ter ta nearly stumb of ’em, an ture me!” ‘‘What has brou ee To et stan’s who got away must is correct. “Give it up. hemmed as tight as sowin’-masheen.” “Do you thin the soldiers?” ‘Nix! I allow no Philo Fly, of skirmish about the cam I found h across each outlet o now there is no escape from here up the mountain sides!” Phenix. 2k eS ee eS See to see what I could at the goody who work in the mine, aire gla Ruthven’s paper hes skeere gang, and they’re talkin’ 0’ organizin’ to-morrow rivin’ the rest of us off the claim!” “Bah! let ’em organize!” Black with a chuckle. ‘‘ You and I will be gone before then if nothin ** But, somet ‘Bah! what?” ** Well, it may tell ye thet there’s asqua interferes!” ing will interfere!” -goody folks thet Red d out so many of the Mag said, make et plainer ter ye when I do’ Uncle Sam’s troops f the gulch, and you This announcement caused Black Mag to utter something suspicious “You mean to tel demanded, hatf-fiercely. you bet! “T do, like an oath. me this in earnest?’ she thin’? put et inter m ke a look in them directions, an’ led on two different parties 0’ soldiers, Couldn't find out how many thar war ‘had ter git, fer fear they would cap- ght them here?—who has broucht them here?’ Mag asked, thoughtfully. sure, the camp has lon reputation, but I never expec be brought here.” ‘*T think I’ve an idea his sore nose gently. young cuss Philo Fly “Yes. I set him tive!” “T reckon ev’ry an’ me, I don’t bel at all, an’ I believe he soldiers comin’ here. red hot for this camp, goin’ to do it.” ‘What makes you t the fire?’ borne a hard troops would !” McTiger said, rubbing ‘““You remember the of Phenix.” down for a spy or a detec- one did, Waal, ’twixt you ieve the chap were burnt up war the cause o’ these He swore he’d make et an’ et looks like he war hink be didn’t perish in ‘‘*Cause the bones of only one carcass were found. There war two in the cabin—one got erway. The guard hain’t showed up since, so to reason he were burned. The feller have been Phil Fly. Be- sides all that, ef I know_the diff’rence *twixt wieey and water, Philo Fly werein town to- ay! * Did you see him?” “No, but I felt him!” “Ah! the man who came mine?” ‘‘ The same!” to purchase the “Tf Philo Fly, he must have been in dis- ise.” ‘Of course.” “This is bad!” Mag said, grimly. ‘‘ When ou come to mention it, I’ve a notion your idea What's to be done?” What kin be done? We’re ef the work war done by a k Buck Brennan knows about one else has seen ’em but e.”” “They won't make an attack to-night!” Mag said, decidedly. _ Why not?” ‘‘ Because it’s too dark. They wouldn’t know whom they were killing or “Guess youre right. on us in ther morni ‘* But, we must no examining her watch. me to go and meet Beatrice. make another careful reconnoissance. ’s house, and see that he does watch on Brennan Tf he does leave not leave it unknown to you. capturing.” They'll make er move demand surrender!” t be here!” Black Mag said, ‘It 1s nearly time for You may £° and a ee it, you follow him, and kill him—do you hear? Then, the coast will be c the safe!” lear for the fortune in McTiger nodded assent, but looked grim. ‘S3nosin’ I should get killed first?” he suggest- ed rather gloomi “Oh! that wi avenge you. ting hurt, if you use member, no pop-guns “Are you going to asked, not seeming en ospectus. “Oh! I am “J dunno about this business muttered, directly. ust going to ta the steely reply, whereupon Bla and left the room. McTiger sat a while, floor with one eye portly ¢ —* what then?” e of small account. I will But there’s no danger of your get- your knife properly. Re- to-night.” kill Beatrice?’ McTiger tirely pleased with the 1k with her,” was ck Mag arose looking toward the losed, as if he were in a deep study over some matter. 0’ killin’.” he ““Q? course, ter be in fash- ion, I’ve allowed thet I hed filled a dozen ceme- teries or so, but I don’t remember as I ever” killed anything much bigger than a cat. Now before we go to wadin’ knee-deep into gore, jes let ’s size up this thing. Fightin’ is all right. A feller relishes that like er calf does butter- milk, onless he gets punched, like I did to-day ; then it’s soon over, an’ he’s alive. “But this killin’, dead—I don’t know about that. Don’t think l'd like to be er corpus. ‘Pears like they wanted to get near a Ure. Reckon some of ’em does get too near one, the way they're singein’ em out East. ‘“No, by thunder! I don’t believe I hanker after the job, atall. If Black Mag wants him killed, let her do the job herself. 1 don’t mind sharin’ the swag with her, but I'll be teetotally cussed ef I want any murder on my dainty dukes, says Butcher McTiger!” “Thats right, Butch, old boy! I admire your good principles—I do, Py a 1 And with the words, McTiger received a slap on the shoulder that caused him to fairly Lound from his chair. As soon as he could regain his scattered senses, he made the startling discovery that he was in the presence of two persons, both of whom cabs cocked revolvers. The one ep as Philo Fly, of Phenix. he other was a slight, boyish figure, whom the reader will probably recognize as Jim. “How are you, Butch?” Phil said, with a laugh, ‘‘ You seem to be looking well, all ex- cept that horn of yours. Must have run against some one’s fist, didn’t you? Sit still now, and don’t give the slightest toot of your bugle, or I shall be under the necessity of putting out the light of your candle. If you behave yourself and do as I direct, your personal safety will be all correct,” “What d’ye want?” McTiger growled, re- maining seated, and looking decidedly. sullen, while he kept a weather eye on the weapons of the pair. ‘We want you to know we are here on busi- ness, and we mean business!” Phil replied. “We just heard you telling Black Mag about the troops. Do you know who brought the troops?” ” Fon T suppose.” “Right in one sense, wrong in another. I hunted down one Ezra Athol, for a bank-rob- bery and murder in San Diego. I found him here, under the name of Buck Brennan. I found out much more also, I sent word to the California authorities, and a requisition was ap- plied for to take Athol back intothe State. Igave warning of the desperate character of this camp, and when the United States marshal brought the requisition to-day, he came backed with sufficient troops to prevent any one escaping from this camp. nder my directions, he to- night stationed his men as you found them, and escape is impossible, unless one has wings to fly. How are you fixed for wings, Butch?” ‘Mine hain’t sprouted yet,” was the grim reply. .. RY thought not. Now, Butch, you see how the case lies—you’re a hard crowd, and your chances look rather slim. But for what you said, a bit ago, about not wanting to commit murder, you would be the very first man I should arrest. It is the proposition of myself and the marshal to arrest you all, bie and avoid as little bloodshed as possible. See?” ‘Dunno what ye want ter arrest me fer!” Butch growled, ‘I haven't done anything.” “Oh! we all know that. You're an angel, shorn of its wings! Now, look here, Butch; you know all the secrets of this shebang, don’t ‘**T know a few, mebbe.” “Of course you do. You're a pretty tough customer, the way you look at it; but for all that, you wouldn’t like to experience having a rope shirred about your gullet would you?” ** Waal, I should presume not.’ . “So L’ thought. It isn’t the most pleasant thing imaginable. Now, since as rg you own up to yourself that you wouldn’t lik do murder, I see there is some little good in you, and if you will do as I direct, I'll see that you get clear of everything, and have your « Then, I’m ver ha'rpin!? Butch cried, enthu- siastically, ‘Yer kin bet" yer bottom dollar I . won't go back on sech a chance as that, nohow! — What d’ye want o’ me?” ee dod deal; but if you give us a fair illus- tration of faithfulness, you'll have no cause to regret it. In the first place, there’s a cellar naar this shebang?” f a“ Yes,” z ' utch had no difficulty in recogniz-_ - e to - : ; | | :
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te — | | “What's in it?” “ A lot of boxes and barrels.” “ Nothing else?” a“ No. ” “No lying now, or your jig’s up!” ‘Tm tellin’ ye the truth.” ‘‘Then, where’s the counterfeiting done?” ‘‘In a sub-cellar, under the main one.” “Ah! Is it a large place?” “Sorter. About as big as t’other ’un,” ‘‘ Who does the counterfeiting?” ‘‘Thar’s six on’em. You've heerd ’bout men a-comin’ here, what never showed up again?” “Yes,” ‘* Well, they work the presses.” ‘“[ think T see. They are held prisoners, and forced to do this work.” ‘* You've hit it!” } “Why were not the gang given this work?” “They were better to hang around up-stairs, and fight ef needed. Besides, ef they went be- | low, they’d want pay!” and McTiger grinned, knowingly. “T see!” Phil said, thoughtfully; ‘‘ these pris- oners are forced to work without pay.” ‘““Cept bread an’ water. Ef they behave well, an’ ain’t lazy, they get meat sometimes.” “‘ Bartley Brewster down there?” “cc Yes.” “ At work?” “Not yet. Hewar goin’ ter be set to work to-morrow. He’s jest got well.” “Ts Alma Athol down there?” “ { don’t know who you mean!” “ Look out! no lying!” ‘‘*Pon honor, I never heard of sech a per- mn.” ‘“‘ Buck Brennan, otherwise Ezra Athol, has a daughter_imprisoned somewhere about this camp. You know where she is?” A light of comprehension broke over Mc- . Tiger’s brutal face. ; “Oh! you mean his niece. She's crazy, an’ locked up in another part of the sub-cellar than the counterfeiting part.” “ Orazy, you say?” . “The boss sez so.” ‘¢ Does she ever mention her name?” ) : ‘« Never heard her. I’ve been her keeper, too, ; for some time.” ‘+ Does she ever talk?” “Not much, About the only thing she sez is ) fer ter be let out, so she can find her lover, Florian Flood.” ; ‘Ah! It is indeed poor Alma Athol!” Philo said, turning to Jim. Then to Butch he con- tinued: |. : “This cellar is reached by the trap in the main room, down stairs?” ‘“That’s one way, yes—” ‘There is another way?” else is there?” ‘Only one—Jake Cub, the big nigger. He watches over the men with a pair 0’ to see thet they do their wor mutinize.” ; ‘* Another thing I’d nearly forgotten,” added Philo, ‘‘ wbo does the engraving of the plates?” ** Beatrice!” *¢Correct—at least, so I inferred. Now, - Butch, there is work ahead. We must get into that underground den and liberate those pri- soners.” Butch looked bland. ‘Dunno about that,” he declared. ‘Of course et’s all right an’ kerect about liberatin’ the prisoners, but, *twixt you an’ me, I ain’t rtickler *bout facin’ Jake Cub’s revolvers. e's allus on the watch, wi’ his pop-guns ready for use, an’ I tell yer that durned nigger can shute ther pimple off’n a man’s nose!” “Can't help that!” Philo assured. ‘“‘ It’s posi- tively necessary to free the prisoners at once!” Butch was silent a moment. “Tye an idea,” he said, “if we could only make it work. At ten o’clock each night I take the nigger down a bottle of bug-juice. Ef we only had something to put in it— “Dm your man!” Dick announced, promptly. ‘Here is a small vial of morphia solution. Pour half the quantity into the whisky and w Cub will go to sleep pretty lively. It is near be ten o'clock now and so you had better go. When ee you have executed your errand return to the x-shuters, F i “ 7 ; \ Besides the counterfeiters in the den who : | right an’ don’t i bee next room from this.” : ie “Good! Ill fix the nagur!” McTiger assured, % as he took the vial and left the room. i CHAPTER XVI. 4 A MAD WOMAN’S REVENGE. Wuen Black Mag went down-stairs, she was x intensely excited, but no one would have known , Philo Fly, of Phenix. it by her demeanor, for her face was not to be | a wretch even guilty of keeping his own child seen. She went behind the bar, and poured out a lass of whisky, and drank it down with as little hesitation as though it had been water, She then paced up and down the room for a few momerts, without speaking to any one; then, suddenly opened the door, and passed out into the darkness of the night. Those gathered within the Roaring Bull look- ed thunder-struck, for this was the first time Black Mag had been known to leave the hotel, since she had entered its doors! Once outside, and a few yards from the hotel, in its rear Mag paused. The night was intensely dark, there being no moon, and the sky being covered with inky clouds. There was no lightning, no thunder, still the down a flood of rain, clouds threatened to sen at any moment. When she paused, Mag pressed her hands to her forehead, for a moment, as if her head oe or else she was trying to think of some- ing. Then, she grated her teeth together, and glided away toward the Brennan house. _As she drew near it, she perceived that a light was burning in the front room, or par- lor, but the curtain was pulled closely down, so that she could not look in. This seemed a disappointment to her, She pressed close to the window, and listened. Inside she could hear footste Some one was pacing re no doubt Buck Brennan. This appeared to satisfy the woman, for she once more oF oa pe away, and did not pause until she reached a large gray bowlder, which arose, abruptly, out of the ground, to the hight of some ten or twelve feet. © Here she came to a halt, and looked sharply around her, but the darkness was.so intense she could scarcely see a foot before her face. ‘* Beatrice!” she called. ' No answer. “‘Can it be that, besides proving herself faith- less, she is too much of a coward to face me?” Black Mag hissed. A soft footstep sounded near, and in a moment more Beatrice, attired in a flowing wrapper, stood before the mysterious keeper of the - ing Bull Hotel. ‘ J LA agg you have come, eh?” Mag said, rather sharply. “Yes. I could no‘ get away, on account of Lord Dudley. , What in the world is the matter, — “* Matter enough,” was the terse reply. ‘‘ Girl, or rather woman—for you are far enough past girlhood’s days—when did you first know me?” Beatrice looked surprised. ‘*When did I first know you?” ** Bxactly !” ““Why it was some little time after you came to Claim 10, wasn’t it?” arly to and fro— “ Precisely. Who was it that first sought ac- quaintanceship?” ‘* Why, I—I believe it was I!” Beatrice re- plied, beginning to grow a little nervous under the steady gaze of those glittering eyes. ‘** ‘You came to me?” ac Yes.” ‘* What di i cyan ir renee “TI tell you!” Mag interrupted fiercely. **-You said you were Buck Brennan’s wife, but hated him, and proposed to me that we connive together, and as soon as we could raise a large sum of money, we would laave for foreign parts together, taking with us all the valuables we could Jay our hands on, including Buck Bren- pan’s money, ‘*-You engraved a special plate, and I person- ally worked off and circulated the paper, and gave you the good money to keep,as I trusted you. Now then, is not all this true?” Well, yes, I believe so.” ‘* And what is my reward? After all I have done for both you and Brennan—I’ve been your tool, your instrument, and you might say, your slave—how am I to be used?” “Why, Maggie, I don’t understand you. Are we not treating you all right?” **No, you are not!” Mag cried, with sudden fire. ‘* You think I am a fool, Barbara Lons- vale, but I am not!” ** Barbara Lonsvale !” gasped Beatrice, reel- ing back. ‘Yes, Barbara Lonsvale! I know you, and your true name. I also know that brute you are, I suppose, married to—Buck Brennan, he is called here, but whose real name is Ezra Athol, villain, defaulter, bank-robber, and murderer— 13 locked up in a dungeon. “Oh! I know him well! ‘‘ And the greatest surprise I’ve had, was in you, who promised constancy to me. Ha! you can't trust any one, nowadays. ““So you and Buck had a nice little plan to pocket all the money you could get hold of, eb, and fold your tents, Arab-like, and steal silently rig leaving us to the mercy of the officers of the law, who you suspected would soon pull the place!” “That is false. It’s a lie! Beatrice cried, hot- ly. ‘‘ We have had no such intentions!” ‘‘ Bah! it is you who lie!” Mag cried, fiercely. ‘“‘-Your whole scheme has been unfolded tome by one who overheard it. So there’s no use of your trying to lie out of it. "You had a conspiracy to skip out, and leave us in the lurch, but you will get fooled. ‘The town is surrounded on the two sides, my, soldiers, who have come for Ezra Athol, But, they shall not have him, nor you either! I intend to settle with you first. I am going to kill you, Beatrice, for your intended treachery. “Do not start, nor attempt to escape, for by so doing you will only shorten your moments on earth. fore I kill you, see if you know me?” She tore the vail from her face, and stepped close to the woman she intended to kill. ‘* Look!” she cried—‘‘ do you know me?” Beatrice anes ie her face, a moment, then ingly ejaculated: pee _" “‘- Yes, Maude!” was the reply—‘‘ Maude, your sister—Maude, whom Ezra Athol attempted to kill on the Kansas plains, in a blinding snow- storm, years ago—Maude, the avenger! ‘‘ Die, beautiful traitress, die, by the hand of her whose rights you usurped!” Something bright flashed through the air; then Barbara Lonsvale threw up her hands, and fell. backward upon the ground, with a dull thud. She never uttered a sound, never even moved after she fell. “ She’sdead, and I am partly avenged!” Black Mag hissed, bending over her victim. ‘‘It’s better so. She will never commit any more sin, now,’ A heavy hand was laid upon her arm, as she eretantnrnd up, and Red Ruthven stood before ! er She knew him at a glance—she had seen him before. “What do you want?” she demanded, fiercely,. but not trying to break from his grasp, because she knew she could not. ‘‘ So you are Maude, eh?” he demanded, grimly. ‘Yes, lam Maude, Who are you?” “Lucas Lee!” he replied, ‘‘Lucas Lee, the seaman, of other days—Lucas Lee, once your husband, before you forsook his home,.in his ab-- sence, to live with the moneyed rascal, Ezra Ath- ol. Do you know me?” «“T remember you!” she gritted. ‘‘ Release my arm ” ‘ Never!” he replied. «Then, take the consequences of your folly!” Her knife once more flashed through the air, and entered his breast. With a groan, he released his hold upon her arm and fell. Then, with a wild cry, she turned and fled: away through the darkness of the night. CHAPTER XVII. THE END. drama elt any oe The wind shrieks around the eav had been strung along, and up® ber of manacled prisoners were s soldier with drawn sword paced front.of them. , ‘These men were the remnant of gang, who had remained behind, ' burly negro, and the barkeeper. Their looks proved that they were f thing but comfortable. And no wonder! —pale, thin and emaciated hun straggling beards and greasy garn
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, a ee y & oe “ \ienl'd better pull in here until et stop hed Pepi ‘ ~*J 14 Philo Fly, of Phenix. They certainly looked as if they had passed through a great deal of deere & These men were not manacled. Near them stood a man in uniform, who wore _ the insignia of captain. Next to him, and conversing with him, was seated a strongly-built man, of honest, but de- cisive countenance. Upon a bench, in the middle of the room, a human figure was stretched out, but it was covered up with a sheet. Blood dripping down upon the floor, however, told a significant tale of its own. ; But a few feet further on, a man, partly bol- mesh up, lay upon a bed of blankets on the oor, His face deathly pale, and his eyes closed, but he was not dead, for his breath came and went in quick gasps. This man was Red Ruthven! There was no blood visible about his person. Standing near the bar, and looking decidedly nervous, was Lord Derby Dudley. That comprised the list of those present. Where were Philo Fly of Phenix and Jim? We will leave that for subsequent events to show. The captain and the man next to him were talking, the former speaking: ‘*Maybe you give the chap more credit, sir, than he deserves!” * Not a bit of it, I assure roe He’s as sharp as you find ’em, and you'll see him waltz the prance, in here before you know it, Why, sir, he is already a favorite with California author- ities, although he has never been across the line, I think.” ‘‘ What is his real name, did you say?” “Richard Bristol. His mother was killed by ’ a villainous uncle, and then, assuming the name of Deadwood Dick Jr.—you know the original Deadwood Dick was noted for great daring—our young detective hunted down his mother’s mur- derer and killed him. Since then he has proved himself an apt detective, and under different aliases, has worked out some fine cases.” “Just so. Your faith in the fellow, a may be the greatest, but in a case like this, should say it would not be policy to make any mistakes, [am of the opinion I had better send half a dozen of my boys, to make the arrest.” ‘* Nothing of the sort, sir. Don’t fret your- self. It is me who is to stand the blame if Ezra Athol escapes. My only fear is that the woman they call Black Mag willescape.” — - ‘“T don’t see how she can, unless she is a witeh. My men are strung solidly across the gulch, at either outlet of the camp. To get past 7 undetected, would be something impossi- e, ‘‘T see you have about the same confidence in your men that I bave in Philo Fly,” the United States Marshal laughed, good natutedly. At this juncture, one of the drenched soldiers, who were on guard duty, entered the hotel, and approached the captain. “There’s a stranger outside, sir,” he said, *‘ who has just arrived on horseback, and says he wants to get snelter here, until the storm is over!” The captain and marshal exchanged glances. ‘“‘T guess it’s all right,” the latter responded. “*Send him in. One man can’t do any harm here.” The soldier touched his cap and took his de- parture, and a moment later, the stranger was admitted. He was roughly clad—evidently a miner—and wore a long tangled beard that almost entirely covered his face, and a shaggy mass of hair. Glancing about the room, and by expression of countenance evincing some surprise at the pe- culiarity of the scene into which he had been in- troduced, he approached the marshal and cap- tain. \.»-{{ Looks kinder like ther’ was su’thin’ wrong, nee | i, he observed, with a grin. shere is,” the marshal replied. ‘‘ This ard sort of town, and we concluded tut time to try and take some of the wfit. Stranger here?” " y name is Hooker, an’ I war on my op.ta, when I got cotched in the Sead 1% Thy ». ’. Ther sojers wasn’t goin’ ter let me thiu, *til I told °em who I was, an’ where I war goin’. Don’t suppose thar’s any chance to get anything to drink, hyer, is ther?” ** There’s the bar; help yourself to such as you find ae replied the marshal. . Hooker didnot wait for the second invita- tion. but pepceedes to make himself at home be- hind the bar, and was noticed to take several bumpers, one after another, _ \ 1 Pe, { It was not long after, when the door opened, and three persons entered. They were Philo Fly, of Phenix, Jim, the Girl Miner, and Buck Brennan! Brennan was a prisoner, between the two. His hands were bound behind his back; his head uncovered, and hair matted with blood. He was at once marched forward into the presence of the captain and marshal. His features wore a defiant, ugly expression, and his eyes gleamed savagely. He was still far from being a conquered man in spirit. “Oh! we got ’em!” Philo announced, enthu- siastically. ‘‘He fought like a_tiger, but wasn’t no match for both of us. He an’ T was huggin’, to see which could hug the hardest, when Jim, here, hit him a couple o’ belts over the head with a poker, and he drapped. Then we got him! After he found his dukes were contined, he came right along, asmeek as a lamb.” “Ezra Athol!” said the marshal, rising, and gravely confronting the prisoner; “T have a warrant for your arrest for the murder of Samuel Styles, and also a requisition to take Ly into California, where your trial will take ace!” : “Tothe devil with you and your warrant!” was the gruff response. ‘* With my hands free, I’d murder the whole of you!” “Fetch that arm-chair!” ordered Philo. ‘‘ We'll bind his feet, and then bind him in the chair. Then, he will be safe.” This was done. While Philo snd Jim were near where Ruth- ven lay, the stranger, Hooker, A a aca the prisoner, and gazed at him, curiously. ** Why, Athol is that you?” he demanded. ‘‘Tt’s me,” was the grim reply. ‘* Who are you?” . “J am Maude,” was the quick reply— “Maude whom you seduced from her happy home—Maude whom you lured West, and tried to murder—Maude who swore vengeance—and here it is!” Before any one could prevent her, the dis- —s murderess drew a dagger from behind er, and bending forward, stabbed Ezra Athol once, twice, thrice in the breast. She then tried to stab herself, but was pre- vented by Philo, whocaught her arm, and others coming to his assistance, she was overpowered, and bound hand and foot. Her screams seemed to arouse Red Ruthven from the lethargy of death into which he was gradually sinking. He sat bolt upright, and glared wildly about im. ‘¢ That was her voice,” he cried in a firm, clear tone. “I would know it among a hundred. Where is she; where is she?” “What is it, Ruthven?’ Philo demanded, ap- proaching him. ‘““ Was it—was it Mag—Maude?—did she kill that scoundrel, Athol?” “She did! But{ she is now a prisoner. Do | you want to see her?” ‘Yes! Yes! Be quick about-it!” The false beard and wig were removed, and then Maude Lonsvale was half dragged before the dying road-agent. There were tears in her eyes, as she gazed at him, but she managed to control her emotions. ‘‘She killed me!” Ruthven said, bracing u with an effort. ‘‘I was a seaman, I pick her up out of the streets of New York, and married her—so part of Lord Dudley’s story 1s incorrect. I thought I had an angel. She was not my first wife. My first wife gave me a child. I married this woman, went sea, |jeaving my child with her.’ When I re- turned, my home was vacant, my wife and child gone. Little by little 1 found out that she had lived witha rich scoundrel named Athol, and had gone West with him, taking my Lena with her. “I took the trail, and at last, after many long years of search, weaved out the web that located them here, but, unknown to one another. They became parted in a snow-storm in Kansas, where it appears Athol tried to murder her. ‘‘Take her away. She has done enough and | her punishment will be sufficient, even if you give her her freedom!” ~ Maude Lonsvale was accordingly removed to another part of the room, and put under guard, Suddenly Ruthven sat up again. “Phil! Phil!” he fairly screamed. Phil hastened to his side. “* What is it, Ruthven?” he asked. ‘Where is she? where is she?” “ Your wife?” ‘*No! no! no! no! Jim!” ty 1 Jim hurried forward and knelt by the dying; man’s side. He caught both her hand and Phil’s in his own, and said: ‘*So young, and so strong, and I who have hitherto been so strong, am dying. Phil?” ** Well, Ruthven?” ** Do you know who this child is? No, you do not. Even she does not know. Phil, she is my child—my little Lena Lee, whom I lost so many years ago,” ; Here the dying man broke down, and wept bitterly, and so did Philo and Lena. whose souls were not callow was a dry eye. “Phil,” Ruthven went on directly, “‘ she is my child—and now, all alone in the world, at an age when she should most be protected, for I am dying. Isaw you with her to-day; i drew you into the thicket, and demanded to know if ou meant her harm. You looked me squarely in the eye, and said you did not. I believed you, and put all confidence in you. ‘‘ She will be all alone now. Will you take her, my noble lad, and see that the world uses her right?” ‘Ruthven, believe me, I will!” ae imey God! Kiss me, my child, and then— 2 y ! With tears streamin kissed him; then he sunk back, with closed eyes, and an expression of peaceful contentment stole — over his face, Every head in the room. seemingly by one holy impulse, became bowed. he marshal was the first to look up. The spirit of Red Ruthven had gone forever from this mortal realm. Phil sat beside the corpse, supporting the in- sensible form of the road-agent’s daughter. Poor Jim! The last act of the tragedy was over. Why give in detail the unimportant events that followed. A few words will suffice. The bodies of Ruthven, Ezra Athol, and Bea- trice, were buried on Claim 10, now the proper- ty of William McCombes. Of course, Florian Flood and Alma Athol, who played an unimportant part in our narra- tive were rescued; but by Pbil’s orders, were not liberated until that last scene was closed, and the interments had taken place. Ae wrod were then reunited, and are now mar- ried, The remnant of the “gang,” together with Maude Lonsvale, were sent to prison; Maude however, committed suicide before her trial came off. | Lord Derby Dudley went back to England, a wiser man, though no loser—for a check he had given to Beatrice was recovered—and the Lons- vale estate will go to the Queen. THE END. DIME DIALOGUES AND SPEAKERS FOR SCHOOL EXHIBITIONS AND HOME ENTERTAINMENTS. Dialogues, Nos. 1 to 33 inclusive, 15 to 25 popu- ~ ar dialogues and dramas in each book, Each vol- ume 100 pages 12mo. Speakers, Nos. 1 to 25 inclusive. Each speaker 100 pages 12mo, containing from 50 to 75 pieces. YOUNG PEOPLE'S SERIES, Dime Book of Winter Sports. Dime Book of Summer Athletic Sports Dime Gents’ Letter Writer. Dime Book of Etiquette. Dime Book of Verses. Dime Book of Dreams. Dime Fortune Teller Dime Ladies’ Letter Writer. Dime Lovers’ Casket. Dime Ball-Room Companion. Dime Book of 100 Games, Dime Chess Instructor. ~ Dime Book of Beauty. The above publications are for sale by all news- dealers or will be sent, post-paid, on receipt of price, ten cents each, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, 98 Witiiam sTREET, N, Y. And it is doubtful if ane those preean:. with sin, there down her face, Lena — ane ioe be é
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QE ee= Fy 201 Jack Harkaway in New York; or.The Adventures of the Traveler’s Club. By Brace- bridge Hemyng (Jack Harkaway), 102 Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smuggler; or, The Cruise of the Vixen. By Col. Ingraham. 103°Rhe Lion of the Sea; or, The Vailed Lady of San Tropez. By Colonel Delle Sara. 104 Deadw od Dicks Device; or, The Sign of the Double Cross. By EB. L. Wheeler. 105° 0id Rube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Cap- Sugar-Coated Sam 3 or. The Black Gowns tive. By Captain Hamilcon Holmes. Oll Coomes. of Grim Gulch. By Ed. 8 Wheeler. 106 wld Frosty, the Guide; or, Niokana, the | 164 Dandy Rock’s Pledge; or, Hunted to | 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman White Queen of the Blackfeet. By T. C. Death. By George Waldo browne. Trailer By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Harbaugh, 165 Billy Bagg :ge, the Railroad Boy; or,Run | 223 Ozark Alt. King of the Mountain; or, 107 One-Eyed Sim; or, The Abandoned Forest to Earth. Charles Morris, Featherweight Among the Outlaws, By Ed- Home. By James L. Bowen. 166 Hickory arry; or, The Trapper-Bri- ward Willett. 108 Waring Davy, the Young Bear Killer; or, The Trail of the Border Wolf. By Harry St. George. 109 Deadwood Dick As Detective. award L, Wheeler. 210 The Black Steed of the Prairies. By By James L. Bowen. . Core, By T. C. Harbau sh, Ail The Sea-Devil3 or, The Midshipman’s | 170 ** A Trump Card3”? or, Will Wildfire Wins Legacy. By Col, Préntiss Ingraham. and Loses. By Charles Morris. 412 The Mad Hunteér;, or, The Cave of | 171 Ebony Dan; or, The Rival Leagues of Death. By Burton Saxe. 113 Jack Hoyle the joe peeculator; or, The Road to Fortune, By #. L..\hecler, 114 The Black Schooner; or, Jib vunk, the Old Tar, By Roger Starbuck. ~~» ; 145 The Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rock’s Doom. By G. Waldo Browne. ; 116 The Hussar Captain ; or, The Hermit of Hell-Gate. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, A17 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport-Detective. Edward L. Wheeler. f y B 118 Will Somers, the Boy Detective Charles Morris. ‘ P 119 Mustang Sam; or, the King of the Plains. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 120 Bhe Branded Mand or, The Man of Mystery, By Frank Dumont. 321 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport; or. The Golden Idol of Mt. Rosa. By E. L. Wheeler. 122 Phil Hardy, the Boss Bovi or, The Mys- var’ 123 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 isl 182 tery of the Strongbow. By Charles Morris Kiowa Charley, the White Mustanger. ay T. C. Harbaugh. i #24 ppy, the Texan; or, The Young Cham- ion. By George Gleason, 183 125 en ndenn Bill, Miner; or, Madam Mys- tery, the Female Forger. By E, L. Wheeler. 184 126 127 Picayune Pete; or. Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. By Charles Morris. Wiid-Fire, the Boss of the Road; or, The Wolves of Satan’s Gap. By Frank Dumont. 128 fhe Young Privateer 3 or, The Pirate’s oronghold. By Harry Cavendish. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s Gulch. By E. L. Wheeler. 130 Mectective Dick 3 or, The Hero in Rags. By Charles Morris. 185 186 187 188 189 131 The Golden Hand} or, Dandy Rock to _the Rescue. By Goorge Waldo Browne. 190 132 fhe Hunted flunters; or, The Strange Horseman of the Prairie. By Edward §. Ellis, | 191 133 134 135 Boss Bob, the Kinz of Bootblacks; or, The Pawnbroker’s Plot. By Edward L. Wheeler, Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman; or, The Young Patriots of the North. By Oll Coomes. Captain Paul, the Kentucky Moonshiner; or, The Boy Spy of the Mountains, By C. 192 193 Dunning Clark, y 194 136 Night-Hawk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 195 127 Khe Helpless Hand; or, Backwoods Retribution. By Captain Mayne Reid. 188 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Say 4 och sa ays yl aegt Eabi is 139 Judge Lynch, Jr.; or, The Boy Vigilante. By T. C. Harbaugh, om 140 Blue Blazes; or, The Break 0’ Day Boys of Rocky Bar. By Frank Dumont. 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent; or, The Branced Brows. By Edward L. Wheeler. 142 Mandsome Harry, the Bootblack Detec- 143 144 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 tive. By Charles Morris, Secar-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter; or, The Mystery of Fort Rane. By Oll Coomes. Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective; | 203 or, Boss Bob’s Boss Job. By BE. L. Wheeler. 146 Silver Star, the Boy Knight. By Oll Coomes. | 204 UAT Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred; or, The Winning Hand. By Charles Morris, 148 Sharp Samy _ or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy. By J. Alexander Patten. 149 A Game of Gold3 or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike. By Edward L. Wheeler. 350 Lance and Lasso; or, The Children of 205 206 207 the Chaco. By Ca a SaaS cee 208 1 Panther Paul, the Prairie Pirate; or, a Dainty Lance to the Rescue. By Joseph E. | 209 Badger, Jr. te 352 Black Bess, Will Wildfire’s Racer; or, Win- ning Against O ids. By Charles Morris. 153 Eagle Kit, the Poy Demon; or, The Out- Ds Jaws of the Gold Hills. By Oll Coomes, 454 Phe Sword Hunters; or. The Land of the Elephant Riders, By Capt. F. Whittaker 155 Gold Trigger, the Sport; or, The Girl Avenger. By T C. Harbaugh. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood} or, 210 211 212 213 214 » The Picked Party. By Ed. L. Wheeler. : “457 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. By | 215 . Charles Morris. 158 Fancy Frank, of Colorado; or, The Trap- | 216 per's Trust. By Buffalo Bill. 162 Will Wildfire in the Woods; 163 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. 159 The Lost Captain: or, Skipper Jabez Open Polar Sea. By 160 The Black Giant; Coffin’s Cruise to the Capt. Fred. Whittaker. Jeopardy. By Jos. E. Badger Jr. 161 New York Nel 1, the Boy-Girl Detective; or Old Blakesly’s Money. By Ed. L. Wheeler. Life in the Alleghanies. By Chas. Morris. gade’s Spy. By Harry St. George. 167 Asa Scott, the Steamboat Boy; or, The Land 168 169 Pirates of the Mississippi. ly Ed, Willett. By Jos. E. Padger, Jr. Silver Circle. By Frank Dumont, Thunderbolt Tom; or, The Wolf-Herder of the Rockies. By Harry St. George. Dandy Rock’s Rival; or, The Hunted Maid of Taos. By George Waldo Browne. Bob Rockett, the Boy Dodger; or, teries of New York. By Charles Morris, Captain Arizona, the King Pin of Road- Agents; or, Patent-Leather Joe’s Big Game. By Philip. §. Warne, The Boy Kunaway; or, The Buccaneer of the Bay. By Lieut, H. D. Perry, U. 8, N. Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Sierras. By Edtwar.! L. Wheeler. Old Soli:ary, the Ilermit Trapper; or, The Dragon of Silver Lake. Ey Oj] Coomes. Bob Rockett, the Bank Road to Ruin. By Charles Morris, The Sea Trailer; or, A Vow Well Kept. By Lieut. H. D, Perry, U. 8. N. Wild frank, the Buckskin Bravo; or, Lady Lily’s Love. By Edward L. Wheeler. Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain. By Oll Coomes. The Hidden Hand; or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge, By Charles Morris. Khe Boy Trailers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path. By Joseph E: Badger, Jr. Evil Eye, King of Cattle Thieves; or, The Vultures of the Rio Grande. By F. Dumont. Cool Desmond or, The Gambler's Big Game, By Col, Delle Sara. Fred Hialyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers of the Inlet. By Charles Morris, Ned Temple, the Border Boy; or, The Mad Hunter of Powder River. By T. C. Harbaugh, Bob Rockett, the Cracksman; or, Driven to the Wall. By Charles Morris. andy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. By Wm, R. fyster. Buffalo Willy, the Boy Bullwhacker; or, The Doomed Thirteen, By Capt A. B. Taylor. Captain Kit, the Will-o’-the-Wisp; or, The Mystery of Montauk Point, By Lieut. H. D. Perry, U.S. N. Captain Mask, the Lady Road-Agent; or, Patent-Leather Joe’s Defeat. By P. S. Warne. Buffalo Bill's Bets or, The Gambler Guide. By Capt. Alfred B, Taylor, U.S. A, Deadwood Dick’s Dream: or, The Ri- vals of the Road. By Edward L. Wheeler. Shadowed; or. Bob Rockett’s Fight for Life. By Charles Morris. Little Grit, the Wild Rider; or, Bessie, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter. By Col. Ingraham, Arkansaw, the Man with the Knife; or, The Queen of Fate’s Revenge. By Harbaugh. Featherweight, the Boy Champion of the Muskingum 3 or, On_ his Muscle, Wits and Honor. By Ed ward Willett. The Boy Bedouins; or, The Brothers of the Plumed Lance. By Capt. F. Whittaker. The Black Hills Jezebel; or, Dead wood Dick’s Ward. By Ed. L. Wheeler. Prospect Pete, of the Boy Brigade; or, The Young Outlaw Hunters. By Oll Coomes, The Boy Pards; or, Dainty Lance Un- masks. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Gold Plume, the Poy Bandit; or, The Kid- Glove Sport. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Adventure. By Ed. L. Wheeler, Dark Paul, the Tiger King; or, Caught in His Own Trap. By Charles Morris. Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter, By T. C. Harbaugh, The Boy Herenles; or, The Prairie Tramps, Oll Coomes. Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective; or, Dot 4ectle Game Mit Rebecca. By B, L, Wheeler, Faro Frank of High Pine; or. Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pards. By Wm,R. Eyster, Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City, By Joseph E. Badger. Jr. Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. Charles Morris, Fritz to the Front; Scamp-Hunter. By Edward L. Wheeler. Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine. By Capt. Fred, Whittaker, Captsin Bullet, the Raider King; or, Little Topknot’s Crusade. By T. C, Harbaugh. Bison Bill. the Prince of the Reins, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, By or, The Ventriloquist or, Dainty Lance in . Vampires. By Philip §. Warne. or, Camp By Deadly Dash 3 or, Fighting Fire With Fire. ‘Tornado Toms; cr, Injun Jack From Red Mys- Runner; or, The 217 Captain Crack-Shot, the Girl Brigand. By Edward L. Wheeler. 218 ‘figer Tom, the Texan Terror. By Ol Coomes. 219 Despa d, the Duelist; or, The Mountain 220 Tom Wanner, Scalawag and Scapegrace; Fone Black Sheep of the Flock. by Philip 5 arne., 221 224 225 226 227 Dashing Dieks or, Trapper Tom's Castle. By Oll Coomes. Sam Charcoal, the Premium Darky; or, How the Boy Got Even. By Chas Morris. Snoozer, the Boy Sharp; or, The Arab De- tective. By Edward L. Wheeler. Dusky Darrell, Trapper; or, The Green Ranger of the Yellowstone. By Edwin Emcr- son, Little Wildfire, the Yourg Prairie Nomad; or, The Idyl of Echo Canyon, By O]1 Gi omes. Crimson Kate, the Girl Trailer; or, The Cowboy’s Triumph. By Col. P. Ingraham. The Yankee Rajah; or, The Fate of the Black Shereef. By C. Dunning Clark. Plucky Phil, of the Mountain Trail; or, Rosa, the Red Jezebel. By T. C. Harbaugh. Gold-Dust Dick. By Ed. L. Wheeler. Joe Buck of Angels and His Boy Parad Paul Powderhorn. By Albert W. Aiken. Old Rocky’s ** Boyees;? or, Benito, the Young Horse-Breaker, By Maj. Sam §. Hall, * Buckskin Sam. ' Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy; or, Turning the Tables. By Charles Morris. Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate from Right Bower. By Ed. L. Wheeler Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain; or, The Mysterious Ranchero. By Col. P. Ingraham, The Parson Detective; or, Little Shocty, the Ranger of Raven Roost, By Oll Coomes: The Gold-seeker Guide: or, The Lost Mountain. By Captain Mayne Reid. Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator; or, The Locked Valley. By Edward L. Wheeler. Bill Bravo, and His Bear Pards; or, The Roughs of the Rockies. By T. C. Harbaugh. The Two ‘ Bloods’; or, Shenandoah Fill and His Gang. By Charles Morris. The Disguised Guide; or, Wild Raven, the Ranger of the North. By Oll Coomes, Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret: or, A Sister’s Devotion. By Edward L. Wheeler Merle, the Middy; or. The Heir of an Ocean Freelance. By Col. Prertiss Ingraham, Giant George; or, The Ang’ of the Range. By Major Sam 8. Hall—* Buckskin Sam. Old Grizzly and His Pets, By Capt. ‘Bruin ** Adams. Sierra Sam’s Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints. By Edward L. Wheeler. Milo Romer, the Animal King; or, The Round the World Wanderer, By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. The Midshipman Mutineer; or, Brandt, the Buccaneer. By Col. P. Ingraham. Light-House Lige 3 or, Osceola, the Fire- brand of the Everglades. By Captain J. F. ©. Adams. Dick Dashaway; or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago, By Charles Morris. Sierra Sam’s Pard; or, The Angel of Big Vista. By Edward L. Wheeler, The Half-Blood 3; or, The Panther of the Plains. By Edward S. Ellis. 5 Captain A ollo, the King-Pin of Bowie. . C. Harbaugh. Young Kentuck3 Captain Mark Wilton. The Lost Hunterss or, The Underground Camp. By Captain J. F. C. Adams, Sierra Sam’s Seven; or, The Stolen Bride, By Edward L. Wheeler. The Golden Harpoon: or, Lost Among the Floes. By Roger Starbuck. BDare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ran- ger. By Oll Coomes. Fergus Fearnaught, the New York Boy. By George L, Aiken. 262 The Young Slenths; or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail. By Charles Morris, Deadwood Dick’s Divide; or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. By Ed. L. Wheeler, The Floating Feather; or, Mere Monte’s Treasure Island. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, The Tiger Tamer; or. The League of t} Jungle. By Captain Fred. Whittaker. Killb*ar, the Guide; or, Davy Crocket Crooked Trail. By Ensign C. D, Warren, The Buckskin Detective; or, Clav Crecy, King of American Road-Agenis. PF T. C. Harbaugh. Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail; o From Ocean to Ocean, By Ed. L. Wheeler, The Gold Ship; or, Merle. the CGon- demned. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. A New Issue Every Tucsday. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all newsdealers. five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Punuisrens, 98 William Street, New York, 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 or, The Red Lasso. By 268 | 269 tw © >] =) or a
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~~ © "as ; a Mig task 320 ss the Boy Skipper. tu 821 Deadwood D Plog ae Fr, niet E 3 4 ota Rewe Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective; or, “— Tracki eee: 1) Better, BEADLE'S 270 Blizzard Wen, the Arizona Cyclone; or, The Riot at Keno Camp. | y Capt. M. Wilton. 271 ‘Fhe Huge Hunter; or, The Steam Man 272 of the Prairies. By Edward 8. Ellis. Minkskin Mike, the Loy Sharpshooter, By Oll Coomes. 273 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs. By Edward L Wheeler. 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice; or, Harry Keen's Big * Lay.’’ By Charles Morris. 275 Arizona Jack; or, Giant George's Tender- foot Pard. By Buckskin Sam. 276 Merle Monte’s Cruise 3 or, The Chase of “The Gold Ship.” By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen, By Edward L. Wheeler. : 278 The Three ‘Trappers; or, The Mountain Monster. By Major L, W. Carson. 279 Old Winch, the Ritle EN) or, The Buck- skin Desperadves. By T. C, Harbaugh. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate; or, Pearl, The Pi- rate’s Pride. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 281 Denver Doll's Victory 3 or, Skull and Cross-bones. By Edward L. Wheeler. 282 The Typo Wetective; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp. By Edward Willett. 283 Indian Joe}; or, The White Spirit of the Hills. By Major Lewis W. Carson. 284 The Sea Marauder; or. Merle Monte’s Pledge. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 285 Denyer Doll’s Deco: 3 or, Little Bill's Bonanza, By Edward L. Wheeler. 286 Josh The Boy Tendertoot; or. The Wild Men of Buzzard Bar. By Capt. M. Wilton. 287 Billy Blue-Eyes, the Boy over of the o Grande. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 288 The Scalp King; or. The Human Thun- _derbolt. By Captain J. Fr’. C. Adams. 289 na, et lng Jo +::or The Young ‘Detec- tive’s Triumph. By Charles Morris, 290 Lit'le Foxtire, the Boy Spy. By Ol Coomes. 291 'Purk, the Boy Ferret. By E. L. Wheeler. 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit. By Maj. E. L, St. Vrain. 293 Hed Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid of the Cliff. By Captain Comstock. 294 Dynamite Dan} or, The Bowie Blade of Cochetopa. pd T. C. Harbaugh. 295 Fearless Phils or, The King of Quartz- ville. By Edward Willett. 296 Denver Dolls Drift; or, The Road ueen’s Big Campaign. By E. L. Wheeler, 297 The Tarautula of Taos; or, Giant George’s Revenge. By Buckskin Sam. 298 Fhe Water-Hound; or, The Young Thoroughbred. By Charles Morris. 299 A No, 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker; or, The Schoolmarm o’ Sassafras. By E. L. Wheeler. 800 The sie! Demon; or, Rainbolt, the Ran- ger, By Oll Coomes. 801 Leadville Nick, the Boy Sport By Major. FE. L, St. Vrain. 302 ‘fhe Mountain Detective; or, The Bul- ly of Trigger Bar. By T C. Har augh. 303 *Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, The Iron- Nerved Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler. 304 The Dead Shot Dandy; or. Benito, the Boy Bugler. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 303 Dashaway of Dakota; or, A_ Western Lad in the Quaker City. By Chas. Morris. 306 Neck-Tie Ned, the Lariat-Thrower; or, The Dug-Out Pards By Maj. Henry B. Stoddard, 307 The Strange 'Pard; or, Little Ben's Death Hunt. By Buckskin Sam. 308 Keno Kit, the Boy Bugler’s Pard; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. By Col, P. Ingraham. 309 Deadwood Dick’s Biz Peal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 810 The Barranca Wolf; or. The Beautiful Decoy. By Joseph E. Badger. J", 811 The Roving Sport; or, The Pride of Cbhuckaluck Camp. By Edward Willett. 312 Kedtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. By Major E L. St. Vrain. c 313 Cimarron Jack, the King Pin of Rifle- Shots. By Frederick Dewey. 314 The Mysterious Marauder; or, The Boy Buglet’s Long Trail. By Col, P. 1: zraham. 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy; or. The Witeb of the Haunted Fort. Dy Jack Farragut. 316 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, By T. C Harbaugh, 317 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Lead- ville. By Lieut. Alfred Therne. 318 Ker-Whoop, Ker-Whoo! By Buckskin Sam. , 319 The Black Rider ; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League. By Jos, E Badger, Jr. The Sea Sorceress; or, Lieutenant Ned, By Jack Farragut. ick’s Dozen; or, The +, Fakir of Phantom Flats. By Ed. L, Wheeler. 22 Nemo, the Detective. By Ed. Willett. Arkansaw Jack, of the Man Hunters; or, The Scourge of the Mines. By Harry Hazard ng the Foxes to Earth. By Chas. Morris, Hickey & €o., the Sleuths of ty»... Philadelphia. B: Edward L. Wheeler. 26 Ti. hee he AA HAAD Neptune Ned the 468 Col Prentiss ees ahdmn. ‘Ready July 18 A New Issue Hoery Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by al} newsdealers. five cents per copy, or sent by oD receipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, PusLisHErs, 98 William Street, New York.