Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 489) (1886 12 07)
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a wala! Leal ell lel lle = > \ 5° ee SF | tye ig Ze LL a a NORE Tf) or s Bl aA . - \ . \ / x ; > = es . SRS= Go Hau, % ee 2 ea ee - : Mh INS am mi i Ll Wa aa wae, rout LL ST ss as el TTS Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y. Copyright, 1886, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, _December 7, 1886, 7 $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, ; Vol. XTX, a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. No. 489 Ny: Sy Awe Yet Kin? ards MW, aaa NK Tho Doble Pace of Bei-Rok BY WILLIAM G. PATTEN. CHAPTER I. IN A BED-ROCK SALOON, At the present time Bed-Rock is what is call- ed a dead camp; but there was a time when it was very much alive. When the news of a rich strike at Bed-Rock spread abroad, for miles around the miners de- serted the other camps and struck ont for the new diggings, With a grand rush, they came t/ | ; WUE SS S| pouring in, and like magic a miniature mining- WN ea ISS a city, with hotels, saloons, dance-houses, etc., Sj | f BAAN : = S sprung into existence. ; ; ed-Rock was a lively camp. Night or day, NTLEMEN;, WALK UP, AND KEEP THE FUN 4GOING; THE DIAMOND it made little difference, things were on SPORT IS ALWAYS al HOME.” move there. All day long the miners toiled and ;
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‘inside passengers. aes. hs Eacoteeei eaetpateenetat es ae _ seat; many of them spent the greater part of the night in wild revelry in one of the two sa- ioons of the camp. The most proninent saloon of Bed-Rock was one that displayed anove its huge sliding-door a sign that read as follows: ‘“ Kent’s PLEASURE PARLORS.” The time is evening. The big door of the “Pleasure Parlors” is thrown wide open, and ©, broad flare of light shines out into the street. iraius of music and the sound of many voices «in >e heard within the barn-like structure, Within, at one side is a long bar, over which t.ore is a constant flow of all kinds of liquid de‘octions, The musicians are mounted upon a ylatform at the rear end of the room, and the space immediately in front of them is thronged with dancers. The big red-shirted miner, who has paid for his dance and secured his partner, is ‘‘hoeing in” his level best, intent on getting his money's worth. . Through an open door a glimpse can be caught of another room, in which are monte-tables, faro-banks, and other gambling schemes. With- in this room is an eager crowd, nearly all of whom are fiercely trying to ‘‘cut the tiger’s claws,” Ovcasionally a small, dark-clothed man could be seen, sauntering carelessly through the throng. This was Cool Kent, the proprietor of the establishment. He was a man much below the medium hight, but he was reputed to have stecl-like nerves, to be a plumb-center shot, and ‘‘chain-lightning on the draw.” He wore his black hair cut close to his head; his mustache was coal-black, as were his flashing eyes. Once or twice, since opening the ‘‘ Pleasure Parlors,” he had been forced to show his proficiency in quelling a disturbance or disposing of an “ugly miner.” These jobs he performed with his little gold-mounted revolvers, and did them in a way that excited the admiration and respect of the spectators. Those who knew him cared nothing ehout ‘riling” him up. Near the bar a small ee of men had gathered around a ragged, red-headed man, who was talsing in excited tones. ‘“* { tell ye what,” he cried, slamming one dirty fist down upon the bar, “it war jist er rip-roar- i. ole skirmish—er reg’lar high ole jamboree, Vhunder! how dry I be!” He abruptly closed his remarks, and began to ‘spit cotton” and wipe his lips with the back of his hand. Some one took the hint, and ordered the drinks, When he had ‘‘liquored up,” the red- headed man continued: ‘‘Thar war six passengers aboard ther ole hearse, four inside an’ two atop, along with ther driver. A parsonish lookin’ galoot, a cross-eyed Jew, an’ an ole man an’ gal was the I wanted ter ride inside, but ther durned parson elevated his nose, an’ simp] refused ter hev me get in. I war mad enoug ter chawed an ear off ther galoot, but ruther than ter create er disturbance afore a lady I consented ter ride atop. Ther other ovtside passenger was er dandified-lookin’ feller in patent-leathers, black velvet suit, with a big diamond in his shirt neck-tie, big white hat, an kid gloves—kid gloves! What dy yer think 0’ that?” A murmur of disgust came from the listeners. “It are an actooal scandalus fact,” the red- headed man continued, speaking slowly and with great emphasis. “I made some remark about his style, which caused him to invite me ter dry bs Ruther than create tr’uble, an’ un- necessarily delay ther stage, I complied, ‘* About er dozen or fifteen miles out o’ Bed- Rock, we was commanded ter halt, by half er dozen masked horsemen, Ther driver war about pullin’ up, when ther durned kid-gloved galoot yanked out er couple o’ guns, an’ let fly among ther agents. Thunder! how dry I be!” This time half a dozen eager listeners ordered the drinks at once, After thoroughly ‘* wetting ~ his whistle,” the red-headed man again took up, the thread of his narrative: ** Kid-Gloves hadn’t mor’n let inter ther agents when he snatched ther whip out 0’ ther driver’s han’s an’ let ther leaders hev it. Almost afore they knowed it, we war by ther agents an’ er flyin’ down ther gulch, They guv er yell an’ started after us, er firin’ right an’ left. Some- how they managed ter sock it ter ther driver first thing. Kid Gloves again grabbed ther reins, an’ sung out fer me ter ketch hold o’ ther driver ter keep him frum fallin’ off. But, holy Moses! I hed my han’s full! Kid-Gloves man- ter get ther driver down inter ther boot, hold him there with his feet. About this time sumbuddy inside ther hearse began pop- | pin’ away, but I don’t know what they war | firin? at, an’ I guess they didn’t know them- selves, Ther air war pritty ginerally full o’ , lead, an’ you may bet er feller war in danger 0’ | bein’ safe fur erwhile, Ther road-agents chased us Dey nigh inter ther camp, but it war no go. Kid-Gloves played ’em fair an’ square, an’ we got erway.—Hello, there he comes, now!” Sauntering leisurely ihrough the throng was a man a trifle above medium hight. The red- headed man had given a very accurate descrip- tion of his clothes, but he had imparted no real idea of the man. Hewasa perfect Apollo, built from the ground up, His black velvet suit was cut to fit, and it displayed the perfection of his form excellently, is complexion was dark, and a heavy black mustache shaded a mouth that seemed ever to be curved in a careless, cyni- cal smile. His eyes were dark and piercing— eyes that might beam with laughter or glare with fiercest anger. The curling mass of mid- nicht hair fhat fell from beneath the white sombrero reached his shoulders, He was care- lessly smoking a costly cigar as he sauntered aimlessly through the throng. One of the crowd around the red-headed man started, as his eyes fell upon the dandified stran- er. . ‘““That man?’ he exclaimed. ‘Why, that’s Velvet Vane, the Diamond Sport, one of the most reckless devils that ever slung cold lead. He’s a bad man.from the word ‘go,’ and don’t you forget it! If any of ye don’t believe it, tread on his corns, and see him let himself loose.” ‘‘Thankee,” said the red-headed man, dryly. ‘¢ Sum day, when I hev er plenty o’ leisure an’ am bilin’ over fer fun, Pll jist try ’im er whirl. Thunder! how dry I be!” But, although he spit cotton profusely, no one seemed to take the hint this time. All eyes were centered upon the dandy Sport. Seldom was such an outfit seen in the rough mining country, and naturally it attracted much atten- tion. ‘Seemingly unconscious of the batteries of eyes turned upon him, the Sport sauntered on, idly puffing at his cigar, and “‘taking in” all there was to be seen. : Suddenly a huge, red-shirted miner came staggering toward the Sport. He was consid- erably the worse for ‘‘ardent,” and his blood- shot eyes were full of fight, ‘Hello, Store-Clothes!” he roared, bringing a dirty paw heavily down on the dandy’s shoul- der; ‘‘ when ’d you crawl out—” e did not continue. The open hand of Vel- vet Vane struck him fairly under the left ear, sending him reeling up against a man, ten feet away. ith a wild shout, the big rogue reached for a revolver, but the words of the Sport rung sharply throuzh the room: ‘‘ Hands off! Pull a pop and you'll swallow lead! Easy now!” The music and dancing stopped; there was a hasty scramble to get out of the line of danger, in which the red-headed man joined, wildly plunging under the table behind which the mar. that sold the dance-tickets ‘‘ held out.” For a few moments the infuriated pal gazed fiercely at the calm, smiling Vane. He was fairly Sembling with rage, but dared not draw a weapon, for the revolver leveled at his brain was held by a hand that never trembled. ‘* yer know who! am?” hesnarled, through his clinched teeth, ‘‘ I’m ther rip-roarer o’ ther Rockies—I’'m Roarin’ Bob, the Boss Bruiser. I’m hungry for gore. When I list on steam, ye want ter clear ther track. Say, you dandy, giv’ me haff er show an’ Ill swaller ye.” Cool Kent came sauntering up. ‘Rasy, gents, with yer guns,” ke warned, ina soft voice. ‘‘I can’t afford ter have you use them here. Apt ter dama; know. Sorry; would like ter accommodate you, but’s impossible. If you are going to use your pops you'll have ter move out on the street.” ‘“Durn ther shooters!” shouted Roarin’ Bob. ‘“‘Letme get at ’im with me jukes. Ill sp’ile his dandy mug, cuss ’im! Dll knock ’im w..> eend-an’-crooked, I will. He dassent stan’ up aun’ let ther Boss Bruiser knock ther linin’ out o’ him, durn ’im fer er sneak!” “Go fer ’im, Kid-Gloves!” came a voice from under the ticket seller’s table. ‘‘1ll back we T'll bet on your head. Twenty ter one on Kid- Gloves! Who climbs it?’ “And, the danger from stray bullets seeming to be over, the red- headed man came crawling forth from his place of refuge. : ‘Tf the gentlemen wish to settle their little difficulty by a quiet little mill, I have no ob- jections,” added Kent, smiiingly. He well the furniture, you- knew that a fair fist-fight would only © other attraction for the Pleasure Parlors, “™ ** 'W hat’s pe ae say? Durn ‘im B dassent!”” cried Roarin’ Bob . ‘the Sport. ** Ye dassent! ed the bully. ‘* [do not wish to participate in a disgraceful fight, as I am sure it would be,” persisted the stranger. “He takes water!” cried some one in the crowd, A. fierce glow leaped into the dandy’s eyes, For a moment he glanced around in search of the speaker; then he turned toward the bully, saying: zi If I refuse to fight, I suppose every one here will consider me a coward, I desire no trouble with you, but it seems I cannot avoid it. Make ready for the circus, Robert!” Chuckling with a the half-drunken bully made haste to do so. € was a man of terrific strength, and so anticipated an easy victory In u few moments he was ready for the fray. A ring was formed, and the antagonists face" each other in the center. The bully had strippea .| to the waist, while the Diamond Sport had sim- ply thrown aside his velvet coat. o an inexperienced eye the advantage would have seemed to be wit* Roarin’ Bob, but a close observer would have hesitated to decide. ‘“* Are ye ready?” growled tke bully. ‘** All ready, Robert,” was the quiet are ‘“*Clar ther track, then. Hayre cums ther boss bruiser er boomin’. Whoo-cop!” The giant rushed upon his opponent. Straight as a cannon-ball, his huge fist shot out, aimed straight at the Sport’s face. It was a terrific blow, but Vane played an old trick on the bully Quick as lightning he ducked to the left. Hurl ed forward by the impetus of his own blow, Roarin’ Bob tripped over Velvew’s footand went crashing to the floor, ** Whooray fer Kid-Gloves!” shouted the red- headed man. ‘‘ All down set em up t’other al- ley. Thunder! how dry I be!” Tiastily the bully scrambled to his fect. He | was fearfully surprised at his unexpected down- ' t fall. He glared angrily at his smiling antago- nist. ““Dodged, did ye?” he growled. ‘“* Might)- sharp trick that. Jist let me git er wipe at ye an’ Pll square that. Stan’ up, now, fair an square.” The bully had learned a lesson. He was more cautious. For a few minutes the men sparred cautiously. Suddenly Vane made a feint with his right, the rough threw up his hands to ward off the blow, when, like a flash, the hard knuck: les of the dandy struck Roarin’ Bob fair in the mouth. Making a wild grab at vacancy, the rough went over backward and measured his length on the floor, A squeal of delight came from the red-headed man. “* Geelory to Gideon! *Nuther drap, an’ was- sent it er daisy! Brace up, Bobbie, an’ try it ergin.” Rasosh as the half-stunned Goliah could re gain his feet, he rushed to renew the attack. The heavy blow he had received had loosened some of his teeth and cut bis lip badly, It bad also knocked all coolness dnd judgment from his head. Without a word, he made another wild rush at his still smiling foe. Again the old trick wag repeated. A dodge downward to the left, the dandy’s right fist shot out, ing Roarin’ Bob just above the belt, fairly in the pit of the stomach. The blow doubled him up like a jack- knife. He only bad time to utter a wheezing asp of rage, when he received a terrific blow, airly on the temple. It hurled him senselesv tep Set away. b Velvet. Vane donned his coat, lit a cigar, and with a glance of disgust at the 0 rough, sauntered away. The music struck up, the dancing was re- sumed, and things moved on as usual, As he “‘sidled” up to the bar, the red-headed man murmured: “How thunderin’ dry I be!” CHAPTER II. A HASTY SHOT. FEOPLE who-claimed that they knew him, said that Velvet Vane belonged to that class who make the first isi new mining-strike. lowed the none too- honorable occupation of a rush for any promising It was said that he fol- ““T desire no quarrel with the rough,” replied “% %, Durn ye, ye dassent /” repeat- al Ps ~ oat a bler. eon The Diamond Sport—as he was commonly _ named—indeed, had the reputation of being a “bad man,” WwW hen he gambled he ty
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| r| 4 -An airily his money as freely as water. He never sought a quarrel; butit was a rash person who forced one-upon him, His advent in Bed-Rock, driving the moun- ‘tain stage, with the dead driver lying in the hovt, naturally created quite an excitement, | Me hadi escaped the inquisitive crowd, and taken refuge in the Pleasure Parlors. But there were those who knew him there. Vifteen minutes after the fight between the stranger and Roarin’ Bob, there was not a man in the dance room who had not listened to an account of the balking of the road-agents. The man Velvet Vane was fated to become notori- ous, Anadmiring crowd of miners gathered around him wherever he went. Finally, he deserted the dance room and made his way into the gambling apartment. rere he spent half-an-hour at faro. He seem- ed dissatisfied and disinterested in the game. He stopped somewhere near a hundred ahead, cashed his checks and wandered away to an unoccupied deal table, where he seated himself, to idly watch the people as they came and went. A few bore the flush of eager expectancy or triumph, more were wild-eyed with recklessness and despair. ressed female occasionally flitted through the room, adding color to the scene, Perhaps the Sport had been seated ten minutes, when a person came along and sat down ut the opposite side of the table. The new-comer at once attracted his attention. He seemed to be a mere boy, clad in a suit of brown woolen stuff, with not a weapon visible about him. His wide-brimmed hat was pulled low down over his face, but from beneath it there shone a pair of flashing eyes. The mouth was firm set, and surrounded by deep-cut lines. In fact it appeared as though his lips were tightly compressed over his bard-set teeth, His face was well-tanned by exposure to all kinds of weather. Vane at once noticed that the youth was re- garding him intently. He nodded in a familiar ‘way, which the new-comer answered in like man- ner. There was a few minutes’ silence, then the youth said: ‘*T know you.” The Sport smiled. “Very likely,” he replied. ‘‘Reckon I’m pretty extensively known west of the Missis- sippi. th he boy made an impatient gesture. “To-day, you are called Velvet Vane, as I hear say, but once you were known as Reckless Robin.’ . Fora mo; tent it seemed as though the dandy was a bit surprised, if not confused; but the face that he turned toward the youth seemed as cool and unruffled as a summer sky. ‘Reckless Robin, eb?’ he murmured. “Stranger, you are ahead of me. I have sailed under a good many titles, but I don’t remem- ber the one just named.” The boy laughed scornfully, Although it had a hard ring, there was music in the laugh. ‘Bah! Don’t try that on me. I tell you I know you. You can’t deceive me, and an at- tempt will be an effort wasted. Don’t lie, part- ner!” Quick as a flash, a revolver leaped from the Sport’s pocket, and was thrust fairly against the youth’s forehead, An angry fire blazed in the dark eyes, and his voice, although low, was threatening: ; ‘‘Chain up, there! Don’t carry this thing too far or there'll be blood shed! Hold your tongue, or you may have the pleasure of attending your own funeral. Do you hear?” The boy displayed wonderfulnerve. Although the revolver was pressed against his forehead and a finger touched the trigger, he never flinched. Tesiend, he gazed calmly at Vane and ‘ coolly replied: ‘‘ Wear?—certainly. You needn’t raise your voice a bit on my account.” The dandy smiled grimly as he drew the wea- ,on back a little, still keeping the lad covered. Bes ite his anger, he admired the koy’s nerve, ‘“* Yow’re a cool one, my young pilgrim, few men can boast that they ever called Velvet Vane a liar to his face and lived. Certainly your judgment is r; but you will grow wiser as you grow older,” ** Live and learn,’ is my motto, partner. No offense was intended, and I beg pardon. I hate to contradict any man, but circumstances forced me to be thus uncivil to you. I am not talking atrandom. When I say that I know you, I mean just what [ say, and nothing less. That ou were once known as Reckless Robin, I ” { lid so for pleasare, was always lucky, and used | | Se Ne eee ee ee ee ee ee ae The Diamond Sport. The Sport laughed indifferently as he replaced the weapon he had drawn. ‘*T shall not dispute you. It would be a dis- grace to ages with a boy. I shall not take the trouble to correct you, either, however wild you may shoot, Who was this Reckless Robin?” ‘* He did not follow the profession of an honest miner, by any means, but he was a white man, for all that,” replied the lad. him among villainous companions, he nobly re- deemed himself.” Vane had relaxed into an idle, wearied atti- tude. He seemed to take little interest in the affair, but noticing that the boy had ceased speaking, he said: ‘** Perhaps it would be well enough to intro- duce ourselves. Iam Velvet Vane, sometimes called the Diamond Sport.” “And I am Ned Cole, outlaw-hunter and avenger,” returned the boy. A twinkle of merriment came into Vane’s eyes, a Smile wreathed his face, and finally he broke ,into a broad laugh, Thelad’s face flushed with anger. ‘* You may laugh,” he cried, ‘‘ but I speak the truth. I have registered a solemn vow before High Heaven to never rest till I see the man who has 80 bitterly wronged me lying dead at my feet. ‘* Hope you'll succeed,” said the other, ‘* pro- viding, of coarse, that J am not the man you are after. That would be unpleasant—for me,” ‘*T shall succeed!—I will succeed!” the boy eried, ‘* A just God will not permit sucha wretch to escape ar aagag gee I will track him down if it takes a lifetime to do it.” ‘** But who is the unfortunate gentleman?” ‘* Dashing Dave, the outlaw.” Instantly the Sport straightenéd up, a serious look on h's face; Something in the name had touched the right spot: to interest him, ‘*Dashing Dave! You have sworn. to hunt down that notorious villain? Iam sorry, but I am afraid you have tackled a heavy job. He has a bad reputation—is said to be one of the most unscrupulous cut-throats in the wild West, You never can succeed without assistance.” ‘*But I am going to have assistance. You will aid me!” “*Taid you?” “Exactly! As long as Dashing Dave lives you are in danger. He has a grudge against io and will kill you if he lives long enough. ou must strike for your life, or he will throw you cold.” ‘There is logic in your words,” laughed the Sport. ‘‘ But, please tell me why Dashing Dave should wish to kill me. I am all adrift.” The boy leaned toward the Sport, and spoke rapidly, but in a low tone: “ Mnough of this! Itis time wasted. I told you that I knew you, and I meant what I said, Why should Dashing Dave wish to kill you? For the simple reason that Reckless Robin, his lieutenant, went back on him—betrayed him. Do you understand now? It’s die Dave or die Robin! You probably have no great desire to shuffle off this mortal coil, therefore it is for your interest to lay over Dashing Dave if you can. And you really think that I am this wild, un- tamed Robin, ex-robber lieutenant?” questioned the Sport, in a bantering, half-mocking way. **Think—no !” cried the boy, hotly. ‘‘I don’t think anything about it, I know you are Reck- less Robin, I know that Dashing Dave waylaid the stage to-day expressly to settle your hash, and, but for your prompt action, he would have succeeded, t have got the entire lay of the land.” ‘* And who are you, that pretends to know so much? Where did you drop onto all this infor- mation?” Tam simply Ned Cole, As for the informa- tion, the stars tell secrets sometimes.” It was the boy’s turn to laugh now. “M tenderfoot friend,” the man in velvet said, slowly, ‘‘ you are’wayoff, You have been shooting at random, and haven’t made a single bull’s-eye. I am simply Velvet Vane, and noth- ing more. This robber lieutenant business is a psy, little story, but it don’t fit. Certainly, if ashing Dave has any feelings against me, all he needs do is simply to call on me. He will find me at home and the latch-string hanging out. But, as for you, I can’t seem to find it in my line to join hands with you to hunt this out- law down. Business will not allow.” ‘* And so you refuse to aid me?” cried the boy, angrily, ' erty: but I shall be forced to, Would like to accommodate, but it is impossible,” Drive ahead. ‘* Tf fortune threw | \ *T am going to tell you one thing more,” the boy said. ‘‘ There are agents of Dashing Dave in Bed-Rock; ay, in this very saloon, who are sent here to kill you. You may be forced to join me yet. You had better have a care how you go, or they will get in their work on you,” ti Not ina fairway. Velvet Vane is general- ly pretty wide awale.” “But they will not attempt to meet you fair- ly. Their game will be to take you unawares, and freeze you out. You must be on the alert every minute. You are a marked man!” The Diamond Sport had been eagerly scan- ning what could be seen of the boy’s face be- neath the lop-brimmed hat, Suddenly he, gave a start, and leaned quickly forward, exclaim- ing: “Hal I knaw you /” The boy turned pale. ‘““T have penetrated your disguise—I know your secret,” the Sport a auiarads in a low voice, With a sharp cry, the boy snatched out a re- volver and fired, almost in the very face of the unguarded Sport! CHAPTER III, A NICE DEAL—PERHAPS. IN an upper recom of one of Bed-Rock’s two hotels, two men sat, conversing 1m low tones, On the table between them burned a lamp, which, however, gave but a dim light, One of these men was short and heavy, with a luxuriant growth of crisp, brown beard. He was flashily dressed, from the black beaver hat upon his head, to the shining boots upon his feet. His hands were white and shapely, with certain smooth, snaky movements of the long fingers. Strange hands they were for a man of such solid build. They did not seem to cor- respond at all with the rest of the man, but, in- deed, seemed built more to handle the ‘‘ Devil’s Bible” than anything else, Next to his hands the eyes were the man’s most noticeable fea- tures. They were sharp and piercing, seeming capable of reading one’s very thoughts, ‘he other man was of a more slender build, His features were good, some would say hand- some, but the Jong, black, pointed mustache and imperial lent an evil look to his whole face. He was dressed in a plain, dark suit. Both men were smoking. ‘* Heath,” the slim man was saying, ‘‘ there’s a heap of money init. It can be worked like a charm, The girl is the most perfect counter- part of the heiress that can be conceived. At first she deceived me. I could hardly believe that she was not, indeed, Annie Dalton, or rather Annie Maines, the heiress. You well know that it took a good deal to convince me that Iwas mistaken. I am satisfied now that the real heiress must surely be dead.” “ But it’s risky,” replied Heath, ‘What if the real heiress should turn up after we have won the game?” ‘Then it will be run. You are used to taking risks, Heath. The prize is well worth the win- ning. Two hundred thousand dollars don’t grow on every bush. A bold strike, well plan- ned, secures the pot. You can’t afford to lose this chance. Here is a fortune within our very grasp. All we need to do is close our fingers on it, and it’s ours,” ‘Tt is a tempting show, Giles,” said Heath, slowly, his eyes shining greedily. ‘‘ As en say, two hundred thousand dollars in solid cash don’t blossom on every bush. I have taken chances in my life, anc if the coast appears clear, am ready to take a hand in this game.” “Correct!” cried Giles, triumphantly, ‘ The cash is as good as in your pocket, er sure Isabella can play her part like a charm. 1 have every confidence in her,” ‘‘Oh, yes! You'll find her about as sharp as they make them nowadays. She owes me @ debt of gratitude that she will do anything to pay. Just give me the points of this affair, so that I may know about how the land lays.” “Tt’s a short and simple story,” Giles said, prepertng to narrate, * tt can be told in a few words. Have another cigar, Heath. Fire up, Now for the romance: “Jason Dalton was a wealthy Eastern mer- chant. His wife died shortly after the birth of their only child, a girl. This baby-girl grew up to be a handsome and fascinating young lady. Scores of young men of the best stock in the city fell victims to her witching eyes, and paid her persistent court. There is a saying that ‘love will go where it is sent,’ and it may be that this was the way with Annie Dalton’s af- fections, Anyway, sbe passed all her wealthy suitors by, and fell desperately in love with a poor book-keeper.
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4: ‘© Now it happened that her father had deter. mined upon a certain young fellow of unknown birth, who was reported to be immensely wealthy. It was said that he owned a cattle- ranch in Texas and a paying silver-mine in some art of the West. ow he managed to work imself into the good-will of the old merchant is a mystery, but he did it in some way, and nearly succeeded in securing the prize he sought, ‘Finding that her father was determined to force her into an obnoxious marriage, Annie Dalton resolved on desperate measures, She laid the plot with her lover, and ere any one knew it they were quietly married. ‘When the father learned of his daughter’s secret marriage, he became terribly angry. Driving Annie out of the house, he forbade her or her husband ever seeking his hospitality. He acted with haste and repented at leisure. ‘¢ The young couple left the East and sought their fortune in the wide West. The first part of their wanderings can be easily traced, but as you advance, the trail grows more and more indistinct. However, it can be traced to where the young pour joined a wagon-train bound for some Western Territory. t that time, the danger from hostile Indians made an attempt to reach the mines a very uncertain affair. Many dangers beset the emigrants, and the chances were that they would be massacred by the sav- ages. This fate seems to have befallen this par- ticular train, and not one person was known to have escaped. All were left dead on the plain, food for coyotes and vultures. Thus ends the romance of the rich merchant’s daughter. *¢ But now, the old man dies. In his last mo- ments he repents of his harshness and makes a will, leaving his entire property to his daughter —providing she can be found. If she cannot, it is to be divided between various charitable in- stitutions. A reward has been offered for evi- dence of the whereabouts of the heiress, and several detectives are at work on the case, ‘* By the merest chance I stumbled upon the trail of the heiress, and learned that the young couple joined the ill-fated wagon-train. y the merest chance, again, I came across the young lady who so much resembles the real heiress. The idea instantly took possession of me to sub- stitute this young nay for the true heiress, There is money—a snug little sum—in the game. It can be worked like a charm. It happens that I was one of the many unsuccessful suitors for Annie Dalton’s hand, and I know considerable of her surroundings and circumstances. My plan is this: “‘T will marry Isabella Arnold, and she shall claim that she 1s the heiress. J can post her on all necessary points, and thus she can make the rame a smooth success. Of course she will claim that her husband was murdered in the attack upon the wagon-train. I boldly rescued her from her savage captors and a fate worse than death. Out of pure gratitude, she married me first and learned to love me afterward. - ‘‘ What do you think of it, Heath? Won't it work like a charm?” The stout man laughed. ‘““You’re a genius, Giles,” he answered, ‘‘ and I think it will work. At any rate, it is worth trying. But there is one thing, old man—you want to play a square Se shall come in for my little pot, according to agreement, and if you attempt to play'me foul, some one will run across a dead villain answering to your de- scription.” Giles laughed at this threat. ‘“No danger of my attempting funny busi- ness; I know when my head is level. Weshou:d spoil the whole game if we became divided. It is for our interest to hang together.” “Yes; for if we don’t hang together, we shall certainly hang separately.” And the two plotters laughed over that old pun as heartily as though it had just come upon the stage of action. goodly pile of cash in rospect made them feel very good-natured, in- “You think that the gir] will enter into the plan willingly?” Giles asked. “‘T know that she will,” was the reply. ‘ Isa- bella will do anything that I want her to. She is an excellent girl, partner, and will make you a splendid wife.” “That is a matter of indifference. the woman, but the money I am after. “But yon will use her well?” cried Heath. “ If ‘you ever dare misuse her, it will be the worse for you. She nursed me through a heavy streak of mountain-fever; therefore I have the best of feeling for her.” “Oh, we'll get along well enough. I like the appearance of the girl. She is good style, and It’s not The Diamond Sport. evidently of good birth, That she is educated is apparent.” ‘“ Yes,” added Heath, ‘“‘she claims that her erst were high-class Southerners, who were veggared by the Civil War. She is a woman that many men would die for. You will have | the satisfaction of knowing that you are not | marrying into poor blood.” | **Tt makes little difference. I would marry a Sioux squaw for the money there is at stake,” Giles replied. At this point, the sound of a half-smothered sneeze came from an adjoining room. With looks of alarm, the two men gazed inquiringly into each other’s eyes, ‘*Curse the luck!” hissed Heath. been eavesdropped!” Giles seized the lamp and set it on the floor. Then he hastily dragged the table to the wall, and mounted it. The partitions of the sleeping-rooms of the ‘“hotel” were boards seven feet in hight leav- ing the upper part open from room to room; hence, when upon the table, Giles could easily look over into the adjoining apartment. It was dark and empty. But through the open window, he could see a dark form, hastily climbing out upon the roof of a shed, With a muttered imprecation, he drew a re- volver and fired at the escaping eavesdropper. But the shot was a failure. A taunting laugh floated back through the open window, and the foria disappeared. dropping lightly from the shed to the ground. ‘¢ Missed, curse it!” the unlucky villain cried. ‘* After him, Heath! He must not escape!” The two hastily dashed down the stairs, and out into the street. to the shed. All was dark. and deserted there. No one was in sight. The eavesdropper had succeeded in getting away ‘‘scot-free.” “The jig’s up!” growled Heath. ‘* Not by any means,” answered Giles. ‘‘ This is not the end of this affair. We will discover who that dare-devil spy was. Just let me find out and it will be good-by, Mr, Spy.” “The gameis Se a glo Heath, ‘‘ That was one of those cursed detectives, who you said were hunting this matter up. Weare sold to the Injuns, and may as well cave in.” ‘* Now don’t bea fool, partner,” protested Giles angrily. ‘‘There is too much in the pot to give this game up now. We don’t know how much the spy heard. Perhaps he has no hold on us, Then again, if it was a detective, he can proba- bly be bought off. The reward offered is for information of the whereabouts of the heiress. If a detective cannot obtain such information he cannot obtain the reward. Therefore a little’ money will buy him off, and he will allow us to pursue our game without molestation.” “You may he right,” Heath admitted. “ But I would give something if our plans had not been overheard.” ‘*T thought you said the room adjoining yours was unoccupied?” ** And so supposed it was. It is evident that I was deceived.” “‘T reckon we were a trifle indiscreet in form- ing our plans there, anyhow. There is some consolation in the fact that we shall know better next time.” “ That's mighty r consolation. anetine like a cat losing her tail in a trap—she woul know better than to do it again, but the joke would be that she wouldn’t have another tail to lose. For my part, I feel a trifle blue over this affair.” ‘“* Tt will turn out well enough, I am convinced. Where shall we go, now?” ‘““To Kent’s Parlors. Isabella sings there to- night. Besides, wemay learn something about our spy.” ‘¢T don’t see much of a show for that, but we will go over.” Five minutes later they entered the Pleasure Parlors. ‘We have * | They at once hurried round | CHAPTER IV. THE MAN IN VELVET IS PUZZLED. Tr looked as if the reckless boy had fired straight at the Sport’s head, with the muzzle of the revolver almost touching his face. Not so, however; he had fired over the Sport’s shoulder. The sharp report of the weapon was followed by acry of pain and rage, and a rough-looking man, a few feet behind the Sport, began dancing around in an excited manner. As he his right hand with his left, and rubbed it vig- orously, he continued to dance and fill the air with his objurgations, In the floor near by a knife was quivering where it had dropped, striking point first. The lad had seen the man draw a knife and raise it behind the Sport’s back. Quickly com- prehending the danger, he had snatched his revolver, and fired. The bullet struck the knife, tearing it from the man’s hand, and the blade fell to the floor, but the bullet glanced off and lodged in the wall a few feet away. The shock to the hand and arm made the man half crazy with pain and added fury to his anger. crowd gathered at once, and began cryin for an explanation, so jumping upon the finale table, the boy explained the affair. Cries of indignation came from the cypwd, ‘* Hang the wretch!” shouted some one. The crowd took up the cry. The baffled assassin was seized and dragged toward the door. His attempts to explain were: ineffectual. His voice was drowned by the engy cries of the mob. efore the man in velvet could interfere they had dragged the man through the dance room and out into the street. The Sport followed ciose behind. It seemed as though the would-be-assassim would get short shrift, but at this point there came a startling interruption. A piercing whistle was heard. A moment: later the sharp clatter of iron-shod hoofs came bi the ears of the crowd. Then followed pistol- shots. Down the street at a break-neck pace dashed a small band of horsemen, mounted on black horses, Each rider was dressed in black and wore a black mask over his face, a revolver in either hand, ‘the bridle-reins of the horses: lying loosely upon their necks. The masked horsemen were yelling and firing as they rode. With wild cries, the crowd scattered, all seek- ing the nearest refuge. Straight by the saloon the horsemen passed,, and, as they passed several random shots were discharged at them. Only one took effect. Calmly sighting along his handsome revvlver,, upon which the light from the window of the saloon fell, the Diamond Sport fired. One of the horsemen threw up hisarms, reeled wildly in the saddle, then sunk forward upon his: horse’s neck. A moment later the whole band disappeared down the street. In the excitement, the man who had attetapt- ed to take Velvet Vane’s life escaped. Whither he went, no one knew or cared. The appear- ance of the somber riders had driven everything else from the people’s heads. They swarmed back into the Pleasure Parlors, and gathered in knots to excitedly viscuss the meaning of the wild ride. It really seemed to. have been objectless—nothing but a wild, dare- devil freak of the road-agents. But the reckless ride had not been objectiless. It had a purpose, and that purpose had been ac- complished. The Sport made his way back into the ‘‘ par- lors,” as they were called, among the wildly- talking and excited crowd, when the red-headed man espied him and came lurching up, with his: homely, bearded face wrinkled and drawn into. a look of agony. “Do me eyes deceive me?” he cried, striking a tragic attitude, ‘‘ or are it actually Kid-Gloves, an’ no mistook? Partner—hic—put her thar.” With these words, he extended a grimy paw, which the Sport accepted, with a dubious smile. Gravely working Vane’s arm up and down the red-headed man seized the Sport by the lapel of his coat, with his left hand, and said, confi- dentially: “Partner, this are the dingdest dryest town I ever drapped inter. I’m dryer’n er Cape Cod mackeriel.” Smiling, the Sport said: “Yes, L understand. I can help you out.” ‘‘ Kid-Gloves,” urged the red-headed man, sol- emnly, se ad surely go ter hevin die. As I sed, I must hev er drink or perish, therefore I gratefully—hic—agcept your offer.” They moved up to the bar, and the Sport ordered the barkeeper to let the red-headed man quench his thirst. At this moment, a long, lank, black-clothed, solemn-faced man approached. The red-headed man instantly recognized him. “ Hullo!” ‘he cried, ‘‘hayre’s Parson Long- face, ther ole gospel-sharp as refused ter ride in ther same hearse with yours truly. Say, ole men—hic!—cum up an’ hev er drink,” ‘The parson drew near, but shook his head. ‘*T never drink the devil’s broth,” he said in a deep, hollow voice. ‘‘ Friend, you are on the direct road to the pit that burneth with fire and brimstone.” when yer ©
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The Diamond Sport. “Hey?” cried the red-headed man, ‘‘Then— hic! Parson—hic!—hev er swig?” ‘‘N—no,” decided the parson, hesitatingly, *‘T don’t believe I will. I certainly do not rest very well nights, but 1 do not think I will tcuch Satan’s drink to help even that. {ventured into this den of sin to see if I could not snatch some perishing soul from destruction.” ‘* Parson,” said the red-headed man, slowly, ** just take er swaller—hic!—an’ I will listen ter what you hev ter say. Don’t be afraid, parson, ther—hic!—Sport are treatin’.” ‘** If you will consent to listen to what I have to say, I willfor a moment stoop to taste the vile liquid.” / ‘Korrect, ole gospel! Jist b’ist on er glass, then fire ahead. Ill be all attention.”’ The parson accepted the glass, and, with an assumed look of scorn and repugnance, drained it, The liquor had a strange effect upon him. His long face seemed to grow less long; it even broadened out into a smile. ** Struck ther—hic!—right spot, by Jupiter!” cried the red-head. ‘‘I knowed it would. Say, etme aoa ‘nuther snifter? Don’t be ashful. Jist h’ist on ’nuther snifter, an’ ye'll be able ter enjoy er good night’s rest.” _ The parson consented, and drank again. The Sport, an amused spectator of this little scene, now paid for the liquor and moved away. A short time afterward he felt a touch on the arm and turned to see Ned Cole beside him. For a time he had entirely forgotten the lad, and now he said quickly: ‘Hullo! I had forgotten you. Where have you been? Allow me to thank you for your opportune shot. It was put in at about the right point.” ‘Do you believe now that Dashing Dave is bound to kill you?” asked the boy. ‘ That fel- low was one of his agents... He is hot after you. Will you strike back?” “Well, if he pusbes this funny business too far, I shall be apt to,” Vane replied. ‘‘ Men do not usually submit quietly to be murdered. If he pushes me too far, I shall kick, you bet!” ‘Right! Now the best thing you can do is to join hands with me against the outlaw. While one of his agents attempted to kill you to-night, I am satisfied that Dashing Dave himself was in this very building, deeply disguised, He had to do something when his tool fell into the trap thut he did, so he called up his men, who were lying in wait a short distance away, and in the excitement the would-be assassin escaped.” ‘| believe youare right. [ have been won- dering what that reckless dash meant. You have explained it. I don't know but I shall have to use vigorous measures of defense. In fact, I believe I will join you against my old chief, for i am now convinced that you, indeed, ow me. “Good!” cried the boy. ‘Shake! We are ‘pards!” The two shook hands. “You say you have penetrated my disguise— have learned my secret,” said the lad. ‘TI you keep it. AsIam, I can better accompli my purpose. See?” ‘ Gertainly,” assented the Sport. ‘‘ You need not fear, your secret is safe with me,” he added, softly. ‘I would be a miserable creature to re- veal it. We are pards now, and will share each other’s secrets.” For a few moments the boy gazed at the floor with downcast eyes. The Sport watched him ‘closely. Without looking up, he finally said: — ‘‘T must go now, partner. I will see you in the morning and we will complete our plans, Good-night.” With another hand-shake, the two separated, ‘The man in velvet watched the boy till he left the saloon, then he turned away with a half- sigh, and a strange feeling fluttering in his breast. “Tt has been an almost hopeless search,” he murmured, ‘‘ but success } crowned my ef- forts at last. I took despera& chances once; I will do so again, if needs be, e are pards!” A short time later be came upon the parson and the red-headed man. Locked arm-in-arm, this strange couple were sauntering around the room. Both appeared to be considerably the worse for hquor, ‘*Parshun,” the red-headed man was saying, *¢ sorry—hic!—but I’s been er schinner all mer life. But—hic!—Ill r’form if yer wants me to, parshun. I alwaysh treats—” “ Friend,” said the parson, whose tongue was also a little thick, “‘I was thinking that it was your turn, I'll take whisky, if you please,” “Scandalus fact, parshun, but P’m—hic— dead broke. Ain’t got nary red. As I wash shaying—hic!—I alwaysh treats ther wishes ov a ee ee ee St 03 my friends with r’spect. If yer wants me to riod, I’m—hie !—jist yer chickin,” In steering, around through the crowd they ran against two men who were earnestly talking together, They were the plotters, Heath and Giles. “Careful, you drunken louts!” cried Giles, sharply. ‘‘ Keep your eyes open, so that you can see where you are going!” ‘‘*Scuse me |” said the red-headed man, stop- ping and leering up into the speaker’s face. ‘Do you—hic!—own this shanty?” Giles’s face flushed with anger. ‘* Blame your hide!” he cried, ‘‘ ll show you if you don’t hold your tongue and move along.” ‘ Friend,” interposed the parson, “hold thy temper. The passion of anger, much indulged in, causes Satan to rejoice. If I was in your place,” he continued, soberly, ‘“‘I’d go bag my head. Evidently the liquor he had drank was getting the best of the parson’s discretion, He was los- ing control of his tongue. ‘Korrect, parshun!” echoed his companion; ‘“he’d better—hic!—put hish head to shoak! Never see’d such er—hic'!—funny-looking head ’s he’s got. Look jes’’s though there wa—hic!|— wash two of ’um, don’t it, parshun?” “The fellow is slinging on a little too much style,” supplemented the parson. ‘‘ Acts just as though he was going to get his fingers on some old codger’s cash. Wish him joy if he is.” ‘‘Parsbun,” said the red-headed man, ‘‘ I’m jist—hic!—thunderin’ dry. Shet ’em up, will yer, parshun?” “Hem! I’m er little dry myself,” was the response. ‘‘ Perhaps we'd better take a swallow,” and with this, the strange chums staggered away toward the bar, Behind them they left an angry man. **Curse him!” cried Giles, ‘‘ what did he mean? It can’t be that he knows anything!” “What are you driving at?” asked Heath. ‘¢What he said about some old codger’s cash. Does the blamed fool know anything of our ame? ‘“‘ He? No!” cried Heath. ‘*‘That was only some of his drunken talk. How should he know?” Giles shook his head. ‘* Hecouldn’t have been the spy. But I would give something to know that his words were not an intentional shot. Ah! Isabella is going to sing, at last.” The sharp tinkle of a bell sounded through the room, and simultaneously Cool Kent appeared upon the musicians’ stage at the back of the room. He made a motion commanding silence, and then said: “Gentlemen, you will now have the pleasure of listening to the ‘Western Song-Queen,’ Mad- emoiselle Isabella.” He retired, and a moment later a bewitching- ly handsome girl appeared upon the stage. She was attired in a short white dress, and there were flashing jewels upon her bare arms and at her throat. Her long dark hair floated in luxu- riant masses around her shoulders. Her mid- night eyes were alive with emotion, and the ripe red lips she htly parted. When this vision of beauty appeared upon the stage, the Diamond Sport uttered a low cry of astonishment. He could hardly believe his eyes. Gan it be?” he muttered. ‘‘ No, no, it can- not! I am deceived! She would not appear thus, and in such a place. And still the resem- blance is perfect. She is gomg to sing.” After the burst of applause which greeted her appearance had subsided, she began to sing. © song was a sad, sweet composition that touched the rough miners to the very heart. The handsome song-girl had a wonderfully sweet voice that thrilled every listener. She retired, but was recalled and sung again. This time it was a dancing, airy song, and she kept time to the singing with the graceful mo- tions of her perfect form, At the close the crowd fairly cheered them- selves hoarse. Time after time she was recalled, till at last she refused to appear. t ‘“ Heath,” said Giles, his eyes shining with ad- miration, ‘‘she is a gem of the first water, and no mistake!” “Correct you are!” was the reply. ‘I told you she was a prize, old man.” Velvet Vane was perplexed. ‘“‘Who can she he? She eannot be— No, I am mistaken; I am slightly mixed, She would not appear there unless she wereforced to, to secure bread. It may be—it may be—I will find out to-morrow, anyway. I fell in love with those eyes of hers, and rashly turned against the chief to rescue her from his clutches. I could —— eee | a be easily deceived, It may be—but—I don’t cnow. The Diamond Sport retired to rest that night, the most puzzled man in Bed-Rock Camp, CHAPTER V. AN ASTONISHING UNMASKING, THE next issue of the Bed-Rock Pioneer, the wide-awake little weekly newspaper of the camp, contained the following: * DASHING DAVE AGAIN! “Te Arrempts To Stop Tor Bonanza STAGE! * Bur 1s Foriep, ‘*Last Tuesday a desperate attempt was made to rob the mail stage from Bonanza Camp, bound for Bed-Reck. A band of masked horsemen blockaded the trail, some tp or twelve miles cut, end ordered the driver to halt Every one who knew that unfor- tunate man is wll eware that he was no coward. He immediately laid the whip to his horses, :nd at- tempted to dash through the lines of the road- agents. It was a daring act, and the driver paid: dearly for it. When the road-agents saw how the thing was moving, they immediately began firing on the stage. It seems that the driver was struck by almost the first shot, but he held out until his dar- ing attempt was a success, He saw the one burst through the line of outlaws, then he sunk life- less in the boot, “It happenedéthat beside the driver there was an equally dart g spirit, a gentleman known in these parts as Velvet Vane. He immediately seized the reins, and soon gained control of the frantic, terri- fled horses. With commendable skill he handled the ribbons, and although the robbers pursued them several miles, they escaped at last, “Tt is supposed that this attempt at stage-tolling was made by that old offender, Dashing Dave. This unscrupulous outlaw is well known in these parts. He leaves bis name written in_ blood wherever he goes, The ‘Private Vigilance Commit- tes,’ organized by one of our prominent citizens, Colonel Allen, offer the following * Rewarp! “$500 reward is offered for the capture of the notorious outlaw and desperado, Dashing Dave, The reward will be promptly paid over upon his ap- prehension, dead or alive, “ (Signed) CoLoNeL CHAS. ALLEN, “Per Allen’s Private Vigilance Com.” The Diamond Sport was highly amused as he perused this account of the attempted stage- PORDAS The account, in fact, differed widely from the real facts of the case. The newspaper man had succeeded in heaping the entire credit upon the driver, making him out a hero, indeed, When the road-agents ordered the halt, the driver had promptly responded by attemptin to pull up. It was Vane’s interference that ha prevented this, aad it was his skill and nerve that had carried them through the robbers’ lines. He laughed softly when he had finished read- ing the account. ‘That is about as near as they usually hit,” he muttered, ‘These paper-makers can't get a thing right if they try. They seem to be utter strangers to solid facts,” In another part of the paper was the follow- ing item: ‘*PeERSONAL:—If the party who overheard the pri- vate conversation between two gentlemen in Room No. 1, Metealf’s Hotel, last ‘ uesday evening, will come to the same room next Saturday at 1 o'clock Pp. M., he will hear something to b advantage. There is money in it. 8. H. In the paper there was also a brief account of the reckless night-ride of the somber horsemen through the very midst of the camp, Simon Heath sat in Room No. 1 patiently and hopefully waiting the appearance of the eaves- dropper. ‘*f don’t believe he'll come,” he muttered, as he lita fresh cigar, ‘‘f think it was a foolish piece of business, that tucking an item into the Pioneer, That was al! Giles’s work, Likely as anyway the fellow will never set eyes on one of the papers. We must find him out some way, or the game’s a failure, It’s a wild project, any- way. **T don’t half believe Giles intends to play a uare game. There issomething crooked about him, I know that. He intends to freeze me out in some way, but he will have to sharpen up if he gets ahead of Simon Heath. The gir] is square, at any rate. If there was any way to do it, I should like to leave the scoundrel in the lurch, and play the game out myself, with Isa- bella’s assistance: but I don’t suppose it could be done. We shall have to hang together now.” He drew out his handsome gold watch and lanced at the face. It was time for the eaves- dropper to put in an appearance, if he was going to do so.
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se mais hit he a ence er 6 “ He won’t come—” bs aes TE hy A” TT ae dal The Diamond Sport. mary unmasking revealed the long, sanctimo- At this moment the door opened, and a rough- | nious face of Parson Grimes! looking man stepped into the room. dre like a common miner, with a huge slouch hat pulled down over his eyes. His face was hidden beneath a huge, bristling beard, He nodded shortly to Heath, and then walked | toa chair and sat down. He did not remove his hat or utter a word. “Did you come in answer to the personal in the Pioneer ?” asked Heath, coming at once to the point, The man nodded. ‘* Very well. I suppose, then, that you are the person who unluckily overheard the conversa- tion that occurred in this room last Tuesday evening?” Another nod. “T will not inquire how you came there at that time,” went on Heath, wondering if the man could speak. ‘ That is a matter of indif- ference as long as you were there and overheard the conversation. Allow me to ask you what you propose to do about it?” s bo about it!” growled the stranger, in a hoarse voice, that was evidently disguised ; *‘ jest let me ax yer honorable self that aire question, What do you propose ter do about it?” “Do you intend to use what you heard against us, or will you accept a reasonable sum and keep mum? That’s business! Talk lively and straight now. I’m in something of a hurry.” “Ts that so, now?” in an aggravating drawl. “Tf ye’r’ in such er durned hurry I'll slide on, We can talk this matter over sum other day.” ‘* No,” cried Heath, angrily, ‘‘ I want to settle this matter at once and get it off my mind. How much will shut your mouth¢ Speak quick!” ‘* Waal, I dunno, now,” the stranger drawled, in a gruff, repulsive way. ‘‘ Reckon ther se- cret’s worth er good pile, Sum folks would bleed ye mighty hard,” **Come, come; none of this beating around the bush. ‘Come to the point at once, and state how much will keep you still. We might as well come to an understanding at once, as to be all day about it.” ‘‘Exactly,. You claim that ther real heiress are defunked, and you are goin’ ter substitoot ernuther gal in her place. Are that ther way ther land lays?” ‘“‘Tt can make little difference to you about that. Iam willing to pay you to keep mum as to what you heard, There is no money on the other side, for a reward is offered only for in- formation of the whereabouts of the real heiress, You. know nothing about her, and therefore could 6btain no part of the reward. But if you will go quietly about your business and say nothing about what you heard, it will be money in your ket.” “Solid hoss sense, partner,” declared the stranger. ‘‘ You talk like er school-marm. I kinder take ter yer style 0’ doin’ business. How much will yer give me ter keep still?” ‘* A hundred dollars,” The stranger stared at Heath a moment in open-mouthed amazement, then laid back and burst into a roar of hoarse laughter. Simon Heath colored with anger. ‘““What do you mean?” he cried. you laugbing at?” As soon as he could stop, the stranger said: “You don’t mean it, partner? ou can’t mean it! Would you actually an’ really give er whole hundred dollars fer me ter keep still? You can’t mean it. Haw! haw!” He burst out laughing again. “That’s my offer, Do you accept or not? Stop that cursed laughing and talk business, I haven't any time to fool away. Talk lively, now. Do you accept?” “Waal, hardly !” “You don’t accept? Well, then, how much will it take to buy your silence?” “Waal, partner, seein’ as how it’s you, I'll let you off easy. I don’t want ter be hard nor nothin’, an’ so P'll set it sorter light. Ten thou- sand dollars ‘ll do me.” Heath uttered a fierce oath and sprung to his feet. He could hardly believe his ears. ‘““What!” he cried. ‘You thundering idiot! What do you take me for—-a fool?” “Now, don’t get excited, an’ go ter callin’ names,” the stranger said, calmly, create er coolness among ther best 0’ frien’s. It don’t pan out well in ther eend. When will yer hev ther money reddy?” ‘‘ Never, curse you!” cried Heath, and witha uick movement he reached forward, and sud- daaty tore the whole mass of false beard from the stranger’s face, As ing disclosure took place. ‘““ What are This sum- , ‘ ties —_ ** It?s apt to | He was | | tice does not ap The editor of the Pioneer was sitting in his | office late one night, when the door opened, and a strange-looking man made his appearance, | The visitor was dressed from head to foot in | black and wore a black mask over his face, Without displaying any weapons, he stepped fearlessly into the room. but the stranger made a warning gesture. ‘*Wasy, boss,” he said, calmly. ‘‘ Don’t try that. My men are just outside, and will rush in at the least suspicious sound, Pull’a pop and the Pioneer will have to hunt up a new editor. I have come on a peaceful business errand, and it will be for your interest to treat me civilly.” ‘“ Who are you?” cried the editor, ‘Dashing Dave, road-agent, etc.,” replied the masked man, coolly. “Happy to make your acquaintance,” de- clared the editor, regaining his composure, in a measure. ‘ Anything I can do for you? Do you wish to subscribe for the Pioneer ?” The road chief laughed. ‘“‘ Hardly. Iam afraid I should be unable to secure my paper regularly. I wish to do a bit of advertising through your columns, however. How much will it cost to have this appear in the next issue?’ and he handed the editor a scrap of paper, covered with writing. After glancing it over, the editor replied: ‘* We can insert this for ten dollars, ‘Cheap enough,” assented the masked man. ‘* Here is the money, and I warn you if that no- r in your next issue, you will have the pleasure of attending your own funeral] before shortly.” ** As T am not at all anxious to upset this mor- tal bucket, [ promise you that the article shall appear.” “ Correct. Good-night. ant dreams.” The road-agent chief backed to the door, and with a parting wave of the hand, made his exit, Sweet rest and pleas- The next issue of the Pioneer contained the ee ee eee following: “A WORD FROM DASHING DAVE.” ‘It seems that the citizens of Bed-Rock have taken a sudden interest in your humble servant, and a certain ‘Private Vigilance Committee’ have offer- ed $500. reward for my cayture, dead or alive. You are a mess of fools, and I laugh at you all. I defy you to capture me. This very night, one of my agents has deposited $500 with Cool Kent, who keeps the Pleasure Parlors, which I offer, in addition to the Vigilance Committee's reward, to the person who will capture me, dead or alive | “Yours lovingly, ‘“ DASHING DAVE,” CHAPTER VI. A STREET DUEL. “Dorn his hide! Ill have satisfaction, or my name ain’t Roarin’ Bob! Knocked me west- eend-an’-crooked, didwt he? Jest hed er reg’lar cirkus at my expense, didn’t he? Rot his picter! Pll get even with’im if it takes er thousan’ ears. Ill hev satisfaction, or ’m er howlin’ iar frum Fibtown! Consarn his pate! I'll fill im full o’ lead!” The speaker was the bully, Roarin’ Bob. He resented a sorry appearance. His lips were adly bruised, several of his front teeth were gone, one eye was “tin mourning,” and there was a large discolored spot upon his right temple. He appeared to be just recovering from a huge dru He was viewing his image in a piece of a broken mirror, that he had tacked to the wall of his shanty. The wretched spectacle that was revealed to his one uninjured eye caused the out- break given above. ‘Took me when I was drunk, durn ’im! He couldn't ’a’ done it enny other time. Oh, T’ll settle this score with compound interest! Pll kill Velvet Vane, or my name ain’t Roarin’ Bob, ther Champion Slugger!” ‘* Pll pay you a hundred dollars the minute you fulfill that threat!” Jerking out a revolver, the bully whirled to confront the man who had uttered these words, He stood xt within the cabin doorway, a medium-sized, square-built man, with a dark, handsome faee. ‘** Hello!” exclaimed Bob. one] Allen? Howdy?” ‘‘T have another job for you, Bob,” said the ‘Ts that you, Col- Instantly the editor reached for a revolver, | | Isabella, with flashing eyes. colonel, advancing and seating himself a s broken-legged stool. ‘‘ Did you take in the re- mark that I made as I entered?’ “ Sw’thin’ erbout er hundred dollars, I didn’t | jist ketch the whole o’ it.” ‘You threatened to kill that fellow known as the Diamond Sport, and I said that I would give you a hundred dollars the minute you did the job. Understand?” ‘* Bet yer boots!” cried Bob. ‘‘ That's jist ther job I’m lookin’ fer. Colonel, do you clap yer peepers onter this beaucherfully decorated mug: o’ mine? That's his work. Ther dandy did that little job. I’veswored ter hev revenge, an’ now i hev er chance ter get revenge an’ a hundred dollars, too. Haw! haw!” They were master and servant in villainy, the rougher rascal doing the dirty work of the other und many a job had he performed, too. And this was ‘‘ Colonel Allen,” the chief of the Private Vigilance Committee, and one of the supposed-to-be respectable citizens of Bed-Rock! ** Then you agree to settle the Sport’s hash for him?’ said the colonel. ‘¢ That's erbout ther size o’ it.” “ Allright. To bind the bargain, here’s tew dollars. ou shall have the rest when the job’s done.” “ Kirect!” cried Bob, eagerly seizing the mon- ey. ‘'This’ll keep erway ther snakes an’ brace me fer ther job. Tl call on yer ter-night fer ther rest o’ ther pot.” ‘* That's the way to talk,” added the colonel, approvingly. ‘‘ You will find the money ready for you. Just lay the Sport, and do it by fair means or foul.” ‘** He’s as good as dead!” The colonel departed, chuckling as he hurried amar for he doubted not but Roarin’ Bob would fulfill the contract, But Velvet Vane was avery hard man to kill. A few minutes later, the bully followed Col- onel Allen. Straight tothe nearest saloon Roar- in’ Bob made his way, and regaled himself with a square drink of “ardent.” In fact, he regaled himself with several square drinks. efore long he was considerably drunk. Then he salli forth in search of his prey. Up and down the main street he staggered, searching for the man in velvet. He was much too drunk to fight, but he didn’t know it, ‘“Whar’s that dirty tee as calls *imself Velvet Vane?” he cried. ‘‘ He’s er sneak from Sneaktown, or my name ain’t Roarin’ Bob, ther Boss Bruiser. e dassent cum an’ fight me- Whar is he, durn *im?” But no one seemed to know anything of the whereabouts of the Sport. Roarin’ Bob espied°a trim-looking female tripping along the street, and at once made haste to intercept her. ‘* Hello, pritty bird,” he cried with a drunken look of admiration, ‘‘ Hole on: don’t be in sick er tarnel rush. By glory! owre ther gal as sings at ther Pleasure Parlors. Make ye ac- acquainted with ther only an’ original Roarin’ Bob.” * “Stand aside, and let me pass. sir!” cried ‘*T will call for as- sistance.” : **Now, don’t! Fair maid, withhold thy wrath —restrain yer dander. Before ye you behold a sincere admirer. Ther heart in this majestic buzzum beats with admiration for thee. Vl be etarnally dumswizzled ef you ain’t er smasher!” bs Will you let me pass?” she cried. “Never!” answered Bob, wildly flourishing’, hisarms. ‘Never! never! Distractin’ feemale, I will not let thee go! That exquisite nose, them starry eyes an’ rooby lips all loor me on ter rash- ness! I gaze enraptoored on that beauchiful phisog. ive ther ole original Boss Bruiser er smack, sweetcake.” < With these words, he seized the girl in his arms and attempted to kiss her. She struggled desperately, and cried for help. ‘¢ Holler—yell, durn ye!” cried the bully. ‘Kick ef ye want to! rit kiss yer pritty lips, or bu’st my b’iler tryin’!” But an iron hand seized him by the neck, the girl was torn from his grasp, and he was hurled violently to the earth. He looked up to see the very man he was searching for, the man in velvet, standing over him. The girl was hurrying away down the street. The discomfited bully uttered an angry roar and plucked forth a revolver, with the intention of ‘‘ salting” the Sport on the spot; but, before he could fits: a lightning kick of Vane’s foot sent the weapon flying a rod away. With another cry, Roarin’ Bob scrambled to his feet and leaped toward his foe, a gleaming knife in his hand.
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} | | | | a The Diamond Sport. Again he met with defeat, for the Sport seized his wrist, gave it a sudden sharp wrench, that caused him to utter a howl of agony and drop the knife. **Durn yer hide!” the bully cried; “TU kill you yet!” A crowd had gathered to witness the “ cir- cus.” Among the throng was the red-headed man. ‘Right, Bobbie,” he encouraged. ‘‘ Wade in an’ swaller’im. Don’t be bashful, but jist wipe 7im all around over ther avenue. haw ’em what ‘tis ter run against er tornader, Jist sot down on ’im, an’ make ’im think he’s run afoul a yarthquake. Yank ’im baldheaded, Make %im think he’s fell inter ther han’s o’ er Down- East. school-marm. Go fer ’im red-hot, Bob- bie!” ‘Vou dassent fight me,” howled Bob to the Sport. “{ should think you would be somewhere near satisfied, by this time,” Vane replied. “You appear to be a genuine hog. I don’t think you know when you have got enough.” * Will you fight?” “‘ Oh, certainly, if you are bound to fight. I warn you that I shall give you satisfaction. How will you have it?” ‘* Pistols, curse ye! an’ I'll kill ye, too!” ‘That's ther tork, Bobbie,” chimed in the red-headed man. ‘‘ Brace up an’ give ‘im glory. Fill ira full o’ holes, You can do it, if you ain’t too thunderin’ drunk.” f ‘¢ Pistols it is,” asserted the Sport, determined at last to read the burly fellow a lesson, he would not soon forget. ‘‘There lies your wea- pon. I willusemy own, You can walk down the street as far as you like. Then, if some one will kindly give the signal, we will do our best .to furnish a subject for a funeral.” Roarin’ Bob gave a grunt of approval. Pick- ing up his revolver he walked slowly down the street. “Don’t go too far, Bobbie,” called out the red-headed inan, from behind a dry gocds box, where he had thoughtfully taken refuge fromm all danger of stray bullets. ‘If yer ain’t keer- ful you'll get so far off that it'll take er cannon ter reach yer.” : : “I will give the signal,” said Robert Giles, stepping out of the crowd, with a cocked revol- ver in his hand, ‘‘{ will also see fair play. The ons who makes a false move, or attempts to shoot before I give the word, I will salt.” *¢ Good enough,” answered Vane. ‘¢ Look out, you durned galoot, that yer shoot- er don’t go off accidentally an’ salt somebuddy,” cried the red-headed man, peering out from his refuge. ‘‘ Bet er dollar yer rusty ole guh ain’t loaded, anyway.” | F ; “You dry up!” eried Gilgs, angrily. “Dry up? W’at, me ? Reckun you don’t know me. I’m dried up dryer than ther arid Dezzert o’ Sahary now. Covldn’t dry any dryer ef Ish’u’d try er month. I’m jist desert ary, I 7 Roarin’ Bob had now stopped and faced around, He was waiting for the signal. Robert Giles stepped forward and called out: *‘T will count three, and at the word you will both fire one shot each. If cither of these fail to take effect, you will hold your fire until I give the signalagain. Are you ready?” “Yes,” growled the bully. ‘‘ Say yer pray- ers, Dandy-Face. I’m goin’ ter bore ye.” “* All ready,” responded Vane, a cold, calm smile playing around his mouth, “One,” counted Giles, Dead silence fell upon the crowd. “ Two p The red-headed man attempted to hide himself more effectually. With open mouths and beat- ing hearts the spectators awaited the signal. Vane gazed along his weapon, as cool as an ice- berg. Roarin’ Bob swayed unsteadily, “* Three, FIRE!” Then came two sharp reports, followed by a howl of agony from the Boss Bruiser, as he be- an to dance frantically around, The Diamond Bport's hat lay on the ground, pier¢ed by a bul- et. “Great Scott!” cried the red-headed man, as he emerged from his place of refuge, ‘ Sum- buddy’s hit! Good Laud! it are Bobbie. Too bad! too bad!” Despite his professed sorrow, there was a broad grin upon his face. : “Ouch! Oh! O-o-oh!” howled Roarin’ Bob, as he danced frantically around, holding up his right hand, which was bleeding ' rofusely. His revolver lay on the ground at his feet. “ Are you dead, Bobbie?’ squealed the red- headed man, as he came rushing frantically up. “You ain’t killed, be ye?” a 7 “Get away!” cried Bob, ‘' Hev I killed ther Sport?” ‘*Oh, yes,” replied the red-headed man, sar- castically. ‘‘ That is, you would ef you’d ’a’ hit im; but you was so b’ulin drunk ye couldn’t see straight. You’d better go an’ cool off,” “You shot about two inches too high,” re- marked Giles, coming up. ‘The bullet went through his hat, have done the job, Where are you hit?” ‘*My hand; blast ’im, he’s tore it all ter pieces.” Giles hastily examined the bully’s wounded digit. ** Why,” he exclaimed, ‘‘it’s not so bad. Only | your little finger gone. Not another mark on your hand.” “Is that so?’ cried Bob! ‘By mighty! I thought my hull durned fist war gone.” “ Will you fight him again?” eagerly asked Giles, as he bound up the wounded hand. **Not ef I knows it! Ireckon I am er leeele full. Dll get even in sum other way. Iam satisfied fer this time.” ‘Bah! You’re a coward,” snarled Giles, turning abruptly away. “Does he want another round?’ inquired Vane. ‘Tl shoot away the little finger on his other hand next time. I could easily killed the drunken fool, but I didn’t want his blood on my hands.” ‘* He’s satisfied for the present,” Giles explain- ed— fully satisfied.” ‘Got er hull stummic full,” the red-headed man announced, with a majestic wave of his Land, ‘I wish ter Moses my stummic war full. Oh! how dry I be!” At this moment, the smothered report of a revolver was heard, and a bullet whistled by the head of the Diamond Sport. CHAPTER VII. THE PARSON SPEAKS. ‘““HULLO! So it’s you, is it?’ Heath cried, in astonishment, as the summary unmasking revealed the solemn, pious-looking face of Par- son Grimes. ‘* This is rather peculiar business fora man of your stamp to be engaged in. I'll be hanged if you ain’t a double-dyed old fraud!” “Thanks, friends, for the compliment,” the parson said, quite coolly. ‘‘ This little piece of disguise business seems to have fallen through— sort of caved in, so to speak, That beard was a miserable fit, anyway, and always fe.t uncom- fortable. It is quite a relief to have it off.” Much to Heath’s astonishment, the parson seemed perfectly unconcerned by what had hap- pened, His face was perfectly calm, and his voice was free from a tremor. “Who in Satan’s name are you, anyhow?” Eenth cried, fiercely flinging the beard upon the oor, “Plain Parson Grimes, at your service. Leay- ing my little flock in the care of another, I wan- dered away from the verdant State of Vermont, to seek my future in the much-talked-of Western mines. There, you have everything in a nut- shell.” ‘*) believe you lie!” The parson Jaughed quiet] y. “ As you like,” he said. ‘“ It makes little dif- ference to me what you think. The greater rogue aman is the more he suspects his fellow- men, You seem very suspicious.” ‘‘ Bother your talk! Bridle your tongue, and let’s come to an understanding. Id liketo know what kind of a game you are up to, I'll be hanged if I don’t believe you are a detective!” ‘Undoubtedly you will be hanged, anyway. What you believe and what you do not will make little difference in that affair. If I were a detective, yowd be a mighty good subject for me to jot down in my ‘rogue jist.’ ” “I’m going to tell you one thing,” Heath cried angrily. ‘* Whether you are a detective or not, you have run your nose into a mighty warm corner, and the sooner you settle and come to an agreement, the better it will be for you.” The parson laughed in a cool, exasperating way. He seemed little disturbed by Heath’s threat. “You are talking wild now. TI told you who IT was, Just plain Jonathan Grimes, parson, from Greenbush, Vermont. Instead of running my nose into a warm corner, it strikes me that I have dropped into a fat snap, That there’s money in it I am satisfied,” ‘There may be, but we are desperate men, and I warn you not to push us too far. e will pay you a fair sum toclose your moutk, but igh figures we cannot and will not pay. A couple inches lower would | Rather than to have a dead man on our hands, ; we are willing to settle this matter as easily as | possible,” | “Exactly,” said the parson, in a lazy, indif- ferent way. ‘‘lam willing to settle as easy as | you please. You understand about how this matter lays. You folks are going to fall into a biz fortune, which you have no more right to than the man in the moon has.” ‘* Well?” ‘Well, I have dropped on and I mean to come in fora fortune. Do you savvy?” * Look out!” cried Heath fiercely. ‘ Look out that you don’t run againsta lead ball before you lug off a slice of that fortune. You mey leave your bones among these hills.” Again the parson gave vent to that lazy, in- different laugh. “Tf that is your game, you are fools to let me | know it. In my opinion, friend, there is much | more vapor to you than anything else. You seem capable of looking very fierce and talking rey ugly, but I guess that is about all there is o it. 1t was all Heath could do to restrain his anger. He was boiling over with rage. He would have liked to fly at this taunting man’s threat and choke the life out of his body, but by a cesperate effort he controlled his rage. ‘* Let us come to an understanding at once,” he said snarply. ‘* By all means,” replied the parson. ‘‘ I would like as well as you to get this matter settled. But I warn you that, when I talk, I talk busi- ness. It is going to cost you something to keep me silent, and you may as well settle your umd on that Peay It wil four little game, ittle slice of that take a heap to get the better of my conscience. It is no easy thing for aman who has been square and bonoreble all his days, a man who has ever loved his neighbor as himself, a man who has been a faithful ser- vant of the Lord—” ‘* Bah!” cried Heath, me tired.” ‘*T say,” continued Parson Grimes calmly, “that it is a difficult thing for such a y;erson to enter into such a condemuably vil’aimous scheme as this, It is going to take thousands te drown my religious scruples. I hope the Lord ne mercy on may soul if I enter into it at all, ‘*When you get through with this te ffyin business we will talk common sense. You pes not set your mind on drowning your religious scruples with thousands, because you will never have the chance.” “Won't 1?” ‘‘No, you won’t! You may as well under- stand that, first as last. What will you take to clear out and never interfere with our game?” ‘*T believe you heard my figures a few minutes ago, I have not changed my mind since. In fact, when I settle my mind on anything, it takes a great deal to change it.” ‘* This is folly!” Heath cried. ‘‘ You eught to know that we shall never pay such a mas that. I will offer you every cent we ce: «: will pay you—just five hundred dollars. Do you accept?” AY by no means, Do letup! You make Do you take me for sn cut- and-out double-distilled fool? T told you that I meant business when I talked. I'l] bave my figures or nothing.” “Then I reckon you'll teke nothing.” “Very well,” with cool indifference; ‘ go on with this game if you care, Iknow what lam doing, and don’t you forgetit. The minute you | attempt to carry out your plot Dil, expcsre the whole scheme. Gocn with your cifcus.” You never’ll live, curse vou—” ‘‘ Na-ow, hold on!” cried the parson, shoving a revolver under Heath’s nose, * Don’t you at | tempt to draw a weapon onme. [I haven’ta eae doubt but that you would like to lodge a ball in my brain, but J am not at all agreeable toany such experiment. Leave that shooting- iron where it is.” Vith a hoarse grow] Herth relinqnished his | hold cw the revolver. If the parson had not been on the alert, under the angry impulse of the moment, ¢he fiery-tempered villain weuld have shot him dead. “‘Butahout thet t.me, Par- son Grimes was very wide aweke, The parson laughed as he lowered his revelver. | He seemed very little likea parsonnow. Much ' more like a cool, neryy man, who thoroughly understood his business. ‘Now, friend, continued the parsen, ‘‘ what is the use of getting ell riled up? TI wovlen’t be im your place now for ten dollars. You l«eve | worked vourself into an excruciating pitch of | agony. Such spells are destructive to health, and sure destroyers of long life, ridle your 1 a i
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7 tongue and your temper and you will probably live your entire lifetime.” ‘* Will you cease this cursed fool-talk?” cried Heath, thoroughly exasperated. ‘ Imever saw such a coudemned idiot. Again, arid for tho last time, I ask you, do you accept my offer?” | ‘*Nary!” responded the parson, straightening Ls “7 will talk straight enough to suit you. ou shall pay mea reasonable sum, or I will balk your whole game. I will give you just three days to think this matter over. If you feel lenient at the end of that time, you can easily hunt me up. If you donot, you will hear from me again. Do you understand?” ‘* That’s plain enough.” “Tm glad of it. 1 cidn’t know as it would be. I am going now,” rising to his feet, and — still holding his revolver in his hand. ‘Pl trouble you for that beard. Thanks.” “Go!” growled Heath. ‘‘ Hurry up and get out of here. I’ve seen and heard all I want to of you.” “ Haven't a doubt of it. I’ve seen a great deal more than I wanted to, of you. Think my offer over, friend. Ta, tai” He backed to the door, and, with a low bow, disappeared. Heath listened a moment to the sound of Lis retreating footsteps; sprung to his feet, foam- ing with rage. e rushed wildly around’ the room, uttering volley after volley of oaths. 7) kill him! I will! I will! I will!” he rated, through his clinched teeth. ‘‘I was re- uctant about entering into this game, but now I’m in it, soul and body. Nothing shall thwart me! He shall die! If it is necessary, I will do the) job with my own hands! The sum he asks cannot and shall not be paid. Lightning blast the fool!” Suddenly he drew his revolver and sprung to the window. This he threw open, and thrust out his head, peering eagerly up and down the street. The object he was looking for, the par- son, was some distance down the street, wall- ing rapidly away. Heath half-raised his re- volver, then lowered it with a shake of his head. ‘6 This won’t do,” he muttered. ‘‘That would be a genuine fool-trick. It must be done secret- ly and quietly.” ** Hullo!’ called a voice behindhim. ‘‘ What's the trouble?” Heath whirled around to see Isabella, the Song Queen, regarding him with a look of as- tonishment. ‘* What's the trouble?” she repeated. ‘Trouble enough,” Heath replied. ‘I have just bad an interview with the spy, who over- eard the outlines of our game. I couldn’t come within a hundred miles of satisfying him! but he'll get satisfaction yet.” ‘‘ What do you mean?” Heath replied with a bard laugh that spoke volumes. here was a snaky, evil glitter in his eyes. He was ina decidedly dangerous mood. he parson had made a bitter foe. “ Isabella, nothing shall spoil this little game. There is enough money in it to allow us all to go away to some foreign land and live in lux- | ury. Once we get the ducats safely in our fingers, it’s skip. It wouldn’t do to remain, for the simple litt]o reason that, although it is very improbable, the real heiress might turn up.” he compressed her lips and said nothing, but there was a look of angry protest in her eyes. It was evident that she was not greatly en- amored with the game she was about to enter into. ; Sit down,” commanded Heath, ‘‘and I will | tell you all about our little interview. If you are at all interested in this matter, you want to get a good grip upon your temper and hold on while I am talking. Iam so mad now that I | can hardly breathe.” They sat down, and Ueath told her all about | the interview with the parson. She listened quietly till he was done, Then he said: “ Well, Isy, what do you think about it?” “Tf I was going to express my opinion fairly, I should say that we are entering mto a very dangerous as well as dishonest game. Itis my opinion that the whole business will fall through, and if we don’t look sharp we shall find ourselves | within prison walls.” ‘*Bah! You're faint-hearted. You must brace | up. Just think of the chink in the pot! [I tell | you it’s worth making a try for.” ‘The money is well enough, but it is better to get what we want in an honest way. I have | told you my opinion of the game. However, I suppose you will do as you please, and I shall | have to do as you want me to.” “You're getting on the contrary side, You | shouldn’t be so very scrupulous, for you know | you married a gambler.” | if I have to kill him with my own hands! The The Diamond Sport. She sprung to her feet, her dark eyes flash- | ing. * Little I knew that he was a gambler!” she cried. ‘I took him because I loved him, and believed him the very soul of honor, Was it my fault that he turned out to be a dishonest reprobate? Little did I once think he would one day taunt me with his ov7n dishonesty. Oh, 8:! Si! how I have loved you! and you are still my lawful husband.” “Hold your tengue!” he hissed. ‘* Keep it | still, will you? You are bound to let the cat out | of the bag. No one knowsaround bere that you | are my wife, but you seem determined to post them on that line.” “Yes,” she said, slowly; ‘‘no one knows that I am your wife, and I am thought the worse fcr it. If the facts were known, it would Wash my | name ‘clear of the stain uponit. But, no one knows—no one knows!” ‘Well, well,” returned Heath, making an at- | tempt to pacify ker. ‘It is better fcr no one to now. If they did, the Sorg Queen would scon fail to be the taking card at the Pleasure Per- lors ” ‘But the worst of this is, you want me to pretend to marry another man,” she said, scorn- fully. “You want me to sell myself, soul and bedy for money! Bah! the very thought of it | makes me sick. Iam convinced that you never loved me. If you had you would not want me | to enter into such a disreputable scheme. You would not even scheme to have me assent to marry that villeinous Giles, when you know that I hate him—hate him! hate him !” CHAPTER VIII. COLONEL ALLEN MaSQUERADES. CotonrL ALLEN had been an eye-witness of | the strect-duel between his tool, Roarin’ Bob, and the Diamond Sport. Standing in the !ong upper corridor of one of Bed-Rock’s hotels, from a convenient window le had watched the whole affair, from beginning to end. A growl of disapproval came from his lips when he perceived the “*boosy ” condition that the Boss Bruiser was in. “Infernal idiot!” he cried. “I was a fool to let him have any moncy till he completed the | job. Tie’s drunk, and is apt to make a mess of | the affair. He’s no match for that traitor, any- | way. Why didn’t he wait and knife him in the | back?” | Another fierce growl came from bislips when | he witnessed the result of the duel. | ‘“‘ Just as I expected,” he muttered. ‘‘ He has made a miserable failure, but I will put a spoke in the wheel of Mr, Velvet Vane, curse him!” With these words, he drew a revolver and | took a deliberate aim at the head of the Sport. | Just as he pulled the trigger, his arm was dash- ed upward, and, although the bullet sped out through the window and dangerously near the head of his enemy, the colonel’s dastardly at- tempt was frustrated. A sharp voice cried in his ear: ‘* Found at last, murderer !” The colonel did not stop for thought, but his | heavy fist fell with crushing force upon the | wild, desperate face upturned to him. te was & | stunning blow, and the victim was hurled back- | ward and fell senseless to the floor; then the as- sailant turned, and, unobserved, made his exit by a back way. ‘It is getting a trifle too warm around here,” he muttered, as he hurried away. ‘‘ They are hot after me, but I imagine they will have a bit | of sport before they ring in a cold deal on your humble servant, That traitorous dog shall die, next move I make will be to strike for the irl, He reached his ‘‘ headquarters,” and_proceed- | ed to arrange a complete disguise. ‘‘If I went to succeed, I must hide myself behind a_mask, Velvet Vane must never set eyes on ‘Colonel | Allen,’ for those eyes of his are too very sharp. He would know me instantly. But I reckon it | will take sharper eyes than his to penetrate this disguise.” The disguise was indeed admirably gotten up. | } | Few would have recognized in that portly, well- | dressed, florid-faced old gentleman the well- known and popular Colonel Allen. The amusements that evening at the Pleasure Parlors were progressing smoothly, when this person put in an appearance at that resort. Among the throng he attracted but little atten- | tion. j He wandered through the rooms seeking for the Sport, but Vane was not to be found. Evi- | dently he had not yet arrived. Roarin’ Bob was there, however. The bully’s ' | ——————_—{ = - ee wounded hand was rudely bandaged. Bob had not been drinking much, but was sauntering around tle room closely inspecting every one. Evidently he was searching for some one. The disguised colonel touched the bully on the arm, aud said in a low tone, that could be heard by the bruiser only: *“Come this way. rou.” “Waal, I'll be shot fer a—!” Bon began, but Allen interrupted him with a warning gesture, ‘¢ Ffush, you foo!!” he said, in a low, yet stern voice. ‘Tie up your tengue and foilow me.” Wonderingly, Roarin’ Bob complied. Allen led the way to an unoccupied corner of the gambling rocm. Here he seated himself at a deal table. - Bob sat Cown opposite. ‘‘Durned ef I knew ye!” he muttered. ‘* Can I wag me jaw?’ “ Tslk low,” cauticned the colonel. “Wat's ther game now? Durned ef I w’u’dn’t like ter know w’at ye’r’ rigged out in this style fer.” ‘¢ Never mind that; I kave goodreasons, For I want to speak with | a time Colonel Allen must not be seen in Bed- tock.” ‘ Wat's ther meanin’ o’ this turn?” “ Things have transpired that make it decided- ly unsafe for Cclenel Allen to be seen in this camp. By the way, ycu made a flat failure in your attempt to dis;ose of the Sport.” ‘Yes, durn’im! Hayre’s his mark,” holding up the wounded hand. “You were drunk—at least, too drunk to fight,” declared the colonel, with a touch of anger in his tones. ‘Yeu made a fool of yourself! Don’t for a moment think that in a fair fight you can get away with Velvet Vane, as he 1s called. Snife him in the back! Thatisasgocd | @ way as any, and it is the easiest and safest.” “ Wirect.’ ‘‘Now I have another job fer you. Do you know the female you stopped in the street to- day? aq Yes, she war ther gal as sings in this hayre saloon.” ‘Right. Now each night after she sings, she leaves here by a back door and makes her way to her room in Metcalf’s Hotel. She must not reach her room to-night, Do you understand?” ‘¢ Great Moses!” exclaimed the startled bully. “Do you want me ter knife her ?” ‘No! no! Not by any means. I want youto be ready when she leaves to take her prisoner. Make every provision to keep her from uttering an outcry; take her prisoner, and bring her to the big pine that stands just at the mouth of the doctited, mine at the southern extremity of the camp. Do you think you can do it with that hand?” ‘¢ Wat's ther indocsements?” “ A clean hundred.” “That settles it. I] be thar wi’ ther fe- male.” ‘Good enough! Now don’t make a failure of this affair.” “*-You may bet yer life I_won’t. As sure as my name are Roarin’ Bob, I'll be thar.” The two villains separated, Colonel Allen at once leaving the room. Feeling fmmneeely, leased by the abi of obtaining a hundr' ollars at one haul, Roarin’ Bob lingered around the Pleasure Parlors. He drank but little, just enough to nerve him for the desperate deed he was to do, He saw nothing of the men in velvet, and he was glad that he did not meet him. He bad resolved that his next attempt upon the life of Vane shculd be successful. e would not make an open attempt, but, taking Colonel Allen’s advice, would shoot or stab bim in the back. The bully kept very quiet, making no move to attract attention, “He was patiently waiting for the Song Queen to appear. The Diamond Sport was not in the saloon, Giles was there. He desired to hear Isabella sing again. he hour arrived for the Song Queen to ap- pear, and as soon as she stepped upon the stage Roarin’ Bob left the room and made his wa cautiously round to the back side of the build- ing. Crouching in the darkness near the back door, he waited for the girl to appear. It was some time before the door opened and the girl stepped out into the darkness, She turned to move away when, with a sud- den spring, the bully Jeaped upon her. In his sound hand be held a handkerchief. with which he intended to gag ber. He clasped her around the shoulders and attempted to cover her mouth with his huge hand before she could utter a cry. But his wounded hand bothered him, and he | made a bungling failure. When she felt herself seized by unknowm
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that was heard by more than one person, With a fierce curse, Roarin’ Bob forced the gas into her mouth, but finding that she fought like a wildcat, proceed to choke her until she was quite insensible. As he held her limp form in his arms, the bully heard rapid footsteps approaching. With- out waiting, Bob dashed away into the darkness, bearing the unconscious gir). A sharp voice cried out to him: ‘Stop, you villain!” Then, as Roarin’ Bob still ran on, there came a sharp report, and a bullet sped by his head. But in firing that shot the pursuer baffled him- self. For a moment the flash of the weapon blinded his eyes, and when he again peered eh darkness the fleeing form had dis- appeare traight for the deserted mine the bruiser made his way. In a few moments he reached the place. He paused beneath a big pine, and, laying the girl on the ground, waited for Colonel Allen to oye e did not have eg to wait, for in a few mo- ments he saw a dark form coming toward the tree. “Who's that?’ challenged Bob, cocking a re- volver. “It is I, Bob,” replied a voice, got the girl?” ** Bet yer life!” Then, as the colonel came up, Bob saw that he had a black mask over his face. Wat yer got that thing on fer?” growled the bully. “It is best the girl should not see my face. But, what was the meaning of that shot?” ‘Waal, ye see as how sum durned galoot got after me an’ invited me to stop. I declined, an’ he slung a hunk of lead arter me. Kum durned near takin’ an’ ear off, too.” “How did any one happen to get after you?” **My han’ bothered me an’ ther blamed gal squealed w’en I grabbed ’er. Dashed ef I didn’t hev ter choke ’er to keep ’er still.” “You did?’ cried the colonel, in alarm. . the luck! I hope you haven’t killed er He hastily lit a match and bent over the un. conscious girl, throwing the light in her face. At a glance he saw that she had swooned from fright more than from the choking she had re- ceived, As Colonel Allen bent over the girl, the light from the match reflecting on his own face a shot rung out, and a flying bullet knocked the masked man’s hat from his head! CHAPTER Ix, HIS TRUE COLORS, Tux colonel sprung to his feet, dropping the burning match. A sharp voice cried: ; “Death to the outlaw chief!” Then a slender form came bounding through the darkness toward the two men. Placing a whistle to his lips, the colonel blew a shrill blast, and instantly several dark forms appeared, hurrying toward them. The stranger who had fired the shot saw them, and, turning, tried to escape; but with half-a~dozen bounds, the colonel was upon him. : A blow with the heavy butt of a revolver knocked the fleeing form to the ground, and he was bound hand and foot, ‘* Have you Then the dark forms, which proved to be masked men, surrounded them, and the colonel lit another match and bent over his new cap- tive. ‘Now we'll know who you are, my fine fel- low!” he growled. 1 The light of the burning match revealed the stern face and defiant, flashing eyes of the boy, Ned Cole. : . “So it’s you, is it?” exclaimed the colonel. “I tried to knock some sense into your head when ou attacked me in the hotel to-day, but it seems hat I failed.” Then to the masked men: “Gag him, boys!” is command was quickly obeyed. “Now bring up the horses,” was the next order. ; The chief then placed a roll of bills in Roarin’ Bob’s hand, saying: ; “There is your pay for this jub. Now, see that you keep your mouth shut. Do not men- tion this night’s work to any one.” “a henas, Ysabclla gave utterance to a wild shriek The Diamond Sport. 9 Seiad tame Sm | Taking the hint, Bob at once struck out for his shanty in the camp. A few moments later some of the masked men came up, leading several horses. Ned Cole bot securely upon a horse’s back, the leader mounted his own horse, and one of the men handed up the captive girl to him. The other men sprung upon their horses, and with- | out a word the masked horsemen. rode silently away. On into the darkness they rode; away among | the hills, bearing two helpless captives with them—captives who were being carried to an | unknown fate. Nota word was uttered by any of the grim band as they rode along through the dark gulches. An hour later, after climbing a difficult mountain-trail, they entered the caficealed mouth of a cave that was large enough to admit the horses with riders on their backs. A guard was stationed at the mouth of the cave, but after a few words he allowed them to pass, A short distance on, they halted in the dark- ness, and a sharp whistle sounded through the underground passage. In a few moments, a bearded man appeared, bearing two lanterns, The masked colonel slid from the back of his horse and lowered the now conscious Isabella to the rock floor. Leaving the men to take care of the horses, the colonel unbound the captive girl’s feet, and tak- ing one of the lanterns led the way through a dark passage. Finally they entered a small rocky cavern or room, at one side of which was a rude table, up- on which a lamp wasburning. There weresome rough chairs in the room, and at one side was a sort of couch, covered with a buffalo’s hide. He led his captive to this couch, and motioned for her to be seated. ‘* ah! dear Isabella!” he exclaimed, ‘‘I forgot that handkerchief in your mouth, It must be uncomfortable. Pray allow me to remove it, and [ beg you forgive me for not doing so sooner.” : He removed the handkerchief and untied her hands. All the while she kept her eyes, in the depths of which shone mingled fear and anger, fastened upon him; but she did not speak. “You are free to use your tongue now, my dear,” observed the masked man, when he had unbound her. ** Who are you?” was her first question. “Who am 1? Well, I know of no reason why Tshould not reveal myself to you. Iam one whom you well know. See!” He quietly removed the mask. ** Colonel Allen!” exclaimed the girl. Quite right. Back in Bed-Rock I am known as Colonel Allen; but you have known me under another name.” ‘“*T? You are mistaken you only as Colonel Allen,” ‘Nevertheless, I have known you when you bore a name other than the one by which you are now known,” he declared. ‘‘Perhaps. It matters little if you did. But what was the name, please?” ** Annie Maines!” The girl gave a start of surprise, but almost instantly said: “You are mistaken, sir. That never was my name. I know not why you have brought me here, but I think you have madea mistake. You had better release me at once.” — Her eyes were flashing now, and it was evi- dent that her spirit was rising. The man laughed shortly. “You can’t play that on me,” he said. ‘‘ You are Annie Maines, and you know well enough that 1 am Dashing Dave, the road-agent chief. You slipped through my fingers once, and, with the assistance of my traitor lieutenant, managed to escape; but I have you now, and mean to hold you fast.” “Vou are wrong, sir. You have mistaken me for some other person, I would have you know that I have friends in Bed-Rock who will search for me, and it is best for you to set me at liberty at once.” For a moment the outlaw chief seemed an- gered. “Why do you deny that you are Annie Maines?” he cried. ‘You cannot deceive me. sir. I never knew You well know that say followers and a band of ; done you. Indians swept down on the Fairgrave wagon- | You are in my train and destroyed it. You and your husband were with that train, You were both taken prisoners, but he came to his end when he at- tempted to assassinate me. I was forced to kill him. I carried you to my stronghold and would After seeing | | lowed on your trail, but in some manner be baf- fled all pursuit. I lost all track of you, and gave up ever seeing you more. But fortune fav- ored me. When came with my followers to this part of the country [had no hope of finding you here. But I did. You were known not as | Annie Maines, but as Isabella Arnold, the Song Queen, ‘‘ Now are you convinced that I know you?” ‘“Quite the contrary,” replied the girl. “TI am now sure that you do not know me. TI tell you fairly and honestly, that I am not this An- nie Maines.” The outlaw chief seemed puzzled as well as angry. He was confident that he was right, and the girls persistent denials that she was Annie Maines yous him. What could her object be? Finally he said: “ft makes no difference whether you are or are not Annie Maines. You are the woman I propose to make my wife. I brought you here for that purpose, und when you leave this moun- tain ceve you will be Mrs. Dashing Dave.” ‘Then I shall never leave this cave!” cried the girl, with flashing ‘eyes. ‘I will never marry you! You cannot force me to do that!” The outlaw chief smied grimly. “You do not know my power,” he replied. “If you did, you would not say that,” “p know enough of you! ou have told me enough with your own lips to make me heartily detest you. You are a person who has ellied himself with Indians—a renegade white man !— a murderer!” She sprung to her feet and stood confronting him as she uttered these words. When she ceased speaking, her strength failed her, and she sunk back on the couch. For a moment the outlaw shrunk before her. Then a sudden change came over him, He drew near her. “Tsabella,” he said, slowly, half-pleadingly, “T love you. I fell in love with you the mo- ment I saw you, and saved you from being slain by the savages who destroyed the train. if you will become ae wife I will give up this wild life. I am rich, and will do anything for you. We will go to some foreign’ country, where I am unknown, and live. big tne the heart can crave shall be yours, hat is your answer?” ‘““My answer is No! Rather than to become our wife, { would take my life with my own and!” The outlaw chief turned away, giving utter- ance toa sharp whistle. A moment later two men appeared. “Take her away!” ordered the chief. ‘To the first prison chamber with her, but have a care, for your charge is a precious one.” Without a word the two men lifted her and bore her away; then, taking a lantern, the out- jaw chief made his wa > Me one of the Jon passages. He desided: a flight of steps an entered a long cavern. At ore side was an iron-framed door, across which were heavy bars of iron, It looked like a prison door, and the cell beyond was known in the outlaws’ strong- hold as ‘*‘ The Dungeon.” Holding up his lantern, the chief peered into the cell. The uncertain light showed him a form sitting on a rough stool. Unlocking the iron door with a huge key, the outlaw entered the cell. The light of the lantern he carried now showed the priscner to be the desperate boy, Ned Cole. “T thought they would put you bere,” re- marked Dashing Dave. ‘t Now, my fine lad, look up here. I have a word to say to you.” But the boy did not raise his head. His hat, which he bad pulled well down over his eyes, kept his features in shadow. ‘You needn’t sulk, my lad,” continued the outlaw. ‘‘ You are in tor it, and may as well make the best of it. I'd like to know who you are, anyway?” Still the boy remained silent. “Why don’t you speak?” cried the outlaw, angrily. ‘‘ You had better not try any cross- ained games hcre, for if you do, you will soon broke of them. 1 do not know who you are, and care little. However, you have made two attempts on my life. For what reason I do not know. Probably for some fancied wrong I have But we will let that pass, now. »wer, and there is but one way for vou to ever leave this cavern alive,” The outlaw paused a moment, then continued: “T have taken a fancy to spare your life. For what reason I do not myself know. But if ou will come to my terms, I will spare you. =e, have made you my wife, but my lieutenant fell | The only way that you can ever live to leave in love with you and turned traitor on me. One | this cavern is by joining my band. It isa jolly, night he deserted, taking you with him. I fol- | free-and-easy life. Will you join us?” a Trust ther Boss Bruiser fer thet.” “Very well. You had better get back to the camp now.”
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s - baie ting Sha, at. ~ Ae! tae oeoee ~ 9 4 eae’ 4 . . 10 — The Diamond Sport. ‘‘No!” shouted the boy, and, with a cat-like leap, he sprung upon the outlaw. In his hand the boy held a round stone with which he struck the astonished man square on the head. The blow partially stunned Dave, and for a time it seemed as though the boy would get the best of | the conflict. {t was a fierce struggle, but the chief soon flung the boy from him. The lad struck the rocks with great force, and falling in a heap, lay still. With a harsh Jaugh, the outlaw turned and left the cell, clanging the iron door behind him. CHAPTER X. SEARCHING FOR THE STRONGHOLD, In spite of everything that the double-faced chief had said to him in order to keep him still concerning what had happened, Roaring Bob got very drunk and let slip some words that pat eath and Giles on track of the peep girl. The two men were very much alarmed by the sudden disappearance of the girl, and were searching for some trace of her, when they stumbled upon the drunken bully, and, from some words he let drop, they came to the con- clusion that Isabella had been carried away to the mountains by a band of masked horsemen, Giles furnished Bob with liquor, and endeavy- ored to ‘‘ pump” him, but he could learn little more than the points already secured, For all of his drunkenness, the bully was shrewd enough to claim that he had seen the whole affair froma secure hiding-place. The Diamond Sport heard the bully’s story and turned away, with a look of alarm upon his face. “Tt must be that the Song Queen is the one for whom I am searching,” he mused, ‘‘If she is not Annie Maines, why should Dashing Dave take her prisoner and carry her away to his stron hold, as he probably has done? It must be. G way, I will search for the outlaws’ den, and attempt to rescue the girl, if I can find her.” . The red-headed man came staggering toward him. ‘Ding it, partner!” said that peculiar indi- vidual, as he came up, “this heer’s a beastly scrape, now, ain’t it? Hanged ef I don’t feel in- terested in the row. Say, partner, less go fer her galoot an’ take ther gal away from him.” The red-headed man seemed very much in earnest, and the Sport was forced to smile. ‘¢T got er hoss,” he continued, ‘‘ Bought him ter-day. I happened ter find er little loose change in one 0’ my pockets, an’ takin’ er fanc to er little hoss, I bought him, Oh, I’m fixed! Now you git er hoss, an’ we’ll strike out fer ther outlaw an’ ther gal. W’ot d’yer say?” ‘“‘] will think about it,” the Sport answered. “Tf I conclude to go with you, I will let you know.” ‘Kirect. You had better go, Kid-Gloves, If e make up yer mind to do so, jest call on yours ruly. The man in velvet had decided to make an at- tempt to discover the outlaw’s retreat, but he did not wish to be incumbered by the red-headed man. It did not take Vane long to find a horse that he fancied, and the good round price which the owner demanded for him was paid, and the horse became the Sport’s property. He bought a saddle and bridle, and thus equipped, was pre- pared for the expedition. ‘¢ Now to find the outlaws’ den,” he muttered, as he left the camp and struck out into the southern gulch, but he did not know in which direction the ruffian bad left Bed-Rock, but, as luck would have it, he was following their very footsteps, Perhaps a mile out of the mining-camp Vane observed a horseman some distance ahead of him, slowly making his way along the gulch. The sport observed the man closely, and at once saw that he looked familiar. Arranging his re- volvers so that he could grasp them in an in- stant, the Diamond Sport hastened to overtake the strange horseman. As he drew near, the man looked more familiar. Soon the rider heard the sound of Vane’s horse’s hoofs, and turned round to look back. The Sport gave a muttered exclamation of amazement. It was the red-headed man. The red-headed man seemed no less surprised than the Sport. Drawing up his horse he waited for Vane to approach. ‘ Durn me fer a clam!” heexclaimed, ‘‘Ttar’ Kid-Gloves. Now this are lucky. I had no idee yer w’u’d strike out so soon, partner, an’ while we war waitin’ I thought I w’u’d jist strike out an‘ try me noble charger. It’s great, luck that I didn’t miss yer.” The Sport saw that he was “‘in for it;” he was he a qt ‘ a ! | bound to haye the red-headed man on his hands | anyway, and he might as well make the best of | it. | ‘Blamed ef me ole hoss ain’t quite a fier | steed,” continued the red-head. ‘I didn’t thin thar was ser much ter him till I tried im. Ain’t he a clean one, partner?” Vane saw at a glance that the horse’was in truth a very good animal. ‘* He looks weil,” he assented. ‘* Waal, he’s just as good as he looks, an’ er little better. I say, Kid-Gloves, you ain’t got er snifter anywhere round yer pusson, hev ye? I’m jist desert dry.” ‘*Not a snifter, my sorrel-topped friend.” ‘* Say, now,” cried the red-headed man, ‘‘ don’t make fun o’ my hair! It’s er great misfortune ter hev a head ke mine. Feller can’t go long er street arter dark unless everybuddy takes ’im fer an animated lamp-post. agery vatin’!” They continued on together, the red-head chattering all the time, The Sport would have given much to have been rid of bis companion, but he well knew that any attempt to get clear of him would be useless. Coming round a sudden bend in the gulch they beheld an amusing spectacle, In fact, it was of such a pleasing nature that they both laughed aloud. A short distance away was a long, lank indi- vidual, mounted upon the back of a little, vicious-looking mule. The long legs of this in- dividual, who was none other than Parson Grimes, nearly touched the gréund. The mule was rearing and bucking ina vigorous attempt to unseat the parson, who was clinging fast to the animal’s short mane. ‘* Blast your hide!” shouted the parson, as he did his best to thrash the mule’s sides with his long legs. ‘**Condemn your hide! Try to throw me off, will ye! I'll learn you!” an the other. The-red-headed man burst into a roar of laugh- ter that was heard by the parson, who looked up and saw the two men. The mule suddenly ceased his antics, where- upon the parson slowly dismounted, and holding the animal by the bit, proceeded to deliberately deal it several violent kicks in the ribs, Then, turning to the two men, he said: ‘Friends, there is a time to dance, a time to pray, and a time to kick an ugly mule. At oresent I am impressed that it is the last-men- ioned time,” and with these words, he again delivered several hard kicks upon the mule’s ibs, ‘* Hole on there, parson!” cried the red-head. ‘* Be keerful, or you'll kick ther wind out o’ ther beast. ‘* There is little danger of that,” retorted the parson. “The animal is too ugly to lose its wind in that way. However, I think I have him well subjected.” The parson then climbed upon the mule’s back; but he was barely seated when the little beast suddenly elevated his hind feet, and the parson sailed gracefully over his head, and struck in a sprawling attitude on the ground, The mule stood quite still, regarding him with eyes that seemed filled with wonder, The red-head nearly choked with laughter. The parson slowly and painfully arose to his feet, He approached the mule, and taking the animal by the bridle, began patting its neck. “Tt apr be,” spoke the parson, solemnly, ‘it may be that I was too hasty in my attempt to subdue this animal. Perhaps it would be better to be kind than to chasten,’ He then began calling the mule pet names, talked softly, patting and rubbing its neck all the while. Aiter several minutes of this busi- ness, the parson ventured to again climb upon the animal’s back. The mule stood quite still, not offering to play any of his old tricks. The parson smiled blandly as he noted his success, ‘* Let this be a lesson to you, friends,” said the arson. ‘‘If you cannot conquer by force, try <indness. If,in my haste and the heat of the moment, I uttered words of an improper nature, forget them. Satan tempts mortals, and at times the best of them err.” ‘‘ Eggsactly, parson,” rejoined the red-head. ‘Everything are fergot. Course er feller can’t pick his words w’en fake b’ilin? mad, Nobuddy expects him to. But I say, ole man, has ye got jist er drap 0’ suthin’ ’hout yer pusson?” ‘* A drop of something?” ‘* Yes, thet’s it. Jist er smell o’ whisky, or suthin’ bracin’.” ' ‘*Ah, Tunderstand! Happily, friend, I have Er a - bi begs, , oh, edi tly) Se te Durned if ’tain’t | the parson beat | the mule with one hand while he held on with | ae a very little here which I purchased in order to secure repose at night.” The parson produced a flat quart bottle from one of his capacious ogee, The red-headed man’s eyes glowed as he saw the flask. Hastily reaching out, he secured the coveted prize. ‘* Hyer’s long life to ye, parson,” and the next moment the liquor was gurgling down the red- head’s throat, With some alarm, as he saw the liquid disap- pear, the ie son grasped the bottle and wrested it from the red-head’s hands, who uttered a sigh of disappointment as it was carried beyond his reach. “Don’t be greedy, friend,” cried the parson. * Thankee fer ther taste,” was the reply; ‘‘ but. ye needn’t ’a’ been so scat.” The parson replaced the bottle in his pocket, at the saine time inquiring why they were there. Before Vane could stop him, and much to the Sport’s disgust, the red-headed man at once spluttered out that they were searching for the outlaws’ den. The parson expressed a determi- nation to jo them, and when they moved on, he went with them. Vane now gave up all hope of finding any trace of the brigands. With the red-head and the parson on bis hands, he reasoned that to pach for the den would be worse than use ess. However, he did not at once turn his horse's head toward Bed-Rock. The strange trio rode on for sometime. Final- ly they halted many miles from Bed-Rock. ‘*This business seems, like s’archin’ fer er needle in er haystack,” declared the red-head. The man in velvet said nothing, but he was busily scanning the rocky slopes. They had halted at the foot of a very high mountain, and just before them it rose precipi- tously, seeming unscalable; but the sharp eyes of the Sport espied what he considered a ible means of ascent, even for a horseman. e well knew that, if the first steep incline could be | overcome, a passable trail might be found up the mountain-side, Vane dismounted and began viewing the, base of the precipitous incline. Bending low, a close inspection soon revealed to him marks of iron- shod hoofs, and he soon decided that the marks had been made quite recently. Had he luckily and unwittingly stumbled up- on the outlaws’ trail? Jt might be so. He at once remounted his horse, and bidding his companions wait where they were till he re- turned, he dashed straight up the precipitous ascent. It seemed an impossible feat for a horse to mount the steep and rocky incline, but bend- ing nobly to its work the faithful beast mounted up, up! With bated breath, Parson Grimes, and the red-head watched the daring Sport Every mo- ment they expected to see the horse lose its foot- ing and come rolling down with itsrider. A few loose stones, started by the horse’s feet, came rattling down, but still the struggling beast mounted upward. wild The summit of the incline was safely reached, and turning in the saddle, Vane waved his hand to the two men below him, then disappeared among the scraggy pines: that grew upon the mountain-side, In truth the Sport had stumbled upon a trail seldom used by tbe outlaws, but one that on sev- eral occasions had proved of great service to some one of them when hard pressed. It was, a feck a sort of back way to the outlaws’ strong- Old, Parson Grimes and his red-headed companion patiently waited the return of the Sport. The minutes became hours, but the man in velvet. did not return. CHAPTER XI. THE TABLES TURNED. DasHInG DAVE was in no pleasant humor as he strode away from the Dungeon, after the en- counter with the desperate boy. ‘‘ Curse him!” growled the outlaw chief, as he tenderly rubbed his bruised and_swelling head. ‘‘Did the fool think to escape? Why, if he had overcome me, I fancy he would have been puz- zled to find his way out of this cavern. Even if he had taken the right pa‘sage, he would have been snubbed by the guard.” The outlaw made his way back to the chamber where he had first carried the girl. As soon as he reached this chamber he again uttered the signal whistle, In a few moments a man stood before him. ‘* Send Pistol Rube and Bowie Sam here,” com- manded the outlaw. With a nod the man disappeared, and a few
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The Diamond Sport. before their chief. Dashing Dave was filling a fine meerschaum pipe when they appeared, and for some troments rae not appear to notice them. Finally, when he had finished filling and lighted his pipe, with- out glancing at the two men, the outlaw chief said; “Both of you chaps belonged to my band when, in consolidation with Bounding Elk’s band of red-skins, we wiped out the Fairgrave emi- igrant train, didn’t you?” A growl of assent came from the two ruffians. ‘Very well,” continued the chief, pulling lei- surely at his pipe. ** You know who my trusted second officer was then, of course—Reckless Rob- in he was called, and a more daring devil does not live to-day.” ‘+ It’s the truth you’re givin’ us now,” growled Bowie Sam. ‘¢ Of course you know that he turned traitor on me shortly after the Fairgrave affair,” and pulls at the pipe became short and even. ‘ He not only turned traitor, but released from my cus- tody a prisoner whom I. considered very valu- able. ou know the doom of a traitor?” ‘‘ Death!” replied the two ruffians in a single breath. The word sounded muffled andawfulin that rocky chamber. “Right; death it is,” and for a time the out- law took the pipe from his mouth that he might speak more freely. ‘‘ Reckless Robin has never paid the penalty, but he must—-he shall!” Another growl of approval came from the two ruilians. , ‘“ Now, my lads, Reckless Robin is down in Bed-Rock, where he is known as Velvet Vane. Last night one of the band py the to take the traitor’s life, but failed, and his own life would have paid the penalty had I not hada few of the boys near at hand. They made a dash through the camp, and in the excitement I re- leased our man. ‘Then I engaged a big fellow to dispose of the traitor, but he made a botch job of the first attempt, and has a wounded hand now that may prevent him from making the trial. I can’t depend on him.” “T sh’u’d rayther kalkerlate not,” observed Pistol Rube. “If he failed fu’st off, he may fare wuss second round.” ‘* Solid hoss sense,” declared the chief, approv- ingly. ‘‘ With his wounded hand he’s no match for the traitor, unless he has big advantage. At any rate, I can’t depend on him. Now, boys ou are two of my best men, and there is a cool undred dollars ready for you when you bring me Velvet Vane’s scalp, double that if you bring him here alive.” ‘¢ We understan’, boss,” said Bowie Sam, ‘‘ an’ you may bet we'll scoop ther pot. Eh, Rube?” ‘You've sed enuff fer both o’ us,” hoarsely muttered Rube. F ‘That's all, boys,” and the chief waved his hand. é . Without a word his two tools left the cham- r, Dashing Dave completed his smoke, then la down upon the rude couch and fell asleep. It could not be that his conscience was much troubled, for be slept as peacefully as an infant. While he slept the hours crept on and another day came, but no ray of light penetrated the mountain cavern to tell were it day or night. — When the outlaw awoke he first ordered his own breakfast, then directed that food be sent the two prisoners, After partaking of his breakfast, the outlaw chief made his way to the first cell, in a much better mood than usual, Indeed, he felt that things were working well for him, and he asked no more than that, He found Isabella looking somewhat haggard and wild-eyed after spending a night in the dis mal cavern. q j “You are looking pale, my dearie,” he said, unlocking the iron door and entering. ‘‘ Don’t et ina fit and worry yourself sics, I should islike to woo a sick female, even though she were the handsomest one I knew.” The deep look of scorn upon the girl’s face was the only r ply. There was a light in the cell. Though he had left the boy in utter darkness, he was not harsh enough to deprive his fair prisoner of such a n. “Sit down, dear girl, sit down,” said the Double Face, as she stood confronting him, ,‘*T have come to have a little talk with you, Per- haps we can come to an understanding now,” “Tf you have come here to repeat the proposal you made to me some time ago, you nave my answer. words.” Dashing Dave laughed lightly. . : minutes later two ruffianly looking fellows stood | ‘‘I admire your spunk, my dearie,” he retort- You need not repeat your insulting ed, easily; ‘‘but "tis plain your judgment is poor. offer you a chance to marry a not un- comely man, and roll in wealth forever after. You can have but poor reasons for throwing aside, or attempting to throw aside, the golden opportunity.” “Sir, I asked you not to repeat your words, but a second time you have insulted me by domg | so!” : ‘“Now don’t get on your high hoss!” in a mocking, half-laughing tone. ‘If you do you will surely receive a mighty unpleasant fall. You are in my power, and must eventually sub- mit and come to my terms. I’m not going to press you too hard at first, but mark you—” “‘T would have you know, sir,” the girl broke in, hotly, ‘‘that IT have friends who will leave no stone unturned, but they will find and rescue me, Her words aroused the outlaw. A fierce light came into his eyes, as he said, in savage tones: “Tf you have friends, they had better steer clear of Dashing Dave. Look here, my lady, I would have you know you areas far awa from your friends’ rescuing hands as though this cave were at the bottom of the sea, St would be the worse for them should they bother me. The chances are that they would be sum- marily disposed of, Perhaps they would be taken prisoners, and then, my lady, if you did not come to terms right soon, they would surely feel a gentle touch of my wrath, Do you com- prehend?” She looked dazed and subdued. ‘*T will speak plainer,” continued the outlaw. ‘* Should your friends, in their search for you, be taken prisoners, upon their heads would he visited punishment for your obstinacy. If you still refuse to accede to my honest demand, they should be t rtured until the curses they would heap upon your head would be enough to sink you to the very bottom of the bottomless pit!” She cowered before him now, with the marks of dread and fear plainly showing upon her woe- begone face. His fierce, heartless words fell like heavy blows upon her unprotected head. The outlaw laughed as he saw this effect. He resolved to cow her completely. ‘“‘T do not wish to perform such an unpleasant job, but I may be forced to do so, I have hoped to succeed by measures less harsh, but succeed I will, by any means.” She burst into tears and flung herself upon her knees before him, holding out her bands pleadingly. “Oh, sir, have rg ag have mercy!” she sobbed. “My friends have money; they will art with every dollar if you will set me free, lave mercy! have mercy !” ‘* Money—bah! What care I for money!” he cried. ‘ It isnot money I want; it is you—your own precious self! Money!—{ have hoards of it! ‘‘] will not press you for an answer now, I will give you time, Think well of it—think what must follow if you refuse. Do not forget what { have said, and when I think you have had sufficient time, 1 will return for an answer.” A moment later he was gone, and she was alone in that lonely, rocky cell—elone to think with burning brain and Bening heart—alone! While playing the partof Colonel Allen, Dashing Dave had more than half suspected that there was some secret friendsbip, if not mg¢re than that, between the Song Queen and Simon Heath. Now that she had spoken of friends who would make desperate Bu suiTte to rescue her, he at once came to the conclusion that she referred to Heath, Da hing Dave chuckled softly as he slowly walked along the echoing cavern corridor. He was well satisfied with the result of the inter- view. ‘“T have a plan whereby she can be forced into submission without harming her fair self,” he muttered, gleefully. ‘Oh, things are work- ing finely, finely!” Vhen he reached his cavern chamber, he again uttered the signal whistle. ‘Send in Pious Tim and Quiet Mose,” he or- dered, as a man appeared in answer to the signal. ‘A few moments later two men appeared who contrasted strangely with the two ruffians whom he had summoned a short time before. Both were quiet, ordinary appearing men, the last persons liable to be taken for outlaws or des- peradoes, “Tim,” said the chief, every one in Bed-Rock?” *T think I do, sir.” “Do you know Simon Heath?” ON OB; S12.” “you know nearly | 11 “Good enough! Now, Tim, my lad, I have a little job for you and Mose, You are to go into. Bed-Rock and find Simon Heath. While in his hearing, let drop words to the effect that you think you pouta find Dasking Dave’s retreat. He has an interest to know where my stronghold lies, and if you say just enough, and do not overdo it and arouse his suspicions, you will have him eager to learn what you know. Them comes the most difficult part of your work. You must decoy him where, with Mose’s assist- ance, you can take him prisoner. It will be a difficult job, for he may suspect a trap.” ‘“'Trust me an’ Mose, sir. We can play the little game to win.” “T think so, or I would not trust it in your hands. When you have him prisoner, bring him here; and, Tim, take every precaution that he does not see a rod of the road over which he comes. Bind and blindfold him—gag him, too, if necessary. You understand. I leave every- thing in your hands.” With a wave of his band he dismissed them. ‘‘T wish all the band were reliable as those two men,” he muttered, when they bad disap- peared, ‘‘I fear Pistol Rube and Bowie Sam will fail in their mission. Velvet Vane, as he now calis himself, is a desperate man. They will only succeed by taking him ata great dis~ advantage.” He started up at the sound of heavy feet tramping along the passage. Three men stood before him, and the voice of Pistol Rube cried: **Got him, boss! Kotched yer bird fu’st pop, an’ hayre he is!” A fierce cry of savage delight broke from the Double Face, as be saw Pistol Rube and Bowie Sam with a third man,.who was a prisoner. The last was the man in velvet! CHAPTER XII. THROUGH THE WALL. “Woop!” cried Dashing Dave, as his eyes: rested on the Sport. ‘'Can it be possible? Is: this the traitor who betrayed me?” “T reckon it are, boss,” declared Pistol Rube, with an ugly grin as he noted the chief's pleas~ ure. ‘ Kinder glad ter see him, I take it.” ‘* At last, you see, Ihave you in my hands,” hissed Dashing Daye, ‘Now you shall receive the proper reward for your treachery. You are doomed, and all the pistols in Bed-Bock can- not save you!” The man in velvet made no reply, but gazed scornfully and defiantly at the outlaws. His hands were bound behind him, and he was still bleeding from wounds on his head. ‘‘How did you succeed in capturing him?” asked the chief, evidently somewhat puzzled concerning this part of the affair. ‘‘ You must. have made a lucky stroke.” ‘We did that same, boss,” replied Rube. ‘¢ We didn’t hev ter go far ter find him, either. That thar nose o’ his must be sharp on the scent, fer we run plumb ag’in’ him on this very mountain, an’ I'll bet 5 hat agin’ er forty-rod. lot in Bed-Rock that he was s’arcbin’ fer this same cave,” : ‘* Well, he has found it, and he shall never leave it alive! You shall be well paid for this job, my lads. But how did you manage to rake him in?” ‘*' Waal, ye see, boss, we were strikin’ out fer Bed-Rock wen we see’d suthin’ movin’ ’way down ther mountain. We kept sly an’ watch- ed. Purty soon we see’d twas er man afoot, comin’ up ther trail what we don’t most giner- ally use, He was follerin’ it true as er houn’ on the scent. We at once decided ’twarn’t one. o” ther band, an’ so we jist laid ourselves in am- bush fer him. W’en he cums up an’ we see’d as how it was the velvet dandy, ye c’u‘d ‘a’ knock- ed us down wi’ a feather!” ‘Ye cu’d that, and not haff tried,” put im Bowie Sam, ““Soon’s I c’u’d get my balance, I pulled er op, an’ takin’ stiddy aim, let fly. I shot tu kill, Be yer boots! but my narves war jist a trifle unstiddy. He went Roce an’ we leaped fer him, her blamed galoot was only stunned, an’ he war climbin’ up w’en Sam lit onter his: back wi’ both feet. At the same time I let him hev with er big rock I bed picked up. That downed him, but blamed ef I didn’t hev to let im hev ernuther onto ther cokernut afore we c’u’d truss im up. We boun’ im han’ an’ foot, an’ sacked him till we got him inter ther cave; then we cut his feet free an’ made him walk. That's ther way we roped *im in, boss.” ‘“‘-You did well, boys, and shall have every cent I promnived you for the job. As for the traitor Tll see that Ais punishment is of a nature that. he will enjoy.”
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12 A scornful smile curled the Diamond Sport's lip, but he deigned no reply. ‘You cur!” fiercely cried Dashing Dave. ** You dastardly traitor! what have you to say for yourself?” ‘*Not a word,” Double Face replied, quietly. ‘¢ A man who allows a coupleof ruffians, like these of yours, to wring ina cold dealon him had better remain silent.” “You have no excuse to make for your treach- ery?” sneered the outlaw. “‘Nary. I joined your gang thinking them a jolly set, who relieved only people incumbered with an over-supply of wealth. When I found them to be a set of cut-throats, who preyed on the weak and helpless, [ deserted. I’m not that kind of a man.” ‘* And you released from my hands a prisoner whom I prized more than gold, you traitorous dog! Even then you would not have escaped had ou not led me on a false trail.” “Hold your temper, David! It is true that you pressed us hard. IT was forced to leave the girl in hiding while I led you on a false scent. Ithough I fooled you and your bloodhounds, I lost all trace of the prize which I admired and you coveted.” ‘And now you are a prisoner in my hands, and the prize is within this very cavern. Ha! ha!”—sneeringly. ‘‘ Your plans have all mis- carried. You are doomed to death, and the prize shall become my wife.” *“*There’s many a slip, David,” retorted the Diamond Sport, calmly. ‘ The game is not yet played to the end.” “But I hold the winning cards!” cried the outlaw, triumphantly. “I cannot fail now. Death to you, success to me!” Then turning to his tools: ‘* Away with him to the second prison cell!” They led the man in velvet away, who, know- ing it was folly to resist, walked along without making an attempt to do so. They led him past the cell in which Isabella was confined. <A light was burning in the cell, and through the grating Vane age a glimpse of the girl. His heart gave a wild leap as he saw her. A few feet beyond the first cell, they halted before the massive door of another. This door was unlocked and the Diamond Sport thrust in, Bowie Sam cutting the bonds that held his hands behind his back as Pistol Rube thrust him for- ward. Then the huge door clanged behind him. Velvet Vane found himself alone in the dis- mal cell, listening to the retreating footsteps of the two ruffians. ‘¢ Well,” he said, drawing a long breath, ‘‘ I’ve been gone, went and done it now, and no mis- take. Vane, i are in a mighty tight box! "Things look blue, but I don’t propose’ to la -down and wait fo the final round-up, First will examine this hole as well asI can in the -darkness,” He at once began feeling cautiously around the walls. He moved with great care, for he knew not what pitfalls lay before him. It took him some time to examine the cell, and when he had doneso, he calculated that it was much larger than it was in truth, He could form no true estimation in the blank darkness. The walls of the cell were rough and uneven, and at -one side his hands unloosed a rock that fell heavily upon the floor. “JT wish I had a light,” he muttered, ‘I would like to examine this hole. I don’t imagine there is any way to escape, but I would like to see He leaned against the iron bars of the huge door and peered out into the passage. Hesawa very dim light that he knew shone from the cell of Isabella. : While leaning there a thought struck him that caused him to again carefully examine the wall of rocks and earth that divided the two cells, He did so carefully, running his hand over nearly all the wall surface within reach. As he was doing this, a cry of surprise and plea- sure suddenly broke from his lips. His eye caught the gleam of a tin ray of light that shone through the rocky wall! He at once knew that it came from the adjoining cell. Then he realized that it was much to his ad- vantage that he had no light. Otherwise he might not have discovered the minute break in the wall. With his fingers he at once began removing the loose earth and stones near where he saw the ray of light. Isabella had moved the light so that it now shone out broadly into the passage. A faint glow was reflected into Vane’s tal, Be. sides this his eyes had become accustomed to the darkness, and he could now see quite well. ‘amazement. ue oe PE The Diamond Sport. at A he worked, tearing out the rocks and pte t was a difficult job, and he progressed slowly. While Vane is at work on the wall, we will turn our attention for a short time to another part of the cavern. Dashing Dave was in high glee, but there was that in store for him that would make him feel even better. - Less than two hours after the man in velvet was brought into the cavern, Pious Tim and Quiet Mose appeared, conducting two prisoners, who proved to be Heath and Gile:. The Double Face chief uttered a cry of aston- | ishment as he saw the prisoners. ‘*What does this mean, boys? quick work.” ‘“We found them two-thirds the way here,” explained Pious Tim. “Coming to meet us,” laughed Quiet Mose. ** An’ we quietly took them prisoners of war, trussed them up, put er blindfold over their eyes an’ brought them in,” Tim concluded. “That was a good job easily done, my lads. But this fellow here”—indicating Giles—*‘ is an unnecessary commodity.” ** Well, he just begged to be brought along, an’ we wasn’t hard-hearted enough to refuse,” laughed Tim. eath had been staring at the outlaw chief in He now cried: “Colonel Allen, you here! What does this mean?” The Double Face laughed coolly. **@olonel Allen no longer, my friend. For a time that guise worked well. ith my Private Vigilance Committee, the most of whom belong- ed to my jolly band of road-agents, I played the ad of leading citizen quite well for a time. ut now things having taken the turn which they have, I no longer need to masquerade as Colonel Allen. That person has forever dis- appeared, and when perfect success is mine, as it shall be, Dashing Dave shall disappear too.” ‘* You the outlaw Dashing Dave? Impossi- ble!” ‘*Not a bit of it, my friend. Iam Dashing Dave, without doubt.” “Then you are the person we wish to see,” said Giles, much cooler than his companion. : “Te you are not blind, you have that privi- ege.’ % We understand that you have taken prisoner a friend of ours, Miss Isabella, the Song Queen.” r ‘** Though it puzzles me to understand how you obtained your information, I am free to admit it is true,” replied the Double Face, ‘“*We wish to obtain her release,” Heath put in, Dashing Dave smiled grimly. “Undoubtedly.” grimly, ‘* We are willing to pay a fair ransom.” ‘*Very well; I will talk with you again. Un- til then I shall be forced to keep you confined. Take them to the third cell, boys.” Despite protests, Pious Tim and Quiet Mose led the two prisoners away. ‘Tf the boss should take any more prisoners, he would have no place to keep’ them,” said Tim, as they thrust Heath and Giles into the third and last cell, and observed that the other two were occupied, “ Long John said that there is a fellow in the Dungeon.” ‘Yes; he’s got his hand; full,” observed Mose. Vane observed the two prisoners as they were led by the cell where he was confined, and a low whistle of astonishment escaped him. He ceased work on the wall till the two captors were gone, ‘Well, well!” muttered the Sport. ‘‘ Those two chaps have stepped in it, sure. David is scooping them in at a great rate. Wonder if they have tumbled to his double-face business?” e again resumed work on the wall, upon which he had already made quite an impression, Steadly and earnestly he worked, resolved to make a hole through which he could speak, if nothing more. A knife would have assisted him greatly, but he had nothing but his bare hands with which to dig away the earth and rocks. The wall was nearly three feet in thickness, and built up with a layer of heavy stones on each side, Between them were filled in earth and smaller stones. Vane realized that there was some danger of unloosing the whole wall and have it come crashing down upon him, therefore he worked with great care. A ery of joy escaped him as he finally gave a large rock a push and it fell into the adjoining cell, allowing a broad ray of light to shine through the opening thus made. Isabella had heard him at work upon the wall, You made | fort to her, and as soon as the opening was made, her soft, musical voice asked: ‘* Who is there?” ‘** A friend—one who will endeavor to rescue you. Tf I can make this opening large enough, will come in.” He again began work on the wall, and soon had an opening large enough to craw] through. He at once did so. Within the cell he turned toward the girl. She stood before him in all her beauty, an appealing light in her eyes, Vane’s heart was wildly throbbing. ‘* T have found you at last!” he cried. She ge toward him, clasping him around the neck. ‘© Oh, you will save me!” she sobbed, clinging tohim. ‘I know you will! Save me! Take me away from this inhuman wretch!” ‘*T will rescue you or die in the attempt!” cried the Diamond Sport clasping her to his breast. ‘‘ Once I rescued you from the outlaw’s clutches; I will do so again.” Her face was half-upturned to him. He bent forward intending to kiss the forehead, when the sound of advancing footfalls smote upon his ear. “Hark!” he whispered. ‘‘ Out w th the light! Some one is coming!” CHAPTER XIII. A DESPERATE RACE FOR LIFE. QvIcK to comprehend the situation, Isabella sprung forward and put out the light. The man in velvet sprung ints a corner near the cell door. He crouched low down, his hand resting on a loose stone as he did so, The sound of advancing footsteps came nearer and nearer. A wild hope filled the Sport's breast as he heard the steps pause before Isa- bella’s cell and saw the dull ray of a light shine through the grating. A key rattled in the lock, and the rusty bolt left its socket, Slowly the door swung open, and a man en- tered, bearing a light and a tray holding food for the prisoner. “Hullo! bullo hayre! Left without a light? That’s a confounded—” He said no more, for at this moment, with a panther-like spring, the Diamond Sport leaped upon him, Down came the stone upon the man’s head, and without even a groan he sunk to the rocky floor. The light went out, and all was midnight darkness in the cell. A moment later the Sport lighted a match, which spluttered and flashed, burning blue in the darkness. ‘* Where is the lamp?” asked Vane. wees onal came the reply in the faint tones of e girl. He groped around until he found and lighted the oil lamp. “Now, my dear girl,” said the Sport, ‘‘ we must make a desperate attempt to escape from this hole. The way is opened,” “Oh, sir, I fear it will be impossible to escape even now,” answered Isabella, faintly. “Well, we must try. We cannot take the lamp, for it might betray us. We will lock this fellow in, though I don’t imagine he will bother us for awhile.” ; ‘Oh! have you killed him?” cried the prisoner, as Vane dragged the unconscious men fully into the cell, and taking the revolvers from him, placed them in his own pockets, ‘No; only put him to sleep for a while, Ah! here I have the keys. The one to this cell is in the lock. Now come here and stand by the door while I put the light out. If any one should pass this cell before this fellow recovers, I don’t want them to look in and see how the land lays,” The light was extinguished. Making his way out of the cell, the man in velvet locked the door behind him, putting the keys in his pocket. Then, taking the girl’s hand, he started along the poem: age, but did not go far before he branched off inte a passage that led into the very heart of the mountain instead of out to the open air, Occasionally he lita mateh and glanced around, then on they went, creeping slowly and cautious- ly along the dark halls of the dismal cavern. Vane felt the girl’s hand trembling as though the strain upon her nerves was too much for her. He placed his left arm about her waist, and with his right hand felt his way slowly along. Occasionally he would whisper words of ¢om- She clung to him, trusting all to his courage and strength. They knew not how long they struggled and stumbled on through the darkness—it seemed hours. But suddenly, they both stopped, and with bated breaths, listened intently.
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— en +g Manatee aie oe a aye ai ts Mee a 6 PS es oF from far away through the rocky aisle they eard &; t cry. A moment later a series of excited shouts came faintly to their ears. as he again pushed hastily forward. “The bloodhounds are giving tongue,” he said. ‘‘They have discovered our game, and will soon be hot on our trail.” The girl nearly swooned inher terror. The strange occurrences she had passed through and the flight through the dark recesses of the out- laws’ den had nearly unnerved her, “Bear up, little one! bear up!” softly en- couraged the rescuer pupporiing her drooping form on hisarm. “ Courage! will save you, or die in the attempt!” They hurried onward through the darkness. At irregular intervals they heard the cries be- hind them, but the sounds came no nearer. Finally the cries ceased, but the Sport was not to be deceived by this silence, e@ pushed on the harder, for he knew that a rigid search was being made. He knew that Dashing Dave would examine every foot of the cavern until 5 were found. ane would have given much, then, could he have seen a glimpse of Gaylight before him. Vainly he strained his eyes, hoping to see the mouth of that underground rendezvous, It was but a short time after hearing those fierce cries that the Sport, while looking over his shoulder, saw a gleaming light away in the rear. He set his teeth hard, with a wild, des- perate determination never to be taken alive. Supporting the girl he hurried her on; but rapidly the lights gained on them. He again looked back to see several men bearing torches come rushing down toward them. Fierce cries broke from the pursuers’ lips as they caught sight of the fugitives. The light of the torches now shone ahead of the Sport and girl, Suddenly the passage broat- ened into a huge chamber. The sharp eyes of the man in velvet, who was eagerly looking for a place to ‘‘ stand off” the pursuers, saw at one side of this chamber a pile of bowlders at least ten feet high, heaped against the wall. He at once decided upon a plan of action. ““Up! up!” he cried to the girl, as they began scrambling up the face of the rock-pile. “It’s our only chance! Up! up!” Bruised, panting, desperate, they reached the top of the rock-heap and there crouched behind a large bowlder. : “Back!” cried the daring Sport, as their pur- suers came yelling up to the foot of the rocky “Back, you devils! or Pll fill you full ‘“* After him! At him!” shouted Dashing Dave, who was with the pursuers. “He is unarmed. At him!” 3 They attempted to scale the rock-pile, but they were destined to meet with a surprise. In his hands Vane held the weapons he had taken from the outlaw whom he had left unconscious in the cell. They spoke once, twice! and two outlaws fell dead at the foot of the rocky refuge, Again the Sport’s voice was heard crying: ‘*« Back, you wolves—back! Every man that attempts to climb eats lead! You hear me /” Almost as one man the rest of the pursuers made a rush for refuge behind the various bowl- sexs that lay around upon the floor of the cham- rT A derisive. mocking laugh burst from the Dia- mond Sport’s lips. ‘Hide, you cowards!” he cried. ‘‘ You may escape my bullets, but you cannot escape the ropes that are waiting for your necks.” ¢ was plain that the man in velvet had the ‘deadwood ” on the outlaws, His pursuers bore torches, the light of which illuminated the cham- ber and made them conspicuous targets as soon as they exposed themselves, © Crouching behind the rocks in deep shadow ten feet above them, Vane held his weapons ready for instant use. “Surrender, you traitor! Surrender,” cried the chief, “or it will be worse fcr you!” A mocking laugh was the answer, “ Surrender?—never !” he answered, defiantly. “Come and take me if you want me! I give you frir warning, David, not to expose Sonrnait to my view. I'll salt you the minute I set eyes on Sf, - rm iy i . : eae a ; oe thy The Diamond the brigands peered out from his place of refuge, hoping to cateha snap shot at the Sport; but Vane was too alert to be caught. He fired, and The young man clasped the girl closer to him | the report of his revolver was followed by a howl of pain, as the fellow sprung to his feet, with | his right wrist shattered by the bullet. Alvhough for the space of nearly a minute the man was in full view, Vane made no attempt to take his life. “One man laid up for repairs,” he laughed, mockingly. ‘* Next!” For a time the outlaws were plainly at fault, but as the Sport watched and waited for the next move the torches were suddenly extin- guished. “Hal That’s tmeir game, is it,” gritted the man in velvet, ‘‘ Well, let them come!” He braced himsélf, with his fingers touching the triggers, waiting for the expected onset. But it did not come, After a short time, one by one, the torches were again relighted. Vane was puzzled by this move. He strongly suspected some trick, yet could not imagine what it could be. Suddenly a torch was hurled through the air, and fell near the bowlder behind which the Sport was crouching, It nearly died out, but soon it began to flame up. Then Vane realized that, if it was not at once extinguished his place of re- treat would soon be in a broad glare of light. With a cat-like spring he was upon the torch, but ere he could stamp out the flames a single pistol-shot rung through the cave, and without a cry he fell flat upon the burning torch! Wild cries of delight were uttered by the out- Jaws, as they sprung from their places of refuge and dashed toward the rocky retreat. As they came scrambling up the rocks the tall form of the Diamond Sport arose, and shot after shot echoed through the cave as he poured a leaden shower BODE. them. Astonished by the loud reports, some slain and many wounded, the outlaws quickly fell back behind convenient rocks, while, unharmed, the daring man crouched in his place of retreat, the victor. “Another round for yours truly!” cried the Sport. ‘Walk up, gentlemen; walk up, and keep the fun agoing. The Diamond Sport is al- ways at home!” But the brigands had learned a dread lesson. Six of their men were dead, and two of the re- maining five were wounded. A pile of gold as high as Pike’s Peak would not have tempted them to make another dash for the rock behind which crouched their desperate foe. “Are you hurt, sir?” asked Isabella, her anxiety overpowering her terror. “Not a scr@fch,” replied the Sport; but in a low whisper he added: “I’m mighty hard up for lead. There are but two bullets left in these revolvers.” For awhile the mad ruffians made no move. Then another torch came whirling through the air. It lodged half-way up the rocky incline, but where it did no damage, An amused laugh came from the Sport. “They’re wasting time if they think to suc- ceed in that way,” he muttered. ‘TI fancy I can hold them at bay here till they starve me out. Another torch hurled at the rocky fortress lodged near the top. As it flamed up, Vane picked Ms a stone and hurled it at the flaming pine, The stone struck it, but did not put out the flames. As the Sport picked up another stone for a second shot, another torch struck near the first. The light of the two torches was sufficient to illuminate the daring fellow’s place of refuge, but the bowlder behind which he crouched pro- tected him from the eyes of the outlaws, He hurled the second stone at the torches, It struck one of them, knocking it off the rock upon which it rested. The next instant a snake-like coil suddenly encircled the Sport’s arms, pin- ning them to his sides, as he was jerked ot | his feet, and slowly swinging round, held suspended in the air! CHAPTER XIV. INTO THE SERPENTS’ DEN. A yeELL of delight pealed from Dashing Dave’s lips as he saw his enemy suspended in the air, a helpless prisoner, ‘*Hold him, Gid!” he shouted to the lasso- thrower, whose form could be faintly seen upon a ledge twenty feet above the Sport’s head. “Hold him there, my lad! We will attend to him as soon as possible,” For the third time the outlaws clambered up the rock-pile, but this time they were not re- inp Bits , ih su pulsed by the murderous fire they had before met. But the man in velvet was not“yet beyond do- ing harm. hen he picked up the stones to throw at the burning torches, he thrust one revolver into his v0cket, still holuing the other in his left hand. When the coil encircled him, pinning his arms to his sides and lifting him off his feet, he held fast to the weapon. As he slowly whirled round at the end of the lasso, one of the outlaws came beneath him, The man’s face was upturned to the Dandy Sport, and the revolver for a moment pointed straight down at him, Then came a flash, a re rt, With a scream of mortal agony the out. iow grasping at his throat plunged headlong from the rock-pile. As one man the three outlaws started back, dreading another shot. ‘‘ A million curses!” shrieked Dashing Dave, ** Another good boy gone! Lower away on that devil, Gid, and we’ll soon truss him up so he'll do no more damage.” The Sport was lowered until his feet just cleared the ground, but, even then he was not harmless, As the outlaws sprung forward to bind him, Vane’s foot suddenly shot out, Lagr one of them fair in the face. The fellow di not bring up until he reached the bottom of the rock-pile, landing upon his dead companion. Dashing Dave and his single companion sprung; forward and seized the invincible Sport. They had him nearly bound when their unfortunate companion once more climbed the rocks, spit- ting out teeth and curses at the same time. ‘““We bave you now, you devil!” gritted the chief. “You shall suffer for this work, curse you! ** Ruffled your temper a little, have I, Double Face David?” asked the Sport, coolly. ‘* Never mind; you can have lots of fun with me now.” The chief made no ree “Lower away, Gid,” he cried, to the man above. ‘' We have him safe,” The Sport was lowered down upon the rocks. ‘“* Ab, you tiger!” hissed Dashing Dave, as his foe lay helpless at his feet. ‘‘ We have you, at last, in the toils!” ‘Well, you have,” replied Vane, quietly. **' You played a real nice little trick on me. [1 wondered what you extinguished your torches: for. I understand it now.” ‘Yes; we put the lights out while Lasso Gid stole round and gained the ledge above you. It was the only way we could take you: but now vou shall pay for the bloody work you have done.” The Double Face ordered his followers to lift the Sport and carry him back along the passage. He then turned to the girl, who was crouching among the rocks, overcome with dread and terror. ““Come, my dear,” he said, stooping and lift- ing her up. “Don’t fear; you shall not be harmed, You came near slipping through my fingers, thanks to that traitor—curse him!” he ended, abruptly. The girl’s limbs refused to support her, and he was forced to carry her down the rocks. All a and strength had deserted her. asso Gid came down from the ledge, and bearing a torch, he lighted the way back along the passage, along which the rvuffians made their way with their prisoners, leaving behind them their seven dead companions who would never bs buried. ¥ It looked black for the Diamond Sport, but he was not one to give up until the end had indeed come, Back near the cell from which he had escaped, the prisoner was placed on the rocky floor, “We won’t put him. m there again,” declared Dave. “This night’s work has earned him a different cell.” “You had better put mein a safar one than this,” suggested Vane, ‘That wall was a per- fect piece of botch-work. A sick kitten could dig through it.” ‘Oh, we'll put you where you'll be safe, fast enough,” was the savage retort. ‘Seven as Na oysas ever drew breath lie dead back ere—your work! You may be sure we shall Ni ud you slip through our fingers, you sleek iger A savage growl came from the other. “ As for this sweet lady, whom you once stole from me, and made a second attempt to do so, she shall become my wife.” ‘“‘ Never, you inhuman monster—never!” cried the girl, her old defiant spirit returning. “I will die first!” oe “Very eadily said,” laughed the outlaw; “ but not so easily accomplished, I think too much
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“of you, my dear, to allow you to shuffle off this mortal coil, You shall surely become my wife. ‘* Again I say never! Unhand me, you vil- Jain! Your touch is contaminating!” She freed herself from his grasp, and stood confronting him, her eyes flashing with indig nation and detestation. ‘Now don’t try any foolish tricks, my dear,” werned the Double Face. ‘‘ It will be better for you. Iamin no pleasant mood, and it will be well not to anger me further. Enough is a feast.” A contemptuous laugh came from the Sport. ‘*Don't ruffle up his sweet temper,” he added mockingly. ‘‘ He is apt to become desperate, if riled. Bah! he is a cowardly cur!” “Have a care, you devil!” cried the outlaw fiercely. ‘‘ Bridle your tongue, or I swear by Heaven I'll cut it out!” ‘¢ Cut—nothing!” sneered the helpless Sport. ** Youre a cut-throat, a sneaking murderer, and a base coward! You’re a—” ‘Curse you! Tll cut your heart out!” gritted Dave, whipping out a knife and springing upon his taunting foe. He seized the Sport by the throat and held the gleaming blade quivering before his very eyes. It seemed for_a moment that he was about to strike, but Vane never flinched. He gazed into the outlaw’s face, a mocking smile still on bis lips. With a harsh laugh, Dashing Dave arose from Vane’s breast, replacing the knife in his belt, ‘“You have nerve,” he acknowledged; ‘* but I fancy you'll need it before I am through with ‘you.” Turning to the girl, he continued: ‘*And now, my dear, I repeat: you shall be- come my wife, and that in less than twenty-four hours. If you will not submit at once, I have the means of forcing you to consent,” “You cannot compel me to marry you,” she declared, firmly. “Von may torture me, you may kill me, but I will never submit!” ‘That remains to beseen,” wasthereply. ‘I have a hold on you of which you do not dream. Don’t think I mean toinjure you. I think too much of my fair prisoner to harm her in the least,” “Very gallant of you, David,” sneered the Sport. Without heeding this taunt, the chief con- tinued: “Tf you donot consent to become my wife, friends whom you value dearly shall suffer for your obstinaey—shall be put to the torture, and you shall hear their criesof agony as they suffer. ‘Inhuman fiend!” cried the girl. ‘‘ My friends, if I have any, are beyond your reach.” Then, as she realized what a true friend Velvet Vane had been to her, she seemed about to speak again; but the Double Face caught her by the arm and dragged her to the third cell. “Look there!” cried Dashing Dave, as Lasso Gid held the torch so that the interior of the cell was plainly visible. ‘I never leave my work undone,” Isabella gave acry of surprise as she recognized Heath and Giles, who were p2ering out through ‘the grating. **T give you a short time to consider,” added ‘the scoundrel, as he dragged her back and thrust her into the cell from which the man in velvet had assisted her toescape. ‘‘ You will be safe here. I hardly fancy that hole in the wall will be of any advantage to you, and you will have no devilish traitor to aid you.” Then he turned to Vane. “Now, you cur, I will attend to you. You deserve something more than death, and you shall have it. When you die you shall perish by fire! But, Iam not ready to send you off yet. ‘You shall have the pleasure of seeing me mar- ried to the woman whom you covet. How do you like that picture?” ‘Go on with your sport,” muttered Vane. “Tt’s your day now, but you'll run to the end of your rope yet, and bring up with your feet dan- gling in the air, you double-faced villain!” ‘*One thing is sure—you'll not be there to witness the circus,” retorted the outlaw, with a harsh laugh. “While we are waiting for the marriage ceremony you will be placed in a den inhabited by a countless number of serpents! ‘That’s pleasant, isn’t it?” “Go on,” retorted Vane, grimly. ‘‘ Why do ‘you spend so much time in talk?” “The snakes are all harmless,” continued Dashing Dave; ‘‘ but I think you will find them anything but pleasant companions.” He waved his hand, and the outlaws lifted their prisoner and bore him along the passage. They descended a flight of rude stone stops and ni —_ y The Diamond Sport. entered the long chamber, at one side of which was the dungeon, where Ned Cole, the Boy | Avenger, was confined. As they bore the Sport by the dungeon door the boy peered out and saw them. A low cry came from the lad’s lips as he recognized the man in velvet a prisoner. The cry reached Vane’s ear, and he turned his eyes in time to see the white face pressed against the iron grating. In turn, tie scout uttered a cry of amazement as he recognized his boy partner. They bore him on across the cavern chamber, Halting before what appeared to be the solid wall they lowered their prisoner to the floor. For a few moments Dashing Dave fumbled along the face of this wall, and then what ap- peared to be a square section,of the solid rock swung outward, revealing a dark opening be- yond. It was really acunningly contrived door, situated about four feet above the cavern floor. A fiendish chuckle of delight broke from the lips of the Double Face, as he seized a torch and peered down into the opening. ‘Lift the traitor up, boys, and let him take a peep at his room-mates,” ordered the chief. They lifted the Sport so that he was enabled to look into the opening. The light of the torch showed him a small, dark chamber, the rocky floor of which was on a level with the outer chamber, Alarmed by the sudden light, a hun- dred hissing serpents were crawling and squirm- around over the floor, ‘*In with the imp!” shouted Dashing Dave, The next moment Velvet Vane was thrust into the serpents’ den. CHAPTER XV. THE PARSON AND THE RED-HEAD SHOW THEIR HANDS. BARELY had the man in yelvet struck the rocky floor of the serpents’ den when the sounds of reyolver-shots and wild cries came to his ears. Then he heard a voice crying: ** Hold the light, partner!” Before he could imagine what had happened, Vane felt himself seized and dragged forth from the den. Then a quick hand cut his bonds and stood him upon his feet. ‘All right, my posey!” exclaimed a hearty good-natured voice that sounded familiar. ‘‘ J ust a little circus. Lots of sport, but no harm done!” By the light of a fast-expiring torch that lay on the floor, and the rays of a dark-lantern held in the speaker’s hand, to his intense astonish- ment the Sport saw before him Parson Grimes and the red-headed man! Lying on the cavern floor, in the various posi- tions in which they had fallen when stricken down by the deadly bullets, were the four out- laws. Swift and sure, sudden retribution had overtaken them all—a just vengeance—a right- eous retribution. The Sport was still _bipr ebeiay in a dazed manner, when the voice of Parson Grimes broke n: ‘“‘ We were just in time, my friend. You are saved, and these inhuman wretches have met their just deserts,” There was none of the solemn, long-drawn re- ligious tone in his voice now. Indeed, it sound- very firm and business-like. ** But—but I don’t understand—” faltered the Sport, looking inquiringly from one to the other of the two men. ‘* Hasiest thing in the world, friend,” laughed the red-headed man, ‘‘We happened to be in this chamber when the outlaws brought you here. As soon as you were out of the way of our bullets, it was an easy thing to dispose of the whole gang.” “ But I left you at the foot of the mountain. How came you here?” ‘“‘T reckon th se long legs of mine had consid- erable to do with my getting here,” replied the parson. ‘‘That blamed little mule wouldn’t climb for cold mutton.” “You see,” put in the red-head, ‘‘ when you failed to return and we got tired of waiting, we just followed in your tracks, As a result, here we are,” **T begin to perceive,” said the Sport. ‘‘ You have both been acting—” Y ‘* Look out. friend!” cried the parson, excited- ly. At the same time hesprung forward, and with a swift kick sent a revolver flying from the hand of Dashing Dave, who had raised himself on one elbow, and was endeavoring to get a shot at the Sport, ‘‘None of that, you double-faced villain!” hissed the parson. as he stood over the outlaw chief, with revolver leveled. “Try that on again, and Ill send you to your master, thé Devil!” ‘** And I reckon he’d find a mighty hot corner for you,” put in the red-headed man. “ Ah! Shoot, ou impostor!” gasped the out- law, as hesunk back. ‘ Dashing Dave will die as he has lived—game to the end!” “Don’t peg out now, David,” put in the red- headed man. ‘‘ There1s a rope waiting for you, and it will be money in my pocket if I can take you to it.” ‘** You shot too straight,” replied the outlaw. ‘Tf you are—an officer—you have baffled your- | self, for—I have received a—death—wound.” He sunk gasping upon the rocks and in less | than ten minutes Colonel Allen, Dashing Dave, the Outlaw Chief, had*gone to his final judg- ment. ‘* That throws him out of the game,” said the red-headed man, soberly, ‘‘ and it throws me out of the reward. He offered a reward for his own capture, dead or alive, when he was playing a double game in Bed-Rock. But of course that was only a blind.” ‘Then you are, in truth, an officer?” asked Vane, ‘*- Yes,” was the reply, ‘‘ weare both detectives. Although on very different lays, for a time our | trails ran near together and we joined hands, My trail ends here.” ‘And mine has ended in a hole in the air, so to speak, figuratively,” said the other. ‘I was searching for a young woman, who, by the death of her father, bas fallen heir to a fine property. Ihave found out that she was with a wagor train that was attacked and destroyed by In- dians, not one of the emigrants escaping. Thus my search proves a fruitless one,” ‘** Well, we have those whoare prisoners in this infernal den to liberate,” reminded the man in velvet, ‘“‘ and that done we had better get out of this beastly place as soon as possible,” ‘Not much of a job that,” observed Basil Benton, who has been known in these pages as ‘‘the- d-+headed man.” ‘‘ All we need to do is walk cat.” ‘* But there are guards,” “They are disposed of,” solemnly assured the parson, ‘‘ whose true name was Enos Keen, and known in ‘‘ the States” as King Keen oneof the most famous sleuths on Pinkerton’s force. ‘Well, now to liberate the prisoners,” and Vane seized the expiring torch and swung it around his head till it was fanned into a blaze. ‘* Come on!” They soon made their way to the Dungeon, and found the boy still peering through the iron grating. | In his pocket Vane still had the keys which | he had taken from the lock to the door of Isa- | bella’s cell when making that desperate at- tempt to escape. He drew them forth, and tried them one by one till he found one that fitted the lock, and the Dungeon door swung open, MM ‘You have come, at last!” exclaimed the boy, faintly but joyfully, ‘‘ I knew you would!” Tenderly the Sport put bis arm about his bo ard and Ted him forth from the cell. The lad’s head rested against the Sport’s shoulder, and vanes strong arm supported his drooping orm, ‘I have come,” murmured the Sport, softly; ‘*T have found you, thank Heaven! I made a great mistake, a short time ago; but it is all right, now that I have found you,” “T hoped and prayed that you might come.. I felt that you would,” “Your trail of vengeance is ended. Dashing Dave is dead, and you can now throw off this disguise,” ‘“ Ah, yes; Annie Maines shall live again.” ‘« What’s that?” shouted King Keen. ‘“ Annie Maines did you say? What do you mean?” A few words explained all. - The Rose boy was indeed Annie Maines, She and her husband, the only ones w&o surviv- ed the attack on the Fairgrave emigrant-train, were taken prisoners by Dashing Dave. The outlaw chief fe}l in love with his fair captive, as also did his lieutenant, then known as Reckless Rob. The outlaw chief put Annie Maines’s hus- band out of his way by shootiag him for trying to escape. But, ere he could force the girl-widow to marry him, his lieutenant deserted, taking the prisoner with him, The outlaws followed close after them, like a pack of bloodhounds on the scent. In order to escape, the deserter was forced to secrete his charge in a safe hiding- place, while he led the pursuers far away on a false scent. The plan worked, but the fugitives were separated. for when Reckless Rob re to the hiding-place, Annie Maines was gone. coming alarmed during his absence, and fea:
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{ ‘ oa ‘BEA 7 . DLES-HALF-Dit Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. Sig goa SUE *LIBRARY. _ BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, Deadwood Dick Novela, 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Roud. 20 Double Paggers; or, Deadwood Dick's Defiance, 28 Buffalo Ben; or, Deadwood Dick in Disguise. 85 Wilda Ivan, tie Boy Claude Duval. 42 Phantom Miner}; or, Deadwood Dick's bonanza, 49 Omaha OL; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger 53 Earle Kit, the Boy Demon. 68 Little Texna, the Young Mustanger, 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. 182 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain, 202 Prospect Pete; or, The Youn Outlaw Hunters. 208 The Boy Hercules: or, The Prairie Tramps, 218 Tiger Tom, the Texas Terror. 224 pane Dick ; or, ‘Irspper Tom's Castle. 228 Little Wildfire, the Young Prairie Nomad, 38 The Parson Detectives or, The Little Ranger, 248 The Disguised Guide; or, Wild Raven, the Rangep, 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger, 272 Minkakin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. 290 Little Foxfire, the Bey Spy. 800 The Sky Demon 3 or, Rainbolt, the Ranger. 884 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. 409 Hercules; or, Dick, the Boy Ranger. 417 Webfoot Mose, the Tramp Detective. 422 Baby Sam, the Boy Giant of the Yell watone. 444 Little Buckakin, tne Young Prairie Centaur. 457 Wingedfoot Fredj or, Old Polar Saul. 468 Tamarae ‘Vom, the Big bag bs Boy. 478 Old Tom Rattler, the Red River epidemic, 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan. Pow me ee Keke gr a 1 1 1 1 1 BY T. 0. HARBAUGH, 28 Nick o’ the Night}; or, The Boy Spy of 776. 8ST The Widden Lodge}; or The Littl: Hunter. 47 ln te 2 ats or, Tne Forest Captuins, 64 Dand ack}; or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Trak, 82 Kit Hnarefoot the Wood-Hiwk. 94 Midnight waeks or, The Boy Trapper. \ 106 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, The White Queen. 128 Klowna Charley the White Mustanger. 189 Judge Lynch, drat or, The Bey Vigilante. 155 Gold Trigger, the Sports or, The Girl Avenger. 169 Tornado Tom; or, Injun Jack From Red Core. 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy, 198 Arkansaw 3 or, The Que not Fate’s Revenge. 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter, 215 Captain Bullet; or, Little Topknot’s Crusade, 231 Plucky Phil; or, Rosa, the Re Jezebel. 241 Bill Bravo; or, Tie Roughs of the Rockies, 255 Captain Apoll«, the King-Pin of Bowle. 267 The Buckskin Detective. 279 Old Winch} or, The Buckskin Desneradoes, 294 Dynamite Dany or, The Bowle Blade of Cochetopa, 802 The Mountain Detective ; or, The Trigger Bar Bully. 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, 826 The Ten Pards; or, The Terror of Take-Notice. 886 Big Benson; or, The Queen of the La so. 845 Pitiless Matt; or, Red Thunderboli’s Secret. 856 Cool Sam and Par; or The Terrible Six. 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. 886 Captain Cutlass; or, The B:ccancer’s Girl Foe, 896 Rough Rob; or, The Twin Champions of Blue Blazes, 411 The Silken Lasso; or, The Rose of Ranch Robin. 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. 425 Texas Trump, tne Border Rattler. 486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox. 445 The City Vamplres; or, Ked Rolfe’s Plyeons 461 One Against Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keno Bar, 470 The Boy Shadow; or, Felix Fox’s Hunt. A477 The Excelsior Sport; or, The Washington Spotter, 499 Single Sight, the One-Eyed Sport. 502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. 512 Dodger Dick, the Whnrf-Spy Detective. 521 Dodger Dick’s Best Dodge. 5628 Fox and Falcon, the Bowery Shadows, 588 Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret, 548 Dodger Dick’s Double; or, The Rival Boy Detectives, LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock. By Lient. A. K. Simm 547 Sandy Andy; or, A Good Man Down. By P, S. Warne, 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. By J. C. Cowdrick. 549 Deadwood Dick on Mis Mettle. By E. L. Wheeler. 550 Lafitte’s Legacy; or. The Avenging Son. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 651 Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow. By Jo Pierce. Ready February 14. 552 Ariel, the Athlete. By David Druid, Ready February 21, 558 Dodger Dick’« Desperate Case. By T. C. Harbaugh, Ready February 28, 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham. By E. L. Wheeler Ready March 6. 555 The Creole Corsair, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, Ready March 13, 556 Lariat Lil; or, the Cast fora Life. By Philip 8S. Warne, Ready March 20 657 Broadway Billy’s Death Racket. By J. C. Cowdriek,. Ready March 27, A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library 1s for sale by ai newsdealers, five conta per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMRB, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York. a “>