Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 515) (1887 06 07)
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ELEVENTH EDITION. =) AAC) \ AWW i os PMY ree ce ew York, N. Y., at Second Class Mail Rates. “Tc fl it it on tat ll nC a Copyright, 1887, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, 4 a : NIE ME June 7, 1887, $2.50 a Year. No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, 5 Cents. i. a ey hit i! | I! Hpi } | Hi | il | | AA HA TDR BRICK SEIZED HIS LORDSHIP BY THE COAT COLLAR AND THE SEAT OF HIS TROWSERS. AND PITCHED HIM HEADLONG INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE 8S ; i No. 515. é G te wi Se \y HHL a pameres : ‘“ Vp Line YL ie jg Z Yy YU; A TALE OF PISTOL POCKET, BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. AUTHOR OF “‘ DEADWOOD DICK ” NOVELS “ ROSE BUD ROB” NOVELS, ‘* BONANZA BILL,” ETC., ETC., ETC, CHAPTER I, ONE STORMY NIGHT, Locate: Pistol Pocket, Arizonama mining- camp of constantly increasing importance, Time: One wild, stormy night, late in Octo- ber, when the wind blew a perfect hurricane, driving the rain in drenching, chilling gusts against all objects it encountered, and picki up, and swirling through the air. leaves other debris, i
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‘ It was such a night as even the most rugged mountaineer would not have cared to be abroad, for not only was the storm ening. to the bone, / put one was liable to injury by the flying mis- siles. At Pistol Pocket the streets were deserted, but within-doors all was warmth and gayety, the Grand Pacific Hotel and saloon—the on one in the camp—bemg particularly rowel both with local residents and ‘‘ pilgrims.” Pistol Pocket is a mountain-surrounded val- ley, to which access can be gained by only one route—a deep, narrow pass descending through the great range, and known as Pretty Pass. Except by this route it was impossible for horsemen or vehicles to reach the prosperous town in the pocket. Through some secret inflyence with the Gov- ernment authorities, a wide-awake mountaineer known as Mountain Mose had obtained permis- sion to establish a toll-gate midway in Pretty Pass and exact a toll-fee from all who wanted to £ in either direction over the route. cabin had been built on oné side of the pass and a log-barn directly opposite on the other side, and between these two structures hung a | ponderous gate, which prevented any one from pens without first ‘‘ coming down” with the toll. As travel to and from the Pocket was quite large and daily incisor and as the toll was twenty-five cents per head, man or beast, it will at once be seen that the shrewd mountaineer’s profits were something handsome, Then, too, he had another source of revenue quite frequently. The gate closed for the day invariably at six P. M., and, no one was permitted to pass through under any circumstances. People coming from the Pocket had the alter- ‘native either of turning back to the camp or “putting up over night at Mountain Mose’s Hotel. ravelers en route for the Pocket city, and ar- riving at the gate after six o'clock, had no alter- native but to stop at the hotel or camp down over night in the pass. : Thus Mr. Mose had. # “corner” in the travel- ‘ing traffic. is hotel could scarcely lay pretensions to being one, from the fact that the cabin com- ‘prised only one room of large dimensions, . Arranged along one side were two tiers of single cot-beds, which altogether were capable of accommodating about a score of guests. On the onposite side of the big room was a fire-place, and a dirty-looking, ill-stocked bar. ) Zhe only other furniture consisted of a few stools and deal tables. ‘As no meals were served at the ‘‘ Hotel Mose,” no restaurant facilities had been pro- vided. Mountain Mose was a black-bearded customer, villainous of aspect, and a very giant in size. ‘In Pistol Pocket, he was regarded as a full- proof desperado, and few there were who did not stand in awe of him. Since establishing himself at the pass, it was believed that several moneyed guests had been made away with, but there was little or nothing of actual proof. On the evening of which we write, when the wind howled through the pass, and the rain dashed er the window panes, three men sat at a table in the toll-gate house, with a bottle and glasses before them. One was the proprietor of the shebang, Moun- tain Mose; the other two were equally as villain- ous looking toughs—ruffians of the worst type, whose belts bristled with deadly weapons, All three evidently had been imbibing freely of the contents of the black bottle. “T tell ye, boys,” said Mountain Mose, with a hiccough, ‘I’m sort of a p’ilos’pher in my way, and ef you’ve any notion 0 tryin’ the job, we need ter go mighty keerful, or the worms ll hev ‘a feast on ye, afore a month passes by. As Mayor of Pistol Pocket, as well as owner of it, that cuss, Deadwood Dick, has got a strong graft, and a lot of friends.” “We don’t keer a cuss for that!” declared ‘Pete Pigeon, one of the party, and sometimes known as The Strangler, from the fact that he ‘was reported to have strangled several persons «tho had incurred his enmity.’ “Bf ther cuss has got a few friends, he has got enemies, also, whoa like ter see him kicked inter Kingdom Come—I fer one. He ain’t got no more right to lord et over ther town than I - ev, an’ fer one I’m in fer removin’ him, an’ givin’ others a show,” “ An’ I, too!” declared Bill Monk, the third n. ‘* He’s a cussed monopolist, an’ he orter be stamped out. Thar’s a half-hundred able bodied men in the camp, out 0’ work, and why? +e i, ves — bs d ey, . 2 ila pest A ahs Deadwood Dick’s Protegee. | Cause they won’t go to work in the big mine, fer day wages—starvation wages, at that—and be bossed about by this Deadwood Dick, and his superintendent, Jerry Justice. Et ain’t accor- din’ to their notions be ruled by a king in this | | free country. The boys ain’t goin’ to join a | union, ner be compelled to join one, in order to | earn a livin’ when thar’s plenty o’ room in Pistol | Pocket whar they could pitch in fer themselves, and turn an honest penny, without being forced ter submit to boss rule!” “Right ye aire, Monkey!” asserted Pigeon. ‘You're head’s level. No cuss like Deadwood Dick aire goin’ to king et over us, not ef he has got two hundred miners to back him. He’s got ter go! “Waal, boyees!” spoke up Mountain Mose, “T allow et ain’t fair the cuss should monoper- lize ther hull profits o’ the pocket, but he’s got big backin’, besides bein’ able to wipe out a dozen men hisself. So et would be next ter madness fer a few 0’ ye ter tackle him!” “That ain’t our lay-out, at all!” Pigeon averred, ‘ We've got a plan that beats that!” ‘What is it?” ‘Oh! we've got it fixed so two of us can do | him, and that, too, to-night!” “To-night? Where?” ‘* Here !” Mountain Mose. shook his head. ‘‘Not here!” he said grimly. ‘‘ There’s enuff sick for me, ef everything were known, so no more ov that fer me.” “Pshaw! that’s nothin’. What if there is | half a dozen stiffs in the well beneath this room? There’s room fer another. An’ we say | thet Deadwood Dick gets his just deserts right hyer, to-night. Ef you know when yer hide is | skin. you won't kick ag’in’ it, neither!” “ Dye mean that fer a threat?’ Mose de- | manded, | Waal, sorter!” Pigeon replied. ‘‘ Ef ye go | ter kickin’ too much, inquiries might be made | as ter ther secrets of this shebang!” | Mountain Mose made a quick reach for his revolver, but before he could draw it, he was | covered by the weapons of both Pigeon and Bill Monk. “Oh! we're on ter ye,” Pigeon sneered. ‘“‘-Yer a good man, Mosey, but no match fer us. Now, then, do we hev ther privelege 0’ this ranch, to-night, or do we not? Jest answer that, ef you please!” What the answer would have been it would be hard to say, for at that instant there came @ and peremptory knock upon the door, aa caused all three ruffians to start to their eet. Oe CHAPTER Il. THE FATAL TRAP. Wuen the knock came upon the door, Pete Pigeon and Bill Monk exchanged glances full of significance, and the latter said in an undertone which did not catch the ears of Mountain Mose: “That's him /” : 4 for Mose, he gave a grant and growled out: “ Sorhe cuss as wants to get through the gate, I suppose, but he’!l get left!” en a lantern, he went to the | door and opened Outside was a young man, mounted upon horseback, and thoroughty drenched with rain. “Hello!” he saluted. ‘* Will you open the gate, sir, so I can get through?” “ Not much!” Mountain Mose replied, y: “This gate closes for the night at six, an don’t open ag’in "til mornin’ !” “But, my dear fellow, I am wet and cold and want to get through to the camp to-night!” ** Can’t help that. Never break the rules, un- der any circumstances! fore.” ‘‘ But, see here, I can’t sit out here in the rain all night. Open the gate and Pll pay you well for it.” “Don’t want yer money. This hyer’s a hotel, pay fer yer accommodations! ho aire ye, anyhow?” : — name is Sir Clyde Carleton,” was the reply. ic Oh! ye’r’ a blarsted Englisher, aire ye?” ‘‘T am an English gentleman, sir!” ‘‘Humph! Every Britisher that comes over heer sets hisself up asa gentleman. Wal, aire ye goin’ ter come in or not?” e Have you accommodations for my horse?” SS ee as. “Well, then, I suppose there is nothing to-do but stop over, if you won’t open the gate!” bad report afloat about this place—to make it | Oughter come along be- | and ef ye wanter stop over, ye kin Per ye | the hoss!” Sir Clyde penn a8 dismounted and entered | the tavern, while Pete Pigeon went out and took ) charge of the horse. Once inside, in the light of the fire, it was per- | ceptible that Sir Clyde Carleton was an unusu- ally handsome young man, some four-and- twenty years of aye. He had a graceful, willowy figure, almost woman-like in its contour, and was well-dressed. His face was full and handsomely chiseled and stamped with intelligence, with a fair com- plexion, sparkling blue eye, 4 pleasant, mus- tache-shaded mouth and curly blonde hair. Plainly he was a person of good birth and preeding, hard at contrast with the rough toll- gate keeper and his associates. vs ““Reckon you'll be better off here than ef zene went on ter Pistol Pocket!” Mountain ose observed, after he had looked his guest over from head to foot, and noted that he wore a costly diamond pin. “Most any water is welcome, such a night as this!” Sir Clyde replied, glancing at the sur- roundings, curiously, “ ow far is it from here to Pistol Pocket?” «A matter of four mile, as the crow flies.” ‘And may I ask how it is that you keep the gate closed after six o'clock?” | ** Waal, ye see, ther country back a piece is infested with road-agents, and the gate is kept shut to prevent ’em from a night raid an’ a rush | into the Pocket, where they could raise a heap of devilment!” This appeared to satisfy the young English- man, and he immediately sought the fireplace, and proceeded to dry himself. When he kad partly succeeded in the opera- tion, he said: ‘* Well, landlord, what can you get me up in | the way of something to eat? I am as famished as a wolf.” “We don’t keep nothing to eat ’round here!” Mose allowed. ‘‘ The stage brings me up what grub I need every morning, and so I never bother with any other stuff. Got some prime old Taos whisky, tho’, ef that will do you any “ Well, that’s better than nothing,” Sir Clyde said, ‘‘as I am rather weak, after a long jour- ney. So give me a nip!” : ! And so saying, the youn to the bar, behind which sided. A long black bottle and a glass were placed before the traveler, and he poured out a good drink and raised it to bis is Before he could toss it off, however, be felt'a touch upon ‘his arm, and turning, beheld Pete Pigeon avd Bill Monk standing alongside the than walked over ountain Mose pre- bar. ) “See heer, young feller,” observed Pigeon, “ et hata me you’ve forgot something, haven’t ou “Not that Iam aware of,” Sir Clyde replied, with evident surprise. ‘‘ What is it I have for- otten?” ‘A stranger in these parts, ain’t you?” ‘*T am, sir.” * Tho’t so!” : “ Well, sir, what of it? What do you want?” This time the baronet spoke haughtily. And Pigeon and Monk then laughed uproar- bars while old Mose joined in. “Well, durn my cats if you ain’t a greeny!” Pigeon allowed. ‘‘ What d’ye expect, except & | drink? Et’s customary in these parts that when | a man drinks he don’tidrmk alone, but sets "em up fer the boys. ’Cordingly, et’s rulable fer | you to invite us to wet our whistles.” “Indeed?” And SirClyde looked the contempt he felt. ‘‘ Well, sir, as do not happen to be a resident of your delectable country, I cannot ba oy with your customs!” “Oh! ye can’t, eh? Well, now, me bloomin’ Britisher, you will, or you'll get the worst wal- lopin’ you ever bad in your life. For instance, how do you like that. as @ foretaste!” And hauling off the ruffian gave the English- man a thump beside the head. Sir Clyde, of course, was staggered, but, with a quickness that was surprising, he dashed the contents of his glass into Pigeon’s eyes, and his, wide-open mouth, half-choking him with the vile liquor, and almost blinding the sight of both eyes, Tre must have been excruciating, for he went howling about the room at a great rate. ‘ ‘Heeding not, Sir Clyde wheeled around just — in time to dodge a terrific blow from Bill Monk f to give him one, in return, which sent bim _ to the floor. Sir Clyde then turned to Mountain Mose, whe | / ““Nary open! Heer, Pete, come an’ put away gi fe
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a ‘stood behind the bar, grimly watching proceed- x 3 Well, do you want some of the same?” was ‘the abrupt query, “No! geocin not!” Mose allowed, although ‘there was a diabolical gleam in hiseyes. ‘ All I want of you is for your horse-keep and your lodging, and pay for the whisky.” ‘“Of course. How much is the bill?” “Five dollars, and I'll treat you to another drink.” , Carlston probably knew that it would be no ‘use to argue about the extortionate price; so he ‘took out a well-filled pocketbook, and paid the ill, receiving in return a glass of the worst liquor he had ever touched. ; All this time Pete Pigeon was dancing gro- ue figures around the room, and howling ‘anathemas at the stranger. Bad 4 Suddenly he was seen to stagger, dizzily; then ‘to throw up his arms aiid fall heavily to the ‘floor, where he lay writhing as if in intense agony, but only for a moment, for then a shud- ‘der shook his frame and he stretched out and “was motionless, Mountain Mose and Carleton both ran for- ‘ward, and when they reached his side the ruffian ‘was really dead. ; ‘ ‘Well, you’ve done it!” old Mose said, turn- ‘ing grimly to the baronet. ‘You have mur- ode one of the best men in the mountains!” “Tt is false! I did not kill him!” Sir Clyde declared. ‘‘ It was you who killed him!” ‘* Curse you! what is that you say?” “Tsay that you murdered him. The liquor ‘you gave me contained a deadly poison, and ‘you knowit! The big brute swallowed enough “of it to kill him.” “Curse you! you lie! I'll have your life for ‘that insult!” Mountain Mose cried, savagely. **Down with you to the depths of it ga and as he spoke a section of the floor where Sir Clyde was standing dropped from~beneath his feet and the young Englishman disappeared from view. : At the moment, an old man and a young girl ‘had entered the saloon by the front door, and 80 were witnesses of the tragic scene. “ Stranger!” said the old man, in a deep, clear tone, ‘you are a murderer!” — Mountain Mos at once whipped out his re- volver; but, before he could cock and use it, the old man and the girl bad darted from the room, -closing the door behind them. Mose blazed away at the door, until he had fired every shot; then opening the door, he too darted forth into the night. CHAPTER III. THE VICTIM OF A JOKE, PassinG from Pretty Pass, we will now go «down to Pistol Pocket. It was early in the day following the events Yast narrated, and the morning sunshine bathed the Pocket in a golden bath of sunshine. ~ Greatly grown from what the camp was when ‘ast introduced to the reader * the settlement now presented the appearance of a much older town than it really was, and although there was ‘but one hotel and saloon, combined, there were numerous Other places of business, and buildings had notably increased, In a cosey, comfortably furnished office, on the amain street, sat the dashing and handsome pro- prietor and “mayor” of Pistol Pocket, Dead- wood Dick, Jr., engaged in looking over an Eastern paper. Nothing strange in appearance, _ since last we met him, the Prince of the West looked quite as much at home in his new posi- tion as though be were in the saddle, or in the midst of a pitched battle. With his round, pleasant vi age, his keen sparkling eyes, and his long, wavy hair an eurling mustache, few, if any in the camp, could compare with the mayor, in point of good looks, and by the budding feminine ele- ment, he was, of course, regarded as a decidedlp priceless ‘‘ catch.” s : But, none of the fair daughters of the camp seemed to attract his particular attention, most of his time being absorbed in attending to his business interests. ve ‘ ‘That he was rapidly acquiring riches, from his ownership of the Pocket, was beyond ques. ‘tion, and this very fact caused many to envy his success. ; - _ Backed by his trusty employees of the Ma- jestic Mine, te had succeeded in enforcing the PA iin that no one should mine for. gold in © guich, except they entered his employ, a joined the Miners’ gion. oe - . * See Half-Dime Library ‘No. 508, “* DEADWOOD Dick's De OE, - OP CNTR ET RR Mee EM ~ Deadwood Dick's Protege. A considerable number of gold-diggers came to the camp who objected to this sort of thing, and some took thei’ departure, while others re- mained, and hung about in idleness. ' As Dick sat in his oftice,this pleasant sun-shiny day, engaged in reading, bis face wore an ex- pression of contentmet, and it was evident that his mind was unruffled bY trouble. In another chair sat his office-boy, an apt young lad of fourteen, whom Dick had employ- ed to look after the office, during his absence. The boy’s name was Johnny Smile, and ’boy- like, he was full of fun, and ever ive to play a trick on some one. And most especially on his good-natured employer. Johnny, too, was now reading the local news- aper—an enterprise which some wide awake ‘Yankee had already established in the camp, under the suggestive title of ‘‘ The Pistol Pocket Palaver.” It was a laugh from Johnnie that caused Deadwood Dick to look up from his paper. ** Well, Johnny, what is it?’ Dick queried. “Oh! boss, this isa rye go!” Jobnny replied, * Did ye git any answers, yet?” ‘** Any answers to what?” Dick demanded, in rise, ‘* Why, to your advertisement in the pa ‘**T’ve no advertisement in the paper. are you talking about.” ; “Oh! ye hain’t got no ad., hey? Then, I’d like to know what you call this!” And handing his master the Palaver, Johnny pointed to a paragraph, which ran as follows: ““Wanrep:—At once=a wife. Must be talented, good-looking, a good housekeeper, and not over nineteen or twenty. To the right party, a good home will be given. Apply. at once to RICHARD Bristot, Jk.” The young Mayor of Pistol Pocket could scarcely repress an oath, as he read the above, ‘* By all the the devils!” he ejaculated, “‘ that is the work of a detestable scamp. If I find out who put that in the paper, I’ll make him eat his boots as sure as my name is Dick Bristol!” Thrusting the paper into his pocket, he clap- oe on his hat, and rushed from the office; while ohnny Smile sat down, tipped back in his chair, and roared with laughter. ‘* Whoop ee! won’t ther be fun fer the fiddler, now, tho’? Well, I should smile a Johnny Smile smile! Bet ten cents to a ‘tater thet the boss will scalp ,old corny’ the chap that runs the Palaver!" Golly! I'd like to see the fun, and I would, too, only thet I’d be givin’ myself dead r!? Vhat away. Ef the boss were to suspect that J caused that ter be put in the paper, he’d kick me all the way from heer to Kalamazoo. “But, wait, though, till gals begin to pour in; then there’ll be fun, you bet!” , In the mean time, with darkened brow, Dick hastened toward the newspaper office,‘ which was located in a little shanty, at the lower end of the street. Arriving at the place, he found the superan- nuated proprietor, Potiphar Potts, perched upon a stool at his desk. He was bald-headed, hooked-nosed, ferret- eyed, and the thinness of his physique seemed to indicate that he had not always fed on the fat of the land. ; Walking up behind him, Dick seized him by the shoulder, and jerked him off the stool, as he cried: “See here, you old rat terrier! what do you mean by publishing such a scandalous joke as this in sepa em aoc And the advertisement was thrust before Poti- phar’s vision, _ : ** Speak up!” Dick exclaimed, sternly, ‘or by the eternal, off goes your scalp!” “T_T didn’t know there was anything wrong about it!” Potts asserted, trembling with appre- hension. “The ad. was sent in for publica- tion, accompanied by a dollar, and so I inserted it. Surely you can’t blame me, for I didn’t know but what it was all right!” ** Who sent it in?” ‘* It came through the mail, but there was no signature except the initials ‘R. B.’ Here is the letter. You can see for yourself.” He handed Dick a letter, which the latter pro- ceeded to peruse. It read as follows: hoy nee ore AE “ Inclos nd one dollar, advertisement in your waleble popes nace aa There was a deadly glitter in Dick’s eyes as he read the above, and he thrnst the letter*into his manded, eying Potiphar Potts, sharply. None whatever, sir!” pocket, “ Have you no idea who wrote that?” he de- “Well, now, look here. You find out for me ee en ee SS See ee ee who wrote the letter, or caused the advertise- ment to be inserted, and I'll give you a hundred dollars!” Potts looked pleased. To him, a hundred dol- lars seemed a fortune, “Very well, sir, I will try,” he said, ‘‘ but I have no hope of success.” ** And, mind you,” continued Dick, ‘‘if you ever publish any more stuff about me in your aper, without my personal authority, there'll 8 a dead Potts for the town to bury,” and Dick took his departure, his anger but little dimin- ished. ‘**Ts this an intended insult, or is ita practica} joke?” he muttered, as he made his way back to his private office, ‘‘T am inclined to think it is the former, for it is no secret to me that I have enemies in the camp who bear me malice. I presume I shall be overrun with applicants for the position of Mrs, Bristol, ell, let ‘em come!” And a grim smile flitted over the young rae or’s handsome face, as he imagined what result the advertisement might produce, CHAPTER IV. ‘““WHETHER HE WOULD OR NOT.” WHEN Deadwood Dick got back to his office, he found that his anticipations were not without foundation, for, seated in the offlee, was a young and rather attractive-looking woman. Judging from appearances, she was some eigh- teen — of age, and a decided brunette, with jet-black hair and eyes, and a complexion verging upon that o woman, She was ro barca of a figure, noticeable for its graceful contour, and was very neatly attired. : Dick gave her an inquiring glance, as he en- tered, and perceived that she was an entire stranger to him. : ‘* Now for it!” he muttered, under his breath, and taking off his hat, he turned to his visitor. **Good-morning!” he said politely. ‘‘ Is there anything I can do for you, madam?” ** Miss, if you please?” she corrected, ‘ My name is Miss Mabel Lamont, and I have come to answer and accept your application for a wife. 1 haven’t a doubt of my ability to please you, and we shall get along splendidly 1* Thestartling presumption of the young woman nearly knocked the breath out of him. ‘*I beg your pardon, my dear lady,” he said, ‘* but there is a mistake about this matéer. I’ve not advertised for a wife.” ‘*Oh! yes you have,” she replied, positively. ‘‘T saw your advertisement in the paper only a few minutes ag0, and I hurried here from the hotel, so as to be the first to claim the honor.” * But, I tell you I’ve made no application for a wife, whatever!” declared Dick. “ Least of all my intentions is that of getting married. That advertisement was put in by same person unknown to me, either as a practical joke or for some malicious purpose. I had nothing to de with it.” f ‘Oh! that’s to thin. You men are terribly deceitful creatures. You can’t pat me off in that way. Iam poor and an orphan, and need a husband who will protect me. I am young, good-looking, a good housekeeper, and more talented than most girls. I am nch de- scent, and you know the love of a French girl fs sincere and true. So you can bave no reason- able excuse for not taking me in preference to any one else. Can you, now?” Literally thunderstruck, Dick sunk back upon a chair, knowing not what to say or do. While Johnny Smile, perched upon a stool at Dick’s desk, with his back turned to the eouple, was ready to explode with laughter, After a lapse of over a minute, during which time he fairly glared at Miss Lamont, Dick ard found use of his tongue. ** Young lady,” he said, I am astonished at you. I told you that getting married was the least of my intentions; yet, seemingly, you would force yourself upon me without any solici- tation on my part. You never saw me before, nor I you, and even if I were inclined to take a wife, I should expect to have some acquaintance with her first. Moreover, I would go a lifetime without a spouse before Yd stoop to advertise for one. So you will please understand that your errand here is a fruitless one, and govern yourself accordingly.” His tone was firm and decisive, and yet polite. The eyes of Miss Lamont sparkled angril ami hers were just the kind of eyes that wens mg geen fg gen 3 no a yh = wens st ‘Which, I suppose, is vale Sa that you will have n isp ids with mo—shat a Spanish or Mexican aE ee Te ee Le ae eS earn . ny Bat pad i % ’ .
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clothing was neat, c i Deadwood Dick’s Protegee. te will scorn the humble offer of a poor but | upon him; so he at once opened the conversa- sting girl, who has neither home nor friends?’ she demanded, ‘I do not scorn you, nor your offer, as you term it, neither can IL give you the least en- couragement. In fact, as I have told you, I have not the slightest idea of getting yoked in matrimonial harness again, and if I had, I dare say I should prefer to choose some one whowas not so eager to push herself forward. I think, there- fore, Miss Lamont, that is all that is necessary te be said!” and rising, Dick went over to a ¥riting-table, and proceeded to examine some papers, by way of indicating that the interview ‘was at an end. Miss Lamont’s face now wore a dark, revenge- ful expression, but which only faintly depicted the rage that burned within her bosom. ‘¢ Perhaps it is all that is necessary for you to say,” she hissed, advancing so close to him that her breath fanned his cheek, ‘‘ but ve yet to have my say, if you please, You, sir, have in- sulted and humiliated me, and after my back is turned, you will make fun of me. “Do so, but please remember the old adage that he who laughs last laughs best. I am no one of your weak American girls, weak-minded, helpless, ard so timid as to be frightened out of their wits at sight of a mouse—oh! no! You have done me an irreparable injury, and I shall resent it. So look out for me, for, as sure as my name is Mabel Lamont, I'll make you bitterly repent the humiliation you have caused me!” , urning, then, she passed from the office with the carriage of a queen. Dick walked tothe door, and gazed after her for a few minutes, until she entered the Grand Pacific Hotel, a scowl darkening his usually tranquil brow. ‘‘ A queer character,” he muttered, “‘ and none the less impudent than queer, Humph!” and with a shrug of disgust, he turned back into the office, to be greeted with a yeil of laughter from Johnny Smile, who could hold ip no longer. This outburst was the ‘ enous thas broke the camel’s back,’ and Dick turned upon Johnny, : What is the matter with you?” he demanded. “* What are you laughing at?” ‘‘Whoop-ee! Jerusalem! Who wouldn't laugh,” snorted Johnny. ‘‘ Ef that wasn’t the rammest go of all, I'll eat my necktie. Tell ye what, boss, ye’r’ no good, as fur’s the gals go. Why didn’t ye send thet gakaround tome? Td %4’ made a mash,sure, fer ther gals did use ter say { was some on the mash?” “Oh! dry up, you infant,” Dick growled, and sat down at his table, to attend to some letter- writing. He was not destined to remain long undis- turbed, however, for soon he had two more isitors, This time, however, as he thanked good for- tune, he was not to be afflicted by would-be Mrs. Bristols, His callers were none others than the old man and young girl who had ap- red and mney ge 80 mysteriously at Hotel ose, in Pretty Pass, the preceding night. The old man’s steps were feeble, and the deathlike pallor upon his face indicated that be was not long for this world. The girl sup- ported him as best she could, and when he sunk Epon a chair, it was with a sigh of relief. A strangely mated pair they were, indeed, The old man was fully sixty years of age, if not more, and his form was bent, and joints stiffened, His face was yellowish, emaciated and lined with many a wrinkle; his eyes were back in their sockets; and his straggling hair and beard were snowy white. His cl thing was old and ragged, bis shoes a mere wreck, and his hat had lost its shape, Rip Van Winkle-like in appearance, it was plain to see that he had not nm slumbering or twenty years, and had seen some pretty rough times. "The irl was about sixteen years of age, rather Sort of stature but still graceful and s etrical, and in face and feature one of the prettiest little maidens Dick had ever set eyes upon, be decided. The countenance was of refined and sweet ex-. ion, combined with purity; her eyes were lue and brilliant; her mouth small, with tempt- ing, rosy lips, and her wealth of wavy hair ich fell in ripples almost to her waist, was like a shimmering fall of golden sunshine, She, too, was very plainly clad, although her rt : Be n, = lo per strangely mai couple they were, the Mayor of Pistol Pocket wheeled around in his office chair, to get a better look at them. He saw at once that they were eae: in ‘the Pocket, amd wondered why they called tion with a pleasant ‘‘ Good-morning,” adding: ‘*In what way can I be of service?” CHAPTER V. OLD ISHMAEL AND BABY BESS, THE old man, whose gaze had been fixed mo- mentarily upon the floor, now looked up, and, with an effort gave answer: ‘ ‘* You will excuse us, I pray, sir,” he said, ‘for intruding on your privacy, but we were directed here in our search for the mayor’s office.” ‘* And you have found it,” Dick replied. ‘“‘ What is it you wish?” ‘*T wish to secure your assistance, sir, in mak- ing some provisions for my adopted child, here, my Baby Bess, as I call her. 1 sometime age heard of you as a kind, respectable gentleman, and I came herein hopes 1 could prevail upon you to lend me a little assistance—not pecuni- arily, but otherwise!” ‘““What sort of assistance is it you want?’ Dick asked. ‘‘I seldom refuse to do a person a good turn, providing they do not want too much.” ‘‘So I have heard, and many whom I hear speak of Deadwood Dick, speak of him as brave and noble in the truest sense—a friend of the orphan, and a protector of the weak and wrong- ed. Itisthe aid of such aman that I crave, hence I came to you. ‘“‘T will try and explain the object of my visit, but must do so briefly, for I am not long for this world. I was shot at and wounded, last night, and have been filling up, inwardly, ever since, although the wound has not bled ex- ternally. For upwards of an hour past, I have felt death creeping over me, and it was only with the support of Baby Bess, that I was able to reach your Office.” At this point, the old man paused fora mo- ment to regain strength, and then went on; ‘My name is Ishmael Iverness, and 1 former- ly belonged in the shire of Sussex, England, where for years I was bailiff to the old Sir Lionel Carleton, of the noble house of his name. Atlength Sir Lionel died, and the estate de- scended to his son, Sir Hubert, then a young unmarried man. In due time, however, Sir Hubert married his lodge-keeper’s daughter— an act that caused a great sensation at the time —and for the first time in many gyears, the house of Carleton had a mistres*. “The new Lady Carleton was a charming but unsophisticated bit of humanity; but Sir Hubert loved her devotedly, and they were a very happy couple. Both were of rather retiring disposition, and went little into society. This was Sir Hubert’s express wish, for he could aot bear the thought of having his wife snubbed by blue-blooded society, vend ah because she was only a lodge-keeper’s daughter. ‘At length, a child was born to them—a girl- baby, whom they named Beatrice, or Bessie for short. Well, raatters went along nicely for the first six years of their married life, and then came a dark day. “* A quarrel arose between Sir Hubert and his cousin, Lord Lindley, over an insult offered b the latter, and the result was a duel, in whic Sir Hubert was killed. It was but part of Lindley’s scheme to succeed to the leton heritage. : » “But, the schemer failed. The Carleton estate not being entailed, Sir Hubert had made wise provisions so that in event of his death, the estate and other wealth would descend to his wife, and after her, to his daughter, Beatrice. After her, no Leip were made; and in case of her death the estate would go to the next of kin, es house of Lindley. + te ell, as you may suppose, Lad arleton was nearly distracted pri the death of Sir Hubert, and so heavy was the blow upon her. that she never fully recovered from the effects 0! it.’ She lived alone, with her child and_ her ser- vants, and seldom received visitors. Thus the years passed on, until Bessie was ten years old. ‘** At this time my lady’s health was very poor, and on the decline, and it seemed only a matter of time ere she must pass under the rod. One day she called me to her—for she had always made me her confidant from childhood up—and said: ‘ Iverness, the time has come at last when we must part!’ aoe naturally astonished, I made no answer, and she went on: ‘ Yes, we must . Lrealize at last that I cannot live much longer, and must arrange my plans for the future, accordingly. In event of my death, as you know, everything descends to ie; but ‘should I die, gy Al persecute her—ay! pat anda bsg abet order to gain possession of seins i} cel ‘“‘« He is an unscrupulous villain, and I could” < not die and leave Bessie within his reach. 80, ~ Iverness, you must take Messie and leave tor America, and so hide yourseives that Lord Lind- ley cannot find you, thus to ren ain until Bessie is of age, when you can safely retin to England and she can reclaim her own, Of course it will be hard for me to part with my child, but 1 would do it a hundred times.;rather than leave her ut the mercy of Lester Lindley.’ ““ Well, this was my lady’s edict, and of course, after long years of service and kind treatment, I felt in duty bound to do as she wished. So ar- rangements were put in motion, and in due time everything was in readiness for our departure. ‘Phe day before we were to leave, my lady sent for Clyde Carleton, the sixteen-year-old heir and scion of another noble house but entirely different race of Carletons, and placing Bessie’s hand in that of Clyde, betrothed them, in the hope that when they grew up, they would marry, and thus perpetuate the name of Carle- ton. “‘ Well, Baby Bess and I came to America, six years ago, and being supplied with money, trav- eled West, We were robbed and cheated at every turn, at first, but after a couple of years of this sort of thing we became able to hold our own, and though we’ve had some tough experi- ences, we’ve been able to weather the storm, un- til now, when our associations must soon end.” Tears sprung into the eyes of Baby Bess, at this, and flinging her arms about old Ishmael’s neck, she hid her face upon his shoulder and teh ¢ a fter a momentary pause, the old man went on: ‘‘ Well, about a month ago, we received a no- tice of Lady Carleton’s death, and by the same mail came a letter from her, Lek adeayigs written, in which she stated that death was hourly ex-- pected: and that Lord Lindley had started for America. That it was in search of Bessie, she had no doubt, and cautioned me to be on the alert, and keep out of his way. { “My health rapidly failing, and knowing thet death was near, Teocaived the idea of coming here, and seeing if 1 could not put myself under your protection, having beard so much about ou. But last night 1 was shot, and shal] not be ere long to trouble you. All { want you, now, is to become the guardian and protector of my little Bess until she becomes of age. You need not contribute a penny toward her support—only watch over and protect ‘her, after I am gone, as you would a sister. Promise me you will, kind sir, and I will tell you a pi I have in view, but: I must do so briefly, for [ feel that my strength is leaving me fast, and I cannot talk much longer.” Before answering, Dick arose and went into an inner office, soon returning with a glass of ne. ‘Drink this, my friend!” he said. “It will brace up your strength.” Ishmael quaffed the beverage eagerly. “Thanks!” hesaid. ‘* Tkat’s the first liquor of any kind that has passed my a for years. But, sir, you bave not yet answered me?” Dick reseated himself, and ran his fingers thoughtfully through his hair. : Teas, I have not,” he said; ‘‘and, more than. that, I scarcely know how to answer you. You see, 1am a Single man, and were I to take charge of the young lady it might create a talk that would be unpleasant to her. Otherwise, I don’t know that I should have any occasion for re- fusing to accept the trust.” “Then you need have no hesitation,” Baby Bess ag up, in a sweetly modula voice. “T make it a point to pay no attention to idle gossip, and what others say neither troubles nor concerns me.” i “ Well, that shows a brave, reliant spirit, and 1 am inclined to act as your champion, I can build you a shanty adjoining my own, and so have you always within calling distance.” nk you! thank you!” old Ishmael spoke up. ‘“ You have taken a lozdoff my mind. And, now, I will tell you what I want you to do. Res- sie wishes to be independent, as far as earning her own living is concerned, and she is not a bit afraid to work, either. You have good placer- mining land in the bottom, haven’t you?” “Oh, yes, there’s some pretty fair pay dirt,” Dick.replied, ‘‘ but hardly enough to make it an object ‘or me to bother with it.” ‘So I presumed, and yet, one person would be able to pan out enough to earn a livelihood, by, steady labor, not!” } if ‘i es, I thiuk so. «Then I will tell you what 1 is desirous of ob ‘ f propose, Bessie — ning her own living, and, _ moreover, she is really a practical miner, Now —
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{ ' } | Se for Baby - ani slept au night. Deadwood Dick’s Protegee. I want to buy for her a slice of this placer land, so she can have it as a support. We have man- aged in the last couple of years to save five ‘hun- dred dollars of the last remittance from Eng- Jand, and we want to invest that in a claim that will produce Bessie her living until time for her to return to England. As soon as she comes into her rights she will be in position to amply reward you for all your kindness or expense in her behalf. Now, sir, will you do me this last favor, for my little Bessie’s sake? Poor little Baby Bess!” and the old man passed his hand affectionately over the sunny head of his little ward. ‘She will be all alone in the world when ld Ishmael is gone!” And a tear rolled down the old man’s cheek, while Baby Bess wept bitterly. Deadwood Dick was much affected, and ris- ing, went forward and took Ishmael by the hand. ‘‘ No! not all alone, my friend!” he said, “ for I will stand by her like a brother, and woe be to the one who dares to molest her! Moreover, he shall have the best placer claim in the poeket, and that too, Scot tree, as I will not ac- cept a penny for it!” ‘May God bless you for those words!” Ishmael gaid fervently, while Bespie, with tearful eyes, gave the young mayor a grateful look. ‘‘I can now die in peace, knowing that the heiress of the house of Careltons 1s in safe hands,” “Oh! never say die!” Dick said, cheerily. ‘‘ While there is life there is hope. I will call in the local doctor, and perhaps he may be able to ho something for you.” ‘‘No! no! it wiil be of no use. No earthly power can savemenow. Death is already gatb- ering mein its embrace, and I have but a short ‘time yet to live.” ; ** But how did you receive this wound of which ‘you speak?” ; “Yes, I must tell you that. Bessie and I were on our way to Pistol Pocket, during the etorm of last night, when we came to a toll- ate, and our further passage was checked. here was a big cabin, there, however, and see- ing a light, we opened the door and entered, As we did so, we became wituess to a strange sight. Two men were standing in the middle of the room in belligerent attitudes. One was a gen- teel-looking young man, the other a very rutfian in appearance. ‘An instant after we entered, the ruffian cried: * Down with you, to the depths of purga- tory! and instantly the young man disappear- ed, asif by magic, through the floor. Horrified at what we had seen we fled from the place, losing the door behind us. A volley of bullets followed us, fired through the door, and one of them hit me in a fatal spot. However, we man- aged to escape and secrete ourselves until day- break, when we once more set out for this place. J marvel that I ever lived to reach it and hold out until now!” ; ** You think this young man was precipitated through a trap into some under-ground place?” Dick asked. ‘* Yes, without a doubt, and if there was any truth in the 1uffian’s utteramce, he met his death in the fall!” ‘This matter must be investigated!” Dick said, decidedly, ‘*‘ Mountain Mose’s ranch has been surrounded by suspicion ever since it was puilt, and I fear more than one man has met his doom there. By the way, I have a couch in the next room, sir, and perhaps if you lie down and rest awhile, you will feel better.” ** No, I shall never feel better in this world,” the old man answered. ‘‘ However, if you will help me a little, I think I will liedown, Before I do, here are all the papers necessary to estab- lish Bessie’s identity and right to her English estate.” ; He handed Dick a roll of doctiments; then Dick and Baby Bess assisted him into the ad- joining room, where he was soon comfortably resting. , He lingered Bléng prouw! the day, faithfully attended by both Dick and Bessie; but, as the sun sunk. behind the mountain brow, and dusk shadows began to creep down into Pistol Pocket, the spirit of Ishmael Iverness took its flight; dike one falling asleep he passed away. CHAPTER VI. TROUBLE BREWING, OLD ISHMAEL was given a respectable burial, ‘the next oy and Dick secured accommodations at the Grand Pacific, until he hanty erected for her, adjoining wc’ haveas ere he usually spent his daytimes, Wis vue) During the afternoon, he and Bessie made a Nee eee ee a See tour of the gulch bottom, and Bessie showed her | knowledge of mining, by selecting a spot where mineral wealth was the most abundant, although the surface “sign” was not particularly en- couraging. ‘‘ This will answer!” she said. ‘‘ There is good | pay dirt here.” And so Dick staked out a good-sized claim, and later, put up a board sign, containing the following: *“ NOTICE, “This claim, has been purchased by Baby Bess, the Girl Gold Miner, and all persons are positively | forbidden to trespass hereon, : “‘Deapwoop Dick.”’ As soon as these arrangements were perfected, Dick organized a party of trusty men, and they set out for the toll-gate in Pretty Pass; for Dick | was determined to investigate the fate of the young man whom Old Ishmael and Bessie had seen disappear through a trap in the floor of | Mountain Mose’s cabin. The journey to the toll-gate was accomplished in good time, and the gate was found wide open, although it was after six o’clock, and night was coming rapidly on. The cabin hadia deserted appearance, when the party dismounted, and the door was found | to be locked. ) | Dick rapped several times upon the door, but receiving no answer, he ordered his men to burst it in, which was promptly done. Then, it was found that the cabin was desert- ed, indeed, with one exception, and that excep- | tion was Pete Pigeon, who lay cold and stiff in | death, upon the floor. Lanterns were lit, and after a brief search, | the trap door in the floor was discovered, and | forced open, disclosing a dark aperture some two feet square, from out of which came a dis- agreeable odor. A search of the premises soon found a long, stout rope, and’a lantern was attached to one end of this, and lowered into what proved to be a deep pit in circular form, When the lantern reached the bottom of the pit, and shed its light around, it was discovered | that there were several bodies lying on the damp bottom, which were in an advanced stage of decomposition, but none was distinguishable | as having been placed there recently. Finally, one of the party consented to go down into the pit, and make sure, and on his return, he announced that he had found four bodies, but all had been in the pit some time, and all bad been men well along in years. There was no corpse in the pit answering to Bassie Carleton’s description of the young man she had seen disappear through the floor; so | there was nothing left, for Dick and his followers, but to close the trap door to the charnel vault, and return to Pistol Pocket, which was done. On arrival there, Dick posted a notice in every place of business in the camp, offering one hun- dred dollars’ reward for the capture of Mountain Mose. But, Moses had evidently scented danger, for he made himself conspicuous by his absence, and no one could get any trace of him. A week passed, with scarcely an incident | worthy of mention. . ! : [ | Baby Bess really went to work upon her claim, | industriously, and her unassisted efforts were quite satisfactorily rewarded, for the pay dirt ° panned out sufficiently well to yield ‘her an average profit of some six or seven dollars a day, so well had she chosen the spot of her | claim. She was an object of considerable interest to | the idle people of the camp, who would gather | at a respectful distance, and watch her with curiosity. No one offered to molest her, however, this no | doubt being partly, due to the fact that she paid not the slightest attention to any one, except Deadwood Dick, and kept a repeating rifle close | at hand and in conspicuous view, while she worked. Dick had built and fitted up for her a cosey shanty, adjoining his office, so with what she could earn with pan and shovel, and the five | hundred dollars Ishmael had left her, she was quite comfortably “fixed.” As for Dick his sort of life jogged along in ; about the same rule. He was not blind to the fact, however, that trouble was brewing, for the future, The subdued voice of dissension was heard in the camp, over his proprietorship of the Pocket, coming mainly from the idle miners and nouns not in his employ. It had come to his hearing that these same men had organized into a body, under a chosen leader, and were in the habit of holding noctur- bys ape etd ROL RS ah US A ae eed hl eo ol eae HET ant st * os lie nal meetings and laying plans for getting pos- session of the Pocket. That they would succeed in such a scheme, | Dick had little fear, unless wt Poa ce larger 1 reinforcements, for fully two-thirds of the men in the camp were in his employ, and all of them were strong, able-bodied fellows, who had sworn to stand by him, and protect his interests, through thick and thin, and with whom he was a general favorite—more so, in fact, than his superintendent, Jerry Justice. Of late, Justice had appeared gloomy and down-spirited, and, although he attended to his duties with usual promptness, he had very little to say to any one. Dick noticed this fact, but never made it bis business to inquire the cause, as he had no rea- son to believe that he was in any way concerned in the matter. It was his custom to visit the mines, a couple of times daily, to see how work was progressing, and as he had to pass the Justice dwelling, on his way, he frequently paused ‘a few minutes for a friendly chat with Jerry’s wife—she that was Floy Fydell.* Married life had detracted nothing from the beauty and animation of the superintendent’s wife and apparently she was as gay and happy as a bird. One pleasant forenoon, about a week after Dick’s visit to the toil-gate, he was on his way | to the Majestic Mine, when he espied Floy | standing at the gate of the rustic fence that surrounded their cottage. Seeing her motion to him, Dick crossed over, and was surprised to see that she haa recently been erying. “Why, Mrs: Justice, what is the matter?” he queried. ‘I see you have been weeping.” She tried to force a smile, but her lip quiv- ered as she did so. ‘*Yes, [have been crying,” she said, “and I am the most unhappy person living!” ‘““Why, Mrs. Justice! How is this? I always thought you were very happy since you and Jerry were married.” “So I have been until recently. But, for some days past Jerry has been very cold and distant toward me, and not at all like his usual self. I have tried to get him to tell me what was the matter, but alltono use. This morning he arose and left the house, without even speuk- ing to me, or waiting for his breakfast. Oh} Mr. Bristol, what can be the matter?” “T am sure I don’t know, Mrs. Justice. I too | have noticed a change in Jerry of late; but did not have any idea that it extended to his home life. I have refrained from approaching him on the matter, presuming he would consider it none of my business, Perhaps he is not well?” ‘Oh! yes he is. I asked him if he: didn’t feel well, and he said he never felt better. Oh! Mr. Bristol, I wish you would talk with Jerry, and find out what is the matter. You have been a good friend to both of us, and I am sure Jerry would confide his trouble to you,” “1 will talk with hiin,” Dick said, ‘‘ and find out, if possible, what the dickens ails him. VU not have him slight his pretty little wife through his own peevishness—not even if I have to 4A a hand in the game myself!” **Oh! please do not talk harsh to Jerry, Mr Bristol—but then I know you won’t, you are se good—and don’t tell him I mentioned to you anything about his coldness toward me,” “Very well, I will not, Mrs. Justice, How- | ever, I will, in a casual way, try to get at what is the matter, and if I find out it is anything ' you can remedy, I will let you know.” “T wish you would, Mr. Bristol. You are very kind indeed. But, Mr. Bristol, if it will not make any difference to you, perhaps it would be better if you do not stop here in the future— at least not for a time.” “Ah! Why?” “Well, I don’t know; mayke I’m silly, but sometimes I have a notion that Jerry’s strange behavior is due to jealousy!” ** Jealousy ?” o Y¥esl”. ‘‘Ha, ba! what an idea! Why who in the world would he be jealous of?” “ce You {” = The look of astonishment that came over the face of Desdwood Dick, showed how startling this revelation was to him, “Of me?” he ejaculated. ‘Why, Mrs. Jus- tice, youastonish me. The idea of Jerry's be jealous of me is simply preposterous. _ If thought be was such a numskull as that I’d be 5 ns to horsewhip him,” may be wrong,” Floy said, apologetically, *(See Hay Dive Liprary Me. 3668.)
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“but such a suspicion occurred tome. I know that Jerry loves me truly, and some men, if they see any one else paying the slightest atten- tion to their wives, get insanely jealous.” ‘Yes, [suppose so; but I never took Jerry Justice for that sort of aman. However, when I come to think of it, [have been in the habit ef pausing at the gate quite frequently, and in tae future will be more circumspect. Good- maorning.” ‘*Good-morning, Mr. Bristol. will not feel offended?” “* Bless you, no. I am only too glad you in- formed me of your suspicion.” a And you will try to find out concerning J “a ace ? “Then, if you learn anything of interest to me, meet me in the rear of the stamp-mill at eight to-night. Jerry will be in town then, and there will be no danger of any one seeing us.” “‘ Very well,” Dick replied, and walked away toward the mouth of the shaft, a rather serious expression upon his handsome face. “This isa thunderin’ nice kettle of fish!” he muttered. ‘‘ Undoubtedly Floy is right. Jerry has treated me barely civilly, when I come to think of it, and on two occasions I know he has seen me standing at the gate, conversing with his wife. But, if he is really jealous, I can but believe that some one has been poisoning his mind. Ha! I have it! That French adven- turess, Mabel Lamont. Hang it, I am so pro- voked that I scarce know whether to laugh or swear!” As a choice between the two, he did neither, but, quickening his steps, hurried on toward the ' mine. I hope you Jerry Justice, stalwart and hand- some, eveh though roughly dressed, engaged in overseeing the work of the miners, but the same loomy expression rested upon his massive, beard face. ; esimply nodded to Dick as the latter ap- proached him, and then gave some directions to a miner, to obviate the necessity of speaking to his employer. “Jerry,” Dick. said, as soon as opportunity afforded, ‘‘ what appears to be the matter with you the past few ance You look as gloomy as agraveyard at midnight. Are you not feeling well?” - ’ ‘Oh, yes, as wen as usual, bodily, though I am troubled with headache a great deal:” ‘* Perhaps you are too closely confined to business, You need more open air than hy get down here,” Dick suggested, anxiously. “I dare say it can be arranged so that you can take a few days’ vacation.” “Maybe I will be glad to take advantage of the opportunity!” Justice replied, and then turned abruptly away. Dick fancied he detected irony in the superin- tendent’s tone, and he turned and left the mine, with a clouded brow. ‘¢T don’t half like this,” he muttered. ‘‘ There’s trouble brewing. I must be prepared to meet it! He went direct to his office. When the miners emerged from work, at the call of the noonday whistle, a placard greeted their vision, containing the following announce- ment: **On and after date, the employees of Deadwood Dick, will receive a ten per cent. advance upon their present wages. Deapwoop Dick.” As may be surmised, this announcement cre- ated great surprise among the miners, and they united in giving a rousing cheer for their em- ag i erry Justice was the last man to leave the mine that noon, and when he did so, he was met oe woman, and that woman none other than abel Lamont, “Well?” Justice demanded, rather surlily. ¢ As I told you!” she replied, triumphently. “Thave not been deceiving you. He saw her to-day, and they meet again to-night, in the rear of the moar tee Meet me here at half- past seven, and I will prove it to-you!” CHAPTER VII. LORD LINDLEY ARRIVES, : Since Deadwood Dick’s new regime as ruler of Pistol Pocket, the Grand Pacific, under the able management of Joe Garry, had blossomed ~ out as a hotel second to none, in point of excel- lence, of any in the Territory. It had been enlarged and refurnished, and possessed, aside from the excellent table, varied advantages and attractions for the comfort and ‘amusement of et oe age v _ ‘There was a billiard and pool parlor, a well Deadwood Dick’s Protegee, stocked bar, a faro and poker room, and a large combined office and reading-room, where an Italian string band nightly gave concerts. The extensive piazza at the front of the house was furnished with comfortable chairs, and, in fact, the Grand Pacific surpassed any similar resort in Arizona, Toward afternoon of the same day, witness- ing the events last chronicled, two men stood upon the hotel piazza, chatting together, while they leisurely puffed away at their cigars. One was aman of at least forty years, while the other did not look to be over five-and- twenty. The elder was a trifle under medium hight, but coarsely corpulent. His eyes were cold and “fishy,” his mouth thick-lipped, and his hair quite gray. Taking his dress and general appearance into consideration, it was easy to see that he was an Englishman of wealth, and mayhap of station. The younger man was a dashing-appearing, well-dressed fellow, of the go-as-you-please type, and, singular as it might seem, was the very counterpart of Deadwood Dick, in almost every particular. Two human beings could hardly have been more alike in face and figure; the eyes, mouth, hair and mustache, as well as the facial expres- sion of the stranger, tallied almost exactly with that of the Mayor of Pistol Pocket. In fact, the only marked difference in appear- ance between the two was their clothing. The elder man had arrived by the evening stage a short time before his introduction to the reader; the younger man had been in Pistol Pocket several days, but had kept himself closely confined to the hotel. The two evidentiy hod meé before, judging by their conversation. ‘“*T hardly expected you so soon, Lord Lind- ley,” the younger man said. ‘I was on the point of writing you a letter, when I saw you alight from the stage.” “T got restless and uneasy, waiting to hear from you,” his lordship said, ‘‘ and so I thought I would come on and see you. Have you made any discovery yet, Jack?” ack chuckled, softly: ‘* Well, you can just bet I have,” he declared, triumphantly, “‘and I am ready to claim the money you offered me.” ‘“What! have you really found them?’ the Englishman demanded, excitedly. ‘““Yes, The girl is here in Pistol Pocket!” “By Jove! this is good news, indeed! And, old Ishmael Iverness?’ “* He’s dead!” ‘‘Good! So much the better! But come, sit down. I want to hear all the particulars!” They sought an obscure end of the piazza, and became seated, after which Lord Lindley pro- duced some choice cigars. ‘* Now, then, I want to hear all about it,” his lordship said. ‘If you’ve really run down the game, Jasper, I'll make you rich,” ‘Well, [ have run it down,” Jack geplied, smilingly, ‘and am quite ready to claim) my re- ward. As tothe particulars, they are not ex- tensive. I searched through the various mining- camps of Arizona, until I obtained tidings of an old man and a young girl answering to the de- scription of the parties I was looking for. Then fixing pagel up with the wig I now wear, I took up the trail in dead earnest. “From camp to camp I dogged them, but al- were arrived at a given point just after they had left for some other place. Thissort of thing lasted for some time, but gradually I gaine io on them, and at last arrived at Big Pine — two days after their departure for this place. “Tat once sent you word that I was on the trail, and after a brief rest I came on here, to find that old Ishmael and Beatrice had indeed come here, but that the old man had died almost vary a wn § after his arrival. ** Before he died, it appears, he appointed the mayor of the camp, a fellow known by the ars of Deadwood Dick, as guardian over the girl. . ‘* The deuce!” ‘Since then, this guardian has built Bessie a shanty of her own, and presented her witha placer claim, where she works during the day, and they say she pans out quite a snug amount of the auriferous, too.” ‘* Have you seen her?” “ At a distance—yes. | But I have made no attempt to approach her, as a sign upon her claim warns all sons — trespassin thereon, and Deadwood Dick has given ou word that he will shoot whoever dares to in- trude there, “You see, Deadwood Dick owns this ommp’ and nearly all that’s in it, and two-thirds of the ulation are in his employ, so that his word is law and his P diesp very great. Considering these facts, I did not feel warranted in vt fee to make her acquaintance, She’s a fine girl, how~ ever, and the picture uf Lady Carleton.” Lord Lindley shrugged his shoulders. “‘T presume so. But that shall make no dif- ference!” he gritted. ‘ Be she as beautiful as an houri, she shall no longer stand between me: and the Carleton fortune!” and he threw away his half-smoked cigar. ‘I have schemed for ears to achieve this end, and now that success: is attainable, I do not mean to be defeated. What sort of a man is this Deadwood Dick?” ‘“‘ They say he’s a pretty tough customer when he is riled.” He’s a dead-shot, and equally ac- complished in other phases of warfare. Every- body takes good care not to cross him, for it was by literally wading through blood that he won possession of this Pocket.’ ‘“‘-You haven’t any idea that he will refuse to give up the girl?” ‘But I have, you know! He appears to take a deep interest in her, and no doubt will insist that he is her guardian.” ‘Bah! I will knock his claim in the head by showing him papers pe gt to have been signed by Lady Carleton, before her death,, which makes me the girl’s legal guardian!” Jack Jasper smiled disagreeably. ‘‘That’s about as much ‘as id thought you knew!” he said, with a shrug. ‘‘ You must re- member that you are in America now, and our forged English papers ain’t worth a fig. esides, in this country a girl can choose her own guardian, if she is without a protector. So, if my young Lady Beatrice were to choose Deadwood Dick, the law would uphold him in. keeping her, in spite of you.” Lord Lindley scowled. “Well see about that,” he said, ‘ I'll brook: no interference from any Yankee dog in this matter—not I! If he refuses to give up the girl on demand, Ill see that harsher measures are taken.” ‘‘ And there’s just the man here in camp to take them,” Jasper said. ‘* How do you mean?” “Why, if you should want this Deadwood. Dick removed, there’s a man in camp who could be hired to do the job.” ‘* Who is he?” ‘“‘ They call him Mountain Mose, hereabouts. Once upon a time he was known in London as English Eph!” “What! English Eph, the cracksman?” “* Exactly—the same chap who was packed off to Van Dieman’s Land,” ** And he is here in Pistol Pocket?” ** Just so.” ** Where?” ‘‘Oh, skulking around somewhere in disguise. There’s a reward upon his head, and he is laying low for awhile.” ‘*T should like to see him, for he is the very man I may want to use.” **No doubt you will see him soon enough, when he finds out you are here. Ah! here he comes now!” ‘* Who—Eph?” “No. The Mayor of Pistol Pocket—Dead- wood Dick!” CHAPTER VIII. LORD LINDLEY RUNS AGAINS® A SNAG. JACK JASPER’S announcement caused Lord Lindley considerable curiosity, and be leaned forward to get a better view of the mayor as a Ph opie striding leisurely along toward the otel. When his lordship’s curiosity was in a meas- are satisfied, he turned abruptly to Jasper, and surveyed him critically. } ‘Why, you two are as alike as two peas! he ejaculated, in surprise. ‘** Bunt for your dress, no one would know you apart.” “Just so. I was as much surprised as you when I saw the resemblance. I little thought, when I assumed the disguise, that I was making myself the exact 2 gy gt of another, whom: I was soon vn meet. If this Deadwood Dick were to suddenly disappear, I could step into his shoes and no one would ever be the wiser for it.” “So or could! So you could! That’s # happy thought, by Jove! In that way, while you would be feathering your own nest, you — could at the same time assist me in getting con- — trol of the girl.” Li “Yes, I reckon I could.” “Well, we must see about this thing. I will first make a demand for the girl of this Dead-
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= Ae citi i ox ee — ET EN at ‘ Thin -- 7 — . Phx reat, ten Bu yee, > F : aa Cea i TES He ar* : : ¥ ve rahe ( Se aes Bs Soe. SRS ot Deadwood Dick’s Protegee. a vie | in my charge by one who was authorized by | ‘“‘ It’s none of your business what I was doing Lady Carleton to take care of her until she was there!” was the defiant answer. ‘I’m not sup- of age. It was Lady Carleton’s express wish posed to give an account of my goings and com~ that the girl be kept out of your reach, until | gs to you.” \ ‘ she became of age, and could control and man- ‘Tm not so sure of that. You are a stranger age her inheritance. Therefore, I shall look out | here, in camp, without any apparent business or for my protegee, until such time arrives!” profession, and therefore come under the class of ‘Lord Lindley flushed, angrily. suspicious characters, Iam already aware that ne ‘But you forget, sir, that I am the girl’s | you have been trying to poison my superintend- keg "wood Dick, and then, if he refuses to give her “up, we will talk over the matter of his dis- 108 ['ll leave you now, and approach him on the subject, as soon as opportunity affords,” ‘Do so, and let me know the result.” After Lindley had disap ed, Jack Jasper ph softly, as he puffed away vigorously at is cigar. - Lindley is right!” he muttered. ‘‘It will be a capital idea te put this Deadwood Dick out of | guardian, and have the power to act, in this | ent’s mind and set bim against me, and now, I y the way. ‘Then I will step into his "epg and | matter—the power! sir! the power!” . dare say you have been trying the same game a reign as ruler of this golden realm. Ha! ha! I Dick laughed, quietly. ‘on my ward.” ee always knew I was born under a lucky star, “A fig for your power!” he said. “If Lady “‘Tt’s no such a thing!” Miss Lamont declared, om even if I did have to serve a turn in Van Die- | Carleton appointed you guardian over Lady | cowering under his stern gaze. ‘I simply made xy man’s Land, Yes, my gay and festive Dead- wood Dick, you must suddenly disappear, as just at the present time you are quite numerously in the way of my future plans. When I have suc- cessfully stepped into your boots, I shall con- tract with Lindley for the removal of the girl, and shall apparently put her forever out of the Bess—which I am aware she did not—you might | the young lady a friendly call.” have some power, in your own country; but “J shall find out aboutit. Be it as it may, here, your power don’t amount to shucks. 1 | you cannot deny that you have been trying to own this camp, and nearly all that’s in it, and | influence Jerry Justice against me.” wd when you come here with the idea of exercising “‘T do most emphatically deny the charge. I it foreign authority, you'll find yourself grandly | do not even know who Jerry Justice is.” a left!” ; “ You are a barefacec liar, and you know it, we a way, and send Lindley back to England exult- Lindley scowled, savagely. and I know it!” Dick declared, ‘* and now, let ; ant in the supposition that he is sole heir to the “ We'll see about that!” he growled. ‘The | me give you a bit of advice, which you will heed er girl shall go back to England with me, no mat- unless you are a blamed sight bigger fool than I Carleton fortune. Then I will make love to and marry my piquant Lady Bess, which, 1 bein Deadwood Hick, her friend and protector, b shall have no difficulty in doing, and then we will go back to old England, and give his lord- ship the grand bounce, and make him come down handsomely, which he will do rather than risk exposure and a term of imprisonment. Ha! ha! ! Jack Jasper, you are a born diplomat!” ° When Deadwood Dick reached the hotel, he j mounted the piazza, and entered the bar-room, 1) where he purchased and lit a c t t take you tobe: Keep away from Baby Bess! 1f you do so, 1 shall not take any action egainst you, until I find you guilty of some other misde- meanor. If, however, I hear of your speaking to her again, I shall certainly put you under ar- “Oh! it will, eh? Supposing, you Yankee | rest, and impriscn you for being anuisance. So dog—supposing she cansents to accompany me | bear this in mind!” and turning, Dick strode —what then? You cannot detain her!” back to the shanty of Baby Bess. ‘Nor, shall I try. If Miss Carleton desires to Mabel Lamont glared after him a moment, a return to England with you, she shall have that demoniacal glitter in her dusky eyes, privilege. But, I am safe in saying that she ‘Curse you!” she hissed. “‘‘ You think you will refuse to have anything to do with you!” bave intimidated me by your bravado, eh? Ha! “We'll see. ll convince you to the con- | ha! you shall see! You know not with whom trary. And, mind-you, if I find you are trying | you have to deal, my gallant Deadwood Dick. I to influence her against me, it will be the worse | swore I'd have revenge, and revenge I'll havel ter what you say!” ‘‘Notif the court knows herself, she won't!” Dick retorted. ‘‘It will require more blarsted Britishers than you can command, to take her from Pistol Pocket!” ——E—— igar. He was about to leave when Tord Lindley en- tered and approached him, ; : “You will excuse me, sir,” his lordship said, “but I believe you are the gentleman I am in quest of—Deadwood Dick. Am I right or | for you!” d Your days in Pistol Pocket are numbered, my f ’ wrong?” : ‘Ts that so? Why, what will you do?” ‘ | festive Richard!” ' - You are right,” Dick replied, regarding his “What will I do? Dll teach you a_ lesson In the mean time Dick reached Bessie’s humble Mi f accoster inquiringly. ‘‘I am Deadwood Dick.” | you'll not soon forget, you Yankee upstart!” but cosey home, and found the girl miner en- a ‘The mayor of this place, eb?” “See here, my man, lookout you don't call | gaged in preparing the evening meal ig “Exactly.” me any more pet names, or it will be the worse She was paler than usual, however, and there a Ar “ Ah! yes. J have heard of you, but never | for you /” Dick cried, with rising anger. was an expression about her eyes that denoted Rei") before had the honor of meeting you. Have ‘* T repeat it!” retorted Lindley. “ You area | anxiety. ; you time to spare me a few minutes private con- | Yankee upstart, and the meanest kind of one!” « Bessie,” Dick said, taking a seat in the door- y } ference, sir? I have a matter in hand which I This was enough, Dick was on his fect, in an | way, “‘ you just had a caller?” would like to speak to you about.” instant, and seizing his lordship by the coat ‘Yes, sir,” was the faint reply. A “Oh! 1 guess I can accommodate you,” Dick | collar and the seat of his trowsers, he ran him “That woman is bad to the core!” Dick went aN replied, off-handedly. “* Step this way.” out of the office through the open doorway, and | ‘on, ‘‘and I will see that she Coes not trouble you ¥ ‘And he led the way to the hotel office, where | pitched, him headlong off the piazza, into the | again. She has got a grudge against me because, fis they became seated. middle of the dusty. street. when sie, an utter stranger, besought me to ys) “My name is Lord Lester Lindley,” the Eng- When the unfortunate Englishman arose, his | marry her, 1 promptly refused. I presume she ere lishman began, after lighting a cigar, ‘‘and I | elegant clothing was a sight to behold, his silk | gave me a good overhauling, ch?’ sy f come of one of the first families of England. | tile was crushed into a shapeless mass, and his “Oh! yes, sir. She teld some terrible things i} This is my first visit to your country. It is| face was skinned and bleeding, in a dozen } about you, and tried to induce me to leave here i bardly probable I should have come over, but | places! and come and stay with her at the hotei.” Ht for the fact that the death of a distant relative His first taste 4f Yankee hospitality was hard- “Did you believe what she told you?” We left a responsibility upon my hands—a duty to | ly up to his idea of nicety! ‘No, indeed, and I told her so, too. Then she Ly perform, you see.” — ot mad and calied me a fool, and told me that Dick simply nodded. CHAPTER IX. rd Lindley was iv town in search of me, and DICK READS A LETTER. that she would tell him where to find me. This ‘Some yearsago,” pursued his lordship, “* this relative of mine, for family reasons, sent her | i : : Tr was not the first time Deadwood Dick had | made me mad and I ordered her to get out of f young daughter over to this country, in charge taken it upon himself to bounce an unruly char- | the house, which she cid. But ob! Mr. Bristol! of an old family.servitor, here to remain until | acter out of the Grand Pacific, and the bystand- | she made me awfully nervous!” a un her ladyship’s death, when the daughter and | ers who saw him send Lindley a-flying, gave him “Bravo! I’m glad you fired her cut, If she ee. a cheer. romes bothering you again, douse her with a Since Dick’s regime in Pistol Pocket, there had | pail of hot water. So it seems she knows Lord been few fights or other ‘‘jamborees” to break indley, eh?” the monotony of everyday life; consequently the “So it appears. Is there any truth in what Englishman’s precipitate journey into the street | she said—that Lord Lindley hasarrived in Pistol created a sensation, and immediately drew a | Pocket?” crowd. ; ‘Yes, the chap has arrived, and but a short Lord Lindley uttered a roar like a bull as be | time ago I had the pleasure of throwing him out scrambled to his feet, and rushed back upon the | of the Grand Pacific Hotel into the street!” piazza. ; i “Oh! if he has come here, what shall I dof” “Tl have your life for this!” he yelled, shak- | and Bessie clasped her hands in great anxiety. ing his fist at his enemy; but, as Dick made a “Why, do just as you have been doing. I shall move toward him, he darted into the hotel to es- | keep an eye on this blooded Britisher, and if he cape further bouncing. — attempts to molest you, it will be to his sorrow. After waiting a few minutes to see if his lord- | I have given him timely warning and I don't ship intended to come forth and execute his | think he will trouble you. However, he may threat, Dick left the hotel and sauntered back to- | seek to intimidate you, if he can find an oppor- ward bis.office. tunity, when I am not near at hand; but don’t As he approached the shanty abode of Baby | let him scare you in the least. You havea good Bess he saw Mabel Lamont leave the place and | pair of, revolvers, and know how to use them Y. too. Svif Lindley laysa hand on you when it ‘Ha! what does this mean?” Dick exclaimed. | am not around, do not hesitate to put a bullet “ Has that adventuress been trying to strike me | through him!” another blow?” “Oh! I would not dare do such a thing!” heiress was to return to England, to claim her own. ns y lady died, some time ago, and, on her death-bed, had me duly appointed guardian of said daughter until she should attain her ma-- Puy “T at once set out for America in search of my ward, and have found, singularly enough, that she is living here in Pistol Pocket, under your a and protection!” “Yes? To whom do you refer?” “To Beatrice Carleton, whom Ishmael Iver- ness Jeft in your care but a short time since.” “Ah! yes. Miss Carleton was left in my 3 eM charge, and is quite comfortably situated,” Dick aif said. ‘I caused a shauty to be built and fitted up for her, and _she_ has a little placer claim at which she works, during the day, and makes quite a neat little sum of money—more than enough to supply her wants, I take good care to see that no one molests her, and really I am proud of my protegee. I shall regret the time when she returns to her native country!” “No doubt you are greatly interested in your Pa charge,” his lordship said, ‘and thatfact makes | He quickened his gait into a swift stride, and| “Pshaw! Have no scruples about doing it. ‘me the more sorry toinform you that Miss Carle- | soon overtook the Frenchwoman. Self-defense is one of the laws of nature, and no ton must accompany me back to England, at ‘‘Madam,” he said, layiug his hand upon her | one can be held censurable for defending them- onee, As her guardian, it 1s my duty to put | shoulder, ‘“‘a word with you, please!” selves, especially a woman. This Lindley has her to school, and see that she receives a good She turned quickly, her face pale, and her eyes | proven himself, to my satisfaction, to be a con- education, befitting her station in life, before | blazing with anger. temptible puppy, and I have no doubt but that ce _ she makes her debut in society. Of course you -are not in position to make any objection to my plans for her personal welfare!” im, “On the contrary, of course I am in just that "pce: !” Dick coolly replied, after st a ong pullathiscigar. ‘“ Miss Carleton was left ‘« How dare you lay bands upon me?” she fair- | his motives, as far as Aho are concerned, are of Be: ly hissed, clinching her hands as if about to strike | a villainous nature. So itis your duty to pro- ee him, ‘How dare you?” tect yourself when I am not near to protect you. et Because I dare. my fine lady,” was Dick’sre- | Either I or my office-boy, Johnny Smile, wi ply. “T want to know what you were doing at | be next door all the time, so that any outcry on he Shanty of Baby Bess.” . | your part, will bring you assistance.” fase a” hs : peli aid rT ee eee ve peeve
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~ ine Fat ee ee 2. erie eS ne ee of Sores SE ese ee SRP CA he flees (aie EE ATs, Maine “You are very kind, Mr. Bristol, and I as- sure you my gratitude knows no bounds. I will try to defena myself, if worst comes to worst, but I do hope Lord Lindley will not come near me, for I dread to see him.” ** Maybe he will not. I don’t think you need haye any apprehensions as far as. to-night is concerned, for it will take the better part for him to plaster up his face, and clean the dirt off his clothes!” Dick took leave of his protegee, and entered his office next door, where he found Johnny Smile seated in an easy-chair, his heels elevated several degrees higher than his head, upon a desk, And moreover, Johnny was making short work of a package of cigarettes, a new luxury that had just arrived in camp, ** Johnny, I want you to remain at the office this evening,” Dick said, going to a drawer and taking out a revolver, ‘What fur?” demanded Jobnny, who -usually had his evenings to himself, ‘*To be within hearing distance, in case Baby Bess calls for assistance. She has an enemy in town, who may seek to molest her, during my absence, Here is this revolver. If you hear an outcry, go to her assistance, and order the man to leave, at the point of your weapon. If he re- fues, salivate him, but take care not to aim ata vital spot!” ‘“Allright, boss! I'll do just as you say.” **'You won’t be afraid, will you? “Not I!” Johnny declared: ‘ Ther’ ain’t no skeer about Johnny Smile, an’ ye orter know it, by. this tame. Et would be ys old fun for me to sail in to ther rescue, fer I don’t mind ad- mittin’ thet ’m clean dead stuck on Bessie, yer know.” ** It is not probable you will be called upon to give an exhibition of your valor to-night. Keep our eyes open, however. I shall not be gone ong.” And Dick took his departure. At eight o’clock that evening, the soaring moon was well up in the great starry cupola of the heavens, and shed down upon Mother Barth alight of mellow brilliancy. The main street of the camp swarmed with péople, mdst of whom were sauntering to and fro, enjoying the delight- ful night, but beyond this, the camp lay silent and deserted, Winter was near at hand, and the denizens of the camp, were making the most of the pleas- ant, deliciously bracing weather. Over at the shafts of the mines the hoisting- engines sent continuous jets of exhaust steam into the clear night air, and the clanking of the machinery made a strangely weird sound. In the vicinity of the big stamp-mill, a monot- enous silence prevailed. It was exactly eight o’clock, when Deadwood Dick arrived at the appointed meeting-place with Floy Justice, in the rear of the mill, On bis arrival there, he found that Floy had not yet arrived, so he seated himself on a bowl- der, to await her coming. He had not long to wait, for she soon made her appearance, but so muffled up, as to be scarcely recognizable, As he drew near, he saw that she was weep- ing, and quickly springing to his feet, he went forward to meet her. “Why, Mrs, Justice, what 7s the matter?” he asked, taking her hands in his, ‘ Why’ these tears?” “Oh! don’t ask me,” she sobbed, ** for I can- not answer you. Read that, and it will explain all. Ob! my God, I wish I were dead, and in my grave!” Dick took a sheet of paper, which she extend- ed to him, and by aid of the brilliant moonlight, was cnabled to decipher what was written there- on, His brows knitted in a frown, as he read the following: **Mrs. Justicz, Mapam:— ** Hereafter, I shall make the hotel my headquar- ters, and you can bave our home all to yourself. Your conduct has been am insult to me, anda chasm yawns between us, which can never be ‘bridged. neeforth, you can invite your company into the house, instead of spooning over the gate. It will Jook better at least. I shall withdraw my support, but as your new flame is well-to-do, no doubt ho will take a mortgage on tle house, and give you money sufficient to provide you with the necessaries of life. Jerry Justice.” Deadwood Dick could not refrain from utter- ing an imprecation, as he finished reading the note. ** The infernal fool!” he cried, angrily. ‘ He shall pay dearly for this letter. To think that he should mistrust a_good little wife like you Mrs. Justice! Way, I'll have the fellow flogged within an inch of his life!” LSet ag EF at FH ‘ Deadwood Dick’s Protegee, “Ob! no! no! You must not harm Jerry, Mr. Bristol!” And Floy threw her arms ap- pealingly around his neck, Just then, Jerry Justice came around a corner of the stamp-mill, and with folded arms, stood in full view, CHAPTER X. SEPARATION, Ir was rather a dramatic scene, Florence clinging to Deadwood Dick with her arms about his neck; while in the background stood Jerry Justice, statue-like and motionless, his arms folded, and with a look of bitter hatred upon his face—stood there in bold relief, an accusing witness of, as he supposed, his wife’s perfidy. Fi) IT ah OT Se II RR ETRE TR Tr Dick was the first tosee him, and he gently | released himself from Floy’s embrace. “Mrs, Justice.” he said, “your husband is watching you. Remain here, and I will go for- ward and speak to him,” Floy grew deathly pale as she saw Jerry, and sunk back upon a rock, faint and terrified. “Oh! you will not. burt him?” she pleaded ; ‘* Promise me that.” * For your sake, Mrs, Justice, I promise, but tis only for your sake, ‘he infernal fool de- serves to be shot down without mercy!’ And with darkening brow Dick strode forward to meet his superintendent. But half-way had he advanced when he fourfd himself covered by Jerry’s revolver, “Halt!” the superintendent ordered. ‘Stay where you are, and come no nearer, or I will put a bullet through you. Whatdo you want?" **T want to know what you mean by your out- rageous treatment of your wife?” Dick replied, sternly, ‘‘ Your conduct toward heris both un- just and unmanly, and demands an explanation, sir, That's what 1 want of you, Justice,” ‘*Tndeed!” Justice replied, sneeringly, ‘“*Youw’re a pretty plum to ine questions of that sort! You, who have played the part of a double-faced hypocrite, and alienated the affec- tions of my wife: I have been cognizant of the flirtation that was going on between you two, only through hearsay ;. but to-night I have satis- fied myself of the truth of the reports, and that is all I want. Henceforth yonder woman is nothing more to me than the veriest stranger. She has dishonored and disgraced my name, and now she is free once more to do as best pleases her, As for you, I would be justified in killing you, but my contempt for you is so great that I would not waste powder and ball upon you!” For a moment Dick was too mad to give ut- terance, and, bat for his promise to Floy, he would, no doubt, have rushed forward and at- tacked the su erintendent,. With an effort, however, he managed to con- trol his passion, and spoke composedly. ** Justice,” he said, *t you are laboring under the greatest of delusions in supposing for an in- stant that your wife is not perfectly loyal and true to you,’ or that I have alienated her affec- tions from you. Further than being a sincere friend to beth of you, I have done nothing to warrant this unreasonable jealousy on your part. True, in passing your house, I have occasionally paused at the gate and hada chat with your wife, but with no other motive than honest friendship, “It appears, however, that you have grown in- sanely Jealous, and to-day, I learned for the first, from your wife, that it was her belief, it was my well-meant courtesy to her, which was making you so gloomy and sullen. Of course I ridiculed the idea that you, of all persons, should be jealous of me, and at your wife's request, I promised to try and find out why you were treat- ing her so coldly. “Mrs, Justice was very much distressed, and requested me not tocome near the house any more. But, as she wanted to hear the result of my investigation, she arranged to meet me here, to-night, and when she came, she was weeping and in great distress over the insulting letter you had sent her. ‘Now, Justice, I know that this woman, Mabel Lamont, has been putting you up to this revolt, and I am surprised that a man of your mental caliber should heed the persuasion of an adventuress. ‘In behalf of your faithful little wife, of whom you ought to be too proud to let a jealous thought enter your mins, I have given you a truthful explanation of the case, and now, if there is a spark of manhood in your composition, you will go forward and ask your wife’s for- giveness, and make up with ‘her, and never again let the demon jealousy enter your heart!” There was a momentary silence, when Dick finished speaking; then Jerry Justice uttered a it are, | hard, grating laugh—a laugh filled with bitter sarcasm. ** Tapologize—I ? Oh! no. You havea very | oily tongue, Deadweod Dick, and a very happy faculty of smoothing over matters, but you can- not stuff me up with taffy. OnceI am convinced of a thing, it is useless to try to change my mind. So you have expended your breath ail to no use, ‘** Yonder woman no longer has any claim up- on me, and hereafter must Jook out for herself. As for you, I presume you will discharge me from your employ, so I will see you and go you one better, by informing you that you can look for a new superintendent, as, from ‘this time on, am no longer in your employ!” “For once, you are very right!” Dick declared, sternly; “and, more than that, you will never get employment again, in Pistol Pocket, Tl give you forty-eight hours to get out of thecamp, and if you are not gone by the expiration of that time, I'll have you fired out. As for your desert- ed wife, I will see that she does not come to want!” ‘Oh! I presume so!” Jerry replied, sarcastic- ally. ‘ But, remember this: You'd better look out that it’s not you who get's fired out of the camp, instead of me!” And with this threat, he turned and strode away, rounding the corner of the stamp mill, and disappearing from view, while Dick returned to Floy, who had been near enough to overhear what had transpired. She was very pale, but far more composed than Dick had expected to find her. “‘ Mrs, Justice,” he said, “you have my sym- pathy in this hour of trouble, and as I consider myself in a measure to blame for it, 1 shall do all in my power to make reparation. If I were you, however, I wouldn’t let the matter worry me, in the least. No doubt Jerry will come to his senses, after awhile, and be only too glad to come back to you.” “I shall not worry!” Floy replied; ‘nor do I consider you in the least to blame, Jerr Justice has shown the true inwardness of his nature, and henceforth, our paths in life lie apart.” “Oh! I wouldn’t despair. I'll wager he'll come back and ask your forgiveness, ere the moon grows old, In the mean time, you had bet- ter lock up your shanty, and come and stay with Baby Bess, for the present. She will be delighted to have you, I am sure, for company. If you need money, at any time you have but to call on me,” ‘*Thank you, but I am not at present in need of money, as I have quite a sum I had saved up before I married Jerry. I think 1 will accept your invitation to stay with Bessie a few days, as I am afraid to stay alone in our own shanty.” And so it was arranged. Together they went to the Justice shanty and locked it up, and within a short time afterward Floy was safely and comfortably housed in the cosey home of Baby Bess, who gave her an af- fectionate welcome. CHAPTER XI. THE MEETING IN THE STAMP-MILL, MAsTER Johnny Smile, though a model office boy by day, was not quite so model after night- fall, and he regarded Deadwood Dick's order to remain in the office, as an imposition encroach- ing upon his good nature. Johnny liked his evenings cff, as well as the ordinary youth of his age, for he and several other lads of kindred dispositions, were wont to congregate and indulge in a Jittle game of poker, penny ante, a game which Johnny was particu- larly successful at. : Therefore, Dick had not been ten minutes absent from the office before Johnny began to get restive, and became possessed of a longing to go out and be stirring around town. ““Drat the office!” he growled, ‘‘’Tain’t fair fer the boss to go off and have his fun, and leave me cooped up here, like a squirrel. Ther boys’ll expect me at the stamp-mill, and—by gosh! I’m goin’, The office: kin go to blazes. I'll be back *fore the boss will, anyhow, and he won't be none the wiser for my absence.” ; And having formed the resolution, Johnny locked up the office, and skurried away toward the stamp-mill, within whose gloomy interior the youthful poker club did nightly congregate, The mill was dark and deserted, when Johnny reached it, none of the other boys having yet arrived, and so Johnny threw himself down on a bench, to await their coming, Johnny was a lad of a rather eg ood-nature, and, more than all, was chronically azy. The | vies that pervaded the stam mill, ap- peared to have a soothing effect upon his senses, |
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Aig and he had not reclined on the bench ten min- utes, ere he was asleep. How long he had Nasi: he had no means of imowing, when he suddenly awakened, with a start, and sat up. , The interior of the mill was still wrapped in darkness, and he knew that his cronies had not yet come, or else had come ant gone. Ae, Listening a moment, however, he heard voices ae at the further end of the mill, and distinguished on one voice as being decidedly feminine. Ad Ph “That ain’t the boys,” he mused, ‘‘ for that’s ; @ woman’s voice. Wonder who it can be. Ha! Maybe my boss has got a match on some purty sah an’ they’ve come here to do their courtin’. Hanged if I don’t investigate!” Johnny Smile would miss a good square meal any time, for sake of having some fun, and al- though there was no meal in the perspective, at present, he proposed to satisfy his curiosity in regard to the feminine voice. oiselessly he threaded his way among the ponderous machinery, and soon gained a posi- tion behind a pile of boxes, close in the vicinity of the persons whose voices he had heard, From this covert he could see, without being j seen, and he was not long in making out who T have it. i the talkers were. : i They were Jerry Justice, and Mabel Lamont, : and the latter was speaking. j “‘ Well, you are satisfied of your wife's falsity?” | she said, interrogatively. ‘| “Yes, I am!” was the hoarse reply. ‘I didn’t take much stock in your reports, at first, ‘but when, with my own eyes, I saw her, to- night, wich her arms around the neck of Dead- -. wood Dick, I needed no further proof to con- He vince me.” OFS, “You didn’t believe Deadwood Dick’s ex- _) planation, then?” ‘ \ ‘*Bah! no! I’m not such a fool as to believe the veriest stranger. and been the means of breaking me our home, and now she can go. My future life shall be devoted to but one object, and that object is ng revenge!” : oe “*On whom?—your wife?” a “No! On that infernal scoundrel, who caused . ‘4 the estrangement—Dead wood Dick!” ‘*T cannot blame re Mr, Justice, for IT too hate that man, and if I can be of any assistance to you you can command me. ‘pose to strike?” “*T have not really formed any plans, as yet. To be sure, I could have killed the scamp, out- _ right, to-night, but I do not want the crime of “murder on my head. My revenge can best be accomplished, by torturing him. IfI could de- throne him from the power he now holds, it - sould be the hight of my ambition!” “Then, Ican help you!” the Frenchwoman said, eagerly. ‘‘ Promise to keep secret what I tell yo and I will explain how I mean.” “‘T promise. You have already proven your- self a friend to me, and, rest assured, I shall not ee, your confidence.” . “Very well. In thefirst place, you are aware that there area large number of men in camp who have no employment, simply because they -) will not submit to the rule of this would-be mon- | arch, Deadwood Dick!” | * Yes, I am cognizant of the fact!” ‘ “A good share of these men are in poor cir- ~ eumstances,” pursued Miss Lamont, ‘and are _ growing desperate. Berbapsit will surprise you, when I tell you that these same men have been systematically. organized into an oath-bound body, which is daily growing numerically stronger, and are ready for arevolt at a mo- - Ment’s notice!” ft : ; -.. “T have received intimation that secret meet- ~ ings were being held,” Justice replied, “‘ but did ‘not know anything definite.” “Probably not, for everything has been man- bey rely, I have taken great care not to let ny of our plans leak out!” ‘ You?” _“ Yes, I, fon Iam the organizer and captain the band. It was I who projected the scheme, Riedie enrolled the men, and prepared them How do you pro- as m ‘Indeed! _ Well, bie appears that you are quite plomat!” Jerry : s fs Deadwood Dick’s Protegee. English Eph remained for several minutes in laugh. ‘‘ And, now, I have a proposition to | deep meditation, before speaking again. make to you. You are no longer in Deadwood Dick’s employ, and consequently no longer iden- tified with his interests. Join my band, which I have named the Lion Legion, and I will make you commander, in my stead. The men will welcome you as their leader, and your influence over the employes of Deadwood Dick will draw a number of them over to our side, no doubt, and thereby swell. our ranks! By doing this, when we are ready to strike, you will get your desired revenge!” “ You are right!” Justice said, slowly. ‘*I will gladly accept your proposition.” ** Very well. Legion at this place, two hours before daydawn, and you must be present. Rap upon the door, and when asked to give the password, simply say ‘ Kismet,’ and you wi!l be admitted.” ‘Very well. You can depend upon it; I will be here,” Justice replied; and soon afterward, . a ge Lamont took their departure from the mull, CHAPTER XII. A PLOT AND A COUNTERPLOT, AT about the same time, that evening, that witnessed the meeting between Deadwood Dick and Jerry Justice,in the rear of the stamp- mill, three men were seated ata table, in one of | the upper rooms of the Grand Pacific, engaged in conversation. They were provided with wine and cigars, and several empty bottles proved that their thirst had not gone unquenched. The party consisted of Lord Lester Lindley, Jack Jasper and Mountain Mosse, the ex-toll- gate keeper. The ruffian’s hair was closely cut, and face smoothly shaven, however, and taking into con- sideration the fact that he was sprucely dressed, no one, not even his most intimate acquain- tances, would have recognized him as the terror of Pretty Pass. - The change in his appearance had indeed been most wonderful, and he looked more than ten years younger. Lord Lindley was about the worst looking ob- ject imaginable. He had managed to clean the dirt from his clothes, but his face was swollen and patched with court-plaster, and one eye was entirely shut, as if his lorship had recently par- ticipated in a prize-fight. e was indeed a ludicrous looking noble- m an. ‘*- Yes!” he was saying, ‘‘ this chap must be removed, and that, too, immediately. Curses seize him, I would kill him myself, only that I do not_want the burden of a murder on my soul. He deserves killinc, but I don’t want to be responsible for his life!” ‘*Nor I!? declared Jack Jasper. ‘‘ What I want is to have him out of the way until I can get a firm footing in the gulch, and then I can snap my fingers at him!” ‘*No! no! That won’t do!” his lordship de- clared. ‘for if he ever got free he’d make me trouble. He must die, and so must the girl. Then, and only then, Jasper, will we be safe.” **T don't know but what you are right, there!” Jasper returned, thoughtfully. ‘‘But I don’t want blood on my hands!” . Mountain Mose, otherwise English Eph, who had been listening to the conversation, while be puffed vigorously at his pipe, now broke in. “ Yer’ mighty scrupulous about your souls!” he said, with a coarse Jaugh, “Why, yer might as well commit a cyvime as to think or plan one, fer et don’t make a durned bit o’ dif- ference to Old St. Peter. He'll tell ye to skip down ther stair-case, just the same, But, seein’ as ye’r’ so chicken-hearted, ef ye’r’ both afeard to do ther job, I’m open fer engagement, providin’ thar’s plenty o’ the filthy in ther perspective. Lucre is what [m lookin’ fur, an’ I ain’t so pur- tic’ler what ther job is, neither!” There was a brief silence, during which Lind- ley and Jasper gazed at each other, inquiringly. ** So you'll do the job, and guarantee to do it erfectly?” his lordship demanded, of the ruf- an. “Oh! you ,bet, when [ feel the palm of my right duke tickled with a wad of legal tenders. Bizness is bizness, you bet, and the mare won't budge an inch withowt proper fodder!” ‘* How much do you want, to do the job? “That depends. You want this gal, Baby sess, and ther feller, Deadwood Dick, forever silenced?” en?” “* The sooner the better—to-nicht, if cour O-night, if you can There will be a meeting of the | “Rather!” Miss Lamont replied, with a light | ; | / i | | wood Dick and Baby ei “It’s a durned risky job,’’? he said, finally. ** Deadwood Dick isa cuss on wheeis, and if a fellow was to make a miss or a bungle, he’d bea dead-goner in the jerk of a lamb’s tail. Reckon I’m enough for him, however, so I'll agree to do the job up brown ’twixt now and sunrise for twe thousand dollars, spot cash, in advance, and guarantee you'll never see the pair again ’til Judgment Day. Ef that ain’t cheap enough, xe kin do the job yerself, or get some one else to do it! “Tl give you one thousand down, and the other thousand when I’m satisfied you’ve done the job!” his lordship said, warily. ‘‘'Nixee!” Eph replied. ‘*‘ When I give m word T’ll do the job, that’s enough, and |so won’t touch the biz until I get the money!” After a moment’s reflection, Lindley arose from the table, and motioning Jasper to follow, they went out into the hall, where the two held a whispered conversation. When they re-entered the room, Lindley said: ** Well, old man, I will accept your terms, but you must first promise me faithfully that you ’ will do the job sure, and do it to-night.” ** And promise you I do, by all I hold sacred!” Eph declared, holding one hand aloft. ‘‘ Dead- Bess shall see the last of earth before morning. I swear it! And their remains shall be secreted in a place known only to me, and my lips shall be sealed for- ever!” This declaration appeared to satisfy Lindley, for he reseated himself at the table, and taking out a large wallet, extracted a roll of. bills, counted out two thousand dollars in hundred- dollar notes, and shoved them over to English Dpb. Me There you are!” he said. ‘‘My part of the bargain is settled—now settle yours between this bour and sunrise. If you fail me, Pll spend ten times that sum to have you killed. I mean it— every word of it—and you will do well to bear it in mind!” Eph took the money, rolled it up, and thrust itinto his pants pocket, the expression of ‘bis sinister face betraying that he was highly elated. , ‘*-Youcan bet yer life you'll never be troubled by either the gal or the mayor ag’in!” he de- clared. ‘‘I ain’t much of a gospel believer, an’ don’t expect to get much.fun out o’ any world *eept this, an’ so when I kin rake in a couple 0° thousan’ yards o’ comfort, fer only a few min- utes’ work, I’m goin’ to do it ev’ry time!” English Eph took his departure, Jack Jasper soon following his example, while Lindley re- tired for the night. In the bar-roem below, Jasper and Englisk Eph met soon after. ‘Well, what do you want?” the latter de- manded. ‘‘I know’d you meant for me to wait down here, when you stepped on my toe in under the table!” “T want to see you,” Jasper said. ‘‘Come outside into the Pocket, where we will be out of earshot.” . They left the hotel, and were soon out in the Pocket, where there were no buildings, and there was no danger of their being overheard by eaves- droppers, ‘* Now. then!” said Jasper, when they came to a halt, ‘I want to put a straight question to you. Do you want tu earn a fortune—say a hun- dred thousand dollars, for instance?” English Eph started. a 3 hundred thousand dollars!” be ejaculated. Yes.” ‘Waal, I don’t know but what I'd like to freeze onto a sum like that, drivin’ at, anyhow?” “TJ will tell you,” Jasper continued: ‘“ This Deadwood Dick and Baby Bess must not be killed, but = must take them alive, and shut them up where they will be safe, end cannot eseape. Lindley, mind you, is_ to be assured that both are dead and buried. Understand?” “Yes, Go on!” ; “Well, you see, when Lindleyis satisfied of the girl’s*death, he will go back to England, and lay claim to the vast Carleton escate, and deem’ himself secure. When he is installed in his new possessions, I will rescue Bessie from captivity, and woo and wed her, which will be an easy matter, as I shall play the role of Deadwood Dick. Then, the three of us will set out for England, and bleed Lindley, who will di handsomety, ratber than risk an exposure of bi vil!ainy, aud have to yield up the estate to the real heir. See?” “You bet!” English Eph responded, with en- thusiasm. ‘‘You’re a brick, Jasper, and I'm But, what aire ye
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10 with you, tooth and toe-nail. But, how about Deadwood Dick?” “Oh! I simply want him shut up until I can sell out his interest in this Pocket, which ought to net several hundred thousand dollars, at the least. Then, when we get ready to start for England, he can be set at liberty, and if he can get Pistol Pocket back again, why, that’s his lookout, not ours. In this way, you see, out- right murder will be avoided, and at the same time we will be feathering our nest. But, re- member, Deadwaod Dick must be imprisoned in a different place from Baby Bess, and she must have no intimation that he is not at liberty, and still in command of Pistol Pocket!” “TI understand, perfectly!” Eph assented, with anod, ‘ Yer plan is a capital one, an’ I'll carry out my share of it to the letter, providing I am to share alike wi’ you, when we bleed Lindley.” “It’sa bargain! But,the job must be done to-night.” “Allright. I'll attend toit, Anything else?” “Yes. Before you go, I will give you a suit of my clothes. When you capture eadwood Dick, you are to take all his clothing and effects, and bring them to me, while he is to be given the suit I give you in exchange.” Jasper went to his room, but soon returned, and gave to the ruffian a neatly wrapped bun- dle; then English Eph took his departure, to carry out his part of the villainous plot. While chuckling over his own scheme, Jack Jasper retired to his room, to await the coming of another day, when he was to assume the role of Deadw ick, whose almost exact counter- part he ceftainly was, CHAPTER XIII. A QUEER PRISON AND ITS OCCUPANTS. Arter seeing Floy Justice safely installed in the home of Baby Bess, Deadwood Dick sought his office, expecting, of course, to find Master Johnny Smile there, but, as the reader is aware, Johnny was yery conspicuously absent, and as he had the keys, Dick could not gain access to the office. “ Confound the boy, I’ve a mind to discharge him for this disobedience!” Dick growled, and forthwith he set out in search of the truant youth. But Johnny was not to be found about town, and not knowing of the stamp-mill rendezvous, a finally had to give up the search as a bad job. As it was not yet late in the evening, he drop- »ed into the Grand Pacific and had a chat with oe Garry, and later, wandered into the gaming- room, to watch the various games in progress. Since coming into charge of Pistol Pocket, Dick had refrained almost entirely from the time of card-playing, but, to night, upon in- vitation, he formed one of a party of poker-play- ers, With the intention of remaining but a short time. But the game was unusually exciting and fas- cinating, and it was after two o'clock in the morning ere he arose from the table, a couple of hundred dollars winner. Lighting a cigar he left the hotel, and made his way toward his office. : The sky had become densely clouded over, and as most of the lights along the street were out, the darkness was intense. Dick knew every inch of the way, however, and could have gone over it blindfolded. Little expecting that he had enemies abroad, he walked along, paying little or no attention to his surroundings. And that was where he made a sad mistake. He had nearly reached his office, when a muf- fled figure A ste quickly out from the door- way, and Dick was dealt a blow upon the head, with some heavy instrument, and felled to the ground, insensible. A second man now emerged from the door- way, and joined the assistant. *t Hey ye killed him, Mose?’ he queried. “No, only stunned him,” was the reply. “Give me the chloroform, and then bring ther hosses. No time must be lost, for we’ve got ter work like thunder to git thru with our job be- fore daylight.” The second man, who was none other than English Epb’s associate and pal, Bill Monk, at once produced a bottle and sponge, and then hurried away. By the time the Englishman succeeded in stu- pefying Dick beyond the possibility of immedi- ate recovery, Monk had returned with three horses. The insensible victim was then bound to the back of one of the animals, after which the ruf- y r . Deadwood Dick’s Protegee. fians mounted the other two and rode away, and the scene of the assault and capture was left de- serted. When Dick recovered consciousness, it took him some time before he could comprehend his surroundings, or what had happened, and he felt of his head and limbs to make sure that he was not dreaming. Above him was the blue dome of the heavens: in front, back, and either side of him were per- pendicular walls of solid rock, which towered upward some fifteen feet, and whose surface was as smooth and unbroken as a sheet of glass. In size this singular pit, which was a freak of nature was about twenty feet square, by fifteen deep, and there was no visible way of escaping from it without outside assistance, for no human being could clamber up the perpendicular and glassy sides. As soon as his eyes got accustomed to the light, Dick made a discovery. If he was a prisoner, be was not alone, for in one corner of the.pit, lay a blonde young man, of somewhere about his own age, apparently fast asleep. Dick had never seen him before, but the read- er will have no difficulty in recognizing him as Sir Clyde Carleton, whom we introduced at the beginning of our story, and who was precipitated through the trap. In another portion of the pit, was a recently killed buck deer, and a plentiful pile of fuel; so it was evident it was not intended that the cap- tives should starve. The next discovery which Dick made, was that he was not attired in his own clothing, but was arrayed in an entirely different suit, bis own having been appropriated by his captors as also, had been his money, private papers, an weapons, “ Well, that’s cheeky!” he muttered. ‘ I won- der what this exchange of clothing was made for, anyhow, and who it was who thumped me on the head? I'll wager that rascal, Lord Lind- ley, had something to do with it. Ha! I remem- ber, too, of seeing Lindley in company with a fellow who looked enough like me to be my brother. Can it be that these two men have conspired to put me out of the way, in order to give my counterpart a chance to step into my boots, as the future ruler of Pistol Pocket? By Jove! it looks so!” Although not bound, Dick did not attempt to rise from a sitting posture, for several minutes, for he felt sore in every joint, and came to the conclusion that he had been tumbled into the pit promiscuously. The more he considered his situation, the firm- er becaine his belief that his first surmises in re- gard to the Lindley conspiracy, was right. ‘“f am inaclever fix!” ke concluded, ‘‘ and I’ve no one to blame but myself, Knowing that Thad enemies in camp, I should have been on the lookout, The only wonder is that they did not kill me, outright!” After fecling of himself, to make sure that no bones were broken, he finally succeeded in get- ting upon bis feet. ‘“T wonder who my companion is?” he mused, as he approached the recumbent Englishman. “ Bvidently he is not aware thet he has visitors. Reckon he will be somewhat surprised. Hello! there, partner!” f Sir Clyde awoke with a start, and sat bolt up- right, staring at Deadwood Dick, as if he could not believe the evidences of his own senses. 5 “ Who are you?” hedemanded, when he found use of his tongue. “Tam Deadwood Dick, the Mayor of Pistol Pocket!” Dick replied. ‘‘ Who are you?” se aM name is Sir Clyde Carleton!” . “What! Sir Guy Carleton, of England?” “The same. But, what do you know about me?” ‘“Not very much. I have heard, however. What brings you here, and in this strange pos!- tion?” ‘fT came to America in search of the heiress of an old English estate,” Sir Guy said; and then he went on to relate the experiences of the night of bis arrival at the toll-gate tavern of Mountain Mose. According to his statement, he was stunned by his fall into the well, and knew no more until he awoke to find himself in the pit, where he and Diek were now held as prisoners. In exchange Dick told him all he knew about his own predicament, and the two were soon on the friendliest of term:, and exchanged confi- dences freely. “ You came to this coutitry in search of Lady | Beatrice Carleton, I take it?” Dick said, * Yes, I did. ‘* Were you sent by Lady Carleton?” “Twas. I started ashdrt time prior to her — death, and several days in advance of Lord Lindley, who also seeks to find and destroy her, in order that he may come into the Carleton in- heritance.” ‘“You were betrothed to Lady Besa, some six years ago, I believe, before she came to America?” “Twas. But you puzzle me. How do you, an utter stranger, come by so much information?” By way of explanation, Dick narrated con- cerning the arrival of old Ishmael and Lady Bess in Pistol Pocket, and all that had transpir- ed since, including his encounter with Lord Lindley. “Then, you attribute your capture to Lind- ley’s scheming?” Sir Clyde asked. ‘Yes, He well knew that as long asI was about the camp, be would not dare make an open attack upon Baby Bess, and so I have no doubt he caused the assault upon me.” ‘Then, even now, Lady Bess is in deadly peril!” Sir Clyde said, anxiously. ‘Yes, lam afraid so, But one thing puzzles me, and that is, who is this fellow who looks like me, and who I believe intends to usurp my posi- tion as Mayor of Pistol Pocket?” Sir Clyde did not immediately reply, but studied Dick’s face inquiringly. “‘T think I can throw some light on that!” he at length said. ‘ Something like two months before I sailed for America, an ex-convict from Van Diemen’s Land made his appearance in the old country, and I saw him frequently in con- versation with Lord Lindley, and communicated my suspicions.to Lady Carleton, that the two -- were hatching up a conspiracy concerning Lady Bessie, and this is what caused her, eventually, to start me off for this country, when it was found that this ex-convict had disappeared from his usual haunts. ‘This fellow’s name was Jack Jasper, and were his hair as long as yours, he would be al- most your exact counterpart!” « Then the problem is indeed solved,” Dick re- plied, ‘ for although I have bad but one glance at the fellow who so resembles me, the name of Jack Jasper has been on the register of the Grand Pacific Hotel for several days. That fact proves to my satisfaction that the two are in collusion in this conspiracy !” “No doubt of it, now! And I am greatly oe lest harm befall Lady Bess!” Sir Clyde sai “No more so than myself!” Dick hastened to assure, ‘ There isa bare possibility, however, that there will be some delay before Lindley offers to molest her. Igavemy office-hoy orders to stand ready to defend her, when I was not around, and I believe he will do so, Then, too, perhaps Lindley will hold off until Jasper gets firm footing in my place, if that really is his lan.’ ““T hope it will be so!” Sir Clyde declared, with flashing eyes. ‘‘ Ever since his lordship heard of my betrothal to Lady Bess,we two have been bitter enemies, and I now long for the hour when I can meet the villain face to face, at the sword’s point, when we will have a settle- ment of our differences!” “T rather opine I shall have a bone to pick with him myself,” Dick said, grimly—“ that is if any harm comes to Baby Bess. In the mean time, the first important thing for us to do, is to look out for ourselves, We must get out of here, and that, too, as scen as possible.” ‘But how? Ihave tried repeatedly, but my efforts were all in vain, The sides are almost a& smooth as glass, and whet few crevices there are are too far apart for arm’s reach.” Yes, that’s so!” Dick assented, scanning the cold granite walls that encom assed them, “ And I presume the top couldn’t be reached by one of us standing on the other’s shoulders.” “T think not. The pit looks to me to be fully fifteen feet deep.” : : “You're right! Escape in that way is out of the question!” Dick said, scratching his head, as if in search of an idea. ‘‘ Hang it! there is one thing I don’t understand, Carleton. Where does all your meat and fuel come from?” Sir Clyde laughed. “Well, you've got me now!” he answered. “ Although I’ve been in this dive for something — ‘ over a week, you're the only person I’ve seen since my incarceration, When I have awaken- ed in the morning, I heave always found plenty of fuel, and some kind of meat at my command the latest addition to my larder being th deer you see yonder. I found it as you see it, when I awoke yesterday morning.” ‘ ‘Well, it is evidently intended you sball not starve!” Dick said, ‘‘and so, while we are cou- sidering the best plan of getting out of thishole, — mde 22, iy a ‘ 5 ai
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~ lay basking in the sunlight. PAE ESET Te, SRY 7 5 that we kindle a fire and sample a ittle of the meat.” Sir Clyde assented, and they.at once set to work, Sir Clyde had a clasp-knife and a box of matches: a fire was soon started, and, half an hour later, Dick had prepared a steak that was fit for a king. While dispatching the meal the two prisoners discussed the possibilities and probabilities of escape, at length, but failed to hit upon any feasible plam, until a sudden thought occurred bo Dick. “ff I only had not been deprived of my weapons,” he said, ‘‘{ think Isee a way out of this fix.” “t How?” Sir Clyde asked, eagerly. “ Why, I could extract enough powder from my cartridges, so that I could make a blast in the rock, half-way up, and in that way make enough crevices, so that we could work our way out.” \ ‘‘Then, if powder is all ig want, we are all O. K.!” Sir Guy said, joyfully, ‘‘ for in an inside pocket of my shirt i have a little bag, contain- ing nearly, if not quite, a oo of the best powder. The gun I brought West with me was a breech-loader, and of course I had to have loose powder. This was not discovered, al- though my captor deprived me of everything else} ‘Hurrah! Then we're in luck!” Dick cried, jubilantly. ‘‘Give me the powder, and if we don’t make it sick for Lindley and Jasper, you can put me down for one of the biggest gillies the country ever produced!” CHAPTER XIV. TWO LOCKS OF HAIR. Boru Dick and Sir Clyde were of course high- ly elated, even at the faintest ray of hope of making their escape; so they lost no time in hastening the preparations. # Sir Clyde produced his powder, and it was found that he had enough for several blasts. On examining the sides of the pit Dick found that the formation was not of granite but of rock far less bard and quite brittle. Half-way up the eastern side was a crevice of sufficient size for the purpose they had in view, but it could only be reached by one standing on - the other’s shoulders. Although not a man accustomed to much hardship, Sir Clyde was physically as strong as a young bull, and as he knew nothing about charging a blast, he agreed to act as under map. So, removing bis boots, Dick clambered upon Sir Clyde’s shoulders, and in a few minutés had prepared the blast ready for firing, having made a good hole and attached to the charge a long fuse, so as to get out of the way before the ex- plosion. “Ain't you afraid of being hit by flying rocks?” Sir Clyde asked, anxiously. “Oh! no, I guess not, as I didn’t charge the crevice heavily.’ However, it will be well enough to stand to one side,” Dick said. He then seized a long, lighted stick from the fire, which he applied to the fuse, and then he and Sir Clyde retreated aastily to the far side of the pit, ee there was but little danger of their ing hit. A moment later there was a loud report-and a mass of dislodged rock was hurled both up and downward, quite total from the anxious men, and when they proceeded to examine they found the smooth walls of the pit so shattered that it would bea comparatively easy matter to climb up into the outer world, which they at once pro- ' ceeded to do. “Ha! ha!” Dick cried, swinging his hat in the air, “we are free, at last!” “you're right!” Sir Clyde declared, with en- thusiasm. ‘‘ But where are we?” Dick gazed around him. 2 They were far up the mountain side and sur- rounded by a dense forest, but at last they emerged upon a bluff where there were no trees, and found themselves looking down into Pistol Pocket, far below, where the young mining-city “Eurrah!” Dick cried. _“‘ Yonder is Pistol Pocket, now! So look out. Lord Lindley, for, so sure as my name is Dick Bristol, that sure will we make you wish you were never born!” . “Here's my hand on that!” Sir Clyde said, with enthusiasm, ‘‘ Will you go down into the cam at once, friend Dick?” “No, not until nightfall. Jack J r has no doubt assumed my position, and it might be dan pat for us to vata into the Pocket in broad vlignt, In fact, I think we had better not be- y that we have escaped at present.” Why not?” Deadwood Dick’s Proteges. “Well, Jasper will of course stand prepared to Tear Iay 11 | Skinner's Bend, on horseback, to-night, and attack us again, in case we should escape, and if | there take the stage for the nearest railway” he succeeds in palming himself off as myself, to the satisfaction of my men, why, the odds against us would be bigger than we could stand. ‘Then, too, if Baby Bess has been captured and spirited away, it is our duty to find her, dead or alive, and we can work much better in disguise.” “Yes, yes, lsee, Then you will not venture into the camp until nightfall?” ‘“No. We will approach as near as practica- ble, and wait until darkness enables us to reach my office, where I have a good assortment of disguises concealed, and, once we are properly fixed up, we can roam about the camp freely, and take note of what is going on without fear of discovery.” Accordingly, they set out for the camp. The day was already well advanced, and it would be nearly dark when they reached the foot of the mountain. Pad Pick To at least two persons, the night witnessing Deadwood Dick’s capture, was extremely tedious, for nosleep visited their eyes—the two, of course, being Jack Jasper and Lord Lionel. At the first streaks of dawn, Jasper arose and sought his lordship’s room, to find him up also. ‘Have you seen anything of Eph yet?” Jack demanded, sinking upon a chair. ‘*No. Have you?” “Not a thing. I haven’t slept a wink from worrying about the matter. I wish the fellow would come.” “So do I, for Iam anxious to know how he has succeeded. I haven’t had any sleep, either. Somehow, I haven’t much reliance in English Eph. He’sa tricky rascal, and if he thougiit he could make an additional stake by playing us false, he’d do it.” ‘‘Pshaw! dismiss such thoughts as that,” Jas- per encouraged, ‘“‘I’d trust Eph quicker than any other fellow I ever knew. He’s white meat, all the way through when it comes down to bus- iness. Ha! that’s the fellow now, I’ll wager!” For just then there had come a heavy knock outside. Lord Lindley hastened to answer the sum- mons, and admitted, surely enough, the ruffian, Eph, who stalked grimly into the room, and de- posited a well-wrapped bundle on the table, after which he seized a bottle of liquor which stood there and took a long swig. ‘ ‘* Ah! that’s the stuff to brace a feller up after a hard night's work!” he said, smacking his lips with gusto, as he took a seat. ‘ Well, one would think you had been work- ing,” his lordship declared, with a glance at the half-emptied bottle. ‘Have you succeeded in accomplishing your work, sir?” ** Well, I should smile!” Eph returned, with a chuckle, and at the same time he held out his huge hands, which were stained with blood. Both Lindley and Jasper shuddered, as they beheld the apparent evidence of the ruffian’s crimes. “Oh! I fixed em both!” Eph averred, grimly, ‘an’ ye needn’t be afeard of ever bein’ troubled by ‘em, ag’in, till you git on the t'other side of Jordan. Thought mebbe you’d want something to remember ’em by, however, an’ so I brought yer a lock of their hair!” And so saying, he laid two locks of hair upon the table, the colors of which corresponded respectively with that of Deadwood Dick and Baby Bess. “Ugh! what possessed you to bring that hair here?” Lindley cried, angrily, at the same time seizing the hair, and throwing it into the open grate. “I’m not fond of such relics, What did you do with the bodies?” ‘J put ‘em where they'll never be found, til they’re past recognition!” the ruffian de- clared. ‘©What have you in the bundle?” ‘Deadwood Dick’s clothes. Jack, heer, wanted me to fetch ’em along, so he could wear em! * A good idea!” Lindley said. ‘‘ And so you swear that Deadwood Dick and the girl, are really dead?” * You bet!” “Then I am satisfied. Here is an additional hundred dollars, as reward for your prompt- ness.” cg nee Eph accepted the amount, eagerly, and shortly afterward left the room, , “Well, that job is settled!” Lindley re- marked, when he was gone, at the same time drawing a long breath of relief, «Yes, and I must prepare myself, at once, to play the part of Deadwood Dick,” Jasper de- clared, ‘“ Will you start at once for England, ; mysterious things goin’ on about camp during, : my lord?” Y Certainly. I shall leave Pistol Pocket for rahe RNY station. In three weeks’ time I hope to be back in England, and the master of Carletow House,” ‘While I shall be the undisputed ruler of Pistol Pocket!” Jack Jasper added. “By oue- fell sweep, my fortune is made!” CHAPTER XV. JOHNNY SMILE AND PARD, MasTER JOHNNY SMILE, although accredited with being constitutionally lazy, had passed through a good many novel and varied experi- ences for a lad of his age, and on any thing that partook of an adventure he was by no means slow. He had caught every word of the conversa- tion between Mabel Lamont and Jerry Justice, and, naturally quick of comprehension, he full saan the plot against Deadwood Dick's ife, “Well, heer’s a go!” he mused, after the couple had left the stamp-mill. “ They're goin’ ter try and give Dickey ther bounce aire they, an’ Jeremiah Justice has gone over to the other side, an’ Jerry an’ his wife bes had a fallin” out. Humph! kinder glad I did meander forth from the offis, now, ‘cause Pve sand- wiched onto some valuable news, which Dick: will be glad to get. “Bt won’t do fer to let this other kd get the upper hands nohow. Me an’ ther boss must nip their little scheme in the bud. I'll go an’ hunt up Dick, and report to him, at once, an’ then try to git back and be present at the meet- ing here, two hours before daybreak.” And, gathering himself up from his cramped posi- tion, he left the stamp-mill. Taking out his watch, a present from Dead- wood Dick, he lit a match, and saw that it was after one o’clock. Entering the camp, he found it wrapped in darkness, with the exception of the hotel, and one or two other places, Johnny first sought the office, but Dick was not there, so he went back to the Grand Pacific,, and made inquiries, only to learn, from Joe Garry, that Dick bad taken his departure full three quarters of an hour before. Jobnny now grew worried, Having overheard of the plot to dethrone his employer, it was but natural that he should con- clude that some harm bad befallen him. Leaving the Grand Pacific, he visited what few other business places were open, but still failed to find his master. ; “‘Well, this takes the bun,” he muttered. “Ef my old boss has bin foully dealt with, there'll be one big racket raised in these ‘ere. diggin’s, or my name ain’t Johnny Smile. Mr. Jeremiah Justice will find he lost his grip whem he went back on my boss!” Disconsolate at not finding Dick, the lad wan- dered about the Pocket throughout the livelong night, in hopes of finding a clew to the, to him, suspicious disappearance. Once in every half-hour he visited the office, but found it deserted. . The shanty of Baby Bess was also darkened, and so finally, tired of tramping around, and as day was close at hand, he sat down in the office doorway, to await until it was really light, and hoping that Dick might make his appearance at any minute, he postponed returning to the stamp-mill, But at last day broke, grand and glorious, and the eastern horizon became tinted with the golden light of the rising sun. Then Johnny arose, locked the office door, and was about to leave the vicinity of the office, when Floy Justice appeared in the doorway of Bessie Carleton’s shanty. “« Johnny !” she called. to see you.” Jobnny burried forward, thinking perkaps that she had some news of Deadwood Dick. “What d’ye want?” he queried. “Have you seen Bessief” Floy demanded, ex- ‘* Come here. I want citedly. “No. Why?” ‘“ Because I cannot find anything of her.” ‘When did you see her last?” “ Last night, when we went to bed ther. I soon fell asleep, and when I arose [ found the window up, and Bessie gone, Oh! what can have become of her!” Johnny scratched his head, and tried to look ise. Dunno!” he said. ‘‘ Kinder looks like she had bin carried off. Thar hes bin some darned the night.” “ How do you mean?”
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Deadwood Dick’s Protegee. “No! Iam not!” he growled. ‘‘ What in the ii world ever brought you to this country?” ‘* A Guion-line steamer, and a purpose more “Why, Deadwood Dick is missing, too, an’ I | you wasn’t around this morning to attend to ean’t find hide ner hair of him!” : | biz!” Johnny promptly returned. ‘You're a Johnny then went on to explain how he had | nice one to go off, of a night, an’ leave a feller overheard the conversation in the stamp-mill, and what had and Jerry. rs Floy listened, her eyes flashing with indigna- ion ‘*Then Jerry Justice has indeed proven him- self a villain,” she declared. “LT had hoped that I would be able to bring him back to me, and that we would be happy to- gether once more. But if, as you say, he has Wee, gone over to this Mabel Lament, my only * ; hope is gone, and I shall hate and despise him. ‘That he should turn upon the man who has so Fieve kindly befriended him, only goes to prove what a wretch heis. Johnny, this newsarouses me to a sense of duty—arouses all the tiger in my Bei must get him out of it!” _ Ye’r’ a-shoutin’ sense now |” declared Jobnny, with enthusiasm, ‘‘Ef any one’s bin goin’ fer iy my boss, we'll go fer him, an’ don’t you ferget it. But, how ’bout Baby Bess?” “No doubt if Deadwood Dick has been cap- ‘tured and placed in confinement, the same par- ties who captured him alse captured Bessie, Johnny, there is more about this matter than either of us understand, We must disguise our- selves as miners, and work together carefully. If we were to make a stir, ten to one it would not benefit us, for it would only put these rebels on guard and hasten them to action, when the > ‘camp was withou a commander.” i *“Durned ef you ain’t right, You'd make a fu’st-class ineral, you would.’ So I'll ’p’int you commander, an’ I'll be private!” “Very well. Our plan must be to join the rebels in our disguises, and in that way endeavor ta find out the whereabouts of Deadwood Dick and Baby Bess. At the same time we will be able to keep posted on the rebel’s plots, and foil them!” ‘*Good idea. But where are 'the disguises to ‘come from?” “*T have aplenty at my house. I will get them during the forenoon!” They conversed for perhaps an hour longer; then Johnny announced his intention of making one more all-around canvas in search of Dead- ' wood Dick before they entered more fully into the plans they had formed. Johnny was about to take his departure, when ‘hs ‘suddenly made a discovery that caused him to clutch Floy by the arm. | “T,,0k!? he cried, pointing down the street. ** There comes the boss, now!’ And Deadwood Dick it eipaartnae d was whom ‘they saw approaching, for Jack Jasper looked every inch like the Mayor of Pistol Pocket, as he came striding along. Johnny awaited his master’s coming with dee eagerness, but the expression upon Floy’s ace was not so joyful. ** Johnny,” she said, when the pseudo-Richard was close at hand, “ do not betray any surprise, ‘but act perfectly natural, so as not to appear suspicious. That man ts not Deadwood Dick !” Johnny stared. “Git out!’ he said. ‘‘ What yer'givin’ us? Don’t yer s’pose I Encw my boss when I see him?” ; ‘“*Nol you don’t! There is another man in xamp who very much resembles Deadwood Dick, and this is he. It may be that he intends to palm himself off in your master’s stead, and if so, that will account for Deadwood Dick’s disa pearance. Keep a close tongue in your head, till you see ma again, and do not let this man “suspect that you are in any way suspicious of the fraud!” With these directions, she turned and re- entered the shanty, while Johnny met Jack Jasper at the office door, _ Without eppesring to &o so, Johnny gave the features of the ex-convict a swift, sharp scru- tiny, and, as a result, came to the immediate conclusion that Floy Justice was right. Just above the right eyebrow, on Dick’s face, ‘was a small mole, which, when he was excited : av vexed over anything, assumed a scarlet color, ‘There was no such a mark on the face of Jack Jasper, a fact that immediately attracted Johnny's attention. Then, too, Jasper approached the office at a swaggering gait that was very unlike Deadwood Dick’s easy, graceful stride. ‘Well, boy, why haven’t you got the office pen and swept out?” Jasper demanded, gruffly manner hard at contrast with Dick's usual -“ good-morning.”” nature. If Deadwood Dick is in trouble, we in the office, tellin’ him that you’d be back right passed between Mabel Lamont | away!” ‘It’s none of your business how long I stay!” was the retort. ‘‘ Open the door.” J oh opened the door, as directed, and they entered the office. Jasper sat down ata table, and proceeded to examine some letters, which he had evidently obtained at the post-office, Sayivg nothing, but keeping up an awful thinking, Johnny began his morning’s work of dusting and regulating things. While the two were thus oceupied a miner en- tered. ‘** Good-morning, boss,” he saluted. ‘*Good-morning,” Jasper replied, ‘* What’s the matter; ain’t you working to-day?” ‘** Not yet, boss, None o’ the boys hasn’t gone to work yet, ‘cause Jerry hasn’t show’d up. They hain’t got no orders, an’ don’t know what to make of it!” the miner replied, ‘Tell them to go to work at what they were at yesterday, and you take charge of them for the present!” Jasper ordered. ‘Jerry has se- ceded from our ranks, and I shall have to look up a new superintendent!” . ‘What did Jerry quit for?” the miner asked, curiously. ‘“Ob! I understand he’s separated from his wife,” Jasper replied, carelessly, ‘‘and claims that I am the cause of the separation, which is a lie. As soon as I get through, here, I will come to the mine, and endeavor to straighten out matters!” The miner left, apparently satisfied. When he had finished reading the letters Jas- per turned to Johnny Smile. ‘*Come here, boy!” he sharply commanded, Joknny obeyed, and Jasper Lanted him two ten-dollar notes. ; “There!” he said, ‘take that, and go!” **Go where?” Johnny demanded. “To the devil, for all I care!” was the gruff reply, ‘I don’t want you any more.” ‘But, what have I done, to merit discharge, sir?” Johnny asked. “Oh! nothing, particularly, only I shall have no further need of your services,” * All right, boss!” Johnny said, flinging the dustiug-brush into the corner, ‘I hain’t werry purtie’ler "bout workin’ for a skin like you, any- how!” and putting on his cap, the youth walked from the office with the mdependent air of a king. CHAPTER XVL A BRUTE IN BONDS, Fuuty satisfied tbat English Eph had forever disposed of Baby Bess, Lord Lindley was greatly elated, in the belief that victory was his, His plan of action was now clear, ' Under the cover of nightfall, he would forever leave Pistol Pocket, and hasten to New York. There he was acquainted with an expert shys- ter lawyer, whom he would employ to forge cer- tificates of the death and burial of Bessie Carle- ton. Then, he would go back to England, and there would be nothing to. prevent bis laying claim to the Carleton fortune, { During the forenoon, the arch schemer pur- chased a horse, and stocked his saddle-bags with enough provisions for the Overland trip to Skin- ner’s Bend, from whence he could journey by sage to a station on the Southern Pacific Rail- road. The remainder of the day dragged slowly away, each hour seeming to him double its usual length, so anxious was he to get away. He was sitting upon ths hotel piazza, smoking a cigar, toward sunset, when a servant came out and announced that a lady wanted to see him in the parlor, “Tt wonder who it can be,” he muttered. ““Can it be that Eph did not make away with the girl, and that she has come to accuse me of my complicity in the matter?” A. savage scowl darkened his brow, and a wicked gleam entered his fishy eyes as be threw away his cigar and went to answer the sum- mons. ' On entering the parlor, he found but one per- son there—a woman, tastefully attired, decidedly good-looking, and young in years. It was Mabel Lamont, Lord Lindley started back, with an oath, at sight of her. ‘** You here!” he ejaculated, with evident as- tonishment. : “* As you see,” she replied, with a ripple of musical laughter. ‘ Are you not glad to see me, ause 1 swept the office out last night, and ; ‘my lord?” i honorable than that which brought you. I grew tired of being a lord’s wife, and living in a Lon- don tenement, and so, learning that you were about to set out for jAmerica, in search of the lost heiress of Carletou House, I came on ahead of you!’ “To make your fortune, I suppose?’ with a sneer. ** Well, partly for that purpose, and partly for another,” was the cool reply. ‘ You see, Lind- ley, I have grown tired of being put off, and not being recognized in my rightful position. So, knowing your errand to America was to find Beatrice and put her out of your way, I came on, With a view to forcmg cs to do the right thing by me. I am your legally wedded wife, and intend to be recognized as such before the world, No more tenement-house obscurity on ny plate, if you please!” : indley grew livid with rage at this. ** Curse Raa he hissed. ‘*‘ We'll see whether you'll blackmail me, or not. "You'll find you've undertaken the biggest job of your life. ou’re not my wife, nor can you prove that you are!” ‘*T can!” Mabel cried. ‘‘The papers to prove itare already in my possession, or rather, in the hands of my lawyer, in London. If you do not make me Lady Lindley before the world—” ‘“* What will you do?” ‘““T’ll have you arrested for the murder of Beatrice Carleton, and hung by the neck, until you are dead. Nay! do not seek to interrupt me, for it is useless. You hired English Eph to kill Beatrice Carleton, or Baby Bess, as she is called, and he bas done it, and is willing to turn State’s evidence against you. I have him in my power, and you are at my mercy. Now, you will tully understand why 1 have come to Amer- ica. You would not give me myrights in Eng- land, but you must give me them here!” “Oh, must I?” “Yes, vou must. There is nothing else for me to do but force you to come to terms. You are a lord—why shouldn’t I, your wife, be a lady? You are a murderer, and a word from me will place you on the gallows. Now then, will you take me back. to England with you, share the Carleton fortune with me, or will you not?” *“*T will not!” Lindley said, decidedly, ‘TI defy you to do your worst. -In England, if you dare to follow me there, I will have you arrested for the murder of your husband, Mark Mon- trose, whom you killed, because, adventuress that you are, you imagined you had me in your net, and in your power. But you made xu grand mistake. The marriage ceremony, which you supposed made you and I one, was a mere farce, and you are no more my wife than the veriest stranger. So you have no cleim upon me, and [ dare you todo your worst, If you ever set your foot on English soil, it will be your doom, Mrs. Montrose, a—la— Lamont!” ‘¢T shall take care that I do not set foot on Englsh soil until I have either forced you to re- marry me, or caused you to pay the Fens oe your crime. Now, which will you do? ill you marry me, or will youhang? Suit yourself. In either. case I shall come into possession of the Carleton fortune, asI can prove that I was your wife before the death of either Baby Bess or yourself!” _ ll never give in to you. AsI told you be- fore, I defy you!” ** Very well,” Mabel said, rising. ‘Suit yourself. The town is already excited over the disappearance of Baby Bess, who has won a warm place in the hearts of the people, and I have but to betray your complicity in the awful crime, and you will be gg to the limb of the most convenient tree in true Western fash- ion, Good-day, my lord.” She moved quickly toward the door, but befora she could reach it be sprung upon her, and clutching her by the throat, he bore her back upon the sofa, where she bad been sitting, In vain she sought to release bis terrible grasp upon her slender throat. Pe eh There was a fierce gleam of desperation in his ugly eyes; there was murder in his heart, now an he knew he would never be safe while she ived, ; : Snmmoning all his strength, he tightened his + relinquish it until long after she had ceased to strugele, and he knew beyond the that ske was dead. ; ed face with a shudder, 1 dk “Well, it’s done, and can’t be undone,” he muttered. _ Now I must conceal the body and put as many miles as possible between me and this ieee town before the murder is discovered.” _ $ {
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Monk to keep him There was a closet in the room, and he found _ by pressing the body into it and closing and fastening the door, he could for a time conceal is crime. And this he proceeded to do. When the job was accomplished, he hurried from the hotel to the stables, and within a few minutes he was in the saddle, Thence he rode out of the camp at a leisurely . gait, but no sooner had he entered Pretty Pass than he put ao to his horse, and rode swift as the beast could carry him. “*Free!” he breathed, between his clinched teeth—‘‘ free at last! Now, if the horse does not fail me, let them catch me, if they can!” Evident it was that the horse meant to do its best, for it tore pest through the pass at a rapid rate, until it finally halted ia front of the toll-gate, which was closed, ‘** Curse the luck!” he growled. “Am I thus to be balked on the road to success?” He sprung from the saddle, and tried in vain to open the heavy barrier, but the strength of one man was inadequate to the task, , Turning, in search of some heavy rock or tim- ber with which he could batter down the ob- struction, he suddenly found himself in the grasp of two masked men, who, before he had hardly time to understand his situation, had his wrists neatly confined in handcuffs and his ankles tied together with a rope, “My lord,” spoke one of the men, whose voice Lindley recognized with a shudder, ‘I think you must be tired, after journeying so far such a dark night as this, and therefore, we must ask you to stop with us awhile, until the route gets clearer.” And that voice! Once heard, it could not easily be forgotten. It was the voice of the successor of one of the ‘bravest men who ever trod the Wild West, one who knew no fear—the voice of Dick Bristol, or Deadwood Dick, Jr. CHAPTER XVII. THE HAWK AND THE DOVE. Tan murder of Mabel Lamont was discovered the next day, and created a great sensation, which, however, was short-lived, after it was found that the probable murderer, Lord Lind- ley, had escaped. ; Jack Jasper, as Deadwood Dick, offered a re- ward for the Englishman’s capture, and also had notices posted, offering rewards for infor- mation concerning the whereabouts of Baby Bess, Johnny Smile and Floy Justice. is, in the main, of course, was but a blind, te screen the fact that he knew where they were, which, sofar as the latter two were concerned, he did not, He had a vague intuition, however, that Floy and eee, were still in camp, in disguise, and were watching an opportunity to strike him a blow that would depose him. This idea Was in a measure strengthered by the fact that, one by one, the men who had for- merly been in Deadwood Dick’s employ were dropping off duty and remaining in apparent idleness. J Inquiry revealed to the impostor that there was supposed to be in existence in the camp a secret organization, whose intention it was, as soon as its ranks were strong enough, to fight for ion of Pistol Pocket. This caused Jasper considerable uneasiness, and after a consultation with his newly appoint- ed superintendent, English Eph, it was agreed to send Bill Monk to neighboring camps in search of new help. As a result, for every man who seceded from Jasper’s wag 8 two were Teplaced; and the more fully carry out his deception, the im- postor conducted the business on the principles and conditions which Dick had adopted, “Fim studiously sought to keep on thé right side of the men, and avoided creating any suspicion that he was not what-he claimed to be by every ae Jain amount, and the disappearances of Baby Bess, Johnny and Mrs, Justice, gradually died out, to feel a gratifying fed and at the same time living literally like a _ Not to be off his uard, he had employed Bill f posted as;to the operations { plans of the Lion Eagion: but Monk gained little news, and what he di not indi- i of immediate hosts @ spies Deadwood Dick’s Protegee. One day, a week after the discovery of the murder of Mabel Lamont, Jack Jasper mounted his horse and rode away from Pistol Pocket. An hour’s ride brought him to an isolated cabin, among the mountains, and here he dis- mounted The door was secured on the outside by a pad- lock but Jasper had a key to it, and in a moment he was inside the cabin, There was but one room, and this, with the exception of a chair, was unfurnished. Upon the chair, was seated no less a person- age than Baby Bess, looking sad and pale, Her face lighted up with joy, however, when she saw him whom she believed to be Deadwood Dick, and she sprung to her feet, and rushed to- ward him. “Oh! Mr. Bristol! Is it you?” she cried. “Well, I rather reckon ‘it is,” was the reply. ** Don’t it look like me?” j “Oh! yes! yes! And have you really come to rescue me from this terrible imprisonment?” “T have. It was only to-day that I obtained a clew to your whereabouts, and forced your ab- ductor to direct me to this place!” J asper re- plied. “Ihave been greatly worried over your disappearance, and have had the surrounding country searched for you. How have you fared?" ‘Oh! I cannot complain, except that it has been terribly lonesome. strange man, whom I never saw before, has brought me food, every other day, and so Lhave not wanted for any- thing to eat.” ‘* Were you awake, when you were captured?” ‘No, and Mrs. Justice retired rather late and I soon fell asleep. -The next thing I knew was, when I awoke, to find myself here. Who was my abductor, Mr. Bristol? ‘A fellow called Mountain Mose. He was employed by Lord Lindley to kill you, but his courage failing him, he shut you up here until Lindley had left the country, when, I presume, he intended to release you!” ‘* Where is Lord Lindley, now?” ““He has gone back to England to lay claim to your fortune, believing Mountain Mose’s as- sertion that oe are dead. But, he will find out that he has made a big mistake—that is, providing you are agreeable to my proposition. “The fact is, Bessie, I have grown to love you dearly, in the short time I have known you, and as I want a wife, and am well able to take care of one, I want you. Marry me, and we will go at once to England, and bounce Lindle from his new acquisition, and land him in jail; for I shall take Mountain Mose with me, as evidence against him!” “Oh! Mr. Bristol. You surprise me very much!” Bessie said, flushing rosy, ‘ Getting married is something I hadn’t ought to think of for a number of years, yet, for I am only sixteen, and that is too young.” “Pshaw! no! Plenty of girls get married at that age, and as a rule, their lives are the happi- est for it. Both you and I have plenty of riches in our own individual right, and there is no rea- son why we cannot see all the pleasures that money can procure, Besides, you need a protec- tor, to espouse yourcause. There may be a hard struggle before Lindley can be forced to give up our estate, and with noone to look out for your interests, except lawyers, you would be cheated and defeated at every turn. Marry me, and I can fight your battles for you, and we will tri- umpb over your enemy, and victory will be ours! “Ob! Mr. Bristol, I—I don’t want to get mar- ried, indeed I don’t!—not, at least, until I am older. Besides, you know, I was betrothed to Sir Clyde Carleton, when I was only ten years of age, and it was my mother’s desire that I should marry him when I got old enough.” “Youll never have the chance. Mountain Mose bas informed me that Sir Clyde died before Lord Lindley left England. So you can have no cause for hesitation on his account. Oh! Bessie, if you only knew how truly I love you, vou would at once consent to. become my wife. Please say that you will marry me, and you will make me the yap ea man on earth,” He dropped on his knees before her, and, tak- ing her hand, kissed it in true lover-like fashion. ie was very much agitated, and it was Several seconds ere she could ; “* Really, Mr. Bristol, you must not press me for an answer now,” she finally said, gently, but firmly. “‘ This declaration of love, on your part, comes s0 unexpected that I am greatly surprised. While I respect you, and am very grateful for be vee "bee te done for me, I ned not Ny rite ng to marry you un ave $9 consider.” f ; “Then, I shall hope that your answer will be 13 favorable, but I pray that you will not keep me long in suspense, and, as soon as you are mine we will start for England. How long must t wait, dearest?” ‘* Perhaps forever!” Bessie replied, rate, I must have a week’s consider.” ‘* Very well. A week’s time, then, it shall be. I expect, to-morrow, to sell out all my interests in Pistol Pocket, to the agent of a corporation, so that, when we are married, there will be nothing to keep me on this side of the Atlantic, “At any time in which to -| So come, now, and we will start back for- camp.”. Accordingly, they left the cabin, and mount- ing Bessie in his saddle, the ex-convict set out for Pistol Pocket, on foot, leading the horse. There was a gleam of triumph in bis eyes, for, as Baby Bess had not said outright that she: would not marry him, he considered it almost as. good as granted that she would become his wife, and thus the final consummation of his plans would be effected. CHAPTER XVIII. CONCLUSION, THAT same afternoon, four persons stood im the stamp-mill, after the mil] had closed work for the day, and was, with the above exceptions, deserted. It was after sunset, and already the shadows of nightfall, were beginning to gather thick and fast, within the great building. The persons referred to, were Deadwocd Dick, Sir Clyde Carleton, Jobnny Smile, and Floy Justice. Johnny, with a nut-brown face looked like a half-breed and Floy with close cropped hair and brown face Jooked like his brother, They had both come into camp together three days after their ree evap and so well acted their part that everybody supposed them to be, as they claimed—the two boys of old John Simus, whose wife was a Kioway squaw. All were cleverly disguised, and appeared to- be rough, commonplace miners, Deatwnoa Dick was speaking, and his words: were directed to Johnny Smile. “You are quite positive about this matter, boy?’ he demanded, **'Yes, we are sure!” Floy replied, for both. ** We've overheard the whole plot, an’ this chap that’s been palmin’ himself off as you, is goin’ to get himself into a fix.” “Tell us their plans, again,” Dick said, Someone “* Well, you see, these fellows who constertoot: the Lion Legion,” spoke out Johnny, “ aire now thoroughly organized an’ ready fer a fight. Jerry Justice hes trained ’em like a reg’lar- ineral, an’ they would make a strong fight. e an’ Floy, here, hes belonged to ’em, fer about: a week, an’ we knows purty much all about: em. Weapons an’ ammunition have bin arriy- ing every day, an’ every man has got a re peating-rifle, and ca’tridges enuff to last him a month. So, ver see, they’re pretty well heeled, ‘But, that ain’t all, by a long shot. . That per 7d has got a head on him, as long as a horse and he’s had some of his pals going around, un buying up all the ca’tridges in the camp. As no wagon-train will arrive until to morrow after-- noon, you’re shut out, in that direction.” _ ‘Not so badly,” Dick declared. “I’ve had interviews with all the men employed in the: mines, and they are not only well armed, but, to: & man, are ready to stand by me when the criti-~ cal moment arrives. But, goon. What else?” ** Well, the Legion have been ordered ter meet here, to-night. at midnight, ready for duty. The attack will be made in the early morning, when the night hands of the mines, and the day hands exchange places, and are not perticularly prepared for a fight. ‘In the mean time, when the meeting takes lace to-night, there’s going to be a big time, his feller, Jasper, is to be captured, fetched to the mill, an’ execooted, so tbat, as Jerry su . the miners won't have no one to command em, and his victory will be all the more easy !” After the execution, there’s goin’ to be a big blow-out, on whisky, an’ oe hg goin’ to git his gang drunk enough so they’ in good ghtin’ trim, when it comes deylight. Come here!” Johnny then led the way toa large tool-box, and raised the lid. The tools had been removed, and in their steed, were sereral demijohns of whisky—enough in bulk, ea for a regiment, s ain’t all I've got to show you!” Jobnn Ha — he led the Way to a room original y intended for an assayer’s office, but which had — tr put “1 pa we use, 4 ¥ e door was ked, but Johnny had a key and quickly opened it, and they entered.
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14 a returned, they would be lynched on sight. So once more Pistol Pocket resumed the even tenor of its way, under Deadwood Dick’s regime. Lord peace whom Dick and Sir Clyde had stopped while he was making his escape, was not set at liberty until bis crime was made known and his character exposed; then he and English Eph were given over to'a committee of ten who, after an hour’s absence, returned without them. Floy Justice left Pistol Pocket soon after the departure of Jerry, and it is not at all improb- able that she has gonein search of him. Woman- like, she could not give him up. Sir Clyde and Bessie Carleton met, of course, and grew fond of each other, and in a few short weeks were married, ; As they had no present desire to return to England, Dick appointed Sir Clyde his business- manager, and soon after, in company with Johnny Smile, set out for a trip of combined business and pleasure. In whic: we shall meet him again. THE END. Beadle’s Dime Library. rate ane 1 A Harp Crown. 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a BE AD LE’ SeH ALF- DIM Eel, IBR | AR Y ‘ Pu blis hed Ev very T —-- nwesda mA Ea ssue Con uplet: ea nd Sold at Hie Uni ifor m P. rice of Fi we C pent 34 Do = uble Nw mber 8. B ; 1 YE _ ; 38 a Sac A iy BS Bendwood eadw rD Y 42 D ad yood Di Woo L 4 rr Pend woo pes ap _WI Br Bestcsea Dick's eth ghee 78 Deadwood Dich; fin ref nee of ovel ER 5 Ss pick" sham Jr: ® de Pan ane B25 T ae or rer k bo ealdes in. Ne of P iv a rne B ow c I's e’s C Tr Bhs Bend 0 » th 2S) ; or. Rifl w Y yed 5 Paw ee ul Pp ay che’ ~ wb ptiv 56 »D nil ood Dick, Ade Th aiaee.. 40 Kelle th De 1,t Sy pen 1 e, tl ork -Ou a nee Bil st aw r, Th a Ca oy Ce $4 Dendwo D ek Jr.’ Re ree ee e. 4 0. a ey » ets he New et ibs he Sha t. 6 wn BR ty he Pi n Be thy Ch 567 e w od lek. J a) ay e. . 16 Ww nh oi oy etl Boy Y evtiv and Sh 192 ee ne or Tai ee CS ve. ief. 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Deadwood Dick Novels in Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. ain. 1 Deadwood Dick. the Prince of the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick’s Defiance; or, The Double Daggers. 28 Deadwood Dick in Disguise; or, Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol, 35 Deadwoo ! Dick in his Castle; or, Wild Ivan, the Boy Ci-nte Dus), 42 Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omaha Oll, tne Masked Terror, 57 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Fiood Bar. 73 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane, the Heroine of Whoop-up, 77 Deadwood Dick’s Last Act; or, Corduroy Caarlie, the Boy Rover. ) Deadwood Dick in Leadville. Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Double Cross. 9 Deadwood Dick as Detective. Deadwood Dick’s Double, 3 nie ai Dick’s Home Base; or, Blonde ill. 9 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold, 3 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood, 5 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road, Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills Jezebel, Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Adventure, Deadwood Dick’s Dead Deal; or, Captain Crack-Shot, the Girl Brigand. 221 Deadwood Dick’s Death Plant; or, Sugar- Coated Sam. 232 Gold-Dust Dick; or, The Three Wild Men of Eagle Bar. 3 Deadwood Dick’s Divide; or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail: or, From Ocean to Ocean, Deadwood Dick’s Big Déal. 21 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Pnantom Fiats. 347 Deadwood Dick’s Ducats; or, Rainy Days:in the Diggings. 351 Deadwood Dick Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta, 362 Deadwood Dick’s Claim; or, The Fairy Face of Faro Flats, 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds; or, The Mystery of Joan Porter. 421 Deadwood Dick in New York, 480 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand, Deadwood Dick, Jr.; or, The Sign of the Crimson Crescent, 8 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Defiance; or, Nickle- Piate Ned, 3 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Full Hand; or, Sun- fluwer Sam of Shasta. 9 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Flush Fan, the Ferret. 5 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Racket at Claim 10, Deadwood Dick, Jr,’s, Corral; or, Bozeman Bill of Big Brace. 3) Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dog Detective; or, Humboldt Harry, the Hurricane. Dea iwood Lick, Jr., in Deadwood; or, Moll Mystery. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Compact; or, Prince Pistol, the Kirig of the Wist. } Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Inheritance; or, Monte Cristo, Jr. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diggings; or, Doctor Death Grip’s Swoop. } Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deliverance 515 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Protege; or, Baby Bess, the Girl Gold Miner. 445 Round-up; or 922 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Three, 529 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Danger Ducks; or, The Owls of Oregon, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death Hunt; or, The Way of the Transgressor, 539 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas; or, The Ghouls of Galveston, Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidocq; or, Leonora, the Locator, Oy) 549 Deadwood Dick, Jr., om His Mettle; or, Cap- tain Crimson-Cowl, the Road Raider, 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham; or, Un- raveling a Twisted Skein. 561 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boston; or, The Cool Case, ‘ 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia; or, The Wild West Detective among the Crooks, 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago; or, The Anarchist’s Daughter. 578 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Afloat; or, The Prisoner of the Weird Isles. 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. or, Cool Kate, the Queen of Crooks, 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Decree; The Prince of Purgatory Pass, 595 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin; or, The Old Man of Mount Mab. 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney Island 606 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Leadville Lay; or, Bristol and Bucket’s Boom, Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit} or, Turning the Tables on Sutan. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinnati; or, The Clincher Campaign, 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada; or, The Preacher of Pokerville, 630 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land. 636 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer; or, Sawdust Sam’s Last Green Game, 642 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Buffalo; or, 4-11-44, 648 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Chase across the Con- tinent; or, A Race for a Ruthless Rogue. 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr.. Among the Smugglers, 660 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case, 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines, or, 612 672 Deadwood Dick, ** Gathered In,” Jr., in Durango; or, 678 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Discovery. 684 Deadwood Dick, Jr,’s, Dazzle; or, The Nemesis of Nutmeg Bonanza. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dollars; or, The Hummingbird of Honeysuckle. 695 Deadwuod Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide; or, Developing the Dead Secret, 700 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Drop; or, The So- journ at Satan’s Spring. 704 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-pot; or, Mak- ing Crooked Things Straight. 710 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in San Francisco; or, Kodak Kate, the Snap-Shot, 716 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Still Hunt; or, The Second Round in San Francisco. 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dominoes; or, The Rival Camps of the Northern Border, 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Disguise; or, Ivan, the Man of Iron. 734 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal; or, The All-Around Surprise, 740 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deathwatch. Deadwoal Dick, Jr.’s, Doublet. 752 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deathblow. 758 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Desperate Strait, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Lone Hand, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Defeat. 776 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Resurrection. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dark Days. Deadwood Dick, Jr., Defied, 792 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Device, 797 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Desperate Venture, 802 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diamord Dice, 807 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Royal Flush, 812 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Head-cff. 816 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Rival, Issues to Follow: 817 Wideawake, the Train-boy Detective. Col, A. F. Holt, 818 Clean Grit, the Boy Hustler, By William R. Eyster. By 819 Dick Doom’s Girl Mascot, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, Ready April 4. For sale by all newsdealers at five cents per copy, or sent by mail, post-paid, on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York.