Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 529) (1887 09 13)
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To EDITIOR. eS = SS : | = = ’ s* SN me ° \ ay ay y XY : ANN BRAN NAT AWW \ oy TK \ WIN AN ‘ NWO . ; Za AN WMI MIA UND =, NGA x / a ~ =~ TS “6 NAA ah inet TLL rin (atl el SO coe tN 4} Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mail Rates. waaay Copyright, 1837, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, September 18, pcs aba RN aor On = aa REERROR TERN TTA HWA DER AND A 1 at a V ] XXL $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY DEADLE AND ADAMS, EF es No. 52y. 0 : : a Year. * No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. envus. / WYN HELL Yi \\\ Tipu A DW YY \\\ \\\\ \\ AY \\ \\\ AY \\\\ \\\\ \\ \ \ \\\ YY OA \\ \\\\ \\\\ Th \ ——— BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF THE ‘‘ DEADWOOD DIK,” “* DENVER DOLL,” “* SIERRA SAM,” “‘ ROSEBUD ROB,” i AND ‘* DEADWOOD DICK, JUNIOR,” NOVELS, ETC., ETC. CHAPTER I. DEADWOOD DICK, JR,, AND THE WAT. THREE men sat grouped about a glowing camp-fire, one night, in early but pleasant springtime. The fire had been kindled more for its cheer- ful illumination than for heat. For it is of Southern Oregon we write, and the spring hag been early in opening. Flowers were already in bloom, and all na- BOTH DICK AND JOB WERE FORCED TO LAUGH AT THE DARKY’S ANTICS. THE ture had put on her mantle of green, DANGER DUCKS WERE A SUCCESS. The location of the camp was in a little valley
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threaded by a stream, plenty. Not a day’s ride distant, westward, were the famous lava-beds, where little vegetation grows; | hence our little party had located to the best | a} advantage possib The three men were certainly very unlike in | personal appearance, Most noticeable of the party was a handsome, dashing young fellow, not yet far advanced in the twenties, with brown hair and eyes, a smooth, pleasant face, a wiry muscular figure, Deadwood Dick, Jr., was the “handle” he claimed; a name well-known throughout every Territory and State of the far West, as belong- iug to one of the shrewdest, most fearless de- tectives of this generation, Near him sat an old, tall, slim and cadaverous individual, with, however, an intelligent face, sharp eyes, and straggling gray hair and beard. Job Johnson was a quite well-known charac- tor, who had roughed it many a.year on the frontier, and had the scars of many a battle to preve ib, Jo»’s distinctive peculiarity wasa fondness for telling most improbable yarns, The third individual was a man of sable hue —about the homeliest, most ludicrous specimen of his race one could hope to sce, from the fact that he wasas black as the ace of spades, and had a thick-lipped mouth that stretched seem- ingly from ear to ear. While Deadwood Dick and Old Job were at- tired iny frontier style, the colored brother, who rejoiced in the name of Nicodemus Noodle, sported a loud checkered pair of pants, a seedy, full-dress coat, and a dilapidated plug hat. The trio were well-armed, and otherwise well- | equipped. “Well, boys, I think if nothing particular turns wp betwixt now and sunrise, we'll take tho back trail,” Deadwood Dick was saying. ‘*Pwixt you and me and the camp-fire, I don’t believe the murderer came this way at all, and, as the Salem authorities wouldn’t offer over éwo hundred dollars for his apprehension, blame mo if I feel like spending any more time scoot- ing around the Territory trying to run him down, The chances are ‘he’s fled the country, anyhow!” . ** Dunno but mebbe you're right!” Old Job as- | sented, ejecting a mouthful of tobacco-juice into thé camp-fire; ‘‘ but, yer can’t most always sometimes teil. Neow, thar’s once upon er time when I tuck a contract ter run down a crim’- nal. Is’arched high an’ low fer him nigh onter ten years, an’ then at last found him a-hidin’ up a tree, a-tryin’ ter get a bead on me—fact, by buttermilk!” At thismoment Nicodemus rolled over on his | blanket, kicked up his heels, and roared a hearty gutaw. "© What ther thunder yer laffin’ at, nig?’ Old Jab, demanded angrily. “ Laffin’ at that story, fo’ suah!” was the re- ply. ‘‘Deijee ob dat man roostin’ up dat tree fo’ ten year! Go’way, chile, dat’s nonsense!” “Bak! you condemned nigger, you wasn’t thar, so what d’yer know about it?” ** Deed, sah, on glad I wasn’t dar. want to roost up a tree for ten years, no, sah!” ““ Dry up, boys!” interposed Deadwood Dick, 5 me quit your noise, Ithought I heard a foot- “Yas, yer allus thinkin’ yer heerin’ suthin’, lag never amount to anything!” grunted Old ob. Dick did not heed him, however, but arose | and stole out of the radius of camp-fire light. The night was dark, and he was soon out of sight. ; Not long to remain, however, for he soon re- turned, leading and half-supporting a young woman, of apparently about his own age. Evidently the young woman had seen hard times. Her dress was torn, her rich brown hair disheveled, and there was a cut upon one side of her hatless head, as if inflicted with some blunt instrument, Except for the wild, scared look of her eyes, which gave her an unnatural appearance, she was a young woman of real beauty of feature, as a as of figure, and evidently was of good. birth. She was faint and exhausted, when Dick led her into his little camp, and he carefully assisi- ed her to a seat upon a firelog, ‘* Now, lady,” he said, ‘‘ if you will inform us how you come to be wandering so far from any human habitation, perhaps we can be of some assistance to you. We are honest men, and if you have been wronged, as I infer, we will try to look after your enemies in a way they will appreciate,” ’ 4 rf Deadwood Dick’s Danger Ducks. ! and where grass was ' I don’ | “You are very kind, sir!” she replied, in a | low, faint tone of voice; ‘‘ but, really, I can tell | you nothing until I have rested. [ am very short time, I shall feel much better.” ‘*Certainly, miss, You shall have my saddle for a pillow, and my blanket to shield you from the night, and I will see that you are not dis- turbed. But, hadn’t I better first dress your wound?” “No. It is of no account—merely a slight cut. I prefer to rest, first.” Accordingly, Dick placed his saddle at her | disposal for a pillow, and covered her over with his blanket. This done he and his two com- panions withdrew to the further side of the camp-lire, where they could converse in an un- dertone, without disturbing their guest. ‘“‘This isa strange happening,” Dick observ- ed, thoughtfully. ‘“‘ After racketing around for three weeks, in this wild region, without an | adventure, who comes along but this waif, just the night preceding our departure. I wonder who she can be?” “ That’s suthin’ we’re not likely to find out, until she wakes,” replied Job. ‘Kinder mys- terious that a woman should be galavantin’ around this wild country like a rabbit on a rampage. Kinder a s’picious sarcumstance, it *pears to me.” ‘** How so?” ‘“‘ Why, thar may be some gang 0’ land-pirates in the vicinity, an’ this gal’s been sent to decoy us inter a trap!” ‘* Nonsense!” and Dick laughed at the idea, ‘¢ The girl ismo more a decoy than you are. It is my opinion that sbe is the victim of some villainous plot—mayhap has only just escaped from captivity, and is fleeing for her life.” ‘“Dat’s jess my ’pinion too, fo’ suah!” put in Nicodemus Noodle. “Mighty curious how erect my opinion an’ Marse Dick’s allers jibes, I done beliebe dat yar gal am a orphan, fleeing from hum to ’scape perskewsion !” ‘* Well, we shall have to control our curiosity until she chooses to tell us about herself,” Dick declared, and so the men subsided into silence, The evening dragged on, until it neared ten o'clock, when Dick advised his companions to lie down and catch some sleep, while ke re- mained on guard duty. They had scarcely more than done so, how- ever, when all hands except the sleeping girl, were startled by the clatter of approaching hoofs. Instantly the trio seized their weapons, and prepared to defend themselves, since there was no knowing whether it was friends or foes who approached. A few minutes later two respectable looking horsemen rode leisurely up to the camp-fire, and without waiting for invitation dismounted. Here, verily, was sublime assurance! | | j CHAPTER II. JOHN SMITH’S STRANGE STORY AND THE NIGHT TRAGEDY. USUALLY, according to camp-fire law, a stran- ger asks permission to stop over within the gleaming Bit of the glowing logs or embers; but not so with these strangers, One of them, who appeared to assume the re- sponsibilty of spokesman, simply turned to Dead- wood Dick, nodded familiarly, and said: ** Pardon, stranger, but we saw your blaze from up the valley, and allowed we’d like to cook some meat over it, providing you have no ob- jections,” | ‘T observe you did not wait to see whether or ' no I had any!” Dick replied coolly. ‘‘ I believe it is customary for strangers to ask permission to share the camp-fire of others.” ‘*So it is, and we beg a thousand pardons for our abrupt entry into your camp; but you see we are so blamed near famiished that we did not think to stop on ceremony. If you will allow us your hospitality for the night we will pay you for it.” “T do not keep a hotel,” Dick replied, with a faint smile, ‘* but as you appear like honesv “en, you are welcome to what comforts the camp af- fords,” * Thank you, sir.” : Then the two men turned, their attention to | the work of unsaddling their horses. When this was done each returned to the camp- | fire, with a hunk of fresh venison spitted on a stick, and proceeded to roast it. ‘*T suppose you would like to know something about us?” the spokesman for the strangers re- | marked, good-naturedly, ‘‘ Well, I don’t know | | 3 _ oS ad rt 5 ‘ ie eriONNG 2 ay iw aralieet weak and exhausted, and if I can lie down for a | was well armed. Howell, on the other hand, was dark-visaged, | . | much about my friend, for we only fell in. to- gether a couple of hours ago. He seems like a nice fellow, however, and says bis name is Victor Howell, and that he is traveling for pleasure. ** As for rnyself, I have had a remarkable ex- srience. I-have been a rolling stone all my ife, and have gathered very little moss, My uname is plain John Smith, and I can trace my ancestry back to the days of Pocahontas!” Here Mr. Smith paused to note the effect of this announcement, but must have felt disap- pointed that his remarks excited no curiosity whatever. He was a prepossessing man, this Smith, some thirty years of age, with a genial face, light- brown hair, mustache and goatee, and a brawny figure. His attire was rather sportish, and he and, although not exactly homely, was not a man whom one would like to trust very far. His eyes were as black as diamonds, his mus- tache black and pointed, ané his whole expres- sion rather sinister than otherwise. Mr, John Smith went on: ‘Some months ago I fell in with an Indian named Keech-ah, who told me a strange story of a lake, some ten miles down this valley... It is a fine little body of water, and bears the name of In this lake is a wooded island of The laxe is very Lake Sylvan. a couple of acres in extent. deep, and the water clear. ‘According to Keech-ah's. story, this island was formerly his home. On it he had built him- self a cabin, and dwelt in peace and happiness. The island he declared was really rich in wash gold, and he managed to secure quite a snug little fortune. ‘‘ Binally, however, along came a band of out- laws, who styled themszives the Owls, and robbed him of his fortune, and dreve bim from his island home, bidding him never attempt to retu:n, under the penalty of death. “He did make frequent attempts, however, but eacb time was frustrated. ne Owls had possession of the island. They were captained by a beautiful maiden, called Lady Sylvan, and invariably, when Keech-ah would craftily at- tempt to get on the island, he would be met by Lady Sylvan, who always dresses in a robe of flowing white, and he was turned back at the rifle’s point. “The old man’s story interested me, and being of a venturesome turn of mind, I resolved to attempt to investigate the matter, so I repaired to the lake, “It is a most beautiful sheet of water, sur- rounded by fertile lands, the most of which are owned by a wealthy farmer named Henry Hast- ings, whose farm-house stands upon the eastern shore. ‘‘ Before proceeding to execute, my plans, r held an interview with Hastings, who advised me to give up the idea of trying to reach the island. He said that, while he bad dwelt.on the shore of the lake for a year, and never had been molested, he was aware that the island was inhabited by a band of desperate men, but what they were doing there, or how they subsisted, he did not know. He discredited Keech-ah’s stor that mineral wealth existed upon the island, characterizing the idea us absurd, and gave itas —_. his opinion that the gang were escaped convicts who were hiding from justice. “When I expresse look into the matter, and he saw I was firm in my purpose, he tendered me the hospitality of his home, which I accepted, and found if very pleasant, too. He and his family seemed in- | clined to do everything in their power to make me comfortable. A, ; ‘ ‘Well, I began operations one night when it was very dark, and J thought I would not be | caught. The island being within swimming dis- tance of the shore, I concluded to swim, instead of using a boat. ert ‘“Well, I made my attempt, and what do you suppose was the result? Failure, sir, dead ail. ure! “T had got half-way to the island, when there suddenly eppeared before me a boat, manned by four desperate-looking men, and, standing erect in the boat, was @ young woman, very beautiful, and clad in a flowing robe of white. — “ A powerful light had been suddenly turned on, and fully revealed her and her companions, as it did myself. , Y | “Tn her grasp she held a beautiful Winches- ter rifle, and this she leveled directly at me, say~ Y, OF you're ing—“ Back to land, you dog of a adead man! [ll spare you, now, if youretreat, but never again seek to reach Mystic 4sland, or our life will pay the forfeit, Back, I say, to and!” ' ; 3 on my determination to ee ee ns
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a ree ee oe hjssestes= 2 “ ” the camp- “There was nothing left for me to do but obey, and so I turned and swam ashore. They followed me until Iwas a short distance from land, when their light was suppressed and all was intense darkness, * Well, that was but one of several attempts IT made to reach that island, all of which were unsuccessful. At last, however, I eluded their vigilance, and got on the place, but was imme- diately seized, and imprisoned in a dark cabin. Here I have been kept for a week without food, or water, Last night I was put ashore, present- ed with a horse, and givena chance of leaving the country or of being lynched, on the spot. Without waiting to debate the matter, you can bet I chose the skedaddle and here I am!” ‘“*T should naturally infer that you would prefer the skedaddle,” Dick said. ‘But have you given up the idea of investigating that island?’ ‘* Single-handed, yes. If [hada few plucky fellows to go wit me, I don’t know but I'd try the thing over again. I haven’t a doubt but that there is treasure upon the island, and if the ‘outlaws could be captured, the plunder would belong to the victor.” ‘How far do you say this place is from here?” ** Somewhere about ten miles.” ‘© You say the island is timbered ?” ‘ Yes—heavily, too.” “How many are there family?” ' “Yet me see; there’s Hastings, himself, his daughter, Lena, who keeps house for him, an old spinster they call Araminta, and three farm hands, and an old Indian, Charley, who does chores, Then, there’s a tough customer who occasionally hangs around the place, that they call Bill Bullgard.” Deadwood Dick remained minutes, “Well, PU teli you what I'll do,” he said, finally. ‘‘If you want to go back to that lake, and try it over, ’m in with you. I’m an ad- -venturous sort of chap, and when I take hold of a job I most generally come out winner!” “By jingo, Pll go you. Ef we canscorea victory over the outlaws, I haven’t a doubt but what we'll be well paid for it!” Smith averred, enthusiastically. ‘* We'll turninand get some sleep, and get an early start, in the morning.” ‘Will Mr. Howell accompany us?” Dick in- quired, Slaucing at Smith’s companion. ‘*No, I must move on east, in the morning,” Howell replied, Pompey. * One thing I would like to ask ‘you, Mr. Smith,” Dick said. ‘Since you have been in this section, have you ever heard of, or meta in the Hastings silent a few * man known as Gilbert Golden?” ‘No, Ihave not, Why?” “Oh! nothing in particular. Didn’t know but bie might have heard of him. I guess you'd all better turn in, if we intend to get an early start. I’m not sleepy, and will smoke my pipe awhile.” Accordingly, all hands soon after rolled them- selves in their blankets, except Deadwood Dick, who remained sitting by the camp-fire, which he occasionally replenished, “T don’t like that Howell’s appearance,” he mused, ‘* He has the appearance of a thorough- bred black-leg and villain. Then, too, if he were not so dark complexioned, he’d answer to the description of Gilbert Golden, the Salem murderer of his step-mother, I saw him glance toward the sleeping girl, several times, I don’t think Smith noticed her. [ll keep awake all night, anyhow, to prevent any mischief from being committed. It’s always best to be on the safe side.” When he judged the men were all asleep, the sentinel stole over to where the mysterious “young woman lay. By her regular breathing Se found that she was sleeping soundly. **T guess she is likely to sleep ’til morning,” was Dick’s conclusiou. ‘‘I hope so, at least. She was evidently pretty well fagged out when she reached camp.’ He went back to the camp-fire, and sat down. A Grier silence pervaded the night. Gradually a sense of drowsiness stole over him, which he could not resist, and finally, in spite of his efforts to keep awake, he fell asleep, When he awakened it was broad daylight. Be sprung up with alacrity, and looked about Bi Old Job and Nicodemus were sleeping near each other. Victor Howell lay a little further away, also still asleep, but John Smith lay close to where fire had been, with a dagger sticking _ in his breast—stone dead! ood Dick’s Danger Ducks. 3 he found, to his utter astonishment, that she was not where he had last seen her! The blanket was there, but the young woman had taken her departure. CHAPTER III. WHO KILLED JOHN SMITH?—THE RUNAWAY. HERE was a startling discovery, to be sure, and for a few moments Dick could scarcely be- lieve the evidence of his senses, The young woman gone! John Smith dead! What did it mean? Had the waif awakened, and finding Smitk in camp, murdered him as he slept, and then fled? It would seem so, indeed. And yet, Dick was loth to believe that one who looked so pure and innocent could stoop to commit a foul murder, Before awakening the sleepers, he made sure that Smith was really dead, and then gave the alarm, which brought all hands to their feet “Do any of you know who committed this bloody deed?” Dick demanded, sternly, pointing to Smith’s corpse. All three shook their heads, negatively. **T allow J don’t!” Old Job replied. ‘Nor I!” declared Howell. ‘I am a sound sleeper, and did not awaken after I fell asleep!” ‘‘ By golly, you can bet I’se innercent!” pro- tested Nicodemus, ‘‘I wouldn’t murder no one, for noffin’!” : .‘* Well, I awoke a few minutes ago, and found Smith as you see him, Some one has murdered him, while he slept—a crime most horrible!” ‘It is, indeed!” Howell declared, not wincing or losing composure under Dick’s keen and searching gaze. ‘‘ Mr, Smith se2med to me to be a royally good fellow, and it is a shame and an outrage that he should be brutally assassin- ated. Ah! what has become of the person who was covered up, yonder, with a blanket, last night? A womun, was it not?” ‘Ves, it was a woman—a poor, weak, sick, wounded young lady, who had evidently travel- ed long and far, and was all but dead from ex- haustion. She wandered into our camp and wanted to rest, so I gave her my saddle for a pillow, and covered her over with a blanket.” ‘* Where is she now?” ‘* She evidently took her departure during the night. But, she never committed this crime, It was not in her to do such a thing.” ‘“Were you awake when she took her de- purture?” **T was not.” ‘* What was her name?” ‘“*T don’t know. She did not give it.” Victor Howell shrugged his shoulders, and smiled significantly. ‘‘ Well, there seems to be little doubt but what she did* the deed!” the man said, decidedly. ‘* Some one certainly did the job, and the very fact that she sneaked away, when the rest of us were asleep, is criminating in itself.” ‘* No! no! I can’t believe it,” Dick declared. ‘*T’d sooner suspect any one else than her—even you !” : Howell instantly flushed red with anger. “Curse you! how dare you insult me with such a vile suspicion?” he cried, hoarsely, reach- | ing toward his hip perches ‘**T know nothing of | a the man, except that we met yesterday after- noon, and rode along together. You'd better have a care in your choice of words!” “Pah! I’m not scared of you,” Dick replied undauntedly, ‘“‘and you’d better not pull a pop on me, if you don’t want to drop. I’m at liberty to suspect whom I please. You've got the cut of a villain, and if I were sure you killed Smith, Td st you up to the nearest tree.” . Howell fairly gnasbed his teeth with consum- ing rage, but he dared not draw a weapon, for old Job Jobnson had the drop on him, as did | Nicodemus. ‘* May curses seize ‘pes for your impudence!” the man hissed. “Til bave you know thatI am a gentleman, and don’t come of a family of murderers. In God’s name, what reason could I have for killing Smith, whom I never saw be- fore yesterday, as he told you himself? Why, sir, you are mad to think of accusing me / boring was the same one of whom Smith was telling, and that she followed on purpose to put him out of the way?” } Such an idea bad evidently occurred to Dick, but he put it aside. _ “ Well, T don’t know about that. One thing is sure—this man has been murdered, and some one did it. I have not sufficient evidence against you, or I should not hesitate to put you under As it is, I should advise you to make yourself scarce hereabouts, lest I do find criminating proof against you?” “Thank you,” Howell retorted, with sarcasm. **] will go, but from no other reason than my own choice, sir—from no other reason what- ever. If I should ever have the good fortune to meet you in the East in future, I will try to re- turn the compliment of your insult to me!” Then, turning, he stalked away toward where his horse was picketed out to graze, Deadwood Dick gazed after him with gleam- ing eyes. ‘* ve half a mind to arrest the fellow asit is,” he muttered, ‘‘ for I believe he is the murderer, as much as f believe that I’m alive.” “So do I,” said Old Job, interpreting his leader’s thougbts. ‘*I’d bet my unimpeanabe character he’s ther murderer.” ‘* An’ I feels it in my elbow-j’ints he’s de pus- son dat slewed de man.” Horvell lost no time in mounting his horse and riding rapidly away. Deadwood Dick senta random shot after him, which had the effect of accelerating his speed, and then turned bis attention to the remains of John Smith, ‘*T suppose we'll have to bury the poor fellow here,” he said. ‘* Better search him, and see ef he hain’t got something about his person thet’ll tell whar he belongs,” Job suggested. This Dick at once proceeded to do, but found not a single scrap of paper. He, however, found a buckskin money-belt, containing two hundred doWars in greenbacks. As there was nothing else tbat could be done under the circumstances, the three strangely- mated pards set to work to hollow out a grave for the reception of poor Smith’s remains, When this was done, they securely wrap the body up in a couple of blankets, and buried it, near where the murder had been done, They then broke camp, and mounting their horses, rode away from the fateful spot. Dick headed down the valley, toward where Smith had said lay Sylvan Lake. “Be yer goin’ to tackle that floatin’ island job” Old Job inquired. ‘“*T don’6 know yet,” Dick replied. ‘‘I am going as far asthe lake, and take a look at things, and draw my conclusions, later. If I think there’s any sport or money in the matter, maybe we'll take bold of it. hey rode on, steadily. Their route lay through the heart of the pretty little valley, and traveling was easy. Their horses were spirited animals, and it did not take them long to cover the ten miles of their journey, and they finally arrived on the banks of the lake, It preved to be a pretty sheet of water, some two and a half miles in length by two in width, and its shores sloped gently to the water's edge. , Not far from where they halted, stood a prett, farm-house of stone and adobe, with out-build- ings of like construction. he land running back from the lake was largely under cultivation; cattle and sheep were also to be seen grazing upon the slopes, It was quite a novel sight to see such a cosey little homestead so far from eny settlement or abode of civilization—a very encouraging sight, too. Two teams of horses were to be seen tillin the ground, and ether evidences of rural thrift were visible elsewhere. The island was seen out about the middle of the lake. As viewed by Dick and his compan- ion, it probably contained, as John Smith had sta a couple of acres. sh Well, here we are,” Dick exclaimed, as the trio drew rein at the water’s edge, ‘* and yonder is the island. It looks dark and forbidding enough to hold an army of pirates.” ‘““Thet she do,” Old Job assented, ‘ An’ it looks jes’ as 1f it war afloat on the water, which reminds me of a raai floatin’ island I once found on the upper Missouri, an’ I tell ye she was a daisy, an’ saved my life!” ' ‘* Saved yer life!” ‘* You bet! Ye see et war one winter way v7 I had the misfortin’ to lose my hoss, an’ on top o’ that come a ten-fut fall 0’ snow. I war miles from any habitation. Travelin’on foot wer’ ott o’ the question, an’ et begun to get so cold that et would freeze the whiskers off your face, I tell you I begun to git mighty scared, wi’ death starin’? me in the face, an’ war beginnin’ to think up what scripter potations 1 uster know, so’s to have ’em ready when wuss come to w - | How do : you know but what the woman you were har- | in Dakote, an’I had bin huntin’, When Dick came to look for the young lady, ) arrest, as [ have the power and authority to do. | when along came one uv them islands, a-floa , - - ~_ - ee 9
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‘within afew feet of where the three had halted, 4. down the Missouri, as nateral an’ life-like as a double-jointed zephyer, in fly-time. ‘*Smotherin’ onions! but warn’t I tickled! Sez 1: ‘Heer’s a chance to get out o’ ther wil- derness,’ an’ I jest swum out, an’ inwited myself to a ride on thet ’ar island, and away we went. “ Well, sir, I rode on thet island cl’ar down to Fort Berthold, a distance o’ forty mile, ’thout payin’ a continental red, an’ when we got oppo- site the fort, the island switched in to shore, let me off, an’ then went on her way ter Bismarck. By cracky, that was an island, now, I tell yer!” ‘* Holy Moses! what a lie!” groaned Nicode- mus. ‘May de Lord sabe you, sah, fo’ a pore sinner! I don’ wonder, sab, dat de great Bible Job was kerflicted wid biles if he tolsech whop- pers as dat!” ‘* Yes, Job, that’s a stunner,” laughed Dick, ‘and we'll excuse you from any more of the same kind, for some time to come!” ‘ “Et’s a fact, by buttermilk!” Job asserted, with a grim smile, Just then the clatter of hoofs were heard, and looking around, the trio saw a horse coming ata mad run, and aiming direct for the lake, while, clinging to it, wild with terror, was a young woman, ‘ CHAPTER IV. A VISIT TO HASTINGS HALL, THE horse was coming at such speed that ari short of a stone wall could have stopped it. Dick saw this, saw that the young lady was in deadly peril, and prepared himself accordingly. The animal seemed utterly blind, ana was aiming straight for the lake. He would pass and would no doubt plunge into the water, and the lady would be drowned, unless rescued. On came the maddened animal, swerving neither right or left, and as he swept by, Dead- wood Dick yelled to the maiden: “ Throw yourself off, when you strike the water! ; On—on, rushed the, horse, and with a mad Jeap, plunged far out into the water. The rider evidently had heard Diek’s cry, for she followed his instructions by throwing her- self from the saddle, The first horse had scafcely plunged into the lake, when Dick’s noble steed followed example, and swam out to where the young woman was struggling in the water. Dick reached her in a moment, and drew her up before him, then, turning his horse around, rode out of the lake, in triumph. ‘*Hurrah! bravely done, me boy—couldn’t ha’ done better myself!” cried Old Job, jubilant- y. ‘Golly, Marse Dick, you’re powerful brave,” chimed i Nicodemus. Dick paid no heed to the remarks of his pards, but turned his attention to the beautiful maiden he held in his arnis, ‘**‘You’ve had a narrow escape, miss,” he said. ‘* Yes,” she replied., ‘‘I feel very weak from this fright. Will you please take me home?” ‘**To be sure I will. Where do you live?” ‘*My name is Honora Hastings, and I live at the farm-house yonder.” “Very well, Miss Hastings, Pll have you home in a few minutes!” and bidding Job and Nick remain where they were, he turned his horse toward the farm-house. The latter was less than a quarter of a mile away, and the young detective soon rode up be- fore the door just as a heavily-built man rushed forth excitedly.” “Why—why, what is the matter with my child?” he cried; ‘‘ is she hurt—is she—” “Oh, no; she only got a little ducking!” Dick reassured the excited father. ‘* Her horse ran away and plunged with her into the lake, and as I was a fa gos near at hand, I went in and fished her out.” ; ‘*You are a noble young man, and you have my hearty thanks. Give me my child, and dis- mount and come in the house. shall be only a glad to welcome the savior of my daughter’s ife. “T will accept your invitation, sir, as after you have cared for yor daughter’s wants, I would have a tew words in private with you,” Dick responded. Handing Honora to her father he dismounted, and the trio entered the farm-house. Dick was requested to enter the parlor, while | Mr. Hastings supported his daughter up-stairs. | Dick found the parlor to be a Comlly-farutancd apartment, even for that far-away section of the country, the most of the furnishings being comparatively new. a a “<< It was upward of an hour ere Hastings came pants in dead earnest. The harder the job, the down-stairs, entered the parlor, and took a seat. “‘T trust you will pardon my delay,” he said, apologetically, ‘‘ but I had to see that my daugh- ter was properly cared for.” ‘Ob! certainly,” Dick replied. daughter was not injured?” “Ob, no. She is simply suffering from ner- vousness, of which she will recover, as soon as she has rest. She bade me convey to you her sincere thanks for rescuing her. and, as for my- self, you have my greatest gratitude, and if theré is any way I can fittingly reward you, you have but to name it.” ‘* Don’t mention such a thing, sir, as I could never think of taking a reward for such a ser- vice, ‘* Well, perhaps I will see a time when I can better express my gratitude than in words, Was the horse drowned, sir?” ‘*Really, I cannot say, as I came away in such a hurry I did not have time to look. I should presume, however, that it was.” ** Most likely. By the way, sir, I believe I do not know your name.” ‘Tt is Bristol, sir,” and Dick handed him one of his cards, which bore the following inscrip- tion: “*T trust your ‘* RICHARD BRISTOL, (Deadwood Dick, Jr.), U.S. Gov’t Detective.” surprise, P ‘* Yes, sir.” “You look young for that line of business.” ‘* Nevertheless, I have followed it for several ears, ‘Ts that what brought you here?” , ‘Partly. I have come to investigate the re- port of a gang of outlaws existing on the island, and if I find them, to endeavor to’break them up.” ‘* Why, how did you hear about them?” ‘*From one who tackled the job, and is now dead.” ‘*-You don’t mean John Smith?” ‘* The same.” ‘* Why, he stopped with me until a short time ago, and then disappeared.” ‘*So I am aware, sir.” * And you say he is dead?” “* Yes—murdered last night.” ‘* By whom, for God’s sake?” “That I do not know, but hope to find out. He and another man named Victor Howell spent last night in my camp, and Smith told me of the outlaws, and we made up to come on here. We went to sleep, and when the rest of us awoke, Smith was dead, with a dagger sticking in his breast.” F ‘*Good heavens, this is terrible! But where was Smith, during the interval of bis absence from my house?” ‘*A prisoner on the island, according to his own statement. He was finally released and warned to leave the country.” “Did you bury him, after you found him dead?” ‘We did.” : 5 And so you propose to hunt down these out- aws(? “Ido. I wanted first, before 1 set to work, to see you, and learn for certain if such a gang rea'ly exists,” ‘* Well, yes, I know that there is a party of men quart red on the island, but who they are is more than 1 am able to tell you, as they have never troubled me in the least, and of their comings or goings, I know absolutely nothing. ‘** But let me tell you one thing. ou may be a detective, and shrewd and fearless, but you will never succeed in capturing those fellows. In the first place, vou’ll have to be mighty sharp to ever set footon the island, and even if you do succeed in that, you will be instantly pounced upon, and killed or imprisened. They have a secret they are guarding with precious care, and are constantly on the alert.” aan to is this Lady Sylvan, their girl cap- in?” ‘*How should I know? Through Smith, I have heard of her, but no one here, at Hastings Hall, has ever had the good fortune to get a glimpse of her.” ; ‘Very strange, is it not?” Deadwood Dick’s Danger Ducks. | more reason for me to do it.” ‘* Oh, well, if you will, go ahead. You'll have to take the consequences of your rashness.” At this juncture a door opened, and a man stepped into the room, but quickly retreated and closed the door, yet not until Dick had got a good look at him. He was none other than Victor Howell, and the ciscovery caused Dick to utter a surprised ejaculation. “Why, what is the matter?’ queried Has- tings. ** Matter!” exclaimed Dick. that man in your house?” ‘Sir! why, that is my guest, Mr. Dufrane, from San Francisco!” “ Dufrane fiddlesticks! It’s the same man “Do you allow ; who camped out with me, last night—Victor iy | te Howell, whom I suspect of murdering John Smith!” : ‘*Good Heaven! what a mistake! No! not my young friend—you are greatly mistaken! This is really Mr. Dufrane. Why, be only ar- rived about an hour ago. You see, several | years ago he met my daughter, and now he has come on to see if he can’t effect an alliance with her. He is a weelthy wine merchant of Frisco.” : “‘ Sorry to say you're the one that’s mistaken, Mr. Hastings!” persisted Dick, ‘‘ but you_are, There may be one or a dozen Dufranes, in ’Fris- | co, but the man who was about to enter the ‘‘ A detective, eh?” Hastings said, manifesting | parlor a few minutes ago, but backed out on see- ing me, is the same galoot who passed last night in my camp, ten miles from here, as Victor Howell—the same chap whom I fired out of camp this morning, because I suspected him of Smith’s murder!” Mr. Hastings arose angrily. met!” he declared, rising angrily. ‘‘To sotisfy ou that you are wrong, I will call Mr. Dufrane in, personally!” Gay so!” Dick retorted. Hastings accordingly stepped to the door, opened it, and called, loudly. ‘‘Mr, Dufrane! Mr. Dufrane! Step this way, please.” ‘* Ay! ay!’ answered a voice, and a moment later Howell stepped into the parlor. His dusky face was perfectly calm, and im- passive. ; ahs ‘“Mr, Dufrane,” said Hastings, pointing to Dick, ‘that young man claims that last night, under the name of Victor Howell, you spent the night at his camp, some ten miles from bere, Is it true?” , ‘‘It certainly is not,” was the prompt re- sponse. “I spent last night ata little tavern some twenty miles south of here.” . % ‘*Ts your name Howell?” ‘* By no means!” “It is Dufrane, isn’t it?” — ‘* Certainly!” was the positive reply. ‘* How are you, Dufrane !” cried Dick, in ridi- cule, ‘*Do you feel any more comfortable un- der your new alias, than you did as Mr. Victor Howell? Ha! ha! you’re a plum-colored pome- granate, you are!” ‘Mr, Dufrane, did you ever see this remark- able young man before?’ demanded Hastings, pretending not to notice Dick’s interruption. ‘Never, in my life, sir!” Howell declared, with emphasis. 4 Very well. That will do. You may re- tire.’ Howell escaped from the room, in pretty short order, while Hastings turned triumphantly to our hero, ‘Well, young man, you see how greatly you were mistaken, don’t you?” ‘‘On the contrary, I don’t see, at all!” Dick ersisted. ‘ That man’s name may be Dufrane, out all the same he spent last night in my camp, under the alias of Victor Howell, as my men. will testify. ‘* But, fie says be never saw you before!” “* He lies, like a trooper!” ‘Sir-rh! this to me in avy own house?” ‘ “You heard the fact. He is a clear-cut diamond liar!” 4 . “You are insolent, sir, and must leave my house.” gee . “Certainly, I will! Don’t wish you any bad luck, Hastings, but if you get salted for harbor- ing this man, Victor Howell, you'll get your ‘Yes, it’s all very strange; and once again, | deserts.” Mr. Bristol, let me advise you asa friend to give up the job, before you begin it, as you will | house, mounted his horse, and rode back where ee | “Not by a jugful,” Dick unhesitatingly re- | knitting. | it it most conducive to your good health to ‘avoid that island and its occupants.” plied. ) ie. The Western prince of detectives left the he had left his companions, : ‘©So Howell is here, eh?” he mused, his brows: { ‘ / ' \ 4 - "Py 7 r 4vit”. - t 7 ‘ j bese icb ty i oe. a Soy) eS he ey AT ie vo aaa PO Cee ae ST ON LAM ROR OA CLL ee Re en ‘* You’re the most perverse young man I ever — ‘*T wonder what that signifies? Can — it be that Hastings is so green as to let the fel- _ “I intend to go for the island and its occu- low hang him up for a sucker? No! I don’t
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Deadwood Dick’s Danger Ducks. | wience at the farm-house, | ‘*No, but I’m his deputy, which aire jest the | of the ducks were picked off, while the rest of The old man listened in silence. His was an | same!” the flock took to pata flight. inscrutable countenance, “Not with me. I always want my orders Stepping quietly into the lake, Nicodemus : “So the skunk got here ahead of us, did he?” | direct from headquarters. So, William, if | swam out, secured the trophies, and brought nar he commented. ‘ Pity we didn’t yank him up | you'll take a sensible piece of advice, yowll | them ashore, in triumph. t arter the murder.” Fak git!” \ And fine specimens of their race they were. ' “You're right. I’m not only of the opinion | ** What?” It took the remainder of the day . disem- that he murdered John Smith, but that he is in ““T repeat it you git! We intend to remain | bowel them and prepare them for the purpose * league with the island gang.” here, so you can go back to your master, and | for which they were to be used. They were a *Shouldn’t wonder a hit, boyee—shouldn’t | tell himso. Now git!” andthe young detective | cleanly washed out and lined with some pieces 1 wonder a bit! an’ seein’ that the farmer took | suddenly thrusta pair of cocked revolvers under | of cloth; the necks were adjusted into natural Ae his part, et looks mighty likely that he too has | the ruffian’s nose. u positions, ca got a finger in the pie.” Bullgard made a hasty backward movement; Then all three tried on their novel headgear, 7 “The same idea has occurred to me, And | then turning, he stalked off, coward as he was, | and a most droll and ludicrous appearance they nt now that we're here, Pve made up my mind to| ‘Don’t show up around here, again, Bullock, | made. woh ‘investigate the whole business thoroughly, or | if youdon’t want to be slaughtered for fish-bait!” “ Quack! quack! fo’ de lamb’s sake, we looks ~~ bu’st.” : Dick called, after him, jess like Feejee cannibals!” declared Nicodemus “But, whar ye goin’ ter begin?” ““Oh! IT ain’t done wid ye yet!” was the an- | skipping about the tent. ‘Hi! yi! Don if “Tve not made up my mind yet. In some | swer. wish my gal Susannah Slimsington could gaze - _. + ‘way we must reach the island. Just how, I upon dis yar nigger dis bressed minnit! Fo’ de | don’t know, for we have no hoat. I must have CHAPTER VI. . ‘ | Lor’! she’d hab a fit, shore!” . ‘en _ time to make my plans, and in the mean time, Both Dick and Job were forced to laugh at yyy ee it won’t do any harm for us to remain quiet a 4 NOVEL SCHEME. the darky’s antics. The Danger Ducks were a few days, to study the situation and make ob- Iv was while he and Job were sitting on the | success! \ ‘3 ee ‘ servations,” : ; lake shore, toward sunset, that Dick remarked: The ducks were then put carefully away, and ri Fs Yas, I guess ye’r’ about right thar!” _ “Job, an idea has struck me! I think Dve | covered up with a blanket, so they were safe ay __ Within-an hour Nicodemus returned with as | conceived a feasible way of reaching the island, | from discovery by any chance visitor, owe ty). fine a string of trout and perch as one could de- | without discovery !” The men went out, then, and lay down he re " sire, some of them being regular beauties, ‘““VYedon’t say! Let's hear about it,” the sloping, grassy sbore of the lake. The night ail , _» * Fo’ de Lor’ sake!” Nick exclaimed, his eyes ** Well, you see those ducks yonder?” was warm and pleasant, and the air exhilarat- R moi, Spr Seg » “dis be de Garding ob Rden “Yes. I’ve bin watchin’ ’em for some time. | ing. The sky was clear and starlit, although ei te _ fo’ fishin’. Bet could hab cotched free bushel, | Seem sorter tame, don’t they?” there was no moon to light up the lake. se : a if I could hab carried ’em. Dis would be jes’ de “Yes, Big ones, too.” The beauty of the night seemed to charm the “ a _ _— 'wicinity. Nigger can’t lib widout hen-roost, no-| [should remark. They‘re as large as ordi- | trio so much that they were not inclined to con- F a + Beare? ows" : nary geese. But, Lordy, boyee, ye couldn’t | versation. The picturesqueness of their sur- Pie”. ue A Then that enormous mouth opened wide, and | ride one of them to the island!” _ | roundings seemed to have a lulling effect upom re on the sable son of the cotton-belt roared with | Dick laughed heartily. their senses, and they lay for a couple of hours “a ih. peapehier at his own facetiousness, “T think not,” he replied; “at least, I have | without uttering a word, Bre _ There was plenty of dry driftwood washed up | no intention of trying it!” Although it was not what could be called a. ig believe that. If the fellow’s name is Dufrane, then he was under an alias last night, and fell in with John Smith, not by mere chance, but for the sole purpose of murdering him. But, Sig for? How was Smith in his way, I won- er? **Can it be that Howell is one of the island desperadoes? Such being the case, he would have had a cause for killing Smith. Such being the case, he is not very recently from ’Frisco, Henry Hasting told a whopping lie when he said his guest had just arrived from ’Frisco, to-day. Humph! What was his object in lying? it be that he and Howell are in collusion? Can it be that both belong to the Owls, which organi- zation is a blind to cover the existence of a rich gold-mine? ‘* By cracky! this thing shall be fully investi- gated, before we leave these parts!” And deep in reflection, he rode on, to rejoin his companions. CHAPTER V. BILL BULIGARD, ESQ. WHEN Dick arrived at the point where he had left his companions, he found Job and Nico- demus engaged in a game of cards, for a dollar a corner, and the ‘‘ coon” was getting decidedly the best of the bargain. ‘Some, boys, let up on cards, and let’s get to work,” Dick cried, as he dismounted. * What doin’?’ demanded Job, “Stakin’camp. We've got enough canvas and blankets between us to make a snug little ‘tent, which we shall need, as we may stay here for some time.” ““Tho't we was going to the farm-house to board?” grunted Job. “Not much. The old man over there is about as hospitable as a hog, and we would be wel- ) Can | along the banks of the lake, and a fire was soon kindled, while Nick set to work preparing a re- past, for he was a good cook, as well as a yood fisherman. In a short time the meal was ready, and all hands sat down to it, with keen appetites. They had just finished the meal, when a man was seen rapidly approaching from the direc- tion of the farm-house, and be was coming with a vengeance, too, for his legs were of more than average length, and his strides far-reaching. He was of muscular build, with a broad chest, heavy limbs, while his swarthy visage was | stamped with ugliness and evil passions. ‘* That chap evidently means business!” Dead- wood Dick remarked. ‘Stand ready to blow him up, boys, if he attempts to draw a pop!” **-You bet we will!” assented Job. ‘* Por,” added Dick, “if the battle is to begin this early, we want to score the first victory!” “You bet we do, and, what’s more, we will!” On came Mr. Tough, until he brought up at a standstill within a few few feet of the tent, and gave vent to a snort, as he glared at the trio. “Well, who might you be, and what d’ye want?” Dick demanded. ‘‘Are you a _ book- agent, tract-pedaler, or a lightning-rod fiend?” ‘‘Neither!” was the rejoinder. ‘I’m Bill Bullgard, the bouncer, and you fellers hev got to get up an’ bounce out of this!” ‘Why, is that you, William? heard of you!” ‘““Ye hev, hey? Well, what d’yer heer ’bout me?” and the ruffian looked surprised that he was so well known. ‘* T’ve always heard, William!” pursued Dick, “ that you were no earthly good—that you were a big blow-hard—that you were even afraid of yer own shadow!” This attack fairly took the wretch’s breath. He had expected to be eulogized asa hero, rather than ridiculed. I have often The ducks in question were seemingly a wild flock, who were swimming about quite near the shore. As compared with the ordinary wild fowl they were monsters, some of them being ar large as a grown goose. “Well, what about the ducks?” queried Old Job, curiously. *‘ Want one for supper? Ef yé do, Pll pop him over, an’ we'll get Nick to swim out an’ fetch him ashore.” ‘“No! I want three of the preset of ’em, but for a different purpose. Can you swim, Job?” “* Kin I swim? Well, I should belch up @ bullfrog. Why, once upon a time—” ‘““There! there! that willdo. I presume you can swim, I know Nick can, and I’m some at the sport, myself. Now, Tl tell you my plan. We'll secure three or four of the largest, and kill’em, Then we will disembowel ’em, and fix their heads and necks so that they will remain in a natural position, When the ducks are diss embowled, we can fit them down upon our heads, and without fear of detection "ve can swim to the island. The ducks will come far enough down over our heads, so as to leave our mouths and poses, above water, and yet have our head-gear rest as naturally on the water, as though it were real live ducks. How like you the idea?” aor Job gazed at Dick, admiringly. ‘You're a brick!” he declared, ‘and the plan ought to work, There’s only one drawback I can see,” “* And what is that?” ‘‘ Why, when we approach the island, some o’ them rantankerous cusses might take into their heads to pop us over. That wouldn’t be so much fun—for us!” ‘‘Oh! there’s little danger of that!” Dick re- plied. ‘* We won’t start out until just toward dusk and the chances are ten to one we'll not attract the least attention, for there are plenty of duck about this lake. Then, too, it is highly comed by buckshot instead of bullets.” | * Youll devilish quick find out who and what | probable the outlaws have discovered our arri- After the horses had been tethered out to | Iam!” he retorted, savagely. ‘I’ve been or-| val, and surmised our mission, and they'll nat- graze, the work of constructing a tent began. wo uprights and a cross-piece of smooth sap- ling were precured, to support the covering. Three large pieces of canvas were produced, as a part of the camping outfit. These were spliced, and formed a desirable roof to the tent. Blankets were brought into requisition for the front and rear, and the tent was ready for occu- pancy. Cooking utensils were then produced from the packs, and the trio were ready for housekeeping, but the want of one thing, provender, made housekeeping a mere pretense. The contract for furnishing this essential was awarded to Nicodemus, who bad boasted of his ' skill as a fisher, and of his power to charm poul- try from the roost. So, equipped with a pole, hook and lin», the sable gent started off along ‘tue shores, to try his luck, while Dick and Job sat down with their pipes, to chat and smoke, Dick relating to the veteran in detail his expe- | | | taking a step forward. | he orders ye to take a skip!” dered, by the boss, to run you off his premises, an’ now [ want yer to git up and git!” “You don’t say!” ‘‘-You kin bet yer sweet life, an’ ef ye don’t skin out lively, Pll bounce yer!” ** You don’t say!” And folding his arms across his chest, Dead- wood Dick eyed the rufiian. deliberately—at which Bill Bullgard was both astonished and enraged. That the young man should dare to brave his wrath was somethirg he could not understand. ‘* Be yer goin’ ter git, or be ye not!” he roared, ‘* Nixee git!” was the cool answer. ‘* What?ll we git for, William Henry Bullock?” ‘Because yer’ ordered to. These ’ere lands cl’ar around this lake, belong ter Hank Hast- ings, an’ he won’t hev ye trespassin’ on ’em, so “ Sut, you are not Henry Hastings?” ee ee . i t wis r ‘ Ww : ~ ; \ e ‘. i > teks OR Ry Ee aA SIONS STN gine ies Re DET Binley nal: Mle Shek My HOME urally be rather chary of discharging firearms, as it will betray their presence on the island.” “ That’s so. Waal, I opine the racket orter work,” ‘ “ We'll not attempt the swim until to-morrow ,night, and by that time we'll have everything in readiness.’ * How about our guns?” ‘We can’t very well carry them along, but my water-tight bag will hold our revolvers, you know. I don’t intend to have any shooting done, if we can help it. If we take any pris- oners, it will be better to use strategy, rather than force. “* Go get our rifles and fetch Nick, We'll se- cure some of those ducks before they get too far away!” Job obeyed, and soon returned with the wea- pons, accompanied by Nicodemus, all ready for a swim for the game. When all was in readiness, four of the finest oe . ae
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‘i " J “ a , " P's . light night, one could see some little distance out upon the still water. The island, however, was not in sight. As he lay half-reclining upon the grass, his mind actively employed in thought, and his gaze ! roving out upon tbe Jake, Dick thought he saw a dark object a couple of hundred yards upon the starliti water. He looked again, and then became sure be saw | it. It was a dark ball, that bobbed up and down—now you saw it, now you didn’t. Dick’s curiosity was aroused, but he resolved to say nothing to his partners until he was sure what the object was; so he watched and waited. Two minutes passed; then Dick formed his conclusion what the bobbing, ball-like object was. It was the head of some person swimming ashore! It was now considerably nearer to land than when he had first discerned it; so he called old Job’s attention to it. ‘* Yas, ’ve had my peepers on the objeck,” was the reply. ‘‘ What d’ye make of it?” ““ Why, it’s the head of some person, who is swimming ashore!” S ‘Just my think. They’re tryin’ to s’prise us, hey, thinkin’ we’re asleep?” ‘I reckon that’s about the size of it.” ‘“ Why don’t ye take yer gun, and puta buzzer through the cuss’s noddle?” “No, net yet, If it’s one o’ the outlaw gang, it will serve us better to capture than kill him! Let him get nearer, and [’ll hail him!” The ball-like object appeared to be approach- ing more rapidly now, and soon was within a dozen yards of shore. Then Deadwood Dick sprung to his feet and brought his rifle to his shoulder. ‘* Hello! who comes there?” he cried. “Stop! don’t shoot, for God’s sake! I am a friend,” was the faint answer. ‘Who are you?” shouted Dick, ** An escaped prisoner!” ‘All right; come ahead.” A few minutes later a dripping figure emerged from the lake, and sunk down upon the bank, panting from exhaustion. Dick and his pards surrounded him, and saw that he was a young man, apparently about | He wore a slight mustache and | Dick’s own age. possessed a rather pleasant face. ‘* Had a pretty hard time getting ashore, eh?” ** Yes,” was the gasping reply. ‘I was prett weak when [ struck out, and it wasa hard pu to get here!” / “Well, I have an extra suit of clothes in my saddle-bags, so come to our tent and get on some dry duds, and you’ll feel better.” he fellow thankfully accepted the offer, for ‘the water was cold, and he evidently was chilled. So they adjourned to the tent, Nicodemus re- maining outside on sentinel duty, Sightiog his ever eeedy dark lantern, Dick produced dry clothing anc few minutes the stranger was comfortably clad. Then, Old Job, who was never Without “ the | needful,” gave him adram, whereupon the young man announced himself as feeling better, and thanked God that he had succeeded in making his escape,’ ** You say you are an escaped prisoner,” Dick said, when they were seated, ‘“ We should like to hear the particulars,” “Very well. I have no objections to giving them, for I hope you may never have to pass through what I have. “My name is Fred Hart, and 1 came to this vicinity from ’Frisco, six months ago, to work for that villain, Henry Hastings. I worked faithfully for him for three months, and during that time was foolish enough to fall head over heels in love with his daughter, Honora, and sne with me, ‘We managed to keep our affection for each other, for a time, from the old man’s notice, but he finally found it out, and that we were en- gaged, and then he set up a howl, and discharged m e. “That night, as I was traveling through the valley, I was set upon by two masked ruffians, knocked down, clubbed nearly to death, and taken to the island in the lake. ~ “There, I was put in chains, fastened to a tree, and that has been my home, ever since, All the tramping space I had, was about ten feet, and there | have been forced to remain. “Think of 1t! three long months of that sort of imprisonment, in all sorts of weather! I wonder I am here to tell of it, now. ' ** Once a day, a chunk of raw meat and a jug of water were given me, but I was glad even to et that, for I never gave up hope but what some day I would escape, to wr vengeance on moccasins, and in a | Deadwood Dick’s Danger Ducks. | earthing: Day by day I worked at the chain | belt that girded my waist, hoping to break it, may be sure I lost no time in getting off the island. | Dick said. ‘‘Tve had a taste of imprisonment geon not farfrom Sante Fe. Who were your keepers?” * Although there were other ruffians on the named Bill Bullgard, until two weeks ago, when Bullgard was replaced by a man of better well-dressed fellow 1 and goatee. He treated me more civilly than Bullgard.” ‘* Victor Howell!” Dick said, turning to Job, | with a nod. | ‘Yas, I persume so,” was the reply. | “Did Henry Hastings ever visit you, Mr. Hart?” ““Only once; then he spat in my face, and kicked me! But, wait! twice what I have suffered—the execrable scoundrel!” and the ex-captive grated his teeth, while a deadly light shone from his eyes. ‘*T shouldn’t blame you a bit, if you did!” Dick replied. ‘‘I’m somewhat of a believer, myself, in the border code: ‘an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. By the way, Mr, Hart, is it true that there is a gold mine on that island?” ‘*-Yes, and that is where Hastings is getting all his riches. When he came to this valley, a ; year and a half ago, he wasn’t worth a thou- sand dollars. Now I presume he could claim a z00d half a million. y him. Most of them are murderers, whose secrets he holds, and they dare not refuse to work for him, lest he give them up to justice, for he keeps a detective on the spot as his super- ; intendent, and this fellow is armed with war- rants for every man!” ‘It’s a wonder they do not murder him!” **Bah! they have no weapons, while he is a Besides, the detective has two bloodhounds with him, constantly. The men are locked in a cabin at night, and the hounds set free. In daytime, | Curly, the detective, is about, of course. “Then, again, the men don’t want to leave. have not gambled away their gold!” CHAPTER VII. MORE INFORMATION, “How many people are there, upon the isl- and, Mr. Hart?” Dick asked. ‘At present there are six laborers, Curly, the detective, and the girl. Then there are two | sentinels, who keep watch that no one gets on | the place, and Bullgard and his successor, when- ever they happen there about once a day!” ** This girl-—who is she?” “They call her Lady Sylvan, but her real | name is Lena Lucas. She is another one of , Hastings’s victims, and likewise a prisoner. She , is kept locked up, most of the time, but one day she watched her chance, and came to me, told me her story, and begged me that should I suc- ceed in escaping, [ would assist her. ‘“‘She is a niece of Hastings’s, and was his ward, and a member of his family, up to with- in a sbort time before I entered his employ, when she fell heir to an immense fortune in the old country, which, she being under age, was to be paid to her guardian, for her, in monthly in- stallments of somewhere about six thousand dollars, ata San Francisco bank. Hastings being her guardian, at once saw a chance to get her fortune, and had her shut up on the island, where she has been since, while he has been ocketing her belongings, month after month. h! he isa scoundrel, whose equal was never | known. ““ Day before yesterday Lena escaped, but by | some means was recaptured, and was returned to the island this morning by Bullgard.” ‘““How about her being in ‘the island patrol boat?” “That is for effect. Her feet are bound to the bottom, to keep her from jumping overboard, When any one is found to be trying to get upon the island, she is forced to warn them to keep away.” ve The island must be rich in gold to pay the miners so much.” x: ‘* Indeed it is! The entire surface is sand im- ua | and to-night, at last, it gave way, and vou | ‘Well, you-have indeed had a tough time!” | | . ° } myself, but it was ’way down in a deep dun- | island, no one ever came near me except a brute | appearance, whose name I do not know—a | with jet-black mustache | Vll make him suffer | He professes to own that , island, and the ruffians upon it are only hired | waiking arsenal, and watches them like a hawk, ' They get five dollars’ worth of wash gold, per | day, an allowance of whisky, and theic grub, | y and I suppose some of ’em are pretty rich, who | . = a > ! | pregnated with wash-gold. In the center is @ sand mound, which is pricelessly rich in geld. The men have been digging away there for a. | year, and you can scarcely see where they have | worked and washed. Itisastrange phenomenon too, this island, for in no other part of Southern Oregon, can gold of any paying amount be found,” “Tt is remarkable, [ll admit—the whole thing. Do you think Hastings has any lea! claim to | the island?” | “Yam certain he has not. He came here and | took up lands belonging to the Government, with- | out making any move toward pre-emption. In fact, ke dare not, in his own name, for he is wanted in ’Frisco, to-day, for various forgeries and rascalities, in some of which the Govern- ment is interested.” ‘** Then, [ need not hesitate about carrying out my plans,” Dick observed. ‘* What plans?” queried Hart, | “TI intend to take possession of that island,” | Dick decided, promptly; at which Hart laughed ironically. “*T don't know who you are—do not even know your name,” he said, ‘‘but you are foolish to think of such a thing!” ‘Why so?” ‘Because, do you suppose Hank Hastings, when he is coining money at the rate of a thou- sand dollars a week, or over, would allow you to. snatch away his prize? Well, I guess not much! He’d organize an army of all the ruffians in Oregon, first. He has possession, and that is: nine points of the law, in this wild and remote region.” . “But, I can dispossess him. Iam a United States detective, and can arrest him for lifting gold on Government property. That in itself is a misden.eanor. How far is it to the nearest telegraph station?” ** About forty miles, as the crow flies. _ burg is the nearest.” 2. ‘‘Then, sending to ’Frisco for official aid is out of the question, at present. I must make the arrests myself, when all is in readiness, and take my batch of prisoners to Salem. »Oh! Dll work it, never fear!” Rose- ' ceed, even though I’d like tosee you,” Hart said. ‘* How do you propose to proceed?” ‘* Well, in the first place, I propose to capture every person on the island, and make prisoners of all, except Miss Lucas, whose testimony TI. want against Hastings, the same as I want ours!” ; “You shall have mine, with a vengeance!” Hart declared. ‘‘ But go on!” ‘* Well, after I have made this move, I shall perhaps arrange to have the present miners re- main on the island in my enrploy; for 1 shall pre-empt the property. However, I shall arrest the detectives, sentinels. the man Bullgard, the man with the black mustache and goatee—whom I think I can prove to be Gilbert Golden, of Sa- lem, who cut his step-mother’s throat in order to get possession of her money—and, last of all, the: Hastings family. All of these I shall send to Salem for trial, on the ostensible charge of con- | spiring to defraud the Government, but reall to secure them for various crimes, Then, I will fetch more men to the island, and work it in arrangements with the Government!” “Tl bet you a bottle of nectar you don’t suc- dead earnest, after having made the necessary. | “Not Honora—you must not arrest her!” | Hart protested, quickly. ‘‘She is as innocent. | as you are!” | “Do you mean to tell me she is innocent of | her father’s wrong-doing?” : | ‘Perfectly so, She has not the faintest idea | but what he is just what he appears to her—the. | soulof honor. Til swear she knows nothing of his villainy, and if you will agree to spare her from arrest, Vl join you in your plans, although : I am fearful that they will terminate disas- trously.” ‘It’s a bargain! But, why do you fear they will terminate disastrously? ‘* Because, in the first place, it will take all your ingenuity to get on the island, The sen- tinels on duty are as sharp as foxes, and guard every ig literally, at one and the same time!” | | ! { | ‘John Smith succeeded!” ; |. ‘But, was captured, and locked up as soon as he reached the island. In the daytime the sen- tinels are vigilant—at night the bloodhounds. are on duty, and can scent human approach stranger’s life to step upon that spot when they | are turned loose.” ‘* Nevertheless, we shall make the attempt to- morrow ,night!” Deadwood Dick announced. | “We have quite a novel arrangement for the | enterprise, and, I think it will work.” from afar, and give the alarm.: It is wortha. - wa a 2 one d t SREP es Serene + ee: os
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Se h (a eS berms “ z V0) bts Oa. tr As Ney ; te! ? - / ¥ e \ +3 ty, ey fae astically. ‘it’s the most novel thing I ever heard of, by Jove. The only thing is those accursed dogs. They are to be feared, Cap- ture the detective and sentinels, and the battle is half won, for the other men are not armed. When do you propose to start?” * To-morrow evening, at dusk.” “That will be a good time. The dogs will be feeding in their kennels then, and the men will be at supper.” “Will you accompany us?” “YT don’t know,” Hart replied. ‘I shall have to leave you, before daybreak, and seek a hid- ing-place. It won’t do for me to remain here, to-morrow, for when it is found I’ve escaped from the island, a great hue and cry will be made, and spies will be sent out to see if I am here. ** The order will be to shoot me at sight, when they find me. Sol shall have to keep shady. if I am not here when you start for the island, 1 will have a duck prepared and be on the spot shortly after you—yes, perhaps before, for if I can get there while those infernal dogs are eat- ing, [ll throw some poisoned meat to ’em, that will effectually settle their hash!” “Capital idea! But where are you to get your poison from?” ‘There is a bush that bears a berry, whose juice produces instant death. A little of that juice on a piece of meat will fix the dogs.” “Then 1 hope you will sueceed in fixing ’em,” Dick said, with a smile. ‘I am pt I haven’t a wig and false beard, so you could disguise yourself and remain with us. I usually carry around a good stock of such things with me, but neglected to bring any along this trip.” “1¢ will be better for both of us if I do not remain here, for if I should be discovered, it would make it bad for all hands, I will get away pretty soon under the cover of darkness, and secure a good hiding-place before daybreak. I know just the place.” About an hour later he bundled up his wet clothes, and, saying good-night, took his depar- CHAPTER VIII. GRAVE SUSPICIONS. *» DICKEY, me boy?” “Well, Job, what is it? You look as gloomy as did your namesake when he was troubled with boils.” ** Dickey, me boy, Pve got a sort 0’ premono- tory that all ain’t right.” “ A premonition, you mean, Job?” ‘Waal, yes.” j as “Why, what’s troubling you? Everything is lovely, and the goose hangs at a fine alti- PGeLe 0 “Waal, I feel sorter uneasy like. You're a darned smart feller, boy, an’, as l’ve seen on several occasions, you’ve got pluck an’ grit enough for a dozen men. But it strikes me there’s one thing ye’re sorter lackin’ in.” . *“What’s that, Job? I should like to know, so as to, if possible, make a correction of that par- ticular defect,” ‘“* Well, I don’t jest know what the dixyunary word fer it is, but ye take too much stock in what folks tell ye.” ‘““Why, how so?” “Ca’se ye do. Whena feller reels off to me -a yarn as long as a s’arch-warrant, [ makes it a Yint to set aside one-hundredth part of it as a are possible truth, and the rest of it as a con- demned lie!” ** Wel, I don’t know but there’s a little horse- sense about that, too. Yet, Job, you must re- member you go a little wide of a certain scrip- tural commandment sometimes. But who are you flinging stones at, anyhow?” “ The feller who jest left us, to be sure. How do ye know but what he war givin’ ye a ghost story, an’ so will scoop ye in?” _ ‘*Pshaw! no. He told a straight story, and I'd stake my life on his veracity. I’m a good judge of human character, I flatier myself, and if he’d been lying to me, I should have knewn it. Why, what caused you to suspect that he was not telling a straight story ” “Well, one reason was because, after having seen them ducks, he tuk a sudden notion et war about time fer him to slope, Hadn't mentioned et, until he found out how we proposed to reach the island!” ‘ “ah i | es If he square, so dismiss all thoughts to the contrary from your mind!” There the discussion dropped; but, by the ex- pression of the old frentiersman’s weather- beaten visage, it was easy to see that he was not satisfied. The hour was now late, and it was resolved to | get some rest, preparatory to the work ahead for the next night, when it was not likely there would be much sleep; so as Dick did not ap- prehend that they would have any more visi- tors during the nocturnal hours, Nicodemus was called in from guard duty, and the three threw themselves down upon their blankets, The lantern, however, was left burning, so that in ease of sudden trouble, they would have some light on the subject. Dick was never a sound sleeper, in bis most secure moments; and to-night, he rolled and tossed about on his blanket, simply in an uneasy slumber, Suddenly in this light sleep, he was assailed by an intuition of human presence—imagined some one was looking at him, His eyes opened, and he sat bolt upright. He was not mistaken. The curtains were parted, and the ugly head of Bullgard was thrust into the tent! Quick as a flasb, Dick drew a revolver and fired, but, quick as he was, the heud was with- drawn quicker, and the sound of retreating footsteps, an’ absence of a cry of psin, warned him that for once his aim had failed him. ‘*Confound the rascal,” he growled, ‘tI won- der what he was lurking around here for? I’m sorry I didn’t wing him.” He sprung to his teet, and ruslied from the | tent, but Bullgard was nowhere to be seen, swered: ~ The shot of course aroused both Old Job and Nicodemus, and they came rushing from the tent, demanding to know what was the matter, Dick briefly explained. ‘*Humph! the cuss came here to murder us!” Job declared. ‘“*No, I think not,” Dick replied. ‘‘ More likely he was sent to see if Fred Hart was here.” Job shrugged his shoulders, ‘* Ye will have it that feller was an escaped prisoner?” ‘To be sure I will. You, nor no one else could convince me differently!” “Well, wait! We'll see, You'll be con- vineed, when ye find out differently!” ‘*Then, and only then,” There was,no more sleep that night, nor were there any more prowlers near the camp. Morning at last dawned, and after Nicodemus oa caught a mess of fish, breakfast was soon had, During the forenoon Hastings was seen riding toward the camp, mounted upon a splendid bay horse, * Wonder what he’s coming here for,” Dick said, as he and Job stood in front of the tent. “ He'll geta warm reception if he gives me any of his insolence.” “He's cum to order us off, likely,” was Job’s view. Henry Mastings did not look in a particularly unpleasant mood as he rode up and drew rein, ** Good-morning, Mr, Bristol,” he saluted, with a bow, : ‘* Good-morning,” Dick returned, civilly. “TI thought I’d ride over, Mr. Bristol, and tender an apology for my seeming aggres- siveness toward you. I’ve found that you were right, and had I heeded your warning I’d be better off.” ‘** How du you mean?” “ T speak of that infernal scamp representing himself to me as Alex Dufrane, of ’Frisco.” “ Well, isn’t he Dufrane?” ‘** By no means. The cursed rascal was a rank impostor!” “T told you so,” smiled Dick, ‘Very true, but I doubted you. So much for being a fool. The fellow skipped out some time during the night, after chloroforming us and going through the house, securing my daughter's jewels and fifteen hundred dollars in money.” ‘ You don’t say!” “«-Yes, and I don’t suppose there’s any use of trying to follow him!” ** No eartlily use,” Dick calmly assured. ‘‘ The fact is, you ought to be glad you’re livin’.” Hastings winced a little at this, but an- “I suppose so. By the way, Bristol, can’t you come over and take dinner with us? It was \ Pet = . a ~2 a Ma PI ae het) Pe ey as 5 SN peas: pret my daughter's express wish that I should invite you.” ‘*Very sorry, sir, but it will be impossible for me to accept the invitation. 1 am very busy, and can’t get away.” ‘*Mapping out plans of how to get on to the island, [ presume?” “Well, yes, partly that.” ** Hope you’)! sueceed, When do you propose to make the attempt?” “That's uncertain. As soon as I can get | ready, and I can’t say when that will be.” “ey Vell, I must be going. Sorry you can’t dine with us. Remember you are a welcome guest at any future time. Good-morning.” * Good-morning.” Then the farm-owner wheeled his horse and galloped away. CHAPTER IX, A TRAITOR AFTER ALL! ‘THe confounded old hypocrite! I wonder if he thought he pulled the weol over my eyes!” Deadwood Dick exclaimed in disgust, after tings had ridden away. ‘‘I wonder if he takes me for a fool, anyhow?” ‘““That’s about the size of et!” old Job de- clared, ‘‘Do you suppose Howell has left the farm-house?” “Possibly, but, if he has, he’s gone over to the island. The invitation Hastings gave me to dinner was merely a dodge to get me there and drug me. They already beyin to fear me, and while they are evidently averse to committing outright murder, they want to get me quietly out of the way!” ** Yes, et kind o’ looks that way.” The day passed slowly panies to Dick, who was anxious to put his plans into exeeution, His was one of those restless spirits, who, when adventure was in prospect, was anxious to hurry up the coming and possible events. Nothing was seen or heard of Fred Hart, dur- ing theday. He had evidently found his pro- posed hiding-place; if so he was not a spy of the Owls. Was he true? Finally the shadows of night began to gather over the landscape. The trio had everything m readiness for their departure, Their horses were securely lariated out to fresh grass, Their rifles, saddles, and other effects they were fore- ed to leave behind, in the tent. Just before the dusk became too dense, Dick made a welcome discovery, with the uid of his lass. A flock of wild ducks were hovering on the water, near the island. As soon as it became dark enough so that the island was but dimly perceptible, the three men put on their strange headgear, took a last look at their camp, and gg out into the lake until they got neck-deep, when they struck out on their novel and uncertain journey, and swam toward the island, None knew what fate was in store for them or whether they would ever reach mainland again, or not, They had entered upon an ad- venture, which, say the least, could but be at- tended by great peril, Dick’s confidence and pluck never wavered, hgwever, and he took the lead. As the three swam, they kept but the mouth and nose above water, and thus their duck-head covering moved gracefully along on the rippling waves. The deception was complete, and would have fooled an experienced hunter. Steadily on swam the three brave men; for Nicodemus was as plucky and venturesome as his white brethren, The island at length loomed up close at hand, and soon they were in the shadow of its banks, All was as silent asthe towb. Nota sign of life was visible along the shore, For several minutes the three ‘Danger Ducks” cruised along the banks, making no ef- fort to leave the water. Then, still detecting no sign of human pres- ence, Deadwood Dick clambered ashore, His comrades immediately followed, and the three sat for a minute upon the bank, to regain breath, for, in truth, they were pretty well winded, As they sat thus, they were suddenly pounced upon by not less than half a dozen powerful men, and, despite their desperate struggles, were bound, hand and foot, Then they wero seized by the feet, and dragged swiftly back through woods, until they came to an open glade, about in the center of the island, Here was one large log cabin, and several smaller ones, formed ina sort of circle at the outskirts of the glade. as-—
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In front of each of these burned a camp-fire, ia lit the glade in every part with a lurid glow. Here the prisoners were placed upon their feet, and saw around them nine persons, six of whom were their villainous-looking captors. The seventh person was a sharp-featured, hook-nosed, ferret-eyed man—with curly hair, and whom Dick at once set down as the detect- ive Fred Hart had spoken of. The eighth individual was none other than Victor Howell, while tae ninth was the ruffian, Bill Gullgard, ‘* Hol hol my fine fellows, so you got here, did you?” Howell cried, exultantly. ‘ You will come nosing around where you've no business to, will you?” ‘“Dve nosed you out, at any rate, Gilbert Gol- den!” was Dick’s defiant retort. The villain started back aghast. “What's that?’ he demande1, fiercely. “T say, I’ve identified you,” replied Dick. «You are Gilbert Golden, the Salem murderer, You cut your mother-in-law’s throat, in order to get ber money. I took your trail and have feund you. You should have chosen a better disguise than hair-dye, you detestable villain!” "You lie! you lie!” yelled the man, rushing up to Dick, and striking him a stinging blow in the face. ‘Dl choke the life out of you for ly- ing about me, you infernal cur!” and his hands clutebed Dick’s throat in a vise-like gripe. “No, ye don’t!” cried Bill Bullgard, rusbing forward, and foreing the wretch to relinquish | his grip, after which he hurled Golden away. “‘If there’s any chokin’ to be done, mister, jest wait till the boss comes, He'll attend to that. Av’ you keep yer.dukes off the prisoner or I'll break yer jaw. I den’t luv this cuss much, my- sell’, but you ain’t goin’ ter touch him when his hands air tied. opine ef he was free, he’d do you up im a holy second!” “You bet I would!” declared Dick, at which there was a snicker among the crowd. As for Golden, as we shall henceforth know him, he slunk back, with evil-gleaming eyes, and had nothing more to say. ‘Better fasten the prisoners toa tree!” the "Frisco detective advised Bullgard, ‘‘ The boss may not be here fer an hour yet.” The order was obeyed, the trio being tied to trees, but a few feet apart. Then silence prevailed, as far as the captors were concerned, The outlaws stood around and stared at the prisoners, with grim expressions of countenance. They wer2a hard-looking set of men, bearded, frowsy haired, and slovenly dressed—men whose natures long lives of vice had corrupted beyond redemption. ‘Curly, Billi Bullgard and Golden, withdrew to one side, and conversed in an undertone, The camp-fires burned brightly, the flames leaping high and spitefully into the air, as if to mock the prisoners’ discomfiture. Dick took the capture the coolest of the trio, although he, too, had keen misgivings for the future. He was well aware that he was a prisover in the fold of a pack of human wolves, and what fate was in store for him and his com- panions he did not dare to contemplate. One thing he was resolved on: if he was to die, he would die game. y Old Job was grim, and plainly down-hearted, while the rolliag whites of the eyes of Nicode- ee told that be was frightened nearly out of is wits. Cheer up, Job!” Dick said, encouragingly. “ There's no use crying over spilled milk, We're better off than half a dozen dead men, re ‘* Not much,” was the reply. ‘‘ Ah! boyee, ef he only heeded my suspicions consarnin thet Fred Hart, we’d not be in this fix now.” ‘* Maybe not, but lam net yet sure that we owe our capture to Fred Hart!” ‘*T wish I was assure o’ ever gittin’ off this cussed island, alive.” “Oh! it is not ey theyll kill us—at least, not you and Nick, If they elect me to that fate, why I ain’t afeard to die!” ** Waal, you've got grit, boyee!” Just then a man came running out from among the trees, lt was Fred Hart! He was a traitor, after all. ; “Tt’s all right!” he shouted, ‘‘ the captain will be herein a few minutes !” CHAPTER X. A SINGULAR TRIAL. “ TuerRE!” exclaimed Job Johnson malicious sort of triumpb. ‘‘ Didn’t I thet he war a decoy an’ a villain?” ‘TJ must confess to your superior judgment,” / with a tell you | Dick replied, a little crestfallen. ‘‘ Well, that’s the way the world goes.” aeet Hart came sauntering smilingly for- ward. ‘*Good-evening, gents!” he saluted. ‘Sorry to see you in this fix; I am, by Jove. But, I had to do it in order to save my own bacon; I did, by Jove!” ‘*You are an infernal liar and a villain—a contemptible sneak and coward!” Deadwood Dick declared, with flashing eyes, “ Lightly, now, lightly. Wait till you hear from me. I was imprisoned in chairs, just as I told you. There was no gamin about that. Part of the rest I told you is true—part fiction, But, enough of that. I was near dead in the chains. I was in torture, and should have gone crazy if I’d stayed there much longer. ‘They came to me and offered me a chance for my life. They said I must first join the gang; then I must swim to your camp, repre- senting myself an escaped prisoner, and tell a lot of ghost stories about this island, and so forth, and find out how you intended to reach the island and report back, so you would fall into their clutches. **T hated to do it, but the temptation of free- dom was too much, andI consented. You know tow well I succeeded. All I’ve got to say to you is, that you were too confiding a gilly, suf- fering from big head. Very likely you willsoon be where I was. If so, here is a bit of good, solid, sensible advice: As I did, go thou and do likewise.” Then the traitor passed on with a sardonic laugh. ’ Deadwood Dick’s anger was so great that he ; could not give utterance to a word, and from | their silence it was evident Job and Nick were in | the same state of feeling. | Now followed another wait of full half an hour’s duration—-a wait for the arrival of the captain, whom Dick was convinced was none other than Henry Hastings. Dick occupied the time in gazing inquiringly about him; and asa result of his observations, came to the conclusion that the report of a gold mine on the island was all a hoax. The even | surface showed no sign of having ever been dis- | turbed by pick or bar; nor did the ruffianly gang who hovered around him have the appear- are of men who were accustomed to delve for oO e xs What, then, was the occupation of ‘‘ The Owls?” At last there went up a shout, as two figures pc from among the trees, he captain was coming, sure enough, and, as Dick had surmised, he was none other than Henry Hastings, His companion, much to the prisoner’s sur- prise, was—Honora! Both father and daughter were well attired, making a marked contrast with their confed- erates. Curly, Bullgard and Golden came forward and greeted them, after which Hastings alone turned to the prisoners, Honora remaining aloof. ‘* Well, Bristol, I see you have at last carried out your plans, and persevered in reaching the floating island,” Hastings observed. Dick shut his teeth close, and made no an- swer. ! At which the Captain of the Owls laughed dryly. % Oh! there’s no use of your sulking,” he said. ‘*T believe I warned you against coming here, and told you you would have to take the con- sequences of your rashness, and they are very grave!” Still no answer from the detective prince, other than the vengeful gleaming of the tell-tale eyes. “Yes, the consequences are very grave,” Hastings repeated, getting no answer, ‘This island belongs to a band of desperate men, known as the Owls of Oregon, and they con- sider it sacredly their own, safe from the en- croachment of civilization. They never disturb or molest any one beyond the boundaries of their own domain, amd consider it a punishable offense for any one to trespass here, “One man tried it,,and received the full measure of the Owls’ vengeance, Then you came, and learning that it was also your inten- tion to penetrate the secrets of their home, they resolved to also make an example of you; so a trap was set for you, and you fell intoit. You have no one to blame but yourself.” ** Who said I had, you murdering scoundre!?” cried Dick, unable longer to restrain his rage, “Oh, pooh! I do not care how much you abuse me,” was the reply. ‘‘ You wouldn’t heed Deadwood Dick’s Danger Ducks. leit my advice, and I do not hold myself responsible for what may happen to you. You will be tried on the merits of the case, and Lady Sylvan, the queen of the island, will sentence you, accord- ingly. While I hate to see a smart young man like you go to ruin, it is not in my power to go contrary to the will of the people. Boys, bring the prisoners forward.” And then the thief walked away. In front of the door of the larger cabin was’a low platform, on which were three chairs. To these Henry Hastings and his daughter pro- ceeded, and became seated, occupying the two outside chairs, and leaving the center one va- cant. The prisoners were unloosened from the trees, their feet freed, and then were marched in front of the platform, where they were bound to three posts that were there planted in the ground, ‘The outlaws gathered around, close in the vi- cinity, grim and silent, The man, Curly, and Gilbert Golden, occupied positions at either end of the platform, and the eyes of the latter gleamed with unspeakable ex- ultation. Henry Hastings surveyed the prisoners for several minutes in silenne, as if weighing in his mind what tosay. His face was hard and un pitying, and noticeable for its grayish pallor, something unusual was this, too, for he was nat- urally of an apoplectic complexion. Honora’s face was very pale, too, and as hard. expressioned es that of her father. When Hastings had gazed at the prisoners in silence for fully five minutes, he turned to Curly. ‘Bring Sylvan!” he ordered, Curly obeyed, by entering the cabin, and re- turning directly, leading a maiden by the hand, who was attired in a fiowing robe of white, and. whom Curly forced back upon the vacant chair in a way by no means gentle. The three prisoners gave a start when they saw the maiden, for they recognized her, She was the waif who had appeared at their camp, ten miles up the valley, a few niights be- fore, and whom they found missing in the morn- ing. Ter face was almost corpse-like in its pallor, and her eyes were red from recent weeping, She gave the prisoners one swift, startled glance, and then dropped her gaze. She evidently recognized them, and Dick © could see that she was trembling violently. With all his heart he pitied her. Hastings spoke a few words to her in an un- dertone, at which she grew, if anything, paler’, and with a crying gasp, sunk hack unconscious, Water was quickly dashed in her face, and it took several applications before consciousness was restored. Then, she did not look up, but continued to tremble like an aspen. After speaking to her again, in an evidently menacing tone, Hastings arose and began: “Prisoners. at the bar: As representative of the Owls of Oregon it is my duty to try you for the unjustifiable and unlawful crime of trespass, with ‘intent to rob. ; “The Owls of Oregon are not a body of men banded for plunder, but they are a people—a band by themselves, separate from the world with their own laws and their own individual rights;—a reople few in number, but strong in their own domain. This is their State, their em- pire, and they hold it sacred to themselves, They rightfully claim to do as they please in their own home, without outside interference; they right- fully claim that no one has any business to en- croach upon them, or meddle with their affairs. Yet you have sought to do so. ; ‘““They regard your invasion as a misdemean- or, and according to their Jaws this misdemeanor is attended by severe punishment. “Therefore, you must abide by the conse- quences of your rashness and accept the sen- tences passed upon you with the best grace pos- sible, Pe. “Your judge will be Lady Sylvan, the queen of the isle, anda woman whose wisdom is pro- found. and impartially. ' * Coléred man, what is your name?” ‘‘ Nicodemus Noodle, sab.” “« What is your age?” “Twenty-eight, sab.” “What is your occupation?” “‘ Hain’t got none, sah,” ‘ * Are you not a detective?” “No, sab.” ‘“‘ Why did you come to this island?” “ot dar was gold here, sah.” “Did you not know this island was ited?” ; ? f ‘ I will now try each of you separately, — inhab- :
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Pt A ewe ee eed a ro ea! aed ota x sca it, to say the least. ! © No, sah.” “Did you not know you were committing a grave misdemeanor in coming here?” **No, sah.” “Have you any relatives living?” ‘** None dat I knows ob, sah.” . ‘* Nicodemus, I fear your early training was sadly neglected as far as veracity is concerned. Lady Sylvan, what shall this man’s sentence be?” Lady Sylvan was trembling like a leaf; ber lips moved, but no sound came forth. ** Speak up!” thundered Hastings savagely. There was a momentary silenco, then she faint- ly replied: ‘* Clive him to the dogs !” ‘Nicodemus Noodle, the sentence is: ‘Give him to the dogs!’ That means you will be un- loosed and given twenty yards tho start of a air of bloodhounds. If you reach the water be- ore they do, you are all right, If they reach you before you reach the river, may God have mercy on your soul! Bullgard, bring forth the dogs!” CHAPTER XI. DICK’S SENTENCE. A Wain of terror went up from Nicodemus as he heard the inhuman sentence imposed upon him, “*Oh, fo’ do Lor’, good massa, don’t set de dogs on dis pore nigger!” he pleaded, quaking in ci terror. ‘Oh, don’t, good massa! Dis yar chile nebber did no harm to you, sah—deed suah he didn’t, sah! For de lub ob de great Jerusalem, spar’ dis pore soul, who nebber done any one any harm, ‘deed he didn’t!” But Hastings turned upon the appealing man, and Jaughed heartlessly. ** Oh, you inhuman fiend!” cried Dick, almost beside himself with rage; ‘if God will only spare mo until I can tear your heart out and trample it beneath my fect in the dirt, [ will be so thankful!” But his words were unheeded. From a pen near by Bullgard led forth two savage hounds, whose eyes were like balls of fire and who lapped their chops as if hungry for human bivod, - Four stalwart Owls then released Nicodemus, and conducted him toa point some twenty yards from the hounds, whic distance brought him near to the edge of the glade, It took the united efforts of the four men to hold him, so great was his desperation, At the word from Hastings they let him go, and he darted inte the woods, The bloodhounds started the sgmeinstant in hot pursuit, baying fiercely as they went. ‘*May God grant he escapes!” Dick said to Job, whose chin was dropped upon his breast and who seemed utterly dispirited. “ Ay, ay!” was the fervent response, Every one listened with a sort of fascinated horror for some tidings of the resuit of the race between the negro and the dogs, All they could hear was a thrashing through the underbrush and the baying of the hounds, and finally even these sounds ceased. . The dogs, ere long, came sneaking back, looking decidedly .sheepish over having lost their game, “ By all the furies, the dogs let the nigger them!” cried Hastings, “Hurrah! hurrah!” yelled Deadwood Dick. “* Bully for Nicodemus!” “Shut up!” roared Hastings, ‘‘ You’ve no -cause to yell. If the nigger did escape, you won't!” i “Can't help that, you fiend!” Dick retorted. “Pm only glad that one of us was lucky enough to escape!” ui Hastings’s reply was a curse, “Comes, old man, look up!” he ordered. “What's your name?” ** Job Jobnson!” was the prompt reply, «| What's your business?” ““T’'m a miner and prospector,” “What did you come to this island for?” “Ter assist in breakin’ up a nest o’ cussed ‘thieves an’ cut-throats, blast yer picter!” was _ the blunt response. “Oh! you did, eh? Well, you're frank about Where do you live?” . ‘¢ Nowhar!” _“That’s a place I never heard of. How old are you?” Rete & Bixty.” - “Qld enough to be in your grave long ago. ‘Got avy relatives?” ary one,” “Did” you know this island was occupied, when you came here?” et Deadwood D ick’s Dan “Yes, 1 reckon I did,” ‘** Did you know it was unsafe to come here?” “Heard so.” **Then, why did you come?” *Ca’se I wanted to,” ‘*Do you want to die?” ‘* Hain’t purtic’lar about et, jest yet awhile!” | “Now, look here, Johnson; you're a pretty rugged old reprobate, and likely to be useful for several years, yet. To save your life, would you take the iron-clad oath of an Owl, and be- come a faithful member of the gang?” ** No, I wouldn’t!” “ You'd rather die, then?” “Ruther than become a blackleg and a cut- throat, yes !” ‘‘Then you shall have your choice. Sylvan pass sentence on this man.” Sylvan’s lips moved, but the prisoners could hear no audible response, Hastings bent close to her, and then straight- ened up: ** Job Johnson!” he said, ‘‘ your sentence is as follows: You are to-night to receive forty lashes upon the bare back, doused with salt wa- ter, and locked up. This treatment will be con- tinned every day, until either you join the Owls, or kick the bucket. ** And, now, Mr. Deadwood Dick, we'll attend to your case. What have you got to say for yourself?” returned, nonchalantly. *“ You are, hey? Well, I must say 1 admiro your nerve. You are inclined to be funny!” *“*T was born that way, d’ye know!” What ** None of your impudence to me, sir. was your prime object in coming to thisisland?” “lo find out what sort of a place it was, see what was going on, and so forth!” You found out, didn’t you?” ** [ should remark!” ‘**T suppose you realize you’ve poked your nose into the wrong hornets’ nest?” ** More appropriately, a snakes’ nest.” *“As you will. Do you know you can nover leave tiris island alive?” “ Not till you told me.” “Well, you can’t. By rights, you ought to be put to death immediately, but you area smart fellow, and would make a valuable addi- tion to the Owl organization—” _ “Let up on that!” Dick cried. ‘You might just as well try to induce me to join Satan’s first regiment of imps and become adorned with horns and tail. No Owls in mine, if you please!” ‘** Sylvan, sentence this man!” was the flerce order, ‘No! no! no! he shall not be sentenced!” Sylvan cried, springing to her feet, and rushing from the plattorm to the stake, where she threw her arms around Dick’s neck. ‘‘I love this man, aud you shall not barm him. Kill me if you like, but set him free!” Hastings looked thunderstruck, ** Well, I like this!” he growled, . ‘She loves the vagabond, and yet never saw him before, Bullgard!” ‘ Yes, boss!” ‘Take the girl away, and lock her up, Pll at- tend to her case later on. Tl sentence this fel- low myself!” Bullgard tore the screaming girl away, and dragged her rudely into the cabin, and locked the door upon her, » _ Hastings, then turning to Dick, said, “I am inclined to be lenient with you, in hopes of your joining the Owls as tbeir lieutenant. So, in- stead of making it instant death, I will make your first sentence three days in the chains, If ou have not come to terms by the expiration of three days, you shall be buried alive !” CHAPTER XII. POOR JOB’S FIRST TASTE OF THE LASH. Drapwoop DIcK received this decision with- outa murmur. He knew it was his death sen- tence!—knew it because he would die before he would yield to the enemy, and become an Owl. His face was perfectly impassive; he made no comment whatever, He thought not of himself, noble fellow, but of the suffering old Job must undergo. The old man s:emed utterly broken down at the sentence imposed upon him, and stood at the stake, with his head bowed and eyes riveted upon the ground before him. ‘Cheer up, Job, poor fellow,” Dick said, and there was moisture in his eyes as he spoke. ‘Perhaps we may escape yet.” > £ , : "i | “Oh! I’m feeling quite well, thank you!” Dick ger Ducks. ————$_—$ ———_—— a ‘ The old man shook his head, gravely. ‘* No, that is out of the question,” he answered huskily. ‘* You may, but I—never. They will kill me by inches, but they'll find me game to the last!” ‘*T know they will, Job. You would be the last man to weaken. Maybe it would be better for you if you did join these fiends!” ‘Me? No! never, never!” ‘*No more will I. I will die like a man, first!” ** Here, too. An’, Dickey, ef I go under, and it should be your fortune to escape, you may some day run across a chap they call J ay: Johnson—sort of a sportii’ feller, you see, Waal, he’s ason of mine. Jist tell him ter me that his old dad died game, as all the Johnson family have done, of our race of Johnsons, an’ tell him I hope he'll keep a stiff upper lip, am’ if it is fate to die with his boots on, he’ll be as game as was his dad before him.” “Pll tell him; and Job, no matter how'ex- cruciating may be your pain, when undergoing punishment, bear this in mind: If it should be my good and unexpected luck to escape from this island, with my life, 1 promise you that your wrongs shall be fully and terribly avenged!’ “ Thankee, boyee, for them words! They'll help'the old man to bear the punishment with greater fortitude.” At this juncture the voice of Hastings was heard. ‘Put the younger prisoner in chains, and see that he has nothing to eat or drink for three days.” A heavy stake had already been deeply plant~ edin the center of the glade. It was some ten feet in hight, and at the top was a stout iron ring, connected with which was one end of. a long, heavy and short-linked chain, A fine-lnked chain belt was locked about Dick’s waist, and interwoven in this belt was a stout iron ring, Dick was unbound from the stake in front of the platform, and conducted to the center of the glade, where the loose end’of the long chain was eoevied with the ring in his belt, by a stout padlock. The thongs that bound his limbs were then removed, and, although he had a radius of twenty feet roaming space, he was a prisoner for all that. His pockets were then searehed, and every- thing removed, after which he was left to him- self, : ** Prepare the old man for tho lash!” was the next stentorian order of Hastings. bucket of salt water to dose him with after he has received the forty Tig ent “Oh, you hellion! If I only could get free. wouldn't) [ make it warm for you!” reathed Deadwood Dick, with set teeth, ‘‘ but, maybe my chance will come yet. I’m not so sure [’m going to wear these chains for three days. Woe be unto you and your marble-hearted daughter, Iienry Hastings, if ever I do get free!” | For he felt bitter toward Honora as well as her father. She had sat throughout the trial cold and impassive, withont seeming to have the least interest in, or mercy for, the prisoners. ‘She had glanced at Dick several times, but it was a cold stare which betrayed no recognition of the man who had saved her life. Evidently she was as hard-hearted as her cold- blooded parent. Old Job was now unfastened from the stake and stripped of his clothing to the waist, He was then rebound with his face toward the stake, : ‘Now, then, Bullgard, get your whip!” Hast- ings ordered, “‘and give the prisoner forty . lashes, and you needn’t be lazy with your mus- cle, neither!” ; Bullgard nodded and grinned, and entered one of the cabins. ; , He soon returned with an ugly-looking bull- whip, and at a signal from the Owl captain, be- gan to lay on the lash, Every cruel blow drew blood. But we will draw the curtain over the scene, Suffice to say that when the fortieth blow was’ struck, Old Job had not fainted, nor had he uttered a cry of pain, although his back was raw and bleeding sore. A bucket of salt water was now dashed over his back, and the intense agony thereby pro- duced caused him to utter a loud groan. ; He was then released from the stake, dragged away,and locked up in a cabin that had no windows. Poor Job! n How Dick’s heart bled for him; how he chafed in his chained restraint, and sa ec to his Maker that he might be free, to wreak vengeance for the horrors and sufferings of this terrible night! While Hastings was giviug instructions to \ , wT ‘“\ Have a |, -*
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4 h i a) prOm-y ’ ~ _ Deadwood Dick’s Da Curly, prior todeparting for home, his daughter Jeft the platform and walked over to where Deadwood Dick was confined, taking good care, howeyer, to keep\just out of his reach, ‘Tam sorry for you, Mr. Bristol,” she said. “Ves you are!” Dick returned. _‘ You’re fearfully, awfully sorry! Methinks I can see you shedding tears of sorrow by the bucketful. Your hell-hound father is sorry, too!” “You must not blame me for my father’s misdeeds,” she said, flushing, ‘for Iam not re- sponsible for them, and am powerless to prevent them, You saved my life, and I.would like to save yours, but I dare notattempt it. Papa would kill me!” **O4! you needn’’ put yourself toany trouble!” Dick retorted, coldly. .‘* You’re as bad as he is, cr you would not have come to witness the . 10 ktog scenes of to-night!” ‘* Papa forced me tocome. I didn’t want to cone, but he would have killed me if I hatn’t. ‘Ty said he wanted to harden my heart. Heaven ws what I have seen to-night is enough to Lerden any one’s heart.” ‘i domt think it could make any impression yours!” was Dick’s sarcastic response, /.t which Miss Honora turned away. liustings and his daughter soon afterward left the island, accompanied by Gilbert Golden. Then things became quiet, The camp-fires burned low, and the men dis- appeared within the cabins, except one sentinel, who paced toand fro across the glade, witha repeating rifle at his shoulder. ‘¢Poor Job,” muttered Dick, as at last he lay down upon the ground. ‘‘How he must be suffering |” CHAPTER XIII. A WOMAN’S VENGEANCE, “By golly, dat was a cluss shave, if ebber dar wus one!” lt was mid-day, succeeding the night witness- ing the events chronicled in our last chapter—a beautiful day, with clear sky, radiant sunlight, and balmy breezes. , Up the beauteous valley of the Sylvan Lake, some three miles from the Hastings farm-house, a Gilapidated specimen of the colored race was sitting upon a bowlder, sunning himself, , As the reader may imagine, he was none other than Nicodemus Noodle. And such a noodle! A sorrier looking ‘‘ coon” could not have been found within a thousand miles. His clothing was half-torn from his person, and where patches of bare skin were exposed to view, there also were bloody scratches. He was hatless and barefooted. Poor Nick! He had escaped from the island of horrors with his life, but that was about all. ‘* Ves, dat was de clussest shave I ebber had in my life,” he mused, as he sat gazing at the ground before him, rather dubiously. ‘ Je- rusalem! but how dem dorgs did git down an’ hump ’emselves, An’ how dis nigger did git down an’ hump hisself, likewise accordingly! Dem dogs nipped, an’ dis chile tucked! ‘* But, I beat ’em--yes, golly, 1 beat ’em fo’ suah. Dey had deir moufs ali puckered up fo’ a squar’ ole coon feed, but dey got leff—ha! ha! dey got badly leff, fo’ suah! Whoof! but didn't I make de dust fly, tho’? No tar-heel "bout dis chile, if his feet am a trifie small! he Too bad ’bout dese clotbes,” he muttered. **Dem dogs wasn’t no respecters of pussons, or dey wouldn’t hab ampertated so much of my duds as to make me disrepresentable fo’ society, Golly, but ain’t I glad my gal Susanna ain’t yar to see me! She'd bu’st her sides a-laffin’, fo’ suah! But, tain’t no laffin’ matter, Dis yar nigger nebber was fetched to go p’radin’ roun’ in rags, nohow. Wisk some feller wid gud clothes w’w’d come dis way, an’ golly, ’'d make him swap, I would fo’ suah! TI hab de induce- ments, right yar, to make bim swap even!” And he laid his hand affectionately on his re- peating rifle, which leaned against the bowlder. In swimming ashore, he had ‘taken the pre- caution to land at the camp and secure his rifle, wuich he had carefully hidden in the grass, This was about the only thing of any value remainivg there, the horses, saddles and other effects having already been spirited away. §», that, at least, Nick was not defenseless, **] wonder ef they killed Marse Dick, an’ ole Johnsing?” he mused, his face growing grave. ‘*Golly, | s’pose I orter go. back an’ find out. Dey was bofe good frien’s tome. Can’t help it, dough! Don’t ketch dis nigger back on dat island ag’in, no sah-ree!} “Tf Tse to go back dar ag’in, dem dogs would | demolish de rest of dis nigger’s wardrobe; den w’ot de worl’ he do? De ole man uster tell me dat charity begin at home, an’ I reckon de ole man orter know suthin’ "bout charity, for he | was s’ported by it fo’ a hull year, after he wuz caught in Parson Davies's hen-roost—Hello! who | dis a-comin’?” A woman was coming up the valley, from | the direction of the lake. Sho was well-dressed, and graceful of carriage. “By golly, det’s Miss Honora Hastings,” Nick exclaimed. ‘' Wonder what she’s doing up dis way, so fur from home? Reckon dis nig- | ger better make hisself scarce, till she go by.” There was a large clump of bushes directly | back of the bowlder, and seizing his gun, Nick lost no time in concealing himself. Miss Honora came tripping clong, and halted by the bowlder. She was looking very pale, and evidently had | been weeping. She had stood by the rock but a few minutes, when dashing down the valley came a horse- man. When he reached where Honora was stand- ing, he drew rein, and leaping to the ground, clasped her in his fond embrace. ‘* Honora, my darling!” he said, kissing her. “Roderic, my hero!” she murmured, return- ing the caress. “Ob! yum! yum! yum!” muttered Nicode- mus, in the thicket. ‘* Honora, my precious, how has the world been using you?” asked her lover, who was dressed as a lieutenant of the U. 8. Army. ‘*The world has been using me better than its people, Roderic.” “Ah! how is that? Why, you have been weeping!” ‘“'Yes, [have been weeping, and little’s the wonder I have. My father has been whipping | me!” ‘“ Been whipping you? your father been whip- | ping you, Honora? Pray explain!” ‘*T will, Roderic. I have been keeping some- | thing from you—something I ought to have | told you, long ago, only I didn’t dare. My fa- | ther is, I am ashamed to say, a very bad, un- | scrupulous man. a farmer, a counterfeiter, and the chief of a band of counterfeiters, who have their head- He is, while pretending to be quarters on the island opposite our home. : | | ‘Of late, my father has become devoid of all | principle, and, among other things, has asso- | ciated with him a villain greater than himseli— | a man named Gilbert Golden. ‘“This morning he tried to force me into: an | alliance with Golden—a wretch whom 1 loathe | and despise—and when I positively refused, he | whipped me until my back isallsore. I finally | escaped and came here, expecting to meet you, | as you had promised to be liere.” “The brute!” Roderic exclaimed. ‘* Why, I will go to the farm-house, and thrash him with- in an inch of his life.” ‘No, you will not! Vengeanceis mine! My father and I are forever estranged, and he shail ay dearly for every blow he struck. How ong will it take you to bring a company of cavalry to Sylvan Lake?” ‘¢ Less than forty-eight hours.” “Then fly at once and bring them. Break up the counterfeiting den, and arrest every one connected wita it, and then and only then will I | be ready to become your wife!” ‘* Honora, by the heavens, it shall be as you | say! I will have the cavalry here‘at the earliest | ! | | | possible moment!” **Good! And, remember this—there are two risoners on the island whoare doomed to death. | ne is an old man, who is to receive forty lashes a day until he succumbs to his horrible | fate. The other is a Government detective, who | is to be kept three days in chains, and then, if | he refuses ty join the band, he is to be buried | alive!” ‘** Horrible! horrible!” , “ Very true. I hope you will try and get back | so you can rescue the detective at least, for he — rescued me from drowning, and it would drive | me insane were he to die so horrible a death.” —_ | “I will go at once,” Roderic replied, “and | you may rest assured [I will make all haste pos- sible. One kiss, and then I'm off, darling!” The kisses were exchanged; then Roderic | sprung into the saddle, pnt spurs to: his horse, and dashed away up the valley like the wind. Honora watched him a few minutes admiring- ly, then turned to return toward home, when, to her utter horror, she found herself confronted by Gilbert Golden, who seized her wrist in a | grasp of iron, his eyes gleaming with a light of diabolical triumph. peers r dni " ee - berth * ‘ tA ng inf had Nae Pea k! We anger Ducks. ff — ‘* Oho! so you have another lover, have you?” he cried, leering vengefully into her face, ‘ and you would betray your geod father into the hands of his enemies, would you?” ‘* Release me, sir!” Honora cried, striking him in the face with her left band. ‘‘ Release me, L say!” ** Weill, I cuess not, my daisy. P’m going to lead you right home to your honorable sire, and have you tell him all about your pretty little | scheme for revenge.” “Guess yer ain’t,” cried a voice, ‘Jess yo? take yore han’s off’m dat gal, or Pll fill yo’ chuck full ob lead!” Nicodemus was around. He had emerged from his concealment, and his rifle, cocked and ready for use, was held within a few inches of Golden’s head. The villain, half startled out of his wits, ut- tered an oath, and instantly let go of Honora’s wrist. ‘That's right,” declared Nick. frow up bofe han’s!” With another imprecation Golden obeyed. “Dats c’reckt. ow, Missy Honory, jes’ you paddle right along hum, fast’s yer can. Don't let no berry bushes grow’n under yar feet nuther. I’ve got a chicking-bone ter pick wi’ dis yar chap, arter yer gone!” Only too glad, Honora hastened away, and was soon bidden from view. ‘¢ Now, den, es CHAPTER XIV. NICK MAKES A TEN STRIKE. As soon as Honora was out of sight. Nic- odemus turned his attention to Golden, ‘Yo’ ken put down yore han’s, now,” he said, “but mind yer don’t try to run, or ye’r’ a dead man!” ‘¢ What in the devil do you mean, you infer- nal nigger?” fumed Golden. ‘*Curse you, Dll make you pay dearly for this meddling!” ““No yo’ won't, fo’ dis yar nigger won’t let yer. I’se got you, Marse Howell, jes’ whar I | want yer, an’ I’se goin’ to keep yer dar, "til T gits good an’ ready to let go. How much ’d yer pay for dem yar clothes?” ; “What's that your infernal business?” ‘¢ Lots! I likes dem yar togs, fo’ suah!” ‘*Oh! you do, do you? Perhaps you'd like to have a suit like ’em, you black-hided ras- cal!” “Deed an’ Nick. And well he might. Golden was attired in a substantial suit of ex- pensive goods and fashionable cut, His shirt, collar, scarf, cuffs—ajl were of the best mate- rial, while the polished tile upon his head glistened attractively in the sunlight, His finger-ring, a diamond scarf-pin and gold watch and chain, were things the possession of which made Nicodemus a very Curious man, “Yas, reckon I'd jes’ like to hab de hull out- fit,” Nick confessed, ‘Guess dis yar nigger look like a reg’lar dude, wid dem duds on, fo’ suab, No objections ter my tryin’ dem on, hab yo’”, Mr. Howell?” * “What do you mean, you black rascal?” ““T means dat I wants ter swap togs wi’ yo’, so jes’ you peel yourself, or I blow a bole frew yer!” cried Nick, raising the rifle to his shoul- der. ‘*Come, dar, hurry up, ’fore dis yar gun goes off an’ yer a corpuss!” “What? You cursed black dog, would you rob me of my clething?” gasped Golden, really horrified. ‘No robbery ’bcut it, sah!” Nick assured, blandly. ‘Fair exchange no, robbery, yo’ know, sab. When you gib me yore wardroue, de hull business, I gib you mine? “Curse upon you, Dll die first,” roared Golden, : ‘Den die you will, sah!” Nick cried sternly, “If dis yar nigger hain’t got dat bull outfit, julery an’ all, inside ob five minutes, he blow yar brains out right dar where yer stand. So eel!” : : Imagine the feelings of the arch villain. To part with this elegant outfit in exchange for the God knows [I would!” grinned -negro’s tattered garb, was a thought so huimili- | ating that it nearly drove him crazy, He raved, he swore, he stamped about, but all to no use; Nicodemus kept the drop on him, un- varyingly. nally realizing that there was no hope, he began to part with one garment after another, and throw it on the grass, as Nicodemus direct- — ed, until, at length, he was entircly disrobed - even to his shoes and stockings. It took the negro but a moment to “‘shuck” HT i } }
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} 5 ' } what little raiment he wore, and kicking it to _ Golden, he said: ‘* Now, jes’ you take dem dar duds, and |. skedaddle down de valley out ob sight, Dis yar nigger don’t care about makim’ his toilet in de presence ob de common white trash, Git!” With an oath, Golden picked up the bundle of rags, and disappeared, glad to get out of sight, to hide his mortification and to give vent to bis an zer. After a good hearty laugh at the sudden change in his fortunes, Nicodemus proceeded to asafe spot to array himself in his newly ac- quired suit. The clothes throughout, fitted him to a nicety, The hat was a size too small, but he could make it work. Fortunately Golden had a large foot, and by dint of much squeezing, Nick got on the shoes and stockings, and he was fixed. In all Oregon, a more ‘ gallus-looking” colored gent could not have been found, Besides Golden’s clothes and jewelry, on searching the pockets, Nick found himself the possessor of over a thousand dollars in bills! * Golly! ain’t dis yar de dandy coon, tho’? Phew! kin go.back to Atlanta, now. Won’t all dem common nigs stare when dey see me?” An’ Susanna!—whoof! g’way! She'll be jes’ tickled to deff to seeme. But, if say, Nicodemus, you’re a fool to stay yer’. Guess you’d better be gittin’ out of dis, Dar may be trouble.” And shouldering his rifle, he started on up the valley, nevermore to return to the region of the Sylvan Lake. In the meantime, down the valley, in an ob- secure nook, Gilbert Golden had, with unspeak- able disgust, assumed the rags given him by the '. darky, to hide his nakedness, and a most for- lorn looking mortal he was, With neither hat nor shoes, his appearance bordered on the ludicrous, and yet, would have aroused pity in the heart of an anchorite. Having tired of cursing and swearing, and grown sullen and revengeful, be sat upon a rock, in silence. What in the world he was to do, was more than he could conceive. Here he was in this unsightly masquerade, without money or friends, To be sure, he presumed by going to Hastings Hall, he could get fitted out with some sort of a swit of clotnes; but in the daytime, when, in all probability the first person he would meet, would be Honora:—that he could never endure. He must wait until dark, before he made the venture, Ah! a thought struck hin—something that had not occurred to him, before. ,’ *She’s sent her lover, Roderic, after the cav- alry. In forty-eight hours they'll be here, bu’st up the counterfeiting business, and arrest every one connected with it,. If ’m here, theyll ar- rest me, too. But, ’m nosucha fool. 1 won't be here! “ Hastings has money, and a plenty of it, too, I judge. He has no safe, and must keep it in that desk of his. It will be an easy matter to open that. He sleeps in the adjoining room, to be sure, but what of that? [ve had a hand in such business before and will work the racket again, I guess.” The villain grew less gloomy, as he pictured his fancied success, and his thoughts grew so animated that he almost forgot his ragged con- dition. _ The afternoon dragged by slowly, to him, but the shadows began to lengthen, in the valley, and he set. out on his way toward the farm- house. : Never having gone barefooted, since boy- hood, his feet were of course very tender, and the rocks cut or bruised them at almost every step, careful as he was in his movements, and so slowly he progressed that it was well after dark ere Golden reached the vicinity of the farm- house, The sky was overcast with clouds, and the night was very dark, so that the would-be burg- lar could get quite near the house without dane ger of being seen." He made out that Hastings, his housekeeper, and the farm hands were seated on the piazza, Honora was not there. / “In her room, likely,” Golden commented. * Now is my time,” All the doors and windows of the house were open, for the night was warm and sultry. Skulking around to a side door, he gained en- ‘trance to the house, and made his way up- stairs. Sitting on the piazza, in his easy-chair, Hast- ings was wondermg why Golden did not return, when he heard a pistol-shot within the house, ‘ re™ Ducks. Se nae A mR rue ee a 2 SAT a an Mate NE and Honora came flying out upon the piazza, a | toward him—something white and ghost-like, moment later. ‘Papa! papa! come quick!” she cried. “TI have shot a burglar who was trying to break into your desk. Come with a light and see who it is.” All rushed into the house, and procuring a light, went up to the library. There, lying stretched out upon the floor, in a pool of blood, lay Gilbert Golden, rags.and all. ‘*My God! it’s Golden!” ejaculated the coun- terfeiter chief. “Yes, it’s Golden, and I’m done for sure, this time,” was the faint reply. ‘‘'The girl shot me, and she shoots mighty straight, curse her!” “But, what are you doing here, and in all these rags?” ‘The nigger robbed me of my clothes, and gave me these. I waited ‘til dark, and then sneaked in here to see if I couldn’t find some- thing decent to put on, before any one saw me.” ‘* But, Honora says you were trying to break open my desk?” ‘* She lies, curse her! She lies /” Hastings turned to question his daughter, but, Honora had withdrawn from the room. ‘* Oh! she’s gone!” Golden said, significantly. ‘She was afraid I'd give her away, and so I will!” ** How do you mean?” ‘““ Why, when she left the house to-day, I fol- lowed her, fearing she meant suicide. She went up the valley three miles, and there was joined by a cavalry lieutenant—a lover of hers —whom she called Roderic. Ever hear of him?” Hastings nodded, with a scowl. ‘‘- Yes: go on!” he ordered, peremptorily. “Well,” pursued Golden, his voice growing perceptibly weaker, ‘after they had kissed for awhile, Honora told her Roderic that you had been whipping her, and that you were a bad, unprincipled man, and counterfeiter aud chief of the counterfeiters, who lived on the island, and said she wanted revenge on you, for having given her the whipping» She told_about the prisoners on the island, and begged Roderic to go and fetch the cavalry, break up the counter- feiting business, and put us all under arrest. Then, and only then, said she, she would be- come Roderic’s wife. He started off in hot haste, saying he would have the cavalry here in twenty-four hours!” Hastings’s color was deepening toan apoplectic ue, ‘Golden, are you lying to me?” he hissed. ““No, lam not, I am dying, and you don’t suppose I want a lio on my *last breath, do you? Hastings turned to the farm-hands. ‘* Boys! go and find Honora!” be commanded; “search high and low for her, and don’t return until you find her. Her life shall pay for this!” The men bowed, and went out. “Tm going pretty fast!” Golden said, ‘The ‘jig’s up, and. you’d better skedaddle, Hastings. The cavalry will surely be here, and if they ketch you, it will go hard with you.” ‘“*T know it!” was the grim reply. Two hours later the farm-hands returned, say- ing they could find nothing of Honora. CHAPTER XV. IN DURANCE VILE, DEapwoop Dick’s first night on the island, was unattended by any sleep. He tried hard to sleep and rest, so as to keep up his strength, but the painful activity of bis mind together with the constant pacing to and fro of the sentinel precluded the possibility of repose. His thoughts ran to and fro between poor Job Johnson, and the mysterious Lady Sylvan. Who was she? Had Fred Hart told the truth about her? Or, was she some other victim of thé arch vil- lain, Henry Hastings? That she was in his power, there could be no doubt. That she feared him, there was equally no doubt. J It was by his authority that she had pro- ;, nounced the sentences. He had told ber what to say, and she dared not disobey him. She had rushed to Dick, thrown her arms fee his neck, and declared that she loved im! All such thoughts as these filled Dick’s mind, Toward morning, in the darkest hour before the dawn, the fires had all gone out, and the oe had ceased to pace to and fro across the glade, Perhaps he had fallen asleep? Then it was that Dick saw something moving / Pe r : / ,* a os - ’ tees See ee Leer ee Se Le ee a ae ee SS ee eee ee aE eae oe tw which he could faintly discern through the dense gloom. His heart beat faster. Was it Lady Sylvan? He almost hoped so, for, since her declara~ tion that she loved him, a peculiar tender feel- ing toward her had pervaded his being. earer and nearer came the white figure, un- til it had knelt beside him, and he knew it was indeed Lady Sylvan! She reached forth her hand, and he clasped it in his, and thus they remained for a couple of moments, in silence. Then, she spoke, ‘**T hope you are not angry with me?” she said, in a faltering tone. : A hig: not,” he replied. ‘‘ Why should 104 ‘* For sentencing your friends,” “Tt was not you whosentenced them. It was that demon Hastings, who told you what to say, and you dared not disobey him!” ‘Tam glad you have guessed the truth,” she said, with a sigh of relief. ‘1 did not want you to be angry with me, I did dare disobe- dience when it came to sentencing you. I am - very, very sorry for your old friend,” “So amI. I expect they will use thepoor old fellow up!” ‘Yes, I fear so, I wish I could rescue him, and you, too, but I cannot. I have no keys.” “Sylvan, who are you? Why are you, ap- parently, so pure, here among these human wolves?” She drew a long sigh, that seemed to come from the innermost depths of her heart, and re- mained silent. : ‘Tell me,” Dick said, gently pressing her hand. **T cannot!” she replied. ‘‘ You must not ask me. The secret of poor Sylvan’s life will never be known,” “Strange! If you were to tell me, I would be the last one to betray your confidence.” “‘ L know it, without your telling me. I know that you are all that is good, noble, upright and honorable, Still, I cannot tell you. You must: be content with the knowledge that 1—Il—love rou. She bent closer to him and imprinted a burn- ing kiss upon his forehead; then, said quickly, at the same time disengaging her hand: ‘““There, I must be going now. Listen! The sentinel comes this way. Good-by! we may never meet again in this world.” And in a moment she was gone, If Dick had been pining for sleep before, this little episode drove ali desire for it away; so he sat up and leaned his back against the post to which his chain was fastened to think, “ Strange! strange! about that girl!” he mut- tered. ‘She’sauenigma I’d give a deal to solve. Yes, to know the mystery concerning her, give a day of my life, and I reckon I,hain’t so many loft that could spare any, either.” . Directly, the sentinel came along and halted. “Well, how you makin’ it?” he asked, in not an unfriendly tone. en comfortable as avy chained dog,” Dick replied. ‘ Ain't used to sleeping on the ground, eh?” “Oh, yes, ’'ve slept on the ground many a night. Ain’t used to being chained up likea wolf, though.” The sentinel laughed. ; “Well, it ain’t very nice, Pll admit!” he said. “Thadaturn at it before I joined the gang and got the whip, besides. Cap’s a hard cuss to deal with. Ever smoke?” \ “Yes, occasionally.” ‘Well, here’s my pipe an’ tobacco and some matches. I know what it is to be without an occasional whiff.” Dick accepted the proffered articles with thanks, and then shouldering his gun, the senti- nel tramped off, Dick put in the rest of the time till daybreak in a good old-fashioned smoke, which made him feel immeasurably. better. When the sentinel came for his smoking ma- terials, he said: “Tf I can get ito the pantry before any one’s up, Pll try an’ smuggle ye out a hunk o’ bear- meat, providin’ you can go it raw?” ‘** Well, I guess I can,” Dick laughed. “I can eat anything from an elephant-steak to a ten- penny nail.” . A The guard went away, aud, sure enough, in about ten minutes, returned with a luscious hunk of bear-meat. “Get away witu it now,” he ordered, ** fore any one ketches ye.” ve “You're a brick!” the prisoner complimented,, and began an attack upon the meat, over which. =
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“18 aerate for the remainder of that day. r When he reached the door of the big cabin he blew a call upon a whistle, at which signal every man hurriedly entered the larger edifice. ‘*' There’s something in the wind, sure,” Dick soliloquized, ‘‘ and it must be that there’s trouble brewing for these scoundrels, Perhaps Nicode- demus has met some parties and is leading them to our rescue!” Had he seen Nick at that moment, attired in | his dude suit, and making long strides toward | the bounds of civilization, he would have thought otherwise. The Owl captain and his men remained in the big cabin for nearly an hour; then they all filed out of doors, Hastings included. ‘* Wetch out the prisoner!” he shouted, ‘‘We will finish that job at once. Two of you get your spades and dig a hole for the other one over there in the woods. We’veno time to lose. I’ve got the horses all ready on the mainland, at the southern end of the lake.” Old Job was once more dragged forth from the prison cabin, more dead than alive. ‘*Stand him up here before me!” roared the Owl captain, and this was done. ‘‘ Now, old man, the time has come for your final dose, We’re about to vacate this island for a safer re- treat. Will you join us or not? If not, you will be tied, to that stake and flogged to death, Give us. your answer, quick!” Job shook his head firmly. ‘‘No! I won’t jine ye!” he declared. ‘‘ You've nigh about killed me Now ; it won’t take much more to finish the job! ** All right, old man. If you’re hankering after grim death, you shall be accommodated!” and Hastings switched his bootlegs nervously, with the terrible whip. ‘‘ Away with him, boys, to the stake. Hesays it won’t take long to finish bim, and I guess he’s about right!” Once more Old Job was pinioned to the ter- rible whipping-post, to undergo a torture worse than death itself, He seemed nerved to meet this which he realized was to be his la:t torture on earth, When he was fastened to the post, Hastings called to Bullgard, who hung aloof. ‘* Here, you Bill! take the whip,’ and don’t stop,until you’ve finished the Job you’ve so nobly begun!” Bullgard shook his head, ‘‘No! boss, 1 can't do it!’he said, ‘lve struck the old man the last blow Ill ever strike him, and I’m heartily ashamed I ever struck him, at all!” * What! you dare to disobey my orders?’ and the Owl captain drew arevolver. * ‘*'Yes, I dare disobey your orders!” was the dogged: reply. ‘* Shoot me if it will give you any satisfaction, but I wouldn’t strike the old man again for the best fifty-thousand dollars in the land!” ‘Then take the penalty of disobedience!” snarled the captain, and leveling his six-shooter, he fired—once! twice! tarice! With a groan Bill Bullgard fell to the ground, wounded to the death, “ Serves him right!’ commented Hastings. ‘“* He would have betrayed us, sure. Now I suppose Tsl have to finish the job, for finished it shall be, before I leave this island.” He took a pocket-flask of liquor from his pocket, and indulged in a deep drink, after which he picked up the whip and proceeded to the horrible act of slow murder, striking with all his might, as if he would cut the bleeding body in twain. Old Job fainted, after the fourth blow, but the inhuman fiend at the whip continued the castigation, until the fortieth blow was struck, when even his Own men in- terfered, ‘‘Let up, captin!” they said. ‘The old man’s dead, long ago!” Hastings threw down the whip, “Well, I'm glad it is over. He's got his deserts. Now for the other!” and he strode over to where Deadwood Dick was standing, with pallid face and gleaming eyes, his hands clinched until his nails neavly entered the flesh. ‘* Well, young man, your partner is dead!” Hastings announced, with diabolical coolness. “Yes! and for every pain he suffered, you fiend!” cried Dick, fiercely, ‘‘ Pll yet make you suffer a thousand agonies!” “Oh! you will,en? Hal ha! I fancy after ‘he guard had sprinkled salt, and which was not at allunpalatable. It made a good, solid, strengthening meal. The camp was soon astir, but beyond an oc- seasional man, most of the gang kept to the main cabin, which was evidently where the counter- feiting was done. After breakfast, Curly came and examined Dick’s chains, and then went away. During the forenoon, Fred Hart came saun- tering leisurely along. ‘ Ffello!” he saluted. ‘‘I see they’ve put you in my old parish. How do you like it? how do you Seel, anyhow?” ** Just step within reach of me and Pll show you that I feel quite well!” was Dick’s retort. “Oh! no, thank you; ’m quite content to ‘take your word for it. I hear they’re going to plans you?” ** Well, what of it?” “Why, I thought ’'d just drop around and tell yon, that if you grow right smart, you'll eventually grow out of the ground. It all de- pends on the richness of your teet when you are planted, however!” “Tl guarantee your carcass will enrich the earth if ever [ get free! assured Dick, as Hart passed on. Avout noon, poor old Job Johnson was drag- ged from his prison, and once more fastened to the whipping post. His back was a terrible sight to behold, not having been washed from the previous night’s torture. The old man looked as though he had passed through months of sickness, He was haggard, and weak in the joints, and it was plainly evi- slent to all who saw him, that, although he might live through to-day’s torture, that of ‘the morrow would be all sufiicient to kill him. He looked over at Dick with a sickly sort of smile, as he was being taken to the stake;— such a look, 1¢ was, as might come from a fear- less, defiant man, who was being led to the gal- lows. Tears filled Dick’s eyes, and he had to clutth his hands tight together, and clinch his teeth to prevent breaking down, altogether. “JT curse myself for all this!” he muttered. ‘‘Tf I had taken the old man’s advice, and mis- trusted Fred Hart, we would have been more careful, and probably avoided all this misery and suffering. ‘‘But, wait, Henry Hastings! I yet have faith that ZL will escape, and, if I do, Pll hunt you to the furthest corners of the earth but ‘what DP) have your life in payment for that of ee Job. Before my God, I swear to this! Bill Bullgard did not seem in a particularly ‘vindictive mood to-day. Perhaps he pitied his victim—who can tell? At any rate, he laid on the ¥. hip very lightly. Despite this fact, each blow elicited a groan. With the thirty-eighth blow, poor Job fainted, and Buligard cried: “Take him back. Vl not strike the other two blows tor fifty thousand dollars!” And so the veteran was Marne from the post, and dragged back into his lonely prison, CHAPTER XVI. DEATH OF JOB—BURIED ALIVE, THE lashing of Old Job ended the events of he counterfeiters passed to and fro between the cabins, but none approached their prisoner cat the stake. ~ All day long Dick watched the big cabin, in hopes of getting one glimp-e of Sylvan, but he was doomed to disappointment, She did not ap- pear at all. be SES When evening came again big camp-fires were built in front of each cabin, which appeared to be a usual custom. Work was evidently over, for the men gath- ered in the glade or plaza, and not a few of them paused to take a look at the chained detective. ick returned their stare complacently. It was well on toward midnight when Hast- ings made his appearance on the island. His coming at so late an hour was a surprise to Deadwood Dick, and seemed equally so to the ; you’re buried alive, you will hardly do any one eounterfeiters. any harm. Have you concluded to join us, “Something’s up!” Dick muttered, ‘‘ or he | yet?” wouldn’t be over here at this late hour! I won- ‘* No! nor never will!” Dick returned. ‘TI der what’s up? I hope an attack is about to be | will never join you, yon human hyena!” made on the island. We'll stand a show of get- ‘‘ Then into the ground you go! We are going iting free, then!’ to vacate this place for a more secure retreat in Lastings evidently had been drinking, for he | the mountains, When we are gone, your head ‘stagger will be left sticking out of the grownd, and will 2 ee SS. SS = Ce perceptibly as he crossed the plaza. Deadwood. Dick’s Danger Ducks, ‘| sion and become one of us, a ne nt ene ee ee ee EE make a capital lunch for the first wild animal that comes along. Better reconsider your deci- Tl make you my lieutenant in command,” ‘*Vour lieutenant?” the undaunted prisoner retorted. ‘‘T?’d quicker blow out my brains than become the colleague of a monster like ou!’ : “Well, then, your doom is sealed. Boys, seize and bind him:” rush was made, Dick was overpowered and bound, and, by Hastings’s 6rders, was then dragged to the spot where he was to be buried. The hole bad already been finished, and with- out delay Dick was dropped into it in a standing position. His chin just reached the level of the ground. Two men then shoveled in the dirt around him, until he was in truth buried alive. ‘*' There! I reckon you'll grow!” the Owl cap- tain cried, when the job was complete. ‘‘ There is not the least probability that, after we are gone, your most pious thoughts will be disturb- ed, except by some beast or bird of the forest, who may wander along. So now, Mr. Bristol, a long, last, sad farewell. ([d really like. to shake hands with you, but I see you are too in- disposed for that operation, Ha, ha, ha! Some day I may return to this island, and I shall ex- pect to find that you’ve grown up and blossomed out as a daisy!” Then the wretch turned and strode away, fol- lowed by his men, their) torches flaring weirdly as they disappeared among the trees, Dick was left alone! Alone among the grim, gaunt trees—alone in the darkness, deep and solemn—alone, a pris- oner of the earth, with no prospect or hope of rescue. ' Tt was a bitter thought to contend with— bitter indeed—but, true heart that he was, he bore up bravely. After the outlaws were gone, he\ began to consider the question of bis probable length of life. Would te suffer long, and literally die by slow degrees? Would some end his misery? fierce wild beast In the midst of these harrowing thoughts, his — quick hearing detected a footstep. CHAPTER XVII. CONCLUSION, IN a moment a woman came and knelt by Dick’s protruding head, The darkness was so intense that he could not see her distinctly, but as soon as she laid her soft hand upon his head, and gently smoothed his hair, he knew who it was, “Ts it you, Sylvan?” “Yes, Mr. Bristol. I have come, at great risk, to say-good-by. Weare going away.” ‘Yes, [ know. Where?” ; **T do not know—cannot even guess. Oh! Mr, Bristol, you can never, never know how much i* pains me to know that I must go away, and leaw ou in this awful situation, But, as God is m7 judge, I am powerless to aid you. Even now, m0 doubt, they are looking forme!” / i al know, Sylvan, you can do nothing for nm, IT suppose I shall have to die here by degrees, + / haute to part with you, Sylvan, but I suppose 6 must be.” : 4 ‘¢- Yes, so far as the present isconcerned. B,,t, in all probability we shall meet again, so,pe time in the dim future, and if such shoulds.e our lot, I will then tell you the secret of life.’ ‘But, we will never meet again in this life, Sylvan!” ‘Yes, I think we will. Were you to get free, I believe it is your intention to hunt down Henry — Hastings to justice!” ‘*No! not to justice, as the word lay ooage implies, but to death. Were I to get fre», would begin a death-hunt, that would not nd this side of the furthest corner of the earth, but what I’d find and kill bim!” i e “Very good. Then it is probable that you and I, who have been thrown together under such singular circumstances, will meet again. At least, [ hope so.” es _“T hope we may meet again under different circumstances, but it’s hoping against hope. I will never be rescued. I am even now inmy tomb! y ‘You will be rescued, and that, too, before — ‘ i we are many hours away!” ‘“*T do not understand,” ‘‘You have seen Honora? ae Yes.” 7 ‘‘ Well, she has betrayed her father.’ ‘ : ‘* Betrayed her father?” vey aid T aes . i} r iw ig ; ih . “we r) : va I é ne on bit, ; i a fay -*. ne ae ee > ———_—__-——— ——SS—=
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release me, would be to kick you o “Ves. That is why we are leaving the isiand.” ** Pray explain.” ‘‘T have plain as far I can. Honora’s father reall whipped her because she refused to marry Gil- bert Golden. Out of revenge, she sought her lover, a cavalry lieutenant, and gave the whole business away concerning the counterfeiting den and the prisoners on this island, started at once for the cavalry, promising to be back in forty-eight hours. ac So than you anticipated. they will miss me. keep you informed of our whereabouts, I bave faith in your detective skill, and believe that you will eventually find us. Govod-by, Mr. Bristol.” ‘* Good-by, Sylvan.” They exchanged several passionate kisses, and then Sylvan arose, and with a last good-by, hurried away. Once more Deadwood Dick was left alone, but this time it was not with such a sense of loneli- ness and despair as had assailed him before. Now the near future promised him the bless- ing of a rescue from his uncomfortable posi- tion. He was not a dozen yards from the glade, and if the soldiers came, he knew he could make them hear him. Even now, from his position, he could catch an occasional glimpse of the outlaws’ prepara- tions for departure. Everything was bustling ~ about the camp. By and by it began to grow lighter and lighter, and the odor of burning timber assailed his nostrils. “Ha! they’re all ready to start,” he mused, “and have fired the cabins to destroy the evi- dences of their nefarious business.” And he was right. Every cabin had been fired, and as the logs of which they were con- structed were dry, the fire made rapid headway, and the conflagration sent out a vivid glare, that lit up the heavens for miles around. Suddenly, while watching the fire through the openings between the trees, Dick saw a man close at hand on the right. It was Fred Hart. “ Well, what do you want?” demanded Dick. » “Sh! they don’t know I am here,” Hart re-. replied, coming nearer. ‘‘I have come on the sly. . Ni Well, what have you come for?” ‘*'To see if you don’t want to get out of that predicament!” “tis but natural that I should. Why do you ask?” “Do you want to make terms for your re- lease?” * “ How do you mean?” : ‘* Would you be willing to pay a sum of mone i I were to dig you out and set you at liberty?” ““T haven’t any money. They took it all away om me, when I was captured.” ‘‘But you have money laid by, I presume, mewhere around the country.” ‘ Your presumption will carry you off, one of se days!” ‘Oh! I guess not. Let’s have your answer. 6 no time to tarry here, unless there’s some ' mney in it!” ‘How much would you expect to get for re- leasing me?’ ‘* Five thousand dollars!” 4 ‘* Phew! nothing less?” ‘* Noé a dollar less!” ‘Well, then you'd better trot right along sonny, and join your caravan of wolves, You'll wait until hair grows on your teeth before you get five thousand dollars out of me!" “ Well, now, lookee here. If you mean busi- ness, maybe I might come down a little, What’! you give?” “Not a dollar!” ** ‘You don’t mean it?” “You bet Ido, All I would do, were you to {YP the island,” 64 Humph ! evidently you are not particular about getting free!” ; : ‘Not enough so to pay you for it, you detest. able traitor!” Hart uttered an impatient oath, and turning, _ hurried away, Within balf an hour the place was wrapt in silence, except for the crackling of the flames that were eating up the cabins in the glade. The counterfeiters had taken their final de- parture. te Net | '*\sy-six hours later, Lieutenant Roderic , Mand part of a company of cavalry, ar- ’ Ais , / hans. Pr Ma SPAS nena this os x 7 : 5 Sig St i PP A a il end la Deadwood Dick’s Danger Ducks. ii, 13 ss Pas rived at the Hastings farm-house, but found it deserted, The only thing of any account they did find, ut a few minutes left, but will ex- | except the furniture, was the lifeless body of Gilbert’ Golden. Constructing a raft, they crossed to the island, only to find the cabins a heap of ruins, and their prey flown, Very much disappointed, they were about to Her lover | leave, when their attention was attracted by the cries of Deadwood Dick, It was an easy matter to find him, and ina ou see you will be free much sooner | few minutes he was dug out of his living tomb L 8 b. htuigied | I must be going now, or | and stood once more beneath heaven’s radiant While I cannot—dare not— | dome, a free man, It proved that he and the lieutenant had met before, up in Dakota, and they at once became friends, Lieutenant Mann expressed much concern over not being able to find Honora, but, on being assured tiat it was highly probable she had not gone with her father, the officer con- cluded she had started for the fort. The mutilated body of poor old Job was buried on the island; and then, when the cavalry was ready to depart, and urged Dick to accom- pany them he shook his head, and said: **No! no! I have a mission of vengeance to perform—a death-hunt to pursue; and my trail begins here!” So, then and there they separated. THE END, Beadle’s Dime Library. Philip S. Warne........... 10¢ 1 A Harp Crown. B 2 THe Dare-Devit. By Col. P. Ingraham....... 10¢ 8 Kir Carson, Jk. By Buckskin Sam........... 10¢ 4 THe KIDNAPPER. BY i 5S. Warne... . le 5 Tae Fire Frenps. By A. P. Morris.......,.... 10e 6 Witpcat Bos. By Edward L. Wheeler. ....., 10¢ 7 Deatu-Norcn, tun Destroyer. Ol] Coomes., 10c 8 Tae HeapLess HORSEMAN. By Mayne Reid.... 10c 9 Hanpy ANDY. By Samuel Lover « 10¢ 10 Vinoca, THE FRENoH Poticn Spy, By himself. 10¢ 11 MipsuipmMAN Easy. By Capt. Maryatt .... 10¢ 12 THe DeatrH-Suor. By Capt. Mayne Reid... . lve 13 Parnaway. By Dr. J. H. Robinson.. ... .... 1¢ lid THAYENDANEGEA, THE Scourae. Ned Buntline, 10c¢ 5 Toe Tiaer Stayer. By Gustave Aimard.... . 10¢ 3 Tue Wurre Wizarp, By Ned Buntline 10¢ 17 Nieutsuapre. By Dr. J, H. Robinson ......., 10¢ Tue Sea Banpir, By Ned Buntline....... .. . 10¢e Rep Cepar, By Gustave Aimard . . We Tus Banpir att Bay. By Qustave Aimard... 10¢ THe TRapPeR’s DaveHTER. Gustave Aimard . 10e Wauitetay, By Dr. J. H. Robinson .. We Tuk Rep Warrior. By Ned Buntline x.) ede ‘HE Prarie FLower. By Gustave Aimard., 10¢ Tue GoLtp Guipg. By Francis Johnson, ...... 10¢ 26 Tue Deata Track. By Francis Johnson . 10c 27 Tue Sporrer Detective, By Albert W.Aiken.. 10c 28 THREE-FInGEreD JAcK. Joseph FE. Badger, Jr. 29 Tiakr Brox, Tue Faro Kina. P.S. Warne . 30 Gospe. Grorar. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr . 81 THe New York Swarr. By Albert W. Aiken.. 32 B’Hoys or Yaue. By John D, Vose oA ne 33 OveRLaNnd Kir. By Albert W. Aiken Bs, 34 Rocky Mounratn Ros. By Albert W, Aiken.. 85 Kentuck, Tar Sport. By Albert W. Aiken . 86 Insun Dick, By Albert W. Aiken ..,...... " 87 Hirt, THe Hunowpack. By J. H. Robingon.... 88 Vetvs7 Hanp. Bv Albert W. Aiken, 1 22 23 24 2 389 Tum Russian Spy. By Frederick Whittaker, 10¢ 40 Tat Lona Harrep ‘ Parps,’ J. £. Badger, Jr.. 10¢ 41 GOLD DAN. By Albert W,. Aiken. bide LOG 42 Toe CauirorniA Derective. A, W. Aiken,... 10¢ 483 DaxoTa Dan. By Oil Coomes 7 ehhh. OG 44 OLD Dan Racknack. Ky Olt Coomes ... 10¢ 45 Op Buit’s Eyer. By Jos. Kk, Badger, Jr.. 100 46 Bowre-Knire Ben. By Ol) Coomes - 10¢ 47 Pacirie Perr. By Jos KE. Badger, ur....... « 10¢ 48 IpAHo Tom. By Oll Coomes, bod, 10¢ 49 Tue Wotr Denon. By Albert W. Aiken...... 10 50 Jack Rassir., By Jos. E. Badger, Jr xr e100 51 Rep Ros, THe Boy Roap-Aexnr. Oll Coomes.. 10¢ 52 DeaTs TraIver, By Wm. F. Cody,........... 10c 53 Sitver Sam. By Cal, Delle Sara............. . 10¢ 54 Atways ON-HaNp. By Philip 8. Warne...... 10¢ 55 Toe SCALP Hunters. By werk Mayne Reid... 10¢ 56 Tae INDIAN Mazeppa. By Albert W, Aiken.... 10c 67 THe Sinent Hunter. By Percy B. St. John... 10¢ 58,Stiver Knire, By Dr. J, H. Robinson... .... 10 59°'Tue Man rrom Texas, By Albert W. Aiken, 10¢ 60 Wipr Awake. Ry Frank Dumont........... . 10¢ 61 Caprain Seawait. By Ned Buntline,......... 10¢ 62, LoyaAL Heart, By Gustave: Aimard,... .... 1¢ 63 Tae Wisncep Wuate. By Albert W. Aiken.... 10c 64 Dous.e Siant. By Jos. KE. Badger, Jr, ...... 10¢ 65 THe Rep Ragan. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker: 10¢ 66 Tur Specter Barque. By apt Mayne Reid... 10¢ 67 Tae Boy Jockry, By Joseph BE. Badger, Jr... 10¢ S THE FicHtine TRAPPER, By J. F. C. Adams.. 10¢ Tre Tusn Caprarm. By Capt. F, Whittaker. 10c Hyprazap. By Dr. J. H. Robinson. Tey: ("3 71 Caprain Coon Buape, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr., 10¢ i Tae Poanrom Hanp. By Albert W. Aiken . 10¢ 73 Tae itl hai or THE Rep Cross. By Dr. J. . XSON.... Aen 74 CAPTAIN OF THE Riries. % GENTLEMAN GEORGE, ' : \ j | 76 Tar QUEEN'S MUSKETEERS. a Geo, Albany.. 10c 77 Tas Frese or Frisco, By Albert W. Aiken.. 10c 78 THe Mysterious Spy. By A. M. Grainger.... 10e- 79 Jog Puerrx. By Albert W. Aiken. ........ We | 80 A Man or Nerve. By Philip S. Warne...... 10¢. 81 THe Human Tiaer. By Albert W. Aiken..... 10¢ 2 Iron Wrist. By Col. Thomas H, Monstery.. 10¢ 83 GoLp Butter Sport. By Buffalo Bil) | ..... We & Hunrep Down. By Albert W. Aiken...., 10e 85 Tre Cretan Rover. By Col, P. Ingraham 10e 85 Tae Bia Hunrer. Author of ‘Silent Hunter.’ 1c 87 Tue Scaruet Cart ary. By Col. Delle Sara ... We 88 Bia Grorar. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr...... 10¢ 89 Tar Prrars Prince. By Col. P. Ingraham We 90 Witp Wri, By Buckskin Sam..... .... We 91 Tue WINNING Oar, _ By Albert W. Aiken, 10¢ 92 BurraLo Bin. By Major Dangerfield Burr .. 10¢ 93 CapTaIn Dick TaLp or. By Albert W. Aiken.. 10¢ 94 FREELANCE, THE Bu ccanrrrR, By Ingraham | 10¢ | 95 AzHortT, THE AxMAN. By Anthony P. Morris, 10¢ 96 DousLe Deatra. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. 10e 97 Bronze Jack. By Albert W. Aiken .. 10e 98 Toe Rock Ripper. By Capt. ¥. Whittaker’. . 1e 99 Tow Grant Ruvvem an. By Oll Coomes,... 10e¢ 100 Tue FrRencH Spy. By A. P. Morris,........ 10e@ 101 Tam Man rom New York. By A.W. Aiken. 10¢ 102 Tuk Maskep Bann, By George L. Aiken 10e 103 Mervur, tae Mutinesr. Col. P. Ingraham.. 10¢ 104 MonrezumMa, THE Mercitess, By Ingraham, 10c@ 105 DAN Brown or Denver. By Jos, E Badger., 10¢ 106 SHamus O’Brien, By Col. DelleSara =. . 10e 107 Ricwarp Tateot oy Cryyarar. By Aiken. 10e 108 Tae DuKe or Diamonps. By Fred, Whittaker, Me 109 Caprain Kyp. By Col, Prentiss Ingrabam . 10¢ 110 THe Sinuenr RirueMAN By H. W. Herbert . 10e 111 THe Smvuaa ter Caprary. By Ned Buntline,, 10¢ 112 Joe Poenix, Private Drrective, Ky Aiken, 10¢ 113 “THe Sea Surpprr. By Prof. J. H. Ingraham, 10e 114 THe GENTLEMAN rroM Pike. By P. 5. Warne 10¢ 115 THe Severep Heap, By Capt. F. Whittaker, 10e 116 Buack PLumn, Tar Devi, Or THESEA, By Col, P. Ingraham ae Fe 10e 117 DAsuING Danny. By Major Dangerfield Burr. 10¢ 118 Tue Buratar Capra. By J. H. Ingraham, 10¢ 119 ALABAMA Jon, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.... 10¢ 120 Tom Texan Spy. By Newton M. Curtis, 10¢ 21 Tue Sea Caper, By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, 0c 122 SauL SapperpAy. By Ned Buntline © 10c: 123 ALAPAHA, THE Sevaw. By lrancis Johnson, 10e 124 AssowAuM, THE Avenarr, Francis Johnson. 10¢ 12% Toe Buacksmirn OurLtaw, By H. Ainsworth, 10e¢ 126 Tae Demon Dueutsr. By Col. T. H. Monstery, 10c 127 Son Scorv, tHe Maskrp Miner, By Badger. 10c 128 THe CHEVALIER Corsair. By the author of “merle, the Mutinger' * ja oe a 10¢ 129 Mississrprt Mosp. By Edward Willett... .. 10c 430 Capratn Vorcano, Py Albert W. Aiken... 10¢ 131 Buckskrw Sam. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham... 10e 132 Nemo, KinG or tHe Tramps. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. ... G i Sasi tta as 2 10e 133 Ropy, Tum Rover. By William Carleton... We 134 DARKIn DAN. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, We 135 Toe Besa Rancer. By lrancis Johnson... 136 THe OvrLaw-Honter. By Francis Johnson. 10e 187 Lona Brarn, THE Giant Spy. By ll Coomes, 10c 138 THE Borper Banprts. By Francis Johnson, We. 129 Fine-byr, tHe Ska Hyena. By Ingraham We 140 Tm THree Spanianns. By George Walker.. 10c 141 Equinox Tom. By Joseph FE. Badger, Jr.... 10e 142 Caprain Crorson, By Major Dangerfield Burr te 448 Tur Czar’s Spy. By Thos. H. Monstery.... 10e 144 Huncnpack or Notrr-Damr, Victor Hugo., le 145 Prisrot Parps. By Wm. R. Byster rs (i 146 Tue Doctor Derrctivr. By George Lemuel We 147 Gop Spur, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, .. 10e 148 Onn-ArMep ALF. By ll Coomes 10 149 THe Borper Riries. By Gustave Aimard.. le 150 En Rusié Bravo, ten Kine or tue Sworp- MEN. By Col. Thomas Hoyer Monstery, . . 10e 151 Toe Freesoorrers, 1 ustave Aimard.. . 152 CapraIn IRONNERVE. By Marmaduke Dey.. loe 153 Tue Wairk SCALPER. 154 JoAguin, THE SADDLE Kina. Br J. 155 Tar Corsark Qurun. By Cel. 2. Ingraham. 186 Vecver Face. By Major Dangertield Burr. 16Y Mourap, tHe MameLoKe. By Col. Thomas Hoyer Monstery eaewes Vis ree et 158 Tar Doomep Dozen. By Dr, Frank Powell.,, 159 Rep Rvpiaer. By Capt. Fred’k Whittaker.. 100 Sorr Hann, SHARP. y William R. Byster., 161 Tar Wonves or New Yors. By A.W. Aiken, 162 Tar \Map Mariwer. By Col. P. Ingraham. 163 Ben Brion, tHE TRAPPER CAPTAIN; or, Rep- PATH, THE Avenarr. By Dr. J. H. Robinson. 10¢ 164 THe Kina’s Foot, By. D, Clark 100 165 Joaquin, THE TreRRIBLE. By Jos, BE. Badger, 10ce 166 OwLET, THE Ropper Prince. By Septimus R. Urban gue N. Badger. 167 The MAN ofr Stern. By A. P. Morris.... . 10¢ 163 Wiip Brut, tHE Piston Dead Snor, Ey Col. Prentiss Ingraham... “ MA Ate 169 Corpora, Cannon, By Col. Monstery.. 10¢ 140 Sweer WiuuiaM. By Jos. KE. Badger, Jr... 10e 171 Tiger Dick, THE MAN cF THE TRON FIgart. By Philip 8. \Warviey 10. tae We 172 Tre Biack Prrare. By Col. Ingraham, 10¢ 173 Cattrornta Jonn. By Albert W. Aiken...... 0c: 174 PHanrom Kyrantrs. By Capt. F. Whittaker.. 10¢ 175 Wit Briw’s Trump Carp. By Major Burr. 1c 176 Lapy Jaguar. By Capt.Mark Wilton... 10c: 177 Don Drasio. By Col. Prentiss Ingrabam, 10c 178 Dank Dasuwoop, By Major 8. 8, Hall. 10e |179 Conran, THE Convicr. Prof. §. Gildersleeve, 1c QFE IT icnev ees sive A new issue every Wednesday. Beadle’s Dime Library is for sale by all Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by mailon receipt of twelve cents each. BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William street, New York. ' nu ‘ ty "y y ye ets Vea. oo? are ‘ by colt SLR ai alles doe Mitten ks Soe ee By Gustave Aimard. 10¢. . /
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Aa Arrrand Di -1~ Si hie ats lagers . eg READLE’S« H ALF- JIME* | IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. BY OLL COUMES, 5 Varabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. 18 ‘The Dumb Spy. 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. Keen-Knife, the Prince of the Prairies. Lusso Jnek, the Young Mustanger. Mhe Border King; or, The Secret Foe. Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. Ifawk-eye Harry the Young Trapper Ranger. § Kullo, the Bo ean er. 4 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman, 8% Scar-lace Saul, the Silent Hunter 6 silver Star, the Koy Knight. 3 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. 16 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. 2 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain. Prospect Pete; or, The Young Outlaw Hunters. Vhe Boy Nercules: or, The Prairie Trampa. Viger Tom, the Texas Terror. Dashing Dick; or, Trapper Tom’s Caatle. § Little Wildfire, the Young Prairie Nomad. Lhe Parson Detective; or, The Little Ranger. The Disgulsed Guide; or, Wild Raven, the Ranger. Pare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger. Minkakin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy. The Sky Pemon; or, Rainbolt, the Ranger, 4 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. 409 hercules; wr, Dick, the Boy Ranger. A1? Webfeot Mose, the Tramp Detective. 22 Baby Sam, the Boy Giant of the Yellowstone, 444 Little Buckskin, tne Young Prairie Centaur. 457 Wingedfoot Fred 3 or, Old Polar Saul. 468 Tamarac Tom, the Big Trapper Boy. 478 ld Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemic. 482 Stonewull Bob, the Boy Trojan. 562 Ulundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper. 652 Don Barr, the Plains Freelance, 661 Old Kit Bandy’s Deliverance. 670 Norway Nels, the Big Boy Mountaineer. $80 Dauntless Dan, the Freelance, or, Old Kit Bandy in Arcadia, =e = BY BUCKSKIN SAM (Major Sam. 8, Hall.) 84 Old Koeky # ** Boyeen; or, Benito, tne Horse-Breaker Glanv Georges or, The Ang’! of the Range. Arizona Jack ¢ or, Giant George's Pard, The Tarantula of Taos; or, Giant George’s Revenge, The Strange Parad; or, Little Ben’s Death Hunt. her-w phd 5 Ker-whooy or, The Tarantula of Taos, 7 Creeping Cat, the Caddo; or, The Red and White Pardes. Frio Fredy or, The Tonkaway’s Trust. The Fighting Trio; or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway. Wild Wolf; or, Big-Foot Wallace to the Front. The Ranch Raiders} or, The Siege of Fort Pargatory. Snap-Shot, the Boy Kanger. b Chiota, the Oreek 3 or, The Three Thanderbolta. Randera Bill; or. Frio Frank to the Front. Liomeo and the Reds; or, The Beleaguered Ranch. Little Lartiats or, Pecan Pete’s Big Rampage. The Palsy from Denver. ~ ? the Three Tratlers; or, Old Rocky on the Rampage. Bluff Wills or, The Lynx of the Leona. 4°55 VAittle Lone Star: or, The Belle of the Cibolo, 634 Cache Carl, the Chico Giart RY PHILIP 8. WARNE, E 168 Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire, 184 'Vhe Boy Trailers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path. 208 The Boy Parda; or, Dainty Lance Unmasks, 211 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestinl City, 810 The Barrance Wolf; or, The Beautifal Decoy. 819 The Black Kider; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League, 885 Old Doubie Fiat; or, ‘he Strange Guide 855 The King of the Vi oods: or Dame) Boone’s Last Trail, 449 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective 625 Chincapiv Dan, the Boy Trafler. 677 Chineaptn Pan’a Second Trail. 688 Chincapin Dan’s Home Stretch. 698 Old Crazy, the Man Without « Head, ny TOS Light-Heart Lute’s Legacy. ] 18 Light-Heart Lute’s Last Trail. | 28 Silverblade, the Shoshone. 29 Silverblade, the Half-Blood; or, The Border Beag'e at Bay, 89 Silverblade, the Hostile. BY JACK FARRAGUT. 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. | 820 The Sea Sorceress; or, The Boy Skipper. Neselere BY LIFUT. i. D. PERRY, U. 8. N. 176 The Boy Runaway; or, The Buccaneer of the Bay, 180 The Sea Tratler; or, A Vow Well Kept. f 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Point. BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. 4h 78 Blue Dick; or, The Yellow Chiefs Vengeance. 87 The Land Pirates; or, The League of Devil's Island, 187 The Helpless Hand; or, Backwoods Retribution. 289 The Gold-seeker Guide! or, The Lost Mountain. BY WILLIAN R. EYSTER, * i 190 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. 210 Faro Frank; or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pards BY CAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR U.S. A, 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. 194 Buffalo Bill’s Bet; or, ‘The Gambler Guide. BY LIEUT. A. K, SIMS. 546 Captain Cactun, the Chaparral Cock, 5668 The Dandy of Dodge. 576 The Silver Sport. - 588 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow 589 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 601 Happy Mana, the Dutch Mare 611 Bildad Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. 622 Texas Tom-Cat’s Triad 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task. ; 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph; or. Bleck Dan’s Great Combine, 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 Warbling William, the Mountain Mountebank. 665 Jolly Jeremiaby the Plains Detective, | 676 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. } 689 Billy the Gypsy Spy. 699 Stmple Sim, the Broncho Buster. | 12 The Mesimertiat Sport; or, The Mystified Detective. ; 888 Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector, MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS, 4 Thé Wild-Norse Munters. By Capt. Mayne Rela and Frederick Whittaker. % Adventures of Baron Munchausen, } 12 Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean Swift, 14 Aladding or, The Wonderful Lamp. 16 Robinson Crusoe. (27 Llustrationa.) 18 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven Voyages. | / 22 a8 Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe. By Juan ews. 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the Carribees, By 8. W. Pierce. 86 The Boy Olown; or, The Arena Queen. By F 8, Finn. *88 Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. f 61 The Boy Rifles: or, The Underground Camp, By A. C. Irons, £95 The Rival Rovers; or, The Freebooters of the Miasissipp. By Lieut.-Col. Hazeltine. z 98 Robin Hood, the Outlawed Ear); or, The Merry Men of Green- wood. By Prof. Gildersleeve. 105 Old Rube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain Hamilton Holmes. 112 The Mad Hianter; or, 'he Cave of Death. By Burton Saxe. 124 Tippy. the Texans or, The Young Champion, By George” Glepaon. 128 The Young Privateer; or, The Pirate’s Stronghold. By Harry Cavendiah, ‘ 148 Sharp Sam; or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy. By J. Alexander Patten. 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper; or, The Green Ranger of the Yel- lowstone. By Edward Emerson. 261 Fergux Fearnaught the New York Boy. By 3. L, Aiken. 266 Killb’ar, the Guide; %r, Davy Crockett’s Crookéd Trail, 298 Red © the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Mald of the Cliff. By Captain Comstock. 817 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville. By Liev- tenant Alfred Thorne. 828 The Sky Detective; or, A Boy’s Fight for Lifeand Hono, By Maior Mickey Free. 850 Red Ralph, the River Rovers or, Tne Brother’s Re- | venge. By Ned Buntline. 865 Baltimore Ren the Bootblack Detective. By A. P. Mo 874 Gold-Duat Tom: or, Ben’s Double Match, By@ H. Morse. 876 Callfornin Joo’s Firat Trail. By Colonel Thomas Hoyer Monastery. 418 Billy Bombshell, the Cliff Climber. By #.S. Winthrop. 4 475 The Black a By John S ‘Warner, : § 484 Comanche Dick and His Three Invinetbles. By { Henrv J. Thomas. ; ; 582 The Cowboy Duke. By Edwin Brooke Forrest. B52 Artel the Athlete. By David Druid. 585 Will Waters, the Boy Ferret. By H. Enton, 682 The Read “eteetive’« Double. By Gerald Carlton. 721 Maverick Moxe, tne Arizona Detective; or, The Wizead or Urko» Pasa. By Will Lisenbee. A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime sAbrary 1» for -ale by atl newsdealen, fivo . { P By es D. Warren, | | cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. 4 BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publisners, ies 98 Wiiliam Stveet, New York. * ‘ \ a : * y iy
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; | A 3 824 BEADLE’S*HALF-DIME*] JBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Hach Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. | BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novela. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince ot the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick’s Defiance; or, Double Daggers. ‘28 Deadwood Dick In Disguise; or, Bulfaty ten 85 Deadwood Dick in His Castle. 4% snap ag a aly gf eyes Oy oe an Miner, 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omaha Ol. 5¢ Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 78 Deadw ood pick oe Desks vc Calamity ¢ May, Ae Hates, T? Deadwood Dick’s Last Acts or, Corduroy Charlie, 400 Deadwood Dick In Leadville. 104 Srendwood Dick’s Device; or, The Double Cross Sign. 2609 Deadwood Dick aa Detective. i20 Dondwaed ck he telat Hea The Gorgon’s Sarer Ghost 1838 Deadwoo ck’s Home Kase; or, Blonde Sil. 149 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strikes or, A Game of Gold. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party, 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road, R201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. etd onae eee oe oar i or, teers | Jane’s Adventure. 2 end wood ck’s Dead Deal. 221 Deadwood Dick’s Death-Piant. REF Gold-Dust Dick, A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, + +4 eee picks pivine on) The Spirit of Swamp Lake. cadwood ck’s Death Trail. 609 Deadwood Dick’s« Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats B47 Deadwood Dick’s Ducata; or, Days in the Diggings. S51 Deudwood Dick Sentenced or, Lhe Terrible Vendetta, Feud wood ck’s Claim, 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds. 421 Deadwood Dick in New Yorks or, A “Cute Case,” 430 Deadwood Pi or, The Chained Hand, 445 Deadwoo ck, Jr. 448 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deflance, 458 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Full Hand. 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Bie Round-Up. 465 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Racket at Claim 10, ack eng Wood pices are Ae Sorress or, Setar Bill. endwoo ck, dr.’«, Do etective, 481 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Deadw ood. 491 Deadwood. Dick, Jr.’s, Compact. 496 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Inheritance, $00 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dig ings. 608 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Dellverance, 415 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Protegee, 622 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Three. 529 Deadwood Dick, Jdr.’s, Danger Ducka, 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death Hunt, 589 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas. 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidoog 549 Deadwood Dick, Jr., on Hix Mettle. 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham, 661 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Roston. 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia. 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. 578 Deadwood Dick. Jr., Afloat. S84 Peadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Decree. 595 Peadwood Dick, Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin, 600 Deadwood Bick, Jr., at Coney Island. 606 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’s Leadville Lay. G12 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Cincinnati. G24 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada. 680 Dendwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land. 686 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. 642 Dendwood Dick, Jr., in Buffalo. gay arf Bieks “% chase A erask the Rantinens - eadw ood ek, Jr. ™m > Smet ‘s. G60 Dendwood Dick; Irs, Fatenainee ag sa) 666 Dendwood Dick, Jr., Rack in the\Mines, 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., tn Durango; or, “ Gathered In.” ore Deadweet ee a Piscovery} or, Found a Fortune, 5 esd woe Ky ~* Duzale. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dollars, 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide, 700 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Drop. 704 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. T10 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In San Francisco, 716 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Still Hunt, %22 Deadwood Dick, Srey Dominoes, 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr. Ag Disguise. 284 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal. 740 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Deathwatch, T47 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Doublet. BY CHARLES MORRIS. 118 WIL! Somers, the Boy Detective. 122 Phil Mardy, the Boss Boy. 126 Picayune Vete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective, 180 Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Rags. 142 Handsome Marry, the Bootblack Detective, 147 Will Wildiire, the Thoroughbred. 152 Rilack Beas, Will Wildfire’s Racer. 157 Mike M rry the Harbor Police Boy. 162 Will Wildfire in the Woods, 165 Billy Baggage, the Railroad Boy. 170 A Trump Card; or, Will Wildtire Wins and Loses. 174 Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. 179 Bob Hreekett, the Bank Runner, f 188 The Hidden Hand; or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge. 487 Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers. 189 Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. 196 Shadowed; or, Bob Kockett’s Fight for uife. 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective, 220 ‘Tom Tanner; or, The Black Sheep of the Flock, 225 Sam OCharcoa the Premium Darky, 235 Shadow Sam 05 Dashaw kota; or, A Western Lad in Quaker Ralph ete i Hotel Boy Detective. City. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. S58 The Reporter.Detectives Fred Flyer’s Blizaara, ee W ide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of the Times. 7% Larry. the Leveler; or, The Bloods of the Boulevard, 408 “iretly Juck, the River-Rat Detective. 428 The Lost Finger; or, The Entrapped Cashier. 428 Fred Flyer, tha Reporter Detective. 482 Invincible Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret. 6 Billy Brick, the Jotly Vugapond. } 6 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or, Entombed Alive, 479 Detective Dodge: or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty. 4am Wild Dick aicket, 501 Roots, the Boy Fireman: or, Too Sharp for the Sharper, 568 The Secret Service Roy Detective. B9G Jimmy the Kid Pa 627 Tom Bruce of Arkansagy or, The Wolf in the Fold. sae pian Sy rab yy Daisy DE 6 ob an sy Detectives. #09 The Curbstone Detective; or, Harry Hale’s Big Beat. Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon. 82 Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot. 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York, 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 5S Jim Bludsoe, +» the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 69 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter; or, The Boy Detective. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand. 88 Phetograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance. $2 Canada Chet; or, Old Anaconda tn Sitting Bull’s Camp. 96 Watch-Eye ; or, Arabs and Angels of a Great City. 18 Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator. WZ Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 21 Cinnamon Chip, the Gir! Sport, 25 Bonanza (jill, Minor. 88 Koss Bob the King of Bootblacka, 41 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. 45 Oaptain Ferret, the N«w York Detective. 61 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 77 ebb, Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scampa, ‘rank, the Buckskin Bravo, 209 Fritz, tho Bound-Boy Detective. 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter, 226 Snoozer, the Boy Shas; or, The Arab Detective. 286 Apollo Bll, the Trail Tornado. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator 244 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret, 248 Sicrra Sam’s Seeret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Sam/’s Pardj or, ‘he Ange! of Big Vista. 258 Slerra Som’s Seven} or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joey the oy Patrol: or, The Rival Heirs, 277 Denver Doll, tue Detective Queen, 281 Denver Doll's \ ictory. 285 Denver Doll’« Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. 296 Denver Doll’s Drift; or, The Road Queen, 299 A No, 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 808 ‘Liza Jane, the Sirl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport, B25 Kelley, Hickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia. B80 Little Quick-Shot; or, The Dead Face of Daggeraville, B84 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. $89 Kangaroo Kit’a Racket. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Jlood. 858 First-Class Fred, the Gent from Gopher. 868 Vreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherer; or, The Life Lottery. 872 Vreka Jim’s Prize. 87S Nabob Neds or, The Secret of Slab Clty. 882 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 885 Vreka Jim's Jokers or, The Rivals of Red Nose, 889 Bicycle Ben; or. The Lion of Lightning Lode, 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Mat Marry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabaides, the Beggar-Boy Detective. 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 4838 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. 486 Sealskin Sam, the Sparkler. BY T. ©. HARBAUGH, 28 Nick o? the Night; or, Th» Boy Spy of '76. 87 The Hidden Lodge; or The Littl Hunter, 47 Nightingale Nat} or, Tne Forest Captains, 64 Dandy Jack; or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Tralt. 82 Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hawk. 94 Midnight Jack 3 or, The Boy Trapper. 106 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, The White Queen, 1283 Kiown Charley the White Mustanger. 189 Judge Lynch Jr: or, Tho Boy Vigiante. 155 Gold Trigger, the Sport; er, The Girl Avenger. 169 Tornado Toms or, Injun Jack From Red Core 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy, 198 Arkansaw ¢ or, The Quen of Fate’s Revenge, 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. 215 Captain Bullet; or, Little Topknot’s Crugade. $1 Plucky Phil; or, Kosa, the Re! Jezebel. 241 Bill Bravo; or, The Roughs of the Rockies. 255 Captain Apoli: » tne King-Pin of Bowle. 267 The Kuchkskin Detective, 279 Old Winch? or, The Buckskin Desperadoes. 294 Dynamite Dan; or, The Bowle Blade of Gochetopa, 802 The Mountain Detective; or, The Trigger Bar Bully. 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, B26 The Ven Purds; or, The Terror ot Take-Notice, 886 Bie Benson: or, The Queen of the Laeao, 845 Pitiless Matt; or, Ked Thunderbolt’s Secret. BSH Ono sam end Par’: or The Terrible Six. 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. 886 Captain Cutlass: or, | he Boccaneer’s Girl Foe. 896 Rough Robs or, The |! win Champions of Blue Blazes, 411 The Silken Lasso: or, The Rose of Ranch Robin, 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. 5S Texas Trump, the Border Rattler. 486 Phil Flaah, the New York Fox. 445 The City Vamontres; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pigeon. 461 One Against Fifty; or, The Laat Man of Keno Bar, 470 The Boy Shadow; or, Felix Fox’s Hunt. 4% he Exceistor Sport; or, The Washington Spotter. 499 Single Si ht, the One-Eyed Sport. 502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. 512 Dodger Dilek, the Wharf-Spy Detective. S21 Dodger Dick’s Best Dodge. 28 Fox and Falcon, the Rowery Shadows, bye! Rodger Picks as Dosk Ferret. 4a Dodger Dick’s Double; or, The Riv Detec' 5583 Dodger Dick’« Desperate fms spb re tins 568 Dodger Dick, the Boy Vidocq, 678 The Two Shadows, 582 Dodger Dick’s Drop, ao Fo aoe =~ ery ted Detective, « <inner, the Gold Shark; or 626 The Champion Pards, ” + Zoey Ghsrp om Geant. 687 Dick Doan, the Dock Boy Detective, ‘ 645 Kit, the Pavement Sharp. ser Sone Bantams ne ner Beagle, ersey Jed, the Bow Hustler; or, Shudowt % 685 Wappy SEB ER Ae Boy Muateian Detective.” siya as atten 701 Photograph Fred, the Camern Sharp. 716 Wide Awake Len, the Quaker City Ferret. %82 Daisy Dell, the Pavement Detective; or, Trapping Big Game. BY WM. G. PATTEN. 489 Tho Diamond Sport: or, The Double Face o "| 519 Captain Mystery ; or, Five in One, ‘ace of Bed Rock 8381 Dale) Ware the Sport from Denver. 5687 Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective, Sry Tron Fern, the mts at ri. 19 The Boy Tramp Detective: or, The Doub) 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Spon. ’ © Grip Witness 641 Dismal Pave’s Dandy Pard, 651 Round Roy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective 66% Violet Vane’s Victory. 682 Wild Vulcan, the Lone-Range Rider, 89 Wtolet and Balay, the Posy Parda. Z05 Violet Vane's Vow: or, The Cratty Detective’ Craft 714 Old Misery, the Man from Missourl. eae Violet Vaan Venreance. 80 Violet Vane’s Verdict. TAL Violet Vane, the Ventriloquist Vidoog. | a] BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, = The Flying Vankee; or, The Ocean Outcast, 17 Ralph Koy, the Boy Buccanver; or, The Fugitive Yacht. 24 Diamond Pirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone. 62 The Shadow Ship; or, The Rival Lieutenanta, 75 The Boy Duelist; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wolf, 102 Dick Dead-Kye, the Boy Smuggier. 111 The Sea-Devily or, Ve Midshipman’s Legacy. 116 The Muassar Captain ; or, The Hermit of Hell Gate. 197 Little Grit; or, Bensie, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter, 204 Gold Plume; or, Buffalo Bill, the Pony Express Rider. 216 ison BUl, the Prince of the Reins; or, Bustalo Bills Pluck, RLL Grit, the bravo Sport or, The Woman Trailer, 229 Orimson Kate; or, The Cowboy's Triumph, RET Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. 245 Morley the Middy 3 or, The Freelance Heir. 250 The Midahipman Mutineer 5 or, Brandt, the Buccaneer, 264 The i sceting Feather: or, Merle Monte’s Treasure. 269 The Gold Sh Ps_or, Merle, the Condemned. 276 Merle Monte’s« Ornine; or, “The Gold Ship” Chase. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate ; or, Pearl, the Pirave’s Bride, 284 The Sea Marauder; or, Merle Monte’s Pledge. 287 Lilly Blue-Eyes, the Boy Rover of the Rio Grande. 804 The Dead Shot Dandy ; or, Benito, the Boy Bugler, 808 Keno Kit; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double, 814 The Mysterious Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler's Trail, BTT Bonodel, the Buy Rover; or, The Fln less Schooner. 888 The Indlan Pilots or, The Search for Pirate Island. B87 Warpath WILL, the Boy Phantom, 898 Seawalf, the Boy Lieutenant. 402 Isodor, the Young Conspirator ; or, Tho Fatal Longue, 407 The Boy Insurgent; or, The Cuban Vendetta. 412 The Wild Vachtsmanys or, The War-Cloua’s Cruise. 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 A Cabin Boy’s Luck; or, The Corsalr, 487 The Seca Raider. 441 The Ocean Firefly: or, A Middy’s Vengeance, 446 Haphazard Marry; or, Tne Scapegrace of the Sea, 450 Wizard Will: or, The Boy Ferret of New York, 454 Wizard Will's Street Scouts, 462 The Born Guide; or, The Salior Boy Wanderer, 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster. 474 Florays or, Wizard Will's Vagabond Pard. 483 Ferrets Afloaty or, Wizard Will’s Last Cane, 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger. 495 Arizona doe the Boy Pard of Texas Jack. 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys, 508 The Reyal Middy}; or, The Shark and the Sea Cat. 507 The Hunted Midshipman, 511 Vhe Outlawed Middy. 520 Buckskin BIL, the Comanche Shadow. 525 Brothers th Buckskin, 56580 The Buckskin Bowers, 585 The Bue skin Rovers, 640 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder of the Rio, 545 Lieutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte, 550 Lafitte’s Legacy; or. The Avenging Son, 5655 The Creole Corsair. 560 Pawnee BI, the Prairie Shatdower, 565 Kent Kingdon, the Card King. 570 Camille, the Card Quven, 575 The Surgeon-Scout Detective, 5bSO The Onutenst Cadet; or, The False Detective. -656 The Buckskin Avenger, 591 Delmonte, the Young Sea-Rover. 597 ‘The Young Texan Detective, 602 The Vagabond ef the Mines, 607 The Rover Detective; or, Keno Kits Champlonma. 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scont; or, The Rio Raiders. 644 The Hercules Mighwayman, 650 Butterfly Willy, the Pony Kider Detective; or, Buffalo Bill’s Boy Para, 656 Butterfly Rilly’s Man Wunt. 662 Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza, 668 The Buceancer Midshipman, 674 The Wizard Saflor; or, Red Ralph, the Rover, 679 The Sea Shadowerts or, The Freebooter’s Legacy. 686 Orlando, the Ocean Iree Flag; or, The Tarnished Name, 692 The Rival Sharps; or, Redfern, the Secret Service Scout, 697 The Scarlet Sombrero; or, The Sharp from Texaa TOR Blue Jacket BIN; or, The Red Hat Rangers’ Red Hot Racket TOT The Red Sombrero Rangers; or, Redfern’s Last Trail. 718 Carl, the Mad Cowboy; or, The Lariat Queen. 719 Pawnee Bill’*« Pledge; or, The Cowboy Kidnapper. 725 Daring Dick, Pawnee Bill's Pard; or, The Red Cavalry Raid. 781 Ruth Redmond, the Girl Shadower. %87 Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon. Wm. F. Cody), 8 Kansas Kings; or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom Spy: or, The Pilot of the Prairie, 55 Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scout, 68 Border Robin Hoody or, The Prairie Rover, 168 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust, LATEST AND NEW ISSUES, TA2 Billy Winka, the Bell Boy Detective; or, Breaking th Meshes of the Golden Coil, By. c, Harbaugh. sheet 248 Buck Taylor’« Boys; or, The Red Riders of the Rie Grande, By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, 744 Dick of the Docks, the Night-Watch; Wail’s Dead Past, By Jo Pierce, ght-Watch; or, The Water 45 Kansna Jim, the Cross-Cut Detective; h ee Tee os ee ee 746 Quiet Jack, the Secret Service Spy; or, T Red Pater By Dan Dunning, (of the pecrel Serving Come TAT Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Double T $ of Teddy’s Taihngs. By Edward L. w oe forest ag 748 Silverblade, the Friendly; or, The B Beagle’s Bo. Pad, flor k. Dike dn ne ee 749 Dashing Charlie, the Young Sealp-Taker; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trail. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 750 Violet. Vane, the Vanquished; The Life 8 jonas : Shanty City. By Wm. G. Dation, or, e fo Strugg 751 Gold-PDust Dan, the Trail Patrol. By John W. Oabon. Ready December 15, 752 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deathblow; or, The Little Circus at Last Chance, By Edward L. Wheeler. | Ready December 29, A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half- Dime Library is for ante’ by all mewadealera, five cents per copy, or sent by mall on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York,
Page 16
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 Dsadwoo! Dick in his Castle; or, Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval, 42 my rash Dick’s Bonanza; or, The Phantom iner. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror, 57 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 73 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane, the Heroine of Whoop-up, %% Deadwood Dick’s Last Act; or, Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Rover, 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty. 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Double Cross. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective, 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s Guleb, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base; or, Blonde Bill, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike;‘or,*A Game of Gold. Dick of Deadwood; The Lew 38 149 156 Deadwood Picked Party. Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road, neha Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills ezebel, 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Adventure, 217 Deadwood Dick’s Dead Deal; or, Captain Crack-Shot, the Girl Brigand. Deadwood Dick’s Death Plant; or, Sugar- Coated Sam. 232 Gold-Dust Dick; or, The Three Wild Men of Eagle Bar. 263 Deadwood Dick’s Divide; or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail: or, From Ocean to Ocean. 309 Deadwood Dick’s Big Deal: or, The Gold Brick of Gregon. Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Poantom Fiats, Deadwood Dick’s Ducats; or, Rainy Days in the Diggings. Deadwood Dick Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta. or, 195 201 82 - -— <_— + -- 862 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; or, A Cute Case. 430 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand. 443 Deadwood Dick, Jr.; or, The Sign of the Crimson Crescent, 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Defiance; or, Nickle- Plate Ned. 453 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Full Hand; or, Sun- flower Sam of Shasta. 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Round-up; or Flush Fan, the Ferret. 465 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Racket at Claim 10; or; Philo Fly, of Phenix. 471 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Corral; or, Bozeman Bill of Big Brace. 476 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dog Detective; or, Humboldt Harry, the Hurricave, 481 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Deadwood ; or, Moll Mystery. 491 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Compact; or, Prince Pistol, the King of the West. 496 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Inheritance; or, Monte Cristo, Jr. 500 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diggings; or, Doctor Death Grip’s Swoop. 508 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Fatal Footsteps, 515 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Protege; or, Baby Bess, the Girl Gold Miner. 522 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Three; or The ‘ Bel- lerin’ Bull” of Bismark, Deliverance; or, 529 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Danger Ducks; or, The Owls of Oregon, 534 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death Hunt; or, The Way of the Transgressor. 539 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas; or, The Gtouls of Galveston. 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr,, the Wild West Vidocq; or, Leonora, the Locator. 549 Deadwood Dick, Jr., on His Mettle; or, Cap- tain Crimson-Cow], 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 Oid Man of Mount Mab. 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney Island; or, The ‘** Piping” of Polly Pilgrim. 606 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Leadville Lay; or, Bristol and Bucket’s Boom. 612 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit; or, Turning the Tables on Satan, 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinnati; or, The Clincher Campaiga. 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada; or, The Preacher of Pokerville, or, ¥: ~ »<S, Deadwood Dick Novels in Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. 630 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land; or, Golconda, the Gladiator. 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, Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smugglers, or, Cleaning Out the Gulf Gang. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case; or, Corraling a Cunning Trio, 654 660 666 The Mountain Amazon’s Double Game. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Durango; or, ** Gathered In,” 678 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Discovery; or, Found a Fortune, 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines; or} | ; 684 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dazzle; or, The Nemesis of Nutmeg Bonanza. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.s, Dollars; or, The’ Hummingbird of Honeysuckle. Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide; or, Developing the Dead Secret. 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., 10 San Franeisco; 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 fron. 734 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal; or, The All-Around Surprise, 740 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deathwatch; or, The Moying eos. at Mexican Mustang. 74% Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Doublet; or, The Tandem Team of Teddy’s Tailings, 752 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deathblow; or, The Little Circus at Last Chance, Issues to Follow: %58 Broadway Billy in Denver; or, The On-the- Catch Combination. By J, C. Cowdrick, 754 Billy Winks, the Boss Boy-Shadower. By T, C. Harbaugh. For sale by al] newsdealers at five cents per copy, or sent by mail, post-paid, on receipt of six cents each, EADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York. 695 700