Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 560) (1888 04 17)
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a — i | | YAM) Vim res eel }\00) Vie Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. nea Tell lNelelelelelelal. Arne ate — ta 4 \ MWY ~~ S we ea greed ge i i i oi ol a a a ot a 62 a . ¥., at Seeond Class Mail Rates. mi VET 2 Copyright, 1888 by BEADLE AND ADAMA, 2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Vol. XXU1, ¥ ; | a a Year. ‘The Gold Oneen’s Secret. A BeMANTIC STORY OF REAL BORPER LigR. —_ BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, AUTHOR OF “‘ THE BUCKSKIN ROVERs,” “‘ pasear BILL,” “‘ BILLY BLUE EYES,” “BuoK TAYLOR,” ETC. CHAPTER I. 4 DARING ACT. ALONG a desolate highway, ina far Western -»Btate, a horseman was riding one pleasant after- moon, Pawnee Billis G. W. Lillie, Government Scout and 5 cc gg now li on his ranch in the Indian ry, near M . “May Lillie, the @oki Queen,” is the wife of G. W. Lillie, prin a romantic life om the plaing—Tax AUTHOR, No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. Zz \\\ Wd an Wi \ . ‘ LAD, WHO PREILA HEAVILY, Price, & Cents. \ SCN April 17, 1888 * No. 560,
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2 il ’ , Pawnee Bill, the Prairie Shadower. His horse held his head low down, as he walked slowly along, showing that he was tired, and his rider sat in the saddle like one who was fagged out by a long journey. Lhave said horseman, and yet the rider was a mere boy, a youth of sixteen, whose face was beardless, and whose golden hair hung upon his broad shoulders in many waves, He was dressed in a homespun suit, top-boots, woolen shirt and wore a light-colored slouch hat. At his back bung a rifle, and inchis belt was a revolver, showing that he had armed himself to meet any danger that might cross his path, His saddle was an old one, and it had evi- dently seen service in the lave war, for I write of a time after the gigantic civil struggle be- tween the North and South, A puir of rusty saddle-bags, a roll of blankets, canteen and haversack completed bis equip- ment, excepting a long lariat which was used to stake out his horse to feed when he halted for the night, or for rest. The horse was a good animal, small and with fine points of speed and endurance, Tue face of the youth was a marked one, full of Wearlessness and resolution, while it was in- telligent and possessed the stamp of character beyond his vears. ‘Rattler, you are as tired asI am, so we'll turtoif in the woods and take a rest, as it does not look like a country where we'll find a stop- ping place hereabouts,” said the youth, and he turned from the highway into a clump of thick timber on the right of the road. He unsaddled his borse, watered him at a near-by brook, and while the enimal was left to crop the grass near, he threw himself down to rest, hissaddle serving as a pillow. He was soon asleep; but bad not slumbered long before he was awakened by rapidly ap- proaehing hoofs. Instantly he seized his rifle and took shelter behind a tree, as though he realized that he was in a dangerous locality. Nearer and nearer came the horses, for his experienced ear told him that there were several animals dashing swiftly along the highway, and soon there came into sight around a bend in the road a steed and rider, with two horsemen pressing close behind the leader, A glance told the youth that the onein ad- vance was a female, urging her horse with all speed in flight from two men who were crowd- ‘ag her closely and gaining steadily. It did not take an instant for the youth to de- gde upon his course, which wasto protect the weakest party, as he was accustomed to do un- der all circumstances, and as the fugitive dash- ed by, with her pursuers close upon, her he sprung out into the road and cried in a clear, commanding voice: ‘“Hold there! Make me your game, not a girl!” The maiden gave acry of joy, while the men pores took him at his word and fired upon im. Instantiy he returned the fire, though one of the bullets of the men struck him in the arm. At his shot the man nearest to him fell from his horse, the other dashed upon him, as though to ride bim down, But the youth stood firm, conscious of liis sower to kill his second adversary and thus en- able the maiden to escape. Then came snap! snap! snap! as the revolver missed fire and the youth, wholly taken aback at the failure of his piste] to go off, was unable to get ot of the way of the charging horseman and went down under the hoofs of the animal, The blow was a severe one, and half-stunned the daring lad, who fell heavily, and was unable to rise, though be saw the man dismount quick- ly and rush upon him, firing as he did so, Fortunately the shots flew wild; but the in- furiate’ horseman meant to avenge bis comrade and also to get even for being foiled in the in- tended capture of the girl. “T'l] rill you, curse you, for your daring to interfere with Black Ben in his work!” be hissed, as he rushed toward the prostrate boy, who was now wholly at bis mercy. But ere the fatal shot was fired, there came the sharp crack of a rifle from the woods, and the man fell in his tracks, while out into the roadway bounded a young man, his smoking rifle in bis hand, He was dressed as a huntsman, was scarcely over twenty, and had a bold, bandsome face, He ran up to the prostrate youth, who was still dazed by the blow the’ horse had given him. **T hope you are not seriously hurt, for I saw your brave rescue of my sister, and tried to get here sooner to aid you,” said the new-comer. “*T feel pretty shaky, sir, but I don’t think ‘“No, brother,” and Ruby shuddered as she Im badly hurt— See there!” As the youtb spoke, the man who had called himself Black Ben, and who had fallen at the shot of the young man, sprung to his feet, and with a mighty bound reacbed his horse, threw himself into the saddle and was gone! The young man’s rifle leaped to his shoulder, but the hammer fell with a click, for at the moment he had forgotten that he had fired it to save the boy. Hastily drawing a revolver from his pocket, he opened fire upon the flying highwayman; but the horse was going witb the speed of the wind and almost out of range, so he had the chagrin to see Black Ben escape. ‘‘T thought he was dead; but he’s gone, that is certain. “* Now let me help you, and you must go home with me, for I live but a mile away. **My name is Andrew Rolston, Junior, and you may have heard of my father, who is the wealthiest man in these parts, ** We are summering upon our farm, but live in the city.” Thus in a few words Andrew Rolston, Jr., ae told the young traveler much about him- self, ‘‘T ama stranger in this country, sir, so know no one. ‘‘Let me thank you for saving my life, Mr. Rolston, and I pledge you, I’'{ never forget the debt I owe you.” ‘Don’t mention it, my young friend, for you risked it in defense of my sister, and we are the obliged parties, and the governor won’t forget you, my word for i, ‘* But there comes Ruby now, and she would not have deserted you, for she’s plucky I can tell you, bad she been able to stop that iron- mouthed horse she rides,” As Andrew Rolston spoke the fair young fugi- tive, whom the boy traveler had rescued from her pursuers dashed up to the spot and threw herself from the saddle. CHAPTER II. THE BOY RESCUER. Rusy ROLSTON was a creature of impulse. She was but fourteen years of age, but very beautiful, with her sunny-hued hair and dark eyes. "Her form was willowy in build, graceful and very mature for one of her years, while her face denoted a true heart and noble nature, She was dressed in a handsome riding-habit, and she rode with the ease of one who was at home in the saddle. A beauty she certainly was, and if not spoiled by flattery and the knowledge that she was an heiress, she promised to make a noble woman. Her brother was six years her senior,.and was one who seemed calculated to win the re- spect and friendship of those with whom he came in contact. He had heen out for a day’s sport with his rifle and dog, and his sister had, as was her wont, gone for an afternoon's gallop all alone. They were the oaly children of a rich banker, who dwelt in the city not many miles away, and having a fine farm in the country he was wont to spend a few months there each summer with his wife, son and daughter. It was a fine farm, with a large, comfortable mansion, and a thousand acres in cultivation, Their children were their idols, and so Banker Rolston and bis wife were most bappy in having them with them at the farm. When Ruby dashed up to the scene of the tragedy, and threw herself from her horse, she rasped the hand of the young traveler in bie own, and said in a quivering voice; ‘You saved me from those horrid men, and T fear you are burt. “ Don’t think I was a coward, because T ran off and left you to fight my battles; but I could not stop my horse, ‘Tell me if you are badly hurt, for I can ride after the carriage for you.” ‘Oh no, miss, lam a little bruised, and was stunned for a moment or two, “That is all, and I’m able to go on my way now, I guess, for I have a long journey before me, ‘* But, will I be held for murder, sir?’ and the boy turned to Andrew Rolston, who was ex- amining the body of the man whom the youth bai! slain. ‘No indeed, for.how can you be?” “And you ran the other man off, brother?” asked Ruby, ‘‘T saw the affair from yonder in the bee sis, so did all I could; but do you not know tha dead man?’ both, mz gazed at the face of the dead highwayman. ** Well, I know him, sis, for it is Luke Dor- lan, whom father discharged a year ago for stealing from him, and who vowed revenge.” “Yes, [remember him now, brother, and he sought to capture me to kill me, or to make father pay a large ransom for me. “They chased me nearly a mile,” and Rylg¢ shuddered at the remembrance. “Well, but for this young gentleman yor wowti have been captured, ‘* What is your name, sir?” and Ancrs'¥ Roe ston turned to the youth, whe :aswere. yiiel ly: Mi My name is Gordon Lilie, sir, and [oo so ing West to seek my fortune.” **-You have begun well to-day, Gordi™ Uille, for the governor is generous and will giv© you ®& big stake for saving sis_from those fellows: tut you ride on home with Ruby, while I sts y here by the body, and tell father and som neighbors to come sO we can hold an : over the remains, for though we know »)! Lt it, the law has to tell us just bow the men cam to his death and all that you know.” Thus urged to become a guest: at stor Ranch, as the farm was called, Gordon Lil): could not well refuse, though he hate to for! that he was accepting hospitality in “vim for services rendered. Bui he could do nothing else, and so) ounted his horse and rode on with Ruby Rolston to be home, while Andrew remained by the the man whom Gordon Lillie had slain. On the way to Rolston Ranch Rub: with the young traveler as though : he known him for years, and arriving at the man sion she presented him to ber father and i100! who were séated upon the piazza and rose to meet her, as they saw her with a strang: « ‘* Pather and mother, this young gent! man is Mr. Gordon Lillie, and I owe him my he saved me from capture by Black ] Luke Dorlan, whom you discharged fror farta and who swore to be avenged on you “Mr. Lillie was hurt, so mamma piers: |4 care of him, and father, brother Androw is waiting down the road for you, and wishes you to come at once, for there is a dead man there, and there would have been two, but Black Ben escaped,” ; In spite of Ruby’s off-hand manner of telling of her adventure, her words greatly frightened both of her parents, and the banker hastened ‘away on horseback, followed by a wagon con- taining several of the farm hands, while Mrs. Rolston quickly bad a room prepared for the youth whom Ruby now looked upon as her ero, The dead highwayman was buried where he fell, after the county coroner bad decided that his death was a case of justifiable homicide at the hands of a youth by name Gordon Lillie, That night Gordon was given an easy-chair in thé library, and the banker and his family were interested enough in him to ask him who and what he was. “Simply an Illinois boy, Mr. Rolston. I haye left my home to better my fortunes, es I m old énough to belp my parents along, and I ought of seeking the gold mines, or becoming a scout on the border,” auswered Gordon Lillie modestly. 3 2 “ But life on the border is full of peril, and a wild existence at that, While you will be thrown with a desperate lot of characters, ™Y son,” said the kind-hearted banker,” / “ I do not expect to go through life, sir, with- out meeting dangers of many kinds, &nd there are temptations about me at all times, to go astray. “1 think I shall do well, sir.” “Have you any objection to TeMaining here, Master Lillie?” “ How do you mean, sir?” “ You read and write well, of course” «7 have such an education @5 I could get ata country school, sir; but I hope to be able to study hard and learn more.” “Then I shall give you the’ chance, my £0n, for I will offer you a clerkship in my banking- house. “The duties will not be very bara, the hours from nine until about four, and [ will give a ‘fair salary to begin with, while you can work ourself up into a better place, Sb What say vou my son? Gordon Lillie was Silent for seyera] minutes. He had a romantic desire to win fame upon the plains, or to dig ® fortune out of % gold- mine, He was a boy of splendid physique, had never met his poi strength atone his fellows, \ ~~~ «= wot
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- - ould ride like a Comanche, and was a dead shot. Then he had been a great hunter at home, and Joved the free life of the woods. But here an opportunity was offered him which he should not refuse, and though he al- most felt that it looked like accepting pay for what he had done for Ruby Rolston, he con- cluded to take the situation if he was sure it was not offered him for his services. ** Do you really need a clerk, Mr. Rolston, or are you offering mea place, sir, in payment for my accidental services to your daughter?” he asked. “ Well said, my young friend, for it shows the man in you. ~ ‘But I do need’ a clerk, and was about to write my cashier to get extra help, for I am en- larging my business.” ‘Do stay,” said Ruby pleadingly. rf ‘¢ Yes, my son, remain with us, and do no jnto the wild western plains,” urged Mrs. R ston, , a Try Andrew Rolston, Jr., and thus urged, Gordon Lillie yielded, and the next week became a clers in the banking-house of Andrew Rolston. CHAPTER If. BLACK BEN. THe banking-house of Anjrew Rolston was situated in a part of t was deserted, for it was among houses. \ Ae had always slept there at night; but he had been taken ill, and Mr. Rolston decided ao offer Gordon Lillie a chance to make more money by taking the place of watchman, so far as sleeping at the bank was concerned. 4 ** It will give you pleasant quarters, Gordon, and enough extra to pay your board, so you the business cam lay up your regular salary,” the banker ’ said. - Gordon at once accepted. the of 4zmew that it was attended with some privations, He would have to carry the keys be in his room at nine o’clock, trol was withdrawn at that hour, — His room was a pleasant one, lookiz the river, for the stream wound alo * -year of the building, and Mr. Rolston it up in a most comfortable manner, youth a present of the carpet and furnitur From his room he could look into # through a window that commanded a vie “vault and offices, and he had to pass ix _ through the main door opening upon the \ Several months after having been insta ‘his new quarters, Gordon became annoy: fact that Andrew Rolston, Jr., freque came his companion at night. ‘e He would be wakened up at night by a ‘on the door, and would find Andrew ther much the worse for drinking. The young man had become banking-house, and Gordon was so. spending his nights in dissipati arents, who dwelt in the edze o ieved that he was working at th such times was wont to share hi capades were after night him to be other than man, one who woul of his father. that Andrew neve of wine at dinner. Studying hard, the employ of the banker. which he exercised every day in a gallop out into the country, and also he would carry along his rifle and revolver with them. the strongest friendship, oy ts deepening steadily into love, an “were. One afternoon accustomed ride, and he | L cenly he met a horseman at a turn in the road, 4 The map wore a | and was well mounted, ___ _He seemed to start at bowed politely and rode it for awhile at least, Lillie,” said) E was | ning him, whil town which at night | laugh dashed on, as the rattle of wheels coming jousl ord $ : sa, sis Gordon Lillie felt that he would soon have a good education, and he never once regretted his having remained as a clerk in | ‘bees is extravagance was in keeping his horse, and keep up his practice _Frequently Ruby was his companion on such rides, and between the two there had sprung up a regard that was young as the two. Gordon was returving from his was alone, when sud-— heavy beard and long hair, = Se ‘the youth, but ‘‘ Where have I seen that man _ before?” said Gordon to himself, as he went on his way. ‘¢T have met him somewhere, and under disa- greeable circumstances, I am sure; but I cannot place him.” - For a mile or more he rode on his way, trying to recall the face of the horseman, Suddenly a ¢ry broke from his lips, and wheel- ing his horse, he dashed back along the road at a gallop. boy. e kept up his rapid g and then came in sight o or several miles, the horseman, as he It was certain that thi also; but as he sa’ uth he drew rein an allowed his horse to continue on at a walk. _ But Gordon kept on at a gallop, and was soon in hailing distance of the horseman. ‘Hands up, Black Ben, for you are my pris- oner!” shouted om he rode up be- bind the horseman. But the man whom be had recognized, as | Black Ben, the Highwayman of the Trail, as he was called, was prepared for his pursuer. He already held his revolver in his hand, and, asa flash he wheeled in his saddle and red, The bullet crashed into the brain of Gordon’s horse, and falling heavily, going ata gallop as he was, he threw his rider against a bank, stun- Black Ben, with a_ mocking along a branch road warned him of danger to himself, f ? CHAPTER IV, | THE MIDNIGHT VISITORS... _ By a strange coincidence the vebicle, the roll the carriage of Banker Rolston. rif. The banker was returning from visiting a of wheels of which had startled Black ae was friend living in the country, and was u om- panied by any one excepting his driver. > Both the banker and the driver had heard the shot fired by Black Ben, and had ‘seen a_horse- man dash rapidly by them. ~% “fe A moment after they had come upon the dead | horse lying in the roadside and saw Gordon Li Pawnee Bill, the Prairie Shadower. lie just rising to his feet and passing bis bands, m over his eyes as though he was waking up fro a deep sleep. ; Instantly the banker sprung from his carriage and was at his side, ‘‘Gordon, what has happened?” he cried anx- 5 : . ** Where is he, sir?” P “Who?” f _ “Black Ben, sir, for I met him in the road, d remembering wh of me, rr?” docked the breath ‘to the country about my farm?” es, sir, I am sure.” fes, sir, that was Black Ben, as I know now, aw him o or said, ell, we 1S vere too’ ake he track of this Black Ben.” minutes after, tbe splendid ro with all who knew him. eft the country. e was sleeping soundly, So, t noise at his window overlooking the river. the rocky shore was hardly as wide to edge. » Down he was returned after tocapture him; but he was too quick for and killed my horse, and gave me a fall that aM once you remember, the day he your wif , sir, when I was driving,” the Sah must put the hounds of the law ane ae means no good in being ne spring out of the bed and try conclusions with his midnight visitor. But. in the nick of time, he heard a clicking sound in the bank. The man was not alone, then, this told him, He must act cautiously then., How many there were he did not know; but ‘they should not rob the bank, unless they first killed bim. Slipping his band under his pillow he drew out his revolver. : He did not wish to kill the man, but he would wound him, - So he leveled at the unconscious robber, who little believed that the young man was awake, and pulled trigger. He had aimed at the arm resting upon the window sill. Bs There came a wild cry mingling with there- | port, running steps and the fight was begun. ; Gordon had instantly thrown himself out of the bed, and as the two men rushed in from the bank he fired a second shot. There was a groan, a heav swering shot, and then a f the recks below. ‘ Tt was the man who had been wounded inthe — agm, and who had fallen in getting outof the | window, ' oa The third man gained the window with a bound and sfter several rapid shots toward the bed, went ont. ‘e : Instantly Gerdon Lillie sprung to the win- — dow and heard a heavy plunge. , . One of the midnight visitors had escaped, but two remained, one groaning in agony on the rocks at the foot of the ladder, and the other lying motionless in the room, fall and an an-— of a body upon i Lom % Sot eae ” , Bae Sete t 7 hy Piso Sage
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} Quickly the brave youth lighted a lamp and wa gazed around him. anc A prostrate form near the door leading into ss the bank, told him that one of the men was ao Hastily he dressed, and then going to the bee bank’s outer door, the one leading upon the brc street, gave the loud shrill whistle of alarm. It was vot long before two watchmen came, wo They had heard no firing, as it had been with- f in doors, and there were few people dwelling near the bank to arouse. : They at once gave another signal of alarm Band in a short while half a dozen men were at the bank. of The man in Gordon Leslie’s room was found to be dead, and the bullet-shattered bed showed £ that there had been a bot fire upon the brave youth, who fortunately was unhurt. Descending to the yard with lanterns, the to. second man was found, and in a dying condi- for tion, for the fall had breken his leg and injured i him internally, in addition to his bullet-shatter- fine edarm. > The boat still lay anchored under the cliff, but the third man of the party was gone. te! He had sprung from the cliff into the river, bey and thus escaped by swimming. But the dying man’s confession told that the one who had escaped was known as Black Ben, ( and that he had planned the robbery, and also pin: decided to kill the clerk, Gordon Lillie, after the tur) bank had been robbed of its treasure. tim The next morning the town was wild with ex- 4) citement, and Gordon Tiiliie became more than ever a lion, while the thanks of the citizens, for his brave conduct, were publicly extended to rest him, H long CHAPTER V. pro: TH UNDER A CLOUD, beh Arter his adventure with the bank robbers, ina Gordon Lillie stillremained at his room, though Mr. Rolston told bim he would place a regular exp guard there if he wished, anit **Oh, no, sir, I do not think it necessary, for soor they have given me warning by their visit, and the Iwill be prepared for them,” Gordon had re- pres plied, A ‘But the spirits of the two men, I should think would haunt you, Gordon,” said Ruby, nervously, ‘ag Gordon laughed at this, and responded: It *T do not believe in ghosts, Miss Ruby.” gide “Still, Gordon, I should think you could not wea’ but feel bad, sleeping in the room where you had der killed a man, and, in fact, two of tiem, for it ed | was your shot, the doctors sail, that caused the spru. death of the other one, rather than his fall.” com . “If I felt that I had done a great wrong, Mrs. ** Rolston, 1 would be sorely troubled in con-- . science at sleeping where the tragedy occurred, Tl ‘*But I was mea the property of Mr, Rolston, and I did my duty, while my life was im. also at stake. ; In “IJ cannot but feel it, that I have deprived fellow-beings of life; but still self-preservation A isalaw of man as well as of Nature, and I did but my duty.” “You area brave, noble fellow: but I am Bi glad after all, that Andrew has taken such a pow fancy to staying with you,” Mrs. Rolston said. able ‘Yes, myson hinted that he stayed oftener Ti than he eared for, as he felt that you must be miss lonesome,” said the banker, and thus the conver- at t! sation ended, while Gordon could not but smile tog atthe excuse which Andrew Rolston, Jr., had aud pees his parents for remaining at the bank at 1 night. , the: | The banker had given Gordon a splendid tor! horse, in place of the one that he had lost, and ly a the animal was said to be the fleetest in that part *. of the country, and to have the endurance of a — furi, hound, respectable sum. f One night Gordon Lillie awoke, and thengh he tried his utmost, he could not move. _ jana g seemed to chain him to the bed, mask and slouch hat, i bet he tried to cry out, to spring from the 05 popes utter a word, or to move, ea tan Bill, there seemed tu pervade the room a sicken- | rou. | ish asin Sn the Prairie At length he dropped into a deep sleep. : When he awoke'day was breaking, and his head seemed fairly splitting open, it ached so. ““What a nightmare I had last night,” he said, and after an effort he arose, ‘ Suddenly his eyes fell upon something on the oor. It was a letter, and he picked it up. What he read by the early light of breaking day seemed to surprise him. His face paled and flushed, and he hastened to dress himself, though he need not have gotten up for a couple of hours, He walked about the streets for awhile, and then went to the depot to meet the incoming train. On that train Andrew Rolston was expected, for he had been to a neighboring town since the Saturday before. “Let us walk up, Mr. Rolston, for I have something to say to you,” said Gordon, In a short while they were in Gordon’s room, and the letter which be had picked up was shown to the young cashier, poe Rolston seized it eagerly, and’ then said: **T will see my father about it at once, Gordon.” At nine o’clock Gordon Lillie was at his desk, the banker in his private office and Andrew at a post, with the several other clerks ready for uty. The cashier opened the safe, and at once ut tered a cry of alarm. ‘*The bank has been robbed!” The cry was beard by all, and every one ran to the side of the cashier. **Tmpossible, my son!” ** Tt is not impossible, father, but certain. **The safe has been robbed.” * But why?’ . “Tleft ten thousand dollars in bank notes right here last night, and two bags of gold with five thousand more. ‘Where are they?” “Search the safe, sir,” sternly said the banker. The safe was searched but the money could not be found. ‘You had the keys, Andrew?" ** Yes, father.” | ‘Did you carry them with you when you left town Saturday?” $$: Veg, Bir. ‘Yet the safe has not been forced open?” ‘* No, sir, it was opened with the combination, as it only can be.” ‘*Who knows this combination other than yourself, Andrew?” ‘No ona except you, father.” ‘*'You are sure?” . eo Ves, Sir.7” The banker was puzzled, and for a moment did not speak, Then he turned to the clerks and asked each OF if he knew the combination to open the safe, They did not, and Gordon Lillie also replied in the negative, Then the father and son walked off together, and they told Gordon that they would go to his room for a conference, They did so, and the result was that when the broker and his son went home after banking hours, they spoke no word to Gordon Lillie. But upon his desk was a note, and it read as follows: ° “T have decided to place a night-watchman in the bank, and he is to occupy your room, as your ser- vies are no longer needed in my employ, and I would advise that you at once leave town, ‘*As for the bank’s being robbed last nicht of fif- teen thousand dollars, I do not care to have the fact reach the public, so you will not refer to it, andI have so instructed my other clerks. “T bave placed in your desk in your room the amount of money due you, and I trust I will not have to be more explicit in what your good sense must tell me my wishes are regarding you. »“ ANDREW Ro.stTon.” Gordon Lillie was as white as a corpse when he read this letter. \ For a long while he stood in sileuce, and then going out he moutted his horse and rode to Cedar Hill. r fil The banker declined to see him, but the youth boldly entered the room where the family were seated, discussing the robbery... “Mr, Rolston, do I understand you that I am suspected of robbing the bank last night?” he “You have dared intrude, sir, ind I will answer that I know that you are the robber.” * You know it?” ee tae A Yes, for papers were found in youF'room, in ra Ree on . Page aR ae anit Shadower. . Oh ee which you had been ciphering ows the cembina- tion of the safe, **Nojone else than you, sir, are guilty, so I beg you to accept my clemency and go, for if you remain here you shall go to prison. ** Go, sir!” Gordon tried in vain to speak. His heart and brain were full to overflowing, and he glanced appealingly toward the young cashier, But the latter said: oe ’ “‘For the sake of your good service in the past, Lillie, my father will not prosecute you, unless you drive him to it. vein ‘It is known that you have been dissipated of late, have gambled and lost heavily, and ook the money to cover up your tracks. “But go, for my father is merciful, and does not wish to send you to prison, and we will keep the robbery a secret, and pocket the loss, pea that you were called away unexpect- edly. ne long look did Gordon Lillie give the young cashier, and then he was about to speak, and his expression showed that what he said would be bitter and to the point; but just then Ruby glided up to.him and said: ‘Gordon, I do not believe you guilty; but go, and in time prove your innocence.” ‘*T will go, Ruby, and Banker Rolston, I thank you for your mercy to me under existing cir- cumstances,” He grasped Ruby’s hand as he spoke, and with a bow to the others, left the room. As he was about to mount his horse, Ruby ran up to him, the tears streaming from her eyes: ‘On, Gordon, is this not terrible? : “But | do not beiieve you guilty, I again say; but go, and some day all will come well, I ow. ““Good-by, Gordon, and remember that I love you.” ; In her impulsive way she threw her arms about his neck and ‘kissed him, and without a word he sprung into his saddle and rode away like the wind. That night he rode out of the town, and he carried with him only the sum _ of money, some seventy dollars, which he had had with him when he became a bank clerk, and all the souvenirs given him by the Rolstons, all except. Ruby’s photograph, he left. : His horse he felt that he was entitled to, and the money paid him by the banker he returned to bim in an envelope. Thus, after nearly a year, Gordon Lillie was as poor as when he bad first met the Rolstons, ant he went forth again in the world to carve out his fortune; but he went away feeling that he was under a cloud. \ CHAPTER VI. RED JENKS OF PROSPECT CITY. Tre desire of Gordon Lillie, when he rode out of the Illinois town, where life had seemed so bright to him, was to carry out his former in- tention and go to the far frontier. He was older by nearly a year, had had much experience in business, which bad made hima better judge of mankind, and he was imbittered by the fact that he was accused of a crime of which he knew that he was not guilty. He had smelled powder in personal combat, and on each occasion, on the highway, when he rescued Ruby Rolston, when be had met Black | Ben in the road and tried to capture him, and again in bis room in the bank the night of the attempted robbery, his nerve had not deserted him, and he had met danger with fearless front, & ““T have some seventy dollars, a good horse and outfit, and average pluck and will with which to begin life anew, so Tl not feel de- . spondent,” he said, to himself as he rode along. The point for which Gordon Lillie aimed was Colorado. He had heard much of the mining-camps there, and felt that he could see something of prairie life in going there. , So he out by easy piney ante his way there, and by camping at night to become ac- customed to 4 life of hardships, One night as he was nearing his journey’s end, and ies wettle the rgread be sprig d e stopped at a small settlement and soug’ aa ing at what some great stretch of the aadiceds imagination termed a hotel, It was known as the ‘* Bonanza Hotel,” and consisted of a dozen rooms, in which were half a dozen bunks against the wall and a mattress stuffed with prairie grass, . A common wash-basin at the well was for all, and the dining table was devoid of cloth or na kin, while the ce, though called by Ton ar
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o * ea ee Ao ford Jenks his “silver” consisted of the plates, si 79 and steel knives and forks. t was asserted by the “guests” of the Bo- nanza that Landlord Jenks was a very danger- ous man, and on several occasions had turned from carving the roast of buffalo or antelope, to use bis carving-knife upon some boarder, who had pussed the limit of a frontier host’s en- durance. Having knifed his man, Landlord Jenks would coolly wipe his knife upon the sleeve of his carving blouse and continue to slice off juicy morsels for the hungry, while some one would roll the body of the unfortunate out of the dining-room to await burial later on, when the generous landlord would pay all expenses and serve as chief mourner over the corpse. “And who has a better right?’ was his un- answerable question. The town was composed of railroad hands, wagon-train men, hunters, storekeepers and hungers-on, among the latter being some noted Ra reget here were not over a hundred sianties in the town, which was known as Prospect City, and the inhabitants were, taken altogether, a very hard set of citizens. Gamblers were numerous, and cut-throats were to be found for the looking. Such was the town in which Gordon Lillie took refuge one night. He had avoided the settlements as much as possible on his westward ride, not caring to mingle with rough characters any more than he was forced to do; but he was about out of pro- visions and ammunition, and was told by a party of railroad men whom he met, that he would ébtain supplies at Prospect City. So to Prospect City he went, and he saw, as be entered the Bonanza Hotel, taat he had ar- rived at rather an inauspicious moment for his own comfort. The bar-room was the “ office” and gambling saloon as well, and just as Gordon Lillie en- tered, there was a fight on. . was a lively affair too, and shots rung out ast. There was a scuffle, tables overturned, oaths and shouts, and the room was thick with dust and smoke. ‘ Had he not put bis horse up in the shed of the Bonanza, Gordon Lillie would baye been greatly tempted to mount in hot haste and sbake the dust of Prospect City from the hoofs of the animal. He was not pleased with his introduction to real wild border life. It surpassed his wildest dreams, and be felt —s it was a place where he would not, linger ong. But he was in with the ruins, and was pushed about here and there in the turmoil, until be was suddenly seized by the arm and dragged into a pen which was called the office. ‘Stay here, lad, while { stop this row.” The speaker was Landlord Jenks, called by his intimates Crimson Jenks, not only from the fact that his bair wasof a carmine hue, but also in honor of bis gory character, He had been a sailor in early life, and then, |. a giant in size and strong as a lion, he had taken to prize-fighting, and it was said that he Bit so bard that his adversaries never recovered from the blow. Having knocked several out of Time into Eter- nity, be had gone West to live, and thus had become the sole proprietor of the ‘‘ Bonanza.” He bad caught sight of Gordon as he entered, -saw that he was young, anda pa 3 and in» the fight that was in progress, had made his way to him and dragged him into his den. Then he had started forth, as he had said: “To stop this row.” He began well, for men went down under his blows, as though a mule had kicked them. ‘Open that door!” he yelled in a voice of thunder. The order was obeyed with alacrity, as many were anxious to get out; and out the stream of enraged humanity went, fighting and swearing as they moved. But several remained, and these were pros- trate upon the floor, some dead and otuers dying. Bas Look to em, Foly,” called out Red Jenks to his assistant, who had just popped up from be- hind his bullet-proof bar. ““They’s down on you, Pard Jenks, and here Ho cae cried Foly, again bobbing out of a) ut he had told the truth, for into the door ame half a dozen desperadoes who had made common cause against the landlord who had shandled them so severely. - T Oe Bm wnee Bill, t -and maybe it isso, though I has’n’t seen the pote’ he PGS oy old h 2 MeN Peet Gordon Lillie saw that he was in for it. The office was a den, open on one side, board- ed on the other three, and with a door in the rear, anc through this Red Jenks had pushed him into the den. Across the front was a stout counter of logs, bearded up on the outside and tooking more like a breastwork than a desk. Behind it was a rack, in which were a couple of Winchester rifles, half a dozen revolvers and a saber, As the men came toward the office, Landlord Jenks bounded over the barrier like a circus tumbler, and came down within the den, ‘Now, come on, you who want grave-yard tickets,” yelled Red Jenks, as he drew his weap- ons, and waited with Gordon Lillie for tue attack, The men were maddened with whisky and fancied wrong, and rushed recklessly forward, firing as they came. Gordon Lillie had drawn his weapons, for he knew that he would be considered as the friend of the landlord and be set upon too. The door in the rear of the office was locked, so he had to stand and fight. : There was u rush, a dozen shots, heavy falls, oaths, and then the loud, mocking words: ‘Run to your kennels, you dogs.” The fight was over and the landlord held his fort, for the attacking party had fled. The place was too hot for them they found. As the door closed bebind them, Red Jenks turned to Gordon Lillie. ‘Pm hit, pard, but it would have been six feet under fer me but fer you, as I seen yer kill Wild Ned thar, when be had me foul. “T owes yer my life, and I’m not fergitful rou friends-or foes. “Put it thar, and mark down Red Jenks as ‘yours truly.’” Gordon Lillie grasped the hand extended to him, and theu gazed around him upon the strange scene, while he heard how the fight had been ar- ranged by a few, to rob the landlord’s scrong box during the turmoil. “ Now, young pard, you bunks in with me to- night, and to-morrow we'll go to ther burying, ‘and thar’s a clean half-dozen stiffs to plant, as er sees,” said Landlord Jenks, again grasping he youth’s hand. Sach was Gordon Lillie’s entrance upon real border life among the roughs, and he could not say that it was all that he had anticipated it would be, But he was not one to turn back from a trail he had made up his mind to pursue to the end. CHAPTER VII. A MYSTERIOUS WARNING, ‘ inetd Crry held no charms for Gordon +lie, He had seen it at its worst, perhaps, upon his arrival thefe; but be cared not to remain longer there to test its hospitality, and so, after an early breakfast with Red Jenks, who was most kind to him, he made what purchases he needed, and started on his lonely ride further into the western wilds. He halted for the night at an old cabin, long deserted and situated upon a wooded hill. lt had been the home of a settler and his fam- ily, and Red Jenks had told him to avoid,the P ee as it was said to be haunted, for some one ad murdered the man, his wile and children one night, and no trace of the murderer, or the cause of the vile deed had ever been discov- “Since thet time young pard, they does say thet ghosts walk about the a cabin by night, spirits,” Red Jenks had said. But Gordon Lillie did not believe in ghosts. | He had serenely slept in the room where he had killed a burglar, and the spirit of the dead man had never haunted him. So to the cabin he went, feeling that it was not onlya more comfortable place to spend the night, for the air was chilly, but a safer retreat than in the open woods, The cabin was a large one, with three rooms, and the door swung open, as though inviting him to enter. In front of the cabin were the graves of the sevtler and his family, five in all, and the rude furniture of the place had not been removed, though the bedding and lighter articles had. The night came on threatening a storm, and Gordon let his horse feed upon the rich grass about while he gathered wood to last him until morning. He soon had a cheerful fire burning on the hearth, and began to cook his oe i which was an inviting repast, ashe had illed some / e Prairie Shadower. game and caught a few fishes during the day, when he halted for rest at noon. : Aspring near furnished him good drinking water, and, having led his horse into one of the rooms, he sat down in calm enjoyment of his comfortable retreat. He felt sorry for the poor settler, but the -fact that they bad been murdered there, and their graves were within a few feet of him gave him no uneasiness. With the provisions he had purchased at Prospect City, and his game and fish, he had a most sumptuous supper for a border traveler, and ate heartily. Then he read by the fireJight, a book which he had taken from his saddle-bags; but becom- ing sleepy he soon arranged his traps, to be ready to leave at a moment s notice'if necessary, and wrapping himself in his blanket was soon in deepest slumber. How long he slept he did not know, but soothed by the patter of the rain upon the roof he certainly was in deepest repose for sever hours. Then he awoke with a slight start. The fire had burned low, and there ‘was only a flickering blaze which gave a weird light through the cabin. f But there was ys enough to reveal to him the startling fact that he was not alone, He had searched the cabin on his entrance, going through the three rooms in it, and before going tosleep had seen that the doors and win~ dows were securely barred. But still there was another person in the room wish him, and more, there was a most spectral look about the one upon whom his eyes fell. Standing in the door between the room where he was and the one adjoining where he had put his horse was 4 tall, form clad in a white robe, evidently the skin of a grizzly bear. His head was covered by a cap of the same shaggy fur. His feet were incased in rude moccasins, and bis hair and beard were long and white. He certainly was an ugly looking customer to meet by night in that lonely cabin. If he was armed, the weapons were not visi- ble, and he certainly bad a most substantial look for « ghost. He stood in the doorway gazing at the youth, who was taken aback at his presence, and then, with a sudden turn, he went back out of sight. Instantly Gordon Lillie was upon bis feet, and in a short while he had drawn on his boots, and pistol in hand, approached the fire. A handful of wood was thrown upon the fire, and a bright light soon illumined the room. Then Gordon Lillie set about an investigation of the strange sight be had witnessed, He entered the next room cautiously, and ready to meet the strange being witha shot if it came to a struggle for life. His horse was over in the corner lying down, a appeared not to have seen what his mas r d The room was unoccupied, save by the ani- mal, and a search revealed ne sign of the mid- night visitor. Gordon remembered that Red Jenks had told him that the settler had been a large man, with white hair and beard. The one he had seen there, in his white bear- robe, certainly looked as though he might be the settler’s ghost. As he could find no trace of the strange re Gordon felt a nervous chill stealing over im. The door was barred, as when he went to bed, from the inside, and the manner in which he had fastened the window was the same. There were a few planks overhead, forming @ loft, but it afforded no hiding-place for the large man whom he had seen. There was a fireplace in the room, but the chimney was too smell for a man to ascend, and thus find entrance and exit. The youth was mystified, and began to won- der if he had not been dreaming. This thought, that he had had the nightmare after his hearty ne ed and brought up by what Red Jenks had told him of the cabin, reass him, and he once more lay down to er Tt was some time before he again fell off to sleep, and when he did if was not to be dis- oe through the hours that remained of the — night. Tt was daylight when he awoke, and his dream flashed across his mind the first thing. “ How real it was!” he muttered, as he entered the room where his horse was. There stood Black Ben, looking as though he wanted to be out feeding upon the juicy grass, after the rain upon it, Ten om ONY wee or to Lo 3 3 | | ; . SRA ae Doukog ry hth At Si ed alg ' . PPL he Litt os eed ee ET 5 ; Bas eh Bache x ys . : b sir Vea aig ry . : i a4 s va yh - z REY aa ketaA He MRT Ae
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Trak ace eRe a f i as ip “You shall have a good breakfast, Black Ben; but I am late, as my rest was disturbed by a nightmare last night. “You didn’t see any ghost, did you?” And he patted his horse affectionately as he spoke, Suddenly Gordon Lillie started, for there, upon the glossy black side of tie horse was a skull and cross-bones, drawn in white clay, and beneath the hideous emblem the one word: “ Beware |” CHAPTER VIIL AT BAY. BRAVE boy that’ he was, Gordon Lillie could not but feel upset at what he beheld. , His horse stood quietly at his side, just where he had hitched him the night before, and the knot of the lariat was the same that he had made, ; There was no doubt now but that it had not been a dream, his seeing of the strange man in the doorway during the night, He had certainly been there, and he recalled the fact that the same sign, of the cross-bones and skull, were upon the front door of the cabin with the warning word written beneath it. He had also seen the same uncanny symbol on the bark of a tree at the spring near by, cut deep into the wood. ; But where the strange being had gone, how he had entered the cabin and left it, the youth could ( not understand. Considerably worked up about the affair, Gordon led his horse from the cabin to stake him out near by and water him, after which he ee to get his own breakfast and start upon B is way. i He made it a rule to travel by easy journeys, never pushing his horse, and the result was that Black Ben was in splendid condition. He had just driven the lariat-pin into the ‘round, when suddenly a shot and the whiz of a ullet by his head came almost together. Then followed several other shots, the balls rattling about him, and one slightly clipping his shoulder. 3 To = up the stake and run into the cabin with his horse, was Gordon’s first act. Hastily tying the animal, he seized his rifle ; and sprung to the door. ti; There he saw five horsemen coming at a run toward the cabin. Bic ys ey had fired at him from long range, and he had not seen them until their bullets rattled ‘®round bim. ; ‘* [ must be more careful in this country. ta ‘“‘T came very near being caught that’ time,” he muttered, as he glanced from the door and took in/the situation. The five horsemen were dashing straight for | the cabin, and firing as they came, ay They seemed to understand the situation, that there was but one person to meet them, and he a youth, for they were strangely reckless. The cabin had small port-holes for rifle-barrels _ tobe thrust through and fired, the settler having hs oe og against a siege, or an attack, when he built his house. : ae Closing the door and barring it, Gordon sprung by one of these little port-holes and gazed through ox, The horsemen had reached the timber, which _ surrounded the cabin, and were dividing as though to encircle it. , ie One of the men, who was giving an Srder, the aa igs set down as a leader, and he recognized | him as one whom he had.seen at Prospect City | the night before, and whose brother he had _' shot, in the attack upon the landlord of the . Bonanza, This convinced him that he was the game that _ they were after, and he felt certain that their - motive was revenge, That they had followed him from Prospect _ City was certain, and as their only motive could be to kill and rob him he at once decided to act = aa @ Bill, the Prai: But in this he was mistaken, for he heard a rapid footfall without, and a voice cried: si Pard, throw up the sponge and we won’t kill you. The answer of Gordon Lillie was to the potnt: “You throw up your hands, pard, or I will kill you.” The man laughed, and it was a mocking laugh, as he responded: ‘Blaze away then, for I keep my hands down,” He saw only the solid wall of the cabin, and felt that he was safe. But through what eee to be a knot-hole in the timber came the muzzle of a rifle and quick as he was in spurring away he was not quick enough, for a bullet went crashing into his brain. , Away went his horse at a gallop through the woods, and the curses of his companions were horrible to hear. But Gordon Lillie’s blood was up, and he meant to do or die. He knew that the men had come to kill him, and that the chances would be against him when night came on, so he intended to spare no One if he got a chance to shoot him down. The cabin was on an unfrequented trail, and J andlord Jenks had directed him that way to bay. him avoid lawless men upon the regular Overland route, He could look for no succor, and if besieged in the cabin, as he doubtless would be, he would ‘be starved into a surrender, or they would break in the door and rush upon him, | If they feared to do this they could set the cabin on fire and that would quickly end it. “Tf they burn us out, Black Ben, when night comes, we must make a dash for it; but matters look bad for us now,” he said to his horse, who gave a low whinny, as though in full sym- pathy with his master in the perilous situation in which he found himself, Feeling the necessity to be on the watch, Gor- don went from room to room, keeping up bis round and looking through the eye-holes on each side of the cabin. He saw that the men still surrounded the cabin, one of them having caught the horse of the man who lay dead just outside of the door. That the wound he had given one could not have been serious he knew, as he beheld the fel- low on duty, having become the more determin- ed to capture the one who had wounded him. It was certainly a time of peril for the brave boy, and he frankly admitted to himself that he was sorry that he had gone West, “Tf [ get out of this scrape, I think I'll be. content to live among civilized people,” he said, aloud, and Black Ben whinnied as though ap- proving of the thought of his rider, | Thus hours passed away and the danger grew monotonous. ; Gordon dared not cease his round.of watching from the port-boles on each side of the cabin, though he became footsore and weary. He ate his breakfast, from the renains of his supper, and yet Black Ben bad nothing to eat and became very impatient, | At last the shadows of night began to fall, and Gordon Lillie knew that the end could sot | be far off. But he did not lose his pluck, and still stood at bay, though he knew that under cover of the night this foes would begin active operations against him. CHAPTER IX. “fl THE SIEGE, As night grew on, Gordon Lillie, who was watching closely, saw the men on watch, in answer to a loud whistle from their leader, leave their respective posts and steal away | toward a given point. They were evidently bound on a consultation as to what was to be done, So the youth set to work to discover what was best for him to do, He first thought of mounting his horse and dasbing out of the cabin in flight, But he remembered that upon the side where the men were not, there was a deep ravine, which a horse could not cross, and he would have to pass within easy range of his enemies to gain the open prairie. Then Black Ben had bad neither food or water for twenty-four hours, and might not be able to lead the other horses in a chase, even if he got by the line of fire in safety. He therefore did not care to take the risk ex- cept as a last resort. e then remembered that there was a large the cabin, pile of wood, pine and oak, not twenty feet from pape aa Te | ie Shadower. If lighted this would burn all night, he felt: sure, and, as the wind blew from the direction of the cabin, there would be no danger of its being set on fire, ; It would also give a bright light all around the cabin and prevent the four men from steal- ing up under cover of the darkness, ‘This will do for to-night, and I'll set it on fire if I can,” be said to himself. He had plenty of dry wood in the cabin, and so he made a bright fire on the hearth, lighting the ends of the pine-knots. Then he opened the door softly, and seizing number of pine-knots rushed out and threw them into the pile of wood. The men uttered a cry as they saw him dash out, taken by surprise at his strange action; but they all sprung to their feet, from where: they sat at supper, seized their rifles and fired upon him, The bullets pattered about him; but he man- aged to thrust the pine knots down through the wood-pile and dash back unharmed. The men rushed toward the pile of wood, as. they understood his motive, determined to put out the fire; but @Shot from the cabin clipped the ear of the leader, and they ran back to cover once more, Slowly the wood, wet by the rain of the night before, kindled into a brighter blaze, and in half an hour it was burning well. ‘* Now let them come into view!” said Gordon Lillie, grimly, and he partook of some food from his stores, making himself a tin-cupful of strong coffee, and condoling with Black Ben that he had no food for him also, After supper be once more began his tramp from room to room, The burning wood gave a brilliant light for rods around the cabin, except in the rear, which was in shadow; but still there was light enough to see any one approaching in that direction. Tramp, tramping away the hours, the night never seemed so long to Gordon Lillie before. He was tired out, and his feet were paining him, while his eyes grew heavy. He felt relieved that he had at least thwarted the men for the night; but what he shonld do on the next night he did not know. At length the dawn broke, and the fire, as though feeling that its work bad been well done, began to die out. At a distance, on their posts, Gordon saw his enemies, and they seemed to have quietly setitled down to besiege the cabin and drive him out by, starvation. ‘ Their horses were lariated near, and each man had a small fire, cooking thereby his breakfast. This made Gordon feel hungry, and he, too,. cooked his remaining meal of bacon, a sweet: potato and cup of coffee. He gave some potatoes to Black Ben, who ate them with a relish, and then began his day of watching. “*T hate to leave you, Black Ben, for you’ve been a good friend to me; but the only chance I can see of saving my life iseto slip out the mo- ment it is dark and leave you here. ‘**T only hope you won’t be burned up; but Pll leave the door open and turn you loose, so that. you can get out if they set the cabin on fire, as they will surely do to-night, ‘Then I must go on foot back to Prospect: City for another horse. F ‘Life is sweet, Black Ben, and that alone makes me desert you, for we cannot go out t- gether.” Such was Gordon’s plan of escape, when night came on, and he got bis things together so as to be ready to depart at the right moment. : He felt that he could crawl through the lines of his enemies, where he could never ride through them, and though it pained him deeply to leave Black Ben, he telt that to save himself was his. first duty. : isa At last, utterly tired out with his tramp from. room to room, and his watching, he wearily sat: down to rest himself for his night-journey back to Prospect City. ; Having bad no sleep in so long a time he could not keep his eyes open, and soon was in a deep slumber. ; But he sprung to his feet in alarm as he heard. shots not far distant, Rushing to the port-hole on the side from whence the firing came, be saw that the sun was setting, and knew that he had been asleep for several hours, ; But, best of all, he saw a party of horsemen coming toward the timber in which the cabin. bo situated, and there were half a score of em, ; Tn the timber were his enemies, two of them firing upon the advancing horsemen, while the
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- other two were hastily saddling and bridling their horses as though for flight. In the leader of those coming toward the tim- ber Gordon Lillie recogni Red Jenks, the landlord of the Bonanza Hotel at Prospect City, CHAPTER X, RED JENKS TO THE RESCUE, A ory of joy burst from the lips of Gordon Lillie as he recognized the landlord of the Bonanza, He knew that he was saved, and though he did not think that Red Jenks had come pur- posely to his aid, yet he knew that it was a most fortunate circumstance that he was there. He forgot his sore feet and fatigue, and in- stantly darted out of the cabin rifle in band. He was just in time to send a parting shot after his enemies, who had started in rapid flight. ; His shot missed its man, but it brought down a horse and the rider was rolled over and over upon the ground, When he sprung to his feet his three com- rades were some distance off, and though he called loudly for them to give him a mount they dashed away more rapidly, feeling no desire to risk their lives by stopping for him, Red Jenks and his comrades in the mean time dashed on in pursuit and soon came up with the man whose horse had been killed, He held his hands above his bead, and Gordon heard his ery: ) fy ‘* Don’t kill me, pards! \ ‘My hands is up!” Red Jenks and several others stopped by the ‘man, while the others pressed on in chase of the three fugitives, Walking toward them Gordon Lillie saw that their horses were tired, and that the animals of his besiegers being. fresh, were rapi ini upon their pursuers. Re ’ **Tt?s no use, for our ponies is dead beat, can't catch ’em; but we've got bers,” said Red Jenks, as Gordon © the group. ; “And what has I done that you sh me down, Red Jenks?” sullenly asked whom Gordon recognized as the enemies, Before Red Jenks could reply Gordon approached and the landlord of the B called out: “Young pard, I is glad to see y you has come out 0’ this scrape skin ¥ ’ “Yes, Landlord Jenks, thanks to ; ing as you did, I am all right, and [ t and A ond friends for saving my life, “You are welcome, lad, I can tell y has you laid out any of the gang, fe Alf Chambers, as we calls Black there goes three men of his gang; buf five of ’em?” ‘*Qne lies dead over yonder by the quietly answered Gordon Lillie. _ “You area trump, lad, and don’t le get it, for you’ve s the gang off fe time and sent one to the unhappy grounds o’ Hades.” ' — ** But how is it you are here, landlord?” “To save you, lad, for it was overhee friend 0’ mine, that Black Beard, whose bre you kilt in saving my life, had got togethe or’nary pilgrims to follow you and maki rub of ye. ‘“‘T concluded I'd follow, too, and we star this morning and here we is, and I are is on time. ' ‘*-You are indeed, sir.” “ Well, tell us all about it, soon as the comes back, for we rid hard and our anim used up so can never catch them other feller “But they had better keep out 0’ Pros] City, and ('m sart’in sure that Black Beard hb hain’t going to kick up no more rows in: hotel,” and he gave @ Significant glance at captured desperado which all understood, The mea soon came back frum their chase having keen unsuccessful, and fires were built about the cabin, the horses were staked out Black Ben neighing with delight when he onee more got into the open alr. Supper was cooked, and as all sat about th fire Gordon Lillie told the story of his adventure and the men were loud in bis praise, while on nous glances were cast at Black Beard. After suppr, Landlord Jenks remarked: * Now, pards, it’s business, for we must bang Black Beard, or we won’t'sleep well.” The man received the words in stolid silence, ges oe said: be - aire ope you won't hang him, Landlord Jenks, for he bas done me no real harm.” rm ‘Waal, we will hang him all the same, for he meant to do you harm, ‘He is a bad one, and Prospect. City will be the better for his having left it for good. “You has got to die, Chambers.” “T do not doubt that, Red Jenks, for I know what you are; but I have been a bad man, and I ask you to wait until morning when you break camp.” ‘*-You hopes to escape in some way?” “‘T would certainly do so if I could, but I see no way, and I only ask time to make my peace with Heaven.” * All right, you can pray all night, and you'll need to; but you hangs before we start in the morning.” ‘‘T ask no more, Red Jenks,” was the calm re- ply of the man, who certainly showed no fear in the face of the death that confronted him, Then the prisoner was more securely bound and placed under guard, while the landlord and his men sought the rest they needed, especially Gordon Lillie, who was soon fast asleep, with no dreams to bother him of what the morrow might bring forth. Red Jenks had told him how Black Beard had been heard plotting with those who had accom- anied him, to follow on bis, Gordon’s trail, and <ill him to avenge his, the desperado’s brother.” Having taken a great fancy to the youth Red Jenks had at once started in chase of Black Beard and his party, and arrived in the nick of time to save Gordon Lillie’s life, as has been seen, About midnight when all in the camp were in deep repose, excepting the man on sentinel duty, who was watching the prisoner, and the horses as well, a wild cry caused every one to spring to their feet. What had happened they did not know, until in their midst dashed the guard, who had thrown away his gun, and, as seen by the fire- light, was white as death. ‘* It?s the ghost! he came right up to me. ‘*The ghost! the ghost!” be cried and sunk down upon the ground in abject terror. Not a man laughed at his fears, for he was known to be a fearless fellow, and his terror was too plainly depicted upon his face and in his actions, not to impress them, “Come, Larry, pard, what is it, * Are you sick?” asked Red Jenks ina kindly ne. ‘“‘No, Pard Jenks, I’m scared, for I seen thet ghost, the spirit of the murdered settler. “He came right up behind me and passed on n- | as though he did not notice me. ‘**T could not move for a minute, then I yelled and ran here quick as I could, 4 ie but it was borrible,” and the man shud- ered. “Perhaps tie were dreaming, Larry.” ‘No, Pard Jenks, I hain’t a man to go to | sleep on post and dream, “T saw the settler’s ghost, and it was tall, {clad in white and with long gray hair and ard.’ ** T saw the same form night before last,” said ordon Lillie, and all eyes turned upon him. Then he told the story of bis midnight visitor, nd the mark he had left upon the glossy hide Black Ben. Ee also told how impossible to find any trace he being, whoever, or whatever he was, and) he men were deeply impressed by the story, md there was no more sleep in camp that night rv any one except Gordon Lillie, who quickly nissed all thoughts of the “Ghost of the in,” and returned to his blankets to finish nis sleep so rudely broken in upon. CHAPTER XI, 4 BORDER LAW. a alarm of the guard, and the desire, as Said, to catch sight of the “ ghost,” kept party of Red Jenks awake for the re- er of the night. y sat about the camp-fire, which they had yu wood upon to make a bright blaze, and o their nervousness by telling ‘ ghost es” until dawn, ere] had made a reconnoissance together, could find ‘no trace of the settler’s spirit, ruth they had not seemed very anxious dawn came they began to cook break- 5 tordon Lillie was aroused, after hav- e enjoyed his sleep immensely. . Upon going to lead his horse to water, Gor- don saw that the skull and cross-bones had again been placed upon his horse, and beneath them the word: ‘¢ Beware!” _ Nor was this all, for upon each animal belong- ing to the party the same hideous symbol had been drawn, a couple of white bones among the | lot having it drawn in black. The superstitious herdsmen were considerably — taken aback at this, and if any one had doubted | the guard’s having seen a ghost during the night, — they were certain that he had beheld some mys- terious being, Their subdued manner showed that they were deeply impressed, and they were anxious to get away from the dreary spot. A substantial breakfast was given to the pris- oner, and he ate it with a relish that was little like a man who stood on the briuk of the grave. ‘‘T hopes you has made your peace with Heaven, Black Beard, for you bas got to be swung up in a few minutes,” said Red Jenks, ‘‘T was sleepin’ most of the night, Jenks; but if I must die bm ready any time.” “ You has grit, great grit, Black Beard, and I wishes we didn’t have ter bang you. “But you is so infernal bad, if I was ter let yer off, you’d kill me, or somebody of us afore another day. ‘*No, you has got to hang, Black Beard,” said Red Jenks firmly. “J told you that I was ready, so fire away,” was the indifferent reply. The nerve of the man won Gordon Lillie’s ad- miration, and he again begged for his life, But the landlord was inflexible, and his men all demanded the death of Black Beard, ** He’s a bad man, young pard, and would drop you or me, soon as I’d let him go. “You've got a soft heart, but you must barden it if you intends to live out here, for it will git you into trouble. “Come, pards, let’s have this hanging picnic over with, and get away from here.” In response the men gathered around him, in- different to the fate of the man whom they were to launch into eternity. ( They had their horses saddled and bridled and were all in readiness to start as soon as Black Beard was swung up in mid-air. ‘ Gordon Lillie felt that he could do nothing to avert the death of his enemy. He was sorry for him, and, haying never be- — fore witnessed a scene of border justice, as the men called it, he turned away to gather up his traps to depart. The men said nothing tohim. . They, too, in their early life on the plains had shunned, as he did, a tragic scene brought about by Frontier Law, with ‘‘Judge Lynch” the head and front of the situation. f Black Beard still remained firm, wholly in- different he appeared, and when told to mount — a horse, which was to serve as a scaffold, he did ~ $0. ‘A lariat was then thrown over a limb above | his head, one end made fast to a tree, and the other placed about his neck. “Has you got anything to say, pard, for you | is a dying man?” said Red Jenks. ‘*T only wish to say that I hope you'll catch — and hang the four men who were with me, and — who deserted me in such a cowardly manner,” | ‘*Who are they, Pard Black Heard, for we j q , { wants law against all such fellows as you, who try to make this country a lawless community,” responded Red Jenks. - ‘They are Barney Burt, Slick Sam, and Kan- sas Charlie, and it would be a satisfaction to me — here in my last minute of life, to feel that the | cowards would quickly follow me,” and a flash — of intensest revenge came into the eyes of the man. ‘We'll mark ’em for trial, pard, and that | means as much as to say they’ll hang,” was the | reply. , t ‘Atl ready, then,” came the cool rejoinder of | the doomed man, and one of the Vigilantes fired | a charge of powder from his pistol into the flank — of the horse to make him spring from under the | rider. ’ Witha frightened and angry snort the. ani-— mal beunded forward, and the next instant Black Beard was dangling in the air. Instantly the men mounted their horses and set off on their returu to Prospect City, Red | Jenks persuading Gordon Lillie to return with — them a few miles, and then take another trail — to the mines, which was safer,as the youth re-— fused to go back to Prospect City with him, though strongly urged to do se. oa Arriving at the trail which Red Jenks thought | it best for him to take, the landlord again urged | Gordon Lillie to go back to Prospect City and | make it his home. co) Se “Tye got no wife or kin, lad, and T’ll make you my son, for I like you a deal. he “Come, return with me and be my clerk, and | you can get what I have when I pass in my
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era sali? didi Rai eae ue ae ies checks, and you may not have to wait long, either, for life’s a mighty onsart'in commodity on the plains.” Pa Lillie took it so; but. he was not anxious to re- turn to Prospect City. He might get into a wild community where he was going, but he certainly could not get into a worse one he thought. So he thanked the landlord warmly, told him if luck went against him he would return to him, and with a grasp of the hand from all, and a number of good wishes, he rode off alone on his perilons journey, while-the riders who had rescued him from death went on their way to Prospect City, all of them loud in their praises of the plucky youth. After riding a mile, Gordon Lillie came to a ] t. He had left one of his revolvers, and he re- membered to have placed it upon.a nail near one of the small port-holes in the cabin. It was a splendid weapon, and he determined to return and get it. Then he would go on his way by the trail which he had first started on, for it was shorter, and he was anxious to get to the end of his jour- * ney and see what was in store for him. ‘If [ can only find a gold-mine, and strike it rich, as they say out here, I will return mighty quick and pay Banker Rolston the money he says I stole from the safe, and I think Ican clear myself of the accusation, forI was a fool to offer myself as a sacrifice.” So said Gordon Lillie to himself, as he rode on his way back to the cabin where he had so nearly lost his life, As he drew near he said: ‘*Those Judge Lynch lawyers, as they call themselves, are little better than the desperadoes they kill, for they had not heart enough to bury that fellow I killed, and left Black Beard hang- ing on the tree. “Til bury them, for they are human beings, at least, bad as they were.” | A few moments more, and he rode into the . timber. A number of wolves, feeding upon the body of the dead desperado, ran off with angry yelps at his approach, but it was not their presence oP which caused him to come to a sudden alt, The tree on which Black Beard had been hung was before him; but the man was not there! CHAPTER XII. A RENEGADE’S FRIENDSHIP, ‘ Tum party under Red Jenks had been gone _ beta short while from the timber, where they _ had left Black Beard suspended to a limb, when - another band of horsemen rode into the woods. ad They were a large party, fully two-score in number, and were a band of, red-skins, well / mounte?, well armed, and in all their war-paint and feathers. At their head rode a large man, mounted upon a splendid bay horse, and carrying the most approved style of revolvers and rifle. e also rode on a Mexican saddle which was heavy with silver, and the bridle was also coe with precious metal of the same in aL at t Although painted like an Indian he was a white man, as his long brown hair and beard _ plainly showed, and he wore the head-dress of a great chief, i His quick eyes, as they entered the timber ‘4 i from the opposite side to that which the Regu- ee i yeah had departed, fell upon the form of Black + Beard swinging from the limb. < _ __ Instantly he spurred forward, and halted by the side of the suspended form. ** By Heaven! but he isalive!” __ So saying, be called to two of his warriors and telling them to support the form, he severe the lariat with a blow of his knire. The neck of the man had not been broken whew the horse sprung from under him, and more, the noose had slipped around to the front and failed to choke him to death, _ He was, therefore, still breathing; in fact, conscious; and yet, but for the coming of the ‘e(d-skins, could not have lived long, Placiug the man upon the ground the white hief felt his pulse, ordered water brought from the. spring near, and then set to work to revive him, for he was hardly more than conscious and unable to speak or move, | ) “Tt is Alfred Chambers, and he shall not die if I can help it, for I owe it to him that I am not _ Row dead,” said the chief, speaking to himself father than tohis warriors, == Water was brought from the s i and | » wb i - cst id i pares Sas uu into the mo ith of Black = bi mak on aL WP's} i Vi f abs wnee B The invitation was well meant, and Gordon, e his! Tia z ill, the Prairie 7 : “i touch as tender as a woman’s, After a few minutes the eyes of Black Beard turned upon the chief, and he said, with great difficulty of articulation: ‘““Are you reviving me to torture me to death?” ‘* No, indeed, my dear fellow, for I know you, Alf Chambers,” “You are a white man, I see, but a renegade, as you are in full war-paint.” **T am Roger Reynolds, or rather was, for now I am known as Evil Spirit, a Sioux chief.” ** Ah, yes, you are Roger Reynolds, whom the settlers were going to hang, and I got you away from them, and you and -your little daughter escaped that night. ° cf remember you now, and I helped you then because I felt for your little daughter, though I knew that-you deserved hanging, ~- ““Thave gone tothe bad since, and Iam as bad as you were; but ve not been a renegade yet, Roger Reynolds.” ‘** Well, from your present condition, it seems you are in a fair way to become one, for your wn race have swung you.up, as red-skins never mang a man.” “Yes, I was hanged by Red Jenks and his Regulator band from’ Prospect City, and but for your coming, ere this I would have been dead, * We are quits, Reynolds,” “Well, yes; but you must join me, for I have horses and weapons along, and am on araid among the settlements, ‘* What say you?” ‘*AsI cannot live among mny own people, I may as well turn red-skin, as you offer me the chance,” ; ‘*Do so; but are you able to get up and move about, for it will set the blood to circulating. “Go to the brook and jump in, as it will do you good, ‘*Then tell me if it is worth while to take the trail of this Red Jenks and his gang?’ “No, for yowll get only hard knocks, and if you have no more braves than those I see about you, they’ll do you up, for they are a hard fight- ing lot and armed to the teeth.” ‘Tl let ’em zo then; but we must leave here as soon as youare able, asI wish to strike tho valley settlement to-night, and it is a long jump from here.” Thus urged Black Beard arose from the ground, and, following the advice of the rene- gade chief by a jump into the brook, soon after expressed himnselt as able to go on with the red- skin band, . : A horse, saddle and “bridle were given him, and the party rode out of the timber an hour after entering it, and with Black Beard gloat- ing over his escape from death, and vowing re venge upon Red Jenks and those who had help- ed to hang bim. The ride of the red-skins, under their rene- gade white chief, to the valley settlement was made, and many a man eg his life in the scene that followed their arrival, while the heavens and prairie were illumined with the glare of burning cabins, Having completed their red work, the Indian band started off for their mountain fastnesses, loaded with booty and driving a large herd of horses and cattle with them. As this raid of the red-skins is not a part of my story, I only refer to it incidentally to ex- plain scenes that occurred Jater in the adven- turous life of Gordon Lillie. When he reached the timber and beheld the lariat hanging to the limb, and Black Beard gone, Gordon Lillie was considerably taken aback, : At first he did not know how to account for the mysterious disappearance of the man, and began to think that the ropes that bound his hands had not been well tied, and he had thus released himself. j He had, however, begun to study signs, and he soon discovered that the rope had been cut. _ The noose end of it lay upon the ground, and the other end was still fastened to the tree. Then he saw the tracks of many hoofs, and as there were few shod ones, he came to the con- clusion that those who had visited the place were Indians, and he knew that the Sioux were on the war-path. Having decided upon this, he followed the trail to the edge of the woods, and noted the direction it took, and counted, as well as he could, the number of horses in the party. _ Then he took out a map of the country, one he had drawn himself from other maps, and the information ‘he had gleaned of others, and said, after glancing at it: — i et aM Shadower, face and neck were bathed by the chief, with a ) ‘“*Tf they keep on the trail they have started, they are going to the valley settlement to attack — dye ¥ it. tes , A Ee **Can I not head them off” , Hastily. he returned to the cabin, got his pis- tol, and, burying the mangled remains of the dead desperado, on which the wolves had been. feasting, mounted Black Ben and rode rapidly away from the timber, The rest and food made Black Ben feel per- fectly fresh, and he went along at a swinging gallop which cast the miles behind him rapidly, The intention of Gordon Lillie was to follow upon the Indian trail, until be was sure they were aiming for the valley settlement, and then 4 switch off, and try and get there ahead of mem, He knew that it was a dangerous undertaking, and that he knew nothing of the country more than ‘he gleaned from his map, But he knew about the distance he would have to ride, and he was sure that his splendid horse was equal to the work before him. CHAPTER XIII. A CAPTIVE, : Tr was no easy task for Gordon Lillie to ac- complish his good purpose, of warning the set- tlement of the approach of the red-skin band, and this be soon discovered to his great chagrin and regret. ‘ He followed rapidly on the trail until he was certain that the Indians could not be very far ahead. Then he slackened_ his pace and held on until he saw that they took the trail leading toward the settlement marked upon his map. At once he made a flank movement to the right and urged Black Ben on at a swift pace. | After a ride of a couple of hours he reached a stream that he could not cross, on account of the precipitous bank. The stream was marked upon his map, butit was not stated that the’ banks were too steep for crossing except at certain points. ° One mark indicating a ford he knew must be miles away from where he then was, and so he dashed away for this point. It took him a long time to reach it, owing to the nature of the ground, and. when he did so the stream was swollen by heavy rains and it was a bard struggle for his gallant horse to get across. ‘ Then he halted one hour for much needed rest, as Black Ben was feeling the strain, and greatly fatigued himself, he soon fell to sleep, He awoke in iil humor, for he knew that night was not far distant, and the red-skin raiders nust certainly be by that time pretty near the settlement while he was many miles away. But he threw the saddle on Black Ben and once more pressed on. Night soon settled down, and, unable to find his way in the dark, he reluctantly gave up the attempt and sought a camping-place in some timber. : . He built a fire and cooked his supper, and in a morose mood at his failure to warn the settle- ment, went to sleep, leaving Black Ben to feed and rest at will. ; How long he slept he did not know; but he was awakened somewhat suddenly, as he opened his eyes to discover that he was in the hands of a red-skins in all their hideous war-paint. Tt was a novel experience for the youth, and a startling one. His foes had seen his flickering fire and had crept upon him while he slept, Gordon Lillie had not been long enough upon the border to learn wisdom and cunning; but he felt that such experience as he was then under- going would teach him both, if bis life was not suddenly cut short. n : The red-skins who had captured him were four in number, and they were the advance couriers of the force under the white chief Evil Spirit. : TThey bound the youth with rawhide thon iA until they cut into his flesh, and leaving one o Para their number to guard him, the others went on im: DRE ahead. ean 4 q * In half an hour Gordon Lillie heard the sound a i of voices and knew that the rest of the red-skins were coming. {t did not take him Jong to discover that they were driving cattle, for he heard their cries, and soon after a body of horsemen rode up. The Indian guard gave a signal, which was answered, and then called out in his Sioux tongue for the ny to approach, The next moment Evil Spirit rode up, attended by a dozen warriors. 4 Behind hia came the stolen horses, loaded
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Pawnee Bill, the Prairie Shadower. POR io aah eae at Aik MUN COR oa oes bs iN 2d eR ARR RY Maeda Ol sa, o wine doalahy aa PPI TT TO 9 @own with booty, and the drove of horses and eattle followed, while in the rear was a guard of a score of warriors, to beat back any pursu- ing force, ood was thrown upon the fire and Gordon Lillie started as he recognized Black Beard with the chief, ‘“‘Tt’s all up with me, for they seem to be his friends,” he muttered, and again he wished that he had never gone West. ‘‘ By Heaven! it is the boy that got me into my trouble,” cried Black Beard, as his eyes fell upon Gordon Lillie. He had already told Evil Spirit of the youth’s fight at the Bonanza Hotel in Prophet City, when he killed his brother, and also of his gal- lant defense of the cabin against himself and bis . four companions, Evil Spirit had admired the boy’s pluck, and now said: ‘* Well, young man, you are in a bad box.” So it seems, if that man is your friend, and if Iam ied prisoner.” ‘““Well, this man is my friend, and I saved him from dying at the end a lariat, and ycu are my Se amc ‘ Now what are you doing here?” ‘*T was on my way to the Colorado mining- camps.” , ‘* Well, you'll have to change your plans,” “T expect it, without a choice of what plans Tll have to carry out,” was the cool reply. ** Be light on him, chief, for the boy begged for me, | admit, and Ill call it quits between us,” said Black Beard, “‘- You are a better man than I tiought you, and I thank you,” Gordon Lillie rejoined. Oh, yes, [ have no desire to kill the plucky boy, so I'll take him along with us,” responded Evil Spirit, and he gave a warrior orders to let the youth mount his own horse, but to tie him to him and then take him along with the band. Gordon breathed more freely, and all through the remainder of the night rode along behind the chief and Black Beard, with an Indian war- rior by his side. The band of red marauders pushed onwas»rap- idly as they could with their booty and cattle, and did not halt until the sun was several hours high. . Then but a short halt was made, and they kept on until late in the afternoon, when they reached the foot-hills of a mountain range, where Byil Spirit halted his warriors to guard the retreatof his pack-horses and cattle from those who might follow. While a few brayes went on at a slower pace toward the Indian village in the mouutains, car- rying with them the plunder and herds of stock, Evil Spirit and the larger number took up a position in the foot-hills to ambush any pursuers who might be upon their trail. Among those remaining with the chief was Black Beard, while Gordon Lillie, along with the braves slain in the attack on the settlement, . and the wounded, for all were brought along on travois, went on with the party going to the village. The cattle were tired, as were also the pack- animals, and so they moved slowly up into the mountains, Tho warriors had been long in the saddle and they were also worn out, and Gordon noticed that the brave who had him in charge was half- asleep. He had observed that his bonds were not very secure, for Evil Spirit had had them loosened as he saw that they gave him pain, and so the brave boy set to work to untie them. A’tter hard work he freed one hand from where it was bound to the horn of the saddle, and soon after released the other, the guard calmly sleep- ing the while. é This guard was in advance, leading the way to the village, and both bis pony and Gordon's horse had walked faster than the others and so had gotten some little distance ahead. Night was not far distant and the youth de- termined to make a bold effort to-eseane, In his saddle-bags, which had not been rob- bed, fortunately for him, he had a revolver, _ But be cared not to fire upon his guard, know- ing that it would at once alarm those in the rear, “*T will try a different plan, and use my reyol- ver only when it is needed,” be muttered, and he quietly slipped ‘the weapon out of the saddle- bag and grasped it firmly in his band. CHAPTER XIV. A FORTUNATE RESCUE. Tue Indian guard still slept serenely, reeling from side to side, but never losing his equili- brium, and at times opening his eyes for a sleepy glance at his prisoner, whose horse was fastened to the animal he rode, Raising his revolver, the butt grasped firml in his hand, Gordon Lillie brought it down wit telling force upon the head of the sleeping Sioux guard, The blow was a Severe one, and not a moan es- caped the red lips as the warrior feli from his saddle to the ground. The two horses, startled by the blow and fall, sprung forward;/but Gordon Lillie hastily check- ed them, and unfastening his rein from the bridle of the Indian pony, let him go on ahead, as soon as he had recovered his own weapons which the red-skin had tied to his saddle, Then he returned and quickly placed the war- rior across the back of Black Ben, and jed him } along at a trot until he came to where he could leave the rocky trail and enter the forest. Here he hid the Indian among a clump of bushes, and left him, feeling assured that he was not dead, but merely stunned. Then be mounted Black Ben and rode away at a gallop, just as the drove of pack-horses reach- ed the spot where he had felled the red-skin guard from bis saddle. ‘Tt was a close call; but night is not far off, and I guess, Black Ben, we can make it back to the settlements by morning, and they cannot track us by night,” So saying Gordon urged Black Ben on through the heavy timber, bearing to the right, so as to flank not cnly those he had just left, but also ae Spirit and his warriors stationed in the foot- pills, He was riding slowly along a ridge, which led toward a valley, when suddenly he heard hoof- falls coming at a rapid pace. The timber was full of large bowlders, and in- stantly he rode behmd one, but ere he got out of sight he caught a glance of those ‘whom he wished to avoid. There were but two of them, and one of these he discovered was a female, They were coming at a rapid pace, their horses side by side. It was almost twilight; but he»discovered, by peering over the bowlder that the maiden was a eaptive, for her hands were bound behind her, and there was a bandage over her mouth, The same look also showed him that they would doubtless dash by him and not discover his presence. As they drew nearer, still going in a gallop, Gordon took another Jook. He saw that they would not see him, and he eongratulated himself on this; but the look Showed to him that the captive was not an In- dian maiden, A-shot from his revolver might be heard by the guards, and he might thus be retaken. Bunt Gordon Lillie’s nature was a fearless one, and he determined to take his chances and try and rescue the girl, He saw that there were no other red-skins fol- lowing, and, as the two horses dashed by the bowlder he raised bis revolver and fired. He was fearful of hitting the maiden, should he fire at the brave, so he aimed at the red-skin’s horse, and the bullet sunk into his brain. Down went the animal-and he nearly dragged the other horse with him, while he threw his rider heavily. Instantly Gordon Lillie spurred forward and sprung from his saddle holding the fallen Indian under cover of his revolver. ut the Indian remained motionless, for the fall had stunned him,,as he had struck a bowlder with great force. Then Gordon turned to the girl, whose horse was fast to the fallen animal, and a glance showed him thet he was right in his belief that she was not an Indian. She was dressed in bucls!sin, the waist, skirt, leggings and moccasins being embroidered in | beads, and she wore a head-dress of rare feathers, Her hair hung down her back below her waist and was of a-rich gold-hrown color. She was scarcely over fifteen, and her face, with its fine features and splendid eyes was very striking and handsome. As she saw who it was who had rescued her, she looked surprised, while Gordon hastily freed her from the bandage over her mouth and cut the thongs that bound her hands behind her. ‘* What are you, a white man, doing in these mountains?” was the quick query. ‘*T have just escaped from the band of Evil Spirit, the Sioux chief, and seeing that you were a white girl and a captive, I concluded to try and rescue you,” said Gordon, gazing upon the young girl with deep interest, and als6 amaze- ment at seeing her there in the Indian moun- tains, * And you did rescue me; but I don’t think Snake Eyes is dead, so you had better tie him,” and she motioned to the prostrate red-skin, ‘* We had better at once fly from here, for he can do us no harm, and my shot may have been heard by the Sioux over on the mountain trail.” ‘*'You have nothing to fear from them, for they are my people,” **'Yeur people?” “ Yes. ” Gordon was amazed, and replied: ‘“‘T refer to the red-skins from whom I escaped, and who are returning from a raid upon the white settlements.” ‘*T understand you, they are my people.” “Your people? ‘‘ Why you are not an Indian?” ‘*T am a pale-face, the Queen of the Sioux, and my father, Evil Spirit, is their chief.” Gordon felt that he was in dangerous com- pany. ‘‘Tve jumped out of the fryingpan into the fire, I fear,” he muttered; but he said aloud: ‘© And you live in the Sioux village?” ‘Oh yes, and my father and his people will welcome you, for you have saved me from Snake Eyes, a renegade chief of the Sioux, who is pow our worst foe, and he meant to take me to! the Pawnees. “ Please tie him, or shall I?” “Ob no, I'll tie him, and then as you are at home, I'll say good-by.” **-You will not leave me—but see, Snake Eyes is moving, and—” **Tll tie him so that he can’t move,” and Gor- don hastily bound the Indian hand and foot, Just in time too did he do so, as the red-skin was by no means dead and recovering from the stunning blow glared upon him with a hatred in his eyes that caused Gordon to think he had been well named. ‘““Now, come with me, and T’ll send some braves after Snake Eyes.” “He might escape,so I will remain here while you go.” ** You wish to leave me.” Gordon gave the young Sioux Queen credit for wonderful powers of penetration. **T confess I do not care to remain and be scalped,” he said, 4g Twill protect you, and May Flower will not lie.” “Can you?” ** Said I not I was the Sioux Queen?” ac True.” ‘And said I not that Evil Spirit, the great chief is my father?” She seemed hurt by Gordon’s doubt of her, and as he felt very tired and was not anxious to go at a venture unless he felt that his life was at stake, be was tempted to remain. *‘T was captured by your sather’s braves, while they were raiding the white settlement, and I was their prisoner until half an hour ago, “Then I struck the brave, who was guarding me, from his horse, and I had just made my escape when I saw you coming, and the captive of that red-skin. ‘““Now what will be done with me if [ am once more in the power of your people?” “You will not be harmed, rest assured.” ** Then I accept your pledge of safety.” “ And will remain bere until'I return with some braves to take Snake Eyes to the village?” ae Yes.” “¢-You speak straight?” she asked with a smile of half doubt. ‘*T premise you.” “Then ¥ will go.” ‘On the trail half a mile away your people | are passing, so it would be well to go there for aid, as your village is doubtless some distance off ” ‘Yes it is miles away, so I will go to the trail; but remember, do not break your word to May Flower?” ©] will await your return.” Away dashed the young girl, and Gordon Lillie was alone with the renegade Sioux chief, CHAPTER XV. RED-SKIN HOSPITALITY. TuE thoughts of Gordon: Lillie, when left alone with the renegade Sioux, were not of the pleasantest. He was a ¢rifle anxious, for he feared that the young queen might have the wish but not the power to save him from the warriors, Tf be had killed the Indian guard from whom he had escaped, it would still be worse for him, “1 only hope that red-skin is not dead; but I think I heard bis skull crack under my blow,” he said, to himself.
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Then he turned to Snake Eyes, who was glar- ing malignantly at him, * Do you talk English, red-skin?” he asked. “ -Yos, Snake Eyes speak pale-face talk.” Well, what were you running off with the May Flower for?” ‘Me love May Flower heap good. ‘¢ Me tell her Snake Eyes love her and she Jaugh at chief. ‘Me take her to Pawnee people and make her Snake Eyes’ squaw. ** Bad pale-face take May Flower from me.” * Pm right glad | was able to; but what will the Sioux do with you?” : ¢ Kill,” was the laconic response, You think so?” “* Me know. ‘‘ Sioux torture Snake Eyes until he die.” **’m sorry for you.” **Go with Snake Eyes and he make pale-face brave Pawnee chief.” “JT guess not, for I have no desire to turn renegade; but {dare not let you go, as they’d roast me for it.” “ Cook Snake Eyes, too.” Gordon really felt sorry for the red-skin, and he was half-tempted to let him go and take the chances, Then he was tempted to break his word to the Sioux queen and go with the Sioux. While these thoughts were in his mind, he saw through the gathering gloom May- Flower and several warriors approaching at a gallop. “Tvs allup with me, I guess,” be said, rue- fully, and eagerly watched the faces of the braves as they approached. They gazed upon the youth with the look of men who wanted his scalp, but Gordon felt bet- ter over his situation when he discovered that they were thoroughly under the control of May Flower, ; The young queen gave a few orders in the Sioux tongue and the braves at once proceeded to place the renegade chief upon one of their ponies and to tie him there, “Now come with me,” said May Flower to Gordon, He at once mounted his horse and obeyed, fol- - ahead behind her on the trail toward the vil- age. “Ride near me,” she said, when they had gone a short distance, He ur Black Ben alongside of her Indian pony, which was a splendid animal, white as snow. ' ‘* What is your name?” she asked, in her naive a +4 - Oe Gordon Lillie.” “Tilly? Why, that is the name of a flower?” “cc Yes.” ‘** And a girl’s name?” ‘Yes, and it is mine.” ‘“ Gordon Lillie, you said?” a“ Yes,” **T shall call you Lillie, for I like it,” ** As‘you please.” ** My name is May Flower.” ** So you told me.” : ‘Well, we will be good friends, and my father will make you a young chief because you saved my life.” “T donot care to turn renegade to my peo- ple,” he said, shortly. . Renegade?” . ** Yes,’ “T suppose it is that; but then father has lived a long time among the Sioux, and I was a little girl when he brought me here. “Tt is wrong, is it not, for my ooal to live with the Indians?” ‘Tt is when he wars against his own race.” ‘* Yes, I suppose it is; but the pale-faces treat- ed him very cruelly, and they would have hanged him had he remained, and here he is chief,” Gordon did not care to ask why her father had to leave his own pcople, and take refuge among’ the Indians. As the former associate of Black Beard, Gor- don supposed there had been some good reason \for the settlers wishing to hang Evil Spirit, the white chief of the Sioux, but this he very wisely kept to himself. ; fter a ride of several miles the village of the Sioux came in view, It was well located for Ww _ defense, the hillsabout it being only here and there marked with trails, and these passes ‘a = by afew warriors, a large force could kept at bay. May Flower gave a signal as she approached _, the pass, and it was answered at once, and the _ two rode on, Gordon being unable to detect just where the Indian sentinel was. . Reaching the top of the hill the camp-fires of ay ra a Pawnee Bill, | / EE the 1 the village came into view, scores in number and lighted up the large valley. A river wound its way through the valley, and upon either side of it were the tepees of the Sioux, and Gordon saw that there were many of them, A carrier had arrived telling of the coming of Evil Spirit, with large herds of horses and cattle, and quantities of plunder, and the Sioux were wild with delight. ‘“ You say that the Indian who captured you was one of your people?’ asked Gordon of May Flower, as the two rode down the vale toward the village. ‘¢-Yes, he was a young chief and a cruel one. ** He tried to get my father to let bim marry me, and was refused, for I hate bim. *“* Then he was jealous of another chief whom my father liked, and so he killed him and had to fly from the village. ‘Be is a Pawnee chief now, for he went to join the Pawnees, and to-day, as I was riding along the ridge, looking for birds of light plum- age, that I might get their feathers to trim a new skirt, [ was surprised by him, seized and bound before I could resist, for he is a very werful man. ‘ ‘ *‘Then he tied me to my pony, put that buck- skin bandage over my mouth, and was running away with me when you saved me. “Oh, how glad I am that you did save me, and it was good of you too, when you were try- ing to escape yourself, and I’ll never forget you for it. ~' Her voice and manner proved how deeply in earnest she was, and Gordon felt glad that he had acted as he had. They had now reached the village, and the red-skins, braves, squaws and children followed on the heels of the young queen as she rode toward the tepee of her father, situated upon a slope that commanded a view of the entire village. They wondered at the presence of the pale- face with their queen, and many angry glances were cast upon him as they went along. But the young girl did not deign to make any explanation, and conducted Gordon on to the —_ of her father, t was a very large one, with others half sur- rounding it, and they showed that Evil Spirit though living in an Indian camp was fond of his comfort, é As they reached the one May Flower sprung to the ground and bade Gordon to dismount. rug she turned to the mass of Indians and said: ** My people, this white brave is our friend, for he rescued me from Snake Eyes, the Sioux renegade chief who had made me a prisoner, and was carrying me to the Pawnees. “The pale-face will dwell in my until he comes.” ; Gordon did not know what was said, but he discovered that the wrath of the Sioux seemed appeased by the words of their queen, and many, after a close scrutiny of him, walked away, greatly to his relief. ; Then he was led into the larger tepee, and was surprised to find out how comfortable it was, for it contained rudely-made chairs, a table, some shelves filled with buoks, and a cot, while bear and buffalo robes covered the floor. A large fire was then built by some young boys in front of the tepee, and a number of squaws and braves came up with food for the stranger who had saved their queen from the renegade chief, Snake Eyes, The dread that em felt at going to the Indian village faded away under the hospi- tality shown him by the red-skins; but yet there were many who would have been glad to have swung his scalp upon their lodge-pole, and young warriors eyed him with angry and jealous eyes, when they felt that he bad rescued their young queen from danger. father’s tepee CHAPTER XVI. A PRISONER GUEST. Gorpon Linum had just finished his supper, with May Flower, and he really enjoyed it im- mensely, when the head of the plundering column came into the village, The large number of horses and cattle were driven to the lower end of the valley to graze along with the ponies and stock of the Indians already there, and the pack-horses were led to the medicine tepee to store the plunder until it should be distributed by Evil Spirit to the people. The renegade captive was also taken to the Medicine Lodge, and he was followed by a wild mob, hooting at him and heaping cruel words upon him. The squaws slapped his face and the children — struck him with sticks; but Snake Eyes uttered — no word or cry, and walked on his way with the Suerds who had dismounted upon reaching the village, _ Once in the medicine tepee he was safe from intrusion, and it must have been a great relief to him, though he could not but know what his fate would be. Gordon Lillie was great] scene, but could not but feel sorry for the rene- gade Sioux, as he could readily realize how he might have been in his place, as far as cruel treatment by the red-skins was concerned, He retired early, sleeping in the tepee of Evil Spirit, as May Flower bade him do! The din of the Indian camp, kept up until a late hour of the night, and his strange surround- ings, did not disturb his slumbers, and he did not wake up until the sun streamed into his face. the next morning. He sprung to his feet half in alarm, hardly realizing where he was at first. But it soon came to him that he was a pris- oner, nothing more nor less, in the Sioux village of Evil Spirit, the white chief, f He went out of the tepee and saw May Flower, and she greeted him pleasantly and invited him’ to eat the breakfast which she had cooked. Svon after there was a hubbub in the village, eo the lower end, and Evil Spirit appeared in sight. ‘T sent a warrior to my father last night, to tell him that you were here and what I owed to you,” she said, as though to reassure Gordon. The young man made no reply, but watched the coming of Evil Spirit, Would he give to him the same welcome his daughter had? ould he sanction her act in bringing him to the village of the Sioux? Gordon felt’ that the moment of greatest peril was upon him, and he asked: “Did I kill the Indian warrior who was my guard?” ‘* No; he was badly hurt and lies over in his tepee, but the medicine-man says that he will not die.” Gordon Lillie gave a sigh of relief, and con- tinued to gaze upon the coming chief. Evil Spirit was not alone. He was attended by Black Beard and two In- dian chiefs, and they were coming at a, canter toward the tepee, ‘ The red-skins were surprised, without doubt, to see with their chief, and not bound asa pris- over, another pale-face, and they cast wonder- ing glances at each other. ut if Evil Spirit knew what they were think- ing about he did not notice it, and dashing My to his tepee, sprung to the ground, telling ‘Black Beard to do so also, He strode at once toward his daughter and kissed ber, at the same time uttering some words of endearment t her in a low tone. With all his sins, Roger Reynolds the White Renegade loved his daughter, In a few rapidly-spokea words she told him of : her capture by Snake-Eyes, and rescue by Gor- don Lillie, and he seemed greatly surprised at her escape, Then he turned to Gordon and said: ‘* So, young sir, you preferred to take your chances and escape from me?” ‘““T certainly did, sir,” was the reply. “Well, 1am not sorry, as had you not done so [ would have lost my cbild, the only being on earth I care for, and all [ care to live for, “You have done nobly, young man, arid Iam your friend; my red people are your friends, for they love their queen, “You are a noble fellow, and must become one of my people, as our friend here, Black Beard, is to do.” ‘* No, I shall never be a renegade to my own | race, and I am surprised that such men as you and Black Beard are, should become the foes of your own people,” boldly said Gordon Lillie. _* Boy, you do not to be what I am, interested in the . know what has driven me — “Guiltless of no erime, I was accused of the worst, hounded down by those I bad befriended, and at last would have been hanged like a dog had I not fled for my life. “T brought my ep” with me and found refuge here, and here I am all-powerful. “Ah, but it was sweet revenge for me to strike my foes. and they will not soon forget Evil Spirit the White Renegade.” The man spoke rapidly and with much bitter- ness, and his words told Gordon that he had suf. fered much, ;
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oe still the youth could not uphold his act in siding with the red-skins against the whites in their cruel way. : a home,” he said. am, ‘But you are welcome to a home here, and some day, when we move our village, you can return to the settlements, but not before, ‘“ You are my FRest, and yet you are a pris- oner, for you shall be constantly under the eye of my young men, “Don’t attempt to escape, for it will cause you trouble, perhaps worse; but wait until I move my village, when I do not care about you oing. = Such was the advice given Gordon by the chief, and the youth understood by his words that he was, though the guest of the renegade, also a prisoner, CHAPTER XVIL. THE EVIL SPIRIT’S PLOT. TuHouGH Gordon Lillie had listened attentively to the advice of the Evil Spirit, he did not in- tend to follow it, for he made up bis mind to es- Sa at the first chance. ; ut, todo this, he must accept his situation pleasantly, and seem to be content; with his lot. Had he not had ambition and aims in life, and had the Sioux not been at war with the whites, he might have been content to settle down into the wild life they led. But be would not turn renegade, and unless he did escape he certainly would be dwelling among a people who were at war with his own race. He asked May Flower incidentally, how often the Indians changed their village, and learned that the one where they then were had been their home for five years, and it was such a food one, so well protected, that it would not e broken up unless settlers and soldiers came nearer to them. \ May Flower was constantly with the young prisoner, for she seemed to have taken a won- derful fancy to him, until a word from Black Beard to Evil Spirit, caused the chief to forbid her going with Gordon. Black Beard had views of his own, regardins » the young girl, and he at once put the chiei his gua in a most cunning way. “Your young braves are jealous of the he said, ‘‘and fear that if May Flower loy she may run off with him.” ; ‘“‘ Ah! Thad not thought of that, for she a child.” | ‘* Still, you have had offers for her hand fro numerous braves,” “ Yes ” ‘“‘T think there isa feeling against the yo ‘where May Flower is*concerned, and she ‘tainly is deeply interested in him.” . “T believe you are right, Black Beard, s¢ - will forbid her going with the boy so much.” » “It would be best, for it only anger warriors,” “ Tr e,” ° “‘ But do you expect to spend your days here the rest of your life, as chief of these red-skin: get you to help me.” “Ty will do so, you may depend.” ST believe you; but you must become an Ir ss [ll do it, for what matters it.” “T will make you a medicine-chief, as you ve adios pare = ag si coi tn a chance to be c ¥ in the woods and moun- pang ageing 93 bee = og picting bene the truth’ is, biact ard, ieve we is gold in the mountains, and in fact I know there is. : “Gold!” and the eyes Of Black Beard sparkled with avaricious delight. “You see the heavy bauds of gold that May Flower wears?” s ‘Yes, are they gold?” ; ‘Solid gold, ee she found it ing pocket in the mountains, “The red-skins call her Pa-te-la-ka, the Gold Queen, as she has been most successful in finding these gold pockets,” 6 Wel” ; “T wish you to prospect, and if you strike it rich we will go shares, a “When we have laid up a fortune, We can go / from here.back to civilization.” ; ‘Good! I am with you, and I beg that you will not give your beautiful child to any of these red-skins, epee ial ‘ vi . * Do you think I am a fool?” _ “No, but some of them expect to win her,” “Daven **T hope not, and I'll let you into a secret abt lig a - wee, Oe SI Spe nee —yyor"s a ee wi Wil ee af oF ¥ y ‘* That does not mean that they shall do so. ** Ob no, I am not going to sacrifice my child Black Beard, not even to you, for I know tha “You could have gone elsewhere, and found | you hope to win her. ‘* No, drop that idea and we'll be friends; but ‘* Don’t preach to me, boy, for I am what I | do not make us foes by trying to win my child. ‘* We'll find a fortune and go back to civiliza- | tion to enjoy it, and May can marry some fine man and be happy. ‘“*T have educated her, and she is not igno- rant of the world, as you might think.” ‘* Keep her away from that boy and I will be content,” growled Black Beard, who evidently did not like the words of Evil Spirit. ‘*T will see to that, Black Beard; but now let me take you to the Medicine Lodge and make you chief, and fortunately our bead medicine- man died afew months ago and you can step into his place, ** My people will not grumble, for you have done some good work with the wounded since you came here,” Then the two left the cabin and soon after Black Beard was installed as medicine-chief of the village. Evil Spirit took an early opporturity of speak- ing with May Flower regarding Gordon Lillie, and to his surprise he found her in a very deter- mined mood to have her own way. ‘‘Why cannot I go with him, father?’ she asked. ; ‘* Because the chiefs do not like it.” **'You are my father?” ““ Yes, but you are their queen.” ‘**T do not care for any of the young chiefs.” ** Nor do | wish you to,” **T wouldn’t be here, had it not been for Lillie.” ““True;.but you must not go with him as you have been doing.” ** Why not?” “*T do not wish you to do so, May.” May Flower turned her pretty head and said: * ‘ee let him leave the village and go back to his people.” ., I dare not.” ‘He would lead a military force upon us from the forts.” ‘*T don’t believe he would.” “Well, ll not risk it, and you must keep away from him.” ** But I love him.” ‘Por shame! bave you told him so?” ‘© No, but I may do so.” ‘* Has he told you he loved you?” ‘No, but I hope that he does.” Evil Spirit was nopplused, and then he grew "You know my wishes, so see that you do | not disregardithem,” and he turned away. fhen he retraced his steps and asked: “Have you found any more gold-pockets in nountains?” r + hat he does not; but you keep up your ing, and when you have found a large tell you a secret.” e now,” said May Flower, who had all ity of her sex. when we get rich enough we will go he East, to the cities, and live.” like that, though I do not dislike this wild 1 May was lost in deep meditation, and r left her. } ter she went straight to the tepee which had given to Gordon Lillie to oc- be called out, addressing him by his which she liked best. ; 7.” and Gordon came ont, rigged up n toggery, which he had adopted othe village, for his own clothes r worse for wear. : Lillie, father says that I must not go with you, that the young warriors do not like it, and it makes them jealous. ‘“*T suppose I have to obey, but I do not wish to, and so we can meet in the mountains, at the spring that I showed you, “Be oareful that you are not followed there, and watch for me when I go, or if you start first | - any day, I'll keep watch and come soon efter,” “ May it not get you into trouble, May?” “TI don’t know, and I don’t care much, for I love you, Lillie, and I will see you as often as I can. Me She turned on her heel at this and walked back to her tepee, knowing no shame at her confes- / hits Jed 4 yo fbi seid { al es oe oh hae: Sant ° a aE Bill, the Prairie Shadower. wa Se a hahah aN ati sion, for her ignorance of the world eaused her not to understand that it was wrong for a wo- man to first confess her love for a man. Gordon Lillie blushed like a school-girl at her words; but they did not seem to displease him,,. for he was deeply interested in the fair young Gold Queen. CHAPTER XVIII. THE RENEGADE SIOUX. THE wound on the head of the renegade Sioux, Snake Eyes,-had been rather a severe one, for the fall against the rocks had very nearly crushed his skull in, So it was some time before he recovered suffi- ciently for the red-skins cf the village to feeb. that they could enjoy torturing him, Black Beard had taken good care of the wound, and was winning him back to health and strength again, and, as none of the wound- ed braves had Sied under his hands, he had won, great favor in the eyes of the red-skins as a medicine-man. Evil Spirit had distributed the plunder, the horses and the cattle captured, among the. families of the village, taking good care to add to the comfort of his own’ quarters, and so all was joy among the Sioux, as the settlers had not: continued the pursuit of their foes, after their disastrous raid, while, as is generally the case, there were not soldiers enough upon the border at the forts, to make a move upon the strong- hold in the mountains. So matters stood when one day Snake Eyes: was led forth to be tortured. To the surprise of Gordon Lillie, the rene- gade asked Evil Spirit to let him speak to him, The chief was surprised, but granted the re- quest, and Gordon approached the Indian, where he stood, securely bound, with every eye upon him. He stood erect, fearless and defiant, showing no sign of dread at what was before him. As Gordon approached he said in fair Eng- lish, and in a low tone: ‘The Evil Spirit is the foe of his people, and the Black Beard is one, too. A “You are no renegade, and you will escape- when you can, **1 loved the pale-faces, for they were good to: me, and I killed my brother Sioux chief because he meant to make the May Flower his squaw. ‘*T fled to the Pawnees. They are at peace with the pale-faces and their friends, *“*T came back to capture the May Flower, because I loved her, and I would have taken her’ to the Pawnees, where I am a great chief. ‘““While a prisoner in the medicine tepee, I heard the chiefs in council say that they would go with a large band against the Pawnee vil- lage of Snake Eyes. : ‘They will go when the moon comes again and they will kill the Pawnees, the friends o} the pale-faces, and destroy their village. ‘*T have spoken, so let the young white brave: escape from the Sioux village. ‘* Let him go to the far river where is the vil- lage of the Pawnees and warn them of danger, “ Let the young white brave tell the Pawnees: how their chief, Snake Eyes died, and they will. be bis friend and the friends of his people. ‘“‘ The Snake Eye has spoken.” As he ceased speaking Snake Eyes stood erect, and faced bis enemies, Then Gordon Lillie said: ‘‘T will do as the Snake Eyes asks.” A proud look of triumph came over the faee of the Indian chief, as Gordon Lillie turned away, and Evil Spirit who was growing restless under the long talk of the Sioux, called out to the youth: ‘* What had the red-skin to tell you?” ‘‘Ho told me to watch how he died, and if I ever saw any of his adopted trie, the Pawnees,, to tell them that he was a great chief,” answered. Gordon. ‘* We will sec if he maintains his words, “Warriors, let the renegade Sioux be tor- tured,” At the command of the chief Gordon would have walked away and escaped the sight that was to follow, But Evil Spirit. called out to him: “You must remain, young man. ‘Do not let the red-skins see that you fear to behold a man’s torture.” enjoy seeing a man die,” was the response, and Gordon turned to May Flower and asked: ‘* Will you remain?” “‘T must, for these people must never think E_ dread seeing suffering.” was the low response, Gordon Lillie bit his lips as though enetys but he remained and witnessed the dial cab = he J i? iz : - te : ATS: F : ey. Lo dn . ‘“T fear nothing; but I am not so brutal as to. | “ee ¥ Kon om
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"iO OB ery. torture heaped upon the unfortunate Evil Eyes, ing: ‘and over and again wished that he had allowed - ‘him to escape when he was running off with abe May Flower. But Evil Eyes smiled through all his torture. May Not a cry was wrung from his lips, and hig * ‘face wore a defiant smile until his worst ene- mies in the tribe admired his wonderful pluck faue and pronounced him a great chief. At length even Indian human nature could Sna stand no more, and with the same defiant smile ~ upon his lips, the life of the brave chief left the body, his death song being chanted to the last the breath. ai Then Gordon Lillie turned away and went to : d his tepee. Be He had food for thought. a He had not made the slightest effort to escape a thus far, in the weeks that he had been in the Sioux village. bra’ Perhaps it was the presence of May Flower ‘that prevented his thoughts from turning upon rent an attempt to escape, and he had seemed almost Fons contented with his lot. But the cruelty of the Sioux, their torture of G ‘Snake Eyes, and the words of warning that the he \ chief bad given him, set him to thinking. cha. The Pawnees were the friends of the white iy eople, and a raid upon their village by Evil Sior spirit and a large band of warriors meant a re- treat through the pale-face settlements, with saw murder and ruin to follow in their path. and Tt was his duty to warn the friendly Pawnees, and it was his duty to warn the settlement. full He must not longer remain in the Sioux vil- bra lage, but be at work. t hen his thoughts turned upon another fair me! face, one fairer than was May Flower’s. ter He had not forgotten Ruby Rolston, and his the determination to clear up the cloud that bung Flo over him. T. She had won his boyish love, and it was not ton, an easy matter to drive her from his thoughts. pla ‘*T will make my escape from here, and ll and set about a plot to do so at once,” he said firmly, and that day he began to plot and plan to carry hs out his determination. e 4 low CHAPTER XIX. lag. * THE PRISONER'S PLOT. Tat Gordon Lillie was nothing more than a asl ~prisoner he had not doubted; but when he began E to watch his watchers, he quickly discovered por that he was under the closest scrutiny in every snc move that he made. 4 Before he had decided to escape without longer delay, he was hardly conscious that the young braves whom he met at all points in his wander- ings, were really watching him. ' Now he was sure of it. He had met May Flower at the spring several ih ‘times, but be had not supposed that it was known, until the day after the death of the renegade Sioux chief it was proven to him, He met amounted brave down the valley, and watching his movements saw that he was a following hinx a Arriving at the spring he saw that the brave eee moved toa position between him and the exit fat from the valley, as though to head him off ea should he attempt to escape by any of the passes, ple ? Soon after his arrival there, May Flower ey" -came and threw herself down near the log upon .. which he was seated. li » > > She. was happy in being near him, and was *¥ _-content to remain silent until be spoke, lit; ‘*May Flower, do you know that we are . . Watched?” be asked, r wi pf ** No,” aS “Ttis true, and if you will be on the watch ~ you will discover it.” ‘*'T will keep my eyes open in future.” p “The braves whom you must meet in coming here, are spies upon us. WAL “f should not wonder if they were.” yoran “T think that they are keeping an eye on me to prevent my escape.” ; ‘* Yes, and to tell my 8) “Then let us not do so cause us both trouble.” father that we meet 4 th is this wild life does not suit me.” do you not leave it, then?” can I?” a » Joaneaaoh Oia = oe ae it _ _“*Oh, you can find a way, for your horse is in ATE ae he valley, and your saddle and bridle not far i a vali Lg ig ‘ ios is 5 i mY ce leave % . get your weapons for you, and , eo re aa ¥ ae them in your tepee, with a bag of food, and you can paint your face and go anywhere at night, while if you are spoken to, you know enough Sioux to reply.” ‘But itisno easy task to get by the guards in the passes, ‘“There is only one at each pass, and coming from the village he would not suspect you, and you would have the advantage; but beyond, in the foot-bills, my father keeps a number of In- dian scouts, and you must be careful to avoid them, ‘*When will you go, Lillie?” He was almost miffed at the cool manner that she received bis plans of escape in, and said; “Two nights from now.” ‘* Very well, I will meet you at this spring two hours efter nightfall.” ““'You, May Flower?” “Yes, ** But you must take no risks.” “*T will take the same that you do,” ‘*But why?’ : **T am going with you.” **May Flower!” “It is true,” .“ “No, no, you cannot mean it.” “ But I do.” **You would desert your father?” “Yes, I would desert any one for you, for I love you, Lillie.” Gordon Lillie was wholly taken aback, He was under a man’s age, though certainly a mau in looks, actions and nerve. He did not love May Flower, much as he liked er. Her love for him worried him, and he hardly knew what to say or do. ee some moments he made no reply, but then said: ‘ ‘* Why, May Flower, you would be unhappy away from your father.” “Not with you, Lillie.” ‘*T have no home, no place to go, no money, and will have to go to the mining-camps and dig for gold.” ' ‘* Gold!” she said, quickly. ui fh “My father says that gold will buy every happiness.” k “Tt will buy many.” , * And you want gold?” “Yes, I wish to make a fortune,” **What would you do with gold?” ‘“*T wish a large sum to take back to one per- son and give it to him, * » - “T wané gold to buy me a home and live in comfort.” ~~ “ Lillie,” “Yes, May Flower.” 7 ‘*T have a secret I have not told my father. ‘“Take me with you, and I will tell you the secret.” ” ‘“Ah, May Flower, I do not see how I can take you with me.” ‘“‘Tam going.” You must not do so, May.” ‘* f will, for I love you, and I will go with you far from bere. ‘When we have gone I will tell you my secret and then you will be happy. “Two nights from now I will be ready, and we will meet here.” “Yes,” he said, mechanically, and May arose and walked away. Gordon was in a quandary, He did not know what to do, for he could not take the girl with him, At last he said: A ‘* No, she must remain here, for I cannot take ae } ‘*T will go alone. Sauntering back to his tepee, Gordon Lillie pen glad to find his rifle and revolvers already ‘there, pes asi avic ee Pe Le oe i> te A> hg F : - SN Nie ah Ms rf \ A) oe Re Pit as me " y at G iri ha Py Sa, ‘ibn i up rey i aes te ig ics een in is aa Pawnee Bill, the Prairie Shadower That they were there proved that May Flower _ was in earnest. He had also found some provisions which she had placed there for him, and some paint with which to daub his face. He was accustomed to eat his meals with Evil Spirit, Black Beard, and May Flower, so when he went to his supper the young girl gave him a quiet look which he understood. j i After a while she found a chance to say to im: . “TY will get more fool to-morrow. ~* ‘*No one suspects you, and the guard does not watch you at night.” ; His conscience smote him as he thought of her disappointment when she would find him gone on the morrow, but be felt that he was doing his ¥, ite duty, and so steeled his heart against any ten- ” derness, He realized fully all the dangers he would have to face, that a false step would be fatal to him; but he had made up his mind, and if death would be the end he would not shrink from it, for he saw,now that the renegade chief had warned him, that Evil Spirit and his warriors were getting rh for a raid. ‘ ‘‘T will warn the Pawnees and the settlers,” | he said to himself, ‘f and if I do it will repay me for all ) may bave to suffer, ; Fortunately for Gordon Lillie the night came on raining, and he was glad to see the red-skins were driven to their tepees at an early hour, CHAPTER XX. THE VENTURE. WueEn in his tepee Gordon Lillie looked tc his weapons. There was light enough, from’ the blazing campfire without, for him to see how to put his rifle and revolver in good condition and load them. t Then he looked at the provisions which May Flower had left for him, and saw that there was sufficient to last him a couple of days, When he felt assured that the i was in ) deep repose, he prepared to start upon his peri- lous venture. He was glad to see that the rain had put the a blanket about fire almost out, and aoe ae his weapons, and enveloping himself in a huge buffalo-robe, he crept cut of his tepee. He made his way down to the river-bank, and, followed it to the spot where the Evil Spirit’s horses were. The animals were grouped together, standing with heads “4 ie in the pelting rain. A low call brought Black Ben to him, and he led the animal to the shelter where the saddles anil bridles were. He soon had Black Ben saddled, for it was . easy work to pick out his belongings among the others, and mounting he rode away toward a ih Lai pass, which he knew was seldom used. He had slung his rifle at his back, under the buffalo-robe, and had his pistols in his belt ready for use. He nerved himself for what was before him, and he was determined to meet it boldly. The rain still came down heavily; but the buffalo-robe over his shoulders, for he kad cuta hole in ‘the center and thrust his head through, pray tb him thoroughly, for it was a very arge one. Up to the pass he went, for he had twice been © there before with May Flower. There was a wickyup he knew at the pass, under which the Indian sentinels found shelter, and here he knew he would find the guard, He did not wish to shoot him, for the shot would alarm the village half a mile away, and he knew not the country beyond, so he could not ride rapidly and might be overtaken, “Pl not fire unless I have to,” be said. » Arriving at the rocky pass) be saw, by a flickering fire, the lite brush shelter end the red-skin guard seated under it, his head bowed upon his knees. €. Gordon knew that he did not dare trust to his being sound asleep, and so he rode up boldly to take his chances. The Indian was W heard the hoof-fall, but seemed relieved when he saw a horseman, approaching from the © valley. “Who is it?’ he said, in a loud voice; and Gordon, in bis best Sioux, replied, giving the name of a young brave: ‘ “ Talla-ha-ta-ka,* ‘Where goes the White Buffalo?” asked the sentinel. S Gordon had now . in an instant when he — reached the side of the ty | * White Buffalo. bi f yf
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dian guard, who was suspecting no danger to | himself from a fellow-brave, as he believed the ie’ Fa outh to be, and so had not time to dodge the - blow dealt bim on the head with the butt of the _ rifle, which the youth drove forward with great ~ force full against his temple. ‘The red-skin dropped in his tracks as though a bullet had pierced his brain, and Gordon Lill’e ~“Qguickly dismounted, seized his bow and ar- ws, his buffalo-robe, and the provisious he had _ there. } Then taking the Indian pony of the guard in lead, he mounted Black Ben and rode on down : the pass. Iu the darkness and rain he had to trust to Black Ben alone, and the noble animal went _ forward at a siow and cautious pace, The rain had caused the streams to rise, and here and there Gordon found Black Ben and the indian pony nearly washed off their feet, ; But they held on bravely, and after several hours reached the open plain, The rain still poured down, and Gordon urged the horses into a canter, congratulating himself upon not having run upon any of the red- Sep scouts that he knew were in the foot- s. “IT could not have had a better night for it,” he muttered to himself, as he oe along, At last the rain ceased falling, and an hour before dawn he came upon some timber, where : he balted, _ He knew that he had a very long start of the red-skins and could afford to rest for a few hours and dry out his robes and blankets, which _ were a heavy weight for his horse, in addition to his own weight. He had brought along a bundle of pine knots, and i: did not take him long to make a fire, When he had satisfied himself that there was no One in the little thicket but himself, Before the blazing logs he hung his buffalo- robes and blankets, and managed to dry his clothing while he sat napping near the fize. _ Dawn broke and he soon had a breakfast, while his horses were lariated out to feed on the grass which grew abundantly near by, His clothes bad dried, and also his robes and blankets, by an hour after sunrise, and he made up a pack which he strapped upon the back of the Indian pony, relieving Black Ben of as much weight as he could. Then having studied his map, and gotten the locality of the Pawnee village in his mind, he | mounted Black Ben and started on his journey, Jorat his eat basdly Keep from mouting, with / 1s escape from the vy vil Spiri _ the White Ratio e. AO ST Still he could not but feel for the sorrow which he knew May Flower would suffer when _ he knew that be had deserted her after all her | kindness to him. | “But what else could I do?” he asked himself, _ Over and over again, as he rode along atas brisk a pace as he dared urge bis horses, CHAPTER XXtI, Het, THE WARNING, GORDON Litre did not spare his horses, but pet on as rapidly as he dared force them, for he feared that Evil Spirit might, in follow- _ing him, decide to also make his raid that much sooner, against the Pawnees, In various ways he tried to hide his trai], by following the examples of the red-skins, and felt convinced that he had done go, He knew about the direction .of the Pawnee lage, and that it was something over a hun- dred miles distant from the range in which the He ee pcan was located, > He halted again late in the afternoon for food and rest for his horses and himself, and man- aged to pet a couple Of hours? sleep’ which re- _ freshed him meeey. _ The horses ‘also jaid down to rest after eating a meal, so were ready for the flight again when Gordon once more started on the way. The hours of the night went by slowly, and _ the brave youth held on in one diréction, fecling that he must be on a course that would not take him far out of the way, pe Rol Before dawn another halt was made for sey- on once more, fatigue, espe- At i 7 i Tobbers | and many looked as th Pawnee Bill, the Prairie Shadower. were lawless gangs of men prowling about, while Indians were not to be trusted, even the Pawnees, if they thought they could do an act of wrong and not be found out. The smoke might come from a camp of honest men, a settler’s cabin, a party of Pawnee hunt- ers or from a prowling Jot of white robbers. He had to be cautious, and so he approached the timber cautiously, hitched his horses, and went on foot to reconnoiter. To bis delight he saw a settler’s cabin, and a man working in a field. Calling to him, he saw him spring for rifle, and take shelter behind a tree, ‘“‘Tam no enemy, sir, but a friend,” he called out and advanced toward him. The man still was cautious, and asked, as he still kept his position by the tree: ee Who are you?” ‘I am one who has just escaped frum the | lish fairly, and some few spoke it well, and they Sioux.” “Are they here in this neighborhood?” the anxious inquiry. > ‘‘Not now, but they may be, and I am anx- ious to find the Pawnee village.” “Tt is twenty miles to the westward, pard, in the hills; but what are you going there for?” “The Pawnees eee peace with the whites, and I know that il Spirit and his warriors | are going to attack their village, so I wish to warn them, and the settlements too, for the Sioux will retreat this way.” “That's good of you; but if the Pawnees give ’em a good battle, they'll not come this way but | retreat to their mountains again. ; ‘* You say you have escaped from the Sioux?” | Yes, night before last.” “You are a plucky young fellow, I can tell | you; but where did they capture you?” ‘“Months ago, on their last raid upon the settlements, “TI was on my way to the mines, and got | picked up by them on their retreat to the moun- | tains ‘Curse them! it’s a wonder they did not kill / you, for old Evil Spirit, they say, is a white | renegade and hates his whole race,” ‘He is a white man,” ‘* And they left a red trail behind them on | their last raid,” ‘They, did, indeed; but can you give me a fresh horse to rice on to the Pawnee village?” ‘* Yes, and a good one, while I will go along the line of settuemeuts and put the settlers on. their guard; but you must be cautious about going to the Pawnee camp, for though friendly to us, there are many young bucks who would be only too glad to cateb you in a trap.” “Pil be careful; but now show me the way, lease, for I must lose no time, as I believe Evil pirit is even now on the war-path.” as Vil get my horses while you bring yours to the cabin, and I'll havemy wife cook dinner for you,” and the man went toward his bumble home while Gordon returned for his horses. He found a warm welcome from the settler’s wife and half-grown family, and a good dinner was at once set before him, while a boy of fourteen took charge of Black Ben and the pony, for the two animals were very tired. An hour after reaching the cabin Gordon was mounted upon a wiry mustang and riding | rapidly toward Pawnee camp, while the settler also well mounted was going in the opposite | direction to warn the settlers of impending night, Gordon Lillie rode at a swift gallop, and, following the directions given him by the settler arrived in the neighborhood of the village of Pawuees while the sun was yet an hour high. He suddenly came upon a band of youn bucks, and bolding his hands above his "hoad rode up to them, ‘Do you speak English?” he asked, as they mir ht him critically. es, me Spotted Horse. “*Me speak of twenty. Ks My ti See your chief.” eG er, ; He big ching? {3 Spotted Horse, age. ‘ me to him ” * Come,” said lich English good,” said a young brave danger. Determined to reach the Pawnee camp before the young brave, and the whole party set off for the villace, which was situated among the hilis a mile away. Other Indians were met on the way, some gatherin wood, others lazily wandering about he woods, and a few hunting, All gazed at the white stronger ph nagirteng rr A have a chance to kill tian ges 3 But Gordon showed no sii ‘ the Indians as he passa thers, and all fell a, and all fell 1 was | | Beard, would also be a leader of their foes. line behind the party of bucks who were acting as an escort to the stranger. ; Reaching the camp, Gordon saw that his com-; created considerable excitement; but he was at once to the tepee of the chief then in charge, Big Spotted Horse, The old chief did not speak English, but his: son interpreted all that Gordon Lillie had to tell, the other young braves not having entered the tepee. Big Spotted Horse was alarmed at the news. brought him, and a signal for a council of the chiefs and prominent warriors was at once given. All hastened to the tepee of Big Spotted Horse, the council-fire was lighted and the story that the young white man had to tell was: told over again, from his capture by the Sioux to his escape. There were a number who understood Eng- m. listened how the Sioux chief, Snake Eyes, had been put to death, and Gordon showed them the head-dress of the dead Indian, which he had se- hale obtained possession of after his talk with im The story of the youth was repeated over and: over again in the Pawnee tongue until all pres-~ ent knew it by heart, Then there was a low and earnest talk among the warriors, and gray heads asked the advice: of the pale-face youth, who told them in a few words what he deemed the best plan to beat off their foes, This was to send out three parties of braves, a. few miles apart, with scouts ahead of them, to report the coming of the Sioux. Then in caseof an attack of either party the other two could hasten to the rescue. Gordon also gave them an estimate of the number of warriors that the Sioux could brin to the attack, and how they were, armed, and. he volunteered to go along with one of the parties and join in the battle, telling them that not only would Evil Spirit be the chief in com- mand, but another renegade white man, Black Big Spotted Horse at once decided to follow the plan of Gordon Lillie, and orders were given: to call the warriors to arms, to heed the warn- ing of the daring white stranger who had come to befriend them. CHAPTER XXII. AN INDIAN BATTLE, THERE was another suggestion Spotted Horse by Gordon Lillie whic chief was glad to follow. This was that an Indian runner should be sent’ to the fort to tell the commandant the situation, and another one sent along the line of the settle- ments to further eae them on their guard. . Two Pawnee horsemen, young braves who: spoke English well, were at once started upon: these errands, and by dawn the next morning the Indians were prepared for their Sioux ene- mies. Big Spotted Horse had taken up a position with a couple of hundred braves some ten miles from his village, at a point where he expected the Sioux would come, with half a hundred warriors within a few miles upon either sid ready to support him, when the attack should’ come, Scouts had also been sent out ahead, and then. all was ready for the fray. The day passed away, the night followed, and then another day, and the Pawnees began to think that their foes would not come. But knowing that they would not appear by day, Gordon had ridden back to the settler’s cabin to get Black Ben, feeling that he was rested by that time. He found a camp of settlers about the cabin, some two score in number, all well mounted and’ -sraeren while they awaited the coming of the ioux, ; The settler, Harvey Reed, introduced Gordon asthe young man who had escaped from the Sioux, and had brought them warning of the intended attack of Evil Spirit, and most warmly was he welcomed by and praised for his pluck, He told, in a modest way, of his adventures since coming West, and became quite a hero among the settlers, all telling him to make their homes as his own, whenever be cared to come their way. l Having gotten Black Ben, Gordon Lillie left to return to the Pawnee camp, as he had prom- ised Big Spotted Horse he would do, and two back ack any’ of the iven Big the ol young men accompanied him to bring cane’ skew might glean of the coming Sioux. “Tt was just dark when Gordon and his two
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oe. ° ea ~ @ashe ’ But for the fact that the ‘hills in their rear a couple of miles and stood at | companions reached the camp of. Big Spotted | Horse, and half an hour after an Indian scout d up bringing the information that the Sioux were coming. They had camped for the day in the hills, ten miles away, and were moving toward the Paw- mee village on a line that would bring them near the position of Big Spotted Horse. | ord was at once sent to the smaller bands ‘to put them on their guard, and one of the set- | tlers started back to join his companions at Harvey Reed’s cabin and give them the infor- mation, the other remaining with the Indians | ‘to see the result of the attack. Two hours passed away, and then out on the plains a long dark line was visible, looking like a huge snake crawling over the prairie. The Sioux coming as they did showed that they were not expecting an ambush, but, on the contrary, expected to surprise the Pawnee vil- are. And, but for Gordon Lillie they would have done so, throwing into the surprised village a jarger force than the Pawnees could bave ral- died to defend themselves with. ‘Slowly they came, and, as they neared the gap in the hills, ig tages: Horse, at the sug- estion of Gordon Lillie, let the center of his ine fall back into the shape of a V. This brought the Sioux directly into the trap, and, in the darkness of the forest, they sus- pected no danger until the rifles of the Pawnees opened upon them, and showers of arrows fell into their ranks, The Sioux’ wild shouts of alarm were drowned in the terrible war-cries of the Pawnees, who fell upon their enemies like an avalanche. ' In ambush, and in darkness, unacquainted with the country just there, for Black Beard was acting us guide, the Sioux were completely de- rroralized from the first and broke in wild dis- order. The long line doubled back upon its rear, and there ralied for a few moments. But the two flanking parties of the Pawnees came down upon either side, for they rode like the wind to the scene when they had word of the approach of the Sioux, and Big Spotted Horse pressed his enemies in the front. Thus the Sioux, in spite of the courage of their leader, Evil Spirit, were forced to fly, leaving many of their braves dead and wounded on the field, though they carried others off with them. reached the foot- bay, with their tired horses and wounded, they would have been far more severely beaten. But the Pawnees dared not follow them into the timber, and when dawn came they discoy- ered that the Sioux were far away upon their retreat. The victory however had been a grand one, and the Pawnees were well aware that they owed it to Gordon Lillie, and that night in their re- joicing the young pale-face stranger was made a chief of their people. ’ Among the dead left on the field was Black Beard, who had fallen under the first fire from the ambush, and thus he bad meta just doom for having turned renegade tc his own race, After the battle Gordon Lillie had heen urged by Harvey Reed and the other settlers to settle among them, and so he homesteaded some land and his neighbors clubbed together and built him a fine cabin and out-houses, cleared some timber for him and did all in their power to prove their appreciation of the warning he had given them, | for bad the Pawnees been surprised the Sioux would have overrun the settlement with scalp- ' ing-knife and torch. The ranch cf Gordon was well located, and half-way between the home of Harvey Reed and the Pawnee village. The settlers stocked it with cattle, and half a hundred ponies were given the young hero by the Pawnee braves. Learning that Gordon’s middle name was ; William, the settlers, according to border fash- aon, gave him the nickname of Pawnee Bill, on account of his pavice been made a chief among that tribe, and thus it was that he obtained the frontier cognomen that heads this story, which, allow me to tell you, kind reader, is no tale of simple fietion, as many now living can vouch | © (hae &5 f ‘With all the kindness shown him by the set- tlers and his Ind‘an friends, Pawnee Bill, as I _ will now call Gordon Lillie, was determined to give up his dream of digging a fortune of gold out of the mines, and settle down upon his ‘ranch, at least for awhile. © ye M _. Having heard of his services rendered the set- enn, and the cients Pawnees, Colonel | Royal, nearest fort, ap- | commander of t om 1a ae : RG HO ete rane tree ie OS aot Pawnee Bill, the Prairie Shadower. ‘ Ripe him a special scout, under orders to keep is eyes upon the Sioux, who were known to be thirsting for revenge after their signal defeat. It was a great regret to Pawnee Bill, that he was not able to return to the home of Banker Rolston and prove himself innocent of the charge made against him; but he mentally vowed that some day he would do so, and, as he began to be prosperous in raising horses and cat- tle, he saw his way to one/day make a snug little fortune, ** Let me once have the sum he implied that I took, and I will go to that town and offer it to him, telling him how hard I bad worked to get it, and then see if he will still accuse me. *‘ If he does, I will tell the truth about it.” here was one belief in the mind of Pawnee Bill, and that was that there was really gold in the appa ama where the Sioux village was situ- ated. From what he bad heard from May Flower, and the gold he had seen her wear, he was the more convinced that there was precious metal there in the hills, known to the Sioux, and he was anxious to find out. So, when Colonel Royal had made him a scout, he started off on the trail to make what discoveries he could, ? His intelligence, his daring, and the experi- ence he had had, made him a good scout, but the numerous trails be went on alone, failed to dis- cover any gold traces as far as he dared pene- trate into the mountains where the Sioux still had their camp. Thus two years passed away, from the time that he had left his position in the bank, and Pawnee Bill had become a prosperous ranchero. There had been a number of Indian raids along the border, but he had in nearly every case discovered the coming of the Sioux and Cheyennes, and at last, so persistently did he hang upon the trails of the red-skins, ferreting out their intended expeditions, that he was often called The Prairie Shadower. Returning one day alone from a scouting trip to the mountains, Pawnee Bill came upon a trail that caused him to come to a sudden halt. It was a trail left by a wagon train, and it was moving toward the mountains, Pawnee Bill knew that a small band of Sioux were on tbe war-path, and without doubt would discover the train and massacre the people. There could not be many along with the train and sv he at once went to the rescue, He was riding Black Ben who was as good as ever, and he dashed along like the wind on the trail, and after an hour’s ride came in sight of the train a mile ahead, moving slowly along over thie ghee all unconscious of danger, for some of the people were loitering along far in the rear. CHAPTER XXIII. — PAWNEE BILL, PAWNEE Bru knew that he had no time to lose, so when be came up with the stragglers following the train, he called out: ‘The Sioux are on the war-path, and your train isin danger; so make all haste to yonder timber and fortify as best you can. **T will go after men and come to your aid. “Lose no time and fortify well, keeping a good watch to-night.” Then he wheeled and rode away across the prairie in the direction of the Pawnee village, Those to whom he bad addressed his startling words, were a man and two boys, and they were considerably frightened. They hastened on at a run and soon warned the rest of the train, which made all haste for the elevation a mile away, and which was heavily timbered. There were two-score of wagons in the train, and about as many men, with a number of wo- men and children, y That me! were emigrants, seeking bomes in the Far West, Pawnee Bill had felt assured, and never having met red-skins, they were not caytious on the march, and their guide had re- ported them within a day’s travel of the place where they were to settle, : | The train reached the timber, and the guide, to make up for his carelessness, quickly formed tbe wagons into a barrier, anda hole was dug to protect the women and children, while the horses, mules and cattle were protected. as well as was possible. Then a guard was set, and the emigrants waited the eee night, Soon after dark the guide reported hearing hoof-falls far off upon the prairie, and within half an hour he fired a shot which was answered by adeathcry, / — ; Not thinking the emigrants knew that they 4 ne were upon their trail, the red-skins had believed they bad camped further away, as they saw no camp-fires in the timber, and so were rapidly following when the guide’s shot brought them to a standstill. Instantly they made a charge, but the volley of rifle-bullets quickly let them know that the emigrants were ready for them and that the | Shot, as they at first believed, bad not come from some single scout. . Knowing where their foe was, they surround- ed the timber, and began to try and capture the train by cunning. They were in force treble what the defenders of the train were, and with the latter unused to border warfare, they held the advautage. Twice they made mock charges, and the rifles . rung out, and having caused the emigrants to empty their weapons in one of these advances, they rushed toward the timber from all direc- tions just at dawn. Another moment and a massacre would have followed; but just then, sweeping over the plain came a band of horsemen, and with wild yells Pawnee Bill and half a dozen of his braves charged down upon the Sioux, who quickly tool to flight, not knowing what force they had tu meet. ; Pawnee Bill and his red-skin pards followed in hot chase, and a em | fight was kept up for several miles, and on both sides red-skin horsemen bit thedust. _ Then the chase was given up, and the Paw- nees, under their white leader returned to the emigrants’ camp. No one had been killed there, but several had been wounded, and all realized what would have been their fate but for the timely succor of Pawnee Bill. Dressed in a suit of buckskin, handsomely beaded, wearing a slouch hat encircled by a | gold cord, and with his golden hair banging in wavy masses upon his broad shoulders, Pawnee Bill was a very striking looking personage in- deed, He was armed with his rifle and revolvers, and was mounted upon Black Ben, who seemed proud of his young rider and his superb Mexican saddle and bridle. : ; As he rode up to the train he saw the emigrant to whom he had given the warning the after- noon before, and he was greeted with: ‘‘Come, my friends, this is the brave young man to whom we all owe our lives “Your name, please, sir?” ‘Pawnee Bill, sir,” was the modest reply, ‘and these are my braves, for I am a chief in the Pawnee tribe.” “Three cheers for Pawnee Bill and his braves, my friends,” cried the emigrant, and the cheers were given with a will, women and cbildren joining in lustily, with the men. “Did you say that your name was Pawnee Bill, Gordon Lillie?” and the questioner a MS girl, glided out of the crowd of emigrants an approached the young scout, He started, his face flushed and he cried: “© Ruby Rolston !” “Yes, I am Ruby Rolston! your old friend, Gordon, and my father is with me to welcome you, and more, to tell you how cruelly he wronged you. ‘* But it is a long story to tell it all, and you shall hear it after awhile, “ Father, here is (Fordon Lillie, who left us two years ago,” and Ruby Rolston turned to the banker, who just then came forward, and said in a quivering voice: “‘Can vou forgive an old man for wronging you, Gordon, for I confess that I did wrong you? “Gladly, sir,? and Pawnee Bill grasped the outstretched hand, while he mused to himself: “How beautiful she has grown, and yet how he has broken, and how strange that they should be here, Certainly some deep trouble has fallen upon them.” ‘Come, Gordon, let us talk matters over, for I have rauch to tell you,” said the old banker, after the emigrants had all pressed forward to shake the hand of their rescuer, and he led Pawnee Bill over to bis tent in the timber, the oung man wondering what there was to tell, but glad to see that Ruby was also coming to join them. CHAPTER XXIV. THE EMIGRANT’S STORY. *Gorpon, my son, I am anxious to at once tell you all that has happened; to teH you that I was as much rejoiced that I found you innocent as I was pained to believe you guilty of rcbbin me,” said Andrew Rolston, in a voice full o emotion, — \ ee ~ ~K = - t
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= a ee eee Cd See en ee “t pessed with thet neW homes ‘© seovered that I was innocent, isked Pawnee Bill, © Six months after you left us, and aink was the thief?’ bay “ ; oie ~ r a wi G ‘Wins ‘ » “T know who it was, sir.” a did you find it out?” asked Mr. Rol- ) surprise, 2 night of the robbery, sir.” 9 you mean that you knew who was guilty 4 you were accused?” I do, sir.” ‘And would not defend **T would not, sir.” Why? “Tell me, sir, “ My son.” ‘Yes, oi.” “ And now let me know why you would not make it known?” Pawneo Bill glanced at Ruby, blushed, and then said: — “Well, sir, your son saved my life the day that Black Ben would have killed me, and then, sir, I looked upon Miss Ruby as my sweetheart, yourself by telling?” first, who was the guilty one?” and you had all been so good to me, that I de- cided to bear the charge rather than have you, your wife and Miss Ruby suffer.” “You are a noble fellow, Gordon Lillie, to | thus sacrifice yourself; but let me tell you that my poor son was guilty cnly in act, for what he “did was done in his sleep,” ““Do you mean it, sir?” ‘*I do, for I missed money after your depar- ‘ture and so set a watch, __ “ Andrew slept at the bank, asa guard, after Ifmissel more money and discharged the watch- anan, and, as I still found money taken, I watch- ed myself, “He would get up cut of bed in his sleep, open the safe and takeout money, hiding it away in a closet in his room, “There I found the money you had been ac- cused of taking, and half a dozen other amounts that he had taken at different times. “7 found that he had been wild, gambled, and ‘was given to dissipation and late hours: but tt ago he took he did not use and all was done in us sleep, “I watched him again, and awoke him when he was robbing the safe, and the shock was a tearful one to him, for he lay ill for weeks, ' ‘Then the rumor went forth that my safe had been robbed, and a run came upon the bank, and I was ruined.” ** You have my deepest for plenty, with naeee spare, While it “ph ther from the Sioux Villages, and ‘in less danger of raids from them, “Tn the mean time you and Miss Ruby must be my guests, until you cay build your bome,” “We will, Gordon, for T now the iuvitation comes from your heart, ** Once I was rich and Sanaa ae (ey ro ——— ey Lue YOu homeless; but now our position in life is reversed; but I was brought up a farmer, and can get a’ new lease in life out here, While my son wil} join us, he said, and I may yet see many years of jife.” cy sincerely hope SO, SI ry?’ Said Pawnee Bill. Nd then the emigrants were calieg together, and the change Of destination Suggested, ‘he change W8S at once acquiesced in, and the train was soon a on its Way to the lands whieh Pawnee Bill had in view for them to set- tle on; and while he acted as guide, his Pawnee braves followed ®8 an escort to the emi, rants greatly to the joy Of the latter, who no~ onzer ralt dread of an attack hy the Sioux. neg So oq Pe MA R'S LOVE. THE emigrants settled upon the lands Pawnee Bill se] for thet, and they on the far fron. 2 . i | cabin, having a hiding-place in the chimney. were greatly |. “a ag % k Pawnee Bill, the Prairie Shadower. There was good land, crystal streams flowed through the valley, and plenty of timber fringed the hills, with rich grazing-lands for stock. Pawnee Bill selected a choice spot for Mr. Rolston, and aided in building his cabin and getting all in readiness, He presented both father and daughter with good saddle-horses and some stock, and when Andrew Rolston, Jr., appeared, some weeks after, he was as kind to him as a brother could have been. The home was at last finished, greathy to Pawnee Bill’s regret, for he hated to lose bis guests, and the Rolstons moved into their new quarters, which were indeed most comfortable, though of course far different from the palatial mansion they had once dweit in. One day as Pawnee Bill was riding along through the forest with Ruby Rolston, he was startled at suddenly beholding in his path none cther than May Flower, She was dtessed in her bead-embroidered buckskin suit, and carried ber rifle slung at her back, while her pony was hitcbed not far away in the bushes, But her face was pale and haggard, and she looked very wretched, Pawnee Bill had told Ruby of the beautiful daughter of the renegade chief, dnd when he spoke her name, in amazement at seeing her, she knew who she was, ‘“‘ Why, May Flower, you here?” he cried, as he sprung from his saddle, ‘* Yes, Lillie,” was the sad reply. ‘*- You look like a ghost.” ‘ “T am not-well, Lillie.” ‘Come to my home with me, and I will care for you, May Flower,” and Ruby slipped from her saddle and approached the girl. ** You are Ruby, are ycu not?” Viens? 0 * Lillie told me of you lonz ego.” ‘But, May Flower, why are you here?” asked Pawnee Bill. ‘**'To see you.” Ay You are sick, so go with Ruby, as she asks rou. mt No, I have come to see you, Lillie, to tell you the secret I promised to tell you. “You deserted me that night, Lillie, and nearly broke my heart, for I loved you, and I love you now, “You escaped in safety, and it was your warning to the Pawnees, who drove the Sioux back that night, ‘My father was wounded, and he never re- covered, and some months ago he died.” ** Your father dead?” | ‘Yes, and be told me to go to a settler’s home ‘—one who dwelt far from here—and tell him to care for me, for he was my uncle. ‘“‘Teseaped from the Sioux, for they would not have allowed me to go, and I found the cabin. * But my uncle and his family had been mur- dered, other settlers told me, and their house was haunted, ‘But it was whom I found bear’s robe, ‘* He it was who had murdered my uncle and his family, and afterward had haunted the haunted by a poor old man ‘“* He was mad, but reason came to him before he died, and he told me all, ‘“* The,settlers buried him, and I came then to seek vou, Lillie. j ‘“T found that you loved Ruby, soI would not have your heart. : “T have baunted you both like a spirit, and T have heard you tell Ruby you loved her, and her words of love to you in return, “IT then decided to speak to you, Lillie, to Speak to you both, for I am ill, and oh, so tired, tired of life.” F ** My poor friend,” said Ruby, while tears fell from her eyes, “You are good and true, Ruby, and I love ou, “T love you so much, that before I leave you I wish you to do me a favor. * poeooe paar nything, everything, May Flower. “Tdo not wish Vinie . forget me, I do not wish you to forget me, so I beg of you, Ruby, to take my name, ‘Ruby is a pretty name I know: but so is May. and will you not let Lillie call you May? * “Think, when you become his wife you Will have the name of two flowers—May, Lily— ‘* Will you do this for me?” “J promise you, and if Gordon says so I will not break my word,” _ “T will be glad to call you May, for I would } dying there, clad in a white |. 15 never care to forget the name of May Flower,” Pawnee Bill said, earnestly. “Then remember, you are May now,” **T will not forget it.” “You have made me happy at least. “‘ Now, Lillie, let me tell you my secret,” ‘What secret, May?” ‘**Do you not remember I was called the Gold Queen?” ‘** Oh, yes.” ‘* Well, it was because I found what father called gold pockets in the wash-out in the moun- tains, ‘*] saved the gold, and he made it into bands for me; but I do not wear them now, and will give them to May,” and she emphasized the name, “The rest of the gold I found, I put in a buckskin bag and it is tied to my saddle yonder and [ give it to you, Lillie.” ‘* My dear May, I would not touch your gold, “But you must, for I do not need it, and guess it’s a large fortune, though I doy know.” ; Going to her horse she soon returned wi buckskin bag of gold, From it she took the bands which she hs worn, and which her father had beaten out for her and gave them to May Rolston, as she had consented to be called to please the poor girl. The little pieces of gold that filled the bag she then banded to Pawnee Bill. ‘* No, May, I will not touch your gold.” She gazed at him an instant, and said in a low tone: ‘‘ Tt is yours, for I leave it to you. ““Good-by, May, good-by, Lillie, ** Don’t forget me,” Turning, she ran to her horse, bounded into the saddle and sped away \ Both Pawnee Bill and May were deeply moved by what had occurred. It was getting dark and already had she dis- appeared, so, hoping to find her the next day, Pawnee Bill tied the bag of gold to his saddle and the two rode on, He knew that May Flower’s fortune was but a couple of thousand dollars at best; but that she, poor girl, knew not the value of money. On to May’s home tbey rode and told the story to Mr. Rolston and his son, who were also ime pressed by it. After supper Pawnee Bill started home, and upon arriving there was startled by finding a form lying at bis door. ‘““My God! it is May Flower, and she has es herself at my very door!” cried Pawnee ill, It was too true; the girl had taken her life by shooting herself through the heart, : In her hand she still grasped the fatal pistol, and about it was wrapped a slip of paper, On it was written: ** LILLIE: — { “1 did not,care to live without your love, “Be happy with May, and ever call her by my name, “The gold is yours, for I leave it to you, “ Bury me in the timber where I last parted from you, and sometimes visit my grave. “This is all I ask. ““Good-by to you and May. “* May FLower, “ Ze Gold Queen of the Sioum,” Such was the tcuching letter from the unfor- tunate girl, and bitter tears fell from the eyes of Pawnee Bill as he read the lines, The next day she was buried in a rude coffin, in the spot she had selected, and, as it was the spring of the year, May Rolston covered the rave with May flowers, while at its head awnee Bill placed a board, into which he had skillfully cut the following: “POOR MAY FLOWER, “THE GOLD QUEEN. “May she rest in peace.” A year after the tragic death of the beautiful Gold Queen, Pawnee Bill and May Rolston were married, and since that time the name of ay has never been fore by either young husband or his lovely wife. On many of his trails, no matter what tho danger, May Lillie has accompanied he hus- band, who has won a name as a gallant and dashing scout, and is known far and wide upon the frontier, as a white chief among his truo ‘friends the Pawnees, who are ever welcome guests at his home, as is Pawnee Bill and May in the tepees of their red-skin pards, THE END.
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BEADLE’Se H ALF-DIME* LIBRARY. | Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers., BY EDWARD L. WHTEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. +4 peadweodg dod pesanees or, Double Daggers. ead woo ek in sguise; or, Buffal, Ben 85 Deadwood Dick in Hix Castle. 42 Deadwood Dick’a Bonanzay or, The Phantom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick In_ Danger; or, Omsna Oll. Bz Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood’ Bar, 278 Deadwood Bick on Deck; or. Calamity 4 \ne, the Heroine ie Beatceta Goin bean y ck in Leadville, 104 Deadwood Dick’s« Device; or, The Double Cross Sign, 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. 129 Deadwood Pick'’« Double: or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. 88 Deadwood Dick’s Home Kase; or, Blonde Bill. 49 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party, 9% Deadwood Bick’s Dream; or, The Rivuls of the Road. “@1 Deadwood Bick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. mad 4 posawess San poem Lor ened Jane’s Adventure. P eadwoo ck’s Dea enl, 1a} Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. 2 Gold-Duat Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, do} pe Sabet peeks aivide or, Eve Spirit of Swamp Lake. ‘ eadwo ck’s Den rall Jar; Peadwood BDick’s Deals or, The Gold Brick of Oregon, liédVeadwood Dick's Dozen} or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats S Deadwood Pick’s Ducata«; or, Days in the Digaings. . ponaweed ee Sexenst or, The Terrible Vendetta. x2 endwoo ck’a Claim, 05 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s startet eng 421 Veadwood Pick in New Yerk}3 or, A “Cute Case,” 480 Deadwood Pick’s Puat; or, The Chained Hand, pics pena wend Pick, dry OF he Crimson Crescent Sign. ad woo eflance. 458 Deadwood Full Hand, 459 Deadwood Diek, J Bic Round-Up. 465 Deadwood Dick, Racket at Claim 10, 433 eaverd Pek oreo ere eee Bill. end woo ¢ rs Dog Detective, ret peed wood Dick. ory in Deady | endwoo ck, Jr.’s, Compact. 496 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s Inheritance, bse Bectvcca Bit: grin Rife endwoo ¢ ra, Deliverance, Sl Restcsed Bick: de dee eadwoo ek, Jr.'s, ree, 529 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Danger Ducka, 5L4 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Death Hunt, Bat ae rt . bw in Thaw t Videcg endwoo ¢ Fe, the es 549 Deadwood Dick, Jr., on Hix Mettle. eee Besirccd pie: fe i gestae ead woo € r., In Boston. B67 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Philadelphia. 454 Saw shee | i gis Ud mec = endw vo ck. dr. oat. BSA Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Decree. 595 Deadwood Dick Jr., In Beelzebub’s Basin, 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney Island, a0 Basted pie: fey, rgearate Dov endwoo e -» In Detro 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinuatl, 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada, 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In No Man’s Land. dig Readuesd Bick: 372 ABE atig fuser adwoo ek, dr., In Buffalo. G18 Deadwood Dick, Jr’, Chase Across the Continent sae peaswoos eo Je Anene the a UY Deadwoo e r.’s, Inaurance Case. 666 Deadwood Dick> Jr., Back in the Mines. 672 Deadwood Dick, dr., tn Durangoy or, “ Gathered In.” orn pendwece oon pA peseenes ys or, Found a Fortune, * | Deadwood ck, Jr.’s, Dazzle. 6! Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dollars, Gy» Perdwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide. $OG Hoadwoed ek. Ici, at deck-Pot cadwoo e r., at Jack-Pot,. 210 Deadwood Dick’ Jr., in San Francisco. 216 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Still Hunt. Fae Dosdweed Dick? Srvc, Diegnin._" sdwoe- ck, dr. aguise, Tee Doadwon! Dick, Jr.'s, Double Deal. pie Beeavoe! Bick See Revise | adwoo ek, dra, Doublet. 52 Teadwoot Dick, Jr.’s, Deathblew. 75% Deadwoo Dick, dr.’s, Desperate Strait. $36 Pesdwood Dicks Da sone pay dead woo ek, Jr.'s efent. T76 Deadwood Dick. Tr.’ Resurrection. 782 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dark Days. TST Deadwood Dick, Jr., Defied. 792 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Device. 297 Deadwood Dick, Jr’.s, Desperate Venture, RO2 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’*, Diamond Dice. 807 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’*, Royal Flush, 812 Deadwood Dick,’ dr.’s, Head-off, 816 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Rival. BY WM. G. PATTEN. 629 Vielet Vane; the Velvet Sport; or, The Jubilee of Jaektown, 66% Violet Vane’a Victory; or, The Jasper City Clean Out. 698 Violet and Daisy, the Posy Pards. 705 Violet Vane’s Vows or. The Crafty Detective’s Craft. 724 Violet Vane’s Vengeance; or, The Wipe-Onut. 280 Violet Vanes Verdlet; or, The Game at Coffin City. ZAL Violet Vane, the Ventriloquist Vidocq: or, Sport va, Sport. 7b0 Violet Vane, the Vangatebad: or, The Life Strugg'e. 768 Violet Vane's Visions or, The Fiery Hand of Fate. 489 The Diamond Sport: or, The Double Face of Bed Rock, mage Mystery 3 or, Five in One. a 641 Dismal Pave’s » 51 Round Boy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective Wild Vulcan, the Lone-Range Rider. Old Misery the Man from Missouri. Clear-Grit Cal, the Never Say-Die Detective. Sam Sheridan, the Secret Service Special. Cowboy Steve the Ranch Mascot. BY COL, A. F. HOLT. O11 Weadlight Warry’s Flyers or, Duke Derby, $78 Hewllight Marry’s Hazards or, The Lightning Express wtective, 391 Weadlicht Harry’s Maul; or, The Railroad Pards, 27 Headlight Marry’s Siren; or, Mad Madge. 59 Weadlicght Warry’s Heritace. 94 Mendlight Harry's Hunts or, The Cache of Gold, 99 Binck Ruckekine or, The Masked Men of Death Canyon, 19 Kenneth, the Knife-King; or, The Doomed Six. Little Laas tit. the Pliot of the Woods, The Dandy Sport; or, The King Pin Conspirator, Other Novels by FE. L. Wheeler. 80 Rosebud Rob} or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Resebud Rob on Mand; or, Idyl, the Girl Miner. 88 Roxebud Rob’s Reappearance; or, Photograph Phil. 121 Rosebud Rob’s Challenge; or, Cinnamon Chip. 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yankee’s Surround 281 Denver Doll's Victory; or, Skul! and Crossbones, 255 Denver Doll's Decoy ¢ or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 296 Denver Doll's Dritt; or, The Road Queen, 868 Vreka Jim. the Gold-Gatherer; or, The Life Lottery. 872 Yreka Sim's Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up. BS5 Yreka Jim’s voners or, The Rivals of Red Nose. 889 Yreka Jiimn’s New Role; or, Bicycle Ben. 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam. 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective; or, Dot Leetle Game, 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter 244 Blerra Sam, the Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister’s Devotion. 248 Sierra Sams Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Sam’s Pards; or, The Ange! of Big Vista. 258 Sierra Saim’s Seven; or, The Stolen Bride. 884 Kangaroo Kits or, The Mysterious Miner. 889 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Out, 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. 69 The Boy Detectives or, Gold Rifle, the Sharpehooter, 96 Watch-Eye, the Detective; or, Arobs and Angels. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective. 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 226 The Arnab Detective ¢ or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp. 291 Turk, the Boy Ferret. 825 Kelley, Mickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Hat Harry, the Base Ball Detective, Sam Slabalides, the Beggar-Boy Detective. 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures. 82 Bob Woolf’; or, The Girl Dead-Shot. 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 6S Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buekhorn Bills or, The Red Rifle Team 92 Canada Chet 3 or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp, 118 Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger. 188 Bossa Bob the King of Bootblacks 141 Solid Sam, the Bov Road-Agent; or, The Branded Brows. 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scamps. 181 Wild Frank the Buckskin Bravo; or, Lady Lily’s Love. 286 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young G)adiator; or, The Locked Valley. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patro): or, The Rival Heirs. 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 808 *Liza Jane, tbe Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport, 880 Little Qu!ck-Shot3 or, The Dead Face of Daggersville. BHR Firat-Clasa Fred, the Gent from Gopher. 878 Nabob Neds or, The Secret of Slab City. 882 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance. 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher; or, A Son’s Vengeance. 486 Sealskin Sam, the Sparkler; or The Tribunal of Ten. RY J. ©. COWDRICK. Broadway Billy Novels. 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. : 614 Broadway Billy’« Boodle; or, Clearing a Strange Case, BS6 Broadway Billy’s ‘ Diffikilty.” BST Broadway Billy’« Peath Racket. 579 Broadway Billy’s Surprise Party. 605 Broadway Billy; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning, G28 Broadway Billy's Dead Acts or, The League of Seven, 669 Rroadway Billy Abroad; or, The Bootblack in Frisco. 675 Broadway Billy’s Bests or, Beating San Francisco's Finest, 687 Broadway Billy tn Clover. 696 Brondway Billy tn_Texns; or, The River Rustlers, 708 Broadway Billy’s Brand. 711 Broadway Billy at Santa Fes or, The Clever Deal. 720 Rroadway Billy’s Full Hands or, The Gamin Detecthye. 785 Broadway Billy’« Business, 738 Broadway Billy’s Curious Case, 58 Broadway Billy tn Denver. Rroadway Billy’s Bargains or, The Three Detectives, Broadway Billy, the Retriever Detectrve. 5 Broadway Billy’« Skadow Chase. Mi Broadway Billy’s Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest.” 3 Brondway Billy’a Teams or, The Combine’s Big Pall. Broadway Billy’« Brigade; or, The Dead Alive, 796 Broadway Billy’s Queer Bequest. 800 Broadway Billy. Bafiled. 805 Brondway Billy’s Signal Scoop. 810 Broadway Billy’s Wipe Out, 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys. 869 Shaxta, the Gold King ¢ or, For Seven Years Dead. 420 The Detectives Apprentice: or, A Boy Without s Name, 424 Cibuta Jonny or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, 429 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout, A467 DPlaco Dan, the Daisy Dude. 5O6 realign’ Ralph. the Prince of the Road. < 524 The Engineer Detective; or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve. 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 71 Air-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Onae- The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascale Out. Fighting Harry the Chief of Chained Cyclone, Bareback Reth, the Centaur of the Circle. Typewrtter Tilly, the Merchont’s Ward. Moonlight Morgan, the “ Pizenest” Man of Ante Bag, BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS. BS9 Tom-Cat and Pards or, The Dead Set at Silver Clty. 822 Tom-Cat’a Triad; or, The Affuir at Tombstone. 681 Tom Cat's Terrible Task; or, The Cowhoy Detective, 688 Tom-Cat’« Triumph; or, Bleck Dan’s Great Combine 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock; or, Josh's Ten Strike. BGS The Dandy of Podge; of, Rurtling for Millions. B76 The Silver Sports or, Josh Peppermint’s Jubilee, BS8 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow 601 Happy Wana, the Dateh Videcg; or, Hot Times at Round-Up €11 Bildad Barnacle, the Detective Herenlee 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 Warbling William, the Mountain Mountebank. 665 Jolly Jeremiahs the Plains Detective. 876 Sioenal Sam, the Lookout Scout. 689 Billy, the Gynay Spy: or, The Mystery of Two Lives, 699 iraple Sim, the Rroncho Buster: or, For Big Stakes. 712 The Meamertat Sport: or, The Mystified Detective, 88 Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector, 45 Kanana Jim, the Cross-Cut Detective, 761 Marmaduke, the Mostanger Detective. 778 The Rustler_of Rolling Stone, 725 Lone Wand Joe, the Committee of One. 801 Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck. BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon. Wm, F. Cody). 8 Kansas King? or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom Spy: or, The Pilot of the Prairie. 55 Deadly-Fye. the Unknown Scout: or, The 6% Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trost. een BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, Dick Doom’s Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny, Dick Doom’s Destiny; or, The River Blackleg’s Terror, Dick Doom; or, The Sharps and Sharks of New York, Dick Doom in Boston; or, A Man of Many Masks, Dick Doom in Chicego. Dick Doom in the Wild West. Dick Doom’s Clean Sweep}; or, Five Links in a Clue. Dick Doom’s Death Clue. Dick Doom’s« Diamond Deal. 749 Dashing Charlie; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trail. 756 Dashing Charlie’s Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Captive, 760 Bashing Charlie’« Pawnee Pard. 766 Dashing Charlie, the Rescuer. 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 787 Buck ‘Taylor, the Comanche’s Ca 748 Buck Taylor's Boys; or, The Re 560 Pawnee BILL, the Prairie Shadower. 718 Pawnee BIL or Carl, the Mad Cowboy. 719 Pawnee Bills Pledge; or, The Cowboy's Doom. 725 Pawnee Ball; or, Daring Dick, 692 Redfern’s Curious Case; ot, The Rival Sharps. 697 Redfern at Devil's Ranch or, The Sharp from Texas, 702 Redfern’s High Hand; or, Blue Jacket. TO? Redfern’« Last Trall; or, The Red Sombrero Rangers. 668 Res Ralph's Ruse; or, The Buccunees Midshipman. 674 Red Ralph’s Bold Game; or, The Wizard Sailor. 679 Red Ralph, the Shadower, or, The Freevooter’s Legacy- 644 Butterfly Billy’ Disguise. 650 Rutterfly Billy, te Pony &xpress Rider. 656 Butterfly Billy’s Man Hunt. : 662 Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza. 565 Kent Kingdon; or, 7 he Owls of the Overland, 570 Kent Kinzdon’« Shadower } or, the Card Queen. 575 Kent Kingdon’s Duels or, The Surgeon Seout, BRE Kent Kingdon’« Doom} or, The Buckskin Avenger. 545 Lafitte Run Down; or, The Buccaneers of Barratarin,. 5650 Lafitte’s Legacy: or. The Avenging Son, 655 Lafitte’s Confexsion; or, The Creole Corsair, 520 Buckskin BHll, the Comanche Shadow. 525 The Bde ac ee Brothera In Texas. 580 The Buckskin Bowers}; or. The Cowboy Pirateg. 535 The Buckskin tive, Riders of the Rio Grande Roverat or, The Prairie Fugitive. 540 The Buckskin Pard#’ Quest; oT, Captain Ku-Klex. BOR The Royal Middy; or, The Shark and tne Sera Cat. ‘ 507 The Royal Middy’s Luck ; or, The Hunted Midshipmaa B11 The Royal Middy’s Foe. 450 Wizard Will: or, The Boy Ferret o1 New York. 454 Wizard Wills Street Scouts. : 474 Wizard Will's Pard; or, Flora, the Flower Girl. 488 Wizard Will's Last Caney or, The Ferrets Afloat. 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 Duncan Pare’s Plot; or, A Cabin Boy’s Luck. ABT Duncan Dare’s Prize; or, The Sea Raider 441 Duncan Dare’s Secret: or, The Ocean Firefly. 402 Laodor, the Young Consptrator; or, The Fatal League 407 Ixodor’s Double Chase; or, The Boy Insurgent. 412 Isodor’s War-Cloud Cruise; or, The Wild Yachtsman, 216 Rixon Fill, the Prince of the Reins, 222 Rison Bills Cluc; or. Grit, the Bravo Sport, 804 Dend Shot Dandy’s Dilemma, 808 Bead Shot Dandy’s Double; or, Keno Kit. R14 Dead Shot Dandy’s Definncet or, The Boy Bugler. G07 Dead Shot Dandy’s Chiefs or, The River Detective. 245 Merle Monte’s Leap fer Life. 250 Merle Monte’s Mutiny ¢ or, Brandt, the Buccaneer 264 Merle Monte’s Treasure Island. 269 Merle Monte the Condemned. Pp. 276 Merle Monte’s« Crulse; or, “ The Gold Ship ” Chases 2k0 Merle™ onte’s Fate; or, The Pirate’s Pride. S84 Merle Movte’« Pledge; or, The Sen Marauder. 197 The Hid Glove Sport; or. Little Grit, the Wild Rider, 204 The Kid Glove Sport’s Doom; or, Buffalo Bill, # Pony Express Rider. pa. Ruth Redmond, the Girl Shadower, RA Orlando, the Ocean Free Flag. 17 Ralph, the Dead-Shot_ Scout. oz ae Vagabond ofthe Mines. “2 The Texan Detective; or, The Black Bravos. Bil Delmonte. the Young Sea-Rover; or, The Avenging Sailor. BRO The Outcast Cadets or, The False Detective. 495 Arizona Joe; or, The Boy Pard of Texas Jack. 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster; or, Pirute in Spite. s The Sailor Roy Wanderers or, The Born Guide. Waphazard Harry: or, The Sea coopers: The Red Giasves Base < The Boy Lieutenant. Wa th Will. the Traitor Guide- bas y satan Pilots or, The Search for Pirate Island. or, The Flagle ~*... & fo Grande. Diamo Raiph The F LATEST AND NEW ISST ©* 14 Ace Wich, the Frisco Detective. BY Ci iS Broadway Billy’s Bank Rackets or, The © 1 1 ) s tive’s Big Hanl. By J. C. Cowdrick, ss 6 Pendwood Dick, Jr.'s, Rival. By Edweet L. Whe. ca pasewere me bear 2 hag Ri ig 4 7 Bolt 818 e Hustler Rorue-Catcher, ”: je Bee Ee : £19 Dick Doom’s Girl Mascot. ye Col, Prentiss Ingraham B20 Nobby Nat, the Tenderfoot Detective. fay Boviecsy Bh ineam erdwo Ky Dre’ ® Pane. ee 82% Poker Sack, the Detective Sport. ae Denes. — ewsry, had the ag tan Gy © LP faarehath S25 Marlo, the Cowbey Conster, ©Y po. . 826 Rrondway Billy Among Jersey Thugs. by J. ¢ R27 wie Ge, a t. By T C. Harban e Bantam ort... PY *: ™ . R28 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’& Seoon. By Ed. L. Wheeler 829 The Gentleman Cree ee or, Dick Doom Shadow . By Col. F- ° 830 Te Che acre in Rag Alley; or, Citizen Rut of Number Seven. By Ben D. Halliday. RR The Chicegre Prummers® Deal. By J. G, Rethuve, R82 The Doctor Detect SRE Rroadway BI R84 Deadwood x s 1. P. Ineranam, kxe’s Double Deal. By Wm, G. Patten. r of the Bowery. By Jo Pierce, A New leave Every Tuesday. The Half- Dime Library 's for arte by all newsdealers, flv cents per copy, oF sent by mail on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New ¥ ork.