Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 564) (1888 05 15)
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ZA LA 7, > ZW EZ me 252 ity AY AWN WY iis K\\ \\S on : tae Er ‘us Vt lt i i il Kl a at P t Copyright, 1888 by BEADLE AND ADAMS, (11 xX May 15, 1883. a 24 Za Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mail Rates. $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, No 564 a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. ‘ c SSS "=, Ese E= iy Ui b= THE MAN WITHOUT A PAST BY JOHN W. OSBON, AUTHOR OF ‘OLD BUCKEYE,” ‘‘ CACTUS BURR,” ‘*rHE RIVAL GIAN?S OF NOWHAR,” ETC, \ CHAPTER I. IN THE MESHES, “ PHILip ATHERTON!” ““You sent for me, Mr. Handy?” “Yes, I sent for you. Sit down; be at leisure ] 4 in a moment.” HT }})) The youth accepted the proffered chair—silent AAR but unabasbed in the august presence of Me, Austin Handy, the crusty old magnate of Yan- ‘kee’s Find. L Lie EMD — =a” tes ) PHIL! IT IS SHARPER HIDEFAST, THE MURDERER OF MY BROTHER!” eitie’, testy ry Vetch ake Rey gem’
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é » for baffling the scoundrels. 2 Powde r Phil, the Boy Miner. broad-shouldered, and clean-limbed, a picture of | robust health. A fine head was his, too, crowned with short, crisply-curling lecks of dark-brown—a good face, with clear, strong. features, lighted up by | a pair of big, honest, dark-gray eyes. is attire was of gray corduroy, with a light | sombrero and stout, serviceable boots—all inex- ) pensive, but neat and fitting well his symmetri- | cal form, Belted to his waist were a pair of | solid, thoroughly reliable revolvers—indispens- able adjuncts to a man’s ‘‘ toilet” in this Mon- tana gold-camp of Yankee’s Find. In direct and striking contrast to the young / miner was Austin Handy—a man. of five-and- | fifty, thoroughly well dressed, pale and slender, | not above five-feet-five, with a massive head that | seemed almost out of proportion to bis wiry, | attenuated body, Hair and beard were perfect- | ly white, and cropped close; eyes, steel blue, | clear and piercing. Curt of speech, cold, shrewd, exacting—a driver of bard bargains, yet reputed serupulously honest—a man known as one in whose eves the law was supreme. He sat at his desk in the office of the Bonanza King Mine, a pen held nervously between his fingers, poring over a long column of figures—to | all appearances wholly abiivies of the presence of young Phil Atherton. ive—ten—fifteen minutes dragged slowly by in oppressive silence; then the magnate wheeled abruptly upon his patiently-waiting visitor. ‘* Philip Atherton, you are a promising lad,” he observed, in a brisk, matter-of-fact tone; ‘but you’re poor—poor as poverty, and_there’s no use in trying to overlook the fact. Now, to be frank, isn’t it so?” ‘‘T am a poor man—aside from a clean name and robust health, Mr. Handy,” quietly averred co “ Ye \ xactly, and will likely so remain for years to come, young man, for the road to wealth lies high above the level. [t is only by long years of arduous toil and strictest economy that our most ambitious young men can secure uywon it a firm foothold. The great majority of them fail and drop back into the ranks.” ‘* True,” briefly assented the youth, flushing and paling by turns, yet meeting the almost in- solent gaze of the magnate with steady, won- dering eyes. ‘*Tn the light of these facts,” continued Austin Hardy, a brusque, choppy strain creeping into his tones, ‘‘ you will admit, I suppose, that it is preposterous for such a fellow as you to aspire to the hand of a lady of wealth and position? You understand me?’ ‘No, I do not,” was the response, in a slightly puzzled tone. The mine-owner shrugged his narrow shoul- ders. ‘You are unusually obtuse to-day, Ather- ton,” he observed, crustily. ‘‘ You force me to put your case under heroic treatment—to use very plain words in a delicate matter. “What I have been trying to get through your head is just this: You must cease paying | he closed the door. Handy’s voice. With the last words, he arose | and confronted the young man, *“ So be it!” calmly replied the latter, steadily and fearlessly meeting the mine-owner’s frigid gaze. “I have not and shaM not thrust myself upon the notice of Miss Hanay. Neither, sir, shall I leave the camp! Iwas among its pio- neers, and here shall I remain. There is room for us both!” A scowl settled upon the mine-owner’s face, But he curbed his passion with an iron hand. He pointed to the door. ‘*Tnsolent! Out of my office!” With a curt nod, Powder Phil obeyed the im- perious command, On the threshold he passed a tall, dark-looking man of thirty, at sight of whom Austin Handy’s face underwent a peculiar change. ‘* Ah! Major Jordan, { am more than pleased to see you!” he exclaimed, with a grim smile, as ‘““You are just the man I wanted to see! Sit down—sit down!” ‘* Don’t care if I do,” coolly returned Major | Jordan, helping himself to the nearest chair. ‘But, I say, Handy, what’s the rub between you and that con‘ounded gutter-snipe, Powder Phil? Has he nailed his colors to the mast, or has—” An impatient gesture interrupted the speaker, ‘¢ Your surmise is correct,” enunciated Handy, sharply. ‘‘The hot-headed young fool won’t budge—he’s as firm asa rock! and the fact is, major, I’m strongly tempted to break our com- pact, do what is right by the boy, and defy you to do your worst! For the life of me, I can’t see what is gained by stealing with one hand and paying you dollar for dollar hush-money with the other!” Major Jordan stared at the mine-owner in- credulously, an evil smile on bis red lips. ‘““Oh{ come now, Frosty!” he excluimed, as his victim met his mocking gaze with a look of defiance. ‘* Your head hain’t screwed on right at all! Here you’ve been playing your leetle game right up to the handle for ever so many years, todrop it now, when you’ve one foot in the grave! Getting pious, are you, or—” ‘“Enough of that!” broke in the magnate, irascibly. ‘‘ You’ve got me in your power, Jordan, and you’ve got me hard and fast; but, you can’t press me beyond a certain limit! ““T’ve fought your fight in this matter a deal further than you’d a right to demand, and I want it understood right here that ’m done with the game!” The tones of the mine-owner were of deadly earnestness—his keen blue eyes were fairly searching in their angry gaze. As well might he have stormed at arock! He was in the toils of a villain as pitiless as death! Jordan leaned far back in his chair, laughing softly, eyeing his victim with a look of unutter- able contempt. : “T reckon you’ve cobwebs in your garret, Frosty!” he uttered softly, suddenly leaning forward with a cocked revolver in his hand. ‘* Just sit down there! There are two or three little circumstances I want to recall to-your veh attentions to my ward and niece, Miss mind!” ella Handy.” Philip’s face paled, bis gray eyes flashed. ‘¢ Pardon me!” he exclaimed, leaning forward a trifle. “‘I was not aware that my actions were being misconstrued—that there was any- and myself. I did not even court that—” ‘Quite true,” cut in Handy, peremptorily, “You saved her from insult at the hands of those two ruffians—no more, no less, than any man with a grain of gallantry would have done —and in her girlish eyes you were at once a hero, “Ttis true, too, that you declined all reward But these facts are neither bere vor there, in this matter. Your intimacy with Della Handy must cease, and at once! *. His handsome face bloodless as marble, his gray eyes glowing, Philip leaped to bis feet, erying: “Sir, I do not recognize your right to take this step! There is nothing in my conduct or my character warranting such action!” “Tut! tut! you are showing your temper, young mau,” chided the magnate, petulantly. ‘T don’t wonder your associates call you Pow- der Phil—you’re up and off like a flash! It is fox the best interests of all parties concerned that I have spoken. Ihave given the matter mature baa and you must give over your attentions to Miss Handy or quitmy employ and Jeave the camp.” There was a hard, metallic ring in Austin thing more than friendship between Miss Handy Austin Handy mutely obeyed. CHAPTER II. POWDER PHIL MUST DIE. An ordinary-looking personage was this Major Jordan—by no means the man one would single out as the possessor of either desperate courage or extraordinary shrewdness, On the contrary, be was rather a meek, guile- less-appearing fellow, strongly built, and fairly well dressed in ager black cloth with patent- leather boots, sik hat and snowy linen. _ His smoothly-shaven face was decidedly handsome, so far asa fresh, ruddy complexion and features smooth and regular count; but at times an expression so evil, cruel and vindictive as to transform him for the moment into a Mephistopheles went far to mar the almost per- fect work of nature, Austin Handy was the only person in Yan- kee’s Find who had as yet discovered this latter fact. For a full minute after sinking into a seat | before the muzzle of Major Jordan’s leveled weapon, the mine-owner’s keen eyes remained fixed upon the face of his tormentor, a crafty | glitter just noticeable in their blue depths. Then he shifted uneasily, and said: ‘*T am listening, Major Jordan. Proceed, as your precious words way be interrupted. I am momentarily expecting Dahlgren, the captain of the Vigilantes.” ; | ® Ah! more money-bags in transit? By Jove! ! Old Frosty, you tempt to try my hand as a gentlemanly toll-taker!” observed Jordan, with an odd sort of smile. ‘* But, after all, it might be an unprofitable undertaking—if you’ve taken warning by past events and called in Dahlgren and his men to = yeu through to Golden Flats with the bul- ion. ‘** But jesting aside. Let’s get right down to business, and see what we can fish up from the deep sea of memory that will be of interest or of profit on this auspicious occasion. ‘*Deep waters first, is my style. We'll go back to the beginning. ‘‘Isn’t it a fact, Frosty, that you at one time —years and years ago—live in a little hamlet known as Georgetown, ’way off in Obio?” Austin Handy stared blankly at the frowning muzzle of the weapon, and ground bis teeth in fruitless rage. He knew what wascoming. He had answered that same question before, coming from the same source. But there was death in the dark eyes gleaming over the Jength of the revolver, and with a smothered oath the mine- owner grated out: ‘* Confound it! yes—you know I did.” The major laugted softly—insolently. ‘*Don’t get excited, Frosty,” he murmured. ‘¢ Bear your burden lightly—for you’ve got it to bear! ‘But, that is all I care to ask about, just now; the past bas been recalled to you, and for the present we’ll leave your grim skeleton lock- ed in its closet. ‘‘Tt is'of the future I riost desire to speak, and if you’re agreed we'll sail in the Elephant.” — Utterly cowed, pallid and trembling as if con- fronted by some horrible apparition, Handy mutely bowed his head. Putting away his weapon, Jordan went on in the same balf-earnest, half-jocular strain, say- ing: **You knew that the object of this deal be- tween you and me is, on my part, to gain the hand of Miss Della Handy. When I broached the subject to you some days ago, and learned that it had. up to that time, been your idea to allow matters between her and this Powder Phil to shape themselves—under the delusion, I suppose, that it would be an act of restitu- tion—’ “Stop, right there!” cut in Handy sharply, the last vestige of color fleeing his face. ‘‘ Con- fine yourself to facts, not suppositions, ér I shall have to risk your murderous fury and refuse to listen.” A moment Major Jordan stared hard at the white, tensely-drawn face of his victim, a mervi- less smile wreathing his lips. *‘ Just as you will, Frosty,” he uttered crisply. “* Tf it?s sugar-coated you want it, so you shall have it;'but, there are one or two points on which we shall have to use plain words, ‘* ] want the girl. So does Powder Phil. Who is to have her? The matter is in your hands, and decide it you must, now and bere. “On one hand, if Phil Atherton carries away the prize, you right a secret wrong—only to have it made public, to be hurled from your high position into the depths. On the other hand, if your decision makes me among the happiest of men, you are left to pursue the even tenor of your way, rich, re- spected, with scarcely so much as an occasional twinge of your laggard conscience to trouble ou. me Now, which shall it be?” Handy uttered a petty little oath. “Why, curse it, man! you don’t seem to con- sider that the girl has any say in this matter at all!” he exclaimed, ‘ As nearly as I can figure it out, the fight is useless. ‘““J have conveyed to ber your proposition, and backed it up with all the influence I could bring to bear; but, all to no purpose. ‘From the first she refused to consider it, positively and firmly., Nor was that all, for when I requested her hereafter to ignore this Powder Phil, I was again met with a refusal, Miss Della virtually snapping her fingers at my . authority. : ‘* Your only chance is to drive the lad out of camp—and that will be a pretty big contract to undertake, He’s got sand, the boy has, and I haven't a doubt that his mother is backing him up in his fight. “ Between the two of you, I confess that the boy is my preference, little as I like him; but the force of circumstances compel me to take sides against him. ‘Now that you have the exact state of affairs, map out your campaign, and I am with you.” Jordan’s handsome face was black as a thun- dercloud when the magnate had ended, and there was a gleam in his dark eyes that boded ill, For ite ;
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SBT iin D., see Sie | ee ee oe i , 4 % , aia ‘ J 7» ‘a moment he sat irresolute, his hands clutching nervously at the butts of his revolvers, then sprung to his feet. ‘* Come!” he cried, desperately. “* We willgo ‘see the girl. If she remains obdurate, this Pow- der Phil must die!” The mine-owner arose, a crafty glitter in his averted eyes, CHAPTER III. PHIL MAKES A DISCOVERY. His heart beating rapidly, his hat pulled low lown over his eyes to shield his flushed face, Powder Phil had passed from the office of the Bonanza King Mine into the streets of the camp. A moment he stood undecided, then turned and strode aimlessly along the one rambling, ir- regular street of Yankee’s Find, recalling each word of the interview just ended, and conscious of a feeling of dull, heavy pain, not unmixed with indignation. So it came about that, almost before he knew it, he had reached the door of his cabin home—a rude structure built against the face of a bluff near the eastern éxtremity of the camp. The air was sweet with the odor of flowers; masses of blooming creepers festooned the soli- tary window and the door. All around were traces of woman’s presence. Entering, Phil laid off his hat and seated him- self, bis face buried dejectedly in his hands. *** Phil, my boy, what is it?” A gentle, motherly voice, and the lad trem- bled, and a moisture dimmed his fearless gray eyes as he felt a pair of cool but toil-hardened hands laid softly over his throbbing temples. Impulsively, he reached up and clasped both slender palms within his own. *T am in trouble, mother mine,” be replied, meeting with a fond look from the humid brown eyes gazing down at bim. ‘*Mr, Handy and I have quarreled, I have been discharged.” “That is bad, Phil—very bad,” observed the little woman, sinking down upon her knees and looking up into the handsome face of her son. “‘Tt was about Della Handy, I know. But tell me about it, my boy.” Phil complied with the request, keeping back nothing, recounting almost word for word all that had passed between himself and his em- ployer in the office of the Bonanza King Mine. “*T fear it is a serious thing for us,’ comment- ed Mrs. Atherton, gravely, when he had con- cluded. ‘‘But you did right—just as I would have had you do. And the time will come when Austin Handy will admit his error.” Powder Phil slowly shook his head. “*T fear you don’t know Old Frosty, mother,” he observed, ‘‘He is as unyiclding as ada- mant,” “Yet the time is coming when he will be forced to admit that he made a mistake,” aver- red Mrs. Atherton, positively, as she arose and lifted her hands in an impassioned gesture. ‘*The way before us is clearer now than for years, my son! ‘Our enemy has revealed himself!” ** Mother!” With the exclamation, Powder Phil glanced ‘up soicks , a startled look on his white face, “You do not mean—” **T mean that Austin Handy was your father’s false friend!” The young pe sprung erect, ne breath coming hard and fast, his gray eyes glowing. “Tt cannot be!” wa tSarigis : “Strange as it may seem, it is true,” quietly returned Mrs, Atherton. ‘ Austin Handy is a gilded villain, perhaps worse—a murderer” At this almost incredible declaration, Philip Atherton stdod like one stunned, Intuitively, his hands sought his weapons, His mother, as if reading his thoughts, placed her hands upon his shoulders, saying: “Do nothing rash, my son. The time is at hand when you must know all. Be brave, yet patient and cautious, and the long fight will be won. The youth vouchsafed no response, A of hope crept into his eyes. Stooping, he the careworn face. leam issed **Tt shall be as you say, mother mine,” he ut-’ tered, with an attempt at a smile. * But I must walk off some of these disagreea- ble feelings, so ll take my Winchester and go out on the Golden Flats trail, and ride in on Laughing Luke’s hearse. After that we can talk of the future.” _His mother readily assenting, with his trusty rifle over his shoulder, Powder Phil strode awa from the cabin and out the winding trail th: ing eastward to Golden Flats, bree hundred yards from the confines of the ert ahve nen ipa Powder Phil; the Boy Miner. camp, the young miner turned aside, taking a narrow ey running parallel to the trail through the bordering woods. Busy with per- plexing thoughts, he courted the cool green shadows. Two hundred yards beyond, the path, after making a sharp turn to avoid a dense thicket of thorny, tangled undergrowth, led up an abrupt rocky acclivity, the northern verge of which fairly overhung the tortuous wagon-track be- low, No sooner had the crest of this eminence been gained than the keen eyes of Powder Phil de- tected the my ey, | of a white dress through the undergrowth a few paces ahead, ‘Tt is Della!” be muttered, shutting his teeth hard together, ‘I will not see her! I should have known better than to have come here.” Turning, he was in the act of gliding silently away, when, despite his caution, a dry stick broke with a sharp, snapping sound beneath his feet, and as instantly the bushes parted with a faint rustle, and a pretty, girlish face peered forth at the young miner. The mischief was done. With a strange sink- ing of his heart, Powder Phil halted. The next moment he was face to face with Della Handy. ‘*T was just sure it was you, Mr, Phil,” tri- umphantly exclaimed Old Fresty’s ward, her face flushing as she confronted the young miner, ** Tried to run away, didn’t you? You came, J saw, I conquered! Come, go with me! I have something very, very important— ‘Now, what in the world ails you, Phil Ather- ton¢—you are not your natural self at all, so ou aren’t! Has Guardy been— That's it—I now it! He said he would, and I said he shouldn’t—but he’s gone and done it—the ty- rant!” ‘*He’s gone and done it!” repeated Powder Phil, mechanically, as he looked down into the bewildering blue eyes of Della Handy. ‘‘ We quarceled, I must see you no more!” **'You must see me no more? Nonsense, Phil! You—you—” Della Handy’s voice failed her; her pretty dimpled chin quivered suspiciously, and her moistened eyes sought the ground. An instant she stood thus, her white hands clasped before her. And in that instant Philip Atherton realized that the worldly-wise mag- nate of Yankee’s Find had been quite correct in at least one of his surmises. Suddenly the girl looked up, sparkling in her long eyelashes. ‘You will: not desert me, Phil!” she cried, piteously, moving forward just a trifle, and placing her hands upon his broad shoulders, a she gazed pleadingly into his troubled ace, ‘*Not now, Phil—not now, when Guardy is determined to marry me to that odious Major Fordyce Jordan, whom I positively—yes, posi- tively—hate, and I haven’t a friend in all the world—will you, Pbil?” A torrent of tears succeeded this impetuous outbreak, and before young Phil Atherton had time to realize into what perilous straits he was being carried, he was playing the part of a pas- sionate lover in the best of faith! The rumbling of wheels on the rocky trail below, a moment later, broke in upon the dis- jointed but fervent murmurings of the happy yet miserable pair. ‘*Tt is later than I thought, for that is Laugh- ing Luke’s hearse coming in,” observed Phil, after listening intently a moment. ‘‘ We must return to camp.” “Let us first see Luke and his passengers,” suggested the girl, leading the way to the edge of the bluff, ‘*He has one, at least—a man on the box,” observed Phil, as the stage-coach rounded a tear-drops «bend in the trail fifty feet away. ‘* Nor is the stage empty,” averred Della, as her blue eyes involuntarily sought the faces of Laughing Luke and his outside passenger. ** Phil, (’'ve seen that man somewhere!” A dark, handsome fellow was this outside passenger—bearded, well-dressed, with not a Weapon in view, and sitting on the box as at perfect ease, “T’'ve seen him,” repeated Della Handy, ab- stractedly, as the coach drew nearer. ‘‘ Ah! he looks up!” The next instant she started sharply. Her hand sought the arm of her companion. She ointed down at the face brought into bold re- ief by the dying rays of the sun. **See—see, Phil! It is Sharper Hidefast, the murderer of my brother !” _tn accents not above a whisper came the start- ling declaration, and with a stifled cry she sink forward in a dead faint—saved from going over the bluff to death upon the jagged rocks below only by the strong arm of Powder Phil. The next instant there was a swift rush of feet, and the senseless girl was jerked savagely from the arms of the young miner, He was confronted by Major Jordan and Austin Handy, the magnate of Yankee’s Find! ** Scoundrel! bow dare you?” shcuted the lat- ter, in a sharp, irascible voice, as he lifted his clinched hand and struck the youth a stinging biow in the face. ‘* Begone! or I'll horsewhip you where you stand.” Powder Phil drew back a pace, his gray eyes blazing with intense anger, bis face bloodless, save for a dull red spot—the imprint of the in- sulting blow. ‘““Mark what I say, Austin Handy:” he enunciated, in low, vibrant tones, as_he lifted his clinched right band. ‘‘You shall repent that blow—repent it in tears of blood!” CHAPTER IV. DETECTIVE HAWKSHAW. “ BLEVATED in G asthings in thiscamp go and the one place in all Yankee’s Find at all suited to the aristocratic tastes of the gilt-edged * cross-cove’ I seek, So the ‘jungle’ must be en- tered and its depths explored!” : : The person thus communing with himself stood in the sbadow of a rough building a few rods from the office of the Bonanza King Mine his hands thrust carelessly into the pockets of his short black coat, bis natty silk tile pulled well down over his eyes. For full ten minutes be had been standing in exactly the same position, his piercing hazel eyes fixed on the sign above the doorway of the place opposite, An odd enough sign, surely, to attract aiten- tion anywhere, and as appropriate as striking— a huge tiger crouched to spring, bis open jaws blood-red and dripping, his fierce eyes sending forth a peculiar greenish-yellow glare. ; ‘A handsome specimen of the taxidermist’s art, if nothing more,” continued the lone watcher. ‘But, if my suspicions, are ccrrect, that giant beast iv his native jungle never was more fierce, cruel or treacherous than bis human prototypes within.” : Then, as if longer unable to resist a certain sort of fascination which this gilded he}l of the gold-camp seemed to possess for him, he st rode out from the sbadows of the building and across the winding, irregular street. to push open one of the swinging doors and disappear within— only to halt three paces from the entrance, an expression simply indescribable on bis bandsome, bearded face. ; A large room, almost square, and brilliently lighted, To the right was an elaborately fur- nished bar—to the left, two or three billiard tables. Back of these and screened by a series of green-and-gold portieres a numberof faro tables were open for pley, while yet further to the rear, and shielded in a like manner, were several round tablJes for private card parties. And, although the hour was early, the place was thropged—thbe tables crowded with players. But it was neither this latter fact nor the un- usual scale of operations boasted’ by ‘‘ The Jungle,” as the gambling-hell was significantly and appropriately termed, which had brought the stranger to a halt with that strange lcok up- on bis face. Confronting him, with an expression cf grim satisfaction, stood Powder Phil, his feet firmly braced as if to withstand an assault, bis slender hands clutching the butts of a pair of sixes in bis girdle, For a single instant the two stood thus, the clear gray eyes of the youth meeting the fixed stare from tbe piercing hazel orbs of the stranger with a look almost of defiance. Then: ‘Not a move—-not the quiver of an eyelash, Sharper Hidefast, you wicked demon! or, by the just God who is above us both! I'll kill you where you stand!” ” Enunciated in low, steady strains, from which all traces of mellowness had fled, the startling words reached not a dozen persons in all the throng; but the accompanying actions were not such as to be readily overlooked, fer, with the utterance of the first syljable, the revolvers of the young miner had leaped f1om their deseo y places in his leather girdle to a deed level wi the breast of the stranger! Then, too, he had sprung forward a pace—a uick, pantherish move bringing the muzzle of the deadly steel tubes within a foot of the heart of the man before him! A start of surprise here—a smothered ejacula~ tion there, and the eyes of a hundred men were focused upon the principals of the stirring scene. Ds eee Py See
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ey ea: a Sis . ae gt asicapets hs Pere Powder Phil, the Boy Miner, eo emg Rg SS a SS TEE MI “ee Ar a = 5 -» kek bs p ts 5. ae % A striking face was that of the stranger, as thus brought into prominence under the glaring lights—a tace once seen not easily forgotten—a face betraying a personality among a thousand. Darkly bandsome—a tigerish cast of beauty, with straight, regular features on which ever lurked a smile; brilliant hazel eyes; straight, closely-cut black hair, and a full beard of ike color—all in all, a fine head; a symmetrical form, clothed in a dark, closely-fitting suit, with patent-leather boots, silk hat and snowy linen, Wholly unarmed, too, so far as external ap- rances went, was this handsome, sportive- pretty secure from interruption, and perfectly safe so far as an eavesdropper might be concern- ** You're no slouch, young fellow, if you have made a pretty big mistake just now,” observea the stranger, peering around as they came to a halt. “For a strictly private chat, this spot has the appearance of eing about as good as anything the camp could scare up. Now, what do you know about this murder you speak of— the killing of young Corbin Handy?” ‘*T didn’t come here to answer uestions,” re- turned Powder Phil, slowly. ‘You have said you are not Sharper Hidefast. You came here to tell me who you are, and that is the first point to be settled between us,” “Good enough; I like your style. Iam Fred Hawkshaw, of the St. Clair Detective Agency, of Cincinnati, Ohio, I am here, as I said be- fore, in quest of this Sharper Hidefast.” “hy ow, who are you 2?” “My name is Philip Atherton—better known in these diggings.as Powder Phil. I am a miner,” was the prompt repl y. “I suppose, Detective Hawkshaw, you can give sure proof of the truth of your statement? “ You see, Lam inclined to ba a trifle cautious in this affair, for not two bours ago you were pointed out to me as this Hidefast, the murderer of young Handy. And as your accuser was an eye-witaess of the murder, it stands me in hand to keep the wool off my eyes.” The detective laughed. “TI think you are doing pretty well, Powder Phil,” he observed, in an easy, off-hand way. “The only guarantee [£ can offer you isa glimpse of some of the ‘ tools’ I carry—such as a pair of bracelets and my badge. ** But, who pointed you on my trail?” “The sister of the murdered man,” was the reply, and Powder Phil narrated as much as he thought fit of the incident at the bluff, “ The girl wasn’t to be blamed for falling into such an error,” observed Detective Hawkshaw. “Tt was quite natural, for I happen, just now, to answer to the description of Sharper Hide- fast, even to the smallest detail. ““As you are a friend of Miss Handy, I can readily understand all that before seemed strange to me in this encounter, and I am willing that you should have a like perfect knowledge of the matter. From the steps you have already taken I would infer that you would be not at all ad- verse to being in at the death on this hunt, ‘The affair is in just this shape. The murder was committed a trifle more than a year ago. Hidefast and his pals, escaping by leaping from the train, succeeded in getting out of the State, leaving not a clew by which they might be traced. The rewards have steadily increased, until now there are several thousand dollars awaiting the capturer of the desperado, ** The detective bureau of which | am a mem- ber has all along had the case in charge, but not a peg could we move, work as we might; but it’s a long road, you know, that has no end, A month ago, by the merest chance, it was learned that a fellow exactly tallying with this Sharper Hidefast had for some. months been making Bozeman his headquarters. “So thpee of us—the chief, a brother detec- tive and myself—hurried westward as fast as the iron horse would carry us, yd to find that our prey had shifted the scene of his operations —going none knew whither. ‘* But, we were not inclined to give up easily, After two weeks of diligent searching, we again lifted the trail, and run it as far as Golden Flats, where we again lost it, a week ago, “Since that time not a clew have we found— until to-day. Yesterday it was decided that I should come on to Yankee’s Find, to consult Mr, Austin Handy, the uncle of the murdered man, and I was to be followed here by one of my comrades, “In conversation with Laughing Luke to- day,I was forced to the concluson that, here in Yankee’s Find, we would unearth the murderer ana end the long chase! “‘And to-night, the moment I entered the gambling-hell back yonder, I knew that my conclusions were correct, for, seated at a table not a dozen paces distant was no less a person- age than Harper Hidefast!” “You _will make the arrest at once?” asked Powder Phil, *‘No; the fellow is surrounded by coppers, and it would require a strong force to secure him. He has no suspicion of the cause of the little scene between us, and to-morrow he can be pobbled up with the greatest ease. | ‘Strategy will succeed where force would avail nothing; but, to make a sure thing of it, you” After that first low murmur of surprise, a strange, deatblike hush assumed Sway over the interior of The J ungle—accustomed as were the habitues of that place to such scenes, ; Held sway a momeuat—then a mellow, mock- at ing laugh—stinging, irritating, maddening— 4 rippled lightly from the red lips of the stranger, ** A leetle off his center, I allow!” he murmur- ed, half-closing one eye and staring past the white, hard-set face of Powder Phi at the Silent throng beyond. “A lamb among wolves —a cherab surrounded by devils!” The eyvs of the young mner kindled savagely. **Mebbe—meobe not!” be retorted hotl yet s guardedly. ‘* But on my shoulders you will find oo, neitber fleece nor pin-feathers, may. For { want you, Sbarper Hidefast, for the murder of one Corbin Hand y in a quarrel over a three-card monte game in the smoker of a train near Delaware, Shio, one year ago. You es- caped there, but here you cannot. Iam going to take you, dead or aliva! ** Now, which shall it be?” Powder Phil had spoken rapidly, yet dis- tinetly, his bands clutching the butts of his weapons with a nervous energy born of intense anger and deadly determination. gain the stranger laughed—this time with *t least a semblance of mirth in the mellow sound. ‘* You want me for the murder of Corbin Handy, you say?” he asked, in a low tone, “[ want you for the murder of Corbin Handy,” sharply reiterated Powder Phil. Cy ' ** You are sure I am the man you want?” e, / “You were Laughing~ Luke’s outside passen- ; Ser to-night? és Yes % promptly replied Phil. you there.” rairie Invinci thousand.” “ Little Lightning? Who—” The Jungle interrupted Detective Hawksbaw. With a hastily-uttered sentence to Powder Phil, he turned and strode rapidly toward the gam- bling-hell, while, without an instants hesita- street in the opposite direction. CHAPTER V. THE MISSING BOWIE, “D'yE moind, now, et’s ther gout we wul alk be afther: havin’, wid our aitin’ an’ slaipin’, slaipin’ an’ aitin’, wid divil a bit av a \ruction avin to sthir ther blood in our veins—so et wull Musha! murther! ets mesilf, bhoys, as is. moighty tired av settin’? wid me purty hands forninst me—so it is!” Doleful enough were the words, and upon the: sadly-freckled, sun-browned face of the speaker- was an expression little short of lugubrious, And that not he alone was disconsolate was amply attested by a glance at the striking array of visages ranged around the long table. Ten there were in all — youthful, healthful faces, bronzed by sun ahd wind, each bearing the indices of manly courage—even daring. ‘* Ki-yi! Pat!” promptly chimed in a second voice, from the opposite side of the table; ‘‘ an” mebby dis yere chile doan’ feel ez rusty ez er *possum in er nail-kaig!” “* An’ hyar, pards!” ** An’ hyar!” in a lusty chorus. “Faith! an’ et’s ‘boots an’ saddle ’ fwhat. we're all pinin’ to hear,” continued the first: Speaker, bis mellow tones rising above the din be had created, ‘ Et’s a brush wid ther red- skins, or a tussle wid ther road-agents we nade —so it is!” ‘An’ what says Little Lightning?” cried a slender youth with blue eves and long, light- brown hair, rising from his seat at the foot of the table, Instantly all was silence—every eye turning to the head of the board—to the face of the person- age seated there, Little Lightning, Captain of the Prairie Invincibles, A face well worth more than a passing glance was that of the young ranger chief, Dark almost as an Indian’s, yet clear and ruddy; features smooth and regular, yet formed in the molds of firmness and strength; eyes. black as midnight, yet clear and piercing as an eagle’s; hair of sable hue, descending in silken meshes about his shoulders, A strange, wild face, yet such a one as to inspire confi- ence. And as he arose to reply to the question, it could be seen that his form was lithe and wil- lowy—supple as a panther’s; broad of shoulder, trim of waist, faultless in torso, perfect in mem- rs, ; Clad in buckskin, fringed and beaded, a leath- ern girdle incircling his middle, he looked the beau ideal of a dashing young plainsman, A moment his eyes swept the eager, upturned faces, a light smile upon bis heardless lips. Then he ype: Saying: ~ “It sball be as you say, pards. I, too, am weary of the quiet life of the camp—am ready to renew our on life on the prairies; but if waxing red-skins or converting bad road- agents into good citizens, via the rifle and the halter of Judge Lynch, has becomea mania with you, Pve a little campaign to propose: p 4h Now, what’s the matter with a turn after Black Boone’s Vultures? They’ve taken toll on *most every trail leading in or out of Yankee’s - “Then you are the man I want—Sharper xq Hidefast. Come—I await youranswer, Which Shall it be, dead or alive?” The voice of Powder Phil had grown harder - and colder, His face was bloodless and his gray eyes fairly blazed. The smile faded from the countenance of the Stranger, giving way before an expression as Stern as grave. Bending his bead, he brought his lips close to the ear of the youth, ** You have made the grextest mistake of your life! J, too, am seeking Sharper Hidefast—and Iam here to find him /” Uttered in the lowest of audible strains, in so slow and deliberate a mapner—fraught with such terrible earnestness—as to convey direct cvnviction of their trutbfulness, the startling Ns words caused Powder Phil to start as if stung, be Had his right arm fallen from his shoulder; ; the young miner could not have been more astounded, “You are—” ‘Not a word here! Come with me, and [ will tell you all,” And, in utter disregard of the frowning muz- zles bearing upon his heart, the mysterious S'ranger moved forward, taking the arm of Powder Phil within his own! A moment later they had left The Jungle, Seated ata table not a half-dozen paces dis- tant, Major Jordan had been a deeply interest- _ €4t spectator. Arising as the two disappeared _ through the swinging doors, he exclaimed: _-“By Jove! Gant emen, it’s a thousand to _ one that both don’t come’ back alive! | And, in _ my humble opinion, it’s the boy who has gone to uis death!” “You've trimmed your sails just about right, major—I’m ‘banking on it!” cried a cold, ~ ¢lear voice, as Don McVay, the ostensible pro- is prietor of Tbe Jungle, confronted Jordan, _ “The lad’s a gamecock. sure enough, but I opine he’s in the wrong pit this whirl!” rs. “Well, it’s not our funeral,” observed tne major, sbrugging his shoulders; and turning, he, too, strode out of the bling-hell. mit eanwhile, Powder Phil and the stranger, upon leaving The Jungle, had sought retirement ia thecenter of a large, barren space right in _ the heart of the camp and commonly known as _ the © Square,” ( Here the young miner knew they would be A we shall have a strong posse in readiness to sup- rt us, ae And in this latter fact lies the reason for- my having made you my confidant in this mat- ter. ‘““I judge, from what I have seen of you in the brief time since we met, that full confidence could be placed in you as the leader of such a posse. Then, too, I suppose that you are pretty well acquainted and can single out the reliable men of the camp; so, if you feel at all inclined to lend us a helping hand in this matter, we shall make it worth your while, Now, what say “I will most assuredly do anythin possible to secure the arrest of Sharper Hidefast,” ‘Then quietly get together ten good men by-. morning, and have them assemble by ones and twos at the bar-room of the Great American, Hotel not later than seven o’clock, I will await. “Ten good— By Jove! I have it!” exclaimed. Phil wore ig sme “Little Lightning and. his P les are the team among ten. A sharp rattle of firearms in the direction of” tion, Phil bounded swiftly down the winding:
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: t their game right up to the handle, carried away as spoils thousands of dollars, ** Times without nu:nber have the Vigilantes gone in pursuit, only to come back empty- handed, swearing the Vultures had vanished— going none knew whither, , _.‘‘ Then, too, quick upon the return of Dark } Dahigren and his men, in several instances, there bave come reports of bold robberies, in- variably committed in a locality miles away from the scene of the preceding outrage, and in an opposite direction. “If rendezvous these Vultures have, it is most cunningly concealed, for no trace of it has yet been found. ‘* Black Boone and his Vultures are well wor- thy of our attention, and there is just enough mystery in the matter to lend zest to our efforts. What say you, pards?” A lusty shout of assent was the answer, and instantly every youth was upon his feet. “Steady, lads!” continued Little Lightning, lift- ing his hand and bringing an instant bush. “ If we are to take this trail, we shall do so at once. And no one outside our ranks must know why Look to your horses and your or where we go. ‘weapons, and be in readiness, jeave camp,” At daybreak we * Killed, you say?” “Yes; stranger in camp, too—hain’t bin hyar three hours. But he’s fixed fer plantin’—knife poe clean ter ther han’le right inter his ac ** When did it happen?” “Wal, ’tain’t menny minutes sence he war see’d alive, Reckon he hain’t more’n dead.” Leaving his horse to care for itself, the first speaker sprung from the saddle and pushed through the ranks of the rapidly growing crowd, fairly fighting his way to the front— to a position beside the inanimate form of the ammurdered man, Fight at the corner of the building occupied by The Jungle the latter lay, face downward, the horn handle of a bowie-knife protruding from under the left shoulder. Just in time to note these facts was the horseman, for the next instant there came the command: ** Lay a-holt, sum ov you fellers! We must git ther critter out ov this, fer ther case demands vestigation. ‘‘ That’s right—stiddy, now! Right into The Jungle; reckon a billiard-table’ll answer ter lay ’im out on,” Uttered in a quiet, authoritative tone, the command in the first sentence had been quickly obeyed, the crowd parting rigkt and left to give space for action, and in a moment's time the murdered man was lying upon a billiard-table in the gambling-house, The face thus momentaril exposed to the brilliant lights was that of Pe amy the de- tective; and that he was dead, there could not be the shadow of a doubt. “Thar’s bin foul play, pards,” continued the personage who had taken charge of the matter —a burly, broad-shouldered fellow—none other, in fact, than Dark Dablgren, captain of the Vigilantes and marshal of the camp. ‘*We anust ’vestigate a leetle, ‘* Major Jordan,” turning to that persona e, ‘will ye take two or three men an’ asks order in ther shebang w’iie I conduct ther inquest? “Yaas! Wal, thar’s Don McVay fer one, an’ I reckon Paul Prendle over yender, won’t object ter lendin’ ye a hand. ‘* Now that that leetle p’int are settled, ther fu’st thing to arrove at are, who is this man?” and Dark Dablgren impressively laid bis hand upon the shoulders of Hawkshaw. A moment of profound silence followed; then f ashort, stout old man, dressed in seedy black, with a bald bead, frinkling blue eyes and a Smooth, round red face and small, pursed-up lips stepped forward, hat in hand, saying, in a shrill, treble voice, ““Obediah Doogood, o’ Keokuk, Iowa, he signed himself to-night, captain, at the Great American Hotel. A queer name, but I s’pose he had as muck right to it as some others in the ia 7 have to the handles they wear. cat didn’t — ed crane for it wasn’t mine Oo so, e is score, an’ after supper deft the h idn’t say where he was 2 ad didn’t ask him.” 2 ” ‘* At what hour did he leave the hotel?” ‘Jest at dark.” “That’ll do, Kernel Bundy, ‘Find, and that, too, in spite of Dark Dablgren sand his Vigilantes. The road-agents have played Not a man have they lost in two mouths, and they have a eh lee pa season Powder Phil. the Boy Miner, 5 Doogood alive after he left ther hotel?” o'clock,” said Dan McVay, stepping forward. “Wal, what then?” Phil.” waitin’ !” commanded the deceased to halt, heard, alive.” went out? Was thar trouble ov any kind?” ‘There was, but not bearing on this case,” “‘That’s fer ther court ter decide. ther trouble?” pute over cards. Several shots were fired, but blew over.” * That’s all. Who's ther next witness?” Major Jordan stepped forward, saying: Luke be put upon the stand. discoyered the corpse.” ‘*Laughing Luke? for’ard?” and Dark Dahlgren’s narrow gray eyes instantly singled out the man, With evident reluctance, the witness respond- ed to the summons. ‘** Don’t know much about this hyar case,” he observed, as he took his stand facing the cap- tain of the Vigilantes, ‘Ther dead man kem down on ther outside th me from Golden Flats ter-day. ’Peared ter be a purty nice sort ov feller. He putt up at ther Great American Hotel. Next I Hs ov him, he war out thar, dead, That's all.” “Hol on a minute, Luke—don’t be in sech a oe hurry!” exclaimed the leader of the igilantes, as the stage-driver turned away. *“We want ter know under w’at sarcumstan- ces ye found ther deceased.” ‘Jes’ as ye found him. I kem hyar ter see Powder Phil. Jes’ as I reached ther corner ov ther buildin’, I stumbled over ther dead man in ther dark, That is all I know.” ** Wait! / Did you meet Powder Phil? “c No !? ** That’ll do.” Then Dark Dahlgren ra ped sharply with the butt of his revolver upon the edge of the billiard table, and briskly called for attention, checking as if by magic, the low hum of voices. _ “Now, listen, pards,” he began, in the most Impressive manner he could command, ‘A man—a puffec’ stranger—hes bin murdered hyar in camp—struck down by adeadly assassin whose next act may be ter take your life or mine. ** We can’t allow such goin’s-on, nohow it can be fixed. “Tt ’u’d hurt ther reputation ov Yankee’s Find, an’ we can’t afford ter hev a mill-stone draggin’ ter ther neck oy ther camp. ‘An’ so this hyar vestigation is bein’ held. We must hunt out an’ punish ther murderer. ““We hev diskivered ther identity ov ther dead man, Ther naixt an’ only remainin’ p’int ter be fetched ter light are, who did ther red work? . ‘1, gen’lemen, hev fully made up my mind on that score. ‘“*But one man in Yankee’s Find c’u’d ’a’ bad a Ereve fer ther deed, and that man is Powder ul ** An’ byar’s ther evidence w’ot convicts him —his knife buried in the heart ov Ohediah Doo- good!” ** You lie |” - In tones of pent-up fury, the two words) burst from the bearded lips of Laughing Luke. He stood facing the captain of the Vigilantes, not six paces distart, his big gray eyes ablaze, his sinewy form drawn to its full hight, bis broad chest swelling, his bronzed hands grasping with peadly Steadiness the butts of the “ sixes” in bis Dark Dahlgren stood for an instant like one slectaisled; beg aly a wicked smile upon his eavy, sensual hips, be turned luck the blade one bile ai Hawksbaw. we urned—to draw back with a snarling oath. The knife was gone! Ki “Ten thousand furies!” he grated, turning his “* Now, ther next p’int are, who see’d Obediah ** May it please your Honor, the deceased en- tered my place at fifteen minutes before nine ‘‘Ten feet from the door he was met by one Philip Atherton, commonly known as Powder ‘* Purceed—purceed! Don’t keep ther court ** Atherton, with his hands upon his revolvers, Hot words passed between the two, but in tones so low, that only fragments of their speech could be “Finally, they left the place together, and that was the last that was seen of Doogood ““What happened hyer after the deceased What was “Shanghai Sam and Llano Luke had a dis- no material damage was done, and the racket A moment of profound silence ensued; then “I would suggest, Dahlgren, that Laughing He it was who Will ther gen’leman step evil black eyes, now glowin redly, upon the face of Laughing Luke, “ igilantes ov Yan- kee’s Find, we hev bin tricked! Guard well every door an’ window! See that no man leaves Ther Jungle! “Ther knife war thar not a minute ago—I'll take my Bible oath! Whar is it now? Ther ken be but one answer—stolen, by an accom- plice, ter conceal ther identity ov ther mur- derer!” “By Jove! Dahlgren, you've bit the nail on the head,” observed Jordan, the first to break the oppressive silence succeeding the words of the Vigilante. ‘The knife was there—just as yousay. And it bore, carved on the handle, the two letters, ‘Pp, A” 9 ‘“* Phil Atherten’s initials,” suggested Dan MeVay, with a significant smile. Exactly!” grimly averred Dahlgren. * Ther quickest way ter settle this matter is the best.” “Jim Spicer, take six men av’ go fetch ther pizen cub afore ther court ov Jedge Lynch, We'll try ther case, an’ we'll give ther lad & fair chaince, ‘‘ In the mean time, we'll see ef we can’t find this knife. My ’spicions p’int toward Laugh- ing Luke, an’ we'll begin with him; so, jes’ trot ther critter for’ard, sum ov ye!” A murmur of surprise ran around the room, The Herculean driver had vanished! CHAPTER Vi. BOLD STROKES. Waar bad become of Laughing Luke? At the very instant Dark Dahlgren had turn- ed to pluck the tell-tale blade from the back of the dead detective, the old driver swiftly re- treated from the billiard table to the ranks of the crowd, whence, with silent haste, he made his way to the outer air, Almost unnoticed, too, was this strange ex- ploit, so intense was the excitement gradually wrought up by the leader of the Vigilantes, Once outside of The Jungle, Luke halted, to await developments within, an anxious look in his eyes, One of the oddities of the tegion, was this map, Almost a giant in bight and build, yet formed so symmetrically as at first glance to appear scarcely above the average size of men, he car-.. ried in bis massive shoulders, arms and limbs the strength of a veritable Hercules, Roughly clad,weather-beaten and rugged, there yet remained many traces of manly beauty in the face of this strange personage—a nobility none the less for the physical ravages of a balf- # century. Who be was, or whence he came, was an un- fathomed mystery, as deep and dark to the man himself as to his fellows; for, two-thirds of his life bad been a dead blank, into which not a ray of the light of memory had ever crept, The gloom of his dead past seemed ever be- fore him, keeping bis fuce bard and cold—bar- ring out every gleam of hope, every trace of joy or mirth, And, asif in sheer mockery, the denizens of Yankee’s Find had given him the sobriquet of Laughing Luke—a title which, despite its in- congruity, he bid fair to carry so long as he re- mained in the camp. Of friends or associates, be had but few, aside from the Prairie Invincibles and of the few, Powder Phil was the prime favorite. Froma casual meeting during the early days of the camp, a strong friendship had sprung up be- tween the two—a friendship as lasting as true. With these facts in mind, the reader may readily understand the actions of Laughin — within The Jungle, as well as what fol- ows. Thoroughly devoted to Powder. Phil, the old driver was determined to stand between him and Dark Dahlgren, even ut tke cost of life. Therefore, no sooner had the captain of the Vigilantes commanded Jim Spicer to form a posse and go after the young miner, than faith- ful Luke was off at a swift pace toward the Atherton cabin. “Tt is false—all false!” he muttered between his hard-set teeth, as he glided rapidly througl the darkness, ‘‘ Phil didn’t do it—if hain’t in the boyee ter strike in ther dark. It’s above- board an’ fair play, with him! ’ “But ther knife!—it was mine before it was Phil’s, for I gave it ter him. But ther boyee didn’t use it ter-night! Wo! no! it killed ther stranger, but it wasn’t Phil’s hand that drove it home—I’d swear it! “They can’t use ther blade ag’in him. Tve got it. Ill destroy it! Then let Dark Dahk
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m haveacare! Harm Phil he shall not—Ill ie first!” And thus communing with himself, Laughing Luke halted not until he stood before the door of the cabin home of the Athertons, Once—twice—three times, in as many seconds, be knocked—not loudly, but faintly and cau- tiously, a peculiar tremor thnilling every fiber of his massive form. A light step inside, a sharp clicking of the rude latch, and the door swung ajar, revealing Mrs. Atherton. They confronted each other, these two—the weak woman striving to right a great wrong to her and hers, the strong man drifting blindly under the blight of a buried past--both for the moment, from some strange cause, utterly silerit, speechless! ‘*Ts—is Phil here?” queried Luke, at length in a hoarse tone, scarcely above a whisper. “Who calls for me?” exclaimed a cheery young voice, as Powder Phil appeared beside his mother. ‘‘ Hello! Luke, is it you? Come inside—you’re as welcome as the sunshiae on a May morn!” But Luke drew back, saying, almost sharply: ‘* No—I can’t, Phil! Ican’t/ But I must see you, lad—at once!” There was something almost plaintive in the man’s tones, and without an instant’s hesitation the young miner crossed the threshold and step- ped out into the darkness. Mrs. Atherton retired, closing the door, * What is it, Luke?” ““ Whar is your bowie, boy?” ““My knife? Itis gone, Luke—lost from my bel, L don’t know where.” ** Glory!” ejaculated Laughing Luke, impul- sively clasping the young miner in a bear-like hug. ‘‘ Say that ag’in, leetle pard—say it ag’in!” “Say what, Luke? What on earth—” : “Sh! youll know all, lad, soon enough, I reckon,” the old driver hastily interposed. ‘‘ Just answer my questions as quick as you know how, fer we hain’t a minute ter lose now. ‘When did ye lose ther blade?” ** This afternoon, late.” “Whar, Phil?” ‘© On or near the bluff overhanging the Golden Flats trail, just Gast of camp, I think.” ‘* Was any one from the camp out that way?” “Yes; Austin Handy, Major Jordan and Miss Handy were all there. It was about something that happened there that I wished to speak with you at The Jungle to-night.” ‘*T knowed it!” exclaimed Luke slepping his leg vehemently. ‘Knew what?” queried Phil. ‘* No matter,” was the evasive response. “* Now my lad, ter get down ter ther meat ov, my er- rant hyer, I’ve mighty bad news fer ye. “'Thet knife hes bin found in ther back ov a dead man—Obediah Doogood, my .outsider to- day—an’ you are accused ov puttin’ it thar!” ‘Kind Heaven! accused of~of—” “Murder!” quietly supplied Luke, catching the young miner by the shoulder as he reeled back, ‘‘ Listen, Phil, ter w’ot I say—words are precious now. ** You are ther victim ov a putt-up job. Even now Jim Spicer, at the head ov astrong posse, is on his way hyar ter take ye before Jedge Lynch —an’ you know w’ot that means! ““Ther on’y chaince, Phil, as I can see, is fer you ter git out ov camp hot-foot—and stay away till ther thing is cleared up, or blows over, °"Twon’t do ter resk anything with them Vigi- lantes, jest now.” “Leave camp? Not for the Bonanza King Mine, Luke!” exclaimed Phil, quickly, rallying from his momentary panic. ‘“‘I have com- mitted no crime, and I shall not flee like a guilty wretch, *““T am not wanted here, I know, and I won't lay into the hands of my enemies by leaving. ou are right, in that it isa put-up job; and to frustrate the designs of the men at the bottom of it, I shall stay and face the charge. Let Jim Hew and his gang come—I am ready!” Without’ vaunt or boast, in calm, measured tones, the young miner had spoken, and Laugh- ing Luke realized that it was useless to argue the question. y be it!” he muttered, doggedly. ‘‘ You are oy ther genuine metal, an’ no mistake; but, yonder come Dahlgren’s men. Go tell your— + aa mother ov your trouble; an’ if it comes ter her wu’st, why— Wal, Pll be thar, Phil!” A quick, fervent clasp of their bands, and the two men separated—Laughing Luke darting away in the darkness, while the young miner glided swiftly toward his cabin door. The trial, such as it was, had been had; all Powder Phil, the Boy Miner. the evidence heard had been adduced by the prosecution, nothing having been offered by the defendant, save a point-blank demial of guut. And Powder Phil was in a bad box—there could be no concealing or denying that fact. The case against him had been built by a mas- ter-hand, not unaided by fate itself. The ver- dict returned had been the only one possible— ** Guilty!” But, even yet, with that ominous word sounding in his ears like a death-knell, our hero had not flinched or faltered. He could not be- lieve that the plotters would permit the farce to end in tragedy. It never occurred to him that Dark Dahlgren aad his men were acting in deadly earnest— that they really and truly believed him guilty of slaying Obediah Doogood: They would at- tempt to drive him from the camp, and that would end the whole matter. And so, with his hands piniored- behind him, he had been led forth from The Jungle, in ac- cordance with the mandate of Judge Lynch, marched through the streets of the camp, and brought toa halt under the spreading boughs of a huge tree on the northern boundary of the Square. And eyen then he could not believe bimself face to face with the Grim Reaper, An ex- pression tantamount to ‘a smile hovered on his red lips as he gazed steadily at the array of cold, stolid visages surrounding him, Then a lariat was hastily thrown over a mas- sive limb overhead, and the noosed end adjusted about his neck, That done, Dahlgren stepped forward, his face stern and determined in the glaring light of a half-score torches, saying: ‘ Phil Atherton, mine isn’t a pleasant task, no- how it can be fixed; for you are a young man, an’ I do hate ter cut short wot might ’a’ b’in a good an’ useful life; but I can’t let sech scruples stand in ther path ov duty. You have sinned, an’ you must suffer. Your last hour has come. Ef you a have a word ter say, now is ther time.” Phil’s heart sunk like lead. With the words of the Vigilante, he suddenly awoke to a full and terrible realization of his desperate strait, At the same instant, he felt the lariat tighten about his throat. All grew black before him, He was dimly conscious of a vision of a sad, atient face, of a pair of humid brown eyes— is mother’s, and another—blue-eyed, fair and glad asa May morn. He was filled with a vain regret that be had not heeded the warning words of Laughing Luke! Laughing Luke! Whose voice was that? Whose but faithful Luke’s! Striking and clawing, pushing and kicking, his great arms and legs working like flails and clearing a path as if by magic, the old driver advanced rapidly through the crowd, crying: “Hold! Dablgren—hold! or die! Would ye hang an innocent man? Hold, I say! or die!” Had a thunderbolt descended, its effects could scarcely have been more startling, than this wholly unexpected appearance of Laughing Luke, The lariat slipped through the hands of the Vigilantes, and mise to‘a man they turned to their leader. The next moment Luke was between the risoner and Dark Dahlgren, confronting the atter. “Tf ye must hang a man to-night, Dahlgren, hang ther right one!” he cried, his deep voice strangely hoarse. ‘‘J, not that boy, slew Obe- diah Doogood !” Powder Phil started, opening his honest gray eyes to their widest. Asif by inspiration, the a explanation of the situation flashed upon im. ‘‘ Luke shoulders this crime, and puts his life in the balance to save me!” he gasped, moodily. For an instant Dark Dahlgren stood as if spellbound, ** You murdered Obediah Doogood?” he sud- denly ejaculated, rallying his mental forces. * Wal, ‘pon my life! TI half believe it! ‘* But whar’s ther knife ye smuggled away? Speak! or—” “It is hyar!” quietly interrupted Luke, pluck- ing the blade from his girdle and holding it be- fore the marshal’s eyes. ‘See! Am I not right?” ‘* Tt is ther knife!” Dahlgren admitted, just a trifle unwillingly. ‘ But, it is Powder Phil’s— not yours,” ‘ “It was mine before it was Phil’s—it is mine now! An’ my hand struck ther blow that has tarnished its brightness! For what, no matter; but J killed ther man.” Then Phil spoke, his voice cold and hard— utterly devoid of feeling. ‘Listen, Vigilantes of Yankee’s Find!” he ae Se ey See Ss oo a >. ae a > — at = Sa aaa = a cio ; . 7 § t d + tig i ory aaa said, his eyes meeting those of Dahlgren with unflinching s iness. ‘‘I refuse to accept life at the cost of another. I repeat that I did not kill Obediah Doogood; neither did Laughing Luke. He lies to save my neck from the halter, at the risk of his own. I will consent to no such sacrifice,” ‘‘ Let ther young viper hang!” hissed a ma- lignant voice in the throng. ‘‘ Up with him, pards! Guilty or not, he’s too infernally good for this hyar camp!” Tbe mad scheme of Laughing Luke had failed. A groan of dismay broke from his lips—to change in a twinkling toa fierce, exultant shout, Out from the front ranks of tke crowd three lithe, supple forms had glided, each with a knife in hand, to the side of Phil. The next instant a pistol-shot rung out, closely followed by a wild commotion, and quicker than thought the weird scene was shrouded in densest gloom—the flick- ering torches trampled under foot! “Steady, lads—steady!” roared Dahlgren, in stentorian tones. ‘‘It is Little Lightning an’ his gang! Fall back—form a circle! Shoot down all who attempt to pass!” Even as he spoke, there was a swift rush of feet—a burst of elfish laughter. “Too late, Captain Dahlgren—everlastingly too late!” rung out a clear young voice. “ Lit- tle Lightning and his Prairie Invincibles bid you good-night and better luck!” The thunder of iron-shod hoofs in a mad rush down the winding street;;and Dark Dahlgren. and his Vigilantes were alone in their discomfi-~ ture! CHAPTER VII. HAWKSHAW’S PARDS. ‘‘ HAWKSHAW is dead!” ** Dead?” ** Murdered!” “‘ How did it happen, and where, Tom?” “Done in the dark—a_ knife-thrust_ in the back; right in the heart of the camp of Yankee’s: Find.” ‘* The motive!” ** Hidden, Dick.” ** And the murderer?” A significant shrug of the massive shoulders of the first speaker was the only response im- mediately vouchsafed. None other than the mounted stranger who: bad appeared outside The Jungle, just after the discovery of the body of the dead detective, was this personage. He stood with his Jett hand resting lightly upon the arching neck of his horse, his right clasping the palm of his companion. Around them lay the shadows of atimber clump. Day was just dawning. Tall, broad of shoulder, teen and sinewy—a lion in strength, a panther in agility, his face was of saturnine cast; eyes dark, brilliant and full of reckless fire; all in all, requiring no yg glance to determine that he was of mixed bloo.l. A stanch friend anda deadly foe, was this man, Tom Swift—better known as Red Swift; a detective famed far and wide for superb craft and dauntless courage. The second man was smaller—of much slight- er build. He was blue-eyed and fair-haired, with tawny mustache. His hands were white and slender. At first glance, he seemed an ef- feminate sort of fellow. Yet he had faced death ascore times with asmile upon his handsome face, with never a tremor of fear. He was an enigma—a mnystery. But few men could read him right, Red Swift was one of the few. St. Clair was his name—Richard St. Clair. He, too, was a detective—a man with a record, Both men were clad in plain, dark clothes, with broad-brimmed black hats. Each was well armed, booted and spurred. Red Swift had ridden hard. His long raven locks were in disorder, and his face was grimed and dusty, The clean-limbed bay at his side was fairly dripping. Dick St. Clair, on the other hand, was cool | and serene—his ion in perfect order, his horse fresh and well groomed, After Tom Swift’s silent answer to St. Clair’s last question, the two men quietly teth- ered their horses and seated themselves on the trunk of a fallen tree hard by. “Ts a queer case—l hardly know what to make of it,” observed the half-breed, in slow, steady tones, after a moment’s silence. ‘O course, I’ve formed an_ opinion, but it is based on mere guess-work. I'll put you in possession of the facts, and then we'll see how we agree. He then narrated the facts of the killing, 8° far as they had been brought to light; the sum and substance of Dark Dahlgren’s inquiry into the case, and the manner in which Powder
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t : t ' ; r ae oy ~ om rd A EIS dai ag acts we 5+ » Invincibles. —_— Powder Phil, the Boy Miner. a f SS ———— apd at the last moment been wrested from the | the room from any prying eye in the ccrridor | I say that my tongue has not been idle. What- i have been elsewhere, Major For- gilantes by Little Lightning and his Prairie | without, and the dark chintz curtains at the | ever he may windows were closely drawn. dyce Jordan is unquestionably the shining light “As was natural, after recognizing the body The two men courted secrecy—-conversed in | of Yankee’s Find just now.” as that of our pard, the first thought flashing | tones scarcely above a whisper. “That he is,” assented the gambler, dryly. into my head was that he had run afoul of | On the narrow table between them lay a pair “ But suppose we take up another branch of ‘the Hidefast or some of his gang,” Swift said, in | of steel handcuffs and a detective’s badge. subject—Oid Frosty’s ward ” conclusion. ‘‘ But I must confess that, in the “You see I was right,” uttered Jordan, with “Little need be said on that point,” Jordan light of the subsequent events Ihave just nar-|agrimsmile. “I knew T could not be wrong— | averred. “If Old Frosty don’t bring her to rated, my opinions underwent a very material | | recognized the fellow as Fred Hawkshaw the | terms by sunset to-morrow, we'll take the mat- change. moment | laid eyes on bim.” ter out of his bands.” “To begin with, there’s scarcely a chance in ‘“ And it was well that you did,” McVay de- ++ Abduct the girl?” twenty that Hidefast is in Yankee’s Find, as | clared, toying restlessly with the manacles. “Yes: and in such a way as to have the act the uncle of young Corbin Handy is the mag- ‘‘ Ugh! my neck feels uncomfortable every time | laid to the door of Powder Phil and his fellows nate of thecamp. He wouldn’t care to encoun- I think of that Handy affair! —not even Handy himself being any the wiser.” ter him. ‘‘ Let mesay right aere, too, that we ain’t out ‘4 capital idea! So far as 1 can see, every “Then, too, this Powder Phil had had an | of the woods yet. Hawkshaw never tracked us | point has been considered—every emergency altercation with Hawkshaw but.a few minutés down alone. There are others of the sleuth provided for,” observed Don MeVay. before the tragedy, the two leaving The Jungle | hounds somewhere near—Dick St. Clair and * All that now remains, is for us to keep right Red Swift, perhaps. You know the three were | along in the good work. Everything is clear— together. “That was the last seen of our pard alive. inseparables,” there’s hardly a chance to slip up in our well-, “7 | laid plans. ‘On the other hand, the accused youth didn’t “True for you,” assented the major. bave the ghost of a show in the so-called trial | have much the same idea. In fact, it occurred “But the hour is growing late. It is after before Judge Lyncb. to me that the mounted stranger, who appeared two o'clock. We'd better adjourn.” “His entire bearing throughout was one of | just after the discovery of Hawkshaw’s body, ‘The motion is in order,” Jordan agreed, ris- entire innocence—real or most artfully simu- might be one of the gentry.” ing from the table. “ But wait—a night-cap of lated, and he wasn’t given a chance to prove a “Then we want to be exceeding wary,” | real ola Scotch whisky is, to my notion, the single assertion. McVay observed. proper thing before we separate.” ‘Tt seemed a foregone conclusion with the “Ob! there isn’t the least danger, backed up As he spoke, be stepped quickly across the Vigilantes that he was the author of the red | as we are by Dahlgren and the Vigilantes, Of | room to a curtained recess, sweeping aside work, and the trial was hurried through in as | course, they don’t know anything about this | the chintz screen with a deft movement of his short a time as possible. Handy matter; but they'll stand by us, all the | hand. ‘‘ And yet, these border tribunals seldom go | same, if it comes to the seratch. The next instant, speechless from sheer con- far wrong. “For, as chief mogul of our secret brother- | sternation, be started back, his face turning “ Another fact in this connection is this: The | hood, [ reckon I shall be entitled to the right to | usben gray. several trails leading into Yankee’s Find are | decide who is inimical to the best interests of And small wonder! infested by a band of road-agents—gentlemen | all concerned,” ‘and Major Jordau uttered a Confronting him, his piercing blue eyes ablaze with wrathful triumpb, bis face colorless as of Jack-o’lantern proclivities, now here—now | peculiar laugh. there, always appearing when and where least “But I put a spy on the movements of the expected. mounted stranger,” he went on, “for it wont “Now, what more reasonable to suspect than | do to run the slightest risk, now.” thot this Little Lightning and his fellows are the ‘There's just a hundred thousand dollars at toll-takers, having as their accomplices and spies | stake—as snug a sum as we dare hope ever to Powder Phil and Laughing Luke? lay bands upon, and the slightest hint of our “Granting this, we have at once an explana- | connection with the murder of young Corbin tion for the strange actions of the Jehu, as well | Handy would forever blight out the remotest as a motive for the rescue of Powder Phil by the | chance of success.” young prairie vagabonds.” “Old Frosty has been driven to the limit—a “True enough, and the theory is plausible, | single straw might turn the scales, so that he too,” St. Clair averred. ‘‘ But neither the logic | would openly defy us. of your reasoning nor the strangeness of the “Te we can head off the sleuth-hounds on our action of this Little Lightning can change the | scent, the game is ours—even if we have to ab- marble, and as hard and unyielding, bis breath coming quick and deep, confrontingbim, a self- cocking revolver in each hand elevated toa level, the hammers tremblingly poised under the nervous pressure of the long, bony fingers bearing against the yielding triggers — there stood the man Major Jerdan bad so deeply sinned against, whose wealth, whose every earthly hope he had placed at stake—Austin Handy, the magnate of Yankee’s Find ! Had an open grave, with its attendant coffin and shroud, suddenly yawned awide to receive him, the arch-plotter could scarcely have been more terribly astounded. Nor was his villainous confrere a whit less un- absolute facts. duct the girl and force her consent to a mar- ‘*T am strongly of the opinion that Sharper | riage. nerved. Hidefast is accountable for the death of our ‘“So far as the coming of Hawkshaw is con- For a full minute the three men maintained rd, and it’s an idea I can’t get rid of until 1| cerned, it has already beeu turned to good ac- | their relative positions—Austin Handy with @ ow something to the contrary. | count. It opened the way to rid the camp of | look of unalterable determination upon his tbin, bard face, the two schemers with facial ex res- sions indicative of sickening disgust ana fear, In this supreme moment, when brought to the crucial test, the oft-vaunted “nerve” of the precious pair had winged an ignominious flight, leaving them weak and trembling, utterly pow- erless to lift a band to grapple with their awful ril. Pe Acusti Handy was the first to speak. ‘Gentlemen, I hold the edge,” be observed, in a cold, matter-of-fact tone, the deadly glow deep- ening in his blue eyes. “ It is hardly neces- sary, I know, thus to call ycur attention to the fact, but such a trifling precaution may be the means of averting a—a—well, a fatal accident, we'll say. “‘T dare say the situation is not all that could be wished, to either of you; but I’ve got an oar to stick in, and I’ve pretty good reasons for suspecting that you'll listen patiently until ’'m through.’ Then, to the utter surprise and bewilderment of his two bearers, Major Jordan gave vent to an unctuous little laugh. .The words of Austin Handy had brought the villain to a full realiza- tion of all the dread contingencies of his po- sition, and nerved him to a last desperate stand. * He isno ordinary rascal. Already we hav* | cur stumbling-block, Powder Pbil, and at the found that he avoids the beaten paths of lis same time drew Dark Dahlgren and his men ilk, to turn up in the most unexpected quarters. , away in pursuit of Little Lightning, leaving the In fact, were we to find our man in one of | bullion of Old Frosty at the mercy of Black Austin Handy’s bosom friends, I can’t say that | Boone’s Vultures to-morrow. I would be surprised. ‘Oh! there isn’t any two ways about it—the ‘4 In other respects, I agree with you. cards are running our way this time, and we'll * But the real issue before us is, what steps | quit our big deal richer by heaps and heaps of shall we take in the matter? Our pard must be | gold! arene”, : “The only thing we've got to do, is to keep ‘He shall be!” was the quiet response. ‘‘ Your | our heads level and play our hands for all they hand, Dick—bere let us swear to avenge his | are wortb.” death!” : Major Jordan leaned back from the table, a “‘T am with you, heart and soul, Tom’ Swift! | crafty glitter in bis black eyes, rubbing his Sleeping or waking, we will have no rest—know | slender white hands softly together. no aim, other than tracking down and bringing Don McVay sat quite still, a perplexed expres- to justice the cold-blooded slayer of our faithful | sion on his cold face. pard |” ‘But this Hawkshaw matter?’ he muttered, Silently eye met eye, and the hands of the two | at length. “ Ican’t see through it—tbere’s a men met in a fervent clasp. mystery about it I can’t fathom. Does Dahlgren Well might the assassin of Hawkshaw have | know of the innocence of Powder Phil, or—” trembled. Pitted against him were two of the} * Don’t worry about tbat, old man,” broke in law’s most unerring and relentless sleuth- | the major. ‘‘ The worthy Dahlgren firmly be- hounds. 3 lieves Atherton guilty of the crime, Could he “The way is clear before us,” resumed Red | catch him, he’d bang him higher than Haman, Swift, in his matter-of-fact way. “ Not a soul | despite the meddling of Laughing Luke. Thanks in Yankee’s Find is aware of our presence here, | to the knife, the trick was so worked as to de- for I left the camp without revealing my iden- | ceive every one, Even Old Frosty is staggered “We'll see about that, Frosty! We'll see tity to any one immediately after the rescue, by the evidence, j about that!” he exclaimed, in an easy, insolent “As nearly as I can figure it out, our best ‘But, bad these things ”"—indicating the hand- | way, snapping his fingers in derision. plan will beto disguise ourselves, go out to the | cuffs and the badge—“ been found on the body ‘<The trouble just now with you, is that you’ve camp ana tbere sift the matter to the bottom.” of the detective, along with certain documents T | fallen into a common error of mankind and “Then we'll let no grass grow under our feet,” | bave in my possession, the ending might have | are attempting to count your chickens before said St. Clair, arising and vaultiug lightly into | been different. they’re hatched. the saddle. ‘‘ We will go at once. ' “*Swift and sure,’ is my motto, and when I You've got the drop on us in elegant shape, Red Swift followed bis example, and the two | strike I strike bard. but you can’t rely on your game till it’s set off at a sharp canter toward Golden Flats. “Since the action taken by Little Lightning bagged.” } Within an hour they were on the trail to | and his gang to-night, there isa strong belief in| ‘That’s what's the matter!’ McVay chimed Yankee’s Find. many quarters of the camp that the young vaga- L bonds and the Vultures are one and the same, ‘We're two to one, and them’re pretty big odds CHAPTER VIII. ‘Then, too, the strange course of Laughing | @ muss of this kind. MAJOR JORDAN IN HIS TRUE COLORS. Luke has given rise to the suspicion that both “T reckon when you come to squint at the matter in its proper light, you’ll parley before setting loose the dogs of war!” ong Handy’s thin lips curled contemptu- ously. “Tam not at all alarmed,” he averred, in the Don McVay, of The Jungle, was closeted | he and the young miner are members of the out- with Major Fordyce Jordan in_the latter’s | law clan, and it’s safe to say we'll have the field apartment at the t American Hotel. to ourselves bereafter. The door was locked; a bat hung over the} _ “You can readily understand how public sen- keyhole, effectually concealing the interior of | timent was pointed in the proper direction, when cS ae in, becoming infected with the spirit of bis ally. ° ball i, Sat ae)
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em is tee Me LEED spd RAR aN ay Se = a a me ith AE NR ee TT AAI O CEE IO Ds the same cold, steady strains in which he had rst spoken. ‘There can be no half-way measures in this matter. I shall either come off completely victorious, or die in the struggle—it matters little which, ‘“*I came prepared to meet you on an equal footing, Major Jordan—or Sharper Hidetast, just as you choose to call yourself—leaving be- nind me, to be opened in twenty-four hours in case I do not return, a plain statement of my coming here to wrest from you the secret of the murder of the detective. “ If I fall, your neck will pay the forfeit; and at the same time, by means of a confession em- bodiedin the document left behind me, young Phil Atherton will secure all that is justly his, “Strike, Sharper Hidefast, but with my death crumbles your brilliant scheme for a fortune!” The arch-plotter uttered an oath. ** What would you have usdo, Austin Handy?” he demanded. ‘* Surrender yourselves for the murder of my nephew, Corbin Handy,” was the swiftly-utter- ed reply; The next instant the mine-owner madly leap- ed forward, a sharp, snarling ery bursting from between his hard-set teeth. A darkness as dense and black as that of fabled Erebus had sudderly descended over the room, thanks to the watciifulness of Don Mc- Vay, and the magnate was stripped of the ad- vantage he had gained! Goaded almost to frenzy, the latter yet re- tained the presence of mind not to open fire— not to waste his lead on vacant space. He was fully conscious that his was a most desperate strait—that naugbt but the most adroit man- euvering and sure good fortune could carry him through. He expected no quarter—would show none. After that first mad leap toward the center of the apartment, he halted, turned at right angles, and glided silently toward the door. Not three paces had he gone, when a pair of strong bands closed tightly about his wrists, slipping down and wresting the revolvers from his grasp, in the twinkling of an eye. And simultaneously the long, supple fingers of a second assailant entwined themselves around his throat, from the rear, and Austin Handy was helplessly in the power of his deadly foes! But if he must die, he would die game. Vainly he struggled, putting forth almost superhuman strength; the Jong, cruel fingers about his throat held him in a grasp of iron, gradually en- shrouding his mental vision in a pall of inky blackness—shutting down tighter and tighter, uotil he hung inert and helpless, little more than lifeless clay! “The light, Don—quick!” uttered a sharp, rasping voice, scarcely recognizable as that of Major Jordan, ‘I don’t want the cove to croak on my hands!” A hasty shuffling of feet, the crackling igni- tion of a match, and in a moment Don McVay had relighted the lamp. A glance at the livid face of the mine-owner showed that he was in a state of insensibility, “That was a close call, Don—closer than I ever care to experience,” observed the major, as he cautiously deposited his burden on the floor, “Frosty has outdone himself to-night. ‘*Give me those bracelets, and rig up a gag. We'll fix him beyond the possibility of his giv- ing us further trouble.” “Why not put bim out of the way at once, and have done with it?” suggested McVay. “* We must first secure that per of which he spoke,” was the response. ‘* We'll take him out to Cobden’s cabin for the present,” A few minutes sufficed to secure their victim, and then the two scoundrels sat down at tho table, a bottle and glasses between them, to await his return to consciousness, Not long had they to wait. The mine-owner opened his eyes, and glanced around in a be- wildered way. **Come, let us be off; the cove is himself again,” said Jordan, rising from tie table. * Reconnoiter the hall and the stairway, Don, while I get the gentleman onto his feet,” McVay complied, ) “The coast is clear,” he reported, a moment ater. CHAPTER IX. THE BITER BITTEN, “Kent Kang, call the roll, and have the lads in readiness an hour.” Little Lightning was the speaker; the person addressed, his twin brother, a slender youth with blue.eyes and long, light-brown hair, Break camp, to move in half Powder Phil, the Boy Miner. A stirring scene it was—the night camp of the Prairie Invincibles—the golden rays of the rising sun Jay athwart. All was bustle and activity, without noise or confusion. The spot was a secluded one, by no means easy of access—hemmed in on the north by a wall of solid rock with a sheer rise of a hundred feet ere breaking into a succession of short slopes and deep terraces, while to the east, south and southwest, swept the restless current of a broad, shallow stream tributary to the Wisdom River. The natural advantages of the place had drawn the young rangers thither, direct from Yankee’s Find, after the dashing rescue of Powder Phil; and here would be their rendez- vous until the ending of their campaign against the Vultures, Our hero was there, beside the young ranger chief, while a few paces distant, bending over a small camp-fire, stood the stanch-hearted old Hercules, ens Fa Luke. ‘**Come, Phil,” continued Little Lightning, as his brother turned to.execute his command; ‘We'll mount and scout down toward the Golden Flats trail. I’m just pining away for a glimpse of Black Boone and his Vultures.” As he spoke, he led the way to the horses, closely followed by Phil, across whose face there flitted just the shadow of a smile. ** Well, I confess that I’m not eXactly anxious for such a fracas as you suggest,” the latter ob- served, as they singled out their steeds, * This Black Boone has the name of a fire. eater, and— Well, with all its miseries, life is sweet!” The young ranger shot a swift glance at the face of bis companion. “Life is sweet, with all its troubles,” he re- peated. ‘‘ Never mind, pard! we'll let no grass grow under our feet in knocking the kinks out of your trail! : ‘I’ve thought the matter over, and I’ve about paw up my miovd that something’s going to happen, ‘* But—mount, and let’s off. We can swap chin music as we go,” The next, moment our young heroes were in the saddle, riding away at a swift pace to the northwest, following the course of the brawling rivulet. ‘* Now fire away,” cried Little Lightning, half- turning in the saddle. ‘‘ Let’s reach some sort of an understanding while the chance is open. ‘*T confess that I’m as much in the dark about some things as you are about others,” ‘““Who sent you to my rescue last night?” queried Phil. ‘Your mother,” was the quiet whe ig ** Less than an hour after you had arranged to appear at the Great American Hotel to assist Hawk- shaw, the detective, she oi <p into our cabin, almost breathless, saying that you were being tried for murder. ** As soon as we had heard her story, we reach- ed the conclusion that you were the Victim of a put-up job, and at once decided upon a plan of action.’ ‘For which I am duly thankful,” fervently declared Phil. ‘Ugh! I can feel’ Dahigren’s confounded halter yet!” ‘“No doubt. But—” The sentence abruptly broke off, never to be completed. In the same breath, Little Light- ning flung himself forward in the saddle and grasped the reins of Phil's horse, bringing both steeds to a halt so suddenly as to send them back upon their haunches, “Steady, pard!” he ejaculated, in low, intense tones, ‘ Look to your guns—there’s fun ahead! Gosh! another minute, and we’d ’a’ been right among ’em!|” “The Vultures?” ‘‘Dahlgren’s men! [ sighted Jim Spicer skulk- in’ in the brush. Reckon they’ve lifted our trail and are tryin’ to edge in on us. They want you. ** Then leave the matter to be settled between us,” suggested Phil. ‘It is worse than folly to run yourselves into trouble on my account.” ‘ Nonsense! we’ll do nothin’ of the kind,” as- severated the young ranger, energetically, “ They’d hang you quicker’n a wink. Didn't I see Major Jordan pick up your bowie on the bluff yesterday afternoon? An’ don’t I know that he’s at the bottom of this whole measly business? ** Nay, nay, Phil Atherton! Little Lightning an’ his pards are with you to the death! Go eer on a friend? We’re not built that way, hil! ‘** Follow me!” ) And wheeling his borse, the bold youth set off at a sharp pace toward the camp of the Invinci- bles, closely followed by Phil, : . But the latter was determined that the prairie nomads should not become further involved in his fight for life ageinst tbe Vigilantes, tools of his unscrupulous rival, Major Jordan. Reared to depend upon bimself alone, brave and self-reliant, he was not the lad to face dan- ger behind his friends. He would not return to the camp, to bring down upon the Invincibles the further enmity of the Vigiluntes, ‘*They make no pursuit,” Little Lightuing observed, throwing a searching glance over his shoulder. ‘‘Spicer and two or three others were probably sent ahead to reconnoiter,” “Quite likely,” briefly assented Phil The next moment they swerved sharply to the north, to avoid a dense thicket. Here was. the opportunity courted by the young miner, Cut off from the view of his enemies in the rear, he slipped from the saddie, and in an instant’s time was snugly hidden in the undergrowth. Whoily unsuspicious of such an action on the part of his friend, Little Lightning spurred ahead, closely followed by the riderless horse, and was soon lost to view, Phil uttered an ejaculation of relief. “I. almost hate to do it,” he muttered, turn- ing and pushing rapidly through the tangle. “ it seems almost like deserting them in a mo- ment of peril, And yet, if they are attacked, they will find me missing, “I will reconnoiter the position of the Vigi- lantes, and remain in the vicinity until I learn what will be the result of last night’s work to the Invincibles,” Looking to his weapons, our hero glided Stealthily through the woods, heading toward the point at which Jim Spicer had been seen. It was comparatively an easy task to ap- proach the spot undetected, to one so thor- oughly an adept in woodcraft as Powder Phil. Despite the tangled undergrowth and the roughness of the way, he advanced quite rapid- ly, and in an almost incredibly short time had reached a point slightly in advance of that at which Little Lightning had made the discovery. “Spicer must be near at hand,” he mused, crouching low and peering sharply around. “He stood near the roots of yon overturned tree; and yet, I see nothing of him now. ‘* He could hardly have followed Little Light- ning in the direction of the camp, for J have kept a keen lookout, and he has not passed, un- less by a wide detour. ** No; he is either ensconced behind the fallen tree, or has returned to report our presence to Dark Dahlgren. : “If he is hidden by the tree, I will discover his position and hold him under surveillance un- til I learn his object. Should he have returned to the Vigilantes, I will trail bim to their camp. ‘*For I must know Dark Dahlgren’s object— must stand between him and the favincibles.” Bending low, the dauntless youth again push- ed forward, bringing into piay all the stealth and cunning he could command. Not twenty paces bad he gone, however, when he was startled by a sharp, bissing sound, and the next instant the coils of a lasso settled arovud his shoulders, almost jerking him off his feet! ‘Aha! me laddy-buck!” exclaimed a hoarse voice behind him, ‘ Ye’re lookin’ fer Jim Spicer, be ye? Wa-al, ye nee’n’t ’er go furder— ye’ve found him!” 2 Startled though he was, Phil yet retained his presence of mind. The next instant he wheeled and faced his captor, a dangerous sparkle in his gray eyes, An ugly-looking roffian it was he confrented —a gaunt, grizzled fellow, with an evil, lower- ing face on which were indelible traces of dissi- pation. He was clad in a rugged suit of blue jeans, and about bis middle hung a belt of arms, ** Reckon ye’ve got it in fer me ’kase I foller- ed ther cap’n’s orcers last night an’ took ye in,” continued the desperado, in a sneering tone, as he advanced step by step, holding the lasso taut. “‘ Jes’ like ye, ter creep up rs sr a knife in my back! I dro ter yer leetle game, soon ab ye turned an’ ae off, back thar, Ef—” There he stopped—sbrinking back with an ex- pression akin to horror on his cadaverous vis- age! “The muzzle of a revolver. stared him directly between the eyes—a revolver grasped by the band of Powder Phil! “T ‘low es bow ye’re aout too fur, Blue Jeans!” exclaimed the youth, mimicking the tones of the ruffian. ‘*’Pears es how ye’d taken ther wrong bull by ther horns!” “That’s wot!” Spicer assented, with a sickly attempt at a smile. “TI say, leetle pard, let's call the thing squar’, an’ let ther bull matter ) drop!”
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“Nay, nay!” quoth Phil, throwing off the coils of the lasso with his left hand. ‘* You’ve paid the fiddler—now you must dance. “Up with your hands!” ; Inwardly cursing his failure to make a sure i throw, Jim Spicer mutely obeyed. The next | moment he was disarmed and securely pinioned. These precautionary measures completed, Phil seated himself upon the trunk of a fallen trae, and, revolver in hand, gazed steadily at his 7 ae luckless captive a full minute, bending upon ones him such a look as made his blood run cold. aoe “Tt isn’t such a deed as I like,” soliloquized eS . our hero, in a barely audible tone, “but if I I _ don’t put the spying cuss out of the way, my own neck will pay tie forfeit. ee “* These fellows have terrible odds against me, wan and, with no means of learning their plans, I must resort to every end—even to killing an un- « armed man.” Ss And with the last words he arose and ad- # vanced swiftly toward Spicer. ee The ruse, simple as it was, worked to perfec- ea tion. The Vigilante, his face paling to an ashen oe hue, grasped at the chance suggested asa drown- eA ing man at a straw, Kai “Hold! I will talk!” he exclaimed, his voice a quivering in spite of himself, ‘ee CHAPTER X, : THE TABLES TURNED. ea “OH! you'll peach the game, will you!” ob- : na served Phil, sneeringly. ‘ Blue Jeans, I’m be- coming enamored of you, You're such a model ruffian! “‘ Here you’ve gone and played your master’s game right up to the handle—to turn and give tae), the whole snap away at the first sniff of burning ay powder. an ** You're no good, you scoundrel! I wouldn't be? believe you under oath. It’s of no use to waste Fee laa words—you’re better out of the world than re in it!” i A Once more Phil advanced, such a look on his stern youug face that Spicer, coward that he ee, was, fairly quailed. Bold enough was the ruffian when fired with liquor and surrounded by his fellows; but just now be was his sober self, and alone. Then, too, be had a wholesome fear of the brawny, impetuous young miner. To es- cape the latter’s wrath he stood ready to divulge ho ig ; é “Hang me fer a hoss-thief if ye ketch me a-lyin’!” be cried, hastily. ‘‘ Reckon ye kin *most tell ef I speak with a straight tongue, Phil Atherton, fer ye ain’t a fool by’ a long shot! “Ef my pards hed ’a’ stayed by me, I’d’a’ died afore I'd ’a’ squealed; but they hain’t lived up ter theyre word, an’ durn me! ef I’m a-goin’ ter grin an’ bear et all! “Guy me jest a chaince, leetle pard, an’ may ther kiotes bev my carcase ef [ don’t spin ye a straight yarn!” Satisfied; from the intense earnestness of Spicer’s tones, that he had succeeded in getting his victim wrought up to the proper pitch, Phil pe fora moment as if undecided, then said curtly: hy ahead! Tell the truth, and I will spare ‘ser life; tell me a lie, and you won’t live to add to it : “ Nary a ghost story, boss!” said Spicer, i suringly, with relief apparent in voice an feature. “Let me tell ye, right at ther start, though, that this hyar aire a mighty onhealtby neigh- borhood fer ye. Dablgren an’ his men aire apt ter happen ‘long hyar ’most any minute.” “Til risk that. Go ahead.” “Wa-al, then, ye hain’t guilty ov ther mur- der ye war accused ov last night—an’ opine Et thet Dablgren knows et, too!” ; oh ““Who killed the stranger?” 5 = co o i] & n o i-a i) ce] i] 2 sea S&S , 1 a cs i] =] =} je] ® no] S co ‘tance intervening between the two camps. '| knotted timber. he was on the verge of making a most startling disclosure, “Speak it out!” Phil exclaimed, sharply, his two eyes meeting the pale, colorless orbs of the desperado with a look of fixed determination. ‘* You must talk or die!” Spicers nodded sullenly, while a muttered oath ates from between his set teeth. ‘I said as how I’d peach this hull thing—an’ Tlldo it!” he gritted, ‘ Bither way, I won’t find it healthy ‘round there hyar parts no more. ‘*S’pose ye’ve hearn ov Black Boone’s Vul- tures? Wa-al, Dark Dahlgren, an’ his Vigi- lantes aire—” A faint tremor ran through the desperado, and his eyes sought the ground, a crafty glitter in their pale depths. The sentence died unfin- ished on his lips, ‘ In an instant, Powder Phil was on the alert. Spicer’s action portended danger. **This mornin’, the hearse fer Golden Flats war ter take Old Frosty’s bullion,” went on the Vigilante, looking up with listless eyes, ‘* W’at more likely than thet Dablgren’s men sh’u’d see ter it thet ther Vulture didn’t gobble up this outfit? ‘* Wa-al, myself an’ two others got excused from duty, after we'd took ther trail ahead ov ther hearse, fer we’d got on—heads together an’ putt up a leetle job ov our own. ‘An’ thet’s w’ot brought me hyar. We war ter lay fer ye, take ye in, an’ then hol’ ve over ther head ov Major Jordan. We kalkilated es how he’d come down heavy. . ‘““My pards aire back a half-mile, in ther fresh. Now, of—” Again the desperado stopped in the middle of a sentencs—this time with an exultant chuckle. Phil wheeled squarely around, a fierce gleam in his eyes. The sharp crackling of a dry twig not three paces away had reached bis ear, Too late! From tree to tree, from covert to covert, two men had glided forward with the soft tread of the panther, drawing nearer and nearer their pers At the very instant our hero turned, a eavy revolver-butt descended upon his head with crushing force, sending him half-senseless to the earth. Again had the tables turned—again was Powder Phil a prisoner. in strains high and shrill, to be followed by the sudden stoppage of the coach. ‘*There! Black Boone—” : “Hands up, Jehu! You'll die game if you attempt to scale the barricade with your old hearse!” rung out a stern voic( © ving in upon the hasty words of Prendle, as from the under- growth on each side leaped a number of masked men with weapons cocked and leveled, ‘‘ Stand and deliver, all! Draw, and you die!” ** Kernel, w’ot—” Jes’ nothin’, Paul Prendle! 1t ain’t my say- so, an’ I ain’t liftin’ a finger! I smelt it afore I got aboard ther huss—an’ I’m pore as poverty!” with a chuckle. “Dern me! ef I be, kernel! They'll git a heap-sight more than I kin afford ter lose! Ef ye’re game fer—” ** Don’t attempt to pull a_ weapon, pilgrims!” interpolated the voice of Black Boone, as the door of the coach swung open, to reveal that redoubtable ruad-agent. ‘Step down and out, with bands up and empty. Lively now!—no use to kick!” % ‘“* Thet’s w’ot—et’s too late fer that!” Prendle assented, his valor suddenly vanishing under the black and frowning muzzles staring him in the face. ‘ Kernel, will ye lead the way?” “Thanks, no; I will follow,” returned Bundy, just the trace of a smile hovering on his pursed- up lips. ‘*Move on—don’t keep the gentleman waitin’ !” A slight scowl flitted across Prendle’s face. For a fleeting instant bis tigerish yellow orbs met the dark eyes of the road-agent chief ina look fraught with deep and deadly significance. Swift as was that exchange of glances, it did not escape the keen eyes of Colonel Bundy. He sat bolt-upright between bis fellow-pas- senger and Black Boone, his head turned so that both were just within view. His hands were may 4 ith apparent reluctance, Prendle moved to- ward the door of the coach. At the very instant he passed Bundy, loud and clear from across the barricade blocking the trail came the words: ‘““Ho there, Jehu! Draw and defend the coach! * “* Down with the Vultures, for their last hour has come!” The deathly rattle of Winchesters followed, so quickly as almost to mingle with the words, Paul Prendle and the outlaw captain stood aghast. ** Quick!” shouted the latter. * Quick! or it is too late! We must retreat!” Drawing a long blade from his belt, Prendle turned upon the colonel—to be met with a blow, delivered squarely between the eyes, that sent bim reeling from the coach falling against Black Boone! The next instant, the doughty colonel was on the ground, revolvers in hand, face to face with the chief of the Vultures! ‘CHAPTER XI. THE AROH-PLOTTER'S MASTERSTROKE. THE shades of night had fallen over the camp of Yankee’s Find, and clouds thick and black shut out every ray of starlight. The wind came in swirling gusts, and anon a vivid flash of lighting portended a coming storm. The streets of the camp were well-nigh de- serted. Hereand there, with unsteady steps, a miner wended his way from one of the “all- night shebangs” to his cabin home. Silence deep and oppressive brocded over the outskirts of the camp—over the bumble but of the Widow Atherton—over the pretentious domicile of Austin Handy. The rushing of the wind, the dull rumble of thunder, the distant whooying of some drunken miner, alone broke the dismal quietude, Within the magnate’s library, half-hidden in the luxurious depths of a great chair, reclined pretty Della Handy. Her long eyelashes swept her flusbed cheeks, and ber breast rose and fell with unvarying regularity, She slept. Long had_ she sat thus, her heart heavy with misery, awaiting the ccming of Old Frosty— vainly striving to conjecture the fate of the hancsome boy lever, Powder Phil. For Austin Handy had been missing since the night before; and current report had it that young Atherton was fleeing for his life beforo Dark Dahigren and his Vigilantes. Just at dusk Della had returned from a lengtby conference with Mrs. Atherton, at the. latter’s home, and taken up her lonely vigil in the library. For hours she had sat thus,a prey to the direst of thoughts; then sleep, ‘that knits up A stranger sat in the accustomed place of Laughing Luke on the rambling old stage-coach —a stranger to all within the confines of Yan- kee’s Find, yet one who handled the ribbons as one ‘‘to the manner born.” Whence he came, no one knew—no one cared. The coach must be pulled through to Golden Flats, and, after some deliberation and a brief consultation with the superintendent of the Bonanza King Mine, the company’s agent ‘bad bargained with this stranger to make the round rip. Erekiel Barrabone, he had said his name was —a prospector decidedly ‘* down on his luck,” yet as handy with his pistol as the pick, the rifie as the ribbons, He “allowed as how be’d beered ov Black Boone’s Vultures,” and he ‘reckoned as how preva not keer ter run ag’in’ Old Zeke Barra- one twicet!” This in a quiet way, direct to the company’s agent. And so the old hearse rolled out of Yankee’s Find an hour after sunrise, with Old Barrabone perched snugly npon the box blowing a cloud from his short, black pipe. Inside were Colonel Bundy, the landlord: of the Great American Hotel, and a Vigilante known as Paul Prendle. The colonel was hardly his usual seedy-look- ing self as he sat puffing away at his morning cheroot, with his podgy hands driven deep into his pockets. There was a sort of stiff, prim look about him, and the genial twinkle in his blue eyes had given way to an expression balf- moody, half-sullen, Prendle, on the other hand, seemed invested with an unusual degree of affability. For upwards of two hours the old coach had bowled along, traversing nearly half the dis- Then the trail entered a narrow gorge, windin and tortuous, the sides of which were coneoed with a dense growth of strangely-gnarled and “Sure, an’ now’s our time ter look sharp— right hyar in Purgatory Pass!” observed Paul Prendle, casting a significant glance at his fellow-passenger. “It is hyar the Vultures allers swoop down on their prey!” “Much good it “ill do ’em to-day!” returned the colonel, almost njeriv! The next instant a ect torrent of profanity broke from the ed lips of Old Barrabone,
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te the raveéled sleeve of care,” came stealthily to her weary eyes and locked her in slumber’s chain. ’ Time slipped by with rapid ee until a clock in an adjoining apartment tolled forth the hour of one. Then a door opened noiselessiy, and in- to the silent library glided a tall, sinewy fellow, whose face was atfectuaily concealed by the folds of a dark mask. On the threshold he paused an instant, as if undecided, peering sharply at the face of the sleeping girl. ‘*She sleeps, and it is well,” he muttered, moving forward with cat-like tread, ‘‘ The slightest cry would have brought the servants about our ears and forced a fight. “Ab, my sleeping beauty, you little knew with whom you were trifling when you rejected the advances of Major Jordan! ‘* From the first i swore you should be mine, by fair means or foul, and this night shall see the fulfillment of that vow, “Sh! Death! she moves—I must hasten, or the gaine is lost!””* Hapless Della Handy! Even through sleep’s mystic vail the evil presence confronting her seemed to force an intuition of peril, bringing in its train a shiver of horror. The daring outlaw swooped forward, as a vul- ture upon its prey, his black eyes glowing vivid- ly. The girl moved uneasily; her eyes opened, her lips parted, giving utterance to an inarticu- late sound of terror. Then she fell back in the chair, silent, insensible—drugged! ‘““There! the trick is worked!” exclaimed Jordan, exultantly, as he replaced the sponge in his tog ‘* With the rising of to-morrow’s sun Old Frosty’s ward will be missing, with not a clew to her whereabouts.” And, stooping, he seized Della Handy in his owerful arms and bore her silently from the ibrary. Just beyond the door opening into the hall stood a sentry. At the outer door another was encountered, Together the three marauders left the house and sought their horses. Mounting, they rode slowly and silently down the winding street of the camp, the muffled hoofs of the animals giving forth no sound, Straiczht out the Golden Flats trail they rode, breaking into a sharp gallop just beyond the confines of the camp, A short, exultant laugh broke from the lips of Major Jordan, ** Dan!” “Well, major?’ “‘Tt seems to me that we have made a clean Fe clean sweep. We have the paper and the rl, Ass But what is the next step we are to take?” Again Major Jordan laughed. “ The next step is a matrimonial venture,” he returned, “You mean—” ‘“‘That Parson Patrock here shall tie the knot to-night. Then there can be no slip ’twixt cup and lip!” Don McVay averted his face, There wasa mad gleam in his eyes it was well the others did not see, “ And Old Frosty?’ he queried a moment later his voice low and strained. ‘‘ His race is run,” was the cool reply. ‘* He must be gotten rid of in some way.” A deep silence followed the atrocious declara- tion. Hardened as they were, Don McVay and Parson Patrock felt ill at ease. Onward rode the party, their way illumined at brief intervals by vivid flashes of lightning. The wind died away, and a slow, steady rain be- gan to fall. At this juncture, the daring desperadoes turn- ed from the winding trail into a narrow path leading off into the woods, McVay taking the lead and the parson bringing up the rear, In this order they pushed forward for upward of an hour, traversing a considerable distance, and moving through the dense gloom asif perfectly familiar with their surroundings, ** There’s the cabin, just ahead,” suddenly an- nounced McVay, halting. ‘‘ Shall we push for- ward or advance afoot?” “Go ahead—Black Boone and his men are there,” said Major Jordan. “Yes, push on—I’m soaked to the skin,” grumbled the parson. McVay accordingly pushed ahead, laying his course directly toward a dim light twinkling through the reeking darkness, ia moment later the hail rung out, stern and arp: ‘Ho, there! Halt and give an account of yourselves!” %, : 4-> bi Bi 2s Fea ‘hay eo wee Phi! pi dans kc bts he lak pe) Powder Phil, the Boy Miner. ** We're pilgrims, bound for Jordan!” was the instant response, ‘* Welcome, pilgrims! Advance!” McVay and his companions rode up to the cabin, where they halted anc dismounted, turn- ing their animals over to the sentry. “‘ Lead the way, Don, and quick—I’m chilled to the bone!” exclaimed Major Jordan, stagger- ing under the weight of the girl. The gambler obeyed, pushing open the door and crossing the threshold at a bound, close- ly followed by the archplotter and the parson— the trio to fmd themselves in the midst of a group of armed men, headed by no less a per- sonage than Dark Dahlgren! CHAPTER XII. A STARTLING DISCOVERY. ‘‘ Up with your hands, Black Boone! Attempt to fire, and you’re a dead man!” Smoothly, swiftly, the words shot from ke- tween the grimly-compressed lips of Colonel Bundy, as he stood confronting the outlaw chief at the rear of the stage. The colonel held the ‘ drop,” too—owing to | the headlong fall of treacherous Paul Prendle from the doorway of the coach—and that he meant to make the most of his advantage was evident from the steely glitter of bis blue eyes. All around was the wildest confusion—shouts, yells and curses commingling with the dull roar of almost continuous firing. Old Barrabone sat upon the box of the coach, a six in each hand, firing right and left into the ranks of the Vultures, and all the while whoop- ing like a veritable demon. barricade were two borsemen—bold, dashing- looking fellows—from whose leveled Winches- ters came a regular fusilade. But a moment had elapsed since their hail bad apprised the oc- cupants of the stage of help; but in that mo- ment the Vultures had massed themselves, de- termined to make a desperate fight to capture | the bullion they believed the old vehicle con- | tained. And thus it was that the colonel and the chief of the outlaws were left facing each other, with the senseless body of Paul Prendle lying be- tween them. A ery, a word, from the lips of Black Boone would have attracted his followers to his side; but the redoubtable road-agent disdained-—per- haps feared—to call for help. against mar, and the desperado felt morally sure the odds were even yet in his favor. True, Bundy had him covered; but then the jovial boniface was not generally accredited with profiziency in the use of the tools, or even with the possession of an ordinary degree of nerve, “‘ But events were to prove that Black Boone was ‘dangerously wrong in his premises—that placid Colonel Wade possessed a bold heart and a cunning brain. For a full minute after the utterance of that sharp command with which the present chapter opens, the two men stared each other in the eye—the dark orbs of the desperado baleful and full of fire. “Up with my hands, eh?” he uttered, in a hoarse, strained tone, assumed -to disguise his, voice. ‘* Why, certainly, colonel, since you re- quest it! Anything to oblige, even—” Crack ! The spiteful report of Bundy’s revolver broke in on the sneering words, and a snarling oath filled the hiatus in the outlaw’s speech. ‘Up with your hands!” sternly reiterated the colonel, the smoking muzzle of his weapon shift- ing to cover the heart of Black Boone, “ Your case is hopeless; you’re my meat! ‘Youve tried to work your trigger trick, and lost. Let your gun lay there. ou must go with me, dead or alive!” The Vulture, starting as if stung, stared hard at bis captor. ‘Vengeance of Heaven! who are you?” he gritted, balf in fear, half in defiance. The colonel uttered a peculiar little laugh. ‘‘We have met before, Black Boone, and under vastly different circumstances,” he aver- red. vi * Bolly Darrit !” The name fell from the outlaw’s tongue with explosive force, His dark eyes filled with a sudden blaze of rage. “Exactly! Bolly Darrit, the Mountain De- tective!” was the quiet response. ‘I’ve run you to earth at last, Bullion Bill, and I reckon your crooked trail is ended. “Nor is that all, for at this moment your outlaw clan is beens ie surrounded; for, last night, I revealed myself to my old allies, Little Just beyond the | It was .man | | Lightning and his Invincibles, and they have ne you completely hemmed in!” ‘Not so!” cried Black Boone, exultantly. ‘For yonder comes Little Lightning and his young vagabonds!” True enough; five hundred yards down the | trail were the prairie nomads, sweeping like the wind toward the beleaguered coach, A shade of annoyance flitted across the detec- tive’s face, Had his plans miscarried? Even | ashe stood half in doubt, be suddenly toppled | forward across the body of | stricken down by a blow from bebind. ‘Fall back—retreat!” shouted Black Boone, bounding swiftly toward the ** Quick, or you'll stretch hemp!” k A moment later, just as Little Lightning drew rein at the rear of the stage, the last of | the Vultures bad disappeared, abandoning the attack as hopeless, But a tithe of the time required to narrate them in, were these incidents in enactment. Yet two of the road-agents lay face-downward in the middle of the trail, and Old Barrabone had not escaped unscathed, having received a pistol- | ball in the fleshy part of his left forearm. The two strangers ahead, sheltered by the barricade, | had passed the fight unhurt. “ Kent, take three men ‘an’ jump the trail ov | those fellows—hot-foot!” cried Little Lightning to his brother, as he swung from the saddle to- the side of the fallen detective, ‘‘ We'll be up with you in a twinklin’.” “You bet we will!” gritted Old Barrabone savagely, ashe dropped upon his knees beside the colonel. ‘‘ An’ say, leetle pard,” addressing Little Lightning, ‘‘mebbe ’twouldn't be a bad idea ter look a’ter ther cusses t’other side ov ther barricade. Reckon they’re straight goods; but—” “ Straight as a bee-line—all wool and a yard wide!” quickly mterposed a voice behind the driver. ‘‘ Don’t bother your heads about, us, gentlemen.” Little Lightning faced swiftly about. ‘Hello! hello!” he ejaculated, nonplused at the sudden and unexpected appearance of the mounted strangers. ‘* Whence came you—who are you, gentlemen? “These are troublous times on the Golden Flats trail,and a prompt explanation. of your | presence here just at this time, may save you annoyance.” 3 The smaller one of the two men nodded light- ly, a pleasant smile parting his mustached lips, nf You are nothing if not outspoken, captain!” he exclaimed dryly. ceal, We are—” Just then, the doughty colonel, who had strug- led to a sitting posture, with his trembling lue eyes fixed full upon the face of the speaker, sprung to his feet, his rubicund visage al aglow, exclaiming: “Rock ov Ages! Ef ’tain’t— Put ’er thar Pard Richard! A good five years sence 1 see'd yer last—an’ I reckon it'll sharpen my pore ole eyes to look at ye i‘ ; “Shake! Bolly, old man!” responded Dick St. Clair, bending low in the saddle, to cross palms with the veteran detective. ‘‘ And here is a friend of mine—Tom Swift.” “Red Swift! Glory! Ef we, ain’t four ova kind, that condemned rascal, Black Boone, ’s a saint! Pards!”—with an unctuous bow— “nermit me. Old Dan Rackhoss, the one, only an’ unapproachable !” , Old Barrabone strode forward, a broad grin on his homely face, and acknowledged the florid introduction. “These hyar cherubims.” continued Darrit, indicating Little Lightning and such of the Invincibles as remained, ‘are wuss nor a hay- doogin of wildcats on the trail, an’—” A yell of alarm—a quick rusb—the sharp, spiteful cracking of a_balf-dozen revolvers, broke in upon the rambling utterances of the old detective, causing him to face about with a weapon in each band—only to recoil with a sound akin to an oath. Treacherous Paul Prendle was gone! “ Baste me a few, some ov ye!” Darrit groaned as the young prairie nomads plunged through the undergrowth in hot pursuit. “I’m an old woman—a fool! A babblin’, emg, idjiot!” “ Prezactly!? growled Old Dan Rackhoss, in disgust. ‘' Ther fat’s all in ther fire, swre /” Bully Darrit uttered a dolorous sigh, “That's wat!” he assented. ‘But, I'll tell | ye w’at, pards, ef them thar boyees don’t give | ther skunk a tall hustle fer life an’ liberty, then | thev'll jest. break a leetle ther purtiest record I ever see!” | St. Clair looked askance, Paul Prendle, , undergrowth.,. ‘‘ But itis better so, as we have nothing tocon- —
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. 4 } | | Powder . ** Who are the lads, Bolly?” he queried. * Little Lightning an’ his band—jest a swarm ov galumphin’ hornets they be, too,” was the prompt response. Red Swift and bis ally exchanged a significant glance. ‘*'Ye see, Rackhoss byar an’ myself hed bin a-layin’ fer one Bullion Bill, a notorious road- agent,” Darrit continued, softly stroking the back of his head. ‘* We run him down as far ds Yankee’s Find, an’ thar we lost him. ‘*But we soon scented our game iv one Black Boone, a toll-taker on this trail, an’ we set to work to catch ther gentleman nappin’, *“We suspected that ther outlaw’s headquar- ters war right in ther camp, an’ that he war one ov ther chiefs ov ther place. Now we know it! “Old Dan kept shady, but I pegged away on ther case, posin’ as Colonel undy, ov ther Great American Hotel, ontil [ saw we c’u’dn’t turn a winnin’ keerd that way. So last night we got our heads tergether, an’ decided to try to work ther riffle another way. “We know’d ther Vultures would tackle ther coach, for it had leaked out thet Old Frosty war goin’ to send out a consignment ov bullion. Ther naixt thing war ter sot ther trap. * An’ we sot it!” Then, dropping the vernacular as suddenly as he had assumed it upon the approach of the two detectives, Darrit briefly narrated the stirring events of the preceding night in Yankee’s Find, as nearly as he knew them, stating, in addition, that he and Old Dan Rackhoss had secured the services of Little Lightning and his followers for the closing scene of the drama—Black Boone’s attack on the hearse, ‘**But things went wrong,” he said, in conclu- sion. ‘‘Something detained the Invincibles, and the Vultures have given us theslip. Only for the appearance of you fellows so opportunely, Old Dan and myself might now have been for- ever off the trail.” “Don’t mention it!” exclaimed St, Clair, smiling easily. ‘‘Such fortunate little things will happen, you know, and the present instance only goes to show that good may come of evil. ** You see, the stranger killed in Yankee Find last night was our pard, and we were on our way there to avenge his death, as well as to prosecute a search for certain parties, when we ran upon the barricade. “The state of affairs dawned upon us very quickly, and we at once opened fire,” ‘* With good effect, too,” observed Dan, with a significant glance at the fallen road-agents. “But, I say, Bolly—we’d better be a-doin’ something, ef we’re goin’ ter be up with ther yonkers at ther death.” : “So we had,” acquiesced the old detective, ‘glancing at the sun. ‘ Just cut the horses from the hearse while I take a look at these fellows in the trail. * Gents, you'll join us, I suppose?” “Willingly,” St. Clair averred. Rackhoss turned to secure the horses, while Bolly Darrit gave his attention to the dead Vul- tures, Dan!” he cried, sharply, the next moment, springing erect with a mask clutched nervously in his fingers, ‘Dan, we've struck pay dirt— struck it the biggest way! ‘* Black Boone's Vultures and the Vigilantes of Yankee’s Find are one and the same !” Old Dan Rackhoss stood aghast! * Jus’ so, [ reckon!” he muttered, forcing the words with an effort. “ Wa-al, may be dam—pened!” — Dick St. Clair and Red Swift exchanged a look fraugbt with intense significance, ** We're on the right trail!” uttered the for- mer, smiling grimly. : CHAPTER XIII. LUKE ON THE TRAIL, **T RECKON we hev got ther Kon, varlet dead ter rights this time!” exclaimed Jim Spi- cer, with a villainous chuckle, as he strode for-* ward and dealt the prostrate form of Powder Phil a brutal kick, ‘ Sa-ay, you fellers try yer hands on these hyar knots, will ye? Mighty on- comfortable, this rope is!” ** Pity ’tain’t yer neck, stead ov yer hands!” surlily responded one of the ruffians. ‘A fine act ye’ve played, a-bringin’ ther kid into camp!” “‘ Got ’im, hain’t ye” Spicer retorted, with a devilish grin. ‘‘To be honest about it, pards, I war a sight nigher bein’ taken inter camp than ter hringin’ io ther kid, **Oh! he’s a howlin’ whooper, he is—a rustler fresh an’ hot from ther tropics! I reckon I’m a purty big chief myself—but I got ther razzle- dazzle jest ther same! ‘** An’ ef so be es re don’t like it, Curly Bu- | i | us!” lock, thar’s no time like ther present!” **T ain’t sayin’ a word!” the outlaw hurriedly rotested, ‘* Excuse me, but I’m not in the chief ine.” ‘*‘ Nor I,” declared the second ruffian,.as he cut away the last of Spicer’s bonds, ‘’Twas only one of Curly’s jokes, Jim.” ‘**Ov course, Danto,” Spicer assented, chuck- ling. ‘* You fellers c’u’dn’t work ther leetle trick ahead ov us—an’ ye know it. ‘Ol! et takes a spry galoot th fine works in his garret, ter navigate sech a wrinkle es this, an’ I’m thet same kind ov a hairpin! ee | Phil, the Boy Miner, well-armed, I think we need have no fear that he will come to grief. hag A - - : iw 7" meee mA “12 ** But, haste now, and mount—work awaits Fully satisfied, Kent.Kane and his fellows | turned away to obey the command, Not a lad : | | ! | | “But get ther lad up, pards, an’ let’s get a | move on us, Lightning’s ben’t far away. We ain’t hankerin’ fer a bresh ’ith them fellers.” ““T sh’u’d say not!” hastily averred Buck Danto, kneeling beside Powder Phil, and begin- ning the work of resuscitation, ‘‘ We'd better strike a bee line fer Cobden’s cabin, leavin’ one | ter kiver ther trail.” *Curly’ll "tend ter that,” said Spicer, casting a wary glance at his surroundings. ‘* An’ mind you, Curly, ef ’tain’t done right, we'll none ov us ri ter finger ther major’s dust fer this day’s work! “Powder Phil an’ Little Lightning aire big pards, an’ when ther rangers find w’ot’s in ther wind, theyll strike hot an’ quick. So look ter et thet nothin’s left ter guv ther snap away.” ‘Trust me fer thet,” Bulock returned, “ I'll throw ’em cold, an’ join you fellers at ther cabin ter-night.” ‘* We'll be thar—” ‘* Hist!” cautioned Danto, lifting his hand. “‘The lad’s himself ag’in—on’y he’s doin’ ther *possum act. Lay a holt thar an’ yank him up. Reckon we kin make him step et off bout right!” At that juncture, Phil opened his eyes and stared. blankly at the faces of the trio bending over bim. Evil faces they were, too—hard, cruel, vin- dictive—and the young miner, dazed as he was, realized that from his captors he had little to hope for. he next moment he was jerked to his feet. “Lead ther way, Danto, straight ter ther hosses,” uttered Spicer. ‘* We'll follow in In- jun file, ** Curly, run ther eritter’s trail back ter ‘hard ground, then kiver from that p’int up.” Bulock nodded assent and moved away, Danto advanced, followed by Phil, and Jim Spicer brought up the rear, A rapid walk of fifteen minutes brought the party tothe borders of a dense thicket, forth from the recesses of which Danto led three horses. Astride the back of one of these animals Phil was securely bound, after which the two out- laws mounted, and then the trio again pushed forward, at a sharp trot. Knowing the futility of resistance, our hero had been passive in the hands’ of bis captors. Silent and watchful, he could only bide his time, and, under a listless demeanor, learn all possible of the fate planned for him. In possession of the full confidence of Little Lightning, he was aware that the young ranger and his followers had pledged their support to Bolly Darrit—a service which would ren?er im- mediate pursuit of Jim Spicer and his allies im- possible, b Upon his own exertions his escape depended, and the consciousness of that fact brought all his latent powers into activity. Not until he drew rein in the midst of his startled followers, did Little Lightning discover that Phil’s saddle was empty. An instant he stared intently over his shoul- der, and then a grim smile wreathed his thin red lips. **Whar's Phil?” queried Laughing Luke, just a trace of anxiety noticeable in his deep tones, ‘Yes, whar’s our new pard?” Kent Kane sup- plemented, gliding forward as he observed the peculiar expression on his brother’s face. ‘* Have the—” ‘ Little Lightning cut short the question with an impatient gesture. Them dratted mad-caps oy Little | ; of them but believed Phil would rejoin their ranks ere nightfall. But Laughing Luke lingered. Kane,” he muttered, with a hasty glance to assure himself that the otvers were beyond hear- ing; ‘‘ Kane, be ye sart’in no harm has come ter ther lad?” ‘Quite sure, Luke; Phil isn’t the lad to be: easily tried,” replied Little Lightning, “ Bar- ring accidents, we may look for him to join us agein within a few hours, ‘But, to make matters sure, we'll look up his trail when we break camp. A sight at it will | tell the story.” Luke gravely inclined his head. **T hope ye aire right,” he muttered. ‘* Any- how, ef you fellers will look after my hoss, PIl go see ef I can’t find the lad. Mebbe things ain’t so smootb afore him as he thinks.” “My idea, exactly!” exclaimed the young ranger. ‘*I was about to suggest it.” * Wa-al, then, ef nothin’ happens, ye may ex- pect us "bout dusk.” And with a parting word, Laughing Luke strode away, while Little Lightning turned to join bis fellows, The lynx-eyed old Hercules experienced but little difficulty in locating the exact spot at which Phil had sprung from the saddle into the undergrowth, and the trail, once found, was easily followed. And so it came about that, snugly hidden in a leafy covert just beyond earshot, he witnessed the departure of Jim Spicer and Buck Danto with their captive. Nor did the wily maneuvering of Curly Bulock escape bis closest attention. **Thar's su’thin’ condemred rotten bout this: hyar little riffle!” was Laughing Luke’s mental observation, slowly and deliberately formed, as he glanced from Bulock to the three men glid- ing away. ‘Hang me! they all be Vigilantes— w’ot kin be in the wind ter induce em ter kiyer: their trail like that? “Little Lightning an’ his men? No; *tain’t that! Dark Dahlgren ’d keer lectle whether or not he war follered by the Boy Rangers. ‘* Most likely these hyar varlets hev split off from ther main gang, an’ aire working some wrinkle on theyre own hook—aire dodgin? Daklgren an’ ther Vigilantes as well as ther Boy Rangers! ““Ifso, why? W’ot but ther.major and his: ducats, to be sure!” Not long was Luke in reaching this conclusion —scarcely longer in deciding upon a plan of ac tion. In accordance therewith, be sunk yet lower in the leafy covert, a cocked revolver in his hand, his glowing eyes fixed upon Bulock’s: every move, Then, in the twinkling of an eye, matters. were brought to a crisis in a most startling and unexpected manner. Startled by the cracking of a small dry twig under the knee of the giant spy, Bulock halted, not three paces away, and peered sharply into the recesses of the thicket—his eyes singling out: and meeting, as if by intuition, the glowing orbs of Laughing Luke! “Tracked !? he hissed, with a‘mad oath, as his hands swiftly sought the trusty weapons belted to his waist. ‘‘ Woe to the spy!” Quick as was the movement, the action of Laughing Luke eclipsed it. A single panther- ish leap, and the old Hercules was fairly upom his foe, felling him senseless to the earth with a, single stroke of bis mighty arm. “That settles you!” muttered Luke, gazing down at Bulock’s distorted face. ‘‘ Ther naixt thing is ter putt ye out ov ther way for a few hours.” And, with that end in view, he knelt and | quickly knotted a buckskin thong about the wrists and ankles of the inanimate outlaw, after which he lifted him in bis powerful arms and carried him into the midst of a dense thicket hard by. ‘Now for ther trail,” Luke continued, half- ‘Alive and unbarmed, I believe. my friends,” | aloud, as be turned and strode in the direction he replied, quickly, ‘We encountered the ad- vance guard of the Vigilantes back there, and decided to put back tocamp. On the way, Phil has slipped from the saddle and taken to the woods, determined to avert a conflict between the Vigilantes and ourselves at this time. taken by Jim Spicer and bis ally. ‘* Thar’s no time ter be lost. Them varlets mean Phil no gooa!” The two outlaws had taken due care to leave as slight trace of their passage as possible, de- ite the fact that Bulock was expected to cover ‘From words be let fall, I know he has pur- | their trail; yet to the keen eyes of Luke, their sued the course I bave indicated; and, as he is ' foot-prints were readily discernible, and with a, te Py | hd hes » ott Fonte kate. lace ti 4 eats fappebs} | ‘ As = ey : e ak FS AP a) “
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“ OI EES SST ee 12 sharp hitch at his broad leathern girdle he set forward in pursuit at a swift, loping ‘sort of run, Halting a moment at the potas where Spicer and his ally had mounted, the trailer made a hasty reconnoissance of the vicinity. , A grim smile crept over his bearded face. / 3 Font as I thought,” he mused, again moving forward. ‘Thar war only ther three in ther gang. They left ther hosses hyar, an’ pushed forward afoot, “They be desperate critters, an’ they’re as anxious ter avoid ther Vigilantes as they are ther Invincibles. “Ther capture ov Phil are a scheme ov their own hatchin’, ter be paid for with Major Jor- dan’s money. But I'll foil °em yet—Dll foil ’em, ef it takes both loigs an’ an arm!” Poor Luke!—brave fellow! Little he dreamed tbe award awaiting him for his steadfast devo- tion! CHAPTER XIV. THROUGH THICK AND THIN, A HALF-SCORE miles from Yankee’s Find in a deep dark defile, stood the rude wooden struc- ture known in these pages as Cobden’s cabin, Built in against the face of a bluff, the outer walls and roof hidden by masses of clinging vines and the gnarled and knotted boughs of a clump of dwarfed trees, and approached only by @ tortuous secret path, it easily escaped the no- tice of one passing through the canyon, For years it had stood grim and untenanted, an uncanny spot, around which clustered many a fateful legend. As a matter of fact, Jack Cobden, a notorious Outlaw and renegade, had been its first occu- pant, making it his hiding-place until ferreted out and captured by no less a personage than the redoubtable mountain detective, Bolly Darrit. Little more than a hovel, yet strongly built— its single door being provided with massive bars and the walls with loophdéles—it was almost as uninviting in aspect as it was impregmuable in reality. To this place it was that Old Frosty, the | magnate of Yankee’s Find, had been conveyed by his unscrupulous captors, Major Jordan and Don MeVay. Shortiy after noon of the day of the Vultures’ attack on the stage-coach, three men rode lei- surely up the canyon, sought out the hidden trail, and then pushed on io the cabin. The foremost. of the three was Jim Spicer, Buck Danto bringing up the rear, with Powder Phil a captive between them, ** Hyar we aire, Buck,” Spicer exclaimed, dis- amounting at the door. “That we be, noble dook,” airily assented the lesser villain, likewise springing from the saddle. “Now, le’s git ther lad off an’ git under kiver, fer ther trick’s worked,” continued Spicer. ** Reckon es how ther major’ll be out this way rd ap w’en we'll spring our leetle game on tith, Poil was then taken from the saddle and draz:e1 into the cabin, after which Danto re- turned to the horses, Fitteen minutes elapsed ere he re entered the hovel. Hecrossed the threshold with a bound, or wheeling and raising his revolver toa jevel, “We're tracked, Jim—git ther whelp out ov ther way!” he enunciated, in fierce, yet guarded, tones. Upon Spicer, the effect of these words was simply electrical, The exultant ng faded from bis ca- -daverous face, a sickly pallor succeeding it. In an instant he was upon his feet, peering anx- iously over Danto’s shoulder out into the canyon. * Tracked !” he breathed, tremulously, ** Buck, be ye sure ’twa’n’t Curly?” ** Curly—nothin’! ye fool!” uttered reply. ‘Jt was ther Laughing Luke!” True enough; hidden bebind a mass of rock forming an angle in the secret trail was the gi- gantic driver, his revolvers in hand, his burn- ing eyes fixed on the doorway of the cabin. aithful to his self-imposed task—to the reco fg strange and inexplicable, bands be- tween Powder Phil and bimself—be had run the desperados to their lair, or fully'ten minutes Luke maintained his position, patiently awaiting a demonstration of ‘some sort on the part of his foes, aware that br had discove his presence, t he awaited in vain. Save the flitting to ‘and fro of shadowy forms beyond the doorway, “no sign of life was to be seen or heard. was the savagely- Hearse Hercules, SSN Se sas ee es Tae Sepelaszzindae thats “‘ Ther skunks! they’re holed!” the Hercules finally muttered, with a grimace of disgust. “‘ They won't venture out till dark—an’ J can’t git nearer ‘thout riskin’ a hide full ov bullet- holes, “As ther feller sez,‘ w’ot can’t be endured must be cured,’ I’m goin’ ter find a way ter tackle them cusses putty quick.” The hawk-like eyes of the old scout had been searching the face of the bluff above the cabin while he thus communed with himself, with the result that he decided to make his attack from that quarter, Confident that Spicer and his ally would not venture from the cabin for a considerable time, Luke cautiously moved away from the rock, keeping under cover, and began the toilsome and perilous ascent vf the hights. Up, up, he toiled, now clinging to a stout shrub, again to a jutting rock, until he had reached his objective point—a ledge, or terrace, some twelve or fifteen feet above the hovel, Here a surprise awaited him. Directly above the cabin was a rift in the rock of varying width, leading down into the very heart of the bluff. As Luke carefully noted this fact, a peculiar expression crept over his face. ** By ther Rockies!” he ejaculated, beneath his breath. ‘‘ Ya-as, by ther Rockies! [ye got ther : correct idea ov tiings at last / ‘* Thet cabin down thar aire on’y ther entrance ov a cavern—an’ thet cavern aire ther hang-out ov Black Boone an’ his Vultures!” Intuitively, the giant scout had arrived at this conclusion, and, confident that it was the correct one, he uttered a sort of triumphant cbuckle. “* But how am | to get Phil out ov thar? he continued the next moment. ‘Ther hull outfit may be ter bum down thar; an’, ag’in, it may not. It’s pesky ticklish.” Not long, did Luke remain undecided, how- ever. Using every care and precaution, he made speedy preparations to descend into the rift by means of his long lariat, Perilous as was this feat, he believed it could be accomplished, and, were his theory of the cavern correct, the rescue of Phil would be ef- fected. For, he reasoned, it was not at all likely that more than two of the band were present, and they, attacked from the rear, could be easily vanquished, Accordingly, he lowered himself carefully into the jaws of the cleft, then swung slowly down- ward, hand over hand, anon bracing bimself be- tween the narrow walls to note his surround- ings. At a point some fifteen feet below the outer air, the feet of the daring scout encountered a narrow ledge, and he at once saw that his sur- mise was correct. The fissure was really an entrance to a cavern of vunknown dimensions. ; The rocky wall opposite the ledge sloped sharply backward until lost to view in the gray gloom of the abyss, **Oho! ho!” chuckled Luke, as he peered keen- ly into the deptis. ‘Oho! ho! I reckoned ther matter about right. In ther next ten minutes thar’il be a s’prise party ov ther fu’st magnitude down thar! If—” The sentence died at its inception. The low murmur of voices had reached the ears of the old giant, coming, seemingly, from the solid rocks at his back. Slowly and cautiously he faced about on the narrow ledge, supporting himself with the lariat. Just above his knees he discovered a narrow crevice in the wall, whence came the sound. Another moment, and he bad applied his eyes tothe opening. The interior of the cabin against the bluff lay revealed. The giant spy gave a start of surprise. ‘“*Wa-al, bang me!” he muttered, in disgust. “Ef them measly cusses ain’t Jim Spicer an’ Buck Danto! Cowardly sneaks, both ov ’em!” ** But whar’s Phil?” In this cave, I'll be bound!” Slipping softly off the ledge, be again swung downward, ptibe! ron} that he now held the whip hand of the situation, The next instant there was a sharp, snapping sound far above. The giant felt the lariat grow limp and yielding in his iron grasp—realized that he was face to face with a most awful peril, With a groan ‘of horror, he shot swiftly downward through svace, utterly powerless to lift even a finger to avert his doom! CHAPTER XV. BOLLY DARRIT’S ‘‘ FORLORN HOPES.” “TUMBLE me genthky under the car ov Jag- gernaut, pilgrims an’ pards, ef it ain’ta classic! “ Jedge Lynch!” he sneered. ‘“ Now, look ‘e > te got , sf fe ae! + P ‘ “ay. » » 5 jhe 4 Oa ee pas, re wi x a ™ = ee 2beAy > Ay “aie os ‘ ae = ae 2 ie a ine oe be 3 os : 7 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner. iin | | | low-hanging clouds of a gathering | shame! Every slab-sided galoot’'ov ’em struck a bee-line fer his own hole, devil take ther hind- most, leavin’ us a-holdin’ ther bag. Oh, me! oh, my! it’s sick an’ tired I am ov ther wiles an’ snares ov this sinful, sinful world!” ** Me, too!” lugubriously chimed in Bolly Dar- rit, as the dolorous strains of Old Dan Rack- hoss’s voice died away. ‘ Arter this day’s work we'd better amble quietly away ter some lone solitude, and sbufile off this hyar mortal coil vin ther shortest route, Durn me! it w'u'd save ther fool-killer a tough job.” A vicious punch at the smoldering camp-fire followed the last sentence, and then for the mo- ment silence settled over the little circle, : The pall of night, black and inky with the storm, hung over the scene, broken only by the glowing em- bers of the dying fire. As indicated by the lamentation of Old Dan Rackhoss, the pursuit of the Vultures had been fruitless, The outlaws had separated, each man for himself, and late in the afternoon the Invin- cibles had given up the chase, collected tl eir forces, and returned to their camp of the bight before, They were accompanied by the two detectives, Dick St. Clair and Red Swift, A feeling of restlessness seemed to pervade the little band. Not only vere Laughing Luke and Powder Phil yet alsent, but nothing had been seen of their gallunt young leader, Little Light- ning, since the beginning of his pursuit of Paul rendle, The hour was late. Sentries bad been posted for the night. Yet the adventuresome spirits showed no signs of seeking sleep. Kent Kane paced moodily to and fro just be- yond the lurid glow of the camp-fire, his head bowed, his arms folded across his chest. “We're going to have a bad night of it,” observed St. Clair, breaking the oppressive si- lence; ‘‘ such a night as to make one hungry for a roof and a fire.” * Faith! an’ that’s fw’at!” exclaimed a mem- ber of the circle, suddenly sitting bolt u right. ‘* An’ think av ther bhoys fw’at re missin’—av fw’at a howly soakin’ they'll be afther resaivin’! Musha! it’s mesel’ as don’t invy thim ther purty ructions they may be afther havin’. Ef—” “* Look to your guns, lads—an’ out with that fire!” swiftly interpolated Kent Kane, in low, stern tones. “ Thar’s danger in ther bresh!” A single instant—then the lithe form of the young Irish ranger shot swiftly forward, his flying feet kicking the burning brands right and left. Simultaneously there was a sharp, rat- tling sound, telling of a score weapons hastily drawn, ‘* Ho, there! the camp!” rung out a voice fifty yards away—a voice at once recognized as that of Little Lightning—followed by a peal of rollicking laughter. ‘ Sa-ay, jest a leetle ner- vous, ain’t ye?” ‘Sold ag’in!” muttered Bolly Darrit, shoy- ing bis weapons back into his belt and sitting down with a grunt. ‘‘Derned ef I ain’t clean gone—bumfusticated !” The next moment Little Lightning stood inthe midst of his followers, “Give us a leetle light, pards—right quick, ef ye please. I’ve got some sort ov a varmint hyar ter examine,” Little need for the request: already a dozen willing bands were collecting the scattered brands, and ere the last word had died away a tiny flame shot up, under the care of Kent Kane himself broadening and brightening until it served to dispel the gloom. ‘* Not es harnsome es Apoller, nor es slick es a Brummel, by thunder! but a bad man fer a dark night,” muttered Darrit, as bis keen eyes Swept the face of the young ranger’s captive. ‘It is Curly Bulock, » My urssn True enough; it was Jim Spicer’s redoubtable ally. ey on have called ther turn, Bolly,” declared Little Lightning, his bright eyes closely search- ing bis captive's sullen, hang-dog countenance, ‘Have Phil and Luke made their appear- anco. ‘‘ They are still missing,” Kent Kane replied. Little Lightning stared into the firea moment, his fine face wearing a thoughtful expression, Then he turned to bis brother. “Take this fellow out ov hearin’, Kent,” he said, ‘Putt bim wnder strong guard until we decide what ter do with him. “* Tf it is decided that my suspicions concernin’ him are well-founded, we'll submit bis case ter Judge Lynch.” A startled expression crept into Bulock’s face uickly giving way to a look cf defiance. a aa ee a see EL
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oy aay 3 a ee ae _ about ther place Phil an’ I run onter ther after I'd made m how matters - Darrit averred, ‘ nya r, young feller, don’t ye try any sech funny- ' business as thet on me, fer et won’t work. “I want ye ter understan’ one or two things right hyar. I ain’t no durned tenderfoot—I’m a thoroughbred from ’way back, an’I kin lay out my weight in wil’cats ther wu’st way ye ever see. “'Ya-as, sirree; I’m a chief, I am, an’ef ye don’t believe it, ’m comin’ right up ter ther scratch ag’in’ any man in yer bull outfit ye’vea mind ter putt up! ** When ye come fer ter go ter monkeyin’ with a man ov my heft, I reckon as how ye’re barkin’ up ther wrong tree, ‘*I’m a Vigilante, an’ that’s whar ther shoe pinches ye!” “Hustle him off, Kent!” exclaimed Little Lightning, impatiently. ‘‘ Mebbe he'll talk in a different strain, by an’ by.” Bulock was hurried away. ** Now, pards,” continued Little Lightning, “we want ter decide what ter do with thet galoot; but first, I'll tell ye how I come ter run ag’in’ him. “To-day, when [ putt off after Paul-Prendle, I was led a long chase, ther outlaw doubling on his trail an’ puttin’ back toward Yankee’s Find es fast e# he c’u’d jump. ‘‘For a long time I kept him in sight; then, within a mile ov camp, I lost sight ov him. His trail led out ter ther Golden Flats road, and thar, ov course, was lost. ‘**While I was ponderin’ ther situation, who sh’u’d come walkin’ along but old Parson Pat- rock, croonin’ a hymn an’ lookin’ es meek es a dove, ‘** Ho, thar! parson,’ I cried, bringin’ him up es ef be war shot. ‘Did ye pass, or see any- thing ov, Paul Prendle on yer way out from ther Find? “Ther old fraud replied thet he’d not, an’ went on his way, strikin’a key higher in his song, ‘*T wasn’t satisfied, however. I hed a sneak- in’ sort ov idea thet ther parson hed acted almighty strange when I axed him ther ques- tion, an’so in less than two minutes I was in the undergrowth alongside ther trail, scoutin’ down towards ther camp. __‘** Not two hundred yards from ther turn in ther trail at which I hed met ther gospel sharp, { made ther biggest kind ov a discovery, “Parson Patrock an’ Paul Prendle was ther same man!” ‘“* Impossible!” ejaculated Kent Kane, who had rejoined the group. Bolly Darrit uttered a chuckling little laugh. “It’s a fact, though, boyees,” he declared, his gray eyes twinkling shrewdly. ‘I diskivered some days ago thet ther parson was a colossal fraud, a mountainous humbug, a monumental deceiver—an’ on’y fer that I’d never ’a’ got out ov ther ole hearse alive this mornin’! ‘* But go on, ye fresh young paralytic stroko— wot next!” “Well, as was natural, I started in pursuit ov Patrock,” continued Little Lightning, with \ aarne eyes; ‘but ag’in he evaded me, an’ after a long tramp I was forced ter own up thet I was beaten—outwitted, i “Then I went back ter ther scene ov ther at- tack on ther hearse, an’ scouted around in thet _ Vicinity fer some hours,, At nightfall I headed this way, as we hed agreed ter make this spot our headquarters during ther campaign ag’in’ ther Vultures. _ ** An’ it was on ther way hyar that I met with \ ther most singular adventure ov ther day. “T was within half a mile ov ther camp—just } igi- lantes this mornin’”—with a glance at Kent— **when all at once ther, most fearful yell I ever heard rung out within a dozen paces ov me, “T treed, quick—sart’in thet [ had run ag’in’ - & nest ov red-skins; but in less’n a minute I dis- _ covered what ther trouble really was. _‘* An’ thet is how I found Bulock—trussed up ter a tree, an’ groanin’ an’ goin’ on as only a man scared half ter death w’u’d ever do. _ From his wild talk, I was led ter suspect that Phil had come ter grief, an’ that Laughing Luke was accountable for Bulock’s predicament; but not a word could I get out ov ther rascal presence known. ter bring him into camp, see him talk. , and then, if necessary, make “In which ye did “So I decid ” diot ef he don’t make e 0 a ean breast ov it ter buy himself off,” Bails “The wrinkle is certainly worth trying,” St. Clair observed. “Oh, yes; and it will be a success, too,” de- clared Red Swift. ‘‘ The fellow is an ordinary rascal, and if the proper pressure is brought to bear upon him he'll tell all he knows,” ‘Fetch ther galoot up, an’ then jest leave ther matter ter me,” exclaimed Darrit, scramb- ling to his feet and setting to work on a lariat. A circle was quickly formed, and into it Curly Bulock was led and placed to face the old detec- tive. One glance at the stern, determined faces of the boy brigade would have dismayed a stouter heart than that of the captive outlaw. “Curly Bulock,” exclaimed Darrit, holding the coiled lasso with the noosed end prominently in view, ‘‘ we, constitootin’ ther court ov J udge Lynch, hev found ye guilty on two counts, ‘The fu’st is, thet ye are a member ov Black Boone’s road-agent band, ther Vultures, “Secondly, thet ye hed a hand in gettin’ away with our young pard, Powder Phil, this mornin’. ‘Ther decree ov Judge Lynch hes hin that ye are ter be hanged—hanged by ther neck ontil ye are dead, ** Now, Curly Bulock, ef ye hev any defense ter offer, make good use ov yer time.” The grim visage of the desperado changed not a particle, save that a defiant smile slowly wreathed his lips. *“Oh, yes! I suppose ye’ve got it all fixed up es neat es a new pin,” he observed, not a trace of alarm or annoyance noticeable in his voice. “It means jest this, I’ve got ter peach it all, or stand trial later on in ther criminal courts, “Ye overlook ther fact thet I’m onto ye, Bolly Darrit, an’ consequently see through yer little game! Bolly Darrit an’ Judge Lynch are not friends! ‘But I’m no hog, know it, get out. is “' Jest. name yer conditions, will ye?” ‘“* Nerve—monumental gall! Dern me! ef I ever see ther ekil ov it afore!” muttered Old Dan Rackhoss, catching his breath in well-simu- lated astonishment. A smile of extreme beatitude slowly spread over the rubicund visage of Darrit. ‘** Wa-al! ye're sensible, whatever yer faults,” he observed; “‘an’ I reckon ye’ve got matters down jest about right—except that ye’re either ter go scot free, or hang right hyar.? ‘*Pve your word fer that—thet ef I talk Iam ter be released—hev I, Bolly Darrit?” “Exactly; at sunrise ye shall go, free an’ un- harmed,” “Then hyar goes!” and slowly and deliber- ately the desperado narrated, first, all that he knew concerning the Vultures, then the details of the plot against Phil. A searching cross-examination failed to show any attempt at evasion or concealment. The old detective was silent for a, moment after Bulock had been led away and again placed under guard, ** Boyees!” he exclaimed, at length, starting as if from a reverie, * thar’st jist a forlorn hope ef ye’re gamy enough ter undertake the riffle. ‘*T remember ther location ov Jack Cobden’s cabin, an’ ther secret trail by which it is reached, se But, ef we strike, we must at once. What ef fat instant, every lad was again upon his feet, eager for the perilous expedition. Ten minutes later, and the boy brigade was filing silently through the woods, accompanied by their friends, the detectives, all intent on forc- ing a speedy realization of Bolly Darrit’s “ for- lorn hope.” I’m ina bad scrape an’ I I’m goin’ ter take ther shortest cut ter $a. CHAPTER XVI. PAST AND PRESENT—DELLA’S PERIL. RETURN we now, for a brief space to Old Frosty, the magnate of Yankee’s Find. Detected in his daring attempt to learn the plans of his arch-enemy, Major J ordan, and set upon and choked into insensibility by that worthy and Don McVay, as narrated in a pre- ceding chapter, it was hours before the mine- owner regained consciousness to a degree suffi- cient to take cognizance of his surroun ings, Then, it was to find himself lying at full length on the cold, damp stone floor of a cav- ern, bound and gagyed, utterly helpless, wholly at the mercy of his unscrupulous foes, Bitter were his thoughts, his emotions, as a full realization of his predicament swept through his neh brain. ‘ie ud, arrogant, domineering, the indignity ut upon him. seemed more than he could bear, Bavaxely he stromgied te free himself, straining linac Ei US a Sion pe rs ' 13 at his bonds with giant strength; vainly, for on stout thongs had been knotted by a master- nd. A paroxysm of violent rage succeeded his futile efforts, bringing him to the verge of com- plete mental exhaustion. Fortunately, perhaps, for Handy, an incident wholly unexpected just at that juncture diverted his mind from the maddening subject, A grating, rasping sound echoed through the cavern, and a section of the stone wall some dip: away seemed to slip aside, throwing a elt of grayish light into the gloom of the place, In the aperture thus created there appeared, a moment later, the forms of two men, one be— hind the other. Nosecond glance was needed to reveal to Austin Handy their identity, The first was Powder Phil, his bands pinioned to his back. The other was Jim Spicer. Stiddy now, ye cantankerous cuss!” growled the latter, as he paused to shove the stone back into place, “Don’t worry yourself,” retorted the young miner, as he made a deliberate survey of his surroundings, ‘So, here is where I’m to avoid the coming of the gallant major, is it?’ Spicer vouchsafed no reply. aving satisfied himself that the stone was in its correct posi- tion, he conducted his captive some distance back into the cave, halting in a dark alcove. It was some minutes before the outlaw reap- peared, alone, and passed out into the cabin. ** Heavens!” mused Old Frosty, a shiver of horror creeping over his attenuated body. “Heavens! can that desperado have murdered \the lad? Is that the outcome of’my plotting? “But no—the end is not yet! Phil spoke of the coming of the major, and while there is life there is hope, Tbe lad shall not die if money can effect bis release! “And Della!—what of her? famous—” The sentence ended unfinished in the brain of the captive mine-owner, His eyes suddenly filled with the contending lights of hope and fear. Far above, in the jaws of a narrow fissure, through which filtered just a trace of the light of day, swayed and swung a gigantic form—the form of a man, descending slowly through mid- air—in sharp outline against the pale ay aes In almost breathless suspense, Austin andy watched the patient, plodding progress of this daring spy—noted each pause, however slight,. with a feeling akin to despair, hope beating high in his breast with each renewal of the de- scent, Down—down, hand over hand, crept the Her- cules; a moment. of feverish anxiety—then he swung clear of the narrow walls into the cavern, The old. mine-owner trembled in everv fiber. His breath came quick and hard. Escape, with vengeance against his foes, seemed almost assured. Then came a rending, snapping sound far up the fissure—a short, sharp cry of alarm. The next instant the reckless spy lay in a lifeless heap on the rocky floor of the cavern! From the heart of Austin Handy arose a groan of horror and absolute despair, His new-born hopes had been dashed to earth! For bours he lay there, awaiting—he knew not what. His mind, naturally enough, was freighted with dire forebodings; and yet, his thought turned from the present and the f uture, to dwell upon the past, to which the lifeless form a few paces distant seemed intangibly linked. ‘Great God! it is meet that I should suffer!” he groaned, his breath coming in short bard gasps, while great drops of perspiration ogzed from every pore. “Others suffered by my hand, and this is retribution! ‘* Oh, could 1 undo that first great wrong—re- call that evil October day—make just and ful? retribution to Howard Atherton and his wife and child, then I might die in peace! ‘But, no; not the least of these can I do, for the golden opportunity is passed. I even drove the son from my presence and from the camp! “Little wonder is it that Howard’s blood- stained face haunts me now, after all these years—that itis before me as distinctly as om that October morning be gave his life for mine Has this in- on Nebraska’s plains. ‘* Better had I died! Ah!—” “ Austin Handy! Austin Handy! seek my wife and child, and tell them all !” deep, sepulchral tones the words vibrated through the cavern, chilling the mine-owner with sudden horror. Weli he remembered the words—knew the voice! ““ Ged! itishe! It is Howard Atherton /"
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aT os eta ay Co BE fe Area Sa. PS ee yi %, « She as - 14 The thought surged through his brain like fire. His eyes seemed bursting from their sockets, while his veins stood out like whip- cords, A giant’s strength filled his limbs, snap- ping asunder the stout thongs like so many threads in the bands of a child! He was free— unfettered! An instant, and he was upon his feet, his teeth hard-set to repress a shriek of dismay. Confronting him was the herculean spy, Laugh- jr ame his face yrs and blood-stained, a strange ligbt in his big gray eyes. “Blo! Austin Hasidy! it is you!” the latter exclaimed, in low, deep tones, bis beaming orbs fixing themselves upon the face of the mine- owner. ‘lam Howard Atherton! ‘‘ What have you done with my wife and boy?” , An exclamation of satisfaction escaped Major Jordan as he noted the ee of Dahlgren and his followers in the cabin. ‘‘Ha! pards! you are gathered here on time,” he cried, striding forward and placing Della Handy upon a rude cot in one corner. A harsh laugh broke from Dahlgren’s lips. ‘Yes; but 1 reckon, major, that we’re luck ter hev got hyar at all,” he responded, ‘It war tetch an’ go, with thet cadarence ov young ‘wil’-cats headed by Bolly Darrit at our heels.” ‘*] inferred as. much, from the report Prendle brought of the attack on the coach to-day,” answered Major Jordan, taking his stand beside McVay before the glowing fire. ‘‘ I suspect, too, that the Vigilantes have ceased to be one of the features of Yankee’s Find?” ‘“‘That’s w’ot! Nary a galoot ov us kin go moseyin’ ’round that camp any more!” ‘* Well, odds the difference! The game’s played, so far as Old Frosty’s bullion is concerned, and after to-night you can give the Golden Flats trail a wide berth.” “ce Eh q” “The magnate has abdicated—gone East on a business trip of indefinite length, you know— and left me to manage bis affairs in his absence. Hereafter I'll look after the safe transfer of the bullion, in person.” Figuratively speaking, Dark Dahlgren pricked up his ears. ‘* You are goin’ back ter the Find?’ he asked. ‘* Certainly—to-morrow night.” ** An’ ther gal hyar—Miss Della?” ** Returns as Mrs, Jordan!” “Oh! Ab! ya-as!” and the desperado's jaw ‘fell in sheer astonishment. ‘‘Come out ter git spliced, I s’pose?”’ “Exactly! the parson there accompanied us expressly to tie the knot.” ++ A weddin’, hey?’ cried Dahlgren, a broad grin overspreading his dusky face, ‘* Whoop ’er up, pards—we’ll celebrate ther event in ginooine ‘bob-royal style!” The Vultures nodded their approval, dazed by the very boldness of Jordan’s stroke. Meanwhile, Don McVay stood silent and. pre- occupied, his piercing eyes fixed in a steady aze, half-wisttully, half-suspiciously, on Parson atrock, That thin little scoundrel had seated hims:If upon a rough stool, in a darkened corner, and, with his poncho drawn well up over his head and shoulders, seemed more than half-asleep. ‘‘There’s but one chance in ten thousand!” _ the gambler, madly, yet silently, through is hard-set teeth, his eyes suddenly flaming with a determined light. ‘‘ But that chance, desper- ate as it is, must be taken!” And drawing his wraps- about his head and face, he strode from the cabin out into the reek- ing darkness. ““Stiddy, now, lads—an’ mum’s ther word, for ther gospel-sharp aire takin’ his place an ther ceremony aire ago! My! ’tain’t often we go inter &’ciety, but when we do—” Dark Dahlgren’s busky words broke off ina villainous chuckle, caught up and echoed by the members of the band ranged along the foot of bluff at the back of the hovel. Near the center of the dismal place stood Major Fordyce Jordan, supporting Della Handy. he beautiful face of the girl was deathlike in it pallor—her eyes heavy and lusterless. Sanfronting the devilish plotter and bis vic- tim stood Parson Patrock, his head and face completely muffled—just as he had risen from the stool, “ Speak, parson, for we are ready,” command- «ed Major Jordan, “ Just a mon.ent—” Powder Ph oe RES eee 9 ~~ a =a The door behind the parson suddenly opened breaking in upon his husky tones, and the einekad and muffled form of Don McVay swiftly crossed the threshold, : ** Just in time!” cried Jordan. ‘* Just in time Don!” muttered the gambler, in hoarse, strained accents. A strange hush followed the words—a hush broken at length by the voice of Major Jordan, saying impatiently: ** Proceed, Patrock—have you lost the use of your tongue?” Not a sound was vouchsafed in response. Reaching forward, tue major with a deft motion plucked aside the mysterious poncho, suspicion written in every line of his handsome ace. A false beard and a wig, dislodged by the action, fell to the floor! The pale, care-worn Seatures of the Widow Atherton were revealed ! Her right hand, raised to a level with Major Jordan’s heart, clutched a cocked revolver! “Tricked!” hissed the villain, his face ashen in his wrath. “Yes, tricked, Sharper Hidefast!” enunciated the tall form at the door, in keen, incisive strains, gd Jordan reeled back a pace, “* What mean you, Don McVay?” he demand- ed, hoarsely. A mocking laugh—a sudden uplifting of his hands, and the intruder stood exposed—not/as Don McVay, but as Red Swift, the Indian Sleuth! Then— * Tmean that you are my prisoner—that in the name of the law I arrest you for the murder of young Corbin Handy—that I am here to avenge the death of my pard, Hawkshaw, the detective!” ‘““ And we are bere to avenge ourselves—to see that justice is done!” The voice was that of Powder Phil. He, with Laughing Luke and Austin Handy, stood just beyond the Vigilaites, in the mouth of mdark passage leading back into the heart of the bluff. In the hands of each was & leveled six. Truly, the climax had come! CHAPTER XVII. HOW IT ENDED. THE events just narrated had crowded upon each other so swiftly as almost to daze the mem- bers of the road-agent band. True, their hands sought their weapons at the first note of alarm; but no demonstration, offensive or defensive, had followed the action. All were mute, mo- tionless—nothing if not astounded. For a minute not a sound, save the soughing of the wind without and the soft, monotouous pat- id of the rain overbead, broke the deadly silence, Then, Dark Dahlgren, catching bis breath hard, managed to ejaculate: ‘* Wa-al! may I be hanged!” ‘An’ ye jest will, Bullion Bill, alias Black Boone alias Dark Dahlgren—ef ye live long enough!” declared a voice, uniaistekably that of the veteran detective, Bolly Darrit, from the open door. ‘“ Stiddy, now, ye engrateful rap- scallions! Don’t attempt ter draw—it’ll be ther death-warraut ov every man ov ye! Ther hull cadarence ov Invincibles is right at my back!” True enough; the frowning muzzles of a dozen rifles stared the discomfited desperadoes full in the face! A move toward resistance would only invoke a perfect hail of lead—a storm of devas- tation and death. “Til risk ther rope!” Dark Dahlgren de- clared, mechanically fitting his empty hands— an example at once followed by the entire out- law clan, save one, That one was Major Jordan. Suddenly re- leasing his hold upon the arm of Della Handy, he lunged forward at Red Swift, a long, keen knife in his outstretched hand. But the Indian sleuth was on the alert. His revolver cracked sharply, and Major Jordan’s arm fell helpless to bis side, broken by a well- | directed ball. The next instant the intrepid man-hunter was upon his quarry—just as Della Pandy reeled into the open arms of Mrs. Atherton, Three minutes later, and the last of the Vul- | tures bad been disarmed and secured, a sweep- ing Mi deat perching upon the banners of our riends, ** Tell me, mother, how you came to be here -| in’ the gue of Parson Patrock to-night,” Pow- der Phil requested, as he drew Mrs, Atherton a ap RS ee ST Rn. _ 2 A =—s EL NLS ASTE EA eR RRL ig IRIE LE PE ENT EN? TT OT eT il, the Boy Miner. Ny ‘ land Della Handy gently aside, immediately % after the wholesale arrest bad been accom~ plished. ‘* All through an accident to the real Parson Patrock, my son,” was the ready answer. ‘Shortly before midnight I was aroused by a | cry of distress a short distance from the cabin, | and, going out, I found Paul Prendle, the Vigi- lante, rapidly bleeding to death from a re-open- ed wound. | “He lived but a few minutes—scarcely long | enough to make a confession of his crimes--yet he managed to tell me that a plot was afoot against Della; that I could thwart it by don- ning the disguise in his saddle-bags, mounting his horse and going to the three pines near Aus- tin Handy’s house, where I would be joined b Major Jordan and Don McVay, the principals of the plot. ‘**I followed his suggestions, and went to the lace designated, in the guise of Parson Patrock, he two schemers were already there, and rated me roundly for the delay my tardiness had caused them. ‘No sooner had I discovered the nature of their project than I determined to thwart them by raising an alarm; but my purpose seemed to be suspected, so closely was 1 watched, and I was compelled to give over the idea. ‘That, in brief, is the explanation of my | presence here.” “A brave act, but one that might have cost | you your life,” commented Phil, with glowing | eyes. ‘*And now, mother, I bave news of a startling and most unexpected nature to im- part. “ Father lives !” ‘‘Lives! Merciful Powers !—” ** Diana !” Laughing Luke uttered the name, his deep tones tremulous with emotion. Mrs. Atherton cast a swift, searching look at the rugged, noble face of the Hercules. A sud- den dash of color appeared in either pallid | cheek, to recede as quickly as it had come. | Then: ** Howard !” Just the one word in joy-thrilled tones, ere she fainted in the outstretched arms, By no means the lest interested spectator of the little scene just described was Austin Handy —‘*Old Frosty ”—and there was just a trace of a suspicivus moisture in his keen blue eyés as he walked briskly up to Philip, who was just then rapidly becoming oblivious of all else under the witching smile of the magnate’s ward, With. a hastily-uttered excuse, Handy drew Della aside a mument, What passed between the two is of small moment here. Suffice it to say that he led her back to Phil, a few mo- ) ments later, and placed their bands together, saying, brokenly: ‘Take ber, my Jad, and may Heaven bless you both! You will think of me sometimes; let it be with charity and forbearance.” That was all. Before his purpose could be divined, he was out of the cabin—lost to view in | the darkness—gone forever, Whatever had | been the enormity of his breach of faith and | trust against Howard Atherton, the latter found on his return to Yankee’s Find that it had been scrupulously amended, late as was the day. Little remains to be said. Howard Atherton, his mental faculties fully restored, yet lives to enjoy the fruits of his early-life career as a gold-seeker, while Phil is in full control of the Bonanza King Mine. Major Jordan, or better, Sharper Hidefast, with Don McVay, was taken back to Ohio, where they were sentenced to long terms in the penitentiary for the murder of young’ Corbin Handy. The assassination of Hawkshaw, the detective, fastened upon Hidefast before St. | Clair and Red Swift left Yankee’s Find, insures * | that villain anything but smooth-sailing after | the expiration of his present term. | Dark Dahlgren, the Vigilante-Vulture chief, | is likewise bebind prison bars, sent there by the indomitable Bolly Darrit. As for the other members of the band, none escaped: just and due punishment except Curly Bulock, who was re- leased according to promise, Little Lightning and his Prairie Invincibles continue to roam the West, perfect terrors to evil-doers. | THE END. | | | —
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y a | BEADLE’S*H ALF- [JIME* LIBRARY. BY OLL COOMES. & Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. 18 The Dumb Spy. 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. B81 Keen-Knife, the Prince of the Prairies. 41 Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. 5S The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. 71 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. 74 Hawk-eye Harry the Young Trapper Ranger, 88 Rollo, the Boy Kanger. 184 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman. 148 Sear-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter, 146 Silver Star, the Boy Knight. 158 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. 168 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger, 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. 182 Little Hurricane, the ri ‘aptain. 202 Prospect Pete; or, Lie Young Outlaw Hunters. 208 The Boy Hercules: or, The Prairie Tramps. 218 Tiger Tom, the Texas Terror. 224 Dashing Dick; or, Trapper Tom’s Castle. 228 Little Wildfire, the Young Prairie Nomad. 288 The Parson Detective; or, The Little Ranger. 248 The Disguised Guide}; or, Wild Raven, the Ranger, 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger. 272 Minkekin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. 90 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy. 00 The Sky Demon ; or, Rainbolt, the Ranger. 884 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. 409 Hercules; or, Dick, the Boy Ranger. 417 Webfoot Mose, the Tramp Detective. 422 spre b Sam, the Boy Giant of the Yellowstone, 444 Little Buckskin, tne Young Prairie Centaur, 467 Wingedfoot Fred; or, Old Polar Saul. 468 Tamarac Tom, the Big Trapper Boy. 478 Old Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemic, 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan. 662 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper. 652 Don Barr, the Plains Freelance. 661 Old Kit Bandy’s Deliverance. 670 Norway Nels, tle Big Boy Mountaineer. €80 Dauntless Dan, the Freelance; or, Old Kit Bandy in Arcadia, BY BUOKSKIN SAM (Major 8am, 8, Hall.) , 884 Old Rocky's “* Boyeess or, Benito, the Horse-Breaker 846 Giant George; or, The Ang’! of the Range. 875 Arizona Jack ¢ or, Giant George’s Pard. #297 The Tarantula o Tacs; or, Giant George’s Revenge. B0% The Strange Pard; or, Little Ben’s Death Hunt. B18 Ker-whoop, Ker-whoo}; or, The Tarantula of Taos, S27 Creeping Bat, the Caddo; or, The Red and White Pards, Bh2 Frio Fred; or, The Tonkaway’s Trust. $44 The Fighting Trio; or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway. $49 Wild Wolf; or, Big-Foot Wallace to the Front. 857 The Ranch Raiders; or, The Siege of Fort Pargatory. 864 Snap-Shot, the Boy Kanger. B75 Chiota, the Oreek 3 or, The Three Thunderbolts. 881 Bandera Bill; or. Frio Frank to the Front. B92 Romeo and the Reds}; or, The Beleaguered Ranch, 404 Little Lartat; or, Pecan Pete’s Big Rampage. 414 The Daisy from Denver. 427 The Three Trallers; or, Old Rocky on the Rampage, 442 Bluff Bill; or, The Lynx of the Leona. 455 Little Lone Stars or, The Belle of the Cibolo, 684 Cache Carl, the Chico Giant. BY EDWARD WILLETT. 267 Asa Scott, the Steamboat Boy. 199 Featherweight the Boy Champion of the Muskingum, 228 Ozark Alf; or, Featherweight Among the Outlaws. BS2 The Typo Detective; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp, 295 Fearless Phil; or, The King of Quartzville. B11 The Roving Sport; or, The Pride of Chuckaluck Camp, S22 Nemo, the ‘Detective; o?, Kit Kenyon's Vendetta, 840 Olip the Contortionist: or, The Montana Vigilantes, RY PHILIP 8. WARNE. 6T Patent-Leather Joo; or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmer. 175 Captam Arizona; or, Patent-Leather Joe's Big Game, 198 Captain Mask; or, Patent-Leather Joe’s Defeat. 219 Deapard, the Duelist; or, The Mountain Vempires. 888 A Tough Boy; or, The Dwarf’s Revenge. 868 Little Tornado; or, The Outcasts of the Glen, 878 Little Jingo; or, the Queer Pard. B88 Little oemyy or, Caught in His Own Trap, 401 Little Shoo- ly, or, A Race for a Ranch. 408 Little Leather-Breeches ; or, Old Jumbo’s Curse, 481 Little Ah Sing or, The Curse of Blood, 451 Colorado Kate. A Tale of the olines. 480 Three Jolly Pards. 617 Jim Gladden’s Deputy. 527 The Jolly Parda to the Rescue. GAZ Sandy Andy; or, A Good Man Down. 556 Lariat Lil; or, The Cast for « Life. 574 Old Weasel-top, the Man with the Dogs 698 Keen Clem, tlc Ranch Imp. 599 Jim Dandy the No-Name Sport. 618 Billy Blazes; or, The Skeleton’s Legacy. 685 Oklahoma Hi, the Blue-Coat Scout. 648 ilappy Harry’s Big Find. 664 Cheeky Charley, the Special. BY JO PIERCE, B97 Bob o’ the Bowery ; or, The Prince of Mulberry Street. 415 The Vagabond Detective; or, Bowery Bob’s Boom. 452 Hotapur Bob, the Street-Boy Detective. 460 The Vawyers Shadow ; or, Luke’s Legacy. 472 Jaunty Joe, the Young Horse-King. 494 Surly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective. 504 Five Points Phil 509 Jack Jaggers, the Butcher Boy Detective. 516 Tartar "finn: or, Five Points Phil’s Menagerie, 526 North River Naty the Pier Detective ~“88 Wrestling Rex, the Pride ofthe Sixth Ward, ‘00 Jeff Flicker. the Stable Boy Detective, 1 Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow. 459 Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective, 569 Brooklyn Ren, the On-His-Own-Hook Detective, 677 Pavement Pete the Secret Sifter, BSS Jack-o’-Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector, ROR Wide-Awake Bert, the Street-Steerer. 614 Whietling Jacob, the Detective’s Aid, 628 Buck Bumblebee, the Harletn Hommer, 689 Sunrise Saul, the Express-Train Ferret. 49 Gamin Bob, the Bowery Badger: or, Scooping ® Slippery Bet. 658 Sky-Rocket Rob, the Life-Saver. 688 Saltpeter Sol, the New York Navigator, 694 Spicy Jim, the Only One of His Kind. BY J. W. OSBON. 469 The Rival Giants of Nowhar’. 498 Cactus Burr, the Man from Hard Lack. 58ST Old Ruckey es the Sierra Shadow. 664 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner. Bolly Dorrit, the \eteran Detective. 20 Litt ol Agatnts 8 Plucky Paul, the Boy Prospector, —~ ’» Leagues or, Ths Mystery eftae Ialand, BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, 11 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes of a Bowery Girl. 78 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. 79% Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. 268 Joe Kuck of Angels and His Boy Px rd. 447 New York Nat. A Tale of Tricks and ‘i'raps in Gotham. 458 New England Nick; or, The Fortunes of » Foundling. 464 Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince. 498 ‘laos Ted, tae Arizona Sport. 510 Cool Colorado, the Half-Breed Detective, 518 Cool Colorado in New York. BY GEORGE WALDO BROWNE, 86 Dandy Rock the Man from Texas. 90 The Dread Rider; or, The Texan Duelist. 99 The Tiger of Tuos; or, Dandy Rock’s Angel. 115 The Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rock’s Doom. 181 The Golden Hand; or, Dandy,Rock to the Rescue, 164 Dandy Kock’s Pledge; or, Hunted to Death. 178 Dandy Rock’s Rival; or, The Haunted Maid of Taos. BY CAPT. J. F. ©. ADAMB, 84 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Whiffies’s Boy Spy. 46 Glass-Eye, the Great Shot of the West. 54 Ned Hazel, the Boy Trapper. 56 Nick Whiffles’s Pet; or, Ir The Valley of Death. 60 The White Indian; or, The Scovt of the Yellowstone, 70 Old ran ed Cabin 3 or, The Greenhorn in the Woods, 81 Lightning Jo, the Terror of the Prairie. 85 Buck Bueckram; or, Beas, the Female Trapper, 247 Old Grizzly and Mis Pets; or, The Wild Huntress, 251 Light-house Lige; or, Osceola, the Firebrand. 257 The Lost Hunters; or, The Underground Camp, 288 The Scalp King; or, The Human Thunderbolt. BY ROGER STARBUCK. 25 The Boy Captain; or, The Pirate’s Daughter. 114 The Black Schooner; or, Jib Junk, the Old Tar. 259 The Golden Harpoon; or, Lost Among the } \ves. 848 Fire-Heels; or, Old Skinfiint, the Death-Shadow. 854 Big Horn Ike, the Hill Tramp; or, The Odd Pards, 861 The Phantom Light-house. 870 Breaker Ben, the Reef-Runner. BY WILLIAM KR, EYSTER. 190 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. 210 Faro Frank; or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pards BY ©, DUNNING CLARK. 185 Captain Paul; or, The Boy Spy of the Mountains. 0 The Yankee Rajah; or, The Fate of the Black Shereef. BY GEORGE ©. JENKS. 485 Git Thar Owney the Unknown. 492 Git Thar Owney’s Pledge. 618 The Demon Doctor. 581 Double-Curve Dan, tie Pitcher Detective. BOS Flute, the Singer Detective, 608 The Pitcher Detective’s Fotl; or, Dan’s Double Play, 616 The Ocean Detectives or. The Last Cruise ofthe Black Bear, 681 The Pitcher Detective’s Toughest Tussel. BY OAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR U. 8. 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. 194 Buffalo Bill’s Bet; or, The Gambler Guide. BY WM. G. PATTEN. 489 The Iiamond Sport; or, The Double Face of Bed Rock. 519 Captain Mystery ; or, Five in One. 881 Dais) ware the Sport from Denver. B87 Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. 604 Iron Fern, the Man of Fire. 619 The Boy Tramp Detective; or, The Double Grip Witness 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Spon. 641 Dismal Pave’s Dandy Pard. 651 Bound Boy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective, 66% Violet Vane’s Victory. 682 Wild Vulcan, the Lone-Range Rider, 698 Violet and Daisy, the Posy Pards. BY MAJOR E. L. 8ST. VRAIN, 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit. 801 Lendville Nick, the Boy Sport. B12 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. 888 Brimstone Rob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette, 852 Tombstone Tom, the Arizona Boy of “Sand.” 859 Duranre Dave, the Young Champion Wrestler, 871 Kingbolt Chris, the Young Hard-Shell Detective, 880 Avalanche Alf, the Foothills Guide. 890 Jaguar Joe, of the Mountuin Mail-Line. BY EDWARD 8. ELLIS. 6 Bill Biddon, Trapper. 8 Seth Jones; or The Captives of the Frontier, 20 Nat Todd} ot, The Fate of the Sioux Captive. @x 'rne Frontier Angel. 98 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island. 182 The Hunted Hunter; or, The Strange Horseman, 254 The Half-Blood; or, The Panther of the Plains, #71 The Huge Hunter; or, The Steam Prairie Man. BY MAJOR LEWIS W. CARSON, 278 The Three Trapperes or, The Mountain Monster, 288 Indian Joe; or, The White Spirit ofthe Hills. BY CAPT. MARK WILTON, 256 Young Kentucky; or, The Red Lasso, 270 Blizzard Ben; or, The Rict at Keno Camp. 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. BY BRACEBRIDGE HEMYNG. 89 Taland Jim: or, The Pet of the Family. 91 The Captain of the Club; or. The Rival Athletes, 101 Jack Harkaway in New York. BY MAJOR HENRY B, STODDARD, Ex-Scout. 806 Neck-Tie Ned; or, The Dug-Ont Pards. 846 Rapier Raphael; or, The Swordsmen of Zacatecas. 891 Kid-Glove Kit, the Dandy of the Rockies. 898 Kid-Glove Kit and Pard: or, The Gold King. 406 The Mad Man-Hunter: or, The Golden Gulch Mystery. 505 Powell’s Pardy; or, The One-Armed Giant. BY CAPTAIN FRED. WHITTAKER. 185 The fea-Wat; or, The Witch of Darien. 29 The Dumb Page: or, The Doge’s Daughter, 48 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. 150 Lance and Laaao; or, The Children of the Chaco. 154 The Sword Hunters; or, The Land of the Elephant Riders, 159 The Lost Captains or, Skipper Jabes Coffin’s Era -200 The Boy Bedoutns; or, The Brothers of the Plumed Lanse, 214 Wolfrang, the Robber of the Rhine. a be cy J the a King; 6 Bemee vl le e Tiger Tamer; © B51 Tlack Nick, the Ri 95 California Joe’s War Trail, Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. ° BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR. 2 Yellowstone Jack; or, The bag «oe Black John, the Road-Agent; or, The Outlaw’s Retreat, 65 Hurricane Bill; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard, 119 Mustang meee Sie King of the Plains. 186 Night-liawk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch, 144 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. 151 Panther Paul; or, Dainty Lance to the Rescue. 160 The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. ! 168 Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire witb Fire. 184 ‘Lhe Boy Trailers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Pad 208 The Boy Pards; or, Dainty Lance Unmasks. 21i Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City. 810 The Karranca W elf; or, The Beautiful Decoy. 819 The Black Rider; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League, 885 Old Double Fist; or, ‘The Strange Guide 855 The King of the Wooda: or Daniel Boone's Last Breil, 449 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective. 625 Chincapin Dan, the Boy Trailer. 677 Chineapin Dan’s Second Trail. 688 Chincapin Dan’s Home Stretch. BY W. J. HAMILTON, 68 The Red Brotherhood; or, The Twelve Avenger 66 nets Hand; or, A Life for a Life. 72 Mad Tom Western, the Texan Ranger. 887 Ben Bird, the Cave King; or, Big Pete’s Scoop, BY JACK FARRAGUT. 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. 820 The Sea Sorceress; or, The Boy Skipper. BY LIEUT. i. D. PERRY, U. 8. N. 176 The Boy Runaway; or, The Buccaneer of the Baye 180 The Sea Trailer; or, A Vow Well Kept. 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Poiat. BY COL. A. F. HOLT. 899 Black Buckskin; or, The Masked Mon of Death Canyag> ’ 419 Kenneth, the Knife-King. 485 Little Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods, 678 notes Renwood, the Lightning Express Detective. 691 Headlight Harry’s Haul. BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. 7& Blue Dick; or, The Yellow Chief's Vengeance. 87 The Land Pirates; or, The League of Devil’s Island, 187 The Helpless fiand; or, Backwoods Retribution. 289 The Gold-seeker Guide? or, The Lost Mountain, "BY FREDERICK DEWEY 818 Cimarron Jack, the King-Pin of Rifle-Shots. 478 Tangemund, the Desert Detective. 5642 The Canyon Pards. BY ARTHUR ©. GRISSOM. 440 Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid, 558 The Sure-Shot Pards. 621 Truthful James, the “Pecooliar” Man. BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS. 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock. 568 The Dandy of Dodge. 576 The Silver Sport. 588 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow BS9 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 601 Happy Mans, the Dutch Vidocg. 611 Bildnd Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. 622 Texas Tom-Cat’s Triad 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task. 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph; or, Black Iyan’s Great Combine, 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 Warbling William, the Mountain Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jeremiahsy the Plains Detective. 676 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. 689 Billy, the Gypsy Spy- MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS, 4 The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Rele 29 Frederick Whittaker. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen. 12 Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean Swift. t 14 Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp. 16 Robinson Orusgoe. (27 Illustrations.) 18 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven ME seg 22 EF Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusse, By Juaa wis. 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates ef who Carribees. By 8S. W. Pierce. re 86 The Boy Clown: or, The Arena Queen. By F 8. Finn. 84 Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 61 The Boy Rifiess or, The Unde und Camp. By A. C. Iroma, 95 The Rival Rovers; or, The Freebooters of the Mississippt: By Lieut.-Col. Hazeltine. 98 Robin Hood, the Outlawed Earl; or, The Merry Men of Green< wood. By Prof. Gildersleeve. 105 Old Rube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain’ Hamilton Holmes. 112 The Mad Hunter; or, ' he Cave of Death. By Burten 124 Tippy, the Texan; or, The Young Champion, By erson. 128 The Young Privateer; or, The Pirate’s Stronghold. By Harry Cavendish. ; 148 Sharp Sam}; or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy. By 3. Alexander Patten. @27 Dusky Darrell, Trapper: or, The Green Ranger of the Yel- veer we, ernie rs + te inten 261 Fergus Fearnaught the New * 'y: ¥ ikem, 266 Killb’ar, the Guide; »r, Davy Crockett’s rocked Trail! By Ensign C. D. Warren. } 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid of the Che By Captain Comstock. } 817 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville. By Liew) tenant Alfred Thorne. B28 The Sky Detectives or, 4 Boy’e Fight for Life and Honor, By Maior Mickey Free. 850 Red Ralph, the River Rover; or, The Brother's Re venge, By Ned Buntline. f 845 Baltimore Ren the Bootblack Detective. By A. P. Morris, 874 Gold-Duat Tom: or, Ben’s Double Match. B @ H. Mores, 876 Cailfornin Joe's First Trail. By Colonel Thoman Hover Vonatery. A1B Billy Rombshell, the Cliff Climber. By F.S. Winthrep. 475 The Black Ship. By John 8 Warner. G54 Comanche Dick and His Three Invinelbles, By } Henry J. Thomas. B28 Wizard-Arm, the Dandy Sport. By Arthur F. Helt. : 52 The Cowboy Duke. By Kawi Brooke Forrest. | BS2 Artel the Athlete. By David Droid. : BRS Will Waters, the Bov Ferret. By H. Enton. ‘ 682 The Dead Detective’s Double. By Gerald Carlton A New Jaane Every Tuesday ~The Half-Dime Library ‘= for sale by all newsdoalers, five eonte per copy, or sent by mati on receipt of alx cente each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, Now York,
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- = — ee . = a RA STO STs SS SE Te eee Gi Tbe eee ee hires , » ee 4 BEADLE'’S« H ALF- DIME*] IBRARY, Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. eS — BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. =x BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, BY J, ©. COWDRIOK, Deadwood Dick Novels. 7 The Flying Yankee}; or, The Ocean Outcast. 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery. 17 Ralph mere the Boy Buccaneer; or, The Fugitive Yacht, 869 Shasta, the Gold King}; or, For Seven Years Dead. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 24 Diamond Dirk Lge The Mystery of the Yellowstone. 420 The Detective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without a Name 20 Deadwood Dick’s Defiance; or, Double Daggers. 62 The Shadow Ship; or, The Rival Lieutenants. 424 Cibuta John; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, 28 Deadwood Dick in Disguise; or, Buffal Ben 75 The Boy Dnelist; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wollf. 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. {fe 85 Deadwood Dick in His Castle. : 102 Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smuggier, 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude. in 42 Deadwood Dick’s Bonanzay o:, The . aantom Miner. 111 The Sea-Devil $ or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack bravo. F 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omaha Ol. 116 The Hussar Captain ; or, The Hermit of Hell Gate, 606 Redlight Ralph, the Prince of the Road, 57 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards ot Flood Bar, 197 Little Grit; or, Bessie, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter. 514 Broadway Billy’ Roodle. 78 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, ( alamity é me, the Heroine, | 204 Gold Plume ; or, The Kid-Glove Sport. 524 The Engineer Detective. %TZ Deadwood Dick’s Last Act: or, Corduroy Charlie. 216 Bison BAHL, the Prince of the Reins, 586 Broadway Billy’s ‘ Diflikilty.” i 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville, 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman Trailer. 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. | 104 Deadwood Dick's Device; or, he Double Cross Sign. 229 Crimson Kate; or, The Cowboy’s Triumph, 557 Broadway Billy’« Peath Racket. 109 Deadwood Dick ax Detective. a x 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. 571 Air-Line Luke the Young Engineer. ’ 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. | 245 Merle, the Middy 3 or, The Freelance Heir. 579 The Chimney Spy; or, Broadway Billy’s Surprise-Party. 1 188 Deadwood Dick's Home Base; or, Blonde Bill. 250 The Midshipman utineer 3 or, Brandt, the Buccaneer, 592 The Boy Pinkerton. : : 149 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. 264 The Floating F eather; or, Merle Monte’s Treasure. 605 William 0’ Broadway; of, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. 269 The Gold Ship ; or, Merle, the Condemned. 615 Fighting Harry the Chief of Chained Cyclone. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivils of the Road, 276 Merle Monte’s Cruise; or,“ The Gold Ship ” Chase, 628 Broadvay Biliy’s Dead Act j 201 Deadwood Dick's Ward; or, ‘he Black Hill’s Jezebel. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate ; or, Pearl, the Pirnte’s Bride, 640 Barebrek Beth, the Centaur of the Circle. od 2059 Deadwood Dick's Doom ; or, Calamity Jane’s Adventure. 284 The Sea Marauder; or, Merle Monte’s Pledge. GAT Typevtiter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. ° 217 Deadwood Dick’s Dead Deal. 287 Billy Blue-Eyes, the Boy Rover of the Rio Grande. 659 Moontleht Morgan, the * Pizenest ? Man of Ante Bar. 221 Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. 804 The Dead Shot Dandy; or, Benito, the Buy Bugler. 669 Broadway Billy Abroad. 282 Gold-Duast Dick, A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, 808 Keno Kits or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. 675 Broadway Billy’s Best: or, Beating San Francisco's Finest. 268 Deadwood Dick's evaee s; The Spirit of Swamp Lake. | 814 The Mysterious Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler’s Trail. 687 Broadway Billy in Clover. 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trall, : 877 Bonodel, the Boy Rover; or, The Flgiess Schooner. 696 Broadway Billy in Texas. f 809 Deadwood Dick’s Deal; or, ‘(he Gold Brick of Oregon. 8883 The Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Island. , the New York Fox. 597 The Young Texan Detective. S50 Fan) Fines, tad New Yo { 1 ‘{ 561 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boston, { 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadetphia, 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Chicago, 578 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Afloat. : &S4 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver, Pi 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Decree. a4 595 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Beelzebub’« Basin, xi 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney {sland, sf 606 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Leadville Lay, 612 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. sf e y ie Aetegn 59¢ T a 445 The City Vampires; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pigeon. di , pt Ane ~— my ore 7 Tinetnsetl. 602 The Vagabond of the Mines, ate aer ons a cities Fifty; or, The Last Man af Kaye Bar. is ead woot ck. dr, in Nevada, 607 The Rover Detective; or, Keno Kit’s Champions, 470 The Boy Shadow: or, Felix Fox’s Hunt. rn 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land, 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scout; or, The Rio Raiders. 477 The Exceisior Sport: or, The Washington Spotter. a 686 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer, 644 The Hercules Highwaymun. 499 Single Sight, the One-Eyed Sport. : ht ot 642 peagwece piek xy in Suffalo. ‘ 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony Rider Detective; or, Buffalo 502 Hraudiea Ren, the Night Ferret. 73° pondwoed ore es % ead woo : pn 523, Toone ¢ e Smugglers. 656 Butterfly Billy’s Man Wunt. 621 Dodger Dick’s Best Dodge. \y 660 Dead wood peks 5 + aan nee Case. 662 Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza, 528 Fox and Falcon, the Bowery Shadows, FHES BSEASSSE BIE $e en Minas saa | BOG Abe Hreommese ee Bis hodece Bikyts Do Fore f "ky 9 » ** Gath n. ? e Wizard & r3 or, Red eG over, tole iv 678 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Discovery; or, Found a Fortune. | 679 The Raa Ghallewars or, The Wracuroteste Mons ig 548 Dodger Dick’s Double; or, The Rival Boy Detectives, 686 Orlando, the Ocean Free Flag; or, The Tarnished Name. eae eener Bide we he vie Case. 692 The Rival Sharps; or, Redfern, the Secret Service Scout. BTR The Te Shi a ; i 88 Pheto ~ Phil; or, remy > Rob’s Reappearance, 1 ad ene a MORRIS, LATEST AND NEW ISSUES 92 Canada Chet ; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Cam 18 Will Somers, the Boy Detective. fats Saal; or, Lightheert Lukes ’ 96 Watch-Eye 3 or, Arabs and Angels of a Great City. Pr 122 Phil Ward ry the Boss Boy. 698 Old Crazy, the wren Me eeetrer Be fg u tte 118 Jack Hoyle _ the Young Speculator. 126 Pleayune Pete ; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective, 699 Straple rt yess the Broncho Buster; or, Playing the Foo: for A 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 180 Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Rags. Big wee n. Leot-A. K. Sime. a 185 Bonanze Lill Mines, J42 Uandsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, 700 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s, Drops or, The Sojourn at ) 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner. 147 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. Satan’s Spring. By Edward I. Wheeler. pi 188 Boas Bob the King of Bootblacks, 152 Bleck Ress, Wi!) Wildfire’s Racer. r01 Ph Nee aa h Fred. the Camera Sharp; or, The Fight to | % 146 Contin Berret, ta Nee. ESE Mike Merry, the Hartor Police Boy. ; th Finteh T Ry T. C. Harbaugh. par gt 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective, 162 Will Wildfire in the Woods. 702 Ri Jacket Bill; or. The Red Hat Rangers Red Hod ta 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 165 Billy Baggage, the Railroad Boy. BING SRONOT Srahtios Weerdhan hs 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scampa, 170 A Trump Card; or, Will Wildfire Wins and Loses, 208 Ra e away Billy’s Brand: or. The New York Delegates Ca Hd Bst Becksist ce atgmat fer Poe Bigegeny iillpe Brent. x) oe ritzy, the Bound-Boy Detective, o ockett, the Bank Runner, : ka Bee 1. fokine Crobkes ch Boe erence ne Events or, The Ventstognit este 188 Phe Hidden Hand or, Will Wildfires Revenge. TO8 Mae Sach. Be BieedL Wiekee ee noozer, the Boy Sharp: or, The Arab Detective, ‘red Halyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers, % Paratha tere ity tive’s Craft. oa. pysile Bin, 4 ES Tornado. 189 Rob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. up gle 705 Violet Jane's Vow; or, The Crafty Deteetive’s 0 clone K tt, the Young G)adiator. .G. a 196 Shadowed ; or, Bob Kockett’s Fight for Lafe, ! etective: or, The Harlem see tm ad iy the Nee Kise. ' 706 Paco pmiatlo, Pra eee Deen or, i 4 ashing Dave, the Dandy Detective, — > ° Redfern’s Last Trai), 220 Tom Tanner 3 or, The Binck Sheep of the Flock, ht By Col. Breathe eae eo maps 225 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky, 708 Light-Heart Lute’s Legacy; or, The Lucky Lad’s $42 The teeny Sede Th tet Mire clasdhs bik ada bol & | eon Tarmink Hand. By Jos. B. Rader, Jr pte Beat 4 oods or, Shenandoa an 8 Gang. \ ntiw Hi 7 ale’s big Beat. 252 Dick Dashaway ¢ or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago. 709 The Curbstone Detectives or, Harry ! 244 Sierra Sam, tho Frontier Ferret, 248 Sierra Sam’s Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Sam’s Pard; or, The Angel of Big Vista, 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven; or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; or. The Rival Heira, 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen. 2S1 Denver Doll's Victory y i "he ¥ hes By Charles Morris, 255 Denver Doll’s Decoy ; or, Little Bill’s Bonanza, The Young Sharps: or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail. - ranclaco; or, Kode 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice, Fae Peadwood Mek, 5S a 9 Oran 896 Denver Doll’s Drift; or. The Road Queen. 289 Jolly Jim’s Jobs or, The Young Detective. 711 Broadway Billy at Santa Fes or, The Pard Detectives 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 298 The Water-Nound: or, The Young Thoroughored. Clover Dea? Be rd Bee oh § 808 "Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. 805 Dashaway, of Dakotas or, A Western Lad in Quaker City, 712 The Meamerist Sport; or, The Mystified Detective. By B25 Kelley, Hickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, 824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. (terd wieumors P , 3 B80 Little Quick-Shot} or, The Dead Face of Daggersville, 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. 218 ¢ a th M d Cowboy; orfThe Lariat Queen. By Col. ’ $84 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. 858 The Reporter-Betective: or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard, parte vad ae 889 Kangaroo Kit acket. 867 Wide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of the Times. Re red Mar hod. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood. 879 Larry, the Leveler: or. The Bloods of the Boulevard, 714 Ola Mi = the Man from Missouri; or, The Mystery of the 858 First-Olass Fred, the Gent from Gopher. 408 Firefly Jack, the River-Rat Detective. Mountain League. By Wm. G. Patten, 86% Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherers or, The Life Lottery | 428 The Lost Finger; or, The Entrapped Cashier, eee ome: 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize. 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective. 215 Wide Awake Len, the Qunker City Ferret: or, Caging the “ 878 Nabob Ned 3 or, The Secret of SInh City. 482 Invinetble Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret, te Aywale iO Gcteceh: BS2 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance. 456 Billy Brick, the Jolly Vaganond. Mendy Agel oe BaD Bicycle Hens Seis ilinm'iasinag teas | 488 Wideckwake Berrys Recs on Eatobel Atv, er ee Se cycle Bens or. The Lion of Lightning le. ective Dodge; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty, asue Ever a soa Yreka Jim of Yuba Da 488 Wild Dick Racket. ; A New I y y ™,. Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Hat Harry, the Base Ball Detective, \ Sam Slabalden, the Regeer-Boy Detective, pet Rees ee ey Tireman a i Td Sharp for the Sharper, The Half- Dime Library fe for sale by ak. newsdealers, five e Seerct Service Boy Detective. cents 596 Jimmy the Kids or, A Lamb Amone Wolves. cents per copy, or sent by mall on recelut of six cents each. = Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives, 627 Tom Bruce of Arkanansy or, The Wolf in the Fold. BESDLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, ~~ 4 ‘ 8 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. 655 Plucky Paul, the Boy Speculator. 4 Sealakin Saw, the Sparkler, 667 Bob and Sam, tee: Dalty Doren 98 William Street, New Yor /