Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 587) (1888 10 23)
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THIRD EDITION. xR | Ly) Y V4 { RK AWS as ¥ NW AMS. NORE Naa, 74 an | al a cone < Sy fh ~ it Df hl a BED = IAN t Smtered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mail Rates. Copyright, 1888 by BEADLE AND ADAMS, October 28, 1888 rr j $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, No. 587. a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. Vol. XXII, The Bad Man of White Hoss, AUTHOR OF “‘ THE DIAMOND SPORT,” “ CAPTAIN - MYSTERY,” ‘‘ DAISY DARE,” ETC., ETC, CHAPTER I. A STRANGER IN WHITE HOSS. A THe regular stage from Blue Nose brought a single perecee to White Hoss. At the driver’s rough command to “ pile out,” a well-dressed, fine-appearing middle-aged gen- tleman stepped down from the stage and as- ' oemded the steps of the only hotel in the camp, The new-comer entewed the office, and at once — registered on the book that was used for that purpose. Then he asked to be shown to a roca. ' : N
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4 ' barkeeper’s hand, 2 Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. When he had left the bar-room, one of the loungers present approached the register and curiously spelled out the stranger’s autograph, hn was written in a running, business-like and. ‘* What’s his handle, Bill?’ asked a compan- ion, who evidently could not read or was too lazy to leave his chair and walk up to the reg- ister. y ‘‘ Dayton Snare,” replied the one addressed. **Reckon he’s some big gun by his appear- ance.” ** Appearances are ofttimes deceptive,’’ quoth another, from behind a cloud of tobacco-smoke, ‘He may be a snare and a delusion. But did you get onto that b’iled shirt?” ** Bet yer boots; an’ thet plug bat!” ‘*He was togged out rayther loud, but ther question is, has he got ther rocks ter back it?” The stranger did not leave his room until the evening was well advanced. Then he descended the stairs, turned to the right, and entered the gambling apartment of the hotel. His entrance attracted but little attention, for the room was well-filled with a motley assembly of miners, prospectors, hunters, cowboys and roughs and toughs in general. The gambling- tables occupied the center of the room and were well taken up. Surrounded by an eager throng of players and spectators, a faro lay-out was doing a thriving business, A little three-handed game of draw-poker was attracting considerable attention, to judge by the number of lookers- on. Everything was moving smoothly in that part of the room. At one end of the long ‘‘ saloon” was a bar, over which liquid refreshments were constantly passing. At the other end, was a curtaiued: stage, making it evident that the proprietor added to the attractions of the place ak er. the throng with an entertainment of some kind. When the stage was not in use, the curtains were closely drawn, concealing it from view. At one glance, Dayton Snare seemed to note everything of importance in the place; at the same time his eyes fell upon an unoccupied card- table that stood a little apart from the others, and toward this he made his way. Seating himself at the table, the new-comer in White Hoss drew forth a cigar, and lighting it, settled back for a comfortable smoke while Gaus idly around. Although evidently not a Vestern man, yet it was apparent that he was not unaccustomed to scenes similar to the one now witnessed. : Over by the bara red-shirted, bewhiskered fellow was prancing around and indulging ina large amount of ‘‘ wind,” much to the amuse- ment of some of the spectators and the disgust of others. ‘*Whoop ’er up, Sary Jane!” he shouted. «‘ Hyer I be, jist down frum the bighlan’s. Slap yer peepers onto me, Tough Tom, ther Terror frum Tall Timber! I kin lick my weight in wild-cats an’ chaw up ten times my weight in grizzlies. I'ma bad man ter crowd, an’ don’t ye fergit it.” ‘* Say—you,” and the bartender pointed one Wee white finger at the blatant ‘‘ Terror,” ** You can either dry up or go out! You are par sy, 8 ge resent by your brawling.” Tough Tom glared at the bartender a mo- ment in open-mouthed surprise, then managed to gasp: ; “Did yer speak ter me?” ‘‘ Waal, I should remark that I did ” affirmed the barkeeper. ‘“W’ot ye say?” ¥ You eard what I said—dry up or go “Waal, I sw’ar! It can’t be that ye know me, young feller. I’m Tough Tom, ther Terror trom Tall Timber, I’ve killed mor’n a dozen men fur givin’ me half as much sass as you’ve fired off. I’m sorry, sonny, but I’ve got to—” “ Dry up!” and a revolver gleamed in the by ‘06 your fingers away from yer shooter, or I shall be forced to tunnel you. The red-shirt was fearfully taken aback as the little man behind the bar brought the weapon to a dead level. ‘* Hold on! hold on!” he cried, ‘* None o’ thet! Can't ye stan’ alittle fun without yankin’ out a in thet way?” * Will you keep still?” j “To be course I will! Put up yer shooter, man. I don’t want to fight.” As the bar- keeper lowered the weapon, Tough Tom added: ‘I sh’u’d hate like sin to hay’ ter shoot a kid, like Fl ‘* Put a stopper in your fly-trap and keep it sorked !” observed the barkeeper, “Pm not in the mood for fooling, and I shall use lead to cool you off next time.” The ‘‘ Terror” sneaked away to another part of the room and subsided. Dayton Snare, watching this little scene, had not noticed a dark-attired man who had quietly seated himself at the table, and who row nodded curtly, and, leaning forward a trifle, asked: . “ Stranger in camp? noon hearse, I take it?” Snare deliberately surveyed the inquirer. did not like this familiarity. The stranger was a compactly-built, medium- sized man dressed in dark clothes,and wore a white shirt; his face was beardless, and to Snare it seemed strangely familiar, ‘Yes, I am a stranger here,” Snare ad- mitted; ‘‘and I did come in on the stage this afternoon. Is there anything I can do for ou? ‘ ‘‘ Well,” the other drawled, “that depends, If you are looking after an investment, we may be able to transact a little business. I owna good share in one of the best paying mines in White Hoss.” ‘But, [am not on that lay,” Snare declared, ‘*T am on different business entirely.” ‘* Pardon me,” and the stranger spoke a little more briskly. ‘‘ Would it be taking too much liberty to ask your name?” ‘Oh, no! not at all,” laughed the other, with just a touch of sarcasm in his voice. ‘ My name is Dayton Snare,” “Snare? Snare? That’san odd name, Did you ever know a Cyrus Craiton?” Snare started as. though shot, and turned deadly pale, as he gasped: we -rafton! Craft—! Who insin’s name are ou! ‘¢ Waal, I’m known here as Bryton Gaines, but, there was a time in the long ago when I ac- knowledged the name of—Ralph Roberts |” With a half-smothered curse of surprise, Snare lea to his feet, his hand flying back toward his hip-pocket. CHAPTER II. RAKING UP THE PAST. ‘*On, come now!” drawled Gaines, as a re- volver suddenly appeared in his hand with the muzzle bearing full upon the other. ‘ It is de- cidedly dangerous to carry your handkerchief in your hip-pocket in this part of the country, for when you attempt to draw it, your motive is apt to be misconstrued. If you wanta rag, take mine, but keep your hand away from your pocket,” and the cool speaker tossed a snow- white cambric handkerchief on the table, at the same time carefully keeping Snare covered. For a moment Snare stood as though unde- cided whether to attempt to draw and take his chances, or to let this man, whom he now recog- nized as a deadly foe, hold his life in his hands, subject to any impulse that might seize him. Then the Easterner seemed to become aware of the utter folly of making such a rash attempt, and sunk back into his seat, For a full minute the two foes scanned each other, one with features on which rested a look of baffled rage, the other with a sneering, malig- nant smile curling bis beardless lip, Fioally Snare spoke, in low tones: — “You have the drop, Ralph Roberts, Give me a fair show and one of us will eat lead.” The beardless man laughed, tauntingly, as he retorted: ‘You must think me afool. A score of times I have sworn to kill you, and now that I have your life in my hands, do you think I will lose my grip? Keep your seat, Dayton Snare, as you now call yourself. There is no need of making a row and attracting attention.” ‘¢Whatdo you wantof me?’ Snare demanded. “ Want? Why, I want to talk over old times. We have not met beforefor many years, and it is but natural that I should wish to speak of those days we were bosom friends, one and inseparable.” ‘ A look of pain flitted over the Easterner’s ace, ‘““The past is dead,” he said, sadly. ‘‘ Why not let it rest in its grave? It can be no plea- sure to recall your own treachery to one who once regarded you as his dearest friend.” A sneering laugh, as the answer came: ‘You are a tender chicken, Cyrus Crafton. It’s a wonder you have not died of softening of Came in on the after- He the heart long ere this.” Words that at once restored Dayton Snare’s composure for he became as self- as the man who toyed with the gold-mounted revolver which he held. ° . “Go on with your sport, Ralph Roberts, if you like it. It is evident eh have not lost your desire to hear yourself talk. Isuppose I may as well waste my time here as any where.” ‘* Which shows tbat you have not yet lost all your wisdom,” smiled Gaines, ‘‘ Or, perhaps, this little toy has something to do with your sensible conclusion. Be that as it may, we will proceed to proceed. It has been a long day since we two enjoyed a social chat—a long day —a good twenty—” ‘* You are wasting time and breath,” Snare interpolated. ‘‘If you have any thing in par. ticular to say to me, come to the point at once.’ ‘Don’t rush a man, You always were ina hurry. I will come to the point soon enough. I want to touch up your memory of the happen- ings in the little New England town of Ames- burg, something over twenty years ago. that time you were Cashier of the Amesburg First National Bank. I reckon you remember, Cyrus?” ; The speaker paused as though for a reply, but if he expected such, he was disappointed, for Snare sat mute. ‘‘ My father was president of the bank, and you and I were firm friends. We were not only friends, but in an open, manly way were rivals for the band of Amesburg’s fairest belle, hand- some Vivian Parks, I fancy that her smiles were pretty evenly divided between us for a time—” ‘“Evenly divided—yes!” broke in the other. ““They were until you showed yourself in your true character—a treacherous snake!” ‘‘You are interrupting me, Cyrus,” observed Gaines, quite unruffled.. “If you are in such haste for me to come to a point, don’t break the course of the little story again. ‘To continue: A sudden discrepancy was found in the bank’s books, of which you had charge. Further investigation showed several of these discrepancies, but all so carefully hid- den that it took an expert to findthem. Thena startling revelation was made, The bank had been secretly robbed, not only once but several times. Various sums, ranging from one hun- dred to five hundred dollars, had been taken. These thefts had been performed so adroitly that no one had suspected them until the dis-. crepapcies in the books were brought to light. There was little question as to the-identity of the guilty party. With as little delay as possi- ble you were put under arrest, Cyrus, charged with robbing the Amesburg Bank!” “It was a foul plot—a rayon green hoarsely declared the Easterner. ‘‘ And you were at the bottom of it all, you villain 17 ‘Yes, I believe such‘a charge was made against me, at the time,” admitted the smooth- faced man, as he picked up and restored to his pocket the handkerchief which he had tossed on the table. ‘‘ But, at the same time, it was shown that you had several times sent away money for unknown purposes, and had it not been for the meddling of one of the bank direc- tors, the crime would have been fastened be rae you and you would have had to pay the penalty, ‘As it was, I soon found myself in a tight corner. A detective was engaged to look over my trail for a few monthsprevious, The result was that it became necessary for me to leave for other arts.” i ‘You would not have escaped thus easily, Ralph Roberts, had I not added my entreaties for leniency to those of your father, The poor old man was nearly heart-broken at the shame and disgrace which had fallen upon him. He willingly restored to: the bank a sum equal to the amount stolen, on condition that you should be allowed to escape.” : ‘A foolish move, as I look at it now,” said the Westerner. ‘It was a clever device to throw the crime frum your shoulders to mine, skillfully worked out by the detective in your employ. No doubt he was well-paid for his successful plotting. You were guilty and I in- nocent, yet bf managed to fasten the crime upon me, have always regretted that I al- lowed my father to settle the affair. If I had brought it to the death, I am quite sure that your rascality would have been exposed.” _— Snare’s face became livid with passion. “You miserable scoundrel!” he hissed, his fingers working as though they burned to clutch “You know,you were guilty — his foe’s throat. of a most dastardly attempt to fasten your own crime on me! pretend to believe that I robbed the Amesbury Bank. ‘You sought to disgrace me in the eyes” | and your foul attempt — your own of Vivian Parks, in a boomerang that caused overthrow. Le , Gaines waved his left band with a depreca- tory motion. F At - fou know it! Yet you still - tate ie inh} 516 riedue
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i 4 letersi 2 ' J Old Bombshell, the Kanger Detective. “Now don’t get excited, Cyrus,” with a sneer- ing smile, ‘‘ Keep yourself calm and collected. I am willing to admit that the game ran directly into your hands, for, after was forced to leave Amesburg in disgrace, you had an open field. More bitter than my disgrace was the knowledge that you would probably woo and win Vivian Parks for your wife. I reckon you remember my warning ere I departe|. I swore that if ever I knew of trouble or sorrow com- ing to Vivian, through you, I would have your worthless life!” The speaker leaned forward and for a mo- ment glared into the eyes of the man whom he was addressing. There wasa world of hatred and malice in that one look. ‘*Six months after,my departure you and Vivian Parks were maaried. Although I had been expecting such an event the news of its occurrence nearly killed me. I was desperately in love with Vivian, and the knowledge that, she was anotber’s—lost to me forever—was mad- dening. I sought to find forgetfulness in a foreign country. In Italy no news reached me of my lost love. Some years later, I returned, and then it was that I was horrified by the ter- rible story which came to my ears. “Vivian was dead! Within a few months after your marriage, there had been a quarrel between husband and wife, and you had driven her from your door. A few weeks later the dead body of a woman, found floating in Boston Harbor, had been identified by yourself and others as that of your wife. The body was brought to Amesburg and buried in the little country cemetery. Then you disappeared, and no one knew whither you had gone. ‘*In disguise I went to Amesburg. [ stood beside Vivian’s grave, and it seemed that all the good in my heart was buried with her ‘whom I loved so dearly. Nothing was left but bitterness and wickedness. I swore that if ever I met you face to face, Cyrus Crafton, your life should pay for Vivian’s sorrow and death. That was many years ago. To-night, for the first time, we meet. And now, Cyrus Crafton, what have you to say why I sbould not fulfill my vow by ending your wortbless life?” CHAPTER ITl. THE BOY RANGERS, In a sheltered nook within a sequestered val- ley, a camp-fire was brightly burning. Around the fire were seated seven persons, six of whom ‘were yet boys in years. The seventh individual was aman, six feet tall, roughly-attired and Tugged-appearing. He wore a thick black beard, which almost entirely concealed the cut of his features. His eyes were dark and pierc- ing. Fhe youths composed a band of boy rangers and prospectors, their leader being an open- faced, jolly-looking young fellow of twenty, who was known to his followers as Lucky Luke, or Captain Luke. The boys were all American lads with a single exception, a little coal-black, red-headed negro. Peter Payson was the darky’s true name, but his companions had nicknamed him Firetop, on account of his ex- traordinary red hair. The others were named respectively Bob Swett, Ned Pepper, Tom Dole and Happy Joe Cobb. Swett and Pepper were both eighteen, and were chums, Dole was a year younger, but was a perfect giant in stature, standing more than six feet high and weighing nearly two hundred pounds. Happy Joe’s age was not known to himself or others, The boys had given him the name of Happy Joe from the fact that he was a _long-faced, sorrowful-appearing chap. Happy Joe was tall and lank, in direct contrast to Bob Swett, who was short and fat. The boys were lounging about the fire in various attitudes, talking and laughing. Happy Joe was industriously engaged in pulling away at a clay pipe, doing considerable work, but making a very small amount of smoke, “ Hang to it, Joe!” laughed Bob Swett, as he watched Joe’s efforts with considerable amuse- “ Make the old thing testify if it takes the soles off your boots.” “She won’t work—she never duz!” whined Joe, between his puffs, ‘ ’Tain’t any wonder thet my system’s all outer kilter when I hey ter wrastil with this kondemned ole pipe. Seems “4 wt turn my liver wrong eend up every time ull. Mt You ought to have a drawing-plaster on ‘tthe back of your neck,” observed Tom Dole, with a lazy, good-natured grin. ‘*T reckon this pipe’d knock out a plaster in ther fu’st round, unless ther plaster c’u’d pull kil to a pair o’ cattle,” “Oh, ye’r’ losin’ yer courage, Joe,” put in mo) > Ned Pepper. post!” *“You shet up!” exclaimed Joe petulantly. ** You’re,allus givin’ advice.” At this all the boys joined in a chorus of jaughter. The stranger alone sat moody and silent, gazing thoughtfully into the fire. Lucky Luke was secretly watching this visitor in cam “ ‘Never give up; die at yer Boys,” the man finally said, ‘‘ ye may hev wondered how I kem ter be wanderin’ round through these hills weaponless an’ hafe starved till I struck this camp ter-nite an’ got a good square meal, Til tell ye. Yer see it war jest four days ago prezactly thet I, Buck Dolan, left Blue Nose with a good mining outfit and thorough good hoss under me. I war bound on a prospectin’ trip, an’ I fancied I smelled yaller up this way. I follered my nose, an’ last night I camped in a canyon a good stretch from hyer. I war jest surroundin’ my night fodder when, into my camp, marched eight fellers with masks over their faces an’ revolvers in their han’s. It didn’t take them long to make themselves known. They were Lieutenant Blizzard and a detachment o’ Cap’n Cyclone’s Road Riders, They at once made their business known, an’ I tell ye, boys, when they got through wi’ me, there wasn’t much o’ anything of value left in my possession. I war obleeged ter camp be- neath ther stars las’, night without even a blanket ter kiver me. This mornin’ I struck out fer White Hoss, but I reckon I lost my bearin’s an’ wandered out o' ther way. Jest at dark I sighted your camp-fire an’—” ‘* Hullo, the camp!” hailed a deep voice. In an instant every boy was on his feet, wea- pons in hand, ‘* Who hails?” demanded Lucky Luke, ** An antidiluviated old sinner w’ot spied the glim o’ yer fire,” came the reply. ‘‘ Keerful, b’ys, an’ not perforate ther ole man, fer he’s cumin’, han’s up an’ empty.” Out of the darkness advanced a tall, muscular man who held his empty hands above his head, apd wore a good-natured smile on his brown- bearded face. He was dressed in a complete suit of buckskin, and appeared like a hunter or scout, From beneath his wide-brimmed hat down upon his shoulders fell a lion-like mane of brown hair. A belt around his waist con- tained weapons and cartridges. ““"Evenin’, kids!” saluted the stranger, with a nod. ‘‘ You’ve gota cosey-lookin’ camp hyer, by ther Roman gods!” ‘*Who are you, partner?” demanded ‘Luke, bluntly. ‘*Me? Why, ghost o’ ther Pan Handle! don’t you fellers know me ? I’m known frum ocean to ocean an’ frum ther north pole to more as nine thousand miles below Mason and Dixon’s clothes-line. Don’t know me! Waal, I be blowed! It beats me how such condemned ignorance can exist in our free an’ enlightened lan’.” ‘* But that doesn’t answer my ‘question,” per- sisted Captain Luke. ** Prezac’ly,” admitted the stranger. ‘‘ Waal, b’ys, ’m a Lizbon yarthquake on trucks an’ I usually come to dinner when called by ther handle of Ole Bum’shell. Sum folks tack a supplement onto my name an’ call me ther Bo’der Boomerang,” Tom Dole sprung forward-with outstretched and, ‘*Old Bombshell!” be exclaimed, with delight, “Put it there! Know ye? Well, I never set eyes on your face before, but I feel as though I had known ye all my life, Your reputation has preceded you.” The two clasped hands warmly. ‘* Waal, hyer’s my fist, young feller, an’ ef [ do say it, you ain’t no dwa’f, It does me proud to grab yer flapper.” 3 “Boys,” said Tom, turning to his com- panions, “ this old sinner is the most cantanker- ous old tramp and Injun exterminator in exist- ence. Bombshell, these kids are Lucky Luke and his band of indepeudent rangers, miners, prospectors, and so forth,” One by one, Captain Luke leading; the boys advanced and shook hands with the eccentric Border Boomerang. Old Bombshell had a hearty grip and a jovial word forall. Buck Dolan, the rospector, however, sat silently, gazing away into the shadows, with a half-averted face. Old Bornbshell cast one brief glance at the man, but made no comment, The boys once more seated themselves around the fire, with Old Bombshell in their midst, The oo scanned the lads’ faces with evident de- ight. ‘By ther cock-eyed Roman gods!” he ex- claimed, heartily, “‘ this are ther most etarnally jolly set o’ young larks as I ever did meet.” ** Reckon ye hain’t tuck er fa’r squint at this child’s phiz,” observed Ned Pepper, pointing at Happy Joe, who was still struggling with the obstinate pipe. Joe fired up in an instant. ‘“T reckon my mug looks as well as yourn,” he snapped. ‘* You're hurmbly as_ er bpage fence run across a stump pasture. Ef ye on hed Firetop’s red head, you’d scare ther hair offen a brass monkey!” ‘* Hole on dere,” put in the darky. ‘‘ Don’ ye go fo’ ter make any sinervations "bout dis here wool ob mine, I’s drefful sens’tive bout dat afo’e strangers,” Pete’s words and his comical look of wrath caused a fresh outburst of laughter from the boys. It had partially subsided when Old Bombshell suddenly sprung to his feet, with one hand uplifted, ee silence. The deep but distant bark of a dog came faint- ly to their ears. “It?s ole Lion, my purp!” announced Bomb- shell. ‘*I left him to watch my hoss an’ rifle. Sunthin’s bruck loose, by ther Roman gods!” With one bound the Border Boomerang dis- appeared in the darkness. The boys sat still, listening to the occasional bark of the dog that came to their ears on tbe faint breeze. Finally the sounds subsided entirely. ‘* Wonder what caused Old Bombshell’s dog to break loose?” queried Bob Swett, still strain- ing his ears, half expecting to hear the rattle of firearms, Buck Dolan arose to his feet. ‘*Boys,” he said, impressively, ‘‘thet ole fraud wasn’t any Ole Bumshell any more than Ibe. I’m reddy to stake my life thet he are Lieutenant Blizzard, o’ Cap'n Cyclone’s Road Riders |” CHAPTER IV. A SHARP BATTLE. To say that the Boy Rangers were surprised at Buck Dolan’s astonishing assertion would be expressing it mildly. With the exception of Tom Dole, the boys sprung to their feet, with their hands on their weapons. Tom rolled over and stared at the prospector with a look of lazy incredulity. ‘“« What's that you say, man?’ demanded Luke, sharply. “Tsay thet I am willin’ ter bet my life thet that thar ole varmint is Lieutenant Blizzard, o’ Cap’n Cyclone’s Road Riders,” repeated Dolan, firmly. ‘‘What proof have you—what makes you think so?” “Don’t know as I hev we pret the man admitted; ‘but I recognize is voice ther minute I heerd it.” ‘That is mighty poor evidence. There are hundreds of men in the world whose voices sound almost exactly alike.” “ Thet may be so,” doggedly; ‘“* but I know I hain’t off my nut on this bisnis. Lieutenant Blizzard war masked when he drapped in wi’ sum ©’ his chums ter make mea call las’ nite, but he war jest erbout sech a built ’coon ez this galoot ez calls hisself Ole Bumshell. Their voices sound prezackly alike.” ‘Still you must be mistaken,” insisted Cap- tain Luke. ‘* if you want to bet anything that Old Bomb- shell is Lieutenant Blizzard,” interposed Tom Dole, half-rising on one elbow, ‘‘Tll stake my farm in kingdom come against you. I have heard of this Old Bombshell before. He is clean white, but worse than a pestilence among evil- ye never saw this Ole Bumshell,” said Dolan, “ leastwise, thet’s w’ot ye admitted ter him. How der yer know but what this ole *coon is palmin’ hisself off fur sumbuddy else?” Before this question could be answered, a dark form advanced softly from out of the shadows. With some surprise the boys saw before them a little, stoop-shouldered man, who was dressed ip a seedy dark suit, and wore spectacles, Dolan did not notice the stranger till he felt a hand upon his shoulder and glanced around to see the muzzle of a revolver frowning upon him, within ten inches of his face. ‘¢ Hvenin’, Benjamin!” saluted the spectacled stranger. ‘‘What kind o’a fish-story war you givin’ these children?” Buck shrunk back with a cry of alarm, his face turning ghastly pale, “Good Land!” he gasped. ‘‘ Little Dan Nubs!” es mi “Yes, thet’s my handle, Benny,” the stranger, with a quiet smile. \“I see yer mem’ry is yet good.” ‘ But, you are dead—dead as Moses!” * Am I? withasoft laugh. “If I am, Pm
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4 Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. ~: ther liveliest dead man ever you saw. No, Ben- jamin, I’m not defunct, although it’s no fault o’ You nave dun yer best ter dispose o’ Dan Nubs, but ourn thet I’m not toes up to the daisies. ther ole man’s got more lives noracat. You warn’t built ter snuff out my candle, my lad; but I reckon I'll hav’ ther pleasure o’ helpin’ you to a hemp necktie.” _ “ How did you escape?” asked Dolan, regain- ing his composure in a measure. ‘ You devil! I saw you lyin’ dead at my feet wi’ er bullet-hole in ther center o’ yer forehead.” ‘* Tt makes little difference how I escaped. I am here to make you my prisoner. bp with your hands, Ben Breeze!” ** W'ot ef I refuse?” **T shall have to lay you out.” A whistle, seemingly of derision, burst from Buck Dolan’s lips, ** What do you mean by thet?” demanded the spectacled stranger, suspiciously. ‘‘ War thet a signal? If I thought so, by the pride o’ Solo- mon, I’d shoot ye where ye stand!” Buck Dolan laughed defiantly. ** Shoot notbin’!” he sneered. ‘You hav’ escaped death twicet, Dan Nubs; ther third time cocks. yer hash, sure. Ye kem hyer ter take me pris’ner, but even now you are under ther gun muzzleso’ Cap’n Cyclone’s Road Riders, an’ if ye play crooked ye’ll fall filled full 7.’ lead. Cum on, boys!” Out of the darkness advanced half-a-score of dark forms, who held cocked and leveled re- volvers in their hands. Every man wore a black mask over his face, The Boy Rangers suddenly found themselves taken at a disad- vantage, ** Ho! ho!” laughed the assumed Buck Dolan. ‘“Ha! ha! Really this are ther best ole joke I ever struck, Ye kem hyer ter take Ben Breeze pris’ner, dic ye, Little Dan? Never dreamed ye war walkin’ inter a hornets’ nest, did ye? Didn’t think ye’d git raked in yerself, did ye? Waal, by gum! this ar’ a jolly go, I swear!” ** Shades 0’ Solomon!” was all that the spec- tacled stranger could say. As for the boys they were dreadfully surprised. They were all caught without a weapon in their hands, ‘** As for these kids,’ continued the pseudo- prospector, ‘‘ I’m much obleeged ter them fer my supper, though I hed ter crowd a big sheer o’ it down ter make ‘em beleeve I wuz hafe starved, I reckon I did play thet little game in fine style,” “Who are you, anyway?’ Captain Luke demanded. “Who am I? Waal, mer lad, I’ve sailed under a different name fur every different lan’. This feller wi’ ther spectacles hyer w’u’d tell ye as I war Bill Breeze, a professional bard case. Ef eax them boys thar vi’ ther rags over their an’sum mugs, they’d tell yeas how my name war Lieutenant Blizzard, o’ Cap'n Cyclone’s jolly Riders,” ‘Which proves that vou are a miserable fraud and a villain,” remarked Tom Dole, from where he still lay stretched on his side. ‘I thought so all along, but wasn’t sure of it.” **Well, what do you want here, anyway?” Luke demanded. ‘Our ’riginal idee war ter. skin you babies out 0’ yer traps an’ loose chink an’ take you in, Cap’n Luke, fer our chief’s inspection; but it happens thet bigger game hes drapped inter our han’s in ther shape o’ this little detective, Dan Nubs. I reckon as he’s ernuff ter tend to in one nite, It’s your turn now, Danny! Up wi’ yer han’s!” For reply the little detective did throw up his hands, but one of them held a revolver which exploded as it reached a level and down in his tracks fell the outlaw lieutenant, At the same instant the rattle of firearms came from the darkness behind the outlaws, and bullets began to fly thickly. In consternation the outlaws whirled to meet the foe in their rear. Then the Boy Rangers, regaining their weapons, hurled themselves on the Road Riders, Out of the darkness came a hoarse voice, cry- ing: Este ’em, purp! Take ’em, Lion! Onto ther measly curs, ole dog!” A muffled roar followed and a panther-like form shot through the air and alighted among the outlaws. Then a tall, brawny man sprung out of the gloom and leaped into the very midst of the dazed Night Riders. Right and left he swung his ponderous fists, disdaining to use other weapons. Back from his telling blows reeled his victims, some going down. Tt was a hand-to-hand battle. Suddedly the camp-fire was extinguished and the scene of strife was plunged into gloom. Instantly realizing the folly of fighting in the darkness, where friends could not be distinguish- ed from foes, Lucky Luke uttered asharp signal and called off his men. Ina few moments every sound of battle ceased. Silence and darkness rested over the little valley. CHAPTER V. THE RIDERS’ RAID. THROUGH the darkness a man was walking slowly along the single street of White Hoss Camp. He proceeded cautiously and peered forward into the gloom as though searching for some one or something. Suddenly a dark figure stepped out from around the corner of a building and confronted the lonely pedestrian, at the sa.ie time uttering a low word of warning. “By ther freckled Sarah Jane!” exclaimed number one, who was the red-shirted fellow who called himself Tough Tom, the Terror from Tall Timber, ‘‘ yer spoke jest in time, me lad. My narves air a Jleetle onstiddy ter-nite, an’ I reckon I’d shute at ther drop o’ er hat, I kem mighty nigh borin’ yer antimony, avy ole how,” and he thrust a half-drawn revolver back into its holster, Number two laughed guardedly. “Ef ye’d salted Rough Dave ye'd ’a’ been shootin’ shiners out 0’ yer own pocket. I’m hyer ter pn ye onter a large snap,” he said. ‘*'Waal, yer sed as how ye wanted me ter meet yer I’m on han’; now, w’'ot’s ther go? ‘** ve got a job spotted out an’I thort by ther cut o’ your jib thet you war jist ther man ter take a han’ in it.” “Wot kind o’ er job?’ asked Tough Tom, warily. “One thet will pay powerful,” Rough Dave declared. ‘‘Are you pio’s?” ‘* Pio’s /” snorted the Terror, in disgust. ‘* Wot fer Heving’s sake d’yer take me fer? Do I look like er saint?” “Waal, hardly. I picked ye out on yer looks, You are erbout ther toughest specimen o’ humanity thet hes struck White Hoss fer er month. But er feller often gits deceived w’en he counts on looks. Ye’r’ sure ye don’t belong ter ther church?” Tough Tom stared at the interrogator as well as the darkness would allow. Then he slowly clinched his huge fists and growled savagely: “Looker hyer, ef you want ter fight I’m jest yer hairpin. Ye hain't got ter make any more chin, Jist putt up yer jukes an’ kem at me. ~y ther wall-eyed Sarah Jane! I'll polish ye off in style in jest erbout three seckints. Kem on! Walk up an’ hook onter ther Terror frum Tall Timber. Whoop!” And Tough Tom began prancing around Rough Daye, now and then shaking a fist under that individual’s nose. ‘Stop! Stop, you fool!” Dave cried, guard- edly. ‘‘1 don’t want ter fight. W’ot’s tuer mat- ter wi’? yer—bin drinkin’?” “Don’t want ter fight, hey? Waal then, ye want ter take er reef on yer loose jaw. Ef ye give me enhy more slack about belongin’ ter ther church, hanged ef I don’t pile inter ye, tooth an’ nail, I kin stan’ er common insult, but er kick like thet does rile me jest er bit, Wot is yer racket, anyhow?” Dave glanced cautiously around, They were in a deserted portion of the street and shrouded from curious eyes by the darkness, ‘*D’yer know Bryton Gaines?” asked the rough, in a cautious tone, **Reckon not,” was the reply. ‘‘ Who’s him?” ‘* He’s ther boss 0’ thiscamp. He ain’t got no right to be, but he jest sets hisself up as chief, an’ two-thirds o’ the boys acknowledge his right, Nine-tenth o’ ther other third dassen’t dispute his claim. He’s rich as mud an’ owns ther howtel, though Billy Bunker runs ther shebang. He’s ther small smooth-faced chap as wears dark clo’es and a b’iled shurt,” **Reckon I know ther galoot,” said the red- shirted tough, ‘He slings on style ez though he owned ther camp.” ‘** Waal, he’s got er darter—er plum han’sum gal. But it’s common talk thet ther ole man uses her wuss ez p’izen in sum respects. He dresses her hefty, but compels her ter sing in ther howtel skaloon, Everyboddy knows ez thet’s er mighty tuff hole, an’ ther gal hates like sin ter go there, but she’s er mighty drawin’ keerd an’ calls in suckers ez w’u’dn’t cum ef she didn’t sing. Ther ole man knows thet an’ so he keeps her at it.” ‘* Waal, w’ot’s thet got ter do wi’ ther job?” **'You keep yer clo’es on an’ lissen, You'll find out in time, I reckon if Bryton Gaines hyer. sh’u’d lose his darter he’d lose er wallyble keerd;. at ther same time, it w’u’d be er relief ter ther gal ter take her away frum him, Ketch?” ‘‘ No, blamed ef Ido! W’ot are ye drivin’ at, any ole bow?” ‘“*W’y blame yer thick skull! Karn’t ye see ther racket? W’ots ter hinder us two coves frum skoopin’ in ther gal an’ kerryin’ her orf inter ther hills?” A broad grin overspread the Terror’s face and he winked uselessly in the darkness, “Ah, yes; I see. Plum’ gone. Waal, w’ot yer givin’ er feller ter help ye on wi’ yer luv- makin’?” Rough Dave uttered an impatient curse, t ‘Will ye never get anythin’ thrue yer thick head?” he snarled. ‘‘I don’t keer a continental *bout ther gal. I’m after ther old cove’s cash |” For the first time Tough Tom began to seea ray of light. , “Ho! ho!” he muttered. ‘‘I twig yer game. Ye propose ter scoop ther gal an’ bold ber fur ransum.” ““Thet’s it, prezactly,” Dave admitted. ‘‘I hey an idee as ther ole cuss will cum down in great style. Are you wi’ me in this?” ‘“*Waal, thet depends,” replied the Terror, cautiously. ‘* W’ot’s ther risk an’ w’ot’s ther in- doocements?” ‘‘ Ther indoocements are jest hafe ther boodle. Ther risk is nothin’ a tall. Every nite she leaves ther howtel by er back way. It w’u’d be ez easy ez fallin’ orf er lorg ter wait out there fer her, an’ when she kem erlong, throw er cloth over her head an’ lug her.” “ Whar sh’u’d we kerry her?” ‘‘Never you worry bout thet. Jest leave it terme. I know a fine place er hut among ther hills in er lonesome canyon where nobody w’u’d drap in on us, Are you in the game? Talk quick, fer we hain’t got no time ter spar’.” ‘* Hyer’s my fin.” The two roughs shook hands in the darkness, ‘‘ Now ter bizness,” said Rough Dave, sharp- ly. ‘*You make yer way round ter ther back o’ ther howtel an’ lay low, while I go fer ther hosses an’ er blanket ter stifle ther gal’s squalls. T’ll be wi’ yer in two shakes,” : Then the plotters separated, and in a few mo- ments the dark street was deserted. Dayton Snare saw death lurking in the depths: of Bryton Gaines’s eyes as he uttered the omi- nous words with which the second chapter closes, He felt sure, now that his bitter foe had him at his mercy, no quarter would be shown. His face may have turned a shade whiter, but otherwise he showed no perceptible emotion, The revolver in his enemy’s hand held him covered, ‘You have the drop, Ralph Roberts,” he ad- mitted, ‘‘and can use the advantage as you choose, There is very little law in the Pie i mining-camp, but I hardly imagine that a cold- blooded murder would be overlooked.” | ‘You don’t know my power in this camp,” said the Westerner. “I actually las more ower here than the average marshal does in his own burgh. I make the laws and all these rough fellows recognize my authority, Were I to shoot you dead where you sit, and swear that we were old foes who had sworn to shoot on sight, that would end it. I would see you_de- cently planted, and to-morrow White Hoss: would forget that such a person had ever enter- ed its boundary.” — ) : Gaines spoke with an air which convinced his listener that he was telling the truth. Day- ton Snare knew not what to say, so he uttered not a word, ; At this moment the sharp tinkle of a bell soundee through the room, and from some hid- den source a sudden flood of music burst forth. Gaines turned his eyes away from his foe for a moment, and in that brief instant he lost the drop. ra hand suddenly closed over the hammer of Gaines’s revolver and a triumphant voice hissed across the table: ‘¢My turn now, Ralph Roberts! Not a word oracry! The first sound of alarm seals your doom!” and Snare held a revolver which threat- ened Bryton Gaines’s life. gleam of triumph in the Kasterner’s eyes. “Tet go that gun!” the ex-cashier command- ed, ‘* Refuse at your peril!” Only for an instant did Gaines hesitate, then he relaxed his hold, allowing himself to be dis- armed, “You are quite welcome to examine the weapon, Cyrus. It is a very fine one of the best, make,” was the undismayed response. And now the curtain which concealed the — little stage at the back of the room rolled up There was a terrible | Fd 7 ng = . a i or?
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} \ | ‘looking creature. Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. ; 5 and the music ceased. Then out upon the plat- form glided a vision of beauty—a young girl of perhaps eighteen or twenty appeared. She was dressed in white, and the garment fitted her rfect form so as to show its symmetrical eauty to advantage. There was no immodest exposure of limbs or person, and the sweet face of the fair creature bore tbe stamp of frankness and purity. Every eye within the saloon was turned upon the stage, and in an instant every voice was hushed. At the sight of the fair occupant of the stage, Snare uttered a sharp exclamation of astonish- ment and sunk back 1m bis seat, bis face color- less, and his whole frame shaking as though he had the ague. Fortunately his emotion was unnoticed, save in the immediate vicinity of where he was seated. Ina moment the girl be- gan to sing, and once more all eyes were cen- tered upon her, No, not all eyes. One pair, at least, were watching Snare with the steady glare of a pan- ther which has sighted its prey. Bryton Gaines’s orbs never wavered for an instant. The girl began to sing, and such a flood of sn wi poured from her throat, that nearly every listener was held entranced. The rough gathering was breathless and spellbound for a time, and then, asthe song became more and more pathetic, a suspicious mojsture dimmed many an eye. Manya hardened wretch was thrilled to the very depths of his soul as the sweet singer in fancy led him back to his boy- hood’s home and his mother’s knee. The song ended and the singer vanished from the stage. A moment’s silence was followed by a roar of applause which fairly shook the build- ing. a the midst of the excitement the muffled report of a revolver was heard. And then, as the cheers ceased, there was a sharp scuffle and a heavy fall, followed by a hoarse voice, cry- ing: ‘Pye got im down! MHyer’s one o’ ther pesky road-agints—one o’ Cap’n Cyclone’s Ri- ders!” Instantly a rush was made toward the point from whence the cry came, A sharp, shrieking whistle sounded through the room. Through the open doors and windows sprung a dozen masked men, firing as they came. There was a crash of broken glass, and then darkness, CHAPTER VI. CARRIED INTO CAPTIVITY. THE midday sun, hanging high ih the heavens, permitted a limited amount of light to sift its way down through the gloom till it reached the bottom of a deep circular sink among the grand old hills. This sink was one of nature’s freaks, and only at a few hours during the middle of the day was the daylight effectual in lighting ‘the bottom of the sink, The pure sunshine never reached the bettam of this hole, which was sandy, and barren of verdure. From the rocks at one side, about four feet from the bot- tom of the sink, trickled a small stream of clear, cold water. This fell upon the sandy soil, and ran across the sink to the opposite wall, where it found its way into a little fissure among the rocks, At one side was an opening about ten feet above the sandy bottom. A flight of rude stone steps, fashioned by the hand of man, led down into the hole. Another passage, nearly opposite, which debouched into the sink, led gradually away upward into au underground cavern. Almost any day, atabbut the hour of noon, from two to a dozen rough-looking men could have been seen reclining on blankets spread upon the sand at the bottom of the sink. These fellows belonged to Captain Cyclone’s Road Riders, and the sink was near the center of the outlaws’stronghold, The aperture from whence descended the stone steps led away to the out- Aaw chief’s private apartment, where was stored the greater portion of the plunder obtained upon their unlawful raids, The other passage led to the main cavern or caverns, for there were many of them beneath the mountain, con- nected by numberless other passages. It was but naturel that near midday the out- laws should seek the open air. and as the sink was the only absolutely secluded spot in the im- ‘mediate neighborhood of their den, thither they went. Cuptain Cyclone himself, as he appeared while among his followers, was a most hideous- His dark face was wrinkled and distorted and down across the left cheek from near the temple to the jaw-bone ran a ter- rible blood-blue scar, which looked as though it might have been caused by the stroke of a knife. Upon his upper lip was a small, sharp- pointed, red mustache and a similar-appearin oatee was worn upon the chin, His longr air was partially concealed by the hat which he invariably wore, the drooping brim of which shaded the expression of his eyes, To add to the outlaw chief’s hideousness, there was an un- sightly ‘ mee ” upon his beck, This horrible-appearing outlaw was not only a terror to his foes, but was feared by his fol- lowers as well. To all of them he was some- thing of a mystery. At times he would be ab- sent from the stronghold for two or three weeks in succession. Sometimes he would retire to his underground apartments with an injunction not to be disturbed on any pretext, When he did 80, there was not one of his lawless band who dared disobey the order, no matter how impor- tant their excuse for so doing might be. Many of the Road Riders’ pilfering raids were led by the huge rough who was second in com- mand, In his absence the chief trusted every- thing in Lieutenant Blizzard’s hands, and to a certain extent the burly sub-officer showed him- self well qualified for tbe position which he held. He was ingenious and crafty when not ander the influence of liquor, and was bold and unprincipled at all times, twas far past midnight on the night of the Riders raid on the saloon in White Hoss when the outlaws reached their stronghold. Although he had not led the expedition, the road-agent chief was with them on their return, Silently the dark Riders rode their horses into one of the secret passages which led downward into the underground retreat. Already had passed a sentinel, and as they entered the dark passage, they were met by a person who held several lighted torches which he passed up to them. Bearing these torches above their heads, they followed their silent chief down the pas- sage. The rattle and clang of iron-shod hoofs alone broke the silence, There was one among them, however, who knew not whence they were going. As well might he have been blind as far as the light of the torches was concerned, or dumb for all of the use he could make of his vocal organs, Blindfolded, gagged and bound upon the baek of a horse, Dayton Snare was being carried a captive into the outlaws’ stronghold! When the lights went out during the outlaws’ raid on the saloon in White Hoss, Dayton Snare had sprung to his feet and attempted to make an exitfrom the room. He had not taken half- a-dozen steps ere he received a crushing blow = the head which felled him senseless to the oor. The next that he knew, he found himself bound upon a horse’s back and being borne silently away through the darkness, His head ained him and his senses were still confused. or a time he could not remember what had happened. The pain in his head was so great that he did not try to think, but as he lay upon the moving horse’s neck, he uttered an involun- tary groan. A hissing curse broke from lips near at hand, and a quickly muttered order was given. Then, almost before Snare could comprehend what was being done, deft hands had gagged and blindfolded him. Then the night ride through the darkness con- tinued. When the captive had recovered sufficient strength to do so, he sat up in the saddle. He knew not whither he was being carried or in whose hands he was a prisoner. He made sev- eral ineffectual attempts to break the cords which bound him, but soon found this task im- possible, The gag soon became uncomfortable, and finally it was almost unbearable, but try as he might, he could not force it from his jx ws, Finally the agony caused by the gag became so great that the sufferer would have willingly surrendered all his earthly possessions to have had it removed. But all unmindful of the suffering captive, the silent Riders pressed on. To Snare it seemed that they bad been riding days and weeks when a sharp challenge brought them to an instant halt. A brief interchange of words unintelligi- ble to the prisoner occurred, and then they moved forward once more. Dayton Snare knew well enough when they left the open air and entered an underground passage, The rocky walls confined and intensified the sound of the horses’ iron-shod hoofs, Down, down, into the bowels of the earth descended the silent riders, Finally they halted, In low, hoarsely-muttered tones, the outlaw ———— chief spoke to his men; then flinging the bridle- rein of his horse to one who stood near he turn- ed away. Snare could not understand the outlaw’s words. He realized that they were in a lighted chamber, for through the folds of the bandage which covered his eyes came a subdued red glow. He was soon given the privilege of view- ing his surroundings, for deft hands stripped away the blinding cloth and quickly removed the torturous gag from his jaws. Then the cords which held him upon the horse were re- moved and he was dragged from the animal’s back and stood upright upon the cavern floor, As the first blinding glare of light filled his eyes, he was unable to see anything around him, but gradually he began to observe the dark fig- ures of the outlaws, who were busily unsaddling the animals they had ridden. During the brief space that he was allowed to glance around he was able to form no idea of the dimensions of the chambers, Neither could he tell from what source came the blinding glare of light which filled his eyes, Heavy hands fell upon his shoulders, and with a burly guard on either side he was marched away along a narrow, winding passage. One of the guards bore a torch which illumined the way with a fitful flaring light. Finally they paused before an iron door with a grating across the upper part. One of the guards produced a key and fitted it into the tue lock. The barsh, unpleasant sound of a rusty bolt moving reluctantly followed, then the ponderous door swung open. : As they thrust the prisoner through this doorway, one of the men cut the bonds which beld Snare’s hands. The heavy door swung to with a clang and the retreating footsteps of the two outlaws sounded along the passage, grow- ing fainter and fainter and finally dying out in the distance. CHAPTER VII. THE KIDNAPPERS’ VICTIM. ** MERCIFUL Heaven! Where am I?” The words were uttered in a low, tremulous tone and unmistakably in the voice of a female. A dim light burned within an old cabin situ- ated in a lonely gulch, many miles from White Hoss, Upon a couch of boughs lay a beautiful young girl, the perfect contour of her face and figure being but dimly revealed by the flicker- ing light. A rough, bewhiskered man was bend- ing over the couch, while near at hand gat a red-shirted companion, grimly puffing away at a black pipe. ‘** She’s gcum to, pard,” observed the fellow, near the couch of bougbs. ‘* Knew she w’u’d,” said the other, inky a The two men were Rough Dave and Tough Tom, the villainous plotters who had laid the scheme to abduct Vida Gaines, the beautiful daughter of Bryton Gaines, the magnate of White Hoss. That their plotting had been suc- ep the presence of the beautiful victim testi- The men had called the use of a powerful dru to their aid in stopping the girl’s struggles ate cries, and for a long time after they reached the deserted cabin she lay like one dead. At last Rough Dave, hardened wretch that he was, be- gan to grow alarmed, Every effort to restore Vida to consciousness was a failure and it did seem as though she might actually be dead. But Tough Tom did not worry,a bit, “She'll cum roun’ all rite, ole man,” he! averred, ‘' Geelory ter Sary Jane! Don’t you fret erbout thet feemale. You don’t know nothin’ bout wimmen, pard. They’re ther blamdest contrary kritters as von ever did see, W’en ye want ’em ter do a thing they won’t, an’ wen ye don’t want ’em to they will, ye’ll let ’er alone, I bet ashoss she'll cum round within hafe a nour.” The tough’s words were true, Within twenty minutes the girl stirred and uttered a low moan. For ten cr fifteen minutes she lay moan- ing and breathing faintly at first, but gradually stronger ana stronger. Finally she opened her eves to find the bearded, unpleasant face of Rough Dave hanging over her, A lock of ter- ror filled those blue orbs, and in a faint voice she gave utterance to the words recorded at the opening of this chapter, s ‘** Ye’r’ all right, honey,” assured Dave, after he had spoken to his companion. ‘ Don’t be skeered, little duck,” But far from soothing her fears, the hoarse voice of the rough alarmed the girl the more, With sudden, fitful strength she started up upon one elbow, glancing wildly around the room,
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6 _Old Bombshell, the Ranger ‘Oh, where am I?’ she cried. ‘‘ What has sy ak Who are you?” ough Dave ae ye to laugh pleasantly. “One at a time, Song Bird,” said he, grin- ning. ‘‘How d’yer’spect er feller ter answer all them things ter onc’t? Ye’r’ wussnor a Yan kee fer axin’ questions.” The girl shrunk from himinfear, He noticed the moyement and a dark scowl overspread his features, making his look repellent indeed. ** Wot ye skeered at?’ he growled. **Reckon she’d hav’ blamed hard work ter name it,” observed the Terror from Tall Tim- be, with a hoarse chuckle, “You dry up!” snapped Rough Dave, ‘‘I don’t want none o’ yer slack,” ‘*Now hole on,” remonstrated Tough Tom. **Can’t ye take a joke a tall, or is yer head ser thick thet one can’t crawl through? I hed ter stan’ it wen you fired away ’bout my b’longin’ ter ther church.” ‘‘This hain’t no time fer jokes,” retorted Dave. ‘‘ Keep yer loose jaw fer sum other ’ca- sion. Ef ye git me riled jist now, Pil wipe yer karkiss all over this hyer rotten floor.” Tough Tom laid down his pipe and arose to his feet, at the same time spitting vigorously on his dirty hands, ‘* David,” he said, slowly, ‘‘ David, you hajin’t built arter ther right style ter wipe up any dirt ter speak ov with this hyer manly form o’ mine. Ther fack is, David, I ken break yer dirty shape all up inter six-inch kindlin’ in jest three-an’- one-hafe seckints by the chronometer. You hear me warble?” Rough Dave was inan ugly mood just then, and be sprung toward his companion with a snarl whicn sounded hke that of an infuriated animal, In an instant the two clinched in the middle of the room. Then began a fierce struggle for the mastery. With dilated eyes, in the depths of which glowed a dreadful terror, the girl watched the terrible combat. Round and round, back and forth swayed the men, fast locked in each other’s embrace. Their breath soon began to corne in short gasps that told how fiercely they were wrestling, ‘““Yer got ter cum under, David,” gasped Tough Tom, as he made extra exertions to win tae victory. ‘‘ Whoop’er up, Sary Jane! This hyer’s business on ther roof, Down ye go, David.” ‘“*Not by a blamed sight,” grunted Rough Dave, as he still succeeded in keeping his feet. *“Cuss yer bide! [ll down ye, or break every bone in yer body.” Once the Terror succeeded in forcing Rough Dave to his knees, but a desperate effort brought that worthy again to his feet and the battle con- tinued, Suddenly there came a cry, followed by a heavy fall, and Tough Tom lay flat on his back, with the other sitting astride his body. A knife held in Dave’s hand gleamed at the fallen man’s throat. ‘ 'd er good min’ ter cut a slit in yer woosel!” hissed the victor, his eyes gleaming evilly. “Thet w’wd let out sum o’ yer hanged fool blood.” “‘ Better look out fer ther gal,” gasped Tom, as son as he could speak, Dave uttered an oath and bound carried him to where Vida was vainly trying to unfasten the door, Inspired and strengthened by terror, the girl had made her way across the floonin a desperate attempt to escape, but the rusty iron hasp refused to move for her trembling fingers until a strong hand graspei her arm, ‘*Hole on! Not so fast, Song Bird!” cried her captor, roughly pulling ber back. ‘‘ This hyer cage bain’t none too purty, but I don’t reckon we'll let. you fly frum it jest yet.” The girl uttered a shriek and turned on him with all the fury of a young tigress, striking and scratching the ruffian in the face, In vain he attempted to catch her hands. Blow after blow she rained upon his face, till he finally be- came exasperated. Uttering a brutal oath, he struck her a violent blow with his open hand and she fell senseless to the floor, “Thar! [ reckon thet’ll stop yer clawin’. Ye’r’ wuss nor er she-cat,” growled Rough Dave, as he glared dqwn at the silent form at his feet. ‘*Thet wat a purty stout clip ter strike er fee- male,” observed Tough Tom from where he was once more seated, smoking as composedly as though nothing had happened. ‘*Hed ter do it,” declared the big brute, as he picked up the senseless form and once more placed it on the couch of boughs, ‘She fit an’ scratched like er cat. My bull face feels like it’d been skun.” ; ccrang, up., One The Terror laughed. ‘* It war as good’s er cirkuss,” he declared, ‘I thort one time she war goin’ ter knock ye out fer sure. Hyer, ole man, turn er few draps 0’ this down her throat.” He passed a bottle of liquor to Rough Dave. The rough forced a few drops between Vida’s lips and bathed her temples with it. A shiver ran over her frame, and then she lay still with closed eyes, breathing softly. : ‘ She’s all right,” declared Rough Dave, as he proceeded to place the nozzle of the bottle to his own lips and invert the bottom toward the ceiling. “Go light, pard,” cautioned the Terror. ‘‘I feel ther want o’ er leetle o’ thet meself arter our tussil. You floored me, David, but ye did it foul.. Yer can’t never repeat thet leetle job any ole how.” ‘*T kin do it four time; in five,” asserted Rough Dave, as he passed back the half-emptied bottle, *‘ Ef ye don’t believe it come see me ag’en.” ** Not this eve, some other eve,” grinned Tom, as he accepted the bottle. ‘* Hyer’s lookin’ at ye with both eyes wide open tight.” And with this he proceeded to empty the bot- tle. Shortly after one of the two roughs lay down on the floor to sleep, while the other kept guard. Thus, alternately taking turns at watching and sleeping, they passed the night. The morning came clear and sunny, but the sunshine would not reach the bottom of Lone Gulch till the Gay was well advanced. At an early hour the two kidnappers were astir. The girl lay upon the couch of boughs, tae sleeping, exhausted nature thus asserting itself. Making as little noise as possible, Tough Tom took up a rifle from where it stood in a corner, and started out to reconnoiter the gulch and shoot such gameas he might be fortunate enough to see. Rough Dave set about building a fire in the open fire-place. He soon succeeded in this, and within ten minutes a pot of coffee was boiling on the coals. The kidnappers had prepare themselves for several days’ stay away from White Hoss, and soon Rough Dave had a por- tion of their supply of food spread upon a rickety old table. Then he went to the door and looked around for his companion. Tough Tom was not in sight. The rough turned back into the cabin. ** Wonder where ther durned fool’s gone,” he growled beneath his breath. ‘‘ He mought ’a’ known I’d hed breakfist within fifteen minutes. Let’im go. I don’t reckon I’]l keep my stum- mic waiting long.” With this he sat down and began toeat. In a few minutes he had sated his hunger, and passing outside, once more looked anxiously around for his companion. “Guess I'll take a look arter him,” he ob- served, as he closed the cabin door and fastened it securely on the outside. Then he turned and sauntered slowly down the gulch in Tough Tom’s footsteps. Thirty minutes later he came back alone, The cabin door was still fastened securely. He un- did the fastenings and stepped into the cabin. The next moment an imprecation broke from his lips. The cabin was empty and the captive maiden gone! CHAPTER VIII. ESCAPE BAFFLED, Vina GAINES was inured to hardships. Ger whole life had been thickly checkered by trials. By nature she was timid and shrinking, but the life which she had led had taught her self-re- liance. Vida’s earliest memory was of a sweet-faced but sad-appearing woman, whom she knew as ‘*Mother.” This memory seemed much like a dream, Indeed, it was so vague and indistinct that she could’ not sometimes force herself to be- lieve that it was notadream. The sad-faced woman had been very tender and loving toward little Vida, and even when her memory seemed most like a dream, it was the sweetest thing that the girl could recall in all her life, Bryton Gaines was by nature harsh and ty- rannical. As a child, Vida had feared rather than loved him, and her affection did not grow stronger as she became older. She knew not when the sweet-faced woman had passed out of her life, but Bryton Gaines once told her that she was dead. Vida had been given a good education at an obscure Eastern school, and then her father had sent for her to join him in the West. Twice had they moved since he came West, doing so once in a hasty, secret manver. Bryton Gaines was naturally a cool, calculating man, but Vida re- membered that on the occasion of this hasty move he had appeared very much excited and alarmed. Since their settlement in White Hoss Vida had been compelled by her unnatural guardian perform a task decidedly repulsive to ber sensi- tive nature. She was possessed of a rare sweet voice, and while at school had received pains- taking instructions by a first-class tutor. Her father, who owned the White Hoss Hotel, at once perceived how Vida’s vocal powers could be put to advantage in attracting a crowd to the hotel saloon and thus causing a flow of golden coin into his coffer. At first Vida protested against the scheme, Her soul rebelled against appearing before the rough crowd which gathered in the drinking and gambling apartment of the White Hoss Hotel, Bryton Gaines was firm in his purpose, En- treaties, prayers or tears availed nothing, and the girl was finally compelled to consent to his demand. Although she was badly frightened on her first appearance and only sung once, it proved a great hit for the sordid, money-loving Bryton Gaines. The crowd fairly went wild and when it was announced that she would sing again the following evening it cheered itself hoarse. From that time, Vidasung nearly every night in the saloon, and never once by look, word or act did the motley audience offer insult to the fair songstress. Perhaps it was their fear of Bryton Gaines’s wrath that restrained them: perhaps it was the spark of manhood that, still smoldered in the breast of the most hardened wretch, Vida soon gained an amount of self-reliance that most girls do not possess. This quality stood her in good stead on the morning after her abduction by the twokidnappers. While Rough Dave was eating his breakfast she awoke. The first object that her eyes fell upon was the big rough seated on a bench at the table, partaking of the rough food before him. She choked down the ery which sprung to her lips and lay perfect- ly quiet, watching the ruffian through her half- closed eyes. For a few moments her thoughts were vague and confused, but gradually she re- called the occurrences of the previous night, A shudder ran over her as she remembered the terrible struggle between the two kidnappers and her own frantic attempt to escape. She dis- tinctly recalled the terrible shock of the brutal blow that had knocked her senseless, She won- dered where the other of the two men was, Her own frantic efforts had prevented her from sec- ing the result of thé terrible struggle between the two comrades in crime. Perhaps this fellow who was now eating at the table bad murdered the other and she was here alone with the sur- vivor, far from friends or aid, The thought made her very soul turn sick with horror. His hunger sated, Dave arose and glanced around at the captive. She lay quite still with closed eyes, breathing regularly and quite heavi- ly. Satisfied that she still slept, he passed out: of the cabin and closed the door. Vida was alone. For several minutes she lay quite still, not daring to stir. She heard the man muttering outside, then his footsteps sounded fainter and fainter as he made his way down the gulch, When they had died out in the distance, Vida sprung to her feet with sudden energy. Hurry- ing to the door, she tried to open it, but found it fast. Then she quickly turned to the window. This she found quite too high for her to easily climb through. ‘‘T must escape! I must escape!” her white, trembling lips kept murmuring. With feverish haste, she dragged the old table. across the floor and climbed upon it. She ‘then found that she could crawl through the window, but that 1t would be a difficult task on account of the smallness of the aperture. One or two broken lights of glass remained barely held in by the rotten sash, With no trouble at all, she removed the sash and glass. ‘¢T must escape! I must escape!” she still kept m:rmuring. It seemed an impossible task to climb through the window, it was so high from the ground. But Vida was nerved by desperation and suc- ceeded in accomplishing the difficult feat, lower- ing herself to the ground as safely as an acrobat could have done, Then, when she became fully conscious that she was truly free, for the first time she lost her head and turning ran swiftly down the gulch directly in the footsteps of her captors. Fortunately, however, she did not go far be- ¥ Thy ral Pesach Rg com altale saa 7
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{ : y , Ch - fez a ee == Es - _ Old Bom bshell, the Ranger Detective. 7 fore she bethought herself that she had not paused to consider which way Rough Dave had gone. Instead of fleeing from him she might at that moment be rushing again into captivity. The very thought caused her to grow faint and sick with horror, and panting like a hunted ani- mal, she sunk down beside a large bowlder. The act was providential. A moment later the form of a man appeared advancing up the gulch toward her. With re- newed terror, Vida recognized him as one of her late captors. She would have sprung up and fled from him, but her trembling limbs refused to obey the command of her will. As Rough Dave came toward her, Vida man- aged to crawl round behind the bowlder, keep- ing it between herself and the man. Dave was walking with his head bowed and his eyes fixed on the ground. Nearer and nearer he came, and with her heart beating as though it would break its frail wall, Vida crept slowly round the bowlder. She felt almost certain that she should be dis- covered, but fortune smiled upon her and the rough passed without becoming aware of her presence, For some time after Rough Dave passed Vida sat still, gradually regaining her strength and overcoming her terror. Finally she arose and hurried down the gulch as fast as she could. The girl was still attired in the white dress that she wore upon her appearance on the stage at the saloon the night before. The garment was soiled and torn in many places. Her hair had escaped from the coil upor her head and now flowed loosely down her shoulders, There was no hat upon her head, and all together she was the picture of bunted and terrified inno- cence, As long as her wavering feet would carry her she hurried on, but finally she was compelled to pause and rest. Every moment she expected to see Rough Dave returning in pursuit, but happily no such an unwelcome sight greeted her eyes. When she had become thorcughly rested she arose and continued down the gulch. She did not travel so fast now for she wished to reserve her strength as long as possible. She was just congratulating herself on her escape when sud- denly a dark form arose from behind a bowlder and reached her side by a single spring. A rough hand seized her wrist, and an astonished yet triumphant voice cried: ‘*Geelory ter Sary Jane! ain’t takin’ a walk all by herself, my cognomen ain’t Tough Tom, ther Terror.” ; wag uttered a sharp shriek and sunk at his eet, Ef ther little dear CHAPTER IX, A CONSULTATION, ‘*Senp in Lieutenant Blizzard at once.” The Road Riders’ chief gave this order with- out turning his head to glance at the man whom he had summoned to his presence. “All right, sir!” was the cola od reply, and the outlaw’s satellite disappeared from the cav- ern chamber. Ten minutes later a heavy, unsteady step was heard advancing along the passage, then the heavy curtain which hung before the opening was swept aside, and the outlaw lieutenant ad- vanced into the chamber. “Ye sent fer me, boss,” he said, as he made an awkward salute. By the strong light which was diffused from a large glass globe suspended in the ceuter of a small cavern chamLer, Captain Cyclone saw that his subordinate wore a bandage which nearly covered his face. There were blood- stains on his clothes, and his whole appearance indicated that he had lately passed through some , dangerous encounter. For a moment the repulsive-appearing outlaw chief surveyed the man before bim in grim silence. Captain Cyclone had been writing at a round table, near which he now sat. There Wasa chair ‘near at hand, and toward this he motioned his subordinate. With a breath of relief, Lieutenant Blizzard sunk into the prof- fered seat, “T am ready to listen to your report,” re- marked Captain Cyclune, grimly. **T wish I war as reddy ter give it,” the lieu- tenant acknowledged. ‘For ther fu’st time since I hev been your second, I hev failed to carry out your orders.” The hunchback’s eyes flashed ominously. ** Why did you fail?’ he demanded. ‘Surely you did not allow six boys to get away with ten good men?” “Wal, not exactly, Cap. Them six boys were reinforced by two men whose fightin’ abilities war ekil ter three good men each,” The lieutenant paused, but with a motion the outlaw chief signaled him to continue. “Then, ter cap ther hull business,” said Lieu- tenant Blizzard, ‘‘ there war er big dorg as war flung right slap inter ther scrimmage. Thet war w’ot stampeded ther boys. They warn’t lookin’ fer anythin’ o’ thes kind.” **Give an account of the affair from the be- ginning!” commanded the chief. With alacrity the lieutenant proceeded to do so. His version of the night’s adventures in the camp of the Boy Rangers was not very clear, but the chief managed to grasp the main points, **So Little Dan Nubs is on your trail again?” grimly uttered the chief, ‘‘ He is worse thana sleuth-hound, but ten times worse than Dan Nubs is the man-hunter who is seeking my cap- ture and the destruction of the Riders!” ‘* What!” cried Blizzard. ‘It can’t be—” “‘That Barret Dorne, the Border Detective, is in these parts—yes! That devil with the scent of a bloodbound has trailed me here, He was seen in Blue Nose not three days ago.” ‘*Cap, Dan Nubs and Barret Dorne must die!” ** Right!” burst from the chief’s lips, as he brought a clinched fist down upon the table with a thump that made things dance. ‘“ It is either their lives or ours!” “Tt kem mighty near bein’ mine,” observed the lieutenant as he tenderly passed one hand over his bandaged head. ‘‘If ther bullet from ther leetle detective’s gun had drapped a leetle lower I sh’u’d’a’ bin in Kingdum Cum afore this. I don’t want ter take my chances in ther same place ag’en.’ ‘** A miss is as good as a. mile,’” quoth Cap- tain Cyclone. ‘* Waal, as this warn’t eggsactly er miss, we can’t count it better nor hafe-er-mile,” and the speaker made a lugubrious attempt to smile. ‘“* This is no tithe for folly,” growled the chief, sternly. ‘‘ You know that twice already has the band been obliged to change its field of operations on account of too close attention on the part of Barret Dorne, the Border Detective. As for Little Dan Nubs, we know that he is like the immortal Phenix, which returns to life from its own ashes. It is going to take sharp work to down two such devils as these,” ‘* Tt’s their lives or our necks, boss,” and the outlaw lieutenant tenderly caressed his throat and choked convulsively as though he already felt a touch of the rope which his many crimes had so thoroughly earned. “You are right. From this time all our energies must be devoted to wiping out these two man-hunters. Their bones myst bleach among these hills, Curse that devil, Dorne! He has already given more trouble than bis life is worth. I would like the pleasure of choking the breath out of his body!” The outlaw’s fingers worked convulsivel ly and his eyes burned with a deadly glow. His lips were drawn back from his yellow, snaggy teeth, and as he sat humped forward in his chair, he looked the very picture of a demon incarnate. For some time the two sat prong and con- versing. The chief was crafty and bold, but he relied much upon his subordinate to carry out the schemes of his fertile brain. Carefully he laid out a course of action to be pursued in the case before them. Lieutenant Blizzard listened intently, seldom interrupting to ask a question, never to offer a suggestion. Finally the lieutenant arose and left the chief’s private chamber, Left alone, Captain Cyclone’s self-possession vanished. He sprung to his feet and paced up and down the chamber like a caged beast. His hands, which were clasped beneath that unsightly hump upon his back, worked convulsively at times and now and then curses would burst from his lips. He seemed nearly overcome by anger and fear combined. Suddenly seizing a small dagger, he hurled it down upon the table with such ter- rific force that the point sunk deep into the oe wood and the haft quivered for several sec- onds. “I would give half I possess if that were planted in bis heart this minuté!” cried the pas- sion-stricken outlaw. ‘‘Now that revenge is within my grasp, it exasperates me to have this devil once more cross my path.” For ten minutes he continued to pass up and down the cavern chamber; then he advanced toasmall closet and throwing open the door, took therefrom a decanter of liquor, Seizing a glass, he hastily filled it to the brim, His hand shook so that he spilled some of the liquid, Raising the glass, he dashed off the potion. Then he made his way to a couch at one side of the chamber and flung himself upon it. Hours later he was aroused by a messenger who placed a note in his hand, Hastily tear- ing open the note, he quickly devoured its con- tents, when he sprung to his feet. ‘Order Lieutenant Blizzard to see that ten of the men are ready to ride with me at once,” he cried. ‘‘ Tell them to be prepared for hot work. Away!” ‘*When the messenger had disappeared the outlaw chief hurried to the same small’closet from whence he bad taken the liquor, This time it was food for which be searched. He found some and devoured it with haste. A drink of liquor followed, and pulling his hat well over his eyes, he hurried from the cham- ber, CHAPTER X, OLD BOMBSHELL AND DAN NUBS ‘* STRIKE ILE, ‘*Guost o’ the Pan Handle! W’ot er beauchi¢ ful leetle scrimmage! Reg’lar ragin’ cirkis, hey ole purp? Reckon them galoots wi’ mournin’ clothes over their mugs thort er couple o’ Lis- bon yarthquakes hed bruck loose w’en ther Border Boomerang and bis purp, Ole Lion, cum down on ’em, We jist scattered their antimonys all over this hyer part o’ ther kentry. Reckon it seemea like a tornader ’d swept down onter them.” Thus muttering softly to his dog, Old Bomb- shell strode away through the darkness after the termination of the battle m the Boy Rangers’ camp. ‘‘ Ole Lion,” his dog, followed close at his heels. The Border Boomerang was in high spirits, for if there was anything that he thoroughly enjoyed it was a ‘lively leetle scrimmage” like the one in which he had just taken a hand. ; Upon the extinction of the fire, which had lunged the scene of battle in darkness, Old ombshell had at once withdrawn from the struggle, at the same time calling off his dog. Believing that he could be of no further use in that vicinity, he hurried away toward where his horse was picketed, up the valley, He did not see a small dark form that came skulking along through the darkness, following in his tracks. Once or twice the dog paused and looked back with an angry growl. ‘“*Cum erlong, ole purp,” commanded Bomb- shell. ‘* I know ye’d like ter go back an’ hey it out wi’ them fellers, but, business calls us away, Jist at present we are lookin’ fer ther wolf-den o’ Cap’n Cyclone. P’r’aps ’tw’u’d ’a’ b’en ther best way ter kept an eye on them galoots wi’ rags over their faces, Bet er boss ergin’ er white- tailed wasp thet they’d led us to ole Cyclone’s domicile. But we’ve lost our grip onto them fer ter-nite an’ must look for other foxes ter foller, By ther Roman gods, ole dorg! we're er oin’ ter make it warm fer these measley Road Riders, Cum erlong, Lion! Wo’t in sin air ye growlin’ at?” The old man turned and glanced back into the darkness, hut he saw nothing to warrant the dog’s constant uneasiness, All around was dense darkness and silence. Once more the Border Boomerang proceeded at a swinging easy lope. Altbough he had never been in the valley before that night, yet he did not hesitate about the course to pursue. The stamping of a horse near at hand soon came to his ears, followed by a low whinny, The next moment he was by the animal’s side patting its neck and caressing it a3 softly as a parent would his child, The intelligent animal placed its soft muzzle against its master’s cheek in an affectionate manner. ‘** Ah-ha, Tornado!” muttered Old Bombshell. ‘You heerd ther ole man cumin’, didn’t ye? Been list’nin’ ter ther sounds o’ scrimmage, UII bet a shillin’, Didn’t worry ‘bout ther ole man, did ye, hoss? I tell you, Lion an’ I kin hold up our eend, so ye needn’t worry *bout us. Ghost o’ ther Pan Handle, no!” Old Bombshell pulled the picket-pin, and in a few moments was ready to depart. Springing upon the animal’s back, the Border Boomerang was about ready to do so, when a cautious voice hailed near at hand: ‘¢ Hullo, stranger!” Instantly a revolver leaped into Old Bomb- shell’s hand, and the dog gave voice to a fierce growl and seemed about to plunge into the darkness. Peering keenly in the direction from whence came the hail, the Boomerang de- manded: ‘* Who spoke Instantly came the reply:
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8 Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. “Me, stranger—Little Dan Nubs, an o’nery, dried-up specimen of ther human gender.” “Dan Nubs!” cried the big borderman. ‘‘Ghost o’ ther Pan Handle! Cum forud, man, an’ give me er chance ter squoze yer han’, Dan Nubs! Waal, I sweer!” ‘** Jest keep that there dawg o’ yourn frum chawin’ er piece out o’ my system, an’ ’m with ye. Ef thar’s anythin’ in this hull world as [ dow’t like, it’s er dawg.” 3ombshell laughed, and with a few words succeeded in quieting Lion. Then, as the little detective advanced out of the darkness, the big manmsprung down from his horse and stretched out a huge hand. In a moment the two crossed palms, ‘*This duz me proud!” declared Old Bomb- shell, as he put extra force into the grip which he gave the little man, Dan Nubs aid not wince; indeed, he returned the grip with a vengeance which told that mus- eles of steel lay within that small soft hand. “Danny,” said Old Bombshell, as he worked the httle detective’s arm as though it were a pump-handle, ‘‘This are a great occasion fer ther Border Boomerang an’ his pards, Ole Lion an’ Tornado, Lion is my dorg an’ Tornado my hoss. DPve heerd o’ ye, Danny, an’ offen wanted ter grip yer fin. Yer cognomen is entwined with laurels 0’ glory an’ wreaths o’ fame. Ter putt it briefly, you hev got yer name up, an’ this are a moment w’en Ole Bombshell’s buzzum throks wi’ pride.” ** Now ain’t 7 spreadin’ it on jest a trifle thick?” laughed Dan. ‘‘ You make me blush all over my mug, an’ ter blush at this time o’ night with not even er star-beam ter reveal my mai- den-like modesty, is folly indeed.” ** Jest so,” chuckled the Border Boomerang. **Ye sb’u’dn’t be so sensitive ’bout sich leetle things. Now, furinstance, I’m sich er hardened ole wretch thet it w’u’d take er good strong spankin’ with er sbingle ter cause ther crimson ter suffuse my beauchiful phiz.—But ter drop this an’ cum ter biz, w’ot brings Dan Nubs, ther detective, inter these parts?” ‘* Business, Bum’shell; business frum ther wor] go. I’m arter er chap as hails ter ther handle o’ Ben Breeze. In these parts he is known as Lieutenant Blizzard—” ‘* ©’ Cap’n Cyclone’s Road Riders.” ** Jost so. Back thar jest afore ther scrim- mage in which you and yer dawg so fortunately tuck a han’, [had him at ther muzzil o’ my re- volver. He hed friends at han’, an’ called ’em up. Then he called on me ter throw up m han’s. I did so, but sent er bullet along his skull at ther same time. knew that ther chances were ag’in’ me if I cavéd, an’ so tuck desperate measures. Then follered ther fight. I lost my grip on Ben Breeze, but he'll carry er sore head fer a few days, I’m willin’ ter swear.” . * Waal, Danny, he slipped ye this time, but you must lay fer him ag’en. Ther Border Boomerang is noted as an outlaw extarminator an’ he’s reddy ter j’ine han’s wi’ ye in this racket. W’ot say, Little Dan?” ‘*That I sha)l be heartily glad of your assis- tance. If I saw a fair sample o’ yer fightin’ ability back there ter-nite, you must be a holy terror on trucks,” ; ‘‘ Then hyer’s my fin on it.” Once more the two strange men shook hands heartily, thus sealing the compact. **Now,” said Old Bombshell, “‘whar are we goin’ ter bunk fer ther nite?” ** Not in this vicinity, Bumshell,” objected the little detective. ‘‘ Bill Breeze will be apt ter look fer me hyer ter-morrer an’ cum with men enough ter wipe me out ef he finds me. We'd better hie ourselves to some other lokality.” ‘*Prezactly; but, w’ot means o’ locomotion hey ye, Danny?” “ A boss, pard, ahoss. Dan Nubs ain’t ridin’ Shank’s mare toany great extent nowadays. My animal is concealed up ther valley er piece. | I picketed him thar and kem on afut, Thet blamed dorg o’ yourn made considerable noise w’en I passed this spot, I war lookin’ sharp fer snags an’ lay low w’en you kem prancin’ back this way ter see w’ot war ther matter. I didn’t know ef ye war friend or foe, so I let ye pass an’ then went on.” ** Thet explains Ole Lion’s warnin’. I didn’t find anythin’ out an’ c’u’dn’t think w’ot war ther matter wi’ him.” Dan Nubs now hurried away to get his horse, and once more mounting his own animal, Old Bombshell rode leisurely up the valley. A few minutes later he was joined by the little detec- tive, and side by side, they rode through the darkness, conversing in low tones, At last they drew rein upon the brink of a dark chasm, the depths of which they could not then fathom. ‘* This hyer bizness is gittin’ er leetle skittish, Danny,” observed the Border Boomerang. ‘Ef it warn’t fur ther good hoss sense o’ these ani- miles, I reckon we'd be liable ter take er tumble as w’u’d shakeus up er trifle. It’s erbout time ter be thinkin’ o’er a chance ter bunk.” ** Guess ye’r’ right, Bumshell,” admitted the | little man. ‘* We’d better p’int fer sum serclud- ed nook an’ spread our blankets beneath ther canopy o’ heaven, We have—” “a Sh !? The interruption came in asharp, sibilant hiss as Old Bombshell’s hand fell heavily upon the little detective’s arm, Both men listened intently. From out of the darkness some distance away down the chasm came the unsteady rattling | tramp of iron-shod hoofs passing over a rocky trail. Nearer and nearer came the sounds, ** Look out fer yer hoss,” whispered Bombshell. ‘** Don’t let ther critter whicker!” Then he slid from bis own animal’s back and crouched for an instant beside his dog. Lion had already become aware of the approach of some one in the defile below, and, with every muscle taut, was sniffing the air suspiciously. ‘*Steddy, ole dorg!”) whispered Bombshell. “Keep yer chin music still now. Nota sound, ole purp!” The dog seemed to understand, for he licked his master’s hand and crouched silently in his tracks, Then Bombshell turned his attention to his horse. ** Stiddy, stiddy, Tornado!” he murmured, as he placed one hand over the animal’s nostrils and patted its neck softly with the other, Onward came the sounds until they were al- most directly below. Both men listened eagerly and made out that a number of horsemen were passing in the defile. It was a critical moment, for had one of the horses or the dog on the bank above made a noise the riders below would have become aware of the near proximity of others than themselves, But no alarm was given, and the night riders passed on. Danny,” whispered Bombshell, excitedly, ““we must get down thar to onc’t. Vl beta hoss thet is some o’ Ole Cyclone’s gang. We've got ter leave these hosses. Ole Lion will guard ’em. Lively, Danny, lively!” The two men made quick work. Within a few seconds the horses were picketed in a safe place, and after telling the dog to remain there and guard them, Old Bombshell led the way swiftly along the brink of the defile, closely watching for a place to descend. At the risk of broken bones, they made their way downward through the darkness, descending the almost perpendicular face of a rocky wall. They reach- ed the bottom iu safety and hurried on after the night riders, ‘or somewhat more than a mile Bombshell and Little Dan followed the horsemen, who were, in fact, Captain Cyclone himself and a part of bis followers returning from their raid on the saloon in White Hoss, carrying with them Dayton Snare, a prisoner. Finally the outlaws turned into a narrow ent the nearly perpendicular walls of which were oppressively close together. For some distance they pro- ceeded along this cut in silence. Finally they were brought to a halt by a sharp challenge. There was a moment’s interchange of words, then the Riders passed on, but Old Bombshell and Little Dan Nubs remained crouching in their tracks several rods down the cut. ‘“‘Thar’s er sentinel thar,” whispered Bomb- shell. ‘‘We can’t go further now, but it’d be safe ter gamble thet we are cluss onto one 0’ ther entrances to Cyclone’s wolf-den. Danny, you undersized little runt, we’ve struck *ile, by ther Roman gods! an’ don’t ye fergit it!” CHAPTER XI. FROM THE FRYING-PAN INTO THE FIRE, UTTERING that one sharp shriek of | despair, Vida sunk at Tough Tom’s feet in utter aban- donment of hope. She had so nearly sueceeded in escaping that the sight of this fellow, one of her former captors, fell like a cruel blow upon her eyes. As for the Terror, be was surprised at the sight of the girl whom he had supposed still in the lone cabin,,safely guarded by his comrade in crime. How she had succeeded in escaping from Rough Dave was a mystery which he did not puzzle his brains over a great deal, It was evident that she had escaped, but as fortune directed, she had fled straight into his detaining grasp. * Geelong ter Sary Jane!” repeated the vil- lain, with a horribe chuckle. ‘Ther leetle bird got tired o’ her cage an’ flew away frum et, did she? But she came straight to her protector’s arms. It w’u’dn’t do fer ther leetle deer ter loose in these hills. Hawks are thick an’ seek sich tender morsils fer prey. You will be much safer in yer giltless cage, leetle Song Bird.” Vida did not reply, but burying her face upon her arms, she broke into sobs of bitter despair. ‘Cum, cum, leetle gal,” said the Terror, at- tempting to be cheerful. ‘*Don’t take on in thet way. You sha’n’t be hurt. We are only keepin’ ye till yer rich ole dad passes over sum o’ his ill-got boodle, He’s got tercum down in great style an’ he kin afford to. 1 reckon he’s got haydoogins o’ skids, ‘‘Cum, cum, leetle one, brace up an’ it’ll cum out right in ther wash. Ef ye are skeered 0’ Rough Dave, I'll stan’ atween ye an’ him, I didn’t go into this hyer business ter knock down wimmin ther wa he did las’ nite, an’ though I'm et mighty tuff cuss, I’m not low down ernuff ter injure an innercent feemale gal.” ‘Then that saves your bacon!” The words fell like an unexpected thunderbolt upon the ears of the tough. e wheeled like a flash and found himself covered by a rifle held in the hands of a beardless young man, who was seated upon a large stone twenty paces warty ‘** Up with your hands!” commanded the young man. ‘‘ No funny business! Up with them lively, and be careful that they are empty if you do not want to taste lead!” Mechanically the tough obeyed. He did not dare to refuse, for he saw a deadly light. gleam- ing in the speaker’s eyes. ** Good enough,” came curtly from those beardless lips, ‘‘There is evidently no fog on your brain, Now you will please turn your ack to your humble servant, taking care not to lower your hands. Now, round you go! That’s right; steady so! Now, partner, don’t for your life turn your head, for it will be your death warrant to try it. Remember lam keep- ing you covered all the time. The young fellow lay down his rifle, but drew a cocked revolver at the same time. Then he sprung up and swiftly advanced to where the Terror from Tall Timber was standing. Tough Tom felt the muzzle of a revolver pressed against the base of his skull and at the same time a deft hand removed the weapons from his belt and flung them away. ' The kidnapper could not repress a growl of anger. ‘¢- Ye never’d got ther dead drop onto me ef I hadn’t let go my rifle ter ketch this gal,” he de- clared, “Dod lame ther luck! Who be ye, anyway?” ** Lucky Luke, at your service,” laughed the captain of the Boy Rangers, for che young man who had so fortunately come to Vida’s rescue was in truth Captain Luke. ‘* Now, my unfortunate friend, you will please liedown on your face. That’s business; down with you. No fooling!” Uttering fierce curses, the ruffian slowly obeyed this command. Captain Luke forced him to lie at full length upon bis face and cross his wrists behind his back. Then swiftly and deftly the Boy Ranger bound the tough’s hands with some cords which he drew from his pock- ets. Then he turned his attention to Tough Tom’s feet. Ina few seconds’ time he had the kidnapper ‘ trussed up in style.” ‘‘There you are, my dandy,” cried Luke, as he viewed his work with an admiring eye. “TI think those strings will keep you quiet fora while. I presume you have friends near who will find and release you by and by, have you not?” But a string of oaths was the only reply which the unfortunate tough would utter. 6 Vida, who had recovered her composure since the unexpected appearance of this unknown friend, and was now standing near, ventured to answer Luke’s question. “There is another of them. sir. They kid- napped me from my home in White Hoss last night and brought me to this dreadful canyon, and I was held a prisoner ina cabin, from which I escaped this morning. ‘I would rather die than go back there with those terrible men,” There were still tears in Vida’s eyes, andas . she stood before him with clasped and trembling hands, Luke was ready to swear that never be- fore had he seen so beantiful a maiden, There was a glow of admiration in his eyes, and an earnest ring to his voice, as he replied: ‘“* Never fear; I assure you, miss, they shall not take you back there if I am able to prevent it. Iam ready to protect you with my life, if necessity should arise!” a
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Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. Oh, thank you, sir! You are kind, indeed,” murmured Vida, her eyes falling before Luke’s ardent gaze and a fain a touch of pink. ‘‘ How can r— *¢ Call me Luke. flush giving her cheeks ever repay you, Some make it Lucky Luke, some Captain Luke. As for pay, we will speak of that at some other time—perhaps. Then you think this fellow’s companion will find him if we leave him here?” ** Yes, he will probably come back this way when he finds that I have not gone up the can- yon. **Good enough, That will save me the trouble of looking him up tosee that he does not starve. And now, if you are ready, we will go away from here, I have some companions who are camped several miles from this spot, and with them to aid in protecting you, it will be an easy task to return you safely to your home in White Hoss.” When they were ready to depart Luke gal- lantly offered Vida his arm, which the girl gladly accepted, as she was quite weak from the effect of the great excitement through which she had just passed. Thus, arm in arm, they pro- ceeded down the gulch, followed by a string*of curses from the lips of the discomfited kid- papper. $s they walked along Vida told Luke the whole story of her recent adventures with Rough Dave and his accomplice. Luke listened with interest, and when the girl told of that brutal blow which had stricken her senseless, he could not repress'an outburst of anger. ‘The scoundrel! tbe brute!” he cried. ‘‘ To lynching is too good for such a wretch. He'll receive no mercy at my hands if I ever get the drop on him!” ida became more and more confiding, and piece by piece she told him the story of her entire life. For some reason Luke did not seem like a stranger to her; he seemed more likea dear friedd to whom she could unbosom her secrets. And Luke? He listened, enchanted by the sound of her sweet voice and the sight of her beautiful face so near to hers, Each moment “m became more and more interested in his pro- egee. Finally Vida turned to him with: ‘Now tell me something of yourself, Mr. Luke,” Her frank, direct manner was in no way sug- gestive of boldness, but rather of unsopbisti- cated innocence. For a moment Luke was embarrassed, but he answered: “T know you will pardon me, Miss Gaines, if I tell you plainly that I cannot be as frank with you as you have been with me, There are parts of my life which are sealed and of which 1 shall never speak till the time of judgment and retri- bution comes for one who perpetrated a terrible crime years ago. Lat it suffice to say that I was deserted by my father at an early age and have led a wandering life since I became able to do so.” Onward went the young couple, deeply en- grossed with each other and quite unmindful of their surroundings. Each moment Luke be- came more and more enamored with the fair girl by hisside. Vida was sure that never be fore had she met such a gallant and entertain- ing young man. Already were they being insnared in the meshes of love’s delightful net. Not a warning of danger fel] upon their ears till half.a-score of masked men arose, seemingly out of the ground, all around them, Directly in their path stood the bump-backed, repulsive chief of the Road Riders, and it took but a glance to tell that the masked. men were his followers, Vida had been rescued from the hands of Tough 'om only to fall with her rescuer into the clutches of that terrible outlaw, Captain Cvclone! Verily this was getting ‘tout of the frying-pan into the fire.” CHAPTER XII. THE MYSTERIOUS VAILED WOMAN. NiGutr had once more spread its mantle over hill and vale. Thecamp-fire of the Boy Rangers burned brightly within the depths of a well- sheltered gully. Around the fire were gathered allof the Rangers except Captain Luke. He was absent. A look of gloom brooded on the boys’ faces, “Tt is strange why Luke has not returned,” observed Tom Dole, as he stared steadily into so fire. ‘Something must have happened to eflm. ‘** No bisness ter go chasin’ arter Ole Bumble- od ‘ bee an’ dat big dog,” asserted Firetop, with a | hand upon a convenient weapon, but a motion solemn shake of his red head. dat dog jess lief bite as breaf.” ‘*“Yaas, he looked like be was particularly fond of red headed niggers,” remarked Bob Swett, a faint smile resting on his fat face for an instant, “Git out, dar! Go ’way, now!” cried the darky, promptly. ‘Dat dog ain’t no feol, Ye don’ kotch him eatin’ nigger, wen he kin git good steak offen er fat chile like you is,” ‘* We don’t keer anythin’ *bout ther ole man or his dawg till we know w’ot’s becum of Luke,” said Ned Pepper, anxiously. ‘He started out ter see if he could find traces of Ole Bum’shell, an’ he ain’t cum back yit. Didn’t he tell you he’d return by noon, Tom?” ‘“Yes, he said he surely would be here by hash time. Hesaid that he was not going far and might be back within an hour,” ‘* That was early this morning,” broke in Bob Swett. ‘Joe and I have tramped over near twenty miles of territory since dinner, search- ing for him, but not a trace have we found, Where can he have disappeared to?” “You tell,” snapped Happy Joe. ‘’Twixt raucin’ arter him an’ tryin’ ter make this blamed ole pipe go, I’m pritty nigh used up.” “Tt’s too bad about you,’ uttered Tom Dole, with mock sympathy. ‘I’m really afraid you'll die sometime for want of breath,” ‘*Reckon thet’ll be ther trubble if anythin’ is,” Joe admitted. ‘*I don’t count on, livin’ er great while arter I stop breathin’.” ‘Which shows that you are a great deal more ** By golly! I bet strike a helpless girl whom he had in his power! | sagacious than one would imagine by your ex- — aspect,” observed Bob Swett, sarcastic- ally. ‘* Well, I swan!” gasped Happy Joe, ‘ Did you fellers ketch onto them big words? Reckon Bob's been studdyin’ er dictionary lately.” **This isn’t settling what has become of Cap- tain Luke,” put in Tom Dole, impatiently. ‘* No, dis ain’t nuffin’ but chin, chin, chin!” cried Firetop. ‘ Yo’ fellers am all talky- talk.” ‘*T don’t see how we are goin’ ter settle that question, anyhow,” added Ned Pepper. ‘‘ There hain’t no way o’ findin’ out w’at becum o’ him ter-night.” ‘* Not unless some good fairy turns up to give us the desired information,” uttered Bob Swett with a dejected air. ‘If I were a magician, i might conjure up a fairy ora witch, it would make little difference which, sq long as she brought news of Captain Lule.” ‘*Suppose you try yer luck,” suggested Ned. ** Wot er joke itd be ter rip up er ginnywine ole female witch.” : ** Hole on dere!” cried Firetop, in some alarm. Don’ ye go ter cuttin’ up any monkey shines, chillun’. My ole gran’marm uséd to allers be callin’ up de witches an’ sich boogerish fings. She’s skeered dis nig out ob fo’ mon’fs groaf hundred ob times.” ‘That explains w’y ye’r’ red-headed,” chuckled Ned. ‘*A white man’s hair turns white w’en he’s powerful skeere@—a nigger’s turns red. Ha! ha!” ‘* Hel he!” mocked the darky. ef ye wants to. I don’ keer.” The boys could not repress their merriment, despite the fact that they were sorely troubled by their leader’s absence. When they had ceased to laugh, Ned arose, and, with a view of having more sport at Firetop’s expense, said slowly: P ** Laff erway ** Fairies or witches. wherever ye be, Come quickly aud bring a mcssage to me!” Scarcely had he ceased speaking when a wo- man’s voice came from out of the darkness near at hand: ‘Whether Iam fairy or witch, I bring you tidings of your absent friend.” With amazement written on their counte- nances, the boys whirled quickly in the direc- tion from whence came the voice. Out of the shadows advanced a woman, leading a horse, She paused a few paces away, in the full glow of the firelight, where the boys were aple to ob- tain a good view of her. They saw before them a medium-sized woman, who was dressed in a dark suit, and wore a vail over her face. The horse behind her wasa coal- black animal, and upon its back were lashed ae trappings, apparently alight camping out- At the sight of the woman the darky uttered a yell, and, doubling up like a jack-knife, rolled over several times, but finally lay still, glaring at the apparition, with his teeth chattering vig- orously, The other boys, each and every one, placed a of the woman’s gloved hand caused them to re- lax their grasp. ‘*‘T come here as a friend,” said she, quietly. “While you were talking if approached near enough to hear what you were saying. From your words, I am led to believe that you have ost your leader.” ‘*Which is true, madam,” admitted Tom Dole. ‘Our captain, Lucky Luke, went away at sunrise this morning, and bas not yet return- ed. We fear that be is in trouble.” “Te your captain a tall, beardless youth, dressed ina balf-buckskin costume?” a ‘*He is! You have seen him?” eagerly cried om. ‘‘T think so. Together with a beautiful girl, he has fallen into the hands of the band of out- laws who infest these bills.” ‘*How do you know this?’ demanded Tom, a look of consternation andalarm appearing upon his face, ‘* There was no girl with him when he left us.” ‘‘ The outlaws passed within a rod of where I lay concealed, In their midst was this young man, bound upon a horse’s back, and by his side rode the fair girl. She was weeping, and as they passed I heard him tell her to cheer up, He said that friends of his would soon come to their rescue,” This announcement produced great conster- nation among the boys. They gathered around the strange woman, demanding that she guide them at once to the spot where she had seen eta captain a captive in the midst of the out- aws, ‘‘ Wait,” she said calmly. ‘‘I cannot guide you there now, and if I could, it would do no good, for you could not follow their trail in the darkness. I followed the outlaws as far as the nature of the country would allow without ex- posure. Then I gave itup. In the morning, | will put you on their trail and you can then run them to their bole.” The boys soon became convinced that this was the only method to pursue, although they re- luctantly gave up the idea of making some move toward their leader’s rescue at once, After picketing the horse near by, the woman removed the trappings from its back, and, with the aid of the boys, soon had a small canvas tent pitched near the fire. Not for an instant during the time did she remove the vail from her face. From a pair of holes cut in the upper art of the gauzy mask shone two eyes, which ‘om Dole afterward declared gleamed in the firelight like twin sta's, As soon as the tent was pitched, the woman entered and retired for the night, The boys sat around the fire, conversing in low tones for some time. Finally, after decid- ing upon taking turns at guarding the camp, they ceased talking and soon four of them were sleeping soundly, while the fifth kept watch and ward over the camp. CHAPTER XITl. A TERRIBLE DISCOVERY, WHEN the heavy cell door had closed, Dayton Snare stood still in the darkness listening to the retreating footsteps of the two outlaws. It was several mornents before he could realize the full horror of his position, ‘““My God!” he groaned, as he wrung bis hands in anguish. ‘What a horrible fate! Something seems to tell me that my deadly foe, Ralph Roberts, has triumpbed over me and that I am now at bis mercy, if so, 1 need not ¢x- pect any leniency at his hands, He wil take my life with as little compunction as be would feel in destroying an animal.” For several moments he stood alone in the black darkness with his bands clasped and his head bowed upon his breast. His spirit seemed utterly crushed, Finally a hard, mirthless laugh broke from his lips. “This is the working of Providence!” he eried, wildly, ‘This is my punishment! God in Heaven! Have I not been punished enough already? My whole life has been one of bit- ter remorse. That one thoughtless act sent her who was dearer than my own life to her doom! To-dey I would willingly die if I could recall that first bitter word. But tbe past can- not be recalled.” , His lips and tongue were dry and stiff. His head swam and all around him in the gloom danced myriad points of light, which assumed fantastic forms but never remained motionless for a second. He seemed to feel rather than see hundreds of grinning, hideo faces peering at bim on every hand. A terri- ble choking sensation seized him, and he gasped for breath,
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ee aS 10 *‘T shall go mad!” he gasped, hoarsely, ‘I must bave a light!” Hastily he felt through his pockets, aad to his intense delight, discovered some matches of which his captors had not deprived him. With trembling fingers he proceeded to strike one of them on his clothes. The brimstone ignited, burned blue in the darkness for an instant and then the match blazed steadily. By the light of the burning match he saw that he was in a bare, cell-like chamber, about twenty feet square, There was no furniture of any kind within the chamber, not even a chair or a cot bed. It was a terribly desolate place. The prisoner held the match until the flame burned his fingers; then with feverish haste, he proceeded to hight another, and he once more scrutinized the cell. A cry of delight burst from his lips as he espied a half-burned candle rest- ing upon a rocky shelf-like nook at one side of the chamber. Another match was brought into use, and with considerable trouble, he succeeded in light- ing the candle, <A sigh of relief escaped his lips when he had done so. ‘* Now,” he said, as he took the candle in his band, ‘‘ I will examine this hole thoroughly and try to discover if there isno way of escape. If I have to stay here when this candle is burned out I shall gomad. Icannot conceive of pun- ishment more terrible than to place a person in such a place as this without a light.” He at once began to examine the walls, Pick- ing up a small round stone, he passed around the cell rapping sharply on the stone walls and listening intently to the sound. If he had based any hopes on a possible escape through the walls, he was doomed to disappointment for every where they gave back the same dead, hard sound. Here and there a few pebbles and small stones came rattling down. ‘“*They are all solid,” he muttered, with sinking heart. ‘It is no use totry them, Iam doomed !” But he did not give up all hope although he knew that the chances were a hundred to one against escape. Candle in hand, he approached the cell door. Holding up the light he peered through the grating out into ,the narrow pass- age. Only the bare rocky walls met his gaze. He drew back with a despairing groan. In sudden desperation, he hurled himself with all his strength against the heavy door. To his amazement the door swung slowly open! For a moment Snare believed himself a victim of a hallucination. That the cell door had in- deed swung outward before that desperate push he could scarcely believe. He passed one hand across his eyes, as though to brush away the de- lusive vision, and leaned against the cell wall in very faintness of heart, fearing that it would prove a vision indeed. A ery of joy burst from his lips when he dis- covered that the door was indeed open, With cous limbs he hastened to leave the cell, “Great God, I thank thee!” he murmured. “* Any fate is preferable to remaining there.” To Daytou Snare it seemed that the hand of Providence had been instrumental in his release from the cell. In truth, the cell door had not been locked. When the guards had thrust the prisoner into the cell, one of them had turned the key carelessly in the lock, The rusty bolt had moved part way, but had not entered the socket. As the lock was rusty and unused, the guard did not suspect the true cause _ the difficulty he experienced in removing the ey. As fast as his legs would carry him, Dayton Snare hastened away along the winding pas- sage. He knew not whither he was going and little cared so long as he got away from that dreadful cell. For a time he rushed along in this manner, blind and unreasoning. Finally his better judgment overcame his fears, and he proceeded more cautiously, holding the candle aloft and peering anxiously forward into the darkness. ‘*T must be careful,” he muttered. ‘I may run directly into the midst of the outlaws, and once more be taken prisoner.” Occasionally he Would pass openings of other passayes, which led away into the bowels of the earth, he knew not how far. Several times he paused, undecided about turning off into one of these passages. Finally he entered, a small, round chamber, from which led half a dozen lng es in as many different directions. Here e halted, undecided. which one to follow. **T will trust to Providence,” he murmured, and choosing one @f the passages at random, continued to press forward. et yt IS Pa A A a YA A I I , 5 4 ; ater ribemcak e @ P : ea . rere Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. The passage was narrow and crooked, and the many twists and turns soon served to thor- oughly confuse him, Finally he found the way blocked by an abrupt wall. Then he turned back and entered another passage. From this he soon turned into one which appeared larger and more inviting. But this finally ended. Then he resolved to return to the round cham- ber and take some other passage. But it was easier to resolve to do such a thing than it was to doit. He tried passage after passage, each moment growing more alarmed and confused. Finally a terrible truth forced itself upon his benumbed sense of reasoning. He was lost! Now, indeed, his position was _ terrifying. Lost underground! He might wander through those deserted passages for hours, ay, for days, till he became exhausted by hunger, and meet no living being. Then, when he became so weak that he could go no further, be must lie down and perish miserably there in the borrible darkness. His position as a prisoner in the bare cell had been terrible, but it now seemed to him that his present position was ten times worse. In very agony of soul he shrieked aloud. The sound seemed terribly intensified and condensed as it went echoing away down the winding eng He listened, almost terror- stricken by the unnatural sound of his own voice. , Hark! Did his ears deceive him, or was that an answering cry that he heard? He tried to hush the throbbing of his heart as he strained his ears to listen. He was not deceived. Faintly to his ears came the sound of*a human voice in the dis- tance. Crouching in his tracks, he listened to hear the,cry repeated several times, Then, for a moment, all the old wild fear of discovery and recapture fell upon him, He came near turning and flying away along the passage, anywhere to get out of the sound of that voice. Caution and reason prevailed, how- ever, and he advanced slowly along the pas- sage, listening intently for any alarming sound. s he advanced the sound of those cries be- came more and more distinct. He soon made out that it was a woman's voice. A woman! Perhaps she was in distress, All the chivalry in Dayton Snare’s nature became aroused at the thought, and he hastened swiftly forward. The cries which came to his ears were mean- ingless. He coulg distinguish no words, and once he almost halted as a wild, maniacal laugh came echoing along the passage. “There is a human being there,” he mut- tered, ‘‘and I am going to see it before I turn back.” He soon came to an iron door set within the face of a solid wall. Across the upper part was a grating and from beyond the door still came the cries which had lured him there. He held up his light and peered through the grating. A cell similar to the one from which he had escaped met his gaze, and in the center stood a wild-appearing woman, whose clothes hung about her in shreds and whose long hair flowed down over her shoulders. Her eyes were ablaze with an insane glare. As Dayton Snare pressed his face against the grating, she started back, throwing up both hands and crying: “It ishe! Cyrus! Cyrus!” “God in Heaven!” shrieked Dayton Snare, “Tt is Vivian, my wife !” And he fell senseless to the ground. CHAPTER XIV. A FEARFUL ALTERNATIVE, At about the hour of noon on the day that Lucky Luke and Vida Gaines fell into the hands of Captain Cyclone and his lawless followers, half-a-dozen outlaws might have been seen stretched out upou the sand at the bottom of the sink which marked the center of their under- ground stronghold, engaged in smoking, chew- ing tobacco, playing cards and telling stories. Already were Luke and Vida captives within the cavern, the former having been venfined in a dark dungeon-like cell, similar to that from which Dayton Snare had escaped. Luke, how- ever, was given a light and he found witbin his cell a small cot bed and a chair. Vida was treated more kindly. True, she was; confined beneath lock and key, but the chamber in which she was placed was a Paradise compared with some of the others. The light from a large glass chandelier, suspended in the center of the chamber, showed her a very com- fortable and almost luxuriously furnished apart- ment. Soft gray curtains concealed the rocky walls and a handsome carpet covered the floor. Upon a small table in the center of the room lay several books and one or two magazines. There were several upholstered chairs in the room, a handsome sofa and other things which might have been found in any well-furnished apart- ment. Vida was greatly surprised by her surround- ings, but her surprise did not prevent her throwing herself upon the sofa and weeping bitterly. At noon a man unlocked the cell, or chamber, door and brought m a tray on which were some dishes of dainty and tempting food. Leaving the tray and its burden, the man retired, locked the door and passed on. Thirty minutes later he entered the sink where the outlaws were telling stories and playing ecards, His face looked white and scared, and he made a covert signal to one of the outlaws. Then he turned and re-entered the passage and the fellow to whom he had signaled followed him a few moments later. In the darkness they came together, and the one who had made the signal said: ae Bob.” ** Waal, Joe?” ‘¢ We're in fer it.” ‘Wot d’yer mean?” ‘Ther pris’ner thet we chucked inter Number Four las’ night hes escaped.” The one addressed as Bob seized his companion fiercely by the arm. ‘““Ve’r’ lyin’, pard!” he gasped. ‘‘T jest wish I waz,” was the dogged reply; ‘but it’s true as Gospil. ‘‘ He got ther door open sumhow an’ w’en I went ter kerry ’im his hash jest now I tound ’im gone.” ‘* Yer hain’t mentioned this ter nobody?” “Nary mention.” : ‘We must get outo’ hyer to onc’t, If ther chief finds this out while be kin putt his han’s onto us our lives wun’t be w’uth er hoot.” “Right you are, pard. Let’s git instanter.” And with as little delay as possible, the two outlaws hastened to get beyond reach of the vengeance of their terrible chief. On the way out of the cave they passed a per- son who was bearing a light, and whom, with some fear, they recognized as Lieutenant Bliz- zard. The lieutenant cast a suspicious look at the two men, but uttered not a word as be passed on. He still wore the bloody bandages around his head and over one eye, and these cloths, to- gether with his black beard, effectually concealed his features; but from beneath the lopping brim of the hat still peered a piercing eye. Straight on into the main chamber of the cay- ern he strode, and then without paying the least heed to several outlaws wko were present. turned. into a wide passage and was soon stance - fore the cell in which Lucky Luke was confined. Taking a key from his pocket, the man un- locked the cell door and entered. Luke, who had been lying on the rough cot bed, started up and faced the intruder. ‘‘ Hullo! hullo!” growled the fellow with the bandage around his head. ‘‘ Bin takin’ it easy, hev ye? Waal, I don’ know asI kin blame ye, much. Yer might ez well take it easy while ye kin. Ther chiek will hev ye in hot water soon ernuff.” ‘What is to be done with me, anyway?” de- manded Luke. ‘‘ Why was I brought here?” ‘‘ Basier asked than ans’ered, young feller. I don’t reckon ez how many 0’ his men are in ther habit o’ inquirin’ inter ther cap’n’s bisness, It wu'dn’t be healthy.” ‘‘ Well, at least you can tell me what they have done with the young lady who was cap- tured with me.” ‘**T can’t even do that. don’ know.” ‘“‘T believe you lie,” remarked Luke, calmly. The big fellow laughed, f ‘““You’ve got gall ter tell me so,” he said. “You are unarmed and alone, a prisoner; Iam armed and have more than a dozen men to back me, yet_you dare tell me Tlie. Ider oe mine ter blow ther hull ruff o’ yer cabeza off!” Apparently seized by a sudden fit of rage at the thought of the youth’s audacity the speaker whipped out a revolver and quickly leveled it at Luke’s head. Cause why? ’Cause I The captain of the Boy Rangers laughed in his face. ‘‘ Don’t make a fool of yourself,” came calmly from Luke’s lips. ‘You don’t dare to shoot, and I know it. Captain Cyclone’s vengeance would fall heavily upon your bead if you should slay one of his prisoners without permit to do ” The man lowered his revolver, . ‘* Guess ye’r’ right,” he admitted, ‘‘ It’s no use ter try to scare you in thet wa y. You ought to ae
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- Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. 11 hev been named Plucky Luke instead o’ Lucky Luke.” ‘It required but little pluck to face you when Tt knew you did not mean shoot.” “Well, it took some coolness, young man,” said the fellow, speaking grammatically, much to Luke’s surprise. ‘‘l admire your nerve, and am quite sure that I can make use of you in the emergency that is pretty sure tocome, Instead of being a foe to you, I am a friend, and in due time I will assist you to escape from this under- ground den.” Captain Luke was amazed. He stared at the speaker incredulously for a moment, and then demanded: ‘* Who in Satan’s name are you?” ‘Tam Lieutenant Blizzard, an outlaw—ap- parently. When the time comes for me to re- veal my true identity, you shall know who I really am. I would release you from this cell at once, but some of the outlaws might bappen along this way and find that you were gone. That would ruin my plans. For a time you must remain under lock and key, but at the proper moment you shall be released. Until then, keep up your spirits.” | The man arose to go, and Luke sprung up, erying eagerly: **- You say you are my friend. If you speak the truth, you are also a friend to the young lady who was taken prisoner with me. I beg you to see that no harm comes toher. Her position must be terrible, indeed, a captive in this wretched place.” ‘*T promise you faithfally that if I can pre- vent by interposing my own life between the young lady of whom you speak and harm, I will willingly do so,” said the strange outlaw, sober- ly. ‘* Here is my hand on it.” If Captain Cyclone had peered into that cell a moment later he would have witnessed an as- tonishing sight—apparently his trusted lieuten- ant warmly shaking the hand of Lucky Luke, his prisoner. hile this scene was _transpiring, matters of interest to the reader were taking place in an- other part of the cavern. Vida Gaines was startled to hear a key fitted into the lock of the door to the chamber in which she was confined, and as the door swung open, she started to her feet. A ery of mingled surprise and joy burst from her lips as her eyes fell upon a person who en- tered through the open doorway. ‘‘ Bather! father!” she exclaimed, with emo- tion. ‘‘ Vida, my daughter!” burst from Bryton Gaines’s lips. He did not attempt to embrace her, for his hands were confined by manacles. And Vida restrained any sudden feeling of affection, when she remembered his usual unfeeling ways; but she quickly advanced to his side, her eyes fas- tened upon the manacles that burdened his wrists. ‘Father, how came you here?” she asked, anxiously. ‘What means these irons upon your wrists? Are you, too, a prisoner in this lace?” “*] regret to say that I am,” was the reply. ‘*T was unfortunate enough to fall into the hands of these desperate robbers, and they brought me to this underground cavern. But how came you here? Tell me all about it,” As briefly as possible, Vida told him of her adventures after she was kidnapped by the two ruffians at the back door of the White Hoss Hotel. Bryton Gaines listened without word or comment till she was done, then he spoke more tenderly than she had ever known him. ‘Vida, my poor girl, you have indeed been cruelly treated, and if it ever comes within my ower those two dastardly wretches shall be Fully punished. But even now, I fear that your position is worse than it was in the hands of those creatures who held you for ransom,” **Oh, father! what do you mean?” “T mean that gold would have purchased aay release from their hands,” he said, gloom- Xi But will not gold purchase our liberty now?” 7 asked, with a terrible dread stealing over er. He slowly shook his head. : ““Thave offered them all - ening if they would set us free. I have humbled myself to beg their chief to take all my worldly posses- sions and return us to White Hoss. But he re- mains obdurate,” * What is to be done?” she sobbed. ‘* What does he expect?” ‘He expects more than I would consent to. He found me obstinate and brought me here under guard to let you know the extent of his i demands, The guards have thrust me in here to perform a terrible duty while they wait at the door.” He sunk into a chair m a dejected attitude, his head bowed upon his breast. Bryton Gaines’s proud spirit seemed utterly crushed, The girl knelt at his feet, “Tell me, father,” she pleaded, as she placed her cold, trembling hands upon his, ‘‘ tell me what this terrible outlaw requires of us.” For several moments the man did not reply, bnt sat with his head bowed in that dejected at- titude. Finally, he lifted ms face, and Vida thought she saw a teardrop glisten in his eye. ‘* lhe outlaw chief has uttered some terrible threats,” he said slowly. ‘‘He swears that if Abie do not comply with his request I shall be anged before your eyes—” ““Oh, don’t! don’t! don’t!” cried Vida wildly. ‘“‘Don’t tell me any more. What is his de- mand?” Slowly, as though the words were wrung in agony from the very depths of his soul, Bryton Gaines replied: ‘* That you become his wife !” CHAPTER XV. AN ASTONISHING REVELATION, A GASPING cry that was half a sob burst from Vida Gaines’s lips as she heard her father utter those terrible words. The fact that she had more than half expected to hear such a reply to her question did not soften the shock which it gave her, For a moment she bowed her face upon her hands which rested upon Bryton Gaines’s knee, and her whole frame shook with suppressed emotion. Pen is powerless to describe the keen- ness of her sufferings. Bryton Gaines’s face was a study. Without doubt a look of compassion and pity rested upon it, but this look was mingled with one of deter- mination. For an instant it actually seemed that a faint smile appeared upon his counte- nance, but when Vida lifted her eyes, his fea- tures were transformed by a look of tenderness and deep sympathy. ‘‘ My poor girl,” he said softly, as he placed his hands caressingly upon her own, ‘‘ My heart is wrung with anguish when I see you suffer so much. Perhaps I have not always been as affectionate as a parent should, but within my heart you have always held the first place, in preference to any living person, I realize only too well how this fearful blow must crush you. Asfor myself, I am utterly humbled and powerless,” “Oh, father! father!” moaned Vida, ‘‘Is there no hope? Is there no way but this? Must I pay this fearful price for your release?” ‘* No, no, my ehild! While there is life there is hope, and fortune may yet smile upon us, If not—well, then—I can meet my doom like a man.” There was a defiant ring in his voice, and for a moment he lifted his head proudly. Tbe girl looked upon him with growing affection, feeling within her heart that she had never known the secret depths of his soul. When she spoke there was a firm ring to her voice: ‘* While there is a ray of hope I will not yield to this inbuman demand, I will beg mercy at the outlaw’s feet, but as a last resort, dear father, I will freely sacrifice myself for you.” The man’s face seemed to grow whiter and his whole form trembled with suppressed emotion. ‘*My darling Vida,” he murmured, ‘‘ I do not deserve such devotion as this. I have never been a parent to win a child’s devotion, yet you are ready to suffer more than death for my sake, I would to Heaven that I could live over my life since you were a child in my arms. How differently [ would shape my course, and wane tender I would be to my darling daugh- er , ‘** Don’t think of the past, father. I fear that I have sadly misjudged you. It is the future which looks black to me.” ** Black, indeed, for should I give up my life for your sake, would it prevent this Gatlaw from compelling you to become his wife? He would still have you in his power.” _* True, true,”\she announced, with quivering lips. ‘* But never for a moment have I thougbt ot forfeiting your life by utterly refusing to ac- cede to his demand. Should I refuse anything in my power to save you, I would feel as though I bad been instrumental in your murder.” She spoke with calmness now, but that calm- ness was much more eerie than paroxysms of despair would have been.’ Her lips had become dry and parched and the beating of her heart seemed like the struggles of a living creature 3 ek “ 93; = ‘ ‘y Behera Wirt, : pa - ¥ rd Ws re M4 Un tae Pe yi ! Lge? Tapa iAl ct a4 at, op eee BY pede 25 _ oS OR ED 6) e 1 I Ls Ta, eae seeking to escape from confinement... Her eyes - shone with a steady unnatural Aight. But Bryton Gaines did not note these omi- nous signs.’ He saw that she was calm and mentally decided that it was the calmness of one who had ey resigned herself into the hands of Fate. He knew little of the unuttered thoughts within her throbbing brain. At this moment a sharp rap sounded on the cell door and Bryton Gaines arose to bis feet. ‘‘T must go now,” he said, slowly, holding out his hands to her. ‘‘ Good-by, Vida.” She took his hands and said, almost mechani- cally: ‘* ‘Where are you going, father?” ‘“‘Back to my cell. Be of good cheer, little girl; all may yet end well.” His words did not lift or lighten the load that was crushing her spirit. She felt that there was little hope. Despite the fact that her face was marked by lines of pain, it was yet beauti- ful, and Bryton Gaines, by a powerful effort only, refrained with difficulty from raining kisses upon her lips. He was still self-possessed, however, and bending forward, touched his lips to her forehead in a tender manner, The touch of Bryton Gaines’s lips seemed to scorch her and Vida half-uttered a little ery. She shrunk away from him for an instant, a strange unaccountable feeling ‘of aversion com- ing over her, He noticed her emotion and for a single in- stant a dark scowl flitted across his face; but when her eyes sought his, only a look of tender- ness and sornow rested upon his beardless face. ‘Don’t give up all hopes,” he admonished, as his eyes fell upon the tray which still bore its dishes of untasted food; *‘ and above all things, eat. You must eat to keep up your strength, for you must be strong.if an opportunity of es- cape appears. Once more, good-by.” Witt one last lingering look upon her {fair face, he turned slowly away. The door swung open and the next moment closed behind his re- treating form. Once outside the cell chamber, Bryton Gaines held up his hands and a man who stood near the door proceeded to relieve him of his mana- cles. A few moments later he stood free and unfettered. ‘ ‘‘ Let the preparation for the marriage go on,” he commanded. ‘!The Gospel sharp is here, and the thing must be carried through with a rush.” The man bowed and ‘turned hastily away. Bryton Gaines procured a mask from where it hung near the door, and quickly adjusted it over his face. Then he took up a light which sat up- on a rocky shelf, and strode swiftly away, A few minutes later Lucky Luke was startled by hearing a key fitted into the lock of bis cell door. The young man sprung up eagerly, half- expecting that his visitor would be the strange outlaw lieutenant. He uttered a sigh of disap- ointment when the door swung open, and Berten Gaines, en masque, stepped into the cell, The masked man stopped near the center of the cell, and folding his arms, fixed his eyes on the captain of the Boy Rangers with a steady glare, Luke returned the look defiantly. Finally the man spoke. ‘*Young man,” he name?” Luke could not restrain a laugh of mingled sarcasm and amusement, 7 ‘““T don’t know as that is any of your busi- ness,” he replied; ‘‘but I have no objection to telling you that I am known as Lucky Luke.” “You are known as Lucky Luke—quite true; but what I want to know is your true name— the one given you when a child.” ‘Really, my masked friend, you are blessed with a good supply of gall. You ask a chap his name, and when he answers, boldly insinuate that he lies. If Iever had another name than Lucky Luke, be sure you will not learn it from my lips.” “Tt makes little difference. I know your name, Your whole history is known to me, Neil Barlow.” Captain Luke gave astart of surprise as he heard these words. A dark frown settled on his face, and his teeth came together with a sharp click, but be uttered not a word. .* Yes, your whole history is known to me,” pursued the mask. “I will give you a few points to show you that I am not lying. To be- in: wi Your mother, a handsome young English girl, fellin love with a rather dashing Ameri- can tourist, and married him, much against her parents’ wishes, For a year or more she liveda wandering life with her husband, who for a said, ‘“‘what is your ee mataatoe
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12 Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. time seemed devotedly attached to her. Then | hold was a marvelous place indeed. Its many she made a startling discovery. She learned that her husband, who had represented himself to be the son of wealthy a gambler, and made his living by-fleecing those less expert with the pasteboards, From the mo- ment of this discovery the constancy of her love was shattered. “You were born in France, and when less than a year old came to this country with your parents, ,In New York your father found good fields for exercising his talents with the paste- boards, and his attention to ‘ business’ caused him to be absent from home very much, Fora time things went on swimmingly, despite the fact that your parents had frequent quarrels, Money was plenty, and was the pier which sup- angi the shattered bridge of affection, Final- y your father went away, and was absent for several weeks. When he returned, he quar- reled with your mother, and they parted, she taking you with her. ‘Tt was years after when your father found his wife and child in an Eastern city, living from hand to mouth on the wages she earned in a cotton -rngisg' 4 Your father, Harvey Bar- low, was also in hard luck, It seemed that even his best friend, the devil, had turned against him, for try as he might, his former skill with cards was gone. Everything seemed to run against him, He came to your mother to ex- tort money, but she had none for him, ‘‘At this time you were about six years old, For a few weeks your father and mother lived together and then something happened which I fancy you distinctly remember, despite your Age, The mask ceased to speak for an instant, but Luke uttered not a word, He seemed to be staring the man fixedly in the eyes, but in reality he was looking past Bryton Gaines at the grating of the cell door, where for an in- stant he fancied he had seen a face appear, The mask continued: “Harvey Barlow and his wife quarreled. In aparoxysm of anger the man struck the wo- man a heavy blow with an earthen pitcher, shattering the dish and killing the woman on the spot. When he found that she was really dead, he seized the child, yourself, in his arms and fled, He escaped the police and detectives who, as the woman was poor and unknown, did not exert themselves as they might. You were placed in the care of a close-mouthed motherly old lady in a quiet town, and your father sought out a woman wnom he had falsely married and lived with a part of the time while your mother was alive, By this woman he had already be- come the father of a daughter, and now he was able to live peacefully with them under a false name, I said peacefully; 1 meant as peacefully as possible for a man who was often haunted b the vision of a dead, accusing face and hands that held up the hangman’s halter before his yes, ‘* Within afew years the second wife died and the man of a wild life was left alone in the ‘world with the exception of his children, He had never seen his boy since he placed bisa in the old woman’s care, but he AS ayes contrib- ‘uted money for little Neil Barlow’s support. He now placed his daughter in friendly nnd and struck out to make a fortune by fair means or foul, * Years passed and when Harvey Barlow had partially succeeded in securing the fortune for which he thirsted, he sent for his daughter to join him in a Western home. It was about this time that be learned that his son, Neil, had run away, and that no traces of him could be found. Little cared Harvey Barlow, for his affection for the boy had never been great, and he could not forget that little Neil bad witnessed the blow that killed his mother. ‘“* Harvey Barlow’s daughter had grown to be a beautiful and talented girl, for he had taken care that the people in whose charge she had been so pod § years should see to it that she ob- tained a good education. In the course of time Harvey Barlow and bis daughter came to White Hoss Camp and there the man is known as Bryton Gaines!” Lucky Luke sprung to his feet as though elect- rified, his eyes fairly blazing. ** What’s that_you say?” he shouted, hoarsely, “Tsay that Bryton Gaines is your father,” was the calm reply, as the man removed his mask; *‘and I am Bryton Gaines! Vida, my daughter, is your half-sister!” CHAPTER XVI. AN UNDERGROUND HUNT. THE underground cavern used by Captain ‘Cyclone and his followers as a secret strong. / arents, was in truth j winding passages and chambers would have amazed a scientific explorer, Some of these passages were the work of nature; some had been fashioned by the hand of man. When the cavern was first discovered by its lawless inhabitants, many things were found which led the discoverers to believe that it once had been inhabited by a race of people who were idol-worshipers, In the’center of the main chamber of the cavern stood a tall stone image and immediately in front of the image was a stone altar which had evidently once been used for sacrificial purposes. Tbe roof of this cham- ber could not be seen from the floor, and the smoke of fires which the outlaws sometimes built upon the altar rose steadily upward and vanished in a way which told that there was an outlet somewhere above, At the time of the discovery of the cavern, several skeletons of human beings were found within one of the chambers and from the forma- tion of the skulls, one of the outlaws, who was a scholar as well as a robber, pronounced them to be the remains of af race similar to the native American Indian. It made little difference to Captain Cyclone, however, what kind of people had once inhab- ited the cavern so long asi afforded himself and his band a secure hiding-place, This the cavern had surely done fora time at least. If human beings other than the outlaws found the secret cavern it is probable that few of them lived to tell of it. But Justice nearly always overtakes Crime, no matter how crafty the latter may 2, Perbaps an hour after the revelation made to Lucky Luke by Gaines, half a dozen of the out- laws were gathered in the main chamber of the cavern. Three of these were around a small, square table, engaged in an exciting game of draw-poker. Two of the others were enjoying a smoke and chat. The last of the six, the out- law lieutenant, was stretched upon a couch of furs, apparently enjoying a quiet nap, Suddenly from out of a passage into the chamber staggered a half-clothed man, His face and head were covered with blood and his hands were held behind bis back by a pair of man- acles. AAs he tottered into the chamber, he ut- tered a hoarse cry which attracted the attention of every person present. Cries of incredulity burst from the outlaws’ lips as they recognized this new-comer. It was Lieutenant Blizzard himself! Yet, before their eyes, upon the couch of furs, sat one whom they had believed to be the lieu- tenant, As his eyes fell upon the figure on the furs, the genuine lieutenant shouted hoarsely: “‘Capter that devil! Don’t let’im git erway fer yer lives! He are Barret Dorne, the Border Detective !” Fora moment the outlaws seemed stricken motionless with amazement, when, with a laugh of defiance, the assumed lieutenant sprung up and disappeared like a flash into one of the dark passages, ** After him!” ordered Lieutenant Blizzard, ‘*He mustn’t git erway! He has taken a pas- sage that will lead him inter ther very wu’st lace he c’wd go. Curse these irons! If my an’s were free I'd lead ther chase.” **We can’t run him down in those passages,” declared one of the outlaws. ‘‘He can throw us by tackin’ an’ doublin’ in five minutes.” ‘* Bring out ther dorgs! Bring out ther dorgs! Lively! Summons every man an’ hunt ’im down! Stir yer stumps, you drones!” were the lieutenant’s quick and excited commands. Two or three sprung toobey. One approached their leader, ““T say, leftenant,” he ventured, ‘‘ lemme git them irons offen yer wrists,” “Allright, Carl; work lively. Dll give ye fifty dollars if yell rip’em orf within two minutes.” *T can’t do it,” was the reply, ‘but I kin bu’st that chain in a short time, if you will cum ter my anvil,” “All right! Anythin’ so as I kin use me han’s. I want ter git arter thet devil. He tuck me by surprige an’ knocked me ng Then he stripped me o’ ther rag round me head an’ me clothes an’ fixed hisself up, so that ther Ole Nick c’wdn’t ’a’ tole wich war’im an’ w’ich war 17 a ‘He fooled us all,” admitted Carl, as he went to work on the chain. ‘‘We never smelt a rat, ; At this moment some of the men entered the chamber, holding in leash two fierce-looking hounds, Lieutenant\Blizzard laughed coarsely as he saw the brutes, ** Good boys !” he cried. ‘Putt ’em on his trail! Turn ’em loose!” A moment later the fugitive detective, who was rapidly making his way along a narrow, wind- ing passage, heard an ominous sound. He stopped and listened. To his ears came the deep bay of the hounds as they took up the seent, ‘*Heavens!” muttered the fugitive. ‘‘ Those are bioodhounds! Well, let them come! I have handled such brutes before, and I am not afraid to meet them again. If I am not mistaken, there will be some dead dogs within this cave before a great while,” He calmly proceeded to produce a dark- lantern from beneath his coat and in a moment had lighted it. Then he shot open the slide, and by the aid of the light, pressed on- ward once more, Nearer and nearer came the ominous sounds, but still the detective hurried on, looking to the right and left in search for a place from which he could make a defense, ‘Pll try some other passage,” he muttered, and he turned off into the first passage to which he came, Onward he burried, still listening to the dogs and observing that they were rapidly gaining upon him, As he hurried on, be drew forth a heavy self- acting bull-dog revolver and grasped it firmly, thus preparing to meet the dogs. ‘*T reckon Lam cool enough to perforate the animals and not let them touch me with a tooth,” he said, confidently, ‘‘ If I am not mis- taken by the sound, there are only two of them. A couple shots will end their career.” A cry suddenly burst from his lips as the pas- sage came to an abrupt end. He cculd gono further! ‘‘ Got to fight it out here,” he gritted; I don’t know asI could find a better place. There is no escape, old man. It looks as though Barret Dorne had run down his last criminal!” Two large bowlders lay close together near the end of the passage. pon one of these he set the dark lantern in such a manner that the reflection threw the light directly along the pas- sage where the dogs would appear. Then he stepped back into the shadow and waited, re- volver in hand, He did not have long to wait. short bark of the dogs told that they were close upon their prey. Ina moment they appeared, with frothing mouths and gleaming eyes. Two or three bounds they made toward the man at bay, then his revolver spoke. There were two heavy, muffled reports and two dogs lay dead with bullets in their brains! “That settles them,” remarked the detective, grimly, as he proceeded to ensconce himself be- hind the bowlders, at the same time removin and closing the dark lantern, ‘‘I wish I coul dispose of the outlaws as easily.” Silently he waited the appearance of his pur- suers, bearing their shouts and cries approach- ing. Finally they came into view, bearing tor- ches above their heads, Instantly the detective cried: ‘* Halt, if you value your lives! the first man who advances another step!” Instantly the outlaws obeyed this command, fierce cries bursting from their lips as the light from the torches showed them the dead dogs, ‘* The passage is narrow,” continued the man The sharp, I will shoot at bay, ‘‘so that but two can advance abreast, I have a couple of self-acting revolvers bere and can lay you out as fast as you come up. I should advise you to use a little judgment in this mat- ter.” The outlaws vouchsafed no reply, but in an in- stant, at a word of command, the torches were dashed to the floor and, extinguished. But the Border Detective had expected such a move as this and instantly shot open the slide of the dark lantern and turned it so that the passage was il- lumined by the light, Then his revolvers spoke twice, and two of the outlaws, who had attempt- ed to steal forward in the darkness dropped in their tracks with bullets through their legs, With cries of alarm, the others fell back till they were screened by the shadows, ‘“Hunt your holes!” cried Barret Dorne, ** Don’t dare to show even your noses if you do not want them perforated,” , The outlaws gathered together for eonsul- tation, ‘‘ Where is the chief?” demanded one, “ He will be along soon,” was the reply, ‘One of the boys went for him at the start.” The man’s words proved true. Fifteen min- utes later the repulsive, deformed figure of Cap- tain Cyclone appeared bearing atorch, Atonce \ the road-agents gathered around him, one of : he a Peleg Seatac
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their number informing him of the ‘‘lay of the land.” Captain Cyclone listened without a word, and | when the man had finished, motioned the men to stand back. Without a moment’s hesitation, he stepped boldly forward into the light of the detective’s lantern, at the same time saying sharply: “You’re in a tight box, Barret Dorne, and may as well surrender.” The outlaw chief’s voice’s sounded strange and unnatural, but strange to say, not) one of the men noticed it. “* Don’t know but you are right,” replied the | detective, from his place of concealment: ‘t but [ guess Pll fight it out here.” ** You’re a fool!” declared the outlaw, bluntly. ** If you don’t surrender at once, I'll have a keg of powder placed in this passage and we’ll bury you beneath ten thousand tons of earth. 1f you surrender I promise you a fair trial for your life. Til give you one minute to decide,” and the speaker took out his watch. mixty seconds sped swiftly away. ““Time’s up!” came from the chief's lips, as he closed his watch witha snap, ‘‘ What’s your answer?” ‘*T will surrender,” said the detective, as he arose from behind the bowlder, and with up- lifted hands, advanced toward the outlaws. CHAPTER XVII. INTO THE STRONGHOLD, Wirda little difficulty, the two outlaws, Bob and Joe, who were flying to escape the wrath of Captain Cyclone when he should discover that Dayton Snare had escaped, succeeded in passing the masked sentinel, on guard near the mouth of the cavern, They were just congratulating themselves upon their easy escape thus far, when theyfound themselves under the muzzles of the Boy Rangers’ rifles, “Up with your hands!” commanded Tom Dole, inalow tone. ‘Not awordoracry! If you make an alarm your doom is sealed!” The outlaws realized that it was folly to dis- obey this command, and promptly elevated their hands, “Up they go, young feller,” said Joe, quietly. **'You’ve got us, an’ got us foul. Now, w’ot is ther racket?” “You will find out soon enough,” replied Tom, ‘ Bob, relieve these gentlemen of their weapons,” This Bob Swett at once proceeded to do, ‘Now, gentlemen,” continued Tom, blandly, **T want to ask you a few questions, [ presume you belong to Captain Cyclone’s Riders.” **We did, young feller,” admitted Joe; * but we bev jist severed our connection with the gang an’ struck out fer er safer lokality.” A moment’s questioning served to draw out the whole story ‘hom the two ex-Riders. ‘We made up our minds thet we wanted ter live er few days longer an’ so we vamoosed,” said Joe, in conclusion, “Not only thet,” put in Bob, ‘‘ but as fer me, I’m sick o’ thet kind er life an’ want ter git inter other parts whave I kin live like hones’ folks.” ** Me too,” Joe declared. “Wot church ye goin’ ter j’ine?” grinned Ned Pepper. **This is no time for attempted levity,” put in Tom Dole, sharply. ‘‘We must attend to business, and not forget that Captain Luke is a prisoner in this underground hole,” He then turned to the two outlaws and ques- tioned them ern for a few moments, He soon learned all that they knew concerning Luke’s predicament. ‘* Boys,” and Tom turned to his companions, “‘ we must go in there atonce, Luke may be in deadly danger this minute. As for this lady,” motioning toward the strange vailed woman who had brought them tidings of Luke's cap- ture and who was now s tting ona small bowl- der near at hand, ‘‘ she had better remain here until we return—if we ever do |” The women arose to her feet. “No,” she said, firmly; “I am going with you. I donot care for the danger, and I am armed—see!” From the folds of her dress she produced two small revolvers with a dexterity which told that she was prepared for a sudden emergency. ‘*I can use the toys effectively,” she averred, ‘and may be of assistance to you in a sudden emergency. Don’t say a word against it; it is useless. I am going with you.” The boys protested, but they soon found their efforts were wasted. * Very well,” assented Tom Dole. ‘t Now for the guard. He must be taken by surprise, so ! | that he cannot give an alarm, and be over- | powered in an instant,” ‘* Never you mind ther guard, my children,” | laughed a voice near at hand, and a masked ' man who bore a rifle stepped out into view. ‘Ther guard are all riot, an don’t ye fergit thet.” In an instant the masked man found himself covered by the rifles of the Boy Rangers, and Tom Dole demanded, sternly: ‘© Who are you?” ‘*Me? Ob, jiminy crickets! I clean fergot thet this rag entirely kivered my beaucherful phizog. I’m ther grand pro tem jist now. Take off ther rag an I’m Little Dan Nubs!” The pseudo-outlaw removed the mask and dis- closed to the astonished boys the face of Dan Nubs, the detective! ** Yer’ kinder s’prised I take it,” grinned the little detective. ‘‘ Don’ know w’ot ter make o’ it. Reckon I'll hey ter clear the cobwebs away frum yer brains. Lissen: * Thet ole varmint as kalls hisself Ole Bum’- shell an’ myself run onter a part o’ this gang o’ outlaws las’ night an’ run ’em to their hole in there. Then we laid low an’ waited our time. When it kum we knocked over the guard, trussed ’im up wi’ er gag in his mouth an’ tuck- ed him away in a secret nook, wile I tuck his place an’ Ole Bum’shell went rite inter ther hole ter see w’ot he c’u’d diskiver. He are in there som’wares now, I kinder smelled er rat’ w’en these two coves kem out o’ ther hole in sich er hurry an’ followed them till they run inter you fellers’ arms. Then I lay low an’ tuck in ther hull bisness,” ‘*Good enough so far,” said Tom curtly, ‘Did you see the outlaws carry a young man and a girl in there as prisoners?” ‘¢ Betcher boots!” exclaimed little Dan Nubs, ‘* An’ she was jist stunnin’ good-lookin’, Ole Bum’shell was clean smashed onto her an’ swore he’d resky her or leave his karkiss in thet hole,” ‘* Enough said,” spoke Tom briskly, his usual lazy drawl having completely vanished, ‘Luke is in there and we must get him out. ‘a way isopen. Let’s spend x0 more time in talk, ‘ It was decided that the two outlaws, Bob and Joe, should guide them into the cave. These individuals protested against the scheme, but Tom Dole was obdurate in enforcing the de- mand, Five minutes later the entire band, including Little Dan Nubs and the mysterious vailed woman, were proceeding cautiously along the main passage into the cavern, guided by the outlaws, Bob and Joe, Dan Nubs had informed the two ex-Riders that he was an officer and had promised to use his influence in obtaining a par- don for them, should they guide the party safely into the den. A terrible storm was about to burst upon the unsuspecting robbers, CHAPTER XVIII. THE HAND OF JUSTICE, “EVERYTHING is ready? Let the ceremony | proceed,” | It was Captain Cyclone who spoke. By the side of the repulsive-appearing outlaw chief | stood Vida Gaines, her fair face marked by a ey i ea look of determination, Evidently she | hac phen up all hopes and decided to marry the chief of the outlaws that she might save her father from a terrible doom, In front of them, near at hand, stood a dark-clothed, cler- ical-looking man. The chamber was brilliantly lighted and nearly the ertire band had gathered to witness the marriage. At the command of the chief, Barret Dorne, the unfortunate detective who had fallen into the outlaws’ hands, had been brought into the chamber that he might witness the ceremony. He now reclined upon a couch of furs, a merry twinkle in his eyes, despite his surroundings. As Captain Cyclone’s words smote upon Lieutenant Blizzard’s ears, that person started sharply’ and looked suspiciously at the chief, Then he shook his head slowly, with a puzzled air. Nota sign of a weapon was visible upon any of the outlaws. At the chief’s command they bad left their weapons in the arsenal, as one of the chambers was called, He had requested them to do this, so that the girl might not be alarmed by a display of firearms. As the prcpersions for the marriage were going on, the outlaw chief whispered in Vida’s ear once or twice. Finally everything was ready and the dark- ’ . ted i ata a pe ; a Bay ¥ 7 vin, OH i ray _ mer awa Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective, 13 clothed outlaw advanced to do his duty, Cap- tain Cyclone seized Vida’s hand and held it, despite the girl’s faint struggles toescape, Then the ceremony began, Began—to be interrupted by a thrilling chal- lenge: ‘* Hands up, every man! The one who refuses dies! You are surrounded and in our power!” The sharp click of weapons being cocked sounded on every side and dark forms appeared at the mouths of several passages. Lieutenant Blizzard uttered a terrible oath and snatched out a weapon from where he bad hidden it within an inner pocket; but ere the desperate man could fire a shot, a revolver ex- ploded in Captain Cyclone’s hand and the lieu- tenant fell headlong. “Throw up your hands, men,” commanded the chief. ‘ Don't dare to disobey me !” Awed by this command and not daring to disobey, being disarmei, the astounded outlaws put up their hands, Then the Boy Rangers sprung into the chamber and within ten minutes had secured the outlaw band. ‘ : They did not need to bind the chief, for of his own accord he removed the horrible flesh-like mask from his face and—Lucky Luke stood revealed ! A joyful shout went up from the Boy Rangers as their eyes once more beheld their belcved captain. Vith characteristic promptness, Little Dan Nubs bad relieved Barret Dorne of the cords which bound him, and the Border Detective was once more free, none the worse for his recent exciting adventure, Then the little detective turned his attention toward Lieutenant Blizzard, whom he found unconscious from the effects of the bullet from Captain Luke's revolver, which had grazed_his skull, but left him far from dead. an Nubs: quickly secured the outlaw lieutenant by snap- ping a pair of handcuffs upon his wrists. Meanwhile Lucky Luke had conducted Vida to the couch of furs lately deserted by Barret Dorne, where the girl was now reclining, half- unconscious from the effects of the excitement through which she had just passed. Then Luke turned toward those who had participated in the capture of the outlaws, ‘Perhaps some are surprised to find that I have been masquerading as the outlaw chief,” he said. ‘I can explain everything in a mo- ment, Less than two hours ago a person came to my cell, and told me that he was my father. He also told me other things which made me furious. I sprung upon him in my anger, but would have been badly treated had I not re- ceived assistance from this gentleman,” point- ing toward Barret Dorne, ‘‘He had dogged the outlaw and remained just without the cell door during the interview. Atan opportune moment he came tomy aid and we took the man prisoner. Then, through fear of losing his life, he was forced to reveal various secrets of this underground den. He told us who was the chief of the outlaws, and how he succeeded in concealing his identity beneath this horrible disguise. Tyis hump upon my back is easily arranged, bus this mask in my hand isa piece of wonderful ingenuity. It is soft, thin and flexible, and when adjusted, fits like a glove and looks like genuine flesh. As for the red wig, that is one of the simplest parts of the dis- guise, “From the lips of the man whom we took prisoner, we learned how to obtain this rig, and it was decided that I should attempt to person- ate Captain Cyclone. It was a bold stroke, but our situation was desperate, While [ was gone for the disguise, the 1eal lieutenant appeared and denounced the one who had_ tbus far sue- cessfully deceived the outlaws. Then ensued a chase through these underground passages. Finally my friend was cornered, and was mak- ing a desperate fight when I appeared, disguised as Captain Cyclone, and demanded his surren- der. e dropped to the trick and gave himself up, knowing that I would do everything in my power to release him. I had not completed my lans when you appeared and Interrupted the little farce, which was being carried through according to previous arrangement, Every- thing worked as nicely as though it bad been carefully planned,” “T reckon the hand of Providence had some- thing to do with the work done in the last few hours,” said Barret Dorne, gravely. ‘ Any~ way, Captain Cyclone, the man of many crimes is captured at last and in my power.” “And I bev jist. clapped _ther_darbies onto Ben Breeze,” putin Little Dan Nubs. “Ther hull gang 0’ measly robbers are captered, This is a big scoop, by ther pride o’ Solomon!”
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Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. **But where is Old Bombshell?’ demanded Tom Dole. ‘‘ You said he was in here,” ‘* Ghost o’ ther Pan Handle!” exclaimed Bar- ret Dorne. ‘‘ Don’t ve know this ole Lisbon yarthquake? Waal, by ther Roman gods!” A chorus of exclamations burst from the lips of the Boy Rangers. They could scarcely be- lieve their senses, ‘** Yes,” said the Border Detective, in answer to a quegtion, ““I am Old Bombshell, one of my disguises, and one in which I have become pretty well known. In fact, a little too well known.” After a few moments more of conversation, it was decided to bring Captain Cyclone to the | chamber where the capture had taken place. Five minutes later, with to tering steps, Bryton Gaines entered the chamber, escorted between Barret Dorne and Tom Dole! His hands were confined by manacles. “There,” cried Lucky Luke, pointing straight at the magnate of White Hoss, ‘‘ there is the chief of the outlaws!” ‘*My father!” shrieked Vida Gaines. ‘He is not your father !” declared Lucky Luke. ‘ He confessed that he was not!” The strange vailed woman who bad entered the cavern with the Boy Rangers now darted swiftly forward and confronted Bryton Gaines, ** Harvey Barlow,” she cried, as she tore away the vail which concealed her face, ‘‘ I am here tor vengeance! What have you done with my boy?” Uttering a sbriek of horror, the miserable man sunk to the ground. ‘‘ The dead alive!” he groaned, as he cuvered his eyes with his manacled hands. ‘‘ Just God, this is retribution!” ‘Listen, Harvey Barlow,” commanded the woman, as she bent over him. ‘‘That blow which you struck years ago did not kill me as you supposed, only knocked me insensible for a time and deprived meof reason. For long years [ have been searching for you and my boy. I have found you, but where is little Neil?” ‘* Here, mother!” . It was Lucky Luke who spoke in tremulous tones and the next moment mother and son were clasped in each other’s arms. Vida Gaines knelt by the side of him whom she had known so many years as her parent. ** Father,” she cried, ‘* what does this mean?” ‘** Don’t touch me, child!” shrieked the wretched man, as he shrunk from her. ‘“‘I am not your father, although you have known me as such, Your true father is confined within a cell in this cavern, as is also your mother, who is a maniac, made so by my sin-cursed hand!” Out of one of the passages advanced two forms—a man and a woman. The man was Dayton Snare; the woman the raging maniac whom he had found confined in one of those terrible underground cells, ‘She is a maniac no longer, Ralph Roberts ” declared Dayton Snare. ‘‘ The sight of me, her lawful husband, who for twenty long years has thought her dead, has restored her reason. Vida, you are my own dear daughter, and this woman is your long lost mother!” Pen is powerless to describe.the scenes that followed within the outlaws’ cavern. Vivian Crafton, the wife of Dayton Snare, whose true name was Cyrus Crafton,was indeed alive. The body found floating in Boston Har- bor and supposed to have been hers must have been that of some other unfortunate who resem- bled her closely. Feeling greatly wronged by her husband, the unbappy woman had. not returned to Amesburg for more than a month after her separation from him. When she did so she was recognized by no one, and then learned that her husband had gone, none knew whither, With a heavy heart, she had started to search for him, resolved never to return to her home until she found him. It was years later that Ralph Roberts found Vivian Crafton living in a small Eastern city, supporting herself and her daughter, who was born after the separation occurred, by doing needlework. At that time Roberts uppenee himself to be the murderer of the fair English irl whom he had induced to become his wife. his fact did not deter him from once more paying his attentions to the woman whom he d dearly loved in Auld Lang Syne. For a time Mrs, Crafton accepted his atten- tions as gracefully as possible, but she finally became disgusted with him and bade him leave her forever. This he refusec to do, and becom- ing more determined in his purpose, had caused her to be incarcerated in a private mad-house, where he had kept her for years, taking charge of Vida, her daughter, the while, Finally, as That is | she remained obstinate, Ralph Roberts’s af- fection for her grew less and less, till at last he would not have married her had she consented. When Ralph ‘Roberts, as Captain Cyclone, came to the vicinity of White Hoss with his band, he had caused Mrs. Crafton to be re- moved from the private mad-house and brought to the underground den which one of his band had discovered. There, in the cell where she was confined, the woman had in reality become insane, under her mental tortures, only to have her reason restored by the sight of her hus- band, whom long years before she had given up as dead, Ralph Roberts’s scheme to make the beautiful Vida his wife, by marrying her as Captain Cy- clone, and afterward revealing to her that she was not his daughter, had been thwarted at the moment when success seemed certain. Ralph Roberts did not live to leave the under- ground cavern. In some manner he obtained possession of a vial of poison, and swallowed its deadly contents. He died in great agony, after making a full confession of his many crimes, among which was the robbery of the Amesburg Bank. But, Barret Dorne was not cheated out of his reward, for it was offered for the man’s capture, dead or alive. Little Dan Nubs succeeded in carrying Ben Breeze back to Illinois, where he was badly ** wanted.” Sixteen of the captured outlaws received a full dose of border justice at the hands of the citizens of White Hoss, into whose custody they were delivered 8 the Boy Rangers. Of the whole band, only Bob and Joe, the two outlaws who led the Boy Rangers into the cavern, es- caped the hand of justice. They were released in fulfillment of Little Dan Nubs’s promise, and in other parts, far from the vicinity of White Hoss, are endeavoring to win the respect and cane of their f eieaien by leading honest ives. The Boy Rangers no longer exist, having dis- banded soon after the loss of their captain, who married handsome Vida Roberts, and went into business in a Western city. His mother, the mysterious vailed lady, has a comfortable home with her manly son, of whom she is justly proud, Cyrus Crafton and his wife, both of whom have tasted the bitterest dregs of the cup of sorrow, now reunited, are living happy and contented, striving to forget the s aes shadows which hung over their lives for so many years. Tough Dae and Rough Dave, the kidnappers never showed their faces again in White Hoss, but they are sometimes heard of in other parts, and it is safe to predict that their career will eventually end in some violent manner. Barret Dorne, the Border Detective, with his || horse and dog, still roams the West, a veritable terror to evil-doers, Sometimes he meets Little Dan Nubs and they speak of their ‘‘ big scoop” when ‘Captain Cyclone” and his entire band were taken prisoners, almosc without resist- ance, THE END. Beadle's Dime Library. BY OLL COOMES, 7 Death-Notch, the Destroyer. 43 Dakota Dan, the Reckless Ranger. 44 Old Dan Rackhack, the Great Extarminator. 46 Bowie-Knife Ben, the Nor’west Hunter. 48 Idaho Tom, the Yoang Outlaw of Silverland. 51 Red Rob, the Boy Road-Agent. 99 The Giant Rifleman: or, Wild Camp Life. 137 Long Beard, the Giant Spy. 148 One-Armed Alf, the Giant Hunter, BY ANTHONY P. MORRIS. 5 The Fire Fiends; or, Hercules. Hunchback. 95 Azhort, the Axman; or, The Palace Secrets. 100 The French Spy; or. The Bride of Paris. 167 The Man of Steel. Tale of Love and Terror, 185 Man Spider; or. The Beautiful Sphinx. 238 Hank Hound, the Crescent City Detective. 260 The Masked Mystery; or, The Black Crescent. | 288 Electro Pete, the Man of Fire. ' 306 The Roughs of Richmond. 313 Mark Magic, Detective. 334 The Cipber Detective; or, Mark Magic’s New il, 343 The Head Hunter; or, Mark Magic in the Mine, 357 Jack Simons, Detective. BY PROF. J. H. INGRAHAM. 113 The Sea Slipper: or, The Freebooters. 118 The Burglar Captain; or. The Fallen Star. 314 Lafitte ; or, The Pirate of the Gulf. 816 Lafitte’s Lieutenant; or, Child of the Sea. BY CAPTAIN MARK WILTON, 176 Lady Jaguar, the Robber Queen. 194 Don Sombrero. the California Road Gent. 202 Cactus Jack, the Giant Guide. 219 The Scorpion Brothers; or, Mad Tom’s Mission, 223 Canyon Dave, the Man of the Mountain, 227 Buckshot Ben, the Man-Hunter of Idaho. 237 Long-Haired Max; or, The Black League. 245 Barranca Bill, the Revolver Champion 258 Bullet Head, the Colorado Bravo, 263 Lron-Armed Abe, the Hunchback Destroyer. 266 Leopard Luke the King of Horse-Thieves. 271 Stonefist, of Big Nugget Bend. 276 Texas; Chick. the Southwest Detective. 285 Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror. 291 Horseshoe Hank, the Man of Big Luck, 305 Silver-Plated Sol, the Montana Rover. 811 Heavy Hand; or, The Marked Men. 323 Hotspur Hugh; or, The Banded Brothers, BY NEWTON M. CURTISS. 120 The Texan Spy; or, The Prairie Guide. 254 Giant Jake, the Patrol of the Mountain. BY COL. THOMAS H. MONSTERY. 82 Iron Wrist, the Swordmaster. 126 The Demon Duelist; or, The League of Steel. 143 The Czar’s Spy; or, The Nihilist League. 150 El Rubio Bravo, King of the Swordsmen, 157 Mourad, the Mameluke; or, The Three Swords masters. 169 Corporal Cannon, the Man of Forty Duels 236 Champion Sam; or, The Monarchsof the Show 262 Fighting Tom. the Terror of the Toughs. 332 Spring-Heel Jack; or, The Masked Mystery. BY NED BUNTLINE. 14 Thayendanegea, the Scourge; or,The War-Eagle. 16 The White Wizard: or, The Seminole Prophet. 18 The Sea Bandit; or, Tne Queen of the Isle. 23 The Red Warrior; or, The Comanche Lover, 61 Captain Seawaif, the Privateer. ' 111 The Smuggler Captain; or, The Skipper’s Crime, 122 Saul Sabberday, the Idiot Spy. 270 Andros the Rover; or, The Pirate’s Daughter, 361 Tombstone Dick, the Train Pilot. BY DR. J. H. ROBINSON. 13 Pathaway; or, Nick Whiffles. the old Nor’west Trapper. 17 Nightshade; or, The Robber Prince. 2 Whitelaw; or, Nattie of the Lake Shore, 87 Hirl, the Hunchback; or, The Santee Sword- maker. 58 Silver Knife; or. The Rocky Mountain Ranger. 70 Hydrabad, the Strangler. 73 The Knights of the Red Cross; or, The Granada Magician. 163 Ben Brion; or, Redpath, the Avenger. BY ISAAC HAWKS, Ex-Detective, 232 Orson Oxx; or, The River Mystery. 240 A Cool Head; or, Orson Oxx in Peril. MISCELLANEOUS, 6 Wildcat Bob, the Boss Bruiser. By Edward L. Wheeler. 9 Handy Andy. By Samuel Lover. 10 Vidoeq, the French Police Spy. Written by himself, , 11 Midshipman Easy. By Captain Maryatt. 32 B’hoys of Yale; or, The Scrapes of Collegians. 60 Wide Awake, the Robber King. By Frank Du- mont. ' 68 The Fighting Trapper. By Capt. 1. F.C, Adams, 76 The Queen’s Musketeers. By George Albany. 78 The Mysterious Spy. By Arthur M. Grainger. 102 The Masked Band; or, The Man without a Name. George L, Aiken. 110 The Silent Rifleman. By H. W. Herbert. 125 The Blacksmith Outlaw; or, Merrie England. By Harrison Ainsworth, 1388 Rody the Rover. By William Carleton. 140 The Three Spaniards. By Geo. Walker 144 The Hunchback of Notre Dame. By Victor Hugo. 146 The Doctor Detective. By George Lemuel, 152 Captain Ironnerve, the Counterfeiter Chief, 158 The Doomed Dozen, By Dr. Frank Powell. 166 Owlet, the Robber Prince. Urban. ; 179 Conrad, the Convict. By Prof. Gildersleeve. 190 The Three Guardsmen. re Alexander Dumas. 261 Black Sam, the Prairie Thunderbolt. By Col. Jo Yards. 2745 The Smuggler Cutter; or, The Cavern in the Cliff. By J. D. Conroy. 312 Kinkfoot Karl, the Mountain Scourge. By Mor- ris Redwing. 830 Cop Colt, the Quaker City Detective. By Charles Morris. 350 Flash Rey the Society Detective. By Weldon J. Cobb. 853 Bart Brennan; or, The King of Straight Flush, By John Cuthbert. 366 The Telegraph Detective. By George Henry Morse 410 Sarah Brown, Detective. By K. F. Hill. 500 The True-Heart Pards; .or, The Gentleman Vagabond. By Dr. Noel Dunbar. A new issue every Wednesday. ‘ Meadies Pct cil § i8 fey ale by all ewsaeaie n cen rco or sen y m on receipt of Teive cents cach. BEADLE & ADAMS. Publishers, 98 William Street, New York, By Septimus R. — or ee ee
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BEADLE’S* H ALF- DIME* | IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Hach Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. BY PHILIP 8. WARNE, 67 Patent-Leather Joe; or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmer. 175 Captain Arizona; or, Patent-Leather Joe's Big Game, 198 Captain Mask; or, Patent-Leather Joe’s Defeat. 219 Despard, the Duelist; oz, The Mountain Vompires. 888 A Tough Boy ; or, The Dwarf’s Revenge. 868 Little Tornado; or, The Outcasts of the Glen. 8TB Little Jingo; or, the Queer Pard. BSS Little Oh-my ¢ or, Caught in His Own Trap, 401 Little Shoo-Fly 3 or, A Race for a Ranch, 408 Little Leather-Breeches 3 or, Old Jumbo’s Curse, 4381 Little Ah Sing or, The Curse of Blood, 451 Colorado Kate. A Tale of the olines. 450 Three Jolly Parda. 517 Jim Gladden’s Deputy. 527 The Jolly Pards to the Rescue, 547 Sandy Andy; or, A Good Man Down. 556 Lariat Lil; or, The Cast for a Life. 674 Old Weasel-top, the Man with the Dogs, 598 Keen Clem, the Ranch Imp. 599 Jim Dandy the No-Name Sport. 618 Billy Blazes; or, The Skeleton’s Legacy. BY CAPTAIN FRED. WHITTAKER, 15 The Sea-Cat; or, The Witch of Darien. 29 The Dumb Paget or, The Doge’s Daughter. 48 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. 150 Lance and Lasso; or, The Children of the Chaco. 154 The Sword Itunters; or, The Land of the Elephant Riders, 169 The Lost Captain; or, Skipper Jabez Coffin’s Cruise to the Open Polar Sea. 200 The Boy Bedoutns; or, The Brothers of the Plumed Lance, 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine. 249 Milo Komer, the Animal King; or, The Round the World Wanderer. 265 The Piger Tamer}; or, The League of the Jungle, B81 Black Nick, the Demon Rider. 895 California Joe’s War Trall. - BY BUCKSKIN SAM (Major Sam. 8, Hall.) 284 i Nea lig **Boyees; or, Benito, the Young Horse- reaker, 246 Giant George; or, The Ang’! of the Range. 275 Arizona Jack; or, Giant George’s Pard, 297 The Tarantula of Tacss, or, Giant George’s Revenge. B07 The Strange Pard; or, Little Ben’s Death Hunt. 818 Ker-whoop, Ker-whoo; or, The Tarantula of Taos, S27 Creeping Vat, the Caddo; or, The Red and White Pards, B82 Frio Fred; or, The Tonkaway’s Trust. $44 The Fighting Trio; or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway, B49 Wild Wolf; or, Big-Foot Wallace to the Front. B57 The Ranch Ralders; or, The Siege of Fort Pargatory. ‘364 Snap-Shot, the Boy Ranger. 875 Chiota, the Creek; or, The Three Thunderbolts. B31 Randers Bill; or. Frio Frank to the Front. B92 Romeo and the Reds; or, The Beleaguered Ranch. 404 Little Lariat; or, Pecan Pete’s Bi 414 The Daisy from Denver. ? The Three Traltlers; or, Old Rocky on the Rampage, 442 Bluff Bill; or, The Lynx of the Leona. 455 Little Lone Star; or, The Belle of the Cibolo, BY EDWARD WILLETT. 167 Asa Scott, the Steamboat Boy. 199 Featherwelght the Boy Champion of the Muskingum, 228 Ozark Alf; or, Featherweight Among the Outlaws, 282 The Typo Detective ; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp. 295 Fearless Phil; or, The King of Quartzville, 811 The Roving Sport; or, The Pride of Chuckaluck Camp, B22 Nemo, the Detectives or, Kit Kenyon’s Vendetta. 840 Olip the Contortioniat; or, The Montana Vigilantes, BY J, ©. COWDRIOK. © 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery. B69 Shasta, the Gold King; or, For Seven Years Dead, ” The Detective’sa Apprentice ; or, A Boy Without a Name. A OCibuta Johny; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, $9 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 67 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude. g Rampage. 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo, 506 Redlight Ralph, the Prince of the Road. $14 Broadway Bill * Boodle. 05 William 0’ Broadway; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning, 615 Fighting *hiet of Chained Cyclone. p / \ BY JO PIERCE, 97 Rob o’ the Bowery; or, The Prince of Malberry Street. i The Vagabond Detective; or, Bowery Bob’s Boom, -'452 Hotapur Bob, the Street-Boy Detective. 460 The Lawyer's 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, B16 Tartar Tim; or, Five Points Phil’s Menagerie, 626 North River N at, the Pier Detéctive, S88 Wrestling Rex, the Pride ofthe Sixth Ward. 541 Jeff Flicker. the Stable Boy Detective, 551 Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow. 9 Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective. - 669 Brooklyn Ben, the On-His-Own-Hook Detective, 577 Pavement Pete, the Secret Sifter, BSS Jack-o’-Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector, KOR Wide-Awake Bert, the Street-Steerer. 814 Whistling Jacob, the Detective’s Ald. - 628 Buck Bumblebee, the Harlem Hummer. BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. hs . ok ‘he Yellow Chief’s Vengeance, evs 3 Peek Sule <a The League of Devil’s Island. ae, BE he Helpless Hand; or, Backwoods Retribution. 289 The Gold-seeker Guide 3 or, The Lost Mountain. BY MAJOR HENRY B. STODDARD, Ex-Scout, +806 Neck- The Dug-Ont Parda. ; A6 Hapter | td eds ’ or, The’ wordsmen of Zacatecas, BY Glove Kit, the Dandy of the Rockies. 89 Kid Glove Kit and Pard; or, The Gold King. Mad Man-Hunter; or, The Mystery of Golden : ulch, 505 Powell’s Pard; or, The One-Armed Giant. ; BY HARRY ST. GEORGE. 80 Roarin Iph Rockwood, the Ranger. { 44 Retties Rae. on The Nighthawks oft Kentucky. _69 Old Hickory 3 or, Pandy Ellis’s selp H+ Daring Davy 3 or, The Trail of the Border Wolf. ~ ckory Harry ; or, The Trapper-Brigade’s Spy. 72! underbo t om or, the WeirHender. ” | BY ALBERT W,. AIKEN, 11 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes of a Bowery Girl. 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. 79 Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. 288 Joe Buck of Angels and His Buoy Pard. 447 New York Nat. A Tale of Tricks and Traps in Gotham, 458 New England Nick; or, The Fortunes of a Foundling, 464 Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince, 498 Taos Ted, toe Arizona Sport. 510 Cool Colorado, the Hal!l-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 Kock’s Angel. 116 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. ©. ADAMS, 84 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Whiffles’s Boy Spy. 46 Glass-Eye, the Great Shot of the West. | 54 Ned Hazel, the Boy ‘Trapper, 56 Nick W hililes’s Pet; or, Ir The Valley of Death. 60 The White Indian; or, The Scout of the Yellowstone, 70 Old Zip’s Cabing or, The Greenhorn in the Woods, SI Lisktaine Jo, the Terror of the Prairie. 85 Buck Buckram; or, Beas, the Female Trapper, 247 Old Grizzly and His 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 STARBUOK, 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 Floes. 848 Fire-Heela; or, Old Skinflint, the Death-Shadow, 854 Big Horn Ike, the Hill Tramp; or, The Odd Parda, 861 The Phantom Light-house, 870 Breaker Ben, the Reef-Runner, BY WILLIAM fl. EYSTER, 190 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. 210 Faro Frank or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pards BY COLONEL DELLE SARA, 108 The Lion of the Sea; or, The Vailed Lady. 186 Cool Desmond; or, The Gambler's Big Game. BY JAMES L. BOWEN 107 One-Eyed Sim ; or, The Abandoned Forest Home. 110 The Biack Steed of the Prairies, A Story of Texas. »* BY ©. DUNNING CLARE, 185 Captain Paul}; or, The Boy Spy of the Mountains. 280 The Yankee Kajah; or, The Fate of the Black Shereef. BY GEORGE ©, JENKS, 485 Git Thar Owney the Unknown. 492 Git Thar Owney’s Pledge. 5618 The Demon Doctor. 5S1 Double-Curve Dan, the Pitcher Detective. BYS Flute, the Singer Detective, 608 ge eischer Detective’s Foil; or, Double Curve Dan's ouble Play. 616 The Jcean Detective; or, The Last Cruise of the Black Bear, BY OAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR U. 8. A. 191 Batale Rilly, the Boy Bullwhacker; or, The Doomed hirteen. 194 Buffalo BII's Bet; or, The Gambler Guide, BY ONARLES E. LASALLE. Kurt Bunker, the Trapper. 562 The White Buffalo. A Tale of the Northwest. BY JONN J. MARSHALL, 40 Roving Ben. A Story of a Young American, 07 The Outlaw Brothers; or, The Captive of the Harper, BY WM. G. PATTEN. 489 The Diamond Sport; or, The Double Face of Bed Rock 519 Captain Mystery ; or, Five in One, S51 Dalay Dare the Sport from Denver, BS? Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. 604 Tron Ferny the Man of Fire. 619 The Boy Tramp Detective; or, The Double Grip Witness, BY MAJOR E. L. 8T. VRAIN, 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit. 4 801 Leadville Nick, the Boy Sport. B12 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. 888 Brimatone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette, 852 Tombstone Tom, the Arizona Boy of ‘ Sand.” B59 Duranjyro Dave, the Youny Vhanmion Wrestler, 871 Kingbolt Chris, the Young Hard-Shell Detective, Avalanche Alf, the Foothills Guide. 890 Jaguar Joe, of the Mountain Mail-Line. BY EDWARD 8. ELLIS. 6 Bil) Biddon, Peappers 8 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier, o The Fate of the Sioux Captive. ‘21 Yne Frontier Angel. Nat Todd; or, 98 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island. 182 The Hunted Hunters or, The Strange Horseman. 254 The Half-Blood; or, The Panther of the Plaina, 271 The Huge Hunter; or, The Stdam Prairie Man. BY MAJOR LEWIS W. CARSON, 278 The Three Trappers; or, The Mountain Monster. 288 Indian Joe; or, uA 1@ White Spirit of the Hille. . BY FRANK DUMONT. 120 The Branded Hand Th A 97 Wild-Fine, the Bor ofthe Roe eny 140 Blue Blazes; or, The Break o’ Day Boys of Rosky Bar. 171 Ebony Dan; or, The Rival Leagues. 185 Evil Eve; or, The Vultures of the Rio Grande. BY OAPT. MARK WILTON, 256 Young Kentuck; or, The Red Lasso. 270 Blizzard Ben; or, The Riot a Keno‘ Camp. 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. BY BRACEBRIDGE HEMYNG, BF The Gavtata of the Clubs or The Rival Athletes. e Captain of the Club; or. 101 Jack Har away in ork. — ” | ow BY JOSEPH E, BADGER, JR. 2 Yellowstone Jack; or, The Trapper. 485 Black John, the Road-Agent; or, Me Outlaw’s Retreat. 65 Murrieane iil; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard. 119 M ustang Sam 3 or, The King of the Plains, 186 Night-lIhawk 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 with Fire. 184 The Boy Trallers 3 or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path, 208 The Boy Parda; or, Dainty Lance Unmasks, 211 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City, 810 The Barranca W olf ; 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 Woods: or. Daniel Boone’s Last Tra? 449 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective. 625 Chineapin Dan, the Boy Trailer. BY W. J. HAMILTON, 68 The Red Brotherhood ; or, The Twelve Avengers, 66 Single Handy or, A Life for a Life, 72 Mad Tom Weatern, the Texan Ranger, 887 Ben Bird, the Cave King; or, Big Peto’s Scoop. BY JACK FARRAGUT, 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. 820 The Sea Sorceress; or,"The Boy Skipper, BY LIEUT. H. D. PERRY, U. 8. N. 1 176 The Boy Runaway} or, The Buccanver of the Bay, 180 The Sea Trailer ; or, A Vow Well Kept. 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Point. BY HARRY HAZARD. 828 Arkansaw Jack; or, The Scourge of the Mines. 829 Red-Skin Tom 1 The Demon's Trail, $42 The Mountain Devil; or, Yellow Jack, the Outlaw, BY COL. A. F. HOLT. 899 Black Buckskin; or, The Masked Men of Doath Canyom, 419 Kenneth, the Baewine, 485 Little Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods. BY J. W. OSBON. 469 The Rival Glants of Nowhar’. 498 Cactus Burr, the Man from Hard Luck, 587 Old Buekey a the Sierra Shadow. 564 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner. 609 Tot Dorrit, the Veteran Detective. 620 Littie Lightning’s League; or, The Mystery of the Islan@ BY FREDERICK DEWEY. 818 Cimarron Jack, the King-Pin of Rifle-Shote, 478 Tangemund, the Desert Detective. 5642 The Canyon Pards. BY ARTHUR ©. GRISSOM, 440 Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowle Kid, 558 The Sure-Shot Parda, 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. 688 Saffron Sol, the Man With « Shadow. 589 Tom-Cat and Pards or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 601 Happy Hans, the Dutch Vidoeg. 611 Biland Barnacle, the Detective Hercules, 622 Texas Tom-Cat’s Triad. MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORA, 4 The Wild-HMorse Munters. By Capt. Mayne Reid and Frederick Whittaker. ? Adventures of Baron Munchausen, i 12 Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean Swift, 14 Aladding or, The Wonderful Lamp. 13 Robinson Orusoe, (27 Llustrations,) 18 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven Voyages. ’ 22 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe, By Juan Lewis, 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the Carribees, 8. W. Pierce. 86 a Boy Clown; or, The Queen of the Arena. By Frank 5 nn. 88 Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 61 The Boy Rives; or, The Underground Camp. By Archie C, Trona, 95 The Rival Rovers; or, The Freebooters of the Misslasippt. By Lieut.-Col. Mazeltine. 98 Robin Hood, the Outlawed Earl; or, The Merry Men of Green- wood. By Prof, Gilderaleeve, 105 Old Rube the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain Hamilton Holmes. 112 The Mad Hunter; or, The Cave of Death, 124 Tippy. the Texan; or, The Young Champlon, By George epson. 128 The Young Privateer; or, The Pirate’s Stronghold. By Harry Cavendish, 148 Sharp Sam; or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy, By J. Alexander Patten. 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper; or, The Green Ranger of the Yol- lowstone, By Edward Emerson. 261 Fergus Fearnaught the New Y irk Boy, By G, L. Alken. 266 Killb’ar. the Guide; or, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trail, By Ensign C. D, Warren. } 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed ‘Trapper; or, The Maid of the Cliff. By Captain Comatock, 817 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville, By Lieu- tenant Alired Thorne. 828 The Sky Detectives or, A Boy’s Fight for Life and Honor, Py. Maior Mickey Free. 850 Red Ralph, the River Rover; or, The Brother's Re venge. By Ned Bun tline. By A. P. Morris. 865 Balti Ben the Bootblack Detective. Boe GaldDast ‘Toms or, Ben's Double Match, By George H. M " 876 Cailfornta Joe's First Trail. By Colonel Thomas 418 hi ly ombahell the Cliff Climber. By F, 8. Winthrop. * . oe & The Black Ship. By John S Warner, 4 Comanch se Dick and Mis ‘Three Invinetbles, By . omas, Burton Saxe. Henry mm S28 Wiszard-Arm, the Dandy Sport. By Arthur F. H 582 The Cowbo ‘Duke. By dwin Brooke Forrest. 552 Ariel the Athlete. By David Druid. 585 Will Waters, the Boy Ferret. By H, Enton. A New Issue Every Tuesdays ‘ Walf-Dime Lib is for sale by all newsdealers, five ie EL ony, or sent ‘by mal x receipt of alx cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York.
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a “BEADLE'S« H ALF- DIME* LIBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at tne Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers, BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, Deadwood Dick Novela. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Defiance, 28 Butfalo Keng or, Deadwood Dick in Disguise. 85 Wilda Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval, 42 Phantom Miners or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza, 49 Omaha OL; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger, 57 Deadwood Dick's Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 78 Deadwood Dick on Deck}; or, Calamity Jane, the Heroine, %@ Corduroy Charlies or, Deadwood Dick’s Last Act, 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville. 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Double Cross Sign, 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. 129 yo Nicene oe Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s guicn. 188 Blonde Billy; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base, 149 A Game of Golds or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dreams or, The Rivals of the Road, 201 The Black Hills Jezebel; or, Deadwood Dick’s Ward. 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Caiamity Jane’s Last Ad- venture, 217 Captain Orack-Shot, the Girl Brigand, 221 Sugar-Coated Samy; or, The Black Gown. 282 Gold-Dust Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Divide; or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trall. 809 Deadwood Dick’s Big Deal; or, The Gold Brick of regon, 821 Deudwood Dick’a Dozens or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats. 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducats; or, Rainy Days in the Dig- gings. 851 Deadwood Dick Sentenced}; or, The Terriblo Vendetta. 862 Deadwood Dick's Claim. 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead Clty. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds, 421 Deadwood Dick In New Yorky or, A “Cute Case.” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand, 418 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 4148 Nickel-Plate Ned; or, Deadwood Dick Jr's Defiance. 458 sonnewer Sam, o! Shasta; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’a Full and, 459 Flush Fan, the Ferret; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Big Ronnd- Up. 465 Philo Fly, of Phenix; or, Deadwood Dick Jr's Racket at Claim 10. 471 Bozeman Bill; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Corral. 476 Humbolde Marry the Hurricane; or, Deadwood Dick Jr's Jog Detective, 481 Moll Mystery; or, Dendwood Dick Jr. in Dendwood, 401 Prince Pistol, tho King of the West; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’a Compact, 496 Monte Cristo, Jr.: or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Inheritance. 500 Deadwood Dick's Diggings ; or, Dr. Death-Grip's Swoop, 508 Deadwood Dick's Deliverance, 61S Deadwood Dick's Protegee. 522 Deadwood Dick's Three, 529 Deadwood Dick’s Danger Ducks, 584 Deadwood Dick’s Death Hunt, 589 Deadwood Dick Jr, in Texas. 644 Deadwood Dick, Jr. the Wild West Vidocg. 5649 Deadwood Dick on His Mettle. 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr. In Gotham, 561 Deadwood Dick in Boston. 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Philadelphia, 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Chicago, 578 Deadwood Dick, Jr. Afloat. 684 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Denver, 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr's. Decree. 595 Deadwood Dick Jr. in Beelzebu®s Basin. 600 Deadwood Dick Jr. at Coney Island. 606 Deadwood Dick Jr’s Leadville Lay. 612 Deadwood Dick Jr. in Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Cincinnatl, 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Nevada. ; Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon, 82 Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot. 89 Death-Fuce, Detective; or, Life in New York, 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bills or, The Red Rifle Team, .69 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter; or, The Boy Detective, 80 Rosebud obs or, Nugget\Ned, the Knight. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner}; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand, 88 Phetograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance, 92 Canada Chet ¢ or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp, 96 Watch-Eye; or, Arabs and Angels of s Great City. 8 Inek Hoyle the Young Speculator. 4 GUt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 1 by Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport, 5 Bonanza Bill, Miner. 8 Boas Bob the King of Bootblacks 1 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. 5 Captath erret, the New York Detective; or, Boss Bob’s 088 JOD. 1 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective, ® Nobby Nick of Nevada}; or, The Sierras Scamps, 81 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloguis: Hunter, otective, enn rat be ppp pk ek Aa Po 226 Snoozer, the Boy Sharp; or, The Arab 286 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator. 241 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret, 248 Sierra Sum’s Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Sam’s Pard; or, The Angel of Big Vista, 258 Sierra Sain’s Sevens or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs, 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen. 281 Denver Doll's Victory. J @X5 Denver Doll’ Decoy } or. Little Bill’s Bonanza, 4 291 Turk, the Boy Ferret. 296 Denver Doll’s Drift; or, The Road Queen, 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 808 Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. 825 Kelley, Hickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, B80 Little Qu!ck-Shot; or, The Dead Face of Daggersville, $84 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner, 889 Kangaroo Kit’a Racket. B48 Manbattan Mike, the Bowery Blood. 858 First-Class Fred, the Gent from Gopher, 868 ¥roke Jim, the Gold-Gatherers or, The Lottery of e. 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize. B78 Nabob Neds or, The Secret of Slab City. BS2 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, B85 Yreka Jim’s Joker} or, The Rivals of Red Nose, 88) Bleycle Ben; or. The Lion of Lightning Lode, 894 Yreka Jim of Yuva Dam, 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Waich Detective, 416 High Wat Harry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabsldes, the Beggar-Boy Detective, 4 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives, 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. 456 Seulskin Sam, the Sparkler, BY CHARLES MORRIS, 118 Will Somers, the Boy Detective. 122 Phil Mardy, the Boss Boy. 126 Picayune Pete 5 or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective, 180 Detective Dicks or, The Hero in Ragas. 142 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, 147 WH Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. 152 Black Beas, Will Wildfire’s Racer. 157 Mike Merr ") the Harbor Police Boy. 162 Will Wildfire in the Woods, 165 Billy Baggage, the Railroad Boy. 170 A Trump Card; or, Will Wildfire Wins and Loses, 174 Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York, 179 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner. 188 The Hidden Wand; or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge. 187 Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers, 189 Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. 196 Shadowed}; or, Bob Kockett’s Fight for Life. 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. 220 Tom Tanner} or, The Black Sheep of the Flock. 25 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky. 235 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. 242 The Two ** Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang. 252 Dick Dashaway ¢ or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago. 262 The Young Sharps? or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 289 Jolly Jim’s Job; or, The Young Detective. 298 The Water-Hound; or, The Young Thoroughbred. 805 Dashaway, of Dakota; or, A Western Lad in the Quaker ity. 824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. 858 The Reporter-Detective; or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard, B67 Wide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of the Times. 879 het the Levelers or, The Bloods of the Bouleyavd, 408 Firefly Jack, the River-Rat Detective. 425 The Lost winger 3 or, The Entrapped Cashier, 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective. 482 Invincible Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret, 456 Billy Brick, the Jolly Vagabond. 466 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or, Entombed Alive, 479 Detective Dodge}; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty. 488 Wild Dick Racket. 501 Boots, the Boy Fireman} or, Too Sharp for the Sharper, 566 The Secret service Boy Detective. 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves. BY OLL COOMES, 5& Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. 18 The Dumb Spy. 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. 81 Keen-Kaife, the Prince of the Prairies. Al Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. 5S The Border King; or, The Secret Foe, 71 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. 4 Wawk-eye Harry the Young Trapper Ranger, 88 Rollo, the Boy Ranger. ; 184 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman. 148 Sear-Face Saul, tie 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 Boy Captain. 202 Prospect Pete ; or, The 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 Minkakin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. 290 Little Foxfire, tke Boy Spy. 800 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 Baby Sam, the Boy Giant of the Yellowstone, 444 Little Buckskin, the Young Prairie Centaur. A457 Wingedfoot Fred; or, Old Polar San). 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, BY T. C, HARBAUGH. 28 Nick o’ the Nights or, The Boy Spy of ’76. 87 The Hidden Lodge}; or The Little Hunter, 47 Nightingale Wats or, Tne Forest Captains, 64 Dandy Jack; or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Trait, 82 Kit Warefoot the Wood-Hawk. 94 Midnight Jack ; or, The Boy Trapper, 106 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, The White Queen, 128 Klowa Charley the White Mustanger. 189 Judge Lynch, Jr. or, The Boy Vigilante, 155 Gold Tr ggeer, the Sport; or, The Girl Avenger. 169 Tornado Tomy; or, Injun Jack From Red Core, 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy, 198 Arkansaw 3 or, The Queen ot Fate’s Revenge. 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. 215 Captain Bullet 3 or, Little Topknot’s Crusade, 281 Plucky Phil; or. Rosa, the Red Jezebel, 241 Bill Bravo; or, The Roughs of the Rockies. 255 Captain Apolivy the King-Pin of Bowie, 267 The Tuekelkin Yetective. 279 Old Winch; or, The Buckskin Desperadoes. 294 Dynamite Dan; or, The Bowie Blade of @ochetopa, 802 The Mountain Detective; or, The Trigger Bar Bully, 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Curd of Arizona, 826 The Ten Pards: or, The Terror of Take-Notice, 886 Big Benson; or, The Queen of the Lasso. 845 Pitileas Matt s or, Red Thunderbolt’s Secret. 256 Cool Sam and Pard¢ ov The Terrible Six, 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. 886 Captain Cutines or, The Brecaneer’s Girl Foe. 896 Rough Rob; or, The twin Champions of Blue Blazes. All The Silken Lasso or, The Rose of Ranch Robin, 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter, 425 Texas Trump. the Border Rattler. 486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox. 445 The City Vamptres; or, Red Rolfe’s Pigeon. 461 One Againat Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keno Bar, 470 The Boy Shadow; or, Felix Fox's Hunt. Av? The Excelsior Sport; or, The Washington Spotter, 499 Single Sight, the One-Eyed Sport. 502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. 512 Dodger Dick, the be Detective. 521 Dodger Dick’s Best D eh Bes net Leal at ty is Bawery Bhetlons: 88 Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret. 548 Dodger Dick’s Double; or, The Rival Boy Detectives, B58 Dodger Dick’s Desperate Case, 568 Dodger Dick, the Boy Vidocq, 578 The Two Shadows. 582 D er Dick’s Drop. 594 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective. 610 Old Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sharp on Guard. BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, ? The Flying Yankee} or, The Ocean Outcgst, 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccaneer; or, The Fugitive Yacht, 24 Mrks or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone, 62 The Shadow Ship's or, The Rival Lieutenants. %6 The Boy Duelist; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wolf, 02 Dick Dend-Eye, the Boy Smuggier. 1 The Sen-Devil 3 or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. 6 The Hussar Captain 3_or, The Hermit of Hell Gate, 7 Little Grit; or, Bessie, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter, 204 Gold Plume; or, The Kid-Glove Sport, 216 Bison BILL, the Prince of the Reins. 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport 3 or, The Woman Trailer, 229 Orimson Kate} or, The Cowboy’s Triumph, 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. 245 Merle, the Middy 3 or, Tie Freelance Heir. 250 The Midshipman Mutineer ¢ or, Brandt, the Buccaneer. 264 tN pe Floating Feather; or, Merle Monte’s Treasure siand. 269 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, the Condemned, 276 mone Monte’s Cruise; or, The Chase of “The Gold Ship.’ 220 Merle Monte’s Fate 3 or, Pear!, the Pirate’s Bride, 284 The Sea Marauder; or, Merle Monte’s Pledge. 287 Billy Blue-Eyes, the Boy Rover of the Rio Grande. 804 The Dead Shot Dandy ; or, Benito, the Boy Bugler. 808 Keno Kit; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. $14 ime Mysterious Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler’s Long rail. 877 Bonodel, the Buy Royer; or, The Flagless Schooner, BS8 The Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Island, 887 Warpath WIII, the Boy Phantom. 898 Seawalf, the Boy Lieutenant, 402 Isodor, the Young Conapirator:; or, The Fatal Leagoe, 407 The Boy Insurgent} or, The Cuban Vendetta, 412 The Wild Yachtaman3 or, The War-Cloud’s Cruise. 429 Dunean Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 A Cabin Boy’s Luck; or, The Corsair. 487 The Sea Raider. 441 The Ocean Firefly; or, A Middy’s Vengeance, 446 Haphazard “agesiyl | 3 or, The Scapegrace of the Sea, 450 Wizard Will: or, The Boy Ferret of New York. 454 Wizard Will's Street Scouts. 462 The Born Gulde? or, The Sailor Boy Wanderer. 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster. 474 Flora; or, Wizard Will’s Vagabond Pard. 488 Ferrets Afloat; or, Wizard Will’s Last Case. AS? Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger. 495 Arizona doe the Boy Pard of Texas Jack. 7 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 508 The Royal Middy tor, ‘The Shark and the Sea Cat. 507 The Hunted Midshipman, 611 The Outlawed Middy. 5620 Buckskin BIL, the Comanche Shadow. 525! Brothers tn Buckskin. 580 The Buckskin Bowers. 585 The Buekskin Rovers. 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder ot the Rie, 545 Lieutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. 550 Lafitte’s Legacy; or. The Avenging Son. 555 The Oreole Corsair. 560 Pawnee BIL, the Prairie Shadower. 565 Kent Kingdon, the Card King. 570 Camille, the Card Queen, 575 The Surgeon-Scout Detective. 580 The Outcast Cadet; or, The False Detective, 586 The Buckskin Avenger. 591 Delmonte,.the Young Sea-Rover. 597 The Young Texan Detective. 602 The Vagabond of the Mines. 607 The Rover Detective; or, Keno Kit’*s Champions, 617 Ralph, the Dead-Sh rout, Th ’ Red Riders of the Rio. nella ratpii es sonlereascgs siren Shi BY BUFFALO BILL (on. Wm. F, Cody). 8 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand, 19 The Phantom Spy: or, The Pilot of the Prairie. 55 Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scout. 68 Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fanuey Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trost. LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 626 The Champton Pards; or, The Lucifer of Silver Bar, By T. C, Harbaugh. 627 Tom Bruce of Arkansas; or, The Wolfin the Fold, By Charles Morris. 628 Broadway muy Dead Act; or, The League of the Yue Sworn Seven. C, Cowdrick. 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport; or, The Jubilee of Jacktown, By Wm. G. Patten. 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in No Man's Land; or, Golconda, the Gladiator. By Ed. L, Wheeler. 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Tasks or, The Cowboy Detectives Own Case. By Lieut. A. K. Sims, 682 The Dead Detective’s Double. By Gerald Carlton, 688 Plucky Paul, the Boy Prerestoes or, The Deadwood Des. perado’s Last Innings. By J. W. Osbon 684 Cache Carl, the Chico Giant; or, The True Hearts of Red Eye Roost. By Buckskin Sam. 685 Oklahoma Hi, the Blue-Coat Scout; or, The Boomer’s Last Battle. By P.S. Warne 686 Deadwood Dick, Jr. After the Queers or, Sawdust Sam’s Last Green Game. By E. L. Wheeler, 687 Dick Doan, the Dock Boy Detective; or, Lynx against Fox. By T. C. Harbaugh. : 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph; or, Black Ivan’s Great Combine, Lient. A. K, Sims. 689 Sunrise Saul, the Express-Trafn Ferret, By Jo, Pierce, Ready October 22, 640 Bareback Beth, the Centaur of the Circle, By 3. G. Cowdrick. Ready October 29. A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half. Dime Library 1s tor sale by all newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of lx cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York.-