Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 595) (1888 12 18)
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SECOND EDITLUN, sitesi 77) Ne ‘hel hel G > ne oS" YA NOMA WARK ali Stl eng oll ee tC Ft nt i! a! a a wv Eatered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mail Rates. Copyright 1888, by BEADLE AWD ADAMS, December 18, 1888. a ore No 595 $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, * ° a Yeur. No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. THE OLD MAN OF MOUNT MAB A Romance of the Wind River Range. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF “DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, ETC, CHAPTER I, BESS, A werry peal of musical laughter, yet strange- ly enough it sounded, considering how wild and esolate were the surroundings; a point in the heart of the Wind River Range of Wyoming, where one might rather have expected the scream of a wild beast, or the war-whoop of the SSO MAG S ; Us =| red-man, ——~ SS = SS E _ ee . It was near nightfall of a pleasant early sum- THE SIGHT WAS DECIDEDLY STARTLING AND GHOSTLY, AND DICK, ALTHOUGH NOT mer’s day, and a lone horseman who was wend- CREDULOUS AS TO THINGS SUPERNATURAL, COULD NOT HELP FEELING AWED, ing his way through a deep canyon of the grand —
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old range, abruptly drew rein as the laughter greeted his hearing. He was a handsome, lithely built man of be- tween twenty-two and twenty-six years of age, with a fresh, clear-cut countenance, and dark- brown hair and eyes, the latter in particular being keen and penetrating. Mounted upon a spirited roan horse, the way ae sat him proved that much of his life had been ‘spent in the saddle. His dress was a plain business suit of gray, with accompaniment of top-boots and jaunty sombrero, and he was armed with a rifle and revolvers. The point at which he drew rein was one of the deepest and gloomiest in the canyon, the mountains Lai to tremendous hight on either side, while ahead and behind the almost straight course of the canyon was rapidly filling up with lurking shadows. ‘* Hello! that was an unusual sound in this out-of-the-way place!” he exclaimed. ‘‘ A wo- man’s laugh, as I live, and, if I mistake nct, the laugh of a young woman, too, But, where is she? I see nothing of her, or of any human habitation. His keen gaze scanned the surroundings, but it was evident the lady of the laugh was con- cealed somewhere close at hand, for she cer- tainly was not within range of the horseman’s vision, ‘*T guess she must be a little further on!” he soliloquized, and started up his horse. Only a few steps, however, when there came a repetition of the musical laugh, this time nearer at hand than before, The horseman drew rein again, puzzled, and at the same time curious, ** Hello! there!” he shouted. ‘‘Who’s that laughing?” For answer a female stepped from the shadow of a bowlder, so close to him, that he involun- tarily gave a start. “It was me!” was the answer, before he had time to make out what kind of a looking person- age ‘‘me” was. ‘‘I laughed first, because’ you seemed so innocent of my close proximity, and second because you were apparently startled at the sound of a voice in this wild place.” * Tn truth, was,” the horseman replied. ‘‘ Who are you, and what in the world are you doing here, so far from civilization?” “Who am I? Oh! [’mBess Bly. I belong to the stranded tourist crowd. Who are you? Some lona road-agent, I suppose!” ‘Well, hardly! Even if I was, you don’t seem to be much disconcerted by my presence?” ** Why should I be? Robbers are not all as bad as they’re pictured, I’ve heard say. In fact, I’ve always had a as ee to see es. a real bona fide road-agent ooked, like Deadwood Dick, for instance,” The horseman laughed oddly. ** You may have an opportunity of seeing that individual if you remain in these regions,” he said. ‘‘Indeed? I should so like to see him. Is he really so awfully bad?” ** Yes, I allow he’s a bad customer at times, Shouldn’t you think so of a galoot who hunts up a man to kill before breakfast, just for an appe- tizer?” **Oh, mercy! What a horrible wretch he must be, to be sure. But, you haven’t told me your name?” ‘**My name is Bristol By the way, you haven’t told me of your party. What did you mean by stranded?” ‘* Just what the word implies. I belong to a party of summer tourists, who were doing the mountains for pleasure. Yesterday our guide, -Cojeta Jim, mysteriously left us, after having a ay few words with De Percy Todd, and as none of our party knew anything about these parts, we are left in the lurch, and don’t know which way to turn to get out of the wilderness.” ‘Ah, Isee, Rather a bad fix for a party of strangers to be left in, and surely a queer idea for a party to attempt to do the Rockies, with no other protection or escort than one guide.” “ Just what I think; but then, it was Major De Campion’s notion, and what he says, goes,” ‘* Where are your party now?” ‘ “Down the gulch about a mile further, where we Were camped, when Cojeta Jim left us,” ‘*And bow comes it you are wandering so far from camp? Were you not afraid?” “No. Everybody in camp was grumbling and peevish, and so [ came up here to see if I couldn’t find some hop-toads. I think they’re such nice, cunning little pets, don’t you?” Bristol laughed heartily. ‘* Well, they’re about the last thing I should think of as pets,” he said, 5) | Deadwood Dick Jr. in Beelzebub’s Basin. ‘** You should see the collection I have at home —four of ’em, and they all sing. One sings alto, another tenor, another baritone, and the other base. They're a great curiosity too.” ‘“‘T should say they would be. By the way, miss, of whom is your party composed?” ‘Oh, they’re a queer lot, and you'll say so when you see ’em. [call em the Crank Cohort. Crank number one is Major Roscoe De Campion from Australia, He’s rich, gouty, grouty, and is going to marry aunty. He is a Spiritualist, and the spirits told him of a great buried treas- ure in these mountains, if—if he looked long enough for it, I guess, That’s what started our . Well, that sounds well for a begin- ning. Who is next?” “Crank two is aunty. She was my mother’s sister, and used to be plain Sarah Jane Smith- ers. Since she broke loose on Washington soci- ety, she’s Mrs. W. Walsingham De Blandford!” ick laughed again. ‘T see you are not blind to the foibles of friends,” he observed. “Not atall. I’ma plain, matter-of-fact girl, and don’t believe in snobbery and _ deceit. Crank 3is Raphael De Percy Todd. His real name is Toddles, but he chopped off the les after he reached the age of wisdom-tooth. He is one of those awfully awful fellows, don’cher know; courts the Muses, that is to say, writes poetry, and reads it off by the yard to my cousin, ‘Gerald De Campion, Crank 4, is dark, has little to say to any one except to me,’and 13 just mysterious enough to becharming. He is the eldest’ son of the major. Noel, bis brother, is light, gay, and handsome—so is not a crank. ‘¢ My cousin is the fifth crank. Her realname is Nancy, but she has re-christened herself Editha, She is languid, insipid, and afraid of snakes, “Crank the sixth is Barnabas Bugstein, a Jew. He joined our party recently. He saved aunty from being masticated by a cinnamon bear, and since then she insists on his going along with the show. He claims to be a perambulat- ing insurance operator. “The seventh erank is myself, Betsy Bly, at our service, and I finish the number—that is, cap the climax, being the crankiest crank of the whole lot.” ae if I’m any judge of character,” Dick re- Jied. 7 In the mean time, he had been watching his new and singularly made acquaintance, with great interest, for she was quite pretty, possess- ing a petite, graceful figure, and a roguish, sun- ny face, lit up with particularly bright and fas- cinating eyes. Her pleasant, off-handed, and unsophisticated manners were even as charming as herself, and something out of the order with most women the great Wild Wesi detective had encountered. She was about eighteen years of age, in the prime of health, and a picture of budding wo- manhood that would have aroused the enthu- siasm of even a greater critic than Deadwood ick. Attired in a pretty pink-and-gray cloth dress, and jaunty hat, her flossy brown hair rippled over her shoulders, nearly to the waist. “Tam glad to have met you, Miss Bly,” the horseman averred, “‘ but sorry to hear that your party bas been left in the lurch. Iam pretty well versed in mountain life, und if you will take me to your_camp, no doubt I can arrange with Major De Campion to get him out of bis dilemma.” “Oh, Iknow he will be glad to see you, and will pay you almost any price to guide us out of the mountains,” Betty deciared. ‘‘ Come along, sir, and I will show you the way. But, if you find the crowd a queer lot, you must overlook it. Their ways may seem very odd to you.” ‘*T guess there will be no aga on that ws iE Seas replied. ‘‘ I’m used to all sorts of people. Then his pretty friend led off, and he followed on his favorite horse, Electric, wondering what new experience he was about to encounter. CHAPTER Ii. THE STRANDED TOURISTS. PRETTY Miss Betty hurried along through the canyon, with quick, elastic step, never looking back at the detective. The canyon grew slight- ly narrower, as they advanced, and then turned sharply to the right, whence it ran on for an- other half mile, when it suddenly opened into a round, mountain-locked valley or basin, cover- ing several thousand acres, the greater portion of which space was absorbed in a beautiful crystal lake—one of the head reservoirs of Green River, in fact. Just as Dick and Bet debouched into the basin, the luminousround May moon appeared between two lofty snow-crowned peaks, and shed its mel- low light upon the picturesque landscape, caus- ing the ripples of the crystal water to resemble myriads of dancing silver bars and stars. All around them rose the towering peaks of dull gray. rock, to a stupendous hight, and for the most part but sparsely timbered with scrub pines. The lowest peak of them all, was fully one thousand feet above the lake surafce, and hada singular appearance, as if, at some past period, it had been sawed off, near its pinnacle. The fringe of land surrounding the lake was level and fertile, and afforded excellent grazing; aud, all considered, the panorama was one of peculiar beauty, and in that high and remote wilderness a great surprise. ’ Ten gdabi Dick uttered an expression of de- ight. ‘‘ Jupiter! this is a regular picnic of a place, isn’t it?’ he said, enthusiastically. ‘T like it!” Bet replied. ‘It is just wild and secluded enough to be romantic. I only wish I had my drawing materials with me that I might sketch the scenery, ‘“*'You are an artist, then?’ ‘Only an apology for one. I took to drawing quite naturally, when I was at school, but never had the opportunity of finishing my studies in that line, for aunty took me from school, and set me to doing housework. It was real mean of aunty, too, for I liked school. But, yonder is the camp.” Upon the shore of the lake was a little encamp- ment, consisting of a few tents, and a couple of mountain coaches, known in technical Western terms as “* hearses.” ‘ Several horses were picketed out to graze in the vicinity; a couple of camp-fires were burn- ing, and gathered about them the tourist party were to be seen. Bet and Dick advanced, and were soon in the heart of the encampment, where Bristol dis- mounted, and was introduced to each individual member of the party. And by the time this ceremony was finished, he had concluded that there was more truth than fiction in Betty’s decision that they were a party of cranks, ajor Roscoe De Campion, was a short, fat and florid individual, on the shady side of fifty, with a round head and visage, small peering eyes, iron-gray side-whiskers and hair, and @ wart on the nose; likewise he was bow-legged, and limped when he walked. He was dres in a serviceable, traveling costume, but wore an extra large diamond stud in his shirt front. “ Glad to meet you, young man!” he declared. ‘Tf it hadn’t been for one of your cussed couD- trymen, we would not be in this nawsty trouble. Blarst his cussed picture, if it Wasn’t for my cussed gout, I’d ’a’ mounted a horse, and gone in search of him, you know.” tion, and the proficiency with which he coul i ” things at once established his individ-_ uality. ies ie W. Walshingham De Blandford was not English, although she somewhat affected the craze. She was a large woman, with a fat face, and an overbearing air. But, affectation such a mountain of flesh, no cosmetics or finery’ could make otherwise than ridiculous,” “Oh! yes, it was quite proper you should come to our rescue, young man,” she said, loft- ily, ‘‘and of course if you can prove to our sat~ isfaction that you are trustworthy, wesball have you conduct us to a place of safety, and pay you a fair price for your services, e shall bave to be assured, of course, that you are not such a wretch as that man Cojeta Jim, before we trust ourselves to your escort.” Which Deadwood Dick decided was pretty ‘*cheeky,” inasmuch as he had not yet offered his services as guide, The next to be introduced was Mr. Rapbael De Percy Toddles, otherwise Todd—a_ tall, lean, spindle-shanked individual, with a pinched, ca- daverous countenance, eyes of the pelest blue, tow-colo hair and a thin, reddish mustache, So tall and stiff he appeared, that, were be to bend over, forward, it seemed as if be must snap in two, ‘Aw! really, I am awfully delighted, m deah boy!” he declared, seizing Dick's band, “It gives me gweat pleasure to know ycu wild womantic, uncultured Westerners, it does, I assuah you! There is something so novel, an’ so chawming, about your rude life which J, as & a poet, can rhythm into stanzes, don’cher know. I supwose you encounter Jots of weally exciting adventuab, too, deah boy?” 9 ‘“ Y 1 De Campion was evidently of English extrac- P| y '
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: impossible Y Deadwo pi SDE Raat A OE IEE ** Dead loads of it!” Dick said, giving Raphael De Percy’s slender hand a squeeze that made him jump. ‘It’s a cold rainy day, old socks, when I can’t kill a couple of men before break- fast!” ‘¢¢Old socks!’ Goodness gwacious, what a horwid expression. 1 never wore a pair of old hose in my life, sir—never!” And the dude crank backed off, in disgust. The brothers De Campion ‘‘ panned out” bet- ter. Gerald, handsome, dark and imposing, and Noel, blonde, bright and brilliant, shook hands with Dick cordially, and bade him welcome to the camp. Last to be introduced was Benjamin Bugstein, a sleek, natty, ferret-eyed individual, with the map of the ‘‘ chosen race” indelibly stamped all over his visage. ‘* Mine frient, I never vas so dickled vot I vas to make your agcquaintance, so helb me!” Bug- stein assured. ‘‘I halev a brudder Isaac, once, how as vas dot ferry tin-type of you, and that’s a combliment, too, for Isaac he vas a shmart young fellow, if I dodell you. But, Isaac vas onexberienced, shust like dot little baby vone veek old, and he t?ink he sdart out in de vorlat mit himself. Poor poy! he goes into dot vil- derness to pecome a soltyer, an’ he halev no in- surance on his life, and he got deat vid a pullet in his headt, petween der eyes. Dot shows dot effarybody should put von of, dose policies on deir lives purty quick for brotection. Now, mine frient, [represent der very best company in dot insurance—” ** Oh! give us a rest!” Dick replied. ‘I don’t want your policies. I have no one to reap the benefits of insurance on my death, so you can count me out!” ‘* But, mine frient, maybe you sometime vill get married, and den—” ‘*No marrying on my plate, Solomon, So let me give you a pointer: If vou’ve got any policies to get rid of, you’d better plaster _’em all over yourself, and go take a sleep. When you awake in the next world maybe you will 1ave realized a fortune on them!” Bugstein evidently did not like this sort of rebuff and suggestion, and subsided at once. The introductions over, De Campion, senior, proceeded to monopolize Deadwood Dick’s at- tention. ‘*Now, young man,” he said, ‘I want to know just what you think of the cussedness of our situation!” ** Nothing particularly terrible about it, and you might have gone further and done worse!” Dick replied, in his calm, reassuring way. ‘** But, look here, young man, we must get out of this blarsted fix, without delay. If you area competent guide, T am ready to close a bargain with you, and we will start at once!” “T am not a guide, as that word is under- stood here in the West, byt being familiar with meuntain-life, I would have no difficulty in leading you to some point from where you could guide yourself—providing I were to under- take such a thing—which, for the present, is How, impossible?” ' **I must have rest, before all else except food, I have been in the saddle for over thirty- six hours, and am all tuckered out.” “You can rest, afterward. I have my reasons for leaving this blarsted place at once, and you must act as our guide. F shall not be stingy about what price you ask!” ‘Tt would make no difference if you were to offer me a fortune!” Dick replied, spiritedly, “*for there is not money enough in the mint to hire «ne to do what I don’t want to do!” ‘Then you don’t want to conduct us hence?” “*T have not said so. But, Ido say that I don’t propose to move a step out o’ this basin until I am rested, and get good and ready ” De Campion scowled. He evidently was not in the habit of being addressed in this decisive manner. . ‘“* You’re mighty independent!” he growled, ‘‘That’s because I’m built that way!” Dick replied, good-naturedly ‘I generally do pretty much as I please, you know, when the wind blows right!’ ** Well, sir, I'll blarsted aun assure you you can’t do it in this camp!’ De Campion retorted. “‘Soif you refuse to guide us away from here, you are not welcome to the hospitality of my camp. ‘No? All right, then. There’s plenty of room for both of us in this pocket, so I will take my leave!” and seizing Electric by the bridle- rein, he sauntered coolly away, leaving the tourists’ camp behind, Selecting a cosey spot on the lake-shore, a few od Dick Jr. in Beelzebub’s Basin, | 3 to graze, gathered some fuel and started a fire, and from his saddle-trappings brought forth a coffeepot and broiling-stick, also coffee, freshly killed deer meat, and corn-bread, and in a very few minutes had a repast prepared, which al- though it might not’ have been fit for a king and to the king’s own liking, was highly satis- factory to the demands of the tired horseman’s excellent appetite. ‘‘ That’s a queer lot over there!” he mused, as he partook of his meal, ‘‘ and [ll be hanged if I know hardly what to make of them, One thing is sure, however, De Campion can’t bulldoze me with his * blarsting’ or ‘ cussing.’ The girl who guided me here T vattine like, but the rest of %em!— Well, we will wait and see. There’s no telling what a few hours may bring forth!” CHAPTER III. A GRANTED REQUEST. ALTHOUGH he could not exactly understand why, Bristol was assailed with a suspicion that there was an undisclosed something concerning the tourists’ party that he did not yet know— a something that was not altogether right—a something that perhaps might not bear investi- ration. . Ostensibly the party were tourists, doing the Rockies in search of pleasure. That was noth- ing startling, considering the picturesque beau- ties of the grand old mountain range, which have attracted, and ever will continue to at- tract nature-loving sight-seers from all civilized countries. But, pretty Miss Betty had asserted that De Campion was a spiritualist in behef, and bad come to these parts in quest of a buried treas- ure, Why, then, was he so anxious to leave the basin of the crystal lake, than which no more desirable camping spot could be found for miles around? This was the question Dick asked himself, as after supper, he lay upon the grass and smoked his pipe. Surely the scenery was all thatan artist could desire, while there was a plenitude of grass for | grazing purposes, and lake and mountain gave every promise of plenty of game. What more en tourists desire? “Tt is such a spot as a hermit well might choose for his home,” Deadwood Dick mused, as he lay alternately watching the tourists’ camp, and the silvery ripples of the water, as they chased each other to and fro, ‘‘ Altho’ I was never here, before, [ somehow seem at home here. Perhaps it is the extreme beauty of the night which gives me the feeling of content- ment.” And a glorious night it was, indeed. The gentle breeze that soughed down into the basin from between the mountain pair, was fraught with the odor of the pines; the air was invigorating, and Luna never shone more brightly or benignly. The * Sawed-off ” Mountain, before mentioned, was a picture in itself, as it rose almost perpen- dicularly from the water’s edge, like some im- posing monument. ‘“*That’s certainly an odd formation!” Dick said, aloud, ‘‘and if I remain long in this vicin- ity, Pl endeavor to see what it looks like on ‘TI would like to know myself!” The words were uttered so close to where Dick was reclining that heinvoluntarily started, and gazing behind him, beheld dark Gerald De Campion standing near by. ‘Ab! is it you, Mr. De Campion? I believed myself quite alone!” and Dick rose to a sitting osture. : ‘‘ Tt is I, Gerald De Campion,” was the reply “but not Mr. De Campion, hia know. I tire of the camp, and took a notion to intrude here, thinking you might be lonely.” Dick laughed at the idea. ‘Loneliness is something that bothers me little, even in the deepest solitude,” he replied. ‘‘However, I am glad youcame. In lieu of a chair, I shall have to invite you to a seat on the ground.” Gerald threw himself down, in a careless way, and proceeded to fill his pipe, in the mean time surveying the young horseman rather inquir- ingly. "EW What do you think of the old man?” he finally asked. “* Your father?” . * Yes,” “y Why I don’t know, I haven’t bad time to form opinions of any sort yet,” “Nonsense, You're oné of these fellows who bundred yards distant, he tethered Electric out | does not require an hour to make up his mind, The old man did not make much out of you, and consequently is wroth!” ‘*Tndeed? Well, I am sorry for that.” “You needn’t be. You acted right in not acceding to his request. He is inclined to be overbearing of late, and you gave him the proper set-back. There’s no sense of leaving here ina hurry. It’sa garden spot of nature and the only decent camping-place we’ve ha fora month. In fact, I have reasons for object- ing to leaving here, just Py and thought Vd post you to that extent. The truth is, the old man don’t know what he does want, so it’s hardly worth your while to pay avy attention to his expressed wishes,” Dick did not see that he was called upon to make anv reply, and so remained silent. After a brief silence, Gerald went on: ‘* No, the old man is stuck on the widow, and she’s got bim completely under her thumb, If it wasn’t for her et ches Editha, I believe ’d be tempted to— but never mind what, The woman is an adventuress, and all sbe cares for is a whack at the De Campion fortune. Humph! we shall see whether she will succeed or not!” and the dark eyes of the speaker emitted a wicked glitter, it struck Dick, ‘You refer to Mrs. Walsingham De Bland- ford, I take it?’ Dick said, ‘Mrs. Walsingham De Fiddlesticks!” was the retort. ‘‘She’s a fraud of the first water, that woman is—a female lobbyist, whom the old man met in Washington, and likewise professes to be a spiritual medium, and it is through the latter imposition that she got a hold upon my father. He was for many years a believer in spiritual- ism, but, by persistent efforts, we had virtual] talked him out of the craze until be met this woman. Since then we have lost all control over him, while this adventuress has held him completely under ber thumb, and even caused him to promise to marry her. Can you then wonder that I detest her?” ‘* Well, no, I can’t say that I wonder a bit,” Dick replied; ‘‘but I do wonder that a strong man like your father should be deceived by such a person.” **'Well, he does believe in her, and nothin either Noel or I can say will change his mind, Gerald replied, bitterly. ** So fully has the schemer got him under ber influence, that I understand they intend to be married as soon as they reach a point where a minister or a justice of the peace can be found, If the woman becomes his wife, what, I ask you, will be the result? She will continue to <eep him under her thumb until she gets his fortune away from him or he dies—in which event he will leave everything to her,” **T see, I see,” Dick assented. ‘‘ I can under- stand how you feel. Isbould fee] the same if I were in your place.” “*T doubt pot you would. But, sir, this mar- riage must not take place!” ‘*Tf your father is so thoroughly in the wom- an’s power, how are you to prevent it?” ‘“The only way to prevent it at present, is to prevent the party ar this place. The trails that brought us bere are long and labyrinthian, and none but an experienced mountain-man. could find the way to the eastern slope of the. Rockies. One thing is certain, neither of our. ty, except it were Noel and myself, would Kawe the courage to attempt such a thing. - “So, Bristol, although an utter stranger, I want tc ask a favor of you. You willsee that as sons of Major De Campion, it is not natural for us to want this adventuress to wheedle our rent out of his fortune, thereby leaving us, as it were, upon our uppers. We do not yearn for the old man to die, nor covet his wealth while he lives, but we doconsider that we have a for- tune at stake, and that, when our parent dies, his heloogings should belong to us. Am I not ressonably right? Are we not rightfully our father’s heirs, rather than this im r—this gross adventuress, who calls herself Mrs. Wal- singham De Blandford?’ ‘“Most assuredly. ‘No one would think of gainsaying that fact.” “Thank you, old boy! I thought you would agree with me on that point!” dark Gerald said, gratefully, putting out his hand. “I think J read you aright the moment I set eyes on you, that_you were a brave, whole-souled fellow—vow I know it. And, now, for the re- quest, which, maybe, you will refuse, portuned or tempted with reward, you will not act as guide for our 1 lsd out ef this place, for the present—until I consent. I am. asking a creak deal of you, but Iam asking as a friend. and a brother!” Ast eis % t Promise. me that, no matter how much you may be im- » Gan
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te Deadwood Dick Dick was silent for a moment, considering tho request seriously, and then replied: “YT think I unaerstand you, De Campion, that, by keeping your party here, in the basin, for awhile, will be the means of postponing the threatened marriage?” * That’s it, exactly. So long asIcan keep them away from a minister, why, there’s less danger of her getting hold of the fortune.” ‘* But, you cannot always hope to keep them here.” ‘Oh! certainly not. But it will give mea chance to plan for their ultimate separation. That woman has a dark history, and I hope to be able to get a grip on her that will cause her to let up on the old man!” ““T see, Well, I hope you will succeed; and, as for your request, I cheerfully grant it,” ‘Thank you! Thank you! I shall henceforth consider myself under deepest obligations to you, and so will my brother Noel!” Gerald de- clared, earnestly. ‘* How will the other members of your party like remaining here?” Dick asked. “Ob! it won’t make any difference to them; but if it does, it don’t matter. With one ex- ception, or rather with two exceptions, they don’t amount tomuch. The exceptions are my brother and Bessie.” ** Miss Bly, you mean?” “és es ” ‘* Very fime looking girl !’ Dick observed. **Do you think so? ell, perbaps she is.” A peculiar something in Gerald’s tone caused Dick to dart him an inquiring glance. The ex- pression of the dark young man’s visage, how- ever, betrayed no emotion of any sort. ““? wonder if Mis; Bess is anything to him?” Dick wondered. ‘It is possible I may have been treading on forbidden ground when I spoke of her good looks.” They conversed for some time longer, on various topics, and then Gerald rose to go. **T guess Pil get back to camp, now,” he said. ** By the way, when you make a trip to the top of ‘Sawed-off’ Mountain, which Bet bas christ- ened Mount Mab, I would like to accompany “ All right; Pll let you know before I go,” Dick replied. As he spoke, both men involuntarily gazed toward the mountain in question, and as they did a each uttered an exclamation of astonish- ment. What they saw was enough to elicit an ex- clamation from any one! CHAPTER IV. A QUEER COMMUNICATION, STANDING upon the mountain-peak in bold relief, as the mellow moonlight fell upon him, and plainly discernible from the basin below, was & man. He was evidently well advanced in years, for his hair and beard were extremely long, and he appeared to support himself by the aid of a staff taller than himself. His attire, as near as could be determined, was of buckskin, the several seams being fringed with squirrels’ tails, and he wore neither head nor foot-coverings. He appeared to be surveying the encampment of the rists below him; and altogether, he looked rather weird and spectral, as the moon- light fell upon him. ‘*Hello! Who the blazes is that?” ejaculated Gerald De Campion, “Give if up!” Dick replied, “It appears we are not the only ones who know of this garden- spot. Wait, and Ill get my field-glass, and bring the old man closer.” From his saddle-sack he brought forth the ass in question, and leveled it at the figure on e summit of Mount Mab. He saw a man of sixty years or more, with long gray hair and beard, and kindly counte- nance—a man of unusual stature and muscular development; a man who, were he clothed in civilian garb, might have been termed hand- some. His belt fairly bristled with knives and _pis- tols, and, judging from his herculean build, he was a man of prodigious oh Wi There was nothing particularly out of the ordinary about him, except it was his wilderness costume, He seemed absorbed in curiosity, as he watched the scene below, _** Well, what do you make of him?” Gerald a OM! meh ! Dick replit he passed ‘Ob! he’s human as ‘ glass to the Briton. “From appear- d put bim down as some mountain over the ances shou ama | rook! — ee ae. ans Serre eine ee = eres a J ust what I judge!” Gerald assented. “Ha! He returned the glass to Dick, who once more leveled it at the ‘‘ sawed-off” plateau, to dis- essed that the old man of the mountain was not alone. There stood by his side a very short but heavily-built person—a dwarf, not over three and a half feet high, almost as big one way as he was the other, and a head of enormous size, covered with reddish hair, which grew brist- lingly erect, “My eyes!” ejaculated De Campion, ‘“‘a very Caliban?’ ‘* He certainly is not a beauty. Looks as if he was the gnome of these hills, I should say,” remarked Dick. ‘*This garden-spot won't prove such a para- dise after all, if a few gnomes and goblins turn up. **Maybe not,” Dick admitted. ‘‘ The two up there are an odd pair, and their appearance may mean trouble for all imtruders on _ these domains.” Further remarks were interrupted, just then, as pretty Bessie Bly came running up, all but out of breath. ‘On! Mr. Gerald, will you please come to the camp?” she cried. ‘‘Every one is very much frightened by the figures on the mountain, and aunty went off into a dead faint the moment she saw that strange old man.” ‘* She did, eh? Well, I don’t know as that fact concerns me particularly,” Gerald replied, “I reckon she'll come to all right if they douse a bucket of water over her.” * But the major wants to see you immediate- ly, Mr. Gerald. Won’t you please come?” ‘To be sure, I'll do almost anything to please ou, my fair Bet,” De Campion replied, gaJlant- ui; ‘*Socome along,” and bidding Deadwood ick good-night, they hurried away toward the tourists’ camp. In the mean time Dick saw the old man and the dwarf suddenly disappear from the moun- tain-top, and almost simultaneously there ap- peared upon the moonlit surface of the lake an apparition even more startling than had been that upon the mountain. This time it was that of a man, standing erect upon the water, near the center of the lake—a man clad in a meinen robe of white, with long white hair and beard, and apparently the same in features as those of the old man of the moun- tain. He stood, silently erect, a dim, filmy appari- tion, the upraised index finger of his right hand pointiog heaven ward. The waters gleamee and rippled all about the strange spectacle, and could be seen’ way beyond it, so there seemed no room for doubt that it was really standing on the water, as it appeared, The sight was decidedly startling and ghostly, and Dick, although not credujous as to things supernatural, could not help feeling awed and considerably mystified. * Tl be ban if I know what to make of this!” he mused, watching the specter, or what- ever it was, with intense curiosity. ‘‘I never saw a ghost yet.that couldn’t be laid, nor did I ever see a human being who could stand on the surface of the water.” Involuntarily he reached for his rifle, but be- fore he could draw it to him, the sharp report of a weapon broke the stillness of the night, com- ing from the direction of the other camp. Some one of the tourists had fired at the ap- parition, The report of the weapon was followed by a shriek of eldritch laughter, and the apparition suddenly disappeared—vanished into nothing- ness, as it were, “y upiter Ammon! That beats the deck!” was Dick's ejaculation. ‘‘ There was some dev- iltry about that, or else we are indeed in a spook-infested locality. But although I don’t take any stock in that nonsense, yet how is one to account for what I have just seen?” The question was unsolved, evenif, for several Homey he detective lay turning it over in his mind. That the old man on the mountain, and the apparition on the lake were one and the same in appearance there was no gainsaying; yet, one was human, and the other certainly could not be, for how could a human being stand upon the waters, and go and come at will, as the appari- tion had done? ry here,” Dick decided, jatory toward working he went to sleep. _ eS . Bsr} out the solution.” And, with this conc’ Jr. in Beelzebub’s Basin. e Fatigved from his long journey, he slept long and soundly, and when, at length, he awakened, day had long since dawned, but the sky was clouded over with dull gray, and the breeze that soughed down into the basin had the ‘‘ feel” of rain. Dick was aroused from his slumbers by some one shaking him by the arm, and raising bim- self to a ‘sitting posture, he found, standing be- side him, Bugstein the Jew. ‘* Ah! mine frient, you vas one sound sleeper,” the Israelite debinrea. with agrin, ‘* You vas. all der vorld like mine brother Isaac, vot ish deadt.” “To blazes with your brother Isaac,” Dick growled. ‘‘ What do you mean by disturbing me?” ‘Mine frient, I beg you vil not get oxcited mit me. I vas sent here Py jhe major.” “Oh! you was, eh? ell, what do you want?” “‘Noddinks vor mineseluf, mine frient—nod- dings vor mineseluf, It vas der major vot vant ** What does he want?” “You will oxcuse me, but I haluf to gif dot. up. He dells me vot I dells you—dot he vants to see you righd avay off quick.” k ‘““Why the blazes don’t he come to me if‘he wants to see me? I don’t know that I am at his beck and call.” % ‘* But, mine frient, der major haluf der gout purty bad, you know, andt he cannot got arount so spry like yourseluf.” ‘¢ Well, you go back and tell him I'll come over after [ get my breakfast,” Dick replied, and the son of Abraham took his departure. Dick set about preparing his morning repast, but not making the least effort to hurry the operation. To quicken his visit to the major was not in his programme for morning exer- cise. From the lake, with his ever-ready hook and line, he caught a fine mess of fish, and these, when broiled, and washed down with coffee, made a hearty and tempting repast for a moun- tain wayfarer. After breakfast he sauntered over to the tourists’ camp, to find the party seated in a circle, and, from appearances, holding a confab, or council, - All hands looked worried, except it were Gerald, who lounged idly upon the grass, ap- parently quite at ease. : 2 ‘“You sent for me, I believe,” Dick said, ad- dressing De Campion, pater. | ‘Yes, I did,” was the uncivil reply. ‘ You didn’t hurry yourself very much, either, to comply with my request.” : es ban not aware that 1 was particularly called upon to do so,” Dick retorted. “I had my breakfast to get, and, when possible, I always make it a point to have breakfast before busi- ness, ‘‘Humph! You blarsted Yankees are entirely too independent, considering your stations and class stauding. However, let that pass. We want to know how soon you will be ready to ~ guide our party out of the mountains.” _— “T don’t know that I’ve any intention of guiding your party at all, sir. My course lies to the northward through the range, when I leave here; but it is quite probable that | shall remain in this basin for some time to come.” ‘Do you mean to say that you will not act as our escort, if you are well paid for it?” ‘*Money is no object to me, and for the present I propose to remain here,” “Tl give you two bundred dollars to act as our guide,” : Dick laughed. ; ; “T couldn’t think of taking your offer, Major De Campion, he said, dryly, ‘‘ Did I intend to take the back trail, I should not ask a cent to act as your guide; but, as I] have made up wa mind to stay here, ten times two hundred dol- lars would not effect a change of my purpose.” *« Curse it, what is the object in your infernal stubbornness? Do you think to bleed me out of a larger sum, you—” : “Take care!” cried Dick, with flashing eyes; * don’t get uncivilin your language, Or you may have cause to regret it!” : ‘Ha! you dare to threaten me?” ‘““T threaten nothing, I simply suggest that ou will find it best to not say what had better left unsaid. Ibave an object in desiring to remain in Beelzebub’s Basin, as this mountain pocket may aptly be termed, but, my object in no wise concerns the be ag of your ol a ently plethoric purse. If you do not desire to remain here, I see no alternative but for you to find your way out of the mountains, as best can, you.
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Deadwood Dick Jr. in Beelzebubh’s *“That’s impossible. We would get worse lost than we are now!” ‘** Then, why not be content to remain where you are, for the present? Here you have plenty of fish and game, and there is nothing to pre- vent your getting along micely, Perhaps, in time, some ranger will happen along, who will be glad to take your money and guide you back to civilization again.” ‘No! no! It is of the utmost importance that we tarry bere no longer. The spirits of those who are dead and gone, have warned us to go, and if we disobey them, terrible things will happen.” “ Spiritsin a horn! If you believe in such nonsense, you deserve to get into trouble. True spirits do not bother themselves about things here below!” ‘* We know better. The good widow, here, is a powerful medium, and in constant communica- tion with the spirit world.” “So she says, I suppose; but, I say the widow is humbugging you, if she is stuffing you with that kind of fodder. Spirits that have any circus in this world are those manufactured by worldly corporations and I’ll be blamed if I be- lieve the aristocratic Widow De Blandford is connected with a distillery!” ‘* Sir! you are a low-lived insulting puppy!” cried the widow, growing apoplectic with rage, ‘and if you do not retract your words I’ll bave you severely punished!” ‘‘ Ah, indeed! How choice you arein your jJanguage. But, Iretract nothing, madam. I’m as plain spoken, as an indictment, and if the ar- rangement displeases you, it is no fault of mine!” ‘* Gentlemen!” cried the widow, her rage in- creasing, ‘‘are you men, that will allow this insolent wretch to talk to me in this shameful manner?” ‘Tf it wasn’t that my cussed gout is so cussed painful, ’d thrash him within an inch of bis cussed life!” the major declared, bristling like a turkey gobbler. ‘* Surely you will avenge me, Mr. Todd—Mr. Gerald—Mr. Noel!” ‘*You can count me out!” Noel said, *‘ for I’m not one of the fighting sort!” ‘‘ Nor I!” hastily put in Raphael. De Percy. **T think it’s weally horwible to fight. It’s so vulgar, don’cher know!” Mrs. W. Walsingham De Blandford turned, as a last resort, despairingly to dark Gerald, who still lazily reclined upon the grass, seeking solace from his meerschaum, ‘*Gerald—Mr. De Campion, I trust—” “Mrs. De Blandford, I am quite adverse to engaging in a quarrel with Mr. Bristol, whom I admire—not even for your most gracious sake!” Baffled all around, the madam glared at the lone traveler once more furiously. ‘“‘ If it weren’t for the shocking disgrace of the thing, I would publicly chastise you, myself i” she averred. Zou deserve to be beaten with- in an inch of your life, you viper!” Dick’s only reply was a smile, as ke turned to the major, who had drawn off his shoe, and was engaged in nursing his gouty foot. ** Tam sorry, Major De Campion, that I can- not be of service to you in the capacity of a guide,” he said, ‘and trust you will make up your mind to settle down where you are, and make the best of matters, until something turns up in your favor. If anything turns up, that you or your estimable party needs any fighting assistance, | am, my dear sir, quite at your command, and yours truly, Richard M, Bristol, otherwise Deadwood Dick Junior!” and so say- ing, he turned to depart, — ut, the major called him back, “Hold on!” he said. ‘Perhaps it will be better to have you as a friend than as an enemy. { want your opinion in regard to the*man and erat on the mountain, and the specter on the lake.’ “ Really, I haven’t formed enough of a con- clusion, to be able to express an Opinion. The thing on the lake, whatever 1 was, isamystery, and the two men on the mountain-top aro little jess, Just what the mystery is, none of us, of course, now know. My gbject in remaining here, is to find out.” ,; “JT see! I see!” and a troubled expression mounted the major’s brow. ‘It’s the spirits that have control of these cussed surroundings, and if we remain here, we are doomed, one and ‘ ny. ‘Oh! bosh! Dry up on that nonsense! Who fired at the apparition, last night?” “My son, Noel did!” was the reply, ‘but *gainst my express commands.not to shoot, and, asa result. incurred the enmity of the spirits. On awaking, this morning, I found this warn- ing pinned to my garments, Read it, and then tell me if you wonder at my desire to quit this valley!” As he spoke the major handed Dick a sheet of ordinary writing paper, on which was writ- ten the following, in red ink, and evidently with a quill pen. ‘*Thou hast come, without leave or license, into the sacred hunting-grounds of the Silent Tongues;— the one spot on earth set aside for them, thou hast desecrated with thy presence. In so doing, thou hast committed an unpardonable sin, and thou art punished accordingly, by being forbidden to go forth alive from Beelzebub’s Basin, where thou art, now. Disobedience to this command, will see thee come to harm, for so surely as ye seek to leave this place without my permission, so shall ye be cut into pieces, and thy flesh fed to the wolves that hover in the dark recesses. ** One of thy flock is doomed, and the days of this one are numbered. Who this may be, thou know- eth not, but this guilty one knoweth, anc in seeret trembles, for the hand of vengeance siayeth not, “If by wisdom, thou seekest not to bring wrath upon thyselves, by disobedience to my command, it is well; but, woe unto you that believeth notin THe OLp Man oF Mas Mountatn.”’ Deadwood Dick read this strange communica- tion over twice, before allowing his eyes to leave the paper, then, after a swift glance over his interested audience, he began, in a clear, resonant voice, and read it aloud. This done he refolded the paper, and returned it to the major, by another swift glance sweeping the faces be- fore him, and noting that Mrs. W. Walsing- ham De Blandford had changed color—from flushed and angry red to a gray pallor. ** You may shoot me for a coyote if that ain’t a queer old love-letter!” he observed, ‘* But, as it was evidently written by a crank, it is scarce- ly worth your while to pay any attention to it. If, however, there is any prospect of trouble, you have but to send for me, and perhaps I can stave it off. Anyhow, you had better set to work, and prepare tq stay hereawhile. The tone of the letter is threatening, and I'd not try to brave it until we know more!” “How isit that you said this place might aptly be called Beelzebub’s Basin, and in this communication the Old Man so denominates it?” the major demanded, suspiciously. : “There you have me!” Dick frankly confess- ed. ‘f know it isa very singular coincidence that both [ and the author of the warning should call it by the same name, but, it is a co- incidence, for I swear I know no more of the yast history of this place, or of the strange Old an of the Mountain, than yourselves, if as much. The title of ‘ Beelzebub’s Basin’ came to me as I gazed at the apparition on the lake, This Js the only explanation in my power to ive, & Dick then sauntered back to his own camp in a very ‘‘ brown study,” indeed, for he bad much more to think of now than when he first awak- ened that morning. CHAPTER V. ‘*A4 STITCH IN TIME SAVES NINE,” THE wide-awake Dick during the day, movei his camp to where a little motte of oaks ran down from the mountain-side to the water’s edge. In this grove he found shade for himself aud Electric, and occupied his time in putting up asmall tent, the canvas of which his pack contained—but all the while cogitating over the mystery of the Old Man. ‘** Tt struck me on first reading that message,” he mused, ‘“‘that it was the work of Gerald, written with the intent of frightening his father into remaining in the Basin, but, when I gave bim an inquiring plonce, he shook his head negatively, evidently comprehending my sus- icion. “The Old Man of Mount Mab isa mystery. In his letter he pronounces the doom of one of the party of tourists, and, if Iam not greatly mistaken, that one is Mrs, De Blandford. Else why did she faint last night when she saw the old man on the mountain, and why did her florid countenance grow pale this morning when I read aloud the message? I now firmly believe she knows the Old Man, and that he knows her, and the threat in his communication is intended forher. Gerald has told me that the woman has a dark past; but how am I to find out what that past is? Is it any of my business to try to find out? I believe itis. Ibelieve that woman is bad to the core, and if she is not closely wateh- ed, she will do some one serious harm, She is not a weak-minded woman. On the contrary, she is strong-minded and stubborn, and vicious and treacherous, too, I suspect. Perbaps Bessie could tell me much worth knowing, if she were so inclined,” 5 Thus musing, he allowed the afternoon to drag by. d At the tourists’ camp there was no perceptible stir during the afternoon. The sun poured down so warmly into the Basin, that the stranded land voyageurs kept to their tents for shade. Night set in quite early in the Basin, owing to the extreme hight of the surrounding mount- ains, and the fact that the sun was hidden from view, long before it was time to set below the true horizon. Just as the last rays were lingering in the Basin, Dick got wu. bis fishing apparatus, and, sitting upon the bank of the lake, began to cast out for fish for his evening meal. The pretty sheet of water was fairly alive with the mountain trout, and to catch them was but pastime, As yet, he had not seen any of the tourists engaged in fishing, and took it for granted that either they did not know how to fish, or were unprovided with the necessary tackle; so he concluded to catch a mess for his neighbors. e was thus occupied, and bad just landed a fine specimen of mountain trout, when he heard a footstep, and turning, beheld ‘Miss Betty smil- ing down upon him, ** Ah, is it you, Miss Bly?” he said, ‘‘ How are matters over at the camp?” The girl shrugged her pretty shoulders, ‘“* About the same as usual,” she replied. ** Aunty is crazy to leave the place, but Mr, De Campion won’t consent to make a move withous you to act as guide.” **And so he has sent you over to intercede with me, eh?” “Oh, no. I came of my own accord. I saw you fishing, aad sol slipped away from camp and came here, I suppose I'll get a scolding when I go back, but then I don’t care; I am used to that.” ‘“A scolding, eh? Pray, who should scold you? Are you not your own mistress?” ‘*Not yet. Iam not of age, you know, and until [ am, aunty is my guardian,” **Ah, I see. Not a very desirable one, either, I take it,” Dick remarked, inquiringly. Bessie made no reply, buy seated herself upon the bank, a few feet distant from the fisher- man,’ Piven seem to have great luck fishing,” she said. ‘Tm catching a mess for your camp as well as my own,” : **Oh, won’t that be nice! We've had nothin but ham and coffee since we’ve been ca here.” ‘* By the way, Miss Bly,” Dick said, as he re- cast his line into the water, “I have taken quite an interest in you. Would you mind telling me of your past life? Something tells a that it has been of more than usual inter- ° est. She act at him in evident great surprise. Basin, ‘* What in the world ever caused you to think that?” she asked. ‘ ‘** That issomething I am powerless to tell you, more than that I intuitively feel that yours has been an interesting experience.” ‘Rather an unpleasant one,” Bess replied, sadly—'* that’s all.’ ‘*Tell me about it, won’t you please—and about your aunt?” ** Why about her?” ‘*Because I would like to know. be no harm in it.” ' Bessie was silent a moment, before answering. “‘T don’t know that I can tell of much that will interest you,” she said, presently. ‘I was born in Richmond, Virginia, and came of a good family, My home, until not long 280, was at our family homestead, Live Oaks, My moth- er was of Frencb descent, and my father was a New Englander, During the late rebellion, he entered the Federal service, and rose to the rank of colonel. ‘* My early life was spent at school, and bar- ren of any incident that would interest you. Mother and I lived quietly at Live Oaks, with the servants, for, after the closing of the war, father was away from home most of the time, in the West, where he embarked in various mining enterprises. It was seldom that he came home to Live Oaks more than once a year, and then only to remain for a few weeks, ‘* He made money rapidly, and from time to time de itina in Richmond, where mother was allowed to draw enough to keep us comfortably. _ “The last time I saw my father, was five peees ago, when I was thirteen years of age. In issing mamma and I good-by then, he said he expected to be back within six months’ time, There can
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6 and settle down for good at Live Oaks. Before his departure, he made his will, and left it in tae hands of his lawyer, but neither mamma or I knew what disposition it made of his estate. ‘* Shortly after papa’s departure, poor mamma took sick; then aunty came on from Washing- ton, and, without invitation from any one, took charge of the household. I confess I did not hke it a bit, and would have much preferred to do the overseeing myself; but I didn’t want to worry mamma, ** Well, we wrote and telegraphed to papa of mamma’s illness, when the doctors hinted that her recovery was improbable, but failed to get any answer from him whatever. ‘*Then, as mamma gradually grew worse, she sent Aunt Sarab out Westin search of papa, which left me in charge at Live Oaks, After an absence of a month, Aunt Sarah returned, with the announcement that papa had just died, at Denver, of small-pox, where he had been buried, as the railroad authorities refused to forward the remains over the road, for fear of con- tagion. “Instead of discreetly keeping papa’s death from mamma, as she should have done, Aunt Sarah told mamma all about it, when she was lying very low, and the shock kuled her, Oh! Mr. Bristol, it’s a terrible thing to lose both of one’s parents so suddenly. I know it is wicked, brt I am tempted to believe that Aunt Sarah tol. mamma, in hopes that the shock wouid kill her!” “*T haven’t a doubt of it!” Dick unhesitatingly declared, ‘‘ lam pretty apt, as a rule, to form correct opinions of a person, and my impression of your aunt is that she is a schemer of unusual effrontery. But do not let me interrupt you. Go on.” ‘* There’s little more to tell you. After moth- er’s death, a will purporting to be my father’s, was produced in court and proved. lt gave me our country home, Live Oaks, with stock and appurtenances, and one thousand dollars in money ; the remainder of the large bank account to my mother, if she be living; if not, to my aunt, who was to assume guardianship of me “until I had attained my majority. Thus, you see, I was practically disinherited; for Live Oaks, with all its belongings, would bring but a few thousand dollars, if put under the auc- tioneer’s hummer. The old servants have all gone, and the dear old place I loved so well, and where I a my girlhood days, has fallen into disuse and decay. e spent last summer there, but it is no longer what it used to be,” There were tears, in the girl’s eyes, as he finished speaking. “‘T deeply sympathize with you in your af- fliction, Lassure you. It seems to me that the tone of vour father’s will has not the right ring. Have you suspected that it might be a forgery?” Dick asked. ‘“*Thave. But, how am I to proye that my suspicions are correct? The lawyer! who drew the will, and the witnesses thereto, all swore to its authenticity; so had I raised any objections, they would have been overruled,” “How has your aunt treated you?” ‘¢ Well, for a time after mamma died, she treated me very barshly, and not only deprived me of money, but made me wait upon her and my cousin the same as though I was a servant, This, however, was before we left Live Oaks. When she received intimation that a rich re- lative of mine bad picked me out as his destined heir, her manner underwent a great change. She treated me more kindly; we moved to Washington, where she liberally supplied me with dress and pocket money, and allowed me to finish my regular school education. So that, of late, I have no particular grievance to com- as of except that aunty continually urged hat poor fool, Toddles, to annoy me with his rotestations of love. She wants me to marry im, for he, too, has prospects of coming into a a fortune soon, and she knows the poor fellow is just weak-minded enough to let her boss him around.” ‘*T see. She’s got an eye both on your pros- pective inheritance, and on Toddles’s too?” * So it appears.” ‘One would naturally suppose she would plot for her own daughter to marry the elegant young swain?” “Oh! no! She’s got different plans for Editha, I infer. Should Aunt Sarah fail to secure the major—there’s many a slip, ’twixt cup and lip, you know—it would be disastrous not to have a hold on the De Campion fortune. Therefore, she is endeavoring to match Editha with Noel, who, in event of De Campion’s not making a willin favor of my aunt, will proba- bly be his father's heir.” a ‘i See Re PW uae eae a ee Fie: 4 Nig oe ao She ‘* To the exclusion of Gerald?” ‘“*T think so. Gerald is not popular, either with his father or Aunt Surah, and that’s the reason, I think, he will not stand much of a show. Itdon’t matter so much about Gerald, however, for he is quite well off in his own right.” “* What do you think of the strange communi- cation of the old man?” Dick casually ques- tioned. ‘* Indeed, I don’t know what to think. Do you ?” ‘‘No, There is a mystery bebind it all, which, I believe, is in some way associated with your aunt. How long ago did your aunt’s hus- band die?” ‘*Oh! a good many years ago,” ** Did he die a vatural deatn?” **Oh! lieve.” ‘* Was his name De Blandford?” ‘‘Nc. His name was George Smithers. De Blandford isa name of my aunt’s own choos- ing.” ** Ah! yes. I believe you told me so, once be- fore. Your aunt never had but one husband, then?” ‘* Not that I am aware of.” ‘*Miss Bly, did it ever occur to you that your father may not be dead?” Bessie started, and gazed at him, eagerly. ‘* How can you ask? You surely do not think so?” she asked. ‘*T simply asked you the question,” he replied. ‘Please answer.” ‘* Well, I have tried to think of him as dead, and I have mourned his loss. Still, to be can- did, Ihave felt that there was something back of it all that I did not know. If you like, 1 will explain.” ‘* Certainly. You can freely make me your confidant, and, if I can be of any service to you, con.mand me, Somehow, it strikes me that you have been made a victim of your aunt’s machi- nations, and if I can help you, I shall be only too glad to doso,” ‘*Thank you. You are very kind. I do part- ly believe that pare is still living, and I will tell you why. s I have previously told you, my aunt, cousin, and myself, spent last summer at my old home, Live Oaks, Just why we went there I do not know, except it was aunt’s ex- ress wish. To be sure, the old house was still urnished, but the servants were gone, and we had to wait upon ourselves. , “During July I went to spend a week with a former schoulmate, a few miles distant from Live Oaks, leaving Aunt Sarah and Editha be- hind. During my absence something very sin- guiar occurred. The particulars I have been able to get are very meager, but they are as fol- lows: ‘* While I was away from Live Oaks, a man made his appearance in the neighboring town of M——-, and announced that he was my father, Colonel Bly. He was a thin, emaciated, and wretched-looking tramp, and no one credited his story. He was ragged and penniless, and notat all like Colonel Bly, so people said. ‘*My aunt, hearing of the man, hastened to M——, and caused his arrest, charging him with breaking into the mansion at Live Oaks and at- tempting to murder her. ‘* There was a brief trial, and the testimony of my aunt and Editha secured a conviction, and the poor tramp was sent to the penitentiary for six months, **T heard of this before my return to Live Oaks, and secretly paid a visit to the peniten- tiary to get a look at the man, in the firm belief that he was my father. But when I arrived there [learned that the prisoner had escaped from prison, and probably sought safety in some other part of the country. So I gave up all hope, and returned to Live Oaks, without tell- ing aunt of my visit to the prison.” ‘Did you find outif the story of the man’s breaking into Live Oaks was correct?” “The only person on tae premises, during my absence, aside from aunt and Editha, was the man to whom the farm 1s rented, and he told me, under a pledge of secrecy, that he didn’t believe that any man had broken into Live Oaks at all, as no application had been made to him for assist- ance, such as would naturally have been the case.” ‘Just so,” Dick assented. ‘‘The man who returned to Live Oaks was your father, without a doubt, and your aunt swore falsely against him, to get him eut of the way.” “Oh, Mr. Bristol, do you really believe it can be true?” ‘*Miss Bessie, I do, candidly. Do you think you would recognize your father if you were to see yes. He died of consumption, I be- him?’ Deadwood Dick Jr. in Beelzebub’s Basin. ‘* Not if he were so changed as this tramp ap- peared, according to such description as | was able to get of him. My father, as I last remem- ber him, when I was thirteen years of age, was a handsome, beardless, young-looking man, Al- though he was about forty-three years of age at the time, he cidn’t look thirty. On the other hand, this tramp was apparently much older than my father would have been, and evidently had led a wild and dissipated life.” ‘“*T suppose you have no picture of your father?” ‘‘T bave, but Aunt Sarah has got it. One day, when I was studying the face, she snatched the srg! away from me, and has kept 1t ever since, henever I have asked for it she has told me she would only give it to me whem I promised to marry De Percy Todd. I know where she keeps it, however, and think I might be able to get it, if you would like to see it.” ‘Do so, by all means, From what I have learned, 1 have hopes that I may be able to find your father, and bring about the discomfiture of your scheming aunt.” “Oh! if you could only do this, sir, I am sure you would have my everlasting gratitude!” Bes- sie said, fervently. ** And I am sure I should prize your gratitude very much,” Dick returned. He soon had a fine extra mess of fish landed, and then, carrying a goodly portion of them, he made his way to the tourists’ camp, in com- pany with Bessie, and presented the speckled beauties to the major, He could scarcely have done anything that would have pleased the recipient ie ly and was thanked, accordingly. He remained at the camp a fewyminutes, and then returned to his own ‘“‘squatf’ as he termed it, where a surprise awaited him. It was in the shape of a note, which had beem fastened to his saddle, and, bore the following significant warning: ‘* A stitch in time saves nine. You will need more than nine stitches, if you don’t desist from undue familiarity!” CHAPTER VI. A TERRIBLE THREAT. THERE was no signature to this strange mes- sage, but the chirography was of the masculine order, and that of a hand evidently skilled. Had he returned to camp, and found it turned into a city, Deadwood Dick could scarcely have been more surprised, Who had left the note there, and what did it mean? These were questions he could not answer, at: first, but, after a few minutes’ deliberation, light began to dawn upon him. **Some one of the tourists is the author of this. billet-doux,” he commented, ‘and the odds are ten to one that it was Gerald De Campion. He: was not visible about the camp when I accom- panied Bessie there, and was probably here, while I was there. He saw mein conversation with Miss Bly—perhaps overheard what I said —and, is jealous! Ha! ba! Well, that beats the deck, for I don’t believe the girl cares a con- tinental fig about him!” Dick was both amused and annoyed. He re~ solved, however, to pay no attention to the mes- sage, but carefully await and watch develop- ments, If Gerald penned the note, there was a possi- bility that he was as likely to be an enemy as a friend, Several days passed—warm, sunny days, which, in the little mountain pocket, were very quiet and uneventful. The Old Man of the Mountain and his dwarf companion had not made a second appearance, nor bad the appa-~ rition been seen upon the lake; so the monotony of camp life was practically unvaried. Bessie came over to see Dick every night about sunset, and on her returu always carried back with her a handsome string of fish, Sometimes Noel and Editha accompanied her,. but dark Gerald no longer favored the lone ay with his visits, and whenever Dick saun- tered over to the De Campion Camp, Gerald always managed to be absent. Major De Campion and his party evidently had settled down to the sensible conclusion of remaining where they were for the present, although the widow was vigorous in her denun- ciation of ‘‘ that Dick Bristol,” Five days of this quiet sort of life, without an incident to vary the monotony, was beginning to have its effect even on Dick, who was not. accustomed to such idleness for any great length of time. Then something occurred to change the aspect of affairs, Bessie came hurrying over to Dick’s camp om
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Deadwood Dick Jr. in Beelzebub’s Basin. 7 the afternoon of the sixth day, in a state of unusual excitement, ‘*Ob, Mr. Bristol!” she cried, breathlessly, ‘‘there’s a strange man in our camp, and we’re all afraid of him: over?” “Certainly not,” Dick replied, and thrusting a pair of revolvers into his belt, he accompanied the fair girl whom he was gradually growing to esteem very highly. On their arrival at the De Campion Camp, they found it literally in possession of a gigantic, ruffianly specimen of the Western bullwhacker —an uncouth, ugly-visaged mortal, who, judg- ing from his scars, had taken part in more than one desperate scrimmage, He was parading about, with a strut of im- portance, and delivering himself of a fusilade of profanity that was something terrible to listen to. ** Who is this chap?’ Dick asked of the major, before he essayed to interfere, ‘The Lord only knows,” groaned De Cam- pion, who was perched high and dry upon the driver’s seat of one of the coaches, ‘‘ He’s a bloody beast, whoever or whatever he 1s, and has been insulting us with the grossest sort of | language. If you will drive him out of camp, I will give you twenty shillings.” “That’s a magnanimous offer, sale at that British price, Ill volunteer, after the American fashion, to attend to the matter free of charge!” De Campion winced at this shot, but made no reply. A glance about the camp satisfied Dick that | dark Gerald was not present, unless he had taken refuge in one of the tents, The paltehachar had by this time noted Dick’s arrival, and ceased his vociferations long enough to look the Wild West detective over from head to foot; then he advanced, a sinister leer upon his bloated, ugly visage, ‘* Hillo!” he cried, *‘ who in thunder be you?” “That don’t matter,” Dick replied, ‘‘ The question is, who are you, and what do you mean by coming here and insulting these people, you overgrown loafer?” The giant stared. What did it mean? How dare a mortal so inferior in size to him- self, openly insult him? Who was this cool, stern-eyed, youthful-look- ing individual, who had the nerve to face him, and he a very modern Hercules, and actually to call him a loafer? The bullwhacker was, in truth, astonished, and glared at the young man as if he could not believe the evidence of his hearing. He continued to glare at Dick for several seconds; then his features related into a broad in. ait Waal, I'll be cussed!” he ejaculated. ‘‘ Shute me for a coyote ef I know’d thar war a crazy- tic in this hyer camp. When’d yer escape, Crazy?” ** You'll be apt to find out when if you do not account for your presence here,” Dick pe re **Once more, Mister Loafer, I demand to know wo you are, and what you want here,” “Oho! I war mistaken, hey? An’ yer ain’t crazy, an’ ye meant it for r’ale, when ye called me an overgrown loafer?” “ That’s just what I meant—a big loafer!” “Then, by ther snort snakes o’ Saucepan City, thar’ll be blud on the face o’ ther moon. Yer wanter know what be my name, an’ what sort uv a Sbanghi canary I am, do yer!” “That’s what I want to know, and don’t want your gab nor your presence here either,” “Yer don’t, hey? Yer durst talk that way ter me, ye leetle sawed-off son-of-a-gun—me, ther fire-vomickin’ volcaner right down from Saucepan City! Man alive, yerdon’t know who yer torkin’ to! Ye’r’ mad as a March hare, wi’ his tail stuck full o’ cactus prickers! Yer don’t seem ter realize that ye’r’ standin’ on ther bevel- edge 0’ a ‘arthquake, what'll open out an’ swal- ler you like a Missourian does a half-pound slug o’ terbaccer, ** Rlalely, I don’t like ter say so, and blush to murmur at yer ignorance. I hadn’t orter, but ef you'll get down an’ kiss my feet, I'll be cussed ef I don’t fergive ye for this once: For the luv o’ Lucy, don’t ye tremble when I tell ye ’m Peter Coffin, the terror of Saucepan City, an’ ther only man who defrays tine funeral expenses of every man he kills? Stranger, ye’r’ way be- hind ther times ef ye haven’t heard 0’ me, for up at Saucepan City [I’ve a private semitary whar T've already planted forty pilgrims, an’ expect ter have to take up more Jand room, long afore snow falls!” | | ain’t ordinary wolves, nuther. ‘Good heavings! How utterly horwible!” gasped Raphael De Percy Todd, cowering close to the majestic figure of the widow. As for Deadwood Dick, he looked disgusted. Would you mind comin ‘You are a big-mouthed blowhard!” he said, Jy Bl, and the quicker you clear out from here the better it will be for you. We don’t want men of your sort here, and, what’s more, we won’t have ’em. So pick up your heels and go, or you'll wish you hadn’t come. D’ye-hear? Go!” ““Snortin? Snakes! Me go!—me, ther great vomickin’ voleaner o’ Saucepan City? Waal, I reckon not—anyhow, not ’til I git ther secrit. I'm hyer expressly for that purpose, an’ ef I don’t git it, Rome’ll howl wuss than it ever did in the days o’ Nero, who war one o’ my ances- tors. That secret Pll have, or the wolves will have a feast on every one 0’ ye, you bet! Ha! ha! ye don’t know Peter! I’m known tho’, an’ them as knows me c’u’d tell ye so, ef they war alive to tell it. I’m bad medicine clar thru, an’ ef ye don’t want harm ter cum ter that gal thar” —with a malevolent glance at Bessie, ‘* you’d better not rile Pete Coffin too fur, ‘“Thar’s wolves not fur from beer, an’ they They’re shet up in a pen an’ starved ’til they’re more ferocious than tigers. Thar ain’t one wolf, but hundreds ; | of ’em, an’ they belong to Pete Coffin, ther Wolf I’m sure,” | Dick said, sarcastically; ‘‘ but, as I am not for | King o’ the Rockies. They know me, an’ mind like a dorg, but they wouldn’t stop at ceremony wi’ you:’uns, ‘specially when they’re dry an’ hungry, an’ Dll sw’ar they be that now. It’s nigh onter a month since I fed ’em on a feller what looks like him,” pointing to De Percy Todd, ‘‘ an’ it didn’t take five minutes for ’em to gobble him up, tooth and toe-nail, hat, boots an’ all.” Somewhere in his travels, Deadwood Dick had heard a blood-curdling story told of the Wolf- Man of the Rockies, who preyed upon hunters and travelers by forcing them to disgorge their money, or fight a ravenous pack of wolves, an attempt that meant a horrible death. by nites this gigantic ruffian be this Wolf- an? The thought was not pleasant to contem- plate. Perhaps it would be better to go lightly in dealing with this fellow, than precipitate a possible calamity by angering him. : ‘* What secret is it you want to know?” Dick demanded, ‘*T wanter know har that secret mine is!” “Secret mine? We know of no secret mine. Explain yourself, and perhaps we will under- stand what you are getting at.” “Oh! ye’r’ mighty innocent, aren’t you? Waal, ye can’t stuff that sort down me, nohow, But since ye let on ter be so ignorant, ’twon’t be no harm ter tech ye up on ther solid facts o’ the case. Mebbe you think I’m a fool, but I ain’t. Fer a matter o’ three years past thar’s been a secret mine worked hereabouts by a gang known as the Silent Tongues, whose head cook an’ bottle-washer aire a chap who calls hisself the Old Man, You may hev see’d him,” pointing toward Mount Mab, ‘* Waal, me an’ my side-partner hev tried ter find whar that mine war, an’ hey spent vall; ble time. We made up our minds ter have it, an’ so, to purtect this hyer valley cr basin ag’in’ in- vasion, we organized our wolf army, an’ taught ’em their little biz. We keep ’em starved, an’ when a good fat pilgrim meanders into this garden of Eden, we, as a gineral rule, gives our pets a feed. That’s how it comes that this place war not inhabited until you~uns come!” Here the ruffian paused, with a wicked grin, to note the effect, ‘*Go on!” Deadwood Dick, ordered, sternly. ‘Waal, suthin’ over a month ago, my side- partner hed some bizness on the Eastern slope of the Rockies, and heerd of a rich old cuss as was a spiritualist, what war on a tour of the moun- tains, in search of a lost or secret mine; so Jim he managed to scrape up an acquaintance, an’ he found out thet ther mine the old cuss war lookin’ fur, war located heer. So he got a job as guide, and fetched the party here, an’ left ’em. An’ now,ef yer please, we’re goin’ ter know whar that mine aire, or we'll feed the whole caboodle o’ ye to ther wolves!” CHAPTER VII. THE RESULT OF THE FIRST DUEL. THE threat of the giant was one that could but inspire his listeners with a feeling of horror, and there were terrified exclamations from all except Dick Bristol, who managed to retain that stoical coolness so characteristic with bim in times of danger. His face was set and stern, however, and there was a dangerous gleam in his eyes, His was not a pleasant position to say the least. The safety of the De Campion party de- pended largely on him. ‘* What was he to do?” If this brutal wretch was provoked into carry- ing out his threat, the result was something horrible to contemplate. While not so much worried about his own ability to protect himself, Dick knew that he could not defend the whole party against the attack of a ravenous horde of wolves that had been purposely starved. ‘* Your threat does not scare me!” he said, looking at the giant, ‘‘ although I doubt not you are beast enough to do anything that is inhu- man. As for the existence of a secret mine in this vicinity, your knowledge of it is quite ex- clusive. without the knowledge of this party, who were never in this basin before being guided and left helpless here by Cojeta Jim.” ‘Oh, ye can’t stuff that sort o’ thing down me!” Pete Coffin declared, ‘*‘Mebbe you don’t know whar it is—I don’t say you do—but that old sucker does!”—pointing to De Campion, ‘an’ ef he don’t show up whar it is, he’s got ta take ther conserkences, you bet!” Dick turned to the major. ‘¢ Mr, De Campion,” he said, ‘‘ you have heard what this ruffian claims. If you know where there’s a secret mine hereabouts, you’d better tell, and save your party trouble which I am unable to avert.” ‘By the Lord Harry, I don’t know of any secret mine here!” the major replied, ‘The spirits have told me there was a buried treasure in the Rocky Mountains, and that it was des- tined that I should find it, But, I have not found it yet, nor have I the slightest idea where itis located. But, Iam sure it is not here.” **It is not here!” spoke up Mrs. Walsingham De Blandford, vigorously. ‘‘I have just re- ceived a spirit gee that it is fifty miles fur- ther to the north, and that we will not find it by remaining here.” ‘*You're an infernal fraud, and so is your alleged spiritualism!” Dick cried angrily, ‘and if you come to grief, the fault lies with you. You are a scheming adventuress, and have turned De Campion’s bead with your trash, and for a purpose, too, until be is little better than an fisbecte: But, by the gods! you shall not succeed in that purpose—I swear it!” Madam De Blandford shrugged her shoulders, and smiled disagreeably. “You are a fool and a disheliever!” she said, ‘and if you have ever chanced to read the Holy Writ, you will find that a disbeliever is one of the damned.” She then turned to the giant and leveled her magnetic gaze in full force upon him, ** Mr. Coffin!” she said, in her sweetest, oiliest tone, ‘* you must not mind what that low ruffian says. Although I can assure you that we do not at present know that there is a mine kere, I am the one who can find ont. Iam one of the most powerful mediums the world has ever known, and am constantly in communication with the spirits of the departed. If you will but grant me time, I can find out for you where the secret mine is, and the secret shall be trans- mitted to you alene,” Now this idea seemed to “hit the giant right where he lived,” as the Western expression goes, and a ape glitter entered his eyes. ‘¢ How long willit take fer ye to find out?” he demanded, “That depends,” the widow replied. ‘‘ Like mortals, the spirits are sometimes communica- tive, and again they are non-communicative, However, the spirits with whom I have always dealt, have always been very kind to me, and I presume that, in a few days at the furthest, I can put you in possession of the valuable secret you desire—that is, of course, providing you cause my party no trouble or inconvenience, As for this wretch!”—pointing to Deadwood Dick—‘‘ he is not one of my party, and if you will undertake to give him a good beating, with- out resorting to outright bloodshed, I am sure the spirits will rejoice, and give me power to help ou find the secret mine!” : You bet I kin do him up!” Coffin declared, spitting on his hands, and flourishing his huge arms, in a pugilistic manner. ‘I’m the vom- icking voleaner from Saucepan City, an’ kin lick any ten galoots, single-handed.” Dick made no reply, but stood quietly pre- pared for emergency. To avert the precipitation of a calamity, he concluded to let the widow’s influence weigh upon the giant. That he ceuld beat the oiant hk a hand-to-hand encounter was by no means cer- tain, but he was willing to take the chances, if If such a mine exists, it is positively ,
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2 Ne RR Pr oe tee it would be the means of averting an encounter with the wolves, As for Coffin he advanced a few steps nearer the detective, a diabolical grin upon his ugly countenance, **Oh! me leetle banty, so ye dared ter call me pet names, did ye? Ye dared to insinuate that ther great vomickin’ volcaner 0’ Saucepan City war a loafer, did yer? Waal, I’m jest a-gwine ter make ye hump for that, sure’s my name is Pete Coffin! I’m goin’ ter knock them purty teeth down yer throat, and flatten yer nose ’til et’s flatter’n a pancake what an eler- fant’s stepped on.” “Ts that all?’ coolly retorted Dick. ‘Well, if that’s your programme, you’d better begin, if you expect to fiuisu up the job before night, pread your canvas, and sail right.in, if you’re spoiling for a breeze, and if I don’t make you wish you'd steered for another port, my name is not Deadwood Dick!” The giant paused abruptly, and looked as- tonished. ** Deadwood Dick—-you /” he ejaculated. *¢ That’s what I said!” “Then, yow’re my very mutton, by the Lord ‘ Harry!” was the announcement, ‘I’ve hearn tell o’ you, afore now, and ‘as how folks war " afeard o’ you. But, JU show ye thar’s one who ain’t afeard o° you, me gay young bantam!” And with this he rushed at the young men, savagely. It is probable that in his bullying career be | had never met any one not afraid of him, owing to his prodigious size; consequently it must have & been a surprise when, instead of seeing Dead- wood Dick turn and run, he received a sledge- hammer blow in the face from the detective’s fist that completely knocked him off his feet, Peter Coffin tumbled backward to the ground, with about as much grace as a log would have done, but, not being stunned, he hastily scram- bled to his feet again and renewed the assault, with desperate ferocitv, the blood spurting from his nostrils, and giving him an increased terri- * ble appearance, But although possessed of mighty strength, he lacked science and agility, and Deadwood Dick succeeded in cleverly parrying his savage lunges, at the same time raining a perfect tattoo of tell- ing blows upon the brute’s face and neck, a sort of treatment that soon began to weaken both the giants supply of wind and courage, and finally, another crushing blow from the Wild Westerner’s right, laid Coffin once more upon his back. j His face now resembled an expanse of pounded . beefsteak, and one eye was swollen entirely shut. He made no attempt toreguin his feet, this time, although he arose to a sitting posture. ** Well, have you got enough?” Dick demand- ed, ‘or do you want me to put ona finishing touch?” *Cuss ye, Pll get squar’ with ye!” the giant growled. At this juncture, some one in the rear seized Dick by the wrists, and drew his arms tightly i behind his back, and at the same time the widow’s voice cried: ** Now’s your chance, Mr. Coffin, Go for him, and punish him to your heart’s content!” Deadwood Dick’s blood mounted to the boil- i) ing point in an instant. The widow intended to \: hold him literally, a prisoner, while the giant pounded him! : This would be sweet revenge for the scheming adventuress, whose hatred for him was confessed, i but, even as Pete Coffin arose to his feet to take advantage of Dick’s apparent helplessness, the latter threw himself suddenly forward—a move- ment so sudden and unsuspected, that he not only broke from the widow’s clutch and threw her forcibly flat upon her fat face, but also, with a terrific rusb, his head camein contact with the heeds somewhat capacious stomach, and Pe totally upset him—doubled him up like a jack- knife, as it were, and both antagonists found the earth, Dick was first upon his feet, and he bobbed up serenely, without a scratch. When Mrs. W. Walsingham De Blandford managed to raise herself to an erect posture, she : was covered with dirt, her face was skinned and lp bloody, ker bair disheveled, and she looked as if Mo, she might bave been on a ‘‘tear,” with disastrous ‘i results, Peter-the-great Cofflin, did not make another re attempt to arise, but lay rolling about on the a ground, howling dismally. Wa The tremendous butt he had receiyed had more completely kuocked him out than a _ sledge- hammer blow upon the cranium would have His done. ge OE a - Basin. Seeing that the fight was over, Deadwood Dick turned to De Campion, who still retained his perch upon the driver's seat of the coach, ‘*Mr. De Campion,” he said, ‘* while I think that were you not under the influence of that woman,”—pointing to the widow—* you might be a man of average good sense and intelligerce, you must excuse me tur saying that as long as you countenance her, or have anything to do with her, I will have nothing to do with sou or your party. She is an adventuress, Simon pure, and her object, in bovering about you, is to possess what fortune you may have, to the ex- clusion of your rightful heirs. My advice 1s, that you cut loose from her, altogether, and open your eyes to the fact that her kind of spiritualism is a humbug, with which no one of sound sense will have auy thing to do, ‘**This woman, Sarah Smithers, is not only a humbug and a schemer, but a criminal, aud as such, she will yet be brought to justice, if my efforts are of any avail. Ihave the honor, sir, of bidding you good-day!” And turning, the detective walked away. Just as he was leaving the camp, Bessie inter- cepted him, **Oh! Mr. Bristol, I fear there is going to be terrible trouble,” she said. “Tt may be!” Dick replied, quietly. ‘If there is, come to me, and I will defend you with my life.” She took his extended hand, trustingly. ‘*T know it, and I thank you,” she replied. “You are the only true friend I have ever had, since mamma. died!” She turned, then, and hurried to the camp, while Dick continued his walk along the lake- shore, in a thoughtful frame of mind. CHAPTER VIII. ON THE TOP OF MOUNT MAB, Dick returned to his own camp, dispatched his hastily prepared evening meai, and then gave his weapons a good cleaning up. ‘*[T may need them,” be mused. ‘‘ It won’t do for me to be off iny guard!” While at work, he kept an eye on the De Campion camp, and, just at dusk, saw the giant leave the Basin, by the canyon route. ‘¢ That fellow means mischief, but if the widow manages to keep him under ber influence, his vengeance will be chiefly directed toward me. If he does not attack me by surprise, Pll be ready for him, The next time, he’ll not get off so easily, or I miss my guess,” His weapons cleaned, he took a long walk around the southerly coast of the lake, and by the time he got back to camp it was near mid- nigel e did not feel sleepy, however, but, throw- ing himself upon his blanket, he kept his gaze riveted upon the summit of Mount Mab, and upon the white peaked camps of the De Campion ‘* squat,” which lay basking in the moonlight, without a sign of life visible about them. Until two, A. M. Then, Dick fancied he detected a stir. Bringing his glass into requisition, he finally succeeded in discovering that Madam De Bland- ford was the party who was moving about the camp—more, that she was preparing for depar- ture, ‘*T wonder where she is going? To meet that big ruffian, Pete Coffin, perhaps. By Jove! if that’s the case, I must not miss that interview, for there may be some disclosure worth while for me to hear,” How to get to the mouth of the canyon, with- out being discovered by the madam, was not apparent, until suddenly, by good fortune, the moon went under a cloud, and threw the Basin into gloom. Hastily seizing his rifle, Dick made for the canyon in double-quick time, and just suc- ceeded in reaching it, when the moon once more made its appearance. He was none too soon, for he had only time to conceal himself, when Mrs, De Blandford en- ee Bot the canyon, and passed within a few feet of bim, She was attired in a plain walking-habit, and proceeded on up the canyon with the stride of one who had plenty of business on hand. Dick soon followed, and the woman and her ** shadow” traveled on through the rugged can- yon for a mile or more; then the madam sud- denly vanished. When Dick reached the point where she had disappeared, he found that she had turned off into a deep, narrow, wooded ravine, Away ahead, through the trees, he caught a glimmer of light, and concluded that it came from a camp-fire, so he stealtbily picked bis way through the timber, Deadwood Dick Jr. in Beelzebub’s a Se eee In a few minutes he came to a point where he could safely advance no further, as the timber ceased at the edge of a green glade. In the center of tais glade burned a little camp-fire, and around it were gathered three persons—the madam, Pete Coffin, and another man, The third party, who was roughly dressed, and nearly as desperate-looking as the giant, Dick concluded was Cojeta Jim. ; The trio were seated upon bowlders, and were engaged in earnest conversation, the nature of whicn Dick could only surmise. The fact that there were no trees in the glade, and that the camp-fire lit it up in every part, made it impossible for the detective to venture out from the cover of the timber, with- out every chance of discovery, and the conver- sation carried on between the conspirators was in so low a tone that their voices were almost inaudible, so it was impossibl. to catch a word they uttered. *“T wonder what deviltry that woman is plan- ning now? Her visit to these two ruffians, of course, had an evil purpose,” Dick reflected. ‘Perhaps she’s trying to bire them to put me out of the way, so she can have things all her own way.” - a Whatever was the object of the widow’s visit, she remained in the ruffians’ camp for over an hour, at the end of which time, and before de- parting, she paid the giant a considerable sum of money, judging by the size of the roll she gave him. , She then returned to the De Campion quar- ters, while Dick also sought his own. Morning dawned rather ominously, for not only were the heavens threateningly over- clouded, but there was a dense fog upon the lake and in the Basin, rendering it impossible for a person to see more than a few feet ahead, Despite this fact, Dick had decided upon a mission. He intended to make an eutire circuit of the lake, and then, if possible, ascend to the pinnacle of Mount Mab. So, after a hasty breakfast, he mounted Elec- tric, and set forth along the pebbly beach. In some respects, the shore of the lake was peculiar. At almost regular intervals, a nar- row belt of timber ran straight down the slope to the water’s edge. The spaces, or natural pens between these belts of timber, was covered with fresh grass, and the timber itself was un- incumbered with underbrush. ; Dick’s entire circuit of the lake resulted in but one discovery, and this was in the sbape of a pretty canoe of birch bark, wkich was beached directly opposite the De Campions’ camp. There were footprints in the sand, by the canoe, proving that some human being had recently been there, Examination disclosed that there was no pad- dle with which to propel the canoe, but, at- tached to its bow, wasa small chain that ran out into the water, and there disappeared. Raising this chain, and giving tt a slight tug, Dick ascertained that it ran far out mto the lake, in the direction of Mount Mab, a part of whose base was washed by the crystal waters. ‘“ Ho! ho! Here’s a go!” Dick chuckled, *‘T see, now, why there is no paddle to this canoe, It is a sort of ferry, and the propelling power is at the other end of that chain!” : He dropped the chain, mounted Electric, and rode on. He knew the chain must connect with some point in the mountain, and perbaps bis tug at the linked line might cause the canoe to be drawn into the water, Tf it were known that he had discovered the little craft, he might bave more difficulty in finding the destination of the cance; he rode on around the lake, passed back of the De Campion “ squat,” an sought his own quarters, where he tethered Electric out to graze. 2 The fog on the lake, aud in the basin, had not diminished. 1t had increased, if anything. Shouldering his rifle, after leaving bis horse secure, the detective started out on his second cruise around the lake. In due time, he came to the spot where the canoe was beached, and saw that it had not been disturbed, He then continued on until he came to the base of Mount Mab, and began a tortuous ascent, by a villainously steep path, which curved around and upward, toward the rear side of the table-land. In his remarkable Western career, Dick had done some tough climbing, but be could remem- ber no jaunt that so thoroughly fatigued bim, as this trip to the top of Mount Mab. When at last, he succeeded in reaching the level summit, be was fairly played out, and seating himself upon the rocky surface, he spent some minutes in getting breath, —
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| the -man—an honest one, I hope. Just how many, he could hardly have told, for it was only when he awoke, with a start, that he became aware of the fact that he had Leen asleep! And, wonder of wonders, what was this his eyes beheld? Truly, he could scarce believe the evidence of his senses, for there, sitting beside him, fanning his fevered brow with her sun-hat, was—Bessie Bly! Her pretty face became wreathed with smiles as she noticed Dick’s astonishment. ‘You seem surprised, Mr. Bristol!” she re- marked, ‘*Surprised! Why, I’d have quicker expect- ed to see my great, great grandn.other’s shade.” ‘* Indeed? I hope my presence is not an in- trusion?’ But “Certainly not! I am glad you came, Deadwood Dick Jr. in Beelzebub’s Basin. 9 NS you, that I am not surprised, except at the coincidence of meeting you,” ‘* Why, you don’t half appreciate me!” Dick protested. ‘‘ Yon haven’t seen me kill a couple of men for breakfast, and so forth, yet.” ‘*] saw you whip one man so thoroughly that I’ve no doubt concerning your capabilities!” There was a brief silence, broken, finally, by the inquiry: ‘Miss Bly, has Gerald De Campion made an attempt to prejudice you against me?” ‘“* Why do you ask that, Mr. Bristol?” ** Out of curiosity. Perhaps, to make mat- ters plaimer, I might ask, is he anything to you, or are you anything tohim? If you can answer I can more readily explain my question, pre- sumptive as it may seem to you.” ‘*T don’t know how to answer it,” was Bessies’s response, her face coloring a trifle. ‘‘ Mr. De Cainpion I have always regarded as a friend. what in the world ever possessed you to come | Of his own feelings it is not for me to say, of ’way up here, and alone, at that?” **Oh! I had a curiosity to see what sort of a place it was, so I stole away before any one was awake. It took mean awful long time to get here, and you may judge my surprise when I found y6u here sound asleep!” ‘*Have you explored the place? I was so played out when I got here, that I sat down to rest, and that’s the last I remember.” “lve not seen anything to explore,” Bessie replied. ‘‘Tbe top of the mountain is only a level surface, so far as I bave observed.” The fog in the Basin below still prevailed, but n the top of Mount Mab there was none, Thus the mountain range panorama spread out before the vision of the twain, was one of peculiar grandeur and interest. After chatting awhile, Dick and Bessie arose and sauntered over the mountain-top plateau, There was little to be seen—seemingly noth- ing to discover. Level asa pane of glass, only a few seams cut and marred that high table- land, and yet Dick’s observant eye caught some- thing that many another person would have passed over unnoticed, Almost exactly in the center of the plateau was a square block of rock, on a level with the general surface, but surrounded by a seam on its four sides, about half an inch wide by four in depth. here was no ring in this block for the pur- pose of raising it, and it could not be pried out, as Dick found after several experiments, and at the cost of breaking one of his hunting-knives, ‘* There’s more below this block,” he declared Bessie. ‘‘ There is, if lam not greatly mis- aken, a passageway into the bowels of this mountain, that extends downward to the level of the lake, and here beneath us will be found the secret mine of the Silent Tongues, of whom iant spoke, is my guess.” “Do you really think so?” “IT do, The impression seems strong that there isasecret mine hereabouts—so at least Pete Coffin and his partner, Coyote Jim, de- clare, and therefore there must be some foun- dation for their supposition, and the supposition almost made a certainty by the appearance of the Old Man upon this mountain-top.” ** You are a singular person,” Bessie declared. **'You seem tosee and know things by some _divination.” Dick smiled, but made no answer. They wandered about the mountain-top for awhile, and then seated themselves at the brink overlooking the Basin below, The sun was now nearing the meridian, and below the fog began gradually to disappear. **T have been wondering a great deal, over a queer coincidence!” Bessie remarked, as they sat and gazing downward at the De Campion encampment, which was gradually coming into _-ylew, through the lifting mist, “To what coincidence do you refer, may I ask?” ' “To our meeting. Do you remember my saying that I would like to see Deadwood Dick? : ; ‘T believe you did mention something of the » sort.” “* And you are really Deadwood Dick?” “*T am Deadwood Dick, juvior. I assumed ‘the title of Deadwood Dick, under the peculiar circumstances of coming across the original's ‘ave, while seeking a burialspot for my murder- ed mother, There, I swore to avenge mother’s death, and I knew no rest until I made good my oath, Iwas but a youth, then: now, I ama Now that you bave found this notorious Deadwood Dick, what do you think of him?” ‘* You are so near the ideal of what I suppose- ed you would be, from what I have read of eee ee a sss sss SS course,” ‘‘Nor is it essential that you should!” ex- claimed a sternly sarcastic voice, They turned, and standing near they beheld dark-faced Gerald De Campion! ‘* T could have hurled you both over the pre- cipice,” he said, bitterly, ‘t but preferred, rather, to enjoy your discomfiture,” CHAPTER IX, THE BATTLE IN THE AIR, Ir was then and there, on the top of Mount Mab, that Gerald De Campion more than ever deserved to be called Dark Gerald, for his face was grown fairly livid with the passion that controlled him. As for Dick and Bessie, both were startled and angered, and the detective was upon his a in an instant, assisting the girl to arise also. “Why, is that you, Mr. De Campion?’ Dick said. ‘* You quite startled me.” ‘*T did, eh? Am I such a startling looking individual as all that amounts to?” ‘Why, certainly not. But your coming was so unexpected.” ‘*Tt wasn’t to me,” Gerald retorted. ‘I -be- lieve you promised to let me know when you paid this place a visit; but, of course you found better company. Unfortunately, Iam neither a flirt nor a male coquetite!”’ Deadwood Dick flushed indignantly. ‘*De Campion, you do me an injustice,” he said. ‘‘I came here early--earlier than you were astir, I believed. More than that, I had my doubts if you would care to accompany me, since you have taken pains to avoid meeting me, after asking mea favor. As for Miss Bly, she came here of her own accord, and without my previous knowledge. There was no pre- arranged meeting, as you seem to suppose, and even if there was, I don’t know tbat it is any of your business!” Gerald smiled contemptuously. ** You need not put yourself to the trouble of framing any excuses!” he said. “You area fresh duck, anyhow, and if my wife prefers your society to my own, you can have it. But you will have to earn it first!” “Your wife?” ejaculated Dick. ‘* What do you mean?” ‘*T mean that you have grossly insulted me by courting the favor of my wife—for such she is!” pointing to Bessie. ‘To au English gentleman bis honor is very dear, and you have insulted mine to that extent that Iam here to seek re- dress!” Dick turned to Bessie, who had grown fale with indignation. ‘** Miss Bly, is it true that an are Gerald De Campion’s wife?” he demanded. ‘No! no! it is not /” Bessie hastily replied. “T am nothing to Gerald De Gampion more than an acquaintance, and when he says that I am his wife, he states what is meanly false,” “T believe you!” Dick replied. Then turning to the accuser, he added: ‘* Gerald De Campion, I am astonished at you.” “Oh, are you?’ was the insolent reply. “Well, that girl is mine no matter whether she will or whether she won’t, and if she don’t at once come with me, I'll kill you both!” “I won't go with you!” cried Bessie, indig- nantly, “If I ever thought well of you before, I despise you now, Gerald De Campion! Mr. Bristol is a gentleman and man of honor, and I infinitely prefer his friendship to yours!” | ‘Indeed? As I’ve often heard said, no amount of good training will make an intelli- gent person out of a country—” “Stop!” cried Dick, advancing a_ step, a “Dare to insult this lady in my presence, and I will break every bone in your body, you British boor!” This seemed to be a rash threat, the same as in the case of the giant, for De Campion was a tall man of athletic build, and the chances were that he possessed more science than the big ruf- fian, Pete Coffin, had displayed, It made no difference to Deadwood Dick, how- ever, His blood was up, and when that was the case, he would as soon have attacked a Her- cules as a sneak thief. The effect of his threat upon De Campion was electrical. In coming to the top of Mount Mab, he had worn a linen duster, buttoned to the throat, This he immediately unbuttoned and cast aside, and it was then seen that, attached to a belt about his waist, were two gleaming short swords. **T will not fight you with knuckles!” he said, ‘* but with the weapons British gentlemen use.’ ‘‘Oh! Mr. Bristol, do not accept bis challenge!” Bessie cried, clinging to Dick’s arm. “ He is an expert swordsman, and will kill you!” “* That’s what I intend to do!” Gerald declared, grimly. ‘‘ I want to have the honor of present- ing you with his head, in lieu of his heart, when I have decapitated him, my dear.” Dick gently released himself of Bessie’s hold upon his arm, ‘* Don’t fear for me,” he said, quietly. ‘* This fellow has so thoroughly shown himself the vil- lain, that I cannot refuse to meet him. Iam not afraid of him, be he an expert or not!” He then faced De Campion. ‘One of your stickers, please!” he demanded, “We might as well fight it out now, as any time, if fight it is to be.” ‘““Tf you are afraid to fight, and will apol- ogize, perhaps I’) let you off this time!” dark rald said, loftily. y ‘* Afraid? Afraid to fight what, pray? Why, you thick-headed booby, I don’t know what fear is! You brought about this unpleasantness purely through your idiotic jealousy, and new, if you’re not man enough to stand by your proposition, why, I am the one to demand apol- ogy {?? ez You'll get none from me!” De Campion re- plied, as ha proceeded to detach the swords from his belt. ‘Dll fight you, and fight you to the death, at that. There shall be no mercy, now, in this engagement!” ‘¢ None!” reiterated the dauntiless Dick, . ‘* The best man wins, and may the Great Swordsman, who levels all, forgive us both,” Dick was handed one of the weapons. It was a fine blade, as keen-edged as a razor, but was not as long, by an inch, as that of De Campion —as the challenger well knew,” As the two grasped their weapons, and glared at each other, there was a piercing scream, and Bessie sunk to the ground in a swoon, but there was no time to pay any attention to her now, for Dick was put ‘‘on guard” at once, ** Ready?’ De Campion demanded. “ Ready!” Dick replied. ‘What disposition do you want made of your remains, sir?’ demanded the Briton, with a sneer on his hard face. “Oh! Im not particular. You might as well leave ’em up here, where it’s cool. In case the victim should be you, what kind of flowers do you -want planted on your grave—a mullein stalk or skunk cabbage?” ‘*Now for you, you insolent cur!” cried, De Campion, his dark face pale with passion. The blades crossed, and the combat to the death was begun. Clash! clash! clash! Parry, feint, thrust! Up-stroke, down-stroke, lange! Each combatant knew that his life depended on three things—his science, his strength, his endurance, ? In the beginning tbe odds, 4 igh itol were with the Englishman, for he was in the prime of life, strong-limbed, and in every way the physi- ca] equal of the Wild West detective, with the great advantage that he bad been educated in the art of swordsmanship, while Deadwood Dick had not—was a novice with the weapon, De Campion at once assumed the offensive, but Dick managed, with marvelous agility, to parry his blows, so it soon became a matter of epdurance, ratber than of science, One thing Dick felt certain of from the start: it was De Campion’s purpose to drive him over the precipice rather than kill him with the sword. Therefore the young American used every precaution to keep as far away from the/e. brink as poe " 5M Around and around the level suiface of the mountain-top the two men moved, the ring of
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+o 10 a a EE pe amen 9 ne _ er og weer their steel blades keeping time like the batons of an infernal orchestra. De Campion’s attack seemed to increase in vigor as the minutes passed, and finally he suc- ceeded in driving Dick almost to the verge of the precipice overlooking the lake. Then he made a desperate lunge that forced his antago- nist over the brink! There was a horrified cry from Dick’s lips, and that was all, as he disappeared from view. De Campion did not look over the brink to see what had become of his victim, but at once hur- riedly left the mountain-top, by the way he had come, evidently ,remorse-stricken for his mad act. As for Bessie Bly, she was left in the swoon where she had fallen, CHAPTER X. IN THE HEART OF MOUNT MAB, Nor doubting that he had hurled the intrepid Deadwood Dick to his death, and thus relieved himself of a supposed rival, Gerald De Campion clambered down a rough mountain path, and in due time reached his father’s camp, in Beelze- bub’s Basin. * In answer to bis inquiries as to whether any- thing had recently been seen of Deadwood Dick, he was informed in the negative, and concluded no notice had been taken by those below, of the duel on the mountain top; so, after awhile, when he thought he would not be attracting muh attention he took a trip along the face of the mountain, to see if he could find anything of the detective’s remains. As mentioned, in a preceding chapter, the base of the mountain on its southern extremity was lapped by the waters of the lake, and this impediment to fast progress around the lake, had to be overcome by clambering over a ledge that buttressed out, some ten or fifteen feet above the lake. In falling from the mountain top, the young Englishman calculated that Dick must have struck upon this ledge, but. a careful examina- tion of the spot, failed to reveal any trace of blood, or other evidence of the detective’s fate, Nor could anybody be found floating in the e. “Tvs. mighty queer what became of him!” Gerald mused, as he made his way back to camp. ‘It can’t be possible that he saved him- self from death, for I see no shrubs on the rock, above, that would particularly have retarded his fall!” As nothing was found to aid in clearing up the mystery, Gerald made his way back to camp, in anything but an enviable frame of mind, If Deadwood Dick was dead, then he, Gerald De Campion, was a murderer: but if his victim had, by some marvelous chance, escaped death, then he, Gerald De Campion, had incurred the eternal hatred of a man whose enmity no one could we'l wish to have, for, if still alive the young American would surely seek a speecy re- venge upon the Briton—at least, so said Gerald, to himself. And Deadwood Dick, wonderful to relate, was not dead! When «he was forced over the brink and ut- tered the shriek of horror, he knew that no earthly power could save him from a horrible death. Down! down! he went; his senses suddenly left him; then all became biank, When he awoke to consciousness, it was with a feeling of awe and wonderment, for his fall from the top of Mount Mab came back to him, like a flash, and he wondered whether he was really dead or alive. If dead, his decease had been painless, He was now surrounded by a pall of utter blackness, and his eyes were powerless, to pene- trate the Stygian gloom, For several seconds he lay motionless, almost afraid to stir, lest he should break the mysterious spell that surrounded him, Then, as be heard no sound, he began to have an anxiety to know whether he was, or was not a living creature. If not, it was plain that he had been swallowed up in a pit of eternal dark- ness, He arose to a sitting posture, and by groping about, found that he bad been lying upon a sort of bench, But where? Whatsortof a prison or tomb was this he was occupying, where there was no trace of light, and but very little air to breathe? He sat still, in hopes that his eyes would gradu- al!y became accustomed to the gloom, and en- able him to partly make out his surroundings, but in this he was doomed to disappointment, —— — 2 eee eee he had been relieved of everything, even tuo his match-box, and handkerchief! ‘* Well, this don’t exactly strike me as the square deal,” he mused. ‘‘It’s a wonder my captors, whoever they maybe, didn’t take my clothing, too,” As there was noting to be gained by sitting still, he arose, and began a groping search, The greatest of precaution had to be observed;a single incautious step might precipitate him in- to some lurking death-trap, that yawned before him, He finally reached a rocky wall, and felt his way along this, both with hand and foot. Instead of being a dungeon, as he had at first anticipated, he proved to bein a rugged seam or fissure, with a downward descent, and grow- ing narrower as it proceeded, until it was scarce- ly wide enough for him to squeeze through com- fortably. Dick was somewhat encouraged, however, by the hope that the passageway would lead tosome point where there would at least be more light on the subject, and so he kept on. The progress was slow, however, and perhaps half an hour was absorbed, before he reached a place where there was more light. And there, a discovery, indeed awaited bim. The fissure he had been traveling through, abruptly debouched upon a ledge, or rocky gal- lery, which ran around a great rock-roofed circular space, similar to the auditorium of a theater! This singular corridor was near the dome, and looked off down into a pit to the depth of maybe a hundred and fifty feet, This auditorium was rectangular in shape, and there were ledge galleries, at intervals of every ten or twelve feet, until the bottom of the pit was reached. Lights were burning, here and there, and pigmy-like figures were seen hurrying about, some appearing to be working with pick and shovel, while others were carrying something in pails, he distance from the top gallery to the bot- tom, most likely it was, that gave the diminu- tive appearance to the figures below. . ‘* By Jove!” Dick ejaculated as he lay flat upon the ledge, and gazed at the picture below, ‘*T really believe ’m in the secret mine of the Silent Tongues, tho’ i may be mistaken, and it may be Hades I’m looking down into. I hardly think so, however, for I don’t smell sulphur!” He watched the scene below, with intense in- terest, and also noted that rugged and danger- ous pathways, hewn out of the rock, ran down from one gallery, to another. The walls of this marvelous amphitheater, the bottom of which covered an area of nearly an acre, were blackened and rugged, while the dome was covered with stalactites of grotesque shape. At some immeasurable period, this mountain with its wonderful subterranean chamber had been either a volcano, or a boiling geyser ealdron—most likely the former. ‘This must be in the heart of Mount Mab,” the watcher mused, ‘‘and it is here that the Old Man and his satellites hold out. I don’t see the old fellow down below, however,” Just then his sharp ears caught the sound of a footstep, and looking partly over his shoulder, he beheld, standing within a few paces of him, no less a personage than the Old Man! He was tall and bony, and evidently possessed of unusual strength. As for his general appearance, it was the same as when Dick had first seen him on the mountain- top, with theaid of his glass, except that the hair and beard were grayer, and the face more furrowed with wrinkles. The eyes, however, were bright and piercing in their gaze, and, as a whole, the countenance of the strange person- age wore a kindly expression, He was regarding the detective curiously, as he leaned upon bis staff. ** Well, young man, what brings you here, to the land of the Silent Tongues?’ he demanded, in a deep, strong voice. ** That’s just what I’d like to have answered!” Dick replied. ‘From all I know, I must have fallen here. I tumbled off the mountain-top, and the next thing I knew when I awoke to consciousness, I found myself in a dark cavern, from whence I groped my way here. I’ve just been deliberating whether I have landed in Heaven, or t’other place.” A faint smile lurked about the Old Man’s mustache-shaded mouth, ‘“You’ll have to take a bath in the River Styx, before you reach the t’other place, ae you term it,” he said. This is the land of the Silent A search of his pockets, revealed the fact that ) Tongues, who have passed through all the de- AES Se AT AER ea TI Deadwood Dick Jr. in Beelzebub’s Basin. grees, and who enters here, ne’er returns agaip to the world from whence he came.” ‘The blazes, you say! And, who are ‘‘Tam The Old Man—the Supreme the Silent Tongues.” ‘*Humph! And, I suppose, according to what you have said, I am not likely to get out of thi place, very soon.” ‘*Probably not. What brought you here?” ** To this cavern?” ‘* No, to Beelzebub’s Basin,” **Oh! I just drifted there by chance, inci- dental to my travels!” ‘ ‘*Did you not come bere in hopes of finding the secret mine of the Silent Tongues?” ‘*T did not. I knew nothing, at the time of my entrance into Beelzebup’s Basin, of the ex- istence of such a mine.” ‘You are not connected with the other party in the Basin, I take it.” caw ‘*No, [am not! No English man in mine, if you please.” : ‘* They endeavored to secure your services as. guide to help them get out of the mountains, did they not?” ée Yes. ” ** You refused them?” “* T did, decidedly.” “For what reason?” 3 ‘Oh! I don’t know that I care to say just what reason. It was so effective however that they did not secure my services.” The Old Man did not seem to relish this an- swer. He remained silent, staring down into the pit before him, until finally, Deadwood Dick broke the silence! ‘* Well, Mr. Old Man, if you haven’t any ob- jections to telling me, I’'d like to know how IL came in the place where I found myself, when [ came to my senses.” ‘* You were rescued,” was the Alay ** About. twenty feet below the top of the rock, isa fissure, penetrating the heart of the mountain. From this fissure grow a couple of saplings, extending from the rock about fourteen feet, and standing; some five feet apart. Upon this support 1s an almost invisible netting, made of dried horse- gut, On pleasant days, it has been my pleasure to crawl out upon this aerial hammock, and go to sleep. In falling from the mountain-top, you landed upon this net, and there 1 found yor, and. erasees yon into the cavern.” ‘** T see. ell, I’m much obliged, for I reckon there’d be hardly a_grease-spot left uf me, if I had fallen clear to the bottom.” ** Indeed, there would not.” ‘“‘T suppose you are not aware that I fought a duel on the mountain-top?” ‘¢On the contrary, I am aware of it, for, un- known to you, I was an eye-witness,” “ Ah! hat became of my adversary, after I tumbled off the cliff?” ‘“* He descended the mountain-side, and re- turned to his camp, I suppose.” * And the young lady?” ‘*She was lying where she fainted, the last I saw of her.” At this juncture, the dwarf, whom Dick had seen in company with the Old Man on the moun- tain, approached, accompanied by six stalwart, heavily bewhiskered, roughly-clad men, “Ah! Hager, is that you?” the Old Man said, addressing the dwarf. ‘‘What brings you here?” ‘“‘The Silent Tongues are uneasy,” was the reply, “and want to know why the stranger is ere,” : ‘¢ The Silent Tongues need have no fear,” the Old Man replied, *‘ for the stranger is a prisoner, and must either join the Silent Tongues, or be given up to them for disposition as they shall determine.” Deadwood Dick assumed the defensive at once, at this, ‘*T don’t know about that, Old Gent. I am not quite ready to join any band for any pur- pose, As long as I didn’t come to this den of ou” uler of yours of my own accord, I allow it’s only fair for you to let me depart.” ‘*T cannot do it, young man. You now know too much!” the Old Man replied, without acer- bity of manner, however. ‘‘We have our secret to keep, and our laws and rules, which must be carried out, in order to protect our safety and our possessions. “The stranger must die!” Hager declared, glaring at Dick wickedly. ‘ The Silent Tongues will not tolerate an addition to their number.” “They will do just as I say ab Old Man returned decisively, ‘* This man ismy prisoner, and I am master here. Take bim to the chain, and there await my coming.” And turning to Dick, he added: 2 ‘¢-You are a prisoner, sir, until I decide what about it!” the | \
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disposal is to be made of you. Go peaceably with my lieutenant, and you will not be harmed for the present. I must have time to deliberate before I decide what is to be your fate.” Unarmed as he was, and incapacitated for re- sistance, Dick had no choice, and so followed the dwarf, who led the way to the pit below, Hager muttering as they went. Evidently the moun- tain gnome was in an ugly mood. CHAPTER XI, A SINGULAR BARGAIN. From the upper corridor Dick was conducted to the bottom of the pit, where more of the Silent Tongues were busily engaged with pick, shovel and drill, in the work of mining. The bottom of the pit was a species of brittle rock that was easily worked. A chain was soon padlocked around Dead- wood Dick’s waist, and to this another chain was attached, fastened toa ring in the side of the pit. This done, Dick was left to himself. Seating himself upon a rock, he watched mat- ters as they were going on around, and observed that none of the men spoke to each ther, ex- cept that the dwarf occasionally gave orders about the work. It was several hours before the prisoner was approached by the Old Man, who came down from one of the upper corridors. He seated himself near the detective, and tak- ing a pipe from his pocket, filled it, and when he — taken a couple of meditative whiffs, he spoke: ’ “‘ Well, prisoner, what is your name?” ““ Richard Bristol, sometimes called Deadwood Dick,” was the prompt response. “What is your business?” ‘Oh, a little of everything, and not much of anything. {have devoted a considerable por- tion of my life to detective work, however.” “+ Are you married?” “*T am not.” ‘¢ You are poor, I presume,” *¢ Oh! no, not so very,” Dick returned. ‘‘ There are a number of Western towns to which I can go and draw comfortable sums of money. Iam not what you would call rich, but lve got enough laid by for a rainy day, so that I needn’t resort to hard labor unless I choose to.” ‘You are more fortunate than I thought. Supposing an opportunity were offered you to marry a pretty girl, who also possessed a for- tune in her.own right—what would you say to that?” **T reckon you’d have to count me out on that score,” Dick demurred. ‘‘ ’m not matrimonially inclined at present.” ** Perhaps not; but then of course you’d marry to save your life.” **T don’t know about that. When you come to know me better, Mr. King of this Cavern, you'll find that I won’t drive any better, than a per | hog, nor half so well in fact.” The Old Man shrugged his shoulders, *‘ There is only one way 1 can save your life,” he declared. “ And that is—” ‘* By your marrying my daughter; then I shall have a right to protect you.” “ Your daughter?” ‘Just so. For your enlightenment I will make a few brief explanations. “ This band of Silent Tongues are not, as you may suppose, of recent organization. Many years ago, when this range of mountains was even more of a howling wilderness than to-day, a French Canadian—a fur-trader, I believe— discovered this place, and the wonderful golden treasure it contained. Instead of heralding his discovery to the world, this wily rover kept it a secret, until he returned to Canada East, There he organized a band of twenty men, and brought them here to work the mine: but they were sworn to secrecy before they left Canada, and did not even know what they were to be set at work at until they reached this chamber. “Well, itis told that the yield of gold was something fabulous, but, as old Pierre Hager ray his men only small wages, while he was in- ividually amassing great wealth, they grew restless, and finally mutinous, and ten of their pumber formed a conspiracy to kill old Hager. He got wind of what was threatened, and en- listing his son Peepo, and two others whom he could implicitly trust, into his confidence, he turned the tables upon the would-be murder- ers. ** While they slept they were made prisoners, and three of those who refused to sweur eternal allegiance to Pierrs Hager, and forever keep a silent tougue io their beads, were thrown into wages, ‘The result was that harmony once more ex- isted among the band, and the Silent Tongues were increased to the limited number of twenty, their presens force, aside from Peepo, the dwarf and myself, Of the original number of Silent Tongues, but eight are now living, and they are quite rich. As soon as one of the number dies, another man is hunted up and pressed into the service, At present, the men are so well satis- fied with matters that they have no desire to leave the mine, and are so bitterly opposed to an addition to their number that, under the lead of Hager—who 1s as vicious in temper as he is deformed in body and brutal in beart—they will take quick vengeance on any intruder. ‘‘Several years ago I saved old Hager’s life, up in the mountains, and he showed me his gratitude by bringing me here, When he got me here he made me virtually a prisoner, but did not enforce the ban of silence or any par- ticular labor upon me. Not long afterward he died, and made me ruler in his stead, with Peepo for lieutenant. ‘‘Now I find that your presence here is a source of bitter resentment among the Silent Tongues. I have jhad an argument with a couple of them who have been taking counsel with Hager, and they insist that they will have your life, unless you comply with two require- ments.” ‘* Well, what are these requirements?” ‘Their demands are this: You must, first of all, make a deficiency in their number—that is, you must meet and defeat in a fair battle one whom they sball elect.” . ‘Commit murder, eh?” ‘No, not necessarily that. The man to be pitted against you will not be an easy victim.” ‘* Which man is he?” ‘« Peepo, of course. He is possessed of the idea that youare here in Beelzebub’s Basin to de- stroy the Silent Tongues, and he has chosen this method to wreak his vengeance.” ‘* Why, he is but a pigmy in size,” ‘Make no mistake about him. He isa dia- bolical imp, skilled in the use of weapons, He is greatly feared by all the men, who would re- joice, I know, to be well rid of him,” “The second consideration is that I marry your daughter, I suppose, as you already have suggested?” ‘Yes; that ls a stipulation which I have added to Hager’s demands.” ‘* Where is she? I have not seen her yet.” ‘She is not here at present, but can be brought on short notice. You are not to see her face until you have married her. Then, if you do not want to live with her you can leave ere, seek another part of the country, and get a divorce. The marriage, you see, frees you from all restraint, and that is why my daughter assents to the act.” ‘* And you countenance this sort of thing?” Deadwood Dick exclaimed, his astonishment knowing no bounds, ) ‘“‘T do, and for this reason: No tragedy has taken place here since I came into rule, and I would avert one so far as liesin my power, I like you, and would not have you made the vic- tim of a sacrifice which I know I should be pow- erless to prevent,” ‘‘Dothe men understand the conditions you have named to me?” ‘Perfectly. {[t is, as I have said, my own stipulation to their decision that you shall, in any event, fight this duel with Hager.” | “ And they will permit me to leave here, if I wish, after I have complied with these terms?” “Yes, You will be sworn to divulge the se- eret of this place to no one, and then, as son~ in-law, you will be at liberty to come ayd go whenever you please.” ‘*¢ And what if I refuse to accept these terms#” “Then, your fate be on your own head,” Deadwood Dick made no auswer immediately, but sat meditatively staring at the rocky floor of the caveru. What should he say? More, what should be do?” What could he do? For full ten minutes he remained silent—then the Old Man spoke up: ‘Well, my friend, I hupe you have arrived at a sensible conclusion.” ‘*Pve been considering it all, but I can’t say I’ve much choice in the matter. One alternative is about as bad as the other, if I’m any judge.” Deadwood Dick Jr. in Beelzebub’s Basin. a oS 1 ‘‘Oh, no. On one hand, you have life, liberty” | and years of usefulness before you; on the other hand, what?—that which no man shall know until he has passed through the dark valley.” ‘Well, answer me two questions, and I will give you my decision.” ‘“Very well, What are they?” ‘“The first is, in marrying me, will your daughter do so of her own free will?” ‘Yes, She will gladly comply with my wishes.” ‘“‘'The second question is, are you the Colonel Bly, who was formerly the master of a place. called Live Oaks, in the State of Virginia? The detective’s gaze was fixed searchingly upon the Old Man’s face, but he was both sur-- prised and disappointed to note no expression of astonishment or curiosity. ‘To your question,” was the quiet reply, aid can only say that lam the Old Man. ho or what else I'am, or ever was, matters not. My past is as a sealed book, with uncut pages.” ‘Will Ll know my wife’s name when I marry ?? ‘‘When you have been pronounced man and wife, yes.” “ Verv well. You can tell your close-mouthed: satellites that I will accept of their conditions,” ‘he Old Man bowed, and rising, stalked away. In half an hour he returned, “The Silent Tongues are nounced, ‘‘ and I have given them brief permis- sion to speak with you!” He placed a silver whistle to his lips and blew a shrill call, Instantly the men all quit work and assembled near the spot where Dick was chained, both he- and the Old Man having risen. The dwarf was not with the miners, but they were represented by an intelligent-looking man, of the party, whose name Dick afterward learned was Tom Trull. “Stranger!” this individual said, pausing a few feet in advance of his comman}, ‘ our chief,. the Old Man, whom we both respect and obey,, tells us you have accepted our conditions, by harm you may have a chance to retain your ife.” ““He has told you correctly,” Dick replied. “*T have sonleaed to make the best of a bad) job. Where’s the chap I am to murder?” The spokesman of the Silent Tongues flushed a trifle. ‘We are not so red-handed as you seem tor infer!” he responded. ‘‘ We are simply giving you a chance to fight for your life, and if you win, you need have nothing to regret, for the: man we shall pit against you is eager for the- fray, and I may say he will kill you if he can.” “Allright, Trot him out!” ‘‘Peepo! Peepo!” cried Trull, In answer to the call, the dwarf sina Nr from behind a rock near at hand, and strutted for-- ward. “ That’s your adversary,” addressing Dick, ‘‘Humph! he’s a daisy!” the detective said. ‘* New breed of animals, ain’t he?” “Youre likely to find bim a thoroughbred,” was Trull’s significant reply. ‘‘ Well, turn me loose, and Tl) soon find out his pedigree!” was the retort. ‘The time of the contest rests with the Old Man,” Trull replied. ‘¢T have selected the hour of ten o’clock to-. morrow night for the battle!” the Old Man de- cided, addressing Dick. ‘If you win, you will immediately afterward be married to my daughter.” “ By whom? ried Dick, ; “There’s one within half a day’s ride!” the- Old Man assured. “All right! What kind of weapons are we to fight with?” i “You and Peepo will toss for choice. Peepo refers the bow and arrow. Whichever wins he choice, the distance will be the same—fifty paces, Until the hour for the battle, Mr. Bristol, you will be locked up i dungeon, which was specially prepared for visitors, and have the best our larder affords,” Dick was now released of ,his chain and taken to a little cell which had been chipped into the left side of the great ampitheater, and was pro- tected by a door of strong irenwood bars. ‘Here he was locked in and given a lantern, a pipe, tobacco, and a stone bow] of water to keep» him company. Bake Through the gratings of his little dungeom door, he could command a view of the better” part of the main cavern, so that he was by no- means isolated. , The furnishings of his temporary prison, too were by no means as primitive as they might: Where’s your preacher?’ que- pleased,” he Pom Be a comfortable —
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—— I2 have been, There was a mattress and pillow, stuffed with leaves, a couple of blankets, a three- legged stool, and a shelf bewn out of the rock to answer the place of a table. CHAPTER XII. REMORSE. LET us now return to the camp of the De ‘Caupions, The fog hung thickly and persistently over lake and pocket, until mid-afternoon, ere it cleared entirely away. And it was mid-afternoon, too, before Bessie Bly made her reappearance in camp. She was weak and pale, and there were indi- cations about her eyes that she had been weep- ing. Gerald De Campion, dark and more gloomy ‘than ever, lay upon a blanket smoking his wmeerschaum, as she passed on her way to her tent. ‘* Murderer !” she hissed, as she swept by. ‘* What do you mean?” he domasiet, sudden- ly sittiag up, bis eyes flaming redly. She paused and gazed sternly at him a mo- ment, in the mean time taking a ribbon from around her neck, forming it into a slipping moose, and holding it up before his gaze; then she ‘went on, and disappeared in the tent occupied by herself and Editha, Gerald De Campion bit his lip, as ha laid aside his pipe, and resumed a half-reclining po- sition. ‘*] deserved to be shot!” he said. ‘‘ Not only have I lost whatever chance I might have had of winning her, but I have made myself a criminal, and a possible victim. Curse me for van idiot, that 1 should let jealousy, or admira- tion for any woman, get the better of my judgment. I wish, heartily, that I had never seen Dick Bristol. He treated me honorably, and, how did I treat him? Gods! I don’t be- lieve Pll ever know a minute’s rest again. And it will serve me right if I don’t!” His mental agony, betrayed by the emotional working of his features, was for a time pitiable ‘to behold, ‘* Well, I suppose it’s done, and can’t be un- done,” he finally muttered, ‘‘ though it’s a mys- tery tome what became of the fellow’s body. _As for my future, what? There is nothing left for me to do but wait. I am nota coward and I will not run. If the scaffold is my throne, I will face it without a struggle. I killed a man so much more a man, in a true sense than I ever could be, that I cannot give my own welfare a thought, My poor brother! May he never come to this!” From that time, until the hour of his death, Gerald De Campion was never more like bim- self, and yet, unlike himself. He was a buman being dying a living death. During the remainder of the day, matters were quiet about the camp. Major De Cam- *pion did not emerge from his tent. The widow, who was very punctual in her visits to bim, said that he was Tadigpessa. Gerald’s brother had gone off for a ramble; Raphael De Percy Todd devoted himself as- siduovsly to studying a cheap volume of Shake- speare; Barnabas Bugstein did nothing, except lounge about, and occasionally hold a consulta- ‘tion with the widow, whenever she would emerge from the major’s tent. Moodily, but with gleaming eyes, Gerald De Campion mapaged to watch this precious pair pg their consultations, without appearing to 0 80. ‘**There’s mischief brewing,” be decided. **Toat Jew did not join us without a purpose, He and the adventuress are hand-in-hand in some scheme, and the old gent is the game, 1 am sure, Well—” He did not finish the sentence, but his pearl- like teeth grated together in a way not pleas- ant to hear. Toward sunset, Madam De Blandford emerged from the maj®r’s tent for perhaps the twentieth time that afternoon, She adjusted her gold- rimmed glasses, flashed a glance in the direction -of the canyon mouth, and then glidec over to- ward Gerald, ‘“'Your father is quite ill!” she said. “Ts that so!” yawned Gerald. ‘‘ What ap- pears to be the matter with the old gent?” ‘Indeed, I do not know. He complains of terrible pains through the body, and a suffocat- ing feeling in the region of the heart. Iam weally alarmed. ‘ “Yes, I should think you would be!” Gerald ‘answered, dryly, ‘*The old man bas probably got an attack of wind colic. You're enough to Deadwood Dick Jr. in Beelzebub’s Basin. give any one that. Please tender him my r- grets, and say that I will see him, as soon as I have finished my pipe.” ‘“*Gerald De Campion!” cried the widow, ‘you are an irreverent wretch. You haven't a spark of human feeling in your heart!” ‘* Perhaps not. The spirits have had consid- erable to do with ossifying that useful member.” Madam turned away, fairly furious, and went and beld a consultation with Barnabas Bug- stein. Gerald smiled, vaguely. ‘* She would like to knife me, if she dared,” he said, to himself. ‘‘ I’m an eyesore to her. She dares not proceed, open-banded, with ber schemes, while I am around, Gods! If Noel were only like me, but without the curse now resting upon my soul. No! no! What am I talking about? Leave the light-hearted, guile- less boyalone! He will win friends, where dark Gerald will win enemies. God bless my angel mother, whom I never saw, to remember, but she must have borne me on a dark day !” Later, when his perturbed nature was more composed, Gerald paid a visit to his father. The major was lying upon his improvised bed of dry leaves and grass, and with a blanket thrown over it. Night had fallen, and a lantern suspended from the roof-pole of the tent, shed enough light upon the sick man’s features, to enable Gerald to see that pallor had succeeded the usual florid color of his complexion. ‘* Why, father, what appears to be the matter with you?” Gerald accosted, kneeling beside the primitive bed. ‘* Indeed, I don’t know,” the old man re- sponded. ‘*I am feeling very badly. I fear I am nearing my end,” ‘* Well, I hope not, Had you heeded me, you would never have taken this foolish trip. If ou die, however, I will see that you are taken ome. ** And you will look after Noel, Gerald?” ** Noel will never want for a penny while I have one,” was the reply. “iN Gerald, you have not acted like a son by me, of late.” ‘* Because I have been outlawed from your af- fections. You have been insane, and I could only look upon you with pity.” ** You hate Mrs. De Blandford,” ““T do not know such a person, I simply loathe the creature, who, to get your fortune, has made an idiot of you! ‘* Gerald! You are cruel!” ‘* Father, lam just. I don’t want a penny of what you are worth. I want Noel to have it. But, I suppose the adventuress will get it. If so, it shall not do her any good. State’s Prison awaits her, and if she does not get there, she will zo to a worse place. Whilesheis insidiously instilling the delusion of spiritualism into your mind, she is working a worse poison into your system!” 4 * Sir! What do you mean?’ and the major with an effort raised himself upon his elbow. “*T mean that if you allow that woman around you, you will not live forty-eight hours, That’s all need be said. When you exclude ber, for once and for all time, others will come to your rescue if it be not too late.- Good-by !” And Gerald turned to go, “Gerald! Gerald! my boy! my boy!” called the major. ‘' Please do not go away angry. I will satisfy you. No will has been made, prior ” my last one, which was made in Washing- n, ‘* When?” _ ** Before I met Mrs, De Blandford.” “Thank God! If you are fool enough to make another one, I'll throttle you as you are dying,” Gerald declared, and left the tent, He was consumed with commingled anger, dread, vengeance. He was wild! He wanted air! He paced to and fro along the pebbly beach— to and fro, seeing nothing, hearing nothing, seenlogly @ moving automaton, conscious of nothing, At last, utterly exhausted, he sunk upon the sand, and in the depth of remorse which now ruled his soul, he moaned like one in utter agony. Bewildered, he finally aroused and sat up. A touch had brought him back to reason. ma could see, he could hear, but could not speak. Kneeling beside him, Bessie Bly was gently wiping the sand from his fevered brow. ‘“Gerald! poor Gerald!” she said, gently. “Do not take it so hard. I know it was an act of passion, and I forgive you. Rouse, Gerald, for you are needed. Your father is dying. You must save him—do you hear, you must save him! Good-by, Gerald!” He felt a pressure of her lips upon the fore- head, and it sent the blood once more rioting through his veins, With a gasp and a mighty effort, he managed to get upon his feet, he moonlight was still bright. He saw a rapidly retreating figure. ** Bessie! Bessie!” he called. But the only answer was the waters as they a the beach. hen he essayed to overtake the figure, but to no use, He stumbled, fell—then all became blank. y Poor Gerald! CHAPTER XITI. THE OLD MAN’S MERCY. Wuen Gerald De Campion awoke, it was in the tent occupied by him and his brother, Noel was kneeling beside him, gently bathing his head. Gerald’s strength had returned, and he sat up and glared around him, pephewinty» ‘* What time is it?’ he demanded. ‘‘Tt is ten o’clock, in the morning,” Noel replied. »‘* You have been unconscious a long time. ‘¢ Yes, I suppose so. It was night, the last I remember. ow is father?” ** He is no better.” see the widow still waiting upon him?” 46 ‘Where is Bessie?” ‘‘In her tent, I suppose. I have been very anxious for you to wake up, Gerald, for I have something to tell you.” ‘Well, whatis it?” ‘** There’s a plot to kidnap Bessie!” ** How do you know?’ ** Well, last night, before I found you, I was over at the motte, where Deadwood Dick has been pcg s but he was not there. While I was there, I heard voices, and a a, near to where they came from, I saw Mrs. De Blandford talking to the giant, Pete Coffin.” ‘Ah! Itisas I expectea! What was said?” ‘* { don’t recall the exact words, but the plot is that Coffin and his pal, Cojeta Jim, are to come here, to-night, and kidnap Bessie, and carry her off into the mountains. Then, Cojeta is to come to our father, and make terms for returning her.” “* Did you ‘¢T see! I see!” Gerald exclaimed. hear what the terms were.” ‘Yes. Cojeta is to visit father and demand aransom of ten thousand dollars, for Bessie’s release, and also demand that father sign over all bis property and personal effects, to the widow. The penalty for refusing to do this, will be that the wolves will be turned loose upon the camp, and we will be destroyed, except the widow, who will be rescued by eitber Coffin or Cojeta Jim.” ““T see! I see!” Gerald assented. ‘‘ That ac- cursed adventuress is hastening matters. If she can’t get hold of the De Campion fortune by one way, she means to by another.” “You are right. What's to be done? We must prevent Bessie from being kidnapped!” ‘‘ Have you seen her, at all, to-day?” “No. I don’t think she bas left her tent.” ** Then, go at once,and see if she isawake. We must warn her to be on her guard, When the ruffians come to kidnap her, they’l] meet with a warm reception.” Noel hastily left the tent, but returned, great- ly excited, a few minutes later. “She’s gone!” he ejaculated. ‘t Editha says she left the tent, about daybreak, and wandered off along the lake-shore, and has not since re- turned.’ ‘¢ Then, a search must be made for her!” Ger- ald cried, Jeaping to his feet. ‘Vil find her, for Deadwood Dick’s sake, or I'll die, in the attempt. You remain here, and guard the camp. If either of those ruffians come near here during my absence, shoot them down without mercy ! And dashing from the tent, Gerald saddled bis horse and rode southward, along the lake- shore. Noel gazed after him, wistfully. ‘*] am afraid something terrible has happened to Bessie, and that we all are doomed. orry was the day we ever came to Beelzebub’s Basin.” pf Fant nt Later, he improved an opportunity to visit his father, when the madam was not present, The major was very pale and weak, and there was a wild look of terror in his eyes. ‘‘My son! my son!” he gasped, ‘I am so glad | youcame, Where is Gerald?” s 4
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> us all,” Deadwood Dick Jr. in Beelzebub's Basin. **Gerald is gone in search of Bessie, who is nowhere to be found. We fear she has been is 4 ** Kidnapped? Good God! mean-—by whom?” “By the giant, Pete Coffin, and at the in- stance of the woman who has not only been isoning your mind, but your body also, ather, have I not always been a dutiful son to ou?’ ** Yes, Noel,” ‘* Have you ever caught me in an untruth?” “* No, I have not.” “Then, if I tell you of the discovery I have made, will you believe me?’ ‘Yes, my boy, I will believe you quicker than any living person.” “Excepting the madam?” ‘“* No, not excepting her, for I am beginning to partly distrust her.” “Heaven knows, itis nearly time! Listen to me, and I will make you curse yourself that you ever trusted her!” Noel declared. He then told the major of the woman’s clandestine meeting with Pcte Coffin, and the plot that was then and there revealed. Major De Campion listened attentively, until the finish, and then groaned aloud, in his misery and anger, “Tsee it all!” he gasped, passing his hand over his forehead. ‘‘ I have been a fool~a blind idiot, not to have seen before that this base creature has beeu making me a weak tool of her vile schemes. But, thank Heaven! the spell is broken before it is too late. You may go now Noel, and tell her 1 want her at once. You nee not return until I send for you.” “Very well, father. Becareful not to ex- asperate her into doing you further-barm!” Noel left the tent, and meeting Mrs. De Bland- ford outside, sent her to the major, while he threw himself upon the ground in front of his own tent, Mrs. De Blandford did not remain long in the major’s tent, but soon came sweeping toward Noel, her face flushed with rage incarnate, ‘* Curse you!” she hissed, as she passed before Noel, and shook her clinched fist. ‘‘So you, too, have been backcapping ery pe ih you? Curse What do you you, Isay! lll get even with you, you meddle- some whelp, and im a way you won’t like, too!” Then she swept on. Noel arose, and jomed E litha and Todd, who were conversing together not far away. ‘¢ Miss Editha—Mr. Todd!” he said, ‘I have something important to tell you. There is every likelihood that the giant ruffian’s wolves will be let loose on us, to-night, and if they are, our fate will be something terrible. rgcvt one will have to look out for one’s self, and God help ‘Good heavings!: Is there no deuced way we can escape this horwible calamity?” * You know as well as I, There are your horses, and on them you can try it, if you_ like. It’s your only choice between life and death, There is nothing to detain you from going; but I must remain with my father.” And he left them. Come what might he would not leave his father. Shortly afterward he saw the madam, Todd, Editha and Bugstein holding an animated dis- cussion, and the madam was evidently much incensed—probably because the others wanted to flee from the camp, Her objections, however, seemed to be of little effect, for during the afternoon three horses were made ready, and Editha, Todd and Bugstein rode away, and were soon lost to view in the canyon, Only three persons were now left in the camp —Noel, the widow and the major, About sunset two horsemen were seen a proaching, and it was easy to distinguish that they were Pete Coffin and Cojetu Jim, idway between the mouth of the canyon and the camp, Cojeta Jim drew rein; the giant, however, came on. Seizing his rifle, Noel De Campion stood in front of his father’s tent, ready for emergency. Coffin soon drew rein near at hand. _ ‘“‘Hello, there!” he cried, addressing Noel, ‘‘ whar’s all the folks, young feller?” «‘ There’s but three of us left in age PE my sick father, and the Widow De Blandford Noel replied. “The rest have all taken their d re, At this juncture Mrs, De Blandford issued from the major’s tent, pale and frightened. “ Hillo, thar!” cried the giant. ‘' Whar’s that gal ye promised me, ye she-devil? Whar is she, cuss yer” 3 ‘+ Indeed, sir,” the widow replied, “‘I do no | i | p- f H i P 13 know. She disappeared from camp this morn- ing, and nothing has been seen of her since,” ‘That's a likely story. Howsumever, et don’t make no difference. "“Iain’t ther gal we want wise no use of borrowing any unnecessary trou- ble about it. When the hour arrived, he would do his part in the singular drama, and that would be the so much as it aire the money. So just perceed | end of it, to fork over what cash thar be in camp, and be quick about it, too. No kickin’ or monkeyin’ about it, neither. I want the durocks, and the durocks I’m going to have, or bu’st suthin’!” “Youll not get a cent of our money,” cried Noel, ‘‘and I warn you to be gone at once, or Vll put a bullet through you.” ‘Ye will, will ye? No, Pll be cussed if you will,” and, quick as flash, the giant whipped a self-cocking revolver from his belt and fired. The shot was a death-shus, but poor Noel managed to steady himself long enough to raise his rifle, and send a bullet crashing through the giant’s brain. An instant later and two lifeless bodies lay stretched upon the ground. ‘Heavens! death is a horrible thing,” the widow gasped, as she gazed at the corpses. ‘Two dead men here, ead another in there”— with a glance at the major’s tent. ‘‘ Ugh! I must flee from here ere Gerald returns.” She turned and gazed in the direction where Cojeta Jim had halted, expecting to see him bearing down upon the camp. Instead, however, she saw him riding furious- ly back toward the mouth of the canyon. **Good God! I believe he intends to set the wolves free,” she gasped. ‘‘I must hasten, or I shall be too late.” She rushed into the tent, and opening a travel- sachel which sat at the head of the major’s bed, she removed a bundle of bank-notes and some epablooking documents. ese she put carefully away about her per- 80 mn. The major lay upon the bed, his glassy eyes apparently fixed upon her; but he, too, was silent in death! His features were distorted, and clearly-de- fined finger-marks upon his throat betrayed the fact that he bad been strangled. The madam — the dead man a horrified glance, and shuddered, as she turned to go. But, she did not go! She stopped stock-still, and an exclamation of terror burst from her lips, for there, in the en- trance to the tent, stood oue whom she had good reason to fear—the Old Man! ‘“Nay, be not afraid of me, Sarah Jane,” he said, mockingly, ‘‘ for I do not pro to harm you. Your retribution will overtake you, soon enough, without my staining my hands with [ews blood. I see you remember me, Do you ikewise remember how, when, a poor broken- down tramp, I returned to Live Oaks, you had me arres and sent t> prison? I didn’t stay in prison long, Sarah Jane; I broke jail, and came back West to retrieve my fortunes, that I might some day be able to meet you by law— fight you by law. Good fortune at last favored me, and threw you in my power. “1 don’t propose to fight you, nor that you shall fight me. You will have something else to fight, far more desperate. Hark! do you listen to that ?” Utterly stricken, the widow did listen, al- though she need not have done so, to understand his meaning. Night was falling over the camp, and in the distance was heard the unmistakable bark of a welf, followed, almost immediately afterward, by a series of barks, that certainly sounded blood-curdling enough to suit the most carnal-minded. ‘‘ Pete Coffin’s wolves are free,” the Old Man said, grimly, ‘‘and will soon be here, on their errand of vengeance. Their vengeance, will also be my revenge, Sarah Smithers! He turned then, and strode from the tent and with a hotrified shriek, the woman staggered after bim. \ “Stop! stop!” she screamed, ‘For the love of God, do not desert me!” e paid not the slightest attention to her appeal, but, reaching the water’s edge, he en- tered a small birchen canoe, and padd ed swiftly away. : And, the mantle of night soon hid him from view. : CHAPTER XIV. THE BATTLE—CONCLUSION, DEaDWwoop Dick found his dungeon in the rock more cheery than might have been su posed, and at once set about making himself as comfortable as circumstauces would admit. He knew he was booked for an extraordinary roceeding, and ee i concluded that, as there was no escape from it, there was like- When night came, he was brought a com- fortabie repast of roast bear and coffee, and was likewise supplied for breakfast, the next morning. From the time he was locked up, however, un- til the next evening, he saw nothing of the Old Man, except at a distance. A While Dick felt pretty well satisfied that the chief of the Silent Tongues was, in reality, Col- onel Bly, the father of Bessie, he of course was not positive and consequently was left in a state of annoying certainty. If his vailed bride was to be pretty Bessie Bly, be would have much preferred to know the: fact, in advance of the ceremony. If the Old Man was not Colonel Bly, Dick re- flected, how was he to know, until too late, who or what he was marrying? She might bean In- dian squaw. The night for the battle between Deadwood Dick and Peepo Hager at last arrived, and the prisoner was by no means sorry, when it came, : The silent tongued miners ceased their labors with pick and shovel, about seven o'clock, im the evening, and devoted themselves to prepar- ing for the coming duel. Two camp-fires of pores and cones were built upon the cavern ottom, and flaring torches of the same were thrust here and there, in niches in the wall,, making the cavern light in every part. Dick had just finished bis evening meal, when: the Old Man came along, and unlocked the: dungeon door, ‘* Are you ready for the fight?’ he asked, ‘““As ready as I ever shall be, I reckon, except that I haven’t got any weapons,” replied: ick, **Oh! you will be furnished them, in good. time, ou can come forth, now, and stretch yourself, providing you will promise not to run, ” ‘Thanks, I don’t think there’s any danger of my escaping far, even if I tried to,” Dick re- sponded, as he eo ie from his prison. He and the Old Man sauntered about the cavern, chatting as if they had been old friends. ‘¢ Considering the large probability that I will soon become your son-in-law, there are two questions 1 would like to ask,” ‘“‘ Well, what do you want to know!” ‘Hirst of all, this: I found a canoe on the: beach. attached to which was a chain, running a distance into the water. What I want to know is, does that chain connect with this cay- ern?” ‘Virtually so, as a passageway or fissure runs from this place to the water’s edge. The external opening of this fissure is so peculiar that one would not know it, except by rowing at. the base of the cliff.” * Ah! [ see, Now, one more question, and my curiosity will be satisfied. How about that. apparition, which appeared on the surface of the lake?” The Old Man laughed. ‘Oh, that was only a little pleasantry of mine, to prevent strangers making too free about the lake, It was produced with a machine- of my invention, and embodying some of the principles of the stereopticon. “The hour for your battle with Peepo, the: dwarf, is near at hand. You had better make ready, and = advice is that you make sure of your man, wit — first arrow, or you may not get the second chance,” The Old Man blew a shrill call upon bis whis- tle, and summoned Peepo and the Silent Tongues to his presence, “The time for the contest bas arrived,” he an- nounced. ‘“‘Trull, you may measure off fifty paces. This was done, and a burning ember from the fire placed at either end of the distance asa goal, Dick and Peepo were then each supplied with Indian bow, and a quiver of arrows, a stron a to take their places, which they prompt-. and tol did, yThe Silent Tongues were then formed to one. side, with their chief are in front of them, “ Peepo Hager and Richard Bristol,” said the. Old Man, ‘‘ yo now to face each other in mortal combat, and with bow and arrows as. weapou we iv until one or the other of you falls, iil or disabled. The Silent. Tongues: do not want any wounded men on their bands: to care for, and 80 recommend that one of you be killed outright. Make reams and the / moment my revolver speaks—/ig
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y | H ny 4 M 14 Deadwood Dick: Jr. in Beelzebuh’s There was no reply, but each man faced his to an understanding upon the point in question, opponent with a bow drawn and arrow fixed. he hideous dwarf seemed eager and confi- dent. As for Deadwood Dick, he was perfectly cool | and steady nerved, but hardly what might be termed confident, for he had never had much , practice at arcbery. But he did not falter, He grasped his weapons firmly and waited | for the signal. The Old Man drew his revolver, raised it in | the air, and— There was a ringing report that echoed and re-echoed through the cavern. But, it was not the Old Man who had fired. His pistol remained undischarged. Immediately following the report there was a wild screech, and Peepo, the dwarf, sprung into the air and fell back—dead! At the same instant a man was seen ap- proaching from the foot of the corridors. He carried a white handkerchief tied to the muzzle of his rifle as a flag of truce, and ac- cordingly no action was taken against his ap- proach, Deadwood Dick’s astonishment may be imag- ined, when he saw that the man was no other than Gerald De Campion, As he came within speaking distance, Gerald halted, and doffing his hat, he said; ‘Gentlemen, it was my bullet that killed the dwarf, I fired itintentionally. Two days ago, I tried, while in a fit of jealousy, to kill your guest, Deadwood Dick—a man of men, whom I should have most honored and respected, “*T thought I had succeeded in his murder, but on reaching this strange place in my search for Bessie Bly, I found that Richard Bristol was not dead, but in imminent peril. I resolved to ssave his life, and, therefore, killed the dwarf. I am now at your disposal, to be done with as it ‘shall please you. Iam only glad that I saved Deadwood Dick from harm.” There was a brief silence, during which the chief held a whispered consultation with several of the Silent Tongues, and then turned to Ger- ald. “Stranger!” he said, ‘your act is one that intervention was in favor of a man whom we tnink well of, we are inclined to make Deadwood Dick the man who shal] pass judgment.” ** An office which I cheerfully accept. Gerald De Campion, I forgive you for raising your hand against me, knowing that jealousy caused you todo as you did. As you are here, and as I propose to remain here but a short time, I re- commend that the Old Man appoint you his lieutenant in the place of the dwarf, Peepo Hager. You are a brave, honest man, and will make an able and efficient worker.” This announcement was received by nods of ‘approval from the Silent Tongues, ing which, the Old Man said: “*Then, so be it! Gerald De Campion, I ac- seept of Bristol’s appointment, and you are henceforth my chief aide and adviser—such a person as I have long needed, and which the vindictive Peepo could never be,” Gerald advanced, and first extended his hand to Deadwood Dick. ' **T don’t deserve it,” he said, his dark face working with emotion, ‘‘ but I ask your forgive- mess. ‘* And I freely grant it,” was the reply. “The marriage will now take place!” the Old Man commanded, ‘ Trull, Dever bring my daughter and the parson. Grizzly Jack, you remove the body of Peepo. The body of the unfortunate dwarf was soon carried out of sight, and then from a passage, opening off the cavern, came Trull, with the «minister—a lanky, solemn-visaged individual— and the bride-elect, who was deeply vailed. Deadwood Dick’s heart gave a jump, as he ‘saw her approach, for he recognized ber outer garments as being the same that Bessie Bly usually wore about the camp. Turning to the Old Man, as the party came up, Deadwood Dick said: **Colonel Bly, according to my agreement, I ‘am ready to marry your estimable daughter, but, knowing that the vailed lady is Miss Bes- ‘sie, ’'d much rather this would be an open-faced matter. I think it would be most agreeable all around,” : “Perhaps so,” the Old Man replied, with a shrug. ‘‘I must say, however, that your pow- ers of perception are remarkably keen.” “*T suspected that you were Colonel Bly, as soon as Bessie told me the story of her life.” Of course Bessie raised her vail, and she and Dick were left to themselves for a few minutes, In that brief space of time they seemed to come should receive our condemnation, but as your | | | nn sp and soon afterward announced their readiness to have the nuptial-knot tied. Accordingly, they “stood up,” as they say down East, and the reverend gentleman, whom the Old Man bad imported for the occasion, per- furmed the interesting rites that made Richard | Bristol and Betsy Bly man and wife. ot the conclusion of the ceremony the Silent | Tongues gave three resounding cheers for the Prince and Princess of Old Man’s Cave, and there was a season of congratulative hand-~- shaking. Gerald De Campion was the last to offer his congratulations, having remained quietly aloof until a favorable opportunity; then he ap- proached and extended both hands, ‘*T congratulate you both from the bottom of my heart,” he said, evidently earnest and can- did. ‘*Thisis as it should be, and I wish you both success without stint and uninterrupted happiness through life!” e oor fellow! an of scores that he was, it must have cost him an effort to go through this ordeal; but he did go through it bravely, and felt better far, afterward. The Silent Tongues also had additional cause for rejoicing on account of the marriage, for, calling them together, the Old Man said: ‘Gentlemen, it affords me great pleasure, at last, to give you a surprise. ou have ail acted well, under my charge, and I don’t think you have much to complain of in me as a master. In tact, I doubt if there is a man of you who desires to leave this place for good, Here we have been mates—here let us reman as long as there is anything worth remaining for. Hence- forth I abolish all rules of the Hagers, with the exception of leaving the cavern without my sanction and the approval of the majority. The Silent Tongues of other days are henceforth no more,” And, as may be supposed, there was great spvoicing in the wonderful cavern of Mount ab. What became of Bugstein, Raphael De Percy Todd and Editha, was not known at the cavern. That they escaped was the earnest hope of al and especially of tender-hearted Bessie, Deadwood Dick remained for a short time, and then made ready for departure. To his wife and the colonel he said: “‘ Bessie is my wife, and, assuch, I shall love and honor her. My path in life, however, lies in another direction, and I cannot remain here, When you emerge from this plaee of seclusion, and settle down within the bounds of civiliza- tion, as you will do sooner or later, I will rejoin you, and prove by my devotion to you both, that this enforced marriage has been for our mutual well-being and happiness,” ‘“We cannot demur, Richard,” said the Old Man kindly. ‘Such a life as this I well know, is not for you, nor for Bessie either, so, as you say, sooner or later I shall seek civilization again, and with the wealth I have acquired make a home of which you, my brave son, and you, my devoted daughter, will be proud.” So it was arranged, and with the early morn of the third day after the marriage, Deadwood Dick was again astride of his faithful steed, making his way — of that wild region—never to behold Mount Mab again. THE END. The Banner Weekly. The Best Weekly of Popular, Entertain- ing and Useful Literature Pub- lished in America! Its Unrivaled Corps of Contributors, almost all of whom write erclusively for its publishers—embraces the following authors of world wide repute— Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. Albert W. Aiken, Dr. Noel Dunbar, ear: Mark Wilton, Joseph E. Badger, Jr.. Edward L. Wheeier, Charles Morris, Oll Coomes, C, Dunning Clark, Buffalo Bill, White Beaver, Leon Lewis, Major Dangerfield Burr, Philip S. Warne, T. C. Harbaugh, Willian R, Eyster, J. C. Cowdrick. The Banner Weekly is Published at the Following Rates: For Four Months. . Single Copies...... ......... Dt Meee ee Supplied by all Newsdealers. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Pus.isHers, 98 William street, New York. . * Basin, BEADLE AND ADAMS’ STANDARD DIME PUBLICATIONS Speakers. 1, American Speaker. 15. Komikal Speal-er. 2. National Speaker. 16, Youth’s Speake. 3. Patriotic Speaker. 17. Eloquent Speaker. 4. Comic Speaker. 18. Hail Columbia Speak- 5. Elocutionist. er. 6. Humorous Speaker. 19. Serio-Comic Speaker, 7. Standard Speaker. 20. Select Speaker. 8. 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\ ‘ ~se BEADLE'S« H ALF- DIME* LIBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. — BY PHILIP 8. WARNE, 6? Patent-Leather Joe; or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmer. 175 Capvnin Arizona; or, Patent-Leather Joe's Big Game, 198 Captain Mask; or, Patent-Leather Joe’s Defeat. 219 Despard, the Duellat; or, The Mountain Vompires. 883 A Tough Boy ; or, The Dwart’s Revenge. 868 Little Tornado; or, The Outcasts of the Glen. B78 Little Jingo; or, the Queer Pard. BSs Little Oh-my 3 or, Caught in His Own Trap, 401 Little Shoo-Fly ; or, A Race fora Ranch. 408 Little Leather-Breeches ; or, Old Jumbo’s Curse, | 451 Little Ah Sing or, The Curse of Blood, 451 Colorado Kate. A Tale of the olines. 4s Three Jolly Parda. 5iz Jim Gladden’s Deputy. 427 The Jolly Pards to the Rescue. 4547 Sandy Andy; or, A Good Man Down, 655 Lartat Lil; or, The Cast for a Life. 674 Old Weasel-top, the Man with the Dogs. \ 598 Keen Clem, the Ranch Imp. $99 Jim Dandy, the No-Name Sport. 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. 3150 Lance and Lasso; or, The Children of the Chaco. 154 The Sword ILunters ; or, The Land of the Elephant Riders, 159 The Lost Captain; or, Skipper Jadvez Coffin’s Cruise to the Open Polar Sea. 200 The Boy Bedoutna; or, The Brothers of the Plamed Lance, 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine. 249 Milo Komer, the Animal King; of, The Round the World Ses oe © Tiger Tamer}; or, The League of the Jungle. S81 Black Nick, the Demon Rider. ; 895 California Joe’s War Trail. BY BUOKSKIN SAM (Major Sam. §, Mall.) ) 284 Old Rocky's ‘*Boyees; Breaker. 246 Glant George; or, The Ang’! of the Range. 275 Arizona Jack}; or, Giant George’s Pard. 297 The Tarantula of Taos; or, Giant George’s Revenge. BOT The Strange Pard; or, Little Ben’s Death Hunt. 818 Ker-whoop, Ker-whoo}; or, The ‘Tarantula of Taos, B27 Creeping Cat, the Caddo; or, The Red and White Pards, B82 Frio Fred 3 or, The Tonkaway’s Trust. $44 The Fighting Trio; or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway. B49 Wild Wolf; or, Big-Foot Wallace to the Front. 857 The Ranch Raiders; or, The Siege of Fort Purgatory. 864 Snap-Shot, the Boy Ranger. BTS Chiota, the Creek; or, The Three Thunderbolts. 8S1 Bandera Bill; or. Frio Frank to the Front. B92 Romeo and the Reds; or, The Beleaguered Ranch, 404 Little Lariat; or, Pecan Pete’s Big Rampage. 414 The Dalay from Denver. 427 The Three Tratlers; 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 Asn Scott, the Steamboat Boy. 199 Featherweight the Boy Champion of the Muskingum. 228 Ozark Alt’; or, Featherweight Among the Outlaws. 282 The Typo Detective; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp. 295 Fearless Phil; or, The King of Quartzville. S11 The Roving Sporty; or, The Pride of Chuckaluck Camp. B22 Nemo, the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon’s Vendetta. 840 Clip the Contortionist; or, The Montana Vigilantes. BY J, C. COWDRICK. $860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery. BGY Shasta, the Gold King; or, For Seven Years Dead, 0 ne Detective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without a ame. 424 Cibuta John; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar. 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. A467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude. 490 Bresdway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 506 Redlight Ralph, the Prince of the Road. Broadway Billy’s Boodle. 524 The Engineer Detective. 586 Preadway Billy’s ‘ Difiikilty.’’ Nicht Express Detective. Eat Hrowtway Billy's 1 a roadwa * Peath Rack rat mectine | uke “he Xoung. natn ~ e n . d Billy’ ise- . a0 Titles takes. ee & William 0’ Broadway; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning. BY JO PIERCE, B97 Bob o’ the Bowery ; or, The Prince of Mulberry Street 415 The Vagabond Detectives or, Bowery Bob's Boom. 452 Hotspur Bob, the Street-Boy Detective. 460 The Lawyer’s Shadow; or, Luke’s Legacy. aun Zouaty Jae, the Young Horse-King. urly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective. 504 Five Points Phil, 509 Jack Jaggers, the Butcher Boy Detective. 516 Tartar Tim; or, Five Points Phil’s Menagerie. 26 North River N at, the Pier Detective. 588 Wreatling Rex, the Pride ofthe Sixth Ward. | 641 Jeff Flicker. the Stable Boy Detective. 551 Nick Nettle. the Boy Shadow. 559 Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective. 569 Brooklyn Ben, the On-His-Own-Hook Detective. . 577 Pavement Pete, the Secret Sifter, 5S8 Jack-o’-Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector. 608 Wide-Awake Bert, the Street-Steerer. BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. TB ks: or, The Yellow Chief’s Vengeance, 8ST Flue, Dict Pirates or, The League of Devil's Island. * 187 The Helpless Hand; or, Backwoods Retribution. 289 The Gold-socker Gulde 3; or, The Lost Mountain. BY MAJOR HENRY B. STODDARD, Ex-Scout. B06 Neck-Tie Ned; or, The Dug-Out Pards. apler Raphael; or, The Swordsmen of Zacatecas. r++ Fig Glove Kit, the Panty s the Rockies, | 2] Ms or, The Go . 406 The Mad Matte tars or, The Mynters” of Golden ulch, 505 Powell’s Pard; or, The One-Armed Giant. BY MARRY ST. GEORGE. 80 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, the Ranger. 44 on ane. Bute; or, The Nighthawks of Kentucky. 59 Old Hickory ; or, Pandy Ellis’s Scalp. 108 Daring Davy ; or, The Trail of the Toedes Wolf. 166 Hickory Harry ; or, The Trapper-Brigade’s Spy. ‘om or, the Wolf-Herder. or, Bentto, the Young Horse 172 Thunderbolt BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, 11 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes ofa Bowery Girl, 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. 79 Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. 258 Joe Buck of Angels and His Boy Pard. 447 New York Nat. A Tale of Tricks and Traps {n Gotham, 458 New England Nick; or, ‘Ihe Fortunes of a Founguuys 464 Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince. 498 T'nos Ted, toe Arizona Sport. 510 Cool Colorado, the Hal!-Breed Detective. 618 Cool Colorado in New York. BY GEORGE WALDO BROWNE, 86 Danay Rock the Man from Texas, 90 The Dread Rider; or, The Texan Duellat, 99 The Tiger of Taos; or, Dandy Rock’s Angel. 115 The Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rock’s Doom, 181 The Golden Hand; or, Dandy Rock to the Rescue, 164 Dandy Rock’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 Whifiies’s Pets or, In The Valley of Death. 60 The White Indian; or, The Scovt of the Yellowstone, 70 Old Zip’« Cabin; or, The Greenhorn in the Woods. 81 Lightning Jo, the Terror of the Prairie. 85 Buck Buckram 3; or, Bess, the Female Trapper, 247 Old Grizzly and His Peta; or, The Wild Huntress, 251 Light-house Liges or, Osceola, the Firebrand. 257 The Lost Hunters; or, The Underground Camp. 288 The Scalp King; or, The Human Thundervolt. 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 Pards, 861 The Phantom Liht-house, 870 Breaker Ben, the Reef-Runner. BY WILLIAM R. 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A Story of a Young American. o The Outlaw Brothers; or, The Captive of the Harpes, BY WM. G, PATTEN. 489 The Diamond Sport; or, The Double Face of Bed Rock B19 Captain Mystery ; or, Five in One. bs1 Dale Dare the Sport from Denver. 587 Old Hombshell, the Ranger Detective. 604 Lron Fern, the Man ot Fire. BY MAJOR E. L. ST. VRAIN, | 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit. B01 Lendville Nick, the Boy Sport. 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. 888 Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horne Quartette, 852 Tombstone Tom, ne Arizona Boy of wend.) ye, tt oung Cham: ion Wreatier, ria Kingbolt Chris, the Young Hard-Shell Detective. B80 ‘Avalanche Alf, the Foothills Guide. 890 Jaguar Joe, of the Mountain Mail-Line. RY EDWARD 8. ELLIS. 6 Bill Biddon, Trapper. 8 Seth Jones ; or The Captives of the Frontier, ar wat poaa } or, fae rye of the Sloux Captive. e Frontier Angel. 98 The Boy Minera aon The Enchanted Island, 182 The Nunted Hunter; or, The Strange Horseman, 254 The Half-Blood; or, The Panther of the Plains, 271 The Huge Hunter; or, The Steam Prairie Man, BY MAJOR LEWIS W. CARSON, 278 The Three Tra pores or, The Mountain Monster, 288 Indian Joe; or, uy e White Spirit of the Hills, BY FRANK DUMONT. 120 The Branded Hand or, The Man of Mystery. ys Week ire. the meee a“ rims uc RzZEBs oT, he Break o Bo 171 Ebony Dan; be The Rival Tansdés. ys of Rocky Bare 185 Evil Eye; or, The Vultures of the Rio Grande, BY CAPT. MARK WILTON. 256 Young Kentuck:\or, The Red Lagao, 270 Bilzzard Ben; or, Tho Riot at Keno Camp. 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. BY BRACEBRIDGE HEMYNG. rly Heland aims etgthe vat ot tty Family. The Captain of the Club; or. The Rival otes. 101 Jack Harkatway in New Work. er BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR, 2 Yellowstone Jack}; or, The aay Yr AS Black John, the Road-Agent; or, The Outlaw’s Retreat. 65 Murricane Bill; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard, 119 Mustang Sam} or, The King of the Plains, : 186 Night-lkawk 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 Trailers ; 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 3 or, The Horse-Thieves’ League, 885 Old Double Fist; or, The Strange Guide 855 The King of the Woods: or, Daniel Koone’s Last Trall, 449 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective. BY W. J. HAMILTON, 68 The Red Brotherhood; or, The Twelve Avengers, 66 cingis Handy or, A Life for a Life. 72 Mad Tom Weatern, the Texan Ranger. 887 Ben Bird, the Cave King; or, Big Pete’s Scoop. BY JACK FARRAGUT. 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. 820 The Sea Sorceress; or, The Boy Skipper. BY LIEUT. i. D. PERRY, U. 8. N. 176 The Boy Runaway; or, The Buccaneer of the Bay, 180 The Sea Trailer; or, A Vow Well Kept. I; 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Point ; BY HARRY HAZARD. 828 Arkansaw Jack; or, The Scourge of the Mines. 829 Red-Skin Toms or, The Demon’s Trail, B42 The Mountain Devil; or, Yellow Jack, the Outlaw, BY COL. A. F. MOLT. 899 Black Buckakin; or, The Masked Men of Death Canyoa, 419 Kenneth, the Knife-King. 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. BRT Old Buckeye, the Slerra Shadow. { 664 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner. BY FREDERICK DEWEY. \ 818 Cimarron Jack, the King-Pin of Rifle-Shots, \ A478 Tangemund, the Desert Detective. “ 5642 The Canyon Pards, BY ARTHUR ©. GRISSOM, 440 Tittle Foxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid. , 558 The Sure-Shot Pards. J BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS, 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock. 568 The Dandy of Dodge. 576 The Silver Sport. 588 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow, 6S9 Tom-Cat and Pardy; or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 601 Happy Mans, the Dutch Vidocqg; or, Red-Hot Tunes of Round-Up. MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS, 4 The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Reid and Frederick Whittaker. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen. 12 Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean Swift. 14 Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp. 16 Robinson Crusoe, (21 Ilustrations,) 18 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven bee Samy 22 Ts Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe, By Joan Lewis. 8s The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the Carribees. By S, W. Pierce. 86 The Boy Clown; or, The Queen ofthe Arena. By Frank 6 nn. 88 Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 61 ‘She Boy Rifles; or, The Underground Camp. By Archie *» trons. 95 The Rival Rovers; or, The Freebooters of the Mississippt. By Lieut.-Col. Hazeltine. 98 Robin Hood, the Outlawed Ear); or, The Merry Men of Groon- wood. Prof. Gildersleeve. 105 Old Rube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain Hamilton Holmes. 112 The Mad Iunter; or, The Cave of Death. By Burton Saxq, 124 Tippy. the Texan; or, The Young Champion. By George jerson. 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 Puaky Darrell, Trapper; or, The Greon Ranger of the Yel- lowstone. By Edward Emerson. 261 Vorgus Fearnaught the New York Boy. By George L, en 906 Killbar. the Guides wr, Dery Crvshet's, Coosted. yell 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid of the Cif, B17 Peat pete. the Lively Tad from Leadville, By Lieu B28 Tha Sky avercctives or, A Boy’s Fight for Life and Honogs 850 Hed Hiaiph, the. itiver Rovers or, The Brother’s Re venge. y Ne un 5 65 Haltimore Then th Hoatlags Dewees 876 Cotifornia Joe's First Trail. By Colonel Thomas Monastery. 418 Billy Bombshell, the Cliff Climber. By F. 8. Winthrop, 475 The Black Ship. By John 8S. Warner, 484 Comanche Dick and His Three Invinctbles. By . as. 528 Wisnrd-Arm, the Dandy Sport. By Arthur 3, Holt, 582 The Cowboy Duke. cdwin Brooke Forreat. B52 Ariel the Athlete. By David Drold. 585 Will Waters, the Boy Ferret. By H. Enton, A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Walf-Dime Library is for sale by all newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of alx cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMR, Publishers, 98 William Street, New Yor
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BEADLE'’S«H ALF-])IME*[_IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue ‘Complete and Sold at tne Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers, is BY EDWARD L, WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels. 4 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Defiance, 28 Buffalo Ken; or, Deadwood Dick in Disguise. 85 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. 42 Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza, 49 Omaha Oll; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger. 567 Deadwood Dic ’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 78 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane, the Heroine. 7 Corduroy Charlie; or, Deadwood Dick’s Last Act. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadyille. 104 Deadwood Dick’« Device; or, The Double Cross Sign. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. 129 Baekweod Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s sulcnh. 188 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base. 149 A Game of Gold}; or, Deadwood Dick's Big Strike. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood ; or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream ; or, The Rivuls of the Road. 201 The Black Hilla Jezebel; or, Deadwood Dick’s Ward. 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Ad- venture, 217 Captain Crack-Shot, the Girl Brigand. 221 Sugar-Conted Sam; or, The Black Gown. 282 Gold-Duat Diek. A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Divides or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. 268 Deadwood Dick's Death Trail. 809 Beodweed Dick’s Big Deal; or, The Gold Brick of regon. 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats. Deadwood Dick’s Ducats; or, Rainy Days in the Dig- ings. 851 Deadwood Dick Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta. 2 Peasvows Dick’s Claim; or, The Fairy Face of Faro ate. 405 Deadwood Dick in Dend City. 410 Beadweed Dick’s Diamonds ; or, The Mystery of Joan urter. 421 Deadwood Dick in New Yorks or, A “Cute Care.” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand. 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 448 Nickel-Plate Ned; 01, Déadwood Dick Jr's Defiance. 458 Sunflower Sam, o! Shasta; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Full Hand, 459 Flush Fan, the Ferret; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Big Ronnd- ° Y, 0 enix; or, Deadwoo ic r’s ket at 465 Philo FI { Phenix; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Rac Aaim . 471 Bozeman Bill; or, Deadwood Dick Jr's Corral. 476 aay herd Marry, the Hurricane, or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s g Detective. 481 Moll My ster: 3 or, Deadwood Dick Jr. in Dendwood. 491 Teinee lstol, the King of the West; or, Deadwood Dick r’a Compact. 496 Monte Cristo, Jr.1 or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Inheritance. 444 goad woes eh ings; or, Dr, Death-Grip’s Swoop. eandwoo ck’s Deliverance. 515 Deadwood Dick’s Protegee. 522 Deadwood Dick’s Three. 529 Deadwood Dick's Danger Ducks, 554 Deadwood Dick’s Death Hunt, 589 Deadwood Dick Jr. in Texas, £43 peaanecd yy dr. aa hd are Vidoeq. endwo ck 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. 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Denver. 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr's. Decree. 595 Deadwood Dick Jr. in Beelzebub’s Basin. 600 Deadwood Dick Jr. at Coney Island. 606 Deadwood Dick Jr’s Leadville Lay; or, Bristol and Bncket’s Loom. Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon, 82 Bob Woolf’ or, The Girl Dead-Shot, 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York, 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, | 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr.,; the Boy Phenix, 61 Buckhorn Bill or, The Red Rifle Team. 69 Gold Rifley the Sharpshooter; or, The Boy Detettive, 80 Rosebud Rob 3 or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. | $4 Idyl, the Girl Miner ; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand, | 88 Phetograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappenranee. 92 Canada Chet}; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 96 Watch-Eye; or, Arabs and Angels of a Great City. 318 Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective. 121 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner. 188 Boas Bob the King of Bootblacks, 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. 145 Captain Perret, the New York Detective; or, Boss Bob’s ‘oas Job. 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. | Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scamps, $1 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo. 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventril B30 Snoozer, the Bey Sharp; or, The Arab uist Hunter. etective, 6 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado. 0 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gadiator. 244 Sierra Sum, tho Frontier Ferret. 333 Sierra Sam’ Seeret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 68 Sierra Sam’s Pard; or, The Ange! of Big Vista. 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven; or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; gr, The Rival Heirs, 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Gueem 281 lbenver Doll's Victory. , , 255 Denver Doll’s Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza, 291 Turk, the Boy Ferret. 296 Denver Doll’s Drift; or, The Road Queen. 299 A No, 1, the went Toll-Taker. r port. Celley, Hickey & Co.,, the Detectives of Philadelphia, © Tittle Qufek-Sh ; bs 87 878 BS2 Cool Kit, bed Yreka Jim’s Joker; or, The Rivals of Red Nose, -Yrek Re 202 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 6 High Mat Hurry, the Base Bal) Detective, pone he -Boy Detective, fimthewh nian e Sa e er. Sealakin Som, the Sparkler. BY CHARLES MORRIS, 118 Will Somers, the Boy Detective, 122 Phil Mardy, the Buss Boy. 126 Picayune I’ctes or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. 186 Detective Dick ; or, The Here tn Rags. 142 Handsome Harry, the Boothlack Detective, 147 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred, 152 Black Besa, Will Wildfire’s kacer. 157 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. 162 Will Wildfire in the W ooda. 165 Billy Baggage, the Railroad Boy. 170 A Tritip Card; or, Will Wildtire Wins and Loses, 174 Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. 179 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner, 188 The Hidden Thand; or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge. 187 Fred MNalyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers, 189 Bob Roekett; or, Driven to the Wall. 196 Shadowed ; or, Bob Rockett’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 Dashawny ; or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago. 262 The Young Sharps: or, Rollicking Mike’s HoTrail. 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 289 Jolly dim’s Jobs or, The Young Detective. 298 The Water-Hound; or, The Young Thoroughbred. 805 Dashaways of Dakota; or, A Western Lad in the Quaker sity. 824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. 858 The Reporter-Detective; or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard, 867 Wide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of the Times. 879 Larry, the Levelers or, The Bloods of the Boulevard. 408 Firelly Jack, the River-Rat Detective. 428 The Lost Finger; or, The Eutrapped Cashier, 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective. 482 Invincible 3 an, 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 Seeret service Boy Detective. 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Ameng Wolves. BY OLL COOMES. 5 Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. 18 The Dumb Spy. 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide, 81 Keen-Knife, the Prince of the Prairies. 41 Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. 58 The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. 71 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. 74 Hawk-eye Harry the Young Trapper Ranger. 88 Rollo, the Boy Ranger. 184 Sure Shot Seth, the boy Rifleman. 148 Sear-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter 146 Silver Star, the Boy Knight. 158 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. 168 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. 182 Little Hurricane, the Boy ‘aptain. 202 Prospect Pete ; or, The Young Outlaw Hunters, 208 The Boy Hercules: or, The Prairie Tramps. 218 Tiger Tom, the Texas Terrur. 224 Packing Dick; or, rapper 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 Dany, the Young Prairie Ranger. 272 Minkakin Mike, tie Boy Sharpshooter. 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy. 800 The Sky Demon 3 or, Ruinbelt, the Ranger. 84 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. 09 Hereuléas or, Dick, the Boy Ranger. 417 Webfoot Moxe, the Tramp Detective. 422 Baby Sanit, the Boy Giant of the Yellowstone. 444 Little Buckakin, tue Young Prairie Centaur. 457 Wingedfodt Fred ¢ of. Old Polar Saul. 468 Tamarac Tom, the Big Trapper Boy, 478 Old Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemie, 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan, 562 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper. BY T. ©. HARBAUGH, 28 Nick o’ the Night; or, Th Boy Spy of '76. 87 The Hidden Lodge; or The Little Hunter. » 47 Nightingale’ Nat; or, Tne Forest Captains, Dand ack; or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Trait, 82 Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hawk. 94 Midnight Jack 3 or, The Boy Trapper. 106 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, The White Queen, 128 Kiowa Charley the White Mustanger. 189 Judge Lynch, drt or, The Boy Vigilante. 155 Gold Trigger, the Sport; or, The Girl Avenger, 169 Tornado Tom; or, Injun Jack From Red Core, 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. 198 Arkansaw or, The Quorn of Fate’s Revenge. 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. 215 Captain Bullet; or, Little Topknot’s Crasade, 281 Plneky Phil; or, Rosa, the Red Jezebel. 241 Bill Bravos or, The Roughs of the Rockies, 255 Captain Apoli«, tne King-Pin of Bowie, 267 The Buekekin Detective. 279 Old Winch; or, The Backskin Desperadoes, 294 Dynamite Pan; or, The Bowie Blade of Cochetopa. 802 The Mountain Detective; or, The Trigger Bar Bully. 816 Old Eclipse, Tramp Card of Arizona, 826 Thé Ten Pardsy: or. The Terror of Take-Notice. 886 Big Benaon; or, The Queen of the Lasso. 845 Pitiless Matt; or, Red Thunderholt’s Secret. B56 Cool Sam und Pard; or The Terrible Six. 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. 886 Captain Cutlass; or, | he Brecaneer’s Girl Foe. 896 Rough Rob; or, The [win Champions of Blue Blazes, 411 The ‘Stiken snaso; or, The Rose of Ranch Robin. 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. 425 Texas Trump. the Border Rattler. A486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox. 445 The City Vampires; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pigeon, 461 One Against Fifty ; or, The Last Man of Keno Bar, 470 The Boy Shadow $3 or, Felix Fox’s Hunt. A77? The Excelsior Sport; or, Tie Washington Spotter. 499 Single Sight, the One-Eyed Sport. 502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. 512 Dodger ck, the Wharf-Spy Detective, 521 Dodger Dick’s Best D 528 Fox and Falcon, the Bowery Shadows. 588 D odger 4 the Dock Ferret. 548 Dodger Dick’s Double; or, The Rival Boy Detectives, 558 er Dick’a Desperate 568 "Dick, the Boy Vidoeq. 484 A) wo Shadows. fers Dick’s Drop. 594 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective, Case. ae BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRATIAM, 7 The Flying Yankee; or, The Ocean Outcast, 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccaneer; or. The Fugitive Yacht. 24 Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone, 62 The Shadow Ship’ or, The Rival Lieutenants. 75 The Boy Duelist; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wolf, 102 Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smuggier. 111 The Sen-Devil; or, The Midshipinan’s Legacy. 116 The Hussar Captain ; or, The Hermit of Hell Gate, 197 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; or, The Woman Trailer, 229 Crimson Kate; or, The Cowboy’s Triumph, 237 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. 245 Merle, the Middy 3 or, The Freelance Heir. 250 The Midshipman M utineer 3 or, Brandt, the Buccaneer, 264 ae Fleating Feather; or, Merle Monte’s Treasure sland. 269 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, the Condemned. 276 Merle Monte’s Cruise; or, The Chase of “The Gol& Ship. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate ; or, Pearl, 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 Sitot Dandy ; or, Benito, the Boy Bugler, 808 Keno Kit; or, Dend Shot Dandy’s Double. $14 ‘ae Mysterious Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler’s Long rail. 877 Bonodel, the Boy Rover 3 or, The Flagless Schooner, 888 The Indian Pilot; «r, The Search for Pirate lsland, 887 Warpath WII, the Boy Phantom. 898 Seawailf, the Boy Lieutenant. 402 Isodor, the Young Conspirator ; or, The Fata) League 407 The Boy Insurgent; or, The Cuban Vendetta. 412 The Wild Yachtsman 3 or, The War-Clouu’s Cruise, 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 A Cabin Boy’s Luck; or, The Corsair. 487 The Sea Ralder. 441 The Ocean Firefly ; or, A Middy’s Ver geance. 446 Haphazard Harry ; 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 Guide? or, The Saiior Boy Wanderer, 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster. 474 Floras or, Wizard Will’s Vagabond Pard, 488 Ferrets Afloat; or, Wizard Will’s Last Case, AST Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger. 495 Arizona doe the Boy Pard of Texas Jack. 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 508 The Royul Middy; or, The Shark and the Ses Cat. 507 The Hunted Midshipman. 611 The Outlawed Middy. 520 Buckskin Bill, the Comanche Shadow. 525 Brothers in Buckskin. 580 The Buckskin Bowers. 585 The Bue skin Rovers. 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder ot the Rio 545 Licutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. 550 Lafitte’s Legacy: or. The Avenging Son. 555 The Creole Corsair. 560 Pawnee BU, the Prairie Shadower. 565 Kent Kingdon, the Card King. 570 Camille, the Card Queen, 575 The Surgeon-Scout Detective. 580 The Outeast Cadets or, ‘The False Detective. 6586 The Buckskin Avenger. 591 Delmonte, the Young Sen Rover. 57 The Young Texan Detective. 602 The Vagabond of the Mines. " 607 The Rover Detective; or, Keno Kit’s Champlons. BY BUFFALO BILL (Ifon. Wm. F. Cody). 8 Kansaw 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 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’a Trust, LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 608 The Pitcher Detective’« Foils or, Double Curve Dan’e Double Play, By Geo. C. Jenks. 609 Bolly Dorrit, the Veteran Detective; or, Little Lightning?s. Invinei*les. By John W. Osbon. 610 Old Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sharp on Guard. By T. C. Harbaugh. 614 Bildad Barnacle, the Detective Hercules; or; The Tussle at , Twble Mountain, By Lieut, A. K. Sims. 612 Dendwood Dick Jr. in Detroit; or, Turning the Tables on Satan, By Edward L, Wheeler. 618 Billy Blazen; or, The Skeleton’s Legacy. By P. S, Warne. 614 Whistling Jacob, the Detective’s Aid; or, The Queer Com- bination. By Jo Pierce. 615 Fighti Warry, the Chief of Chained Cyclone; or, The . Heathen ¢ Rew oy! fission, By J. C. Cowdrick. F aa 616 The Sailor Detective: or, The Last Cruise of the Black Bear. By Geo. C, Jenks. 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scout; or, The Raiders and the Red Riders of the Kio. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. a Dick, Jr. in Cincinnati; or, The Clineher i ere By Ea. L. Wheeler. ee 619 The Boy Tramp Detective; or, The Double Grip Witness. By Win. G, Patten 620 Little Lightning's League; or, The Mystery of the Island. By John W, Osbon. Truthful James, the “ Pecooliar” Man; or, The Spoiler ie Dispoiled. By A. C. Grissom. Ready June 14. xas Tom-Cat’s Triads or, The Queer Affair at Tomb- - = By Lieut, A. K. Simos? Ready June 25. uck Bumblebee, the Harlem, Wummer; or, The bei Bu Captain’s Moving Miracle. By Jo Pierce. " Ready July 2. Peadwood Dick, Jr. in Nevada; or, The Preacher of O24 eMail, By EL. Wheeler, Ready July 9. Chi in Dan, the Boy Trafler} or, The Hero of the at Crater. By Jos. B. Badger, ‘A Ready uly 16 A& New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half- Dime Library 's for sale by all newedealers, five conte per copy, or sent by mall on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street New York. ta %